FRIDAY 07TH JANUARY 2022

Shell Places More Onshore Assets in Nigeria for Sale Deal expected to fetch oil major $3bn Peter Uzoho with agency report Royal Dutch Shell has placed more of its onshore oil assets in Nigeria for sale with at

least five Nigerian oil and gas companies preparing to submit their respective bids for the acquisition of the assets this month.

The deal was estimated to

fetch up to $3 billion, Reuters quoted three sources involved in the process to have said.

Shell last year started discussions with the federal government about selling its

stake in the onshore fields, where it had been active since the 1930s, as part of a global drive to reduce its carbon emissions.

The Anglo-Dutch company

has stakes in 19 oil mining leases in Nigeria’s onshore oil and gas joint venture (SPDC), which the industry and banking sources said were valued at between $2

billion to $3 billion.

Shell operates SPDC (Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria) and Continued on page 8

2023: Anyim Declares Interest in Presidency... Page 48 Friday 7 January, 2022 Vol 27. No 9769. Price: N250

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PDP to President: Just Go, Nigerians Don’t Want a Successor from You

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and George Okoh in Makurdi

ACCEPT MY CONDOLENCES...

L-R: Otunba Oyewole Fasawe; Representative of Oyo State Governor and Deputy Governor, Engr Rauf Olaniyan; Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun, during Obasanjo's condolence visit to the Governor's Office, Secretariat, Ibadan over the death of Olubadan and Soun of Ogbomoso... yesterday

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, told President Muhammadu Buhari Continued on page 8

Buhari Warns APC of Consequences of Disunity Says corrupt defectors will not be spared Declares no leader would foist leadership on ruling party Admits age has taken its toll on him Deji Elumoye and Wale Ajimotokan in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has warned the leadership of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), of what

may happen if they fail to close ranks to project the party ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Buhari said without unity of purpose among the Continued on page 8

VISITS BUHARI...

Ladoja: Uninformed People Responsible BADARU President Muhammadu Buhari (L) welcoming Jigawa State governor, Abubakar Badaru to his office, during the governor's visit to the for Tension over Olubadan Stool... Page 10 Presidential Villa, Abuja... yesterday

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Group News Editor: Goddy Egene Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 0809 7777 322

PRESENTATION OF THE 2022 APPROVED BUDGET BREAKDOWN...

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Aliyu Ahmed; Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr. Zainab Ahmed and Permanent Secretary, Budget and National ENOCK REUBEN Planning, Mrs Olusola Idowu, during the public presentation of 2022 approved budget breakdown in Abuja ...recently

Private Sector Operators Reject Introduction of Excise Duty on Non-alcoholic, Sweetened Beverages Insist sector may lose N1.9trn

Gilbert Ekugbe Some members of the organised private sector yesterday kicked against the federal government’s introduction of an excise duty of N10 per litre on all non-alcoholic, carbonated and sweetened beverages in the country. They argued that the policy would be an additional cost burden to producers of the product, and expressed concerns that it might lead to job losses.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA); Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI); and Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE) said they were worried by the deleterious economic consequences of the new excise duty.

MAN lamented that despite the obviously overwhelming negative effect, the federal government was more interested in the revenue gains from the excise duty and was only trying to explain away the bad policy by linking it to citizens’ health.

The manufacturers made their position known in a statement obtained by THISDAY. The association stated that the reintroduction of the excise duty would cause the beverage subsector of the food and beverage industry to lose up to N1.9 trillion in sales revenue between 2022 and 2025. This, it estimated, would be a 39.5 per cent loss, due to imposition of new taxes with concomitant effect on jobs and supply chain businesses.

According to Director General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, the revenue aspirations of government in introducing the excise may not be justified in the long-run.

Ajayi-Kadir stated, "Let us look at it this way: the government is estimated to generate an excise tax of N81 billion between 2022 and 2025 from the group. This will not be sufficient to compensate the corresponding government’s revenue losses in other taxes from the group.

"For instance, the corresponding effect of reduced industry revenue on government revenues is estimated to be up to N142 billion contraction in Value Added Tax (VAT) raised by the sector and N54 billion Company Income Tax (CIT) reduction between 2022 and 2025.

"It would appear that the goose that lays the golden eggs is being led to perdition. Seeing that the affected sub-sector has contributed most significantly to the economy and taxes, despite the debilitating impact of naira devaluation, inadequacy of forex and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The food and beverage sector contributed the highest, 38 per cent, of the total manufacturing sector contribution to the GDP. It comprises 22.5 per cent of manufacturing jobs and generates more than 1.5 million jobs. So, this excise duty would certainly cast a sunset to this performance."

The MAN director general said recent studies had shown that introducing excise on nonalcoholic beverages was likely to cause a 0.43 per cent contraction in output and about 40 per cent drop in total industry revenues in the next five years.

Describing the impact on manufacturers and the supply chain, he stressed that excise duty resulted in high production costs, which adversely affected production levels, and, ultimately, led to dwindling profits. He said the introduction of excise would grossly affect the small and emerging business owners in the non-alcoholic beverage sector.

Ajayi-Kadir added, "Nigeria is the sixth highest consumer of soft drinks, but per capita consumption is low. Introducing excise will easily reduce production capacity, causing manufacturers to struggle to meet investor commitments as well as cause investors to take investments to other countries."

The director general noted that a decrease in production levels or ability to purchase raw materials as a result of the introduction of excise would also result in reduced profits for the supply chain players in the non-alcoholic

beverage sector.

According to him, "One is particularly worried about the ripple effect of the introduction of the excise, despite strenuous evidence-based advice to the contrary. This will have unpleasant impact on employment, households and consumers.

"As seen from previous impact analyses, excise affects production outputs, revenues, and profits.

This causes companies to pursue cost-cutting measures to reduce the effect of diminishing revenue and profits by reducing employee salaries or retrenchment."

Ajayi-Kadir stated that presently, the country’s unemployment rate was about 33.3 per cent, with projections to increase even further. He warned that a further cut in jobs for an industry that employed over 1.5 million people directly and indirectly could worsen the unemployment position in the country and result in an increase in social vices and moral decadence.

He said, "There will certainly be decline in private households/ consumers purchasing power, as they earn income mostly

by supplying labour to the industry and from owning a share in industry capital.

Households, in turn, use this earned income to purchase food, shelter and products from the manufacturing firms. Introduction of an additional tax will cause manufacturers, in a bid to offset tax and maintain profit, to raise prices of their products to higher rates, thus, shifting tax incident to consumers."

Similarly, Director General, LCCI, Chinyere Almona, said the chamber’s immediate concern was the likely increase in prices,

which could lead to a decrease in demand and, consequently, loss of jobs due to a reduction in production activities.

Almona said, "If the president insists he wants it, we have to oblige him. The prohibition on imported drinks should be better enforced to protect domestic production from unfair competition in the face of the high cost of production in Nigeria."

She noted that LCCI supported both the government’s revenue drive and the pro-health considerations of several stakeholders.

Analysts Bank on Dangote Refinery to Realise Nigeria’s 2022 Economic Growth Projection Peter Uzoho Economic policy analysts at the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) and the Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) Limited have hinged the growth of the downstream sector of the Nigerian oil and gas sector and the economy in general on the Dangote Refinery.

The CPPE, an economic advocacy group, identified Dangote Petroleum Refinery as one of the key expected drivers of growth that would impact positively on the downstream oil sector of the Nigerian economy in 2022.

This is just as the FDC, a Lagos-based financial advisory and research company, in its recent Economic Outlook Report for 2022, expressed firm belief that Dangote Refinery would boost the growth of the downstream sector of the nation's oil and gas industry and enhance petroleum products distribution across Africa.

Africa's richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, is building a 650,000 barrels per day oil refinery in Lagos, and the facility is expected to commence operation around the second quarter of this year.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FDC, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, however, warned that the refinery, when operational, would not be a final solution to Nigeria’s economic crises.

“The coming on stream of Dangote Refinery will no doubt enhance product distribution across Africa. Will Dangote refinery solve Nigeria’s problem? The answer is no.

But the company is going to make Nigeria an exporter of refined petroleum products,” he said.

Also, in the Nigeria Economic Outlook Report for 2022 released by the CPPE, its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muda Yusuf, said the activation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2022 and the coming on stream of the Dangote Refinery were expected to impact positively on the economic outlook.

“We expect to see positive outcomes as investor sentiments in the oil and gas sector improve on account of the reforms anchored on the PIA. "This will however depend on the political will deployed to drive the implementation of the provisions of the Act. It is also expected that the coming on

stream of the Dangote refinery in 2022 will also impact positively on the downstream sector of the economy,” Yusuf said.

He said the average oil price in 2022 was expected to exceed the budgeted benchmark of $62 per barrel, offering some fiscal headroom.

This, he noted, would be powered by higher energy demand driven by the recovery of economic activities globally.

“This trajectory was expected to impact on our foreign reserve and strengthen the capacity of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to support the foreign exchange market,” Yusuf said.

He added that if the Dangote Refinery comes on stream in 2022, the fiscal pressure on the economy might abate, but not completely eliminated.

According to the economist, because the service sector is less vulnerable to the structural constraints of the economy, especially the real sector of the economy, it will continue to outpace the real sector in 2022.

He said, “The service sector of the Nigerian economy will continue to outpace the real sector in 2022. In the third quarter of 2021, service sector contribution to GDP was 50 per cent and the

growth of the sector was 8.41 per cent. Oil sector contribution to GDP was 7.5 per cent while the non-oil sector contribution was 92.5 per cent. While the industrial sector growth contracted by 1.63 per cent, agriculture grew by 1.2 per cent.”

Yusuf said the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth would remain fragile at about three per cent, pointing out that the key expected drivers of growth would be sustained recovery of global oil price.

He said, “We expect that the average oil price in 2022 will exceed the budgeted benchmark of $62 per barrel, offering some fiscal headroom. This would be powered by higher energy demand driven by the recovery of economic activities globally.”

The analyst noted that despite the downside risks, the economy would continue to present huge opportunities for investors across all sectors.

“This is on account of the resourcefulness of the Nigerian people, especially the entrepreneurs. Other inherent strengths of the Nigerian economy include the market size, the population, and the demographic characteristics,” he added.

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FLAG OFF OF A FIVE-DAY GLOBAL YOUTH PROGRAMME...

L-R: General Superintendent, Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor W.F Kumuyi; his wife, Sister Esther Kumuyi; Keynote Speaker/Council Chairman, Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Professor Ayodeji Olukoju, and National Coordinator, Deeper Life Campus Fellowship/Co-Chair, Planning Committee, Impact, Prof. Olukayode Sunday Oyediran, during the flag off of a five-day Global Youth programme tagged: "IMPACT" organised by the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, held at Deeper Life Bible Church International Conference Centre, Kilometer 42, Lagos - Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State... recently

COVID-19: England Scraps Pre-departure PCR Tests for Travellers England has ditched its requirement for pre-departure PCR tests for inbound travelers in the latest shake up to COVID-19 restrictions in the destination.

As of 4 a.m. on January 7, fully vaccinated arrivals, along with those under 18, would be permitted to enter the England without producing a negative PCR test.

Although incoming travelers still need to submit a negative test within two days of their arrival, a rapid antigen Lateral Flow Test (LFT) would be accepted from the same date, and visitors would no longer have to quarantine until they receive their result, CNN

reported.

However, if the result turns out positive, they would be required to take a PCR test in order to help identify, "any new variants at the border."

The move was announced

by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who explained that the current pre-departure requirements, originally put in place to control the spread of Omicron, were, "having limited impact," with Omicron now the most dominant variant in the UK. The pre-departure rules would remain same for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated arrivals aged over 18.

Customs Generated N2.24 Trillion in 2021

James Emejo in Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) yesterday disclosed that it generated a total of N2.24 trillion last year.

It pointed out that the amount collected surpassed its N1.67 trillion target set for the year.

Customs spokesman, Mr. Joseph Attah, revealed these in a statement, adding that its 2021 performance also surpassed the N1.56 trillion it realised in 2020, representing a 43.45 per cent increase.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) said the performance was as a result of resolute pursuit of what was termed the right and willingness to adapt to changes brought about by global health challenges occasioned by COVID-19.

He said service revenue generation profile had continued to be on the rise annually as ongoing reforms had focused on strategic deployment of officers strictly using the standard operating procedure, strict enforcement of extant guidelines by the tariff and trade department, automation of the customs process thereby eliminating vices associated with the manual process among other measures.

He said the service efforts to prevent the entry of items that could compromise the security of citizens, economy and the well-being of people resulted in the seizures of 5,096 assorted items with a duty paid value of N13.79 billion while 160 suspects are at different levels of investigation or prosecution.

The NCS also listed other landmark achievements in that boosted national security and economy.

These included the installation of three brand new scanners in Apapa, Tin-Can Island and Onne Ports; introduction of mobile tracker, a mobile application that enables individuals to remotely validate any declaration/payment and most importantly the status of any vehicle/cargo at any point.

Others included the introduction of Standard Operating Procedure for the use of Scanners; acquisition of rugged, gun trucks to secure anti-smuggling operatives in an increasingly hostile environment as well as e-customs take-off process now at the stage of final signing of agreement.

The statement added that, "All these are expected to impact positively on trade facilitation, fight smuggling, block revenue leakages and significantly impact on revenue generation and national security.

While Johnson said the easing of restrictions only applies to England, it's believed other UK nations, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, would follow suit.

"We're removing the temporary extra testing measures we introduced last year at the border to slow cases of Omicron coming to the UK," Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed on

Twitter.

"Now Omicron is the dominant variant & is widespread in the UK, these measures are no longer proportionate.

The rapid spread of the variant led to a number of countries announcing restrictions on UK travelers last month, including Germany, where a mandatory 14-day quarantine was brought in for

incoming arrivals from the UK on December 20, while France placed a ban on all nonessential visitors to and from the UK. An estimated 3.7 million people in the UK had COVID-19 in the last week of 2021, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics.

But Johnson has played down suggestions of another strict

lockdown, stressing that such actions are "not cost free."

"They impose a devastating toll on our physical and mental wellbeing, on our businesses, jobs and livelihoods, and, worst of all, on the life chances of our children," he said during a news conference.

"So this government does not believe we need to shut down our country again.

Lagos, Rivers, Oyo, Kwara Top EFCC's 2,220 Convictions in 2021 Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

Lagos, Rivers, Oyo and Kwara States topped the list of 2,220 convictions secured by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2021.

The figure emerged from a review of the commission’s performance in 2021.

A conviction trend analysis from 2016 to 2021 obtained from the commission showed that the anti-graft agency secured 190 convictions in 2016.

The trend, however, dipped in 2017 to 189.

However, it rose to 312 in

2018 and peaked at a total of 1,280 convictions in 2019, before dropping again to 976 in 2020.

But, in 2021, it rose sharply to 2,220, even as 34 suspects were discharged.

The report showed that the commission lost 34 cases within the period under review.

A breakdown of the zonal distribution of convictions showed that the commission secured 481 convictions in Lagos State zonal command while it recorded 330 in Rivers and 324 in Oyo State. Others included Enugu - 173; Benin - 170; Kwara – 137; Kano -121; Akwa Ibom - 142;

FCT Command - 140; EFCC Headquarters - 94.

Furthermore, the anti-graft agency secured 64 convictions in Kaduna, 58 in Gombe, 38 in Sokoto, 26 in Borno and 22 in Benue.

The agency explained: "The convictions secured by the Commission in 2021 is the highest by the EFCC Since inception. Before 2021, the highest record of conviction by the commission was secured in 2019 with 1280 convictions. The 2,220 record of 2021 is a 127.5 per cent improvement over the 2019 record.

"Interestingly too, the 2,220 record represents a 98.49 per cent success rate in prosecution as the commission lost only 34 cases during this period."

Commenting on the performance, the Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, commended the personnel of the commission for their industry and dedication despite the challenges of criminal prosecution in court.

He assured that the EFCC would continue to motivate all categories of staff for greater efficiency through capacity development and other incentives.

Fayemi: Some Entrenched APC Interests Desperate to Defame, Blackmail Me Denies telling anyone he’ll run for presidency Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti Ekiti State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has disclosed that there are some entrenched interests desperately seeking to defame and blackmail, because of the 2023 presidential run, a decision he claimed he never told anyone he was interested.

Fayemi, who gave the clarification while responding to the alleged planned smear campaign against him over the 2023 presidency, alerted the

general public of a fresh plot by some political interests to activate a spate of negative media campaigns against his person in a bid to demarket him.

The plot, according to Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, in Ado Ekiti, yesterday, was to use some faceless political groups and political jobbers from different parts of the country to defame him.

Fayemi, however, maintained that he hasn't told anyone that he was interested in the race and that he should be spared

of the agony and refrain from dragging him into unnecessary controversy.

The Ekiti governor added that his detractors were plotting to deploy the faceless groups to discredit him and portray him as unacceptable to the generality of the people across the six geopolitical zones of the country, which he branded as part of the game plans for the 2023 presidential contest.

"For the avoidance of doubt, Dr. Fayemi, has not told anyone that he is in the race for the Presidency of Nigeria. He has

always maintained that he is on duty in Ekiti and would like to concentrate on that assignment.

What he does afterwards is in the hands of God and he will cross that bridge at the appropriate time. He restated this position during his most recent interview with Arise TV on January 1, 2022.

"Some entrenched interests within the ruling All Progressives Congress, however, seem uncomfortable with the rising profile of the NGF Chairman and have resorted to cheap blackmail aimed at de-marketing him.

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PAGE EIGHT P D P TO P R E S I D E N T: J U ST G O , N I G E R I A N S D O N ’ T WA N T A S U C C E S S O R F R O M YO U to perish the thought of pushing forward a successor, saying Nigerians would firmly reject anyone from him and his All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 presidential election. The main opposition party berated Buhari for embarrassing his office and making a joke of himself by appearing confused and dwelling on false figures and bogus performance claims during his Channels Television interview on Wednesday.

PDP made the assertions in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.

In a related development, Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom commended the Buhari administration for heeding his call and finally labelling bandits terrorists, but said, "This is not enough." Ortom called on the president to be bold enough to go a step further and declare also as terrorists the widely known violent organisations among his Fulani ethnic group, like Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association ofNigeria (MACBAN), and Fulani Nationality Movement (FUNAM), just as he had done to other groups.

PDP said the president should have used the interview to show remorse and apologise to Nigerians for his serial misgovernance.

PDP said, "While we understand that lying is the standard gauge of performance of the APC, it is rather unfortunate that the president is also in that frame. It only reinforces the fact that nobody is immune to lying in the APC. Of course, he cannot extricate himself because lying is the official policy of his party, the APC." The statement said Buhari,

in his ludicrous attempt to rationalise his failures, falsely claimed that under the PDP, from 1999 to 2014, crude oil sold for an average of $100 per barrel but collapsed to $37 per barrel, when he and his APC assumed office.

"Such false claim flies in the face of hard fact as the records, which the president must have, clearly show that when the PDP took office on May 29, 1999, crude oil sold at $16.27 per barrel and at about $80.42 and $63.28 by November and December 2014 respectively,” Ologunagba stated.

He added, "Under President Buhari and the APC, oil price has never fallen as low as $16 per barrel as recorded under the PDP but started at $37 to $39.44 per barrel in 2016 and had continued to hover between $60 to $70 per barrel to date."

PDP said it was on record that despite the low oil revenue, when the PDP took over, it expanded the economy, paid off the foreign debts, revamped the productive sectors, provided conducive investment environment, which encouraged massive foreign investments, and

handed over a $550 billion economy (largest in Africa and 26th globally) to President Buhari and the APC in 2015.

"Mr. President had no answers when, in the Channels TV interview, he was confronted with the facts that when he took over, the debt stock was N12 trillion but now N32 trillion and counting; that inflation, which was about nine per cent under the PDP is now over 15 per cent; that unemployment rate, which was about 8.9 per cent is now 33 per cent, that our naira, which exchanged about N197 to a dollar under the PDP is now over N500, and that the petrol price, which was N87 in 2015 is now N165 per litre under the APC watch.

"President Buhari should have seized the opportunity provided by Channels TV to show remorse, apologise to Nigerians for his monumental failure and national embarrassment that the APC government represents instead of trying to rationalise APC’s failures with falsehood and grandstanding about a successor."

The opposition party explained that the mindset of the president, as exhibited

in the Channels TV interview, confirmed the fears of Nigerians that APC did not believe in democratic practice and was determined to manipulate the 2023 election by all means. This, PDP stated, explained APC’s desperation to scuttle the Electoral Act Amendment Bill provision for electronic transmission of election results, which will effectively truncate its plans to rig the 2023 election.

PDP said Buhari and APC must know that Nigerians were fully rallied on the platform of PDP to face them in 2023 and the resort to underhand processes and false indices, like those reeled off by the president in the Channels interview, would not avail them.

must be bold enough to move a step further to also label some well known violent Fulani groups as terrorists.

The governor was reacting to the Buhari interview on Channels TV. Ortom said the step taken by the federal government would go a long way in containing the atrocities of the criminals and give innocent citizens the opportunity to go about their legitimate businesses unmolested.

According to the governor, "Even though the federal government’s measures on bandits now seem strong, the security challenges will only be adequately addressed if similar hard position is taken on Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, MACBAN and the Fulani Nationality Movement (FUNAM), who have vowed and continued to cause mayhem in Benue State and other parts of the country, because of the antigrazing laws.

“For us in Benue State, the law has come to stay. It is irrevocable. In fact, we have maintained our position that Benue State has no grazing routes, reserves or areas whatsoever. It was enacted

in good faith for peace and order in the state. It was done, among other things, to end the incessant farmers/herdsmen clashes in the state."

Ortom also tasked the president to do everything necessary to revamp the ailing economy and save the citizens from poverty.

He said, “Nigerians have absorbed enough hunger and misery in the hands of the All Progressives Congress (APC) misrule. Or is it possible that Mr. President is not aware that Nigerians are dying from his misrule?"

The governor dismissed the president's classification of PDP as a failure, insisting, "As a critical stakeholder of the PDP, this is completely false. If anyone has failed, it is the Buhari-led APC federal government that has failed by taking Nigeria from top to bottom.

"The PDP is ready to rescue Nigeria from the insecurity and economic horror placed on Nigerians by the APC.” Ortom stressed that the party was better prepared with laudable programmes on the welfare of Nigerians and to rebuild the country from the APC tale of woes.

A Shell spokesman declined to comment.

Sahara Group said it did not comment on market speculation.

Seplat, Famfa, Troilus and NDEP did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

NNPC could also choose to exercise its right to pre-empt any sale to a third company, the sources said.

They said it was unclear whether potential

bidders could raise sufficient funds as many international banks and investors have become wary about oil and gas assets in Nigeria due to concerns about environmental issues and corruption.

Some African and Asian banks, however, were still willing to finance fossil fuel operations in the region, they said.

Troilus has hired Nigeria-focused

Africa Bridge Capital Management to raise up to $3 billion for the assets, according to sources and documents seen by Reuters. Africa Bridge Capital reportedly declined to comment.

Any buyer of Shell’s assets will also need to show it can deal with future damage to the oil infrastructure which has ravaged Nigeria’s Delta in recent years, the sources said.

integrity and that is the best thing for Nigeria leadership at all levels.

“Behave with integrity.

If that is done, we will achieve better results. If that is not done, a lot of time will be wasted in talking, quarrelling, and a lot of noise”.

Buhari also addressed the security challenges facing the country.

However, he expressed optimism that the situation could be resolved before he leaves office, pointing out that the security forces are working hard on it, just as more equipment and ammunition are being procured.

The president stated, “Yes, the government is capable and is going to do it, because members of the security, the armed forces and others, their own security depends on one Nigeria. So, no matter, when people are selfish, it is their self first. So, even for their own selves, they better stabilise Nigeria and I believe they will do it.

“I know we're short on resources. For example, dealing with the militants, if people bother to reflect on how we found the North-east and Southsouth and how much progress we have made.”

He said the government had acquired some helicopters, aircraft, and armoured cars, and their ammunition to enhance security across

the country.

On how age had affected his capacity as president, he said the pressure of office had been tremendous, but noted that he could not complain, because he asked to be elected into the office.

He observed that many of his colleagues were now enjoying their retirement, and hoped to emulate them in the next 17 months, when his tenure would end.

Buhari stated, “I think COVID-19 has come to my rescue in the sense that the amount of people that needs to see you, can't see you. I see my colleagues, they are now resting and I assure you that I’m looking forward to the next 17 months when I, too, would have to be less busy.

“Age is telling on me, working now for 6,7,8 hours a day in the office is no joke. Questions of executive council memos from as many states as possible to be considered virtually every week. So, really, it is a lot of hard work, but I asked for it and I cannot complain.”

On his readiness to hand over power, Buhari said, “Yes, because, look, as you know, I have been a governor. I have been a minister and I'm in my second term as president.

So, I have gone through the system and really,

what else can I do with this country?

“I have given my best and I hope after I leave, Nigerians will reflect and at least, show appreciation.

I'm not expecting any appreciation. But what I'm expecting is for Nigerians to say yes, this man has done his best. This is the most I'm expecting from Nigerians.

“Look at the problem we're having in the Southeast now. How many police stations were taken over, weapons missing.

We closed the border with Benin, we closed the border with Niger.

But we had to accept the reality that the weapons are coming from our own armouries, police stations have been attacked and so on. So, the main problem is, I hope, I will leave a more secure Nigeria than what it is now.”

Regarding the fight against corruption, the president urged the citizens to live within their means, saying there would always be challenges, when people try to cut corners.

He also said power generation was critical to the success of his administration, adding that the federal government is figuring how to better utilise solar panel as alternative means of generating power to conventional power, which is expensive and liable to sabotage.

Ortom Wants Miyetti Allah, Fulani Movement Declared as Terrorist Groups The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, applauded the Buhari administration for heeding his appeal and finally declaring bandits terrorists.

But ortom said the president

SHELL PLACES MORE ONSHORE ASSETS IN NIGERIA FOR SALE holds a 30 per cent stake in the venture.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited holds 55 per cent, TotalEnergies has 10 per cent and ENI five per cent.

Shell has also struggled for years with spills in the Niger Delta due to pipeline theft and sabotage as well as operational issues, leading to costly repairs and highprofile lawsuits.The sale

has drawn interest from independent Nigerian oil and gas firms including Seplat Energy Sahara Group, Famfa Oil, Troilus Investments Limited and Niger Delta Exploration and Production (NDEP), sources said.

No international oil companies were expected to take part in the bidding process at this point, the sources said, adding that bids were due by January 31.

BUHARI WARNS APC OF CONSEQUENCES OF DISUNITY leaders and other party members, APC might lose to the opposition.

The president spoke on Thursday during an interview aired by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

Buhari also assured that those defecting from the opposition parties to APC, with corruption charges hanging over their heads, would have their day in the court of law.

He foreclosed the possibility of anyone in the party foisting leadership on members.

The president gave the warning to the leaders of his party while answering a question on the disagreement within the APC leadership, which was believed to be threatening the anticipated national convention of the party, earlier scheduled for this February.

Buhari, who linked his withholding of assent to the recently passed Electoral Act Amendment Bill to the need to give people and political parties the power of choice to determine the system that suits them, also said the APC should be structured bottom-up.

According to him, there is need for a system in the ruling party, where the people would be allowed to choose their preferred candidate from polling unit to ward, to council area, to the state, then to the

national levels.

Buhari stated, “We have timeframe we have to work, because the four-year tenure is constitutional. It cannot be interfered by anybody.

So, if the party couldn't agree, then, the opposition can take over. What did the PDP do? They said the opposition could not come together, but when ACN, ANPP, CPC, APGA came together, before PDP realised it, they were off; they are still off, they can see it.

“My position is simple, I think I succeeded in trying to get my position understood in the sense that I said, we start from bottom upwards; from polling units to wards, to local governments, to states and then to Abuja.

So, the party, because I'm concerned about my party, the party, in all constituencies they will know their positions.

Therefore, when they come to Abuja, they are likely to work together.

“There is no kingmaker from Abuja, no constituency is being dictated to. All constituencies are supposed to produce their leadership in our party. What other parties are doing is their own business, but we want to make sure that our party members understand that they are respected. It is from polling unit, to ward

to local government, to state and after, Abuja. So, those who want to the elected at any level, let them work for it. Nobody is going to appoint anybody.”

Commenting on insinuations that politicians from the opposition with corruption cases had been defecting to the ruling party because of the belief that they would get immunity from prosecution, Buhari said no corrupt politician would go scot-free under his watch, even as members of his party.

He said, “I don't like to accept that joining our party will check our insistence on accountability. We are very serious about people, who aspire to lead at whatever level by their performance, by their integrity both professional and personal.

“But the problem is that we have to work within the system. Even if you suspect individuals, unless there is evidence, there isn’t much we can do.

So, really, it is the system that makes it possible for some people to even be corrupt.

“They can't. Nobody can go scot-free as far as I'm concerned. Imagine what the opposition could do to me if there is something along my record, a lot of confusion could have been caused, but luckily, I think we try to find officers with

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NEWSXTRA

APC NATIONAL RECONCILIATION C'TTEE VISITS SANWO-OLU...

L-R: Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; former Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Sullivan Chime; Ex-Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Reconciliation Committee, Senator Abdullahi Adamu; Senator Suleiman Argungu; Commissioner for Health, Cross Rivers State, Dr. Betta Edu; former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and Secretary of the Committee, Chief Moses Adeyemo and others, during a courtesy visit to the governor by the Reconciliation Committee, at Lagos House, Marina, ... yesterday

Ladoja: Uninformed People Responsible for Tension over Olubadan Stool Says succession plan unambiguous, concedes to Balogun Urges Olubadan-in-waiting, other chiefs to withdraw their court cases Obasanjo visits family of late monarch, assures them of support Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan In a move that seem to have calmed the controversies relating to the choice of a new Olubadan of Ibadanland, a former governor of Oyo State and Osi Olubadan, Senator Rasheed Ladoja, yesterday, broke his silence on the issue, saying uninformed people are causing unnecessary tension in Ibadan over the succession.

Ladoja conceded to the choice of High Chief Lekan Balogun as the most senior person to succeed the late Oba Saliu Adetunji as the new Olubadan. But the former governor pleaded with the monarch-in-waiting and other high chiefs to withdraw their cases in court so that the matter could be completely laid to rest.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo visited the family of the late Olubadan yesterday to commiserate with them, and the people and government of Oyo State over Adetunji’s passing.

Oba Adetunji died at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, last Sunday at the age of 93 years.

Ladoja spoke while playing host to some visitors, including the senator for Oyo Central senatorial district, Senator Teslim Folarin, at his Ondo Street, Bodija residence, in Ibadan. He said High Chief Balogun was the next in line to succeed the departed Olubadan.

Ladoja said, “Uninformed people are just causing unnecessary tensions

in Ibadan. There is no controversy about who becomes the next Olubadan after the demise of Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogunguniso 1.”

He maintained that the controversy that arose over the next Olubadan should not have arisen, as the succession plan was clear and unambiguous.

According to him, “There is no controversy about it.

Egbon Lekan Balogun is the most senior in our line and so, he is the next in line to the throne. For those asking, my ‘body and mouth language’ is that Egbon Lekan is my senior and he is next in line to the Olubadan stool.

“I do not have the powers to make anybody Olubadan.

In 2017, we instituted a case to challenge the needless reform that Abiola Ajimobi, as governor, wanted to do.

Almost all of us as High Chiefs and members of the Olubadan-in-Council agreed to the filing of a suit to challenge him and we gave the task to Michael Lana.

“Lana later called me to say some of the High Chiefs told him to remove their names from the suit, leaving only my Egbon Balogun and myself. Two weeks after we started the case, Egbon Balogun said he was no longer interested in the case. I asked Lana if I could do it alone and he told me ‘yes’ and we continued.

“We won the case at the State High Court and Ajimobi appealed. In a judgement, the appeal court, a few days to the exit of Ajimobi from

government, sent the case back to the High Court for retrial. They (judges of the appellate court) said the case was brought under writ of summons instead of originating summons.

“By the time, there had been a new government headed by Seyi Makinde, who said he did not want the distraction of the suit and called for out-of-court settlement, which we agreed to and did.

“After the terms of settlement were agreed to, the court gave a consent

judgement based on the terms. But they said they were not happy and instituted two fresh cases, which are still in court till today.

“So, I need people to understand that I am not causing any trouble. The cases that are in court today in respect of the Obaship tussle were instituted by Egbon Balogun and his colleagues, who are still calling themselves Obas.

It is they that the people should talk to. Let them go and withdraw the cases they

instituted. I don’t like the unwarranted tension this matter is generating."

Obasanjo, who was a regular visitor to the Popoyemoja palace during the reign of Oba Adetunji, was received by the queen of the monarch, Olori Rasheedat Adetunji, and Chief Nureni Akanbi, who is the Gbonka Balogun of Ibadanland. He arrived at the palace around 7:10am and was accompanied by former Secretary to the Government of Oyo State, Chief Olayiwola Olakojo.

Obasanjo, who prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed monarch, assured the palace of his readiness to assist the family whenever the need arose. He wrote in his condolence message, thus, "Kabiesi, sun re.

You lived for the service of family, community, state and the nation. You served committedly and God granted you longevity. We pray that your soul will be with your Creator and the family and community will continue to thrive.”

Buhari: Nigeria Ready to Assist Mali to Return to Democratic Rule Says decision is in line with ECOWAS requirements Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged Nigeria's readiness to assist Mali to return to democratic governance in line with the requirements of the sub regional body, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Speaking yesterday at the State House, while responding to a comprehensive briefing from a Special Envoy from the Transitional President of Mali, Col. Assimi Goita, the president said nobody could love Mali more than Malians themselves, counselling that everyone should work within

the tenets of ECOWAS, in order to restore constitutional order to the West African country at the shortest possible time.

“Nigeria will work within ECOWAS limitations to assist Mali. Every country has its issues. We fought our own Civil War before, so we may not know the totality of the internal politics of each country. But we will make as much sacrifice as we can for Mali, within ECOWAS requirements. I am pleased you have briefed the ECOWAS Chairman too,” President Buhari added.

Mali’s Minister of

Territorial Administration and Decentralisation, Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga, who led a team had earlier briefed President Buhari on conclusions from the National Conference on State-Rebuilding, held in Bamako, December 27-30, 2021.

The Special Envoy expressed gratitude to Nigeria for support to his country in terms of bilateral relations, and for the help rendered to the ECOWAS Mediation Team, led by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Col. Goita’s vision has been identified as speedy return to democracy, because Mali wants to review laws guiding elections, “and professionalise

the process.”

Also, at a meeting with Jonathan on the current developments in neighbouring Mali, the duo, according to a release by the Media Adviser to the President, Femi Adesina, resolved to prepare ground for a special meeting of ECOWAS Heads of Government, which has been convened for Sunday in Accra, Ghana, to deliberate on the political situation in Mali.

Buhari, at the meeting, repeated his earlier pledge that whatever Nigeria would do on the Mali situation would be done within the ambit of ECOWAS requirement.

