FRIDAY 12TH MARCH 2021

New Streaming Service, ARISEPLAY, Goes Live Worldwide Sunday Gets $100m seed funding for ARISE original productions Segun James Africa’s leading media and luxury brand, ARISE MEDIA GROUP, will on Sunday launch a new streaming service, ARISEPLAY, which

will boast of a bold new identity, showcasing the best in worldwide entertainment from Hollywood to Nollywood.

“It will feature all of ARISE’s industry-leading original productions,” a statement from

the group signed by its Brand and Marketing Lead, Sakina Renneye, said last night.

The service, it said, would ride on the back of an ongoing $100million seed funding being raised

through venture capital firms, adding that with its exclusive agreement with the likes of SONY Pictures, FilmOne and other independent producers, it will ensure its subscribers get to see the best content from

both sides of the Atlantic, all at the ease of their fingertips.

It promised never before seen exclusives, including an all-access pass to all the behind-the-scene actions and interviews in the run-up to the

release of some of the world’s biggest movies.

“This distinctive streaming service will be combined with linear channels in the Continued on page 10

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Ganduje, Umahi, Masari, Others Take COVID-19 Vaccine... Page 42

FG: We Have Firepower to End Insurgency without Mercenaries Insists negotiating with bandits paints govt as weak Buhari reaffirms shoot-on-sight order at AK-47-wielding criminals 2,403 insurgents killed since 2015 Armed Forces working in synergy, says Irabor Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The federal government yesterday ruled out hiring mercenaries to fight the insurgency war, saying the country has enough personnel and resources to fight insecurity, especially with the reform of the armed forces

by President Muhammadu Buhari.

It also foreclosed negotiations with bandits and terrorists, 2,403 of who have been killed by security forces since 2015, contending that doing so could suggest weakness and incapacity on Continued on page 10

Monarchs Make Case for Role in Constitution

Seek task in recruitment into military, police, other security agencies Deji Elumoye and Udora Orizu in Abuja Traditional rulers yesterday renewed their clamour for relevance with a request that 1999 Constitution as amended should be reviewed to include specific roles for them.

The monarchs, under the auspices of the National Traditional Council of Nigeria,

accused the military regimes of Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi (rtd), Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd) and General Olusegun Obasanjo (rtd) of relegating the traditional institution to the background with no constitutional role.

Chairman of the council and the Sultan of Sokoto, Continued on page 10

CELEBRATING DEMUTUALISATION...

Chairman, NGX Group Plc, Chief Abimbola Ogunbanjo (left), and former President, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Aigboje AigImoukhuede, at the exchange, which was successfully demutualised on Wednesday

BoT Hands Secondus Lifeline, to Serve Out Tenure... Page 5

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

BoT Hands Secondus Lifeline, to Serve Out Tenure Says PDP ready to take over power from APC

Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said it would ensure that the National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) serve out their tenure which expires in December.

It also said that the party would do everything necessary to take over power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023, explaining that it is taking steps to resolve all disputes within the ranks of the PDP and unite it for the attainment of its objective.

There have been reported moves by some PDP governors to remove the national chairman as part of the permutations for the bid for power in 2023.

But the BoT said yesterday that it would ensure this does not happen.

“The Board of Trustees will ensure that a fluent and uninterrupted operation of all the organs of the party, particularly the National Working Committee (NWC), remains in place leading up to a successful convention in December 2021,” it said in a communiqué signed by its Secretary, Senator Adolphus Wabara.

It said it would ensure that harmonious relations exist between the organs of the party, adding that a detailed meeting between the BoT and the NWC is planned to be held soon.

It said it is working with other stakeholders to resolve disagreements among party members as a way of ensuring peace and stability in the main opposition party.

According to the communiqué that Wabara read to reporters, the BoT reviewed and discussed the situation of the party nationwide, stating that this was necessary due to the heightened political and economic tensions in the country.

The purpose of the meeting, Wabara said, was to ensure the stability of all the organs of the party and to place them on the alert as the party prepares to take over power once again.

The communiqué said the BoT recognised the ongoing work of the Reconciliation and Strategy Committee, led by a former Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki.

“The meeting was briefed on the outcome of zonal congresses held over last weekend. Three out of the six congresses have been successfully concluded.

“The Board of Trustees in playing its statutory role as the conscience of the party will work earnestly towards ensuring that the highest level of morality exists in all its activities and that all the members of our party live up to expectation,” it said.

The communiqué added that the board is committed to not allowing any strained relationship between all members, particularly at the top management level of the

party.

“With a determination to do all that is necessary to ensure that we fulfill the overwhelming desire of the vast majority of the people of Nigeria that the PDP regains national power in 2023, the board is unequivocally committed to ensuring that normalcy and peace prevail through all the organs of the party to permit the development

and implementation of wellstructured plans,” it said.

It added: “Finally, the board is very appreciative of the commitment of our governors to the party and the exemplary roles they have all been playing to keep the party at the optimum operational level.

"The board will consult with the governors’ forum on necessary measures towards solidifying the party.”

Commenting on the zoning of the presidency, a BoT member and former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ibrahim Mantu, said: "Zoning is in the PDP Constitution, it is a party matter."

Another member and a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi, however, said it was too early to discuss the matter.

"It is still too early for the

PDP at this point in time to declare its position on zoning.

"You know very well that APC has done five years now; politics as far as Nigeria is concerned is between APC and PDP. PDP has to be very careful in dealing with this issue; we will take it step by step. I believe that your concerns will be taken into consideration when the decision will be made," he said.

VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19...

Katsina State Governor, Hon. Aminu Masari (left), and Chief Medical Officer, Government House, Dr. Nafiu Funtua, during the vaccination of the governor in Katsina…yesterday

Govs: FG Can’t Force Federal Salary Structure on States PDP govs pledge cooperation in fight against insecurity Chuks Okocha in Abuja State governors yesterday accused the federal government of negotiating minimum wage with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and trying to impose it on states.

They, however, warned that the federal government cannot impose its salary structure on them given the differentials in their revenues.

Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, faulted how the federal government is treating the sub-nationals under a supposed federal system of government.

He spoke just as governors elected on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) committed themselves to collaborate with the federal government to tackle the insecurity in the country.

A statement by the NGF’s Head of Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Abdulrazaque Barkindo, said Fayemi spoke yesterday when the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of stateowned universities visited

him in Abuja.

He described governors as victims of federal government’s unitary approach to a federal structure.

Fayemi spoke against the backdrop of protests by labour over a bill before the House of Representatives seeking to decentralise minimum wage negotiations.

The organised labour on Wednesday had stormed the National Assembly and states' Houses of Assembly to protest the bill, which if it becomes law, will allow each state to fix its minimum wage.

But in a subtle riposte to labour’s accusation that governors, if allowed to fix minimum wage will pauperise workers, Fayemi said: “You can’t impose a federal salary structure on states because we do not all have the same economic or financial situations.

"I, for example, do not have the resources of Lagos State; so, you won’t expect me to earn the same salary as the governor of Lagos.

“It’s true that no state has fulfilled payment of salaries to states universities, but states are not always solely

responsible for this. The people you appoint as vice-chancellors need to speak truth to power, they need to be able to bite the bullet, and not just be a yes person.

“We need to work together to confront these issues, we are running glorified secondary schools as universities by this system. You have to help us in insisting that the institutions too do the right thing.”

Fayemi also agreed with the team that politics should not be involved in the school system, even though he stated that there are smart people in politics in Nigeria.

“You need people who understand the structure.

However, we have a lot of smart people in politics too who can add value, who knows that it is not about winning souls for the party.

You can draw up a framework and guide. We can have the same criteria and achieve purpose,” he added.

He added that governments at the sub-national level are worried by the unitary approach to things in the country.

Earlier, the team, led by

Pro-Chancellor of Osun State University, Mallam Yusuf Ali (SAN), told Fayemi that it is no longer news that education in Nigeria is in shambles due to paucity of finances, the unionism and students' activities.

The team, which represents all the 48 universities owned by states, pleaded with the governors to take over the burden of payment of salaries of state universities, reintroduce scholarships for needy students and assist the committee to build a secretariat of to facilitate their activities.

PDP Governors Pledge Collaboration with FG to Tackle Insecurity Governors elected on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday pledged to team up with the federal government to tackle insecurity in the country.

They, however, cautioned the federal government against playing politics with security.

They also pledged to remain committed to the PDP, saying

that none of them will defect to the APC. The Chairman of the PDP Governors' Forum, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, who is also the Sokoto State governor, at a press conference in Abuja after a meeting of the forum, said: "As governors of the PDP, we have agreed and resolved to continue to work with the federal government with the sole aim of reestablishing peace in troubled areas of the federation. We must not play politics with security and we must all work together to ensure that we bring back peace in our land.

"And on the general economic well-being of the country, we are appealing to Mr. President to reconsider certain measures, and we are appealing to him to actually bring more succour and relief to the people of Nigeria and support state governments in the discharge of their mandate by making available resources to the states, so that we can execute our mandate and ensure that we engender good governance and good condition of living in our respective states throughout the country."

He said the governors also reviewed the situations in the party and resolved to ensure peace at all levels of the party organs.

"We have met with the NWC and have commended the initiative of the NWC in coming up with the Sarakiled committee to reconcile aggrieved members of the party across the country.

"It is a very commendable initiative. We have received interim report from that committee, they are doing very well and we are encouraging them to continue in that regard, and the governor’s forum is going to back their effort strongly so that we can possibly even bring back those members of our party who have left the party out of anger and certain situations.

"As you can see, most if not all of the governors of the PDP attended this meeting.

This is a very clear statement that no governor of PDP is contemplating leaving the party for any other party," he said.

The governors appealed to the NWC to immediately kick-start the process for e-registration of members.

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OPEC Slashes Q2 Oil Demand Estimate by 690,000 bpd Says Nigeria produced additional 161,000bpd in February Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) yesterday pruned the demand outlook for crude oil in the next two quarters, in keeping with the group’s plans to keep a tight rein on the supply of the commodity.

The cartel cut its projection for the amount of crude its members will need to pump in the second quarter by 690,000 barrels a day, citing ongoing lockdown measures and other pandemic-related developments.

OPEC, in the March edition of its Monthly Oil Market Report, projected that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) would expand in the mediumterm due to rising oil prices and the positive trajectory of the COVID-19 vaccine in the country.

Data released by OPEC showed that Nigeria’s oil production increased by 161,000 barrels per day in February compared to the previous month.

It stated that while in December last year, the country produced 1.375 million barrels, in January 2021, Nigeria drilled 1.328 million barrels of oil per day and produced 1.488 million barrels per day in February, quoting secondary sources.

On why demand was revised down, OPEC said: “Ongoing lockdown measures,

voluntary social distancing and other pandemic-related developments” continue to weigh on economic activities."

It, however, added that conditions should improve in the second half of 2020.

The latest figures from the 13-member group are, however, consistent with its last week’s decision in collaboration with its allies to refrain from restoring any more of the production halted during the heat of the coronavirus pandemic which

saw the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) spiralling into the negative territory.

At its meeting last Thursday, the coalition surprised traders who had widely expected OPEC+ to agree to revive about 1.5 million barrels a day and thereby propelled prices to a 14-month high above $70 a barrel, raising questions over whether producers now risk over-heating global markets.

In the latest monthly report, the cartel reduced its overall forecasts for the volume of

crude it will need to provide this year by 250,000 barrels a day, compared to last month’s report.

It was understood that the group is pumping considerably below level, as it attempts to deplete surplus oil inventories that accumulated during the pandemic, with the de facto leader, Saudi Arabia, implementing extra cutbacks to speed up the market’s rebalancing.

OPEC expects the demand outlook to brighten in the

second half of 2021, boosting projections for global oil demand in the fourth quarter by 970,000 barrels a day and requirements for its crude in that period by 400,000 a day.

“By the end of the first half, economic activity is expected to accelerate as the impact of the pandemic is expected to taper off. This momentum will be supported by pent-up demand, especially in contactintensive service sectors such as tourism and travel,” OPEC said in the report.

On Nigeria, the cartel stated that with rising oil prices, the country is expected to record modest growth.

OPEC stated that Nigeria’s real GDP expanded by 0.1 per cent y-o-y in the last quarter of 2020, after a 3.6 per cent contraction in 3Q20, adding that this marked the first positive quarterly growth in 2020 amid the gradual return of economic activity following the easing of COVID-19-related restrictions and oil price improvements.

ROYAL FATHERS AT THE VILLA...

L-R: Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III; Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero; Emir of Kazaure, Dr. Najib Hussaini-Adamu; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II; and Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, during their meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja...yesterday godwin omoigui

NDIC Mulls Increase in N2tn Depositors’ Insurance Fund FG promises to address concerns over amended BOFIA Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has expressed the urgency to fast-track the build-up of depositors' insurance fund, currently put about N2 trillion.

The corporation said as a deposit insurer, which guarantees payment of deposits in the event of failure of a participating financial institution, shoring up the fund would enable it to pay depositors without recourse to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or national treasury.

NDIC Managing Director,

Mr. Hassan Bello, said in his inaugural address yesterday in Abuja that of recent, there have been calls from the industry for the corporation, in line with the law, to help insured financial institutions that need assistance.

He said: "We want to ensure that we do that in a timely manner to promote confidence and stability in the financial system. In line with our mandate as well, we want to ensure that there is an orderly and faster resolution of liquidated financial institutions where such licences have been revoked by the CBN.

"There are a number of challenges the corporation is facing. I have taken note of the comments made by the minister. If you look at the number of institutions that have been liquidated, about 49, the rate of recovery was really not that significant considering that out of 49 banks in liquidation, only about 10 that the corporation is able to pay a 100 per cent liquidation dividend. There is a need to enhance the powers of the corporation to be able to recover debts owed to liquidated institutions.

"There has been slow growth in the deposit

insurance fund. If the Act is reviewed, we will find a way to ensure that we can actually fast-track the build-up of this deposit insurance fund; this is necessary when you look back to the global crisis of 2007 and 2008 when the CBN had to bail out a number of banks; about N620 billion was injected by the CBN to liquidate those institutions and those liabilities that are being carried by AMCON (Asset Management Company of Nigeria) are due for settlement."

Bello stated that the country cannot afford to have a similar situation

should there be another crisis, adding that there is the need to fast-track the growth of deposit insurance fund to ensure that in the event of any crisis, depositors could be paid promptly without recourse to CBN or the treasury for a bailout.

Inaugurating Bello alongside the Executive Director (Operations) of NDIC, Mohammed Mustapha Ibrahim, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, said she was aware of issues that arose from the recently amended Banks and Other Financial Act (BOFIA)

2020, and expressed her willingness to resolve them.

She pledged the ministry's continuous support for the corporation in assisting it to discharge its mandate.

She thanked the NDIC for its contributions in maintaining financial system stability and commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the choice of both the managing director and the executive director.

According to her, experience has shown that the capital market has been supportive in providing funds to finance the government’s needs.

Buhari Wants NDDC, N’Assembly to Sustain Cooperation Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has lauded the cordial relationship existing between the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the National Assembly.

The president, who spoke yesterday at the virtual inauguration of the NDDC headquarters building in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, called for the sustenance of the relationship for the

development of the Niger Delta region.

While commending the management and staff of the NDDC for staying the course and keying into the reform agenda of his administration, President Buhari declared "I am particularly pleased to note the cordial relationship between the NDDC and the National Assembly and hope that this relationship will be strengthened further for the benefit of the people of the

Niger Delta region."

He also commended the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for his steadfastness in ending many years of renting by the commission, and the attendant profligacy.

His words: “I, therefore, use this opportunity to commend the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for providing the required leadership that saw to the completion of this

edifice."

The president said the land on which the NDDC headquarters was built was acquired by the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) in 1996, and was abandoned after series of design amendments.

“In 2015, as part of our administration’s cardinal objectives to kill corruption, some critical reforms were embarked upon, part of which was a holistic reform of the

NDDC for greater service delivery for the people of the region.

“To achieve this, I reassigned the supervision of the NDDC to the Hon. Minister of Niger Delta Affairs for administrative efficiency.

Second, was the appointment of Forensic Auditors to review the operations of the commission from inception to 2019 and to ensure that the appropriations made to the NDDC are commensurate

with what is on the ground,’’ the President explained.

President Buhari while urging the NDDC management to commit the funds used for renting to more rewarding benefits said “we are handing over to the people of Niger Delta, a befitting Head Office Complex for present and future use.

Consequently, huge yearly rentals would now be saved and deployed to other areas of needs in the region"

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PAGE TEN FG: WE HAVE FIREPOWER TO END INSURGENCY WITHOUT MERCENARIES the part of the government.

Buhari, who met behind closed doors with some traditional rulers, said he had given security chiefs marching orders to hunt down criminals, including shooting anyone found illegally bearing AK-47.

However, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, said the armed forces were working together to tackle insecurity.

Addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), stated that the services of mercenaries would no longer be required as the military has the firepower and expertise to defeat insurgents.

Monguno spoke following clamour that the federal government should enlist military contractors to bring a quick end to the anti-terror war.

Borno State Governor, Prof.

Babagana Zulum, rekindled the debate on the necessity of employing mercenaries to assist troops in combating the insurgency.

Zulum had also called on the federal government to seek the support of neighbouring countries in the fight against insurgency.

The governor in November 2020 had made a case for the employment of mercenaries as done by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Jonathan administration had used Specialised Tasks, Training, Equipment and Protection (STTEP), a South African company, to degrade the insurgents in the Northeast, making it possible for the reclaiming of some towns and villages from the insurgents, which eventually paved the way for the conduct of elections in many areas in Borno State in 2015.

The governor, at the North-east Governors' Forum meeting in Bauchi last week, restated his advocacy for the recruitment of foreign fighters in the fight against insurgency.

The House of Representatives, a week later, joined Zulum in demanding the recruitment of foreign mercenaries to assist in the fight against insurgency.

The House passed a resolution on Wednesday for the recruitment of foreign fighters following a motion moved by Hon. Abdulkadir Rahis, representing Maiduguri Metropolitan Federal Constituency.

But Hon. Manu Masur, representing Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency, moved for an amendment of the motion and asked the federal government to consider foreign-paid fighters.

The motion was adopted after it was put to a voice vote.

However, Monguno ruled out

the federal government seeking the help of mercenaries in the renewed onslaught against Boko Haram, revealing that troops have killed no fewer than 2,403 insurgents since the current administration took off in May 2015.

According to him, it is pointless re-engaging the mercenaries in the fight against Boko Haram since Nigeria has enough resources to deal with the situation.

He said: “The president’s view and the directive are that we will not engage mercenaries when we have our own people to deal with these problems. We have the personnel and resources, and the president has given a new lease of life to the armed forces.”

He stated that the federal government will also deploy all necessary force to eliminate insurgents and bandits rather than opening talks with them.

“We can’t be singing the same song every day, and these people are unreliable. They are ignoble; they are ready to undermine whatever agreement we have had. So, because of that, if the opportunity avails itself, of course, we will talk with responsible people from the side of those people. I don’t even know how to categorise them because it’s not as if they are looking for something you can point a finger at; it’s not some kind of nationalistic situation - something you can actually identify and relate to," he said.

Monguno described bandits and insurgents as a murderous group of individuals who are keyed up on drugs, adding that there is nothing to negotiate with them.

According to him, “While the government is not averse to talking to these entities, these human beings, I have to be very honest, the government has to apply its weight, that force that is required because you can’t even talk with people who are unreliable, who will turn out to do a different thing and people who will continue to hurt society.

“So, basically, what the government wants to rely upon is to deal with this issue by using all the assets – military assets, intelligence assets to eliminate these people.

“If along the line, some of them are ready to come out and talk and negotiate, when the time comes, we will do that but for now, we can’t keep on dwelling on let’s dialogue."

Monguno emphasised that negotiating with the criminals will suggest weakness and incapacity on the part of the government.

“Psychologically, it is not even good for us. It paints the picture of weakness; it paints the picture of incapacity, and I, just like what the governor of Kaduna State

said, do not see any reason why we cannot, with what we have, deal with these elements.

“These are people, who are not looking for anything that is genuine or legitimate; these are people who are just out to perform atrocities, to take calculated measures to inflict pain, violence on people,” he said.

He stated that the new direction of government “is to come out with full force,” adding that the government will not allow itself to be blackmailed by any group or any individual “who thinks he can hide under the surface and use proxies to deal a fatal blow on innocent people. I want to assure you categorically and unequivocally, government is going to apply full weight to deal with these criminals until such a time that they vacate the shores of this country.”

The NSA explained that is difficult to quantify achievements in the security sector, as most successes are operational in nature "which can only be satisfactorily narrated to the people in the complete absence of panic, etc.”

On the achievements of Buhari’s administration in the security sector since it assumed office on May 29, 2015, Monguno said the security forces have killed 2,403 insurgents, sea pirates and freed 864 kidnapped persons.

He stressed the need for cooperation among the different arms of government to fashion out and apply new laws to deal with insecurity in the country.

He added that it makes no sense using 1958 laws to punish today’s offences.

He listed major issues impeding efforts at battling insecurity as personnel shortage and lack of equipment, adding that Buhari has now given the go-ahead to address the problems.

He also called on people to assist security agencies with Intelligence to overcome the asymmetric war as only locals can provide information to apprehend criminals among them.

Armed Forces Working in Synergy, Says Irabor The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Leo Irabor, has said the armed forces are working together to tackle the security challenges confronting the nation.

He dismissed insinuations of lack of synergy among them.

Irabor, during a visit with other service chiefs to the 2 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army in Ibadan said the visit was to demonstrate leadership by example.

"The armed forces of today demand that every of the services

work together given that the threat that we face required partnership and collaboration. The misconceived ideas or opinions in the town by those who are uninformed to the effect that the armed forces are working in disparity group are not true.

"What we have been doing today is to let you know that disparity does not exist, we have come today to be an encouragement team to work together and let you know the directive of the president," he stated.

He said Buhari had directed them to ensure they restore peace and security to the country within a few weeks in conjunction with other security agencies.

He lauded the officers for what they have been doing so far and charged them not to rest on their oars.

He also urged them to ensure that they overcome the security challenges facing the country within the shortest time possible.

He assured the officers that much is being done on their welfare while charging them to be disciplined in order to end terrorism.

The service chiefs also visited the Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde, where they promised to redouble efforts at ending insecurity.

Buhari Promises Tough Times for Criminals President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday told traditional rulers that he has given security chiefs marching orders to hunt down criminals, including shooting anyone found illegally bearing AK-47.

The president, at a meeting with the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria co-chaired by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, at the State House, Abuja, appraised them with efforts by the government to improve the security situation in the country.

Buhari, in a statement by his media adviser, Mr. Femi Adesina, said his administration had recorded successes in the North-east and South-south.

The meeting was attended by security chiefs, including Monguno, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu; the Director-General of Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Yusuf Bichi, and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

Buhari said: ‘‘But what

surprises me is what is happening now in the North-west where the same people, with the same culture, are killing each other, taking their livestock and burning property. As a result of that, we had a four-hour meeting of the National Security Council attended by the Ministers of Internal Affairs, Defence, Foreign Affairs, Service Chiefs, Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector General of Police and others and we gave clear instructions. ‘‘One thing that got to the press, which I read myself, was that anyone with an AK-47 will be shot. This is because AK-47 is supposed to be registered and it is only given to security officials.

“We closed the borders for some years but the intelligence report I’m getting on a daily basis is that those who are conducting the abductions, the killings and so on are still not short of arms and ammunition."

The president expressed dismay over the attacks on police stations and killings of security personnel by criminals, stating that no investor will invest in a country that is unsafe.

Buhari also stressed the need for traditional rulers to use their roles and positions as bridge builders to complement the government's efforts at ensuring peace and security.

He appealed to the traditional rulers to deploy their influence in assisting the government to fish out criminals.

He also pledged that his administration would continue to support and work with them to ensure peace and stability. ‘‘By your role and positions with a history dating back hundred years, the people trust you implicitly and in return you provide them with comfort and guidance in accordance with our cultural heritage and traditions.

‘‘You are the bridge builders in each of your communities. No one is better placed with your strength of moral authority to ensure that people who visit your communities for either business, leisure or any honest and credible reason are protected and made to feel at home," he added.

In separate remarks, the royal fathers stressed the need for the traditional institution to be assigned definite roles in the constitution, particularly on peace and security. They also sought regular engagement with the National Assembly.

The royal fathers that made interventions at the meeting were the Sultan of Sokoto, the Ooni of Ife, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe; the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; King Jaja of Opobo, Dr. Dandeson Douglas Jaja; Emir of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu; Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammad Iliyasu; and the Alawe of IlaweEkiti, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the royal fathers expressed concern over the increasing rate of kidnappings and banditry in some parts of the country.

The Etsu Nupe, who spoke on behalf of the royal fathers, said they harped on the need for the government to urgently address the situation.

“We gathered ourselves and feel that yes, there is a need for us to come and let the president know that the situation is telling very hard on our people and there is a need to take urgent and immediate steps to actually check the situation,” he stated.

He said the royal fathers, drawn from all the six geopolitical zones, decided to go back to the old tradition of identifying visitors in their domains and sharing intelligence with security agencies to combat insecurity.

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MONARCHS MAKE CASE FOR ROLE IN CONSTITUTION Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, said Ironsi’s 1966 Unitary Government Decree; Gowon’s and Obasanjo’s 1967 and 1976 Local Government Reforms Decrees, respectively, stripped traditional rulers of their powers and gave same to local government councils.

According to him, before the 1976 local government reforms, which stripped traditional rulers of their powers, Nigeria was at that time progressive, peaceful, decent and full of beautiful traditions and cultures.

The traditional rulers thereby called on the National Assembly Joint Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution to create roles for traditional rulers in matters involving religion, culture, security, justice and other ancillary matters.

The monarchs, in a memorandum presented yesterday to the Senate Constitution Review Committee by the Chairman, Coordinating Committee of the Council and Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya

Abubakar, who represented the Sultan, blamed the government for neglecting the traditional rulers who would've helped to douse conflicts and ensure criminals have no hiding place.

The memo said: ''Currently, traditional rulers do not have the constitutional or other legal backings to perform effectively as they are not even mentioned in 1999 Constitution. This is a great departure from all earlier constitutions that recognised them, and even gave them some functions to perform. ''Constitutionally and protocol wise, traditional rulers are relegated to the ‘background.

However, the colonialists needed them to consolidate their indirect rule, the politicians needed them to stabilise their governments and the military needed them to gain acceptance.

All the respective levels of governments needed them to maintain peace and security; as traditional rulers were always at hand to douse conflict that the police, the military and the

government officials could not contain. ''Traditional rulers should be accorded specific responsibilities for conflict and security management in their domains.

This involvement, devoid of partisanship, would enable active participation of traditional institutions in matters pertaining to the maintenance of peace and security in their communities.''

The royal fathers also sought to be involved in the recruitment into the police, army and other security agencies to help eliminate the possible recruitment of miscreants into the security forces. ''This could be done by integrating traditional rulers into the screening process to ensure that officers and recruits are of good character. The official involvement of traditional rulers (particularly the districts, village and wards heads under the supervision of the kings, emirs and chiefs) in security matters will ensure that bad eggs do not find hiding places

in their localities since new faces in the community will easily be detected and investigated. ''The constitutional provision should provide for states to enact state laws to cater for specific peculiar matters relating to traditional rulers in the respective states. In addition, the chairmen of the states' Councils of Chiefs should be recognised by the constitution as members of the Council of State as it has been in all the Nigerian constitutions, except 1999," the monarchs stated.

Responding to their requests, the Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Constitution Review Committee, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, told the traditional rulers that their requests were not too much to ask, urging them to lobby lawmakers at the national and state legislatures, who are their subjects, for their requests to sail through.

He stated that there's a need to deepen partnership as the government is better able to

fulfill its primary obligation of safeguarding the lives and property of citizens, especially at the grassroots with the collaboration of the traditional rulers.

Omo-Agege assured them that the review will be open, impartial, inclusive and transparent in order to afford all Nigerians the opportunity to contribute to the process.

He said: ''Our experience in recent years inclines us more to the fact that our country’s path to greatness lies in the ability to maintain a fusion between democratic institutions and the traditional institution. In the days ahead, the committee will be holding a national public hearing, followed by the zonal public hearings and invitations will be extended to Your Royal Majesties, Highnesses to attend and make inputs at these hearings. Surely, and without a doubt, the success of the process will rest on your beneficent support and partnership.''

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021

COMMENT

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

WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE?

The possibility of becoming a millionaire should be open to all lawful citizens and not a reward for deviants Oludayo Tade

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wenty-two years of democratic journey (1999-2021) has brought little dividends for the Nigerian burgeoning hoi-polloi who endures unemployment, battle poverty, die untimely in ill-equipped health infrastructure, train their children in grossly underfunded schools, and are governed by parasitic leadership. The value of what civil servants earned in 1999 was better than what they earn in 2021. These social problems are compounded by rising insecurity and intractable corruption. Some people now raise prayer warriors to ask the Supreme Being to grant them journey mercies as they dare to navigate the valley of death on Nigeria’s hellish roads—don’t blame them, even the Prince of Daura said only God can guard Nigeria’s borders. Politrickcians scammed Nigerians with promises that are jettisoned immediately after mounting the podium of power and authority. Millions/billions of naira from the common patrimony are then diverted for personal and familial uses. They have created a monstrous followership currently fighting against the system that sidelined them. The story is the same from parasitic leadership in the North who callously nurtures almajirai system but train their own children abroad to their photocopies in the South, who cannot provide free education, reduce unemployment or effectively protect their people from internal and external insecurities.

The abandoned children, including their out-of-school comrades have now come of age and dominate the population of rising insurgent citizens. Through banditry, kidnapping and armed robbery and pilfering of commonwealth, the kingdom of Nigeria suffers violence and the violent are taking it by force. Join Politics and with a Degree Certificate in Forest Banditry and Highway Kidnapping, you are on your way to becoming a millionaire with opportunity to speak and dine with the shakers and movers of Nigeria. Indeed, a Diploma Certificate in Mass Kidnapping skill is an added advantage in 2021 Nigeria.

Popular Television show, who wants to be a millionaire metaphorically approximate the state of affairs in post-colonial Nigeria where people leverage on their intellectual prowess to answer questions as they move up the ladder of monetary reward from few thousands to guaranteed sums of money. Poorly managed or unanswered questions could cause major loss from N500,000 to N250,000. Just like real life situation, participants are provided with lifelines: they can call a friend, ask the computer to retain one right and one wrong answer, and they may decide to walk away with the sum of money they have won.

Crime script analysis shows that kidnapping and banditry are scripted shows just like it is in becoming Governor, Senator, or President.

Through hiring of thugs and unleashing of violence and millions of naira, politrickcians emerge flag bearers. After comparing and rating themselves with their opponents on a scale of fifty-fifty, they ruthlessly affirm themselves as next office occupier. To achieve this, they need to ‘call a friend’ to assist with the realisation of their political goal. It is immaterial if this needed friend is a thug, a corrupt person, warlord or more. What is important is how useful the evil friend will contribute to his/her enthronement. They canvass people across divides, lure people to their side, and collectively rape people of their mandate through

violence. After mounting the podium through violent instrumentality, they are called “his Excellency”, “honourable”, “distinguished Senator”, ‘Honourable Chairman’ and ‘Powerful Special Advisers’ among others. Now on the other side, they want to push aside those who enthroned them. Their allies are now working for them to get amnesty or possibly a Federal Ministry of Forest Bandits Commission. In other words, banditry is being pushed to enjoy federal character or is it quota system? Nigeria is treading on a dangerous path if ‘Gumism’ (a pleading that unmerited amnesty should be given to armed Fulani bandits occupying Forests and bearing weapons of war to kill, rape and kidnap in exchange for millions of naira) is allowed to flourish.

Criminal gangs across the country will occupy their own forest area, kidnap; rape and make millions while people preaching Gumism will plead the State to grant them amnesty.

Who wants to be a millionaire therefore deconstructs the process through which social support is employed for positive outcomes on the show to make millions. Just as it is on who wants to be a millionaire show, kidnappers abduct their victims, profile them to knowing their network of relations to know the amount of money to demand as ransom. Thinking of survival, the captives think of where help would come from and call a person within his/her network to negotiate and raise money for him/her to be able to ‘walk away’ alive. Everyone concerned begins to struggle to raise the money. They also think of whether to inform the police or not having been warned not to do so by the kidnappers if they are interested in seeing their loved one alive. Calling a wrong person who does not have solution may be costly to the live of the person in captivity. Any wrong move could result in death and this is why most trusted persons are contacted to help during this period. Those who pay ransom on time and cooperate with bandits/kidnappers, get to walk away alive. Sadly, those who try to prove smart, gets the corpse of their loved ones.

WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE PRESENTS THE SAD STATE IN NIGERIA WHERE VIOLENCE RULES AND THE VIOLENT IS REWARDED WHILE THE LAW-ABIDING PEOPLE ARE TERRORISED BY THE STATE

Nigerians have been kidnapped by politrickcians who promised change and next level but unleashes poor economy, ethnic disunity and insecurity. Ongoing experiences of insecurity and dashed hopes are enough to spur Nigerians to rewrite their own history and reject hushpuppic politrickcians in 2023. To sum up, who wants to be a millionaire presents the sad state in Nigeria where violence rules and the violent is rewarded while the law-abiding people are terrorised by the State. When the state stifles law abiding citizens and slams them behind bars, the message being sent is that there is reward for violence. When governments that cannot provide funding to revitalise public primary and secondary schools as well as universities, spends money to train terrorists abroad, the message to those going to school is that they are missing their way to making cool millions in criminal world. We need to encourage and incentivise lawful behaviour and punish criminals. The possibility of becoming a millionaire should be open to all lawful citizens and should not be a reward for negative deviants.

