WEDNESDAY 12TH JANUARY 2022

INTELS Responds to FG, Says Process of Awarding Pilotage Contract Not Closed Eromosele Abiodun The battle to retain its service boat contract in the pilotage district of Lagos, Warri, Bonny,

Port-Harcourt and Calabar, which expired on August 8, 2020, may not be over yet as INTELS Nigeria Limited yesterday said it does not consider the process of awarding

the Pilotage contract closed.

In a strongly worded statement in reaction to THISDAY exclusive report, which revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari

has cancelled the restoration of INTELS service boat contract with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the company stated that it was yet to receive any form of

communication from any quarters on the matter.

INLTELS argued the service boat contract was being carried out by it for over a decade with

excellent results both in terms of the service rendered and the revenue generated in favour of the NPA and by extension, Nigeria.

Continued on page 48

LCCI Urges CBN to Sustain Development Finance Interventions... Page 16 Wednesday 12 January, 2022 Vol 26. No 9773. Price: N250

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Ernest Adegunle Oladeinde Shonekan, GCFR, CBE, 1936-2022 He was a peacemaker, says Buhari, directs flag flown at half mast He was Nigeria’s unifying force, Obasanjo declares IBB: why I appointed him head of interim government Jonathan, Lawan, Tinubu, govs, others mourn, pay tributes

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Olawale Ajimotokan, James Emejo in Abuja, James Sowole in Abeokuta, Laleye Dipo in Minna, Fidelis David in Akure, and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Former Head of Interim National Government (ING), Chief Ernest Adegunle Oladeinde Shonekan, has died. Shonekan died yesterday in Lagos of natural causes, his family said. He was aged 85 years.

A statement by the family, signed by one of his children, Adeboye Shonekan, said, “To the glory of the Almighty, the Shonekan family announces the passing of our patriarch, loving husband to Margaret, dutiful father to us all and former Head of State, Chief Ernest Adegunle Oladeinde Shonekan, GCFR, CBE, the Baba Sale of Egbaland.

“He passed this morning of natural causes at the age of 85.

The family will release further details in due course.”

President Muhammadu Buhari said he received the news of Shonekan’s passing with sadness. In a release by his media adviser, Femi Adesina, on behalf of the federal government, Buhari extended deepest condolences to Shonekan’s wife, Margaret, loved ones, as well as the government and people of Ogun State.

The president paid tribute to Shonekan, saying though an internationally respected statesman, with courageous wisdom, he left his flourishing business to become the Head of Government at a delicate time, when the country needed someone of his calm mien and Continued on page 6

Umahi Informs Buhari of His 2023 Ambition... Page 10

Late Shonekan

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TRIBUTES ERNEST ADEGUNLE OLADEINDE SHONEKAN, GCFR, CBE, 1936-2022 pedigree to save the ship of state from sinking.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said Shonekan was a unifying force that helped to bind the country together at a time of great uncertainty.

Former military president Ibrahim Babangida, who had appointed Shonekan head of the interim government, extolled his sterling qualities, saying they qualified him for the tough job.

Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Ahmed Lawan, and All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, were also among prominent Nigerians who paid tribute to the departed leader.

Buhari said Shonekan demonstrated to all that his love for country and commitment to its development, peace, and unity transcended the trappings of office and the transient nature of political power.

“Buhari believed that Nigeria owes a great debt to Chief Shonekan, the peacemaker, who even at the twilight of his life time never stopped believing and working for a prosperous and democratic country,” the statement said.

The president prayed that the memory of the departed would remain a blessing to Nigeria even as he finds perfect peace with the Almighty God.

Buhari Directs National Flag to Fly Half-Mast for Shonekan

The president directed that the national flag should be flown at half mast from January 12 to 14 as a mark of respect for the former Head of State. Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, announced the directive in a statement last night.

Obasanjo: He Was a Unifying Force for Nigeria

Obasanjo, yesterday, described Shonekan, as a unifying force for the nation.

Obasanjo, who was on an international assignment as the High Representative of the African Union for the Horn of Africa, said he received with great shock the news of the death of one of Africa’s illustrious sons. He declared that Shonekan’s contribution to the growth and development of democracy in Nigeria could not be forgotten in a hurry.

Obasanjo sent a condolence letter to the wife of the deceased, Mrs. Margaret Shonekan, copy of which was made available to newsmen in Abeokuta by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi. In the letter, the former president said the late business mogul was "a role model and an epitome of the good in the nation’s business firmament of mixed blessings.

"He would be remembered as a man of sustained strong will to succeed. Coming from humble background, rising, stepping and peaking at the topmost plum in corporate management, and the very top of the giant United Africa Company (UAC) ladder, attest to his sagacity, tenacity and steadfastness.

"He founded, in 1994, the Economic Summit Group, an advocacy group and think tank for private sector-led development of the Nigerian economy, and it remains, till today, sustaining the legacy of helping to support stakeholders in the execution of policies, programmes and strategies in response to any emerging trends in national and global economies."

On the political scene, Obasanjo noted that Shonekan, as head of the ING in 1993, which was short-lived for three months through the palace coup orchestrated by General Sani Abacha, “rendered outstanding service to our country, and we will never forget that.

"It is also worthy of note that as Special Envoy on the Implementation of the Abuja Agreement on Zimbabwe in 2001 under my administration as the President of Nigeria; and Chairman, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) under Yar’Adua’s administration in 2008, he was forthright, dedicated and showed great patriotism in the discharge of his duties.

"He was a unifying force for the nation and his contribution to the growth and development of democracy in Nigeria cannot be forgotten in a hurry. In all situations, he lived nobly and he died in nobility. He was an achiever.

“Indeed, Chief Shonekan died at a time the country is in dire need of his leadership, wealth of experience and wisdom to tackle the multifaceted challenges facing the nation."

IBB: Why I Made Shonekan Head of Interim Government

Former military president Ibrahim

Badamosi Babangida, while mourning the passing of Shonekan, also explained why he appointed him head of the interim national government, when he stepped aside as military president.

IBB, as Babangida is called, said Shonekan was a man of ideas and ideals, who was prudent and preached a lot about fiscal discipline. "It was, therefore, timely for us to appoint him as Head of the Interim Government to help stabilise the polity at a most trying period of our country's political evolution.,” Babangida stated In a condolence message, Babangida expressed shock over the news of Shonekan’s death and described him as one of Nigeria's finest brains and patriots.

Babangida said, in a statement, "I hadn't the faintest idea that Chief Ernest Shonekan would depart this sinful world too soon, even at 85. He was a man, a leader and an uncommon patriot, who had a presence of mind and whose understanding of Nigeria was profound and remarkable.

It is, indeed, a personal loss to me.

"Chief Ernest Shonekan was one of our cerebral minds during our time in government. He was the architect of our principle of free market economy, which helped to open up the system for a robust participation by the private sector. The liberalisation of the economy, the investment and boost in the agricultural sector and budget management approach were part of his brainchild.

"I recollect very vividly how he used to give us tutorials on budget, planning and management of national resources, each time he was invited to our session. At each budget year, Chief Shonekan would be invited to critique our budget proposals, and gave us further input to enrich the final budget. He was a man of ideas and ideals. He was prudent and preached so much about fiscal discipline.

"It was, therefore, timely for us to appoint him as Head of the Interim Government to help stabilise the polity at a most trying period of our country's political evolution. He was a calm personality, whose managerial skills were foretold in the way and manner he managed a lot of blue chip companies.

“As Head of the Interim Government, he was able to consult with a broad spectrum of the Nigerian populace in charting a roadmap out of the political impasse at that time. His brilliance and meticulous interrogation of situations helped in large measure to forge ahead during the period.

“I owe a personal gratitude to him throughout his sojourn on earth as we maintained very robust mutual relationship after his exit from the corridors of power."

The former military president added regarding Shonekan, “Given the achievements we recorded during our time in government in the area of infrastructure, economy and social rebirth, I owe a word of gratitude to him for his experienced intervention in helping to dissect our policy frameworks each time we called upon him to do so.

"He was an engaging personality, whose sense of patriotism was total. He was friendly and sociable. He understood economy and made so many projections that helped us to bail the country out of economic conundrum. We benefited from his immense knowledge, experience and brilliance."

Jonathan, Atiku, Ayu Mourn, Pay Tributes

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, joined other Nigerians to mourn the passing of Chief Ernest Shonekan.

Jonathan, in a condolence message to his family and the government of Ogun State, described Shonekan as “an elder statesman, well-loved for his sincerity and sense of purpose.

“As a leader, Chief Shonekan was well-respected, because of the enormous goodwill he brought into governance. He was a compassionate and determined administrator, a peacemaker and bridge builder, who stepped in to lead the nation at a very difficult time in the history of its political evolution.

“Before he assumed office as the head of the Interim National Government in 1993, Chief Shonekan had become a boardroom guru, having established himself as a foremost industrialist and one of the leaders of the business world.

“He left enduring legacies, part of which was his considerable effort towards mainstreaming the private sector in the development drive of the nation, especially,

with the institutionalisation of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), which he founded.”

Jonathan said Shonekan would be remembered for his great wisdom, peaceful disposition, the goodwill he extended to all, as well as his significant contributions to the growth of the economy of the nation.

Atiku said, in his own message, “It is with a sad heart that I received the news of the death of the former Head of State and Chairman of the defunct Interim National Government, Chief Earnest Shonekan.”

In the statement he personally signed, Atiku stated, "My grief is predicated, not just on the demise of the elder statesman, because he died at a prime age,” but on his exit at a time, when the country needed his skills and global connections find solution to its multifarious challenges.

The former vice president stated, "Either as a politician or a boardroom guru, Chief Shonekan possessed a unique set skill of bringing stability to a tumultuous situation.

That obviously was the consideration that made him become Head of the Interim National Government following the crises that greeted the events after the June 12 presidential election.

"Although his reign as Head of State was interim, Chief Shonekan's contribution to the peace and development of Nigeria in those days and latter years, remains enduring.

"My condolences go to his immediate family, the people and government of Ogun State and the entire nation for the loss of a man of industry and intellect, who lived a life of service to the country and humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty receives his soul in a peaceful repose."

Ayu, while condoling with the federal government, the government of Ogun State, and the family of the departed corporate giant, described Shonekan as "a detribalised Nigerian and elder statesman, who gave Nigeria his best."

The PDP chairman also said of Shonekan, "His death is a sunset on an illustrious career that straddled both the corporate sector and the public service.

We are consoled that he lived a fulfilled life, and that his legacy of public service will outlive him."

Lawan: He’ll be Remembered for Heeding Nigeria’s Call to Duty

President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan, yesterday, said Shonekan would be remembered for heeding the nation’s call to duty at a critical time.

Lawan, in a statement, condoled with Shonekan's family and the government and people of Ogun State over the death of the former Nigerian leader.

The senate president’s message read, "My condolences go to the family of Chief Shonekan, the government and people of Ogun State and entire Nigeria over this great loss. Chief Shonekan was a lawyer, business captain, boardroom guru and statesman.

“But he will be most remembered for heeding the nation's call to duty at a very turbulent period in the history of Nigeria.

"Chief Shonekan's services as Chairman of the Transitional Council and later as Head of the Interim National Government were selfless and contributed greatly to saving the Nigerian ship from hitting the rock".

Abiodun: His Death is a Colossal Loss

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, described the death of Shonekan as a huge loss. Abiodun, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, lamented that Shonekan, a former chairman of UAC Nigeria Plc., passed on at a period Nigeria needed his experience most as a technocrat.

The statement said, "Chief Shonekan was a first-class administrator, boardroom guru and astute leader, whose imprint in the business and political firmaments cannot be erased. His commitment to peaceful resolution and patriotic fervour will live after him.

"Chief Shonekan, an Egba traditional chief (Babasale of Egbaland), was a true Nigerian, who spent most of his life for the betterment of the country."

The governor lamented the huge vacuum created by Shonekan’s death.

Tinubu: He’d Have Led Nigeria Same Way He Led UAC

National leader of APC, Bola Tinubu, yesterday, said were the circumstances of his ascension to power different, Shonekan

would have led Nigeria the same way he led the United Africa Company (UAC).

Tinubu, in his condolence message, released by his media office and signed

by Mr. Tunde Rahman, commiserated with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Shonekan’s widow, Mrs. Magret Shonekan, and the people of Ogun State over his passing.

The APC leader stated, “I received with great sadness the news of the passing of the former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Shonekan, at the advanced age of 85. I join his immediate family in mourning his passing, but also in celebrating his lifelong contributions to our great nation.

“With his passing, the country has lost another important elder-statesman; a man of peace, who tried to bring unity and concord during one of the nation’s most trying moments.

“Chief Ernest was a technocrat and boardroom guru. He performed excellently as Chairman of United African Company, a vast Nigerian conglomerate. Indeed, were the circumstances of his ascension to the top position in our country different, I have little doubt that Chief Shonekan would have led Nigeria with the same vision and skill with which he guided UAC. “He had the character, competence, capability and the technical background to undertake the job. In his brief time as Head of State, Chief Shonekan tried his best to advance peace, stability and development in Nigeria.

“Chief Shonekan will be remembered as a peacemaker and Head of State, who took office at a most difficult time. I commiserate with his immediate family, most especially, his loving wife, Mrs. Margret, Governor Dapo Abiodun, and all the people of Ogun State and Nigeria.”

Akeredolu: He was Committed to Nigeria’s Peace, Unity

Chairman of the South-west Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, called Shonekan a nationalist, who was committed to the nation’s peace and unity. in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Richard Olatunde, Akeredolu described Shonekan’s death as a huge loss to the country, noting that the vast experience of the elder statesman was an asset to the country, particularly, with the array of challenges confronting Nigeria.

The governor said Shonekan was committed to the peace and unity of the country, and pursued it with vigour and dedication as a patriot. He said the service of the former Head of Interim National Government would never be forgotten in the country’s history.

Akeredolu stated, “Chief Ernest Shonekan was a nationalist per excellence. His belief in a united and peaceful Nigeria was unparalleled. He was dedicated to the progress and development of the county.

He will be sorely missed.

“His historic and patriotic role in maintaining the unity of the country was one of the many things that endeared him to many. He was, indeed, an asset; his counsels were useful for national cohesion and progress.”

Wike: Shonekan Boasted Topnotch Administrative Credentials

Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, while mourning the passing of Shonekan, said his excellent administrative credentials helped in steering the ship of the country at a very critical time.

In his condolence massage, signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Kelvin Ebiri, Wike also described Shonekan as a dedicated Nigerian, who was committed to the peace and stability of the country.

He said Shonekan's strong credentials as an astute administrator enabled him to steadfastly steer the country through one of its most turbulent times.

Wike said in the message, "On behalf of the government and good people of Rivers State, I offer our deepest condolences to the family, relatives of the former Chairman, Interim National Government and the people of Nigeria." The governor said Nigeria had lost an elder statesman whose wisdom, foresight, and steadfast commitment would always be remembered.

Uzodimma: in Shonekan, Nigeria Lost a Patriot

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, said the death of Shonekan was painful, stressing that the country has lost a great patriot.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, Oguwike

Nwachuku, Uzodimma said Shonekan was one of Nigeria’s statesmen and legal luminaries, who believed in the unity, progress and development of the country and actually worked hard in private and public sectors for the realisation of that dream.

Uzodimma added that Shonekan's legacy at the United African Company (UAC) would always speak volumes.

He said Nigerians would not forget his contributions in a hurry.

While regretting that the country had lost a boardroom icon, when his fatherly and statesman pieces of advice were highly needed, Uzodimma specifically commiserated with his widow, Mrs Margaret Shonekan, the entire Shonekan family, his friends, and the government and people of Ogun State over the loss.

On behalf of his family and the people of Imo State, the governor also condoled with President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigerians over Shonekan’s death, and prayed God Almighty to grant the soul of the deceased a peaceful repose, and those he left behind him, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

PDP: Shonekan, a Bridgebuilder; His Death, a National Tragedy

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, mourned the death of Shonekan, describing him as a bridge-builder, and his passing, as a national tragedy.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Shonekan, PDP said Shonekan was a courageous, humble and patriotic leader. The opposition party said the departed leader was a bridge builder and an extraordinary statesman, who dedicated his life and made immense sacrifices to ensure the unity and stability of the country in the heat of the political crisis that threatened the corporate existence of the country following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

The main opposition party said Shonekan was an accomplished personality and a visionary leader, whose efforts in applying his vast experience as a consummate lawyer and businessman to reposition the nation, despite the daunting challenges faced by his three-month regime between August and November 1993, could not be forgotten.

PDP said, "Chief Shonekan’s commitment to the entrenchment of democracy was evident in his determination to restore the rule of law and transparency in governance.

"Even outside office, Chief Shonekan remained committed to the unity, stability and development of our nation. Our party grieves that he left the stage at the time the nation needed his wealth of experience and wise counsel the most."

PDP commiserated with the federal government, the government and people of Ogun State, and the Shonekan family, praying God to grant the nation and the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the huge national loss.

‘He’s One of Last Generation of Pioneer Business Leaders’

Stakeholders in the private sector, yesterday, reacted to the passage of Chief Earnest Shonekan and described him as one of the last generation of pioneer business leaders in Nigeria, who contributed immensely to the growth of the various sectors of the economy.

President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Dr. Al-Mujtaba Abubakar, said Shonekan's demise was a "big loss to the private sector.

"His was a life well spent; a life of extraordinary achievements from the boardroom to the highest office in the land."

Executive Director, Nigeria Private Sector Alliance (NiPSA), Mr. Nwiabu Legborsi Nuka, said, "Nigeria has lost a leader of repute and builder of businesses".

In the same vein, former Director General, ACCI, Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, described Shonekan as an enigma in the corporate world, having served on the boards of many blue chip companies as chairman.

Ekechukwu said, "Chief Ernest Shonekan was an enigma in the corporate world, as he served on the boards of many blue chip companies as Chairman. He distinguished himself as a role model for directors of companies on what running private sector boards should look like.

“It was on the strength of these leadership qualities that he was appointed an Interim Head of State in Nigeria. Some of the board structures set out by him are still in place today. He will be missed by the corporate world. May his soul rest in peace. Amen."

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TRIBUTES

Shonekan: Nigeria's Short-lived Head of State But Long-lived Elder Statesman In death, Shonekan left behind a piece of history rigorous in substance and subtlety. But while alive, the ex-head of ING lived life up to the hilt, ranking among the brightest and sparkled among the shiniest. He was earnest. He was adjudged honest, writes Bayo Akinloye

"T

o the glory of the almighty, the Shonekan family announces the passing of our patriarch, loving husband to Margaret, dutiful father to us all and former Head of State, Chief Ernest, Adegunle, Oladeinde Shonekan, GCFR, CBE, the Baba Sale of Egbaland. He passed this morning of natural causes at the age of 85," announced his family in a statement signed by Adeboye Shonekan.

Ernest Shonekan breathed his last on Tuesday morning, January 11, 2022.

In death, Ernest Shonekan, the head of the Interim National Government (ING), will lay still. Like a calm running brook, he coursed through life characterised by a higher calling, flowing unhindered by boulders. While alive, he leapt and reached for the highest height.

In death, Shonekan left behind a piece of history rigorous in substance and subtlety. In death, Shonekan bowed unbroken but awaiting a certain burial.

But while alive, the ex-head of ING lived life up to the hilt, ranking among the brightest and sparkled among the shiniest. He was earnest. He was adjudged honest.

Born on May 9, 1936, Shonekan was educated at the CMS grammar school in Lagos. After his secondary education, he attended the University of London, obtained an LLB degree in law in 1962.

He was called to the Bar in the same year. He returned to Nigeria to join the legal department of the United African Company in 1964. He also attended the Harvard Business School in the US. At UAC, his brilliance shone: he was assistant legal adviser: two years later, he became deputy legal adviser. Then, he joined the company's board of management and was later appointed the chairman and the CEO of UAC in 1980.

The Abese of Egbaland continued to shine like the constant northern star, enduring, effervescent.

His leadership prowess, business acuity and unassailable devotion to integrity were endearing. In a floundering state, he stepped forward to provide some respite to a nation wracked by political instability occasioned by the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. In Shonekan, no one doubted that still waters run deep.

In the wake of his death, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar noted that Shonekan's belief in a united and peaceful Nigeria was unparalleled.

"He was dedicated to the progress and development of the county. He will be sorely missed. His historic and patriotic role in maintaining the unity of the country was one of the many things that endeared him to many,” said Abubakar.

Gen. Ibrahim Babangida used his position as military head to influence the joint session of the House of Assembly and the House of Representatives and appointed Shonekan to head the ING. Shonekan's reign was short-lived but unforgettable as Gen. Sani Abacha toppled his government. He headed the Nigerian government between August 26 and November 17, 1993.

There was no ambiguity about his purposefulness and point of view during that period. Shonekan ordered the release of detained pro-June 12 activists. He was credited for restructuring the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). He suspended Edmund Daukoru as the Group Managing Director and Group Executive Director of Finance and Accounts and Chief Okey Okwara of the NNPC for fraud and dereliction of duty.

Shonekan He also probed the alleged payment of N100 million Naira by the Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST) to hire aircraft from two foreign airlines to distribute mail, including other suspicious transactions. He ruled amidst the chaos of the striking Nigerian Labour Congress, National Union of Petroleum, and Natural Gas. A Nigerian researcher, Oladiti Abiodun Akeem, described Shonekan as "an unelected political Nigerian leader."

"The question may be raised, why did the IBB choose Shonekan as the head of the ING? The reason for the selection of Ernest Shonekan is vague and has not been ascertained by scholars or even explained by Babangida himself," said Akeem. "Two possible reasons have been given for Babangida’s action. First, Babangida saw Shonekan as a loyal and trusted ally and second, Babangida’s choice of Shonekan was

to show that there was no marginalisation by the Hausa/Fulani against the Yoruba people from the governance of the country."

Surviving that ignoble era, Shonekan did not look back on contributing to nation-building.

In 1994, he founded the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), a private sector-led think tank and policy advocacy group. The NESG, a non-profit and non-partisan organisation, promotes sustainable growth and the development of the Nigerian economy. Its objectives include building a first-class research institution to support stakeholders in the execution of policies, articulate programmes and strategies in response to emerging trends.

His corporate wizardry was not in doubt.

His compatriots saw only fleeting glimpses of his political prowess. Shonekan had his place firmly established without apparent political

affinity among the ruling pantheon, dead or alive.“On the political scene, Chief Shonekan, as the head of the Interim National Government in Nigeria, in 1993, though short-lived for the period of three months, through the palace coup orchestrated by Gen. Sani Abacha, rendered outstanding service to our country, and we will never forget that. He was a unifying force for the nation, and his contribution to the growth and development of democracy in Nigeria cannot be forgotten in a hurry," stated ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He came. He saw. He tried to salvage Nigeria in one of its darkest moments with unflinching courage and determination as he envisioned a great nation. All that remains of Shonekan are footprints of his adventures in the corporate world and the crooked terrains of Nigerian politics.

A Leader in Time of Real Crisis His first major political exposure was not a pleasant experience, but it unveiled the man, Ernest Adegunle Shonekan, who many considered a bridge-builder and peacemaker, writes Segun James

E

lder statesman and former head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, died yesterday at 85 years. But, beyond the pain of his passing are the reminiscences of the turbulent period he held sway as the heads of the Interim National Government (ING), an idea conceived by former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, to mitigate the June 12 crisis at its very peak.

Shonekan was one of Nigeria's business leaders before venturing into politics by accident. Prior to his stint political career, he was the chairman and chief executive of the United African Company (UAC) of Nigeria, a vast Nigerian conglomerate, which at the time was the largest African-controlled company in Sub-Saharan Africa.

On January 2, 1993, Shonekan assumed office simultaneously as head of the transitional council

and head of government under the Babangida junta. At the time, the transitional council was designed to be the final phase leading to a scheduled handover to an elected democratic leader of the third republic.

Unfortunately, during this period, Shonekan learned of the dire condition of government finances, which he could not correct. The government was thus hard-pressed on international debt obligations and had to hold constant talks for debt rescheduling.

In August 1993, Babangida resigned from office, following the annulment of the June 12 elections. He signed a decree establishing the ING led by Shonekan, who was subsequently sworn in as head of state.

Shonekan was unable to control the political crisis that ensued following the election annulment. During his few months in power, he

tried to schedule another presidential election and a return to democratic rule, but a national strike hampered his government.

The presumed winner of the June 12 election, Chief Moshood Olawale Kashimawo Abiola, viewed Shonekan's interim government as illegitimate. But such misgivings did not stifle Shonekan from working. He, during the period, released political prisoners detained by the Babangida regime. Shonekan's administration also introduced a bill to repeal three major draconian decrees of the military government.

But Babangida made the interim government weak by placing it under the control of the military.

Shonekan tried to set a timetable for troops’ withdrawal from ECOMOG’s peacekeeping mission in Liberia, Abacha, who was the minister of defence and chief of defence

staff at the time, had full control over the military. In no time, Abacha staged a palace coup, and the Shonekan government was peacefully overthrown. He was in office for three months.

In 1994, he founded the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, an advocacy group and thinktank for the private sector-led development of the Nigerian economy. And since then, Shonekan had deservingly claimed his place in the body polity as an elder statesman.

While three months could be adjudged as quite insignificant to achieve anything by any government, Shonekan, ironically, left an impression, which lent credence to the saying, “It is not how far, but how well.”

His place in the body polity cannot be overemphasised, and he would be so remembered till the end of days. Adieu!

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Group News Editor: Goddy Egene Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 0809 7777 322, 0807 401 0580

NEWS

SEASON OF DECLARATIONS TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT...

President Muhammadu Buhari (right) and Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, during the governor’s visit to the villa where he informed the president of his intention to run for the presidency in 2023, PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI at a meeting held at Abuja...yesterday

With Eyes on Presidency, Umahi Informs Buhari of His 2023 Ambition Says he's not in contest with anybody Hopes to consolidate on president's achievements Seeks political solution to Kanu's incarceration Deji Elumoye in Abuja The race for the 2023 presidential ticket in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is gathering momentum as Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State yesterday declared his interest in the nation's number one seat.

Like former Lagos State Governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was at the State House, Abuja, yesterday to inform President Muhammadu Buhari about his ambition, Umahi also met with the president at the villa and sought his blessing for his presidential ambition.

The governor who spoke with newsmen after a closed-door meeting with the president said he had fruitful discussions with president Buhari on politics generally and security challenges in the south-east, "which was the major reason for the visit."

On politics, Umahi disclosed that the discussion centred on the progress of the APC as well as the 2023 general elections and his interest to run for president.

He also stated that having performed well as governor in more than six years, he was in good stead to run for president on the ticket of the APC. "We discussed politics as the growth of our party, APC, in Nigeria, and south-east. And, of course, you know, the interest of south-east for the seat of presidency in 2023. And, of course, I told Mr. President, that without prejudice to whatever will be the decision of the party, which we shall abide by, that if the party throws the ticket open or zoned to southern part of Nigeria that I believe that with what I have put in place in the past six years plus, that I'll be running for presidency, on the platform of APC. "So I told him and of course, he believes that whoever wants to run for president of this country must have to consult widely, go to all the leaders and that we must do everything to remove ethnicity and religion in our politics. So that this country can grow."

He also clarified that he was not contesting with anybody when asked if he didn't feel threatened by the interest of Tinubu in the same presidential ticket.

He said: "I'm not in contest with anybody, I'm in contest with myself."

While backing his ambition with

a Bible passage, Umahi added that God's wish would definitely prevail at the end of the day.

His words: "The Bible that I swore with in a section of in 1 Samuel says that by strength shall no man prevail, and power and might belongs to God. He chooses whomever he wills and he will do that in 2023."

On what he has to offer Nigerians as a presidential aspirant, the governor stressed that he would continue from where president Buhari would stop in 2023.

"So we want to treat the nation, if God permits, that what we've done becomes a microcosm of the macrocosm, of which we expect.

We also believe strongly that we’ll be able to continue with what Mr. President has done.

“One of the greatest problems we have in this country is ethnicity, religion, and unpatriotic features of a lot of people. And I think that there is a need to engage starting from where Mr. President would have stopped.

"God willing, and if it's the wish of the people of this country, Umahi’s presidency, we'll be looking at the same thing we did in Ebonyi state. Before we came on board, we were a state written off, we had nothing to write home about infrastructure.

“But I must commend the first two civilian governors, Dr. Sam Egwu and Chief Elechi, they did quite a lot, because they came in the midst of the dust of the nation, Ebonyi State.

“And so they had quite a lot of challenges. So I can say that they laid the foundation upon which I started to build. And so there are a lot of things that we have done in Ebonyi".

The governor also said he spoke with the President about resolving the security crisis affecting the south-east region of the country through political solutions, to which he said could be achieved by getting consensus and out of court settlement.

“Let me also add that as the chairman of South-east governors’ forum, that I support a political solution to our insecurity problems in the south-east. Of course, I mentioned it to Mr. President.

You see, political solution does not terminate the judicial process and if you know Mr. President very

well, he has always said, and has always demonstrated, that he wouldn't interfere with any judiciary process.

“Everybody knows him for that.

But you’ll remember very well that if an agreement is reached between parties, you don't expect Mr. President to be the negotiator, there are a lot of federal, government officials.

“So, I believe strongly that as south-east that is proposing for political solution should be able to engage the federal government, after all, there's always what is called ‘out of court settlement’, but it is for our people and our brother Kanu to be willing for us to truly engage so that we can find true peace in our region because the activities there have destroyed a lot of the economy of south-east, a lot of lives have been lost. We were shouting it that it wasn't going to benefit, because agitation shouldn't have gone the way it did.

“Today, the matter has gone beyond them. Every criminal, kidnapper, armed robber tends to claim IPOB and IPOB in turn is fighting them, but I think, it’s late.

“So, we desire peace, we desire to save the lives of our people and so we are willing to engage, to see that we have an amicable settlement and rebuild the economy of south-east,” he said.

When asked what he thought should be the starting point of engagements for political solution to the south-east security challenge, the governor said, “leaders of south-east, of course, not all of them, must be selected leaders, and already the Ohaneze and Chief Mbazurike are already in the forefront and they have always been briefing me and so I've joined them together with Southeast governors.

“That could be the starting point and we will be able to know what we want. We want peace and so there are things we must give up in order to acquire that peace.

“If we are not being fairly treated and some people feel we are not being fairly treated, we should be able to constructively show to the federal government the areas we think that we are not being fairly treated.

“Not through hate speeches, not through violence, I don't believe

in these things because even in homes, in families, the wife or husband or children, we still have one thing or the other against the family, but they should be able to discuss”, he said.

Asked if he had reached out to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the governor categorically said the group ought not to be getting involved in party politics.

“I wouldn't have done that without first coming to clear with Mr. President that there is this feeling in the south-east that have not been President and that our people feel that those of our leaders in the various political parties should indicate interest to contest and this is fair, this is important.

“But at the end of the day, it is God Almighty and the political parties that will also decide.

Ohaneze leadership should not play politics. Yes, they can speak for the interest of the south-east, they can speak for fair treatment to south-east as people, but as a matter of equity, justice and fairness, and leaving a level playing field for all the political parties and the

aspirants, they should not dabble into politics of whom to support or whom not to support.”

Reacting to an information last week by the Plateau State governor, Mr. Simon Lalong, that the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) ought to have met last weekend, Umahi described it as misinformation.

According to him: “I'm not Mr. President who must have the final say on the date for convention and I don't believe that the governor you mentioned should have spoken for the party because if it is APC Governors’ Forum, we have a leader, a chairman who is His Excellency, the governor of Kebbi State. “He wasn't even aware of the meeting when I called him and if it is the party administration, we have His Excellency, the governor of Yobe State.

“I think these two would have been able to speak to the press, if we're going to have such a meeting on Sunday. So, I was not aware, but I had to inquire from the chairman of APC Governors Forum who wasn't also aware. So, I'm not sure the meeting held.”

COVID-19: Nigeria Yet to Vaccinate 50% of Target Population, Says FG 33 million vaccines so far procured

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The federal government has said the country was yet to vaccinate 50 per cent of its eligible population since the exercise began last year.

It, however, said there are clear plans to reach the target of vaccinating 56.8 million (50%) of eligible Nigerians by the first quarter of 2022.

Manager, COVID-19 Crisis Communication Centre, Dr. Binta Bako, who spoke in Abuja, yesterday, noted that between March 2021 to date, Nigeria had received about 33 million doses of different types of COVID-19 vaccines.

While giving update on the vaccination exercise, Bako said: "We haven't reached the 50 per

cent of our target population, about four million people which is less than 50 per cent of those who have received their first dose vaccination have received their second dose."

Bako said only Nasarawa and Jigawa states have reached over 50 per cent of their target population.

She also said the booster dose was very important for optimal protection and should be taken six months after the second dose had been taken.

Bako said the data that was taken did not take into consideration time interval but based on the previous campaigns.

She further disclosed that the country had been was using only Pfizer vaccine for the booster dose

since December 10, 2021, and has now started using it as first and second doses as well.

Bako said the agency had identified some success factors that could be linked to states with high performance in the ongoing mass vaccination roll out, adding that states with high performance had been seen to have a high level of ownership with regards to implementation of the SCALES strategy rolled-out by the government to ramp-up COVID-19 vaccinations.

According to progress report

by NPHCDA, as at January 8, 2022, 11,594,316 persons (9.8%) had received the first dose; 4,759,637 (4.3%) received the second dose, while 155,278 had been given booster dose.

Bako said that going forward lessons would be drawn from high performing states, such as Nasarawa, that had implemented laudable initiatives.

"In line with the strategy of the NPHCDA, a joint task force was immediately constituted chaired by the Executive Secretary including directors of NAPHDA, the State Security Services, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the State Ministry of Health as members,” he added.

Speaking on strategies adopted to increase vaccination figures, Bako said motorised rallies were organised across each the local government areas in country.

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NEWS

PRESENTING +600 DIASPORA ICONS TO THE PRESIDENT...

President Muhammadu Buhari (middle) flanked by Chairman/ CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa and some members during the presentation of compendium "+600 PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI Diaspora Icons" to the president at the Presidential Villa , Abuja ...yesterday

World Bank: Nigeria’s Economy to Grow By 2.5per cent in 2022 Nume Ekeghe The World Bank predicted a 2.5 per cent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for Nigeria in 2022, higher than the 2.1 per cent it had estimated for the country in its Global Economic Prospects for June, 2021.

The Washington-based institution made the prediction in its January 2022 Global Economic Prospect released yesterday.

The latest growth forecast was however lower and strikingly different from the 2.8 per cent growth it had predicted for the country for 2022 in its Nigeria Development Update report released last month.

In the latest report, the Bank also predicted a GDP growth of 2.8 per cent for Nigeria in 2023.

“Growth in Nigeria is expected to reach 2.5 percent in 2022 and 2.8 percent in 2023, while Angola’s economy is projected to grow by 3 percent on average in 2022-2023.

“Growth in South Africa is forecast to moderate to its pre-

pandemic trend, being held back by structural impediments and elevated levels of public debt,” it stated.

According to the World Bank report, deteriorating security conditions in Afghanistan, for instance, could generate instability in nearby countries, warning that conflict and violence in several countries in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mali, and Sudan, “could escalate.”

It further stated that in Africa and some other regions, the effects of food insecurity on the ability of people to work at full capacity was a downside risk to growth in the near term, and an acute challenge for households.

Furthermore, the bank stated that global growth was expected to decelerate markedly from 5.5 per cent in 2021, to 4.1 per cent in 2022 and 3.2 per cent in 2023, as pent-up demand dissipates and as fiscal and monetary support is unwound across the world.

Growth in the three largest Sub-Saharan African economies such as Angola, Nigeria, and South Africa was estimated at

3.1 per cent in 2021, an upward revision from previous estimates.

“In Angola and Nigeria, growth was driven by the recovery in non-oil sectors; oil production across the region remained below pre-pandemic levels because of disruptions in maintenance work and declining investment in extractive industries.

“In South Africa, a strong rebound earlier in the year was disrupted by severe COVID-19 outbreaks, social unrest, and power shortages,” it added.

On the other hand, growth in Sub-Saharan Africa was projected to firm slightly during the forecast horizon to 3.6 per cent in 2022 and 3.8 per cent in 2023.

“This outlook is nearly a full percentage point below the 2000-19 average, however, reflecting the continued effects of the pandemic, reduced policy support, and policy uncertainty and worsening security situation in some countries,” it explained.

It noted that elevated commodity prices were expected to support near-term recovery

across the region, with higher oil prices and the gradual easing of OPEC+ production cuts benefiting Nigeria and Angola.

“The pandemic has set back progress on poverty reduction and key development goals across the region, reversing more than a decade of gains in per capita income in some countries.

“In over a third of the region's economies, including Angola, Nigeria, and South Africa, per

President Muhammadu Buhari has okayed the establishment of the Nigerian Diaspora Investment Trust Fund (NDITF), a private sector investment window for Nigerians in the Diaspora to support direct investments in the country.

The president, who spoke yesterday at the State House, Abuja, during the presentation of a compendium entitled +600 Diaspora Icons @ 60, published by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), declared that Nigeria was open to welcoming investments by compatriots abroad.