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COMMENT

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

BOLAJI AKINYEMI AT 80: A TRIBUTE

Ibrahim B. Babangida pays tribute to Bolaji Akinyemi, an academic and former minister of external affairs

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t is always gratifying for me each time I have the unique opportunity to use landmark birthday celebrations to express my appreciation to persons who assisted us in shaping the trajectory of our public engagement in government. It is true that we ran a military government, but our civilian appointees were Nigerians who have made their mark in their chosen profession, and who gave a sense of purpose and direction to our government. Aside from deliberately and consciously recruiting and assembling some of the best brains to manage all sectors of the Nigerian economy during my time, there were a handful others who gave our government the needed panache to deliver on our solemn promises. Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, a quintessential professor of political science, and well-grounded in foreign affairs, comes to mind. This is a name that will remain eternal and indelible in the annals of Nigeria’s political economy, not only as a highly cerebral, bold and courageous learned mind, but one, whose contributions to national discourse and body of knowledge remain profound.

Before my intervention in the governance process, I had encountered Bolaji Akinyemi at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos. As a uniformed officer, I often created the time to participate in some lectures at the Institute, chief of which was that of Bolaji Akinyemi. I would sneak into his lectures, painstakingly learn from his erudite delivery, as a way to prepare me for greater challenges and understanding the complexities in Nigeria and Nigerians better.

His lectures were often interactive and argumentative. He was always probing into the unknown, trying to unravel the behind-the-scenes rationale why governments all over the world take certain actions in furtherance of their foreign affairs policy. He was also analytical and used very handy examples to illustrate his theses. At the end of each lecture, he would try to interrogate my attendance even though I wasn’t running any postgraduate or fellowship course at the Institute. The knowledge I gained from those lectures came to impact meaningfully when I became a military president. I am sure Bolaji Akinyemi might think my participation was a longing to preside over the country. Far from that. I was just interested in gaining knowledge and his classes and lectures offered that window. Being his fan in whose lectures I was generously immersed in those years when he was Director-General of the NIIA, I had no hesitation in appointing him as the External Affairs Minister in 1985, as soon as we took over the reins of government.

Here was a rich mind in international affairs circle, a known name, a brilliant young professor of ideas and intellect, who was passionate about his country’s political economy. He stayed for two years, but his interventions and contributions in building a profound image for Nigeria remain one of the finest moments in Nigeria’s foreign policy engagements. When he conceptualized the Technical Aides Corps,

THIS IS A NAME THAT WILL REMAIN ETERNAL AND INDELIBLE IN THE ANNALS OF NIGERIA’S POLITICAL ECONOMY, NOT ONLY AS A HIGHLY CEREBRAL, BOLD AND COURAGEOUS LEARNED MIND, BUT ONE, WHOSE CONTRIBUTIONS TO NATIONAL DISCOURSE AND BODY OF KNOWLEDGE REMAIN PROFOUND

it became a signature idea that guaranteed Nigeria’s place in the comity of nations particularly within the African continent. Till date, even though no longer well-tailored by successive governments, that initiative re-enacted our pride of place in contemporary foreign affairs discourse. Aside from this novel idea, each time Bolaji Akinyemi led a delegation to any international forum, his colleagues from other countries were often amazed at his understanding of international politics and diplomacy. He was a delight to watch each time he mounted the podium to give vent to his intellect and deep knowledge of political affairs. At United Nations General Assembly, Bolaji was always a delight to watch. He guided us so remarkably by bringing his experience to bear on our foreign policy initiatives.

In my search for knowledge, understanding and a deeper reflection about Nigeria, I found Bolaji Akinyemi not just a handy resource person, but one whose teaching methodology was unequivocal, with lecture topics that captured the entire gamut of our foreign policy issues, challenges and opportunities. Even as a president, I still enjoyed those tutorials at regular intervals during cabinet meetings or any other meeting. He would lecture us at cabinet meetings and simplified the nuances of our foreign policy subject matter. Bolaji Akinyemi is a delight any day. Outside government, he remains his idealistic self, loyal to friends, and ever ready to champion a common cause that could place Nigeria on its desired pedestal.

As a thorough-bred Nigerian and a disciplinarian par excellence, Bolaji’s selling point is his calm disposition to issues and his ability to use superior intellect to convey his position on any issue. He loves intellectual engagement and likes to interrogate any issue before decisions are taken. His solemn voice typifies his subliminal humility, and his infectious candour underscores his geniality. Bolaji remains one Nigerian whose sense of patriotism is not in doubt.

At 80, Bolaji has come full circle, even though his interventions in national discourse still conveys the fire and intellectual elegance that defines his persona some 50 years ago. A professor at 41, his love for books is remarkable. Each time I need a deeper probing into any unassailable issue, an engagement with Bolaji whether by phone or otherwise, would always yield the cutting-edge introspection. He has built a name for himself by sheer dint of hard work, intellectuality and resourcefulness.

On behalf of Aisha, Muha, Aminu and Halima, let me crave your indulgence to use this opportunity to convey my hearty felicitations to this intellectual giant whose humility and candour are symbolic of his entire humanity. May the almighty God continue to grant him good health in his trajectory on this putrid plane. Happy birthday my dear Professor.

General Babangida, GCFR, is former Military President

OLUBADAN SUCCESSION TRADITION SHALL PREVAIL Letter seeking a hold on new Olubadan of Ibadanland’s appointment is a windless storm, writes Bolaji Adebiyi

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s the world celebrated the brandnew year on its first day, Oba Saliu Adetunji, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, joined his ancestors.

Being of the ripe age at 93 he had been under the weather for a couple of days due to age-related health issues. Family members said he put up a good fight even at his age. He was a calm king whose reign featured peace and tranquility in a city almost perpetually hunted by its origin as a camp for accomplished warlords of the Yoruba race.

Even in the face of extreme provocation by the immediate past Oyo State administration of Abiola Ajimobi, which was perceived to have undermined his authority by balkanising his territory with the elevation of his high chiefs to the status of kings, Adetunji, who took the appellation of Aje Ogunguniso II, remained calm and preached conciliation instead of the town’s customary resort to violence to settle scores, preferring to submit his grievances to the due process of the law. No wonder there has been mourning in the land with everyone asking Allah to forgive his sins and grant him Aljannah Firdaus.

Even as the Ibadan people mourn, the media space has been agog with conversations on Oba Adetunji’s successor. Relying on the rich ancient city’s enviable and globally acclaimed succession tradition, the media had no problem in projecting Lekan Balogun, the Otun Olubadan and senator of the federal republic, as the Olubadan-designate even before a formal declaration by the Olubadanin-Council, the city’s kingmakers. The healthy conversations and didactic media analyses would soon be polluted by an open letter from Michael Lana, a former attorney-general of the state, to Seyi Makinde, the governor, advising against the appointment and installation of Balogun or any of the high chiefs as the Olubadan.

He argued that the high chiefs having been elevated to kings by the Ajimobi administration could no longer by law ascend to the throne of Olubadan. He cited no specific provision of the law he was referring to though. Secondly, he said, given the pendency of two lawsuits on the 2017 review of the 1959 Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration by the Ajimobi administration it would be impossible for the state government to appoint a new Olubadan pending the resolution of the suits.

The letter understandably generated interest in the media giving the impression that there exists controversy over the impending succession to the throne. Although the intention of the communication to the governor was not clear, especially as Lana did not state if he was representing any party to the said suits, it is apparent that the intervention is useless and unfortunate as it seeks to create a windless storm.

The Olubadan-in Council as well as its legal team have already responded and dismissed Lana’s letter as an unnecessary misrepresentation of facts and the law. What they did not add is that he is probably nothing more than an attention-seeking meddlesome interloper seeking to revive an obviously sagged professional and political career.

An unknown quantity before his appointment as attorney-general by Adebayo Alao-Akala, the one-term governor of the state, Lana must, in his sober moment, be ashamed of his effort to disrupt the age-long orderly succession tradition of the ancient city that happens to be his hometown. For he, as a lawyer, ought to have known, except for mischief, the position of the case law as well as the law on the matter at hand.

The succession process for the Olubadan throne is well laid down in the 1959 Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration, which establishes ascension by rotation between two lines, the Olubadan (the civil) and the Balogun (the war). It states that the most senior high chief from the succeeding line shall be

nominated to fill the vacant stool except if the said chief is disqualified by law. The most senior high chief for the Olubadan line is the Otun, while the Balogun is the foremost in the Balogun line. Herein lies the uniqueness of the Ibadan succession process as the next in line is always known even while the Olubadan is alive.

However, in 2017 the Ajimobi administration did what many other administrations before it was not bold enough to do. It reviewed the 1959 declaration and elevated the 11 high chiefs and 13 Bales (village chiefs) to king. This gave Ibadan 24 kings. The Olubadan under that review was elevated to an emperor, taking the appellation of imperial majesty while the high chiefs-tuned kings and Bales were addressed as royal majesties. Meanwhile, nothing in the review disrupted the order of succession and the high chiefs-turned kings remained the Olubadan-in Council and were to retain the pre-existing succession process. Ajimobi made this clear in his speech during the installation ceremony.

“I wish to state categorically that we are not changing history, we are not changing tradition, we are not changing the culture of Ibadanland,” he said, explaining, “Rather, we are elevating and consolidating our traditional institution, the exalted position of the Olubadan of Ibadan as the Imperial Majesty in Ibadanland, the Olubadan-in-Council and the Chieftaincy Institution without altering or tinkering with the traditional succession and ascendancy system of the Olubadan Chieftaincy structure.”

But perceiving that his influence had been reduced and territory circumscribed, Oba Adetunji protested the review. He was supported by many prominent and majority of Ibadan citizens who did not appreciate the purport of the review. Yet, it was a deft political move to increase and expand the influence of Ibadan chieftaincy within the Oyo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs.

Until 2017 Ibadan had only one king in the coun-

cil and despite the calibre and sphere of influence of its high chiefs, they had no voice in the council.

It was so ridiculous that they sat behind kings of lesser territories and could not speak at meetings attended by these small rulers. For instance, the Olubadan presides over 13 of the 33 LGs of Oyo State. Yet at the State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, he has only a vote as Onifiditi of Fiditi with less than an LG. Meanwhile, the Otun Olubadan that presides over the South-east LG with a population and expanse of land more than double even Oyo town with its two LGs has no speaking talk less of voting right in the same council. These were the complaints of the Ibadan high chiefs all of whom were highly educated and politically influential men of means and wealth. At the head of this agitation to right, this perceived wrong at the time was the then Otun Olubadan, Chief Omowale Kuye, prominent lawyer, industrialist and a former federal super permanent secretary.

So, Ajimobi, an Ibadan high chief himself, was only responding to pressure from his own people.

Unfortunately, as in the ways of big government people, he made little effort to market the policy.

The result was the revolt, ironically and initially led by Senator Lekan Balogun, who became Otun Olubadan after Kuye’s death.

Nevertheless, many lawsuits followed with the Court of Appeal upholding the High Court of Oyo State’s decision to set aside the Ajimobi review with the incumbent Seyi Makinde administration preferring an out-of-court settlement rather than approach the Supreme Court for a further review.

Although there are two suits challenging the out-of-court settlement, Lana as a lawyer ought to have known that whatever the outcome of those suits, they would not override the Court of Appeal decision. So, what was the point of his letter?

Adebiyi, the managing editor of THISDAY Newspapers, writes from bolaji.adebiyi@ thisdaylive.com

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EDITORIAL PLIGHT OF THE INTERNALLY DISPLACED The authorities could do more to ameliorate the problems of the most vulnerable in society

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he humanitarian situation in the Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs) camps across the country begs for urgent and prompt intervention from government.

With thousands of people reportedly sleeping in the open and living in extremely overcrowded and deplorable conditions, the IDPs are living in a dire and harsh situation. Even many of the displaced who were returned to their villages recently by the Borno State government are not faring better. They suffer from food shortages as well as widespread insecurity and hostilities as they are often reportedly targeted by non-state armed groups. Though we acknowledge the limitations of government, given lean resources, we must find ways to ameliorate the problems of the most vulnerable of our society.

Apart from massive food shortages, the victims are imperiled by several risk factors.

THE VULNERABLE Dislodgement of HOST POPULATIONS populations and ARE IN CRITICAL NEED resettlement in OF HUMANITARIAN makeshift locations INTERVENTIONS THAT create atmosphere INCLUDE FOOD, WATER, of environmental SANITATION, PROTECTION, degradation, EDUCATION, SHELTER AND poverty, lack of HEALTH SERVICES safe water, poor sanitation, and waste management, all which promote communicable diseases and make life unbearable for the displaced. There are also reports of the startling abuses to which women and girls are subjected in the camps. It is unacceptable and criminal for security personnel and aid workers, whose primary task is to guard and provide support for the displaced persons, to turn around and be demanding sexual gratifications from women and girls in exchange for food, money, and other favours.

Letters to the Editor

Some of the people in the IDP camps also suffer from post-traumatic stress disorders and increased rates of infectious diseases. Many children born in the camps do not have access to education, placing their future at a risk. We appeal to all critical stakeholders to help in tackling the diminishing quality of life in the camps where high rates of mortality and malnutrition are rampant. Government, donor agencies and NGOs should also address the low rates of vaccination in the camps.

T T H I S D AY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

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

GOVERNMENT MUST PRIORITISE TECHNOLOGY

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he dire situation of the displaced persons is amply captured in a recent report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which stated that “The vulnerable host populations are in critical need of humanitarian interventions that include food, water, sanitation, protection, education, shelter and health services.” The question, therefore, is: Why, despite the “huge and enormous” cost to the federal government, Nigeria, according to the UN agency, is facing “the biggest humanitarian crisis in Africa today”?

The challenges are probably the ineffectiveness of the several agencies of government saddled with the responsibility of soothing the pains of the IDPs, and massive corruption. After all, it is known that relief materials meant for the IDPs have been diverted to the open markets for sale to the public by officials of government. There is also misappropriation of funds meant for the relief of the displaced persons. The high level of corruption has exacerbated the poverty of majority of the people. By diverting scarce resources meant for the most vulnerable of our people, things are being made increasingly difficult for them. This challenge must be addressed.

The federal government needs to ensure that resources being deployed to help the poor and vulnerable of our society are not misappropriated by a few persons in positions of authority. The authorities must also work to restore security to the communities.

n the 1970s, in different areas of America, teenagers gathered and worked on what will be the future of computing. Some of them had to drop out of school to venture into business. Some of them were hippies and people thought they were crazy, in the space of 10 years their work emerged. Macintosh and some of their processing materials hit the market. Today, those boys are the likes of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. Only recently Steve Jobs’s Apple became a three trillion dollars company. The GDP of Africa with about 1.3 billion people is 2.6trillion dollars.

In monetary terms, Apple is richer than the whole of Africa. Poignantly, if you put a price on it, Apple can buy Africa. Sad as it may be, it’s the truth. The ray of hope I see is that Nigerian youths are doing tremendously well, they are raising the bar while government is lowering the barrier.

Only last year without government support tech companies raised over 1 billion dollars, close to one-tenth of government revenue.

It shows that without the government support, young Nigerians have been able to look for private capital and create value, they have even provided services and made more revenue. I honestly think the government should encourage and invest more money into technology develop-

ment, because if they don’t, they will regret it. At the pace at which technology is going; I predict in the next five years, FDI from technology will eclipse government revenue and the bright tech stars will build an alternative economy. I dare say, it is the alternative economy that has cushioned the effect of poverty in Nigeria. Entrepreneurs doing great things in financial technology, digital currency and other sectors. I will call on government not to tax them, in fact they should encourage them to incorporate such companies in Nigeria. I have been talking to some stakeholders about states, where we can set up tax havens or reduced tax zones for technology to drive investment. If the government can embrace such ideas, it would make the difference, build cities with infrastructure and make it tax free or reduced tax to attract technology investors and in turn boost economic growth. Ireland has strongly benefitted from this and we too can. In all, the fight with Twitter is useless, government should understand the need to attract technology companies, not chase them away. I suggest a comprehensive road map for technology development should be the priority of government. Let’s get to work. Microsoft also started by Bill Gates in one of those parks in the 70s in America is worth over one trillion. It’s time to think.

Rufai Oseni, rufaioseni@gmail.com

DJOKOVIC OFF TO COURT BUT NOT A TENNIS COURT

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he current Australian Tennis Open’s champion, Djokovic, has returned to protect his title, almost. He has been stopped at the Border.

As his vaccination status is unknown his upcoming arrival has been condemned by most Australians.

The lockdowns have been severe in order to protect the masses including not being allowed to visit dying relatives and then only allowing 10 people to attend the funeral, but a number of people have tried to bypass the rules.

Djokovic has been reported as having had COVID and is generally believed to not have been vaccinated based on his views and yet he travels around and intends to play in Australia. The next step will be to go to court to get into Australia. Given how many have died from COVID how can one person, and his team, be so ignorant to think they can ignore the restrictions and public opinion to earn a big pay check?

Be the champion you have been and go home now till you can prove you are vaccinated.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

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POLITICS

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

Why APC May Not Hold National Convention Jonathan Nduka writes that the National Convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress may not hold next month as the party is still working round the clock to put its troubled house in order

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he ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is not leaving anything to chance as the party’s national leadership under Governor Mai Mala Buni and his team are working tirelessly round the clock to ensure that the planned National Convention of APC will be devoid of litigation before, during and after the exercise.

Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, as well as the Chairman of the Extraordinary/Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Mai Mala Buni, had after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso Rock Villa on November 22, 2021, announced February for APC’s National Convention.

Regrettably, crises in various state chapters of the party coupled with plethora of court cases instituted by aggrieved members posed serious danger to the stability of the party including the smooth conduct of APC’s National Convention.

The congresses conducted by the party at the ward, local government and state levels led to further polarisation of some of the state chapters of the party.

At the end of the congresses, some of the state chapters of the party were riddled with crises. There were crises in at least 14 state chapters of the party as at the last count. The states include: Lagos, Bauchi, Imo, Enugu, Plateau, Zamfara, Kwara, Gombe, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Kano and Taraba.

For instance, in the case of Zamfara, the state chapter of the party was enjoying relative peace following the reconciliation of the former governor of the state, Abdulaziz Yari and Senator Kabiru Marafa’s faction.

But the defection of the state Governor, Bello Matawalle from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC threw the party into crisis.

Aggrieved members from Lagos, Zamfara, Taraba, Ekiti, Kwara and Kaduna states have filed or threatened to file cases against the party leadership at both state and national levels.

At the moment, no fewer than seven cases are pending before the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging either the legitimacy of the Buni-led party committee or the outcome of decisions taken by the committee since its inauguration on June 25, 2020.

There were at least five cases in various courts challenging the eligibility of the party leadership. Of the five pending cases, three were initiated by members of the ruling party while the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party each initiated one.

Recently, Marafa dismissed plans by the party to hold its National Convention in February 2022.

In fact, he advised Buni and members of his committee not to waste scarce party funds in conducting another “illegal act” in the name of a national convention without doing the needful.

Marafa noted that APC leaders in Zamfara who were illegally removed from their leadership positions are already in court challenging that decision.

“Some of us are putting our papers together to challenge the very existence of the so-called Caretaker Committee headed

by Mai Mala Buni. The tenure of that illegal committee expired in June, the committee is still there acting illegally and causing trouble all over the place. Buni should take the path of honour and resign while he still has the chance.

“We are heading to court; let the court decide whether our constitution or the APC constitution has any provision allowing a serving governor to hold office and at the same time preside as (a party’s) national chairman. We will challenge every decision taken by this illegal committee since it came

into office in June 2020.”

Similarly, aggrieved party members in Bauchi State who instituted the case with suit number: FHC/ABJ/CS/841/2021 between Babaji Abdullahi and six others vs the APC and five others, insist on going

ahead with the suit.

Abdullahi, who filed the suit in Abuja, said they were still in court because the party leadership had not shown cause to warrant a withdrawal.

According to him, “You cannot beat a

That Twisted Maternal Mortality Ratio from Kwara Wahab Oba dismisses the argument that Kwara State under Dr. Bukola Saraki as governor had a high maternal mortality ratio

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omething is in the offing for the Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (GAA) day dreaming league in Kwara State. They have started to the heat of the realities of the consequences of what they did in 2019 which has now clearly ricocheted. That, without doubt, could be the only explanation for the latest diatribe from the stable of Rafiu Ajakaiye, the spokesman for the governor, seeking to respond to a media interview granted

by Dr. Bukola Saraki way back in October, 2021.

There is no other way to say the truth.

That is what the former Senate President said in the interview; that Kwarans were made to read and judge his political system wrongly, based on the power of propaganda and falsehood. Ajakaiye fabricated several reports to reject this claim. Here, I seek to response to his lengthy inane article by reminding him of the false foundation AA used to build his house that is now collapsing on him.

Do you remember the several claims on various radio stations alleging without evidence that Saraki, then Senate President, was collecting N2 billion monthly from the federal allocation to the state? That he used to fly down with the money (very illogical, knowing full well no state carries cash around like that) every month and would only go back after his ‘share’ had been deposited. If that was true, it was the crime of the highest order and no credible government should have kept quiet over it, three years after assuming office. A government truly committed to the service of the people should have made every effort to retrieve the money. Unless it was a false claim, which indeed, it was.

What about the claims, first that there is nothing like Shonga Farms, and later that the Farms were owned by Saraki? Three years after, how come a government that has access to all information about everything in the state, would remain silent over the ownership of a state resource, particularly when the alleged owner is the leader of the opposition? What of the Kwara

Harmony Diagnostic Centre? Is it no longer owned by Saraki? Where is the ‘servicing’ Tope Daramola who was ‘giving’ Saraki when he was head of the state’s investment agency? What of the unfortunate Offa robbery which we can’t dwell on now because the case is in court? They even at that time made campaign posters about the evil that befell innocent people all in the name of painting Saraki black.

All of these, and many more, were the lies issued by the APC in the last election against Saraki to lead their ‘O To Ge’ movement. If these were not propaganda and falsehood as claimed by the former Senate President, what then are they? But like the saying goes, truth will sooner catch up with falsehood, even if the latter had been on the road for one thousand years. O To Ge’s lies, thanks goodness, have spent only about three years on the road to infamy and the truth has caught up with them, hence the panic. The liars could not live a life of uprightness, even with their own promises.

They lied against Saraki and the government, and promised the people freedom when in reality they are the real agents of bondage.

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

child and deny him the right to cry. We were unjustly treated and we intend to pursue this case until we get justice.”

As part of efforts by the Caretaker Committee to halt the party’s descent into anarchy, the leadership of the party set up the Senator Abdullahi Adamu Reconciliation Committee.

Like a similar committee before it, nothing has been heard of the committee, while no breakthrough has been recorded as some aggrieved members in various states have not been reconciled.

As a responsible political party, APC believes it has the magic wand to resolve all the pending litigation within its fold before it can conduct its National Convention.

The party, according to insiders, instead of washing its dirty linen publicly is busy inside pacifying all aggrieved members in order to put the party in better stead to continue to contest and win future elections.

While PDP could afford to mistakes in the conduct of its national convention, APC cannot afford such expensive luxury as it’s expected to show good examples by thoroughly ticking all the right boxes especially as stipulated by the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

To this end, APC stalwart Chief Donatus Okereke strongly believes that the party has the capacity to put its house in order.

According to him, APC which controls 22 states out of 36 states, apart from having solid grassroots structures nationwide, has a track record of being a responsible political party that adheres strictly to rules and regulations.

“We, as the ruling party and a political party with responsible structures, do not possess the luxury of impunity like PDP that went into its convention on the back of abuse of set constitutional procedural steps.

“It must be recalled that political processes that lead to a political party and its national convention are virtually fixed and the same for all political parties in the country.

“The processes demand that the party, in succession, before the national convention, undertakes its Ward and LGAs congresses, States congresses, Zonal convention.

“The party is expected to identify and collate the list of its delegates to the national convention from these congresses and mini conventions, before it proceeds to its substantive convention.

“Our party, APC as a responsible political organisation has in the past proven that it is only guided by its rule book and would do the same again, even now, and verily in the future in perpetuity.”

It’s evidently clear that the APC under the leadership of Buni has made appreciable progress in strengthening and stabilising the party despites its numerous challenges.

In the last two years of the CECPC administration of the APC National Secretariat, saddled with the responsibility of preparing the party for its national convention, the party National Secretariat under CECPC has in succession undertaken the rejuvenation of the party units to set the ball rolling for a successful national convention.

Also, the CECPC under Buni had organised and effectively supervised a statewide reconciliation of all aggrieved members and groups within the party, and has achieved the withdrawal of all internal pending litigation against the party and among members of the party.

Subsequently, the peace that was achieved by the party and the show of accommodation that was obvious drew several high caliber politicians and bigwigs from the main opposition party and others into the fold of APC in the last two years.

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

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY JANUARY 7, 2022

21

PERSPECTIVE

To the Brand New Octogenarian Deputy Governor

America, Lessons and Lies of January 6

Chido Nwangwu recalls the horrific attacks on Capitol Hill, the US Congressional Building, which was allegedly sponsored by four American President Donald Trump

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xactly one year ago, on January 6, 2021, an evidently coordinated mob of supporters of President Donald Trump and their allied confederacy of extremists and xenophobists set upon and violently attacked the United States Capitol. That is, the congressional building in Washington, D.C. It was a sad and disgraceful day. I watched the events unfold live on tv. It was almost too much to take in as true.

But it was true.

Like many of you, I was wondering: what is this happening? Is this the great America or a Third World event superimposed on the capital of the American congressional institution?

On January 6, 2021, Donald Trump’s name, Trump brand and Trump legacy were instantly reduced to the level of an insurrectionist.

The man, Trump, immediately became legislated into history as the first president of America who levied war of destruction of the institutions of democracy in America.

Americans including those who supported him all these years could not believe their eyes when the instinctively petty and chaotic Trump openly and viciously instigated his mob to walk to the Congress and “show strength.” It was a direct and naked message for confrontation.

It was an open invitation to violate the operations of the legislative arm of the American government through his own mob! Trump has, falsely, been claiming that the election of November 2020 which he was factually and mathematically defeated by Joe Biden was ”stolen by emboldened radical-left Democrats!”

Trump’s mob and their insurrection had led to the deaths of several persons, including Capitol Police officers.

Consequently, one of the daughters of the arch-conservative Republican Dick Cheney (former Vice Pwresident), Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney will be remembered well by history for her reasons to impeach Trump as President of United States on Wednesday, January 13, 2021: “On January 6, 2021 a violent mob attacked the United States Capitol to obstruct the process of our democracy and stop the counting of presidential electoral votes. This insurrection

caused injury, death and destruction in the most sacred space in our Republic…. The President of the United States summoned this mob, assembled the mob, and lit the flame of this attack. Everything that followed was his doing. None of this would have happened without the President. The President could have immediately and forcefully intervened to stop the violence. He did not.”

She concluded, specifically: “There has never been a greater betrayal by a President of the United States of his office and his oath to the Constitution.

I will vote to impeach the President.”

And, she did!

After realizing that history and decency and patriotism had left him while he chose to be Trump’s shameless apologist and water carrier, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-California, managed to say that Trump “bears responsibility” for the insurrection.

Sadly, for the past couple of months, McCarthy returned to the position of being a footstool for Mr. Trump — all because he wants to be the next Republican Speaker of the House of Representatives. Remember that Mr. Trump is planning to run for president in 2024!

Except for his suddenly seeing the scientific advantages and calling on his “folks” to take the anti-COVID vaccine, I still believe that Mr. Trump has, through a combination of recklessness, lack of self restraint, self-glorification, an over-bearing instinct to lie, and petty vindictiveness reduced his own name and legacy to the lowest levels of Presidents in American and world history of democratic governments.

Remarkably, after one year, most of those thorny issues are being sorted while some will linger.

I ask, reasonably: What next for Mr. Trump?

What next for American democracy?

Soon, time will tell.

Innocent Udo writes a nostalgic tribute to Mr. Moses Ekpo, Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State as he joins the club of octogenarians

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y w h ole fa mily a nd I a re p r ivileg ed a n d exc it ed t o join t h e t hrong of men, w h o believe in t he t r a n s ce n d e n t G od , a nd Au t hor a nd F i n i s h e r of ou r l i v es, t o c ong r a t ul a t e y ou on y our 8 0 t h bir t hda y.

You r v oy a g e , s o f ar, t hrou g h l i f e h a s b e e n M os a i c a nd mosa ic : ch a l l e n g i n g , ch e qu e red; a k in t o t he n a v i g a t i on of a t e s t ed Ma st er Ma r in e r t h roug h t h e e y e s of t he st or m.

F rom t h e p ok e - n os ing newsp a p er re p or t e r t o t h e E d i t or of some most i n f l ue n t i a l N i g e r i a n newsp a p er s a n d t e l e v i s i on s . You c rea t ed a n i ch e f or y ou r s e l f , as a relia ble cor re s p on d e n t t o ma ny resp ec t ed i n t e r n a t i on a l n e w s media , a t ru st ed qu i e t D i p l om a t f or y ou r c ou nt r y in Wa s h i n g t on D C , B onn, London et c .

As a n u n d i s g ui s e d t r a nsp a rent p a t r i ot , y ou h a v e b e en t o p r ison i n B i a f r a , n ot f or cr ime c ommitt e d , b u t f or b e l i e v i ng in t his, now r i ck e t y a r t i f i ce ca l l e d N ig er ia a nd, f or b e i n g a t ol e r a t e d minor it y, even i n a p a t ch b r a n d e d Bia fr a . You ha ve a l w a y s b e e n a s t a b le a nd foc u sed p ol i t i ci a n a n d n ow a Dep u t y Gove r n or of Ak w a I b om St a t e.

You r E x ce l l e n cy, you ha ve never b e e n a p re t e n d e r t o t he t hrone, b e ca u s e y ou re a l i z e d ea r ly enou g h

It is impossible to frame the portrait of Mr. Moses Frank Ekpo (MFR) here for obvious spatial constraint but this can be complemented by reading his biography “Trials and Triumphs” (2019) and some glimpses at his numerous citations during awards of honour and insignia.

USAfrica Founder, Uncle Mo, you have Nwangwu Given Honorific title ‘Ihe Ka Ego’ paid your dues, run a good race with n the December 27, 2021, in the historic Arochukwu ansignificant strides. cient kingdom of Abia State You have clocked in Nigeria, Eze Ibom Isii, HRH (Dr.) Kanu Nwa Kanu, conferred 80 years and still USAfrica multimedia networks’ Founder, Dr. Chido Nwangwu, the striding on! What are honorific and significant title of ‘Ihe ka ego’ [Something or someone whose the secrets, as the worthiness is greater than money].

Nwangwu who established USAfyounger generations rica 29 years ago in Houston, has said are wont to ask? The “I’m very humbled and thankful for this special title, ‘Ihe ka ego’. For me, secrets are; Love of it’s an affirmation and recognition for my modest strivings to fly the triple God, love of father flags of personal dignity, dedication to professional excellence and heriand mother and love of tage rootedness, globally.”

Eze Kanu has been on the throne for country then, labour, 25 years. toil and sweat

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t ha t p ower c omes from God a nd t ha t t hose who a sp ire t o be g ood lea der s mu st fir st lea r n t o be g ood ser va nt s. You ha ve never roc k ed t he boa t in whic h y ou sa il t o be rec og niz ed. I n y ou r ser vic e t o God a nd hu ma nit y, y ou ha ve been p a ssiona t e, p u nc t u a l, c ommit t ed, t ot a lly loy a l a nd resp ec t fu l t o c onst it u t ed a u t hor it y a nd, a p er fec t int u it ive org a niz er. These p er sona lit y t r a it ss a re mir rored in t he st a bilit y of Ak wa I bom St a t e Gover nment a dminist r a t ion in whic h y ou a re t he Sec ond-in-Comma nd a nd, where y ou a re lik ely t o ma k e hist or y by being t he fir st Dep u t y Gover nor of t he St a t e t o su r vive t wo c onsec u t ive t er ms in offic e.

I n ma ny st a t es of t he feder a t ion, Dep u t y Gover nor s a re t heir g overnor ’s Ac hilles heels.

I t is imp ossible t o fr a me t he p or t r a it of Mr. Moses F r a nk Ek p o (MF R) here for obviou s sp a t ia l c onst r a int bu t t his c a n be c omp lement ed by rea ding his biog r a p hy “ Tr ia ls a nd Tr iu mp hs” (2 0 1 9 ) a nd some g limp ses a t his nu merou s c it a t ions du r ing a wa rds of honou r a nd insig nia .

Unc le Mo, y ou ha ve p a id y ou r du es, ru n a g ood r a c e wit h sig nific a nt st r ides. You ha ve c loc k ed 8 0 y ea r s a nd st ill st r iding on! W ha t a re t he sec ret s, a s t he y ou ng er g ener a t ions a re wont t o a sk ? The sec ret s a re; Love of God, love of fa t her a nd mot her a nd love of c ou nt r y t hen, la bou r, t oil a nd swea t . Toil a nd swea t , bec a u se t his wor ld owes nobody a living bu t only op p or t u nit y t o ma k e a living .

You were bor n wit h t hese va lu es a nd we t ook it for g r a nt ed.

At y ou r 8 0 t h bir t hda y, we ha ve a mp le ju st ifia ble rea sons t o roll ou t t he dru ms a nd t ru mp et s in t ha nk sg iving t o God for t he sp ec ia l g r a c e.

You a re indeed welc ome t o t he a g e of freedom: t o remember only wha t y ou wa nt t o remember, t o see only wha t y ou wa nt t o see a nd hea r only wha t y ou wa nt t o hea r a nd, a bove a ll, t o sa y t he t ru t h a ny where a ny t ime wit hou t a ny fea r of vic t imiz at ion, ba c k -la sh or c ont r a dic t ions.

Bu t a t 8 0 y ou c a n a lso bec ome a p u nc hing ba g t o some u nc ou t h sec t ion of t he y ou ng er g ener a t ions who, la c k ing in p hy sic a l a nd int ellec t u a l a bilit y t o fa c e t heir p eer s in “ sing le c omba t s” , t u r n t o y ou in t r a nsfer red a g g ression, believing y ou a re t oo old t o fig ht ba c k . W hen t hey c a nnot g et a t y ou , t hey t u r n t o t he soc ia l media t o boa st bec a u se t hey mu st ha ve somet hing t o p rove t o t heir st rong er p eer s t ha t t hey c a n dea l wit h t he st rong , hig h a nd mig ht y by ru bbishing t hem on t he a ir wa ves.

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FRIDAY JANUARY 7, 2022 •T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2022

23

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

A T

REPO

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Email oriarehu.eromosele@thisdaylive.com

08056356325

J A N U A R Y

S & P INDEX

6 , 2 0 2 2

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OBB

9.00%

CALL

4%

INDEX LEVEL

564.02%

1/4 TO DATE

5.82%

N413.03/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

10.75%

1-MONTH

6%

1-DAY

–0.17%

YEAR TO DATE

– 15.85%

*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

3-MONTH

10%

MONTH-TO-DATE

0.19%

Inbound Passengers to Lagos Face Challenges over Hiccups in Payment for PCR Test

Chinedu Eze Many inbound passengers designated to arrive Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, are stranded in different parts of the world because they cannot successfully pay for their PCR test through the platform provided by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), THISDAY investigation has revealed.

It was learnt that for several weeks travellers have faced hiccups, but beyond apology, the companies providing payment platforms for NCDC, Flutterwave and Paystack have not done anything to improve their system.

Many travellers who were victims of the payment system said their grouse was that nothing was being done to improve the payment system, which means, “travellers will continue to go through this trauma.”

In the travel protocol released by the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, arriving travellers were directed to make payments without which airlines would not allow them to travel to Nigeria.

