MONDAY 1ST FEBRUARY 2021

FG Justifies Reduction of Automobiles’ Import Tariffs, Seeks Cooperation Lists gains of auto policy Dike Onwuamaeze The federal government has given more insights into the cut in automobiles’ import tariffs just as it dismissed claims by a section of the

organised private sector (OPS) that its decision amounted to a policy somersault.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, said Section 38 of the Finance Act 2020,

which proposed reduction in tariffs on importation of vehicles, is not a policy somersault but “essentially an absolutely critical review of an existing policy that required adjustment.”

Adebayo, in a response to THISDAY's enquiry, explained that the reductions in the tariffs would only affect the automotive sector in the short run, adding that it will eventually unleash

development in the sector.

The minister’s clarification, which was in response to the controversy trailing the implementation of the Finance Act, was titled: “The Position of the Federal Ministry of

Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) with Respect to the New Finance Act and its Effect on the Automotive Assembly Companies in Nigeria.”

Continued on page 46

Stock Market Investors Gain N1.124trn in January on Sustained Momentum... Page 9 Monday 1 February, 2021 Vol 25. No 9430. Price: N250

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Presidency Keeps Mum as IG, Adamu, Retires Today Buhari demands review of police service commission’s list of candidates Northern leaders lobby to influence choice of successor 23 DIGs, AIGs may go Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Will President Muhammadu Buhari replace the InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, who is billed to retire today after clocking 35 years in service or extend his tenure?

The answers hung in the balance yesterday as the

presidency kept mum over the fate of Adamu and his would-be successor.

Although efforts by THISDAY to know the next step in the management of the police with Adamu's impending retirement from presidential spokespersons, Continued on page 46

Service Chiefs Converge on Borno to Plot Boko Haram’s Defeat Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri The Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen. Lucky Irabor, yesterday led other service chiefs to pay their first operational visit to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, the epicentre of insurgency in the country.

He was accompanied by the Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru; Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Isiaka Amao; and the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral

Awwal Gambo.

Irabor and his team were received by the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. Gen. Farouq Yahaya; the General Officer Commanding, 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Abdul Khalifa, and other principal staff officers of the military command.

The CDS and his team were briefed by the military commanders on recent Continued on page 46

REWARD FOR WORTHY PARTNER...

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Mouka, Mr. Raymond Murphy; Executive Director, Monolus Marketing Enterprises, Hajia Sarayi; and Chief Commercial Officer, Mouka, Mr. Dimeji Osingunwa, during the presentation of a brand-new truck to Monolus as part of this year’s Mouka Business Partners’ Awards in Ikeja…weekend

Presidency Threatens another Lockdown over Non-use of Facemasks...Page 8

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NEWS

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

Presidency Threatens another Lockdown over Non-use of Facemasks

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The Presidency yesterday threatened another lockdown of the country if Nigerians fail to comply with compulsory wearing of face masks while in public places.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement titled: "Nigerians should comply with mandatory mask wearing to avert another lockdown," expressed concern over the non-compliance with the recently signed Executive Order, which makes mask wearing and observation of social distancing in the public mandatory.

It stressed that the federal government was hesitant to lockdown the country again but continues to emphasise the non-pharmaceutical measures,

adding that the only way to avert lockdowns is to observe these measures as put in place by the Presidential Task Force.

According to it, "Nigerians have come a long way from the dreaded lockdown and the administration is unhappy about any prospects of bringing it back as many citizens will not have food on the table without venturing out on a day- to-day business.

"Nigerians are required to wear masks, wash hands regularly with soap and clean water, and keep a safe distance with anybody not in your household, hoping that this will help check the spread of COVID-19.

“Though vaccine availability is within reach, the propensity of the public for noncompliance weakens the fight against the

Power Sector Loses N26.4bn to Gas, Grid Challenges in January Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The power sector has continued its sub-optimal performance in January, losing about N26.4 billion in revenues in the first month of the year, mainly due to gas supply issues as well as transmission and distribution challenges in the electricity value chain.

THISDAY’s checks at the weekend showed that compared with the figures for the previous month, it was a negligible improvement, with December losses hitting N26.7 billion, a difference of just about N300 million when the two months are put side by side.

Similarly, there was no boost to the average energy per hour available to Nigerians in January, standing at 4,501 MWH/H, while the one for December was 4,500MWH/H, but with a marked increase in total constraint by 5.7 per cent against the preceding month.

The figures for the first 30 days of 2021 from the Advisory Power Team (APT), which is resident in the office of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, also showed that although many Nigerian homes continue to suffer severe power outages, peak power wheeled for the month was 5,584MW, an improvement on the significantly lower peak in December, 2020 of 5,504MW. According to the latest data, with revenue leakages owing to constraints within the system, including poor infrastructure, the country bled a substantial quantum of 1,838MWH/H, much higher than 1.548 megawatts per hour of the 4.482 megawatts average energy generated from November 26 to December 25, while the peak for the 30 days for that period stood at 5.504MW. Insufficient gas supply, distribution infrastructure and transmission infrastructure, accounted for the limited performance of the sector, the report from the advisory power team stated.

Like in previous months, some of the power generating plants across the country, like the Alaoji NIPP, Ihovbor NIPP, ASCO, Egbin station 6 and AES, did not produce any power,

while Egbin station 2 to 5, the largest power generation plant in the country, performed the most, followed by Azura-Edo, Kainji, Jebba and Odukpani in that order.

The data also indicated that Afam, Geregu, Omotosho, Trans-Amadi, Sapele NIPP as well Omoku suffered limited performance due to gas supply challenges.

Also, from January 24-31, the country lost over N4.044 billion, with average power generated for the week standing at 4,487 megawatts per hour and total energy constraint for the week at 1,053 MWH/H. Nigeria has a rough estimate of installed power generation capacity of 12,522 MW, with a mix of thermal, which requires gas to function put at about 10,142 MW, while hydro or the quantum requiring water is 2,380 MW. According to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), only 45 per cent of the entire population currently has access to electricity supply, shared between the rural population with 36 per cent and urban residents with 55 per cent access rate, leaving a huge chunk of 20 million households without power at all.

While there’s currently zero investment in wind, solar and nuclear energy in the country, data from the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) show that solar sources now generate about 1,080MW of total power consumed in the country.

However, while water management constraints, according to the data from the office of the vice president remain insignificant, gas supply challenges constitute a substantial percentage of the problem, while issues with the grid in terms of transmission capacity and high frequency problems remain unresolved.

In 2013, the federal government privatised the power sector to attract investments and sort out many of the current issues still bedevilling the sector, but many years after, there has been no marked improvement in the operations of the entire spectrum of the value chain.

virus.”

"Nigerians must ignore baseless conspiracy theories that seek to deny the reality of the pandemic by complying with the order to wear masks.”

It said Nigerians have a duty to protect themselves and others during the difficult global health crisis, adding that no one has immunity against this pandemic and that ignoring health warnings and refusing to comply with safety measures would do more harm than good.

The presidency, therefore, appealed to Nigerians to give their maximum cooperation for the success of the policy, saying the president introduced the order with the best of intentions and not with any motive to punish citizens.

It also urged state governments, traditional rulers and religious leaders to play active roles in the sensitization and enforcement of the Executive Order.

"To achieve this, COVID-19

task forces and committees should persuade members of the public to cooperate with the government in achieving compliance and avoid crude methods that may create resistance and resentment, thereby defeating the primary goal of the Executive Order."

According to the presidency, "The COVID-19 pandemic is a major threat to public health and wearing of masks, social distancing in public places and the basic hygiene are necessary

measures that have to be taken to safeguard the well-being of our citizens.

"Nigerians must always have it in mind that the COVID-19 pandemic is not only a threat to the health of the population but it is equally so to the national economy, and to every aspect of our everyday life.

“Protecting public health is one of the sacred duties of any responsible government and the administration will not abdicate that responsibility."

Fayemi States States’ Battle against COVID-19 at Chatham House Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, will tomorrow discuss the role of state governments in responding to the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic with United Kingdom entrepreneurs and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), at the Chatham House in London.

THISDAY gathered that Fayemi will be a guest speaker at the Chatham House in London, where he is expected to deliver his paper on states' responses to the pandemic.

Chatham House, also known as the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is an independent policy institute headquartered in London.

Its mission is to provide authoritative commentary on

world events and offer solutions to global challenges.

The institute receives income in the form of membership subscriptions from its approximately 3,259 individual members and 354 corporate members comprising private companies, governmental departments, embassies and high commissions, universities and academic institutions, media organisations and NGOs.

According to details gathered

by THISDAY from the NGF secretariat and Chatham House, the governor will outline how state governments can plan for and take steps towards the implementation of policies to ensure lasting state-level recovery that will begin to address wider and long-standing socioeconomic, governance and security challenges across Nigeria.

HIT THE GROUND RUNNING...

L-R: Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Awwal Gambo; Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen. Lucky Irabor; Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum; Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Isiaka Amao, during visit of the service chiefs to the governor in Maiduguri…yesterday

Transparency International Rating for Nigeria Inaccurate, Says FG Insists security situation better than 2015 Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The federal government has described the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index (TI-CPI), which downgraded Nigeria in the rating for 2020, as inaccurate and not a true reflection of the strides by the country in its fight against corruption.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the country's anti-corruption agenda, which emphasises corruption prevention measures and the building of integrity systems, remains on course.

Mohammed also insisted on his earlier position that the security situation in Nigeria had improved and was better

than 2015 when President Muhammadu Buhari took over power.

He said the implementation of the various reforms, especially in the Ease of Doing Business, is expected to yield positive outcomes in the country’s corruption perception and other relevant assessments in the next 12 to 24 months. ''For instance, following the release of the 2019 TICorruption Perception Index, the government initiated some reforms to improve on Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Business indices.

This is because we found that up to 40 per cent of the country's corruption perception survey indices relates to business processes and general public service delivery processes.

"Government’s swift action

has led to major reforms in the processes at our ports and business process points,'' he said.

Mohammed noted that aside stressing corruption prevention measures and building of integrity systems, high-profile corruption cases are currently under investigation and prosecution.

He stated that the emphasis on preventive mechanisms is in response to various local and international reviews and evaluation that Nigeria has gone through, including those from the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and even from the TI-CPI. ''In response to these evaluations, a number of significant policies have been instituted to enhance transparency and accountability

and prevent corruption. Even in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of key transparency and accountability policies were developed and are currently being implemented,'' the minister added.

He listed such policies to include the launch, by the ICPC, of the National Ethics Policy, which addresses integrity issues on all sectors of the polity and is directly linked to a key pillar of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS), which is ethical reorientation; efforts by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to energise the Code of Conduct for Public Officers (CCPO) and the launch of the Nigerian Port Process Manual (NPPM), aimed Continued on page 47

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Stock Market Investors Gain N1.124trn in January on Sustained Momentum Goddy Egene Investors in the Nigerian equities market continued their reaping streak as they recorded another gain in January, following sustained high demand for stocks.

Having gained N8 trillion in 2020, investors witnessed a growth of N1.124 trillion in January.

The market capitalisation of listed equities rose from N21.063 trillion to N22.187 trillion, translating into a gain of N1.124 trillion or 5.3 per cent.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) ap preciated 5.3 per cent from 40,270.72 to close the month at 42,412.66, which was the best performance among the African markets.

Low yields in the fixed income market and other factors had last year propelled

the nation’s equities market to close as the best performer globally.

Although some profittaking was expected in the 2021, sustained bull run following persistently low yields in the fixed income space and investors positioning in fundamentally sound stocks with attractive dividend yields ahead of the earning season, made the market deliver another record performance in January.

However, the growth recorded in the first month of 2021 was not unexpected because most market and investment analysts had predicted a sustained bull run in the greater part of the first half of the year.

For instance, analysts at Norrenberger Financial Group, a leading financial services group, had said equities market were likely

UAE Bars Dubai-bound Travellers from Transiting Other Airports Chinedu Eze The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned Nigerian passengers from transiting other airports before going to Dubai.

Effective from today, only those travelling directly from Nigeria would be allowed in Dubai while those transiting through other airports outside Nigeria would not be allowed into the world’s busiest airport.

Also, in addition to COVID-19 PCR test that would last 72 hours, passengers are expected to undergo rapid Coronavirus test at the airport four hours before the departure of their flight.

The regulations were contained in a statement at the weekend by Dubai Airport’s Operations Control Centre, dated January 29, 2021 and titled, “Dubai Travel Protocol Update-Travel from Nigeria.”

The statement said: “Kindly be advised that effective from 01 February 2021, the following conditions must be met for travel from Nigeria: All passengers are required to obtain a negative COVID-19 certificate. The PCR should be conducted within 72 hours of the date of departure.

“All passengers are required to conduct a rapid COVID-19 test and obtain a negative result within four hours of their departure time.

Passengers must travel directly from Nigeria to Dubai. No passenger may enter Dubai from any other country/ station if they have visited or transited from Nigeria in the last 14 days.”

Reacting to this new development, industry stakeholders accused Emirates of trying to create monopoly by eliminating competition because it would be only Emirates and Air Peace that would now be qualified to airlift passengers from Nigeria to Dubai.

Former CEO of Aero Contractors and Managing Director designate for NG Eagle Airline, Captain Ado

Sanusi, told THISDAY that countries would use the pandemic to stifle competition in air transport by creating stringent laws that would exclude competitors.

He, therefore, urged the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to agree on a standard to be adopted by member countries.

Travel expert and the organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko, told THISDAY that Emirates wants to use the Nigerian route to recoup its losses from other destinations it was banned from.

Uko said the UK aviation authorities banned Emirates when investigations revealed that most of the passengers that returned from the United Arab Emirates were down with different strains of coronavirus and this is a huge loss to the Middle East carrier, which operates 78 flights a week to the UK. He said that Emirates has concluded plans to renew its second flight from Lagos, which was suspended shortly before the lockdown last year, which would give the airline 21 frequencies a week from Nigeria.

To further limit competition, Emirates has also introduced rapid COVID-19 test four hours before departure because other airlines may not have capacity to conduct the rapid test before departure and without the rapid test, passengers may not be allowed into Dubai.

“This new policy will give Emirates too many passengers from Nigeria. They will clean out the market. Before now, Ethiopian Airlines airlifts the highest number of passengers from Nigeria but British Airways and Emirates generate the highest profit because of their high fares, but now Emirates might increase fares from the current over $500 to $700 and even to $1000 for economy class.

to remain favoured in 2021.

“The Nigerian equities market in 2021 will be shaped by system liquidity, corporate earnings, attractive corporate dividends, foreign exchange and foreign portfolio investors.

The fixed income market may likely return to higher yields on the back of overbought in the equities securities market, local borrowings, and monetary policies,” they said.

Analysts at Cordros Securities Research said the market performance would be primarily determined by domestic participation, which will be supported by the low fixed-income income yield environment, liquidity surfeit, investors positioning for dividends and stronger corporate earnings growth (mostly on the low base in 2020).

“We expect the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) AllShare Index (ASI) to record a positive performance in 2021, albeit substantially lower when compared to 2020. ASI currently trades at a P/E (x) of 12.5x, making it just about fairly valued compared with its seven years average of 12.2x,

but still cheaper compared to frontier market peers of 15.1x,” they said.

Last week alone, the market appreciated by 3.3 per cent with analysts at Greenwich Merchant Bank envisaging a continuous uptrend.

According to them, increased bargain hunting across top counters was witnessed last week, as investors positioned across fundamentally sound counters in anticipation of the full year corporate earnings releases.

“We also note the key policy rate was left unchanged at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Monetary Policy Committee’s meeting in week, alongside the other policy parameters.

Hence, we expect factors like the kick-off in the earnings season, and the persistently low yields in the fixed income space should drive activities next week. We envisage the market will maintain its uptrend, countered by pockets of profit-taking by contrarian investors,” they said.

Similarly, analysts at Cordros Securities said with the outcome of the Central

Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting aligning with market expectations amid negative real returns in the fixed income market, they expect risk-averse investors to recalibrate their portfolio towards fundamentally sound stocks with attractive dividend yields.

“However, we advise investors to take positions in only fundamentally justified stocks as the fragility of the macroeconomic environment remains a significant headwind for corporate earnings,” they said.

According to the Chief Research Officer, Investdata Consulting Limited, Mr. Ambrose Omordion, the market performance was helped by the influx of unaudited corporate earnings offering insight into what investors should expect from the 2020 December year-end audited earnings reports.

“This is in the midst of positive sentiments that have been helped by the decision of the CBN MPC to leave rates unchanged, following which funds continue to enter

the market as indicated by the money flow index and sentiment report. We advise that players should take advantage of breakouts to position in dividend-paying stocks, with numbers likely to beat expectation, given that the factors driving the rally remain intact. We note too that trading patterns are supporting mispriced stocks and high yield dividendpaying companies,” he said.

Omordion explained that the numbers (companies’ results) released so far are providing a more directional investment strategy for investors, but the continued upward trend could also be linked to the several moves by the government, especially through the CBN to take the economy out of recession.

“We note too that corporate earnings and indeed the stock market are already pointing to a recovery from recession.

Despite these moves, we advise that traders and investors should play with caution, considering the sharp movement in the market and happenings around the globe,” he stated.

CONDOLENCES...

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (left) and former governor, Chief James Ibori, during a condolence visit to Okowa over the death of his father, Pa Arthur Okowa at Owa-Alero in Delta State...yesterday

Farmers: Smuggling Threatening N3.4tn Investments in Rice Production

James Emejo in Abuja

Rice farmers have raised the alarm over a resurgence in the smuggling of the commodity, warning that it could jeopardise their N3.4 trillion investment to make the country self-sufficient in rice production.

The Director-General of the Rice Processors Association of Nigeria (RIPAN), Mr. Andy Ekwelem, said smuggling could also erase over 13 million jobs in the sector.

He urged the federal government to take measures, including criminalising smuggling, to arrest the situation.

Ekwelem told reporters at the weekend that there had been a significant increase

in the number of integrated rice processors to about 60 operators from about 47 as well as enhanced primary production capacity in rice production, which should not be allowed to be threatened by smuggling.

He stated that the Buhari administration and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has done a lot to ensure that the tempo in local rice production is sustained as well as ensure that every actor in the value chain has a reason to continue to remain in business.

He noted that the CBN has done "wonderfully well supporting both the farmers and the rice processors and implementing programmes that are geared to make sure that Nigeria meets that target

to feed ourselves."

However, he expressed concern that smuggling constituted the greatest challenge facing the industry and urged the government to deal with the potential threat to the economy.

Ekwelem, therefore, urged the federal government to criminalise foreign rice importation and prosecute violators to serve as deterrence to others.

He said: "We have said it many times that we need to criminalise foreign rice smuggling.

"Rice is number one in the list of prohibited products in the CBN list of restricted items. So, it is assumed that any rice you see in this country now, in the market, in

the shop, even in your home, that is not Nigerian-made rice, is smuggled into the country.

"First, the country is losing revenue because these guys are not paying the right duties to bring in the rice into the country. Second, they are killing our home economy.

So, we need to criminalise the sale. If we come to your shop and there is foreign rice there, you will be arrested, you will be charged because it amounts to economic sabotage.

"When that is done, people will be dissuaded from buying from these guys who smuggle rice into the country."

He called for measures against rice smugglers and sellers.

MONDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS

HoS Probes Alleged Corrupt Practices in Budget Office NdubuisiFrancisinAbuja Some top officials of the Budget Office of Federation (BoF), including the Director General, Mr. Ben Akabueze, are currently being questioned by an investigative panel committee (IPC) over alleged cases of corruption in the Office.

The investigation, THISDAY gathered, followed a petition by one Hajiya Sanusi Bilkisu, a grade level 14 officer, and Polytechnic Desk Expenditure Officer in the Budget Office, to the Head of Service of (HoS), Mrs. Folashade Yemi-Esan over alleged corrupt practices in the Budget Office.

Bilikisu’s petition to the Head of Service was titled “Re: Complaint on inactions by the Director General Budget Office of the Federation over corrupt practices in the Budget Office the Federation (Expenditure) Social 1A. She alleged: “In the course of my duties, I have uncovered colossal anomalies and corrupt practices in the said unit which I promptly reported to the Director-General,Budget Office of the Federation but same have been greeted with inactions hence my appeal to your office.

Bilikisu added that on December 17, 2019, she again wrote to the DG Budget Office complaining of alleged improper retrieval of the Federal

Polytechnic Kaduna file from her by one Agatha Nkiru Tope-Ajayi, Deputy Director (Expenditure) Social 1A in connivance with Metu Gideon Shadrack, Mrs. Alice Ayegunle and Gwangwazo Auwalu Isa “in a surreptitious manner.”

The petitioner further said that instead of the DG Budget (as the Director General Budget Office is

called) to respond to these alleged corrupt practices, “in an attempt to cow me, a preliminary letter was issued to me on 22 January, 2020 (Copy Attached) alleging misconduct by me.”

According to her, “I promptly replied the preliminary letter and opened up on very serious discoveries by me in the course of

my duties bordering on corruption and surprisingly it went the way of my previous complaints as no attempt was made to address the issues I raised.”

Following her petition, THISDAY gathered that the HoS had set up an investigative panel committee (IPC) chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and

National Planning, Mrs. Olayinka Olushola.

THISDAY gathered that those who have so far appeared before the IPC are: DG, Budget Office, Akabueze; Kaduna Polytechnic Rector, Prof. Idris Mohammed Bugaje; Deputy Director in BoF, Mrs. Agatha Nkiru Tope-Ajayi and Bilkisu Sanusi

Boko Haram Kills Two Policemen, Abducts Two Others in Borno Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Suspected armed members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect invaded Chabal and other communities of Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State yesterday, killing two policemen before abducting two others, Channels TV reported.

The terrorists also in an ambush seized two patrol vehicles and set ablaze another one along Maiduguri-Chabal- Magumeri 35km Road north of the state capital.

Chabal is less than 22km drive from Maimalari Cantonment, 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri.

The unfortunate incident is coming on the day all the newly

appointed Service Chiefs paid their first on-the-spot assessment of the security situation in Maiduguri.

The Service Chiefs currently in Maiduguri for their first operational visit to Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, since their appointment

by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Also during the Chabal and Magumeri communities’ onslaught, the insurgents went away with two patrol vehicles after setting ablaze one of the vehicle, while the dead bodies of the policemen were conveyed to Maiduguri with one injured police officer now receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Maiduguri,” a source was quoted as saying.

PDP Accuses Buhari ofViolating COVID-19 Regulation Mocks presidency on allegation of smear campaign Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday expressed dismay over what it described as President Muhammadu Buhari’s reported violation of his own executive regulation on COVID-19, which provides for six-month jail term for defaulters.

The main opposition party has also said that the allegations by the Presidency that certain Nigerians were waging a smear campaign against Buhari, has further confirmed that thepresent administration is being haunted by the shadows of its own failures.

The PDP said that it is a huge national embarrassment and gross failure of leadership that Buhari, who ought to lead by example, is being reported of publicly violating the COVID-19 regulation, which he signed just five days ago.

The party in a statement issued yesterday by the National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, said that it is indeed scandalous that while Nigerians are striving to obey the COVID-19 regulation, which stipulates the compulsory wearing of nose mask and physical distancing in the public, they are being confronted with reports of open violation of the law by the President at the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s membership revalidation exercise

in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State on Saturday.

PDP said that the media was awash with reports and pictures of the President in public, discussing with his party leaders at the event without putting on a nose mask or maintaining social distancing as stipulated by the new law.

According to the PDP, “Such disregard to law and rules, which have characterised the Buhari’s Presidency and the APC, is largely responsible for the failure of leadership under the Buhari-led APC administration in the last five years.”

Moreover, the PDP said this development has further shown that the Presidency and the APC are more interested in partisan politics than the health and wellbeing of the nation.

“We ask, with this violation, does the Buhari’s administration and its officials still have the rectitude to enforce sanctions on any other defaulter in the absence of necessary regrets by President Buhari and his party, the APC?” the statement queried.

The main opposition party insisted that the onus lies on Buhari and the APC to clean up the mess by tendering an unreserved apology to Nigerians and take steps to observe necessary regrets over this violation.

CELEBRATING A MEGA DEAL…

L-R: Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Malam Mele Kolo Kyari; Executive Secretary of Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote; and Executive Vice-Chairman of Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Company Ltd (BFPCL), Chief Ben Okoye, after the signing of the Final Investment Decision (FID) for the construction of 10,000 tonnes per day methanol production plant by the BFPCL in Abuja …weekend

Obasanjo: Buhari Should Wake up, Fight Banditry in His Backyard Explains emergence of Yar’Adua as his successor Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to wake up and fight the banditry in his backyard.

Obasanjo has also explained the emergence of the late President Musa Yar’Adua as his successor, saying he knew that Yar-Adua was ill before he supported him to emerge as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2007.

The ex-president, who spoke yesterday in a virtual interview with academic and historian, Toyin Falola, said Buhari should start thinking of leaving an enduring legacy as president.

He said: “I thought I knew President Buhari because he

worked with me. But I used to ask people that is it that I have not read him well or read him adequately or is it that he has changed from the Buhari that I used to know? I am not subscribing to the people who say we have a new Buhari from Sudan and all that nonsense.

“I know what I believed was his limitations and I have written about it –he wasn’t strong in economics, not all of us are strong in anything but you need to have sufficient knowledge of it for you to direct the affairs. He wasn’t particularly too strong in foreign affairs but I thought he was strong enough in the military.

“From his performance in his first outing as head of state, I thought he would also do well

in fighting corruption. I did not know the nepotistic tendencies of President Buhari may be because he was not exposed to that sort of situation when he worked with me.

“But with what I have seen now, I believe that may be he will be thinking of a legacy. May be he will also learn from what has happened in recent times. If you are the commander-in-chief and banditry is taking place in your backyard, then you have to wake up.”

The ex-president also said some governors are now in a state of hopelessness because of the president’s way of handling the insecurity in the country.

Meanwhile, Obasanjo has explained the emergence of

President Musa Yar’Adua as his successor, saying he knew that Yar-Adua was ill before he supported him to emerge the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2007.

He however said he got medical advice that Yar’Adua, who had a kidney transplant, was fit to act as President.

Obasanjo has also explained that the former Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili did not emerge as Yar’Adua’s running mate because he had issues with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He denied allegation he deliberately put up weak candidates for selfish interests.

Lagos Police Arrest Suspected Female Armed Robber, 14 Others Ejiofor Alike The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 15 suspected armed robbers in the state, including a female suspect.

The Rapid Response Squad of the state police command arrested the 15 suspects, including 13 traffic armed robbers in operations carried out between January 29 and 30.

According to a statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the suspects were arrested in Oshodi and Ketu areas of the

state.

Adejobi disclosed in the statement that the arrest is part of the Command’s efforts at weeding up criminals suspected to be attacking motorists and commuters in traffic.

“The suspects were picked up by the Rapid Response Squad’s Commander, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi’s led team between 10.45pm on Friday and 4:30am on Saturday at Oshodi Oke and Alausa respectively.

“The suspects that were picked up in Oshodi included Tinuola Ajibola, m, 18, Adeniji Farouk,

m, 16, Wale Ajetunmobi, m, 24, Chibueze Okasa, m, 17, Taiwo Goodluck, m, 36, Sodiq Timileyin, m, 23, Salami Alex, m, 21, Umar Abubakar, m, 20, Micheal Iroaja, m, 36, Abba Mohammed, m, 20, and Mukaila Fasepe, m, 43. While the other two suspects, Saviour Nwoko, 21, and Ayomide David, 19, were caught in the act by the team, at different locations, with a machete and stolen phones in Alausa Lagos “David, alias “Sharwama”, one of the suspects and ex-convict, has disclosed to the police that his gang use to operate along

Olowopopo Road, Ojodu and Ojota.”

In another development, two suspected armed robbers were arrested by police operatives attached to Meiran Division of the Command. The suspects were arrested at Ikola Ipaja Bridge at 11.20pm on January 27, 2021.