Buhari, who also pledged support for the establishment of the Diaspora Intervention Fund to support the Commission to fulfil its mandate, stressed that the foreign exchange remittances by

Nigerians in the Diaspora have not only helped families but enhanced the development index of Nigeria.

He described the 327-page compendium as a historical record of the worth of our compatriots globally, adding that the list of that that made up the publication was a reminder of what Nigerians were capable of doing to the delight of the global community.

According to him: “Irrespective of the few bad eggs among us, and every nation has such bad eggs, Nigeria remains a great country, populated by great people, living at home or abroad, making us proud.

“This compendium attests to that fact and the names of people and the fields they have excelled speak about their resilience and how exceptional Nigerians, both at home and abroad, have become."

The president told Nigerians

that it was their duty to extol and celebrate compatriots that excel in their chosen careers and professions.

“No one else will do so for us.

Rather, other people will tend to capitalise on the few bad eggs and characterise us in their own narratives, narratives that seek to characterise us in bad light. We must not allow that to happen.

“As we launch the compendium of excellent Nigerians today, we are also celebrating some of our best, nationally and globally.

“I call on every Nigerian, irrespective of where they may be, to continue to be of exemplary behaviour and with determination to offer quality services that contribute to the progress of humanity,” he added.

While recalling his engagements with Nigerians in the Diaspora during his official trips abroad,

to the detriment of the region’s oil and metals producers.

“Very low COVID-19 vaccination rates in the region pose a threat of renewed and more severe outbreaks, which could trigger recurrent disruption to activity. A prolonged pandemic could amplify past development and health challenges, derail structural and fiscal reforms, and result in lasting human capital losses,” it added.

Buhari, Gbajabiamila, Wase Rejoice with Senate President at 63

Deji Elumoye and Udora Orizu in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Idris Wase, have felicitated with the Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, as he marks his 63rd

Buhari Approves Establishment of Diaspora Investment Trust Fund Deji Elumoye in Abuja

capita incomes are projected to remain lower in 2022 than a decade ago.

“Risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside. Poverty, food insecurity, rising food prices, and geopolitical tensions could dampen consumer sentiment and hinder growth.

“A substantial moderation of the global economic growth could trigger a significant downward correction in commodity prices

Buhari said his Diaspora threefold agenda remains unchanged. ‘‘Nigerians in the Diaspora are our Ambassadors-at-large by their character, comportment and daily actions.

“They should be the best and excel in all their endeavours and they should ‘give back’ by contributing to the development of Nigeria,’” he added.

Earlier in her remarks, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa said the idea of the compendium was borne out of the regular Diaspora presidential town hall meetings. ‘‘The compendium is birthed out of the necessity to recognise, celebrate and showcase Nigerians in the Diaspora who are doing great things in their host countries and also contributing to the socio-economic development of Nigeria,’’ she added.

birthday today.

The President, in a statement yesterday, by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, joined Lawan's family, friends and the National Assembly, "to celebrate with the political leader."

Buhari congratulated the Senator on the strides so far in providing an inclusive and responsive leadership at the Upper Chamber, using his many years of experience since 2003, to guide the collective wisdom of the Senate in pursuit of the national interest.

Buhari noted the contributions of Lawan to the political and economic development of the country, starting out as a lecturer, before accepting to serve his constituency as a legislator.

The president believed the Senate President's visionary leadership style, with a strong penchant for always finding a common ground with the executive arm of government, had been most rewarding for the country, especially in passage of bills that directly impact on the livelihood of the people.

Buhari, therefore, prayed for Lawan's good health, strength and more wisdom to guide the affairs of the Senate.

On his part, Gbajabiamila, in a statement described Lawan as a legislator par excellence, whose contributions to the development of the Nigerian Legislature in about two decades were laudable.

He said Lawan had proven to be a unifier and an exemplary leader since assuming office as the President of the Senate in June 2019.

Describing Lawan as a worthy

ally and a partner in progress, Gbajabiamila expressed delight that both chambers of the National Assembly have been working harmoniously and assiduously under himself and Lawan.

He commended the President of the Senate for his determination and commitment to the Nigerian project.

Also, Wase in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Umar Puma, expressed satisfaction with the performance of Lawan as legislator and senate president.

He described the Senate President as a distinguished Nigerian, a patriot and confirmed democrat who places national interest before self.

According to him, "Lawan has raised the bar as the foremost presiding officer in the Senate and contributed immensely in sustaining the present democratic dispensation. I have come to know him as an adept legislator with obsession for excellence, hard work and results.

“I was enthralled by his commitment towards the unity of the nation as an indivisible entity. Since assuming office in 2019, Lawan has proven to be a man of his words and an uncommon team player, which is exemplified in the cooperation and understanding between the two chambers of the National Assembly."

The Deputy Speaker prayed the Almighty Allah to give Lawan many more years to enable him accomplish his mission of selfless service to the people of Yobe and Nigeria in general.

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COMMENT

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

A HEALTHIER MENU IN GATEWAY STATE Kunle Somorin writes that President Buhari is visiting Ogun State to commission completed projects

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wo years and eight months after his last visit, President Muhammadu Buhari is set to embark on an official visit to Ogun State come Thursday 13 January, 2022. The last time the president paid a visit to the Gateway State, his host and then governor of the state, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, practically staged a presidential visit four days to the termination of his administration.

In the then governor’s condescending idea, President Buhari arrived Abeokuta, the state capital, on May 25, 2019 “to inaugurate some developmental projects” executed by his administration.

So, what were the “projects” the president came to Abeokuta to inaugurate 96 hours to the end of Amosun’s government? The president was taken to inspect, rather than commission, a white elephant 250-bed hospital which had barely got off the ground. Buhari was also taken to a fictitious housing estate cleverly named after him but which, in reality, was nothing but an acquired piece of land. Amosun even broadcast from an “ultra-modern” Ogun Sate Television (OGTV) studio newly set up, except that there was no ultra-modern studio anywhere. Like Gen Z will like to put it, Amosun was referring to an “audio” studio!

Interestingly, suspicious timing and deceitful projects were not the only highlights of the president’s visit to Amosun’s Ogun. There was the reprehensible event which happened at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, three months earlier. On February 11, 2019, the president’s campaign train stopped at Abeokuta and just as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Party’s flag bearer for the governorship election – Prince Dapo Abiodun – was being symbolically handed the party’s flag, hundreds of hoodlums belonging to the makeshift political vehicle, Allied Peoples Movement (APM), infiltrated the venue and started throwing stones and other dangerous objects onto the podium. One of the objects flew in the direction where President Buhari was sitting and he was only saved by one of his security operatives who took the hit for him.

For context, APM was the party Amosun’s allies who lost out in APC primaries ran to and were being backed by the former governor who, ironically, was a senatorial candidate of the APC he deceitfully led his blind flock away from.

Two years and 11 months after that forgettable chain of events, Mr President is returning to a very different Ogun State. In less than three years, Ogun people have put their past behind them and are now building their future together. This state visit is a stark contrast to the previous ones for many reasons. This time, Buhari has not been invited all the way from Abuja to commission ghost or stillborn projects. The president has not been hurriedly invited to shield humiliation or to prove political relevance.

At least five existent and completed projects embarked upon by Governor Dapo Abiodun will be commissioned by President Buhari.

These are not just projects carried out for the sake of cutting ribbons with scissors; they are projects tied to the developmental philosophy of the Abiodun administration captured under the ISEYA (Infrastructure; Social Development and Wellbeing; Education; Youth Development and

AT LEAST FIVE EXISTENT AND COMPLETED PROJECTS EMBARKED UPON BY GOVERNOR DAPO ABIODUN WILL BE COMMISSIONED

BY PRESIDENT BUHARI. THESE ARE NOT JUST PROJECTS CARRIED OUT FOR THE SAKE OF CUTTING RIBBONS WITH SCISSORS; THEY ARE PROJECTS TIED TO THE DEVELOPMENTAL PHILOSOPHY OF THE ABIODUN ADMINISTRATION

Agriculture and Food Security) mantra.

For instance, Mr President will have the honour of commissioning the 14km Ijebu Ode-Mojoda-Epe Road, which was completed in record time. Work on the road commenced in February 2020 and completion date was set at November 2022. But the economic importance of the road, which connects Ogun to the fast-growing Epe-Lekki axis of Lagos, meant that speed was added to its expediency. Now completed and dualised, over 30 communities have been reconnected and economic development boosted. Potential for investment and industrialisation has also been enhanced with the completion of the project.

Road users and residents of the state can barely hide their happiness and appreciation, as evident in the words of former Ogun State Chairman of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr Ahmed Apampa: “I have no doubt that the Ijebu Ode-Epe road will contribute to the economic development of our dear state. The governor has done beautifully well in turning the state to the economic hub of the country, especially through infrastructural development.” Head of the Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN), Engr. Mutiu Odesanya, also attested to the quality of work done on the road. “I want to commend the governor for not compromising quality in the projects being carried out in the state. We at COREN want to encourage the government on constant maintenance, because this Ijebu Ode-Epe expressway is second to none,” he said.

Another project Buhari is expected to commission is the 42km Sagamu Interchange – Abeokuta dual carriageway. The interchange is both symbolic and significant, being the gateway to the capital of the Gateway State and stretching through critical business and residential districts. After years of literally scratching the surface of the road in the name of rehabilitation, a proper and absolute rehabilitation has led to increase in both industrial and residential urbanisation of that corridor.

What’s more, the road is the site for the first phase of the “Let There Be Light” project, which is aimed at lighting up all major roads in the state.

Chairman of Obafemi/Owode LGA, Adesina Ogunsola, whose local government falls within the 42km stretch of the interchange, was upbeat about the benefits of the rehabilitation of the road. “The completion of the interchange will bring positive development to the local government and state in general. I believe that the local government has a lot of benefits from the completion of this project. This is a right step in the right direction, especially with the investment drive of the Abiodun administration.”

Strategically, a new Kobape Housing Estate, located along the Sagamu Abeokuta Interchange, has been constructed by the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun under the Affordable Housing Scheme to further open up the Abeokuta outskirts of the road. Constructed in collaboration with the United Kingdom’s Future City Project, the Kobape Housing Estate is a deliberate effort to ease housing deficit in Abeokuta by opening up new ‘Greater Abeokuta’ districts. The first phase of its already subscribed 300 housing units will be commissioned by the president, while work on the second phase, comprising 226 housing units will commence in earnest.

LAWAN’S PRINCIPLES OF POLITICS AND LEADERSHIP Ahmad Lawan is convinced that public interest is best served when institutions work together, writes Ola Awoniyi

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hen Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan graduated from the University of Maiduguri in 1984 with a B.Sc. degree in Geography, taking an active role in partisan politics was not on his mind.

The young man did not consider himself cut for the “dirty game.” Rather, his focus was firmly on academics. And so for the next 10 years, he was in the Ivory Tower researching and imparting knowledge for the enlightenment and development of society. He was good enough at what he was doing such that in 1990, he was offered a scholarship by the European Union, one of a very few from the northern part of Nigeria at the time to be offered the privilege.

Lawan went to Cranfield University, United Kingdom and returned home in 1996 with Masters and Doctoral degrees in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System(GIS). He resumed his career in academics, until 1998 when he was persuaded to join politics.

New in the game, Lawan quickly realised that politics is different from academics. It is safe to say that his experience in his early days in politics in his home state of Yobe was far from pleasant. “It was a near disaster,” he once recalled. He found himself like a fish out of water such that his people at the grassroots had to teach him the ropes of practical politics. “Dr. this is not the academic environment.

You are no more in the university. This is politics and it is not about blowing big grammar,” he recalled once being told by a worried supporter. Since then he has learnt to flow with his people. They taught him to be part of them. And if ever elected into an office, to be a servant to the people.

Lawan has since mastered the art, which with the grace of God, has seen him come thus far. In six consecutive polls since 1999, Ahmad Ibrahim

Lawan has been the clear choice of his people to represent them at the National Assembly. And he has remained a part and the servant of his constituents.

Today, he is also the Senate President.

However, he has also refused to compromise his principles. For Lawan, politics is not an art of deception. “I don’t believe politics is about deception.

I prefer to call a spade a spade,” Lawan once said while addressing his constituents in his country home, Gashua in Yobe State. His fidelity to that principle has won and cost him a few friends. But it has also underpinned the trust of his constituents, helping him to become one of the longest serving federal lawmakers in Nigeria.

Those who have worked with him will readily attest that you cannot persuade Lawan to act contrary to his conviction. Some see this as rigidity.

But if you say that to him, Lawan would take it as a compliment, in as much as he believes that he stands for the common good.

He once narrated the huge pressure he and his colleagues faced in 2006 to support the now orphaned Third Term Agenda. Then in the House of Representatives, Lawan was lobbied severally to lend his support to removing a pillar of democratic stability. But he bluntly refused even at the face of a threat to deny him a return ticket to the National Assembly. However, the same Lawan also played a significant role in calming down his colleagues in the House every time they angrily attempted to impeach President Obasanjo over what they perceived as impeachable offences by the then president.

More recently, as Senate President, he came under pressure from some very powerful stakeholders in the oil industry who were against the passage of the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contract Act amendment Bill. Lawan rebuffed the pressure because he was convinced that the benefit of the amended bill is huge for the Nigerian

economy. A similar pressure was mounted on him when the Ninth Assembly confronted the jinx of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). But Lawan again stood his ground and the two decades old jinx was broken.

Until 2015, Lawan had been an opposition lawmaker. His voice was always loud on virtually every topical issue. By the time his party took control of the National Assembly, Lawan was well positioned for the coveted seat of Senate President.

But he missed it at first attempt. Not that he lost the election to the seat. He was schemed out of the race.

As a devout Muslim, he took those shenanigans of June 2015 in good faith. He believes everything works for good for those whose purposes are good.

Lawan is a loyal party man and always stand firmly with his party in and outside the parliament.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), consequently offered him the position of Senate Majority Leader. By the time he became the 14th Senate President in 2019, Lawan had acquired additional experience from that role to preside over the Upper Chamber and, as Chairman of the National Assembly, to pilot the affairs of the revered Institution.

From the onset, he had a clear vision of what he wanted to do and of the leadership strategy for maintaining unity and common purpose in the Senate and the National Assembly in general. He believes that a house of chaos, however elevated, is of no use to anyone.

This is why the defining trait of the Ninth Assembly under Lawan is the cordial working relationship with the other arms of government, more noticeably the Executive. But this has been achieved without compromising the independence of Parliament or the doctrine of Separation of Powers.

Understandably, people who prefer hostility to amity between the two elected arms of government do not like this. They have thus maligned him relent-

lessly and most unfairly derided the ninth Assembly as a rubber stamp.

You think that bothers Lawan? Instead, he considers himself lucky to be Senate President at a time a willing partner for cooperation heads the Executive arm of government.

The often ignored fact is that President Muhammadu Buhari even has ardently desires a healthy working relationship with Parliament. This is so that he can deliver his promises and fulfil his mandate to the Nigerian people. So both sides have chosen to address the unavoidable conflicts with cool heads and with their eyes set on the development goals of government.

Results commend the path that they have both chosen. In the immediate past Assembly, many executive bills were pronounced dead on arrival at the National Assembly. And many private member bills that passed were sent back to the sender.

President Buhari felt that situation was unhealthy and should not be allowed to repeat itself as the Nigerian people were the losers. Both leaders since June 2019 have been wholly committed through reciprocity to building a cordial working environment between their two co-dependent institutions for the smooth running of government and benefit of the nation.

Let’s recall a few fruits of this harmony. In October 2019, barely four months after the inauguration of the Ninth Assembly, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, was at the National Assembly to meet with its leadership. Malami pleaded for a working relationship between the two arms of government that would enhance the passage of executive bills after due consideration by the lawmakers and presidential assent for private member bills.

Awoniyi is Special Adviser (Media) to the Senate President

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EDITORIAL THE MERRY-GO-ROUND IN NDDC Government should inaugurate a board to conduct the affairs of the agency

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he Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is becoming an object of jokes among critical stakeholders.

Almost six months after the submission of the report of its much-touted forensic report, the federal government has not been able to implement any of the recommendations or appoint a substantive board to allow the commission function effectively as stipulated by law. All that Nigerians are regaled with are tales and empty presidential threats while the Minister of Niger Delta, Godswill Akpabio continues to run the commission with some nebulous interim management committees that are unknown to law.

On 17th October 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered the forensic scrutiny of NDDC while playing host to nine governors of the constituent states of the interventionist agency. The directive for a forensic audit followed the misgivings expressed by the governors that the agency’s operations were characterised by poor choice of projects, shoddy handling of jobs and IF THE FEDERAL lack of the required GOVERNMENT CANNOT support for the efforts IMPLEMENT THE PART RECOMMENDATIONS OF of the states and local adminisTHE AUDIT REPORT, LET IT government trations in the region.

ENDEAVOUR TO AT LEAST For a smooth conduct ENTRENCH A CULTURE of the forensic auditOF TRANSPARENCY AND ing, a sum of N2.5 ACCOUNTABILITY BY billion was reportedly HAVING A SUBSTANTIVE earmarked for the job.

BOARD IN PLACE The federal government also provided a total of 33 utility vehicles to aid the auditors discharge their duties while the exercise lasted. However, with the forensic audit report completed and report submitted, there is no serious plan to implement the findings which include the appointment of a substantive board.

The NDDC was established as an interventionist agency in 2000 by President Olusegun Obasanjo, with a clear mandate to develop the oil and gas rich, but impoverished Niger Delta region. The commission’s mandate

Letters to the Editor

area is comprised of the nine oil producing states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers. It has a comprehensive master plan, but in the eyes of many, it has consistently failed to perform.

The forensic report on the NDDC has shown that it is a cesspool of corruption for which many of its past and present leaders as well as top government functionaries have not only been complicit, but indicted.

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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.

RAVAGES OF LASSA FEVER

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he pain is usually sharp and sudden and death is usually swift. The swiftness of death which rides on mice which are nowhere near the top of the animal kingdom`s best athletes catch young people especially cold. It is the fate of young people at the hands of such a lethal liquidator that should worry health experts, the Nigerian authorities and Nigerians as a whole. Yet, the alarm bells do not appear to be tolling loudly enough or if they do, then Nigeria`s multitude of those who are hard of hearing are predictably not listening.

Yet, again, it is the statistics which shine a dark light on the lethality of lethal fever and otherwise mask the pain and suffering that go into the making of these figures of fatalities.

At the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Controlled assailed terrified Nigerians with numbing numbers marking how a novel disease was neutralizing populations around the world. With time passing and with many Nigerians failing to see their streets overflowing with the dead as many experts predicted, incredulity creeped in to the interpretation of the reports by the NCDC. With time, skepticism and cynicism joined the fray.

But even as its trembling hands were filling with data about the devastation of the virus first detected in Wuhan, China, the NCDC still had time for small fish. On the side, it was still doling out data on Lassa fever infections around the country and warning Nigerians that an enemy much older than Covid-19 was still lurking, watching their every move.

Figures have emerged again and this time, they not only

e do not understand the song and dance on ‘forensic audit’, especially when there are already many reports on financial mismanagement in NDDC. Indeed, the report of the presidential committee on project execution between 2005 and 2011 was, to put it mildly, very unflattering.

The report covered a total of 609 projects spread across three states – Cross River, Edo and Rivers. Chairman of the committee, Chief Isaac Jemide, said that of the 609 projects monitored, 222 (36.5%) were completed, 102 (16.7%) were ongoing and 285 (46.8%) were abandoned at various levels of completion. Even worse, some of these projects were completely outside the statutory operational scope of the NDDC. Similarly, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) said that between 2007 and 2014, NDDC got $1.98 billion and N594 billion remitted to it, but could not account for how N7.4 billion allocated for grassroots development projects was spent. A former Managing Director confirmed these observations when he remarked on assumption of office that the completion rate of NDDC projects was not very encouraging. He said over $40 billion received by the region within a period of 10 years was frittered away.

What the foregoing shows is that ‘forensic audit’ cannot be a subterfuge for infringing on the law. If the federal government cannot implement the part recommendations of the audit report, let it endeavour to at least entrench a culture of transparency and accountability by having a substantive board in place. This is because allowing the NDDC to operate outside the law by imposing an interim board with elastic mandate cannot be a proper way to run the commission.

sicken, they horrify. Nigeria recorded 102 Lassa fever deaths from a total cumulatively from week 1-52 of 2021 in 38 Local Government Areas of 17 states. The states affected included Edo with 212 cases, Ondo with 175 cases, Bauchi with 39 cases, Taraba with 22 cases, Ebonyi with 18 cases, Plateau with nine cases, Benue and Kaduna with eight cases each, Enugu with five, Nasarawa, Kogi and FCT with three cases each, and Cross River, Imo, Anambra, Delta and Abia with one case each. We are not even two weeks into the new year but already there have been deaths from Lassa fever.

When in an epic demonstration of the potency of African prejudice, the World Health Organisation eponymously described a novel viral hemorrhagic fever caused by a virus in 1969 from a case in the town of Lassa in Borno State as `Lassa fever’, Nigeria bristled at the description. The indignation of the Giant of Africa was further inflamed when the WHO balked at describing the emergent Corona virus first traced to Wuhan China as the ‘Wuhan virus’ or ‘Chinese virus’.

The symptoms of the disease which is common in West Africa include fever, weakness, headaches, vomiting and muscle pains.

The main vector is an infected multimammate mouse and contact with its urine or feces can precipitate an infection which could then spread through people-to-people contact.

If the figures from the NCDC truly alarm, it is because Nigeria`s historic struggles with data collation and interpretation is well documented meaning the number of fatalities from Lassa fever may be well north of that which alarms health experts.

Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com

IN PRAISE OF JELANI ALIYU

J

elani Aliyu is a creative and innovative United States-based world renowned automotive designer. Presently, he is the Director General of National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), a parastatal under Ministry of Trade and Investment. His mission is direct and unambiguous: to reposition Nigeria as one of the leading automotive manufacturing countries in the world.

As one of the world’s best car designers, Aliyu has helped in transforming General Motors after working there for three years. It is worthy to recall the period when three advanced studios in California, United States, Michigan, United States, and in United Kingdom were engaged in competition. There were hundreds of entries, out of which five were chosen for the final round. At the final selection, Aliyu’s proposal was voted as the best, thereafter enabling him to conceptualize the design to attain advanced level with a target to capture the African environment.

Without a doubt, Aliyu is a world acclaimed automotive industry specialist. As the DG of NADDC, he has remained focused like a lion poised to attack and like an eagle flying with vision. It is especially with this remarkable vision that he designed the General Motor’s leading auto brand, Chevrolet Voit. With this resounding success in the automotive industry, it is unanimously agreed that Aliyu’s record would be difficult for his successor to surpass. Little wonder, he recently got reappointed as the NADDC director general to continue to create new grounds for the council.

However, many are of the view that Aliyu would be the right man to succeed the current Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, in 2023 if he declares his interest in the near future. Indeed, Sokoto State would be the better for Aliyu’s world-acclaimed feats in creativity and industry.

Anjorin Adeolu Joseph, anjorin.adeolu@yahoo.com

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NEWS

AMENDED CHIEFTAINCY LAW COMES INTO FORCE...

L-R: Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo; Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; Governor Dapo Abiodun; chairman, Ogun State Traditional Council and Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona displaying copies of the amended chieftaincy law assented to by the governor... on Monday

LCCI Urges Central Bank to Sustain Development Finance Interventions Raises the alarm over Nigeria’s huge debt service cost Dike Onwuamaeze The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has advised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to sustain its development finance initiatives in 2022.

It also described the N4.20 trillion the federal government spent on debt service, against the N3.40 trillion it expended on capital projects as of November 2021, as a dangerous trend for the Nigerian economy.

The new president of the LCCI, Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, said these yesterday, during a media briefing on the state of the economy.

He also urged the CBN to initiate gradual transition to a unified foreign exchange rate.

In addition, he called for an effective synchronisation of fiscal and monetary policies in order to improve Nigeria’s investment climate and attract sustainable foreign direct investments into the economy.

He advised the CBN to initiate gradual transition to a unified exchange rate regime, saying factors such as oil price and production, GDP growth, inflation rate, forex

trends, private investment inflows, credit to the private sector, and domestic interest rates would be expected to influence monetary policy direction in the short to medium-term.

The LCCI president said the, “CBN, having adopted the NAFEX rate as the official rate, needs to initiate a gradual transition to a unified exchange rate system and allow for a market reflective exchange rate.

“The currency market is still beset with persisting liquidity challenges evidenced in the wide premium between the NAFEX and parallel market rates.

“To consolidate on the interventions earlier initiated, the CBN needs to roll out more friendly supply-side policies to boost liquidity in the market. This would help bolster investor confidence and attract foreign investment inflows into the economy.

“We expect the CBN to sustain its development finance efforts this year while also maintaining its stance on minimum Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR) requirement.

It is expected that credit flows will yield limited outcomes if

the structural challenges stifling domestic productivity are unresolved. The CBN should sustain its policy of keeping interest rates low to enable investors to raise capital at cheaper rates.”

Commenting on the country’s debt service cost, Olawale-Cole said: “On the expenditure side, debt service gulped N4.20 trillion, while N3.40 trillion had been expended on capital (project) as of November 2021. We note that debt servicing gulped more than capital expenditure during the period under review.

“The Chamber is concerned with our debt costs. We need to re-assess our debt sources to borrow at low rates or access more zero-interest loans like the Sukuk.”

He added that, “the federal government spent N2.89 trillion on debt service between January 2021 and August 2021. This figure represents 74 percent of the total revenue of N3.93 trillion generated by the federal government within the same period, a development considered to be a dangerous trend for the economy.”

He projected that, “Nigeria’s debt stock and debt-servicing

NAFDAC Denies Efficacy Claims on ABUAD’s COVID-19 Herbal Drug Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has denied granting recognition to the herbal drug developed by the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti ((ABUA) for the treatment of COVID-19.

The agency's Director General, Prof. Mojishola Adeyeye who stated this during an interview on ‘The Morning Show’ monitored on Arise News Channel yesterday, explained that what NAFDAC granted the university was approval for listing.

According to her, "What NAFDAC does is to do a listing approval first. The listing approval is about safety of the medicine not its efficacy. This means that if a patient takes the medicine, there will not be toxicity that would threaten the life of the patient.

“So when we got the application in May last year, we sent what we call compliance directive, meaning what you should do and should

not do."

She further explained that in the case of Afe Babalola University, the agency got an application from the university authorities in May, 2021 in relation to its drug and after subjecting it to pre-clinical stage test, approved it for listing as safe for consumption.

She said one of the things that NAFDAC usually pays attention to for herbal medicines was the claim of efficacy.

"So what we did was to say remove treatment or cure of coronavirus from the label. We told the university that the herbal drug can only be effective as an antioxidant and immune booster.

“We also said they should remove anti-inflammatory problem and they complied because they corrected all the areas and in December, we then approved," she said.

She said the university has complied with NAFDAC's directive and has re-submitted it application.

Adeyeye, however stressed not

labelling the herbal medicine with a claim of efficacy against COVID-19 does not mean that it cannot be active against the virus.

The DG said the listing approval was considered by all the members of the technical committee before granting it approval.

Adeyeye said drug development passes five stages of approvals - the preclinical, then three phases of clinical trials and the then the post-marketing phase, saying, “which is what we have now for COVID-19 vaccines.”

She added that for herbal medicine which has been in use locally for decades, phases one and two were collapsed together so that instead of going through many phases, it will just move to phase two.

Adeyeye further said anyone seeking to carry out clinical trials in Nigeria must submit an application to NAFDAC and to the National Ethics Committee domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Health for approval.

to revenue ratio will remain elevated in 2022. The low yield environment is expected to keep domestic borrowings elevated in the short term as it favours federal government in mobilising funds at lower rates.

“With projected borrowings of N4.893 trillion, N4.750 trillion, and N5.356 trillion in 2022, 2023, and 2024 respectively, debt sustainability concerns will remain elevated.”

He noted that a broad-based coordination of fiscal and monetary policies would be critical in achieving the twin objectives of output growth and price stability in the domestic economy.

Olawale-Cole also recommended that deliberate efforts should be made to make the business environment more conducive for micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs) and large corporates at the national, subnational, and local government levels are imperative.

He suggested that this could be achieved by addressing the structural bottlenecks and regulatory constraints contributing to the high cost of doing business.

“A supportive and conducive investment environment is critical in facilitating private sector involvement in the economic

recovery process. The government should initiate moves towards having cost-reflective tariff in the power sector as this will attract the needed investment to boost power supply.

“There should be clarity in government’s policy direction by ensuring consistency in economic policies. Policy consistency is imperative for long-term investment planning and business projections.”

He added that “holistic and dynamic review of the security architecture to address the seemingly worsening security situation in the country.”

Court Remands Saipem MD in Prison over Alleged $130m Fraud Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has remanded the Managing Director of Saipem Contracting, Mr. Walter Peviana and one Kelechi Sinteh Chinakwe in the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre over an alleged conspiracy to defraud the Rivers State Government the sum of $130 million.

The money according to the charge sheet was an alleged advanced payment for the construction of the OCGT power plant in Port Harcourt.

The court, presided by Justice Okogbule Gbasam, also issued a bench warrant for the arrest of three staff of Saipem namely, Giandomenico Zingali, Vitto Testaguzza, and Davide Anelli, that are expatriates.

The matter was registered in suit number PHC/3106/CR/2021.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, Justice Gbasam ordered that the third defendant, Walter Peviana and the fourth defendant, Kelechi Sinteh Chinakwe be remanded at the Port Harcourt Correctional Service until the next hearing date.

The prosecution in the matter was the Government of Rivers State, while the defendants were: Saipem SPA (1st defendant), Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited (2nd defendant), Mr. Walter Peviana (3rd defendant), Kelechi Sinteh Chinakwe (4th defendant), Giandomenico Zingali (5th defendant), Vitto Testaguzza (6th defendant) and Davide Anelli (7th defendant).

The judge who issued the bench warrant against three of the

defendants in the matter following their absents in court, urged that State Police Commissioner and other security agencies to arrest and produce the defendants in court to face their trial having been duly served notice by the Government of Rivers State.

The lead counsel to the Rivers State Government (Applicant), Godwin Obla, prayed the court that those absent be tried in absentia since they had been duly served court processes, citing section 195 of the Rivers State Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2015.

Opposing the argument by Obla, the lead counsel to the first, second, third and sixth defendants, Mr. Odein Ajumogobia, explained that though court processes had been served on his clients, the sixth defendant was absent in court on health grounds.

Reacting to both parties’ arguments on the absenteeism of defendants in court, Justice Gbasam noted that at the preliminary hearing stages, the court on December 14, 2021, had ordered that all parties should be in court since it is a criminal case.

Justice Gbasam, who adjoined the hearing till January 18, 2022, said, "this will enable the counsels to the defendants including Mr. Odein Ajumogobia, and K. Akinwole (for the 4th defendant) to study the charges, other affidavits and complementary documents properly.”

Speaking to journalists after the court session, Obla explained that some years ago, the Rivers State Government had a contract

with Saipem SPA and Saipem Contracting Nigeria Ltd in respect of Turbines and their building in Afam 11 in Oyigbo local government area of Rivers State.

According to him, the Rivers State Government had paid Saipem a total of $130 million and N7 billion.

He explained that despite such payment, the work did not progress beyond about 40 per cent of the contract sum even when the total contract amount had been collected with the company still asking for additional $97 million to be able to complete the contract.

"So forensic analysis of entire contractual agreement as done and the amount spent so far revealed that there were criminal infractions in respect of this contract.

"It is in relation of the criminal infractions that charges have now been brought against the company and individuals working with the company who were complicit in all those activities," he added.

Obla spoke further saying that, "trial has commenced after about two previous delays.”

"The defendants asked for an adjournment, the state was ready to proceed, the matter has now been adjourned to Tuesday next week and the Managing Director of the second defendant in Nigeria and the other accused person have been remanded in prison custody till Tuesday next week.

"They are Mr. Walter Peviana and one Nigerian employee with the company, Kelechi Sinteh Chinakwe, the 3rd and 4th defendants respectively on the charge sheet."

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY JANUARY 12, 2022

MIDWEEKPOLITICS

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

The Kingmaker Who Wants to be King The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu has finally declared his intention to contest the 2023 presidency, bringing an end to speculations about his rumoured ambition, writes Adedayo Akinwale

Buhari

P

olitical activities that will lead to the 2023 presidential election are already taking shape following the declaration of a national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest the 2023 presidency. His formal declaration came almost after one year of his rumoured interest to fulfill his lifelong ambition.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had announced in October 2020 that it had fixed February 18, 2023 for the presidential election. Following this announcement, various support groups swung into cation to strategise and project the image of presidential aspirants nursing the ambition of succeeding President Muhammadu Buhari.

Against this background, members of Tinubu’s political family wasted no time on putting a machinery in place to project the presidential aspiration of the former Governor of Lagos State when they inaugurated a presidential campaign movement tagged, “The South-West Agenda (SWAGA).”

In spite of the fact that Tinubu was yet to publicly declare his presidential ambition, SWAGA was inaugurated over a year ago in Ibadan. It has Senator Dayo Adeyeye as its leader, while former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, Senator Adesoji Akanbi, representing Oyo South Senatorial District; former House of Representatives member, Otunba Abayomi Ogunnusi, among others, are members of the movement.

Adeyeye while speaking at the inauguration of SWAGA said for the discerning mind, the 2023 election was already on the front burner of national discourse. He said that was why they asked Tinubu to come out and also urged the entire people of the South-west to rally round him to make him the next president of Nigeria.

Aside from SWAGA, Tinubu Support Group (TSG), the coordinating group for all Tinubu Support groups is already up and running with offices in the 36 states of the federation and with its headquarters in Abuja galvanizing support for Tinubu.

Recall that former Military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida during an interview on ARISE News Channel suggested that individuals in their 60s should be the focus of Nigerians as potential presidential or vice presidential candidates in 2023.

IBB said such persons should have deep knowledge of the economy, must have contacts across the nation and must have been traversing the geo-political zones, marketing their acceptability and capacity.

“If you get a good leadership that links with the people and tries to talk with the people; not talking on top of the people, then we would be okay. I have started visualising a good Nigerian leader. That is, a person, who travels across the country

Osinbajo

and has a friend virtually everywhere he travels to and he knows at least one person that he can communicate with. That is a person, who is very vast in the economy and is also a good politician, who should be able to talk to Nigerians and so on. I have seen one, or two or three of such persons already in their sixties,” he posted.

However, political analysts believe that with his submission, IBB has ruled out a former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Tinubu, from the 2023 presidential run, because they would be in their 70s by the next election.

Unperturbed by IBB’s declaration as well as the forces against him within the ruling party, the presidency, while also considering the fact that his political son, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is equally eyeing the plum job, Tinubu on Monday stormed the Presidential Villa to intimate President Muhammadu Buhari of his intention to succeed him in 2023.

Investigations reveal Tinubu’s camp was rattled after Buhari’s interview with Channels TV where he said he would rather keep his choice of Presidential candidate to succeed him to himself because he feared he would be assassinated.

It was based on this that the National Leader of the APC decided to officially take up the gauntlet and brave the odd and take up the battle.

To him, becoming the president of Nigeria has been his lifelong ambition, hence his decision to clear years of speculation about his intention. The APC chieftain believs there is nothing wrong for a king-maker to become the king.

During his interaction with newsmen, Tinubu said it was not in his character to discuss other presidential hopefuls, saying he was out to market himself, as he possesses the capacity and vision to lead Nigeria, having successfully governed Lagos State.

He said: “I’ve informed the president of my intention, but I have not

Tinubu

informed Nigerians yet. I’m still consulting. And I have no problem consulting. I’ve not set a parameter of limitation to the extent of how many people I will consult. You will soon hear. All you want to hear is the categorical declaration. You’ve gotten that truth from me that I have informed Mr. President of my ambition, and you don’t expect more answers than that.”

Tinubu said: “That’s our business.

He is a democrat. He didn’t ask me to stop. He didn’t ask me not to attempt and pursue my ambition, which is a lifelong ambition. So, why do I expect him to say more than that? You are running a democratic dispensation, and you must adopt the principles and the values and the virtues of democracy. That’s it. I don’t want to discuss individuals now. I must discuss myself. I have the confidence, the vision, the capacity to rule, build on the foundation of Mr. President, and turn Nigeria better. I’ve done that with commitment, you know, in Lagos State. You’ve seen that experience and the capacity to turn things around and that is what we are doing.”

The APC chieftain was of the opinion that there was nothing wrong in a kingmaker aspiring to be king.

He added, “That is the truth. And I’ve never seen where it is written in the rule book anywhere in any country that a king maker cannot be a king, unless you commit murder.

So, whatever is your attribute is your own opinion. Me, I want to pursue my ambition without the title of a king maker. You can write your literature and your story based upon your own perception.”

Despite Tinubu’s decalaration, a coalition of 57 youth groups and students have endorsed Vice Osinbajo for the 2023 presidency. Its National Coordinator, Mr. Festus Ofume while reading the communique on behalf of the 57 groups under the aegis of National Coalition of Youth and Students (NACOYS) after their meeting

I’ve never seen where it is written in the rule book anywhere in any country that a king maker cannot be a king, unless you commit murder. So, whatever is your attribute is your own opinion. Me, I want to pursue my ambition without the title of a king maker. You can write your literature and your story based upon your own perception

with officials of The Progressive Project (TPP), stated their resolve to mobilise at least five million youth across Nigeria to support Osinbajo if he finally decides to run for the presidency in 2023.

