THURSDAY 25TH FEBRUARY 2021

Afrexim Bank Approves $2bn for COVID-19 Vaccines for Nigeria, Others Disburses $500m to creative industry Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim) has approved $2 billion to support the purchase

of 270 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for African countries, including Nigeria.

President of the bank, Prof. Benedict Oramah, at a virtual Africa Soft Power

Series, on Tuesday night, however, stated that the bank is seeking to raise more funds for more COVID-19 vaccines' acquisition.

He also announced the

disbursement of a $500 million grant to support the production and trade of African cultural and creative products.

According to him, the 270

million doses of the vaccine will only cover around 15 per cent of Africa’s population, far short of the 60 per cent which the African Union (AU) targeted within a given period.

He stated that towards the end of last year, it became obvious to the AU that Africa was again being left behind in Continued on page 9

Kyari Rallies Military to Halt 200,000bpd of Crude Oil Loss... Page 8 Thursday 25 February, 2021 Vol 26. No 9454. Price: N250

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Bawa Gets Senate's Confirmation, Promises to Rebrand EFCC... Page 16

No Legal Basis for Dialogue with Bandits, Senior Lawyers Insist Say banditry is a crime, negotiators trading in criminality Let’s understand outlaws, Gumi urges Nigerians Raises hope for Kagara schoolboys’ freedom Emma Okonji in Lagos and Alex Enumah in Abuja Senior lawyers yesterday cautioned against the ongoing appeasement of bandits, terrorising several states, particularly in the North-west, through dialogue between them and some governors as well as non-state actors.

They described the dialogue

with the bandits, who have kidnapped and killed hundreds of people in Katsina, Niger, Kaduna, Benue, Plateau, Zamfara and Sokoto States, among others, as illegal as there is no legal framework to support it.

The lawyers, including former Director-General of the Continued on page 9

Death Toll in Rocket Attack on Maiduguri Rises to 16 Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The death toll in Tuesday’s attack by Boko Haram fighters on Maiduguri, the Borno State capital has risen to 16, hospital officials said yesterday.

Borno State Governor, Prof.

Babagana Zulum, after visits to both University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) and State Specialist Hospital, had said 10 persons were killed and 47 persons injured.

But new details emerged

yesterday from sources at the two hospitals that the death toll had risen to 16.

One of the sources, a nurse, said three persons died on Tuesday night after the governor’s visit.

The nurse, who spoke anonymously as she was not authorised to speak to the press said three other persons died yesterday.

She said: “It is said that Continued on page 9

LATEST GOVERNOR...

L-R: Wife of the Governor of Ondo State, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu; Governor Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN); the Chief Judge, Justice Olanrewaju Akeredolu; Chief Registrar, Ondo State High Court, Mrs. Bolatito Ajibade, during the inauguration of the governor for a second term of office in Akure…yesterday

At Inauguration, Akeredolu Restates Case for State Police...Page 5

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

At Inauguration, Akeredolu Restates Case for State Police

James Sowole in Akure

Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, yesterday renewed the clamour for the decentralisation of the nation's policing system to empower sub-nationals to secure their spaces.

Akeredolu, at his inauguration in Akure for a second term of office said every state must be allowed to secure its space.

He added that the next four years in office is not for relaxation.

According to him, given the pervasive security crisis in the country, it has become imperative for Nigeria to have a state police cadre, adding that the clamour propelled South-west governors to form a regional security network codenamed ‘Amotekun.’

He said: “The primary responsibility of any government is the security of lives and property of its citizens.

“We are of the firm belief that it is high time the police central command became devolved to the federating units for effective monitoring.

“We have been relentless in advocating the establishment of state police. There can be no other way if we are indeed serious about securing lives and property.

“It is this incongruity which propelled the South-west

governors to form a regional security network codenamed Amotekun.”

He said the aim was to convince other stakeholders in the Nigeria project to “understand that devolution of authority is inexorable.”

He hailed the Amotekun outfit, saying it has recorded successes that justified its establishment.

“It has been able to work within the law establishing it. Its operations and successes recorded justify its establishment,” he added.

Akeredolu was inaugurated along with his deputy, Mr. Lucky Ayedatiwa, who replaced Mr. Agboola Ajayi, who was his deputy in the first term, and fell out with his principal over his ambition to contest the last governorship election, which he lost.

Akeredolu, in his inaugural speech, tagged "Pathway to Redemption," said he would not depart from his chosen path, which earned him a second term in office He said: "We shall continue, with more vigour, to justify the trust earned by our administration. The second term, for us, is not a time for relaxation.

"We are not under any illusion that it will be easy. We are, however, ready to proceed on the journey with renewed enthusiasm and vigour."

Akeredolu, who highlighted

some of the achievements of his administration in the last for years, stated that many dynamics have come into play since he took over in 2017.

He said the change necessitated the need to review the administration's agenda, adding that in the next four

years, his administration will be pursuing a totally repackaged programme christened REDEEMED. He listed his administration’s priorities as rural and agricultural development, education advancement and human capital development,

development through massive infrastructure, and efficient service delivery and policy implementation.

Dignitaries that witnessed Akeredolu's inauguration included the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola

Tinubu; the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; the governors of Ogun, Lagos, Osun and Edo States, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola and Mr. Godwin Obaseki respectively.

THE NEW ANTI-GRAFT CZAR...

New Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Chairman, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, sandwiched by security aides after his Senate confirmation hearing in Abuja…yesterday julius atoi

FG Finalises Plans to Prosecute 5,000 Suspected Boko Haram Fighters Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri The federal government will soon begin the trial of 5,000 suspected Boko Haram members who are in various detention facilities nationwide.

The Director-General of Legal Aid Council, Mr. Aliyu Abubakar, during a visit to the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, said yesterday in Maiduguri that the trial would be conducted by the Office of the Attorney-General

General of the Federation (AGF), the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), in collaboration with the Theatre Command, Operation Lafiya Dole.

Abubakar, who was received by the Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Usman Kadafur, said the Legal Aid Council had been mandated to provide defence for the inmates.

He added that the legal aid team has so far interviewed 283 suspects as part of efforts to establish their involvement

in terrorism and understand the nature of the crime they committed.

Abubakar stated that as their defence counsel, the council has to interview the suspects from time to time to enable it to know their own part of the story.

“This is so because regardless of the crimes they have committed, it is possible that out of hundreds, you may find out that one or two persons are innocent.

“It is necessary for them

to be represented by this council to make sure that all the requirements of the law are fulfilled. All evidence must be presented against them before the court of law so that those found guilty would be prosecuted. Inasmuch as everybody is aware of the nature of the crime they have committed, under our laws, they are innocent until proven guilty,” he said.

He applauded the leadership of Operation Lafiya Dole for providing the legal team with

access to its detention facility to meet and interact with the inmates.

He said the recent changes made in the military leadership was a welcome one as it would ensure progress in the quest to combat insurgency and banditry.

Zulum expressed the government's readiness to partner with the federal government to enable it to achieve its mandate.

He praised the council for providing legal support to

the people of the state, while assuring it of the government’s commitment to support it financially.

He also urged the federal government and other stakeholders to adopt a sustainable plan in the Operation Safe Corridor programme geared towards the rehabilitation of former insurgents.

He, however, said the lack of a proper exit sustainability plan in the programme had hampered its success.

Bandits Kill 18 in Fresh Invasion of Kaduna Communities John Shiklam in Kaduna

No fewer than 18 people have been killed and many others abducted following attacks by bandits on communities in Igabi and Chikun Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.

The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, in a statement yesterday in Kaduna, said the attacks took place in the last 48 hours, during which many houses were burnt, about 20 cows rustled and some poultry carted away.

According to the statement, nine people were killed in each of the attacked LGAs. The statement, however, added that dozens of the bandits were killed in several

locations by the troops.

Aruwan said in Igabi LGA, seven people were killed in Anaba village while one two people were killed in Angwan Kanti and Sanhu Makera villages.

In Chikun LGA, eight people were killed in Barinje village while one person was killed at the ministerial pilot Housing Estate - Millennium City, at the outskirts of Kaduna.

“An unspecified number of injured victims are receiving treatment in hospital.

“The attacks on these soft targets at Anaba and Barinje villages in Igabi and Chikun LGAs respectively followed the killing of several armed bandits via targeted air operations,” the statement added.

It said air platforms of the

military had earlier conducted armed reconnaissance around Anaba village.

Aruwan said: “The (Nigerian Air Force) crew observed houses on fire and locals migrating to nearby settlements. Some motorbikes were observed with suspicious movements underneath some trees; probing shots were fired at these.”

He stated that herds of cattle were spotted with bandits at Malul Forest and were engaged accordingly.

“Also, air platforms conducted armed reconnaissance over some affected locations. Kawuri, Chikun, Godani, Kusasu, Godani Station, Kwafe, Kuduru, Irina, Chikwale, Kudame, Kwakwau, Beni, Akilbu,

Polewire, Rijana, Rugu, Olam farms and adjoining areas were covered,” he said.

According to him, bandits, in large numbers on motorcycles, were sighted on a track leading to Kankomi, adding that “they were trailed and engaged by the crew, with scores seen neutralised afterwards.”

“Following intelligence of bandits converging on forests in between Maidaro/ Damari general area of Giwa/Birnin Gwari LGAs, armed reconnaissance was conducted over the locations, in conjunction with ground troops who conducted cordon-andsearch operations in the area,” he stated.

He said the military operation was also conducted over Gagafada, Birnin Gwari LGA

and no suspicious activities were observed.

He said the scan was extended to Gwaska, Goron Dutse, Kuyanbana, Maidaro and Sabon Birni.

“Suspicious movements were sighted at Goron Dutse, the sources of which were promptly engaged and neutralised.

"At Kuyanbana, a long convoy of motorcycles was observed heading into the forest, which was likewise vigorously engaged and neutralised.

“The security agencies hereby appeal to the communities to report anyone found with suspicious bullet wounds to the security.

“Regrettably, armed bandits attacked the loosely connected communities of Kwarten Rigasa,

Kwarten Waziri and Kwarten Shaku in Igabi local government area,” Aruwan said.

He added that the bandits reportedly emerged from the Buruku area and raided the villages in a cattle rustling operation.

“In the process, one Danjuma Isa from neighbouring Ungwan Kanti village was killed, as he made his way on foot to Kwarten Rigasa. Similarly, armed bandits invaded Sanhu Makera village, Birnin Yero, Igabi local government area and killed one Yakubu Abdullahi, a farmer in the village,” he said.

Aruwan stated that in another incident, unknown assailants killed one Maryam Lash Tahir at the Ministerial Pilot Housing Estate, Millennium City, Chikun local government area.

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Kyari Rallies Military to Halt 200,000bpd of Crude Oil Loss Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, yesterday led a delegation from the corporation to engage with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Maj. Gen. Lucky Irabor, in a bid to secure the company's assets nationwide and stop the loss of 200,000 barrels of crude oil daily.

The meeting discussed ways of strengthening collaboration towards securing the nation's critical oil and gas assets and facilitating NNPC's hitch-free operations.

A statement in Abuja by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs, Dr. Kennie Obateru, noted that while speaking at the event, the NNPC GMD commended the security agencies for their support and called for more protection for NNPC’s operational assets and personnel.

Kyari stated that though petroleum products theft on the System 2B Pipeline had reduced due to support from the security agencies,

the nation was still losing about 200,000 barrels of crude oil daily to theft and vandalism.

He said: “We have two sets of losses, one coming from our products and the other coming from crude oil. In terms of crude oil losses, it is still going on.

On average, we are losing 200,000 barrels of crude every day.”

Irabor promised to galvanise the military to provide maximum security for the nation’s oil and gas assets.

While highlighting the importance of the engagement, he stated that the collaboration had further strengthened the military's resolve to protect lives and property.

“I am delighted that you made this effort, and I tell you that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will collaborate with you to protect NNPC’s assets,” he added.

Irabor, who acknowledged the significant role of the oil and gas sector in the economy, said there was a need for collaboration between the NNPC and the armed forces to protect oil and gas facilities, which he described as critical national

assets.

“It is my intention to cooperate maximally with you and to give necessary instructions to all officers in

the armed forces given that our existence, economically, rests almost solely on the NNPC. To that extent, we must do everything possible

to give you everything that you require,” the CDS stated.

According to him, for the sake of the nation's

economy and infrastructure, the armed forces will not relent in ensuring that lives and property nationwide are safeguarded.

SOOTHING BALM...

Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum (left), during his visit to the victims last Tuesday rocket attacks on Maiduguri in the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri…yesterday

United Capital Grows Full Year’s Profit by 61% to N8bn Delights shareholders with 70k dividend Goddy Egene Foremost pan-African financial and investment services group, United Capital Plc, an associated company of the UBA Group has defied the headwinds in the operating environment to record double-digit growth across major income lines for the year that ended December 31, 2020.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant challenging operating environment, United Capital also recorded a 50 per cent growth in gross earnings to close at N12.87 billion in December 2020, compared to N8.59 billion in 2019.

On an account of a significant 54 per cent increase in investment in financial assets, United Capital’s total assets also rose by 48 per cent to N224.75 billion in the period under review, compared to N150.46 billion recorded at the end of the 2019 financial year. Shareholders’ funds also grew to N24.43 billion rising by 25 per cent from 19.59 billion in 2019.

The investment banking institution leveraged on increased efficiency to deliver an impressive 61 per cent growth in profit before tax (PBT) to N7.95 billion compared with N4.95

billion at the end of 2019.

Similarly, profit after tax (PAT) stood at N7.81 billion, showing an increase of 57 per cent above the N4.97 billion it closed in 2019.

On the back of the strong performance, the directors of United Capital have proposed a dividend of 70 kobo per share, amounting to a total of N4.2 billion dividend to be paid upon ratification by shareholders at its forthcoming annual general meeting.

The 70 kobo dividend per share, which is higher than the 50 kobo per share declared in 2019, is payable to shareholders whose names appear on

the register of members at the close of business on March 5, 2021.

Commenting on the company's performance, the Group Chief Executive Officer, United Capital Plc, Mr. Peter Ashade, expressed delight in the performance, which according to him is cheering news despite the challenges that most companies faced in the year 2020.

He said: “I am pleased to inform all stakeholders that United Capital delivered impressive returns amid the unprecedented environment worsened by the pandemic during the 2020 financial year with remarkable

double-digit growth in revenue, PBT and PAT and solid performance across key business parameters.

“This empowers us to adopt a more positive outlook for the year 2021 as we navigate the tough terrain compounded by a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among other severe economic challenges.”

Speaking on its plan for the 2021 financial year, Ashade said: “Despite the tough operating environment, all stakeholder groups can be assured of our commitment to providing best-in-class solutions to

diverse client segments and delivering superior returns to shareholders even as we work with regulatory authorities to strengthen the broader financial system as the domestic economy continues on the path to recovery in the year 2021.”

United Capital Plc is a leading pan-African financial and investment services group, with a mission to provide bespoke and innovative value-added services to its client. The group aims to transform the African continent by providing innovative and creative investment banking solutions to governments, companies, and individuals.

Labour Gives Conditions to Support Refineries’ Privatisation Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday hinged its support for the planned privatisation of the country's refineries on the process being opened, transparent and allowing every Nigerian, including workers, to buy shares in the entities.

However, it rejected the suggestion that the organised labour should float an import facility and join in the fuel import business.

The organised labour and the federal government have

been negotiating a way out of the looming hike in petrol price which became apparent following the rise in the cost of crude oil in the international market.

At the last meeting between the two parties in Abuja, where they considered the report of the Technical Committee on Petrol Pricing Framework, NLC and TUC rejected a proposal by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to raise the pump price of fuel.

But NLC President, Dr. Ayuba Wabba, told

THISDAY yesterday that labour would ensure that workers and Nigerians are not shortchanged in the supply of petroleum products by marketers.

On the moves to privatise the refineries, Wabba called on the federal government to review the privatisation process in order to make it more open and transparent.

He said the organised labour would insist that workers and ordinary Nigerians should be allowed to participate in the process and buy shares if they so desire.

"What we are telling the government is that if you are selling the refineries, make it also available to the public as is done in other countries.

Don't think that only you can share it. Workers can also buy into it if they are allocated shares. Even in the law, like when the electricity sector was privatised, there was a provision that two per cent should go to workers.

The government didn't allocate that.

"What I am saying is that Nigeria workers can buy shares in the refineries.

We can mobilise Nigerian

workers. Why should it be that only portfolio carriers that should be allocated slots?" he said.

He also faulted the privatisation of the power sector, saying the process was not transparent.

"They just shared it among themselves and when you hear privatisation and concession in Nigeria, that is what it is and this is what we don't want," he said.

On the continued importation of petrol, Wabba said labour had no business trading in petroleum products, but

in ensuring that workers are shortchanged by distributors and markets of petroleum products.

"We are not businessmen.

We have unions in the oil and gas sector; they can play that role. We are not marketers. Our interest is to defend and protect the interest of Nigerian workers and Nigerians in general and that has been the role of NLC for over a decade now,” he stated.

According to him, their interest has always been to let Nigerians get the product at an affordable rate.

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PAGE NINE NO LEGAL BASIS FOR DIALOGUE WITH BANDITS, SENIOR LAWYERS INSIST Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN); former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu; Mr. Dayo Akinlaja (SAN) and Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN), spoke yesterday in separate interviews with THISDAY against the backdrop of negotiations with the bandits in order for them to end attacks on various communities in the affected states.

A Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abubakar Gumi, has been visiting the bandits’ enclave and has called for amnesty for the criminals, whom he said were carrying out reprisals for the injustices done to them by agents of the state.

Gumi, addressing journalists recently in Minna, Niger State capital, after visiting the camps of the bandits terrorising the state had called on the federal government to grant those willing to make peace ‘blanket amnesty’ if the current security situation must be tackled.

“The federal government should give them blanket amnesty, then if somebody continues, then we will deal with them,” he had said while giving updates on the demands of the bandits.

Gumi explained that some of the complaints of the bandits were that they were being killed and maimed unjustly.

“The outcome (of his visit) is very positive. We have many factions and each faction is saying ‘I have complaints and grievances – we are persecuted, we are arrested, we are lynched,” the cleric said, quoting the bandits.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has also reportedly expressed its readiness to enter into dialogue with the bandits to resolve the current security challenges.

The Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, reportedly said on Tuesday when he led some members of the forum on a solidarity visit to the Niger State Governor, Mr. Sani Bello, in Minna, the state capital, that it was imperative to consider dialogue in order to protect lives and property.

“We also need to explore other avenues side by side with whatever the security institutions are doing if that means engaging in dialogue.

We may not have a choice. We may have to do that, anything to help us to deal with this immediate crisis and then to begin to address it on a much longer time basis, the root causes of this social dislocation

responsible for what we are witnessing, all around us,” Fayemi said.

However, the lawyers condemned any form of dialogue with the bandits, saying that negotiating with them amounts to an admission that government and the people are helpless in tackling the current security crisis.

They warned that dialogue should not be encouraged and called for the arrest of those dealing with bandits so as not to create the impression that government is an accomplice.

Azinge said it is unacceptable to engage criminals.

“In all criminal jurisprudence, you will always see that the issue of conspiracy to commit a crime or the issue of aiding and abetting the crime has always been criminalised,” he stated.

He added that anyone who negotiates with suspected criminals, whether authorised or not, is aiding and abetting crime.

"This is not something that should be encouraged in any form. It is another way of saying that government is boldly and clearly saying that it has lost grip and is no longer in control," he stated.

According to him, those negotiating with the bandits are now trading in criminality because it raises the question as to how they knew the bandits and determine the right people to meet.

He said the negotiators must have foreknowledge of what was to come for them to know where to go to and the person to meet.

"It is a collective insult on our sensibilities for people to say that they have gone to negotiate with bandits. We condemn banditry in its entire ramification. We condemn all forms of criminality, but we should be very careful when the impression been given directly or indirectly, with or without the connivance of government at any level is that we have suddenly found ourselves in a situation that we are now trading with bandits and indirectly encouraging criminality one way or the other," he said.

He said negotiators believed that they were doing Nigerians a favour.

“That is why they can come out boldly but it is important for us to make it known to them and to make it known to anybody who cares to listen that anyone who is seen to be negotiating whether on behalf of the government or on behalf of any group of people and in the process trying to trade with bandits in any form of negotiations

are conspiratorial - they are aiding and abetting and to that extent are responsible and liable for all that is going on," Azinge said.

Similarly, Odinkalu condemned negotiation with bandits, saying they have committed offences against the laws of the land and must be punished, accordingly.

He said: "This is not necessarily a matter on which the constitution provides specific instructions. You have to read the tea leaves and other things. It is rather simple to do so.

"Look, the constitution guarantees a right to life for every Nigerian and makes it a crime to kill another without lawful justification.”

He added that reprisal, such as Gumi was speaking about, is not the lawful justification for killing.

“So, that is a crime.

Government has a duty to ensure accountability for such crime, not to negotiate it away,” he said.

Akinlaja said there was no legal basis for negotiating with bandits or any criminals.

"Assuming without conceding that there is a legal rule that allows for negotiation with criminals, the very heinous, traumatic and pervasive nature of the banditry that has seemingly held our nation by the jugular would even make it an exception to that rule," he stated.

Akinlaja said the newlyemerged scenario whereby “ordinary civilian” would easily know the location of bandits and effortlessly engage them in negotiations while the security agents would appear unable to locate the same bandits was not only disturbing but fuelled the conspiracy theory gaining traction.

He described the development as bothersome, saying that there is no section of the constitution or any known law that sanctions what is going on at the moment.

According to him, what is envisaged by the law and the constitution is that whoever commits a crime would be apprehended and dealt with in accordance with the laws and procedures.

"The tragedy of the present situation is that it sends a signal to all and sundry that all is not well with our security architecture as a nation," he said.

While he did not describe those negotiating with the bandits as accomplices, he said the ease with which they locate and meet with the bandits in their “fortress/forest hideouts” called for serious concern.

Akinseye-George described negotiating with bandits as an admission of state failure.

"Those who negotiate with bandits may indirectly be encouraging banditry," he said.

Akinseye-George distinguished between what is currently going on and amnesty, stating that amnesty involves a change of heart on the part of the wrongdoers and surrender of arms in exchange for amnesty.

"But where government and others pay ransoms to bandits without proper arrangement to recover their arms, the bandits are empowered and provided more resources to attack the state. That fosters more banditry because others are encouraged to go into it," he said.

According to him, unless the bandits surrender their arms and show remorse for their heinous deeds, negotiating with them is a waste of time and a way of looting the treasury.

"Where for instance, bandits are paid to release their victims, how is the payment to be accounted for? Who got what, when and how much? The government must not always be on the defensive when it comes to providing security,” he said.

According to him, the government should not be reacting after the bandits have struck and perpetrated dastardly acts.

He urged the government to recruit and train Special Forces (SFs) to go on the offensive.

He also recommended that the SFs should be specially equipped and well-resourced to recover as many illegal arms as possible.

“They should go into the nooks and crannies; into the dark spots, the forests, and other hideouts. They should be equipped with special communication gadgets like the commandos,” he said.

He said many Nigerians might be willing to pay a special security levy to improve

the security situation in the country so that people could go about their legitimate businesses without fears.

He said no price is too much to pay for security, adding that the fund should be managed by the private sector and well accounted for.

He, however, urged the government to label the herdsmen, rustlers, militants and other violent extremists as terrorists, adding that state governors who use security votes to buy private jets, property and organize parties should be made to account for the fund.

Akinseye-George also called for an overhaul of the nation's security architecture.

"We also need to minimise the use of cash in the country.

This is easy if the government is serious. Young people will be engaged to provide financial services, including making payments in rural areas. It should be possible to trace any major transactions. All unregistered telephone lines without NIN should be suspended until regularised. So, it’s not about negotiating with bandits. It is about overhauling the entire security system of the country," he added.

Let’s Understand Outlaws, Gumi Urges Nigerians But responding to questions on ARISE NEWS Channels last night, Gumi called for an understanding of the plight of the bandits and said they should not be referred to as criminals.

He also insisted on the need for the government to negotiate with the bandits, rather than declaring war against them.

Gumi raised the hope of Nigerians on the release of Kagara schoolboys who were kidnapped by bandits recently.

According to him, he had been praying for their release.

He said the initial challenge

was that the splinter group that kidnapped the students was not identified.

He, however, said the kidnappers have now been identified and that the boys would be released soon.

Gumi advised the government and Nigerians to put the past deeds of the bandits behind them and open a new chapter for negotiation in order to put an end to kidnapping and incessant killings of people in the country.

“The respected people in society – the clergy should approach them. They need people to bring them closer and show them the soft side.

You, as a journalist, should write things that will bring people together.

“Castigating and abusing bandits through the media will not address the issue.

Government and the clergies need to speak with the bandits and dialogue with them and they will listen. The government must help them to drop arms and criminalities and become good citizens of Nigeria,” Gumi said.

He explained that the bandits were not difficult to reach and that government could reach out to them through their relatives and Kinsmen, adding that even the BBC and the media are beginning to have access to them and interview them.

He said the use of force on the bandits by the military should be applied legally and not by extra-judicial killings through the use of the machinery of government to attack bandits.

He said although the bandits do commit a crime by killing innocent Nigerians, he insisted that the bandits justify their actions by the crime that the community committed against them.

“Government should, therefore, understand the grievances of the bandits and tell them to go and sin no more,” Gumi further said.

DEATH TOLL IN ROCKET ATTACK ON MAIDUGURI RISES TO 16 six people were lost at both hospitals after the initial 10 persons that were brought in dead.

“Three died before the break of day and the three others died this morning. We can only pray that no more death is recorded as there are few other persons in critical situation.”

A security source also confirmed that the death toll has risen from what the governor made public.

A press statement issued by the governor’s spokesman, Mallam Isa Gusau, had said

the governor was at the two hospitals yesterday to sympathise with those injured in the attack.

He said after Boko Haram fighters fired shots from Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs), on parts of the town, 10 persons were killed and 47 others were injured.

He stated that the RPGs were fired from Kaleri, an outskirt of Maiduguri, with grenades hitting Gwange and Adam Kolo communities, both densely populated areas in the inner city.

He said most of the deaths

occurred in Gwange, adding that one of the RPG shots hit a children's playground in the area.

The governor also spoke on the military regaining Marte from the insurgents.

He said he was not just pleased but also optimistic that the military would work hard to retain, continue its peace-building and stability efforts in ways that should ensure the insurgents do not take Marte again, or any other part of the state.

AFREXIM BANK APPROVES $2BN FOR COVID-19 VACCINES FOR NIGERIA, OTHERS the vaccination of its people, just like what happened with the HIV pandemic, leading to the death of 12 million persons before help came seven years later.

He said: “The African Union knows that unless you put the virus away, your economy can't come back. If Africa didn't do anything, it would become a COVID-19 continent when other parts of the world have already moved on.

“Recall that it took seven years during the heat of HIV for them to come to Africa after 12 million people had died.

“With the assistance of the AU, we were able to get 270 million vaccines and financing need of about $2

billion. Afreximbank then went ahead to secure the $2 billion. But that money for the 270 million doses could only add 15 per cent to the 20 per cent that Covax was bringing.”

He explained that African countries knew the implication of waiting for free vaccines, and it isn't the time to wait for handouts because other countries would naturally sort themselves out before coming to Africa.

Oramah added that the bank has also reached out to other partners to augment what is currently available, saying that as a coalition, Africa is taken more seriously than going individually to seek to acquire the vaccines.

On the $500 million facility

for the creative industry in Africa, he said it was currently accessible as lines of credit to banks, direct financing to operators and as guarantees.

He added that for instance, some movies had been approved in collaboration with Netflix.

He said the creative economy was increasingly recognised as a significant sector and meaningful contributor to Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but lamented that Africa has just one per cent of the share of the global creative industry.

Oramah stated that two years ago, the revenues from the creative industry globally was estimated at $2.3 trillion, with Africa accounting for between $20 billion and $23

billion, representing a small percentage of the global market.

“If you look also at the GDP, between $2.5 trillion to $3 trillion, depending on how you measure it, the share of creatives in that GDP, though it has risen, it's still one to two per cent, although in countries like Nigeria and South Africa, it has picked up a bit,” he said.

He stated that if the continent must make progress, it must find a way to break down the borders using digital technology and called for support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

In her remarks on the occasion, former DirectorGeneral of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Mrs.

Chinelo Anohu, and current Head of the African Investment Forum (AIF), urged Africa to move beyond potential to actual execution.

She said the AIF, overseen by the African Development Bank (AfDB), was established to attract investment to Africa, adding that it's not a talk show but highly transactional, including raising capital.

"Two years down the line, we have 118 deals down at different stages, totalling about $104 million. This figure is dynamic because as we speak, we are still originating and some deals are getting closed.

"Let's move away from potential and focus on deals that will change the continent.

We are focusing on growth areas,” she said.

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T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021

COMMENT

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

RESEARCH NIGERIANA AND TETFUND

The link between research and government policies needs special attention, writes Okello Oculi

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vaccine named ‘’RESEARCH NIGERIANA’’ is being deliberately and vigorously spread among Nigerians at home and in Nigerians in the Diaspora. Its first frontline administrators numbered 162 former and current university academics. They assembled inside Transcorp Hilton’s Congress Hall in Abuja and told to surge forth and invent Nigeria as a ‘’global world power’’ in undertaking research for promoting development.

Research costs more than money. It runs on dominant core cultural values built into the fabric of society. Goldsmith published a book titled ‘’SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER’’; suggesting bearing difficulties to gain a desired goal. It was illustrated by a story told to me by M.G. Smith a Caribbean-British anthropologist about his trip from Zaria City to Kaduna. The path he rode his bicycle on suddenly disappeared.

The bicycle crashed into a pit created by builders who had scooped soil for their craft. After he checked the condition of his bicycle, he noted blood from a broken front tooth. A first aid team from farms near bye nursed his body and soul. His research yielded a book that earned him fame. Malaria killed his contemporaries.

A tale repeatedly told to American graduate students is of a researcher who won cooperation among a Pacific island community by enduring a ritual in which an old woman chewed a mixture of fish, stew, and breadfruit and transferred it from her mouth into the waiting mouth of the young researcher. He swallowed it and washed it down with coconut water. The amused and delighted audience cheered his brave act of stooping to earn their hospitality.

A research trip to Bakalori Dam, now in Zamfara State, earned me an accusation of linkage with America’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Interviews with British construction staff provoked claim that, as a beneficiary of a Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship, I was sent to sabotage the credibility of Marxists at Ahmadu Bello University. My success would earn me American protection against Idi Amin Dada’s wrath in Uganda. My report would be included in a book by Dr. Yusuf Bala Usman.

Conducting research for ‘’Volunteer Service Overseas(VSO) and the European Union while travelling on good roads free of kidnappings and random killings, as well as easy access to petrol, allowed our team of local researchers to cover States of Niger, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Aba, Cross River, Bayelsa, Lagos, Kwara and Osun. The two agencies ensured good quality vehicles, accommodation, meals and per diem. No swamps

SEVERAL NOVEL PROJECTS AT AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY FOR PROMOTING RESEARCH AMONG YOUTHS MAY BE OF INTEREST TO TETFUND

were crossed.

These amenities were part of our income. It enabled access to vast spaces at a time when such capacity was becoming increasingly impossible. External counterparts’ were paid at rates tightly covered by a conspiracy of silence. A Nigerian-Norwegian citizen would not risk losing his benefits by leaking such information. Accident and general Health Insurance was not offered to us. The equivalent of written conditions stipulated by the European Union was lacking in Nigeria.

The link between research and government policies; interests of private companies; civil society groups (including religious organisations), needs special attention in Africa. Ministries of Foreign Affairs have shown little presence in studies and research projects by students in local and overseas universities. Studies on emerging powers, notably: China, India, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico and Australia have received scanty promotion by both governments and business group.

Listeners on a radio station for African, Caribbean, Asian and South American immigrants in the Washington, D.C. area reacted harshly to my statement in a live interview that I was researching relations between American elected officials and their constituencies for possible lessons for African countries. It was considered scandalous to event think that the United States can hold lessons for those building democracy in Africa. They had, however, not done research on the subject.

Likewise, the Nigerian Diaspora in Britain has neglected to study the role of the Queen in governance by touring local governments.

Several novel projects at Ahmadu Bello University for promoting research among youths may be of interest to TETFUND. Pioneer students of ‘’International Studies’’ also travelled by road across ECOWAS Member States. Between 1978 and 1990, students presented annual dramatised simulations of SUMMITS of the Organisation of African Unity by African Presidents.

A similar project has been varyingly undertaken annually by Secondary Students at ‘’Day Secondary School’’ at Lungi Barracks; ‘’Olumawo Basic School’’, and ‘’Anglican Girls Grammar School’’ – all in Abuja. Research on African countries is through collecting data from newspapers, magazines, and Google’s library. Guidance and dramatised skills are provided by trainers sourced by AFRICA VISION 525 INITIATIVE, an NGO promoting knowledge about Africa.