The suspects, Oluwadamilare Folami, m, 22, and Desire Chukwu, f, 21, were stopped on a motorbike before they were arrested and searched.

One locally-made pistol, charms and weed suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered from them.

Ekiti State Assembly Member, Adegbuyi, is Dead Victor OgunjeinAdoEkiti A member who represented Ekiti East constituency 1 in the current Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon Olawajuwon Adegbuyi, is dead.

Adegbuyi, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), died

last Saturday after a brief illness.

Responding to the sad news, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Funminiyi Afuye, said he was devastated by the death of his colleague, Adegbuyi.

The Speaker in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media,

Akogun Tai Oguntayo, described the death as “a devastating one in the new year.

“In fact, I am speechless. Hon Adegbuyi, a complete gentleman, who represented his constituency well, was one of the finest and vibrant lawmakers in the sixth assembly. He

died in the hospital after a brief illness.

“We are a unique Assembly of 26 brothers and sisters, and now the cold hand of death has suddenly dealt us this terrible blow! It’s unbelievable and highly unbearable. But we can’t question God.

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NEWSXTRA

Ooni, Alaafin Hail Oyinlola on 70th Birthday Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi have hailed a former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, on his 70th birthday, coming up o Wednesday.

In his goodwill message, Ooni described Oyinlola as a motivation for all young people struggling for breakthroughs.

He stressed that the former governor’s “birth, upbringing and achievements in life despite losing his parents at a very young age is a lesson and, indeed, a motivation to all young people out there struggling for breakthrough that everything is possible.”

Oba Ogunwusi said that while celebrating the fortunes of Prince Oyinlola, “it is pertinent to state

that he created the future he is enjoying today through the dint of hard work, persistence and consistence of yesterday which are worthy of emulation.

“This great man of countless good parts has always lived a life of service to humanity, including his days as a gallant soldier in the Nigeria Army. He served meritoriously and never missed any promotional cycle until he retired in 1999 as a well decorated Brigadier General”.

On his part, the Alaafin has told Oyinlola that his loyalty to the Yoruba nation and support for Its culture and the traditional institution as well as his achievements in public office will make the Yoruba nation never to forget him.

Tha Alaafin, in the statement titled: “Tribute to Omooba Pataki, Olagunsoye Asola Oyinlola at 70,”

said the former governor had “in the last 70 years...seen the good, the bad and the ugly aspects of life but had “successfully weathered all storms. You are, no doubt, a courageous and dependable leader in good and challenging times.”

While noting the support which Oyinlola has been giving the Yoruba nation, culture and the obaship institution since his taking public office, Oba Adeyemi said “God will continue to honour you and the Yoruba nation will never forget you.”

He told Oyinlola further that “your meritorious service to the nation is impeccable, exemplary and inspiring. In all the national assignments you have graciously handled, you have established yourself as a man of character and as a contented personality who cannot be destroyed by the spoils of office.

VON DG Lauds Buhari for Promoting Internal Democracy Chuks Okocha in Abuja As the All Progressives Congress (APC) commences its membership revalidation nationwide, the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr. Osita Okechukwu, has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for “promoting the doctrine of internal democracy in the ruling

party.”

In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, Okechukwu lauded President Buhari for what he described as ‘promoting the doctrine of internal democracy during the flag-off of APC membership revalidation in Daura, Katsina State, last Saturday.

The VON boss praised the

president for upholding the internal democracy and hence, bidding goodbye to imposition of candidates in APC. According to Okechukwu, “We salute President Buhari for promoting the doctrine of internal democracy, hence bidding goodbye to imposition of candidates in the APC in primary elections.

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COMMENT

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

VACCINES: NEED FOR TRANSPARENCY AND EQUITY Rajendra Aneja urges release of trial data, WHO audit, and equitable distribution of Covid-19 vaccines

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other Theresa had advised, “Transparency makes you vulnerable. Be transparent anyway.” The launch of vaccines by many nations, their distribution and the delivery mechanisms, are lackadaisical and arbitrary. Each nation, is for itself. Leadership

has abdicated.

Russia has launched its Sputnik jab with 91.4 percent effectiveness and China has launched its Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines. The latter has a 79.34 percent effectiveness. Brazil is deploying the Sinovac vaccine and has reported a 50.4 percent effectiveness. Indonesia and Turkey are also deploying Sinovac. The UAE is using Sinopharm.

Hungary has placed orders for Sputnik V. Vaccine Trials Data, Public: Russia and China should be absolutely transparent and reveal all trial results. This will build confidence in their vaccines. If the Sputnik V and Sinopharm trials results are made public and blessed by WHO and regulatory authorities, they will carry global credibility.

The Western vaccine suppliers like Pfizer, Moderna, etc., have production-capacity constraints. So, the Chinese and Russian vaccines could be life-saving. Developing countries in Asia and Africa, which cannot afford the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines at USD 40 per dose, will benefit immensely from the economically priced Asian vaccines. If all the test results are submitted for scrutiny, the Russian and Chinese vaccines would enjoy enormous markets.

This is a golden opportunity for President Vladimir Putin and President Xi, to shine themselves and their countries.

They should grab it. However, the precondition is absolute transparency and release of all trial data.

India, which produces 60 percent of the global vaccines, has given its approval to two vaccines. The first is Covishield of Oxford-AstraZeneca, produced by the Serum Institute of India. It has been cleared for usage in the UK, Argentina and Mexico.

The second approved vaccine is Covaxin, launched by an Indian company, Bharat Biotech. Phase-3 trials of Covaxin will be completed in March. Hence, many doctors and health workers are reluctant to take it now. Vaccines must carry credibility. Credibility is determined by absolute transparency and adherence to protocols.

It may be wise for India, not to approve any vaccine, unless all tests, as dictated by global protocols are complete.

If Covaxin, priced at USD one per shot, is cleared by WHO and global regulators after the Phase-3 trials, it could be a game changer in the global fight with Covid-19. Every country in the world, will afford it.

WHO Should Approve Vaccines: The World Health Organisation (WHO) should assume leadership in approving the vaccines, as a central regulatory body. If a vaccine is cleared by WHO, its widespread usage should be acceptable.

It is logical that each country should wish to clear every vaccine. However, this will delay reaching vaccines to the people. Developing countries are taking weeks to approve the vaccines. India has yet to clear the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. When a vaccine like Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or Oxford-AstraZeneca has been blessed by the WHO, how much time does a developing country need to approve it?

A meeting convened to clear an established vaccine, should not adjourn, without reaching a decision, even if it lasts for

THE EXECUTION OF THE VACCINE DISSEMINATION IS CALLOUS. THERE IS AN ABSENCE OF PLANS, SCHEDULE, TIMELINES, BUDGETS AND FINALLY, ROBUST AND CARING LEADERSHIP

24 to 36 hours. Nobody should go home. Provide food, beds, toiletries in the meeting rooms. But, clear the agenda.

We cannot be cavalier.

Need for Vaccine Equity: High income and developed countries, having a combined population of one billion, have already booked 4.2 billion doses, according to Global Health Innovation Centre, Duke University of North Carolina. Low and middle-income countries have secured orders for only 675 million doses.

Canada has purchased vaccines to cover its population five times. It has arrangements with seven vaccine candidates. The USA and UK have covered their populations four times. Countries are squabbling like school children for vaccines.

The world will not be safe from Covid-19, if only the rich nations access the vaccines. The infection will continue to travel and infect even the affluent countries.

So adequate and equitable availability of vaccines is absolutely mandatory to harness the disease. Vaccine producing countries like USA, Germany, India, etc., should work round-the-clock. The production of vaccines should be boosted, so that low-income countries in Asia and Africa can also source them.

Anarchical Vaccination Execution: The vaccination execution in most countries is chaotic. Western countries which have the vaccines have not rolled them out expeditiously, due to issues in logistics, communications and coordination.

Against the target of 20 million vaccinations to be competed in 2020 in the USA, the actual number was just 5.46 million.

It was outrageous to learn that the USA, with the highest infections and deaths globally, does not have a clear vaccination plan, as stated by President Biden. A country like America should have a vaccination time-table by states, towns and even streets. A Federal Vaccination Plan, should be the first priority of President Biden’s team. The disease has spread viciously in the USA, causing immense grief in the homes of over 400,000 victims. President Biden should ensure masking, social distancing and vaccination of the citizens at lighting speed. The President’s team is also planning to invoke the Defence Production Act, to ensure the adequate availability of vaccines, syringes, gloves, etc., on a war footing.

Even though Britain has inoculated about 10 percent of its population, it is having difficulties in reaching senior citizens in the villages, who do not own cars. They depend on volunteers to drive them to vaccination centres.

The execution and pace of vaccination is floundering in most countries. If the USA inoculates a million citizens a day, it will need about 331 days to inoculate the country, which is about a year. India with 1.4 billion people is currently inoculating about 190,000 people daily. If it hikes its vaccination drive to a million per day, it will need 1,400 days or four years.

The execution of the vaccine dissemination is callous.

There is an absence of plans, schedule, timelines, budgets and finally, robust and caring leadership. The world does not have the luxury of time, in the battle with Covid-19.

Ordinary citizens will have to ask more questions of their leaders.

Aneja was the Managing Director of Unilever Tanzania.

He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and the author of books entitled, “Rural Marketing across Countries and “Business Express”. He is a Management Consultant.

FALLACY AND AMBIGUITY IN FINANCE ACT

Innocent Okwuosa argues that FIRS prescription of form of accounts should differ between small and medium companies

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t is no longer news that the Finance Act (2020), which was signed into law on 31st December, 2020 by President Muhammadu Buhari, came into effect on January 1, 2021. What is trending news now, is the realisation that the Act may have introduced about 80 changes to 14 different laws that will affect Nigerians in their different economic endeavours.

These changes according to commentators will affect individuals when it comes to the tax they pay, be it income tax or VAT on purchases. The changes will affect big companies as well as small companies.

Being an accountant, I am interested in FIRS and the prescription of alternative accounts for SMEs. We are informed that by the provisions of the Finance Act, the FIRS may prescribe the form of accounts other than audited financial statements for small and medium companies as defined under Companies Income Tax Act (CITA). The first question is whether SMEs as defined under CITA is the same as defined under Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA). For example, section 394 (3) of CAMA (2020) defines an SME as a company with a turnover of N120 million and total assets of not more than N60 million. On the other hand, the Finance Act through CITA distinguishes between small company and medium company.

A small company is a company whose turnover ranges between N1 – N25 million; and a medium company, above N25 million

but less than N100 million.

So, who is an SME when it comes to FIRS prescribing the form of accounts other than audited financial statements for small and medium companies? Should FIRS prescribe the same form for both small companies and medium companies given that their turnover differs, that is the first controversy.

The definition of medium firm is closer to what CAMA defines as SME and I am of the view that FIRS prescription of form of accounts should differ between small companies and medium companies. It will be unfair for FIRS to prescribe the same form of accounts for medium companies and small companies. Small companies should have less complex form of accounts compared to medium companies.

But are there forms of accounts other than audited financial statements? Herein lies the fallacy and ambiguity caused by the Finance Act as one will be under the impression that there is another form of accounts that is different from audited financial statements. This is a fallacy and it is ambiguous because both audited and unaudited accounts and financial statements are prepared using the same form or format.

Another fallacy and ambiguity is creating the impression that FIRS has power to overrule accounting standards usually adopted in preparing and presenting financial statements by prescribing a form or format of accounts other than audited financial

statements for SMEs. This is fallacious and not correct, as FIRS has no power and cannot invent another form or format of accounts. There is no other form or format of accounts other than that stipulated by the accounting standards which a country has adopted. Nigeria has adopted International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and has not abandoned it.

Another ambiguity and controversy emanating from this provision of Finance Act is whether it is within the jurisdiction of FIRS to prescribe forms of accounts other than audited financial statement. If there is anything we know, especially within accounting, which incorporates taxation, is that the relevant body charged with determining forms or formats of accounts and financial statements in Nigeria is the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN). Only the FRCN can vary forms of accounts but not arbitrarily, as that has to happen through the accounting standards.

I will therefore advise that in future, the Financial Reporting Council ought to have been consulted when wording the Finance Act provision which states that the FIRS may prescribe the form of accounts other than audited financial statements for small and medium companies to avoid the fallacy, ambiguity and controversies I have raised above. The accounting profit which serves as the starting point for tax computation is derived following accounting rules strictly as provided in the accounting standards for

which the tax authorities have no say.

What the Finance Act would have simply stated is that the FIRS should accept unaudited financial statements from SMEs and not prescribe form of accounts. As earlier stated, there is no difference in the form of accounts between audited and unaudited accounts or financial statements.

The only difference is that the external auditor expresses audit opinion on one – the audited financial statement but not on the other – the unaudited financial statement.

Again another issue is that the FIRS may be under the impression that it is trying to save cost for SMEs by avoiding audit. This again is controversial.

By not insisting on audit, it means that FIRS is prepared to take any financial statement presented by SMEs. The purpose of audit is to inspire trust and confidence in the financial statements’ figures. Does the FIRS feel that these do not matter?

Consequently, a financial statement in which anything goes could mean loss of huge revenue to government through avoided taxes, since there may not be trust and confidence in the financial figures presented. So if I were FIRS Chairman, I will prescribe no other form other than audited financial statement for SMEs. rDr Okwuosa, FCA, is the Chairman, IFRS Experts Forum, Nigeria and 2nd Deputy Vice President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria

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EDITORIAL

ARTICULATED VEHICLES AND ROAD USAGE The Lagos State government may do well by enforcing the restriction of articulated vehicles

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he unending debate about the nuisance constituted by drivers of articulated vehicles has again resurfaced in the wake of recent tragedies. The constant presence of these trucks parking indiscriminately on the Ogere section of the ongoing Lagos-Ibadan highway project is not only damaging new construction work but also causing incessant gridlocks. That some of these trailers are parked with full cement dead weight and abandoned on the road shoulder not only in Lagos but also in other major cities THE CARNAGE CAUSED across is damaging as well as a major risk to

BY THE CULTURE other road users.

OF IMPUNITY AND However, it is not RECKLESSNESS only the manner these articulated OF DRIVERS OF ARTICULATED VEHICLES vehicles are parked on the road that IS MIND BOGGLING. poses a menace, the THEY MUST BE manner they are driven is also a major CHECKED problem. For years, many Nigerians have been at the mercy of these killer-drivers whose daredevilry on the road have claimed the lives of numerous innocent citizens. These drivers have no regard for traffic rules and regulations and under the cover of a strong union that goes on strike at the slightest excuse, they have become laws unto themselves.

The manner in which they go about terrorising other road users had always left the public wondering whether these drivers were under some instruction to break the rules of civilised conduct.

While the body counts from truck accidents keep mounting, most of these tragedies can be avoided by simple common sense and inexpensive remedial interventions. It is common knowledge that there are too many rickety vehicles on our roads. The tyres of several of them are worn out; some are in a state of disrepair and not road worthy just as their brakes

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GOVERNOR OBASEKI AND EDO NUT

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he plan by the Edo State chapter of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to embark on an indefinite strike is baseless. Governor Obaseki has done much for teachers and the state government does not have any issue with anybody, as it has been very supportive of teachers. I say that the biggest conspiracy against Governor Obaseki is the decision of Edo NUT to embark on strike and their refusal to allow the governor to find solutions to the problems they have raised. The same union that gave Obaseki an award in 2019 has suddenly turned a critic of Governor Obaseki. Let Edo NUT tell Nigerians what has transpired despite changing rhetoric and four years of educational reforms. Were Edo teachers compelled to give Obaseki an award in 2019, attend political rallies during 2020 Edo election dressed in Edo BEST blue t-shirts? Were they also mandated to attend political rallies in Edo 2020 election with their teachers’ tabs? I demand an answer and an apology from Edo NUT. Edo teachers cannot deceive us this time.

In 2019, the NUT bestowed an award of the ‘2019 Best Performing Governor’ on the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki. The teachers said the governor emerged as winner of the award in recognition of his efforts in improving basic education with several educational projects and teachers’ welfare in the state. They noted that Obaseki has achieved so much in transforming the sector within three years of his assumption of office. The colourful ceremony at the Eagle Square in Abuja was held to mark the World Teachers’ Day, which was attended by President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami. The award was presented to

are suspect. To worsen matters, the drivers of a good number of these trailers and tankers are most often either drunk or half asleep behind the wheels.

Perhaps of greater concern is the frequent explosions of tankers carrying fuel. In two separate accidents last December in Kwara and Ondo States, several dozens of people were victims of this cheap death. In Moro local government of Kwara State on 2 December 2020, six persons were killed on the spot with scores of others injured when a fuel-laden tanker lost control, causing an accident that ignited an explosion. A week earlier, a similar fatal accident involving a tanker transporting fuel in Akungba Akoko, Ondo State claimed the lives of 12. In both cases, dozens of houses were razed.

What is happening on most of our highways across the country is anathema to decency in road usage while this armada of trailers and petroleum tankers will be considered primitive in more civilised societies. Unfortunately, years of toeing the path of impropriety and poor infrastructure development and maintenance in the energy and other sectors are having their toll on other forms of business. That explains why we have tankers of all sorts on the roads every day with all the risks they pose to other motorists.

In response to this danger, the Lagos State Government last week announced plans to enforce the restriction of trucks and articulated vehicles to night operations. But this law has been in force since 2018 without any enforcement. We hope that the authorities will be serious this time. From unlatched container on trucks falling on vehicles to fuel tankers veering off road to cause accidents before explosions, the carnage caused by the culture of impunity and recklessness of drivers of articulated vehicles is mind boggling. They must be checked.

We urge the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) and the police to collaborate in jointly enforcing traffic rules across the country to stop these avoidable and senseless mayhem on our roads.

the governor by the Minister of State for Education, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, who urged Obaseki to continue with the good work of repositioning education in the state.

Obaseki’s administration is continuing with the upgrade of infrastructure utilizing the framework of the Minimum Standards for Basic Education in Nigeria. Edo SUBEB has developed an infrastructure plan in addition to definition of what constitutes a standard primary school, and classroom to ensure that the reforms of this current administration will be sustainable. However, this administration also recognizes that infrastructure alone is not enough and has decided to adopt a holistic approach to improving the quality of basic education provisions and learning outcomes.

Some 11,600 schools-based management committee (SBMC) members were trained to strengthen the governance of Edo schools.

Communities are now pulling resources together to support their local schools: providing security and other support. Community groups are now actively engaged in ensuring compliance from contractors renovating schools in their communities.

To mitigate the impact of school closure on learners and ensure that children continue learning from home, Edo State Universal Education Board (SUBEB) has launched EdoBest@Home programme. The Edo State Government Friday, took on primary school teachers in the state over the planned strike action by the teachers commencing from February 1, 2021. The people of Edo State are waiting for Edo NUT for an explanation for the sudden change of mind towards Governor Obaseki. r*OXBMPNIF %POBME JOXBMPNIF EPOBME!ZBIPP DPN

SERVICE CHIEFS: BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

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resident Muhammadu Buhari last week approved the retirement of his service chiefs and appointed new ones. Although their retirement was long overdue, Mr President action has elicited applause from Nigerians and security experts who blamed the rise of insecurity to inability of the outgoing service chiefs to change their tactics against the dreaded Boko Haram and bandits who continue to terrorise the country. The outgone service chiefs deserve pat on their backs. They have done their best to see the country secured and protected. But it seemed they have been apparently overwhelmed by numerous security challenges. The sudden resurrection of the decimated Boko Haram members and bandits who overran many villages in Borno, Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna States points to their weakness. Though, the Nigerian police and other paramilitary agencies such as Nigeria Civil Defence Corps are primarily and constitutional empowered to provide internal security, the gravity of insecurity in the country is beyond their capability hence the deployment of military to complement their roles.

With the new service chiefs on board, what should Nigerians expect from them? The new service chiefs have come at a time when the country is facing serious security challenges. There is menace of bandits, and Boko Haram who have regrouped and the emergency of ethics militias. The new service chiefs are not new in the war field. They have carved a niche for themselves, recorded success in their previous assignments. One prays they will replicate it and put more efforts to arrest rampant insecurity threatening the peace, unity and survival of the country. r*CSBIJN .VTUBQIB 1BNCFHVB ,BEVOB 4UBUF

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T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2021

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG

POLITICS

Email: nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com 08114495324 SMS ONLY

M O N D AY D I S C O U R S E Kano’s Increasing Notoriety for Underage Voters Ibrahim Shuaibu presents an account of collusion between security agents, government officials including staff of the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission to turn a blind eye to widespread incidences of underage voting at the state’s recent local government election

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he just concluded local government election in Kano State witnessed the highest ever level of voter apathy, participation of underage voters in some polling units and lack of interest among the political class in the state who were side-lined in the selection process of candidates, which clearly favoured government officials.

Many residents refused to turn up at polling units, as the main opposition party in the state, the People Democratic Party (PDP) did not participate in the poll. The election started late in many polling units across the 44 local governments with officials and election materials not arriving at polling units at the time the election was supposed to start.

However, the election was witnessed by a large number of election observers from various organisation. They out- numbered the adhoc staff of the Kano State independent election body in most of the polling units outside Kano metropolis.

Nigerians have been lambasting the state independent election commission in Kano for allowing children to vote in the election that took place across the 44 local government areas in the state last.

Choice of the candidate for the election In the just concluded local government elation, the normal process of party primaries did not see the light of the day, as most of the elected chairman came through the selection with the assistance of their godfathers who picked the persons that are loyal to them in an effort to create a political dynasty for the state governor, Mr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Top political elite like the former governor of the state Malam Ibrahim Shekarau was not allowed to produce the chairman of his local government area, Nasarawa and this also affected the incumbent Deputy Governor, Mr Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna who also lost out in producing a chairman for his local government.

Gawuna and Shekarau are from the same local government area but ended up without control of their local government despite their large number of followers and political structure in their domain.

Key politicians lost control of their local government areas during the just concluded local government area election. Majority of those elected are the governor ’s men as part of his plan to have a clique after he leaves power in 2023.

Sources also confirmed that some powerful forces close to the governor contributed immensely by selecting those to become the local government council chairmen in the state, a situation which political analyst, Mr Bashir Mohammed summed up thus, “There was no democratic process during the local government election. Nobody can tell you a single manifesto of those elected. “ Presence of the Underage at the Poll Underage voting in Nigeria is not just a violation of the voting regulation as provided by the Constitution, but a

Underage voters on queue to vote in the Kano local government election

Ganduje

Kwankwaso

way of engaging in voting irregularities and rigging.

Constitutionally voting age begins from 18 but cases of children seen voting have been reported since 2019 during the general election and recently during the Kano local govern-

ment election that got the ruling All Progressives Congress sweeping the polls in the 44 local government areas.

Constitutionally, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is empowered to register voters based on some criteria.

Underage voting is not as a result of the anxiety to participate in voting exercise by the underage but a method of rigging elections. This was what happened in Kano during the local government election. More so, when such a thing takes place, the public remains unconcerned because they also accept and go by the unfortunate fact that he who is in power has it all. The best they can do is not to even bother to go and vote, for which the underage are used to vote for them for the election to remain credible with ‘massive turnout

This is contained in Section 78 and Section 15 of the Third Schedule and the process is regulated in sections 1-14 of the 2002 Electoral Act. Recently, it has been reported by the media and election observers that the underaged have been seen participating in voting exercise in the January 16, 2021 local government election in Kano.

Children between the ages of 9 and 15 were seen voting in some of the voting centres in Kano. Pictures and in some cases video clips were circulated on the social media and this got with people expressing outrage.

In a particular video clip, a young boy who appears to be between the age of 11 and 13, at Gwazaye polling unit, Kumbotso, Local Government Area, was shown fixing his thumbprint against a party logo while other children struggled to receive their ballot papers to do the same.

Kano has become notorious for child voting, arguably more than other Nigerian states. This is rampant especially where the election is conducted by the state, like the recent local government election in Kano.

Many observers have come to accept that local government election in Nigeria is often dominated by the ruling party in the state, winning all the positions. Expectedly, this gets the approval of the electoral body in the state, which is under the control of the governor of the state.

Kano has been faced with this scenario in the past. When Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso was governor of the state, the same thing happened. Although all political parties then participated in the election, the ruling party won all the seats.

Reasons for underage voters There are usually two reasons why child voting takes place. First, where there is voter apathy and people refuse to participate in voting for one reason or the other. Underage voters are used to fill the numbers and create the false impression that people participated in the election. It is not easily noticed when the underage is between the ages of 16 and 17, as it is glaring

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MONDAY DISCOURSE when the child are younger.

Secondly, they are used for thumb printing of ballots at voting centres.

In Kano, when the state electoral body announced commencement of the local government electoral process,, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kwankwaso left no one in doubt that it would not participate in the election because they already knew the outcome. It has turned out that the PDP predicted correctly as , the APC would surely take it all.

However, the other faction of the PDP under Aminu Wali disagreed and joined the election. A lot of rumours followed the decision, major amongst which was the claim that the faction is operating is being funded by the ruling APC in the state. In fact, the rumour has it that those who contested for chairmanship and councillorship in the name of PDP were paid to by the state in order to give credence to the election.

The election actually witnessed voter apathy in most places and people had to be mobilized to come out to cast their votes because it was generally believed that whether people voted or not, the ruling APC will certainly win the election.

On the part of the government, its agents had to overlook the irregularities and allow for underage voting to meet up with figures that will justify the credibility of the election. This was basically why there was widespread underage voting.

In the process leading to the election, there was nothing like voters’ verification. Anyone could join the queue and thumbprint for the ruling party and receive his ‘pay-and go’.

This also encouraged child voting.

Underage voting is part of the election irregularities that justifies the number of votes cast. This is necessitated by either voters’ apathy or when the real registered voters are denied participation in voting and the underage are used to vote in their place by the party in power.

Hence, if voters refuse to go out to vote, underage and unverified voters are used to vote in their place to justify and give credibility to the voting process.

Also, the real voters can forcefully be denied their voting right using thugs, and in some cases security agents, who drive them away from the voting centres, use underage and unverified people to vote in their place.

Underage voting is not as a result of the anxiety to participate in voting exercise by the underage but a method of rigging elections. This was what happened in Kano during the local government election. More so, when such a thing takes place, the public remains unconcerned because they also accept and go by the unfortunate fact that he who is in power has it all.

The best they can do is not to even bother to go and vote, for which the underage are used to vote for them for the election to remain credible with ‘massive turnout’.

In order to curb such anomaly the legitimate voting process must be strictly adhered to at all levels.

A political scientist in Kano, Bashir Mohammed said that INEC should be the main regulatory body in charge of the elections at all levels including the local government levels or at least observe the entire process being operated by the state electoral body.

According to him, some times people wonder where such children are from and even say they are almajiri children which is not necessarily true. Most of the time they are usually children in the neighbourhood sent to participate and collect what is usually given to those who vote. Some of them even go there with their mothers.

More so, the children neither understand, nor do they comprehend the implication of what they are doing.

Thesame can be said of their parents.

It was reliably believed that anywhere

Electoral Commission, Professor Ibrahim Garba Sheka, declared the APC as winner of all the 44 chairmanship and 484 councillorship seats in the state .

On the election day, Sheka was seen sighted at Kano state Government House enjoying a lavish dinner with the state Chief Executive, an act the opposition party and observers said has made a mockery of the independence of the state electoral umpire.

Abdullahi Garba Ramat, who was declared the winner in Ungogo local government, has been facing corruption charges in the state anti-graft agency, while there are reliable reports that some of the candidates failed the mandatory drug test and yet the party refused to replace them.

According to Hashimu Suleiman Dungurawa, a member of the opposition PDP, “There is need for a rethink on how the conduct of election is being carried out by the electoral commission.”