The coalition said Nigerian youths cannot afford to remain indifferent to the nation’s political process and its future. It stressed that Osinbajo was not only the best qualified among all the names being mentioned as potential aspirants; he is also the most qualified in terms of practical potentials towards redressing issues of deep concern such as the rule of law and unemployment.

“For the future of Nigeria, we firmly believe that Yemi Osinbajo is the best qualified for the office of the President, especially with his intellectual accomplishment, empathy for the younger generation, understanding of the economy and the fact that he has the experience of being an acting President and Vice President with uncompromised passion to consolidate on the achievements of the last seven years.”

The Coalition stated: “At our enlarged meeting held at Abuja on the 10” day of January, 2022, we unanimously endorse Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON as our candidate for the top job of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the 2023 general elections; we came to this conclusion after due consultation nationwide and after a thorough assessment of all he has done over the past seven years.

On the other hand, the Organised Private Sector for Osinbajo (OPS 4 Osinbajo) has insisted that Vice President is better intellectually equipped than any current presidential aspirant for the task of leading the country.

The group, through its spokesman, Mr. Abdulrahman Farouk believes that Osinbajo’s offers much hope for citizens who have high expectations about job creation, increased earnings and growth.

It noted “Even though an aspirant has informed Muhammadu Buhari about his 2023 ambition, the most credible option still appears to be Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and for the organized Private Sector as well as the citizenry, Osinbajo offers much fertile ground for hope to rapidly germinate.

With Osinbajo, Nigeria’s organized private sector has much basis for optimism about post-2023 economic activities,” The group pointed out that rather than mere sentiments, Nigerians must carefully weigh the past and current potentials of various candidates towards using their voter’s card responsibly in the 2023 election.

No doubt the political events are still unfolding and it promises to be interesting as the 2022 is the year of political activities. Whether Osinbajo will run against his benefactor is what is not clear at the moment, but his support groups have refused to relent in pushing his presidential ambition.

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY JANUARY 12, 2022

POLITICS

The Technocrat Who Became Head of Government

GOVERNANCE IN PHOTOS

Udora Orizu writes that the leader of Nigeria’s shortlived Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan who passed on at 85 years this week will be accorded honours due to a Nigerian Head of State

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; with Project Coordinator, Ekiti State Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEW-MAP), Dr. Akinyemi Akinyugba; during the Governor’s inspection of ongoing channelization of Aiya I and II Gully Erosion Control Work in Ikere –Ekiti

Shonekan

T

he late Ernest Adegunle Shonekan entered Nigerian politics in January 2, 1993 when former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, appointed him as head of the Interim National Government. Prior to his political career, Shonekan, born on May 9, 1936, was a lawyer, who had a rich background in the private sector. He was the Chairman and Chief Executive of the United African Company of Nigeria, (UACN) a vast Nigerian conglomerate, which at the time was the largest African-controlled company in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Following Babangida’s refusal to hand over power to Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, in August that same year, Babangida before resigning from office, following the annulment signed a decree establishing the Interim National Government led by Shonekan who was subsequently sworn-in as Head of Satate.

The annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election was an unforgettable day in Nigeria’s political history. Babangida’s action which was then considered a brazen slap on the South-west where Abiola hailed from and the biggest setback to the emergence of democratic leadership Nigerians yearned for threw the country into turmoil, forcing democrats, progressives and civil society organizations to vehemently resist the military leadership. Protests erupted in various parts of the country with groups such as National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and the Campaign for Democracy (CD) taking up the fight. As much as there were causalities among them, they held on to their demand that Abiola must be sworn-in as the democratically elected president.

Shonekan was unable to control the political crisis which ensued following the election annulment. As a peacemaker he however tried his best during his few months in power. Despite the crisis hampering his government, he tried to schedule another presidential election and a return to democratic rule. Shonekan released political prisoners detained by Babangida. His administration also introduced a bill to repeal three major draconian decrees of the military government. He also lobbied for debt cancellation but, after the election annulment, most of the Western powers had imposed economic sanctions on Nigeria.

Shonekan further tried to set a timetable for troop withdrawal from ECOMOG’s peacekeeping mission in Liberia. However General Sani Abacha, Minister of Defence and Chief of Defence staff had full control over the military.

In November 17, 1993, barely three months into his administration, Shonekan was overthrown in a palace coup by Abacha. After that in 1994, he founded the Nigerian Economic Summit Group an advocacy group and thinktank for private sector-led development of the Nigerian economy. Since then Shonekan went on to feature prominently as an elder statesman.

Until his death, Shonekan, aalremained in the political consciousness of Nigerians, for different reasons. However, many consider one of the luckiest Nigerians who was drafted into governance of the country when he least expected it. As Providence smiled on him, elevating him to the exclusive club of the country’s leaders, even in death, he will be accorded the honour due to a Nigerian Head of State. He is survived by wife, Margaret, and children.

Shonekan released political prisoners detained by Babangida. His administration also introduced a bill to repeal three major draconian decrees of the military government.

He also lobbied for debt cancellation but, after the election annulment, most of the Western powers had imposed economic sanctions on Nigeria. Shonekan further tried to set a timetable for troop withdrawal from ECOMOG’s peacekeeping mission in Liberia

One of the 130 pupils that benefited from the of Gbaja Professionals Volunteer Network’s (GPVN) indigent pupil enrollment programme collecting her pupil school kit from the GPVN National Coordinator and Special Adviser (Finance) to the Speaker, Mr Lookman Lawal (2nd left); Hon. Lamin Sani former Chairman Nasarawa LGA and Special Adviser to Governor on Local Government Affairs (2nd right); Chief of Staff to the Speaker, Sanusi Rikiji (1st right); and Hon Kabir Ahmed Danmalikin Wudil (1st left) during the group’s enrolment programme/medical outreach/renovation of the 21 year old students’ hostel for indigent students of Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State recently

L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Commissioner for Information and Values Orientation, Hon Akin Omole; and the Head of Service, Mrs Peju Babafemi; at the Commissioner’s office; during the Governor’s unscheduled visit to the state secretariat complex, Ado-Ekiti

Cross section of the newly recruited 1,000 Osun Teachers during the Pre-engagement Training Programme for them by the Ministry of Education, at Ataoja School of Science, Osogbo

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY JANUARY 12, 2022

22

FEATURES

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

A Widow's Pain Pastor Blessing Agboli, widow of the late Apostle Joseph Agboli, founder of Victorious Army Ministry, Ogba, Lagos, has been in the centre a storm over circumstances that led to the untimely death of her husband. Although the late Agboli has been buried since November 2021, a lot has been peddled against his widow. In a recent chat with Mary Nnah, the widow shared her pain, disappointment, and how the falsehood being peddled has tainted her mourning

W

hen the Founder of Victorious Army Ministry, Ogba, Lagos, Apostle Joseph Agboli, died August 2021, nothing prepared his widow, Pastor Blessing Agboli, for the avalanche his death would unleash. From falsehood to accusations and malicious stories peddled on the social media space, it hasn't really given her time to process her pain at the loss of her husband of decades.

For instance, a YouTuber has been at the forefront of the campaign that she killed her husband and had planned to elope to Canada with her children to meet another man. This, among other allegations have been made the widow to be a shadow of her real self.

A physically shaken and shattered Blessing Agboli, who could barely control her tears and was obviously in the shadow of her real self, as against the vibrant, fashionista and energetic woman she has always known to be, told her own part of the story, revealing her pains, disappointment, how the rumours has affected her whole existence.

“It has been traumatic. I miss him. He was ill for a while and we believed God for his healing. Joseph Agboli was a man of faith and we believed so much in the efficacy of God's power, healing, which is his major calling. We have seen the dead raised, we have seen the sick healed, even while he was in the hospital, he was praying for people and they were getting healed”, Pastor Blessing Agboli started off with the sorrowful tale of the circumstances that led to the death of her husband and how has it been since his passing.

Trying to counter the stories making rounds that she had a hand in the death of her husband she said, “I can show you his medical file which I obtained from the hospital. He had heart issues. He had this issue from 2004 to 2019, he didn’t take any medication. It was in 2019 that he travelled to the US for a check-up. He didn’t even die abroad. He died in Nigeria.

“I drove him to the hospital and till we got to the hospital he didn’t show any sign of weakness. When we got to the hospital, he couldn’t come out of the car. I was shocked.

"On Saturday morning of that week, he asked me to take him home. I took him home. As he stepped out of the car, I ran to help him as he walked feebly. He said, "take me to the back of the building", I took him there. He looked round, held my hand and said to me, "you can handle this".

At that point, he said "get my seat". He sat down. I remember holding his left leg, I was begging him, Paapa I won’t be able to cope.

I know what you are carrying on the inside.

That was the first time I saw tears roll down his eyes. He sat there and requested for tea.

That was the day I thought he would have died because after that tea, I noticed, he no longer was able to open his eyes”, she recollected further.

Speaking on her horrible experience since the passing of her husband in August last year, the widow was quick to note that surprisingly she hasn’t had any issue with the church or with his immediate family but for her late husband’s half-sister, whom she alleged had maltreated her husband during his lifetime.

“She cannot claim to know me, my husband has not seen her for 28 years, she doesn’t know what my children look like, she's been the one accusing me and went to the press to lay claims of what I don’t know anything about. My husband's real sister has been quiet, she is still in shock. To his younger siblings, I am their Mama. But the half-sister is the one who has been funny. She contacted a YouTuber who claimed to know me when I was carrying drugs. This YouTuber in question I don’t know”, she lamented.

Part of the allegations against Mrs Agboli was that she planned to run away with the kids to her lover in Canada before the burial of her husband. But to she claimed was untrue.

Late Apostle Joseph Agboli, and his widow, Pastor Blessing of Victorious Army Ministry “Still my husband's half-sister jokes. She told the YouTuber all that. The issue of running away, to where? Who is this man in Canada that would give me what Jesus has given to me.”

When asked if the half-sister in question had issues with her husband while still alive, she said, “They already had an issue before we got married. One day, my husband met my half-sister dancing with her mother celebrating that their enemy had just died. As my husband walked in, while they were dancing he asked out of curiosity who died? They said "your mother".

“Why would you celebrate the death of my mother? He asked.

That was how their issue started.

He told me they didn't help him as a student. The person who paid his tuition fees was his maternal uncle, Mr. Okocha in Ibadan. He is late too.

And when he passed, my husband stood for the burial because he was the one who paid his tuition fees.

I don’t have any good testimony of what the half-sister did for my husband -absolutely nothing”, the widow added further.

On the allegation that she killed her husband, Mrs. Agboli described

such allegation as torturing.

“How can I kill a man that I married for this long? The whole world knows Joseph Agboli loved me. Jesus knew that if I had a choice to go for him today, I would do as long as he stayed caring and doing the things of God”, she said.

Lamenting that her husband's demise has left her a huge responsibility and a big shoe to fit in, she said, “I have always known how to do my business, I love to travel, and I’m not one that will sit down. Apostle Joseph Agbolii would sit and talk to 200 people a day.

"When I married him, he was doing counseling from 7am to 11pm. One of our lawyers, Chief Mike Ozekhome, recently said to me, 'we lost a good man, a very good man. He was scandal free'.”

Mrs. Agboli, who bemoaned how all the lies and false rumours have affected her so negatively, noted, “It’s traumatic. It’s one thing for me to have lost this great man who trusted me with his life. Joseph Agboli trusted me with everything; to have him snatched away from me, I cried and while I tried to comprehend what had just happened all I heard was that I killed him. How? “That Saturday we got to the house (August 21). On Sunday, I cooked for him as usual. We never had domestic staff in our house. Not one. I don’t know what it is to have a nanny.

I cooked all my husband's meals. Even when I’m traveling, I pack them and put all his meals

It’s traumatic. It’s one thing for me to have lost this great man who trusted me with his life. Joseph Agboli trusted me with everything; to have him snatched away from me, I cried and while I tried to comprehend what had just happened all I heard was that I killed him. How?

in the freezer. I matched all his clothes. Saying I sacked people who were domestic workers in my house, when there was none. I never had domestic workers. The only time I had people in the house were my husband’s brothers and one of my sisters who is now married. I never had any domestic staff.

We are just two people who love the Lord.”

“I took him back to the hospital on Monday.

I can show you his medical report, his arteries were flat. I thought God would heal him. I was waiting for that day. Three Sundays prior to his death, he was preaching… the doctor had advised him to be careful… as he turned to go back to his seat, he shook; I rushed to him and held him. That was the day he would have collapsed on the altar. I took him to his seat and had him relaxed for 30 minutes before we left the church. He died on August 25. The burial rites took place in the church in Lagos from November 26 to 28, 2021."

Speaking on the attitude of fellow pastors after her husband died, she noted, “Most pastors have not called me and in Lagos State, especially if you are a non-indigene, it is a different ball game. This is one thing eating up the body of Christ in Lagos State. If you are a non-indigene, you are treated differently. If you are not an indigene of the state - a non-Yoruba speaking pastor and anything happens to you, you will realise how lonely you will be. I had few people who came to see me. I want to use this opportunity to thank Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo and Pastor David Ibiyeomi. My husband was a member of Christian Association of Nigeria and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.”

Affirming that the Victorious Army Ministry, which her husband founded with her support, is well structured, Mrs. Agboli revealed, “we run the church with pastorates so it makes it a lot easier. So, I have never had any challenges with the church members previously or now.

I have been holding meetings every Sunday immediately after service; we talked and agreed on what to do next. The church has been very supportive. We have a resident pastor who has been in charge since my husband died.”

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY JANUARY 12, 2022

FEATURES

Championing Interior Design as Tool for Healing, Productivity Sunday Ehigiator reports that the Creative Director of Five28 Interior, Funto Ibuoye is championing interior designing as a tool for healing and productivity

T

he Creative Director of Five28 Interior, Funto Ibuoye has revealed that interior design is more than space beautification but also a tool to improve self or productivity, and a tool for healing of the mind.

She made these remarks while speaking to journalists at the five years anniversary ceremony of Five28 Interior, recently held at Ikeja area of Lagos State.

According to her, interior design is so important because it elevates how people live, and helps improve productivity and how they work.

“One thing most people do not know is that your space affects how you think. If you work or live in a scattered space, the truth is, your mind would be scattered.

“If it's an office, your space affects how you work, how you think and your productivity. We have had testimonies from some clients whereby after we conclude work on their offices, their staff becomes more productive. It might just be a change in colour, a change in mode of sitting etc. And that causes a whole lot of improvement in the workspace.”

“Interior design is also a tool for healing the mind. About three years ago, we did a project for a single lady who owns a studio apartment.

“When we were discussing her needs, we didn't talk about having a mirror in her living room for instance, but along the line, as we were executing the project, it occurred to me to put a mirror in her living room. So we did that and we left.

We finished the project, she was happy

Funto Ibuoye and she loved the space.

“About a week after, she sent me this long message about how

she initially felt uncomfortable seeing a mirror in her living room, since we didn't prior discuss that, but what we

didn't know was that about five years before that time, she was ganged raped and had been unable to look at herself in the mirror since that incident.

“However, upon seeing that mirror in the living room, made her start looking at herself once again in the mirror, and that started a healing process for her.

“This is one major testimony I can never forget. It reminds me that this job isn't all about designing spaces or bringing furniture together, but more about touching the lives of the people we are designing space for.

“And today, the lady has fully been healed, she has moved on to get married, and she is currently living happily with her family.”

Speaking on how the government could help the industry grow, she asked for government funding in the professional training of artisans in the industry.

According to her, “One of the major complaints we interior designers in Nigeria have in common is that Nigerian Artisans are known for lack of excellence in their service deliveries.

“So I think the government can help in this space by providing funds to train all artisans in this space, furniture makers, electricians, plumbers etc, because at the end of the day, if we don't use good artisans, we cannot deliver good projects.”

On the future plans of the company in the next five years, she said, “Five years from now, I see us gaining ground outside Nigeria. I see us having a New York office and taking over the US market.”

Abiola Champ Harps on Importance of Emotional Intelligence, Launches Book Sunday Ehigiator

W

orld-class performance strategist, Abiola ‘Champ’ Salami, has harped on the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace and society at large in achieving better productivity and development.

He made this known recently during the launch and unveiling of his latest book, ‘The Magic of Emotional Intelligence’, held in Victoria Island, Lagos, which is an offshoot from his ‘Champ sessions’, aimed at aiding the public to better understand how to be in control of their emotions.

According to Salami, “I discovered a gap in emotional intelligence. While many people use the term because it sounds cool, some other people use it to appraise and describe other people, and some erroneously think it's a tool for deception or manipulation, but only a few people really and truly understand and deploy emotional intelligence.

“Emotions are powerful; they can make or destroy any individual. A lot of time we hear someone say, 'This is business, I'm getting emotional'. That very moment, the person is actually being driven by some kind of emotion.

“Available research says that 61 per cent of professionals admitted that they let emotions get the better of them at work. 86 per cent of workers said, when a colleague doesn't include his or her emotions, it affects their perception of that person's level of professionalism.

“Also, a study that looks at the failures and successes of 11 United States Presidents, shows that emotional intelligence was the key quality that distinguished the successful from the unsuccessful.”

Salami also asserted that, no matter how much one earns, “you must be in charge of your emotions. If you cannot manage your emotions, you cannot manage your money, and this is according to Warren Buffett.”

He revealed that the book was put

(First Right) Author and World-class Performance Strategist, Abiola Champ Salami, (Second Right), Professor Pat Utomi, and other dignitaries, during the unveiling of the book, ‘The Magic of Emotional Intelligence'

together after receiving hundreds of testimonies from heads of organisations, executives and company owners, “that we have a problem to solve across class rooms, conference rooms and board rooms.

“Hence our team considered designing a tool that will equip more organisations who haven't experienced 'Champ Sessions' to achieve better minds.

“Based on our conversations, we felt that the tool should deliver the same experience of simplicity, fun and inspiration that could be relatable, insightful, and transformational just as Champ sessions are well known for.

“Our commitment to designing a masterpiece took me to the best experiences around the world, engaging with the faculty, senior executives across public, private sector, and social sectors.

“We also released the free e-book during Covid-19 lockdown, to help our targeted audience, for them to enjoy sound emotional and mental health, at the wave of the pandemic.

“We served hundreds of thousands of people during this COVID-19, on the campaign of sound emotional health, which reached about a million people across the globe.

“In December 2020, we released the ebook, which is another innovation of 'The Magic of Emotional Intelligence'.

In May 2021, we circulated the print version,” he added.

Also part of the book presentation were dignitaries and professionals across various sectors of the country.

They include, renowned Political Economist, Prof. Pat Utomi; Publisher of Today’s Woman, Adesuwa Onyenokwe; Legendary Comedian, Ali Baba; and Human Rights Lawyer, Segun Awosanya.

Others were, J. J. Omojuwa, Dr. Ibiene Ogolo, Nkemdili Begho, Adefunke Adeyemi, Khadijah Lamidi, Stephanie Busari, Lanre Olusola, Audu Maikori, Juliet Ibrahim and Joshua Ajayi.

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WEDNESDAY JANUARY 12, 2022 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2022

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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

1 1 , 2 0 2 2

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OBB

14.00%

CALL

4%

INDEX LEVEL

565.29%

1/4 TO DATE

6.06%

N412.08/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

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6%

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*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

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0.41%

12 Banks Borrow N9.81trn from IFC, ADB, CBN, Others in Three Years

Kayode Tokede Following availability of funds at single digit interest rate, a total of 12 banks borrowed a whooping N9.81trillion from international finance institutions, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), among others, between 2018 and 2020.

Banks operating in the country have continued to borrow from international financial institutions such as International Finance Corporation (IFC), African Development Bank, JP Morgan Securities Limited, among others to finance key projects in Nigeria and Africa countries where

they operate.

The banks also access facilities such as Shared Agent Network Facility (SANEF), Non Oil Export Stimulation Facility (NESF), Anchor Borrowers’ Fund, Economic Recovery Fund (ERF), among others from CBN to support targeted sectors.

THISDAY investigation revealed that United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) leads Tier-1 banks chart in borrowing from these international finance institutions and CBN followed by Zenith Bank Plc and Access bank Plc. On the flipside, Unity bank Plc borrowing from the CBN leads the

Tier-2 banks chart.

Other banks that have access funds from these international financial institutions and CBN are; Access Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and FBN Holdings Plc. Others are; Fidelity Bank Plc, FCMB Group Plc, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Wema Bank Plcand Sterling bank Plc. THISDAY checks revealed that in the last three years, UBA’s recorded a long/short term borrowing of about N2.14trillion from Eurobond debt security, ADB, Proparco, JP Morgan Securities Limited, Agence Francaise de Development (AFD)l, African

Export-import Bank, CBN, among others.

The breakdown of UBA’s long/ short term borrowing revealed that, a total of N694.4billion was borrowed in 2020 compared with N758.68billion and N683.53billion in 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The Pan-African bank in November 2021, invited interests from holders of its $500 million Eurobond due for maturity in 2022 for redemption ahead of time through a cash tender offer before issuing $300 million similar note.

Amid global and domestic challenges, the bank noted that its $300

million Eurobond had attracted 1.7 times oversubscription from investors across the globe.

Analyst at PAC Holdings, Mr. Wole Adeyeye noted that UBA needed to borrow from these international finance organizations to meet its lending demands in the continent.

He noted that the bank’s accessing these facilities showed the confidence foreign investors have in the management of the bank.

He added that:“ The borrowing of UBA from IFC, among others is a profitable move for the management.

It tends to boost liquidity and gives

the bank more capability to lend to targeted sectors.”

On its part, Access Bank has in the last three years have borrowed a sum of N1.77trillion from ADB, Netherlands Development Finance Company, French Development Agency among others.

The lender has also accessed local facilities such from Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Real Sector Support Facility (RSSF), Real Sector Support Facility (RSSF) Differentiated Cash Reserve, among others.

Access Bank in 2020 reported Continued on page 26

NEXIM Bank Set to Grow Balance Sheet to N1.2trn by 2022 James Emejo in Abuja The Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigeria Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank, Mr. Abubakar Abba Bello, said the bank is currently working to grow its balance sheet size to at least N1.2 trillion this year.

He told THISDAY that the declining trend in operational performance of the bank had since

been reversed, with improvement in key financial indices including the growth of its balance sheet from N67.73 billion in April 2017 to N158.84 billion as at January 31, 2021.

He expressed confidence that with continued positive performance, increased strategic partnerships for lines of credit and the push for recapitalisation of the

bank, the objective to further boost its balance sheet was realisation.

Bello, also said that the N50 billion Export Development Programme (EDP) released to the bank by the CBN in February 2018, which was later increased to N100 billion in December 2020 following effective utilization, the sums of $182.31 million and €203,018.42, translating into N70.40billion, had

been received as export proceeds from projects that benefitted from the fund and which had repatriated their income, while others are yet to complete the transaction circle.

According to him, 227 applications worth N159.27billion and $37.67 million had been processed, out of which N98.87 billion had also been approved.

The NEXIM Bank boss said

N68.01 billion had been disbursed to 68 beneficiaries, while approvals totaling N30.86 billion are currently in the process of meeting predisbursement conditions.

He also said that many of the institutions supported now feature on the list of top 100 exporters published annually by the CBN. He said upon assumption of office in 2017, the new management

had developed a new strategic plan (2018 – 2022) that was articulated towards improving operational performance, achieving the bank’s mandate and contributing towards meeting the objectives of the federal government under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

He added that the plan has now Continued on page 26

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT T U E S D AY, J A N U A R Y 1 1 , 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

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Contract

Current Rate ($/₦)

C Ps MATURITY

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9.35

9.43

-0.01

9.36

9.63

-0.16

16.74

17.83 0.00

9.44

9.78

0.00

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.

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2

NGUS FEB 23 2022 422.61

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NGUS MAR 30 2022 424.04

4.05 0.00

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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

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NGUS MAY 25 2022 426.89

.

106.13

7.65

-0.04

NTB 10-Feb-22

4.00

4.01 0.00

109.84

9.09

-0.02

NTB 10-Mar-22

2.98

2.99 0.00

107.93

10.53 -0.01

NTB 28-Apr-22

4.50

4.56 0.00

103.82

11.29 -0.21

NTB 12-May-22 4.00

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NTB 9-Jun-22

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CONTRACT TENOR (MONTH) 1

NGUS JAN 26 2022 421.18

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

PRODUCT LAUNCH

L-R: Account Director, BXI Ltd, Mr. Laolu Olasunkanmi; Communication Manager, Frission Nigeria Ltd, Eniola Alawiye; Marketing Manager, Frission Nigeria Ltd, Mr.Samuel Ojotobo; ETOP UKUTT and Lead Brand and Business Development, BXI Lld,Mr. Bababunmi Popoola, at the official Launch of Power Black Energy drink in Lagos yesterday

FG to Unveil New Dairy Policy to Reduce Importation James Emejo in Abuja The federal government yesterday said a new national dairy policy was underway to cut importation of related products, increase local production and enhance marketing in the country.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Dr. Ernest Umakhihe disclosed this at a workshop on the National Dairy Policy in Abuja.

He said such policy development often required series of steps to achieve the desired result as well as satisfy the aspirations of all critical stakeholders that would directly and indirectly be affected by its operation.

He said the government had carefully followed all the preliminary steps toward producing a new dairy policy, leading to the validation of the draft policy document.

Umakhihe, pointed out that there had been continuous drive towards meeting national sufficiency in dairy production to reduce the huge amount spent on the importation of dairy products as well as bridge the huge gap between supply and demand.

He said the draft policy would support the implementation of the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Plan (NATIP) and provide a defined direction for the country’s dairy industry where all players at whatever level would be expected to abide by rules of operation, in terms of production, processing and marketing of dairy

products. The permanent secretary said successive administrations had made effort to close the gap through programmes such as the dairy development programme, national livestock breed improvement

programme, among others, thus creating opportunities for private sector participation.

He, therefore, charged the stakeholders to produce a document that would outlive the present

generation.

The Director, Animal Husbandry Services Department in the ministry Mrs. Winnie Lai-Solarin, said the dairy sub-sector plays a significant role in the country’s agro-economy,

Nume Ekeghe World Bank Group President David Malpass has warned that the global economy will grow at a slow pace through 2023 amid fresh threats from COVID-19 variants.

He also added that a rise in inflation, debt, and income inequality that could endanger the recovery in emerging and developing economies.

He stated this in the World Bank’s

latest Global Economic Prospects report were it states that the global growth is expected to decelerate markedly from 5.5 percent in 2021 to 4.1 percent in 2022 and 3.2 per cent in 2023 as pent-up demand dissipates and as fiscal and monetary support is unwound across the world.

He said: “The world economy is simultaneously facing COVID-19, inflation, and policy uncertainty, with government spending and monetary

policies in uncharted territory. Rising inequality and security challenges are particularly harmful for developing countries putting more countries on a favorable growth path requires concerted international action and a comprehensive set of national policy responses.”

The report noted that the rapid spread of the Omicron variant indicates that the pandemic will likely continue to disrupt economic

Nume Ekeghe Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, a member of Standard Bank Group, has taken the bold step to ensure the Super Eagles of Nigeria wins the ongoing African football tournament, the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), in Cameroun.

Late last year, Stanbic IBTC and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) announced a meaningful partnership that would see Stanbic IBTC, through its insurance subsidiary, Stanbic IBTC Insurance Limited, provide Group Life Insurance cover worth N1.73 billion and Total Personal Accident insurance cover for each player of

the national team, to the tune of N583 million annually for the next three years.

By this development, Stanbic IBTC becomes the official insurance sponsor of the Super Eagles as the MoU signed between the financial organisation and the NFF came into effect officially this year, 2022.

NEXIM BANK SET TO GROW BALANCE SHEET TO N1.2TRN BY 2022

Reporters Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy) Ugo Aliogo (Development)

and elevated financial vulnerabilities in large swaths of the world could increase the risk of a hard landing.

“The choices policymakers make in the next few years will decide the course of the next decade. The immediate priority should be to ensure that vaccines are deployed more widely and equitably so the pandemic can be brought under control.

According to Dr Demola Sogunle, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, the partnership is predicated on youth empowerment, which is one of the pillars of the institution, and football development.

Amaju Pinnick, President of NFF, further explained that the partnership is in huge favour of the players.

The partnership also entails empowering female journalists by sponsoring them to cover matches played by the Super Eagles. Stanbic IBTC, as a foremost gender-balanced zealot, has sponsored four female sports correspondents: Funmilayo Adeyemo, Justina Aniefiok, Janefrances Nweze, and Faith

12 BANKS BORROW N9.81TRN FROM IFC, ADB, CBN, OTHERS IN THREE YEARS

Asst. Editor, Money Market Nume Ekeghe

Correspondents James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafo (Energy) Emmanuel Addeh (Energy)

activity in the near term. In addition, a notable deceleration in major economies including the United States and China will weigh on external demand in emerging and developing economies.

At a time when governments in many developing economies lack the policy space to support activity if needed, new COVID-19 outbreaks, persistent supply-chain bottlenecks and inflationary pressures,

Stanbic IBTC Insurance Covers Super Eagles as Nigeria Commences AFCON

Comms/e-Business Editor Emma Okonji Aviation Editor Chinedu Eze

Senior Correspondent Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising)

dairy products. She said: “We need to continually improve the productivity of dairy animals genetically. Health and management practices to be able to respond to market-driven productivity objectives.”

Global Growth to Slow through 2023, Says World Bank Boss

N791.45billion borrowing from CBN’s facilities, international financial institutions, among others from N586.6billion reported in 2019.

The bank had reported N388.4billion short/long term borrowings.

Access Bank in 2020 announced N142.91billion or $356,974,352 that represents the outstanding balance in the on-lending facility granted to the Bank by the Netherlands Development Finance Company effective from March 2018 ($100million), Feb 2019 ($162.5million) and 2020 ($93.8m)for a period of 5 years, 10 years and 10 years respectively.

The bank in 2020 financial year report and accounts for period ended December 31, 2020 said: “The principal amount is repayable semiannually from July 2019, quarterly

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun

contributing to the qualitative nutrition of the citizenry and the overall food security of the country.

She said the major issue at hand related to the low milk yield, poor handling, and post-harvest losses of

been implemented for over four years, contributing to the significant turnaround of the operational performance of the bank.

He said, “Unlike the trend in the past, the bank has also engaged significantly with stakeholders, with improved relationship, manifesting in collaborative efforts towards policy intervention and increased focus on the non-oil export sector.”

Meanwhile, Bello also disclosed that expected multi-million dollar Sealink project, which is expected

from May 2019 and January 2026 respectively while interest is paid semi annually at 5.5 per cent above six months LIBOR, quarterly at 7.83 per cent above three months LIBOR for the first five years and 12 per cent above three months LIBOR for the last five years and quarterly at 9.61 per cent.

“It also includes the facility granted to Ghana in July 2018 for a period of seven years at 6.88 per cent with interest and principal (starting June 2023) payable semi-annually.

“Two facilities were also granted to Congo in Dec 2019 for a period of 5 and 3 years respectively with the principal amount repayale semi-annually from Jan 2022 and Jan 2021 respectively while interest is paid semi annually at 4.2per cent

to boost intra-African trade, and foster regional trade connectivity, will commence operation in the first quarter of the year.

The project also seeks to facilitate inland waterways operations to support hinterland trade and bulk commodities exports, especially of solid minerals.

He said efforts were being intensified with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Nigerian Navy and other private sector partners to ensure

above LIBOR and four per cent above LIBOR respectively. From this creditor, the bank has nil undrawn balance as at 31 December 2020.”

For Zenith Bank, it borrowed N1.63trillion with a breakdown of N870.08billion in 2020 and N322.48billionin 2019 Zenith bank had reported N437.26billion borrowing in 2018.

While FBN Holdings reported N968.29billion borrowings, GTCO reported N455.46billion in the last three years. According to THISDAY findings, the highest amount borrowed by GTCO was N30.23billion in 2020 financial year from IFC. The bank explained that: “The amount of N30.23billion or $73,698,000 (December 2019:

commencement of operations within Q1, 2022.

Sealink, initiative scheduled for launch by end of 2021, seeks to integrate the West and Central African sub region as well as the continent by trade thereby ensuring improvement in trade statistics.

The initiative was conceived, promoted as well as funded by NEXIM to respond to complaints and worries of shipping companies, exporters and importers whose trade was suffering on account of

N43.88billion or $143,686,000 represents the outstanding balance on the Tranche 4 and Tranche 5 dollar term loan granted to the Parent by the IFC. “The Tranche 4 facility was disbursed in December 2011($170,000,000) for a period of 8 years and the Tranche 5 was availed in December 2014 ($175,000,000) equally for a period of 8 years. The principal amount is repayable semi annually from December 2013 for Tranche 4 and December 2016 for Tranche 5.

“The pricing of the Tranche 4 facility is 5.5per cent and Libor plus 4% for the Tranche 5. Interest is paid semi annually on the two tranches.”

Other banks short/long term borrowing from CBN’s facilities and international financial institutions

in the last three years include: Fidelity bank- N753.2billion; FCMB Holdings- N401.79billion; Union Bank of Nigeria-N389.04billion; Stanbic IBTC Holdings-N274.11; Wema bank-N167.74billion; Unity Bank;N574.38billion and Sterling Bank- N288.6billion.

The Vice President, Highcap securities, Mr. David Adnori said banks needed to access these funds from international financial institutions and CBN’s facilities to boost earnings and expand their lending to critical sectors. He noted that most monetary agencies prefer to lend these funds to banks, given their track records in Africa, most especially in Nigeria where they thrive in challenging operating environment.

trans-shipment to Europe.

In a recent interview with THISDAY, Chairperson of the Sealink Implementation Committee, Mrs. Dabney Shall-Holma, said:” A cargo will leave Nigeria and is going to Liberia or Sierra Leone or Côte d’Ivoire or Senegal - and it would go all the way to Europe and be trans-shipped for weeks and sometimes months before the same cargo is brought back to Africa.”

She pointed out that the project

was also conceived to reduce cost of shipment among African countries adding that the expenses were often three times more when allowing goods meant for destinations within the continent to be shipped to Europe and bring back again home.

She stressed the need for Africans to trade more with one another, lamenting that while others are trading 40 per cent to 50 per cent with one another, “Our trade is dismal. It’s still below 11 per cent.”

27

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

STATUS REPORT

BUA Foods Offers New Investment Opportunity The newly listed BUA Food Plc has the potential to deliver impressive performance and reward investors given its well diversified business operations, write Goddy Egene and Kayode Tokede

S

tock market investors began 2022 on a very interesting note as a new investment opportunity opened for them to make more money. The new investment opportunity is a consolidated entity known as BUA Foods Plc, that was listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on January 4, 2022. BUA Foods is a member of BUA Group and is a combination of its five food businesses comprising pasta, edible oil, sugar, rice and flour.

The company, which is the first listing this year, got admitted on the NGX by introduction. Specifically, 18 billion shares of BUA Foods Plc were listed at N40 per share. The listing lifted the market capitalisation of the NGX by N720 billion. As at the close of trading last Friday, the shares had appreciated to N53.20 each, indicating a capital gain of 33 per cent. Also, the appreciation in the shares of BUA Foods further boosted the market capitalisation of the NGX by N957.6 billion.

PREPARING FOR LISTING

Indications that BUA Foods would be listed emerged early last December when the company announced the consolidation of food businesses. The food businesses that were merged into BUA Foods are: BUA Sugar Refinery Limited; BUA Rice Limited; BUA Oil Mills Limited; IRS Flour and IRS Pasta.

According to the group, the consolidation became necessary to maintain its market leadership in the agribusiness and food processing sector as well as take advantage of the growth opportunities in the economy and the export prospect presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Chairman of BUA Group, who doubles as Chairman of BUA Foods, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, said: “We have perhaps the largest food business in Nigeria and the West African sub-region. To realise our full potential as a business as we drive the food security needs of the country, we recently consolidated our food businesses under a single entity to be known as BUA Foods.”

He explained that the restructuring will enable, “us to be nimbler and more responsive to the food needs of the population as we continue to build a sustainable business.”

Rabiu assured stakeholders that BUA Foods is well positioned to take advantage of the AfCFTA considering its investments in the foods sector over the years.

The chairman explained that the group has eight ultra-modern factories across the country where sugar, flour, pasta products, edible oils, and rice are refined and processed. The business has a refining capacity of 1.5 million metric tonnes of sugar yearly from its two automated sugar refineries in Lagos and Port Harcourt. “Our destination refinery in Port Harcourt is mostly export-based and can produce the highest grade of sugar there, that could serve the West African sub-region and the Nigerian markets,” he said.

Rabiu had disclosed that Nigerian investors would be given opportunity to invest in the company for continuous growth.

Also speaking, the acting Managing Director/CEO, BUA Foods Plc, Mr. Abioye Ayodele, said: “We have moved from cradle to small and to scale in all our endeavours. As a proudly Nigerian business with international foot prints, we are proud to say that BUA brands are fully entrenched in the various sectors of our national economy and promoting national development.”

Market analysts said that just like BUA Cement Plc that was listed in 2020 and has been fetching investors’ significant returns on their investments, BUA Foods has the potential to expand the wealth of investors in the market.