Dr Tade, a sociologist sent this piece via dotad2003@yahoo.com

LABOUR AND THE DOWNSTREAM SECTOR Baba Alkasim Baba urges labour to review its hard stance on deregulation of the downstream sector

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igerians across Abuja, Suleja, Kano, Lagos, Enugu and Port Harcourt recently experienced heart-rending petrol scarcity arising from public fears of a speculated increase in the pump price of petroleum, an ugly spectacle which many thought was history.

Not even the often-repeated assurances by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) that the ex-depot price of the commodity will not be increased this month could dissuade desperate motorists from thronging fuel stations in search of elusive commodity.

Industry watchers had assumed that the deregulation of downstream oil sector since last March meant that petrol sale would be market-driven, apart from sanitizing the petroleum products supply system and insulating it from intermittent shocks. To a large extent, that had been achieved.

In the past four years, motorists of different social status, ranks, regions and religion were used to driving into fuel stations and filling up their tanks without worrying about queues. Alas, the scarcity hit Nigerians, no thanks to the push-back by labour against the deregulation of the downstream oil sector.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) had always argued that in a market-oriented deregulation, any rise in the pump price of petroleum products would cause inflation and hardship and impoverish Nigerian workers by eroding the value of their earnings.

But government had robustly engaged and countered labour, saying that paying subsidy on petrol was economically unsustainable and the pain of deregulation would just be temporary,

explaining that the competition it would create would eventually force down petrol price.

Government had also contended that contrary to labour’s position that deregulation is anti-poor, the subsidy system which deregulation automatically abrogates only favours the rich who consume more of the subsidized petrol with their multiple exotic cars.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva and NNPC’s Group Managing Director, Mallam Mele Kyari, had maintained this argument in their engagements with labour over time. So how did we get to this dig-dong over subsidy?

The conundrum simply stems from the general belief that as citizens of an oil producing country, Nigerians ought to enjoy very low prices of petroleum products, if not for free, a thinking fueled by government without even factoring the costs of production, refining, and transportation of the oil to end users.

Selling petrol at the lowest possible price meant absence of market-driven process to recover the costs thereby forcing government to defray the costs through paying subsidy bill to marketers which, in no time ballooned to become a monstrous burden on government coffers amid foul cries among many Nigerians.

Oil industry sources said government had to make some quick moves such as selling crude to NNPC for local refining and domestic consumption at a subsidized rate. For example, when the crude at the international market sold for between $10 and $12 per barrel, it was sold to NNPC at $8 which enabled the NNPC to underwrite the subsidy but with the 2004 policy change when government insisted that it should pay at

international rate, price for the domestic crude, the subsidy challenge had become intractable.

Notwithstanding, since last year’s deregulation, analysts have praised the federal government for fulfilling its promise allowing market forces to determine the pump price of petrol which has seen the price fall from N145 per litre to N129, swinging to the current N162 in direct proportion to the rise and fall in the price of crude oil in the international market.

Though market efficiency and competition expected to accompany resumption of products importation by private sector marketers have not yet materialized due to scarce foreign exchange, the government ensured that marketers did not fleece members of the public through arbitrary pump price increases.

In the normal deregulated environment, the rise of the price of crude oil to $60+ per barrel would have ordinarily increased petrol’s pump price in the local market. The anticipation of that rise amid labour’s insistence on halting the deregulation process led to the resurgence of fuel queues across some cities.

While NNPC has continued to assure marketers and Nigerians that there would be no increase in the ex-depot price of petrol this month, the market is gradually responding to that assurance with some marketers hoarding the products in anticipation of price adjustment knowing that the 2021 Appropriation Act has no provision for subsidy.

As motorists resort to panic buying knowing that the current price of N162 per litre is unsustainable in the light of market realities, transport fares would automatically spiral throwing hapless Nigerians into greater hardship. The scenario raises

serious moral question for labour leaders opposed to deregulation, prompting many to wonder whose fight they are actually fighting. With deregulation, will Nigerians still suffer hardship in the face of volatile international oil prices? Is the temporary hardship of deregulation not better than the permanent hardship of anti-deregulation?

For many Nigerians it is time for labour to review its hard stance on deregulation as the pulse of workers whom they claim to represent presently suggest. They believe labour is alone singing the anti-deregulation song judging by the rapidity at which they have been losing support. For example, former NLC president and ex-governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, saw the light and converted into a deregulation apostle. Today, he is on the good side of history.

Also, members of the Civil Societies who were once staunch supporters of labour have begun to backtrack. Just recently, a Coalition of Nigerian Civil Society for Petroleum and Energy Security broke the ranks, cautioning Nigerians against allowing labour to plunge the nation into the unnecessary hardship often associated with acute fuel scarcity.

The convener, Mr. Timothy Ademola, called on labour leaders spearheading the resistance to the deregulation to note that the policy had already stabilized petroleum products supply across the country to the satisfaction of many Nigerians.

Rather than ride against popular public opinion in its opposition to deregulation, labour should urgently review its stance or risk losing its image.

Not retracing their steps amounts to prescribing a drug that is even worse and hurts than the ailment.

Kasim wrote from Abuja

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EDITORIAL THE ASSAULT ON FREE SPEECH The Nigerian constitution guarantees freedom of expression

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he recent arrest and detention of Salihu Yakasai by the Department of State Services (DSS) was a worrisome development. Following the abduction of 279 female students at Government Secondary School, Jangebe, Zamfara State, Yakasai, a media aide to Governor Abdullahi Ganduje had tweeted: “Clearly, we as APC government, at all levels, have failed Nigerians in the number one duty we were elected to do which is to secure lives and properties. Not a single day goes by without some sort of insecurity in this land. This is a shame! Deal with terrorists decisively or resign.”

It is not the first time Yakasai would publicly criticise the federal government. He was suspended by his principal last October following another tweet where he wrote: “I’ve never seen a government with zero empathy like that of Buhari. So many times when his people are going through a difficult time and expect some sort of tap on shoulder to reassure them that he is in charge, he failed to do so.” Unable to accept such consistent errant behaviour from a close aide, Governor Ganduje authorised Yakasai’s sack this SECTION 39 (1) OF THE time. But when his 1999 CONSTITUTION family declared him PROVIDES THAT ‘EVERY missing, accusing PERSON SHALL BE fingers were pointed ENTITLED TO FREEDOM at the DSS. IniOF EXPRESSION, tially, the Kano State INCLUDING FREEDOM directorate released TO HOLD OPINIONS AND a statement that he TO RECEIVE AND IMPART was not with them.

INFORMATION WITHOUT Following a social INTERFERENCE’ media campaign, DSS headquarters in Abuja confirmed holding him on some spurious grounds.

Although Yakasai has since been released, it is shameful that the DSS had to dabble into the issue in the first place.

In a democracy, we must protect the atmosphere of confident self-expression, the right to personal beliefs

Letters to the Editor

without molestation, the liberty to make choices and affirm personal convictions. This brazen assault on the fundamental rights of citizen Yakasai is flawed because it represents a crude attempt to truncate free expression and muddy our collective psyche and conscience. It undermines that respect and love of discourse and robust engagements that define the modern age.

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

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

ection 39 (1) of the 1999 Constitution provides that “Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information without interference.” Similarly, Article XIX of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides that “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” By the same token, Article IX of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights provides that “Every individual shall have the right to receive information and the right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law.”

Nigeria is a democratic nation that guarantees the rights of citizens, including their freedom of expression, within the ambit of the law. While nobody can question Governor Ganduje for sacking an aide who takes delight in embarrassing him on social media, the fact also remains that Yakasai committed no crime for which he should be arrested by the DSS. But we also understand the intolerance in the system and the manner the security agencies have become organs for regime protection - now interchangeable with national security.

With the example set in Abuja, the freedom of citizens who disagree with governors is increasingly being conscripted in many of the states. The All Progressives Congress (APC) enjoyed unfettered freedom when in opposition. The federal government must therefore be told in clear terms that Nigeria is a democratic nation and must follow the constitutional process to redress any infringement of the law.

Arbitrary arrest and detention of Nigerians for frivolous reasons must stop.

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

Remembering Imo’s Democratic Deficit

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arch 3, 2021 marked exactly one year that the Supreme Court declined to re-examine and correct herself in the case of Uzodimma vs Ihedioha/SC.1462/2019. While Hope Uzodimma flexes in the euphoria of a controversial mandate; the Supreme Court jurists are held captive by the conscience of their hearts, Imo is left to derail from its socioeconomic path. It is disheartening that in a 21st century, where advancing the frontiers of justice should be in the front burner, in Nigeria, we are neck deep in miscarriage of justice.

This contraption of miscarriage spearheaded by the Supreme Court ruling, just as Justice Cletus Nweze observed, will continue to haunt, not only the court, but Nigeria’s electoral jurisprudence. The precedence the judgement has set is that which erodes the basic tenets of democracy. Of having the voters and citizens elect their leaders without any obstruction or sidestepping prompted by any institution of state.

Although Imo State and her people are now facing the consequences of that miscarriage of justice, the greatest damage has been the clear erosion of faith in the Supreme Court as a great institution of justice, truth, fairness and equity. Rather, that institution is now seen as part of the Nigerian deep state, where the voices and rights of the masses are inconsequential, immaterial and of no effect. This is obvious, because the position of the court and its outcomes indicated that Imo voters have no constitutional rights to elect who becomes their governor.

By taking away those powers from the masses by way of judicial expedition, the Nigerian electoral jurisprudence has been battered and damaged with dire consequences. The decision of the apex court to a larger extent underscored the deterioration of principles of democracy - where political power resides with the people. And not a gathering of judges. What has now ensued in Imo is a complete democratic deficit - the people lacking faith in the system and courts pronouncement.

To further compound the problem in Imo State, the Supreme Court without any explanation has refused to hear the application asking the court to give effect to its ruling the case of Uche Nwosu vs APP & Others/SC.1384/2019. That seven months after filing the application, and the court is yet to deem it right to hear the matter or communicate to the litigants tells of the underbelly in the business of seeking for justice in Nigeria. The court has so far refused to adhere or abide to its judicial axiom that “justice delayed, is justice denied.” That notwithstanding, the court should be aware that the miscarriage of justice done to Imo will never filter away. Rather, before the eyes and hearts of men, it will be difficult for Imo citizens to have faith and confidence in the apex court. After all, the people in their hearts have openly refused to morally extend their mandate to Uzodimma as he is christened the Supreme Court Governor.

More worrisome is the fact that it’s not only in Imo that the Supreme Court is setting a bad precedence. In Cross River State, after two Supreme Court rulings, no one is certain about who is the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District. Two candidates from the same Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are laying claims to the mandate.

While Imo people have been left to embrace the decision of the court even in the midst of clear miscarriage of justice, the court should rather be concerned about its reputation to the outside world. It is not in good stead. It’s that of controversy and growling by the masses whom the court should serve. As Nigeria battles to foster peace and stability in perilous and dubious times, the judiciary should work hard to restore confidence in Nigeria’s judicial system and the courts. The best pathway to that ambition is for the courts to purge herself from overstepping its reach and inhibiting Nigeria’s electoral jurisprudence. The time to act is now.

Sopuruchi Ekeh, Owerri, Imo State

Appeal To Governor Sanwoolu

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thank the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo olu for the new Pen Cinema Bridge constructed for us and officially opened by the governor on 5th March, 2021. The Oba Ogunji Road the new bridge joins also received attention, giving the road an expressway look. But the joy of this beautiful infrastructure also comes with some fear.

That’s why I am using this medium to beg the governor to please put into consideration the plight of many residents of different estates located within the vicinity of the bridge and road, many of whom are elderly, feeble, or with other health challenges, who make use of the road, and have to take the risk of crossing the wide road for various daily activities. Also, for our children and wards who go to school or go on errands for the homes from time to time.

If this request is granted, it will reduce the risk of accidents and fatalities that could arise when crossing the road.

Damian C. Odoemena, Agege, Lagos

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY MARCH 12, 2021

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POLITICS

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

Obiano’s Other Cheek and Unoka of the Things Fall Apart Nwachukwu Obidiwe, an Abuja-based journalist and public affairs analyst disagrees with Anambra Governor Governor Willie Obiano’s lieutenant for trying to bring Dr Chris Ngige, a former governor of the state into disrepute

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n the eve of another governorship election, fear of missing out (FOMO) is enveloping the ruling party in Anambra State. The image maker of the incompetent Governor, James Eze has been doom-scrolling, an attempt to re-wire our nervous system and force our brains to process our dear state as unsafe without APGA. James is very unlikely to succeed but in converse, anyway, the fast-tracked retardation of the state is capable of causing that posttraumatic stress disorder for anyone who knew the prosperous state, Governor Willie Obiano inherited in 2013.

Eze has been making futile attempts to shut out a meteor, to badly deconstruct the Sen. Chris Ngige enigma. Unfortunately, one ugly phenomenon, developing among the ruling class at Awka Government House is the decline of readership.

This may have led to a radical decline in the sophistication of thoughts and acts of governance. A foremost scholar of Mass communication, Prof. Charles Okigbo had in an NIPR lecture years back in Lagos, warned that today’s generation will have to battle the decline of readership as it was being eclipsed by viewership. But this scholar from Ojoto in Idemili South might not have thought of the debilitating effects of his warnings in Anambra Government House. The culture of watching Africa Magic during office hours has successfully infested Gov. Obiano’s Exco Chambers from a nearby educational institution sharing fence with it. The non-academic staff of the institution were lately in the news for obsession with films during working hours. Except few, I doubt anyone reads or is interested in research among the clique that govern the state .

Otherwise, how could the spokesman of the Governor, not ignorant of the court judgements which declared that Sen. Chris Ngige was governor and all actions he performed in office, legal, go ahead to claim that “Obiano restored erstwhile Governor Chris Ngige to the official memory of the state?

For the records, Obiano did not restore Ngige to the official memory of the State.

The courts did on one hand, while his unbeatable achievements as governor did the rest. Recall that Speaker Mike Balonwu and other members of the State House of Assembly had approached Justice C.O Nweke of the State High Court, with pleas bordering on the tenure of the House and other reliefs, implicit with annulment of the tenure of Ngige as governor and by it, all his acts in office. The Hon. Justice on September 17, 2007 dismissed the case and chided the applicants thus, “ Anambra people knew that Chris Nwabueze Ngige passed through this State as Governor and that it was only when Dr. Chris Ngige left the scene that members of the House started to act like sheep without shepherd.” The Judge added that before the nullification, the Governor was lawfully sworn in and all acts performed as governor were legal and enforceable in law.

Not satisfied, Gov. Peter Obi who was sponsoring the senseless suit as part of his scorched earth measures to ghost Ngige’s legacies did not rest as he egged on the ‘boys’ to the Enugu Division of the Appeal Court, where in a lead Judgment on June 26, 2008, Justice Victor Omage upheld the judgement of the High court and declared, “ Governor Ngige exercised for two years (sic) all the functions of a governor . Nothing in law has nullified those actions , though his appointment has been nullified. All the acts performed

by him in that period as governor are legally performed. The nullification of his election has made him to cease the performance of those functions as governor, but the actions made by him at a time

before his nullification remain valid and enforceable at law. To hold otherwise will engender chaos.”

When the matter came before the Supreme Court, the team of justices led

Time to End Akpabio’s Charade Boma Ebiakpo, National Chairman of Niger Delta Peoples Forum, amplifies the calls for the swearing-in of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission without further delay

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resident Muhammadu Buhari must not sit by and let the charade orchestrated by Niger Delta Minister Chief Godswill Akpabio at the NDDC continue. Under the ruse of an audit, Chief Akpabio has commandeered the NDDC as his personal estate, which he executes as he wishes.

For one and a half years (Since October 2019) he has caused the NDDC to be run by a succession of interim managements while putting on hold the Governing Board nominated by Mr President and confirmed by the Senate in line with the NDDC Act. In the last 18 months (since October 2019), the NDDC has had three illegal Interim Managements imposed on it contrary to the provisions of the NDDC Act. The first was headed by Joi Nunieh, the second

by Prof Daniel Pondei (Akpabio’s former classmate at Federal Government College Port Harcourt), and the third is the current Interim Sole Administrator in the person of Effiong Okon Akwa who was previously Akpabio’s staff while he was Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

When he illegally brought in the first Interim Management Committee in October 2019, the minister said it was to supervise a forensic audit of the NDDC and will last for six months only after which the Governing Board will be inaugurated as required by the law - the NDDC Act. He said the audit would end in six months but by February of 2020 he sacked the acting managing director of that IMC in the person of Ms Joi Nunieh and appointed Prof Daniel Pondei (his former classmate at Federal Government College PortHarcourt) in her place with a fresh promise that the audit would be completed by December 2020, an extension of nine months. As that promised date approached he sacked the Interim Management Committee headed by Pondei and appointed his former personal aide Effiong Okon Akwa as Interim Sole Administrator with a renewed promise that the audit would be completed by the end of March 2021 and the Governing Board put in place

on the first of April. Now that the promised date has drawn close, Akpabio is now saying that the audit will end ‘in a few months’ after which the Board will be put in place.

This duplicitous tendency has chronicled the manner in which the NDDC under Akpabio is run.

In this period from October 2019 to date, Akpabio has caused the NDDC to be run by illegal interim managements in breach of the law and has squandered over N400 billion of its money which rightly belongs to all people of the Niger Delta from the nine constituent states in fictitious contracts.

The minister made his new statement about ending the audit and bringing in the Governing Board “in a few months” in response to the demands of Governors of the oil-producing Niger Delta states who met in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Tuesday, March 9th and demanded that the Governing Board should be put in place immediately in line with the NDDC Act or the financial allocations to the NDDC (aside from salary payments) should be kept in an escrow account pending the putting in place of the Board.

The Governors were unequivocal in their demands in the statement read by the Governor of Delta State and Chairman of the South-south Governors Forum, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, who said that the running of the NDDC in over one year by an Interim Caretaker Committee, and now, an interim administrator is worrisome as it does not augur well for the people of the Niger Delta as opportunity for all states to be represented as they ought to be represented in the board of the NDDC does not exist. According to the Governors, “So, it means that the NDDC is actually run in such a manner that it is actually not truly beneficial to our people, because there are no stakeholders input in the running of the affairs of the NDDC.” NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

by Mahmud Mohammed on December 4, 2009 upheld the Appeal Court judgement and directed that “ the fact he (Ngige) had to vacate office at the end of the court proceedings challenging his election in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act cannot invalidate any powers or duties exercised or performed by him while in office.” It is very unfortunate therefore that Obiano’s managers do not know this while selling ignorance in the market that Ngige was “ stripped of the halo of all former governors.”

The truth is that Peter Obi did not obey these judgements and it is no surprise. All through, Obi licked his wounds that he didn’t succeed in obliterating Ngige from official records through the courts. The Justice Ononiba Panel which he earlier set up to nail Ngige after denying that he left a whopping N13. 8 billion also failed him.

Ononiba didn’t only confirm Ngige left the money but also heaped encomiums on him for selfless service to the state. So, Obiano merely discharged an obligation after his Executive Council drew his attention to the judgments. It is not a favour, sure! But which pension is being talked about here? Ngige has neither received pension nor the status-approved pecks of office for former governors of the state .

As a member of the seventh senate(2011 – 2015) he declared ineligibility for pensions and notified the State government to that effect. That status remains ever since his appointment as Minister in 2015. Or will anyone kindly provide evidence that he has ever drawn pension from the State government?

To further argue that Ngige “rose to power through the backdoor and flushed out through the court,” also holds no water. It is illogical that at that time of bandwagon politics, a ruling political party lost the governorship but won the presidential poll conducted in the same booths, on the same day. The connivance of the presidency and the pressure on Justice Nabaruma Election Tribunal is well known but probably not to the governor’s aide who is a complete stranger to Anambra State and only interested in his pot of soup.

But is anyone surprised at the dismal fiasco in Anambra government circle when our Governor, another Tiberus Caesar, flees here and there to the Island of Capri in chase of pleasure, while Caesar’s wife, Vipsania, bursts the trove of foolish megalomania with regular show-off of opulence? Where a commissioner resigned to shield his integrity from festering corruption and is kidnapped for weeks? When the head is rotten is a well-known dictum.

But James did not obviously seek to understand or find out from his boss why Ngige has a “ word of reproach for Obiano.” Now, know it. Obiano, represents the allegory of a child whose parents readied for the farming season by providing a fertile piece of land and everything needed for bumper harvest. The child did not only eat all the yams, arguing it was profitable to buy from the market, he also sold the farm, hoes, and squandered the proceeds at a local palm wine joint, only to go about borrowing like Unoka in Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart.- James, this is why Ngige criticizes Obiano. Anambra was a metaphorical fertile farm with predictable successive bumper harvests until the locusts and weevils landed in 2013 and devastation set in.

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

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY MARCH 12, 2021

17

PERSPECTIVE

Archie, Meghan and British Racism

How Ojo Amos Saved the National Assembly from Fraudulent ICT Contractors

Omotosho Benjamin, a human rights activist and a social commentator condemns the activities of faceless groups making allegations of financial Chido Nwangwu, Publisher, USAfricaonline.com infractions against the Clerk of the National Assembly weighs-in on the prevailing controversy surrounding n 2018, driven by the need for Nigean interview granted by British royal couple, Prince ria’s National Assembly to be at par with what is globally acceptable in Harry and his wife, Meghan which suggests that the parliamentary democracy, in terms of to date internet connectivity, the then monarchyisguiltyofdecadesofviolentdiscrimination, up Clerk to the National Assembly, Barr. Ataba destruction of families and institutional plunder of Sani-Omolori, hired Helios, Nanocom, and Cosynet as contractors to provide ‘lnternet many countries and cultures Bandwidth Connectivity Upgrade’ for the

I

A

rchie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, is easily the most popular baby in the world —this week; at least in the United States and the United Kingdom. He has always been appreciated by many who have followed the story of his birth, alongside the drama of the British monarchy — specifically the gangster games the Windsors’ play and have played.

The baby with a very handsome and friendly smile was born on May 6, 2019 to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. His mother, Meghan, is also a product of mixed marriage.

Her mother is African-American and her father is a Caucasian.

Meghan was born and raised in Los Angeles, California So, that makes the young baby an American citizen as well as a British citizen.

It will really be nice to have Archie run for President of these United States around the 2050s.

As the British tabloid media world went into an apoplectic frenzy after the explosive interview Oprah Winfrey had with Meghan and her husband Harry, this racism and bigotry problems within the British monarchy became the issue of interest across the world. It exposed the monarchy for their decades of violent discrimination, destruction of families and institutional plunder of many countries and cultures — while at the same time pretending to be the source of light and progress; that they, the British colonialists and neocolonialists were the only train to civilization and salvation.

They did and still do some crazy, bigoted stuff that remind millions of their exploitative decimation, divide-and-rule power play, and callous indifference to the general well-being of the “natives” in the colonized units of the British Commonwealth. But this time, those that I

would classify as the neo-natives are from the within their gated environments, they are their own flesh and blood. The ‘House of Windsor ’ decided to go to a foolish battle which they will continue to lose, namely, as the bullhorn brigade for bigotry and racism.

Imagine how evil exposes itself.

With their fury and malice to deprive an innocent two-year old Archie what should be his right, I know that the conniving squad of spin doctors at the Buckingham palace, Times of London and The Mail, could not twist enough facts and distort enough details of the unfolding catastrophic events, especially regarding the monarchy and the lovely Archie.

Thanks to the dexterity and special skills of Oprah, Meghan and Harry were able to tell their stories with grace, calmness sense of higher purpose.

On the other side, on ITV London, we were treated to the tawdry spectacle of the loquacious, mendacious and utterly hypocritical Piers Morgan overdose on his concoction of lies and conceit and infantile malice!

He jumped in, head first. Worse, he dismissed everything the Duchess raised as false! Especially, what were cases of potentially suicidal depressive events in the life of Archie’s gracious mother.

Piers jumped into a cauldron….

Third, the man had the same dismissive response to the issue of the so-called “concern” of one of the members of the British monarchy who wondered and discussed the implications of Megan and Harry’s — at the time — unborn son Archie’s possible dark brown skin colour/tone.

Meghan told Oprah — who was jaw-dropping shocked — that a family member raised with Harry “concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when born.”

Meghan hinted Archie was denied the title of “Prince” because of his mixed-race, arguing it is his birthright title with the security protection that goes with it” “It’s not their right to take it away.”

The cold truth is that the backroom managers and fixers at the the British monarchy consider(ed) it worthy of their heritage and posterity to chose the side of darkness, in this 22nd century! All in the name of being on “Her Majesty’s service! Again, for all of its iniquity, the British monarchy has become the reflective emblem of racial antagonism and banner of lies, extortion, brigandage and gangsters’ paradise — for a long time.

nation’s highest legislative body.

Unknown to the former Clerk, by entrusting the provision of Internet Bandwidth Connectivity to the companies, he was making a costly mistake. The mindless and selfish breach of the contractual agreements that were later perpetrated gave credence to this.

Worried and quite uncomfortable with the ugly development, less than one year later precisely in September 2019, Omolori ordered a forensic audit of the activities of the contractors. A reputable Information and Communication Technology (ICT) company known as Sunnet System and Datacom Services Limited was engaged.

The eventual results and reports of that exercise exposed terrible ‘can of worms’ and unbridled corruption that were being perpetrated by the ICT firms hired by the Barr. Omolori.

Among others, it was revealed that a critical component of the contractual agreements entered with the three contractors by the National Assembly, was neglected; the agreement was ‘that the Autonomous Systems Number (ASN) for the National Assembly Network must be autonomous from the service providers, as a unique identification number. But unfortunately, the ASN, a supposedly government entity was actually registered as a private company by one of the vendors.’ This is as curious as it is a security breach.

Again, the Internet Protocol ( IP), bought for the National Assembly with 1,024 public IP Addresses , only 256 were assigned to the National Assembly, while the remaining 786 IP Addresses were assigned to one of the firms, using National Assembly network infrastructure and resources for private use’. This is equally criminal. The other contractual infractions unearthed by the audit are in this order.

The Managing Director of one of the ICT contractors, was an official administrator of ASN, and a major stakeholder in another firm that is the registered owner of the ASN purportedly arranged for the National Assembly.

The management of the ASN was solely placed in the hands of two of the contractors; a major exposure that the National Assembly Network could have been manipulated for personal gains or be held to ransom’.

The sensitive National Assembly enterprise server infrastructure containing data base of legislators, management staff to National Assembly were in the hands of a Ghanaian, the Chief Operating Officer, who as findings showed ‘ was involved in clandestine espionage activities’ during his contract with the National Assembly.

It was also revealed that his contract which began in 2014, to supply Microsoft licenses and deploy Microsoft for only three months for the National Assembly expired in 2016, but he refused to hand over the credentials of the National Assembly servers to the ICT department, until Ojo Olatunde Amos came in July 2020.

More worrisome was the discovery that, he has setup a private connection “tunnel/ VPN” directly from his private residence to the National Assembly ICT infrastructure, that allows him to have unfettered access to

both the infrastructure and sensitive documents of NASS without the consent of the National Assembly ICT. Additionally, hired Helios staff had IP Addresses and email addresses with NASS domain (e.g. helios@ nass.gov.ng), with which they carried out correspondences as if it were officially for National Assembly.

Consequently, the report of the Project Appraisal by Sonnet System and Datacom Services Limited, recommended that because”MS Nanocom failed the entire network integrity test carried out and considering the MD’s questionable role in the NASS ASN registration saga, hence vendor should be disengaged’. Furthermore, “MS Navadee Nigeria Limited has failed to source bandwidth from the NCC licensed Tier- 1 Service providers, hence the company should be disengaged’.

Again, “a gross misconduct act was established against MS Compsysnet Ltd, by colluding with MD of Nanocom Nigeria LTD to register NASS for ASN for their company’s commercial venture... Thus, MS Compsysnet Ltd should be disengaged’ as National Assembly ICT consultant”.

Yet Sani-Omolori, for reasons best known to him, could not act on that timely recommendations.

But as soon as Ojo Olatunde Amos came on board on July 17th, 2020, he initiated a systemic revolution in the ICT activities within the National Assembly.This is how Ojo Olatunde Amos rescued the National Assembly from the orchestrated security and economic sabotage by the fraudulent Information and Communication Technology (ICT) contractors. He diligently and dispassionately acted on the audit report that indicted the contractors mentioned above.

He bravely took significant actions as being guided by the recommendations. Ojo Olatunde Amos succeeded in recovering the National Assembly ICT infrastructure from the desperate cartel that held the nation’s highest legislative body to ransom; he took time to block all the remote tunnel created for the contractors’ remote control of the National Assembly ICT infrastructure.

Today and under Ojo’s, watch, the internet bandwidth connectivity has been upgraded, from 930MPPS (shared connectivity) to 1.55GBPS with connectivity extended to the residences of top leadership and management officials of the National Assembly.

As a result of the COVID-19 reality, he has arranged unlimited remote control protocol mobile data with Mifi devices for all Senators, House of Representatives members, top management staff to Director Cadre, NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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FRIDAY MARCH 12, 2021 •T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͰ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

BUSINESSWORLD

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

ͳ ˜ Ͱ ͮ Ͱ ͯ MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

REPO 15.33 % 16.33 %

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

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EXCHANGE RATE N379/1US DOLLAR* *AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes

FAAN Backs Aviation Cargo Conference

WELCOME TO NPA

L-R: The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala-Usman presents the authority’s corporate plaque to the Assistant Director, SERVICOM, Presidency, Ngozi Akinbodewa, who paid her a working visit at the Corporate Headquarters in Marina, Lagos…recently

New Airlines Emerge in Nigeria as Global Aviation is Threatened Chinedu Eze New airlines are emerging in Nigeria to take care of the low capacity in the air transport industry. Signals from different parts of the world have shown that it will take years for the air transport industry to recover fully from the devastating effects of COVID-19, as many renowned airlines are going under, some merging, while thousands of aviation workers are losing their jobs.

And with indications that the Nigerian industry currently suffers from low capacity, new airlines are emerging even it is believed that more operating aircraft are needed in the country.

The former Chief Executive

AVIATION Officer (CEO) of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, told THISDAY that in Nigeria there would be growth in the industry because the sector is currently underserved that it therefore needs more airlines and more aircraft to meet the surging demand.

He noted that as road transport continues to be unsafe due to security threats and rail transport is yet to connect all parts of the country, there would continue to be high demand for air travel in the country.

But industry analysts said Nigeria’s case is going to be an isolated one because global prediction indicated that 2021

would still be a tough year for the aviation industry and that the sector would begin to ease out next year, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Reports indicate that Virgin Airways has fired more than 3,000 people including 600 Pilots. Virgin Australia has filed for bankruptcy. African carrier, Air Mauritius has gone into administration just as South African Airways has become bankrupt.

Finish carrier, Finnair has returned 12 planes and laid off 2,400 people. Ryanair grounded 113 planes and got rid of 900 pilots for the moment and possibly 450 more in the coming months.

Norwegian airliner, ASA

has completely stopped its long-haul operations and the Boeing 787s in its fleet have been returned to the lessors.

Scandinavian airline, SAS has returned 14 planes and fired 520 pilots and the Scandinavian states are said to be studying a plan to liquidate Norwegian and SAS to rebuild a new company from their ashes.

In the Middle East, Ethiad cancelled 18 orders for A350, grounds 10 A380 and 10 Boeing 787 and laid off 720 staff.

Emirates grounded 38 Airbus A380s and cancelled all orders for the Boeing 777x (150 aircraft, the largest order for this type) and over 56 of Continued on page 20

Minister Explains Declining Agricultural Exports James Emejo in Abuja The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Sabo Nanono, has said the country had lost huge opportunities in its agricultural exports drive as a result of lack of extension workers to educate and guide export activities.

He noted that over the past four years, Nigeria had also been banned from the exporting its red beans into the European market because of the level of chemicals application in the crop, which is considered high for human consumption.

Speaking in Abuja at the opening of a training workshop for extension services agents in the 36 States of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the minister argued that these problems wouldn’t have arose, if there were extension workers to guide the farmers.

He pointed out that for local commodity crops including

AGRIC sesame seeds, herbiscus, soybeans and cassava among several others, to have meaningful export market, extension services must become a priority for the government and private sector.

The minister stated that over the years, extension work had been extremely useful in guiding farmers on how to plant, apply fertilizer, weed as well as time to harvest.

However, he said this important segment of agriculture had been relegated to the extent that extension workers are currently absent in some states.

He said a recent censor on extension work which was carried out about three years ago by the government, revealed that only about 16,000 extension workers existed throughout the country, although there are other private extension workers.

He added that the development had serious consequences for agriculture and economic growth.

However, he said the government had embarked on a programme to increase its extension workers to 75,000 within the next to three years.

He said:”The implications of this is that we are way behind the average of our farmers to an extension worker even our neighbours have gone far ahead of us.

“So, one of the important issues when I came on as minister is extension work.

I realised that we are losing a lot not only in direct production but also in post harvest because we lack enough extension workers to go round.”