He recommended an independent way of choosing the leadership of the state independent electoral commission or its abolition and return to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Abdullahi Abbas, APC chairman on Kano at the poll in Gwale, underage voters can be spotted

Gawuna

Shekarau

there is child voting, it is organized and allowed by the officials present there. These include the party agents, the voting officials, the security agents as well as the dominating party members and officials present at the polling centre.

is high grade election manoeuvres especially as most of the local government elections are conducted without a card reader.

A lawyer who pleaded anonymity said, Generally, the underage cannot be prosecuted in a formal court according to the law. They can not be punished for participating in the process because they are engaged by the officials.

Hence, if anyone is to be punished, it will be those who allow them to take part in the electoral process.

Alleged Almajiri involvement Also, on the other hand, the said Almajiri might possibly be around the voting centres asking for alms when they were exploited by the voting agents present there. They don’t usually understand what is going on, nor do they know the implication of what they are doing.

Most of the almajiris do not have a voter ’s card, but their involvement

APC won 44 local government seat Few hours after the election, the Chairman of the State Independent

The election actually witnessed voter apathy in most places and people had to be mobilized to come out to cast their votes because it was generally believed that whether people voted or not, the ruling APC will certainly win the election. On the part of the government, its agents had to overlook the irregularities and allow for underage voting to meet up with figures that will justify the credibility of the election. This was basically why there was widespread underage voting

Stand of the Opposition on the Election The Kano State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), loyal to former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has sued the Kano state electoral body, (KANSIEC) for contempt of court.

The court case has been filed before Kano High Court, insisting that it should not recognise the other faction of the party as demanded by a court order.

Kano State Party Chairman, Mr Shehu Wada Sagagi said “We have also filed before the court whether KANSIEC has the right to accept a candidate other than the one from the legally recognised executive of the party. This is what we want the court to determine.”

Activists position Members of the civil society group who served at situation of the local government election draw the attention of the appropriate authorities to urgently address the problem of irregularities during the election.

The Kano Civil Society Situation Room (KCSSR) led by Mr Ibrahim Waiya who had deployed observers across the 44 LGAs, observed the following: The conduct of the elections was relatively peaceful, as there was security presence in every polling unit.

They also revealed that there were reports of delay in the distribution of materials in somepolling units,resulting in late commencement of the elections. However, most of these issues were immediately addressed through the situation room intervention.

It was observed that there was low turnout of voters in most of the polling units, especially among women and persons with disability.

The civil society recommended improving the process for subsequent elections and sought to sstrengthen citizens’ participation and inclusion in the electoral process.

State Government position Kano state government has commended the election process and said the party’s victory was a testimony of purposeful leadership in the state.

Governor Ganduje predicted that the All Progressive Congress (APC) will win the local government election in all the 44 areas of the state.

Ganduje commended the peaceful conduct of the election and said the APC will remain victorious across 484 wards.

All the government officials declined to comment on whether there was underage voting in the concluded elections.

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T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2021

POLITICS

Amosun’s Seven Loyalists in Ogun Assembly Dump APM, Return to APC Kayode Fasua writes that the discord which led former governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun into forming the Allied Progressives Movement where he fielded Adekunle Akinlade to run as governor, but he lost to Governor Dapo Abiodun, has run its full course as seven members of the state legislature who won on the ticket of the APM have returned to the ruling All Progressives Congress

Abiodun

S

even lawmakers in the Ogun State House of Assembly, who were loyalists of serving senator representing Ogun Central, former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, have dumped their party and returned to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

They were representing the Allied Progressives Congress (APM), which is Amosun’s pet political party, at the state Assembly.

Amosun had objected to the choice of now Governor Dapo Abiodun during the 2019 governorship election, but Abiodun was fully backed

by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

The discord led Amosun into forming the APM where he fielded Adekunle Akinlade to run as governor, but Abiodun won at the poll.

Curiously, while Amosun openly funded the APM, he remained in the APC. The collapse of the APM in Ogun may create another power bloc within the APC which is tensed from internal wrangling between factions loyal to another former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba and the incumbent governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun. Returning to the party at a time when many political offices have been filled could mean that Amosun loyalists have their eyes set on the next general election in 2023.

Abiodun, while receiving the seven APM members of the Assembly into the APC, urged them to be loyal to the party and work towards realising “the Building the Future Together” agenda of the state government.

Speaking while receiving the defecting lawmakers, who were led to him by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Kunle Oluomo, in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Governor

Amosun

Abiodun stressed the need for all members to be loyal and contribute to the development of the state.

Abiodun who described the lawmakers’ move as “home coming”, said, “it is a thing of joy to have a member of the family that had left home as a result of disagreement, to return home”.

“You have not come back through coercion or by force. Remember you will be criticised for coming back.

In line with our inclusive and participatory policy, we welcome you.

“You will recall that we have not discriminated against you in the past 18 months even while you were not

Akinlade

with us. We will ensure you enjoy all the all the benefits that our members enjoy”, he promised.

The governor expressed the hope that by welcoming back into the fold of the party, would not regret the inclusiveness policy of his administration, urging the defectors to work hard to strengthen the party in the State and the administration to deliver on its mandate to the people.

The governor alsoused the occasion to appreciate the entire members of the House, attributing the modest achievements recorded so far to the continued support of the lawmakers in the last one and a half years.

Presenting the seven lawmakers to the Governor, the Speaker, Oluomo, noted that the rejoining of the members symbolised the achievements of the administration in getting everyone on board. I am happy to inform you today that the members of our great partythe All Progressives Congress on the floor of the House has increased from 15 to 22. Today all the seven members of the All Progressives Movement (APM), in the House moved to the APC. This means that our great party is totally and fully in charge of the Ogun State House of Assembly all due to your ability to manage the people of the State towards the entrenchment of progressive policies in the state

Presenting the seven lawmakers to the Governor, the Speaker, Oluomo, noted that the rejoining of the members symbolised the achievements of the administration in getting everyone on board.

“I am happy to inform you today that the members of our great partythe All Progressives Congress on the floor of the House has increased from 15 to 22. Today all the seven members of the All Progressives Movement (APM), in the House moved to the APC. “This means that our great party is totally and fully in charge of the Ogun State House of Assembly all due to your ability to manage the people of the State towards the entrenchment of progressive policies in the State”, he noted.

In his remarks, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Rt. Hon. Tunji Egbetokun, expressed the hope that the 22 members would translate ‘into positive majority’, that would add to the development of the State.

Speaking, one of the new members, and immediate past Minority Leader, Hon. Ganiyu Oyedeji, representing Ifo 2 State Constituency, said described his move as home coming, pledging continued support to the government as he has been doing even as an opposition member.

Hon. Musefiu Olatunji Lamidi in his remarks pledged significant contributions to enable the people enjoy the benefits of the administration, while Honourables Latifat Ajayi, Adeniran Adeyinka and Yusuf Amosun, appreciated the governor for his inclusive policy and promised to contribute their quotas to the socio-economic development of the state.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

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FEATURES

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

Menace of Killer Herdsmen and Hitmen With hightened activities of killer herdsmen and kidnapping gangs igniting ethnic tensions, the nation's unity is once again being sorely tested, writes Kingsley Nwezeh

An armed herdsman with his cattle

Photo credit: Google

F

or some years now the issue of the involvement of herdsmen in rampant killing and kidnapping of innocent citizens has taken the front burner and assumed a threat to national security and cohesion.

The security challenge has become a recurring decimal culminating in the kidnapping of hundreds of Nigerians for ransom, raping of women and wanton destruction of property.

Origin The history of cattle rearers or what we now know as herdsmen is a long one. It is traceable to the Bible.

The patriarch of the Jews, Abraham, a friend of God, his son Isaac, and grandson, Jacob, were exceedingly wealthy herdsmen or cattle owners (Genesis 13:2: "And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold") Owning cattle is a measure of wealth then and now.

Another prominent jewish figure, Job, was also wealthy and owned a lot of cattle and sheep. His wealth is measured in modern times to be worth $56 million in livestock.

They were hardly associated with violence except when invaded or provoked by the activities of cattle rustlers.

The cattle rearing tribes are scattered across the globe with different approaches to herding cattle in terms of normadism and use of technology or ranching.

Herdsmen are in America, Armenia, Ghana, China, Europe Nigeria and other parts of the world because God created cattle and some particular tribes rear them especially for economic benefits.

Dominant Narrative Before now, the dominant narrative was that the clashes between herdsmen and farmers were the products of climate change which forced herdsmen to move Southwards in search of pasture, leaving a trail of blood and destruction.

There was also the narrative that there were cattle routes running across the country and established in colonial times, the distortion by road networks and other infrastructure, had

President Muhammadu Buhari

resulted in clashes by herders and farmers.

The other narrative was that those responsible for the kidnapping and killings were Fulani herdsmen from other parts of Africa not the ones we know.

The narrative has since changed with strange herdsmen launching attacks and engaging in kidnapping for ransom, banditry, raping women and killing of Nigerians, giving it a political colouration, though the normal herdsmen could still be seen daily doing what they started from the Bible, engaging in what was assigned them, the only difference now being that they move on streets and

IG Adamu Mohammed

near government offices where there are no grasses.

The activities of the renegade herdsmen is an indication of a hijack as herdsmen are known to wield sticks with which to whip cattle to line not AK 47 rifles or originally known to form kidnap gangs even with strong evidences of infiltration.

There are also arguments that with the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari as president in 2015, the once peaceful herdsmen became emboldened and started making demands for unfettered access to farmlands.

A large number of such herdsmen also trooped into Nigeria from Niger, Chad and Nigeria complicating the security situation in the process.

The nation has witnessed in recent years the killing of hundreds of people in Benue and Plateau States by herders and the slaughter continues unabated.

To many, it is now scary to imagine travelling by road to some parts of the country for fear of being kidnapped.

There are also cases of some of the herdsmen arrested by police recently donning military camouflage. Force Public Relations

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FEATURES

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State

Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi

Officer and Commissioner of Police, Frank Mba, said recently that some arrested kidnap suspects were returning to the police a second time and in some cases, a third time, having being earlier arrested, charged to court, imprisoned and mysteriously released.

The Igangan Fiasco Riled by years of provocative activities of such herdsmen in Igangan community in Oyo State, a youth activist, Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho, had on January 22 stormed the acient town with his followers to eject the Sariki Fulani, Salihu Abdulkadir.

The fulani head was accused of complicity in the killings, kidnapping, rape and invasion of farmlands in the area. Members of the community claimed that payment of ransom for kidnap victims were usually passed through him.

In fact, residents of Igangan, had at a town hall meeting held last Monday under the auspices of the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Ngozi Onadeko and the state government affirmed that over N50 million ransom was paid in the past five years.

Igboho had also given Fulanis a quit notice to leave Ibarapa land.

The villagers, had at the meeting provided facts, figures and photographs to support claims that the herders and their leaders were behind a spate of abductions in the area.

Governor Keyinde Makinde of Oyo State had also ordered the arrest of all those formenting trouble in the state.

Presidential Spokesman, Garba Shehu, had claimed that the Inspector-General of Police, Adamu Mohammed, ordered the arrest of Igboho, which sparked further outrage across the country.

A group, Lansante Renaissance, recently posited that no fewer than 10 persons were killed and 25 others abducted by suspected herdsmen in the Ibarapa area of Oyo State in the last two years.

"The Fulanis have not been without pains, sorrows, and tears over the years.

The people in Ibarapa are helpless, restless, and despondent over the activities of some unscrupulous herdsmen and criminal gangs that have been kidnapping, killing, and extorting money from helpless citizens through ransom payments.

"They invade our farms, rape our young ladies and women, destroy our properties, and recently became bandits and terrorists in our midst", the group said.

Alleged Collusion with Security Personnel There have also been unverified reports of strange helicopters that drop weapons for herdsmen domiciled in some forests in the southern parts of the country at unholy hours.

In the same vein, a Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Tolu Odebiyi, recently called on the federal government, the military and police authorities to investigate the harassment of his constituents by soldiers and herdsmen.

Seriki Fulani of Oyo State, Saliu Abdulkadri

Penultimate week, the social media was awash with reports that the herdsmen allegedly engaged the services of some soldiers to beat up farmers in some communities in Yewa land in Ogun State.

The community was accused of stopping cattle from grazing over their farmland. The reports had it that many people in the area were beaten up and injured by the soldiers.

Senator Odebiyi had, in a statement through his media aide, demanded a thorough investigation into the matter. He also lamented the incessant attacks by herders in the area.

“It is morally wrong to allow herders to graze on people’s farms unchecked, to the point that law abiding citizens are rendered hapless. This sends a dangerous sign, in addition to undermining the credibility of the government,” he said.

Senator Odebiyi further called on the Brigade Commander of the 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta and the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command to probe the assault on the community.

The lawmaker said the investigation had become imperative “in order to stop the inimical, unpleasant and nasty situation reverberating around the Yewa villages”.

Governor Akeredolu's Ultimatum Unable to bear the activities of rampaging herdsmen in Ondo State, the state chief executive, Rotimi Akeredolu, had given herdsmen occupying Ondo forests seven days to vacate them or face the wrath of

Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho

the law.

Presidential Spokesman, Garba Shehu, had weighed in by arguing that the forest occupants enjoyed freedom of movement in the constitution.

Some people also flew the kite of emergency declaration in Ondo as a way to advance their narrow interest.

But Akeredolu had stood his ground insisting that his goverment would not condone criminal herdsmen who use the forests as operational base for kidnapping, raping and decimation of innocent Ondo indigenes.

committed to modern breeding process by creating grazing reserves and practice ranching to prevent cattle roaming about,” the communiqué said.

The communique further clarified that the Ondo State governor’s ultimatum was for illegal occupants of the forest reserves, saying the media misrepresented his directive.

“No one had sent anyone away from any state or region but all hands must be on deck to fight criminality,” it stated directing: “Criminals should be apprehended and punished, no matter their origin, class or status”.

Troubleshooting The altercation got to a point that the Nigerian Governors' Forum had to intervene.

After a meeting with the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) it was agreed that a ban on open grazing including underage and night herding be effected. Both parties also agreed that kidnapping, banditry and criminality by herdsmen are signs of a failed government.

Chairman of the Nigerian Governors' Forum, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, had said that the meeting was convened to find lasting solutions to the incessant killings, kidnapping and crises between herdsmen and farmers in the South-west.

He said unlawful grazing must be stopped to avoid conflicts between the farmers and the herders.

“MACBAN should embrace and be

Clarion Call Stakeholders have further criticed the unhealthy development of a conscious governance template that encourages ethnicism or takes advantage of a political position.

Speaking on Arise TV on the topic, “Conflict and Likelihood of Violence,” Col Tony Nyiam (rtd) who warned against the danger of granting unfettered access to suspected terrorist herdsmen in southern Nigeria accused Buhari of insincerity.

“For some time, I have always said that the president lacks the sincerity of purpose and political will. I say this because if you remember, when we had the same thing happening in Benue, one had to intervene and call the president, that the president cannot shy away from such an issue. We need to see him stop being nepotistic and taking sides,” he said.

22

MONDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2021 •T H I S D AY

23

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯ˜ 2021

BUSINESSWORLD

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima

Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08152447875

Ͱ ͷ ˜ Ͱ ͮ Ͱ ͯ MONEY MARKET OVERNIGHT OBB

REPO 11 10.50

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

6 8 9

S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

608.54% -0.60% - 9.21%

S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE YEAR TO DATE

- 9.21% - 9.21%

EXCHANGE RATE N379/1US DOLLAR* ̩

Quick Takes CardinalStone Launches Premier Mutual Fund

NEW INVESTMENT OPPORTUNTIES

L-R: Founding Partner Banwo & Ighodalo, Asue Ighodalo; Managing Director, Emerging Africa Asset Management Limited (EAAML), Ada Ijara; Chairman, EAAML, Toyin Sanni, and Lead Partner, Detail Commercial Solicitors, Ayuli Jemide, at the official launch of EAAML’s mutual funds in Lagos... recently

Commodity Exchange Seeks Improvement in Port Efficiency, Infrastructure Obinna Chima The AFEX Commodities Exchange Limited has stressed the need for an improvement in infrastructure as well as product-handling efficiencies at the sea ports across the country.

This, it stated, would lower overall costs of input imports and improve competitive advantage of exports.

The commodity exchange stated this in its 2021 Annual Commodities Outlook.

It also pointed out that lack of access to loans and fertilizers remained largely the biggest challenge to most farmers in 2020.

Furthermore, it pointed out that the high interest rate environment in the country, coupled with the risk involved in agro- financing, could impede the capacity of farmers to pay back loans. These, it also stated had also been major impediments to loan access and disbursement over the years.

“This explains the low exposure of banks to the agriculture space despite policy makers’ objective

ECONOMY to enhance food security in the country,” it added.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics data, credit to the Agriculture sector in Q2 2020 accounted for a meagre five per cent.

Fertilizer on the other hand remains a core agriculture input which affects negatively or positively crop yield dependent on the usage per hectare.

“At about 20kg fertilizer usage per hectare on the average, Nigeria lags Sub-Saharan peers like South Africa and Egypt that use over 100kg/ha and other developed economies that use above 200kg/ ha.

“This is despite measures to enhance the procurement and distribution of fertilizers to farmers during the farming season. While farmers according to the survey employed the use of fertilizers, inadequacy was a major factor they complained,” it added.

It quoted a report by (NAERLS)

to have revealed that during the 2020 wet season, about 27 states reported procuring and distributing seeds and seedlings, agrochemicals, fertilizers, and farm equipment to farmers.

However, the inputs were found to be inadequate and largely unaffordable to some farmers.

The major seeds and seedlings procured and distributed were maize, rice, sorghum, soybean, millet, sesame, cowpea, cassava cuttings, pepper, oil palm, plantain, and banana.

“Most of the farm inputs procured and distributed were reported to be affordable to farmers except in some States like Katsina, Anambra and Akwa Ibom that reported that seeds and seedlings procured and distributed were not affordable to farmers.

“Agrochemicals were also reported not affordable in Kwara, Nasarawa, Katsina, and Akwa Ibom.

“The inadequacies of farm inputs in these states could be attributed to the COVID -19 pandemic lockdown.

“Most of the farm inputs procured were likely procured and distributed before the pandemic lockdown. The inadequacies of farm inputs to farmers affects crop situations on the field,” it added.

In its recommendations, it stated that boosting of access to loans at lower cost to smallholder farmers was key to boosting production.

According to the commodity exchange, although policies geared towards achieving this are in place, proper policy design, monitoring mechanism and adequate and robust regulatory framework that supervises the implementation and operation of the programme were also important.

“Also, Nigeria has a great potential for increasing productivity and production through the increased use of agricultural inputs like fertilizer.

“However, input prices remain high weighing largely on demand by smallholder farmers. Beyond current fertilizer subsidies, we suggest more interventions and Continued on page 24

Report Highlights Risks of Financial Transfers to UK Schools Emma Okonji The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), recently launched a research report carried out on UK private schools, which exposes the risks in financial transactions to UK schools from Nigeria and other West African countries.

The report, titled: “West African Elites’ Spending on UK Schools and Universities: A Closer Look,” was commissioned by the UK government.

The report put illicit finance flows into the UK private education system from West Africa at about £30 million in fees alone, adding that most of the funds emanated from Nigeria, given the

ECONOMY country’s size and long tradition of families sending their children to UK private boarding schools and universities, and to a lesser extent Ghana.

The estimated amount was calculated using recent school and university census data, average school and university fees for the 2019/2020 academic year and the more speculative estimate that 5 per cent of university students and 30 per cent of private boarding school students from countries of West Africa have financial links to politically exposed persons (PEPs).

Although the report noted that the overwhelming majority of Nigerian students in the UK pose no corruption risk and their families do not possess

unexplained wealth, it however said: “Many institutions are popular destinations for the children of politically exposed persons from Nigeria, including some who channel unexplained wealth into the UK education sector.”

One of the reports key findings was that many Nigerian graduates of UK schools and universities are children of PEPs who had been convicted of corruption-related offences or had assets confiscated

by UK courts.

According to the report, recognising the risk illicit financial flows from Nigeria and other parts of the world poses to the UK and its educational sector, UK educational institutions were beginning to incorporate anti-corruption guardrails into their practice.

For example, the Independent Schools Bursars Association and Independent Schools Council are fully engaged with the NCA/ JMLIT report and have committed to preventing proceeds of crime from entering the UK and preserving the reputation of UK independent schools. Equally, UK Government agencies are committed to implementing policies to effectively combat illicit financial flows into the UK, it stated.

In response to the report, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing stated: “Tackling illicit corruption in Nigeria is critical to the country’s prosperity and security, and to addressing poverty and inequality.

“The UK is working in part-

CardinalStone Asset Management Limited has launched its first-ever Mutual Fund, the “CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund.”

The launch followed approval by the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC). The offer opens today, Monday, February 1, 2021.

The Portfolio Manager, Ida Dublin-Green, was quoted as saying that the Fund would allow investors to have a diversified portfolio of quality assets that are managed by a team of experienced professionals.

The Fund’s objective is to provide investors with steady return on capital, liquidity, and capital preservation, a statement from the Lagos-based firm stated. The Fund will offer a safe, reliable, suitable, and attractive investment vehicle to retail, high-net-worth and institutional investors, and welcomes participation from both resident and foreigners.

In addition, Co-Founder/Director at CardinalStone, Mohammed Garuba, opined that, “the Fund Manager’s expertise and capacity, together with the proposed investment mix and fund structure, will ensure that we deliver value to investors.”

The statement added: “The CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund is coming at a time when fixed-income yields are at all-time lows. It provides an opportunity for investors to seek competitive returns while preserving the value of their investment.

Afreximbank Tops Lead Arrangers’ League

TheAfricanExport-ImportBank(Afreximbank)hasbeenrankedasAfrica’s #1mandatedleadarrangerinsub-SaharanAfrica,accordingtoBloomberg’s 2020 full-year Capital Markets League Tables.

The assessment of the bank’s transactions recognised the institution’s leadership role in mobilising capital from both within and outside of the continent from a diverse range of investors and stakeholders for the financing needs of borrowers in Africa, according to a statement.

As Covid-19 caused a sudden retreat of capital and investors from the continent, Afreximbank stated that it undertook decisive action and mobilised its significant partnership-building expertise, as well as fulfilling its role as a counter-cyclical financial institution, broadening access to commercialcapitalevenforborrowersfromthosecountrieswhereaccess to international finance remains challenging.

Afreximbank’s MLA activity has greatly mitigated the current economic downturnformanyborrowers–easingtheriseofpotentialborrowerdefaults inthesovereign,financialinstitution,andcorporatesectors–andcontributed to general continued investor confidence despite economic adversity.

Afreximbank said it played a leading and enabling role in nearly all the landmarkdealsacrossAfricaduring2020,mobilisingcapitalfrominvestors comprising banks, institutional investors, ECAs, DFIs as well as guarantee providers, spanning from Africa, the US, Europe, Middle East, and Asia.

“The bank is delighted to have surpassed 2019’s second place MLA ranking and is determined to maintain this momentum into 2021. Indeed, as the year ahead promises further challenges, with the continued menace of Covid-19 and associated economic difficulties, Afreximbank reiterates its commitment to close cooperation with all of its lending partners,” the statement added.

Ziroc Rededicates to Customer Satisfaction GuestsatZirocResidence,oneofNigeria’sleadinghotelshavebeenassured of a more wholesome experience in 2021. According to a statement, Ziroc Residence has implemented several initiatives to avail guests comfort, safety and the right ambience for business or leisure.

Itadded:“Weareconstantlyimplementingbest-in-classsolutionstoensure guests receive value for money every time they stay at our hotel. One of these initiatives is implementing the health authorities’ recommended protocols to ensure guests are not exposed to COVID-19.

“With studies indicating that transmission of the virus can be halted with highlevelhygiene,weregularlydeep-cleanourroomsandeveryotherspace withthemajorobjectiveofreducingtozero,thepossibilityofspreadofthe virus in our hotel. “This is in addition to regular checks to limit possibility of the spread of the virus on the hotel premises.”

Themanagementwhilethankingitsclients,statedthatitinvestedinfacility upgrade to enrich their experience. “Without our clients, we could not have come this far. We are restating our commitment to continue to make our guests the focus of our operations.”

“This included payment of a monthly Conditional Cash Transfer of N5,00 to one million indigent Nigerians, to protect them against economic shocks and elevate them out of poverty” Minister for Humanitarian Affairs,

Continued on page 24

Mrs. Sadiya Farouk

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BUSINESSWORLD COMMODITY EXCHANGE SEEKS IMPROVEMENT IN PORT EFFICIENCY, INFRASTRUCTURE reforms aimed at eliminating bottlenecks in the fertilizer supply chain which as impaired the confidence private investors over the years.

“There is need for a conducive policy environment and strengthened institutional and regulatory environment.

“Also, improvement of port infrastructure and producthandling efficiencies will lower overall costs of input imports and improve competitive advantage of exports,” it added.

Commenting on its expectation for 2021, it anticipated that the global economy would remain on the path of recovery given the announcement, approval, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and positive impact on the global commodities market in terms of higher prices.

Also, it stated that the Joe Biden-led administration looks positive for global trade.

“Outlook for domestic commodities varies across crops but largely dependent on key systemic factors like outcomes of the COVID-19 outbreak, distribution of vaccines, fiscal and monetary policies and AfCFTA,” it added.

REPORT HIGHLIGHTS RISKS OF FINANCIAL TRANSFERS TO UK SCHOOLS

nership with Nigeria to tackle corruption and illicit finance and has excellent relationships with Nigerian agencies and civil society who are fighting corruption.

“The UK has a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and remains committed to tackling it wherever it happens, including in the United Kingdom (UK) education system.

“The UK Government commissioned the Carnegie report in order to better understand the risk to the UK from illicit finance in West Africa. We will now consider the reports finding and take a view on what if any further action is required.”

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) Eromosele Abiodun (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor (Energy) Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) Reporters

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy)

NEWS

FG Selects Bauchi for Implementation of Artisanal Mining Project Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The Permanent Secretary said the clusters would be provided with common facilities and coordinated activities to enable easy formalisation of the artisanal mining activities in the kaolin supply chain, as well as avail them the opportunity for value addition and market accessibility.

“Your Excellency, I am honoured to be in your midst to bring to you information on the activities of the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development towards

the implementation of the one of the Presidential directives to revive and sustain the country’s economy which has been suffering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

“In a bid to stem the worsening economic situation, President Muhammadu Buhari established the Economic Sustainability Plan Committee where the committee recommended the execution of projects in different sectors of the economy, including development

of Artisanal and Small Mining clusters in each of the six geopolitical zones to spur accelerated growth of socioeconomic activities in the country,” he said.

Akinlade, therefore applauded Mohammed for the allocation of five hectares of Land at Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state for the project and reaffirmed the readiness of the Ministry to support the state government in boosting its economy.

“It is noteworthy that this development is the federal government support to His Excellency’s lofty strives in providing employment and empowerment opportunities for the people of Bauchi state, especially the teeming youths,” he added.

Mohammed, while appreciating the Ministry for giving the opportunity to Bauchi to implement the project for the north-east, pledged to support the initiative for its full implementation in the state.

The Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development has announced the selection of Bauchi State for the implementation of its Artisanal and Small Mining (ASM) Cluster development project for the north-east geopolitical zone.

This is just as Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has allocated five hectares of land for the project The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinlade, announced this when she led members of staff of the Ministry on a courtesy visit to Mohammed at the Council Chamber, Government House, Bauchi.

Akinlade, said the project which includes the development of kaolin value chain through the establishment of kaolin processing plant and possibly, equipment leasing platform, would provide opportunities for enhanced exploitation of kaolin for job and job wealth creation.

She said under the project, the federal government would embark on infrastructural development in the cluster area to increase the ease of doing business, adding that, the project would organise the artisanal and small scale operators in the project area into clusters/ L-R: Managing Director, FAN Milk, Ferdinand Mouko; Secretary to the Ogun State Government,TokunboTalabi, and French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jerome cooperatives.