According to them, the company is operating in critical areas that are capable delivering good performance and reward investors handsomely.

THE FOOD BUSINESSES

The sugar division currently operates the second-largest sugar refinery in West Africa, with a total refining capacity of 1.5 million MT per annum. The company is a leading producer of fortified and non-fortified sugar in West Africa.

It operates across the value chain of the sugar industry, including the production, processing, refining, and distribution of raw sugar and its by-products such as bagasse, molasses and mud cakes. The division operates two ultra modern and automated sugar refineries, one in Apapa, Lagos State, and the other in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Over the years, the Company also acquired two plantations, in Lafiagi, Kwara State, and in Bassa, Kogi State.

In terms of refining company’s sugar refineries in Apapa and Port Harcourt utilise state-of-art equipment to refine high quality products for industrial uses.

The sugar refineries transform raw sugar into white granulated sugar, which is utilised by manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, bakeries and confectionaries, food, beverages, and dairy products.

As a response to Nigeria’s backward integration policy in the Sugar Industry, BUA Group invested in large scale estates within the country to deepen local sugar production through the acquisition of the Lafiagi Sugar Company Ltd (LASUCO) in Kwara state in 2008 and also, the establishment of the Bassa Sugar Company in Kogi State. BUA Group has also acquired about 70,000 hectares of land in both locations for the purpose of setting up large-scale sugar plantations. Upon fully coming on stream, these initiatives will add significantly to the development of Nigeria’s local sugar industry.

BUA Foods owns a state-of-the-art flourmill equipped with high efficiency specifications for energy saving and waste reduction. This flourmill commenced production in 2019 with a capacity of 500,000 MT per annum. The plant currently has 576,000 tons of flour milling capacity. It has seven wheat storage silos with 32,000tons storage capacity.

The flourmill currently produces 315,000 MT of flour and 105,000 MT of bran, with sales revenue split of 91.3 per cent and 8.7 per cent respectively as at 31 December 2020.

The Pasta Division is involved in the processing, manufacturing and distributing pasta. It operates from BUA Foods’ Industrial

Complex, Port Harcourt, Rivers State with a capacity to produce 250,000 MT of pasta per annum. To achieve BUA Foods’ drive to expand its product portfolio and create capacity ahead of demand and increase its Pasta market share beyond the North and the South-South of Nigeria, the company has invested in the construction of a second pasta processing plant with a capacity of 250,000 MT per annum.

The Rice Division has a rice milling facility with a capacity of 200,000 MT per annum.

The company expects that the rice mill will be operational in 2022 and expects it to be the biggest single-line rice mill in Nigeria. BUA Foods also expects that the rice mill will produce quality parboiled rice, with a very strong brand identity that will be identifiable to target customers. It will leverage the existing strong brand name and consumer loyalty with which BUA brand is already renowned.

The company currently has one rice mill and plans to expand its rice milling business to a combined capacity of one million MT per annum, by installing new rice mill facilities in Gujungu, Jigawa State and establishing a rice mill and plantation in Agaie, Niger State. The company’s other assets are largely the parboiling plant, which has two boilers (weighing eight MT each) and milling machines. Other assets include storage tanks, soaking tanks, driers, elevators and conveyors, paddy de-stoners and cleaners.

Under its oil milling business, BUA Group acquired Nigeria Oil Mills in Kano in 2001.This is in addition to its BUA Oil Mills in Lagos, which was established in 2008, are the two major companies from which the group produces edible oil ranging from groundnut to cotton seeds oil.

The company also produces animal feeds and soap. BUA Oil Mills specialises in the conversion of crude oil palm into high-quality oil products including palm olein, stearine, distilled fatty acid, amongst others, for both direct and industrial uses such as soap manufacturing. The company’s mills, located in Kano and Lagos, have a total capacity of 250,000 tonnes per annum.

COMPETITIVE STRENGTHS

Although the foods industry in Nigeria is highly competitive, BUA Foods believe in its distinctive strengths that would lead to better results going forward. According to the company, it is associated with high quality, accessible, competitively priced and innovative food products.

Apart from establishing itself as a successful food manufacturing and processing company in Nigeria over the years, BUA Foods owns the second largest sugar refinery in West Africa,

“Indications that BUA Foods would be listed emerged early last December when the company announced the consolidation of food businesses.The food businesses that were merged into BUA Foods are: BUA Sugar Refinery Limited; BUA Rice Limited; BUA Oil Mills Limited; IRS Flour and IRS Pasta”

with total sugar refining capacity of 1.5 million MT per annum, which is able to meet 93 per cent of Nigeria’s estimated sugar consumption rate in 2020 of 1.6 million MT per annum, as estimated by Fitch Solution in 2020.

Its sugar refining capacity has earned the company a market share of 35 per cent in Q3 2021, representing a nine per cent increase from its 2020 position of 26 per cent market share.

BUA Foods has developed a distinct reputation for making high-quality products across its business divisions, evidenced by the company estimates of its 35 per cent share of the Nigerian sugar market, 20 per cent share of the Nigerian flour market and 20 per cent share of the Nigerian pasta market.

In 2021, the company was granted a Halal certification for its Sugar Division by the Halal Certification Authority. The Halal certification states that its certified products are permissible for the followers of Islam and no haram products or procedures are used for its production, packaging, storage and transport. This offers competitive edge in the company’s strategy for expanding to other markets within and outside Africa.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE/ EFFICIENCY

As a newly listed company, investors have high hopes of receiving dividends in the years ahead.

And going by the financial results of the company, showing high efficiency as reflected in its profit margin, shareholders should rest assured of regular returns.

BUA Foods posted revenue of N303.876billion in its 11 months ended November 30, 2021. It ended the period with profit after tax of N78.809 billion, translating to a profit margin of 25.93 per cent. Some of the companies operating in the same industry like BUA Foods posted lower profit margins. For instance, Four Mills of Nigeria Plc posted a revenue of N522.821 billion for the six months ended September 30, 2021 and PAT of 10.528 billion, leading a profit margin of 2.01 per cent. Similarly, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc recorded revenue of N195.499 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and PAT of N15.513 billion. The sugar refining company ended with profit margin of 7.94 per cent.

Nestle Nigeria Plc recorded a revenue of N261.591 billion for nine months ended September 30, 2021 and PAT of N33.584 billion, translating to a margin of 12.84 per cent.

According to analysts at CSL Stockbrokers, BUA Foods has an excellent and well diversified product portfolio to compete with peer rivals in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Industry, which makes its share price attractive because of expected sales and profit growth.

“It has a 1.5million MTPA combined sugar production capacity, eight ultramodern factories for producing rice, sugar, pasta, flour and 20,000 hectares of arable land located in Lafiagi, Kwara State. The new consumer goods firm has two ultra-modern and automated sugar refineries (BUA Sugar Refinery, Lagos and Eastern Sugar Refinery, Port Harcourt) with a combined installed refining capacity of 1,500,000 metric tonnes.

“BUA is the only sugar refiner to have refining capabilities outside Lagos, Nigeria. In response to Nigeria’s backward integration policy in the Sugar Industry, BUA Group acquired the LASUCO in Kwara State in 2008 and established the Bassa Sugar Company in Kogi State,” the analysts said.

They explained that BUA Foods is poised to create a more competitive arena as it has established a state-of-the art plant in Port Harcourt, to cater to the growing needs of fast-growing young population who crave for consumption.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

INSURANCE

As NAICOM Moves to Stablise Insurance Sector The need to reposition insurance industry to achieve maximum premium growth and meaningful contributions to the national GDP has been of great concern to the insurance industry regulator, National Insurance Commission. The Commission is now poised to adopt new strategies and initiatives to achieve effective regulation of the sector, writes Ebere Nwoji

F

or more than a decade now, the insurance regulatory body, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) had been on its toes in the efforts to institute a new phase of insurance sector that is generally accepted by Nigerians in terms of believability and patronage with the overall aim of making the industry contribute meaningfully to the GDP of the economy.

The commission in this regard among other things tries to ensure that the operating firms have adequate capital with industry operators, playing according to market rules in the area of official premium charges and claims payment among others .

These efforts started way back in the days of Chief Oladipo Bailey as the Commissioner for insurance, to Fola Daniel up to the regime of Mohammed Kari as NAICOM’s helmsman.

At present, the insurance commissioner, Mr Sunday Olorundare Thomas, is still pushing hard to achieve the target.

PRESENT FOCUS

His main focus in this regard aside his initial effort to beef up the sector’s operating capital through the failed share capital increase initiative is in the area of digitalisation.

Indeed, Thomas said he is not looking back on his on going efforts to see that operators in the sector digitalise their entire operations.

Insurance industry analysts were of the view that one of the reasons the insurance sector has been backwards among other finance services sector of the economy is conservatism.

According to them, the sector does its things in its own way and this has remained the bane of its growth But since his assumption of office barely two years back, Thomas has determined to move the industry from manual system of operation to digital system. Thomas, in September last year, announced the digitalisation of all NAICOM’s operations.

He made this announcement in a letter that was addressed to the Managing Directors/Chief Executive Officers of insurance firms in Nigeria. He told them that the move was to enhance efficiency and effective service delivery.

In a circular signed by Director, Policy and Regulations, NAICOM, Leonard Akah, the commission noted that its engagement with all insurance institutions would transmit from manual to online processing and that all operational activities or issues concerning insurance companies that require the Commission’s attention, comment, and approval would be submitted and processed via NAICOM Licensing System.

“Consequently, all insurance institutions are required to align their operations to NAICOM portal for submission and processing of all requests such as certificate of registration/renewal, approval-in-principle (AIP), product authorisation, micro insurance, Takaful Insurance, letter of request, financial statement approval, enforcement actions, governance and complaint issues, etc.

NAICzoM, in the circular made the operators to know that there should be no manual submission of requests/applications effective from 1 September 2021 except online through the designated portal.

“All inquiries on the adjustment of NAICOM’s operations should be sent to portal@naicom.gov.ng,” the memo stated.

The insurance regulator sought the maximum compliance of the insurance operators with the directives.

In addition to this, Thomas recently informed the insurance Chief Executives to get prepared for migration to IFRS 17 next year warning that there was no going

back on that.

This according to him is to position the insurance sector in Nigeria as global competitive sector.

Thomas is also not blinking over quality service delivery and prompt claims payment in the industry.

In one of his meetings with insurance company directors, he insisted that directors that sit on the board of insurance-firms must be grounded in insurance matters.

He explained that this would help to ensure efficient service delivery.

“The times in which we require more prudent management of resources in order to meet all stakeholders expectations, including ensuring quality return on investments. Our focus must shift to service delivery which will make our companies to seek more reasons to settle client’s claims and less reasons for repudiation of claims”, the Commissioner stated.

According to him, the era of huge backlog of claims should no longer be associated with our companies and while the Commission is profiling companies with huge unsettled claims for necessary regulatory action, companies that are responsive to the plight of their clients in prompt settlement of claims are encouraged to sustain the good business conduct.

“Operators in the industry must strengthen their human and financial capital for effective participation in big ticket risks. It has been observed that the gains of domestication policy of the government as enshrine in the Nigeria Content Development Act 2010 is gradually loosing its meaning for the insurance sector”.

He noted that more businesses especially in the oil and gas and the aviation sectors were re insured abroad, adding that of more concern was the declining participation of life companies in the annuity business which was the emerging business for insurance industry.

Thomas noted that those were the areas where the industry could impose itself on the economy through the control of funds for national development.

THE OUTCOME

But a critical examination of these efforts vis-a-vis the outcome shows that despite the fact that in recent years, there have been minimal growth and developmental light in the area of patronage and awareness of the industry by the populace, NAICOM and the operators are yet to reap bountiful harvest from their efforts in popularising insurance and standing the industry at the same pedestal with its counterparts in other climes.

One of the reasons for this remains the fact that both the regulator and the operators are not working and walking at the same pace in their efforts in this regard.

Indeed, the regulator is often much more faster while operators with their heavy weights are dragging the regulator backwards with the result that they often end up in disagreement.

In most of the regimes, the operators often hook up to the legislative powers of the court to successfully shorten the regulatory arms of the regulator and drag it down, a situation which often keeps the industry at a stagnant position for a whole business year and even more before both parties arrive at point of resolution.

According to industry pundits, this has in no small measure dragged the industry further back in its efforts to meet the banking industry.

It happened in the days of Oladipo Bailey,

Emmanuel Chukwulozie as commissioners of insurance. It was only Fola Daniel that escaped it. Mohammed Kari’s regime got its own share.

These regulators except Daniel lost their jobs on account of their efforts to improve on the sector’s capital.

STAKEHOLDERS’ VIEW

Stakeholders in the industry like the president Progressive Shareholders Association; Boniface Okezie blamed this on the timing of implementation of its regulatory initiatives by NAICOM. According to him, NAICOM failed in its recent capital increase bid which was billed to be concluded on December 31,2021 because both the tier base and its subsequent share capital increase implementation came up when politics was the main concern of government and given investors’ sceptical of business climate of Nigeria in 2019 election and COVID19-19 pandemic outbreak. He said the policy was the worst mistake any regulator would make.

Industry analysts noted that every new business year, the commission dishes out one initiative or the other aimed at expanding the frontiers of insurance sector and enhance its contributions to the Gross Domestic Product of the economy.

For instance, during Mohammed Kari’s regime, the need to achieve this was one of the factors that moved NAICOM to embark on the controversial recapitalisation exercise that scaled the industry operators into three tiers based on level of capital and risk bearing capacity.

Through this, the commission targeted at redefining and restructuring the industry to bring it to the globally acceptable level that will enable it stand in competition with its counterparts in other countries.

OPERATORS EXPECTATION FROM NAICOM

At present, the regulator has brought up digitalisation and technology acquisition. They viewed that as the industry welcomes a new business year with high expectation NAICOM, which is yet to unveil its regulatory agenda for the year, should take heed to come up with initiatives that would have a smooth sail through acceptance by all and Sundry.

One of the operators who pleaded anonymous wants the commission to take necessary action against unhealthy competition ruining the industry.

He said over the years, the commission has been paying lip service to this but has failed to punish any offender.

He said this was why the anomaly has continued and is now harming the operators.

According to the operator, unprofessional practices like price wars, rate cutting, return premium among others have retrogressed the premium growth of the industry placing operating firms in weak position that incapacitated them from paying genuine claims, a development which weakens public confidence in the industry and tarnishes the overall image.

He said closely connected to this is the issue of non-payment of claims by some operating firms including the big players.

He noted that NAICOM has been warning such operators but because no punitive action has been taken against any firm, the situation has persisted.

He also pointed out insurance penetration problem, adding that though this has been echoed for some years now, policies like its re-launch which NAICO came up with but jettisoned should be revisited.

“In fact, the Nigerian insurance market is grossly under served with insurance services”, he concluded.

NEED FOR INSURANCE PENETRATION

Survey conducted by NAICOM in recent years shows that most Nigerians who are alienated to insurance services do so not because they don’t like the services or are too poor to afford them but mainly because no body extended insurance services to them.

Indeed, most Nigerians especially those in rural areas going by the result of the NAICOM’s survey have no idea of what insurance is all about and what benefits are there for them because of lack of education on insurance.

To address this, the commission, had two years back designed a programme tagged Reaching the Unreached.

This was targeted at bringing Nigerians often left behind in insurance service provisions under insurance coverage.

Briefing the media on the programme, NAICOM Director of Authorisation, Pius Agboola, at one of the workshops organised by the commission, noted that one of the greatest challenge in serving Nigerian population with insurance services was the distance.

He noted that whereas bank operators have successfully spread their branches to the remotest parts of the country, insurers are yet to do so.

According to him, branches of insurance firms are only located in capital cities and at best in state capitals.

He cited examples saying in northeast, out of 112 local governments, it was not certain that there was a branch of insurance company there.

According to him, in north west, out of 126 local governments, 106 branches of different banks were there but insurance firms have no representative branch adding that the story was the same with some parts of north central.

According to him, the result is that due to over concentration of insurance firms and their marketing staff and agents in the cities and too much focus on corporate business and government accounts with little or no efforts towards development of retail market which is available in these neglected rural areas, operators resort to cutting corners in order to grab the available businesses and grow their premium income.

This he observed has resulted in unhealthy competition that gave rise to the prevailing rate slashes which is killing the industry.

The insurer said NAICOM in coming up with its initiative for the new year, should take cognisance of this for a better change.

For instance, financial report of operating firms released

by NAICOM few years back, showed that some firms have for almost three years been operating with capital below the minimum required level while others were exactly on minimum required capital, a sign that they will soon operate with capital below the required level.

Thomas had in one of the media retreats in Edo state, said the commission would look critically at how to penetrate every nook and cranny of Nigeria with insurance services.

He said the commission, had got some strategic policy on how to sustain all the achievements it made in the previous years in its effort to deepen insurance penetration in the country.

He said because of the National Strategic policy of lifting the economy by the federal government, the commission, has come up with the idea of launching the second phase of the MDRI. But stake holders were of the view that while the regulator girds itself for a new set of initiatives that will guide operators this year and beyond, it should take cognisance of the 2023 up coming elections.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

29

BUSINESSWORLD

BANKING

Analysts Anticipate Economic Recovery in 2022 Despite COVID-19 Disruptions Nume Ekeghe writes that 2022 will usher in vista of economic development opportunities and recovery despite the negative impact of COVID-19, as she reviews the events that shaped the economy in 2021

T

wo years into the COVID-19 pandemic it has become evident that the virus is here to stay and economies would have to adapt. While the Nigerian economy has been able to survive the COVID-19 induced recession, analysts say the country may not witness a faster growth than it had last year.

With large vaccine deliveries now in place, Nigeria’s fight against COVID-19 has devolved to one against vaccine hesitancy, and it is expected that vaccine mandates for government agencies would come into force over 2022, which should increase vaccination coverage across the population.

Growth at the end of the third quarter of 2021 stood at 4 per cent, with that, annual year-on-year (YoY) growth expected to be around 3.5 per cent.

For 2022, analysts believe that while the country would continue to experience growth, it may remain within the 3.5 per cent band as the country works its way into an election year.

2022 Projections According to analysts at Sigma pensions, Nigeria’s economic growth is expected to stabilise around 3.4 per cent in 2022, reflecting improvements across Telecoms, trade, manufacturing, and oil.

“The removal of NIN restrictions should provide some upside to telecoms growth, and we expect improvement in FX supply to bolster manufacturing GDP. We expect the oil sector to exit recession in 2022 as Nigeria’s crude production rebounds from the 1.6mbpd low base in 2021 towards a range of 1.8-1.85mbpd and as most OPEC+ curbs are removed by May 2022.

“Given price and production expectations, it is expected that Nigeria’s external balance to improve as oil export receipts normalize to trend levels amid persisting import demand suppression on account of the CBN’s currency policy. Putting this into consideration, analysts say they are looking towards a combination of limited offshore inflows due to the negative real yield regime and subsisting dollar demand pressure to continue to underpin Naira weakness across FX markets.

“Limited dollar supply within the official IE window will continue to drive the persistence of a wide parallel market premium. Over the year, we expect the CBN to adjust the IE exchange rate towards N450-460/$. On inflation, the recently announced plan to remove fuel subsidies (testament to the large fiscal revenue strain) if carried out will result in higher petrol prices in H2 2022 and by extension a resurgence in inflation towards 16% levels from 14 per cent region in HI 2022, “they said.

Asides these, the analysts believe that fiscal imbalances loom large for the second consecutive year with the federal government proposing another record deficit of N6.2 trillion to be financed via large foreign and domestic borrowings.

They added, “In 2022, the large fiscal borrowing requirements amid less liquid financial system conditions relative to the last two years suggests

ample scope for heightened market expectations about higher interest rates.

“Furthermore, likely stronger dollar demand will convince the CBN of the need to tighten monetary conditions as with the trend across global central banks to manage FX reserve depletion. Against this backdrop, we think the current bearish trends in the fixed income will likely persist over 2022.”

Preceding Growth Coming out of its second recession in five years, the Nigerian economy had initially been expected to grow by around 1.1 per cent in 2021 but the economy had surpassed expectation with many international organisations, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revising growth projections for the country to 3.5 per cent for the full year.

The revised growth projections is not unconnected with the faster recovery of the economy propelled by a reduction in new cases of COVID-19 infections, improved global oil price as well as a pick-up in economic activities.

The Nigerian economy is expected to return to positive growth, driven by the higher consumer spending relative to 2020, government interventions and the base effect. On a year-on-year basis, the Nigerian economy expanded by 4 per cent in the third quarter of 2021.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in the third quarter of the year had slightly lower than the five per cent recorded in the second quarter of the year due to the gradual fading out of the base effect, with the economic expansion was driven by the non-oil sector which grew by 5.4 per cent. The oil sector, on the other hand, continued in its negative growth trend, declining by 10.73 per cent in the quarter.

While the services sector expanded by 8.41 per cent, the growth of agriculture slowed further to 1.2 per cent in the quarter and the industrial sector declined by 1.6 per cent due

to the contraction in the oil sector.

Inflation figures, which started the year around 16 per cent had risen beyond 18 per cent in May as food prices shot up but had subsided as increase in prices slowed. By November, inflation had declined for eight straight months to 15.40 per cent from 15.99 per cent in October.

Meanwhile the annual core inflation, which excludes the prices of agricultural rose to 13.85 per cent, the highest since April 2017.

Food inflation, which had risen beyond 23 per cent had also slowed to 17 per cent by November 2021.

However, there was no improvement in real interest rate in 2021 relative to 2020 despite the downward trending inflation rate. Interest rate, which picked up gradually at the beginning of the year declined from the month of May 2021. Average real interest rate in 2021 was -9.9 per cent compared to 2020 figure of -9.8 per cent.

2021 in perspective The banking industry also had its own excitements as the Central Bank of Nigeria went back on its policy of selling foreign exchange to bureau de change operators and giving commercial banks the role of meeting all foreign exchange needs.

The apex bank also moved to increase remittance by giving an incentive of N5 for every dollar remitted into the country through its Naira4Dollar scheme. With the policy, the CBN says remittance into the country had improved significantly from around $20 million per week to around $100 million as at October 2021.

One major achievement, which put the country on the global map is the launch of the eNaira which makes the country one of the first three countries in the world to launch a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).

Also in the course of the year, the CBN had taken a major stand against cryptocurrencies

“Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic it has become evident that the virus is here to stay and economies would have to adapt.

While the Nigerian economy has been able to survive the COVID-19 induced recession, analysts say the country may not witness a faster growth than it had last year”

directing that banks freeze accounts that are in any way involved in the trading or holding of cryptocurrencies. According to the CBN Governor, the operations of cryptocurrencies are dangerous, opaque and contravenes the existing law. He said given the fact that cryptocurrencies were issued by unregulated and unlicensed entities made it contrary to the mandate of the Bank, as enshrined in the CBN Act (2007) declaring the Bank as the issuer of legal tender in Nigeria.

“Cryptocurrency is not legitimate money because it is not created or backed by any Central Bank.

Cryptocurrency has no place in our monetary system at this time and cryptocurrency transactions should not be carried out through the Nigerian banking system,” Emefiele added.

Meanwhile, flagship cryptocurrency, Bitcoin had seen a meltdown in the course of the year after billionaire Elon Musk had rescinded on his decision to accept Bitcoin as payment for Telsa cars citing environmental reasons. The value of the cryptocurrency had crashed from over $50,000 to around $25,000 within a matter of weeks before it began a pickup.

Another major event in the industry is the takeover of Union Bank Plc by Titan Trust Bank, one of Nigeria’s new commercial banks. Subject to regulatory approvals, Titan had reached an agreement with the core investors in Union Bank to buy 89.39 per cent stakeholding. Led by an ex banker and former deputy governor of the CBN, Tunde Lemo, Titan is taking over the majority shareholding of Union Bank from Union Global Partners Limited, Atlas Mara Limited and other shareholders.

The apex bank had also in the year given an approval in principle to two telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria and Airtel Africa to commence operations as Payment Service Banks (PSBs). The AIP will enable both companies to acquire the necessary infrastructure to offer banking services such as acceptance of deposits, remittances, payment processing and mobile wallets.

For analysts at Cordros Research, the broad reach of telco players evidenced by the industry’s active telephony subscribers of 191.95 million as at October 2021 presents them with a significant opportunity to accelerate financial inclusion.

According to the analysts, up until 2018, the country was heavily reliant on a bank-led approach as telcos played the role of a facilitator (since users make use of mobile phones) for financial services delivered by banks.

“The drawback of this framework was low penetration and uptake of mobile money services, which has limited the achievement of Nigeria’s National Financial Inclusion target of 80 per cent financial inclusion by 2020.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has demonstrated its willingness to enable mobile network operators to drive financial inclusion in the country, ”they said.

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BUSINESSWORLD

ECONOMY

Funding Non-oil Export for Economic Growth As the economy bounces away from the precipice, the federal government must now redouble efforts to boost non-oil exports, which remain critical to achieving macroeconomic stability, writes James Emejo

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he country’s low export capacity has been identified as one of the major problems bedeviling the Nigerian economy in recent times. This argument finds expression in the fact that domestic output had been low over the years while the country doesn’t even produce enough to export. Often times, the agricultural commodities, which are eventually exported overseas, got rejected for failing quality standards. And importantly too, the inability to add value to agricultural produce had further hampered export prospects.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which ravaged world economies had further dampened the country’s export prospects in recent times as well as posed new challenges particularly to small-scale businesses in the sector.

As the government pursues its economic diversification agenda, and as the future of the oil economy looked bleak, stakeholders have over time, appealed to the government to refocus attention to the non-oil export sector which holds enormous potentials to boost the economy in terms of foreign exchange generation and job creation – some of the key challenges facing the present government.

Analysts believed that the weak value of the Naira against the US dollar and other major currencies could only be addressed if the Nigerian non-oil export sector is strengthened and supported.

Also, amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, stakeholders had called on the country major non-oil export finance agency - the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) to float a special fund to boost the sector.

EXTERNAL MERCHANDISE

According to the Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics (Q3 2021) which was published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s total external merchandise trade recorded a N3.02 trillion deficit in the third quarter of the year (Q3 2021) as imports significantly outweighed exports, leading to unfavourable trade balance.

Total foreign trade stood at N13.28 trillion, indicating an increase of 10.43 per cent compared to N12.03 trillion in Q2 as imports value stood at N8. 15 trillion in Q3, an increase of 17.32 per cent compared to N6.95 trillion in the preceding quarter. On the other hand, total exports stood at N5.13 trillion in Q3, representing an increase of about 1 per cent compared to N5.08 trillion in Q2.

However, the top five traded export products during the review period included petroleum oil and oils obtained from bituminious minerals and crude all valued at N4.02 trillion or 78.48 per cent of total export.

Others are natural and liquefied gas which accounted for N487.49 billion or 9.50 per cent of export; floating or submersible drilling or production platforms valued at N163.70 billion or 23.19 per cent of export; urea, whether or not in aqueous solution valued at N107.17 billion or 2.09 per cent and other petroleum gases etc in gaseous state valued at N40.47 billion or 0.79 per cent of total export.

Similarly, the country’s top traded import products included motor spirit ordinary which gulped N1.05 trillion or 12.91 per cent of imports; durum wheat (not in seeds) N315.17 billion or 3.87 per cent; gas oil N225.63 billion or 2.77 per cent; used vehicles, with diesel or semi-diesel engine of cylinder capacity less than 2500cc, N185.41 billion or 2.27 per cent and cane sugar meant for sugar refinery valued at N135.37 billion or 1.66 per cent of imports.

According to the breakdown of export trade, crude oil accounted for N4.02 trillion while the non-crude oil was N1.10 trillion out of which non-oil exports component was just about N546.27 billion.

The total value of trade in agricultural goods in Q3 stood at N868.5 billion, the export component amounting

to N79.4 billion and agricultural goods imports gulped N789.1 billion. Agricultural goods exports value was 5.9 per cent lower than Q2 but 31 per cent higher than Q3 2020, the NBS added.

On the other hand, the value of imported agricultural goods was 21.01 per cent higher than the value recorded in Q2 and 56.74 per cent higher than Q3 2020.

Notably, agricultural goods exports were driven by good fermented Nigerian cocoa beans worth N27.2 billion, of which N9.7 billion, N6.18 billion and N5.7 billion were exported to Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Netherlands respectively. The total value of trade in manufactured goods stood at N5.19 trillion in Q3 with the export component valued at N295.03billion while the import component valued at N4.90 trillion. The solid minerals trade accounted for N72.4 billion, the export component valued at N18.3 billion and import at N54.1 billion.

The marked improvement in the country’s non-oil exports could however, be attributed largely to the federal government’s intense drive through the NEXIM Bank in recent times to stimulate the sector and boost economic growth through its several initiatives targeting agriculture and solid minerals and other priority sectors with employment generating potentials.

This is evidenced by the 5.44 per cent real terms growth of the non-oil sector GDP in third quarter of 2021, higher than the previous quarters.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S INTERVENTION

Non-oil export finance took a new dimension when upon assumption of office of the current Executive Management of NEXIM Bank led by the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mr. Abba Bello in 2017, when he developed a new Strategic Plan (2018 – 2022) to enhance its operational performance, achieving the bank’s mandate and contribute towards meeting the objectives of the federal government under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

Now in its over four-year implementation, the plan has no doubt contributed to the significant turnaround of the operational performance of the bank as well as enhanced the sector.

OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE

The declining trend in operational performance of the bank has since been reversed, with improvement in key financial indices including growth of its balance sheet from N67.73 billion in April 2017 to N158.84 billion as at January 31, 2021.

With continued positive performance, increased strategic partnerships for lines of credit and the push for recapitalization of the bank, the target is to achieve a balance sheet size of at least N1.2 trillion in 2022.

MANAGING INTERVENTION FUND

Following effective stakeholder engagements and the high level of confidence in the current management, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had released N50 billion to NEXIM in February 2018 to implement the Export Development Programme to further strengthen the sector to contribute to government’s economic diversification drive. The fund was further increased to N100 billion in December 2020 following effective utilisation. The development finance institution is also collaborating with the apex bank to manage the N500 billion

-Non-Oil Export Stimulation Facility, which had been introduced to provide long term funds to export oriented projects towards increasing value added exports.

The bank’s activities of the under the Export Development Fund (EDF) has led to processing of 227 applications worth N159.27 billion and US$37.67 million, out of which N98.87 billion has been approved.

Also, the sum of N68.01 billion has been disbursed to 68 beneficiaries, while approvals totaling N30.86 billion are currently in the process of meeting pre-disbursement conditions.

Bello said so far, $182.31million and €203,018.42, translating into N70.40billion, had been received as export proceeds from projects that have repatriated their income, while others are yet to complete the transaction circle.

According to him, many of the institutions supported through the intervention now feature on the list of top 100 exporters published annually by the CBN. The bank has also sustained efforts to clean up the balance sheet and ensure improvement in risk management practices with new loans granted from 2018 performing 100 per cent, which is a major departure from the huge non-performing loans in the past.

BOOSTING EXPORTS

In furtherance of the federal government’s objectives of creating jobs, reducing unemployment and promoting financial inclusion, the bank had launched special intervention programmes and enhanced its operating structure to among other things establish the Women and Youth Export Development Facility to provide credit assistance to industries dominated by women/youth or women owned businesses towards achieving the objectives of sustainable development goals.

It also launched the Anchor Export Programme designed to provide market access to small players and increase intervention in all aspects of the export value chain as well as the SME Desk/ Small & Medium Enterprises Export Facility (SMEEF), created to support SME exporters under more favorable terms and conditions.

INTRA-AFRICA TRADE INITIATIVES

Determined to boost its trade facilitation role and enhancing country’s readiness under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), the NEXIM Bank is currently spearheading the Sealink Project which is aimed at fostering regional trade connectivity and facilitating inland waterways operations to support hinterland trade and bulk commodities exports, especially of solid minerals. Efforts are also being intensified with NIWA, Nigerian Navy and other private sector partners to ensure commencement of operations within Q1, 2022.

It further launched the Inter-State Road Transit Scheme, which was designed to facilitate the transportation of goods by road across Customs territories free of duties, taxes, and restrictions while in transit in line with ECOWAS protocol.

NEXIM is the National Guarantor under the scheme whose role is to issue insurance bond to mitigate the risk of diversion. Additionally, factoring services are being promoted to engender financial inclusion and provide alternative trade financing support for MSMEs.

IMPACT OF INTERVENTIONS

As Nigeria’s Export Development Bank, NEXIM serves to develop key exportable commodities, unlock opportunities and derisk key non-oil export sector to facilitate investments and increase the flow of credits, towards achieving the diversification objectives of the federal government. Over the last four years, the bank has operated under the philosophy of Produce, Add Value and Export (PAVE) to change the current narrative of the dominance of primary products in our export basket. Hence, in addition to supporting start up projects, a lot of emphasis was also placed on providing working capital to resuscitate many industrial projects, which have hitherto become moribund or operated below capacity towards boosting our value-added exports and enhancing jobs creations.

The Projects cuts across the key sectors of manufacturing, agriculture, solid minerals and services.

Its intervention in the Hides and Skin industry is notable as the bank seeks to harness opportunities in the global leather industry and is working with the leather cluster in Kano, having funded about three companies and assisted them to acquire new machines and retool their operations towards becoming major players in the global value chain.

The Shea Industry has also received due attention whereby the bank is currently supporting various projects in Lagos, Ogun & Niger States. NEXIM’s intervention and support for the acquisition of Shea Processing Plants led to the first major export of Shea butter from Nigeria in March, 2018. Prior to NEXIM’s intervention, Nigeria had no significant footprint in the export of shea products due to low processing capacity and high incidents of smuggling/ informal trade. This is in spite of Nigeria’s ranking as the world’s largest producer of shea, with annual production of 364,000 metric tons, accounting for 45 per cent of global output.

Bello also said that NEXIM’s intervention is also targeted at revitalizing existing processing plans towards increased value addition and ensuing that Nigeria benefits from global Cocoa Value Chain estimated at about $130 billion .

In solid minerals, he pointed out that the country has over 34 solid minerals in commercial quantities, which were largely unexploited adding that the bank’s intervention is in the area of providing machinery/ equipment and working capital to support mining and processing of solid minerals for export. He added that the bank has provided funding support to enhance the operations of logistics companies towards boosting regional trade, particularly within the context of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

In the pharmaceutical industry, the bank, against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic and the opportunities in the regional market, is supporting major pharmaceutical companies with Equipment and Working Capital Finance towards retooling and upgrading their operations to WHO standard towards the production and export of pharmaceutical products

LOOKING AHEAD

To mitigate the adverse impact the pandemic on the export sector and position Nigerian exporters to increasingly benefit from the opportunities provided

by AfCFTA, as well as the increasing focus of Russia and EU on Africa, the MD said the bank will in the next two years will continue to implement its key intervention programmes in export market diversification programme, value-added agricultural exports support, services export promotion / funding support and mining sector funding intervention among others.

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DISCOURSE

GEJ and Implication of South-south Producing Next President in 2023

Sanusi Muktar

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ince the advent of democracy in Nigeria in 1999, the presidential election has been an extremely sensitive issue. It is the most powerful and influential position that confers the greatest sense of belonging to the federation on any ethnic or geopolitical area that produces the President.

As a result of this, therefore, since independence, every segment of the country craves to have a piece of the cake. That is why morality is the obvious sandwich of Nigerian elections and indeed, the 2023 presidential election. The questions therefore are, which region has produced more presidents or heads of state? Which region has not produced any? Considering the issue of rotational power in order to correct the vexed issue of imbalance among the six geopolitical zones, especially the North – South power block?

Under the present circumstance, whose turn is it between the North-South power block come 2023?

But under the current political development in the country, the hand writing on the wall is crystal clear that the power shift favours the Southern Bloc and specifically the SouthSouth geopolitical zone.

Political gladiators are already on their toes, plotting, strategizing and debating about where the next President of Nigeria will come from. This expectedly has started generating heat among the gladiators as the nation gradually and stealthily moves closer to 2023 general election and as the momentum has continued to build up.

This is what has defined the attitude and the internal democratic practices of the major political parties that will participate in the forthcoming election. It has equally attracted some of the biggest political groups such as the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) made up of governors on the platform of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, which is made up of the governors of the leading opposition party, caucuses of political parties at the two chambers of the National Assembly, the political parties, socio-cultural groups among others.

It is imperative to put the record straight on this matter. I said this with full consciousness that I am from the North but I must put national interest first before any other thing because whether I like it or not, it affects me and every Nigerian. Thus, it is better to be on the side of history.

Since independence, the North has produced Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as the prime minister, Generals Yakubu Gowon, Murtala Muhammed, President Shehu Shagari, Generals Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Babangida, Sani Abacha, Abdulsalam Abubakar, late President Yar’adua and the current President Buhari.

On the other hand, the South has produced Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (South-East as Colonial Governor-General and Head of State under the parliamentary system of government), General Aguyi-Ironsi (South-East), General Olusegun Obasanjo (South-West), President Obasanjo (South-West) and President Goodluck Jonathan (South-South) who served one tenure of four years.