The PSC circular stated, “Following successful payment, Travelers should download the Permit to Travel Certificate/ QR Code using the “Get Permit to Travel” button visible at the

top right corner of the portal, save and print the form for presentation at the point of boarding. The Permit to Travel Certificate/ QR code will have a “PAID” label if payment is successful and “UNPAID” label if payment had not gone through yet or is unsuccessful. Any passenger with an “UNPAID’ label will not be allowed to travel. A copy of the Permit to Travel Certificate/QR Code will also be sent to the email address provided by the traveller.”

The circular also stated that prior to boarding for Nigeria, travellers must present two documents at their point of departure to be allowed to board.

One of the documents is negative

COVID-19 PCR test done within two days (48hours) of departure.

“Airlines have been directed not to board Travellers with non-PCR COVID-19 tests (such as antigen or antibody tests), a positive COVID-19 PCR test result, or tests performed beyond 48 hours of boarding, “it added.

The second requirement is Permit to Travel Certificate/QR Code-generated from the Nigeria International Travel Portal on completion of a health questionnaire, uploading of a negative COVID-19 PCR result and schedule of PCR tests on Days 2 and 7 on arrival in Nigeria.

The circular emphasised that

travellers failing to show a Permit to Travel Certificate (which confirms payment)/QR Code would not be allowed to board.

Travel expert and organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko, who was victims of the NCDC payment portal when he was travelling from Turkey to Nigeria, narrated his experience.

Uko said he made payment to the platform but it refused to accept his payment adding that he would have been stranded in Istanbul if interventions did not come, “a kind of intervention that might not come for ordinary travellers who do not have access and connections with airlines and aviation agencies.”

“The platform refused to accept my payment. My family tried paying and it kept declining payment, asking them to set up another payment option. A tour operator in Abuja tried paying for me and it declined payment. We opened a new registration but once it is the same passport number it will ask you to pay; then it declines the payment.

“Now, I am stuck in a foreign land with no means of boarding a flight back home. So I kicked in my network. I contacted the airline managers that I was going to fly and they got to work. I contacted NCAA (Nigerian Civil Aviation Continued on page 25

M S C O v e r t a k e s Maersk to Become World’s Largest Container Shipping Line Eromosele Abiodun with agency reports Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC) has overtaken Danish carrier, Maersk, in terms of capacity, according to data compiled by Alphaliner.

Alphaliner is tailor-made for use by liner shipping executives, shipbrokers and other shipping professionals.

The vast majority of liner operators

and container ship owners as well as leading shipbrokers use it daily.

According to Alphaliner, MSC’s fleet can carry 4,284,728 standard 20-foot containers, which is 1,888 more than Maersk, giving both a market share of 17 per cent.

Maersk, which first entered containerized trade in 1975, has held the top spot for decades. The carrier has been a pioneer in the industry,

often breaking records by building the biggest ships. More recently, it has invested in vessels that can sail on carbon-neutral methanol. It still has the most capacity in terms of owned vessels: MSC has about 65 per cent of its capacity from chartered ships whereas Maersk only has 42 per cent.

After struggling to make money for much of the past decade, the

container shipping industry just had its most profitable year ever as pandemic-driven demand for consumer goods strains capacity on vessels. Ocean freight rates gained 81% last year, measured by the Shanghai containerized freight index.

Maersk Chief Executive Officer Soren Skou last month reiterated that the No. 1 spot isn’t important for the Copenhagen-based company,

which is focusing investments on expanding its land-based logistics where profit margins are higher.

“It does not mean anything,” he said in an interview on Dec. 22. “The important thing for us is to grow with our clients” by enticing existing customers to buy logistics services from Maersk rather than its rivals with an expanded offering in land transport, he said.

Closely held MSC, which is based in Geneva, has since 2020 been run

by Soren Toft, formerly heir apparent at Maersk. While the poaching of a potential future CEO could sour relations between companies, Maersk and MSC still work together in areas such as a vessel-sharing partnership and a blockchain-based platform for sharing and streamlining shipping information.

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT T H U R S D AY, J A N U A R Y 6 , 2 0 2 2 FGN BONDS DESCRIPTION 12.75 27-APR2023 14.20 14-MAR2024 13.53 23-MAR2025 12.50 22-JAN2026 16.2884 17MAR-2027

Price

Yield

BILLS Change (%)

MATURITY NTB 13-Jan2022 NTB 10-Feb2022 NTB 10-Mar2022 NTB 28-Apr2022 NTB 12-May2022

106.31

7.56

0.13

109.84

9.11

-0.01

107.93

10.54 0.00

103.15

11.50 0.00

115.05

12.27 0.00

OTC FX F U T U R E S

Discount Yield

Change (%)

CONTRACT TENOR (MONTH) 1

Contract

Current Rate ($/₦)

C Ps MATURITY

Discount Yield

Change (%)

9.19

9.27

0.00

9.50

9.79

0.00

16.71

17.83 0.00

9.42

9.77

0.00

.

.

.

3.69

3.69

0.00

4.00

4.02

0.00

2

NGUS FEB 23 2022 422.61

2.98

3.00

0.00

3

NGUS MAR 30 2022 424.04

4.50

4.56

0.00

4

NGUS APR 27 2022 425.46

MREP CP XXXVI 11-FEB-22 UNCP CP VI 2-MAY-22 NEVE CP I 24MAY-22 DANC CP II 25MAY-22

4.00

4.06

0.00

5

NGUS MAY 25 2022 426.89

.

NGUS JAN 26 2022 421.18

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

AIR WATCH

NAMA Approves New Allowances for Air Traffic Controllers A I R Chinedu Eze In response to the recommendations of the committee set up by the management of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to look into the precarious situation of air traffic controllers, the Managing Director of the agency, Captain Fola Akinkuotu has approved the allowances for the workers.

The controllers had in last November threatened to shut the airspace following a series of deaths involving two air traffic controllers that slumped and died while on duty.

Worried about the situation, Akinkuotu had set up a negotiation committee to submit an interim report and make recommendations reached to allow for immediate implementation as a stopgap measure pending the submission of their complete report.

The committee accordingly submitted an interim report to the Managing Director on December 17, 2021.

On receipt of the report, the NAMA MD called for two working days during which himself and his management team looked into it for consideration and implementation.

Other ATCOs that recently acquired their A &B ratings are to be promoted to GL.10 with immediate effect from the date of their ratings while awaiting the release of the ATC Scheme of Service, which will among other things secure their advancement to GL 12.

While the annual aeromedical allowance for air traffic controllers has been increased from N200,000 to N500,000 with effect from January 2022, the monthly remuneration of air traffic controllers who are on contract has also been increased from the present N400,000 to N580,000 resulting from the inclusion of the A&B rating allowance, with effect from January 2022.

Also, all ATCOs are to be registered on the gold plan of the customized NAMA NHIS which is to be implemented

soonest.

The MD and his management team subsequently met on December 21st and 22nd 2021 and on the strength of the interim report, considered and approved that air traffic controllers deployed from other departments are to be placed on grade level (GL 12) effective from the date of their ratings with immediate effect.

The NAMA Management is also set to engage the services of a specialist to evaluate and define the type and level of risks or hazards that controllers and other technical staff are exposed to in order to consider an appropriate allowance as well as mitigation methods.

This according to NAMA is to be done in conjunction with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCAs’) committee.

The management has equally concluded plans to facilitate the expeditious approval and release of the adjusted ATC scheme of service as well as NAMA staff conditions of service without any further delay.

WATCH

Growing Anxiety in Aviation over 5G Wireless Technology

Turkey Wants More Nigerians to Visit Bodrum in 2022 Recently, the President of Turkey Recep Tayap Erdogan visited Nigeria and invited President Buhari to Turkey for the Turkey African Conference in December.

This is part of Turkey’s effort to develop a stronger relationship with Africa and Nigeria. The city of Bodrum wants to take advantage of this special relationship with Nigeria to drive its tourism.

The Mayor of the city of Bodrum, Ahmet Aras, hosted a Nigerian lead team invited for exploratory meetings led

by Abuja based tour operator Cecile Doumbe of CMD Tours.

The team included Ambassador Ikechi Uko a travel expert and Adebayo Ajayi the Travel Sultan of Abay Tours.

According to the Mayor of Bodrum, “Turkey has everything the Nigerian traveller wants.

We have amazing shopping of top quality materials; we have wonderful destinations of which Bodrum is the best. The historical legends of Turkey are unparalleled for both Christians and Moslems.

Any thing you want we have more. We want you to come and enjoy our Mediterranean culture within Asia. Bodrum is home to

many ancient civilizations of Greece and the Island of Rhodes.

We have the largest underwater museum in the world. AirBnB started from Bodrum over 50 years ago. We had no hotels then and we gave our houses for bed and breakfast. But today we have the most luxurious vacations in Europe. I will be coming to Nigeria to market Bodrum and I invite Nigerians to the Mediterranean Tourism Expo in Bodrum taking place in October.”

Earlier the exploratory team who were invited by Skywings Istanbul were hosted to a city tour of Istanbul the city of two continents visiting the European and the Asian sides of Istanbul with stops at the world famous Hagia Sophia of Constantinople. At a meeting with the Bodrum Hoteliers Association, the President Omer F. Dengiz told them that Bodrum has a Population of one Hundred and Thirty thousand Citizens (130,000) but receives over 1.3 million tourists every year mainly from Britain and Germany. Bodrum has over 1000 hotels with about 150,000 rooms and more than 300,000 beds of

cost between $50 to $500. There are boutique hotels and luxury collections. Bodrum has been described as unique, chic and special by tourists who troop there from April to October every year.

After facility visits and city tour of Bodrum, which included visits to the castle and the museum of Halicarnisus a former ancient wonder of the world the team departed for Antalya. Antalya is the town where Paul the Apostle started his missionary journey in the Bible. Stop overs at Cappadocia completed the tour. The team from Turkey are expected in Nigeria for a series of road shows to introduce Turkey to Nigerian tour operators and professionals. A series of famtrips are also planned to Turkey in the course of the year.

The Mayor of Bodrum Presented a book on Ataturk the founder of modern Turkey to the Nigerians. In her response, Team Leader MsDoumbe told them that Nigerians are great travelers and are looking for new destinations and Turkey is perfect. She introduced the team as experts to deliver the mandate desired by the Mayor.

Qatar Airways Cargo Wins IATA Award The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has recognised Qatar Airways Cargo for its strict adherence to the highest standards and relevant regulations and has accredited it with CEIV Live Animals certification.

“We are the fourth airline worldwide to become CEIV Live Animals certified, and the first in the Middle East. This certification is testament to the dedication and detail that we put into transporting the many different live animals that are placed in our custody. Whether they are horses, household pets, livestock, or exotic animals transported on our scheduled and charter flights or wild animals being flown under our WeQare Rewildthe Planet initiative, we go

beyond the required regulatory standards, to ensure that the animals are given the utmost care and comfort for the entire duration of the journey,” Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways, Guillaume Halleux said.

“The CEIV Live Animals certification depicts that our handling, infrastructure, quality management, and training framework are in line with industry standards. It highlights our compliance with the IATA Live Animal Regulations alongside the Transportation of Wildlife and Animal Welfare (TWAW) Group Policy, and it shows that we have a robust supplier management system in place, allowing our principles to be implemented globally. Further,

it illustrates our commitment to continuously improving industry standards when it comes to the transportation of live animals, and we thank the IATA auditors for their constructive contribution in this regard,” he said.

“Having Qatar Airways, one of the largest transporters of live animals, achieve CEIV Live Animals certification is a significant boost not only for the airline’s customers, who can be confident that their precious cargo will arrive safely, but also the region. We congratulate them on their achievement and their pioneering efforts in the safe transportation of live animals including wild animals through their ‘WeQare’ initiative,” said IATA’s Global Head of Cargo, Brendan Sullivan.

Chinedu Eze The aviation industry is troubled over the introduction of 5G wireless technology in all parts of the world, especially in the US. The worry stems from the fact that the new system could conflict with flight signals and might jeorpardise stream of communication at the critical periods of landing and take off of an aircraft.

5G is defined as the 5th generation mobile network. It is a new global wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. 5G is said to enable a new kind of network that is designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together including machines, objects, and devices.

5G wireless technology is meant to deliver higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds, ultra low latency more reliability, massive network capacity, increased availability, and a more uniform user experience to more users. It is also expected to deliver higher performance and improved efficiency, empowers new user experiences and connects new industries.

But this is where it conflicts with aviation.

According to the former Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, the problem with 5G Wireless started when the aviation industry discovered that the frequency C-band used in the new system is close to the same frequency used in modern aircraft, radio altimeter installed on-board aircraft that alerts the pilot the height above the terrain when he is approaching to land or taking off. The radio altimeter is usually active from 5000 feet.

Sanusi also explained that the C-band frequency is divided into three: n77, n78 and n79. If these frequencies are deployed it is believed that they would interfere with the radio altimeter in the aircraft.

Sanusi explained that in the US aircraft manufacturers wanted Department of Transportation (DoT) to tell the telecom network providers to delay the roll out of 5G Wireless in the US for at least two weeks but the telecom providers refused, arguing that other countries had introduced the system, including European countries and China.

“Then the airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) asked the network providers not to deploy the 5G Wireless to the airports but the network providers threatened to sue DoT and FAA, insisting that they had invested $80 billion in the network.

“They are now trying to come to the table to agree on what to do in order to prevent any possible hazard or for the hazard to be minimised in flight operations. Telecom providers are right when they argue that the 5G Wireless has been introduced in France, but the one being deployed

in France is n78, which is said to distance from the radio altimeter onboard aircraft and uses less energy; so there is less possible interference.

N77 is used in the US, which is closer to the radio altimeter than n78, but they said n77 has wider range,” he explained.

Sanusi therefore urged the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) and NCAA to come together and determine what frequency that should be used around the airport.

“The effect of deploying the 5G Wireless around the airport is that it could lead to missed approach, but it is not extremely unsafe but could create inconveniences for the airlines and the passengers. It could lead to delays and flight cancellations,” he said.

Reports indicate that last week the US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the head of the Federal Aviation Administration asked AT&T and Verizon Communications to delay the planned Jan. 5 introduction of new 5G wireless services over aviation safety concerns.

Reuters reported that Buttigieg and FAA Administrator Steve Dickson asked AT&T Chief Executive John Stankey and Verizon Chief Executive Hans Vestberg for a delay of no more than two weeks as part of a “proposal as a near-term solution for advancing the coexistence of 5G deployment in the C-Band and safe flight operations.”

The report confirmed that the aviation industry and FAA have raised concerns about potential interference of 5G with sensitive aircraft electronics like radio altimeters that could disrupt flights.

“We ask that your companies continue to pause introducing commercial C-Band service for an additional short period of no more than two weeks beyond the currently scheduled deployment date of January 5,” the letter said.

Reuters stated that Verizon and AT&T both said they received the letter and were reviewing it and earlier Friday (last week) the two companies accused the aerospace industry of seeking to hold C-Band spectrum deployment “hostage until the wireless industry agrees to cover the costs of upgrading any obsolete altimeters.”

Buttigieg and Dickson said under the framework “commercial C-band service would begin as planned in January with certain exceptions around priority airports.”

The FAA and the aviation industry would identify priority airports “where a buffer zone would permit aviation operations to continue safely while the FAA completes its assessments of the interference potential.”

Reuters reported that the government would work to identify “mitigations for all priority airports” to enable most “large commercial aircraft to operate safely in all conditions.” That would allow deployment around “priority airports on a rolling basis” — aiming to ensure activation

by March 31 barring unforeseen issues.

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BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Adekunle: Naira Will Gain Traction in Int’l Market as Nigeria’s Exports Increases In this interview with Ugo Aliogo, the Chief Operating Officer of Prosperis Holdings, Mr. Samson Adekunle, examines the growth of the economy in 2021 around some key issues, and makes projection for economic growth in 2022. Excerpts.

NIGERIA GREEN BOND MARKET

N

igerian Exchange Limited (NGX) recently announced that the value of Nigeria’s green bonds market has grown to N55.52 billion within 2017 and 2021. In 2017, Nigeria became first among African countries to issue a green bond - a loan instrument only for the purpose of financing sustainable environmental initiatives). Since then, the market, which started with an issuance worth N10.69 billion has grown to N55.52bilion. Analysts and industry watchers are the view that this development has a positive sign for the growth of the market.

The Chief Operating Officer of Prosperis Holdings, Mr. Samson Adekunle, believe green bonds are becoming more common in emerging market investment portfolios as investors continue to place a premium on issuer quality and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.

He hinted that investors are equally interested in issuers’ environmental, social, and governance credentials, including their human rights records.

He explained that at the same time, investors are interested in learning how proceeds from green bonds are linked to NDCs, such as energy-related initiatives and policies at the quasi-sovereign level.

They’re looking for a big impact.

He remarked that there is expectation that green bonds would attract foreign investments to spur economic development premised on recent impact investment appetite, Adekunle “more investment would be attracted to food-producing states, which has these markets also ifco-investment with increased the need of rail transport Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) for the conveyance of available food are implemented.” products.

“According to a sectorial analysis, GDP GROWTH IN FOURTH seven sectors advanced in Q3 2021, QUARTER compared to five slowing or shrinking Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) sectors, while seven sectors expanded expanded favourably unexpectedly in in the previous quarter, while three Q3 2021, despite the economy slowing slowed. This indicates that, due to the in comparison to the previous quarter. country’s economic realities, the various Thus far in 2021, the GDP growth rate sectors did comparatively better in the has averaged 3.18 percent, above the IMF previous quarter. The government’s and World Bank forecasts of 2.6 percent and its agencies’ progressive initiatives and 2.4 percent, respectively. are likely to boost the economy’s Adekunle explained that the positive performance in Q4 2021 and beyond.” performance of the GDP as at the period under review was largely contributed by FINANCE BILL the sustained recovery in the non-oil sectors, The Prosperis Holdings, COO, further especially rail transport (59.93 percent), air explained that upon presentation of transport (33.31 percent), financial institutions the 2022 budget to both houses of (25.50 percent), and telecommunications the National Assembly, the President (10.87 percent). unveiled a 12% larger budgeted He argued that the poor performance expenditure for the coming year – N16.39 of oil and agriculture, Nigeria’s two most trillion compared to N14.57 trillion in vital sectors, alarmed policymakers, and 2021, “and as with the passage, President stakeholders, given that oil is the country’s Muhammadu Buhari intends to fund the primary source of foreign currency and N6.26trillion budget deficit by taking agriculture is the largest contributor to on additional borrowings, because, GDP (29.94 percent) and largest employer according to the President, Nigeria has of labour (54.7 percent). a revenue generation problem, and not According to him, “The oil sector fell a debt sustainability problem. because of production restrictions and He espoused that the debt assertion pipeline vandalism Agriculture’s slower of the president is the major driving development rate can be directly attributable force behind the introduction of the new to the persistent threat of insecurity in

finance bill, which intends to further sweat the Nigerian fiscal environment with the aim of increasing the total available revenue needed to finance the behemoth-level expenditure, of which nearly 70 per cent is recurrent.

In his words, “Though it can be argued that the bill has the potential to increase the tax net of the FIRS, as was partially seen from 2020 Finance Act, more attention should be placed on the wholesome revenue-generating capacity of the nation.

“Up till now, Nigeria’s revenue generation capacity has had a direct correlation with the performance of the oil sector, as a deep cut in budgeted revenue was observed when oil prices crashed to historical lows in 2020. It therefore suggests that more emphasis must be placed rather on how to diversify the economy’s revenue sources, taking into cognizance the drive to promote the development of local industries in Nigeria, as well as the implementation of capital projects that will function as buffers to hold up the nation’s foray into becoming developed in all ramifications.”

OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY

With waning investments in the oil and gas industry, the International Energy Forum (IEF) and IHS Market, global market research experts have in a joint report said that global annual upstream spending needs to increase by as much as 54 percent to $525 billion if the oil market is to avert the next supply shortage shock.

There are fears from analysts and market watchers that this might have serious implications for Nigeria considering how the economy has suffered severely from the fall in oil prices.

Adekunle’s view is that a supply shortage shock does not always imply a drop in oil prices; yet, with a decrease in supply, oil prices are predicted to rise, ceteris paribus.

He argued that considering that Nigeria is currently operating at below optimal capacity and thus failing to reach its oil production quota, this may not result in higher revenue.

He hinted that economic instability, typified by unpredictable oil prices and a drop in revenues, would be an obvious result of the supply shortage shock to the economy.

Continuing, he stated: “Given Nigeria’s substantial reliance on oil revenue and its weak currency, this has had a significant influence on the country’s economy, causing expenses of living to rise and standards of living to deteriorate. The country’s current hope is for Dangote’s refinery to be completed and for the Petroleum Industry Bill to live up to its potential.

“On the other hand, this underscores the need for the country to look within and focus more on other areas, such as the service industry, which has been

responsible for recent GDP development in Nigeria. Another sleeping giant in Nigeria’s economy is the country’s agriculture industry, which is underutilized and in desperate need of reform. Nigeria can survive the oil supply crisis shock and any other related problems if these other industries are revived and dependency on the oil sector is reduced.”

ECONOMIC PROJECTIONS FOR 2022

Adekunle noted that Nigeria experienced a negative annual GDP growth of -1.92% in 2020, a trend not similar to what was obtained across majority of the nations of the world due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic early in the year.

He also disclosed that there was also a rebound in economic activities across various sectors and industries, owing to the full reopening of the economy, adding that as at Q3 2021, the average GDP growth rate stood at 3.18%, indicating that the country is on track to end the year on a good note.

Adekunle further remarked that the 2022 budget anticipates a GDP growth of 4.2%, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) begs to differ, pegging its forecast to 2.7% on the back of a growing oil sector coupled with higher productivity and recovery in the non-oil sectors.

He said: The growth and recovery of the economy is expected to continue in 2022, albeit at a decreasing rate as the curve gets flatter and flatter. This is on the back of the economy’s restoration to normalcy whilst the Consumer Price Index continues to slow down on the back of improved economic activities and governance systems.

“Furthermore, we expect that the numerous agricultural initiatives and economic stimulants currently deployed in the country will begin to bear fruit, while the naira will gain traction in the international market as Nigeria’s exports increase. The sectors that have shown strong growth in year 2021 are expected to continue the trend, including transport (Air, Rail, and Road), financial institutions, telecoms, construction, and cement, while the poorly performing sectors are pruned to enhance their contribution to the GDP. “The direction of inflation in Nigeria is determined by a variety of factors.

Nigeria’s inflation rate fell to 15.40 percent in November, down from 15.99 percent in October 2021, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

“With the resurgence of COVID-19 cases and the impending lockdown and international movement restrictions, the cost of imports will rise, resulting in a drop in global supply, causing cost-push inflation, particularly in Sub-Saharan African countries such as Nigeria, which are overly reliant on imported materials.

“Hopefully, the impact of the resurfacing threat of COVID-19 cases will be mitigated in time, and an impending oil supply shock that will hurt Nigeria’s foreign reserves will be avoided, and the economy’s inflation rate will continue to reduce, given its current high level.”

INBOUND PASSENGERS TO LAGOS FACE CHALLENGES OVER HICCUPS IN PAYMENT FOR PCR TEST Authority). They asked the airline to write a mail on my behalf. The airline obliged. All through the night NCAA and the airline were able to get me a waiver to fly. The waiver put a caveat threatening the airline with sanctions if I failed to complete the process. If not for my relationship no airline will be willing to agree to such a responsibility,” he narrated.

Uko wondered why the payment platform was unstable and noted that in this day and age, “where

Nigeria is listed as one of the fastest instant payment countries in the world my travel plans were messed up by NITP (Nigeria International Travel Portal) payment portal. Do you know the consequences of missing a connecting flight during Christmas Season?”

He disclosed that Flutterwave, which provided the platform with which he made the failed payment later sent apology saying, “We sincerely apologise for the delay you have experienced. This is certainly

not the kind of experience we want for you.

“Kindly be informed that Flutterwave is a payment processor that provides services for various merchants across Africa and globally. The referred transaction was processed successfully to the merchant, however, we engaged the merchant (NCDC) on your behalf for further resolution. We’ll like to apologise once again for the delay in getting back to you and for any inconvenience caused.”

Another passenger also narrated his experience, “Oh I had a terrible experience with the portal that cost me N1.2 million. The portal kept debiting me and no QR Code was coming. Qatar (Airways) refused to board me and I eventually missed the flight.

“It was such a terrible experience. I didn’t even have access to network to call friends in high places. It was as if the universe connived to show me ‘shege’ that night. Anyways, I got back and

made trouble with Lagos State Biobank & Qatar. Qatar only sent a long apology email citing the clause from Nigerian government to fine them if they carry any passenger without QR code.

“Lagos State Biobank sent an apology email and refunded all the COVID-19 payments debited but that didn’t compensate for the emotional trauma I went through nor the funds I lost on date change andhotel in the process. Sad to know things are still the same.”

When THISDAY contacted NCAA, the agency stated that it does not have powers when it comes to COVID-19 protocol, noting that it is the Presidential Steering Committee that is responsible.

“PSC only issues statements through NCAA because the airlines only recongise NCAA and such statements are circulated through NOTAM (Notice to Airmen). So in aviation, we are just the mouthpiece of PSC,” an official of the agency said.

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BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

Despite COVID-19, Aviation Industry Recounts Achievements in 2021 Despite initial predictions that it would take aviation sector in Africa longer period to recover from the effect of the devastation of COVID-19 pandemic, Nigerian domestic flight operations made quick recovery and galvanised ancillary services to a high economic throttle. Chinedu Eze is however of the view that despite the positive development, there were still few setbacks in the industry in 2021

I

n November 2020, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) projected a slow restart for Africa airlines. According to an online platform, Flightglobal.com, IATA observed that African airlines were proving particularly vulnerable to the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Airlines in Africa have burnt all their cash reserves.

We need to continue to provide financial support and financial aid, and proper policy and regulations, and we also need to quickly open up borders and remove hurdles to allow revenue streams to come to airlines,” noted IATA’s regional vice-president for Africa and the Middle East, Muhammad Ali Albakri.

That IATA study was off the mark for Nigeria, when airlines resumed domestic flights after the lockdown in July 2020. It did not take more than four weeks for the aircraft cabin to begin to fill up, after the prologue of scepticism and fears.

But the airlines faced a different challenge. There were not enough aircraft to meet the passenger demand.

Most of the aircraft were ferried overseas for major checks. By the time flight operations resumed many of the aircraft that were put on storage became due for C-check. The ones already in maintenance facilities overseas could not be ferried back because work was not done on them. The Maintenance, Overhaul and Repair (MRO) facilities overseas were largely on lockdown. The ones in Nigeria that were due could not be taken out because there were no facilities to take them to. They were being chocked with aircraft.

The consequence was paucity of operating equipment.

There was fewer aircraft serving increasing passenger traffic. This and other factors gave rise to outrageous airfares. From the beginning of 2021 to the end, airfares were relatively high, culminating to the peak season in December when fares averaged N65, 000, rising as far as N100, 000 and above.

PAUCITY OF AIRCRAFT

Realising that there were no equipment to meet the demand of passengers, Nigerian airlines desperately wanted more aircraft but even the ones that existed and were airworthy were picking snags, some were breaking down, while others suffered bird strike. The fleet continued to shrink. Then a window opened in terms of aircraft leasing. Arik Air leased some aircraft; Ibom Air boosted its fleet with leased equipment, Aero Contractors followed. A relief really came for Air Peace, which brought in five of its 13 brand new aircraft, Embraer E95-E2 from Brazil. The airline later leased two additionally aircraft, as it was the hardest hit with grounded aircraft, considering the fact that it is the biggest airline in Nigeria.

The Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Captain Abdullahi Mahmoud, told THISDAY that leasing was the solution to the paucity of aircraft in Nigeria.

“Nigerian airlines don’t have capacity, there are passengers, if you go to the airport as of today, you could see passengers begging for tickets. So all you are looking for is for capacity, just get the right aircraft, put it on the right route and passengers will fly. We could see the passengers’ number growing and the high

season is coming, we don’t want Nigerians to go through what they have been going through in previous years most especially in November and December. You could see passengers sleeping at the airport, so in Aero we are trying as much as possible to do things differently. Once you buy Aero ticket you are sure of travelling and that is one thing that we are determined to do; to make sure that Nigerians are happy.

“Nigerians deserve it, there is no doubt about it. So, like I said, the challenge that the airlines are having is the capacity and any opportunity that you see in getting good aircraft, you have to jump into the opportunity and grab it. So we are doing things differently, we don’t have money to buy planes but if you have people who want to bring in the planes for us to cooperate and work together, that is all we need. So that is why we are trying to make something different, we want to change the narrative.

It was also interesting to know that some entrepreneurs saw a niche in providing the aircraft for some airlines, which latched at the opportunity and boosted their fleet.

“So now we see people that have the capacity, they want to bring in the aircraft, they want to come into collaboration, we discuss with Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and said this is what we want to do, Nigerian civil aviation looked at the regulation and said go ahead and that is what we are doing. All we want is for Nigerians to move from point A to B and be safe and when they want it at the right time and be safe. And that is what Aero stands for,” Mahmoud said.

This helped to ease the system; yet, it did not tame the high fares because higher number of people travelled by air in 2021 than in the previous years because road transport was shunned due of security fears.

The airport manager of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Mrs. Rejoice Ndudinachi expressed surprise as the surge of passengers during the Christmas holiday and noted that in the past during the Christmas season, flights bring in full load but return to Abuja and Lagos empty; but this time, there was full load for inbound and outbound flights.

RIGHT FLEET

Aviation expert and the former Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Dr Richard Aisuebeogun observed recently that Nigerian airlines have started using the right aircraft for the right destination. He noted that in the past that was one of the many factors that helped to kill Nigerian carriers, using the wrong equipment.

From Embraer ERJ 145 to Airbus A320, Nigerian airlines in 2021 had clear idea about choosing the right equipment and deploying it correctly to maximise the benefits of any destination.

Aisuebeogun said one of the major factors that held Nigerian carriers back in the regional route

was the use of inappropriate aircraft to service the routes, stressing that most operators wanted to buy mid-sized aircraft for a route that could be sustained with a turbo-prop.

“Everyone wants to buy a mid-sized aircraft at that time when a turboprop would have been good for sustainable operations. So aircraft like the ATR-72-500/600 or the ATR42-300/500 would have been good. Then the CRJ-200, Embraer 145 would have fit sustainable operations on the West African sub region, unfortunately Nigerian airlines have a number of mid sized aircraft that attract high operating cost. “ Even when you tanker out of Lagos, the cost of fuel in Freetown, in Monrovia, in Bamako or in Abidjan, in Dakar or in Banjul is extremely expensive. At a point it will be double the cost of fuel in Nigeria,” he said.

CUSTOMS DUTY WAIVER

Another factor, as many industry stakeholders noted, is that modern aircraft are beginning to come into the industry, from the latest aircraft in the world, E195-E2 acquired by Air Peace to Airbus A220 acquired by Ibom Air to other aircraft in between, Nigerian operators, stakeholders noted, have started making the right choice of equipment.

Modern aircraft have improved fuel economy, they do not break down often so they cost less to maintain and they have more sophisticated corresponding weather and low visibility equipment.

One of the major achievements of the Buhari administration in the aviation industry in 2021 was government’s removal of duties on commercial aircraft and spares. The airlines said that with the full implementation of the waiver, airlines would save huge amount of money and noted that that was one of the significant ways governments support airlines in the world.

Speaking on behalf of Airline Operators on Nigeria (AON) in July last year, the Vice President of the body, Allen Onyema said President Muhammadu Bubari, in his magnanimity, granted the airlines waivers on customs duties on aircraft.

“AON, for the avoidance of doubt, commends the federal government for its unflinching support for the growth of indigenous investments in Nigeria.

This was very evident in the manner the government got this challenge addressed immediately within 48 hours to the joy of the airlines. We equally commend the Nigerian Customs Service for also assisting the airlines, including but not limited to Air Peace that was used as an example, in getting their aircraft spares and aircraft released. Our planes have since started flying,” he said.

SETBACKS

One of the major setbacks of the Nigerian aviation sector was the scarcity and high cost of foreign exchange. Another was also the high cost of aviation fuel, which continues to increase unpredictably and also poor airport facilities.

Airlines import spares with foreign currency, pay for aircraft maintenance in foreign currency, carry out training and retraining overseas and also insure their aircraft in foreign currency. So basically, almost every major expense by airlines is done in foreign currency, except aviation fuel. Airlines operators said that throughout last year it was extremely difficult to obtain foreign exchange and indications show that it would be the same this New Year.

Airlines complained that the price of aviation fuel continues to rise and oil marketers do not give prior notification so that airlines would adjust their fares in recognition of the increase, so they sell their tickets with the old price of aviation fuel and airlift passengers under the new price, as most tickets are bought in advance.

THISDAY also learnt that airlines faced tremendous infrastructure challenge during the peak season in December 2021, as facilities at the terminals in many airports were stretched and some of them like the conveyor belt began to break down.

Former Chief Operating Officer of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi told THISDAY that despite all efforts by airlines to increase fleet, there is still reduction in capacity, which means airfares would continue to go up. This coupled with high cost of forex and increase in the price of aviation fuel would ensure that fares would remain up.

“There is natural tendency that the fares will remain up because there is lack of forex, naira is sliding and there is high fuel prices. Fuel cost rose from N180 to N300 per litre. All these are recipe for high ticket fares; unless there is deliberate effort to increase capacity by government making dollars available to airlines at a more affordable rate, but we contemplate stability when Dangote Refinery comes on stream in the area of aviation fuel, if it would be refining the product,” Sanusi said.

SOLUTIONS

The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuhu recently said that there was significant improvement in the industry in 2021 and disclosed that more airlines would be given Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in 2022. This would help to boost capacity, drive down fares, as competition would check the high fares.

It is also hoped that the federal government would concession four major airports in the country in the New Year. This is expected to bring in modernisation of airport facilities to enhance passenger facilitation, as the Director of Engineering, Ibom Air, Lukeman Animaseun noted that in December airport terminal facilities were stretched and this led to flight delays and passengers on arrival waited too long to board to collect their bags because conveyor belts in some terminals broke down.

THISDAY learnt that there are still Nigerian airlines’ aircraft still in maintenance facilities overseas and almost all of them would be brought back before the end of the first quarter of 2022. This would boost capacity of operating aircraft in the country and would help reduce delays, flight cancellation and also tame the current high cost of tickets.

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MARITIME

People, Events That Shaped Maritime Industry in 2021 Eromosele Abiodun writes that apart from the launch of maritime security assets under the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, also known as the Deep Blue Project, the maritime industry in 2021 was mainly overshadowed by the suspension of Hadiza Bala-Usman as the Managing Director of the NPA

Amaechi

W

ith the impact of Covid-19 gradually easing off, the maritime industry received the cheering news of the re-appointment of Hadiza BalaUsman for a second term of five years as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). Bala-Usman had embarked on reforms and ensured that the ports are efficient and competitive, a development that endeared her to major stakeholders in the industry. The jubilation that trailed her re-appointment did not last. Two months after her appointment, it was clear that the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi was not happy with Bala Usman and was bent on removing her from office. As was expected, the presidency released a statement in late April announcing her suspension.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu in the statement said President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the suspension of the Managing Director, NPA, Hadiza Usman.