Pasquier,duringtheMoUsigningbetweentheFrenchcompanyandOgunStategovernment...recently

MOUSIGNING

FG Lists Benefits of Public - Private Partnership in Sugar Industry Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Minister of Industry, Trade Investment, Chief Niyi Adebayo, has reiterated the commitment of the federal government to partner with private and public sector investors in the sugar industry, in a bid to accelerate the nation’s economic growth.

Speaking at the official inauguration of a multi-billion-naira Nigeria Sugar Institute located at Jimba-Oja town at Ifelodun

local government council area of Kwara state recently, Adebayo said investments already made by the federal government and the private sector in the sugar industry were capable of creating over thousands of jobs in agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

He said, “The government therefore recognises the need to deepen the partnership with the private sector to drive access to skills development, research

and development in a manner that promotes competition, productivity, profitability and sustainability in the sugar industry.”

The minister added that the present administration values the cooperation of private investors especially in sugar development, which according to him has set a pace in the bid to boost research and development and also to create Job’s for unemployed youths in the country. Adebayo,

who commended the Kwara state government and other stakeholders in the partnership for the support given to the ministry in actualising the project, pledged to meet expectations of the country in sugar development through sugar master plan. Also speaking, the executive secretary of the Nigeria Sugar Institute (NSI), Dr. Latif Busari, said among objectives of the institute, was to develop

human resource to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the Nigeria sugarcane industry.

Busari, who said the institute would ensure adequate capacity building and sustainability in the sugar industry, added that it would undertake regular refresher technical and management courses for staff of sugar companies as well as fresh graduates desiring to make a career in the sugar industry.

FG Introduces Initiative to Boost Seed Variety James Emejo in Abuja The Director General, National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), Dr. Phillip Ojo, has said the introduction of genotyping in the seeds sector will be a game changer in the agriculture sector.

This, it stated, would provide accurate and targeted policy formulation regarding the utilisation of seeds in the country.

He said the process which was expected to complement current efforts to enhance food security, would effectively and accurately track farmers’ adoption of improved varieties and how

varieties turn over through time using DNA finger printing.

Speaking at the opening of the ‘Institutionalising Monitoring of Crop Variety Adoption Using Genotyping (IMAGE) physical launch and constitution of the National Executive Steering Committee of the IMAGE project in Nigeria,’ which was organised by to council, the NASC DG pledged that the council will support the process as much as possible.

He added that that the IMAGE project would provide insights and evidence for seed sector actors to enhance government agency capacity, improve stakeholders’

coordination, and lead to better investment and resource allocation decisions for varietal development and commercialisation in the country.

Ojo said: “This programme is so important because it’s actually good for us to know the seeds varieties we are talking about and the varieties farmers are using.

If it’s FARO 44, let it be Faro44.

“And the Faro that had been done in the past had been nearly on the use of guess work.

“Farmers would say this is Faro44...but we are now using genotyping to actually be sure of exactly those variety so that

at the end of the day we know the exact varieties.”

He said: “It’s going to help farmers in a way because a lot of admixtures would no longer be there and when you have very good and pure seeds, the yields will increase, farmer’s productivity increases and we are talking of adequate food security for the country.”

He pointed out that the project marked the adoption of improved variety monitoring and reporting and ‘the beginning of the process that will drive us through the much-needed shift from our traditional and largely inaccurate

methodology for measuring farmer adoption of improved variety and how varieties turnover through time.”

According to him, studies of improved seed adoption in Nigeria are almost based on household surveys and are premised on the assumption that a farmer can accurately self a report their use of improved seed varieties.

He, however, noted that many studies have shown that farmers report of seed varieties planted, or whether the seed is improved or local are sometimes inconsistent with the DNA fingerprinting results of these varieties.

NASC Introduces Initiative to Boost Seed Variety Notore Chemical Industries Plc, has intensified efforts on its Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) programme to achieve nameplate capacity of 500,000mtpa and boost profitability from 2021.

The company has fixed March 8, 2021, as the completion date for the exercise which is expected to significantly increase its current production volumes, revenue,

and operating cash flows.

The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Notore Chemical Industries Plc, Mr. Onajite Okoloko, disclosed this in the company’s unaudited results for the first quarter ended on December 31, 2020.

He also said Notore recorded a revenue of N3.57 billion in the first quarter of 2021.

On the status and merits of the TAM programme, Okoloko was quoted in a statement to have said: “The programme is expected to be completed by March 8, 2021, barring any further interruptions occasioned by the global COVID-19 pandemic emergency.

“The TAM is a critical activity required to improve the plant reliability and increase production

output to meet and sustain its 500,000MT per annum nameplate design capacity.

“Once completed, we expect significant improvement in the Plant’s reliability and production output to meet and sustain its 500,000MT per annum nameplate design capacity.

“Achieving this level of production output will not only lead

to significant improvements in the Company’s cash flows from operations, but also significant increases in revenues annually post-TAM.” He added: “Our business has been faced with many challenges over the past years. However, Notore has indeed achieved several vital milestones to re-position the Company for a great future.

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EmergingAfricaAssetManagementLimitedLaunchesMutualFunds Goddy Egene Emerging Africa Asset Management Limited (EAAML), a subsidiary of the Emerging Africa Group has launched four mutual funds offering a diversified range of investment assets to retail investors.

The funds are: Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund, Emerging Africa Bond Fund, Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund and Emerging Africa Money Market Fund. The Managing Director of EAAML, Adaku Ijara, who pro-

vided insights into the significant growth being witnessed in the mutual funds industry in Nigeria as well as the features, benefits, risks and returns of each of the funds, explained that the funds were well structured to achieve competitive returns and safety through diversification and all are duly registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The Funds also parade reputable professional parties such as Rand Merchant Bank as Custodian, FBN Quest Trustees and United Capital Trustees as

Trustees and other reputable firms.

In her remarks, Chairman, EAAML and Founder, Emerging Africa, Mrs. Toyin Sanni, said: “Emerging Africa Group is transforming Africa, one individual at a time, one company at a time, one community at a time and one nation at a time. It is indeed a great honor for me to lead this organisation in accomplishing its mission, which is to be the leading catalyst for Africa’s emergence as a global investment origin and destination.’’

According to her, EAAML

is part of a larger group of companies providing integrated financing and investment solutions covering financial advisory and capital Raising, SME financing, trusts and asset management.

The team of experts provided answers to questions from participants including assurances that the subscription process could be completed online from anywhere in the world.

Dignitaries present to endorse and recommend the funds included: Chairman, Emerging Africa Group, Chief Dr. Mrs Oni-

kepo Akande, who remarked on the attractive return prospects of the Eurobond Fund; CEO Financial Derivatives & member Presidential Economic Advisory Council, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, who also remarked on the timing of the introduction of the Eurobond Fund in the light of the federal government’s commitment to its Eurobond Programme; Founding Partner Banwo & Ighodalo Law firm, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, who advised discerning investors to partake of all the four funds to achieve proper diversification of

their portfolios and also expressed confidence in the track records of Emerging Africa’s founder.

Also present were: Chief Consultant, B. Adedipe Associates Limited and Chairman of the Investment Committee of the funds, Dr. Biodun Adedipe, who remarked on the expert structure and governance of the funds as well as the excellent pedigree of its founders; two Non-Executive Directors of Emerging Africa Asset Management Limited, Mrs. Oghogho Osula and Dr. Lukman Adam.

Firm to Address Crude Palm Oil Deficit in Nigeria Oluchi Chibuzor Akuland Group Limited, owner of Akuland Farms has revealed that efforts were in top gear to address Crude Palm Oil (CPO) deficit in Nigeria and the West Africa region through its recently acquired 100 hectares palm plantation.

The Executive Director, Akuland Group Limited, Hajia Salamatu Salisu, made this known while addressing journalists at a media briefing to announce the recent acquisition of a 100 hectares palm plantation farm through a long term lease that will enable it meet up with the market demand of CPO product in the African region.

According to Salisu, it was disheartening how Malaysia and Indonesia and other countries became world power on CPO supply, after picking the seedlings from Nigeria many decades ago, while the oil palm industry languishes as a result of lack of attention given to the Agricultural industry.

She maintained that Nigeria ought to be self-sufficient in palm oil produce and export the same to other countries for foreign revenue, stressing that negligence on the sector has cost the country huge sums.

“Akuland Farms made a great move on the 1st of January 2021.

We have acquired through a long

term lease, a 100 Hectares palm plantation farm to enable us meet demand of our client base red oil customers in Nigeria and West Africa business region.

“We are going to be planting high yielding varieties and we will also deploy the use of state- of -the -art processing CPO machines among many others that are retarding the sector currently.

It’s our aim to fix this particular challenge for our country and Africa at Large.

“You know the numerous challenges confronting the crude palm oil production sector of the country is what has resulted in a huge production deficit of about 500,000 metric tonnes if not more.

“This is why we are here to rise up from where we failed as our contemporaries in the pre-colonial era (Malaysia and Indonesia) have maximized production and developed their value chain, making them the largest suppliers of crude palm oil,” she explained.

She added that it was the firm’s resolve to complement the federal government’s effort on its self-sufficiency policy in rice production through the indigenous ‘Mama Naija Premium Parboiled Rice,’ saying the group was doing same with the palm oil industry so as to produce for our local consumption and export as well.

FBN Holdings Announces New Board Appointments The FBN Holdings Plc has announced the appointment of Mr. Seni Adetu and Mrs. Juliet Anammah as independent non-executive directors.

In addition, the group announced the appointment of Mr. Otu Hughes as a non-executive director. It, however, stated that the appointments were subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Speaking on the appointments, the Group Chairman of FBN Holdings Plc, Dr. Oba Otudeko, said, “On behalf of the board, management and staff of FBNHoldings, I am delighted to welcome the trio of Seni Adetu, Mrs. Juliet Anammah and Otu Hughes to the FBNHoldings board as they bring on board their combined professional experience and expertise of over 97 years, cutting across various industries and institutions of global repute.

“I am certain that these rich experiences will have immediate and long-term impact on the group and its subsidiaries across

Africa and beyond,” he added further.

Adetu, a former Managing Director/CEO Guinness Nigeria Plc, has 35 years of private sector experience garnered at the highest levels primarily with John Holt Plc, Coca-Cola International and Diageo (Guinness) Plc in various countries within and outside Africa. He holds a first degree in Chemical Engineering and Masters in Business Administration (with specialization in Marketing), both from the University of Lagos.

Adetu was at various times Marketing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria Ltd, Managing Director of Coca-Cola, and the first African Managing Director/CEO and Executive Vice Chairman of Guinness Ghana Plc. In 2009, Adetu was appointed Group Managing Director/ CEO East African Breweries (EABL), the biggest company in East Africa, based in Kenya, during which time he was named Runner-up Forbes/CNBC CEO of the Year 2012 in East Africa.

REWARDINGCUSTTOMERLOYALTY

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Mouka Limited, Mr. Raymond Murphy; winner of Mouka Greater Heights Prize, CEO, Monolus Marketing Enterprise, Hajia Sarayi Olusola; and Chief Commercial Officer, Mouka Limited, Mr. Dimeji Osiuguwa at the ‘Mouka Moving to Greater Heights’ prize presentation held in Lagos…recently SUNDAYADIGUN

NCC Moves to Curb Data Depletion, Faulty Deductions Emma Okonji The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has stepped into all cases of data depletion and wrong deductions of consumers’ credit through an ongoing forensic audit instituted by the Commission.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, stated this while receiving ‘Man of the Year 2020’ award from MoneyReport magazine in Abuja.

The EVC said while consumer protection remained a key focus area of the Commission’s regulatory activities, it has accomplished improvements in this direction through various initiatives aimed at putting mobile operators on their toes to be more consumercentric.

He said through the ongoing forensic audit, the Commission plans, “to get to the bottom of why consumers are experiencing data depletion and the possibility of compensating them for wrong deductions, which may arise from short message service (SMS).”

“We have instituted and we have insisted that despite the fall in data price, that forensic audit must go on and must be concluded and the outcome communicated to the CEOs of telecom companies”, Danbatta said.

While appealing to Nigerians to wait for the outcome of the ongoing forensic audit, Danbatta said operators would be made to comply with whatever directions are given after the investigation with a view to ensuring maximum

protection for telecom consumers.

He, however, noted that the Commission has developed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on data depletion, which are designed to inform consumers on activities that may result in faster depletion of their data as well as enlighten them on measures to mitigate such. The FAQs are accessible from the Commission’s website.

Over the years, the NCC said it had given boost to consumer protection through sustained awareness and education on consumer rights and privileges.

The Commission has also intensified its compliance monitoring exercises with the acquisition of efficient tools and capacities to bring sanity in the industry all in a bid to improve the quality of consumer experience.

Among several initiatives, Danbatta said the introduction of the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) had helped over 30 million consumers to block unsolicited text messages on their phones while stern regulatory actions had constantly been taken against any operator that prevents a consumer from subscribing to the DND service.

Also, the EVC said the Commission launched the 622 Toll-free Number, which consumer can use to lodge and escalate service-related complaints to the Commission for resolution, stating that thousands of complaints have been successfully resolved since its introduction. WellMed Healthcare Denounces Report of COVID-19 Outbreak at Facility WellMed Healthcare Limited

has refuted a media report that five of its workers were tested positive to COVID-19.

A statement from the organisation described the report as an attempt to tarnish its image as one of the facilities accredited for the coronavirus test based on its sterling records, top diagnostic technology, exceptional technical know-how and highly skilled personnel.

The management of WellMed claimed that before COVID-19, it took the welfare of its workers as a topmost priority, adding that it was same consistency that is also extended to the front line workers and staff at a time the virus was decimating the human population.

WellMed asserted that it has, “constantly maintained the highest level of hygiene standard to ensure a safe and healthy environment for staff under the standard protocols set by the health regulatory authorities.”

It added: “To further ensure the safety of our staff and clients, we have made adequate provision of necessary cleaning and disinfecting tools and equipment for staff and patients such as hand wash, cleaning detergents, alcohol-based disinfectants, face masks, hand sanitisers, e.t.c, while also providing advanced decontamination equipment like humidifiers, atomiser and nano disinfectant sprayers for daily use.

“It is expedient to note that the company has expended millions of naira to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and institute other safety

measure to ensure the health and environmental safety of the work environment.

“As a general rule and based on global best practice, suspected and symptomatic cases are advised to run a test and staff members who test positive to the coronavirus are immediately placed on medical leave to quarantine for a specified number of days until the next round of routine tests are conducted.”

The company covers the cost of testing and also pays the staff for the number of days off work during their isolation period, it added.

“We assure the general public of the commitment of WellMed healthcare towards the health and safety of all our stakeholders,” the statement reads.

WellMed was selected and approved by Lagos State Ministry of Health to carry out COVID-19 test after a rigorous accreditation and validation process by the tripartite accreditation by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control as a Corona virus (Covid-19), the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) and Lagos State Bio Bank. WellMed Healthcare is a registered medical diagnostic centre and is duly accredited as a healthcare service provider by the HEFAMAA to provide a wide range of testing in Radiology, Pathology and Cardiology using the latest diagnostic and imaging technology available while engaging the most diligent and professional of our nation’s workforce.

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SON Seizes Container Loads of Imported Used Tyres in PH Chris Uba

Two container loads of imported, used tyres, stuffed five into one, were seized by officials of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) while being off-loaded into a warehouse at the Ikoku Motor Spare Parts Market in Port Harcourt, recently.

The seizure was sequel to an alert provided by a Nigerian to officials of the SON who moved to the site with the support of the security forces, a statement disclosed.

Investigations revealed that duringthe the stuffed, used tyres were concealed in containers of imported used vehicles to beat regulatory procedures.

The importer, Uchenna

Ibewute, in company of the Chairman, Port Harcourt Motor Spare Parts Dealers Union, Anthony Iwu, in a written undertaking conceded the consignment to SON for destruction.

He pleaded for leniency from prosecution and promised to desist from dealing in substandard products henceforth.

The Director General of SON Salim Farouk who led the exercise as part of his working visit to Rivers State, was quoted to have accepted the plea by the importer for leniency on account of being a first offender and his willingness to cooperate with SON in ridding the society of the dangerous items.

While commending the informant, the security personnel and

SON officials for their patriotism in carrying out the enforcement activity, he called on Nigerians to assist SON in protecting the citizens by providing useful information on standards infractions.

According to him, “It is bad enough to import used tyres, but worse to have them stuffed five into one as even stuffed new tyres constitute dangers to road users because of the

damage already done to them in the process of stuffing and un-stuffing.”

Used tyres are contraband and Nigerians should avoid using themas there are no standards to adjudge their quality status, he said.

The SON Director General reiterated his plan to continue the engagement with market associations across the country to ensure their collaboration in

order to substantially reduce the circulation of substandard and life-threatening products in Nigeria.

“We have to work with them because we cannot make headway except we have good intelligence which can only come from the people within and around the markets.

“The market leaders know the bad eggs among them and we are confident that they are ready to remove them” he said.

This, according to him, was essential in order to protect the hardworking majority who are doing genuine businesses and complying with government regulations, paying taxes and providing employment for Nigerians.

The SON Director General promised to invite the importer and representatives of the market association to witness the destruction of the used tyres.

MVNO Licence Framework Yet to be Concluded, Says NCC Emma Okonji The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said the licensing of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO), was yet to be concluded.

NCC gave the clarification in a statement, while reacting to a report in an online publication purporting that the Commission had concluded work on the licensing framework that would open Nigerian telecoms market for the launch of Mobile Virtual Network.

According to the statement, which was signed by the Director, Public Affairs and NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, the Commission, however, stated that the report was untrue, speculative and unfounded and should be disregarded in its entirety by the members of the public.

The MVNO licence framework, an important precursor to the licensing of this category of telecoms players, is not yet concluded, contrary to the report, the statement said.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission, on December 10, 2020, published on its official

website, the first draft document on “Licence Framework for the Establishment of Mobile Virtual Network Operators in Nigeria.”

The publication followed an industry stakeholders’ workshop on MVNO for the purpose of collectively examining the potential benefits, technical feasibility, market demand and appropriate model for MVNO adoption in Nigeria.

“In line with its regulatory procedures in policy formulation, the Commission, after uploading the document online requested for inputs, comments and submissions from industry stakeholders and other members of the public on the draft document, the collation of which are still ongoing.

“The comments obtained will be considered for possible inclusion in the framework for the formulation a sustainable and efficient MVNO licensing framework, as well as a highly conducive regulatory regime that facilitates growth and development in the telecoms space, through competitive and differentiated services offered by these virtual operators.

ACCA, ANAN Partner to Develop Accountancy, Finance Profession James Emejo in Abuja The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop the accountancy and finance profession in the country. The partnership would also enhance their collaborative efforts to achieve their organisational objectives. Speaking at the signing ceremony, President of ANAN, Prof. Muhammed Mainoma, said the new normal, occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, requires new skill sets and competencies for the accountancy and finance professionals to deliver value and support economic growth.

Similarly, Country Head, ACCA Nigeria, Mr. Tom Isibor, pointed out that the MoU presented an opportunity for both bodies to align and leverage their resources, collateral and network to promote collaborative efforts on key areas of mutual interest, particularly

the development of well-rounded accountants and finance professionals in the country.

He emphasised that the partnership actually kicked off in November 2020 with a conference on Sustainable Public Finance organised by both bodies in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of taxation of Nigeria (CITN) and the Bureau of Public Sector Reforms (BPSR) in Abuja.

Other areas of collaboration include research, development of intellectual properties, publications, roundtables and focus studies.

ACCA, in a statement further explained that the agreement is in line with both ACCA and ANAN’s vision of developing the accountancy profession in a “changing world which has been fast tracked by the COVID-19 pandemic”.

“The current clime is requiring new skill sets and competencies for the accountancy and finance professional to deliver value and economic growth.

Firm Launches New App for Consumers, Service Providers Nosa Alekhuogie In a bid to bridge the existing gaps between service providers and consumers, Offerservice has launched an application that creates a user-friendly online community where various actors can easily leverage its unique capabilities.

The company, a United States and Nigerian registered online catalogue/e-commerce and social media organisation, launched the app in Lagos, recently.

According to the company, the app has a geo-location attribute that helps to connect users to their target market at federal, state or global level, as registered users can showcase their services, list their merchandise, and personalise their page free of charge.

Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director, Offerservice, Mr. Tony Emmanuel, explained

that the platform was created for a symbiotic community market for individuals who are keen to render service and for those who require immediate service without hassles.

According to him, “With this platform in full use, it will naturally reduce the level of traffic on the roads of Nigeria and other countries in the world. It will also cut out the middleman approach that tries to rip people off which It also helps in projecting registered users to potential buyers in their state, federal or across the globe.”

Emmanuel further said: “This e-commerce site is also aimed at helping people in diaspora make vivid decisions regarding business transactions they want to get involved in whilst indirectly reducing unemployment in every society because it helps people to look inwards and find innate skillsets that has been dormant

thereby giving them opportunities to activate and make profit from them.”

He explained that months to come, the company would be covering the geopolitical regions in Nigeria with our data collection crusade, which largely helps to beam light on the underprivileged and professionals who are desirous to create awareness for their business.

The systems Director, Mr. Jeff who also spoke during the launch however noted that new features will be introduced in phases.

“This is to consolidate on what we already have so they can enhance usability and make our platform more interactive for all our users. The Offerservice platform is supported 24/7 and operates a High Availability(HA) Database. On our platform, registered user’s page can be followed by users, viewed by

users, liked by users and they can also send out newsletters notifying their followers of a new service, recent or future events and new arrivals of products they are willing to sell,” Jeff said “We also humbly expect feedbacks from all and sundry so we can create a better platform that will be effective and efficient for all users across the globe. The App can be downloaded at the Google play store and the Apple store,” he said “We don’t derive commissions from any transaction that takes place on our platform by any registered user and don’t intend to do so in the nearest future.

We will persistently advertise their businesses on all the media outlets so they don’t have to worry how people will reach them.They could also report any uncouth attitude that tries to jeopardize their transactions through any of

Student Wins Car in Access Bank Promo Nume Ekeghe An 18-year-old student has emerged winner of a brand new salon car in the Access Bank’s ‘Transact and Win,’ promo.

Ms. Adetayo Esther Olamide who is a student at Gateway polytechnic Saapade, Ogun state collected her car prize over the weekend at Access Bank’s office in Lagos, having performed more than 10 transactions through the bank’s digital platforms in the second quarter of 2020 Speaking on the sidelines she said: “My account officer called in October, last year, to alert me that I had won a car and honestly, I thought she was joking and when she said I won

a car I didn’t believe and I asked that they call my mum.

“And afterwards I was informed to come to bank the next week to fill forms and I still did not believe until today.

With tears of joy, she said: “I am so excited I won this car because is want expecting it at all and I am very grateful. May God continue to bless Access bank.”

On his part, the Head, Retail Product Insight and Capabilities, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Rob Giles said: “We ran a promotion which started last year and we were trying to encourage people to move from based and cash-based transactions to start using digital channels whether it is mobile banking or USSD banking.

“We have put a price that every quarter, we would give away a car to lucky winners who have done at least 10 transactions regardless which banking channel. And this young lady of 18 years old from Lagos, won in the last quarter and we are very happy for her that she has won a car. We would continue to run this promotion.

So, for the next quarter we give away one more car before the end of march.”

He also added that the bank would bear the cost of her driving school upon discovering she doesn’t know how to drive.

On other recent initiatives rolled out by the bank to reward its customers, he said: “Because customers want something new,

we have launched something new on our Access More app, there is new feature called access reward and every time you make a transfer or airtime purchase, we would be giving back some value in terms of reward points which they can use instantly to get free transactions in the future.

“So, I think it is wonderful we are giving these rewards and grand prizes that are life changing.

“But this is now for everybody and it is the first of its kind, you can go and see your rewards and points balance whereby every time you do transactions, you get value and you can redeem it against your future transactions or you can use it to buy airtime.”

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Insolvency Lawyers as Endangered Species Stakeholders see the petition by Seplat Petroleum Development Company to the Legal Practitioners PrivilegesCommitteeandtheLegalPractitionersDisciplinaryCommitteeoftheNigerianBarAssociation against an insolvency lawyer, Adekunle Ogunba, as the usual ploy by debtors to intimidate insolvency practitioners in the course of plying their trade, Oluchi Chibuzor writes

F

or many lawyers in insolvency practice, these are interesting times. For them, the recent petition by Seplat Petroleum Development Company to the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) and the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is a cause for concern.

This group of legal practitioners who used to practice their trade recovering debts for organisations without fear, have now become endangered from harassments, intimidation and blackmail.

This is why the lawyer to Access Bank Plc, Mr. Adekunle Ogunba (SAN), is raising the alarm and accusing the oil company of embarking on intimidation over the discharge of his professional duties to the bank.

Ogunba who had first been sanctioned in 2018 by the LPPC and LPDC despite the fact that he was cleared of any wrongdoing, and subsequently pardoned, dismissed the petition as a blackmail aimed at intimidating him to back off his practice.

Trouble started when Access Bank sought the services of Ogunba law firm, Kunle Ogunba & Associates as the counsel/receiver/manager to recover the loan obtained by Cardinal Drilling Services Limited, from Diamond Bank (now Access Bank) on behalf of Seplat Petroleum Development Company.

After thoroughly studying the brief, Ogunba proceeded to file a suit at the Federal High Court against Seplat, Cardinal Drilling Services Ltd, Mr. Ambrose Orjiako and Kalu Nwosu and on December 24, 2020, Justice Rilwan Aikawa gave an order sealing the office complex of Seplat and freezing its accounts. Dissatisfied, the oil company filed an appeal at the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal which penultimate Friday, upturned the order.

Last week, Access Bank Plc said it had filed a notice of appeal at the Supreme Court to challenge the Appeal Court, which to many legal pundits, is the way to go.

But soon after, rumours started making the rounds that Seplat had petitioned the LPPC and NBA. It asked the LPPC and LPDC to immediately commence disciplinary measures against the SAN for gross professional misconducts and breach of Rules 1, 15, 24, 30 and 32 of the Rules of Professional Conduct 2007.

Among others, Seplat alleged that whereas the loan deal was strictly between Access Bank and Cardinal Drilling, “Adekunle Ogunba filed a knowingly baseless insolvency action against Seplat as 1st defendant in contravention of a long settled legal principle, in order to harass Seplat, cause embarrassment to Seplat and damage its reputation and goodwill”.

It accused Ogunba of instructing the invasion of No. 16A Temple Road, Ikoyi Lagos, housing its corporate offices, and urged the LPPC to “immediately commence disciplinary action against the senior lawyer over steps and actions it said it considered “unbecoming of a legal practitioner of his standing and constitute a danger of bringing disrepute to the legal profession” The oil firm alleged that having locked up its corporate office in a commando style, “the agents of Adekunle Ogunba served certain court processes on Seplat containing an Originating Summons, a Motion on Notice and interim ex parte Order in suit No FHC/L/CS/1588/2020”.

It also accused Ogunba of obtaining the said ex parte orders with “patently false” claims, adding that he deliberately misled the court and failed to adduce any documents to support the claims.

“This information is patently false. In support of the affidavit, a deed of debenture, an offer letter of banking facility and a personal guarantee were exhibited to the affidavit.

“None of these documents had Seplat as a party, nor bore its signature or corporate seal. There was no documentary information exhibited to the affidavit sustaining that Seplat used Cardinal Drilling as a ‘vehicle’, ‘smokescreen’, ‘decoy’, or ‘shell company’”, Seplat noted.

But Ogunba who claimed he had not seen a copy of the petition, when THISDAY sought

his reaction, accused Seplat of embarking on blackmail and intimidation over his discharge of his professional duties to the bank.