During the general election in 1999 when the country began a new democratic dispensation, the South took the first shot through Obasanjo who handed over power to the North (Yar’adua). Yar’adua did not finish his tenure and GEJ completed the joint ticket tenure and did a first term and was not

Jonathan

allowed to do his second tenure under national and international conspiracy. In 2023, Buhari would have spent good eight years in office. Naturally, it is now the turn of the South to take a shot at the presidency.

However, the permutations are drifting towards the North again; at least, the body language is glaringly showing that the region, after spending eight years still wants to produce another president to rule for 16 years! In the spirit of fairness and justice, this is totally wrong and unacceptable and should not be allowed to happen in a heterogeneous entity like Nigeria.

While it is good to clarify that zoning or rotational presidency is not enshrined in the Constitution or any electoral laws in the country, there is an unwritten understanding that was practiced by the PDP which united Nigeria and gave every segment a sense of belonging and inclusion.

However, it is still not clear whether the ruling party, APC, is disposed to retaining this age-long democratic practices that have remained a strong pillar of our democracy and a uniting force. This is what has currently divided the political elites among the political parties.

A communiqué by the Southern Governors Forum signed after its meeting in Lagos stated that, “The Forum reiterates its commitment to the politics of equity, fairness and unanimously agrees that

the presidency of Nigeria be rotated between Southern and Northern Nigeria and resolved that the next president of Nigeria should emerge from the Southern Region.”

The leaders of the North which include state governors, traditional and opinion leaders that met in Kaduna replied the Southern governors saying that, “The Forum unanimously condemn the statement by the Southern Governors Forum that the Presidency must go to the South”.

However, socio-cultural groups from the South-East, Middle Belt and NorthCentral, South-West, South-South as well as minority groups in the North all threw their weights behind the position of the Southern Governors Forum in the spirit of equity, fairness and justice.

Also, a prominent politician from the North East categorically supported the position of the South –South. According to him, “I have said it times without number that I am of the view that the presidency should go to the South in the year 2023 because the unity of our country is very important.”

“Secondly, inclusivity is very important.

Thirdly, I am in the APC. Six or seven years ago, APC had zoned the presidency to the Northern Nigeria based on the agreement that in the year 2023, the presidency should go to the South”, he added.

Similarly, the Southern Kaduna

“Again,Article 7 of PDP says zoning shall be adopted and enforced. Article 7 of APC says similar thing, to promote national unity. Both in their constitutions and the constitution of Nigeria, there is room for zoning and rotation, to promote national cohesion.”

Peoples Union (SOKAPU) are in support of the southern governors for power to shift to the south saying that, “We wish to categorically declare that we align with the position taken by the Southern Governors for power to shift to the Southern part of Nigeria after the eight years of President Buhari in 2023. Thereafter, power should then rotate among the North, South, and Middle Belt zones to ensure justice, fairness, and equity,” SOKAPU President, Comrade Jonathan Asake, said in a statement.

Leading lawyers have also expressed the position of the Constitution and relevant laws which envisage such matters as have arisen today. For instance, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and rights advocate, Mr. Sam Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, stated that, “Drafters of the Constitution envisaged a situation when a section of the country may want to dominate others and provided for provisions against it. Section 14 (3) forbids domination of political space or occupation of office to the detriment of others. It is to promote national cohesion, loyalty to the country and spread of offices, including the presidency.

“If six geo-political zones called north have been in power since 2015 and after exhausting eight years, the Constitution expects the south to produce the next president.

Zoning is lawful and constitutional. And there is precedent. In 2006, they (Northern governors) made similar demand for power shift, if they check their records.

“Again, Article 7 of PDP says zoning shall be adopted and enforced. Article 7 of APC says similar thing, to promote national unity. Both in their constitutions and the constitution of Nigeria, there is room for zoning and rotation, to promote national cohesion”, he stated.

A statement credited to Jimmy Carter, former president of the United States wherein he warned America on related issues is very striking. In his words, he stated that, “We’ve become now an oligarchy instead of a democracy. I think that’s been the worst damage to the basic moral and ethical standards to the American political system that I’ve ever seen in my life”.

Or is there anything more morally damning than what the North is trying to do to deny the fact that the right thing to do by the North is to allow and support power to go to the South in the interest of justice and fairness. This is the North’s greatest moral burden.

Besides, as has been posited by different groups in the country, the unity of the country after the 2023 depends on the courage of the North power mongers to succumb to the voice of reason and allow the South to produce the next President of Nigeria.

As it now seems, the issue of power shift has received a wider consensus that in 2023, power is shifting to the South. But a careful assessment of the power shift conversation has been narrowed down to one direction - the South-South. Nothing made this clearer than the increasing clamour for GEJ to return to power in 2023 in order for him to complete another four years to make up for the South-South geopolitical zone that was truncated in 2015.

This is an idea whose time has come and the political, religious and traditional leaders of the region and the rest of the country should honour this divinely orchestrated political destiny of Nigeria and make it actualisable. t .VLUBS JT B %FWFMPQNFOU &YQFSU CBTFE JO .BJEVHVSJ #PSOP 4UBUF

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY JANUARY 12, 2022

EDUCATION Eterigho: Women’s Participation in STEM Key to 2030 Agenda for SDGs Dr. Elizabeth Jumoke Eterigho is the incoming president of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria. In this interview with Funmi Ogundare, she highlighted some of her plans for the association and explained why STEM education in Nigeria must be given the necessary attention through adequate funding by the government for meaningful development in the sector

A

s the incoming president of the association, what are you going to do differently to develop the capacity of women for job creation?

First and foremost, the entire mission of APWEN is centred around capacity development, which translates to job creation and leadership, thereby enhancing the quality of life. APWEN, in the last three decades, has set up several initiatives and programmes to encourage engineering studies and practice among female students and create a platform through which women engineers can collaborate with other women in other professions in Nigeria and elsewhere. As the 17th president of the association, in addition to what my predecessors have done, I plan to focus on professional development and entrepreneurship. This professional development has to do with workshops, seminars and conferences on training and retraining of APWEN members: female engineers and technicians in various skills will continuously achieve professional excellence thereby, creating room for competence with colleagues across the globe, particularly in software development and application in this digital transformation era. The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap in 2017 reported that female talent remains one of the most under-utilised business resources, either squandered through lack of progression or untapped from the onset. The consequence of which has led to gender inequality, lower-class value, and lack of productive opportunities borne by women, resulting in a reduction in the country’s economic growth. In another report by the same organisation in 2020, Nigeria is reported to be a little above 50 per cent in the gender gap, ranking 128 out of 153 countries. To address these issues in a meaningful way, during my tenure, APWEN is set to organise programmes determined to empower girls and women with very little resources through entrepreneurship. At this time that the federal government is focused on the diversification of the economy, the industries are requiring specific skills from potential employees (a shift from paper qualifications to competencies). APWEN is poised to lead the charge in the provision of access to basic, non-formal/formal skills via the training of skilled female technicians to establish their own entrepreneurial ventures. By so doing, the employment landscape will become more competitive and creative thus, reducing the level of unemployed and unemployable females in Nigeria. It is expected to create a generation of self-sustained and employable female youths that will positively impact the global gender gap index ranking. The overall objective is to improve the educational status of disadvantaged girls to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As female entrepreneurs engineers, APWEN seeks to promote the development of new technologies that increasingly empower female users, particularly in the rural areas, to enhance productivity. A programme tagged Shetech2preneur has been developed and will be launched during my tenure.

You have been chairperson of APWEN and Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Minna branch. What impact did you make in driving the engineering profession for nation-building?

I was APWEN Minna chairperson from 2016 to 2018. During this period, APWEN Minna had and executed a lot of programmes with a direct impact on the engineering profession.

With our technical resources and educational expertise, one of our activities was centred on fundamental computer training for the girl child.

A two-week Cisco computer training was held for girls between 10 and 13 years. This was to impact positively, educate, and enhance the

more corporate members, we were elected into the prestigious fellowship cadre of the NSE, and more members were appointed into the national committees of the society. NSE Minna branch was chosen as a centre for the IT virtual interview of prospective candidates for the entire country.

This, of course, is a reflection of our level of involvement in ICT. We also set up a website for the branch, which is still up and running.

The branch produced an e-news magazine on a monthly basis in addition to the print, electronic media and the internet that featured all her monthly activities. My tenure as chairman recorded and enjoyed some collaborations/ involvement with the Niger State government and the NSE, Minna branch. These included an invitation for input into the preparation of Niger State Urban Policy, the appointment of NSE Minna branch members into boards/ committee of Niger State government parastatals/ agencies, invitation to participate in the low volume road manual sensitisation workshop

by Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP).

We held schools competitions/career talks twice every month in different schools, and today some of them are in 100 and 200 levels in the universities studying different engineering disciplines. As a leader who understands the relevance of engineering on the infrastructural development of any community, state and nation, I set up a committee called the Monitoring and Supervision Committee (MSC). The branch was involved in the monitoring and supervision of roads and building constructions via the committee. This was very effective as some constructions were either stopped completely or revisited.

Eterigho girl-child in fundamentals of computer, allied discipline, and consequently in their JAMB and other e-examinations towards their career selection of engineering. We hold interschool science competitions among public schools yearly. Usually, at the beginning of every year, 15 to 20 schools will be invited to participate in written examinations in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. The best four schools automatically qualify to participate in the competition. At the end of each competition, the best school will be presented with a science equipment kit made by Nigerian engineers from Science Equipment Development Institute (SEDI) and a trophy.

There will be a series of career talks at the junior and mid-secondary schools to create awareness that engineering is a career for girls also. I succeeded in putting in place a mentoring programme that is still in operation as we speak. It was only during my tenure that APWEN Minna enjoyed the collaboration with the Niger State government in organising girl-child programmes with impact having the following indicators; increased number at the entry point in both primary and secondary schools, increased retention in schools, increase in enrollment for WAEC, NECO and NABTEB, reduction in street hawking, reduction in child and early marriages, increased number of married

women going back to school, developed and produced a statistical situation report for the Ministry of Education through the special adviser to the governor on Girl-child affairs. Before being elected the chairman of the NSE Minna branch, I was elected vice-chairman (the third female to occupy the position since the branch’s inception in 1989) from 2017 to 2018 and was re-elected in 2018 for another one-year tenure. I took over the mantle of leadership from my predecessor, Prof. M.B. Ndaliman, in August 2019, as the first female chairman since the inception of the branch. Some of the activities executed that aimed at driving the engineering profession for nation-building included; organising the first engineering conference to foster collaborations amongst different fields of discipline, the first interprofessional collaboration in the state, where other professionals came together to see how to proffer solutions as a team rather than blaming each other. These programmes witnessed great attendance in the state.

With the emergence of COVID-19 in March 2020 and the lockdown, the branch under my leadership was the first to start virtual (webinar) meetings, seminars, workshops and e-public lectures. The branch also had workshops/training for aspiring corporate members to prepare for professional examinations. Membership drive was also my top priority in the branch. We recorded growth numerically in terms of

“The girl-child need to know her rights to education, health and career that guarantees better living. This can be achieved through different forms of advocacy, policies and other outreaches to educate them”

Do you share the view that engineering is the most male-dominated field, especially in STEM, and how do you intend to change this perception?

Yes, the reality on the ground is that engineering is the most male-dominated field, especially in STEM. I remember while I was in the university in the early 80s, in my class, we had three females to six males, and that was the highest in all the departments, while in some classes, there was no female at all.

As an engineering lecturer for over 20 years, I have never had a class of 30 per cent female and I know the same thing applies to other departments and schools. Girls’ and women’s equal access and participation in STEM is key to the 2030 agenda for SDGs and its pledge to leave no one behind in terms of equality, peace, and human progress. To change this perception, here lies the strength of APWEN, with 38 chapters across the country. My predecessors have done many programmes with very noticeable impact. In addition to these programmes, the first thing I would like to do is to intentionally create awareness with statistics of what female engineers can do to move the country forward technologically.

Projects and programmes will be mapped out to ensure that this gap is minimised, if not closed. This time around, we shall adopt a different approach from the previous in making STEM teaching and learning fun. The project is tagged FunSTEM, an introduction of the fundamentals of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) by framing learning as an exciting and enjoyable experience for girls (ages 10-19) in public schools in rural communities, geared towards achieving an equal future in gender representation in STEM and economic inequality between urban and rural communities. Secondly, we will be establishing clubs in their schools to inspire them more and strengthen mentoring thereby, creating a desire to pursue engineering as a career.

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

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY JANUARY 12, 2022

EDUCATION

Association Seeks More Braille Devices for Blind Students Funmi Ogundare

As the world recently marks International Braille Day, the Nigerian Association of the Blind (NAB), Lagos chapter, has called on public

and private education institutions to make braille devices available to blind students.

The chairman of the association, Mr. Lukman Salami, said this during

World Braille Day 2022 with the theme ‘Braille Literacy: Empowering Blind Persons for Total Inclusion’.

The association is leading a coalition to ensure that blind persons have required

braille tools.

“Braille is a system that makes use of raised dots that are combined in patterns to form alphabets, numerals and other symbols. Since invention, and

as technology improves, the system has grown popular among blind persons across the world and used for literary, musical and scientific notations, but they are not readily available for the use of blind persons in Nigeria,” he stressed.

Salami also called on the government at all levels to ensure that qualified persons with visual impairment are consulted to formulate and implement policies that would help to improve lives.

“All the efforts the government is putting in place are not being done in conjunction with the Nigeria Association for the Blind,” he lamented.

According to the Director of Centre Anglo-Nigeria

Association of the Blind, Mr. Danlami Basharu, the organisation helps blind persons to adjust to life, training them to be independent via ICT, transcription Braille and typewriting lessons.

The Senior Education Officer, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LSUBEB), Mr. Oladiran Akande, said with braille, children with visual impairment could read and write.

He added that the state currently runs 34 inclusive schools.

The programme witnessed the exhibition of equipment and services enabling blind persons to participate in education, employment, sports, leisure, and lifeenriching activities.

100 Indigent Students to Get Late Capt.

Hosa’s Scholarship Adibe Emenyonu ÓØ ÏØÓØ ÓÞã

L-R: Award recipients: Mr Fred Roman, Chief Peters Evbota, and Mrs. Funmi Ugboaja; and Chairman of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, alumni, Lagos, Mr. Chris Iyere, at the end-of-the-year party and award event in Lagos... recently

Nigerian Breweries Donates 200-seater Auditorium to School Uchechukwu Nnaike

As part of its promise to reward the school that produces the Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition winner, Nigerian Breweries Plc recently inaugurated a newly built 200-seater auditorium at the Concordia College, Yola, Adamawa.

It was built in honour of one of their teachers, who won the 2020 Maltina Teacher of the Year, Miss Oluwabunmi Anani.

The handover ceremony of the building was attended by a host of dignitaries and stakeholders from the Adamawa State government, management staff of Nigerian Breweries Plc, among others.

During the ceremony, the Secretary to the Adamawa

State Government, Umar Bindi, represented by the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Wilbina Jackson, thanked the company for investing in the education sector as part of its corporate social responsibility.

Bindi also applauded Anani for the achievement, noting that the sterling performance recorded could not have been possible without the conducive learning environment created by the state government and Concordia College.

“Above all, this giant stride would not have been possible without the efforts of Governor Ahmadu Finitri, for providing security and a conducive learning

environment in the state,” he said.

The Chairman, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Chief Kola Jamodu, represented by the Head of Public and External Relations, Uzodinma Odenigbo, congratulated Anani. He said her commitment is a constant reminder that no society can exist without the solid foundation provided by a teacher.

He described the achievements of Anani and her colleagues as a massive testament to the quality and excellence in teaching obtainable and available in Concordia College.

“I congratulate the people of Adamawa State, the governor and his team, and the management and staff

of Concordia College for participating and winning the 2020 Maltina Teacher of the Year Awards. We are proud of you and your achievements,” he added.

While expressing hope that the facility would be of immense benefit to the people of the state, he said the company remains committed to contributing its quota to the country’s education sector.

Since its inception in 2009, the Nigerian Breweries/ Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund has successfully delivered several intervention projects in education.

They include constructing and furnishing over 140 classrooms, libraries, and toilets in various Kano, Sokoto, Plateau, and Kaduna States schools.

Olashore School Wins 2021-2023 International School Award Olashore International School (OIS) has won the 2021-2023 British International School Award (ISA) for its commitment to promoting international awareness and understanding within the school.

This is the second time in a row the school will be winning the award instituted by the British Council of Nigeria, aimed at recognising and celebrating academic institutions

with exemplary practices of internationalism.

In his remarks, the OIS Board Chairman, Prince Abimbola Olashore, expressed excitement about the award, saying it is an affirmation of the school’s efforts in promoting international awareness and understanding.

Speaking on the criteria for the school’s selection for the award, the chairman explained that “the school

completed projects that followed the curriculum of the British Council’s sustainable development goals by working on a total of eight projects.”

These included “Gender Equality Statistics in Iloko Model College, Malaria Awareness in Iloko Community, Bullying In West African Schools in Ecolie Primarie Publiqu, Benin Republic, Fundraising to Repair Boreholes in

the Iloko Community in Partnership with Austin Friars School Carlisie UK.” He added that Olashore International School would be encouraged and supported to build an international culture across the school, collaborative curriculum-based work with a variety of partner schools, and community participation through the international school award.

The family of the late Capt.

Idahosa Wells Okunbo has instituted a scholarship scheme in honour of their departed patriarch. It said 100 Edo public school children would benefit from the initial offer.

The eldest child and wife of Olu of Warri, Olori Atuwatse III, disclosed this when she led her siblings to the mausoleum of the late billionaire to offer prayers to mark his posthumous 64th birthday.

Explaining the rationale, Olori Atuwatse explained that their father’s passion for education informed the scholarship.

“We are going to pay school fees for 100 Indigent children in the memory of our father because he was very passionate about education, and he often said what he owes us, more important, is education,” she explained. “We are targeting primary and secondary school children in public schools in the State whose parents are unable to pay their fees for the year.”

She further stated that from “all we have heard since he passed on, it is evident that our father lived an impactful life and left great legacies, and that is what we the children are doing to keep his memory alive.”

Expert Solicits More Support for Art, Fashion Studies The Art and Design Teacher at Greensprings School, Anthony Campus, Mrs. Anuoluwapo Adeyemi, has called on more schools in the country to promote art and fashion studies.

Speaking recently at a fashion show organised by the school’s students, Adeyemi said organising art exhibitions and fashion shows could support raising a generation that would take art and fashion to the next level.

She said the school recently held its 2021 fashion show, themed ‘The New Normal: #MixedMediaExpression, and based on the theme, the students showcased six clothing lines that brilliantly incorporated facemasks into their designs.

“Through the guidance of the teachers, our promis-

ing clothing liners did the sketching of their designs, sourced the fabrics, made the dresses, and managed fellow students who modelled the designs,” stated Adeyemi.

She described the show as a success because it made the students see that they can also express their creativity by organising impressive fashion shows like the one they see on TV. “From our students’ performance during the show, it is obvious that Nigeria is blessed with a lot of young talents and I believe that our art and fashion industry would receive more global recognition in years to come, especially if more schools give extra attention to creatively teaching the subject, as well as organising art exhibitions and fashion shows,” she added.

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY JANUARY 12, 2022

EDUCATION

Gov. AbdulRazaq: Kwara to Complete Sanwo-Olu Lauds President’s Inter-Basic Osi, Ilesha Baruba Campuses of Schools Debate Contest KWASU This Year Funmi Ogundare

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara says his administration has secured funding to complete the two campuses of the state university at Osi and Ilesha Baruba.

The governor said completing the two campuses would open up the state, create new economic centres, and boost the search for knowledge.

“Our administration has secured funding to complete the satellite campuses of KWASU at Osi and Ilesha Baruba,” said the governor at the combined eighth and ninth convocation ceremony of the Kwara State University, Malete, in Moro Local Government area. “This will not only grow the university in terms of the number of

faculties and students, but it will also help to open up those two communities, tackle rural-urban migration, and create new fertile grounds for intellectual and socioeconomic growth.”

AbdulRazaq commended the university for its commitment to research and community service, saying: “Two different events have recently told the success story that KWASU has become.

The convocation ceremony also served to confer honourary awards on some prominent citizens, including the Chief of Staff to the President Prof.

Ibrahim Agboola Gambari; billionaire philanthropist Muhammadu Indimi; Chairman BUA Group, Alhaji AbdulSamad Rabiu; and Mr. Babatunde Jolayemi Omotowa; in appreciation of

their humanitarian works and outstanding contributions to national development.

The governor acknowledged the exceptional feats of the awardees, which he said explained their recognition by the university.

Dr. Johnson Adewumi, KWASU Chancellor, said the university excelled at satisfying some of the indices of a world-class university through teaching, research and community service.

KWASU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Muhammad Mustapha Akanbi said the school was fast-growing under his stewardship in academic growth, community development and staff welfare.

According to the vicechancellor, no less than 16 new programmes have been developed to expand the

frontiers of knowledge and human ingenuity.

“In the effort to further expand the university’s academic programmes, 16 new programmes have been developed by the university and are awaiting resource verification by the NUC. These proposed programmes have the combined capacity to generate the much-needed human resources in the diverse areas of their focus, which will, in turn, drive national growth,” he added.

He added that the combined convocation produced 6,620 First Degree earners, 98 of whom bagged first class. According to the vice Chancellor, the convocation also recorded 400 second degree earners and 60 successful doctoral (PhD) thesis writers, cutting across 2019 to 2021 sessions.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commended the federal government for initiating the President’s Inter-Basic schools debate competition designed to foster social stability and self-reliance among students.

He said this would enable them to easily integrate and exchange academic, intellectual and cultural values for the betterment of the nation at large.

Sanwo-Olu, who disclosed this recently at the national finals and award ceremony of the 61st independence anniversary of the debate championship, said it would foster national peace and unity.

According to the governorship, the championship will also build the spirit of sportsmanship, public speaking and confidence, and capacity development for their future endeavours.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Folasade Adefisayo, in his keynote, disclosed that his administration had delivered 1,449 school infrastructure projects with the recently commissioned Elemoro Junior Secondary School.

He advised students not to rest on their laurels in achieving success in academics and co-curricular activities, adding that the greatest premium of any state is the development of its students academically.

The governor expressed satisfaction with students’

academic performance in the state as shown in the last West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) result with over 85 per cent excellent performance compared to past years.

“This is as a result of the huge investment in conducive infrastructure, training and retraining of teachers to boost effectiveness and efficiency for a qualitative teaching method and learning in the 21st century in tandem with the Education and Technology pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda.”

The National Coordinator of President’s Schools Debate Nigeria, Dare Oritu, disclosed that the three-day rigorous intellectual exercise would help groom young debaters for future competitions such as the annuals; international debate competition.

He thanked the presidency through the Federal Ministry of Education for its unflinching support in the past years while appreciating the Lagos state government for its collaborative role in ensuring that the debate competition is a success story.

In his remark, the Executive Secretary Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Hammid Bobboyi, represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary UBEC, Dr. Isiaka Kolawole, noted that the gradual disappearance of debate in basic schools had caused more harm than good, giving room for unhealthy rivalry and other social vices in the system.

Apollo ‘89 Holds Reunion Party, Plans Scholarship for Group Commends Lawmaker for Re-introducing Bill Students to Establish Shendam Federal Poly Edo State Social Mobilisation Officers (SMO) on the field during the 2021/2022 first term back-to-school campaign

Ake Ayodeji

Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

The representative of Shendam/Qua’anpan/ Mikang Federal Constituency of Plateau State in the National Assembly, Honourable Komsol Alphonsus Longgap, has been applauded for reintroducing the bill for the establishment of Federal Polytechnic in Shendam.

The Chairman of the North Central Patriotic Democrats (NCPD), Musa

Yahaya Rilwanu, commended the lawmaker while briefing journalists in Lafia, Nasarawa State. He said the re-introduced bill has since been approved for necessary action.

Rilwanu also acknowledged Longgap’s contributions to the education system of his constituency by constructing classroom blocks across the Shendam/ Qua’anpan/Mikang Federal Constituency.

The NCPD chairman said:

“Honourable Longgap has equally sponsored over 3,000 Senior Secondary III students in his constituency for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination.

“The federal Lawmaker also constructed and equipped two ICT centres in his constituency during his short stay in the National Assembly.”

Rilwanu added that the representative had done other things within

his short period in the National Assembly for his constituents, and he deserves to be presented as a consensus candidate of the federal constituency in the 2023 general election.

“Longgap has proved to the world that politics is not a do or die affair but an affair to improve the life of the people irrespective of religion or ethnic background, not minding one’s level in the society,” the chairman said.

Edo SUBEB Launches Back-to-School Campaign Funmi Ogundare

The Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has launched a back-to-school campaign to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the state.

The campaign is designed to sustain the tempo of enrollment in schools recorded under the Governor Godwin

Obaseki administration.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) lists Edo as the state with the least number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

Speaking on the back-toschool campaign, the board chairman, Mrs. Ozavize Salami, noted, “Edo SUBEB is committed to achieving nearzero out-of-school children in Edo State. We have therefore

launched this campaign to ensure that no child is left behind as Governor Godwin Obaseki continues to promote education as the panacea to endemic poverty, illegal migration and other social ills.”

She added that the social mobilisation team would visit markets, streets, parks, and religious centres during the campaign to promote

school enrolment.

Led by Salami, the board has as its major objective the delivery of quality education to pupils in rural and urban areas across the state.

In 2018, Obaseki launched EdoBEST. Following the programme’s success, in 2021, EdoBEST 2.0 was launched to incorporate other spheres of the education sector into the programme.

The 1989 set of Apostolic Church Grammar School, Ketu Lagos, has planned an inclusive scholarship programme and funding for students of the school as its little way of giving back.

Speaking at the recent 2021 reunion held in Lagos, the set Coordinator, Mrs Temitope Adelela, said the general sets are preparing for the 58th reunion founder’s day in January 2022, where scholarship awards and fundraising are held will be done.

She added that the importance of the reunion is networking, reuniting, and helping one another, and cooperating on how to give back to the school.

“This is our annual end of the year party for us to come together as a set because we call ourselves the unique set of 89. We have also planned the party in preparation for the 58th annual founder’s day coming up in January. We are trying to raise funds for the school and scholarship programs.

“The Apostolic Church Grammar school is unique and we have a lot of people doing

very well and they graduated from that school and the school is still doing well,” she said.

Similarly, the set Assistant Coordinator, Mr. Jude Okotete, noted the scholarship had been designed for selected students who have done well in their academics.

“It’s a get-together and because of the COVID-19, we couldn’t meet although we have had several virtual meetings. But we feel there is a need to come together as one family.

“We are planning a meeting in January where some selected students will be honoured. We will honour the distinguished old student. We are working on scholarships and each set will contribute a million naira each for the program...We will consider the selected best students in the school. Apart from the school, we also empower ourselves because fingers are not equal,” he said One of the members of the set, Adeyanjo Oluwafemi, commended the executives of the reunion for a job well done.

He said: “We have been benefiting from this reunion.

This is a platform put up so we can network.”

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 12, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY JANUARY 12, 2022

CITYSTRINGS

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

Inculcating the Spirit of Giving Adibe Emenyonu reports on the visit of Proprietor of Pacesetters' Group of School, Mr. Kenneth Imansuagbon, to Orphanages in Edo to identify with them last Christmas

At Oredo, an elderly woman posed with a bag of rice on her head, courtesy of Kenneth Imansuangbon

Kenneth Imansuangbon at Christ Family Orphanage Home, Agenebode

G

iving especially the Yuletide period to the vulnerable ones around cannot be over emphasised. This was why Mr. Kenneth Imansuangbon, owner of Pacesetters Group of School, Abuja, visited orphanage homes in Edo, his home state to show love and care for the children, pray with them and wish them well.

Imansuangbon said the decision to visit orphanage homes is to give hope to the hopeless and put a smile on the faces of the vulnerable children in the homes.

He said the gesture is based on his belief that the less privileged should also be part of the Christmas celebration irrespective of their status in the society.

Imansuangbon, also referred to as "Rice Man" because of yearly distribution of rice to the less privileged in Edo, also, appealed to other well meaning Edo people to join hands with him to make the yuletide worthwhile for those who cannot afford the means to celebrate.

He enjoined the well-to-do, to emulate the virtues of late owner of Well Integrated Farms and Ocean Marine Solution (OMS), Capt Hosa Wells Okunbo, whom he said

Imansuangbon with a little child of Christ Family Orphanage, Agenebode

touched many lives with his resources.

The former Edo governorship aspirant philanthropist's train, also berthed at his hometown, Ewohimi, headquarters of Esan South East Local Government Area, and other towns across the state where he gave gift items to motherless babies home and others who are in need.

He said his decision to embark on this mission in the last 12 years at every Christmas is to ameliorate the suffering of the down-trodden in the state.

"I'm calling on all Nigerians, Edo sons and daughters to join me in the struggle to defeat hunger. We need to feed our children. We just have to

An excited elderly woman with her bag of rice

conquer hunger.

"Let us learn from late Capt. Hosa Okunbo. He gave to everyone; he shared with all that came in contact with him. You don't need to be super rich to share with the needy.

Our leaders must see now that our people are hungry.

"Leaders must feel the suffering of the people. If you eat and your neighbor can't then we are in trouble. Look at the way people are struggling to grab 10kg bag of rice. I will do everything to fight hunger", Imasuangbon declared.

At Agenebode, headquarters of Etsako East local government, the 77 year-old proprietress of Christ Family Ophanage Home, Mrs. Ebohia

I'm calling on all Nigerians, Edo sons and daughters to join me in the struggle to defeat hunger. We need to feed our children. We just have to conquer hunger...

Leaders must feel the suffering of the people. If you eat and your neighbor can't then we are in trouble

Rabi Bello commended Imansuangon's philanthropic gesture.

The proprietress, who has over 216 orphans in her orphanage, prayed to God for guidance and protection all through the remaining part of the year and beyond for the donor.

She said: "Infact, this is the third time the rice man is visiting us with loads of food items and toiletries. We are very grateful and pray that God should grant his heart desires."

At Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government Area, a beneficiary, Mrs Idusere Maltida has this to say: "I am so happy to have received this free bag of rice from Imansuagbon. This is not the first time and this will go a long way to feed my family at this Christmas period.

I'm very grateful to the rice."

Similarly, Elizabeth Igbogun, (window). with three months old baby at Aduwawa, an outskirt of Benin, said "I just gave few months ago. I'm so happy to receive this rice . When I was passing by I sighted the rice man so I decided to approach him and behold he gave this bag of rice. I'm a widow and the only one taking care of my Children."

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY JANUARY 12, 2022

CRIME&SECURITY

Hotelier Urges Govt, Police to Investigate Alleged Abduction, Rape of Teenager Sylvester Idowu in Warri

A

Warri based hotelier and Proprietor of William 69 hotel, Chief William Ochuko, has called on Delta State government and the state Commissioner of Police, Ari Ali Mohammed to investigate thoroughly an alleged abduction and rape of a 13 years old girl, Sharon Taiwo.

Chief William made the appeal in a statement last year December in reaction to claims by the victim's mother, Mrs. Loveth Taiwo that her daughter was abducted in Warri and taken to Ghana where she was violently raped before being brought home.

Mrs. Taiwo gave the narration recently at the 2021 edition of 16 days of activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV) against women and girls organised by the Delta State

CP Ali

government in collaboration with the 05 Initiative held in Asaba.

Chief William said his call

for thorough investigations became necessary because his hotel was mentioned by Mrs. Taiwo, the victim's mother, during her narration at the event that was attended by government officials and CSOs. He said preliminary investigations by the management of his hotel revealed that the said Sharon Taiwo is 17 years and was an alleged sex worker that patronises William 69 hotel regularly along with her friends in same trade.

The hotelier said investigations revealed that Sharon was invited by her ex-boyfriend based in Togo and she in turn recruited her friends, Elizabeth, Gift, Koburo and Onuje (surnames withheld) for business as alleged sex workers.

"Sharon and her lover friend came together to lodge at William 69 hotel, thereafter Sharon invited her friends and introduced them to the man from Lagos and they concluded their plans to travel to Togo", he explained.

Chief William disclosed that investigations also revealed that Sharon's parents threw her out of the house which probably forced the victim to take her destiny in her own hands noting that she was already known in Warri metropolis as an alleged sex worker.

He debunked the insinuation that the victim was 13 years old as painted by her mother to draw emotions, wondering how a girl of that age will be in a senior secondary school class adding "Sharon is 17 years as revealed by her friends. A 13 years old girl cannot be in senior secondary school as claimed by her mother just to dent the image of others".

The hotelier urged the Delta State Government and the state Police Commissioner, Ari Mohammed to investigate the claim by Sharon's mother and if found untrue be charged for providing false information to discredit people.

AVM Abubakar Takes over Mantle of Leadership of NAF Logistics Command, Lagos

A

ir Vice Marshal (AVM) Hassan Bala Abubakar has taken over the mantle of leadership as the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Logistics Command (LC), Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Lagos, from his predecessor AVM Charles Akpochai Ohwo.

According to the LOC Public Relations Officer, Flight Lieutenant FC Ezenyi, the former AOC proceeded to a higher responsibility at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force as the Chief of Policy and Plans .

In his remarks during the handing and taking over ceremony, the outgone congratulated his successor on his new appointment, praying for God’s guidance and direction.

In turn, AVM Ohwo thanked the Principal Staff Officers and Commanders for their dedication, loyalty and commitment during his tenure as the AOC. He then urged them to extend the same support and cooperation given to him to his successor.

In his response, the new AOC also congratulated his predecessor on his new appointment as the Chief of Policy and Plans.

AVM Abubakar, who described his predecessor as a “Game Changer”, commended him on his landmark achievements in the last four months he piloted the affairs of the command and promised to improve on the achievements recorded already.

AVM Abubakar further remarked that it was homecoming for him as he had spent

The handing and taking over ceremony good number of the entire years he had put into the service in Lagos, however, he said there would certainly be changes.

Consequently, he enjoined the Principal Staff Officers and com-

manders of units to extend same loyalty, cooperation and support to him as they work together to achieve the objectives of the NAF. Highlights of the occasion were the signing of handing over and taking over note and presentation of the command’s colour which

signifies the handing over of the command’s assets and liabilities and symbol of command’s authority to the incumbent AOC. Present at the event were HQ LC Principal Staff Officers, Commanders of Units in Lagos area and Civilian Head.

Oromoni: NANS Faults Lagos CP's Comment on Association's Jurisdiction John Ogunsemore The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has faulted a comment credited to the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Hakeem Odumosu, that the group’s jurisdiction is limited to tertiary institutions in the country.

In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Sunday Asefon, NANS quoted the commissioner as stating this after the group demanded justice to be done in the case of Sylvester Oromoni.

Oromoni, a student of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos, died in December 2021 under controversial circumstances.

The student’s father alleged that the 12-year-old was beaten and fed a liquid chemical that eventually led to his death, but the school management dismissed the allegation.

Five students were charged with the murder of Oromoni but were subsequently granted bail by a Lagos magistrate court.

A housemaster and four other staff of the school arrested were also freed after a court order to detain them elapsed, the Lagos Police Command said.

Quoting the outcome of a police investigation and result of an autopsy conducted on the remains of the deceased, Odumosu said during a press conference last Friday that the student died a

“natural death”.

According to the CP, Oromoni died from Septicaemia following infections of the lungs and kidneys arising from an ankle wound.

However, NANS said that Nigerian students were dumbfounded by the claim that the student died of an “infection”.

Chairman of an investigative committee set up by the student body, Oladimeji Uthman, said at a press conference in Abeokuta that the committee was perplexed that the police made no mention of bullying in their reports, noting that “we know that Sylvester was bullied but why are state actors trying not to comment on it? We are dumbfounded hearing that Sylvester Oromoni Jr died of those infections.”

The student group charged Dowen College and Sylvester’s family to make public his medical records/history so as to know if there were any ailments he was battling with before his death.

“Nigerian students are seeking answers and we will not allow injustice to thrive,” the committee chairman noted.

Meanwhile, the Lagos CP said NANS has no business being concerned by activities of students and pupils in both primary and secondary schools.

In a counter-reaction, the NANS President

described the CP's position as “erroneous”.

“My attention has been drawn to the remark of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police Mr Hakeem Odumosu on the jurisdiction of NANS. “Mr Odumosu had errorneously claimed that NANS is not concerned by activities of students and pupils in both primary and secondary schools. Hence, NANS have no business demanding justice on the death of Sylvester Ororomi. .

“Naturally knowing the kind of negative attention the Commissioner has drawn recently, especially on what many Nigerians regarded as abuse of officially privileges, we would have spared him our response.

“However, it is imperative to educate unsuspecting public who might ignorantly take the comment of the Commissioner serious.

“It is also important to state that being a Police Commissioner is not enough to assume jurisdiction over issues that you hitherto lack authority on or assume the place of the law, interpreter of the law and enforcer of same,” Tuesday’s statement read in part.

Asefon reminded the Lagos police boss that “NANS is the National Association of Nigerian Students and not National

Association of Tertiary Institution Students”.

“For the avoidance of doubt, NANS jurisdiction covers elementary schools and secondary schools, however, students in those schools are not financial members but NANS considers their welfare and agitate for same when the need arises,” he said.

