FRIDAY 18TH FEBRUARY 2022

At 3.40 Per cent in 2021, Nigeria’s Economy Recorded Highest GDP Growth in Eight Years Non-oil buoyed growth at 94.81%, oil sector contributed 5.19% James Emejo in Abuja Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by

3.40 per cent in 2021, the highest since 2014, when the economy grew by 6.22 per cent, the National Bureau

of Statistics (NBS) disclosed yesterday.

According to the National GDP Q4 report released by

the NBS, the expansion in economic activities was majorly driven by the non-oil sector.

The report also revealed that the country's GDP grew by 3.98 per cent (year-onyear) in real terms in the

fourth quarter of last year (Q4 2021), lower than the Continued on page 49

Lawmakers Hail FG, CBN, Seek Sustenance of ‘100 for 100’ Policy... Page 6 Friday 18 February, 2022 Vol 27. No 9810. Price: N250

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Report: 22.1% of Teachers in Borno State Incompetent, Untrainable... Page 5

365 Days to Presidential Election, the Aspirants are Emerging See story on page 8

SOME OF THOSE WHO HAVE DECLARED

Tinubu

Anyim

Umahi

Dele Momodu

Okunnu-Lamidi

SOME OF THOSE WHO ARE YET TO DECLARE

Osinbajo

Atiku

Emefiele

Saraki

Amaechi

FG Moves to Meet ASUU’s Demand, Constitutes White Paper Committee... Page 50

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

BRIEFING ON DISASTER MANAGEMENT...

L –R: Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq; Permanent Secretary, Bashir Nura Alikali and National Coordinator, National GODWIN OMOIGUI Social Investment Programme, Dr. Umar Bindir, during the briefing on disaster management update in the country, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja... yesterday

Emefiele: CBN Passionate about Youth Empowerment, Economic Restructuring Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emiefiele, has expressed commitment to various programmes targeted at youth empowerment and restructuring of the Nigerian economy in order to move it away from its overdependence on oil revenue.

The CBN governor who made the remarks at a two-day CBN Fair, which opened in Asaba yesterday, said he was passionate about empowering youths, especially young graduates through various initiatives to support small and medium scale enterprises as well as agricultural support schemes.

He noted that the unprecedented rice pyramid witnessed in Abuja, recently and the over 160 per cent rise in the number of rice mills in the country was an evidence that the CBN's intervention in agriculture sector was yielding fruits.

Similarly, he said the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) of the apex bank and other development finance interventions greatly helped in mitigating the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria through the various palliatives that Nigerians benefited from.

He stressed the need for all hands to be on the deck to tackle the economic challenges facing Nigeria.

The Corporate Communications Director, CBN, Mr. Osita Nwanisoba, who represented Emiefele, at the fair, noted that growing a diversified economy that would meet contemporary challenges in a sustainable manner underscored the intervention programmes of the apex bank.

He stressed the need for Nigerians to understand the history of their economy and to know how they could key into the numerous intervention programmes and schemes designed to restructure the country's economic base from its monoculture status.

He assured that the CBN has been consistently proactive in ensuring that its initiatives were in tune with global trends, including digitalisation and smart internet innovations in the financial world.

He said the fact that Nigeria was the first country in Africa to launch a digital currency, the e-Naira on October 26, 2021, testified to the proactive state of the CBN. He said, "First and foremost, it is important for us to know where we are coming from and where we are going, because the understanding of the past will

help us to understand why the CBN is doing what it is doing.

Like I said, Nigeria is a monoproduct economy; mono-product because 90 per cent of our foreign exchange (FX) revenue come from oil and about 60 per cent of our expenditure also comes from oil. What this means is that whenever there is a shock out there it immediately translates to our economy.

"So, it becomes even more problematic for the CBN to be able to deal with its mandate.

And, we have a clear mandate,

which we understand, but we feel that to be able to actualise this mandate, there are other things we need to do, and that is, to stimulate growth, to grow the economy in a sustainable manner.

"What the CBN is doing is to diversify the economic base of this country. We are saying that there are so many and so much that we can do. We have agriculture, we have manufacturing. So, why can we deal with these things so that we will be able to produce what we eat and eat what we produce?

The federal government has signed an Interconnected Minigrid Acceleration Scheme (IMAS) deal with eight indigenous solar mini-grid developers for the establishment of 23 mini-grids across 11 states of the country.

Expected to generate a 5.4-kilowatt peak to connect about 27,600 households, and impact over 138,000 Nigerians in two years, the €9.3 million project is being coordinated by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) with support from the European Union and the German government.

At the award signing ceremony, the Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, said the programme was geared towards achieving the country's vision of generating at least 30, 000 megawatts of electricity by 2030.

Jedy-Agba noted that the administration of President

Muhammadu Buhari was always open to opportunities that would achieve the acceleration of electricity in Nigeria.

According to him, the national renewable energy and energy efficiency policy, vision 30:30:30 aim at achieving 30,000 megawatts of electricity by the year 2030, with renewable energy contributing 30 per cent of the energy mix. To achieve this, the minister stated that Nigeria would have to construct over a thousand mini-grids of 100 kilowatts.

The minister added that it was important to continue to find creative and innovative ways to achieve the objective, and one of which was through collaborating with development partners and the private sector.

He added: "We understand that one of the major bottlenecks for the private sector's involvement is financing, hence, the reason the NESP and REA have worked

"I think the first thing we have to understand is that we are gradually moving into what I will call the knowledge economy. We have also seen what digitalisation is doing across the world. Like I said earlier, as countries begin to move away from more fossil fuel to digital economy, it becomes imperative that you need to be at pace with what is going on.

"Today, we to talk about a web economy, we talk about internet economy, we talk about quantum computing and the rest of them.

Report: 22.1% of Teachers in Borno State Incompetent, Untrainable Zulum vows to sanitise education sector Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum yesterday described as “very scary” findings submitted to him by a Committee he had constituted and tasked with conducting basic literacy and numeracy competency assessment of 17,229 Local Education Authority teachers across 27 local government areas (LGAs) of the State.

The report revealed that out of 17,229 teachers across the 27 LGAs,

only 5,439 representing 31.6 per cent were competent to teach, while 3, 815 teachers representing 22.1 per cent were not competent to teach and were also not trainable.

The State’s Commissioner for Education, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, presented the committee’s report to Zulum at the Government House in Maiduguri.

According to a statement, members of the committee including chairman of the state Universal Basic Education Board, Bulama Kagu, a professor

Power Supply: FG Targets 27,000 Homes, Signs €9.3m Deal for Provision of 23-Mini-grids Nationwide Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

"Basically, that is why the CBN is intervening in the critical sectors of the economy. These are sectors that would grow the economy, create jobs, ensure that there is export so that we will be able to moderate our exchange rate and earn even more FX and grow our external reserves."

On the significance of the e-Naira to the central bank's efforts to restructure the economy, the representative of the CBN governor said there was need to move the country in the direction other economies were going.

closely to develop and implement the scheme.”

The eight local solar mini-grid developers include Acob Lighting Technology Limited, Gve Projects, Nayo Tropical Technology Limited, Rubitec Nigeria Limited and Darway Coast Nigeria Limited, Synergy Limited, Sosa-Protergia Joint Development Company Limited, and A4&T Power Solutions Limited.

They would receive in-kind grants through the REA with support of the European Union and the German Government within the framework of the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP).

The indigenous developers are expected to establish 23 mini-grids across 11 states, which include, Zamfara, Niger, Plateau, Kwara, Kogi, Osun, Ogun, Lagos, Delta, Anambra, and Cross River.

Earlier, the Managing Director of REA, Ahmad Salihijo said the scheme was aimed at bridging the

funding gap affecting indigenous developers in the renewable energy sector.

"It is our hope that the signatures we put down today in these documents set a precedent for the new and improved power and energy sector in Nigeria.

"As an agency, we encourage investors to explore the solar mini-grid sector. However, one major constraint to this is usually financing. This is why the REA, with the support of NESP, is working together to alleviate this bottleneck.

"We do this by providing inkind grants to selected mini-grid developers on favourable and encouraging terms as contained in the grant agreement," he stressed.

According to him, the main objective of the intervention is to design and test a tender model for interconnected solar mini-grids, leading to the foundation of the scheme.

of education, was in attendance.

The report also revealed that 7,975 teachers representing 46.3 per cent were found not fully competent but trainable.

The report also revealed that 2, 389 teachers representing 13.9 per cent have been teaching without any formal qualification from any institution.

A breakdown of the report’s findings across the 27 local government areas showed, from the worst indices, that out of 224 teachers in Abadam Local Government Area in northern Borno, only 14 were competent to teach, stating that 74 were untrainable while 136 could be trained.

The report further stated that out of Kala-Balge’s 272 teachers, only 21 were competent to teach with 118 untrainable and 133 trainable.

Furthermore, the report showed indices for other local government areas from which Maiduguri Metropolitan Council had the highest number of 396 untrainable teachers, followed by Askira-Uba with 281 untrainable teachers, Chibok-268 untrainable teachers, Bama-246 untrainable teachers and Biu also with 219 teachers who could not teach.

The Committee had engaged academics from different education stakeholders in the state before and during assessment tests conducted in January, 2022, across the 27 Local Government Areas of the State.

The numbers were based on the overall number of teachers as some with higher numbers of untrainable teachers have higher number of teachers employed.

Other Local Government Areas

showed various numbers of untrainable teachers, with Jere having the fewest-16 untrainable teachers out of 1,159 teachers from which 936 proved competent while 204 were not fully competent but they were trainable.

The report also stated that of all the 17,229 teachers, 1,627 representing 9.4 per cent were degree holders; 8,153 representing 47.3 per cent were NCE holders; 713 representing 4.1 per cent were are teachers grade II certificates’ holders while 2,281 representing 13.2 per cent were SSCE/GCE holders with the remaining 2,389 representing 13.9% not having any formal certificate.

Speaking after receiving the report, Zulum who said the findings were very scary, said the Committee members had informed him that they came across an NCE holder who could not write NCE during the test but yet was teaching students.

“We cannot move Borno forward unless we are able to sanitise our public schools’ system and If I am able to sanitise education, I would have achieved 50 per cent of what I set out to achieve as Governor,” Zulum said.

He noted that he decided to set up the assessment Committee after series of spontaneous assessments of teachers during his regular unscheduled trips to Local Government Areas.

Despite the report, Zulum assured that he would not sack the 3,815 untrainable teachers but would depending on the recommendations made by the Committee, consider approving the transfer of the teachers to areas where they would perform other tasks such as tree planting at the Ministry of Environment.

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CHRISTIAN LEADERS VISIT FAYEMI...

L-R: Bishop of Ekiti Anglican Diocese/Archbishop of Ondo Ecclesiastical Province, The Most Rev’d. Dr. C.T. Omotunde; his wife, Mrs Margaret Omotunde; Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Archbishop, Metropolitan & Primate of All Nigeria, The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba; his wife Mrs Angela Ndukuba; during a courtesy visit to the Governor’s office, Ado-Ekiti… recently

Lawmakers Hail FG, CBN, Seek Sustenance of ‘100 for 100’ Policy Want probe of oil spill in Imo communities

Udora Orizu in Abuja Members of the House of Representatives have commended the federal government as well as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over the recently introduced ‘100 for 100 Policy on Production and Productivity (PPP) initiative.

The House has also mandated its Committees on Banking and Industry to study the policy and make recommendations towards improving and sustaining the programme for the benefit of Nigeria as a whole.

The resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Chris Azubogu at yesterday’s plenary.

Moving the motion, Azubogu recalled that in January 3, 2022, the CBN commenced the implementation and subsequent disbursement of a total sum of N23.20 billion to 28 companies whose projects were selected for funding in the maiden batch of its newly introduced initiative.

He noted that the policy which was geared towards funding of manufacturing companies that

NNPC Moves to Resolve NARTO, NUPENG-PTD Grouses, Resolves to Work on Freight Hike Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd., yesterday met with aggrieved parties within the petroleum transportation sector to resolve the outstanding issues on the long-standing freight matter.

The stakeholders also agreed last night to collaborate to ensure efficient nationwide availablity of petroleum products in the face of the current difficulties faced by Nigerians.

A communique which set out the framework for sorting out the freight issue was jointly signed by the NNPC Group Managing Director, Mallam Mele Kyari, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Yusuf Othman, Chairman, Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), Salmon Oladiti, among others.

The NNPC also provided updates on the current status of the road construction and rehabilitation projects under the road infrastructure tax credit scheme and assured the stakeholders that the funding earmarked for the 21 critical roads will be applied for the intended purpose only.

To allay the fears of the stakeholders, NNPC and all parties committed to working together in the monitoring of

the road projects.

The fuel transporters had raised the alarm that the N621 billion infrastructure fund was being diverted and demanded a joint monitoring of the 21 critical projects.

On review of freight rate for transportation, the stakeholders requested for completion of the ongoing discussions to cover operational costs and highlighted the precarious situation that truck owners face in the light of current economic realities.

The communiqué noted that representatives of the midstream/downstream authority informed the meeting that a committee had been constituted to review the rates.

The committee includes PTD, NARTO and NUPENG, in addition to other stakeholders, it noted.

"All parties agreed to work expeditiously towards concluding the review of the freight rate and make recommendations to the government.

"The Authority is to advise on definite close-out date during the week of 21st February 2022," the communiqué added.

It stated that collaboration on ensuring nationwide availability of petroleum products was ongoing , adding that all parties agreed to work closely to ensure efficient distribution of petroleum.

meet the specified requirements as stipulated on the policy was designed to help reverse the nation's over-reliance on importation by creating an ecosystem that targets and supports the right projects with the potential to transform and catalyse the productive base of the economy.

He opined that the programme, if well implemented, would contribute immensely to industrialisation, increase capacity to create employment for the teeming youth and improve revenues through exports and reduced importation of goods,

thereby improving the economy of the country.

He added: "Aware that the policy will support the Economic Development Agenda of the House of Representatives and ensure an increase in economic activities by increasing production of goods and services as well as creating employment for the teeming population.

“Also aware that the first cycle of the PPP witnessed 243 applications valued at N321.06 billion and spread over key sectors including agriculture, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and services sectors, and the maiden

disbursement, which was valued at N23.20 billion, comprised 14 in the manufacturing sector, 12 in the agricultural sector, and in the healthcare sector."

Also at the plenary, the lawmakers adopting a motion sponsored by Hon. Uju Chima Kingsley, urged the federal government to design a workable compensation template for indigenes of communities affected by the oil spill in Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta local government areas of Imo State and other oil-producing areas across the country.

The House also urged the

federal government to set up a remediation program and provide soft loans for indigenous entrepreneurs in impacted communities to help finance their small and medium scale commercial businesses, with clearly defined terms for repayment.

It mandated its Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Environment and Host Communities to conduct an impact assessment and evaluation of the effects of the oil spill to ensure that the people are adequately compensated and implementation of the previous resolutions.

EFCC, AGF, Reject Proposed Agency for Proceeds of Criminal Assets Forfeiture

Sunday Aborisade, Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami yesterday disagreed on the need to create a new agency to be solely responsible for forfeiture of proceeds of crimes assets.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) also kicked against moves by the Senate to enact new antimoney laundering law instead of amending the existing Money Laundering (Prevention) Act 2011.

These views were canvassed at a public hearing organised by the Senate Joint Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes; Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters as well as Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions in Abuja.

The public hearing was meant to get stakeholders’ input into three proposed anti-corruption bills being considered by the Senate.

The bills include: “Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) 2021”, “Public Complaints Commission (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2022” and the “Proceeds of Crimes (Recovery and Management) Bill, 2021.”

On the proposed Proceeds of Crimes (Recovery and Management) Bill, which seeks to establish a commission to

handle forfeiture of assets acquired through criminal and illegal activities, the Chairman of the EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, said creating a new agency was not necessary since the anti-graft body had been well positioned to handle such duties.

Bawa who was represented by the Secretary to the EFCC, George Ekpungu, said: “On the proposed Proceeds of Crimes Bill, I will only mention two things, the first one is that we should remember the federal government’s white paper on the reduction of the establishment of new agencies.

“I don’t think creating a new one that would manage the proceeds of crimes is necessary.

This one is like a caveat. We remember the Presidential Panel on Investigation and Recovery of Public Property and what it almost foisted on the nation crises, confusion and drawbacks.”

He added that the proposed agency would lead to additional financial burden for the country.

On his part, Malami in his presentation, supported the passage of the Proceeds of Crimes Bill and the setting up of a separate agency for asset forfeiture.

Malami who was represented by the Deputy Director, Legal Drafting, Federal Ministry of Justice, Godwin Iheabunike, said: “We believe that the agency will not pose financial challenges for

the country it would only help us to recover stolen revenues.

“It would handle civil forfeiture for us. Our agencies right now are handling criminal forfeitures which means we have to wait until they are done with prosecutions before they can now come back to do recovery.

“But now, this agency will do civil recovery. It would also help Nigeria to gain reputation in the global community.”

Meanwhile, the Governor of CBN, Godwin Emefiele, said an amendment of the existing Money Laundering (Prevention) Act 2011, would best serve the interest of Nigeria than a repeal and re-enactment bill.

Emefiele who was represented by a Director of the CBN, Mr. Chibuzor Anthony Efobi, said: "Where the existing Money Laundering (Prevention) Act 2011, is repealed and re-enacted, there would be new legal foundations which have not been assessed against the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) standards.”

This, according to him, would bring about a new law that may likely be deficient in other areas not limited to the deficiencies identified in the Mutual Evaluation Report.

He said: "Additionally, the new law will have to be completely reviewed by the FATF and GIABA (Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in

West Africa) for compliance with FATF recommendations.

"There will be a risk that the international assessment identifies new gaps which would lead to rating downgrades.

"Consequently, the CBN is opposed to the passage of the proposed bills for the repeal and re-enactment of the existing Money Laundering (Prevention) Act 2011. We have attached a copy of a proposed amendment to the 2011 Act for your consideration and necessary action.”

Senate President Ahmad Lawan, represented by the Deputy Chief Whip, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, in his remarks before declaring the session opened, said: “The Bills reinforce the commitment of the administration to the fight against corruption and it is why all hands must be on deck to reduce, if not eliminate malaise using all legitimate means possible.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the joint committee, Senator Suleiman Abdu Kwari (Kaduna North) said the proposed legislations were aimed at strengthening the fight against corruption in the country.

“We need to observe certain international commitments and obligations. We are mindful of our nation’s sovereignty and should therefore preserve it and also create home grown solutions to issues in our criminal justice system.

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Nigeria Set for 5G Rollout as FG Releases Spectrum Allocation NCC to licence operators after February 27

Emma Okonji in Lagos and Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja The federal government yesterday in Abuja, officially handed over Spectrum Allocation for 5G deployment to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, who doubles as the Chairman of the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC), did the official handover of the Spectrum Allocation for 5G licence to the NCC during a workshop on the National Policy on 5G Networks and handover of Spectrum Allocation for deployment, in Abuja.

Aside the official handover of the 5G spectrum to the NCC, the Minister also did an official public

handover of the National Policy on 5G Network for Nigeria’s Digital Economy to the NCC. Based on the official handover of the 5G spectrum, the NCC was expected to licence winners of the 5G spectrum after February 27, when it must have given full update of the payment of the licence fees by the winners, to enable 5G network rollout in the country.

NCC was expected to make formal announcement on the update of payment for 5G licence on February 27, 2022, in line with the Information Memorandum for 3.5GHz spectrum, which is the 5G licence spectrum.

The Commission had on December 13, 2021, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, successfully auctioned two slots in the 3.5GHz

spectrum band to MTN Nigeria Plc and Mafab Communications Limited, at a bid price of $273.6 million for each operator.

The successful auction of the 3.5GHz spectrum band would pave way for the issuance of a fifth generation (5G) licence that would facilitate the deployment of 5G network across Nigeria.

After the successful auction of the spectrum, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, had announced that the winners were expected to make payment for the spectrum license, on or before February 24, 2022, to enable them roll out the 5G network across the country.

Before the successful spectrum auction in December last year, the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT),

was occupying five slots in the 3.5GHz spectrum, but vacated two slots, which were handed over to the National Frequency Management Council, chaired by the Minister.

Pantami advised state governors to look beyond the money they would collect from network operators who will deploy the 5G in their states, but see the gain that its deployment would bring to their respective states and the Nigerian economy in general.

Pantami said, "The issue of right of way becomes a challenge from time to time. The government has addressed the issue more than ninety per cent but from time to time issues may come. I do hope that they will understand the economic benefit. The security benefits and many more of these technological advancement.

"It is beyond right of way charges.

It goes beyond that. So let us try

to make the process very easy for operators so that they will be able to deploy 5G." He added that the adoption of 5G technologies and its roll out would support in the development of Nigeria's digital economy "5G will provide very fast and reliable communication for our security personnel and allow then to swiftly access relevant data required to carry out their duties. The time required to access data for records from hours minutes.

"5G will allow for real time high quality and data intensive surveillance of relevant areas using high definition cameras.

"Emerging technologies like Blockchain can significantly improve transparency to the delivery of government services at all levels.

“The World Economic Forum

attests to the potential of Blockchain to increase the efficiency and fairness of government system and by extension limit opportunities for corruption.

It can significantly improve transparency in procurement procedures enhance land and registry system, ensure that government documents are not accessed by unauthorised personal," he stressed The minister also spoke on the national policy on 5G deployment in the country, saying, “the National Policy for 5G diploma in Nigeria for our country's digital economy is also going to be distributed after the luncheon we use the occasion for the public presentation of the policy and we encourage our stakeholders to look into it and ensure a very successful implementation of the policy on what we had been doing.

3 6 5 Days to P r e sid e n tia l E l e cti o n , th e Aspi r a n ts a r e E m e r g i n g Obinna Chima and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Today makes it exactly a year to the 2023 presidential election and aspirants in the two main political parties – the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) - as well as some other parties, are positioning for the most coveted office in the land. They have started to throw their hats in the ring to indicate their interest.

Even though the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has yet to blow the whistle to signal the start of electioneering, the political space is buzzing with the activities of potential aspirants who have started doing the leg work early – meeting critical stakeholders in an effort to sell their aspiration and win critical endorsement.

Although about 11 individuals from diverse backgrounds have formally declared their intentions to vie for their party’s ticket, many of the big names being touted as nursing presidential ambitions are yet to make a formal announcement even though their footprints are all over the political space. Every occasion, official or unofficial is now a rally of sort with political undertone.

In the next few months the political space is expected to be crowded with the big names currently holding consultations in secret and in not so secret places - finally coming out to formally make their pitch.

Here are those who have declared so far.

Bola Tinubu

Since the former Lagos State Governor, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu informed President Muhammadu Buhari of his desire to succeed him, he has been busy moving round the country and consulting with different interest groups and individuals. Already, groups such as SWAGA, the acronym for “South-West Agenda for Asiwaju,” populated by Tinubu’s acolytes and yes men, are already touring the length and breadth of the country to sell his candidature.

Sam Ohuabunwa

The immediate past president of the Nigerian Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Sam Ohuabunwa, has declared to contest the position of the President in the 2023 general elections on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ohuabunwa who had lamented worsening socio-economic and political conditions in the country, strongly believes he has what it takes to transform

Moghalu

Yerima

Bello

Okorocha

Tambuwal

Nigeria. He said the greatest challenge that propelled his presidential ambition was the need to produce a new Nigeria where injustice is ruled out.

presidential candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) in 2019 and has since moved to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Anyim Pius Anyim

Chukwuka Monye

declared his 2023 presidential ambition at the State House, in Abuja, coming about 24 hours after former Governor of Lagos State, Tinubu, also indicated an interest in the race. Both men are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Umahi, speaking at a press briefing after meeting with Buhari, said his presidency will replicate his “progressive efforts” in Ebonyi at the national level.

The Chairman of the South-east Governors’ Forum said he intends to bring a business-like spirit to governance, claiming that Buhari responded to his interest by asking him to seek the support of the people when he met with him to intimate the president of his intention.

work for its diverse populace if given the platform to do so. She promised to harness the power of Nigerian teeming youths to unleash the country’s latent potential, which she described as a force to be reckoned with globally. She is the daughter of former Federal Commissioner of Works and Housing, Lateef Femi Okunnu (SAN).

he is running for president even as he is constitutionally qualified to so do, he has said he remains focused on his job and would continue supporting the Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government’s economic recovery drive. Emefiele also believes it’s the prerogative of President Buhari to plan his succession for the continuing peace and progress of Nigeria.

The former Senate President, and one time Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ayim Pius Anyim has declared his interest in the presidential race. He feels it was time for someone from the South-east to lead the country and has vowed to contest, whether the presidential slot is zoned to his zone or not. He strongly believes the next president should be able to rebuild, protect lives and property, revive the economy, create jobs and rehabilitate the collapsed educational system. According to him, the task ahead called for a candidate who possesses the political pedigree, vision and credentials to lead the PDP to accomplish the tasks. He believes he has what it takes to govern the country, particularly in these trying times.

Dele Momodu

Dele Momodu last month declared his presidential ambition in his hometown, Ihevbe, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State.

According to the journalist and publisher of Ovation International magazine, he remains the most qualified among those aspiring to take over from Buhari next year.

He insists that he might not have been a governor, senator, minister but he has sat with the high and mighty, adding that he’s qualified to become the president of the country.

Kingsley Moghalu

A former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Kingsley Moghalu has also declared his intention to contest for president in 2023.

Moghalu had said his decision to contest again for president was driven by concern for suffering Nigerians who seek an alternative to the status quo. The former CBN deputy governor contested the

43-year-old technocrat, Chukwuka Monye, in January, said the time to take over the governance from the older generation is now. To this end, the Delta State-born social innovator has declared his intention to contest for the president in the 2023 general elections. Monye whose slogan is “our future is now” wondered how the founding fathers would be content with Nigeria’s current state. Monye, is however, yet to state the party platform which he intends to contest.

Rochas Okorocha

The Imo West senator, Rochas Okorocha, recently made known his interest to contest for the office of the president in the 2023 general elections. In a letter to the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, dated January 25, the former Imo State governor said what Nigeria needs right now is someone who is “detribalised” and can unite the country. This would be the third consecutive time the politician who claims to have built several schools for under-privileged Nigerians across the country would be throwing his hat in the ring.

Aminu Tambuwal

Aminu Tambuwal, is the current Sokoto state governor. The politician would be seeking to realise his ambition under the Peoples Democratic Party. The former Speaker of the House of Representatives, who declared his intention after a high-level stakeholder meeting in Sokoto, recently, said that he is not only well prepared but also ready to fix the numerous problems of the country. Generally perceived as urbane, Tambuwal will face off against other contenders in the opposition party during the party’s convention.

David Umahi

The present Ebonyi State Governor , David Umahi,

some of Those Yet to Declare...

Yemi Osinbajo

With the increasing number of groups expressing support for the vice president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, and urging him to join the 2023 presidential race, Yahaya Bello there are expectations that he The Kogi State Governor, Yahaya would declare his interest in the Bello, was one of the earliest coming days. Osinbajo clearly Nigerians to have shown interest comes across as someone, who to aspire for the 2023 presidency wants to run for president, under the banner of the ruling but appears to be keeping his APC. Bello, however opened up cards close to his chest for in Bauchi, while addressing APC now. His body language says legislators as well as women as much. However, Nigerians are groups from the North-east watching to see how Osinbajo during an extraordinary meeting would go toe-to-toe with his held in Bauchi at Hazibal hotel mentor, Tinubu, to actualise sometime ago. his ambition.

The Kogi governor who has always touted his youthful age as an advantage, has described the Atiku Abubakar task ahead as an enormous one. Despite the seeming opposition against his candidature, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar Sani Yerima wants to run again for the The ex-Zamfara governor, Sani presidency in 2023. Atiku’s Yerima, has also declared his son, Adamu, had disclosed intention to govern the country. that his father would contest for The politician while speaking president in 2023. While some during a BBC Hausa Service interest groups recently advised programme “Gane Mani the former vice president not to Hanya” monitored in Gusau, contest and have labelled him said since Buhari is ending the serial presidential aspirant, his second term, he (Yerima) Atiku does not seem to care. He would continue to pursue his is simply interested in becoming presidential ambition. the president of Nigeria.

“If God spares my life, by 2023 I would go into the contest for the post of the President of Godwin Emefiele the Federal Republic of Nigeria There has been an increasing call for the Central Bank of Nigeria ” Yerima said.

(CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, to join the presidential Khadijah Okunnurace. A technocrat with alluring Lamidi pedigree - No doubt a breath An entrepreneur and youth of fresh in the political arena. development advocate, the Although Emefiele has not young Khadijah Okunnu-Lamidi, confirmed to anyone that has promised to make Nigeria

Bukola Saraki

The former Governor of Kwara State has not held any elaborate event to declare his ambition, but he has hinted on several occasions on his active Twitter and Facebook accounts, that he would likely be running for the most-sought-after position. On one occasion recently, the former President of the Senate, relayed an encounter with a follower on Twitter, who charged him to run and in his response, hinted at the possibility.

“Earlier, I replied to a follower of mine on Twitter, who like thousands of you, has been clamouring for a united front to #RescueNigeria. As we prepare for the journey ahead, I hope we can all join hands to get the ticket of our great party, PDP, and build a nation that works for all of us,” he had said.

Rotimi Amaechi

Even though former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi has not declared his intention, some interest groups in the country have been nudging him to throw his hat in the battle to succeed the president. Some believe that at 56, Amaechi does not have the burden of old age-related health challenges associated with some aspirants.

Many people have linked the 2023 presidency to his recent coronation as: Dan Amanah Daura, which translates to mean the ‘Trusted son of Daura.’

Bala Mohammed

Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed has said he is likely to run for president in the 2023 election under the PDP. Presently, he is consulting with stakeholders across the country and recently met with former president Goodluck Jonathan.

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COMMENT

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

POLICE HIERARCHY AND ITS ROGUE SQUAD Kyari’s drug case indicates the need for a purge of the police hierarchy, writes Bolaji Adebiyi

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he news broke in the morning of the day lovers wore red apparel to celebrate lovers’ day. Media-acclaimed super cop, Abba Kyari, a deputy commissioner of police, had been declared wanted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for allegedly dealing in hard drugs. Red hot news on a red day you would say. But why would one law enforcement agency declare a senior officer of a sister agency wanted?

Could the offending officer’s agency not have been contacted to simply hand him over?

The unfolding story of Kyari is a loud testament to the rising impunity in high places and how plain rogues who are no more than common criminals are protected by the hierarchy of security and political authorities. The media-loving and social media buff officer had been a subject of the drug law enforcement agency investigation for weeks.

When the agency felt it had enough evidence, it closed in on him.

Penultimate Wednesday, the leadership of the NDLEA turned in their preliminary findings on Kyari and asked the Police authorities to hand him in. When this did not happen, a meeting was held on Thursday with Usman Baba, the inspector-general of Police, who promised to hand him over. In spite of the intervention of the presidency, for three days, this did not happen, forcing the drug law enforcement agency to go public on Monday.

Obviously embarrassed by the NDLEA spill, the Police hierarchy turned in Kyari and his collaborators but not without a drama, which further revealed the decadence in the system. It said its officers were not alone in the despicable act and that the NDLEA must pursue its own rogue officers with the same zeal it had chased the police outlaws. A case of tit-for-tat. The drug law enforcement agency had since replied that it had no rogue officers in its fold to pursue, insisting that Kyari was the principal hard drug dealer with links to the barons in faraway Brazil and Ethiopia.

While the outcome of the unfolding drama is awaited, it is important to note the extent to which the hierarchy of a security apparatchik would go to protect one of its own even in the face of obvious infraction of the very law they are established to enforce. Is it a case of protection of institutional integrity or an attempt to cover up the dirt in the system? Clearly, the latter seems to be the case.

This is not the first time the Police authority would attempt to shield Kyari. Appointed head of Force Headquarters’ Intelligence Response Team, he was briefly effective in bursting kidnap and other sundry crime cases. Soon there were loud complaints about his excesses, including conversion of exhibits and large-scale human rights abuses.

Perhaps due to his hype by a section of the media, the Police authorities did next to nothing about these complaints until sometime last year when the US Federal Bureau of Investigation ran rings around him.

Indicted by the FBI for advanced fee fraud the Police dithered until it was forced by the Police Service Commission to institute an

IN THIS SEASON OF CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT, IT MAY WELL BE AN OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW THE CONTENTION AND DETERMINE IF THE INSPECTOR-GENERAL SHOULD NOT COME UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE PSC

investigation into the foreign agency’s allegations. The outcome of the investigation was found watery by the PSC that ordered another investigation by a fresh panel. Yet, despite the damning findings of the second panel its recommendation pending PSC’s consideration before the NDLEA bombshell was a mere one step demotion from DCP to assistant commissioner of Police. Just a slap on the wrist? How do you punish an FBI indictment of dealing with a convicted internet fraudster with demotion?

This was the brewing confrontation between the PSC and the Police management before the NDLEA came up with the drug case.