At the time, the senior lawyer, said there was no official communication that he had been dragged to the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) and the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) of the NBA for alleged gross misconduct and unethical practices by the indigenous oil company.

Ogunba posited that the so-called petition against him, if it exists at all, was meant to create all kinds of roadblocks which would delay the payment of the debt the oil firm owes Acesss Bank Plc. He advised the oil company that rather than embarking on a wild goose chase, it should indeed begin the process of liquidating its huge financial obligation to the bank.

Insisting that the attempted blackmail and intimidation will not work, the senior lawyer noted that he was merely discharging his duties to his client in the court case between the two companies. He accused Seplat of the premeditated decision, noting that while the oil firm dated its petition December 14, 2020, and was received at the LPDC on December 18, 2020, Justice Aikawa gave his ruling on December 24, 2020.

“It is obvious that the petition (if any) is an attempt to blackmail me and avoid the payment of huge indebtedness of Seplat to Access Bank Plc and nothing more. Seplat is better advised to take steps to liquidate its debt rather than attempt to intimidate me, a lawyer merely doing my duties as such. Once again, I reiterate the fact that the petition has not been formally brought to my attention for a formal reaction,” he stated.

He expressed surprise that he was being targeted by the oil firm rather than facing the issues at stake, asking Seplat to focus on the substance of the case, rather than attempting to hound him.

“It is stock in trade of these huge debtors to peddle petitions all around in a bid to avoid the payment of their debts. I was not there when they borrowed the funds and they have obviously targeted my person for the nuisance value rather than take steps to liquidate the debt. This particular debt was part of the huge debt overhang that sunk the defunct Diamond Bank and they don’t mind if Access Bank goes

under for their sake too,” he noted.

But contrary to Seplat’s claim that there was no evidence to show that Seplat benefitted from the loan obtained by Cardinal Drilling, documents obtained from the court revealed that the processes filed by Access Bank showed that the plaintiff provided proof of Seplat benefitted from the loan. It was gathered that after Cardinal Drilling obtained the loan and disbursed it, the company passed the obligation on to Seplat.

According to the documents, Seplat used its subsidiary firm, Cardinal Drilling to obtain the loan from Access Bank, adding that it utilised the loan obtained by Cardinal Drilling from the bank.

For instance, the bank revealed that when Cardinal Drilling got the $30million, in less than 24 hours, it transferred the money to Seplat, adding that each time Cardinal Drilling was trying to pay the loan, Seplat would have to transfer funds to it for onward transfer to the bank.

Even the company’s statement of account exhibited in court showed movement of monies and whose accounts were debited and credited.

Sources close to the bank further disclosed that Seplat is paying back the money to the bank by proxy.

“I really don’t know what Seplat is saying.

They don’t know that everything is now electronic and that people can see movement of funds from every account electronically. The bank has details of Seplat transferring funds into Cardinal Drilling’s account, which in turn would transfer same to Diamond Bank (Access Bank) as loan repayment.

“Seplat is the real debtor, which was why the bank and its lawyers joined Seplat in the debt recovery suit and obtained and executed the order against it, which is now a subject of appeal,” a source in the bank told THISDAY. The source added that instead of Seplat to repay the loan, it had resorted to tarnishing the image of Ogunba by writing a petition against him that is in itself questionable.

These revelations may have given Ogunba the courage to insist that he acted based on a ruling by Justice Aikawa, who, despite objections by Seplat’s lawyers, granted his application.

The judge, among others, held: “In my view, all these issues touch the substance of

the case and should therefore be reserved for substantive trial.

“An attempt to delve into any of them at this stage has the potential and danger of determining substantive issues at this interlocutory stage, a tendency which has been frowned upon by the appellate courts.

“There is no evidence of suppression of any material facts by the plaintiff in this application.”

THISDAY checks also revealed that Seplat’s petition against Ogunba was submitted on December 18, 2020, before the ruling on its application to discharge the order made Justice Aikawa delivered his ruling on December 24, 2020.

Seplat’s petition also reminds one of a similar one against Ogunba when he helped Ecobank to recover its loan to Honeywell Group in 2017. The action led to the stripping of the senior lawyer’s SAN rank by the LPPC in January 2018 sequel to a petition by Honeywell Group.

Honeywell accused him of instituting “multiplicity of proceedings before different judges of the Federal High Court on the same subject-matter with the deliberate aim of abusing the processes of court and derailing the course of justice” Judicial watchers see this attempt as a ploy to blackmail Ogunba over an earlier petition written by Honeywell Group, which led to the LPPC stripping him of his SAN rank and later restoring it. But what those behind the report ignored was the fact that the lawyer was cleared of any wrongdoing and that Honeywell also lost to Ogunba at the Appeal Court in the cases that formed the basis of the petition.

Besides, even before the LPPC restored Ogunba’s rank, the NBA had cleared him of any wrongdoing, dismissing Honeywell’s petition for not disclosing any prima facie case of professional misconduct against the senior lawyer.

Observers are worried that insolvency lawyers are being blackmailed with petitions over issues that should be subjects of appeal. They also see it as the tactics of powerful debtors who would rather intimidate lawyers for doing their jobs instead of paying back the huge loans they undeniably took from banks.

Such debtors, observers said, are a menace to the economy and should be made to face the consequences of their actions. To them, the LPPC and NBA LPDC ought not to give such frivolous petitions any consideration.

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BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

Analysing FMBN’s Performance John Terhemen Ikyaave

of the bank.

He is an alumnus of State University of New York in the United States, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Political Science in 1975; a Master of Arts degree in International Relations and Public Administration in 1976 and an honorary Doctorate Degree from the Adeleke University, Osun state in 2016. Following his graduation from the State University of New York, Dr. Adeeyo worked as a public affairs representative at Ciba-Geigy Corporation, USA. He returned to Nigeria in 1979 and worked for two years at Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

In 1992, Adeeyo was appointed a Director of Wema Bank Plc, where he was instrumental to the bank’s growth and innovation in service delivery. In 2001, the federal government conferred on him the honor of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in recognition of his exemplary career and positive impact on his community.

Mr. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, the MD/CEO is a man with impressive capacity for transformative leadership. He is a consummate real estate professional with over 30 years’ experience in mortgage financing and housing development that span private and public sectors as well the academia.

Prior to his appointment, Dangiwa was the Managing Partner of AM Design Consults, an architectural and real estate development consultancy firm, and Jarlo International Nig. Ltd, a Construction Company, where he supervised the delivery of several outstanding real estate projects across the country. He worked in leading mortgage finance companies such as Sahel Mortgage Finance Limited where he supervised the design and delivery of a wide variety of mortgage products and real estate projects, especially social mass housing across the country.

Dangiwa holds an MSc. (Arc) and MBA both from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in addition to a Bachelor’s Honours degree in Architecture from the same Institution.

He is an alumnus of the prestigious Wharton University Pennsylvania and has attended numerous training courses (local and international) on Housing Finance, Computer Aided Designs, Design and Build Workshops and Project Management, as well as several other professional and leadership training programmes.

2

020 was a tough year. The lockdown imposed by the federal government as part of measures to manage the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic caused extensive disruptions to life and work as we knew it.

For over three months, movement and physical contact were severely limited, government and business workplaces were either shut down or scaled down significantly and business operations turned remote and virtual using technology.

The negative impact of this development on set business or corporate goals for businesses and government agencies for the year 2020 was massive.

Despite the operational setbacks occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) still managed to maintain its impressive 3-year trajectory of strong corporate performance in 2020.

This was thanks to the focus and determination of the current FMBN Board and Executive Management Team, which came on board in April 2017, to reposition the nation’s apex bank as an impactful institutional government tool and driver of affordable housing delivery to Nigerian workers.

Historic Housing Loan Disbursement Take the size and number of housing loans that the FMBN posted in 2020 for starters.

Latest official figures released by the FMBN, reveal that the bank approved housing loans totaling N42.6 billion out of which a whopping total of N30.5 billion was disbursed across its product portfolio.

Top on the list was the FMBN home renovation loan, which targets contributors to the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme who already own their homes. FMBN approved home renovation loans totaling N15.9 billion, with N13.312 billion disbursed to 16,006 beneficiaries nationwide.

The FMBN home renovation loan offers a convenient path to home improvement for subscribers to the NHF Scheme.

It provides up to N1 million to beneficiaries at a single digit interest rate of six per cent and a payment tenor of five years. In April 2017, when the current FMBN Board and Executive Management Team took office, only 2,579 home renovation loans totaling N3.6 billion had been provisioned by the FMBN. Today, the figure has increased from 2,579 to 55,464 beneficiaries with a total cumulative value of N44.9 billion. The percentage of increase is over 2,150 per cent.

Next is the FMBN’s legacy National Housing Fund (NHF) Loan product.

In 2020, FMBN approved NHF Mortgage Loans totaling N13.060 billion. Out of this, N8.937 billion was disbursed and this helped to create over 854 single-digit mortgages for NHF subscribers nationwide.

This brings the cumulative of loans disbursed by the FMBN under the NHF window to N38.3 billion within the past three and a half years under the current management.

This represents a 53.85 per cent increase from the N71 billion that the bank posted between 1992 and April 2017 – a 25-year period.

The rapid increase in the quantum of NHF Mortgage loans bodes well for the future of affordable housing delivery in Nigeria because of its unique structuring to serve the ordinary Nigerian worker that is within the low- and medium-income bracket and cannot therefore afford a typical commercial mortgage loan to own a home.

This is how it works. FMBN leverages funds from the NHF scheme, a social savings scheme where subscribers contribute 2.5 per cent of their monthly income, to grant concessionary loans to its accredited Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) at a four per cent interest rate.

The mortgage banks in turn use these funds to give loans to qualified workers that contribute to the NHF scheme at 6 percent interest per annum with payment tenors of up to 30 years.

Loans of up to N5 million attract zero equity down payment while those above N5 million to N15 million require 10 per cent equity.

Subscribers are qualified to apply for the mortgage loan after only six months of continuous contributions to the scheme.

The terms of the NHF Mortgage loan are

Dangiwa affordable and thus help to reduce the financial pressure on the meagre incomes of low-income earners. They contrast sharply with those that commercial banks charge in the open market, where interest rates range from 18 per cent to 25 per cent per annum and maximum loan repayment tenors hover between 10 – 20 years and require applicants to provide between 30 percent to 50 per cent equity contribution before loans are processed and possibly approved for disbursement.

Housing stock construction also took a large chunk of the N30.5 billion in total housing loan disbursements by the FMBN in 2020.

The bank deployed a total of about N13.6 billion towards the construction of affordable housing stock under its estate development, cooperative housing development and ministerial pilot housing scheme windows.

As a result, FMBN was able to deliver a total of 789 additional housing units in 2020.

Cumulatively, the current FMBN Board and Management team has over the three years and a half, increased housing stock by an additional 9,136 housing units.

Increase in Contributions to the NHF Scheme It is noteworthy that the record level housing loan disbursements and substantial increase in the construction of additional housing units is a direct result of the increased funds inflow into the NHF scheme. For instance, in 2020 alone, FMBN was able to pool as much as N61.195 billion into the NHF mainly from remittances of workers’ monthly contributions to the scheme.

Over the past three and half years under the current Board and Management, FMBN recorded a cumulative total NHF collections of N196.1 billion.

This massive increase in NHF collections is historic at two major levels. The first one is that the figure - N196.1billion – raised in less than four years - represents an 84.5 per cent increase from the N232 billion that previous managements of the bank recorded between 1992 and April

2017 - a 25-year period. In other words, the current FMBN Board and Management Team has achieved in less than four years, what took previous managements about 21 years!

Competent Management is Key One explanation for this is the ability of the current FMBN Board and Executive Management team to make transparency and accountability integral components of NHF operations.

The new management’s business driven approach and radical shift away from the opaqueness, which characterized the operations of the NHF scheme in the past, has increased public and stakeholder confidence.

States such as Lagos, that stopped contributing to the scheme have resumed, and the level of compliance by employers of labor has also increased.

Since April 2017, FMBN has added 594,850 additional subscribers to the scheme bringing the total to over 5.1million.

This leads to the second notable significance of these figures: they provide hard proof in support of the institutional viability of the NHF Scheme as a potent tool for driving affordable housing delivery.

But with all well-intentioned government institutions designed to deliver public good, the leadership of a competent management team is key to unlocking potential. This is one area that the government got right. The current FMBN Executive Management is made up of public and private sector technocrats with capacity for reform and dexterity for industry and political stakeholder management.

The Board Chairman, Dr. Adewale Adesoji Adeeyo, is a widely schooled and accomplished technocrat with over forty years’ experience in the private and public sectors.

As Chairman, FMBN Board of Directors, exercising the mandate to monitor and oversee the strategic direction of FMBN, Adeeyo has added value by helping to shape the bank’s strategic turnaround plan while supporting the initiatives of the Executive Management

Digital Future is Imminent Yet another important high point of FMBN operations in 2020 was the giant step forward in its bid to modernise its operations to meet global banking standards.

On December 3, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, the Minister of Works & Housing announced the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for the FMBN to procure and deploy a Core Banking Software Application.

Once operational, the application would help the FMBN to tackle the many systemic challenges that it has had to contend with over the years due to the largely manual nature of its operations.

This includes fixing the longstanding inability of the Bank to update, in real-time, subscribers’ monthly contributions to the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme by ensuring that NHF subscribers get real time alerts on all transactions on their NHF Accounts and stay informed on the status of their accounts. The system would also help to reduce the time it takes for subscribers to access home loans from the bank from over twelve months to about a month and help FMBN to achieve efficient document management systems by enabling it work paperless in loan documentation, appraisal, disbursement, remediation, and loan recovery processes.

On the whole, the focused and result driven management approach of FMBN in 2020, helped the bank to successfully manage the challenges that the year posed to its operations.

The remarkable performance, some of which have been highlighted above, underscore the spirit of reform that has animated the bank in recent years. This inspires home for the future of affordable housing delivery in Nigeria and deserves the support of all stakeholders. t*LZBBWF JT B IPVTJOH QPMJDZ BOBMZTU CBTFE JO "CVKB BOE DBO CF SFBDIFE WJB IPVTJOHUPEBZ!HNBJM DPN

MONDAY FEBRUARY 1,, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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IMAGES

L-Rt: Clerk, House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Petroleum Industry Bill, Mr Lekan Abdulsalam; Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Mohammed Monguno; and Speaker House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, during a public hearing on a Bill for an Act to provide legal governance, regulatory and fiscal framework for the Nigerian petroleum industry, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja...recently

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Photo Editor ÌÓÙÎßØ ÔËÖË Email ËÌÓÙÎßØ˛ËÔËÖË̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙ×

L-R: Ilorin Branch Manager, Leadway Assurance, Mr. Adedamola Adeniyi; Executive Director, Ajike Support Centre, Alhaji Ganiyu Olanrewaju Opeloyeru; Head, Corporate Services, Leadway Assurance, Ms. Olubunmi Adeleye; Director of Protocol to Her Excellency, First Lady of Kwara Stata, Mr. Hassan Rapheal; Head/National Coordinator Agric. Insurance and Micro Retai, Mr. Ayoola Fatonal and, Ilorin Agency Manager, Leadway Assurance, Stephen Esimekuia, during the Leadway SME financial training organised in partnership with Ajike foundation, for Entrepreneurs in Kwara State....recently

L-R: Widow, Folasade Olumide and Children (Son, Olurotimi Olumide; daughters- Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya; Olajumoke Oduwole; Olufumilayo Fadahunsi) during the funeral service for late Professor ‘Folabi Olumide at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos...recently

L-R: French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jerome Pasquier; Ogun state Governor, Dapo Abiodun; and Chairman, FAN Milk, Olayinka Akinkugbe shortly after the state government signed an MoU with the French company at the Governor’s office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta...recently

Vice Principal, Total Education Development Academy, Mr. Lawrence Ogbonnaya(middle) flanked by the winner in Junior Science, Master Emeyeim Lifted Udoka from the Total Education Development Academy, Aba(right) and the Best Girl in Junior Science, Miss. Ikechi Favour Chinaza of the same Academy during the 2020 National Olympiads Awards Ceremony organised by the National Mathematical Centre, Kwali, Abuja.... recently

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L-R: Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo; Minister of FCT, Mohammed Bello and Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed during a virtual meeting of the Federal Executive Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja....recently PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI

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President Muhammadu Buhari (right) and the Saudi Arabia Ambassador to Nigeria H.E Faisal Ebraheem Alajrafi Alghamdi during the presentation of letters of Credence from Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Argentine Ambassadors to Nigeria the State House Abuja..recently PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa-Balarabe (L) and a beneficiary during the inauguration of the Rural Women Cash Grant Programme, organised by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, in Kaduna...recently

Chairman, Plateau State Joint Traditional Council, Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang-Buba (right), and Chairman, Olamaboro Local Government Traditional Council of Kogi State/Ejeh of Olamaboro, Ujah Simon, during the traditional council’s visit to the Gbong Gwom Jos...recently

Niger Republic Chief of Air Staff, Colonel Amirou Abduolkader inspecting guard of honour mounted for him by personnel of Nigerian Air Force (NAF), during his visit to Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole headquarters, Maiduguri, Borno...recently

L-R: Husband of the Celebrant, Prince Adeite Dosunmu, his wife/outgoing Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Oyo State, Mrs Dolapo Dosunmu; and former First Lady of Oyo state, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja, during the Director’s retirement event in Ibadan...recently

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma; Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Barr. C. O. C. Akaolisa and the wife of Late Amb. Justice Nsofor, Mrs Jean Nsofor during the condolrnce visit by the governor to Mrs Nsofor in Owerri...recently

Scene of an accident involving an articulated vehicle carrying some Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) plastic pipes by Zuma rock on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway at Madalla, Niger State...recently

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CITYSTRINGS

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Naval Change of Baton Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that with the new appointment of service chiefs, there was a change of baton between the outgone Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Etrends Ibas, now retired, and his successor, Rear Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, thus ushering in a new era in the naval chain of command

The newly appointed Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Awwal Gambo(left), receiving the Nigerian Navy ensign from his predecessor, Vice Admiral Ibok- Ete Ibas (right) during their handing/ taking over ceremony at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja...DINFO NHQ

A

s with most military traditions, handing and taking over ceremonies provide ample opportunity to showcase their longstanding peaceful transition from the predecessor to successor. So it was last Friday at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja when the outgone Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired) handed over to his successor, Rear Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo.

Change of Baton For Vice Admiral Ibas (Rtd), after spending five and half years at the helm of affairs of the NN, it was time to say goodbye. The occasion was heralded by a ceremonial quarter guard. Following tradition, the handing and taking over ceremony was observed as well as the valedictory and inaugural speech by the outgone CNS and his predecessor.

The former also adorned the latter with the Admiralty Medal.The Admiral's Distinguishing Flag tradition was also observed at the end of the handing/ taking over ceremony.

Valedictory Speech In his valedictory remarks, Ibas who went down memory lane said: “It is a little over five and half years since I stood in this hall to present my inaugural address where I outlined my vision and mission statements. Closely after that event I travelled to Lagos to hold my maiden dialogue with you since my appointment then. In those two early addresses, I shared with you the background, prevailing, emerging and predicted challenges, response plans, your role in the plans and the expectations of the Nigerian people.

“In the narratives then, none was left in doubt that the NN has a lead role to play in combating maritime crimes to safeguard the nation’s prosperity and wellbeing of the citizenry. The adverse impact of these crimes was and remains enormous and we concluded that they should not be allowed to continue. The intents of President Muhammadu Buhari, and his expectations of each and every one of us were made clear to all of us.

“In acknowledgement of that presidential charge, the service resolved to frontally confront illegal bunkering and crude oil theft, piracy and other criminal activities in the maritime environment with all the resources at our disposal.

As your new CNS then, I braced up to

Handing over the Admiral's Distinguishing Flag at the end of the handing/taking over ceremony

exemplary service from you all”.

He urged them to make a turnaround promptly, and reclaim traction to a fulfilled and successful career.

Meanwhile, while appreciating the president for the appointment, Ibas further thanked Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the legislative leaders, especially leaders of the Navy Committees in the two Chambers, various states of the federations, particularly those hosting Navy units and formations, Hon Minister of Defence, Gen Bashir Magashi (Rtd); outgone Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin; Heads of MDAs, international partners, PSOs, commanders at various levels, officers, men and civilian staff. He further enjoined them to extend the same cooperation to the new CNS. While thanking the Navy Officers Wives Association (NOWA) led by the outgone National President, Barrister (Mrs) Theresa Ibas, he also commended all the members of NOWA and the Naval Ratings Wives Association (NARAWA), Adorning the Admiralty Medal on the new CNS just as he congratulated the new NOWA the responsibility of leading the charge. recalibration, manpower boost in quality National President, Mrs Gambo.

I set the tone by the vision statement and quantity, an improving welfare Inaugural Address and directed it to be the compass to facilities and increasingly strengthened In his inaugural address, the new order our direction and the barometer coalition of international partners and CNS while expressing his delight at the to gauge our focus in our efforts to col- local stakeholders.”

Ibas added that although the country honour bestowed on him, said: “ I am lectively move the NN to a sustainable has witnessed new security challenges particularly delighted that the leadership and enviable height.

“I shared my expectation that all of- elsewhere, “the unsavory state of affair in of the Nigerian Navy has fallen on me ficers, ratings and civilian staff were to the maritime domain depicted earlier has as the next Chief of the Naval Staff. I adhere to high standards of discipline, been significantly narrowed. They must am a firm believer in God and I do loyalty, integrity, selfless service, teamwork be recognised as social problems and so know that he works in mysterious ways.

“In the last five years, the outgoing and professionalism. I implored you to with the benefit of other complementary be on the right side of history by being remedies would continue to face decline administration has achieved giant strides part of the solution to the challenges until obliteration. What is important is and I most sincerely thank the outgoing confronting the service and the nation. to sustain the pressure to foreclose a CNS and his amiable staff for achieving In all these I promised you a responsive relapse. At this point credit must be this feat. Indeed nothing is impossible leadership. Today, we have come a full accorded the quarters from which help with God. I want to assure the outgoing CNS that I am going to uphold the good came in the crusade.” circle.

On the bad eggs in the navy, Ibas works that he has begun and ensure that “The menacing scenario at sea from the spike in piracy and sea robbery, said like any other organisation, the we move the NN to yet greater heights.

“On behalf of the officers and men I proliferation of illegal refinery, brazen service has its own fair share of those theft of crude oil, mindless destruction who mindlessly subvert the system at wish to most sincerely thank you for of critical infrastructure for oil and gas, every opportunity. “Our experiences in the Leadership you provided while at reckless violent crimes such as kidnapping, their treachery of connivance with some the helm of affairs and trust that same hijack and attack on security forces and criminal elements, complicity in crime measure if applied in your civil life, many more activated in us new concepts. commission, negligent performance of will definitely make you excel all over Some of these are the dedicated anti-piracy duty permitting aggravation of cases again.”

Appreciating the president who found operations, choke point operation and in some instances, the disrepute to the institution of the navy in their less him worthy of the highly exalted office, riverine and swamp operations.

“Seeking to overwhelm the criminals than professional conduct through he pledged his unalloyed allegiance to in their game, the requirement for enor- alleged unethical behaviours, marring the Constitution of the Federal Republic mous capacity upgrade led to massive the otherwise lauded efforts of our of Nigeria and the president. He further fleet recapitalisation, generous logistic prosecution of infractions, were very charged officers and amen to accord him support, retooled maintenance facili- sad and regrettable commentary in an the cooperation and support extended ties and equipment restock, processes otherwise glowing, commendable and to Vice Admiral Ibas.

35

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

CRIME&SECURITY

Ekhomu Advises Security Chiefs to Project Victory over Insecurity Stories by Chiemelie Ezeobi

S

ecurity expert, Dr. Ona Ekhomu has advised the newly appointed military chiefs in the country to predict victory over the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-east, the North-east banditry in the North-west and other sundry insurgencies in the country.

He said that by making a prediction of victory and focusing on its achievement, the military chiefs may infact defeat the sundry threats.

In a press statement issued in Lagos, Dr. Ekhomu, who doubles as the National President of Association of Industrial Security & Safety Operator of Nigeria (AISSON)said the current outcome of the efforts to vanquish the terrorists, insurgents and bandits was a stalemate.

He said: “While the bandits control three local governments in Niger State, the government controlsall others.

This means the adversaries are not winning and cannot win.

“So, we have a stalemate. I’m therefore calling upon the new service Chiefs to employ sophisticated knowledge and cutting-edge military tools available to them to ensure victory.”

Dr. Ekhomu who said that the service chiefs must be cerebral in approaching the “extant and existential security threats”, added that there has been a” metastasis of the threat, and just like COVID-19, more virulent strains of Boko Haram and banditry are

Dr Ekhomu

evolving.

“The security situation is really quite troubling and needs to be addressed with utmost urgency and brilliance.”

He urged the military chiefs to apply structured analytical thinking in inventing solutions to the security threats.

He advised the military helmsmen to use powerful idea generation tools like morphological analysis, quadrant crunching, cross impact matrix, nominal group technique, structured brainstorming, virtual brainstorming and star bursting.

He also advisedthat the high level risk mitigation tools contained in his new book titled “Boko Haram Security Consideration and the Rise of an Insurgency”should be employed to combat the hydra-headed monster of insurgency, banditry and terrorism.

Dr. Ekhomu said that given the pedigree of the new Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Lucky Iraborwho he described as a “brainy, courageous and battle-hardened Military officer,” he was sure that the inter-service rivalry that had bedeviled integrated warfare against Boko Haram would be a thing of the past.

The first chartered security professional in Nigeria thanked Mr. President for choosing an excellent set of officers as service chiefs. He said that he is confident that they will quickly win the support and cooperation of Nigerians which will be crucial in defeating insurgency in the country.

He advised them to anticipate obstacles and overcome them. He said that encountering “dead ends, road closures and detours” are a part of the journey of leadership.

As experienced leaders, the military chiefs are expected to overcome these obstacles and achieve victory.

CISLAC Sets Agenda for New Service Chiefs The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing new service chiefs.

CISLAC Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, who made this commendation, also set agenda for the new service chiefs.

In a statement made available to the media over the weekend, Rafsanjani said: “Let me first commend the President for listening to voices of reason and has finally sacked the service chiefs.

“This is long overdue! Sadly, things have deteriorated to a level where kidnapping is no longer limited to the South but the entire country.

When kidnappers are now abducting hundreds of school children from their school premises and making away with busloads of travellers.

“As cross-border bandits are out killing in their dozens, food insecurity looms because farmers are either being killed or those displaced are afraid of returning to continue with their cherished vocation. Yet, there is no let-up in armed robbery.

“This should be a point of entry for the new chiefs. Good enough, their credentials suggest that they are well experienced in tactical and strategy which is the immediate fresh breath that is required to engage going forward.

“The new service chiefs should be professional and not politicians in uniform. The situation where on every issue the army issue statement to condemn human rights groups and media for calling on the security agencies to respect human rights should not continue under this dispensation.

“They have review the current strategy on terrorism and counter insurgency, the de-radicalisation without community victims healing is not productive.

“Secondly they need to provide proper facilities and equipment to enable soldiers to effectively deal with the insurgents. Besides, Nigeria

Rafsanjani

needs to take care of the welfare of her troops.

“Not only should they be paid all their entitlements while out there defending their fatherland, they should also be well equipped to be able to repel the forces of terror. Issues that should lead to soldiers protesting

or scampering away from battlefield should be avoided.

“If soldiers have overstayed their appointed time, they should be replaced with fresh blood to avoid fatigue setting in. The new regime should as a matter of urgency investigate the resignation of over 127 soldiers in

recent weeks as well as non-payment of pension to veterans.

“By so doing, a standard template for transparency and accountability will be institutionalised.

“The rivalry between the different security organisations must stop. This dispensation must strike the rhythm for effective coordination, collaboration and synergy as diamond formation to victory.