“To avoid scrutiny on the very questionable handling of Sylvester's death, rather than answering the questions and concern raised by NANS, the Commissioner decided to look for a cheap way out by assuming authority and declaring that Secondary and Primary School is not under the jurisdiction of NANS. “Our funding fathers knew exactly what they were doing when they named the organisation National Association of Nigerian Students and not National Association of Tertiary Institution Students.

“Assuming but not conceding the commissioner is right, isn't social justice, fairness, advocacy for rule of law, constitutionality and democracy part of the constitutional advocacy of NANS?” Asefon queried.

The NANS President advised the commissioner to focus on policing Lagos and be ready to take responsibility when the public, NANS inclusive, demand a better bargain from the police and not only show the weight of his power when he feels like his authority is being questioned by less powerful men.

42

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ JANUARY 12, 2022

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Nigeria’s External Reserve Hits $40.5bn Nume Ekeghe Nigeria’s external reserve has reached $40,509 billion but however marginally declined by $11million when compared to its closing balance as at the last day in 2021 which was pegged at $40,520 billion, data obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the daily reserves’ movement has revealed.

The reserve had gained $5.99 billion in October, following a $2.76 million gain in September 2021 as a result of the $4 billion Eurobond secured by the federal government and the $3.35 billion IMF Special Drawing Rights facility.

However, in November it started declining as a result of heightened demand for school fees, travel and other import needs but soon regained an

upward trajectory the first week in January.

Analysts at Cordros Capital notes that, “However, foreign inflows are paramount for sustained foreign exchange liquidity over the medium term, in line with our expectation that accretion to the reserves will be weak given that crude oil production levels remain quite low.

“Thus, foreign portfolio investors which have historically supported supply levels in the IEW (53.8% of forex inflows to the IEW in 2019FY) will be needed to sustain forex liquidity levels. Hence, we think further adjustments in the naira/dollar peg closer to its fair value and flexibility in the exchange rate would be significant in attracting foreign inflows back to the market.”

Meanwhile, the value of the naira appreciated by 4.6 per cent week on week to N416 to the dollar at the Investors and Exporters window (I&EW) but depreciated by 0.9 per cent to N570 at the parallel market as business activities picked up after the holidays.

In the forwards market, the naira rate appreciated at the one-month to N416.78 to the dollar, 3-month to N422.70, 6-month to N432.4, and at the 1-year contracts at N442.85 contracts.

Also, analysts at Sigma Pensions forecasts that Nigeria’s growth will stabilise, “we expect Nigeria’s external balance to improve as oil export receipts normalize to trend levels amid persisting import demand suppression on account of the CBN’s currency policy.”

L-R: SSA to the Commissioner of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mr Tunji Seymour; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Princess Adenike Adedoyin-Ajayi; Honourable Commissioner of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf; Ms Joke Silva, Co-CEO, Lufodo; Chief Mrs Taiwo Taiwo, Member of the Lufodo Advisory Board; Mrs. Ifeoma Monye, Co-CEO Lufodo and Mr. Soji Jacobs, Manager, Lufodo Productions at the handing over OF Global Hall in Lagos... recently.

Donkey Hide Still On Export Prohibition List, NAQS Warns

MARKET INDICATORS

Oluchi Chibuzor

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), has once again warn that Donkey Hide remains on the Export Prohibition List in the country.

In view of this, according to the NASQ, resumption of the certification of the commodity for export hinges on the rebound of the Nigerian donkey herd, which is still classified as an endangered species. Reacting to a news report that suggested that NAQS had resumed the

certification of Donkey Skin for export, the Director General of the agency, Dr. Vincent Isegbe urged the public to disregard such claims. Speaking further through a statement signed by the Head of Media, Communication and Strategies, NASQ, Dr. Chigozie Nwodo, the DG, pointed out that “the Agency met with all the relevant associations in September last year to chart a course toward restocking the donkeys through breeding and ranching in order to put the animals beyond the

threat of extinction.”

Isegbe noted that, “the government would consider delisting Donkey Hide from the contraband category only after the scale has tilted in favour of the recovery of the Nigerian donkeys.”

Also, according to NASQ, the decline of the donkey population in Nigeria was driven by surging demand for Donkey Hide in Asia, as the product is used in making potions and items presumed to have therapeutic and cosmetic value.

Lagos Govt. Hands Over Management Of Iconic Glover Memorial Hall Kayode Tokede The Lagos State Government handed over the management of the iconic Glover Memorial Hall to Lufodo, a theatre and film producing company founded by Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva recently.

Built-in 1887, the Glover Memorial Hall (GMH) is a heritage building for theatre and performing arts in Lagos. After a rigorous bidding process for the concession to manage GMH, Lufodo won and on Thursday, the Commissioner of Tourism, Arts & Culture Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf along with the Permanent Secretary Princess

Adenike Adedoyin-Ajayi and Director of theatre Mr Odusote handed over the management of the Hall to Lufodo.

Speaking at the event, Ms Joke Silva thanked the Lagos State government for their trust in Lufodo and assured them that their trust has not and will not be misplaced.

A partner at Ciuci Consulting, Mrs. Ifeoma Monye said, “This handover is symbolic and shows that Lagos State is interested in the development of the performing arts industry. With more Public-Private Partnerships, there is no limit to the growth that the great state and nation will experience.”

Lufodo in partnership with Ciuci Consulting- a leading consulting and operations management firm will be managing GMH for the next 5 years. This partnership will have both Ms. Joke Silva and Mrs Ifeoma Monye as co-CEOs. Joke Silva is in charge of artistic direction and Ifeoma Monye operations.

Also, a new board has been established with Mr. Gbenga Oyebode as the Chairman. The board members include Chief (Mrs.) Taiwo Taiwo, Ms. Joke Silva, Dr. Tony Rapu, Mr. Soji Jacobs, Mrs Ifeoma Monye and Dr. (Mrs.) Amina Abubakar Bello.

UNIJOS Signs MoU with Firms to LeaseVarsity’s Council Guest House Seriki Adinoyi ÓØ ÙÝ Vice Chancellor of University of Jos, Prof. Ishaya Tanko has signed a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with Royal Choice Inn Limited to lease out an old University’s Council Guest House to the company.

He noted that the company, which is being managed by a developer, would remodel the Guest House to meet global standard and construct a befitting world class hotel at the location for public use.

The VC signed the MoU on Tuesday on behalf of the institution, while Chairman of Royal Choice Inn Limited, Chief Felix Akiga signed for the company

at the Vice Chancellor’s board room.

The VC said the MoU would last for 20 years after which the University will take over the property. He described Akiga as a developer, stakeholder and friend of the University who has contributed immensely to infrastructural and social wellbeing of the Institution.

The VC said, “We are happy as a University for the signing of this Memoranda of Understanding.

I am privileged to be the person signing this MoU and this is the first of its kind as far as we know in the University of Jos. “I wish to recognize my predecessors who initiated the project;

Prof. Hayward Mafuwai started it and worked with Prof. Nelson Ochekpe, who is here seated.

When Prof. Sabastine Maimako saw the beauty of the concept, he worked towards achieving it in 2020 but because of the pandemic, it wasn’t possible.”

He added that during the period of Maimako, he served as Vice Chancellor Academic and witnessed all the committees that were set up with the legal team and physical facilities units to ensure they reached an agreeable and acceptable with all the terms.

The VC explained that the University is not going to be responsible for the finances that would be used for the remodeling and for the construction.

(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).

43

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͯͰ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

Profit-taking in Nestle, NB, Others Down Stock Market by N20bn Kayode Tokede The stock market of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday halted its previous five consecutive day positive outing to close on a negative note for the first time in the year as the All-Share Index declined by 0.09 per cent.

The NGX All-Share Index declined by 37.83 per cent or 0.09 per cent, to close at 43,859.30 basis points, as the overall market

capitalisation value lost N20 billion to close at N23.631 trillion.

Sector performances was mixed with the Consumer Goods (-4.76per cent) and Industrial (-0.27per cent) sectors closing southwards, while the Oil and Gas (+0.95per cent) and Banking (+1.41per cent) sector closed northwards.

The market negative performance was driven by price depreciation in large and medium capitalised stocks which

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

DEALS

F O R

are; Nestle Nigeria, Nigerian Breweries (NB), Dangote Cement, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGXGroup) and Berger Paints Nigeria.

As measured by market breadth, market sentiment was negative as 26 stocks lost relative to 17 gainers. BUA Foods recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent to close at N64.35, per share. Eterna followed with a gain of 5.09 per cent to close at N5.57, while Union Bank of

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

Nigeria (UBN) rose by 4.63 per cent to close at N5.65, per share.

Wema Bank up by 3.57 per cent to close at 87 kobo, while Oando appreciated by 2.83 per cent to close at N4.73, per share.

On the other hand, Mutual Benefits Assurance led the losers’ chart by 10 per cent to close at 27 kobo, per share. Berger Paints followed with a decline of 9.94 per cent to close at N7.70, while UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust lost 8.14 per cent to close

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

AS

at N3.95, per share.

Nestle Nigeria declined 7.81 per cent to close at N1,435.00, while Unity Bank shed 6.12 per cent to close at 46 kobo, per share.

The total volume of trades decreased by 5.4 per cent to 294.539 million units, valued at N6.768 billion, and exchanged in 4,501 deals.

Transactions in the shares of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) topped the activity chart with 58.357

O F

million shares valued at N57.360 million. BUA Foods followed with 51.526 million shares worth N3.316 billion, while FBN Holdings (FBNH) traded 16.507 million shares valued at N197.304 million.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) traded 14.050 million shares valued at N358.213 million, while Access Bank transacted 13.337 million shares worth N126.749 million.

1 1 / 1 / 2 0 2 2 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

44

WEDNESDAY, ͹ͺ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ĨĞůů ďLJ ϭϰďƉƐ dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ĨĞůů ϰϲďƉƐ dŚĞ dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ďLJ ϭϰďƉƐ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ dŚĞ dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ĨƵƌƚŚĞƌ ďLJ ϰϲďƉƐ

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

Ăƚ ϭ͕ϲϳϰ͘ϴϵ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůůͲƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ŽŶ E/d, ;ͲϬ͘ϲйͿ͕ ƚŽ ĐůŽƐĞ Ăƚ ϭ͕ϴϮϳ͘ϭϴ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ƐĞůůŽīƐ ŝŶ 'd K t W K ;ͲϬ͘ϮйͿ͕ E' D ;Ͳϭ͘ϯйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ ;ͲϬ͘ϰйͿ͕ h ;ͲϬ͘ϳйͿ͘ ĂŶĚ E ^d> dŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ;Ͳϳ͘ϴйͿ͘ ĐƵŵƵůĂͲ dŚĞƐĞ

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϭϰ͘ϳй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞdž͘ ƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϭϯ͘Ϯй͘

>ŽĐĂů ŽƵƌƐĞ ,ĂůƚƐ ƵůůŝƐŚ ZƵŶ͘​͘​͘ ^/ ĚŽǁŶ Ϭ͘ϭй ^/ ƵƉ ϭϭďƉƐ ĂƐ E' D 'ĂŝŶƐ ϯ͘ϯй

zĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJ͕ ďƵůůŝƐŚ WƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ƚŚĞ ĚĂLJ͕ ĚŽŵĞƐƟĐ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĞƋƵŝƟĞƐ ƵƉƟĐŬ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ŝŶ ŚĂůƚĞĚ ,KEz&>KhZ ƌƵŶ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ E'y ^/ ƐŚĞĚ Ϭ͘ϭй ĂŶĚ ƚŽ ϰϯ͕ϴϱϵ͘ϯϬ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ďŽůͲ ƚŽͲ ;нϵ͘ϴйͿ͕ E' D ;нϯ͘ϯйͿ͕ & E, ;нϬ͘ϳйͿ ĚĂLJ͕ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƐĞůůͲƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ŽŶ ďĞůůǁĞƚŚĞƌ ŵĂŶƵĨĂĐƚƵƌŝŶŐ ƐƚĞƌĞĚ ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ůŽĐĂů ďŽƵƌƐĞ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ůůͲ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ;Ͳϱ͘ϮйͿ͕ ^ŚĂƌĞ Ͳ E ^d> ;Ͳϳ͘ϴйͿ͕ ŝŶĚĞdž E/' Z/ E Z t Z/ ^ ƌŽƐĞ ďLJ ĂŶĚ E' D ;ͲϬ͘ϰйͿ͘ Ɛ Ă ƌĞƐƵůƚ͕ zd ƌĞƚƵƌŶ ŵŽĚĞƌĂƚĞĚ ϭϭďƉƐ ƚŽ ϯϵ͕ϱϱϬ͘ϯϲ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͘ ŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶƚůLJ͕ zd ůŽƐƐ ŝŵͲ ƚŽ Ϯ͘ϳй ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ĨĞůů േϮϬ͘ϰďŶ ƉƌŽǀĞĚ ƚŽ ǁŚŝůĞ Ͳϭ͘ϴй ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ǁŚŝůĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ƌŽƐĞ ďLJ ƚŽ േϮϯ͘ϲƚŶ͘ dƌĂĚŝŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ǁŽƌƐĞŶĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ĂŶĚ ǀĂůƵĞ േϮϯ͘ϰďŶ ƚŽ േϮϬ͘ϲƚŶ͘ dƌĂĚŝŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ǁĂƐ ŵŝdžĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ϱ͘ϲй ĂŶĚ Ϯϭ͘ϳй ƚŽ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ƚŽ Ϯϵϰ͘ϱŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĨĞůů ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ďLJ Ϯϭ͘ϲй ϭϭϬ͘ϴŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ǁŚŝůĞ ǀĂůƵĞ ĂŶĚ dZ E^ KZW ;ϱϴ͘ϰŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ hͲ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ േϲ͘ϴďŶ͘ ƌŽƐĞ ďLJ ϴϴ͘ϱй ƚŽ േϯ͘ϭďŶ͘ dŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ &KK ^ ;ϱϭ͘ϱŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ ĂŶĚ & E, ;ϭϲ͘ϱŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ůĞĚ ďLJ ďLJ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ǁĞƌĞ dZ E^ KZW ;ϭϭ͘ϵŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ & E, ;ϭϭ͘ϭŵ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ǁŚŝůĞ h &KK ^ ;േϯ͘ϯďŶͿ͕ ^ W> d ;േϱϵϲ͘ϵŵͿ͕ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ ĂŶĚ K E K ;ϳ͘ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ǁŚŝůĞ E ^d> ;േϮ͘ϮďŶͿ͕ ĂŶĚ DdEE ;േϯϴϭ͘ϱŵͿ ůĞĚ ďLJ ǀĂůƵĞ͘ E' D ;േϭϰϱ͘ϬŵͿ͕ ĂŶĚ 'd K ;േϭϯϰ͘ϴŵͿ ůĞĚ ďLJ ǀĂůƵĞ͘

Ticker

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

1,827.18

-0.46%

1,050.50

0.0%

186.00 68.50 25.50

1 Airtel Africa PLC 2 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC 3 BUA Cement Plc 4 Guaranty Trust Holding Co PLC 5 Zenith Bank PLC 6 Dangote Cement PLC 7 Nestle Nigeria PLC 8 FBN Holdings Plc 9 Lafarge Africa PLC

;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ͕ ĨƵƌƚŚĞƌ ƚŽ Ϭ͘ϳdž ƌĂƟŽͿ͕ ǁĞĂŬĞŶĞĚ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ͕ ƐĞƩůŝŶŐ Ăƚ ĨƌŽŵ ϭ͘ϲdž ĨƌŽŵ ϭ͘ϯdž ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ůĂƐƚ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ Ϯϰ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ϭ͘ϱdž ĂƐ ϭϳ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ĂŐĂŝŶƐƚ

0.8x

0.3%

8.1%

-5.6%

-5.6%

179.2%

14.1%

13.4x

20.4x

0.0%

7.3%

2.2%

2.2%

19.1%

11.2%

32.9x

6.2x

-0.2%

6.7%

-1.9%

-1.9%

24.8%

3.9%

3.9x

5.4%

16.7%

1.8% 5.6%

7.5%

1.0x

11.8%

25.9% 29.0%

3.0%

25.40

0.2%

6.3%

1.0%

1.0%

20.9%

2.8%

3.4x

0.7x

11.8%

259.00

-0.4%

4.6%

0.8%

0.8%

40.4%

16.7%

12.9x

5.0x

6.2%

7.8%

1,435.00

-7.8%

3.4%

-7.8%

-7.8%

106.8%

15.6%

27.8x

32.8x

4.2%

3.6%

8.4%

0.8%

7.1x

0.6x

3.7%

14.1%

11.6%

8.4%

9.6x

1.1x

3.9%

10.4%

10 Access Bank PLC 11 United Bank for Africa PLC

9.50

0.0%

2.9%

2.2%

2.2%

17.0%

1.4%

2.7x

0.4x

8.9%

37.5%

8.10

-1.8%

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

37.30

0.0%

1.8%

3.6%

3.6%

15.4%

2.0%

8.6x

1.4x

11.0%

11.7%

14 SEPLAT Energy PLC 15 Ecobank Transnational Inc 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

45.50

-5.2%

1.5%

-9.0%

-9.0%

5.3%

1.9%

41.9x

2.2x

2.4%

2.4%

670.00

0.8%

1.7%

3.1%

3.1%

3.4%

1.9%

15.4x

0.6x

6.1%

6.5%

2.4x

8.65

-0.6%

1.4%

-0.6%

-0.6%

14.8%

0.9%

4.95

1.0%

1.2%

0.0%

0.0%

-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%

28.30

0.7%

1.0%

-0.2%

-0.2%

16.4%

5.1%

4.4x

0.7x

5.8%

22.9%

2.55

0.0%

0.6%

0.0%

0.0%

12.0%

1.1%

2.3x

0.3x

8.6%

44.4%

2.30

-3.0%

0.6%

-0.9%

-0.9%

9.7%

3.0%

6.2x

0.6x

9.6%

16.3%

17.00

0.0%

0.5%

-2.3%

-2.3%

15.3%

6.3%

11.1x

1.7x

8.8%

9.0%

3.05

1.7%

0.5%

2.0%

2.0%

10.0%

1.0%

0.3x

4.9%

0.3x

42.1%

0.9x

-11.5%

11.20

-0.9%

0.4%

13.1%

13.1%

2.5x

6.3%

41.00

2.8%

0.4%

5.1%

5.1%

8.1%

3.8%

14.6x

1.1x

1.1%

6.8%

0.98

0.0%

0.3%

2.1%

2.1%

11.1%

2.3%

5.2x

0.5x

1.0%

19.2%

35.6%

18.5%

4.4x

1.1x

4.3%

22.8%

2.1x

1.2% 3.1%

4.40

0.0%

0.3%

-2.2%

-2.2%

87.80

0.0%

0.3%

0.0%

0.0%

13.05

-1.1%

0.3%

-1.1%

-1.1%

21.3%

6.9%

12.3x

2.5x

0.81

-3.6%

0.3%

15.7%

15.7%

7.2%

1.1%

450.0x

0.8x

221.90

0.0%

0.3%

0.0%

0.0%

46.2%

9.3%

5.0x

2.0x

1.8%

19.8%

7.90

0.0%

0.2%

0.0%

0.0%

24.7%

7.5%

3.9x

0.9x

7.0%

25.7%

21.00

0.0%

0.2%

-6.7%

-6.7%

36.8%

14.7%

6.1x

2.1x

7.1%

16.5%

13.40

-4.3%

0.2%

-7.6%

-7.6%

-1.3%

-0.8%

22.00

-0.2%

0.2%

-1.6%

-1.6%

20.7%

2.5%

3.8x

0.7x

1.8%

26.1%

35 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC 36 Oando PLC

5.65

4.6%

0.1%

-4.2%

-4.2%

7.1%

0.8%

6.4x

0.6x

4.3%

15.7%

4.73

2.8%

0.0%

7.0%

7.0%

14.5%

2.6%

2.0x

0.3x

37 Wema Bank PLC 38 Sterling Bank PLC

0.87

3.6%

0.2%

20.8%

20.8%

13.7%

0.8%

4.1x

0.5x

4.8%

1.54

-1.9%

0.1%

2.0%

2.0%

10.1%

0.9%

3.3x

0.3x

3.2%

62.50

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.0%

-41.3%

-9.2%

5.38

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

28 NASCON Allied Industries PLC 29 AIICO Insurance PLC 30 TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeri

39 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd 40 Transcorp Hotels Plc

;нϰ͘ϲйͿ͕ E/d, ;нϬ͘ϮйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ DdEE ;нϬ͘ϯйͿ ďƵŽLJĞĚ ƉĞƌͲ ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ǁĂƐ ƚŚĞ ůŽŶĞ ŐĂŝŶͲ

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ

5.2%

5.3%

'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƐŚĞĚ Ϯ͘ϭй ĂŶĚ Ϭ͘ϯй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĚƵĞ ϭ͘Ϯй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ƉƌŽĮƚͲƚĂŬŝŶŐ ŝŶ E ^d> ;Ͳ

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ tĞĂŬĞŶƐ

3.5%

14.7%

7.7%

33 Unilever Nigeria PLC 34 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC

15.0%

10.0%

5.3%

ϰ͘ϯйͿ͘ /Ŷ ƚŚĞ ƐĂŵĞ ǀĞŝŶ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ ϰ͘ϲй /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů Ğƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ĂŶĚ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ͕ ĚŽǁŶ ĂŶĚ

ƟŽŶ ŝŶ E' D ;нϯ͘ϯйͿ͘ Ϭ͘ϭй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘

82.7%

10.0%

7.7%

31 Custodian and Allied Insurance 32 Vitafoam Nigeria PLC

ĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ &ZͲ/ d ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ͕ ƵƉ Ϭ͘Ϯй ĂŶĚ Ğƌ͕ ƵƉ ϭ͘ϴй ĚƌŝǀĞŶ ďLJ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂͲ

-1.5% 35.2%

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

3.7%

26 NEM Insurance PLC 27 Presco PLC

;нϮ͘ϴйͿ ĂŶĚ d ZE ;нϱ͘ϭйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ŐĂŝŶƐ ŝŶ h E ŽīƐ ŝŶ K E K ;ͲϬ͘ϴйͿ͕ E/d, ;ͲϬ͘ϮйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ 'd K ;ͲϬ͘ϮйͿ͘

5.2x

P/BV

3.7%

ǁĂƐ ŵŝdžĞĚ ĂƐ ϯ ŽƵƚ ŽĨ ϲ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ůŽƐƚ͘ >ĞĂĚŝŶŐ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ͕ ƚŚĞ ĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ͕ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ

'ĂƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ϭ͘Ϭй ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƉƌŝĐĞ ƵƉƟĐŬ ŝŶ K E K ŝŶŐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĨĞůů ďLJ Ϭ͘Ϯй ĂŶĚ ϮďƉƐ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůůͲ

P/E

0.0%

ĞĂƌŝƐŚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ǁŝƚŚŝŶ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ͕ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ

Ϭ͘ϰйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ t W K ;Ͳϭ͘ϬйͿ͘ KŶ ƚŚĞ ŽƚŚĞƌ ŚĂŶĚ͕ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ ĂŶĚ D E^ Z ;ͲϮ͘ϮйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ĂŶĚ ĂŶŬͲ

ROA

-1.0%

24 Guinness Nigeria PLC 25 Transnational Corp of Nigeria

ƚŽ ůŽƐƐĞƐ ŝŶ // K ;Ͳϯ͘ϲйͿ͕ D E^ Z ;Ͳϯ͘ϬйͿ͕ E' D ;Ͳ ϵ͘ϭйͿ͕ hE/> s Z ;Ͳϯ͘ϱйͿ͕ >/E< ^^hZ ;Ͳϲ͘ϰйͿ͕

ROE

25.80

22 FCMB Group Plc 23 United Capital PLC

ϳ͘ϴйͿ͕ E/' Z/ E Z t Z/ ^ ;Ͳϱ͘ϮйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ hE/> s Z ;Ͳ ŝŶĚĞdž ƌĞŵĂŝŶĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ dŽƉƉŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ ĂƌĞ ƚŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵͲ

Price Change Index to Date

12.00

DŝdžĞĚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ

ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ƐůŝĚ ϰ͘ϴй ŽŶ ƐĞůůͲŽīƐ ŝŶ E ^d> ;Ͳ ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ĂƐ ϰ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ůŽƐƚ͕ ϭ ŝŶĚĞdž ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ &ZͲ/ d

Previous Price Current Price Change Weighting Change YTD

Current Price

8.1% 0.2%

1.2x

-1.1%

49.1%

2.3x

24.4% 29.9% -20.3%

0.9x 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 T ic k er

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

B UA F OOD S

T ic k er

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

64.35

10.0%

T R A N SC OR P

58.4

0.0%

ET ER N A

5.57

5.1%

B UA F OOD S

51.5

10.0%

UB N

5.65

4.6%

FB NH

16.5

0.0%

WEM A B A N K

0.87

3.6%

GT C O

14.1

-0.2% 0.0%

OA N D O

4.73

2.8%

A C C ESS

13.3

GUIN N ESS

41.00

2.8%

Z EN IT H B A N K

10.9

0.2%

NA HCO

3.73

2.2%

ST A N B IC

10.2

0.0%

J A IZ B A N K

0.60

1.7%

WEM A B A N K

9.6

3.6%

FCM B

3.05

1.7%

J A IZ B A N K

8.1

1.7%

IN T B R EW

4.95

1.0%

J A P A ULGOLD

7.3

0.0%

Ϯϲ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ͘ h &KK ^ ;нϱ͘ϭйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ ϭϱ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ;нϭϬ͘ϬйͿ͕ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ͘ d ZE DZ^ ;нϵ͘ϵйͿ͕ D zͲ 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

h E ůĞĚ ,KEz&>KhZ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ ǁŚŝůĞ D E &/d ;Ͳ < Z ;нϰ͘ϲйͿ ;нϵ͘ϴйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ ;нϵ͘ϴйͿ ůĞĚ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ T ic k er

ϭϬ͘ϬйͿ͕ Z' Z ;Ͳϴ͘ϯйͿ͕ ;Ͳϵ͘ϵйͿ͕ > ^ K ĂŶĚ hW Z /d ;Ͳϴ͘ϭйͿ ǁŚŝůĞ dZ E^ ;Ͳϲ͘ϳйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ >/s Ͳ ůĞĚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞƌƐ͘ ƚŚĞ ůŽƐĞƌƐ͘ ŶĞdžƚ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ͕ ^dK < ;Ͳϰ͘ϴйͿ /Ŷ ůĞĚ WƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ĚĂLJ͕ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ƚŚĂƚ ƚŚĞ ƚŽĚĂLJΖƐ ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁŽƵůĚ ďĞ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ŽŶ ǁĞĂŬͲ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ƚŽ ƌĞŵĂŝŶ ŵŝdžĞĚ͕ ĂƐ ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐƐ ƐĞĂƐŽŶ ĞŶĞĚ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͘ ŐƌĂĚƵĂůůLJ ǁŝŶĚƐ ƵƉ͘

T ic k er

Value

P ric e C hg %

B UA F OOD S

3315.7

10.0%

SEP LA T

596.9

0.8%

-8.1%

ST A N B IC

381.5

0.0%

1435.00

-7.8%

D A N GC EM

381.5

-0.4%

0.46

-6.1%

GT C O

358.2

-0.2%

45.50

-5.2%

N EST LE

294.6

-7.8%

0.20

-4.8%

Z EN IT H B A N K

276.7

0.2%

197.3

0.0%

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

M B EN EF IT

0.27

-10.0%

B ER GER

7.70

-9.9%

UP D C R EIT

3.95

N EST LE UN IT YB N K NB CHA M S N GXGR OUP

20.05

-4.3%

FB NH

UN ILEVER

13.40

-4.3%

A C C ESS

126.7

0.0%

-4.0%

B UA C EM EN T

88.6

0.0%

NP FM CRFB K

1.90

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 12, 2022 • T H I S D AY

45

46

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

FOREIGN DESK

COMPILED BY BAYO AKINLOYE

UN Urges Release of Thousands Detained During Kazakh Protests The UN human rights office is calling for prompt, independent, and impartial investigations into the deadly crackdown

by Kazakhstan authorities on protests that erupted in the country on January 2 over rising fuel prices.

Officials in Kazakhstan say dozens of people have been killed over the past week and that some 9,900 protesters have been arrested and are in detention.

UN human rights spokeswoman Liz Throssell says her agency has not been able to verify an official death toll from the protests.

“What we expect and hope is that, of course, as more information comes to light, that we are able to get more complete and reliable figures…into these killings. And that would include, for example, whether unnecessary and disproportionate use of force was made by the security forces,” she said.

The spokeswoman said it is important that Kazakhstan’s ombudsperson be able to visit places of detention to monitor conditions under which prisoners are held. Regardless of what people have done, she said detainees should be allowed contact with a lawyer.

US Announces $308m in Aid to Afghans The United States announced Tuesday $308 million in new humanitarian aid for Afghanistan.

It came as the United Nations launched a record appeal for the people of Afghanistan, warning that half the country’s population is facing acute hunger.

In a statement, US National Security Council spokesperson Emily Horne said the aid would go directly from the US Agency for International Development to “independent humanitarian organisations.”

USAID said in its own statement Tuesday that the funding would specifically go toward food and nutrition aid, supporting health care facilities and mobile health efforts, making sure aid workers and supplies can reach difficult areas, and programs to help people get through the winter such as shelter kits, heaters, blankets and warm clothing.

“The United States remains committed to helping the people of Afghanistan,” USAID said.

“However, for this assistance to be the most effective, all aid workers, especially women, must be permitted to operate independently and securely and be able to reach women and girls without impediments. The United States continues to urge the Taliban to allow unhindered humanitarian access, safe conditions for humanitarians, independent

provision of assistance to all is independent of man’s will, so we vulnerable people, and freedom leave our options open.” of movement for aid workers of Hong Kong also announced the all genders.” closure of kindergartens and primary schools after infections were reported China Locks Down Third City, in students. Schools are to close by Raising Affected to 20 Million Friday and remain shut until at least A third Chinese city has locked the Lunar New Year holiday in the down its residents because of a first week of February.

COVID-19 outbreak, raising the Hong Kong has tightened pandemicnumber confined to their homes in related restrictions recently after China to about 20 million people. discovering the omicron variant had It was not clear how long the spread beyond people arriving from lockdown of Anyang, home to 5.5 overseas. million people, would last. Mass The lockdown of Anyang followed testing was being enforced, standard the confirmation of two cases of procedure whenever outbreaks popped omicron on Monday, believed to up around the country. be linked to two other cases found Another 13 million people are locked Saturday in Tianjin. It appears to be down in Xi’an and 1.1 million in the first time omicron has spread Yuzhou, with restrictions imposed in mainland China beyond people on the port city of Tianjin, only who arrived from abroad and their about an hour from Beijing, which immediate contacts. is to host the Winter Olympics from According to a city notice shared by February 4. state media, residents are not allowed A games official responsible for to leave their homes, non-essential disease control, Huang Chun, said vehicles are banned from streets, organisers are counting on the and stores have been ordered shut cooperation of athletes and officials except for those selling necessities. to prevent an outbreak that could Xi’an and Yuzhou are battling the affect participation. delta variant, and neither has reported “If the mass cluster transmission any omicron cases. In China’s largest happens, it will impact the games and recent months, about 2,000 people the schedule for sure,” Huang said. have been infected in Xi’an, an ancient “The worst scenario, if it happens, capital home to the Terracotta Warrior

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2022

47

FOREIGN DESK ruins and major computer chips and aerospace companies.

Ex-Top US Commander in Korea Urges Allies to Include China in War Plans When developing a new war plan, the United States and South Korea should consider ways to counter China’s increasingly aggressive stance in Northeast Asia, a former commander of the US Forces Korea (USFK) said.

General Robert Abrams, the commander of the US Forces Korea (USFK) from 2018 to 2021, said in addition to threats from North Korea, Washington and Seoul should develop new operational war plans (OPLANs) that account for military aggression by Beijing, whose presence has “significantly increased” in the region since 2010.

Abrams made his remarks in a televised YouTube interview with VOA’s Korean Service on December 25. He was discussing new strategic planning guidance (SPG) that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and South Korean Minister of Defense Suh Wook had approved for an update at their annual Security Consultative Meeting on December 2.

Nationwide Blackout in Kenya After Electric Line Collapses Kenya experienced a nationwide power outage on Tuesday after a major transmission line collapsed.

Blackouts were reported in many parts of Kenya after the power line fell to the ground in Nairobi.

At least 25 million people had lost power in Nairobi, western and central Kenya, the Rift Valley, and the Nyanza regions.

State-controlled Kenya Power said in a statement that electricity has since been restored to all parts of the country.

Kenya Power blamed the outage on a tower collapse along the KiambereEmbekasi transmission line.

Kenyans depend on Kenya Power, the main electricity provider in the country.

In December, another power line in the town of Suswa collapsed, resulting in power rationing across the country.

In May 2020, a geothermal power plant about 75 kilometres outside Nairobi broke down, leaving much of the country without power for hours.

Families Separated at US Border Fear Extortion Attempts For the 30-year-old Honduran woman, the worst seemed to be over. She’s been reunited with her son, who, as a 6-year-old, was separated from her under the Trump administration. She’s working construction in North Carolina.

And attorneys were negotiating a payment for families like hers that endured separations.

But reports about those negotiations have created a new worry: extortion attempts stemming from the mistaken belief that she received a huge payout.

Her family has already received demands for $5,000 a month.

“Apparently, I am a millionaire now,” said the woman, who, like others interviewed by The Associated Press, spoke on condition of anonymity due to fears for her family’s safety. “I don’t have the money to pay for something like that and I don’t know what to do. I am desperate, really.”

While specific reports are isolated, widespread extortion in Central America

Parliament Fire: South African Faces Terrorism Charge The South African man charged with arson for burning down large parts of the country’s historic parliament buildings has also been charged with terrorism.

Forty-nine-year-old Zandile Christmas Mafe made his second appearance in court Tuesday. He is now facing several charges related to the fire, including terrorism, arson, breaking and entering and theft.

Mafe was arrested shortly after the fire erupted at the parliament buildings in Cape Town in the early hours of January 2.

He was allegedly found with laptops, documents and crockery in his possession. Prosecutors now say he was explains why many seek asylum in the United States in the first place.

Some advocates fear prospects of large payments will fuel many more threats. An attorney for the woman and other families has asked US officials to consider admitting more relatives because of the threats.

It is far from clear whether families will receive any money at all from the US government. Negotiations to settle claims for damages ended amid political outrage over payments erupted following a report in The Wall Street Journal that the Justice Department was considering $450,000 a person to compensate for suffering — or $900,000 for a parent and child.

COVID-19 Hospitalisations Surge in Australia The number of patients in hospitals in the Australian state of Victoria with COVID-19 has risen to its highest level since the pandemic began.

The total number of coronavirus infections across Australia has now passed one million.

Lockdowns and border closures are credited with helping Australia limit the spread of COVID-19. But as the country attempts to ease rules following high vaccination rates, infections have reached record levels.

The most populous state, New South Wales, has reported more

also in possession of an explosive device, hence the additional terrorism charge.

In his first court appearance, his lawyer denied all charges against him.

Mafe has since changed lawyers and is now being represented by the famous Dali Mpofu, who is affiliated with the left-wing Economic Freedom Fighters political party. Mpfou has also been representing the country’s former president Jacob Zuma, who was jailed for contempt of court. Mafe’s bail hearing was postponed till February 11, and he will be detained in a psychiatric institute.

than half a million COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began after a recent surge in infections.

In neighbouring Victoria, infections are also increasing sharply. It has diagnosed 38,000 new cases in the past day. Health officials said Tuesday there are 861 coronavirus patients in hospital — a figure not seen since the pandemic began — and 117 patients are in intensive care.

Most of the reported cases are omicron variant infections, putting the health system under immense strain. Ambulance authorities in Victoria Tuesday issued their second Code Red warning in the space of a week, highlighting extreme demand for paramedic services.

Under new orders coming into force this Thursday, staff in key sectors in Victoria, including health and aged care, must receive a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine before they are allowed to work.

But Victoria state premier Daniel Andrews said that lockdowns and other tougher restrictions are not being considered.

Drone Strike Kills 17 in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region An airstrike in northern Ethiopia’s Tigray region has killed 17 civilians, mainly women, and wounded scores more, according to aid workers.

The strike late Monday near Mai Tsebri town in northwestern Tigray

came the same day US President Joe Biden raised concerns about airstrikes on civilians with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

A report by the local administration said women at a flour-grinding mill made up most of those killed, a source who saw the report told the Associated Press.

Government communications minister Legese Tulu and state minister for the government communications service Kebede Desis did not respond to requests for comment.

Biden on Monday called on the government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, which has ruled Tigray for decades, to end hostilities, begin a national dialogue and open humanitarian access to Tigray.

It’s the second deadly airstrike reported in Tigray in less than a week. On Friday, aid groups said an airstrike on a displaced persons camp near the town of Dedebit, close to the Eritrean border, killed more than 50 people and wounded 138 others.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said 12 of those killed were children and that the airstrike destroyed temporary structures.

The strikes have disrupted aid delivery to Tigray. On Sunday, OCHA said aid partners delivering help in parts of Tigray had stopped operations due to insecurity.

