WEDNESDAY 1ST FEBRUARY 2023

Again, Tinubu Attacks Buhari’s Govt, Says 'They Met Exchange Rate at N200/$1, Now It's N800/$1' Promises to make Cross River Nigeria's tourism hub In Anambra, former Lagos governor slams Atiku, Obi David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka and Bassey Inyang in Calabar

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, at the party’s presidential

campaign rally in Calabar, Cross River State, slammed the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal

government over the depreciation of the nation’s currency.

This comes few days after Tinubu

criticised the government.

According to Tinubu, when the government took over, the naira/

dollar exchange rate was about N200 Continued on page 10

APC Alleges Police Complicity in Rivers Campaign Attacks... Page 42 Wednesday 1 February, 2023 Vol 28. No 10157. Price: N250

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NNPC, Addax End 24-year Oil Production Deal as Antan Takes Over Four Assets... Page 9

INEC, NNPC Meet Over Impact of Fuel Scarcity on Elections To mobilise 100,000 vehicles, 4,000 boats for elections Demands use of national oil company’s land, floating mega stations nationwide to service polls’ duty vehicles, boats Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Independent National Electoral

Commission (INEC) yesterday said the lingering fuel scarcity may affect the movement of election materials

and personnel on election days, if not addressed.

The Chairman of INEC, Prof.

Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this at a sensitisation meeting on the implementation of the commission's

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW)

and other unions ahead of the Continued on page 10

Cash Swap: Old Banknotes Redeemable Only at CBN after Deadline, Says Emefiele Insists old N200, N500, N1000 no longer tenable after February 10 Pledges no Nigerian will lose their money, seeks support Accuses commercial banks of breaching CBN’s guidelines Reiterates EFCC, other security agencies working with apex bank on new naira distribution, monitoring Lawmakers elated with CBN gov’s explanation, pass N1tn ways and means loan request James Emejo Udora Orizu, Juliet Akoje in Abuja and James Sowole in Abeokuta The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele,

yesterday told holders of the old N200, N500 and N1000 banknotes that in line with the provision of Section 20(3) of the CBN Act, they Continued on page 10

TO MAKE THE ELECTIONS SUCCESSFUL...

Nigeria's Ranking Drops Again on Latest HOW INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu (left) and the Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, (NNPCL), Mr. Mele Kyari, when former and National Commissioners visited the latter at the NNPCL headquarters in Abuja to seek ways to guarantee adequate supply of petroleum Corruption Perception Index... Page 9 the products for the Commission’s and hired vehicles and boats to be deployed throughout the country for the 2023 General Election…. yesterday

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

NEWS

BRIEFING ON THE 44 CRITICAL ROADS FUNDED BY THE NNPC...

L-R: Representative of the Group Managing Director and Chief Finance Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Umar Ajiya; Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Muhammad Nami and Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, during a press briefing on the 44 Critical Roads Funded by the NNPC through the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Tax Credit Scheme (Phase II), held in Abuja ...yesterday

Stock Market Gains N1.08tn in January Amid Election Concerns Kayode Tokede Despite concerns about the general election, the stock market segment of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) kicked off this year on a positive, adding N1.08 trillion in market capitalisation in January as investors positioned themselves in dividend-paying stocks.

The stock market arm of the NGX had closed positive in 2022, gaining N5.62 trillion to close the year at N27.915 trillion as high network investors, most especially

Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) positioned in listed fundamental stocks.

The market last year witnessed foreign investors' exit due to the scarcity of foreign exchange, double-dight inflation rate and hike in the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR). All these gave room for retail/institutional investors to dominate trading.

Findings by THISDAY revealed that the market capitalisation closed trading at N28.998 trillion yesterday, an increase of N1.08 trillion from

the N27.915 trillion it opened for trading this year.

Consequently, the NGX All-Share Index rose by 3.88 per cent or 1,987.61 basis points to 53,238.67 basis points from 51,251.06 basis points it closed for trading in 2022.

Sectoral performances revealed that the NGX Banking Index appreciated by 7.5 per cent to 448.85 basis points, from the 417.50 basis points it closed in 2022, while the NGX Insurance rose by 5.4 per cent to 183.71 basis points as of January 31, 2023, from the 174.36 basis points

it closed last year.

Also, the NGX Consumer Goods Index closed January 31, 2023 at 622.15 basis points, up by 5.64 per cent from 588.93basis points, NGX Oil/Gas Index rose by 5.4 per cent to 487.51 basis points from 462.48 basis points it closed in 2022.

In addition, the NGX Industrial Index closed January trading at 2,454.72 basis points, up 2.144 per cent from 2,403.24 basis points the stock market opened for trading in 2022.

THISDAY findings showed that

FG Commences Second Phase of NNPC Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme Intervention will ensure cash flow in economy, says Fashola

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has stated that the approval of phase two of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme will ensure the sustainability of funding of critical infrastructure in Nigeria.

Fashola, who spoke in Abuja, noted that unlike in the past, when there was inadequate funding of infrastructure, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, had identified alternative sources of funding that could guarantee sustainability from the beginning of the projects to their completion without hitches.

He explained that the tax credit scheme remains a new model that encourages partnership with private companies where taxes are paid in advance to enable the government invest in notable projects that would be beneficial to its citizens.

The minister who also mentioned that the federal government has focused on nine major axes of Nigeria, explained that the A1 – A4 axis cover the Northern part of the country, while the A5-A9 axis cover the East and West of the country.

He explained that the successful completion of all the roads would lead to sustainable mobility for Nigerians.

“The roads like Akure – Ado –Ekiti and East-West which people have been complaining about would be adequately catered for with the

approval of the second phase of the NNPC Tax Credit Scheme,” he said.

On payment of compensation, Fashola noted that it would not be paid to anyone occupying the government’s Right of Way (RoW) and appealed to members of the communities occupying the areas to vacate.

Earlier, in his introductory remarks, the Permanent Secretary, represented by the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Folorunsho Esan, recalled that in line with the Executive Order 7 (2019), phase one was approved on October 27, 2021.

He stated that with the completion of phase one, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has also approved phase II of the scheme to fund 44 critical road infrastructure to the tune of N1.96 trillion naira.

Speaking further, Esan said that as it was done with phase one, phase two would be governed by a set of guidelines to be issued to each contractor, adding that there would be a funding intervention agreement to be implemented in addition to the standard condition of the contract governing the execution of the projects.

He said that the availability of this new funding window will ensure steady cash flow and a timely completion of projects.

He also stated that the NNPC intervention which began in October 2021 with phase one has now occupied the top of the log with a portfolio well in excess of

N2.6 trillion.

On the part of NNPC, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mallam Mele Kyari, who was represented by the Chief Financial Officer, Umar Aliya, said that funding would not be an issue anymore as the company is committed to fully funding the next phase.

“We are committed to setting aside funds for phase II. Funding would not be a problem. What is important to us is that our consultant will need to validate the value for money and the quality of work. We will not compromise the quality and timely completion of work,“ he said.

"There is no need for excuses.

As for us, on our part, we are committed and we implore the contractors to do quality work and do it on time so that the road projects can be open for use to Nigerians,” he added.

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) Mohammed Nami, explained that most of the roads captured by Executive Order 7 to be executed

by NNPC were mostly road projects inherited by the administration of Muhammadu Buhari.

“So, we are appealing to Nigerians to trust Executive order 007 so that government will continue to provide the physical infrastructure that our people need,“he said.

the growth in the stock market was driven by high-mid capitalised stocks such as Dangote Cement Plc, two listed telecommunication giants- Airtel Africa Plc and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, among others.

Airtel Africa closed trading yesterday at N1,660.00 per share, a 1.5 per cent higher than N1,635.00 per share it closed in 2022, while MTN Nigeria rose by nearly five per cent to N225 per share from N215 per share it opened for trading in January.

Dangote Cement closed trading at N266.9 in January 2022, representing an increase of 2.26 per cent from N261 per share as Zenith Bank Plc moved to N25.1 per share as at January 31, 2023 from N24per share it closed for trading in 2022.

Speaking with THISDAY, the Vice President, Highcap Securities Limited, Mr. David Adnori said the anticipation for end-of-the-year dividend distribution lifted the stock market in January 2023.

“The performance of the stock market in January is driven by shareholders' expectation for the end of the year earnings and distribution of dividends,” he said.

Speaking on the outlook of the stock market in 2023, the Managing Director/Chief Economist at Analysts Data Service and Resources Limited, Dr Afolabi Olowookere said: “In the last three years of election, the market had closed in the negative and so looking at it, stock market returns might likely close at -16 per cent at the end of the year and this will be centered on factors like

uncertainties around the outcome of the elections, low capital inflows and rising inflation.”

Analysts at Investment One in a report titled, “2022 review and 2023 macro-economic and financial market outlook,” stated that the direction of the stock market performance would be largely determined by the trio impact of fixed income yields in tandem with monetary policy, corporate actions, and election turnouts.

“Ditto to our outlook of tepid movement in yields in the fixed income space and expectations of a less aggressive hawkish tone from the CBN, negative real returns should remain relatively high in the fixed income space giving room for alpha-seeking investors diverting more funds to equities as it remains a solid channel for positive real returns.

“For corporate earnings, we are cautiously optimistic of a positive earnings performance in 2023 given the negative impact of high inflation pressures, increased monetary policy tightening and FX instability.

“Although we expect a broadbased resilient performance, we do not see a significantly upbeat performance as the aforementioned factors remain deterrents,” the report added.

On their part, a group of analysts at Emerging Africa in a report projected that the Nigerian stock market would maintain its positive trend in the near term, backed by positive corporate financial performance and impressive dividend payout from the dividend payment stocks.

ECOWAS to Deploy Election Observers to Nigeria Michael Olugbode in Abuja The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament yesterday disclosed that it would be deploying observer mission to Nigeria for the forthcoming general election.

The parliament also plans to deploy observer missions for the elections holding in Sierra Leone in June and Liberia in October, this year.

The deployment of election observers was part of the decision taken by the fifth Legislature of ECOWAS Parliament which adopted an Activity Plan for 2023 due for execution throughout

the year.

The adoption followed a formal submission of the Activity Plan by the Secretariat of the ECOWAS Parliament and deliberations by members of parliament, who adjusted and agreed on dates for execution of outlined tasks for the year.

The activities, among others, included the deployment of observer missions for upcoming elections to be held in Nigeria in February, followed by Sierra Leone in June and Liberia in October 2023.

Others were delocalised meetings; 2023 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament;

Meeting of the Committee on Administration, Finance and Budget-AFC; border visits at the borders of Senegal/Mali, Senegal/ Gambia, Ghana/Cote D’Ivoire, Sierra Leone/Guinea; oversight missions to the Regional Animal Center-RAHC/ the ECOWAS Regional Competition AuthorityERCA/Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing in West Africa-GIABA & ECOWAS Gender Center-EDGC and implementation of Single Currency Program of ECOWAS; fact-finding missions on Payment of the Community Levy and political, security/humanitar-

ian crisis in Burkina Faso and elections in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Pertinent also for the plan of activities were Gender Parity meetings for ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians-ECOFEPA; Meetings on Direct Election Visit to Tanzania, corroborating with visibility meetings in Panama, South Africa, Israel, France, Belgium and Bahrain alongside participation in the 8th Legislators Forum and the 13th Annual Session of the International Renewal Energy Agency-IRENA in the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland and the European Union.

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NEWS

REHABILITATION OF TRANS AFAM 5 GT NOW A SUCCESS...

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Transcorp Power Limited, Chris Ezeafukukwe; Managing Director/CEO, Transcorp Energy, Engr. Peter Ikenga; President/Group CEO, Dr. Owen Omogiafo; Managing Director/CEO, Trans Afam Power Ltd, Engr. Vincent Ozuode, and Technical Board member, TransAfam Power Limited, Mr. Tony Chukwueke, at the flag-off ceremony of completion of the rehabilitation of Trans Afam 5 GT unit 20 Gas Turbine power-generating unit at Okoloma – Afam, River State...recently

Buhari: Hadejia's 5,700 Hectares Irrigation Scheme Will Boost Quest for Food Security, Job Creation Promises more relief materials for Jigawa flood victims Says tolerance, understanding panacea for peaceful poll President's magnanimity saved states from collapse, says Badaru Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has declared that the newly inaugurated 5,700 hectares Hadejia Valley Irrigation Scheme in Auyo Local Government Area of Jigawa State would significantly contribute to Nigeria’s quest for food security, job creation and economic diversification.

Speaking yesterday in Dutse, Jigawa State, at a state banquet after inaugurating several projects executed by the federal government, Jigawa State Government and the Malam Alu Farm Project, a private enterprise championed by Hon Farouk Adamu Aliyu, the president urged the host community to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the gigantic irrigation infrastructure, saying ‘‘it will be a small part in our over-all quest to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years.’’

Buhari, according to a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, also charged the Jigawa State government to sustain its commitment to the Agricultural Sector, acknowledging the success of the Cluster System introduced

by the present administration of Governor Mohammed Badaru Abubakar under the slogan of “Farming is a Business.”

During his one-day official visit to Jigawa State, the president visited four local government areas to inaugurate projects including the Hadejia Valley Irrigation Scheme at Auyo, Birnin Kudu Specialist Hospital, Malam Alu Integrated Agro-Allied Farm, Birnin Kudu and the dualized Unity-Pentagon-Fanisau Road.

At the farm, the president unveiled a 50.3 metres flag pole, described as the tallest in the country

by Aliyu.

The president also had an aerial view of some of the roads, infrastructure, bridges and places affected by the flood disaster in September 2022, which affected many parts of Jigawa State.

He used the occasion to sympathise with the flood victims, promising more relief materials to them.

According to him: "While I was previously briefed on the scale of the devastations with regards to loss of lives, destruction of farm lands

Creditswitch Meets Regulatory Standards for Data Protection As part of objectives to protect customers’ data, Creditswitch, one of the leading information technology companies said it has achieved compliance status in protecting the privacy rights of its clients and customers under the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).

This came shortly after Creditswitch earned certifications from the International Services for Certification Bodies (ISCB) for conforming with global standards for Information Security Management Systems and Information Technology Service Management systems, respectively.

The company disclosed this in a statement.

It noted that in recent years, “the world has seen a significant increase in data penetration, resulting in an increase in the processing of personal data as a fundamental aspect of various business activities.

“As a result, comprehensive data governance frameworks are imperative for organisations that control or process personal data.

“The NDPR makes provisions

for the rights of data subjects, the obligations of data controllers and data processors, transfer of data to a foreign territory amongst others.

To ensure compliance with the requirements, Creditswitch subjected itself to a rigorous audit exercise from a Data Protection Compliance Organisation (DPCO).

“The outcome of the audit confirms that Creditswitch has put in place standard measures that ensure continuous protection of customers’ data and the assurance of their privacy.”

Speaking at the end of the audit exercise in 2022, Head Legal & IT Governance at Creditswitch, Biobele Lawson said: “The NDPR status demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the protection of customer data. This is a major win for the entire team, as we worked hard to achieve this.

“We remain committed to improving data protection to meet our privacy responsibilities to our clients and customers,” said Michael Elue, Creditswitch’s Chief Information Officer.

and public infrastructure, today I was able to personally see the extent of the damage. ‘‘Flying from Auyo through Kafin Hausa and some parts of Miga, Jahun, Kiyawa, Dutse and Birnin Kudu local governments, I was able to have an aerial view of some of the affected roads, infrastructure and bridges. ‘‘Even though the federal government provided relief materials largely in form of foodstuffs through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs during the period of the flood, I want to assure the government and people of Jigawa State that more relief would be provided through the national committee that was set up by the federal government,’’he said.

Commenting on the forthcoming general election, the president restated his call on Nigerians to remain peaceful.

He said: ‘‘Despite some of the

challenges that continued to test the process of our democracy, I strongly believe, we have witnessed in the last seven years, entrenchment of the true principles and ideals of democratic governance in the Nigerian Polity. This has been one of the hallmarks of this administration. ‘‘I must emphasise that tolerance and understanding are vital to the conduct of free elections.’’

Buhari commended Governor Mohammed Badaru Abubakar for his resounding achievements in the state, noting that he didn’t expect anything less from the man nicknamed “Mai Calculator.” ‘‘I have seen the state publication of a compendium titled “Against All Odds” which documented the progress and achievements recorded by the governor over the first six years of his administration. ‘‘I was truly amazed by the extent of projects and programmes executed across all sectors.

‘‘I was amazed because of the limited fiscal space that we have faced over the years across all the tiers of government – but then I recall the financial prudence governor Badaru has been known for which earned him the nick-name “Mai Calculator”.’

The president also felicitated with the citizens of the state for unprecedented developments they have witnessed over the years.

He noted that the projects inaugurated during his state visit were, ‘‘only the tip of the iceberg,’’ adding that only one out of about 18 new general hospitals was inaugurated.

He expressed delight that each of the 30 constituencies in the state would soon boast of a full-fledged secondary health facility.

Buhari urged the state government to sustain the reputation of the state with one of the highest road networks in the country.

On the Mallam Alu Farms in Birnin Kudu, the president described it as another commendable project which perfectly aligns with the administration’s agricultural transformation agenda.

He commended Aliyu for championing the project, saying: ‘‘I believe it will also significantly contribute to our objectives of economic diversification, food security and job creation.’’ ‘‘We hope to see more such private sector led large agricultural projects especially with the enabling environment provided by both the state and the federal government.’’

Governor of Jigawa State told the president that the state would remain grateful to the federal government for several completed and ongoing projects in the transport, education, health, social investments, agriculture and security sectors.

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Geregu Power Declares N8 Dividend for 2022 Full-year Kayode Tokede Geregu Power Plc(GPP) on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday declared N8.00 per share dividend to shareholders in

its audited financial statement for year ended December 31, 2022.

The electric power generating company which was listed on the Exchange in 2022, emerged as the first listed company to release

its full-year audited financial statements in compliance to the post-listing requirements.

The declared dividend translated into N20 billion and it implied an annualised yield of

World Bank, Enugu Govt Disburse N3.4bn Grant to 1,700 Farmers Gideon Arinze in Enugu

The Enugu State Government, in collaboration with the World Bank has disbursed a total of N3.4 billion to 1,700 farmers in the state under the Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Project.

The Acting Project Coordinator of the Appeals project in Enugu, Ihuoma Eze made this known yesterday, during flag-off ceremony of implementation of the women and youth empowerment component (WYEP) of the project.

Eze said the WYEP programme which began in 2019, with a call for expression of interest, had a total submission of 29,707 which was trimmed down to 1700, including women, youths and persons with disabilities across the 17 local

governments in the state.

“While 55.8 per cent of the beneficiaries are women and girls, People with Disabilities (PWDs) make up five per cent of the beneficiaries," she explained, adding that trainings were also conducted for beneficiaries along chosen value chains of poultry, rice, cashew and cassava and along the segments of production, processing and marketing.

She noted that while an individual enterprise assessed input grants worth N2 million, group enterprises comprising of two to five individuals per group assessed between N4 million to N10 million each.

"With the support of the state government, the guidance of the national coordination office and interventions of the World Bank, we have been able to record 57 per

cent success in the implementation of WYEP," she said.

In his address, Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi said the state government remained committed to food security through marked improvement in agriculture and agro-allied processing as well as creation of massive employment for its citizen, hence the APPEALS project is considered a major vehicle for the achievement of this objective.

On his part, the National Project Coordinator of APPEALS Nigeria, Mohammed Jobdi thanked Ugwuanyi for providing the counterpart fund needed for the project.

Jobdi, who was represented by the National Women, Youth and Livelihood Specialist, Ronke Akanni called on beneficiaries of the programme to ensure that they contribute to job creation and food security in the state.

24 per cent for shareholders who bought the company’s share when it was listed at N100 per share.

In the audited results, the company declared N47.62 billion revenue in 2022, from the N70.96 billion reported in 2021, while profit after tax stood at N10.17 billion in 2022 financial year.

The company is majorly owned by billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola. Its 2.5 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N100 per share were admitted on the Exchange last year.

The listing of Geregu’s shares had added N250 billion to the market capitalisation of NGX. The Chairman, Board of Directors, Geregu Power had stated that, “the listing of the company was the actualisation of a vision to bring world-class standards in governance, sustainability, and business processes to the company and the Nigerian electricity sector.”

According to him, “listing on the Main Board of the Exchange will ensure that the long-term growth of the company is assured and its benefits will be passed on to our esteemed shareholders.”

The stock price of Geregu Power closed trading at N193.60 per share on the trading floor of the NGX yesterday.

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NEWS

HEALTHGARDE INTERNATIONAL 2023 CONVENTION...

L-R: Healthgarde South African Public Relations, Manager, Tshego Kekana; Marketing Executive, Christine Borrett; Healthgarde Brand Ambassador, Tendai “The Beast” Mtawarira, CEO, Nneka PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN Nwarueze; and the COO, Lovelyn Bassey at the 2023 Convention of Healthgarde International held at Kuburat Abiola Way, Oregun in Lagos…..recently

Osinbajo, Odinga Worry over Investors’ Fears Ahead of Elections VP tasks elite on fair electoral dispute resolution Former Kenya prime minister fingers elite in failing democracy Marwa promises more clampdown on drug cartels Udora Orizu in Abuja Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo and Former Prime Minister of Kenya, Hon. Raila Odinga, yesterday, expressed concerns over fears by investors about election period, which might lead to economic volatility.

The duo, who spoke in Abuja while delivering their addresses at a conference on "credible elections and an economy in transition", at the 14th leadership conference and awards, tasked political elite across to carry out their duty in the interest of the economy and economic wellbeing of citizens.

Leadership newspapers had

recently unveiled its 2022 awardees with the trio of the president of AfreximBank, Prof Benedict Oramah; the chairman/CEO of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig-Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), and world athletics champion, Oluwatobiloba Ayomide Amusan, clinching Persons of the Year award.

While the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike emerged “Politician of the Year 2022”; Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai; Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; and the Ogun State Governor, Adedapo Abiodun emerged “Governor of the Year 2022” Speaking at the conference,

Osinbajo said, there was a reluctance to invest before the elections, because consumers were careful not to spend their savings or to be bullish in the stock market, because of the fear of electoral disturbances that might spiral out of control and make business and commerce impossible.

He noted that Nigeria's known electoral history, had too many examples of electoral violence following disputed electoral outcomes, which usually meant the destruction, sometimes, of public and private property and infrastructure.

The VP urged the political elite to ensure that elections and electoral dispute resolution processes were

free, fair and credible, adding that it was the least they could offer the nation and the African continent.

"The daily struggles for food, for shelter, for clothing are bigger than any other matter. Certainly, bread and butter trumps everything else. So, in our democracy, where we have today over 200 million people, 90 million of whom require education, and job opportunities, those are under the age of 30 and all others requiring health care infrastructure and social service, the enormity of the challenges are stuck.

“Democracy, the rule of law and the election of governments by free and fair elections are crucial, because

NNPC, Addax End 24-year Oil Production Deal as Antan Takes Over Four Assets Jajere leads new transition team

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) yesterday announced the termination of a 24-year Production Sharing Contract (PSC) with Addax Petroleum Development (Nigeria) Limited, marking the exit of the Sinopec of China’s subsidiary.

A statement signed on behalf of the national oil company by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Garba Muhammad, noted that the amicable settlement was reached after both parties fulfilled closing obligations.

The official end to the business relationship came three months after the execution of the Addax Transfer, Settlement, and Exit Agreement (TSEA) for the PSC Oil blocks, OMLs 123/124 & 126/137, with the assets now transferred to the concessionaire, NNPC. “Consequently, NNPC has taken necessary steps to take over the assets and oversee a clean, amicable, and speedy exit for Addax Petroleum Ltd., operate the asset on interim basis as a first step and subsequently appoint a competent replacement PSC contractor while NNPC Limited continues to remain the concessionaire of the assets in line with

extant laws and regulations,” the oil firm stated.

THISDAY recalls that the PSC for the oil blocks was initially signed in 1973 between the NNPC and Ashland, but was terminated after 25 years. Subsequently, the NNPC signed another PSC with Addax in 1998 on the blocks which were operated through Addax Petroleum for over two decades.

However, the Addax PSCs were associated with significant intricacies and complexities and attendant disputes, even threatening the diplomatic relations between Nigeria and China at a point.

Multiple litigations then ensued, hindering the attainment of the desired objectives of value creation to the PSC parties, government, and other stakeholders.

Recently the NNPC explained that the facilities were producing an average of 6,000 barrels per day due to the challenges, despite the huge potential, stressing that a production increase of circa 10,000 bpd was expected before the end of 2022, and total production was expected to be doubled in 2023.

The drama trailing the Addax assets became pronounced in 2021 when the NNPC wrote President Muhammadu Buhari to reverse

the then Department of Petroleum Resources' (DPR) revocation of the OMLs and reject a reallocation to another company.

The NNPC in a letter to the president on April 20 of that year, had argued that the revocation of the oilfields would have implications for the Nigerian economy and the diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and China.

Three days after the letter was sent, the president overruled the revocation by the DPR, and cancelled the reallocation of the OMLs to Kaztec Engineer-

ing Limited/Salvic Petroleum Consortium, a firm DPR picked as a replacement. The defunct DPR had cited Addax’s inability to comply with agreed targets.

A panel set up by the Ministry of Petroleum to review the case, led by a former senator, Magnus Abe, had said $1 billion had been invested in the contract but Addax Petroleum called it off over an issue that was unrelated. The action, he said, put over 3000 Nigerians out of work.

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they are meant to support the primary objective of enabling citizens to live well and have access to well-paying jobs, opportunities and services, or in a broad sense, to support the growth and stability of the economy and the social structure of the nation.

"So, it is evident then that we must carefully curate these safeguards for the wellbeing of our citizens to ensure that they do not negatively affect the very wellbeing that they are meant to protect, namely, the economy and the social structure of society.

And this is a delicate task indeed because in every election cycle, the first casualty is the economy. For the most sophisticated economic actors, it makes sense to simply wait until the complexion of the new government is clear.

“But the prospects for the disruption of the economy is even greater.

Where elections for one reason or the other, produce governments that are not credible, legitimacy of governments as conferred by the freely given mandate of the electorate, is a major consideration as we've heard from our guest speaker, for self, for savvy investors, both local and foreign capital, they say is a great coward, running away from the slightest sign of trouble.

"I also want to emphasise the integrity of the electoral courts.

Where the umpire is perceived as unfair, there is potential for trouble; where the courts are perceived as arbitrary, as whimsical or acting in contradiction. To establish precedents, there is an almost commensurate loss of confidence by the electorate. The political elite in Nigeria have a duty in the interest of the economic wellbeing

of our citizens, and of course, in the overall interest of our people, who we claim to represent," Osinbajo said.

In his keynote address, Odinga said if the election was rigged, and the leader was overriding laws and constitutional provisions, investment fell because there was a lot of economic risk in doing business in countries with unconstrained governments, lamenting that since the reintroduction of multiparty politics in the 1990s, the quality and credibility of elections have steadily deteriorated.

According to him, many of the countries’ election management bodies have been captured by the ruling parties or individual politicians, making it impossible to have fair contests.

The capture, Odinga said, led to skewed processes like voter registration and appointment of election management officials, with disastrous consequences.

Specifically, he said elections and democracy were failing in Africa not because a majority of Africa’s voters preferred authoritarian form of government, but because an organised elite, keen to protect narrow selfish interests, has forged strategic alliances and captured strategic systems and institutions of various nations with the sole purpose of subverting the substance of elections.

Using the last election in Kenya as an example, Odinga, who is currently the opposition leader in his country, said the country has become a laboratory for bad election practices that others borrowed around the continent.

Continues online

Nigeria's Ranking Drops Again on Latest Corruption Perception Index Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Nigeria's ranking fell four places on the latest Corruption Perception Index (CPI) report released yesterday by the Transparency International (TI).

The report showed that Nigeria maintained its previous year’s score of 24 out of 100 points, but fell from 150 to 154th position out of 180 countries assessed in the 2022 ranking.

In previous years, Nigeria scored 26 points in 2019, 25 in the 2020 assessment and 24 in 2021.

The chairman of Transparency

International, Delia Rubio, explained that global corruption levels had been stagnant for 11 years in a row.

"Corruption has made our world a more dangerous place.

As governments have collectively failed to make progress against it, they fuel the current rise in violence and conflict and endanger people everywhere.

“The only way out is for states to do the hard work, rooting out corruption at all levels to ensure governments work for all people, not just an elite few," he said.

At a media briefing yesterday, the

Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre in conjunction with Transparency International, noted that the pardon granted two jailed former governors of Plateau and Taraba States, Joshua Dariye of Pl and Jolly Nyame in 2022, by the Buhari-led administration, indicated a major setback in the nation's anti-graft war.

CISLAC stated that the prevailing insecurity, lack of press freedom, inability to prosecute and convict politicians, who failed to fully declare their assets, especially those in offshore accounts as well as increase in oil theft, opaqueness

of the subsidy regime stalled the efforts of government in that regard.

It asserted that lack of transparency and accountability in the security sector, lack of transparency in constituency projects and inadequacy of the judicial and the legislative arms of government were all contributing factors.

The two leading anti-corruption agencies in the country, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were yet to react to the latest ranking.

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IMF Upgrades Nigeria's Growth Prospects Slightly to 3.2% Nume Ekeghe The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) has revised upward its 2023 growth forecast for Nigeria by 0.2 per cent to 3.2 per cent compared to its earlier projection in its WEO released in October 2022.

The Brentwood institution in its WEO released yesterday also kept its growth forecast for the country for 2024 unchanged at 2.9 per cent.

The report also stated that improved growth projection for Nigeria impacted positively the forecast for Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) which saw a slight upward review form 3.7 per cent to 3.8 per cent in 2023, whilst 2024 prospect for the continent remained at 4.1 per cent.

Explaining further its projec-

tion for Africa, it stated: “In SSA, growth is projected to remain moderate at 3.8 per cent in 2023 amid prolonged fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, although with a modest upward revision since October, before picking up to 4.1 percent in 2024.

“The small upward revision for 2023 (0.1 percentage point) reflects Nigeria’s rising growth in 2023 due to measures to address insecurity issues in the oil sector.”

Commenting further about the WEO, the Chief Economist and Director Research Department IMF, Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, during a press briefing to unveil the report noted that the region’s growth was constantly affected by external forces and warned of looming food insecurity in the region.

He said: “What I can say is that we have a difficult year for the region that is very much affected by the external forces that are shaping the global outlook, whether it's the Russian war in Ukraine and the energy crisis or the fight against inflation and the tightening of global financial conditions that comes with that.

“So, growth is projected to be around 3.8 per cent in Sub-Saharan Africa, and this is quite a bit below the typical growth rates that the region experienced before the pandemic.

“And in addition, in the region, there is an issue of food insecurity, even though the food price index has come back to pre-war levels, the levels we had about a year ago or a little bit more than that.

“It is still elevated compared to pre-pandemic times and there are in many countries, a large portion of the population may be subject to food insecurity.”

Further commenting on inflation globally, Gourinchas noted: “Monetary policy has started to bite, with a slowdown in new home construction in many countries. Yet, inflation-adjusted interest rates remain low or even negative in the euro-area and other economies, and there is significant uncertainty about both the speed and effectiveness of monetary tightening in many countries.

“Where inflation pressures remain too elevated, central banks need to raise real policy rates above the neutral rate and keep them there until underlying inflation is on a

decisive declining path. Easing too early risks undoing all the gains achieved so far.”

He stated that the financial environment remains fragile, especially as central banks embark on an uncharted path toward shrinking their balance sheets.

“It will be important to monitor the build-up of risks and address vulnerabilities, especially in the housing sector or in the less-regulated non-bank financial sector.

“Emerging market economies should let their currencies adjust as much as possible in response to tighter global monetary conditions. Where appropriate, foreign exchange interventions or capital flow measures can help smooth volatility that’s excessive or not related to economic fundamentals.”

“Many countries responded to the cost-of-living crisis by supporting people and businesses with broad and untargeted policies that helped cushion the shock.

“Many of these measures have proved costly and increasingly unsustainable. Countries should instead adopt targeted measures that conserve fiscal space, allow high energy prices to reduce demand for energy, and avoid overly stimulating the economy.

“Supply-side policies also have a role to play. They can help remove key growth constraints, improve resilience, ease price pressures, and foster the green transition. These would help alleviate the accumulated output losses since the beginning of the pandemic, especially in emerging and low-income economies,” he said.