Although, how these will end remains to be seen, a clear case has been made for a thorough reform and purge of the Police hierarchy that has shown so much tolerance of roguery under its watch. Despite the revolt of the youth against its rogue squad, Special Anti-Robbery Squad, in October 2020 culminating in the Lekki Tollgate debacle, stories of police brutality have persisted with its hierarchy doing virtually nothing about it. Scruffy mufti-wearing policemen still intercept young men on the highways in broad daylight, search their phones and extort them with impunity.

The instant Police-NDLEA face-off over Kyari demands an independent inquiry that should unravel the reason for the growing tendency to shield rogue security agents. It should be a catalyst for the purge of the police hierarchy that has been permissive of the infraction of the law by its officers. And one matter that has to be settled without further delay is the persistent tension between the PSC and the Police management. For some time now the Police management has tango with the commission, particularly over recruitment. Even when the court decided the matter in favour of the commission the Police authority has remained intransigent. Yet, the 1999 Constitution as altered in Section 30 (a) & (b) of Part 1 of the Third Schedule, is clear on the role of the commission as the authority in charge of recruitment and discipline of officers and men below the rank of inspector-general.

Perhaps because operational control is in the hands of the inspectorgeneral who is under the command of the president and out of the control of the commission, Police bosses have been emboldened to be insubordinate to the PSC. In this season of constitution amendment, it may well be an opportunity to review this contention and determine if the inspectorgeneral should not come under the control of the PSC. For it would appear that most Police chiefs have tended to undermine the authority of the PSC simply because they report directly to the president. The rising blatant roguery in the force requires extensive reforms and a massive purge, which a weak PSC cannot do. It, therefore, needs to be strengthened to be able to instil the much-needed discipline in the top and bottom of the force.

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

THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP Kathleen E. Okafor argues for more opportunities for women

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lobalization is no longer a choice but a mandatory factor in business models. To achieve and maintain prosperity, all economies must ensure that their men and women are all well positioned to take advantage of new opportunities and challenges offered by the global market. Undoubtedly, there is a growing worldwide realization that gender equality is good for economic growth and critical to poverty reduction.

Also, where gender inequalities constrain women’s participation in political and economic activities, economic growth and private sector development are also constrained resulting in less investment, less competition, and lower productivity.

For Nigeria, there is reasonable parity in the population between males and females. This is also the trend with respect to the labour force.

However, in the micro-business space, the trend is skewed in favour of men having 59% whilst women accounting for 41% of business ownership and 3.4% of female employment within microenterprises.

The World Bank’s Country Assistance Strategy recognizes that “women are more likely than men to be poor and (more) vulnerable to adverse shocks than men”. Up till about 30/40 years ago, it was still widely believed that a woman’s place is in her husbands’ homes, the kitchen to be precise.

Many cultures still believe that it is a waste of time and resources training a woman. Most women still end their education in primary schools because funds are reserved for training the male children.

However, the paradigm is changing and modern labour economics commands the education of women for the common economic good. As a powerful force for growth and development, policymakers need to consider the role of women in the dynamics of national development and labour market policies, programmes and initiatives

may be developed to promote their participation in the labour market. However, the relatively low level of female labour force participation and the significant regional and ethnic variations in Nigeria are in conflict with equity and efficiency goals and enhancement of national productivity.

In that regard, Nigeria still falls short of the need for giving males and females’ equal opportunities and access to advance socially, economically and politically. Evidence abounds of several forms of gender-based discrimination in low participation in politics, access to resources (land ownership and credit) and opportunities for (education, training, occupation).

As the political parties prepare for elections, women groups need to come out strong and negotiate the following incentives, with the political parties and the government: waiver of deposit for elections, interest free loans for the elections, time-off work with guarantee to return after the elections, monthly allowance of N30,000 (per participating woman) for domestic help and creches till the conclusion of elections; weekend crash training programmes on the Constitution, grass root mobilization; four weeks training on drafting manifestos, campaigns and virtual home management.

Current Statistics put the total percentage of women workers (participants) engaged in one form of activity or the other in the economy at 43.1% as opposed to men’s 56.9%. This picture appears nice statistically but can be misleading.

Key leading sectors in the economy by way of income yield or reward have not been favorable to women in terms of participation. There are the construction industries where women participation is 0.2% relative to men’s 3.2%, transportation and communication business where women are 0.5% relative to men’s 6.8%, and administration/ defense, where women participation is only 2.5% as against men’s 7.0%. In other industries, their levels of participation are favorable quantitatively

but negligible when viewed in terms of administrative positions occupied. Of much significance is the extent which women participate in matters of decision –making within the hierarchies of institutions.

Thus, a much higher concentration of women is found at the lower level of economic activities and are therefore less likely to influence policy decisions to their favor. Some have argued that in fact, women are naturally mothers, and their greatest pleasure and true fulfillment lie in maternity, the one out of a few things that women are good at. These kinds of ideologies about women have tended to marginalize women and have belittled women’s work in the home and outside the home and therefore women’s contribution to economic well-being of the home and society.

In order to correct this imbalance, and to overcome the issue of marginalization of women especially given the fact that women constitute more than half the active work force in Nigeria, there is every need that women’s voices should be heard and be part of major decision making in the country. In fact, if the human resources of a nation are supposed to be an asset, then it will be unthinkable to marginalize almost half of the labour force, which happens to be women, in Nigeria. Their political rights and participation even though guaranteed under 1999 Constitution, does not reflect their numerical strength in the country.

Currently, the Nigerian banking sector is seeing a surge in the number of women at its top echelon. Presently, eight women serve as Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)/Managing Directors (MDs) of the country’s leading banks. With eight out of 23 commercial banks in Nigeria run by women CEOs, a new era of women leadership in the financial sector has set in. Still, the 26 per cent representation of women at the top echelon of banks falls short of the 40 per cent board position set for the lenders by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Banks are increasingly under pressure to ensure diversity within their boardrooms with some scholars seeing board diversity as a demographic phenomenon entailing age, gender, and ethnicity.

Recent International Finance Corporation (IFC) report on gender equality says there is evidence of improved performance in banks led by women CEOs. The report recounted that Chief Bola KuforijiOlubi was the first woman to be appointed to chair the board of a bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), in 1984. Later in 2012, under the leadership of the then-Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the apex bank approved the Sustainable Banking Principles, mandating banks to ensure that at least 40 per cent of the management team is women. The banks are also required to disclose in their annual reports, statistics on female representation. This is the administration’s bid to institutionalise corporate governance principles and best practices in the banking industry.

It is refreshing that more women have held key positions in politics. The former Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a woman, now the Director General of the World Trade Organization. Also the current Minister Finance Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed is an accountant who has been serving as Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning since 2019. She is just among the few women pulling giant strides in the socio-economic and political sector. Senator Nenadi Usman too was minister of finance. Paullen Tallen was Deputy Governor, Plateau State, and now Minister of Women Affairs. Women demand board membership and/or CEOs of NNPC, CBN, AMCON, INEC, The Mint. The appointments will send a signal to both men and women that the urgency is real.

Prof. Okafor is a Law Lecturer at Baze University, Abuja

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EDITORIAL OF ABANDONED AND BURNT CORPSES The dead should be treated with respect and dignity

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ecent reports of an abandoned mortuary in Emohua local government of Rivers State are a reflection of the situation in the country. While the council chairman claims it is an illegal mortuary being used as a depot for dead kidnapped victims, police authorities in the state countered that the General Hospital which houses the mortuary was abandoned more than a decade ago and that the attendants stayed back to look after the bodies to avoid an epidemic. Whatever may be the real reason for why the mortuary was abandoned, it is our society that is greatly devalued because the issue at stake here is the sanctity of human lives.

Unfortunately, this public health concern is not exclusive to this abandoned hospital in Rivers State. Last IT IS A MEASURE OF HOW week, at least MUCH PREMIUM IS PLACED six corpses were ON HUMANITY IN OUR burnt beyond COUNTRY THAT EVEN AFTER recognition at a THEY ARE DEAD, NIGERIANS morgue located in Agagbe, Gwer ARE NOT TREATED WITH West local DIGNITY government area of Benue State, in what was said to be an act of sabotage. It is a measure of how much premium is placed on humanity in our country that even after they are dead, Nigerians are not treated with dignity.

While hundreds of corpses stay in mortuaries for years without anybody coming forward to claim them, some new corpses are dumped at these ill-maintained mortuaries by relatives or security operatives who bring in dead accident victims or dead armed robbers, thereby increasing the pressure on these facilities. But the large number of unclaimed corpses in Rivers and those burnt in Benue constitute a major health hazard for communities living around the environment, especially at a time the country is battling bouts

Letters to the Editor

of disease outbreak.

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

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

eanwhile, the fact that thousands of unclaimed corpses are lying in different morgues across the country, some for years, has encouraged a lot of unwholesome practices by mortuary attendants, many of whom are unprofessional. Besides, most of the mortuaries are housed in ramshackle buildings which reek of filth and decaying bodies and attract swarm of flies. The treatment meted to the dead is even more troubling, utterly contemptuous, and psychologically traumatic. Bodies are washed in the open, to the gaze of everyone, and kept in unrefrigerated and dirty containers, making them to decompose at will. To compound the situation, water used in bathing the dead is improperly disposed of as it is carelessly poured on the ground where it can easily seep into shallow wells. These dead bodies are also piled on top of one another with fluids from those on upper cabinet freely dripping to the bodies underneath.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said one of the ways to provide respect for the dead is for mortuaries to give each corpse the dignity it deserves through freezing, cabinet placement and proper labelling for easy identification. Unfortunately, these cannot be provided in facilities where bodies are piled upon each other because of congestion. This clearly is the case in Nigeria where mortuaries are congested. Apart from the health hazards associated with this situation, congestions take dignity away from the corpses.

While it may not be the fault of the health authorities in the states that there are large unclaimed bodies in mortuary facilities, they should make conscious efforts to ensure every corpse is buried with dignity irrespective of how long they may have been abandoned. Beyond that, however, there is the larger issue of how we treat the dead in Nigeria. We must embrace a more dignifying culture of treating the deceased.

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

NIGERIA AND THE QUEUES OF CHAOS

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he queues stretch from fuel stations and intrude into roads and engagements, savagely disrupting calendars and timelines with chilling nonchalance while drawing curses and piling frustration.

With the cost of transportation skyrocketing and dragging up with it the expenses and anxieties of every day Nigerians, it appears Nigeria is well in another season of chaos where the best laid plans of men and mice go through the window.

In Abuja, Nigeria`s capital city, motorists spend hours in queues.

When they emerge as wearily as they can be, they are wary of passengers who show even the slightest predilections to argue about the hiked transport fares. The response is often abrupt and padded with irritability.

Then just by the stations where frustrated Nigerians queue up for fuel, there are those who peddle the priceless commodity in gallons and sell at exorbitant prices. Those pressed for time and patience are sometimes left with no option but to patronize them and part with huge sums of money. When they leave, they pat themselves on the backs for another see-saw duel successfully navigated.

The explanations for the queues which are turning the country upside down go in all directions. The NNPC which is the state-run oil company has already begged Nigerians for forgiveness while stating that it has ramped up activities in its depots around the country to enable distribution to match demand.

The NNPC has also said it has huge reserves of clean fuel to distribute even as it put the queues down to the withdrawal of methanol-blended adulterated premium motor spirit (PMS) recently

imported into the country.

It also said it had rejected additional five vessels of premium motor spirit from the same company even as it had begun litigation against all those involved in importing adulterated fuel into the country.

At an investigative hearing on the importation of adulterated Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)which held at the instance of the House of Representatives` Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) in Abuja, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited, Mr. Mele Kyari had more startling revelations to make. He said: “Why do we have this challenge? First of all, we import all the gasoline we use in this country; every petroleum product we use in this country is not locally processed except a few quantities, some of them I can also share with you are coming from sources that may not be legitimate. Not a single litre of PMS is generated in the country, that means 100 per cent of PMS you see in this country is imported. Those imports are done on the basis of existing contractual arrangements….”

The problem which continues to plague a country of over two hundred million citizens and unsettle nerves around what is it greatest natural endowment and by far one of nature`s most precious commodities is clear from the words of Mr. Mele Kyari.

The dark irony is that Africa`s largest oil producer has since oil was first discovered in Oloibiri, Bayelsa in 1956 failed to put in place the structures that would see it maximise the boundless potential inherent in the possession of its most precious gifts and one of nature`s premier gifts.

Wherever one looks in Nigeria, it would appear that oil which has

catapulted some otherwise backwater countries up the ladder of global wealth has rather been a problem here.

There is a problem with refining oil in Nigeria because as the NNPC GMD noted even if all of Nigeria`s refineries which now lie moribund are to become active overnight, they would only be able to make 18 million litres of gasoline which would still fall short of the national demand. It is why the Dangote Refinery which is currently under construction offers so much hope.

The NNPC GMD also alluded to smuggling and the fact that the absence of tracking mechanisms enable fuel trucks to disappear without a trace. Where they end up is anyone`s guess.

The fact is and remains that the Giant of Africa has failed to put in place the structures that would protect its premier resource from the depredations of the vultures for whom everything is about personal gain and little else. This problem persists because the environment is conducive to it. Rampant corruption clouds accounts and occludes the processes that contribute to transparency. So, for many people, Nigeria has become a free-for-all business of plunder. This mentality is having an extremely adverse effect on Nigeria`s poorest.

It is not for nothing that many Nigerians are frustrated. People in the Niger-Delta look around and see the damage oil exploration has wrought in their communities while people outside the region see water all around them but only precious little to drink.

While the queues line up from Abuja to Alausa, Nigerians are forced to ponder whether oil is a curse or a cure for the country`s many wounds.

Kene Obiezu, Keneobiezu@gmail.com

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POLITICS

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

The Illogicality of an Exclusive APC Presidential Candidate from the S’East or S’South Abubakar Saad argues that zoning the All Progressives Congress presidential ticket exclusively to aspirants from the South-east and/or South-south may be political suicide

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t his last media chat late last year, President Muhammadu Buhari said he had his own preferred candidate for the 2023 election, but declined to give a clue saying the candidate may be harmed or even be eliminated before the time.

That statement not only heightened the permutation among the aspirants in the ruling APC, but it equally charged the atmosphere politicians and stakeholders across the country had to work under.

Less than 48 hours after the chat, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos and chieftain of APC surfaced in Aso Rock to “brief the President and inform the nation about his presidential ambition in 2023.”

A week after, Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi state followed suit. Though the kites have also been flying with different colours in the other political parties, last week, rumours from high quarters of associates of the Federal Government and political gladiators expressed the possibility of the President throwing his weight behind either a South-south or South-east candidate. Prominent among them are Rotimi Amaechi, Ogbonnaya Onu, Dave Umahi and most recently, Godwin Emefiele. It is rumoured that this choice will be narrowed to these two regions.

The illogicality of this choice is more than obvious, this goes a long way to expose the naivety and lack of requisite political arithmetic (logic) in the brains of those who made these propositions to the President.

The record of the support the party enjoys from each and every Geo-political zone of the country is very open and glaring. In the 2015 presidential election, the APC got 2.411 million votes from the Northcentral; 2.848 million from the North-east; the North-west gave the party 7.115 million votes; while the South-east gave 198,778 votes. The South-west brought 2.433 million, and the South-south 418, 590.

In the 2019 presidential election as well, the North West brought 5.995 million votes to the APC; the North-east gave 3.465 million; the North-central gave 2.465 million votes; South-west mustered 2.036 million; South-east gave 403, 968 and South-south brought 1.051 million votes to the party.

Also, the recent elections in Anambra and Abuja have given us a clue on how the 2023 election will most likely be, at least for now since the country ethno-religious division is coming to the fore now more than any time before. For instance, the Anambra elections where Federal might was deployed, yet The APC could not find it feet in just one South East State, with APGA emerging victorious over APC. This is an indication that the South-east is obviously not an APC friendly zone. This has been manifesting even before the coming of APC, in 2003, 2007 and 2011 when Buhari paired himself with one of their own sons to fly the presidential flag of the ANPP.

geo-political zones of the federation outside the federal capital come 2023.

The analysis below further elaborates my argument where it could be seen clearly Area Councils that have predominant composition of South Easterners, and South Southerners have supported and voted for PDP candidates while the APC candidates turned out victorious in areas where there are largely composition of Northerners and South Westerners as indicated below.

The election in Abuja which took place on the 12th of February is yet another experiment of the possible outcome of the 2023 general elections. If one take a closer look at the Geo-political composition of the six

Area Councils, it is easy to conclude that it is a reflection of what is expected in the larger country space. The Abuja election is a litmus test conducted to give a clue of what should be expected in other

When Tinubu Got Royal Blessings in Ogun Olatunde Ayinde highlights the impressive list of royal hosts who received Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his recent visit to Ogun State

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here was unusual movement of security personnel around Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode, in the morning of Saturday, February 12, 2022. Then, politicians and political functionaries of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) within the Ijebu axis started arriving in different shades of attires.

Different banners proclaiming support for the presidential ambition of the National Leader of the APC, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, confirmed the whispers that Asiwaju, as he is fondly called by supporters, was coming to town.

Just before midday, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot SalakoOyedele, drove into the stadium to await the August Visitor in the month of February.

After consulting with the President of the Federal Republic on his presidential ambition, Asiwaju had told newsmen at the Presidential Villa that he will still consult with other Nigerians and stakeholders at home and abroad.

It was in furtherance of the consultations that brought him to the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Alayeluwa, Sikiru Kayode-Adetona, one of the longest reigning monarchs in Nigeria, known for his firm pro-democracy principles and forthrightness.

What was supposed to be a private visit to Awujale, eventually turned into a carnival of sort. Party faithfuls and different Asiwaju support groups trooped out and line the route from the stadium to the Awujale Palace in the serene Government Reserved Area of Ijebu Ode. Awujale had invited select top-ranking Obas to join him in receiving the APC National Leader, while the Ogun State Deputy Governor was joined by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, state commissioners and local government council chairmen from the six local governments in the Ijebu Division.

Asiwaju had a private meeting with Awujale after which he addressed the gathering and declared his aspiration to become the president of Nigeria. Kabiyesi Awujale was full of praises and encouragement for Asiwaju in his aspiration.

Awujale went down the memory lane to recall the immense contributions and personal sacrifices of Asiwaju Tinubu during the hectic battle against military dictatorship.

Awujale mentioned that Asiwaju and other leaders of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) actually held a meeting at his palace during the prodemocracy struggle.

According to him, Asiwaju has really paid his dues in nation building, politics and governance, and therefore his presidential aspiration is not misplaced.

From ijebu Ode, the chopper flew to Abeokuta and landed around four o’clock in the evening at the Arcade Ground from where the former governor went by road to the Palace of the Alake, which was already filled to the brim by people awaiting the arrival of Asiwaju Tinubu.

-Ayinde is a Political Activist and resident of Ijebu-Ode NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Analysis of Party Against GeoPolitical Domination S/n Area Council Party (A+C) (A+B) Remarks 1 AMAC PDP Largely S/East A reflection of SE/SS 2 Bwari PDP Largely S/East A reflection of SE/SS 3 Kuje PDP Largely S/East A reflection of SE/SS 4 Abaji APC Largely composition of N/Central, N/West and S/ West A reflection of NC/NW/ SW 5 Kwali APC Largely composition of N/Central, N/West and S/ West A reflection of NC/NW/ SW 6 Gwagwalada APC Largely composition of N/Central, N/West and S/West A reflection of NC/ NW/SW A – Northern Composition B – Eastern & South South Composition C – Western Composition If the analysis above is anything to go by, the idea of ignoring the North Central and Southwest in the choice of a presidential candidate for APC which are no doubt the strongest support base of the party is a miscalculation and an illogical political exercise taken too far.

The best option for APC to be on the track to electoral victory is to expand the option of including the North Central and the South West where they have 5 governors of APC out of the 6 States in each zone making them the undisputable, strongest hold of the party rather than excluding them as opposed to the South-east and South-south where they have two and one APC Governors respectively out of the 11 States in their zones.

The least strategy for the APC-led government to adopt is to allow an open and free contest for the most credible and popular choice to emerge but never narrow the ticket to a South-east or South-south option. Narrowing the choice to South-east and South-south will be political suicide!

The consequences for such a decision may be a serious revolt and possible decamp from those strong APC hold who would see their loyalty and consistency in following the party as a wasteful and unappreciated exercise. The conclusion would be that APC would have kissed a goodbye to any chances of victory come 2023 should they adopt the idea of narrowing the presidential ticket to only South East and South South.

-Saad, a Political Strategist/ Commentator writes from Abuja

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2022

21

PERSPECTIVE

EPISTLES of ANTHONY KILA

Anambra, Obiano and the 2022 Fuel Scarcity Selfie Anthony Kila paints an indicting picture of every Legacy that Matters person worthy of blame for the enduring worrisome

Chido Nwangwu commends Governor Willie Obiano of lack of fuel Anambra State for completion and getting all operational ear Readers Factually and sadly, the approvals for the state-owned airport ongoing fuel scarcity is turning

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egardless of the scale of the Governor Willie Obiano’s achievements and areas of challenging circumstances, he has with one strategic and multi-valuable project, earned a positive narrative about his legacy. It has been changing whereby the trajectory of acclamation has moved to his side.

In the eyes of the masses, stakeholders and middle class in Anambra, the man has lived up to his traditional title of ‘Akpokuedike’.

After all, they now ask with a level of regard for doggedness and tenacity: Is he not the Man who built for our people this international airport?

Is he not The Man who got the airport’s permits and certifications, fixed and fulfilled the date for its commissioning?

Is he not The Man who….

Therein lies the centerpiece, grassroots’ definition of the man and his new redemptive stature of bringing to reality one of the foremost infrastructural legacies in Anambra’s history.

Willie Obiano, technocrat and retired banker of international repute, philanthropist and cultural custodian, devout Catholic, a man with a versatile sense for humour was sworn in — the afternoon of March 17, 2014

— as the Governor of Anambra State. Thus, began his first term of four years.

I was there in Awka and at his country home, Aguleri — at his invitation and those of the First Lady Ebelechukwu Obiano. I am one of their pre-governorship friends who flew in from Houston, Texas and other parts of the world.

Willie is in the final weeks of the 8th-year of a second 4-year tenure. It is expected to end on March 17, 2022. How time flies!

At the end of the day after any leader’s tenure, the bottomline debate is all about legacy!

This is important because the politics and battle for power in Anambra State are combative, cacophonous and competitive.

Beyond all the partisan chatter, here’s Why I think the Anambra International Airport will be Obiano’s most enduring legacy.

A majority of Anambra businesses, professionals and communities in Nigeria and internationally across the Diaspora commend their outgoing Governor, WIllie Maduabrochukwu Obiano, and the Anambra State Government for completing at a record time, commissioning and securing all the necessary security items, safety and health equipment, standardization requirements, appropriate certifications for logistics and approvals which since gave them the green light to commence business.

These conclusions are derived from the USAfrica News Index for October 2021 to February 2022.

In the closing weeks of the year 2021, and into the first quarter of 2022, the airport started gaining patronage.

It made travels into and out of Anambra during the last Christmas season of 2021 more convenient and offered a viable choice into 2022.

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

Nnamani: Why I am Coming into Enugu Politics

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former Executive Director of Total Nigeria Plc and one of the most respected Oil and Gas professionals of Enugu State extraction, Dr. Jefferson Nnamani, who recently declared for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state, has explained the over-riding motivation for his new move.

Speaking to journalists in Enugu after the party formally announced his membership, Dr. Nnamani said the urgent task of reforming the state’s political and governance atmosphere was one that all well-meaning Enugu indigenes must be willing to commit their all to.

He observed that it was a thing of shame that after 23 years of the current political dispensation, career politicians who have perpetually held the levers of government have failed to make citizens proud of their state. It is time, he further stated, to institute a truly people-centred approach to governance in order for the state to take its deserved position as the pride of the Igbo race.

Dr. Nnamani enjoined Enugu citizens to shake off political apathy and become more involved, adding that leaders have to be subjected to more accountability on how they use the state’s resources “Governance should always be about the people, because the resources of state belongs to the people and government is only in place to administer such resources on the people’s behalf. Citizens must insist on and work to

enthrone good governance”.

“My choosing to join APGA is because it is the only political party that truly connects to the Ndi Igbo aspiration for socio-economic development in all ramifications. It is not an alternative; it is the only option for the reclamation and reformation of our dear Enugu state”, he submitted.

While analyzing the import of the emergence of Dr. Nnamani on the Enugu political scene now, a seasoned politician and former APGA State chairman, Chief Okechukwu Nkoloagu, said both the party and the state are truly on the way to a new dispensation.

In his words, “Only few politicians on the scene could match Jeff’s qualities. His consistency, doggedness and astuteness can be seen in how he started as Sales Rep in Total Nigeria and rose, with hard work, honesty and dedication over a period of 30 years, to become an Executive Director.

“As a former Executive Director of Total Nigeria, he has, in the Oil & Gas industry alone, over 19,000 colleagues in close to 2000 companies located in over 100 countries across the world.

No politician on the scene today can boast of a groundswell of potential development allies that they can tap to create a new Enugu like him. Jeff is in a class of his own. He is a great asset to our state. He is a departure from the old order and a breath of fresh air. Definitely, he has all it takes to spearhead the industrial and socio-economic reformation of Enugu state”.

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out to be the longest in the last years of Nigerian history.

It must be said that though understated, one of the biggest achievements of the present administration is their ability to have kept away the ugly images of endless queue for petrol. It is therefore legitimate and logical to assume that the ongoing scarcity must be heart wrenching for members of the administration as it impedes them for proudly saying “We made sure never again…”

Above and beyond the obvious and understandable sentiments of frustrations and vexations most Nigerians are going through, this fuel scarcity crisis has also thrown up some traits and points about us as a people worthy of considerations, if we really want to move the country forward.

A crucial place to start from is the way we perceive the fuel scarcity itself. In listening to our government and people, it would appear the scarcity is a mere accident of logistics, an error to be rectified, rather than a crisis. Perception of events matters because it dictates the way events are dealt with. If our authorities perceive the shortage of what takes us to work and allows our businesses to function as a major crisis, maybe we would have deployed every means possible, including unorthodox methods, to solve such crisis.

But then again, this country and her people have been without stable electricity for decades and this fuel scarcity is not a new phenomenon. Mind you during those decades, offices and homes of those paid to manage the affairs of the country have been equipped with generators.

None of them have productively thought that just as their personal houses and offices need to be lit at all times and cars constantly fuelled, Nigerians for whom they work will also constantly need essential items like energy.

It is hard to judge who is more blameworthy: the authorities for treating a crisis like an accident or the people for allowing the authorities to treat them as not

important? Elsewhere, energy is linked to security and considered an essential need.

The crisis also reminds us that there seems to be no office or official in charge of taking stock of a vital, sensitive and expensive item such as the petrol we have and use in the country. One would think that elites that would normally make a huge fuss in their own offices and houses if their security or maintenance manager does not inform them that the diesel for their generator is about to finish, would take the same care to governance and insist that someone should be in charge of taking stock of the amount of petrol we have and need as a country.

It does not take rocket science to make sure we never go below a certain level of stock of anything. The countries we sell crude oil to do not live hand to mouth.

What they buy from us today is for usage after tomorrow not tomorrow let alone today. We don’t even have to be original let us simply imitate if we cannot emulate such attitude.

-Prof. Kila is Centre Director at CIAPS Lagos NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Abiru Meets Lagos East CDC Leaders

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he Chairman, Senate Committee on Industries and the Senator representing the Lagos East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Distinguished Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru has assured that he will not relent on the drive to ensure the qualitative representation to the people of the district.

The Senator gave this assurance when he met with the Chairmen and Secretaries of Community Development Committee (CDC) in the Lagos East Senatorial District at his residence in Ikorodu.

The CDC Executives led by their chairman, Chief R.O. Ajayi acknowledged the Senator Abiru’s unprecedented feats across the 98 wards in the 16 Local Governments and the Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs in the district.

Specifically, the grassroot leaders thanked the Senators for the facilitation electricity transformers for rural communities and the resumption of work on the Ikorodu/ Sagamu Highway which was sequel to the motion and other legislative interventions made by Senator Abiru.

In his remarks, Senator Abiru thanked the CDC leaders and acknowledged the important role they played in complementing the role of the government in community development at the grassroot. Abiru reiterated that his approach is premised on equity across the entire wards in the district.

According to him, the award of bursaries to 600 higher institution students, Capacity development training for 1000 MSMEs, grants to business people, facilitation of schools, mini-stadium, Hospitals, remodelling of markets, Street lights and lot more are in consonant with his mantra of providing

greater good to the larger number of the people.

In the siting of projects and other social interventions, the Senator noted that he was guided by the NEEDS ASSESMENTS he conducted to know the pressing needs of various communities. According to him, this informed the choice of projects facilitated to respective communities in the district.

The Senator also intimated his guests of the efforts that had gone into the Ikorodu/Sagamu Highway. He informed that the funding for the critical road is already secured under SUKUK financing plan noting that the road will be completed within projected time.

Senator Abiru said his COVID-19 Financial Assistance Scheme for the vulnerable people in the Lagos East which has been in operation since January 2021 has created relief for many households in the district. He disclosed that Batch A beneficiaries in the 2500 pool got direct credit transfers for January 2022 last week.

Also, the N300 Million Constituency Intervention Revolving Loan for MSMEs in the district is expected to take off end of April 2021, the Senator disclosed.

Abiru also spoke on Senator Abiru Innovation Lab (SAIL) where young people in the district will be trained in high-demand digital skills.

He said it was high time to prepare youth for the challenges of the future by equipping them with the requisite skill-set required for survival in the digital age.

Abiru who has been calling on the people to register for Permanent Voter Card with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC asked the CDC Executives to urge CDAs under them to mobilize residents to get their PVCs.

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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2022 •T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022

23

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

A T

REPO

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

08056356325

F E B R U A R Y

S & P INDEX

1 7 , 2 0 2 2

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OBB

9.00%

CALL

4%

INDEX LEVEL

564.02%

1/4 TO DATE

5.82%

N413.03/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

10.75%

1-MONTH

6%

1-DAY

–0.17%

YEAR TO DATE

– 15.85%

*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

3-MONTH

10%

MONTH-TO-DATE

0.19%

Nigerian Air Travellers Lament Decay of Facilities at Lagos International Airport

Chinedu Eze Nigerians who travel to international destinations from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos have lamented the depreciation of facilities at the terminal, thereby making passenger facilitation a horrible experience.

The passengers decried the limited capacity of the terminal, broken down

air conditioning and the obsolete carousel (conveyor belt), which fail to work most of the time in recent times.

When THISDAY visited the terminal, passengers on arrival and others who were checking in to leave the country, complained that facilities at the airport terminal, which processes over 60 per cent of Nigerians who travel aboard, have degenerated.

Giving that the country is now into dry season, the terminal has become so hot because most of the air conditioners are not working efficiently.

Also, the conveyor belt breaks down very often, thereby causing flight delays and those working at the airport suffer from heat.

Informed source told THISDAY that the passenger facilitation system,

Common Use Terminal Equipment (CUTE), which International Aeronautical Telecommunications Society (SITA) withdrew its services in May last year and replaced by RESA still experiences hiccups, which also delays passenger movement.

In August last year, the Managing Director of FAAN, Captain Rabiu Yadudu assured air travellers that passenger facilitation system would

be restored in a more efficient manner but since then, airlines have been complaining about the inefficient service under RESA. “The previous system we had is CUTE, the Common User Terminal Equipment, but we now want to upgrade to new technology, which isCUPPS: Common User Passengers Processing System. In addition, the self-service kiosk we never had,

which is CUSE (Common User Self Service) comes with the new system.

The departure control system we never had is all now here, baggage reconciliation system is coming here; FIDS (Flight Information Display System) will be installed too, at least in Lagos,” Yadudu had assured, but international airlines said that that Continued on page 28

2022 SCP: NiMet Predicts High Meningitis Occurrence in 10 Northern States, Says Planting Seasons Begins February 28 Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has in its 2022 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), predicted high meningitis occurrence in most part of the northern states of the country.

This is even as the agency hinted that It is worthy of note that hot,

dry, and dusty weather conditions are favourable for the outbreak and spread of meningitis adding that these atmospheric conditions usually occur in the northern part of Nigeria in November to Mid-March, to this end, called for vigilance.

The 2022 SCP, which was presented to the public in Abuja

by the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, noted that parts of Borno, Yobe, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe and Adamawa states are projected to have high vigilance for meningitis in the month of February.

Sirika in his keynote address stressed that moderate vigilance for meningitis is anticipated in the

central and other parts of the north, while Imo, Edo, Anambra, Ondo and Osun states are expected to be in low watch for meningitis, adding that the coastal parts of the country are likely to have no vigilance for the disease.

He said, “In the month of March, northern parts of the country are expected to keep watch for likely

incidence of Meningitis. Borno, Jigawa, parts of Bauchi and Adamawa states are projected to keep watch for meningitis in April, while high and moderate vigilance are expected over larger part of the far northern part of the country such as, Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto states in May 2022.

He opined that Nigeria as a country cannot shy away from climate change and climate variability which has caused untold hardship to people.