48

WEDNESDAY, ͹ͺ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

FORTY-EIGHT

Oil Prices Jump over 3%, Hit $83.89 Per Barrel Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Oil prices jumped more than 3 per cent yesterday, consistently defying predictions of a surplus supply amid doubts about the ability of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC’s) to respond to an increase in demand.

West Texas International (WTI) was trading up $3.04 (+3.89%) per barrel at $81.46 yesterday evening while Brent crude oil, Nigeria’s benchmark was trading up $2.76 (+3.80%) per barrel at $83.94, the highest level this year.

A day earlier, Omicron fears cast doubt over the short-term oil demand effects, particularly

with China, one of the biggest consumers of Nigeria’s oil, which has a habit of aggressively locking down infected regions to slow the spread of the virus.

However, on Tuesday, the market had swung the other way on reports that OPEC+’s spare capacity will dwindle into the second half of the year as it

gradually increases output targets between now and then at the rate of an additional 400,000 bpd each month.

The inability of OPEC+ to ramp up production as quickly as it has agreed to, is also lending support to crude oil prices which rose roughly 50 per cent last year, compared to 2020.

Buhari Hails Amina Mohammed's Reappointment as United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has rejoiced with the United Nations (UN) Deputy SecretaryGeneral, Amina Mohammed, on her re-appointment for a second term.

In a statement by his Media

Adviser, Femi Adesina, the President assured the Deputy UN Scribe of the prayers and support of Nigerians, especially the Federal Executive Council, where she served for some years.

Buhari also appreciated the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, for the confidence

FG Pays N1.3bn Arrears to 9,066 N-Power Volunteers Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The federal government has commenced the final process of redeeming the N1, 359,900,000 outstanding allowance to 9,066 N-Power Batches A and B volunteers.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Bashir Nura Alkali, in a statement yesterday, said the payment covered the five months arrears to the volunteers.

He said the payment of the remaining 4,955 was withheld pending conclusion of further investigation for having multiple accounts and receiving other payments such as salaries and allowances from multiple federal government Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) on permanent employment, amounting to gross misconduct and corruption in apparent violation of the regulations guiding the N-Power volunteer.

He said accounts of 14,021 volunteers were flagged in March 2020 by the federal government

payment system, the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) to eliminate volunteers suspected of committing the above infraction.

He also revealed that the allowances of the remaining 4,955 volunteers would be subjected to appropriate sanctions as stipulated by the law when further investigation is concluded and clear violations of the agreements are established.

“Contrary to some insinuations in the public domain, this process is a clear demonstration of the Ministry’s resolve to address this unfortunate incidence in a transparent manner for accountability and to forestall its future occurrence.

“As it has consistently maintained, the investigation carried out by the Ministry is in the best interest of the country and has the major goal of institutionalising the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) and ensuring its efficient management in line with Mr. President’s resolve to ensure transparency and accountability in its implementation at all times,” Alkali said.

reposed on the former Minister of the Environment, by giving her another opportunity to serve the global body and humanity, he said further enhances the voice and presence of Nigeria.

The president noted that Mohammed’s dedication to duty had always been exceptional, adding that her interest in improving the livelihood of people, through personal and

nomic operators and stakeholders, “INTELS said.

It added, “The third, and perhaps most important point is that the NPA would receive an immediate benefit of $100 million from the proposed settlement by INTELS, a very substantial amount, as a result of the debt write-off that INTELS is prepared to grant to the NPA if the proposal is accepted.

"To this amount would be added approximately a further $300 million, representing a change in the current contractual debt interest rate of 6.5 per cent to 3 per cent per annum. That is, approximately $20 million per year for the 15 years set out in the settlement proposal.

“At this point the question arises, who takes responsibility at whichever level to waive an economic benefit of such magnitude that would provide an enormous boost to the NPA's budget and resolve years-long dispute with costs and expenses that could be allocated to other initiatives? It remains to be seen whether common sense and the country's interests will prevail in this case as well.”

THISDAY had exclusively reported yesterday that President Muhammadu Buhari had upon receiving communication from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Director General Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), and Acting Director-General, Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC), who unanimously advised the president against the

While the target is to produce about 1.86 million barrels daily by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, poor upstream infrastructure, long term waning investment and the impact of the OPEC induced shutdowns last year, have combined to hobble the number of barrels pumped

by Nigeria.

Promises by the Minister of State, Mr. Timipre Sylva and the NNPC Group Managing Director, Mallam Mele Kyari, that the country would hit between 1.7 million barrels per day and 1.8 million barrels per day by the end of 2021 remained largely unrealised.

On the dollar front, the dollar weakened in part because traders were wary of December inflation data that is set to be released today (Wednesday), and in part due to anticipated interest rate hikes by the federal reserve.

Nigeria has been losing the desperately needed foreign exchange to under-production and its intractable payments for petrol subsidy.

FG will Prioritise Completion of Ongoing Power Projects, Says Aliyu Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Minister of Power, Mr. Abubakar Aliyu, yesterday said that the priority of the current administration is to complete all ongoing projects across the country.

Aliyu noted that the federal government’s investment in the country’s power sector was yielding results with improvement in grid stability, significantly reducing the frequency of power systems collapse.

Speaking in Markudi, Benue state, when he paid a visit to Governor Samuel Ortom, as part of his working visit to inspect ongoing power projects in the state, Aliyu noted that the federal government was already constructing a 40-megawatt (MW) electricity plant from Kashimbila, Taraba to Yandev in Benue.

“The project is in two phases; phase one is from Kashimbila to Yandev, and phase two is

INTELS RESPONDS TO FG, SAYS PROCESS OF AWARDING PILOTAGE CONTRACT NOT CLOSED According to the statement, “The reasons for this position are based on three fundamental points: the first is that INTELS is relying on a freezing order issued by the Federal High Court, which confirmed the continuity of operations of the pilotage activity even after the date of 8 August 2020, based on the clear wording of the agreement between the parties. It is also the subject of a pending arbitration.

“This continuation is in the best interest of the country, the NPA and the managed clientele, especially given the ability of INTELS to oversee the pilotage districts/ revenue centres for the NPA, thus guaranteeing the certainty of monitoring all the movements generated. This has resulted in a significant and constant financial benefit for the NPA.” The second point, the statement added, was about the debt ratio between IINTELS/affiliate and the NPA. “As is well known, INTELS/ affiliate is owed over $700 million by the NPA, the repayment of which is guaranteed by the pilotage agreement through a mechanism of repayment of part of the revenues received by INTELS as agent and paid to the NPA. “This mechanism has worked perfectly well even after August 2020 and therefore it is not clear why it should be discontinued, to the benefit of other competitors that have no claim on the NPA, placing the NPA itself in a state of default that is difficult to sustain before international markets, eco-

institutional efforts, continues to stand her out, affirming that the UN Deputy Secretary-General remains an inspiration to many women in Nigeria, Africa and the global community.

He, therefore, joined family, friends and associates of the diplomat in celebrating the re-appointment, wishing her all the best on the next rung of the leadership ladder.

While the larger OPEC+ group has agreed to increase output at 400,000 bpd, it has been unable to achieve this volume in any month.

For December, the smaller OPEC group managed to increase output by just 70,000 bpd up from November, quite shy of the 253,000 bpd that was its share of the 400,000 bpd hike that OPEC+ agreed to.

OPEC+ has agreed to increase another 400,000 bpd in February, but as OPEC+ increases production each month to varying degrees, its excess capacity dwindles, diminishing OPEC’s ability to respond to increased demand.

Nigeria and Angola are the biggest culprits in Africa, having consistently failed for months to meet its OPEC allocation. There are also production challenges in Libya which has been embroiled in some turmoil.

While Nigeria’s quota for February remains at 1.701 barrels per day, it has in the last few months struggled to produce roughly between 1.250 million barrels per day and 1.3 million barrels per day.

restoration of the contract, reversed his January 2021 directive to restore the contract.

The president, in a letter addressed to the AGF and the Minister of Transportation, with reference number: SH/ COS/23/A/229, dated January 7, 2022, and singed by the Chief of Staff (COS) to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, seen by THISDAY, had directed that the procurement process initiated by the procuring entity, NPA, that was submitted to the Federal Ministry of Transportation be forwarded immediately to the BPP for action.

The COS in the letter had stated: “The president has also directed that upon receipt of the No-objection approval from the BPP, a memorandum be presented by the Ministry of Transportation to the Federal Executive Council for consideration, that the Ministry of Transportation should ensure that the process is concluded within 60 days of the president’s directive to avoid further loss of revenue by the federal government.

“That NPA should ensure that the sanctity of the agreements with respect to Onne 4 (Berths 9, 10 & 11) be maintained, as there is no subsisting contract with INTELS for their utilisation.”

Buhari had also directed the AGF to ensure quick determination of the cases in court in view of their economic importance, stressing that the above set of directives prior approval dated January 22, 2021 granted on the matter.

from Yandev to Makurdi,” a statement from the minister’s office quoted his to have said.

Aliyu listed part of phase two of the project to include the construction of a 2 by 60 MVA, 132/33KV substation at Ugba and the construction of a 2 by 7.5MVA, 33/11KV substation (switching station) at Zaki Biam.

He stated that other ongoing projects are the two by 7.5MVA, 33/11KV substation (switching station) at Buruku, construction of 2 by7.5MVA, 33/11KV substation at Anyii and a 22.5km 33kV DC line from Ugba to Zaki Biam.

According to him, there’s also an ongoing construction of a 19.1km 33kV DC line from Ugba to Buruku as well as the

36.5km/33kV DC line from Ugba to Anyii.

Aliyu said phase one of the project had been completed while phase two would be completed within six months, adding that his visit to Benue state was part of efforts to ensure timely completion of the remaining part of the projects.

“Power is one of the areas that the federal government is giving much attention to. President Muhammdu Buhari’s emphasis on infrastructure include the power component that will bring stability of electricity in Nigeria,” the minister added.

Responding, Ortom stated that the visit afforded him a better opportunity to know what is going on in the power sector.

“I am delighted by what the federal ministry of power is doing in Benue state and the visit of the minister and his team shows rare commitment to Benue state. I am now more educated about what the federal government is doing to improve electricity,” Ortom said.

The governor also said his government was ready to support the federal government’s investment in electricity in the state and called for more cooperation between all tiers of government for the development of the power sector.

The minister and his team later visited the power station at Yandev and were conducted round the facility by officials handling the project.

Our Database was Never Breached, Says NIMC Emma Okonji in Lagos and Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has assured the Nigerian public that its database was not at any time breached.

In a statement yesterday, NIMC's Head, Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke denied any breach to its servers, adding that they were fully optimised at the highest international security levels as the custodian of the most important national database for Nigeria.

Information circulating on social media revealed that hackers had breached NIMC servers with ease and were able to access personal information of millions of Nigerians and also had access to sensitive data belonging to Nigerians.

According to the statement, “The Director-General of NIMC, Aliyu Aziz said as the custodian of the foundational identity database for Africa’s most populous nation, NIMC has gone to great lengths to ensure the nation’s database is adequately secured and protected especially given the spate of cyber-attacks on networks across the world.

“Over the years, through painstaking efforts, NIMC has built a robust and credible system for Nigeria’s identity database.

The Commission and its infrastructure are certified to the ISO 27001:2013 Information Security

Management System Standard which are revalidated annually.”

NIMC said it had ensured maximum security of its systems and database because of the critical nature of the identity data which the Commission collects, manages and maintains as critical assets for the country.

The Commission assured members of the public that it would continue to uphold the highest ethical standards in data security on behalf of the federal government and ensure compliance with data protection and privacy regulations.

The Commission, “does not use nor store information on the AWS cloud platform or any public cloud despite the usefulness of the NIMC Mobile App available to the public for accessing their NIN on the go,” the statement further said.

The NIMC DG further stated that the NIMC MobileID application has no database within the app, nor does it store information in flat files.

The Commission had made this app available to members of the public to reduce and eliminate any delay or challenge(s) in accessing one’s NIN. “The public should be aware that the possession of a NIN slip does not amount to access to the National Identity Database, but that the NIN slip is just a physical assertion of a person's identity.

“Under the data protection regulations, no licensed partner/ vendor is authorised to scan and

store copies of individuals NIN slips but rather authenticate the NIN using the approved and authorised verification platforms/ channels provided,” it stated.

As part of its policies to protect personally identifiable information stored in the National Identity Database, the public may recall that the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy through NIMC launched the Tokenisation features of the NIN verification service. This solution is to safeguard the personal data of individuals and ensure continuous user rights and privacy.

In compliance with the mandatory use of NIN for government services, the Commission also hailed the concerted efforts of several agencies such as the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Immigration Services, Pension Commission (PenCom), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Correctional Service, the Nigeria Customs, and a host of others, who had streamlined their services in line with the use of National Identification Number (NIN) as the valid means of identification, the statement said.

Aziz appealed to all stakeholders to embrace the identity, enrol and receive their NINs, adding that the federal government’s efforts in providing security and economic solace for all Nigerians will be enhanced when the entire population is enrolled into the national identity database.

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WIKE LANDS IN IBADAN...

L-R: Former Governor of Rivers State, Celestine Omehia; Governor, Nyesom Wike; Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and former Deputy Speaker, House of Representative, Hon Chibudom Nwuche, during a courtesy visit to Oyo Governor's Office, Secretariat, Ibadan...yesterday PHOTO: Oyo State Government.

2023: Reactions Greet Tinubu’s Declaration for Presidential Race PDP dismisses ambition as bound to fail We’re not intimidated, says

Osinbajo’s group Tinubu Support Group: We're ready to match other contestants Chuks Okocha, Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Gabriel Emamah in Abuja Reactions have continued to greet Monday’s declaration by one of the national leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2023 presidential election.

Addressing the State House correspondents on Monday after meeting with the president, the former Lagos State governor, described as a “lifelong ambition”, his desire to be president of Nigeria, saying he had informed Buhari about his intention to succeed him.

However, reacting to Tinubu’s declaration, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, said it was not worried about his presidential aspiration, because he was on a “journey bound to nowhere.”

Also, a group campaigning for Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, the Progressive Project (TPP), said Tinubu’s declaration would not in any way affect its plans to push for Osinbajo's declaration and his subsequent emergence as APC's presidential standard bearer.

Yet, a former member of the House of Representatives and Director General of the Tinubu Support Group Management Council, Hon. Abdulmuminu Jibrin, has said Tinubu was in the presidential race to compete with others.

Speaking with THISDAY in Abuja last night, the National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Debo Ologunagba, advised Tinubu to first fix the APC as a political party before plotting to achieve his lifelong dream of being the president "Tinubu should bear in mind

2023: Osinbajo Better Equipped Than Other Presidential Aspirants Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Organised Private Sector for Osinbajo (OPS 4 Osinbajo) has said Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was better intellectually equipped than any current presidential aspirant for the task of leading the country.

The group’s spokesman, Mr. Abdulrahman Farouk, stated this on Monday in Abuja during a visit to The Progressive Project (TPP) office.

The TPP, the umbrella group of all Osinbajo's support groups, quoted Farouk in a statement yesterday as saying Osinbajo’s candidature offered much hope for citizens, who had high expectations about job creation, increased earnings and growth.

He stated: “Even though an aspirant has informed Muhammadu Buhari about his 2023 ambition, the most credible option still appears to be Vice

President Yemi Osinbajo and for the organised Private Sector as well as the citizenry, Osinbajo offers much fertile ground for hope to rapidly germinate.

"With Osinbajo, Nigeria's organised private sector, has much basis for optimism about post-2023 economic activities.”

The group pointed out that rather than mere sentiments, Nigerians must carefully weigh the past and current potentials of various candidates towards using their voter’s card responsibly in the 2023 election.

Farouk noted that the idealistic and patriotic pursuit of various economic policies led by Osinbajo spoke volumes about future potentials for people-focused policies, adding that under his supervision, Nigeria’s social investment programmes had been ranked internationally but much more good news would unfold when fully in the saddle by 2023.

that the APC had promised a change to Nigerians, but upon winning the elections, it changed its promise. This should be a source of worry to him.

"He should be worried that his party, the APC, is not a political party, but a Special Purpose Vehicle – hurriedly put in place with groups of irreconcilable differences. The APC, upon which he is embarking on his presidential journey, is a party unknown to in law as a political party.

“The APC has no working committee, it has no Board of Trustees, and it has no National Executive Committee - except for a committee unknown to in law, headed by one whose leadership is illegal – to both the Nigerian constitution and the party. As a journey bound to nowhere, the APC is nebulous,” he said.

The opposition party, therefore, described APC as an illegal contraption that had brought series of problems to Nigerians – ranging from collapse of the economy and insecurity.

The PDP added: "The vehicle that is leading him to nowhere is rudderless. APC is like a party without engine or put susceptibly, a vehicle without engine. Nigerians are not ready for such a directionless journey.

My plea to Nigerians is for us to be patient till 2023 to use our votes to make a desirable change

"So, for us in the PDP, if you cannot fix the vehicle, you cannot fix a country that your party has destroyed. His aspiration is dead on arrival and it is bound to nowhere. We are not worried."

Osinbajo’s group, the TPP, said that its teaming members were not intimidated by Tinubu’s ambition, calling on the ruling party to provide a level playing ground for all interested parties to contest its primary.

Spokesperson for the group, Mr. Olajide Michael, said Tinubu's declaration neither took them by surprise nor would it make them lose focus.

Olajide said although they expected more aspirants to throw their hats into the ring in the next few months, Osinbajo would always come out first in every contest.

"Osinbajo is a man of his own.

Most of the people involved in the movement have never even had contact with him. I can assure you of that. It is a mass movement based on the genuine intention

by Nigerians, who believe that this country deserves someone with the pedigree and quality of Osinbajo’s intellectual capacity, honesty, trust and the fact the he had demonstrated competence during the period he was acting president.

"As progressives and people who believe in democracy and

the progressive ideas Osinbajo stands for, it would be wrong to advocate that other people should not contest for same position.

"In fact, what we want is for as many people as possible to come out so that the APC should have a rich array of people to choose from. The coming out of an aspirant does not in any way distracts our confidence in Osinbajo,” the group explained.

But amid different reactions to Tinubu’s presidential ambition, a former member of House of Representatives and Director General of the Tinubu Support Group Management Council, Jibrin, has said the former Lagos State governor was in the race to compete with others Jibrin, who was a guest on the Arise Television News Morning Show, said Tinubu was way ahead of other contestants in terms of popularity.

His words: "There are other candidates. We are not campaigning that they should not contest; they should come out, after all, we are one; and after the primaries, we are coming together as one.

So, we are fine with everyone.

We are ready to face everyone vote for vote".

When asked to back his claim of overwhelming support for Tinubu with empirical facts, the ex-lawmaker said, "Yes, I said that everywhere you go, especially, in

the northern part of the country, it's Asiwaju and I am able to see that. I am not a politician, who sits in Abuja.

“I am a proper grassroots politician, so I go to the grassroots, not only in my own state but all over the northern part of the country. I hold gatherings with over 5000 persons in attendance.

I have also been in this game for a while, so, I have contact of the people who are going to vote.”

On what would be the reaction of Tinubu if others like Osinbajo, Mr. Babatunde Fashola and Governor Kayode Fayemi declared to vie for the presidency too, Jibrin said Tinubu had been able handle similar situations in the past comfortably.

"Tinubu is an experienced politician. He will look at everybody and see how everybody is going to be involved. I have no doubt that he will carry everybody along," he said.

On Tinubu’s chances over Osinbajo, should he decide to be in the race, Jibrin said though he would not want to predict Tinubu's reaction, his camp has no issues against the vice president and his capacity as an individual, adding that most people believe that Osinbajo, was eminently qualified to contest for president.

He, however, said Tinubu was way ahead of Osinbajo based on every known parameter.

FG Tasks Police Divisions on Compliance with ACJA Law Alex Enumah in Abuja The Federal Ministry of Justice and the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) has commenced mass sensitisation campaign to Police Divisional Offices in the country, on the need to comply with the provisions of the Administration of Justice Act, (ACJA) 2015.

The campaign led by Secretary of the monitoring committee, Mr. Sulaiman Dawodu, paid visit to six different Divisional Police Offices in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), were copies of the ACJA,

2015 as well as sleeping materials were distributed.

Dawodu, in his remarks during the visits observed that the goals of the ACJA, would only be realised when it was well understood and implemented by relevant stakeholders, adding that the police play a crucial role in justice dispensation in the country.

According to the secretary, "ACJA provides minimum standards that the Police must comply with in handling suspects and detainees in custody."

Apart from ensuring a good, conducive environment for the

investigation of suspects and detainees, Dawodu stressed that Police Divisions are "expected to ensure that no detainee sleeps on the floor."

While noting that the law on one hand presumed a suspect innocent until proven otherwise hence suspects should be treated as humans, Dawodu, added that the nature of treatment given to detainees would go a long way in determining their level of cooperation or violence.

He expressed hope that the copies of the ACJA Law would be useful especially to the Divisional

Officers and others in the Division while handling suspects and detainees in their custody.

Responding, the various DPOs, thanked the ACJMC for the visit and the gift items, adding that, "it will go a long way in assisting us to know the new law and put them into consideration in the process of investigation".

They also commended the committee for providing sleeping materials for detainees in custody, adding that it would further improve the welfare of those in custody and in turn enhance the work of the Police.

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MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE COUNCIL OF NIGERIA...

L-R: National Coordinator, National TB Control Program Abuja, Dr. Chukwuma Anyeike; Minister of State for Health, Dr. Adeleke Mamora; Board Chairman, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN, Prof. Mohammed Gwazo; Registrar, MLSCN, Dr. Tosan Erhabor; Principal, National TB Training Centre, Zaria, Dr. Labaran Shehu; and Laboratory Manager, National TB Reference Lab, PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN Zaria, Dr. Ishaku Ahmadu, during the National Conference of MLSCN in Abuja ... yesterday

Orji Kalu Asks Court to Strike Out Name from Alleged N7.1bn Fraud Suit Alex Enumah in Abuja Senator Orji Kalu, has asked a Federal High Court, Abuja, to strike out his name from the N7.1billion fraud charge filed against him and two others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Kalu's request was predicated on a judgment delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo, last year, stopping his trial in the same charge wherein he was tried, convicted and jailed.

He also sought from the court an order compelling the EFCC to remove restrictions placed on his company's bank account.

The EFCC based on the judgment of the Supreme Court had sought to rearraign kalu, his company and one Jones Udeogu, who was Commissioner of Finance, when Kalu was Abia State governor.

However, the former governor urged the court to remove his name from the charges based on an earlier judgment, which barred the anti-graft agency from retrying him on the alleged offence.

Kalu, who is the Chief Whip of the Senate representing Abia North senatorial district, submitted that having been freed, it behooved him to apply to the court to formally strike out his name and Slok from the charge sheet.

Meanwhile, the scheduled re-arraignment of Udeogu, whom the court had ordered his retrial as well as hearing of all pending applications could not go on.

Slok's counsel, Chief Chris Uche, SAN and Kalu's lawyer had informed the court that EFCC's counsel, Rotimi Jacob, SAN, served his response to their application, which they served

on him since October 2021, on Monday January 10, 2022.

Though Ikoro and Uche expressed dismay over the way

the EFCC lawyer decided to wait to serve his counter affidavit on Monday night, said they needed time to reply.

In view of the developments, the trial judge, Ekwo adjourned with the consensus of parties to March 10, for hearing of

PDP Charges Security Agencies to Invite APC Leaders for Questioning over Terrorism Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, charged security agencies to immediately invite leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for questioning over their alleged connections with terrorists.

PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the demand was due to the federal government’s declaration of bandits pillaging various parts

of the country as terrorists, saying the security agencies should commence investigation on APC leaders, for reportedly importing terrorist elements into the country as well as condoning their atrocious activities against Nigerians.

"Our Party urges the security agencies to investigate the confession by a former top APC member that APC leaders imported terrorist elements as political mercenaries in 2015 to help the APC muscle and rig

the elections.

"The security agencies should investigate allegations that these terrorists resorted to unleashing violence on our citizens, because the APC and its leaders failed to honour their deal to pay the said mercenaries for the heinous ‘services’ they were contracted to provide against the Nigerian people by the APC. "Nigerians are invited to note how the APC and its leaders have not been forceful in condemning acts of terrorism in our country

Ekiti 2022: Direct Primary Best Option for APC, Adeyeye Insists Rallies party members for Tinubu's presidency Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti A former Minister of Works and National Chairman, Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2023 presidential ambition (SWAGA), Senator Dayo Adeyeye, has said theGovernor Mai Mala Buniled Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress must adopt direct primary to elect the governorship candidate for the 2022 governorship election in Ekiti State.

The former minister, said it would be a fatal mistake for APC to allow unpopular individual to be imposed on them during the January 27 primary, meant to elect the candidate that would fly the party's flag.

Adeyeye also submitted that

the Ekiti State chapter of the APC and the people of the state in general would back Tinubu's presidential aspiration, describing him as the best man to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari .

Adeyeye said this in Ado Ekiti yesterday while declaring his intention to vie for Ekiti governorship on the platform of APC. Before addressing supporters at the Prince Adedayo Adeyeye Movement office in Ado Ekiti , he had held a rally with large crowd of supporters, who marched from Adebayo area of the capital city via Ijigbo to Ajilosun, where his office was located.

He posited that the best way to democratise the APC

Kalu and Slok's applications as well as EFCC's motion on notice seeking transfer of the matter to Lagos.

primary and make the outcome acceptable in Ekiti, was by adopting direct primary, so that the party could get a popular candidate to face the opposition.

"APC must win this election, they must pick someone that is popular. You can see for yourselves that people are with us. In 2018, we told some arrogant people that they won't have their way through imposition and it happened. It is obvious that only a popular candidate can win for APC in this election.

"The national leaders of our great party must return this party to the people. Let the national leaders adopt direct primary to elect the candidate for Ekiti poll, if truly we want to get a popular candidate. Let us

return power to the people. With popular participation, people themselves would decide the candidate in the interest of justice, equity and fair-play.

All the aspirants must go for direct primary.

"I still believe that if the process is credible and a popular candidate is elected, we will all support the person. But if you go to your closet to bring out a candidate, that would not work.

Primaries should be democratic.

What is difficult in conducting direct primary if truly you are open and popular? The party must go on the side of the people," he said.

Adeyeye, however, said Tinubu’s presidential ambition would bring goodness to Ekiti, especially, if Ekiti people also

elected him to govern the state after clinching the APC's ticket.

"Our prayers is that Asiwaju Tinubu will be President and that you will make me the governor of Ekiti State. If this should happen, Ekiti will be better for it. With Tinubu and Adeyeye, it is more goodness for Ekiti.

"Your time has come. We know our governor has not been fraternising with you. He has not been making himself accessible, but if you elect me, I will dine and wine with you.

With me as your governor, no room for Poverty in Ekiti again, we will work hard to end it.

Go and make up your mind and vote for me during the primary, you will not regret it," he said..

over the years. Instead, some APC leaders had turned advocates of terrorism. This is in addition to reports of how APC leaders have been funneling public funds to these terrorist elements under the guise of negotiations," the PDP stated.

The opposition party said the APC administration has continued to accommodate a self-confessed terrorism apologist in the federal cabinet despite outcry by Nigerians, adding that,"It has also failed to adequately seek or accept assistance from foreign nations to forcefully track and plug sources of funding for terrorism in our country. This suggest either that the APC government is unable, unwilling and or complicit in the fight against terrorism."

The PDP, therefore, urged security agencies to immediately commence investigations to further unravel the activities of terrorists as well as expose and prosecute APC leaders found culpable.

"Our party calls on Nigerians, particularly, the victims of acts of terrorism to hold the APC and its leaders directly responsible for their woes, trauma and the bloodletting that have befallen our dear nation in the last six years," it said.

The PDP maintained that it stood with Nigerians and insisted that the APC, with its sympathy for terrorism and incompetence in governance must not be allowed to stay in office beyond May 29, 2023, as such would spell doom for the nation.

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NEWS

Major Shake-up as Army Redeploys GOCs, Senior Officers Maj Gen OJ Akpor appointed new defence spokesman Kingsley Nwezeh inAbuja The Nigerian Army yesterday announced the redeployment of General Officers Commanding (GOCs) and senior officers to various commands and positions.

A statement signed by Army Spokesman, Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya, approved the posting and appointment of the senior officers. It said the changes were designed to rejig and reinvigorate the Nigerian Army.

Those affected in the reshufflement include General Officers Commanding and other senior officers.

Those redeployed in the current posting are: Major General GA Umelo from Defence Simulation Centre to Defence Headquarters (Defence Research and Development Bureau) and appointed Director General, Major General V Ebhaleme is to remain in Defence Space Administration and appointed Director Support Services, Major General GB Audu from Defence Administration to Nigerian Army Resource Centre and appointed Senior Research Fellow.

Others are Major General SE Udounwa from Army War College

Nigeria to the newly established Army Headquarters Department of Special Services and Programmes and appointed Chief of Special Services/ Programmes (Army); Major General MT Durowaiye

from Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans to Army Headquarters Department of Administration (Army) and appointed Director, Veteran Affairs Directorate; Major General AE

Attu from Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans to Defence Training and Operations and appointed Director, Peace Keeping Operations; Major General UT Musa from Department of Administration

(Army) to Headquarters 81 Division and appointed General Officer Commanding; Major General CU Onwunle from Directorate of Automated Data Processing to Defence Headquarters (Department

of Communications) and appointed Director of Communications; Major General OO Oluyede from Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans to Headquarters 6 Division

BIDDING OCHENDO FAREWELL...

L-R: Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, the National Vice Chairman (South-east), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Ali Odefa, and Chancellor/Proprietor, Coal City University, Enugu, Sir Chinedu Ani, during the funeral rites for Ani’s father, late Chief Basil Ikechukwu Ani, at Ukana, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State… yesterday

Abe Seeks Solution to Abducted Retired Customs Officer Political Parties’ Internal Regains Freedom in Kwara Democracy Challenges Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The former representative of Rivers South-East Senatorial District in National Assembly, Senator Magnus Abe has commended the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, for his bold step in declaring his presidential ambition for 2023.

This as the former senator has noted the need for solution to the challenges facing the internal democracy in political parties in the country.

Speaking during a chat with journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday, Abe described Tinubu as eminently qualified

for the presidential position he plans to contest for come 2023 general election.

He said: “Nigerians should listen to him (Tinubu), as they listen to other candidates who indicate interest to run 2023 presidential election, it is a sign that All Progressive Congress can forge the direction for the country and sustain many achievements of President Buhari.

“The President has changed templates of things in this country in terms of economy and if given time to mature Nigerians will reap the benefits from some of his policies and I think that Bola Tinubu will sustain those benefits and add more,” Abe said.

Minister Blames Collapse of Transmission, Distribution Lines on Low Power Generation George Okoh In Makurdi The Minister for Power, Mr. Abubakar Aliyu, has blamed the poor power generation and distribution in the country on continuous collapse of transmission and distribution lines.

Aliyu said this yesterday in Makurdi during a courtesy call on the Governor of Benue State, Mr. Samuel Ortom.

He assured that federal government is working assiduously to boost power generation and transmission.

He explained that at the moment the country has an installed capacity of 13,000 but have evacuated only 5,000 megawatt with the National Gird located in Osogbo, Osun State.

“Power is one area that has been receiving attention of this government. Know that government owns 40 percent of the distribution. The national grid is controlled from Osogbo and must receive enough energy to transmit power.

“Government has set out to rehabilitate the transmission grid.

We are beginning to see result.

Our national transmission has not increase from 5,000 megawatt but it has not dropped. We use to have more than 15 to 17 system collapse in the past but only experienced two (2) in 2021.

“We will see increase this year 2022. It is a year of delivery. The Yandev to Makurdi transmission line will be completed within 6 months,” he assured.

A retired Deputy Contrompler General of Nigeria Customs, Mr. Zarma M. B, who was kidnapped at his farm in Oke Jia, around Egbejila in Asa Local Government Council Area of Kwara State last week Thursday has regained freedom from his abductors.

THISDAY checks revealed that the retired senior customs officer was said to have been released by his abductors after the family paid ransom for his release.

The retired senior customs officer was abducted at his farm by seven suspected abductors who stormed his farm with AK47 and shoot sporadically before he was taken away

through the bush linked to Ogele village, Pampo village, Arowosaye village and the main tarred road linked to Afon village in Asa LGA of the state.

During the incident it was learnt that, his car was riddled with bullets.

The two security details of the retired senior custom officer

were arrested and detained at the state police command for interrogation.

Since then, the security agencies in the state have swung into action so as to free the retired senior custom officer.

However, on Monday around 6pm, reprieve came to the retired senior custom officer as his abductors released him.

Nigerians Waiting for PDP to Take over from APC, Says Makinde Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, yesterday said Nigerians are waiting for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to take over from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023.

This is just as he charged politicians to always seek power for the betterment of the nation, explaining that the

unity of the PDP should be paramount to all its members.

Makinde stated this while receiving the governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike and his entourage, who came on a condolence visit to the state over the demise of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji.

He said: “I want to welcome you all to Ibadan and thank you for identifying with us at

this hour of our need and for deeming it fit to come down from your state. Let me also thank you, Governor Wike, for the recognition of the work we have done for the National Convention. But I make bold to say that even though we were the faces people were looking at, you provided a lot of support for us behind the scene. So, I want to thank and encourage you because

leadership is a burden.

“You have shown leadership in piloting the affairs of Rivers State. You have shown leadership nationally and in pushing for what is right and just in the affairs of the party.

We can only pray for more strength and good health so that you will continue to render your service, at least, till the end of your tenure in Rivers State.

Niger Gov Backs North Central Zone for APC National Chairman Laleye Dipo in Minna

Ahead of the All Progressives Congress ( APC) National Convention where national officers of the ruling party will be elected, Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has made a strong case for the North-central geo-

political zone to be given the chairmanship of the party.

Bello said in Minna on Monday that the zone deserves the position because it has been marginalised in the scheme of things in the sharing of political positions since democracy began in the country despite block votes given to political parties

Receiving a delegation of the Senator George Akume Contact Team, which was at the government house to lobby the state for the Chairmanship of the party in the convention Alhaji Bello said: “It is welldeserved that the North-central Geo- political zone should get a fair bargain in the political

arrangement of the nation “ I feel the North-central has not been fairly treated, politically we have been abandoned we are neither here nor there in political calculations we are hardly noticed even though the zone has always delivered block votes during elections”

Ayade Promises Salary Increase for Judges Bassey Inyang inCalabar The Governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade, has promised that his administration will increase the salary of judges and other judicial officers in the state by March this year.

Ayade made the promise yesterday where he swore in the President of the State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Walter Eneji,

four new high court judges, and four new judges of the customary court.

Speaking during the event, Ayade decried the poor salary structure of judges in the country, vowing that despite the lean financial resources, Cross River will be the torchbearer in raising the standard of living of judges by reviewing their salaries.

The governor said he would meet with the state House of

Assembly to ensure the new salary structure for judges takes effect by the first of March.

“This is a very clear statement that will charge the whole federation to look into the issue of the salary of judges. From the 1st of March, the salary of our judicial officers in Cross River State will be changed for good. We will increase your salaries so that other states can know that Cross River, which is

number 35 out of 36 states in terms of federal allocation can increase the salary of judges. If Cross River State can increase the salary of judges which state will not increase? It is a way to compel them to increase the salary of judges because it is sad that you put a man in such a sensitive position and expose him to temptation by leaving him on the same salary scale for 13 years,” he said.

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Katsina Artisanal Miners Deny Alleged Killing of Members by Military Francis Sardauna in Katsina

Katsina State artisanal miners has refuted claims that troops of the Nigerian Army killed seven of their members in Magaman-Jibia, Jibia Local Government Area of the state.

The Chairman of the artisanal miners, Magaman branch, Tasi’u Abdullahi, debunked the allegation yesterday, in an interview with journalists at the gold processing site in Jibia.

An online newspaper had reported that two soldiers and seven illegal miners were killed during a gun duel, arising from a disagreement over gold nuggets in the area.

But Abdullahi, during the media chat, explained that it was terrorists that attacked the local miners and killed two of

them on the spot, leaving five others with varying degree of injuries.

He said: “It is not true.

Troops of the Nigerian Army didn’t kill seven of our members. In fact, there were no skirmishes between my members and the Nigerian soldiers. How can we fight people who are protecting our lives and property?

“What we know is that last week Thursday, at about 9pm, some terrorists attacked this place. They shot two of our members in the stomach and they died on the spot. They also burnt our tents and injured five people who are receiving treatment in the hospital.”

He added: “We don’t even have military personnel here.

We work with police and vigilantes who come here in

their Hilux for their routine patrols for the past 45 days.”

He, however, admonished the federal and state governments to beef up security in the gold processing site in order to

protect the lives and property of the 800 local miners operating at the site.

Another miner, Salisu Kamilu, urged the state government and the Nigerian

Army to disregard what he termed baseless allegation and calculated attempt by mischief makers to truncate their mining activities.

“We therefore called on

the government and the Nigerian Army to disregard the unfounded allegation and allow us to continue to carry out our mining activities,” he added.

Sacked Lecturers Accuse FUOYE Management of Flouting Court Orders Wale Igbintade

Two lecturers at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Dr. Akinyemi Omonijo and Professor Adeyemi Oluwagbemiga have accused management of the University of flagrant disobedience to valid court orders.