A major gap in the project is a slow rate in borrowing from Japan’s record in anchoring political and industrial governance in core injunctions of Buddhism. TETFUND should consider ‘catching them young’.

RE: BANE OF UNCONTROLLED POPULATION Jerry Okwuosa argues that it is not the number of persons but the quality that is the problem

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his refers to your editorial of Jan. 13, 2021 titled Bane Of Uncontrolled Population.

We have noticed that similar opinions are cropping up at regular intervals so it will be heartwarming if contrary views can be accommodated by your esteemed daily in spite of the prevailing cancel culture. Permit us to address specific quotes from the editorial in question to clarify issues. The editorial claims that “Going by the United Nations projection, the overall population of Nigeria is also expected to hit the 400 million mark by 2050 … and 700 million by 2100…

These are danger signals that should worry critical stakeholders especially the government”. It is amidst this gloom and doom about overpopulation that in July 2020 a team of researchers at the University of Washington’s (UW) Institute for Health Metrics and evaluation actually took a hard look at the numbers and have published what they saw in The Lancet.

First, the UW researchers noted that family sizes have been dropping for decades. Whereas in 1950 women worldwide had an average of 4.7 children over their reproductive lifetimes, by 2017 that number had been cut in half, to 2.4 children. They predicted that the number of children per woman will continue to decline, falling to well below 2.1 children per woman by the year 2100.

A fertility rate of 2.1 children constitutes “replacement rate fertility.” It’s called this because at that level of fertility the father and the mother have merely “replaced” themselves, neither adding to, nor subtracting from, the population. Any fertility rate above 2.1 means the population will keep growing.

Any fertility rate below that level means that the population will be shrinking over time.

This is already the case in dozens of countries around the world, where for a generation or more couples have been averaging fewer than two children. Italian women, for instance, are averaging only 1.33 children. This means that – barring a huge uptick in Italian fertility – the Italians won’t be around for much longer, at least in any numbers.

But when will the entire world fall below replacement rate fertility? How far below replacement will it fall? And what does this mean in terms of total numbers?

Just like the editorial has done, for decades the doomsayers at the U.N. Population Division (UNPD), UNFPA, WHO and elsewhere have insisted that

the population of the world will continue growing throughout the present century. The U.N. Population Division’s latest forecast predicts that the population will reach almost 11 billion by 2100 (10,880,000,000) and will still be growing.

The UW researchers predict that global population will peak at 9.7 billion around 2064, before falling to only 8.8 billion by the end of the century. This is two billion fewer than the U.N. projects. Surprisingly, Nigeria is currently at 2.7 children per woman so it is impossible, at this TFR, to hit 400 million in 2050 as the editorial predicted.

Europe, sad to say, is in its demographic winter and the European Union is fervently appealing for improvement in its TFR, otherwise immigrants will take over Europe with dire consequences, etc.

Governments in different parts of the world have experimented with policies to try to get their people to have more not less children, but there isn’t yet any example which demonstrates real success. Can you imagine that in Russia, which was the first country in the world to legalize abortion as a population control measure in 1920, President Putin pays $9,000 to any Russian woman for a second child? Even the Singapore government offers $20,000 per new baby and a South Korean County offers $100,000 to any family of three children.

The editorial stated further that “…They could also point to China and India as countries with huge populations harvesting their ‘demographic dividends’… Yet, the fact being ignored is that China, for decades, managed its population with its one-child per couple policy while the Indian state encourages some form of family planning.” China’s one-child policy started in 1979 and was discontinued after 336 million baby girls were killed by abortion.

India is going through a similar experience – over there girls pay dowries to get married to boys, and so poor families who cannot afford dowries routinely aborted girl babies. The population control policies of these two most populous countries at a point resulted in a shortfall between them of 70 million marriage-age women and consequently women were being kidnapped and taken to faraway regions of their countries for marriage. In most climes, boys are preferred to girls to maintain the family name, but once you interfere with the natural ratio of boys to girls (105 to 100) at birth, the undesirable consequences are automatic.

Concluding, the editorial stated that “…Nigeria’s young population could be a demographic advantage but only if policymakers can design appropriate policies that will improve the productive capacities of our people and put our people to work…. The high rate of out-of-school children and poor output in the education sector also contribute negatively to deepening this problem as the nation churns out a crop of uncompetitive youth in a new world driven by technology, skills and knowledge.” This really is the crux of this matter of Nigeria’s seeming overpopulation. So, it is not the numbers but the quality of the persons. And to address this let’s listen to Pope John Paul II 1991 Encyclical: Centesiumus Annus “Man …. is God’s gift to man”: “Indeed, besides the earth, man’s principal resource is man himself. His intelligence enables him to discover the earth’s productive potential and the many different ways in which human needs can be satisfied. And so, the world’s potentialities along with human ingenuity are more than sufficient to satisfy present and future needs.” We must accept that the human intellect is the world’s ultimate resource.

We agree entirely with Brian Clowes because it stands to reason that “Only a simple-minded, one-level thinker would ever believe that having too many babies causes poverty. It is war, corruption in governance and greedy rich people who do this in poor nations.”

Even the UW study exaggerated future fertility, primarily by assuming widespread lack of access to “modern methods of contraception.” It is sad to note that African, Asian, and Latin American countries are flooded with contraceptives, available free to virtually anyone who wants them and so the claim that there are vast numbers of Third World women with an unmet need for contraception is not grounded in reality. This is sad indeed because African women want babies. The UW’s lowest projection, which assumes that contraceptives are available to everyone who wants them on an accelerated schedule, forecasts that global population will peak in 2046 at 8.5 billion, declining by 2100 to 6.289 billion.

The closing words of the study are however sobering: “Global population is likely to peak well before the end of the century. Given that we forecasted that societies tend towards a TFR lower than 1.5, once global population decline begins, it will probably continue inexorably.” This is in line with

Steven W. Mosher’s - the President of the Population Research Institute - comments in the Wall Street Journal in 1997: “Humanity’s long-term problem is not going to be too many children, but too few: too few children to fill the schools and universities, too few young people entering the work force, too few couples buying homes and second cars. In short, too few consumers and producers to drive the economy forward. The imploding markets of Europe and the economic sluggishness of Japan will spread soon enough to the U.S. and the rest of the world. Why spend hundreds of millions of dollars a year on contraception and sterilization that will only bring that day closer?”

As for the assumption that contraceptives will be available to everyone who wants them let us highlight the imminent dangers contraception poses to all women. The manufacturer- approved conclusion is that “No contraceptive can guarantee 100% effectiveness”. And contraceptive failure leads to abortions which kill babies and causes myriads of problems for their mothers, fathers, siblings, etc.

As for hormonal contraceptives, we would like to recall that the WHO in a Sept. 2005 report, classified hormonal contraceptives (synthetic hormones) as class 1 carcinogens in the same category as arsenic, asbestos, tobacco, formaldehyde, etc. In approving the use of these pills, is the WHO not concerned that women are putting these cancer-causing chemicals in their bodies daily? Contraceptive pills do not protect against HIV/AIDS or other STD and some (Depo-Provera etc.) are known to increase the risk of HIV transmission in women. One Pill manufacturer listed 37 possible side effects of the contraceptive pill (disorders, blood clots, cancers and death). Besides, contraception promotes promiscuity and contracepting parents beget fornicating children.

Even none chemical forms of birth control have negative consequences. For example, women who use barrier methods of contraception such as the condom, are deprived of the beneficial effects of over two dozen biological ingredients in semen, which have been shown to elevate a woman’s mood and decrease the likelihood that she will experience pre-eclampsia during childbirth because her immune system is more able to recognize her husband’s sperm and his offspring.

Dr Okwuosa is DG Project for Human Development

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T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021

EDITORIAL CURBING THE RISING ETHNIC TENSION The authorities should act decisively to end the scourge of criminality

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orried by the growing violence and deadly ethnic clashes across the country, former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar last week raised the alarm that Nigeria was hurtling down the slope. “It is true that we are all in a state of fear and collective anxiety,” said Abubakar who is Chairman of the National Peace Committee. That ethnic clashes are exacerbating the challenges of insurgency, banditry and armed robbery already suffocating the country is no longer in doubt. The fear is that the situation could degenerate into anarchy.

Abubakar’s latest warning was prompted by the violent clashes between some Hausa and Yoruba traders at the Shasha market in Ibadan, Oyo State that almost shattered harmonious relations cultivated over the decades. It was a little misunderstanding between a cobbler and a cart pusher that resulted in the mayhem with many houses, shops and business premises reduced to rubbles. The crisis was serious enough to attract soldiers and amoured personnel carriers while the Nigeria Governors’ Forum mandated four of its members to visit the scene to help calm frayed nerves. “For decades, traders from THE NATIONWIDE the North have done business with their FARMERS-HERDSMEN brothers from the CRISIS HAS SHARPENED Southwest and they ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS have lived in peace and TENSIONS AND even inter-married,” INCREASED POLITICAL said Vice President Yemi POLARISATION ACROSS Osinbajo.

THE COUNTRY Sadly, the Ibadan clashes came at a time of increased tensions between herdsmen and farmers across the country. Some states in the Southwest have seen a surge in inter-community conflicts in recent months between farmers and herders over cattle grazing and general banditry. Some of the herders were accused of outright impunity - killing, kidnapping and raping women on their farms. But the growing criminality cannot be blamed only on herders.

Indeed, Nigeria has witnessed increased cases of insecurity and inter-ethnic clashes in recent times. But the nationwide farmers-herdsmen crisis has sharpened ethnic and religious tensions and increased political polarisation across the country.

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T H I S DAY EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI AJAYI, DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN, MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

T H I S DAY 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 BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA

ccording to Amnesty International, violent clashes over land and resources killed more than 2,000 people in 2018. A combination of climate change and insurgency in the Northeast is forcing some herders to move southwards, bringing them in close contact with farmers and raising tensions due to resource scarcity. Benue, the bread basket of the nation, for instance, is badly hit, resulting in the loss of many innocent lives and the displacement of many thousands. The state is still nursing its bruises. In the last few days, the Governors of Benue State Samuel Ortom and his Bauchi State colleague, Bala Mohammed have engaged one another in a shouting bout over the activities of the herders.

Last week, President Muhammadu Buhari called for unity, urging religious and community leaders to work together.

He warned against using ethnicity for political leverage.

However, some regional leaders have accused the president of not acting decisively to address the herdsmen menace. Some of the utterances of the administration are at best stoking up ethnic flames.

The failure of the government to deploy effective security and law enforcement action against these criminals has created a dangerous vacuum that is increasingly filled by selfdefence measures by several communities across the nation.

We have consistently urged the government to shun discriminatory policies that helped fuel ethnic tensions and treat inter-communal violence as a criminal, rather than political, problem. “Nigerian authorities can and should take urgent steps to ensure that the perpetrators of communal violence, including mass murder, are investigated and prosecuted, and that victims are provided restitution or compensation for their enormous losses,” said Human Rights Watch.

President Buhari should act decisively to end the scourge of criminality. The Ibadan incident must be investigated and the criminals brought to justice. The consequences of inaction are grave.

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Agricultural Production And Development Of The Economy

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he agricultural sector is seen as an engine that contributes to the growth of the overall economy of Nigeria. Despite these efforts, the sector is still characterized by low yields, low level of inputs and limited areas under cultivation due to government dependence on a mono-cultural economy based on oil. The sector faces many challenges, notably an outdated land tenure system, lack of access to finance, poor road network, supply-chain linkages, violent conflict, outdated system of agriculture, etc. Still, the relationship between agriculture and development in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized.

As a roadmap to attaining development, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.

At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth.

Nigeria is a member state of the United Nations and if the SDGs is anything to go by, it shows that 70% of the development target group of the SDGs live in rural areas and are dependent on agriculture for a living. Invariably, reducing

poverty, improving nutrition and general well-being of the population would imply improving the livelihood of this majority and this hinges critically on the performance of the agricultural sector.

Nigeria budget is usually benchmarked on crude oil price while the agricultural sector is not much on the scene but that contributes more to the development in the country. According to the latest report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in 2020, agriculture provided 23.63 per cent of Nigeria’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP), followed by trade 14.94 per cent and telecommunication 12.18 per cent.

The oil sector that is usually given more attention contributed only 8.16 per cent to the GDP in 2020. In 2019, the oil sector contributed 8.78 per cent while agriculture contributed 25.16 per cent. If we even pry further, we will see that trade, telecommunication and the manufacturing sector contributed more to the GDP of Nigeria when compared to the oil sector.

So why so much noise about the oil sector?

If we go down history, we will realize that agriculture has been the mainstay of the economy since independence and despite several bottlenecks; it remains a resilient sustainer of the populace. In the 1960s, Nigeria was the world’s largest exporter of groundnut, the second-largest exporter of cocoa and palm produce and an important exporter of rubber and cotton.

A recent report by StatiSense, an international statistics firm with expertise in providing data services such as analytics, research, reporting, etc., has shown that Nigeria is the largest

producer of Pineapples in Africa and the seventh producer in the world. Nigeria also took second place as the largest producer of Tomatoes in Africa and the 11th producer in the World.

The report which was released in December, 2020 showed the position of Nigeria as regards the agricultural production capacity, referencing documents from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) which is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.

The data also revealed that Nigeria is the largest producer of Yam in the World, accounting for over 70 to 76 per cent of world production. Nigeria also came in the fourth position with 2.4 per cent in the production capacity of Oil Palm Fruit in the world with Indonesia taking the first position with 59.8 per cent, Malaysia 24.1 per cent.

The relationship between the agricultural sector and other sectors should not be a competition but rather be viewed as interdependent where supply and demand in sectors can be accommodated through strengthened linkages. Neglect of the agricultural sector in favour of the oil sector will only lead to slow economic growth and inequality in income distribution. Therefore, even though agriculture may be unable to singlehandedly transform an economy, it is a necessary and sufficient condition in kick-starting industrialization in the early stages of development.

Victor Ejechi is the Media and Communications Specialist with StatiSense

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THURSDAY FEBRUARY 25, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Bawa Gets Senate’s Confirmation, Promises to Rebrand EFCC Denies selling seized assets Deji Elumoye and Udora Orizu in Abuja A new Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is in the offing, its Chairman, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, promised yesterday moments before the Senate ratified his nomination

by President Muhammadu Buhari to head the nation’s foremost anti-graft agency.

He pledged to rebrand the agency and run an open door policy.

Bawa, at his pre-confirmation screening, also denied allegations that he sold some seized assets when he was in the Port Harcourt zonal office of the agency.

After over two hours of grilling by senators, the Senate at plenary, confirmed the nomination of Bawa as the substantive chairman of the EFCC. Bawa’s confirmation ended the six-year absence of a substantive chairman for the anti-graft agency as the Eighth Senate thrice failed to confirm the former acting Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, for the job.

Bawa, a 40-year-old Economics graduate took turns to answer questions from senators with the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, moderating the screening.

He answered questions bordering on economic and financial crimes, among other issues, and laid out his plans for the commission.

He assured them that the anti-graft agency under his watch will be transparent and accountable.

He said he would work

closely with other strategic partners around the world, particularly the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa and others, sharing information and intelligence with them in order to attain the mutual objectives as well as independent objectives, particularly recovering assets and ensuring the country gets rid of financial crimes.

Bawa stated that his nomination generated hope for the youth across the country, and promised to be a good representative.

The EFCC under his watch, he said, would work on a proactive approach and not retroactive, adding that there is a need to adequately equip the EFCC Academy in line with modern-day realities of fighting financial crimes.

When asked how he plans to reposition the commission to ensure that the controversies that trailed his predecessors are not repeated, Bawa said he would work on the agency’s standard operating procedure with a view to improving on it.

He also said he would curtail the usage of discretion from the office of the executive chairman down to the ordinary person in the EFCC. Responding to question on access to EFCC information, Bawa said he would embark on the digitalisation of the agency so as to keep proper records as well as allow Nigerians to have access to information on EFCC operations.

He also dismissed the claim that he was arrested by Magu for undisclosed reasons, saying he has a good working

Ahmed: FG Reduced Duties on Vehicles to Control Inflation

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The federal government has disclosed that it has taken immediate steps to address the issue of inflation in the economy through reduction of import duties on commodities affecting food and transportation.

Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, who made this known yesterday while answering reporters’ questions after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, explained that the Finance Bill 2021, which was sent to the National Assembly for passage by President Muhammadu Buhari, is designed to cut some import duties on some commodities, including vehicles.

Shedding light on government’s plan to fight inflation, the minister said the two main target of the plan are the food and transportation sectors, saying government intends to make transportation affordable, thereby reducing the harsh conditions that had made food in inflation factor.

She said: “Inflation is high at 16.7 per cent and we’ve seen inflation inching up gradually over the last couple of months. So the question that was raised on the issue of reduction of import duties,

the simple response is it’s not effective. So when the bill is passed, first of all, we’ll have to wait for the bill to be conveyed to the President and then it’s conveyed to us and then we’ll convey it to the various agencies that have different roles to play and then they review the bill to roll out guidelines and directives for implementation. The Nigerian Customs Service has done that guidelines and have conveyed to all for implementation.

“But the point between that particular aspect and inflation is that the reason why we advocated and got approval for reduction of those import duty waivers is precisely because of inflation. When you look at the components that constitute inflation in our country, the largest contributor is food inflation and food inflation also, if you decouple it, the largest contributor to food inflation is the cost of transport.

According to her, ‘we will now look at how do we reduce the cost of transport because we can’t give every Nigerian money in their pockets to pay for transport. We figured that one of the good ways to do it is to reduce the acquisition of mass transit vehicles to reduce the acquisition cost of vehicles and tractors that are used for productive purposes like agriculture.

relationship with him.

On the sales of recovered assets, Bawa denied any involvement, saying the EFCC secretary is the only person authorised to dispose of recovered assets.

He said: ‘’The assets in question were sold by the EFCC secretary and three directors, who travelled from the headquarters to Port Harcourt to carry out the exercise. Anybody that’s familiar with the processes of EFCC knows that even the executive chairman of the EFCC doesn’t have the powers to dispose of a single asset.

“I’m saying this to confirm to Nigerians that I, as zonal head of EFCC, never for once sold a single asset in Port Harcourt. When I took over the Port Harcourt zonal office in January 2019, the

zonal office only recorded 33 convictions but because of the way we transformed the zonal office, we recorded 216 convictions within the year. We never sold anything. It was the head office that did everything.

We don’t know who but, who lost out in the auction and so on. Assuming that I did that, the EFCC would have been the first to punish me; they would have investigated and prosecuted me.’’

Addressing claims that the commission only probes members of the opposition party, Bawa faulted the notion, saying that regardless of the party in power, the EFCC probes all and those found culpable are taken to court for trial. ‘’The issue of political witch-hunt has been in EFCC

since its inception. When the EFCC came on board, a certain political party was in government and I’m aware that members of that political party were investigated and charged to court. “Currently, another political party is in power and members of that political party were also investigated and charged to court. ‘’When it comes to a court trial, the way we operate in the EFCC is that at the end of every investigation, files are sent to the legal department to vet and see whether or not, the investigation warrants any prosecution in court. We have had 90 per cent success rate of matters we have charged to court,” he added.

Asked if all recovered assets are being remitted to the government or not, he explained

that recoveries are made for the public or government and also individuals in the private sector.

These recoveries, he said, are shared among those concerned and not just the federal government.

“The EFCC is not only serving the public but the private sector as well. And recoveries are made for the public or government and of course individuals in the private sector. The Lagos zonal office recovered over N10.9 billion last year, all of that money does not belong to the government, either federal or state government, they all have their own shares.

Those are some of the disparities and I hope we are going to digitalise the process and be transparent and accountable going forward,” Bawa stated.

DISCUSSING OIL ASSETS PROTECTION …

Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari (left), and the the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Lucky Irabor, during the visit of the NNPC management team to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja ... yesterday

Again, Glo Boosts Nigeria’s Telecoms Industry Growth Data subscribers grew by 39% in 2020 Globacom has continued to lead the growth in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector with an impressive 39 per cent jump in its internet subscriber figure in the twelve months of 2020.

According to statistics published on the website of telecom industry regulator, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the sector grew by 28,145,458 new internet users from 125,728,328 at the end of December 2019 to 153,873,786 in December, 2020.

This represents a 22 per cent growth.

NCC had on Monday released a statement showing that the telecoms sector played a huge role in getting Nigeria out of recession with a

contribution of 12.45 per cent to the country Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Growth in internet subscription in 2020 was principally responsible for the contribution.

Data grandmasters, Globacom, recorded the most growth among the operators, moving from 28,934,439 data users at the end of 2019 to 40,106,659 at the end of 2020.

This is an addition of 11,172,220 new data subscribers or 39 per cent growth in the telecoms sub-sector. The figure is also by far higher than the 22 percentage growth recorded in the sector in the review year.

Globacom is followed by MTN which grew its data user figures by 21 per cent,

while Airtel recorded 20 per cent increase to place third.

Conversely, 9mobile recorded a loss during the period as data users on its network declined by 12 per cent.

The latest update is consistent with the data released last month by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The bureau noted that Globacom led the growth in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry in the third quarter of 2020.

Glo data services are powered by the huge capacity international submarine cable called Glo1, a wholly owned facility that brought unprecedented bandwidth from Europe to Nigeria and other West African countries.

In addition to Glo 1, Globacom owns a robust infrastructure and is the only operator in Nigeria with integrated domestic and International network.

Its high speed optic fibre network spans thousands kilometers covering almost the entire Nigerian landmass.

The network is configured in multiple ‘self-healing’ rings to ensure undisrupted service.

Globacom’s remarkable performance in the sector is believed to be a result of the continuous network upgrade which enhances data service delivery to its subscribers. It also offers subscribers attractive data packages with unmatched value.

Pirates Hijack Boat, 11 Passengers in Rivers Gunmen suspected to be pirates have hijacked a passenger boat conveying eleven travellers from the Bille Jetty in Port Harcourt to Bonny Island in Rivers State.

Chairman of the Bonny Maritime Union Workers, Mr. Henry Jumbo confirmed the incident yesterday in Port Harcourt.

Jumbo said the boat left the Bille Jetty in Port

Harcourt about 8am on Tuesday, adding that no word had been heard from any of the passengers that travelled in it, including the boat driver.

“Our boat that left Port

Harcourt yesterday with 11 passengers and the driver has been apprehended by unknown gunmen. We have not seen the boat, the driver and the 11 passengers since then,” Jumbo said.

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THURSDAY FEBRUARY25, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Armed Robbers Ambush Bullion Van, Kill Policeman in Delta Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

A policeman attached to Delta State Police Command was killed by dare-devil armed robbers,

who reportedly ambushed a bullion van conveying an undisclosed huge amount of money to Asaba from Agbor in Ika North-East Local

NDLEA Intercepts Container-load of Tramadol in Apapa Port

Government Area of the state.

The deceased policeman, identified as Mr. Sunday Ogar, who is an inspector, was in the team of a new generation bank’s special escort when the heavily armed bandits struck.

The Acting Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta Police Command, Mr. Frank Edafe, a deputy superintendent

of police (DSP), who confirmed the incident via an emailed statement issued last night, said that two other policemen escorting the bullion van also sustained gunshot wounds.

Edafe said that the two policemen were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Asaba, along with the late Ogar, and subsequently treated there.

The state police spokesman stated that two of the robbers sustained serious gunshot wounds following the ensuing fierce exchange of fire with the police escort team but managed to be taken away by their gang members.

The bandits also carted away a yet-to-be ascertained amount of cash from the bullion van.

According to the Delta PPRO, the incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at a point between Utulu and Ubulu-Okiti on the Benin-Asaba Expressway.

Although no arrests have been reported, the police spokesman assured that a “manhunt” for the fleeing criminals had already commenced in a bid to bring the culprits to book.

Arrests Indian, 89 Nigerians in Lagos The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has intercepted a container-load of Tramadol at the Apapa seaport in Lagos, just as its operatives have arrested 90 persons, including an Indian, during raids of some drug cartels in parts of Lagos where a total of 614.396 kilogrammes of various hard drugs were seized.

At the Apapa seaport, about two million capsules of Tramadol (precisely 1,994,400 capsules) tucked in 554 cartons were intercepted in the container, which was falsely declared to contain ceramic tiles. According to the Apapa seaport Area Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Samuel Gadzama, one of the containers bearing the illicit drug had been intercepted and seized in Kenya. “Though the second container found its way to Nigeria but the eagle eyes of our narcotic agents discovered it during a joint inspection of

the ship. We’re continuing with further investigations”, he stated.

In the same vein, operatives of the Lagos State Command of the agency has raided some drug spots in Agege, Ikorodu, Lekki, Okokomaiko and other parts of the state and dismantled major drug syndicates, arrested suspects and seized large quantities of hard drugs.

During the raids, a total of 90 suspects, including an Indian were arrested, while over 614 kg of various types of drugs were seized. According to the Lagos State Commander of the agency, Mr. Ralph Igwenagu, “the breakdown of the seizures is as follows: Cannabis Sativa 577.020 kg; Cocaine 0.183kg, Heroine 0.003 kg, Tramadol 36.202kg (7,697) tablets, Rohypnol 0.208kg (646) tablets, Diazapam 0.462kg (2066) tablets, Exol-5 0.52kg (316) tablets, making a total of 614.396kg of different types of hard drugs seized.”

Senate Okays N11.35bn 2020 Budget for Police Trust Fund Deji Elumoye and Udora Orizu in Abuja The Senate has approved the sum of N11, 352, 457,101.70 as the year 2020 budget for the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), the implementation of which will lapse by April 30, 2021.

The approval at the plenary yesterday was sequel to the consideration of the harmonised report of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Police Affairs.

Presenting the harmonised report, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Halliru Jika, submitted that the joint committee observed that “this is the first budget of the NPTF since the Establishment Act came into being in 2019.”

According to him, “Only the 0.5 percent of the total revenue accrued to the federation account and 0.5 percent of the total VAT were remitted to the NPTF account,” adding that: “Other sources of revenue as prescribed in the NPTF Establishment Act have not made any remittance.”

He, therefore, called on the NPTF to expedite action on the implementation of the 2020 budget in other to meet up with the April 30, 2021, deadline.

Giving a breakdown of the budget component, the senator said projected income was put at N34, 984, 314, 243, while N11,354,457, 101. 70 was for capital.

He, however, explained that the balance of N23,631,857,141.30 would be carried over to the 2021 budget of the NPTF.

SET FOR FEC MEETING...

L-R: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; new Aide – De – Camp (ADC ) to the President ,Lt . Col. Yusuf Muktar Dodo; and President Muhammadu Buhari, shortly before the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja …yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI

Buhari Approves Repatriation of Refugees in Cameroon, Niger, Chad Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the gradual return of Nigerian refugees in Cameroon, Niger and Chad to the country from February 27, 2021.

The Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Senator Basheer Garba Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement yesterday.

Mohammed said that the commission has commenced

work on construction of massive housing units to resettle displaced persons under a project tagged the “IDPs Resettlement Cities,” that consisted of 600 units of two-bedroom bungalows each in the selected states.

The houses will be furnished and equipped with facilities for education, worship, skills acquisition and farmlands among others.

The commission has also distributed food and relief items to 1,500 households of the Bakassi Peninsula returnees.

The federal commissioner, who was represented at the occasion by the NCFRMI Director, Human Resources, Mr. AbdurRahman Wachiko, stated that the federal government has demonstrated great concern for the welfare of displaced persons in the country.

“In this regard, the federal government has empowered our commission and we have been carrying out distribution of items to displaced persons in many states of the federation consistently. As a matter of fact, we have visited a total of 15 states

in the last three months alone and the exercise continues,” Wachiko explained.

He further acknowledged the tremendous support of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Disaster Management and Social Development, Ms. Sadiya UmarFarouq, the state government, host communities and other interest groups while urging the beneficiaries to reciprocate federal government’s efforts by making good use of the items being distributed to improve their wellbeing.

NAF Crash Victims to be Buried Today Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Victims of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) plane, Beechcraft KingAir B350i (NAF 201) that crashed in Abuja would be buried with full military honours today.

The aircraft crashed as

it approached the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport after reporting engine failure in a bid to refuel.

The Nigerian Air Force announced the burial via an invitation sent to defence correspondents. It said the fallen personnel would be buried with

full military honours.

NAF said the burial activities would commence by 7:30 am at the National Military Cemetery, Airport Road Abuja today.

The victims of the ill-fated aircraft include Flight Lieutenant Haruna Gadzama (Captain), Flight Lieutenant Henry Piyo

(Co-Pilot), Flying Officer Micheal Okpara (Airborne Tactical Observation System Specialist), Warrant Officer Bassey Etim (ATOS Specialist), Flight Sergeant Olasunkanmi Olawunmi (ATOS Specialist) and Sergeant Ugochukwu Oluka (ATOS Specialist).

Diri Approves Promotion for Labour Pickets CAC Headquarters in Abuja the refusal of the management to and pledged to meet with the management has reached out Ezigbo in Abuja LG, Health Workers, Teachers Onyebuchi allow its employees to unionise. leadership of the NLC and the to labour to come for a meeting The workers made good its TUC today (Thursday) to trash today.

The Nigeria Labour Congress

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has approved the implementation of promotion for staff of local government councils, primary healthcare workers and primary school teachers in the state with effect from March 2021.

Diri gave the approval on Tuesday following the submission of the report of the Committee on Implementation of Promotions and N30,000 Minimum Wage by Local Government Councils chaired by the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

The 31-member committee was set up on October 30, 2020 to among others, look into issues bordering on the general welfare of local government staff, computing of their monthly wage bill based on promotions/ increment and the new N30,000

minimum wage.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said in a statement that he also approved other recommendations of the panel, which include a comprehensive ward-based audit of the councils’ payroll and personnel as well as the number of schools and health centres in their domain.

Others are a proper audit of the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) and Education Trust Fund (ETF) deductions while the state government would support resource-disadvantaged councils that are unable to meet their staff salary obligations. To this end, the government would augment by almost N200million their Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC) receipts and salaries shortfall.

(NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have commenced a three day picketing and protest at the headquarters of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) at Maitama, Abuja, over

threat to commence the picketing of the CAC yesterday.

Just as the picketing was in progress, the management of the CAC appealed to the workers to suspend the industrial action

out their grievances.

The President of the NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, who came back to urge the protesting workers’ to suspend the protest, assured them that the

The protest, which started as early as 8:00 a.m. yesterday morning, saw the premises of the commission blocked to prevent workers from gaining entry into the building.

Osun APC Elders Welcome Omisore to Ruling Party The All Progressives Congress (APC), Igbimo Agba, Osun, has thrown its weight behind the return a former deputy governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore to the progressives’ fold through his registration as APC member.

In a press statement personally signed by the Chairman of Osun APC Elders’ Council, Mr. Sola Akinwumi, the group expressed delight in the statesmanship and firm decision of the former

Senator in contributing to the development of the state.

Akinwumi, who is a former Chairman of Odua Group of companies, said “Democracy is a dynamic system of government by the people and for the people.

The fundamental basis of this system of government is hinged upon the fact that every citizen above a stipulated age as might be provided by the constitution of such country is qualified to join or register as a member of

any political party of his/ her choice at will” He stated further that the unsuspecting public should be abreast of the provision of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 as amended which allows any Nigerian of 18 years and above to freely join any political party at will.

He said based on the above latitude, the leadership of APC and the above body under his chairmanship noted that

the defection of Omisore and thousands of his followers from the SDP to the APC was heartily welcomed.

“Senator Omisore’s political sagacity and dexterity cannot be underestimated in Osun political map, especially with the calibre of important personalities with which he’s joining the APC; he’s coming with former ministers, former ambassador, former DG of parastatals, former Commissioners,” he explained.

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY FEBRUARY 25, 2021

POLITICS

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

‘When the Fulanis Attack, They Don’t Ask if You Are APC or PDP’

George Okoh interacts with Chief Steven Lawani, former Deputy Governor of Benue State.He was also a former National Deputy Chairman of the defunct National Republican Convention and a Senator on the platform of the United Nigeria Congress Party during the General Sani Abacha transition programme. He is currently a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress

H

ow would you assess the ongoing revalidation / registration exercise of the All Progressives Congress?

The exercise is still ongoing.

It’s two weeks from February 9. So we still have more days. But so far we have recorded success across the country than anticipated.

In fact, if you went round, you would have heard that they sent about 100 forms to each polling unit because the organizers didn’t anticipate that more than 100 members would come forward to register. Now we have about 2000 members registering in some places. So what they did is that after finishing the first 100 forms that were sent, polling stations nationwide got back to the organizers asking what to do next. So, we have instructed them to just register members names in the register without the forms. Therefore, APC has overshot expectations because more have registered than anticipated. So, in that regard, the exercise is a success. Those on ground would expect more facilities provided to them than we have provided. But by and large, I think it’s a success because as a stakeholder, I expected to fill up wherever there are shortfalls. In that regard, I think so far, everything is working well.

