WEDNESDAY 11TH MARCH 2020

Oil Price Moves to $37 after Russia’s Signal on OPEC Talks House checks impact on the economy We have no solution to crude oil theft, says NNPC Ejiofor Alike, Peter Uzoho in Lagos and Udora Orizu in Abuja with agency reports Crude oil price moved by around eight per cent yesterday, a day after the

biggest rout in nearly 30 years as investors eyed the possibility of economic stimulus and Russia signalled that talks with the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

remained possible.

The crash in oil price has also prompted fuel marketers, under the umbrella of Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), to restate their call for the reform of the

country's petroleum industry, especially the removal of petrol subsidy.

Also yesterday, the House of Representatives set up a committee to probe the impact of the oil price volatility on

the economy.

The global benchmark, Brent crude futures, was up $2.84, around eight per cent, to $37.20 a barrel, after hitting a session high of $38.22 a barrel.

West Texas Intermediate

FG, ASUU Meet over Warning Strike Tomorrow...

(WTI) crude gained $2.53, or around eight per cent, to $33.66 a barrel, after hitting a high of $34.60.

Both benchmarks plunged 25 Continued on page 12

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Sanusi Challenges Legality of Banishment, Heads to Court Legal team gives IG, DSS 24 hours to release him Deposed emir sues for peace, gets appointment from el-Rufai Dethronement can’t stand in court, says Falana

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano Despite suing for peace and rallying support for his successor, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the dethroned Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has instructed his legal team to challenge his banishment and detention by security operatives in court.

Sanusi, who was banished

from Kano to Loko, a village in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, was yesterday moved to Awe town, the headquarters of Awe Local Government Area of the state by the state government.

Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, had dethroned Sanusi on Monday, citing his alleged disobedience Continued on page 12

We Are Battling Coronavirus, Buhari Assures Health Workers Second virus patient moved to Lagos

Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja and Chinedu Eze, Martins Ifijeh in Lagos with agency reports President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja appealed to workers in the health sector to bear with his administration on their demands, saying the government is currently battling the challenges posed

by coronavirus to the economy.

The president, who made the appeal when he received workers in the health sector on the platforms of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals Associations (AHPA) in the State House, said the government was, Continued on page 12

HISTORY MAKER...

L-R: President, Medical Women International Association, Dr. Eleanor Nwadinobi; Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Pauline Tallen; and President Muhammadu Buhari, during the visit of Nwadinobi, first Nigerian to be elected president of the association, to the president in Abuja…yesterday godwin omoigui

UNILAG Council Faults VC, Backs NUC over Suspension of Convocation... Page 8

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NEWS

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

FG, ASUU Meet over Warning Strike Tomorrow

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) will tomorrow meet with the federal government team to find ways of resolving

the dispute between the two parties.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, confirmed this to THISDAY in a text message last night, saying

Relief for Diri as Court Dismisses Alaibe's Suit Challenging Nomination Amby Uneze in Owerri The Federal High Court, sitting in Owerri, has dismissed a suit by a former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 election in Bayelsa State, Mr. Timi Alaibe, for lacking in merit.

In a two-hour judgment delivered yesterday, Justice T.G. Ringim struck out most of the reliefs sought by Alaibe for failing to prove that the PDP wrongly nominated Governor Douye Diri, as its candidate in the governorship election in the state.

Justice Ringim noted that the plaintiff's application was not statute-barred because he met the time frame from the primary to the period he challenged the matter.

According to him, "Every primary election matter should be filed not later than 14 days period after the primary."

The judge, however, stated that the case was an internal affair of the party.

He also ruled that the plaintiff was incompetent to urge PDP to conduct a fresh primary having conducted the party’s primary on September 3, 2019.

Reacting to the judgment, the counsel to Diri, Mr. Chimezie Ihekweazu (SAN),

commended the patience of the court to determine the matter despite having been reassigned and for ensuring that the matter was expeditiously disposed of.

He said: "For us as parties, we are satisfied with the decision of the court. We commend the court's patience and most of all, the courage to do justice to the matter based on the facts and the correct decisions of the law."

Counsel to the fourth defendant, Mr. Chucks Uburu, also expressed delight at the judgment and urged Alaibe to allow the governor to bring democracy dividends to the people of Bayelsa State.

He said: "This case was filed by Timi Alaibe as plaintiff to torpedo the primary election held by the PDP on 3rd of September, 2019. The case went sine die because it was adjourned indefinitely until last week when we were summoned that the case has been reassigned to Federal High Court, Owerri. For me, the judgment is inspirational, righteous and sagacious."

Efforts to get the reaction of the counsel to the plaintiff, Mr. Somina Johnbull, were not successful as he left the court premises immediately the judgment was delivered.

the government has invited the union leaders for talks. “Yes, we have invited them for Thursday afternoon by 2p.m,� Ngige said.

However, ASUU said it would formally serve the federal government a notice of its commencement of two-week warning strike.

THISDAY gathered from one of the leaders of the union yesterday that ASUU was also sending a formal protest letter to the federal government to articulate its position on some issues,

including the recent dispute over Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) enrollment.

The union had on Monday asked its members in federal universities across the country to immediately commence a warning strike in response to the government's decision to stop the February salaries of lecturers who have not registered on the salary payment platform.

While giving an update on the union's action,

ASUU President, Prof.

Biodun Ogunyemi, told THISDAY yesterday that based on the resolution reached at its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Monday, the union would send a letter of notice of warning strike to the federal Ministry of Education.

But a ministry official who confided in THISDAY said once the government gets ASUU's notice of the strike, the matter would be referred to the Ministry of

Labour and Employment for negotiations to commence.

THISDAY gathered that in line with the rules of engagement for labour dispute resolution, the Ministry of Labour and Employment would be expecting the ASUU's notice of strike for it to wade into the matter.

Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, had held a meeting with Ngige, in response to ASUU's declaration of warning strike on Monday.

MAN EXPO...

L-R: President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Mansur Ahmed; Area Head, Legal and External Aairs, British American Tobacco, West and Central Africa, Mr. Simukai Munjanganja; and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Chief Niyi Adebayo, at the 2020 MAN Expo in Lagos‌yesterday

FG Mulls Exemption of Animal Feeds from VAT Senate names joint committee on oil price crash Deji Elumoye and Chuks Okocha in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has forwarded a bill to the Senate for the total exemption of animal feeds from the new 7.5% Value Added Tax which took effect from February 1, 2020.

This is just as the Senate yesterday mandated four of its 69 committees to liaise with the Executive over the international oil price that has crashed from 57 dollars used to prepare the 2020 budget to 31 dollars.

The President, in a one-page letter dated March 6 and addressed to Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan, and read at yesterday's Senate plenary, had sought the approval of the upper chamber for the exclusion of animal feeds in the Value Added Tax jerked up from five percent to 7.5 percent.

The President's letter entitled: "Transmission of the Finance Act, 2019 (Amendment) Bill for Consideration and passage into law", was received at the National Assembly yesterday morning

and read to the hearing of the Senators present by Lawan after the adoption of the votes and proceedings of Thursday, March 5.

The letter read in part: "Pursuant to Sections 58 and 59 of Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria1 999 (as amended), I formally request that the Finance Act, 2019 (Amendment) Bill, be considered by the Senate, for passage into law.

"This Bill seeks to amend the Finance Act, 2019, as recently passed by the National Assembly, by clarifying: That the administrative effective date for the increase in Value Added Tax from 5% to 7.5% is the 1st of February 2020; That "Animal Feeds are included in the list of Basic Food ltems that are exempted from Value Added Tax; and Aspects of the tax holiday incentive for agriculture, by targeting this incentive to small and medium sized companies that invest in primary crop, livestock, forestry and fishing agricultural production. This incentive

is also to be administered by Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission pursuant to the Industrial Development (Income Tax Reliet) Act. "While I trust that this Bill will be favourably considered for passage into law by the National Assembly so as to support the implementation of the 2020 Federal Budget, please accept, DIstinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration".

The Senate had on November 21, 2019 passed the Executive Finance Bill which was sent to it earlier that month by the president for consideration amid controversy over the 50 percent increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) from five per cent to 7.5 per cent.

The passage of the bill came two days after the upper legislative chamber held a public hearing on the Bill where stakeholders including oil producers, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) objected to some of its provisions.

The Acts amended under

the Finance Bill passed last November are: Companies Income Tax Act, Cap C21 2004 (as amended to date); Value Added Tax Act, Cap VI, LHN 2007 (as amended), and Customs and Excise Tariff (Consolidation) Act, Cap C49, 2004.

Others are: Personal Income Tax Cap P8, LFN 2007 (as amended); Capital Gains Tax Act Cap C1, LFN 2007; Stamp Duties Act Cap S8, LFN 2004, and the Petroleum Profit Tax Act (PPTA) 2004.

Also yesterday, the Senate set up a joint committee to engage the Executive arm of government on measures to be taken to insulate the Nigerian economy against the impact of the sudden crash of crude oil price globally.

This was sequel to a point of order raised by the Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, over rising concerns on the spread of the dreaded Coronavirus (COVID – 19) disease which has led to the crash of several markets across the world.

Abdullahi had earlier prevailed on the Senate in view of the price crash of

crude “to hope for the best but prepare for the worst.�

According to him, “Our committees should be prepared, so that whatever happens, we hope this crisis does not last for long, but if it does, we have to be prepared."

He asked the joint committee to come up with workable strategies that will be harmonized with those of the Executive arm of government with a view to stemming the impact of the oil price crash on the economy.

The Senate president, thereafter, constituted the joint committee to include: Senate Committees on Finance; National Planning; Appropriation, and Petroleum (Upstream).

Lawan, in his remarks, said: “The issue of the current situation affecting the entire world, and the second we are suffering from today is the crash in the price of crude. “We passed the Fiscal Strategy Paper and MTEF, and subsequently the budget, on the benchmark price of $57 per barrel. Today, that price has crashed to $31 USD or there about, and we don’t know

where this will stop and of course, the economy of our country depends rightly on the export of crude. “Now, this is a real situation that is starring us in the face.

As a parliament, we need to be proactive and up-to-date with the situation, so that we are also able to take a decision when it matter for us to do so.� “Therefore, I will suggest here, that in order for this Senate to be proactive and to protect whatever will be the situation for Nigeria to implement the budget in a way and manner that will positively affect the lives of our citizens, we form a joint committee. “This Joint Committee will continue to engage with people in government, as well as people outside of government, so as to be abreast with all necessary information. The committee will engage with the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, and any other Ministries that you feel you need to have engagement with for you to have information,�

Lawan said.

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UNILAG Council Faults VC, Backs NUC over Suspension of Convocation Peter Uzoho The Governing Council of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has blamed the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, for the decision of the National Universities Commission (NUC) to suspend the planned convocation by the university because UNILAG’s management did not seek the commission’s approval as required by law.

The council, in its resolutions at the end of a meeting on March 7, 2020, that was signed by the Registrar and Secretary of the Council, Mr. Oladejo Azeez, a copy of which was obtained by THISDAY yesterday, explained that on March 4, 2020, the governing council received and considered a letter from the Executive Secretary of the NUC directing the management to suspend the 2019 convocation ceremonies previously slated for March 9 to March 13.

According to the council, the NUC directive for the suspension of the ceremonies was based on the exchange of correspondences between the Pro-Chancellor & Chairman of Council, Dr. Bolanle Babalakin, and Ogundipe regarding claims that the management failed to obtain approval for the convocation ceremonies.

The letter said: “Council was guided by the audio recording of the special meeting held

on Tuesday, 21st January 2020 and Wednesday, 22 January 2020 in order to clarify claims by the Vice-Chancellor that the convocation ceremonies were brought to council for approval. “The audio recording, the minutes of these meetings as well as the Agenda/Notice of Meeting confirmed that the convocation budget was the only item formally brought to the January 2020 special meeting. “Council was also verbally informed of the proposed convocation lecturer and this choice was discussed.

However, the convocation programme was not listed as an item on the Agenda of the Special Meeting of Council and there were no supporting documents on the programme tabled during the January 2020 Special Council meeting.�

With respect to the award of Honorary Degrees, it stated that Council had directed that it would only consider nominees for honorary degrees after receiving a detailed presentation from management, which would include the curriculum vitae of the honorees, the recommendation of the Honours Committee of the Senate and the Senate itself as prescribed by the Rules and Regulations and Law of the University.

The Council stated: “The

management never presented any memorandum/supporting documents to the Council on the subject matter. No Council approval was given to the management. “It is noteworthy that the Council had expressed dissatisfaction to management about the manner Honorary Degrees were handled for the 2018 Convocation Ceremonies, and had stressed specifically at its meeting of March 2019 (as confirmed by minutes of that meeting) that management must provide all the relevant details of nominees for honorary awards to the Council early enough to enable Council deliberate properly on it. “Council had also cautioned that honorees must have made

a demonstrable contribution to the society, the nation or the world at large. The honorary degrees will not be treated as a chieftaincy title to be given to the highest bidder. “The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council explained that his communication with regulatory authorities only took place on Monday, 2 March 2020, and this was necessitated by his letter to the Vice-Chancellor of Friday, 28 February 2020, which the Vice-Chancellor received on the same day but ignored, and proceeded to hold a Press Conference regarding the Convocation Ceremonies without deeming it fit to address the serious concerns and legal issues he raised in his letter under reference.

“The position of Council was confirmed by the audio recording of the meeting of Council which was fully played to the entire Council on Wednesday, 4 March 2020.�

It also accused the management of disregarding the procedures for the conferment of honorary degrees.

It said no Council approval was given to the management on the list of honorary awardees released by the university.

Meanwhile, in a separate letter seen by THISDAY, dated February 28, 2020, that was written by Babalakin and addressed to the ViceChancellor, the Council Chairman, had said the content of the letter inviting him to

the convocation was strange. “I saw the programme of the convocation ceremonies for the first time when it was brought to my attention during the FGN/ASUU 2009 Agreement Renegotiation meeting. The programme was never brought to the attention of the Council and it was not mentioned to me at all. I was taken aback by the contents. “It is also noteworthy that no memo was presented to Council about the convocation ceremony. We discussed the proposed budget for the convocation ceremonies and I specifically wrote that the budget should be implemented in a manner consistent with the Procurement Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,�

Babalakin added.

Amotekun Takes off in Oyo as Makinde Assents to Bill

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

All is set for the South-west security outfit, Amotekun, to begin operations in Oyo State as the Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, yesterday signed the Oyo State Security Network, code-named Amotekun Corps Bill 2020, into law.

At the occasion, he reiterated the determination of his administration to provide a safe and secure state for investors.

He warned criminallyminded elements to stay away from the state and the South-west.

The governor said the Amotekun law was a product of effective planning, strategising, engagement and alignments among the six states of the South-west geopolitical zone.

He called on investors to come to the state, noting that the environment is secure and safe and that his administration would guarantee high returns on their investments.

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying that Amotekun was not created to replace the federal security system.

He noted that the security system had gaps in terms of funding and personnel, adding that the Amotekun security outfit is meant to complement the efforts of the nation's security agencies.

The Oyo State House of Assembly had passed the bill into law last Tuesday.

Makinde while signing

the bill into law, said: "This is not a replacement for the traditional security agencies.

We saw that there are existing gaps in the funding and even in the number of personnel employed but we have to secure our people. This is meant to complement the effort of federal security agencies.�

The governor noted that with the state’s newly-introduced security architecture and the new Amotekun initiative, the long arm of the law would always catch up with criminals.

He lauded the security agencies in the state for the good work they had been doing in securing lives and property, saying security remained the major duty of the government.

The governor appreciated the House of Assembly for its promptness in the handling of the bill, adding that the speed and thoroughness they deployed underscored the importance attached to the bill. “What we are saying is, let us join hands to have a secure environment. We want to give assurance to our investors. I was in Florida last week for business engagements and the responses have been great, and this is one of the things I promised them at that event. I told them to come because we know investors' money avoid places that are not safe - it runs away. So, we are providing a safe and secure business environment in Oyo State. Investors should please come and we guarantee decent returns on their investments,� he stated.

CELEBRATING NEW GRADUATES...

L-R: Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education, Dr. Masud Kazaure; Minister of Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola; and Rector, Lagos State Polytechnic, Mr. Oluyinka Sogunro, during the 27th Convocation Lecture/Exhibition of the polytechnic in Lagos‌yesterday

APC Crisis Persists as Giadom Prepares for Tuesday NEC Meeting Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The crisis in the All Progressives Congress (APC) persisted yesterday as the Acting National Secretary, Chief Victor Giadom, and six other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) meet at the party headquarters in Abuja to prepare for the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for Tuesday.

Giadom had last week fixed the meeting following an Abuja High Court ruling, upholding the suspension of the National Chairman, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, by his ward in Edo State.

But in another statement jointly signed by the National Legal Adviser, Mr. Babatunde Ogala; National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu; and the ‘National Secretary,’ Mr. Waziri Bulama, the proposed NEC meeting was declared unconstitutional.

Yesterday’s meeting, which

lasted for about three hours at the party secretariat in Abuja, before it was moved to another undisclosed venue, had in attendance eight members of the NWC and some party chieftains.

Those in attendance were Giadom; the National ViceChairman, North-east, Mr. Salihu Mustapha; National Vice Chairman, South-west, Pastor Bankole Oluwajana; the National Organising Secretary, Mr. Emma Ibediro; National Youth Leader, Mr. Abubakar Sadiq; National Woman Leader, Hajiya Salamatu Beiwa, and the party's acting national auditor.

Others at the meeting were some party chieftains who are not members of the NWC. They include Edo State Chairman, Mr. Anslem Ojezua, and three others.

Speaking with THISDAY in a telephone interview, Mustapha said invitations had been sent out in preparations for the emergency NEC meeting,

adding that it would hold as scheduled.

He said: "We have sent out invitations, virtually all the people around Abuja have got their invitations and the ones that are going to the states have been sent to states and they will receive it between today and tomorrow. The NEC meeting is holding."

THISDAY observed that renovations, electrical fittings and repair works were being carried out at the NEC hall, the venue of the proposed NEC meeting.

Publicity Secretary of State Chairmen Disowns ConďŹ dence Vote on Oshiomhole Meanwhile, Publicity Secretary of the Forum of APC State Chairmen, Mr. Lawal Liman, yesterday refuted the claim that the group had passed a vote of confidence on Oshiomhole.

The forum Chairman, Mr.

Ali Bukar Dalori, and the Secretary, Dr. Ben Nwoye, on Monday had signed a statement passing the vote of confidence on the suspended national chairman of the party.

But in a statement yesterday, Liman said the vote of confidence claim was fraudulent.

He stated: "The forum has not met but would meet before the NEC meeting, scheduled for next week, Tuesday, 17th March 2020. l want to confirm to my colleagues that there was no meeting held and there was no statement issued to pass a vote of confidence on the national chairman.

"As soon as some chairmen saw the statement, they have been calling me to find out the veracity of the statement.

I have told them that no such thing happened and that they should disregard the statement.

"We had agreed in the past that nobody should issue a statement in the name of the forum."

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PAGE TWELVE OIL PRICE MOVES TO $37 AFTER RUSSIA’S SIGNAL ON OPEC TALKS per cent on Monday, dropping to their lowest levels since February 2016 and recording their biggest one-day percentage declines since January 17, 1991, when oil prices fell at the onset of the first Gulf War. Russian Energy Minister, Mr. Alexander Novak, said yesterday that Moscow was open to further cooperation with OPEC to stabilise the oil market. “I want to say the doors aren’t closed,� Novak told the state-run Rossiya 24 television network.

The lack of agreement with OPEC on extending production cuts “does not mean that in the future we can’t cooperate with OPEC and non-OPEC countries. “If necessary, we have various tools, including reduction and increasing production,�

Novak said, adding that new agreements can be reached. “We have planned the next meetings in May or June to

assess the situation on the market.�

Russia refused to agree to a proposal by OPEC ministers led

by Saudi Arabia for a drastic cut of 1.5 million barrels per day, with Russian oil companies fearing loss of market share and of competitiveness against US shale production.

Saudi Arabia responded on Sunday with the biggest cut in its prices of the past 20 years in a bid to win market share.

Saudi Aramco said yesterday it would boost its supply of crude oil to 12.3 million barrels per day in April, flooding markets as it escalates a price war with Russia.

Novak said Russia could also swiftly increase its production. “We have the potential for growth in production. I think in the short-term, we can increase by 200-300,000 barrels (per day) with the prospect of 500,000 barrels, that’s in the near future.�

He added that Russia is competitive in the world markets because of low production costs.

US President Donald Trump on Monday said he would be taking “major� steps to protect the US economy against the impact of the spreading coronavirus outbreak, while Japan’s government plans to spend more than $4 billion in the second package of steps to cope with the virus.

Trading volumes in the frontmonth for both contracts hit record highs in the previous session after three years of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Russia and other major oil producers to limit supply fell apart on Friday, triggering a price war for market share.

Saudi, the world’s biggest oil exporter, escalated tensions with plans to supply 12.3 million barrels per day (bpd) in April,

well above current production levels of 9.7 million bpd, Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser said yesterday.

April’s crude supply will be “300,000 barrels per day over the company’s maximum sustained capacity of 12 million bpd,� Nasser said in a statement received by Reuters.

Price pared gains by over $1 on the news.

Novak said he did not rule out joint measures with OPEC to stabilise the market, adding that the next OPEC+ meeting was planned for May-June.

But in response, Saudi Arabia’s energy minister told Reuters he did not see a need to hold an OPEC+ meeting in May-June if there was no agreement on what measures should be taken to deal with the impact of the coronavirus on oil demand and prices. “I fail to see the wisdom for holding meetings in May-June

that would only demonstrate our failure in attending to what we should have done in a crisis like this and taking the necessary measures,� Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said.

The sentiment was also lifted after Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Wuhan, the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak, for the first time since the epidemic began, and as the spread of the virus in mainland China slows sharply.

China, the world’s secondlargest oil consumer, is trying to get people in hard-hit Hubei province back to work by using a mobile phone-based monitoring system that will allow people to travel within the province.

Crude was also supported by hopes for a settlement to the price war and potential US output cuts, although analysts warned gains may be temporary as oil demand continues to be

hit by the virus outbreak, which has spread beyond China and prompted Italy to implement a nationwide lockdown.

US shale producers rushed to deepen spending cuts and could reduce production after OPEC’s decision to pump full bore into a global market hit by shrinking demand.

Facility in Ewekoro. “We felt that it is in the interest of all that the patient be managed at the Mainland Hospital Yaba. This is why the patient is being moved from Ogun State to Lagos.�

did not say when the airline would resume flights into the country, although it is projected that virus devastation would begin to diminish by the end of April.

However, reports indicate that many international carriers are operating a number of ghost flights as they fly back to their operational hub without passengers due to fear of the virus.

It was reported that certain airlines are wasting vast quantities of fuel by flying empty aircraft to various destinations in order to maintain rights to their slots.

These flights, nicknamed ‘ghost flights,’ are being carried out due to rules around airport slots – something that is especially important at busy airports where a slot at an ideal time of day may be hard to come by.

It was reported that these ghost flights have been taking place because of European rules, which state that operators can lose their airport slots if they aren’t being used.

The rule is that airlines operating out of the continent need to run 80 per cent of their slot allocations.

According to the policy, if this isn’t done then the airline can risk losing its slots to a competitor.

We Have No Solution to Crude Oil Theft, Says NNPC Meanwhile, the NNPC has cried out that it does not have any solution to the menace of crude oil theft in the country.

The Group Managing Director, Malam Mele Kyari, disclosed this yesterday at the public investigative hearing of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on crude oil theft.

Continued on page 52

WE ARE BATTLING CORONAVIRUS, BUHARI ASSURES HEALTH WORKERS however, looking into their agitations with a view to resolving them. “Your case is certainly receiving attention, but you must bear in mind the condition that the country is in now.

Coronavirus is not improving matters. It is affecting what we very much depend on, the petroleum industry, and, therefore, revenue,� he said.

A statement by presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, said Buhari also implored the teams to appeal to the senses of their members to demonstrate the spirit of patriotism in these trying times and continue to work for further development of the country. “So, please try and help us with your people. Let us be patriotic, let us look at the ways and means of the government and appeal for restraint‌ "We have to emphasise that it is very important we maintain cohesion together, because if we allow sentiments or popularity to overwhelm our reasoning faculties, we will be in trouble and it will be too late for us to adjust, so please bear with us,â€? he was quoted as saying.

According to the statement, Buhari used the opportunity to inform his guests about his administration’s successful drive for food sufficiency in the last four years, pointing

out that such a move would pay off now with the drop in government revenue. “We thank God. God is very sympathetic to us. The three previous rainy seasons were good. We had good foresight in getting fertiliser, making it available and we virtually achieved food security.

"We made good decisions, and we saved hundreds of millions of dollars on the importation of food. If not, we would have been in real trouble,� he added.

Shehu, who described JOHESU as an amalgam of five registered trade unions and AHPA, under the leadership of Mr. Biobelemoye Josiah, explained that the group visited the president over some of the contentious issues in the health sector and also to thank him for some of the positive developments.

"Notably, they appreciated President Buhari's prompt release of funds for tackling Coronavirus; thanked him for assenting to the National Health Bill, which provides for a one percent consolidated fund for the health sector; and for rejecting the advice of stakeholders, who clamoured for the privatisation of the health sector, which would have deprived the masses access to affordable healthcare

"They also requested the president’s intervention in the adjustment of Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS); the withheld April and May 2018 salaries of members; gazetting of the scheme of service for nurses; and restoration of teaching allowances among others," the statement added.

The statement listed government officials at the meeting to include: the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha; the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora; Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige.

Second Coronavirus Patient Moved to Lagos, Says Health Commissioner Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has said the patient, who recently tested positive for Coronavirus, will be managed at the Biosecurity Facility of the Mainland Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba.

Also, as a precautionary measure to check the spread

of the virus, Turkish Airlines has announced the cancellation of all its flights to its destinations in Nigeria - Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt airports.

The airline has also cut back its operations to other international destinations.

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, in a statement yesterday, said 40 persons had been in isolation at Lafarge health facility in Ewekoro in Ogun State since the confirmation of the index case.

Abayomi added that the second confirmed case of COVID-19 indicated the first person-to-person transmission in Nigeria.

He noted that the Lagos State Government resolved to take responsibility for the management of the secondary case.

The commissioner said: “The resolve to take responsibility for the management of the patient is because Lagos State is not ready to take chances with the spread of the disease, especially when the proximity of both states is taken into consideration. “What transpired is that the secondary case is one of the 40 suspected cases, who came in close contact with the index case and had previously been in isolation at Lafarge Health

Turkish Airlines Suspends Operations to Nigeria, Others Also, as a precautionary measure to check the spread of Coronavirus, Turkish Airlines has announced the cancellation of all its flights to its destinations in Nigeria - Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

The airline has also cut back its operations to other international destinations.

The airline, which brought in the index case, the Italian to Nigeria, in a statement, said the cancelation of flights to its three destinations in Nigeria was due to the Coronavirus situation all over the world.

The statement said the cancellations would start for flights originally scheduled to arrive Lagos on March 17, 23 and 29 as well as flights for Abuja scheduled for March 13, 16, 20, 25, 27 and April 1, 2020.

Flights to Port Harcourt would not operate on March 11, 13, 18, and 25.

The statement, however,

SANUSI CHALLENGES LEGALITY OF BANISHMENT, HEADS TO COURT to constituted authorities, among others, as the reason for his ouster.

Ganduje's Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Salihu Yakassai, yesterday expatiated on Sanusi's dethronement, saying one of the reasons for his removal was the former emir's frequent public criticism of Ganduje’s administration, adding that no government could condone the former emir’s criticisms.

But a human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana, faulted Sanusi’s dethronement, saying it could not stand in any court if challenged.

Addressing journalists yesterday in Kano, the head of the legal team of the deposed emir, Mr. Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN), said Sanusi, through his chief of staff, had directed them to challenge the legality of his banishment and detention in court. “We are of the firm view that this action is illegal and unconstitutional. Section 35 of our constitution guarantees every citizen the right to personal liberty. The archaic practice of banishment of deposed emirs, a colonial practice, has no basis under Nigerian law or the constitution.

We are totally perplexed at the resort to this practice in present

day Nigeria by its political leaders,� he stated.

He explained that they had written to the Inspector General of Police and Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to ensure the immediate release of Sanusi within the next 24 hours or face legal action.

He said: "We are concerned about the personal safety and security of His Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and wish to call on all wellmeaning Nigerians and the international community to bring their influence to bear to ensure that His Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi, regains his liberty immediately and to guarantee his safety and security.

"The legal team of his highness is working both in Kano and Abuja and unless he is released immediately, we will be taking appropriate legal action."

He said the Kano State Emirate Council Law, which was recently enacted by the state did not give the State Executive Council or the governor the powers to unilaterally remove the emir.

Mahmoud said: "The reason given in the letter of deposition of the emir dated 9th March 2020, was alleged ‘disrespect to lawful instructions from the authorities.’ The emir was

also alleged to have ‘refused to attend official programmes and meetings organised by the government. ’ As far as we are aware, there has not been any notice of such disrespect ever given to the emir or query issued to him for refusal to attend official functions.

"He was never given any opportunity to defend himself against those charges. Section 13 of the Kano Emirates Council Law, 2019 cited in the letter of deposition empowers the governor to depose an emir only after due inquiry and in consultation with the State Council of Chiefs.

"Since the deposition was announced, I was at the palace yesterday (Monday) afternoon in the company of one of my colleagues to consult with the emir. “In the letter of deposition, it was stated that the emir was to be removed to Nasarawa State. We requested to know if he was under arrest and if so we needed to see the warrant.

The Commissioner of Police informed us that he was not under arrest. We informed the Commissioner of Police that it was illegal and a violation of his constitutional rights to remove him to Nasarawa State against his wish.

"The emir informed the

Commissioner of Police that his friends had sent an aircraft to fly him and his family to Lagos and requested that they should be provided with the necessary security to the airport so that he could leave. The commissioner refused, saying that was not their instruction. They were willing to allow the family to leave for Lagos but he was to be flown to Abuja then taken onwards to Nasarawa State.

"We accompanied the Commissioner of Police to the Nigerian Air Force base in Kano where the emir was put in a private aircraft and departed about 6.40 p.m. The family subsequently boarded the aircraft arranged by his friends and departed for Lagos about 15 minutes later.�

El-Rufai Gives Sanusi New Appointment A day after his dethronement, the Kaduna State Government yesterday named Sanusi a board member of the State Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA).

A statement signed by Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Muyiwa Adekeye, said the governor approved the reconstitution of the board of KADIPA with Sanusi as the

vice-chairman of the agency.

Established in 2015, KADIPA has led the investment drive of the state and anchored the implementation of the Ease of Doing Business Charter that earned Kaduna State World Bank recognition as the number one place for doing business in Nigeria. “Malam Nasir El-Rufai has appointed His Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi II, into the board of KADIPA. The appointment is part of the reconstitution of the board of KADIPA, which is statutorily chaired by the deputy governor and has as internal members, senior officials of the Kaduna State Government,� Adekeye said. “El-Rufai said that Kaduna State hopes to benefit from the profile, experience, intellect and networks of His Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who before becoming emir had built a solid reputation in global financial circles.�

The new board, which has 13 other members, would be chaired by the state Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, while Sanusi would serve as vice-chairman.

Nasarawa Moves Former Emir to New

Location THISDAY, however, learnt that the dethroned emir, who arrived at Loko village about 3 a.m. yesterday, was airlifted later in the day to Awe town in a helicopter manned by security operatives.

It was gathered that when the helicopter conveying the dethroned emir arrived at the Government House, Lafia, there was no interaction between the former emir and the persons waiting at the Lafia Government House helipad as he was ushered into an already waiting vehicle and led to his new home in Awe by the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd).

The state Governor, Mr. Abdullahi Sule, had convened an emergency meeting with heads of security agencies and traditional rulers of the state before the arrival of Sanusi to Lafia in order to discuss the erstwhile emir's fate.

But there was no briefing to the press on the outcome of the emergency meeting between the governor and heads of security agencies as well as traditional rulers.

It was, however, gathered that the meeting deliberated on the relocation of the dethroned emir Continued on page 52

WEDNESDAY MARCH 11, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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COMMENT

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

THE DETHRONEMENT OF MUHAMMAD SANUSI The former emir of Kano is ahead of his time, writes Fredrick Nwabufo

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orthern Nigeria is prostrate. It is the axis of uglies – banditry, insurgency, kidnapping, diseases, ignorance, and drug abuse. Alas!

The region’s elite are aware of the problems, but look away because the disequilibrious status quo sustains them. What is petrifying, however, is that they maul and clobber at anyone who spits the truth in their faces.

I think, this is the mortal sin of Muhammad Sanusi II, Emir of Kano – beyond his politics with Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of Kano.

But wait! The World Bank says 87 percent of Nigeria’s poor are in the north. And that while poverty is plummeting in the south, it is rocketing in the upper region. “Poverty in the northern regions of the country has been increasing especially in the north-west zone. Almost half of all poor lived in the north-west and the north accounts for 87 percent of all poor in the country in 2016,’’ the Bretton Woods institution said in its report entitled ‘Advancing social protection in a dynamic Nigeria’ in February 2020.

In August, 2019, the federal government revealed that 1,460 people were killed by bandits in seven months. And that the north-west is the worst-hit by this bloody enterprise. The killings have steadied, expanding in proportion and execution in the region.

In his accustomed manner, Sanusi recently vocalised these depressing figures of retrogression in the north – as regards the World Bank report -- earning himself praise from progressive Nigerians and reprimand from the usual suspects -- those stuck in the cesspit of bigotry.

Also, the gadfly emir of Kano, whom I regard as the John the Baptist of the north for his vociferous condemnation of this status quo, is alone in his advocacy against irresponsible polygamy, Al-majiri and child marriage – practices the northern elite espouse. He is the face of a progressive north; the northerner of the new age. As a matter of fact, on different occasions he had complained about the northern elite whom he said wanted to silence him for speaking the truth about the region.

SANUSI IS NEEDED MORE AT THE TOP ECHELON OF GOVERNMENT WHERE HE CAN CONTRIBUTE MORE MEANINGFULLY TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF NIGERIA

‘’Our colleagues and compatriots among the elite do not like statistics. Numbers are disturbing. I recently gave a speech in which I said the north-east and north-west of Nigeria are the poorest parts of the country. This simple statement of fact has generated so much heat; the noise has yet to die down. The response to this speech has been a barrage of personal attacks and insults aimed at silencing any voices that dare shine the light on the society to which we are saying Bring Back our Girls,’’ he said at a lecture held to commemorate the Chibok girls abduction.

And I guess they can only take the throne away from him but cannot take away his royalty in the community of decent humans. Really, I believe the emir would rather give up his throne than be gagged.

To say the least, Sanusi’s dethroning was not unexpected.

Ganduje had always shown his hand in this plot. Really, the emir of Kano never hid his dislike for him. In the build-up to the 2019 governorship election in the state, the emir was not shy in expressing his disapproval to Ganduje’s candidature.

So, Ganduje, who considers Sanusi a ‘’loud mouth’’, plotted a bitter revenge after he was re-elected. He had moved to remove the emir in 2018 but for the intervention of some ‘’higher powers’’. However, he whittled down the power of the emir by creating new emirates from his domain. He was not done though. He rustled-up allegations, set up probe panels – all in the desperation to embarrass Sanusi.

But Sanusi was still talking. Really, one of the most abrasive places to exist is in the circle of non-progressives.

You talk different, think different or act different, they will feel threatened. Even when you try to clown around; the aboriginal clowns will still feel threatened because you do not look the part.

I think, Emir Sanusi is light-years away from the people he is dealing with in Kano government. He is needed more at the top echelon of government where he can contribute more meaningfully to the development of Nigeria.

Northern Nigeria is not ready for an emir like Sanusi. He is ahead of his time.