According to the lecturers, the management of the University refused to obey two separate judgements of the National

Industrial Court, sitting in Akure and Abuja respectively that ordered their immediate reinstatement In the case of Omonijo, the current Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU of the University, was placed on an indefinite suspension by the University in 2019, via two separate letters dated February 14 and 15, 2019, signed by the then Acting Registrar of the institution,

Mrs. Olayinka Adeniran-Ajayi.

Aggrieved, Omonijo through his lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN in suit number NICN/ AK/21/2019 filed before the National Industrial Court, Akure Division, urged the court to declare his indefinite suspension without pay illegal, unconstitutional, and a violation of the provisions of the Trade Union Act. However, during the pendency

of the suit, both parties reached an amicable settlement of their disputes and requested that judgment of the court be entered based on the agreement.

Consequently, Justice Kiyersohot Damulak, in a consent judgement set aside Dr. Omonijo’s suspension and ordered the University to reinstate him to his status as Senior Lecturer and to pay his salaries, allowances, and entitlements from February 2019.

10 Die as Building Kano to Establish Oxygen Plant Collapses in Delta Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

About 10 people have reportedly died after a building housing the Salvation Ministry, Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State, collapsed yesterday.

The building reportedly collapsed at about 5:55pm during evening service. It was gathered about eight persons were rescued unhurt, while four persons have been rushed to the Asaba Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

As at the time of filing this report, Secretary to the

State Government, SSG, Chief Patrick Ukah, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Ononye Mordi, team of Red Cross officers, and fire fighters were on ground on a rescue mission.

Also, as at the time of filing this report, worshippers, family members and sympathizers were crying as efforts were on to rescue other victims.

It was learnt that the building was being used for the first time for service yesterday when it crumbled.

The Kano State government, in conjunction with some development partners, will establish an oxygen plant in the state. The Director-General of Hospitals Management Board, Dr Nasiru Alhassan Kabo, stated this while declaring open a 4-Day Refresher Training for Biomedical Engineers, Technicians and Health Maintenance Officers of secondary health facilities, held at Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu Pediatric Hospital conference hall.

This was contained in a

Bauchi Debunks Report of Fresh Outbreak of Wild Polio Virus

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Bauchi State Government has debunked media reports going round that the state has recorded 38 new cases of wild polio virus.

The Chairman of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (BSPHCDA), Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, who spoke during a press briefing yesterday, said the report was a misrepresentation of his speech during the flagging-off of the 2022 OBR1 vaccination campaign last

Saturday.

Mohammed explained that there was nothing like new wild polio virus in his speech, noting that the last reported case of the virus in the state was in 2013.

He, however, said what was stated in his speech was Circulating Mutant Polio Viruses, which were vaccine-drive polio viruses, being found in a dirty environment and causes no ‘paralipsis’ in children.

According to him the state has detected 38 Circulating Vaccine-Drive Polio viruses

out of the 315, 000 samples collected from January to December 2021.

The chairman of BSPHCDA said the development was an indication that more effort needed to be deployed to protect children in the state from getting infected.

He called on Nigerians and the international community to disregard the purported unverified reports on wild polio virus, describing it as fake news, as he urged journalists to always verify their stories before publishing them.

Provost Seeks Improved Investment in Healthcare as Babcock Inducts 54 Medical Doctors Funmi Ogundare As the Benjamin Carson School of Medicine, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, prepares to induct 54 medical doctors and health physicians into the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), the Provost of the institution, Dr. Barnabas Mandong, yesterday, called on the federal government to invest massively on preventive health care, infectious diseases and other non-communicable diseases, so as to reduce medical tourism.

Mandong who briefed journalists, on plans to hold the institution’s sixth induction ceremony, on January 17, expressed concern that through medical tourism, Nigeria was

sustaining the economy of other countries, “at our own detriment.”

He urged technocrats in the country to create confidence in the country’s health system.

According to him, “If President Muhammadu Buhari, can go into any of our hospitals and do his basic medical checkup, it will create confidence in the citizenry to stay at home rather than travelling outside the country to seek healthcare.

“Apart from fostering confidence, it will ginger all Nigerians to invest more on health. So we must create a confidence and pay attention to the health system in the country.

If we don’t have confidence on our system, then we can run into problem,” he said.

Mandong who is a Professor

of Pathology, also expressed concern that Nigeria currently has the lowest health indices due to political instability, poverty, high maternal and infant mortality rate, abortions and unwanted pregnancy, adding that the government should address poverty and its root course.

“A healthy nation is a productive nation that will produce healthy citizens. A country that cannot feed its people very well, its health indices becomes worse.

“I believe that any country that pays attention to education, agriculture and health will be placed on a different pedestal because the tripod of development is what is propelling other developed nations to strive,” he stressed.

statement signed by Ibrahim Abdullahi, Public Relations Officer of the Hospitals Management Board and issued to journalists yesterday.

Kabo said that the move is as a result of utmost importance the administration of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje placed on having sufficient and available oxygen in state-owned hospitals.

He noted that oxygen is considered life so much that it

has now been classified among essential drugs, buttressing that if the plant is fully established, the availability of oxygen in the state would improve significantly.

He added that the state government, in conjunction with Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), had procured oxygen cylinders and other consumables worth hundreds of millions of Naira and distributed them to various

hospitals in the state for effective service delivery.

Kabo also asserted that the government had also formed an oxygen committee, comprising experts in the medical field and saddled with the responsibility of coordinating all issues surrounding oxygen in the state, noting that “This shows how serious the Ganduje led administration is in that direction.”

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Air Force Yet to Receive Orders to Deploy Super Tucano Fighter Jets against Bandits Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Nigerian Air Force is yet to receive official directives to deploy the Super Tucano fighter jets against armed bandits wrecking havoc in the North-western part of the country, THISDAY has learnt.

Armed bandits killed over 200 people in Zamfara State last week, eliciting condemnations from Nigerians and the United Nations (UN).

The killings were believed to be a reprisal attack by the bandits in 10 villages in the state following military operations that decimated scores of the bandits including their top commanders in the area.

By the purchase agreement with the United States and international convention, a militant group must be designated “terrorists” before the fighter jets could be deployed against it.

Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 26, 2021, granted an ex parte application by the

federal government for Yan Bindiga (Hausa word for gunmen) and Yan Ta’adda (Hausa word for terrorists)

to be declared as terrorists.

The court had asked the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to publish

the order in two national dailies and to publish the order in the official gazette.

Speaking in a media

interview, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr Abubakar Malami, said the armed bandits, have by their

activities, become a threat to the nation and, therefore, satisfied the requirements to be declared terrorists.

NEW SPORT REALITY TV SHOW UNVEILLED…

L-R: Stakers Championship Coach,Mr. Titi Kuti; Stakers Championship Co-Host, Miss Roseline Omokhoa Afije; Managing Director, Goal Tile International, Dr. Alao Olaleke; Stakers Championship Host, Mr. Uti Nwachukwu;and Chief Operating officer,StarTimes Nigeria, Mr.Tunde Aina, at the inaugural press conference and unveiling of the sport reality TV show in Lagos…yesterday.

ETOP UKUTT

Retired Military Officer: Three Killed as Bandits Attack Plateau Community Restructuring ‘ll Solve Nigeria’s Security Challenges Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Fidelis David in Akure A legal practitioner and retired military officer, Olumuyiwa Adu has advocated the need for Nigeria to be restructured along geographical line in order to ensure equity, justice and security in the country.

Adu said there is no shortcut to development than restructuring, which would ensure true federalism, a development that would make each region to grow based on their own strengths.

Speaking with journalists in Akure, Adu who is an aspirant

under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Akure North/ South Federal Constituency blamed the security challenges being faced in the country on politicisation of security issue.

He said: “A country where you want to offer admission to citizens of this same country and you say some people can have lesser mark and some have higher. Is that a country? We can only call it a country, not a nation because we don’t do things in common, we don’t share things in common. There is lack of equity and justice.

Suspected bandits have killed three youths in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. The youths were reportedly going to Tyaana village in Riyom when the bandits attacked them, killing three persons on the spot while several others sustained injuries.

A youth leader in the area and the National President of the Berom Youth Moulders, Solomon Mwantiri, confirmed the killings, which he said occurred on Monday night.

Mwantiri said: “Our people are in mourning mood now following the sad event I am on my way to the hospital where the youths that were injured in the attack are

receiving treatment. It was on Monday night around 9:30 pm. Some youths were coming to Tyaana of Rahoss community in Riyom Local Government Area. Unknown to them, the attackers had laid an ambush on their way.

The attackers just inflicted the surviving victims with matchet cuts all over their body while they were trying

to escape .But they succeeded in killing three of the youths .This is an unprovoked attack and it is very unfortunate. “ The youths leader said that the incident had been reported to the security agents. The Spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Mr. Gabriel Ogaba said he needed time to get details of the attack.

FCTA: Unvaccinated Workers Won’t Be Allowed into Office from Jan. 17 issued the deadline in a circular by the federal government to all The Permanent Secretary said

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has said it would ban all workers that are yet to be vaccinated against COVID-19 from accessing its office premises with effect from January 17.

The FCTA Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola,

dated January 10, which was seen

by THISDAY yesterday.

The circular was addressed to the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, all Mandate Secretaries, Coordinators of AMMC, STDD as well as Heads of all Departments and FCTA Agencies.

Adesola said the directive was in line with the one issued earlier

staff on grade level 12 and below that were resuming duty after they were asked to work from home during the COVID-19 lockdown.

He warned that persistent non-compliance or refusal by staff to be vaccinated would be treated in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Public Service Rules.

all workers were required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result done within 72 hours on a continuous basis as part of measures to curtail the spread of the pandemic.

Visitors and clients alike are also affected by the directive as they are required to comply with the directive.

call to allow legitimate licence holders to operate became necessary as part of efforts to ensure enduring peace in the community as well as curb the activities of illegal miners in the area.

Adelabu, while noting that residents of the community have been worried and inundated with calls from their people outside on the recent happening in the community, urged the government to rise to the occasion and beam it’s searchlight on some security agencies who he alleged are

conniving with the illegal miners to perpetrate their criminal activities.

The group also demanded the immediate prosecution of those arrested and found to have been involved in the criminal exploitation of the natural resources belonging to the community.

The statement read: “To us, we want the government to allow those that have licence and have been duly cleared to take over their respective space in the Oketegbe mining site.

“Once they are allowed to go

back and occupy their space, it will check the insecurity and ward off unscrupulous people from having a field day like they have been doing currently.

“Seriously, we are concern with the fact that activities of illegal miners have heightened insecurity in the area, which has instilled fears among our people.

“Our fear is further compounded with the denial that there is nothing like illegal mining there even in the face of attacks on some of our people by the illegal miners.

Ex-Lawmaker Condemns Suspension of PDP Member FG’s Inaction Fuelling Activities of Illegal Miners in Edo, Group Alleges from Kwara Assembly

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The Forum of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) former Lawmakers in Kwara State House of Assembly yesterday described the decision of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 23 lawmakers in the state Assembly to suspend the lone PDP lawmaker, Hon. Raheem Agboola, as a ‘super legislative rascality’, abuse of the constitution and the rules of the Assembly.

Agboola for the second time last year was asked to stay away from the Assembly following alleged comments made in one of the radio stations in the state.

Since then, some PDP stakeholders in the state have condemned the decision of the state House of Assembly to suspend the lone PDP lawmaker in the Assembly.

However, speaking at a press conference in Ilorin, the spokesman of the forum of the PDP former lawmakers in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Abraham Ashaolu, said: “It is disheartening that the present set of APC lawmakers in the Assembly has turned themselves into punches in the hands of executive contrary to the growth of democratic tenets in the country.”

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city A group under the aegis of Concern Indigenes of Dangbala (CID) in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State yesterday alleged that the delay by the federal government and relevant stakeholders to allow legitimate licence holders to commence mining at Dangbala site is responsible for illegal mining activities in the area.

Convener of the group and Chairman, Philip Adelabu, who stated this in a statement in Benin-city, stressed that the

Katsina Electoral Body Fixes Court Remands NSCDC Operative for Alleged Rape in Ekiti the police would complete Ekiti State Command, was mount the motorcycle to assist Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti April 11 for LG Election investigation into the matter. reasonably suspected to have her home, and she agreed.

Francis Sardauna inKatsina

The Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission (KTSIEC) has scheduled the State Local Government Election for April 11, 2022.

The Chairman of the KTSIEC, Ibrahim Bako, while addressing journalists at the commission’s headquarters yesterday, said campaigns would commence on January 11 and end 24 hours before

the date of the election.

He said: “It is my pleasure to welcome you today (Tuesday) 11th January, 2022 at commission’s headquarters and to officially announce that we slated Monday 11th April, 2022 to conduct the local government councils election in the state.“The notice will commence from today (Tuesday) 11th January to 11th April, 2022 which gives 90 notice as in compliance with the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.”

An Ekiti State Chief Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti has ordered the detention of an operative of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Olukayode Adebayo, in the Correctional Centre for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl.

This was sequel to the granting of an ex-parte application brought before the court to remand the accused person pending the time

In her ruling, Magistrate Mojisola Salau said remanding the defendant would allow the police to complete their investigation and afford the Prosecutor, Inspector Sadiq Adeniyi, to duplicate the case file and send same to office of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.

According to the charge, Olukayode, an officer of the NSCDC attached to the

committed an offence of rape on a 13-year-old girl at Peace Avenue, Afao Road, Ado Ekiti on December 25, 2021.

In her statement to the police, the victim said on Christmas day, she went to their shop on the instruction of her mother to buy some banana and kolanut for her, on her way back, the defendant, who was on a motorcycle, met her on the road and asked her to

She added that on their way, she took her to an uncompleted building and had carnal knowledge of her and left.

The victim’s cries had attracted passers-by, who took her home to explain to her mother and later reported the incident at the Police Station.

The offence runs contrary to and punishable under Section 31 of the Child Right Laws of Ekiti State 2012.

WEDNESDAY, ͹ͺ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

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WEDNESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Iheanacho Strikes Down Egyptian Pharaohs for Eagles’ Perfect Opener

Duro Ikhazuagbe

A 30th minute goal by Leicester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, was all Super Eagles needed to end Egypt’s 16-match unbeaten group games and set Nigeria’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations campaign on a perfect start.

Credit should go to interim Head Coach, Augustine Eguavoen, whose tactics on the day were clearly superior to the low depth sacked Gernot Rohr took Nigerian football to.

Moses Simon who was a thorn in the flesh of the Egyptians right from the first minute crossed from

A F R I CA C U P O F N AT I O N S the left flank with Joe Aribo heading the ball into the feet of Iheanacho. The Leicester ‘SeniorMan’ didn’t waste time hammering with his left into Mohamed El Shenawi’s roof for Nigeria’s goal on the half hour mark.

Liverpool’s talisman, Mohamed Salah was almost

made anonymous in the duration of the game by Eagles central defence marshaled by William TroostEkong and Kenneth Omeruo with Ola Aina and Zaidu Sanusi providing support from the right and left full backs respectively.

It therefore was no surprise

that Iheanacho was voted Man of the Match at the end of regulation time.

Besides the lively Moses Simon, the strike force of Iheanacho and Taiwo Awonyi troubled the defence of Egypt.

It brought back memories of the pair during the Under-17 World Cup final in UAE which Nigeria won with Manu Garba as Head coach.

Simon crashed an effort

against the side netting in the 26th minute after he was set up by Joe Aribo.

In the 38th minute, Iheanacho put through Awoniyi but the goalkeeper came to the timely rescue with a brave save off the feet of the Union Berlin striker.

Seven-time champions Egypt were disappointing in the first period with a sixth minute chance conjured by

Galatasaray striker Mostafa Mohamed but goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was equal to the task.

Otherwise, they hardly threatened the Nigerian goal with captain Mohamed Salah clearly anonymous.

Egypt chased the game late on in the second half but failed to get the needed equalizer to share points at stake.

AFCON TIT BITS (MATCH DAY-4) *Super Eagles in Back-toBack Appearance When Nigeria played Egypt in the opening match of Group D yesterday evening in Garuoa, it was the first time the Super Eagles will play in the tournament back-to-back since the 2010 edition in Angola. The team failed to qualify for 2012 following elimination by Guinea in Abuja, while South Africa did the damage in Uyo ahead of the 2015 edition and there was no action in 2017 before the team returned at the last edition in Egypt!

*Algeria Blunt Attack The defending champion, Algeria is still one of the tournament’s favourites, going by the unbeaten record it has achieved since the qualification round of the last edition. But yesterday, against minnows Sierra Leone, the West Africans were resilient and held the Fennecs of Algeria to a goalless draw.

Kelechi Iheanacho with his Man-ofthe-match award... Last night

Super Eagles players mob match winner, Kelechi Iheanacho, in celebration after scoring the lone goal against Egypt yesterday PHOTO: eye9ja.com in Garoua, Cameroon.

Okocha: Eguavoen Got His Tactics Right against Egypt Former Super Eagles Captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha was full of plaudits for Coach Augustine Eguavoen for getting his tactics right against the seven-time

RESULTS Algeria 0-0 S’Leone Nigeria 1-0 Egypt Sudan 0- 0 G’Bissau

FIXTURES (WED Jan 12) Tunisia v Mali (2pm) Mauritania v Gambia (5pm) E’Guinea v Ivory Coast (8pm)

(THURS Jan 13) Cameroon v Ethiopia (5pm) Cape Verde v B’Faso (8pm)

(FRI Jan 14) Senegal v Guinea (2pm) Malawi v Zimbabwe (5pm) Morocco v Comoros (5pm) Gabon v Ghana (8pm)

(SAT Jan 15) Nigeria v Sudan (5pm) G’Bissau v Egypt (8pm)

champions Egypt. Nigeria defeated Egypt 1-0 to move top of Group D. The other game of the Group between Sudan and Guinea Bissau ended goalless.

Okocha who was one of

the AFCON 2021 pundits on SuperSport pay tv channel, said he was impressed with Eguavoen’s tactics against Egypt.

He also commended the performance of the players and said that other teams will take

notice of Eagles performance against the Pharaohs.

“I must confess to you that Eguavoen got his tactics right against Egypt and I am pleased with the general performance of the team.

” I am sure our opponents will definitely watch this performance.

Nigeria will face Sudan in the next game before tackling Guinea-Bissau in Eagles final Group D game.”

Egypt Coach, Queiroz, Laments Pharaoh’s Poor Start Femi Solaja with agency report Egypt national team manager, Carlos Queiroz, was full of lamentation last night as his wards lost a group match for the first time since 2004 to Nigeria in Cameroon.

The coach in his post-match interview with reporters said that his team had a disappointing performance in the first stanza and allowed the Nigeria to dominate which led to the goal conceded.

“Egypt couldn’t have asked for a worse start to their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign in terms of both result and performance,” he lamented.

The Pharaohs fell to a 1-0 defeat against Nigeria, thanks to a goal from Kelechi Iheanacho late in the first-half. The Super Eagles were by far the more dangerous side for the entirety of the encounter and could’ve increased the gap if it wasn’t for Mohamed El-Shennawy’s heroic

performance.

The game marked Egypt’s first AFCON opener defeat since 2002 when they lost to Senegal 1-0 and their first group-stage defeat when they fell against Algeria in Tunisia.

Egypt now needs to beat their remaining Group D opponents, Sudan and Guinea-Bissau, in

order to book their spot in the round of 16.

Queiroz admitted that they produced a very weak display and were inferior to Nigeria, but says they need to focus on their upcoming clashes.

“The performance in the firsthalf was very poor, and that’s the truth, we weren’t on the pitch,”

Queiroz said after the game.

“We only started playing in the second-half. There’s no clear reason behind this failure and defeat against Nigeria.

“We lost this match but there are still six points up for grabs against Sudan and Guinea-Bissau in order to qualify from the group,” he concluded.

Gbajabiamila Congratulates Super Eagles for Victory over Egypt Udora Orizu in Abuja The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria for their victory over the Pharaohs of Egypt during their first Group D match at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Tuesday in Cameroon.

Gbajabiamila in a statement said he was elated that the Super Eagles put up a superlative performance to defeat the Pharaohs of Egypt, who are considered one of the favourites of the tournament.

The Speaker, who is the leader of the Federal Government's delegation to cheer up the Super Eagles, noted with delight the

team spirit among the Eagles players.

He urged the Super Eagles to maintain the same spirit and tempo throughout the tournament so that they would come back home with the trophy.

Gbajabiamila also lauded the technical crew of the Super Eagles for doing a good job.

*Heading Towards Tournament Dry Spell of Goals?

Since the start of the tournament on Sunday and after eight matches played, no team has been able to record more than a goal margin.

Only host, Indomitable Lions of Cameroon won with 2-1 margin over Burkina Faso.

Since then, it has been scrappy lone goal win dominating the matches. We may be heading to low scoring tournament as against the 52 goals scored at the last edition in Egypt.

*The Lucky Ball Did the Magic For whatever reason, tournament organisers had problem with the match balls for the Nigeria vs Egypt game.

The temporary stoppages occasioned by bad match ball affected the flow of the game and on the change for the third ball, tournament debutant, Kelechi Iheanacho scored in the 30th minute via a volley.

*Egypt First Opening Match Defeat in Long Time The Pharoahs of Egypt had always got good results in their opening matches for a long time. But Super Eagles reigned supreme yesterday as they banished the North African side to their first defeat since 2004, when they lost 2-1 to Algeria in the opening Group match.

-Complied by Femi Solaja

55

WEDNESDAY, ͹ͺ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

SPORTS

Eguavoen and Eagles' Fighting Spirit

I

am writing this on the Monday before our match against Egypt on Tuesday evening. The call time for this article is Tuesday 12noon. I want you therefore to note that this piece is not influenced by the outcome of our first game at the ongoing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon.

I am making my projections or comments based on what I know, have seen, or read about our team, the Super Eagles.

Expectations from Nigerians of the Super Eagles this time around is not as high as it used to be. Fans would accept any result that push their team getting as far as the quarter finals. A semi-final ticket is a bonus that will excite most of us. Getting to the finals and possibly winning the trophy for the fourth time is a dream we are afraid of birthing.

Not many people expect any spectacular results from our national football team. Our preparation was shambolic. We sacked our coach, Gernot Rohr and employed another that is of inferior quality.

We then drafted NFF's Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen to take charge of the Super Eagles for the Cup of Nations with less than ten days to the start of the competition! As if this situation is not bad enough, three key players - Victor Osimhen, Odion Ighalo and Emmanuel Bonaventure Dennis -who would have made our attack

Augustine Eguavoen... faith in his ability the most potent in the tournament, became, curiously unavailable. Add these to the bloated NFF jamboree delegation proposed to go cheer our team. Then, of course, you won't forget the Federal Government’s Presidential contingent of just about everybody in and corridor of government. Are all in Garoua for

Nigeria’s opening game of Group D against Egypt.

Input all these into a predictive computer and you sure will get a not-so-comfortable prediction about how our team will fare at the competition. Maybe that the Super Eagles will scrape through the group stage and shock all of us

with unbelievable results remains an issue only Eguavoen and his wards have answers to.

Our team will score nine or seven points at the group stage, go on to win its second-round match, cruise to the semis, and maybe the final. Perhaps eventually win the trophy!!!

Outlandish? Maybe. But two conditions could make this happen: Coach Eguavoen and the famous fighting spirit which our countrymen, particularly our sportsmen, are noted for.

Eguavoen may well turn out to be our key to success in Cameroon.

He is not under undue pressure to perform. Those who brought him back were more interested in sacking Rohr than in getting a good result at this AFCON. Their interest in our qualifying for the World Cup is bolstered by the pecuniary reward tied to qualification. So for them, whatever result we have from Cameroon would be okay since there is a fall guy for failure- Rohr's 'incompetence ' Unknown to them, Eguavoen is an ambitious coach who takes his task seriously. He is one coach who seeks to develop himself. Years ago, he sponsored himself for a two-week attachment with Arsenal FC in the UK. He has a new opportunity to prove himself beyond the bronze medal he won in 2006 in Egypt with the Super Eagles. Our success will come mainly from the ability of our team

to defend well and not concede cheeky goals like we experienced under Rohr. I see Eguavoen's Super Eagles scoring one or two goals per match and not conceding more than a goal. By the time you are reading this, I would have been proved right or wrong. I expect we will either defeat or at worse draw with Egypt and then go on to beat Sudan and Guinea Bissau.

From the second round, I expect our team to progress on to the semifinals from where the desire for success and our famed ‘never say die’ spirit would take over.

With the way the team is presently structured, I foresee us getting to at least a semifinal listing mainly because Eguavoen will seek to prove he is good enough as a top-class coach. He knows enough about football as played in Africa. He has what it takes to improve on his bronze medal placing in 2006 and emulate Stephen Keshi's record by winning gold in Cameroon. The

players would be ready to roll.

And any team meeting them from the semifinals should consider itself in trouble. Our team is more difficult to beat at that stage of any competition. Whatever skill there is would be supplemented by the Nigerian spirit of never giving up. After all, we are Nigerians, specially designed to survive in any situation we find ourselves in.

So, whatever happened against Egypt yesterday be rest assured the Eagles will soar in Cameroon. Not because of anything that the NFF did right but because Eguavoen and his gladiators would do enough to keep winning. If that happens it would be his baptism as a top-class coach which he is.

And our Super Eagles would have once again rekindled our never say die spirit in sports. It happened in South Africa. It can happen again in Cameroon. Have faith in this team to resurrect from the dangerous edge Gernot Rohr left it.

Sierra Leone Frustrate Cup Holders Algeria to Barren Draw Algeria began the defence of their Africa Cup of Nations title with a goalless draw against a stubborn and spirited Sierra Leone side in Group E on Tuesday afternoon.

The Leone Stars had the better first-half openings, with Alhaji Kamara sending two chances

AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS narrowly wide.

After the break Algeria forward Yacine Brahimi shot straight at keeper Mohamed Nbalie Kamara, who also tipped

a low shot from Riyad Mahrez past the post.

Nbalie Kamara denied Ramy Bensebaini and Baghdad Bounedjah in stoppage time.

Former England defender Steven Caulker, who recently switched international allegiance to Sierra Leone, made two crucial blocks to help his side to a clean sheet on their first Nations Cup appearance since 1996.

The draw saw Algeria extend

their unbeaten run to 35 senior internationals, edging closer to Italy's world record of 37 matches without defeat, but coach Djamel Belmadi will be frustrated his charges failed to find a way past a side ranked 108th in the world.

The Desert Foxes continually carved out opportunities in the second half but were let down by their finishing - with substitute Said Benrahma skewing a shot wide with five minutes remaining after coming off the bench.

ALL THE GROUPS Team.

Cameroon Cape Verde B’Faso Ethiopia

P. 1.

1.

1.

1.

W 1.

1.

0.

0.

GROUP A D L 0.

0 0.

0 0 1.

0 1.

GF 2.

1.

1.

0

GA 1.

0 2.

1.

GD 1.

1.

-1.

-1.

PTS 3 3.

0 0.

GF 1.

1.

0.

0

GA 0.

0 1.

1.

GD 1.

1 -1.

-1

PTS 3 3 0 0

GF 1.

1.

0 0

GA 0.

0 1.

1.

GD 1.

1.

-1 -1.

PTS 3 3 0 0

GF 1 0 0 0

GA 0.

0.

0.

1.

GD 1.

0.

0.

-1.

PTS 3 1 1 0

GF 0 0 0 0

GA 0.

0.

0.

0.

GD 0.

0.

0.

0.

PTS 1 1 0 0

GF 0 0 0 0

GA 0.

0.

0.

0.

GD 0.

0.

0.

0.

PTS 0 0 0 0

GROUP B Team.

Guinea Senegal Malawi Zimbabwe

P. 1.

1.

1.

1.

W 1 1.

0.

0.

Team.

Gabon.

Morocco Ghana Comoros

P. 1.

1.

1.

1.

W 1.

1.

0.

0.

D 0.

0.

0 0

L 0.

0 1 1.

GROUP C

Rami Bensebaini ( 3rd right) and other Algerian players expressing their frustrations in the dying minutes of their clash with PHOTO: CFP Sierra Leone at the ongoing AFCON in Cameroon.

AFCON 2021: “33” Export Lager Hails Super Eagles’ Bright Start “33” Export Lager beer has congratulated the Super Eagles for their bright start at the 33rd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

The Eagles yesterday showed great promise as they battled to a lone goal win over the Pharaohs of Egypt at the Stade Roumdé Adjia, Garoua.

It was tournament debutant Kelechi Iheanacho’s strike in the 30th minute that gave Nigeria a dream start as they began their quest for a fourth AFCON title.

“33” Export Lager, the official

beer of the national football team had galvanised teeming football fans and consumer to stand behind the Super Eagles in the quest for this fourth continental title in Cameroon with the opening Group D match against seventime African champions, Egypt.

Augustine Eguavoen’s charges did not disappoint as they make Nigerians proud with the outcome of the match.

While congratulating the team for the victory, 33 Export Lager Senior Brand Manager, Aisha Anaekwe, charged Super Eagles to

remain focused on their ultimate goal in Cameroon.

She said: “Of course, we are very happy with the victory. The Super Eagles demonstrated the true Naija spirit which is always championed by 33 Export Lager. We enjoin the team to take each game as it comes while we countdown to lifting the trophy next month.”

In its usual tradition and style on match-days, 33 Export Lager engaged millions of soccer fans across several digital platforms with ‘Predict and Win’ game with quality items given out to

deserved winners.

The brand manager noted further that in the course of the on-going tournament, 33 Export Lager will engage fans in multiple bar activations while Super Eagles’ jerseys, match balls and other souvenirs would be won by loyal consumers.

“33” Export Lager is one of the longest corporate sponsors on the stable of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Eagles will be up against Sudan on 15th January and Guinea-Bissau four days after to round up the Group stage phase.

D 0.

0.

0 0

L 0 0 1.

1.

GROUP D Team.

Nigeria G’Bissau Sudan Egypt

P. 1.

1.

1.

1.

W 1.

0.

0.

0.

D 0 1 1 0

L 0.

0.

0.

1.

GROUP E Team.

Algeria S’Leone E’Guinea Ivory Coast

P. 1.

1.

0.

0.

W 0.

0.

0.

0.

D 1 1 0 0

L 0.

0.

0.

0.

GROUP F Team.

Gambia Mali Mauritania Tunisia

P. 0.

0.

0.

0.

W 0.

0.

0.

0.

D 0 0 0 0

L 0.

0.

0.

0.

TR

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

UT H

& RE A SO

N

Price: N250

MISSILE Ohanaeze to Bola Tinubu

“He knows that this is the turn of the Igbo…Tinubu is more interested in selfinterest. He considered self-interest above group interest or corporate existence of Nigeria. Ohanaeze’s position is that Tinubu knows that he is doing the wrong thing, embarking on a project not rooted in equity, justice and fair play…to that extent he will surely lose”--Ohanaeze Spokesman, Alex Ogbonnia, berating the Jagaban of Lagos, for declaring interest in 2023 presidency against Igbo’s ambition.

KAYODEKOMOLAFE THE HORIZON

kayode.komolafe@thisdaylive.com

0805 500 1974

My Mother, My Friend A

n instructive story seems to capture my mood as I reflect on the life and times of my dear mother, Madam Victoria Morenike Komolafe, who died at 87 late last year and whose remains will be buried in Igbara-Oke, Ondo State this Saturday.

It is a story told by my comrade and friend, Femi Falana (FF), a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

The lawyer was invited to address some graduating students of a secondary school.

Parents and teachers were also in the audience.

In his inimitable manner, FF upended the conventional wisdom on the occasion. He, of course, amplified what other speakers had told the students - they should pursue their careers diligently so that their parents would be proud of them. Then FF quickly turned to the parents saying that fathers and mothers should also behave in a manner in which the children would be proud of their public image.

I am very thankful that my mother lived her life in such a way that as her son I remain proud of her memory given the generous testimonies to which I have listened since she died.

Mama, of course, related to all her children as a dutiful mother. She could sacrifice anything for the well-being of her children.

Any time I attempted to moderate her emotions in matters relating to us, her children, she always compared her mood to the behaviour of a hen while incubating its eggs. For instance, as a day student in secondary school, I liked staying back after the school hours to do some revisions. A few minutes into my study my mother would appear in the school premises expressing fears that something might have happened to me on the way. Her refrain was that nothing should be taken for granted in what she called aiye gbomogbomo (the world of kidnappers.)

Meanwhile, between the school and the house was a distance of barely a five-minute walk!

In addition to this motherly care, she also had a unique relationship with each of the seven of us. So you could say that apart from being a mother she was also something else to every son or daughter.

For me in particular, she was my mother and friend in the true sense of the word.

We simply enjoyed the company of each other and we relished endless conversations on every topic imaginable. We spoke as many times as possible a day as we if were teenagers just beginning to date. Some of the time, telephone calls were made from either end just to hear each other’s voice as we were wont to say, obviously. And, of course, we laughed a lot (in Ugbara dialect, if you like!), saying memereyin rin o (my teeth are aching because of laughter).

For about 18 years that my mother owned handsets, there was practically no day I did not hear her voice from anywhere I might be in the world. The only four days or so that she did not hear my voice were the four days of recuperation from a surgery that badly affected my voice box. Even at that at a call

Madam Morenike Komolafe

was kindly put through to her for me to hear her voice while I could not talk. She always said with a lot of pleasure that she knew my location at any time as I would inform her if I travelled out of Lagos.

With her death, this is one of the things I will miss most. She told me many stories in different situations. At times she would fondly refer to me as awe mi, Kayo (Kayode, my pal !) as a preface to a conversation. On my handset, her number is stored against the pet name Madam Moreks in acknowledgement of her smartness, neatness and elegance. While we addressed her as mama or eye in her presence, it was only recently I mustered the courage to tell her that Madam Moreks was the name my wife, Funmi, and I fondly gave her in her absence! She just laughed heartily and then smiled in response the way a mother would do to the pranks of a naughty boy, saying eh eh.

She often asserted her comportment by remarking like this: me seye ko deti (I am never a dirty old woman). She was scrupulous about her hygiene and look. About two weeks before her demise, mama still cared about her pedicure while on drips in the hospital. Few days before she passed on, Mama insisted on walking without support to the bathroom to brush her teeth despite her frail look, telling

those of us around her that it was wrong to have a meal without cleaning the teeth.

My mother was a brilliant lady with a terrific power of recall. Her intuitive power was also noteworthy. Each time I listened to her analysis of situations and interpretation of events I felt a sense of regret that this exceptionally bright woman had no opportunity of even a day in school. I often told her she could, perhaps, have been a professor of history or literature if she had the opportunity of education at all levels.

She was gifted in orature. Perhaps, nature compensated her with such a sharp memory because she was not formally literate. At her feet, I learnt the history of her ancestors and those of my father. I particularly enjoyed the way my mother dissected the stories of

“Fathers and mothers should behave in a manner in which the children would be proud of their public image”

the escapades of my famous grandfather, Pa Pakoada Komolafe, who was married to 11 wives! My mother used every story to teach me some lessons about life. She told me she herself learnt the history of the Komolafe family from my paternal grandmother, Madam Alice Oreyeju Komolafe.

In addition to being versed in family history, my mother was an eloquent authority in reciting the oriki (cognomens) of her ancestral roots and those of my father. She too felt great any time I recited in her honour the oriki of the Elemo family which she taught me almost imperceptibly. It was always her joy saying the oriki to my little children Kayode, Taiwo and Kehinde - urging them to learn how to speak Ugbara dialect for easy communication between the grandmother and her grandchildren.

My mother’s cultural consciousness was exemplary.

Beyond her nuclear family, mama was passionate about her extended family. She was a woman of the clan. She always warned that one should never break the okun ajobi (the chain that connects one to the ancestor.)

She was very meticulous about how cousins related to one another across generations.

She was very respectful and proud of her roots.

My mother was well informed about public affairs. She listened attentively to news on the radio including newspaper reviews. She participated in phone-in radio programme offering her views with clarity of purpose and freely providing words of wisdom. On some occasions, I felt embarrassed that the woman in Igbara-Oke, who could neither read nor write, was the one breaking news to me, a Lagos reporter, on phone. Her major source of news was radio.

It still remains a marvel to me how mama more or less skipped literacy to be part of the digital civilization. She could make and receive calls unaided. She ably operated her gadgets to have video calls with me and exchange photos and videos on WhatsApp. While I hardly checked the status of my contacts, my mother sometimes drew my attention to what she saw on the status of others.

It is a profound duty to her memory that without the benefit of formal education, my mother was fully part of the first quarter of the 21st civilisation.

Now death has struck bringing an end to the highly treasured friendship; but my consolation is that we both savoured the love and genuine humanity that subsisted in that friendship as mother and son.

To paraphrase an Igbara-Oke popular song, if reincarnation were a possibility I would like to be a son of Morenike, or if you like, omo Madam Moreks, again!

Kare o, eyemi. Omo opo Elemo kuye ke sororo osu, omo opo Elemo Kuye ke soruru ude.

Omo olope ainde, omo olope ko ti kekere sola.

Se ni mododobale ki ki mi k’Elemo linipa, se l’ipekere bo lapo mi.

Oni ba ria k’Elemo jomirin oso lalo o, eyemi…

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