C A S H S WA P : O L D B A N K N OT E S R E D E E M A B L E O N LY AT C B N A F T E R D E A D L I N E , S AYS E M E F I E L E would still have the opportunity to redeem the face value of their cash only at central bank offices nationwide after the February 10, 2023 deadline, when the currencies would have lost its legal tender status.

Also, the CBN governor assured Nigerians that nobody would lose their legitimately earned money due to the naira redesign project, saying the exercise was in the overall interest of Nigerians and the economy.

Emefiele said this during a meeting with the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on the Review of the CBN’s Cashless Policy and Extension of the Timeframe of the Currency Swap programme, held in Abuja.

Emefiele who was accompanied to the meeting by all the four Deputy Governors of the CBN, before responding to the questions thrown at him by the lawmakers, apologised for his inability to appear in previous summons.

He said he was on vacation and later on a trip to Senegal with President Muhammadu Buhari.

He told the parliament that the value of old naira notes of N200, N500 and N1000 would still be redeemed even after they have ceased to be legal tender after the February 10 deadline, at the CBN. He said the redemption was in tandem with the law, precisely section 20 (3) of CBN act, noting the essence was to mop up the old notes in circulation.

While reeling out the steps taken by the central bank to ensure the effective distribution of the new banknotes, he disclosed that about N1.9 trillion of the old banknotes had so far been collected since the commencement of the exercise.

According to him, the currency redesign policy has so far recorded about a 75 per cent success rate

given the fact that many of those in the rural and underserved locations across the 36 states of the country have had the opportunity of swapping their old banknotes for the new series of the banknotes.

He noted that one of the reasons for the naira redesign was to bring in the N2.7 trillion outside the banking system which is currently being held in people's homes.

Emefiele explained, "Besides, the general practice across the globe and that practice is that every five to eight years, the CBN is supposed to redesign or do some form of changes do its currency.

“The reason is because CBN has to be in the position from time to time to have control of money supply in the country. Unfortunately, we have not had the luxury of carrying out this important aspect of our mandate in the last almost 19 years to the extent in 2015, the currency in circulation was N1.4 trillion. “In October 2022, currency in circulation had risen to N3.23 trillion. More than double in seven years. It's very unfortunate that it more than doubled in eight years. Out of the N3.23 trillion, more than N2.7 trillion was outside the banking system.

More than N2.7 trillion is held in people's homes.

“What that does is that it makes our mandate of monetary policy very difficult. When we are not in control out of N2.3 trillion, what we see in the banking system is just about N500 billion. There is no how our law which you the lawmakers have made for us to carry out, our work can be effective and that is the reason.

"I thank the president that in 19 years, we have had an opportunity to carry out this important aspect of our mandate. We are grateful to him because he listened after we provided him the needed explanations about

what we have been going through in the monetary policy.

“Now, the president graciously gave approval on October 6, 2022, and we had expected that around December 15, the currency circulation will begin, but we were lucky that we moved forward the circulation in November when the president launched the currency."

Speaking further, Emefiele accused commercial banks of breaching the apex bank guidelines, with the way the new naira was being sprayed in parties.

He told the lawmakers that the apex bank was working closely with relevant agencies of the federal government to ensure full compliance with the CBN guidelines issued to the banks for the seamless

distribution of the new banknotes.

While anticipating more benefits of the policy in the future, he appealed to Nigerians for their support, stressing that the naira redesign was good of Nigerians.

"I addressed the bankers on Sunday and I expressed to them my disappointment and in fact, the disappointment of the president, the disappointment of leaders in the country with the way this has gone on because many of us have unfortunately seen the new naira instead of being used for the purpose it was meant, the new naira is being used in parties, in celebrations.

“Some of them (bank CEOs) said well, maybe it's money from the ATMs and I said no, money from the ATMs are already broken. They

general election.

“Nigerians should not wait for the arrival of personnel and materials at the polling units. Rather, we should be there waiting for the arrival of voters.

"We believe that this is achievable.

Recent elections have shown that working in partnership with the unions and other stakeholders, we can achieve these objectives. And this is our patriotic duty and we should all make the necessary sacrifices in the national interest."

Yakubu noted that the commission was aware that the task was enormous, stressing that election was the largest deployment a nation periodically undertakes. He noted that mobilisation of vehicles for election was usually a large and complex exercise.

He added: "However, this comes only once in four years. What is critical here is forward planning.

We have presented to the union the number and specifications of the vehicles required for the election.

We have also indicated to you

that the Nigerian economy can be better than it is today and I am saying that we are beginning to see some of the benefits.”

Continuing, Emefiele said: "Inflation last month is not rising, not stagnating but somehow moderating.

We are expecting that it will continue to moderate. The exchange rate to be stable and we are hoping that with this exercise, the naira can even get stronger.

“We know in the process that some will be hurt, I will say temporarily. But it's a pain that I will appeal to all of us to please show some understanding because the overriding benefits to Nigerians is what we are interested in which is Continued on page 42

AGAIN, TINUBU ATTACKS BUHARI’S GOVT, SAYS 'THEY MET EXCHANGE RATE AT N200/$1, NOW IT'S N800/$1' to a dollar, but it has depreciated to about N800 to the dollar on the parallel market.

“Today, they moved the exchange rate from N200 to N800. If they had repaired it, if they had arrested this, we won’t be where we are today, we will be greater. “They don’t know the way, they don’t know how to think, they don’t know how to do,” the former Lagos governor said.

Tinubu recently in Abeokuta, Ogun State, had attacked the federal government for the lingering fuel scarcity in the country as well as the naira redesign project which the Central Bank of Nigeria carried out with the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari.

However, the former Lagos governor had denied that the outburst wasn’t targeted at the president, but the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar.

Also at the Calabar rally, Tinubu promised that Cross River State woulf

be converted to the tourism hub of Nigeria if he becomes the president of Nigeria after the February 25, 2023 presidential election.

Tinubu said this while addressing a mammoth crowd of APC stalwarts and supporters that trooped out to grace the presidential campaigns of the party in Calabar.

The APC leader who arrived Calabar in company of his running mate Senator Kashim Shettima alongside other party members said: "We will turn the water surroundings and the Atlantic of Cross River State to be better than Florida.Money will come in; this state will become wonders of tourism in Nigeria. We are promise keepers!

"We mean what we say. When we took over in Lagos, we said what we'll do in Lagos, and we did it.

Today Lagos is exceptionally rich and functional."

The APC presidential candidate said as president, he would create prosperity, create jobs and create

I N E C , N N P C M E E T O V E R I M PA C T O F F U E L S C A R C I T Y O N E L E C T I O N S forthcoming elections.

He said the meeting with the unions was aimed at achieving two objectives. These according to him include to put finishing touches on the implementation of the MoU signed between the commission and the unions about two months ago and to conclude on the modalities for the certification of vehicles by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), in the light of the emphasis placed on the safety of election personnel and materials.

The chairman noted that the issue of logistics had been a perennial problem in election administration in Nigeria, saying that was why for three electoral cycles, INEC has collaborated with the road transport unions to address the problem.

The INEC boss explained: "For the 2023 general election, the commission has included the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria for efficient maritime transportation. The time has come to stop all excuses and provide effective logistics to ensure hitch free arrangement for the 2023

are in leaflets but what we saw being stamped on people at parties were packages of the new naira notes which means they had breached certain aspects of the guidance note we gave to them.

"And when I met President Buhari, I told him that we have met with the EFCC, the ICPC and NFIU and that we are now going to bring EFCC, ICPC, NFIU to join us in monitoring the flow of this currency to our people. I must say that I am even delighted that even yesterday, I read that the DSS has started that, which is what we want so that everybody knows that we are conducting this activity to the best of our ability.

“We are doing this for the good of Nigerians. We are doing this so

the locations where the vehicles are needed.

"Happily, your members are spread across the country. Therefore, vehicles conveying personnel and materials will not travel long distances. In fact, all movements should be within a state and preferably within local government areas. There should be no interstate movement."

The chairman informed the unions that the MoU covered both forward and reverse logistics, stressing that there was an obligation to return the personnel and materials to designated locations after the election.

According to him, “when you take election duty staff particularly those deployed to the polling units, please don't abandon these ad hoc staff, particularly the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.

“We have a responsibility to take them to locations in safety and to bring them back in safety to where you took them.”

The chairman noted the commission was working with security agencies to ensure the safety of

NURTW members and their vehicles during the elections.

Yakubu said: "Just like our election duty personnel, the safety, the safety of your members is paramount. That is why in the most recent elections conducted by the commission, the leadership of your union, particularly the NURTW at state level, attended several meetings with our officials and the security agencies.

"We also ensured that the union was represented in our situation room to coordinate the deployment of vehicles and the security of drivers. We will ensure that a similar arrangement is made nationwide for the general election."

Yakubu noted that the commission shared the concern of the unions concerning the lingering petrol scarcity.

His words: "The commission shares your concern about the fuel situation in the country and its impact on transportation on election day.

The truth is that our arrangements Continued on page 41

a much stronger economy for the country.

Tinubu told the people of Cross River State not to vote for the candidate of the PDP. "They (PDP) mismanaged the nation's economy, and privatised assets of the country to themselves and their cronies. Don't mind them with their lies of 16 years, they cannot even provide electricity to roast corn.

They kept lying, electricity that is generated from our hydro, they don't know how to do it", he alleged.

Tinubu praised Senator John Owan-Eno and the Mrs. Mary Ekpere for sheathing their swords, and working together in unison with others for the victory of the APC at the polls.

Also speaking, a former Leader of the Senate Victor Ndoma-Egba, said the election provides the opportunity for the PDP to be buried finally.

The state governor, Prof. Ben Ayade said the APC would win all the election in the state.

Ayade asked Tinubu to ensure that the Bakassi Deep Seaport, and the Super Highway become realities when he becomes president of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, at the Awka rally in Anambra State, Tinubu derided two of his co-contestants, Atiku and Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), saying anytime Atiku says “walahi talahi', what is in his head is, ‘na lie I lie."

Describing the duo as liars and betrayers, Tinubu, who insisted that he was the only one who has been able to establish a track record of success, with verifiable projects as governor of Lagos State, identified Governor Chukwuma Soludo as a thinker he was ready to work with as well as promised to tackle the challenge of erosion in the state the same way he tackled the menace of ocean surge in Lagos.

"You will have industrial hub in Anambra. We are not like PDP that forgot your rail line. They are liars.

When you hear Atiku uses the word and say 'walahi talahi', what is in his head is "na lie I lie". Anytime you hear him say Walahi talqhi,, just reply and say, "na lie I lie.

"The man who left here, he calls himself Peter Obi. We read in the

bible that before the cock crows, he will deny Jesus Christ. Is it not true?

So, how can he keep his promise to you? He cannot prove a point. Has Bola Tinubu not proved a point?

Did I close any market? Did I kill anyone? I'm a thinker and a doer, I even tamed the Atlantic," he said Speaking on his promises for the people of Anambra State, Tinubu said, "You want to make Anambra a highly dependable state right? That is the memory of my dear friend Chuba Okadigbo. That is what we will continue to carry on – the joy of Chuba Okadigbo. Youths of Anambra, I'm here today to concretise the promise of development that will promise you restoration and industrialisation.

"You know me, you know Tinubu, the city boy of Lagos? You know I had the Atlantic tamed in Lagos?

The way we tamed Atlantic Ocean is the same way we will tame the erosion in the eastern region. We will tame the erosion. We will make the value of your property worth more than 1,000 time of your investment.

"We will create jobs for our youths.

We will industrialise and make Anambra both the economic city and the economic centre of Nigeria.

Your resources will be applied to create handwork and hard work, better paying jobs.

"We are not like the other party that comes here to lie to you. Tell them when they bring their lie, ask them how long will it take their lies to travel from Port Harcourt to Onitsha, Onitsha to Aba? "You see their lies, for 16 years, PDP lied that they will give industrialisation, but instead they sold our assets to themselves and they called it privatisation. Privatisation to their own pockets. They privatised the industry to their pockets.

"The hour has come, your PVC is the master, the voice of commandment. Atiku said he is the candidate of the north, is that not a dog whistle? Is that not a division among us. Anambra people lived well, in prosperity and joy with me in Lagos. I started paying WAEC fees, I didn't discriminate whether you are Igbo, Christian or anybody, I paid for everybody."

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2023

MIDWEEKPOLITICS

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

08033025611 SMS ONLY

Will Buhari Assent to Constitution Amendment Bills Before Him? Sunday Aborisade asks if President Muhammadu Buhari will assent to 35 Constitution amendment bills transmitted to him last week after passage by the two chambers of the National Assembly

Buhari

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fter months of waiting, the National Assembly had so far received responses from state houses of assemblies who were were expected to vote on the 44 constitution amendments bills before the nation’s parliament could transmit them to President Buhari for assent.

However, the state assemblies rejected nine of the constitutional amendment bills including the one seeking financial and full administrative autonomy for local government councils.

The federal parliament had in March, 2022 voted on 68 bills aimed at amending the 1999 Constitution.

At the end of the exercise, 44 of the bills were approved by both the Senate and the House of Representatives and transmitted to the state assemblies for concurrence.

A simple majority of votes is required in at least two-thirds of state assemblies (24 out of 36) and the amendments that sail through would be sent to the president for assent.

The Senate, in a motion by the Chairman of the Senate ad-hoc committee on Constitution Review, Ovie Omo-Agege (APC, Delta) during last Tuesday’s plenary, said 27 out of the 36 state assemblies had forwarded their resolutions on the constitution amendment bills to the National Assembly.

Omo-Agege, whose motion was presented

by Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti) said 35 bills had satisfied constitutional provision, having been approved by not leas than 24 state assemblies. He, however, said nine bills could not scale through.

Prominent among the bills voted against by the state parliaments is the one seeking to grant financial and administrative autonomy to the country’s local governments.

Others are abrogation of state-local government joint account; establishment of local government as a tier of government; institutionalization of legislative bureaucracy in the constitution; and inclusion of presiding officers of the National Assembly in the membership of the National Security Council.

Among the 35 bills approved by state assemblies are financial autonomy of state legislatures and state judiciary; power devolution to allow state government build and operate airports, prisons, railways and power grid system.

Others are legislative power to summon president and governors; timeframe to submit ministerial and commissioner nominees; timeframe for submission of national budget and separation of the office of the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and of the State from the minister or commissioner for justice.

The Senate, therefore, directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to transmit the 35 approved bills to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.

It also urged the state assemblies in Gombe, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kwara, Oyo, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Zamfara to forward their resolutions on the bills to the National Assembly.

The state assemblies did not vote on the alteration of the Constitution and as a result, the two bills that seek to grant financial and legislative autonomy to local governments did

Lawan

not meet the requirement for being assented into law.

Presenting the report, Senator Bamidele identified Abia, Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross-River, Delta, Ebonyi and Edo states as some of the states who have presented their resolution on the bills.

Others are Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Rivers and Yobe.

All the 34 bills considered by the 27 states are: Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No 3 (Change of Names of Afikpo North and Afikpo South Local Government Areas (Ebonyi State); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No 4 (Change of Name of Kunchi Local Government Area (Kano State); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No 5 (Change of Names of Egbado North and Egbado South Local Government Areas (Ogun State); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No 7 (Correction of the name of Atigbo Local Government Area (Oyo State); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No 8 (Correction of Name of Obia/Akpor Local Government Area (Rivers State); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No 9 (Financial autonomy of State legislatures and State Judiciary); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 10 (Enforcement of Legislative Summon); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 11 (Inauguration of MembersElect); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 21 (Deletion of reference in the Constitution to the provisions of the Criminal Code, Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Act, Criminal Procedure Code or Evidence Act);

Gbajabiamila

Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 22 (Provision for Intervening Events in the Computation of Tine for the Determination of Pre-Election Petitions, Election Petitions and Appeals therefrom); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 24 (Expansion of the Interpretation of Judicial Office); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 25 (Appointment of Secretary of the National Judicial Council); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 29 (Devolution of Powers (Airports); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 30 (Devolution of Powers (Fingerprints, identification and criminal records); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 31 (Devolution of Powers (Correctional Services); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 32 (Devolution of Powers (Railways); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 33 (Devolution of Powers (National Grid System); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 39 (Power to enforce compliance of remittance of Accruals into the Federation Account and Review of Revenue Allocation Formula); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 40 (Independence of Certain bodies); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 41 (Removal of Transitional Law-making Powers of the Executive; Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 43 (Domestication of Treaties); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 44 (Timeline for the Presentation of Appropriation Bills); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 45 (Timeframe for the Submission of the Names of Ministerial or Commissioner Nominees); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 48 (Power to summon the President and Governors); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 49 (Authorization of Expenditure); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 50 (Replacement of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation with the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federal Government); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 51 (Creation of the Office of Accountant-General of the Federal Government); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 53 (Separation of the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and the State from the office of the Minister or Commissioner for Justice);

The Ninth National Assembly has been on the issue of the constitutional amendment for about three years and the general public has also been expectant of amendments to some sections of the 1999 constitution as reflected in the memoranda individuals and groups submitted to the constitution drafting committees at the beginning of their work. Nigerians are, therefore, hopeful that the presidential assent to the constitution amendment bills will bring the necessary change to the nation’s political climate ahead of the 2023 general election

Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 54 (State of the Nation and State of the State Address); Bill No. 55 (Composition of Members of the Council of State); Bill No. 57 (Restriction on Formation of Political Parties); Bill No. 62 (Correction in the Definition of the Boundary of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 63 (Fundamental Human Rights); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 65 (Food Security); Constitution (Fifth Alteration) Bill No. 66 (Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps).

The Senate has asked nine state assemblies yet to submit their resolutions on the bills to do so.

There has been debate over the issue of autonomy of the local government, which usually operate joint accounts with state governments.

The joint ad-hoc committee on constitution review had, in October, 2022 knocked state governors for preventing the various State Houses of Assembly from concurring with constitution amendment proposals, especially the ones on autonomy for the 774 local government areas.

Omo-Agege had late last year said, “No doubt, some state governors have worked tirelessly to turn the Conference of Speakers and some state assemblies into political puppets, thereby undermining and delegitimising the legislative institution at the state level.

“This interference has been ramped up, especially in opposition to the bills granting financial and administrative autonomy to local governments.”

The National Assembly had on October 18, 2022 alleged that state governors were using lawmakers in their states to stall the process of amending the Constitution alterations being carried out by the nation’s legislative institution.

Omo-Agege,who made the allegation, noted with concern that the Conference of Nigeria Speakers had vowed not to pass the 44 Constitution Review Bills transmitted to them by the National Assembly until four bills they have proposed are passed.

He disclosed then that only 11 states had so far considered and performed their Constitutional role of passing amendments to the constitution.

The Deputy Senate President lamented that the Speakers of State Houses of Assembly through a letter to the National Assembly joint committee on Constitution review have given four conditions upon which the remaining 25 states will pass the amendments.

He described the letter as the “hands of Esau and voice of Jacob”, saying “state governors are behind the action of the speakers to stall the process. “ Omo-Agege said, “Six months after the transmission of these Bills to State Assemblies, it is most disheartening to inform you that only 11 State Houses of Assembly have demonstrated their independence and loyalty to the . Constitution regarding the 44 bills.

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

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POLITICS

As Adeleke Approaches Appeal Court to Reclaim Mandate Emameh Gabriel looks at the fate of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state as he approaches the Appeal Court to challenge last week’s ruling of the State Election Petition Tribunal which nullified his election

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fter five months of intense legal tussle between the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Adegboyega Oyetola and that of Peoples Democratic Party, Ademola Adeleke over the July 2022 governorship election of Osun State, the Election Petition Tribunal in the state last Friday annulled the result of the poll and declared the APC candidate and former Governor of the state as winner of the election.

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on July 16 last year declared Senator Ademola Adeleke of the PDP the winner of the election having scored the highest number of valid voted cast at the poll through the use of BVAS technology deployed by the Commission.

The Returning Officer for the election and Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, announced that Adeleke scored a total of 403,371 votes to beat incumbent Governor Oyetola who came second with 375,027 votes in the keenly contested race.

However, not satisfied with the outcome of the election, Oyetola and his party; the APC challenged Adeleke’s victory, and asked that he be declared winner of the election after evidences brought before the court on perceived manipulation of results, over voting and others.

Oyetola who won in 13 of the 30 Local Government Areas of the state, had alleged that the election was fraught with certain “irregularities”. He alleged that Adeleke ought not to have been declared winner as he was not qualified to have contested the election in the first place, having submitted a forged certificate to the electoral body.

Adeleke who was sworn in on November 27, 2022 was in office for just two months when the Tribunal wielded its gavel, a situation that has compelled him and his legal team to commence a fresh litigation that may terminate at the nation’s apex court, the Supreme Court.

Adeleke had assembled about 52 lawyers,

Reacting to the judgement, a furious Adeleke described the rulling of the tribunal as “a miscarriage of justice”, vowing to challenge it at the Court of Appeal.

According to a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke faulted the tribunal’s resolution of the over-voting question in favour of Oyetola, calling it “an unfair interpretation against the will of majority of voters.”

Adeleke

Oyetola

including seven Senior Advocates of Nigeria, to defend his case at the Election Petition Tribunal, with Dr Alex Izinyon, Dr Paul Ananaba, and Dr Onyeachi Ikpeazu among the seven SANs leading his team of lawyers and other respondents.

While Izinyon led another SANs and 16 other lawyers for the PDP, Ananaba represented INEC with two other SANs and 14 other lawyers at the Tribunal.

Oyetola on his part, had assembled 50 lawyers including 10 SANs, brought before the Tribunal 13 grounds on which premises Adeleke should be disqualified and why he should be declared winner of the election.

Key members of his legal team included Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Chief Akin Olujumi (SAN), Prince Biodun Layonu (SAN/, Muritala Abdulrasheed (SAN).

While lawyers of both parties, the APC and the APC and those of their candidates presented their arguments and counter arguments, before the Justice Tetsea Kume-led Tribunal, counsel for INEC, Prof. Paul Ananaba, SAN, that of Adeleke, Onyeachi Ikpeazu, SAN, and Dr. Alex Izinyon, SAN, representing the PDP, said Adeleke was validly elected, as the election that produced him was held in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Constitution.

This argument was however, not enough to restrain his Lordship’s gavel in delivering the judgement according to evidence brought before the sitting Tribunal.

Justice Tetsea Kume, while delivering the majority judgement, declared that INEC did not comply substantially with the constitution and the provisions of the Electoral Act, and subsequently deducted the over-voting observed from the votes scored by the candidates and declared Oyetola winner of the election, having polled 314, 921 votes while Adeleke’s votes came down to 290, 266.

Any hope for Adeleke at the appeal court?

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it would continue to maintain its neutrality adding that it would be prejudicial to speak on the outcome of the State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal which recently annulled the victory of Governor Ademola Adeleke at the July 16, 2022 governorship poll.

INEC was a major witness to the Suit challenging the results of the Osun election, stating that it adhered to the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act in the conduct of the election.

Some lawyers have expressed different opinion on the rulling by the tribunal with renowned Rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) faulting INEC over what he described as unprofessionalism in handling sensitive part of the election.

According to Falana who spoke during an interview on Arise TV, voters in Osun State should sue the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for wasting their votes.

He said, “What the voters in those areas have to do is to sue INEC for damages that you have wasted my votes”.

Falana also said it is impossible for Adeleke’s lawyers to overturn the verdict of the tribunal.

“Looking at the judgement, I believe very strongly that it is going to be a daunting task to impeach the judgement. INEC has to be held completely responsible for what happened.

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

APC’s Carnival-like Campaign in Ogun James Sowole writes about the recent carnival-like campaign of the All Progressives Congress Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital

Tinubu

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ike it happened in other states of the federation he had visited with his team on electioneering campaign, the campaign of the Presidential flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate, Senator Kassim Shetima, was carnival-like, as the campaign train, on Wednesday, January 25, arrived Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Expectedly, activities stood still in all areas linked and connected with the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, which hosted who is who in the ruling APC, party’s candidates for 2023 Election, comprising the governorship candidate, Prince Dapo Abiodun, candidates for the three senatorial districts, nine House of Representatives and 26 members of House of Assembly.

As widely publicised by the State Government, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Gbenga Dairo, traffic diversion

Shettima

and rerouting were effected inbound and outbound the stadium axis with alternative routes and parking space mapped out and effectively supervised by officers of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and Ogun State Traffic Management and Compliance and Enforcement (TRACE).

As planned, the NNPC flyover, was cordoned off and traffic diverted underpass towards the MKO Abiola International Stadium for traffic rerouting to Abiola-Way. The decision on traffic was taken, to ensure hitch-free movement of human and vehicles for an event of such magnitude.

Coincidentally, public officers and civil servants, were still observing two-day public holiday, declared by the State Government, to enable

Abiodun

workers in public service, to collect their Permanent Voter Card (PVC), which is an important instrument, that will make them participate in the forthcoming general election.

Though, the rally was scheduled to start by 10:00am, which made party supporters from the 20 local government areas of the state and some neighbouring states, in attire of different colours, stormed the MKO International Stadium, from as early as 8:00am, Tinubu and his runny mate, Shettima and others in their entourage, came into the stadium around 2:05pm into the waiting hands of different local drummers and praise singers, most of who came to the event to ply their trade.

Among the leaders of the party that attended the rally, were the former Governors of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba,and Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, Governors Babajide Sanwoolu of Lagos, AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman of Kwara, the Deputy Governor

of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Ayedatiwa and the former Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adam Oshiomole, among others.

As soon as the APC presidential candidate’s team arrived, with his host, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the leading band stand, of King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, that had been performing to the delight of people at the stadium, upped his beat and excited crowd, responded appropriately and the whole stadium went agog.

In his remarks, the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, assured the APC presidential candidate that the votes from the state would be 100 per cent for him adding that Tinubu remained the best deal for the country at this period.

The governor also called on the people to go and collect their PVCs. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͯ˜ 2023

FEATURES

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

2023 General Elections: Taking Stock, Projecting EOD to Tackle Insecurity Beyond taking stock of its last year's activities, Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that the Explosives Ordinance Disposal- Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear, EOD-CBRN, also known as the Anti-Bomb unit of the Nigeria Police, is set to fortify, supervise security of explosives for the forthcoming general elections. To do this, they intend to intensify surveillance in vulnerable key points

CP Zannah Shettima at the EOD-CBRN first quarterly conference

Some of the equipment to be deployed for the elections

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global democratic practices, the police are the lead agency in election security governance. To achieve this mandate, the synergy and collaborative support of all other national security agencies is paramount."

Commending the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Alkali Baba Usman for his tremendous support to ensure the command has adequate equipment and regular capacity building for officers and men, he said the command would distribute some equipment donated by UNMAS and procured through special interventions to bases/units to boost their operational capacity.

On the distribution of equipment for EODCBRN bases/units, the CP said it was mostly targeted at areas like the South-east and North-east given the peculiarities of their security situation.

Among the items to be deployed was Pack eye back pack radiation detector, which is used to detect the gamma and neutron radioactive materials; and the Electronic control measure frequency jammer, which is used as a centre measure for radio command IED. Others include the Themo scientific RIIDEye which detects and identifies radio isotope from any gamma radiation; and Viken detection night hawk which x-rays packages or cargo before safe procedure is done.

Also to be distributed is the Thermo scientific first defender, known for detecting and identifying unknown solid liquid, chemicals including explosives, industrial and chemical weapons and narcotics; F3 Mine Lab-deep mine detector, used for searching for buried bombs, IEDs and mines.

he Explosives Ordinance DisposalChemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN), also known as the Anti-Bomb unit of the Nigeria Police, recently held its first quarterly conference with senior officers, base and unit commanders of the command.

The conference was targeted at brainstorming and appraising their last year's achievements, identifying operational challenges and evaluating proactive measures to nip in the bud current and emerging threats.

Also, it was a platform to effectively plan and strategise towards the forthcoming general elections scheduled for February 25th and March 11th 2023.

The EOD CBRN Commissioner of Police, CP Zannah Shettima, made this disclosure at the conference themed "Proactive and Strategic EOD-CBRN Security Coverage during 2023 General Election”.

He said: "The theme for the last conference held in 2022 was, “Combating terrorism and banditry through human capital engagement and operational efficiency”.

"As mentioned at the conference, the ability of the government to deter, defeat and respond decisively to terrorist attacks is one of the most challenging priorities facing our nation and has become the leading National security issue."

Fortifying Security Measures for 2023 Elections With the 2023 General Elections barely a month away, the Explosives Ordinance Disposal- Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN), known as the Anti-Bomb unit of the Nigeria Police, has set motions in plan to fortify security of all explosive magazines.

This is to prevent it from entering the wrong hands and providing fodder for electoral violence by non-state actors.

Stressing that there will be intensive sweeping of collation centers to detect and render safe any hazardous device during the election, he also pledged to strengthen intelligence sharing among relevant security agencies, miners, explosive dealers and other stakeholders.

Charging his men to strengthen operational measures before, during and after the elections, he also tasked them to detect and neutralise any threats associated with Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Explosives (CBRNE) materials.

He said: "As the nation prepares for the forthcoming 2023 general election, internal security remains one of the herculean tasks before security agencies in the country. We must be determined as bomb technicians and investigators to constantly review our existing operational approach, to be in consonant with crime-fighting strategies to meet the standards of modern-day policing.

Aside strengthening operational measures, he

charged them to enhance security during transportation of explosive and other allied materials.

He also tasked personnel to ensure strict supervision/monitoring of explosive, radioactive and other allied materials during application.

However, he emphasised on regular training and retraining on emergency response and preparedness in all bases and units, just as he stressed on constant awareness lecture on IED recognition and bomb scene management to the police, other security agencies and general public.

Also, to deter the smuggling of such CBRNE materials into the country for nefarious acts, he noted that there are intensive screening of persons and cargos at major points of entry and exits (Seaport, Airports and International land borders).

Not ruling out any incidence, Shettima said they will be prompt emergency response to IED incidents to manage the situation before it causes public panic.

"Over the years, crime and criminality have evolved. This has made our beloved country to be faced with more decentralised and diverse threats across the geo political zones of the country.

"So our strategy to counter these threats must be adaptable and not just to react to emerging threats but to identify and understand emerging trends. To succeed, our counter-lED efforts should not be limited to defeating the devices but to prevent criminals access to IED making materials.

"This objective cannot be met alone by security agencies but also by synergising with stakeholders, International partners and cooperating effectively with the general public. The success of the 2023 General Elections is fundamentally dependent on the professionalism, synergy and patriotism of all law enforcement agencies.

"By the Electoral Act 2020 and best

Taking Stock Commending all the officers and men of the command for their relentless and selfless efforts in combating and curtailing the criminal use of explosives & accessories, radioactive materials and other hazardous chemicals in the country, CP Zannah gave account of the command in the past one year.

He said the command has braced up to confront emerging threats in "our areas of responsibility by being more proactive and pragmatic by hardening targets, exploring new initiatives/ strategies, updating our security architecture, and stocktaking of explosives in magazines across the country. This initiative has helped in curtailing

Over the years, crime and criminality have evolved. This has made our beloved country to be faced with more decentralised and diverse threats across the geo political zones of the country....to succeed, our counter-lED efforts should not be limited to defeating the devices but to prevent criminals access to IED making materials

access, checking leakages and reducing criminal use of explosives.

"The year 2022 was characterised with lots of activities. However, the command recorded some commendable successes. These achievements include; addition of CBRN to the Command Nomenclature to read EOD-CBRNon January 11, 2022; training of 192 newly mobilized personnel from 11th June to 8th July 2022; conducted training for 326 EOD auxiliaries’ personnel from 13th August 2022 to 4th September 2022; and followed the recommendation of the CP EOD-CBRN the Force MGT team Changed the Commands beret, badge, logo and flag on August 15, 2022.

Others include equipment donation from United Nations Mine Action Service and US- Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence; procurement of EOD-CBRN equipment like jammers, baggage x ray, walkthrough metal detector, geo-locator etc through Special Intervention fund; donation of one pickup van to EOD-CBRN Base 2 Owerri by IMO State government; and procurement through special intervention and allocation of one pickup van to EOD-CBRN Units Auchi, Presidential Villa and Idiroko border.

More vehicles are being expected.

The unit also recorded the extension of specialized EOD-CBRN duties to Lekki Deep Seaport, Dangote Refinery & fertilizer etc; and international trainings relating to CBRNE materials transportation, detection, prevention and response in Kenya, Austria, India, Spain, Slovakia and Senegal.