Nwabufo is a writer and journalist

THE RESTRICTION ON DIASPORA VOTING Chuma Uwechia argues that the restriction is arbitrary and undemocratic

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enator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, the Chairman Senate Committee on Diaspora, Non-governmental organization and Civil Societies was recently quoted as saying that diaspora voting being championed in the country may not be achievable in view of many challenges accompanying it. To diaspora Nigerians, this is a highly troubling statement even if it is the personal opinion of Basiru and not based on the outcome of his committee’s working report. The committee has not held public hearings and has not solicited memoranda nor taken expert testimonies.

Basiru in his press interview stated, among other things, that: “it would be infeasible for diaspora to register physically most especially for legislative elections.� He asked, “Which constituency and ward will their vote be counted for? Even if they are allowed to vote for the presidential election, what would be the value of their vote? Would the diaspora votes represent addition to required percentage in any state? Or, will such votes be regarded as the 38th State or what?�

Basiru stressed that “the issue of data is very important and the key to diaspora voting which the country does not have.�

To address the concerns he raised, it is common knowledge that a good number of Nigerians travel back to their states of origin and villages to vote rather than at their places of residence and work, thus the answers to Basiru’s posers are quite evident. The diaspora vote will follow the same pattern and will be electronically routed to their respective states of origin and constituency in Nigeria for collation during elections, as absentee ballots.

Currently, the Electoral Act requires only proof of citizenship and that one is ordinarily resident, works in, originates from the Local Government Area Council or ward covered by the registration centre to register.

Almost, if not all Nigerians resident abroad have international passports, so verification of identity won’t be a problem. The Nigerian

passport captures relevant biodata information ranging from State of origin, Local Government area, town to street address, as well as the geographical location of issuance. That comprehensive and accurate data is readily available from the Nigerian Immigration Services server to confirm the diaspora population and worldwide distribution.

The challenges listed by Basiru are therefore surmountable.

Providentially, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Yakubu Mahmood, supports diaspora voting and urges the National Assembly to expedite action to amend sections of the Constitution and the Electoral Act (2010 as amended), on a statement posted on INEC’s official website. He disclosed that the Commission had identified areas of the Constitution and the Electoral Act which needed amendment and was willing to discuss it with the Senate Committee.

Therefore, the only obstacle seems to be the reluctance of the Senate committee to immediately commence work and public sitting. And, to receive necessary memoranda and expert testimonies, which will guide them towards an expeditious resolution of this long lingering issue.

The Nigerian diaspora around the world is credited to have sent back almost $24 billion in remittances in 2018, contributing to the Nigerian economy in a robust and very dynamic way. They deserve immediate recognition and voting rights in their nation.

However, while the Committee Chairman may be worried about logistics which is the purview of INEC, his attention should be more focused on the fundamental constitutional conflict issue raised by the diaspora voting restriction. It violates the Constitutional Guarantee of Equality Clause. Section 77.2 of the 1999 Nigerian constitution provides that “Every citizen of Nigeria, who has attained the age of eighteen years residing in Nigeria at the time of the registration of voters for the purposes of election to a legislative house,

shall be entitled to be registered as a voter for that election.� A literal and strict interpretation of this provision has the effect of barring citizens living abroad from registering to vote, even if they intend to return home to their localities to exercise their franchise during elections. The exclusion of the diaspora from registering to vote is hinged only on the premise that they are not resident in Nigeria at the time of registration of voters. But the right to vote, following the universal adult suffrage should not be abridged based just on the geographical location of a citizen and should be made available on an equal basis to all citizens of voting age.

Though a constitutional provision, this residency precondition to register and vote is prima facie discriminatory against the diaspora community and disenfranchises them from exercising their civic responsibility.

There is no discernible national interest issue or rationale basis for such restriction. Further, it infringes on the fundamental rights equal protection clause enshrined in section 42 of the constitution that no citizen of Nigeria of a particular community, shall be subjected to disabilities or restrictions to which citizens of Nigeria of other communities are not made subject. All Nigerians born and/or residing in the diaspora community suffer this restriction.

While all citizens ordinarily resident in Nigeria have in contrast been accorded a privilege and advantage that is not accorded to the diaspora community. The voting restriction consigns the status of pariah or stranger on the diaspora community to the constitution. This is a constitutional absurdity.

The idea of equality under the law dates back to the foundations of democracy. Equal justice under law remains an intrinsic part of our democracy today. Section 42 is universal in its protection of “all citizens of Nigeria of a particular community,� and this voting restriction subverts the principle of equality, which is at the heart of our constitution. It perpetrates an impermissible injury on the Nigerian diaspora community.

Moreover, since resident citizens are free to register and vote in their State of origin and not in the cities where they live and work, the constitutional restriction placed on the diaspora is not intended to ensure that only those who live within a particular ward province vote in that ward. The restriction is undemocratic, arbitrary and should be expunged expeditiously by the National Assembly. If not amended, the restriction is not likely to survive a legal challenge and will be stricken by the courts for infringing the fundamental rights equal protection clause. It is irreconcilable with the general guarantee of equality in the constitution.

In 2006, the Ghanaian parliament addressed and resolved a similar issue in their country with the enactment of Act 699 – Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2006.

That law specifically provides “That a person who is a citizen of Ghana resident outside the Republic is entitled to be registered as a voter if the person satisfies the requirements for registration prescribed by law other than those relating to residence in a polling division.�

Clearly, the Ghanaian experience is similar in all respects to the problem before Senator Basiru and the Senate Committee on Diaspora.

All the other issues that Basiru raised in his press interview remain secondary and merely administrative logistics of voter registration and conduct of election which the constitution placed squarely in the exclusive domain and discretion of INEC. Section 78 of the 1999 constitution provides that “The registration of voters and the conduct of elections shall be subject to the direction and supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission.�

Based on the current law, INEC made no regulations for diaspora registration and voting abroad because residence in Nigeria is a precondition for registration.

Once the constitutional restriction is taken care of, INEC has assured its willingness to make provisions for diaspora registration and voting.

Uwechia is a New York based Attorney

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EDITORIAL LUXURY FOR ‘REPENTANT’ BOKO HARAM MEMBERS The bill seeking for the rehabilitation of repentant insurgents is ill-advised

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n the midst of the ongoing serial brutalities against Nigerians who reside in the North-east, a bewildering bill was recently tabled before the Senate aimed at mainstreaming “repentant” Boko Haram insurgents into the Nigerian society.

Sponsored by former Yobe State Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, who now represents Yobe South Senatorial district, the bill seeks the establishment of an agency for the rehabilitation and integration of insurgents and “help to counter the violent and poisonous ideology that the Boko Haram spreads”.

Expectantly, the bill has ignited criticisms from many quarters. Some have likened it to a deliberate effort to prolong the decade-long insurgency. Indeed, the proposal raises many pertinent questions: Why the urgency to free Boko Haram suspects when the war is still in full force? Why should anyone talk of rehabilitating terrorists while the innocent victims of their brutalities are reeling in pains, many of them unattended to? And why should public money be poured into an agency that will make the criminals comfortable when the soldiers in the frontline are ill-equipped and ill-motivated? Why WHY SHOULD ANYONE do we need to indulge TALK OF REHABILITATING some misguided zealTERRORISTS WHILE THE ots who have proved INNOCENT VICTIMS OF again and again that they are not ready for THEIR BRUTALITIES ARE REELING IN PAINS, MANY negotiation? Only recently, the Chief OF THEM UNATTENDED of Army Staff Tukur TO? Buratai said 10 years was insufficient to deradicalise an indoctrinated person.

So, what exactly is driving this crazy idea and to serve what end?

The timing of the bill could not be worse. For many Nigerians, particularly those in the North-east, life has never been so brutal. With the maimed, the orphans, the widows, widowers and the tides of refugees in IDPs camps practically left to their own devices, the preoccupation with making some killers happy makes

no sense. Former Senate Majority Leader, Ali Ndume, whose senatorial district is adversely affected by the Boko Haram insurgents’ attacks said recently that around 1.7 million people have been displaced in Borno State alone. He put the value of the damage at around $9.6 billion. “Around 60,000 children are orphaned.

Only God knows how many children are out of school, have no access to water, food and means of livelihood.

The humanitarian crisis that is coming after the war may be more dangerous than the war itself,” he said.

I 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

ndeed, two international humanitarian groups said over 14 million Nigerians have been directly affected by the humanitarian crisis in the North east region while some 1500 schools, around one million houses were destroyed as at 2017. According to the United Nations, some 27,000 people have been killed in the hostilities, aggravated by the vicious Boko Haram breakaway faction called Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Unfortunately, if Gaidam’s bill is allowed to fly it will simply legitimise long-standing official willingness to overlook the blood in the hands of the killers and reintegrate into the society. But the real incentive for this proposition might be the idea of creating another bureaucracy similar to the Niger Delta amnesty programme with money from public treasury.

Two years ago while receiving the 107 schools abducted in Dapchi, Yobe State by Boko Haram, President Buhari hinted of an amnesty to repentant criminals.

Shortly after, the military established a camp to “rehabilitate and reintegrate surrendered and repentant Boko Haram terrorist members” via an exercise known as Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC), an intergovernmental programme aimed at rehabilitating “low risk repentant” Boko Haram fighters. But so many Nigerians, including retired and serving military personnel, have expressed concerns about this dangerous gambit.

For one, there is no assurance that the “repentant” fighters will not game the system by returning to the communities and reenact their orgy of killing. Some reports suggest that is already happening!

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SANUSI’S DEPOSITION: MATTERS ARISING

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n 1947 when the British Raj left India after being there for well over three centuries, the newly created independent state opted to do away with the traditional institutions that had been part and parcel of the country.

The government of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru decided to abolish these institutions as the politicians were able to sway public opinion against these royals as collaborators with the erstwhile imperialists who had milked the nation dry.

When Nigeria obtained independence from Great Britain in 1960, the politicians didn’t copy their Indian counterparts as they left the royal stools albeit its weakening by western civilization.

The first deposition of a traditional ruler by a traditional ruler was that of Oba Adeniran Adeyemi, the father of the present Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi. He was in the bad books of the western region government and its Action Group -controlled government. The Oba never backed the AG. The then Premier, Chief Obafemi Awolowo sent him packing from his stool in 1955.

The second deposition was that done by the then Premier of the Northern Region, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello who deposed his distant cousin and grandfather of the former Emir Sanusi, Mohammed Sanusi 1 KBE in 1963 when they had a public spat. The urbane Emir was deposed to Azare in the present day Bauchi State.

The immediate past Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi had always been a man who has courted controversy even before he ascended the ancient throne as the emir.

One of his first acts as the boss of the Central Bank was to sack some powerful bank managing directors including Erastus Akingbola of the defunct Intercontinental Bank and Cecilia Ibru of the moribund Oceanic Bank. He alleged that they committed grave financial infractions and had to face the music squarely. His critics compared him to the hit man of the era of King Henry VIII, Sir Thomas Cromwell who was nicknamed ‘The hammer of the monks’ for his reform bid to rid England and the Crown of Catholicism.

Sanusi continued his controversies when he took on the then Goodluck Jonathan Presidency when he alleged that about $20 billion was missing from the account of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The GEJ government didn’t take it lightly with him and he was subsequently suspended from his plum job. He took the matter to court and it dragged on until the sudden death of the long-serving Emir Ado Bayero in 2014. He vied for the throne and won but the Jonathan-led government sealed up his palace and he was installed in the government house.

Emissaries were sent to the government who then lifted the ban on his coming to the palace.

More controversies followed when the outspoken emir had an intractable conflict with the Governor Abdullahi Ganduje-led government. He criticized many of the policies of the latter and allegedly didn’t support his second term bid. He also incurred the wrath of the conservative northern establishment when he spoke against historical practices that he felt was holding it back from rapid development. He

spoke against the almajiri system, polygamy among the poor, neglect of the zone by the northern political establishment.

He spoke in favour of women empowerment and his public lectures riled the northern elite who saw him as a dangerous progressive that was opposed to a system that he largely benefitted from.

He had to be stopped immediately as he had the clout to whip up the sentiments of the masses against the elite. He was selling himself to the masses as one of them even though he never went through their daily struggles.

The Ganduje led government leveled allegations of financial impropriety against him. He was found ‘guilty’ of embezzling billions of naira meant for the development of the emirate councils. His emirate was then balkanized into five with his powers whittled down considerably.

The latest action of the governor on March 9, 2020 was in deposing and exiling him to faraway Nasarawa State.

The former emir has been known to be a great fighter. He has fought many battles in his life and this may be one more that he may have to fight as he was deeply in love with his throne as a custodian of the rich culture of his people.

He may use the instrumentality of the courts to reclaim his highly prized throne – the second most prestigious in the entire north after the Sultan of Sokoto. We recall that the former Olowo of Owo, Sir Olateru-Olagbegi came back to the throne in 1993 after over two decades of deposition after a protracted court battle.

Tony Ademiluyi, Lagos

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY MARCH 11, 2020

MIDWEEKPOLITICS

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

A N A LY S I S

Oshiomhole Continues to Walk a Tightrope Adibe Emenyonu traces the origin of the challenges confronting the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and why his enemies want him out by all means

Buhari

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t is no longer news that the growing number of opponents to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is swelling in geometric proportion daily. What is more worrisome is that those seeking his neck are members of his household which fulfills the biblical saying that a man’s enemy shall be members of his household.

Oshiomhole’s travail can be traced to his home state, Edo before other external forces capitalized on that to give him a run for his office.

Without the connivance of adversaries within, the external forces may not have the will power to strike.

Empires don’t fall because of external aggression only. The first sign of their fall is usually from internal crisis which allows external aggressors to unleash terror and take over Since the nocturnal inauguration of the Edo State House of Assembly in June last year and imposition of minority rule, the state has never experienced peace and efforts to reverse that is what has pitched Oshiomhole against those who think otherwise.

Since then, there have been different incidents of harassment against Oshiomhole. One of such is his by those believed to be agents of the state government.

When that was not enough, some party thugs allegedly working under the supervision of the state government attacked the convoy of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Akiolu II just to embarrass Oshiomhole.

One may also include the Benin Airport Road show to prevent the rally planned to usher in Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to APC. Apparently not deterred, bombs were introduced into the entire brigandage.

Before this time, three members of Oshiomhole’s Ward 10, Etsako local government area of Edo State, purportedly suspended him as the National Chairman of APC. This action was said to have been affirmed by the local government and state.

But before this time, 12 out of the 17 members of State Working Committee (SWC) of APC in Edo had removed Anselm Ojezua, as chairman which was ratified by the NWC-led by Oshiomhole.

This ding dong continued on party level at all levels until the recent court pronouncements on Oshiomhole’s position which has changed the equation of politics in APC as a party that does not abide by the rules it set for its members.

Little wonder when the news broke on the suspension of Oshiomhole by an Abuja High Court, it was only Edo State government that jubilated.

Obaseki Expressing their joy at a rally immediately after the court ruling, the joyous Governor Godwin Obaseki said with this, “there will be peace in Edo State.”

Oshiomhole’s problem worsened because he neglected the local forces against him by allowing other national and vested interest who see him as a stumbling block to actualize their 2020 ambition. In other words, he is faced with two opposing forces: Those who think his continued stay in office would obstruct their 2020 reelection in Edo State; and those outside who want to position themselves for elective positions.

But the question is, even if the outside forces succeed, how will Oshiomhole’s removal favour those who want him out locally?

Similarly, just as some forces both at the local and national level are fighting him, a good number of APC members at home still see Oshiomhole as their icon and have vowed to resist any move by few persons to undo him.

Addressing the media in Benin City, Thursday, March 5, five of the party governorship aspirants declared support for the National Chairman.

The aspirants carpeted the celebration mood displayed by Governor Obaseki when the interim order was granted, vowing to swim or sink with Oshiomhole.

Speaking on behalf of others, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu said, “Adams Oshiomhole is an asset to the APC in Edo State and Nigeria and we will resist any attempt to remove him.

Ize-Iyamu accused Obaseki of introducing violence into the politics of the state, saying he was shocked that Obaseki and his supporters were always celebrating any misfortune that befalls the party and people of the state.

According to him, “What we find very shameful is the jubilation in some quarters

Oshiomhole in Edo state yesterday (Wednesday) over the so called court order, I was ashamed to see the governor of Edo State elected on the platform of the APC rejoicing that an eminent son of Edo state, the former governor of the state; the man who God used to put him there, the man who campaigned for him, the man who spoke for him everywhere they went, I was ashamed to see the jubilation and singing all over Benin that Adams Oshiomhole has been removed as National Chairman.

“We want to ask, does the removal of Adams Oshiomhole even guarantee a second term ticket for him? It shows how shallow they are in their thinking. A man who glorifies in Edo people being removed from office, can we allow him to remain in office? You will remember the same jubilation took place when the NDDC Board was suspended.”

Ize-Iyamu said Obaseki and his supporters did the same when APC lost its governorship victory in Bayelsa state.

On ban of rallies Ize-Iyamu said out of desperation, the state governor announced that he has banned rallies in the state adding that where Obaseki derives such authority is yet unknown as according to him, in a civilian dispensation, there are rules and procedures.

“Only yesterday, he held a rally at Urokpota Hall in Benin. The governor cannot be doing rallies and tell us that we cannot hold rallies.

We want to put him on notice that we will begin to hold rallies and we are waiting for him as the emperor of Edo state to put us to jail.

“Our disposition to peace is not a sign of weakness because those that speak violence cannot sustain it if it were to erupt,” he declared Similarly, leaders from the three senatorial districts of the state said it was ridiculous that the court relied on a document purportedly signed by three persons out a 27 member ward

Oshiomhole’s problem worsened because he neglected the local forces against him by allowing other national and vested interest who see him as a stumbling block to actualize their 2020 ambition. In other words, he is faced with two opposing forces: Those who think his continued stay in office would obstruct their 2020 reelection in Edo State; and those outside who want to position themselves for elective positions

executive to give such an order.

State Publicity Secretary of the party, Chris Azebanmwan said there are several Supreme Court judgments that makes crisis in a political party an internal affair of the party.

Former Attorney General of the state, Hon Henry Idahagbon called on President Muhammadu Buhari and other leaders of the party to rescue the APC from the “stranglehold” of Obaseki.

He said: “I want to make an appeal to the National Leader of the party, President Muhammadu Buhari and our National Leader Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu that we the APC members in Edo state have suffered for too long under the dictatorship of ‘Major General’ Godwin Obaseki. The National leaders should not wait for all of us to be crushed before they come to our aide it is time they must intervene in what is happening in the party in the state.

“After using the party apparatus to come to power has totally alienated all the party members. He has been throwing bombs at us. I am a recipient of 2,900 pellets of bullets directed at me in my office so the party leadership should not wait for him to kill us before they intervene. We are preparing for election and we have aspirants that can win election and manage the party.”

Responding, Governor Obaseki charged Ize-Iyamu to clear himself of the heavy burden of the N700 million election related fraud case hanging on his neck before dabbling into the affairs of the state APC. In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, Obaseki noted that Ize-Iyamu is not a member of APC and does not qualify to speak.

The governorship aspirants are not the only ones in solidarity with Oshiomhole. Recently, the party zonal officers, in a statement, signed

by InI Okopido, APC Chairman (Akwa-Ibom); Amos Jothan, (Bayelsa); Sir Ochola (Cross River), Prophet Jones Orue (Delta), Col. David Imuse (rtd), Edo, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Deputy Senate President and leader of APC South-south and Ntufam Hillard Eta, APC National Vice-Chairman, South-south, made it clear that they stand by Oshiomhole and cannot watch mischief makers treat a duly elected national chairman of the party with disdain adding that any unprovoked attack on Oshiomhole is equally an attack on the zone which cannot be tolerated.

The statement also added that the south south zone of APC completely dissociates itself from the illegal and unlawful NEC meeting purportedly convened by persons they described as unauthorised and advised all NEC members from the zone to ignore same as it does not have the blessings of the leadership of the zone.

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POLITICS

Orajiaka Toys with Anambra Governorship Dream

GOVERNANCE IN PHOTOS

Nseobong Okon-Ekong writes that the Anambra governorship race is becoming more interesting by the day with the emergence of fresh aspirants, the latest being Paul Orajiaka, a children’s toy manufacturer who combines the brawn and intellect for a robust chase L-R: Bola Belo (Film Producer), Tunde Kelani (Filmmaker/Director), Speaker of the House of Representative, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chairman, Committee on Information, Security and Strategy, Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHA), Hon. Tunde Braimoh and Tolani Abati (CPS to the Speaker LSHA) after an engagement between the Speaker and the team at the National Assembly on Tuesday

Orajiaka

T

he 2021 governorship race in Anambra State promises to be very interesting.

As it’s often the case with political enterprise, especially on the Nigerian terrain where things are in a flux, fresh faces are emerging to spice the gathering of old war horses. Election of a new governor is due in Anambra, next year. Expectedly, every serious contestant has stepped into the ring to make known, not only his ambition, but also how he intends to bring the goodies to the doorsteps of the people. While some of the aspirants are known gladiators, who have stepped into the governorship contest in the past, there are a few making their baptism in politics with the impending gubernatorial elections. Thirty seven years old entrepreneur, Paul Orajiaka is one of the debutants.

Orajiaka is the founder of Auldon Limited, a manufacturer of African-themed toys. Auldon manufactures dolls and other toys which depict and promote African tradition to children.

From a start-up capital of less than USD100 seventeen years ago, he has built the business to generate over USD10million today.

What he is offering to Anambra is simple: ‘If you vote for me as governor, I can take the state to unimaginable heights of economic growth in my first four-year tenure. People will be so amazed they will have no choice than to elect me again for another four years. What I am proposing is not rocket science. I have done it in my private capacity as a businessman.

Imagine what is possible with the great brains and resourceful people from Anambra that I will have the privilege to lead and inspire?”

His business acumen has been credited to an early induction into his father’s trade as a carver in Warri, South-South Nigeria, where he lived as a child. As a 12-year old, he already had the privilege of understanding the rudiments of banking transaction, as his father insisted that Paul and his siblings must save their share of proceeds for the crafts they produced.

Having finished secondary school at 18 years, Orajiaka moved in with his brother in-law in Lagos. His immediate plan was to go the United States of America to study and tho make money. After getting his fingers burnt in the attempt three times, he became street wise, learning how to make a fast buck from his brother in-law who was into importation business.

“It was at that point that I saw how Nigerians were very entrepreneurial, making a lot of money from very rowdy areas. I got inspired seeing young boys making money

and I thought: What am I going to the U.S. to do? If I stay here long enough, work long enough, I will be able to make a success out of this place,” Orajiaka said in an interview.

The Orajiaka story is a combination of brawn and intellect. After making a modest success of his initial venture into business, he returned to school and in quick succession earned a first degree and a Masters in Accounting from the University of Lagos, starting from 2001. In 2011, he earned an Executive Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the Lagos Business School, Pan Atlantic University (PAN).

Orajiaka pursued a doctorate in Business Administration in Henley Business School, University of Reading in the UK and then a Masters in Public Administration at Harvard Kennedy School of Government in the US. In 2001, Orajiaka started his ungraduated program in Accounting at the University of Lagos and followed it up immediately with a Masters in the same institution.

In 2011, he earned an Executive Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the Lagos Business School, Pan Atlantic University (PAN).

Not resting on his oars, Orajiaka pursued a doctorate in Business Administration in Henley Business School, University of Reading in the UK and then a Masters in Public Administration at Harvard Kennedy School of Government in the US. Today, Orajiaka is known all over Africa and the world as the man who launched the Unity Dolls, a collection of 14-inch child developmental dolls that represent Nigeria’s three major tribes - Hausa, Ibo and Yoruba.

He did this to deliver a social message to children about the Nigerian culture, allowing them to have a sense of ownership early in life which puts them in good stead to make a positive impact.

The dolls come in 14-inch sizes and are dressed in local attires assuming the characters; Amaka (Ibo), Ronke (Yoruba) and Aisha (Hausa). The three dolls contain booklets with information about the rich culture, language and other important details of Nigeria’s biggest ethnic groups; Hausa, Ibo and Yoruba.

On his quest for Anambra governorship, Orajiaka is sticking to the terrain his knows like the back of his palm. He believes the way to go is to support micro, small and medium enterprise, as a way to change the country’s poverty narrative. He will, however, pay equal attention to other critical areas like healthcare, security and education.

Governor, State of Osun, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola in a handshake with Consul-General, Claire Pierangelo during a courtesy visit by the Consul General and her team to the Governor in his office at Abere, Osogbo on Monday

L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Executive Producer Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, Mr. Seun Oloketuyi; Nollywood actresses, Bimpe Oyebade and Aishat Lawal, during the BON’s management’s visit and presentation of the 2020 Awards hosting right to Ekiti State Governor, in Ado-Ekiti

L-R: Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; Commissioner for Environment, Rt. Hon. Kehinde Ayoola; Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun and the Head of Service, Mrs. Amidat Agboola, during the launch of the new waste management architecture

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FEATURES

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, 08038901925

A Nation at the Cusp of Hard Drugs Epidemic Chiamaka Ozulumba writes that if proper measures are not taken, Nigeria would be hit by an epidemic of hard drugs as major illegal substances like Colorado, Black Mamba, Arizona, King Louis XIII, Gelato or Larry Bird, Forbidden Fruits, flood the streets at an alarming rate with young people resorting to potent mixtures despite the high risk of fatal overdose

Dierent weeds laced with dierent chemicals not suitable for human consumption

An addict with blue tongue

"I

IdentiďŹ ed Illegal Substances This dangerous trend engineered this reporter to delve into the world of hard drug epidemic.

From findings made, Nigeria is on the verge of a major drug epidemic as hard drugs like Codeine, Tramadol, Black Mamba, Rohypnol, Arizona, King Louis XIII, Gelato (Larry Bird), Forbidden Fruits, Sour Diesel, Gorilla Glue, Amnesia, White Fire OG, Purple Haze, Diamond OG, Blue Coma, Headband, and even Orange Apricot, flood the nation.

The latest drug ‘Colorado’ or ‘Black Mamba’ is currently sweeping the streets. It is common knowledge that people now mix all forms of drugs with weed to create ‘Monster smoke’ like Colorado, Black Mamba, Arizona, Lamba (when mixed with ‘Loud’, a highly potent strain of marijuana), Happy Boy or Scooby Snax.

Colorado or Black Mamba is a drug made from synthetic plant, they contain heavy metals which are laced with chemicals not suitable for human consumption, is then mixed with

never knew I would end up like this�, those were the words of Ben Thomas (not real names), who confided to this reporter about his decade addiction to hard drugs. Speaking on strict condition of anonymity in one of the suburbs of Ikorodu in Lagos State, he said he started from the minor stuff before upgrading to major substances like Arizona and others. “It started with a puff back in senior secondary school where I started experimenting with hard drugs. To me, I was just ‘catching fun’, but little did I know I would be an addict 10 years later. I started smoking cigarette, but it wasn’t ‘taking me there’, then I migrated to SK (Igbo). “When I gained admission, the hunger for something stronger pushed me into doing weird mixtures just to get high and my grades dropped. The rehabilitation centers yielded little results as I suffered a relapse when I got back to school due to the fact that I was with

my juniors of two years while my mates had graduated while I was detoxing. “I had gone too far to come back, I dropped out again when I got addicted to Tramadol, Codeine, Arizona and the likes. I feel sorry for my mom, because she did her best to steer me away, but the hold drugs have on me is way beyond my control,� he lamented.

Recently, practically all social media platforms have been agog with videos and pictures of Nigerian youths behaving psychotic due to substances they ingested. Most of them were seen with blue tongues as they exerted all kinds of dangerous activities. Some went as far as rolling in the gutters, throwing themselves on the ground and all sort of acts they ordinarily wouldn’t have done.

The use of hard drugs in the country is increasing at an alarming rate with young people resorting to potent mixtures of several drugs at the high risk of fatal overdose.

Photo credit: Google weed, the drug is known as Spike in the US, so Spike plus weed gives Colorado.

Effects In one of the 17 seconds viral video on social media, a young lady in pink was being restrained while she shouted and rolled on the floor. Her tongue was tinged blue, signifying the consumption of Rohypnol. It was alleged that after she smoked Colorado and ran amuck, rohypnol was given to her to ‘slow’ her down.

For Colorado, it would get users high and induce retching, loss of consciousness, irregular breathing, cause mental episodes, panic attacks, severe paranoia, psychosis, extreme anxiety, hallucinations, convulsions, kidney failure and a ‘zombie-like’ intoxication that can lead to death.

Statistics According to a very recent survey by Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)

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FEATURES

Synthetic plant laced with chemicals not suitable for human consumption and the Center for Research and Information on Substance Abuse with technical support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and funding from the European Union (EU), over the past year alone, nearly 15 per cent of the adult population in Nigeria (around 14.3 million people) reported a “considerable level� of use of psychoactive drug substances.

Statistically, it is reported that about 10.6 million Nigerians abuse cannabis, 4.6million deal in opioids, 2.3 million abuse cough syrups, and less than a million people use sedatives, cocaine and heroine.

Findings Investigations by THISDAY showed that most users of Black Mamba or Colorado prefer smoking it, after it has been mixed with high-grade marijuana and rolled up in papers like weed and tobacco, the mixture bears uncanny resemblance to marijuana, but it is the farthest thing from Igbo as it comes in almost any colour.

It is alleged that people who make it often use dry herbs or lawn clippings to make sure it looks like Igbo as it often appears a shade between deep green and damp brown, in the UK and US, it is sold there as three major brand names; Spice, K2, Colorado, Black Mamba, for as low as $2 per bag.

Synthetic Marijuana is sold in small quantities for as low as N2,000 and as much as N10,000, depending on the size and where it was bought.

The substance is tightly sealed in small bags about the size of tea bags with the brand name written on it.

These hard drugs all have street names like Rochie, Baba blue, Epa, Roffies, 542, which are all nicknames for Benzodiazepine Flunitrazepam, as it is a Valium laced with Rohypnol that makes the mouth and tongue of users blue. In some places, Rohypnol is sold in the country as an over-the-counter medicine for severe insomnia, anaesthetic purposes and is relatively cheap unlike marijuana and apart from intoxicating users, Rohypnol is allegedly used by male youth as a date-rape drug as it is almost tasteless when put into drinks.

It is now common to see people with their blue tinted tongues, as users would either lick it like sweet or swallow it as a pill, dissolve it in a drink or snort it while the adventurous ones sprinkle it on marijuana and smoke it.

Users usually exhibit traits like slurred speech, lack of coordination and loss of motor control, when taken in large doses, the user will roll on the ground, rolling their eyes and being incoherent. ‘Gutter water’ a cocktail of drugs, is a mixture of codeine, tramadol, rohypnol, cannabis with either water or juice is widely consumed by young adults who in their bid to get high now turn to crude concoctions like smoking lizard parts and an animal dung as well as sniffing sewage, petrol, glue and urine which is rampart in many northern states.

Research revealed that people who sniff glue aim to get intoxicated by the fumes from the solvents found in the adhesives, they empty the substance into a polyethene bag and put their face inside, inhaling deeply. Some users would pour it onto a handkerchief and inhale, while others prefer to heat the substance before inhaling it.

negative health consequences experienced by its users.They are susceptible to high blood pressure, depression, HIV and mental illness�. “The role of parents, schools, NGO’s and National Orientation Agencies can not be overemphasised as drug use puts a heavy financial burden on individuals, families and the society, thus they play a great role in information dissemination on the consequences of drug abuse. “The level of education is seen as the main factor influencing self-medication and drug awareness and education among young people provide prevention options and health effects of substance abuse. “These strategies aim to reduce the desire and willingness to obtain and use drugs and whether the issue of drug abuse is approached from either medical, psychological, toxicological or legal perspectives, preventives approach is the most important and complete idea solutions.�

Medical Perspective According to Pharmacist Chinaza Nwaeke, “the intake of hard drugs by Nigerian youths has always been there, but the surge in its intake can be attributed to the reduced rate of drug monitoring across the country. Some hard drugs are cheap and some expensive, they are either imported or home grown. “Hard drugs are majorly natural plants with active ingredients which have been extracted as powders, syrups or taken as injections, they can also be actual formulated drugs which are supposed to be sold on a prescription only basis but are given freely or acquired through the wrong means.�

Nwaeke added that, “the longer one abuses drugs, the higher tolerance to these drugs increase and you see abusers looking for drugs in larger quantities leading to addiction, the family, society and the government still have a lot to do. I know many addicts but few survivors, drug abuse is a very dangerous habit that calls to one even as a survivor, a lot has to be done to stop this ugly vice.�

Government’s Stance When contacted, NDLEA Spokesperson, Lagos State Command, Mallum Musa, told THISDAY that, “the surge in the usage of illicit drugs is not peculiar to Nigeria alone. People start using for reasons best known to them and they cannot stop even if they want to because such person is now an addict. “Drug usage can be triggered by peer pressure, broken home, loss of livelihood or being jilted, they go into it without knowing the repercussions of their act. Even if a drug baron is arrested today, there are others who immediately take his place and the vicious circle continues and without the help of the society, the agency is fighting a lost battle. The society has to work closely with the agency to put an end to the drug menace. “The crux cannot be put on the government alone as the family and society have their part to play. There have been cases where children are abandoned by both their families and society and they become a burden to the government.�

He added that rehabilitation centres are not enough to cater for addicts, as such, enlightenment and sensitisation programs are needed to steer the young ones away from harm and educate them on the harm that illicit drugs causes and also in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria.

Social View President, The Drug Salvation Foundation, Mr. Wilson Ighodalo told THISDAY that “drug abuse decreases a person’s productivity and challenges a community’s sense of security, love and peace with one of the key impacts of illicit drug use on the society being the

Advocacy by NGOs Aside government, there is need for non governmental organisations to champion enlightenment campaigns in the mass media as part of efforts to complement government’s commitment at ensuring the rising rate of drug abuse is totally eradicated among the youths in the country.

With such increased advocacy and awareness, stemming the use of hard drugs and other depressive tendencies and habits, which are strongly associated with mental illness, will also go a long way in reducing mental illness in the society.

This is because the menace of mental illness is such that is very harrowing and one that has destroyed families, aborted lofty dreams and has come at great expense to the government in the areas of rehabilitation and keeping the mentally retarded off the major streets.

One of such NGOs championing this cause is Ajike People's Support Center, established by the wife of the Kwara State governor, Mrs. Olufolake Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq.

According to her, “as with cancer, diabetes and heart disease, mental illness is often physical as well as emotional and psychological. Mental health may also be caused by a reaction to environmental stress, genetic factors, biochemical imbalances, or a combination of these. “Although the causes of most mental disorder are not fully understood, a variety of biological, psychological, and environmental factors has been identified to contribute to the development and progression of mental disorder.

"It is generally held too that intake and abuse of hard drugs contribute immensely to the number of young persons found in rehabilitation homes. I charge parents and guardians to be vigilant and be conscious of what their children and wards involve themselves with.�

By and large, many experts have reiterated that with continuous advocacy on drug abuse and its effects, the menace will drastically be reduced and this will in the long run improve the socio economic development of the nation and its citizens as they will add better value to the society.

Nonetheless, until government and the society at large begin to address the underlying circumstances leading to the usage of hard drugs in the first place, eradicating the menace may be near impossible.

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WEDNESDAY MARCH 11, 2020 •T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍŻËœ 2020

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OVERNIGHT OBB

A S

A T

REPO 12.86 11.71

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

12 12 13.25

M A R C H S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

6 , 513.57% -0.28% -2.16%

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08152447875

2 0 2 0 S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE YEAR TO DATE

6.74% 6.74%

EXCHANGE RATE N307/1US DOLLAR* ĚŠ

Quick Takes Access Emerges Top in CSR Ranking

CLOSING GONG CEREMONY

L – R: Chief of Staff, Edo State, Taiwo Akerele; Chairman, Sterling Bank Plc, Asue Ighodalo; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Oscar Onyema;Governor,EdoState,GodwinObaseki,andDeputyGovernor,PhilipShaibu,duringaclosinggongceremonyattheNSEinLagos‌recently

‘Trading of Demutualised NSE Shares to Boost NASD Activities’ Goddy Egene The NASD Plc, the platform where shares of unlisted public limited companies are traded over-the-counter (OTC) is to witness a boost once the process of demutualising the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) is completed.