The minister stressed that key issue for the country remained how to modernise agriculture adding that to create a platform between the sector and the industrial sector.

“But you have to have well

trained and well equipped extension workers,” he said.

Nanono, who reiterated the cardinal principles of the present administration to grantee food security, said mechanisation is the way forward in agricultural practice.

He, nonetheless, bemoaned the low level of tractorisation in the country, which he put at about seven tractors to 100 square kilometers.

He said:”It is supposed to be 127 tractors to 100 square kilometers. Kenya is the most mechanised country in Africa with 27 tractors per 100 square kilometers.

“If Nigeria is going to catch up with Kenya, it has to have 60,000 additional tractors in the country.

“And if we are going to create a strong synergy between agriculture and the industrial sector and play our role in the export of agricultural commodiContinued on page 20

TheChiefExecutiveOfficeroftheFederalAirportAuthorityofNigeriaCapt.

RabiuYadudu,hasthrownhisweightbehindthefirstinternationalaviation cargo conference‘Chinet‘21’,organisers oftheevent,Atqnews has said.

ThePublisherofAtqnews,rIkechiUko,saidthatthesupportofsomeNigerian governmentagenciesfortheconferenceslatedforAugust,2021inLagos is a verywelcomedevelopment.

“Nigeria has suffered for the first time in a decade a massive trade deficit accordingtotheNigerianBureauofStatistics(NBS).Exportsgrewby6%but stilllessthanimports.Thisdeficitcanbeseenattheairportseveryday.The questionis,whyisNigerianotexportinggoodsinlargequantities?”heasked.

Accordingto Uko,Nigeriaisacountryofover200millionresourcefulpeople that has depended a lot on imported goods, which has been eroding the national wealth.

“AlotofairlinesbringfreightersdailytoNigeriaandmostofthemflyoutempty.

Thereisaneedtochangethisdysfunctionalscenario.ChinetAviationCargo Conferencewillbeanannualconferencethatbringsallpotentialexporters; cargomanagers,logisticsfirms,airlines,airport,customsandeveryonein theaviationandcargoecosystemtochartapathwaythatenablesNigerians exportmore.WehavealreadyengagedstakeholdersinNigeriaandabroad to finda profitablerouteto growingandnetworkingthevalueChain.”

AmbassadorUkoexplainedthatwithCovid-19manycountriesresponded totheemergingglobaldynamicsbyseekingnewsupplypartnersforbasic goods.Thisnewreality,henoted,hasredefinedtheglobalsupplychain,adding thatNigeria needs to playa partintheemergingnewcargo ecosystem.

‘Growing Confidence Returns to Air Travel’

TheInternationalAirTransportAssociation(IATA)hasannouncedresultsfrom itslatestpollofrecenttravelers,revealinggrowingconfidenceinreturning toairtravel,frustrationwithcurrenttravelrestrictions,andacceptanceof a travel appto managehealthcredentials fortravel.

IATAsaid88percentbelievethatwhenopeningborders,therightbalance mustbestruckbetweenmanagingCOVID-19risksandgettingtheeconomy goingagain;85percentbelievethatgovernmentsshouldsetCOVID-19targets (suchastestingcapacityorvaccinedistribution)tore-openborders;84per cent believe that COVID-19 would not disappear, and we need to manage its risks while living and traveling normally; 68 per cent agreed that their quality of life has suffered with travel restrictions and 49 per cent believe thatairtravel restrictions havegonetoo far.

IATA noted that while there is public support for travel restrictions, it is becoming clear that people are feeling more comfortable with managing therisks ofCOVID-19.

“ThetoppriorityofeverybodyatthemomentisstayingsafeamidtheCOVID-19 crisis.Butitisimportantthatwemapawaytobeingabletore-openborders, managerisksandenablepeopletogetonwiththeirlives.Thatincludesthe freedomtotravel.Itisbecomingclearthatwewillneedtolearntoliveand travel in a world that has COVID-19. Given the health, social and economic costsoftravelrestrictions,airlinesshouldbereadytore-connecttheworld assoonasgovernmentsareabletore-openborders.That’swhyaplanwith measurablemilestonesissocritical.Withoutone,howcanwebeprepared forrestartwithoutanunnecessarydelay?”saidATA’sDirectorGeneraland CEO,AlexandredeJuniac.

Peoplearealsofeelingfrustratedwiththelossoffreedomtotravel,with68 percentofrespondentsindicatingtheirqualityoflifeissufferingasaresult.

Travel restrictions come with health, social and economic consequences.

Nearly40percentofrespondentsreportedmentalstressandmissingan importanthumanmomentasaresultoftravelrestrictions.Andoverathird havesaidthatrestrictions preventthem from doingbusiness normally.

BA Advises Travellers on COVID-19

BritishAirways(BA)hasadvisedNigeriansintendingtotraveltotheUnited Kingdom from Lagos and Abuja to access up-to-date and compulsory COVID-19/healthinformationandrequirementsbeforedepartingNigeria.

TheBAmanagementinLagossaidtheadvicebecamenecessaryasmany travellerscometotheairportwithoutthenecessaryrequirementsthereby causingunnecessaryflightdelays.

“Itismindbogglingtoseethatsomanypeoplestillcometotheairportwithout therequirements.Nigeriaisnotontheredlistbutthereareimportantprotocols theyneedtofollowandCOVID-19testanddocumentationspassengersneed togetbeforetheycantraveltotheUK.Thecarrierwillbefinedifapassenger travelstotheUnitedKingdom(UK)withoutthenecessarydocumentation.

This will also causestress forthetravelers,” a BAstaffsaid.

AccordingtoBA,the UKistakingstepstohelpstopthespreadofCOVID-19.

All persons (including UK nationals and residents) arriving in the UK must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of departureto theUK.

“Aviation is the bedrock of any nation today and if the workers are not happy to do their job, then there is no security” Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation,

Senator Smart Adeyemi

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BUSINESSWORLD NEW AIRLINES EMERGE IN NIGERIA AS GLOBAL AVIATION IS THREATENED the airline’s personnel are to be refitted. They “invite” all employees over 56 to retired Hungarian carrier, Wizzair has returned 32 A320s and laid off 1,200 people, including 200 pilots, another wave of 430 layoffs planned in the coming months and remaining employees would see their wages reduced by 30 per cent.

Also IAG (British Airways’ parent company) has abandoned the takeover of Air Europa (and will pay €40 million compensation for that), while IAG (Iberia) grounded 56 planes; IAG (British Airways) grounds 34 planes and everyone over 58 years has been asked to retire.

THISDAY also gathered that currently, 60 new aircraft stored at Airbus with no buyers in sight (order cancellations) including 18 A350s.

But in Nigeria a new airline, United Nigeria Airlines took to the sky last month and Green Africa Airways, NG Eagle and Binani Air are queuing for Air Operator Certificate (AON).

MINISTER EXPLAINS DECLINING AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS ties, it means mechanisation is the way forward and that’s the programme the federal government is undergoing.”

He added that to achieve meaningful mechanisation,the country required extension workers who are capable of delivering results.

He said the government will continue to push towards repositioning extension services, “untill we achieve our target of 75,000 extension workers over a period of three years.”

He said about 45,000 extension workers consisting government and the private sectors are currently available.

He said:”It’s not an issue of only guiding the farmers, you (extension agents) should also strive to be farmers.

Farming is becoming more attractive and I think of our teeming population, youth make up 70 per cent of the population.”

He said the way forward for the country was for the youths to make sacrifice to embrace agriculture while the government must also empower them into agriculture.

NEWS

FG May Earn N30bn from Cargo Transfer to Onitsha Port, Others Eromosele Abiodun The federal government may have struck gold with the plan movement of cargo from Lagos ports to inland ports across the country especially those of the southeastern part of the country like Onitsha.

This followed the operating licences issued to about eight barge operators to move containers from Lagos Ports to Onitsha River Port to other inland ports through the nation’s inland waterways.

Although the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has kept the estimated revenue from the effort to its chest as a result of fears of jeopardizing the project, THISDAY checks revealed that the federal government would rake in as much as N30 billion yearly if well managed.

Managing Director of NIWA, Chief, George Moghalu, while addressing newsmen during a meeting with the stakeholders in Lagos said that moving cargoes by waters through barges would be cheaper than roads.

Moghalu, who refused to disclose estimated revenue from the project, said the effort was part of ongoing efforts to solve the gridlock in Lagos ports.

He said that NIWA management decided to have meeting with the barge operators that it has already licensed to fashion out ways to make the project successful.

He said the representatives of Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) and the President of the Barge Owners Association of Nigeria (BOAN) and other stakeholders looked at the programme NIWA has on multi-modal transports system

to move cargo between Lagos and Onitsha and to other inland ports Specifically, he said: “So it is all about moving cargo between Lagos and Onitsha and other inland ports. We have licensed about eight barge operators.

A lot of people have applied but we are being very careful because we have the Standard Operating manual, which we strictly insist that you have to meet all the requirements.

At the same time also we do not lose sight of the fact that NPA also licenses barge operators. We try to synergise our operations so standards are not compromised.”

He said by the time the nation’s waterways are put into active use, it would save the country’s decaying infrastructure, “and the money being spent on repairing infrastructure and rebuilding of roads would reduce and not the be there again.

According to him, moving cargoes from Lagos to Onitsha and other inland ports would increase earnings and generate more revenue going into government’s coffers, adding that NIWA is engaging NPA and other stakeholders to facilitate the commencement of the cargo haulage.”

On the security of cargo,

he said: “Even on the road, there are security challenges.

So, there are security challenges everywhere and there is no way we would discuss movement of cargoes without looking at the security challenges. There’s a case of getting everybody involved, the Navy, Police, the NIWA Police, Marine Police and even the local communities because security is everybody’s concern and we all have to address it.”

He confirmed that the interstate barge haulage operations would start immediately, saying that NIWA is doting the i’s and crossing the t’s, highlighting the basic logistics and the

challenges and surmounting and addressing them.

On the charges that may arise, he said it would be cheaper than moving cargoes by road while the modalities are still being worked out, “moving cargoes from Lagos to Onitsha by water will be cheaper than moving it from Lagos to Onitsha by road.

“People are creating unnecessary fear about insecurity, when I came into office and made up my mind to explore the possibility of using our inland waterways, everybody discouraged me. Then we did a trial run using Onne to Onitsha and it worked.”

COURTESY VISIT

L-R:Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo presenting a souvenir to the Managing Director Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, Mr. Tony Attah, during the MD’s courtesy visit to Naval Headquarters in Abuja...recently

…Assures Investors on Security James Emejo in Abuja The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Niyi Adebayo has assured investors that the federal government was committed to addressing the problem of insecurity in the country.

Speaking during a visit by the Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Harry van Djik, the minister said President Muhammadu Buhari recently changed his service chiefs and took other security measures to assure Nigerians and the busi-

ness community of his desire to ensure that the country is safe for all and sundry.

Djik had sought the minister’s consent on the revival of bilateral trade consultation between the two countries.

He further stressed the need for the government to find lasting solution to insecurity and foreign exchange for investors in the country.

The envoy particularly raised the issue on the need to revive the bilateral consultation between the two countries which he said the spread of

the COVID-19 pandemic forced a postponement of further meetings. the minister, however, said his ministry had already set up a working group on the bilateral consultation, hoping that before the end of the year the meeting would be revived.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Ifedayo Sayo, Adebayo further assured investors that he had secured the commitment from the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, on the issue of forex.

He added that a meeting on the issue would soon be scheduled.

The minister, therefore, called on the Neitherlands investors to take advantage of the African free Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to invest in the country so that they can benefit from the huge continental market worth N4.23 trillion as well as cheap labour in the country.

He also urged them to take advantage of the free economic trade zones in the country, stressing that the govern-

ment is providing necessary infrastructure, particularly power supply at Kano and Calabar free trade zones.

He said the federal government recently signed an agreement for the provision of 25 megawatts of power to each of the free trade zones in Kano and Calabar.

Djik, however, congratulated Buhari and Adebayo on the emergence of Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala as the Director General of the World Trade organisation, describing it as “diplomatic victory for Nigeria.”

NIMASA Intensifies Training for Seafarers Group Business Editor

ÌÓØØË ÒÓ×Ë

Eromosele Abiodun

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Ogene

Comms/e-Business Editor

××Ë ÕÙØÔÓ Asst. Editor, Money Market

ß×Ï ÕÏÑÒÏ

Senior Correspondent

ËÒÏÏ× ÕÓØÑÌÙÖß (Advertising) Correspondents

ÒÓØÏÎß äÏ (Aviation) ÜÙ×ÙÝÏÖÏ ÌÓÙÎßØ (Maritime) Ë×ÏÝ ×ÏÔÙ (Finance) ÌÏÜÏ áÙÔÓ (Insurance) ÒÓØÏ×Ï ÕËÐÙÜ (Energy) ××ËØßÏÖ ÎÎÏÒ (Energy) Reporters

ÙÝË ÖÏÕÒßÙÑÓÏ (ICT) ÏÞÏÜ äÙÒÙ (Energy)

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has announced that it is intensifying the training and certification of seafarers to enhance the country’s position in an increasingly competitive maritime world. Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, disclosed this while presenting certificates to graduands of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) in Lagos.

He stated that a total of 788 seafarers were trained and

certificated in the latest batch.

He added that the initiative is important as maritime is now being positioned to play a central role in Nigeria’s economic diversification drive.

“Seafarers are the lifeblood of shipping, and shipping is not only an economic imperative for us in Nigeria, it is also a key part of the country’s economic diversification effort. Our investment in the training of seafarers is deliberate; it is part of our shipping development agenda,” Jamoh stated.

The DGl, on behalf of the

Governing Board and the Management of NIMASA, congratulated the graduates and reminded them of the essence of the training.

“The essence of this training is for us to have the right people. Now it is left for you to translate what you have learnt into practice as you do your job. In so doing port efficiency would improve, which would translate to the attractiveness of the country’s ports worldwide, and ships would be attracted and able to come.

“From today we should start

seeing changes as a result of the training you have received, we should see general improvement in port handling. We need to see improvement in three stages: short-term, medium-term, and long-term, ”he said.

The short-term changes, he added, relates to the ability of the seafarers to apply what they learned in the classroom to their job. The second stage is the medium-term, which has to do with noticeable changes in their activities, changes in terms of everything they do as seafarers.

“You should be able to cause those shipowners, who currently say the y are not disposed to hiring our seafarers, to have a rethink. Then, the third stage, the long-term, is self-development or follow-up trainings,” he added.

The NIMASA boss said the agency had invested a lot to ensure that the seafarers were well trained and qualified to compete with their colleagues in other parts of the world. He asked them to make the best use of the opportunity given to them to improve themselves and make Nigeria proud.

21

FRIDAY MARCH 12, 2021 • T H I S D AY

A LETTER TO MY

Beloved HUSBAND,

HIGH CHIEF (DR.) O. B. LULU-BRIGGS, OON, DCF, DSSRS May 22, 1930 - December 27, 2018

My Beloved Opuda,

T

oday, over two years since you peacefully translated into glory in Accra, Ghana, a funeral will hopefully be held in your honour. However, your children (except Dumo) and I cannot confirm whether the remains that will be committed to mother earth will be the remains of you my beloved husband because I still have your travel documents and the required export documents to bring you to your beloved Abonnema. One wonders how your remains could have been smuggled into Nigeria for burial.

My dear Opuda I know it was your wish to be laid to rest in your beloved hometown, alongside Young Briggs Iniikeiroari II - your great grandfather, legendary Kalabari warrior, the Founder and Sole Defender of Abonnema - and Benson Lulu-Briggs, your beloved father. These are the two men you credited for shaping your world view and inspiring you to set and achieve audacious goals for the greater good of your community. All glory, praise, honor and thanks to God Almighty for your extraordinary and impactful life.

I am also thankful to God that, as your wife, I had the opportunity to love and to be loved by you unconditionally. You

drew me into your life and shared your all with me. You did everything humanly possible to protect me, even in the face of all sorts of deceptions and misconceptions from those who did not understand our commitment to each other.

We experienced so much together that I believed there was nothing any human being could do that would surprise me.

Over the past 807 days, I have come to appreciate what you taught me about death bringing out the worst in people, especially those without Christ. I am writing to share what I have endured since you left this wicked world, in the hope that as your life inspired so many, they would also learn from the events that trailed your transition.

The shock of your sudden transition initially drew our immediate family together. By December 29, 2018 all your children – Senibo, Dumo, Sofiri, Solate, Aima, Rachael, Dateim, Iyowuna and I were in Accra and we visited Transitions Place Funeral Home together. We prayed and mourned your transition to glory and thanked God for your illustrious life.

We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of prayers, love and kind wishes that we gratefully received from around the world as the news spread. And it will warm your heart to know that there are some who have continued to pray with us and encourage us till today.

1

Curiously, Senibo, Dumo and Sofiri then asked for an inventory of your properties so that they could decide which one of the properties to sell to cover your funeral expenses and to give Senibo and Sofiri money to enable them to prepare for your funeral as well

22

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͰ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

BUSINESSWORLD NEW AIRLINES EMERGE IN NIGERIA AS GLOBAL AVIATION IS THREATENED the airline’s personnel are to be refitted. They “invite” all employees over 56 to retired Hungarian carrier, Wizzair has returned 32 A320s and laid off 1,200 people, including 200 pilots, another wave of 430 layoffs planned in the coming months and remaining employees would see their wages reduced by 30 per cent.

Also IAG (British Airways’ parent company) has abandoned the takeover of Air Europa (and will pay €40 million compensation for that), while IAG (Iberia) grounded 56 planes; IAG (British Airways) grounds 34 planes and everyone over 58 years has been asked to retire.

THISDAY also gathered that currently, 60 new aircraft stored at Airbus with no buyers in sight (order cancellations) including 18 A350s.

But in Nigeria a new airline, United Nigeria Airlines took to the sky last month and Green Africa Airways, NG Eagle and Binani Air are queuing for Air Operator Certificate (AON).

MINISTER EXPLAINS DECLINING AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS ties, it means mechanisation is the way forward and that’s the programme the federal government is undergoing.”

He added that to achieve meaningful mechanisation,the country required extension workers who are capable of delivering results.

He said the government will continue to push towards repositioning extension services, “untill we achieve our target of 75,000 extension workers over a period of three years.”

He said about 45,000 extension workers consisting government and the private sectors are currently available.

He said:”It’s not an issue of only guiding the farmers, you (extension agents) should also strive to be farmers.

Farming is becoming more attractive and I think of our teeming population, youth make up 70 per cent of the population.”

He said the way forward for the country was for the youths to make sacrifice to embrace agriculture while the government must also empower them into agriculture.

NEWS

FG May Earn N30bn from Cargo Transfer to Onitsha Port, Others Eromosele Abiodun The federal government may have struck gold with the plan movement of cargo from Lagos ports to inland ports across the country especially those of the southeastern part of the country like Onitsha.

This followed the operating licences issued to about eight barge operators to move containers from Lagos Ports to Onitsha River Port to other inland ports through the nation’s inland waterways.

Although the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has kept the estimated revenue from the effort to its chest as a result of fears of jeopardizing the project, THISDAY checks revealed that the federal government would rake in as much as N30 billion yearly if well managed.

Managing Director of NIWA, Chief, George Moghalu, while addressing newsmen during a meeting with the stakeholders in Lagos said that moving cargoes by waters through barges would be cheaper than roads.

Moghalu, who refused to disclose estimated revenue from the project, said the effort was part of ongoing efforts to solve the gridlock in Lagos ports.

He said that NIWA management decided to have meeting with the barge operators that it has already licensed to fashion out ways to make the project successful.

He said the representatives of Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) and the President of the Barge Owners Association of Nigeria (BOAN) and other stakeholders looked at the programme NIWA has on multi-modal transports system

to move cargo between Lagos and Onitsha and to other inland ports Specifically, he said: “So it is all about moving cargo between Lagos and Onitsha and other inland ports. We have licensed about eight barge operators.

A lot of people have applied but we are being very careful because we have the Standard Operating manual, which we strictly insist that you have to meet all the requirements.

At the same time also we do not lose sight of the fact that NPA also licenses barge operators. We try to synergise our operations so standards are not compromised.”

He said by the time the nation’s waterways are put into active use, it would save the country’s decaying infrastructure, “and the money being spent on repairing infrastructure and rebuilding of roads would reduce and not the be there again.

According to him, moving cargoes from Lagos to Onitsha and other inland ports would increase earnings and generate more revenue going into government’s coffers, adding that NIWA is engaging NPA and other stakeholders to facilitate the commencement of the cargo haulage.”

On the security of cargo,

he said: “Even on the road, there are security challenges.

So, there are security challenges everywhere and there is no way we would discuss movement of cargoes without looking at the security challenges. There’s a case of getting everybody involved, the Navy, Police, the NIWA Police, Marine Police and even the local communities because security is everybody’s concern and we all have to address it.”

He confirmed that the interstate barge haulage operations would start immediately, saying that NIWA is doting the i’s and crossing the t’s, highlighting the basic logistics and the

challenges and surmounting and addressing them.

On the charges that may arise, he said it would be cheaper than moving cargoes by road while the modalities are still being worked out, “moving cargoes from Lagos to Onitsha by water will be cheaper than moving it from Lagos to Onitsha by road.

“People are creating unnecessary fear about insecurity, when I came into office and made up my mind to explore the possibility of using our inland waterways, everybody discouraged me. Then we did a trial run using Onne to Onitsha and it worked.”

COURTESY VISIT

L-R:Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo presenting a souvenir to the Managing Director Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, Mr. Tony Attah, during the MD’s courtesy visit to Naval Headquarters in Abuja...recently

…Assures Investors on Security James Emejo in Abuja The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Niyi Adebayo has assured investors that the federal government was committed to addressing the problem of insecurity in the country.

Speaking during a visit by the Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Harry van Djik, the minister said President Muhammadu Buhari recently changed his service chiefs and took other security measures to assure Nigerians and the busi-

ness community of his desire to ensure that the country is safe for all and sundry.

Djik had sought the minister’s consent on the revival of bilateral trade consultation between the two countries.

He further stressed the need for the government to find lasting solution to insecurity and foreign exchange for investors in the country.

The envoy particularly raised the issue on the need to revive the bilateral consultation between the two countries which he said the spread of

the COVID-19 pandemic forced a postponement of further meetings. the minister, however, said his ministry had already set up a working group on the bilateral consultation, hoping that before the end of the year the meeting would be revived.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Ifedayo Sayo, Adebayo further assured investors that he had secured the commitment from the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, on the issue of forex.

He added that a meeting on the issue would soon be scheduled.

The minister, therefore, called on the Neitherlands investors to take advantage of the African free Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to invest in the country so that they can benefit from the huge continental market worth N4.23 trillion as well as cheap labour in the country.

He also urged them to take advantage of the free economic trade zones in the country, stressing that the govern-

ment is providing necessary infrastructure, particularly power supply at Kano and Calabar free trade zones.

He said the federal government recently signed an agreement for the provision of 25 megawatts of power to each of the free trade zones in Kano and Calabar.

Djik, however, congratulated Buhari and Adebayo on the emergence of Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala as the Director General of the World Trade organisation, describing it as “diplomatic victory for Nigeria.”

NIMASA Intensifies Training for Seafarers Group Business Editor

ÌÓØØË ÒÓ×Ë

Eromosele Abiodun

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Ogene

Comms/e-Business Editor

××Ë ÕÙØÔÓ Asst. Editor, Money Market

ß×Ï ÕÏÑÒÏ

Senior Correspondent

ËÒÏÏ× ÕÓØÑÌÙÖß (Advertising) Correspondents

ÒÓØÏÎß äÏ (Aviation) ÜÙ×ÙÝÏÖÏ ÌÓÙÎßØ (Maritime) Ë×ÏÝ ×ÏÔÙ (Finance) ÌÏÜÏ áÙÔÓ (Insurance) ÒÓØÏ×Ï ÕËÐÙÜ (Energy) ××ËØßÏÖ ÎÎÏÒ (Energy) Reporters

ÙÝË ÖÏÕÒßÙÑÓÏ (ICT) ÏÞÏÜ äÙÒÙ (Energy)

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has announced that it is intensifying the training and certification of seafarers to enhance the country’s position in an increasingly competitive maritime world. Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, disclosed this while presenting certificates to graduands of the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP) in Lagos.

He stated that a total of 788 seafarers were trained and

certificated in the latest batch.

He added that the initiative is important as maritime is now being positioned to play a central role in Nigeria’s economic diversification drive.

“Seafarers are the lifeblood of shipping, and shipping is not only an economic imperative for us in Nigeria, it is also a key part of the country’s economic diversification effort. Our investment in the training of seafarers is deliberate; it is part of our shipping development agenda,” Jamoh stated.

The DGl, on behalf of the

Governing Board and the Management of NIMASA, congratulated the graduates and reminded them of the essence of the training.

“The essence of this training is for us to have the right people. Now it is left for you to translate what you have learnt into practice as you do your job. In so doing port efficiency would improve, which would translate to the attractiveness of the country’s ports worldwide, and ships would be attracted and able to come.

“From today we should start

seeing changes as a result of the training you have received, we should see general improvement in port handling. We need to see improvement in three stages: short-term, medium-term, and long-term, ”he said.

The short-term changes, he added, relates to the ability of the seafarers to apply what they learned in the classroom to their job. The second stage is the medium-term, which has to do with noticeable changes in their activities, changes in terms of everything they do as seafarers.

“You should be able to cause those shipowners, who currently say the y are not disposed to hiring our seafarers, to have a rethink. Then, the third stage, the long-term, is self-development or follow-up trainings,” he added.

The NIMASA boss said the agency had invested a lot to ensure that the seafarers were well trained and qualified to compete with their colleagues in other parts of the world. He asked them to make the best use of the opportunity given to them to improve themselves and make Nigeria proud.

23

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͰ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

FG Partners IPADIS to Reposition Aviation Sector Stories by Chinedu Eze Federal Ministry of Aviation in conjunction with International Partners for Aviation Development, Innovation and Sustainability (iPADIS) is organising a two-day high level ministerial meeting on “Enhancing Air Transport Connectivity and Growth in West Africa”.

This was disclosed by the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuhu, in a statement made available to THISDAY. Nuhu said the virtual/online ministerial meeting was for West Africa member states, policy makers, air transport experts, aviation professionals and other stakeholders in the sub-region.

“The high level ministerial meeting is aimed at retooling and repositioning aviation sector within the sub-region to contend with present and future challenges. The event with the theme:’Enhancing Air Transport Connectivity and Growth in

West Africa’ is scheduled for Wednesday, 17thand Thursday, 18th March 2021,” Nuhu said in the statement.

He disclosed that great numbers of participants expected to brainstorm in the all- important event comprised ministers, DGs/CEOs of aviation agencies, tourism, public health and border control sectors from economic community of West African States (ECOWAS) and contracting States.

Others are heads of international and regional organizations, including International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), United Nation World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), World Health Organisation (WHO), International Air Transport Association (IATA), Airport Council International (ACI), African Union Commission (AUC), African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), Africa Airlines Association (AFRAA), African Air Traffic Management Organisation (ASECNA), Industrial Training Fund (ITF),

heads of civil society and media organisations and others.

The DG, NCAA would deliver welcome and introduction address while the official opening would be conducted

by Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Hassan Musa.

The Founder and President of iPADIS), Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu would deliver keynote address.

“The first day, which will witness meeting of experts led Director Generals of Civil Aviation will consists of five sessions. The discourse will centre on pre-COVID-19 challenges to air transport development in the West African region; challenges and risks that encumbered the development and implementation of solutions at national levels; current and future impacts of pandemic on air connectivity; strategies and sectorial synergies that are required for air transport growth; and adoption of conclusions and recommendations.”

FG Explains Continued Closure of Other International Airports Following complaints by stakeholders and air travellers about the delay in the reopening of other international operations at the Mallam Aminu Kano Airport, Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa and the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has identified reasons for the delay.

The minister in a statement signed by Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, James Odaudu, said that it had been the intention of the federal government to reopen the airports for international flight operations but it is considering certain factors including health and security reasons.

He acknowledged that the continued suspension of international flights to and from the airports was denying the ministry and its agencies a lot of revenue.

The minister said this when he received a high-powered delegation from Kano State, led by Governor Abdullahi

Umar Ganduje in his office on Tuesday.

According to Sirika, it does not make economic sense for government to spend so much money, as it has done in the airport, and just decide to leave it inoperative with the attendant degeneration on infrastructure, redundancy amongst operational staff, revenue losses, hardship to travellers, amongst others.

He, however, told the delegation that included some members of the Kano State House of Assembly, representatives of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and members of the Kano Chamber of Commerce, that the decision to suspend international flights to and from the airport, like the ones in Enugu and Port Harcourt, were for health and security reasons.

The minister acknowledged the hardship to the users of the airport, passengers and service providers alike, and promised that all that was necessary for the resumption of international flight operations at the airport would be fast-tracked to ensure

that it resumes sooner than later.

He, however, challenged Kano indigenes to create activities that would make the airport more viable through increased passenger traffic.

Kano State Governor, Ganduje had told the minister that he was in the ministry for two reasons, first to show appreciation to the federal government led by President Muhammadu Buhari for the completion of the International wing of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, and secondly to appeal for the resumption of international flight operations at the airport.

The governor expressed great concern over the effect of the continued suspension of international flights to and from the airport by passengers and service providers.

According to him, the Kano State government has put in place all that was necessary to make the state healthy for flights, including mobilization of the populace for the COVID-19 vaccinations.

NAHCO Fetes Female Staff on International Women’s Day The nation’s leading ground handling company, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO Plc), recently celebrated its women on the occasion of the International

Women’s Day 2021, with cash rewards.

In celebrating this year’s event, the company held a seminar via zoom, where the topic ‘’I choose to challenge’’ was given

a thorough analysis.

According to the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, NAHCO Plc, Mrs Olatokunbo Fagbemi, “Women are the bedrock of the

nation, women have contributed immensely in building the family, the society and the nation. We are celebrating our women today because, apart from being our assets, they have remained the

leading lights of this company, we have so many high flying women in our midst, and we are happy to celebrate them on this auspicious occasion.’’

On his part, the Chief Finance

Officer, NAHCO, Mr. Adeoye Emiloju, urged the women to challenge the status quo, to aspire to be the best, as the sky is not just their limit, but a starting point.

24

FRIDAY MARCH 12, 2021 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY MARCH 12, 2021 • T H I S D AY

25

24

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͰ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

FG’s Airport Infrastructure Renewal Chinedu Eze writes that the decision by the federal government to embark on building additional terminals to its international airports some years ago was insightful as those facilities can now meet the needs of increasing passenger traffic

M

any Nigerians were surprised last week when the global body, Airport Council International (ACI), African Region gave the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) 2020 award to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The ACI recognised the airport as the best airport in Africa because it met the requirement of processing between five and 15 million passengers per year in addition to the size of the airport.

Some Nigerians who spoke to THISDAY on the recognition by ACI expressed surprise because over the years Nigerian airports had been criticised for being dilapidated, as obsolete facilities hamper easy passenger process.

So it was like a rude awakening when it suddenly happened that in the international airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt, the federal government was building state of the art terminals.

The terminal in Port Harcourt was the first to go on stream in 2018, followed by that of Abuja in 2019 and soon Kano and Lagos terminals would start processing passengers, according to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The General Manager, Corporate Affairs, FAAN, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, said the award represented the agency’s commitment to, “continuously improving customer experience across all our airports. The recognition comes at a time when we are geared towards ensuring seamless airport facilitation with the opening of new terminals and upgrading of our current infrastructures across board.”

She added that despite a turbulent year plagued by COVID-19 induced financial struggles; the authority has endeavored to prioritize customer satisfaction while ensuring that health and safety remain topmost.

Passenger Traffic There has been growing air passenger traffic both for local and international travels. Considering Nigeria’s huge population, industry observers always argued that although passenger traffic is growing but not as fast as it ought to be and that is because not many Nigerians can afford to travel by air. But over the years the airport facilities have experienced passenger over capacity due to passenger growth and lack of corresponding expansion of terminal facilities.

Some of the airports affected included the ones in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Enugu, Owerri, Port Harcourt and Benin.

FAAN started expanding terminal facilities in these airports and others and awarded the building of new terminals at the international airports in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Kano and Port Harcourt.

FAAN’s record of passenger traffic in the last 17 years, from 1999 to 2016, showed progressive increase of passenger traffic every year.

In 2016, total passenger traffic in all the airports managed by FAAN was 14, 361, 587, while it was slightly lower in 2017 to 13, 704, 215, it rose to 16, 371, 674 in 2018 and 17, 580, 023 in 2019.

The federal government has also projected that the major international airports: the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano and the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa would be processing about 55 million passengers by 2048.

This was the projection made by the Outline Business Case Report for the concession of the four major airports, titled, Nigeria Four Airports PPP and made available by the Ministry of Aviation.

The report said the forecast of total traffic for the four airports in Nigeria is expected to grow on average at 5.3 per cent over the next 30 years, from 11 million passengers in 2017 to 55 million by 2048.

The report attributed the growth to the strong population growth and affluence of this population, so government is expected to provide sufficient capacity to handle this amount of forecast traffic.

Abuja Airport New Terminal Airport Expansion Maybe it is because of the projected increase in passenger movement that the federal government is seriously considering concession of the facilities.