In same vein, within period under review, he said the command also recorded enviable progress while responding to incidents across the country. This include but not limited to the following: on December 12, 2022 EOD BASE 2 Owerri recovered three IEDs, three pieces of non-electric detonator, three strands of safety fuse and three pieces of high explosive at INEC headquarters, Owerri, Imo State; and on December 15, 2022, Base 35 Abakaliki recovered 30 IEDs, 239 pieces of non-electric detonator, 14 pieces of primed initiator, one roll of safety fuse and 101 pieces of high explosive at ObeguIkpleIhuzam, Ishielu L.G.A of Ebonyi State.

Similarly, on December 19, 2022 Base 35 Abakiliki recovered 13 hand grenades and 102 pieces of electric detonator at Umuleje Amaeze, Nkalaha, Ishielu LGA of Ebonyi State; three IEDs were rendered safe at Police Area Command, Ihiala, Anambra State following attack by suspected IPOB members on December 28, 2022.

Again, commending the IGP for his tremendous support in ensuring that the command has adequate equipment and regular capacity building for officers and men in line with global best practices, CP Shettima charged personnel to continue their commitment to matters of national interest which has been the hallmark of all their activities.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͯ˜ 2023

FEATURES

Bonike Thomas-Ojo: Building Safer Communities Bonike Thomas-Ojo is an event management consultant with over twenty years experience in event and business consulting with her company, Partiquette Events. She runs an events management company and most recently launched Domestireg, a vetting service which offers medical, background and criminal checks when hiring all forms of domestic staff. In this interview with Tosin Clegg she speaks on the need to build a safer community and ensure the right people in domestic services are employed among other things

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check company and the local police and immigration services (if you have an expatriate).

Most of all, we encourage clients to keep all the required information and references, renew them yearly, and redo all medical checks when they return from holidays or extended trips. We also encourage domestics to register themselves with reputable companies like ours and top nanny agencies, which enables them to ask for higher remuneration and more credibility.

hat was Domestireg created for?

Domestireg was created to address the following factors: protect our loved ones and friends from being victims of evil domestic staff. To create a community which informs, enlightens and is aware of ways we can protect ourselves and finally, with the recent uptick in domestic hires, it only makes sense to verify and check the people we bring into our homes and businesses to work as domestic staff.

When I moved to Nigeria twelve years ago, friends constantly told me horror stories about their experiences, warning me how to be cautious about hiring nannies, as I had moved back home with two young boys aged 5 and 9.

I heard many terrifying tales about food poisoning, theft and unsanitary incidents. When I would ask what happened following most terminations, I would get apprehensive because most employers or companies didn't want that hassle. The fact that these individuals were merely let back into society to carry out their evil deeds was particularly concerning. Domestireg was born out of a need to provide for and protect our community against the dangers of hiring the wrong domestic staff.

We all employ housekeepers, Chefs, drivers, and cleaners to help make life easier for our families and organizations. We run background and criminal checks before hiring domestic staff, including medical tests.

How does the vetting process work?

A prospective employer will provide the necessary information from the employee, including the required medical tests and criminal checks they want us to carry out. We have multiple tests we handle, which include Hepatitis, Covid, and drug tests, amongst others.

It is always advisable for employers to pick the necessary tests according to the role they are hiring. Our website is very straightforward regarding our services, including the tests.

It is essential to train your employees to meet your needs adhere to your corporate culture in addition to hiring suitable personnel. Our training includes a wide range of topics, such

What are the protection measures for domestic workers subjected to abuse and neglect by their employers?

We advise our clients against physical, mental, or emotional abuse. Your domestic staff are also human beings trying to provide for their families.

We urge domestics to report and document any incidents of abuse, if possible and report them to the authorities.

Bonike as adult CPR, proper etiquette, home safety, fire and gas safety, and skills and knowledge for domestic employment. For each client, we undertake a very active role.

Given the numerous horror stories concerning some domestic workers that have surfaced, what additional precautions does your agency take to ensure that

families are given domestic staff who are competent and reliable?

First, vet and verify. Take your time before bringing a stranger into your home; no matter how urgent you need help, we must understand the power of the community we are building, Domestireg.

We “do not” find staff or act as an agent or nanny finder, but we require that any agency that works with us undergo our vetting process.

Register all your team with a trusted background

The event market is nowhere near saturated and constantly changing. New and exciting products, technologies, concepts, and ideas are introduced daily.

There is space for everyone. I continually seek new ideas and products to deliver excellent results to my clients. I love learning from my colleagues in the industry, and we are learning and relearning to be better every day. Therefore, events like Hands on 100 and Special Events Conference are held annually to welcome and train event managers and planners.

It is hard to predict what a human being will do and to say we at Domestireg will single-handedly change this will also be tricky. However, treating our domestics as a respected part of society by offering medical insurance, even the basic package, can help influence specific actions. It is worth noting that even when you treat them well, they may leave.

This could be a change of environment, even fulfilling their dreams of returning to school. It could be anything. From my experience, some domestics have worked as drivers or housekeepers for more than a decade, using their earnings to train their children and care for their families.

They are treated with dignity; they see their jobs as a career, not as a means to an end.

Army Retirees Implore Serving Personnel to Plan for Retirement Rebecca Ejifoma The former Commander of Training and Doctrine Command, Maj-Gen Ademoh Salihu (rtd), has implored serving military personnel to start early to prepare for retirement.

He gave this counsel at the pulling-out parade for retired Nigerian Army Signals (NAS) senior officers hosted by the Commander Corps of Signals, Maj-Gen Garba Abdullahi in Marina Lagos last Friday.

Salihu, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion, admonished serving military personnel to continue to be loyal, creative and extra vigilant.

He added: "You must continue to demonstrate total commitment to the security of the nation just as you have exemplified in the successes recorded in the fight against terrorism/insurgency in the North East and other parts of the country."

Salihu further reminded the personnel that Nigerians, especially the retirees, were expecting a lot from them.

"Let me also encourage serving officers and men of this prestigious corps, the NAS, to make early preparations for retirement.

"You must not assume that 35 years is a long time and waste away precious time thinking you have enough time to plan for your retirement.

The best time to prepare for your retirement is today," he emphasised.

He urged the personnel to develop themselves, put everything they ought to put in place early enough and build a good and healthy relationship based on mutual trust and respect.

At the pulling-out parade for some retired Nigerian Army Signal Corps senior officers The Maj-Gen also thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Farouk Yahaya for his support to the Corps of Signals and for approving resources for the conduct of this pulling-out ceremony.

While describing the pulling-out

parade as one of the traditions of the Nigerian Army and dates back to the colonial era, the ex-Chief of Defence Staff, Brig-Gen. Samuel Ogbemudia encouraged retirees to set up businesses for themselves.

"You can start a new business or a new career for yourself. I can plan a useful engagement

for myself. I'm useful. I learned to play the piano. So you can do anything as long as it's within the last," he noted.

For the leadership of the military, Ogbemudia highlighted: "To lead the military, you must be focused, disciplined. Loyalty is needed. You must believe in the nation, and be selfless in service."

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& RE A S O

Wednesday February, 2023 Vol 27. No 10155

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opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

APPOINTING CARETAKER OFFICERS IN EDO STATE WASHINGTON OSA OSIFO argues that caretaker committees are aberration to the constitution

See page 21 DIGITAL BANKING AND HICCUPS With all its beauty, electronic banking also has its setback, writes SONNY ARAGBA-AKPORE

See page 21 EDITORIAL

TACKLING THE WASTEWATER MENACE

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1

Higher education in Nigeria must change, argue DAVID MBA and VAL EKECHUKWU

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WASHINGTON OSA OSIFO argues that caretaker committees are aberration to the constitution

APPOINTING CARETAKER OFFICERS IN EDO STATE Elected chairmen and councilors of the ORFDO JRYHUQPHQW FRXQFLOV LQ (GR 6WDWH FRPSOHWHG WKHLU WHQXUH LQ R΀FH VLQFH 2020. However, since then, the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has refused to conduct an election to elect RWKHU R΀FLDOV IRU WKHVH FRXQFLOV 5DWKHU KH SURFHHGHG ÀUVW E\ KDQGLQJ RYHU WKH control and management of these councils to civil servants, tagged head of local government administration (HOLGA), DQG WKH\ KHOG UHLQ LQ R΀FH IRU DOPRVW D year and a half.

There was also the series of scheduling and postponement of election till recently when the governor purportedly sent some names of persons to group acolytes KH UHIHUV WR DV ¶+RXVH RI $VVHPEO\· parading such persons as “liaison R΀FHUVµ WR DGPLQLVWHU WKHVH ORFDO government councils. Again, this is an act of illegality that must not be allowed to stand. Accordingly, I proceed to examine and expose the unconstitutionality of the proposed contraption by whatever nomenclature it is proposed by the governor.

There are legal issues arising from the above - having regards to the clear and unambiguous provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the subsisting judgment of the Supreme Court, LW LV DEXQGDQWO\ FOHDU WKDW WKH JRYHUQRU·V action which foisted these nominees as the epitome of administration in these councils is patently unconstitutional and illegal and this is because section 7(1) of 1999 Constitution (as amended), provides that the system of local government by democratically elected local government councils is under this constitution guaranteed; accordingly, the government RI HYHU\ VWDWH VKDOO VXEMHFW WR VHFWLRQ RI this constitution, ensure their existence under a law which provides for the establishment, structure, composition, ÀQDQFH DQG IXQFWLRQV RI VXFK FRXQFLOV Additionally, Section 1 (2) of the extant constitution provides that the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall not be governed nor shall any person or group of persons take control of the government of Nigeria or any part thereof except in accordance with the provisions of this constitution.

Reasoning from the above, caretaker committees are an aberration to the extant FRQVWLWXWLRQ &DUHWDNHU FRPPLWWHHV RͿHQG Section 1 (2) of the extant constitution, wherein state governors take control of local government councils, by appointing chairmen for the local government council without regards to constitutional

provisions.

In the same vein, Section 1 (3) of the extant constitution provides that - If any other law is inconsistent with the provisions of this constitution, this constitution shall prevail, and that other laws shall to the extent of the inconsistency be void.

It also added that any law made by any state house of assembly in Nigeria that gives power to caretaker committees to administer local government councils is voided because the law is inconsistent with the provisions of the extant constitution, and the constitution shall prevail.

Furthermore, the 1976 Local *RYHUQPHQW UHIRUP DOVR GHÀQHV ORFDO government as - Government at the local level is exercised through representative councils constituted by law to implement DQG H[HUFLVH SRZHUV ZLWKLQ D GHÀQHG area. These powers give the council VXEVWDQWLDO FRQWURO RYHU ORFDO DͿDLUV LQFOXGLQJ VWD΀QJ LQVWLWXWLRQDO DQG ÀQDQFLDO SRZHUV WR LQLWLDWH DQG GLUHFW WKH provision of service and to determine and implement projects so as to compliment the activities of the state and federal governments in their areas, and ensure, through devolution of these functions to those councils and through the active participation of the people and their traditional ruler.

Clearly, this provision is very direct and explicit; it does not require any intrinsic interpretative skills to decipher the legislative intent behind these laws. Therefore, it is clear that local government administration can only be done under the control and management RI GHPRFUDWLFDOO\ HOHFWHG R΀FLDOV QRW ´VHOHFWHGµ RU ´DSSRLQWHGµ R΀FLDOV Secondly, this section also imposes on state government, in this case both the Executive and Legislative arms of government to enact a law that must VSHFLÀFDOO\ DGGUHVV WKH LVVXH RI WKH establishment, structure, composition, ÀQDQFH DQG IXQFWLRQV RI ORFDO JRYHUQPHQW councils.

Furthermore, these obligations are couched in imperative term “shall”, and as it has been resolved in a plethora of judicial authorities, once the preposition “shall” is used in any legislation, it LPSRVHV D PDQGDWRU\ GXW\ RQ WKH R΀FHU or institution and it equally robs that R΀FHU RU LQVWLWXWLRQ RI DQ\ GLVFUHWLRQ LQ the matter.

Flowing from the above, permit me to draw your attention to classic cases like AMADI V N.N.P.C (2000) 10 NWLR (PT.674) 76 at 97, AMADI V ACHO 1:/5 37 $FFRUGLQJO\ there are two layers of violation of the constitution by a governor can be LGHQWLÀHG KHUHLQ ÀUVWO\ WKH GHOLEHUDWH and mischievous “appointment” or “selection” of non-democratically HOHFWHG SHUVRQV WR PDQ WKH DͿDLUV RI ORFDO government in the country.

Secondly, the refusal or neglect by the government to enact a law on election and governance. It is submitted that these infractions are justiciable and are grounds for the impeachment of a JRYHUQRU SXUVXDQW WR VHFWLRQ RI WKH 1999 Constitution (as amended).

With all its beauty, electronic banking also has its setback, writes SONNY ARAGBA-AKPORE

DIGITAL BANKING AND HICCUPS Despite the beauty associated with the advent of digital banking, the pitfalls are XQEHDUDEOH WR YLFWLPV )URP DERXW when banks introduced technology into their banking operations, it was received with excitement by Nigerians who saw this as prayers answered.

Their reasons were understandable especially coming from the drudgery of “tally number” - a common experience in the days of analogue banking when customers had to wait in long queues for cashiers to leaf through dust-caked ledgers WR ÀVK RXW DFFRXQW KROGHUV GHWDLOV DQG balances before they could be paid.

Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) ZHUH QRW UHDGLO\ DYDLODEOH XQWLO ZKHQ National Cash Register (NCR) West Africa Limited carried out a pilot phase for Societe General Bank, (now defunct) which was the pioneer in ATM services. It was closely followed by First Bank Nigeria PLC in 1990.

Before then, customers were limited to banking halls dogged by long hours wait to pick their money.

Painful as the experiences were, life had to go on.

Then the banks began the electronic banking (e-banking) processes to herald new experiences especially for ease of transactions through digital means. Post Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) era was when technology began to make meaningful inroads into the banking sector even when the conservatives had their own misgivings /reservations and held back, not accepting it immediately.

But Nigeria must creep away from the outskirts of globalization and the banks and ÀQDQFLDO LQVWLWXWLRQV PDQLIHVWHG WKLV HDUO\ enough. And the entry of Global System of Mobile Communications (GSM) in 2001 changed many things as the platforms brought together what was unimaginable and added meaning to just everything available and the banking industry dived into technology acquisition with frenzy gripping it with every conceivable might.

At some point, it appeared, the banks were in a long distance race in competition to see who introduces what and how it runs.

Know Your Customers (KYCs) became easier through proper documentation LQFOXGLQJ ELRPHWULFV ÀQJHUSULQWV SKRWRV RI FXVWRPHUV DQG ODWHU WKH %DQN 9HULÀFDWLRQ Number (BVN) leading to complete integration of the banking systems.

From the comfort of the homes and R΀FHV MXVW HYHU\ZKHUH WKHUH ZDV telecommunications coverage, banking transactions are now possible, easy and smooth.

Internet banking has become very popular as many banks create platforms for that purpose since the internet is now available no matter the speed. Smart devices and computers in the homes and R΀FHV DUH QRZ YHU\ LPSRUWDQW WRROV IRU digital banking.

6KRUWO\ DIWHU WKH PRUH UREXVW DQG ÁH[LEOH Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) was introduced thus creating more ÁH[LEOH ZD\V WR EDQNLQJ DV WKH FXVWRPHUV smile at every successful transaction.

Where ever there is a network coverage by telecommunications operators and service providers, bank transactions are possible. $OO D EDQN FXVWRPHU QHHGV LV WKH EDQN·V USSD code for his/ bank and pronto, WUDQVDFWLRQV WDNH SODFH HͿRUWOHVVO\ :LWK

USSD, the banks and telecom companies have very strong bonds and handshakes at every point.

But that is where the beauty stops.

And as times go by, banks and bank customers have become victims of smart alecs or better put, “yahoo boys” or fraudsters some of whom allegedly collaborate with insiders to defraud unsuspecting customers.

Eight banks lost nearly N2billion to scammers in 2021.Who bears the burden of these losses and how do the victims recover their moneys without any form of insurance cover?

A survey carried out by Agusto &

Co in 2022 revealed that 59 per cent of bank customers sampled indicated that they have fallen victims to fraud. The survey revealed that 41 per cent of this ÀJXUH VDLG WKHLU DFFRXQWV KDGQ·W EHHQ compromised, “however, the remaining had been victims through phishing emails, data breaches, unauthorised access to accounts through USSD, and others.”

The report tagged ‘2022 Consumer 'LJLWDO %DQNLQJ 6DWLVIDFWLRQ ,QGH[· VSHFLÀFDOO\ FDOOHG IRU LQYHVWPHQW in cyber security and awareness to avert bank customers falling victim to breaches in their accounts.

Data by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS) shows that fraud attempts via mobile channels saw a 330 percent increase year-on-year (YoY) between 2019 and 2020, while attempts via web and POS channels saw a 173 percent and 215 percent increase YoY. In those nine months, nine out of every 10 attempts were successful, and there were 46,126 of such attacks.

Only recently a Lagos State resident and former Zenith Bank employee, Chiamaka Agim lamented how over N4 million strangely disappeared from her Zenith Bank account. The lady narrated her ordeal in a video uploaded on her Twitter page on Tuesday, January 10, 2023.

She stated that she was relaxing in her apartment on the evening of January 9, 2023, when she received three alerts for debits which added up to N4.039 million. She also said she opened the bank account that was cleared of all her savings while she was working at Zenith Bank.

She was quoted as saying “when I UHFHLYHG WKH ÀUVW DOHUW DURXQG SP I actually thought it was a WhatsApp message. I checked it and was shocked to see that it was an alert of N3.715 million,” she said.

Aragba-Akpore is a member of THISDAY Editorial

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EDITORIAL

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

TACKLING THE WASTEWATER MENACE Wastewater should be treated and properly channelled

T

he increasing volumes of wastewater that pour daily from Nigerian homes into open drains or into roads are making people sick and causing avoidable deaths from dysentery, diarrhea, and cholera, particularly among infants. Ordinarily, wastewater should systematically be channeled into safe treatment plants. But many of the sewage treatment plants built by federal and state governments have either broken down or are ill-maintained, creating so much discomfort and illness in many residential estates across the country.

In many of the residential areas in major cities, the stench from the human/faecal waste in the mix of brown water envelopes the air, cutting RͿ WKH R[\JHQ FDXVLQJ respiratory problems and lung diseases. To worsen matters, federal and most state governments do not seem to care much about the need to maintain the wastewater treatment plants they installed at strategic locations. For instance, Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, and a few other states and the FCT have a mix of state-own DQG IHGHUDO JRYHUQPHQW EXLOW ZDVWHZDWHU H΁XHQW treatment plants and they all have a common challenge in the lack of maintenance.

Lagos State, which has a huge population that is concentrated on a small piece of land, hemmed between the Atlantic Ocean and a Lagoon, is the worst hit because the air in most places stinks like it is from a sewer. Residents still practice open defecation and use pit latrines on the outskirts and in other areas within the inner city where they channel their faecal waste into open drains. Meanwhile, in many of the residential areas in the state, drinking water pipes are channeled through open drainages that are clogged with fecal waste, and laced with other sewage.

More disturbing is that even when faecal waste is evacuated from septic tank/soakaway pit systems in homes, as it should be done, some unscrupulous vendors discharge them surreptitiously in either

open drains or into the Lagos Lagoon at night. The wastewater hardly gets to the central sewage treatment plants built by the government in Abesan, Oke$ID $PXZR 2GRÀQ DQG ,SRQUL /RZ &RVW +RXVLQJ Estates, as well as the Secretariat, Alausa. These central sewage plants are being managed by the Lagos 6WDWH :DVWHZDWHU 0DQDJHPHQW 2΀FH /6:02 Unfortunately, this agency does not have enough capacity to treat the wastewater it estimates at 2.21 million cubic metres generated daily by millions of people. The sewage includes faecal waste from toilets, bathrooms, urinals, kitchens, among others.

About two weeks ago, there were reports that residents of Abesan Low&RVW +RXVLQJ (VWDWH ,SDMD in the Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area, of Lagos State, have for months been inundated by strong stench from the wastewater treatment plant in their community that has not been in operation or maintained in years. The strong smell has lingered for so long that residents are DOPRVW IRUJHWWLQJ LW H[LVWV 0HDQZKLOH R΀FLDOV LQ WKH facility still accept wastewater from vendors who are apparently unmindful of the fact that the facility is out of operation.

7KH VLWXDWLRQ LV QRW GLͿHUHQW LQ PDQ\ RI WKH VWDWHV across the country and the Federal Capital Territory )&7 $EXMD ZKHUH FKDOOHQJHV LQFOXGH DEVHQFH RI domestic sewage management regulation/policies and WUHDWPHQW SODQWV DV ZHOO DV LQDGHTXDWH VWD΀QJ ,W LV QRW enough to have waste management agencies for the sewage disposal, as many states do, what is important is to build the requisite capacity for executing their mandate.

As things stand, the federal government and authorities in the 36 states must rise to the challenge of getting these wastewater treatment facilities to work better. Discharging raw waste into rivers and drains that seep down to the aquifer from which most homes draw their drinking water through wells is dangerous to the health of our country.

Discharging raw waste into rivers and drains that seep down to the aquifer from which most homes draw their drinking water through wells is dangerous to the health of our country T H I S D AY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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

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LETTERS TINUBU AND BLUEPRINT FOR THE NORTH Outspoken northern politician and former Presidential Campaign Council Director for the Civil Society Organization of the All ProgresVLYHV &RQJUHVV $3& 1DMD·DWX %DOD 0XKDPPDG KDV VDLG WKDW WKH APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not KDYH D EOXHSULQW IRU WKH QRUWK·V GHYHORSPHQW 1DMD·DWX ZDV TXRWHG WR KDYH VDLG ´, PHW ZLWK 7LQXEX LQ /RQGRQ DQG KH WROG PH KH GRHVQ·W KDYH D EOXHSULQW IRU WKH QRUWKµ ,Q VKRUW 1DMD·DWX LPSOLHG 7LQXEX GRHVQ·W NQRZ ZKDW WR RͿHU WR WKH QRUWK ,Q LWV UHVSRQVH WR 1DMD·DWX $3& 3UHVLGHQWLDO &DPSDLJQ &RXQFLO WKURXJK D VWDWHPHQW E\ 0DKPXG -HJD LWV DGYLVHU LQ SXEOLF DͿDLUV VDLG 1DMD·DWX ZDV VDFNHG IRU LQFRPSHWHQFH TXDUUHOVRPHQHVV DQG DIWHU EHLQJ XQFRYHUHG WR EH D PROH SODQWHG LQ $3&·V ZLQQLQJ FDPSDLJQ 7R PDQ\ SHRSOH LQ WKH QRUWK 1DMD·DWX·V DFFXVDWLRQV ZHUH ¶KHDY\· +RZHYHU 1DMD·DWX·V DFFXVDWLRQ EHFDPH ¶ZHLJKWOHVV EHcause, less than 48hrs after she resigned from the APC and quit partisan politics, and accused Tinubu of having no blueprint for the north, VKH ZDV VHHQ DW $WLNX $EXEDNDU·V UHVLGHQFH DQG MRLQHG WKH $WLNX·V campaign train.

Political pundits are of the view that no serious presidential candidate, whose candidature was 75%-made possible by the Northern APC Governors Forum, will carelessly open his mouth and say he GRHVQ·W KDYH D EOXHSULQW IRU D SDUWLFXODU UHJLRQ HVSHFLDOO\ WKH QRUWK

with its massive attractive votes.

1DMD·DWX 0RKDPPHG ZDV MXVW SOD\LQJ SROLWLFV 1HYHUWKHOHVV OHW·V ¶NHHS· 1DMD·DWX DVLGH 7KH ELJ TXHVWLRQV DUH GRHV 7LQXEX KDYH DQ\ blueprint for the north? If yes, is it what the north needs after eight years of being in power at the center? The basic issue facing the north LV LQVHFXULW\ EDQGLWU\ IDUPHU KHUGHU FRQÁLFW DQG SRYHUW\ 7R EH IDLU to President Buhari and the APC, they did some jobs in the agricultural sector, restoration of security in communities in the northeast, provision of new infrastructure, and the rehabilitation of the old ones, including the successes in the social intervention programs; especially petty cash distribution to the masses.

2Q 2FWREHU 7LQXEX DW $UHZD +RXVH WROG WKH QRUWK KLV EOXHSULQW IRU WKH UHJLRQ +H VDLG KH ZLOO ÀJKW EDQGLWV DQG WHUURULVWV with technology which Buhari just started in 2022. Tinubu said, he ZLOO WXUQ WKH 1RUWK·V IHUWLOH ODQG LQWR JUDLQ ÀHOGV WKH 1RUWK ZLOO become the hub of agriculture. The dairy economy and agro-allied LQGXVWULHV ZLOO EH SURPRWHG +H VDLG KH ZLOO DFFHOHUDWH WKH 0DPELOD 3URMHFW DQG UHMXYHQDWH WKH H[LVWLQJ SRZHU VWDWLRQV +H DVVXUHG to exploit of the gold in Zamfara, and iron ore in Kogi State. Tinubu DOVR SURPLVHG WR EULQJ EDFN WR VFKRRO WKH PLOOLRQV RI 1RUWK·V RXW RI VFKRRO FKLOGUHQ WKURXJK LQFHQWLYHV +H IXUWKHU SURPLVHG WR FUHDWH D special commission for Almajiri education including employing Al-

PDMLUL·V WHDFKHUV $UH 7LQXEX·V SURPLVHV WR WKH QRUWK HQRXJK DQG LQ OLQH ZLWK WKH UHJLRQ·V QHHGV DQG ZDQWV" 6RPH SROLWLFDO SXQGLWV EHOLHYH WKDW WKH promises are good, but development experts say the north needs more and a new approach, thoughts that resonate with this writer.

Apart from these promises, the north extremely needs some strongwilled approach to the current monster of banditry in the northwest – a calculated crime that is as complex as Nigeria. A deployment of massive force and technology against the bandits in the villages where they operate is compulsory.

The North also needs a special economic recovery program in the area of youth empowerment, poverty reduction, and the uplift of business people.

President Buhari, in his own intuition, tried to tackle these issues by appointing many seasoned northerners into various positions of authority. But this has not worked. in fact, this political patronage VWUDWHJ\ KDV IDLOHG 0RVW RI WKH SUHVLGHQW·V DSSRLQWHHV IURP WKH QRUWK have not served as a link between the president and his support base QRU HͿHFWLYHO\ UHDFK WKH SRRU ZKR IRUPHG %XKDUL·V PLOOLRQ VXSporters, which APC is still banking-on.

Zayyad I. Muhammad, Abuja

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2023

23

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

A T

REPO

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

08056356325

J A N U A R Y

S & P INDEX

3 1 , 2 0 2 3

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OPR

11.25%

CALL

10.25%

INDEX LEVEL

613.31%

1/4 TO DATE

-0.85%

N416.86/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

11.50%

1-MONTH

9.56%

1-DAY

0.16%

YEAR TO DATE

7.64%

*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

3-MONTH

10.52%

MONTH-TO-DATE

0.44%

Total FX Market Turnover at I & E Window Jumped 11.1% to N64.61trn in 2022

Kayode Tokede Foreign exchange turnover trade at the Investors’ & Exporters’ Window (I & FX) market rose to N64.61 trillion in 2022, about 11.1 per cent Yearon-Year (YoY) higher than N58.18 trillion in 2021, numbers released

by FMDQ Exchange has revealed.

The I & E window of the foreign exchange market was created in 2017 by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to facilitate easy access to foreign exchange by investors and exporters at the official rate fixed by the apex financial industry regulator which is usually much lower than the parallel market rate.

The N64.61trillion turnover

traded at I & E FX window in 2022 is coming on the backdrop of scarcity of foreign exchange and increasing business activities.

The Month-on-Month breakdown

by THISDAY revealed that N4.22trillion was reported by FMDQ foreign exchange turnover trade in January and it dropped by 3.8per cent to N4.06 trillion in February.

In March, the figure by FMDQ Exchange showed N4.76trillion foreign exchange turnover trade and in April, it increased to N7.29trillion, second highest trade in 2022.

FMDQ Exchange reported N4.67trillion foreign exchange turnover trade in May; N5 trillion in June; N5.38trillion in July and

N4.57trillion in August.

The data showed N7.21trillion in September, it dropped to N4.85 trillion in October. Foreign exchange turnover trade dropped further to N4.51trillion in November and hit N8.09 trillion in December, the highest trade in the year under review.

Experts believe FX trades at the I & E FX window was impacted by uncertainties in the global market following Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking, the Head, Financial Institutions Ratings at Agusto & Co, Mr. Ayokunle Olubunmi, said, “the global economy in 2021 was coming out of COVID-19 pandemic and also in 2020, there were a lot of

uncertainties in the global market.

In 2022, we started see more clarity that the virus has been tackled.

“The global economy growth in 2022 was better than 2021. Nigeria economy growth also in 2022 was better than 2021. The growth in foreign exchange turnover trade in 2022 is as a rebound after COVID-19 pandemic.”

On his part, he vice president, Highcap Securities Limited, Mr. David Adnori stated that the growth recorded in the total foreign exchange turnover in 2022 to increasing business activities fuelled by double-dight inflation rate.

Adnori blamed that the slow growth between October and

November to change in Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) of the CBN that contributed to slow business activities on the backdrop of hike in lending rate by commercial banks.

Despite increasing foreign exchange turnover trade, Naira against the Dollar depreciated by 8.25 per cent in its YoY growth.

In the FX Market, the Naira depreciated against the US Dollar, losing 8.25 per cent YoY or ($/N34.4) to close at an average of $/ N451.21 in December 2022 from $/N416.81 recorded in December 2021.

Olubunmi explained that the Naira depreciation is the function of demand and supply, stressing that the apex bank in the past 3-4

years has been struggling to meet demand for foreign exchange.

In a report titled, ”2022 review and 2023 macro-economic and financial markets outlook,” Investment One research said this year, a combination of limited inflows from crude oil sales, fragile capital flows and foreign remittances, would continue to hurt the local currency.

According to the report, “While the rising oil production volume is slightly positive for oil earnings and by extension, the reserves, we still think that crude oil production of less than 2.00million barrels is unlikely to significantly move the Continued on page 24

Analysts Laud CBNs Stance on Tightening MPR, Cautions Further Increase Would Reduce Lending Nume Ekeghe Analysts have applauded the decision of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to raise the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 100bps to 17.5 per cent, stressing that it is steered towards taming inflation.

However, the analysts in separate reports cautioned that continuous increases would reduce lending because customers would be reluctant to borrow and pay back with high-interest rates.

The MPC retained the asymmetric corridor of +100/-700 basis points around the MPR, Cash Reserve Ratio at 32.5 per cent, and

liquidity Ratio at 30.0 per cent.

According to analysts at Afrinvest, the increase in monetary policy rates should have ultimately affected interest rates on deposits, “but the increase, which should convert to high rates on loans has met some resistance from some banks.

“In our view, the decision

to tighten the rate at the year’s maiden meeting is an appropriate response to early but tentative signs of moderating inflation rate. In our previous note, we stressed that the December headline print was driven by a high base effect since m/m headline inflation registered a 4-month high of 1.7 per cent.

While we expect continued soft

moderation in inflation, especially in Q1, we believe that the underlying factors affecting consumer prices would persist.

“Also, we opine that a change in domestic policy direction ahead of globally systemic central banks could be inimical to the central bank’s goals of improving offshore capital inflows as well as stabilizing

the Naira. That said we are concerned that without adjusting other key parameters the MPR continues to serve a mere signaling effect as financing condition appears to stay accommodative.