A source close to the NASD Plc said shareholders who may want to trade their shares would be using the platform, which currently has firms such as Central Securities Clearing System Plc, WAMCO, Afriland Properties Plc, among others. “As you know, NASD has been a platform where investors of

CAPITAL MARKET public companies that are not listed on the NSE have been getting liquidity for their investments. And I am convinced that some of the brokers, who would now become shareholders of the demutualised NSE, may want to trade part of investments for liquidity and the NASD is where they will use for that purpose,� the source who pleaded to remain anonymous told THISDAY. Capital market stakeholders had hailed the final approval given by members of the NSE to demutualise the Exchange and make it become a profit-making

and limited liability company, saying it will benefit the capital market and economy.

Members of the NSE, who are mostly stockbroking firms, last week assented to proposal of the council to demutualise the Exchange.

They also approved that the Exchange will have a total share capital being N1,250,000,000 comprising 2,500,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 kobo each to be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

In addition, they equally assented to the allotment of 1,964,115,918 ordinary shares to dealing members and ordinary members on the basis of a ratio

of 78:22, respectively.

A claims review shares totaling 40,083,999 ordinary shares, representing two per cent of the Issued Shares of Nigerian Exchange Group, will be set aside for allotment to parties who are adjudged as being entitled to shares in the demutualised exchange was also set aside.

Although the Chief Executive Officer of the NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema said the shares of the demutualised Exchange would not be listed yet, he said some of the shareholders could trade their shares on an OTC exchange.

A stockbroker and former NSE Continued on page 24

Report Seeks Enhanced Measures for Waste Management The informal environmental agents can be used to curb indiscriminate disposal of waste on streets and promote efficient revenue collection of waste management fees from households, a report by the Financial Derivatives Company Limited (FDC) has stated.

The FDC which stated this in its latest Economic Bulletin, noted that waste management remains a general challenge for all densely populated cities, adding that Nigerian cities were not an exception.

It pointed out that with a population of nearly 190 million people, Nigeria was still struggling to keep waste away from the streets and reduce the number of dumpsites.

According to the report, environmental agencies in Nigeria have not been able to keep up with the pace of waste generation in the country. “Although the government has initiated several efforts to enhance effective waste management, it has had limited success. Inefficient collection mediums, low collection coverage, inadequate funding for

ECONOMY facilities to manage the high rate of waste generation and improper waste disposal practices are just some of the limitations. “Waste management in Nigeria has also been largely concentrated in the public sector, as it is seen as a duty of the government,� it added.

The federal government had instituted the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) in 1988 to address environmental issues in the country. This was backed by a national environmental policy to encourage public awareness and participation in environmental protection.

The policy advocated proper collection and disposal of waste, in environmentally sound manners, with laws to enforce compliance.

Despite the efforts of the government to encourage effective waste management in the country, the common practice in Nigeria is the relocation of waste rather than proper disposal, it noted.

The UNDP reported that the accumulation of uncollected solid waste in the north-eastern part of the country was attributable to the ongoing hostilities in that area. “Such a waste build-up, however, is not peculiar to that region of the country. Across the country it is estimated that waste collection is only 30 per cent effective, meaning 70 per cent of Nigeria’s waste is not properly handled. “The southern areas have also reported uncontrolled dumping of waste on the streets and highways particularly in urbanised cities like Lagos. This has led to significant public health concerns, as well as life threatening flooding from waste dumped in canals and drains “In response, some states, like Lagos, have introduced partnerships with private sector participants in order to promote effective waste management,� it explained.

The Lagos Waste Management Agency partners with the private sector partners (PSPs) for waste collection, disposal, and enforcement of waste management fees.

However, waste collection by the PSPs has not effectively kept waste away from the streets and highways. “Informal waste pickers are individuals who make their living by collecting recyclables from waste in the streets and dumpsites. Generally, informal waste collectors are faced with societal backlash and discrimination. “It is believed that they are only interested in collecting waste for money and are not interested in the proper disposal of the waste collected. Informal waste pickers allegedly collect waste from households to dispose them indiscriminately on dumpsites without adequate knowledge of proper waste management, and there is no legal backing for the activities of informal waste collectors in Nigeria. “Despite the claims against informal waste pickers, it is important to note that they have reach across the country that PSPs do not. If integrated effectively, informal waste collectors could Continued on page 24

AccessBankPlchasbeenrankedthebestcompanyincorporatesocial responsibility(CSR)andsustainabilityinNigeriafortheyear2019,by Forbes Africa.The ranking was based on a result drawn from impact assessments of 910 organisations operating in Nigeria over the last 13 years. According to the report, the ranking took into cognisance Access Bank’s participation in national projects, its recognitions, and ratings from international award bodies, investment in CSR and sustainability in the period under review.

Reacting to the ranking, the Head, Sustainability, Access Bank Plc., OmobolanleVictor-Laniyansaid,“AccessBankhasacorporatestrategy andphilosophywhichplacessustainabilityatitscore.Weensurethat ourprojectsandinitiativesareimpactfulandstrategicallylinkedwith the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.� “Overtheyearswehaverecordedoutstandingresultsbyundertaking several initiatives across the country, and we are deeply honoured to be recognised as the overall best company in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability,� Victor-Laniyan added.

Having launched the Nigerian Green Bond Market Development Programme in June 2018, Access Bank’s determination to promote sustainable growth through funding of projects at a lower cost of capital, led to the issuance of a N15 billion (USD41 million) corporate greenbondin2019.TheissueistheďŹ rst-everClimateBondsInitiative certiďŹ ed corporate green bond in Africa.

Ecobank Celebrates Women

The Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Patrick Akinwuntan, has reiterated the bank’s commitment to gender parity among its sta. In a message to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2020, Akinwuntan said this year’s edition with the theme: #EachforEqualunderscoredthecompellingneedofgenderequality andsustainableeortsofwomenempowermentatworkplace,which he said Ecobank was committed.

He said: “For us in Ecobank, this event allows us to reect on the achievements of female Ecobankers and other great achievers in our space and society. Ecobank is proud to support change makers of all ages in the global movement to advance gender equality and empowerwomen.Wealwaysremindourselvesofourcorporatepledge to ensure parity. Ecobank women have distinguished themselves and continue to make impact in the various roles in the bank.We use this opportinty of the IWD to celebrate these great Ecobankers.â€?

He enjoined women generally to continue to sustain the gains of the recently launched Ecobank Female Entrepreneurs Initiative, which was designed to provide women with necessary support to help them excel in their various endeavours, promote and grow their businessesandgenerallypositionthemforgreaterparticipationand validation, and also contribute in their various environment including business, stressing that their future is bright.

Coca-Cola Rewards Customers

Nigeria’s beverage brand, Coca-Cola, has rolled out a promotion for all football lovers and consumers alike. The Coca-Cola Super Fan Promo seeks to reward EPL fans with N400,000,000 instant cash prizes in what is possibly the biggest industry reward program for football fans in Nigeria today. The “Under-The-Crownâ€? promo, which kicked o March 1st, 2020, will reward 10 lucky consumers with an all-expense paid trip to watch a live EPL game and also visit iconic locations in the United Kingdom. The promo will end on 31st of May 2020. To participate, consumers are required to simply purchase and enjoy a promotional bottle of Coke Classic or Coke Zero, look underthecrownfortheuniquecodeandtextsameto*4255*55*UTC Code# using their mobile devices at no cost. Promotional bottles include 35cl, 50cl and 60cl Coke Classic PET bottle, 35cl and 50cl glass bottles; 60cl PETCoke Zero and 35cl Coke Zero glass bottle.

AccordingtotheMarketingManager,Coca-ColaNigeria,LtdAjiborode Abiodun, the promotion serves as a reward for the brand’s teeming consumers and lovers of the English Premier League in Nigeria. He reinforced the brand’s commitment to satisfy consumers with great tasting Coca-Cola whilst rewarding them for their loyalty. “For us, it is all about refreshing our world and making a dierence in the life of our consumers,â€? he added.

“So, the key thing is to broaden the non-oil sector. We need to stimulate sectors like manufacturing, construction and the real estate sectors.

These are sectors that would create employment and lead to inclusive growth in the economy�

MD/CEO, Cowry Assets Limited

Mr. Johnson Chukwu

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‘TRADING OF DEMUTUALISED NSE SHARES TO BOOST NASD ACTIVITIES’ Council member, Garba Kurfi had said the demutualisation was a good thing because it is going to unlock more capital for the market. “For instance, if I place shares as collateral, I can trade and make money, we are pleased this is coming after so much delay,� he said.

Also, another stockbroker, Mr. Samuel Ayo Oguntayo members who would be allotted their shares could trade those shares on over-the-counter (OTC) and make money.

Former Director General of NSE, Prof. Ndi OkerekeOnyiuke, had also said: “With this demutualisation, anybody in any part of the world can have access, the exchange will have a lot of money to execute high level plans that they have and people that will invest in the exchange will also make money. It is the best thing that will happen to the Nigerian economy.�

REPORT SEEKS ENHANCED MEASURES FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT be a game changer for waste management in Nigeria, as they have been in Brazil, Argentina and Colombia. In these countries, they have been so deeply integrated that they even have cooperatives or unions,� it added.

Citing lessons from Brazil, it pointed out that in the South American country, the government partners informal waste pickers and scavengers as environmental agents for proper waste disposal, especially in densely populated urban cities.

The National Basic Sanitation Policy, initiated in the country in 2007 (and complemented by the National Policy on Solid Waste in 2010), introduced an integrated waste management framework, the report revealed.

The framework encourages the formation of unions for regional waste management as a means of strengthening municipal waste management capacities through economies of scale and cost reduction.

This, it noted, had helped to facilitate a shared sense of responsibility towards waste collection, disposal and recycling, in addition to boosting job creation.

AfCTA: Stakeholders Seek Policies to Boost Infrastructure Devt James Emejo in Abuja Stakeholders in both the public and private sectors have called on the federal government to develop and implement policies geared towards infrastructure development.

This, according them, is to enable the country to draw maximum benefits of the proposed Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which takes effect from July 1, 2020.

They also emphasised the need to ensure that the country’s trade negotiators are well-armed with adequate knowledge, skills and awareness of the geopolitics that comes into play in trade negotiations with partners.

According to them, these essential skills will ensure successful negotiations that aids economic development and market dominance for Nigeria.

The stakeholders conveyed their position in a communique issued at the end of the joint private and public sector consultative forum on trade in services which was convened by the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations (NOTN).

They argued that it was in the interest of Nigeria to play a prominent role in the ongoing negotiations at both regional and continental levels of it must optimise the benefits of AfCTA, adding that public acceptance and credibility of the outcome of the consultations depended greatly on the professionalism, attitude and skills of negotiators and robust preparations.

Participants further expressed appreciation for the consider-

able efforts made by President Muhammadu Buhari, by directing the sensitisation and consultations with relevant players in the economy. They also commended the enthusiasm and technical competence of the country’s acting Chief Trade Negotiator/Director General, NOTN, Mr. Victor Liman, and his team as well as acknowledged the private sector experts in their daily efforts towards the level of preparedness that will transform the country’s participation in the respective trade agreements to a profitable venture for Nigerians.

In an interview with THISDAY,

Liman argued that the consultations were important for the country as, “whatsoever we do at the AfCTA will affect our economy, will affect our GDP growth, job creation,welfare and productivity and of course, infrastructure and competitiveness in particular for the country.�

He said: “I think people need to understand this and they have to engage with it, interrogate and to make sure that they also contribute their own observations, positions to what we do.�

Asked how prepared Nigeria was towards the takeoff date of

AfCTA, the acting Chief Trade Negotiator said: “No country can be totally prepared. However, we cannot stop engaging with the AfCTA process because it’s important that Nigeria as a strategic country in Africa continues to lead and engage on this. We will not want others to negotiate on our behalf, we want to provide that leadership. “But having said that, on competitiveness, there’s still more to be done. On infrastructure, we still need to do more and on the economy, we still need to do more. We still need to do more on security;

but I think the current president is actually trying with respect to security. “As you also know, we’ve moved 10 places forward in the areas of ease of doing business and so we are getting prepared somehow but you know a country can never be fully ready to go into a free trade arrangement but I hope that over time,we will be able to prepare ourselves and take advantage of the opportunities that the AfCTA represents for us. This is key to the prosperity not just of Nigeria but also of the continent.�

CELEBRATINGWOMEN

L-R:LagosStateTeamLead,Alive&Thrive,Dr.UcheRalph-Opara;NationalPublicitySecretary,NigeriaEmployers’ConsultativeAssociation(NECA) Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), Olakitan Wellington; Director, Learning & Projects, Celine Oni; Member, NNEW Governing council, Dorothy Ufot, and President/Chaiman in Council, NNEW, Modupe Oyekunle, during the International Women’s day 2020 rally/plenary session in partnership with Alive &Thrive Initiative, held in Lagos...recently

Experts Tackle NERC on Revised Power Tariff Assumption Chineme Okafor in Abuja Some legal experts have said some of the assumption that informed the decision on the revised power tariff approved recently by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for distribution companies (Discos) in the country are unrealistic.

The experts from Detail Commercial Solicitors – a distinct commercial solicitor firm with expertise in non-court practice – explained in a brief on the new Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO) of the NERC, that assumptions on gas price and foreign exchange rate by the regulatory commission were unrealistic.

The note obtained by THISDAY, explained that despite the

new tariff which was yet to become operative, more drastic and holistic approaches would be required from various stakeholders, particularly the Discos, to improve their current financial condition. They stated that, “The 2016-2018 minor review order had envisaged a migration to a cost-reflective tariff by July 2020.

However, following the issuance of the order, cost-reflective tariffs for the Discos are now expected by the end of 2021. “The impact of this is that Discos will continue to struggle to meet their revenue requirements, minimum remittance and operational costs. Particularly since there’s now increased pressure to meet minimum remittance requirements or face penalties

from NERC.�

According to the experts, “Some of the relevant macroeconomic variables (e.g. exchange rate of N309.90 per USD1 and gas price of USD2.50MMBTU) that form the building block for the new tariff are not realistic. “For instance, it is expected that the Discos will incur some of the capital expenditure allocated to them under the order in procurement of equipment abroad. By so doing, they may be unable to source for foreign exchange at the official rate of N309.90 to USD1. The rate at the parallel market where foreign exchange is more readily available, is N360 to USD1.�

The experts also noted that the review sparked reactions

from various stakeholders across the country, adding that, “the Incorporated Trustees of Human Rights Foundation made an ex-parte application at the Federal High Court (the Court) seeking an interim in-junction against the implementation of new electricity tariffs.�

The application, it explained was however, declined by the Court, which ordered parties to maintain status quo pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

The experts indicated that the new tariff was still being challenged and thus faced some legal hurdles. “It is pertinent to note that the order intends that the change in tariff should become effective

by April 2020. This will enable

customers to continue making payments based on of the existing chargeable tariffs pending when the status quo is allowed to change by a competent court.

However, payment of the existing tariffs by customers may continue if the court rules in favour of the Human Right Foundation. “Furthermore, the House of Representatives also directed the Ministry of Power and the NERC to suspend plans to increase electricity tariffs until the leadership of the legislative chamber concludes consultations on the matter,� they explained.

Consumer, they stated would also continue to query the tariff review especially on the basis of years of poor service delivery by the Discos.

Group Business Editor

ĂŒĂ“Ă˜Ă˜Ă‹ Ă’Ă“Ă—Ă‹ Capital Market Editor

ÙÎÎã Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?

Comms/e-Business Editor

Ă—Ă—Ă‹ Ă•Ă™Ă˜Ă”Ă“ Senior Correspondent

Ă‹Ă’Ă?Ă?Ă— Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ĂŒĂ™Ă–Ă&#x; (Advertising) Correspondents

Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽĂ&#x; äĂ? (Aviation) ĂœĂ™Ă—Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă? ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ (Maritime) Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă? Ă—Ă?ÔÙ (Finance) ĂŒĂ?ĂœĂ? åÙÔÓ (Insurance) Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă—Ă? Ă•Ă‹Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ě™(Energy) Reporters

Ă&#x;Ă—Ă? Ă•Ă?Ă‘Ă’Ă? (Money Market) Ă™Ă?Ă‹ Ă–Ă?Ă•Ă’Ă&#x;ÙÑÓĂ? (ICT)

Kwara Laments Plight of Residents in Border Communities Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Piqued by the sufferings of residents in border communities in Kwara State, due to the scarcity and high cost of petroleum products, the state governor, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has appealed to the joint border operation drill, North Central zone, to mitigate the situation.

The development according to THISDAY checks might not be unconnected with the selling of petrol at the cost of N400 per

litre as against N143 per litre, in the past few months.

Sources close to the members of the NUPENG, PTD and NURTW in the areas told THISDAY that selling of petrol above the official price was crippling socioeconomic activities in the areas.

However, Abdulrasaq, while receiving the audience of the North Central Joint border drill operations, Mohammad Garba, at the Government House, Ilorin, said there are challenges of supply

of petroleum products to border communities in the state.

According to him, “On order of the federal government that all filling stations selling petroleum products 20 kilometers away from border communities should be closed down, we have many border communities in the state and there are challenges getting the commodities to these areas.�

He said, “We’ll want to work with you so we can get petrol there, probably designating few petrol stations to sell the

product, if not all, so we can mitigate their sufferings and make petrol available to them. “The issue of border closure is a wakeup call to us as a country.

There are enormous challenges ahead to Nigeria due to trade agreement signed with other neighbouring countries with free trade and free movement of people. “There is also a challenge of smuggling of goods. So, our borders and trade need to be secured and protected

against negative effect of the agreement.�

The governor, who promised to be proactive with the security group, commended the operation drill for the prevailing relative security in the state, saying issue of border closure centres around security and economy.

He also called for adequate welfare and proper equipment to help them carry out their jobs, saying the government would do its best to assist and support in any way possible.

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Advertising: Kankarofi, Others to Design Audience Measurement Framework Raheem Akingbolu The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has described creative industry as a sector of the economy that’s capable of providing job opportunities for Nigerian youths if well harnessed.

The minister spoke in Lagos, recently, while playing host to the leadership of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN).

He pointed out that the industry would not achieve its objectives if the major source of revenue for the sector, which is advertising, is performing far below par.

To this end, the minister announced the appointment of a former Registrar of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), as chairman of a Task Team of industry experts to design a framework on Audience Measurement System to ensure that content producers and advertisers receive their dues for content and media placement.

Earlier, the Chairman Board of Trustee of AAAN, Steve

Omojafor had tabled before the minister, a four-point agenda, to deepen excellent practice, revenue generation and smooth relationship with government.

The BoT Chairman itemised the issues to include; reconstitution of the APCON council, bridging the gap between ad practitioners and government and the need for the minister to attend the next AGM of the AAAN slated for Abuja in June.

While assuring the practitioners that APCON council would soon be reconstituted, the minister said it was imperative to urgently put in place an Industry Framework that would ensure that content producers receive their just due for the value of the content they create, as well as guarantee return-on-Investment on media placements. “This will then have the overall effect of guaranteeing greater spend by the Advertisers, who are all seeking to grow their market share,� he said.

For him, the nation needs an objective and scientific Audi-

ence Measurement System that articulates the value of the content to consumers as well as the value of the Audience to Advertisers, particularly in the television sector but also in the Outdoor Segment.

The minister said due to lack of authentic and real data, the Nigerian media advertising total industry volume has historically performed below the global average benchmark relative to the country’s GDP, when compared with leading global and African markets despite Nigeria’s position as a leading African economy.

He said in 2018, Nigeria’s total advertising revenue performed very poorly (0.12%), when compared with South Africa (0.83%), Kenya (0.35%), Ghana (0.29%) and even Tanzania (0.18%), adding that the lackluster performance of the advertising industry was attributable directly to a lack of measurement and currency of trading, a most basic requirement in all developed markets for the success of the Production industry.

MTN Replaces‘VirtualTop-Up’with‘Topit’ Nosa Alekhuogie MTN Nigeria has launched a new data and airtime distribution service called MTN Topit.

This replaces the MTN Virtual Top-Up. The solution, which was unveiled in Lagos recently, was aimed at providing an efficient means of recharge for data and airtime distribution across diverse forms of electronic recharge.

Speaking at the unveiling, the Chief Sales and Distribution Officer, MTN Nigeria, Adekunle Adebiyi said, “We have launched this platform as part of our continuous drive to make customers’ lives easier, brighter and better. “We believe in a modern connected world, one in which our customers can get solutions at the snap of their fingers. This is what Topit delivers. We are excited at the amazing opportunities this platform offers our customers, retailers and trade partners. “MTN Topit provides the

convenience of recharging your line without the need for papers, dialing long codes, or even having your mobile phone present. All you need is your mobile phone number and you can simply recharge any amount at any time and from any location.�

Speaking further, the General Manager, Business Development, Sales and Distribution, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Valentine Izuchukwu, explained that the need for Topit became essential to give customers as much convenience as possible, while they make recharge either for airtime or data.

According to Izuchukwu: “MTN Topit actually replaces the existing service MTN Virtual Top-Up (VTU). It now rides on a new and improved platform, providing additional flexibility, reliability and speed. “We are giving Nigerians an opportunity to recharge whatever value they choose to from one naira and up to three million naira.

“It is a service that allows you to buy airtime and data directly to your mobile phone without the need for pins or vouchers.

It is a digital mode of recharge providing fast, flexible and secure means to Mycustomer.�

He added: “With improved user experience, it mitigates against any perceived price distortions and eliminates the irregularities associated with recharge PINs/ Vouchers/Cards. It is also beneficial to retailers, trade partners and potential new partners as it provides ease of entry to start a recharge business, while saving costs of warehousing and inventory management.�

Izuchukw further said: “Registering to sell airtime on MTN Topit is simply by dialing ‘ *456# ’ from any registered MTN SIM, select a 4 digit pin and you’re done; or download the MTN EVD application from the Google Playstore, register with your MTN SIM and you’re fully setup.

NaturesGentleTouchUnveilsWinnersinCompetition Hamid Ayodeji Natures Gentle Touch Hair Institute has unveiled 14 winners of its natural hair competition themed: “Love your Natural Hair,� which kicked off in February this year.

The competition was part of efforts to encourage Nigerian women to embrace their natural hair. The winners were rewarded with the hair treatment and maintenance products, free hair voucher, that would enable them get free hair care in any of the institute’s branches, and also become the cover girl of the exclusive limited brochure.

The Group Marketing Manager, Natures Gentle Touch Hair Institute, Amechi Koldsweat, whilst speaking with journalists said the organisation saw the need to execute an initiative, whereby women get to showcase their natural hair and get rewarded for it. According to him, a lot of African women hardly embrace their natural hair.

According to him, “Thus, we feel that when ladies know that there is such an institute that can help in taking care of their natural hair this would enable them to have the confidence to keep and maintain their hair by visiting

any of our branches situated at Victoria Island and Isolo, rather than always opting for wigs and weaves on which are not everlasting and cost a lot of money.�

Koldsweat added: “The winners were picked based on the participants that posted a picture of themselves with their natural hair on their social media pages with the ash tag, love your natural hair and emerged with the most likes after two weeks of the post. “Also, we cater for men as well as we have a product for men’s natural hair called, nonstop.�

ELEVATING TO THE NEXT LEVEL Rejection Can Be Your Promotion

Listen and listen carefully, you need to develop your executive presence if you want to grow in your chosen career and succeed as a professional. Some of you may be asking, “What is Executive Presence�? According to Robin Camarote, “executive presence is the combination of communication skills, technical competencies, perspective, and temperament that instill a sense of confidence in a leader’s viewpoints and decisions. For tRejection Can Be Your Promotion Last year, we bid for a job and were so glad when they told us we had won and would get the contract the next week. We were overjoyed. Next week came, we did not hear from them. This was seen as a pivotal job for our company. We felt we needed the opportunity. It was an area we wanted to be seen as good at and having that company in our list of credentials would have been good for our credentials list. I had even dreamt about taking a picture in front of their iconic building and announcing to my social media audience that we had won a chance to work for this organization.

Alas, we never got the job. We were then called about two weeks later that we did not get the job because the company wanted to streamline its processes and re-evaluate the reason for putting the job out to tender in the first place. I was flabbergasted. To say I was disappointed was a huge understatement. I was thrown into a depression. This was a job we had done everything to make sure we won. We had spent money to attend the presentation for the bid and our price was almost at the point of no profit. We just wanted to work in this organization!

Took us a while to shrug it off and move on.

I was angry and sad because I felt I had an insider who I had been talking to and whom I felt should have done more to protect our interest. I even felt he worked against us and did not really want us to win. That he had been paying lip service to us and never wanted us to win for his own reasons. I expressed some of these feelings to him at that time. But this weekend, I called him to thank him for whatever he did in not making us win. You see, I had gotten more information and it was clear that even if he did not do what he did for our own interest.

Whatever was done was in our interest.

The thing is, we would have won this job.

Spent our money to fund it. Travelled several times to execute the assignment and might not have been paid when required, which would have crippled our resources and taken many of us out on this assignment. We would have spent time and not focused on other work. We would have had to eventually wait several months or years to be paid, which we just cannot afford at this life cycle of the business. For me, rejection in losing this job at this time was not bad. In fact, I had to thank the person whom I felt made us lose.

I was grateful and thankful to be rejected.

Many times, rejection is not a bad thing.

Rejection can be a blessing. In my career, I have been rejected many times. One notable one, was when I made senior manager. I applied for a job in one of the top 3 banks in Nigeria. I went through the interview process, met the MD, I was sent on medical.

As you all know after meeting with the MD and they send you on medical thereafter, you’ve gotten the job. After the medical, which I must have passed as I have done many since then. I waited and waited, but never heard from them. I later thanked God for not getting the job, because my then organization then went through a restructuring and my job became very strategic and this strategic positioning pivoted me to top management and set the tone for where I am today.

As human beings, business owners and entrepreneurs, the sting of rejection can pierce like a dagger to the heart. It can be extremely hard not to take rejection personally. It’s our

ideas, our blood and our sweat and tears that are being shown the exit. We often forget the underlying truth that rejection experiences have given birth to cutting-edge enterprises. In many cases, rejections have been the genesis of brilliant solutions that would otherwise have been unfathomable were it not for our mental anguish.

In life and business, we need to be prepared for rejection at all times. Malachi Thompson and I have some suggestions below: 1.) Acknowledge and prepare for rejection.

Most of us become angry when, despite putting in eighty-percent of the groundwork, our customer then decides to work with our nemesis. Overcoming rejection actually occurs from accepting the emotions that come with it. It is OK to feel angry and frustrated.

The emotional and mental weight you feel is just as valid as any physical pain. In the long run, it’s more appropriate and healthy -- emotionally, mentally and physically -- that you allow yourself to feel that.

Always have a rejection-processing protocol in place. Debrief with personal and professional support people who can empathize and appreciate your experiences without passing judgment, criticizing or looking to give you immediate advice. Primary acknowledgment of its emotional and mental impact upon on you is essential.

2.) Find the blessings in every rejection experience.

There will always be customers or people who do not like us, our service or our product.

Whilst this prods us to do comparison reviews of systems, processes, products and service quality, put that aside for a moment. We often can’t see it at the time, but in many cases, rejections are blessings in disguise.

Do you want customers who wish to discuss minute details forever and a day, only to decide they want to start from the beginning again just as you were about to sign-off on the contract? Do you want to be treated like a commodity on-call 24/7, expected to make ‘urgent’ changes to a blueprint during Sunday evening quality time with your family?

You don’t want these customers. Nobody does. Refer and direct those customers to your competitors who are open to being treated this way -- you are not.

3.) After licking your wounds, feed your growth mindset.

Steve Jobs was rejected and sacked from his own company, Apple, in 1985. After purchasing Pixar Animation Studios from Lucasfilm in 1986, he went on to generate his first billion dollars. Today, Pixar is the most successful animation studio of its kind.

Not a bad comeback, some might say.

The whirlpool of unsavory emotions we experience in rejection is often a great catalyst for stretching our minds laterally to dimensions never visited before. You might initially doubt yourself, question your competency and your self-worth but after you have weathered the storm, activate your growth mindset and start asking questions.

What can I do differently? What have I discovered about myself? What changes can I make in my business? Could I have handled the closing conversation better? What will I do differently next time? What else is possible?

4.) Transform your definition of rejection. We often ascribe rejection to something wrong with us. Start-ups and new businesses are particularly vulnerable to thinking rejection means they are not good enough.

Even though this might resonate with you, it doesn’t mean your thinking is accurate.

Invite yourself to consider, Are my deductions about myself actually true or is it the pain speaking? Does it hurt so much because I wanted so badly to be accepted and validated? Is my service or product simply not substandard but simply not the best fit for that customer?

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BUSINESSWORLD

EQUITIES WATCH

Ardova: Rescued by Divestment, Subsidy Gains Goddy Egene writes that the jump of over 500 per cent in net profit recorded by Ardova Plc (formerly Forte Oil Plc) for the year ended December 31, 2019, was majorly due to proceeds made from divestment from subsidiaries and subsidy gains

Ardova Plc, formerly known as Forte Oil Plc, recently reported its financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2019. While top-line grew by 31 per cent, the bottom-line soared by over 500 per cent. Looking at the results, Ignite Investments and Commodities Limited led by Prudent Energy Services Limited, which bought 74 per cent equity stake divested by Femi Otedola last June, must be commending themselves that it was a wise investment decision.

An analysis of the results showed that Ardova Plc, recorded revenue of N176.6 billion, showing an increase of 31 per cent above the N134.7 billion in 2018. Gross profit fell marginally from N11.33 billion to N11.28 billion, while other income jumped by 132 per cent from N1.9 billion to N4.3 billion, a development that boosted its bottom-line.

Specifically, profit before tax (PBT) improved from N1.0 billion to N4.7 billion while profit after tax (PAT) soared from N0.631 billion to N3.915 billion.

According to analysts at Meristem Securities Limited, divestment and subsidy gains boosted the earnings of Ardova Plc. The analysts said the impressive top-line growth rode on the back of a fourth quarter (Q4) standalone turnover of N53 billion, the highest in 2019.

Expectedly, fuels sales were the key driver of top-line, contributing N159.25 billion, which was 90.2 per cent of gross revenue, which implies segment growth of 31.78 per cent and speaks to Ardova’s effective product rationalisation amidst the headwinds in the Nigerian downstream sector.

The Lubricants and greases segment also saw improved performance, as sales logged a 25.71 per cent expansion to hit in at N17.25 billion compared with N13.72 billion in 2018.

However, contribution from lubricants was relatively flat, as it formed only 9.77 per cent of revenue compared to 10.19 per cent in 2018. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Cylinder Sales printed a smaller N0.02 billion.

The analysts noted that with Prudent Energy’s acquisition of a controlling stake in Ardova, the stronger LPG sales speaks to the company’s strategy to utilize a sizable number of Ardova’s retail stations to sell LPG. “For further context, Prudent Energy

completed the construction of a 6,000MT LPG plant in Delta State in 2019, which we expect to buffer growth of the LPG sub-segment going forward. In 2020, we envisage that Ardova will seek to expand its presence in LPG, Aviation Fuel and leverage its alliance with Prudent in logistics and storage. We therefore expect that revenue will come in at N197.64 billion in 2020,� they said.

The analysts explained that earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) boosted following disposal of subsidiaries as cost to sales settled at 93.61 per cent in 2019, compared with 91.59 per cent in 2018.

The lube segment yet again, proved the most cost-effective segment of Ardova’s business, with its cost to sales coming in at 74.34 per cent for 2019. Cost to sales for the fuels segment was 95.36 per cent, while the Solar and LPG segments recorded 105.13 per cent and 105.6 per cent respectively. “Overall cost-of-sales therefore settled at N165.3 billion, a disconcerting 33.96 per cent growth, given that it was higher than the revenue growth rate. Operating profit rose by 83.81 per cent to settle at N4.93 billion, albeit spiked by Ardova’s gain on disposal of subsidiaries which came to N2.67 billion.

Finance costs rose by 35.72 per cent to N4.83 billion, as the company discounted its promissory notes. Alternatively, interest expense would have ticked up by only 4.28 per cent. There was a significant 306.61 per cent gain in finance income, N4.56 billion, as the federal government addressed non-payment of foreign exchange (FX) differentials on subsidy to the company, which contributed 86.66 per cent (N3.95 billion) to total finance income.

Net finance costs for 2019 thereby dropped to N0.27 billion (N1.9 billion in 2018), supporting pre-tax earnings growth of 513.56 per cent (N4.65 billion),� they said.

However, Ardova’s total assets shrank from N61.2 billion in 2018 to N49.6 billion in 2019, following its divestment from its subsidiaries.

According to analysts at Meristem, with gains from its divestment, they are envisaging Ardova will seek to expand its retail footprint and have a stronger focus on Lubricants to boost its top and bottom line.

When the company divested from its

divestment from and sale of its upstream services business (Forte Upstream Services Limited, AP Oil and Gas Ghana Limited and its power generating business – Amperion Power Distribution Company Limited), which were sold for a total consideration of N12.97 billion, analysts at Lead Capital had wondered why the firm took that decision. “Ardova’s decision to sell said businesses initially aroused our curiosity, as it would exit the more profitable power generation business for full concentration on the low margin homogeneous petroleum and lubricants marketing business. For context, in 2018, power generation contributed 20 per cent and 51.4 per cent, revenue and gross profit respectively. While the downstream made up 70 per cent and 48.45 per cent of revenue and gross profits respectively,� they said.

But the analysts noted that with a N1.725 billion special dividends, which was paid from proceeds of the divestment, the company was still left with a decent sum. “We are left with questions about management’s decision for optimal utilization of the sale proceeds, which could either go to market footprint expansion or balance sheet optimisation. As it stands, Ardova is now a wholly downstream play, which makes us struggle to see a case for increased market presence, owing to the highly fragmented, thin margin (9.05 per cent profit margin full year 2018), homogeneous and full capacity petroleum marketing sector,� they said.

According to them, on the other hand, they consider Ardova’s relatively high financial leverage which called for aggressive action towards driving efficiency. “With a debt to equity ratio of 1.16x, we believe the proceeds would be put to best use in achieving a healthier balance sheet, specifically for repayment or refinancing of its expensive N9 billion, 19.8 per cent effective interest, 5-year unsecured bond, maturing in 2021. Undertaking this by our estimation should shave close to half of its interest expense, shore up profit margins, and solidify its resistance to business and structural risks. In conclusion, Ardova now dons a new garment, which doesn’t

particularly arouse our excitement. Asides diversification purpose, we recommend moving to stocks with high earnings growth, and decent return potential to investors,� the analysts said.

Despite the reservations expressed by the analysts, the new management of the company led by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Olumide Adeosun, who took over last June, had assured shareholders and other stakeholders of better value.

According to Adeosun the company would focus on increasing volumes, diversifying business operations, widening distribution networks and extracting potential synergies to boost revenue.

He added that the company would also invest massively in the downstream sector to achieve desired growth.

According to him, in spite of the regulated price of petrol product in the country, Ardova would still break even in other petroleum products in the downstream sub-sector.

And in order to implement its growth strategies, the company got the approval of its shareholders to allow it enter into discussions with Prudent Energy & Services Limited and or any company or individual(s) representing it in connection with the acquisition of identified downstream assets including but not limited to plant and machinery, trucks, stations and subject to independent valuations on fair value, enter into subsequent binding agreements on comparable arm’s length/ commercial terms in relation to the assets to be acquired.