The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the recommendation of the Ministry of Transportation under Rotimi Amaechi for the setting up of an Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority.

“The President has also approved that the Managing Director, Hadiza Bala Usman, step aside while the investigation is carried out. Mr Mohammed Koko will act in that position.

“The panel is to be headed by the Director, Maritime Services of the Ministry while the Deputy Director, Legal of the same ministry will serve as Secretary. Other members of the panel will be appointed by the minister.”

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, had in a January 21 statement announced Usman’s re-appointment for second term of five years.

The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the re-appointment of Hadiza Bala Usman as Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority, for additional five-year tenure.

“Also approved is the reconstitution of the Non-Executive Board of the NPA, with Mr Emmanuel Olajide Adesoye (from South-west zone) as Chairman.

“Other members of the Board are: Prince Ekenyem Nwafor-Orizu (South-east zone), Akinwunmi Ricketts (South-south zone), Ghazali Mohammed Mijinyawa (North-East zone), Mustapha Amin Dutse (North-West zone), and Abdulwahab Adesina (North-Central zone).” The industry never recovered from the ugly development throughout the year under review.

MARITIME SECURITY

As the anger and trepidation that trailed the suspension of Bala-Usman was still raging, Nigeria

DG NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh in June of 2021 launched her maritime security assets under the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure, also known as the Deep Blue Project.

The Project was initiated by the Federal Ministry of Transportation and Federal Ministry of Defence, and implemented by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

The main objective of the Deep Blue Project is to secure Nigerian waters up to the Gulf of Guinea (GoG). The Project has three categories of platforms to tackle maritime security on land, sea, and air.

The land assets include the Command, Control, Communication, Computer, and Intelligence Centre (C4i) for intelligence gathering and data collection; 16 armoured vehicles for coastal patrol; and 600 specially trained troops for interdiction, known as Maritime Security Unit.

The sea assets include two Special Mission Vessels and 17 Fast Interceptor Boats. The air assets comprise of two Special Mission Aircraft for surveillance of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ); three Special Mission Helicopters for search and rescue operations; and four Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

The Deep Blue Project is the first integrated maritime security strategy in West and Central Africa with the aim of tackling the incidences of piracy, sea robbery, and other crimes at sea.

With the official launch of the Deep Blue project in June (even though it had been operational since February 2021), the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) in October said incidents of piracy in the first nine months of 2021 in the GoG are the lowest reported in 17 years.

The latest report from the IMB showed that the Gulf of Guinea region recorded 28 incidents of piracy and armed robbery in the first nine months of 2021, compared to 46 at the same period in 2020.

The report noted that: “Nigeria reported only four, compared to 17 in 2020 and 41 in 2018. Crew kidnappings in the region dropped with a single crew member kidnapped in quarter three of 2021, compared to 31 in five separate incidents during the same quarter in the preceding year.

“All 2021 quarter three incidents were against vessels at port anchorages and the average successful kidnapping location was 100 nautical miles from land.

“The overall reduction of piracy and armed robbery incidents in the region bears testament to enhanced maritime security and response coordination measures adopted by regional and national authorities.”

Usman

The year 2021 also saw the presence of more foreign navies in the GoG, with two of them, the Russian and Danish Navies helping to thwart what would have been another piracy attacks off Nigerian waters.

PORT OF CRISIS

With the change of guard in May 2021 at the NPA, an Administrative Panel of Inquiry was set up to investigate the agency under her.

In her absence, the agency’s former Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mohammed Bello-Koko has held sway in acting capacity, battling with the ghost of what was being rumored as his betrayal of his boss and what was left of the many ills that had plagued the nation’s port environment prior to his appointment as temporary MD. While the agency declared a record haul of revenue in November of 2021 by earning N256.28billion as at end of September as against the expected N214.65billion approved for it by government, the roads leading to the ports have remained an issue the current acting Managing Director of the NPA is still yet to resolve.

Despite the successes of the E-Call-Up system popularly known as Eto in Apapa port and its environs, the initiative as failed to address congestion issues and extortion activities in and around the Tin-Can ports axis. The ports access roads leading to TinCan ports as continued to be manned by unauthorized checkpoints where truckers are extorted of un-receipted charges. The influx of miscreants and area boys popularly called ‘ECOMOG BOYS’ along the Tin-Can ports access roads have made a mess of the NPA’s E-Call-System. With 2022 beckoning, it is expected that the agency will find a lasting solution to the menace of illegal checkpoints along the Tin-Can ports.

RAILWAY

The year 2021 began on a high for the nation’s rail sector with the introduction of e-ticketing for train services on the AbujaKaduna route by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) in January. According to the Managing Director of the NRC, Fidet Okhiria, the essence of the e-ticketing is to enable people to access tickets easily with fewer hurdles, especially during this period of social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Engineer Okhiria added that the e-ticketing would also ensure that the database of all passengers boarding the train was captured in case of emergencies and for other purposes.

This initiative was also followed by the commencement of full passenger train services

on the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge rail in June of 2021 when President Mohammadu Buhari flagged off the service in Lagos. The commencement of the Lagos-Ibadan train services, alongside the Abuja-Kaduna and Warri-Itakpe train services which had earlier began in 2020, revolutionized train services in Nigeria. The Lagos-Ibadan rail services commencement completed the trio of provision of modern train services to Nigerians as earlier promised by the Federal Government.

However, a bomb blast on one of the rail tracks of the Abuja-Kaduna train services in October of 2021 almost changed the way passengers view the train services as an alternative to road transport that had now become prone to bandits attacks and abductions.

In the words of Mohammed Hassan, a train passenger who was onboard when suspected bandits blew away one of the Abuja-Kaduna rail tracks, “It is important that the Federal Government and the NRC improve security on the train services because they have become the only alternative for many who travel between Kaduna and Abuja in recent days due to insecurity on the roads. If bandits now have the effrontery to bomb rail tracks, I think more security patrol should be carried out along the rail tracks periodically to avoid stories that touch.”

MARITIME EDUCATION

The nation’s maritime education recorded giant strides in capacity development with the arrival of 20 pieces of Ocular Vision simulators in the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) in April of 2021. This followed the 2020 acquisition of three state-of-the-art simulators, namely the Full Mission Bridge Simulator, the Full Mission Engine Room Simulator and the Multifunctional Classroom, which is the latest in marine training simulators and can sit up to 30 cadets in a work station.

Rector of the Academy, Commodore Duja Effedua (Rtd) who made this known to newsmen, said the Academy had placed its order early in January 2021.

The Ocular Vision is the latest in the world of engine room simulators. When worn on the head (head-mounted), it launches you into a virtual engine room in which you can carry out all functions as is done in the engine room.

According to the Rector, these additional simulators further strengthens the academy’s purpose to be outstanding in maritime education and churning out cadets of global standard.

He also disclosed that the Faculty has an additional professional marine engineer for training of the cadets.

The Academy also rounded up the year with its 2021 Graduation ceremony where 219 cadets graduated with different honours in Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and Higher National Diploma (HND).

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FRIDAY JANUARY 7, 2022 •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

Patience Johnson: Making

Nigeria Proud Globally

T H I S D AY ˾ ͵, 2022

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COVER

Patience Johnson: Making Nigeria Proud Globally Dr. Patience Johnson, a Nigerian, is the first African woman to earn the title of Cosmetic Professional Landlady in Germany.

She is a medical icon who won the 2021 World Education Iconic award as “Iconic Doctor” and “Iconic Leader” in New Delhi India for her contributions in the field of education. She was also honoured in India for her exemplary leadership in education with the“Outstanding Edupreneur of the Year 2021”award. A cerebral woman of substance and inventor of permanent make-up machine, Johnson is celebrated in the beauty and aesthetics industry as the world’s most adroit user of laser technology in the treatment of beauty and skin issues. In this exclusive interview with MARY NNAH, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of her sojourn in the world of beauty and aesthetics, she speaks about her triumphs and challenges, her experiences in Germany and Nigeria and why every nation needs discipline and quality leadership to sustain its corporate existence and command the loyalty of citizens and promote happiness management is more professional because here, you get to meet a specialist that can analyse your skin and the cause of your ailment and the proper treatment or cream for it. It has come to my notice that once our people have any issue on their skin, they engage in self-medication or buy some certain creams without proper recommendation. In doing so, they cause more harm than good to themselves.

Your biodata is quite interesting. It is recorded that you started out as a housemaid in Nigeria. Today you are a global icon in your professional calling. How did it all happen? ell, I grew up in Nigeria as a housemaid, the one that hardship inspired and motivated me to strive so that my children would not go through what I passed through in my life. Just as I said earlier, I didn’t see being a maid as a problem but an arena that God was using to prepare me for the leadership role ahead.

I remember having my own business at the age of nine. The picture of becoming somebody had always been there and I worked so hard to accomplish that. I grew up with my grandmother who gave me the most precious gift on earth which is my spiritual foundation and her words before she died was “Through you, our family name will be known all over the world and you shall be great to serve your generation.”

So I grew up serving, I found joy in serving, which is one of the things that have made me outstanding among my peers. I grew up in the church with morals and God sent me to Germany to sharpen my morals with discipline. So, my foundation gave me the basic keys to build and live properly.

My childhood was nothing to write home about - because I needed to work to earn my school fees. The suffering kicked in immediately when my grandmother died, but I am grateful today because all those things I saw as suffering then I treasure as tools I needed to be where I am today. My life should be an inspiration to my generation.

W

Tell us more about your exploits in the world of beauty and aesthetics that have catapulted you to the world brand that you have become Well, I am Founder/CEO of Derma Contour Skin Clinic worldwide with head office in Germany. Currently, I am consulting at Derma Contour Aesthetic and Beauty Clinic, Abuja, treating all kinds of skin diseases. I am a prolific writer, motivational speaker, an author, a beauty and aesthetic industry entrepreneur, and a multi-award winning international tutor.

I am an Eagle Award Recipient in Germany on corporate leadership.

Globally, Derma Contour is 20 years old.

Derma Contour operations in Germany, United States and United Kingdom also include an advanced training centre for people who are already in the field for their continuous education. Recently, I was recognised in India as an outstanding Edupreneur of the year 2021

by World Education Summit Awards. I am a world-renowned German-trained Cosmetic Dermatologist, a Professor in healthcare, and Eminent Researcher.

I am the first African lady to acquire these titles of Cosmetic Professional Landlady (BFA) and Specialist and Manageress in Germany, I am also a medical icon who won the world education icon award as an Iconic Doctor and Iconic Leader in India.

I was also given a Best Medical Practice award in Oxford, United Kingdom from Europe Business Assembly and European Medical Association for demonstrating a significant resilience and adaptability to the difficult conditions of a pandemic and providing safe and high quality medical services, as well as effectively introducing innovative solutions and treatment approaches.

The European Business Assembly Research Centre recommended me for the prestigious International Award in the healthcare sphere ‘Rose of Paracelsus’. This is in recognition of my excellent reputation, safe and effective

You lived for a long time in Germany where the system works and here where the system is still beset with a lot of hiccups. What is in our system, in our politics that is not right?

Asking me about politics in Nigeria is like asking me to write another bestseller book.

Where would one start? You can’t start with something that has no foundation or starting point. I usually tell people the best way to find a solution is to go to the root.

That is the exact way I operate in my clinic. You may come with a skin issue; we may end up treating kidney, liver or even heart. Why? Because for you to cure a disease, you have to find out the underlying factor or trigger. If you can find it, then the solution is not farfetched.

Well I had an opportunity to interact with many of your politicians to find out why they are all singing the same song, which also is a song that they don’t know how to sing which is occupying a seat they don’t know anything about: English men call it incompetence! It’s like you giving a medical doctor a Mercedes vehicle to fix, what do you expect? It is better to expect more damage.

I found out that there is no single sign of leadership in any of them. Leadership is also about sacrifices - I left my good life in Germany to come here to take care of people.

For me, that is what leadership is about. I have been working in Nigeria for the past four years without any pay but I make sure that workers’ salaries are met, even if it means me digging deeper in my private account to pay.

Leadership is selfless - I can’t imagine having billions in my account while the people around me are dying of hunger. That is what I see in Nigerian politics. I see people who have sold their conscience for money.

Patience Johnson treatment methods and progressive medical programmes.

The award granted the symbol of reliability to the best practitioners and clinics whose professionalism is confirmed, not only by formal standards, but by the trust of clients.

I am a versatile person. I want to help my clients achieve both inner and external wellness and beauty and that is exactly what we focus on at Derma Contour.

Beauty treatment is the one you get in a spa and wellness parlour but health

My dream is to build as many entrepreneurs as possible who will be ready to go “through the process”not just pursuing money. I wish to produce people who will be ready to sacrifice and not just to consume. We need more producers in the world, especially in Africa

How do you see Derma Contour in the next two decades?

In the next two decades, I believe that my children will take over while I go to rest.

There is so much we can still achieve. The first 20 years were not easy but I think the next 20 will be much easier because we have learnt a lot in the journey - we have more than enough experience that can help us solve any problem that we may come across.

There will be challenges but what matters most will be how we face and manage them.

Derma Contour has come to stay - that I know for certain.

I am not thinking of retirement yet, what will I do if I go on retirement? The first 20 years is just the beginning of the journey. We are yet to unfold our packages. Like I said earlier, Derma Contour is a tree with many branches; we are working hard to continue to water and prune that tree.

Successors are already on ground but I will still hang around to assist whenever my advice is needed. We don’t intend to stop only in Nigeria for the mission we have for Africa. Our next target in Africa is South Africa, Uganda, Ghana and Ivory Coast. My dream is to build as many entrepreneurs as possible who will be ready to go “through the process” not just pursuing money. I wish to produce people who will be ready to sacrifice and not just to consume. We need more producers in the world, especially in Africa.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͵, 2022

Newly Launched Adire on Wheels would Boost Economic Growth Says Ooni of Ife Stories by Mary Nnah Chairman of theAdire Oodua Textile Hub, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has said that the newly launched Adire mobile boutique, “Adire on Wheels” will boost the economic growth of the country by providing employment to the teaming unemployed youths in the nation.

Speaking during the Lagos launch of the Adire on Wheels recently, the Ooni of Ife said, “We have a lot of youths that are unemployed, so we need to continue to be creative and come up with new innovations.”

Describing the initiative as a beautiful idea being driven by Princess Ronke Ademiluyi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Adire Oodua Textile Hub, the royal father said the enterprise will take a lot of youths off the streets in terms of employment, adding that, “The Adire on Wheels is a product of theAdire Oodua Textile Hub being driven

by Princess Ronke Ademiluyi and we are very proud of what she is doing”.

Adire on Wheels, first of its kind, is a new project of the Adire Oodua Textile Hub courtesy of His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, who keeps

seeing the need to empower and support the youths.

“For the initiative Adire on Wheels, our plan is to have 15 persons per wheel and we would spread it across the entire country and by virtue of that our youths don’t need to be looking for employment but rather would be self-employed.

“And also, those depending on imported materials will redirect their interests to locally made fabrics and as such will boost local production and boost economic growth – the bottom line is employment for our youths”, the Ooni added.

Speaking further, Oba Ogunwusi said, “You can imagine a total package for each youth.

15 of them can have a wheel (a motor vehicle) and would be given a catchment area where they would sell to the people around that area after work as a lot of them do not have the time to go to shops but can easily buy authentic Africa fabrics from the Adire on Wheels.”

The Adire on Wheels is a mobile van that is branded with Adire and has so many Adire designs in it for sale.

The initiator of the project, Princess Ademiluyi, who is also the coordinator of both the annual African Fashion Week London and African Fashion

Ooni of Ife, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi commissioning the Adire on Wheels in Lagos while Princess Ronke Ademiluyi and other watche Week Nigeria, expressed gratitude to God for having the opportunity to re-launch and be more innovative and more creative despite the global challenges in the last couple years.

“We all know what happened in 2019; it was a year of COVID, a lot of businesses shut down; we couldn’t have African Fashion Week London, or the African Fashion Week Nigeria, so ending the year with

the launch of Adire on Wheels, which is the project of the Adire Oodua Textile Hub, Ile Ife, is every reason to be grateful”, she noted.

Speaking further, she noted, “What we intend to do is that a lot of people cannot come

to Ife and we also know that Lagos is the commercial centre of Nigeria, so we decided to bring it to Lagos and besides the Adire on Wheels, we are going to be offering workshop services and selling to the public as well.”

Siju Iluyomade’s Passion to Support Humanity Globally Gathers More Momentum at 58 Regardless of religion, tribe, and ethnicity, Dr. Siju Iluyomade has continued to give her all to better the life of many, using her Arise Women Foundation to intervene in so many areas of human needs.

Her efforts to empower the less privileged people and support the effort of government in every area of endeavour has

been acclaimed to be one of the most outstanding among the lots, who follow the same passion as hers. This trait of hers, many agreed, resonated to the birth of the Non-Government Organisation (NGO).

Not only that, Siju, as she’s fondly called, is known to have nurtured charitable hopes and determination to help women

Seventh-day Adventist Church Commissions Redesigned Headquarters with Musical Concert “Stay united”. This call topped the message as no fewer than 500 members turned up to celebrate the commissioning of the remodelled Western Nigeria Union conference administrative headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Maryland, Lagos with a musical concert.

The union, which is one of three in Nigeria making up the 23 countries of the West Central Africa Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, provided live streaming for members worldwide.

Expectedly, the church auditorium was a kaleidoscope of colours as different musical groups turned out to glorify God. The occasion also provided a platform for honouring pioneers and other leaders.

Among these were 101-year old Pastor Awoniyi and his wife, Vertibelle, as well as 96-year old Pastor Adeniji. Also honoured for their contributions were late Pastor Caleb Adeogun, Pastor Tambaya Luka Daniel and Pastor J. M Adeoye.

Immediate past President, Pastor (Dr) Joseph Ola sent his congratulatory message from Texas, USA. So did other church leaders from the West Central Africa Division of the Seventh-day

Adventist Church headquarters in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire and sister churches from Ghana.

Besides the host choir, other supporting singing groups turned out to grace the event.

Among these were the Babcock University choir, Adventist Women’s Ministries and Adventist Men’s Ministries’ choirs.

The Youth Ministries were not left out as they mounted a special guard of honours.

“Without doubt, God alone deserves all the praise and thanksgiving for the tremendous landmark accomplished so far,” said President of the WNUC, Pastor (Prof) Oyeleke Owolabi.

“Whatsoever we are celebrating today, kudos must be given to the dedicatory service of our pioneers who, through thick and thin, prepared the way before us.”

In his sermontte, Where Do We Go from Here? President of the Eastern Nigeria Union Conference of the Church, Pastor (Prof) Bassey Udoh, called on church members to stay united.

He said it was great to celebrate God’s leading thus far but reminded all of the need to form a united front against the enemy’s onslaught so the church could focus on soul winning.

efficiently thrive in life.

She institutionalised the Handmaidens Women in Leadership Series (HWILS) to build intentional leaders.

While speaking recently during one of her programmes, Dr Siju, who will on January 8, 2022 celebrate her 58th birthday by giving out to the less privileged in

parts of the country said, “My dream is to make sure Arise affects every parts of human life globally in terms of health, housing, education, empowerment, farming and many more.

“In the last 14 years, we have achieved so much by putting structures like hospitals, school buildings,

computerised libraries and boreholes in communities across the country.”

The Arise COVID-19 Clinic through her initiative has also been activated where Booster and COVID-19 vaccines have been given to people through support from the Lagos State government.

A lawyer of many decades,

through her humanitarian work, she has also branded a food basket called ‘Arise Pink Bucket’.

The content includes food items like rice, semo, tomato paste, groundnut which distribution to every local government in Lagos State has already started with AmuwoOdofin LG.

Solaps to Lessen Energy Deficiency in Nigeria Solaps, Solar energy solution provider is set to bring a lasting solution to the energy problem in Nigeria through its new products. According to the CEO/ Founder of Solaps, Omololu William Noibi, the brand new products have been launched as a part of countermeasures against the country’s energy deficiency and would provide the much-needed electrification crisis solution.

Speaking during the launch in Lagos, Noibi said, “Solaps originally founded in the USA in 2010 but was registered in

2021 in Nigeria, is a smart solar company. “Our mission is to accelerate the adoption of solar renewable energy worldwide.

We started with small applications with phone charging but now we can do anything from home appliances to whole cities with our solar hardware and software.”

The company strives for affordable and reliable solar energy solutions for the people of Nigeria in the next few years and alleviates the country’s energy poverty. Its CEO reiterated that job creation would

be a priority for Nigerians, encouraging quality local green employment opportunities.

The products launched include Solaps Phone Case, Solaps Tablet Case. Solaps Backpack, Solaps Jacket and Solaps Travel Bag. On efforts made to make it reachable to the grassroots people, Noibi said, “Our key effort is to partner with the Telecoms - the MTN and the likes, so that we can subsidise the cost of the devices to the people who cannot afford it. We would like to give away our products.”

Speaking further, he said, “We are opening up our first office hopefully in February 2022 in Nigeria, meanwhile, we are currently based in Toledo Ohio at the University of Toledo Launchpad Incubation Facility, it is basically a laboratory. Our push to the market involves opening marketing and sales offices first in Lagos.”

For his customers, he said, “I have an encouraging solution; therefore our customers should look forward to an easier time in earning and saving money as well.”

Nwadioke Joins CIARB as International Arbitrator Precious Ugwuzor Senior lawyer and Council Member of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law, Mr. Emeka Nwadioke has been admitted as a member of the globally acclaimed Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), United Kingdom.

Notifying Nwadioke of his success at the rigorous assessment process spanning panel interviews in Nigeria and written examination administered by its London Office, the Institute said: “We are pleased to inform that you are now aMemberCIArb. Membership

of CIArb demonstrates that a person has reached a high standard of excellence and proficiency when it comes to dispute avoidance.”

CIArb is the recognised global and trusted thought leader on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), operating in over 40 countries.

As a certified international arbitrator, Nwadioke is now eligible to use CIArb’s globally recognised post-nominal letters corresponding to his status, having also been inducted as a member. Based across and supported by an international network of 42 branches, the Institute supports members’ career de-

velopment, enabling them to compete in an ever-changing market.

Its network of worldwide branches provides members with the knowledge, skills and resources to develop their expertise and to be at the forefront of practice excellence by attending, sharing, and engaging on a global level.

Aside from CIArb’s International Arbitration course, Nwadioke has participated in several programmes on international arbitration, mediation and case management. He is also a member of the prestigious Lagos Court of Arbitration (LCA).

Nwadioke is the Lead

Partner of Emeka Nwadioke & Co, a full-service law firm operating out of Lagos. A Notary Public for Nigeria, he is also accredited with Nigeria’s corporate registry and the Trademarks Office.

He has served the Nigerian Bar in several roles including being a member of the NBA Criminal Justice Reform Committee; member, Local Organising Committee (LOC), NBA Annual General Conference (2017); Publicity Secretary, NBA Lagos Branch; Ex-Officio Member, NBA Lagos Branch and Chairman, Police Duty Solicitors Scheme (PDSS), NBA Lagos Branch.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͵, 2022

E-TRENDS

MUSIC SHOWBIZ

…Your weekly entertainment delight

NOLLYWOOD

Music Stars Who Will Ride 2022 Iyke Bede profiles some of the music stars that will steer the musical wheel of 2022

P

erusing through the avalanche of records released last year, bodies of works curated by promising artistes whose charisma sometimes eclipse those of existing chart-toppers, are easily overlooked for obvious reasons such as lack of promotion or the lacklustre agency of their production team to discern possible trends.

While this isn’t always the case, some of them go on to snag the attention of music lovers on the local and international scene, albeit not having a vast body of work to vouch for their prolificity. Of course, they enjoy their time in the limelight, but at the same time, most music lovers tend to cheer them on with a bit of scepticism.

Judging by the power of their potential, here are the top picks of artists who are certain to steer the musical wheel of 2022.

Oxlade With his breakaway song ‘Away’ released in the early months of the pandemic, Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman continues being the gift that keeps giving. This success of the groovy, guitar-laden song was followed by the dreamy ‘O2’, a quiet storm in its own right.

Characterised by his mellow, honey tinged falsettos, he caught the eye of Nigerian Rappers M.I and Ice Prince. In March of 2021, he scored the highly successful ‘Kolo’ with the Ice Prince, and this was swiftly followed by the moderately successful ‘All My Life’ with M.I. Although no album to his name yet, the dreadlock rocking star has two extended plays (EPs) to showcase his range: ‘Oxygene’ (March 2020), and ‘Eclipse’ (August 2021). While he’s yet to gain major international recognition, his consistency is reassuring, especially of his future body of work that hopefully highlights his growth.

Liya Reminiscent of the late Goldie Harvey, Abdulsalam Suliyat stamps her prominence

Oxlade

Liya

Ruger

with flamboyant wears accentuated by bright colours. But don’t let the over-the-top fashion sense fool you, the sultry singer is fast carving a niche for herself.

In what can be best described as the juncture where folk music marries contemporary afrobeats, Liya mesmerizes with pure melismatic vocals.

Signed to Davido Music World, the DMW first lady sounds nothing like any female act currently. This claim is calculated on her EP that houses debut single ‘Melo’, the mellow ‘Olodumare’, and the foot-tapping ‘Lakiriboto’ that gains an assist from DaVido.

With increased social media presence in recent times, it can be summed that ‘Liya is coming.’

in tracks like ‘Bow’ and ‘Abu Dhabi’. Although not limited in range, he switches to blend with what is expected of an average afrobeats artist on several other tracks like ‘Monalisa’ and ‘Yekpa’.

Following the success of ‘Pandemic’, he released the four-track EP ‘The Second Wave’ that houses the Tik Tok favourites ‘Dior’ and ‘Snapchat’.

Wearing the bad boy persona, one can only wonder what is left to be done by our favourite bad boy.

global audience. Betting on this exposure he has received in his career due to the track, it is certain that budgets will be revised for better production.

Ruger Tall, dark, magenta hair, and a pirate eye patch to go with, Michael Adebayo delivered one of the most memorable bangers of 2021: ‘Bounce’.

‘Bounce’ was released off his 2020 EP aptly titled ‘Pandemic’. Ruger’s musical style reveals a heavy influence of dancehall music as reflected

CKay Born Chukwuka Ekweani, CKay enjoyed a ride to acclaim with the global hit ‘Love Nwantiti’. The catchy tune is the go-to track for many content creators, who put their spin on it.

No newcomer to the music scene, the singer kicked off his music career in 2016 after getting signed to Chocolate City, and went on to release three EPs: ‘Who the Fuck Is CKay?’ (2017), ‘CKay the First’ (2019), and ‘Boyfriend’ (2021).

Recently, he performed ‘Love Nwantiti’ at The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to a

FAVE GodsFavour Chidozie, aka FAVE, makes this list without an EP. She invalidates this requirement with the existing body she has amassed. From her debut single ‘M.O.M.M.S.’ to ‘Beautifully’, she makes it clear she’s laid claim to the contemporary R’n’B in the same fashion Niniola rules as house queen.

Off the emPawa roster, FAVE quietly won a better of 2021 with her smash hit ‘Baby Riddim’, a mid-tempo track that explores elements of Caribbean music in its instrumentation and lyricism, catapults the singer to the top of several charts and into mainstream consciousness.

Judging from the trajectory of fellow emPawa artiste Joeboy in years past, FAVE is likely to follow the same route to success, with 2022 recording major highlights in her budding career.

How Ex-BBNaija Contestant Niyi ‘Unmarried’, ‘Date My Family Nigeria’, Lucas Ologbenla: Blazing the Showbiz Trail in the Diaspora LawalisBuildingHisFashionBrand Others Return with New Seasons Vanessa Obioha

Vanessa Obioha Former BBNaija contestant Niyi Lawal is garnering ardent fans with his fashion style. With an intimidating height, the reality TV star sells his fashion brand mainly on Instagram, posting in outfits that not only speak volumes of his style but offer variety.

While others may have been born with a talent in fashion, Lawal’s love for the fashion world was born out of necessity. Due to his long limbs, he revealed that he has difficulty getting the right outfit.

“I was the guy who walked into a store and asked for the biggest sizes of clothes and accessories because of my height. I had only one shoe and I couldn’t wear trekkers (sandals) with the other kids.

I am very tall and noticeable.

So, I started making my own clothes and finding a way to style myself differently from the usual. I became a sensation for tall people and they started dressing well and carried themselves like they are supposed to,” he said in a recent chat. Lawal’s style is a bit of everything. Sometimes, he dresses down, throwing in a casual tracksuit matched with tees or jackets, other times, he wears a stylish suit that gives viewers a peekaboo of his welltoned build.

No doubt, his life has taken a good turn since he participated in the ‘Shine Ya Eye’ edition of Big Brother Naija. To him,

Mary Nnah

Ex-BBNaija housemate Niyi Lawal

the show is proof of his success with the spotlight that has been on him. From getting a homecoming reception from the Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde to managing a fantasy gaming platform called The League of X Gamers (LXG), indeed, the TV show is a stepping stone for Lawal to find his feet in the entertainment industry.

“Big Brother Naija is a clear example of success for me. My main goal was to make it to the show and I did. Winning the show would have been a bonus. I am successful in setting my goals and achieving them.

I have my family and we are happy together; that is just the best form it takes for me right now.”

An ambitious young man, Lawal’s ultimate dream is to become a life coach. So, it’s not uncommon to see his Instagram page littered with motivational posts. For instance, on December 1, 2021, he shared a post that encouraged young people to live their best lives.

Africa Magic is lighting up the viewing experience this month with a slew of new seasons of popular TV shows on its platform. The third season of the hit drama series ‘Unmarried’, and reality TV series, ‘Date My Family Nigeria’; as well as the fourth season of the popular comedy series, ‘My Siblings and I’ will be premiering this month.

The new season of ‘Date My Family’ which will start airing on Sunday, January 9, will see 13 new couples meet each other, go on a first date and possibly catch the love bug.

It will be followed by ‘My Siblings and I’ fourth season premiere on Monday, January 10. This family sitcom follows the Aberuagba family whose family mantra is “an Aberuagba’s business is every Aberuagba’s business!” The last season ended on an exciting note as Aunty Blessing’s ‘boo’ asked her to marry him but then misplaced the engagement ring.

The biggest question fans have to ask this season is - “will we be planning a wedding?”

‘Unmarried’, which follows the lives of three single women, will premiere Wednesday, 12 January on Africa Magic Showcase. Fans will see favourite ladies, Funbi (Enado Odigie), Kamsi (Folu Storms), and Nengi (Venita Akpofure), return to their screens following the second season finale cliffhanger. They will finally get their answers to what Nengi

Funke Akindele in My Siblings and I

decided to do with Ade’s baby and whom Funbi ended up choosing. Then, there is the question of how Kamsi and her ex, Lotanna, are faring after she went back to him.

In keeping with its commitment, MultiChoice continues to create local content that keeps viewers engaged and entertained. Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice Nigeria, Busola Tejumola, said: “Local content is at the heart of our production at Africa Magic. We continue to tell authentic Nigerian stories whilst showcasing the best entertainment content the continent has to offer.

These returningAfrica Magic series will tell the inclusive stories of Nigerian families with ‘My Siblings and I’, the current realities of unmarried women 30 years and older with ‘Unmarried’, and the competitive nature of dating in Nigeria through ‘Date My Family’. Fans of these series will be in for great entertainment ”, she said.

Lucas Alaba Ologbenla, one of the highly rated and well sought after showbiz promoters based in the United States, has not only made a name for himself in the Music industry, his love for promoting and sustaining his cultural values in the Diaspora is clearly evidenced in his massive support for the producers of indigenous movies through the deployment of Lucas9jaTV, to showcase African movies, rich in content and production.

Once more, he has reiterated his commitment to continue on the path of excellence, optimal productivity powered by diligence, with a view to creating mind blowing memorable experiences for the entertainers and the entertained.

Reputed among Nigerians and Africans in the diaspora for his exemplary role in proudly projecting the country’s flag bearers within the entertainment ambit via organising world class events, dominantly concerts graced by renowned artistes, the support for Nigerian filmmakers, upcoming artistes in the diaspora and back home, Ologbenla, founder and CEO of Benson Music records, is also notable for discovering, harnessing talents of upcoming artistes and elevating them to the cadre of excellence, thus connecting them with the local and International audience.

The unflinching support for emerging artistes is carried out

Lucas Ologbenla

on a massive scale inclusive of artiste management, artiste development, production and promotion for those signed on to the International label.

In recognition of this illustrious service, in 2021, he won The AMA Award; The Afrique Mommies Award in the Celebrities category. He also bagged the award for Record Manager of the year at the 2021 DCEM Awards and was further honoured with the Merit Award from the Toppyk International brand.

“I’m elated, honoured, and humbled with these awards in my kitty among others. It goes to show that diligence, resilience, does pay at the end of the day and that people appreciate the positive impact my brand is making in the music industry.

I’m committed to creating more opportunities that our people can leverage to excel”, he noted.

The events planner and amiable show promoter last year facilitated the performance of top rated artistes from Nigeria; Naira Marley, Kcee and Olamide to the United States.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͵, 2022

ART WEEKEND

…For pure art enthusiasts

Shipping Magnate Ogbeifun Probes Nigeria’s Maritime Economy in New Book The efforts to provide financial aid to Nigerian operators in domestic coastal shipping had been frustrated by a perceivable lack of transparency in the process of fund disbursement, leading to a new book on Nigeria’s Maritime Economy by the 70-year old Benin-born shipping magnate Greg Ogbeifun. Yinka Olatunbosun shares some excerpts of an interview with the author set out to do in that sector, both for government and operators like you?

First of all, I attempted to paint the true picture of what’s on ground out there. Maybe when people read the book they will know what the problem is, because the book is everywhere. If they read the book, and see the analysis; the best thing to do is encourage the honourable Minister of transport, working with maritime consultants to come out with guidelines to enable the funds to be disbursed. By returning the money to us doesn’t solve our problems, because we still need the facility. So what happened up till now is that some of us have been, and are still going to commercial banks and seeking loans at costly interest rates, thus making our operation a nightmare. There was an attempt to take some of that money and put it in a commercial bank, which runs contrary to the process of disbursing the funds, and on that basis, the Minister of finance stood against that move. That was what I heard.

Last year, you released a seminal book on Nigeria’s maritime life titled ‘Potentials of Nigeria’s Maritime Economy.’ It turns out to be a demystification of the myriads of challenges that plague the maritime sector in Nigeria. As the nation embraces 2022 with the burden of huge borrowing and dwindling revenue, it has become imperative to take a critical look at some of the issues raised in this book which can improve businesses and turn around the economy. Why can it be said that operators in the shipping sector find it difficult to access the CabotageVessel Financing Fund (CVFF)?