Our analysis of lending rates data Continued on page 24

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT T U E S D AY, J A N U A R Y 3 1 , 2 0 2 3 BONDS DESCRIPTION Price ^14.20 14MAR-2024 ^13.53 23MAR-2025 ^12.50 22JAN-2026 ^16.2884 17MAR-2027 ^13.98 23FEB-2028

10.362, 00 10.459, 00 10.287, 00 11.168, 00 10.386, 00

Yield 10.82 11.11 11.35 12.60 12.92

Change Updated Time (%) -0.01 January 6, 2023 -0.71 January 6, 2023 0.00 January 6, 2023 0.00 January 6, 2023 0.00 January 6, 2023

BILLS MATURITY

Discount

Yield

NTB 26-Jan23 NTB 9-Feb23 NTB 9-Mar23 NTB 27-Apr23

3.01

3.01

3.01

3.02

2.21

2.22

3.20

3.23

NTB 11May-23

3.23

3.27

OTC F X F U T U R E S

CPS

Change Updated Time (%) 6, -0.01 January 2023 6, 0.00 January 2023 6, -1.71 January 2023 6, 0.00 January 2023 6, 0.00 January 2023

MATURITY FDHP CP III 17-MAR-23 VHPL CP III 1-APR-23 MREP CP VI 11-APR-23

Change Updated Time (%) 6, 9.26 9.43 0.00 January 2023 6, 14.15 14.64 0.00 January 2023 6, 10.52 10.81 -0.01 January 2023

Discount Yield

.

.

.

. .

.

.

.

. .

CONTRACT TENOR Contract (MONTH) NGUS JAN 25 1 2023 NGUS FEB 22 2 2023 NGUS MAR 29 3 2023 NGUS APR 26 4 2023 NGUS MAY 31 5 2023

Current Rate Updated Time ($/₦) January 6, 469.87 2023 January 6, 472.05 2023 January 6, 474.23 2023 January 6, 476.42 2023 January 6, 478.60 2023

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2023

24

BUSINESSWORLD

ECONOMY

Despite Moderation, Inflation Still Potent Threat to Economy James Emejo writes that inflation may have lost steam last month but remains a challenge to economic growth

F

ollowing 10 months of consecutive uptick, the headline inflation rate slightly moderated in December to the excitement of monetary authorities – though it remains a far cry from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s revised target of between 7 to 10 per cent.

Apart from the food and core component of inflation that had been key sources of concern in recent times, imported inflation, which stemmed largely from the global distortion in the commodity supply chain caused by the war in Ukraine further compounded the rising prices.

continue to endure the high cost of credit from commercial banks while they pass the burden to poor consumers.

ANALYSTS REACT

RISING PRICES

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Consumer Price Index (CPI) which measures the rate of change in prices of goods and commodities increased by 5.72 per cent to 21.34 per cent year on year in December 2022 compared to 15.63 per cent in December 2021.

However, inflation, year on year declined marginally by 0.61 per cent in December compared 21.47 per cent in November.

Month on month, headline inflation, however, increased to 1.71 per cent December from 1.39 per cent in the preceding month due to a rise in consumer spending during the festive period.

Food inflation rose to 23.75 per cent year-on-year which was 6.38 per cent higher compared to 17.37 per cent recorded in December 2021.

On a month-on-month, the food inflation stood at 1.89 per cent, which was 0.49 per cent higher than the 1.40 per cent in November.

The rise in food inflation was attributed to increases in prices of bread and cereals, oil and fat, potatoes, yam, and other tubers, fish, and food products.

The core index, which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produce stood at 18.49 per cent year on year in December, up by 4.62 per cent when compared to the 13.87 per cent recorded in 2021.

Month-on-month, core inflation stood at 1.33 per cent in December compared to 1.67 per cent in the preceding month.

Core inflation resulted from increases in prices of gas, liquid fuel, passenger transport by air, vehicle spare parts, fuels and lubricants for personal transport equipment, and solid fuel among others.

On year-on-year, urban inflation increased to 22.01 per cent, compared to 16.17 per cent in 2021 while the index rose to 1.80 per cent month on month in December from 1.50 per cent in November.

Rural inflation stood at 20.72 per cent year-on-year, higher than 15.11 per cent in December 2021 while month-on-month, the index rose to 1.63 per cent from 1.30 per cent.

At the states level, all items inflation on yearly basis was highest in Bauchi (23.79 per cent), Kogi (23.35 per cent), Anambra (23.13 per cent), while Taraba (18.98 per cent), Osun (19.09 per cent) and Kwara (19.18 per cent) recorded the slowest rise in the headline index.

Month-on-month basis, however, inflation was highest in Oyo (3.48 per cent), Abuja (3.05 per cent), Sokoto (2.58per cent), while Ebonyi (0.11 per cent), Ekiti (0.68 per cent) and Nasarawa (0.70 per cent) recorded the slowest rise.

Also, year on year, food inflation was highest in Kwara (27.90 per cent), Imo (26.94 per cent) and Ebonyi (26.28 per cent), while Sokoto (20.90 per cent), Taraba (21.59 per cent) and Cross River

(21.71 per cent) recorded the slowest rise in the index.

On a month-on-month basis, however, food inflation was highest in Sokoto (3.38 per cent), Oyo (3.10 per cent) and Kaduna (2.97 per cent), while Nasarawa (0.06 per cent), Osun (0.70 per cent) and Kogi (0.76 per cent) recorded the slowest rise.

IMPACT OF HEADLINE INFLATION

Without a doubt, inflation remains the biggest challenge for monetary policy effectiveness and it becomes difficult to stabilise prices as it devalues the currency amidst inflationary pressures.

The rate of inflation often decided the direction of monetary policy on whether to hold, raise or lower Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) otherwise known as the benchmark interest rate which determines the cost of funds in the economy.

There is a direct correlation between the high cost of borrowing and inflation as well as the prices of goods and commodities.

This is why inflation remains an enemy of the common man as it wipes off the value of the little earnings they make and makes it difficult for policymakers to achieve their targets.

Commodity prices have more than doubled in recent times because of inflation, a situation that had further plunged more people into poverty in the last few years.

The CBN MPC recently had to raise the MPR by 100 basis points to 17.5 per cent despite inflation easing on a month-on-month basis in December.

While the MPC at its recent meeting welcomed the moderation in inflation following

10 consecutive months of uptick had slowed, it remained a threat to monetary policy and therefore, the bank had to further raise the interest rate.

NOT YET UHURU

CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele had pointed out that the decision of the bank to further tighten monetary policy was borne out of the need to address current inflationary concerns adding that the marginal drop in the headline index in December was not enough to loosen the monetary stance for now.

According to him, “We are happy that some of the policies we’ve introduced in the last couple of months in our attempts to rein in inflation are beginning to yield results, not just about platooning but beginning to drop.

“But MPC members feel that a 10-basis point drop from 21.47 per cent to 21.34 per cent is not just good enough as a reason to begin to celebrate. That is year on year. But on the basis of month-on-month CPI, we still found out that inflation was still going on both the headline and all that. On year-on-year basis, we saw food coming down but at the same time, we still saw core inflation moving up.”

Emefiele said, “For us, it is not time to celebrate yet…This is not enough sign to loosen but be aggressive.

“With inflation at 21.34 per cent, it is already hurting growth and it’s moderating the level of output we would have seen if inflation was within our own target range of between 7 and 10 per cent.

“And that at 21.34 per cent, there was no way we were going to celebrate but it is good for us to begin to taper and the rest.”

From the foregoing, it is clear that the coast is not clear yet for easing MPR as small businesses

Speaking in separate interviews with THISDAY on the impact of inflation on the economy, analysts gave interpretations about the slight drop in inflation and the way forward for the economy.

Wealth Management and Business Development Consultant, Mr. Ibrahim Shelleng, said “inflation figures must be put in context. What it is showing is that the rate at which inflation is rising has slowed down, but this does not mean that high prices have reduced.

“For example, a car accelerating at 100mph that reduces to 95mph is still traveling at high speed!

The slight drop in figures could be attributed to the relative stability in the FX market which has maintained a range between 730 to 750 for a number of months.”

He said, “Traditionally, a slight decrease in consumption tends to happen in January. The CBN’s policies have had some impact as well in reducing the availability of liquidity, which has often been channeled to the FX market and distorted the parallel market rates. The structural issues the country faces still exist and continue to affect prices.”

Also, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Dignity Finance and Investment Limited, Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, it is not time to celebrate the drop in the headline index adding that the factors which often led to inflation are still much around.

The former Director General, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) said, “It is not yet Uhuru for inflation rate in Nigeria. The reduction in December inflation rate was an increase month on month compared to the November position.

The situations that have increased the rate in the past are still with us.

“The Russian/ Ukrainian war which has distorted the supply of Agricultural grains and Petroleum products still persists.

Insecurity still continues to affect supply adversely and resultant price hikes.”

Ekechukwu said, “Exchange rate hasn’t improved and therefore will continue to keep the inflation rate high.

So, the marginal reduction in December rate was just a mere flash.”

On his part, Managing Director/Chief Executive, SD&D Capital Management Limited, Mr. Idakolo Gbolade, pointed out that the marginal drop in inflation could be a result of many factors including but not limited to stability in exchange rate occasioned by the excess liquidity being mopped up by CBN. He also attributed the decline to increased production in the oil sector which has given rise to the receipt of more inflows from crude sales as well as improved performance of the non-oil sector.

He said, “The increased tax collection by FIRS could also have added to the marginal drop. However, the fundamentals causing inflation have not abated because the exchange rate is still very high, the interest rate has increased the cost of production and cost of doing business, the energy sector is not helping industries, and insecurity and logistics problems have given rise to food inflation trajectory.

“The government needs to effectively use fiscal and monetary policy tools to tame these factors if we are to see a continuous drop in inflation.”

ANALYSTS LAUD CBNS STANCE ON TIGHTENING MPR, CAUTIONS FURTHER INCREASE WOULD REDUCE LENDING for 2022 shows that the prime lending rate closed the year at a discount of 265bps to the MPR while the maximum lending rate (excluding the unavailable February data) averaged 27.8 per cent in 2022 against 28.1 per cent in the prior year, despite the aggressive series of hikes.”

Commenting on the effect MPR is having on the availability of loans to boost the real sector, the Head, Financial Institutions Ratings at Agusto & Co, Mr. Ayokunle Olubunmi, said: “The increase in MPR, most banks are seeing it as a signal from the CBN that they should increase rates. So, what

you see is that a lot of banks are increasing the interest rates on their loans. But now most banks have gotten to a stage where there is a limit to increasing the rates on loans because it could lead to default.

“A lot of banks are now reluctant on the rate they are increasing their interest rates. So, most banks can’t

pass the impact of the high MPR. We would see that the earnings of banks, would actually reduce because don’t forget that banks primarily get their money from the difference between the interest income and interest expense.”

On their part, analysts at Cowry Assets stated: “We continue to see

the downside risks to pressures from inflation as the central bank’s aggressive monetary policy tightening measures will largely depend on the path of inflation.

In our December 2022 inflation statements, we noted that the moderate reversal in inflation would prompt members into

voting for a further tightening stance to keep inflation at single-digit. Having said that, we would note that loosening under a double-digit inflationary condition would be tantamount to the immediate reversal of the expected further downward trend in inflation.”

TOTAL FX MARKET TURNOVER AT I & E WINDOW JUMPED 11.1% TO N64.61TRN IN 2022 needle on exchange rate. In addition, elevated subsidy payments should curtail oil inflows, albeit the likely suspension of this cost at the 2nd half of the year should be positive for the reserves.

“With yields expected to remain elevated in the global economy, the return of foreign portfolio investors seems remote until risk adjusted returns becomes attractive. More so, the weak macro backdrop and lack of flexibility in exchange rate management remain a headwind

for capital flows. With the likelihood of Eurobond borrowing slim, the possibility of an influx of the greenback to support the Naira looks unrealistic. However, the continual success of the RT200 FX scheme is a tailwind for the currency at the official market.”

“While the nation’s FX reserves may proffer support for the currency, we highlight that the CBN will continue to allow the Naira to weaken to c. N480/$ - N490.00/$ at the I & EFX window during the

year to aid marginal improvement in balance of payment. As such, we opine that we might not see a devaluation in the Naira beyond that level.

“On the positive side, the commencement of operations at Dangote Refinery, slated for 2023, may bode positively for the economy given potential FX savings and inflows,” the report said.

Further investigation by THISDAY revealed that firms operating in Nigeria raised a whopping sum of

N724.33 billion Commercial Papers (CPs) in 2022.

The report also disclosed that firms raised N578.48billion Corporate Bonds in the year under review.

CPs are short-term debt financing securities (no longer than 270 days in tenor) consisting of unsecured and discounted promissory notes issued by large corporations with good credit ratings, which can be readily traded.

Due to its relatively short

maturity period, CP is referred to as low-risk investments, and offering competitive returns to investors in compensation for the issuer’s credit risk.

According to THISDAY investigations, Dangote cement and MTN Nigeria were the notable bond issuances in the period under review.

Dangote Cement Plc in May 2022 completed the issuance of N116 billion series 2 fixed rate senior unsecured bonds under

its N300 billion multi-instrument issuance programme, while MTN Nigeria in October 2022 completed its N115billion Series 1 fixed rate bond issuance under its new N200billion bond programme and third bond issuance in the debt capital markets.

Union Bank of Nigeria, Julius Berger, Johnvents Industries Limited and Coleman Technical Industries were among the companies that accessed the CP market of the FMDQ.

25

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Sahara Foundation, Egbin Power Plc Upgrade Ijede Police Station Nume Ekeghe

L-R: Assistant Director, Personal Income Tax, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), Mrs Enonuya Angela; Director, Informal Sector and Special Duties, LIRS, Ms Coker Folashade; Executive Chairman, LIRS, Ayodele Subair and, Director, Tax Audit, LIRS, Mrs Bolaji Akintola during the 11th edition of the Vanguard Personality of the Year Award held in Lagos…recently

Omosehin: Motor Insurance Rate Will Accelerate Claims Payment On Motor Policies Ebere Nwoji The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), has said that the new motor insurance rates released by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), January 1, 2023 would, if supported by Nigerians, lead to adequate claims payment on motor insurance polices.

NIA also expressed optimism that President Muhammadu Buhari would accent to the 2020 Consolidated Insurance Bill before the tenure of the Ninth National Assembly ends.

NIA Chairman, Mr Olusegun Omosehin, stated these at a news conference in Lagos and said the association was in full support of the new premium rates released by NAICOM and has indeed taken steps

to ensure that members comply and join in the publicity initiatives that would follow shortly.

“The Association is embarking on stakeholder engagement as a first layer interface with the critical stakeholders to ensure their buy in and support. We do not need to restate the issues with enforcement of the old rates, but we are confident that with your usual support and the understanding of the Nigerian public, Nigerians will support the new rates and this will not only lead to increase in premium income for underwriters but also increase in claims payment to the clients.

He further said that the Ecowas Risk (risk arising from travelers from West African countries) and others is covered under the new premium rates.

NAICOM had on December 22; 2022 through a circular to all insurance chief executives announced 200 percent increase on premium payable on Motor Third Party Insurance and others adding that the comprehensive motor insurance policy premium rate should henceforth not be less than 5 percent of the sum insured after all rebates/ discounts.

The new rates contained in the circular which takes effect from January 1, 2023 are as follows: private vehicles that were paying N5, 000 premium to get N1 million claims in case of death or permanent disability under Motor Third Party Property Damage (TPPD) limit, are now to pay N15, 000 premium to make N3 million claims while owner

good vehicles are to pay N20, 000 premium for N5 million claims.

Staff busses to pay N20, 000 premium for N3 million claims while commercial trucks and general cartage, are to pay N100, 000 premium for N5 million TPPD limit; tricycles N5, 000 for N2 million TPPD limit, and motor cycles N3, 000 for N1 million TPPD limit.

The commission noted that failure to comply with this circular shall attract appropriate regulatory sanctions.

Omoshehin said that the consolidated insurance bill proposed since 2020 for review of the Insurance Act 2003, had been passed.

He explained that the bill was currently going through the remaining legislative procedures preparatory to the presidential accent.

Artificial Intelligence, Data will Drive Leadway Assurance Operations in 2023 The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Leadway Assurance, Tunde Hassan-Odukale, has disclosed that the company will be deploying artificial intelligence (AI), data-driven and researchoriented initiatives to drive its operations in 2023.

Speaking during New Year strategic welcome message to all stakeholders of the country, Hassan-Odukale said this is due to the firm’s quest for dominance in Nigeria’s insurance industry.

“As the business environment

evolves, the speed of change being driven by technology will never be slower. This obviously has profound implications for business. Therefore, we will be deploying more data-driven and research-oriented initiatives, adopting data and artificial intelligence practices for improved processes and quick decision-making to promote immersive and exceptional customer experience. Indeed, part of our emphasis this year is to significantly enhance our operational excellence with improvements in

our technology use, “he said.

Hassan-Ofukale, further said in this new year and future years, Leadway would be committed to strengthening its risk management strategies and technical expertise to ensure such risks were properly identified, assessed, and proactively mitigated.

“I am confident that the future holds immense opportunities for all our businesses, given the government’s huge investment in public infrastructure and imminent changes in the economy.

Leadway as an organisation will continue to tap into these emerging opportunities and pursue its strategic goal of being ‘the most dominant insurance company in Nigeria’, in revenue and profit market share, within the corporate and retail market segments, “he added.

The Leadway boss reiterated that the organisation could not achieve these towering objectives without a firm commitment to provide a world-class customer experience consistently.

Insurance Brokers Contribute 60% of Insurance Premium, Says NIA Ebere Nwoji The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), has disclosed that insurance brokers contributed no less than 60 per cent of insurance business in Nigeria in 2021.

The association said this has confirmed the claim that insurance market in Nigeria was broker dominated.

The Director General of NIA, Mrs. Yetunde Ilori, stated that out of the 60 per cent, 80 per cent of it was for Non-Life Insurance business while 40 per cent was contributed for Life.

Ilori who spoke at the Management Retreat of the Lagos Area Committee of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) in Lagos, noted that brokers in the Lagos Market contributed 60 per cent of the business volume, underscoring the strategic importance of the brokers located in the axis.

“Though it is affirmed that these businesses come from Lagos, the NIA would soon go granular to determine whether the brokers that brought in the businesses were domiciled in Lagos

or just have their branch offices there, “Ilori stated.

Speaking on the theme, “Leading for Change,“ the CEO of Dapsaderk Consulting Ltd, Mrs. Adekunle Aderemi, told the delegates to imbibe transformational leadership in order to change the narrative of the insurance industry in the country.

She noted that change management was a desirable skill for all managers and leaders of business in the world in order to cope with the changing dynamics of

work and professions, adding that the insurance industry required more dynamism on the part of leadership to meet the changing expectations of the populace in risk management and insurance.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mr. Tope Adaramola, who spoke on “Effective Relationship Management”, noted that since all professions and businesses were people based, professionals must deliberately school themselves in the art of people- management, as a way to excel in the changing world.

Egbin Power Plc, working in collaboration with Sahara Foundation, has commissioned the newly revamped Ijede police station in Ijede community, Ikorodu, Lagos State.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Chief Executive Officer, Egbin Power Plc, Mokhtar Bounour said the company, through Sahara Foundation, has further demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by making impact in the lives of people and adding value to communities where the organization operates.

He said, “This initiative is part of our strategy at Egbin Power Plc to be closer to the communities where we operate. The Police are a vital part of our stakeholders in the society and we appreciate the effort and resources they apply to deliver adequate security to protect lives and property. We also know they are doing their best to keep people and property safe in our communities. So, through projects of this nature, we will continue to demonstrate our encouragement and support for them in discharging their duties and to make a difference.”

The Director, Sustainability and Governance, Sahara Group Gray, Ejiro Gray, thanked the Nigerian Police Force for their support and collaboration during the project, noting that the project reinforces Sahara Foundation’s commitment to improving lives and promoting sustainable societies.

“What we do at Sahara Foundation is to ensure that through initiatives like this, we are transforming and impacting lives and livelihood of people in our host communities.

And we cannot talk about making impact without providing adequate security of lives and property, which is a core component of the wellbeing of every society and communities. This is one of the ways we are contributing our quota to promoting access to energy, sustainable environment by transforming lives and livelihood at Sahara Foundation, Sahara Group and by extension Egbin Power Plc, she said.”

While acknowledging the efforts of the benefactors, the Lagos State Deputy Commissioner of Police (Admin) DCP Ewah Bassey expressed deep appreciation to Sahara Group and Egbin Power Station for the project.

CRC Credit Bureau Appoints New Directors Nume Ekeghe The Board of Directors of CRC Credit Bureau Limited has announced the appointment of three new Directors across the group following the receipt of all required regulatory approvals.

The appointees are Mr. Niyi Ajao as an Independent NonExecutive Director and Mrs. Funmi Adedibu Mrs. Helen Maiyegun as Non-Executive Directors CRC Credit Bureau in a statement noted that Mr. Niyi Ajao brings to the Board of CRC, over 30 years of cumulative work experience in the financial services

industry in innovation and emerging technologies, operations, electronic payments and settlement systems management, digital financial services, and business development.

He is the Founder/ CEO of Digital Finance Solutions Nigeria Limited.

Mr. Ajao previously served as Executive Director and later as the Deputy Managing Director of Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) Plc between May 2019 and April 2021. He led the development and management of a number of landmark innovations while at NIBSS.

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Adeniyi: Incoming Administration Must Address FX, Other Challenges In this interview with select journalists, the Group Managing Director, Vitafoam Plc, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi said the incoming administration must address foreign exchange, insecurity and energy challenges currently facing the nation’s economy. Kayode Tokede presents the excerpt As Nigerians are warming up for the Presidential election in 2023, are there any areas you’d like the incoming administration to address to enhance manufacturing output? he elections will be conducted very soon and we have started engaging the government.

Hopefully, they will make use of all-over engagements.

Top on the list of what you’re asking the government to attend to is the dichotomy between the various foreign exchange windows that we have in Nigeria.

We are expecting the government to bring in an economist to look at the impact of the various decisions as regards foreign exchange on the economy, rather than an individual putting whatsoever it is, imagining it will operate for everybody.

Secondly, it is the insecurity in the country.

Everyone loves to do business in an environment that is safe. Many of us produce from factories all over the nation. Moving our products from one place to another is becoming extremely difficult.

Drivers now tell you that we cannot go to certain places and those that are ready to go are charging above the roof. This is making all of the cost elements go up from time to time.

Third on the list is energy. In fact, if you do a combination of these three elements, you will find out that if you cast your mind back to what has helped the nation to continue, these three elements form the major part of what has sustained the economy.

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The question we keep asking ourselves is that what has been the benefit of the privatization of the energy sector?

I don’t know whether domestic people will say they are benefiting from it. But in terms of industry, we have not benefited so much from it. We remove subsidies and we have been coping with our lives. But because of the pressure on foreign, diesel has now gone up the roof.

Infrastructure is the language of the day. if you involve the private sector and government to signal trust in the administration of the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), I’m sure there’ll be a lot more participation. Because at the end of the day, is good for all but what you find is that those at the private sector do not trust the government.

You find these deficits in infrastructure all over the place, and it is making it so impossible to run a business. Cost is just skyrocketing by the day because it is what you buy that you sell.

What other areas do you want the government to tackle in the manufacturing sector?

You know, BOI gives loan to manufacturers and they do it excellently well. When BOI started giving out loans, I remember very well, for instance, Vitafoam Nigeria got a loan from BOI. One of the things that BOI used to do then was they will make a list of your foreign exchange requirement to CBN. The CBN will grant a window to genuine manufacturers because they know that when you do that, you are able to source your materials cheaply and bring them to this environment. By doing so, you have created job opportunities and expanded the horizon.

I may not be absolutely correct. But I can also be sure that the foreign allowances to the House of Assembly and Judges have never failed one day getting to them; I may not be too sure. The House of Assembly and Judges are not shouting that the CBN has not paid them foreign exchange allowances as we in the manufacturing sector are carrying to the government. So why wouldn’t the government create a special window where

Adeniyi

genuine manufacturers can assess foreign exchange?

The government knows them, appraises them and benchmarks them. The government has implemented all manner of policies and yet it is not working.

You find out that those items that are even on the exclusive list, get to this environment, cheaper than those of us that are produced locally because the windows manufacturer gets foreign exchange and makes a mess of it. I always say that in the wisdom of the fathers of this country and even the wisdom of this present government, invested heavily in agric. But between us who measures that window and who is it that monitors that If I as an agric investor take out 20 tons of Garlic and I sell it and I get $20, do I bring $20 back to this environment? And even when I bring the $20 back to this environment, how do I sell the $20?. That $20 is what I am supposed to be available for CBN to redistribute back into the economy.

This is not happening as we speak. It is expected a special vehicle window is created for the manufacturers for them to be able to have access to foreign exchange to operate their business.

How is Vitafoam able to consistently remain profitable in spite of all these headwinds?

We always pride ourselves. You may see two products in the market and they look so much alike. But you ask yourself, why is it that you don’t cost the same price? There are intrinsic values we have in our products that stand out in the marketplace. We say to ourselves that our definition of quality is fit for purpose. For as long as our product fits the purpose for which you have gone to the market to spend your money, you will continue to buy. So, what we have done is to create a niche market for ourselves. We don’t play in every market. We don’t run the same race as others. We have created a niche market for ourselves to say when

you buy our product, you will not regret spending your money and that is what is standing us out in the marketplace.

And that’s why we produce well and we price well in the market.

How will you describe the group 2022FY performance despite the challenges?

The group performance declined by 2.2per cent in terms of profit, but the top line grew by 31per cent We started the year with N192/litre of diesel. If you’ve got to look at the administrative costs or you look at the elements that contributed to that drop, you’ll find it under the likes of electricity and finance cost. Now when I say electricity, tariffs went off in the course of the year, and diesel prices went up in the course of the year. Now, also, you’ll find out that maintenance of machines.

The way it works, those machines are not made it so the same dollar you are struggling to get to buy your raw material is the same dollar that you’re applying to buy spare part parts for those machines to fix the machines and get it running.

So when you do a combination of all of those items, That’s what is responsible.

I will say that we didn’t plan for it, but if you look at exchange loss alone in that financial year, Vitafoam lost over a billion naira to exchange that should have directly gone into our profit and shareholders. If our government is serious, it should be of concern to them.

What are the ways Vitafoam has benefited from African Continental Free Trade Area?

What is happening is that we have signed that agreement without looking at all the nuts that band it together.

Nigeria only signed it without wanting other African countries to go ahead of us. We are still trying to sort out all of the tariff elements. How do you treat the origin of goods from one African country to another? These are details

that have to be worked out. Some of the Nigerian businesses benefiting from the agreement because they have offshore businesses in those countries in Africa.

You’ll find that there is an exchange of goods between these Nigerian companies’ offshore businesses and their country of origin. But the real trade has not started because the lot of issues have not been sorted. The good thing is that we have signed the agreement.

How is multiple taxation affecting the manufacturing sector in Nigeria?

We in the organized private sector have decided to put our problems in the bucket.

I had listed the germane ones but If I had continued, I could have listed multiple taxations. The question we’ve been asking is, what is the Joint Tax Board (JTB) doing? I am sure they have DG, directors and people who go to the office every day that are supposed to be looking at these taxes. These are people who could have look at these taxes and see how they monetize the tax heads.

We have complained, shout and nothing is been done about it. The other time, the Ogun state government wrote us that we should come and pay a levy for everyone wearing Vitafoam T-shirts is an advert. They wanted us to pay for the Vitafoam T-shirts in Ogun state. We told them that anybody they see with Vitafoam T-shirts, they should remove it or collect the levy from them. Can you imagine that? All sorts of things going on in the name of generating revenue. We have told them if they try to muscle the horse that trades the coins, it will die. If the horse dies, the little your getting, you will not get to you anymore. We can only continue to engage tax collectors.

It appears your Vitafoam subsidiaries are also doing well and all have a positive impact on the group performance.

The new baby to the group is Vitapart operation which we just started. It is getting better by the day and we hope that this particular year, it will contribute significantly to the figure but it has started doing well but not to our expectations.

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Oseni: CBN Policies Strengthening Economy, Naira The President Risk Management Association of Nigeria, Dr. Ezekiel Oseni speaks on the recent developments in the economy, the role of risk management in all spheres of businesses and government and other pertinent economic issues. Nume Ekeghe presents the excerpts; Congratulations sir on the establishment of the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI). As the only Chartered Risk Management Institute in Nigeria, how does it feel to achieve this feat and what message do you have for risk practitioners in Nigeria? e are very happy that we were able to get the National Assembly to pass the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria bill, and we are delighted to have gotten the President’s assent to it. It is a good thing not just for us as an Institute but also for businesses, organizations, and the Nigerian economy. The essence of this institute is to define risk management practices and set standards for risk management practices in Nigeria that will make our businesses safer, our economy safer, and be able to deliver on their mandates.

So, it is a good thing that has happened to the country. Risk management features in everything that we do, whether it is our personal lives, our corporate businesses, or the national economy, risk is a constant thing. So having a Chartered Risk Management Institute is designed to play a vital role, to guide in several areas, to forestall risk from crystallizing. In every aspect of our economy, whether it is in the public sector or private sector, risk management has a very vital role to play. We look at what is happening around insecurity as a matter of risk management, so you need a risk manager to assist in curtailing that. Concerning the economy, either foreign exchange or general business operations, risk management has a lot to do with it. Just mention any part of our economy; risk management has a role to play.

Currently, we run a professional certification in risk management, in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN). We were doing that because we were an association, so we needed the CIBN to provide credibility to the certification, which started in 2016, and every year we do the induction jointly with the president of CIBN. But now that we are a chartered institute, we are looking at how we can start running the certification on our own. It is going to take some time for us to do that because we have contracts that we execute with CIBN.

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Oseni But whether things will be easier for our candidates, yes, of course, it’s going to be much easier for them; the processes that are involved will be much simpler than what we have currently. So, I can assure you that the candidates will have things much better when we start running the programme than in partnership with CIBN. But also, I must commend CIBN for the immense support all this time. They have done excellently well, and we are very proud of the governing council of CIBN, the registrar and his team at the executive level, and the members of that institute. They have done well and we are grateful for the support that they gave to us as an Association before we became an Institute.

How important is the need for acquiring professional risk management certification now that there is a Chartered Risk Management Institute in Nigeria? What are the opportunities available with the Institute’s certification?

The opportunities are many. As I said earlier, risk management is universal. Whether you

are in the private sector, the public sector, or regardless of where you work and what you do, whether you work for yourself or somebody else, you need risk management to be able to survive. So those that hold our certification have lots of opportunities in their businesses because it will be easier for them to understand what risk management is all about. We also provide capacity building regularly for our members by bringing them up to date on the issues of risk management, whether at the global level or the national level. We also have industry-specific risk management issues that we bring to people in different industries or sectors of the economy.

So being a member of the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria affords you many opportunities to grow, to be able to understand what risk management practice is, and to be able to imbibe that in your business.

So there is a whole lot. For those who are looking for jobs, a time will come that if you are not a member ora chartered risk manager, it will be difficult to get jobs as risk management staff because more attention will now be given to risk management in every organisation, and you only want to employ those that are qualified, not just anybody playing the role of a risk manager, so you will have to have the necessary certification.

Can you speak on the recent reforms introduced by the CBN on naira re-design and cash withdrawal limits and how they would affect monetary policy and the Nigerian economy?

With the new policy, the new naira that was introduced, and even the cash withdrawal limits, for me, I think they are good interventions. We know that the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) as it is today is 17.5 percent, inflation rates are also going up, and those things have to be tamed. But how do we tame them if there is so much money in the economy and the goods and services are not there to commiserate with the available money supply in the economy? You cannot help but have inflation.

Now you can see that with the policy and the

new naira design, many people are opening their unbanked savings and bringing out money. You wonder why someone would lock up money that is supposed to be in circulation, and some of this money have been kept for months or years and is not in circulation.

So, CBN introducing this policy will help to strengthen the economy because much of the idle cash will not be able to find its way to the bank at the end of the day if CBN sticks to the January 31 deadline, and that also means that the naira will be strengthened in one way or another, and then the cashless policy that CBN introduced some years ago will become more effective.

Yes, a lot of people and businesses will be inconvenienced by the challenges people are having assessing the new Naira notes, but all the same, you can still transact your business through e-naira, e-transfer, and the like without having to bring out physical cash. Also, note that the smaller denominations have not been redesigned and are still readily available for the petty traders and transporters.

What should we expect from your Institute this year and in the short, medium, and long term?

For businesses that already have our members, yes, we will provide regular capacity building for them that will bring them up to speed on what is happening in their various sectors of the economy and globally so that they will be able to manage whatever risk comes up in their respective organizations.