“But, above all, to win the war against Boko Haram, the government has to win the war of the mind. Most of the people conscripted by the terrorists are brainwashed to believe they are fighting for God and would go straight to heaven if they die in the process. This is the most difficult aspect of the war to fight.

“Until the government and religious leaders are able to counter it effectively, only very little progress can be made in the war against terror.

The new regime must therefore work very closely with stakeholders on the non-kinetic aspects.

“CISLAC has recently launched a Technical Working Group on Protection of civilians and Civilian Harm Mitigation, it is a robust platform that can support new and ongoing efforts of the armed forces with strategic communications to the communities.

“While militancy, a major security threat in the oil-producing Niger Delta region, has receded remarkably, herdsmen killings have grown in scope and intensity. “ The first approach from the new chiefs will be to dwell more on intelligence led response. This will save money, time and casualties. A whole lot must go into building confidence and resilience from communities and partnership building.

“There is a huge disconnect between the people and its armed forces and this clearly suggests that information is not adequate and has a huge potential of drifting citizens into a deeper resentment with the security institutions. “

36

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯ˜ 2021

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

FBN Holdings Grows 2020 Profit to N79 Billion Goddy Egene FBN Holdings Plc has released its unaudited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020, showing improved performance.

Net interest income stood at N256.691 billion, compared with N297.592 billion. Impairment charges fell from N51.093 billion to N50.875 billion, making the group to end the year with an operating profit of N78.058 billion, up from N75.199 billion in 2019.

Profit before tax rose from N75.286 billion to N78.114 billion, while profit after tax (PAT)

grew faster from N73.665 billion to N79.708 billion in 2020. Loans and advances rose from N1.852 trillion to N2.220 trillion, while customers’ deposit improved from N4.019 trillion to N4.959 trillion. FBN Holdings’ total assets printed at N7.626 trillion, up from N6.204 trillion.

The Group Managing Director, FBN Holdings Plc, Mr. UK Eke, had last year told shareholders that the long-term strategy of the group was ultimately geared towards ensuring that FBN Holdings becomes one of the foremost financial services institutions in sub-Saharan Africa.

He assured shareholders that the strategy to reposition the Group was gathering momentum and the key pain points, including the challenging delinquent loan portfolio, have been effectively addressed except for the need to intensify efforts at reducing their cost to serve.

“Now that we are on course for a normalised non-performing loan (NPL) territory in 2020 and with our leadership position in electronic channels, the Group is positioned to take advantage of the evolving opportunities in the market for the benefit of our esteemed shareholders,” Eke said.

Fidelity Bank Launches Product for Salary Earners Nume Ekeghe Fidelity Bank has launched ‘Pay Yourself,’ a product targeted at salary earners.

The product aims to help them manage the time they receive their salaries in bid to structure and plan their earnings wisely.

The product which had been piloted and used successfully in the last 11 months by customers of the bank, now allows customers whose salaries are domiciled with Fidelity Bank the ability to pay themselves their salary via USSD between midnight of payday and the end of the month.

Speaking at the virtual launch over the weekend, the Chief Technology Officer, Fidelity bank, Mr. Christopher Onyeneke, said the product aims at giving customers power to control the time they receive their salaries and is fully automated.

He also added that the product is also opened to new customers

who can decide to domicile their salary account in the Fidelity bank, saying the “product would birth other value add-ons for salary earners in the future.”

Onyeneke said: “It brings anticipation and the power of being in control of when your salary is being paid. It is part of our digital transformation program. We decided to make sure we empower our staff members and that is why we came about this product to make sure that we put the power of our staff to be in control of their salary payment. That was how the birth of ensuring our staff members are put in control of their salary payments came about “We have been using ‘Pay Yourself’ internally for about 11 months and there are few benefits such as having control of your finances, convenience from eliminating manual process and gives time for people to focus on more strategic things.”

On why the bank decided to launch the product to customers and the benefits recorded by staff, he said: “We have used this for about 11 months, we have seen the benefit of this and we also want to extend this benefits to our customers so they are able to have control over their salary and can determine when they pay themselves their salary.

“Also, this is in line with the bank’s mission to make financial services easy and accessible to our customers.”

Programme Manager, Digital Transformation, Fidelity bank, Mr. Oluwole Oni added that customers can access this product by sending a short code“77050*400058#, and then you select your salary account, to confirm your salary payment and lastly input your USSD pin which would then give customers the power to determine the date the they wish to receive their salary.

Ecobank Group Posts N630bn Revenue in 2020 Goddy Egene Ecobank Group recorded a revenue of over N630 billion in the year ended December 31, 2020.

This, represented a growth of seven per cent when compared to the N586.9 posted in 2019. In its unaudited report submitted to the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) on Friday, the pan-African bank stated that net interest income rose 27 per cent to N345.295 billion in 2020, from N271.227 billion, while operating income stood at N630.348 billion up from N587

billion in 2019.

Also, value of its total assets stood at N10.2 trillion after a 19 per cent rise above the N8.591 trillion, it was the previous year.

The bank also recorded improved performance in other key financial indices despite the harsh operating environment with deposits from customers went up 23 per cent to N7.3 trillion from N5.9 trillion; loans and advances to customers grew by nine per cent to N3.7 trillion, from N3.4 trillion.

However, despite the bank’s good showing in deposits from

customers and revenue, its profit was impacted by the provisioning for goodwill of about N60 billion for the acquisition of Oceanic Bank in 2011. Consequently, the bank ended with profit before tax and goodwill impairment closed at N126.4 billion, while profit after tax stood at N35.9 billion.

The Ecobank Group had stated that it was optimistic that with clean book aftermath of the full provisioning for Oceanic Bank, it would improve on its profitability in 2021 and other years ahead.

FBNQuestPartners‘TeachforNigeria’onHubPitchContest Goddy Egene FBNQuest, the investment banking and asset management subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc has continued to strengthen its partnership with Teach for Nigeria (TFN) by supporting the TFN Incubation Hub Pitch Contest and the TFN Annual Mentoring Programme.

Teach for Nigeria is a nonprofit organisation committed to developing leaders and promoting educational development across the nation by recruiting graduates and professionals to teach in

under-served schools as full-time teachers.

FBNQuest partnered with TFN on its Incubation Hub Pitch Contest, a 3-month Incubation Programme that provides TFN alumni a unique opportunity to accelerate growth through their social impact projects. The Incubation Hub is designed to equip participants with the practical knowledge required to build and sustain their enterprise. This is delivered through an intensive training workshop, access to postprogram support, mentoring and an opportunity to pitch for seed

funding for their enterprise. The Bookaclan Literacy and No Box Initiatives emerged as winners of the contest and were given seed funding to scale their projects in 2021. Commenting on the Incubation Hub Programme, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Teach for Nigeria stated, Folawe Omikunle, said: “We are on a mission to address educational inequality in Nigeria. We believe that equipping our alumni with the skills and knowledge to start and scale their initiatives will bring us closer to our vision of educating all children in Nigeria”.

Eke.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JULY 2020 Money Supply (M3)

36,822,751.47

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

3,476,121.25

Money Supply (M2)

33,346,630.22

-- Quasi Money

120,764,479.02

-- Narrow Money (M1)

12,582,151.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,002,026.89

---- Demand Deposits

10,580,124.31

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,637,137.23

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

29,185,614.24

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

39,711,115.95

---- Credit to Government (Net)

19,521,851.08

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-130,189,264.87

--Other Assets Net

3,472,017.70

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,421,827.07

--Currency in Circulation

2,395,917.03

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

11,025,910.04 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT THURSDAY, 28 JANUARY 2021

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $54.36 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $55.31 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela) SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

37

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

CAP Plc Posts N8.7bn Full Year Revenue, N1.3 Billion Profit after Tax Goddy Egene Chemical and Allied Products Plc (CAP), one of Nigeria’s leading paints and decorative companies, announced its unaudited results for the 12 months December 31, 2020. Details of the performance showed a revenue of N8.7 billion, indicating an increase of 3.9 per cent compared to N8.4 billion recorded in 2019.

Selling and marketing expenses fell 3.5 per cent from

N584 million to N564 million, while administrative expenses rose 19.7 per cent to N1.636 billion. Gross profit declined 5.5 per cent to N3.755 billion from N3.973 billion decline due to input cost pressures on account of currency devaluation and supply chain disruptions. Earnings interest and tax(EBIT) fell from N2.120 billion to N1.645 billion due to the decline in gross profit and investments in talent to strengthen the work force and drive profitable

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

growth. Profit before tax stood at N1.896 billion in 2020, compared to N2.546 billion in 2019, while profit after tax (PAT) printed at N1.289 billion as against N1.742 billion in 2019. Commenting on the performance, Managing Director, CAP Plc, David Wright, said: “CAP recorded modest topline growth last year despite the COVID-19 lockdown in the second quarter of 2020 and protests in the fourth quarter of 2020, effectively losing seven weeks of sales. We

S E C U R I T I E S

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are encouraged by the growth in revenue which has been solely driven by underlying volume growth in line with our strategy.

Alongside the rest of the world, we experienced supply chain disruptions which impacted our raw material sourcing and resulted in input costs pressures. We have embarked on initiatives focused on mitigating these disruptions and expect to see positive results in 2021.”

According to him, CAP Plc

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

announced the proposed merger Portland Paints and Products Nigeria Plc in the fourth quarter of 2020. “We have received preliminary regulatory approvals and an order from the Federal High Court to hold a Court-Ordered Meeting. Merger completion is subject to shareholder approval and final regulatory approvals and we expect to conclude the merger in the first quarter of 2021,” he said. Wright had explained that merger presents a unique

O F

opportunity that would benefit all stakeholders, from shareholders to customers as well as the broader economy.

“I am excited by the prospect of an enlarged company with a broader decorative paint portfolio covering the premium, mid-market and affordable segments and the inclusion of marine and protective coatings, all of which will benefit our customers and shareholders,” he said.

2 9 / 0 1 / 2 0 2 1 DEALS

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

LASACO Assurance’s Shares Suspended to Facilitate Reconstruction Goddy Egene

reconstruct its issued and fully paid-up share capital of 7 ,334,343,421 ordinary shares

LASACO Assurance Plc is to A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

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

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

of 50 kobo each in the ratio one new share for every four shares previously held

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

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

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

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 28Jan-2021, unless otherwise stated .

by the shareholders.

Consequently, trading suspension will be placed

on the shares of LASACO for two weeks beginning from today to finalise the

reconstruction of the shares and produce a new register for the company.

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

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

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.32% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.54 3.69 -0.40% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 0.61% Anchoria Equity Fund 140.96 141.43 5.12% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.23 1.23 -8.13% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 19.22 19.79 5.95% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 404.27 416.46 0.98% ARM Ethical Fund 35.82 36.90 6.26% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.21 1.22 -0.51% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.09 1.10 -2.43% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 0.69% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.12 2.12 -21.17% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.29 2.34 39.14% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.90% Paramount Equity Fund 17.16 17.49 7.34% Women's Investment Fund 138.61 140.24 4.17% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.27% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 135.25 136.20 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 108.45 108.45 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.44% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.21 1.22 0.67% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.58 1.58 0.06% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,363.75 1,365.32 -1.49% FBN Balanced Fund 190.72 192.18 1.62% FBN Halal Fund 110.95 110.98 -0.52% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.07% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 123.09 123.46 1.23% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 123.23 123.60 1.22% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 158.54 160.85 4.87% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.18% Legacy Debt Fund 3.88 3.88 6.22% Legacy Equity Fund 1.61 1.65 42.45% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.14 1.14 5.44% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,962.23 4,016.20 5.52% Coral Income Fund 3,321.36 3,321.36 1.69% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 2.96% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.81% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 130.26 130.79 20.82%

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.19% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.89 2.96 0.17% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 155.84 156.37 0.30% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.46 1.48 1.38% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,130.27 1,130.27 0.66% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.65 1.68 7.11% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.32 12.43 9.66% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 1.50% PACAM Equity Fund 1.68 1.70 PACAM EuroBond Fund 108.80 111.34 SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 136.56 139.42 11.23% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 0.53% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,521.35 2,532.80 2.18% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 0.28% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 3.39% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 0.34% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 1.42% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.28% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 0.88% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.23 1.23 0.41% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 111.38 111.38 0.27% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Eurobond Fund N/A N/A N/A United Capital Wealth for Women Fund N/A N/A N/A QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 12.62 12.76 6.48% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.94 14.07 14.14% Zenith Income Fund 24.11 24.11 0.56% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.88%

REITS NAV Per Share

Fund Name SFS Skye Shelter Fund

Yield / T-Rtn

120.97

0.19%

52.50

0.19%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

13.49 130.03 102.26

13.59 130.03 104.19

2.02% 6.81% 2.92%

Union Homes REIT

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

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

4.34

4.38

14.18%

Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund

6.08

6.16

6.76%

Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund

18.32 1.00 20.73

18.42 1.00 20.93

11.79% 0.97% 1.02%

189.85

191.85

-14.54%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.05

13.11%

Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund

Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

MONDAY, ͹˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

47

NEWS

Ganduje Seeks Ban on Cattle Movement from North to South

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, at the weekend proposed a total ban on movement of cattle from the North to the South as part of measures to stem the frequent clashes between farmers and herdsmen.

The governor, after he met with President Muhammadu Buhari, along with some other All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, said Daura, Katsina State said banning the movement of herders from

the North to other parts of the country will address the challenge of cattle rustling.

This is just as some Northern governors advised the new service chiefs to hit the ground running with a view to surmounting the security challenges facing the nation.

Ganduje added that the proposed ban, if implemented, would resolve the incessant clashes between farmers and herders.

He said: "My advocacy is that we should abolish the

transportation or trekking of herdsmen from the northern part of Nigeria to the Middle Belt and to the Southern part of Nigeria. There should be a law that will ban such movement, otherwise we cannot control the conflicts between herdsmen and farmers and cannot control the cattle rustling which is affecting us greatly."

On the ongoing Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) projects in his state, Ganduje said: "We are building a Ruga settlement in Samsosua Forest, our border

with Katsina, and we have succeeded in curtailing the effect of banditry in that area.

"So, we are building many houses; we are constructing a dam; we are establishing a Cattle Artificial Insemination Centre; we are establishing a veterinary clinic and already we have started building houses for herdsmen."

On what to expect from the new service chiefs, the governor advised them to work closely with governors because they (the governors) know what the people need

and the black spots in their domains.

Ganduje's counterpart in Gombe State, Mr. Muhammad Yahaya, also implored the service chiefs to ensure that they live up to expectations.

"I will ask the service chiefs to work hard; harder than what Mr. President might have assumed they would do because the task ahead is very challenging and I believe they will live up to expectations."

On his part, Governor of Jigawa State, Badaru

Abubakar, asked the service chiefs to listen to those at the grassroots for security information, saying that "I think they have to listen to people in transfer of intelligence and continue to ask people to pray for them."

Meanwhile, Kebbi State Governor, Senator Bagudu Abubakar, has described the ongoing revalidation and registration of APC members as an opportunity to deepen democracy, show respect for institutions of the party and sanctity of those institutions.

Sanwo-Olu Makes Wearing of Facemask Compulsory in Lagos Sets up special traffic enforcement team on Apapa gridlock Ejiofor Alike In line with the COVID-19 Health Protection Regulations, 2021 signed last week by President Muhammadu Buhari, Lagos State Governor, Mr, Babjide Sanwo-Olu has made it mandatory for residents to wear face masks or face six months jail term.

This came on a day SanwoOlu announced the approval of N200 million to support the ongoing COVID-19 patient management and treatment efforts of two federal government Treatment Centres in the state.

The governor stated this yesterday while addressing State House Correspondents on COVID-19 update in the state at Lagos House, Marina.

This is coming as the governor has approved the constitution of a Special Traffic Management and Enforcement Compliance Team to resolve the

traffic gridlock in and around Apapa.

Sanwo-Olu said: “The importance of nonpharmaceutical interventions cannot be overemphasised. All residents of Lagos State must continue to abide by the public health and safety regulations that have been issued by the health authorities, including the following: Wear a mask everywhere, ensure that you wash your re-usable mask regularly, and also properly dispose of used disposable masks, if you operate an office or business, insist on the wearing of masks before customers or clients can be granted access or rendered service.

“Follow social distancing guidelines, avoid mass gatherings or adhere to published guidelines for congregations, Practice regular hand and respiratory hygiene, if you feel any symptoms that

correspond to the outlined symptoms of COVID-19, get tested.

“Testing is FREE for symptomatic patients in Lagos State, through the network of public testing facilities, if positive, self-isolate or report to any Isolation Centre and follow-up clinics.

“The State Government has observed with dismay the widespread flagrant disregard and non-adherence to guidelines and protocols aimed at stemming and curbing the tide of infection.

“We particularly note that some event centres have been operating their premises outside the acceptable parameters for operation/usage and continue to be recalcitrant in this regard.

This is to sound a very serious note of warning that henceforth all those found culpable and in breach of the existing regulations and guidelines would be swiftly and decisively

dealt with in full accordance with the provisions of the law.

“It is hereby directed that no gathering of more than 50 persons shall hold in an enclosed space, except for religious purposes, in which case the gathering shall not exceed 50 per cent capacity of the space. A breach of the provisions of the Presidential Regulations attracts upon summary conviction, a fine or six months imprisonment and or both.

“Our enforcement agencies have been appropriately tasked to ensure maximum compliance. All Lagosians are enjoined to continue to observe all laid down guidelines and protocols issued by both the state and federal governments for the effective containment and treatment of the novel coronavirus disease.”

Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu has approved the constitution of a Special Traffic Management and

Enforcement Compliance Team to resolve the traffic gridlock in and around Apapa.

The measure has become necessary following the resurgence of gridlock along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway and environ.

Members of the team are Toyin Fayinka, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation; Mr. Olajide Oduyoye, General Manager, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA); Sola Giwa, Senior Special Assistant, SSA, to the Governor on Central Business Districts, and Ayodeji Laurent, SSA to the Governor on Political Security Intelligence.

In a statement issued yesterday by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, the state government explained that the team is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring zero tolerance of

traffic offenders and a seamless traffic management system specifically designed to restore sanity in and around Apapa and create a cohesive system that would aid the resurgence of business activities and ensure that residents live in a conducive environment devoid of traffic-induced stress.

According to the governor, the area of coverage of the team’s operations include: Ikorodu Road to Oshodi – Mile 2 – Apapa, Ikorodu Road – Funsho Williams Avenue (Surulere) – Alaka – Iganmu – SIFAX – Ijora 7up – Apapa, Surulere – Alaka – Eko Bridge – Ijora Olopa – Ijora 7up – Apapa.

“With the development, it is expected that traffic within Apapa and its environs will be better managed by a team of dedicated LASTMA, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), police and intelligence service officers,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

AIG Undie J. Adie.

Others are AIG Olugbenga Adeyanju, Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, BAIG Ajani Olasupo Babatunde, Awunah N. Donald, Hafiz Mohammed Inuwa, Garba Baba Umar and Isaac Olutayo Akinmoyede.

The newly-promoted Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs) are: Aminu Saleh Pai, former Commissioner of Police Kwara and Bayelsa states Command, former Force Quarter Master General and currently the Executive Secretary, The Police Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society, Lagos; Dasuki

Danbappa Galadanchi, former Commissioner of Police/Executive Secretary, The Police Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society, Lagos and presently acting AIG Force CID Annex, Lagos; Okon Etim Ene, former Commissioner of Police Benue and Abia State Commands, CP SARS and currently CP Explosive Ordinance Disposal, (EOD) Force Headquarters and Abang B. John, former Commissioner of Police Akwa Ibom State Command and presently Commissioner of Police Anambra State Command.

Others are: Joseph Gobum Mukan, Former CP, Airport Command, Lagos and currently CP Rivers State; Aji Ali Janga, former CP Kaduna and Kogi State Commands and currently CP Sokoto; Mukaddas Mohammed Garba, presently CP Benue State Command; Habu Sani Ahmadu, former CP, IGP Monitoring Unit; CP Intelligence, Force Headquarters and CP Bauchi State Command and presently CP Kano State and Imohimi D. Edgal, former Commissioner of Police Lagos and Akwa Ibom States Command.

were screened before attending jumat and church services. But this is not happening now,” he said.

Reeling out figures to back his position, the minister said on December 25, 2010, no fewer than 80 people were killed on Christmas eve by bomb attacks on churches around Jos in Plateau.

“December 25, 2011, bomb attacks were reported across the country, especially the one at Catholic Church in Madalla near Abuja that killed about 37 people and injured 57.

“On Christmas day 2012, Church of Christ in Nation’s

was attacked and burnt down in Yobe by Boko Haram, killing at least six people.

“On Easter Sunday April 8, 2012, there was a bomb explosion in a church in Kaduna killing at least 36 people, injuring 13 persons," he stated.

Mohammed said gone were those days when motor parks and markets were not safe while bombs were exploding like firecrackers.

Mohammed added that he did not say that Nigeria has overcome its security challenge, but the situation is better than that of 2015.

PRESIDENCY KEEPS MUM AS IG, ADAMU, RETIRES TODAY CP SARS and currently CP Explosive Ordinance Disposal, (EOD) Force Headquarters; and Abang John, former Commissioner of Police Akwa Ibom State Command and presently Commissioner of Police Anambra State Command.

Others are Joseph Mukan, Former CP, Airport Command, Lagos and currently CP Rivers State; Aji Ali Janga, former CP Kaduna and Kogi State Commands and currently CP Sokoto; Mukaddas Mohammed Garba, presently CP Benue State Command;

Habu Sani Ahmadu, former CP, IGP Monitoring Unit; CP Intelligence, Force Headquarters and CP Bauchi State Command and presently CP Kano State and Imohimi D. Edgal, former Commissioner of Police Lagos and Akwa Ibom States Command.

Those likely to retire are DIG Aminchi Samaila Baraya, DIG Sanusi Nma Lemu, Usman Alkali Baba, Nkpa N. Inakwu, Ibrahim Lamorde, David Oyebanji Folawiyo and Joseph O. Egbunike and DIG Dan-Mallam Mohammed.

The AIGs that may be

retired include Tijani Baba, Mohammad Mustafa, Zanna Mohammed Ibrahim, Jonah Jackson Mava and AIG Olusholla Babajide David.

Others include AIG Ahmed Iliyasu, Zaki M. Ahmed, AIG Gwandu Haliru Abubakar, AIG Zama Bala Senchi, AIG Bello A. Sadiq, AIG Austin Iwero Agbonlahor and AIG Lawan Ado. Other AIGs that may go include AIG Dandaura Mustapha, Asuquo A.A. Amba, AIG Nkereuwem A. Akpan, AIG Olafimihan Adenira Adeoye, AIG Agunbaide O. Lasore and

TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL RATING FOR NIGERIA INACCURATE, SAYS FG at sustaining the country's improvement in the Ease of Doing business. ''While we expect the results from these reforms to speak for us in due course, we are also taking measures to improve our data collection and retrieval on these issues to reduce the current under-reporting of our ongoing corruption reduction measures,'' Mohammed added.

According to him, having analysed the 2020 TI-CPI rating for Nigeria, the federal government is interrogating some issues and discrepancies that have

been observed in the rating process, including some data sources in which Nigeria's scores have remained flat over the past 10 years, reflecting no improvement, decline or fluctuation. ''This is very improbable given the nature of behaviour of variables, which are normally influenced by a variety of factors (which is the reason they are called ‘variables’). In this case, the corruption scores would have been affected by changes in the size and structure of the public sector over the past 10 years, changes in policies and personnel and systems

over the period including, for instance, process automation, etc. There is therefore a need to verify that there is no transposition of figures from year to year due to absence of current data,'' he added.

Mohammed also stuck to his earlier position that security in Nigeria is now better than 2015 when Buhari came into office.

Mohammed, at a media briefing recently in Abuja, had said that while there were challenges, the country had recorded progress and the security situation “is by far better than what we met in 2015’’.

But some groups, including the Afenifere and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had faulted the minister’s position contending that the security situation now is worse than before.

However, the minister told journalists yesterday that until Buhari took over in 2015, the country did not witness peaceful Easter, Christmas and New Year celebrations.

“From 2010 to 2014, we did not have peaceful Christmas and New Year. It is only since we came that we have been celebrating these peacefully.

“Prior to 2015, worshippers

MONDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

48

INTERNATIONAL

COVID-19: Record Day as UK Vaccinates Nearly 9m A record 598,389 people were given their first coronavirus vaccination in one day across the UK at the weekend, government figures show.

As of Saturday a total of 8,977,329 people had received a jab, and 491,053 of those have had a second dose.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was “delighted”, adding each vaccine “brings us one step closer to normal”.

However, a further 587 deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test were reported on Sunday.

It takes the UK’s total by that measure to 106,158, although the number of reported deaths tends to be lower over the weekend.

In a video posted on Twitter Mr Hancock said he was “so grateful to everybody who’s involved in making this happen”, and said it meant

US Condemns Russia’s Harsh Tactics against Protesters US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday condemned Russian authorities for their “harsh” response to protests across the country that called for the release of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

“The U.S. condemns the persistent use of harsh tactics against peaceful protesters and journalists

by Russian authorities for a second week straight,” Blinken said on his official Twitter account.

“We renew our call for Russia to release those detained for exercising their human rights,” he added after Russian police detained more than 1,000 people, including 142 in Moscow.

Authorities have ramped up pressure on the opposition with arrests and criminal probes, including several Navalny aides.

A second weekend of

protests began in several cities Sunday including Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Vladivostok in the Far East, where several dozen gathered in a central square despite police closing it off ahead of the rally.

Navalny, the main rival of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was detained at Moscow airport in mid-January after flying back to Russia from Germany where he was recovering from an August poisoning he blames on the Kremlin.

The 44-year-old opposition leader ’s subsequent release of an investigation that accused Putin of owning a secret $1.5 billion Black Sea palace helped spur the largest street protests in Russia in years, and forced the Russian leader to deny that he or his relatives own the property.

Israel to Send 5,000 Vaccine Doses to Palestinians Israel’s defence ministry said Sunday that it would send 5,000 coronavirus vaccine doses to the Palestinian Authority to inoculate medical personnel, following global calls for Israel to ensure Palestinians are vaccinated.

“I confirm we are going to send 5,000 vaccines to medical teams in the Palestinian Authority,” a spokesperson for Defence Minister Benny Gantz told AFP. The Jewish state has launched an aggressive coronavirus vaccine campaign on Israeli territory, an effort widely regarded as the world’s fastest per capita.

More than three million of the country’s nine million people have received the first of two required jabs of the Pfizer vaccine.

Vaccinations have not yet begun in the West Bank, a Palestinian territory under Israeli military occupation since the 1967 Six Day War.

The Palestinian Authority, based in the West Bank city of Ramallah, has not publicly asked for Israel’s help procuring vaccines against the virus.

The PA has however announced procurement agreements with four vaccine providers, including the makers of Russia’s Sputnik V. The Palestine Liberation Organization has urged the international community “to hold Israel to account” and ensure that it provides vaccines to all Palestinians living under Israeli occupation.

The United Nations and Jordan’s King Abdullah II have also called on Israel to help ensure that the 2.8 million Palestinians in the West Bank and two million in Gaza are inoculated against the virus.

Hamas, an Islamist group that controls the Gaza strip, is not likely to publicly collaborate with Israel on any vaccination effort.

three-quarters of those aged 75 to 79 and four-fifths of those over 80 had now been vaccinated.

Sir Jeremy Farrar, director of the Wellcome Trust and a member of the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), described the volume of vaccinations as a “staggering achievement”.

Earlier, the health secretary predicted “a happy and free Great British summer” but warned of a “a tough few months” as national restrictions

continue across the UK while vaccinations are administered.

His comments came after Dr Susan Hopkins, Public Health England’s Covid strategy chief, warned that ending the current coronavirus lockdown must happen “very slowly, very cautiously”.