The Ministry of Aviation said that in addition to the terminals that are currently under construction, if the airports are given out in concession, the concessionaires are required to refurbish the existing facilities in Abuja and Port Harcourt, adding that in Lagos a new terminal needs to be constructed and the existing MMA1 (General Aviation Terminal (GAT) international terminal decommissioned.

“The Ministry aims to develop Nigeria’s major commercial airports and surrounding communities into efficient, profitable, selfsustaining, commercial hubs which will create more jobs and develop local industries,” the report said.

It also disclosed that the federal government of Nigeria would like to use the PPP (Public, Private Partnership) model to leverage private sector participation and foreign investment to achieve the upgrade and development of new infrastructure at these airports in the fastest and most cost-effective manner.

On the scope of the project, the report said it fits well within the scope of the Ministry and the ICRC (Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission) and would help Nigeria to reach its objective in terms of air transport: developing and profitably managing customer-centric airport facilities for safe, secure and efficient carriage of passengers and goods at world-class standards of quality.

Taking up the Challenge But the federal government has always had the intention to concession the airports since the last 15 years but in 2012, government decided that instead of going through the concession process, it adopted the policy of rehabilitating the airports, known as airport renewal and then signed the contract with the Chinese Exim bank to borrow money to build the new terminals at the international airport, in addition to the international terminal facility at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, which project is nearing completion.

The plan to concession the airports, which gave impetus to the report quoted above is government’s solution to obsolete airport facilities but labour unions have always descried the decision to concession the airports, alleging spurious intentions and insincerity in the concession plan and emphasised that FAAN could effectively manage the airports if given free hands by the Ministry of Aviation to do so.

Airport Certification Progress report on the international airports

started with the certification of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja in September and November 2017 by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Before the certification, Airport Council International (ACI) guided by FAAN inspected the provision of facilities and equipment at the two airports in accordance to recommended practices in order to meet international standards.

It was after these conditions were met that NCAA, in accordance to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations, certified the two airports.

The certification upped the rating of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja in Africa, as the Lagos, which is the fifth busiest airport is projected to become a major hub in West and Central Africa.

With the certification of these airports, Nigeria’s rating has not only improved but these airports can serve as hubs in West and Central Africa because of the international recognition.

The then Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the late Captain Muhtar Usman, said Nigeria had become the only country in Africa to have its two airports certified in accordance to ICAO safety standard and the only country in West Africa sub-region with internationally certified airports.

The late Usman said the certification had improved the rating of the two airports in safety standards in the international aviation circles and would attract more global carriers to the country, which would boost air transport and create more jobs for the citizenry.

He hinted then that this would reposition air transport to contribute more to the GDP of the country because it would boost passenger movement in domestic and international destinations, as passenger movement was expected to double from over 15 million per annum in the next 15 years.

“It is also interesting to note that with the certification of Abuja airport, Nigeria has become the first state to achieve the certification of more than one international airport in the AFI (Africa/Indian) Region. However, we are not resting on our oars, as the certification of Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu airports are scheduled for completion in compliance with the Abuja Ministerial declaration and safety targets of 2012,” he had said.

The then Managing Director of FAAN, Saleh Dunoma reiterated the agency’s commitment to continue with the present tempo in the development of the other international airports “We made a commitment to continue with

this tempo and soon we will go to Port Harcourt, Kano and Enugu airports,” he said.

Reacting to the rating of the Abuja airport, the former General Manager, Business Development of FAAN and currently the Managing Partner, TMSS Logistics, Alhaji Nuhu Adam, told THISDAY that the award given to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja was a laudable one, which signifies that the airport has improved significantly and also indicates that the federal government is doing well in improving the airport facilities in Nigeria.

He said the government should go further and provide landing facilities at the airports under FAAN management so that airlines could operate into these airports late in the night, remarking that this would enable airlines to operate their airlines for longer hours, provide longer service to travellers and generate more revenue to FAAN. He also said the FAAN should do everything possible to build website for each of its international airports so that people could access them from all over the world, noting that the international airports are only included in the website of the agency’s international airports, but each should have its own website.

“The award indicates that ACI African Region has been monitoring the improvement of the airport and kudos should go to the federal government, FAAN and the management of Abuja airport.

“The award speaks volumes on how far the airport has improved. If we can receive such respected accolade now that the airport is still work in progressive, we should expect more global recognition when the federal government must have achieved its multimodal transport system. The Abuja airport stands out in every aspect of airport development.

“However, FAAN still has a lot of work to do. Abuja airport has not been linked to its own website. In this period of information technology, the airport should be accessed by anyone who wants to know more about it from any part of the world. You can easily access the domestic airport terminal managed by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) in Lagos, known as MMA2. The Abuja airport remains our best so far,” Adam said.

Industry observers said that the award to Abuja should serve as incentive for government to sustain the tempo of infrastructural improvement of the airports so that they would meet international standards in terms of security, safety, critical facilities like toilets, Internet access and easy passenger facilitation.

Stakeholders also called on FAAN to establish elaborate transit facility at the Abuja airport to enhance regional and sub-regional flight operations, where passengers would stay and connect international flights from the airport.

25

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͰ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

BUSINESSWORLD

MARITIME

Ruckus over Practitioners Operating Fee EromoseleAbiodun writes that the threat by customs agents to cripple commercial activities at the Tin Can Island Port over the insistence of a terminal operator, TICT Terminal on payment of Practitioners Operating Fee should be taken seriously to avoid a major crisis

Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi

O

n March 1, 2021, the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) commenced the collection of the controversial Practitioners Operating Fee (POF) at the ports.

The commencement is on the back of a letter dated January 6, 2020, and signed by the Director, Home Finance, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Okokon Udo. In the letter, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, gave the approval for the commencement of the collection of Practitioners Operating Fee (POF) at the nation’s seaports by the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN).

The minister stated that freight forwarders must henceforth show receipt of payment of POF before they can exit their cargoes at the ports.

To drive home the message, the CRFFN organised a sensitization workshop in Lagos early last year. At the forum, clearing agents lamented that the implementation of the new directive by the Finance Minister will lead to congestion and increase the cost of doing business at the nation’s ports.

According to CRFFN, under the POF regime, importers will pay N3.50 per every ton of cargo imported into the country, N1.50 per kilo of every air cargo, N1, 000 on every imported 20-feet container and 2,000 per 40-feet container.

After several failed attempts by the council, it announced late last year that it had commenced the collection of the controversial POF. The CRFFN, it was gathered, is expected to rake in as much as N10 billion annually from the imposition of these fees on shippers.

At a press briefing to announce the commencement of the collection of the POF, the agency warned that freight forwarders who failed to comply will not be allowed to exit the ports with their containers.

The Registrar/CEO of CRFFN, Samuel Nwakohu, said with the approval from the Finance Ministry and other government agencies at the ports, there would be no going back on the collection of POF. With the new initiative, he said the council would now be fully equipped to regulate freight forwarding in the country, adding that as a noble profession, freight forwarding is not an all comers’ affair.

The CRFFN had following the conclusion of the integration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in January this year announced plans to commence the collection of POF in all seaports in the country, a move that was held back by fierce protest by freight forwarders and COVID-19.

Speaking during the media briefing Nwakohu revealed that any freight forwarder that refused to comply with POF payment would not be allowed to carry his or her

Samuel Nwakohu

cargo out of the ports.

According to him, “We are glad to inform you that following successful integration with terminal operators in the western ports, enforcement of POF collection has now commenced.”

This is just as he revealed that only 64 freight forwarders out of a total registered 787 freight forwarders were currently practicing legitimately at the nation’s ports and borders points.

He added that the POF, which is derived from the provisions of section 6 of the CRFFN Act, is a major source of the council’s internally generated revenue, first for the government and second to drive the necessary reforms and develop the industry “Integration with terminal operators in the Eastern ports is on-going and we shall communicate to you accordingly with respect to enforcement of same in the Eastern ports.

The user public is strongly advised to verify the authenticity of the freight forwarder they wish to engage on the CRFFN website.

This is to ensure you are dealing with a registered freight forwarder.

“We really want to appreciate the body of shippers and freight forwarders who operate under very difficult conditions to keep Nigeria moving. The CRFFN will do her best to provide the enabling environment for the freight forwarding industry, ”the CRFFN boss said.

Stiff opposition The commencement has, however, been met with stiff opposition as agents have vowed to do whatever is necessary to resist the move.

Three days ago, the Tin Can Island Port Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) threatened to cripple commercial activities at the Tin Can Island Port over the insistence of a terminal operator; TICT Terminal on payment of POF before cargoes are released.

Following the commencement of POF collection early this month, TICT Terminal had announced that any freight forwarder who failed to provide receipt of payment of the POF would not be allowed to take delivery of their cargoes.

In a notice to all her members at Tin Can Port signed by its Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Idowu Owoade, ANLCA argued that the matter of the POF collection was currently before the law courts and it amounted to an illegality and disregard for the law, if the CRFFN carries on with collection.

According to ANLCA, the law Suit NO: FCH/L/CS/1424/2018 is between Titlay Investment Limited and the CRFFN. THISDAY checks last week revealed that the payment of the POF had commenced successfully.

Officially the POF attracts N1,000 on 20ft containers at and N2,000 on 40ft containers, most importantly, the money is paid by the

named declarant on the import documents.

Meanwhile, ANLCA said they had written the Nigerian Police Force, the DSS Tin Can Port, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Tin Can Island Command, the NPA and all other relevant agencies and stakeholders notifying them of the pocketing of TICT Terminal.

The agents in the letter stated: “Our attention had been drawn to the illegality perpetrated by CRFFN in the compulsory payment of POF which is expected to be pald before writing of TDO (Terminal Delivery Order) “We discovered that they have been forcefully attached the payment as a condition to the writing of TDO at Tincan Island Container Terminal (TICT) and they have commenced the action without any prior notification.

Our stand on this act is attached to the above court case pending the determination of the case before the court. It ls an act of illegality and unlawful action considering the fact that the case is In court.”

The agents added, “It is on this note that we are planning on picketing the Tincan Island Container Terminal (TICT) on a peaceful demonstration with the support of Nigeria Police Force and all other relevant security agencies. The date and time willbe communicated to you all very soon. Out Interest is basically attached to the protection of our members, we will not condone any act of illegality in our industry.”

Agents expresses disappointment Apart from ANCLA, the large army of freight forwarders plying their trade at the Lagos ports has risen against the payment of POF. The leadership of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Association of Registered Freight Forwarders, Nigeria, (AREFFN), have all warned their members of the implications of resisting the collection of the fees.

Public Relations Officers, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, PTML Chapter, Suleiman Ayokunle, expressed disappointment at CRFFN, saying that the council has not done enough to address operational challenges faced by agents at the port but is more interested in the collection of POF. “We have series of problems at the ports, which should be a priority for whoever that thinks well for the country. POF as good as it is being projected, can then come after the infrastructures have been put in place because every delay in cargo operation has multiplier effect. The shipping company release that POF is directly attached to simple means that if POF is not paid, you cannot get your cargo release from shipping companies, and by implication, if there is a five minute delay, it can create a one week congestion. So we believe that the machinery to make things work should be put in place before issue of POF,” he said.

On his part, an executive member of Tin Can Chapter of ANLCA, Emmanuel Onyema, said CRFFN had not made any positive impact to regulate the freight forwarding practice. He added that the POF collection would only amount to additional cost of cargo clearance for importers, which in turn, would be passed on the consumers.

“Ever since the council members were inaugurated, we have not seen any value they have added to members. We don’t see them in the port. How can they come up with the issue of money? We expected them to work because we are having challenges at the port. At the moment, cost of clearing is high and they are coming up with POF. With the amount of money they want to collect per container that means cost of clearing will increase and the importer is the one that will pay but at the end of the day, whatever they spend will be passed to the final consumer,” he said.

Another freight forwarder, Emmanuel Njoku, also expressed concern over the delay experienced in assessing the portal created by CRFFN to make the POF payment, saying that agents are finding it difficult to register on the platform. This, he said, would lead to delay in cargo clearance at the port.

However, the former Chairman, Igbo Maritime Forum, PTML Chapter, Mr. Francis Uchechukwu Aniezechukwu, said POF was a government order which made it a constitutional issue.

He explained that CRFFN was supposed to veer into capacity building for the betterment and welfare of freight forwarders first before venturing into POF matter.

According to him, “The contentious issue shouldn’t be whether the money be paid or not. CRFFN hasn’t done enough. Let collect the POF but the question is; what will it be used for?”

On the way forward, Aniezechukwu maintained that what CRFFN should do is for them to make their presence known by the freight forwarders in the industry because there are so many things hampering freight operations.

The National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), had in 2019 called on the federal government to halt the collection of POF by the dissolved governing board of the CRFFN through the Ministry of Transport.

President of NCMDLCA, Lucky Amiwero, in a letter to President MuhammuduBuhari stated that CRFFN no longer exist.

According to Amiwero, “Federal High Court ruling on Suit No FHC/L/CS/5172 /2008 as referred by the Court of Appeal, was delivered on the 24th of March 2015, which upheld that the tenure of the Council/ Governing Board Expired on the 25th of November 2012, that the Council has vacated office, as there is no existing Council and no Council to deliver judgment.”

26

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͰ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

FG’s Airport Infrastructure Renewal Chinedu Eze writes that the decision by the federal government to embark on building additional terminals to its international airports some years ago was insightful as those facilities can now meet the needs of increasing passenger traffic

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any Nigerians were surprised last week when the global body, Airport Council International (ACI), African Region gave the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) 2020 award to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The ACI recognised the airport as the best airport in Africa because it met the requirement of processing between five and 15 million passengers per year in addition to the size of the airport.

Some Nigerians who spoke to THISDAY on the recognition by ACI expressed surprise because over the years Nigerian airports had been criticised for being dilapidated, as obsolete facilities hamper easy passenger process.

So it was like a rude awakening when it suddenly happened that in the international airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt, the federal government was building state of the art terminals.

The terminal in Port Harcourt was the first to go on stream in 2018, followed by that of Abuja in 2019 and soon Kano and Lagos terminals would start processing passengers, according to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The General Manager, Corporate Affairs, FAAN, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, said the award represented the agency’s commitment to, “continuously improving customer experience across all our airports. The recognition comes at a time when we are geared towards ensuring seamless airport facilitation with the opening of new terminals and upgrading of our current infrastructures across board.”

She added that despite a turbulent year plagued by COVID-19 induced financial struggles; the authority has endeavored to prioritize customer satisfaction while ensuring that health and safety remain topmost.

Passenger Traffic There has been growing air passenger traffic both for local and international travels. Considering Nigeria’s huge population, industry observers always argued that although passenger traffic is growing but not as fast as it ought to be and that is because not many Nigerians can afford to travel by air. But over the years the airport facilities have experienced passenger over capacity due to passenger growth and lack of corresponding expansion of terminal facilities.

Some of the airports affected included the ones in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Enugu, Owerri, Port Harcourt and Benin.

FAAN started expanding terminal facilities in these airports and others and awarded the building of new terminals at the international airports in Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Kano and Port Harcourt.

FAAN’s record of passenger traffic in the last 17 years, from 1999 to 2016, showed progressive increase of passenger traffic every year.

In 2016, total passenger traffic in all the airports managed by FAAN was 14, 361, 587, while it was slightly lower in 2017 to 13, 704, 215, it rose to 16, 371, 674 in 2018 and 17, 580, 023 in 2019.

The federal government has also projected that the major international airports: the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano and the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa would be processing about 55 million passengers by 2048.

This was the projection made by the Outline Business Case Report for the concession of the four major airports, titled, Nigeria Four Airports PPP and made available by the Ministry of Aviation.

The report said the forecast of total traffic for the four airports in Nigeria is expected to grow on average at 5.3 per cent over the next 30 years, from 11 million passengers in 2017 to 55 million by 2048.

The report attributed the growth to the strong population growth and affluence of this population, so government is expected to provide sufficient capacity to handle this amount of forecast traffic.

Abuja Airport New Terminal Airport Expansion Maybe it is because of the projected increase in passenger movement that the federal government is seriously considering concession of the facilities.

The Ministry of Aviation said that in addition to the terminals that are currently under construction, if the airports are given out in concession, the concessionaires are required to refurbish the existing facilities in Abuja and Port Harcourt, adding that in Lagos a new terminal needs to be constructed and the existing MMA1 (General Aviation Terminal (GAT) international terminal decommissioned.

“The Ministry aims to develop Nigeria’s major commercial airports and surrounding communities into efficient, profitable, selfsustaining, commercial hubs which will create more jobs and develop local industries,” the report said.

It also disclosed that the federal government of Nigeria would like to use the PPP (Public, Private Partnership) model to leverage private sector participation and foreign investment to achieve the upgrade and development of new infrastructure at these airports in the fastest and most cost-effective manner.

On the scope of the project, the report said it fits well within the scope of the Ministry and the ICRC (Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission) and would help Nigeria to reach its objective in terms of air transport: developing and profitably managing customer-centric airport facilities for safe, secure and efficient carriage of passengers and goods at world-class standards of quality.

Taking up the Challenge But the federal government has always had the intention to concession the airports since the last 15 years but in 2012, government decided that instead of going through the concession process, it adopted the policy of rehabilitating the airports, known as airport renewal and then signed the contract with the Chinese Exim bank to borrow money to build the new terminals at the international airport, in addition to the international terminal facility at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, which project is nearing completion.

The plan to concession the airports, which gave impetus to the report quoted above is government’s solution to obsolete airport facilities but labour unions have always descried the decision to concession the airports, alleging spurious intentions and insincerity in the concession plan and emphasised that FAAN could effectively manage the airports if given free hands by the Ministry of Aviation to do so.

Airport Certification Progress report on the international airports

started with the certification of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja in September and November 2017 by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Before the certification, Airport Council International (ACI) guided by FAAN inspected the provision of facilities and equipment at the two airports in accordance to recommended practices in order to meet international standards.

It was after these conditions were met that NCAA, in accordance to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations, certified the two airports.

The certification upped the rating of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja in Africa, as the Lagos, which is the fifth busiest airport is projected to become a major hub in West and Central Africa.

With the certification of these airports, Nigeria’s rating has not only improved but these airports can serve as hubs in West and Central Africa because of the international recognition.

The then Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the late Captain Muhtar Usman, said Nigeria had become the only country in Africa to have its two airports certified in accordance to ICAO safety standard and the only country in West Africa sub-region with internationally certified airports.

The late Usman said the certification had improved the rating of the two airports in safety standards in the international aviation circles and would attract more global carriers to the country, which would boost air transport and create more jobs for the citizenry.

He hinted then that this would reposition air transport to contribute more to the GDP of the country because it would boost passenger movement in domestic and international destinations, as passenger movement was expected to double from over 15 million per annum in the next 15 years.

“It is also interesting to note that with the certification of Abuja airport, Nigeria has become the first state to achieve the certification of more than one international airport in the AFI (Africa/Indian) Region. However, we are not resting on our oars, as the certification of Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu airports are scheduled for completion in compliance with the Abuja Ministerial declaration and safety targets of 2012,” he had said.

The then Managing Director of FAAN, Saleh Dunoma reiterated the agency’s commitment to continue with the present tempo in the development of the other international airports “We made a commitment to continue with

this tempo and soon we will go to Port Harcourt, Kano and Enugu airports,” he said.

Reacting to the rating of the Abuja airport, the former General Manager, Business Development of FAAN and currently the Managing Partner, TMSS Logistics, Alhaji Nuhu Adam, told THISDAY that the award given to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja was a laudable one, which signifies that the airport has improved significantly and also indicates that the federal government is doing well in improving the airport facilities in Nigeria.

He said the government should go further and provide landing facilities at the airports under FAAN management so that airlines could operate into these airports late in the night, remarking that this would enable airlines to operate their airlines for longer hours, provide longer service to travellers and generate more revenue to FAAN. He also said the FAAN should do everything possible to build website for each of its international airports so that people could access them from all over the world, noting that the international airports are only included in the website of the agency’s international airports, but each should have its own website.

“The award indicates that ACI African Region has been monitoring the improvement of the airport and kudos should go to the federal government, FAAN and the management of Abuja airport.

“The award speaks volumes on how far the airport has improved. If we can receive such respected accolade now that the airport is still work in progressive, we should expect more global recognition when the federal government must have achieved its multimodal transport system. The Abuja airport stands out in every aspect of airport development.

“However, FAAN still has a lot of work to do. Abuja airport has not been linked to its own website. In this period of information technology, the airport should be accessed by anyone who wants to know more about it from any part of the world. You can easily access the domestic airport terminal managed by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) in Lagos, known as MMA2. The Abuja airport remains our best so far,” Adam said.

Industry observers said that the award to Abuja should serve as incentive for government to sustain the tempo of infrastructural improvement of the airports so that they would meet international standards in terms of security, safety, critical facilities like toilets, Internet access and easy passenger facilitation.

Stakeholders also called on FAAN to establish elaborate transit facility at the Abuja airport to enhance regional and sub-regional flight operations, where passengers would stay and connect international flights from the airport.

27

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͰ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

PIB as Panacea to Oil industry’s Ills?

Adewale Ajayi

Introduction he Petroleum Industry Bill 2020 (PIB or the Bill) is an omnibus Bill, which seeks to “provide legal, governance, regulatory and fiscal framework for the Nigerian petroleum industry, the development of host communities and for related matters.”

The Bill appears to be gaining traction after more than 20 years. It will, upon enactment, completely overhaul the regulatory and fiscal framework guiding Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Specifically, it will repeal the Petroleum Act, Petroleum Profits Tax (PPT) Act, Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts Act as amended (DOIBPSCA), and several other laws which currently govern the industry. However, there are saving provisions for the operators that choose not to convert to the terms contained in the PIB. The hope is that the passage of the Bill will contribute to a significant increase in the effectiveness and transparency of operations in the Nigerian oil and gas industry and generate increased foreign interest and, in turn, investment.

The Bill may be enacted into law before the end of the second quarter of 2021 based on the various comments by the leadership of the National Assembly. However, one lingering question is whether the Bill will be the silver bullet that will cure the ills in the Nigeria’s oil industry.

This article will review this question and propose recommendations for addressing the issues arising therefrom.

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Issues Arising 1) Attraction of investment into the Oil and gas Industry – According to the Nigerian Capital Importation Report just released by the National Bureau of Statistics, the total capital imported into the country in 2020 was $9.68billion. Out of this, $53.51 million or 0.55 per cent was in respect of oil and gas. Certainly, Nigeria requires significant investment for the industry to grow. The country’s ambition has been, for a long time, to increase production to 4million barrels per day and grow reserves to 40 billion barrels. To achieve these twin ambitions, we need significant inflow of investments. However, the concern has been that Nigeria is not an attractive investment destination for the oil and gas sector given the challenges facing the industry globally and the need for scarce capital to go to places where the return on capital is more competitive.

Oil is not good for any country if it remains unproduced. There are reports that oil demand will grow in the next 10-20 years and remain flat thereafter as a result of climate change, cheaper energy storage costs, cheaper renewable sources and green hydrogen. It is, therefore, imperative that Nigeria do whatever is necessary to produce its reserves more profitably.

It is also important that the 2020 PIB (or is it 2021 since we are now in 2021?) address most (if not all) of the concerns of the industry operators to make the Nigerian oil and gas industry more attractive for investors. The concerns raised with respect to the regulatory (mainly voluntary conversion terms of existing licences and the requirement to set up an environmental remediation fund in respect of environmental issues arising from operations. This matter can easily be dealt with by the operators just like

they deal with any operational matter without setting up any fund for it) and fiscal provisions in the draft PIB, therefore, need to be addressed.

Currently, some operators are placing bets on Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. We must not allow this to happen if we must succeed.

2) Dual Regulators – The PIB provides for the establishment of the Upstream Regulatory Commission and the Midstream/Downstream Regulatory Authority. The arguments for the dual regulators are hinged on the need to reduce the span of control of one regulator and focus on the midstream/downstream and not just on extraction. While these arguments cannot be faulted; however, it is important that the benefits outweigh the cost, given the associated cost of running two regulators.

3. Incorporation of NNPC - The Bill provides for the registration of NNPC limited within 6 months of the enactment of the enabling Act. At incorporation, the Ministry of Finance will hold the shares of NNPC Limited on behalf of the Nigerian government. The shares of the Company will only be transferable subject to government approval, and in an open, transparent and competitive bidding process. The PIB provides for the appointment of 2 non-executive directors though the President will appoint the entire members of the Board while the Company remains wholly owned

by Government. Thereafter, the composition of the Board shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act and its Articles of Association.

NNPC Limited will take ownership of rights to gas and petroleum production (including joint ventures) under the arrangements undertaken

by NNPC prior to the effective date.

One question that has surfaced is whether the mere incorporation of NNPC Limited will make it profitable and comparable to leading national companies such as Equinor, Petronas and Saudi Aramco. The resounding answer to this question is NO, given what we know of NNPC. There needs to be a wholesale

change of mindset, establishment of strong performance culture and institutionalization of good corporate governance and best practices. The earlier the government reduces its holding in the company, the quicker it will be for it become profitable.

4. Continued relevance of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) – The major objective of the NDDC is to ensure that the ‘sums received from the allocation of the Federation Account for tackling ecological problems arising from the exploration of oil minerals in the Niger Delta area’ are effectively administered and managed.

However, just like its predecessor, the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Commission (OMPADEC), the NDDC appears to have failed in discharging its statutory responsibility. Despite the existence of the NDDC and the Ministry of Niger Delta, the oil operators continue to sign and implement Global Memoranda of Understanding (GMoU) with their host communities to facilitate seamless operations and the sustained development of the Niger Delta.

Though the GMoU has achieved relative success, it has its drawbacks.

Consequently, the PIB provides for the establishment of the Host Community Fund to which operators will contribute 2.5 per cent of their operating costs incurred in the preceding year. So, the question is should the operators continue to contribute 3% of their annual budget to NDDC? Will the contribution to the host community be deducted from the NDDC contribution? Is the NDDC itself relevant given that the proposed arrangement in the PIB will better address the problems in the area?

5. Discretionary allocation and mandatory relinquishment – The Petroleum Act contains provisions discouraging discretionary allocation while encouraging mandatory relinquishment of oil blocks. Similar provisions are in the PIB. However, the issue is not what the law says but implementing the provisions of the law. This has been the major problem facing successive administrations in the country. The relevant

question, therefore, is what guarantees are there in the PIB to ensure that these provisions are implemented to the letter? Consequently, all the stakeholders (including the media and civic society organizations) in the industry have a big role to play in monitoring transparency and compliance with the law.

6. Separate companies for midstream/downstream operations – The PIB requires upstream companies to incorporate separate entities for midstream/downstream activities – This will trigger significant issues for existing operators, especially with respect to viability of current projects, transfer of assets/liabilities, transfer of staff and related obligations, compliance costs, transfer pricing issues. This provision, therefore, needs to be revisited. The Bill may consider grandfathering existing projects or those projects in respect of which Final investment Decisions may be taken before the coming into force of the PIB. Alternatively, the government may consider ring fencing those operations without the requirement for incorporating separate entities.

Conclusion While it important to pass the PIB speedily, it is equally important that the National Assembly do not just pass any bill. Whatever is worth doing is certainly worth doing well. Consequently, the proposal that the PIB be passed ‘as is’ and then amended subsequently through the annual Finance Acts should not be the way to go. Both the Government/National Assembly and industry operators should engage an independent consulting Firm to evaluate the issues and concerns raised by the operators and the need to boost oil revenue while enhancing competitiveness.

This will greatly help to narrow the differences and enhance transparency and trust between both parties.

-Ajayi is the Partner & Head Tax Energy and Managed Services KPMG in Nigeria. He can be reached via @walesj1967)

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FRIDAY MARCH 12, 2021 •T H I S D AY

A LETTER TO MY BELOVED HUSBAND, HIGH CHIEF (DR.) O. B. LULU-BRIGGS, OON, DCF, DSSRS you passed into glory that fateful day at Kotoka International Airport Clinic.

The false and fake news was also published in the Nigeria media. It was disgraceful and unwarranted.

I should be involved in your burial plans in line with your wishes; that my representatives and those of our four younger children should be part of the process; and that Dumo gives a binding unconditional undertaking that I would not be harmed during the burial.

INTERVENTION BY H.E. GOVERNOR NYESOM WIKE

Accordingly, the report of your autopsy was released. It ruled out any foul play in your death. However, I was deeply saddened by the public release of all the health challenges you faced but handled with grace, never allowing any to keep you from living an active, full, purposeful and productive life until December 27, 2018.

On August 18, 2019, His Excellency Governor Nyesom Wike, Executive Governor of Rivers State invited me and Dumo to a meeting with the intention of paving the way for your burial. He went straight to the heart of the matter by asking what was causing the delay and the drama. Dumo was not coy at all- he said he wanted 50% of Moni Pulo Limited, MPL. The Governor appealed to me to make a sacrifice so that the matter could be resolved. I restated my position on Dumo’s demands which is that I would not negotiate against your wishes. However, as the matriarch of the family, I said I would gift 50% of my shares in MPL to all of our seven children not just to Dumo.

The Governor was pleased with my response and asked us to go away and work out the modalities.

Significantly, the result of the autopsy removed a major impediment to your burial arrangements. Dumo had opposed your early burial by falsely claiming that he was not satisfied with the manner of your death. The autopsy was part of the investigation and the result appears to have put that process in abeyance.

On February 25, 2020, Dumo illegally removed your body from Transitions Funeral Home to an unknown location contrary to the ruling of the High Court of Ghana. He did so without meeting any of the ruling’s other conditions which would have ensured participation of all your family members including me in planning for your burial. A spokesperson for Dumo even claimed the body was in Port Harcourt. But in the light of the half-truths and lies that had punctuated the propaganda against me since you passed into glory, it is hard to know what to believe.

Dumo and I held two very emotional meetings. He appealed to me to hand over custody of your body to him. I agreed, on condition that the body would remain in Transitions Place until time of your burial. He also requested that our lawyers should meet in Port Harcourt to draw up a settlement agreement. I reminded him that I was not negotiating against your wishes, and it would not be necessary. I asked him to call a meeting with his siblings so I could formally notify all of them of my decision to gift 50% of my MPL shares to all of them and agree on burial dates and plans. He objected, stating that he was not aware that I had any shares in MPL to gift them!

The general expectation was that this development would lead to an announcement of a burial date and plans to actualize it. This did not happen.

Subsequently, we held another meeting with Governor Wike on September 13, 2019, during which I said I did not trust Dumo and I would not hand over your body to him until it was being removed for your burial. Governor Wike asked me if I would hand over the body to his Chief of Staff to bring it for a State burial, to which I gratefully consented.

At a third meeting on September 20, 2019, the Governor asked me to set aside your Will and share your assets with your three elder sons who you had excluded from your Will.

My dearly departed husband, it would interest you to know I still have your international passport and the permits required to bring your body from Ghana to Nigeria for burial. As I write this letter, I have no idea where your body is or how it was smuggled into Nigeria if in fact it is your body Dumo intends to bury on March 13, 2021. I have made my concern known to the King of Abonnema who in a meeting directed Dumo to tell me and his siblings where your body is so that we can view it ahead of the burial. Dumo has refused to yield the committee’s decision.

At a third meeting on September 20, 2019, the Governor asked me to set aside your Will and share your assets with your three elder sons who you had excluded from your Will. He asked my lawyers to take me aside and persuade me. Of course, I refused - how can I interfere with your Last Will and Testament? The meeting was adjourned with the agreement that both sides would forward their proposals to the Attorney General who would call a meeting to bridge any gaps.

The requests in Dumo’s proposal were outrageous. He wanted your wishes as laid out in your Last Will and Testament, including your inter vivos gifts and my personal businesses set aside and that he would redistribute your assets as he deemed appropriate.

For more than two years, Dumo and his supporters have publicly and falsely accused me of keeping your body away and of frustrating his efforts to have a quick burial for you – even as a police petition that Dumo’s lawyers wrote accused me of planning a quick burial for you! Unfortunately many people bought into these untruths. They did not understand that Dumo, “took custody of your father’s mortal remains you deliberately held back not only to pursue chieftaincy titles for self-aggrandizement but also to challenge his Last Will and Testament in court and with the bitterness resulting from your failed court action you called the press conference to announce the burial date, just to play to the gallery and not real intention to give your father a befitting burial.” (Chief Ferdinand Ngogo Alabraba, February 23, 2021). He also decided, “to exclude your dad’s widow and his daughter from the burial plans thus denying them the right to perform their customary roles to honour him in death.” (Chief Ferdinand Ngogo Alabraba, February 23, 2021).

By now Dumo’s attack had been extended to family, friends and associates.

Some of our other children’s friends received threatening phone calls. My Chief of Staff and Moni Pulo’s Head of Community Relations and Administration were warned via anonymous callers to distance themselves from me or else they would lose their lives. One of my camera men was threatened, offered money to work against me and had his home burgled and his CPU stolen.

The most disturbing action during this period was a brazen assassination attempt on one of my senior staff. I thank God for his faithfulness and grace that no lives were lost. All these incidences were reported to the police but we are yet to receive any feedback on their investigations.

Finally, I want you to know my dear husband that I have been excluded by Dumo and his cohorts from being part of the planning and execution of your funeral, contrary to the first wish in your Last Will and Testament which is now a public document.