What would you attribute the success of the revalidation exercise to?

Like you say in religion, evangelism. The pastors did their work very well. In this case, the stakeholders have gone out and encouraged their members to come out in large numbers to register or that the members themselves, being overly enthusiastic about the exercise themselves have come out beyond expectations. That is why I can say that large numbers have come out to register.

You spoke about the revalidation exercise being orderly but we heard about a party ward chairman who was killed during the exercise here in Benue and crises in other states.

I said the exercise is successful, I didn’t say it was orderly. On the question of whether it was orderly or not, a panel.has been set up by the party to.look into cause of the death.

On Friday, we will be in Gboko for that. After hearing from all involved, then we will know the next line of action.

With the large turnout of APC members for the the exercise, do you foresee APC taking over Benue and Nigeria in 2023?

I’m being rationally selfish now because I’m an APC member. So, I’ll want APC to win. I’m seeking to contest and when I declare, I’m declaring to win. I’m not going to come and declare and then play games. I’m declaring to win election because I think I can do something. I’m running on the APC platform. Naturally and logically too, I want the APC to win.

There are already agitations ahead of 2023 and politicians are already networking. At the state level, some people want the governorship to go to Jechira and others are agitating for an Idoma governor. What’s your take on this?

I think we should not vote along ethnic lines. We should rather look at the characters that present themselves for election based on what they think is their ability to govern the state. They should look at them. A situation where an Idoma man would rather vote for his brother who is bad or who is known to be bad and they support him on ethnic line and vice versa is wrong. So, let’s vote on the ground of merit rather than on ethnic lines.

That is the way forward for now.

Lawani Would you also say the same for the presidency?

Of course I will but then I’ll explain.

Certain situations call for certain solutions.

Yes, because of the party system we operate, the parties decide who they think is best to make the party win election. They won’t put a Calabar man there when they know that the Calabar man will not make them win the election. But it is wrong to say that certain people are not fit to govern this country. I mean, the Igbo for instance, over the years have not been allowed to get it. Yes, they led us into the civil war but don’t generalize and say there’s no good person from there, there’s no good person from the west, no

good person from the north central zone and so on. Let’s look for the right person but as I said when you take it to a larger scale, a party that wants to win has the right to look for the person that will make them win. However, the system that brings out people that are certainly not the best for this country is not a good system.

A lot of people feel that this registration is uncalled for or it’s probably to reduce the influence and power of the National Leader of the Party, Bola Ahmed Tinubu because they fell he has overbearing powers and the only way they can checkmate him is to call for this party revalidation.

I love my country and I have held positions of responsibility in this country one of which is Deputy Governor of Benue State. I’m not going to sit down and tell you that all is well with Nigeria. All is certainly not well. I personally have spoken against what is happening and it is my desire that the government should put its ear to the ground and listen to what people are saying. In recent times, it has to do with perhaps things like appointments only of people from certain parts of the country. It has to do with other factors; so many things too numerous to name. They can be solved. It has to do with the recent #EndSars protest.

So, a lot of things have been enumerated. It is now up to those in authority to sit down and address these issues.

The parties, both the major parties including the ruling party have their solutions. It is time that we move fast, sit down and address these issues to halt further chaos in the country. That’s all I can say for now

How true is this?

When you say a lot of people, I ask whether it was a public hearing that led to this conclusion. All I can say is that I don’t know about what you are saying. I’m a party man taking directive from the party headquarters. And by the way, before I registered, Bola Tinubu registered and showed his registration form.

Bisi Akande did the same thing. So, if it is what you are saying, then, they wouldn’t have registered. I think, to the extent that it has some pluses that were least anticipated by even the organizers, I think we should give credit to what has happened. Whether it was meant to do some other things we will look at it. There is no party that has no internal problems. But I’m hoping that whatever problems we have, we can nip it in the bud quickly before the elections and to all persons, whether the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which is in opposition and APC which is the ruling party and the press and myself, the man on the street, let us put the interest of this country above self and above our individual interest. We have enough problems already bedeviling us. Our children go to school now for a three year course and end up doing it in six years. Let’s put the interest of this country forward. And to our leaders who have sworn to rule us properly both at the national and state levels, let them govern this large country well knowing that any small thing can really scatter us. Each time I leave Abuja to Makurdi, it is prayer on my mouth till I arrive because I don’t know whether I’ll be able to reach Makurdi without being stopped on the road. It was never so before.

And we have not seen the worst of things yet.

People are not farming again, so that means there’s going to be starvation in three to four years’ time because people are afraid of going to their farms. So, we have a lot of problems and we must put the interest of our nation far and above selfish interest.

Your party in 2019 lost Benue and one of the key issues the sitting party (PDP) used against your party was the Fulani crisis in Benue. Your party, the APC was accused of colluding with the presidency against the state especially on the Fulani invasion. What’s your take on that?

But was that accusation right? If APC colluded with the presidency wasn’t the home of the President himself attacked recently by herdsmen? So, there’s no collusion of any kind. It’s not true. Certainly, the Governor of the state (Governor Samuel Ortom) was right in crying out. It’s his job. He swore to an oath to protect his people. So, if he feels that something is going on that is not right, he has a right to cry out and he did it.

Following from that he came up.with the anti open grazing law. Today, all states are following from what he did. So, in a way, he did the right thing. But I wouldn’t sit here to say that the party in Benue colluded with Fulani. When the Fulani man comes to attack at night, does he ask whether you are PDP or APC? There have been calls from several quarters that the anti open grazing law should be repealed. Supposing you become the Governor of Benue State come 2023, will you repeal the anti open grazing law?

Even those who were against the anti open grazing law are today singing in praise of it.

The only way to solve these marauding cows is to put them in one place and ranching is the answer. In fact, I give credit to our Governor for setting the pace.

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

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY FEBRUARY 25, 2021

POLITICS DISSENTING VOICE...IN HIS OWN WORDS ‘Amnesty Should Not Apply to Criminal Herdsmen’ Charting the Way Forward Nseobong Okon-Ekong holds a discussion with for Ekiti Politics businessman and politician from Abeokuta, Ogun

State, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro. He is the grandson Sunday Osanyintuyi argues that the Peoples of the first Republic Premier of the defunct Western Democratic Party in Ekiti State will be better served with Kayode Adaramodu as its governorship flagbearer Region, Chief Dauda S. Adegbenro means of raising cattle. They should also procure the land for ranching and should not be purchased with government funds. It is like any other business and must be run like every other business by the owners. Not only is ranching more secure, it actually increases yield for both meat and dairy as well as improving the leather industry.

If properly harnessed, the herders and farmers will have a working synergy, security will be improved and as a corollary, educating the young herders will also be an added benefit.

The herdsmen should be trained on modern ranching methods for their cattle. There should be orientation and reorientation of the herders and farmers to foster better relationships and aid the security of the nation.

Adegbenro

R

ecently, President Muhamadu Buhari appointed new service chiefs, what is your take on the appointments?

Interestingly, this set of service chiefs happen to be all officers of the 34th, 36th and 35th Regular Courses from the Nigerian Defence Academy.

This is a welcome development as it is anticipated that there will be synergy and a lot of cooperation amongst the chiefs. They are amply qualified to hold their respective offices and while such appointments are at the President’s discretion, the onus of competency on the job lies on the chiefs themselves.

The Service Chiefs have assumed office at such a time that there is a lot of distrust and distress in the body polity because of crass insecurity across the entire nation. While their work seems cut out for them, it is also daunting at the same time. The security architecture of this nature is rather baffling as all efforts to contain insurgency and rout criminality seem to be failing. Just on 17 February, about 42 students were abducted from a Niger State school almost in a bid to show off the brazen nature of banditry in the land. Overall, the Service Chiefs are qualified, but they need our prayers and support to succeed.

Besides banditry, kidnapping and Boko Haram, how do you feel about the incessant clashes between the Fulani herdsmen and the farmers and how do you think the problem could be solved?

In fact, it is disheartening to note that despite the menace of some ‘criminal’ herdsmen and bandits across the land, such elements in the land are not treated as criminals but are being handled with kid gloves while the repercussions of their menace reverberate across the land.

The criminals amongst the Fulani herdsmen ought to be treated as criminals and prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the land or eliminated through tactical battlefield operations as applicable. The idea of amnesty or rehabilitation should not apply for criminals who have no ideology, demands or pleas. They are outright bandits who steal, kill and destroy and must be dealt with decisively.

So, in order to contain the menace of clashes between herders, farmers and indigenes, there must be outright legislation to halt itinerant grazing and establish ranching as the de facto

What is your take on the perceived marginalization of the Igbos in the scheme of things in Nigeria?

It is sad to note that the discontent in the land is occasioned by marginalization of many by entrenchment of a few. Despite the presence of the Igbos in military and paramilitary services, ppointments to top security and government positions elude them despite the obvious competence of Igbo personnel. The Igbos and indeed other tribes have equal rights to any military or paramilitary appointment, including Service Chiefs if suitably qualified.

Appointment in the army should be based on seniority in rank and it should be rotational. The right officers should be posted to where they can perform optimally. No officer should be posted to man a duty post where he is not competent to handle. If all these are put into consideration during postings, the officers would be motivated and encouraged to perform. I believe this is a key aspect they should look at when assigning responsibilities to their personnel.

Owing to the sensitivity of the matter, it can be raised and vigorously pursued through back-channel processes rather than through the media. The media may make things worse by inciting sentiments which may lead to a further clamour and thereby heat up the polity the more.

The polity is heated up already with the Igbo agitating for restructuring while the Yoruba have declared an outright war on the herdsmen. The other tribes caught in-between are not having it easier as the whole nation seems to be on a downward trajectory.

Are you satisfied with the appointment of a younger generation to head the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC)?

In fact, it is a laudable step in the right direction. The whole nation is clamouring for youth inclusion in governance.

This appointment is commendable as it pushes youth inclusion in a modern 21stcentury government. This new chairman is from the EFCC Academy and I understand he has the requisite qualifications to hold the office. This is also a clear departure from the past, when EFCC bosses were drawn from the Nigerian Police Force. Hopefully, he will have a different approach to fighting financial crimes in Nigeria using the advantage of age and knowledge of technological instruments of governance. It is hoped that he will act and respond to the dictates of his office with youthful vigour.

Adaramodu

T

he crisis and leadership tussle rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not limited to the party or to the South-west geopolitical zone. Even within each zone and at state levels, the battle for the soul of party structure has always been fierce and the South-western axis of the party is not left out. Ekiti state is one strong bone of contention as party stalwarts square off. The contention here is: who gets the party ticket for the upcoming 2022 governorship election in the state?

The in-fighting between ex-governors Ayodele Fayose, Segun Oni and party loyalists to Senator Biodun Olujimi threatens the very fabric on which the foundation of the party was laid in that state. In a recent interview, Mr. Kayode Adaramodu has dubbed this as merely a “friendly tango” and a competition of ideas among people of like minds with the belief that all issues will soon be resolved.

Kayode Adaramodu has remained a unifying factor in Ekiti PDP. Major stakeholders of the party see him as a bridge builder, who can unify all interest groups together. The dynamic young man with fresh ideas who many Ekiti indigenes across party lines have seen as being capable of charting a new way forward, has shown interest in the highly sought-after office of the governor. He strongly believes his party holds a better chance at wrestling power from the All Progressives Congress come 2022.

Mr Kayode Adaramodu, popularly known as Odundun, is a former General Manager of GT Bank and a UK-based Policy and Economic Consultant. He overcame monstrous odds and rose from humble beginnings to build a reputable career that has seen him transverse from Nigeria to many African countries, Europe and other parts of the world.

After a fulfilling career in the banking industry in Nigeria, he moved to the United Kingdom where he worked as a Business Analyst and Policy consultant for the DFID. He then went further working as an Economic Adviser at the UK Office for National Statistics where he provided relevant analyses needed to monitor and manage the UK economy by the Bank of England and Her Majesty’s

Treasury policymakers.

According to many, he is seen as a man of compassion, selflessness coupled with the drive and desire to serve and improve the lot of the average Ekiti youth. He has now returned home to answer the call of service for his people. Over the years, he has remained faithful, loyal and resilient to the PDP, shunning many high-level entreaties from other political parties.

He has built a reputable personal brand based on character, passion and integrity.

“We need to ensure that infrastructural services are efficient and reliable… we need to prioritise policies and programmes that will help in creating and integrating more stakeholders into the economy” Adaramodu said, when asked of his intentions for the state as regards infrastructure development which are critically lacking or inadequate in Ekiti right now.

He further stated that the private sector in the State needs rejigging in the areas of investment climate improvement, laying emphasis on the need to stimulate the MSMEs in the State for poverty alleviation.

His supporters who seem to be growing each day, believe he is a special breed of a man and politician. According to a young party loyalist, “Kayode Adaramodu is not your regular run-of-the-mill politician and he has the will and action to back up his words,” he said excitedly.

For Adaramodu, the decision to take part in the 2022 political process is borne out of his conviction that public service is about helping people to solve problems and live their dreams. He desires to bring positive change to the lives of the common people of Ekiti.

Is Kayode Adaramodu the way forward for the Ekiti people? Does he possess what Ekiti State truly needs for development judging from his mix of private and public sector experiences? On record, Kayode Adaramodu(Odundun) has laid a solid foundation for a better tomorrow with wealth of experience. His impact in Ekiti as a private person, particularly in the area of youth development, remains a pointer to his ability to truly chart a new course for Ekiti. It will be the best decision for Ekiti State PDP to put this humble achiever forward for a well-deserved victory in the 2022 governorship election.

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FEATURES

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

Addressing Climate Change Challenges Ahead of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties, the President-Designate, Alok Sharma MP, recently visited Nigeria to discuss the United Kingdom’s collaborative partnership on adaptation and action to avert climate damage. Chiemelie Ezeobi reports

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limate change includes both global warming driven by human emissions of greenhouse gases, and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. Though there have been previous periods of climatic change, since the mid-20th century, humans have had unprecedented impact on Earth's climate system and caused change on a global scale.[2]. The environmental effects of climate change are broad and far-reaching, affecting oceans, ice, and weather.

As part of measures to address the looming dangers of climate change, Visit to Nigeria It was as part of moves to collaborate to tackle such climate change challenges that the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) President-Designate, Alok Sharma MP, visited Nigeria last week to discuss how the United Kingdom can work with Nigeria to address its climate change challenges.

In his first visit to Nigeria as PresidentDesignate, Sharma met leaders from government, the private sector and civil society, stressing the L-R: Minister of state for Environment, Sharon Ikeazor; COP26 President-Designate, Alok Sharma; Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari; British High need for urgent climate change action ahead of Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing and Minister of Environment, Muhammad Mahmood the UK-hosted COP26 Summit in November in Glasgow. The COP26 summit will bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

According to reports, Sharma’s visit to Nigeria is part of a series of engagements between the UK and Nigeria, and his visit demonstrates continued cooperation ahead of COP26.

During the visit, he held high-level talks with H.E. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; met with Minister for Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; the Minister of Environment, Muhammad Mahmood; the Minister of state for Environment, Sharon Ikeazor and the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed. While in Abuja, he also met Amina J. Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group.

He also attended a reception at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Abuja where he met young environmental activists working to raise awareness about the risks of climate change and to build support for climate action in Nigeria. Mr Sharma also met H.E. Mr Kayode Fayemi, Governor of Ekiti State and current Chair of the Governors’ Forum; the Honourable Samuel Onuigbo, President of Globe Nigeria; and Ms Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UNSG for Sustainable Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and COP26 President-Designate, Alok Sharma Energy and Co-Chair of UN Energy. needs and then Energy transition – by progressing profile of young activists and entrepreneurs he with His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, UK UK’s Commitment met during this trip, emphasising the holistic Minister Kwasi Kwarteng’s meeting with Vice the ongrid solar deals.

President Yemi Osinbajo, Mr Sharma’s meeting With the understanding that Nigeria’s urban At the end of his visit, the COP26 President- approach of COP26.” areas are at risk from climate change impacts Designate noted that as “the incoming COP Furthermore, Nigeria’s Minister for the Environ- with the Minister of Environment Mohammad such as flooding, Sharma underlined the UK’s Presidency, the UK takes its role seriously and ment, Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, while Mahmood , and Marc Palahi, Director of the commitment to championing action to avert, seeks to raise ambition to tackle climate change welcoming Sharma, said also welcomed is the European Forestry Institute.

She said: “This year, the UK will host the UN minimise and address the loss and damage globally. I’ve come here to meet your political and UK’s leadership on this critical global agenda, suffered by such communities vulnerable to civil society leaders to discuss and see first-hand adding that as they look forward to its hosting a climate change conference COP26, in Glasgow climate change. some of the many climate change vulnerabilities COP26 this November, that firmly recognises the with our partners, Italy. This will provide an He also welcomed recent climate-positive Nigeria faces. These include deforestation, rising particular needs and circumstances of Nigeria’s opportunity for the world to come together and commit to urgent action. Some of the environmental steps Nigeria has taken interms of progress on temperatures and flooding, as well as the need and Africa’s climate change challenges. electricity sector reforms and the removal of to transition from oil to cleaner energies that will “We look forward to the continued support activists and CSOs the CPD met include Africa the fuel subsidy; incorporating the solar home sustainably serve what is projected to be the of the UK as we rise to meet those challenges in Nature Investors Foundation, Wildlife Conservasystems into Nigeria’s Economic Sustainability world’s third most populous country by 2050. ways that protect the environment whilst also tion Society Nigeria, SustyVibes, Resilient 40, Plan; signing up to the Global Ocean Alliance, “I commend President Buhari for the steps he supporting economic growth and long term Fridays4Future Nigeria, Green Habitat Initiative, Hobeei Initiative and the African Youth Initiative the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance, the has committed to taking towards collective and stability and prosperity,” he added.

Leaders’ Pledge for Nature, ratifying the Doha sustainable efforts that will put climate change, For social entrepreneur and Climate Change on Climate Change (AYICC) in Nigeria.

“The UK is committed to working with all Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol and enabling biodiversity and nature based solutions first, and activist, Rita Idehai of Nigeria4Nature, “Nigeria’s the Amendment come into force; and participating will enhance all Nigerians’ prosperity, health climate change challenges are vast and we all need countries and joining forces with civil society, in the COP26 Energy Transition Council. to work together, civil society, politicians, and the companies and people on the frontline of climate and security”.

During the high level meeting he held, Sharma Also speaking, British High Commissioner to general public alongside the global community change to inspire action ahead of COP26. The UK discussed how Nigeria could position itself as a Nigeria, Catriona Laing said: “Climate change to do all that we can to effectively address these has programmes supporting energy transition climate leader at COP26. In his suggestions, he remains a global concern that requires collec- challenges and build a better future for Nigeria and lower carbon in the electricity industry, lower carbon and more resilient infrastructure, charged Nigeria good to submit a more ambitious tive efforts, and this visit underlines the UK’s today and for Nigeria tomorrow.” programmes in Northern Nigeria working on Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) by support for Nigeria in its battle against climate adaptation including clean cookstoves and climate April 2021 with strengthened mitigation and change, while highlighting some of the important Background adaptation measures; issue more green bonds; work we have already done together to protect Summarily, the UK government, in a press smart agriculture and is supporting the 5m solar submit a Long-Term Strategy ahead of COP26, livelihoods, lives and the planet. release issued by the the Press and Public Affairs homes initiative and commercial minigrids. The setting out a low-carbon pathway to net zero; and “This is an all of society approach to meeting Officer | British Deputy High Commission, Lagos, UK is working on sustainable forestry in Edo consider making political commitments before the most demanding challenges of our time Ndidiamaka Eze, said Sharma’s visit followed State and also supporting Nigeria with the COP26 on the COP26 campaigns on adaption – by and I am glad the COP26 President-Designate high level climate change meetings last year, revision of its enhanced Nationally Determined Issuing an Adaptation Plan including funding took the time to shine a spotlight and raise the including President Muhammadu Buhari’s meeting Contribution.”

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#THISISNIGERIA -kenneth adejumoh

HERDSMEN AND THE SENTIMENTAL COVERAGE FROM THE CENTRE

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rotracted silence does not bring solutions to matters of national concerns rather it soon degenerates to a much bigger problem and might go off the grid. Like the proverbial saying, ‘a snake seen by one can easily become a python’. Herdsmen unleashing mayhem on their host communities did not start yesterday but had since been in existence as mare disputes between the Herders and Farmers in many rural communities of the South-South, South-East and South-West.

A dispute between parties is inevitable but this soon grew out of hand and today we live in fears as herders are reported in the news of executing nefarious acts on host communities. Unlike in the years past when they were known long and well-carved control sticks, which we were made to believe had some magical powers like a magic wand, today it is a different scenario of going about with sophisticated weapons like the Avtomat Kalashnikova 47 (AK-47).

Back in the days, the nomadic Fulani Herdsmen grazed their cattle around communities and make friends with the people in their pasture. It was no doubt that they loved their cattle deeply and could break down in tears when one of the cattle is sick. Sometimes they give out matured adult cattle that might not survive the ailment to locals for meat. In their grazing, they engage in hunting spree and return to the community centre to sell the proceeds or give out to locals.

But all these have changed about the Fulani herdsmen who have become a subject of

threats to the already threatened peaceful co-existence of our fatherland. What was common between them and their host communities was a light dispute over destroyed farmlands which is resolved without harm, but it has taken a whole new dimension that is best described as massacre engendered and most likened to pure hatred.

Now, the ravaging herdsmen are on rampage adding to our growing insecurity and depleting the national unity. Their antics have been treated with kid gloves and there seems to be no direct call to order. Mass invasion of communities has become a norm that locals have been reported to flee to neighbouring communities or states. Most recently was the report of some communities of Ogun state fleeing into neighbouring Benin republic for the safety of their lives. This speaks to the failure of our security network to protect and preserve the lives of its citizens. Men and women, boys and girls have taken to self-defence and cannot sleep with their eyes closed for fear of invasion.

The kidnapping spree on major highways has created a phobia of long-distance travel by road. The gruesome murder of farmers is a threat to national food security that we are hoping to attain and be a less food import economy. Yet they have not been proscribed and no significant action was taken by the government just the way it had actioned severely and severally on peaceful protesters.

Are the security forces helpless in this situation or there is a deliberate act to pamper this set of citizens or aliens from neighbouring countries? The mass killings, destructions of farmlands and houses continue without

any just interference from the government or appropriate security operatives. To think that what is happening is a mere conflict for grazing rights would only mean that we are fondling a piece of explosive ticking with time.

The questions that beg for answers continuously are; where do these herdsmen get their firearms? Who supplies the arms? Does the law now permit regular citizens to own or bear automatic weapons? Are the herdsmen a special set of citizens? Why is the federal government and security operatives paying lip service and exhibiting a nonchalant attitude towards this blood-sucking agent? Is there an agenda to indeed outrun other regions and make Nigeria a one region dominant state? Only time will tell.

The new service chiefs must think wide to unravel the mystery behind the sudden change of the herdsmen. It is not out of place to purport if they are members of existing terrorist groups disguising to perpetrate these reprehensible acts of kidnapping, killing, raping, and maiming of innocent host communities. This could be an infiltration of the sect by the known Boko Haram in a new tactic to spread across the country to accomplish their evil deeds.

The scenarios at play call for one to opine that there are sentimental and emotional attachments to the increasing mayhems by the herders from the centre. While nations are talking about economic development and measures to better the citizens, we have persistently dwelled on herders and cattle related matters weakening the strength of our unity. Amid the noise around the cattle business resulting in negative vibes, Nigeria

does not rank among the top 10 countries with the most cattle. Some leading countries have used and improved on the ranching method which has become a sublet business in the cattle and beef market.

According to the Global Terrorism Index published on the portal of independent. co.uk on Wednesday 18, November 2015, Nigerian Fulani Militants was named as the fourth deadliest terror group in the world with only Boko Haram, Isis, and al-Shabab ahead of the group. This has protracted to become a nightmare. The sights of cows scare the living daylight out of the rural and urban dwellers. We have become victims of our circumstances as the civil population has remained their target.

All hands must be on deck to nip the muster in the bud. The time for complacency is over and communities should not be allowed to suffer the failure of the executive order and the security agencies to act as expected. The business of security should be taken with every sense of seriousness.

The state actors should strengthen their state policing networks as some states in the South-West have already initiated by deploying personnel into the forests to secure local farmers. Nigerians must be deliberate about providing useful information on breach of security. This will go a long way to reduce and put an end to the wanton waste of lives and property. t,FOOFUI "EFKVNPI B 1VCMJD 3FMBUJPOT 4PDJBM "OBMZTU BOE $PSQPSBUF $PNNVOJDBUJPOT &YQFSU XSJUFT JO GSPN -BHPT 5XFFU !LFOBEFKVNPI

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THURSDAY FEBRUARY 25, 2021 •T H I S D AY

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Quick Takes Firm Supports SMEs

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PROMOTING FOOD SECURITY

L-R: Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) Representative in Nigeria Mr. Fred Kafeero; Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning Zainab Ahmed, and Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba, at the UN Food System Summit held in Abuja...recently

Report: Nigeria Records High Internet Usage, Low Download Speed Stories by Emma Okonji A recent report published by We Are Social and Hootsuite has shown that Nigeria maintains high record of internet usage, but with very low download speeds.

According to the report, the download speeds could be attributed to the capacity of devices used for downloads as well as the type of internet connectivity services provided

by Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

According to the report, with a population of over 208 million people in Nigeria, the total number of internet users is 104.4 million, which is about 50 per cent of the population, yet the average download speed of mobile internet connections is as low as 18.4 megabytes per

TELECOM second (mbps) and the average download speed of fixed internet connections is also as low as 16.07 mbps.

The figures explained better why download speeds are slow, especially when it has to do with heavy files.

The report titled: ‘Digital 2021,’ showed country-bycountry usage of internet, social media, mobile devices and e-Commerce.

Giving details of mobile internet users in Nigeria, it stated that a total of 97.38 million people connected to the internet through various cellular devices and WiFi as of January 2021, while 93.3 per cent of the population connected to the internet via

mobile devices and 92.4 per cent connected via smartphones and only 2.4 per cent connected via feature phones.

The report further noted that as of January 2021, 82.1 per cent of web traffic was shared through mobile phones, while 16.9 per cent of web traffic was shared through laptops and desktops computers, and only 1.1 per cent of web traffic was shared through tablet computers.

The figures for web traffic that were shared with the use of devices are, however, different from the figures for web traffic that were shared through various browsers, as chrome browser recorded 55 per cent; Safari browser recorded give per cent; Firefox browser recorded 2.8 per cent; Samsung Internet recorded 1.1 per cen; Microsoft Edge browser

recorded 0.9 per cent; Opera browser recorded 32.8 per cent, while Internet Explorer browser recorded 0.1 per cent, as at January 2021.

Ranking the top websites that were most visited and recorded more traffic as at December 2020, the report said Google had a total visit of 220 million with a unique visit of 15.5 million; Bet9ja had a total visit of 86.1 million with 6.83 million unique visits; Facebook had a total of 48.1 million visits, with 8.06 million unique visits; Nairaland had a total of 30.1 million visits, with 30.09 unique visits; YouTube had a total of 25.6 million visits, with 6.03 million unique visits.

In the area of social media, the report stated that a total of Continued on page 24

Analysts Predict 12% Growth in IoT Semiconductor by 2025 IoT Analytics, a provider of market insights and competitive intelligence for the Internet of Things (IoT) has estimated that semiconductors are strongly outperforming technology sector.

Key findings of the research carried out by the analysts include the penetration of semiconductor components classified as “IoT”, that is expected to grow from seven per cent in 2019 to 12 per cent by 2025.

They also predicted four key components that would drive the IoT semiconductor growth to include Micro Controllers (MCUs), Connectivity chipsets, Artificial Intelligence (AI) chipsets, and Security chipsets and modules.

The Philadelphia Semicon-

TELECOM ductor Index, which tracked the value of the 30 largest semiconductor firms globally, increased by five times in the last five years from $80 in January 2016 to $416 in January 2021.

The index not only handily beat the high-flying Nasdaq index, which increased by a factor of 2.8 in the same timeframe, but also other technology indices, such as cloud computing. The staggering performance of value in semiconductor firms can be attributed to many factors.

Commenting on the findings of the research the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at IoT Analytics, Knud Lasse Lueth, said: “Most notably, the industry

has profited from the need for more and higher-value semiconductor components for several newly emerging technologies.

Key drivers include big data analytics, mobile communication, gaming, connected and semi-autonomous cars, and to a large degree, the fast growth of connected Internet of Things (IoT) devices.”

Senior Analyst at IoT Analytics, Satyajit Sinha, said: “According to our estimates, the number of active IoT device connections grew from 3.6 billion in 2015 to 11.7 billion in 2020. By the end of 2025, we forecast a total of 30 billion IoT connections. The rise of the IoT semiconductor market is broad and touches most industry segments, including

industrial, automotive, energy and utilities, and healthcare.”

Consumer IoT devices such as smartwatches and smaller wireless accessories have seen a particularly high demand in recent years, which has prompted several companies that were not making IoT devices a few years ago to move into the IoT ecosystem, like many of the smartphone makers.

It was expected that the current IoT device explosion would continue to drive the IoT semiconductor market and would likely lead to further semiconductor innovations amid higher production volumes.

The IoT Analytics latest report Continued on page 24

Community WiFi Launched

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Fashoyin Appointed Deputy MD

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Bharti Airtel Partners Qualcomm

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“Globally, a considerable number of environmentally responsible firms are becoming more mindful of their carbon footprint and the impact it has on the communities in which they operate. One of such organisations, MDXi, has over the years implemented policies that have significantly reduced its carbon footprint in its facilities” Chief Operating Officer, MDXi,

Mr. Gbenga Adegbiji

24

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͱͳ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

REPORT: NIGERIA RECORDS HIGH INTERNET USAGE, LOW DOWNLOAD SPEED

Fitch Revises Nigeria’s 2021 GDP Forecast to 1.6%

33 million people were active in the use of social media in Nigeria as at January 2021, which it puts at 15.8 per cent of the total population of Nigeria.

The report, however, put the total number of active social media users that access their social media platforms via mobile phones at 32.74, which shows that in Nigeria, the majority of social media users access their social media platforms via mobile phones.

It profiled the advertising audience of social media platforms and concluded that men advertises more than women, year-in-year-out with a clear margin. The report also ranked the most-used social media platform in Nigeria as at January 2021, with WhatsApp taking the lead with 93 per cent, followed by Facebook with 86.2 per cent; YouTube with 81.6 per cent; Instagram with 73.1 per cent; Facebook Messenger with 67.2 per cent; Twitter with 61.4 per cent; Telegram with 56.3 per cent, and Linkedin with 32.8 per cent, among others.

The report also looked at the financial inclusion factors that are driving e-Commerce in Nigeria, and projected that 39.7 per cent of the total population of Nigeria, has an account with financial institutions, while only 2.6 per cent has credit cards, and 5.6 per cent has mobile money account, a development that puts the percentage of those that purchase online and pay bills online, at 6.3 per cent.

The report also put the percentage of women with credit cards at 1.7 per cent and 3.4 per cent for men.

Fitch Ratings has revised downward its 2021 growth forecast for Nigeria to 1.6 per cent, from its previous expectation of 2.3 per cent.

The global rating agency in a statement yesterday, hinged its prediction on weaker base effects coming out of a shallower contraction recorded by the country in 2020.

It pointed out that rising oil exports would be the main growth driver for the country in 2021, while consumer spending and business investment were likely to be subdued because of persistently high inflation and the slow rollout of a Covid-19 vaccine.

However, it estimated that growth in the West African country was likely to quicken to 2.7 per cent in 2022, stating that by then it “expect Nigeria’s vaccination programme to gather pace, which will result in private consumption and fixed investment accelerating.”

“We at Fitch Solutions have revised our estimate for Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to a contraction of 1.9 per cent in 2020, compared to our previous estimate of a 3.2 per cent fall. The revision follows the release of stronger than expected GDP data indicating that the economy exited recession in the fourth quarter of 2020, growing by 0.1 per cent year-on-year, after contracting by 3.6 per cent in the third quarter of 2020 and by 6.1 per cent in the second quarter

ANALYSTS PREDICT 12% GROWTH IN IOT SEMICONDUCTOR BY 2025 on the topic forecasted the IoT semiconductor component market to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 19 per cent from $33 billion in 2020 to $80 billion in 2025.

IoT Analytics defined IoT semiconductors as those semiconductor components that either individually or collaboratively contribute to the functionality of an IoT device or other IoT equipment.