“It is amazing how assiduously NiMet continues to bring us weather and climatological forecasts touching on different areas of our Continued on page 28

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT T H U R S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 2 2 FGN BONDS DESCRIPTION 12.75 27-APR2023 14.20 14-MAR2024 13.53 23-MAR2025 12.50 22-JAN2026 16.2884 17MAR-2027

Price

Yield

BILLS Change (%)

MATURITY

OTC FX F U T U R E S

Discount Yield

Change (%)

Contract

Current Rate ($/₦)

C Ps MATURITY

Discount Yield

Change (%)

7.90

7.90

0.00

9.48

9.68

0.00

16.98

17.83 0.01

9.51

9.77

0.01

.

.

.

2

NGUS MAR 30 2022 428.93

3

NGUS APR 27 2022 430.63

0.00

4

NGUS MAY 25 2022 432.32

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

0.00

5

NGUS JUN 29 2022 434.02

.

106.80

6.77

-0.01

NTB 10-Mar-22

2.98

2.99

0.00

111.09

8.30

-0.07

NTB 28-Apr-22

4.00

4.03

0.00

109.03

10.07 -0.14

NTB 12-May-22 4.00

4.04

0.00

104.19

11.16 -0.09

NTB 9-Jun-22

3.67

3.71

11.50 0.00

NTB 14-Jul-22

4.30

4.38

118.06

CONTRACT TENOR (MONTH) 1

NGUS FEB 23 2022 427.24

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

AIR WATCH

Senate Passes Act Establishing Multimodal Accident Investigation Agency A I R WATCH Chinedu Eze

The Senate on has passed the bill for the Act to provide for the establishment of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), a multimodal accident investigation agency, coming about a month after the House of Representatives passed the same bill.

When assented to by the President, the Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria (AIB-N) would transform into a multi-modal safety investigation agency, adding Rail and Maritime to Aircraft Accident Investigation.

Addressing AIB staff on the development, the Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of AIB, Akin Olateru said, “It is with great pleasure that I announce that our new bill before the National Assembly has been passed by both the Senate and House of Representatives. The establishment of the NSIB will put Nigeria at the top in Africa as regards transportation accident investigation with the country becoming the firstto have such agency in the continent

and it is happening under the visionary guidance and leadership of the Minister of Aviation, HadiSirika.

“I wish to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the HonourableMinister of Aviation and you all, my wonderful dedicated AIB team. Thank you for your patience, hard work, perseverance and dedication to this cause.

“Thank you for revising, reviewing, editing and committing tirelessly to getting the bill prepared.

Our efforts have been justly rewarded with success, and I appreciate each and every one of you.”

Enlarging the operations of AIB into a multimodal agency was one of the cardinal programmes of Olateru when he assumed office as the fourth Commissioner of AIB in 2017. Olateru stated that the establishment of the NSIB would provide an adequate legal and institutional framework for the regulation and administration of safety transportation occurrences in Nigeria.

“The NSIB would reinforce safety in all modes of transportation in

Nigeria through distinctive, efficient and effective investigations of accidents and serious incidents involving any of the modes of transportation within Nigeria or anywhere else Nigeria’s interest is affected. It will determine the probable causes of accidents and serious incident occurrences in transportation and publish safety recommendations to operators, regulators and others, which would help prevent the recurring of similar occurrences, therefore, improving the safety of transportation in Nigeria,” he said.

Reacting to the news of the passage of the bill, the Commissioner of Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA), Charles Erhue said, “This is a great feat to the AIB family and to the Banjul Accord Group (BAG) region. I wish to congratulate the Commissioner and entire AIB management team with the support of every staff who has committed time and resources in one way or the other to make this a huge success.”

Criticisms Trail Assault of FAAN’s Staff by Security Operatives

…Delivers Emergency Mobile Satellite Office Accident Investigation Bureau – Nigeria (AIB-N) has announced that it would in a few months take delivery of emergency mobile satellite office to aid it in the investigation of serious incident and accident in the country.

The equipment, which would have all paraphernalia of a real office, would be deployed to any crash site in case of any accident.

Speaking during the oversight visit of the joint National Assembly Committee on Aviation recently at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos, the Commissioner, AIB-N, Akin Olateru, said the mobile office would have all the components of an office.

According to him, this would help the investigators to create a mobile office at the crash site and download the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) right at the crash site without having to delay the process.

Olateru explained that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had approved the contract for

the award of the project, adding that procurement process had also commenced, while delivery is being awaited from the contractor.

Olateru emphasised that through the quality safety recommendations on serious incident and accident in the sector, AIB-N had helped to contribute to the safety recorded in the sector in recent years, maintaining that the aviation industry in Nigeria could be compared to any other developed one in the world.

He said: “Since 2016 till date, as a country had only one fatal accident. The sector is one of the best in the world in Nigeria.

The safer airspace is due to the implementation of safety recommendations released by AIB-N. “We have grown to the position where we help nations to set up their accident bureaus. France just signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with us.

This will enable us to help the francophone countries in Africa in accident investigation. AIB has the first accredited laboratory in Africa today.”

Olateru further stated that in order to curb capital flight out of the country through training of its personnel, it is constructing a training school in Abuja where its investigators and foreigners would be trained.

According to him, AIB-N expends about $1 million (about N550 million) on training of technical personnel annually, maintaining that the construction of the training school would reduce such spending.

He informed that the project was about 90 per cent complete and hoped to commission the facility in the third quarter of this year.

“This is going to be the first of its kind in Africa with support from Cranfield University, United Kingdom, Singapore Transport Safety Investigation Bureau and the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria.

This institution will serve as a source of internal generated revenue for AIB with an enabling study environment, a four-star accommodation of 30 hotel rooms, training rooms and an auditorium of 250 capacity.

NAMA to Improve Airspace Safety with New Communication System Chinedu Eze The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) said it would improve safety in the Nigerian aviation industry with the installation of Extended Very High Ominidirectional Radio Range (VOR) system in several of its stations across the country.

With the installation of the equipment, NAMA said that blind spots in the country’s airspace would be a thing of the past while safety and security in the air and on ground would further be enhanced.

The acting Managing Director, NAMA, Lawrence Pwajok disclosed this recently at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos during the oversight visit of the joint National Assembly Committee on Aviation.

According to Pwajok, the equipment, which is to boost air to ground communication,

has already been installed in some northern stations of the country, including Abuja and Kano, while that of the Lagos centrewould be installed in the next one week.

Besides that, Pwajok explained that NAMA has Category III Instrument Landing System (ILS) in Lagos and Abuja airports, which could enableaircraft land in zero visibility weather condition.

He noted, however, that for the equipment to be functional, there would be other navigation equipment provided by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) like the airfield lighting must be upgraded to the Category III status, while aircraft and pilots must also be in compliance with on-board equipment in the aircraft.

He also said that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) must certify the equipment, aircraft and pilots for that purpose.

“In Lagos and Abuja airports, we are on Category III status.

With this, aircraft can have zero visibility landing on the two airports. However, NAMA is also planning to upgrade the lighting system to Category III. The moment this is done, airlines can land with zero visibility at the two airports.”

Pwajok further stated that the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON), which was installed in 2010, needed upgrade as most of its software has become obsolete.

According to him, since the contract for the maintenance of the radar elapsed in 2014, the contract had not been renewed, saying that there was the need to have an improved system to further improve safety in the country.

Reacting, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Sen. Smart Adeyemi promised that the National Assembly would make provision for the upgrade of the radar.

Chinedu Eze One of the major criticisms of Nigerian airports security apparatus is that there is no synergy among the different layers of security and different security agencies that coalesce to secure the facilities all over the country.

That synergy would ensure that all the security personnel work together and not at variance of one another’s narrow objectives.

Security operatives said that it is that lack of synergy that has created chasm in the midst of the operators, which has pitted one agency against another.

This has given rise to misunderstanding, which at different times had given vent to violent outrage, where most often the staff of the federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) becomes the victim of the violence.

Several similar incidents that have occurred over the years have prompted the aviation lavour unions to threaten that FAAN staff might withdrew services if such obnoxious incidents continue to occur.

Last week the unions issued a release and said that it has become absolutely necessary to cry out about the unceasing assault and brutality being metted to aviation security personnel of FAAN and other aviation workers by national security personnel serving at Nigerian airports, noting that such incidents have been more prevalent at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, indicting Customs Officers as having been most guilty of these atrocities.

The unions said that all recorded assaults by security personnel so far have arisen from forceful entry, or attempted forceful entry, into restricted areas by unauthorised security personnel; leaving attendant FAAN Aviation Security staff brutalised, sometimes heavily, adding that all such acts allude to serious security breaches at the airports concerned.

The national security personnel refer to the Nigerian Customs Service, the Nigerian Immigration Service, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigeria Air Force and the Nigeria Police Force.

“The question remains as to how long these delinquent national security personnel shall continue to breach national security, brutalise other aviation workers and carry on flouting civil aviation regulations made for safe and secure operations at the airports.

How long shall our unions turn blind eyes to the continuing debasement of the dignity of labour of these hapless aviation workers in the hands of armed and marauding Customs Officers and other security forces at the airports? We hold that time has come to state clearly that enough is enough,” the labour unions said in the joint statement.

They also said, “In the light of the foregoing, we find it necessary and urgent to call the attention of the Honourable Minister of Aviation, the Director General of the NCAA, the Management Director of FAAN, and the Heads of the security agencies at the airports to put heads together for the purpose of putting an end to assault and

brutality against aviation workers, particular to FAAN Aviation security personnel, by airports security forces.

“In the first place, it should be noted that the airports in question are civil, and not military, airports, which are under the purview of the regulations of NCAA, and of which aviation security is an important part. This should speak to the manner of inter-relationship of all security agencies at the airports. Considering that all the security agencies perform important functions, none less than the other, we expect that they should all work with mutual respect for each other, instead of the present anachronism.”

The unions also called on the heads of all security forces at the airports - the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Customs Service, the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and any other, to urgently reign in their officers and bring about collaboration and co-operation among themselves in the interest of National Security and the dignity of other civilian colleagues at the airports workplaces.

“However, and very importantly, we should warn that our unions would no longer tolerate any further assault and brutalisation of our members who are civilian airport workers.

Should there be another incidence of such, we shall not hesitate to direct withdrawal of all our members from identified danger zones in which threat to the lives of workers is allowed free reign,” the statement said.

In January 2022, FAAN had accused the Nigeria Customs Service of breaching airport security by forcefully opening security gate at the Cargo Terminal of the Lagos airport.

FAAN explained that in airport management, Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel of FAAN are recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) as being in charge of airport security.

Therefore, the agency stated that other security operatives support and ought to take directives from FAAN. It, however, accused Customs officials of breaching security protocol by unilaterally opening security gate against the rule of engagement.

In June 2015, about eight security officers with FAAN were allegedly beaten-up by some men of the Nigeria Customs Service at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The security personnel under the Aviation Security (AVSEC), the security arm of FAAN, were carrying out their statutory duties when the incident happened. They were rushed to the FAAN clinic for treatment after the incident.

Aviation security expert and consultant, Group Captain John Ojikutu (retd) said these assaults would stop when the security operatives start working together under one unit.

“We need a unitary control for the multiple security agencies and multiple control brings conflict of interest and put the airport and national security in danger; the reason for the establishment of TSA (Transport Security Administration) of US,” Ojikutu advised.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022

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BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Brifo: Manufacturers Can Source Food Flavours without FX Exposure The Managing Director of Freddy Hirsch Nigeria and West Africa, Mr. Kojo Brifo, speaks on the food and flavours industry in Africa, the impact of COVID-19 on raw materials supply chain, and the importance of backward integration in sourcing raw materials in Nigeria. Nosa Alekhuogie presents the excerpts: The global food and flavours market is expected to grow at a value CAGR of 4.9% and reach close to $ 20billion by 2032. What does this mean, especially in Africa? he growth in the food and flavours market in Africa is because of new trends, changes in purchasing patterns of consumers, the rise of a middle-class with more disposable income, and rapid urbanization. Other reasons include the fast-paced lifestyles and their impact on dietary habits, and emerging new flavors and seasonings. Health concerns of consumers are also another factor increasing the sales of products with natural ingredients, additives, and coloring agents. The continuous innovation and developments in the flavour markets have been deepening the emerging food and beverage industries, for instance, plantderived vegan flavours in food ingredients. The increasing support from regulatory bodies and government policies have also aided the growth in the food and flavours industry, and the outcomes should begin to show over the next 10 to 15 years.

The African market is booming, thanks to the tourism that it attracts. The food market is growing and so is the spice and seasoning market. These are gaining popularity due to tourism and the rising number of working women within these markets. The market is growing at a fast pace and consumers are becoming more aware of the benefits of using spices and seasonings, especially local spices. This rise in demand has increased innovation from food and flavour companies, to innovate new ways of satisfying market demand while striving to increase market share.

saving forex.

As the preferred partner of choice to local and global food and manufacturing companies in West Africa, we empower our customers with locally sourced materials and non-FOREX exposure.

We also offer our customers Naira trading and predictable OPEX, speed to market, due to local sourcing, non-FX issues, and shorter lead times, among others. With this, customers can save their forex for more critical purchases and procure their raw materials in Naira.

T

What are the growth opportunities for the food and flavour industry in Africa? Where are the sources and what are the triggers?

Increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, a growing regional population, growing demand for food, and evolving lifestyle changes are driving the African food flavour and enhancer ingredient market and increasing the consumption of processed foods and beverages. The African food flavour and enhancer market is a small but growing market forecasted to witness a CAGR of 5.12 per cent during the forecast period (2020 - 2025). The global flavor and fragrance market is forecasted to reach $36 billion in 2022 with Africa expected to play one of the biggest growth opportunities.

With ethnic foods becoming increasingly mainstream, consumers are developing an appetite for new and exciting spices and seasonings. This is broadly due to the growing multicultural population and increased tourism expeditions to exotic destinations. We are seeing a rise in the commercialization of traditional delicacies and recipes, emergence of local snacks such as plantain chips, chin-chin, cassava chips, and varying flavors, all targeted at meeting the demand of consumers. Despite the seasonality of the source fruits, these demands have triggered the development of innovative solutions, making them available in and out of season. Thanks to these triggers, more food, and flavours companies are creating new, healthy, relevant, and locally sourced options to meet the nutritional needs, and the shift in demand of consumers.

Harnessing raw materials such as ginger, garlic, onion, and tomato, empowers consumers with locally sourced materials and non-FOREX exposure, that is assuring quality, authentic and natural flavours at affordable prices. These locally sourced raw materials birth the production of new categories and flavours for products especially those consumers grew up with and help them relive the taste of home with each bite. An example of this is noodles, but in spices, Africans grew up with, such as goat meat pepper soup, African Peri-Peri Chicken, and Suya Chicken flavours. Other applications are seen in the creation of boullions, flavours, and ingredients such as locust beans (iru) crayfish, chicken, etc. used in cooking food and serving as food flavour enhancers.

Where are the vulnerabilities across the food chain, from farm to fork and what do you recommend can be done?

The COVID-19 pandemic placed unprecedented stress on food supply chains, with bottlenecks in farm labor, processing, transport, and logistics. Many of these disruptions were due to the containment measures applied during the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted the essential flow of food from farms and producers to consumers.

The farm is the first point in the food chain

Brifo and the goal of every producer is to get food from the farm to the fork. However, there are critical steps in between the farmer and consumer. It’s said that “a chain is only as strong as the weakest link” and this goes to show that when any phase in this chain is disrupted, every other phase is affected.

These disruptions make the chain vulnerable and some of such include lack of storage facilities and processing factories to preserve and process farm produce. Distribution is another part of the chain where disruption occurs and this is common in most countries in Africa, including Nigeria. Bad roads also disrupt the seamless transportation of the farm produce, whether in their raw or processed state to the end-user.

Largely, a more sustainable model to improve the food chain needs to be put in place. This will entail not just innovative initiatives but also improving the technical know-how of the farmers and workers to holistically increase the yield of the farm through efficient and effective processes.

How is your company solving these challenges?

Freddy Hirsch Nigeria is a fast-growing African manufacturer of extracts for spices, ingredients, and flavours. Our parent company has been at the forefront of the production and distribution of food extracts, ingredients, and flavors in South Africa. To achieve our vision of creating authentic African flavours and tastes, we have invested in a Research, Development and Application laboratory and a manufacturing facility with world-class quality management systems, in West Africa, Nigeria, where our experts develop flavours for various application areas, especially savory foods, sweet applications, and beverages tailored to the African market. This is significant because these facilities allow us to tap into the pulse and gain valuable insights from our customers, meet the unique taste preferences of the regional market and develop competitive solutions in culinary, bakery, confectionery, and dairy.

To deepen our penetration in the region, we also partnered with Germany-based fragrances, care, flavourings, and nutrition manufacturer, Symrise, to boost food innovation and nutrition in West Africa.

With this partnership, our companies will focus on the development, launch, and commercialisation of transformational food products: general seasoning, bouillon meat, snacks, and instant noodles. This innovative partnership harnesses the flavor technology

platform to deliver authentic regional and hyperlocal African flavours and ingredients.

Symrise is a global multi-billion-dollar fragrance, care, flavour, and nutrition supplier with over 10 per cent global market share and presence in over 100 countries.

In terms of our savory ingredients and flavor, our focus is localisation. By this I mean, utilising local raw materials such as Turmeric, Chilli, Thyme, Paprika, African Basil, etc., as a base in our flavour development. We are currently leveraging on processing the natural form of these raw materials. For example, we dry, sterilise Ginger, and keep it in powdered form for industrial uses, such as Ginger powder or Ginger extracts.

Most food companies (FMCGs) import these flavors, to act as base notes in their food development.

Unfortunately, the fluctuating dollar to naira rates has significantly affected their profit margins.

The unpredictable FX rates, the long lead time of imported products, long sail time, loss of potency, and pungency (the products are not as fresh as you would like them to be) are major issues that affect food and flavors importers.

And these flavours have shelf lives, outside which they are useless.

Also, historically, manufacturers import noodle and bouillon flavours from Asia and Europe. However, we can offer the same quality of noodle and bouillon flavours and have been able to provide local manufacturers with these flavours, thus improving their supply chain resilience while

You mentioned the foreign exchange challenges many Nigerian companies have and what you are doing. Can you expatiate on that?

Africa is a highly complex FX market, fraught with significant currency management challenges, which limit commercial opportunities for many business operators playing on the continent. During the lockdown, several products disappeared from store shelves, due to sourcing problems.

Many companies had to frantically source local alternatives, thanks to closed borders and no-fly policies. While these measures have been reduced, food companies realised that they needed to design their supply and production chains for resilience.

For many food companies, sourcing ingredients and spices abroad is no longer the default model.

Companies must develop an end-to-end supply chain management that reflects a wider pool of suppliers, including regional ones while keeping larger strategic stocks. Other alternatives are to simplify offerings, resulting in a leaner, more manageable product range, less risk, and lower costs.

It is because of these limitations that Freddy Hirsch invested in a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, Research, Development, and Application laboratory, and global partnerships, to derive authentic insights from customers, meet their unique taste preferences of the regional market, and develop competitive solutions in culinary, bakery, confectionery, and dairy. Freddy Hirsch has become the preferred partner of choice to local and global food and manufacturing companies in West Africa.

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

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022

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BUSINESSWORLD

MANUFACTURING

How Coca-Cola System is Impacting Communities through Sports In Nigeria, there is a strong connection between sports and progressive social development. Ugo Aliogo explores how the Coca-Cola System has leveraged sports to transform communities in the past 70 years of its operations in Nigeria

Ultra-modern Araromi Community Sports Centre upgraded by the Coca-Cola System

O

n August 3, 1996, a new wave of optimism swept through the Nigerian landscape. Ethnic identities vanished, political differences collapsed, religious and social stratifications gave way for a nation of about 111 million people at the time, united in victory.

Team Nigeria had just won gold at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics. It was a moment of national pride, ushering the West African nation into the pantheon of global soccer icons.

But beyond the power of sports to unite a nation, as seen in the Atlanta triumph, is also its latent force as a metaphor for hope and progress.

In shanties, inner cities and cold, forgotten slums, a horde of young Nigerians wake up every day with that hope – an optimism that sports could change their story forever. Within the seven decades of their operations in Nigeria, the Coca-Cola System in Nigeria has played a significant role in the advancement of the Nigerian sports sector, helping Nigerian youths translate that hope to reality.

Though, that should not come as a surprise.

Historically, the Coca-Cola System has always been at the forefront of corporate support for the development of football in Nigeria, dating as far back as the 1950s. In 1965, the Nigerian Bottling Company sponsored the inaugural edition of the West Africa Inter University Games (WAUG) held in Ibadan, Oyo State. The Company would go on to support the 3rd All Africa Table Tennis Championship, which held in 1969 in Lagos.

It is this passion for strengthening the local sports landscape that birthed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Coca-Cola Nigeria partnership in 2018. The five-year partnership worth $4 million highlights Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited as the Official Soft Drink Company and Sponsor of Nigeria’s football teams. At the core of that partnership is a clear commitment to deepening the growth of the nation’s sports sector, fostering optimism and unity, while making a positive difference in the local communities.

The Coca-Cola System has also shown commitment to boosting richer consumer experiences with FIFA. It has invested in some of the biggest sporting events in Nigeria through ongoing partnerships between Coca-Cola and the English Premier League as well as the world football governing body. Partnerships such as these have brought the FIFA World Cup trophy to Nigeria thrice. This has given many consumers and sports lovers across the country the opportunity to travel and watch live football tournaments and immerse themselves in the thrills and magic of soccer.

COPA COCA-COLA The System also facilitated the introduction of COPA Coca-Cola, a global youth soccer tournament, which provides opportunity for young football players and aspiring professionals to develop and showcase their talents in competitive matches. The duo of Nigeria’s Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and Union Berlin forward Taiwo Awoniyi based in Germany, both rose to prominence through this platform.

The annual tournament, which is recognized by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), holds over a four-month period. It features a football clinic, personal development and life skills training, exposure to international football fora as well as inspirational coaching and mentorship provided by some of Nigeria’s best known international football stars such as Jay- Jay Okocha, Mutiu Adepoju, Garba Lawal, Victor Ikpeba, amongst others.

As an initiative that is widely embraced by football lovers across the country, Copa Coca-Cola unites more than 1 million teens while promoting an active lifestyle. In 2017, Coca-Cola reached out to over 5,000 students across 36 states of the federation.

Since its launch in 2009, more than 10, 000 players from 500 schools and 50 celebrity football coaches have participated in the programme which has reached the 36 states and the FCT, Abuja. The programme has become a scouting forum for professional football clubs and spotlighted the impressive performance by Copa Coca-Cola players currently plying their trade in local and international football clubs.

LOCAL IMPACT Coca-Cola System’s contributions to Nigeria’s sports are ubiquitous but loom larger in local communities. The programme impact includes improvement in football pitches in schools, donation of football kits to hundreds of schools, among others. As part of the Coca-Cola system’s commitment to promote the wellbeing and development of host communities, Coca-Cola also completed the expansion and modernization of Araromi Youth Development Centre in Gbagada, regarded as one of the oldest community youth and sports centres in Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling economic capital.

Originally constructed by the Lagos State Government, the centre is renowned as the pitch where some of Nigeria’s best-known

football stars, including Obafemi Martins, cut their teeth in the game. The centre, which consisted of a dusty football field and a hall with a small standing pavilion and facilities in varying states of disrepair, was upgraded to an ultra-modern youth centre. This includes the construction of an 11-aside football grassed pitch equipped with flood lights, 2 sets of dugouts for reserve players; a 1,000-seating capacity pavilion with ramps for disabled persons, changing rooms for players and referees, 2 units of VIP lounges, an administrative office and a parking lot.

Coca-Cola’s sterling role in advancing Special Olympics Nigeria (SON) is equally remarkable. Since the initiative was launched in Nigeria in 2006, Coca-Cola has been one of the largest and longest running corporate sponsors. The partnership is hinged on the shared values of optimism, acceptance, and inclusion, which Special Olympics and CocaCola have brought to communities across the nation. In addition to cash donations to support local training and fund participation at international games, Coca-Cola also donates its beverages and encourages its employees to donate time and expertise to support SON programmes as part of the Coca-Cola Ambassador volunteering initiative.

In 2014, Coca-Cola adopted the Special Olympics Unified Soccer initiative and expanded the scope of its sponsorship to include donation of football kits and engagement of some of Nigeria’s best known international football players and coaches to train and inspire the country’s Unified Soccer team as it prepared for the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles, USA. Coca-Cola employees donated 282-man hours in training with the team and two of the employees also featured as Partner Athletes on the SON Unified Soccer team which won the gold medal for Unified Soccer at the Games.

Overall, the Team Nigeria contingent to the Games won a total of 71 medals, including 29 Gold, in various sports.

PARTNERSHIP WITH LOCAL COMMUNITIES In the South-East region of the country, the Nigerian Bottling Company has raised the bar of local sports leveraging its strategic partnership with local communities and groups. Through its annual sponsorship of major football tournaments in communities

like Irete in Imo State and Ohabiam in Abia state, NBC is fostering peace, engendering wellbeing and a breeding ground for sports talent.

“Sports portends cultural and socio-economic significance. As a system, it is one of the major tools we have leveraged over the years to stimulate development in our communities, unite people across the nation and inspire faith in a shared future,” said Alfred Olajide, Managing Director of Coca-Cola Nigeria Ltd. “Nigeria is a nation of incredible sports talents, and our goal is to continue to nurture the right atmosphere that allows the healthy growth of sports in Nigeria, particularly community football.”

Like sands in the seashore, the impact of the Coca-Cola System on the Nigerian sports scene shines on. It is a partnership that has inspired hope, rekindled shattered dreams, brought together Nigerians from across the divide, and made stars out of the dust. It is a partnership that is central to our common hope as a nation – that we rise and fall together. We need more of these partnerships to build the Nigeria of our dreams.

The Coca-Cola System in Nigeria, comprising Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited and Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, recently flagged off activities marking its 70th anniversary celebration in Nigeria, with commitment to invest N560 billion in five years. This was announced Thursday at a press briefing with key NBC and Coca-Cola Nigeria executives in attendance.

The Coca-Cola System, through the bottling arm NBC, was incorporated in 1951. Today the Coca-Cola system is a leader in the non-alcoholic category with a rich portfolio of brands and array of options across its product offering. The system has kept growing with its customers with a stated vision to provide a beverage for every occasion around the clock, while positively impacting the nation and economy.

With eight manufacturing plants, over 7000 dealers, skilled and dedicated employees, and a sophisticated distribution system across Nigeria, there is practically no community in Nigeria where a cold bottle of Coca-Cola is not within the close reach of consumers.

Commenting on the 70th anniversary milestone, Managing Director of NBC, Mathieu Seguin said, “As we continued to grow, we have been very deliberate about investing heavily to make a positive impact in the lives of people in communities where we work and operate. We believe that our business is only as sustainable as the communities in which we do business, and this is why we have mainstreamed sustainability into every aspect of our business.”

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Okonkwo: High Cost of Operation Makes Airline Business Unprofitable The CEO of United Nigeria Airlines, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, in a recent media session with Aviation Correspondents, said the high cost of flight operations had made it difficult for airlines to operate profitably in Nigeria, noting that high cost of aviation fuel and foreign exchange has become very challenging for Nigerian carriers. Chinedu Eze who was at the event brings the excerpts: INAUGURAL FLIGHT

the reason for the increase in fuel is because of foreign exchange because the product is imported. But from that 2000 up till now, the cost of aircraft has not reduced, salaries to staff are on the increase, all the other cost are on the increase, the airports are increasing their charges, landing charges are increasing but yet, this item we are talking about is still the same. So it is a very critical part in this industry and the aviation operators are really looking into that and are making all the efforts to find a solution to it because safety is very critical in aviation business.

But you cannot deal with safety in isolation from efficient operation, which has to come with proper financing of your operation.

Because it is only when you are properly financed that you will be able to have the resources for spare parts, maintenance as at when due. And the only thing now that covers that aspect is only sales of tickets. And how much these tickets are sold is very, very important. And you see, aviation is a chain, there are a whole lot of players in that chain business. But the cashiers in that whole chain are the operators.

I

f you recall, February 12th, when we made our first flight out of Lagos to Abuja and Enugu, most people were surprised, because it was just less than 24 hours we had our final AOC (Air Operator Certificate) processed and we just took to the air. I could recall that it was about 6:00 pm on a day before when we had the final documentation and we sat down and said we must fly the next day. I don’t know if such has happened in the aviation history before but by 7:00 O’clock the next day we were already boarding our flight.

We opened our portal that night, we did not mind whether we sold any ticket or not but to our amazement, we almost had a full flight.

And ever since then by the special grace of God, there has never been one day we are not flying. So by 12th of February we would have flown 365 days of the year.

That is amazing. We have not achieved that without great mercy and grace, favour from God, but also with efforts of members of our team, who sometimes have to stay through the night to make sure we overcome whatever challenge for us to be on air the next day. So we are grateful to this our wonderful team, those who are with us today and a whole lot of those you don’t even see or you may not see but are very helpful to where we are today.

Within this one year we had Embraer ERJ 145 for a start, but we commenced our operation with two in the first instance, not long after, we came into full operation with the four aircraft. They have been all over the places doing what they know to do. In order to meet the demand of our passengers, we had introduced another aircraft, Airbus A320.

Our staff strength has grown from strength to strength and we have been consistent with our policy to have certain percentage of experienced team, which is about 30 to 40 per cent and then 60 to 70 per cent of new hands, as our way of adding value to the industry; that is human capital development.

This is evident in our engineering department when we brought in some fresher who have been thoroughly groomed under the watchful eyes of our erudite and veteran director of maintenance and I am proud to say that a good number of these young men and women have been certified today; that in their different departments, they can now sign off aircraft.

We are very proud of that. It has to take our internal training, our external training and their support, which was done fully by our own resources. That also can be seen with our cockpit crew. Within our cockpit crew, we have brought in certain number of pilots who may have finished training many years before we came into being, but have never had the opportunity to fly beyond their simulator training. We have taken a good number of these pilots, some of them we have given them type rating on our particular type of aircraft. We have brought them into training, we have seen some of them move from Flight Officers (FOs) to Senior Flight Officers (SFOs).

We have also taken some SFOs giving them the necessary training they require to become even commanders. That is for me, a very, very important aspect of our being in the industry. A good number of them did not have that opportunity to have line training; they did not have that space in other airlines to be commanders. So in this area of human development, I think we will continue to contribute our quota.

FLIGHT OPERATIONS On the passenger relationship, remembering that our mantra is “Flying To Unite”, we have been able to unite between 250,000 to 300,000 within this period. And to the glory of God, they had all taken up and landed safely. And then on other areas, we have also grown our operation from region to region, from city to city.

Today we are covering South West of Nigeria, we are covering South East, we are covering South-South, and then the capital city. This has

PASSENGERS’ HOSTILITY TO AIRLINES

Okonkwo happened within one year. Because right now we are in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt; we are in Osubi which is Warri, we are in Asaba, we are in Bayelsa; the first airline to fly to Bayelsa on scheduled service. We are in Anambra, Enugu, Owerri. I may not know how it has been in the past, but some of the colleagues and friends in the industry have been saying this is quite commendable.

I don’t know how you will evaluate that.

But we are not dwelling on what we have been able to achieve, we have our eyes on where we are going. And where we are going is that by this time next year when we come here, we would have been telling you we have covered the entire six senatorial zones of Nigeria. And for that to happen, we would be increasing our fleet and at the same time expanding our workforce.

When that is done, it is important for you to know that we have all the blessings and all the capacities to do beyond the territories of Nigeria. So we have set a big task for ourselves that within the next couple of months, that we would have started our regional flight. When we say regional we are talking about West Africa. And hopefully, if we work harder on it, everything being equal by this time next year, we would have not only been discussing with you only about regional flight or zonal coverage, you may even know that we are already flying in some other countries in Africa beyond the sub-region. This is a Herculean task especially when this is being planned within this difficult operational environment. Yes, the operational environment is difficult in the sense that the industry has witnessed a whole lot of inconsistency in certain happenings.

HIGH COST OF OPERATION The first ever flight we operated, we paid for the first litre of aviation fuel (Jet A1) at N190 per litre. Within this one year period

as at today (February 9, 2022), aviation fuel is N400 per litre. The first ticket we sold, the base price, was N23, 000 when aviation fuel was N190 per litre. The first foreign exchange transaction we had one year ago at the official rate was N340 per dollar. Today if it is available, it is N450 per dollar, when it is not available; the alternative market rate is N570 per dollar. This time last year when we operated alternative market was about N370 per dollar, the official market was N340.

But it might surprise you to know that while over a year ago at this rate of foreign exchange, today because of the market situation you still can but your ticket at N20, 000 to N21, 000 as base fare. So what it means is that as long as all the airlines are buying fuel from the same market, they are buying foreign exchange from the same condition, any ticket at this rate is being subsidized by the airline. Why do I say so?

Aviation fuel depending on how it is applied and the type of aircraft could easily become 30 to 40 per cent of the cost component of your operation. And as you know, for every ticket you sell, you have 5 per cent deduction of ticket sales charge to NCAA. You have other deductions to NAMA (the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency), FAAN (the Federal airports Authority of Nigeria) and then airport owners.