Secondly, we will come up regularly with risk outlooks, either for the quarter or for the entire year, to warn businesses and institutions of the likely risks that the country may face at any point in time. If you look at the World Economic Forum, they issue annual risk outlooks and this year, they are looking at climate change and the likelihood of a food shortage. When you talk about a food shortage, what opportunity is there for Nigeria? Either to increase productivity in the agricultural sector or to boost production for local consumption and probably for exports too.

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

Crawford: Self-awareness Critical to Success in Turbulent Times In this interview, winner of the equivalent of two Oscars and Oxford alumnus Ambassador Charles Crawford explains why executives should attend the forthcoming TEXEM Self-awareness for Better Management of Change in Uncertain Times programme. Other TEXEM’s faculty delivering this programme include Professor Paul Griffith, the World’s first Professor in Management to lead a team to launch a rocket into space and Professor Randall Peterson of London Business School.

Also, TEXEM’s methodology of making learning fun, engaging and impactful is another critical reason why participants should attend this programme, Selfawareness for Better Management of Change in Uncertain Times. Also, research has shown that organisations with strong financial performance have a distinct feature of possessing more selfaware leaders than poorly performing companies. Also, organisations with more self-aware employees are likely to have more collaborative and cohesive teams and deliver superior performance.

Please tell us what role you will play in the TEXEM February 2023 programme, ‘ Self-awareness for better management of change in uncertain times, ‘ impacting the Leader today? ’m pleased to deliver one of the live sessions featuring fundamental practical communication skills that will help any leader or manager sound smart, confident and convincing in all settings. The key idea is this: It’s not what you say - it’s what they hear. So, if you’re trying to motivate a team to do something new and difficult, your words may be (more or less!) OK. But what if they’re hearing from your tone and the wider context such ‘deeper’ things as Boring, Lazy, Doesn’t Mean It, Sexist, Time-waster, Irresponsible, and Annoying? Your words will be wasted against this broader cynicism.

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Do you consider this programme pertinent to the needs of Leaders?

Yes. Because if you don’t know how you’re coming across to the team, your seniors, customers, and regulators, what do you think you’re doing all day?

What benefits do executives stand to gain from participating in this programme?

The core benefit of the programme Self Awareness for better management of change in uncertain times is that they’ll think differently about themselves and their work.

Coping amidst uncertain and challenging times requires just the right combination of determination and flexibility. You may think you’re getting that right? But what’s your test of success and your test of failure? This programme will make leaders optimise their decision-making credentials about areas for improvement, and it will make their organ-

Crawford isations consistently learn, innovate and deliver excellent products and services to all stakeholders. The programme will help organisations win.

How would you recommend TEXEM’s forthcoming programme titled, “Selfawareness for better management of change in uncertain times,” which will be held between February 11 to March 4, 2023, to Leaders?

Leaders anywhere in the world need to grasp the operational and policy distinction between what’s important - and what matters. It’s not enough these days to be grand or powerful and astute. You need to be convincing and effective. This programme helps you think hard about the necessary ‘mindset’ to achieve that.

How successful can a leader or manager be without Self-awareness?

Quite successful until everything abruptly crashes to the floor in pieces. A leader or manager with no self-awareness is like one of those children’s cartoon characters who walk confidently off a high cliff into thin air and keeps on walking happily in the air for a few paces before gravity starts asking difficult questions and the speedy painful fall begins.

To achieve enduring success, teams in organisations must be emotionally savvy.

They must possess the ability to identify and manage their emotions and identify and influence others’ emotions for results.

When individuals, teams, and managers have excellent emotional intelligence, this could lead to a culture of learning and innovation that is challenging for others to imitate and could be one of the contributors to sustainable competitive advantage.

Many change initiatives fail; how could self-management help make

change- management succeed?

There are no guarantees. You may even do the best possible job and succeed until something completely unexpected (say, a new invention or new policy context) comes along and wrecks everything. It’s genuinely hard to summon just the right balance between discipline, hard work, creativity and flexibility.

But all these things require you to have the right competence and emotional stability to make you resilient despite headwinds, which is why this programme is relevant and necessary. This programme, Self-awareness for Better Management of Change in Uncertain Times, is critical as it equips organisations and their team to pay serious attention to their open and subliminal messages: their messages to your teams, customers, stakeholders, and yourself.

What is the format of the programme?

The Self-awareness for Better Management of Change in Uncertain Times programme is a combination of self-paced study and live sessions. Participants will study for an average of one hour every day between February 11 to March 4, and there will be live sessions every Saturday for four weeks.

The experience has been gamified such that participants will get points ranked on a league table for every article read, video watched, and comment made.

The top 5 on the league table will be recognised each weekend when we have the live sessions via zoom, during which different faculty will deliver. For example, each live session on Saturday will have Professor Randal Peterson of London Business School, Professor Paul Griffith, the world’s first Professor of Management to lead a team to launch a rocket, and I deliver.

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WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2023 •T H I S D AY

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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

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

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

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

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

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

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 27Jan-2023, unless otherwise stated.

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

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

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 196.85 198.00 4.09% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 11.81% Nigeria International Debt Fund 311.94 311.94 1.13% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 105.85 106.95 0.42% 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 13.24% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.83 3.89 13.20% 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 N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com info@anchoriaam.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 22.88 23.57 12.78% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 539.07 555.33 19.48% ARM Ethical Fund 46.30 47.69 18.84% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.13 1.13 4.50% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.12 1.12 10.13% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.80% ARM Short Term Bond Fund 1.04 1.04 0.57% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com; Tel 08069294653 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 99.27 99.27 4.38% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,105.27 1,105.27 -1.88% 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 3.25% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.36 2.41 8.25% CAPITALTRUST INVESTMENTS AND ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED halalfif@capitaltrustnigeria.com Web: www.capitaltrustnigeria.com; Tel: 08061458806 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Capitaltrust Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund N/A N/A N/A CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 12.30% Paramount Equity Fund 18.53 18.87 3.41% Women's Investment Fund 152.42 154.30 2.62% CHD Nigeria Bond Fund 109.29 109.29 11.94% CHD Nigeria Dollar Income Fund 1.06 1.06 9.17% 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 N/A N/A N/A Cordros Milestone Fund N/A N/A N/A Cordros Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Cordros Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) N/A N/A N/A CORONATION ASSETS MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com, Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn N/A N/A N/A Coronation Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn N/A N/A N/A 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 EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-asset-management-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Emerging Africa Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.28% Emerging Africa Bond Fund 1.08 1.08 10.37% Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund 1.11 1.11 39.76% Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund 105.13 105.13 1.74% FBNQUEST ASSETS MANAGEMENT LIMITED invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Bond Fund 1485.26 1485.26 12.55% FBN Balanced Fund 206.50 207.95 3.41% FBN Halal Fund 124.17 124.17 13.15% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.49% FBN Dollar Fund 120.87 120.87 6.72% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 175.65 178.24 6.06% FBN Specialized Dollar Fund 104.78 104.78 8.98% 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 10.06% Legacy Debt Fund 3.54 3.54 -11.58% Legacy Equity Fund 2.05 2.09 17.86% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.26 1.26 4.44% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1

Fund Name Coral Balanced Fund Coral Income Fund Coral Money Market Fund

Bid Price 4,316.38 3,737.00 100.00

Offer Price 4,348.14 3,737.00 100.00

Yield / T-Rtn 31.35% 8.16% 13.75%

FSDH Dollar Fund 1.14 1.14 5.98% GUARANTY TRUST FUND MANAGERS LIMITED enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.gtcoplc.bank; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) N/A N/A N/A Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: www.meristemwealth.com/funds/; Tel: +2348028496012 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 12.70 12.73 2.97% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.98% NORRENBERGER INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED enquiries@norrenberger.com Web: www.norrenberger.com, Tel: +234 (0) 908 781 2026 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Norrenberger Islamic Fund (NIF) 101.39 101.39 8.84% Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 100.00 100.00 11.77% 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 1.61 1.66 3.02% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.45 11.64 3.18% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 10.33% PACAM Equity Fund 1.49 1.52 5.44% PACAM EuroBond Fund 123.91 126.89 8.79% 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 128.93 131.26 0.05% 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 1.00 1.00 11.03% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,753.80 3,785.48 10.76% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 245.94 245.94 4.40% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.48 1.50 18.25% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 334.27 334.27 6.75% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 272.09 275.39 16.50% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.91% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 12,847.39 12,994.17 17.63% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.37 1.37 6.22% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 121.61 121.61 4.02% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 115.84 115.84 8.89% Stanbic IBTC Absolute Fund 4,596.14 4,596.14 8.04% Stanbic IBTC Aggressive Fund 3,425.73 3,469.17 23.23% Stanbic IBTC Conservative Fund 4,334.68 4,351.07 13.86% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Equity Fund 1.04 1.07 9.65% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.47 1.50 7.50% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.19 1.21 2.61% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.11 1.11 9.92% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 1.96 1.96 7.42% United Capital Eurobond Fund 125.90 125.90 5.87% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.22% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Balanced Strategy Fund 14.28 14.42 2.98% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 16.34 16.50 3.37% Zenith Income Fund 23.71 23.71 0.64% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.03% VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD funds@vetiva.com Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 4.44 4.54 10.57% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 6.18 6.28 5.76% Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 19.36 19.56 9.43% Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 11.02% Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 24.44 24.64 22.19% Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 140.42 142.42 -10.93% REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

114.09 53.06 101.31 9.91

7.63% 3.98% -13.22%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

14.31 138.73 108.14 17.40 16.40

14.41 141.14 110.02 17.50 16.50

2.30% 8.71% 8.16% 6.07% 1.18%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

106.75

0.00%

Fund Name

SFS REIT Union Homes REIT Nigeria Real Estate Investment Trust UPDC REIT

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

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.

30

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2023

EDUCATION Addressing Teachers’ Dearth in Public Schools to Avert Learning Crisis In this report, Funmi Ogundare writes on the need for the government to stop politicising the recruitment of teachers by addressing the dearth of teachers in public schools and ensuring curriculum review to avert a learning crisis

M

r Olamilekan Adekoya is a teacher at Anthony Village Senior High School. He has been teaching Civic Education and Government for 10 years. Due to his love for the profession and impacting lives, he wakes up at 4:00 a.m. from Monday to Friday to beat the Maryland traffic, using riding on a tricycle and sometimes trekking amid fuel scarcity and perennial gridlock due to road constructions.

He teaches senior secondary one to three classes. There is a shortage of teachers in his school, and because he has to teach many students, Adekoya may be unable to give his best to each person.

He told THISDAY about the burdensome workload. According to him, a teacher who teaches Biology and Chemistry is responsible for teaching Computer Studies. The situation has forced some teachers to seek greener pastures.

Adekoya added that when teachers retired in his school, there was no effort by the government to replace them.

“Before now, there used to be a catering craft teacher, but when she retired, no teacher was hired to take her place and the students learning of the subject suffered,” Adekoya explained.

“Also, in art and craft, ever since the teacher retired over three years ago, there has been no teacher to replace her.”

He worries that the teachers in the school are overworked and battling depression.

“Some of our colleagues are going through depression and cannot manage it effectively. It is when they die that you will see people coming to empathise with their families,” he stated.

Adekoya, studying at the University of Lagos, stated that combining that with teaching has not been easy.

“UNILAG is compelling me to come to school from Monday to Sunday between 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. my school management will equally want me to teach all my students from SS one to three and still want me to do extra curriculum activities. For now, I am on bed rest. I had an appendicitis operation a few weeks ago. If I don’t manage myself well, nobody will do it for me,” Adekoya said.

He appealed to the government to employ more teachers, saying that many unemployed teachers are seeking government employment.

According to UNICEF global standard, the Pupil/Teacher Ratio (PTR) is 1:25. However, in Lagos, there is no evidence to support the average data on PTR in public schools, and there is a lack of a teacher-based information management system to determine how teachers are being deployed in the state to take different subjects.

THISDAY can confirm that TPR is 1-64.

More so, Lagos, a cosmopolitan state, harbours people from diverse geographical locations in Nigeria daily with a strong nexus on the rate of enrolment in schools, creating overbearing pressure on teachers, the school population, as well as infrastructure, thereby bringing about a learning crisis in the system. According to UNICEF, 70 per cent of Nigerian children are going through a learning crisis. Statistics from the Learning Crisis in the Nigerian Literacy of 2021 revealed that 53 per cent of 10-year-olds could not read or write. It added that despite having one of the best policies globally, implementation had been a challenge that kept the TPR at 1:65.

A teacher in Unity Junior Secondary School, Tolu Complex, Ajegunle, who does not want her name in print, disclosed that there are about 35 primary and secondary schools within the Tolu complex, adding that pupil/teacher ratio in some of the schools range from 1:50 and 1:120 per class.

“In some schools outside the complex, the population is more, so you can have between 120 to 140 pupils to a teacher,” she said, attributing the large population of students to the free education policy of the state government.

Asked if the infrastructure will not be overstretched and how the students will be

An overcrowded classroom able to learn effectively considering the large population in a classroom, she said, “The state government is trying its best in the provision of desk and chairs for the students and textbooks which must be returned at the end of each session. If the child is really interested in learning, he will learn. Learning has been made easy now. There are different types of learning methods; you can use a projector to teach and you can also give take home assignments on what you have already taught.”

She expressed concern that the government is not helping matters as they have given teachers the mandate to ensure 100 per cent pass for all students, irrespective of how dull or intelligent a student may be, adding that parents are not helpful.

“One of the challenges of learning is poverty. I found out that some of my students have not been coming to school because they had been engaged in other businesses which their parents supported,” the teacher stated.

For schools with a large population of students, she stressed the need for government to divide them into two to make the classes more conducive for learning, adding that teachers’ welfare packages and salaries must be paramount so that they can be happy to teach students.

A teacher at Community Senior High School, Alapere, Mrs Mojirade Adetunji (not her real name), who teaches Mathematics and Physics, said the school lacks enough teachers, adding that the teacher-students ratio is not ideal, especially in densely populated schools. She said though the state government has been recruiting teachers, they are not enough.

The teacher attributed the shortage to parents transferring their wards from private schools to public schools due to economic hardship.

Adetunji, who lives on the island, said it has been stressful for her getting, coupled with standing for long periods to teach. She stated that the ratio of teachers leaving is higher than those recruited.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Lagos, Akintoye Hassan, attributed the insufficiency of teachers in the state to limited financial resources available to the government, other social services competing or begging for government interventions, uncontrollable

migration to Lagos by non-indigenes, as well as lack of adequate and verifiable data that could support the government in making decisions or projections on the number of teachers, required to close the inadequacy gaps.

He confirmed to THISDAY some of the factors responsible for the overwhelming increase in students’ population in the state, saying that there is improved infrastructure through the efforts of the Lagos State Committee on the Rehabilitation of Public Schools (LSCRPC), a government agency in charge of public schools rehabilitation, construction of new schools, capacity building and career development for teachers to enhance teaching and learning.

“There has also been an aggressive media publicity by the relevant educational agencies calling for enrollment of pupils into public schools, free tuition policy of the government which has also taken up the burden of paying for WAEC and BECE examination fee from parents, digital learning policy, through the EkoExcel which translates into better performance in literacy, numeracy, problem-solving, etc.,” Hassan stated.

Other factors, he noted, include recognising excellence through positive reinforcement of gifts and the One-Day Governor spelling Bee annual competition to motivate or encourage reading habits, support services from the government through the ‘Project Zero policy’ with the slogan, ‘Leave no child behind’, free uniforms for indigent students, among others.

Asked if welfare schemes are available for his members, the chairman said, “To me, the issue of welfarism is highly a relative term, depending on the areas you are looking at. For example, the government claims to offer housing units to public servants through application.”

He added, “The question now is, is it really affordable for our members, considering the cost of each unit? Again, the government enhancing teachers’ career development through capacity building could be viewed by my members in different ways. Some may see it as a kind of impacting on their welfare, while others may see it as a statutory responsibility of the government.”

He highlighted some of the welfare packages available for teachers from the government, saying, “There is recognition of excellence, through the annual merit award, where exotic cars are gifted to deserving teachers, career progression through the attainment of the pinnacle of the public service career, which is the position of Permanent Secretary, regularity of salary payment and other allowances, international exchange programme for deserving teachers, annual end of year bonus for public servants which is 100 per cent of the basic salary and non-taxable, capacity building through training, workshops, and seminars, among others.”

Experts’ views The Technical Lead on Governance of Non-state Systems, Partnership for Learning for All in

Nigeria (PLANE) programme, Dr James Fadokun, expressed concern about having a high number of pupils compared to the teachers saying that this has implications for teaching and learning and could bring about a learning crisis.

He stressed the need for the government to recruit more teachers and for them also to take advantage of the social networks available through the federal ministry of education.

“The ministry of education is bringing in the N-teach to be able to harness some of those capacity back to the school system so that the pupil/teacher ratio will be reduced,” he said, describing the learning crisis as massive for the country in general.

He stressed the need for curriculum renewal, saying that the federal government, through the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), should address the issue of the teachers’ gap, as well as teachers’ study to know the number of teachers who are in demand and those that will be supplied to teach subjects like English and Mathematics.

“Those who are being recruited are teachers who take Arabic, Social Studies and History.

Most times they don’t have that capacity. They should stop politicising the recruitment of teachers. Most times, when teachers are going to be recruited, politicians bring a lot of lists that are not needed in the education sector.

“We need to ensure that we are recruiting the right calibre of teachers and ensure that Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) continues to develop the capacity of teachers to meet up with the demands of teaching and learning in the 21st century; and for teachers to also take advantage of the digitisation of the learning process and ensure that they have the capacity to utilise technology,” the technical lead stressed.

Fadokun advised the government to make the teaching profession attractive so as to motivate more people to read Education.

“Education used to be a dumping ground in the university and the teaching profession also was a dumping ground for those who cannot get jobs, and so when they eventually become teachers, the motivation is not there,” he explained. “Now that government is trying to motivate competent people to go into the profession, efforts should be made to ensure that teacher salaries are paid on time, and the enabling environment is there, and parents are also playing their own responsibilities by ensuring that their children have access to materials that will enhance learning.”

He pointed out that using corps members to replace teachers in public schools is a temporary measure.

“Those corpers will eventually leave, except the government says they will retain them. There have been a lot of efforts to have the Federal Teachers Scheme (FTS). It is unfortunate that after 10 years, the federal government put money in place to recruit teachers, but nothing has been done,” he added. “They should recruit the right people who will be able to deliver the curriculum.”

A source told THISDAY most states are using the 1970 scheme to manage teachers when teachers in a state were not up to a thousand.

“For basic education alone, there are 25,000 teachers alone in Lagos State. How do you effectively manage 25,000 teachers if you don’t have a database of how many teachers will retire soon? How many are in training? How many are qualified? How many are on leave this month? For us to be able to manage this, there is a need for a database information management system,” stated the source. “There is no harm in not having enough teachers, but the ones you have, are you making the maximum use of them? How are you deploying them? Are you sure that most of them are not located in one area where there are teachers?”

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

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2023

31

EDUCATION

TSA, Major Setback for Research in Universities, VC Laments Seriki Adinoyi ÓØ ÙÝ

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof Tanko Ishaya, has lamented that the Treasury Single Account (TSA) remains a major setback toward the smooth conduct of research in most universities because universities hardly get access to research funds.

Ishaya disclosed this at a training workshop on Research Administration and Management organised for staff members of the institution in Jos. He called on the federal government to review the policy and allow universities to keep research funds in commercial banks for easy access.

He said, “The TSA policy where we keep research funds in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is unfriendly because universities hardly access dollars from it, and when they do, CBN gives them at official rates. Unfortunately, when we want to acquire items for research, we don’t get them at official rates.”

Calling on the university staff to conduct impactful research, the VC promised to support any research that would attract funds to the university.

He lamented that funds to universities from the Federal Government were dwindling seriously.

Advising Nigerian universities to conduct quality and

innovative research to attract more funds that will enable them to function effectively, the Vice Chancellor added that with the dwindling funds accruing to universities in the country from the Federal Government, there was a need for more research to be conducted to have additional funds that will take care of their running costs.

“With the dwindling funds coming to the universities, we must, as teachers and managers of universities, think out of the box and find ways to survive and keep moving on,” Ishaya explained. “One of the ways to do that is by conducting research because it is a critical way of attracting grants to the institutions to survive. So, if

universities want to survive, we must begin to conduct innovative and quality research so that we can attract funds to make them operate effectively.”

The director of the institution’s Research and Development office, Prof Musa Gaya , said the training, supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), was organised under the Northwestern Unijos Mentored Programme for Enhanced Research Administration (NUMPERA).

He explained that the twoday workshop was expected to equip participants with the requisite knowledge that would enable them to develop fundable proposals for the university.

Rochas Foundation Targets 1m People to Sponsor 10 Children Each Kuni Tyessi ÓØ ÌßÔË

Former Governor Rochas Okorocha and founder of the Rochas Foundation, has revealed plans targeted at one million Africans of goodwill for supporting 10 million children’s education.

He also called on leaders, politicians and businesspeople at all levels to sponsor less privileged children in schools to reduce the number of outof-school children in Africa to the barest minimum.

Okorocha disclosed at the formal launch of an initiative christened Teach a Child/ Sponsor a Child Project (TACSAC) organised by the Rochas Okorocha Foundation in Abuja.

According to him, if politicians and well-do-to individuals support sponsoring children to schools, the number of out-of-school children will

be reduced drastically.

“We have over 200 million people in Nigeria. Out of this figure, we can one million people who can comfortably afford to teach a child or sponsor their education.

“Our target is to get one million people in Africa who can take 10 children each in any of the African countries.

If Rochas Foundation can take over 25,000 children, we can collectively take care of 20 million children who are out of school,” said the senator.

Okorocha added, “Now, if you ask every one of these people, including members of the National Assembly, politicians and businessmen, to come together one million of us and take only 20 children each and sponsor their education, we will take 20 million children back to school immediately.”

Top Faith International School Student Wins InterswitchSPAK STEM Contest Funmi Ogundare

Stakeholders at a launch of a book, ‘Beginning from the End’ written by the outgoing Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Mr. Obafemi Omokungbe, during a programme held in his honour in Lagos... recently

Greensprings Introduces Service Learning to Give Students Work Experience Uchechukwu Nnaike

To raise students who can make connections between what they learn in the classroom and realworld experiences, Greensprings School has introduced ‘Service Learning’ as part of its core offering.

The programme offers the students the opportunity to gain relevant work experience while adding value to their community’s development.

The service-learning activities for the students include: volunteering to serve in a company or an NGO, working as a tutor or setting up peer mentoring

programmes, and supporting a park. Also, they can run a food drive or serve at a food pantry, start a school recycling programme, and educate the community on societal issues.

The programme was announced by the school’s Wider Curriculum Principal, Mrs Jennifer Sunkanmi-Qazzeem, who noted that students of the school have hitherto offered some random acts of service in their local communities and have seen the impact of their efforts. Therefore, for the students to understand their capacity to make meaningful contributions to the community, the school

has decided to make service learning an integral part of its curriculum.

She added that through the service-learning process, students will not only develop personal and social skills but will have the opportunity to apply these skills in real-life situations. She said service learning would allow them to be involved in the decision-making process towards solving problems because they will learn how to use their initiative and take responsibility in work situations.

In addition, they will become more engaged in their local communities, gain practical life skills,

and develop personal interests towards their career.

On the modality of the programme, the principal said, “Each student will fill out a form, selecting his/her desired service learning experience, and once this is done, the school then provides the necessary supporting documents including but not limited to, introduction letter, supervisor’s evaluation form and reflection form etc., to ensure that adequate documentation of the service learning experience is captured during the period.”

She said that students who perform well during their service learning would be rewarded.

A student of Top Faith International School in Akwa Ibom, Miss Orevaoghene Whiskey, 16, has been crowned the best Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) student in Nigeria at the fourth edition of the InterswitchSPAK national science competition aimed at encouraging and rewarding brilliant young Nigerians for excellence in the subjects.

The competition is a CSR initiative of Africa’s leading integrated payments and digital commerce company, Interswitch.

Whiskey won the grand prize of N7.5 million in scholarship, among other exciting prizes, making her the first female winner of the national competition show in its four-year television run.

Adesayo Elumaro of The Ambassadors College, Ota in Ogun, and Precious Akinyemi of Rhema Chapel International School, Oyo State, emerged in

Over 2m Students Enrolled in Bauchi Schools, Says Commissioner Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Schoolingyonda Proffers Solutions to Education Tourism As part of this year’s celebration of International Day of Education, Schoolingyonda, an educational consultancy based in Nigeria, has suggested possible ways of attracting education tourism in West Africa.

The firm believes that a special focus and marketing music, dance and fashion to the world will increase the inflow of foreign currency to the sector.

Education tourism is one of the different forms of tourism and is a way to provide the best education to students learning while enhancing knowledge. The increase in this type of tourism is

based on the growing popularity of attaining knowledge and technical competencies from the best destinations worldwide.

According to the principal Consultant, Schoolingyonda, Mrs Funmi Modupe, the company’s major focus with EduTourism is “to showcase what we have, that which we as Nigerians are exceptionally talented and the world already recognises.”

She said that in today’s education system, Nigeria should be teaching its unique dance, fashion and music styles to attract other students around the globe.

“You will all agree with me

that these are areas in entertainment that the whole world already identifies Nigerians’ speciality. We initiate a dance step, the entire world copy and via modern technology, it goes viral across different social channels,” Modupe stressed.

She said some solutions proposed by Schoolingyonda would interest government institutions, administrators in the education sector, parents and students.

The firm argued that there is a pressing need for Nigeria to augment the existing programmes, especially in tertiary institutions and centres of learning.

Modupe stressed that the country has all the necessary skills and talents to harness the economic benefits of creative arts.

“Nigeria has some unique dance styles which can be researched, recorded, designed and crafted into programmes to be learnt by students from diverse regions,” Modupe stated.

“This will further increase the interest of young Nigerians in the arts and creativity.”

She also stressed the need to bring Nigerian dance and music into academic learning for posterity, developing history and increased diversity.

second and third positions, and a cash prize of N4 million and N1 million scholarships, respectively.

Owing to their outstanding performances in the competition at different levels, including the preliminary and semi-final stages, the winners beat over 20,000 secondary school students who participated during several pre-qualifying stages of the competition.

The 13-week show, which aired on both domestic and terrestrial television stations, is a platform through which brilliant young Nigerians are encouraged and rewarded for their quest for excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.

Speaking on the essence of the initiative, Chief Customer Experience Officer of Interswitch, Oremeyi Akah, emphasised the need for more young Africans to tow the STEM path, thereby underscoring the goal of the InterswitchSPAK national Science competition.

The Bauchi State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Jamila Dahiru, says over 2 million students were enrolled in various senior secondary schools down to nursery classes in the state.

She disclosed this in Bauchi during a familiarisation meeting with the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Christian Munduate.

She said the state currently has more than 5,060 schools with 30,752 teachers.

“We have a number of higher institutions, five that are domicile under the Ministry of Education, including a university, polytechnics, college of education and vocational training colleges.

“We also have quite a number of primary schools, junior and

senior secondary schools under the ministry.

“These are all in our effort to ensure that we enhance the educational standard of the state.”

Dahiru said the state is also planning to recruit more teachers, adding, “you are aware of the issue around human resource for education and I’m happy that some of the recommendations come on the issue of retaining our teachers in various local governments.

“The teachers who want to stay, we are having issues around that and we are working towards seeing that we retain some of these teachers even if it is looking at how we can compensate by paying more to those that are located in those areas,” she said.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͯ˜ 2023

CITYSTRINGS

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Ojuelegba Bridge Mishaps and a Government's 'Indifference' to Lives of Citizens In this report, Sunday Ehigiator, who chronicled the various 11 accidents by heavy articulated vehicles on Ojuelegba Bridge in Lagos which has claimed several innocent lives since 2014, the most recent being on January 29, 2023, writes that it reflects the indifference of government to the lives of its citizens

20ft container on a fully loaded commercial bus in the Ojuelegba area of Lagos State

Rescued victim of Ojuelegba Container Accident

O

sustained injuries.

He was taken to the trauma centre, while the officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management, LASEMA, extricated the lady from the mangled car and handed her over to the Nigerian Police.

On June 20, 2018, a container load of plywood fell off a flat panel truck while climbing the Ojuelegba Bridge, thereby crushing cars and commercial buses.

According to the then LASEMA Boss, Adesina Tiamiyu, “The truck was overloaded and the wood was not well-tightened to the truck, so when it climbed the bridge, it poured its contents on three buses and a car under it.”

The accident occurred at around 8 pm in the bustling business district. Unfortunately, Tiamiyu confirmed that at least three people lost their lives in the incident while four others were seriously injured.

On April 5, 2019, no fewer than seven cars suffered various degrees of damage after a truck rolled back on the Ojuelegba Bridge.

According to the former Head of Operations, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Adebayo Olusegun, the trailer was not carrying a heavy load but just rolled down the bridge.

“We thank God that no life was lost and it usually happened that trucks rolled back on the bridge after climbing. This is not a break failure but seven cars were affected.”

At about 5:41 am on November 29, 2020, Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) reported a lone accident involving a truck on Ojuelegba Bridge.

The truck was laden with plywood but emptied its contents on the bridge, blocking the road in the process.

In September of 2021, a Toyota Camry with four occupants was trapped under a truck that fell on the Ojuelegba Bridge. No lives were lost, but emergency responders said the occupants only escaped death by a whisker.

On April 2, 2022, an unidentified middleaged man, was crushed to death by a truck that fell off Ojuelegba Bridge at night. The man was driving a Honda Accord when the truck fell on his car.

According to eyewitnesses, it took some time to get the man out and was dead when he was retrieved.

n January 29, 2023, an articulated vehicle carrying a 20ft container fell on a commercial bus in the Ojuelegba area of Lagos State, crushing nine passengers to

death.

Although an eyewitness had said the truck driver wanted to block the bus from overtaking him which led to the incident, however, investigations revealed that the commercial bus was picking up passengers at the bus stop along the Ojuelegba Bridge when the truck lost control and fell over the side of the bridge.

Confirming the incident, the Director General of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the nine bodies recovered comprised four adult males, three adult females, a girl child and a boy child.

Sadly, only one passenger was reported to have been rescued from the rubbles of the fully loaded 10-seater bus.

LASG Reacts In its reaction, the Lagos State Government through the Gbenga Omotoso, the commissioner, Information & Strategy said measures will be put to stop the tragedy.

The statement read thus: "The Lagos State Government commiserates with the families who lost their loved ones in the Ojuelegba truck accident on Sunday, January 29, 2023. May The Almighty console them and grant them the strength to go through this difficult time. Nine persons died in the accident.

"Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, after receiving an interim report of the incident, has directed the police to speed up their investigation of the matter. Besides, he has given the following directives: "The driver of the truck and the owner, who are in police custody, must be prosecuted; Ministry of Transportation and Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) should meet urgently to find a lasting solution to the menace of falling trucks; and all the laws governing the operations of trucks and related vehicles must be enforced with more vigour and diligence.

"The incident of 29th January, 2023 is one too many and it shows the irresponsibility of owners and drivers of such articulated vehicles who under the law should care for other road users.

"The Lagos State Government has zero tolerance for large containers that fall off trucks and injure or kill citizens, who are going about their lawful businesses. The driver (Sodiq Okanlawon) and owner (Wasiu Lekan) of a container which killed three (3) people on the 26th July, 2020 on Oshodi/ Apapa Expressway, Ilasamaja were prosecuted and convicted on the 28th February, 2022 and sentenced to life imprisonment

by Hon. Justice Okikiolu Ighile.

"The State Government will, in a similar manner, ensure that the driver and the owner of the truck involved in the January 29th incident are put on trial for the needless death of our dear citizens.

'This, we hope, will send a strong message to all those who have no regard for other

people’s lives that Lagos will not condone their recklessness. They must be stopped, with the strong backing of our laws, because their actions offend our avowed commitment to safety and decency."

Same Bridge, Same Stories Unfortunately, this incident isn’t the first. According to reports, on the same bridge last week Friday, January 27, 2023, some Taskforce, who were in pursuit of one Danfo (yellow commercial bus) at Ojuelegba bridge also led to the falling of the bus from the bridge and thereby resulting in the death of one woman. Although she was rushed to the hospital, she was later confirmed dead the next day.

Similar accidents had claimed lives in the last nine years. In one of the accidents in November 2014, a trailer attempting to climb the Ojuelegba bridge late at night fell off the bridge and landed on an unoccupied commercial bus. There were no casualties on that occasion.