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Obinna Chima

of 2020.

“The agriculture and services sectors led the Q4 2020 rebound, expanding by 3.4 per cent and 1.3 per cent respectively, resulting in non-oil growth rising by 1.7 per cent compared to a 2.5 per cent fall in Q3 2020. The oil sector (around 8.0% of GDP) contracted by 19.8 per cent in Q4 2020 – its third consecutive quarterly contraction – because of falling oil production and weak prices.

“Crude production slowed to 1.56 million barrels per day (b/d) in Q4 2020 from 1.67 milion b/d in Q3 2020, partly

because of Nigeria’s commitments under the OPEC+ deal, while the price of Brent fell to an average of $43.2 per barrel (/bbl) in 2020 compared to $64.2/bbl in 2019,” it stated.

Fitch’s predicted that net exports, driven by a sharp rebound in the oil sector in the coming quarters would be the main driver of the expansion in real GDP as oil accounts for around 90 per cent of Nigeria’s exports.

Furthermore, it expects that net exports would contribute 0.6 percentage points (pp) to headline growth in 2021.

It revealed that its oil and

gas team anticipated that the value of Nigeria’s net oil exports would rise by 42.5 per cent to $24.4 billion, largely because of an uptick in the average price of Brent crude to $58/bbl in 2021.

Brent crude rose to $65 per barrel yesterday.

“Oil revenues also account for around 50 per cent government revenues, and as such the rebound will strengthen public finances, resulting in a rise in government consumption, which we expect to contribute 0.3 pp to real GDP growth.

“However, the recovery in private consumption is likely

to be weak given persistently high unemployment and inflation, and subdued consumer confidence. As a result, growth in private consumption is likely to be subdued (at0.7%), and its contribution to headline growth, of 0.4pp, will be fairly small considering it accounts for around 75 per cent of total GDP. “Inflation rose every month in 2020 because of rising fuel and food costs, and accelerating price growth in 2021 – we forecast an average of 14.6 per cent compared to 13.2 per cent in 2020 – will eat into household incomes.

CAPACITY BUILDING

L-R: Former President, EXMAN, Kayode Olageshin; Financial Secretary, Bola Oyebade; President, Tade Adekunle; Team Lead, Business Development, ARM Pension Manager, Lanre Oyenekan; and Vice president of EXMAN, Abiodun Oshinibosi, at EXMAN’s 2021 Training on tax and pension compliance held in Lagos... recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

NCC Highlights Role of Telecoms in Nigeria’s Exit from Recession Stories by Emma Okonji The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has highlighted the role played by the telecommunications sector in lifting the country out of recession in the recently released fourth quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for the fourth quarter of 2020.

The sector contributed 12.45

per cent to the country’s GDP in the fourth quarter of 2020.

In a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, the NCC stated that the latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), showed that telecommunications and Information Services under Information and Communication, grew by 17.64 per cent in

Q4 2020 from 17.36 per cent in Q3 2020 and 10.26 per cent in Q4 2019.

According to the NBS report, agriculture, industries, and services sector, under which telecommunications is categorised, contributed 26.95 per cent, 18.77 per cent, and 54.28 per cent respectively.

“This is a pointer to the fact that telecommunications, trade,

services and crop production are the main drivers of Nigeria’s exit from recession,” Adinde said.

In specific terms, NBS report showed that largest sub-sectors in Q4 2020 are crop production at 3.68 per cent, crude petroleum and natural gas at 8.2 per cent, trade at 14.9 per cent, telecommunications and information services at 12.45

per cent, and real estate at 5.7 per cent.

“Telecommunication sector has, in the last five years been a major driver of the digital economy agenda of the federal government, as it has continued to provide the needed digital sinews that support the economy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and its attendant restriction period.“

Visa Offers $125,000 Prize for Global Fintech Competition Visa has rolled out the 2021 edition of the Everywhere Initiative, which is a global innovation programme and competition for Fintechs, and it has set aside a combined $125,000 in total prize money for the programme and competition.

Owing to this, the company is inviting fintech companies from all over the world, including Fintech companies from

Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya and across Africa to enter and compete for the combined cash prize of $125,000.

This year, the focus is on expansion and accessibility, with Visa offering a one-stop experience to register and learn about upcoming opportunities and competitions, via the global website.

Fintechs started by everyone, everywhere will pitch their

ideas in regional competitions to a panel of expert judges from across the payments industry. All applicants from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are invited to compete first on the Central Europe Middle East and Africa (CEMEA) stage to win a combined $25,000 in total prize and then on a global stage for a combined $100,000 in total prize money, and to tell their company’s stories.

Giving details of this year’s competition, Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for Visa sub-Saharan Africa, Aida Diarra, said: “Supporting companies across the globe who are building solutions that power seamless money movement everywhere is a top priority for Visa. We recognize Fintechs as a force for innovation that is core to our business and encourage

everyone to apply to Visa Everywhere Initiative. I am looking forward to seeing the many brilliant ideas from South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and across SSA this year.”

Participants are invited to submit applications in English to the CEMEA regional pitch before May 7, with the regional CEMEA finals scheduled for June 8 and global finals for September 14, 2021.

Comms/e-Business Editor

Tech Expert Highlights Importance of Women in STEM Education

Asst. Editor, Money Market

Nosa Alekhuogie

Senior Correspondent

Co-founder, Afro-Tech Girls, a non-profit organisation, Adeola Shasanya, has stressed the important roles women play in the study of Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

According to her, this is a necessary requirement to develop the skills of women

Goddy Egene Emma Okonji

Nume Ekeghe

ËÒÏÏ× ÕÓØÑÌÙÖß (Advertising) Correspondents

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) ÜÙ×ÙÝÏÖÏ ÌÓÙÎßØ (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafo (Energy) ××ËØßÏÖ ÎÎÏÒ (Energy) Reporters

ÙÝË ÖÏÕÒßÙÑÓÏ (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy)

that will enable them participate in creating solutions that will address Nigeria’s diverse economic challenges.

Shasanya, who spoke about the importance of women in STEM education during a recent conference that was held in partnership between Afro-Tech Girls with IHS Nigeria to commemorate the International Day of Women

and Girls in Science, applauded women in science for the critical role they are playing in the current pandemic despite its challenges.

The maiden edition of the conference, which was sponsored by IHS Nigeria, a subsidiary of IHS Towers, hosted female speakers from the medical, science and technology sectors to an online

interactive session with over 100 participants in attendance and a further 100 girls from public secondary schools watching from their classrooms. The event was also used as a soft launch of a longer-term partnership between Afro-Tech Girls and IHS Nigeria.

Giving credence to the theme: ‘Women Scientists at the Forefront of the Fight against

COVID-19.’Shasanya said: “We are grateful for organisations like IHS Nigeria that have committed to improve STEM outcomes in Nigeria particularly within young females. We are confident that their support will go a long way to ensure these females are equipped with the skills required to compete and contribute immensely in STEM related careers.”

T H I S D AY ˾ FEBRUARY 25, 2021

25

BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

Making Cyberspace Safe for Africa Emma Okonji writes on the need for a greater collaboration to address the rising rates of cybercrime and cyber bullying in the cyberspace

A

recent study carried out by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) revealed a downward trend in the number of complaints from telecoms subscribers, especially in the area of unsolicited messages.

In order to create cyber-security awareness among Africans, Nigerians inclusive, most government agencies, including private organisations in Nigeria, penultimate week, joined other African countries to celebrate the Africa Safer Internet Day (ASID), which is the continent’s version of the World Safer Internet Day (WSID).

ASID is usually held on February 9 every year, to create awareness on the dangers of cyberspace, with a view to educate Africans on the safer way to use the internet and what they must guide against while browsing online.

Cyber-security experts have continued to research on new sets of malware that are trending and designed to corrupt computer systems, with the intention to gain unauthorised access to organisation and individual data, in order to steal vital information.

Aside malware threats, there are also cases of cyber bullying, identity theft and child abuse in the cyberspace, which the Africa Safer Internet Day seeks to address.

Cybercrime implications In Nigeria, just like other African countries, cybercrime is on the rise among youths, who take pleasure in making quick money online as a result of the high rate of unemployment in Nigeria and Africa.

The advent of computers, the internet and the mobile telephones gave rise to a huge outbreak of cybercrimes globally. Fraudsters, who are tech savvy, use their technology skills to perpetrate evil in cyberspace and defraud people of money that runs into millions of naira.

Aside stealing, some youths take pleasure in developing malware purposely to either disable organisations’ computer systems and make them to malfunction, or to delete vital information from computers, through which the organisations could be defrauded. Some youths purposely go online to bully innocent youths who genuinely browse the internet for the purpose of research, especially which school assignments are given.

Unfortunately, the current social, economic and political trends have created fear and suspicion on the minds of many Nigerians and Africans who are now afraid to go online when they even have need for it, and the implications are even greater when some lure unsuspecting victims to their untimely deaths, just for rituals.

As reported by experts, cybercrime comes in different categories in Nigeria ranging from Internet fraud, software piracy, hacking, online scam, Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or credit card fraud, virus dissemination, phishing, cyber-stalking, and cyber-defamation.

Although the federal government is keen at eradicating all forms of cybercrime, though the Cybercrime Law that took effect in 2015, but crimes committed in cyberspace are still on the rise globally, a development that promoted government agencies and private organisations in Nigeria to begin intensive campaigns against cybercrime in Nigeria.

Awareness Given the demographics of the large population of youths that browse the internet, and recognising the fact that youths are susceptible to the dangers of online activities, most corporate organisations and government agencies, are beginning to invest in various awareness campaigns that will educate youths on the safe use of the internet.

In one of the awareness programme organised by the Centre for Cyber Awareness And Development (CECAD), in celebration of the Safer Internet Day, it stressed the need for Nigerian youths to focus on the positive provisions of the internet and utilise the opportunities therein to be innovative.

The event, which took place in Lagos, highlighted the need to keep Nigerians, especially the youths, safe while online.

Speaking at the forum, Wande Adelomo of the Founders Institute, noted that the more important things to look out for online are opportunities that abound for the youths. He

also charged the youths to seek knowledge of their rights and how they can be safe online.

Also, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN), Gbenga Sesan, noted that the youths should focus on three areas of protection on the internet. According to him, they should protect the internet by making responsible use of the global resource, protect themselves and protect the nation’s economy through innovative thinking that will address national and global challenges.

The Country Manager, Digital Information Security Solutions LLC, and Founder, NoGoFallMaga, Confidence Staveley, noted that young Nigerians needed to know the inherent and unprecedented opportunities the internet has to offer and use the resource to increase their skill set while seeking opportunities that will help them provide services that can earn them money.

The Executive Secretary, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) Edith Udeagu, stressed on the need for Nigerians to protect the good image of the country while online.

In his welcome address, the President of CECAD, Bayero Agabi, insisted that creating awareness for internet safety in Nigeria cannot be over-emphasised, going by the increasing incidences of cyber attacks, online bullying and cybercrime.

Government’s support The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is one of the government agencies that is canvassing for the safe use of internet in Nigeria and the rest of Africa.

In marking the Africa Safer Internet Day 2021, with the theme: “Positioning and Partnering for Child Online Protection,” NCC’s representatives visited secondary schools in Abuja and Lagos to sensitise and educate students, on how they can use the internet productively, avoid being victims of all forms of cybercrime, and deal with cases of cyber bullying.

The schools include Model Secondary School, and Government Science Secondary School, both in Maitama, Abuja; and Kuramo Junior College and Victoria Island Junior Secondary School, both in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Addressing some of the students of Government Science Secondary School, Abuja, under strict observance of COVID-19 protocols, the Deputy Director, New Media and Information Security at NCC, Tokunbo Oyeleye, stated that this year’s theme was in sync with one of the focus areas of NCC with respect to child online protection, noting that the Commission constantly sensitises young Nigerians on cybersecurity and its applications.

“We are here, as NCC representatives, to educate you, the younger generation of Internet users on what you need to know to keep safe while online as part of our efforts to ensure child online protection in our country in the use of Information and Communication Technology,” Oyeleye said. She further explained that the

concern over child online protection should not be limited to arresting the perpetrators, but should be more of providing education and counselling that may assist in minimising the harm on younger Internet users.

At the Lagos event, the Controller, NCC Lagos Zonal Office, Nkechi Obiekwe, said the protection and safety of children while they access the internet is a shared responsibility.

She added that internet penetration permeates every aspect of life and adoption of the internet presents opportunities for learning.

Earlier, in a presentation, a Principal Manager in NCC, Chioma Ibe, spoke on cyber bullying and signs to watch out for. She also highlighted ways to resist online bullying and the importance of reporting cases of cyberbullying to relevant authorities.

“Online bullying can have a devastating impact on young people, whose online life is a key part of their identity and how they interact socially. Cyberbullying takes many forms, such as sending abusive messages, hurtful images or videos, nasty online gossip, excluding or humiliating others or creating fake accounts in someone’s name to trick or humiliate them,” Ibe said.

Also contributing to the discussion, the Executive Director, Like-a-Palm-Tree Foundation, Chukwuemeka Monyei, educated the students on how to mute conversation with, unfollow, block, and report anybody who engages in an act of cyber bullying toward them as a way of protecting themselves.

Oyeleye urged the students to share the knowledge they have gained during the programme with their friends and relatives towards ensuring a safer internet for all.

Pamphlets with salient printed information on child online protection and emphasis on cyberbullying, were distributed to the students across the four schools.

The students, who participated in the intensive one-day sensitisation exercise, expressed delight for being part of such a highly educational programme and commended the Nigerian Communications Commission for its leading role in online child protection.

ITU’s Position The International Telecommunications Union (ITU), a global body that regulates telecoms operations, which Nigeria belongs to, is also particular about protecting youths in cyberspace across Africa and the entire globe.

In a recent workshop, organised by ITU, in collaboration with the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), which is a training institute established by the NCC in 2004, the ITU reiterated the need to bridge the skills gap in the Nigerian telecom sector. It also used the occasion to create awareness on the safe use of the internet.

Speaking at the forum, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said the Internet had become an indispensable element of everyday life and

children are not excluded but particularly vulnerable to its disadvantages because young persons constitute the largest users of the internet.

Danbatta said the commission would come up with an awareness project that would sensitise the Nigerian child on the safe use of the internet.

“Subsequently, as a result of the ubiquitous availability of internet access in homes, schools, libraries, mobile phones and so on, children are increasingly becoming involved in the use of new technological applications and taking advantage of the opportunity they provide for learning, research, and entertainment,” Danbatta said.

The EVC explained that as a follow-up to several initial efforts made in adopting the ITU guidelines on Child Online Protection, the Commission developed a draft Nigerian Child Online Protection Policy (NCOPP).

The EVC said the NCOPP would be further reviewed taking into consideration the evolving global technology and practices in the cyber space as well as develop the revised National Child Online Protection document, which will comprise a policy, strategy and action plan.

Cybercrime Law Determined to protect Nigerians from all forms of cyber attacks, including bullying, former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015, signed the country’s cybercrime law for implementation across the country.

The cybercrime law, which has taken effect since 2015, prohibits cyber theft, identity theft, internet fraud, hacking, cyber bullying, child pornography cyber squatting, among others, with stiff penalties. According to the law, anyone convicted of child pornography will get 10 years inprisonment and/ or a N20 million fine, depending on the nature of the offence. Child pornography includes producing, procuring, distributing, and possession such images.

Anyone convicted of identity theft will get three years imprisonment and/ or a N7 million fine.

The Cybercrime Law also outlaws cyber stalking and cyber-bullying. Anyone convicted of these could receive a N2 million minimum fine and/or at least one year in prison. More severe offences could attract a penalty as high as a N25 million minimum fine and/or up to 10 years imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence.

If hackers are found guilty of unlawfully accessing a computer system or network, they could be fined up to N10 million, imprisoned for five years, or both, depending on the purpose of the hack. The same applies to internet fraudsters who commit cybercrime by sending electronic messages, or accessing and using data on computer systems. The penalties as stated in the Nigerian Cybercrime Law, are meant to discourage anyone who may have the intention to launch cyber attacks, while protecting Nigerians online.

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Staveley: SMEs Are More Vulnerable to Cyber Attacks Cybersecurity professional and Executive Director, Cybersafe Foundation, Confidence Staveley, in this interview speaks on the growing trend of cyber-attacks and the implications for small businesses. Emma Okonji presents the excerpts:

C

ybersecurity has become a very big issue for businesses, but how serious is this with reference to small businesses?

All businesses that leverage the internet are at risk of experiencing a successful cyber-attack, whether they are a small, medium or big business. We have in recent times seen this to be particularly very true as small businesses increasingly had their social media/online store accounts hacked, customers data stolen, and financial losses incurred. From a global perspective, before we commenced this project, The UK NCSC, DHS and CISA, in a joint advisory warned about an increasing number of malicious cyber actors exploiting the current COVID-19 pandemic, targeting, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with COVID-19 related scams and phishing emails, including essential services like healthcare organisations. During the same period, the Cybersafe Foundation intelligence team also reported a spike in phishing attacks, Malspams and ransomware attacks as attackers were and are still using COVID-19 as bait. Unfortunately, while cyber risks cut across board, SMEs are usually the worst prepared and worst hit by successful cyber-attacks, particularly because many SMEs do not have the technology, people, or processes in place to detect or defend against cyber attacks. More than ever before, it became pressing during this pandemic, to provide essential cyber security support, to small businesses like small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in order to curtail the cyber risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic by strengthening these businesses with a priceless defense and knowledge.

As at November 2020, Nigeria’s internet subscription stood at 154.9 million.

That is huge compared to some African countries. Now, what are the basic skills expected of these internet users to stay safe online?

It is exciting to watch internet usage grow in Nigeria but here are my top three basic skills I believe all internet users must have to stay safe online: The ability to decipher legitimate/safe links from harmful and fake emails/links/websites and news; the ability to choose, securely store and manage passwords; Understand how to use multi-factor authentication for reinforced security on all important online platforms Cybersafe Foundation recently embarked on an awareness project in partnership with the UK government. Can you share your findings during that project regarding the state of cybersecurity awareness among individuals, SMEs? This project was indeed an eye-opener for us and we are glad to have the opportunity to work with the UK government on this project. At the start of the project, we conducted a baseline survey and discovered that over 57 per cent of the employees of the beneficiary SMEs faired very poorly at identifying phishing emails from legitimate ones. Phishing is the fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information or data, by a impersonating trustworthy entity in a digital communication. To put this finding in perspective, phishing is a top attack vector used by cybercriminals world over. We also found out that over 76 per cent of the beneficiaries that passed through this programme did not have basic security controls implemented and over 83 per cent were not aware of or understand prevalent attack vectors or their preventive measures. To put this in literal terms, our baseline analysis showed that a majority of the businesses that benefitted were ticking time bombs and low hanging fruits waiting for cybercriminals to attack.

For individuals, our biggest discovery was that there is still so much work to be done as cybercriminals continue to change tactics and evolve to commit cybercrimes. We found that while people in the urban areas are generally more alert to the usual phone call scam, a good chunk in semi-urban areas are still getting

roles. I, however don’t believe there is a cybersecurity talent shortage in Nigeria. We have abundant cybersecurity raw talents in Nigeria that although skilled or self-taught, do not have the pre-requisite certifications to show competence just because they cannot afford these certifications. Considering that the hackers who are taking down corporations and businesses do not necessarily have fancy degrees and certifications, there should be another way for new entrants to show competence and skill. I am more inclined to say that skills gap in cybersecurity is self-imposed and until we recognise that this is a chicken and egg situation, that the workforce qualification needs to evolve to feed the cybersecurity industry pipeline, we might not be able to defend and promote cyber resiliency. I’ll suggest that organisations use other qualitative mechanisms to quantify their existing skills, Ingest the rough ‘diamonds’, and polish them.

Staveley

scammed. We also found that a lot of people do not understand basic cyber hygiene best practices and this lack of understanding is leading to people behaving in ways that put them at even greater risks of being victims of cybercrime. To tackle this, we launched an afrobeat’s radio jingle and shot a music video for it. This jingle is arguably Africa’s first entertaining cybersecurity awareness song, created by Africans for Africans. We used the radio jingle to target vulnerable people in underserved communities and combined this with highly educative and entertaining cybersecurity content we shared and promoted on social media. We teamed up with Nigeria’s best comedians to also create skits and other short educative content.

Combining both radio and social media, we were able to reach over 20 million people across Nigeria at different points in our campaign. To ensure the work we were doing was very inclusive we did other things like: Translation of the project jingle in Nigerian languages including pidgin English and Hausa; virtual location of the training, ensuring distance was not a challenge; optimised training content for poor internet connection speed; created targeted messaging on social media using demographics like location, age, gender, among others; maximised radio as a channel of dissemination of cybersecurity mass messaging, given its huge low-income and digitally marginalized audience; and partnered with SMEDAN to ensure SME beneficiaries are a wide sample from across Nigeria including those operating from Northern Nigeria.

I personally believe that until we can fix cybersecurity education in the average person’s lifestyle channels, we will be unable to stay ahead of the attackers. Cybersafe Foundation has demonstrated itself as the pioneer and leader in delivery of cybersecurity awareness edutainment.

Is the Foundation considering plans to follow-up with the SMEs that benefitted from the project?

We have set these organisations on a path to continuous improvement because asides the increased consciousness about cybersecurity, which this training has given them, we now have them as part of our community and will keep sharing cybersecurity tips and best practices with them. The education and awareness has to be continuous and we have trained our beneficiaries to become cybersecurity ambassadors within their organisations. We are also very pleased to see that over 76 per cent of our beneficiaries reported that shortly after the training, they implemented one or more security measures in their businesses; this is a very good start, and we are excited about the progress and improvements our beneficiaries are making.

Are you not worried that the number of skilled experts in Nigeria expected to guide companies is nothing to write home about?

It is a thing of concern for everyone in the cybersecurity ecosystem that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find qualified cybersecurity professionals to take up cybersecurity

While cyber risks cut across board, SMEs are usually the worst prepared and worst hit by successful cyberattacks, particularly because many SMEs do not have the technology, people, or processes in place to detect or defend against cyber attacks. More than ever before, it became pressing during this pandemic, to provide essential cyber security support, to small businesses like small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in order to curtail the cyber risks associ-ated with the COVID-19 pandemic by strengthening these businesses with a priceless defense and knowledge

Let us look at the issue of free antivirus that people usually download from the internet for usage. How secure are these solutions?

Generally speaking, anything free online always gives me jitters, and free antivirus is definitely one of those. First, it’s important to note that free antiviruses are often used as bait to get unsuspecting internet users to click, download and install harmful code.

So in reality a bunch of the free download buttons people click to download antiviruses are a camouflage for what they are actually downloading. Except for the antiviruses that provide free trial options, I will not advise anyone to download any anti-virus that you are told it’s totally free. This is because even if the antivirus is legitimate, it might not give you sufficient protection like the top shelve antivirus; or you may be getting a cracked version of antivirus, which is even worse because you will not receive updates for that antivirus and will not be protected from evolving cyber threats. Getting a licensed top shelve antivirus is really key to staying protected online, it is like buying and using a good face mask.

How did the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) partnership impact on the programme?

The partnership with UK government through its Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), provided us with the funding required to execute such a transformative and impactful cybersecurity campaign. The backing of the UK government also helped us secure very important partnerships that were instrumental to the success of the project.

What are the other things the foundation is doing to achieve its mission?

In the past, we have launched Africa’s first fully storified cybersecurity awareness handbook. For 2021 we are increasing our programmes with the goal of doing more to protect the most vulnerable people in our community. We recently teamed up with partner organisations to host Family Safety in our Digital World, an event we created in commemoration of Safer Internet Day. This event had specially curated sessions for children, teenagers and parents to drive awareness on salient online safety issues and risks children face, given their increased exposure to technology and remediation/ protective measures. As always, we achieved this through novel strategies like storytelling and insightful talks that had attendees engaged and enlightened at the end of the session. Elder/Senior citizens will also not be left out in 2021, as we are launching a platform to cater to and educate people that are 50 years and above, about cyber safety and provide them immense support. Unlike Generation ‘Y’ and ‘Z’, this generation are mostly technology immigrants , still grappling with understanding technology and most of them do not understand the basic cyber hygiene.

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BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

Open Banking in Nigeria: What Next for Financial Services Sector Pius Okwuanya Introduction he Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recently released the Regulatory Framework for Open Banking in Nigeria, a document which the apex bank believes will provide an enabling regulatory environment that will eventually trigger the provision of innovative and customercentric financial services in Nigeria, define risk-based data access levels and services through the safe utilisation and exchange of data and services, outline baseline and standards for data exchange among financial services sector participants while guiding operators in the handling of attendant risks and also promote healthy competition in banking.

The CBN’s positioning in the past three years especially with regards to how easy they have endorsed disruption in the market makes this inevitable. Super Agents, Payments Service Banks and the recent Sandbox tells the story of an Apex bank that understands what it must do and how it must begin to position in a dynamic world where technology and interoperability has become the chief driver of financial services.

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What Open Banking Is The recent framework regulating Open Banking continues the innovative drive from The Central Bank. This is not to say that it is a new, unexplored concept within the Nigeria’s financial services sector, by its definition as a collaborative model through which customers’ financial services data and information are shared between part-

ners who might not be in the same group or affiliated so as to enable customers have more access to their transaction data and offer customers more tailored services to the customer; we can appreciate that this level of business has been existing in some form in Nigeria already via Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).

Super Agents who are unaffiliated to banks can aggregate several banking products and services from different commercial banks and sometimes microfinance banks and offer them to customers through their own platform giving customers a more flexible access to their funds and its management. This is also a form of open banking since through the Super-Agent, Digital Banks and Mobile Money Operators, bank customers can query their banks for their balances, process deposit and withdrawal transactions, pay bills and so on. In some use cases, FinTech companies have leveraged NIBSS technology to tailor credit products and offer to customers while leveraging their credit history usually through APIs. However, the challenge with this so far is that through lack of standards, integrating some of these services takes time. I have once managed an API integration that took months because there was a lack of agreement on the standards while the partnering players were developing their interfaces.

Another challenge is that customers did not actively consent to the information sharing and that is a very touchy subject.

When did I exactly say that it was okay for the banks to share my credit history with the lendtech platform? If customers did not grant access to the Bank to share

data, then sharing it is both unethical and illegal in line with Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).

There is also no standardised risk management procedures across organisations therefore making it difficult to scale. Risk Management standardisation facilitates growth by ensuring that decision making is faster.

What the central bank has done with this regulation is to level the playing field in the financial services sector, deepen customer advantage, standardise and scale teething open banking initiatives, introduce and categorise service levels that will be obtainable and also tier different levels of parties to this open banking operation by their levels of risks.

Possible Barriers to Adoption of Open Banking It goes without saying that Open Banking is inherently disruptive especially for legacy financial services players that are not prepared for it. It can upset their business models, introduce new competition, diminish customer touch-points and increase risks for the legacy financial services organisations.

The inherent disruption in Open Banking can also affect customer trust and make them slow adopters of the innovation but most of the risks are in the supply side who have to internally answer questions around the business case of open banking.

Do customers really care about this or are they good with the current product offerings. Such massive investment into new technology needs to be justified. It would not make sense to invest in just hype like most banks did with Mobile Money only

to eventually realize that the use case that made business sense was readily resolved through Agent Banking.

Furthermore, the Commercial Banks, delineated by the CBN Framework as Tier 3 participants (Started from the lowest Tier 0 to the highest Tier 3) and thus sponsors are playing pivotal roles within the framework. They have to set the KYC mechanisms and standards, conduct the risk analysis and submit the report and provide the platform for the different tiers of the participants.

It can easily be deduced that without their contribution, the ship of Open Banking in Nigeria will not sail. I am certain that at some point, some of the commercial banks will ask if they are digging their own graves. This is because Open Banking further empowers the Fintechs and Techfins who since the turn of the last decade had started to eat into the Bank’s core business through progressive disintermediation. Payments services (OPAY, PAGA), Lending (Carbon, RenMoney) and even Savings (Piggyvest, Cowrywise) which used to be the core of the Commercial Banks have been disrupted by Fintech and Open Banking seems to have finally standardised their disruption. Why would the banks dig their own graves?

The risk of data leaks through these open banking integrations will also be a concern to both banks and the consumers is palpable and players would be racking their heads on how best to manage data leaks and allay customer apprehension.

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

T H I S D AY ˾ FEBRUARY 25, 2021

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BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

At 87, Balogun Still Gives to Humanity Hamid Ayodeji

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rdinarily, his home after the usual Thanksgiving Church Service to appreciate the Almighty God on March 9th, would have been a gathering of family members, friends and who-is-who in Nigeria, to celebrate one man whose milk of human kindness, touching lives and impacting the length and breadth of the society, have seen no restrictions, if it were not the extra-ordinary times in which we are, the reign of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It had usually been so every year, the rolling out of a splash of activities including generous donations from his well of goodness to institutions and courses, investitures, felicitations, goodwill messages and more, in honour of this pearl of a Nigerian, a man who leads the pack in giving and in giving more.

It is his birthday this season, and with social distancing in promulgation, this year’s bash has taken a slight departure, mauling any grand celebration for this scion of many good parts, Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun, progenitor of prime brands, and source of many inspiring deeds.

In a symbolic but scaled-down hand-over ceremony to the University of Ibadan and the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State respectively, Otunba Balogun, yet again, showed his deep passion for doing good by formally donating his Otunba Tunwase National Paediatric Centre to these two institutions.

Located at Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, this monumental gift would no doubt, add a rare fillip to life, providing the best of medical attention to a much vulnerable segment of the society. There could not be a better way to demonstrate humanitarianism and true statesmanship, a forte at which he is truly a leading light.

The handing over ceremony of the facility was the consummation of the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that involved the Otunba Tunwase Foundation, the Management of University of Ibadan and that of University College Hospital last October in Lagos.

The Group Chief Executive of FCMB and Chairman of the board of Otunba Tunwase Foundation, Mr. Ladi Balogun, was apt in his summation at the ceremony: “Today’s event”, he began, “marks a significant milestone to a philanthropic project embarked upon 11 years ago, with the sole objective of providing a world class medical facility to Nigerians, especially children, by an individual who consistently craves for the social and economic development of his fatherland.

“As you are aware, Otunba Olasubomi Balogun is a well-known statesman, entrepreneur and philanthropist with several charitable projects and programmes for the people of his hometown of Ijebu-Ode, as well as other parts of Nigeria.

“His philanthropy ranges from the provision of this world class medical facility to health, education, capacity building, youth empowerment and other socio-economic initiatives, aimed at enhancing the development of humanity and society in general”.

Balogun is a ready reference for good works, committed to making an impact on the lives and welfare of others. This, he has demonstrated over and again, with his succeeding flow of humanitarian support to people and communities. The sheer number and the value have made many to see him as the Nigerian watermark for humanitarianism.

Obviously, just a side to the story, the other major side, is that he is a fertile mind, and incubator cum vehicle for the delivery of life-transforming ideals, processes and concepts, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and its subsidiaries being testaments of this assertion.

Yes, it may be over twenty years now he took an uproarious bow from the banking hall, but his footprints still loom large there. The philosophies he enunciated and the course he pursued while prowling the banking chambers remain guiding principles for those desirous of making impact. For reasons of the rare ingredients in them, his story, of life generally, and of forays in business, philanthropy, relationship e.t.c., told and retold again, taste still, like a refreshing wine, laden with immense therapeutic values.

Beginning from his birth on 9 March 1934 in Ijebu-Ode in present-day Ogun State, his

Balogun

life evidently, has been scripted for impact, and aligning with a divine plan, has seen Otunba Balogun etching his name in gold.

It is instructive that Otunba Balogun is of blue blood, being a direct descendant of the Awujale (king of Ijebuland).

Though born of Islamic backgrounds, he had converted to Christianity while in secondary school. An alumnus of the famous Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos, he wrote and passed the equally prestigious Cambridge School Certificate in Grade One in 1952, and later the General Certificate Examination (GCE) Advanced Level.

The young Balogun jetted out of Nigerian shores in 1956, for the London School of Economics (LSE) to study Law, after a teaching stint at a secondary school. He was called to the English Bar in December 1959, following his graduation in June of that year, and thus began a new spectre of life for this man that was to leave great impact in the different walks of life.

Whether it is in philanthropy or banking that he has made his greatest impact still, remains a matter of conjecture. What is obvious though is that he took time to solidify his early learning foundation and was later to be engaged by the Western Regional Government to receive special training in Legal Drafting in Whitehall and the City of London, with a particular specialisation in financial legislation, instruments, and agreements.

Another institution where he trained was the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), also known as the World Bank, and its private sector affiliate, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), both in Washington DC. Some other personal development learnings followed his scouring fields such as stockbroking, investment banking and merchant banking amongst others.