The shareholders also authorised the directors and/or management of the company be authorised to approve, sign and/or execute all documents, appoint such professional parties and advisers, as may be necessary to give effect to the above resolutions, including without limitation, complying with the directives of any regulatory authority and all acts carried out, steps taken and documents executed (or to be executed) by the directors and/or management of the Company in connection with the above resolutions.

Also, the shareholders of the company approved a change in the name from Forte Oil Plc to Ardova Plc last December.

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NUFBTE Seeks Improved Standards in Locally Made Goods Ugo Aliogo The National Union of Food Beverage and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE) has charged the federal government to upgrade the standard of locally produced food and beverages, in the country.

The union made the call in Lagos, at its National Executive Council (NEC), recently. The union in a resolution jointly signed by the President, Lateef Oyelekan and General Secretary, Bamidele Busari, said government must prevail upon bodies saddled with the responsibility of monitoring and controlling standards in the country, “such as Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), NAFDAC and others to gear up towards ensuring the upgrading of the standard of locally produced items and imported goods in accordance with International acceptable standards.�

The union which commended the continuous closure of land borders across the country, noted that the country has the capacity to produce food, beverages, wines and other items locally without importation.

Oyelekan lamented that Nigeria had become a dumping ground for foreign products, but that can be discouraged through upgrading of standards and proper monitoring of the country’s border.

He affirmed the commitment of members of the union to continue supporting the land borders closure across the country, stating that it has tremendously curbed, “the activities of cross borders smugglers specialising in smuggling of beverages, wine, spirit, rice, petroleum products arms and ammunition.�

NUPENG Lauds Move to Ban Casualisation of Workers Ugo Aliogo The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has commended efforts by the House of Representatives to ensure the passage of a bill seeking to amend the Labour Act and criminalise casualisation of workers.

According to a statement jointly signed by the National President of NUPENG, Mr. Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Mr. Afolabi Olawale, with the legislative intervention that has passed the second reading, NUPENG as a custodian of blue-collar workers in the oil and gas sector was particularly excited about the bill.

They explained that it had been discovered that Section eight of the bill provides that every worker shall enjoy full employment benefits as a permanent staff after six months of engagement, “and that any employer who disengages a worker after a period of six months from the date of first engagement without regularising the worker’s employment shall at the date of disengagement pay to the worker full salary, allowances and entitlements due to a permanent staff for two months provided the worker has not been found liable of any criminal act involving fraud resulting to financial loss to the company amongst other things.�

He further explained that government’s policy on backward integration has started yielding positive efforts in the sector as Nigeria can now boast of companies producing tomato paste using 100 percent locally sourced raw materials.

Oyelekan added: “As we have often said, Nigeria has no reason to import finished food products as our companies have the capacity to support the local needs. The tomato factory in Adamawa presently provides jobs for over 3000 workers. That is the advantage of supporting local production.�

The union, however, said it was dissatisfied with the insecurity challenge facing the country, despite huge human and financial resources reported to have been deployed by the government in tackling the menace.

FCMB Empowers Female Entrepreneurs Over 2,000 Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) have so far benefitted from the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) empowerment initiative for women-owned businesses, known as SheVentures, since it was launched in March 2019.

The benefits of the initiative cut across mentoring, capacity building and zero interest loans, ranging from N500,000.00 to N5,000,000.00.

The FCMB SheVentures, with a unique feature of zero-interest rate for a period of three months, is anchored on supporting women with vision. It connotes confidence, independence and the courage required by women to fulfil their aspirations. SheVentures is designed to engage, inspire and equip potential and existing women entrepreneurs to take bold steps that would enable them become much more competitive, productive and profitable thereby contributing

significantly to national development.

Speaking at an event held in Lagos, recently, to celebrate the one-year anniversary of FCMB SheVentures, the Group Chief Executive of FCMB Group Plc, Mr. Ladi Balogun, described the initiative as a game changer in the quest of the lender to upscale the performance of SMEs. The event, which formed part of activities of FCMB to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day, was graced by the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun; Managing Director, Rose of Sharon Group and Executive Vice Chairman, Famfa Oil, Dr. (Mrs.) Folorunsho Alakija (who was the Guest Speaker), a former Deputy Governor of Lagos, Mrs. Sarah

Sosan, other top personalities from various walks of life and several entrepreneurs.

A statement quoted Balogun to have added: “We are a focused bank with big ambitions.

Many of the big companies we know today that FCMB has had the privilege of supporting in one way or the other started off as small companies with big aspirations and many of them have gone on to become household names in oil and gas, technology, food and beverage as well as other sectors. “Our SheVentures initiative was created for the sole purpose of ensuring that women-owned businesses are not left out in the development of the country’s economy through their collective and individual contributions as business owners. All around the world, there

has been a great paradigm shift geared towards women taking on and excelling in businesses that have previously been assumed to be gender specific.�

The FCMB Group Chief Executive further stated that, “as shown in our ranking as the number one in SME Banking in Nigeria by KPMG, we are not just focused on the basic banking procedures when it comes to our customers, but also fully committed to delivering services and offerings that ensure that they derive good returns from their relationship with us. “We are excited to note that with FCMB SheVentures, we have expanded the frontiers of support to businesses in a manner that is ushering them into prosperity. FCMB is pleased to play a leading role in the quest to bring socio-economic transformation to Nigeria’’.

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As Nigeria’s Economy Faces Double Whammy Nigeria with its demography and potential, has the capacity to be much-more than an oil dependent economy and so, the latest sharp drop in crude oil price should be seen as an opportunity to reform the economy, writes Obinna Chima

N

igerians,especially policy makers,woke up on Monday, to the rude shock of a sharp drop in the price of crude oil, the country’s major source of revenue.

It fell by 30 per cent in just one day, thereby causing apprehension in the economy.

This emerged just as the country was battling to find ways to cushion the likely effect of the outbreak of the coronavirus, which could pose a major threat to Nigeria’s macroeconomic fundamentals.

The slump in crude oil price was triggered by a price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia.

As of Monday, oil price had suffered its biggest fall since the day in 1991 when American forces launched air strikes on Iraqi troops following their invasion of Kuwait, as the benchmark Brent crude price closed at $35.45 per barrel.

Monday’s crash spooked markets that were already freaking out about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the global economy and demand for oil, according to a CNN report.

Saudi Arabia, the world’s top exporter, had launched a price war over the weekend. The move followed the implosion of an alliance between the OPEC cartel, led by Saudi Arabia, and Russia.

Indeed, this development matters to Nigeria because oil revenue remains the backbone of the economy and provides majority of the country’s revenue and forex inflow.

In fact, oil accounts for about 80 per cent of the federal government’s revenue and that explains why oil price movement is often the bellwether for the country’s economic health, and why there is a swift pass-through on exchange rate and inflation.

Crunch Time for Policymakers In response to the volatility in global oil prices occasioned by the impacts of the outbreak of COVID-19 and the oil price war, the federal government on Monday raised a committee to cut the size of the N10.59 trillion 2020 budget, which is under threat of underfunding.

The committee, which was constituted by President Muhammadu Buhari, has as members the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed; the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva; the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, and the Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Malam Mele Kyari.

Aside the task of reducing the size of the budget, the committee is also saddled with the responsibility of reducing the oil benchmark from the approved $57 per barrel to reflect the current realities.

Ahmed said the committee was expected to submit its report to the president on its eventual decision latest Wednesday.

She explained that the committee would determine a new oil benchmark, the size of a new budget and subsequently make such new decisions public.

She said: “We just met with the president to discuss the matter of the impact of the coronavirus on our economy and Mr. President has formed us into a committee, with the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, the Central Bank Governor, the GMD NNPC and I as members. “Our mandate is to make a quick assessment of the impact of this coronavirus on the economy, especially as it affects the crude oil price. We will be writing a report and brief Mr. President tomorrow or Wednesday morning and after that, we’ll also have more substantial information for the press. “But it is very clear that we will have to revisit the crude oil benchmark price that we have of $57 per barrel; we have to revisit it and lower the price. Where it will be lowered is the subject of the work of this committee. “What the impact will be on that is that there will be reduced revenue to fund the budget and it will mean cutting the size of the budget. The quantum of the cut is what we are supposed to assess as a committee. “This is just an initial update to inform you on the directives that we have and subsequently we will be sending a report to the president, after which we will be briefing the press on the actions that government will be taking.�

Buhari, on December 17, 2019, had signed the N10.59 trillion budget, made up of N4.84 tril-

lion recurrent expenditure, N2.46 trillion capital expenditure, N2.72 trillion for debt servicing, fiscal deficit of N2.28 trillion and deficit to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio of 1.52 per cent.

The Appropriation Act was also predicated on certain projections, including a crude oil production volume of 2.18 million barrel per day, oil benchmark of $57, N305/$ exchange rate, the GDP growth rate of 2.93 per cent, the inflation rate of 10.81 per cent and statutory transfer of N556.7 billion Also answering questions yesterday on whether Nigeria would engage Russia on the controversies involving the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Sylva said Nigeria lacked the power to solely undertake such a move.

According to him, the reality of the current situation will soon dawn on everyone and both OPEC and OPEC+ may meet, adding that meaningful engagement is also expected to take place between Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Time to Act Emefiele, had last month, stressed the need to urgently diversify the economy and “create institutional structures that will insulate the economy from oil shocks.� He had also also warned that a potential fall in oil prices could debilitate the economy and adversely impact exchange rate and heighten inflationary pressure. “I reiterate that even as economic recovery stayed fragile, effective anchoring of inflation expectations remain fundamental. “Besides, potential fall in oil prices could debilitate the economy and adversely impact the exchange rate with ramifications for inflation. “It remains urgently imperative to diversify the economy and create institutional structures that will insulate the economy from oil shocks,� he had explained.

This, he said informed the Bank’s aggressive intervention in the non-oil sector through its development finance activities.

Furthermore, Emefiele said cautious policy was irrefutable as growth was still low while per capita income and unemployment rate remained outside tolerable levels. “Besides, the modest short-term prospect is threatened by a delicate oil price dynamics, weak aggregate demand, persistent herder–farmer conflicts and prevalent security challenges. “I am of the view that a favourable resolution of these challenges, reinforced by sustained FX stability, as well as continued implementation of the Loan-to-Deposit Ratio (LDR) policy, will further boost short-term outlook,� he added. “I note the improvements in banks’ NonPerforming Loans (NPLs) position and our continuing efforts at de-risking the target sectors. “Robust credits will bolster domestic investment,

household demand and factor productivity while accelerating economic diversification, and ensuring strong and inclusive growth,� he added.

Also reviewing the situation in the global economy and its likely effect on the economy, Managing Director, Financial Derivative Council and a member of Buhari’s Economic Advisory Council, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, said the country should now face the reality because it knew what to do but was wasting time.

Rewane, said: “Now the shit has hit the fan and there is nowhere to hide anymore. It is now time for us to face reality.�

When asked on the way forward, Rewane said: “We knew the way forward all these while; we knew what to do, but we were wasting time. But this is crunch time.�

Analysts at Afrinvest West Africa Limited, stated that, “the worry is that history could repeat itself, with devastating impact to the economy like we saw during the 2016 recession. We believe a gradual adjustment of the currency would better help the economy adjust to the current shocks and support government revenues.�

Also, to analysts at CSL Stockbrokers Limited, with the development in the oil market, the rhetoric about an impending naira devaluation would gather momentum, considering the elevated threat to foreign exchange earnings and in turn the nation’s forex reserves, which the CBN relies on to maintain liquidity and support the local currency.

The Lagos-based investment and research firm noted that the prospect of reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Russia was uncertain, just as it stated that oil prices trading at current levels for a prolonged period would significantly undermine government revenue considering that the 2020 budget was benchmarked on an oil price assumption of $57 per barrel. “With elevated debt servicing cost, rising recurrent expenditure amidst weak fiscal buffers, we are of the opinion that the nation may be on course for another fiscal crisis. That said, we anticipate a widespread sell-off in the financial markets as investors scale down on their holdings to gain more clarity on the developments in the oil markets,� it added.

Also, the CEO, CGF Advisory, Mr. Tilewa Adebajo, advised the federal government to adopt fiscal prudence measures.

He said key policy reforms would be imperative to support and sustain macroeconomic stability.

These, it listed to include, among others, a foreign exchange management framework that reflects the market fundamentals, the acceleration of the country’s economic diversification agenda and the oil and gas sector reform, among others.

In addition, it advised the federal government to cut overhead and recurrent expenditure, while increasing capital expenditure to total budget ratio.

Also, economist and former Director-General, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, recommended a possible downward review of the budget as well as eliminate wasteful expenditure as a response to the falling price of oil.

He also said the government would need to quickly increase the revenue base from other frontiers like tax efficiency without increasing taxes as well as ensuring that every government revenue-generating agency is held accountable.

He said: “There is fear that we may be heading for another recession. The oil price shock like we have today has always been my fear for our economy that does not have control over that major factor that drives its economy, the oil price. “Our reserves will be eroded very fast and give room for a very high exchange rate in the short to long run. Borrowing has become inevitable to fund our budget. We can, however, also review our budget downwards and eliminate unnecessary expenditure items or bloated items in the budget�.

To Senior Research Analyst at FXTM, Lukman Otunuga, the depreciation in oil prices could not have come at a more disruptive and critical time for the Nigerian economy.

According to him, “this is bad news for many emerging market energy producers, including Nigeria.

The country’s export earnings and government revenues will take a direct hit from the steep decline in oil prices.�

Also, the Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Muda Yusuf, said the effect of the Coronavirus is related to the drop in oil price could cause significant dislocations in the 2020 budget and in the economy, especially for a country already grappling with challenges of weak revenue performance and a complete erosion of fiscal buffers. “Oil revenue currently accounts for about 50 per cent of government revenue and about 85 per cent of foreign exchange earnings. With the current scenario of tumbling oil price, a drastic reduction in the revenue of government may become inevitable in the near time. This has implications for the level of fiscal deficit in the budget; budget implementation will be constrained; infrastructure financing will be affected; borrowing may increase, and the capacity to fund capital project will be severely constricted.

With this scenario, the outlook for oil dependent economies looks rather gloomy,� Yusuf said.

He also observed that the impact of the coronavirus would be significant on the country’s foreign reserve, which is currently at all-time low of $36.2 billion as at 3rd March 2020.

The foregoing showed that considering the external vulnerabilities, the federal government needs to urgently introduce major reforms to help reposition the economy.

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BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Ogunbanjo: Demutualisation Will Diversify NSE’s Revenue Base, Enhance Efficiency The President of the Council of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo, in this interview, says the completion of the demutualisation of the Exchange will accelerate momentum in the diversification of its client base and revenue streams through greater business flexibility, enhanced market access and increased efficiency. Obinna Chima provides the excerpts: Talks about demutualising the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) had been on for several years before you emerged as the President. How do you feel seeing this become a reality under your leadership?

I feel elated that after 19 years after my predecessors initiated the process to demutualize, we are finally getting closer to achieving the goal. It is also momentous that it is occurring on the 60th anniversary of the Exchange. On a personal note, there is an added feeling of deja-vu especially in view of the fact that my father’s law firm, Chris Ogunbanjo & Co, was the external solicitor that incorporated The Nigerian Stock Exchange in its original form in 1960, when it was formerly known as the Lagos Stock Exchange. Furthermore, achieving the demutualisation of the Exchange was one of my main objectives when I assumed the Presidency of the Exchange and I am particularly happy it has been achieved during the life time of one of its founding fathers, Pa Akintola Williams.

I had made him a promise at his centenary birthday last year that he would live to witness the demutualisation of the Exchange and glory be to God that he is alive and well to witness and benefit from the demutualisation. I must add however, that when the story of how we managed to achieve this milestone is told, you will recognise that there were several actors involved and without whom it could not have become a reality so they must share in the glory of this successful project.

But why do you think demutualising the Exchange is vital and what was wrong with the current model?

In its current form, the Exchange is subject to several legal restrictions which have hampered its ability to operate competitively and profitably as would a limited liability entity. We expect completion of the demutualisation exercise to accelerate momentum in the diversification of the Exchange’s client base and revenue streams through greater business flexibility, enhanced market access, and increased efficiency. The major weakness of a mutual exchange is its constitution. Mutual exchanges are ultimately geared to maintaining their members’ interests.

The interests of the members are not necessarily the same as those of the exchange; they are disparate. The separation of shareholders, management and users in a demutualised exchange makes for better strategic decisionmaking rather than protecting vested interests.

Post demutualisation, The Exchange will be better positioned to implement commercial strategies to improve its role as a trading arena and undertake improvements to facilitate more competition. Improvements will allow for efficient, effective and more competitive trading. Improved global trading facilities will maximize economies of scale and scope and increase our accessibility and market reach.

The Exchange will be better positioned to seek strategic alliances and consolidations, introducing greater geographical collaborations and M&A possibilities. Demutualisation will enhance The Exchange’s access to skills, knowledge and technical efficiencies from strategic shareholders. The Exchange’s brand will achieve global visibility thus enhancing its profile.

What are the direct beneďŹ ts to the economy?

The demutualisation of the Exchange will benefit the economy in more ways than one.

Post demutualisation, the emerging entities would be subject to companies’ income tax and other relevant taxes payable by for-profit organisations, thereby providing additional source of tax revenue for the Nigerian government.

It is anticipated that the demutualisation of

Ogunbanjo the Nigerian Stock Exchange will reinforce the continuous growth and development of a dynamic, fair, transparent and efficient capital market and thus significantly contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.

Do you think this will encourage more companies to list on the NSE? The demutualisation of The Nigerian Stock

In its current form, the Exchange is subject to several legal restrictions which have hampered its ability to operate competitively and proďŹ tably as would a limited liability entity.

We expect completion of the demutualisation exercise to accelerate momentum in the diversiďŹ cation of the Exchange’s client base and revenue streams through greater business exibility, enhanced market access, and increased efďŹ ciency

Exchange will surely bring about changes in the market structure with more participants.

It will also give rise to improved corporate governance, higher levels of efficiency and lower transactions costs which will inadvertently attract more listings to the market. Furthermore, we expect a general boost in confidence both from investors and issuers resulting from increased trade activities and better opportunities for international alliances and cross border listings.

We believe the value proposition associated with demutualisation will encourage more listings.

How will the new structure protect the retail investors?

Our focus to increase retail participation and protect investors in our market will be unchanged. Retail investors will continue to have access to diversified asset classes for growing wealth and through the Investors’ Protection Fund we will continue to restitute proven cases of infractions but more importantly on artificial intelligence driven market monitoring system will be sustained. Ultimately, when the Exchange is ready to float new shares for the investing public, retail investors would be a key consideration for the allocation of shares.

Some have also raised issues around corporate governance, what will be the role of the NSE under this new structure?

The functions of the current NSE will be unbundled upon demutualization and this will address the concern around fusing ownership of the Exchange and regulation of the Exchange especially given the intention to list the Holding Company. To answer your question more specifically, the Exchange greater independence from members with owner interests being aligned with those of The Exchange. The incorporated

regulatory entity for this purpose is called NGX Regulation Limited. The newly demutualised Exchange will continue to provide services similar to the previous entity, although the governance structure will change; with ‘outside’ shareholders being represented on the Board of Directors.

There are also concerns that with demutualisation, the high net worth investors might crowd out the retail investors. What is your take about that?

Currently, what we have done is a change in structure that will give Dealing and Ordinary Members the right to trade their shares, not an Initial Public Offering to the general investing public. We cannot dictate what steps any of these shareholders will take – whether to buy or sell – at this time. However, a major benefit that will accrue to The Exchange post-demutualisation is the ability to raise capital from many sources just like a normal profit-seeking Public Limited Company. It is, therefore, in our best interest to accommodate the needs of both institutional and retail investors – new and existing – once our shares are publicly available to trade.

What plan does the NSE have to sensitise Nigerians about the new structure?

Right from the onset of the exercise, the Exchange was intentional about the need to ensure the process is transparent. We have had series of engagements with various categories of stakeholders to educate them about the process.

This approach has been imperative to the success we have achieved so far. At periodic intervals, we have issued statements to update the general public. We have also created a dedicated page on the NSE website where relevant information, documents and calendar of events about the demutualisation process can be viewed.

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DBN Boss Calls for Gender Equality’ In line with this year’s International Women’s Day celebration, the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), in identifying gender equality as a key component of its sustainability strategy, put together a discourse, with the theme “Accelerating Parity Through Collective Individualism.� The main thrust of the forum was a panel session, which comprised eminent personalities like the Director General, Debt Management Office, Patience Oniha; CEO, Emerging Africa Capital Group, Toyin Sanni; CFO, Development Bank of Nigeria, Ijeoma Ozulumba; CEO, Olori Beauty Enterprise, Toyin Odulate, and Founder, Healthy Nellies, Nelly Agbogu.

According to a statement, collectively, the panelists called for core mentoring for women, girl child education with a focus on rural areas, reducing inequality and individually owning the drive for gender parity.

In his address, the Chief Executive Officerm DBN, Tony Okpanachi, said: “Our mandate here at Development Bank of Nigeria, is to alleviate financing constraints faced by the MSMEs in Nigeria through the provision of financing and partial credit guarantees to eligible financial intermediaries on a market conforming and fully financially sustainable basis.

“In Nigeria today, women are still disadvantaged due to limited access to education, which has a ripple effect on earning power and economic opportunities. It’s time to change the narrative for women.�

According to the DBN boss, to achieve #EachforEqual, “we must also create awareness about the potential of women in the workplace by empowering women and making full use of God given skills for economic growth. “When it comes to supporting lower-income women who may not have high levels of formal education, it’s important to help employers realise the value of competency over credentials.�

Okpanachi further emphasised that, “it is important to rededicate ourselves, not just to the women but to the men too, for the battle for true gender parity.

Collective action and shared responsibility for driving a gender equal world is key.

Women’s equality can’t wait.

It’s going to take everyone to think and be inclusive – all the time, everywhere.� Also present at the event, was Dr. Wuraola Abiola, who gave the call to action, calling for more government agencies to organise avenues for the discussion of gender parity.

She further urged the government to do much more for Nigeria, whose population is made up of 52 per cent women.

Economist Urges FG to Reduce Cost of Borrowing Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Nigeria: A perspective�.

Former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) and a Professor of Economics at the University of Ilorin, Kwara state, Israel Olufemi Taiwo, has advised the federal government to ensure a drastic reduction in cost of borrowing.

He advised the government to always borrow at single digit of between zero and five per cent. He also stressed the need for investment banking policy in the country so as to expand national output and promote economic diversification, by facilitating medium and long term capital.

Taiwo, gave the advice while delivering his 194th inaugural lecture, at the University of Ilorin, recently.

The titled of the lecture was: “Economic Policy Reset for

He said, “the revised cost of borrowing policy would promote profitable investment, increase production activities, improve job creation, promote the country’s competitiveness, raise national output and absolute poverty.�

He added that, “high cost of borrowing undermines the production system and raises the size of the public sector relative to the private sector.

The don, said that the country’s fiscal system was distortionary and limited in scope to address interrelated problems of poverty and inequality in the country.

Taiwo, noted further that, both irregular wage adjustments and lack of clear-cut criteria for wage adjustments by successive governments had resulted in mixed development outcomes.

“On trade policy, there is very little to choose between import substitution and export-led strategies because of weakness in the production system.�

Accordingly, he urged the federal government to review the indirect tax system to ensure that luxury goods are taxed more heavily.

The economist also recommended the enactment of a law to harmonise the Excess Crude Account with the stabilisation component of the Sovereign Wealth Fund.

He added that the federal government should, “cut the monetary policy rate to single digit, which is the equivalent to a cut in the operating surplus of the Central Bank of Nigeria; accord priority to capital goods vis-Ă -vis consumer goods imports; migrate gradually from the schedular tax system to the global tax system to ensure

equal treatment of a taxpayer’s income from all sources in line with international best practices.�

Other recommendations included institution of a progressive global tax system to ensure that the wealthy are taxed appropriately; redistribution of income and wealth more effectively through targeted government spending, in addition to the global system; improvement on the link between tax policy and the tax structure through tax studies; deepen economic planning in Nigeria and ensure that successive administrations reflect the long-run objectives of government in the structure of government spending and granting of fiscal incentives for key sectors and subsectors including large-scale agriculture, small-scale manufacturing and solid minerals.�

FSI Pledges to Enhance Financial Inclusion Hamid Ayodeji The Financial Ser vices Innovators (FSI) has expressed its commitment towards deepening financial inclusion in the country.

This, the FSI stated it would achieve by providing safe, innovative payment and identity solutions in order to prevent fraudulent activities within the banking space.

The company stated this recently, during its maiden Hackaton competition which took place in various regions of the country.

It disclosed that the initiative was created from the idea of people being able to identify an individual with unique identifier whenever and wherever they want to transact.

This, the organisers explained would enhance the level of trust when consumers are transacting with their bank, merchant, or a third party service provider.

The Chairman, Financial Services Innovators, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, while speaking with journalists during the programme with the theme, “How would you innovate payment and identity systems to prevent fraud and keep people safe with payments,� said the firm was prepared to make payment processes much more seamless and simplified in order to make it inclusive for everyone.

According to him, one of the goals of the company was to ensure Nigeria emerges as the financial technology service provider of the world. This,

he said could be achieved by leveraging on the infrastructure and financial institutions that we have.

Aboyeji added: “Also, we have awarded the team that emerged winner with the sum of N3 million; then the second place N2 million and then the third place team with N1 million respectively. “In addition to this, we are going to be providing mentorship schemes in order to support them upscale innovation and solutions. “We are also working towards engaging the regulators in order to help them understand the practical challenges innovators and customers are facing when it comes to financial inclusion in order for them to generate and implement policies that would drive financial inclusion.�

On her part, the Head of Innovation, Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access, Dayo Ademola said, “This initiative would help bring thousands of hackers from around the world together in order to tackle a particular identified problem around identity and payment transactions. “The Hackathon initiative is important because it helps the financial sector to mine ideas from broader scope of people because solutions can come from anywhere. “By tackling identity issues we are able to develop products and services that are safer for people at the bottom of the financial pyramid and mass market are enabled to engage in the payment infrastructure.�

BOOSTFOR FINANCIAL INCLUSION

L-R: Executive Director, Financial Services Innovators (FSI), Mrs. Aituaz Kola- Oladejo: Team Lead, Digital Technologies/winner of FSI Pay As You Know Hackathon, Kingdavid Ehindero: Group Head, Digital Banking, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Dipo Alagbede, and Jadesola Akinwande, at the FSI Pay As You Know Hackathon, sponsored by Sterling Bank, held in Lagos...recently SUNDAYADIGUN

WISTA Advocates More Female Participation in Maritime Eromosele Abiodun The Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA Nigeria) has stated that the recently celebrated International Women’s Day 2020, provided a platform to raise awareness of the importance of gender equality in maritime profession.

The President of WISTA Nigeria, Mrs Eunice Ezeoke, made this known in a statement issued in Lagos, by the Public Relations Officer of the Association, Mrs Sarah Roberts.

According to her, WISTA Nigeria joined the rest of women professionals worldwide, especially in maritime industry to celebrate the day to give recognition to women and emphasise gender equality. “Gender equality is essential for economies and communities to thrive and the year 2020 is

a pivotal year for advancing gender equality worldwide.

The race is on for the gender equal boardroom, a gender equal government, gender equal workplaces and more gender equality in health and wealth. “We are happy that Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman, emerged as the first female Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). We have also had a female Director-General of NIMASA in the past, when Barrister Mfon Usoro headed the agency. “We have many other great women including judges that are our members. We have vessel owners, maritime experts, and business moguls, top maritime administrators, among others. “We also have women in Customs, Immigration, Clearing and Forwarding, the Media as well as anybody that has

anything to do with shipping,’’ Ezeoke said.

She added that WISTA Nigeria had her pet projects such as supporting the women in the riverine areas of Aguleri (Anambra), Oron (Akwa Ibom), Lokoja (Kogi) and Epe (Lagos State) with boats and other fishing equipment.

Ezeoke, noted that the association was also reaching out to fisherwomen in the Niger Delta region to assist them by providing fishing boats and other materials. “WISTA Nigeria felicitates with the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, the Minister of State for Transportation; Senator Gbemisola Saraki on this occasion of International Women’s Day. “WISTA Nigeria looks forward to the support of the Federal Ministry of Trans-

portation and other maritime agencies in achieving the noble objective of encouraging effective participation of girls and women in maritime industry. “WISTA Nigeria also commend efforts of the Chief Executives of maritime agencies comprising; the Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Bala-Usman; Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Mr Hassan Bello. “WISTA Nigeria also commends the efforts of the Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NWA), Chief (Dr) George Muoghalu; and the Chairman, Council for Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Retired Col. Abubakar Tsanni, “she said.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 11, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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L-R; Special Assistant to the CEO of Nigerian Stock Exchange, Akin-OluSoji Akinyele; CEO, Imperial Logistics Africa, Sherring Thekekkara; MD, Fouani Nigeria Limited, Mohammed Fouani; CEO, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Oscar N. Onyema; Head of Markets, West Africa, Ashish Bakshi; MD, Lagos Free Zone, Dinesh Rathi and Manager Business Development, Lagos Free Zone, Chinju Udora during the visit of Nigeria Stock Exchange CEO and other prospective investors to Lagos Free Zone...recently

L-R: Special Assistant to the Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Prof. Murtala Sabo Sagagi; Director, Corporate Communications Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Isaac Okoroafor; Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Sani Nanono; and Executive Director, African Economic Research Consortium, Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u at the opening session of the 22nd AERC Senior Policy Seminar in Abuja...recently

L-R: Director, Monitoring & Evaluation, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Tunde Adelana; Group, Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Amazon Energy, Mr. Olayinka Oluwatimehin and General Manager, Capacity Building, NCDMB, Dr. Ama Ikuru, during the graduation ceremony of the trainees under the NAOC Kwale Gas Flaredown project by NCDMB and Amazon Energy in Lagos... recently.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (left); in handshakes with President Muhammadu Buhari, during his meeting with the President, at Presidential Villa, Abuja‌recently

L-R: Chief Promoter, Mayden Bank, Mrs Foluke Aboderin Alakija; Founder/CEO, Nara Foundation, Hajiya Aisha Waziri Umar;Vice Chairman, Channels Media group, Mrs Olusola Momoh; Founder/Chairperson WISCAR Mrs Amina Oyagbola; ManagingDirector/CEO, Bank of Industry, Mr Olukayode Pitan; Founder/CEO, RuNTumble/Gatimo Apparel, Mrs Adenike Ogunlesi; CEO, Paelon Memorial Clinic, Dr. Ngozi Onyia and Group Managing Dirctor, A&A Global Leasing Service Ltd., Dr. Oluwaseye Yomi-Sholoye, during the celebration of the International women’s day organized by BoI held in Lagos... recently

L-R: Chairman Governing Council, University of Medical ciences (UNIMEDS), Ondo, Dr. Temitayo Faweyinmi; Vice Chancellor of the Institution, Prof. Friday Okonofua; Ekiti State Governor/Guest lecturer, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; and Ondo State Governor,Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN); during the combined Distinguished Guest / Founder’s day lecture titled; Re-thinking Nigeria for Future Development�, at the University Campus in Ondo town‌recently

L-R: Executive Director, Red Star Express Plc, Victor Ukwat receiving the award of excellence from the President, Press Club, Ikeja Senior Grammar School, Sammi Bello and Secretary, English Language Teachers’ Association of Nigeria (ELTAN), Tijani Oladimeji at the Red Star Express oďŹƒce in Lagos... recently

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L-R: Graduate Development Program Trainee, Inlaks, Remi Onoh; Graduate Development Program Trainee, Oluwakorede Ogunleye; MD/CEO, Africa Operations, Inlaks, Femi Adeoti; and Graduate Development Program Trainee, Abigeal Adenigbagbe, at the 2020 Inlaks graduate development Program in Lagos...recently

L-R. 1st Vice President, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, Dr. Umar Musa Mustapha and Vice Chancellor, Nile University of Nigeria, Professor Osman Nuri Aras, during the signing of MOU between the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria and Nile University of Nigeria in Abuja...recently

L-R: Chief of Sta to Ogun State Governor, Hon Salisu Shuaib; Chief Operating OďŹƒcer IBEDC, Engr. John. Ayodele; Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Chairman, IBEDC, Dr. Tunde Ayeni; and Chief Business Transformation and Strategy OďŹƒcer, IBEDC, Mr. Iranola Ayodeji, during a retreat that was organized by the distribution company in Abeokuta...recently

L-R: Executive Director, TechCircle Oo Nwoye; Founder Sparkle, Uzoma Dozie; Co-Founder, Piggyvest, Odun Eweniyi; (Country Director, UK-Nigeria Tech Hub, Honey Ogundeyi; Representative from Google, Fola OlatunjiDavid; and Investor, Andrew Alli during the Lagos Tech Meet-up in Lagos...recently

L-R: Commissioner of Local Government and Community Aairs, Dr. Wale Ahmed; First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Iyaloja General, Chief (Mrs.) Folashade Tinubu-Ojo; and Iyaloja, Tejuosho Phase 1 Market, Alhaja Titilayo Noimot Fademiluyi, during the Sanitation Visitation of the First Lady and members of Committee of Wives of Lagos State OďŹƒcials (COWLSO) to the Market in Lagos...recently PHOTO: KOLA OLASUPO

L-R: Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri and the Area Co-ordinator, NYSC, South-South, Mr. Omatade Ayodele Benjamin, during a visit to the Government House, Yenagoa....recently

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, inspecting the guard of honour mounted by Batch A Corpers during their passing out parade at Heroes Square, Owerri...recently

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T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍŻ, 2020

EDUCATION As Oyetola Reverses Some Osun’s Education Policies Yinka Kolawole reports that Governor Gboyega Oyetola has granted the request of Osun people as he reversed some of the policies made by the immediate past governor in the education sector, which generated controversies in the past

E

ducation has been described as the bedrock of all-round development.

However, during the Governor Rauf Aregbesola administration in Osun State, he changed the face of education in all ramifications, the move was greeted with spontaneous condemnation in all aspects which led to disappearance of diginity of schools.

But at inception of office, Governor Gboyega Oyetola promised to work along what electorates want so as to have enduring legacies in the state.

A year later, he set up a committee to look at all the issues and bold steps were taken on the recommendation of the committee headed

by Professor Olu Aina.

Meanwhile at the first meeting of the State Executive Council, a decision was reached on Education Review Policy and the state reversed the single uniform policy, mixed schools, 4-5-3-4 system and retained Opon Imo also known as Tablet of Knowledge.

This was made known at the press briefing jointly addressed by the Commissioners for Information and Civic Orientation, and Education, Mrs. Funke Egbemode and Mr. Olayinka Folorunsho respectively, on behalf of the government after the State Executive Council meeting, held on March 2, 2020.

Egbemode announced that the decision was reached after an exhaustive deliberation on the report of the education panel set up by the governor to review some of the extant education practices and policies. She said the council unanimously agreed on the 10 issues raised in the report and accepted the recommendations. “The council approved the recommendations to revert to the 6-3-3-4 structure in keeping with the provision of the National Policy on Education as this will entail adequate physical and instructional facilities at all levels; adequate provision in quantity and quality of wellmotivated teachers at all levels.�

She added that “the council agreed that the state government will do well to allow every school return to its old established and recognised public uniform. “The council observed that the Omoluabi Education Services Limited is not performing the duties, roles and obligations expected and it was approved that the operation of Omoluabi Education Services Limited be wound up since it has not been fulfilling the mandates for which it was established. “It was also agreed that Early Childhood Care Development Education (ECCDE) in line with the practice in the 35 other states in Nigeria be restored,� Egbemode added.