T

ÒÏÜÏ ÓÝ Ë ÖËÍÕ ÙÐ ÚÙÖÓÞÓÍËÖ áÓÖÖ ÞÙ ÎÙ ÞÒÏ ÜÓÑÒÞ ÞÒÓØÑ ÞÙ ÏØÝßÜÏ ÞÒËÞ ÞÒËÞ ÐßØÎ ÓÝ ËàËÓÖËÌÖÏ ÐÙÜ ÚÏÙÚÖÏ áÒÙ ËÜÏ ÓÖÖÏÑÓÌÖÏ˛ Þ˪Ý Ë àÏÜã ÝÓ×ÚÖÏ ÞÒÓØÑ˛ ßÜÓØÑ ÐÙÜ×ÏÜ ÜÏÝÓÎÏØÞ ÙÙÎÖßÍÕ ÙØËÞÒËØ˪Ý ËÎ×ÓØÓÝÞÜËÞÓÙؘ ÞÒÏ ÞÒÏØ ÓØÓÝÞÏÜ ÙÐ ÜËØÝÚÙÜÞËÞÓÙؘ ÎÜÓÝ ×Ëܘ ÎÏÍÓÎÏÎ ÞÙ áÙÜÕ áÓÞÒ ÞÒÏ ÞÒÏØ ÖÏËÎÏÜÝÒÓÚ ÙÐ ÓÑÏÜÓËØ ËÜÓÞÓ×Ï Î×ÓØÓÝÞÜËÞÓÙØ ËØÎ ËÐÏÞã ÑÏØÍã ̙ ̚ ÞÙ ÑÙ ÞÒÜÙßÑÒ ÞÒÏ ÏÝÞËÌÖÓÝÒÏÎ ÑßÓÎÏÖÓØÏÝ ÞÙ ÍÙ×Ï ßÚ áÓÞÒ Ë ÖÓÝÞ ÙÐ ÞÒÙÝÏ ÏÖÓÑÓÌÖÏ ÞÙ ËÍÍÏÝÝ ÞÒÏ ÐßØβ ÒÏÝÏ ÍÙ×ÚËØÓÏÝ ÞÒËÞ áÏÜÏ ÝÏÖÏÍÞÏΘ ÝÙ×ÏÒÙá áÏ áÏÜÏ ÙØÏ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÍÙ×ÚËØÓÏݘ ËØÎ ÞÒÏ ÖÓÝÞ áËÝ ÝÏØÞ ÞÙ ÞÒÏ ×ÓØÓÝÞÏܘ áÒÙ˜ Ìã ÖËá ÒËÝ ÞÒÏ ʨØËÖ ÝËã ËØÎ ÎÏÍÓÝÓÙØ ÙØ ÞÒÏ ÎÓÝÌßÜÝÏ×ÏØÞ ÙÐ ÐßØÎݲ But regrettably, when the list got to him, the minister took that list to the president. When the president saw the list and all the issues, he called for all the files of the eligible companies. We were all invited by the DSS office for the verification of the information about the ownership of the companies. So they did that, believing that Mr. President will ask the minister to disburse the funds. Instead, when Jonathan saw the money there, he asked why the former DG was sitting on that kind of money, and that was the last time we heard of the whole process.

After the change of government, you may

Ogbeifun

recall that the DG of NIMASA was arrested

by EFCC to give account because they had plundered the money; all of that has come to nothing. So, when Rotimi Amaechi became minister, he genuinely desired to grow the maritime sector, which means he wanted to see the real emergence of a national line. He had a genuine and honest intention of doing that.

He was going to use the targeted funds to put down an equity to attract foreign investors to partner with Nigeria to create a national line. We

quickly called his attention that that would be against the law, because the national line is not a Cabotage thing; it’s a global thing. Unlike the way we have it, that’s Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, for vessels operating in Nigerian waters.

When we told him he couldn’t do that, he now tried other means of setting up a committee to find a way round it, and, of course, that hasn’t come to be, for other reasons.

Essentially, what exactly is your book ‘The Potentials of Nigerian Maritime Economy’

From the book, the reader can decipher that there’s a government that would rather give business that was meant for its nationals to foreigners. And so revenues like taxes that ought to come to the government are lost.

Can you just walk us through that situation?

It’s unfortunate situation. The maritime sector is a massive platform for job creation. When you have a ship, there are all sorts of other activities around it. Maritime insurance is involved; the crew, the banks; so if you look at the entire value chain, you will see that freighting is just one fraction of the things we are losing, like not getting involved in carrying our own cargo. That’s one of the problems the ship owners face. NNPC once invited us to come up with ideas on how we can collaborate, influence a national fleet of tankers to participate in this project. We took time to make presentations. In the end, it was a complete waste of time. That’s absence of political will.

Nollywood Actor, Enyinna Nwigwe Honoured with ‘Chi Turu Ugo’Title from Imo Community Yinka Olatunbosun Nollywood actor producer, and creative entrepreneur, Enyinna Nwigwe has been conferred with the title ‘Chi Turu Ugo 1’ (meaning ‘One Crowned by God’) by the Logara community in Imo State, under the royal headship of HRH Felix I Njoku, the Ogaraku II of Logara.

The investiture which took place on December 26, 2021 before some prominent sons and daughters of Igbo land is coming on the heels of the activities of the Enyinna Nwigwe Foundation, ENF, which the actor established to provide succour to less fortunate members of the society.

Indigenes of Logara community are particularly enthralled with the activities of the foundation which provided

Nwigwe

palliatives for widows and other indigent members of the society during

the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, which the foundation executed with the generous support of organisations like the Dangote Group.

The actor who hails from Obiangwu, Ngor Okpala, Imo State, in his response to the honour said that it would motivate him to do more through the foundation.

“I feel really honoured. Titles are a big deal in my culture and with purpose, good intentions and a heart for other people, a title grants you a bit more audibility and access. I didn’t really see it coming, but being someone with an open mind to ideas that move and shape conversations, I figured I could really do a lot more for my community and beyond, by being a little more involved. I was made to understand the honour was given based on previous endeavours

for community. I did some work for the community during the lockdown, which was supported generously

by Dangote Group with essential food items. The foundation will not relent. We recently had outreach programmes in Abuja, where we supported people with wheelchairs and cash donations.

This traditional title is a call to do more and with the support of good-spirited individuals all over the world, we will do more for the good of the world we live in. As we start 2022, let us learn to live for one another and dream whatever we want. We will get there.”

The actor has left some imprints on some of the most phenomenal film productions including ‘The Wedding Party I and II.’ Although he started his career as a print and

runway model, the Obiangwu, Ngor Okpala, Imo State born actor in 2004 made an incursion into movies with a role in ‘Wheel of Change’.

Nwigwe‘s portrait by NigerianAmerican photographer, Iké Udé was selected to permanently be on exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African Art, Washington DC. Enyinna Nwigwe Foundation, ENF, is the philanthropic arm of the creative brand, Enyinna Nwigwe, established with the clear mandate to make the world a better place for the less-fortunate members of the society. Its major focus is on helping the less-privileged children and the disabled under #LetLoveLead. ENF receives support from kind-spirited individuals, organizations and corporate bodies.

of lived experiences.

Visitors at the centre would discover conversations from prominent womxn in the arts as part of the ‘Speaking for Myself’ podcast series in six episodes installed in the library section. In each episode, an influential woman in Nigeria’s cultural sector- a gallery owner, curator or arts writer-speaks to a womxn artist whose life and work

has inspired her The Conversations offers intimate glimpses into individual experiences of womanhood as well as the challenges and joys that these twelve womxn face in their quest to be creative and find meaning in their everyday lives.

In all, the exhibition aims to invoke diverse expressions of womxnhood, the multiplicity of experience and the importance of representation.

CCALagos Opens Doors to ‘The ()ther Room’ Yinka Olatunbosun The doors at the Centre for Contemporary Arts Lagos will be open till January 31st as the on-going exhibition titled ‘The ()ther Room’ continues to intrigue art lovers in the city. The show done in collaboration with Goethe-Institut Nigeria features works by Dandelion Eghosa,

Yadichinma Ukoha-Kalu, TaiwoAiyedogbon. It is a part of the celebrations to mark the 14 years of CCALagos’s championing contemporary art and culture. According to the press statement on the show, ‘The ()ther room’ is an interactive exhibition that uses visuals, sound and performance to speak to the different ways in which womxn artists are reconfiguring womanhood in relation to their

personal and cultural experiences.

In fact, by offering contextualized and fluid narratives that emphasize healing, resilience and memory, restrictive and archaic definitions of what it means to be a womxn –which are so a widely held in a stubbornly patriarchal society- are debunked.’’

The term ‘womxn’ is deliberately used to acknowledge that womanhood is in flux, shaped by a myriad

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͵, 2022

Two Top Cops, One Happy Couple Tunde Olusunle

Perhaps the highlight of the recent elevation of senior police officers into higher ranks, was the simultaneous promotion of a married couple of the force, to the rank of substantive police commissioner. Kehinde Patrick Longe, and his wife Yetunde, who were both deputy commissioners of police, moved up to the next rank, as contained in a press release from Police Service Commission, (PSC), Monday December 20, 2021.

Instructively, husband and wife were enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), same day, March 3, 1990, as Cadet Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP). This was upon the successful completion of training at the Police Academy, (POLAC), Wudil, Kano State. The Longes met at the police academy therefore and developed a relationship which has bloomed into a longsubsisting marriage.

Lifted up the ladder of seniority in the police in that same exercise, was the “better half” of another couple, who also met at the same police institution, at the same time as the Longes, and also became husband and wife! In this second instance, the husband was promoted this same time in December 2020.

The wife, however, was recognised in the more recent exercise. Availability of positions or vacancies, in the states of origin of officers under consideration, sometimes becomes an issue when moving them upwards at this level. We therefore have a scenario, which has similarly produced a “police commissioner couple,” from the police academy, whose relationship and marriage has straddled through more than three decades, thus far.

I have a longstanding relationship with the latter couple, which is as intertwined as it is interesting.

I first met Tony Adejoh Olofu, August 1985, at the Alvan Ikoku College of Education, (AICE), Owerri, Imo State, which used to be the permanent orientation camp of the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC), in our time. Olofu from Benue State, studied sociology at the University of Jos, while I came from what is now the old Kwara State, having read English, at the University of Ilorin.

Trust young people, there would usually be points of mutual intersections, in the kind of atmosphere provided by the youth corps camp. Our network of friends would broaden to include Dede Mabiaku, a top Afrobeat artist who studied theatre arts at the University of Benin, underwent his NYSC primary assignment in “Charly Boy Studios,” Oguta, Imo State, and Armstrong Idachaba, also a theatre arts graduate from Unijos, until recently, acting Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), among others.

While Olofu was deployed to the same AICE for his primary assignment, I was posted to Imo State Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri. To this extent, we were both in the state capital, and also in the same Community Development (CD) group.

CD groups were constituted by the alphabetical arrangement of the names of NYSC members, which meant that Olofu was in the same group as “Olusunle.”

To this extent, we rode in the same truck to the “NYSC Farm” located at Emekuku, on the outskirts of Owerri, every week, for our CD. My accommodation at the time was at Ikenegbu Layout, Owerri, a walking distance from the NYSC state office, so we would typically stroll to my place, upon our return from Emekuku, to have a bite and share the “communion of the bottle.” We exchanged weekend visits between each other, even as I “inducted” Olofu into the culture of watching live football. Till date, he tells our mutual friends that I dragged him to the stadium for the first time ever, those days when “Iwuanyanwu Nationale” shared the spotlight of soccer in the South East, with “Rangers International” of Enugu.

We went our different ways upon the completion of the NYSC in 1986. In the absence of the kind of telecommunications technology we have today, we resorted to exchanging letters, sent through the Nigerian Postal Service, (NIPOST), to keep in touch. And somehow, many of those letters came through, even if they took a little while.

I received one such letter from him sometime in mid-1993.

By this time, I had been appointed Director of Information and Public Affairs in the administration of the late first civilian governor of Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu. Olofu was serving in one of the police formations in the country. I’m trying to remember some lines from that correspondence now: “... Should you receive this letter, it serves as your formal invitation to my wedding to your sister from Kogi State and I will appreciate your presence and company, please.”

I got into perhaps the largest *agbada* possible on Saturday July 22, 1993 and drove from my base in Lokoja, to Okene for the event. Olofu sighted my grand costume from the high table where he was seated with other dignitaries, as I made my stately entry into the venue of the

CP Kehinde and CP Yetunde Longe

programme. He promptly directed one of the ushers to guide me to join special guests on the high table. As I exchanged pleasantries with the big people and the couple, I saw in the bride, a face I could remember very well from my alma mater, Unilorin. The mini campus of the institution was so very close knit in our generation, that you would have encountered a broad spectrum of schoolmates in the cafeteria, library, faculty blocks, lecture room zone, *Africa Hall,* the prime event centre of the school, and so on.

The bride was indeed my sister. Rhoda Adetutu Emmanuel, (her maiden name), was an alumnus of Unilorin where she studied political science. She graduated in 1986, a year after my generation of students. She had earlier attended the School of Basic Studies of the Kwara State College of Technology, (SBS), for her advanced level, and was also a year behind our set.

Her erstwhile faculty in Unilorin, “Business and Social Sciences,” abbreviated by students as “BSS,” was the most geographically contiguous to our own faculty of Arts, so it was possible to remember the faces of many people from both faculties. Following the August 27, 1991 creation of nine new states by President Ibrahim Babangida, Kogi Central, Mrs Olofu’s zone, and Kogi West, my senatorial zone, had been extracted from the old Kwara State, and joined with what is now Kogi East, taken out of the old Benue State. She was fittingly therefore, my sister.

The newly wed Mrs. Rhoda Adetutu Olofu, carried herself with requisite dignity and self respect in school. Unmistakably pretty, she was a bit reserved and very selective of her friends and associates. Those of us who were outgoing students, “card-carrying” party freaks as it were, who regularly crisscrossed parties and pubs from “Sawmill,” to “Adewole Estate,” to “GRA,” to “Niger Basin,” on the night time streets of Ilorin, knew ourselves.

We also knew our female “accomplices,” who were regularly on the “Groove Train,” with us. Mrs Olofu was not one of them.

In fact, we had a nickname for students whose daily itinerary in school, was the regimental route of: hostel, to the classroom and then to the library. We called them “triangular students!” She fitted this profile. The more unserious characters, who lived their lives between the Student Union Building (SUB) a one-stop-shop for liquor and culinary indulgence, and party venues in town, equally had their label. We festooned them with the acronym “NFA,” which translated as No Future Ambition!

With the dawn of democratic governance in 1999, I relocated from my old abode in Lagos, to Abuja, having been appointed a presidential aide by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. I had functioned as his media press secretary all through his campaign and he desired my membership

of his team. Tony Olofu and I would be conjoined again. He had just returned from a peacekeeping operation under the auspices of the United Nations in Angola.

Uncomfortable about the prospects of his family having to move around with him ever so frequently, in the name of routine postings and redeployments by the police, he desired a stable location for them. From his savings from the one-year UN assignment, he put up a modest bungalow in one of the satellite towns around Abuja and moved his family there.

Just like Olofu had anticipated, he got shuffled around fairly much by the NPF, serving as Commander, Mobile Police Squadron 25 (Mopol 25), Azumini, Abia State; Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Garki Division, Abuja, and Area Commander, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Satellite Towns, with his office in Kubwa, among others. He has also been Commander, *Operation Doo Akpo,* a special security outfit in Bayelsa State; Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations (DCP-Ops), Ebonyi State and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigations Department (DCP-CID), Bauchi State. Olofu has similarly been Commissioner of Police, Counter Terrorism Unit, (CP-CTU), at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. He was also Police Director of Operations and Intelligence, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, respectively.

Rhoda Olofu has been much more stable than her husband, which has enabled her to keep the home properly, in the regular absence of her husband. Except for a brief period during which she served in Keffi, Nasarawa State Police Command, she has traversed various departments at the Force Headquarters, notably serving as Assistant Commissioner of Police in-charge of Establishment, (AC Establishment) and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Training, (DCP Training). She has also functioned as Deputy Commissioner, Research and Planning (DCP R and P), before her recent promotion.

In 2004, my family and the Olofus, visited Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi State, for a weeklong excursion, as guests of the erstwhile governor of the state, Adamu Muazu. Children of both families have taken up the baton of the relationship between their parents, having been joined together in instances, by the educational institutions they attended.

They are best of friends, regularly honouring invites to events organised by one another.

From Olofu’s Otukpo home, to his village, Opaha, in Apa local government area of Benue State, I have been a serial guest.

In the same way, Olofu has been a regular caller to my hometown, Isanlu in Kogi State and to Ilorin, where my parents live. Our families on both sides, have fully

been incorporated into one another, such that I can call and relate very well with Olofu’s siblings, notably Dennis, David and Baba, just the way he nicknamed my brother, Toba Olusunle “Oshiomhole,” for feigning modesty, despite being a very senior government official.

We equally share mutual friendships with the same people in many instances, and relate with each other, as though we were playmates from childhood. Olofu doesn’t need my consent to banter with and “harass” my old friends like Gbenga Ayeni (a professor in Connecticut); Tivlumun Nyitse (chief of staff to the Benue governor), or Femi Ajisafe (a retired director from the federal ministry of transportation). In the same way, I can barge into his long time associates like John Ofotu (in England); Egwurube Obande (a businessman) and Garuba Uloko (formerly of the Nigerian Customs). As different from the vainglorious exhibitionism of many people in the uniformed services, you are not going to find police personnel milling around the abode of the Olofus, who are famous for their simplicity and unassuming carriage.

Mrs. Rhoda Olofu, potentially, joins the growing list of women who have risen to distinguished heights in the police force. Abimbola Ojomo, was the first female Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), appointed by the Obasanjo administration, January 22, 2002. Ivy Uche Okoronkwo is reputed as the very first female officer to head a state command, as one time Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State. She also rose to the position of DIG October 5, 2010. Farida Mzamber Waziri, an AIG and attorney, was the first female to be appointed Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), (a serially male dominated position since the inception of the agency under the Obasanjo administration), in 2008. Aishatu Abubakar, a veterinary doctor, recently became the first woman specialist in the police, to make the AIG cut.

As an alumnus of the “Better By Far” University of Ilorin, Mrs Olofu expands the number and quality of alumni of the institution, who have become top police officers and attained the rank of Commissioner, at the very least. They include Gbenga Adeyanju (who retired at the rank of AIG), Ayo Oguntuase (recently retired as police commissioner), Abdulkadir Mohammed, Amaechi Elumelu, Ayoku Yekini, (mni), Kehinde Longe, Adepoju Ilori, and many others. Erstwhile vice chairman of the Unilorin Alumni Association, FCT Chapter, Sa’adat Ismail, was also elevated Deputy Commissioner of Police, earlier this year.

Tony Olofu was born October 24, 1963, and his wife July 22, 1965. Coincidentally therefore, the wedding anniversary of the couple is the birthday of the wife. I have teased him in the past, that he applied police sense in consenting to having his wedding in 1993, on the day of the week which coincided with his wife’s birthday, because he wanted to escape having to entertain friends so many times, in the year! The Olofu union is blessed with lovely, well raised children. t5VOEF 0MVTVOMF 1I% QPFU KPVSOBMJTU

35

T H I S D AY ˾ ͵, 2022

POLSCOPE

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

Enough of Old Men in Aso Rock F ew years back, the National Assemble passed a bill called Not Too Young To Run. It was meant to create access to the youths who are interested in political governance.

The crusade for youth integration had been strong and the youths were indeed feeling left out and even shut out in the governing process in Nigeria. The Political elite populated by older men had to acquiesce. That was the end point of the concession they made. The electoral process was merely liberalized. It did not guaranty that younger folks will assume power. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) appeared to have been in cahoots. All kinds of political parties were formed. Many merely existed only in INEC’s list of political parties. It was just to give room for the anxious youths to fill in the gaps. Both INEC and political watchers knew the ‘new comer parties” were merely there to fulfill all righteousness. Having failed to achieve the full essence of the intent of the Bill, we must now move from Not Too Young To Run, to Not Too Young To Rule.

The first proof of readiness, sadly, was/ is essentially in the financial war chest of those seeking office. Most of the young men and women angling for one office or the other are either people frustrated in the congested labour market or those struggling to stay afloat in the Nigerian economy. How are such persons thus expected to raise the huge funds usually required to undertake the electoral process in Nigeria? Thus, they set out to fail. Or at best, rank as one of the “also-rans’. And that is where it ends. The show is yet in the bosom of the old and crafty politicians.

These are the people who warehouse the nation’s funds. They are the ones who half-heartedly did the contract projects of the previous years, or those who outrightly “looted” the treasury in the name of one executing one contract or the other, but actually did not do any thing, yet got all the money so allocated and even more.

Little wonder some projects are reoccurring decimals in the nation’s annual budget.

Many of them are those in the National Assembly, who seem to have perfected the art of “Budget Padding’, under the auspices of “constituency projects” . Mr President knows and grumbles about it, but wrings his hands in helplessness. The game will continue. The rich will get richer

Khadijah Okunnu-Lamidi

while the poor gets even poorer.

For too long, the old folks have called the shots and dictated the tune in our body politick. They wear the tag of “experienced politician”. They have both the craft and the cash. But pray, of what benefit has the experience been to the Nigerian state? Where has the experience taken us as a people? Sixty-two years of independence has not taken us so far into development and progress.

We are still tottering, begging and borrowing .

And the old folks hold on to the power nexus of the country. Some old politicians are filled with the twin vice of greed and graft. That explains why all the trillions of Naira that are budgeted every year make little or no impact in the overall state of the Nigerian economy.

Beside the so-called experience of old politicians which has neither helped nor grown us as a nation, the other drawback of old politicians is that they have become the natural victims of the Law of diminishing return.

At 65 or so, the verve and vibes of a normal human being is already on the decline. The energy level is already tampered with weakness. The same goes for even the mental alertness. People with

underlying sicknesses would have commenced the battling and management of such ailments.

No matter how agile or packaged the person is, these natural consequences would already be taking a toll on the man or woman.

At almost 80 now, it is no surprise that even President Muhammadu Buhari is struggling to keep pace with the demands of his office which are understandably enormous. Forgetfulness and even memory loss are all attributes of ageing.

Age is a natural slowing factor.

Nigeria does not need an old man in Aso Rock anymore. The inherent burden and distraction of old age are too grave to be associated with the office of the Nigerian president, the chief Task Master of Nigeria.

All those struggling to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari who are sixty-five and above should please retire and free the space for younger Nigerians. Let them really become senior citizens who can provide guide and direction from behind the scene.

Already, some of the persons jostling for the presidency in 2023 have been associated with terrible and manifest ailments which they have

been struggling to manage. Some of those who have indicated interest are clearly above 70, even though they claim to be some years younger.

But you cannot cheat nature. The signs of old age and the associated characteristics are already there for everyone to see.

In a country where the demography of the youthful population is up to 65 percent of the entire population, it is disingenuous to keep allowing the older breeds to keep running the affairs of the nation. Not only have we not seen commensurate development in the country, they little spare a thought for the youths, whom they claim are the future of Nigeria. The youths must rise up and affirm that the famed far-away sighted future is now.

Apart from the United States of America which has a 79 year old Joe Biden in office (the oldest American to ever get elected as President), most world leaders have stepped down from the gerontocratic brackets to younger folks. France’s Emmanuel Macron is 44years. Britain’s Prime Minister, Boris Johnson is 57. The Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison is 53. Even the newly elected German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz is 63.

It is only in Africa that we still have old men being fanatical in holding on to power. We must not all adopt the Zimbabwean model of Robert Mugabe. Thankfully, the recent election of Chilean President, produced the 35 year old Sebastian Pinera. That is in Africa. It is a pointer of where we should be heading as a country.

Nigerian electorate should shun the old folks. They have not proven helpful to the Nigerian problems. Sometimes, they are even the problems themselves. They resist change and are utmostly selfish and short-sighted. Let the younger folks file out. Not just to swell the number, or bear the tag of one of the also-rans, but with a strong determination to win. They are a pack of energy and ideas. That is why I was excited at the daring declaration of 38-year old Mrs Khadijah Okunnu-Lamidi, during the week, for the Nigerian president come 2023.

She should shop for a political party platform as independent candidature has no place in the nation’s constitution.

One of the spin-offs of the #EndSARS protest of 2020 is the demand for the access of the Nigerian youths to the power orbit of the nation.

Interestingly, there are some serving ministers in the Buhari administration, as well as some serving governors, who are verily qualified and are still blessed with the zeal and zest of youths.

If old men have been leading us and we cannot readily see their development and progress Impact, it only makes sense that we give chance to the youths. Let the old folks step back, even with their bullion loads of cash.

Who is the Megida of Magodo? Okadigbo Bounces Back…

The claim of Chief Security Officer usually associated with the office of state governors was put to test last Tuesday when Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos State, was respectfully disobeyed by a Police officer—a CSP. The CSP had led a team of policemen from Abuja to seize the gates of Magodo estate Phase 2, in Lagos, allegedly in pursuit of a 2012 Supreme court judgement which ruled that the land in the estate belonged to Shangisha Landlords. The case had lasted for 28 years.

The residents of the estate were agitated that the policemen had besieged their estate. Tension was building and was sure to spill into some chaos. Gov Sanwo-olu had to personally intervene by visiting the estate. His effort to dismantle the police siege was resisted by the CSP who refused to co-operate with the Governor. The Lagos State police command was not aware of the police invasion. He refused to call his superior, on whose orders he allegedly led the team of policemen to Lagos, he refused to say the number of policemen on the operation, he just refused to bulge, even though he bowed several times in deference to the governor’s office and status. Gov Sanwo-Olu was visibly frustrated and embarrassed, as he seemed helpless. He managed to create some redeeming interlude when he offered to step aside to make some calls to the Inspector General of Police, and promised to return in five minutes.

He eventually did and called for a meeting in his office the next day , with all parties and stakeholders in the dispute. Already, the South West governors, led by Senator Rotimi

Gov Sanwo-Olu

Akeredolu have issued a statement condemning the raw effrontery of a CSP to disobey a serving governor, in his own state. This gives verve to the clamour for state police. In fact, some have blamed Gov Sanwo-Olu for not inviting the Yoruba security outfit, Amotekun, to dislodge the invading federal police team. That would have led to a clash, no doubt. So, the question arises: who really is the Chief Security Officer in a state? Is it the governor or some amorphous persons outside the state?

How could an operation that bothered on the security of some residents of a state be carried out externally without the knowledge, input and permission of the sitting governor? What kind of

system is that? It was a clear affront on constituted authority and highly disrespectful of the office of the governor of Lagos State. The Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, who seemed to have commissioned the operation has explained that he was merely pursuing the enforcement of law and order in pursuit of a court judgement.

The AGF, once again, has failed to apply wisdom and diplomacy in the execution of law. Law is made for man and not man for law. He is rumoured to be eyeing the governorship of his native kebbi State. How would Malami feel, when a section of his state is invaded by federal forces outside the state without his knowledge?

Senator Margery Okadigbo, the wife of my late boss and friend, Dr Chuba Wilberforce Okadigbo seized the headlines last Wednesday when she got appointed as the Board Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). It was like a return from Siberia. Her appointment by President Mohammadu Buhari displaces Senator Ifeanyi Ararume who was actually appointed last September.

Mrs Okadigbo, beside representing Anambra north senatorial district in the Senate between 2012 and 2015, was not just the wife of former fiery Senate President, Dr Okadigbo, the Oyi of Oyi, she was indeed the wife of Buhari’s running mate in 2003, under the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). According to the late Okadigbo, accepting to run with Buhari was the shortest way the Igbo man can ever become a President in Nigeria. The duo of Buhari and Okadigbo had contested against the then President Olusegun Obasanjo and his Vice, Atiku Abubakar.

Okadigbo was a vibrant and colourful senate president who understood the fine threadings of the legislature.

Obasanjo had manipulated the then vulnerable senate to impeach Dr Okadigbo as senate president, a day after he (Obasanjo) had danced with this same Margery at the commissioning of the Apo Mansion, the official residence of Chuba Okadigbo as the Senate President.

Okadigbo is believed to have died from inhaling some substances sprayed at him and others by policemen at a presidential political campaign rally in Kaduna in 2003.

Margery Okadigbo

His widow, Margery had contested and won the Anambra north senatorial district election. But ever since she left the senate in 2015, she had remained quiet, unseen and unheard.

But last Wednesday, President Buhari appointed her the Board Chairman of the NNPC, most likely in recompence for the support and loyalty of her husband, Chuba, gave at the time.

I congratulate Madam Margery Okadigbo on her appointment and wish her success in her service to her fatherland.

36

FRIDAY JANUARY 7, 2022 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY JANUARY 7, 2022 • T H I S D AY

37

38

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ JANUARY 7, 2022

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Obaseki Boosts Edo Tax Revenue, to Complete State-wide Tax Payers’ Enumeration Exercise The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his government, will in 2022, complete the ongoing statewide taxpayer’s enumeration exercise, as part of efforts to improve the state’s tax system and boost revenue.

Obaseki, who spoke to journalists in Benin City, reassured that his administration plans to undertake numerous citizens’ reorientation programmes to reinforce a sense of belonging in the citizenry, providing them with the opportunity to understand, participate and contribute to deepening governance.

He stated that ongoing reforms in tax collection and management aimed at increasing the state’s Internally Generated Revenue

(IGR) will further strengthen the economy and propel the much-needed growth to engender inclusive development.

According to the governor, “In the new year, we will complete the state-wide tax payer enumeration exercise and synchronization of databases at Edo Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), Ministry of Wealth Creation and Cooperatives, Edo Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS) and Local Government Areas (LGAs), so as to facilitate the design/implementation of business incentive schemes, tax harmonization and voluntary compliance.”

Obaseki reassured that the 2022 Appropriation Bill, which has now been signed into law will help in the realization of the government’s

vision to enhance reforms in the government process, stimulate economic prosperity and improve ease of doing business so as to continuously attract private capital to engender sustainable development in the state.

He added: “Our 2022 budget is informed by the government’s Making Edo Great Again (MEGA) agenda, which prioritizes the promotion of social inclusion, economic empowerment for Edo citizens, through the deepening of investments in socio-economic, governance and security infrastructure; and through the implementation of initiatives that guarantee equal access to education, health care and social protection.”

SIFAX Group Expands Ijora Terminal, Contracts CCECC for Pavement Construction After operating for a little over 15 months and following a growing customer base as well as increasing demand, SIFAX Shipping ICT Limited, a subsidiary of SIFAX Group and operator of the Ijora Inland Container Terminal, Lagos, has embarked on a massive expansion of the capacity of the terminal.

The terminal, commissioned in October 2020, was established to alleviate the difficulties experienced by various port users, including truckers, shipping lines, agents and consignees, in accessing the Apapa ports due to the congestion within that area that has defied all solutions. The terminal operates by moving consignments to its facility through barges for onward delivery to customers, thereby avoiding traffic congestion. According to Group Executive Vice Chairman, SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi,

“It sounds so unbelievable that the off dock terminal is just one year old, going by the impact made in such a short period of time. Our stakeholders have been treated to a whole new experience in cargo clearance. Consignments are moved to the terminal through barges without the hassles of traffic congestion. Goods are cleared in record time while the location of the terminal makes it attractive for truckers. All these have increased our patronage and made the initial terminal capacity inadequate to satisfy the increasing demand.”

The terminal has consequently acquired adjoining properties to increase its total capacity from the 15,000 square meters at inception to 83,000 square meters. In order to ensure that the terminal operates in line with global standards in terms of infrastructure, the company has contracted China Civil Engineering

Construction Company (CCECC) Nigeria Limited, a world-class construction company, for the construction of the terminal’s pavement.

Speaking at the contract signing ceremony in Lagos, Paul vd Linden, Managing Director, SIFAX Shipping ICT Limited, said the strategic nature of the terminal and the need to build a durable infrastructure at the facility necessitated the choice of CCECC. According to Linden, “CCECC is a notable construction company with a track record of excellent service across the country.

Having expanded the size of the terminal, we needed to put the terminal floor in a world-class state and that’s the reason CCECC was contracted. Due to the heavyduty equipment that have been deployed, a super solid concrete surface that can withstand the pressure became necessary.

African Alliance Insurance Pays N7.5bn Claims Life Insurance expert, African Alliance Insurance Plc, said it paid a total of N7.5billion in 2021. The company said it paid N475 million claims to its customers last December ahead of the yuletide season.

Speaking on the firm’s claims profile, the Managing Director, Joyce Ojemudia, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to satisfying her teeming policyholders.

“At African Alliance Insurance ply, we are in the business of

paying genuine claims as due.

This is more important as the year rolls to an end with many uncertainties that may affect the festivities. For us, we have promised we will be with them for life, this is our ongoing fulfillment of that mantra”, she said.

She restated the company’s long history of claims payment while informing stakeholders that the firm had instituted a seamless claims process which included fortifying the claims unit with

agile and nimble claims experts enabled by technology to join the team on ground.

According to her, this has resulted in a faster processing time for claims.

According to the year-to-date break down presented to the media, the life insurer has paid N1.23bn in Individual Life claims; N1.36bn Group Life; N626m Takaful; N25.2m Esusu payouts as well as N4.35bn in Annuity payments.

IICC Institutes Award for Insurance Journalists The Insurance Industry Consultative Council (IICC) has instituted an award for journalists covering insurance sector in the country.

Chairman of IICC, Sir Muftau Oyegunle, disclosed this at the recently held IICC 2021 Media retreat in Asese, Ogun State.

Oyegunle, stated that the award would l recognise one journalist that distinguished himself or herself in the reportage of the insurance sector within a financial year.

He stated that the award would focus on well-researched and detailed write-up on issues in the insurance sector, adding that, such write-up would be developmental in scope.

He therefore charged insurance reporters to ensure that they write stories that could clinch the award

going forward.

Oyegunle commended the media for its immeasurable support, especially, the insurance correspondents, who have continued to demonstrate expertise and in-depth knowledge about the insurance industry as has been reflected in their objective reportage over the years.

“As the world continues to evolve, the expectation from you as a key blog in the turning wheels of economic growth equally changes.

“It is upon this notion that the theme for today, the Newsman in the Changing World, has been ably conceived.

“There is a need for knowledge and creativity to lead the way as well as the adoption of artificial intelligence in amplifying the contents that you create.

“The event of the year will no doubt put some mental or psychological strain on us and there is a need for us to deescalate some of those situations before we enter another year,” he stated.

The IICC boss noted that one of the mandates of the Council was to promote insurance awareness and urged the media professionals to use their platforms and the reach they cover to promote the gospel of insurance and its offerings.

Responding to this gesture, the chairman, National Association Of Insurance and Pension Correspondents (NAIPCO), Mr. Chuks Okonta, applauded the council for this initiative, stating that, this would spur journalists to develop interest in well-researched reporting.

Obaseki

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) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7

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).

39

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͵˜ ͰͮͰͰ

Price Appreciation in BUA Foods, Lafarge Africa, Others Drive Stock Market by N70bn Kayode Tokede The stock market of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) gained N70 billion on sustained bargain hunting in BUA Foods, Lafarge Africa, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGXGroup), UAC of Nigeria (UACN), United Capital and 20 other stocks.

The appreciation drives NGX All Share Index (ASI) by 131.19 basis points or 0.30

per cent to close at 43,607.94 basis points from 43,476.75 basis points, while the overall market capitalisation value gained N70 billion to close at N23.497 trillion from N23.427trillion it opened for trading.

Market sentiment, as measured by market breadth, was positive as 24 stocks declined, relative to 13 gainers. BUA Foods recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent to

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R

DEALS

close at N48.40, per share.

Academy Press followed with a gain 9.09 per cent to close at 60 kobo, while Meyer Plc up by 8.70 per cent to close at 50 kobo, per share.