The Asiwaju of Ijebu Christians served as a Crown Counsel in both the Ministry of Justice of the then Western Nigeria and as Assistant Parliamentary Counsel in the Federal Ministry of Justice in Lagos, the moment he was through that important sphere of learning.

The story is well known of how he served for 9 years, as Principal Counsel and Company Secretary to then reputable Nigerian Industrial Development Bank (NIDB).

Sometime in 1966, Balogun joined the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank (NIDB).

While at this establishment, his interest in investment banking led him to advocate for the establishment of a merchant bank sponsored

by NIDB. When ICON securities, a merchant banking outfit was established in 1973 as a subsidiary of NIDB, Balogun moved to ICON Ltd as a director of operations.

When Balogun’s ambition to head ICON

was not realised, he left the firm to found City Securities, a stock broking and issuing house.

City Securities developed relationships with Mobil, Texaco and Total Petroleum Marketing companies, handling the companies’ equity offerings.

In 1979, he applied for a merchant banking license to establish First City Merchant Bank.

Balogun was inspired by the entrepreneurial works of Siegmund Warburg, who co-founded S.G. Warburg, he had visited Warburg in London prior to establishing his merchant bank.

He often tells the anecdotal story of how his son inspired him to take the leap in starting the bank. When the operations of the bank took effect in 1983, Balogun established an entrepreneurial culture at the new bank, unique as an owner managed bank in contrast to the government owned banks as at that time.

Amongst the several landmarks in his life was 2004, when the Central Bank of Nigeria declared a new minimum share capital of N25 billion.

He had retired from active banking service at this time, but he saw the new bench-mark as a challenge that must be overcome, retirement from the banking hall, notwithstanding.

So methodically aggressive in the quest to shore up public subscription was he, that Balogun came out of retirement to lead the campaign. With his influence and drive, the company’s issued shares were oversubscribed, even as FCMB ended up acquiring six other banks that were unable to meet the requirements.

At a very early stage in life, his magnanimity began to attract a lot of recognition. A direct descendant of Oba Tunwase of Ijebu-Ode, Otunba Balogun is the holder of the title of the Otunba Tunwase of Ijebu.

He is also the Olori-Omoba Akile Ijebu, the Baba Oba of Ijebu-Ife, the Asalu Oba of Ijebu-Mushin and the Asiwaju of Ijebu Christians. As the Olori Omo-Oba or “chief prince” - of Ijebu, he serves as the ranking prince of the dynasty that provides the Awujales of Ijebuland. His recognition, from the South West Nigeria, extended to the South East, Northern Nigeria and as far as Europe, Italy to be precise. As the head of Princes, he is at the helm of affairs as The Olori Ebi of the Arojojoye Ruling House, in Ijebu Ode. Balogun has several awards in his kitty. He is a recipient of the American Biographical Institute Inc’s Distinguished Leadership Award for outstanding contributions to the development of Investment Banking. He is also a recipient of the University of Ibadan’s Degree of Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) in recognition of his outstanding achievements both in the field of Law and his contributions

to the socio-economic development of Nigeria; a Merit Award for philanthropic services to Ogun State in particular and the country as a whole, and also the Ijebu Development Association award and Council Membership of a number of multi-national Chambers of Commerce.

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria made him a Fellow of the Institute for his pioneering and outstanding contribution to the Banking Industry.

He has several other awards and recognitions.

These include: The Distinguished Leadership Award for outstanding contributions to the development of investment banking by the American Biographical Institute Inc; Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria for his pioneering and outstanding contribution to the Banking Industry by the Chartered Institute of Banker of Nigeria and an honorary Doctor of Law (Honoris Causa) by the University of Ibadan in recognition of his achievement in the field of law and his contributions to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

There is no gainsaying the fact that the Founder of FCMB Group and the Olori Omooba of Ijebuland has reached an altitude in life that is shaping his attitude of gratitude to God. At age 83, his conviction that he has a duty to devote the rest of his life to serve God, society and do things that add significant value to humanity has continued to wax strong.

As he often says, “when the final call comes, you will just open your hands and say, God, here I am. To be able to do that, you need the grace of God’’.

Indeed, since his birth on March 9, 1934 at Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, Otunba Balogun has grown to gracefully become an outstanding personality, a great phenomenon and embodiment of achievements within his immediate environment and far beyond.

His story is that of a man who understood early in life that the true essence of wealth is achieved only when it is deployed to the service of humanity, especially the less privileged.

A man of proven immense wealth who is highly regarded, respected and honoured in the society, the honour bestowed on Otunba Balogun does not, however, stem from the immensity of his wealth, but from the good use to which he has put this wealth for the service of humanity.

Over this period, he has garnered many epithets and appellations which present him as a colossus bestriding every aspect of national life. Otunba Balogun is the baron of the Nigerian capital and money markets; doyen, pioneer and role model of entrepreneurial banking in Nigeria; a constructive philanthropist and a distinguished Church Leader, who has devoted a substantial part of his private resources to the care and service of the less privileged.

A lover of children who has built several institutions for the health care, welfare and survival of children, Balogun is also a distinguished author, opinion leader, writer and a respected community leader whose contributions for community welfare continue to expand even as he grows older.

A business icon, a philanthropist par excellence and a strong adherent to the Christian religion faith, he is also a strong character with unwavering inner convictions to which his resounding successes in many spheres of life could be attributed.

“I have a very strong character. There is nothing that I did that I wish I had not done.

I have no regret over any of my past actions”, he says. Recalling when he was to set-up First City Monument Bank (FCMB),a wholly Nigerian Bank which he singlehandedly established, he said he was coming up with a culture of excellence and he went ahead to define what the culture of excellence would be. It is to his credit that he was the first to create a special dining room for banks and was also the first to insist on bank staff, wearing dark suits.

Over the years, this icon of our time has distinguished himself with rare altruism— sleeping, waking and thinking about how to impact positively on communities and people, especially the less privileged in his society.

Philanthropy is almost always an interesting pastime for those who have the giving spirit.

For Balogun, it goes beyond a pastime to what could be regarded as a creed hence he set-up of the Otunba Tunwase Foundation, through which he ventilates his philanthropic spirit in service to the community.

˾ THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021

IMAGES

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Photo Editor ÌÓÙÎßØ ÔËÖË Email ËÌÓÙÎßØ˛ËÔËÖË̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙ×

Ogun State commissioner for housing, Jagunmolu Akande Omoniyi,(2nd right)addressing the press during the delivering of palliatives to displaced persons in the herders, farmers clashes in Tata, Yews North local government ...recently Former Acting Managing Director/CEO of the Federal Housing Authority, Mr. Richard Onikede Adebayo(left) being supported by his wife, Florence to cut his 80th Birthday cake in Lagos...recently.

L-R: Second Vice President, Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), Comrade Saad Aminu; General Secretary, SSASCGOC, Comrade Ayo Olorunfemi; Branch President of SSASCGOC in Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Comrade Suleiman Girei; and Branch President, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Comrade Ogechi James, during a news conference on alleged threat by Nigeria Labour Congress to shut down CAC over matters affecting senior staff in the Commission, in Abuja...recently

L-R;: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo Osinbajo; President Muhammadu Buhari; National Security Adviser, retired Maj-Gen Babagana Monguno during the launch of 2021 National Cyber security Policy and Strategy (NCPS) at the Presidential Villla in Abuja on Tuesday

L –R , Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State ; the Minister of Communications , Isa Pantami ; Minister of Foreign Affairs , Mr. Geoffery Onyeama and the Minister of Defence , Major General (Rted) Bashir Magashi at the Launch of the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy at the Council Chabers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja …recently GODWIN OMOIGU Cross section of Nembe Host Communities, protesters of OML 29 against the Diversion/Theft of Large Volumes of Crude Oil by Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, in Nembe LGA, Bayelsa State recently

L-R: Assistant Manager, Digital Marketing / Public Relations, CHI Limited,Abel Oshevire; Chief Operating Officer, Citadel of Grace Mission International Orphanage Home, Christine Iyile;and Assistant Activation Manager, CHI Limited, Chinyem Austin, during the visit by Hollandia Nurture A Child Initiative to provide dairy nourishment to children at the Orphanage in Lagos...recently ETOP UKUTT

Former Minister of Works , Mike Onolememen , Senate Chief whip , Senator Orji uzor Kalu, Governor of Rivers State wyesom Wike and Former Presidential Candidate , Hon Edozie Madu at the inspection of bridges in port harcourt...recently

30

T H I S D AY ˾ , FEBRUARY 25, 2021

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

ÜÙßÚ ÏËÞßÜÏÝ ÎÓÞÙÜ˝ ÒÓÏ×ÏÖÓÏ äÏÙÌÓ ×ËÓÖ chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, Tel: 07010510430

Issues Behind Current Face-off Between NMA And JOHESU Doctors under the auspices of the Nigeria Medical Association and Joint Health Sector Unions, representing other unions in the country’s health sector are presently at logger heads with each other over matters relating to the proposal for the Repeal And Re-enactment of Medical And Dental Council Of Nigeria Act, 1988. Though the Bill is still at the early stage of discussion at the National Assembly, it has already generated a lot of heat leading to the threat of industrial action by JOHESU. Onyebuchi Ezigbo presents the various positions canvassed by the unions and professional associations in the health sector

T

he country recently witnessed a flurry of hostilities between the key unions and professional bodies in the health sector.

The health sector groups, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) in the last few days or weeks, had engaged each other in exchange of words in the media over a proposed amendment to the Medical And Dental Council Of Nigeria Act. On Monday February 1, 2021, the Senate held a Public Hearing on the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill SB. 480 and four other Bills. The Bill seeks to repeal and re-enact the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act Cap M8. LFN 2004, which was enacted by Decree 23 of 1988 and amended by Decree 78 of 1992. However, the Public Hearing ended in controversy with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) literally staging a walk-out to protest alleged unfair hearing given to them at the sitting .

Since then, the matter had degenerated into name calling and use of abusive words against each other by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and JOHESU leadership in a manner that is highly unbecoming of professional bodies expected to function harmoniously to promote a sector as sensitive as the healthcare sector.

NMA’s Position on the Proposed Bill Nigerian Medical Association said it is happy that the Bill seeks to reinforce the perpetuity of the Medical and Dental Council by making it immune to frequent and unnecessary disruptions through dissolution each time there is a change of government.

In a statement signed by the NMA president, Prof. Innocent Ujah, the association said the Bill makes it easier for the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Disciplinary Tribunal to try cases of professional misconduct against doctors in a timelier manner. It also provide more realistic sanctions against doctors who are found guilty by the Disciplinary Tribunal.

It said: “The current state of affairs is such that cases linger for years due to the frequent dissolution of the Council and the Disciplinary Tribunal. And when the Tribunal finds a doctor guilty of professional misconduct, the extant law does not permit it to suspend such a doctor for more than six months. The next most severe sanction is erasure from the Medical Register.

“We support the clear delineation of the function of the Council proposed in the Bill. The Passage of the Bill and assent will settle the unnecessary confusion, inter-professional acrimony and friction in the health sector”.

The Long title of the Bill states clearly that it is “A Bill to Repeal the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act 1988 and Enact the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Bill to Establish the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for the Regulation and Control of the MEDICAL and DENTAL PROFESSIONS! For further clarity section 2 of the Bill states that: “The provisions of this Bill shall apply to the professions of medicine and dentistry and all persons who are authorised to practice as medical practitioners or dental surgeons under this Bill “.

According to NMA, it is surprising that anyone would claim that the Bill seeks to regulate any other healthcare professions. The provision of S.4(9) being bandied around by some people

NMA President, Prof. Innocent Ujah

as an attempt to regulate other professions is noticeably clear in its provisions that it is about medical practitioners and dental surgeons.

It states that one of the proposed functions of the council would be: “making regulations for the operation and management of clinical diagnostic centres for the practice of Pathology or Radiology and any other branch of medicine and dentistry determined by council, provided that the regulations shall provide for fully registered practitioners to manage the diagnostic centres.” Please note the proviso there! The Council’s regulations would only apply if it is related to registered medical practitioners and dental surgeons i.e., doctors and dentists. It did not say Council shall make rules for any other professions.“ NMA maintained that doctors practice medicine but do not seek to practice Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Science, Radiography or any other professions and occupations of persons who are not qualified to be registered as medical practitioners or dental surgeons.

The association said, “while we may agree that the title “apothecary” is not a title generally used by doctors, we find it amusing that someone would propose that doctors in Nigeria should cease using the title “doctor”. “Doctor” is universally known as the title of practitioners of Medicine. The claim that the provisions of S.42 (1) of the Bill excludes other persons like holders of PhDs and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine etc from legitimately using the title “Doctor” is misconstrued.

“While paragraph (b) of that subsection states no person other than a Registered medical practitioner shall “take or use the title of physician, surgeon, doctor or licentiate of medicine, medical practitioner,apothecary”, paragraph (c) of that subsection, makes an exception for those other than medical practitioners who have legitimate and reasonable reason to use the title “Doctor”. “ In any case, the provisions of S.42 of the Bill

JOHESU Chairman, Comrade Joy Bio Josiah

is the same as those of the extant laws of the Federation of Nigeria as contained in S.17(1) of the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Act Cap M8 LFN, which is also similar to the provisions of the expended Medical and Dental Practitioners Act of 1963. We are not aware of any holders of PhDs, DVM, DD or any other similar degrees which give them reasonable and legitimate grounds to use the title “Doctor”, who have been prevented from using it.

“The law only seeks to protect members of the public from quacks, crooks and charlatans who deceive members of the public into thinking that they are medical doctors. Unfortunately, due to the failure of the law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities in our country, quacks and charlatans are brazenly and openly referring to themselves as doctors despite the existence of a law against it.”

Again, NMA said the complaint that S.45 (3) (e) seeks to enable doctors and nurses to usurp the duties of pharmacists is misconstrued especially when viewed on the background of the preceding S.45 (3) (d). The two paragraphs read: “(d). Only a registered pharmacist shall dispense medicines prescribed by a registered medical practitioner or dental surgeon. (e). “Nothing in the foregoing shall preclude a registered medical practitioner or dental surgeon, or a registered nurse under the supervision of a doctor or dentist, from providing medicines in the absence of a registered pharmacist” “It is clear that the Bill while upholding the right of the registered pharmacist, only seeks to enable doctors and nurses use medication on patients in the course of their duties where it is very reasonable and conscionable not to have a pharmacist around. For example, the use of anaesthetic agents during an operation, emergency drugs in the Intensive Care Unit, an emergency room or in the ward.“ NMA believed that the Medical and Dental

Council of Nigeria (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill is intended to further strengthen the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria in regulating the medical and dental professions to protect the public by ensuring that registered medical practitioners and dental surgeons are competent persons who practice safe, ethical, and responsible medicine.

“We fully support the Bill and call upon members of the Professions Allied to Medicine and Dentistry and members of the public in general to support the Bill for the advancement of quality healthcare delivery in Nigeria.”

The association accused JOHESU of blackmailing the Senate and particularly the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health over matters they could not logically advance during the transparently managed Senate Public hearing on 5 health related Bills, held on Monday, February 1, 2021.

It described the effort of the Senate as timely, appropriate, and necessary to bring the regulation of Medicine and Dentistry in Nigeria up to date with respect to advancements and developments in healthcare nationally and internationally. “The Nigerian Medical Association wholeheartedly welcomes the Bill,” it added.

JOHESU’s Position on the Proposed Amendment While stating the position of other unions in the health sector, JOHESU’s Chairman, Comrade Joy Bio Josiah said that after the union’s critical appraisal of all issues, JOHESU/AHPA “wishes to posit thus on the various issues canvassed by the NMA”.

On the right of pharmacists to drug dispensary, after it was challenged that doctors cannot carry the title of Apothecary because it is Pharmacists and Pharmacies that are globally Apothecaries, the NMA now says “while we may agree that the title “Apothecary” is not a title used by Doctors…..

A sense of integrity should have compelled a

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

T H I S D AY ˾ , FEBRUARY 25, 2021

31

COVER

FERTILITY

with DR. KEMI AILOJE Info@lifelinkfertility.com; Website: lifelinkfertility.com 08033083580

ISSUES BEHIND CURRENT FACE-OFF BETWEEN NMA AND JOHESU more honourable group to accept it erred in simple terms.

0O UIF VTF PG UIF A%S "QQFMMBUJPO +0)&46 said its position is that any healthcare worker could assume the use of the title of “Doctor” CBTFE PO UIF /BUJPOBM 6OJWFSTJUJFT $PNNJTTJPO /6$ BQQSPWFE DVSSJDVMB "MSFBEZ UIF /6$ has approved a Doctor of Pharmacy and Doctor of Optometry for Pharmacists and Optometrists.

Others will follow suit and so MDCN cannot BOE XJMM OPU CF BMMPXFE UP MFHJTMBUF PO B /6$ jurisdiction like we shall resist in other regulatory realms where exclusivity is required for sanity.

"HBJO +0)&46 TBJE UIF QSPWJTP JO 4FDUJPO 45(3)(d) and 45(3)(e) is the perfect symbol of how Medical Doctors and NMA intend to extend regulation and control beyond the frontiers of Medical Doctors and Dentists, and seek for trouble by standing on age-long hypocritical platitudes.

S.45(3)(d) reads only “a Registered Pharmacist shall dispense medicines prescribed by a Registered Medical Practitioner or Dental Surgeon”. While Section 45(3)(e) reads “Nothing in the foregoing shall preclude a registered Medical Practitioner or Dental Surgeon or a registered Nurse under the supervision of a doctor or dentist from providing medicines in the absence of a registered Pharmacist”. +0)&46 RVFSJFE UIF KVSJTEJDUJPO PG UIF .%$/ to create rules for Pharmacists like it seeks in Section 45(3)(d) when it says the MDCN Bill is limited to Medical Doctors and Dentists?

“Why did the MDCN and NMA decide to bother themselves about what should happen in the absence of a Pharmacist where they have no jurisdictional competence even in their admission that the scope of their law is for medical doctors and dentists when they have not told us what should happen in the absence of medical doctors and dentists which is the scope within their boundary and limitations?” +0)&46 GVSUIFS BSHVFE UIBU UIF UXP XFMM established Pharmacy statutes vis the Poison and Pharmacy Act and PCN Cap P.17 LFN 2004 are unambiguous about rights and privileges in sales, dispensing, procurement, importation, exportation, manufacturing, distribution and related responsibilities about drugs in Nigeria.

“The PPA Cap 535 LFN in part 3 Sections BOE NBLFT JU DMFBS UIBU POMZ 3FHJTUFSFE Licensed Pharmacists can dispense medicines. It also defines the framework for the handling of medicines in emergencies confronting Medical Doctors in Nigeria.

“Section 1(1)(d) of the PCN Act which gives the PCN powers to regulate and control Pharmacy practice in all aspects and ramifications in Nigeria forbids any other regulatory agency from dabbling into Pharmacy practice in Nigeria”.

The union said that more than 15 Federal High Courts in various parts of Nigeria have affirmed that the PCN has a specific approbation in law to regulate and control Pharmacy practise in all its aspects and ramifications. It cited an example of the ruling of October 2007 at the Federal High Court in Lagos, in a suit by the Guild of Medical Directors vs PCN, where the court declared that the PCN had a specific approbation in law to regulate and control Pharmacy practice in all its aspects and ramifications in both the public and private sectors in Nigeria.

It said that appeal to the ruling is also pending at the Court of Appeal, Lagos which necessitates the need to invoke Order 41 of the Senate rules to immediately step down Sections 45(3)(d) and (e) from further consideration in the MDCN Bill. +0)&46 HBWF GVSUIFS SFBTPOT XIZ JU GFFMT Section 45(3)(d) and (e) must be expunged as follows: The spirit of the relevant Pharmacy Acts vis the Poison & Pharmacy Act in Part III Sections 7 & 8 and the PCN Act CAP P.17 LFN 2004 in Section 1(1)(d) which gives the PCN a specific approbation in law to regulate and control Pharmacy practice in all its aspects and ramifications in Nigeria.

It said the Federal High Court, Lagos in a landmark ruling in October, 2007 affirmed the powers of the PCN as the ONLY body that can regulate Pharmacy Practice at both the private and public sector levels in Nigeria, adding that MDCN logically cannot therefore exercise the powers of the PCN to regulate Pharmacy practice through the back door. +0)&46 TBJE UIBU )FBMUIDBSF SFNBJOFE B HMPCBM and internationally driven practice. One of the golden rules and norms in the prescribing and dispensing of drugs is that both the prescriber and the dispenser of medicines are forbidden to have pecuniary interest or gain so that the patient enjoys the best clinical decision that must be made by the prescriber.

“It is interesting that in the MDCN draft bill, no consideration or thought was put in print for a next line of action in the absence of the Medical Doctor or Dentist.

“Specifically, there was no clause to allow Nurses or any other practitioner to step in the TIPFT PG UIF %PDUPS %FOUJTU XIJDI XPVME IBWF been within the jurisdiction of the MDCN. Rather TUSBOHFMZ UIF .%$/ CJMM TFFLT UP HJWF %PDUPST Dentists a loophole in the private sector especially to continue the many years of wreckless use of drugs through untrained hands.” +0)&46 OPUFE UIBU UIF ESBGU #JMM DBOOPU MFHJUJNJTF the unlawful act of sales and dispensing of drugs by doctors under whatever guise. According to the union, the scenario in (2) above is what has entrenched and formalised quackery in the Health system in Nigeria because private hospitals promote quackery through a periodic discharge of untrained elements. Such undesirable characters evolve as Auxiliary Nurses, Dispensing "TTJTUBOUT $MFSL FUD “Section 45(3)(e) in its totality will encourage the continued exploitation of the Nigerian people because WHO studies confirm pecuniary indulgences of private hospital facilities in the sales and dispensing of drugs. The study declares that prices of drugs in private hospitals is 184 per cent above baseline prices in public hospital pharmacy and 192 per cent above what is obtainable in private pharmacies. It is this huge profit that has always incentivised private hospital facilities to unlawfully stock drugs when they also fail to engage Pharmacists.

Point of Disagreement With NMA In one template NMA says the MDCN Bill is to regulate and control only Medical practitioners and Dentists. “In desperation, the true intendment is to violate the domain of Medical Laboratory Sciences and Radiography. This clearly manifests in Section 4(a) which states to wit “the MDCN shall make regulations for the operation and management of Clinical Diagnostic Centres.

“In healthcare practice, who are the health professions who work and manage Clinical %JBHOPTUJD $FOUSFT XIJDI BSF EPNJDJMFE JO $MJOJDBM Medical Laboratories or X-ray Centres as well as related facilities?

“You do not have to be rich in common-sense to appreciate that this is a direct violation of the professional privileges of Medical Laboratory Scientists and Radiographers who hold sway ordinarily in these diagnostic facilities.

“The NICN and several High Courts have validated the rights and powers of Medical Laboratory Scientists to take charge of the Medical Laboratory facilities through the instrumentality of the MLSCN Act, but even the Federal Ministry of Health aids its Medical Doctors to violate valid court orders and judgement in this regards,” +0)&46 TBJE The Grouse against Senate Commitee Public Hearing +0)&46 FYQSFTFE EJTNBZ BU UIF 'FCSVBSZ 2021 Public Hearing that when Oloriegbe was reeling out his “decree” on the rules at that hearing, he insisted references must not be made to court processes or judgements.

It said: “This is contrary to Order 41 of the Rules of Proceeding of the Senate which empowers the Senate to step down any matter that is pending in a law court when considering any Bill. i*O UIF MJHIU PG UIF GPSFHPJOH +0)&46 TBJE Section 4(9) must be expunged from the MDCN bill in its entirety in conformity with Order 41 of the Senate rules”. .PWJOH GPSXBSE +0)&46 TBJE UIF XBZ PVU remains that doctors and private hospitals that cannot afford to engage Pharmacists should send their prescriptions to community pharmacies that are registered by PCN. On the accusation of blackmailing the Senate and in particular Dr. Ibrahim Oloriegbe, the Chairman PG 4FOBUF $PNNJUUFF PO )FBMUI +0)&46 TBJE JU remained “a figment of the imagination of the NMA hierarchy.

At the Public Hearing of February 1, 2021, +0)&46 TBJE UIBU UIF DPNNJUUFF DIBJSNBO Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe gave MDCN, NMA and a representative of Pathologists the floor three times spanning over fifteen minutes while professions like Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory 4DJFODF /VSTJOH 3BEJPHSBQIZ BOE +0)&46 representative got two minutes each to canvass their positions. i+0)&46 UIFSFGPSF JOTJTUT UIBU UIF 4FOBUF NVTU probe the February 1, 2021 Hearing and reorganize the Senate Committee on Health subsequently to prevent “vindictive purposelessness”.

PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE AND INFERTILITY (PART 2)

L

ast week, we had an introduction to Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases, the causes and its symptoms.

This week we will continue with the prevention and possible treatment of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, how it may lead to infertility and the management of PID related infertility.

HOW PID LEADS TO INFERTILITY Infertility is the inability of sexually active, non-contracepting couple to achieve pregnancy in one year. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease if left untreated or not properly treated, may cause complications which have damaging effects on the female reproductive system such as scarring in the fallopian tubes or ovaries. The scarring in the tubes does not allow for egg to pass through easily into the womb, thus hindering pregnancy and resulting infertility.

PID can sometimes cause a collection of infected fluid called ABSCESSES to develop, most commonly in the fallopian tubes and ovaries. These abscesses in the fallopian tubes, causes blockage, and just like scarring, does not allow for egg to pass through easily, thus, making pregnancy difficult. Although in some cases, fertilized egg may get stuck in the tube and begin to grow. This is known as ECTOPIC PREGNANCY in which case the fertilized egg implants itself outside of the womb, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. This can cause the tube to burst which can lead to serve internal bleeding. Once diagnosed, it has to be evacuated immediately, or medications be evacuated immediately, or medications can be administered to stop the egg from growing.

prescribed. Medication may be given on a short or long term basis. Compliance with prescribed regimen will facilitate relief of symptoms and eradication of infectious.

PREVENTION OF INFERTILITY Although prompt treatment of PID is highly recommended however prevention is always better than cure. Regular testing for PID is encouraged. The risk of PID can be reduced by the following: r "CTUJOFODF 5IJT FOUBJMT BWPJEJOH FWFSZ form of sexual activity including masturbation. r 6TF PG CBSSJFS NFUIPET TVDI BT DPOEPNT r &OTVSJOH TFYVBM NPOPHBNZ r 3FEVDJOH UIF OVNCFS PG TFYVBM QBSUOFST r 4FFLJOH NFEJDBM BUUFOUJPO JG ZPV BSF experiencing symptoms of PID. r 5IF VTF PG IPSNPOBM DPOUSBDFQUJWF QJMMT has been found help in the prevention of PID in some cases by thickening the cervical mucosal plug and hence preventing the ascent of causative organism from the lower genital tract. r 4FFLJOH NFEJDBM BUUFOUJPO BGUFS MFBSOJOH that a current or former sexual partner has, or might have had a sexually transmitted infection r (FUUJOH B 45* IJTUPSZ GSPN ZPVS DVSSFOU partner and strongly recommending they be tested and if need be treated before intercourse r %JMJHFODF JO BWPJEJOH WBHJOBM BDUJWJUZ particularly intercourse after the end of a pregnancy (delivery,miscarriage or abortion) or certain gynaecological procedure, to ensure that the cervix closes properly.

PROGNOSIS The effect of the PID infection may remain permanent even when the infection has been POSSIBLE TREATMENT OF PELVIC properly treated;this makes early detection INFLAMMATORY DISEASES and treatment very essential.

The aims of treating pelvic inflammatory Treatment resulting in cure is very imdiseases are: portant in the prevention of damage to the r 3FMJFG PG BDVUF TZNQUPNT TVDI BT QBJO reproductive tract. Formation of scar tissue itching, fever, bleeding etc. due to one or more episodes of PID can lead r &SBEJDBUJPO PG DVSSFOU JOGFDUJPO to tubal blockage, increasing the risk of the r 1SFWFOUJPO NJOJNJ[BUJPO PG SJTL PG MPOH JOBCJMJUZ UP HFU QSFHOBOU BOE MPOH UFSN QFMWJD term complication. abdominal pain. Certain occurrence such as a post pelvic operation, the period of time immediately, after childbirth (postpartum) DIAGNOSIS OF PID Doctors make diagnosis by doing a pelvic miscarriage or abortion increase the risk of examination, collecting Samples of the vaginal acquiring another infection leading to PID discharge for culture and sensitivity, carrying out blood test and conducting an ultrasound COMPLICATIONS OF PID scan as the need arises.

PID can cause scarring inside the reproducTreatment of PID must be prompt. Wide tive system, which can later result into other range of antibiotics may be used. Treatment serious complications, including: is often started without confirmation of r $ISPOJD QFMWJD QBJO infection because of the serious complicar *OGFSUJMJUZ tion that may result from delayed treatment. r &DUPQJD QSFHOBODZ UIF MFBEJOH DBVTF Treatment depends on the causative organism of pregnancy related death in adult females) and generally involves the use of antibiotr 0UIFS DPNQMJDBUJPOT PG QSFHOBODZ ics. Self-medication is not recommended r 5IF JOGFDUJPOT NBZ TQSFBE UP PUIFS QBSU as improper use of antibiotics may cause causing inflammation and formation of scar resistance and recurrent infection. Your on the external surface of the kidney.

Health care provider assesses the severity of infection. Women may manifest with mild, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease can be moderate or severe PID. Depending on the prevented, properly managed and cured if severity; oral tablets or injectable may be diagnosed early.

32

T H I S D AY ˾ , FEBRUARY 25, 2021

PERSPECTIVE

Protein Nutrition: Roadmap to a Healthy Future Reginald Onabu

T

he journey of life runs from childbirth to senescence.

One activity that remains constant throughout this journey is daily nutrition.

The foods we consume daily constitute our daily diets, which is connected to our health and wellbeing.

We must certainly eat and nourish ourselves regularly for our nutrition, growth and development. Nutrition involves more than simply eating a “good” diet; it is about nourishment on every level. This includes eating balanced, quality food, drinking clean water and eating natural fruits with nutritious value.

An aspect of nutrition that has been neglected, especially in Nigeria, is protein nutrition. Protein nutrition is the formation of a diet that has a larger protein percentage per calorie than carbohydrates, lipids, and fat.

Calories are micro-units of energy that constitute the basic nutrients in all food sources. However, modern Nigerian diets usually emphasize carbohydrates and fats as the main course, while relegating proteins to the background.

The Nigeria Protein Deficiency report shows that proteins are rarely included in regular diets across all states. Highlights of the report indicate that carbohydrates are the most consumed food amongst Nigerians.

Rice topped the list with 91 per cent, closely followed by ‘swallows’ (such as eba, pounded yam, etc.) at 83 per cent.

This shows the predominance of carbohydrates over protein rich-foods, which cuts across all regions in the nation.

Further analysis revealed that other carbohydrates like bread and pasta are consumed in large quantities, making up over 80 per cent of the daily diets, especially amongst the lower socio-economic classes.

This is a far cry from the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) set by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. The RDA is the amount of a food nutrient needed to meet the basic nutritional requirements.

In a sense, it is the minimum amount the body needs to keep from getting ill — not the specific amount that is supposed to be eaten every day.

The implication of this dietary habit of consuming high carbohydrate, high-calorie foods is protein deficiency. This deficiency is a lack of essential protein nutrients in the daily diet and it is the consequence of primary malnutrition that occurs when there is no protein in our staple food.

Protein deficiency is strongly associated with ill health, as both a cause and consequence.

People who are protein deficient are more susceptible to diseases and infections due to a weakened immune system and tend to take longer to recover from incidents of illness.

Protein deficiency invariably leads to a plethora of illnesses, including marasmus, psoriasis, edema, stunting and kwashiorkor.

Kwashiorkor is a condition whereby an individual’s bio ketogenic cells are being burnt out in the body to sustain the internal

metabolism of the human system.

The resulting symptoms include severe weight loss, swollen abdomen, and hair loss.

No state in Nigeria is free of protein deficiency and many families in rural and urban communities struggle with all of these forms of protein-energy deficiencies at the same time.

Nigeria can resolve these issues and build a stable, healthy future. The question is, how? The solution is protein nutrition.

Protein nutrition must be given priority.

The regular nutrition pattern must gradually change and all dietary intakes should have some form of protein food source. This will go a long way to reduce the levels of protein deficiency in the nation.

The government could enact a proteincentred food policy that would involve adding

proteins to staple foods during processing to enhance their nutritional quality.

The government could also develop proteincentred plans, decisions and strategies in food cultivation, production, processing, packaging and consumption; ensuring that proteins are utilized to augment food sources.