On September 2, 2015, another container fell on the same bridge, claiming the lives of three people in the process. A couple was killed in their vehicle, while the lone occupant of another vehicle died in the accident.

The relations are still pursuing a N10 billion compensation suit at the Lagos High Court. Both the Lagos and Federal governments, along with the owners of the truck, are defendants in the case.

In July 2016, a 40-feet container disengaged and fell from the bridge in the middle of the night with no casualty recorded.

On Sunday, July 8, 2017, residents of Ojuelegba woke up to the gory sight of a black Toyota Camry trapped under a container.

A lady who was billed to travel to the United States of America (USA) lost her life in the incident which happened at about 2.03 am after a trailer fully loaded with granite collided with her car, a Black Camry.

The immediate cause of the incident was attributed to reckless driving and overspeeding by the Camry car driver, who didn’t notice the moving truck. He lost control, crashed into the truck and

LASG's Zero Will to Implement Restrictions On September 13, 2015, the Lagos State Government clarified the section of the Road Traffic Law 2012, which restricted trailers and articulated vehicles from plying the metropolis between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.

The incident of 29th January, 2023 is one too many and it shows the irresponsibility of owners and drivers of such articulated vehicles who under the law should care for other road users

In a statement signed by the then Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Mr Oluseyi Whenu, it said while Section 2 of the Traffic Law restricted the movement of trailers and articulated vehicles, only petrol tankers and long vehicles used in conveying passengers were allowed to travel within the metropolis between the stipulated times.

It said that vehicles with more than one rear axle or six tyres were hereby restricted between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m., with the exemption of some vehicles under sections 2 and 38 of the Road Traffic Law 2012.

“These exemptions are tour buses or passenger buses, fire service trucks, rescue and recovery trucks, patrol trucks, perishable farm products trucks, refuse collection trucks, cement mixer trucks, tractors and refrigerated trucks.”

Despite this law, enforcement remains far-fetched. As findings revealed that many of these trucks continue to move around the state outside the regulated time ascribed for them with no penalty.

Subsequent government in the state also reinforced the law but failed in constant implementation, with citizens continuously paying for it with their lives.

Absence of Barricades Many of the accidents have also been ascribed to the lack of sufficient barricades on the Ojuelegba Bridge, which the government has accused vandals responsible for stealing metal barricades placed along the side track of the bridge to prevent vehicles from plunging off it.

Speaking on the incidents, LASEMA DG, Oke-Osanyintolu faulted vandals for removing metal barriers around the bridge, which should have prevented the trucks from falling over.

He also said truck drivers were failing to do due diligence in securing their containers to their trucks.

“Accidents over the years may have damaged the barriers, but if it was just the accidents, you would still see the metal.

They have been vandalised. These accidents could have been avoided.”

Following the January 29 incident, the state’s Commissioner for Transportation, Frederic Oladeinde in a statement on Monday, January 30, 2023, said the state was “working with the federal ministry of works and housing to install vehicle/ truck barriers on the inward and outward sections of the bridge.”

According to him, “We share the grief of those who lost their loved ones in the accident and pray that the Almighty will strengthen them at this difficult time.”

He said that the government would continue to implement its transport master plan, which had safety strategies that would ensure safer roads.

Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has recommended the construction of barricades on the Ojuelegba Bridge to restrict the movement of articulated vehicles.

The agency said the barricades would serve as a permanent solution to the reoccurring crashes.

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ˾ AY, FEBRUARY 1, 2023

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BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

BOI to Invest over N1bn in South-South Renewable Energy Nume Ekeghe

The Bank of Industry has stated that it plans to invest over N1 billion in renewable energy and carbon-free businesses in the Niger Delta region.

Speaking during an interview at the Bank of Industry’s SMEs Conference, South-South edition held in Port Harcourt, Executive Director, Corporate Services, Usen Okon Effiong, said the bank, through a loan facility from French Development Bank, wants to fund businesses, especially in the area of renewable energies.

Effiong, in a statement disclosed that the region is strategic in the comity of businesses, and noted that the bank is seizing the op-

portunities in the region to eradicate poverty and hunger.

He said: “The South-South is one of the most important zones in Nigeria. The states in the zone have contributed a lot to the national treasury.

And we are here to enlighten the populace of this state on the opportunities inherent in the Bank of Industry. The world is going further into a carbon-free environment, and renewable energy and these are the opportunities that are inherent in the south-south.”

He added: “We want to key into it. Recently, the French Development Agency has given us a facility, a window of opportunity of 100 million Euros and we want people from this area, mostly in terms of

renewable energy and carbon-free businesses. So we have come to introduce what we have that will benefit the south-south.”

He, however, lauded the customers in the region for the timely repayment of their loans, stressing that the objective of the bank is not just for profit making but the impact, employment generation, and food, in line with the sustainable development goals, which is first to eradicate poverty and hunger.

Speaking at the conference, the Bank’s Regional manager, South-South, Pacqueens Irabo further disclosed that the business conference was to further deepen the relationship with the public and private partners in the region.

Access Pensions Leads Pension Industry in Investment Performance Nume Ekeghe According to recent data released by industry analysts Pension Nigeria, The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) Pensions and Access Pensions closed 2022 as the top PFAs by investment returns across the four main retirement savings accounts funds.

Over the year, average pension fund returns across the four funds was 8.97 percent, 9.55 percent, 9.86 percent, and 10.22 percent for Fund I, II, III and IV respectively.

Globally, 2022 was a difficult year for financial markets as rate hikes by global central banks drove bearish sentiments across most asset classes. In

Nigeria, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) responded to rising inflation with an increase in the key monetary policy rate from 11.5 percent to 16.5 percent by the end of the year.

NPF Pensions is a special interest pension fund administrator dedicated to managing pensions for members of the Nigerian Police force while Access Pensions was formed from the merger of the erstwhile Sigma Pensions Limited and First Guarantee Pensions Limited. Among the open PFAs not dedicated to a special interest group, Access Pensions topped the pack with Leadway in second

place and CrusaderSterling in third place. In terms of returns, these three PFAs delivered returns above the peer average across their four main funds. 2022’s top performance is a significant milestone for Access Pensions following the entry of Access Corporation into the pension space and this strong investment returns makes it an attractive choice for those looking to invest in a well-managed pension fund.

In 2022, despite the difficult macroeconomic environment, aggregate pension assets under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) hit the NGN15trillion looking at data from the National Pension Commission (PenCom).

Transcorp Commissions Rehabilitated GT Unit 20 in Rivers Kayode Tokede TransAfam Power Limited has announced the completion of the rehabilitation of its Afam 5 GT unit 20 Gas Turbine power-generating unit located at Okoloma – Afam, Ndoki in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The rehabilitated unit, which has been successfully commissioned and synchronized to the national grid, bringing an additional 138MW to its existing capacity.

The MD/CEO of Transafam Power Limited, Engr. Vincent

Ozoude expressed his delight about the newly rehabilitated unit, which is able to power up to 100,000 homes in a year.

According to him, “Since the administrative handover of the Afam Power Plant in March 2021, we have been working diligently to realize the full potential of the plant. We are pleased to have successfully completed the rehabilitation of GT20, having been out of service for over 15 years prior to our takeover.

“We are glad to have achieved this feat, using

a combination of our inhouse resources and other local technical support, with about 20per cent of foreign expert support in the rehabilitation project, showing our commitment to local content development.”

“It is impressive how far we have come from 48MW average generation, when we took over, to raising production to 120 MW generation within the first two months,” Ozoude added, as he expressed appreciation to the company’s host community, Okoloma-Ndoki, and other stakeholders.

BayelsaPRIME: Governor Diri’s Education Transformation Program Kicks Off To kickstart the basic education reform of His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri in Bayelsa state, over 2,000 teachers and headteachers drawn from four local government areas have concluded their BayelsaPRIME Induction training.

BayelsaPRIME (Bayelsa Promoting Reform to Improve and Modernize Education), the flagship basic education reform programme of the Senator Diri led administration, is set to revolutonarise

teaching and learning in Bayelsa state-owned primary schools.

The programme which is managed by the Bayelsa State Ministry of Education and the Bayelsa State Universal Basic Education Board (Bayelsa SUBEB) will use technologybased teaching methods and proven modern classroom management techniques as tools to improve pupil participation in classroom, learning outcomes and school attendance.

“His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri conceptualized this policy in response to challenges facing our educational system,” Dr. Gentle Emelah, the Honourable Commissioner for Education Bayelsa State said at the graduation ceremony for the teachers.

“Indeed, this is a new dawn for education in Bayelsa state. One thing is sure, our children are going to start learning better with this policy in place.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

AUGUST 2022 Money Supply (M3)

49,356,443.6

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

50,601.36

Money Supply (M2)

49,305,842.3

-- Quasi Money

27,869,678.3

-- Narrow Money (M1)

21,436,164

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,680,236.81

---- Demand Deposits

18,755,927.2

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

5,074,909.92

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

27,869,678.3

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

61,195,142.4

---- Credit to Government (Net)

21,001,401.5

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

40,193,740.9

--Other Assets Net

6,785,979.22

Reserve Money (Base Money

14,040,351.9

--Currency in Circulation

3,210,664.98

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,829,686.9 390,557.8

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

July 2022

Inter-Bank Call Rate

13.00

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

2.76

Savings Deposit Rate

1.42

1 Month Deposit Rate

3.64

3 Months Deposit Rate

4.96

6 Months Deposit Rate

5.87

12 Months Deposit Rate

5.76

Prime Lending rate

12.10

Maximum Lending Rate

27.61

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 24 OCTOBER, 2022

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $92.17 a barrel on Monday, compared with $92.09 the previous Friday, 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), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

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T H I S D AY ˾ AY, ͯ˜ 2023

MTN Boss Lauds NGX for Democratising Access to Financial Securities Kayode Tokede The MTN Group Chief Executive Officer, Ralph Mupita, has lauded Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) for democratising access to financial securities, thereby empowering more Nigerians.

He said this when in recognition of the importance of the partnership between MTN and NGX; he paid a courtesy visit to the management of the Nigerian bourse, led by its CEO, Mr. Temi

Popoola.

To mark the occasion, Mupita, was given the honour of sounding the closing gong to indicate market closure for the day.

It will be recalled that last February, MTN and NGX announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further promote financial literacy and enhance retail participation in the Nigerian capital market.

The announcement was made at a signing ceremony led by

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

DEALS

F O R MARKET PRICE

Mr. Popoola and the CEO, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Karl Toriola.

The MoU was a two-year partnership that would see NGX and MTNN collaborate to develop capital market solutions, leverage technology to support data dissemination and technology-as-a-service, promote capacity development and eliminate barriers to retail participation in the capital market.

Commenting on the partner-

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ship, Mr. Popoola commends MTN for its unwavering efforts in advancing Nigeria’s technology landscape through substantial investments in infrastructure and digital transformation.

According to him, “We are proud to acknowledge the advancements made through the successful public offering in 2021 and the MoU signed last year. These initiatives have successfully attracted a notable portion of the younger generation

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

to the capital market, aligning with our goal to increase retail participation.

“I would also like to specially acknowledge the efforts of the financial advisers on the landmark offering led by Chapel Hill Denham. We are optimistic about the prospects of a mutually beneficial partnership with MTN that will reinforce the Nigerian economy and foster sustainable growth for the African continent.”

AS O F

According to Mupita, within a year of signing the MOU, a lot has been achieved due to the hard work invested on both sides in forging and sustaining a productive partnership: “At MTN, we believe we have a responsibility to ensure that our customers not only stay connected but can access increasing value and better services through our network, deepening their participation in the digital economy.

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IMAGES

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯ˜ 2023

Photo Editor Abiodun Ajala Email abiodun.ajala@thisdaylive.com

A cross-section of protesters over the recent tribunal judgment between Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and former state Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, in Osogbo…recently

L-R: Former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Lasun Yusuf; Senator Francis Fadahunsi; Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; and acting Chairman of Osun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Akindele Adekunle, during the state PDP chapter stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo…recently

Former Minister of Industries, Dr. Nike Akande (left), presenting the Vanguard Life Time Achievement Award to former Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbe (right), at the Vanguard Personality of the Year Award 2022, held at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos…recently

L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji; Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof Bolaji Aluko; Head of Service, Bamidele Agbede; state Director of Fire Services, Chief Olugbenga Omoniyi; and state Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Mr. Akintunde Oyebode; during an inspection of facilities at the state Fire Service office in Ado-Ekiti…recently

L-R: Treasurer, PRCAN, Raheem Olabode; Publicity Secretary, PRCAN, Funmilayo Erikitola; President, PRCAN, Israel Opayemi; Managing Director, NEECI Limited, Nkechi Ali-Balogun; Chairman, Phillips Consulting and guest speaker, Foluso Phillips; Secretary-General, PRCAN, Bolaji Abimbola; Assistant Secretary, PRCAN, Martha Okpeke; Managing Director, Mediacraft Associates Limited and Ex-officio of PRCAN, John Ehiguese; and Managing Director, CMC Connect, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, during the PRCAN annual Economic Outlook Breakfast meeting in Lagos...recently

L-R: Assistant Director, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Isolo, Lagos, Yusuf Sanni; Team Lead, Corporate Services, Leadway Assurance, Aishat Bello-Garuba; Chief Executive Officer, Modion Communications, Odion Aleobua; Project Manager, Fairtrade Messe GmbH and Co., Freyja Detjen; Commercial First Secretary and Head of Economic and Commercial Office, Embassy of the Republic of Egypt, Amr Altantawy; and representative of the president, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ogo Adesanya, during a stakeholders’ meet-up and press conference for the eighth edition of Agrofood and Plastprintpack Nigeria in Lagos...recently

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2023 •T H I S D AY

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WEDNESDAY, ͹˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

NETWORKING FOR ATIKU...

L-R: Former Presidential spokesman, Reno Omokri; Member of Poland Parliament, and Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee of the Parliament of the Republic of Poland, Kacper Płażyński; Mohamed Atiku-Abubakar (son of Waziri Atiku Abubakar) and Deputy Chairman of the European Young Conservatives, Radosław Fogiel, at a private audience granted to Omokri and Mohammed Atiku at Capitol Hill in Washington DC... yesterday

Catholic Bishops Demand Probe of Alleged Plot to Manipulate Voters’ Register Insist on free, fair process by INEC Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Catholic Church in Nigeria has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate alleged plot to manipulate the electoral register in different parts of Nigeria.

The church urged the federal government and security agencies to work with the commission to deliver a free, fair and credible general election.

The Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, while addressing journalists during the 2023 Media Parley organised by the Church in Abuja, yesterday, Very Reverend Fr Zacharia Samjumi charged political parties and their candidates to understand that elections are not do or die affair.

Speaking on the issues being raised ahead of the election, Samjumi said INEC should ensure that it clears any doubt about the efficient use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the santity of the voters’ register.

He said: "In order to guarantee a level field of participation for all voters, INEC has a huge burden to guarantee that BVAS will work on election day in all the 176,846 polling units across the country, as well as the efficient electronic transmission of results from the polling units.

“This will engender transparency and ensure trust in the electoral process. We are aware of credible allegations of manipulating the electoral register in different parts of Nigeria.

"We implore INEC to investigate these allegations diligently and to ensure that to the extent that they are well-founded, anyone implicated is brought to account in a timely fashion.

"Furthermore, it has been discovered that multiple registrations happened alongside willful and incorrect entries of voters' information; we implore the Commission to ensure that the necessary due diligence is observed in the accurate documentation and cleaning up the voters' register", he added.

Samjumi said the church had observed that rather than marketing a party's agenda and a candidate's manifesto through issue-based campaigns and discipline of language, some political parties' campaigns were often characterised by the use of intemperate language, the issuance of threats, character assassination and the spread of misinformation.

"We urge all Nigerians, especially politicians and their agents, to be civil, decent, and respectful in their utterances as they canvass for votes and debate the country's future.

"The political parties and candidates should understand that elections are not a do-or-die affair and remember that no one is so good enough to lead another without his/her consent.

"The candidates should stick to their signed peace accord and call on their followers to shun violence and thuggery. Only a peaceful election can guarantee the peaceful Nigeria we desire to live in", the Catholic church said.

Father Samjumi also told

Nigerians that the election was an opportune moment that must be properly used.

He said better life awaits Nigerians if they do the right thing in the forthcoming election.

"To this end, the Catholic Bishops

of Nigeria has released a Pastoral letter on the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria, focusing on the decorum and discipline required for the free, fair and credible conduct of these elections.

"In their document, the Bishops

Ahead of the elections, a former Minister of Aviation and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Mr. Osita Chidoka, has stated that the incoming president should focus on uniting the National Assembly in order to make the government more accountable.

He also stated that there was need for government to focus on building great institutions rather than focusing on finding a “good man” leader, adding that while leaders come and go, but great institutions helps to determine the future success of countries.

Chidoka disclosed this recently at a virtual meeting organized by

Which Way Citizens’ Scenarios team to dialogue on national issues.

In his remarks, the Founding Partner, Nextier, Mr. Patrick Okigbo, predicted that the rate of violence in Nigeria was bound to increase.

He further explained that the most promising way to address the worsening insecurity in the country was through improved governance and service delivery, improved securitisation through non-combative approaches, fix the economic challenges, youth unemployment and criminal justice system.

He said: “Change in political and economic realities will result in reduced incidents, casualties and humanitarian needs, reduced tension and agitations, it will also result in decline in demands

tribe, who are of voting age and have registered, to fully participate in the electoral process, which includes registering, collecting their Permanent Voter's Card (PVC), voting and protecting their votes to ensure they count", he stated.

Military Threatens to Deploy Officers Nationwide If Petrol Scarcity Persists Irabor reads riot act, warns stakeholders against testing FG’s resolve Kyari blames smuggling, fraudulent practices for fuel shortage Says problem monumental, not supply-related Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The military yesterday read the riot act to players in the downstream oil and gas sector, warning them not to test the federal government's resolve to deploy ‘alternative’ measures to end the prolonged petrol scarcity in the country.

In a stakeholders’ meeting called by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) in Abuja, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, told the participants, including top officials of the national oil company and oil marketers that the government was not handicapped in halting the chaotic situation.

Since February 2022, petrol availability at filling stations in parts of Nigeria has been erratic, with several efforts to curb the challenge defying

several solutions.

Irabor maintained that the petrol scarcity in the country was assuming a national security matter, describing his presence at the meeting as unusual.

Other top government functionaries at the gathering were the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, officials of the Department of State Service (DSS), representatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Head of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed. A number of petroleum marketers were also in attendance.

The CDS warned marketers that the chaos in the oil and gas industry was a major source of concern to the government and would not be

Chidoka: Incoming President Should Unite National Assembly to Make FG Accountable Ugo Aliogo

remind all men and women of goodwill in Nigeria that Democracy cannot thrive in any society where the rule of law is frequently breached.

"We, therefore, call on all Nigerians, irrespective of creed or

for guns, informal security provisioning and disincentive for violence and on possible way out he provided the following recommendations.”

The Executive Director, Africa Circular Innovation Partnership (CEIP), Dr. Natalie Beinisch, who spoke on economy described how issues such as inflation, foreign currency controls and fuel subsidies were increasing risk and undermining business productivity.

She also discussed how structural challenges, including insecurity, access to energy and japa were affecting business growth and the fact that lack of confidence in Nigeria's public institutions was leading to capital flight.

She argued that to increase busi-

ness confidence, some of the steps that the new administration could take included appointing reputable technocrats to key administrative positions, reduce foreign currency controls, address fuel subsidies and continue to take steps to reduce unnecessary compliance and permitting burdens, particularly for smaller companies.

She added, “Nigeria will get stuck in a “Land of Lost Hope” unless radical governments embarks on radical and far reaching economic reform.”

The Vice Chancellor of Coal City University, Prof. Afam Icha-Ituma, said there has been an improved ranking of the Nigerian universities from five universities in the previous year to 12 universities in the top band in 2023.

tolerated anymore after a framework to solve the problem has been laid at the meeting.

“My coming here is very unusual.

The involvement of the security establishment in the resolution of the chaos within the oil and gas sector currently, is what I felt we need to seek solution to.

“Within the matrix of threat mapping, the challenge of availability of fuel across the country has risen to the proportion that it has become a matter of concern for the defence and security of our country.

“And looking at the processes that have been emplaced to redress them, we believe that the solution lies in this room. But more importantly to say that the government is not handicapped,” he warned.

The DSS had recently issued similar warning to the marketers which temporarily improved supply at filling stations. The situation has since degenerated with riots commencing in Benin, Edo State, over the issue.

“I need to also indicate that there are alternatives. I need to also indicate that there is nobody who is indispensable and so I have the mandate of Mr. President to come to say that it is a crisis of internal nature which of course, the police and other security agencies should lead.

“But if it is getting across the threshold that affects our defence and security, then we must know that the government is not handicapped.

There is an alternative,” he added.

Irabor urged the attendees to ensure that the framework for solving the problem which would be agreed upon at the event should be strictly adhered to.

“Within the remit of the arrangement, the framework which will be discussed, I believe that the solution

lies there. And if there’s no solution, let me reiterate that government is not handicapped. But we pray that it will not get to the level where the alternative will be activated,” Irabor submitted.

In his remarks, the Group Executive Officer of the NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, stated that the challenge was monumental and was taking unanticipated dimensions.

Kyari maintained that the issue was not a supply problem, insisting that the NNPC has over 800 million litres of petrol in the marine, while over 700 million were in depots, with over 25 days sufficiency.

He stressed that the volume leaving the depots was being verified daily, with movement closely monitored by the authorities to know the evacuation figures which he put at over 60 million litres.

“There’s no shortage of fuel going out. They may be in the wrong destination. Nigeria’s fuel is smuggled to other countries. This is no secret. And it can only be done by all of us in this room or people connected to us,” he stated.

Kyari stated that there was evidence to confirm his assertion, noting that there was supply, evacuation and delivery going on.

But he said part of the problem was pricing, partly induced by skyrocketing logistics and handling charges. He added that some marketers were, however abusing the system.

Also speaking, NMDPRA’s Ahmed, stressed that despite various agreements with the marketers, many of them continue to flout the rules, stressing that the organisation was hesitant to wield the big stick as a first resort so as not to ruin businesses.

Continues online

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THIRD CONVOCATION CEREMONY OF THE DESOPADEC SKILLS ACADEMY...

Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt Hon Ovie Agas, representing Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (left), and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of DESOPADEC, Bashorun Askia Ogieh JP, at the third Convocation Ceremony of the DESOPADEC Skills Academy, held at the PTI Conference Centre in Effurun...yesterday

Tinubu Has Nothing to Offer Nigerians, Governor Emmanuel Declares Atiku/Okowa campaign blasts APC presidential candidate for allegedly threatening Akwa Ibom governor

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Okon Bassey in Uyo Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, yesterday said the presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu has nothing to offer Nigerians, which according to him was why he resorts to abuse of personalities during his campaigns.

Also, the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organisation, yesterday berated Tinubu for issuing threats of violence against Emmanuel at the party's rally held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Monday.

The Akwa Ibom Governor said despite being insulted by the one- time Lagos State Governor, he

would prefer to allow peace to reign by ignoring him and focusing on helping install good governance to rescue Nigerians from their present woes.

The governor spoke on Monday evening at Government House, Uyo while inaugurating the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries, Chairmen and Members of Boards and Commissions, as well as a Transition Committee to ensure the smooth transition of power to the next administration.

Tinubu had as part of his remarks during his presidential rally in Uyo on Monday said, “Akwa Ibom, that Boy wey bring Atiku here, way de call himself Governor, tell him enough is enough! He lives in my

backyard in Lagos, if no be say we be one I would driven him home.

You see that mansion he is living, I would just use lizards, pigeons and scorpions and put inside.”

But reacting, Emmanuel said, for the country to remain at peace, one party must “play saint,” saying that is why he would refrain from replying Tinubu.

The Chairman of the PDP presidential campaigns stated: “I also go to other states, and if you watch our campaigns, my principal (Atiku Abubakar) has never spoken about any governor, he has never spoken openly about Asiwaju before.”

Emmanuel said it was unfortunate that Tinubu, who was granted

state-owned facilities such as the airport, security, stadium, and a good atmosphere to come in and sell his manifesto, ended up coming to insult the integrity of over 7.9 million Akwa Ibom people.

The governor wondered if it was possible for any Akwa Ibomite to go to Lagos that Tinubu stays, “or the actual state that he hails from, to insult him in like manner and still be allowed to safely return home, but here our people at the stadium including some state governors just laughed and applauded him.”

“What makes him think he will govern Nigeria? If I reply him now, people will call me and say, haba oga you are not like that. But I will reply him one day. There is nothing

Police Justify Tinubu’s Rally Disruption in Niger I've taken your action in good fate, says senator Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Police in Niger State, yesterday, justified the disruption of a rally organised by Project 774, a political group being coordinated by the Deputy Whip of the Senate, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi.

The event was meant to rally support for the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the party's governorship candidate in the state, Umar Mohammed Bago.

Abdullahi has however said he had taken the disruption of the rally 774 in good fate.

The New Bussa Township Stadium in the Borgu Local Government Area, of the state, venue of the event had been shut down as early as 7am by security agencies.

THISDAY which was at the venue of the event around 10am sighted armed security personnel consisting of men of the Nigerian Army, the Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Federal Roads Safety Corps, and the Vigilante, preventing people from accessing the venue.

Reacting to the development, the Police in a statement by their Public Relations Officer, Mr. Wasiu Abiodun, said the action was to forestall breakdown of law and order.

"The Police had to take over the venue of the planned rally,

as a proactive measure due to intelligence received of likely breach of security at the venue.

"Hence, we have to do the needful to avert any possible attack or hijack by suspected miscreants to cause mayhem and breach of peace in the community.

"The Command will not fold its arms and allow act of political violence, avoidable loss of life, destruction of properties and lawlessness," Abiodun said in the statement.

But Abdullahi, who claimed to have taken the disruption of the rally in good fate, disagreed with the police over its claims that the action was based on intelligence reports.

"If there was going to be any security breach, I think the method we adopted today would have aided the breach if there would be any. What we saw today is love for me. I have addressed them to support all APC candidates, including in Niger North senatorial district and they all agreed.

"I have no explanation as to why force and power were unleashed on my efforts for the party but I took it in good faith and leave it to God. What we have done today has laid to rest any doubt as to whether I'm leaving the party or not. By the Grace of God, we will vote all APC candidates in the coming elections."

Nevertheless, party leaders and

loyalists turned the rally to a road show with massive crowd joined their carnival possession to march through major streets in New Bussa.

Abdullahi had through his Special Assistant (operations), Mohammed Garba Danladi in a letter dated 27/01/2023 and addressed to the state Party Chairman, Hon. Haliru Zakari Jikantoro notified the party of the planned rally.

In the letter, the senator also stated that the State Working

Committee of the party was invited to the ‘Grand Lockdown Rally’ for the candidates of the party and their running mates to galvanize support and positively enhance of the party at the polls.

But the State Working Committee, in a statement in Minna on Monday by the publicity secretary, Mallam Musa Dan Sarkindaji, said the Chairman of the party, Hon Haliru Zakari Jikantoro, had disassociated itself from the rally.

like ‘emilokan’ (it is my turn) here, Nigeria is in God’s hands.”

The governor thanked the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries for accepting the onerous task of service and urged them to see themselves as ambassadors and work towards raising the bar of leadership which will encourage productivity and promote good working relationship with subordinates in the service.

“This is one thing I promised Akwa Ibom people that appointment of Permanent Secretaries shall be totally on merit; let those that can do the work be given the opportunity. Permanent Secretary is not a promotion; it is an appointment on merit,” he added.

Addressing Chairmen of Boards and Commissions, Governor Emmanuel who described them as pillars in government, acknowledged their commitment particularly, Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection & Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA) Prince Akpan Ikim, for winning laurels for the state through his outstanding performance in keeping and making the state the cleanest in Nigeria for five consecutive years from 2018 through 2022, and tasked others to create an impact that will stand them out.

Atiku/Okowa Campaign Blasts Tinubu

Meanwhile, the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organisation has berated Tinubu, for threatening Emmanuel.

The spokesperson of the campaign, Kola Ologbondiyan in a statement issued yesterday, said it was pathetic that Tinubu, “finding it extremely difficult to handle his impending defeat,” was “plagued by deep-seated pains, frustration and anger against successful Nigerians which manifested in his attack on the person of Emmanuel.”

The campaign said Nigerians could now imagine how autocratic a Tinubu’s presidency would turn out as vicious, disrespectful, harassing, intimidating and subduing.

Ologbondiyan stated: "Our campaign condemns in very strong terms the resort to threats

by Senator Tinubu, who is now trying to transfer his annoyance over his failed campaign as well as the frustration of crushing rejection by Nigerians to the PDP presidential campaign.

"It is crude, to say the least, for Tinubu to have threatened Governor Emmanuel with chasing him (Emmanuel), a democratically elected governor, out of Lagos State."

Ologbondiyan noted that it was however instructive to note that Tinubu was clearly intimidated by Emmanuel’s towering achievements as well as his deft management of the PDP presidential campaign council which he said had further fortified Akwa Ibom and other states of the federation as PDP strongholds, completely impenetrable to the APC at all levels ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Continues online

Presidency to PDP: You’re Purveyor of Fake News, Buhari Wasn’t Stoned in Kano Asks it to stop mudslinging, but campaign on issues Says opposition party on verge of losing eight states in coming poll Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Presidency, yesterday, described the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party, as a purveyor of fake news capable of causing disaffection among the citizenry.

Reacting to insinuations by the party that stones were thrown at the convoy of President Muhammadu Buhari during his state visit to Kano State on Monday, the presidency, in a release by one of the presidential spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, said at no time was stone hauled at the president while his visit lasted.

Rather, it stated that security reports had it that there was a clash between the Kano State transport company and thugs hired by some unidentified politicians after the president had finished inaugurating projects in the state.

The presidency, therefore, advised the PDP to stop the campaign of calumny ahead of the elections, adding that the party was already on the verge of losing eight out of the 14 states it presently controls across the country.

"We have seen fake reports of stone-pelting incident that took place at Hotoro area of Kano on

the day of the visit to the city by President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, an incident, even if minor, that should stand condemned by all well-meaning citizens.

"Facts on ground as rendered by the law enforcement agencies speak of a clash between the local road transport authorities, the Kano Road Transport Authority, KAROTA and thugs hired by a yet-to-be identified group that took place, when the president was being treated to a banquet at the Government House, well after he had finished his projects commissioning.

"The President was in the state to work the development, safety and security of the lives of common citizens and the happy thing about it was that the good people of Kano State were appreciative of him for the progress the state and the nation at large are making under him.

"The divisive rhetoric of an opposition in a futile attempt to malign the image of the President and the candidates of the All Progressives Congress in the coming elections, and its desperate wedge-driving activities to cause a division between the party and the government is not what will give them victory.

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INAUGURATING FIRE SERVICE...

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun inaugurating the Fire Service and Safety Station at Ifo in Ifo Local Government Area of the State... yesterday

Atiku Doesn’t Engage in Character Assassination, Says PDP-PCC Ex-VP takes rescue message to Sokoto, promises to end insecurity, open borders Party launches over 3,000 canvassers for candidates in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto The Presidential Campaign Council of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said its candidate, Atiku Abubakar, was never given to character assassination unlike other presidential contenders since the commencement of the political campaigns.

This is as Atiku, yesterday, took his rescue message to Sokoto State, where he said if voted president later this month, he would end insecurity bedeviling state and operate an open border system.

Conversely, the party in Kwara State, has launched over 3,000 'Diplomats' (canvassers) for Atiku and its governorship candidate in the state, Abdullahi Yaman.

Chairman of the PDP Campaign Council and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, who spoke during the presidential campaign of the party in Sokoto, took exception to the resort to personal attacks by some presidential hopefuls.

"I am proud to chair his campaign council, because from the day I followed him till today, he does not mount the microphone on character assassination; he does not tell the people about other people, he mounts the microphone to tell Nigerians that he has the solution to the problems, he has the solution to the education, healthcare, security, to the economy of this country," he said.

Emmanuel, who maintained that, the former vice president was the only man that could make sure things become okay for Nigerians, added that Atiku had what it would take to provide Nigerians the peace that have eluded them.