Other decisions reached were the reversal of schools to their former status, whereby only single sex identified with those school names should be admitted while students already affected by the name change should be issued letter of attestation by the ministry of education and male students who are currently in senior secondary one (SS1) and SS2 in schools established for female learners only should be relocated immediately and vice-versa.

The council was said to have approved the reversal of ‘High School’ to the old nomenclature ‘Grammar School’.

Similarly, the council also stressed the need for government to strengthen technical and vocational education/training by upgrading structures and facilities of government technical colleges for effective service delivery, while OponImo otherwise known as tablet of knowledge will be retained and restructured to serve the purpose it was meant for.

The governor, while receiving the panel’s report, said his administration is resolved to reposition the state for the betterment of all the citizens, adding that it is committed to securing the future of the children and those unborn.

He said the state government remains committed to improving every sector as its policies and programmes are driven by citizens’ needs.

Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola The governor had earlier constituted the panel led by a renowned educationist, Professor Olu Aina to look at some extant education policies in the state, with a mandate to review and come up with workable recommendations that could further improve the state’s education system Quoting a renowned American author, John C. Maxwell, who has written many books on leadership, Oyetola stated “a man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them and strong enough to correct them,� adding that every responsible and responsive government must make people’s demands the basis of its policies and implementation.

He added that the need to review the education policy was informed by the people’s demand, saying the government would ensure full implementation of whatever that will improve the lots of the people and protect the future of its children. “As a government, our policies and programmes are driven by citizens’ needs. These needs which were further validated by the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID)- funded Citizens Needs Assessment exercise in Osun, were harvested during the Thank You Tour/Town Hall Meetings, where the people told us in plain language that they wanted some aspects of our educational policies removed, adjusted or improved upon. “That was what led to the Policy Review Roundtable Summit, the report of which we are receiving today. We are prepared to do what will improve the lots of our people and protect the future of our children. “As a leader therefore, I am conscious of the need to be just and fair to all manner of people regardless of their leanings in the discharge of my duties. This I will always uphold.�

While thanking the chairman and members of the policy review panel for investing their time in the future of Osun children and those unborn, Oyetola said: “Rest assured that your efforts will not be in vain. We will be swift and proactive in debating it at our level with a view to implementing the recommendations without any further delay.�

In his remarks, Aina said the panel had painstakingly reviewed and addressed all education-related issues with a view to “strengthening the delivery of quality and

affordable education in response to the wishes and yearnings of the people of the state.

He noted that the panel proposed 11 recommendations within the context of the national education policy and global best practices, saying that for instance, the merging of primary five and six, though laudable for reason of school feeding initiative, violated the 6-3-3-4 structure.

Aina added that the creation of the 4-5-3-4 and the middle school are unknown to the National Policy on Education (NPE).

While recommending the retaining of Opon Imo, other issues x-rayed by the panel were: policy of mixing male and female pupils in schools established for single sex students and desirability of retaining the posts of head masters general and tutors general in the rank of permanent secretary, among others. “The issues were subjected to comprehensive and critical review; they were individually discussed in consideration of situating the education policies of the state within the context of the overall national education policy and global best practices, and especially considering the interest of students and their parents. “Even though education is on the concurrent legislative list of the Constitution of Nigeria, a state policy should be closely aligned to, and flow from the national policy so that products of our education policy and practice are not disadvantaged,� Aina added.

Also speaking, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ismail Omipidan noted that the speculations about the policy being a jab at the former administration was not correct, stating that the new policies are the government’s response to the yearnings of the people which the governor holds sacred.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Political Affairs and Inter-governmental Relations, Taiwo Akeju has said the mission for the reversal of some education policies introduced by Aregbesola was not aimed at destroying his legacies.

Akeju, who described the immediate past governor and minister of interior as his leader and brother from Ijesha Land, said the policy reversal in the education sector has nothing to do with administration vendetta.

In a chat with journalists in his office, the commissioner described the policy reversal as yielding to yearnings of the people of the state.

He said the people during a thank you tour by

Oyetola in 2019 unanimously told the governor to look into the policies as it had impacted negatively on the lives of the students. “The policy in 2018 became a talking point in the state. Opposition parties castigated the then candidate of the All Progressives Congress and now the governor, Gboyega Oyetola on it and the governor then said if it was the wish of the people to reverse it, he will do that. “After the 2019 polls, the governor went round the state for his thank you tour and asked people what their wants were. It is on record that over 99 per cent of the people requested for policy reversal in education. “Moreso, the Department for International Development (DFID) after carrying out a survey across the state, recommended to the governor a review of the present education policies. “After that we realised that this is a consensus of the people. The exco, in order not to take a unilateral decision, assembled credible and reliable Nigerians in the education sector to sit on a committee to assess the report and feed it back. The likes of Prof. Olu Aina, General Alani Akinrinade and other credible Nigerians did the review and the exco approved it,� he said.

He said the present administration is committed to upholding, consolidating and sustaining the legacies of the immediate past administration led by Aregbesola. “What I will tell those insinuating crisis between Aregbesola and Oyetola is that they should desist. The two leaders talk several times a day and they both discuss how to make Osun great.�

Reacting to the policy reversal, the old students association of one of the affected school, Ilesa Grammar School said the school is back.

According to the association, “on the day that one of illustrious products celebrated another year of God’s anointed blessings, we received official confirmation that the Osun State Executive Council, under the leadership of our dear Governor Gboyega Oyetola has granted our prayers of five-plus years by restoring the identity and glory of Ilesa Grammar School.�

The National Publicity and Mobilisation Secretary of the association, Temitayo Odeyemi said the initial fears of ability to marshal the appropriate political will to implement the recommendations of the panel were put away as the government restored the school alongside several others. “We thought it would be much easier to convince the key actors of yesteryears. We could not. The advocacy, agitations and legal battles were painful and long drawn. The issues and controversies were energy sapping, but in loving memory of our founding fathers, the legendary Egbe Atunluse Ile Ijesha and other fine products of our cradle of ‘omoluwabiism’ who have since gone to be with their creator, Ilesa Grammar School is back. Our school is back in name, in colours and in character.�

The association noted that for thousands of old students that have lived to experience the announcement, “we return all glory to God. To our birthday celebrant and Patron, Pastor Enoch Adeboye (1956/60 set) and several other important actors in the sweet story of Ilesa Grammar School, including old students, staff, legal team, friends and fans across the world, we say thank you.

No force, within and outside, no matter how powerful in actuality or self-glorification, will be able to put out our lights. “Indeed, Ilesa Grammar School has outgrown the status of just any other school; our common heritage is now very much an ideology, of excellence, of doggedness and of virtues.

It will always refresh, restore and redefine itself, overcoming all constraints to its ability to flourish in perpetuity. So shall it always be.�

The association added: “While again reaffirming our unalloyed commitment to the best cause of Ilesa Grammar School, we appreciate everyone for the support, in all forms, while the issues lasted.�

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T H I S D AY Ëž MARCH 11, 2020

EDUCATION

Media Experts, Communications Scholars Advise Students against Fake News Segun James Media professionals and communications scholars have described fake news as one of the biggest challenges confronting the society, while calling on students and youths to be wary of information they circulate through the social media.

Speaking at the 2020 edition of the student-veteran interaction, organised by the Association of Mass Communication Students (AMCOS), University of Ilorin, the media professionals advised the students to positively use social media to develop their skills rather than turning themselves into purveyors of fake news.

Speaking on the theme of the event: ‘Challenges of New Media in the Communication Industry’, the Lagos State Governor’s Office Correspondent for New Telegraph Newspaper, Mr. Muritala Ayinla, said infiltration of fake news ap-

pears to be the fastest growing menace in the communication industry.

According to him, purveyors of hoax news don’t seem to be perturbed by the level of damage or the implications of the report on the people involved and the society at large. “Unarguably, one of the biggest challenges in the communication industry today is the incursion of fake news which is, in most cases, threatening the authenticity of real news. Its spread is likened to a virus intruding into and destroying every fabric of the society, threatening the nation’s unity. Like the dreaded Coronavirus and other pandemics, the threat of fake news knows no boundaries, race, religion, status and other variables. Its consequences are felt by the high and the low; its dangerous trend has tainted the image of the mighty and the weak.�

To tackle the scourge, Ayinla

tasked trained journalists and students of schools of communication to dominate the social media with timely dissemination of factual account of events and fact-checking of every bit of information at one’s disposal before publishing or spreading such information.

Ayinla, who also cited the fake news on President Muhammadu Buhari’s second wife allegation and the case of a Nigerian, Dauda Onoruoiza, said to be involved in the Boeing 737-800 Ukrainian Airline

crash in January 8, 2020, noted that media professionals must also embark on due diligence before rushing to publish their reports.

On his part, the Head of Mass Communication Department, Dr. Mustapha Kayode Lambe, urged the students to uphold professionalism through their conduct while making use of the new media.

He explained that the essence of the students-veteran interaction, which is the first of its kind in any school of

communications studies, was to sensitise the students on what obtains after the classroom, as well to enable them make informed decision on what aspect of Mass Communication they want to specialise in.

He said the university has made free Wi-Fi available for students to enable them to carry out research and add value to themselves, adding that the department would continue to trail blaze innovations that will distinguish its graduates from other universities in Nigeria

and globally.

Also speaking, Mr. Emmanuel Nwachukwu of PR Redline, appealed to the students to embrace the positive use of the new media instead of just posing for pictures or engaging in other mundane activities on them.

He likened the new media to a market where all manner of distractions take place, adding that to actively use the technology, one must focus on the goal one intends to achieve.

Kwara Assembly Officially Reverts Olusola Saraki Varsity to KWASU Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Kwara State House of Assembly has finally passed into law the Kwara State University (KWASU) (Amendment) bill, 2020, which reverted the name of the university from Abubakar Sola Saraki University to Kwara State University with immediate effect.

Other amendment bills passed into law by the lawmakers include Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2020, which abrogated office of the Permanent Secretary and replaced it with that of Secretary as head of administration, while the Chairman becomes the Chief Executive and accounting officer of the commission; and

the Kwara State Compulsory Free Universal Basic Education (Amendment) Bill, 2020 that abrogated the office of the office of the Permanent Secretary and replaced it with the Secretary of the Board as the admnistrative head and made the Chairman the accounting officer, among others.

The house said the passage of the four amendment bills into law was to drive best practices in the education sector and local government administration in the state.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Salihu however directed the Clerk of the House, Hajia Halimah Kperogi to send clean copies of the bills to the Governor, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq for his assent.

Academics is Incomplete without Sports, Says Koiki The Executive Director of Greensprings School, Lagos, Mrs. Lai Koiki has said academics cannot be complete if students don’t participate in sports.

Koiki, who said this at the opening ceremony of the International Tennis Academy at the school’s Lekki Campus, added, “it is becoming very important for sports to become an integral part of academics.

This is because sports and exercises improve the brain and make students learn better. “Sports also help keep students fit, and in this age of virtual learning where students don’t necessarily have to go to class, recreational activities are paramount as they help students develop an excellent interpersonal relationship,� she said.

On the school’s partnership with the International Tennis Academy, Koiki reiterated Greensprings School’s com-

mitment to impacting its community positively, saying that the school has hosted several sports events in the past and that although the tennis academy is starting with students of Greensprings, the school is working with the organiser to extend the academy to students from schools all over the country.

Koiki, who explained that sports is a vital part of Greensprings School’s curricula said: “We take sports seriously in our school, so we made sports an important part of our curricula and have invested heavily in sports facilities. In our Lekki Campus for example, we have four tennis courts, two basketball courts, three football pitches, two swimming pools, a badminton court and four tables for tennis. These facilities serve as training avenues for our students to develop themselves in any sport of their choice.�

Some of the beneďŹ ciaries of the free school uniforms and bags donated by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State to pupils in public schools and girl-child learning centres in the state

Don’t Allow Love for Entertainment Ruin Your Studies, Don Tells New Students Uchechukwu Nnaike The former Dean, Faculty of Science, Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, Lagos State, Professor Michael Soladoye, has advised students of the institution, especially the new intakes for the 2019/2020 academic session not to allow their love for entertainment ruin their studies, but to remain focused so as to achieve greatness.

Soladoye stated this recently while delivering a paper, ‘Matriculation for an Enduring Academic Success at Augustine University’ during the fifth matriculation ceremony of the institution.

At the event, held at the Convocation Hall of the institution, 64 students matriculated in seven courses and from two

faculties. The seven courses are: Accounting and Finance, Business Administration, Economics, English, Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences and Mathematical Sciences from the Faculty of Humanities, Management and Social Sciences and Faculty of Sciences.

Soladoye said though he matriculated some 58 years ago, precisely in 1962 at the University of Ibadan, certain principles regarding achieving success have not changed. “The virtues of technology are evident but matriculants should be aware of the enticing charisma and pervasive nature of the internet and social media.

Steadfast willpower is essential to overcome the alluring addiction of time wasters. “All work and no play make

us dull, but all play and no work results in squandering precious possibilities. Tiwa Savage, Davido, Whiz Kid, Teni, Simi, Adekunle Gold, Olamide, Naira Marley, Kiss Daniel to mention but a few, all contribute to the entertainment sector. However, their music and videos are consequences of the judicious use of their time. “Do not advance their careers to the detriment of yours. Restrict your surfing, sharing, retweeting, liking and posting. Time is finite. Manage your allotment wisely.�

He enjoined them to also take a cue from the late Premier of the defunct Western Nigeria, Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s prescription for success to excel in their academics.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor

Steve Afolami reiterated the commitment of the institution to inculcating good character in the students.

He said one of the mission of the institution is to teach good character and attitude, adding that such will extrapolate the background and institution attended by the person. “Your parents may be considered right to bring you here as an undergraduate, but I tell you that gold fish has no place to hide. From your behaviour and attitude people will start to ask you where you trained. “We are already receiving good reports from outside, I urge you to take advantage of the treasure inherent in the institution and pay attention to become good citizens of Nigeria.�

LASPOTECH to Honour Afe Babalola, Rotinwa, Graduates 16,315 Funmi Ogundare

The Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) will on March 12, confer honorary fellowship awards on the Founder, Afe Babalola University, AdoEkiti (ABUAD), Chief Afe Babalola and Chairman of the state Local Government Service Commission, Alhaji Babatunde Rotinwa, as they have proven to be sources of inspiration and worthy of emulation.

The polytechnic will also graduate a total of 16,315 students, who have completed their National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma

(HND) programmes in various disciplines.

Briefing journalists recently to announce its combined 27th convocation ceremony for the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 academic sessions, the outgoing Rector, Mr. Samuel Sogunro said out of the total number of graduands who have acquired at least a vocational skill at its Centre for Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition (CESA), 598 had distinction, 5,332 came out with upper credit, 8,2117 had lower credit, while 2,117 got pass classifications.

The 10th rector of the polytechnic, who highlighted his

achievements during his tenure, said the polytechnic was able to secure institutional re-accreditation and approval for resource accreditation for ND in Photography. “This administration is poised to float another 15 new programmes that are need-based. The programmes which are before the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for consideration are: ND- Transportation Planning Management; ND-Welding and Fabrication Technology; ND- Interior Design; ND- Fashion and Clothing.�

Others are ND- Mineral and Petroleum Resources Engineering, ND- Agric

Business Management, ND- Polymer Science Technology, ND-Home and Rural Economics, HND- Statistics, HND- Leisure and Tourism, among others.

He appealed to the state government not to relent in its support to the institution towards the actualisation of the need-based programmes. “As an entrepreneurial polytechnic, the curricular have been enriched to strengthen our students by introducing a general agriculture course to students at all levels. This will make the students self-reliant and enhance food production and security.�

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T H I S D AY Ëž MARCH 11, 2020

EDUCATION

Educators Target 1,000 Pupils for Accelium Online Olympics Uchechukwu Nnaike The partnership between two organisations, Simply Un4gettable and the Intentional Teachers Network is set to transform the Nigerian educational space, as they plan to enrol 1,000 pupils for the Accelium Edu Olympics coming up next month.

The Accelium Edu Olympics is an online worldwide smart game competition between schools, a strictly educational tournament that brings together children from all over the world. “Our objective is to introduce at least 1,000 Nigerian students to ‘Strategic Thinking Skills’ in 2020 via the Accelium International Olympics.�

Briefing journalists in Lagos recently, the Chief Executive Officer of Simply Un4gettable, Mrs. Adeidunu Uba said Accelium Edu provides engaging, research-proven tools that will fascinate students and develop their thinking skills, adding that the platform harnesses the power of strategy games to teach practical methods, effectively preparing students for the real challenges of the 21st century.

She said registration is currently ongoing and will close on April 15, while the Olympics

will commence on April 27, 2020, adding that during the tournament, students will individually solve challenges and earn points for each challenge they solve. “The points will be added to the total school points and ratings.�

On the benefits of Accelium Edu to students, Uba said it teaches core skills like problemsolving, logical thinking, systematic vision, tactical calculation, resource management and task switching; as well as soft skills like creative problem-solving, decision making, performance under pressure, collaboration, persistence and adaptive to change.

Restating the the objective of enrolling 1,000 students for the Accelium Edu Olympics, she said: “Enrolling students into this competition is a great step towards developing their thinking skills (core skills and soft skills) from an early age. And preparing them for the future of work in the 21st century.�

According to her, “Chess masters use the game as a mentoring tool that helps their students develop both cognitively and emotionally, taking away useful strategies that can be applied in various problems and domains.

“In 1994, a team of game experts decided to extend the chess-mentoring experience to a variety of strategy games, creating a powerful learning tool that is universally accessible.

The innovative methodology born out of this venture is now taught in 12 languages and over 30 countries around the world.

More than 5,000,000 learners and 10,000 teachers have embraced the Accelium method to date.�

Also speaking, the Director of The Intentional Teachers Network, Mrs. Adeiye Oluwaseun-Sobo said the innovative game-based training and assessment tools were inspired by combined personal coaching, team workshops and mobile learning to develop strategic thinking and resilience.

She described it as a unique game, which intensively promotes the learning process in a comprehensive manner covering the cognitive, emotional and social aspects of the students. “Using strategy games to captivate students’ imagination, evaluate their skills and develop strategic thinking, self-awareness, focus and persistence.�

She added that the Accelium Edu system creates a safe environment where teachers

and students interact freely, creates an exciting and stirring environment, promotes engagement and stimulates discussions on skills development.

On the modalities for the Olympics, she said the tournament is for students in primary schools and junior secondary schools, adding that the first stage is an open tournament, with four tournaments that will hold simultaneously for pupils in primary one to junior secondary school.

The stage two ‘all-stars finales’, she said will involve 10 schools of every age group, that received the highest ratings in the first stage of the tournament (40 schools in total). “These schools will compete for the title, ‘Accelium World Champion.�

Also, teachers who accompany the students and also play an important role in the preparation and engagement of the school and the students will be invited to an online webinar, free access to the Accelium Campus and enrichment materials. “No special skills are required for the teachers, they just need to be comfortable around technology and willing to learn new methods of teaching.�

Members of the SimplyUn4gettable and TITN team with some pupils at the media brieďŹ ng to announce the Accelium Edu Olympics, in Lagos... recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

Alumni Adopt Five Students, Provide Schools with 3,000 Exercise Books Oluchi Chibuzor The alumni of the Senior Management Programme (SMP) class 48 of the Lagos Business School, have revealed that they adopted five students who are studying in Nigerian university.

In line with this, the group donated 3,000 exercise books to three schools in Wasimi, Maryland, Lagos.

This donation, according to the group was aimed at reducing the number of out-of- school in the state and improve the quality of education.

The schools are Community Primary School; Community Junior High School; and Community Senior High School.

Speaking at the donation exercise, the President, LBS SMP Class 48, Mr. Ayeni Sunday, said

the gesture was to put smiles on the faces of children regardless of their parents’ financial status.

He said aside the books; the alumni had taken up the educational expenses of some pupils from Dustbin Village, Ajegunle, from primary school to university and with the prospect of securing job opportunities for them. “This is part of our yearning because a student you pick up from primary school through the university will not forget you. We do not intend to leave them after school; we will ensure they have jobs for those in university and those still in secondary school we have empowered them with a vocational skill.�

He said the group seeing the need for quality education, its diverse background and quest

for knowledge in life, agreed to change the narrative within Nigeria’s education system. “Year in year out we always want to do one thing or the other as part of our community social responsibility to put smile on people’s faces because our major focus is for students to value education. It is education that brought all of us together. Some of us are captain of industry, key leaders in their offices. “Our first strategy was to adopt a school in Dustbin Village in Ajegunle; we went there and visited a school, we saw their challenges. We sunk boreholes and adopted five pupils to university which we are still sponsoring them now in university. “According to the school they are brilliant pupils and they were

less privilege with no financial support from their parents, we took it upon ourselves to take up their bills and they are now in university,� he said.

On her part, a member of the group, Kaka Onuora appeal to other well-meaning Nigerians to adopt a school. “I want to appeal well-meaning Nigerians in Lagos State who know the value of education and passed through schools that had structures, facilities, and were conducive for learning, to come and adopt one school and make a difference in our society,� she said.

Meanwhile, the beneficiaries acknowledged the impact of the exercise books, as their school management appreciated the group and called on other corporate organisations to help in building STEM labs.

KEHINDE OMORU www.kayomoru.com

SPARE YOUR ROD THE WORLD’S MOVED ON! Happy International Women’s Day women! Let’s look at our primary assignment- disciplining, boundary-setting, nurturing and all pertinent roles...It is clear that all children misbehave and actually act badly from time to time. Teachers and parents want to stamp out bad behaviour and do so in different ways.

Beating, slapping, hitting, thumping, pinching and shoving may not be effective ways to do so. These actions describe physical child abuse, or more precisely corporal punishment. Corporal punishment has been outlawed in 44 countries to date, Nigeria is not one of them.You may not be guilty of inflicting forms of emotional maltreatment, sexual abuse or neglect on your child. It may just be that you are too fond of using the cane! In your vicinity, a cane is sure to nestle somewhere and you have them in various lengths and girths! You may even be the cane-bank where other teachers or neighbours borrow from! More often than not, this method of discipline only reinforces violence. It fosters rebellion, banishment and humiliation. From carefully chosen information, I have culled out the following suggestions that you may want to reach for rather than the cane. *Role model the right examples and behave in ways that you want your children to behave. Children are good imitators, they’d use the language you use and act the way you do. *Invite your class/child to set the ground rules for your class/home. This session should also include drafting the penalties for breaking the rules. Be sure to promptly apply the penalty when child breaks the rules. *Neither permissiveness nor strictness works in matters of disciplining. Set boundaries for children so that they know how far they can stretch the limits. For instance you may declare in our home that, ‘No TV for more than two hours and beyond 8pm on week days’. *Spend time with child whether you’re a teacher or parent.

Do you know your student’s/child’s problems? Do you realise that they have concerns, fears, difficulties and anxieties? Your adolescent student or child in particular has issues! *Encourage your student/child to speak freely with you. Be liberal and accommodating of their sheer childishness or youthfulness. This would help them to feel secure and build their trust in you. *Does your child feel that you listen to him/her? Find out from them if they feel that you hear and value them. It may be hard for parents and teachers to always find this quality time. You’d have to create interludes during lessons, meals and chores to foster communication. *Younger children may sometimes need ‘Time out’ when they’ve misbehaved. For this, you’d ask them to remain in a quiet (safe) place away from others for some time.

This gives you time to cool off and your child time to think about their behaviour. *After Time out, discuss the issue with the child. Reiterate or re-establish what is the acceptable behaviour and why. Apply the penalty for the wrong done, for example you may take away a favourite toy or activity. *Praise child when he/she has done well. Reward good behaviour and discuss with your student or child the positive emotions this brings them and you. *Rather than ‘Time out’, you may find ‘Time in’ more beneficial. It’s a particularly useful method for the much more sensitive child. Time in is said to help you teach your student or child emotional self-management.

Time in is very effective before a child’s melt down begins. *To apply Time in you’d need to be vigilant and proactive. When you see the signs of disruptive emotions or negative behaviour brewing, Step into the scene quietly and tactfully and just ‘be there’ for the child.

De-escalate the issue or concern and take away the stressor. *Employing Time in assures the child that you are non-condemning, that you are understanding and that you value him. Some parents and teachers feel that Time out may be more humiliating, therefore, they prefer to use Time in. *Remain positive but non-threatening and non-condoning of bad, unacceptable behaviour. A quiet, unyielding demeanour is more powerful than a ranting, threatening front. Your child would soon come to respect your unyielding stance on sound ethics and behaviour. If your child/student proves to be too challenging, you may want to seek professional assistance. A good school counsellor with years of experience may be able to help.

Make more use of school counsellors!

Mrs Kehinde Omoru writes from the UK

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NGO Sensitises Students on Negative Effects of Internet Funmi Ogundare

About 200 students drawn from six secondary schools in Lagos recently converged on Fountain Heights Secondary School, Surulere for a seminar, organised by Project for Human Development (PHD), a pro-life non-governmental organisation.

The seminar, with the topic, ‘The Negative Effect of Internet on the Youths’, saw speaker after speaker giving the students useful advise on how to make the best use of their time by learning things that will impact positively on them.

In her remarks, the District IV Counsellor, Surulere, Mrs. Rose Nwajie advised the students to be mindful of the things they post on social media, adding that before they do that, they need to first think of the impact it will have on them. “The internet has pushed a lot of youths into premarital sex. The kind of friends you move with is also key as they will have either a positive or negative effect on you.�

She added that they should spend less time watching

television and ensure that they keep themselves busy by learning coding, handcraft and other useful things aside academics. “If you must use the internet, do things that will add value to you, focus more on the positive effect and how to develop yourself.

You need to set a goal for yourself, be disciplined and have self-control rather than watching pornographic videos on internet, “she stressed.

The Director General of PHD, Mr. Jerry Okwusa stressed the need for effective communication on the dangers of sex with the youths, while highlighting some of the risk associated with having early sex. “Sex is meant for procreation, parents need to educate their children that they are from God. Sometimes when you relate with the youths, you will be amazed at their knowledge of issues on sexual matters and that is the disaster of the situation.

The risk of having sex include unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases (STD), emotional and psychological

UNILORIN to Host NiMET’s Regional Centre for Excellence in Weather Studies Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has concluded arrangements to establish Regional Centers of Excellence in Meteorological Research in the six geopolitical zones of the country with the University of Ilorin hosting that of the North-central.

The Director General of NIMET, Prof. Abubakar Sanni Mashi disclosed this in Ilorin while inaugurating the Surface Meteorological Station (equipment for weather data collection) donated by the agency to the Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Ilorin.

The event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NIMET and the university.

According to the DG, the gesture was part of the agency’s contribution to the development of education in the country, adding that though universities are primarily charged with the promotion of humanity, they cannot do so meaningfully without adequate attention to the weather.

He stated that Nigeria has only 54 weather observatory stations out of the expected 9,300. This he said has prompted the agency to partner with universities through the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The NIMET boss said every university is supposed to have a standard weather station, adding that there

is no department in the university that will not benefit from the newly inaugurated weather station.

He promised that the agency will continue to support UNILORIN not just in funding the station, but also in providing the complementary infrastructure it requires in the laboratories.

In his remarks, the ViceChancellor of UNILORIN, Prof. Sulyman Age Abdulkareem described the donation as a blessing that would enhance the teaching and research endeavours of not only the Department of Geography and Environmental Management, but also many other related departments and units in the university.

He said insufficiency of funds has retarded the capacities and activities in laboratory, field and classroom components of the training given to students in the area of meteorology, as well as in the capacities for cutting-edge research.

He therefore thanked the agency saying, “the intervention we have got from your agency and which we are opening to the public today, is therefore an appreciable assistance and motivation.�

The VC recalled that the relationship between both parties “dated back to 2010 when our Department of Physics signed a MoU with the agency and since then, the relationship has been growing in leaps and bounds and therefore, culminated into the concrete benefits we are commissioning here today.�

disasters.

He advised them to make their parents their best friends by discussing with them any issue bothering them. “You are unique and special, your parents love you and would do anything for you to come out well, so you must trust them.�

Okwusa said PHD does not promote contraception as it is a means of abortion, adding, “that is why we have to communicate to them the dangers of sex,

this has nothing to do with their religion, we are talking about the scientific point of view; that is why we are not promoting contraception, it will cause abortion.

In 2005, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared hormonal contraception as carcinogenic in nature and causes cancer.�

A member of PHD Mr. Olaniyi Alaka narrated how he got addicted to pornography and mastubation through the internet while he was at

the university.

He said the aim of the event is to reach out to youths and sensitise them on the physical and spiritual effects of these vices, adding that so far, he and his team have been able to reach out to about 160 schools in Lagos to impact the students positively. “This is a means to reach out to the youths and let them know that the internet can have an adverse effect on them when the purpose is not known. It is basically the

negative effect of internet. My story has saved thousands of souls. I touched over 160 secondary schools last year in Lagos. I had to resign my job to focus on the project. “When the purpose of the internet is not known, abuse is inevitable. I got addicted while I was in school doing my assignment and fell into the ditch of immorality and ponography, so far, over 8,000 students have been impacted and I get responses from students on their experiences.�

Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi with students of Peterson Memorial Grammar School, during his previous visit when he donated N1 million to support the rebuilding of their burnt hostel

Obi: Why I Visited Patterson School again Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi has said the sight of the burnt hostel and the look of hopelessness on the faces of the students and staff of Patterson Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha made him resolve to visit again to see how the students were faring.

Obi said this weekend, when he paid another visit to the school, where the hostel was gutted by fire, which unfortunately took the life

of one of the students.

Obi, who earlier donated N1 million to assist in the re-building of the hostel, made another donation of N1 million with the promise to visit again in his resolve to be part of the re-building of the hostel.

Obi took the opportunity to renew his appeal to wealthy Nigerians to forgo some of the luxuries they indulge in and use the money to support value-adding societal

institutions, like schools and hospitals.

Receiving Obi on behalf of Bishop Owen Nwokolo, the proprietor of the school and the Anglican Bishop on the Niger, the Principal of the school, Rev. Dr. Cajetan Anuforo said Anambra people and Nigerians in general have remained perplexed over what he described as “Obi’s altruistic disposition to the society both in and out of government.�

Recalling Obi’s achievements as the governor of the state, he prayed to God to enthrone leaders with the disposition and mindset of Obi to repay the nation wounded by many years of negligence and poor leadership.

Speaking on behalf of the students, the Senior Prefect, Mgbemena Godwin said students had neither gold nor silver to offer Obi, but only assurances of prayers for God’s continued protection.

UMYU Launches e-Learning, Telepresence Multimedia Classroom Platform In the spirit of development and impactful leadership, the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina State, led by the outgoing Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Isa Funtua has launched the e-Learning and Video-conference/Telepresence Multimedia Classroom Platform to enhance teaching and the learning process, which empowers both the students and the lecturers with technology in education.

Since assuming office, the vice-chancellor has been at the vanguard of raising the standard of the university community through technology.

In collaboration with CBC Gedu Technologies, a subsidiary of CBC EMEA, a technology giant, the university will leverage on experience and

professionalism to deliver an innovative solution to aid teaching within and outside the school environment.

The e-learning solution features a simple and proficient platform wherein the university courses (PDF, video, and audio) can be accessed offline. This avails the students a huge opportunity to keep abreast of class activities and prepare well ahead of the classes.

The platform also encourages interactions with colleagues through the chat system where thoughts and ideas on topics and activities are shared. These are achieved offline. This is believed and proven to enhance learning and better result.

As emphasised by the VC during the opening, “the train-

ing would take the school a long way, add value and improve the efficiency of work in the university.� “The multimedia classroom solution has proven to be a cutting-edge innovation, unifying training and creating better accessibility to learning at the convenience of both the lecturers and students. The technology makes it possible for interactive learning to happen in different locations simultaneously from one spot.

This can effectively cut down on the cost of delivering training and increase the possibility of reaching more people at the same time. “In addition, the possibility for students to access past resources on various courses and share resources at any given time makes this solution

the best method of passing information undiluted over the years,� the university said.

It added: “The telepresence solution with its cutting edge technology would help the university to develop its distance learning programme, collaborate with foreign universities to offer international courses. With this, there is an opportunity to affiliate with other universities within and outside Nigeria, offering international professional courses that would add value to the collection of courses offered within the university. “It is with high hope that Umaru Musa Yar’Adua University will continue in this strength, moulding, and shaping the future of our students to becoming globally compliant and competitive.�

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CITYSTRINGS

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Kaduna’s Endless Killings, Kidnappings John Shiklam writes on the recent killing of 51 people in Kaduna communities and the deadly activities of bandits terrorising communities and on the highways

A

lthough insecurity is a general problem across the country, the persistent and brutal activities of bandits in Kaduna state have become very worrisome. Rarely a day passes without gunmen invading communities, killing or abducting people for ransom.

Indeed, Kaduna, Katsina, Niger and Zamfara States seemed to have become a haven for these criminal elements who have destroyed the economic and social life of the people, who now live in perpetual fear.

There is pervasive fear of kidnappers across the state as people no longer feel safe in their homes and on the highways.

Efforts by security agencies to tackle the bandits has yet to make much impact as the hoodlums continue to launch deadly attacks, killing, maiming, burning houses, abducting people and demanding for millions of naira as ransom for their release.

The latest of these barbaric act took place on Sunday March 1, 2020, in some communities in Igabi and Giwa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state where 51 people, according to residents, were killed. The hoodlums were said to have operated in the morning for about three hours, going from one village after the other, killing people and setting houses ablaze.

A councillor representing Karewa Ward in Igabi Local Government Area, Alhaji Daiyibu Kerawa, described the attacks as horrific and unprecedented. He said some of the affected villages, include Zareyawa, Kerawa, Marina Rago, Hashimawa, and Unguwar Barau, all in Kerawa Ward.

Thousands of women and children who fled their homes, were said to have relocated to a primary school in Birnin Yero for refuge.

The councillor who spoke on the attacks in an interview with the Hausa Service of the Voice of America (VOA) said: “What happened was unprecedented. We have never seen such kind of horror in our lives. These killers are Boko Haram. They stormed our village killing indiscriminately, they spared nobody, the young, the old, even Almajiris were not spared.

"They continued to shoot people, setting fire on the dead and on property. It was extremely horrific!' They went from one room to the other, a man and his children were killed, even new born babies�.

He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to address the situation in Igabi Local Government Area, especially Igabi West, where the bandits were said to have been abducting people almost on a daily basis.

"We all must die one day and returned to Almighty Allah, even the bandits were saying so. Therefore, the government should fear Allah.

We are in a terrible situation. We saw a plane, but it just passed like it was flying to Makkah.

These killers are not just bandits, they are Boko Haram, they did not steal anything, they just killed and burnt peoples' belongings,� he said.

The District Head of Karewa, Alhaji Ibrahim Damu during Governor El-Rufai’s visit, appealed to the state government to intensify efforts in tackling security challenges in the area.

He lamented the persistent invasion and kidnappings in the communities, saying economic and social activities have been destroyed.

Residents of the communities said the bandits were many and were well armed and they operated freely for about three hours without response from security agencies.

However, the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, who visited some of the affected communities on Monday, March 2, 2020, assured that the government will not rest until the bandits were completely wiped out.

Unlike his counterparts in Katsina and Zamfara states, where the hoodlums were granted amnesty, yet killings have not stopped, El-Rufai foreclosed any possibility of negotiating with or granting amnesty to the criminals. “In Kaduna State, we don’t give bandits amnesty and we don’t negotiate with them�

El-Rufai said, adding that security agencies had been asked to wipe them out. “We will not rest until the bandits are com-

A community leader brieďŹ ng Governor Nasir El-Rufai during his visit to one of the aected communities where 51 people were killed pletely wiped out. It is our duty to wipe them until we send them to their maker, the security agencies are taking the war to the forest and we are eliminating them,â€? the governor said.