So, as a matter of fact, by the time you remove all these deductions from this 20,000 that we are talking about, you have to use your money to finish some of them and then also take care of other operational needs.

You could recall also that in 2000, you may have bought a ticket at N2000 but if you cast your mind back to that year; that 2000 was $100 based on the exchange rate. And it is important that we refer to this exchange rate in all these discussions because 99 per cent of aviation component is foreign exchange denominated; even

A good number of customers within the flying population don’t have much information on what it takes to operate a safe flight. It is not their business to know all the details, but at least you may have noticed a whole lot of hostilities from the customers at the airport.

And these things do come with reaction on maybe flight delay, flight cancellation and so on. And surprisingly more often than not, people will sit back and tell you in London, it would not have happened. In America it would not have happened. I don’t know if this is the London or America we have all lived in and we visit. Because I have been in those countries, I have seen delayed flights. I have seen cancelled flights. I have been delayed in American airport for over 10 hours and I had only a bottle of water. We are not using that one as a standard but what it means is that these things could happen and for any airline not to be on air as at when due, there must be reasons beyond their control.

Because it only makes sense, if anybody you employed, from the engineers, to the cockpit, cabin crew, you employ them to make sure that your aircraft is in air, on time. So when that doesn’t happen there is need to have an understanding. And then when it does happen in those countries that they are referring to, nobody even raises an alarm.

If you are flying you will just go and see a screen, this flight going to this place delayed for six hours. What do you do? You just find a place and make yourself comfortable. But here what happens? They look for the manager and jack him up. We have seen people going to break facilities at the airport because they have a flight to catch to the US; but when it happens in those countries they are going back to they won’t even go to the airline officials.

So I see that the security and safety of those who are working at the airport are very, very, critical. You have a role to play to appeal to the people. There are many things that can delay a flight that may not be as a result of the operator. It could be weather and for some of our travellers as long as they see an aircraft leaving from the airport of its location, it doesn’t matter to him or her where the destination is, even if it is going to Lagos.

When we say we cannot go to Asaba, they will say, what about this one that just left?

We have seen situation where you have an aircraft scheduled to go to Owerri but there is a flight delay to Asaba because of weather.

The Asabapassengers might not allow you board Owerri passengers because they were there before Owerri. Why do you think that is happening? It is a challenge we all have to take up on ourselves because it is not good for the industry.

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BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

NIPOST Urges Postal Bodies to Drive Financial Inclusion with Technology Emma Okonji

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has called on African postal bodies to leverage technology in driving financial inclusion in postal services.

Hosting representatives of the Pan-African Postal Union Committee on Technology in Abuja recently,

Nigeria’s Postmaster General (PMG), Dr. Ismail Adebayo Adewusi highlighted the place of technology in the face of new global business ideas and opportunities.

Adewusi, while stressing the need to be compliant with global trends, reminded those at the meeting that with decline in ordinary mail, postal

bodies must avail themselves of the technical know-how.

According to him, “Effort should be intensified on Financial Inclusion, through collaboration with Financial Institutions like Banks considering the Post’s spread. E-commerce items are on the increase in Europe and other climes. How do we avail

ourselves with the emerging trend considering the decline in ordinary mail.”

Adewusi explained that the Operations and Technical Committee of the Pan African Postal Union (PAPU), is an important one, adding that the committee serves as the technical and operational mind

of PAPU. He added: “The Committee’s work is geared towards helping the regional Posts in Africa to modernise and upgrade our products and services.”

In his speech, the NIPOST boss also called attention to issues of supply chains where conveyance

of mails within African, and the larger world should be considered in relation to the airlines.

He said it was important for PAPU to deliberate on relationships with different Customs agencies of respective countries as part of strategies towards seamless operations.

2022 SCP: NIMET PREDICTS HIGH MENINGITIS OCCURRENCE IN 10 NORTHERN STATES, SAYS PLANTING SEASONS BEGINS FEBRUARY 28 socio-economic lives in accordance with its mandate.

“Daily, we are reminded of how interdependent and related these facets of our lives are. However, we must all rise to take up their forecast and respond with appropriate actions for resilience, adaptation and mitigation, “he said.

He further hinted that the earliest onset of the planting season (beginning of planting activities), is expected about the

28th February 2022 in the Coastal parts of the country.

“The onset of rainfall is expected to occur between April and May in the Central states, and eventually within June to July in the Northern states, adding that the onset of the planting season is predicted to be normal over most parts of Nigeria with a few areas having it earlier while some areas having it delayed, “he added.

The Aviation minister stated

that theme: Strengthening Climate Actions through Timely and Impact-based Climate Prediction for Economic Recovery) is apt and should be fully supported.

He however reveal the following highlights of the 2022 SRP: “Rainfall cessation dates across most parts of the county in 2022 is predicted to be near the long-term average conditions. The window between the Onset and cessation dates can be regarded as safe periods for

the planting of various crops in accordance with their cropping calendars.

“The growing season is predicted to last between 250-300 days in Southern parts of the country, and 100 to 200 days in the North.

Noteworthy, are areas around Kwara, Oyo, Lagos, Nasarawa, Benue, Bayelsa, and Rivers which are likely to experience shorter than normal length of growing season. However, prolonged length

of growing season is anticipated in parts of Plateau, Kaduna, Edo, and Imo States.”

Earlier in his speech, the Director-General, NiMet, Prof.

Mansur Matazu said the SCP, which is “multi-sectoral with co-produced socio-economic implications of the Prediction by NiMet and relevant stakeholders.

He further described it as a veritable tool to notify relevant stakeholders and emergency

managers of the anticipated rainfall pattern within the season for necessary mitigation plans.

Stakeholders from the event, which was attended by Ministers, CEOs of various government Parastatals as well as the Academia commended NiMet for the timely release of the predictions as this would guide farmers as to suitable time of commencement of the farming season.

NIGERIAN AIR TRAVELLERS LAMENT DECAY OF FACILITIES AT LAGOS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT system is not working effectively.

Last week, a well-known Nigerian entertainer arrived the country through the Lagos airport and complained about the heat, saying that she had pity for the personnel who work at the terminal.

Also an aviator who was travelling out of the country wrote, “I am currently at MMIA trying to check-in.

No belts (conveyor belt) working. I’m sweating buckets as (there is) no air conditioning and wondering what I paid $200 PSC (Passenger Service Charge) for?”

A top airline staff at the airport terminal told THISDAY, “Air conditioning is not working. Baggage conveyor belt is not working. It

breaks down after every two days, but everyday we hear that billions of naira has been voted to revamp it.

Passenger facilitation equipment is not working effectively. Since SITA left it is one hiccup or the other. When SITA was here they were managing the system by themselves but currently the equipment has been sub-let at three levels. We have Arlington; we have RESA and one other company.

If I show you the picture of the baggage belt you will be shocked.

FAAN workers don’t see themselves as service providers; rather, they see airlines personnel as those serving them.

“They generate so much money that Ghana does not even come near

to them when it comes to revenue generation. FAAN charges $100 for passenger service charge, while Ghana charges $50 but FAAN has more passenger throughput. Why can’t FAAN replace conveyor belt from its petty cash account, but it remitted N16.7 billion to the federation account?”

Industry expert and Managing Director of Flights and Logistics Solutions Limited, Amos Akpan told THISDAY that infrastructure facilities at the Lagos airport are bad, noting that the airport is not passenger friendly.

“If you watch the video of how passengers’ bags are thrown about by handling company workers, you

will agree with me that the airport is not passenger friendly. The checking in system is bad. The infrastructure is totally bad. Airports are built for the comfort of passengers, their luggage, cargo and for airlines. Any airport that does not meet this requirement is not worthy to be an airport. So after safety the next is customer comfort.

How comfortable are the passengers?

The Lagos airport is not friendly.

“It is only those that enter VIP lounge that have some comfort so the airport is segregating passenger comfort for a class of passengers.

Ideally avio-bridges should have maintenance calendar but here they have to breakdown down before you think of replacing or rehabilitating

them. FAAN is still concentrating on kinetic for aviation security when other airports are concentrating on biodata, profiling and technology. They are talking of giving guns to aviation security personnel,” Akpan said.

However, FAAN has assured the airport users that it is doing everything possible to ensure seamless passenger facilitation and comfort.

In a statement issued by the General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, FAAN said, “Contrary to the misinformation presently making the rounds online as depicted by some pictures posted suggesting a breakdown in the baggage processing system at the

Murtala MuhammedInternational Airport, Lagos, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria wishes to inform passengers and the general public that what is going on is a routine maintenance of the conveyor belts.

“The procedure is in line with our facilities maintenance program, aimed at ensuring optimal performance of the airport’s facilities.

We therefore appeal to our highly esteemed stakeholders to please bear with us, as the maintenance work will soon be completed.”

THISDAY confirmed that the baggage conveyor belt has been repaired many times but it still breaks down often.

THIS WEEKEND TR

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& R E ASO

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WEEKLY MAGAZINE

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

Premium Pedestal for the ‘Dan Amanar of Daura’

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͶ, 2022

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COVER

Premium Pedestal for the ‘Dan Amanar of Daura’ Chiemelie Ezeobi, who covered the recent turbaning of the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi as the Dan Amanar Daura by the Daura Emirate, reports that the conferment, which loosely translates to‘The Trusted One of Daura’has placed him on a premium pedestal where more is expected of him

The Dan Amanar of Daura with the Emir during his turbarning

A

s cliche as the saying “the reward for hardwork is more work” is, it certainly rings true for the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi.

He was recently conferred as the Dan Amanar Daura by the Daura’ Emirate led by the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Umar Faruq Umar. The chieftaincy title is loosely translated to mean “The Trusted one of Daura” in Katsina State.

Dan Amanar Daura For those in the know, the Dan Amana Daura title was chosen to represent what Amaechi means to Katsina State.

According to the Emirate, the honour was one well deserved given the level of development the minister had attracted to the state, as well as the North.

Some of the infrastructural development that influenced the honour was the monumental railway project that connects the North, which passes through Daura and most recently, the University of Transport, also sited at Daura. .For observers, however, the new title speaks volume on the esteem at which he is held in the president’s own state.

This was again confirmed after the First Lady, Aisha Buhari paid him a visit to congratulate him over the title he bagged.

Pop of Colours, Culture On the day of the turbaning, it was certainly a pop of colours as guests decked in fine traditional regalia thronged the Emir’s palace.

Culture also played a vital role in the turbaning as the minister dressed fittingly in the Northern regalia before he was turbaned. Also, the gaily decked horses gave the turbaning touch of colour and tradition with the numerous musicians who belted out melodious traditional music to the delight of those present.

In fact, suffice to say that the ancient town of Daura was a beehive of activities as dignitaries besieged the town for the turbaning.

While some saw it as an avenue to campaign aggressively for him to run for office in 2023, one thing was quite clear- the minister is loved and that much was shown by the Daura people.

Honour Deserved Explaining why Amaechi was deserving of the

honour, Emir Faruk cited the extension of railway to Daura, which has improved the economy of farmers in the Emirate and the University of Transportation sited in Daura as some of the infrastructure facilitated by Amaechi, which he said endeared him to the Emirate.

He further said Amaechi was decorated with the honour for performing excellently on the job and not being self-centred in his disposition towards Katsina State and other northern Nigerian states in citing projects from ministry.

Faulting the thinking in some quarters that Amaechi may have bought the Dan Amanar Daura title with money, the Emir said: “On a more serious note, Daura Emirate does not give title anyhow but to people who deserve its title like Amaechi.

“The Emirate does not give titles for money but for a class of people who serve the country selflessly.”

While describing Amaechi as an extraordinary goal getter, the Emir also prayed for him to attain a higher office.

He said: “We are gathered here to reciprocate the kind gesture done to us by the Rt. Hon Minister of transportation, Chibuke Rotimi Amechi, for his whole hearted love and support for us. “ Therefore, it is binding on the Daura traditional emirate to acknowledge the kind gesture. My prayer is for God to give you a higher office.”

Also turbaned was Nasiru Haladu Danu, another chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and astute businessman who grew up in Port Harcourt, who was conferred with the title of “Tafida Baba” by the Daura Emir.

kunle ogunfuyi Handshake across the Delta First military Governor of Rivers State and Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass, Bayelsa State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, described the chieftaincy title as a handshake across the Delta.

Diete-Spiff, who is also the head of Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, said: “It is a great thing that our son is being honoured and turbaned. We are here to give our support.

It is a handshake across the Delta.

“We are very happy that one of our own is being recognised as a member of Daura Emirate Council. This occasion is to cement the relationship that has always existed between the North and South.”

Amaechi as a Detribalised Nigerian Describing Amaechi as detribalised Nigerian, Tonye Princewill, APC Chieftain said: “Amaechi is a unifier and a man of peace who believes in equity and fairness, ensuring that the right thing is done at the right time.

“Above all, he is not materialistic. He believes in the creation of wealth for the masses and he is a true man of the people.”

Promising that the Katsina people would not regret their decision to honour the minister, he said Rivers people would continue to build bridges of national unity.

He said: “We are going to work tirelessly to ensure that we continue to build these bridges and make sure that we make the nation proud.

“We honour those that use their wealth and position to help the poor and down- trodden.

Those are the kind of people we confer with traditional titles.”

The President’s Commendation Commending the minister, President Muhammadu Buhari said the the chieftaincy

“We honour those that use their wealth and position to help the poor and downtrodden. Those are the kind of people we confer with traditional titles”

title was in a recognition of his “extraordinary legacy” in the transport sector.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity), Garba Shehu, the president described the conferment as a clear commitment to the harmonious relationship between the nation’s diverse cultures.

He commended the minister “for working with enormous energy to make the change we promised Nigerians a reality...The change we are witnessing in the transport sector is an extraordinary legacy.”

Dignataries Despite the poor weather conditions that grounded the aircraft that was supposed to convey dignataries from flying from Abuja to Kano, there was no shortage of VIPs at the turbaning.

Dignitaries present include Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adewusi; Minister of state for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo; Dr. Etim Okon Edet, Paramount Ruler of Bakassi and Chairman of Cross River State Traditional Council; Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, HRH Obol Ofem Ubana of Ugep; Obol Ibiang Esekpa, Onun Ekor of Ugep; HRH Obol Okoi Ikpi; Chairman of the Traditional Council of Bayelsa, King Alfred Diette-Spiff; and former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Yusuf Buratai, among several others.

Also present were Muhammadu Nuhu Sanusi (Emir of Dutse); Erin Edet Ekong of Cross Rivers Traditional Rulers Council; Abdullahi Lamido Sunusi, Magajin Garin Kano; Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, Minister of state for Education; and Minister of state for Health, Olorunnimbe Mamora.

Not left out where Okechukwu Enelamah, Minister of Trade and Investment; Isa Yuguda, former Bauchi Governor; Musa Haro, District Head Dumurkol; Yusuf Buhari, District Head of Kwasarawa; Bashir Jamo, DG NIMASA; and Muhammadu Koko, DG NPA, among others.

Others like Minister of state for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo; Senators Binta Masi Garba and Abubakar Sadiq Yar’adua; he second frame, Nigerian Port Authority, Board Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Olajide Adesoye; and Board Member, Ghazali Mohammed.

For the honour bestowed on him, certainly much more is expected from him. For those who know him, it’s already a given that he would continuously give his best to better the society at large.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͶ, 2022

Lifecard Rewards Exceptional Performance Stories by Mary Nnah In a bid to encourage young people to be more innovative in what they do and also to woo more customers, Lifecard International Real Estate Investment Company, an ingenious real estate firm, that is speedily penetrating the real estate market in Africa, recently held “The Day of Advantage”.

This is an initiative that sets a day aside to celebrate its outstanding staff, partners and investors.

Founder / CEO of Lifecard International Investment Limited, Grace Ofure explained that “The Advantage is a LifeCard Real Estate Investment maiden programme will be held every January during which we recognise our partners, investors, and every one that trusts our brand – our customers.”

Speaking further, she said, “We are feeding the diaspora market and we have a lot of people who believe in us, so this is a way to celebrate them.

Lifecard is more than just a real estate company; it is a vision to help people get the right kind of investment.”

“So, the Day of Advantage is the day that we encourage the customers during which we give discounts, products and then talk to the staff and tell them about the great thing that they have done and if we have a new product, we unveil it”, she noted.

During the event, the company gave out prizes, including cars to young people in various departments who have worked hard and remained committed.

Partners and investors were likewise appreciated.

“On an occasion like this, we

Grace Ofure showcase different things for the new year and celebrate our achievements in the last year. “ And Lifecard is a crop of young people, so we just want to encourage young people to be more innovative in what they do. The Day of Advantage is going to remain and it is a brand name that is going to evolve into so many things. So, next year is going to be bigger and better”, Ofure noted. Lifecard, which is just a little above two years is doing so much in the

real estate industry, a pace the CEO attributed to the fact that the company’s integrity is sacrosanct. “The real estate industry has a lot of problems.

There are a lot of very shady real estate investments, so we saw this problem in the market and we came to solve it the solution was to say the truth no matter how it hurts. “ Integrity is very important when it comes to real estate. We have been able to be where we are today because we put our

integrity first in all that we do.

“A lot of people feel they are in safe hands because they have seen that a lot of the things that we have said have come true.

So once you solve a problem and you have integrity, money will come to you. “So we have been this successful within the space of two years because of our integrity and delivery. Over the years they have seen that we are true to ourselves and true to our clients, which is more important”, she said.

AREWA24 Poised for Telling Authentic African Stories AREWA24, the first and only 24/7 free-to-air Hausa Language entertainment and lifestyle satellite television channel for the Hausa – speaking community with a production studio in Nigeria and West Africa has launched its new original Drama and Film Division intending to tell authentic African stories from Northern Nigeria and West Africa in both the Hausa language and core English.

The leading Hausa language family entertainment and lifestyle television channel’s

new company production division will develop scripts and produce a slate of new original drama series and feature films.

AREWA24’s production studios are already producing and broadcasting the two most popular and highest rated Hausa language drama series in Northern Nigeria and West Africa, “Dadin Kowa” which is in its 25th season, and the channel’s runaway hit political thriller, “Kwana Casa’ in” (“90 Days”), which just concluded production on

Season-7.

Several new original drama series are currently in development and the company will be debuting its first originally produced premier feature film in Q4 2022.

Speaking recently about the new development, AREWA24’s CEO, Jacob Arback, said, “We are now positioned to be a major Pan African producer of scripted, authentic African content - for Nigeria, for Africa and for viewers in the West who are becoming more and more

exposed to the unique and compelling stories being told in high-quality dramas and films from the Continent.”

With the creation of this new Original Drama and Film Division, AREWA24 will leverage its production resources and expertise, as well as look to partner top creative talent from throughout the world, and with the major global streaming services, to develop and produce an expanding slate of scripted narrative content.

Transcorp Hilton Abuja Wins Traveller Review Award 2022 Precious Ugwuzor Transcorp Hilton Abuja, the flagship hotel of leading hospitality brand Transcorp Hotels Plc., has won Booking.com’s Traveller Review Award 2022.

This award celebrates businesses that consistently exceeded travellers’ expectations, having earned great traveller reviews.

“We are honoured to receive this award which highlights Transcorp Hilton Abuja as consistently delivering quality experiences while navigating changing guest expectations during a pandemic.

“Our ability to evolve and

adapt to changing guest preferences has been key to making our hotel a top destination for business and leisure travellers, as well as locals who want a luxurious hospitality experience.”

“We remain committed to providing exceptional services across all our touch points,” the Transcorp Hotels Plc MD/ CEO added.

According to an award letter signed by Glenn Fogel, President & Chief Executive Officer of Booking.com, the Dutch Online Travel Agency said it understood how difficult it is to exceed the expectations of travellers.

“We know that’s never

easy - let alone amid a global pandemic. It takes a lot of hard work, vision, coordination, and attention to detail, and you’ve excelled,” said Fogel.

Transcorp Hotels Plc. has always maintained that its mission is to redefine hospitality standards in Africa and the company has been doing this through innovation and exceptional services as it creates value for its customers and other stakeholders.

The company is developing a word-class event centre at Transcorp Hilton Abuja, as it seeks to increase its market share in the conference and events space. Transcorp Hotels Plc is also working on a lifestyle

center in Lagos that will rival the best of its kind globally.

As part of its continuous expansion plans, the hospitality giant is planning developments in Lagos and Port Harcourt, even as it continues to build its online accommodation booking platform Aura by Transcorp Hotels, where guests can book both hotels and short let homes.

Transcorp Hotels Calabar is also currently being upgraded to maintain the high standards the hospitality brand is known for. Transcorp Hotels Plc. is one of Africa’s leading hospitality companies, committed to redefining service standards across the continent while remaining truly and authentically African.

Sanwo-Olu, 70 Others to Speak at 2nd Edition of Lagos Employment Summit Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget (MEPB) are collaborating to host the second edition of the Lagos Employment Summit, a two-day hybrid event scheduled for the 3rd and 4th of March, 2022 at Eko Hotel.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu will headline the summit with a keynote address.

He will be joined by more than 70 other notable speakers including the Chairman LSETF, Mrs. Bola Adesola; Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Development and Planning, Mr. Sam Egube; and Director, Africa Growth Initiative, Mr. Aloysius Uche Ordu.

Others include Country Director Nigeria & Ecowas, (G.I.Z.), Ian Hommers; Secretary, Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (P.E.B.E.C.), Jumoke Oduwole; Founder Iba Ajie, Obi Asika; CEO. Slot Systems Nigeria, Nnamdi Ezeigbo as well as leaders from Jumia, Ford Foundation, Lagos Business School (L.B.S.).

They will be interrogating topics that include the Workforce of the Future: ‘Gig Economy’ – opportunities, challenges, and strategies for success; Women’s economic empowerment as a tool for economic growth; Orange Economy: A driver of youth employment in emerging markets; Partnering for Impact: Critical areas that drive youth employment; Job Centres: Preparing Youth for a Resilient Career; amongst others.

The Executive Secretary, LSETF, Mrs. Teju Abisoye, during a press conference to announce the upcoming event, said that sustainable job creation strategies are a much-needed conversation among industry players in the entire socio-economic space.

“This event will spotlight various speakers with a diverse wealth of experience across the entrepreneurial, advocacy, governmental and private sectors”, she said.

Themed “Sustainable Job Creation Strategies: Collective Action and Prosperity for All”, this year ’s edition of the Summit will foster deliberations about progressive economic and social solutions to unemployment problems in the state.

In addition to the deliberations and conversations, there will be an innovation challenge, tagged the “Lagos State Employment Summit Innovation Challenge”, where tech innovators will proffer resourceful solutions to increase jobs creation in Lagos State.

This process will include the submission of pitches, judges’ reviews, shortlisting of applications, and the announcement of the finalist and winners.

There will also be clinics to equip young professionals with contemporary skills for the 21st-century workplace.

“We share in the philosophy that the issue of unemployment is a shared responsibility of both the government, corporates, and individuals; hence, we are always elated to partner and collaborate as much as we can, and this Summit further positions us in the right direction”, Abisoye added.

Eleventh West Africa Brands Awards for February 24th Scheduled to hold on February 24th at Sheraton Hotel & Tower Ikeja Lagos, leveraging new brand strategies for success in 2022 will form a major focus of discourse at the eleventh West Africa Brands Excellence Awards hosted by the Institute of Brand Management of Nigeria (IBMN).

The leading West Africa Brands Excellence Awards has the theme, “Leveraging new brand strategies for success in 2022.”

According to the Institute’s Deputy Registrar, Event, Mrs. Ifeoma Emeka, “The West Africa Brand Excellence Award is aimed at identifying, recognising and rewarding companies that apply branding culture and branding management policies, designed to achieve corporate objectives in both profit and non-profit organisation in western countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, Senegal, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Togo, Benin, Liberia, Cameroon, Mauritania, and Upper Volta.”

The award will be conferred on some West African companies, brands, and individuals who made an impact on the lives of West African consumers through their innovations, inventions, and ideas.

Mrs. Emeka said IBMN is a professional membership organisation for Brand Management and Brand experts.

Since its inception in 2007, the institute has been at the forefront of developing Brand Management and Brand professionals in the country assisting executives and their organisation to improve their performance and achieve success through knowledge, education, and professional development.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͶ, 2022

E-TRENDS NECLIVE RETURNS TO IN-PERSON GATHERING FOR NINTH EDITION Vanessa Obioha

For its ninth edition, the famed Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive) will return to an in-person gathering. It is the first time in three years the conference will be allowing a physical setting.

The pandemic allowed it to have only virtual gatherings.

NECLive will host speakers, panelists, performers, and participants from around the world to discuss the theme, ‘Sustaining The Africa Momentum.’

The conference will explore how African creatives and entertainers can use digital media and technology tools to build sustainable economic power for themselves, the industry, and their nations.

Also, In light of the upcoming 2023 general elections in Nigeria, #NECLive9 will delve into the role of creatives and the entertainment industry in nation building, as well as how to use entertainment as a vehicle for driving social change on the continent.

It is scheduled for April 27, 2022.

TUBE AWARDS TO CELEBRATE EXCELLENCE IN TELEVISION Iyke Bede On Sunday, February 13, the cream of Nigerian television and Nollywood converged at the Grand Ballroom of Eko Hotels and Suites to witness the unveiling of Tube Awards, a newly formed platform that celebrates the small screen.

The organisers, Tube Afrique, also announced its call for entry for television content broadcasted between January 1 and December 31 of last year.

The award show, which positions itself as an accelerator for innovation and growth in the television space, listed 27 categories to honour creatives and professionals. It ranges from actors to producers to broadcasters.

With a provisional date set for the award ceremony in December, all programmes are expected to meet the requirements of being via cable, terrestrial, or digital platforms.

Compulsorily, entries must have been conceptualised, developed, filmed, and broadcast in one of the regions in Africa.

To activate its initiatives, an eclectic jury body made up of professionals across all fields it concerns itself has been assembled to oversee the shortlisting of entries. It also plans on organising events targeted at building the capacity of practitioners for optimal performance and proper monetisation.

Niran Adedokun, an entertainment journalist cum author, PR practitioner and lawyer, who hatched the idea 20 years ago, explained the strong influence television broadcasting plays in shaping lifestyles and the need to celebrate TV’s finest contributors.

Tube Awards convener Niran Adedokun

MUSIC SHOWBIZ

…Your weekly entertainment delight

NOLLYWOOD

Obi Asika, D’banj, Simi Bring Back the Groove on Nigerian Idol S7

Obi Asika

Vanessa Obioha By now, you must be aware that the seventh season of the singing competition Nigerian Idol is back on the screen. Of course, you must know that there are two new judges on the show.

And you also must be thinking out loud on why the organisers did not consider D’banj and Simi for the sixth season. Well, if you had these thoughts zigzagging in your mind as you binge-watched the show on DStv channel 197, you are not alone.

The trio of Obi Asika, Simi and D’banj are a delightful mix. They

SINGER, SWAZZI, EXPLORES FASHION WITH ENTHUSIASM

Mary Nnah Okolo Miracle Obiechina, singerturned-fashion stylist, has found his niche by exploring both music and

exude professionalism while making the show as entertaining as possible.

Gone are the sarcastic remarks or the guffaws that often left contestants in tears.

Once upon a time, the insensitivity of judges about the contestants’ performances on such singing platforms was overlooked. But not anymore.

Not now when the whole world is watching, scrutinizing every word and demanding humanity. Thanks to the internet and social media. The judges too get served when they go out of line.

Of course, being an artist requires you to have a thick skin but when

judges take into consideration the journey of the contestants in pursuing their dreams, a little kindness won’t hurt or will it?

The new judges on the show, to a reasonable extent, understand their roles and blend well with Asika, who is the resident judge. It is seen in the way D’banj makes the contestants stay confident with his witty remarks. It is seen in the way they encourage them not to give up on their dreams. It is seen in the compliments they pay them on their looks and attires. With such words, even those who fail to get the golden ticket can be inspired to return next season better armed.

No doubt, a little kindness goes a long way in helping them believe in themselves. After all, most runnersup up in singing talent shows have gone to amass more fame than said winners. Perhaps, this comes with continually learning and fine-tuning their work/talent.

Credence must be given to the organisers MultiChoice Nigeria for returning with a better show. Even the studio looks better than last year’s.

Indeed, this time around, they got the right equation.

D’banj as a show stopper assesses the contestants on their stage craftsmanship, Simi, looks out for their vocal strength, while Asika, a veteran possesses hawkeyed attention to their overall output, ensuring that they have the potential to become the next Nigerian Idol.

There are times when these traits clash. For instance, one of the turned down contestants had the vibe and energy to be an artist but was underwhelming vocally. D’banj voted ‘yes’ for him while Toolz (who was a guest judge on the second episode) and Asika voted ‘no’ despite the contestant’s pleas to be given an opportunity.

Nevertheless, D’banj advised the contestant to hook him up on social media and expressed willingness to work with him. The teary-eyed contestant’s face lit upon hearing that.

At the end of the day, the new season of the show is positioning itself not only as a competition platform but giving hope to young Nigerians chasing their musical dreams. After all, they still have a long way to go in moulding their career.

fashion.

Popularly known as ‘Swazzi’, the founder of TheLifestyleLagos, a fashion styling brand, established in January 2021, is multi-talented.

Obiechina, who started as a music artist earlier in life, has done so many other things afterward but has recently developed a strong passion for fashion.

On what his recent foray with fashion looks like, the singer, songwriter, model, actor, fashion consultant, and fashion entrepreneur with a Bachelors degree in Accountancy, said, “I put outfits together for clients, I work with fashion brands to create a masterpiece for clients, sometimes I sketch and send to them and I also co-ordinate photoshoots for brands and clients.”

Speaking further about his overpowering passion for fashion, he said, “To me, fashion is art, it’s a lifestyle, it helps me express my emotions and also makes room to sync with my creativity.

“Whenever I am engaging myself with anything fashion, it gives peace.

I find it very therapeutic. As a child, I have always embraced fashion.”

The name Swazzi, he said, was coined from “Swag boy”, which he revealed was a name he was fondly called during his high school days due to his high fashion taste.

“It is needless to say I derive pleasure in looking my best and making others look their best too. I and fashion are forever buddies”, noted the fashion enthusiast, wardrobe/ image consultant who has been in the craft for about a year.

Speaking on the progress made so far on his business in one year, challenges, and plans, Obiechina noted: “Just like every other career, there have been hurdles to jump.

“My first major styling was for the renowned singer Ric Hassani’s ‘Thunder Fire You music video.

Then we had WAJE, Harrysong, Simi, Nini of BBNaija, Kaffy the

dance boss, Calema (Portugal), Jaypaul, and many other entertainers, who all believed in my creative mind and the brand.”

“We had well over 100 clients in our debut year and I am most grateful to all of them and most especially God for giving me this distinct talent”, he added.

Being a fashion entrepreneur, for him, hasn’t been an easy journey but before he started styling other people, he has been in the fashion space for a while, modeling for Nigeria and international brands as well as influencing them.

“Most times I style my music videos. So it was easy for me because I have always been in the industry”, he noted.

The first child of six, born into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Okolo, the Enugu state indigene attended Enugu State College of Education, where he studied Accounting Education.

D’banj

Blaqbonez Sells out First Headline Show in Lagos Precious Ugwuzor Chocolate City Music star, BlaqBonez delivered an outstanding performance at his crusade themed concert, “Breaking The Yoke Of Love” which left the crowd of 4000 people in a limbo of astonishment this past Sunday at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island Lagos.

The rapper and singer-songwriter already created a huge buzz of this event on several social media outlets including short videos and a crusade at the University of Lagos that left people in high anticipation for the event. The event peaked number one on multiple social media platforms and trended over Super Bowl on Twitter.

BlaqBonez was joined on stage with top leading Nigerian artists including M.I Abaga, Buju, Mayor-

BlaqBonez performing for the teeming crowd

kun, Ckay, Falz, Ric Hassani, Joeboy, Mohbad, T-Classic and Bella Shmurda.

He also announced the release of his

new single “Commander” dropping today, the 18th of February.

The event is one that will be in-

grained in the minds of fans for a very long time due to its many breathtaking moments and thrilling performances.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͶ, 2022

ART WEEKEND

…For pure art enthusiasts

Insights into Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Like a three-course meal, the retired Managing Director of National Engineering and Technical Company Limited, Engineer Johnson Awoyomi prepares a sumptuous literary feast with the launch of his three new books on the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry. He shares the thoughts behind his writings in a crisply chat with Yinka Olatunbosun

T

he queue for pictures with the author, Engineer Johnson Awoyomi at the launch of his three books in Lagos was as organised as those you’d find at passport control sections at international airports. Inside the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, a sizeable number of colleagues and friends of Awoyomi gathered to celebrate the author’s 60th birthday as well as his years of reforming one of the subsidiaries of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Prior to this position, he had served as the Group General Manager (GGM) of the Engineering and Technology Division (ETD) of the Nigerian National and Petroleum Corporation amongst other high-profile roles.

With the titles “The Cost of Fuel Scarcity,’’ “Cost Engineering and Cost Control of Medium to Major Capital Projects” and “Maximising Government Net Revenue in the Oil and Gas Industry- Cost Engineering Perspectives,’’ the author dissects the issues of national consequence from an expert point of reasoning.