An effective approach will be to create public awareness of the benefits of a protein-centred nutrition. People should be encouraged to eat soybeans, legumes, groundnuts, eggs, quinoa daily. The Nigeria Protein Awareness Campaign or Protein Challenge is one of the players operating in this space. Protein Challenge is a protein pull media campaign that seeks to create awareness about the prevalence, status and impact of protein deficiency in Nigeria.

Proteins should be the main course. The

narrative should be “more protein, more life”, as every cell in the human body contains protein. We all need protein in our diets to help our bodies repair cells and make new ones. Proteins are also important for growth and development in children, teens, and pregnant women.

Once people begin to grasp the tremendous benefits proteins offer, nutritious habits nationwide will change.

Life, they say, is a process, and a child that is born today cannot become an adult overnight; so is healthy nutrition. It is a gradual process. Protein nutrition will pave the way for a healthy future. t 0OBCV 3FTFBSDIFS BOE 1VCMJD 3FMBUJPOT 0GmDFS XSJUFT GSPN -BHPT

Study: Poor Diet in Pregnancy Can Lead to Child Obesity Children born to mothers who eat a lot of processed foods packed with sugar and salt face an increased risk of obesity late in childhood, researchers have said.

“Children born to mothers who eat a low-quality diet — high in inflammationassociated foods — during pregnancy may be more likely to have obesity or excess body fat,” Ling-Wei Chen from University College Dublin’s School of Public Health, said in a statement.

“Mounting evidence has

pointed to the first 1,000 days of life — from conception to two years old — as a critical period for preventing childhood obesity.”

Obesity in childhood often carries on into adulthood and is associated with a higher risk of type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health problems.

To examine how maternal diet might affect childhood obesity, Chen and colleagues analysed data collected from 16,295 mother-child pairs in Ireland, France, Britain, the

Netherlands, and Poland.

On average, mothers were 30 years old and had a healthy body-mass index (BMI), a standard measure for obesity calculated on the basis of weight, height, and sex.

The women reported the food they ate before and during pregnancy. The researchers graded the diets on a five-point scale.

Participants with the healthiest diets — rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy

products nuts, and legumes — were at one end of the spectrum.

Those eating a lot of red and processed meats, along foodstuffs larded with saturated fat, sugar, and salt were at the other end.

In the followup, children’s BMI was calculated in early, mid, and late childhood, roughly 10 to 11 years old.

They found that older children born to mothers who eat poorly throughout pregnancy were likely to have significantly more fat

and less muscle mass.

Almost no difference, however, was seen in younger children.

“Our findings suggest that promoting an overall healthy diet, high in fruit and vegetables and low in refined carbohydrates and red and processed meats, throughout pregnancy may help prevent childhood obesity,” said lead investigator Catherine Phillips, also of the University of Dublin.

Previous research has found that low levels of

muscle mass may be associated with a higher risk of combined diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.

The authors cautioned that their observational study does not directly show cause and effect, nor does it explain biologically why poor maternal diet might lead to childhood obesity.

One possible explanation lies in the realm of epigenetics, which are non-genetic effects that can nonetheless be inherited, said Phillips.

33

T H I S D AY ˾ , FEBRUARY 25, 2021

PERSPECTIVE

Anchors and Pillars: Pharmacies, the Mainstay of Nigeria’s Healthcare Michael E. Umoh

are daily exposed to preclinical or asymptomatic patients who see pharmacies as their first port of call,” says Ohuabunwa, PSN President.

Elijah Mohammed, Registrar of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), the government body which regulates the practice of pharmacy in the country, has also urged pharmacists to maintain a high level of personal protection even as they meet the needs of others: “The structure and nature of your work continue to make you vulnerable, you must therefore ensure you prioritise your personal and personnel protection”.

T

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the limitations and in some cases, inadequacies of healthcare systems, globally – with some regions and countries faring worse than others. It has also revealed how crucial certain professions and services are to our societies. That list includes pharmacies.

In many countries, pharmacists - the third-largest and most accessible healthcare professionals in the world - are often the first point of contact with the healthcare system.

In Nigeria, for example, the healthcare system is split into the private and public sector. The private sector makes up 38 per cent of the healthcare facilities in the nation, while the public sector, fully controlled by the government, is divided into primary, secondary and tertiary systems.

Primary healthcare, mainly located in rural areas, only offers essential healthcare services such as maternal and child healthcare.

However, secondary and tertiary, which are mostly in urban areas, often cater to specialised healthcare needs such as mental healthcare, cardiac surgery, cancer management, etc.

Due to the fragmented nature of healthcare service, most Nigerians pay for healthcare services directly out- of-pocket (these payments account for about 75 per cent of total health expenditure in Nigeria).

To most Nigerians, quick access and immediacy are important considerations and pharmacies often meet those needs – even as they deal with a low pharmacist to population ratio.

While the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends one pharmacist to 2000 people in a population, the reality in Nigeria and indeed, most of sub-Saharan Africa is different.

“In Nigeria, as professionals, we are faced with about 50,000 people to one pharmacist,” says Sam Ohuabunwa, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN).

Although it is common to think that only pharmacies are charged with preparing, dispensing and selling medications, in reality, those roles also apply to Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs). Known as ‘chemists’ in Nigeria, these vendors have no formal training in pharmacy but sell pharmaceutical products for profit. In some cases, these chemists are the only access community members have to healthcare.

In reality, pharmacies play much bigger roles.

While they dispense and sell medicine, they also educate patients, provide consultation services, help with immunization programmes, blood and sugar monitoring, diet modification, weight management and stress management. A 2012 study also established that pharmacies in Nigeria contribute to the maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) system. Over 15 per cent of community pharmacies see between 5 and 10 pregnant women and 10–20 children per day. A 2016 study also revealed that community pharmacies are important to Nigeria’s immunization programmes.

The multi-faceted role that pharmacies serve in various communities is critical. Emmanuel

Edekere, a 64- year-old father of seven living in Uyo, a city in the South-south region of Nigeria, gets his blood pressure checked at the licensed pharmacy nearby. “I can have one of my children do it for me, but the people at the pharmacy went to school for this and I also want proper information I can trust”.

Fighting the Pandemic Globally, pharmacies have been essential to efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic. They have helped with drug review and therapy, patient counselling, patient screening, PPE preservation, patient rounds, mitigating drug shortages, research and data analysis.

In Nigeria, pharmacists swung into action when the first COVID-19 case in the country was confirmed on February 27, 2020. The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has lobbied the federal government to provide grants for the local production of medicines. ACPN, the Association of Community Pharmacists in Nigeria ran a nationwide awareness campaign on drug misuse during the azithromycin hydroxychloroquine controversy.

Additionally, the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) mitigates shortages of COVID-19 and essential medicines while the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN), part of the front line team in COVID-19 isolation and treatment centres, are involved in medication review, dispensing and monitoring.

Nigerian pharmacists also play an important role in producing hand sanitisers and disinfectants, both necessary resources in the fight against COVID-19.

Pharmacists have also had to act as fact-checkers,

dispelling rumours and misinformation that range from the mundane to the deadly. “I can’t count how many times I tell people that drinking alcohol won’t ‘wash down the virus’ from your throat, or that the pandemic is not a hoax,” says Adekunle, who runs a pharmacy in Lagos.

Nasiru who owns two pharmacies in Niger state and Abuja notes an increase in his responsibilities.

“Each day, my staff and I have to persuade more and more people to listen to us, ignore rumours and stay safe. It can be hard but you are literally saving lives, so we buckle up”.

Pharmacies have also helped patients and the public deal with the mental strain from the COVID-19 pandemic; often providing counselling and support services. “We are in extremely trying times for both our physical and mental wellbeing.

A key part of what it means to be human today is to have to grapple with so many mental strains.

The conversation around guarding our mental space has been ongoing even before this pandemic, while we are in it and it will continue when we overcome it,” says Joke Bakare, MD, MedPlus.

As a result of their added responsibilities, pharmacists themselves have not been spared from the disease and its impact. In June 2020, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria revealed that six of their 359 frontline workers had tested positive for COVID-19. In July 2020, 17 additional pharmacists were reported to have tested positive.

“Aside from the 359 hospital pharmacists directly involved in attending to COVID-19 patients in hospitals and isolation centres, there are other thousands of community pharmacists out there that

Navigating the Future As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, pharmacies have adapted their mode of operations. Face-to-face counselling has given way to window-dispensing/ counselling in community and hospital pharmacies.

“Players in the profession and the pharmaceutical industry need to think bigger; they must dream dreams and build real pharmaceutical entities that will meet the expectations of the nation,” says Osagie Ehanire, Nigeria’s Minister for Health who believes that the industry’s entrepreneurs need to pool their resources to compete properly.

Bryan Mezue, Co-founder and CEO of Lifestores Healthcare – which is focused on primary healthcare delivery – agrees: “Our thesis is that the massive opportunity for transformation in healthcare delivery in Nigeria is finding a way to support pharmacies to professionalize the whole industry,” he says.

In February 2020, Lifestores raised a $1 Million seed round and in November 2020, unveiled its online B2B pharmaceutical marketplace, OGApharmacy in a pre-launch. “We see community pharmacies as the first port of call for primary healthcare, and work hand-in-hand with pharmacists to deliver health programs that serve all Nigerians,” says Mezue.

That commitment to communities and the future is also echoed by Chidi Okoro, Chief Transformation Officer, HealthPlus, West Africa’s largest retail pharmacy chain: “Digital transformation remains at the forefront of our thoughts. The industry is headed towards a point where healthcare services are not location- locked. Ultimately, we believe that quality and affordable healthcare is a fundamental right of citizens and a critical part of any human capital development process”.

Okoro is correct. Nigerian pharmacies are embracing technology to aid their service delivery and reach more people while organisations like The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has urged its members to use digital technology to improve patient care and make healthcare services more accessible.

As the Nigerian healthcare sector evolves, pharmacies will continue to serve critical roles in the nation – making the most of available resources to provide quality healthcare service to Nigerians. t6NPI JT $SFBUJWF 4USBUFHJTU BU 3%' 4USBUFHJFT BO PSHBOJTBUJPOBM TUSBUFHZ BOE TUBLFIPMEFS FOHBHFNFOU mSN IFBERVBSUFSFE JO -BHPT /JHFSJB TFSWJOH DMJFOUT BDSPTT "GSJDB BOE BSPVOE UIF XPSME

NIPRD: 70 Percent Nigerians Still Patronise Traditional Medicine Onyebuchi Ezigbo ÓØ ÌßÔË The Director General of the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Dr. Obi Adigwe has said that majority of Nigerians still have faith in the efficacy of traditional medicine, despite improvements made in development of modern healthcare system.

Against the background of a major breakthrough made by the institute in the area of Phyto medicine development, Adigwe said that Nigeria is known to have thousands of plants with proven ethno pharmaceutical and medicinal potentials that are not utilised.

Speaking during an oversight visit by a delegation of House of Representatives Adhoc

committee on COVID-19 to NIPRD, Adigwe said in the olden days people have used these medicinal plants to threat sick persons.

“70 percent of Nigerians still use herbal medicines as first port of call for treatment of illnesses and that is the situation,” he said.

Adigwe said that NIPRD has initiated a more proactive strategy to encourage the development of herbal medicine in Nigeria.

According to him, rather than waiting in Abuja for the traditional medicine practioners to come for engagement, NIPRD decided to send its officers to the states to engage them and teach them better ways of documenting data about their traditional medicine and to avail themselves of the laid

down processes for certifying their products.

Adigwe said that so far NIPRD has been able to train five persons each from the six geopolitical zones on Phyto medicine practice.

On the contributions made by the Institute at this period of COVID-19 pandemic, the DG said that early last year at the onset of the pandemic, NIPRD pioneered and strongly advocated indigenous manufacturing of hand sanitisers from locally sourced raw materials.

He said the Institute produced its own brand of hand sanitisers which has gone on to become famous for its high international quality.

He also said that NIPRD has been involved as sponsor, as well as technical partner to a number

of ongoing Randomised Control Trials aimed at scientifically proving the efficacy of a number of conventional medicines currently at the Clinical Trials phase.

In addition, he said NIPRD has leveraged its reputation as the first African Institute to develop a world-class phytomedicine from drug discovery up to phase two clinical trials, to begin work on repurposing Niprimune, its flagship immunomodulatory agent for relevant clinical studies for COVID-19.

“Several months after NIPRDs breakthrough in this area, The Government of Thailand approved the same phytomedicine for the management of COVID-19.

“These are just a few of the many areas where the Institute has supported the national

response for the deadly virus.

“Our ground breaking work in various areas including Nanomedicine, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Development of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Phytomedicinal Drug Discovery and several others, are at all advanced stages, and when supported to completion will ensure that Nigeria emerges Africas hub for all forms of pharmaceutical research, manufacturing and development,” he said.

Despite the potential that abound in NIPRD, Adigwe said there are still significant challenges facing the institute.

For instance, Adigwe said that prioritisation and adequate funding of the sector is still suboptimal.

“So far, despite this administration’s clear policy prioritisation, and marginal support, partners such as philanthropic organisations, and development partners are yet to align to government’s position.

“I therefore wish to use this opportunity to urge all well-meaning individuals and corporate entities to stand up now and be counted amongst Nigerias friends.

“We also expect that given your massive network and immense influence, you will reach out to stakeholders in the aforementioned categories to step up their support for NIPRD’s national Research and Development efforts for COVID-19 and other critical health issues that plague our people,” he said.

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ FEBRUARY 25, 2021

34

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Nothing Can Stop PIB Passage, Lawmakers Insist Ȋ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ę ¢ Peter Uzoho Members of the Senate and House of Representatives have said they are working round the clock to ensure the eventual passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) this year, assuring Nigerians that nothing can stop the passage of the legislation.

The two chambers of the National Assembly also expressed their support for the deregulation of the downstream sector of the Nigerian oil and gas industry, particularly the pricing of petrol.

Members of the National Assembly Joint Committees on PIB led by their Chairmen, Senator Sabo Mohammed (Senate) and Hon Mohammed Monguno (House of Representatives), respectively, who toured the Dangote Refinery, yesterday in Lagos, equally pledged the support of the legislature to the Dangote Group to ensure the successful completion of the refinery. Speaking to journalists after the tour, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum

(Upstream) and member of the PIB Committee, Senator Albert Bassey, said no challenge would make them not to pass the bill as planned.

He said the executive and the legislative arms as well as other stakeholders in the bill were all on the same page, adding that the legislature was engaging with the operators under the aegis of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) to make them come to terms with the need to have a good law for the industry.

“No challenges absolutely, because both the executive and the legislature and the stakeholders are on the same platform this time around. So, nothing can stop it. This is the only way to go for our country.

“We are engaging them (the OPTS) and at the end of the day, everybody will come to terms with the fact that we have a good law”, Bassey said.

He said the PIB was the only way to go for the country and for the industry, pointing out that the National Assembly wanted to make the oil and gas industry

very competitive.

He noted that such law was needed to bring about massive investments in the industry with huge economic benefits to the nation as being displayed by the Dangote Group with the construction of the refinery.

According to him, the Dangote refinery showed 100 per cent local content in action and that, “for the first time, we can tell the whole world that Nigerians can do it even much better.”

Also speaking to journalists, Mohammed said they were working seriously to ensure the PIB was laid on the floor of the Senate and have it passed in the next two months, adding that their visit to the refinery was also connected to the bill.

“This PIB, we are going to do everything within our power to see that we lay it on the floor of the Senate in the next one and half month. So, give and take, we are looking at two months before we pass the PIB, maximum of two months. It could be less. But we are working day and night and definitely, we are going to

FG Urges Accountants to Embrace Whistle-blower Policy Nume Ekeghe The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, has urged accountant and other professionals in the financial system to utilise the whistleblower policy to report suspicious offences in their respective organisations and agencies.

She also noted that the whistle-blower policy has aided the federal government’s anti-corruption fight, noting that the government on its part was continually putting measures to curb corrupt practices in government parastatals. She said this yesterday at the sensitisation program organised by the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) for its members in Abuja.

In her keynote address, she said: “Ethical and integrity questions are germane to the Accountancy Profession and indeed to all other professional groups.

“In accountancy, ethical behavior centres on competence, integrity, objectivity, independence, responsibility, conscientiousness

and conformity to standards, amongst others.

“It therefore follows that good ethical standards must be exhibited by accountants at all times either as professionals under public or private sector employment or as practitioners providing independent professional services. Accountants are indeed in a position to stem corrupt and fraudulent practices anytime they lean on the twin pillars of sound professional ethics and personal integrity.”

She added: “Accountants acting in public interest can refuse to acquiesce to any form of conspiracy to commit any infraction or get involved (or even ignore) corrupt tendencies.

“Accountants can also diligently detect and report corruption, as their profession has a deep tilt towards transparency, integrity and accountability in the service of common good.”

She further noted that the whistle-blower policy is another corruption-fighting strategy initiated by the federal government in 2016, to encourage, reward and expose financial crimes by the general public through offering

the whistleblowers some financial rewards for information that leads to successful recoveries.

She added: “A maximum reward of five per cent of the recovered loot is currently payable once proven that the recovery was achieved directly through the information obtained from the whistle blowers or through the information provided by them.

“The policy also entails maximum protection for the whistle blowers that may be threatened, harmed or suffers losses for exposing any corrupt or fraudulent practices. “So far, the policy is recording major successes as a citizenry collaborative anticorruption strategy. Nigerians are once more assured of the sincerity of government and should therefore feel comfortable to participate in deepening this policy option or window for fighting all facets of financial infractions in our country.”

On the steps being taken by federal government to curb corruption in its agencies and parastatals, she said the government has stepped up its Public Sector Financial Management Reforms Strategies.

Five Nigerian Start-ups Receive €135,000 Innovation Fund Start-up entrepreneurs - Tosin Adelowo, Co-Founder, Chekkit Technologies; Fela Akinse CEO of SALUBATA; Babajide Oluwase, Founder of Ecotutu; Nkechi Idinmachi, Founder of Machi and Bamidele Joshua, Founder of Mainlotz Edge, have emerged first five winners at the Orange Corners Nigeria Business Pitch Competition.

Owing to this, the entrepreneurs have access to a €135,000 start-up capital of 75 per cent grant and 25 per cent loan provided by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency.

According to a statement, the virtual pitch competition which was held on Thursday January 21, 2021, marked the end of the

6-month Orange Corners Nigeria Business Incubation programme.

Orange Corners Nigeria is an initiative of the Kingdom of The Netherlands, implemented by Nigeria’s Enterprise Support Organisation, FATE Foundation.

The programme was launched in Nigeria in July 10, 2019, and to date has supported 60 entrepreneurs with Enterprise Development Training, Business Incubation and Advisory Services, Mentoring and Funding valued over N180 million.

The businesses were assessed and the winners decided by expert Jury; Tim Spaans; Deputy Programme Manager,Orange Corners, Oge Nnaife; Head startups and Youth Enterprise,

FATE Foundation and Ajulo Ojeawe; CSR and Sustainability Manager, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Plc. In attendance was the Vice Consul Economic Affairs, Netherlands Consulate General, Lagos, Abel Neering.

In his congratulatory speech to the entrepreneurs, Neering said: “The combination of technology, entrepreneurship and innovative ideas are vital for sustainable and green economic growth irrespective of the sector you are operating in. The facilitation of entrepreneurship is therefore crucial to solve tomorrow and today’s challenges and achieve the SDGs.

Dangote Refinery

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JULY 2020 Money Supply (M3)

36,822,751.47

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

3,476,121.25

Money Supply (M2)

33,346,630.22

-- Quasi Money

120,764,479.02

-- Narrow Money (M1)

12,582,151.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,002,026.89

---- Demand Deposits

10,580,124.31

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,637,137.23

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

29,185,614.24

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

39,711,115.95

---- Credit to Government (Net)

19,521,851.08

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-130,189,264.87

--Other Assets Net

3,472,017.70

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,421,827.07

--Currency in Circulation

2,395,917.03

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

11,025,910.04 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ Ͱͱ ͰͮͰͯ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $63.73 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $62.01 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

35

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ Ͱͳ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

All-Share Index Appreciates by 0.14% as Market Sustains Gain Goddy Egene The stock market sustained its positive performance for the second day as the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) AllShare Index (ASI) rose 0.14 per cent to close at 40,221.30, while market capitalisation added N29.5 billion to close at N21.043 trillion.

The gain recorded followed increased buying interest in Lafarge Africa Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc. A total of 22 stocks appreciated compared with 20 that depreciated. Market operators said bargaining hunters are positioning for dividends that are being declared for the 2020 earnings season. United Capital Plc and African Prudential Plc had last week announced dividends of 70 kobo and 50 kobo last week.

Leading financial institution, Zenith Bank Plc on Tuesday announced a final dividend of N2.70 per share after reporting

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

an improved audited results.

Details of the results showed that Zenith Bank posted net interest income of N299.682 billion, up from N267.031 billion in 2019, while net fee and commission income stood at N79.332 billion as against N100.106 billion in 2019. Impairment charges rose from N24.032 billion to N39.534 billion.

Profit before tax (PBT) grew by 5.2 per cent from N243.294 billion to N255.861 billion, just

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

as profit after tax (PAT) rose by 10.4 per cent to N230.565 billion from N208.843 billion in 2019.

Based on the performance the board announced a final dividend of N2.70 per share, to bring the total dividend to N3.00 having paid an interim dividend before now.

Analysts at Cordros Securities had said Zenith Bank’s performance was above their performance. According to them, they had had expected that the

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

combination of a slowdown in business activities due to the pandemic and continual sterilisation of funds by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would result in weak income generation.

“However, the bank was resilient during the period, with this positive performance ultimately propelled by the strong balance sheet management and muchreduced tax expense,” they said.

The shares of Zenith Bank rose from N26.00 to N26.30 to

O F

be among the price gainers. But Oando Plc led the table with 10 per cent, trailed by ABC Transport Plc with 9.3 per cent. Japaul Gold and Ventures Plc chalked up 9.2 per cent.

Conversely, LASACO Assurance Plc led the price losers with 9.4 per cent, trailed by Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc with 8.3 per cent. Cornerstone Insurance Plc and Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc 7.8 per cent and 6.9 per cent respectively.

2 4 / 0 2 / 2 0 2 1 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

36

˾ THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021

Thursday, February 25, 2021 Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index Advances by 0.3% The Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index appreciated by 30bps to

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

ƐĞƩůĞ Ăƚ ϭ͕ϴϬϮ͘Ϭϵ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͘ dŚŝƐ ǁĂƐ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ďƵLJŝŶŐ interest in GUARANTY ;нϭ͘ϬйͿ͕ ZENITH ;нϭ͘ϮйͿ ĂŶĚ

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

WAPCO ;нϯ͘ϱйͿ͘ dŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϭϵ͘Ϯй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞdž͘

Price Previous Current Change Price YTD Weighting Change

Price Change Index to Date

Ticker

Current Price

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

1,802.09

0.30%

22.8%

80.2%

18.2%

3.7%

930.00

0.0%

33.5%

9.2%

9.2%

7.9%

2.8%

72.00

0.0%

10.2%

-6.9%

-6.9%

31.05

1.0%

8.7%

-4.0%

-4.0%

27.9%

4.7%

Local Bourse Sustains Gain... ASI up 14bps

1 Airtel Africa PLC 2 BUA Cement Plc

ƚ ƚŚĞ ĐůŽƐĞ ŽĨ ƚƌĂĚĞ͕ ƚŚĞ ĞƋƵŝƟĞƐ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƚƌĞŶĚĞĚ ŶŽƌƚŚͲ

3 Guaranty Trust Bank PLC 4 Zenith Bank PLC

ROE

ROA

P/E

5.5x

P/BV

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

0.5x

5.4%

6.9%

1.3% 34.6x

6.5x

2.4%

2.9%

4.5x

1.2x

8.9%

22.2% 27.9%

26.30

1.2%

7.0%

6.0%

6.0%

22.4%

3.1%

3.6x

0.7x

11.3%

220.00

0.0%

5.3%

-10.2%

-10.2%

30.8%

14.6%

14.7x

4.6x

7.4%

6.8%

179.90

-0.1%

5.0%

5.9%

5.9%

189.4%

11.9%

18.6x

31.2x

3.9%

5.4%

1,450.00

0.0%

3.7%

-3.7%

-3.7%

83.0%

20.5%

28.2x

27.5x

5.4%

3.5%

23.80

3.5%

3.7%

13.1%

13.1%

6.5%

4.6%

16.5x

1.1x

4.2%

6.0%

8.50

1.8%

2.8%

0.6%

0.6%

16.8%

1.5%

2.8x

0.4x

7.7%

36.3%

10 United Bank for Africa PLC 11 FBN Holdings Plc

8.55

0.6%

2.6%

-1.2%

-1.2%

13.9%

1.3%

3.6x

0.5x

11.3%

27.5%

7.40

1.4%

2.5%

3.5%

3.5%

11.2%

1.1%

4.1x

0.4x

5.2%

24.2%

േϮϵ͘ϱďŶ ƚŽ േϮϭ͘ϬƚŶ͘ dƌĂĚŝŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ

12 Nigerian Brew eries PLC 13 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC

54.00

0.0%

1.9%

-3.6%

-3.6%

4.5%

1.8%

58.5x

2.7x

3.3%

1.7%

40.00

0.0%

1.8%

-9.2%

-9.2%

24.3%

3.7%

5.3x

1.2x

6.0%

18.8%

ĂŶĚ ǀĂůƵĞ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ϯϴ͘ϵй ĂŶĚ ϴϰ͘Ϯй ƚŽ ϰϲϵ͘ϲŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ

14 International Brew eries PLC 15 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC

ǁĂƌĚ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ďƵLJŝŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶ WAPCO ;нϯ͘ϱйͿ͕ ZENITH ;нϭ͘ϮйͿ and GUARANTY ;нϭ͘ϬйͿ͘ ŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶƚůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ ďĞŶĐŚŵĂƌŬ ŝŶĚĞdž ƌŽƐĞ ϭϰďƉƐ ƚŽ ϰϬ͕ϮϮϭ͘ϯϬ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͕ zd ůŽƐƐ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ƚŽ -Ϭ͘ϭй ĂŶĚ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ƌŽƐĞ

and േϳ͘ϭďŶ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘ dŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ďLJ ǀŽůͲ ƵŵĞ ǁĞƌĞ ZENITH ;ϭϱϰ͘ϲŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ GUARANTY ;ϰϴ͘ϴŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ and FBNH ;Ϯϱ͘ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ǁŚŝůĞ ZENITH (േϰ͘ϭďŶͿ͕ GUARANTY (േϭ͘ϱďŶͿ ĂŶĚ FBNH (േϭϴϱ͘ϲŵͿ ůĞĚ ďLJ ǀĂůƵĞ͘

Mixed Sector Performance WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ǁĂƐ ŵŝdžĞĚ ĂƐ ϯ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ϲ ŝŶĚŝͲ ĐĞƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ƐŽƵƚŚǁĂƌĚ͘ dŚĞ /ŶƐƵƌͲ ance ŝŶĚĞdž ůĞĚ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ͕ ĚŽǁŶ ϭ͘ϵй ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůů-ŽīƐ

5 Dangote Cement PLC 6 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC 7 Nestle Nigeria PLC 8 Lafarge Africa PLC 9 Access Bank PLC

16 SEPLAT Petroleum Development C 17 11 PLC 18 Okomu Oil Palm PLC 19 Fidelity Bank PLC 20 Ecobank Transnational Inc 21 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC

1.2%

1.2%

1.1x

11.0%

11.0%

0.7x

4.9%

530.00

0.0%

1.3%

31.7%

31.7%

-0.3%

-0.2%

0.4x

7.4%

-2.7%

228.00

0.0%

0.8%

0.0%

0.0%

16.4%

7.6%

12.4x

1.9x

4.0%

8.1%

93.00

0.0%

0.8%

2.2%

2.2%

24.6%

16.0%

11.3x

2.6x

2.35

1.7%

0.6%

-6.7%

-6.7%

10.5%

1.1%

2.6x

0.2x

8.3%

39.1%

6.0%

15.5%

-28.8%

8.9%

-3.5%

0.6%

-7.5%

-7.5%

0.6%

0.0%

41.2x

0.2x

1.1%

0.6%

3.4%

3.4%

30.8%

15.6%

6.4x

1.8x

3.11

-2.2%

0.5%

-6.6%

-6.6%

10.3%

1.2%

3.0x

0.1x

4.5%

33.8%

1.77

0.0%

0.3%

-13.2%

-13.2%

9.2%

0.9%

4.4x

0.4x

1.7%

22.9%

24 NASCON Allied Industries PLC 25 Transnational Corp of Nigeria

16.05

0.0%

0.4%

10.7%

10.7%

18.4%

5.8%

10.5x

3.5x

2.5%

9.5%

0.94

2.2%

0.4%

4.4%

4.4%

-3.5%

-0.8%

0.6x

1.1%

-6.2%

26 Presco PLC 27 Unilever Nigeria PLC

70.55

0.0%

0.3%

-0.6%

-0.6%

18.5%

7.7%

2.3x

3.0%

10.0%

13.60

0.0%

0.2%

-2.2%

-2.2%

-2.4%

-1.6%

1.2x

5.30

-0.9%

0.2%

0.0%

0.0%

-12.2%

-5.6%

0.6x

1.9%

-166.7%

1.5x

11.3%

22 FCMB Group Plc 23 Sterling Bank PLC

28 PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC 29 United Capital PLC 30 Guinness Nigeria PLC 31 Custodian and Allied Insurance

ϭ͘ϴйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ĂŶĚ &Z-/ d ŝŶĚŝͲ

34 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC 35 Wema Bank PLC

Ϭ͘ϭйͿ͘ ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ indices rose

1.5% 1.1%

5.55

in WAPIC (-ϲ͘ϵйͿ͕ CORNERST (-ϳ͘ϴйͿ ĂŶĚ MANSARD (-

ƉƌŝĐĞ ĚĞƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ FLOURMILL (-ϲ͘ϵйͿ ĂŶĚ MTNN (-

0.0% -6.9%

18.20

32 AIICO Insurance PLC 33 Total Nigeria PLC

ĐĞƐ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ůŽǁĞƌ Ăƚ Ϭ͘ϯй ĂŶĚ ϯďƉƐ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ

6.02 28.85

6.24

0.5%

0.3%

32.5%

32.5%

35.5%

4.2%

23.00

0.0%

0.2%

21.1%

21.1%

-17.8%

-9.0%

6.00

0.0%

0.2%

2.6%

2.6%

13.9%

4.8%

5.6x

0.8x

1.20

0.0%

0.2%

6.2%

6.2%

21.4%

3.3%

2.7x

0.5x

23.7x

0.7x

3.8x

0.4x

142.00

0.0%

0.2%

9.2%

9.2%

20.30

0.0%

0.2%

14.0%

14.0%

3.2%

0.4%

-1.5%

0.1%

-5.8%

-5.8%

6.8%

0.5%

-1.0%

0.0%

0.65

36 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC 37 Oando PLC 38 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd 39 Beta Glass PLC 40 Transcorp Hotels Plc

10.0x

4.8x

2.4%

-2.1%

0.7x 7.4%

6.1x

3.41

10.0%

0.1%

-7.8%

-7.8%

14.5%

2.6%

62.50

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.0%

-29.7%

-8.5%

50.00

0.0%

0.1%

-9.7%

-9.7%

10.3%

7.2%

3.25

0.0%

0.0%

-9.7%

-9.7%

1.5x

7.4x

17.9% 37.1%

21.5x

-100.0%

21.0% -28.2%

5.1%

4.7%

8.6%

4.2%

6.2%

26.5%

4.8%

16.4%

0.2x

68.1%

1.8x

-18.4%

0.7x

3.3%

13.5%

2.2%

-28.4%

Ϭ͘ϴй ĂƉŝĞĐĞ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ďƵLJŝŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶ ZENITH ;нϭ͘ϮйͿ͕

;нϵ͘ϮйͿ͘ >ĂƐƚůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ŝŶĐŚĞĚ ŚŝŐŚĞƌ ďLJ Ϭ͘Ϯй ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ŐĂŝŶƐ ŝŶ WAPCO ;нϯ͘ϱйͿ͘

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ ƚŽ ϭ͘Ϭdž ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ Ϭ͘ϳdž ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐůLJ ĂƐ ϭϵ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ĂŐĂŝŶƐƚ

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

OA N D O

3.41

10.0%

Z EN IT H B A N K

154.6

1.2%

A B CTRA NS

0.35

9.4%

GUA R A N T Y

48.8

1.0%

R OYA LEX

0.25

8.7%

FB NH

25.3

1.4%

A C A D EM Y

0.41

7.9%

T R A N SC OR P

25.1

2.2%

R EGA LIN S

0.29

7.4%

UC A P

22.0

0.5%

NP FM CRFB K

1.80

5.9%

SOVR EN IN S

20.9

3.7%

T ic k er

CHIPLC (-ϴ͘ϯйͿ ĂŶĚ CORNERST (-ϳ͘ϴйͿ ǁĞƌĞ ƚŚĞ ƚŽƉ ůŽƐͲ ĞƌƐ͘ tĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ĐŽƌƉŽƌĂƚĞ ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐƐ ƌĞůĞĂƐĞ ĂŶĚ ĚŝǀŝĚĞŶĚ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ƚŽ ŐƵŝĚĞ ƚŚĞ ĚŝƌĞĐƟŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƚŚŝƐ ǁĞĞŬ͘

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

1.95

5.4%

A C C ESS

20.9

1.8%

SOVR EN IN S

0.28

3.7%

M B EN EF IT

19.7

-2.5%

0.58

3.6%

M ULT IVER SE

11.5

-4.8%

23.80

3.5%

UB A

11.4

0.6%

LIN KA SSUR E WA P C O

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V a l u e

T o p 10 L o s e r s T ic k er

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

Value

P ric e C hg %

4097.6

1.2%

1526.1

1.0%

LA SA C O

1.24

-9.5%

Z EN IT H B A N K

C H IP LC

0.33

-8.3%

GUA R A N T Y

C OR N ER ST

0.59

-7.8%

FB NH

185.6

1.4%

F LOUR M ILL

28.85

-6.9%

A C C ESS

176.9

1.8%

WA P IC

0.54

-6.9%

D A N GSUGA R

147.6

1.1%

M ULT IVER SE

0.20

-4.8%

F LOUR M ILL

143.0

-6.9%

C OUR T VILLE

0.20

-4.8%

UC A P

136.8

0.5%

-4.3%

WA P C O

113.1

3.5%

97.7

0.6%

94.8

0.0%

CHA M S

Afrinvest West Africa Limited

P ric e

C A VER T ON

ϮϬ ůŽƐĞƌƐ͘ OANDO ;нϭϬ͘ϬйͿ͕ ABCTRANS ;нϵ͘ϰйͿ ĂŶĚ ROYALEX ;нϴ͘ϳйͿ ǁĞƌĞ ƚŚĞ ƚŽƉ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ ǁŚŝůĞ LASACO (-ϵ͘ϱйͿ͕

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V o l u m e

T o p 10 G a i n e r s

GUARANTY ;нϭ͘ϬйͿ͕ OANDO ;нϭϬ͘ϬйͿ ĂŶĚ JAPAULGO

0.22

ET I

5.55

-3.5%

UB A

UN ION D A C

0.30

-3.2%

GUIN N ESS

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

37

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Cornerstone Insurance Board Approves 2020 Financials Goddy Egene

Cornerstone Assurance Plc on year ended December 31, 2020. to the National Insurance requirement after which the Tuesday approved the audited The company said the approved Commission (NAICOM) for its accounts will be released to the The Board of Directors of financial statements(AFS) for the 2020 AFS would be forwarded approval in line with regulatory public. Consequently, its closed A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an ETF are bought by investors.

Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Bid Price: The price at which Investors Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that return an investor would have earned on An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. his investment. Money Market Funds report of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, Yield while others report Year- to-date Total bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: Return. etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 23- NAV: Is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Feb-2021, unless otherwise stated. assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

period remains until 24 hours after the accounts is filed with the exchange.

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 159.83 161.44 -1.20% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 3.06% Nigeria International Debt Fund 351.07 351.07 -11.99% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 113.75 113.75 -0.32% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 1.05 1.07 17.15% ACAP Income Funds 0.63 0.63 -13.35% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.36% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.37 3.53 -5.03% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 18.73 19.29 3.27% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 411.23 423.62 2.71% ARM Ethical Fund 35.22 36.29 4.49% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.19 1.20 -2.17% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.03 1.04 -7.60% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.22% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.04 2.04 -34.69% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.17 2.22 -14.22% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Paramount Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Women's Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.35% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 129.64 130.51 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 109.80 109.80 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.28% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.17 1.19 -2.17% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.48 1.48 -6.66% 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 1.34% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 1.54% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,154.30 1,156.86 -3.82% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Halal Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail N/A N/A N/A FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy USD Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,936.82 3,987.76 4.81% Coral Income Fund 3,328.32 3,328.32 1.90% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 2.01% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.90% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 128.52 129.05 18.95%

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 1.28 1.28 48.84% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.72 2.78 18.48% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 154.67 155.12 -0.48% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.07 1.07 5.08% 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 1.37 1.39 0.00% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,137.60 1,137.60 1.27% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.61 1.64 7.38% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.20 12.32 -0.32% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 1.25% PACAM Equity Fund 1.58 1.60 0.35% PACAM EuroBond Fund 109.22 111.85 -0.20% 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 127.89 130.61 6.50% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 0.97% 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 3,154.06 3,181.18 -1.89% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 226.46 226.46 0.72% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.17 1.18 -0.42% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 296.64 296.65 0.67% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 214.50 217.12 -1.85% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.55% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 9,971.86 10,105.97 -5.01% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.24 1.24 0.90% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 111.68 111.68 0.54% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.35 1.37 -0.95% United Capital Bond Fund 1.91 1.91 0.86% United Capital Equity Fund 0.90 0.92 4.38% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.58% United Capital Eurobond Fund 118.08 118.08 0.85% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.08 1.10 0.01% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.02 1.02 2.08% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 12.22 12.33 3.00% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.50 13.61 10.50% Zenith Income Fund 24.16 24.16 0.77% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.54%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

121.58 52.64

0.70% 0.46%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

12.96 121.63 96.14

13.06 121.63 97.95

-1.94% -0.09% -3.25%

Fund Name SFS Skye Shelter Fund Union Homes REIT

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

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

3.99

4.03

5.40%

Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund

5.69

5.77

-0.09%

Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund

17.31 1.00 18.88

17.41 1.00 19.08

5.83% 0.40% -7.97%

174.10

176.10

-21.04%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.05

13.11%

Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund

Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

Yield / T-Rtn

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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THURSDAY FEBRUARY 25, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS XTRA

Falana-led Coalition Urges FG to Ban Foreign Armed Herders Ejiofor Alike The Alliance for Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB) led by a human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) has called on the federal government to use the ECOWAS protocol to ban the armed foreign herdsmen.

In a statement issued yesterday, Falana recalled that the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed had alleged that some of the bandits and criminal herdsmen terrorising the country are nonNigerians.

Falana also recalled that the minister, while blaming the ECOWAS Protocol on Freedom of Movement of Persons and Goods for the influx of AK-47bearing herders and bandits from neighbouring countries into the country, minister asserted that “ECOWAS Protocol allows trans-

human between all the ECOWAS countries. That is why we are thinking of seriously reviewing the ECOWAS Protocols in that respect. What we find out today is that a lot of criminalities have been introduced through the herdsmen and trans-human.”

Falana argued that the ECOWAS Protocol A/P.1/5/79 Relating to Free Movement of Persons, Residence and Establishment (Free Movement Protocol) does not permit any form of trans-border banditry and illegal possession of arms and ammunition.

According to him, instead of seeking a review or an amendment of the Protocol, the federal government should take advantage of Article 4, which states that “Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 3 above, Member States shall reserve (the right to refuse admission into

Police Kill Four, Arrest Eight over Abia Police Station Attack The Abia State Police Command has said it killed four suspected hoodlums who allegedly attacked a police station in Abayi, Aba, in the Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area of the state in the early hours of Tuesday.

The police also claimed to have arrested eight members of the gang and recovered arms and ammunition.

A statement issued yesterday by the Force spokesman, CP Frank Mba,

said the hoodlums, numbering about 200 and armed with AK-47 rifles and machetes, invaded the station and set part of it ablaze with petrol bombs and other explosives.

“Following the attack, ASP Vincent Gonze and Sgt Emmanuel Okoronkwo unfortunately paid the supreme price,” he said.

He said the InspectorGeneral of Police, Mohammed Adamu, commiserated with the families and friends of the deceased officers.

Panel Recommends SARS Operative’s Prosecution over Ekiti Teenager’s Killing The Ekiti State Panel of Inquiry into Allegations of Violations of Human Rights has recommended the prosecution of an operative of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) for his alleged involvement in the killing of one 18-year-old Seun Awoyemi.

The panel chairman, Justice Cornelius Akintayo (rtd), yesterday ordered that the policeman, Corporal Festus Akinfolarin, be prosecuted through the office of the Ekiti State Attorney-General

and Commissioner for Justice.

The panel also recommended the petitioner, 70-year-old mother of the deceased, Mrs Abigail Awoyemi, be compensated with N1.5m to cater for Seun’s widow and son.

Akintayo also ordered the police authorities to release the corpse of the deceased, which was allegedly taken away from the scene of the crime by the SARS operatives to the family for proper b urial.

their territory any community citizen who comes within the category of inadmissible immigrant under its laws”.

The senior lawyer noted that it was submitted that such restrictive domestic inadmissibility laws allow Nigeria to invoke her domestic laws to deal with the menace of trans border criminality traced to armed herders and bandits.

“One of such domestic laws is the Animal Diseases (Control) Act (Cap. A17) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 that provides for the importation and exportation of animals, surveillance of importation, seizure or destruction of animals, control of trade animals, among other things. Specifically, the Act states that the importation of any animal, animal products

or biologics into Nigeria from any other country by land, sea or air is prohibited except under a permit granted by the Director who in each case shall state the conditions under which the animal, hatching eggs or poultry may be imported. It is also provided that imported animals may be subjected to such examination, disinfection, inoculation and quarantine at

the risk and expense of the owner thereof as the Director may deem necessary and any animal, animal products, biologic or infectious agent which is not imported in accordance with the provisions of this Act shall be seized or caused to be destroyed immediately on arrival by the Director, or by an authorised officer,” he explained.

WORK IN PROGRESS...

L-R: Assistant General Manager, Charvet Nigeria Limited, Mr. Sulaiman Jamal; Oyo State Commissioner for Public Works, Prof. Daud Sangodoyin; and Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, during the inspection of ongoing project at Onipepeye Bridge, Old Ife road, Ibadan…yesterday

Bandits Kill Police Inspector, Injure Three Others Laleye Dipo in Minna Bandits again struck in Niger State on Tuesday evening killing a police Inspector and injuring three other policemen.

The incident occured on the Minna - Suleja road, precisely at Kaffinkoro junction at about 6.30pm

The injured policemen have been taken to the IBB Specialist hospital where they are receiving treatment.

A source close to the family of the slain policeman told THISDAY that the deceased Inspector Mohammed Mohammed was among the team drafted by the force to provide security for

travellers on the ever busy road.

According to the source, during their patrol of the road an oncoming trailer reportedly blocked their view and before they knew what was happening the bandits who were on top of the tree opened fire on the policemen.

The Inspector died instantly

while Good Samaritan rushed the injured policmen to the hospital for treatment An uncle of the deceased and former Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Alhaji Ndanusa Hassan confirmed the incident, saying the deceased was buried yesterday, according to Muslim rites.

Court Fixes March 2 for Ruling on Two Applications against Shell, Four Others

Davidson Iriekpen

Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo of the Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday fixed March 2 for ruling on whether to entertain the motion challenging the jurisdiction of the court or the contempt proceedings in a suit Aiteo Eastern E & P Company Limited filed against Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited and four

others.

The judge fixed the date after listening to arguments from counsel in the suit.

The court had issued an injunction barring Shell from withdrawing money in 20 local banks until it ring-fences potential damages in a lawsuit brought against the oil major by Aiteo Eastern E&P. The plaintiff’s counsel, Mr. Kemi Peinhero (SAN) who led

Mr. Oladapo Olanipekun (SAN) and Mr. Emeka Ozoani (SAN), told court that they have a motion for interlocutory injunction and committal proceedings application scheduled to be heard yesterday.

He notified the court that five of the banks had complied with the directive of the court while the three others: FCMB, Wema Bank PLC and Zenith Bank Plc have no relationship with the defendant. He asked the court

to discharge the banks.

Counsel to Shell, Mr. A. Atake informed the court that he represents the first and fifth defendants in the suit, and have two applications pending before the court.

He said one application is seeking to stay proceedings and the other challenging the jurisdiction of the court and as well as discharge exparte mareva injunction.

ICPC, FRC Pledge to Drive Assets Recovery, Projects Tracking Buhari Mourns Saudi This is coming as FRC said that resources in prosecuting the the management of the ICPC Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja it has caused over N1.75trillion to fight against corruption in led by its chairman, Prof. Bolaji Arabia’s Ex-Oil Minister To advance the fight against be remitted to the Consolidated public finance management in Owasanoye (SAN).

Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the death of former Saudi Arabia’s longest serving Oil Minister, Sheikh Ahmed Zaki Yamani, who died at a London hospital at 90.

Reacting to the passing of Yamani, President Buhari, in a statement by his Media Assistant, Malam Garba Shehu, said “Yamani was one of the greatest and most skillful negotiators I ever met when I was Minister for Petroleum Resources during the Murtala/ Obasanjo regime.”

According to the President, “the late Yamani was a

towering figure in the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) because of his remarkable leadership skills and fierce commitment to protect the interests of oil producing countries.”

He recalled that “the 1973 oil embargo drew world attention to the tremendous influence of Yamani in the affairs of the oil cartel.”

“Whether you love him or loathe him, there is no denying the fact that Zaki Yamani was a powerful force in OPEC affairs who commanded respect and admiration of friends and foes alike,” Buhari said.

corruption in Nigeria, the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) have pledged to work together in the areas of assets recovery and capital projects tracking.

Revenue Fund (CRF) in the last 11 years.

In a statement signed by the Head, Communications, FRC, Mr. Bede Anyanwu, the agency said that both organisations also expressed their commitment to the exchange of ideas and

the country.

He said these formed part of the outcomes of a courtesy call by the management team of the FRC led by its chairman, Mr. Victor Muruako, to the ICPC head office in Abuja recently.

The FRC team was received by

Addressing his hosts, Muruako acknowledged that the FRC has enjoyed a robust relationship with the ICPC, which must now be rejigged for better results against the obvious over bearing influence of the twin evils of inefficiency and corruption.

NIMC: National Cybersecurity Policy will Address Security Lapses Emma Okonji and Nosa Alekhuogie The Director, Legal, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Hadiza Dagabana, has said the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy Document that was recently launched by

President Muhammadu Buhari, will address several security issues in the country, including the enhancement of capacity building and infrastructure development within the country’s security architecture.

Dangbana, who is also a member of the committee on National Cybersecurity Policy

and Strategy, spoke about the importance of the document yesterday on ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers.

The National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy Document, is the review of the 2014 document on cybersecurity, which sets a clear direction

for the progressive use of the country’s cyberspace.

It highlights priorities in dealing with the new forms of cyberspace criminalities and terrorism in the country, while promoting digital skills acquisition that will promote job creation among Nigerian youths, and to boost the economy.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 25, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS XTRA

Oando Share Price Rises by 10% on Favourable Court Ruling Goddy Egene The shares of Oando Plc gained a maximum of 10 per cent at the stock market yesterday to close at N3.18 per share as investors reacted positively to

the recent announcement of the nullification of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) suspension of Oando’s annual general meeting (AGM), in a ruling presided over by Justice O A Musa, at

SON Arraigns Suspected Lubricant Adulteration Kingpin The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SAN) has arraigned one Chidi Nwanyanwu for alleged engine oil adulteration and logo forgery, after being on his trail since 2016.

Prosecuting counsel, Mr. Joseph Olofindare, told Justice Maureen Oyetenu of the Federal High Court in Lagos that security agents received intelligence of the defendant’s illicit acts in 2016.

He said the defendant ran two companies whose employees rebrand engine lubricants to substandard ones and sell to unsuspecting consumers.

He said in the course of investigation, several invitations were extended to him over the years, but he did not honour them until his arrest earlier this month.

The agency accused Nwanyanwu and his companies, Ocean Oil Limited and Hi-Power Lubricants, of engaging in engine oil adulteration and inscribing forged SON logos on the products.

He was arraigned on a four-

count charge, which borders on dealing in adulterated engine oil, non-compliance with SON’s Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) and forging of the SON’s logo, the mark of quality and certification number.

Olofindare said the defendants, of No. 21, Kenneth Obas Place Estate, Ojo, Lagos committed the offence at the Trade Fair Administrative Block Complex, Badagry Expressway, Lagos.

The offences, according to SON, are punishable under sections Section 26, 26(a) and (b) of the SON Act, 2015, and section 1(18a)(ii) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, 2004.

The defendants pleaded not guilty.

Justice Oyetenu ordered Nwanyanwu’s remand at the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (CIID), Ikoyi, Lagos.

She adjourned until March 10, 2021, for the hearing of his bail application

Supreme Court to Deliver Judgment in Rivers APC T ussle March 5 The Supreme Court yesterday APC and recognised Mr. Isaac fixed March 5, for judgment in the Rivers All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker Committee Chairmanship suit.

A chieftain of the APC, Mr. Igo Aguma, filed the suit against the Court of Appeal judgment that set aside the decision of the High Court, which had earlier declared him the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party in the state.

Justice Amina Augie, who led a five-member panel of justices, fixed the date after listening to the arguments of the parties in the matter.

The appeal court sacked Aguma as the caretaker committee chairman of the

Ogbobula, as the authentic caretaker committee leader.

It held that it was the exclusive right of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the APC under the party’s Constitution to appoint a Caretaker Committee for any organ of the party.

However, Aguma rejected the judgment, raising some issues, which he said vitiated the verdict of the court of appeal.

He questioned the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal to entertain the matter.

He also argued that since the subject matter of the case was already at the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal overreached itself by giving the judgment.

Drama as PRODA DG Accuses N’Assembly Members of Controlling Contracts Udora Orizu in Abuja There was mild drama yesterday at the ongoing investigations into the procurement violation at the Product Development Institute (PRODA) by the House of Representatives as the acting director general, Mr. Fabian Okonkwo declared that most of the contracts at the agency belonged to members of the National Assembly.

Testifying before the Hon. Nasiru Ali Ahmed-led House Public Procurement Committee, the DG insisted that the contracts being investigated were awarded in full compliance to the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

He said that most of the jobs executed in the agency were done by highly placed individuals in the National and State Houses of Assembly.

While Okonkwo was asked to apologise to the lawmakers for saying that the contracts were executed by them, he explained that they were two types of contracts at the agency, which include the agency’s contracts and zonal intervention projects otherwise called constituency projects domiciled in the institute.

He clarified that the constituency project contracts were the ones that belonged to the legislators.

the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Market operators said the new of the court ruling buoyed investors’ demand for the stock, leading to the price appreciation of Oando Plc to top the gainer’s chart.

In 2019, after SEC dismissed Oando’s board over allegations of poor corporate governance and management infractions, the company’s share price dropped by 20 per cent from

N4.65 per share on Friday 31 May 2019, the day of the announcement to N3.80 per share on Monday 3 June 2019.

Nearly two years on and as a result of the suspension of the company’s AGM there has been no insight into the company’s corporate initiatives and financials leaving little room for growth in share price.

According to a shareholder of the company, for four years, Oando and SEC have

been in a tussle and the shareholders had been the ones on the receiving end.

“We bought these shares as investments and it’s painful not being able to reap any benefits from this investment especially for an issue that can be resolved in a boardroom.

We have pleaded with SEC to allow the management team to focus on running the business rather than fighting in court but there has been

no movement until the court ruling yesterday. For two years we have had no oversight of our investment or what the company is doing, we value the role of the regulator and want them to do their jobs properly but at the same time, we are hopeful that SEC will see this as an opening for a resolution that will benefit all starting with us shareholders whose interests they are to protect,” he said.

MENDING FENCES…

L-R: Deputy Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (North), Senator Suleiman Nazif; former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; former governor of Gombe State, Mr. Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo; former Senate President, Senator David Mark; ex-president of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; former Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke; and former member of House of Representatives for Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo federal Constituency of Ebonyi State, Hon. Linus Okorie, during a meeting between the PDP National Reconciliation and Strategy Committee with Mark at his residence in Apo, Abuja…yesterday

Court Frees Kano Woman Arraigned for Killing House Help A Kano Chief Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday discharged and acquitted a 30-year-old housewife, Fatima Hamza, who was alleged to have murdered her housemaid, Khadija Isyaku, 22, in Sharada Quarters, Kano.

The presiding Judge, Chief Magistrate Ibrahim Khalil, discharged the defendant after terminating the First

Information Report based on a legal advice by the Ministry of Justice which found her not guilty of the offence.

Khalil said, “Following the legal advice by the State Department of Public Prosecution in Ministry of Justice dated February 22, I hereby terminate the FIR and discharge the defendant.”

Earlier at the resumption of

the court sitting on Wednesday, the Prosecution Counsel, M. S. Ahmad, had presented a legal advice to the court by the DPP, according to section 376 (6) and 299 (3) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2019 to terminate the FIR. Ahmad urged the court to terminate and discharge the defendant in line with section 259(3) 376(3) of the

Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL).

“There is no single evidence that shows the defendant committed the offence. The legal advice should also be forwarded to the State Police Command and make proper investigation on the case, invite those involve; if found guilty, they should be charged to court,” Ahmad added.

Report Reveals Nigerians Trust NGOs, Businesses More The 2021 Edelman Trust Barometer Report has revealed that out of the four institutions of government, business, media and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Nigerians trust civil society organisations the most, with businesses coming second.

On the other hand, most Nigerians expressed distrust for the media, and returned the lowest trust quotient in the world for government with 24 per cent.

Conversely, Nigerians overwhelmingly placed

the highest Trust in their ‘employers’, and in the process revealed their expectations for CEOs and business leaders to be more pro-active in speaking out on societal issues (92 per cent) and driving positive change (79 per cent) rather than wait for government.

These revelations, amongst others, were contained in the 21st Edelman Trust Barometer Survey Report on Nigeria unveiled virtually by Edelman and its Exclusive Nigerian Affiliate, Chain Reactions Nigeria, in Lagos.

The Edelman Trust Barometer is the annual trust and credibility survey

by Edelman, the largest Public Relations firm in the world. It is the world’s most robust exploration on Trust, in society’s long-standing institutions of business, government, NGOs and media.

Presenting the 2021 Nigeria findings with the theme: ‘Pandemic’s Ongoing Impact on Trust’, CEO of Edelman Africa, Jordan Rittenberry, noted that Nigerians are looking to civil society

organisations and businesses to assist the government in uplifting communities and driving positive change.

The report also showed that Nigerians’ fear losing their jobs more than they fear coronavirus, with a high degree of vaccine hesitancy revealed as only 26 per cent expressed readiness to take the COVID-19 vaccine when made available.

A diverse panel critically analysed the implications of the survey report after Rittenberry’s presentation.

INEC Fixes March 20 for Ekiti East By-election Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved March 20 for the conduct of the Ekiti State East Constituency 1 bye-election.

The commission reached the decision after deliberating on the conduct of the bye-election into the vacant seat of Ekiti East Constituency 1 of Ekiti State.

The National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee,

Mr. Festus Okoye, disclosed this in a press statement in Abuja yesterday.

Okoye said the commission has fixed Saturday March 20, 2021, for the conduct of the bye-election to fill the vacant seat for the Ekiti East Constituency 1 of Ekiti State.

He said the vacancy arose as a result of the death of Hon. Adegbuyi Oluwajuwa Amos, member representing Ekiti East Constituency 1 in the state’s House of Assembly and the subsequent declaration

of vacancy for the constituency by the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Funminiyi Afuye.

He stated that the official notification for the election was published on Wednesday February 24, 2021, and enjoined the political parties to conduct their primaries between February 26 and March 3, 2021 while the deadline for the submission of the list of nominated candidates was fixed at 6p.m. on March 8, 2021.

Okoye also stated that the

access code for the nomination forms should be available for collection from February 26, 2021 at the commission’s headquarters.

The commission, according to him, has enjoined all the political parties intending to field candidates to pay close attention to the timetable and the schedule of activities and to conduct transparent and valid party primaries that meet the provisions of Section 87 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

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THURSDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

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Mohammed Reverses Self, Begs Herders Not to Carry AK-47 The Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, has cautioned herders against carrying weapons such as AK-47 rifles.

Mohammed, who made the appeal yesterday at the annual livestock vaccination campaign, also urged the herders to fish out the criminals among them.

The governor has been

receiving backlash after defending herders who carry rifles.

He had argued that because the Fulani man has been exposed to the vagaries of the forest, including cattle rustlers who kill him, he has no option than to carry AK-47.

The comment was heavily criticised by many Nigerians,

including Governor Samuel Ortom, of Benue State, who accused him of being part of the terrorist organisation terrorising Nigeria.

Ortom had also accused him of being part of the plot to assassinate him.

But at the vaccination campaign held at the Galambi cattle ranch in the state

capital, Mohammed advised herders not to misinterprete his comment, adding that he spoke figuratively.

“Please, don’t carry the AK-47 that I made a figurative allusion to. Try to make sure that you remain peaceful,” the governor said.

He, insisted that he has no apologies for those profiling

Fulani as killers, adding that no tribe is devoid of criminals.

“We kicked against the profiling of the Fulanis as killers and kidnappers. We have no apology for what we have said, because what we have done is to say the truth — that there is no tribe or ethnic group that is free from criminality,” Mohammed said.

“We are not saying that to spite anybody or spark unnecessary controversy.

We have made our point and Nigerians across the board have discussed it, and I am happy to say that from all indications, the majority of sensible Nigerians have appreciated what we have said and that is the point.

Lagos to Shut down Third Mainland Bridge on Friday The Lagos State Government has announced that there would be a total closure of the Third Mainland Bridge from midnight Friday to midnight Saturday.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, who made this known in a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday, said the bridge would be closed for 24 hours.

Oladeinde said the closure would enable contractors to move the equipment used during the rehabilitation process of the bridge completely to allow both the Oworonshoki and Adeniji bound lanes to open fully to traffic.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted him as saying that the closure was necessary, having completed the replacement of the 12 expansion joints and to demobilise the superstructure of

the bridge.

The commissioner, therefore, advised motorists from Ogudu, Alapere, and Gbagada to use Ikorodu Road, Jibowu, and Yaba as alternative routes.

“While Iyana Oworoshokibound traffic from Lagos-Island, Iddo, Oyingbo, Adekunle, and Yaba are enjoined to use Herbert Macaulay Way, Jibowu, and Ikorodu road as alternative routes,” he said.

Oladeinde assured that Traffic Management Personnel would be deployed along the affected routes to minimise and address any traffic impediments during the closure.

He commended the people of Lagos for their cooperation during the prolonged repair works of the bridge, assuring that it was now safe for use by all and sundry.

Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

for the growth of education in Nigeria.

Addressing the gathering of professionals, administrators and academics, the legal icon said: “The problem we have today is the decay in quality of education in this country.

That was why after turning down ministerial appointments three times, I agreed to go to University of Lagos as prochancellor and chairman of the school Governing Council where I had an insight into what was happening to our education system.

He said: “At times, they used to close down the schools under the guise of strike for almost a year; this is criminal.

I want to be an example, a leader in the transformation of education, and that was why I established ABUAD.

CONGRATULATIONS…

L-R: Senior Banking Advisory, Retail Banking, Access Bank Plc. Mr. Robert Giles; winner of Access BankTransact and Win Promo, Mr.Tolulope Agbaje; Executive Director Retail Banking, Mr. Victor Etuokwu; and Group Head, Retail Marketing and Analysis, Ms. Chioma Afe, during the presentation of car prize to the winner of the promo in Lagos...yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

APC Registration Responsible for Delay in Electoral Passage, Say Lawmakers Decay in Education, Source of Act been considered by the House but for presentation yesterday supposed to be there to see the Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja stepped down because some (Tuesday), but due to the fact provisions of the report on that Nigeria’s Crises, Says Babalola The House of Representatives was lawmakers, who are members that most members wanted particular bill, we are doing a

The founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), has attributed the crises confronting the country to the decay in the Nigerian education system.

Babalola stated this in Ado Ekiti, yesterday when he played host simultaneously to leaders of Bursars’ Association of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology (BURSCON), and the federal government Gas Expansion Committee, who paid a courtesy call to ABUAD. The BURSCON President, Chief Adolphus Obi, and the leader of the federal government Gas Expansion Committee, Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim, applauded Babalola for laying a solid foundation

Influx of Foreign Miners Causing Tension in Edo Communities

Adibe Emenyonu in Benincity

Communities in Dagbala and Uneme-Erhurun in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State are under tension following the influx of persons suspected to be foreigners to mine the gold in the area.

This is as the indigenes believed the “foreign miners” are not licenced to mine, even as there is apprehension that these persons are also luring their women into marriages and amorous relationships.

Besides, there are also speculations that most

kidnapped victims by suspected criminal herders in Okpella, Abuja/Auchi expressway, and Atte/Sasaro, taken to the forest at Dagbala are being perpetrated by the suspected ‘foreign miners’ and that security agencies are aware of this happenings but not taking appropriate actions.

A resident of the area alleged in confidence that “recently, containers of sophisticated arms and dynamites were being imported into the community at night by these miners without any community member knowing about it.

has lamented that the ongoing membership registration and revalidation exercise of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has stalled the consideration of the Electoral Act amendment reports submitted by its committee.

The spokesperson of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, while briefing journalists yesterday in Abuja, said the report would have

of the ruling party, travelled for the exercise.

The APC commenced the exercise on February 9, 2021, across the 36 states of the federation, but later extended it by three weeks, and would now end of the exercise on March 31, 2021.

He stated: “As you all know, the report is ready; it was tabled

the report to come in and be considered the same day, as the House needed to be full to be able to do that.

“As you are aware, most members are in their various constituencies now, especially the members of APC, doing the membership drive, and if we consider the report and you cut out some members who are

disservice to the people that they represent. In the wisdom of the leadership of the House, the House decided to suspend it until we are able to have a fuller house to be able to do the consideration. “ Kalu assured Nigerians that the House would prioritise the Electoral Act considering the fact that time is of the essence.

PDP Berates Adeyemi over Alleged Verbal Assault on Ikpeazu

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday described the verbal attack on Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu,

by Senator Smart Adeyemi (APC Kogi) as irresponsible.

The party said Adeyemi exhibited a high level of irresponsibility by using the privileges of the Senate to engage in unprovoked disparagement of Ikpeazu and the people of Abia State, who had not offended

him in any way.

In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP said it is indeed unfortunate that Adeyemi, whose words were respected by Nigerians while he was a PDP member, has become so corrupted by his sojourn in the All Progressives Congress (APC), and has completely lost his mind just to satisfy some new ‘gods’.

The main opposition party explained that “the

senator must have noted the widespread national detestation and opprobrium that he had brought upon himself by his unguarded comment against the highly respected governor and the people of Abia State.

“Our party has equally noted that Adeyemi’s uncouth comment is borne out of bitter envy for the achievements of Ikpeazu in every sector of life in Abia State, which no APC governor, including Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, can

compare.”

The PDP, therefore, issued a very strong warning that it would not stomach any such unwarranted and unprovoked attack on any of its governors, as it would deploy all instruments provided in a democratic setting against such individual.

It however urged the governor not to be distracted by sidetracking elements such as Adeyemi, but to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to his people.

Benue Farmers Tackle Lalong over AK-47 Comment AK-47 riffles like the Fulani general whose efforts in feeding and Ranches Establishment Law George Okoh in Makurdi

The Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Benue State chapter, Mr. Aondogu Saaku, has described the statement made by the Plateau State Governor, Mr. Simon Lalong, that both farmers and herdsmen carry sophisticated weapons, as despicable and insulting to farmers.

He said the farmers were shocked as the Plateau State governor on Channels Television accused farmers of carrying

herdsmen.

The state farmers’ leader made this known in a statement made available to THISDAY in Makurdi yesterday.

According to him, “The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Benue State chapter finds Governor Lalong’s accusation grossly unacceptable, and we hereby reject it in its entirety.

“We consider the state governor’s utterances as an insult to farmers of Benue State in particular and Nigeria in

the country are being frustrated by atrocities committed by armed herdsmen.”

He said Benue farmers are peaceful and law-abiding, and do not take laws into their hands despite the many unprovoked attacks on their members who are being killed in their hundreds and their only source of livelihood destroyed by armed herdsmen.

Saaku commended the efforts of the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, in the enactment of the Open Grazing Prohibition

and numerous other measures taken to guarantee lasting peace and security in the state.

“We also acknowledge the governor for his firm stand for justice and his unflinching commitment to ensuring that thousands of our members who have been displaced as a result of herdsmen attacks return to their ancestral homes.

We are still waiting for the N10billion promised by the federal government to help displaced farmers to resettle,” he stated.

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THURSDAY FEBRUARY 25, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

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Time for Delivery of COVID-19 Vaccines Not Known Yet, Says Ehanire Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The hope of Nigerians having early access to the use of vaccines for the prevention of COVID-19 pandemic appears dashed as federal government has claimed it cannot be specific when the first batch of COVID-19 vaccines will arrive the country.

Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, told journalists at the end of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House, Abuja that government was no longer sure when exactly the vaccines would arrive the country, saying the delivery of the vaccines is not in the hands of the Nigerian

House Urges FG to Lift Embargo Placed on Employment by MDAs Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The House of Representatives has urged the federal government to lift the embargo placed on employment by federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and the private sector in order to ameliorate the effects of COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

The House also called on members of the organised private sector to fill existing vacancies in order to reduce the rate of unemployment in the country, given the interventions it may have enjoyed from the federal government and other development partners.

The resolution of the House was sequel to the adoption of the motion moved by Hon. Sani

Bala at the plenary yesterday.

It urged the “federal government to lift the embargo placed on employment by directing the Head of Service of the Federation (HoSF) to declare existing vacancies and direct the Federal Civil Service Commission to embark on recruitment exercise.”

Leading the debate, Bala recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari, during the budget presentation in October 2019, announced an embargo on recruitment in MDAs. He said the president recently maintained that the federal government stood on the existing embargo placed on recruitment in reaction to the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the fall in global oil prices on Nigerians.

FG Creates Additional Economic Zones for Agriculture, Textile James Emejo in Abuja The federal government has approved the expansion of existing Free Trade Zones (FTZs) as well as activated existing ones to respond to demands of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Managing Director, Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, who disclosed this yesterday, further identified the new economic zones to include Funtua FTZ Katsina for textile and cotton; Lagos FTZ for medical, as well as Kwara FTZ for agriculture.

Speaking while receiving the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines,

and Agriculture (NACCIMA) led by Hajiya Saratu Iya Aliyu in his office, Adesugba said the move sought to boost the industrialisation agenda of the present administration.

He said while there are several planned and ongoing strategies targeted at achieving such goal, a major strategy was the creation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) model of global best practice and the provision of an enabling environment for business in technology, agriculture, medical and mining.

According to him, four of the six approved SEZs namely: Lekki and Ilorin zones will be developed into model zones, adding that the Funta, Katsina and Gombe SEZs will also commence preliminary studies.

Edo Community Gets Electricity 60 Years after The Federal Ministry of Power yesterday inaugurated a 100KW Solar hybrid mini-grid in Adebayo Community in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo after 60 years of darkness.

Inaugurating the project, the Minister of State for Power, Mr. Goddy Jedy-Agba, said the project was executed by the Rural Electrification Agency in collaboration with the ministry of power.

Jeddy-Agba said the project would help improve the socialeconomic status of Adebayo

community.

“As mandated by the federal government, the Rural Electrification Fund was being channelled equitably to energise communities across the nation.

“As always, the ministry will continue to provide the support needed for the implementation of all federal government policies in the diversification of the energy sector,” JeddyAgba said.

He urged the people to take advantage of the intervention to better their lives and improve the local economies.

government.

His words: “But the question is, when are they delivering?

That is not in our hands. It is the hand of the person who is bringing it to us. “We have been told to open an account with Afreximbank under the African Union; we have done that already successfully because we are going to pay for that part of the vaccine. The COVAX vaccine is free, at no cost to us, it is made from donations “Now, the COVAX will start delivering to African countries before the end of February.

That’s what they told us. But they didn’t tell us which country is first or which is second, which is third.

“So, COVAX begins to deliver before the end of February. And we hope that before the end of this month, it would be our turn or latest by beginning of next month.”

He however reiterated that Nigeria is expecting the COVID-19 vaccines from three donor sources, which should satisfy the need of the country without having to procure.

Ehanire explained that the

country is expecting vaccine supplies from COVAX facilitated by the World Health Organisation (WHO); the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) and African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT) set up by the African Union.

This, he stated, is apart from individuals, government and organisations that are making vaccine donations to the country.

According to the minister, “We are ready to use vaccination once it arrives; we met all the conditions. They have asked

us to sign an indemnification form; we have done that.

Indemnification means that you do not hold us responsible for anything that happens from using this vaccine. That’s a standard process. We’ve signed that indemnification and so we are waiting for the vaccines to arrive anytime.

“I don’t think that they will arrive in all African countries at the same time. They arrive one by one stage by stage or the order in which they arrive is determined by COVAX, who is the entity deleting this vaccine.

ALUTA CONTINUA...

Aggrieved workers of Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), blocking the entrance of their headquarters over alleged poor staff welfare, in Abuja…yesterday ENOCK REUBEN

OPL 310: Optimum’s Default Clause Termination Letter Invalid, Says Lekoil Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja An oil and gas E&P company with a focus on Nigeria and West Africa, Lekoil, yesterday maintained that a letter written

by Optimum Petroleum Development Company, operator of the Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 310, proposing to terminate the Cost and Revenue Sharing Agreement (CRSA) executed for the facility,

remains invalid.

In December, Lekoil, founded

by Olalekan Akinyanmi, said it was in talks with Optimum over its share of sunk costs and consent fees which fell due on November 30.

The talks were necessitated after Optimum had conveyed its plan to enforce a default clause to Lekoil in a letter as payments to cover the portion of sunk costs and consent fees,

which was allegedly not received as at when due.

In addition to the fees, Optimum highlighted that Mayfair Assets and Trusts Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of Lekoil, had also not made payments to cover general and administrative costs for the year as agreed within CRSA signed by both companies.

But Lekoil requested the deferment of the payments as the

company intended to focus its financial and other resources in support of securing funding for the second phase of the Otakikpo development as well as the Ogo appraisal programme.

Working with Optimum, Lekoil said it has identified and engaged an appropriate rig for the appraisal drilling where the service provider has accepted the result of the early performed site survey.

NITDA Proffers Way Forward for Nigeria’s Digital Transformation

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole

The Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Kashifu Abdulahhi, has stated that Nigeria’s attainment of digital transformation depends on the optimisation of the vast opportunities embedded in the space ecosystem.

Abdullahi stated this in Abuja yesterday when he received delegates from the Nigerian Institute of Space Engineers (NISEng) led by its National

Chairman, Dr. Okpanachi George, who came to seek possible collaboration with the agency.

He said it was a good development for the federal government agencies to partner private organisations, adding that NITDA, as the regulator of information technology in the country, has put in place policies and created an enabling environment for producers and professionals to come in and create innovations that would sustain a digital Nigeria.

He stated that contrary to beliefs that satellites are obsolete, emerging technologies are now transforming space technology ecosystem which will evolve a new chapter and give rise to enormous transformation in the industry.

Abdullahi noted that the agency was happy to partner the NISEng because of his belief that the collaboration will drive innovations, adding that the space technology ecosystem is everywhere, and encompasses different sectors

like communications, agriculture and security.

He added that artificial intelligence and robotics play a key role in the digital space.

According to him, NITDA, through its National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) will collaborate with the NISEng in coming up with ideas which will transform the country through initiatives such as research and development, block-chain, artificial intelligence and innovations.

Speakers Demand Prosecution of Perpetrators of Shasha Market Violence

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has called on relevant authorities to ensure the prosecution of the perpetrators of the recent crisis between Hausa traders and Yoruba community at Shasha market in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Conference noted that the prosecution and conviction of those that fuelled the crisis would serve as deterrence to others.

The condemnation was contained in a statement signed by the Chairman of the Conference and the Speaker of Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Abubakar Suleiman.

The violence led to loss of lives, destruction of property and displacement of many residents in the community.

It said it frowned at the wanton destruction of property and needless loss of lives in the community, while calling on the Hausa people and

their host, Yoruba community, in Shasha market to explore peaceful means of resolving their differences henceforth.

The group added that peaceful approach of resolving any misunderstanding would not only consolidate on the agelong harmonious co-existence of the two ethnic groups, but would deter hoodlums from infiltrating their midst and inflicting terror on innocent people.

The Conference of Speakers

also commended the swift intervention of the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the professionalism of the security agencies in dousing the tension generated by the crisis.

It called on Nigerians to ensure peaceful co-existence with one another wherever they may find themselves in the country, saying the much needed development in the country can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

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THURSDAY FEBRUARY 25, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

THURSDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Waidi Akanni Canvasses Medical Welfare Scheme for Former Footballers Duro Ikhazuagbe

Eagles player, Waidi Akanni has called for the setting up of a medical welfare to assist these former players who sacrificed their active days

Following the spate of deaths amongst ex Nigerian footballers, a former Super

serving the country.

In the last few months, former Nigerian footballers like Ajibode Babalade, Joe Erico, Ex Rangers Nwabueze Nwankwo and lately, Yisa Sofoluwe died and were buried.

Some of the deaths were avoidable if only there were welfare packages in place to rescue these ex internationals just the way Billionaire Businessman Femi Otedola rescued former Green Eagles Captain Christian Chukwu.

According to Akanni, a medical welfare for former footballers has become necessary because of the

rate most of these players who served Nigeria are now dying from avoidable deaths.

“We need a medical welfare for ex international sportsmen and women in this country because of the rate at which former Nigerian footballers are dying,” began Akanni who is a former chairman of Lagos FA. He told THISDAY that Yisa Sofoluwe who died of cerebral atrophy at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) a couple of weeks ago would have been alive today if he had a medical welfare to turn to for help.

“Most of our former players are dying from some simple curable diseases simply because they cannot afford proper health care in decent hospitals.

Take for instance the case of Yisa Sofoluwe who died recently. I spoke with his wife who told me that her husband needed to have gone for some critical tests sometime last year but had no money to do so. So he was managing to treat himself and hoping the situation will get better,” revealed Akanni.

The former Flying Eagles star to the FIFA U20 World

Cup in Mexico in 1985 said if not for Otedola who rescued Chukwu, “ perhaps, the story would have been different for such an illustrious footballer.

“So for me, what I want to be put in place is a medical welfare scheme for ex internationals to benefit from.

For instance, let the federal government lead the way by putting out a seed money of N200m. Other corporate bodies should be encouraged to also contribute to the fund. The interest from such a fund should be enough to treat ex internationals when the need arise.”

Yisa Sofoluwe (left) and Joe Erico two of Nigeria’s ex internationals who died recently

AFCON 2022

Rohr Hopeful Osimhen Will Be Fit for Benin, Lesotho Super Eagles Head Coach, Gernot Rohr, has alleviated fears over the fitness of Victor Osimhen after the Napoli striker was knocked unconscious during the final minutes of Sunday’s Italian serie A match at Atalanta.

The 22-year-old was stretchered off the pitch and rushed to hospital in northern Italy after he fell awkwardly and hit his head on the ground, following a collision with Atalanta defender Cristian Romero.

After spending the night under observation and undergone multiple tests, Osimhen returned to Naples on Monday.

Rohr, who is expected to name him in his squad for next month’s crucial final two 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, is hopeful he will return to action soon.

“I spoke to Victor, he told me he’s physically and mentally okay now but must wait for the

club doctors,” Rohr confirmed to BBC Sports Africa yesterday.

“My thoughts are with him because he’s had some difficult start in Italy, but he’s a strong boy and he must wait for the doctors to clear him to play again.

“He’s an important player for us and we’ll see how it goes at his club first, because his well-being is very important for everyone.”

A Napoli club statement read: “Victor Osimhen underwent further tests, with all coming back negative. The striker will now rest for a period of a few days before gradually returning to training. His condition will be monitored on a daily basis.”

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Atalanta

0-1

Mo’Gladbach 0-2

Real Madrid Man City

EUROPA (Round of 32) Tottenham

4-0

Wolfsberger

Europa: Arsenal Test Benfica Resolve Live on StarTimes Arsenal will face a test against Benfica in the second leg of the Europa League Round of 32 live on StarTimes tonight.

With the first leg ending in a 1-1 draw, the Gunners will have to be at their best to surmount the challenge of the Portuguese side.

Also, Leicester City will have to step up their game if they want to advance in the competition, while Manchester United have less pressure, having won the first leg.

Arsenal will play their home game against Benfica in Greece because of the Covid-19 pandemic, while Leicester City, who played to a goalless draw in Slavia Prague, welcome the Czech club to the King Power Stadium.

Football fans throughout Africa will not miss any of the most exciting Europa League action as the best

games will be shown live and exclusively on the StarTimes sports channels in HD. StarTimes also announced that fans can pay-per-day to catch all the actions.

EUROPA FIXTURES Today (6: 55pm) Leicester v PSV v Leverkusen v Roma v D’Zagreb v Club Brugge v AC Milan v Man Utd v (9:00pm) Arsenal v Villarreal v Shakhtar v Hoffenheim v Napoli v Rangers v Ajax v

Stlav’ Praha Olympiakos Young Boys Sporting Braga Krasnodar D’ Kyiv C’ Zvezda Sociedad Benfica Salzburg Mac’ Tel Aviv Molde Granada Antwerp Lille

Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa (right) attending to injured Victor Osimhen during AFCON 2022 qualifying clash with Sierra Leone in Benin City...last November

AFCON U-17

Golden Eaglets Get Algeria, Tanzania, Congo Hurdle The draw for the 2021 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations has been conducted with Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets placed in Group B. The five-time world champions qualified for the competition after finishing second behind Côte d’Ivoire at the West Africa Football Union competition in Togo.

At the draw ceremony held on Wednesday afternoon,

Nigeria was placed in group B alongside Algeria, Tanzania and Congo.

Group A consists of host, Morocco, Uganda and Côte d’Ivoire while Group C has Cameroon, Senegal, Mali and South Africa.

Semifinalists of this year’s competition will not participate at the World Cup as the governing body (FIFA) has announced there won’t be

U17 World Cup this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nigeria finished in 4th position in the last edition of the tournament that was held in Tanzania but qualified to play at the 2019 FIFA U17 World Cup in Brazil.

The competition in Morocco is slated to start on 13th of March and run through the end of the month.

NPFL (Match-day 12) Wikki

2-1

Rangers

W’Wolves

1-0

Rivers Utd

Enyimba

1-1

Akwa Utd

Kwara Utd

1-1

Abia Warriors

Plateau Utd

3-0

Jigawa GS

Nasarawa

3-0

IfeanyiUbah

Kano Pillars 1-0 Sunshine

Cricket Federation Celebrates Nigeria’s Former Captain at 80 The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has urged budding cricket players to emulate the life of dedication and professionalism to the game

by Professor Olajide Bademosi, who clocks 80 years today.

President of the Federation, Professor Yahaya Ukwenya said Bademosi modeled what a complete athlete should be on and off the pitch.

“He represented Nigeria for 18 years and was captain of the national team for the last four years of his career. Right from his contact with his game at the Government College,

Ibadan, Professor Bademosi, gave equal attention to both academic and his cricket talent.

“We at the Nigeria Cricket Federation see his life as part of the numerous sacrifices that form the foundation of the growth and sustenance of the game in the country today,” stressed the NCF chief.

Professor Bademosi, who is a renowned Neurologist at the University of Ibadan in Oyo State also administered the game at various levels including serving on the working committee of the Nigeria Cricket Association from

1981 to 1989 and also rising to become the association’s Vice Chairman in 1987.

One of the most cherished achievements of the former national captain, who is also an all-rounder (Batter and Bowler), was leading the national team to win the Mobolaji Bank-Anthony Quadrangular Series for the third time in 1982, which led Nigeria to retire the event’s first trophy.

Ukwenya said the 80th birthday also affords the Federation the opportunity to celebrate him as one of the

outstanding cricketers that the country has ever produced.

“We have had a lot of changes since people like him retired from the game, but there are quite a number of things that can be learnt from his life of dedication and professionalism.

“We hope the present crop of players playing the game at every level can be inspired by the contribution of people like him and bring back the values that can help move the sport forward and eventually lift the country up,” concludes the NCF President.

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THURSDAY FEBRUARY 25, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

ThursdaySports A F T E R M AT H S O F A U T O C R A S H

Tiger Woods ‘Awake and Responsive’ from Multiple Injuries Tiger Woods is “awake and responsive” following surgery on serious leg injuries suffered in a car crash in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

The 15-time golf major champion, 45, had to be “extricated from the wreck” by firefighters and paramedics.

The American suffered “open fractures affecting the tibia and fibula bones” in his lower right leg “stabilised by inserting a rod into the tibia”.

Injuries to his foot and ankle have been stabilised with screws and pins.

“He (Woods) is recovering

in his hospital room,” added a statement, published on Woods’ Twitter account.

Anish Mahajan, chief medical officer of the Harbor UCLA Medical Centre where Woods is being treated, said the open fractures were comminuted, meaning broken in more than two pieces.

Mahajan added: “Trauma to the muscle and soft tissue of the leg required surgical release of the covering of the muscles to relieve pressure due to swelling.”

Woods was “fortunate to be alive” said a deputy from the

LA County Sheriff’s Department, who was first on the scene of the accident at 07:18 local time on the border of Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes.

Carlos Gonzalez said the golfer was “not able to stand under his own power” before being removed from the vehicle which had sustained major damage.

He said that the American was wearing his seatbelt and was “still calm and lucid” when he told him his name.

“It’s very fortunate that Mr

Woods was able to come out of this alive,” he added.

LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said that Woods’ car “crossed the centre-divider to the point that it rested several hundred feet away” and “that indicates they were going at a relatively greater speed than normal”.

He added: “However, because it is downhill, it slopes and curves, that area has a high frequency of accidents. It is not uncommon.”

He said the car hit a kerb, a tree and rolled over several

times. Villanueva added “there was no evidence of impairment” with Woods.

Gonzalez admitted he sometimes catches people topping 80mph (129 kph) in the 45 mph zone and crashes are common.

Former US President, Barack Obama; tennis great Serena Williams; basketball star Stephen Curry and singer Mariah Carey were among the many celebrities who posted their messages of support on social media.

A statement from PGA Tour Commissioner, Jay Monahan,

said: “On behalf of the PGA Tour and our players, Tiger is in our prayers and will have our full support as he recovers.”

The single-car crash was the latest setback for Woods, who at times has looked unstoppable on the golf course with his 15 major championships and record-tying 82 victories on the PGA Tour.

He is among the most recognizable sports figures in the world, and at 45 with a reduced schedule from nine previous surgeries, remains golf’s biggest draw.

Tiger Woods...alive and responsive

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Inzaghi Laments Lazio Errors after Bayern Demolition

Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi was left frustrated at his side’s error-plagued Champions League performance after poor defending led to three of Bayern Munich’s goals in a commanding 4-1 victory for the German champions.

A slack back pass from Mateo Musacchio was pounced on for Robert Lewandowski’s opener, resulting in Inzaghi substituting the Argentine defender 31 minutes into the match.

Defender Patric was at fault for Bayern’s third goal,

while Francesco Acerbi diverted a cross into his own net for their fourth early in the second half to hand Bayern a huge advantage ahead of the last-16 second leg in Munich on March 17.

“We knew the importance of the game and the value of the opponent, but we made it easy for them. We made three of their goals and that is the greatest disappointment,” Inzaghi told Mediaset.

“We contributed to their goals, it’s a bad night but we must go forward and it will be an important step in our development.”

Manchester United’s young players may have the chance to play Real Sociedad tonight in the Europa League Round of 32 second leg fixture at Old Trafford

E U R O PA L E A G U E

Leicester to Miss Maddison, Iheanacho in Clash with Slavia Prague Leicester will be without James Maddison for the second leg of their Europa League clash with Slavia Prague.

The England midfielder has been in London seeing a specialist about his hip injury that flared up against Aston Villa last weekend.l Leicester will also be without the suspended Super Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheanacho.

“We don’t believe he needs more surgery,” manager Brendan Rodgers said of Maddison, who had an

operation on his hip in July.

“James won’t be available.

He is in consultation with our doctor and some specialists, we are just trying to see where we’re at,” Rodgers said.

“We’ll look to be pretty flexible, we have other players with other attributes. We’ve had injuries all season and the beauty of this team and squad is they are quite flexible and they are very adaptable.”

James Justin (knee), Ayoze Perez (knee), Dennis Praet (hamstring) and Wesley Fofana (hamstring) also remain out.

Woods car up in the air via a crane from accident site

Bayern’s Youngest UCL Scorer, Musiala, Pledges Future to Germany Bayern Munich’s youngster Jamal Musiala has pledged his senior football future to Germany.

Musiala has a BritishNigerian father which makes him eligible to play for the Super Eagles but the lad who became the youngest English scorer in the Champions League as holders Bayern Munich thrashed Lazio 4-1 in the last-16 first leg in Rome on Tuesday night insisted on picking the German Machines for his senior international football career.

Musiala, who turns 18 on Friday, was born in Stuttgart but represented both England and Germany at youth level.

Jamal Musiala...pledges senior future to Germany

He said he has thought about his international future “a lot”.

He told The Athletic: “What is best for my future? Where do

I have more chances to play?

“In the end, I just listened to the feeling that over a long period of time kept telling me that it was the right decision to play for Germany, the land I was born in. Still, it wasn’t an easy decision for me.

“I have a heart for Germany and a heart for England. Both hearts will keep on beating.

He finished smartly from outside the box to become Bayern’s youngest scorer in the competition.

Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring with his 72nd goal to overtake Raul as the tournament’s third-highest scorer.

Leroy Sane added a third and then forced an own goal,

before Lazio responded through Joaquin Correa.

Bayern have collected six titles in the past nine months but have dropped points in both their Bundesliga games since winning the Club World Cup. They were in complete control in the first leg against Lazio, however, after Lewandowski pounced on Mateo Musacchio’s sloppy back pass to round Pepe Reina and slot into an empty net in the ninth minute.

The goal moves him above former Real Madrid and Schalke striker Raul in the Champions League scoring charts, though he is still a long way behind Cristiano Ronaldo (134) and Lionel Messi (119).

Messi, Pogba, Beck G, Burna Boy Star in Pepsi’s Bold New Fizz Campaign Pepsi, the world’s leading football entertainment brand, has introduced a new bold global campaign celebrating culture with pop and fizz of the irresistible cola.

The campaign stars the world’s best across football and music including Leo Messi, Paul Pogba, Shanice Van De Sandem and Jadon Sancho.

Global super star Becky G and

Pepsi Nigeria ambassador and two-time Grammy nominated Afro-fusion musician Burna Boy completes the cast.

This year’s global football campaign in support of the UEFA Champions League partnership is led by a highenergy film, Fizz to Life, that showcases epic football skills set to a custom music track,Rotate,created for the

campaign by Becky G and Burna Boy. The Creative fizzes from beginning to the end, quick-fire storytelling style showcasing how Pepsi football breaks the bubble of the 90-minutes game.

Commenting on the new Pepsi campaign, National Marketing Manager, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Mr. Segun Ogunleye said: “The bold new

Pepsi Fizz global campaign provides Pepsi Nigeria with a great platform to engage our consumers on two key passion points of music and football.

“In tandem with our consumer-centric policy we will continue to give the Nigerian consumer great experience of enjoying his refreshing Pepsi while watchingthe UEFA Champions League Matches.”

Solskjaer May Field Youngsters Against Sociedad Youngsters Amad Diallo and Shola Shoretire could make their full debuts as Manchester United host Real Sociedad in the second leg of the Europa League last-32 tie tonight.

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said it will be “more or less the same squad as against Newcastle”, which his side

won 3-1.

“Amad and Shola will be involved, they’re in the squad,” Solskjaer added.

Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay are out.

Diallo, 18, featured in the first leg of the tie and 17-year-old Shoretire replaced Marcus

Rashford in United’s Premier League win against Newcastleas they returned to second place.

Solskjaer has also added 19-year-old Northern Ireland international Ethan Galbraith to his Europa League squad.

A number of United’s coaching staff remain absent from United’s sideline as

they undertake periods of self-isolation.

United are all but through to the last 16 after Bruno Fernandes, who was the Europa League’s top goal scorer in the 2019/20 season, scored twice and goals from Rashford and Daniel James secured a comfortable 4-0 first leg winin Turin.

Thursday, February 25, 2021

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“Is Sheik Gumi trying to polarise the military along the religious divides? Is he inciting the bandits against Christians? Is Gumi saying that the Muslim soldiers are on vacation in the ongoing war against terrorists, murderous herdsmen and bandits? If what Gumi reportedly said was attributed to a Christian leader, the security operatives would have invited him or declared him wanted” – Special Assistant to CAN President on Sheik Gumi’s statement to bandits that it was Christian soldiers killing them.

OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Depressing Times!

I

know people who don’t bother with news. They don’t read newspapers.

They are not on social media platforms. And when they turn on their television, be sure they are either going to watch Netflix or sports. I envy such people. Sometimes I wish I could just switch off from the reality of our existence and pretend things are normal. It’s worse when you are expected to proffer weekly opinions on the madness around you. But there are times when you decide to just let things pass, as I intend to do this week.

Let’s begin in Ebonyi. Governor David Umahi on Monday met with stakeholders from two warring communities (Uffiom and Ezza) in Ohaukwu local government of the state following a battle for supremacy between two factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) which degenerated into a communal clash. At the meeting, Umahi made a shocking disclosure, even though as I am now finding out, the situation is actually worse. “Officially, we have recorded about 25 deaths, 26 arms recovered from the hoodlums, about 125 houses burnt, fuel and gas stations burnt” said Umahi who blamed the Ohaukwu council chairman, Clement Odah and the member representing Ohaukwu North constituency in the House of Assembly, Chinedu Awo for the violence.

According to the governor, the crisis could have been averted if Odah and Awo had listened to him. “When the problem started, I called them (Odah and Awo) severally one-on-one, three of us. We sat and I pleaded with them. In fact, at a time, one of them walked out on me. It took my begging to the Speaker for the House not to sack the person on this same issue. I just took it that there is nothing a father will not see; there is nothing leadership will not see. Two of them are in supremacy battle for 2023 that they do not know whether they will see,” Umahi told his audience.

That 25 people would be killed within a period of one month over a dispute by two politicians shows just how cheap life has become in Nigeria. The gory photographs being circulated also reveal a level of carnage that is mind boggling, with reports that more than 60 fatalities have actually been recorded. Hundreds of houses have also been razed in Agugwu, Ibenda, Akparata, Azuogbee, Ugoeze, Agugba, Ebeta and Ameka communities where rampaging young people reportedly move from house to house to kill.

With the dress rehearsal in Obalende, Lagos between supporters of MC Oluomo and Kunle Poly who recently brandished dangerous weapons in broad daylight, it is obvious that the NURTW (whose members are known as ‘agbero’) will play a critical role in the politics of 2023. We have evidently moved from democracy to banditrocracy but let us come back to Ebonyi. After alleging that money was contributed for the purchase of arms by the two warring parties, Umahi waxed Ecclesiastic: “The moment you contribute to spilling of blood, it means that you and

Umahi your generation to the 5th generation will be cursed…If you are here or you know anybody contributing money to buy arms to spill innocent blood, you have to go home and begin prayers because come rain come sunshine, the word of God must come to pass, whether you like it or not.”

Offering curses and prayers in the settlement of disputes is not a bad idea.

But it would be better if politicians making cold (and violent) calculations about elections that are still two years away were held accountable and justice availed the victims.

You wonder where the Police are amid all this bloodletting. Well, they apparently have more pressing assignments to deal with in Ondo State where the people of Ifon in Ose local government area are still mourning their traditional ruler, Oba Israel Adeusi who was murdered on Ifon-Owo highway on 26th November 2020. According to reports, community leaders were summoned to Abuja by the police to account for the loss of a cow. The Aremo of Ifon, Adegoke Adeusi, asked, “Who is to be arrested? Is it the killers of our Oba or those alleged to have killed a cow? It is shameful. It is disgraceful.

I was shocked when I heard that four of our leaders have been invited to come and answer for the killing of a cow. An Oba was killed and they are now talking about a cow.”

The Ifon chiefs need some lessons in civics.

In the Nigeria of today, the fear of cow is the beginning of wisdom. But talking about misplaced priorities, Interior Minister, Rauf Aregbesola, whose responsibility it is to secure the homeland, said his party is now recruiting killers in the name of revalidation of membership. Addressing his supporters in Ilesha, Osun State last weekend, Aregbesola lamented: “We have registered killers and murderers in our party.

Our party’s law cannot reject a killer when the court has not pronounced such a person as a killer. But we know killer, thief and rascal in our midst.”

Given Aregbesola’s declaration, must we begin to run from APC members since there is no way of knowing who might

wield dangerous weapons (including AK-47) when you deal with them? And talking about violence, two deaths were reportedly recorded in Owerri, Imo State, on Sunday following attempts by former Governor (now Senator) Rochas Okorocha to forcefully reclaim his property that the state government had seized. Hope Uzodinma, whose route to power was paved by a curious supreme court judgement, “is now pursuing shadows” and “may not end well as governor,” according to Okorocha who was arrested and briefly detained. Although the apostle of ‘Iberiberism’ claims that his release was at the instance of the presidency, Imo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba has countered that Okorocha was released by the police on medical grounds because he was “purging and stooling consistently.”

While we hope Okorocha’s bowel movement will soon stabilise so that the police can do their job, today marks the ninth day that bandits entered the premises of Government Science College, Kagara in Niger State where they killed a student before taking away 27 others as well as three staff and 12 family members. We can only pray for the safe return of the 42 persons still being held by the bandits. Sadly, images from the Kagara school have shown clearly that the Niger State government does not place a priority on education. All the facilities, including hostels and classrooms are so dilapidated that you wonder whether the school was actually built to produce bandits. In a related development, one of the 53 passengers of a Niger State Mass Transit bus kidnapped on 14th February but released at the weekend said the bandits brandished sophisticated weapons that she had only seen in movies.

“Their weapons, I have never seen the type before in real life. They have rockets, guns, AK 47, and other weapons. The bandits were more than 1,000 in that bush,” she said while recounting their ordeal.

Nobody should be surprised by the kinds of weapons available to criminal cartels in the country or about their numbers. Banditry is now a most lucrative enterprise and it is also becoming risk-free since emissaries are being sent to beg them with a sinister claim by Sheik Ahmad Gumi that it’s only ‘Christian soldiers’ that have been killing them. I also have it on WhatsApp authority that discussions are ongoing in many states and Abuja regarding the necessity of creating an entire ministry, with hefty budget subheads for kidnappings and other ‘departments’.

Meanwhile, Benue State Governor, Sam Ortom and his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Mohammed, have been trading abusive words and damaging allegations. In the latest of the vitriol, Ortom accused Mohammed of harbouring terrorist inclinations.

It is interesting that both governors are members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but in these days when ‘blood is thicker than water’ with alliances and counter-alliances being forged, those little details don’t matter. After speaking for the herdsmen to whom he alleged the Nigerian

State “has not been fair”, former Bauchi Governor Isa Yuguda wondered why the clamour by incumbent Governor Mohammed that herdsmen be allowed to carry AK-47 is different from that of a ‘senior citizen’.

Yuguda also has a word for the media: “Let us stop being sentimental for goodness sake, otherwise this country will crumble. It’s crumbling in your hands and I’m afraid that you as the press are creating this problem.”

Since Nigeria is ‘crumbling’ in the hands of the press (and not the politicians running the show), we should join Yuguda in appealing to journalists to drop their pens and computers and embrace the ‘non-lethal’ AK-47 that we are told should be readily available for every roving herdsman in the country. On the ‘senior citizen’ calling on Nigerians to defend themselves, Yuguda refused to mention the name but I can help him. It is the Defence Minister, Bashir Magashi, who said Nigerians should stop being ‘cowards’ at the sight of criminals.

“At times, the bandits will only come with about three rounds of ammunition, when they fire shots everybody runs. In our younger days, we stand to fight any aggression coming for us. I don’t know why people are running from minor things like that. They should stand and let these people know that even the villagers have the competency and capabilities to defend themselves,” Magashi declared last week.

To be fair, Magashi is not alone in this thinking. Following the armed robbery attack on my house last December, I went to the police station to file the routine report.

What transpired is an interesting story on its own but not for today. When I was finally brought before the DPO, she looked at me from head to toe and asked, “How many were they?” to which I replied, “I don’t know how many were outside but only one operated inside with a gun”. She retorted sharply: “And you could not wrestle him to the ground?” She asked the question with so much contempt that I couldn’t tell my wife when I got back home lest she deemed me to be one of those Magashi ‘cowards’ who could not take three bullets.

I simply comforted myself with the thesis of Chinua Achebe in ‘Things Fall Apart’ that “It is sometimes good to be brave and courageous, but sometimes it is better to be a coward. We often stand in the compound of the fool and point at the ruins where a brave man used to live.”

I am now pondering several questions.

How did Magashi know the number of rounds of ammunition bandits carry during their operations? Is it no longer the responsibility of the state to protect citizens?

Is it really cowardly not to duel with a man wielding a gun? I honestly do not know what to make of Magashi’s declaration. But I take comfort in a contribution from the Senate floor on Tuesday and the riposte from Abia State that most of the pubic officials who superintend our affairs in Nigeria are either ‘drunkards’ or ‘village idiots’.

By the special grace of God, I will write this column next week!

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