But contrary to claims by the villagers that security agencies did not respond promptly to the attacks, the governor said shortly after the bandits started the attack, there was security intervention both on ground and in the air and the bandits were wiped out.

He said: “The security agencies are doing the best they can, but they find it difficult to get to remote areas in good time due to poor access roads while the native also find it difficult to alert security agencies due to poor GSM network.

"But I am grateful to the Airforce, Army, police and DSS for being always prompt. It would have been worse. If not for their prompt intervention, they would have wiped out the entire villages. I also came to apologise to the community for failure to them protect fully, we are doing our best to minimise situation.

We are hoping that this bandit issue will be addressed because security are onground to manage the situation�.

He explained that Kaduna has very vast land and “if the security close one area, the bandits attack another area�.

El-Rufai called on the people to continue to be patient and vigilant and “continue to forgive us where we have failed to fully protect them, but nevertheless, we will continue to do our best�.

The governor, who was accompanied to the visit by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ali Janga; the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Faruk Yahaya and the Kaduna State Director of DSS, directed the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to provide relief materials to displaced victims.

Since the beginning of the year, the attacks have become so daring and deadly. For instance, in January 6, over 30 people were reportedly killed by bandits in an attack on 10 communities in Chikun and Birnin Gwari LGAs of the state.

The bandits abducted 58 and demanded for N100 million ransom.

On January 14, 2020, six people were killed while five others were injured when bandits attacked the convoy of Alhaji Umaru Bubaram, emir of Potiskum, Yobe State, along the Kaduna Zaria road.

On January 24, 2020 gunmen invaded the Juji, a suburb of Kaduna metropolis at about 10pm, broke into the residence of one Dr. Philip Ataga and abducted his wife and two children.

A member of the vigilante in the community was killed by the bandits during the operation, which was said to have last for six hours.

The bandits who were said to have demanded

a ransom of N120 million, later killed the Mrs. Ataga and dumped her body for the family. The children were released following the payment of an undisclosed amount of money.

On February 12, 20 people, including a family of 13, were killed by bandits in an attack on Bakali village, Fika District of Giwa LGA. The incident, according to a resident of the community, took place at about 6:00pm. That same day, bandits wearing military camouflage invaded a local market in Maro village, Kajuru at about 6:00pm when traders were just closing from and killed seven people.

Following this helpless situation several groups and individuals have asked the governors of the 19 northern states, to take a cue from their South-west counterparts, by establishing their own version of Amotekun, a regional security outfit, jointly established by the South-west governors to tackle insecurity in their region.

A former senator who represented Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, while condemning the latest killings in a statement, accused the Northern governors for failing to take independent steps to protect the people.

He said Northern governors are afraid of confronting the federal government and taking independent action to protect their people while killings and the kidnappings goes on.

Sani lamented that killings and kidnappings have become a daily occurrence in Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Niger States.

According to him: “the North has become a region of endless funerals and perpetual bereavement. Bandits in the North have become a state; they impose fines and taxes, send notices, control spaces, determine life and death and operate without much challenge. “Banditry has further impoverished the North and turned it into a cemetery. The lives of ordinary people in the north has become cheap, dispensable, disposable and ordinary. The pervasive insecurity in the North is reinforced and sustained by the silence and sycophancy of its elites as much as the inaction of the government. “Muslims are not much being seen as victims of the killings in the North because many Islamic leaders prefer to massage the image of the government in the face of the killings of their followers while Christian clerics are leading protests in the streets. The North must wake up, buckle up or perish.�

Also lamenting the situation, President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Mr. Jonathan Asake said government should collaborate with communities to protect themselves from bandits. “The way out is what has happened in the South-west, people should be allowed to organise

vigilante groups to protect their communities.

The government should collaborate with communities because the communities don’t have the resources for the required logistics. “There is a great advantage when you involve the local communities, they know the terrain and the bushes and the hideout of the bandits in their localities. The involvement of communities in addressing the security situation will yield better results than the huge amount of money that is being gulped by conventional security agencies which are plagued with corruption,� he said.

Also commenting, coordinator of the Joint Action Committee of Northern Youth Association ( JACNYA), Murtala Abubakar, noted that security challenges is not peculiar to Kaduna alone.

He said what is worrisome is the nonchalant attitude of Northern leaders in addressing the problem.

He noted that insecurity is rooted in socioeconomic issues and until the issues of illiteracy, unemployment, poverty are dealt with, “there is no how we can tackle insecurity. We need to invest heavily in education and job creation�.

Security agencies have recorded some successes in the fight against banditry, but they also have their challenges also.

A police source said security agencies have taken the war to the door steps of the bandits and several of their hideouts had been raided with some of the killed during exchange of gunshots or arrested.

He said the kidnappers along the dreaded Abuja - Kaduna road have been crushed. According to him, the bandits on the highways have been chased from the highways and have resorted to invading communities.

He said in spite of challenges security agencies also face, they have been doing their best to secure Nigerians.

He said besides shortage of manpower, poor communication facilities and the difficult terrain in the communities, bad roads or lack of motorable roads pose serious impediments to the fight against bandits. “The security agencies have been doing their best, but it is not possible for the police or soldiers to be in every village or hamlet. Even when we received news of these attacks are reported, the terrain in the villages are very difficult, in addition to bad road or lack of motorable roads. “Even if you are flying a helicopter you have to be careful to avoid the communities. I agree with the idea of security agencies working with local vigilante groups and hunters who knows the nooks and crannies around their environment,� a senior police who spoke on condition of anonymity said.

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CRIME&SECURITY

Family Sends SOS to Buhari, IG, AGF over Son’s Unlawful Detention Mary Ovie

T

he family of 32 -year-old Richard Osakue Ajayi, who is presently detained by the police in Nasarawa Correctional Centre, has sent a save-our-soul (SOS) to President Muhammadu Buhari, Inspector-General of Police( IG), Mohammed Adamu and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF ) to wade into the matter and save him from being killed for the crime he did not commit.

Ajayiwas transferred from Lagos State Police Command to FCT Command in Abuja, before he was sent to Nasarawa Prison.

Richard's mother, Mrs Grace Ajayi, who spoke to newsmen in Lagos at the weekend said she wanted to keep all the aforementioned persons abreast with the traumatic experience her family is going through in the hands of the police.

She said: " My son is being roped into a murder case that he knows nothing about. A female lawyer was allegedly murdered last year at Ogba area of Lagos by one Joshua Usulor, who was arrested by policemen from the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Panti, Yaba. “During investigation, the police found some interactions between my son and the suspect. The suspect according to the police, named my son as the alleged sponsor of the murder, but few days later, Usolor changed his statement telling the police that my son was innocent; that he only mentioned him because he was angry at my son, who was owing him some money which he has refused to pay.

"When the police came to pick my son, they were shooting sporadically; asking where were the Dallas, Toyota Highlander?

My husband and I were in Benin, Edo State.

The following day, we rushed back to Lagos.

My neighbours and children narrated how the police turned the street into a theatre of war as they shot sporadically into the air. The policemen nearly shot Richard's younger sister who was with him.

"At SCIID Panti, the police later discovered through the confessional statement of Usulor that he lied against my son, then they granted my son bail and asked him to be reporting every week. My son's connection with the suspect was that my son works with a digital training company. He does training for people who are interested in marketing.

Mrs Ajayi “It was through the radio advert that my son did that Usolor heard and came to register with N90 ,000 but refused to come for the training. Later, he started disturbing my son that he should pay him back his money, but my son told him that the money has been paid into the company's account and promised to refund part of the money when another persons would pay cash. “Usolor and his people kept disturbing my son, warning that they would deal with him if he failed to pay and that he must not wait till another person come to register as he promised. Richard trying to convince Usolor that he would have paid if he had money, sent him his account balance to convince him that he had no money to pay back.

"While the interaction was going on between the two, Usulor allegedly killed the lawyer. It was through the call log

that the police traced my son's number.

But after investigation, SCIID discovered that my son's interactions with Usolor was basically on lectures and not associated with the murder and granted him bail. “We were surprised when SCIID told us that Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCIID) was interested in the case. The Deputy Inspector- General in charge of investigation told us that the police were waiting for the Directorate of Public Prosecution's (DPP) advice. Really, the DPP advised that my son should be released as he was not connected to the murder .

"After setting my son free because of the DPP's advice, we were shocked when SCIID came for his arrest again, saying that a new commissioner of police has just resumed office and that the lawyer's husband petitioned him. “The police took Richard to Abuja again.

This time around, they detained him in Nassarawa Prisons without trial .The questions are: what is my son’s offence when the principal suspect in the murder case has exonerated him and confessed that he did the murder alone? Why are the police not working with the DPP advice and is the lawyer's husband bigger than the police and the DPP? “My son has no connection with Usolor, he only met him twice and that were when Usolor came to register in IML institute where my son lectures and when he met him at SCIID ,Panti. Their conversation was given to the police by the service providers and there was nothing linking their discussions to murder. I don't know what the police want again. My son has suffered enough, a hard working young man who took to lecturing spent about 90 days in police detention and is now in the prisons for a sin he did not commit.

"I am therefore calling on the President, IG, AGF and other Nigerians, to do something urgent so that an innocent person will not die for a crime he did not commit. I am also raising the alarm that my son's life is not safe in Nassarawa Prison. I am having some dreams and premonition that something sinister may happen to him in the prison custody. “Please prevail on those who are holding on to my son to release him according to the DPP advise. We have spent money and time paying for flight to and fro Abuja because the roads are bad. We also pay for hotel accommodation. What about the traumatic experience the family is facing for a crime our son did not commit? ".

When journalists visited SCIID, a senior police officer in the homicide section who spoke on the condition of anonymity said: “Actually we arrested Usolor for the murder of the female lawyer who was killed in Ogba area of Lagos last year. We saw some interactions with Richard Ajayi, so we arrested him as well, but after investigation, we discovered that Ajayi has no connection with the murder, so we allowed him to go. “We later got directives to bring him to Abuja. We have written report that Ajayi has no connection with the murder. Also, the DPP has advised that he should be set free. I am shocked to hear that he is in the prison. The man is Innocent. The real suspect told us that he named him out of annoyance for owing him some money. Later, he told the truth that Ajayi

Government Alone Cannot Fund Police, Says Nwanguma Sunday Ehigiator

W

hile the two-years long National Policing Programme (NPP) came to an end with the training of police officers to tackle the nation’s pressing security challenges, the President, Civil Society Organisation (CSO) forum, Okechukwu Nwanguma, has said that government alone cannot fund the Nigerian Police to deliver optimal security.

Nwanguma made this remark in Lagos while addressing journalists at the sideline of the phasing out ceremony of the NPP programme, which served as a framework for human capacity development for the various policing agencies aimed at community security, which is believed to be the bedrock of society.

The event was also aimed at rewarding exceptional service delivery in the police force.

According to Nwanguma, while the national assembly passed the Police Equipment Trust Fund last year, the same is yet to be implemented which has left the police at the mercy of the state government and various institutions which he described as an act of “lack of commitment� on the part of government.

The implementation of the fund, he explained, is the bedrock of community policing.

“It has been said that the federal government contribution to police funding is just a meager contribution. Most of the resources that the police is working with is from the state, corporate entities and individuals who are concerned. “The community needs to be involved in community policing. This means that the citizens can have trust in the police, work with them to identify what the problems are and what the solutions are and provide support for them,� he said.

Meanwhile, National Policing Manager NPP, Mr. Emeka Ukatu, submitted that in sustaining the tenets of the just concluded programme, coordination and coherence among policing agencies should be at the core.

Ukatu noted that the police which had that responsibility of internal security has been relegated to the sidelines with the military almost in all the 36 states of the federation including the FCT, even with a proliferation of state and regional security outfits with the likes of Amotekun in the South-west . “The various security agencies while being led by the police, should collaborate, because the constitution gave that mandate of internal security to the police and they are the ones to be leading rather than working with the various security agencies to address issues of safety and security," he said.

Nwanguma

40

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍŻËœ 2020

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Oil Price Slump: Rating Agencies Warn of Possible Downgrades Dike Onwuamaeze åÓÞÒ Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂŁ ĂœĂ?ĂšĂ™ĂœĂž The world’s top rating agencies yesterday said the sharp drop in oil prices, if sustained, could cause a wave of sovereign downgrades as well as heavy multi-notch rating cuts to junk-rated oil and gas firms.

Fitch’s top Middle East and Africa sovereign analyst, Jan Friederich, told Reuters that with oil prices dropping as low as $31 a barrel, and likely to stay low, countries from Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Oman to Nigeria and Angola were all in focus. “Countries that are in a somewhat vulnerable external position and have a fixed exchange rate are of course particularly vulnerable,� Friederich said.

On individual countries, he said Saudi Arabia’s financial reserves and its sovereign wealth fund provided a buffer but that there was not “infinite leeway�

in the country’s A (stable) rating for the buffers to disappear.

A continued rise in government debt in Oman “would be a concern� he added, while Nigeria’s B+ (negative) rating could face problems if a prolonged attempt to defend the country’s currency peg ate heavily into its international reserves.

Commodity dependence is most pronounced globally in Angola, Iraq, Suriname and Gabon, Fitch analysis showed and there are a dozen more developing countries for whom commodities exceed 70 per cent of foreign-currency income.

S&P Global, meanwhile, slashed its average Brent oil price assumption for the year to $40 per barrel, warning too that some junk-rated oil and gas firms could face multi-notch downgrades.

S&P had previously expected Brent to average $60 this year. It also cut its forecasts for next year

to $50 from $55 and its Henry Hub gas price assumptions for this year to $2 per million British Thermal Units from $2.25 previously. “It is likely rating actions (for oil and gas production companies) in the investment-grade category could be more severe than during the last cycle,� S&P said, adding that it would review all its exploration and production and oilfield services ratings over the next several weeks. “For the high-yield segment, in particular, issuers without hedges, those who face upcoming maturities, and are somewhat squeezed on borrowing-base revolving credit facilities will most likely face multiple notch downgrades,� it added.

One of its top sovereign analysts, Frank Gill, also highlighted that no Gulf countries balance their budgets with oil at $40 per barrel and only Qatar and Kuwait do so at $50 a barrel.

L-R: Executive Director, Women Economic and LeadershipTransformation Initiative (WELTI), Ifeoma Okonji;Head, Claims/ Reinsurance, FBN General Insurance Ltd, Jacquelline Agweh, and Nollywood Actress, Ufuoma McDermott, at theWELTIWomen’s day forum held in Lagos...recently

MARKET INDICATORS

Wunti, Now NAPIMS’Boss in Major NNPC Reshuffle Peter Uzoho åÓÞÒ Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂŁ ĂœĂ?ĂšĂ™ĂœĂž The outgoing Managing Director of the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Bala Wunti, is stepping into one of the most important roles in the Nigerian oil industry following his appointment to the position of the Group General Manager, National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS).

NAPIMS is another subsidiary of the NNPC that oversees the corporation’s joint upstream investments with the major oil producing companies in Nigeria.

An online newspaper, The

Whistler reported that Wunti’s new appointment followed a major shake-up in the national oil company in which a number of top management officials of the corporation are being moved to new divisions or roles.

The position of GGM of NAPIMS is usually meant for those who are deeply knowledgeable about the oil business and whose experience traverses the whole gamut of the industry.

With experience spanning close to 30 years, Wunti, the initiator of ‘Operation White,’ a system put in place to promote transparency and accountability in the distribution of petroleum products across the country, is indeed an accomplished oil and gas technocrat.

Wunti, a thoroughbred oil and gas industry professional, is a graduate of Chemistry from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with an MBA in Marketing from the Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from the same school.

The new NAPIMS’ GGM joined the NNPC in 1994 as a Production Programming Officer at the Eleme Petrochemichal Complex, Eleme, and was the Assistant Chief Market Research Officer, Marketing Department, Commercial Division, Eleme Petrochemical Limited, Port Harcourt between 1998 and 2004, From 2004 to 2010, he was Head of Market Research, Brass LNG Limited, Lagos.

Shell- Ejama Dispute: FirstBank Clarifies Position on Court Garnishee Order FirstBank of Nigeria Limited yesterday described a garnishee order compelling the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to pay the people of Ejama Community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State a total sum of N182.7 billion as strange.

The bank which stated this in a statement, signed by its Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Folake AniMumuney, stated that the ruling was made without regard to appeal before the Supreme Court.

The statement added: “FirstBank’s involvement in the matter only arose from the Litigation Guarantee in the sum of N17.2 billion plus interest it issued at

Shell’s request as a condition for the stay of execution of a ruling in a lawsuit between Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited (Shell) and the Ejama Ebubu Community which is still subject to two separate and subsisting appeals before the Supreme Court of Nigeria. “While FirstBank will not go into the details of the matter as same remains subjudice, it is important to state that the said ruling was made without regard to the said appeals before the Supreme Court. It is also necessary to put it on record that the sum of N182.7billion remains strange to us as we are not aware of any such judgment sum by any court of law capable

of being enforced by a garnishee proceeding. “With specific reference to the reported recent ruling of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, FirstBank and all the other necessary parties to the garnishee order proceedings have filed their respective appeals against the ruling. The appropriate applications to restrain parties from overreaching and undermining the outcome of the appeals are also in place already. “As a responsible corporate citizen, FirstBank has always conducted its business operations in strict compliance with all extant rules and regulations whilst meeting its obligations as and when due.�

Sanwo-Olu Celebrates Lagos Women To celebrate the impact of their work on the drive towards a greater Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, took the advantage of this year’s International Women’s Day to celebrate 200 notable women.

The governor shared a video highlighting the exponential growth that Lagos has experienced over the years due to the exemplary work spearheaded by trailblazing women such as Efunroye Tinubu, Funmilayo

Ransome-Kuti, Sinatu Ojikutu, and Tosin Oshinowo. “We must ensure we continue to record growth across all facets of our society. Therefore, celebrating women isn’t just the right thing to do, recognising their immense contributions and impact is necessary for growth and sustainable development at a time when women make up almost half of our population, and are fast becoming the largest group of enablers

of the economy through their enterprise and sheer desire for greatness,� a statement quoted him to have said. “For over six centuries, Lagos has relied on the contributions of its women to attain and retain its status as Nigeria’s centre of excellence. The state has historically been proactive about ensuring it builds structures that promote equity and justice regardless of gender, religion, and background,� it added.

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

SEPTEMBER 2019 Money Supply (M3)

35,029,779.72

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

7,374,356.91

Money Supply (M2)

27,655,422.82

-- Quasi Money

116,533,891.21

-- Narrow Money (M1)

11,121,531.60

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,625,047.69

---- Demand Deposits

9,496,483.91

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

13,911,335.83

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

21,118,443.89

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

35,918,179.45

---- Credit to Government (Net)

10,452,199.38

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

11,007,422.79

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

25,465,980.07

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-14,799,735.56

--Other Assets Net

7,000,253.07

Reserve Money (Base Money

2,005,600.83

--Currency in Circulation

4,677,530.81

--Banks Reserves

317,121.43

Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

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

Ëž Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŁ ÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ě‹ ͯ͹Ϲ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT MONDAY, 9 MARCH 2020

The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $34.71 a barrel on Monday, compared with $48.33 the previous Friday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations..

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), ZaďŹ ro (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

41

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍŻËœ 2020

MARKET NEWS

Increase Your Stake for Improved Returns, CHI MD Tells Shareholders Goddy Egene The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Consolidated Hallmark Insurance (CHI ) Plc, Mr. Eddie Efekoha, has said the ongoing rights issue of the insurance firm is an opportunity to increase their stake ahead of expected improved return on investments.

The general insurance and special risks underwriter is offering 2,032,500,900 shares of 50 kobo each at 52 kobo per

share through a rights issue to existing shareholders. The offer opened on Monday, February 24, 2020 and is expected to close on April 1, 2020.

Speaking at a media parley in Lagos, Efekoha said the proceeds of the issue would be used to beef up the company’s capital, assuring that CHI Plc would meet the N10 billion new capital base for general insurance business by June 2020.

According to him, the company would stick to the old

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

timeline of June deadline not the current deadline of December.

Efekoha said that the proceeds of the rights issue would be applied towards investment in the company’s subsidiary such as Grand Treasurers Limited, expansion of the retail business platform and working capital enhancement. “Whilst CHI has continued to perform well on several parameters, the essence of this capital raising exercise is to further enhance its capital

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

in order to meet the revised minimum statutory capital of N10 billion stipulated by the National Insurance Commission as being the statutory requirement for the operation of a non-life (general) insurance business,� he said.

Efekoha assured shareholders of enhanced returns post recpaitalisation era, noting that the company had paid dividends consistently since 2008.

He also expressed optimism that the rights issue would be

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

fully subscribed because of shareholders confidence in the company and its growth potential.

Efekoha disclosed that the company was rapidly expanding its operations into other financial service business with various subsidiaries. “The latest subsidiary that has been added to the stable is the CHI Microinsurance Limited, a micro life assurance company recently granted approval in principle by NAICOM and set to commence operations by the

O F

second quarter of this year,� he said.

According to him, CHI Plc had embarked on a five-year corporate strategic plan in 2016. “This encompasses various initiatives which include: deepening its existing market share and business diversification into Health Management Organisation, Life Assurance company and other allied financial services business with a view to achieving enhanced shareholders value,� he said.

1 0 / 0 3 / 2 0 2 0 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

42

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Meristem Wealth Management Launches N1bn Exchange Traded Funds Goddy Egene Meristem Wealth Management Limited has launched a N1 billion offer for subscription of two Exchange Traded Fund(ETFs), Meristem Growth ETF and Meristem Value ETF.

The two ETFs track the NSE-Meristem Growth Index and NSE-Meristem Value Index respectively.

These are style indices which provide investors with a wide array of diversified stocks, professionally selected after

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

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

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

satisfying the criteria and will thus be managed by dedicated fund managers.

Specifically, the offer is 50 million units each of the Meristem Growth ETF and the Meristem value ETF at N10 per unit. The two offers

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

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

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

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 09Mar-2020, unless otherwise stated.

opened on February 25, 2020 and will close on April 2, 2020.

Speaking on the offers, Managing Director, Meristem Wealth Management, Sulaiman Adedokun explained that as a company Meristem is constantly seeking new and

innovative ways to create wealth opportunities for clients.

According to him, as a way of adding unique value to investors, the Meristem Growth ETF is designed to track growth stock whilst the

Meristem Value ETF will track value stocks.

“This strategy avails investors a dual purpose, with an investment style that allows them to meet specific need using abroad product portfolio.

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

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

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 133.30 136.84 -9.26% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 6.27% Nigeria International Debt Fund 323.32 323.32 3.34% 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 0.88 0.89 4.65% ACAP Income Funds 0.76 0.76 34.25% 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 6.47% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.43 2.48 -1.29% info@anchoriaam.com ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 5.67% Anchoria Equity Fund 93.82 94.14 -8.64% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.17 1.17 3.39% 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 14.27 14.70 -6.82% ARM Discovery Fund 332.05 342.07 -3.88% ARM Ethical Fund 26.83 27.64 -7.77% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.42% 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 93.49 94.15 -2.69% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 NA 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 1.97 1.97 11.39% 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 0.07 0.05 7.12% Paramount Equity Fund 11.32 12.55 -5.50% Women's Investment Fund 108.54 109.36 -1.76% 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 6.36% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 100.35 100.91 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 108.62 109.27 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 5.22% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.90 0.91 -3.09% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.34 1.34 0.97% 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 5.52% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 4.64% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,196.02 1,198.46 2.94% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,315.60 1,316.78 1.90% FBN Balanced Fund 140.19 141.21 -4.52% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.12% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 116.44 116.86 -2.35% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 117.20 117.62 -2.19% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 115.40 116.82 -11.32% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.37% Legacy Debt Fund 3.70 3.70 1.36% Legacy Equity Fund 1.04 1.06 -7.78% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.09 1.09 0.82% 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 2,975.11 3,007.69 -0.26% Coral Income Fund 3,130.75 3,130.75 14.21% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 6.33% 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 5.26% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 117.57 118.20 8.72%

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.16% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.11 2.15 -1.85% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 10.72% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 140.03 140.50 12.19% 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 1.18 1.20 1.13% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,122.27 1,122.27 2.16% 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 1.39 1.41 13.56% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.27 12.29 8.50% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 7.00% PACAM Equity Fund 1.07 1.09 PACAM EuroBond Fund 100.37 102.28 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 122.87 125.41 1.86% 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 1.02 1.02 2.21% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,521.35 2,532.80 -1.03% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 1.26% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 -2.81% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 1.64% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 -3.54% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.29% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 -2.95% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.16 1.16 1.10% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 118.18 118.18 0.00% 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 1.13 1.15 -5.77% United Capital Bond Fund 1.77 1.77 2.01% United Capital Equity Fund 0.64 0.66 -8.75% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.36% United Capital Eurobond Fund 113.36 113.36 1.35% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.06 1.07 -2.29% 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 9.83 9.98 -4.19% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.55 11.70 -0.43% Zenith Income Fund 23.19 23.19 4.30% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.66%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

3.20 120.62 52.41

-66.85% 1.28% 0.69%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.69 86.31 68.50

8.79 88.15 69.77

-0.19% -6.67% -7.09%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund 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 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

2.96 4.16 11.89 11.53 173.20

3.00 4.24 11.99 11.73 175.20

-16.49% -29.34% -1.96% 10.85% -7.56%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.69

17.60%

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.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 11, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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WEDNESDAY MARCH 11, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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WEDNESDAY MARCH 11, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

Coronavirus: Death Toll Hits 3,809 as UN Shuts Headquarters to Tourists The World Health Organisation (WHO) Tuesday put the global death toll from the new coronavirus disease at 3,809.

The announcement came as the United Nations yesterday closed its New York headquarters to the general public to help prevent the spread of the new virus, a spokesman for UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, said.

The move comes one week after

a similar measure was taken at the main UN building in Geneva.

“As of now, we have not been advised of any COVID-19 cases amongst UN staff in New York,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

Some 3,000 people work in the iconic building overlooking the East River in Midtown Manhattan, the scene of annual gatherings of world leaders.

Normally, some 5,000 tourists visit the building each week in guided tours.

About 500,000 people visit the UN headquarters each year, not all tourists, officials said.

“The United Nations will continue to monitor the situation

closely and further measures may be taken as circumstances evolve,” Dujarric said.

Meanwhile, WHO has put the global death toll from the new coronavirus disease at 3,809.

The number of COVID-19 deaths rose to 3,123 in China

and 686 outside the Asian country.

The WHO’s situation report on the coronavirus outbreak published on its website, on Monday, stated that three new territories, which included Bangladesh, Albania, and Paraguay, reported their first

coronavirus cases.

It added that 104 countries had laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19.

The number of confirmed cases globally rose to 109,578, including 80,904 in China and 28,674 outside China.

Italy Hit by Earthquake Amid Virus Outbreak Limits travel, bans public gatherings across country

A 2.6-magnitude earthquake has rocked Italy, 2 km to the north of Camaiore, Tuscany, the National Institute of Volcanology and Geophysics said.

The quake was registered at a depth of 8 km, and its epicenter was located not far from the town of Massa in Tuscany, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre said.

This comes amid the ongoing outbreak of the new coronavirus in the country, with the number of infected people there currently estimated at 9,172 and 463 deaths.

Earlier on Tuesday, Italy’s agricultural association announced that the government’s ban on movement across the country, which is aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 disease, would not cause shortages of food and basic necessities. On Monday, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte issued a decree which expanded the quarantine in the northern regions to the entire country.

All travel between regions and inside them is banned unless it is necessary for work, health or other serious purposes.

Meanwhile, travel was restricted across Italy from Tuesday and public gatherings were forbidden throughout the country as the government signed off on strict quarantine measures to fight the spread of the new coronavirus.

Marriages and funerals were banned for more than three weeks and bars and restaurants were told to close at 6 pm, with the prime minister urging people to “stay at home”.

The unprecedented measures, in place until April 3, were extended from several large areas of the north to Italy’s entire population of more than 60 million in a decree signed Monday night.

Since the COVID-19 disease first emerged in China late last year, Italy has become Europe’s hardest-hit country and has seen a rapid rise in cases to more than 9,000, with 463 deaths so far.

“All forms of gatherings in public places or sites open to the public” were banned, the decree said, while sporting events of all levels and disciplines were cancelled — stopping play in the top-flight Serie A football league.

Under the new rules, travel is only allowed for the most urgent work or health reasons, but people will be able to return to their own homes from elsewhere.

Schools and universities were closed, while businesses were

urged to give their employees leave.

Bars and restaurants were only allowed to open between 6 am and 6 pm, the decree said, and only if it was possible to keep a distance of at least a meter between customers.

Religious institutions will also stay open, as long as people can stay the same distance from each other — but ceremonies such as marriages, baptisms, and funerals are banned.

The measures extend a quarantine zone that Italy had imposed on Sunday for its industrial northern heartland around the cities of Milan and Venice.

“Today is our moment of responsibility. We cannot let our guard down,” Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said in a dramatic evening television address before signing the latest decree.

“Everyone must give up something to protect the health of citizens,” he said, adding that the measures could be summarised as follows: I stay at home”.

However, it was not immediately clear how all the new rules would be enforced.

Trains and numerous flights had continued to operate into and out of Milan on Monday despite the earlier set of restrictions, which carried a fine of more than 200 euros ($230) for people who travelled without a valid reason.

Anyone who wishes to travel is now required to fill out a standardised form justifying their reasons and submit it to authorities at train stations and airports, as well as at major roads between cities.

Supermarkets open overnight in Rome and Naples were packed with residents stocking up on food as well as soap and disinfectant, Italian media reported.

Images showed people waiting calmly in queues outside the shops in the middle of the night, despite the government assuring that supermarkets will still be regularly restocked and asking Italians not to “go mad” with panic buying.

All ski resorts were out of action and cinemas, museums, nightclubs, and similar venues must remain shut after being ordered to close their doors over the weekend, the decree said.

Only sports competitions organised by international bodies will be allowed to go ahead — but without spectators.

INVESTMENT DRIVE...

L-R: General Manager, Julius Berger Abumet, Mr. Tamas Hovarth; Executive, Director Administration, Alhaji Zubairu Bayi; and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, at the inauguration of the Evonig Glass and Production Plant in Abuja...recently

Coronavirus Forces Top US Universities to Move Classes Online Major American universities — including Harvard, Princeton and Columbia — have been forced to cancel classes because of the coronavirus and move lessons online, affecting tens of thousands of students.

The US government has refrained from imposing an official ban so the often privately run institutions are each grappling with how best to deal with the fast-moving outbreak.

Ahead of the start of spring break at the end of this week, Harvard on Tuesday announced it would transition to having all

classes online by Monday 23 March.

The university, located in Cambridge, Massachusets, asked its 36,000 graduate and undergraduate students not to return to campus after the spring recess and to continue studying remotely “until further notice.”

“The goal of these changes is to minimize the need to gather in large groups,” Harvard president Lawrence Bacow said in a statement posted on the university’s website.

Without going quite so far, the Massachusetts Institute of

Technology (MIT), also based in Cambridge, canceled all gatherings likely to attract at least 150 people until May 15.

Classes with 150 or more students will move online, starting this week, it added.

In New York, Columbia, New York University and Fordham have all announced that they are switching to remote learning.

Princeton University in New Jersey said it would move all lectures and seminars online from March 23 to at least April 5, as it cancelled events of more than 100 people.

On the other side of the country, in California, at least five universities, including Berkeley and Stanford, have suspended all or most of their in-person classes.

A spokesperson for the American Council of Education (ACE) said it was “impossible to say” how many schools and students had been affected because “the situation changes all the time.”

ACE president Ted Mitchell told the Los Angeles Times the coronavirus was “probably the greatest short-term challenge facing higher education in a generation.”

South African President, Ramaphosa Cleared of Graft Accusations A South African court on Tuesday ruled in favour of President Cyril Ramaphosa in a probe of suspected money laundering and personal enrichment linked to his 2017 party leadership election campaign fund.

Judges dismissed an investigation by Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, who had accused Ramaphosa of misleading parliament over his campaign financing.

In a damning report last year, Mkhwebane — South Africa’s ethics watchdog — published findings concerning a 500,000 rand ($31,460) donation to Ramaphosa’s campaign from a company that is facing extensive corruption allegations.

Ramaphosa initially told lawmakers the payment was to his son for consultancy work at the company, now known as African Global Operations (AGO).

He later backtracked and said it was a donation towards his campaign to become ANC party leader — a hard-fought battle in which he beat ex-president Jacob Zuma’s chosen candidate in 2017.

Mkhwebane accused Ramaphosa of deliberately misleading parliament for illegal purposes.

But the president dismissed the report and took the case to the High Court, which on Tuesday declared Mkhwebane’s findings as “unlawful”.

“There is simply no evidence

that the president received personal financial benefit from any campaign contributions,” said judge Elias Matojane.

“Her findings on the money laundering issue were not only irrational but indeed reckless,” he said.

Ramaphosa’s office welcomed the sentence and reaffirmed its “commitment to honest and effective governance” on Twitter.

Mkhwebane’s spokesman Oupa Segalwe told AFP the Public Protector would “study the judgement” along with her legal team before “mapping the way forward”.

Mkhwebane was appointed Public Protector in 2016 and her term ends in 2023.

While her position is meant to investigate public corruption and misconduct, she has been criticised for being close to graft-tainted Zuma.

A handful of Mkhwebane’s other investigations have already been dismissed in court, and parliament is currently assessing her competency for the job.

A few months after winning the ANC leadership, Ramaphosa went on to become president after Zuma was entangled in graft scandals that forced him to step down in February 2018.

Ramaphosa led the ruling African National Congress (ANC) in the May 2019 national elections where the party won with a reduced majority.

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WEDNESDAY MARCH 11, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Buhari Inaugurates NDDC Advisory Committee Says N3.7bn recovered from ex-directors, others

Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja disclosed how law enforcement agencies had recovered over N3.7billion and other assets worth billions of naira from contractors and former directors of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Buhari made this disclosure while inaugurating the NDDC Advisory Committee made up of the nine governors of the Niger Delta Region as well as the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and his counterpart in the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Mohammed Mahmoud.

The governors who represent

the nine oil producing states in the committee are: Mr. Udo Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom); Dr. Ifeanyu Okowa (Delta), Mr. Nyesom Wike (Rivers); Senator Duoye Diri (Bayelsa), and Mr. Godwin Obaseki (Edo).

Others are: Prof. Benedict Ayade (Cross River); Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu Akeredou (Ondo); Mr. Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Senator Hope Uzodinma (Imo).

The president said aside the N3.7 billion recovered in cash from the culprits and other assets valued at billions of naira, the enforcement agencies have also placed a seal on other assets worth over N6 billion.

“To date, the EFCC and other agencies of government have recovered over N3.7billion in cash as well as various assets worth billions of Naira from some

contractors and former directors of the commission. Furthermore, I am told that government agencies have placed liens on over N6 billion of assets which are being investigated,” he said.

A statement by the president’s media adviser, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Buhari told members of the committee that such abuses of the past underscored the need to henceforth, carry out strict and diligent oversight of the commission’s activities.

According to the statement, Buhari tasked the committee to discharge its responsibilities with every sense of diligence and efficiency, admonishing the body to work with relevant ministries.

The president said he hoped to henceforth see a departure from the recklessness of the past in the administration of the NDDC as well as the physical output of the commission in the Niger Delta region.

He recalled the launch of

“New Vision for the Niger Delta (NEVIND)” in 2016 during the first term of his administration, with the intention of promoting sustainable peace,security,infrastructureandhuman capital development in the region through the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, NDDC and the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

However, the president regretted that these institutions had been unable to live up their responsibilities as a result of mismanagement, thus denying the people of the region

their well deserved living standard.

“As a result, the people of the Niger Delta were left with abandoned infrastructural projects and substandard social programmes which were designed to improve their living conditions.