“It is better to be cautious, let’s get the population vaccinated,” she told the BBC’s Andrew Marr.

The vaccines record comes after a week which had seen a row with the

European Union over vaccine distribution.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said there were “a lot of lessons to be learnt” after Brussels reversed its threat to put checks on the Irish border - a move which had been widely condemned.

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said the president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen had assured Prime Minister Boris Johnson that “there will be no disruption

of contracts that we have with any producer in the EU”.

Meanwhile, the situation in hospitals has “stabilised”, according to intensive care doctor Prof Rupert Pearse, who said it was going to be “another very hard year” for NHS staff.

His comments came before it was announced that charity fundraiser Captain Sir Tom Moore, 100, had been admitted to hospital with coronavirus.

ALUTA CONTINUA...

Thousands of Russians demanding the release of the jailed opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, in St Petersburg...yesterday

Trump’s Impeachment Defence Lawyers Leave Team Days Before Trial Several of former US President Donald Trump’s lawyers handling his impeachment case have left his team a little over a week before his trial, US media reported at the weekend.

CNN cited unnamed sources as saying that five lawyers — including two who were thought to be leading the team — had parted ways with the Republican billionaire after disagreeing over his legal strategy.

Trump had wanted the lawyers to continue his baseless

claims of mass election fraud rather than focus on the legality of convicting a president after he has left office, CNN said, adding that he was “not receptive” to discussion.

The lawyers included Butch Bowers and Deborah Barbier, expected to lead Trump’s defense, CNN and other outlets reported, saying it had been a “mutual decision.”

“We have done much work, but have not made a final decision on our legal team, which will be made shortly,” tweeted Trump advisor Jason

Miller in response to the reports.

The development leaves Trump, who has reportedly been struggling to form a defense ahead of his historic second impeachment trial over the ransacking of the US Capitol this month, facing new hurdles with just days to go.

However, even with his legal team in chaos he looks increasingly likely to dodge conviction.

Nearly all senators from his party have signaled

opposition to his trial and fueled efforts to censure him instead.

The trial — in which Trump faces a charge of “incitement of insurrection” — will begin on February 9.

But with just five Republicans joining all 50 Democrats this week in agreeing that the trial should go forward, it appears unlikely that 17 Republicans would vote against Trump, the minimum number needed to reach the two-thirds threshold for conviction.

COVID-19: South Africa Orders 20m Pfizer Vaccines South Africa has secured 20 million doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine, the health minister told a Sunday newspaper.

Africa’s worst virus-hit country has yet to begin vaccinating its population against Covid-19, stirring criticism over slow procurement and lack of strategy.

A first shipment of AstraZeneca/Oxford jabs produced in India is due to arrive on Monday, with injections expected to start

two weeks later.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize told The Sunday Times that 20 million additional vaccines had been ordered from US drugmaker Pfizer.

“These vaccines are secured and awaiting manufacturers to submit final agreements with details of delivery dates and exact amounts,” said Mkhize.

The health ministry did not respond to several AFP requests for comment.

The new Pfizer order

will complement 12 million vaccine doses from the WHO-backed Covax facility, nine million Johnson & Johnson shots and 1.5 million AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccines — pushing the total supply secured so far to over 40 million.

South Africa aims to vaccinate 67 percent of the population, or 40 million people, by the end of the year.

Some vaccines will be provided by Covax and the

African Union, while others will be directly purchased from suppliers.

“We are reasonably comfortable that what we have paid for, signed for and are negotiating for will cover the numbers that we are lo o k i n g t o v a c c i n a t e , ” Mkhize assured.

The minister added that storage of the P f i z e r / B i o N Te c h vaccine, which needs to be kept at -70 degrees Celsius, would not be an issue.

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NEWSXTRA

FG Moves to Avert Strike, Meets Varsity Workers Tomorrow Holds talks with labour today over fuel price, electricity tariffs

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The federal government has fixed a meeting with the leadership of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and Non Academic Staff Union of Universities and Allied Institutions (NASU) on Tuesday (tomorrow) Officials of the federal government and the organised labour will also meet today (Monday) at the Bouquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja to assess the reports of the two joint committees set up to devise ways of monitoring the prices of electricity and petrol in the country.

Tomorrow’s meeting is to forestall an impending industrial action that may result in another shutdown of the country’s tertiary institutions.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige confirmed the meeting to THISDAY yesterday.

He said that the non-teaching unions have been invited to the meeting to try iron out their grievances and to prevent them from proceeding on strike by February 5 as threatened.

Ngige said: ‘ We have received their notice of strike and a meeting has been fixed for Tuesday to discuss the issues”.

The unions had jointly issued an ultimatum to the federal government to address their grievances by February 5 or face

an indefinite industrial action.

SSANU and NASU had earlier undertaken a threeday protest at the all the universities in the country to draw government’s attention to their grievances.

In a related development, the officials of the federal government and the organised labour will also meet today (Monday) at the Bouquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja to assess the reports of the two joint committees set up to devise ways of monitoring the prices of electricity and petrol in the country.

The committees were given up till January 25 to conclude their assignments and submit their reports to the federal government.

According to the notice of the meeting signed by the Deputy Director and Head of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr. Charles Akpan, the minister, Ngige will be hosting a bilateral discussion between the federal government and the organised labour.

The notice said the meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 1, 2021 at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa by 7pm.

One of the committees on electricity tariff is headed by the Minister of State for Labour, Mr. Festus Keyamo while the

Benue Repatriates 19 Minors Trafficked to Lagos George Okoh in Makurdi The Benue State Government in collaboration with two nongovernmental organisations has repatriated 19 minors trafficked from Ushongo and Vandekya Local Government Areas of the state to Lagos for child labour.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. TabithaGigi,receivedthe victims yesterday, as well as one of the traffickers arrested by the police from the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Force CID Alagbun Lagos State.

According to her, the partnership with NGOs on issues of rights

abuses is yielding results as three other traffickers were arrested in Ushongo Local Government Area on Saturday.

The commissioner commended the NGOs – Eunice Spring of Life Foundation and the Break the Silence Initiative for mobilising both human and financial support to investigate and track down the perpetrators leading to their arrest and the rescue of the 19 victims from Lagos State.

She also called for more synergy with the local government areas for increased surveillance on the activities of traffickers

Editors Mourn Ace Broadcaster, Ben Egbuna The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed shock at the news of the death of Mr. Ben Ndubuisi Egbuna. Egbuna, a Fellow of the Guild died in Lagos on January 28, 2021 at the age of 71 years.

He was the pioneer Executive Director News, for Voice of Nigeria (VON) and a former Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). The passionate broadcast professional was also a former President, African Union of Broadcasting (AUB).

In a statement issued yesterday by its National President, Mr. Mustapha Isah; and its General Secretary, Mary Atolagbe, the NGE noted that Egbuna ranked among the most accomplished broadcasters Nigeria ever had.

The statement described the

deceased as a thorough-bred broadcast journalist, who was meticulous and had an uncompromising disposition to the ethics and standards of the profession.

“He was among the staff of the External Service of the then National Broadcasting Corporation, now FRCN, who pioneered what is known today as the Voice of Nigeria, the nation’s external broadcasting station”.

NGE commiserated with the Nigerian Government and the government and people of Anambra State, where he hailed from.

The body of Editors also extended its sincere sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues in the broadcasting industry, for this great loss.

Technical Committee on Petrol Pricing Framework has Mr. Onochie Azubuike Anyaoku

as its chairman.

The Keyamo-led committee, which was set up late last year in

the wake of protests by organised labour over alleged 100 per cent hike in electricity tariff is expected

to carry out a thorough review of the yardstick and processes used to fix the tariff.

ABDUCTED SEAFARERS ON THEIR MINDS…

Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh (left), and theTurkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Melih Ulueren, during Jamoh’s visit to the diplomat in Abuja…weekend

N’Assembly Faults SERAP’s Petition on Missing N4.4bn Funds Deji Elumoye and Udora Orizu in Abuja The two chambers of the National Assembly yesterday, faulted the petition by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), seeking probe of N4.4 billion of public money budgeted for the National Assembly, which was reported missing, diverted or stolen as documented in three audited reports by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.

SERAP had in a letter addressed to the Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan; and Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, urged them to

probe the missing funds and refer the allegations to appropriate anti-corruption agencies.

The Auditor-General of the Federation had in his 2015 report noted that in the National Assembly account N8,800,000.00 was spent as unauthorised overdraft, contrary to Financial Regulations 710.

However, speaking to THISDAY, the Senate Spokesman, Senator Ajibola Basiru, stressed that the petition was allegedly about 2015 and 2017 audit reports of the 8th Assembly and not the present 9th Assembly, which commenced in June 2019.

Basiru said the wordings of

the petition is misleading, adding that such petitions should be sent to the proper channels which is the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Public Account if the real motive is to investigate the alleged corruption and not the usual publicity stunt of the organisation. ‘’An important clarification should be made that the petition is allegedly about 2015 and 2017 reports audit reports of the 8th Assembly and not the present 9th Assembly which commenced in June 2019. This clarification is important as the wordings of the petition is capable of misleading that it is about the present Assembly

and any misfeasance by the current Assembly and its leadership. Far from it! ‘’The proper channels to send such petition to is the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on public account if the real motive is to investigate the alleged corruption and not the usual publicity stunt of the organisation.

The relevant committees of the two chambers will address a proper petition as always.’’

Also, the House Spokesman, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, said the reports are dated 2015 prior to the 9th Assembly and the committee in charge of public accounts will look into it.

NIMASA Promises Safe Rescue of Kidnapped Turkish Seafarers The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, has promised the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Melih Ulueren of safe rescue of kidnapped seafarers.

Ulueren recently played host to Jamoh in Abuja to discuss issues relating to the Kidnapping of 15 Turkish Seafarers onboard a Liberian Flagged Vessel outside Nigerian Waters.

In his opening remarks, the Ambassador passionately appealed to the Nigerian Government and

NIMASA to ensure the speedy rescue of 15 Turkish Seafarers recently kidnapped on board MV MOZART in the Gulf of Guinea and reunite the seafarers with their respective families in turkey.

Ulueren also inquired if there is any support NIMASA would need from the Turkish Government and what NIMASA is doing about the spate of attacks in the Gulf of Guinea.

Jamoh in his response said that the Nigerian Government is doing everything humanly possible to ensure that these sea pirates are

identified and their Nationality known since the incident happened outside Nigerian territorial waters.

Dr. Jamoh made it known that the Minister of Transportation has approved the deployment of 2 special mission vessels under the Deep Blue project to immediately move towards the area of the kidnapped victims to support the rescue mission.

Jamoh highlighted various incentives being rolled out by NIMASA to curtail piracy and other maritime-related crime.

He stated the successes achieved

with the passage of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act, 2019 (SPOMO Act) which has been used in successfully prosecuting several maritime offenders.

He promised that NIMASA would continue to provide every assistance needed till the 15 Turkish Seafarers regain their freedom.

He also promised that if and when the need arises during the rescue mission that NIMASA is willing to deploy its helicopters to bring back the kidnapped seafarers.

Air Peace’s Sharjah-Dubai Flights not Affected by New Emirates COVID-19 Protocols, Says Airline Chinedu Eze Nigeria’s largest carrier, Air Peace has notified intending travellers to the United Arab Emirates that its Lagos-Sharjah flights are not affected by the new COVID-19 flight protocols introduced by the Dubai Airport’s Operations Control Centre.

The new protocols indicates that from February 1, 2021, only Nigerians travelling directly from

Nigeria would be allowed in Dubai and those transiting through other airports outside Nigeria would not be allowed into Dubai International Airport.

Also, in addition to COVID-19 PCR test that would last 72 hours, passengers are expected to undergo rapid Coronavirus test at the airport four hours before the departure of their flights.

But the Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, Mrs. Toyin Olajide

has explained that the COVID-19 rapid test at the airport four hours before departure does not affect the airline’s passengers who are expected to submit 72 hours coronavirus test result before the departure of their flights.

“We wish to draw the attention of our guests who intend to travel to Sharjah-Dubai with Air Peace that they are not expected to undergo rapid COVID-19 test at the airport four hours before

departure, as indicated in the new Emirates COVID-19 protocols.

They are expected to submit their 72 hours before departure test result.

“We wish to clarify this because Air Peace operates into Sharjah in United Arab Emirates and therefore its passengers are exempted from the rapid COVID-19 test four hours before departure,” Olajide said.

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FG: Nigeria, Others Seek Fair Price for COVID-19 Vaccines MTN donates $25m to Africa for 7million doses

Ejiofor Alike

The Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). Dr. Shuaib Faisal, has disclosed that the delay in the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines was because countries were negotiating price reduction, safety and effectiveness and

required logistics to stop ongoing community transmission of the virus.

Faisal stated this in a statement issued yesterday by the agency’s Head (Public Relations), Mohammad Ohitoto tiled: “Investment in COVID – 19 vaccines will strengthen PHC system in Nigeria”.

Lekki Homeowners Want Sanwo-Olu to Probe Invasion of Alma Beach Estate Peter Uzoho Homeowners and allottees at Alma Beach Estate, Lekki, Lagos State, have asked the state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to order investigation into the violence and wanton destruction of property being perpetrated by land grabbers aided by thugs and policemen in the community.

They made the demand in a statement to challenge claims by a firm that the homeowners and allottees lawyer, Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN) was trying to obstruct the course of justice in regard to some developments in the estate.

The statement described the allegation against Banire as bundles of lies from the beginning to the end.

“In the first instance, Dr. Banire joined the team of lawyers engaged by estate owners just last year, September precisely. How he would have influenced events prior to that date for which he was not aware of the existence remains a mystery.

“Secondly, the court of appeal judgment referred to in their press statement has nothing to do with our registered titles and is strictly a matter of debenture and receivership between Nicon and Alma beach management”.

The homeowners accused the firm of using thugs in connivance with some policemen to harass their members and demolish their properties illegally, even as

against the clear instruction of the Inspector General of Police for all parties to steer clear of the land.

“Dr. Banire as all know, is a man of impeccable character who strangely is yet to even visit the land, much less bringing anyone there.

“The purpose of the vituperation is to derail Dr. Banire from his professional handling of the matter. We know that the lawyer can handle the situation professionally but we feel compelled to react to the lies peddled there. “No judgment of any court awards our land to any Nicon at any time and the said firm does not even have any title registered in its favour much less any document identifying the land belonging to it.”

They urged both the police and the Lagos State government to step in and stop the gradual descent into anarchy in the community.

“We once again call on the police and other law enforcement authorities to stop the carnage being perpetrated by these land grabbers with the aid of thugs and police. We invite the public to visit and see the destruction carried out illegally by the socalled receiver. These are lawless people rushing developments on our land without any title nor approval from the government.

We seize the opportunity to call on Governor Sanwo-Olu to cause investigation into our allegation,” they stated.

This is coming as MTN has announced a donation of $25 million to support the African Union’s COVID-19 vaccination programme.

Faisal said, “While the country appreciates the global effort through the COVAX facility to ensure low and medium income countries like Nigeria have fair and equitable access to the COVID – 19 vaccine, the delay in accessing vaccines means that eligible countries would have to explore all channels that can ensure fair prices, safe and effective vaccines

for its populace. “ “The expected engagement of additional healthcare workers to administer the vaccine and ensure non-disruption of routine services, the intensive capacity building and the acquisition of new and additional cold chain equipment will contribute immensely to strengthening the PHC system.”

According to him, as the country awaits the arrival of the first batch of COVID – 19 vaccine this month, state governments should put all the necessary logistics in place to ensure a

successful vaccination exercise.

Meanwhile, MTN has announced a donation of $25 million to support the African Union’s COVID-19 vaccination programme.

The MTN, in a statement, said the donation would help secure up to seven million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for African countries.

President and Chief Executive Officer of MTN Group, Ralph Mupita, in the statement stated, “The devastating impact of COVID-19 has been unprecedented and profound.

Public and private partnerships are needed if we are to succeed in the fight against the pandemic and restore social and economic norms for our continent and our communities.”

The statement added that: “In a unique public-private partnership, we announced a donation of $25 million to support the African Union’s COVID-19 vaccination programme, working with the Africa CDC (Centre for Disease Control) and the African Union Vaccination Acquisition Task Team (AVATT).

ALL EYES ON MORE MEMBERS…

L-R: Director of Administration, All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Abubakar Suleiman; Chairman, APC Press Corps, Mr. Jide Orintunsin; and Secretary, APC Caretaker Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, during the supervision of distribution of registration materials to all designated registration centres nationwide, in Abuja … weekend ENOCK REUBEN

Amended Electoral Act to be tested in Anambra Election, Says Lawmaker David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The member representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo federal constituency, Anambra State, in the House of Representatives, Hon. Chris Azubogu, has stated that Anambra State may be used as a testing ground for the proposed amendment of the Electoral Act by the National Assembly.

Azubogu, who spoke during a gathering of the members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Awka, the state capital, where he notified the party of his intention to vie for the governorship position, stated that that is the more reason why the party should field a knowledgeable candidate it is sure of.

According to him, “The forthcoming election is going

to be an unusual election, and you are aware that the National Assembly is planning to amend parts of the Electoral Act. What that means is that Anambra State may be used as a guinea pig.

“This is the more reason the PDP should ensure that it fields it’s best candidate- the one it is sure of-to avoid errors.”

Azubogu continued: “My intention to present myself to fly

the flag of the PDP is a thing that I have duly considered prayerfully.

I have looked at it; however, it is not going to be an easy journey.

“I will advise that the ticket of the PDP is an effective one, and I can tell you that anybody who carries all of us along will win this election. He must be ready to show the Anambra people what it takes to be a leader and what it takes to win an election.

Olanrewaju Faults FG over CRFFN Budget

Kidnappers Buy Footwear for Victims after Release

Sunday Okobi

Kidnappers were reported to have given N10, 000 to their victims to enable them buy simple footwear (slippers) after they released them.

The six victims who were kidnapped last Thursday were taken into the Kogi State forest barefooted.

It was learnt that five days after the incident, the relations of the victims in Avu community in Abugi area of Lapai Local

A former Chairman of the Governing Council, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Alhaji Hakeem Olanrewaju, has berated the federal government over the way and manner the council is being managed in recent times.

Olanrewaju expressed dismay that the government was spending huge sums of money on the council without commensurate returns.

He wondered why the council has not been meeting its statutory roles and responsibilities despite the fact that more money has accrued to the council over the years.

According Olanrewaju, who is also the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Talod Oceanair Limited, in a statement issued at the weekend, noted that: “Approximately, the

amount used to kick-start the administrative life of the CRFFN between 2008 to 2012 (of the first and second Governing Council) is in the average of N200 million to N250 million.

“Out of this approximated amount, workers were recruited and salaries promptly paid; official vehicles were purchased, capacity buildings and programmes were conducted, membership with FIATA formalised, office structures were rented across the zones, and operation head offices rented in Lagos and Abuja, international professional exchange programmes were attended among other things.”

He averred that experience has shown that administering a professional council of this size has never been a rocket science, just as he flayed what he called “the massive and over bloated yearly budgetary provisions” of the council.

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Government Area of Niger State were able to raise and pay the N1.7million ransom demanded by the bandits.

It was from this amount that the bandits gave out N10, 000 to their victims to buy the footwear.

One of the freed victim, simply called Abdulsalami, said the bandits, after collecting the N.17million ransom, escorted them to a few meters to their village where they were released at about 1 a.m. yesterday.

Narrating their ordeal in the hands of the bandits, Abdulsalam told family members that they trekked for several hours before arriving at the hideout of the bandits-a cave in Kogi State.

“We trekked several kilometres and crossed the river Gurara into Kogi State,” the freed victim narrated, adding that they were kept in the cave which was well guarded to avoid any escape.

A community leader, Musa Idris, confirmed the release of the villagers

and payment of the ransom.

Last Thursday, bandits raided Avu community in Lapai LGA, the first of such incident in the area.

It was gathered that the bandits in their large numbers stormed the community around 1a.m. and started shooting sporadically thereby causing confusion in the village.

In the confusion, six villagers, all male, were kidnapped and taken into the cave in Kogi State.

FG Distributes N56m to 2,800 Indigent Women in Anambra David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The federal government, through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, yesterday said it distributed N56million to 2,800 indigent women, including widows, the vulnerable and the disabled in Anambra State.

Minister for Humanitarian Affairs Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya

Sadiya Umar Farouk, flagged off the ceremony at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre in Awka, the state capital, yesterday.

She stated that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has paid more attention to the plight of the poor and vulnerable in the country despite the economic slump and glaring revenue challenges.

Faruok said it is because

poverty reduction has become a major objective of governments all over the world, adding that this informed the decision by President Buhari to initiate the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) as a strategy to reduce poverty and enhance social inclusion.

The minister said the grant for rural women programme was introduced in 2020 to sustain the social inclusion agenda of President Buhari’s administration,

insisting that it is consistent with the president’s new national vision of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years.

Faruok, who was represented at the even by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali, said: “It is designed to provide a one-off grant to some of the poorest and most vulnerable women in rural and semi-urban areas in the country.

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PIB: 2.5% Equity Proposed for Host Communities Misconstrued, Says Emu Sylvester Idowu in Warri The factional leader of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), Dr. Mike Emuh, has said the people of the Niger Delta misconstrued the 2.5 percent equity proposed for the host communities in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) 2020. aintained that the proposed 2.5 equity for the host communities is the best thing to happen to Niger Deltans as a people in the region.

According to him, the

percentage will be calculated based on oil production per each flow station in a community, insisting that it is a welcome idea that receives his support.

For instance, Emuh gave his community, Olomoru in Delta State as an example where he said it has 15 flow stations, and imagined the amount of funds that will accrued for the development of the area.

In a conversation with THISDAY yesterday, he said: “The 2.5 percent will be the best thing to happen us. Our people don’t understand the

proposition in that proposed bill. If they do, they won’t oppose it for now.”

Emuh, however, said though he wasn’t against the clamour for 10 percent equity as being agitated by some stakeholders in the region, his position is

stemmed from the fact of other benefits coming to the region.

“On the PIB, we are saying 10 per cent equity was the executive bill that was signed by late President Yar’Adua, but if it is 1.5 percent, we will take it for now rather than

scrapping other intervention by the federal government for the development of the region,” he said.

The HOSTCOM national chairman described those agitating for the scrapping of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as the

enemy of the region.

“Why would they want NDDC to be scrapped? Is it because of the 1.5 percent equity for the development of the host communities? No. Those agitating for that are the enemies of the region,” Emuh said.

COVID-19: Osun Records More Cases of Deadly UK Strain, Says Govt Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The Osun State Government yesterday disclosed that in the past few days, the state has recorded five cases of the deadly B117 strain of the COVID-19, which was first reported in the United Kingdom.

This is particularly worrisome as it was barely a week that the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 announced the discovery of the strain in Nigeria, and Osun State already has five cases.

Considering the continued disregard for safety protocols in the state, the state government is extremely concerned about the days ahead.

This new strain, according to report, spreads and kills faster. If it continues to grow, more citizens will become vulnerable and those with underlying ailments are more endangered.

“We cannot continue to act like COVID-19 is not real. It is not just a sad reality but one that has changed the momentum with this deadlier strain.

“Citizens are therefore enjoined to scale up their personal responsibility for safety by complying with all the non-pharmaceutical protocols outlined by the government to avoid tragic consequences,” the state government said.

Ganduje Inaugurates 2,000 COVID-19 Marshals Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano In his continued efforts to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and fight its existence in Kano State, the state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has inaugurated COVID-19 Marshals.

The marshals, numbering 2,000, which comprise 1,000 Hisbah officials and 1,000 health workers, have been engaged to assist security agents in the state in the enforcement and persuasion of strict compliance to COVID-19 protocols.

Speaking during the formal launch of the marshals, which was held at the Government House yesterday, Ganduje said COVID-19 is back, therefore the state government is also back to fight it to the end.

According to the governor, the people are dying as a result of the pandemic, and the state government must be up and doing to ensure that it contains the situation, saying: “That is why we have revived out three doctrines, namely: protective, curative and palliative measures to stamp out the pandemic in our state.”

Ganduje added that his administration had put in robust plans to combat the pandemic in the state, such as setting up isolation centres, testing laboratories, sample

collection centres among others.

“Looking at the effect of lockdown on the people, which affected their economic well-being, we feel that there is no need to lock this state down anymore. But we are doing a lot to ensure that we protect our people.

“Our task force committee on COVID-19 is doing well in fighting the pandemic. The committee will also continue to make efforts and convince the people to follow protocols in a bid to rid the state of the pandemic.

“We have also engaged all critical stakeholders, such as security agencies, traditional rulers, Ulamas, media, medical practitioners, among others, and that is why we have inaugurated these marshals to support us in enlightening and enforcing the people to obey the COVID-19 protocols,” Ganduje said.

The governor also hailed the marshals as professional health institutions graduates, who, according to him, would use their education in practice while discharging their duties.

In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, described the marshals as agile and young, who are up to the task to discharge their duties diligently.

HEALTHCARE ON THEIR MINDS…

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Heartwells Foundation, Mr. Ogbonnaya Igbokwe; General Manager, Didi Museum, Ms. Bunmi Obanawu; Managing Director, Patrons, Mr. Peter Imo; Programmes Manager, Heartwells Foundation, Ms. Sandra Ukele; and Curator, Mr. Luciano Uzuegbu, at the Art-for-Cancer Exhibition organised by Heartwells Foundation and Patron, in Lagos… yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

Kwara Allays Fear of Herdsmen’s Invasion Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Kwara State Government at the weekend assured the state that it has taken proactive measures in the 16 local government areas of the state to allay fear of purported invasion of the state by herders.

There was palpable fear at the weeken d a m o n g t h e re s i d e n t s o f I l o r i n and other adjoining communities in the s t a t e o v e r t h e re p o r t e d invasion of the state by h e rd e r s f ro m O y o a n d

Ekiti States.

Even, the state police command has also assured the state that it had put the divisional police officers (DPO) across the state on alert, to check any invasion of the state by the herders.

Apart from this measure, traditional rulers of various towns have been directed to monitor any arrival of new visitors in their various areas and report such information to the nearest police station.

H o w e v e r, in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State

Government (SSG) Prof.

M a m m a n Sabbah Jibril, in Ilorin, he allayed the fear of the residents, and enjoined them to go about their lawful businesses in peace and live in harmony with one another.

According to him, “In the light of some unfortunate developments in som e n e i g h b o u r i n g states, we urge our people not to entertain any fear as proactive measures have been and a re s t i l l b e i n g t a k e n t o maintain peace and ensure the security of

lives and property of every resident in the state.

“The government is working with all the security agencies, directors of personnel management (DPMs) and the leadership of Miyetti Allah to strengthen the existing peace among various economic interests.

“We, therefore, urge everyone to key into this peace-building process, and avoid taking laws into their hands or engage in activities that can undermine peaceful coexistence.”

Man Jailed in Akwa Ibom for Disobeying Court Order Okon Bassey in Uyo A High Court in Akwa Ibom State has sentenced one Edem Tom Etuk in Itu Local Government Area of the state to one month imprisonment for disobeying a court order.

The court sitting in Itu at the weekend sentenced Etuk to prison in accordance with Section 287 sub 3 of the 1999 Constitution as

amended.

In the judgement, the court, which was presided over by Justice Ntong Ntong, convicted the contemnor and sentenced him without any option of fine.

Justice Ntong further held that after the jail term, the convict shall continue to be in prison custody until he purges himself of the contempt by writing an

undertaking to obey the court order, and until the order is set aside by a court of competent jurisdiction.

He said time has come for the citizens, no matter how highly or lowly placed, to obey court orders in order to enhance and safeguard the rule of law in a democratic society.

The Judge said no one is above the law, and that the majesty of the court must

be jealously protected by every authority and person.

The West Itam District Court had in 2015 delivered a judgement ordering the convict to vacate a piece of land on Atiku Abubakar Avenue in Uyo, the state capital.