ATTEMPT TO HAVE FALSE CHARGES BROUGHT AGAINST ME

As 2019 drew to a close, I was intimated that a case had been filed against me at the High Court, Abuja. There were no charges yet but a warrant for my arrest was imminent following moves made by Dumo as part of his sustained plot to persecute and discredit me. Following a series of high-level meetings I submitted fact-based petitions to the concerned authorities and I was able to quash the devious conspiracy.

The storm is heavy no doubt but I am not sinking but standing by the Grace of God, I remain your loving devoted wife till you departed. Adieu.

Dr. (Mrs.) Seinye Lulu-Briggs Sombreiro House, Port Harcourt.

WAITING FOR THE BURIAL

In several landmark rulings, from the High Court to the Supreme Court of Ghana, it was ordered that the result of the autopsy performed on your body be released. Contrary to Dumo’s demand, the courts also ordered that

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

2021 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: #CHOOSETOCHALLENGE

Adesayo Adelowo: On a

Mission to Empower Women

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Adesayo Adelowo: On a Mission to Empower Women Dr.AdesayoAdelowo, a survivor of childhood neglect and trauma, has been on a mission to empower women and girls for over two decades through teaching, providing practical tools, imparting knowledge, while sharing her experience, strength, and hope. As the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Fragrance of Influence, an organisation set up to prepare women forlifethrougheducation,mentoringandcoaching,hervisionistosupport500Africangirl-childrentoattaineducationwhile also creating as many life skills courses as possible to empower women at all levels. MARY NNAH reports

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or the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Fragrance of Influence, Dr. Adesayo Adelowo, her life goal is simple- to empower women and girls at all levels. As a survivor of childhood neglect and trauma, she passionately uses her voice to speak to women and girls to identify who they are and stay connected to God so they can be all that God has called them to become.

“Empowering women will ensure their full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision- making in political, economic and public. It is important to have gender equality and women’s empowerment and the full realisation of human rights for women and girls as it impacts on a transformative and multiplier effect on sustainable development and is a driver of economic growth in all nations.”

Purpose to Influence Fully loaded with good ideals, strength over adversity, and imperfections turned into benefits, her passion to equip teenage girls and women to become powerful, productive and maximise their potentials informed her decision to organise “The purpose to influence virtual women conference’. The vision of the conference is to help women become aware and draw on reserve of strength, courage, creativity and resilience that may lay dormant in them and invigorate their courage to connect to their purpose to influence.

Motivation for Fragrance of Influence On the defining experience or motivation for founding Fragrance of Influence, Adelowo noted that “when we are born, our voice is the first sign of life. We enter this world hardwired to communicate through our voices. It’s as natural as breathing, I assume for some more than others. Somewhere along the line, many women become quieter and silenced as a result of negative experiences caused by discrimination, marginalisation and oppression of all kinds.

“In a culture that celebrates distraction over focus, women’s identity becomes a product of imposed cultural and social process and political relations. Their identity brings the possibility of being discouraged and frowned upon because they are deviants from the prevalent and acceptable form (the male child).

“Personally, I have experienced how women are allowed only to maximise their potential, so far it does not challenge nor violate the norm. Women are powerless, defined, delineated, captured, understood, explained, and diagnosed using the scale of the norm, patriarchy.

“So, it becomes a matter of production over purpose and noise over listening, because of these errors and evil committed against women, many women find their voice lost, compromised, and even ridiculed.

“However, women are made in the image of God to reign and rule over the earth and God blessed them and command them to be fruitful, multiply and replenish upon the earth, unfortunately, the society has its own inferior mandate for women, there are many contradictory voices to the voice of God, unfortunately most women have been robbed of the strength to challenge these contradictory voices, rather they succumb to listening to such voices, making it hard to hear and trust their own.

“These thoughts and experiences informed my passion to found Fragrance

Dr. Adelowo and husband, Pastor David Adelowo

of Influence and coupled with the fact that growing up I saw my mother pushing back and resisting the dominant patriarchal voice.

“I am a product of a strong, assertive, though quiet woman who strongly believed in the best for a girl child, I am strongly inclined that women are not inferior to their male counterparts, I believe that women have all it takes to live a fulfilled life only if they are given the chance to do this.

“Also, the passion to found fragrance of influence stemmed from master’s in social work in 1997, there were two specialty that I was attracted to, Women development and medical social work, although I opted for Medical social work because at that time I was working in a medical setting, my heart was for women development, during my training my worldviews became challenged as I learnt about the possibilities that I could achieve as a social worker. I realised that I possess an amazing array of abilities that I can use to advocate and serve women by allowing them to gain and understand the importance of human relationships, dignity, and self-worth. As a social worker I give voice to the voiceless, power to the powerless and help to the helpless.

With this understanding, I decide that social work is a tool for me to spend time

with the neediest and the most vulnerable people, especially women, so I willingly give myself so that other women may be empowered; hence the birth of Fragrance of Influence and its related services.”

Why Women Should be Empowered Sharing why she strongly believes that it is important to ensure that women and girls are empowered, Adelowo noted that “it is important so as to end all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere. In most cultures, women are considered second class citizens, the weak, dependent, frivolous, seductive, and foolish one. They are thought particularly to be incapable of foresight and to lack the capacity to make and carry through sensible and realistic plans.

“Women and girls suffer all forms of violence in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation and harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation.

“However, women can be powerful agents of change. In this light it is pertinent that ensuring women’s and girls’ human rights is fully realised and their empowerment have a transformative and multiplier effect on sustainable development.

Vision On her vision and measures put in place to attain it, she said: “My vision is to support five thousand girls who are from disadvantaged backgrounds in their education. The support could be in the form of scholarships and of education in socio-emotional and life skills needed to navigate and adapt to a changing world and make decisions about their own lives.

I believe in holistic education for girls. It is shocking to know that in many countries, among girls who do enter primary school, only a small portion will reach and far fewer will complete secondary school.

“Girls’ education goes beyond getting girls into school. It is also about ensuring that girls learn and feel safe while in school; have the opportunity to complete all levels of education acquiring the knowledge and skills to compete in the labour market; learn the socio-emotional and life skills necessary to navigate and adapt to a changing world; make decisions about their own lives; and contribute to their communities and the world.

“The question is, how many education institutes guarantee this holistic perspective, very few of course and if there are any, it would be at an enormous cost to the child’s parents. The big goal would be to develop a purpose to influence school for girls by 2030 and provide a fully funded education for girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. This will transform the lives of 5,000 girls through a fully funded, wrap-around, boarding school education.

I am convinced that girls deserve the opportunities. The more girls are helped to become leaders and role models, the better off our society will be. Transformed by the power of an excellent education, these girls will become the mothers, achievers and change agents.

“How will I attain this goal? I believe in the power of vision, if I can see it, I can have it, further to this, I am collaborating with some individual, non- for-profit organization to harness resources for this goal. I will be partnering with the World Bank, UN women and other international organisations to realise these goals.”

Communication Channel Delving into various ways she has been communicating with women and how effective that has been, the coach said: “I believe women are uniquely formed.

According to Max Lucado “You weren’t an accident. You weren’t mass produced. You are not an assembly-line product. You were

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2021 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: #CHOOSETOCHALLENGE ADESAYO ADELOWO: ON A MISSIONTO EMPOWER WOMEN deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on the earth by the Master Craftsman.” “ I communicate this truth to women through lectures both physical and virtual, secular, and church conferences, social media platforms, and I have published two books on Fragrance of Influence as it relates to women and leadership.

It has been effective because I have seen women’s lives being transformed as they embrace the truth that they are on earth on a purpose and they have the mandate to design their desired lives.”

Foundation Sharing a bit about her foundation she said: “I come from a family where my father thought I did not count because I am a girl child, I did not have emotional support from my father. He was not interested in my wellbeing at all. I felt neglected by him most of the time and I felt trauma because I could not understand why he was not accepting of me because of my gender.

“When I turned 16, these were days of trials and darkness. As I mentioned earlier, I had passed enough subjects at O Level to gain admission in to a university but because, I did not apply for JAMB, I had to find something to do before the next JAMB exams, but my father had a different plan for me, firstly, he advised that I should go to Grade Two Teaching college, because that is what one of my uncles and cousin did, I didn’t even see any sense in that suggestion, so I did not consider it, after that he was able to find employment at Ondo State Broadcasting company as a radio broadcaster, oh mine! that was a very elegant job then in 1985, but because I knew his plans for me was just to get rid of me, I declined the offer.

“Why did I decline the offer? you may want to know, I remember that when my sister completed high school, my father was able to find a job at The National post office, Akure for her, and after a short while, he found a man who was genuinely in love with her, and my sister got married at 20.

I am sure that was my father ’s plan, start work as a broadcaster, work for a while and get married, sincerely, marriage did not appeal to me at that stage, and I did not want anyone to sabotage my journey, so I turned down his offer, left home, I did not know where I was going but it felt like I had to run for my life, so I did.

“A positive experience for me was when I got married I have two girls who are accepted and nurtured by my parents in love, it was like a dream having given birth to my girls and I watched how my husband celebrated and nurtured them.

“Another sad unforgettable episode was when I heard that my cousin passed in her sleep because she had concussion, apparently, she had suffered brain damage because of physical violence and abuse from her husband, indeed, and it was so difficult for me to grapple with.”

Doctoral Studies On her research about how women have to adjust to the new society they immigrated to, she said: “ I completed my doctoral studies in 2021 exploring the adjustment of African women living in New Zealand: A Narrative Study! This research uses a narrative method based on Africentric philosophy and a unique storytelling tradition that reflects the beliefs, values, and ritual of African people to understand the experience of the African immigrant women as it relates to their psychological adjustment to New Zealand.

“The research found that the main purpose for African women to migrate to New

Dr. Adelowo and family

Zealand was career development which could be realised through educational achievement.

“While the most significant stressor spoken about by the women was missing home and the losses associated with it. The most significant coping strategy the women used is communalism. The outcome of this research confirms that African women are resilient and highly focused; this helped me understand the nature of the support that is helpful for them.”

Life as an Author As an author, Adelowo said: “I have published two books namely… The Fragrance of Influence, one of the few books written purposely to inspire women of this generation. It so beautifully illustrates how God can use anyone for His plans and how we, especially women, can fight our fears, influence other women positively, and bring glory to God. “Through this book, I have helped the women folk to see that there is more to them than just getting married and raising children. The woman was given the same Dominion Mandate that the man was given, hence she is meant to bring glory and pleasure to her Creator – God – by excelling in academics, ministry, career, business, or whatever sphere of influence she finds herself.

“This book also shows us, through the Bible and contemporary days, women who exercised their God-given dominion to positively influence the lives of people and society at large. Hence, no woman should live less than who she was created to be - The Fragrance of Influence.

“The Fragrance of Motherhood is the story of mothers and girls. It’s about their radiance, potentials and winning streaks as they rely on their God-given abilities.

Motherhood is golden! The fragrance of Motherhood is conspicuous in all aspects of life.

“The woman in all her essence and beauty, gifted with the womb and incubator of nations, without which the mandate to be fruitful and multiply would be impossible.

Motherhood is a gift to the world by God, a gift that has birthed, shaped and still shaping many generations.”

Focus On the gains of the past two decades and areas women need to focus on changing in the decades ahead, she posited that “for millennia, women endured inequality, discrimination, and violence in relative silence. Issues affecting half the human population went neglected by predominantly male policymakers, historians, artists, and leaders. But recently, because of technologies, women have been able to share their experiences more widely than ever before, anger over these injustices began to smoulder and then ignite.

“Some years back, girls were not considered worthy of continuing their education but were rather sent off for early marriage, that has changed drastically, now, there are women with college degrees, working and succeeding and leading. Now, more young girls are given the opportunities to grow and learn.

“Previously, in some countries, women were not outspoken about gender-based violence and domestic abuse. With more awareness, we see today women coming forward and taking the future in their own hands.

“As women’s voices rise into a global chorus, they are not only addressing gender-based violence.

They are also rejecting centuries of stigma – calling for an end to period shame, for better access to feminine hygiene supplies, and for better data on long-neglected women’s health issues, like post-partum depression and gynaecological disorders. These changes have been accompanied by a rise in the status of women and girls. It is important for women to work and earn money so that they can meet their own needs and help cover household expenses.

“Around the world, women need to be empowered to take on roles that were once beyond reach. Feminist economics should work harder to reshape how policymakers

understand women’s roles in the world, drawing attention to the unpaid work still disproportionately done by women.

Unpaid domestic and care work falls disproportionately on women, restraining their economic potential as the COVID-19 pandemic additionally affects women’s jobs and livelihoods.

“Although women are increasingly seeking to become policymakers themselves, they still lag behind men in elected positions.

Twenty-five years since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, progress towards equal power and equal rights for women remains elusive.

No country has achieved gender equality.

“Women continue to be underrepresented in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, representing only slightly more than 35% of the world’s STEM graduates. Women are also a minority in scientific research and development, making up less than a third of the world’s researchers.”

Advice On her advice to young women aspiring for a fulfilling life, she charged them to constantly focus their attention on the things that are significant to them, especially on the values upon which they want to build their life, adding that “the characteristics of the person you desire to be, and the mark that you feel most called to make. For a woman to live a fulfilling life, she has to be aware of her identity, that is, who she is and whose she is, and draw on reserves of gold in form of strength, courage, creativity, and resilience that has been deposited in her and invigorate her courage to maximise her potential and the influence the world.

“The whole world must accept that women have the mandate to reign and rule and that leadership is not necessarily a result of inherent birth traits in the personality and nature of the individual, nor to be reserved for men because men naturally were more fit to rule and lead, instead, women and men are, and should be leaders because God created humankind to lead and rule”.

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Amstel Malta Celebrates International Women’s Day

AshimolowoMovestoBoostVaccine UptakeinBAMECommunity

˾ ÏÍÙÑØÓÝÏÝ ÓØÍÜÏÎÓÌÖÏ áÙ×ÏØ Ý×ËÝÒÓØÑ ÝÞÏÜÏÙÞãÚÏÝ ÓØ ÞÒÏÓÜ ÚÜÙÐÏÝÝÓÙØÝ Stories by Mary Nnah In commemoration of International Women’s Day, Nigeria’s leading malt brand,Amstel Malta, released a docu-series spotlighting three trailblazing women who are excelling in male-dominated industries.

The video followed the lives of Uju Udoka, a painter and founder of the ‘Grab a brush, Color a Life’ Initiative; Sandra Uso Prince-Ekwueme, a mechanic and Cynthia Egbunam, a talented barber, providing a platform for them to share their challenges, aspirations and hopes for the young Nigerian girl or woman.

These women revealed that their biggest challenge was

Amstel Malta Celebrates International Women’s Day

sexist stereotypes and having to prove themselves when bidding for jobs alongside male counterparts. Some others stated that they had clients who did not want to entrust them with work as a result of societal roadblocks that paint women as weak and feeble-minded.

However, they are optimistic that more women would break through limitations and come into the realisation of their true potential. Speaking on the campaign, Brand Manager, Amstel Malta, Onyinye Elochukwu, said, “Society is constantly evolving. Now more than

ever, there is an increasing need to use our platforms to change social stereotypes that negatively affect women”.

“For us at Amstel Malta, we are indeed proud to be using our voice to amplify the voices of all women, most especially, the women who have dared to excel in male-dominated industries. We are passionate not just about nourishing the bodies but also the minds of young Nigerians and showing them that nothing is impossible as long as you can dream it.”

Through innovative brand campaigns, Amstel Malta continues to inspire the next generation of Nigerian women while igniting positive change within the society and the nation at large.

MMS WoFHoF Lauds Nigerian Women Ranking on Global Economic Opportunity Index MMS Woman of Fortune Hall of Fame (WoFHoF) Initiative has commended Nigeria’s rating on Economic Participation and Opportunities gap with the nation ranked 38th in the world, closing the gap by 73.8 per cent since 2018.

The non-profit organisation made this commendation during a press briefing and road-walk to mark the 2021 International Women’s Day (IWD). Reeling out these statistics in her speech, the Executive Secretary of MMS WoFHoF Initiative, Mrs. Ifeoma Iloh used data from the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) 2020 Global Gender Gap Report (GGGR).

While the data indicates that “no country to date has yet achieved full gender parity “ and will not be attained for the next 99.5 years in some countries, Iloh said that it isn’t a coincidence that nations that have sustained their economies during the COVID-19 pandemic have done so by closing their gender inequality gaps.

According to her, this suggests that there is a correlation between sustainable economy, institutional building and gender parity.

“On the global gender gap index rankings, Nigeria performs relatively better in offering comparable economic opportunities to both men and

As parts of efforts to tackle low COVID-19 vaccine uptake among Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, head of KICC has inaugurated a Vaccination and Immunisation Committee.

The committee is as an independent expert advisory group to spearhead community efforts in encouraging the BAME community to take the vaccine.

A press statement released by the church said Pastor Ashimolowo was saddened by a report released by the Royal College of GP’s which reportedly claimed that vaccine uptake was extremely low within the BAME community at just about two per cent compared to the total vaccinated population.

While reiterating the fact that the church has not endorsed any particular medication or vaccine, the statement emphasised that it was only concerned about dispelling the myths about the vaccine.

According to the statement, “the committee consisted of medical experts and specialists on the matter from within the KICC global church community.

“As a Global Ministry we believe in providing our members, and those who follow our ministry, with accurate and balanced information that will help inform their decisions on critical life matters such as vaccinations.

“We firmly believe that vaccination may be the single most important health-promoting initiative available to mankind.

We believe in the effectiveness of vaccines to prevent serious illness and to save lives.

‘Trust,Commitment,TotalSatisfactionof CustomersImperativeforBusinessGrowth MMS WoFHoF participants at the event

women compared to other dimensions of the index which are: Educational attainment, Health and Survival, Political empowerment.”

“Nigeria ranks 27th in Africa and 128th in the world with a score of 63.5 per cent. Meanwhile, the country has closed 73.8 per cent of its Economic Participation and Opportunities gap to date (38th globally) and is one of the most improved countries globally on this aspect since 2018 (almost eight per cent points better than last edition).”

“Average annual incomes are estimated to be close to $6300 for men and $4600 for women. In terms of occupations, women represent a higher share of skilled professionals than men (64.6 per cent), but a significantly lower share of

senior positions (30.3 per cent).”

Commenting on the effect of insecurity on women, she stated that the trend of abduction and kidnapping of girls will discourage school enrolment for the girl-child, “At the last count, 279 secondary school students were abducted from a school in Jangebe town in Zamfara, with psychological trauma inflicted on them.”

She, therefore, challenged Nigerian women to raise their voices with actions against the trend. Also speaking on the theme: “The Future is Female” which was drawn from the global theme “Women In Leadership : Achieving An Equal Future In A COVID-19 World”, a former Director General of Nigerian Chamber of

Shipping (NCS), Mrs. Obiageli Obi, lamented that women have been victims of gross unemployment and hunger as the foremost effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said, “Some women have lost their husbands and become breadwinners, fending for four or more children since the pandemic. The impact of this COVID-19 has varied from one individual to another but the end product has been unemployment and lack of finances.” The former Director General of NCS also urged the federal government to target a percentage of its COVID-19 intervention fund towards women, noting that the palliatives already exist in the Northern part of the country but it should be nationwide.

Aspira Nigeria Gets Government’s Commendation Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has applauded Aspira Nigeria Limited, towards the development of Kano State as a mega commercial centre in Nigeria.

The governor, who gave the commendation during an official visit to the company site to commission the new plant recently, also appreciated the company for its immense contributions in the employment of thousands of job seekers in the state.

The governor observed with delight that Aspira Nigeria Limited has been serving as a catalyst for economic growth in the state.

The company which began operations in Nigeria about a

Ashimolowo

decade ago, has continued to expand its operations, introducing a new range of health- care products that serves the need of the populace while creating employment opportunities for many residents.

“We have been taken round to see their products and from the information they gave us, they have employed so far in this company more than 5000 youths from Kano State and from all over the country. Even foreigners are being employed in this company”, Ganduje said.

The governor who observed that the company enjoys peace and stability in Kano State, noted, “The peace and stability in the state is what has encouraged them to expand

their brands and the capacity of the company in the state.

“We have gone round and we have seen that they are producing various products, ranging from detergents to soaps, to even the toothpaste that would soon be commissioned. So, we thank this company for producing more and more here in Kano.”

Ganduje observed further that the firm has made Kano the real commercial nerve centre of not only Nigeria, but also of the West Africa countries that do businesses with it. The governor and his entourage, were taken on a facility tour of the company, who at the end of it was impressed at the quality

and high factory standards that were implemented by the management.

Chairman of the company, Alhaji Haruna Ahmadu Danzago appreciated Governor Ganduje and his administration for providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.

He stressed that the progress recorded by the company over the years would not have been attained without the benefit of the numerous private sector friendly policies of the state government.

He also observed that the company has been enjoying a very cordial relationship with its immediate community and with the people of Kano State.

Trust, consistent commitment to the total wellbeing of customers, total satisfaction of clients are imperative for the growth of any business.

This among others was canvassed by the Managing Director of ATCOHOMES, Mr. Triumph-Abatan Oluwayomi, while speaking to some journalists in Lagos recently.

According to Oluwayomi who is also the president/founder of Arrow Leadership Development Foundation (ALDEF), aside from selling land, the company is interested in the happiness and fulfilment of clients when buying from them.

“I often tell the staff that we are not in business because of the profit mainly but rather to service everyone God will direct our path to buy from us. Our goal is service and not gains.

“That is the reason we energetically drive ‘Reality to a wealthier life!’ mandate of ATCOHOMES. We are unique in the way and manner we go about our business. We believe business is not a do or die thing but a do and live matter, hence profit and gains do not drive us”, he noted.

Oluwayomi stressed further that, “Consultant commission structure is best to none in the industry especially with those with the same years with us, we build houses that our customers are glad to live in because we build as if we are living in them ourselves.

Int’lWomen’sDay:IluyomadeTasks AfricanWomenonPoverty Raheem Akingbolu The Convener of Arise Women, Dr Siju Iluyomade, has urged women around the world particularly Africans to stand up against the scourge of poverty that has bedevilled the human and social economic growth of Nigeria as well as the continent.

In a statement to encourage women and commemorate the 2021 International Women’s Day with the theme ‘Choose To Challenge’, Iluyomade pointed out that “gender inequality is one of the problems that face every developing country in the 21st century and globally. It is also a major cause of unemployment in Nigeria”.

She stated that the latest data released on unemployment in Nigeria by the National Bureau of Statistics indicated that women ranked the highest when it comes to unemployment.

“The discrimination against women remains a common occurrence today and serves to hinder economic prosperity,” she noted.

She noted that various indicators suggest that poverty is a major obstacle to Nigeria’s socio-economic development, adding that poverty has persisted and several interventions have failed to yield significant improvement in Nigeria’s Human Development Index even in periods of economic growth.

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Burna for the Grammy?

Stories by Vanessa Obioha Nigerians are hoping that history will be made on Sunday, March 14, when the 63rd Grammy Awards finally takes place. They are betting on Burna Boy, the towering self-proclaimed ‘African Giant’ to bring home the coveted gramophone for Best Global Music Album. This year marked the second time the afro-fusion singer is nominated in the newly renamed category. Last year, he lost to Beninese luminary singer Angelique Kidjo.

Since 2018, Burna has been riding the crest of a wave of international popularity. He has shown consistency in maintaining his position as the head of the table in afro sounds, churning out hits, bagging international collaborations, and even launching a new style collection in partnership with the UK-based global online retailer boohooMAN. His popularity streak is yet to fade.

Burna Boy

Burna secured another nomination this year for his ‘Twice As Tall’ album.

His contenders include Antibalas, an American Afrobeat band that is modelled after Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s Africa 70 band; Brazilian-American singer Bebel Gilberto; British-Indian sitar player and composer Anoushka

Shankar; and the Malian band Tinariwen.

The singer also shares a nomination with American singer Beyoncé whose ‘Black is King’ visual album is nominated in the Best Music Film category. Beyoncé’s ‘Brown Skin Girl’ hit featuring Wizkid is nominated

MTV Base Celebrates Impact on African Culture

in the Best Music Video category, equally fetching Wizkid a spot in that category.

For the 2021 Grammys, Burna Boy will be performing at the premiere ceremony which precedes the main ceremony. The Recording Academy during the week announced the long list of artists who will perform at music’s grandest stage. They include Bad Bunny who recently made appearances on WWE Monday Night Raw where he serves as a friend and supporter of his fellow countryman and wrestler Damian Priest; Cardi B, Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, Chris Martin, among others.

Earlier scheduled for January 31, the Grammy Awards was shifted to March, partly because of COVID, and due to the political tension that gripped the United States following the 2020 presidential elections.

In a press release, the Recording

Academy revealed that it will pay tribute to the independent venues, “which have been greatly impacted by the pandemic. From bartenders to box office managers, those who work day-to-day at the Troubadour (Los Angeles), The Hotel Café (Los Angeles), the Apollo Theater (New York City), and The Station Inn (Nashville) will present various categories throughout the night.”

The Daily Show host and comedian Trevor Noah will compère the ceremony which will have a limited audience in attendance and involve five stages of the same size and shape, four of which are for performances and one of which is for presenters, according to executive producer Ben Winston. The ceremony will take place in Los Angeles and will be televised on CBS Television Network. It will also be available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+.

Let the Singing Begin From Sunday, March 14, fans of Nigerian Idol can catch all the fun that took place during the audition period for the sixth season of the singing reality show.

MultiChoice Nigeria has dedicated DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 29 for all the drama and hilarious moments from the audition, leading to the live shows that will kick off on March 28 on Africa Magic Showcase, Urban and Family channels.

Fans of the show can also watch on MultiChoice online streaming service Showmax which will also be available in the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Australia and 23 other countries where the service operates.

Popular media IK Osakioduwa will be hosting this season while Obi Asika, Seyi Shay and DJ Sose will serve as judges on the show.

Bigi is the official sponsor of this season.

“She’s a Boss” to Debut Exclusively on Ogélle this Weekend Folu Storms, Nenny B & Ehiz

Over the past two decades, MTV Base has graced the African continent with entertaining and educating content, ranging from hit songs, fun TV shows, thought-provoking series, impact led initiatives and exciting competitions.

With two different feeds catering to South Africa and the rest of Africa, the network has invested heavily in ensuring that African music and culture retain their pride of place and achieves increased global visibility.

Seamlessly transitioning from one channel to a series of on-air and off-air platforms that have greatly influenced Africa’s youth culture, MTV Base has positioned itself as more than just a content house for regular urban music and authentically African storytelling.

As it marks its annual Base Day celebration, a look back at how the entertainment brand has continued to spotlight the impact of its innovations and promotion of African culture.

Back in 2005 when the network started operations in Africa, Nigerian artiste 2Face Idibia’s hit song, ‘African Queen’, was the rave of the moment.

The song’s music video was the first ever to air on MTV Base Africa, achieving a record-breaking 1.3 million views on the first screening.

Likewise, the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs), has served as a platform for Africa’s music talents to rise from a place of national relevance to international prominence, with artistes

like Davido, Wizkid, Yemi Alade, and many others regularly sharing award stages and collaborating with their global counterparts - a feat many would have termed ‘dreamy’ back in 2005. However, the MAMAs are not the only way MTV Base showcases African talent. Scheduled broadcasts such as MVP, Official Naija Top 10, Word on the Street, Base Real Talk, 100% Naija, Down South, and East Side, have carefully cultivated artistes’ career opportunities and a spotlight through live interviews, talk shows like Behind The Story, entertainment news, and more.

MTV base also has a knack to showcase the beauty of African culture through initiatives that support the development of young creatives for the industry. One of such initiatives was the upskilling and training provided to music videographers to improve their visual and production quality to international standards.

The network boasts a team of visionaries, creatives and fan-favourite trendsetters who advance the African culture through the channel. These individuals dubbed the ‘Culture Squad’, have paved the way for African talents to showcase their distinct originality on a bigger stage by highlighting how they are influencing cultural shifts, setting trends and leading the conversation through an inclusive, yet diverse content portfolio.

The network’s popular coming-of-age series ‘MTV Shuga’ which follows the lives of young friends as they navigate

sexual health, relationships, family issues, and more recently, mental health, has served as a voice for the expression of important issues that affect many young people today. The channel has provided a safe space to have striking conversations which would otherwise be termed “abominable” within the African societal context.

The show has educated African youths on issues ranging from HIV, safe sex and teen pregnancy in an entertaining way.

It also touches on maternal and child health, family planning, gender-based violence, and women empowerment.

Notwithstanding its educational drive, MTV Base has provided an avenue for young, talented actors to blossom – creating stars like Olumide Oworu, Jemima Osunde, Rahama Sadau, Adebukola Oladipupo, to name a few. Even Nigeria’s vocal queen, Tiwa Savage, cut her acting teeth by appearing in the MTV Shuga series.

It’s been almost two decades of providing incredible support and elevation for Africa’s music industry and culture. Through a combination of grit, tenacity, and determination, the channel’s influence in Africa has continued to intensify. Though there are still several grounds to break and numerous opportunities to uncover, the network is committed to showcasing a reimagined Africa to the world.

In solidarity with the positive rave of the International women’s day celebration, which amplifies and prompt the global recognition of the socio-economic and cultural importance of women in the society, driving their aim for equity in the entire human community, “She’s A Boss” a television show that brings to reality the other side of the African woman’s story from various fronts, will debut on Ogéllé, Africa’s pioneer and leading Pan African video sharing platform, this Friday, March 12.

This show aims to feature conventional and unconventional bosses, the woman who owns 10 shops in Lagos Island or Accra Ghana, the bank MD or Chief Executive Officer of a multimillion or dollar company, as well as the woman who sells the best local delicacies in Lagos, etc. “She’s a Boss” is unique because it hinges on inclusivity as it showcases the diverse roles and responsibilities women undertake daily in the course of life, and its impact on their lives, their families, and society.

Speaking from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the Founder, and CEO of Ogéllé, Osita Oparaugo said, “We are excited about releasing the show “She’s A Boss” and will not relent in celebrating women regardless of class and status, who are making huge differences in our societies, especially those who don’t even know or see themselves as bosses. We will extend this show until so many women in Africa are celebrated and their stories told” Anto Lecky, the anchor of “She’s a Boss” expressed her excitement in leading such an inspiring show that will explore our collective and kindred spirit as Africans, through the stories of both the urban and rural woman, and the difference women are making in contemporary Africa.

“I’m so excited about this show! I am a proud African woman and I want the world to know just how great African women truly are. We have heard stories of leading CEOs, but I’m particularly interested in sharing the stories of women who aren’t often celebrated.

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Balancing Gender Equity amidst Global Health Inequities Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu Regardless of our experiences, education, or abilities, the patriarchal nature of society in LMICs, fosters the perception that women are less qualified and less competent. Culturally, rural women in LMICs form the bulk of the population- over 80 per cent in Nigeria. These rural women are more vulnerable to multiple forms of development imbalances such as low education, closely linked to poorer health outcomes, all forms of violence, lack of access to credit facilities and low financial empowerment. The average participation of women in politics in Nigeria has remained 6.7 per cent in both elective and appointive positions, which is far below the Global Average of 22.5 per cent, Africa Regional Average of 23.4 percent and West African Sub Regional Average of 15 per cent. - (National Bureau of Statistics-NBS, Abuja, Nigeria. 1999-2015).

International Women’s Day usually on March 8, is a day set aside to applaud and recognise the progress made in achieving equality for women.

It is also a day to consider the challenges which remain and are yet to be conquered, and the gaps that are yet to be closed if we are to achieve equality for both men and women. Building on this year’s International Women’s Day theme: ‘Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world’, It highlights how women can be equal partners in decision-making processes, especially those regarding policymaking. This year, the need of the hour is to highlight the tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and

Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu

recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The women of Kebbi State, like others in Nigeria, are mostly on subsistence income and suffered greatly in the lockdown. Fortunately, many female-centric programs of the government of H.E. Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu ameliorated this. Grants and aid were made available to women in the state. Perhaps by far, the greatest achievement for the women of Kebbi State was the governors submission of two protective laws on GBV - VAPP and Child Protection Acts to the state House of Assembly for their considerations and passage into law.

Although the laws are yet to be passed, for the

first time numerous open and honest discussions have been held amongst all the stakeholders – women-focused civil society, the council of Ulamas, law enforcement agencies, legal bodies, and the office of the First Lady. Myths around the hitherto taboo subject are being debunked and we are speaking to mindsets. Using Covid compliant town hall meetings and webinars, rural outreaches, mainstream and social media; we have been conversing with the set attitudes of the people- men and women inclusive. We are slowly teaching women and young schoolgirls their worth and urging them to dare, and challenge negative norms and have the confidence to say NO. COVID-19 and the lockdown also magnified systemic inequities that have long been perpetuated by barriers in access to quality healthcare, especially in Low to Middle-Income Countries. In January 2021, WHO issued a call to all countries to work together in solidarity – and in each of their best interests – to ensure that within the first 100 days of the year, vaccination of health workers and older people was underway in all countries. It is encouraging to see the growing movement behind #VaccinEquity.

As an ardent advocate of eliminating cervical cancer, Vaccine inequality is one I have dealt with in my campaign to include HPV Vaccine in the Nigerian routine immunisation schedule. It is yet to happen due to long waiting queues populated by high income countries where girls as well as boys get the vaccine routinely. Each year, over 500,000 women, who are the sole sufferers of cervical cancer continue to die. 80 per cent of

these preventable deaths are from LMICs. Within a year of the first reported case of COVID-19, we celebrated the amazing development and approval of the vaccine. Indeed this is a milestone success in global health. Nigerians also celebrated the arrival of 4M doses, for our population of 250million. One wonders how the health authorities will ensure a fair distribution that allows people of different sex, means and backgrounds to access the limited vaccine.