According to him, "He wants to make sure he unify the country, he has what it takes to take the youths back, to have what to eat and to move them from the lower class into the middle class. Today, we are aware of the suffering of the people and if you look at his covenant with Nigeria, you will know that this is a man, who knows the way. This is the man, who is ready to lead the way, he

loves the people, he has capacity. " On his party, Atiku, who condoled the people of the state over the loss of lives due to activities of bandits in the past years, promised to ensure security of lives and return peace in the state and Nigeria at large if elected.

He said, "We will ensure that there is peace for businessmen, cattle rearers, fishermen, farmers and others. They will carry out their trades in peace. Secondly, I promised to eradicate poverty in the country. That is why we set aside $10 billion for businessmen, youths and women. I will ensure that they have capital to eradicate poverty in the county. " Speaking at Giginya Stadium, venue of the PDP presidential campaign rally, he promised to promote Youth and women empowerment, boost agricultural production, economic development, education and others to restore Nigeria's lost glory.

"I would like all of you present here to come out enmasse to vote for all PDP candidates in Sokoto State. I'm not expecting less than

1.5million votes from Sokoto,” he stated.

Promising that his administration would reconstruct SokotoGusau-Funtua road, he said, "It is noteworthy that Sokoto is around the border with other African countries. I promise to open these borders for our people and other people to enjoy trade relationships with them."

Atiku further pledged that his government would ensure that there was no strike in the universities.

Director General of PDP campaign, Aminu Tambuwal,

minimum safety standards of all vehicles of the Unions.

He stated: "Bearing that in mind, the Corps Marshal agreed and approved the review of the checklist for certification of vehicles for selection "The checklist certification which in time past were carried out in a day or two to the elections, will now be done two weeks or week before the elections to enable all participants in the elections the various roles they will play."

Biu informed the unions that all vehicles inspected and certified would be sealed with tags from FRSC for proper identification that it has met minimum safety standards.

The FRSC therefore called on all union leaders to inform their members to follow due process and cooperate with members of the corps On his part, President of the NURTW, Tajudeen Baruwa, said this was not the first time the unions would be signing MoU with INEC. He assured that the unions would not disappoint Nigerians.

Baruwa said, "We are assuring the chairman of INEC that we will discharge this duty diligently. We

assure you that we are not going to disappoint Nigerians."

In a related development, INEC has said it would be mobilising about 100,000 vehicles and 4,000 boats for the deployment of personnel and materials to 176,846 polling units spread across 8,809 Registration Areas or electoral Wards in 774 Local Government Areas nationwide in the forthcoming elections.

Yakubu disclosed this yesterday, at meeting with the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) held at the NNPC Towers, Abuja, The commission also demanded the use of NNPC land and floating mega stations nationwide to service election duty vehicles and boats.

He said: "However, this objective cannot be fully accomplished without the guaranteed supply of petroleum products to facilitate the movement of vehicles and boats. In all, 93,469,008 registered voters are expected to elect a president, 28 state governors and 1,462 legislators (109 Senators, 360 members of House of Representatives and 993 members of State Houses of Assembly).

"The commission is mobilising

mobilised the electorate for the party.

According to him, “This is necessary because there is quite a lot of information gap and the need to further sensitise the electorate in terms of how they will cast their votes and the choice of party to vote for.

He said people needed to know, be educated and enlightened to support the PDP all through being the party that could turn things around in 2023, adding that, the party’s quest to return to power could not be done only through the media.

Canada Condemns Violence against Female Politicians in Nigeria Report: Nigeria has lowest women representation in politics globally Folalumi Alaran in Abuja The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Jamie

I N E C , N N P C M E E T O V E R I M PA C T O F F U E L S C A R C I T Y O N E L E C T I O N S may be negatively affected by the non-availability of products.

"For this reason, the commission will this afternoon meet with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited to look into ways to ameliorate the situation."

The chairman assured Nigerians that it would engage every national institution for the success of the 2023 general election.

He said, "I can't conclude my remarks without reminding you of your obligation to neutrality.

The work of INEC requires nonpartisanship. Working in partnership with the Commission, you will be required to subscribe to the oath of neutrality and to demonstrate your non-partisanship in the work you do practically on election day."

Earlier, the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Dauda Biu said the corps had developed a checklist for the certification of vehicles for the forthcoming general election.

Biu who was represented by the Corps spokesperson, Bisi Kazeem, however, said the FRSC learnt that there were some reservations especially by the unions regarding the checklist which was to ensure

appealed to the people to come out on election day and vote for Atiku as the next president.

He assured them that Atiku would deliver on all the promises to recover Nigeria from insecurity, poverty and whatever malaise the country was suffering from at the moment.

Meanwhile, the Director General of Atiku/Okowa Campaign Council in Kwara State, Dr Mahmud Babatunde Ajeigbe, said the structure comprised mainly youths across the sixteen local government areas in the state to canvassed and

about 100,000 vehicles and 4,000 boats for the deployment of personnel and materials to 176,846 polling units spread across 8,809 Registration Areas (or electoral Wards) in 774 Local Government Areas nationwide."

Yakubu restated the commission's effort to mobilise every national institution to give Nigerians a pleasant experience on Election Day, the Commission believed that the NNPC was one of the critical institutions that could facilitate the attainment of the objective.

The chairman stressed that the commission was aware of the efforts of the NNPC to ease the current situation in earnest. But the electoral body appealed to NNPC to consider the following proposals: "The use of the NNPC land and floating mega stations nationwide to service our election duty vehicles and boats. We will bear the cost of the products. By doing so, there will be guaranteed supply for elections; "A special arrangement with other marketers in locations where the NNPC may not have dedicated stations; and consider other options to support our seamless operations on Election Day."

Christoff, has strongly condemned what he described as the increasing violence, harassment and intimidation targeting politically-active women in many parts of the country.

The diplomat, who stated this in Abuja during the launch of a new report on "Election Security Assessment: A Gender Perspective", said there were alarming acts of violence, harassment, and intimidation targeting politically-active women in many parts of the country.

He lamented that, "This is unfortunately becoming a regular occurrence, and Canada condemns these actions in the strongest terms, of course, and with only 25 days to the general election. The safety of women as critical stakeholders in Nigeria, and the democratic process cannot be overemphasised.

“This is why we strongly believe in our partnership with a lecture under the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives Programme. The High Commission of Canada is proud to partner with elector in our efforts to mitigate violence against women in the context of elections and raise public awareness on these issues as well.

“So, today, we look forward to reflecting on how we can collectively take action and put an end to the cycle of violence targeting politically active women,

both candidates and electorates.”

On the new report on "Election Security Assessment: A Gender Perspective", the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a non-governmental organisation (NGO), ElectHER, which anchored the report, Ibijoke Faborode, revealed that Nigeria has the lowest representation of women in politics compared to the rest of the world.

Faborode, who spoke at the report's launch ahead of Nigeria's elections, said despite the progress that had been made in promoting women participation in Nigerian politics over the past decades, there were still substantial gaps to be filled.

She disclosed that the factors that prevent women from participating in the electoral process were complex and required purposeful and realistic collaboration across diverse stakeholders in the country.

The report revealed that failure of decision-making structures to guarantee safety and security of the female gender posed a significant threat for women in the upcoming elections.

“Having women in prominent leadership roles can have a positive impact on their capacity to influence the smooth conduct and outcome of the elections,” Faborode said.

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FOR A PARTNERSHIP THAT WORKS...

L-R: Secretary to the Edo State Government, John Packer; Founder, Sports University of Nigeria, Idumuje-Ugboko, Prince Ned Nwoko and Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philips Shuaibu, during the partnership meeting between Sports University of Nigeria and Edo State Government in Edo State...yesterday

APC Alleges Police Complicity in Rivers Campaign Attacks Says force’s commissioner has compromised Explains how Wike unleashed violence on opposition Name your presidential candidate, Dakuku dares Rivers governor Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council in Rivers State, has alleged police complicity in yesterday’s attack on its members at a rally in Opobo area of the state, saying the state’s Commissioner of Police, Okon Effiong Okon, has compromised.

This is as the party has given a vivid account of how the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, plotted and unleashed violence on the APC campaign in the state.

In a related development, former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has dared Wike to disclose his presidential candidate to Nigerians, saying the Rivers State people were waiting to know who he (Wike) has chosen to support ahead of February 25, election.

Spokesperson of the Rivers APC 2023 Campaign Council, Sogbeye C. Eli, said yesterday’s attack on the APC Rivers governorship campaign

at Opobo ahead of the arrival of its candidate, Tonye Cole, was “another red flag to the boiling cauldron that the state political environment has become on the watch of Commissioner of Police, Okon Effiong Okon.”

According to the statement, APC said following the attack, which saw canopies and public address system vandalized at the venue “by identified PDP hoodlums, armed men had snatched the LGA Campaign Coordinator, Boma Brown, and sped out of the town with him.

“However, their plot was aborted in Bori, Headquarters of Khana LGA, when the Sienna vehicle in which he was whisked away was intercepted at the roundabout following distress calls by terrified party faithful.

“An exchange of gunfire was also recorded between a team of policemen, who claimed to have rescued Mr. Brown on the orders of the Divisional Police Officer, Bori and those attached to the state APC Chairman, Chief Emeka Beke, at Kaana Petroleum filling Station in

Bori, when one of the Police officers opened fire that could have killed Chief Beke.

“This incident, following on the heels of the forceful disruption yesterday of the Oyigbo Rally grounds by men of the Nigeria Police, which compelled the governorship candidate to campaign on the Old Aba Road adjacent to the open space initially approved by the DPO, has further reinforced the urgency for the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police from the State to avert crisis.

“We recall that the Rivers APC governorship campaign Rally grounds in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area was attacked with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and sporadic gunfire, a development which the Commissioner of Police denied before ordering an investigation by the Deputy Commissioner, Operations and the Bomb Disposal Unit.

“No report of the investigation is made public and no arrest has been made till date. Another disruption of our Andoni Rally at Asarama

was also reported without a single arrest.

“Campaign activities of the governorship candidates of Accord, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, and the Social Democratic Party, Senator Magnus Abe, have suffered similar unprovoked attacks at Etche, Oyigbo, Port Harcourt, Tai and Ahoada West LGAs over the last couple of days without any deterrence measure by the State Police Command.

“In the circumstance, we call on both the Inspector-General of Police and National Security Adviser to enforce their commitments at the commencement of the campaign season not to allow state governors suppress or interfere with the rights of other political parties involved in campaign activities in the build-up to the 2023 general election.

“We maintain that is the only guarantee to restore sanity in states like Rivers that have been made volatile by anti-democratic forces working in active connivance with compromised Police Commissioners.”

However, explaining how Wike

has been responsible for the violence in the state, the party, in another statement retelling the same account, stated that, “Nyesom Wike took his trademark political violence to another level today at Opobo, home LGA of Dr Dakuku Peterside and his anointed candidate, Mr Siminialayi Fubara.

“Signs that Wike through the Opobo-Nkoro LGA Chairman will go to any length to stop the APC rally in Opobo, which is an emerging pattern in Rivers State, showed early in the day.”

The second statement added that, “when the Cole-led team with the Deputy Commissioner of Police, DC Shehu Mohammed, got to Opobo to meet a group of young boys numbering over 500 fully armed, who opened fire on APC faithful.

“Several persons were injured.

Over 30 Cars in the gubernatorial candidates convoy were destroyed.

Bottles were freely thrown at APC members, who had gathered at various points in opobo to escort Arc Tonye to the rally venue, where there were over 5000 persons.”

Meanwhile, Peterside, who challenged Wike to make open his presidential preference, has also condemned what he described as unwarranted attack on the APC campaign rally in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of the state yesterday.

Expressing dismay at the attack on APC members, he accused the local government chairman, Enyiada Cookey-Gam of introducing violence into Opobo, an area he said had been insulated from political violence since 1999.

In a statement in Port Harcourt, the state capital, Peterside picked on the Rivers State governor, and described him as a man “lacking courage, tact, reason and finesse.”

According to him, “it is a shame that the local government chairman will go the extent of attacking his fellow Opobo people, because of politics, something that has never happened in our political history. This is a new low for a chairman, who has largely been incompetent and a stooge to an equally incompetent governorship candidate.

C A S H S WA P : O L D B A N K N OT E S R E D E E M A B L E O N LY AT C B N A F T E R D E A D L I N E , S AYS E M E F I E L E about making our economy stronger then combatting the high incidence of insecurity.

“Yes, we saw a few failings on the part of the banks and we appealed to EFCC, ICPC, NFIU; they are currently working with our officials nationwide to make sure that this process goes on seamlessly.

“We are happy they the exercise has achieved a success of over 75 percent in our villages, etc. It is on the basis of that we now have a 10 days extension for the more and more of this to be collected and then we make more disbursement," Emefiele said However, in a statement after the meeting with lawmakers, following news making the rounds on the redemption of the old banknotes, the Director, Corporate Communications Department at the CBN, Mr. Osita Nwanisobi, explained to journalists that the old notes would cease to be legal tender after February 10, 2023, and could no longer be used for any form of transaction afterwards.

However, he reiterated that in line with the provision of Section 20(3) of the CBN Act, Nigerians would have the opportunity to redeem the face value of the naira only at the central bank, after the currency had lost its legal tender

status, subject to meeting certain conditions.

Reiterating the pledge of the Emefiele, at the meeting with the House of Representatives Ad-hoc committee, Nwanisobi said Nigerians would not lose their money, even as he urged citizens to take advantage of the extended deadline of February 10, 2023 to deposit the old banknotes currently in their possession at their banks or through mobile money agents.

Citing instances in other climes, Nwanisobi explained that banknotes that cease to be legal tender are only redeemable by the monetary authorities of such jurisdictions upon demand subject to conditions / processes as may be prescribed by that Central Bank.

Nwanisobi also used this opportunity to encourage Nigerians to adopt other payment channels for their transactions, saying that Nigeria’s payment system is robust enough and ranks amongst the first in the world.

Meanwhile, reacting to the presentation by Emefiele during the meeting with the lawmakers, the chairman of the committee, Hon. Ado Doguwa, who was elated by the CBN governor’s remarks thanked him. Doguwa said had Emefiele given the lawmakers the

assurance earlier, there wouldn't have been any need for the meeting.

"Thanks for this wonderful presentation. I call it wonderful because absolutely, you can see the wisdom in what people say in every engagement, communication matters.

“It only when you interface, you have an opportunity to understand the policy of government. So, this is a welcome submission, but unfortunately at a belated point.

If you had communicated this much earlier, this crisis would not have come up at all. Nigerians will go home to sleep without any fear at all. “I want to thank you for coming up this submission most especially your last submission about the position of the law; that the bank will at all times respect the position of the laws of the land.

“It's a clear that in written in black and white. I want to thank you on behalf of the committee for admitting the position of the law," he said.

Also at the plenary, the House approved the requested restructuring of the N1 trillion additional Ways and Means advances for implementation of the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act as passed by the National Assembly.

The lawmakers however

postponed consideration of the N22.7 trillion Ways and Means restructuring request forwarded to it and the Senate by President Muhammadu Buhari last December.

Buhari had while assenting to the 2023 budget, warned that Nigeria was at risk of incurring additional N1.8 trillion if the lawmakers failed to pass the request.

The Senate which had promised to consider the request before proceeding for the election break, however failed to consider it.

The consideration and approval of the N1 trillion Ways and Means followed the adoption of one of the recommendation of report presented

by Committees on Finance, Banking and Currency and Aids, Loans and Debts Management.

Presenting the report, signed

by Hon. James Faleke, members of the Committees said based on the observations and the Exigencies of the federal government’s current fiscal situation, they recommended the approval of the requested restructuring of the N1 trillion additional Ways and Means advances for implementation of the 2022 Supplementary Appropriations Act as passed by the National Assembly.

They however also recommend further engagement with the execu-

tive by the Joint Committee to allow for a thorough and detailed work and submissions on the larger part of the Advances which amounts to N22,719,703,774,306.90.

In her contribution, Hon. Chinyere Igwe raised a point of order that the report was signed by only one person, but said the Speaker could use his discretion to pass it.

Responding, Speaker, Gbajabiamila said the full report would be considered later.

Customers Lament Scarcity of New Notes, CBN Steps up Monitoring of Banks

Despite the CBN, vigorous monitoring of commercial banks’ compliance with the directive to load their Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) with the new redesigned naira notes, bank customers yesterday, re-emphasised, their inability to get money dispensed through the ATMs. This was revealed by some customers, during the monitoring of compliance by banks carried out by officials of CBN in Ijebu-Igbo and Ago-Iwoye, including those within the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) campuses and in towns around the area.

However, some branches of financial institutions visited, had been complying with the CBN directive.

A customer with one of the banks at Ago Iwoye who identified herself as Salako Deborah expressed dissatisfaction with the situation in the bank, lamenting that there was no money in the ATMs. Speaking with journalists during the monitoring exercise, CBN Deputy Director, Banking Supervision Department, Lagos, Mr. Jayeola Olugbenga said some of the commercial banks were not co-operating while some were co-operating.

He stressed that banks that don't comply with their directives would be duly penalised.

“As you can see we are ensuring that they're giving out the money through the ATMs and we are ensuring that the masses can have access to the redesign notes, some of them were not cooperating while some are cooperating.

"There would be a penalty for those commercial banks who don't comply with our directives, they would be duly penalised,” he added.

Also speaking, the Deputy Director Research Department, CBN, Dr. Adeniyi Adenuga explained that benefits of the exercise was to discourage financing terrorism.

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS

BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP...

L-R:Chief Technology Officer, Wakanow, Mr.Oyedeji Ojo; Chief Commercial Officer, ValueJet, Mr. Trevor Henry; Chief Executive Officer, Wakanow Nigeria, Adenike Macaulay, and Managing Director, ValueJet, Omololu Majekodunmi, during the courtesy visit of the Wakanow team to ValueJet for business partnership in Ikeja, Lagos… recently ETOP UKUTT

Elections: NBA Warns Judges, Lawyers against Professional Misconduct Axes Akwa Ibom chapter for endorsing political candidate

Alex Enumah in Abuja The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has warned judges and lawyers against professional misconduct during litigations that may arise from the conduct of the forthcoming general elections.

President of the NBA, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, gave the warning in a, “State of the Nation” address he delivered

legal profession, serving either on the Bench or at the Bar, owe Nigerians sincere and honest participation in the process.

“We must do all that is legitimately within our abilities, motivated by the desire to serve the course of justice, to ensure that the relevant laws and rules, properly interpreted and applied, remain the guiding principles for our involvement in the process.

“While we shall stand with the courts and do everything legal to protect the integrity of the Bench against any form of intimidation by the political class, any person or group of persons, we will not hesitate to call out and pursue disciplinary action(s) Honourable Justice Abdu against erring judicial officials.

Aboki, retired Justice of the Supreme Court ( Chairman); Ms. Kemi Okonyedo, representing Women Rights Folalumi Alaran inAbuja Organisation; Azubuike Nwankenta, representing The National Board for Technical NBA; Major General Letam Education (NBTE), which oversees Wiwa rtd (Military Law all Technical and Vocational and Intelligence Expert); Dr. Education and Training (TVET) Maisaratu Bakari (Consultant schools in Nigeria, has launched in Obstetrics and Gynecology more than 60 new and reviewed (Modibbo Adama University curricula, National Occupational Teaching Hospital Yola), Dr. Standards (NOS), open distance Fatima Akilu (Humanitarian and flexible e-Learning (ODFeL) Expert, representing Civil courseware.

Society), and Ms. Halima The executive secretary NBTE, Nuradeen (Psychologist, Prof. Idris M. Bugaje, revealed representing Youths). the information on Tuesday at the NBTE liaison office in Abuja.

According to Bugaje, the curricula will provide guidelines for institutions and set uniform criteria for teaching staff in the and a respected figure in the community, known for his wisdom, compassion, and dedication to the well-being of Ugo Aliogo his people.”

He also recognised the Emir’s The United States Agency for contributions to the growth and International Development development of Dutse and the (USAID) has successfully positive impact he had on the concluded a two-year conflict community. mitigation activity ‘Building The governor offered his Community Resilience to thoughts and prayers to the Violent Extremism and Conflict Emir’s family and loved ones in Northeast Nigeria’, also known during this difficult time and as Northeast Connection, that said that the late Emir’s legacy worked to counter violent conflict. will live on through the countless Astatement by the US Consulate lives he touched. stated that since 2021, the Northeast “May the soul of the late Connection had promoted nonEmir rest in peace and may the violent conflict resolution from the memories of his life bring comfort grassroots to state government and solace to those he leaves levels in Adamawa, Borno, and behind,” the statement concluded. Yobe States. yesterday in Abuja.

Maikyau observed that besides the need to guarantee the security of the lives and properties of Nigerians as they troop out to vote in the general election, the ultimate outcome of the election would largely depend on the interface between the Bench, the Bar and the Political gladiators.

The NBA president was of the opinion that members of the

NHRC Appoints Special Independent Investigative Panel on Counter Insurgency in North-east Michael Olugbode in Abuja The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) plans to inaugurate a Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in the Implementation of Counter Insurgency Operations in the North East (SIIP-North East).

According to a statement yesterday, by the spokesperson of the commission, Fatimah Mohammed, the inauguration would take place next week Tuesday (7th February 2023) at the NHRC Headquarters.

Members of the panel are

Emir of Dutse, Nuhu Muhammad Sunusi, Dies at 78

Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Ibrahim Shuaibu in Dutse

The death of the Emir of Dutse Alhaji Nuhu Muhammad Sunusi occurred yesterday after a brief illness. The death was confirmed in a condolence statement by the Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar signed and issued to THISDAY by his Commissioner Special Duties Alhaji Auwal Danladi Sankara.

The statement said: Jigawa State Governor Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar expressed his condolences on the passing of Alhaji Nuhu Muhammad Sunusi, the Emir of Dutse.

The governor described the late Emir as a “true leader

“Similarly, members of the Bar who misconduct themselves while participating in the resolution of electoral disputes will face disciplinary action at the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) and the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC), where Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) are involved,” he said.

Meanwhile, the NBA has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for all it was doing to deliver a free, fair, and credible election to Nigerians.

He urged the electoral umpire to maintain its independence while declaring the bar’s unequivocal support in helping

to ward off any attempt to undermine the integrity of the electoral process and neutrality of INEC. Maikyau, however faulted the Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the NBA for endorsing a candidate in the forthcoming election, stressing that NBA as a body remains neutral in the election.

“I want to say in no unclear terms that we condemn the action of the few members who embarked on such despicable and disgraceful conduct using the platform of the NBA. “That declaration was not made for or with the authority of the NBA. It is disgusting and I have already instructed

the First Vice President NBA who is leading the NBA Election Monitoring Group, to immediately exclude all the branches of the NBA in Akwa Ibom State from participating in the monitoring of the forthcoming election.

“This exclusion will be communicated to INEC forthwith and members involved in this conduct will also face disciplinary action as may be determined by the NBA. “NBA is not partisan; we are not a political party, we are representatives of the people, we remain neutral and must be seen to maintain our neutrality at all times - we belong to everyone and to nobody”, he added.

NBTE Unveils 60 New Reviewed Courseware in Nigerian Institutions preparation of future diplomats.

He noted that the curriculum possesses significant quality and has the ability to develop the employment industry with full participation of Nigeria to address the issues graduates encounter upon completion of higher institutions.

The Secretary emphasized that the curriculum is of great quality and has the potential to expand the employment industry with full Nigerian involvement.

He said, “The notable quality of these curricula, I am proud to state, is that they are industry-driven; developed and/or reviewed with the full participation of the Nigerian industries to address the

employability problems that are often encountered by our diplomats upon graduation. The problem of employers of labor incurring additional cost to retrain our products in order to fit into their operation is hopefully being solved.

“Similarly, considering the peculiar type of training that should be given to Polytechnic and Monotechnic students and in line with the national objective of encouraging youths economic self-reliance, Entrepreneurship as a programme has, more than ever before, become one of the key features of the reviewed curricula.

“No less prominent is also the deployment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

in the delivery of these curricula, especially in ODFeL which relies entirely on ICT in its teaching and learning. This year we have signed MoU for collaboration with the Canadian Commonwealth of Learning to enhance our ODFeL delivery and train Polytechnic lecturers on quality assurance in ODFeL. Bugaje noted that the National Council on Establishment (NCE), at its most recent meeting in Yola, approved the inclusion of some TVET courses into the Federation’s schemes of service due to the appeal of some of these curricula on a national and international level, particularly the National Innovation Diploma (N.I.D.).

USAID Supports 40 Organisations in 90 Communities in North-east for Conflict Resolution The statement also noted that the activity provided over $2.1 million in small grants to almost 40 local organisations to strengthen local civil society capacity and promote local solutions to violence.

The Conflict Specialist USAID/ Nigeria, Mukhtari Shitu, said: “USAID is committed to enduring partnerships with Nigerian government institutions and civil societies to mitigate violent conflict in the country.”

The statement revealed that implemented by Creative Associates, the USAID-supported $10.1 million activity worked in 90 communities across 15 local government areas (LGAs) in the

three states.

The statement further explained that the Northeast Connection established 181 peace platforms that supported community organisers to identify and advocate for social priorities; trained more than 22,000 people in conflict mitigation and cross-community dialogues; and provided trauma-informed psychosocial support to more than 4,300 community members.

It also noted that in Yobe State, the activity worked with the emergency management agency to launch the first-ever two-year Early Recovery Plan which equipped the agency with the ability to respond to and recover from disasters more

effectively.

The statement added: “Violent conflict has devastated social and governance structures and local markets in Northeast Nigeria. The ongoing insurgency by violent extremist groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa has killed over 35,000 and displaced 2.2 million people.

“The region also struggles with regular intercommunal clashes between farmers, herders, and other groups over land and water resources. The Northeast connection activity is part of USAID’s strategic effort to decrease conflict and instability and promote stability and early recovery in Nigeria.”

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WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

CLEANER ENVIRONMENT ON THEIR MINDS...

L-R: Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Oriyomi Onanuga; Initiator, Nature’s Advocate, Miss Johan Okoh, and Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, during the inauguration of recycling bank by the Nature Advocates, in Abeokuta, Ogun State…recently

FG Awards Contract for Electronic Border Surveillance System Francis Sardauna inKatsina The federal government has awarded contract for the installation of electronic border surveillance system to monitor the nation’s land borders in order to checkmate illegal migration.

The Minster of Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, disclosed this yesterday while inaugurating a newly constructed Katsina State Command headquarters of the Nigerian Immigration Service in Katsina, the state capital.

He said the electronic digital

technology would be deployed by the federal government across the nation’s border to ensure 24/7 surveillance of 5,000 kilometres border lines from the eastern part to western part of the country.

Aregbesola explained that the electronic surveillance posts were

meant to strengthen existing immigration checks, enhance effective migration management as well as to boost the security of the country.

He said: “We are upgrading the capacity of Nigeria Immigration Service to effectively control our

borders. We are deploying electronic digital technology to ensure 24/7 by each surveillance of 5,000 kilometres border lines from the eastern part to western part.

“We may not be able to complete it before the end of this administration but we have already

awarded the contract. Very soon from his office (CG) whoever is there then will be able to see what is happening anytime in any part of our border position. Nigerians must know that this is one of the several achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari.”

Court Remands Lagos Auto 2023: INEC Commences Distribution of Non-sensitive Materials in Nasarawa The Nasarawa State Resident the local government offices of Wards across the state.

Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia Dealer over Wife’s Death Electoral Commissioner (REC), the commission early enough He noted that as the general arraigned before the Lagos High Wale Igbintade An Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of Mr. Ikechukwu Daryl Ogbonna over the death of his wife, late Mrs. Abimbola Martins-Ogbonna.

Ogbonna was remanded following advice by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Lagos State, which said that Ogbonna should be charged for involuntary manslaughter.

Reading out the DPP Advice, Magistrate Adebayo Kafayat Tella, said that the defendant would be

Court, and should be remanded in custody pending his arraignment, and filing of information against him.

The Defence Lawyer, Mr. Abubakar Yesufu, however, prayed the court to allow the defendant to be released based on an earlier bail conditions granted him.

But, Magistrate Tella held that she lacked jurisdiction to entertain a case of involuntary manslaughter, hence all bail applications should be presented before the High Court.

FRSC Chief Advises against Night Journeys Becky Uba Umenyili The Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Olusegun Ogungbemide has decried the increase in the number of night trips as observed by the Commission in recent times due to the hike in transportation fare especially by daytime.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with THISDAY, Ogungbemide said: “Night driving should be highly discouraged because it takes more time to get assistance in the event of emergency need when compared to day time.”

According to him, “drivers are

always advised to observe at least 10 minutes rest for every four hours of driving at a stretch to enable full blood circulation and stay alert.”

He noted that this advice which has been ignored by most drivers, leads to fatigue and possibly crashes on the roads.

Reacting to the recent call by the Nigeria Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr.MuyiwaAdejobi on all States’ Houses of Assembly to “enact laws that will describe and treat intentional and wilful road crashes as criminal and not mere traffic offences”, the FRSC boss lamented the human factors causing fatal crashes.

Ibidapo-Obe Tasks Students on Career in Academic Medicine A United States-based Assistant ‘The Nexus between Striking Professor of Family Medicine, Dr. Oyetokunbo Ibidapo-Obe, has encouraged Nigerian medical students to consider building a career in clinical-academic medicine to reposition the Nigerian healthcare ecosystem and to advance medical research outputs across the African continent. She stated this this during the first edition of the Oyetokunbo Ibidapo-Obe’s Medical Student Summit at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), which seeks to advance the longevity of medical art across the country.

The summit, with the theme:

Academic and Professional Relevance Across the Global Medical Landscape’, featured the Vice President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Tunji Adenekan, as well as an Australian-based Nigerian Emergency Physician, Dr. Osiomah Omogbai-Musa Anthony, who offered extensive career-related counsel on how Nigerian-trained medical students could positively contribute towards reshaping the Nigerian medical space across the globe through leveraging collaborations and mentorship opportunities at all levels.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday commenced distribution of non-sensitive materials to the 13 Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State ahead of the 2023 general election.

Dr. Uthman Ajidagba, while inspecting vehicles hired for conveying the materials from the INEC state headquarters in Lafia.

He said that the non-sensitive items were expected to arrive at

before the general election.

The Nasarawa REC explained that the deployment of the nonsensitive materials, which was the second level, was to allow timely distribution to Registration Area Centres as well as Electoral

election inches closer, INEC had set up preparations to ensure hitch free exercise in all the polling units.

Accordingly, Ajidagba pointed out that the non-sensitive materials included mats, ballot boxes, voters’ cubicles and election bags.

2023: Enugu Doctors, National Disability Group Support Mbah’s Election A group of medical doctors operating in Enugu State have thrown their weight behind the election of the Governorship Candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Peter Mbah.

The decision to support Mbah after was arrived at after a careful study of his manifesto by the doctors.

This was even as the leadership of the National Disability Support Forum for Good Governance (NDSFGG) pledged to support the governorship aspiration of Mbah in the March 11, 2023, election.

The medical doctors, under the auspices of Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) of the ESUT Teaching Hospital,

Parklane, Enugu, which is led by its President, Dr. Ofonere Chukwunonso, described themselves as medical field marshals saving lives in the country.

Chukwunonso said: “We have understudied your manifesto and we know you have a good plan for the people of Enugu State.

“We came to align with your vision, and we want to collaborate with you for a better, functional and robust health system in the state.”

The group further extolled Mbah’s manifesto and statement of purpose to Enugu people, saying that it would revolutionise the health sector in the state if implemented to the letter.

Yobe Approves N1.3bn for Gratuity Payment to LG Retirees Segun AwofadejiinGombe

The Gombe State Governor, Mr. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has approved more than N1.3 billion for the payment of backlog of gratuity owed retired local government employees.

THISDAY checks revealed that the Local Government Areas retirees were last paid in 2011.

The governor has also approved the promotion of 26, 085 local government workers notionally and financially across the eleven local government areas of the state with immediate effect.

Of the number of the promoted staff, 6,738 are local government workers, 16,739 are Local Education Authority, LEA teachers while 2,608 are workers at the Primary Health

Care Centers. The last time teachers were promoted in the state was in 2009 while promotions with financial benefits were last implemented in 2014. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Dasuki Jalo disclosed the development during a press conference in his office yesterday.