“It is to reverse this trend that I approved, in February 2020, the constitution of a 10-Man Presidential Monitoring Committee (PMC) as provided for in Section 21 of the NDDC Establishment Act,” he said.

Senate Passes CAMA Amendment Bill Deji Elumoye and Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Senate yesterday moved to boost investment in the country as it passed the Corporate and Allied Matters Act Amendment Bill, 2020.

The upper legislative chamber also referred a bill for an Act to repeal the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency Act 2004 to its committee on Aviation headed

by Senator Smart Adeyemi for further legislative input.

The passage of the CAMA bill by the Senate was sequel to a clause-by-clause consideration of the bill in a committee of the whole.

Sponsor of the bill and Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, had said with the passage of the bill the business landscape in

Nigeria will be reorganised and liberated hitherto from the heavy constraints of several provisions in the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990, responsible for obstructing modern business practices in the light of national and global business reforms.

The Bill also seeks to provide an efficient means of regulating businesses, minimise the compliance burden of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), enhance transparency and shareholder engagement, and promote a friendly business climate in Nigeria.

The bill will address the seeming stagnancy and primitive methods of doing business in Nigeria, essentially to meet up with the present international best practice as well as promote ease of doing business.

Buhari Hails Nigeria’s First President of International Medical Association Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja received and celebrated Dr. Eleanor Nwadinobi, the first Nigerian to emerge as the President of the Medical Women’s International Association in the history of the organisation’s 100 years of existence.

The president, while hosting Nwadinobi in the State House in Abuja, hailed the achievements of Nigerian women in different fields of endeavour and encouraged them to remain steadfast in their chosen vocations while serving as role models to the younger generation.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Buhari congratulated Nigerian women on their efforts to break new grounds in the medical field, saying he was delighted to receive Nwadinobi, the first Nigerian to be elected as the president of the association in its 100 years of existence.

Buhari said: ‘‘I am also proud to see and hear about the great achievements of Dr Nwadinobi.

The story of her career and what she has been able to accomplish thus far is commendable and must be celebrated. ‘‘I take this opportunity to

congratulate you, Dr Nwadinobi and all your colleagues on your successes as I pray for many more years of accomplishments.’’

Adesina said Buhari also recalled the celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2020, saying the whole world reflected on the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women across the globe.

He advised Nwadinobi to be role models to women of the younger generation, noting that with the right encouragement and support, Nigerian women can compete with other women in any part of the world. ‘‘I will, therefore, ask Dr Nwadinobi and all members of the Medical Women’s International Association to continue to be role models for our younger sisters and daughters. ‘‘With the right encouragement, support and guidance, our womenfolk can equal the achievements of other women elsewhere,’’ he said.

According to the statement, Nwadinobi thanked the president for receiving her along with members of her team, saying following her election, the association has not only honoured Nigeria, “but also aligned with Your Excellency’s administration in stepping up to the Next Level.”

UNVEILING A DECADE OF ACTION…

L-R: Executive Director, the Osasu Show Foundation, Chief Miss Osasu Igbinedion; Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Pauline Tallen; and Chief Executive Officer, Connected Development, Mr. Hamza Lawal, during a press conference on the presentation of Strategy Decade of Action of Osasu Foundation in Abuja…yesterday Kingsley Adeboye

Unilorin Suspends First Semester Exams over ASUU Strike Unizik, FUTA join strike House invites union leaders Hammed Shittu in Ilorin, James Sowole in Akure, and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka For the first time in 20 years, the first semester examinations at the University of Ilorin were yesterday suspended following a two-week warning strike by the members of the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU) of the university.

However, to avert major crisis in the university, the House of Representatives yesterday invited the leadership of ASUU over the ongoing two-week warning strike by members of the union.

The lawmakers also invited the Ministers of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige; and Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, during plenary after a motion of urgent public importance was raised by Hon. Dachung Bagos.

The lawmaker said there was

an urgent need for the House to intervene in the face-off between the Federal Government and ASUU over the IPPIS and other underlying issues.

Meanwhile, the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) and the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State have also joined the warning strike called by the national leadership of the union at its emergency meeting held in Enugu state between March 7 and 9.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin shortly after the emergency meeting of the union held at the main auditorium of the university, the Chairman of ASUU, Professor Moyosore Ajao said that, the decision to join the national directive on the strike was the outcome of the congress of the lecturers.

According to him, “the ongoing first semester examinations would

be put at stop and no lecturers of the institution should participate in the examinations henceforth”.

He said that, “all the lecturers should abide with the directive and anyone found culpable would be sanctioned”.

He said, ‘’the strike is total in university of Ilorin, we are joining the strike and our members are excited because nobody has the right to take our salary for granted.

“Nothing lasts forever; we are in a new dawn; whatever has a beginning must have an end. Its an irony of life that I will lead strike in Unilorin after 20 years, and I have no regret about that.”

The Chairman of the FUTA branch of ASUU, Dr. Olayinka Awopetu yesterday said his members would comply fully with the warning strike directive from today (Wednesday).

Awopetu in a telephone

interview, said lecturers in the university, would stop going to classes after the end of the FUTA ASUU branch Congress holding today.

Also Unizik branch of ASUU has also joined in the nationwide warning strike of the body.

The Chairman of the institution’s chapter of ASUU, Comrade Stephen Ufoaro while addressing members during a congress to commence the warning strike at the multipurpose hall of the institution yesterday, said the strike became imperative, since federal government has failed to reached a logical conclusion to their demands.

He told his colleagues that the strike is followed the decision of the federal government to stop salaries of lecturers who have not enrolled in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

NBA Faults S’Court’s Imposition of Fines on Babalola, Olanipekun Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ado Ekiti chapter, has described as a grave error, the imposition of fines on Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) and Wole Olanipekun (SAN), for seeking the review of the judgment that disqualified the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s deputy governorship candidate, Mr. Degi Biobarakuma-Eremionye in the Bayelsa State governorship election.

The branch Chairman , Mr. Olakanmi Falade, said the two eminent legal icons, had not committed any infraction or professional misconduct to warrant such a stringent punitive action from the apex court.

In a statement in Ado Ekiti issued yesterday, Falade said the affected lawyers have contributed more than anyone to the growth of legal profession and should not have been treated with scorn and disdain by the supreme court’s justices.

He said: “As much as the judiciary should be free, the bar too must not be gagged with unwarranted fines. Without an independent bar, there is no independent judiciary and how do we enrich our jurisprudence if lawyers are not free to challenge court decisions, which they perceived to be obviously wrong in contents, laws and facts.

NBA saluted what it called the courage of Babalola and Olanipekun, who have done more than any living lawyers in Nigeria

to enrich our jurisprudence by seeking review of that judgment.

“They have been vindicated by the refusal of the Supreme Court to award any cost in the latter case of Imo State. It was a grave error on the part of the Supreme Court and sooner; it realised this gap and reversed itself”.

The NBA boss added: “The way courts are awarding costs against lawyers just because they question their reasoning is a great harm to the ever-moving wheel of justice, it represents act of intimidation”.

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Don’t Mix Recovered Loot With Internally Generated Funds, Malami Tells Falana Alex Enumah in Abuja The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami

(SAN) has advised a human rights activist and SAN, Mr. Femi Falana not to mix up the issue of recovered loots with funds generated locally and within

Audu Ogbe Emerges ACF Chairman John Shiklam in Kaduna Former Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbe has been elected Chairman of the northern socio-cultural group, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF).

A former Minister of State for Power and Steel, Alhaji Murtala Aliyu, also emerged as the Secretary General of the forum.

Names of those elected announced yesterday at a meeting of the General Assembly of the forum held in Kaduna.

Ambassador Shehu Malami; Senator Fred Orti and Ambassador Ibrahim Mai Sule, were elected as chairman, deputy chairman and vice chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), respectively.

Other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) are Senator Ibrahim Ida (Deputy Chairman); Senator Salihu Matori -Vice Chairman; Alhaji Tambari

Ahmed - Deputy Secretary General; Alhaji Yakubu Gobir Assistant Secretary General; Mr. Emmanuel Yaweh - Publicity Secretary; Ambassador Ayuba Ngbako -Deputy Publicity Secretary; and Col. Aliyu Audu (rtd) as Assistant Publicity Secretary.

Also elected are Alhaji Shuaibu Shehu- Legal Adviser; Alhaji Yahaya Abdullahi- Deputy Legal Adviser; Alhaji Mohammed Jibrin - Assistant Legal Adviser; Alhaji Babasule Bisalla-Treasurer; Ms Fati E. Ibrahim -Deputy treasurer; Alhaji Yusuf Jega -Assistant treasurer; Alhaji Ibrahim Moriki -Financial Secretary; Chief Kevin Kwap-Deputy Financial Secretary, among others.

The meeting of the General Assembly was presided over by the outgoing BoT Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Fika.

the purview of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

Malami, who urged the senior lawyer not to get Nigerians confused with his submissions on the issue, said Falana’s alleged erroneous assertion on the process of disbursement and use of recovered stolen funds based on the provisions of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission Act and Section 153 (1) (n) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, depicts a rash analysis devoid of clear legal foundations.

“Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission Act has nothing specific on funds recovered from indicted public officers or assets recovered

internationally. It merely mentions accruals and disbursement of revenue from the Federation Account. So, questions of recovery of stolen funds from indicted public officers and illicit assets recovered internally are not contemplated by the spirit of the law internationally and are appropriately dealt with by other relevant laws.

“One cannot impute into legislation what is not specifically and expressly mentioned,” the AGF said.

Malami’s position was contained in a statement made available to journalists by his Media Aide, Dr. Umar Gwandu.

He said it is misleading to give the impression that recoveries and usage of stolen funds stashed abroad are provided for by the

Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission Act. “One cannot situate rights and entitlements on looted funds and recovered assets with myopic and narrow understating of concepts of the application of local legislation.

“For the avoidance of doubt and the purpose of setting the record straight, the application of the looted funds can only factor within the context of mutual understanding and negotiations of international and multifaceted jurisdictional and territorial legislative issues.

“Section 6 of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission Act has in part clearly outlines the powers of the Commission. In particular, sub-section (1) (a) empowers the Commission to

monitor the accruals to and the disbursement of revenue from the Federation Account.

This purely targets revenue already in the Federation Account or funds accruing from sources designated by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended. This derivation formula is local and applies locally within Nigeria. This is not the case with recovery of stolen funds.

“It is interesting to note that Section 80 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) contemplates exceptions to funds not payable into the federation account. The Section recognises the possibility of having public funds being

WAEC Gets New Head of National Office The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has named Mr. Patrick Ehidiamen Areghan as the new Head of National Office (HNO).

The former Head of Test Administration Division, WAEC, Nigeria, succeeded Mr. Isaac Adenipekun, who retired as Head of National Office (HNO) on Thursday last week.

Areghan, a native of Uromi in Edo State, graduated with a first class in Political Science from the University of Benin in 1983.

He also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (UNIBEN, 1989); and a Master’s in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). He is a Fellow of the Corporate Governance Professionals of Nigeria (FCGP).

Areghan joined WAEC in October 1989 as an Assistant Registrar II. He rose through the

ranks to become Senior Deputy Registrar in April, 2018.

In his over two decades in service, Areghan has served WAEC in various capacities including Senior Deputy Registrar, Test Administration (January, 2019-March 5, 2020); Ag. Director of Administration and later, Director of Administration, (February, 2016 – January, 2019); Zonal Coordinator, Abuja Zonal Office (August, 2014 – February, 2016); Zonal Coordinator, Port Harcourt Zonal Office (March, 2013 – August, 2014); Branch Controller, Kano Branch Office (October, 2009 – March, 2013); Head of Examinations and Deputy to the Zonal Coordinator, Ibadan Zonal Office (January, 2009 – October, 2009); Head of Examinations Security and Deputy to the Branch Controller, Lokoja Branch Office (January, 2005 – January, 2009); among others.

Ekiti Sacks Teacher for Impregnating Student Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission has dismissed a randy secondary school teacher for allegedly impregnating 17-yearold pupil, preparing for Senior Secondary Certificate Examination.

The dismissed teacher, Mr. Owoosi Gbenga who was a Grade level 10 officer, until his dismissal from service taught Economics at Alarelu Comprehensive High School, Igbara Odo-Ekiti in Ekiti South Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking with journalists in AdoEkiti yesterday, the Commisson’s Chairman, Hon. Babatunde Abegunde, said randy teacher was

dismissed following a thorough and in-depth investigation carried out by a six-member Disciplinary Committee.

He noted that his dismissal would serve as deterrent to others who might want to indulge in such heinous act.

The Chairman commended the government for swinging into action by arresting the culprit, assuring the public that Ekiti State’s values will definitely be restored by the Kayode Fayemi-led administration through effective justice administration.

The Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee, Princess Jumoke Owoola, said investigation revealed that the accused had previous bad records of criminal activities.

WAR AGAINST CORONAVIRUS...

L -R: Minister of Labour and Employment , Senator Chris Ngige ; Minister of Health , Dr. Osagie Ehanire; and President Muhammadu Buhari during a courtesy visit by the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) to the Presidential Villa, Abuja ...yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI

Senate Panel to Engage Executive over Oil Price Crash Deji Elumoye and Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, yesterday constituted a joint committee to engage the Executive Arm of government on measures to insulate the nation’s economy against the impact of the sudden crash of crude oil prices globally.

The resolution of the upper chamber followed a point of order moved by the Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North) during plenary.

The committees mandated by the Senate to liaise with the

executive include: the Senate Committees on Finance; National Planning, Appropriation and Petroleum (Upstream).

In his remarks, Lawan said, “the issue of the current situation affecting the entire world, and the second we are suffering from today is the crash in the price of crude.

“We passed the Fiscal Strategy Paper and MTEF, and subsequently the budget, on the benchmark price of $57 per barrel.

“Today, that price has crashed to $31 or thereabouts, and we don’t know where this will stop.

“And of course, the economy

of our country depends largely on the export of crude.

“Now, this is a real situation that is starring us in the face.

As a parliament, we need to be proactive and up-to-date with the situation, so that we are also able to take a decision when it matters for us to do so.”

“Therefore, I will suggest here, that in order for this Senate to be proactive and to protect whatever will be the situation for Nigeria to implement the budget in a way and manner that will positively affect the lives of our citizens, we form a joint committee.

“This joint committee will

continue to engage with people in government, as well as people outside of government, so as to be abreast with all necessary information.

“The committee will engage with the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, and any other Ministry that you feel you need to have engagement with for you to have information.”

Abdullahi in his motion raised the alarm on the spread of the dreaded Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), which has led to the crash of several markets across the world.

IPAC Asks AGF, FAAC to Suspend LG Allocations to Anambra David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has written to the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), asking them to suspend paying the revenues for the 21 local government areas in Anambra State to Governor Willie Obiano.

IPAC leadership in Anambra State, at a press briefing

yesterday, said the action was to prevent the alleged continuous mismanagement of the fund by the governor, especially as there are no elected local government chairmen and councillors in the state.

Chairman of National Conscience Party in the state and IPAC Director of Media, Mr. Peter Okala, who briefed journalists, alleged that there was fraud in the local government system in Anambra State as the governor

has failed to conduct council polls since he came to power in 2014.

“IPAC has written all relevant agencies of government, including the AGF and the FAAC to forthwith withhold the local government funds accruable to Anambra State, while mandating the state accountant general and other agencies in the state to account for the billions of Naira so far received,” he said.

The group said it had also taken other decisive measures

that could force the governor to conduct the election.

“Other decisive action taken by our great council is to organise a stakeholders’ meeting, comprising traditional rulers, market leaders, civil society organisations and the mass media to enlighten them on this matter of urgency, and have them become a part of the campaign to stop this nefarious activities at the grassroot,” he added.

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South-east Leaders Petition House, Say $22.7bn Loan Illegal Udora Orizu in Abuja South-east leaders under the aegis of South-east Elite, have petitioned the House of Representatives, asking the lawmakers to intervene in the proposed borrowing of $22.7 billion dollars by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Presenting the petition on behalf of the elite at the plenary yesterday, Hon. Henry Nwawuba told the lawmakers that the borrowing process and procedure being adopted is against the norms,

laws and constitution of Nigeria.

Responding, the Speaker House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, told him that the request to the House to consider the loan would be listed in the order paper on Wednesday.

He said: “On the issue of the South-east Elite, I guess the $22.7 billion does not concern the South-east’ poor men, it is only for the elite. Honourable Nwawuba, this $22.7 billion you complained about does not concern your constituents? Only

Most MDAs Lack Fraud Prevention Strategies, Says ICPC

the elite? Until we get a petition from the common man who you represent, I’m not sure we will address that petition.”

However in a conversation with THISDAY, Nwawuba, who also doubles as the Deputy Chairman Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, insisted that the document was basically seeking to save the National Assembly from embarrassment, saying there’s a disconnect between the loan proposal and fiscal responsibility act.

“The Elite raised alarm, I presented the petition this

afternoon on the floor of the parliament challenging its efficacy. There’s a way we can contravene the constitution by approving this loan and we will be taken to court as a parliament for that approval that we have given.

“There’s a disconnect between the loan proposal and fiscal responsibility act which says that for every loan we will take in this country it must be accompanied by a cost benefit analysis of the implementation of the loan.

“Secondly, the loan also needs to

meet with our Debt Management Establishment Act. It also needs to meet with the Economic, Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), Approved 2020 MTEF, Federal Character Act and Preambles of Federalism and Approved 2020 Appropriation Act,” he said.

Speaking further, the lawmaker explained that the petition was also seeking to stop the House from passing the loan request and do some more work to ensure that economic activities would be triggered to repay this loan.

“If we put this into the existing debt profile of Nigeria, we will

be doing a $110 billion. Nobody saw coronavirus coming, as at yesterday there was a crash in the price of crude oil and we think it’s a little bit insensitive to just go on a borrowing spree.

“We want to put on the bricks and take another look at it. I will be querying and interrogating the application particularly with respect to not just to what is coming to my region, but also the $500 million earmarked for NTA to go digital, who gave Chanels TV money or CNN,” Nwawuba added

Boards of five agencies yet to be constituted NSCDC rated worst govt body Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja A recent ethics and integrity compliance assessment conducted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) on 108 federal government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAS) has revealed that most of them lack fraud prevention strategies, including checks and balances, periodic published audited accounts, and stock verification systems among others.

In spite of the current administration stance on anticorruption, most of the MDAs also do not have well-articulated whistleblowing mechanism/ policies as well a functional and effective asset verification units.

According to the assessment which was obtained by THISDAY, the ICPC conducted an ‘Ethics and Integrity Compliance’ scorecard on 108 government organisations based on corporate governance indicators, which showed that only 27 MDAs are fully compliant with standards of ethics and integrity

in their management, finance and administration systems.

From 19 government ministries assessed, none scored full compliance while only five scored between 70 and 95 per cent with substantial compliance. Eleven ministries scored 50 to 69 per cent while two non-complying ministries scored between 1 to 49 per cent, leaving one ministry non-responsive.

The report listed five best performing ministries with sound financial management systems as the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, 38.6 per cent; Ministry of Finance, 38.4 per cent; Ministry of Petroleum Resources, 37.8 per cent; Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, 36.6 per cent, and Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, 36 4 per cent.

The best performing ministries in terms of good administrative systems are the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, 24.9 per cent; Ministry of Finance, 20.9 per cent; Ministry of Petroleum Resources, 20.8 per cent;

NCC to Meet With Operators over 15% Charge on Borrowed Airtime Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has promised to look into the 15 percent being charged by telecommunications’ operators on borrowed airtime with the possibility of reducing it.

The Deputy Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau, NCC, Mrs. Hasfat Lawal, stated this while responding to the President of the Association of Telephone, Cable Television and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCISN), Mr. Adesi Bilesanmi, when she received the association on behalf of the commission at its annex office in Abuja yesterday.

According to her, “No charges for drop calls, no authentic rollover and 5 percent; instead of the 15 percent to be charged on borrowed airtime from the operators you are also demanding free calls on October 1 by all service providers to subscribers. You also

want the commission to engage with your association in terms of sponsorship.”

Speaking further she said the commission is working on poor quality of service, stating that fibre cuts from road construction or theft, stealing of telecoms’ facilities, and insecurity that deprives repairs or maintenance of telecoms’ facilities are some of the factors that contribute to poor quality of service.

Lawal promised the association that their demands would be taken to the management.

In his earlier remarks, Bilesanmi listed the aims of the association, which include to foster unity, peace and understanding among subscribers; to protect the interest of members/ subscribers; to cooperate with government agencies in the sectors and present the views and needs of subscribers to relevant authorities among others.

PROMOTING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE…

L-R: Vice Chancellor of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Prof. Luke Anike; members of ESUT Governing Council, Rev. Fr. Ikechukwu Ani; Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of ESUT Governing Council, Most Rev. Godfrey Onah; and Enugu State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eze, after the governor inaugurated the Governing Council of the university at the Government House, Enugu … yesterday.

FG Gets AfDB’s $200m for Off-grid Electricity 500,000 Nigerians, 105,000 rural homes to benefit from grant Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Rural Electricity Agency (REA) yesterday officially launched its $200 million Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) which it said would be deployed in providing 500,000 Nigerians in 105,000 rural households with off-grid electricity commencing in the next five months.

The funds, which were sourced from the African Development Bank (AfDB), the agency

said, would also enable eight universities and 20,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to get access to reliable sources of energy as well as to stop the emission of 1.69 million tons of dangerous substances into the environment.

Managing Director of REA, Mr. Ahmad Salihijo, who stated this during the event in Abuja, said the project remains the largest single investment stream in Nigeria’s off-grid sector addressing the

energy access challenge through mini-grids, the solar home systems and the Energising Education Programme (EEP) of the federal government.

The Chief Executive Office of the agency noted that four components are currently structured under the facility namely: Solar Hybrid Mini Grids under the minimum subsidy tender (MST), which will cost $70 million; Energy-Efficient Appliances for Productive Use,

$20 million; phase three of the Energising Education Programme, $100 million, and technical assistance and capacity building which is $10 million.

“NEP-AfDB will contribute to more than 500,000 Nigerians in 105,000 households in off-grid or underserved communities, having access to electricity, an increase of 76.5 MW in installed power generation capacity (of which, 68 MW will be from solar generation alone)

House Investigates Clean-up of Oil Spills Udora Orizu in Abuja The House of Representatives has resolved to set up an Adhoc Committee to investigate oil spill clean-ups and remediation in the oil producing states in the last five years.

The committee is also to investigate the activities of the

National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) in the joint investigative visits and the extent of compliance with the EGASPIN and report back within eight weeks for further legislative action.

This resolution followed adoption of a motion on, “Need to Investigate the Clean-Up of

Oil Spills and Remediation in the Oil Producing Areas of Nigeria in the last Five years” sponsored by Hon. Abubakar Fulata Fulata while moving the motion said the House is aware that life expectancy in the country stands at 55 years whereas in the Niger-Delta it is

10 years lower due to pollution.

He expressed concerns over the sufferings in the Niger-Delta region as a result of the over 50 years of oil spill and subsequent pollution of the fresh water system, degradation of water quality, and lowering of food web productivity.

FCT to Relocate Aboriginal Settlers for Abuja Aerotropolis FAAN recorded 18m air travellers in 2019 Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Malam Muhammed Bello, has said the FCT Administration is working towards the eventual relocation of the aboriginal settlers around the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in order to make way for the Aerotropolis

project, which the federal government is planning under the Nigerian Aviation Sector Roadmap.

Bello gave this assurance yesterday when a delegation from the Aviation Minister, Senator Hadi Sirika, visited him to discuss the roadmap.

He also disclosed that provisions had been made for the payment of compensation

and resettlement of the inhabitants of these villages, just as Sirika put the overall number of air passengers that made use of the country’s airports in 2019 at 18 million from 12 million in 2015.

According to Bello, the FCT was already anticipating a massive influx of people as projected by the United Nations Habitat that

about 70 percent of the world’s population would migrate to the urban centres by 2050.

He stressed that efforts were also being made to link the Abuja airport rail station to the main terminal, adding that the first set of coaches meant to be used for this purpose had already been shipped out.

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Buhari Approves Governing Board of NIMASA, NPA Kasim Sumaina in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja approved the appointment of members of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

The President, in a statement made available to journalists by the Director of Press, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Eric Ejekwe, announced that, the NIMASA Governing Board would include: Hon. Asita, Chairman; Bashir Jamoh, Director General; Victor Ochei, Executive Director (Cabotage); Chudi Offordile, Executive Director (Admin & Finance); Shehu Ahmed, Executive Director (Operations); Adekola Adefemi, member; Muhammed.

D Abubakar, member; and Hassan Rasaq Mahmud, member.

He added that the NPA Governing Board would include:

Chief Akin Ricketts, Chairman; Muhammed Koko, Executive Director; Prof..Idris Abdulkadir, Executive Director; Onari Brown, Executive Director; Ghazali Muhammed, member; Sen. John Akpanuoedehe, member; Sen. Binta Masi Garba, member; Alh. Mustapha Aminu Dutse, member; Abdulwahab Adeshina, member; while Hadiza Bala Usman remains the Managing Director.

The statement stated that the members of both boards would be inaugurated by the Minister of Transportation, Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, on Friday, March 20.

In similar development, the newly appointed NIMASA Director General, Bashir Jamoh, yesterday took over the leadership of the agency from Dakuku Peterside.

Jamoh, who is the NIMASA’s sixth Director General in his speech shortly after taking over, expressed confidence that with

House Dedicates March 12 for Almajiri, Out-of-school Children Udora Orizu in Abuja House of Representatives would on Thursday dedicate the plenary to debating the issues of Almajiri and out-of-school children in Nigeria.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, made the announcement at the plenary yesterday.

He urged the lawmakers to endeavour to attend the special session.

Gbajabiamila said: “Honourable colleagues, it is important that we all attend as it is a major issue that affects this country and it is important that we debate it thoroughly on Thursday. There will be a roll call on Thursday, not in terms of attendance but in terms of where you vote.

“Whether you are voting for whatever the resolution is or you are voting against it. We will announce what you have voted for. It is important that the 9th Assembly walks the talk about accountability and transparency.

It is important that when there are major issues; while we are still looking at installing electronic voting system, it is important that when there are major issues on the floor, we vote according to whatever we feel or how our constituents feel.

“Now, on Thursday, every member’s vote, whether aye or nay or abstinence will be published in the papers for constituents to determine whether you are doing their bidding or not. I think it is important that we begin to take such action.”

Atedo Peterside to Boycott CBN’s Roundtable over Sanusi’s Dethronement The founder of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mr. Atedo Peterside, has said he will not attend a forum organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) because he is displeased with the dethronement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano.

In a letter sent to the Governor of CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Peterside said he cannot hide his displeasure at Sanusi’s deposition and eventual banishment from Kano.

“I received an invitation, at short notice, to be a panelist at a CBN consultative roundtable session taking place in Abuja tomorrow. Whilst thanking you for the invitation, I believe the correct thing for me to do is to respectfully decline to participate,” he wrote.

“My refusal to join you has more to do with the monumental events that took place yesterday viz the removal of the emir of Kano

from office and the release of information that purportedly seeks to exile him and restrict his movements or confine them to a little known enclave in Nasarawa State.”

Peterside said he attended the commonwealth service that held in Westminster Abbey on Monday where he was reminded of “what can go right when we embrace the forces of modernity while recognising and upholding our proud cultural heritage”.

“At the exact same time, I was distracted by disturbing news from Kano yesterday, which confirmed what can go wrong, when those in authority pay lip service to the Nigerian constitution and then proceed to violate the fundamental freedoms that it guarantees each individual because they prefer to cling to practices like exile which they learnt from colonial masters and the military. These practices have no place in a democratic dispensation.”

the calibre of persons in the incoming executive management and board, the agency would achieve the ideals that informed its establishment in line with global best practices.

“As you already know, NIMASA has the core mandate of promoting and regulating shipping in the

country. Concomitant with this mandate is the responsibility of ensuring the safety of the Nigerian maritime domain for ease of maritime transportation, which is one of the critical catalysts for economic development.

“It is in the realisation of this, and in pursuit of the Next Level agenda of the President

Buhari administration that I urge you all to join hands with us to build an enduring and prosperous maritime sector.

“On this note, I will like to thank my predecessor, Dr. Peterside and indeed the outgoing Board of the agency for their resilience, team spirit and vision to

make NIMASA a leading maritime light on the African continent.

“I must acknowledge the great strides we have made in the area of maritime safety and security, particularly with the Deep Blue project and ensuring the enactment of the anti-piracy law.

NURTURING LEADERS…

L-R: Coordinator, Middle Belt Youth Council (MBYC), Kogi State, Mr. Attah Idoko; Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Nankin Bagudu; Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu; President, MBYC, Mr. Emmanuel Zopmal; and Coordinator, MBYC, Nasarawa State, Mr. Iliya Ashokpa, during the MBYC Leaders’ Summit 2020 in Jos, Plateau State … recently

Nigerian Manufacturers Must Embrace Industrial Revolution, Says Osinbajo Dike Onwuamaeze Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has called on the Nigerian manufacturing sector to embrace the emerging Fourth Industrial Revolution and the current trends in technological innovations.

Osinbajo made this call yesterday in Lagos at the opening ceremony of the fifth Nigeria Manufacturing and Equipment Exhibition (NME Expo) with the theme: ‘The Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Nigerian Manufacturing sector’, organised by the Manufacturers Association

of Nigeria (MAN) and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC).

Osinbajo, who was represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, said Nigeria is at a crucial point in its economic history at the emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

He stated that the industrial revolution would fundamentally alter the way Nigerians live, work and relate to one another.

“Also we are at the threshold of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement

that will reposition the Nigerian market and the way trade is carried out in Africa.

“We are living in an exciting time. The manufacturing sector must prepare itself for the fourth industrial revolution that is coming in the age of AfCFTA. I am extremely thrilled to see that the theme of this expo speaks on the changes that we must expect.

“Already, artificial intelligence is all around us from self-driven cars and drones to software that can automatically translate languages. “Nigerians are the second largest users of internet

and mobile telephones with about 117 million at the last count. I look forward to getting feedback on your deliberation on how we will prepare for the changes that lie ahead and make the most of our existing advantages,” Osinbajo said.

He said nothing has the potential to drive Nigeria’s development as the manufacturing sector, and is therefore at the centre of President Muhammadu Buhari’s strategic plan to attain sustainable growth and fulfill our aspiration to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years.

ESUT Governing Council Backs Return to Multi-campus Status The newly inaugurated Governing Council of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has endorsed the decision of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration to return the institution to the multi-campus university it was originally meant to be.

Speaking after the Governing Council was inaugurated by Ugwuanyi,

at the Government House, Enugu, yesterday the ProChancellor and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, stated that the state government’s decision was a welcome development that would enhance intellectual growth in the rural areas.

Onah, who is the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, added that the resolution “not

only offers it room for faster growth, but also allows it to act as a leaven to raise the intellectual tone of more rural communities in the state”.

The cleric, who spoke on behalf of members of the newly inaugurated Council, expressed gratitude to Ugwuanyi for the confidence he has reposed in them to serve the state, applauding him for “the sustained

attention you have paid to education at all levels in the state since you came into office”.

He disclosed that Ugwuanyi’s administration has constructed, renovated and equipped a high number of classroom blocks, both in the primary and secondary schools as well as tertiary institutions, among other remarkable interventions.

Ize-Iyamu: Why I Want to Be Edo Gov Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, one of the governorship aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the September 19 Edo State gubernatorial election yesterday said he wanted to be governor to enable him impact on the people of the state through the provision of social amenities. ize-Iyamu stated this when a group, Safe Edo Movement (SEM), met him to invite him

to contest for the governorship of the state.

He said though he was a successful farmer and businessman, the satisfaction level he would get impacting on the people could only come through deploying government resources to provide for the needs of people.

He said in his era as the Secretary to Edo State Government, the Lucky Igbinedion administration employed over 4,000 teachers many of who he said have retired from service with

the result that many schools in state now have one or two teachers following government’s failure to employ more teachers.

Quoting Proverb 19, Ize-Iyamu said pastors are in politics because the Bible says when the righteous are in authority the people rejoice.

In accepting the group’s invitation to contest for the state’s governorship election, Ize-Iyamu said “I want to with humility and all sense of responsibility, accept the call that you have made”, even as he thanked the group for its vote of confidence in him and

for identifying with the people of the state.

Commenting on the violence unleashed on some members of the APC in the state, Ize-Iyamu said “we will not be afraid of those who think they can intimidate us.”

“My house has been surveyed many times for the purpose of throwing in bombs. Even my C of O has been threatened many times.

“So, we are ready to meet with the challenge and by the grace of God, we will triumph,” he said.

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NEWS

Nigeria’s Excess Crude Account Hits $71.81m Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, has given an insight into the nation’s Excess Crude Account (ECA) which got depleted from $324.96 million to $71.81 million as at February 2020.

Idris, who spoke at an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Finance yesterday evening, also disclosed that three months after the passage of the 2020 Appropriation bill, the federal government was yet to

release a dime for the execution of capital projects captured in the budget.

The AGF said the balance in the excess crude Account as at February, 2020 was $324.96 million adding that the National Economic Council (NEC) agreed to invest $250 million out of the amount into Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) while $4 million was paid as professional fee to an unknown lawyer leaving a balance of $71.81 million.

He also gave a comparative

analysis of the inflow into the Account from 2015 to date saying “the inflows into the Excess Crude Account have been fluctuating due to the positive variance in the price of crude.

The Transfer into the account has witnessed downward trend in view of the low fuel prices, particularly from year 2015 to date. “The highest excess inflow of the sum of $17.344 billion was recorded in 2008 while the lowest excess inflow of the sum of $0.276 million was recorded in

2015. The weighed average price in 2008 and 2015 was $103.67 and $39.04 respectively while the balance in the ECA as at March 2, 2020 is $71.8 million�.

Idris also stressed that even though the federal government has commenced implementation of the recurrent component of the 2020 budget; it was yet to release the N340 billion it voted for capital projects in the first quarter of the year.

According to him, only the sum of N20.786 billion has been released for what he refered to as

“Capital Suplimentation� while no amount has been released for real capital projects.

He, however, stated that the Cash Management Office (a department in the AGF’s Office) was working on the release and that hopefully the process will be concluded by next week.

The AGF said the FG has released the sum of N493.92 Billion, representing 6.5 per cent of the Personnel Cost for January and February.

The Senate committee on Finance has, therefore, demanded

for the identity of the lawyer who collected $4 million professional fee for the management of excess crude account.

The Committee Chairman , Senator Adeola Olamilekan, asked the AGF to furnish the committee with the name of the lawyer who collected the said amount from excess crude as consultancy fee.

Senator Olamilekan said the committee expects to hear from the Accountant-General of the Federation before the end of this week.

in crude oil price lately, due to the coronavirus disease, MOMAN has restated the call for the reform of the country's petroleum industry, especially the removal of petrol subsidy.

The fuel traders said removing fuel subsidy at this period of a drop in crude oil prices would eliminate waste and address the issue of low price margin for marketers.

The marketers said while the oil price slump should naturally be a source of concern to the world, it, however, presents Nigeria with the opportunity to reform and restructure its petroleum downstream sector.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos, the Chairman of MOMAN and Managing Director of 11Plc, Mr. Tunji Oyebanji, advised that Nigeria should take advantage of the trending price reduction. “Removing fuel subsidy at this period of drop in prices would eliminate waste, address

the issue of low price margin for marketers as well as set the country on the path of determining appropriate pricing for the product through urgent robust reforms," he said.

According to Oyebanji, the drop in crude oil price will also open up the importation of petrol by bringing multiple players to participate in importation.

He appealed to the federal government to review industry margins to enable them to improve their earnings and invest in products distribution infrastructure.

interface with stakeholders and check the impact of the recent crash of crude oil on 2020, Appropriation Act. This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance, titled, 'Motion of urgent public importance, on the recent crash of crude oil as against our 2020, appropriation Act,' moved

by Hon. James Faleke, at yesterday's plenary.