Collectively, the books are intellectual guides for project managers, cost engineers, project owners, contractors as well as students. When put to task on what cost engineering means to a lay man, he was meticulous in his explanation.

“Everybody does cost engineering every day-from housewife to farmer to manager or even as a housewife.

If you are a student and you want to go to the market, you get to the market to buy food stuff and find out that the price of fish has gone up, you will change your mind from buying fish to ‘ponmo’ (that is cow skin).

“You plan to buy N300 food and instead you buy N200 food. It is that act of making changes, deciding on what to do based on the budget availability. It is as simple as that. But it is more complex when it comes to capital projects. But it is only cost that everyone needs to know about. When you are cost aware, cost optimized, you add value.

“You minimize cost and maximize

Reading, Book Signing Session for Prof Osundare’s New Poetry Collection Yinka Olatunbosun

Awoyomi

value. That’s the only way. If we can get that right in this country, things will go on track, on schedule and within budget. There won’t be an issue of cost over run,’’ he revealed. Awoyomi’s response to the decline in reading culture is to write more books and distribute them to schools where they can reach students.

“When you launch books and people come to know what is in the books, they learn about its values

and they start to read it. But it is a bad culture not to read books and we need to inculcate this into our children,’’ he responded.

Although he was tight-lipped when asked about his plans for his retirement, he couldn’t help the little smile that emitted a whiff of looming vacation.

“I have great plans. I would like to cool off first and have some rest,’’ he responded.

His book ‘The Cost of Fuel

Scarcity in Nigeria’ provides a comprehensive answer to the cost of fuel scarcity for a country like Nigeria using the principles of Total Cost management while the second one on ‘Cost Engineering’ contains techniques and tools on cost control of large and medium-sized projects.

The third book on ‘Maximising Government Net Revenue in the Oil and Gas Industry’ provides an insider’s perspective on how to deploy best practices in total cost management.

The new collection of poetry by Nigeria’s leading poet and scholar, Prof. Niyi Osundare titled ‘GREEN: Sighs of Our Ailing Planet,’ is set for a reading and signing session on Sunday February 20. Jointly organised by the Committee for Relevant Art, CORA and Roving Heights Bookstores, the session titled, ‘An Evening with Professor Niyi Osundare,’ will have the poet laureate reading sections from the collection before a live and virtual audience that would converge on the Roving Heights’ outlet, Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Released in January, the anthology, published by Commonwealth Books in conjunction with Black Widow Press is a compilation of poems reflecting on the environment and the current spate of odds and challenges facing its survival, especially with the perennial disrespect visited on it by humans. Inspired by the spate of environmental crises hitting the world, from the Amazon wildfire to the desert encroachment in North Africa to the shrinking of the Lake Chad basin in his home country Nigeria, the collection urges readers to reflect on the endangered beauty of nature.

“Of all my 20-something books of poetry, none has confronted me with a more challenging combination of the urgency of content and complexity of execution than this new one,” said Osundare, professor emeritus at the New Orleans University. “I daresay the existential imperative of its content has been responsible for the pain that came with its composition and the uneasy relief I now feel upon its completion.

“There is something deeply spiritual, almost religious, about the mission and the message of the poems, and the many ways they have turned out to be denizens of that vital interface between the ecological and the cosmic.”

Filming Kicks off for ‘Conversations in Transit’ Movie Rebecca Ejifoma The waiting lounge at the Mobolaji Johnson Rail Station, Ebute Metta had passengers waiting for the same reason but for two different purposes.

While some passengers wanted to board the train to their destinations, a good number of them were waiting to be filmed as members of the cast of ‘Conversation in Transit.’

The first day of the shoot- February 5- was quite exciting. Trucks delivering equipment for the shoot were directed to the back of the station for easy access while the lead actors were cooling off in the air-conditioned buses, getting prepped for their scenes.

It turned out that the tall baseballcap wearing man with a warm smile, Robert Peters is the director of the much-anticipated movie. TheAtlantabased filmmaker had his watchful eyes on the arrangement of equipment at the location as well as other aspects of the production. He led the

The Director, ‘Conversations in Transit’ Robert Peters inspecting the set for the movie

journalists into the train where the movie would be shot, explaining how

he intended to tell a beautiful visual story from his tested expertise in film

production.

Peters is a master of destinationspecific movies. Some of his feature movie projects include ‘A Trip to Jamaica,’ ‘Christmas in Miami’ and ‘30 Days in Atlanta.’ The Kaduna-born cinematographer began his career in the movie industry first as an actor.

No wonder he was described by one of the lead actors in Conversations in Transit, Tana Adelana as ‘an actor’s director.’ Peters is reputed for being sensitive to the needs of his cast and always ensuring their interests are protected on set. While fielding questions from journalists, he revealed that 98 per cent of the production would be done on the train.

“The producer, Rogers Ofime, sent the script to me. So, I read the script and I loved it,’’ he said with some excitement.

Peters, who is never too far from home, said he always plans for each movie as though it would be his last.

“One of the biggest problems we have on this side of the world is planning. I want us to pay attention to

the details so the story will come out looking jazzy. I wanted us to shoot five scenes daily but today, we will only shoot one scene. I always tell everyone that I am not in competition with anybody. I am in competition with myself,” he said.

For him, directing a ‘destination’ movie takes a director out of his comfort zone but still allows him to show a different perspective from different parts of our world.

“For me, I see it as a challenge and I try to stretch that extra muscle and at the end of the day, people are going to watch whatever we do and judge us by every frame. Not every scene but every frame. I am beginning to get to that place where I am making a conscious effort to give attention to every frame of every picture I make. Destination-specific movies have its flavour and its challenges,’’ he revealed.

Uzee Usman, one of the actors at the location, explained what he loves about ‘Conversation in Transit’ when he got the script.

34

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͶ, 2022

Rotary International Convention Returns to America Ehi Braimah

A

fter five years, Rotary International Convention returns to the United States of America. From June 4 – 8, 2022, the George R. Brown Convention Centre in Houston, Texas, will be hosting a global fellowship of Rotarians – from over 200 countries and geographical regions of the world.

It will be the 113th convention of Rotary International (RI for short), the humanitarian service and fellowship organisation that was founded in 1905 by Paul Harris – a Chicago attorney – and his four friends.

Rotarians are “people of action” with a shared responsibility to solve the world’s pressing problems.

Over 35,000 Rotary clubs in more than 530 districts in the world come together to promote peace, fight diseases, grow economies, support education, provide clean water, save mothers and children as well as protect the environment – these are the seven areas of focus of Rotary.

It is also important that we highlight the work Rotary and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) have been doing to end polio, a paralysing and life threatening disease caused by the poliovirus that most commonly affects children under the age of five. The virus spreads from person to person typically through contaminated water and it can attack the nervous system, affecting the spinal cord.

According to available information on RI’s website, Rotary has been working for more than 35 years to eradicate polio and as a founding partner of GPEI, polio cases have been reduced by 99.9 percent since Rotary’s first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979.

Rotary members have contributed more than $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly three billion children in 122 counties from this paralyzing disease. Rotary’s advocacy efforts have played a role in decisions by governments to contribute more than $10 billion to the effort.

Today, polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan after Nigeria was declared polio-free two years ago by the World Health Organisation.

For every one dollar Rotary spends on polio eradication, there is a corresponding match of two dollars by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The sustained effort to make Nigeria polio-free was championed by the Nigeria National Polio Plus Committee (NNPPC) under the able chairmanship of Past District Governor Tunji Funsho, a medical doctor and member of the Rotary Club of Lekki Phase 1. He was honoured by Time magazine in 2020 as one of the 100 Most Influential Persons in the world.

The last time the convention held in America, more than 33,000 Rotarians from 174 countries gathered inside the hallowed chamber of the World Congress Centre in Atlanta, Georgia from June 10 – 14, 2017. I was there, too.

John Germ, a consulting engineer and member of the Rotary Club of Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA, was the RI President for 2016-17.

Every convention showcases high profile dignitaries and inspirational speakers. At the Atlanta convention, we listened to speeches by Bill Gates, Jack Nicklaus, Aston Kutcher, Andrew Young, Jimmy Carter, and the Georgia State Governor, Nathan Deal.

My port of entry the first time I travelled to United States with my wife was New York – that was many years ago. I wrote about the “Big Apple” as the “city that never sleeps” when I returned to Nigeria.

Every trip to the United States – God’s own country – holds fond memories for me.

The attractions as you move from one city to the next make your stay enjoyabe. You cannot miss the Statue of Liberty in New York or the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Make sure you spend quality time touring Beverly Hills in Los Angeles – the home the rich and famous, and Hollywood superstars.

A visit to the Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta – home to Coca-Cola and CNN – is an unforgettable immersive experience of marine life. It takes about 3 – 4 hours to view the entire aquarium of more than 100,000 animals; so get there early.

The last time I was in Houston was in 2014 – eight years ago. Rotarians are heading to Houston this summer for the Rotary convention and I cannot wait to be part of the special moment, a networking opportunity for making new friends and building great connections.

It does not matter where members come from or how they look or the language they speak.

John Germ expressed these sentiments at the Atlanta convention in 2017. “Don’t be shy. You

Braimah just might find yourself a new friend, or your club a new partner. It all starts with a smile, and a hello – from one Rotarian, to another,” Germ pleaded as he encouraged the global audience of Rotarians.

I also attended the next convention which held in Toronto, Canada from June 23 – 27, 2018 when Ian H.S. Riseley of the Rotary Club of Sandringham, Victoria, Australia was Rotary International President. He reminded Rotarians that each convention “was the best way to celebrate a year of successful service and renew our energies for the year to come”.

This was followed by the 110th convention in Hamburg, Germany from June 1 – 5, 2019 when Barry Rassin of the Rotary Club of East Nassau, Bahamas was RI President. I could not attend this event due to circumstances beyond my control which I explained in an article in 2019.

Whenever Rotarians gather in any city for the annual convention, they come with their goodwill and help to boost the local economy. In Hamburg, the convention which attracted over 25,000 Rotarians from 170 countries brought about 24 million Euros into the local economy.

In his own speech, Rassin encouraged Rotarians to think of how to leave their marks on Rotary and the world. He also asked members to dream big because “big dreams are for everyone with the courage to lead.”

Indeed, Rotarians dream big and it was precisely why The Rotary Foundation (TRF) was founded in 1917 with a mission “to do good in the world” by funding big, bold, impactful and life-changing projects. The Foundation’s centennial was celebrated in Atlanta five years ago, the city where it all began.

Whereas the Atlanta, Toronto and Hamburg conventions were held as in-person events, the next two conventions (2020 and 2021) were virtual events due to the Covid-19 global pandemic. It all seemed fuzzy initially but Rotary’s Action Plan through 2024 includes

“increasing our ability to adapt” – the fourth strategic objective of Rotary.

It helped Rotarians to embrace changes and navigate the virtual world.

Rotary was forced to cancel the in-person convention earlier planned to hold from June 6 – 10, 2020 in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. It was replaced by Rotary’s first ever virtual convention which attracted 60,000 registrants and 175,000 viewers during the week-long programme.

Arnold Grahl, content writer and senior editor at Rotary International’s editorial department, wrote about the warm hospitality package that awaited Rotarians on the sandy beaches of Honolulu inspired by “aloha” but they were naturally disappointed when the in-person convention was cancelled “Just as Rotary is a way of life for Rotarians, aloha is a way of life for Hawaiians — one that focuses on living in harmony, being patient, treating everyone with respect, and sharing joy with your family,”’ Grahl explained.

As the host RI President Mark Moloney noted, cancelling the convention was a difficult decision but he was inspired by “how members worldwide stayed connected, adapted to their changing circumstances, and helped those in need during the crisis.”

Rotarians became even more innovative, looking for new ways to enhance club experiences and grow Rotary during the pandemic. Maloney also said: “We had hoped to hold the most environmentally friendly convention in Rotary history in Honolulu. Guess what? We succeeded.

We are holding a Rotary Convention like no other, with no air travel, no hotel rooms, leaving a remarkably small carbon footprint.”

Clearly, COVID-19 outbreak affected Rotary events and members in diverse ways but even then, Rotary continued to monitor updated information and recommendations

"Rotarians are “people of action” with a shared responsibility to solve the world’s pressing problems. Over 35,000 Rotary clubs in more than 530 districts in the world come together to promote peace, fight diseases, grow economies, support education, provide clean water, save mothers and children as well as protect the environment – these are the seven areas of focus of Rotary"

by the World Health Organisation and the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for compliance, bearing in mind the safety of all Rotarians.

Without a doubt, fellowship is the heart and soul of every convention and Rotarians get the chance to amplify their experiences at the different sessions and the House of Friendship.

Unfortunately, there was still no chance that an in-person convention would hold the following year due to the global public health crisis. Originally scheduled to hold in Tapei, Taiwan, from June 12 – 16, 2021, Rotary was again forced to hold a virtual convention.

It was the turn of RI President Holger Knaack of the Rotary Club of Herzogtum Lauenburg-Molln, Germany to host the convention. During his inaugural address at the Tapei virtual convention, Knaack said: “Those who think that after Covid pandemic it will be business as usual are wrong as that will be impossible. Rotarians would have to adapt and embrace change, and think about the opportunities this pandemic has brought, along with challenges.”

Embracing change is the new cultural moment imposed on us by a new world order full of complexities. Despite global travel restrictions that are now easing, my gut feeling is that Rotarians are excited at the prospects of an in-person convention in Houston, Texas in the first week of June.

The Host Organisation Committee (HOC) chaired

by Past District Governor Rhonda Kennedy is working round the clock to treat all Rotarians and guests to a “Bigger”, “Better” and “Friendlier” experience as they say in Texas.

Some of the attractions will include an evening of sporting event with the Houston Dynamo; the thrill of historic aviation at the Lone Star Flight Museum located at Ellington field; a visit to the space centre that will include live astronaut presentations, access to the Boeing 747 with the Space Shuttle and the new Falcon 9 exhibit, and Magic on the Bayou – an evening of food, wine and magical entertainment.

Registration for conventions is open to anyone interested in Rotary and interpretation in several languages is usually provided for the opening ceremony, general sessions and closing ceremony.

The host RI President Shekhar Mehta, a trained accountant and founder of real estate development company, Skyline Group which he also chairs, is a member of the Rotary Club of Calcutta-Mahanagar, India.

Mehta visited Nigeria with his spouse Rashi last September and he will welcome members of the Rotary family worldwide to Houston, Texas. It will be a big fiesta after two virtual conventions -- devoid of human interactions.

Rotarians from the four districts in Nigeria are expected to attend the convention. Remi Bello, FCA, Governor of District 9110 (Lagos and Ogun States) will lead Rotarians from the district to the convention. t#SBJNBI JT UIF QVCMJTIFS FEJUPS JO DIJFG PG /BJKB 5JNFT IUUQT OBJKBUJNFT OH BOE EJTUSJDU TFDSFUBSZ 3PUBSZ *OUFSOBUJPOBM %JTUSJDU

35

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͶ, 2022

METRO

…Your city life in print

APC Convention: Is Buni the Caretaker or the Undertaker?

Buhari

Andrew Ayegbege

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s the Director-General of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Salihu Moh. Lukman, used the officialdom of the PGF to attack the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party he claims to belong to. He was sacked from that office by the enraged APC governors who considered him unfit to continue to hold the office of the Director-General of the PGF. Since the garb of the PGF DG has been unceremoniously removed from his neck, he has decided to further untame his pen of fury against the leadership of the party again, this time as a “Freelance APC Campaigner”. Foul breath of bitterness oozed from his latest attack on the party through a supposed open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari. Since discipline and respect to party authorities are not his forte, it is important to school Dr Lukman since he is idiosyncratic in attacking the party hierarchy.

The claim by Dr Lukman, a hired gun of the 3rd Force proponents bent on killing the party, that there is no sign of a Convention is not only laughable but indicative of the fact that the erstwhile PGF DG is a confusion merchant. The Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) rolled out a timetable towards actualising a Convention to remember. The Committee has received reports from the Reconciliation Committee and have issued Certificates of Return to the State Chairmen.

On the setting up of sub-committees ahead of the Convention, the date for the release of the list of Sub-Committees was slated for February 19, 2022. But Dr Lukman is already crying wolf on February 15.

Regularly, the Secretary of the CECPC, Senator John Akpan Udoedehe, has been briefing reporters on the level of preparedness of the Committee for

Buni the Convention. But Dr Lukman said the Committee has not been communicating. How else do you communicate? APC is an organised party and not a confused circle like the orchestrators of the 3rd Force mirage.

There is no truth in the speculations of postponement and a grand plan to ensure the Convention does not hold. It is also wrong to accuse the CECPC Chairman, Governor Mai Mala Buni of sit-tightism and an agenda to self-perpetuate. These allegations are frivolous, malicious, unintelligent, narrow and indicative of the scheming by the hirers of Lukman. Buni has been the best thing to have happened to our dear party at a tumultuous time.

He has grown the party to 41 million members, 9 million more than the entire population of Ghana. He has digitalised the party and brought in high profile members into the party. He has successfully conducted congresses at the Wards, Local Government and State levels. And he has reconciled the party significantly as well as set the stage for a great Convention. He would be remembered by history as one of the greatest leaders our party got to know.

On the issue of zoning and sale of forms, we are very much aware of the fact that our forms are ready.

But party leaders are working on the issue of the possibility of zoning. The issue of whether the party will adopt zoning or not must be resolved before the aspirants would know what forms to buy. You can’t make people buy forms and then zone the positions away from their zones. If there won’t be zoning, aspirants will know what to do.

The fears of Lukman are the fears of his paymasters who drove him into trouble, ran him out of PGF Secretariat, ran him into disrepute and now running him against the tides of time. APC has never been stronger than it is now. We have 22 governors that are committed to the party and leaders across the geopolitical zones are poised to ensure the party remains unplugged from her support base which is populated by the masses of Nigeria.

It is characteristic falsehood that the party is waning. We are waxing stronger. It is expectedly discomforting to Dr Lukman that the party is not heading to the doom he prophesied two years ago.

Buni had blended the talents and political sagacity of members of the Caretaker Committee to successfully revive the APC “which is now revving on high turbocharger as the leading, largest and winning political party in Nigeria.”

The committee has successfully discharged its basic assignments beyond expectations.

Regardless of the short-lived squabbles over the recent ward, local government and state congresses, the APC is the most sought-after political party in the country. This is an additional highpoint achieved by the Buni-led Committee.

More than 40 million Nigerians have registered as its partisans. There are many reasons for the mass rush into the party, including the most Buhari’s purposeful leadership, the good deeds of APC progressive governors and the good performance of legislators elected under its banner.

“The committee has successfully discharged its basic assignments beyond expectations”

Buni corroborated the claim on January 13, 2022.

“The APC conducted a very successful membership registration and revalidation exercise. We now have over 41 million registered members across the country, with full details of every member.

“APC remains Africa’s largest political party and Nigeria’s ruling party with a population that will always win elections,” he said.

The APC has at least one member elected on its platform in more than 90 per cent of the states of the federation. It has absolute majority in more than half of the 36 in the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. This is not a sign of a party heading for the undertaker. In fact, it shows a party under a good caretaker.

The party is clearing political bumps, settling internal disputes and extending its arms to millions of Nigerians to join its fold.

When the Caretaker Committee presented its report to him at the State House, President Buhari said: “With the work done by the Committee, the party has bounced back to life.”

Another achievement of the Committee was the winning for the APC family three sitting state governors and scores of parliamentarians from other political parties. The ruling party has in the Buni era gained a lot of political capital from the political misfortunes of the PDP. Significantly, President Buhari is working with the caretaker committee and other stakeholders of the party to build APC into a fortress. The likes of Dr Lukman should jettison their doomsday prophecies and embrace the ambience of peace and greatness that Buni has built around the party.

Party members and leaders need to keep supporting the Buni-led CECPC in order to pilot the party into triumph come 2023. The caretaker is certainly not the undertaker. *Ayegbege writes in from Ojoo, Ibadan

36

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͶ, 2022

POLSCOPE

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

Many are Called, Only One to Be Chosen (2)

Atiku

L

ast week, I treated many of the front-line presidential aspirants in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This week, I shall deal with the presidential aspirants in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other fringe political parties.

One thing that has excited me in the ensuing contest is that it is buoying the economy in a way. Suddenly, printers and artists are having a boom in their patronage. The value chain of beneficiaries is much more. Even the media are having a surfeit of advertorial patronage. It will yet get better.

In the PDP, unlike the APC, there seems to be no firm agreement on which region, the presidential candidate should come from. While some like Gov Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State argue that the north should produce the next presidential candidate of the party, others like Gov Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, and co, believe that the southern region should produce the presidential candidate if the party must court the votes of people from the Southern part of the country.

Some of the leading aspirants include, but not limited to the following: ATIKU ABUBAKAR: He was the former Vice President of Nigeria.

He was a very powerful and influential Vice President; one who held the longer end of the presidential stick in the first term of President Olusegun Obasanjo, his boss. In 2003, he almost turned the table against his boss, as he controlled the PDP governors at the time.

But his boss, in false piety, begged for his support. That was his undoing, politically.

Ever since then, Atiku has been struggling, albeit unsuccessfully, to regain that same political stature and control in the Nigerian polity. After a damning report on him by his former boss, (in a book Obasanjo published) Atiku’s political fortune has been suffering a progressive depreciation like a bad coin.

Even when the duo have made up in latter years, the damage done his political career appears irredeemable.

Many Nigerians are verily suspicious of Atiku’s enormous wealth, many of which he had invested and re-invested in the Nigerian economy. His grudge fight with the American government over some property ownership in Maryland stick out like sore thumb in his public service testimonial.

Atiku has virtually been in every presidential contest since he left office, but fortune has not smiled on him. Now the twin factors of age and region appear to further disable his life-long ambition. He is presently 75. That means he’d be running for the election, if he becomes the PDP candidate, at 76 and might finish his first term at 80, if he wins.

Many Nigerians are wary of old folks in the Presidential Villa, as the experience of the sitting President Mohammadu Buhari does not quite have exciting reference stories.

What’s more, coming from the North East region (Adamawa State), at a time when Buhari from North West (Katsina State) has governed for eight full years (by 2023) does not look like a commodity that will sell well in the Nigerian political market. This is regardless of the huge war chest he has or the huge financial and structural support he had given the PDP, a party he had divorced, re-married and divorced again and again.

PETER OBI Not only was he a former governor

Obi

Khadija of Anambra State, he was the Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2019 election. He was Atiku Abubakar’s running mate. His political profile rose sharply after his governorship years.

He did extremely well in managing the fortunes of Anambra State. His philosophy of/on public governance is just what Nigeria needs. He is not afraid to take hard but needed decisions for the public good. His dogged fight against political arbitrariness is one reason why today, there are several and varying governorship calendars in Nigeria. Until his egregious legal fight, almost all governorship elections in Nigeria used to take place the same day. Not anymore, courtesy of Obi’s legal challenge.

He is a realistic politician. He is one of the aspirants who has conditioned his participation in the race to the zoning of the presidential ticket to his Southeast region. It is not certain how much influence he can yet command even among his Igbo folksmen, especially as he is no longer able to control the levers of power in his native Anambra State, ever since he dumped the All Progressives Grand Alliance o(APGA) for the PDP. BALA MOHAMMED He is presently the sitting governor of Bauchi State. He was a former senator and former FCT minister under President Goodluck Jonathan. He is one of the front-line contenders for the presidential ticket of the PDP. He has led the argument that the north-south consideration in the zoning of Nigeria’s president should apply to only the APC, and not the PDP. He posits that if the last president produced by the PDP (Goodluck Jonathan) was from the south, then the next one should come from the north. He is believed to be less than nationalistic in his country-wide perception as he once attacked the Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom over the incessant criticism by the latter of the Fulani herdsmen who had terrorized his state.

Bala Mohammed has been critical of the APC-led administration.

AMINU WAZIRI TAMBUWAL He is the sitting governor of Sokoto State. He was the 10th Speaker of the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015. He had aspired to be the PDP presidential candidate in 2019 but lost to Atiku. Tambuwal who had set out as a radical progressive has since become a regular conservative politician. He is a young man and with a lawyer background. Believed to have a legislative experience and now an executive experience. Tambuwal may have ticked many of the crucial boxes of the kind of president Nigeria needs, especially as all his public service record has been scandal-free. But the question is whether or not the PDP will zone the presidency to the north or to the south.

ANYIM PIUS ANYIM Anyim a former President of the Nigerian Senate also became Secretary to the Government of the Federation

(SGF) during the Goodluck Jonathan years.

His years as SGF are best remembered with the scandal of the Centenary Estate project in Abuja involving billions of Naira.

He was indicted by the House of Reps committee on the FCT. But his lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, had instituted a law suit and a court order forbidding the House of Reps from investigating the matter was granted in 2017. That effectively “killed” the matter as nothing was anymore heard about the fraud allegation, just as the housing project remains a mirage, and even the monies so released for it are forever (?) gone. Only in Nigeria, do such things happen and everyone moves on as if nothing was amiss. He is from Ebonyi State and wants to be Nigeria’s number one citizen. He is perceived to be a systems politician, one who is a run-of-the-mill stock. Until his half-hearted entry into the race, Anyim had remained hardly heard or seen since he survived his grill with the EFCC. NYESOM WIKE He is the governor of Rivers State. He is one of the very vocal and influential PDP governors. Famous for being vocal, if not garrulous. Wike is believed to be a major pillar in the party. He is serving his second term, and has appeared to have done well with several projects completed and commissioned. He is bold and seemingly fearless in taking on even the federal government. Many had hailed his guts in taking on the federal government on the issue of collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) by the FG, wherein he won. He is a lawyer and had been a minister of state for Education during the Jonathan years.

He is a grassroot politician, having been the chairman of the populous Obi Akpor LGA in Rivers State. He speaks truth to power but believed to lack presidential finesse and equipage. Although he has not declared for the race, many believe he is well positioned to join the race either as running mate to Tambuwal or as a candidate, depending on how the zoning arrangement goes in the PDP. SAM OHUABUNWA He is not a regular politician, having been very active in the private sector.

He is a disciplined and renowned pharmacist, founder and former chief Executive of Neimeth Pharmaceuticals, who eventually became the Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG). Although he has not held any elected office in Nigeria, the Abia-born pharmacist and administrator banks on his private-sector experience to re-ignite the great potential of the Nigerian state, even though he acknowledges, himself, that he is rather on the side of the old folks (at 72), although he believes that “my spirit , my heart is of a young person”. He says the right things on how to re-work the Nigerian system. But sound as he may be, he does not have any visible political network or organisation that can push his aspiration beyond mere expression of interest.

KINGSLEY MOGHALU He was a former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). He is lawyer and a political economist believed to be intellectually sound. He was the

Saraki presidential candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) during the 2019 presidential election. He is one of the politicians in the cloud: those who say the nicest things, advance the most convincing intellectual arguments of how to redeem the country, but has no grass-root presence to give verve to his aspiration. That explains why he is in YPP, as none of the major political parties consider him weighty enough to fly their flag.

Unfortunately, the likes of Moghalu only help to swell the rank and file of the contestants as he does nothing visible to establish and operate a viable political structure across various parts of the country, but faithfully does a once-in-four-years- presidential-parade in Nigeria. Indeed, he is a veritable TV political giant. Not more.

BUKOLA SARAKI He is a young presidential material. He had served as a two-term governor of Kwara State, served as Senator and Senate President.

He crossed from PDP to APC and from APC now back to the PDP. He is an astute politician and has a reasonable support base in Kwara State, although the advent of the likes of Information minister, Lai Mohammed and the sitting governor in Kwara State, Mr Abdulrahman Abdul Rasaq, plus even his own sister, Gbemi Saraki (Minister of State for Transportation) have shrunk the political space of Bukola Saraki. He has not quite declared his interest but keen watchers have confirmed Saraki would want to run, if his North Central geo-political zone is allotted the slot to produce the presidential candidate of the party. Although he is very experienced both on the executive and legislative pedigree in the Nigerian polity, Saraki is a typical Nigerian politician, hosting many of the associated vices.

DELE MOMODU The publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, 62, who had contested the presidency under the platform of National Conscience Party (NCP) and lost in 2011, is a prolific writer and veteran journalist.

He recently declared his interest to run for the presidency under the platform of the PDP. Although he clearly understands the Nigerian polity, he hardly has a firm grip of its political operations. His wide network did not translate to strong political base in his first presidential attempt. But he is back at it, explaining that his presidential contest of 2011 was borne out of frustration. With no visible political structure in any part of the country, regardless of his strong media presence, he may well end up as one of the also-ran personalities in the PDP. KHADIJA OKUNNU This 39-year old lady is thus far the only female aspirant that has made public her interest to run for the office of the president of this country. She is the daughter of late Femi Okunnu. She has three children. She is clearly a new entrant to the Nigerian political game. Ever since she made known her intent to run, Khdeja has seemingly withdrawn into her shells, fuelling the feelings she too might as well be a typical also-ran politician, especially as she just bounced on the Nigerian political mound. She hardly can hold the grip. Many salute her courage in declaring her interest early enough. But that is where her influence may circulate and fizzle out.

Or does she want to be merely listed as among the also-ran?

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2022 • T H I S D AY

37

38

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2022 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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40

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2022 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2022 • T H I S D AY

41

42

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͯͶ, 2022

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

NOVA Merchant Bank Commences N20bn Series 1 & 2 Commercial Paper Issuance NOVA Merchant Bank has announced that its N20 billion Series 1 & 2 Commercial Paper issuance under the Nova Merchant Bank Limited N50 billion CP Programme is now open.

The company said the offer, which opened on the FMDQ platform on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 has a tenor of 182 days for Series 1 while the Series 2 shall be for 270 days.

The bank notes that the proceeds from this Commercial paper will be used to fund short-term working capital requirements and for general corporate purposes.

The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of NOVA Merchant Bank, Mr. Nath Ude,

said, “The successful listing of our N50billion CP Programme on the FMDQ platform further gives credence to NOVA Merchant Bank’s confidence in the Nigerian debt capital market and puts the Bank in a position to broaden potential funding sources and create superior value in the financial market it serves. We remain driven by our aspiration to transform the African financial services landscape with fresh thinking and innovative solutions.”

The new offer follows the recent successful run of NOVA’s first bond issuance listing of N10 billion 7-Year Subordinated Unsecured Bond on the FMDQ

platform last year which saw an oversubscription by 300 per cent, as it remains one of the major corporate bond issuances by a Merchant Bank in Nigeria’s capital markets, thus reflecting the bank’s strong credit quality as well as the resilience of the debt market despite current global challenges NOVA Merchant Bank continues to demonstrate dominance in the Nigerian merchant banking space with its integrated suite of financial solutions covering Wholesale Banking, Investment Banking, Asset Management, Wealth Management, Trade Services, Transaction Banking, Cash Management and Digital Banking.

FCMB Offers Convenient Home Buying Experience Homeownership has never been this easy with First City Monument Bank (FCMB) mortgage loans. The bank is offering Nigerians mortgage loans of up to N75 million, and anyone can qualify. The move has simplified homeownership for millions of Nigerian who want to own their homes.

According to a Central Bank of Nigeria report, Nigeria requires about 700,000 housing units annually for 20 years to accommodate the rising population, which is presently about 197 million. First City Monument Bank seeks to bridge the nation’s housing deficit through its unique homeownership value proposition.

Determined to redress this situation, FCMB urges the populace, including salaried individuals, to take advantage of its convenient and flexible mortgage loan product to fulfil their homeownership dream.

Customers can get the funds

needed to finance the cost of buying land to build a home quickly at an affordable interest rate with monthly or quarterly payment options depending on their income.

Commenting on FCMB’s mortgage loan product, the Divisional Head, Personal Banking of the Bank, Mr Shamsideen Fashola, said:”Homeownership is one of the most important accomplishments of an individual as it goes a long way to secure the future. As a responsive and customer-centric institution, our mortgage loan product is tailored towards helping our customers become landlords, thereby making them secure, accomplished, and fulfilled. The mortgage loan is easy to obtain, and repayment is flexible. We want to be part of the success story of our customers. We will continue to support our customers’ dreams and that of Nigerians by giving them the financial support they

need to be homeowners when it matters most. We, therefore, advise them to take advantage of the opportunities we offer in the mortgage segment.”

The bank’s decision to make the mortgage loans easily accessible to Nigerians directly responds to the impact COVID-19 has had on personal and household incomes and business.A purpose beyond profit commercial banking institution, First City Monument Bank is a member of FCMB Group Plc, led

by Ladi Balogun as Group Chief Executive. The bank is committed to COVID-19 recovery, income equality and poverty reduction by easing credit constraints to disadvantaged individuals and small businesses. The intervention of FCMB in the housing sector aligns with Goal 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focused on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Wema Bank Fosters Talent Development, Employs Over 60 Young Nigerians In yet another demonstration of its unalloyed support for the growth and advancement of the careers of Nigeria’s teeming youths, leading innovative financial institution, Wema Bank, has employed 69 new graduates who recently completed its Bankers-in-Training Scheme.