Regency Alliance Insurance rose by 6.67 per cent to close at 48 kobo, while Livestock Feeds appreciated by 6.22 per cent to close at N2.05, per share. On the other hand, SUNU Assurance led the losers’ chart by 9.76 per

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

cent to close at 37 kobo, per share. NEM Insurance followed with a decline of 7.78 per cent, to close at N4.15, while FTN Cocoa processors depreciated by 7.69 per cent to close at 36 kobo, per share.

Oando declined by 5.15 per cent to close at N4.f0, while Unilever Nigeria depreciated by 3.45 per cent to close at N14.00, per share.

Meanwhile, the total volume of trades decreased

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

by 85.9 per cent to 174.611 million units, valued at N2.133 billion, and exchanged in 3,715 deals.

Transactions in the shares of FBN Holdings (FBNH) topped the activity chart with 27.093 million shares valued at N307.296 million.

United Bank for Africa (UBA) followed with 22.027 million shares worth N177.522 million, while Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp)

O F

traded 11.996 million shares valued at N11.725 million.

BUA Foods traded 11.289 million shares valued at N544.693 million, while Zenith Bank transacted 10.267 million shares worth N260.603 million.

According to analysts at Afrinvest Limited: “In the final trading session, we expect the local bourse to extend the positive momentum as investor sentiment continues to build up.”

0 6 / 1 / 2 0 2 2 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

40

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2022

Friday, January 7, 2022 Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index fell by 14bps dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ŐĂŝŶƐ ϭϲďƉƐ The dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ďLJ ϭϰďƉƐ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index rose by 16bps to close at

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

at 1,674.89 1,834.64 points points ondue the to back sell-pressure of buying interest on ZENITH in WAPCO (-0.6%), WAPCO (+3.1%), FBNH (-1.3%), (+1.8%), and UBA and(-0.7%).

ACCESS(+1.6%).

These stocks Thesecumulastocks

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

ƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϭϯ͘Ϯй͘ ĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϭϬ͘Ϭй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞdž͘

DĂƌŬĞƚ ůŽƐĞƐ WŽƐŝƟǀĞ ŽŶ /ŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͘​͘​͘ ^/ ƵƉ ASI up 11bps as DANGCEM Gains 3.3% 0.3% WƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ĚĂLJ͕ ƉƌŝĐĞ ƵƉƟĐŬ ŝŶ ,KEz&>KhZ In tandem with our outlook, buying interest in WAPCO (+9.8%), E' D ;нϯ͘ϯйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ & E, (+0.7%) bol(+3.1%), FBNH (+1.8%), and UBN (+3.7%) bolstered perforstered ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŽŶ the local bourse as the AllŵĂŶĐĞ LJĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ E'y ůů-Share Index rose 0.3% to Share index rose by ϰϯ͕ϲϬϳ͘ϵϰ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͘ ĐĐŽƌĚŝŶŐůLJ͕ zd ƌĞƚƵƌŶ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ ƚŽ 11bps to 39,550.36 points. ŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶƚůLJ͕ zd ůŽƐƐ ŝŵͲ Ϯ͘ϭй ǁŚŝůĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ േϳϬ͘ϳďŶ proved to -1.8% while ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ƌŽƐĞ ďLJ to േϮϯ͘ϱƚŶ͘ dƌĂĚŝŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ĨĂůƚĞƌĞĚ ĂƐ volume and value േϮϯ͘ϰďŶ ƚŽ േϮϬ͘ϲƚŶ͘ dƌĂĚŝŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ǁĂƐ ŵŝdžĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ traded dipped 85.9% and 95.0% to 174.6m units ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ďLJ Ϯϭ͘ϲй ƚŽ ϭϭϬ͘ϴŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ǁŚŝůĞ value and േϮ͘ϭďŶ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ FBNH ;Ϯϳ͘ϭŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƌŽƐĞ ďLJ ϴϴ͘ϱй ƚŽ േϯ͘ϭďŶ͘ The most traded stocks UBA ;ϮϮ͘Ϭŵ units), and TRANSCORP ;ϭϮ͘Ϭŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ůĞĚ ďLJ by volume were dZ E^ KZW ;ϭϭ͘ϵŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ & E, (11.1m volume while BUAFOODS ;േϱϰϰ͘ϳŵͿ͕ FBNH ;േϯϬϳ͘ϯŵͿ͕ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ ĂŶĚ K E K ;ϳ͘ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ǁŚŝůĞ E ^d> ;േϮ͘ϮďŶͿ͕ and ZENITH ;േϮϲϬ͘ϲŵͿ ůĞĚ ďLJ ǀĂůƵĞ͘ E' D ;േϭϰϱ͘ϬŵͿ͕ ĂŶĚ 'd K ;േϭϯϰ͘ϴŵͿ ůĞĚ ďLJ ǀĂůƵĞ͘

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

1,834.64

0.16%

-1.1%

83.5%

15.0%

3.5%

5.2x

0.8x

5.5%

1,050.50

0.0%

35.0%

10.0%

10.0%

14.7%

5.2%

13.5x

3.5x

1.8%

7.4%

197.00

0.0%

8.5%

0.0%

0.0%

179.2%

14.1%

14.2x

21.6x

5.7%

7.0%

69.00

-1.4%

7.3%

2.9%

2.9%

19.1%

11.2%

33.1x

6.2x

25.90

0.0%

6.8%

-0.4%

-0.4%

24.8%

3.9%

3.9x

1.0x

11.6%

25.5% 29.1%

1 Airtel Africa PLC 2 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC 3 BUA Cement Plc 4 Guaranty Trust Holding Co PLC 5 Zenith Bank PLC

ŝŶĚĞdž ƌĞŵĂŝŶĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ dŽƉƉŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ ĂƌĞ ƚŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵͲ ŇĂƚ͘ The Insurance and Oil & Gas indices lost 1.3% and er 'ŽŽĚƐ ĂŶĚ on Insurance down 4.6% and Ϭ͘ϵй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ the backindices, of sell-ŽīƐ ŝŶ E D ;-7.8%), ϭ͘Ϯй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ƉƌŽĮƚ-ƚĂŬŝŶŐ ŝŶ E ^d> (D E^ Z ;-ϭ͘ϳйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ K E K ;-ϱ͘ϮйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ In9.1%), and hE/> s Z >/E< ^^hZ (-6.4%), dustrial Consumer(-3.5%), Goods indices dipped 0.4% and and D E^ Z (-Ϯ͘ϮйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ Ϭ͘ϭй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ůŽƐƐĞƐ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ĂŶĚ ĂŶŬͲ ŝŶ h D Ed ;-1.4%) ing indices fell by Ϭ͘Ϯй ĂŶĚ ϮďƉƐ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůůĂŶĚ hE/> s Z (-ϯ͘ϱйͿ͘ ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ index was the ŽīƐ ŝŶ K E K (-0.8%), E/d, (-Ϭ͘ϮйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ 'd K ;-Ϭ͘ϮйͿ͘ ůŽŶĞ ŐĂŝŶĞƌ͕ ƵƉ Ϭ͘ϰй ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ďĂƌŐĂŝŶ ŚƵŶƟŶŐ ŝŶ ^^ ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ǁĂƐ ƚŚĞ ůŽŶĞ ŐĂŝŶͲ ;нϭ͘ϲйͿ͕ h ;нϬ͘ϲйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ E/d, ;нϬ͘ϮйͿ͘ er,

up

1.8%

driven

by

price

apprecia-

ƟŽŶ in E' D (+3.3%).

Investor ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ Investor ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ͕ ĮƌŵĞĚ ƵƉ ƚŽ ϭ͘ϴdž ĨƌŽŵ ϭ͘Ϯdž ĂƐ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ͕ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ͕ ƐĞƩůŝŶŐ Ăƚ 1.6x Ϯϰ stocks gained while 13 stocks ĨƌŽŵ ϭ͘ϯdž ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ůĂƐƚ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ Ϯϰ stocks lost. BUAFOODS (+10.0%), ACADEMY (+9.1%), and MEYER advanced while 15 stocks declined. MRS (+9.9%), MAY(+8.7%) led gainers while SUNUASSURE (-9.8%), NEM (BAKER (+9.8%), and HONYFLOUR (+9.8%) led gainers 7.8%), and FTNCOCOA (-7.7%) led decliners. In today͛s while ABCTRANS (-8.3%), LASACO (-6.7%), and LIVEtrading session, we expect the local bourse to extend the STOCK (-4.8%) led losers. Previous day, we expect the ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ŵŽŵĞŶƚƵŵ ĂƐ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞƐ ƚŽ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ƚŽ ƌĞŵĂŝŶ ŵŝdžĞĚ͕ ĂƐ earnings season build up. gradually winds up.

ROA

P/E

P/BV

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

16.7%

3.0%

25.35

0.2%

6.2%

0.8%

0.8%

20.9%

2.8%

3.4x

0.7x

11.8%

0.0%

4.4%

-2.7%

-2.7%

40.4%

16.7%

12.4x

4.8x

6.4%

8.0%

1,556.50

0.0%

3.7%

0.0%

0.0%

106.8%

15.6%

30.2x

35.5x

4.2%

3.3%

11.50

1.8%

3.5%

0.9%

0.9%

8.4%

0.8%

6.8x

0.6x

3.9%

14.7%

24.90

3.1%

3.6%

4.0%

4.0%

11.6%

8.4%

9.3x

1.0x

4.1%

10.7%

10 Access Bank PLC 11 United Bank for Africa PLC

9.50

1.6%

2.9%

2.2%

2.2%

17.0%

1.4%

2.7x

0.4x

8.9%

37.5%

8.10

0.6%

2.3%

0.6%

0.6%

19.5%

1.8%

2.0x

0.4x

6.8%

49.1%

12 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC 13 Nigerian Brew eries PLC

37.00

0.0%

1.8%

2.8%

2.8%

15.4%

2.0%

8.5x

1.4x

11.0%

11.8%

48.00

0.0%

1.6%

-4.0%

-4.0%

5.3%

1.9%

44.2x

2.3x

2.3%

2.3%

14 SEPLAT Energy PLC 15 Ecobank Transnational Inc

665.00

0.0%

1.7%

2.3%

2.3%

3.4%

1.9%

15.3x

0.6x

6.2%

6.5%

2.4x

0.3x

42.1%

0.9x

-11.6%

8 FBN Holdings Plc 9 Lafarge Africa PLC

16 International Brew eries PLC 17 Okomu Oil Palm PLC 18 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC 19 Fidelity Bank PLC 20 AXA Mansard Insurance PLC 21 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC

26 NEM Insurance PLC 27 Presco PLC

8.65

-2.8%

1.4%

-0.6%

-0.6%

14.8%

0.9%

4.90

0.0%

1.1%

-1.0%

-1.0%

-10.3%

-3.9%

142.00

0.0%

1.1%

0.0%

0.0%

38.8%

25.2%

9.7x

3.4x

5.2%

10.3%

29.00

0.0%

1.0%

2.3%

2.3%

16.4%

5.1%

4.5x

0.7x

5.7%

22.4%

2.50

-2.0%

0.6%

-2.0%

-2.0%

12.0%

1.1%

2.2x

0.3x

8.6%

45.2%

2.28

-1.7%

0.6%

-1.7%

-1.7%

9.7%

3.0%

6.1x

0.6x

9.6%

16.4%

17.00

0.0%

0.5%

-2.3%

-2.3%

15.3%

6.3%

11.1x

1.7x

8.8%

9.0%

3.00

2.0%

0.5%

0.3%

0.3%

10.0%

1.0%

0.3x

5.0%

10.20

2.5%

0.4%

3.0%

3.0%

#VALUE!

#VALUE!

2.3x

6.9%

39.00

0.0%

0.4%

0.0%

0.0%

8.1%

3.8%

13.9x

1.1x

1.2%

7.2%

0.97

-1.0%

0.3%

1.0%

1.0%

11.1%

2.3%

5.1x

0.5x

1.0%

19.4%

4.1x

24.2%

4.15

-7.8%

0.3%

-7.8%

-7.8%

35.6%

18.5%

87.80

0.0%

0.3%

0.0%

0.0%

#VALUE!

#VALUE!

28 NASCON Allied Industries PLC 29 AIICO Insurance PLC

13.20

0.0%

0.3%

0.0%

0.0%

21.3%

6.9%

0.78

0.0%

0.3%

11.4%

11.4%

7.2%

1.1%

30 TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeri 31 Custodian and Allied Insurance

221.90

0.0%

0.3%

0.0%

0.0%

46.2%

9.3%

5.0x

2.0x

1.8%

7.90

0.0%

0.2%

0.0%

0.0%

24.7%

7.5%

3.9x

0.9x

7.4%

25.7%

32 Vitafoam Nigeria PLC 33 Unilever Nigeria PLC

20.25

0.0%

0.2%

-10.0%

-10.0%

36.8%

14.7%

5.9x

2.0x

7.4%

17.1%

14.00

-3.4%

0.2%

-3.4%

-3.4%

-1.3%

-0.8%

34 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC 35 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC

22.35

0.0%

0.2%

0.0%

0.0%

20.7%

2.5%

3.9x

0.7x

1.8%

25.7%

4.5%

15.8%

1.1x

4.3%

2.1x

1.2%

12.4x

2.5x

3.0%

433.3x

0.8x

1.3x

3.7%

0.1%

-5.1%

-5.1%

7.1%

0.8%

6.3x

0.6x

4.60

-5.2%

0.0%

4.1%

4.1%

14.5%

2.6%

2.0x

0.3x

0.78

-1.3%

0.1%

8.3%

8.3%

13.7%

0.8%

3.7x

0.5x

5.1%

38 Sterling Bank PLC 39 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd 40 Transcorp Hotels Plc

1.50

0.0%

0.1%

-0.7%

-0.7%

10.1%

0.9%

3.3x

0.3x

3.3%

62.50

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.0%

-41.3%

-9.2%

2.3x

5.38

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

#VALUE!

#VALUE!

0.9x

50.5%

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

B UA F OOD S

48.40

10.0%

FB NH

27.1

1.8%

A C A D EM Y

0.60

9.1%

UB A

22.0

0.6%

M EYER

0.50

8.7%

T R A N SC OR P

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

12.0

-1.0%

11.3

10.0%

10.3

0.2%

6.6

2.5%

R EGA LIN S

0.48

6.7%

B UA F OOD S

LIVEST OC K

2.05

6.2%

Z EN IT H B A N K

UA C N

9.50

5.6%

N GXGR OUP

R OYA LEX

0.81

5.2%

F T N C OC OA

6.5

-7.7%

J A P A ULGOLD

0.41

5.1%

WEM A B A N K

6.0

-1.3%

UB N

5.60

3.7%

A IIC O

5.4

0.0%

M B EN EF IT

0.31

3.3%

C OUR T VILLE

4.9

-2.6%

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V a l u e

T o p 10 L o s e r s

0.37

T ic k er

Value

P ric e C hg %

-9.8%

B UA F OOD S

544.7

10.0%

P ric e C hg %

N EM

4.15

-7.8%

FB NH

307.3

1.8%

F T N C OC OA

0.36

-7.7%

Z EN IT H B A N K

260.6

0.2%

OA N D O

4.60

-5.2%

UB A

177.5

0.6%

UN ILEVER

14.00

-3.4%

N GXGR OUP

134.3

2.5% 0.0%

ET I

8.65

-2.8%

D A N GC EM

104.9

C OUR T VILLE

0.37

-2.6%

GT C O

95.6

0.0%

N EIM ET H

1.76

-2.2%

B UA C EM EN T

78.7

-1.4%

F ID ELIT YB K

2.50

-2.0%

M TNN

76.2

0.0%

-1.7%

UC A P

37.1

2.5%

2.28

30.7% -20.3%

T ic k er

SUN UA SSUR

27.2%

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V o l u m e

T o p 10 G a i n e r s

P ric e

19.8%

-1.1%

5.60

T ic k er

8.1% 0.2%

36 Oando PLC 37 Wema Bank PLC

M A N SA R D

Afrinvest West Africa Limited

ROE

250.00

6 Dangote Cement PLC 7 Nestle Nigeria PLC

24 Guinness Nigeria PLC 25 Transnational Corp of Nigeria

Across our sectors under our coverage, performance Across sector coverage, performance was bearishwas as bearish as 4 indices lost, 1 index gained ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ &Z-/ d 4 indices lost, 1 gained while the AFR-ICT index closed

Price Change Index to Date

Current Price

22 FCMB Group Plc 23 United Capital PLC

Bearish Sector Sector Performance Performance Bearish

Previous Price Current Price Change Weighting Change YTD

Ticker

Brokerage

Asset Management

Investment Research

Adedoyin Allen | aallen@afrinvest.com

Robert Omotunde | romotunde@afrinvest.com

Abiodun Keripe | AKeripe@afrinvest.com

Taiwo Ogundipe | togundipe@afrinvest.com

Christopher Omoh | comoh@afrinvest.com

Damilare Asimiyu| dasimiyu@afrinvest.com

41

FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2022 • 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 05Jan-2022, 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 N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 10.18% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.51 3.68 0.70% 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 7.43% Anchoria Equity Fund 139.87 141.63 0.59% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.15 1.15 0.58% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com info@anchoriaam.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Discovery Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Eurobond Fund ($) N/A N/A N/A ARM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.05 2.05 6.40% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.19 2.23 20.36% CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund N/A N/A N/A CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 9.72% Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433100.00 4 Paramount Equity Fund 16.98 17.29 0.91% Women's Investment Fund 139.85 141.45 0.57% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.34% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 132.24 133.05 12.72% 110.51 110.51 5.97% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 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 8.29% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.26 1.28 0.93% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.42 1.42 -0.24% 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 EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-asset-management-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Emerging Africa Bond Market N/A N/A N/A Emerging Africa Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund N/A N/A N/A Emerging Africa Eurobond 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 1,394.93 1,394.93 11.33% FBN Balanced Fund 175.13 176.34 -0.07% FBN Halal Fund 115.77 115.77 9.35% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.05% 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 GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2

122.33 149.81

122.33 3.95% 151.84 -0.18% fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com

Bid Price N/A N/A N/A N/A

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com

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 N/A N/A N/A Vantage Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) N/A N/A N/A Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A 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 N/A N/A N/A Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 11.79 11.89 0.04% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 10.16% NORRENBERGER INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED enquiries@norrenberger.com Web: www.norrenberger.com, Tel: +234 (0) 908 781 2026 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Norrenberger Islamic Fund (NIF) N/A N/A N/A Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM EuroBond Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 130.48 4.98% 128.09 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 1.08 1.08 10.03% 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 3,423.50 3,457.74 -0.62% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 235.81 235.81 0.03% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.27 1.29 -1.54% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 313.45 313.45 0.04% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 239.14 242.78 -1.21% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.82% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 11,032.73 11,191.13 -0.67% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.29 1.29 0.02% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 116.99 116.99 0.02% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 106.53 106.53 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 N/A N/A N/A United Capital Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Eurobond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Wealth for Women Fund N/A N/A N/A United capital Sukuk Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 Balanced Strategy Fund 13.22 13.33 0.19% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 14.65 14.81 0.27% Zenith Income Fund 24.89 24.89 4.27% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.73%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

124.98 54.65

10.62% 8.10%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

13.33 129.81 102.43 17.92 21.22

13.43 132.96 104.71 18.02 21.32

3.67% -1.41% -1.14% 0.91% -0.38%

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

4.01 5.79 17.70 1.00 20.08 157.91

4.11 5.89 17.90 1.00 20.28 159.91

6.46% 13.57% 3.02% 0.00% 3.53% 0.09%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.28

10.80%

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.

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AKIN OSUNTOKUN: At 60, I Don’t Feel Physically Different From When I Was 40 Strategist and former political adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Akin Osuntokun, who recently clocked 60, fears Nigeria’s precarious situation. Beyond nostalgia, he is convinced Nigeria has the potential to be a developed nation based on its past. In this interview with BAYO AKINLOYE, Osuntokun recalls his childhood, his father’s role in Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Samuel Akintola’s governments in the old Western Region, and standing up for what he believed was right during Gen. Sani Abacha dictatorship and Obasanjo’s administration. Excerpts: You turned 60 recently. What can you say about life so far?

Typically I have had my fair share of trials, challenges, victories and setbacks. Where I have had a unique experience is the way my childhood became the victim of politically peculiar circumstances. But on the whole, I consider myself generally lucky.

What specific examples will you give to illustrate that?

My father was a minister when I was born, and he had been minister six years before I was born, and he was minister five years after I was born. That means he was a minister for 11 years, from 1955 to 66. This is the definition of a privileged childhood.

So the circumstances of my birth alone that’s, to have a father like that, that’s unique, and then that’s something that, I mean he left a very good name. Atop this is that his brothers also did extraordinarily well. You know, they were all unique achievers. So there was a foundation of distinction in public life. It gives you a start in life that opens doors for you. It inspires you. So, those are very unique circumstances. But at the same time, there was another side of the coin. My dad was a minister under Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Ladoke Akintola. He was a minister under Awolowo from 1955 to 60, and thereafter Akintola became the premier of the Western Region. So the crisis, in the factional crisis of the action group, my father took sides with Akintola, whose camp became the target of the violent eruptions consequent on the 1965 regional elections.

To the bargain, the crisis climaxed with the arsonist destruction of our residence. This sanguinary happenstance was the first thing I remembered in life. I couldn’t quite recollect anything before that enormous event. Needless

to say, it was quite a traumatic experience for a young person. I was four. These are the conspicuous circumstances that constituted my initiation into auto-centric consciousness. It left a scar because all those who belonged to the Akintola faction were demonised and victimised. So, it was a bit of a rough childhood for anybody with my bona fide and who grew up in the Western region. And I was named Akintola, which compounded my own problem. I remember crying to my parents several times that I wanted to change my name, well they ignored me. At the age of six or seven, I took a unilateral declaration of independence to change my name to Akinjide, only to discover that that name belonged to my uncle. Anyway so, it was quite traumatic growing up in that kind of political environment. It was a very peculiar environment to wean a child.

To have a father like my dad and then upon you now have that name. But, as I said, it also added value to my life at the same time — my intellectual life.

I had to ask questions. My father was highly revered in Ekiti. His name opened doors. He was a legendary educationist.

He trained many of those who became the second generation of the educated elite in Ekiti. They identified with him as their mentor. It shaped my whole aspiration in terms of career; most sons see their fathers as their role models. I wanted to be a public figure, so to say, like my father. To be admired and popular, that was what I had in mind.

Did you achieve that dream? If yes, how did that happen?

There was no specific route. I just had that general idea. I was fascinated. I was attracted to public life. And I had an

affinity for government and economics when I was in secondary school. So, I ended up studying Political Science at the university. My first and second degree, which then set me on a path and then because I have a flair for writing so, I more or less subconsciously drifted into that career trajectory. When I left university, we all wanted to work in the oil industry or the banks. Fortunately for me, I didn’t get a job in the banking industry or the oil sector. I ended up at the National Directorate of Employment. I was actually the pioneer and the project officer of the small-scale graduate development skills in Oyo; that was around 1985 or 1986.

Later, I left to do my masters. By that time, I had earned some recognition. I had engaged in freelance writing. I attained some recognition in the media so, when I finished my masters, it was mine if I wanted a job in the media industry, so that was just it. I joined Vanguard. I was a member of the editorial board, an editorial writer and a columnist, and that was what I was for the past 30 years. From Vanguard to Daily times and Guardian and eventually, of course, THISDAY, where I still maintain a column. That has been my journalism career. Now,

of course, as a columnist and my forte is political advocacy, my background came to enrich my competence: what I have to offer. I knew a lot. I’ve had an intuitive attachment to politics, and I grew up to be also very critical. My university education in political science reinforced this. I love reading. I like flexibility, you know, in my daily life, which journalism gives you.

Do you want to tell us about your time being a political adviser to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo?

I’ve had a unique background. I have to emphasise that. There’s no way anybody can deliberately put together the kind of combination that I had that prepared me for the job. It’s not something that can be contrived or replicated. Quite a really critical part of it was the experience of the political crisis in the old Western Region when I was growing up. There was what we call herd mentality: everything Awolowo was good; everything Akintola was bad. The reality was quite difficult. I have a direct experience of the misinterpretation of what public life is, the one that should be valued Continued on page 47

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INTERVIEW

Nigeria is Going Through Dysfunctional Decline or devalued. As I said, I had a father who was exemplary in public service. I owed myself an obligation to have a more critical understanding of what had transpired. I mean how to draw the right conclusions, understand the country itself, the political sector, etc. My university education in political science also gave me a boost, critical thinking, and then journalism capped it. I was equally involved in a startup public policy consultancy. During my time at The Guardian, I engaged in critical editorial writing, where I called black, black and no other name. Taking the kind of posture that I took entailed risk. I was very critical of the Abacha government, and my column was known for that. Not only me but all other weekly columnists were also distinguished for taking a similar position, and the editorials that were coming out of The Guardian were superlative.

We were committed to the validation of the presidential election that was annulled and, of course, fighting against military dictatorship.

After the death of Abacha and the ensuing transition to civil rule programme, I was adopted by the Afenifere patriarchs as the AD (Alliance for Democracy) aspirant for the Senate in 1999. I had some adversaries at the local level. So, it didn’t work out so. Then, I was invited by Dangote Group when it was diversifying to take charge of their corporate affairs and public outreach. From Dangote Group, I was tapped, invited by President Obasanjo to represent the South West on his reelection campaign team as director of media and publicity, the campaign spokesperson in the 2002/2003 electoral cycle. More or less from 2002 onwards, from that period, I had been acting as a political adviser, but it did not get formalised until 2006. Before then, I was a member of the inner caucus, what we call the kitchen cabinet and served effectively as a political adviser. But it was formalised, subsequently formalised. That was quite an exciting time to be in that kind of position: to manage the exit strategy of the president who was going to complete two terms in office and then the succession plans. As political adviser, I was saddled with, that was my job, the job definition of that transition from an incumbent who has served out two terms to the successor who was coming in, the management of the elections, etc. It was a big responsibility, but like I said, calling me political adviser since 2002 will not be far from being correct. It gave me an opportunity right from 2002 till now, the theories of political science that we were taught in universities to put them into practice; to apply them in real-life situations. It was quite exciting. I mean giving intellectual leadership to the campaign of the presidential elections of 2003 and 2007. It was quite exciting, fascinating.

It was what I had always hoped for when we were in university.

Were there times you had to say it as it is to the president?

Oh yes! That’s why he liked me, although well, I also got on his nerves. But, I think he valued my opinion. He was a father figure. I relate to him very simply and honestly, as I do with every other person, maybe because of my own background, the Ekiti background: I will tell you things straight, as it is. Also, because of his own unpretentious personality, it was easy to get along with him. I related with him much like a father figure than a boss, like a confidant.

There must be moments you and President Obasanjo disagreed. Can you tell us about that?

There was one instance concerning Fayose, the former Ekiti governor. When he was contesting to become the governor of Ekiti in 2003, he was in PDP and was going to the primaries. He had a quite controversial background. Almost all the leaders of the party were against his becoming the party’s candidate in the first instance. But, he was quite popular at the local level. I went back to Ekiti. I looked for him. ‘This is what they are saying about you, that you didn’t go to school, you forged your NYSC certificate’, and then he showed me everything. I saw it. But, you know, the president just didn’t really want him. So, we were together; we were having dinner, about five of us with the president. The issue came up as a topic, and then, as usual, people were condemning (Fayose). I said, ‘look, sir, I don’t think what people are saying about him is correct’. So he was very angry. He said, ‘You this stupid boy, you are always supporting criminals’. There have been quite other occasions, including the case of Nasir El-Rufai. We wanted him, those of us in the kitchen cabinet, to succeed President Obasanjo. But apparently, that was not his choice. We were not clear about it, and nobody wanted to go and tell him that.

I was the one who went to tell him that this was our candidate—he (Obasanjo) blew up.

“Nigeria is in an era of dysfunctional decline, and it gets worse. When we were in primary school and secondary school, the quality of education in Nigeria was almost more competitive than the average education you will receive in England or elsewhere.

Then, we believed they were those who could not cope with the competitiveness of education in Nigeria that went abroad to go to school” Will you say today’s generation of young Nigerians is disadvantaged compared to yours?

Of course. Nigeria is in an era of dysfunctional decline, and it gets worse.

When we were in primary school and secondary school, the quality of education in Nigeria was almost more competitive than the average education you will receive in England or elsewhere. Then, we believed they were those who could not cope with the competitiveness of education in Nigeria that went abroad to go to school. When I finished secondary school, for instance, I had Grade 1 in O’level. My mother wanted me to go and do A-levels in England, and I thought that was an insult. That was meant for people who couldn’t cope here, I mean, so to say. That was the kind of education that we had. Look, the Awolowo myth directly resulted from his educational policy, the transformative educational policy

he instituted, especially universal primary education or something like that. That was the bedrock for whatever advantage or whatever higher grading that Yorubas had in terms of education. That was what transformed, basically transformed, the Yoruba society. Education was now not limited to the children of the elite. It was universalised to pull up the masses. The impact was transformative. I mean critical thinking, confidence, social and economic development. We could easily project that if the Western Region of pre- and postindependence First Republic had remained intact on this trajectory, that projection would rival Brazil today. Now, I’m not talking abstractly.

The UCH (University College Hospital) in Ibadan in 1970 was rated the fourth-best teaching university in the Commonwealth.

The Saudi royal family came for treatment there at that time. You can judge from the level of the industrialisation drive and things like that. Nigeria had in the

Western Region a TV station that predated the same development in Japan, for instance.

The best of the best went to the universities in Nigeria and not abroad. In contemporary contrasting disposition towards education, there was the case of a lady recently who went to Obafemi Awolowo University. She had the best result in the faculty of medicine.

I think maybe she had nine distinctions. She is the niece of Akinwumi Adesina, and the only thing we read about what anybody did for her was that the Ogun government gave her N5 million as a price. That kind of person in England or America, the government and the universities will be looking for her, competing for her. Here in Nigeria, nobody cares. I would have expected that the university would say ‘no, please stay here, give her a scholarship, give her whatever she needs.

So this is how you measure dysfunctional society and functional one. This is a very depressing side of growing up and living in Nigeria today. It is wasting peoples lives. Let me say six or seven years of people’s lives are practically wasted. It’s from one crisis to another. There’s some kind of comprehensive breakdown of society, security crisis all over the place. You cannot travel. You have bandits going to secondary school to abduct children.

You have an unimaginable breakdown of law and order. So lives are wasted. How can you be productive? How can anyone be productive in this kind of environment?

Where do you see yourself in the next 60 years?

I’m 60, but I don’t feel any physically different from when I was 40. So it appears the ageing process has universally improved.

People tend to retain their vitality for much longer than before and are much more conscious of their health status. This is a global situation.

I benefit from that. I won’t be surprised if I live to be 100 years. This is the new normal.

So my experience is that anyone who sees me, I notice it myself, many people say, you don’t look 60. You don’t look more than 50 or 40 or whatever.

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NEWSXTRA

INAUGURATION OF WILDAID CAMPAIGN IN LAGOS...

L-R: Youtube Child Comedian, Emmanuella Samuell; Nollywood superstar, Staphanie Okereke; Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Prof. Akin Abayomi; Minister of State for Environment, Sharon Ikeazor; WildAid Ambassador, David Adedeji Adeleke (a.k.a Davido), and President, WildAid Nigeria, Peter Knight, during the official inauguration of WildAid Campaign in Lagos…yesterday

Convention: APC Stakeholders Urge Governors to Sack Lukman, PGF DG Threaten nationwide protest

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have called on all governors elected

on the platform of the party to sack the Director-General of the Progressive Governors Forum

(PGF), Salihu Lukman, with immediate effect.

The APC stakeholders, under

Edo Creative Industry Rakes in over N500m Revenue

Obaseki boosts tax collection with state-wide taxpayers’ enumeration exercise Stakeholders and entertainment actors in Edo State have valued the revenue accrued to the sector in 2021 to about N500 million owing to the growing opportunities and investment attracted to the creative and entertainment industry during the period.

A cross-section of stakeholders, who spoke with journalists, said the entertainment sector in the state had continued to record impressive growth, which is creating job opportunities for youths in the state.

The growth, analysts said was attributable to the ingenuity of youths who are harnessing opportunities in the digital economy, especially skit-making and comedy on social media; active nightlife with growing hospitality sector; improved business environment facilitated by reforms of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration, particularly in the provision of security and the inflow of Diaspora receipts.

The analysts estimated that the sector would have generated up to N500 million in revenue from digital revenue, show tickets and other sources.

Cumulatively, the concerts organised in the state in the last quarter of 2021, witnessed not less than 30,000 attendants who graced sold-out music and comedy shows, among others.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Engraced Events and Entertainment, Emmanuel Itoto, said the entertainment sector in the state has continued on an upward trajectory, recording a lot

of activity in the previous year.

According to him, “For several months, we have been having high-quality events. We had the Cyclers Concert, MC Casino’s Game of Jokes and IGoSave’s concert. All these shows sold out 3,000 capacity facilities. There was also the McEdoPikin Show.

“There were many more shows and the level of organization has shown that entertainment is now a serious business in Edo State. A lot of people are now coming out to have a really nice time. We have the capacity to host A-list artists and deliver a really good show.”

Attributing the trend to the government’s security reforms, he said, “A lot of people are encouraged to come out for the shows because of the improved security situation in the state. The people are sure that when they are returning to their houses by 2 am or thereabouts, they are safe.”

However, he noted that the shows have been mainly sponsored by individuals and their business partners as against the industry standard whereby corporate sponsors are actively involved in hosting the shows.

“We need more corporate sponsors as we know the kind of expenses and effort needed to put a high-quality show together.

Corporate sponsors are needed for sustainability,” he added.

A Disc Jockey, DeeJay Joe, who has played in a number of the shows in Benin, said the number of shows in the metropolis has grown astronomically, owing to the growth of the entertainment industry.

“For those of us who are actively involved, we see it as promising. A lot of growth has happened and we anticipate more activities in the New Year.

With the nightlife booming, a lot more people are more likely to come out to attend shows.”

the aegis of the All Progressives Congress Youth Development and Solidarity Forum (APCYDSF), said they were ready to stage a massive nationwide protest if Lukman continued as DG, PGF. According to them, Lukman had allegedly proven to be an agent of a few selfish interests in the party and that of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

Their call came on the heels of an open letter authored recently by the DG and sent to party leaders, which according to them, he reportedly promoted in the media to achieve his alleged objective of destabilising the APC. They spoke just as the party said it was set to deal with erring members of the party found to be working against its interest.

The group, in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Hon. Tobias Ogbeh, noted that what Lukman had done was to practically provide reference materials for "a contrived PDP win in the 2023 general elections."

It stated, “We find it most unfortunate that the DG decided to exploit the timing of our great party’s National Convention to ply his poisonous ware by pretending to make a legitimate intervention.

"It is ironic that Lukman was unable to conceal the agenda he has for truncating the successes recorded by the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), which even him admitted has done a great job in stabilizing the APC.

“As our Forum struggles to come to terms with the reality that the man who administers the umbrella body of APC governors is a mole within the party and being used by some forces to destroy our organisation from inside, we find it pertinent to alert stakeholders to the dangers that the DG’s continued occupation of that office poses to the success of the APC in the months ahead."

In another development, a group within the APC, Progressive Initiative For Change and Development, has called on the leadership of the party to ensure all crises in the party are resolved before any National Convention would be conducted.