THISDAY had reported that as Coronavirus (COVID-19) maintained its spread to more countries, it had forced a lower demand for crude oil and attendant push for production cuts to stabilise prices by OPEC. Faleke said the current price of oil at around $30 might hinder the implementation of the 2020 budget.

The committee is expected to report back to the House within two weeks.

OIL PRICE MOVES TO $37 AFTER RUSSIA’S SIGNAL ON OPEC TALKS Kyari, who was represented by the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mr. Roland Ewubare, said in a country that is struggling to raise money to finance its developmental aspiration, every single barrel of oil lost is critical irrespective of the current flop in price.

According to Kyari, "Nobody has the monopoly of wisdom and I certainly don't know what the solutions are to this problem. I'm a soldier’s son, so I have the utmost respect for the military, but I'm sure that even the military itself doesn't have a silver bullet solution to the problem because it is a very complex problem arising from different roots."

He said the NNPC believed that the core of the problem anchors on two elements; while one is criminality, the other emanates from the historical neglect of the communities in Niger Delta from where

resources are produced.

Kyari said: "What are the consequences of these illegal activities from the numbers you mentioned? You (Akpatason) said it is 200,000 barrels per day, while the House Speaker said it is 400,000bpd. The truth is that we really don't have the exact figure. It is a complex process to track what is lost, as some are lost through the aged and ageing facilities. Some pipelines are old, they can't handle pressure, so you get spilt product, while some of it is deliberate."

Kyari equally lamented that there was a threat to national security as a result of vandalisation, adding that crude oil thieves use the proceeds of theft to finance nefarious activities in the country as well as stockpiling weapon in order to remain in business.

On his part, the Commander of Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Akinjide Akinrinade, said in 2017, the military

destroyed about 1,001 illegal refineries, recovered 54, 373 tons of stolen products, while in 2018, it destroyed 1,524 illegal refineries, recovered 155,974 tonnes of stolen products. In 2019, the military also destroyed 1,694 illegal refineries, while 52 ships, 42 barges and 122,056 tons of stolen products were also recovered.

He added that about 255 suspected oil thieves were also arrested and handed over to the appropriate security agencies.

Akinrinade noted that in 2019 alone, the military was able to stop about 413 infractions along the pipeline, which amount to about 76 per cent of the total infractions along the pipeline operated

by Shell.

Major Marketers Seek Petrol Subsidy Removal Worried by the persistent drop

SANUSI CHALLENGES LEGALITY OF BANISHMENT, HEADS TO COURT

from Loko to Awe. THISDAY learnt that the decision to relocate the former emir to Awe was due to the total absence of social amenities such as electricity, potable water as well as the volatile security environment of Loko, which is about 250 kilometres away from Nasarawa.

Ganduje’s Aide: No Govt Can Condone Sanusi’s Criticisms However, shedding more light on the reasons for Sanusi's dethronement, Yakassai attributed it to the frequent public criticism of Ganduje’s administration, saying that no government can condone the former emir’s rebuke.

He told Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme, that Ganduje deserved commendation for being lenient with Sanusi.

He said since Sanusi had easy access to the governor, he should have raised his concerns about Ganduje's policies with the governor privately instead of criticising him publicly.

He said: “The emir had access to the governor and could have advised him if he wanted to; but unfortunately, he only finds podiums and stages as the only means to advise the government, which is not right. “So, you can portray it has political or whatever but the fact remains that no one would allow such disrespect and open criticism when you have access to him.�

Yakassai cited the Kano Metro proposal, which attracted Sanusi’s public criticism, adding that the state government tolerated such an act of insubordination for so long. “Since the creation of the new emirates by Governor Ganduje, you can count the number of important events organised by the state government, including international events, which the emir was invited and he never attended. “I can tell you that the emir did not even attend the free and

compulsory basic education programme in the state launched

by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

People are free to say whatever they want to say but this is the reason for the dethronement.�

Yakassai explained that the reasons adduced for the removal of the former emir were appropriate because they were in contravention of the Emirate Council Law. He claimed that Ganduje's predecessor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, issued four queries to Sanusi over various wrongdoings.

Former Emir Accepts Faith, Seeks Support for Successor But earlier yesterday, the deposed emir had said he had accepted the dethronement as the will of God and had thanked Him for that.

Sanusi, in a video released in the wee hours of yesterday in which he spoke in Hausa, called on his family members and relations to support his successor.

Sanusi, who remained calm throughout the short speech, also prayed for and thanked the people of Kano for the regards they had for him while he was emir.

In the speech translated to English by THISDAY correspondent in Kano, he said: "One of the blessings I have received from Almighty Allah is that He made me the Emir of Kano on the 8th of June 2014, He kept me alive and healthy for almost six years on the throne of our blessed heritage. Today, Almighty Allah that made me the emir has destined and taken it away.

"We have always said it that being an emir is limited by time. The days Allah has willed for one to remain as emir are limited. Once those days are completed, one must vacate the throne whether he wants to or not. As a result of that, we accept whatever Allah wills. We accept; we are thankful, we are

happy and we believe it is the best for us.

"We wish to thank the people of Kano for their cooperation in all these years, for the love, loyalty, obedience, and prayer they have shown us. We wish to thank all those that have assisted us during our reign, especially the members of our council and the chiefs that were loyal to us. We are also thankful to our relations who stood firmly in preserving our dignity and the dignity of this emirate.

"We wish to call on the public to remain peaceful, whosoever is made the emir, we hereby instruct our family members, children and all those we have authority on to declare their allegiance to him. They should respect him; protect his dignity and integrity and that of the emirate. This is because his dignity and integrity are the dignity and integrity of this emirate as well.

"We thank you all and condole with you on this. We assure you that Allah never makes mistakes, whatever Allah does is right. You should not be worried about today, for indeed whatever begins has an end at sight. May we end well in this world and may we see our end in good health.

"We thank the Almighty Allah that gave us this opportunity to stay all these years, for the renovation of the palace we undertook, and for the opportunity we got to take along the tracks of King Khalifa.

We are proud of the way King Khalifa ruled and how he left it and how we were placed on the same tradition as he by the Almighty Allah. We seek Allah to give us the opportunity to end well in closeness to Him as he ended as well.

"We call on fellow Muslims to continue with the prayers they have been on all these years that Allah blesses our dear land, Kano, with peace and tranquility.

May Allah bless you all; keep you alive and enrich our dear land. May He bless us with good leaders. May Allah bless this emirate and our country at large.

May He return our land back to us. We thank you, thank you and thank you so much as we depart happily, peacefully and thankfully."

Dethronement Can’t Stand in Court, Says Falana Meanwhile, a human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has stated that Sanusi’s dethronement could not stand in any court if challenged.

Speaking on Arise TV, a sister broadcast station of THISDAY Newspapers, yesterday, he said apart from the way and manner he was dethroned and banished, the state government never accused him of corruption.

He said: “It was only last week that the Kano State House of Assembly opened an investigation into alleged corrupt practices against him.

The Kano State anti-graft agency found him liable and he has gone to court. He was still in court when this charade happened. “Sanusi was not given a fair hearing. The Kano State House of Assembly had not concluded investigations on him and worse still, the state government did not issue him any query this time around. For that, there is no way his dethronement can stand in any court. “The state knows what it has done cannot stand in court, that is why the former emir was banished so that he will not challenge what has been done to him.�

He urged the deposed emir to reorganise himself and think of other ways to serve humanity.

He said it was baffling that at a time the country was going through serious economic challenges, it decided to embarrass one of the people that should help salvage the economy.

He linked the dethronement of Sanusi to 2023 politics, noting that the leaders are yet to tackle the huge economic challenge of this year, but are busy fighting over 2023 politics.

House Probes Impact of Oil Price Crash on the Economy Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has set up a joint committee comprising of finance, petroleum, and budget and planning to

Falana in a separate statement issued yesterday also said under the current democratic dispensation in Nigeria, no state government could remove a traditional ruler, banish and detain him without following due process.

He cited the case of Attorney General & Commissioner of Justice, Kebbi State vs. HRH Al- Mustapha Jokolo (2013) LPELR-22349, where the Court of Appeal (per ADUMEIN, JCA) held that: "The Governor of Kebbi State has no right to act outside the clear and unambiguous provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (applicable to this case). Section 35 (1) of the said Constitution provides that every citizen of Nigeria is "entitled to his personal liberty and no person shall be deprived of such liberty" except in the circumstances set out in subsections (a) to (f) thereof. Section 40 of the same Constitution provides that "every person is entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons."

PDP Expresses Worries, Calls for Calm Reacting to the emir’s removal, the PDP said the deposition, at the time the nation is battling worsening insecurity challenges, showed the insensitivity and poor appraisal of core national stability issues by the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, described the timing of the dethronement as a political blunder coming at a time the country is wobbling under the siege of insecurity, especially in a state such as Kano.

The PDP, however, called for calm and circumspection from all quarters, especially, given the security and political stability concerns in the nation.

Govs Can Dethrone Anybody, Says Buhari’s Aide

However, the Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on New Media, Mr. Tolu Ogunlesi, has justified the dethronement, saying that a governor could exercise powers over royal institutions within their jurisdiction.

Ogunlesi tweeted yesterday that “a sitting governor can dethrone anybody – they have the power. That is the way the system is set up. Nobody is above being dethroned.

Governors formally appoint them, present them the staff of office and fund their offices.�

He said governors had veto powers over monarchs in their states; citing Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, who “paraded Rivers traditional rulers recently and addressed them like a kindergarten class,� adding: “That is the power a governor has over royal institutions. Every governor; it actually didn’t start today, it has been so for a long, long time.�

According to him, “The British deposed Obas of Lagos/Benin 1851/1897; Alake temporarily deposed by 1948 women’s riots; Awo deposed Alaafin 1955; Olowo deposed 1966; Edo Milad tried to remove Oba of Benin as Chair, State Traditional Rulers Council 1999; Deji of Akure deposed 2010.�

Sanusi’s Rights Must Be Respected, Says AI Also reacting to the banishment of the former emir yesterday, Amnesty International called on the federal government to respect his human rights.

A statement signed by its Country Director, Osai Ojigho, said right to dignity, freedom of expression and freedom of movement of the former emir must be restored.

It described Sanusi's restriction and holding him incommunicado as a violation of his human rights as protected under the constitution and international human rights law.

53

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WEDNESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Nigeria Revives Moribund Schools’ Football Tournaments Principal’s, Headmasters Cups back

Femi Solaja The moribund Principal’s Cup which had been in the doldrums for years has been revived with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development and Hideaplus Consultancy Ltd. This revival is in line with Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare’s quest to ensure grassroots sports development, leading to the discovery of budding talents.

The MoU empowers Hideaplus Sports Consultancy to organize the National Principal’s Cup and Headmaster’s Cup

competitions among secondary schools and primary schools across Nigeria.

Speaking at his office in Abuja on Tuesday, the minister expressed delight that one of the ministry’s visions for grassroots sports development had become a reality.

He assured stakeholders that the event will bring back fond memories and experiences of the Principal’s Cup which led to the discovery of some ex-internationals .

“You would recall the nostalgia that the Principal’s Cup used to evoke. We had seen some of our best footballers and stars come through the Principals Cup , but it suddenly died off.

“Today we give strength to our commitment to revive the Principal’s Cup that would serve as trailblazer to bring back some of the lost glory of not just football, but sports development generally. I promise

that this won’t be just about football ,but other sports would be included.”

In his response, the Chief Responsibility Officer of Hideaplus Sports Consultancy, Tony Oritse Pemu, thanked

the minister for his visionary approach to sports, even as he promised that the partnership will reenact the old tradition of grassroots talent discovery and development.

The National Principals

Cup will cut across secondary schools in the country, while the Headmasters Cup will cut across primary schools, with about 10,000 schools expected to participate in the competitions.

Tough Time Awaits Hooligans, Vandals at Edo 2020 State govt says no fear over coronavirus Edo State, host of the 20th National Sports Festival starting March 22 have put measures in place to ensure safety of athletes, officials and spectators at the newly refurbished Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

According to the Chief Electrical Engineer of the contracting firm handling the almost completed complex, Engr. Ben Tobrise, the CCTV and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) measures installed at the Ogbemudia Stadium are capable of fishing out any hooligan from the stands or anywhere around it. “ Both the Close Circuit Television (CCTV) and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) installed here (Ogbemudia Stadium) are capable of pinpointing any particular person or area inside and around the stadium complex.

Anyone thinking of coming to the stadium to foment trouble will be fished out,” stressed the chief electrical engineer.

While demonstrating the working of the CCTV at the control room during a recent inspection of the complex, two workers busy with their jobs in the extreme end of the stadium were given close shots to the point that prints on their uniforms were clearly legible to be read by the operators.

“We have eight cameras installed at this stadium.

All of them will be recording at the same time with our operators watching from the control room. We can do a playback to check any area of interest.

“Similarly, we are capable of seeing clearly any place or thing five kilometers radius of the stadium from here.

With these measures, we can beat our chest to say that everyone coming to Ogbemudia Stadium during the National Sports Festival is assured of his or her safety,”

he noted.

Interestingly, a police post has been built at the entrance to the stadium to handle cases of infractions at the complex.

Yesterday, carpenters were busy with the roofing of the police post while other workers were putting finishing touches to the remaining minor jobs ahead of the opening ceremony to be done by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Government has allayed fears concerning the risk of contracting the Coronavirus (COVID 19) during Edo 2020 National Sports Festival.

A statement from the Chief Press Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Ebomhiana Musa, said that despite the present outbreak of the virus worldwide, with the scare of it taking on an epidemic scale if left unchecked, only two confirmed case so far in Nigeria with none in Edo State.

He stated that based on a risk assessment on the threat of COVID 19, the government has put in place measures to prevent the spread of this viral disease through screening of participants, deployment of well-trained health personnel at all venues, and collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

It also said that in collaboration with the Rapid Response Team of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) with Emergency Operation Centre in the State there was no need to worry.

Musa also revealed that the state government has made available hand washing facilities to shore up personal hygiene backed with enlightenment and dissemination of adequate information to the populace to help them identify and report any suspected case of COVID 19.

L-R: Member, CAF Medical Commission, Dr. Peter Singabele; the Zonal Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, South-South and Representative of the Minister of Sports, Sylvester Essiet; Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; with Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Hon. Peter Akpe; during the National Sports Festival Torch presentation ceremony at Peace Park, Opposite Government House, Yenagoa… yesterday

Real One, Baby Face, Esepo to Headline GOtv Boxing Night 21 Two World Boxing Federation (WBF) bouts featuring Nigeria’s Rilwan “Real One” Oladosu and Rilwan “Baby Face” Babatunde respectively and an international challenge contest featuring Taiwo “Esepo” Agbaje will headline GOtv Boxing Night 21. This was announced in Lagos yesterday at a press conference addressed by Flykite Productions, the organisers.

The event, billed for 12 Aprilat the Indoor Sports of the National Stadium in Lagos, will stage six fights across weight divisions. The biggest of these is the WBF International title, which will see Oladosu, the West African Boxing Union (WABU) lightweight champion, fight Ghana’s Emmanuel Quartey.

Next to it is the WBF Africa title,

which will feature Babatunde, the WABU welterweight champion, and Tanzania’s Mkwalekwa Salehe.

The event will also see the explosive Agbaje, national featherweight champion, test his mettle against Moses Dodzi of Ghana in an international challenge duel.

Also billed for title action is Sadiq “Happy Boy” Adeleke, who will face Tunde Olojede in the national bantamweight title clash. The bout line-up is completed by two non-title duels in the light heavyweight lightweight categories. The former will Daniel “Big Shark” Emeka up against Segun “Success” Olanrewaju, while the former pairs GOtv Boxing NextGen Search graduates, Alaba “Elyblow” Omotola

with Lateef Akintola.

Speaking at the event, Managing Director of Flykite Promotions, Jenkins Alumona, noted that while the country celebrates international boxers of Nigerian descent, it is equally important to provide Nigerian boxers the opportunity to also become world champions.

He stated he was excited by how the event has over the years positioned Nigerian boxers to have a shot at world titles.

“We at Flykite are particularly excited that someone that just came to the National Stadium to join the GOtv Boxing Next Gen Search will, after a few years, be fighting for an African title, and we think that this is a thing of pride for us, our lead sponsors, GOtv, the NBB

of C and Nigerian boxing in general,” Alumona said.

Also speaking, GOtv Public Relations Manager, Jennifer Ukoh, stated that the sponsors remain committed to the sport in Nigeria, as evidenced by its expansion through the introduction of GOtv Boxing Mini and GOtv Boxing NextGen Search.

“We at GOtv and MultiChoice are delighted to be part of this event. This is the 21st edition and this is a proud moment for us. There has been a tremendous progress since the first edition and we have expanded our activities for GOtv Boxing Night to include the GOtv Boxing Night Mini and the GOtv Boxing Night NextGen Search,” Ukoh said.

More Champions Emerge as Maltina School Games End Today More champions are expected to emerge today as the National Finals of the Maltina School Games is set to be concluded at the Sports Complex of the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.

As predicted, it has been a keenly-contested atmosphere as the best athletes from the various State Finals have been competing amongst themselves; showing so much promise they have what it take to be world beaters.

In the 200m Senior Boys event, Marvellous Chukwukwa of Government Secondary School, Karu lived up to the billing as the fastest pupil from across the state finals as he emerged

first with a time of 22.29 sec which is an improvement on his 23.60sec winning time from the Abuja State Finals.

John Benedict also from the Federal Capital and Kalu Benjamin from Lagos settled for the second and third sports respectively In the 200 Junior Boys category, Mustapha Emmanuel and Lodi Emmanuel from Lagos claimed the first and second positions while Dauda Mubarak from the FCT made it to the podium finishing in third position.

In the female category, Lagos won both the Junior and Senior 200m events.

While Ojo Joy from Ijaiye

Housing Estate Grammar School took the first position with a time of 26.19secc in the senior race, Adeleye Ifeoluwa from Babington Macaulay School dominated the junior race, winning in a time of 27.56secs.

There were also wins for Lagos in the 800m Junior and Senior Girls categories while Hassan Adam and Safulahi Aminu gave Kano State something to cheer as they won the 800m junior and senior boys final.

The Maltina School Games is a new intervention in school sports by the country’s number one family drink from the stable of Nigeria Breweries PLC. It involves a series of track

and field sporting competitions held pan-Nigeria, as an interschool sports competition to grow future sports champions in secondary schools across Nigeria.

According to the organizers, outstanding athletes from the Maltina School Games will get opportunities to represent Nigeria at international competitions across the world and that could mark a big turnaround in becoming world-acclaimed stars in their respective fields.

Over 20 million children have been impacted in this maiden edition of the Maltina School Games which many describe as a new chapter in sports development in Nigeria.

54

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WEDNESDAYSPORTS

FIFA Postpones World Cup Qualifiers FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have agreed to postpone the Asian World Cup qualifying matches in March and June due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, the world football governing body said on Monday.

“Following consultation

with Asia’s member associations, FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have agreed to postpone the upcoming Asian qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,” FIFA said in a statement.

The matches were scheduled to take place during the international

window of March 23-31and June 1-9.

FIFA added that the

matches could still go ahead if the member associations due to play each other

mutually agree, subject to prior approval from both FIFA and the AFC.

Mbappe Overcomes Coronavirus Scare, Tests Negative Kylian Mbappe has reportedly tested negative for coronavirus after missing PSG training due to illness.

The 21-year-old has been sidelined for two training sessions due to a throat infection.

And French media, L’Equipeclaims he tested negative for coronavirus, the deadly disease which has infected over 115,000 people worldwide, including more than 4,000 deaths.

PSGwill be hoping Mbappe recovers in time to play a part in today’s Champions League last-16 second leg tie against Borussia Dortmund.

The Ligue 1 champions trail

2-1 in the tie thanks to Erling Haaland’s double.

Mbappe assisted Neymar’s equaliser with a sparkling run at Signal Iduna Park, before Haaland fired home an emphatic 20-yard winner 13 minutes from time.

If PSG fail to overturn the narrow deficit, they will suffer a Champions League last-16 elimination for a fourth successive season.

PSG boss Thomas Tuchel revealed Mbappe has been struggling with angina, a type of chest pain.

The German coach said: “Kylian is sick.

Saintfiet Calls for Postponement of AFCON 2021 Qualifiers This month’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers between The Gambia and Gabon should be postponed as the former cannot access seven key Italy-based players, said Scorpions coach Tom Saintfiet.

On Monday, Italy announced that the entire country - which is Europe’s worst affected by coronavirus - was in lockdownas it battles to contain the outbreak.

With seven of The Gambia’s players - including defender and captain Omar Colley, who plays for Sampdoria - based with Italian clubs, and thus now inaccessible, Saintfiet says it would be too unfair to play the qualifiers.

Last week, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said it had no plans to take any immediate action over the continuing spread of coronavirus on the continent but did not rule out ‘matches behind closed doors, postponements or even cancellations’ in the future.

“We cannot expect to play qualification games when some countries can’t use many of their best players - not because of injuries or personal reasons, but because of an international problem,” Saintfiet told BBC Sport Africa.

“Now we are talking about Italy, but there are also other European countries, like France and even Belgium where coronavirus is

increasing a lot.

“We don’t know how soon it will go. Maybe in one week’s time, there will be parts of France also in quarantine and many African players who play in France will also be having consequences from that.”

The Gambia are due to play in Gabon on 26 March and then at home against the same opposition four days later.

The fixtures are part of a series of Nations Cup qualifiers across Africa in the final week of March, with 48 games set to take place in nearly 50 countries.

“I think it would be very wise for CAF to follow FIFA’s guidelines what they did inAsia - to postpone the games for March and June,” said Saintfiet.

On Monday, FIFA confirmed that upcoming Asian qualifiers for the 2022 World Cuphad been postponed.

Saintfiet said he believes it would be possible to postpone the Nations Cup qualifiers with minimal impact on the African football calendar.

“Maybe we can postpone only the March games for now - as soon as possible - so that people don’t have extra costs, and also have time to plan,” he explained.

“We still have dates [available].

SPECIAL ONE DEMYSTIFIED...

Jose Mourinho (right) and Lucas Moura walking away from field after Tottenham Hotspur got knocked out of the UEFA Champions League aggregate 4-0 defeat by RB Leipzig...last night

Spanish, French League Matches to be Played behind Closed Doors Matches in the top two divisions in Spain and France are to be played behind closed doors because of coronavirus concerns.

La Liga announced its ruling will affect the next two rounds of fixtures while the French league said fans will be banned until 15 April.

La Liga said it acted on guidance from Spain’s ministry of health.

The French government announced on Sunday a

ban on all gatherings of more than 1,000 people.

Barcelona’s Champions League match against Napoli on 18 March will also be played at an empty Nou Camp.

“The decision has been made strictly for health reasons,” said Joan Guix, Catalunya government’s health chief.

It is the second SpanishItalian Champions League fixture at which supporters have been banned, following Valencia versus

Atalanta on Tuesday.

Sevilla’s match against Roma and Getafe’s game with Inter Milan in the Europa League have suffered the same fate.

Paris St-Germain’s Champions League match against Borussia Dortmundon Wednesday will also be closed to fans.

All sport in Italy has been suspended until at least 3 April because of coronavirus.

The ruling includes Serie A matches but not

Italian clubs or national teams participating in international competitions.

Germany’s international friendly with Italy in Nuremberg on 31 March will also be played behind closed doors. England are due to play Italy at Wembley four days earlier.

Manchester United’s Europa League last-16 first leg match at LASK Linz in Austria on Thursday is another match that will be played without fans.

Man Utd’s Europa First Game to be Played without Fans The first leg of Manchester United’s Europa League last16 tie at LASK will be played behind closed doors because of coronavirus concerns.

LASK made the decision following advice from the Austrian government.

United sold their allocation of just under 900 tickets but the game is one of several European club competition fixtures that will have no spectators.

Wolves’ Europa League last-16 first-leg match at Olympiakos on Thursday will also be played

in a near-empty stadium.

The BBC understands Wolves have asked for the game to be postponed and their manager Nuno Espirito Santo has said: “If we have to go we will. But we don’t agree - we’re not happy to go.”

Sporting events in Europe have been affected as a result of the spread of the virus, with games being played without fans or, such as two of the three final-weekend Six Nations rugby matches,postponed.

U E FA C H A M P I O N S L E AG U E

Anfield Atmosphere Can Ginger Liverpool to Victory against Atletico Today

Liverpool aiming to reverse the 0-1 deficit from the first leg today at Anfield

Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday was met with an unusual sense relief around Anfield for a side that had just clinched a 22nd consecutive home league win and moved 25 points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Such has been the Reds’ relentless run towards a first league title in 30 years that three defeats in three different competitions in four games was considered a slump in form.

A 3-0 reverse at Watford deprived Jurgen Klopp’s men the chance to match Arsenal’s “invincible” unbeaten league season and a FA Cup exit at the hands of Chelsea means they cannot replicate Manchester United’s treble of 1998/99.

However, the most damaging of the trio of defeats could still prove to be the 1-0 deficit they

must overturn when Atletico Madrid travel to Anfield for the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie today..

“It’s a long season and you see how many games we’ve played. In any sport you play it’s impossible to be at your highest level all year, year in and year out,” said James Milner, who produced a stunning goal-line clearance to secure victory against Bournemouth.

“You try your best and it just doesn’t happen, and that’s when you need to find a way to win.”

When at their best, Liverpool have shown they are more than capable of second leg fightbacks at home. Most spectacularly when Barcelona were humbled 4-0 in last season’s semifinal despite holding a 3-0 first leg lead.

However, there are cracks in

the English champions-elect’s armoury that Atletico can expose.

After keeping 10 clean sheets in 11 league games between early December and mid-February, Liverpool have conceded in each of their last five games.

The loss of goalkeeper Alisson Becker to a hip injury is a massive blow with his erratic understudy Adrian at fault for the opening goal against Chelsea last week.

Jordan Henderson’s presence in midfield has also been badly missed after he limped off with a hamstring injury in the first leg against Atletico and could be rushed back to face the Spaniards.

Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane again carried the goalscoring burden to turn the game around against Bournemouth, but the form of Roberto Firmino is also a worry for Klopp.

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MISSILE

Mahmoud to Ganduje

“The archaic practice of banishment of deposed emirs, a colonial practice, has no basis under Nigerian law or the constitution. We are totally perplexed at the resort to this practice in present day Nigeria by its political leaders” – Abubakar Mahmoud, SAN, questioning the banishment of the deposed Emir of Kano, Alhaji i Lamido Sanusi Lamido, by the government of Governor Abdulahi Ganduje of Kano state.

KAYODEKOMOLAFE Coronavirus and Common Humanity T THE HORIZON

he public health emergency posed by the scary spread of coronavirus is another chilling reminder of the often ignored primacy of our common humanity.

Only two days ago, the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, was reported at the headquarters of the organisation in Geneva, Switzerland, to have put the picture of things this way: “Now that the virus has a foothold in so many countries, the threat of a pandemic has become very real.”

Now, the WHO definition of a pandemic is “a worldwide spread of a new disease.”

Indeed, the projection from Geneva is grim.

But, with the over 110,000 cases and the spread in more than 100 countries, Ghebreyesus, the Ethiopian scholar who is the first African to head WHO, can hardly be accused of sounding alarmist in the circumstance.

To be sure, Ghebreyesus is generally perceived to be doing a good job of coordinating the global efforts to control the coronavirus disease.

In any case, the good news, according to Ghebreyesus, is also this: “It would be the first pandemic in history that could be controlled. The bottom line is we are not at the mercy of the virus.”

The logic of a pandemic is that the disease is a threat to “all the people” as the Greek origin of the word suggests.

While the news from China, the epicentre of the coronavirus disaster, is that the virus seems to be slowing in the largest country, the spread of the disease is actually picking up elsewhere.

The whole of Italy in on lockdown. Italy and Iran have each reported more than 7, 000 cases.

China, South Korea, Italy and Iran account for 93% coronavirus cases so far reported globally.

The impact of the virus on the economies of these countries that are more developed than Nigeria is quite evident.

Critical observers have blamed some of them for the level of preparedness and the effectiveness of the response as the economy and society of each country get threatened by the spread of the virus.

The epidemic is also said to be causing the American economic system a stress for the first time since the 2008 financial crisis. Following reports of 29 deaths out of about 800 reported cases, an American observer has described this coronavirus moment in the U.S. as being akin to “ swimming naked’ while the “tide has just gone out.’’

The observer is, of course, referring to the enormous impact of the spread of the virus on supply chains, travels and tourism. It has been described as the severest stress on the financial system in 11 years. Conferences are being cancelled.

Schools are shut. Productive activities are disrupted.

With the restriction of movements in some states workers cannot report for duty.

Top hospitals in the U.S. are gearing up for the outbreak of the disease in different areas as difficult times are envisaged. The State of Massachusetts declared a state of emergency yesterday as the number of ”presumptive cases ‘” in the state rose to 92. Rhode Island had declared a state of emergency a day earlier with many events cancelled in the state. Added to the gloomy picture are the reported cases of “community transmission,” in parts of the U.S. These are cases not traceable to those who have travelled to countries where coronavirus disease has been reported.

As a result of the spread of the virus in the U.S. President Donald Trump may be facing one the worst crises since he got to White House.

Vice President Mike has been put in charge of

kayode.komolafe@thisdaylive.com

WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus tackling the problem. The president is, however, optimistic that the virus “will go away.”

The American president is working on an economic stimulus package which he hopes to negotiate with the congress. Among the measures are payroll tax cut and a law to protect hourly wage workers and support to those in hospitality business.

Meanwhile, pundits are busy building scenarios – bankruptcies, job losses and a possible economic recession.

The logic of Trump’s response is that of state intervention in a moment of crisis. That is central to the business of governance. He is considering how the more vulnerable members of the society and the most adversely affected sectors of the economy could be assisted in recovering from the crisis. Coronavirus is proving to the chief priest of the “America First” religion that America, in fact, shares common humanity interests with other countries including China. In the eyes of T rump China is that economic rival that should be contained by all means. But it is the spread of a virus that should rather be contained at this time and not any country.

In fact, some media reports have suggested that even the American President himself might need to be tested for the virus having being in contact with some congressmen who are have isolated themselves as precautionary measures against the spread of the disease in the U.S. The British health minister, Nadine Dorries, is

0805 500 1974

in self-solation having tested positive to the virus.

The point at issue is this: the outbreak of a disease reported in China a few months ago is already triggering socio- economic crisis in America, Europe, Africa and Asia. There is indeed something common about humanity!

In rich and poor countries alike the public health crisis generated by the coronavirus is turning into economic crisis. Globally, this crisis should again temper the isolationist and separatist impulse to downplay the commonality of interests of mankind. The crisis also teaches a sobering lesson about the essence of cooperation.

In terms of the imperative of cooperation and human solidarity the coronavirus disease is like the previous Public Health Emergencies of International Concerns (PHEICs), environment, insecurity, disasters etc. These crises would not be solved by nations indulging in narrow economic calculus in order to “compete more effectively” and injure the interests of others. More often than not these crises constitute a proof that all nations are actually in the same boat. The fate of mankind as a whole would be determined by those forces which require more of international cooperation than isolated and antagonistic actions in different locales.

Before the discontents of globalisation became manifest, capitalists only talked about the movement of capital, commodities and expansion of markets.

The movement of human beings across national borders was not considered a central part of globalisation. That’s why whole countries are merely referred to as “emerging markets.” But these are actually societies whose members have basic needs that should be met as a condition for human progress.

To prevent the movement of people like the movement of capital, walls are being erected by the right-wing populists. With Trump in America, Brexit in the UK and the populist surge in other parts the of Europe an anti-immigrant ferment is prevalent.

Despite this trend, human beings are bound to move across the borders with all the varied implications. The inevitable movement of human beings across borders is now spreading the virus.

Yet, mankind will always have commonality of interests that should engender cooperation rather than adversarial tendencies.

Another thing that the coronavirus crisis has demonstrated is that every nation needs a government that has the capacity to govern.

When the chips are down it’s to the government everybody turns for leadership. And it is the duty of the leadership to give a direction in moments of crisis. China is doing that with the

efforts to slow down the spread of the coronavirus disease. A huge hospital with hundreds of beds was built in matters of days to manage things in the course of the emergency.

Public sector institutions should be made strong to respond to emergencies. The capacity to respond to this type of emergency is, of course, determined by the cumulative investments in the social sector.

In this particular situation, the ability of a country to respond effectively would be partly determined by the capacity of the healthcare delivery system and the effectiveness of health policies.

After all, experts say that some medical conditions, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes and respiratory disease could put people at a higher risk for death. The existing healthcare for the elderly could aIso be a factor. For instance, in China the death rates among people over 80 is reported to be highest at over 20%.

There is the legitimate anxiety in many quarters that if richer and more developed countries appear ravaged by the disease , poorer countries such as Nigeria should take things more seriously as part of the common humanity. With only two reported cases Nigeria may still be considered lucky compared to countries with thousands of cases. However, luck alone may not be enough this time round.

In the global chain of the direly needed resistance to the looming pandemic , the poor countries could constitute the weakest links.

Nigeria must be prepared to improve on its widely acknowledged performance during the Ebola crisis. Those things that that were done right should be done better this time round especially the management of information and the sensitisation of the public to take precautionary steps against the disease. Lessons should also be learnt from the errors of the past.

For instance, in social and political terms, there must be unity of purpose is seeing the public health crisis as a common enemy. The commonality of purpose should always be in focus. The virus doesn’t distinguish between the supporter of the government and a member of the opposition.

Take the example of Italy. In imposing a lockdown on the country, there is no distinction between the north and south of the country. The disease is no respecter of east-west boundaries.

The economic consequences of the public health challenge may even be more devastating for the poor countries. Worse still, the coronavirus crisis is happening amidst a plunge in oil prices.

In this respect, Nigeria should maintain the synergy of purpose with WHO and other countries as it girds its loins for the eventuality of the pandemic projected by Ghebreyesus.

Remembering an Optimist Issa Aremu Tomorrow in Abuja a memorial will hold for the late Björn Beckman, (BB), the celebrated Swedish (sorry, African-Swedish!) radical political economist. He was laid to eternal rest on the December 6 last year exactly a month he passed away on November 6, 2019 in Stockholm, Sweden, his home country.

He died at 81 years.

Beckman was a member of the Political Science teaching staff at the Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru Zaria in the eighties.

I read Economics, having completed preliminary students at the School of Basic studies (SBS) in 1977/1978. The then Faculty of

Arts and Social Science ( FASS) was a centre of radical political economy oriented scholarship.

All students of social sciences and arts were positively impacted upon by the critical thoughts of star Marxist scholars like BB, the late Dr Bala Usman, Professor A D Yahaya, Professor Yusuf Bangura, Dr Metuge, Professor Mike Kwaneshe, Professor Patrick Wilmot and Professor Akin Fadahunsi among others.

Certainly tomorrow’s memorial would raise the nostalgia of the robust battle of ideological ideas in the 80s, the anti-climax being the 1983 Karl Marx Centenary Conférence. The late Professor Claude Ake of University of Port Harcourt was a great African scholar of Marxist persuasion. He died on November

7th, in the tragic ADC airline disaster in 1997.

Ake just like BB nurtured our fertile intellectual minds in the late 70s as undergraduates of social science with indelible intellectual legacy on African development studies. The amazing intellectual outputs of BB with his numerous collaborative comrades, elevated and popularised political economy as tool for understanding Africa development process just as Ake did.

Africa is in profound despair caused by the entrenched pessimism (or is it cynicism?) that the continent cannot take-off not to talk of catching up.

Nigeria and (indeed Africa) has almost been declared literarily a failed state/continent.

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