The Bankers-in-Training scheme is an intensive 14-week programme to help develop well-rounded bankers who are taken through the rudiments of the profession before being employed by the bank.

With an average age of 27, this latest cohort was trained at the financial institution’s Purple Academy in Lagos. They underwent a general assessment to test for knowledge, comprehension and numeracy skills.

They also underwent technical

assessment as the bank sought to refine their skills for modern and innovative banking requirements before integrating them into the system to put their knowledge into practice in Wema Bank and ALAT departments.

Commenting on the exercise, Chief Human Resource Officer, Ololade Ogungbenro, expressed delight with the quality of trainees, describing them as bright with an aptitude for banking.

She also added that Wema Bank would not relent in developing and enlarging Nigeria’s talent pool of bankers with adequately trained people who will further develop the sector.

“We have taken it as a duty at Wema Bank to upskill talents and

set them on a comfortable pathway as they join us. Apart from our core banking business, we are also about talent development and management; hence we are delighted to have trained this new set of recruits and integrated them into the system,” she said.

Wema Bank, the creator of Nigeria’s first fully digital bank, ALAT By Wema, has an impressive track record of talent development and management. Apart from the Bankers-in-Training Scheme, it launched an SME Business School last year to equip SMEs with the essential management knowledge required to effectively run their businesses and respond to challenges in a demanding business environment.

Dufil MarksValentine by Donating Cartons of Indomie to Orphanages Dufil Prima, makers of Nigeria’s leading noodles, Indomie Instant Noodles recently donated cartons of the product to three orphanages in Lagos.

The donations were a part of activities to mark this year’s Valentine’s Day celebrations.

Donating to the orphanage homes has become a tradition to Dufil Prima as it continues to enable orphaned children to relish the superior taste of Indomie Instant Noodles.

The team paid a visit to the Nigerian Red Cross Motherless

& Abandoned Babies Home, Heritage Homes Orphanage, and Love Home Orphanage.

Expressing his delight and appreciation, the Branch Secretary, Nigerian Red Cross, Lagos, Mr Olakunle Lasisi, thanked Dufil Prima for the gesture.

According to Lasisi, “We appreciate what Dufil Prima has done in the lives of these children today by extending love to the less privileged.

As parents, we know that if Indomie is missing in the

home, home never really feels the same because Indomie is the preferred meal for children.”

Speaking on behalf of Dufil Prima, Group Corporate Communications & Events Manager, Tope Ashiwaju, said, “Valentine is a period of sharing love and giving to those who may be unable to reciprocate the gesture.

To children, Indomie is not just a meal, it represents a symbol of the love their parents have for them and an incentive that spurs them to do well in many areas of their lives.”

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JANUARY 2021 Money Supply (M3)

38,779,455.43

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

1,039,129.55

Money Supply (M2)

37,740,325.88

-- Quasi Money

21,779,302.69

-- Narrow Money (M1)

15,961,023.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,364,871.13

---- Demand Deposits

13,596,152.06

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,414,275.50

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

31,365,179.93

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

42,916,586.63

---- Credit to Government (Net)

12,304,773.44

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

30,611,813.19

--Other Assets Net

3,892,112.74

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,264,585.14

--Currency in Circulation

2,831,167.19

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,433,417.96 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7

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

43

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͯͶ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

Yuguda: SEC Committed to Proper Regulation Aimed at Capital Market Growth Kayode Tokede The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reiterated that it is committed to sound and proper regulation that would engender growth and development in the Nigerian capital market.

The Director General of SEC, Mr. Lamido Yuguda

stated this at a meeting with market stakeholders organised by the Debt Management Office (DMO) in Lagos.

Yuguda in a statement assured stakeholders that the current Management of the SEC is working to refocus the Commission to efficiently carry out its regulatory responsibilities.

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

According to him: “You will see a more focused SEC in terms of the regulator readiness, in terms of what the regulator should do to ensure good conduct and development of the market in all its ramifications.

“We are committed to working together with all to develop an agenda that

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

QUANTITY TRADED

will strengthen the Nigerian capital market and prepare it to assume the very important role of financing the massive infrastructure deficit that our country today has.”

In her remarks, Director General of the Debt Management Office, Ms. Patience Oniha said debt is a very topical issue in the country

T R A D E D

VALUE TRADED ( N )

MAIN BOARD

A S

hence the need to regularly meet with critical stakeholders to address some grey areas and be on the same page for the growth of the nation’s economy.

Oniha said government borrows to finance the budget, to finance specific projects as well as refinance maturing debts obligations among others.

O F

1 7

According to her: “borrowing enables the success of implementation of the budget, we borrow to finance projects like the on-going rail projects among other projects”.

Oniha, therefore, commended critical stakeholders for their roles in helping the Federal Government develop the market.

/ 0 2 / 2 0 2 2 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

44

FRIDAY, ͹΀˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

Friday, February 18, 2022 dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ƌĞŵĂŝŶĞĚ ƵŶĐŚĂŶŐĞĚ Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index fell by 14bps The dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ ƌĞŵĂŝŶĞĚ ƵŶĐŚĂŶŐĞĚ Ăƚ ϭ͕ϴϵϰ͘ϭϮ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͘

The dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ďLJ ϭϰďƉƐ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

at 1,674.89 points due to sell-pressure on ZENITH (-0.6%), ŽŵĞƐƟĐ ŽƵƌƐĞ ZĞĐŽƌĚƐ DŝůĚ >ŽƐƐ͘​͘​͘ ^/ ĚŽǁŶ ϭďƉ WAPCO (-1.3%), and UBA (-0.7%). These stocks cumula-

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

dŽĚĂLJ͕ ƚŚĞ ĚŽŵĞƐƟĐ ĞƋƵŝƟĞƐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŵŝůĚ ůŽƐƐ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϭϯ͘Ϯй͘ ďĞŶĐŚŵĂƌŬ ŝŶĚĞdž ĚŝƉƉĞĚ ďLJ ϭďƉ ƚŽ ϰϳ͕ϭϬϮ͘ϲϰ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͕ ĚƌŝǀĞŶ ďLJ ƐĞůů

Current Price

Ticker

-pressure on SEPLAT (-5.9%), MTNN (-0.1%), and FCMB (-ϰ͘ϮйͿ͘ Ɛ

ASI up 11bps as DANGCEM Gains 3.3% ƐƵĐŚ͕ zd ƌĞƚƵƌŶ ŵŽĚĞƌĂƚĞĚ ƚŽ ϭϬ͘ϯй ǁŚŝůĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ƚŽ േϮϱ͘ϰƚŶ͘ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ WƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ േϯ͘ϲďŶ ĚĂLJ͕ ƉƌŝĐĞ dƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƵƉƟĐŬ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ŝŶ ǀĂƌŝĞĚ ,KEz&>KhZ

(+9.8%), E' D ;нϯ͘ϯйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ & E, (+0.7%) bol-

ĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ Ϯϭ͘ϲй ƚŽ േϲ͘ϱďŶ͘

5 Zenith Bank PLC 6 Dangote Cement PLC 7 Nestle Nigeria PLC

stered ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŽŶ the local bourse as the Allindex

rose

by

WŽƐŝƟǀĞ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ

11bps to 39,550.36 points. ŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶƚůLJ͕ zd ůŽƐƐ ŝŵͲ

Across within our coverage, performance was bullish provedsectors to -1.8% while ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ƌŽƐĞ as ďLJ 4 ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ Ϯ ůŽƐƚ͘ dŚĞ Insurance and ĂŶŬŝŶŐ indices

േϮϯ͘ϰďŶ ƚŽ േϮϬ͘ϲƚŶ͘ dƌĂĚŝŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ǁĂƐ ŵŝdžĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ

ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ͕ ƵƉ ϱϰďƉƐ ĂŶĚ ϯϲďƉƐ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ŽŶ ƉƌŝĐĞ ƵƉƟĐŬ

ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ďLJ Ϯϭ͘ϲй ƚŽ ϭϭϬ͘ϴŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ǁŚŝůĞ value

ŝŶ E D ;нϭ͘ϱйͿ͕ D E &/d ;нϯ͘ϳйͿ͕ h E ;нϮ͘ϱйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ ^^

ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƌŽƐĞ ďLJ ϴϴ͘ϱй ƚŽ േϯ͘ϭďŶ͘ The most traded stocks

(+0.5%). In the same vein, the Consumer and Industrial Goods

by volume were dZ E^ KZW ;ϭϭ͘ϵŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ & E, (11.1m

ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ ĂŶĚ K E K(+1.7%), ;ϳ͘ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ǁŚŝůĞ (+9.9%), E ^d> and ;േϮ͘ϮďŶͿ͕ aƟon in DAE'Sh'AZ ,KEz&>KhZ WAP K ƐŚĞĚ ϯϬϴďƉƐ ĂŶĚ ϱďƉƐ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĚƌŝǀĞŶ ďLJ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ŝŶ ^ W> d ;-ϱ͘ϵйͿ͕ d ZE ;-ϭ͘ϵйͿ͕ DdEE ;-Ϭ͘ϭйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ t' ;-

ϭ͘Ϯй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ƉƌŽĮƚ-ƚĂŬŝŶŐ ŝŶ E ^d> (ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ ϲϱ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ We expect the local bourse to close (-6.4%),

-0.1%

7.8%

1.4%

1.4%

134.7%

14.1%

13.6x

21.0x

0.0%

6.8%

5.5%

5.5%

19.1%

11.2%

34.0x

6.4x

26.30

1.2%

6.2%

1.2%

1.2%

24.8%

3.9%

4.0x

ŽīƐ ŝŶ K E K (-0.8%), E/d, (-Ϭ͘ϮйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ 'd K ;-Ϭ͘ϮйͿ͘

ĐĐŽƌĚŝŶŐ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ E ^͕ EŝŐĞƌŝĂ͛Ɛ 'ƌŽƐƐ ŽŵĞƐƟĐ WƌŽĚƵĐƚ ;' WͿ

growth was driven by the non-oil sector which expanded 4.4% y/y

5.2%

7.3%

1.0x

11.4%

25.1% 27.5%

2.9%

6.6%

6.6%

20.9%

2.8%

3.6x

0.7x

11.2%

6.4%

40.4%

16.7%

13.6x

5.3x

5.9%

7.4%

1,435.00

0.0%

3.1%

-7.8%

-7.8%

106.8%

15.6%

27.8x

32.8x

4.2%

3.6%

8 FBN Holdings Plc 9 Lafarge Africa PLC

11.50

0.9%

3.2%

0.9%

0.9%

8.4%

0.8%

6.8x

0.6x

3.9%

14.7%

26.40

1.5%

3.4%

10.2%

10.2%

11.6%

8.4%

9.9x

1.1x

3.8%

10.1%

10 Access Bank PLC 11 United Bank for Africa PLC

10.40

0.5%

2.8%

11.8%

11.8%

17.0%

1.4%

2.9x

0.5x

8.2%

34.3%

8.50

0.6%

2.2%

5.6%

5.6%

19.5%

1.8%

2.1x

0.4x

6.5%

46.8%

12 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC 13 Nigerian Brew eries PLC 14 SEPLAT Energy PLC 15 Ecobank Transnational Inc 16 International Brew eries PLC

22 FCMB Group Plc 23 United Capital PLC

34.65

0.0%

1.5%

-3.8%

-3.8%

15.1%

2.1%

7.8x

1.2x

11.8%

12.8%

47.50

0.0%

1.4%

-5.0%

-5.0%

5.3%

1.9%

43.8x

2.3x

2.3%

2.3%

800.00

-5.9%

1.8%

23.1%

23.1%

3.4%

1.9%

18.3x

0.7x

5.1%

12.00

0.0%

1.8%

37.9%

37.9%

2.8x

5.00

-1.0%

1.1%

1.0%

1.0%

-10.3%

-3.9%

0.0%

0.9%

-10.0%

-10.0%

36.5%

23.3%

8.7x

2.9x

35.10

0.0%

1.2%

23.8%

23.8%

15.9%

4.5%

5.4x

0.8x

0.9x

-11.4% 11.5% 4.9%

3.00

1.0%

0.7%

17.6%

17.6%

13.3%

1.3%

2.3x

0.3x

7.3%

43.8%

0.0%

0.5%

1.3%

1.3%

9.3%

3.0%

7.2x

0.7x

9.4%

13.8%

18.30

1.7%

0.5%

5.2%

5.2%

15.3%

6.3%

12.0x

1.8x

8.2%

8.3%

3.00

-4.2%

0.4%

0.3%

0.3%

10.3%

1.1%

0.2x

5.0%

10.95

0.0%

0.4%

10.6%

10.6%

2.4x

6.4%

65.00

0.0%

0.6%

66.7%

66.7%

13.3%

6.0%

13.7x

1.7x

0.7%

7.3%

1.15

0.0%

0.4%

19.8%

19.8%

11.1%

2.3%

6.1x

0.6x

0.9%

16.4%

35.6%

18.5%

6.5x

1.1x

4.3%

15.5%

2.2x

1.0% 2.8%

4.15

1.5%

0.3%

-7.8%

-7.8%

104.00

0.0%

0.3%

18.5%

18.5%

28 NASCON Allied Industries PLC 29 AIICO Insurance PLC

14.50

0.0%

0.3%

9.8%

9.8%

21.3%

6.9%

13.6x

2.7x

0.69

0.0%

0.2%

-1.4%

-1.4%

7.2%

1.1%

383.3x

0.7x

30 TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeri 31 Custodian and Allied Insurance

264.90

0.0%

0.3%

19.4%

19.4%

48.0%

9.5%

5.4x

2.2x

1.5%

18.6%

7.45

0.0%

0.2%

-5.7%

-5.7%

19.5%

5.5%

4.4x

0.8x

7.3%

22.8%

32 Vitafoam Nigeria PLC 33 Unilever Nigeria PLC

22.95

0.0%

0.2%

2.0%

2.0%

38.7%

16.0%

5.9x

2.1x

6.6%

17.0%

13.95

0.4%

0.2%

-3.8%

-3.8%

7.8%

4.9%

30.9x

1.2x

34 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC 35 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC

26.50

0.0%

0.2%

18.6%

18.6%

18.9%

2.4%

4.0x

0.8x

1.5%

25.0%

4.0%

40 Transcorp Hotels Plc

6.20

2.5%

0.1%

5.1%

5.1%

7.1%

0.8%

7.0x

0.7x

5.00

0.6%

0.0%

13.1%

13.1%

14.5%

2.6%

2.2x

0.3x

T ic k er NNFM

3.2%

0.87

0.0%

0.1%

20.8%

20.8%

14.1%

0.8%

3.8x

0.5x

4.7%

1.2%

0.1%

12.6%

12.6%

9.4%

0.9%

2.2x

0.4x

2.9%

62.50

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.0%

-28.3%

-6.1%

5.38

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

9.90

2.4x

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V o l u m e

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

10.0%

GT C O

Vo lum e 130.1

P ric e C hg % 1.2%

30.3

0.0%

0.55

10.0%

H ON YF LOUR

3.66

9.9%

F ID ELIT YB K

26.5

1.0%

16.3

0.5% -4.2%

SC OA

2.14

9.7%

oil sector growth was largely galvanised by the services sector

A C A D EM Y

1.63

9.4%

FCM B

14.3

9.1%

SOVR EN IN S

11.9

4.3%

11.8

-0.2%

;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ͕ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ͕ ƐĞƩůŝŶŐ Ăƚ 1.6x Ϯ͘ϭй LJͬLJ͘ ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ Žŝů ' W ĞdžƚĞŶĚĞĚ ŝƚƐ ůĂĐŬůƵƐƚƌĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĨƌŽŵ ϭ͘ϯdž ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ůĂƐƚ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ Ϯϰ stocks ƚŽ ϳ ƐƵĐĐĞƐƐŝǀĞ ƋƵĂƌƚĞƌƐ ĐƵůŵŝŶĂƟŶŐ ŝŶ ĂŶ ϴ͘ϯй LJͬLJ ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƟŽŶ ŝŶ &z͗ϮϬϮϭ͘ /Ŷ ƚĞƌŵƐ ŽĨ ĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŽŶ͕ Žŝů ' W ĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŽŶ ĨĞůů ƚŽ ϳ͘Ϯй advanced while 15 stocks declined. MRS (+9.9%), MAY-

P H A R M D EKO

1.96

8.9%

Z EN IT H B A N K

F T N C OC OA

0.37

5.7%

T R A N SC OR P

PZ C OR N ER ST

while ABCTRANS (-8.3%), LASACO (-6.7%), and LIVESTOCK (-4.8%) led losers. Previous day, we expect the ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ƚŽ ƌĞŵĂŝŶ ŵŝdžĞĚ͕ ĂƐ earnings season gradually winds up.

0.63

T ic k er

5.0%

P ric e

C WG

1.11

0.0%

9.1

0.6%

J A IZ B A N K

6.7

0.0%

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V a l u e

P ric e C hg % -9.8%

C H A M P ION

2.05

-8.9%

LA SA C O

1.05

-7.1%

SEP LA T

800.00

-5.9%

C OUR T VILLE

0.51

-5.6%

CHA M S

0.21

-4.5%

FCM B VER IT A SKA P

Afrinvest West Africa Limited

5.4%

11.5

UB A

T o p 10 L o s e r s

;ϮϬϮϬ͗ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŽŶ ĞdžƉĂŶĚĞĚ ϵϮ͘ϴй BAKERϴ͘ϮйͿ (+9.8%), andŶŽŶ-Žŝů HONYFLOUR (+9.8%) led ƚŽ gainers ;ϮϬϮϬ͗ ϵϭ͘ϴйͿ͘

6.80

3.00 0.24

45.0%

0.9x

R T B R ISC OE

0.24

26.4%

-13.8%

UC A P

M ULT IVER SE

14.3% 46.5%

1.70

P ric e

7.3% 0.3%

A C C ESS

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ agriculture ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ with an average growth ofĂƐ 5.6% y/y and the sector at

18.6%

2.35

ŝŶ &z͗ϮϬϮϭ ;Yϭ͗ Ϭ͘ϴй͕ YϮ͗ ϲ͘ϳй͕ Yϯ͗ ϱ͘ϰй͕ ĂŶĚ Yϰ͗ ϰ͘ϳйͿ͘ dŚĞ ŶŽŶ-

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ

5.5% 36.3%

127.80

T o p 10 G a i n e r s

ƟŽŶ in E' D (+3.3%). tŽƌůĚ ĂŶŬ ƉƌŽũĞĐƟŽŶƐ ŽĨ ϯ͘Ϭй͕ ϯ͘Ϭй͕ ĂŶĚ Ϯ͘ϰй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ dŚĞ

16.4%

1.5%

6.4%

ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ ŐƌĞǁ ϰ͘Ϭй LJͬLJ ƚŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ǁĂƐ ƚŚĞ ůŽŶĞ ŐĂŝŶͲ ŝŶ Yϰ͗ϮϬϮϭ͕ ďƌŝŶŐŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ĨƵůů-year growth rate to er, LJͬLJ up;ĨĂƐƚĞƐƚ 1.8% driven appreciaϯ͘ϰй ƉĂĐĞ ƐŝŶĐĞ ϮϬϭϰͿ͕ by ďĞĂƟŶŐ price /D&͕ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ͕ ĂŶĚ

5.2%

6.0%

38 Sterling Bank PLC 39 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd

ing indices fellUpdate by Ϭ͘Ϯй ĂŶĚ ϮďƉƐ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůůMacroeconomic

0.8x

70.75

36 Oando PLC 37 Wema Bank PLC

and D E^ Z (-Ϯ͘ϮйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ĂŶĚ ĂŶŬͲ

5.5x

4.4%

bearish as 4 indices lost, 1 index gained ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ &Z-/ d

er 'ŽŽĚƐ ĂŶĚŝŶ Insurance indices, 4.6% and Ϭ͘Ϯϯdž ĨƌŽŵ -Ϭ͘ϭϱdž ƚŚĞ ƉƌŝŽƌ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ ϯϮ down ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ͕ ϭϳ

3.5%

0.0%

26 NEM Insurance PLC 27 Presco PLC

ŝŶĚĞdž ƌĞŵĂŝŶĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ dŽƉƉŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ ĂƌĞ ƚŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵͲ

15.0%

199.80

38.2%

-0.2%

Across sectors under our coverage, performance was

Investor ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ͕ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ƚŽ

31.9%

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

P/BV

26.80

Bearish Sector Performance

Outlook

89.4%

31.9%

P/E

273.50

24 Guinness Nigeria PLC 25 Transnational Corp of Nigeria

9.8%).

2.1%

ROA

0.0%

19 Fidelity Bank PLC 20 AXA Mansard Insurance PLC 21 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC

E' D ;േϭϰϱ͘ϬŵͿ͕ ĂŶĚ 'd K ;нϭ͘ϱйͿ͘ KŶ ƚŚĞ ŽƚŚĞƌ ŚĂŶĚ͕ ƚŚĞ Oil ;േϭϯϰ͘ϴŵͿ ůĞĚ ďLJ ǀĂůƵĞ͘ Θ Gas and AFR-ICT indices

0.00%

ROE

1,260.00

17 Okomu Oil Palm PLC 18 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC

ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƌŽƐĞ ϮϮďƉƐ ĂŶĚ ϭϭďƉƐ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝͲ

ƚŚĞ ǁĞĞŬ ďƵůůŝƐŚ ŽŶ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͘ 9.1%), hE/> s Z (-3.5%), >/E< ^^hZ

1894.12

3 BUA Cement Plc 4 Guaranty Trust Holding Co PLC

ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ ϭϮ͘ϰй ƚŽ ϯϱϳ͘ϳŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ǁŚŝůĞ ǀĂůƵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĚĞͲ

Share

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 1 Airtel Africa PLC 2 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC

Price Previous Price Current Change Price Change Weighting Index to Change YTD Date

-4.2% -4.0%

UN IT YB N K

0.49

-3.9%

C H IP LC

0.61

-3.2%

T ic k er

Value

GT C O

3415.8

P ric e C hg % 1.2%

M TNN

776.6

-0.1%

SEP LA T

671.4

-5.9%

UC A P

333.4

0.0%

Z EN IT H B A N K

316.4

-0.2%

A C C ESS

169.1

0.5%

WA P C O

87.5

1.5%

F ID ELIT YB K

79.2

1.0%

NB

77.7

0.0%

UB A

76.4

0.6%

Brokerage

Asset Management

Investment Research

Adedoyin Allen | aallen@afrinvest.com

Robert Omotunde | romotunde@afrinvest.com

Abiodun Keripe | AKeripe@afrinvest.com

Taiwo Ogundipe | togundipe@afrinvest.com

Christopher Omoh | comoh@afrinvest.com

Damilare Asimiyu| dasimiyu@afrinvest.com

45

FRIDAY, ͹΀˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ 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 16Feb-2022, unless otherwise stated.

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

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

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 174.61 175.76 4.63% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 9.03% Nigeria International Debt Fund 308.50 308.50 -0.35% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 95.18 96.33 -3.29% 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 N/A N/A N/A AIICO Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 7.89% Anchoria Equity Fund 145.94 147.78 4.55% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.19 1.19 3.75% info@anchoriaam.com ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 21.10 21.73 4.00% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 475.08 489.40 5.30% ARM Ethical Fund 39.53 40.73 1.48% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.07 1.08 -0.47% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.02 1.02 0.68% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.32% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com; Tel: 08069294653 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 108.79 108.79 6.96% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,079.66 1,079.66 7.97% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.08 2.08 9.57% Capital Express Balanced Fund (Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.27 2.32 33.53% CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund N/A N/A N/A CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.21% Paramount Equity Fund 18.37 18.71 9.19% Women's Investment Fund 145.58 147.22 4.68% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.96% Cordros Milestone Fund 137.50 138.39 4.01% 111.13 111.13 0.62% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 6.49% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 6.67% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,145.27 1,149.33 -2.04% assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED 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 8.50% Emerging Africa Bond Fund 1.01 1.01 3.86% Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund 1.05 1.05 3.77% Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund 101.34 101.34 0.48% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1,414.50 FBN Bond Fund 1,414.50 10.88% 182.13 FBN Balanced Fund 183.50 3.92% 116.97 FBN Halal Fund 116.97 8.86% 100.00 FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 8.65% FBN Dollar Fund (Retail) FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Legacy Money Market Fund Legacy Debt Fund Legacy Equity Fund Legacy USD Bond Fund FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Coral Balanced Fund Coral Income Fund Coral Money Market Fund

122.73 153.79

122.73 3.87% 155.78 2.15% fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com

Bid Price 1.00 3.98 1.81 1.21

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.00 7.57% 3.98 -0.57% 1.85 4.42% 1.21 0.56% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price N/A N/A N/A

Offer Price N/A N/A N/A

Yield / T-Rtn N/A N/A N/A

INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.65% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.90 2.96 1.49% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 142.54 142.60 -8.40% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.28 1.33 1.91% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.07 1.07 4.07% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.55 1.58 2.93% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,149.80 1,149.80 1.15% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 12.51 12.60 6.10% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 8.49% 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) 101.14 101.15 8.90% Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 100.00 100.00 8.45% 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 1.63 1.65 1.39% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.59 11.58 3.51% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 7.33% PACAM Equity Fund 1.51 1.53 4.84% PACAM EuroBond Fund 115.04 117.44 -0.18% 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 131.29 132.92 8.26% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.08 1.08 10.03% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,510.66 3,547.73 1.94% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 236.54 236.54 0.34% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.33 1.35 3.08% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 315.38 315.38 0.65% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 245.54 249.14 1.41% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.48% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 11,330.44 11,485.87 1.98% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.30 1.30 0.55% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 117.46 117.46 0.42% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 107.55 107.55 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 0.97 0.99 4.19% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.41 1.43 3.59% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.14 1.16 4.93% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.08 1.08 0.98% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 1.97 1.97 0.91% United Capital Eurobond Fund 123.17 123.17 0.68% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.90% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Balanced Strategy Fund 13.40 13.52 1.58% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 15.31 15.48 4.80% Zenith Income Fund 22.26 22.26 1.23% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.43%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

124.98 54.65

10.62% 8.10%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

14.10 135.03 106.64 19.73 23.12

14.20 138.41 109.00 19.83 23.22

0.97% 2.60% 2.92% 0.00% 0.00%

Fund Name SFS REIT Union Homes REIT

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

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

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

4.43 5.80 18.50 1.00 21.19 162.35

4.53 5.90 18.70 1.00 21.39 164.35

17.62% 13.84% 7.66% 7.79% 9.24% 2.88%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.28

10.80%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

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FOREIGN DESK

COMPILED BY BAYO AKINLOYE

France, EU to Withdraw Troops from Mali President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that France would withdraw its troops from Mali nine years after it first intervened to drive Islamic extremists from power but intends to maintain a military presence in neighbouring West African nations.

Announcing the move during a Thursday news conference in Paris, Macron accused Mali’s ruling military junta of neglecting the fight against Islamic extremists and said it was logical for France to withdraw since its role is not to replace a sovereign state on the battlefield.

“Victory against terror is not possible if it’s not supported by the state itself,” the French leader said.

France has about 4,300 troops in the Sahel region, including 2,400 in Mali. The so-called Barkhane force is also involved in Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso and Mauritania.

Macron said the French pullout would be done “in an orderly manner” in coordination with the Malian military. He said France would start by closing military bases in the north of Mali, and the withdrawal would take between four or six months.

“We cannot remain militarily involved” alongside Malian transitional authorities with whom “we don’t share the strategy and goals,” Macron said.

Blinken Addresses UN on Concerns Russia Attacking Ukraine US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the UN Security Council that Russia is planning to attack Ukraine within days that intelligence information said could be preceded by a fabricated excuse involving a bogus or real chemical weapons assault.

Blinken voiced the Biden administration’s concerns Thursday after making a last-minute change to his travel plans Thursday as fears mount that Russia is planning to invade Ukraine.

“Our information clearly shows that Russian forces on the Ukrainian borders, including ground forces and aircraft, are preparing to launch an attack on Ukraine in the coming days,” Blinken said.

Blinken described an attack expected by US intelligence that includes “missile and bomb” strikes against Ukraine, “cyberattacks on “key Ukrainian institutions,” and tank and troop invasions on vital targets, including the capital of Kyiv.

“Let me be clear: I am here today, not to start a war, but to prevent a war. The information I’ve presented here is validated by what we’ve seen unfolding in plain sight before our eyes for months,” he said.

Blinken also told the council he had sent a letter to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov earlier in the day proposing an in-person meeting in Europe next week.

Azerbaijan to Remove Police Officers for Beating, Insulting Journalists Police officers who beat and insulted journalists covering a protest this week will be removed from their positions, Azerbaijan’s Interior Ministry has said.

On Thursday, the Interior Ministry press secretary told VOA’s Azerbaijan Service that officers involved in the incident would be removed “due to impolite behaviour, especially against Fatima Movlamli.”

Movlamli, a reporter for the news website Azadliq, and Sevinj Sadigova were detained on Tuesday and a third journalist, Teymur Kerimov, said on Facebook that police prevented him from broadcasting live.

In a Facebook post about her arrest, Movlamli said police told her she was not considered a journalist under a newly enacted media law and so could not film.

The journalists were covering a protest by families of soldiers killed during the conflict with Armenia in 2020. “The families want authorities to give their sons an official “martyr” status. The status recognises the actions of those killed and, in some cases, offers benefits to relatives.

Sadigova, a reporter for the news website

Azel.tv, told VOA’s Azerbaijani Service that police detained and physically assaulted her and Movlamli.

Western Allies Fear Kremlin Set to Prolong Armed Intimidation Ukraine’s Western allies were warning last week of an “imminent” attack by Russia, and earlier this week, that shifted to an assault remaining a “distinct possibility.”

But now, a consensus is forming that the Kremlin intends to keep NATO and Kyiv in suspense and is preparing to persist with a strategy of armed blackmail for the foreseeable future.

Britain’s foreign secretary Liz Truss warned Thursday that Russia might well prolong the stand-off on Ukraine’s borders for months, testing the resolve of the West and the resilience of Ukraine, and extract security concessions and roil the Western alliance.

She said there is no evidence of any withdrawal of Russian troops, despite claims by the Kremlin otherwise.

“We must not be lulled into a false sense of security by Russia claiming that some troops are returning to their barracks, while in fact, the Russian military build-up shows no signs of slowing,” she said. “There is currently no evidence that the Russians are withdrawing from border regions near Ukraine,” she added.

And Britain’s foreign minister warned: “We must have no illusions that Russia could drag this out much longer in a brazen ploy to spend weeks more — if not months — subverting Ukraine and challenging Western unity. This is a test of our mettle.”

Israel Drops ‘Green Pass’ COVID-19 Passport Programme Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Thursday the nation’s Green Pass digital proof-of-vaccination program is being discontinued as the numbers of new COVID-19 cases continue to decline.

Bennett announced the end of the program after a meeting with health officials. He said Israel’s omicron wave “has been broken” and that additional reductions in coronavirus restrictions would be coming soon.

The Green Pass program allowed entry to public venues to fully vaccinated people or those who had recovered from COVID-19.

The program had been scaled back earlier this month only to be required for nightclubs and large halls.

Israel’s Health Ministry said while new COVID-19 infections remain high, there has been a steady decline in serious cases

since the peak of the country’s omicron wave earlier in February.

Japan announced Thursday would ease its tough COVID-19 border controls by increasing the number of people allowed to enter each day and reducing quarantine requirements following criticism that its current policy is unscientific and xenophobic.

Applause in Tanzania after President Meets Exiled Opposition Leader in Belgium Tanzanian political figures are applauding after President Samia Suluhu Hassan met in Brussels Wednesday with opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Lissu has lived in Belgium since a 2017 assassination attempt. He returned to Tanzania in 2020 to run for president but fled the country again after protests against his election loss and what he said were threats to his life.

The meeting lasted about an hour, and afterwards, the president and exiled opposition leader shook hands for the cameras.

Lissu said during the meeting, he raised concerns about his fate and that of other opposition politicians who fled Tanzania to seek asylum abroad after their lives were put in danger during the rule of late President John Magufuli.

Lissu said he’d like to return home but wants Hassan to assure his safety.

The president’s office issued a brief statement on the meeting and said Hassan and Lissu discussed issues of interest to the welfare of Tanzania.

However, Lissu shared more details on Twitter. He said he asked the president to drop a case facing the Chadema Party’s national chairperson, Freeman Mbowe, and three other party members behind bars, facing terrorism and economic sabotage charges.

Biden: ‘Very High’ Likelihood Russia Will Invade Ukraine US President Joe Biden said Thursday there is a “very high” likelihood that Russia will invade Ukraine in the next several days.

“We have reason to believe that they are engaged in a false-flag operation to have an excuse to go in,” Biden told reporters at the White House. “Every indication we have is they’re prepared to go into Ukraine, attack Ukraine.”

“My sense is it will happen within the next several days,” he said.

Biden said, however, he still believes it is possible to find a diplomatic solution that would ease Russia’s concerns about NATO’s missiles and military training exercises in

eastern Europe. The Western allies reject Russia’s main demand that NATO rule out the possibility of granting membership to Ukraine and other former Soviet states.