While the COVID-19 vaccine offers the brightest hope of ending a pandemic that has dramatically impacted the world, we must intensify efforts towards a world free of other health challenges like cervical cancer, through the HPV vaccine. As we build back our economies, we must adopt a synergy between COVID-19 and cervical cancer elimination plans. It is my ardent hope that with the inequities exposed through the COVID-19 pandemic, more priorities and opportunities to ameliorate are given to female economies.

A post COVID19 world cannot afford to leave women behind. Now more than ever, emerging economies needs the immeasurable contributions that women are capable of making. Nigerian women are resilient and capable leaders in all spheres of the society be it in the political, professional, or academic. What we greatly lack is the OPPORTUNITY. We are therefore grateful for days like the IWD, that allows us to amplify the call. t%S 4IJOLBm #BHVEV 'JSTU -BEZ PG ,FCCJ 4UBUF JT B $POTVMUBOU 1BFEJBUSJDJBO BOE 'PVOEFS .FEJDBJE $BODFS 'PVOEBUJPO

Smart City Sweden Supports Waste Management Project in Karu, Nasarawa State The Government of Sweden has through its export platform Smart City Sweden, approved financing support to the Karu Waste Management Project in Nasarawa State.

The proposed project aims to reduce the amount of waste destined for land filling and dumping within Karu by the recovery and conversion of recyclable materials into useful products including energy through the application of state-of-the-art technologies and best practices.

Specifically, the funds would be used to co-finance the Project’s Feasibility Study. The study is led by WSP Sweden and supported by the local firm, Natural Eco Capital Limited.

Nasarawa State Governor, His Excellency Engr.Abdullahi A. Sule expressed appreciation

to the Swedish Government for supporting what is the first PPP Project in Nasarawa State under a new robust PPP Framework.

“With the involvement of Sweden, we are assured of a landmark project which aligns with the State’s development agenda. Hopefully, this will become a case study for other recycling and waste to energy projects across the region”.

Nasarawa State under the leadership of Engr. Sule has been very deliberate about stimulating its economy, building people’s human capacities, and creating wealth and jobs for them.

This is the basis of the Governor’s Nasarawa Economic Development Strategy (NEDS) founded on a vision to sustain accelerated growth of the Nasarawa economy driven by the private sector and translating

this to a clear improvement in citizens’ lives and the achievement of other key development outcomes.

Senior Advisor at Beacon Energy Development Services, Dr. Lazarus Angbazo stated: “This is a major milestone for us, and we really appreciate the Government of Sweden and the entire team at Smart City Sweden for this contribution, which confirms Sweden’s continued commitment to supporting initiatives that sustainably address climate, energy and environmental issues. We look forward to a stronger bigger partnership in the future.”

Sweden has extensive and efficient waste management systems in place with over 99 per cent of all household waste being recycled or recovered.

Their waste is treated in inte-

grated systems and recycled as district heating, electricity, biogas, biofertiliser and materials. Different treatment methods are used depending on the nature of the waste so as to make it possible to use the waste as a resource.

Head of Business Development Group at Smart City Sweden, Östen Ekengren stated: “Sweden has a long history as a pioneer in issues relating to the environment and sustainable development in a broader sense.

“We believe the Karu Wasteto-Energy Project not only has the potential to significantly improve the waste management system in Nasarawa State and the North-Central region of Nigeria, but also reduce the climate impact from the waste management sector and enhance the living

conditions of the citizens.

We are very excited and look forward to working with the Beacon Energy Consortium on this project.”

Interim CEO of the Karu Integrated Waste Management Company (KIWMC), Obiora Okoye stated: “We are very excited about the support from Sweden which comes following the completion of the Technical Audit of the Karu Recycling Plant.

“The funding support will provide us a better understanding of the market opportunity and the design options for our larger recycling and Waste-to-Energy project.”

Karu Integrated Waste Management Company (KIWMC) is a Special Purpose Company, established under a PPP between Nasarawa State Government

and Beacon Energy Development Services Limited. KIWMC will operate a plastic recycling plant in Karu designed to recycle post-consumer plastics into resin pellets.

KIWMC also intends to expand into material recycling facility that can process a broader range of municipal solid waste such as paper, wood, metal and glass and conversion of waste to energy.

The participating partners include Beacon Energy Development Services (BEDS), an indigenous company involved in development, financing, operation and services within the power, oil & gas, and sustainable infrastructure sectors.

Nasarawa State signed a concession agreement with Beacon Energy for the development of the Waste to Energy Project in October 2020.

UBA Upgrades Digital Banking to Deliver First Rate Services to Customers Chiemelie Ezeobi To deliver first rate services to its millions of customers in Africa and even potential subscribers, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has upgraded its digital banking services.

Offering banking services to more than 20 million customers across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries, according to the pan African bank, the upgrade which came in form of a new mobile banking app, is set to change the face of digital banking services.

A total upgrade from the former app, it has new features including four amazing themes

and a more amazing graphical interface, just as it has another never-been-seen before feature where it blurs your account balance when you cover your phone’s censor.

Armed with benefits and features designed to give its customers increased control and accessibility to carry out transactions with ease, UBA Digital Banking Group Head, Kayode Ishola, said the app has been tailor-made to give customers what they want, how and in the way they want it. He made this disclosure during a virtual press parlay with both local and international media, adding that a lot of investment in cutting edge technology and

attention to details was put into the new mobile app.

According to him, the new UBA Mobile App is “your personal finance manager built with a distinctive user interface that will change the face of banking.

“With this app, we are reimagining banking as our engagement has moved from being channel-based to being platform-based.

“The speed of the platform has been made to match the speed of light as we have cut down significantly on the number of processes expected to carry out your transactions.

“Interestingly, we have worked towards creating

behavioural insight for our customers and working around this to address the real needs of our customers using the Omni channel platform and running on our open digital platform, which is very interactive and armed with lifestyle services.

It is sleek and trendy with seamless user interface.”

On the security features of the app, UBA’s Group Chief Information Officer, Onyebuchi Akosa, said the new platform will revolutionise the way banking services are offered as it will deliver increased personalised banking via a watertight and highly-effective security system.

He said: “The new app has

also been built with the bestin-purchase security features and has been modelled appropriately to ensure that all the features are working properly to secure transactions maximally. “It is also important to mention that the bank took into consideration the virtually impaired, and thus has used voice recognition as a channel for transaction which suits both convenience and the visually impaired customers.”

Head, UBA SME Banking, Sampson Aneke, on his part noted that the app has been created with a high-level of intelligence because it can work based on frequent transactions.

He added that “it can also

speak to the specific country where it is being used as the new mobile app runs concurrently in the 20 countries of UBA’s operation interacting in the different languages and cultures in line with the specific needs and regulation of the country in focus.

“This all-encompassing platform which boasts of a new user interface because of its sleek, modern nature of delivering seamless experience across several devics; can be used as a budgeting tool, loan application and also allows customers view their expenses according to their various categories such as the amount spent on data within a particular period.

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ART WEEKEND

…For pure art enthusiasts

Art Community Stood for Eddie Aderinokun

The art community in Lagos joined the family of the poet, journalist, sports promoter and music connoisseur, Otunba Edward ‘Eddie’KolawoleAderinokuninpayingtributesathisfuneral.Yinka Olatunbosun reports Many who were present at the funeral of Eddie Aderinokun might have been oblivious to the fact that the late poet was born on July 13, a date that has been registered as the birthday of the Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka. Often, the art community would migrate to Ijegba forest to mark the occasion that has become known as the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE).

But last Friday when Aderinokun was laid to rest, the art community stood for him with poetry performances and tributes in an event that was both physical and virtual.

Some of his children and grandchildren who joined the ceremony virtually were clad in the powder-blue garb, sitting respectfully in their various homes while the event progressed. Poetry performances by AJ Dagga Tolar and Akeem Lasisi added some life to the sober gathering marked by physical distancing of the masked guests.

The late poet was remembered for playing host to the Lagos Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) for several years when their monthly meetings were held at his Surulere home. He was known to be very hospitable, offering food and drinks to authors at the meetings during the formative stage. His impact was also felt in the field of journalism as recounted by the former Governor of Ogun State and

Eddie Aderinokun

journalist, Chief Olusegun Osoba in a short light-hearted tribute to Aderinokun.

“I don’t know how to start this tribute. We were rivals. He was in Daily Express; I was

Ken Nwadiogbu Stages First US Solo Exhibition Yinka Olatunbosun Ken Nwadiogbu, the FutureAward Africa winner for Visual and Applied Art in 2019 has made a debut show in the US. For three weeks beginning from March 6 to 27, Nwadiogbu makes his debut US solo exhibition at the highly-reputed Thinkspace Projects space located in Los Angeles’ West Adams District.

With an eye for fresh talents such as Nwadiogbu, the LA-based gallery has been at the vanguard of the showcase of new contemporary art movement. This connects them with an enlightened US art audience comprising curators, collectors, enthusiast and scholars among others.

In October 2019, Nwadiogbu’s similar debut in the UK at The Brick Lane Gallery, East London attracted a room full of new audience who went home with a remarkable first impression of his artistic expression. The sold-out show tagged “Contemporealism” featured 25 original works.

At Thinkspace Projects, Nwadiogbu interrogates contemporary socialculture issues from his worldview with about twenty new hyperrealist works. He investigates representation through a focal-point of eyes as a means of discovering and revelation.

By recreating his own realities as a young Nigerian, his work projects the experiences encountered by black lives around the globe. Nwadiogbu invokes a humanist connection to the ongoing issues of police brutality, racism, xenophobia, culture conflict and shock. Working with charcoal and acrylic he creates a hyperrealist narrative that demands socio-political thought and discourse, bringing the ideology full circle by emphasizing an understanding that we are more alike than different.

Social realities influence Nwadiogbu’s work as he explores identity, politics and the human form to raise these issues.

“My love for drawing faces of everyday people through ripped paper was born from a need to identify Africans in major global contexts. These juxtaposed pieces

in Daily Times. But we were good friends.

He was in Apongbon; I was in Kakawa,’’ he said as he drew parallels between their career in journalism where they both got promoted to the position of Deputy Editors at about the same time.

His son, Segun Aderinokun, who had to endure the pain of losing his father on his birthday paid his tribute in an emotion-laden voice.

“Daddy shared many life lessons with us.

Daddy calls me ‘my prophet or my pastor.’’

He was always quick to celebrate our wins, however little,’’ he said.

Another son, Olumide Aderinokun captured the persona of late poet in his heartfelt tribute.

“He was a spontaneous father,’’ he said while recounting all the dangerous night journeys he had been with his father.

Aderinokun was known to have founded Nigeria’s first pop-rock group known as Clusters in the late 60s when highlife was the leading music genre in Nigeria. His first published collection of poems, Ebony on Snow was followed by another collection Dance of the Vulture in 1990. Others include Indigo Tears: A Travel Diary of Afrika in Verse (1992), Dark Days are Here (1995), Milestones: A Poetic Odyssey (1995) Meridian Hour: History in Poetry (1998) amongst others.

The Play ‘Ghosting’ Set for Lagos Premiere

Nwadiogbu’s works

became my way of exploring, evaluating, interrogating, and challenging socio-political structures and issues within the society.’

He continues, “I believe that the eye is a window into the being of any human and as such, make it a constant symbol in my latest body of work. The focal point of my art is on black lives; recreating my experiences and those encountered by the people around me such as police brutality, lingering racism, xenophobia, culture conflict and shock. Working with charcoal and acrylic on canvas, I am able to invoke empathy in the viewer forcing socio-political thoughts and discourse, and making them aware enough to respond to social developments.

While reflecting on the gallery’s relationship with the artist, Andrew Hosner, the curator and co-owner of Thinkspace Projects said, “We’ve known Ken for a couple years now and it is an honor to provide a platform for his debut U.S. solo exhibition.

Nwadiogbu is an incredible talent and his story will help to also tell Nigeria’s story.”

Nwadiogbu, a graduate of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Lagos, Nigeria divided his time between his canvas and his notebooks to hone his skills.

The self-taught 25-year old artist pivoted on a strand of hyperrealism match with contemporary art which he calls ‘Contemporealism.’ He was named by Guardian Life as one of the most “Outstanding Personalities of 2019” and awarded the 2019 Future Award Prize for Visual and Applied Arts in recognition of his contributions to the arts.

He has featured in local, international group exhibitions and fairs including Art X Lagos, Insanity, It’s not Furniture, Finding your Identity, ArtyramaArt Exhibition, Empowerment Exhibition, Generation Y, Moniker Art Fair, Afriuture, LAX-SFO, In the Making, LAX-MSY amongst others.

A scene from Ghosting

Yinka Olatunbosun Ghosting, a theatre-film production

by Footprints of David, Nigeria and Monster Truck, Germany is set to premiere at the Seaside Cottage Theatre, Bariga on March 20. Ghosting was inspired by the traumatic experience of the Covid-19 pandemic that broke almost every connection in everyday human relationship.

Funded by the Berlin Senate Department for Culture and Europe as well as the Performing Arts Fund, this theatre-film experiment tells personal stories of individual character with a new string of creativity.

A production of two continents, it breeds spirituality rather than an absenteeism of physical touch.

The lead character, Sahar Rahimi is a layer of masked alter-egos of her imagination entrenched in the soul

of seven other performers in Nigeria.

Ghosting is a solo piece with many images shot in Lagos and Berlin. The result is a 35-minute long theatre-film about being together and abandoned, about digital bad conscience, teenage conflict avoidance and transcontinental power games.

Monster Truck was founded by students of Applied Theatre Studies in Giessen and works with a changing cast in the areas of theatre, performance and visual arts. Meanwhile, Footprints of David is the children’s branch of Segun Adefila’s Crown Troupe. It was founded in 2005 by Oluwaseun Awobajo with the goal of changing the way people view children from the ghetto. Awobajo started the theatre with four children from the neighbourhood but at the moment, scores of children have enrolled at the facility.

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From Feather to Vice Chancellor: Random Notes on Yemi Akinwumi Tunde Olusunle

T

he reception hall of Idrinana Hotel in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, had most probably never received the number and quality of guests it hosted on Monday February 15, 2021. It was a colourful array of dignitaries from all facets of life.

The royal contingent was led by the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman of the Okun Traditional Council, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi and the Olu Adde of Ekinrin Adde, Oba Anthony Bamigbaye Idowu. From the academia were scholars like Professor Suleiman Bala Mohammed, Vice Chancellor the Nasarawa State University; Professor Yakubu Ochefu, former Vice Chancellor of Kwararafa University; Professor Gbenga Ibileye of the Federal University of Lokoja and Professor Eugene Aliegba also of the Nasarawa State University. Prof Kola Olorunleke of the Michael Ajasin University; Dr Tivlumun Nyitse of Bingham University, Karu; Dr Toba Olusunle, Managing Director of the Engineering Materials Development Institute, Dr Bode Oshadare of the Kogi State University, and many other scholars were in attendance.

Other dignitaries included Maj Gen Julius Olakunle Oshanupin, former Commander, Brigade of Guards in The Presidency; Barr Tunde Bello, former Solicitor-General of Kogi State; Dr Carolyn Ezeokeke, a Director in the National Commission for Museums and Monuments; Hon Positive Ihiabe, a former Member of the House of Representatives; Dr Femi Ajisafe, a former General Manager at the National Inland Waterways Authority; Mr Biodun Olorunleke, a former Director with the National Youth Service Corps, and Mr Sanya Ajakaiye, a former Director in the National Assembly Service Commission.

The event was a reception for the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Durotimi Akinwumi, who assumed office earlier that day. He replaced Professor Angela Freeman Miri who had served out her five year term in office.

Back in December 2020, the Governing Council of the University under the leadership of Senator Chris Adighije, had approved the appointment of Professor Akinwumi to the position. He was adjudged to have been head over shoulders above all the other 80 contestants for the position, from universities and institutions across the country.

According to Senator Adighije, the selection process was so rigorous that the 81 applicants, were initially scaled down to 20. Thereafter, the list was further pruned down to three names. Two independent external assessors were also invited to ensure openness, fairness and transparency in the selection process.

A five-man committee of friends of Akinwumi, notably: Dr Matthew Keyi (former Chairman of Ogori-Magongo local government area in Kogi State); Chief Sola Adedoyin, (a businessman and politician); Femi Ibrahim (a diplomat), Mr Rufus Aiyenigba and this writer, had constituted a small group to drive the event hosted that night. Except for Aiyenigba, all other members of the committee were alumni of the University of Ilorin.

As freshmen in the University of Ilorin in 1982, the reception we received from the older students and lecturers was welcoming and accommodating. I had come in at 200 Level, after completing my Cambridge University-moderated higher school certificate programme at the School of Basic Studies, Kwara State College of Technology.

The likes of Gbenga Ayeni (now a professor of communication at the East Connecticut State University); Blessing Wikina (who retired as Director of Information in Rivers State a few years ago); Dapo Adelegan (a

Prof Yemi Akinwumi, VC, Federal University Lokoja

successful entrepreneur on the Lagos business scene) and Bisola Oluwole (a notable woman businesswoman in Lagos) among others, were also admitted by direct entry into the same programme. We never knew each other before our meeting at the University of Ilorin, but together we went through the motions of registration and familiarisation with our new environment.

As we shuttled between our various faculty blocks, departments, student union building, porters’ lodges and cafeteria, we met and made new friends who enthusiastically wanted to put us through our acculturation processes.

As students of English, we had to study Linguistics as “first minor”, also known as elective, elsewhere. You could choose a second minor from a broad array of other subjects, but I opted for History, having studied it for my higher school certificate.

From banters, handshakes, laughs and similar asides before or after our lectures, from strolling together to our hostels and to the library, we cultivated new friendships which have withstood the test of time. Tivlumun Nyitse (a former Permanent Secretary in Benue State); Tunji Bamishigbin (a renowned movie maker and actor); Mopah Aileku (a civil servant); Jide Owojaiye ( who recently retired from the teaching service commission in Kogi State); and Yemi Akinwumi, among others, were our new friends. They had been in the university a year earlier as 100 Level students, and so, they were, to borrow the common lingo, “sons of the soil.”

As students taking courses in History, we were taught by scholars and intellectuals like the late Prof Ade Mobain Obayemi (who also once served as Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments); Dr (now Professor) Hakeem Olumide Danmole; Dr A.S. Adebola; Dr S.J. Watts, among others. Akinwumi was not only punctual and regular in class, he had a way of taking down in his notebooks, any and everything that was said by any lecturer.

It was never surprising therefore, that our classmates who skipped lectures for any reason, queued in his room in the hostel, to borrow his books to update theirs.

Beyond the classroom, Akinwumi, Ayeni and I lived in the same hostel. Our rooms, accross the grassy quadrangle in our “F - Block” accommodation, was a whistling distance from one another. Together with our other friends, we made cat calls and threw jokes about all manner of subjects. We mimicked the verbal mannerisms of our teachers and enjoyed robust cackles from time to time. At leisure, the quadrangle became a temporary field for “five-a-side” soccer.

Since we both resided in Ilorin, Akinwumi and I made it a point of duty to utilize our end-of-session holidays, productively.

We got like-minded friends together and arranged summer lectures for secondary school students. It was not only a way of making little stipends for ourselves ahead of the new school year, it was also a way of

keeping our minds academically active. I recall Yemi once asked me: “Your parents are comfortable, you suffer no lack in school, why would you be interested in this summer school exercise?” He found an answer himself when he said: “Well, I think it is part of grooming by your parents, which is very good.” The summer school project also helped parents whose wards participated in the summer schools, keep them out of harm’s way within the period.

Don’t be mistaken, Yemi was not a straitjacket bookworm. Higher institutions in our days, encouraged extracurricular activities.

Education then was beyond class work, in the effort to build the man and his mind.

Apart from belonging to associations immediately related to our courses of study, other clubs and societies made the whole educational process a holistic grooming exercise. Students belonged to the “Historical Society”; the “English Readers Association”; the “Performing Arts Students’ Association”, and so on. At the same time, the “Rotaract Club”; the “Jaycees”; “Firepoint” (an underground campus newsletter), and many more, flourished.

Yemi Akinwumi and I belonged to the “Palmwine Drinkers Club”, an assemblage of jolly, fun loving students. Oludare Olajubu, a professor of Yoruba Studies and Linguistics in our time, was one of the pioneers of the Club in his days as a student, decades back. In the parlance of the Club, he was an “archival Fellow.” The University of Ilorin chapter of the club at the time was called “Ilya Du Ilorin.” Members greeted themselves in a particular way by locking their index fingers together and rubbing their thumbs against one another. Non-members were saluted with regular handshakes and called “quantity surveyors” because they were not entitled to the Palmwine Drinkers special mode of greeting. They evolved their own conversational lingo, a curious corruption of phrases in English, French and whatever was the prominent language in the immediate community of club. Palmwine Drinkers were recognized by their green caps and milk-coloured tops, which combination was referred to as the “regalia.” They announced their programmes, known as “gyrations” by initiates, with rhythmic drumming, singing and dancing on the campus.

Akinwumi ascended the hierarchy of the Club to become the “Feather.” Feather in this sense, was a pseudonym for Secretary.

Writing in primordial times was done by dipping the tip of a bird’s feather in an ink bottle. It was his responsibility as the feather therefore, to keep the records of activities of the club and to serve notices of meetings.

In 1985, we both graduated and proceeded for the mandatory one year National Youth Service Corps, NYSC. And as though by mutual consent, we found ourselves back in the University of Ilorin for our masters degree programmes, in 1987. He continued with his ambition to become one of Nigeria’s preeminent historians, while I also returned to my old department, English. Again, we lived in the same hostel, this time the “PG Hall” (PG for post graduate), also in the mini-campus of the institution. Those were days of struggle when we would make “eba” and appropriate “geisha” (canned fish in tomato sauce), as soup for our meal.

We would sometimes visit my girlfriend at the time, who is my wife today, Funimi, and ask for food. Yemi’s girlfriend at the time, Toyin, who is also his wife, would sometimes bring us something to eat.

Upon the completion of our masters programme, I returned to my job as teacher in a secondary school in Iddo Oro, about 50 kilometres from Ilorin. Yemi stayed back to continue with his doctorate. In 1990, I got a job in the Daily Times, Lagos, so I had to relocate. Nevertheless, we kept in very

close touch, especially since my family lived in Ilorin.

Yemi continued to make waves as a budding scholar in the academia. As I moved from Lagos to Lokoja and back to Lagos on several professional duties, we never lost touch. Even as I found myself in Abuja and he went abroad, we remained in close contact.

On his invitation, my wife and I were his guests in Berlin in 2004. At that time, he was at the Ethonogie Freie Universitat in Germany. With his Nigerian friend and compatriot, Victor Ngwu, they made our stay very memorable.

Professor Akinwumi has served his apprenticeship very well and honed his skills for his new assignment. Under the leadership of renowned academic and university administrator, Prof Adamu Baikie as Vice Chancellor of the Nasarawa State University, he returned to Nigeria early 2005 and became the first substantive Head of the Department of History, from 2005 to 2007. He also served as the Deputy Dean, Faculty of Arts from 2005 to 2006 and substantive Dean of the same faculty from 2006 to 2010. In 2009, he emerged Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors of the institution, and Senate representative in the Governing Council. In 2017, he was appointed Director, Institute of Governance and Development Studies, and he became the Dean of School of Postgraduate Studies. His last assignment before his recent appointment, was Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics at the Nasarawa State University.

From his early days in Nasarawa State University, he began a robust students’ exchange programme between the university and German institutions. My family and I were privileged on one occasion to play host in our Abuja abode to Akinwumi and his visitors from Germany. He also has never spared any opportunity to encourage his friends and associates in foreign institutions who desired to have their sabbatical in Nigeria, to make Nasarawa State University their first stop.

Indeed, in every position he found himself, Akinwumi leveraged external support for the Nasarawa State University Keffi, in several ways. Some structures and monuments in the institution today, came to fruition, courtesy of his extensive contacts and relationships with people. He equally facilitated book gifts for the university library, from several foreign sources.

He has won several international and national academic laurels, notably: the Professor Ali Mazrui academic award for Academic Excellence in Kenya; the Stellenbosch Institute of Advanced Study Award in South Africa; the prestigious Alexander von Humboldt Award in Germany and the Universitat Zurich Nord-Sud-Kooperation Award in Switzerland. He has also received the European Research Award in University College, London and the German Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdiendt, DAAD Award, among others.

Akinwumi was National President, Historical Society of Nigeria and has since been honoured with the Fellowship of the society. He is also a Member of the Nigeria Academy of Letters, NALs. A tireless scholar and quester for knowledge, he has over 70 publications in national and international journals, books and monographs, and attended conferences, workshops and seminars in over 30 countries across the world.

He will be expected to bring his broadbased experience, contacts and affiliations across the world, to bear on his assignment as chief executive of the ten year old university.

Born January 20, 1964, he is happily married to Mrs Toyin Akinwumi, a civil servant and the union is blessed with beautiful children. t0MVTVOMF IPMET B EPDUPSBUF EFHSFF JO NFEJB BSUT GSPN UIF 6OJWFSTJUZ PG "CVKB

37

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͰ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

POLSCOPE Nigerian Customs Service: Citadel of Corruption

T

hose who are upbeat about the anti-corruption stance of the federal government may not have had any experience with the Nigerian Customs Service. Too often, we are carried away with the running belief in the public domain that the Nigeria Police Force is the headquarters of corruption. How wrong! Let such persons have a deal with the Nigerian Customs and he or she will understand that corruption comes in grades and degrees. Indeed, whoever has a deal with the Nigerian Customs will or should see the futility of fighting the malaise called corruption. It is wide and deep. A norm!

It is interesting to note that among all the revenue generating agencies of the Federal Government, the Nigerian Customs Service has been verily faithful in not only meeting its budgetary targets, but doing so, most times, before the end of the third quarter of every year.

What that tells us is that the Nigerian Customs is quite a fertile field for revenue generation. Indeed, if it could generate as much as N1.6 trillion in the year of the Pandemic (2020), then it really has the capacity to generate even N2 trillion if all leakages are blocked.

The temptation to argue that having generated that humongous sum, the agency should be left alone, is appreciated. However, some of the acts of Customs are indeed inhibitive to economic growth. By no means, I am not condemning their eagle eye in catching and exposing illicit and illegal importations like arms and drugs or smuggling (even though some people argue that it is when the importers are unable to “settle” that the case gets to NTA) .

Let me cite an example. A man imports cars from either the United States of America, Canada or other parts of Europe.

Customs officials do the evaluation and assessment of the cars.

It gives what the duty to be paid

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Canticles….

What is Aisha Buhari Doing in Dubai?

I

It is a good thing that we had International Women’s Day last Monday. I look forward to more of such opportunities for women Why? Are you a woman?

Not exactly. At least on such days, we can be sure to hear from our dear First Lady, Mrs Aisha Buhari. Or didn’t you hear her speak from Dubai last Monday, condemning the continuous abduction of students in the North west? I am looking forward to hearing from her again on Sunday.

Sunday? Why Sunday?

That will be Mothering Sunday. And as the First Lady of the nation and herself a proud mother, I am sure she will have soothing words for Nigerian mothers.

Em, em, eh… Why is she speaking from Dubai and not from Aso Rock these days?

Has she relocated to the United Arab Emirates?

Hammed Alii

should be. The importer pays the duty, and all the many ancillary charges as demanded; not counting all the dozens of tipping points where the documents have to go through for approval. And when all the process is completed, the cars are released.

Then the car owner travels with one f the cars and the Customs officials on the Highway intercept the car, query the Customs duty paid, and either go ahead to demand for hefty bribes so as to let the car go, or they seize the car altogether, regardless of the fact that the Duty demanded by the Customs unit at the points of entry has been paid. The Highway Customs operatives argue that the duty paid was below what ought to have been paid. Pray, whose fault is that?

Did the importers determine how much they have to pay? Was it not the same Customs that did? If there is an underpayment, should the system, not the importer, be blamed and perhaps restructured ?

Are the Highway Customs officials not aware that their colleagues in the Ports had issued a clearance for the release of the car/s? Why do they (Highway Customs) have to constitute another illegal clearing points on

I think she is on holidays. the highway where they harass and harangue motorists?

Too often, they demand huge sums from owners of cars whether their Customs papers are genuine or not. They annoyingly argue that the Clearing Agents may have negotiated the duty to be paid with Customs officials (in what they describe as “Compromised Duty”—often used for damaged cars), and so when the correct duties are underpaid, the Highway Customs now demand that either the full payments are made or they are bribed heavily or the car/s get seized. That is tyranny! Was it Civil Defence officials that issued the clearance from the Ports as not to be respected by the Customs on the Highways? Are there two or more Customs operational standards?

Perhaps one of the major tasks before Col Hameed Ali (retd), the Comptroller General of Customs (who refused to wear uniform) is to harmonise the operations of Customs officials in such a way that any good or consignment genuinely cleared (emphasis on genuinely cleared) by any unit of the Nigerian Customs should be respected and thus spared from undue harassment from highway Customs officials who just want to drink from the cup of corruption.

4.2 Million British Pounds and the Orogun Polytechnic Project Last Tuesday, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami announced that it had secured the consent of the British government to release the sum of 4.2 million pounds stolen by former governor of Delta State, James Ibori. The money was said to have been recovered from friends and family members of Ibori.

Malami went ahead to sign an MoU with the British government which insisted that the funds to be repatriated in two weeks, must be tied to visible projects.

We reserve, for another day, the issue of how our commonwealth ended up in Britain.

In his skewed wisdom, Malami said the funds will be used to complete the second Niger bridge (in the south east), Abuja-- Kaduna highway (in the Northwest) and Lagos --Ibadan highway (in the south west), arguing that the crime committed was a federal crime and that the Federal Government it was that had been in the groove of repatriating the said loot from the UK, therefore it is the Federal Government and not Delta State that owns the money. So, Mr Malami, if the crime was federal, does that make the money so stolen also

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Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami

federal money? How can money stolen from Delta State treasury suddenly become Federal money? Was Ibori operating the Federal reserve? What kind of justice minister is Malami who is desperate to unjustly rob the people of Delta of their rightful resource? If the argument is that Delta State government should pay the cost of all the arbitration and expenses incurred by the federal government in the process of recovering the said money, then that will make sense. But to say that the money so stolen from the Delta treasury to the UK, is now a property of the Federal Government is a clear case of standing justice on its head. Such lousy arguments could spark regional agitation.

Malami is trying to reap from where he did not sow.

But did Mr Malami forget that there is a precedence?

Was the money (over Five Million Pounds) stolen by late governor of Bayelsa State, DSP Alamyeseigha not returned to Bayelsa State government in 2012 from the same UK government?

Where was Malami then?

But if that is not bad enough, Mr Malami robs the injustice on the face of the people of Delta by allocating the money to projects clearly away from Delta. Not even any state in the South south geo-political zone benefited. What kind of judgement is that? Are there no federal unfinished projects in Delta where the money could have been deployed?

In case Mr Malami does not know, the Federal Government has just approved the establishment of Federal Polytechnic in Orogun, Ughelli North LGA, the very heart of Delta State.

Pray, that amount, (put at over N2billion) is timeously useful to commence the building of the Orogun Polytechnic. It is gratifying that the Delta State government has vowed to challenge Malami at the Supreme Court. If the Minister of Justice lacks enough sense of justice, the Supreme Court will not.

Holidays? What kind of holiday is that?

Is it Summer or Autumn or Winter holiday?

And for how long is this holiday?

Why are you firing me these questions? Do I look like her PA or do I work in the presidency?

Since you know that she is on holidays, you might as well have details of her vacation. It is a long time that she has not only been quiet in the public domain, she has not been seen around for quite some time. And Nigerians are getting worried that their First lady has been unseen for so long, too long.

She is a private citizen. Nigerians only voted for her husband, Mr President. And he has been around carrying out his duties diligently, even if many of them are done virtually these days.

Yes, she is a private citizen, but she is a prominent member of the First Family.

She is a public votary in a way. And don’t forget that all those her aides here and there are paid by tax payers’ money. So, let me say she is a quasi private citizen Whether quasi or whatever you call her, the fact remains that Nigerians did not vote for her. She does not owe Nigerians any duty per se. So if she decides to hibernate in far away Dubai, it is within her liberty and right..

You are talking like a one-way driver.

Do you not know that the place of a woman is in the abode of her husband?

And Madam’s husband is in Aso Rock, what is she doing in the desert land of Dubai? . Ok, let me ask you: Now that she is ensconced in the glitz and grit of Dubai, who will be Mr President’s stakeholder in the ”oza room” , if you know what I mean?

Look, focus on important things. We ae struggling with how to contain bandits and wide scale insecurity in the country plus how to bring down inflationary rates, and you are here talking about “other room” affairs. By the way, did you hear Mr President complain?

Ahhhhh, He doesn’t have to complain.

In any case, even if he complains, would you hear?

I think you should strictly mind your business. Have you forgotten that one of the daughters of the First lady is happily married and lives in Dubai? So, what is wrong in Madam going to oversee how her daughter is settling down in the commercial Arab country?

Hmmmm. Did you confirm if Madam did not go for Omugwor? Or could it be that Madam was tired of hearing the loud generator noise whenever there is power cut?