2023: Anyim Declares Interest in Presidency As Southeast PDP drums support for him

Gideon Arinze in Enugu Former President of the Senate, Anyim Pius Anyim, has declared interest in the presidency in the 2023. He used opportunity to appeal to all political parties in Nigeria to "take the fair, just and equitable decision of zoning their presidential slots to the South, particularly the South-east region.

This is even as stakeholders and executives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the zone have given support to his presidential aspiration on the platform of the party.

Anyim made the appeal yesterday in Enugu during a consultative meeting held as part of his preliminary preparation towards the 2023 general election.

He noted that the purpose of the consultation was to gauge the mood of the country, seek counsel, blessing, as well as listen to leaders and elders on their perspectives on the way forward for the country.

The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) maintained that the South-east stakeholders have repeatedly made the case for zoning the presidency

to the region for equity and fairness, adding that the mood of the country favours the rotation of the presidency to southern Nigeria.

Anyim, who said he has a clear view of the task ahead as well as the solutions needed to advance the cause of the country, noted that he is committed to promoting and protecting the sanctity of lives as well as the rights and liberties of all citizens.

He explained that Nigerians are looking up to the PDP to rebuild the country, protect lives and property, restore the respect of Nigeria within the comity of nations, and re-align the political structure of Nigeria to reflect the current realities.

He further noted that Nigerians look up to the party to revive the economy and save the naira; “rebuild our broken-down social fabric; create jobs for the teeming youths and rehabilitate our collapsing educational systems among others.

"As we prepare for the 2023 elections, I take the liberty to say that the challenge before our great party is how to deliver on the expectations of the Nigerian people."

Anyim noted that the summary of these expectations was that Nigerians expect PDP to return to power, “so that our country can resume the march to greatness.

"Nigeria is drifting away, and my experiences will be needed to save the country from falling apart."

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the session and former Governor of Abia State, Theodore Orji, said the time has come for the South-east region to produce the next president of Nigeria.

He noted that as Anyim has presented himself to serve the country, “we must give him the support he needs to restore our dignity.

"Anyim has summoned stakeholders to present himself formally to us as a candidate for the presidency, that is how it should be done, because you don't just jump out of anywhere and say you want to run for a position."

On her part, former National Women Leader of the PDP, Josephine Anenih, said the time has come for the South, particularly the Southeast, to become the president of Nigeria as that will encourage justice and equity.

The PDP zonal leaders and elders said in all ramifications, Anyim distinguished himself as a detribalised statesman, consensus builder and true nationalist.

In a ten-point resolution issued at the end of the meeting, and signed by a former governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Orji, who also chaired the meeting and Chief Duru-Iheoma, SAN, a former chairman of PDP in Imo State, the Southeast PDP stakeholders reiterated that the people of the region “have earned the right to occupy the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2023 on account of their eminent qualifications and overwhelming contributions to the development of all parts of the federation through the years.

They said because of that, “the choice of a South East citizen as presidential candidate of the party in 2023 will guarantee to every Nigerian a sense of equity, justice and inclusion in the management of the affairs of the nation. In our view, this is the best way of ensuring that we build a nation that leaves no one or group behind.”

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2022

NEWSXTRA

FINANCIAL RELIEF FOR FAMILIES OF SLAIN POLICE OFFICERS… L-R: Rivers State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Inime Aguma; Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nisirim; Commissioner of Police, Eboka Friday, and Mr. Isaac Okeoghene Kelvin, (son of slain Police Inspector, Isaac Isodje), yesterday, receiving a cheque of N10 million donated by Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike in Port Harcourt…recently

1,910 Bandits, Insurgents, Others Killed in Eight Months, Says Military 24, 059 terrorists, families surrendered 14 illegal refining sites immobilised Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The military high command yesterday disclosed that troops killed 1,910 criminals, including insurgents, armed bandits, armed robbers and kidnappers in the last eight months.

It said between May 20, 2021 and January 6, 2022, a total of 24,059 terrorists and their families comprising 5,326 adult males, 7,550 adult females and 11,183 children have so far surrendered to troops in the North-east.

Also, it said all surrendered elements were profiled and handed over to appropriate authorities for necessary action.

In addition, the military disclosed that troops impounded a total of 1,458,600 litres of illegally refined petrol, 9,345 barrels of stolen crude oil and 355,000 litres illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) in the Niger Delta.

Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja, the Director, Directorate of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major Gen Bernard Onyeuko, said, "gallant troops in the frontlines executed these operations with utmost zest that resulted in the incapacitation of terrorists’ fighting capability and neutralisation of scores of terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements, including high profile ones, who were either neutralised in action or arrested."

According to him, large numbers of terrorists have continued to surrender due to troops’ overwhelming superior combat power and intelligence activities.

He said a total of 79 terrorists were arrested and 113 kidnapped civilians rescued by troops of Operation Hadin Kai within the period.

In the same vein, he said, a total of 195 assorted arms including AK-47 rifles, GPMGs, PKT guns and locally fabricated guns were recovered from terrorist elements in the course of the operations.

In addition, a total of 2,385 rounds of different calibres of ammunition and were recovered,

while a total of 14 gun trucks of the terrorists were destroyed in the course of the operations, while 16 gun trucks were captured by troops within the period.

He said the troops of Operation Awatse fighting pipeline vandalism and economic saboteurs in the south-west zone successfully forestalled criminal activities within the period under review.

In the course of the operations, troops impounded a total of 1,458,600 litres of illegally refined Premium Motor Spirit; 9,345 barrels of stolen crude oil and 355,000 litres illegally refined

automotive gas oil.

Additionally, troops recovered a total of 1,594 rounds of ammunition and 14 assorted rifles. Also, within the period, a total of 15 illegal refining sites were immobilised while 12 boats and 13 trucks engaged in illegal activities were arrested, he said.

Within the period, 15 kidnapped civilians were rescued, while 28 criminal elements were arrested.

Also, 38,582 barrels and 6,491,000 litres of stolen crude oil as well as 11,659,500 litres of illegally refined Premium Motor Spirit were recovered and handed

appropriately.

"Within the period under review, troops discovered and immobilised a cumulative total of 145 illegal refining sites, 209 ovens, 122 cooking pots/boilers, 161 cooling systems, 224 reservoirs, 160 large dugout pits and 367 storage tanks in the Niger Delta region. Consequently, a total 12,846,300 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) as well as 29,237 barrels and 6,491,000 litres of stolen crude oil were recovered within the period.

"Similarly, a total of 3,969,000

litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene; 10,200,500 litres of illegally refined Premium Motor Spirit were recovered by troops", he said.

Onyeuko said the armed forces would sustain the onslaught against criminal elements.

"We will continue to sustain the offensive and will not relent until peace is restored to every troubled zone in Nigeria. The general public is also assured of our commitment to protect lives and properties as well as our economic assets anywhere, with renewed vigour this year.

"The high command of the

Nigerian military continues to thank the general public and members of the press for their support and further solicit everyone’s cooperation towards providing credible and timely information that will facilitate proactive engagements in our operations," he added.

"The military high command also commends all the gallant troops of the Armed Forces and personnel of other security agencies involved in various operations across the country for their resilience, doggedness and commitment.

2023: Ex-COAS, Ihejirika, Joins Campaigners for Power Shift to Abia North Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia A former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd), has expressed his commitment and support for the clamour that the next governor of Abia State should come from the old Isuikwuato District in line with the Abia charter of equity.

He made this known yesterday during his visit to the chairman of Abia Founding Fathers Association, Dr. Onyike James Onyike, at his Eluama Isuikwuato country home, where heexpressed solidarity with the elders over their position on the need to adhere to power rotation principle in Abia.

The founding fathers had at their meeting last September called on political parties to respect the Abia charter of equity in their choice of governorship candidates in 2023. They also pinpointed Isuikwuato as the area to produce the successor to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

Ihejirika explained that his visit was aimed at using Onyike as a point of contact to thank all the members of Abia Fathers "for their well founded pronouncement" that the next Abia governor should come from Isuikwuato.

He said the position of the founding fathers was in tandem with the Abia charter of equity, which promoted peace, fairness and justice in the rotation of governorship seat among the component parts of Abia.

The former Army boss, who was being touted as possible governorship aspirant, described the stance of the founding fathers

as "a landmark decision", saying, “it’s a demonstration of their love for brotherhood and peaceful coexistence in the state they fought very hard for its creation".

He commended Onyike for his lifelong dedication, commitment, sacrifice and love for lsuikwuato and Abia state, having been there from conception, planning and executing the activities that led to

the creation of the state in 1991.

Isuikwuato is one of the defunct distructs that formed the name "Abia", with Isuikwuato represented by the letter 'I' hence those clamouring for "Isuikwuato's turn" were arguing that all the other districts (Afikpo, Bende, and Aba) had all produced Abia governors.

Ihejirika, who was

accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Gift, Chief Ray Nkemdirim, Ugwumba Amaise, Prince Okezie lsiocha and Sir Dave Agwalla, addressed the issues raised by Onyikeand assured them that qualified people were sufficient in Isuikwuato district, who were prepared and capable of providing good leadership for Abia.

2023: No Friction Between Ibori and 1, Gbagi Assures Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba One of the 2023 governorship aspirants in Delta State, Mr. Kenneth Gbagi, has debunked insinuations that there was a rift between him and his kinsman, former governor Chief James Ibori, due to alleged political differences.

Gbagi, formerly Nigeria's minister of state for education, said contrary to the insinuation, he enjoys a flourishing relationship with Ibori, who is regarded as an eminent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State.

Speaking at a New Year get-together at his Oginibo country home in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the

state, he said he was enjoying the support of Deltans and key PDP leaders in the state, including Ibori, particularly regarding his gubernatorial ambition.

Specifically, the criminologist, lawyer and entrepreneur said Ibori, who governed Delta between 1999 and 2007, had actually thrown his weight behind him as hopeful successor to the incumbent, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in 2023.

He said Ibori expressed support in no uncertain terms during his (Gbagi's) visit to him at his country home in Oghara as well as during a recent meeting between them in Abuja.

The first of the PDP governorship aspirants to formally declare his intention to contest

the 2023 Delta State governorship before state PDP leadership led by state Chairman, Kingsley Esiso, in November 2021, also debunked speculations that the much-talked about 'Ibori Camp' was scheming for another aspirant also from Urhobo ethnic extraction in Delta Central senatorial district who was, until recently, a member of the Okowa's executive council.

However, Gbagi told his supporters under the Gbagi Solidarity Movement (GSM) at Oginibo that Ibori had assured him that he would be the next state governor in 2023 after Okowa.

Narrating what transpired at his visit to the former governor, he said they both had a robust discussion and quoted Ibori to

have acknowledged that Gbagi's evident popularity since coming back to the country as the aspirant holding the best promise to "turn situation around positively," for the state after the current administration.

Gbagi said, "After those good things he had told me, I said to Chief James Ibori, 'Look, all these good things that you have told me, tell it to Governor Okowa too'. And, he said to me, 'Take my word for it, I will tell the governor that you are the governor or nothing else. Chief James Ibori will not deny himself.

“And, when I met Chief Ibori recently in Abuja, he said to me that many people think we are enemies because they don’t understand."

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Pregnant Woman, Husband, Twins Abducted in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Suspected gunmen yesterday night abducted four persons along Obo Ayegunle/Osi road in Ekiti Local Government area of Kwara State.

THISDAY checks revealed that the victims were Sunday Balogun, a mechanic, his pregnant wife, Mary, his apprentice Taiye and his twin brother, Kehinde.

Speaking on the incident last night in Ilorin , a close member of the family, Mrs Laoye Seyifunmi, said that the kidnappers abandoned Sunday’s vehicle at the roadside after the incident.

Another close family source, who does not want his name in print told our reporter that the kidnappers have contacted the family demanding N10 million ransom.

“They have contacted the family demanding N10 million ransom. We have been able to negotiate it to N4 million.

“Although the family and community have been able to gather N2 million, they rejected it and directed a Toyota Sienna in his workshop should be sold to pay the ransom.

Several calls and text message to the Police Pubic Relation

Officers of the Kwara State Command, Ajayi Okasanmi, seeking his comments were

neither answered nor replied.

But a top security official, who sought anonymity,

confirmed the incident to journalists in Ilorin, adding that the wife, Mary, has been freed.

“We still have Sunday and the twin brothers in the kidnappers den as we speak

now. But they (kidnapers) have since left the wife”, the source added.

COURTESY VISIT…

L-R: Former member, House of Representatives, Hon Dave Salako; Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun and Chairman, Governing Council, Tai Solarin College of Education, Omu-Ijebu, Yemi Adefulu at the Ikenne Local Government’s All Progressives Congress meeting held at the country home of Gov Abiodun, Iperu Remo...yesterday

Niger Gov Tasks Security FG Procures Six High-tech Hilux Patrol Operatives on Rescue of Vehicles to Safeguard Rail Lines Kidnapped Chinese Nationals Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

Laleye Dipo in Minna The Niger State Governor Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has tasked men of the Nigeria Police and those of other security agencies to quickly secure the release of two Chinese nationals kidnapped by bandits at Gusase village near Zungeru in the Wushishi Local Government Area of the state.

The Chinese nationals were working on the laying of electric cables from the new Zungeru Hydro electric dam to Gusase when they were abducted by the bandits who also killed three Nigerians.

In the statement Governor Bello said only a quick rescue of the foreigners will save the multi-billion naira project from being stalled.

Bello said: “The attack is really disturbing as it will caused some set back to the Zungeru dam project which the federal government has been making

efforts to complete in record time “It really saddens my heart to hear about this attack, it is even more worrisome to know that lives of the laborers were involved. This action might negatively affect the completion of the Zungeru dam which is of great significance to the country,” Bello said.

He stressed the need for the security agencies to bring the criminal activities in some parts of the state to the lowest level especially now that the perpetrators have been declared as terrorists by the federal government.

The governor, however, commended the efforts of the security personnel who engaged the terrorists in a gun duel.

“My heart goes to the family of the laborers that were killed and those that were injured” Bello said, before praying for the quick repose of the souls of those that died.

In a bid to safeguard the rail lines from attack, the federal government yesterday procured and handed over six hilux patrol vehicles inputed with radar scanners to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to monitor the Abuja-Kaduna corridor.

Government had mulls the idea of installing security gadgets along the Abuja-Kaduna rail tracks following a recent

bomb explosion at the corridor.

The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, while handing over the vehicles to the management of NRC led by its Managing Director, Mr. Fidet Okhiria at the Idu Train Station, Abuja, said: “We are all aware of the security situation in the country as a whole but, we thought about supporting NRC on the security architecture of the Idu-Abuja rail track.”

According to him, “Remember

this is a project that has long being completed, commissioned and operational, so this was a project for 2021, at least to improve the security apparatus tor the patrolling of that route and so, the ministry has to procure these vehicles to support NRC and the Nigeria Police working on that route to effectively police that route and that is why the ministry procured this.”

Amaechi noted: “The security apparatus we have for most of the rail track has a number

of components into it. we have the local people that are patrolling, the civil defence, the police corp of the Nigerian Railway Corporation and we have locations where stations are, where we need the security men to be able to move from one location to the other in addition to the fact that we are also looking at surveillance applications and fibre optic equipment too but for the movement of the security, we need these vehicles.”

Action Alliance Suspends Chairman over Alleged Funds Misappropriation Emameh Gabriel in Abuja Rowdiness was the order of the day as the National Chairman of Action Alliance (AA), Hon Adekunle Rufai, was yesterday suspended in Abuja over alleged misappropriation of party’s funds.

This is as most delegates at the venue accused the chairman of corruption, high-

handedness, rascality and plot to change the party’s name from Action Alliance to Action Congress.

The suspension was adopted and ratified at the party’s 2022 national convention, where delegates from the 36 states of the federation and FCT converged to draw out modelities for the party ahead of future elections.

This came after stiff resistance from regional delegates, who said the decision was rather too harsh and hasty, was diluted by some powerful forces of the party.

Some delegates from the North and South-west who were at the venue described the suspension as political but this could not save Rufai from the plot to suspend him, which

many fear could be the end to his reign.

Rufai, who was absent at the venue of the meeting, was said to have declined several calls put across to him by party members to attend an emergency meeting called by the national secretariat for Wednesday, 5 January, where the decision of his suspension was mooted.

The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide has flayed the remarks credited to the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, against the Ijaw nation.

The President of IYC, Peter Timothy Igbifa, in a statement, said it was sad that Wike while making his speech during the

if they owned the Niger Delta.

“We don’t know where he got his impressions from. But whatever he said does not represent our noble ethnic group. Ijaws died in the 2015 elections that saw the emergence of Nyesom Wike as the Chief Executive Officer of Rivers State”,

Nation had done to Wike to warrant such public outburst against the ethnic group that had supported his administration from inception.

Igbifa recalled that an Ijaw man and former President Goodluck Jonathan; an Ijaw woman and former First Lady

made him the governor of Rivers against all other Ijaw aspirants including the ones they promised ticket.

He said: “We are disappointed that Wike could stand on a public rostrum and throw tantrums at the Ijaw nation. His remarks were to say the least unfortunate.

Ekiti 2022: I Possess Right Qualities to Win, Says IYC Demands Apology from Wike over anti-Ijaw Remarks Ex-Lawmaker Ogoni Day celebration remarked the IYC boss said.

Patience Jonathan alongside other Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa that the Ijaw were behaving as Igbifa wondered what the Ijaw Ijaw leaders picked Wike and

Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

A governorship aspirant in Ekiti State All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Bamidele Faparusi, has said he remains the only APC governorship aspirant in Ekiti State with untainted integrity, competence, spread and acceptability, to win for the party in the June 18 election in the state.

Bamidele said this in Ado Ekiti yesterday while briefing newsmen after returning from Abuja where had obtained his nomination form to contest for governorship in the forthcoming election in the state.

Faparusi, a former member of the House of Representatives, who vied for the same position in 2018, said he possesses all

the qualities to win the election for APC in 2022, because of his “pedigree, political experience, competence , integrity and closeness to the grassroots.”

The immediate past Commissioner for Public Utilities and Infrastructures, said: “I strongly believe that I have what it takes to win the election for APC, because of my pedigree, political experience and my closeness with the grassroots.

Explaining why he chose to run for the election again, Fappy, as he is fondly called by his teaming supporters said: “Today I have the privileged to obtain the nomination form our great party, the APC to vie for the office of the governor of Ekiti state.”

Group Calls for Boycott of Igbo Businesses in the North John Shiklam in Kaduna The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has called for a total boycott of all Igbo businesses in the north.

The group was reacting to the ban on the consumption of “Fulani cows” (beef) in the South-east by the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB).

In a statement yesterday evening,

spokesman of the CNG, AbdulAzeez Suleiman, noted that IPOB’s statement issued on Monday “by one Emma Powerful, amounts to a grave provocation and serious threat to northern commercial interests in the South-east.”

He added that, it is also a threat to the physical wellbeing of Northerners living as minorities among Igbo communities.

The CNG called for the “total boycott of all businesses, goods and services operated by Igbo in the North effective from the same April 2022.”

The statement further urged northerners everywhere not to support any political party or form any political movement that has the active participation of South-east politicians.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the North while maintaining its tradition of tolerance and accommodation, shall however no longer be disposed to condoning further acts of irresponsibility in the form of deliberate threats of intimidation or harassment targeted at Northerners living and doing legitimate businesses elsewhere in the country.

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After 100 Days in Captivity, 28 Abductees Regain Freedom in Niger Laleye Dipo ÓØ ÓØØË After staying more than 100 days in kidnappers den, some 28 people kidnapped from communities in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger state on Wednesday regained their freedom.

The victims were released after their families reportedly paid over N18 million ransom to the kidnappers. Each of the victim families was said to have paid about N600,000.

THISDAY learnt that those released were conveyed in a commercial vehicle from the Zamfara and Kaduna border and dropped at Doka village in Kaduna state by their captors from where they trekked several kilometers through the bush to the main road.

It was learnt that the relations of the freed abductees took them over at the main road.

It was jubilation galore in Kagara town headquarters of Rafi local government when 10 of the released victims who are Christians arrived at their Church.

When contacted Niger State Police Commissioner, Mr. Monday Bala Kuyars, confirmed the story, saying the victims were

released after “Serious dialogue” with their kidnappers and most probably because the heat from the military and police operation

in the area was getting too hot for the kidnappers.

Kuyars said he could not confirm if the abductees relations

paid any ransom to the bandits to facilitate their release but added that “ I heard something like that.”

On Tuesday bandits resumed

their operations in the Rafi Local Government Area axis after a break kidnapping two Chinese nationals and killing at least

three Nigerians working at the Zungeru Hydro Electric Dam. Nothing has been heard about those kidnapped since then.

WHEN THE GOVERNOR VISITED UNANNOUNCED…

L-R: Special Adviser Governor’s Office, Hon Foluso Daramola; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Alhaja Maryam Ogunlade; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social development, Dr (Mrs) Eunice Olayinka; Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and the Head of Service, Mrs Peju Babafemi during the governor’s unscheduled visit to the state secretariat complex, Ado-Ekiti…recently

Barber Kills Commercial Kwara Assembly Urged to Intervene in Motorcyclist in Bayelsa Suspension of PDP Lawmaker Community Hammed Shittu ÓØ ÖÙÜÓØ

Olusegun Samuel Ø ÏØËÑÙË Few days after members of Sagbama community in Bayelsa State foiled an attempt by two teenagers to kill a 13-year-old for rituals, the community was again thrown in mourning and anger yesterday after a 20-yearold barber stabbed an Okada rider to death.

The cause of the fight which led to the unfortunate death of the 38 years man could not be ascertained as of press time. But it was reported the incident happened in the early morning hours of yesterday.

Shortly after the incident, it was gathered that angry youths of the community took the corpse of the deceased to the police station in Sagbama before returning to the barber’s shop only to discover that a pastor has aided the escape of the suspect.

The angry mob returned to the police station, retrieved the corpse of the Okada rider and deposited it at the doorstep of the pastor, who has also taken

to his heels.

Reacting to the incident, the spokesman of the Bayelsa State Command, Asinim Butswat, said the killer barber has since been arrested and is in Police custody.

He said: “Detectives of the Bayelsa State Police Command have arrested a barber who stabbed a motorcycle rider to death over a minor misunderstanding in Sagbama Community, Sagbama Local Government Area.

“The unfortunate incident occurred on 06 January,2022, at Sagbama Community. One Lucky Diri ‘m’ 20 years, a barber, allegedly stabbed one Emeka Christian Udo ‘m’ 38 years, a motorcycle rider with a screw driver on his left ribs, over a minor misunderstanding.

“The injured victim was immediately rushed to Sagbama General Hospital, where he died while receiving treatment. The suspect Lucky Diri, has been arrested and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department for further interrogation.

Gunmen Attack Police Station in Imo Amby Uneze ÓØ áÏÜÜÓ Gunmen yesterday attacked the Ideato South Local Government Police Headquarters in Dikenafai, Imo State and freed those in detention. Though the police said the hoodlums could not succeed as their men repelled their action.

Reports had it that the hoodlums arrived in their numbers, used explosive devices and set the station ablaze.

The areas affected included the administrative office, the Divisional Police office, and the reception desk.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman, Interim Management Committee of Ideato South LGA, Pastor Bede Ikeaka, expressed shock.

Meanwhile, the Imo Police Command spokesman, Michael Abattam, a chief superintendent of police, confirmed the attack but noted that their officers fought back and dislodged the attackers.

He, however, promised to do a detailed reaction as soon as possible.

Fortunately, it was learnt that local vigilance group in the area caught some of the detainees as they were advancing to escape.

Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday called on the leadership of the National Assembly to intervene in the impasse at the state House of Assembly.

The state PDP described the continued suspension of the lone party member

representing IIorin state constituency at the state House of Assembly, Hon. Jimoh Agboola, as a breach of justice and a threat to democratic governance in the country.

Agboola was last Wednesday asked to stay away from the Assembly for 14 days over an alleged breaking of the rules of the Assembly.

The lawmaker had early last year been suspended for three months for allegedly making comments on one of the radio stations in Ilorin.

However, in a statement issued by the PDP which was signed by its state Publicity Secretary, Mr. Tunde Ashaolu, the party stated that: “The decision of the leadership of the Assembly to reprimand

Agboola by suspending him for 14 legislative days over baseless accusations of contempt and breach of privilege of the Assembly is an insult to the cognition of Kwara people.”

The statement said: “It is easy to lay accusations, but it is another thing to present evidence to back it up, something the Assembly failed to do all these while.

South-west Govs Urged to Adopt Adire as School Uniform James Sowole ÓØ ÌÏÙÕßÞË Stakeholders in the six Southwest states including the governors and policy makers at all levels of government, have been implored to go a step further to salvage Yoruba culture by adopting the local fabrics, Adire, as part of the school uniform for government-owned primary and secondary schools.

The convener, Gbagede

Ewaede Foundation, Princess Adejoke Somoye made the appeal during an interview shortly after the Evening of Culture to mark the 10th Anniversary of the foundation, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Somoye described the proposed adoption as an initiative that would further give a unique status to the cultural value of the Yorubas, explaining that it was high time we thanked

all stakeholders and worked assiduously to inculcate the wearing of the local fabrics in public school system.

She stressed that such was capable of further improving the Gross Domestic Products (GDP), of the states as it would result into the diversification from a monoeconomic system.

The convener noted that Yoruba special arts provided another unexplored

opportunities of economic diversification.

Commending the Ogun State Government for earlier proposing the idea, Somoye tasked the present administration to set machineries in motion towards commencing the implementation in earnest, adding that the State was being regarded as the gateway of innovative ideas in the comity of States.

Domesticate Child Rights Act, Women Lawyers Tell Ganduje Ibrahim Shuaibu ÓØ ËØÙ The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) yesterday appealed to the Kano State Government to hasten domestication of Child Rights Act and Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act. The Chairperson of FIDA in Kano, Ms Bilkisu Suleiman, said domestication of the act, after

been infused with the State Sharia Laws, would assist to reduce cases of raping minors, ‘Almajiri’ and other social vices been perpetuated in the state.

She said: “Right now, we are trying our best on awareness campaigns for our people to accept it and understand our missions, which is actually to correct the wrongs in the families.”

“We are highly disturbed by the menace of ‘Almajiri’ and child abuse, which sometimes escaped unpunished.

“Today’s social vices that are disturbing Northern Nigeria and Kano in particular, can only be checked if there are cogent laws that will deter the perpetrators and provide accurate punishment against them.

“FIDA is doing all it could to ensure problems in family settings and the issue of child abuse that has to do with rape, is actively look into and those who are abusing them are brought to book,” she said.

“That is why we are doing all we can to ensure that the acts are domesticated and infused accordingly,” she said.

NDLEA, NSCDC Renew Partnership on Drug War Michael Olugbode ÓØ ÌßÔË The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have agreed to strengthen existing partnership and synergy between the two agencies in various areas of operations especially in

the ght against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

The commitment was the highpoint of a courtesy visit by the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Audi to the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig.

Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) during his visit to the anti-drug agency’s national headquarters

in Abuja yesterday.

In his remarks, the NSCDC boss said he paid the visit to tap from the knowledge and experience of the NDLEA boss, noting that Marwa has transformed the anti-drug agency within a short time.

He said he sought synergy and collaboration between the two agencies, adding

that he has continued to follow Marwa’s antecedents and achievements in public service since he was still a student.

In his response, the NDLEA Chief Executive commended the NSCDC boss for bringing to bear his experience and intellectual capacity on the work of the Corps.

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Dowen College: Niger Delta Youths Protest, Warn against Monday Reopening Chiemelie Ezeobi Following Wednesday’s clearance of 10 students and staff of Dowen College by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) of their involvement in the death of 12-year-old Sylvester Oromoni, some Niger Delta youths yesterday stormed the school in protest.

Clad in white shirts with inscriptions on it, the group issued an ultimatum to the school,

warning that it must not open on Monday, else they would strongly resist it.

According to them, the school cannot resume like other schools in the state when justice was yet to be served.

Following legal advice of the DPP, the Lagos State government had cleared five students which included 16-year-old Favour Benjamin, 15-year-old Micheal Kashamu, 16-year-old Edward Begue, 14-year-old Ansel Temile

and 15-year-old Kenneth Inyang.

Also cleared were five members of staff: Celina Uduak, Valentine Igboekweze, Hammed Ayomo Bariyu, Adesanya Olusesan Olusegun and one Adeyemi.

The autopsy and toxicology reports of post-mortem samples established the cause of death as Septicaemia, Lobar Pneumonia with Acute Pyelonephritis, Pyomyositis of the right ankle and Acute Bacteria Pneumonia due to severe Sepsis.

N’Assembly Workers Threaten Strike over Unpaid Eight Months Wages Udora Orizu in Abuja National Assembly workers under the aegis of Parliament Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) have threatened to embark on strike as from next Monday over the non-payment of their eight months outstanding national minimum wage as well as 15 months CONPECULIAR allowances.

PASAN made this known in

a communiqué dated January 6, 2022, issued after its joint NASS/ NASC congress held in Abuja, a copy of which was transmitted to the Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan; Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Chairman, National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Engr.

Ahmed Mashi; Director of Department of State Service (DSS); Divisional Police Officer

(DPO) at the National Assembly and Head of Sergeant-at-Arms, respectively.

The workers in the two-page communiqué, accused the National Assembly management of breach in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) entered with PASAN on April 13, 2021, on the full implementation of the new national minimum wage Act 2019 and the Revised condition of service.

FCT Threatens to Sanction Monarchs for Breach of Peace Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration has said it would not hesitate to hold the traditional leaders of 17 Abuja graded chiefdoms responsible for the breakdown of peace

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as LOUIS OBI OKADIEGBO now wish to be known and addressed as LOUIS UKWAONYE OKOLOBI. All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ASIKABULU SUSAN UJENWA now wish to be known and addressed as ASIKABULU OKOLOBI SUSAN UJENWA. All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly know and addressed as UBAHAHUKANWA ELIZABETH, now wish to be known and address as UBA NGOZI ELIZABETH and my DoB was wrongly written as 18th Feb. 1974 instead of 18th Feb. 1975. All former documents reamin valid, the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as BLESSING NKECHI ABIAGOM, now wish to be known and addressed as BLESSING NKECHI EGENONU. All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MARY IMABONG BASSEY, now wish to be known and addressed as MARY IMABONG NNAKWE. All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as BABALOLA ENIOLA ENITAN, now wish to be known and addressed as ONIFADE AFUSAT ABIODUN. All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as IVEREN MARY TSEAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as IVEREN TSEAYO ADOKWU. All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

in their domains during the forthcoming 2022 FCT Area Councils’ elections.

The Mandate Secretary, FCT Area Council Services Secretariat (ACSS), Hon. Ibrahim Abubakar Dantshoho, issued the warning yesterday when he met with the chiefs.

He said as the closest persons to the grassroots, the graded chiefs have the obligation to ensure the protection of lives by appeasing their subjects that irrespective of party differences, they should embrace peace before, during and after the elections.

He said: “In the next five weeks or so we will be having the area council election and the minister said we should convey this message to you why there must not be any loss of lives. You need to talk to your subjects that irrespective of party differences, there should be peace before, during and even after the elections.

“And if you (graded chiefs) allow anything to happen in your domain, the FCT Administration will not hesitate to hold you responsible for their action or inaction, and why it was not curtailed”.

Suspected Ritualist Kills Female UNIJOS Student Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Plateau State Police Command yesterday confirmed the killing of a 300-level student of the University of Jos, Jennifer Antony, by unknown person suspected to be ritualist in a hotel in Jos. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Mr. Ubah Gabriel Ogaba told journalists that the Command received a distress call in respect to the incident and it is currently working to unravel the perpetrators.

Late Jennifer was said to have been missing since December 30, 2021, and her corpse was discovered on January 1 without eyeballs. She was said to have been killed in a hotel along Zaria road in Jos.

The deceased, according to information, was a 300-level student of Special Education and Rehabilitation Sciences of the university.

The killing is suspected to have been carried out by suspected ritualists, who allegedly drugged the victim before removing her eyes.

Ogaba said the police commissioner has held a meeting with all hotel operators in the state and has introduced new techniques of identifying crimes around them.

“We are aware of the incident involving the student and investigation has since commenced with a view to identifying and arresting the perpetrators.

Tripplesea Group Boss Loses Father Burial plans have been announced for late Chief Godfrey Chira Chidozie, the father of the Managing Director/ CEO, Tripplesea Group(owners of Bluegate products).

According to a statement signed by MD/CEO, service of songs will take place on Thursday January 13, 2022 by 5pm in Lagos.

Requiem mass will follow on Friday 14th January, 2022

by 10am at Catholic Church of Transfiguration, Victoria Garden City, Lekki, Lagos.

Also, vigil mass would take place at his hometown, Chidozie Compound, Ezieke Village, Ojoto Uno, Idemili South, LGA, Anambra State. Lying in state and funeral mass will take place on January 28, 2022 by 10 am. He is survived by wife, children, grandchildren and numerous relations

WORLD OF ISLAM

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Questions in the Grave: Mother of All Exams (2) By: Spahic Omer/IslamiCity (continued from last week)

What is your religion?

A person will be asked about his religion because he was created to worship Almighty Allah and to do so only within the spiritual and ethical framework of Islam as the only religion and the only way of life.

Islam is the only acceptable religion with Allah because it accounts for the truth, which is also one and constant. No other alternatives and life systems, adopted in lieu of Islam, will be accepted. Islam and the truth are twins.

There can be no multiple faiths just as there can be no multiple truths.

Islam is Allah’s religion. He gave it to human beings as a gift and a means to reach out to Him and so, to the whole goodness. For that reason, was Islam (submission to Allah as the only certainty) revealed to each and every prophet in human history. Many of the current world religions and philosophies stand for the distorted versions or pale remnants of such revelations.

Rejecting the authentic Islam means rejecting Allah as Lord and the Source of all authority and legitimacy. What comes next is the devising of alternative ideologies and life systems, thereby ascribing all authority and legitimacy to man and his cognitive abilities. Such basically becomes an act of tipping man against God – the main legacy of Renaissance humanism and all its contemporary offshoots, such as modernism and postmodernism.

Allah says: “Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam” (Alu ‘Imran, 19).

“If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter He will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good)” (Alu ‘Imran, 85).

Who is this man who was sent among you?

A person will be asked about Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) because to accept Allah as Lord and to follow Islam as religion, a person was expected to follow the only qualified teacher and role model: Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). No other person – idea or system - could serve as an adequate exemplar and guide to the accomplishment of the first two considerations.

In his worldview, his thinking and behavioural patterns a person should align himself with the Prophet’s paradigms. Hence, learning about them, enriching and beautifying his personality with them, and applying them as much as possible, should be a person’s life obsession.

Following and obeying the Prophet means following and obeying Allah. Forsaking and ignoring the Prophet means, positively, forsaking and ignoring Allah, which will eventually result in being forsaken and ignored.

Allah says: “Say, (O Muhammad), “If you should love Allah, then follow me, (so) Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful” (Alu ‘Imran, 31).

The question refers to the Prophet only as “this man sent among you”. This implies that everyone, both in theory and practice, should know the Prophet so much that any slightest and even oblique reference to him should cause in a person a light-bulb moment. It should easily dawn upon such a person that the “man” in question is the Prophet, the saviour of mankind.

Alluding to the Prophet simply as “man” further indicates that people must possess only correct perceptions and knowledge about him.