Meanwhile, Moscow expelled the No. 2-ranking US diplomat from the American embassy in the Russian capital.

The US State Department said the expulsion of Bart Gorman, its deputy chief of mission in Moscow, “was unprovoked, and we consider this an escalatory step and are considering our response.”

Spanish envoy urges better bilateral relations with Nigeria Michael Olugbode in Abuja New Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Juan Sell, has said Nigeria and Spain need to build on existing bilateral relations for sustainable growth.

On Thursday, the envoy made the call during a news conference at his Abuja residence.

In his remarks, Mr Sell stressed NigeriaSpain long-standing relations. Both nations had collaborated on the fight against illegal immigration, holding meetings on the subject and numerous exchanges.

At the conference, he also announced a Spanish writer Ana Briongos and the team of LagosPhoto to present a cultural project, ‘Unpacking the Suitcase’.

‘Unpacking the Suitcase’ was derived from a true life experience of a Nigerian student Prince Adewale Emmanuel, who studied in Barcelona 60 years ago.

After a three-year stay in Barcelona, Emmanuel went to London with his wife Elizabeth, leaving a suitcase behind in Spain with his friend, Mrs Luisa Guadayol.

Guadayol is the mother of writer Briongos.

After her mother died, many attempts to return the suitcase to Emmanuel were unsuccessful, and she decided to open the suitcase, and the content of the case tells a story of two countries.

“The material found in the suitcase points to different social and cultural moments in the history of Nigeria and beyond: the Nigerian Civil War, the cultural ties between two countries,” she revealed. “Also, in it was the Nigeria and Spain, the legacy of the artist, the story of emigration, Nigerian studio photography of the 70s.”

Mr Azu Nwagbogu, Director LagosPhoto, said Emmanuel’s suitcase encapsulated the bond of friendship between people and countries. Its content will be exhibited during the 2022 LagosPhoto Festival in October.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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NEWSXTRA

COURTESY VISIT TO EDO GOVERNMENT HOUSE...

L-R: Chairman, Edo State Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO), Dan Inneh; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah; Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, and the Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Hon. Ethan Uzamere, during a courtesy visit by the Minister, at the Government House, in Benin City... yesterday

Clark to Buhari: In Name of God, Sign the Electoral Bill into Law Says Tinubu unfit to be president, Osinbajo more competent, urges Atiku to support Igbo presidency Wants 2023 election, census postponed to enable restructuring Kingsley Nwezeh, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos Elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark yesterday made a passionate appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the amended electoral bill passed by the National Assembly

into law.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News Channel, Clark invoked the Name of God in appealing to President Buhari to sign the proposed legislation into law.

He also advocated the postponement of the 2023 general elections and the planned census

exercise in order to enable the restructuring of the country in view of the endemic insecurity challenges.

Reviewing presidential aspirants ahead of the 2023 polls, the former Minister of Information in the First Republic said the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was not

fit to lead the country.

He said the Vice President, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo, was more competent to steer the ship of the country.

He also advised former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to shelve his presidential ambition and support the south-east in view of the support they gave him at the

Buhari Laments Mass Youth Migration to Europe, Says it Drains Africa’s Talent Pool Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has lamented the mass migration of African youth to Europe, saying it drains the continent’s talent pool, while provoking political crises in Europe.

The president stated this in an article he penned to mark the participation of Nigeria at the ongoing 6th EU-AFRICA summit in Brussels, Belgium.

In the article published in Politico, an online/offline magazine which is the most influential publication for the EU/ in Brussels, Buhari noted that despite its best efforts, Europe would not find a sustainable remedy to this problem by further reinforcing its Fortress Europe approach.

According to him, instead, more opportunities must be created for Africans at home, providing alternatives to the decision to take a life-threatening boat journey in order to seek them elsewhere.

He advised that economic relationship between the two continents must be recalibrated to focus on job creation.

The president said, "By 2050, Africa’s population of 1.3 billion was set to double, making up a quarter of the world’s total. My country, Nigeria, is set to double its population to 400 million by then, surpassing the United States to become the third largest nation in the world.

“This means a huge youthful

market right on Europe’s doorstep and — with increased trade a growing middle class with money to spend. However, despite burgeoning possibility, irregular northward migration from my continent drains Africa’s talent pool, while provoking political crises in the EU. “When it comes to the relationship between the European Union and Africa, unfair arrangements have long been skated over for lack of alternatives.

“Increasingly unsustainable, these one-sided deals have provoked calls from both sides of the Mediterranean for a partnership of equals.

"At the EU-Africa Summit, leaders from across my continent will gather with their European counterparts to transform such rhetoric into substance. The EU is currently Africa’s largest trading partner, and Africa is the fastest growing continent on earth. While each presents the other with great opportunities, as partners, we also share a host of problems.

“Today, the EU-Africa relationship must be shifted toward a new economic arrangement in order to address them. The relationship between the EU and Africa must be rebalanced to power job creation.

Unfortunately, today’s arrangements do just the opposite.

“Where some claim preferential trade policies with the EU lend a helping hand to Africa, the real picture is far more complicated. The Everything but Arms scheme grants 32 African countries tariff-free access

to Europe’s protected markets. In addition to the fact that this excludes many of the continent’s 54 nations, there remain barriers to Europe’s markets even for countries that qualify.

"For example, though agricultural subsidies to EU farmers may not be the same as external tariffs, their effects are identical: They make Africa’s exports uncompetitive.

More than €50 billion is ploughed into keeping European food produce cheap. “With its main export market distorted against them,

African countries are deprived of foreign exchange, and investment in agriculture is stifled.

“Moving forward, it is clear what a new economic deal between our unions should entail: For Africa, it must offer a chance for a fundamentally new economic deal. For Europe, it must provide the chance to rid itself of a trade policy that quashes job-creation in Africa and hinders efforts to stem economic migration to Europe. The way forward is clear, the deal just needs to be struck."

last election, insisting that it was the turn of the south-east to produce the next president.

Responding to a question on the amended electoral bill, he said: "I appeal to President Buhari to sign the bill into law. When elections start, you will have no time to do it. That is the only legacy you have. We the elders are pleading with Mr. President to sign it into law. The AGF should give the president proper legal advice.

"In the Name of the Almighty God, sign this bill into law."

Clark maintained that conducting the 2023 election and national census would be a chaotic exercise without restructuring the country and in view of the endemic violence in the country.

"Nigeria is at a crossroads. Live has lost value in Nigeria, the president has lost touch. When people are dying, the president should visit and commiserate.

"Let's restructure and reorganise our country; let's use advanced technology that other countries use. Let's postpone the elections and census until we have a restructured country," he said.

He said previous constitutional and national conferences were restructuring exercises and noted

that even the military engaged in restructuring the nation.

"Where will you go to have elections or census when people are being killed every day? Without restructuring before elections, the nation is not organised," he said.

Reviewing the array of presidential aspirants, Clark stressed that Tinubu, was unfit to be president.

He said Osinbajo was a more competent material to lead the country.

"Tinubu should go and rest. The mere fact that you can manipulate your state does not qualify you to be president. He should go and rest.

APC should reward him with party chairmanship.

"Nigeria is sinking. How many times have you heard Tinubu make comments about the killings in the country?” he queried.

"I can vote for the vice president (Osinbajo). He has the integrity and competence", he said.

On the comments attributed to Atiku to the effect that rotational presidency was unconstitutional, Clark maintained that the principle of rotational presidency exists, saying it was the turn of the south to assume the coveted position.

FG Flays Recurring Violent Attacks on Policemen, Ethnic Minorities in Some States Says perpetrators must be brought to book Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned in strong terms, the recurring ritual killings and deadly attacks against on-duty policemen and ethnic minorities, with the latest incidents reported in Enugu, Imo, Abia, Zamfara and Ogun states.

To this end, the president has directed the nation's security agencies to put necessary machinery in place to stop future occurrence of such incidents in the country.

Buhari, in a statement yesterday

by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, said incidents of ritual killings, hate crimes, and killing of law enforcement officers were aberrations.

"I condemn these dastardly acts of violence and pray for the souls of the departed,” said the president, adding that the courts of the land must apply, “the strictest of punishment under our laws to the perpetrators of these horrific crimes.”

While commiserating with the families of all the victims, Buhari urged law enforcement agencies, state governments, local authorities,

community and religious leaders to take all lawful actions to prevent further incidents of this nature, and to put in place measures against the normalisation of these primitive acts, hate crimes and acts of terror.

The president said killings in the name of rituals, political agitation and tribal hatred were not in keeping with the tenets of our religions and of the civilised and enlightened cultures we are all claiming to be, adding that, "no person has the right to take the law in his or her own hands."

He further reemphasised the need for all Nigerians to be their

brothers’ keeper and should see an attack, be it verbal or physical on anyone, as an attack on the very essence that keeps us as a nation.

Meanwhile, President Buhari has commended the government of Abia State for the proactive steps it has so far taken on the incident a few days ago against traders at the New Cattle Market, in Ukwa Local Government Area of the state and appealed for calm.

He also sympathised with families of those killed and suffered loss of property following the attacks.

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NEWSXTRA

EMPOWERING MEMBERS OF POWA...

National President, Police Officers’ Wives Association of Nigeria (POWA), Hajiya Hajara Usman Alkali Baba (left) and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, when management and executive members of POWA paid her a courtesy visit in Abuja...yesterday

Rabiu: Iweala’s Hospital Will Redefine Quality Healthcare, Impact Nigerians James Emejo in Abuja The Chairman/Founder of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, yesterday expressed confidence that the Capital Health Surgical Center in Abuja, would have long time impact on Nigerians as well as redefine healthcare services in the country.

He said while quality of service was not in doubt given the competence and pedigree of the hospital’s founder, Dr. Ikemba Iweala, a retired surgeon of repute – as well as the highly qualified staff, the facility would provide Federal

Capital Territory (FCT) residents as well as Nigerians from all walks of life quality healthcare intervention.

Rabiu, while donating advanced state –of-the-art medical laboratory equipment to the center, under the Rabiu Initiative for Africa (ASRi), his brainchild philanthropic project, reinforced the beginning of partnership between ASR Africa and the health institution.

The occasion also witnessed the presentation of an ambulance to the facility. The BUA Group Chairman was represented at the occasion by the Managing Director/Chief

Executive, Abdulsamad Rabiu Initiative for Africa (ASRi), Mr. Ubon Udoh.

He said the ASR Africa remained an annual $100 million fund for renewal and social development in which $50 million would be invested in Nigeria to touch lives while another $50 million is invested across the continent.

He added that the sum of N19 billion was spent on health interventions across the country last year.

He added: “One of the things we consider is the vision of the organisation we are partnering with and this

organisation (capital Health) has a clear vision of the quality of healthcare they want to provide and how they want to go about it.

“It was a short discussion and we could see the passion and direction they wanted to go - also pregnant women will be accessing care as well. These were the discussions we had couple of months ago and it was no brainer that this is the kind of organisation we want to partner with.

“We know also that people in the city of Abuja will have a place where they can have quality healthcare and the

quality of service is not in question of course with the pedigree of the people and staff and of course, Dr. Iweala himself.

“We are very proud of what you people are trying to do here and what you have achieved so far. We know this is going to have long time impact on the community.”

In his response however, Iweala, while expressing gratitude to the ASR Africa over the kind gesture, said though a surgical center, the facility would also cater for all other types of medical problems.

He said, “In this part of the

AT 3.40% IN 2021, NIGERIA’S ECONOMY RECORDED HIGHEST GDP GROWTH IN EIGHT YEARS 4.03 per cent recorded in the preceding quarter.

The performance indicated a sustained positive growth for five consecutive quarters since the recession witnessed in 2020, when output contracted by 6.10 per cent and 3.62 per cent respectively in the Q2 and Q3 of 2020 under the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to report by the statistical agency, the economy was largely driven by the non-oil sector, which accounted for 94.81 per cent of GDP while the oil sector contributed 5.19 per cent to growth.

The Q4 growth indicated a steady economic recovery, accounting for an annual growth of 3.40 per cent in 2021. It noted that growth rate under the review period was higher than the 0.11 per cent recorded in Q4 2020 by 3.87 percentage points

and lower than 4.03 per cent recorded in Q3 by 0.05 percentage points.

The NBS, nevertheless, stated that quarter-onquarter, real GDP grew at 9.63 per cent in Q4, reflecting a higher economic activity than the preceding quarter.

The average daily oil production stood at 1.50 million barrels per day (mbpd), lower than the 1.57mbpd in Q3 and 1.56 mbpd in Q4 2020.

Oil growth rate stood at -8.06 per cent in real terms in Q4 and annual growth rate of -8.30 per cent in 2021. On an annual basis, oil contributed 7.24 per cent compared to 8.16 per cent in 2020.

The non-oil sector, which excluded crude petroleum and natural gas activities, recorded a growth of 4.73 per cent in real terms, an improvement from the 1.69

per cent reported in Q4 2020.

The sector recorded an annual growth of 4.44 per cent compared to -1.25 per cent in 2020.

However, annual contribution of the non-oil sector increased to 92.76 per cent from 91.84 per cent in 2020.

The services sector contributed 55.11 per cent to the total growth while agriculture contributed 26.84 per cent to overall GDP in real terms in Q4, lower than 29.94 per cent in the preceding quarter and 26.95 per cent in Q4 2020.

The manufacturing sector contributed 8.46 per cent, lower than the 8.60 per cent lower than 8.96 per cent in Q3 and 8.98 per cent in Q4 2020.

In nominal terms, aggregate GDP stood at N49.28 trillion in Q4, higher than the N43.56 trillion in Q4 2020, and indicating a year-on-year

nominal growth rate of 13.11 per cent.

Nominal GDP in the preceding quarter of Q3 2021 stood at N45.11 trillion, while annual nominal value in 2021 was N173.53 trillion as compared to N152.32 trillion in 2020, indicating a growth rate of 13.92 per cent.

In terms of real GDP which shows the volume of economic activities, the sum of N20.33 trillion was recorded in Q4, higher than N18.54 trillion in the preceding quarter and also

by N778.91 billion compared to N19.55 trillion recorded in Q4 2020.

The nominal GDP growth rate in Q4 was higher relative to 10.07 per cent growth recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2020 but lower compared to 15.41 per cent growth recorded in the preceding quarter.

However, in 2021 annual

nominal growth stood at 13.92 per cent.

According to the NBS, “The improvement being seen in the output growth in the last five quarters depicts a steady progress made in stemming the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated negative impact on livelihood, well-being, and the economy.

“Globally, many countries have witnessed an improvement in economic performances compared to 2020 when COVID-19 was endemic. Thus, economic recovery is a gradual process that requires consistent collective efforts to improve economic activities across the institutional sectors.

“However, in Nigeria, the prospects of consolidating the recovery are glaring considering the improved economic performance over these periods of time.”

world, we wait until we are about to die before we seek help but we want to make sure we find you and give you the care you need many years before you are about to die.”

Ikemba said, “We hope we would be able to provide more specialty care to as many people as may need it. Right now, we will be providing endoscopy which is a form or treatment and diagnosis too.

“So if you have a headache, you are welcome here, if you have abdominal pain, you are welcome, if you have back pain, if you have to deliver your baby, the doors are open.

Anytime you want you can come in and we are open 24 hours.”

He expressed joy that healthcare challenges bedeviling the country were beginning to receive much attention from meaning Nigerians like the BUA chairman.

Some of the laboratory equipment donated includes the endoscopy set – G1 and colonoscopy, blood gas analyzer, centrifuge, microscope, COVIDtest machine among others.

The health facility is a state of the art and modern medical center, built with private resources to provide quality medical services particularly surgical operations and also function as a primary care medical center providing ambulatory care -that is a walk in, general outpatient care with specialty physicians who visit regularly from the United States to attend to patient needs.

Other core specialty includes spine surgery, orthopedic, urgent care, diagnostic imaging and ultrasound scan among others.

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COVID-19 COMMUNITY MASS VACCINATION IN IMO...

L-R: Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma; Rev Sister Maria Uzoka , administering COVID-19 vaccine on the Commissioner for Local Government and Chiefaincy Affairs, Mrs. Rubby Emele, to mark the flag-off of Imo State COVID-19 community mass vaccination campaign held at Owerri...yesterday

Umar Farouk: Nigeria’s 10m Out-of-School Children Population, a National Problem Says N5,000 intervention significant to poor Nigerians Moves to get CBN loan for 300,000 N-power beneficiaries Deji Elumoye in Abuja The federal government has carried out a recent survey which revealed that out-of-school children was not a challenge for the northern part of the country alone, but the entire nation.

The survey also put the total number of out-of-school children in the country at 10 million.

Making these disclosures yesterday was the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouk, who spoke at a ministerial press briefing at the State House, Abuja.

She stated that sequel to the survey carried out in some states in the south, the federal government had discovered that the problem of out-of-school children was not just a northern challenge, but a national one.

She stressed that Nigeria has over 10 million out-of-school children, that had initially been thought to be mainly in the north.

According to her, a recent survey in Makoko, Lagos, Enugu and Jos, revealed that the situation was widespread as there were about 7,000 of such children in Makoko alone.

The minister said this while responding to queries on whether the school feeding programme of the federal government had impacted positively on the country by reducing the number of out-of-school children.

She said: "From all the surveys done so far, we discovered that over 10 million out of school children are domiciled in the country."

While emphasising that the school feeding programmes has also led to increased school enrolment, the Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), Umar Bindir, who the minister directed to provide the figures, said there was

the need to make people understand that it is a national problem.

His words "Some people here, if you talk about out-of-school children, they think you are talking about Almajiri in the North. Some people think it’s actually religious or a muslim thing. But I can tell you in this programme, we have established it as a national issue.

"We sent a team to Lagos. They went to Mokoko, they met 7,000 out-of-school children picking things from the dirt. The guy came shaking. We sent another chap to Jos, he came shaking also. We sent another guy to Enugu, and for the

Airline Operators Express Dismay over Senate’s Threat to Invite Foreign Carriers to Operate Domestic Service Explain causes of flight delays, cancellations Chinedu Eze The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has expressed dismay over the threat by the Chairman of Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Smart Adeyemi that foreign airlines might be invited to operate domestic service in Nigeria if local airlines do not stop incessant flight delays and cancellations.

AON in a statement signed by its President and Chairman of Azman Air, Alhaji Yunusa Abdulmunaf and other airline operators, including Max Air, United Nigeria Airlines, Ibom Air, Arik Air, Aero Contractors, Air Peace, Overland Airways, Green Africa and Dana Air, said such comments by the Senate Committee Chairman only served to aggravate sentiments and sent out the wrong message to passengers and the general public.

Adeyemi made the threat recently in Lagos, during a joint oversight visit by the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Aviation to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

However, in the statement, AON explained that commercial airlines globally, Nigeria inclusive, were set up with strict adherence to flight times.

The AON noted that the schedules are put in place not only for the benefit of customers, but also to allow airlines maximise the use of their aircraft in order to meet up with their laid out targets over a period of time and ensure their safety and sustainability, adding that it is therefore not in the interest of any airline, whether in Nigeria or anywhere else, to delay or cancel flights as this has severe financial and image consequences.

“For these reasons, delays and cancellations are therefore the last thing any airline wants. While flight delays and cancellations occur all over the world, it is however instructive to note that in Nigeria, 80 per cent of the causes of delays and cancellations are due to factors that are neither in the control of airlines nor caused by them,” the operators said.

They also stressed that they operate in a very hostile environment with infrastructure decay and inefficiencies.

“This is why AON invites the public to be aware that airlines operating in Nigeria are forced to operate in an environment that is wrought with infrastructure deficiencies that are highly disruptive to normal schedule reliability and on time performance.

“Any airline in the world forced to operate under the domestic Nigerian circumstances would be bogged down by delays that they have no control over,” the statement said.

The operators itemised the causes of flight delays to include weather and explained that due to the lack of basic navigational and visual aids at most airports across the country, airlines are forced to delay flights unnecessarily, waiting for visibility to improve either at departure or destination airports.

“This is the major cause of delays in the months of October to March every year (with the harmattan dust haze and fog) and this impacts the entire system significantly.

“Almost every morning, the first flights to several destinations are delayed, affecting the schedule of the airline for the rest of the day.

This issue of lack of navigational and visual aids at most of the airports in the country accounts for more than 50 per cent of the delays in the system, for which airlines unfairly always take the fall.

“This would easily be avoidable if the requisite infrastructure was put in place across the network of airports. Thankfully, airlines will never jeopardise safety, but will rather choose to wait for weather

conditions to improve or be forced to cancel flights if the situation persists,” the operators said.

The AON also identified inadequate aircraft parking space due to congested aprons — both domestic terminals in Lagos; restrictions caused

by Sunset Airports, which refers to the airports without night landing facilities; delays due to very important person (VIP) movement, which is the practice of closing the airspace for security reasons to allow the president, vice president or other VIPs to either depart or arrive and frequent bird strikes and Foreign Object Damage (FOD).

They further explained that bird strikes and foreign objects damage many aircraft during landing, taxiing or takeoff at airports across the country, thereby forcing the aircraft to be parked abruptly until a replacement can be provided to operate a flight.

The operators also identified unavailability and ever rising cost of aviation fuel; unavailability of Forex for spare parts and maintenance; delays from Customs in clearing of Safety critical spare parts; poor air traffic flow; inadequate Check-in Counters and others as the major factors responsible for flight delays and cancellations.

first time, everybody realised that out-of-school children is a national problem."

Commenting on the exit programme for N-Power, which has become a source of controversy recently, Farouk affirmed that government has a plan of putting about 300,000 applicants on a training programme with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) providing the loan.

Her words: "On the N-Power, thank you for bringing that up and you asked another question if anybody really benefited from the N-programme. We have 500,000 that have been on the programme with Batch A and Batch B being on the programme for four years and two years.

“The Batch A was on the program for about four years and we were giving them N30,000 stipends monthly. And the Batch B benefited for two years.

"So yes, the N-power beneficiaries have benefited because these are people who were not employed who had nothing to do, but were engaged and were being paid stipends to use to earn a decent living.

"On the exit programme. Yes, we have an exit strategy, which we partner with the Central Bank of Nigeria. And out of this 500,000, about 300,000 indicated interest to be put on an exit programme where you can be trained on different skills, skills of their choice, and they will be given loans by the Central Bank of Nigeria, for them to start their businesses.

"This we have gone far. We are in the process of training those that have indicated interest. And I'm sure before the end of this quarter, these people will be given these loans by the CBN. As a government agency at the ministry, we do not give loans.

So, we have to partner with those institutions that can do that.

"Unfortunately, some of these people were not very wise in their savings, but for anybody that's really serious, most of them have saved. About 109,000 of the N-Power beneficiaries have become entrepreneurs. They are now employers of labour and we have evidence of that which can be provided to you.

"This is a very laudable

programme, and people have benefited and people are being supported. And we have an exit strategy. And we are on and it's a continuous process."

On the insurgency in the northeast and other security challenges facing the country, Farouk, stressed that the issues have given rise for the need for more humanitarian assistance.

She, however, warned against allowing international donor agencies to lead the process, saying the federal government has now evolved a framework to ensure local control of the process.

According to her: "The internationally led humanitarian activities posed a challenge as the experience from other disasterchallenged countries had shown that a situation where international donors and international nongovernmental organisations are drivers of international humanitarian responses in a country portends danger and future of uncertainty.

"Rather, ownership of humanitarian actions by national and local actors especially the government, local government taking the lead supported by other local actors is the way to a quicker, effective, result-driven and sustainable response to humanitarian crises. This birthed the localisation framework "This localisation framework will ensure locally-led humanitarian intervention in Nigeria, significantly shape the response of all stakeholders especially in forging the partnership that are most conducive to localisation.

"And it was developed as a result lessons learned by all stakeholders involved in humanitarian action in Nigeria in the last three to four years and in summary, engagement of local NGOs in the delivery of humanitarian assistance will ensure access in hard to reach areas as well as reduce associated fears by the United Nations agencies and other humanitarian organisations."

Farouk described as elitist the assertion that the present administration’s N5,000 monthly national conditional cash transfer is insufficient to lift Nigerians out of poverty.

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NEWSXTRA

DIRI'S INTERACTIVE SESSION ...

L-R: Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Mrs. Faith Opuene, and a beneficiary of the small-scale business empowerment scheme during the governor's interactive session with students, women and beneficiaries of the state's higher education loan scheme at Yenagoa…recently

Fashola: FG Carrying Out Roadwork in 76 Universities Across the Country Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), yesterday said that the federal government was addressing the road infrastructure challenges in at least 76 tertiary institutions across the country.

Fashola spoke in Abuja, during the commissioning and handing over of the 1.05-kilometre

road project rehabilitated in the University of Abuja by his ministry.

He said that the government’s intervention in the development of infrastructure in the nation’s tertiary institutions was aimed at boosting the quality of education in the institutions.

The minister, who was represented on the occasion by the Federal Controller of Works in the Federal Capital Territory

(FCT), Mr. Usman Yakubu, said the intervention was giving students renewed enthusiasm with regards to attending classes where the government had restored “motorability” to the defective roads.

He disclosed that under the Tertiary Institutions Road Intervention Programme (TIRIP) initiated by his ministry, the government was set to ensure

FG Moves to Meet ASUU’s Demand, Constitutes White Paper Committee Kuni Tyessi in Abuja Four days into the one-month warning strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the federal government has made a move towards addressing one of the grievances of the union.

This the government did yesterday by announcing the setting up of 21 panels to draft the White Papers for the reports of visitations earlier sent to Nigerian tertiary institutions to review the activities of the various tertiary institutions across the country.

According to a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, Ben Goong, the Education Minister, Adamu Adamu, constituted 10 panels for 36 universities; six for 25 polytechnics, and five for the 21 colleges of education.

The statement noted that the panels to be inaugurated in the coming days, were given two weeks from the date of inauguration to submit their reports.

ASUU had demanded that the government release White Papers on the reports of the visitation panels constituted by President Muhammadu Buhari in April 2021, to visit the 88 tertiary institutions across the country.

The university lecturers had lamented that many months after the submission of reports to the government it was yet to release

the White Papers.

While declaring its warning strike on Monday, ASUU had demanded an immediate release of the White Papers to address the lapses in the administration of federal universities.

The panels, which were constituted based on ASUU’s request, had submitted their reports to the education minister in August, 2021.

While receiving the report, Adamu, who was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Chukuwuemeka Nwajiuba, had promised that the government would give adequate attention to the recommendations contained in the reports.

Parts of the visitation panel’s term of references in April 2021, was to review the performance of each institution assigned in the area of governance, academic standards, quality assurance, management of finances, relationships between the management and the staff, as well as the structures of the schools’ infrastructure and instructional materials.

The visitation panels were also asked to look into the financial management of the institutions, compliance to procurement laws, and investigate the application of funds particularly the special grants and loans made for specific projects, among others.

"Following the receipt of reports of Visitation Panels to Tertiary Institutions last year, Education

Minister, Adamu Adamu has constituted White Paper Drafting Panels for Tertiary Institutions across the country.

"Ten White Paper Drafting Panels have been constituted for 36 Universities, while six Panels have been constituted for 25 Polytechnics with 21 Colleges of Education having 5 Panels.

that the selected universities reap the benefits of the scheme in their institutions.

"We have successfully intervened in the internal road networks of 46 federal tertiary institutions and handed over 29 of the roads as at 2021 and we now have another 17 ready to be handed over while we are currently attending to 30 roads in similar institutions across the country making a total of 76.

“It is undebatable that the quality of education will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and the learning environment and those who doubt it should simply listen to some of the feedbacks from the students of the schools where this type of intervention has taken place," he said.

The minister added that the summary of all the feedbacks from students and management staff of the University of Abuja, Gwagwalada, had demonstrated that the gap in the nation's infrastructure needs was steadily being bridged by a gradual process

of repairs and construction on the major highways and schools.

Fashola described the construction of the internal roads by in the nation’s tertiary institutions as a pointer to the administration’s progressive ideal of improving the human condition by supporting Education.

In his response, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof.

Abdulrasheed Na’ Allah, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and the minister for selecting the school to benefit from the special government’s intervention in infrastructure development.

He said the road used to be the worst in the institution especially during the rainy season.

“It is a very important road in the university, it used to be one of the worst roads we have in this campus, especially during the rainy season and now it has become the best. We give thanks to federal ministry of works and housing,” he said.

He added: " Tertiary institutions

cannot achieve their greatness if infrastructure in the schools is not developed. With this internal road completed and handed over, Nigerians will be proud because it is a unity institution and belongs to all irrespective of your region. " The internal road is very important and it will serve as a boost for sustainable social, academic and economic well-being of the students as well as the staff of the institute.”

In his remarks, the institution’s Head of Works and Services, Mr. Joshua Musa, said that the road was a death trap before its rehabilitation.

He said: “It is a big blessing to the entire students and management of the institute. We are grateful and very happy that the road has been fixed. Before now, we had recorded a lot of bike accidents on the road because of its bad nature."

Also, the Registrar of the School, Mallam Yaya Ibrahim, described the project as laudable, stressing that it will ease movement around the school premises.

Citing APC Constitution, Aregbesola’s Faction Says Oyetola Can’t Contest Nume Ekeghe in Lagos, Kingsley Nwezeh and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The lingering disagreement between the Minister of Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola and Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, has assumed a different twist as the Aregbesola faction of the party, has said Oyetola, being a member of the caretaker committee, was automatically disqualified from contesting the primaries, citing the party’s laws.

Two members of Osun’s faction of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) loyal to Aregbesola, who spoke on ‘the Morning Show’ on ARISE News Channel, noted that Oyetola’s candidacy initially

caused a rift in the party, which prompted agitation and therefore sued for fairness in the upcoming primaries.

Special Adviser to the Minister of Interior, Bola Ilori, said, “Whoever votes for Oyetola on Saturday would be wasting his vote, because his candidature is against the constitution of APC, because he is a member of the caretaker committee of the party that is organising the primaries.

“How can you be organising primaries, when you are a contestant and the rule is that you must resign 30 days before the primaries. Oyetola cannot stand as candidate for Osun.”

He added that Oyetola being a member of the organsing

committee would unbalance the scale and would likely rig the elections in favour of himself as the incumbent governor.

“It is easy for the caretaker committee to say they want to rig the election,” he said.

On his part, Osun State former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs, Kolapo Alimi, said, “Our party in Osun is aggrieved today, because of politics of segregation, politics of alienation embarked upon from day-one by our Governor Oyetola.

“The agitation in the state is that the governorship ticket should be zoned to Osun West, which has only produced a governor for less than two years. But when our

leader, Asiwaju Tinubu said this man happens to be my cousin and I want him to succeed as governor, Aregbesola told the party that this is what our leader wants and so there was uproar.”

He added that this had initially seen a number of APC members defect to other parties and urged for a reconciliation between the two factions.

“Some people decamped to other parties and so we went into 2018 elections with a depleted party. Whatever is happening between the two of them, the leadership of our party should intervene to make sure it does not escalate. It could degenerate and spiral out of control,” he warned.

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NEWS

NAF, Customs Move to Contain Banditry, Strengthen Border Security Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) yesterday agreed to synergise efforts towards strengthening border security and stemming the tide of banditry and smuggling activities around Nigerian borders and entry points. To this end, the NAF is expected to make available, on request, two of its pilots to assist with operation of NCS Bell-427 helicopters and by so doing complement the manpower of NCS Air-Wing.

This is part of the content of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently consummated between both organisations.

The MoU specifically sets out the terms of a joint commitment, which is expected to enhance efficiency in the areas of port and border patrols to curtail activities of smuggling syndicates across the country.

Speaking at the event, which was held at the NCS Headquarters, Abuja, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, who was represented by the Director of Operations, Headquarters NAF, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Nnamdi Ananaba, stated that the NAF will continue to encourage partnership with other security agencies as well as provide aircraft maintenance support so as to enhance the

fight against all forms of insecurity in the country.

He added that the NAF partnership with the NCS was a clear indication of the need for synergy and inter-agency cooperation particularly between military and para-military

organisations. According to him, “the MoU will go a long way in building on the already existing cordial and cooperative relationship as well as ensure seamless collaboration between our organisations.”

Air Vice Marshal Ananaba

noted that the current security challenges in the country called for the need to bridge the gap and divide that disconnects the military and other government agencies in order to work towards achieving a common goal.

In his remarks, the Comptroller General of NCS, Colonel Hameed Ali (Rtd), noted that the partnership with the NAF would improve the air operations and anti-smuggling efforts particularly as it intensified

efforts in checkmating small arms proliferation across the country.

Col Ali also thanked the CAS for offering to deploy NAF pilots to NCS’ air operations wing, so as to enhance its anti-smuggling operations.

DEEPENING THE CAPITAL MARKET……

L-R: Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Lamido Yuguda; Director General, Debt Management Office (DMO), Ms. Patience Oniha; Managing Director/CEO, Central Securities and Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Mr. Temi Popoola, and Director, Financial Market Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Angela Sere-Ejembi, during DMO’s meeting with market stakeholders in Lagos…yesterday

EFCC Arrests 29 Internet 2023: Senator Akpan’s Campaign Group Alleges Fraud Suspects in Kwara Intimidation Ahead of Party’s Primaries

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) yesterday arrested 29 persons for their alleged involvement in internet and other related fraud activities.