I have told you to mind your business. Who told you that they often suffer power cut in Aso Rock? Don’t you know that the Presidential Villa enjoys special power connection?

Awwww. Don’t be deceived, NEPA or whatever it is now called, is no respecter of person or place.

Aisha Buhari

So, when is the First Lady coming back to resume her supportive in-house activist role?

How can I Know? Perhaps when election is near, when she’d need to moblise the womenfolk. But I am not sure she’d be keen on that this time around, since Mr President will not be contesting again.

In any case, whatever she wants to do or say can be done or said through Tweeter.

Don’t forget this is a digital age. And the First Lady is actively digitalized But some people say that the First Lady actually left the scene because the grip of the cabal in the government has not loosened, despite the death of the former Chief of staff, Abba Kyari. Those who know say she is tired of in-house shoves and pushes, especially as she is not being deferred to by Mr President.

I think people should be charitable in their comments. Who said she is not being deferred to? Was she not the author of the recent appointment of Brig Gen Buba Marwa as the Chairman of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)?

Was it not the Adamawa connection that was activated? In any case, as the First Lady, she should be seen and not necessarily heard.

Stop That. You want a passive First Lady?

Not this one! She is active and articulate and even expressive of her feeling regardless of whose ox is gored.

The trouble now is that we do not know whether her temporary relocation is a kind of protest or whether indeed she is having a normal rest This is typical busy-body syndrome. How is it your business whether she is having a normal or abnormal rest? You talk about protesting? What would she be protesting?

Is she a labour leader You do not know. You do not even understand that all that glitters is not gold.

Let me tell you, even in such high places, so much water passes under the bridge.

And until you look closely, you will not understand the undercurrents.

And that is the issue: why do you have to look closely? Does that put food on your table?

For Heaven’s sake, leave the First Lady alone. You did not vote for her. She does not owe you any explanation about her whereabouts. If anybody is complaining it should be her husband. And that will end as domestic grumble, not national discourse.

You exhibit your naivety with so much passion. You do not know that the affairs of the First family is a national affair? Are they not public votaries? Why was it such an issue when their son, Yusuf, had motorbike accident in December 2017? Was he the only one who had motorbike accident at the time?

Whether they like it or not, the affairs of the First family remains a public affair which is of great interest to the entire citizens, be they the elite or the plebeians .

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͰ˜ 2021

38

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

BDCs Read Riot Act to FX Speculators, Black Market Dealers Obinna Chima The Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) has warned forex speculators and black market dealers to desist from the act.

Speaking during a virtual meeting with members across the six geo-political zones in Nigeria, ABCON President, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, said the BDCs will not allow forex speculators and street hawkers to take over BDC business in Nigeria through their illegal practices.

The ABCON boss, who spoke on the theme: “ABCON Sensitisation Against Volatility in the Exchange Rate,” during an event attended by over 5,000 BDCs, said licensed BDCs would continue to support the Central Bank of Nigeria’s efforts to defend the naira through regulatory compliance as well support efforts to achieve stable exchange rate.

He said the sensitisation

programme will upscale BDCs’ compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/ CFT).

Gwadabe said: “Please, now is the time to support the CBN to achieve stable exchange rate.

Do not allow forex speculators, street hawkers to take over our business.

“Constantly comply with CBN’s regulations on rendition of returns and corporate governance practices because aside helping in stabilising the naira, the CBN examiners can visit your offices and defaulting members will be sanctioned.”

According to him, members can be spot-checked by the CBN examiners at any time and should therefore put in necessary measures to align with the regulatory policies.

“Be vigilant in your operations because you can be spot-checked by the CBN examiners at any

time.

“All BDCs should appoint Compliance Officers and Data Protection Officers as directed by the CBN which is also in-line with the global best practices.

Also, avoid sending your returns late, selling dollar above CBN approved rate,” he advised.

Gwadabe, said following set rules, the operators would set a good example in their operational modalities and make forex buyers lose confidence in black market dealers.

He said every BDC operator needs full knowledge and understanding of how to raise and submit both the Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) to regulators, understand the obligation of registering and filling reports on the NFIU goAML -Anti-Money Laundering portal and proper documentation of all forex sales.

L-R: Commissioner for Insurance and CEO, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Sunday Thomas; Managing Director/CEO, Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC), Mrs. Chizor Malize; Associate Director, Mrs. Seyi Onasanya; and Company Secretary, Mr. Alaba Ekundayo, during a courtesy visit by the NAICOM CEO to FITC in Lagos…recently

MARKET INDICATORS

AFD to Invest €2bn in Nigeria Michael Olugbode ÓØ ÌßÔË Agence Francaise De Developpement (AFD) is investing €2 billion in Nigeria.

The French Development Agency (AFD) is a development finance institution 100 per cent held by French government.

In Nigeria, it is mainly into financing of infrastructure projects (water, energy, transport and agriculture). It also involves in financing related to banking sector, governance and the cultural and creative industries.

Speaking to THISDAY, the AFD Country Director Nigeria, Pascal Grangereau, said €2 billion was set aside to be sent on mainly road financing, water sector, improvement in electricity and agriculture.

He said €300 million was being spent on the Abuja Electricity Backup, a project in collaboration with Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to improve electricity at the nation’s capital.

Grangereau said a total of €200 million is equally expended on the North West Electricity Backup.

On agriculture, he said vocational training is currently held across the nation to improve the skills of Nigerians.

He added: “We intend to finance agricultural projects in five states, Benue, Imo and three other states to the tune of €50 million.”

He lamented that while it was endowed with reserves of crude oil and natural gas, Nigeria is characterised by power generation considered by the Nigerians

themselves as not adequate.

He said concentrating more than half of the installed electricity capacity in West Africa, only half of which was harnessed by the country, implying a very low per capita consumption, limited access to electricity and frequent load shedding. He added: “The sector is of strategic importance for successive governments, with the launching in the 2000s of a vast reform, supported by a massive investment plan; which reform although supported by the donors is yet to achieve the expected results. The project aims to strengthen the electricity transmission network, natural monopoly under the responsibility of the public company TCN, thus laying the foundations for a longterm partnership with TCN.”

Wema Bank Hosts Webinar to Mark IWD Wema Bank Plc through its female proposition, Sara by Wema - will mark this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) with a webinar today.

The 90 minutes’ event with the theme: ‘Challenge Today for an Equal Tomorrow,’ will have key industry experts and leading female corporate policy influencers in the Nigerian financial, investment, talent development and management ecosystem as panelists.

According to a statement, the webinar aims at speaking to women on challenging societal norms to reach their full potential in entrepreneurship, the workplace, or personal lives.

The Executive Director, Business Support, Wema Bank, Folake

Sanu, will host the webinar, while Team Lead, Business Process Re-Engineering, Wema Bank, Chika Adun, will moderate.

Other panelists include Founder, Green Investment Club and certified financial education instructor, Tomie Balogun; global leadership development expert, Dupe Akinsiun, and Chief Knowledge Officer, Wofin Tech Limited, Omilola Oshikoya.

Commenting on the importance of the webinar, Head, Brands and Marketing Communications, Wema Bank Plc. Funmilayo Falola, reiterated the institution’s belief in female empowerment and equity.

“At Wema Bank, gender sensitivity and diversity are second to none - it is at the heart of our operations,” she said.

“With the 2021 IWD celebration, we are poised to entrench the importance of equity across the board as a sustainable voice for women to rise above every known challenge to the pinnacle of career excellence.”

“Our proposition, SARA, is a testimony that affirms Wema Bank’s commitment to towards the development of women and girls,” Head, Gender Banking, Wema Bank, Abiola Nejo, It added: “This year’s webinar is part of a week-long social media and online engagement with Wema Bank’s customers to share contemporary knowledge, deepening technology and financial inclusion for their business growth whilst growing the nation’s GDP.

Post Assurance Broker Gets 1SO Certification Nume Ekeghe Post Assurance Brokers Limited, an insurance brokerage firm, recently got certified with the prestigious ISO 9001:2015.

This was achieved after a thorough and transparent audit process carried out by DNV-GL, an International certifying body with its headquarters in Norway.

According to the International Standards Organisation, the ISO 9000 family is the world’s best

known quality management standard for companies and organizations of any size.

ISO 9001:2015 specifies requirements for a quality management system when an organisation needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer demands and satisfies all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

“Post Assurance Brokers is an insurance brokerage firm

of repute that provides cutting edge insurance services and consultancy to government and private organisations in Nigeria,” a statement explained.

“The firm was licensed by the National Insurance Commission to operate as a full-fledged brokerage firm in January 1985.

Since its inception, Post Assurance Brokers has carried out its operation in line with the local regulatory laws and international best practices.

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JULY 2020 Money Supply (M3)

36,822,751.47

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

3,476,121.25

Money Supply (M2)

33,346,630.22

-- Quasi Money

120,764,479.02

-- Narrow Money (M1)

12,582,151.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,002,026.89

---- Demand Deposits

10,580,124.31

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,637,137.23

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

29,185,614.24

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

39,711,115.95

---- Credit to Government (Net)

19,521,851.08

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-130,189,264.87

--Other Assets Net

3,472,017.70

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,421,827.07

--Currency in Circulation

2,395,917.03

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

11,025,910.04 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT WEDNESDAY, 10 MARCH 2021

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $65.60 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $66.38 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

39

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͰ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

NSE, ARM Securities Partner on Retail Investors’Participation Goddy Egene The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in collaboration with ARM Securities Limited yesterday held a retail investors workshop in line with its objective to enhance retail investors’ participation in the Nigerian capital market.

The event was themed: ‘Value Investing vs. Growth Investing.’

Speaking at the event, the Divisional Head, Trading Business,

NSE, Mr. Jude Chiemeka, said: “Despite the year 2020 presenting a number of local and global economic challenge, the Nigerian stock market witnessed what was arguably one of its best years in recent history. The market recorded a number of significant milestones and achievements during the course of the year, one of which was the NSE All Share Index emerging the best performing index in the world

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R

DEALS

out of 93 global indices tracked

by Bloomberg, posting a oneyear return of +50.03 per ent.

It is therefore no wonder that the stock market has continued to attract numerous investors.”

According to him, at the NSE they will continue to make it a priority to not only provide all investors with an accessible, transparent market where they can achieve their investment objectives, but also to equip

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investors with the necessary skill and knowledge required to enable them achieve those objectives..

In addressing the theme around Value Investing vs.

Growth Investing, Investment Research Analyst, ARM, Mr. Mustapha Alao, and Equities Portfolio Manager, ARM, Mr. Seyi Adeosun, provided participants with insights on the opportunities both strate-

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

gies provide. The importance of determining an investor’s investment objective, risk appetite and knowledge of the stock market were emphasised as critical factors in making investment decisions.

Participants were allowed to further engage with the speakers through a dedicated interactive session moderated by the Head, X-Academy, NSE, Ms. Ugochi Obi. In his address,

O F

Managing Director, ARM, Mr. Gbenga Magbagbeola, provided information on how participants can take advantage of capital market opportunities.

In response to the participants’ and the investment public’s growing demand for a better understanding and appreciation of investment products, the exchange continues to provide touchpoints to communicate including webinars such as this.

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MARKET NEWS

Q2: Custodian Investors Forecasts N4.7bn Profit after Tax Profit Goddy Egene

holding company with interest in life insurance, general insurance, pensions, trustees,

Custodian Investment Plc, a 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

property and financial services has made a profit forecast of N4.653 billion for the second

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 10Mar-2021, unless otherwise stated.

quarter ending June 30, 2021.

According to the firm, it would record gross revenue

of N39.537 billion, while total expenses would print at N33.713 billion. Profit before

tax would be N5.859 billion, just profit after tax would be at N4.653 billion.

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 150.29 151.78 -7.10% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 3.66% Nigeria International Debt Fund 353.37 353.37 -11.23% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 111.80 111.80 -0.27% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 1.02 1.03 13.27% ACAP Income Funds 0.65 0.65 -11.06% 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 2.01% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.24 3.40 -8.55% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 17.91 18.45 -1.23% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 398.72 410.74 -0.41% ARM Ethical Fund 35.24 36.30 4.53% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.19 1.20 -2.37% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.05 1.05 -6.50% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.24% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 103.00 103.00 1.27% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 121.72 122.57 -3.53% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.99% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.04 2.04 -23.10% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.12 2.16 -25.32% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 2.55% Paramount Equity Fund 15.32 15.04 -5.95% Women's Investment Fund 130.09 128.67 -3.34% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.91% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 125.48 126.35 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 110.29 110.29 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 0.95% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.15 1.16 -4.33% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.49 1.49 -6.12% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 1.90% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 1.59% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,156.17 1,159.49 -3.64% 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 1,348.05 1,348.05 5.51% FBN Balanced Fund 180.32 181.58 -3.92% FBN Halal Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 2.01% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 123.86 123.86 3.00% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 145.25 147.18 -3.93% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy USD Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH Treasury Bills Fund N/A N/A N/A

GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.95% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 126.44 125.91 17.35% 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 1.27% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.63 2.69 14.69% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 155.95 156.39 0.34% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.07 1.07 4.88% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: 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 1.58 1.61 7.53% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.23 12.35 -0.04% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 1.50% PACAM Equity Fund 1.56 1.57 -1.52% PACAM EuroBond Fund 109.45 112.14 0.04% 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 126.12 128.28 5.44% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 1.21% 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 N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 1.31 1.33 -3.98% United Capital Bond Fund 1.91 1.91 1.08% United Capital Equity Fund 0.87 0.90 1.04% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.11% United Capital Eurobond Fund 118.44 118.44 1.16% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.06 1.07 -2.38% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.02 1.02 2.30% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 12.03 12.13 1.38% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.33 13.44 9.12% Zenith Income Fund 24.20 24.20 0.92% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.75%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

121.84 52.76

0.91% 0.69%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

12.35 113.77 91.56

12.45 113.77 93.29

-6.54% -6.55% -7.85%

Fund Name SFS Skye Shelter Fund Union Homes REIT

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

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.66 5.28 16.68 1.00 19.47 176.89

3.70 5.36 16.78 1.00 19.67 178.89

-3.03% -7.13% 2.07% 0.13% -5.09% -19.89%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.05

13.11%

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.

FRIDAY MARCH 12, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS

Ganduje, Umahi, Masari, Others Take COVID-19 Vaccine Delta, Oyo, three others receive consignments No adverse reactions from vaccination, says NPHCDA Denmark, others temporarily suspend use of vaccine

Our Correspondents Governors Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State; Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State; Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State; Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State; and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, as well as their deputies and other top government functionaries were yesterday administered with the COVID-19 vaccine in their respective state capitals.

Delta, Sokoto, Anambra, Kebbi and Oyo States also yesterday received their allocations of the vaccine from the federal government.

But few days after the federal government began nationwide vaccination with the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to protect citizens against the COVID-19 pandemic, Denmark, Norway and Iceland yesterday temporarily suspended the use of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine over concerns about patients developing post-jab blood clots, even as the manufacturer and Europe’s medicines watchdog insisted the vaccine is safe.

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) also yesterday clarified that Nigeria is yet to observe any ‘similar adverse reactions.’

Taking the jab in Katsina, Masari urged Nigerians to disregard rumours about the efficacy and effects of the vaccines on them.

He took the vaccine alongside his deputy, Mr. Mannir Yakubu; the State Chief Judge, Justice Musa Abubakar, and said it is certified to be safe and effective by the National Agency for Food and Drug

Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The vaccine was also administered on some of the governor's family members as well as commissioners, special advisers and representatives of frontline health workers across the state.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Yakubu Danja, disclosed that the state had received 107,540 doses of the vaccine.

He noted that the vaccines will expire by July 10, adding that the state has adequate facilities to store the vaccine safely at a temperature of 2 degrees Centigrade to 8°C at the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

Fintiri who took the vaccine alongside his commissioners at the Specialist Hospital, Yola, the state capital, said it is very important but not compulsory.

In Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, Umahi and his wife, Rachel, took the vaccine at the new Government House.

Others who also received the vaccines included the Deputy Governor, Mr. Kelechi Igwe, and his wife, Nnenna, and other members of the State Executive Council.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Daniel Umezurike, administered the vaccines on the top government officials.

Umahi in Abakaliki warned against commercialisation of the vaccines adding that such an act would create room for fake vaccines to flood the state.

In Kano State, Ganduje’s personal physician, Dr. Fakhraddeen Muhammad, inoculated him, pledging to kick out the pandemic like polio.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Aminu Tsanyawa,

said the state had also provided effective storage equipment at state, local and ward levels in order to keep the potency of the vaccine.

Abia State took delivery of 61,320 doses of the vaccine with the governor, Ikpeazu, receiving the first jab yesterday.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe Osuji confirmed the delivery to THISDAY, saying that the full rollout would commence on Monday after the frontline health workers would have taken their jabs.

However, Ikpeazu was vaccinated at government house by his personal physician, Dr. Mike Enyinnaya, in the presence of government officials and journalists.

Others that later received the jabs included the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Chris Ezem; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Anthony Agbazuere; Health Commissioner, Osuji; Chief Security Officer; Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Onyebuchi Ememanka, some security agents and Government House workers.

The governor called on all residents of the state to take the vaccine, noting that the vaccine is necessary to win the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic ravaging the world.

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, will today receive the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Commissioner of Health, Dr. Mordi Ononye, disclosed this yesterday in Asaba while briefing newsmen on the receipt of 85,700 doses of the vaccine by the state government and modalities for giving the vaccines meant

for persons aged 18 years and above.

Meanwhile, Sokoto State government has taken delivery of consignments of the vaccines from the federal government.

Similarly officials of Kebbi State led by its Executive Secretary, Primary Health Development Agency, Mr. Ka'oje Mohammed, said the state has taken delivery of 57, 810 doses.

Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Vincent Okpala has also confirmed receipt of 78,810 doses of the vaccine for the state.

He made the confirmation at the state’s cold store at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital (COOTH), Amaku, Awka.

The state took delivery of the vaccines on Wednesday night at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, before moving them to the cold store for storage.

Meanwhile, the speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Uche Okafor, some commissioners and traditional rulers in the state took the vaccine, under the supervision of the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano, yesterday.

The government of Oyo State, also yesterday confirmed the receipt of 127, 740 doses.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the vaccines were received in Ibadan by the Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board.

According to the statement, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, who confirmed

the development, said 127,740 doses of the vaccine were received by the state government as part of the first phase of vaccine distribution.

Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Others Suspend Use of AstraZeneca Vaccine In a related development, Denmark, Norway and Iceland yesterday temporarily suspended the use of the vaccine over concerns about patients developing post-jab blood clots.

Denmark was first to announce its suspension, “following reports of serious cases of blood clots” among people who had received the vaccine, the country’s health authority said in a statement.

It stressed the move was precautionary, and that “it has not been determined, at the time being, that there is a link between the vaccine and the blood clots.”

Austria announced on Monday that it had suspended the use of a batch of AstraZeneca vaccines after a 49-year-old nurse died of “severe blood coagulation problems” days after receiving an anti-COVID-19 shot.

Four other European countries — Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Luxemburg — have also suspended the use of vaccines from this batch, which was sent to 17 European countries and consisted of one million jabs.

Denmark, however, suspended the use of all of its AstraZeneca supply, as did Iceland and Norway in subsequent announcements yesterday citing similar

concerns.

On Wednesday, the EMA said a preliminary probe showed that the batch of AstraZeneca vaccines used in Austria was likely not to be blamed for the nurse’s death.

However, AstraZeneca, an Anglo-Swedish company which developed the vaccine with Oxford University, defended the safety of its product.

“The safety of the vaccine has been extensively studied in phase III clinical trials and peer-reviewed data confirms the vaccine has been generally well tolerated,” a spokesman for the group said.

No Adverse Reactions from Vaccination, Says NPHCDA In Nigeria, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) clarified that the country is yet to observe any adverse reactions.

The agency in a statement released via its official handle @NphcdaNG, explained that all side effects reported by those who have been administered with the vaccine have been mild.

It explained that the agency is aware of precautionary concerns that have been raised regarding one specific batch of the AstraZeneca vaccine, namely ABV5300.

“We understand that investigations are being conducted to determine if the batch is in any way linked to an observed side effect.

“We are satisfied that the clinical evidence indicates the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to be safe and effective,” it said.

Eastern Rail Corridor to Link 14 States, Says FG Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The federal government yesterday shed more light on the benefits of the Eastern Rail Corridor which groundbreaking President Muhammadu Buhari performed virtually on Tuesday, saying it will stimulate economic activities in 14 states it covers.

Minister of Transport, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, said the $1.96 billion Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Eastern Railway Corridor, would link 14 states, including the five South-east states of Abia, Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi and Enugu as well as nine others.

The other states are: Rivers, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, Yobe, Borno, Bauchi and Gombe.

Amaechi, who was a guest on 'The Morning Show', the premier breakfast programme on ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm

of THISDAY Newspapers, said the connecting spurs would be from Port Harcourt to Bonny where there would be a deep seaport and Port Harcourt to Owerri, Aba, Umuahia and Enugu.

He added that the deep blue sea project conceived by the federal government to fight piracy in Nigeria's waters was being delayed by those benefitting from insecurity and raking in billions of dollars on the lease of vessels to the Nigerian Navy.

On the controversial KanoMaradi rail line, the minister said the project is Nigeria's contribution to a rail project conceived by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

He stated that the Eastern Rail Corridor and its extensions are being handled

by China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC) and he had sought

Buhari's approval to connect Abakaliki and Awka from Enugu.

He explained: "That will cover the entire five states of the South-east from where we proceed to Makurdi, and from Makurdi to Lafia.

“Between Lafia and Kaduna, there is a connection from Kaduna to Kafanchan to join the western flank of the railway line which is a standard gauge.

"We will continue from Jos to Bauchi, Bauchi to Gombe.

“At Gombe, there is a spur headed to Damaturu and from Damaturu to Gashua and from Gombe again to Borno.”

He said the project entailed reconstruction of the narrow gauge system with an additional approval by the president to seek funds to build a standard gauge for the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line and the spurs.

On the deep blue sea

project, he said the federal government was fighting those benefiting from insecurity on the nation's waters.

He said the project, billed for launch by month-end, had all the platforms needed for progression, including three helicopters, three fixed-wing planes, two ships and 16 vessels, among others.

He accused the providers of rented vessels, who are paid billions of naira, of hampering the project.

"All the security architecture you need to get the project going is on the ground, but those who do business in the waters, those who benefit from insecurity, were making it difficult for the project to continue "Now when the project continues, it will be difficult for anybody to say they are helping the navy with vessels and all that because we have all the platforms to provide

security in our waters," he said.

Amaechi added that "The reason why we will not go out of it is that there are people who provide vessels to NNPC and they are paid every week and they are paid billions of dollars in a lease and all that."

On the controversial Kano-Maradi Rail Line, the minister said the project is Nigeria's contribution to a rail project conceived by ECOWAS. The project has come under criticism with questions raised over the rationale for such a project linking a foreign nation with a loan from China when Nigeria is in dire need of funds.

But Amaechi said a feasibility study of the project was first conducted by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said the project would be beneficial to Nigeria as

cargoes initially destined for other countries would be redirected to the nation with the attendant economic benefits and job creation.

He said the government of Niger Republic had agreed that their national cargoes would go through Nigeria’s rail track.

Amaechi said the implication of the expected agreement to be signed between the two countries was that business would thrive in Kano and Abuja with the attendant job creation.

On the Abuja-Kaduna rail line, he stated that it had generated N120 million since the introduction of electronic ticketing.

According to him, the management of the rail line is no longer dependent on government subvention but on revenue generated through the e-ticketing to cover its operational cost.

FRIDAY MARCH 12, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS

Niger Closes All Public Schools over Insecurity Bandits kidnap APC ward chairman’s daughter, nephew Laleye Dipo in Minna Following the worsening state of insecurity in parts of Niger State, the state government has closed all public schools with effect from Friday (today), March 12, 2021.

This is coming as the daughter and nephew of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Kato ward, Alhaji Sani Majin Kato have been kidnapped.

The closure of the schools will be on for two weeks.

The decision was taken at the state executive council meeting held at the Council Chambers of the Government House on Wednesday with Governor Abubakar Sani Bello presiding.

A statement issued yesterday by the state Ministry of Education, which was signed by the Information Officer, Mr. Jibrin Usman Kodo, confirmed the closure of the schools.

The statement explained that the policy was necessary “to give relevant security agencies the time and opportunity to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of all public secondary schools” in the state.

According to the statement: “The exercise, when completed, will provide an all-inclusive mechanism and strategies that will restore and guarantee sustainable security and safety of students, school infrastructure, education managers, and teachers in the state” .

According to document sighted by THISDAY, a meeting had been held earlier with the leadership of the Association of the Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS),Association of Model Islamic Schools (AMIS), Executive Chairman, Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB),Heads of Education Agencies, Directors of the Ministry and other stakeholders of the Education sector in the State on the issue.

The statement emphasised government’s commitment to “leave no stone unturned and ensure that all schools are safe environments for effective teaching and learning”.

It urged the people of the state “not to relent in their show of solidarity, cooperation and collaboration with the government in this critical task of surmounting security challenges

...Kill Seven in Fresh Attacks on Kaduna Communities John Shiklam in Kaduna

Seven people have been killed in fresh attacks by bandits on communities in Igabi, Giwa and Chikun Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.

In a statement issued yesterday in Kaduna, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, said several people were injured while some houses were burnt and cattle rustled.

He said “security agencies reported that seven people have been killed and several more injured, with properties destroyed and cattle rustled in a series of separate attacks occurring in Igabi, Giwa and Chikun Local Government Areas.”

Aruwan said in the first attack, the “bandits stormed

Gangi village, Igabi LGA, shooting sporadically in what seemed to be a cattle rustling operation,” stressing that “in the process,four residents were killed.”

He listed those killed as:Wada Sulaiman, Amiru Saidu Yusha’u Mohammadu and Osama Abdulwahab.

He added that two others Ibrahim Jibrin and Abdulhamid Suleiman sustained injuries from gunshots and were receiving treatment in the hospital.

The commissioner said, during the raid, the bandits razed three houses belonging to Mohammad Jibril, Salisu Ya’u and Idris Muhammad, while a pick-up truck belonging to one Umaru Saleh was also burnt.

“In all, 20 cows belonging to two residents of the village were rustled and herded away by the bandits”, he added.

Gunmen Kill Policeman as Military Neutralises One Gang Member in Benue George Okoh in Makurdi Some gunmen suspected to be loyal to the notorious Benue State warlord, the late Terwase Akwaza alias Gana yesterday morning reportedly attacked Tse Harga community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the state killing the a police officer.

This is even as troops of the Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with the police neutralised one of the suspected attackers who was caught with over 200 rounds of ammunitions.

It was gathered that the gunmen invaded the sleepy community and suddenly launched an attack on the people in the area without provocation.

Tse Harga is part of the Sankera axis where the loyalists of the deceased militia

kingpin have been holding sway, a development which made the state government to place a dusk-to-dawn curfew as well as ban the use of motorcycles and Toyota Camry popularly known as Duck Yansh to avert further criminal and banditry activities in the axis.

The Sankera axis comprises of three local government areas of Logo, Ukum and Katsina-Ala, which had been hotbed of violent attacks.

Sources from Harga community who spoke to journalists but pleaded anonymity, said the attackers arrived at about 4am while the people were still sleeping.

“We noticed the presence of the attackers and we quickly alerted the DPO who also mobilised and swiftly moved to the area to find out what was happening.

especially in the school system”.

No fewer than 22 schools (11 day schools and 11 boarding schools) were closed in the wake of the Kidnap of 42 persons from the Government Science College, Kagara .

These schools are located in banditry-prone local governments of Rafi, Mariga, Munya and

Shiroro.

Meanwhile, the daughter and nephew of the APC Chairman in Kato ward, Alhaji Sani Majin Kato have been kidnapped.

The duo were abducted yesterday from their Bugiko village in the Shiroro LGA and taken into hiding.

One other person was injured

in the operation by the bandits .

The names of the abductees were given as Akiratu Sani (daughter) and Kaka Danladi ( nephew) of the APC ward chairman.

The gunmen were reported to have stormed the residence of the ward chairman in the village and started shooting sporadically.

“ My daughter had earlier woken me up that there were some people in the compound,” the Ward chairman told THISDAY on telephone interview, adding that before he could do anything, “the bandits started shooting at our rooms; I shouted to others to run but bullet hit one person injuring him seriously”.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE…

Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade (right), registering for the State Health Insurance Scheme, while the Divisional Head, Health and Education, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Obinna Ukachukwu, looks on during the kick-off of the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme in Calabar …recently

House is Broke, Says Spokesman Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has stated that the House is broke, adding however that the leadership of the National Assembly is reluctant to increase the budgetary allocation from N128 billion.

Kalu, while addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja, wondered why the leadership of

the National Assembly is afraid to appropriate the sufficient amount for them to do their job.

He said: “I have actually fought with the leadership of the House, and I have asked the question: ‘why are you afraid to raise the budget of the National Assembly that will enable us conduct our services efficiently and effectively?’

“Yes the House is broke; I have said it before, and I am not afraid to say it again. It

is afraid to appropriate the sufficient amount for them to do their job.”

He also revealed that the House is indebted to contractors who provide one form of service or another at the National Assembly complex because of paucity of fund.

According to Kalu, “Let us be fair in our analogy; let us wear the right spectacles when we analyse it, and you will find out that the N128 billion of the

National Assembly is divided among all the agencies of the National Assembly, staff of over 3,000 to 6,000 members, and the aides-five aides per lawmaker.”

He added that the National Assembly has been appropriating adequate budgetary allocation to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), but the legislative arm is in penury, and finds it difficult to perform its legislative function.

AK-47: Presidency Releases Video of Buhari’s Shoot-on-sight Order In a bid to demonstrate that President Muhammadu Buharu actual ordered security agents to shoot illegal bearers of AK-47 rifle on sight, the Presidency yesterday released a video showing Buhari, ordering security agents to shoot any civilian seen with AK-47 rifle.

Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, had recently announced that Buhari had given specific orders to troops to shoot any civilian bearing AK-47 rifle.

But prominent Nigerians, including the Minority Leader

of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, had insisted that Buhari should have handed down the order himself.

In an apparent move to convince Nigerians that Buhari himself gave the order, the Presidency through its official

Twitter handle, @NGRPresident, yesterday released a 14-second video clip showing the President issuing the order.

In the clip, the President said, “Anybody with AK-47 should be shot because AK-47 is supposed to be registered and it is only given to security officials.”

ASUU: Whycapital NLC Can’t Negotiate on Our Behalf at the National Executive negotiate if you don’t know the own responsibilities.

Hammed Shittu inIlorin Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) yesterday alleged that it would not allow the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to negotiate on its behalf in trade disputes because some of the labour leaders are sell-out.

Chairman, University of Ilorin (UITH) branch of ASUU Prof. Moyosore Ajao made the allegation in Ilorin, Kwara State

Council (NEC) meeting of the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP).

The theme of the lecture is “Results-oriented unionism in a democratic setting.”

Ajao said that ASUU has no apology for any union leaders who wine and dine with the government.

“We have peculiarities of our profession that the NLC might not fully understand and you cannot

peculiarities and the challenges of such association.

“Second, we are not happy with the leadership of the NLC in some of the way and manner they have coordinated the affair of the union.

“So, ASUU on its own has its leadership but we’re an affiliate of the NLC. “We have never withdrawn our affiliate. We have our own leadership that deals with our

“Every time we meet with the government for negotiation, NLC is always represented. But they can only come in as watching brief. I cannot come and negotiate your marriage and children with you when I am not part of the marriage, but I can come as a moderator to ensure things are done normally.

“NLC cannot take the responsibility of the leadership of the ASUU to say they want to negotiate for it.

Ogun Distributes COVID-19 Vaccines as Lawmakers Take First Jab Kayode Fasua in Abeokuta The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Kunle Oluomo, has received his jab of Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, as the state government commenced

vaccination of residents at all the major primary healthcare centres in the state as from yesterday (Thursday).

A statement issued in Abeokuta by Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Kunle Somorin said the

need to ensure even, equitable and unhindered access to the vaccine informed the decision to take the vaccine to all the primary healthcare centres.

The statement noted that all the nurses and other community healthcare workers were being

trained in the administration of the vaccines.

The training, Somorin further said, is in compliance with the directives of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency to ensure that nothing goes wrong.

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AIB Retracts Statement on Air Peace, Says Flight’s Tyre Didn’t Burst on Landing Chinedu Eze The Accident Investigation Bureau Nigeria (AIB-N) has retracted its earlier statement on the incident involving Air Peace Boeing 737-300 with registration number 5N-BUQ, saying that the tyre of the aircraft did not burst on landing, as it earlier stated.

The incident occurred on Monday, March 8, 2021 at 10:31 pm, when the Abuja-Lagos flight

landed at the Runway 18R of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, known as international runway.

While taxing over two kilometres to the domestic terminal (MMA1), known as General Aviation Terminal (GAT), the aircraft suffered a tyre puncture.

AIB in the latest statement signed by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Tunji Oketunbi and titled, “Update on Air Peace Aircraft Incident

FG to Switch Off TV Analogue Signals from May 28 Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The federal government has rolled out the time table for switching off analogue signals on televisions and the transition to full digital platforms across the country.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed, and the Acting Director General of National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), Prof. Amstrong Idachaba, disclosed this yesterday at a press briefing on the time table for the Phase 2 of Digital Switch Over (DSO), in Nigeria.