The convict refused to obey the order and equally refused to appeal the matter in a higher court.

Borno Appoints New Shehu of Dikwa Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri A new Shehu of Dikwa has been appointed by the Borno State Government.

The new traditional ruler, Alhaji Abba Jato Umar, born on January 29, 1968, and before his

appointment, he had worked as a teacher and land officer in the state.

He succeeds Alhaji Muhammad El-Kanemi II, who died after a protracted illness at an Abuja hospital recently.

The new Shehu of Dikwa’s

letter of appointment, which was signed at the weekend by the state Governor, Prof.

Babagana Zulum, was presented yesterday to the ruler at his Maiduguri residence by the state Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Hon. Mai-Mele Sugun.

According to the letter, the authority of the governor was extracted from Section 68 of the Borno State Local Government Law, 2020 and Section 5 of Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) Law and Cap. 25, Law of Borno State 1994.

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MONDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

AFN PUMA MONEY

Gusau, Adeleye Docked over Criminal Conspiracy Duro Ikhazuagbe The furore generated by the under-the-table transactions allegedly involving the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria ((AFN), Shehu Ibrahim Gusau and a former Technical Director of the federation, Sunday Adeleye, has resulted in criminal conspiracy charges being filed against the duo by the Inspector General of Police at a Magistrate Court in Wuse, Abuja.

THISDAY learnt at the weekend that a suit Number CR/99/2020 IGP Vs Ibrahim Shehu Gusau & two others, for criminal conspiracy, misappropriation, criminal breach of trust and cheating in violation of the Nigeria Penal

Code has been filed.

According to the FIR (first information report) in the suit CR/99/2020 IGP Vs Ibrahim Shehu Gusau & two others, Gusau was alleged to have conspired with Adeleye and Dynamic Sporting Solution Nigeria Limited (Adeleye’s company) to cheat the AFN. The charge sheet read that Gusau and the co-accused “fraudulently inducing PUMA based at Doha to pay the sum of $75,000.00 USD (seventy-five thousand US Dollars) into Account No. 0015296488 operated by Dynamic Sporting Solution Nig Ltd in the guise of sponsoring the federation sporting activities” which they then converted to their personal use.

Gusau and Adeleye have however been granted bail with

Piety Sweeps Awards at PwC National U-17 Girls Cricket Final South-south teenage sensation, Lucky Piety, was the centre of attraction of the National Finals of the Under-17 Girls Cricket Championship after leading her team to victory at the Edo Boys High School Cricket Oval yesterday.

Rising from her recordbreaking century at the opening game against South-west on Wednesday where she became the first Nigerian cricketer to achieve such feat in a T-20 match, Piety gave a commanding performance at the closing event.

Vice President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, Uyi Akpata said beyond the excellent performance of the South-south team who won all their three matches at the finals of the girls’ tournament, the Federation was more impressed at the individual talents that were thrown up at the championship.

“When a teenager sets a national T20 record, that is a great achievement and huge leap for cricket development.

“We also had great fielding implementation from the Southeast team and great bowling

actions from a couple of players too. The good thing here is that beyond Piety Lucky, we have a number of great show by players from other regions as well. We are proud of the developments from the different regions.

“Performances from these girls have justified the investment in various grassroots developments at different regions of the country and more importantly, we have great players that can be drafted into camp ahead of national assignments,” enthused the NCF Vice President.

Piety was awarded the Best “Batman’, and the Most Valuable Player of the girls’ championship.

Rejoice Assam was the Bowler of the series with Uba Herrieta voted the Best Fielder.

The coach of the winning side, Esewi Peter, added that the victory was a product of the hard work from his region’s team.

“This team is made of players from Edo, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states. Credit also goes to all the Regional Developmental Officers that worked on each of the players,” he noted.

NPFL: Enyimba Join Rivers Utd at the Top Rivers United reclaimed the top spot of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) after one week’s absence due to international duties.

The Stanley Eguma wards snatched all three points at stake against Adamawa United courtesy of Fortune Omoniwari lone strike in the 53rd minute against the visitors at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.

However, the Pride of Rivers people are not sitting pretty at the op as they are tied on same 15 points from seven games as Enyimba FC who similarly defeated Katsina United 1-0 in Aba. Closely on the heels of the top two teams is Nasarawa on 14 points. The Solid Miners unbeaten run was halted in Jos on Friday by Plateau United.

Sunshine Stars that hammered Rangers 3-1 in Akure on 13 points completes the Top Four of the Nigerian topflight.

The Akure Gunners took the lead in the 24th minute following a close range finish by Sadeeq Yusuf.

Fuad Ekelojuoti doubled Gbenga Ogunbote side’s lead 10 minutes later, slotting the ball home after he was teed up by Chinedu Udechukwu.

Godspower Aniefiok reduced the deficit for Rangers nodding home substitute Dauda Madaki’s freekick a minute before the hour mark.

Aniekan Ekpe bagged a brace as Dakkada returned to winning ways following a 2-0 win against Warri Wolves in Uyo. MFM were held to a 0-0 draw

by Kwara United at the Agege Stadium, while Lobi Stars and Abia Warriors also battled to a goalless draw in Makurdi.

FC IfeanyiUbah emerge from the bottom four, after three weeks being locked in there, while Warri Wolves take their place.

MATCH-DAY 7 Lobi 0-0 Abia Warriors Dakkada 2-0 W’Wolves MFM 0-0 Kwara Utd Enyimba 1-0 Katsina Utd Jigawa 2-1 Heartland Sunshine 3-1 Rangers Rivers Utd 1-0 Adamawa IfeanyiUbah 1-0 Wikki

hearing in the case expected to commence first week of February.

This action was in reaction to a petition written by board members of the AFN to the IGP accusing Gusau and Adeleye of diverting into the account of Dynamic Sporting Solution Nigeria Limited, a company owned by Adeleye, then a board memeber of the AFN, monies paid by sportswear and equipment manufacturer (PUMA) as sponsorship fees to kit Nigerian track and field athletes.

In that petition filed by AFN board members, they alleged that Gusau and Adeleye signed the sponsorship deal without the knowledge of the board and most importantly the Secretary General who the federation’s constitution, article 8.7.2 says is the accounting officer of the AFN and must be privy to any and all financial decisions made by the federation.

Article 8.7.2 also made the Secretary General the custodian of all documents (which MUST include the PUMA contract), properties (which MUST also include all kits and equipments supplied

by PUMA to the federation as part of its contractual obligations) and records.

PUMA had in a letter early last year (February 13, 2020) confirmed it signed an agreement on July 24, 2019 with Messrs Ibrahim Gusau and Sunday Adeleye to sponsor the Nigerian track and field team and that it has met all its financial obligations to the federation.

PUMA further stated in the letter that the duo nominated the bank account of Dynamic Sporting Solution to warehouse financial commitmets of the sponsor (PUMA).

“The amounts payable to

the Athletic Federation of Nigeria have duly been paid into the nominated bank account of Dynamic Sporting Solutions Nigeria Limited as the authorized recipient,” PUMA wrote in the letter.

The contract was signed in July 2019 without the knowledge of majority of the board members and of course the chief administrative and financial head of the AFN, the Secretary General.

Lucky Piety..first Nigerian cricketer to achieve a century in T-20

NBBF Putting Structures in Place for All Leagues to Return, Says Kida The President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Ahmadu Musa Kida, revealed at the weekend that the federation was working round the clock to ensure that the Men’s Premier Basketball League, Zenith Women’s League as well as the National Divisions 1 and 2 leagues sponsored by Total take place this year.

Kida made the pledge at the Sportsville Award 2021 ceremony which held in Lagos on Saturday where he was presented an Award of Excellence for helping to develop basketball in Nigeria as well as putting the country’s name on the global map.

He noted that the Abuja High Court ruling in favour of the NBBF “is one that calls for action on the part of the federation since all is clear

for the return of the Premier Basketball League.”

Kida insists that now that the impediments have been removed, “We will contact all stakeholders concerned and work towards holding the Premier Basketball League as well as our other leagues.

Though, it has been three years wasted during the court processes.”

“We are glad it’s all over and we can concentrate on ensuring that we put things in place for our programmes,” he enthused with joy.

Sportsville which marked its 20th year anniversary at the weekend, said Kida and nine others were deemed worthy of the awards after careful deliberation and selection process by the award committee headed by

Group Sports Editor of Vanguard newspapers who is also a former Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Olympics Committee, Tony Ubani.

In his reaction, Kida who was

on ground to physically receive the award, thanked the organisers for deeming him fit which is a validation of what his board has been able to achieve in the last three years.

Representative of Sports Minister, Mr. Idris Olorunimbe (right) presenting Sportsville Award for Excellence to NBBF President, Ahmadu Musa Kida at the ceremony in Lagos at the weekend

Egbe Charges Administrators to Invest in Sports Facilities The Chief Executive Officer of Monimichelle Group, Ebi Egbe, has advised owners of elite football teams in Nigeria to invest in good facilities for the benefit of the game.

Egbe said it was important for players to get used to playing on good surfaces to make them get better with modern tactics in the game.

“Good football surfaces will enhance free flow of the game and the players will be happy to express themselves better.

“Our administrators of teams

in the NPFL should guarantee good facilities for the teams starting from the pitches.

“An example is the Abia Warriors team that trains on bad turf but play on a very new turf at the Enyimba Stadium. This affects them because the good turf is strange to the players and it gives the opposing teams with good turf an advantage.”

Egbe who was one of the 10 sports personalities, who received the special recognition awards at the Sportsville Awards on Saturday in Lagos, added that the

technology of grassing a football pitch is improving day-by-day.

“We are in a jet age. The materials we used for the pitches we delivered last year and year before cannot be used again. We have information that there are latest materials that will further make the synthetic pitches be of similar mode with the natural grass.

“Things are really evolving and we are moving fast with the modern trends,” Egbe added.

Monimichelle Group laid the playing turf of Enyimba Stadium,

Aba, Karkanda Stadium Katsina, Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi, Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenegoa and Onikan Stadium, Lagos.

The Monimichelle boss however expressed gratitude to the organisers of the Sportsville Awards for counting him worthy for the honour.

“I am really excited about this and I will always cherish this award. This honour will make me work harder to do more for the development of the game in Nigeria,” he said.

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MONDAYSPORTS TRANSFER NEWS...

Sergio Ramos Set to Quit Madrid for England Sergio Ramos is ready to quit Real Madrid this summer for the Premier League– as he doesn’t fancy Paris St Germain.

According to UK’s Mirror, talks over a new contract at the Bernabeu have collapsed and that means Ramos – whose trophy haul includes five La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues, a World Cup and two European Championships – will be available on a free transfer in July.

He is entitled to talk to clubs outside of Spain right now to secure a pre-contract agreement – and his agent, brother Rene Ramos, is targeting England.

The Spanish international is unconvinced by a move to Paris and has already turned down offers from Asia because his family are not keen on the destination.

There are, however, only a handful of clubs who can afford Ramos’ wages.

Even at 34 he will expect to earn more than £200,000 a week - and turned down a new two-year deal at Real

when he was asked to take a 10 percent pay cut.

Sources close to the player believe a move to Manchester

Cityor Liverpoolwould be ‘very difficult’ but no club is being ruled out.

And that could alert

Everton, especially as Carlo Ancelotti managed Ramos for two years in Madrid between 2013-15.

2021 AFROBASKET QUALIFIERS

Coach Mfon Udofia to Lead D’Tigers to Tunisia The leadership of Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), has officially confirmed that coach Mfon Udofia will be saddled with the responsibility of leading D’Tigers to the 2021 Afrobasket qualifiers in Tunisia.

Mfon who joined the senior men’s national team technical crew just before the 2019 FIBA World Cup will be in charge for Head Coach, Mike Brown, currently tied down by Golden State Warriors.

On the other hand, Coach Alex Nwora who remains a vital part of the D’Tigers’ crew will also be missing due to family and personal reasons.

Making the announcement, NBBF President, Ahmadu Musa Kida said, “Mike Brown is doing his primary job and occupied at this time as the assistant coach with Golden State Warriors”.

“Coach Alex is staying back for very personal and intimate reasons which we understand. Our head coach

to Tunisia will be Mfon Udofia.”

He expressed utmost confidence that the absence of the two coaches will in no way affect the team’s outing as he described Udofia who tried out with D’Tigers prior to the 2016 Olympics as a capable hand.

“He was with us at the World Cup. They are all hands we are very used to.

Our General Manager, Musa Adamu will be there and of course the Chairman of the Technical Committee of the Federation, Babs Ogunade.

“So, we have a rolling belt. We can pick people as they are available which will not stop us from having a good show”, Kida assured basketball stakeholders.

The 31-year old retired point guard is currently an assistant coach with Skyhawks in the NBA G League and he is set to become the youngest ever coach to handle the Senior men’s national team of Nigeria.

La Liga: Suarez Scores Twice as Atletico Go 10 Points Clear Luis Suarez scored twice as Atletico Madrid beat Cadiz to go 10 points clear at the top of La Liga with an eighth consecutive league win.

Suarez fired Diego Simeone’s side ahead with an excellent free-kick before Alvaro Negredo equalised for Cadiz.

Saul Niguez flicked Thomas Lemar’s cross into the top corner then Suarez scored a penalty to put Atleti 3-1 up.

Negredo scuffed in a second to give Cadiz hope but Koke scored late on to

seal Atletico’s win.

Suarez is now the sole top scorer in La Liga with 14 goals in 16 matches since his summer move from Barcelona.

Atletico also have a game in hand on second-placed Real Madrid. Fourth-placed Barcelona can go level on points with Real if they beat Athletic Bilbao in late night fixture.

Simeone’s side have won eight La Liga games in a row for the first time since 2014 - and have won 15 of their past 16 league games.

Luis Suarez...scores brace in Atletico victory over Cadiz

Sergio Ramos...wants transfer to an English club

Tuchel Claims First Win as Chelsea Manager Emphatic finishes from Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso gave Thomas Tuchel his first 2-0 victory as Chelsea head coach against a belowpar Burnley.

Captain Azpilicueta - the longest-serving player in the team - drilled Callum HudsonOdoi’s lay-off high past Nick Pope just before half-time in the Premier League encounter at Stamford Bridge.

Azpilicueta’s fellow Spanish defender Alonso added a classy second late on, skilfully controlling a Christian Pulisic cross before lashing a volley over Pope at his near post.

The impressive HudsonOdoi was unlucky not to score in between with a shot that was deflected on to a post by Burnley defender Erik Pieters.

Chelsea comfortably registered a second successive clean sheet under Tuchel, whose first game was the midweek goalless draw with Wolves, as Burnley did not manage a shot on target.

The only downside for Tuchel was Timo Werner’s failure to score for a 12th league game as Chelsea climbed three places to seventh in the table, while Burnley remain 15th.

No players in Tuchel’s starting line-up have been at Chelsea longer than Azpilicueta, a 2012 signing from Marseille, and Alonso, who arrived four years later from Fiorentina.

It was strangely fitting that an Azpilicueta goal should christen the Tuchel era given he was the only member of Chelsea’s current crop to play alongside predecessor Frank Lampard as well as under him.

Azpilicueta’s goal was reminiscent of Lampard’s habit of appearing in the penalty area at the right time, crowning a flowing break by

overlapping Hudson-Odoi and firing into the roof of the net.

It was Azpilicueta’s first goal in more than a year and, while Alonso’s effort was not quite as surprising given his propensity to find the net, his mere inclusion in Tuchel’s side was an eye-opener given he had not played for more than four months.

Recalled in place of Ben Chilwell, Alonso produced a superb piece of skill, chesting down Pulisic’s centre and taking another touch on his knee before unleashing a powerful volley.

PREMIER LEAGUE

Leeds’ Bamford Stops Leicester from Leapfrogging Red Devils Patrick Bamford had a role in all three goals as Leeds United fought back to end Leicester City’s seven-game unbeaten run in the Premier League with a deserved 3-1 victory at King Power Stadium.

Harvey Barnes had opened the scoring for Leicester after a wonderful run and quick exchange with James Maddison, but the Foxes’ lead lasted just 127 seconds.

Bamford found Stuart Dallas with a well-timed pass and the midfielder picked out the far corner with a low, right-footed strike.

The forward then fired into the top corner to put Leeds in front with his first goal in five league games, before unselfishly setting up Jack Harrison.

Ayoze Perez thought he had restored the Foxes’ lead in a frantic opening 20 minutes but was flagged offside, while Leeds substitute Mateusz Klich also had a goal ruled out 10 minutes later.

Kasper Schmeichel made a smart save to tip Bamford’s header on to the crossbar and Klich was in an offside position when he hacked in the rebound from close range.

Bamford had to wait until the 70th minute for his goal and then had the awareness to tee up Harrison for a tap-in as Leeds broke for a third late on.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side remain 12th after their victory, while third-placed Leicester missed the chance to go second and could be overtaken by Liverpool who played West Ham later in the evening.

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers revealed after his side

beat Leeds 4-1 in November that he was delighted to not get dragged into the sort of “basketball match” Bielsa’s outfit thrive on.

Sunday’s enthralling encounter was exactly that, however, as Leeds responded to going a goal down by levelling two minutes later through Dallas’ well-taken effort.

They may even have been ahead at the break had it not been for two fine Schmeichel

saves.

Leeds, who beat Newcastle last time out to stop run of three defeats in all competitions, continued to produce their counter-attacking best despite more Leicester pressure in the second half.

After setting up the first, Bamford got the goal his performance deserved with 20 minutes remaining when he fired into the top corner with his left foot following Raphinha’s pass.

Stuart Dallas (right) leveled scores for Leeds before Marcelos Bielsa’s men raced to 3-1 victory against Leicester City yesterday

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“My advocacy is that we should abolish the transportation or trekking of herdsmen from the northern part of Nigeria to the Middle Belt and to the Southern part of Nigeria. There should be a law that will ban such movement” – Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, proposing a total ban on movement of cattle from the North to the South.

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ALEXOTTI OUTSIDE THE BOX

alex.otti@thisdaylive.com

Issa Aremu: The Irrepressible Comrade at 60 “A man who is not a Liberal at sixteen has no heart; a man who is not a Conservative at sixty has no head” —Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881)

I

t was sometime in October 1984. I had just been admitted to study Economics at the University of Port Harcourt. After processing my papers and having been registered, I proceeded to the Students Affairs Office where the halls of residence were allotted. After the fairly long process, I ended up at the Nelson Mandela Hall. My new hall of residence had 6 blocks: A to F, and each block comprised 4 floors with multiple rooms.

Each room had three well-built double beds, the type you see in today’s five-star hotels and one single 6 spring bed for the ‘jambites’, as year one students were then called. To put it simply, Nelson Mandela Hall was well sought after at that time. On arriving the hall, I was assigned to block C, Room 308 by the Hall Warden. I knocked and entered the room where I met this young final year Economics student who displayed a very good command of English language and radiated knowledge all over him.

I was impressed by the way he welcomed and helped onboard me in the hostel. I was also happy that he was a senior Economics student and I immediately figured he would be helpful with settling down in my academic discipline. One other feature of his that immediately struck me was his fiery commentary and analysis of public affairs. He was a young man that radiated all the key features of the typical student activist at the time. This young man is today’s Comrade Issa Aremu, mni, a man who has remained my friend and brother till this day.

As things began to settle down, it became clear to me that fate, in its usual way, had arranged things for me, as Aremu became an invaluable factor in my journey of life. From just being roommates, we became friends and I can declare that in the process, he impacted so much on me both in students politics and the larger society. Through my association with Issa, I was initiated into the progressive students’ movement, Youths Solidarity On Southern Africa and Nigeria (YUSSAN). This was a very active political platform that consumed our energy and intellectual exertion, unlike the degeneracy we witness in our institutions of higher learning now where the norm is for students to get initiated into killer secret cults. Admittedly, cults existed during our time, but they were largely insignificant and true to their names, were secret.

They operated very much below the radar and it was often a thing of opprobrium, if not public disgrace to be associated with many of them.

During our time at school, YUSSAN quickly became the conscience of student activism, championing students welfare, taking positions on national issues and most importantly, agitating for the eradication of apartheid in Southern Africa and the release of Nelson Mandela. I was quick to learn from Issa that it was not enough to read books and become a subject matter expert while your environment reeked of injustice and rot. With teachers like Prof.

Ikenna Nzimiro, Prof Claude Ake, Prof Kodjo, all of blessed memory, and many other erudite radical lecturers, it was difficult not to ask tough and sometimes unsettling questions. Issa related with some of these intellectual giants as friends and one diligently followed his footsteps. He was also easily one of the souls of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), then a very formidable force fighting for the betterment of society.

I was to later learn from Issa that he had

Aremu been a final year student at the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria when the Ango Abdullahi-led university authorities expelled him for fighting injustice in the university in 1981. He had just turned 20 when this happened. He was expelled with 10 other student leaders after a riot in the University. I was shocked to learn that someone in his final year was expelled and he was so resilient to shake it off, and go to another university to start afresh. A year later, Issa graduated with a second-class upper degree in Economics as well as emerging as one of the best graduating students in the university.

With the influence of one of his mentors and senior friends, the then President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Alhaji Hassan Sunmonu, whom I had the pleasure of meeting subsequently, Issa was offered a job at the Congress as an Assistant Secretary in charge of Economics and Research in 1987.

Even after graduating from Uniport, Issa literally remained on my case while I was in the University, inviting me to spend several vacations with him in Lagos until I graduated. He introduced me to one of his friends, Prof. Bayo Olukoshi, who gave me access to the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) library which was reputed to have been the best library in West Africa at that time. Prof. Olukoshi was a research fellow in NIIA at the time. Access to the NIIA library was one of the major reasons that I turned in what my external examiner, the Late Prof. Eskor Toyo referred to as “the best undergraduate dissertation I have seen so far”.

On graduation, I was posted for my National Youth Service Corp in one of the states in the South West. Issa insisted that I got redeployed to Lagos. By the time I came to Lagos, I chose a different career path, but we lived together in the same apartment. He had secured a twobedroom flat that was just good enough for two bachelors. By the end of 1989, Issa earned a scholarship to pursue a masters degree in Labour and Development at The Institute Of Social Studies at The Hague, Netherlands. He had to give up his house to another friend whom he thought was still going to continue with our arrangement. Issa had hardly turned his back when the new “landlord” showed up with a 504 station wagon to take possession of the house. To my surprise, the new “landlord” had two of his wives in the car and close to a dozen children. I was to vacate the house that day. The only concession he could offer was

for me to keep some of my personal effects by the corridor, to which, he could not guarantee their safety. I was in tears. The son of man had nowhere to lay his head! But life had to continue. We soldiered bravely on and as they say, the rest is now history.

Issa would return a year later to join the National Union of Textile and Garment Workers in Kaduna and became its Secretary General in 2009. This used to be one of the biggest unions under the NLC in the days of local manufacturing of textiles and when cotton occupied a pride of place in the commodities sector of the Nigerian economy. With the systematic de-industrialisation of the economy and with imports supplanting local production, we saw the cotton and textile industry consigned to a back seat in the country.

From a peak of over 250,000 direct jobs and 2 million indirect jobs in close to 200 textile companies in the mid-1980s, the figures have dropped to 25,000 direct jobs in just 25 companies currently. Issa, in his consistency remained in the Union fighting for the rights of the few remaining workers. However, in October 2016, in Brazil, he was elected the Vice President (Africa) of IndustriAll Global Union, a position he holds up till this moment. This union comprises more than 600 industrial unions and a workforce numbering more than 50 million.

By 2010, Issa became the National Deputy Secretary of Labour Party and by 2018, fully joined the race for the governorship of his home State of Kwara. He ran a formidable campaign that brought the little known Labour Party into limelight in the state. Even though he later stepped down before the election, political analysts recognised his impact and maintained that he was central to the change in leadership that happened in the state in 2019. His opinion on key national and international issues is brought to readers and listeners through his reflections in the opinion pages of Newspapers, especially Thisday and many interviews on National Television. I am aware that in no distant time, his book on Industrialisation will hit the book stands, and as I go through the manuscript of the close to 500 paged book, I cannot but give credit to whom it is due.

The master of the craft has a lot to tell the

world and I can hardly wait for the book to hit the bookstands.

It has not been all rosy and bright for Issa.

Towards the end of 2015, I got a call from him that his loving wife, Hajia Hamdalat Abiodun Aremu had passed on, leaving him shattered and devastated. I accompanied him to marry her decades ago, just like he did when I went to marry my own wife in Imo State a few years thereafter. This news was shocking as I never heard that Biodun, as we called her, was ill.

Issa managed to hold strong and after a while, had to remarry.

Issa Aremu was born on January 8, 1961 in Ijagbo, Kwara State. He has therefore, just turned 60 and as he did, he has served notice of retirement from active labour union activities.

It has been a full life of service to activism and to his society. Even though he may be stepping back from direct activism, he, however, is yet to serve notice of withdrawal from the fight for good governance, equity, justice and fair play.

As Chamberlain said, he is now an activist who has gently surrendered the modus operandi of youth to adopt those of the elders. He has matured into the age of those who use their head much more than their physical energies.

It is my sincere belief that the world should celebrate this cerebral, energetic, consistent, kind, and hardworking gentleman who has put his life on the line for what he believes in. I want to particularly thank my Comrade, Issa Aremu, for the love and kindness he has shown me from the moment we met till now.

In the Nigerian context, we don’t come from the same area, nor from the same geopolitical zone. We do not speak the same language and neither do we belong to the same religion.

Nevertheless, one thing we share in common is our bond of enduring friendship, brotherhood and love for humanity. Words may not be enough to thank him for all that he has been to me. I am aware that friends had planned to roll out the drums in celebration of this outstanding prodigy but for the resurgence of Covid-19. Comrade Issa Aremu, My Own Brother; Happy 60th birthday celebration.

You have just started on your life’s journey.

Remember, Life certainly begins at 60!

January of Bad News

Sometimes when one reads about the death of others on the pages of newspapers or in the social media, one involuntarily utters, May his/her soul rest in peace. However, when the news is about people that were close to one, it begins to hit home in sharper relief. The past few weeks have been like no other period in time. In fact, it got to a point that I became scared of phone calls. The first bad news that hit me was that of my senior friend and retired soldier, Rear Admiral Godwin Ndubuisi Kanu. This one hit home so much because we met a few times towards the end of last year discussing and looking forward to a better Abia and a better Nigeria. Little did we know that he was not going to witness any of them. Our sympathies go to his dear wife, Chief Mrs Gladys Kanu and the children. Then came the equally shattering news of my friend Chief Ziggy Azike, Omezimba, who, in company of his wife, Chinyere was with me at an event in Lagos, on December 20, 2020. At the event, he didn’t show any signs of illness so his demise left me in deep shock. Then another friend, Rev. Father Rapheal Madu, who had taken up the role of conducting the service of songs for my late father in-law in Mbaise

less than 3 months ago. A priest bubbling with so much life just succumbed to death within days of taking ill. Before these could sink in, a call was coming from Texas that another senior friend and brother, a former Executive Director, Shell Petroleum Development Corporation, Mr. Hubert Nwokolo had also given up in the US. One word to describe Mr. Nwokolo was that he was an excellent man. There is no doubt that this situation has thrown confusion to the family, particularly his wife, Aunty Uche. As if these were not enough, Mr. Oscar Onwudiwe, the ebullient President of Aka Ikenga and my friend for over 32 years gave up the ghost last week leaving behind his disconsolate wife, Dr. Mrs. Maureen Onwudiwe and his three children.

One thing that is clear is that most of these deaths were either caused or complicated by the so called second wave of Covid-19. Even cases that had nothing to do with Covid-19 become fatal as the few medical facilities are overstretched.

We pray for the repose of the souls of these friends. This column also appeals to readers to exercise caution as we go about our businesses because this pandemic seems to have gone on the rampage, especially in this second wave.

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