The suspects were arrested at different locations in Offa, Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State.

They include: Sikiru Mustapha, Abdulmartin Olawale, Gbolahan Abdulamin, Abdulfawaz Olakanmi, Tunde Saheed, David Komolafe, Adebayo Ridwan, Oluwatobi Akinbo, Fatimehin Kayode, Ibrahim Zakariya, Olajide Moshood, Ikudaisi Adesoji, Habeeb Adeyemi and Hassan

Akorede.

Others are: Ahmed Quadri, Olanipekun Ibrahim, Olabisi Ololade, Ahmed Akorede, Wasiu Adesina, Damilola Samsudeen, Olaloye Damilare, Nathaniel Laoshe, Adeniyi Opeyemi, Adebayo Shahajudeen, Segun Ajila, Kehinde Olaniyi and Ibitowa Toyeeb.

A statement issued by the Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren and made available to journalists in Ilorin stated that, the arrest of the affected suspects was due to credible intelligence received by the command on the activities of the suspects.

The statement said: “Items recovered from them include mobile phones, laptops and cars.”

Okon Bassey in Uyo

Ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries for the 2023 general elections, the Campaign Organisation of Senator Bassey Albert Akpan, has accused officials and agents of Akwa Ibom State government of intimidating and coercing PDP delegates expected to vote at the

gubernatorial primary.

The accusation is coming about 48 hours after Senator Akpan had called on security operatives to investigate the recent killing of his supporters in the state.

The campaign organisation said in spite of any form of intimidation, Albert, seen as the foremost guber aspirant

in the party, has no intention of actualising his ambition on the platform of another party.

Director General (DG) of the Organisation, Archbishop Andrew Unwanta at a press conference in Uyo yesterday said officials of the state government and the PDP campaigning for the governor’s preferred aspirant, Mr. Umoh Enoh, has in recent

times threatened some statutory delegates to the gubernatorial congress.

Unwanta noted that the action is against the party’s provisions and has begun to cause disaffection among members and threatening to disrupt the peaceful, lawful and efficient conduct of the business of the party.

Primary Election ‘ll Determine Oyetola’s Fate, Says Aregbesola Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday contended that the Saturday’s All Progressives Congress (APC), primary election will determine Governor Gboyega Oyetola’s second term fate.

Aregbesola stated this in Ikire yesterday during an

engagement tour to the area .

He remarked since Oyetola assumed office, he has been in battle with him, noting that “those we assisted are now against us and we have reported them to God.” The minister stressed that he is now different from what he used to be when he was a governor because he served

wholeheartedly.

According to him “He will not return for second term. 2+2=4. This Saturday’s election will determine his fate. The party has already said that we should conduct election after four years.

“Oyetola, since he got to office have been in battle with me. He said that I don’t want

him to become a governor but he is already a governor.

“What else does he want?

I am now different from what I used to be when I was a governor because I served wholeheartedly. I’m chubbier now. I campaigned passionately for him under the rain, he is now my enemy.

Lagos.

The commissioner said that in response to the incentives many businesses have started spouting in different parts of Jos with job opportunities that youths of the state are being engaged.

He stated that in the last two years many companies have executed multibillion-naira investment in the state.

Dati said that recently, eateries and retailing companies have opened in the state capital, thus confirming the growing population of the middle class in the state.

“Few days ago, Domino’s Pizza opened business in Jos and the patronage has indicated that there is huge consumer market in the state and that may explain why Shoprite is coming in and ultra

modern mall that would host it is already completed. The attraction of these global players is not by accident but results of deliberate actions,” Dato said.

He explained that Lalong assumed office with the keen ability to envision Plateau State’s future and to rally human and material resources around a shared vision.

NYSC Sanctions 18 Corps Members in Ondo Lalong Unlocks Revenue, Job Opportunities in Plateau State Ani, however, pointed out Fidelis David in Akure The National Youths Service Corps, (NYSC) has announced that nine corps members would have their service year extended for various misconducts while another nine NYSC members would repeat their service year for absconding from service in Ondo State.

The NYSC said that the sanctions imposed on the affect corps members for contravening the rules guiding the scheme is subject to the approval of the headquarters of the scheme.

The Ondo State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Victoria Ani, stated this yesterday during the passing out ceremony for the 2021 Batch ‘A’ (Stream 1) corps members held in Akure, the state capital.

that a corps member would be rewarded with state honour and twenty five others would receive state coordinator’s commendation certificate.

She said: “My dear creative, zealous and patriotic children, let me remind you that life will put many red lights in front of you but you need to press harder and see those red lights not as stumbling blocks but stepping stones to a greater you.

“You should know that being rude or arrogant will take you nowhere but good manners can open doors, which education or qualifications may not open.

“The road to greatness if full of challenges but those who dare to be different will definitely surmount whatever life places before them.

Chinedu Eze

The Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong has given incentives for private entrepreneurs to invest in Jos.This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Land, Survey and Town Planning, Mr. Yakubu Dati, who fielded questions from journalists at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport,

Senator Ekweremadu Hails Ugwuanyi for Providing Good Governance in Enugu The Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Prof. Ike Ekweremadu has commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for providing good governance in the state.

Senator Ekweremadu, thrice Deputy Senate President, also

applauded Ugwuanyi for the leadership he provides in Enugu State, and for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-east geopolitical zone, describing him as “a visionary leader”.

Senator Ekweremadu made the commendation when he joined Gov. Ugwuanyi in Ezeagu Local

Government Area for the PDP campaign ahead of the February 23, 2022 Local Government Elections in the state.

Speaking further, Senator Ekweremadu expressed delight at Gov. Ugwuanyi’s remarkable achievements in office in spite the nation’s economic meltdown,

stressing that it was an indication that the governor was prepared for the job.

“Your Excellency, thank you for the provision of good governance in Enugu State; for the leadership you have shown in our state and our party, to South East and to Nigeria.

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NEWSEXTRA

Immigration Arrests Suspected Child Trafficker, Rescues Eight Victims in Ekiti Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti Operatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service(NIS), Ekiti State Command, have arrested a suspect (names withheld) for allegedly involving in trafficking of eight children for child labour.

The NIS Comptroller, Ekiti State Command, Mr. Alphonsus Achilonu disclosed this in Ado Ekiti yesterday during a weeklong customer service ceremony to interact with the public to check corruption and for improved

service delivery.

Achilonu said acting on tip off and through intelligence gathering, that his anti-human trafficking squad swooped on the suspect, intercepted his car and arrested him in Ado Ekiti while transporting the victims from Benue to end users in Lagos and Ibadan axis.

“Our Anti-human trafficking is patrolling and based intelligence gathering arrested one man while trafficking the eight children, who are majorly minors to

their end users. He confessed that he brought the children from Benue State.

“The eight victims had been reunited with their families. Many people are in the business who just have to be checked at all cost and the best approach is for the government, parents and all well meaning Nigerians to ensure that they are sincere with the provision of basic needs for these children, put them in schools, create enabling environment and provide jobs for them.

Ortom Condemns Violent Clash in Makurdi over Fish Ponds

George Okoh inMakurdi

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has condemned the violent clash between the Tiv and Jukun communities in Makurdi river side over ownership of fish ponds in the area.

The governor, who received briefings from security agents and the Chairman of Makurdi Local Government, Mr. Tony Dyegeh on the matter called on the two communities to cease hostilities without delay.

Scores of people were reportedly inflicted with severe injuries from the violent clash on Wednesday

CHANGE OF NAME I formally known and addressed as MISS ESTHER JOHNSON IME, now with to be known and addressed as MRS ESTHER DAVID UFFORD. All documents bearing my former name remains valid.

Zenith Bank and the public please take note.

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over battle for the ownership of fish ponds in the Wurukun area of Makurdi, the State capital.

The governor made the statement in Makurdi yesterday.

The traditional ruler of the

community is said to have fled to an unknown destination after his home was set ablaze by the rampaging youths and many houses were also burnt during the clash.

Fresh Crisis Hits Daura APC over LG Primaries

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

Fresh crisis is currently rocking the Daura chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Katsina State following the arrest and detention of the

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party’s local government election standard bearer, Shehu Audu, for allegedly obtaining money from some youths in the local government area under false pretence.

Briefing journalists in Katsina on behalf of Audu’s supporters, Hon. Ibrahim Suleiman said Audu was declared winner of the February 9 APC LGA primary in Daura, but some chieftains of the party in the area were trying to impose another candidate against the decision of the electorate.

Eko Wellness Fair Holds in May

The seventh edition of Eko Wellness Fair is scheduled to hold from May 2 to 8. It will take a hybrid format of virtual, pop up and physical. It will be a weeklong celebration of all things wellness!

The Eko Wellness fair is an annual event that showcases the thriving wellness ecosystem in Nigeria. Their goal is to show the therapeutic services, products and practitioners locally available for our holistic wellbeing and foster conversations about public health concerns.

The fair includes workshops by wellness practitioners, cooking demonstrations, breath- work, mindful movement exercises, short films and photography contests.

Governors, Lawmakers, Others for Ogun Monarch’s Burial The ancient town of Ado-Odo, Ogun State is set to host top dignitaries and major decision makers including the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, paramount rulers, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi, Senator Tolulope Odebiyi, veteran journalist and Presidential candidate, Chief Dele Momodu for the final burial ceremony of the late Olofin Adimula Oodua of Ado-Odo, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdul Lateef Adeniran Akanni.

Other key dignitaries expected to grace the occasion include the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, His Royal Majesty Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewaland who will host other paramount rulers and other traditional rulers from Ogun State and beyond.

WORLD OF ISLAM

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Islam and Science (2) By: Bruno Abd Al Haqq Guiderdoni/ University of St. Andrews/IslamiCity (Continued from last week) Islam is the third come of the monotheistic religions in the wake of the promise made to Abraham by God, after Judaism and Christianity.

Remember this story of the Book of Genesis, when Abraham obeys God’s order and leaves his wife Hagar and his son Ishmael in the desert. For Muslims, the place where Hagar and Ishmael were left is the valley of Bakka, where a temple that was given by God to Adam after the Fall from Eden, used to be located before the Deluge. Later, Abraham and Ishmael rebuilt the temple, a small cubic building covered by a black veil, now in the great mosque of Makka. This building is empty, and only inhabited by the sakina, a mysterious and sacred presence of God, which is quite paradoxical, because God is everywhere, and still he specifically manifests in some places.

Islam brings the renewal of this Abrahamic faith, through a new revelation, that is, an initial miracle that founds a new relation of a part of the human kind with God. This initial miracle is the revelation of a text, the Holy Koran, to a human being, Prophet Muhammad, who was born in Makka at the end of the 6th century. The revelation started during the Night of Destiny, and lasted twenty years till the Prophet’s death in 632. What exactly is this miracle? For Muslims, the miracle is the fact that not only the meanings of the Holy Koran come from God, but also the choice of the words, sentences, and chapters, in a given human language, the Arabic language, in such a way that the divine speech can be heard, pronounced, and understood by the human. As a faithful messenger, Muhammad did not add nor cut a single word of the Holy Reading or Proclamation (the meaning of the word Koran) that subsequently became a Book, and acquired its final appearance under Uthman’s caliphate (644—656). Of course, the Arabic language almost breaks down under the weight of the divine speech. There are subtleties, the use of an uncommon vocabulary, separated letters that may convey mysterious information. The Arabic words frequently have several meanings, and the task of the commentators is to highlight the richness of the teachings that a single verse can bring forth. The Prophet himself mentioned the multiplicity of the meanings of the Koran by saying that “each verse has an outer meaning and an inner meaning, a juridical meaning and a place of ascension”, that is, a direct spiritual influence on the reader. This plurality of meanings makes the task of the translator quite uneasy, because this plurality does not transfer directly into other languages, and especially into European languages. Another fascinating aspect of the Koran is the fact that it gathers messages about the divine names, attributes and actions, prescriptions and prohibitions from God, stories of the prophets, descriptions of this lower world and of the hereafter, ethical advice, and chronicles of the life of the first Islamic community around the Prophet. But all these chains are more or less mixed up, or interlaced, in each of the 114 chapters, in such a way that the internal coherence can be found only after reading and re-reading the text, which progressively sheds light on itself.

The miracle of the descent of the Koran reproduces the miracle of creation. God creates things though His speech, with His order: “Be! (kun)” The creatures receive their existence from God through this ontological order.

God subsequently unveils hidden knowledge, again through His speech, with another of His orders: “Read! (iqra’)”, the first word of the Koran given to Prophet Muhammad. This instruction speaks to the reader, the human being who uses its intelligence to understand the Holy Text. As a consequence, the Koran is like a second creation, a book where God shows his signs or verses (âyât), very much as we contemplate God’s signs (âyât) in the entities and phenomena of the first creation.

God unveiled the Book of Religion (kitâb attadwîn) very much as He created the Book of Existence (kitâb at-takwîn). The issue of the relationship of faith with science specifically deals with the coherence between the first and the second book. This topic of the Liber Scripturae and the Liber mundi is expressed in similar terms in other faiths.

Islam manifests itself as the renewal of the faith of Abraham, as a new adaptation of the same universal truth that was given to Adam, first human being, first sinner, first repentant, first forgiven human, and first prophet. Muhammad comes as the last prophet, after a long chain

that includes many prophets of the Bible, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, Jacob, Moses, David and Solomon, as well as John the Baptist and Jesus. The Koran also includes stories about other prophets that are not known by the biblical tradition, and were sent to the Arabs, or maybe to other peoples in Asia. Hence the fundamental formula of Islam, the so-called profession of faith, or shahada that is the first of the five pillars of Islam: “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is God’s messenger”. The message is the Koran, a message from God that prompts the Muslims to be faithful to their own spiritual vocation. The second pillar of Islam is the canonical prayer performed five times a day, at specific moments linked to cosmic events: before sunrise, after noon, in the middle of the afternoon, after sunset and when night is dark. The third pillar is alms-giving on accumulated wealth. The fourth pillar is ritual fasting during the month of Ramadan (the month during which the first verses of the Koran were revealed), from the first light of the day to sunset. And finally, the fifth and last pillar is the pilgrimage to the House of God, the kaaba, and some places around Makka.

These five pillars constitute reference points for the actions of worship. This is the most important part of the religious law, or sharî’a.

The sharî’a also includes a description of many aspects of the social life. There are only few Koranic verses that actually deal with social organization, but, in the time of the first Islamic community, the presence of the Prophet allowed it to solve all issues. Later, when Islam became the religion of a vast empire, it became necessary to have a more complete codification of the religious law, and the so-called classical sharî’a was slowly constituted. Muslims now need to re-examine this issue in a context that is much more complex, in societies which are shaped by science and technology, globalization, exchanges of people and information, and the presence of many minorities. It is a great challenge, and a strong “effort of interpretation” or ijtihâd, is necessary.

Jews and Christians were present in Arabia during the time of the Koranic revelation, and the Koran alludes to the exchanges that they had with Prophet Muhammad. It turned out that these exchanges had the following outcome: The majority of the Jews and Christians did not acknowledge Prophet Muhammad, and Islam became a religion clearly and completely separated from Judaism and Christianity. The main difference with Judaism is the fact that Islam, like Christianity, is a religion that is explicitly universal. Its message speaks to all the human kind, whereas Judaism is linked to a given people. The main difference with Christianity is the disagreement about the nature of Jesus. Jesus is present in the Koran as an “Islamic prophet” who came to bring the message on the Oneness of God. But he is a very unusual Prophet. He was born miraculously from Maria the Virgin, who herself was protected against any sin. The angel Gabriel announced Jesus’ birth to Maria.

For Muslims, Jesus is the Christ, al-Masîh, the anointed by the Lord. He spoke out with wisdom just after his birth, and made miracles with God’s permission. He miraculously escaped from death and he is still alive, beside God. Muslims say that Jesus is a Spirit of God (Ruh Allah) and a Word from God (Kalimat Allah), but they do not say that Jesus is God’s son. If they were to say so, they would be Christians, and Islam would be only one more Christian church. As a consequence, for Islam, there is no incarnation, no Trinity, no crucifixion and no redemption (and in any case, no primeval sin that would make redemption of the human kind necessary). It is true that Jews differ from Christians also about the figure of Jesus. Apart from this central figure, the three monotheistic religions have a lot in common: the One God, the creation of the world, the creation of the human being “according to God’s image and likeness” (we Muslims say: “according to the form of the Merciful”), the call for spiritual life, for helping the poor, and the belief that the human being, despite his sins, can improve and be saved. Finally, it is fair to say that, even if Jesus currently separates Jews, Christians and Muslims, he will eventually reunite them, in a horizon that is at the end of times. Muslims consider that Jesus is “the sign of the ultimate hour”, and that he will come to gather the believers of all religions. As a matter of fact, Christians say the same thing about Jesus, and Jews wait for the Messiah. It is a great mystery that these believers who say things that are so different about the Messiah will eventually recognize and follow him.

To Be Continued

FRIDAY, ͹΀˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

54

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Osimhen Inspires Napoli to Crucial Draw with Barcelona at Camp Nou Ndidi on target in Leicester’s 4-1 defeat of Randers FC Duro Ikhazuagbe Victor Osimhen was a thorn in Barcelona flesh last night as the Catalan giants forced Napoli to a one-all draw in Camp Nou last night.

Though the Nigerian international could not get on the scorers’ sheet, his contributions on the night ensure Napoli return home with the psychological edge in their Europa League last-32 first-leg tie at the Nou Camp.

Piotr Zielinski fired the visitors into the lead in the first half before Ferran Torres scored a penalty as Barcelona rescued a draw.

Barcelona were awarded a penalty in the second half by VAR after Adama Traore's cross hit Juan Jesus' hand. Torres stepped up to send Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret the wrong way.

Ex-Arsenal striker PierreEmerick Aubameyang had a quiet game as he made his first start for Barcelona and his first competitive start since 2 December.

The two sides will meet again

EUROPA LEAGUE in Italy for the second leg on Thursday, 24 February.

Elsewhere, Wilfred Ndidi with an assist by Ademola Lookman fired Napoli into the lead against Randers FC. Three other goals

by Harvey Barnes, Patton Daka and K. Dewsbury-Hall ensured Leicester are good to dream of a foot in the next round of the second tier European competition.

Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho’s cross from the right flank was wasted by Lookman in the dying second of regulation time.

Earlier in the evening fixture, Joe Aribo had a decent outing as Rangers hammered Dortmund 4-2 at Iduna Park in the Scottish capital.

Aribo provided the assist that Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos scored the second goal.

Another Nigerian Calvin Bassey was on duty for all 90 minutes while recuperating Leon Balogun didn’t dress for the game.

Cricket Capable of Taking Kids off the Streets, Says Akpata Wilfred Ndidi opened scores for Leicester City as the former English FA Cup winners defeated Randers FC 4-1 last night

PHOTO: LCFC images

Falcons Wary of Côte d’Ivoire Threat, Says Waldrum Nigeria women's coach Randy Waldrum has admitted knowledge of Cote d'Ivoire's strength ahead of the final qualifying round for this year's Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco as his side are preparing for today’s first leg game in Abuja.

The Super Falcons are eyeing a 12th consecutive appearance at this year's continental showpiece but must avoid another upset against the Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire, who dumped them out of Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifier in 2019.

Since 2015, the Nigerians are yet to record an outright win in the last five meetings with the Ivorians, but the American tactician is unperturbed as he is motivated by his team's mood and depth ahead of their first leg this week.

"The spirit in the camp is very high and positive. The players have been looking forward to these matches for some time now and their professionalism has been fantastic," Waldrum told CAFOnline. com.

"I think we have a good understanding of Cote d’Ivoire and their current side. I’m not big on past history as that is why they call it history. The previous matches have no bearing on this one.

"We recognize the strengths of our opponents and will be prepared for that. Obviously, it’s vitally important to our goals of achieving another FIFA Women's World Cup berth.

Playing the first match at home is important as well to get on the front foot in everything we do."

Nigeria's only triumph over the Ivorians in the last five ties came via a penalty shootout after Uchenna

AW C O N Q UA L I F I E R S Kanu's late finish cancelled Ange N'Guessan's opener in the 2019 WAFU Cup final in Abidjan.

Clementine Toure will be banking

on the experience of former Barcelona and Tenerife star N'Guessan, while Waldrum is looking up to his array of talents to snatch the

vital WAFCON ticket.

Nigeria will be at home in the first leg against the Ivorians at the MKO Abiola National Stadium Abuja this evening before travelling for the decisive return leg in Abidjan on February 23.

The President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), Mr. Uyi Akpata, has said that one of the goals of his team when fully implemented will help in reducing the number out of school children and create employment opportunities for them.

Akpata made the statement at the on-going 3rd Pricewaterhouse Coopers National Under 17 Cricket Championship at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

“This event is part of the five-pronged strategic imperatives that the NCF is building its development on, which are; promotion of the game at all levels, upgrading infrastructures, building strategic partnerships, training and retraining of staffs and players and ensuring corporate governance," Akpata said.

The NCF president said all the parts are interdependent and key to ensuring a healthy growth being targeted at ultimately making Nigeria one of the powerhouses of cricket in the short term.

“Our goal is to pull in over 250, 000 kids into the game this year

and we have officers in all the 36 states fully equipped to get that going. This Under- 17 finals is a product of all the works these officers have been doing in the past 12 months.

“Recruitments and training at each zone were done, where over 784 players qualified to take part in the regional events across the six geo-political zones to have these ones battling the for the final spots,” he also said.

Akpata said aside cricket being actively played in Nigeria, the country now has six turf wickets, two of which the ongoing championship is being played on, and more are planned for other regions to help harmonize the standard of play in the country.

According to Akpata, the ongoing championship will help handlers of the nationak U-19 team to have options of players to be invited when the camp eventually opens later in the year.

The 3rd PwC National Under-17 National Championship for boys and girls will be rounded off on Sunday in Abuja.

Super Falcons at training ahead of tonight’s clash with Côte D’Ivoire

Ighalo Scores Brace as Five-star Al Hilal Crush His Former Club Odion Ighalo scored twice as Al Hilal thrashed his former club Al Shabab 5-0 in their Saudi Professional Football League clash at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, Riyadh on Thursday night.

It was the 32-year-old’s first league appearance for Ramon Diaz’s side.

Ighalo opened scoring for Al

SAU D I P R O L E AG U E Hilal in the 18th minute after he was set up by Andre Carrillo.

Carrillo scored the home team’s second goal seven minutes later, while Moussa Marega added the third on the half hour mark.

Ighalo then scored his second of the game and his side’s fourth

two minutes before the break with Marega the provider.

Marega then fired home his side’s fifth goal in the 82nd minute.

The defending champions, who have two outstanding games now occupy fourth position on the table with 34 points from 18 games.

Super Falcons at training ahead of tonight’s clash with Côte D’Ivoire

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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David Olofu to Buhari “The President is a minister of petroleum, there is nothing happening in the oil industry that doesn’t have his approval. So we expect him to show some transparency in the operation of NNPC, particularly, the subsidy; he said during his campaign that subsidy in the country is a scam, so why will he be president now and continue it? It is now a national matter” – Chairman, Forum of Commissioners of Finance and Benue State Finance Commissioner, David Olofu, pointing out the president’s hypocrisy on the subsidy scam.

AKINOSUNTOKUN DIALOGUE WITH NIGERIA

akin.osuntokun@thisdaylive.com

Memo to the Mint Fresh Olubadan I badan is easily the most historically utilitarian Yoruba city. It is the fountain head of the social political transformation of Yorubaland and in certain respects Nigeria itself. Think of the iconic educational institutions like the first tertiary educational establishment in Nigeria, the University of Ibadan, the one time contender for the topmost secondary school in Nigeria, Government college; the once rated fourth best college of medicine in the commonwealth, University college hospital, UCH and the Ibadan polytechnic.

As capital of the Western region, it was seat to the most accomplished regional government in the history of Nigeria, that of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his successor Chief Ladoke Akintola. However in demonstration of its revolving door penchant for the tragic irony of heroism and anti-heroism, the seed of the political crisis that snowballed to consume the first republic was planted and nurtured in the ancient city. The theme of the 1960s crisis relived the earlier historical precedence of the conspicuous spark that lit the 19th century long implosion of the Oyo empire.

Antithetically, within that tragedy came the most glorious role Ibadan played in pre colonial Yoruba history (checkmating the incursion of the Fulani into Yorubaland in 1840). It was a classical illustration of the Yoruba capacity for self-redemption and renewal. What Professor Wole Soyinka called the “the phenomenon of Yoruba cultural resilience as part of the lessons of the very mystery of human creativity”.

He had once wondered out aloud what makes Ibadan tick? I stopped short of drawing his attention to the Ibadan foundational odu Ifa called Òsé Méjì.

My hesitation was rewarded in a recent encounter with Kayode Esuola’s fulsome elaboration of the meaning of Òsé méjì for the understanding of Ibadan. He begins with the premise that Ifa remains the most systematized and authentic source of clarifying significant Yoruba matters, in all aspects of life.

the inevitable attack. They say that Alimi, who was in many ways similar to the Shehu, a man of piety and learning, only lent his name and great influence to this force. Others say that he was an ambitious adventurer only interested in carving out a kingdom for himself...Then the Muslim auxiliaries became out of hand. Afonja enlisted Yoruba help to drive them out, but not only did they fail to do so but Afonja himself was killed and his body was burnt in Ilorin market. From that time an almost continuous state of war existed between the Emirs of Ilorin and the chiefs of the Yoruba especially those of the new town of Ibadan. These wars went on with varying success and at one time it appeared as though the ancient prophecy that the Fulanis would dip the holy Koran in the sea would come to pass. A Fulani column penetrated south of Ibadan but the fortune of war turned against them and the chance never came back...These wars had reached no conclusion or proper settlement when they were interrupted and have always caused soreness between the two races.

This is still not cured and much of the Lekan Balogun difficulties of the past few years must be r *GBMPTFF 5BZF BUJ ,FIJOEF "LJOCPMB regarded in this light however much it may be denied in certain quarters”. In this 'BXPMF narrative, Ahmadu Bello followed in the tradition of the perspective that magnifies Interpretation: r A4FUUMFST XIP FTUBCMJTIFE *CBEBO XFSF the negative personification of Ilorin in often violent bound emigres from other Yoruba history while understating the commensurately significant response of Yoruba clans. r #FDBVTF UIFZ DBNF GSPN EJGGFSFOU :PSVCB the Ibadan/Yoruba army to the historical clans, they could not agree on common emergency.The year was 1840 when the values, so they engaged in constant Ibadan led army decimated the Ilorin/ Fulani expansionist aggressors at Osogbo. conflicts and looted one another. r 5IF TFUUMFST MBUFS FOEFE VQ JO GPVS It is instructive that Bello never mentioned political units headed by Alara (from the name of the town and the year his Oyo), Ajero (from Ekiti), Owarangunaga forbears met their nemesis. But he (from Ijesa) and Obaleyin Ajori (from remembered the prophecy of dipping the Koran in the Southern ocean. I have Ijebu). r 5IFJS MBDL PG DPFSDJPO BHHSBWBUFE QPXFS always wondered what this abortive UVTTMF BNPOHTU UIFN r 5IFJS TPDJFUZ prophecy had to do with naming the CFDBNF BNPSQIPVT r 0SVONJMB XIP JT waterfront boulevard in Victoria Island the carrier of the voice of Olodumare, Ahmadu Bello way.The Fulani offensive visited the land and declared that it at Osogbo confronted the Yoruba society Specifically, Ose Meji confirms the Ibadan was only through violence and free for with the possibility of their regional stereotype of political violence and free incorporation into the Sokoto caliphate. all it would be prosperous. for all. According to this odu: r "MM UIFTF SFGFS UP TFUUMFST JO *CBEBO Note the oblique reference by Bello to r5PSJ CB EB OJ LB TP Q PSJ EBOJ Alimi as a probable reincarnation of not indigenes. r5PSJ CB HC FOJ LB TP Q PSJ HC FOJ r *CBEBO XJMM DPOUJOVF UP BUUSBDU TFUUMFST Shehu Usman Dan Fodio. r &XP OJ LB TPXP TPXP LB NB LFSF EFMF If Ibadan was the Yoruba saviour so, political violence and free for all r 4FTF 0MPOHP *SJ &CJUJ violence will never cease in the polity’ in 1840 it nearly became the anti-hero r " EJGB GVO 0SVONJMB with the besotted Islamic brotherhood r *GB P NBB T PXP JKBLBEJ LJSJ LBSJ BHCBZF It is this proclivity for free for all violence flirtation of olubadan Abbas Aleshinloye r 0 KJKBLBEJ UJUJ MP &CB 0EBO *CBEBO that has been harnessed and channelled with the Sokoto caliphate a century later r *HCP SFFSF B O MF KBOEVLV TJ into a formidable republican military state. in 1936. Where individualistic valour r *MF 0CB EJ NFKJ XPO B KJKB BHCB The late Premier of the Northern region, ends and mercenary selfishness begins r 0CB EJ NFSJO P MFF G FOV L BSBB XPO Sir Ahmadu Bello recounted the relevant has remained the bane of a tendentious Ebo ni won ni ki Baba o se history of Ibadan in his autobiography strand of Yoruba political history. Here was Aleshinloye seeking the blessings of r 0SVONJMB HC FCP OCF P SVCP /KF "MBSB A.Z -JGF UIVT da mi o s’ogun, sese olongo, edu o le “In 1817 a man called Afonja was the Sultan of Sokoto for his aspiration ja, sese olongo governor of Ilorin then an important to establish a Yoruba Islamic caliphate r "KFSP EB NJ P T PHCPO TFTF PMPOHP Yoruba town and part of the domains in a bizzare echo of the Afonja debacle edu o le ja, sese olongo of the Alaafin of Oyo. He broke away JO *MPSJO *O A5PZJOH XJUI UIF $BMJQIBUF r 0XBSBOHVOBHB EBNJ P T BBEPUB TFTF from his master and declared himself Isaac Ogunbiyi and Stefan Reichmuth olongo, edu o le ja, sese olongo independent. Feeling a little insecure, he recalled a letter written by the olubadan r 0CB MFZJO BKPSJ EBNJ P TB BEPSJO TFTF made friends with a Sokoto mallam one "MFTIJOMPZF UP UIF 4VMUBO BT GPMMPXT A5IF olongo, edu o le ja, sese olongo Alimi; the latter called together numbers claim to full caliphal dignity for the whole r 0SP *CBEBO EJ MPEJ MPEJ FZJO P SJGB of Muslims, including Yoruba Muslims, of Yorubaland comes in the olubadan’s awo ki bi ti n se. to form an army to defend Ilorin from letter to the Sultan of Sokoto. Here he

JOUSPEVDFT IJNTFMG BT AUIF POF UP XIPN God has awarded a caliphate over the land of the Yoruba of Nigeria, by name c Abbas, amir al-muJmin [sic] whose title is olubadan’.This suggests that the undated letter was written after the British Resident Ward Price had upgraded the title of the #BBMF UP ALJOH PG *CBEBO PMVCBEBO JO 1936.The claim to caliphal authority might therefore have been intended to entrench and boost the newly invested status and to gain external recognition and partnership from the Sokoto Caliphate and perhaps also from the wider Islamic world. Another probable motive for this move to have the tacit acknowledgement of the Sokoto Caliphate was apparently the prospect of securing the services of a NBMBN WFSTFE JO AUIF TFDSFUT PG (PE BOE the knowledge of hisab al-jadxval’. In view of the polarisation of loyalties arising from the conflict between the olubadan and his chiefs, it would appear that he would no longer completely trust even the indigenous malams and scholars. A malam coming from Sokoto as requested in his letter would not be tainted by local partisanship and could be trusted to provide the olubadan with powerful protective devices.

It has always been my contention that rather than the myth of the perpetually scheming and innate political sophistication attributed to the Fulani and the defunct Sokoto caliphate in Nigeria, the prostrate political position of the South vis a vis the North, results from the omission of the self inflicted injuries of Southern political leaders and the conniving open ended British mentorship of the former. It was Nnamdi Azikiwe who was baying for one Nigeria against the oft expressed preference of Ahmadu Bello and the North to stay out of the proposed country on the realistic basis of near irreconcilable sociocultural differences. It was not the North that instigated Chief Obafemi Awolowo to follow suit with a single minded devotion and resolute pursuit of the ambition to govern Nigeria; prioritising the mirage of a problematic Nigerian Prime Ministership over the optimal certainty of the Premiership of Western region. From the account of the British High commissioner to Nigeria, Cumming Bruce, the agenda of the Northern region sponsored July 1966 counter coup was to wreak vengeance and thereafter part ways with Nigeria under the secessionist slogan of Araba.

Up till 1966, the impulse of the North has mostly been to leave rather than stay in Nigeria. It was not the Fulani who pressurised Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu to unreflectively reject the substantial concessions of the Aburi accord once it did not absolutely capture the document signed in Ghana. It was not Ahmadu Bello who discouraged the enlistment of the Yoruba in the rank and file of the Nigerian army thereby rendering itself captive to the protective custody of the North and hindered its latitude to take an independent course of action in the balance of terror denominated politics of 1966 to 1970.

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