According to him, pensions, gratuities, salary increment and

other entitlements would follow the promotions where Balanga, Gombe, Kaltungo and Yamaltu/ Deba local government councils would pay backlog of gratuities for 2012; “Akko, Billiri, Dukku and Shongom will pay for 2012 to 2013; Funakaye will pay for 2012 to 2014 while Nafada will pay for 2012 to 2015 which is estimated at the sum of N1.3 billion.

Kogi Assembly Confirms Appointment of Justice Josiah Majebi as CJ Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja Following the recommendation by the National Judicial Commission (NJC) for the appointment of Justice Josiah Majebi as the Chief Judge of Kogi State, the state House of Assembly has screened and confirmed his appointment as the Chief Judge of the state.

The confirmation came barely seven months after the state Governor, Yahaya Bello, had appointed him as the state acting Chief Judge.

Bello had earlier written to the state House of Assembly requesting Justice Majebi’s confirmation at plenary sitting at the Assembly complex in Lokoja.

The Assembly Speaker, Prince Mathew Kolawole, said Justice Majebi’s choice was a result of the clearance by the National Judicial Commission.

Similarly, the Assembly has screened commissioner-nominee, Bako Samson, as well as confirmed for a second term the chairman, secretary and members of the

Assembly Service Commission.

They are Alhaji Andas Momojimoh Malik (chairman); Olorunmaiye Joanna Yemisi (secretary); Meseko Durosimi, member; Bala Salisu, member; Arome Gabriel Adoji, member; Ananyi Shadrack Lamidi, member, and Ahmed Musa Abdul, member.

2023: Abiodun Inaugurates Fire Station, 3.1km Road JamesSowoleinAbeokuta The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, yesterday, continued his second term campaign in Ifo Local Government Area of the state and inaugurated a fire service and safety station. The governor, who equally inaugurated 3.1km Ikorita

meje-Adenrele-Olose Titun-Vespa Road in Ifo town, promised his administration would complete the 14km Ibogun-Coker Road soon and construct other township roads.

Addressing monarchs and stakeholders in the local government at the Palace of Olu of Ifo, Oba Samuel Atanda Oladipupo,

the governor declared that his administration would continue to accord the local government all the attention it deserved.

He said: “On the Ibogun Road, it is of great concern to our administration, the road is about 14 kilometers, by the grace of God, by the time I come back here again in another year, that

road will be almost completed and all other township roads in Ifo. Abiodun, while describing the charade of just dropping transformers for the people embarked upon by some politicians as unnecessary, noted that his administration would only continue to embark on landmark projects.

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWSEXTRA

MENTORING MEDICAL STUDENTS…

L-R: President, Association of the Medical Students University of Lagos (AMSUL), Mr. Oribolawale Owate; Vice President, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Tunji Adenekan; Assistant Professor of Family Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Dr. Oyetokunbo Ibidapo-Obe Somirin, and Emergency Doctor, Tasmanian Health Service, Australia, Osiomah Omogbai-Musa, at the first edition of the Oyetokunbo Ibidapo-Obe Somorin Medical Student Summit at the College of Medicine of the University of Lagos (CMUL)… recently

Gunman Kills Police DPO in Benue George Okoh In Makurdi

A Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, Superintendent of Police (SP), Mamud Abubakar, was yesterday assassinated by yet to be identified killer.

According to local sources

the DPO, who was travelling along the Naka, Makurdi road was waylaid and killed by the gunman.

The Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Andrew Ayande, confirmed the incident to reporters. He said that the deceased, who was in charge of Naka Divisional Police Station,

Flour Mills of Nigeria Records N1.1trn Revenue in Nine Months Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc (FMN), Nigeria’s leading food and agroallied business yesterday released of its unaudited financial results for the nine months((9M) ended December 31, 2022. The 9M results show remarkable revenue growth, from N825 billion to N1.114 trillion.

Overall revenue grew by 35 per cent across all business segments, with Food, Agro-Allied and Sugar all growing between 34 per cent and 39 per cent respectively. Gross profit stood at N103 billion, up 29 per cent from N80.22 billion.

According to the company, total results were affected by the integration of Honeywell Flour Mills Plc (HFMP) integration, which has been successfully ongoing since the takeover on May 12th, 2022.

As anticipated, the acquisition involved some initial integration costs and Honeywell posted a loss of N10.3 billion by at the end of December 2022.

But the company, however, noted that Honeywell is well on track to realise and exceed the anticipated benefits from the acquisition.

Commenting on the performance, the Group Managing Director, Boye Olusanya, said:“The Q3 earnings trend is a clear demonstration of the Group’s commitment to carrying out its overall long-term strategy of maintaining growth and sustaining profitability by significantly investing in the development of local content through product innovation across our core value chains.

Also, as is established by the significant increase in revenue and growth from theAgro-allied category of the Group’s touch-points, we are committed to achieving economies of scale in food production via cropspecific value chain by increasing productivity and ultimately driving the nation’s attainment of food self-sufficiency.”

Buhari Rejoices with Doyin Abiola at 80 Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated the former Managing Director and Editorin-Chief of the Concord Group of newspapers, Dr Doyin Abiola, as she marks her 80th birthday anniversary today, February 1, 2023.

The president, in a release issued yesterday by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, joined family and friends in celebrating with former media guru as well as extolling the skills and brilliance, which saw her making history at a young age as first female newspaper Editor in the country.

President Buhari shared the joy of the milestone with the eminent media personality and opinion moulder, who started her journalism career in 1969, earned a doctorate in Communications and Political Science in 1979, and

brought more depth and scope into publishing with many years of experience.

The President believes Dr. Abiola’s passion for research and learning shaped her intellectual contributions to the vibrant and dynamic Nigerian media, fearlessly chasing and upholding the truth, and working zealously for the good of the majority, particularly in good governance and democracy.

President Buhari noted the commendable and historic roles of Dr. Abiola as a columnist with Daily Sketch in the 1960s, Features Writer at Daily Times, later Group Features Editor, pioneer daily Editor of National Concord, and becoming first female Editor-inChief in Nigeria.

The president rejoiced with the media icon for a life of many firsts, influencing and inspiring many, and mentoring leaders in the industry.

drove alone in a vehicle and was going to pick up his men posted along the road on routine duty, before the gunmen opened fire on him.

He also disclosed that one Terhemba Tion was killed in the early hours of yesterday by armed invaders who attacked his community in Gwer West

LGA. He said the deceased Tion was killed in his Mbadyugh Tse -uhon community in Sengev council ward of Gwer West.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the killing of the DPO whom she identified as SP. Mamud Abubakar.

Parents Drag Principal to Court over Alleged Non-Compliance with TSA in Lagos Wale Igbintade

The Principal, Federal Government College, Ijanikin, Lagos, Esther Tofunmi Akamo and three others have been dragged before a Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged exploitation and non-compliance with the federal government’s directive on Treasury Single Account (TSA).

The suits were instituted

by two parents of the College, Oladapo Oladotun Afolarin and Oke Anjorin Bennet.

The Parents, in their separate suits marked FHC/L/CS/25/2023, and FHC/L/CS/2375/22 are seeking an order compelling the first defendant to account for all cash collections made in respect to the placement of students in SS1 in the College.

Others listed as co-defendants

are: the Minister for Education, Attorney-General of the Federation, (AGF) and Federal Ministry of Education, as second to fourth defendants.

The two parents in their originating summons filed before the court by their lawyer, Pius Sodje, asked the court for “a declaration that the Federal Government College ljanikin Lagos is a Federal Institution which is

bound to comply with the Federal Government’s Policy of Treasure Single Account and the payment of all fees through the approved channel of Remitta.

“A declaration that the first, second and fourth defendants cannot collect any fees in Federal Government College Ijanikin by cash or through any other account except the approved Treasury Single Account.

Flood: Rivers Electorate ‘ll Punish PDP NEC over Neglect, Says Wike Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State said for abandoning them during flood incidence of October and November 2022, Rivers electorate would punish the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming general elections in

the state.

The Rivers State governor explained that the flooding situation was devastating in some communities of Abua/ Odual, Ahoada West and Ahoada East Local Government Areas with houses submerged, the people displaced, and their socioeconomic life disrupted.

Wike recalled that during the period the flood lasted, the national leadership of PDP refused to visit those communities as a way of identifying with Rivers people when it mattered most.

The governor made the remark yesterday during the State PDP Campaign flag-off rally at Akinima Town, Ahoada West Local

Government Area.

Governor Wike emphasised that even though the PDP national leadership refused to identify with Rivers communities, they gladly visited flood impacted communities in other States and identified with them, which can now be interpreted that they hate Rivers State.

Ogun West: Yewa Monarchs Foresee Adeola as Ogun Governor JamesSowoleinAbeokuta

As Senator Solomon Adeola, who is the chairman of Senate Committee of Finance and the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Ogun West concluded his wardto-ward campaign tour in Yewa North Local Government, all royal fathers in the council, had endorsed and prayed for him to be governor

of Ogun State after representing them as senator from 2023.

The Adokun of Igan Okoto, Oba Mukaila Akanbi Salako, who was mandated to pray for the success of the Senator after other Obas numbering over 10 including the Alaye of Ayetoro Oba Abdullaziz Adelakun, had eulogised the Senator for his unparallel large-heartedness at the Palace of Alaye of Ayetoro,

said he has already won the election to be Ogun West senator based on his antecedents of service and development initiatives that dates back to over 10 years in the district.

He said: “We are not in doubt of your ability to win the election for the Senate for Ogun West. That is a foregone conclusion on February 25.

“What we wish and pray for is that you will be governor

of Ogun state after that based on your record of service and community development. I recalled your sponsorship of Yewa Obas to UK and USA years back and the way you extended regular goodwill gestures to us at least four times per year and we know you will make a good governor for the state after serving as Ogun West Senator” he stated.

Obaseki Urges Better Collaboration, Investment to Tackle Tropical Diseases Adibe Emenyonu inBeninCity

In order to sustain the progress recorded in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), which have affected over one billion people globally, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has urged stakeholders for increased investment and collaboration among nations of

the world.

Obaseki made the call in commemoration of World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2023, with the theme, “Act Now. Act Together. Invest in Neglected Tropical Diseases,” celebrated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and its partner agencies.

The governor, who restated his government’s commitment

to combating NTDs and other diseases in the state, charged global stakeholders to review efforts at guaranteeing sustainable financing to provide safe water and improve sanitation and hygiene so as to sustain the gains recorded in the prevention and management of NTDs. He said: “On this World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day,

we recognize the impact of these diseases on communities and the need for continued efforts towards their elimination.”

“As we mark this important day, it is crucial that we not only celebrate the progress made in managing these diseases but also reinstate the need to sustain investments to maintain that progress.

Go and Conquer the World, Okowa Charges DESOPADEC Graduands The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) yesterday issued business starter packs and cash of N200,000 for each person to support them in setting up their businesses.

Speaking at the convocation ceremony held in Warri, the Governor of Delta and Special Guest at the event, Sen Ifeanyi

Arthur Okowa, represented by the Chief of Staff, Rt Hon Ovie Agas, re-echoed the charge of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of DESOPADEC, Bashorun Askia Ogieh JP, to the graduands to go into the business world with focus and determination to conquer and succeed.

He assured them that the state

was committed to empowering its citizens to be productive and self reliant.

He said: “Governor Okowa was elected on the mantra of prosperity for all and one of his cardinal programmes is Human Capital Development. The public service cannot absorb all our graduates and, as good parents, we will not

allow our children to be roaming the streets in search of jobs. That is why we established the Jobs and Wealth Creation Office.

“I have seen many empowerment programmes but that of DESOPADEC is exceptional.

The management is highly focused and committed and the graduates are well trained and courteous.”

WEDNESDAY, ͹˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

46

WEDNESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Winter Transfer: Saints Beat Everton to Onuachu’s Signature

Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report Super Eagles forward, Paul Onuachu, had his medical yesterday at St Mary’s as both Southampton and his Belgian top division club, Genk, sorted out an agreement for the 6.7ft tall footballer’s transfer to the English Premier League.

Onuachu’s transfer fee has been put at €18 Million with three Million Euros in add-ons.

The contract is for three and half years.

According to Belgium’s transfer reporter, Sacha Tavolieri late yesterday, .”It’s now a ‘done deal’ for Onuachu to join the Saints before the January transfer deadline.

Southampton are expected to

pay the transfer fee €18million (£16million) plus €3million (£2.65million) in add-ons, taking the deal close to £19million.

Onuachu’s move appears to be frustration for Everton who were also interested in him but Southampton have had the upper hand thanks to Rasmus Ankersen.

Southampton’s Director of Football Ankersen was previously involved with Midtjylland, the Danish club where Onuachu made his name.

He spent seven years with Midtjylland, smashing 74 goals in 181 games for the side.

The giant Genk striker was Goal King of Belgium two seasons ago.

With 17 goals in 22 games for Genk this season, Onuachu

has shown that he knows where the goal is – and that’s what Southampton really need.

Speaking in December 2022, Onuachu insisted he was happy at Genk but refused to rule out a future move to the Premier League.

“I score a lot, I like being here.

But: if there is an interesting offer this winter or next summer, we will look at it together with Genk.

Because I still dream of playing in a big league,” he told HLN. His goals will be crucial to save ‘The Saints’ from relegation as they are rock bottom of the table with 15 points from 20 matches. They are two points from safety.

Paul Onuachu...dumps Belgium for the Premier League

Chelsea’s Jorginho to Wear Arsenal’s Number 20 Jersey The first photo of Jorginhoin an Arsenal shirt has been leaked on his agent's Instagram account.

The Italian was the subject of a deadline day switch from Chelsea to London rivals Arsenal on a £12million deal, with Gunners fans getting a first look at their potential new man in a leaked

photo and is expected to wear the No 20.

The former Blues vice-captain's move to the north London side has been controversial, with some fans disappointed that their side missed out on Moises Caicedo, while pundits claim that the move can only prove a boost to Arsenal.

Nice Celebrate Signing Terem Moffi OGC Nice have said they are thrilled to sign Nigerian international Terem Moffi from fellow Ligue 1 club FC Lorient.

Nice Tuesday signed Moffi, 23, on an initial loan till the end of this season for a fee of 2.5 Million Euros.

They are then obliged to sign him permanently at the end of the season for 22.5 Million Euros with an additional 5 Million Euros in add-ons.

“We’re delighted that Terem’s determination to sign for OGC Nice, combined with our own, has led to this outcome. The support of our owner was also invaluable,” remarked club president Jean-Pierre Rivère.

“It’s an investment that matches our ambitions.”

Nice Sports Director, Florent Ghisolfi, was full of praise for the quality of their new striker.

“When it comes to the ideas

that we want to implement and the identity that we want to establish, he’s the ideal striker,” Ghisolfi said.

“Terem is capable of playing with his back to goal and of running in behind. He’s a modern striker, very pacy and very powerful. He has experience, and he fights for the team. He’s capable of making run after run whilst always keeping a cool head inside the box.

“In Ligue 1, he’s already set the standard. A new milestone awaits him at Nice, where he’ll get to play in Europe for the first time in the spring and will be one of the key men carrying the club’s lofty aims.”

With his contract signed at midday Tuesday, Moffi will be at coach Didier Digard’s disposal as of the game away to Marseille, the club he famously dumped to join Nice, at 21:00 CET Sunday.

Jorginho was the surprise transfer from Chelsea to Arsenal on the deadline day of the January transfer window

Remo Stars’ Akinsanmiro Joins Inter Milan Nigeria’s Premier Football League side, Remo Stars, have announced the transfer of one of their midfielders, Ebenezer

Akinsanmiro, to Italian giants, Inter Milan.

The club through its verified twitter handle reported yesterday that the player has completed his move to Inter Milan from Remo Stars.

The teenager who is an

academy product of Remo Stars signed a four-year deal.

He was part of the team that helped Remo Stars gain promotion from the Nigeria National League to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in the 2020/2021 season.

He also featured in the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League.

Most notably, Ebenezer featured for the academy team, Beyond Limits in The Creative Championship and Viareggio Cup World Football Tournament.

NFF to Decorate 29 Refs with FIFA Badges Today

Terem Moffi (right) at his unveiling in OGC Nice... yesterday

A total of 29 Nigerian referees will today receive their badges to operate as FIFA match officials for the year 2023, at a special ceremony inside the NFF Secretariat, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

A total of seven of them will be badged as FIFA referees while another seven will be decorated as FIFA assistant referees.

Four are FIFA women referees and three are FIFA women assistant referees. Four are FIFA beach soccer referees while another four are

FIFA futsal referees.

Only two of the arbiters are new to the topmost rank: Muhammed Yakubu and Tijjani Ahmad, who wil operate as FIFA assistant referees.

FIFA Referees: Ogabor Joseph; Nurudeen Abubakr; Quadri Adebimpe; Kassim Abdulsalam; Abdullahi Abubakar; Bashir Salihu; Grema Mohammed FIFA Assistant Referees: Samuel Pwadutakam; Usman Abdulmajeed; Efosa Igudia Celestine; Hope Igho; Tejiri Digbori; Muhammed

Yakubu; Tijjani Ahmad FIFA Beach Soccer Referees: Jelili Ogunmuyiwa; Fawole Olawale; Olayinka Olajide; Rabiu Ahmad FIFA Futsal Referees: Bello Zuru Alhassan; Musa Dung Davou; Paul Umuago; Uhah Ndubuisi FIFA Women Referees: Ndidi Patience; Hannah Eliagwu; Olufunmilayo Alaba; Yemisi Akintoye FIFA Women Assistant Referees: Mfon Friday Akpan; Beauty Kabenda Terah; Abibat Yusuf.

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WEDNESDAY, ͹˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

SPORTS TRANSFER NEWS...TRANSFER NEWS...TRANSFER NEWS...

How Man City Blocked Silva’s Move to Barcelona

Manchester City had no intention of allowing Bernardo Silva to leave the club in the January transfer window which ended last night, 90min reports.

Silva has been a key player for

City throughout most of his time at the club, winning four Premier League titles, an FA Cup, four League Cups and playing in a Champions League final since he arrived from Monaco for

£43.5million in the summer of 2017.

But, while happy in a footballing sense, the Portugal international has been unsettled off the pitch for a considerable time. He first began ‘feeling along’ during the

UK’s first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020 and later asked to leave the club altogether in the summer of 2021.

Pep Guardiola admitted last year that Silva ‘likes Barcelona a lot’ and

wouldn’t stand in his way if the player wanted to leave, despite stressing that he wants to keep him. The club took a firmer stance.

Barcelona have remained interested in Silva and, once the 2022 summer transfer window closed, made him a top target for this year instead.

Barça President Joan Laporta did

only recently rule out spending €80 million on Silva, although coach Xavi has said ‘I love him as a player’.

90min can report that Barcelona have checked on Silva’s situation, stopping short of any sort of official approach, but City insisted he was going nowhere in the January transfer window.

Forest Sign Felipe from Atletico to Strengthen Backline Nottingham Forest have signed Atletico Madrid defender Felipe until June 2024 for an undisclosed fee.

The 33-year-old, who has two caps for Brazil, joined La Liga side Atletico from Porto in 2019 but has found his playing time limited under manager Diego Simeone this season.

Felipe becomes Forest boss Steve Cooper's fourth signing of the January transfer window.

He told the club's website it was a "dream" to play in the Premier League.

"I'm really excited to be part of this wonderful, fast-growing club," he added.

"You can see it's a club looking to really grow. It's a big challenge

for me and I made a clear decision to be part of the history here and grow with the club."

Forest have signed Newcastle striker Chris Woodon loan this month, bought Palmeiras midfielder Danilofor £16m and recruited his team-mate Gustavo Scarpaon a free transfer.

A deal for Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is close to being completed after the 30-year-old had a medical on Monday.

Felipe won the Primeira Liga title with Porto in 2018 and made his international debut in the same year for Brazil in a 5-0 friendly win over El Salvador.

The defender also lifted the La Liga trophy with Atletico in the 2020-21 season.

Bernardo Silva...blocked from leaving Etihad for Camp Nou

Masai Ujiri’s Giants of Africa Announces 20th Anniversary Celebration On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, Giants of Africa, a not-for-profit dedicated to enriching the lives of African youth through sports, and its co-founder Masai Ujiri, who is also Vice-Chairman and President of the Toronto Raptors, on Monday announced worldwide events taking place throughout the year in celebration.

2023 marks 20 years of Giants of Africa travelling the African continent conducting basketball camps for boys and girls, build-

ing courts, and facilitating youth outreach initiatives.

“It has been humbling to reach such an incredible milestone and there is much to be proud of as we reflect on the last two decades.

20 years of service has only been possible because of the passion and commitment of every person and community that has come together to make Giants of Africa what it is today,” said Masai Ujiri.

“We’ve really only just begun.

There is an understanding that we

need to keep going and a desire to learn from our journey so that we can continue to help more.

“We are excited about the bright future as Giants of Africa continues to develop infrastructure and inspire African youth worldwide with programs focused on education, empowerment, and leadership, both on and off the court.”

Since 2003, Giants of Africa has positively impacted over 40,000 African youth across 17 countries through access to over 30 basketball

Hamed Traore Dumps Sassuolo for Bournemouth Bournemouth made Sassuolo and Ivory Coast midfielder, Hamed Traore, 22 their second signing

of the winter transfer window.

Traore joined on loan in a deal which will become permanent in

the summer on a five-year deal.

The transfer is thought to cost in the region of £20m.

Traore's final game for Sassuolo was in Sunday's 5-2 win over AC Milan at the San Siro. It was not a bad way to sign off.

Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake said: “He is young, ambitious and one of the hottest talents from Serie A. He fits the profile of the type of player we are looking to recruit and will significantly add to our creative resources."

courts and 80 basketball camps or clinics.

Twenty-six of the total courts have been made possible through ‘Built Within’, the foundation’s multi-year, 100-court commitment to investing in sports infrastructure across Africa, launched in 2021.

Since its inception, outreach initiatives in at-risk communities and refugee camps have been at the heart of Giant of Africa’s purpose. In 2021, the foundation unveiled a new basketball court and multi-sport complex for the Samburu Girls Foundation.

Led by founder Dr. Josephine Kulea, the Foundation provides a safe haven for young women. Dr. Kulea and her staff rescue girls from FGM, beading and forced marriage in northern Kenya.

“Giants of Africa is grateful to help contribute to their mission and empower the girls through sport.”

Hundreds of Giants of Africa alumni have received scholarships abroad including NBA player Precious Achiuwa of the Toronto Raptors, WWE Star Tolupe Omogbehin - aka Omos and countless others who have gone on to professional careers across a variety of industries.

Felipe...in Premier League for a refreshing experience

Spanish Police Detain 23 for Match-fixing in Spain, Andorra and Gibraltar A group of 23 people, including soccer players, have been arrested as part of a probe into suspected match-fixing in non-professional Spanish, Andorran and Gibraltarian soccer leagues, Spanish police said yesterday.

Those arrested are suspected of belonging to a ring that allegedly won as much as 500 000 euros ($540 750) through minor bets with pay-outs that were too small to raise regulatory flags, acting on

Art Hotel Excited with Polo Sponsorship

Hamed Traore switches Sassuolo for Bournemouth

The management of The Art Hotel, Lagos has expressed delight at the opportunity to be part of the ongoing Lagos International Polo Tournament.

The Managing Director of the hotel, Tunji Abdul, while unveiling his sponsorhip package for The Art Hotel Polo Team scheduled to play STL-Shoreline tomorrow, said it’s part of the hotel’s active participation in nation building as

well as imparting in the community its operates.

Mr. Abdul said “at the Art Hotel, we believe that an active participation in our community is vital and as such we are delighted to have the opportunity to sponsor the Art Hotel Polo Team in the 2023 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament.”

He stressed that the Art Hotel is not only looking at “Art” in the traditional sense such as paintings

and sculptures, but also take the view that such visually stunning and competitive game as Polo fits hand in glove with the hotel’s vision of the differentiated arts and its extensive influence on culture in the widest sense both in Nigeria and abroad.

Abdul added that the management of the hotel looks forward to sponsoring teams and tournaments in the future.

information from players who then influenced the games' final outcome, police said.

"A second layer of the scam comprised soccer players who took advantage of their position to organise the fixing in the teams under their influence," police said.

No players were identified, but police said the ring targeted some 30 games in non-professional leagues such as Spain's third division and the local leagues of micro-state Andorra and British enclave Gibraltar.

Officials from the three football associations didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.

The investigation was carried out in 2021 and 2022 with the help of several organisations, including Spain's football federation RFEF, LaLiga, the Betting Market Global Investigation Service (SIGMA) and European governing body UEFA's Anti-Match-Fixing Unit.

It was also supported by international police forces Europol and Interpol.

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

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MISSILE Ortom to Nigerians “I want to implore people, particularly those in high place, to restrain themselves from making utterances that will aggravate the problem and create confusion and apportion blame to people. I am really not happy with some utterances coming from very responsible people instead of trying to find out what happened.”- Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom cautioning Nigerians on making inflammatory statements on security issues.

KAYODEKOMOLAFE THE HORIZON

kayode.komolafe@thisdaylive.com

0805 500 1974

The Lacuna in the Campaigns T

he campaigns are supposed to be towards general elections; but a casual observer of the political scene could be excused if he says the build-up is only to the presidential election taking place 25 days from today.

That is also the date of the elections of those who will be members of the 10th National Assembly.

And a fortnight from that date, governors and members of the state legislatures will be also be elected. While 18 men are competing for the office of the president, 837 candidates are contesting the governorship elections in 28 states.

Yet, in serious terms, the focus seems to be mainly on the presidential election. In fact, some pundits are projecting that it is the outcome of the February 25 presidential election will shape the dynamic of things during the March 11 state elections.

The state of play in the campaigns is consistent with a trend in which the problem of governance is virtually attributed to what takes place or fails to happen at the centre. This should not be the case. In fact, some of the almost anonymous parties which frivolously present presidential candidates ought to concentrate their energies and very limited resources on the state elections. They could target state executive and legislative elections in places where they could muster relative strengths. Those state elections could turn out to be the low-hanging fruits for them, as they say.

Instead of seeing governance as shared tasks among the three tiers of government, all eyes are rivetted on the centre. A politician who lacks the capacity to be a local government chairman makes a bid for the presidency as his entry into politics.

Little attention is given to the quality of leadership at the sub-national levels in some states of the country. This is evident in the profiles of some of the characters who have emerged as governors in some states in the last 24 years. The evidence is clear.

It is an abysmal lack of the political orientation of taking development as a wholistic process in one political economy. Invariably, the output in terms of the impact on the quality of lives of the people of those states has been dismal.

As a result, the federal government is held responsible for virtually all governance issues, from security to sanitation. That has been the public expectation of the presidents in this dispensation, from Olusegun Obasanjo to Muhammadu Buhari.

But there appears to be a low expectation of the state governments in many otherwise informed quarters.

What is sorely lacking in the discussion of governance in Nigeria is a sense of integrated development. The Nigerian federation is hinged on one political economy despite the relative autonomy of the 36 sub-national governments.

There are policies meant to deliver public goods that could be successfully implemented only if the federal and state governments embrace the concept of integrated development. And this could be done without prejudice to the constitutional provisions on federalism.

For instance, no matter what is the federal government policy on any area of education or healthcare, the direct impact on the people would be ultimately determined by what happens at the state and local government levels. No matter the efforts of the federal government in the provision of pipe-borne water, this basic substance of life will not be available to many people in remote rural areas unless the state governments also make provision of potable water a priority.

This point is sometimes brought into a sharp

Sokoto State Governor and Chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Aminu Tambuwal focus in situations such as those of insecurity and public health emergency. The management of the multi-dimensional crisis triggered by COVID-19 was not only a test of governance on the part of the federal government, it was also a challenge to the capacity of state governments and local governments. The figures of infection of coronavirus had to be supplied by the state governments while vaccination is carried out at the local government level. The weak links in the chain of the national efforts against coronavirus infection were those states where the governors elected to be cavalier with the virulent pandemic.

Two governors actually denied the existence of the virus. A sense of responsibility should always be demonstrated at all levels. Since elections in a liberal democracy are basically about the choice of leadership, making that choice should be correspondingly taken seriously at all levels.

The other day, Minister of State for Budget and National Planning Clement Agba unwittingly provoked a debate when he blamed the state government for the worsening level of poverty in the land. The minister, who spoke in the wake of the release of the data on multi-dimensional poverty by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), accused state the state government of misplaced priorities and neglect of the rural communities.

Agba made his case against the state governments like this: “The governors are basically functioning in their state capitals. And democracy that we preach

What is sorely lacking in the discussion of governance in Nigeria is a sense of integrated development.

about is delivering the greatest goods to the greatest number of people. And from our demography, it shows that the greatest number of our people live in rural areas, but the governors are not working in the rural areas. ‘“Right now 70 per cent of our people live in rural areas. They produce 90 percent of what we eat. And unfortunately 60 percent of what they produce is lost due to post harvest loss and it does not get to the market.

“I think from the Federal Government’s side we are doing our best. But we need to say that rather than governors continuing to compete to take loans to build airports that are not necessary, where they have other airports so close to them, or governors now competing to build flyovers all over the place, we appeal that they should concentrate on building rural roads so that the farmer can at least get their products to the market.”

The minster’s statement expectedly drew the ire of state governments and a section of the public.

Agba’s statement was perceived as a lame excuse in the face of the scathing, but legitimate, criticisms of the Buhari administration.

However, the basic argument of the minister has not been faulted. For, what’s the sense of priority of a state governor that invests billions of naira on an “iconic” multi-storey building in the state capital when millions of the people lack pipe-borne water? Take another sample. A state governor invests billions of naira to erect a magnificent shopping mall at the state capital in a state with meagre internally generated revenues. Meanwhile, local government headquarters lack decent market stalls and villagers helplessly spread their wares on the bare ground in the market squares. This culture of executing random projects is reminiscent of what the highly cerebral liberal politician, the late Ojo Madueke, would call “monumentalism.”

In a period when state governors are canvassing austerity because of limited resources, erecting these monuments of vanity is simply unpardonable in a poverty-ridden environment.

Come to think of it, the subsisting vertical revenue allocation formula is as follows: federal government - 52.68%; state governments -26.72%; local governments - 20.60% and derivation fund for the oil producing states - 13%. With the political and administrative emasculation of the local governments by most of the governors, it is an open secret that the state governments more or less control 47.32% of resources available to the account federation. However, the state governments are not held responsible in proportionate terms.

It’s as if only Abuja is responsible for the making and unmaking of Nigeria.

Last year a budget of 17 trillion naira was passed by the National Assembly after a process which, at least, attracted public interest. There were debates and disagreements between the executive and the lawmakers before the budget was finally passed.

In the 36 states the total of the respective budgets passed was six trillion naira. The processing of the budgets in most of the states was hardly reported.

It was not a matter for debates in most cases. Yet, these were the budgets to answer the questions of basic education, primary healthcare, sanitation, water supply, feeder roads, social housing, food security etc.

Far from absolving the federal government of its huge responsibilities, it should be stressed that not enough attention has been paid to governance at the state level as reflected in the state of play in the current campaigns..

The foregoing central questions development constitute some of the issues on which state elections should be based. If membership of political parties were based on the propinquity of ideas, the presidential and governorship candidates of a party ought to embrace fundamentally the same programme on the core issues of development presented by their party. For elections, parties (and not candidates) ought to own programmes that should be sold for national, state and local government elections. The good thing about such a political culture is that even if a party doesn’t win the presidential election the programme of the party would be executed by governors who emerge on the party’s platform. In the Second Republic, the politics was remarkably based on party programmes unlike in this dispensation when candidates parade manifestoes that members of their parties, much less the electorate at large, do not even understand, For example, the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) was easily identified by its “four cardinal programmes” of free education, free healthcare, full employment and integrated rural development. The presidential candidate of the party in the 1979 election, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, lost the election; but governors emerged on the UPN platform in Lagos, Ogun, old Oyo, old Ondo and old Bendel States. The UPN programmes were implemented in the five states between 1979 and 1983. Talking of the UPN, it was a case of “by their programmes you shall know them,” to paraphrase a famous Biblical passage (Mathew 7:16). The UPN states were among the first to establish state universities in response to the surge in the yearning for tertiary education. Those universities have produced quality manpower for leadership in the public and private sectors. Similar things could be said of the other parties of the Second Republic.

Therefore, pundits should not ignore the political dynamic at the state levels. The campaigns for the governorship elections should also be vigorous. It is important that the choices before the electorate at the state level should also be given the due attention in discussions in the public sphere.

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