They must know that he was neither a divinity, nor an abstract being, nor a myth.

What did you do so you were made aware of all this?

And lastly, a person will be asked about his deeds – and initiatives - in this life. It should be noted that this question comes last. The reason is that all deeds are conditioned by the ideas of deity (divinity), religion and prophet-hood.

Man can be good only if he gets right those three modules. Without them, a person’s being good is a relative thing and applies only to a narrow frame of reference. Deeds are the effect; a worldview, a belief system and values are the cause.

For example, a person prays only because his understanding of, and relationship with,

Almighty Allah, His Islam and His Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) are correct. Similarly, a person does not pray only because his worldview and knowledge concerning Allah, Islam and the Prophet, and his rapport with them, are flawed. The matter is never about one having - or not - enough training, free time, facilities, opportunities, etc.

The same goes to the rest of deeds. A person fasts, gives charity, performs pilgrimage, upholds high moral standards, etc., only because he knows that he subscribes to and follows a certain higher order of things and meanings. His actions are natural and spontaneous, yet full of sense and value. They are second nature to him.

Similarly, a person commits all sorts of spiritual and moral wrongdoing only because of the beliefs, values and standards he had embraced as an opposition to the revealed alternative. His actions, too, are utterly natural and instinctive.

He does not intend them, so to speak; his ideas, principles and attitudes do. Indeed, physical movements and procedures connote the last thing human actions actually are.

As a result, in Islam, the most important thing is intention (niyyah). The Prophet(SAW) said: “Verily, deeds are judged only by intentions (motives). Verily, every person will have only what he intended” (Sahih al-Bukhari). However, the depository of intention (niyyah) is in the heart, not within the scope of the mere tongue, or somewhere else.

Moreover, it should be noted that a believer will answer that he was made aware of the Ultimate Truth and that his good deeds were in terms of reading the Book of Allah (the Holy Qur’an), believing in it and confirming it (conceptually and in practice). This answer, as short as it seems, is rather comprehensive and full of substance. It is a continuation of the first three answers. Yet, it is their climax.

Pertaining to the practical implementation in the realm of everyday life, a person regularly reads and comprehends the Qur’an, in addition to believing in and implementing its content.

This is so because there can be no Qur’an without Allah, Islam and the Prophet. The Qur’an is an outcome. Because of its origins, it is the Criterion and Law. A true believer, accordingly, not only reads, memorises, understands and implements the Qur’an, but also identifies his total existence with it. He becomes a walking, or living, Qur’an. It therefore follows that the fourth answer is an abstracted and downscaled description of such an inclusive type of conduct.

Believers will answer to the effect of reading, believing in and affirming the Qur’an, even though, on the face of it, different answers might be given. This additionally shows the worth of the Qur’an. For Muslims, to have the Qur’an as the constitution and the primary source of law – yet of their whole existence - is not a choice but a must. In its exceptional way, the Qur’an is indispensable, just as Allah, Islam and the Prophet are in their own ways.

Finally, inasmuch as this last question and its answer issue from, and are premised on, the first three questions and their answers, the same could be a reason why some hadith accounts did not mention the final (fourth) question at all. As if its quintessence was already implied or covered.

The case of nonbelievers

A nonbeliever will be asked only three questions: “Who is your Lord?”, “What is your religion?” and “Who is this man who was sent among you?” His response to all of them will be: “Oh, oh, I don’t know” (Sunan Abi Dawud).

A nonbeliever will not be asked the last question because doing so will be unnecessary – and Allah knows best. If he is asked, the same answer will have been forthcoming.

Doing so will be rather meaningless and time-wasting, while the exam in the grave is only truth and substance-oriented. The answer per se will be expected, in that it is predicated on the first three questions and a person’s answers to them.

Why to ask a person about his deeds and their sources, as well as about his knowledge, if he did not take Allah as his God and Lord, Islam as his religion and the way of life, and Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) as his teacher and exemplar. In this regard, a person’s relationship with all his deeds, by default, are bound to be inadequate as well.

To Be Continued

FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2022 • THISDAY

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BACK PAGE CONTINUATION OBASANJO IS INDEED NIGERIA’S MORAL COMPASS: A RE JOINDER TO SIMON KOLAWOLE documents before the invitation of former President OBASANJO”. No more, no less!

This obviously goes to suggest that nothing ‘damning’ was found on him, lest he would have been subsequently invited and indicted.

This is a far different cry as regards others investigated along with him. Furthermore, as president, Obasanjo made strenuous efforts to recover various sums allegedly paid out as bribes in the Halliburton scandal, employing foreign lawyers to help do so. And if the author had had the opportunity to see the correspondences between President Obasanjo and the Geneva-based lawyers, he would have had a different view on the matter.

Finally, on Halliburton to which he took serious exception, Obasanjo out of office wrote both Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Mohammadu Buhari demanding that they get those who made the allegation against him brought to Nigeria or anywhere in the world before a judicial body to substantiate their claims. Neither President Jonathan till he left office, nor President Buhari to date, acceded to this demand.

To me, given these facts, the Halliburton issue, insofar as it relates to President Obasanjo, is a hoax created by corruption to fight back.

Next is on Dr. Julius Makanjuola, who was both a relative of the president and a Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence. As the author rightly pointed out, Makanjola was implicated in a N421 million scandal. But unlike the assertion of the author, charismatically Obasanjo got him not only dismissed but also put on trial. And when the Attorney General closed the case by entering Nolle Prosequi, President Obasanjo promptly queried him, because, as the president put it then, “the decision to stop the trial is contrary to my administration’s campaign against corruption”. At the directive of the president, six fresh charges were accordingly filed against Makanjola.

And subsequently, the Attorney General was removed from the Justice Ministry and deployed to Solid Minerals. That Makanjola’s trial was not determined till Obasanjo left office is due purely on the lethargic nature of our administration of justice procedure than unwillingness to fight corruption by the president.

To claim that EFCC failed to tackle Obasanjo’s corruption on fund raising for his presidential library project and share holdings in Transcorp Hilton seems to me to be not only illogical but even libelous.

From President Roosevelt to President Obama in the USA, presidents form foundations, raise funds and build their libraries. That President Obasanjo did same, with people freely donating without being coerced to do so is certainly not an offense in our statute books. With regards to holding shares in Transcorp, I do not know. If the author can supply evidence, I am sure EFCC will swing into action now that Obasanjo is not in power and so cannot block the unraveling of his own corruption acts as insinuated,

been unraveled and resolved? Or are we saying that subsequent administrations are equally complicit? Even in the most advanced countries high profile assassinations happen and go unresolved. Between 1979 when Obasanjo handed over power as Head of State to 2007 when he again transferred power as president, the United Kingdom alone witnessed 16 unresolved high profile assassinations. Many other European, American and other countries also experienced the menace. While not absolving the leaders of blame, it however doesn’t translate to failure of leadership as being insinuated in the examples given.

On the Chris Ngige saga, my take actually is put on failure of party than on governmental administration. From the moment the PDP denied Governor Mbadinuju nomination, having 3 times won the primaries, the seed for political crises in the state was sown. I was close to Mbadinuju and I knew how close both Ngige and Chris Ubah, the two key antagonists to the saga, were with him.

The governor was actually the one sponsoring Ngige for senate, but unknown to us, all the while Ngige and Ubah were plotting against him. I remember Ngige accosting me one day at Enugu airport and saying to me: “Dr. Ardo, please consider me as standby generator in case Odera didn’t

get it”. I didn’t understand the meaning of that statement until when things unfolded later. Anambra was actually a can of worms that spilled out in the fullness of time. If any blame is to be apportioned, then the pointing finger should be to the party, and not government, leadership of the time.

Taking the unsavory issues of Obasanjo’s children raised in the article, I can only refer the author to the news report of Vanguard Newspaper of January 27, 2018 where Sen. Iyabo Obasanjo came to the defense of her father against those recycling her 2013 letter.

And on Gbenga’s affidavit filed seeking divorce from his wife on the ground of incest and adultery against his father, he equally accused his own father-in-law of the same offense. Now, if someone accuses both his father and his wife’s father of incest with his wife, then obviously the accusing finger should point to the accuser and certainly not to the two accused. In this case, we should sympathize with accuser and do everything possible to help him.

In conclusion, why Obasanjo to date remains ever relevant and a moral compass for the country is simple - because of his honour and achievements! For most Nigerians, the Murtala/Obasanjo military regime of 1975-1979 is the ideal national government for the country for the following reasons:1. It was a sincere and patriotic regime; 2. It came with a clear, purposeful and visionary agenda for the nation; 3. It led by example, by action and by sacrifice; 4. It achieved its set objectives as and how defined; and 5. It thus raised the standard of leadership for Nigeria and Africa.

And for Obasanjo personally, even after the assassination of Murtala, he took to the path of honour and continued with the regime’s agenda to a logical conclusion without wavering, which was principally to return Nigeria on the path of democracy. By that Obasanjo created a benchmark and standard in governance, made honour and integrity key values in leadership and set a pace of development for the country. No wonder, when all hopes seemed lost in leaderships that took over after him, and to rectify the errors of military in politics, statesmen within the military apparatchiks looked out for Obasanjo to stand for election as president.

Recognizing his imbued honour, integrity and achievements, Nigerians willfully elected him. And as president, he again came with a clear agenda of entrenching democracy, building the Nigerian economy and fusing it into the world economic order. These he achieved in his 8 years as president. He had his faults and failures no doubt, like every human being, but on the whole, he was far above average in patriotism, honour, integrity and achievements. No wonder, therefore, he is always quick at raising his voice against regimes that he perceives to be operating below these standard baselines, not minding the consequences that may befall him.

for fulfilling the prioritisation of power shift to the South- in contrast to the option of the National Republican Convention, NRC, ticket of Bashir Tofa (may his soul rest in peace) and Sylvester Ugoh.

Third is Akande’s dysfunctional strategy of pulling down the house so that tower Tinubu may rise. Factoring the indispensability of President Mohammadu Buhari to this aspiration he would go on to canonize the President beyond the recognition of anyone familiar with the Nigerian leader as “ascetic and profoundly patriotic”. How patriotic is a leader who vowed and faithfully executed the vow of discriminating against those who did not vote for him? Narrating his detention ordeal at the behest of the Buhari military dictatorship in 1984/85 Akande himself levelled the allegation that “the theme, all over, was that there were double standards in the arrests and humiliation of politicians from the South and the North, between Christians and Muslims with the southerners, and Christians suffering the worse treatment.” Yet this is the same Nigerian leader Akande eulogised as “ascetic and profoundly patriotic”. Of course, cringing as before a demi god, he could not bring himself to name the leader who presided over such characteristic display of profoundly unpatriotic governance.

In the course of an unremitting servile ingratiation Akande made the unkindest cut of all by collectively degrading Nigerians as undeserving frauds and cheaters. “We

(Nigerians) know you love the country, We abuse you for everything that is wrong in the country. We know we are fraudulent, cheaters and for all the wrongs we still blame you for it” he crowed Trumping all else was his subversive take down of any anticipation of Yoruba regional autonomy or self-determination.

This was his cynical exploitation of the 19th century Yoruba disunity history to savage the notion of Yoruba nationalism and sell his people short. While he was prepared to extol that the 19th Fulani is qualitatively different from the contemporary Fulani and capable of historical rectitude, he saw his own people (the Yoruba) as fixated in the disarray of the 19th century and incapable of historical progress. Hear him “Who has not seen any change in the Hausa Fulani society of the nineteenth century compared to the Hausa Fulani of 1999 who surrendered the presidency to the Yoruba to right the wrong done to Yoruba by annulling Abiola’s presidential mandate”. In contrast and spiteful allusion to the 19th century Yoruba countrywide implosion, Akande taunted “Those agitating for a Yoruba nation should have a rethink.

This country must remain united to save it from war..Yoruba will be in war for another 100 years if Nigeria is allowed to break.”

Akande has set the propaganda tone for Tinubu’s presidential campaign in a manner that may come back to haunt the latter as the most significant turning point of his campaign-for the worse.

Obasanjo nor enjoys any immunity.

All I will say on the issue of importation of fuel as put in the article is now that Obasanjo has left office for nearly 15 years have we stopped importing fuel? Has the subsidy regime not tripled now than during Obasanjo’s period? Has President Buhari who claimed before coming to power that fuel subsidy was a scam halted the regime?

If I may ask, who built 3 of our 4 refineries in the first place? The answer is Obasanjo!

The decay ensued in the 20 years after he left office in 1979. On the power and railway issues raised, I think much can be gained by looking them up in Obasanjo’s books, Under my Watch, and coming up with a critique rather than making uninformed allegations on them. On insecurity, yes there was militancy under Obasanjo, but those engaged in the crime also paid high prices as the president never treated them with kit gloves. And no, Boko Haram did not start under Obasanjo; it started under Yar’adua in 2009. In fact, Obasanjo offered to help mediate “abort the foetus” of BH but was bugled by the regime in power.

Yes, I concede to the spade of assassinations under Obasanjo, but if the author is insinuating that they were instigated by the president, it is now getting to 15 years since Obasanjo left office; why haven’t they

AKANDE’S DISSERVICE TO TINUBU this regard. No occasion is good enough for the Yoruba to engage in intramural war of attrition and certainly not a prevailing situation in which Nigeria is, once again, challenging and provoking the comprising natonalities to the battle cry of to your tents o Israel- requiring all hands to be on deck.

The major dysfunction of Akande’s book is his handling of the subject matter of the presidential aspiration of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu- in the pursuit of which he pulled no breaks and was prepared to thrash and besmirch all. Without prejudice to Tinubu’s ambition, I have earlier reiterated my misgivings which has nothing to do with the personal merits or otherwise of the political titan. So let me restate them once again. First is the question, what best serves the cause of national integration and political stability of Nigeria at this critical juncture? Is there a better option than the purposive gesture of healing the festering civil war wound and the attendant political marginalisation of the Igbo by the contrivance of an Igbo acceding to the Nigerian presidency in 2023? In my reckoning, any option to the contrary amounts to the elevation of abusive power politics over the ideal of national unity and integration. I have taken the position that eight years of President Olusegun Obasanjo and eight years of VicePresident Yemi Osinbajo (in 24 years, in which the Igbo had never featured in either position), morally disqualifies the South-west from contending for the presidency with the Igbo in the forthcoming 2023 election.

Second is religious balance. The suggestion that the Northern caucus of the All Progressives Congress, APC has preempted the outcome of the party presidential primaries with an insistence on a particular religious identity (that whoever emerges as the presidential or vice presidential candidate from the North must be a Muslim) is insensitive, discriminatory and divisive.

It has, ab initio, prejudice and problematise the candidacy of any Nigerian Muslim from the South. The rationalisation that religion is not an issue in Yoruba politics begs the question of whether Nigeria comprises Yoruba alone and why Nigeria should tinker with any notion that will subject a country already fraying with divisive politics to any religious sensitivity test. You may also ask, what about the precedence of the Moshood Abiola/Babagana Kingibe’s Muslim/Muslim presidential ticket? Well, Abiola did not start his presidential election run with the presumption of being under duress to pick a Muslim as his running mate. The ticket evolved from a process in which the choice of kingibe was compelled by the imperative of unifying the party.

Kingibe had been a popular party chairman (especially among the governors elected on the Social Democratic Party, SDP platform who were united in rooting for him as running mate) and he came a close second to Abiola in the presidential primaries.

There was equally the extenuating explicit adoption of Abiola as presidential candidate by the South West political block specifically

FRIDAY, Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

54

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Ighalo Eager to Play for Eagles at AFCON in Cameroon, Says Eguavoen Eagles to play Cotonsport in only warm up match this evening Duro Ikhazuagbe

Interim Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Augustine Eguavoen, revealed yesterday that Odion Ighalo is eager to feature at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon despite his Saudi club Al Shabab refusing to release him for the tournament.

THISDAY learnt that Al Shabab is objecting to Ighalo’s involvement at the AFCON 2021 because NFF failed to inform them on time of Nigeria’s desire to field their prized forward in Cameroon. It is also believed that Ighalo’s contract clearly stated that he had retired from international duties with Nigeria.

An official of the club, Majid Al-Marzouki, told Al Arabiya’s In the Goal TV programme yesterday that Ighalo’s letter of invitation did not reach the club within the period specified

by FIFA for receiving players’ call-up.

But despite the setback Eguavoen, speaking from Super Eagles camp in Garoua said Ighalo is doing his best to be with the team.

Eguavoen who won the 1994 AFCON with Eagles however confirmed that it would not be possible to replace the former Manchester United forward with Cyriel Dessers as planned.

“We spoke, exchange text messages and from his response, he (Ighalo) is doing everything to come by. I thought of replacing him, I gave a deadline and tried to bring in Nassarawa United striker Silas Nwankwo, a good player no doubt. And also Akinkunmi Amoo but he is not a striker but he can play off strikers. I thought of replacing Ighalo with any of them but what CAF is saying is that it’s only based on injuries or health reasons that he can be replaced,” observed the coach fondly called Cerezo.

Aside Ighalo, the duo of Jamilu Collins and Tyronne

Ahmed Musa Bereaved!

Super Eagles Skipper, Ahmed Musa, did not fly out with the rest of the Super Eagles squad to Cameroon on Wednesday night ahead of the AFCON after he suffered a family bereavement.

An official disclosed that the Turkey-based forward was granted compassionate leave and will join up with the rest of the squad in Cameroon.

“He lost a close family member and as such he has been excused from the team,” an official announced yesterday.

This will be Ahmed Musa’s third AFCON after he made his debut in the 2013 tournament, which Nigeria won in South Africa.

In October, Ahmed Musa reached a milestone 100 caps for Nigeria against Central African Republic in Cameroon.

Watford defender William Ekong has often deputised for Ahmed Musa.

Ebuehi who have still not reported in Eagles camp are expected to arrive today.

“Hopefully Tyronne Ebuehi and Jamilu Collins will joins us on Friday (today). “Tyronne is

playing tonight (Thursday) and he will be here Friday. Same with Jamilu who will also in Eagles camp by Friday evening.”

Meanwhile, the Eagles had their first training session

Thursday at the Stade Roumdé Adjia, Garoua venue of the Group D encounter on Tuesday with Eguavoen expressing satisfaction with what he said.

Eagles are to play their only

warm up match with Cameroon champions Cotonsport this evening.

“First training about an hour 15 minutes, couldn’t do everything we wanted to

because of time factor. But however we are very impressed, the field also is very good, environment is good, weather is good and the boys responded very well and we are happy.

Super Eagles had their first training in Garoua, yesterday and are primed to play Cameroon champions Cotonsport in a warm up match...this evening

Dakkada FC Management, Technical Crew Suspended over Assault on Referee Emmanuel Akpan

Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Youth and Sports has suspended the Management and Technical crew of Dakkada Football Club indefinitely following the gross dereliction of duty and mismanagement culminating in the fine and banishment of the club to Benin city by the League Management Company (LMC).

In a statement signed by the state’s Director of Sports, Elder Ifiok Duff, the Ministry frowned

at the unprofessional manner the club’s management handled match protocols before, during and after the Nigeria Professional Football League match day four encounter against Remo Stars Football Club of Ikenne last Sunday in Uyo. According to the him, "The Akwa Ibom state’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and indeed the football community was taken aback by the media frenzy that accompanied the manhandling of a match official by an assistant

coach of Dakkada FC".

"The people of Akwa Ibom state have zero tolerance for indiscipline and barbarism, acts that cast opprobrium on the image of sports in the state."

Continuing, the statement reads, "In as much as we regret the heavy punishment on Dakkada Football Club, we hope that the LMC will be consistent in this regard no matter whose ox is gored, aimed at not only sanitizing the league but serving as a deterrent for

future occurrences."

The Ministry however, apologized to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), League Management Company (LMC), the affected match official as well as the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) and indeed the generality of the Nigerian football community for the condemnable occurrence which is not in the state's character as witnessed by the arrest and detention of the perpetrator of the heinous act, Mr. Sunday

Etefia.

Meanwhile, the following officials have been drafted in to help run the club in the interim. They are; Coach Windy Abasiakan, Coach Daniel Japhet, Mr. Etido Inyang and Comrade Edidiong Stephen.

Retained technical crew include; Coach Danlami, Nsikak Pius (Masseur), Akan Jumbo (Kit Manager), Ukeme Afangideh (Physiotherapy), Ubong Daniel (Curator) and Uduak Lawrence (Academy Coach).

Abayomi, Rukayat Emerge Winners in 4th Edition Of Opobo Marathon Akintomide Abayomi and Rukayat Oladapo have emerged champions of both male and female categories of the 4th edition of Opobo Marathon that saw athletes covering 17km.

However, one of the star attractions saw the reverred Amayanabo and natural ruler of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja participating in the marathon.

Oladele Sunday and Clinton Amara came second and third respectively in the male category that saw more than 100 runners participating. Dorothy Jaja

finished second in the female event.

The Team Lead of the organizers, Iyowuna Cookey, who spoke on the sidelines of the event, said the marathon aims to connect Opobo to the rest of the world, in addition to showcasing the tourism potentials of the area.

According to him, with Opobo marathon, people are seeing beyond the popular Nwaotam carnival, just as we are using the marathon to advocate for healthy living.

"I want to specifically thank

the Amanyanabo of Opobo, King Douglas Dandeson Jaja for his full participation as well as our headline sponsors including Heritage Bank, Vino Imperium, Mental Health Orientation and Advocacy Initiative and, Opobo/Nkoro local government council," he stressed.

King Dandeson Jaja expressed satisfaction with the marathon, saying it will promote healthy living and tourism potentials, while also calling for more participation from the international community.

The King, who joined the

marathon at the starting point (Bridge 9) pledged the kingdom's full support, saying "I thank the sponsors of this event, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts and we hope that the sponsorship will continue and the price money will be increased so that it will attract more people from other places."

"I hear there are people from other places like Osun State.

Osun State happens to be the home of my friends, the late Ooni and the present Ooni of Ife; they were all my friends, we

need more people from other states to join us because it is important that Nigerians see themselves as one. We will like to invite people from Africa to come and join too.

"This is the home of one of the foremost Africans that fought for the emancipation of the black man; so Opobo kingdom has a history but it’s not only sports, but we have a lot to give to the world so let us use sport as a genre for inviting tourists to Opobo and this will help the local economy," he added

55

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SPORTS

Aubameyang Hit with COVID-19 Four Days to AFCON Kick off Gabon captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has tested positive for Covid-19 just four days before his country's first game at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Aubameyang and Nice midfielder Mario Lemina returned positive lateral flow tests on arrival at Yaounde's airport in Cameroon.

Coach Anicet Yala also tested positive.

Head coach Patrice Neveu told reporters that the trio, who are all asymptomatic, are isolating in their hotel

rooms and awaiting results of PCR tests.

Gabon play their opening Group C match against Comoros on Monday, with their second group game against Ghana on Friday, 14 January.

Arsenal striker Aubameyang, 32, was dropped by the Gunners and stripped of the club’s captaincy last month for disciplinary reasons.

Hosts Cameroon will play in the first game of the Nations Cup against Burkina Faso on Sunday at 16:00 GMT.

Guinea Defeat Rwanda in Last Warm up Match

Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang...has tested positive for COVID-19 and is isolating in his hotel room in Cameroon.

PHOTO: Reuters

Giroud’s Helps Milan Narrows Gap on Leaders Inter to Just One Point AC Milan closed the gap on Serie A leaders Inter Milan to a point after a home win over Jose Mourinho's Roma.

The hosts took an eighthminute lead when Olivier Giroud converted a penalty following a handball by former Chelsea team-mate Tammy Abraham.

Milan made it 2-0 with Junior Messias' follow-up after Giroud hit the post.

England striker Abraham pulled one back, steering in Lorenzo Pellegrini's shot, but substitute Rafael Leao broke clear to score Milan's third goal.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic had a chance

ITALIAN SERIE A to add a fourth in injury time, but saw his penalty, awarded after Leao had been brought down

by Gianluca Mancini, saved by ex-Wolves goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

Mancini was shown his second yellow card for the challenge as Roma ended the game with nine men - right wing-back Rick Karsdorp had been sent off for two bookable offences in the 74th minute.

Abraham, who has now scored 13 goals for Roma in

Tammy Abraham was on the scorer’s sheet...yesterday

all competitions since his £34m move from Chelsea in August, had a chance to make it 2-2 in the second half but his shot from 22 yards was superbly pushed wide by home goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

The victory leaves Milan second on 45 points from 20 matches, after Inter's game at Bologna was cancelled amid farcical scenes earlier yesterday.

Bologna were banned from playing by their local health

PHOTO: Defodi Images

authority, but with Serie A refusing to cancel matches, Inter were forced to turn up and train before the game, as normal.

Roma, seventh in Serie A, are 14 points behind Inter and this was their first loss in five matches in all competitions.

Guinea’s Syli National picked a 2-0 win in their second international friendly match against hosts Rwanda in Kigali on Thursday afternoon.

Mohamed Lamine Bayo and skipper Naby Keita netted two first half goals at the Amahoro Stadium to give Guinea a morale boosting win before they travel to Cameroon for their Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon 2021 campaign.

The home side started brightly pushing forward, but the Guinea midfield held on well.

After 26 minutes Bayo jumped high to meet a well taken corner kick and beat Rwanda’s goalkeeper Pierre Ishimwe. In the 35th minute Keita, who only arrived a day before from his Club Liverpool, got his name on the score sheet with a well taken shot and

AFCON NEWS capitalizing on a blunder by Rwanda’s defender Jean Bosco Ruboneka.

In the second half the two coaches made some changes, but the score line remained the same.

Guinea’s Head Coach Kaba Diawara said that his side made some changes after losing the first friendly match 3-0 against the host. “We are very happy with the training we have had in Rwanda in the last few days and also the two friendly matches we had,” said Diawara after the match.

Diawara made it clear that his team is well prepared and ready for the AFCON 2021.

The Syli Nationale are placed in Group B alongside Senegal, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

NigerFEYSOCSettoDiscoverNew Soccer Talents, Says DG Lapai Sunday Okobi Barring any unforeseen hitch, the Niger State chapter of the Federation of Youth Soccer Clubs (FEYSOC) would soon embark on scouting to discover hidden soccer stars in the state with a view to nurturing them into a formidable squad capable of bringing back soccer glory to the state and Nigeria at large.

The project is part of an aggressive and ambitious youth soccer talent hunt led by the state Director-General of FEYSOC, Alhaji Umar Batako Lapai, a celebrated former national soccer promoter.

Lapai stated this at the finals of the 2021 Emir of Minna Under-14 football competition which took place at the late Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium, Minna, recently.

He said FEYSOC's vision is to utilise football competitions among age grades in the state as hunting grounds to discover hidden soccer talents thereby arresting the depleting ranks of soccer greats in the country.

According to him, “The talent

hunt is targeted at bringing back the lost glory of national grassroots sports development using Niger State as a case study and launch pad.”

He disclosed that the Niger State chapter of FEYSOC was fully convinced that an urgent resuscitation of age grade football competitions in the country would indirectly tackle some of the current socio-economic challenges such as youth restiveness in the country.

Lamenting that age grade competitions, particularly those organised by FEYSOC, had virtually disappeared in the highly human-resourced and blessed state such as Niger, he expressed commitment to reviving the competitions as a matter of urgency to propel the state to its pristine position in national youth and sports development.

Lapai described FEYSOC as the cradle of grassroots football development, and as such, they will do their best to see that all FEYSOC-organized competitions are resuscitated for the growth and development of the round leather game.

"When you talk of grassroots football development, FEYSOC is number one. Grassroots football development is not complete without FEYSOC because FEYSOC organises all age grade competitions where hidden talents are discovered and nurtured into stardom," he said.

FEYSOC boss added that the organisation under his watch in the state would bring back the lost glory of grassroots football development, saying all age grade competitions organised

by FEYSOC in the past will be resuscitated for the good of the game.

Meanwhile, Bosso United U-14 team won the coveted Emir of Minna Emir Cup, beating Flash Arrows FC by 2-0 in the explosive high fever-pitch soccer encounter which attracted FEYSOC officials, top sports dignitaries and mammoth soccer-loving fans in the state. The third place prize went to Alheri Babes.

FEYSOC's Vice President, Ibrahim Dada, and other state and local government FEYSOC officials witnessed the soccer artistry displayed by the young lads at the finals.

Friday January 7, 2022

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MISSILE CAN to Politicians

“Politicians can talk politics but we have stated our view. Any party that tries Muslim/ Muslim or Christian /Christian ticket will fail. This is not 1993. Even when we have Muslim/Christians, the church still goes through hell. Only God knows the number of Christians that have been killed. Imagine how bad it will be if we have two Muslims in power?” – Spokesman for Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President, Rev. Bayo Oladeji, warning against same religion joint ticket in 2023 presidency.

AKINOSUNTOKUN DIALOGUE WITH NIGERIA

akin.osuntokun@thisdaylive.com

Akande’s Disservice to Tinubu “It is interesting that close to the 20th anniversary of Ige’s death, Chief Bisi Akande, one of Ige’s closest collaborators released his robust autobiography, My Participations, to tell Ige’s side of the story, especially as it pertains to Afenifere. Anyone who has read Akande’s great book would know he has no kind words for those he perceived as opponents of Ige, principal of which were the duo of Adebanjo and his late friend, Sir Olanihun Ajayi. He was also heavy on Chief Olu Falae. Since Falae lost that election, the Awoist vanguard has been at war with itself.

Another chapter in that war is now opened

by My Participations. Akande’s book is the third by Afenifere chieftains to tell their stories and wage war by other means. The first to publish was Chief Ayo Adebanjo whose autobiography, Telling It As It Is, spares no one in his gunsight. He had no kind words to one of the old comrades, Chief Bola Ige, who by 2018 when Adebanjo published his book, had been dead for 17 years. Ige is not going to write any new book and cannot defend himself against those who continue to make him the object of their bristling campaign of calumny”- Dare Babarinsa “I just know that Akande is a very reckless person. He will just say anything without thought. Without thinking about the consequences, he will just say it like an irresponsible person. That is how he speaks.

That was why I said I was not going to

Tinubu comment about Akande. I don’t want to lower myself to his level”- Chief Olu Falae “The revolutionaries of today are the reactionaries of tomorrow”-Hannah Arendt

T

he most damaging aspect of the recently published memoirs of Chief Bisi Akande is not so much the contents of the book but the inauspicious timing of its

introduction to the Nigerian public. To be sure, the contents are controversial enough but by themselves are less damaging taken in isolation of the contemporary Nigerian context. A few years ago the publication would not have been so corrosive to the reputation of the author, to the pet project of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential ambition and the corporate integrity of the Yoruba. One of the dominant themes is the subject matter of the heroic and charismatic Yoruba political icon, the late Chief Ajibola Ige.The open secret at the time of his death was the supremacist struggle between him and his colleagues at the Afenifere political hierarchy. His death was the climax of what had become a bitter political struggle and it was not going to end well for the protagonists and the cause of Yoruba political cohesion. Next to their mentor and patriarch, Awolowo, Ige was the most formidable political mobilizer in Yorubaland and the most prominent face of Afenifere. He thereby perceived himself and had a sense of entitlement to the role of the political arrowhead of Afenifere- what he himself designated as arole Awolowo.

He knew or perhaps should have known, that his colleagues would most probably resent any such assumption of political preferment. If he was ever in doubt, his loss to Chief Olu Falae at the Afenifere shadow primaries confirmed the ill disposition. After his humiliating loss to Falae, the smart

political strategy, from the perspective of group cohesion and unity, would be for his colleagues to see the need to rally to his side and help heal his political wound.

Not to see and accept this need amounted to insensitivity bordering on hostility but Ige equally overreacted. And so the cold war intensified.

Whatever his shortcomings and the extraneous circumstances of his death, Ige’s premature death became an albatross not only on the neck of the government he served but also on that of his estranged Afenifere peers; and created an outstanding debt the survivors did not know how to liquidate. This tragic pall was reinforced by the resultant death of his highly regarded and broken widow Justice Atinuke Ige a year later. Although muted, It is possible that the other camp read in the tragedy of his death a vindication of sorts and entertained no guilt conscience. The bad blood was compounded by the disinclination of his colleagues not to speak ill of the dead where Ige was concerned. To this extent, Akande was right to rise in defence of his mentor who was no longer around to take matters into his most capable hands. In picking up the gauntlet however, the former Osun state governor typically went overboard. Bar the reckless impunity and inauspicious timing, there was validity to Akande’s purpose in Continued on page 53

RIGHT OF REPLY

Obasanjo is Indeed Nigeria’s Moral Compass: A Rejoinder to Simon Kolawole

Umar Ardo, Ph.D

I

just read with consternation in the Social Media the above titled article said to have been written and published in Thisday Newspaper of 18th January, 2015, by the columnist, Simon Kolawole.

Even though it escaped my attention when first published several years ago at the height of the general elections campaigns, the issues raised therein are still aimed at, as they were then, impugning on the reputation and character of President Olusegun Obasanjo. The fact that the piece is now being reproduced and circulated in the Social Media underscores this point.

Ordinarily I don’t join issues with people, especially newspaper columnists, but to allow twisted truths, or concocted and sensational lies and falsehood, either ignorantly or deliberately, capable of denigrating the reputation of a statesman who has dedicated

his entire life championing the cause of our country and her unity heaped on him and the nation in the name of truth, is to be complacent in the destruction of the conscience of the nation itself. Hence, without necessarily holding brief for President Obasanjo, I feel constrained to respond to the article and rebut the falsehoods contained therein. They say when evil is done by the wicked, silence of the righteous is complacency and God Almighty shall not find the latter guiltless. To this end, a simple deed of drawing attention to the facts on the issues raised and lay bare the lies therein can very well catalyze the removal of evil in society. This, in itself, I believe, is a huge service to the country.

One good thing about truth is that it always surfaces no matter how anyone tries to distort it. At all times, truth is complete; always full! There is no such thing as half-truth. Therefore, in any discourse where one tries to argue the pros of a point,

one must have to also face the cons of it, because the two complete the truth; they always go hand-in-hand! But in arguing an issue, if one side is taken and the other side left out, the inevitable result is that it brings out the lie of the argument. This is an academic truism; and this is what has befallen Kolawole’s argument as he tries unsuccessfully to hide out the pros and put up the cons on Obasanjo’s moral rectitude. Given that the central thrust of the article is to illustrate that ‘President Obasanjo cannot be a moral compass to the Nigerian society’ by listing out the moral low points of the former president, it is critical that those listed points are dealt with so as to put the records straight, as I view them, and clear all the misinformation therein.

One of the key vices in governance Obasanjo has consistently raised his voice against is corruption. To deal with this vice, he stated in his inaugural address in

May, 1999 that he would deal with it head on. True to his words, he established two anti-corruption bodies, the EFCC and ICPC; and in the days when he was in office Nigerians have witnessed not only the fight against corruption by these institutions but also the recovery of already stolen monies of the country. But then, as Nuhu Ribadu of EFCC famously said, when you fight corruption surely corruption will fight you back. For me, it is in this context that I view the unfounded allegations against Obasanjo on the Halliburton bribery scandal, which the author gleefully pointed out with the comment that “the damning reports are there in the attorney-general’s office”.

Well, I happened to get the Interim Report of the Presidential Panel on the matter from the Attorney General’s Office and all it said in its findings on Obasanjo is “Panelists are currently examining Continued on page 53

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