Idachaba, who provided the technical details, said the first analogue switch-off is slated for May 28, 2021, in the Federal Capital Territory while Plateau, Kaduna, Kwara, Enugu and Osun States that have already linked to the DSO under Phase 1, would follow suit in June, August and September 2021 respectively.

The federal government warned that once the analogue signal is switched off, no one on the system would receive television signals anymore in the country except with the DSO approved set-top boxes (decoders).

at Lagos Airport”, stated: “We refer to the occurrence involving a Boeing 737-300 aircraft with nationality and registration marks 5N-BUQ, operated by Air Peace Limited, which occurred at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos on Monday, March 8, 2021.

“Initial findings made by the Accident Investigation Bureau,

Nigeria (AIB-N) following a download of the aircraft’s Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) revealed that the aircraft experienced a burst tyre during taxing.”

AIB-N said, “as the occurrence falls under the category of incident, AIB-N has therefore ceded the investigation to the Nigerian Civil Aviation

Authority (NCAA). Further enquiries on this occurrence should be addressed to the NCAA forthwith.”

Spokesman of Air Peace, Mr. Stanley Oliseh had in an earlier statement explained that the aircraft safely landed at the international wing of the airport, adding that while taxing to the domestic wing, it had a tyre puncture caused by what was

yet to be ascertained.

The statement also said the airline took exception to earlier reports implying that the aircraft had a tyre burst on landing, “as this is conveying a wrong impression about the airline to the flying public. If the tyre had burst on landing, the aircraft would not have moved two kilometres from the international wing to the domestic wing.”

Gunmen Abduct Two Students, One Teacher in Edo Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city What may have become a regular scenario in the Northwest region, where students and teachers are being abducted and ransom paid for their release, has gradually crept into Edo State, as two students and a teacher of the federal government-owned National Institute of Construction

Technology, Uromi, Edo State, were reportedly abducted by gunmen.

It was gathered that the gunmen stormed the institute last Wednesday night and abducted the victims.

The abduction of the students and teacher has heightened tension among residents of the community as well as other areas of the state, particularly the

state and federal government colleges with hostels.

As at the time of filing this report, parents and relatives of the kidnapped victims have reportedly stormed the school premises.

When contacted on phone, the newly appointed spokesman of the state Police Command, Superintendent of Police Bello Kontongs,

confirmed the kidnap of the two students and a teacher of the institution last Wednesday night.

Kontongs said: “It is true; there was a case of kidnapping, and the police are on the trail of the kidnappers. Three persons were kidnapped-two students and a staff. The police are after the kidnappers, and we will get them.”

Igboho Seeks Support for Yoruba Nation A Yoruba activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho, has called on the Yoruba people to be united and speak with one voice, saying there should be no going back or distraction in their quest for Yoruba nation In a statement issued yesterday by his spokesman, Mr. Olayomi Koiki of Koiki Media, Igboho said: “Anyone who is willing to

support the agitation for Yoruba nation is highly welcome; the goal is ‘Yoruba Nation’.

“We know what we want and no going back. Every other side talk is nothing but a distraction.

We are fully focused; Yoruba Nation is the goal.

“Let me reiterate, anything you did not hear from I, Sunday Adeyemo (Igboho) or my

spokeperson Olayomi Koiki of Koiki Media is not a fact.”

He noted that a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani Kayode, was one of the stakeholders that have identified with his team in the struggle of Yoruba Nation.

“He can give his own advice at any time as regards the agitation and there’s no reason

to doubt him. We have a 100 per cent confidence in him.

“Let’s not talk with envy; we must unite and stay strong in one voice. Therefore, we want to identify with Chief Femi Fani Kayode and any other person that stands for the Yoruba race irrespective of their religion or political party affiliation,” the statement explained.

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Itsekiri, Urhobo, Others Ask FG to Return Repatriated £4.2m to Delta Alex Enumah in Abuja and Sylvester Idowu in Warri Itsekri, and Urhobo groups, as well as League of Professionals for Strategic Advocacy have asked the federal government to use the £4.2million recovered from the associates of a former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori to fund projects in the state.

The London-based Itsekiri Congress UK (ICUK) and Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU), in separate statements, argued that the funds should be used for the development of federal projects in Delta State.

UPU maintained that the recovered funds should be spent on Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun and for the

FG Begins Recruitment Process for 500,000 N-Power Beneficiaries The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq, yesterday disclosed that the selection process for 500,000 Batch C beneficiaries of the federal government’s N-Power programme had commenced.

Speaking in Abuja, during the inauguration of the National Social Investment Management System (NASIMS), a portal developed for ease of coordination, deployment and management of the selection process, the minister further revealed that one million persons would benefit in the current batch of the social investment programme.

Farouq said all applicants had been migrated onto the NASIMS platform, adding also that they would undergo a mandatory online test as part of the selection process.

She pointed out that the Batch C programme would be for one year, while participants would get a monthly pay of N30,000 each.

“We have reached another milestone in the process of

recruiting and onboarding of the Batch C N-Power beneficiaries beginning with 500,000 beneficiaries.

“The N-Power Batch C as inaugurated today is structured to onboard one million new beneficiaries, beginning with an initial 500,000 beneficiaries in the first stream.

take-off of the proposed Federal Polytechnic, Orogun, both in Urhoboland.

On its part, the ICUK said the money should be utilised on meaningful and life-transforming projects in the state.

President of ICUK, Mr. Dede Ukuti and Public Relations Officer, Mr. Sheyi Mackson Ejejigbe, said in a statement yesterday that it was against the recovered funds being

returned to the coffers of the state government, which it accused of denying that its funds were looted.

It however, opposed plans by the federal government to expend the recovered funds to develop projects outside the state.

It argued that there are several federal government’s abandoned projects in the state that the recovered funds can be used

to resuscitate.

“In a Federation like Nigeria, using the funds of one of the Federating states to develop projects in another state without the consent of the state involved is not only unfair but illegal and it totally negates the very essence of Nigeria as a Federation. The recovered fund belongs to Delta State and, therefore, should be invested in projects in Delta State,” the statement said.

On its part, UPU Worldwide, in a statement also appealed to the federal government to use the soon-to-be-repatriated Delta State money to fund the take-off of the newly established Federal Polytechnic, Orogun, Ughelli North Local Government Area as well as the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.

14 COVID-19 Herbal Medicines Get NAFDAC Listing Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has said that 14 COVID-19 herbal medicines have now been listed for use in country.

Speaking to journalists yesterday shortly after she received a jab of the Astrazeneca vaccine at the NAFDAC headquarters in Abuja, the Director General of the agency,

Prof. Adeyeye said the agency conducted diligent study on the vaccine and confirmed that it’s safe and efficacious for use against COVID-19.

Adeyeye who said that Nigeria will be getting more supply of Astrazeneca from Russian soon, also spoke on the fate of many herbal medicines submitted to NAFDAC by traditional medicine practitioners.

She said the agency has approved 14 of them for listing.

She explained that having scaled the listing hurdle, the affected herbal medicines will now proceed to the next of clinical trials.

“We have approved about 14 COVID-19 herbal medicine for listing, meaning they are now safe for consumption but how efficacious they are is when they undergo clinical trials.

The government has arranged for research and development scheme and we have a number

of herbal medicines that are going to be used for clinical trials. But I will not be surprised if we herbal medicine that has anti-viral against COVID-19,” she said.

Speaking on the agency’s acclerated approval of Astrazeneca vaccine, NAFDAC D DG said that from the record of the clinical trials conducted by the manufacturers and the analysis done by the agency, it’s benefits outweigh the side effects.

Masari’s Wife Kicks against Almajiri System of Education Francis Sardauna in Katsina The wife of the Katsina State Governor, Dr. Hadiza Bello Masari, has kicked against the Almajiri system of education, warning that northern Nigeria would be doomed if parents failed to abolish the age-long system of education.

She said the original aim of the Almajiri system of education has been neglected, and it has become synonymous with “abandoned children roaming the streets and begging for alms instead of acquiring Islamic education.”

The Katsina State first lady at a press conference to mark

the International Women’s Day, added that most of the children roaming the streets under the guise of attending Qur’anic schools as Almajirai are been exposed to numerous health challenges.

THISDAY observed that the state government had concluded plans to repatriate 7,893 Almajirai to their respective home states-2,052 out of the number are from Niger Republic.

Mrs. Masari said: “Most Almajirai today sleep in the streets and other places which is against the olden day system of Almajiri education. In those days, people benefited from the Almajiri system, but today, there

is no gain in it.

“Whoever is saying children should be allowed to enroll in Almajiri schools, why not have his children in the system? Most of these children move in the streets barefooted with tattered clothes, and most of them are

from the rural areas.

“Look at the nature of places where they sleep! A Mallam has 40 children, and if there is any outbreak of communicable disease, it will affect all of them because they sleep closely with one another. Left for me, I am

not in support of the Almajiri system of education.”

The governor’s wife, however, stressed the need for more women to show interest and participate actively in partisan politics in order to address issues affecting them in the country.

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APC Stakeholders in Dilemma over Chairmanship as Leadership Favours North-central Stakeholders in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) appear to be in a dilemma over its choice for national chairmanship candidate, even though the party leadership is believed to have agreed in principle to zone the office to North-central.

Currently, stakeholders are said to be looking the way of North Central as the next to produce the chairman of the party, in addition to which of the legacy parties is best to lead the party.

By this development, what it means is that the APC would have its presidential candidate from the south, a situation, which also appears given, since the current president, Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner, would be serving out his eight years in 2023.

While practically all the new PDP members had left the APC and returned to their former party, the ANPP had taken its

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fair share through Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the same way both Chief Bisi Akande and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole had used up the slot of the ACN. With that account, the legacy party left to produce the chairman of the party is the CPC and with stakeholders agreeing to zone it to North Central, the decision has further narrowed the likely contenders to a few individuals from the zone.

Leading the pack are two former governors of Nasarawa State, Senators Tanko Al-Makura and Abdulahi Adamu; former Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh and former Benue State

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governor, Senator George Akume – all from North Central.

From the North West are a former governor of Zamfara State, Yari Aziz and Senator Lawal Shuaibu, while those from the North East are former Borno State governors, Alli Modu Sheriff and Kashim Shettima, as well as Mallam Kashim Imam, a Borno-born top politician.

However, because of the search for a new identity for the party particularly, the need to change the obnoxious narrative that’s currently defining the ruling APC, some members of the party are vehemently opposed to the idea of recycling old hands but open to embracing a new and fresh mind.

Bill Seeking Life Pension for Ex-govs Scales First Reading at Enugu Assembly A bill for a law to provide life pension for former governors and deputy governors of Enugu State has scaled through the first reading at the State House of Assembly The Executive bill, which was presented for first reading during the plenary in Enugu yesterday, sought to provide pension for the governor and his deputy after serving their tenure in office.

The piece of legislation would make a former governor or deputy governor entitled to gratuity as well as pension for life at the expense of the state government.

The bill also made provision for medical allowance not exceeding N12million per annum for one surviving spouse, provided that such spouse was married to the governor while in office.

While the state government would provide adequate security for the former governors for their lifetime, the bill, when passed, would also mandate the state government to provide three vehicles for the ex-governor and replace them every four years.

INEC: We Won’t Transfer Polling Centres between LGs Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday hinted of the guidelines to be expected in the expansion of polling centres, explaining that there would be no transfer of polling stations among local government areas.

The commission also said the maximum for all polling centres within the expansion of polling centres would be between 750 and 1,000 voters.

INEC also said the expansion would not confer any advantage to any political party or sociocultural organisation, explaining that it would only help to decongest the polling centres.

These were the high points of the address by the INEC National Commissioner in charge of voter education and Chairman, Information and Publicity of the commission, Festus Okoye, at the staff workshop organised by International Funds for Elector Supports (IFES).

WORLD OF ISLAM

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Isra and Miraj: The Miraculous Night Journey Syed Abul Ala Maududi/IslamiCity Following is the translation of the first verse of chapter 17, Al-Israa, from the Quran that refers to this journey, followed by a detailed explanation of the verse by Sayyid Abul Ala Mawdudi.

“Holy is He Who carried His servant by night from the Holy Mosque (in Makka) to the farther Mosque (in Jerusalem) - whose surroundings We have blessed - that We might show him some of Our signs. Indeed He alone is All-Hearing, All-Seeing. (Quran 17:1)” This is a reference to the event known as Mi’raj (Ascension) and Isra’ (Night Journey). According to most traditions - and especially the authentic ones - this event took place one year before Hijrah.

Detailed reports about it are found in the works of Hadith and Sirah and have been narrated from as many as twenty-five Companions. The most exhaustive reports are those from Anas ibn Malik, Malik ibn Sa’sa’ah, Abu Dharr al-Ghifari and Abu Hurayrah. Some other details have been narrated by ‘Umar, ‘Ali, ‘Abd Allah ibn Mas’ud, ‘Abd Allah ibn Abbas, Abu Sa’id al-Khudri, Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman, and ‘A’ishah among other Companions of the Prophet (PBUH).

The Quran here only mentions that the Prophet (PBUH) was taken from the Ka’bah to the mosque in Jerusalem, and specifies that the purpose of the journey was such that God might “show him some of His signs”. Beyond this, The Quran does not concern itself with any detail. However, according to Hadith reports, Gabriel took the Prophet (PBUH) at night from the Ka’bah to the mosque in Jerusalem on a buraq. On reaching Jerusalem the Prophet (PBUH) along with other Prophets offered Prayers. (Al-Nasa’i, Sunan, K. al-Salah, ‘Bab Fard al-Salah wa Dhikr Ikhtilaf al-Naqilin...’

-Ed.) Gabriel then took him to the heavens and the Prophet (PBUH) met several great Prophets in different heavenly spheres. (See al-Nasa’i, Sunan, K. al-Salah, ‘Bab Fard al-Salah’ - Ed.) Finally, he reached the highest point in the heavens and was graced with an experience of the Divine Presence.

On that occasion the Prophet (PBUH) received a number of directives including that Prayers were obligatory five times a day. (Al-Bukhari, K. Manaqib al -Ansar, ‘Bab al-Mi’raj ; K. al-Tawhid, ‘Bab Kallama Musa Taklima’ - Ed.) Thereafter, the Prophet (PBUH) returned from the heavens to Jerusalem, and from there to the Holy Mosque in Makka. Numerous reports on the subject reveal that the Prophet (PBUH) was also enabled on this occasion to observe Heaven and Hell. (Al-Bukhari, K. al_Salah, ‘Bab Kayfa Furidat al-Salah fi al-Isra’ and Ibn Hisham, Sirah, vol. I, p. 404 - Ed.) It may be recalled that according to authentic reports when the Prophet (PBUH) narrated the incidents of this extraordinary journey the following day to the people in Makka, the unbelievers found the whole narration utterly amusing. (Muslim, K, al-Iman, ‘Bab Dhikr al-Masih ibn Maryam’ - Ed.) In fact, even the faith of some Muslims was shaken because of the highly extraordinary nature of the account. (See Ibn Hisham, Sirah, vol. I, p.398 and al-Qurtubi, comments on verse 1 of the surah - Ed.) The details of the event provided by the Hadith supplement the Quranic account. There is no reason, however, to reject all this supplementary information on the grounds that it is opposed to the Quran. Nevertheless, if someone is not quite convinced and hence does not accept some of the details concerning the Ascension mentioned in the Hadith as true, he should not be considered an unbeliever. On the contrary, if someone were to clearly deny any part of the account categorically mentioned in the Quran, he would be deemed to have gone beyond the fold of Islam.

What was the nature of this journey? Did it take place when the Prophet (PBUH) was asleep or when he was awake? Did he actually undertake a journey in the physical sense or did he have a spiritual vision while remaining in his own place?

These questions, in our view, have been resolved by the text of the Quran itself. The opening statement: “Holy is He Who carried His servant by night from the Holy Mosque to the farther Mosque..” (verse 1) itself indicates that it was an extraordinary event which took place by dint of the infinite power of God. For quite obviously, to be able to perceive the kind of things mentioned in connection with the event, either in a dream or by means of intuition, is not so wondrous that it should be prefaced by the statement: “Holy is He Who carried His servant by night...”; a statement which amounts to proclaiming that God was free from every imperfection and flaw. Such a statement would make absolutely no sense if the purpose of it was merely to affirm that God had the power to enable man to have either visions in the course of a dream, or to receive

information intuitively. In our view, the words of the experience or a dream vision, was an actual journey, and the observation in question was a visual observation. All was contingent upon God’s will that truths be revealed to the Prophet (PBUH) in this fashion.

Now, let us consider the matter carefully. The Quran tells us, in clear terms, that the Prophet (PBUH), went from Makka to Jerusalem and then returned to Makka during the night (obviously, without the use of anything resembling an aircraft), owing to God’s power. Now, if we believe this to be possible, what justification can there be to reject as inherently impossible the additional details of the event mentioned in the traditional sources?

Statements declaring certain acts to be possible and others to be beyond the range of possibility are understandable if these acts are deemed to have been performed by creatures in exercise of the natural powers with which they are endowed.

However, when it is clearly stated that it is God Who did something out of His power, any doubts about the possibility of these acts can be entertained only by those who do not believe God to be all-powerful.

Those who reject the Hadith as such raise several objections against the traditions concerning this incident. It seems that only two of these objections are worth of any consideration.

First, it is claimed that the contents of the traditions relating to the Ascension imply that God is confined to a particular place. For had that not been the case, it is argued there would have been no need to transport the Prophet (PBUH) in order for him to experience the presence of God. Second, it is questionable whether the Prophet (PBUH) was enabled to observe Heaven and Hell and to see people being chastised for their sins even though they had not yet been judged by God. How is it that people were subjected to punishment even before the coming of that Day when all will be judged?

Both these objections, however, carry little substance, The first objection is to be rejected on the grounds that although the Creator is infinite and transcends both time and place, yet in dealing with His creatures He has to have recourse to the means which are finite and are circumscribed by time-space limitations. This is because of the inherent limitations of man. Hence when God speaks to His creatures, He employs, of necessity, the same means of communication which can be comprehensible to the latter even though His Own speech transcends the means employed in the speech. In like fashion, when God wants to show someone the signs of His vast kingdom, He takes him to certain places and enables him to observe whatever he is required to observe. For it is beyond the power of man to view the universe in the manner God can. While God does not stand in need of visiting a certain place in order to observe something that exists there, man does need to do so. The same holds true of having a direct encounter with the Creator.

Although God is not confined to a particular place, man needs to experience His presence at a defined place where the effulgence of His Being might be focused. For it is beyond man’s power to encounter God in His limitlessness.

Let us now consider the second objection. That too is fallacious for the simple reason that the objects shown to the Prophet (PBUH) represented, in symbolic form, certain truths. For instance, a mischievous statement has allegorically been represented by a fat ox that could not return via the small hole through which it had come. (See Ibn Kathir, Tafsir, comments on Bani Isra’il 17:1 - Ed.) Or the other allegory relating to those who indulge in fornication - that they prefer to eat rotten meat when fresh, clean meat is available to them. (Loc. cit ; see also Ibn Hisham, vol. 1 p. 406 - Ed.) The same holds true for the punishments to which sinners will be subjected in the Next Life - they are anticipatory representations of the sufferings to which they will be subjected in the Life to Come.

The main point which needs to be appreciated regarding the Ascension is that it belongs to a genre of experience through which each Prophet is enabled to observe- consonant with his standing and mission - aspects of God’s dominion of the heavens and the earth. Once the material barriers to the normal vision of human beings are removed, it becomes possible to view physically, the realities which the Prophets are required to summon others to believe in as part of faith in the Unseen. This is done in order to distinguish the Prophets from mere speculative philosophers.

Note: Buraq was the name of the heavenly steed on which the Prophet (PBUH) rode on his nocturnal journey from Makka to Jerusalem, and then to the heavens (For this nocturnal journey q.v. Mi’raj.)

FRIDAY MARCH 12, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

47

FRIDAYSPORTS FIFA Council Seat: Pinnick on the Cusp of History

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Duro Ikhazuagbe Nigeria’s Amaju Melvin Pinnick, is one of the 14 football administrators from Africa gunning for the six seats allotted to the continent in the 37-member FIFA Council at today’s CAF elections in Rabat, Morocco.

Before arriving in the North African city for the election on Monday, Pinnick took his campaign round key figures in African football to ensure he comes out victorious to become the third Nigerian ever to occupy that seat after the late Etubom Oyo Orok Oyo and Dr Amos Adamu took their turns on that exalted position.

Of course, the Delta-born Pinnick who is serving his first term as a CAF Executive Committee member, appears to understand the undercurrent of global football politics and the many banana peels everywhere.

He proved this in the last CAF elections that ousted incumbent Isa Hayatou from power after almost three decades in charge of African football in 2017.

Pinnick was the rallying point and the driver of the young Turks that sealed victory for outgoing Ahmad.

This time around, the NFF chief who is aiming for a bigger pie appears to have done his homework well, pitching his tent with

the right group that has produced South African Billionaire Patrice Motsepe as the CAF President in waiting, even before the votes are counted today.

All the other candidates like Jacque Anouma (Côte d’Ivoire), Augustine Senghor (Senegal) and Ahmed Yahya (Mauritania) have all withdrawn for Motsepe to become Ahmad’s successor.

Motsepe’s position is also a done deal as FIFA Vice President.

That position is reserved for continental presidents and the Mamelodi Sundowns financier will become an automatic Council member as soon as he’s ‘coronated’ today in Rabat.

It however remains to be seen how Pinnick’s affiliation with Motsepe’s camp with rub off positively to make the Nigerian federation chief to have a roller coaster ride to the exalted post.

Of the 14 persons running for the FIFA Council seats, six persons including Pinnick will battle for only two slots reserved for the Anglophone in the continent. Gambian FA President, Lamin Kaba Bajo, is in the race against Pinnick.

The six seats are spread along linguistic divide – Anglophone, Francophone and the Arab/Portuguese/ Spanish group.

Of the three groups which will each produce two

T O K Y O O LY M P I C S

NBBF Plans Quality Friendlies for D’Tigers, D’Tigress The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has assured stakeholders in the sport that the country’s senior men and women’s teams will face quality oppositions as part of their preparations for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan in summer.

While briefing members of the board during their first meeting of the year held on Wednesday, the federation President, Musa Kida, said no stone will be left unturned to get the teams properly prepared for the Olympiad.

“We have received some invites for friendlies from countries from Europe, America and Africa. We are currently going through these requests to pick the best for our teams.”

Explaining the yardsticks for these friendlies,

Kida said, “The teams will be facing some quality oppositions from different continents and it is expedient that we get them teams that will provide something close to what they are going to see in Tokyo.”

Kida reiterated that the teams are not going to the Olympics just to add to the number of teams, hence the need for a thorough preparation.

“We have not decided on the countries to play against, but in the coming weeks, we will finalise all arrangements and make the big announcements”.

Both teams ranked number one in Africa emerged as the only team sport flying the country’s flag in Tokyo after an unprecedented qualification.

winners, the Anglophone will be the most competitive as the competitors are almost half of the entire 14 in the race.

Apart from the Gambian, Pinnick also have a current seating FIFA Council member to contend with.

He is Malawi FA President, Walter Nyamilandu.

The power of incumbency cannot be underestimated.

Also in the race is Zambia’s Andrew Kamanga.

Like Pinnick, Nyamilandu and Bajo, he is also the

president of his country’s FA. Others are from Kenya and Tanzania. Nicholas Mwendwa was reelected as Kenya FA president last October while Wallace Karia is the Tanzanian FA chief.

Both Mwenwa and Karia are serving second terms in their various countries.

In the Arab/Portuguese/ Spanish bloc, Algerian candidate, Khireddine Zetchi who was cleared by CAS with just few days to the election has made the drama

more interesting.

Zetchi will now slug it out for a position in that bloc with the likes of, Equatorial Guinea FA President, Gustavo Ndong; Morocco FA President, Fouzi Lekjaa and the former Egypt FA President, Hany Abo Rida, The FIFA Council consists of 37 members: one President, elected by the FIFA Congress; eight vice presidents, and 28 other members elected by member associations – each for a term of four years.

Amaju Pinnick...on the verge of history making in Rabat

Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress have been promised quality friendlies ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games

Aruna Shifts Focus to Tokyo 2020 Qualifying Tournament Quadri Aruna will be making another attempt at picking his slot at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games when the World Singles Qualification Tournament (WSQT) begins at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena in Doha, Qatar.

73 men and 60 women will be aiming for the nine slots available at the four-day tournament which begins on Sunday March 14 to 17.

Aruna who is one of the listed players and among the top seeds had used the WTT Contender Series and Star Contender as warm-ups for the qualification and he will hoping to pick one of the four slots for grab in the men’s singles.

With a quarterfinal finish at the WTT Contender Series and Round 16 finish at the WTT Star Contender, the Nigerian will be hoping to join the league of elite

Aruna Quadri...eyes on Tokyo

players heading to Japan in July.

“I am happy that after resting for some days following the injury I sustained while playing for my club in the German Bundesliga, I was able to perform well at the WTT Tournaments. I did not

train up to 10 days before heading to the competition and that means I was no even at my full best. I am optimistic that I can be part of the four players that will make it to Tokyo from the qualifiers,” he said.

Kenya, Congo Brazzaville and Algeria are among the African countries competing in the qualifying tournament for Tokyo 2020 in Qatar.

According to International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), in the men’s singles qualification, three spots will be available for qualification in stage one while entries will be split into three knockout rounds, starting from the round of 32, with the winner of each knockout round qualifying for the singles event at the Tokyo Olympics.

The losing finalist and semi-finalist from each of the three knockouts will then

proceed to stage two where one final spot is available.

The losing finalist and semi-finalists from each of the three knockout rounds will then be drawn into one final knockout round where the winner will eventually qualify for the singles event at the Tokyo Olympics.

For the women’s singles, four spots are available for qualification in stage one.

Entries will be split into four knockouts starting from the round of 16, with the winner of each knockout qualifying for the singles event at the Tokyo Olympics.

The losing finalist from each of the four knockouts will proceed to stage two where one final spot is at stake. The losing finalist from each of the four knockouts will be drawn into one final knockout where the winner will qualify for the singles event at the Tokyo Olympics.

20th National Sports Festival Gets New Dates The 20th National Sports Festival scheduled to hold in Benin City, Edo State, is now to begin on April 2 and run through April 14.

In a letter to all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory and signed by the Secretary of the Main Organising Committee (MOC),

Peter Nelson, the three-time postponed Festival is to kick off with the opening of the Games Village on April 2 and 3.

The official opening

ceremony scheduled for the refurbished Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium is to hold on April 4 and competitions rounded up on April 14.

Friday March 12, 2021

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Group to Malami

“The Attorney General’s contention that the federal government is the victim of the crime, not Delta State, simply because the processes associated with the recovery were consummated by the federal government is a dubious interpretation of the law.”

– League of Professionals for Strategic Advocacy faulting the position of the federal government on the £4.2m being repatriated by UK to Nigeria.

ISSAAREMU Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: Beyond Gender GUEST COLUMNIST

“I feel ready to go.”

-Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

O

n the 1st of March, a good working Monday, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Finance Minister and the first woman and African to be appointed as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) resumed her first day of work as WTO chief.

In welcoming her, the trade organisation said: “Welcome to Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on her first day as WTO Director-General! She makes history as the first woman and first African to take up this post.” She assumes office in an interesting times when glass ceilings are being shattered into some smithereens. The first interplanetary (Hope) mission of United Arab Emirates (UAE) landed on planet Mars on Tuesday February 9, 2021, first Arab nation to announce an ambition to be on the moon in 2024. A returnee from that historic mission to the Mars, reading the global print media coverage of the election of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the seventh Director General of World Trade Organisation (WTO) would have rightly assumed the unprecedented feat was an affirmative global action that privileged a Nigerian-American mother: Ngozi Iweala!

“New WTO Head Becomes First Woman and African to Lead Global Trade Body” reads most headlines! Happily UAE’s interplanetary (Hope) mission is unmanned. Thank God, no returnee would suffer foolery. The reportage of Ngozi’s victory had inadvertently triggered a variant of what I call “Ellen-Johnson Sirleaf media syndrome” which often manifests in the male dominated global media once a woman breaks the glass ceiling erected in the first place by the men! Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is the 2011 Winner of Nobel Peace prize. In 2005, she won the historic Liberian presidential election to become the 24th President of Liberia. The headlines passed for some ecstasies, akin to some hysteria: “The Iron- Lady takes charge in Liberia”, “Age of Women”, “Women are coming”, ad infinitum. Of course Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is a woman. A proud mother of four children and grandchildren. Certainly she is truly the first female democratically elected President in Africa. But notwithstanding the importance of gender, the obsession with gender dimension of Johnson’s Presidency, (no less the global elevation of Dr Ngozi) pointed to our readiness to undervalue the participation of women in governance and belittle their achievements made in spite their gender. In a continent in which it is easier to transfer power and wealth to male child than to a wife and female child, female presidency/headship of a global trade clearing house understandably captures the gender imagination. But, the point cannot be overemphasised: Ellen Sirleaf’s democratic victory was a product of her direct political engagement of trial and error spanning decades, political contestation and cooperation, political adversities in forms of vicious harassments, imprisonments, missed assassinations and forced exile, national commitment and international exposure. She was declared the winner on the November 23, 2005, as the candidate of Unity Party. But that was after an acrimonious run-off with a professional footballer, George Weah who she defeated in 59 per cent to vote 40 per cent vote counts.

Okonjo-Iweala It’s been a challenging journey for Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala also. The opposition of Triumph administration against her candidacy was an open knowledge but she refused to be distracted by the antics of the administration of almost twice impeached America’s “Commander-InDiversions”. Nogozi showed that when the going is tough only the determined remains as focused. I agree with the Rights activist, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, that Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is “a dogged person”.

Other women and indeed men who are eager to follow their footsteps must realise that there is a long walk to victory. Dr Okonjo Iweala, brings to the table 40 years of struggle and persistence to succeed and excel even when it’s seemed impossible until it’s done as the late Nelson Mandela puts it. Of course gender is part of Iweala‘s success story. Reaching the zenith is not a preserve of men and that women can run a worthy campaign for elective offices better than some men. Indeed her success glamours this year’s International Women Day celebration on the March 8th. She also proudly dedicates the record achievement to women. However her main strength is soft (knowledge) power. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a product of the best of public education, home and abroad. She is a multiple degree holder from branded universities: Harvard and

Massachusetts Institute of Technology where she bagged PhD in Regional Economics and Development Economics.

In 2012, she ran a controversial but audacious campaign for the presidency of the World Bank, insisting that the plumb job almost by design reserved for Americans (Americans alone! IMF for Europeans) be made open to competition, (the mantra of global market economy even when observed in the breach in the global institutions). Two term Minister of Finance and Foreign Affairs under President Olusegun Obasanjo, she returned from the World Bank to take up an expanded position as Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance. She was de facto an unofficial “Prime Minister” in a presidential system! As a student of development and labour market economics, I marvel at how Madam Ngozi is “over- employed” with serial appointments and elective offices in a continent of open 50 per cent youth unemployment!

Her relative ease of labour market entry and exit with tenacity of purpose still tasks imagination of labour market students. When she left the World Bank for Jonathan’s cabinet, President Robert Zoellick then World Bank, said: “Her desire to serve her country is truly a big loss for the World Bank but a major gain for Nigeria as it works to craft its economic way forward”. Very few have so many referees with good jobs in waiting, jobs in deferment, jobs in bid! But not without amazing stories of adversities of frightening dimensions too.

The “2020 African of the Year” told Africa Forbes magazine in November last year: “My mother was kidnapped and held for five days when I was Finance Minister. The Kidnappers thought that killing me would be too merciful and wanted to paralyse me for the rest of my life. When you are fighting powerful people who are corrupt, they fight back in very dangerous ways”.

Ngozi truly dares to make a change with all the attendant risks in a country of elitist least resistance and petty grumblings. But the critical question begging for answer is: what impact is she going to make in an organisation, under whose watch international trade has among others, deepened what UN Secretary General dubbed “inequality pandemic”? Like the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the original name of

It’s good news that the new DG of WTO is passionate about decent jobs for the youths of Africa. The best support Africans can give their own is a peaceful and productive continent that would facilitate international and continental trade for empowerment and value addition. Senseless banditry, proxy wars of attrition must give way to partnership for development (goal 17 of SDG 2030!)

the World Bank) established in 1944. WTO hitherto General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), commenced in 1948. That was almost two decades before Nigeria and most African countries got independence. So what difference can an African leadership of an organisation formed in spite of, (without!)

Africa make? It’s gratifying listening to Dr Ngozi unfolding her vision at the 2021 Lagos ‘Ehingbeti’ Economic Summit.

“Majority of Africans are still exporting primary products like fossil fuels, minerals (diamonds, tin, copper) or agriculture products (cocoa and coffee). We have to get from a position of where we are exporting raw materials to a position where we are adding more value.”

She spoke the mind of few African compatriots still standing. It’s time that Africa and Africans got strategic with WTO to make sure that trade becomes a means of re-industrialisation of Africa and not underdevelopment. There must be alternative trade policies that would factor the needs of working people around the world, inclusive of economic growth and sustainable development.

The history of WTO in Africa in many respects fostered de-industrialisation and job losses through uncritical wholesale dismantling of protection for domestic industries.

The emergence of Dr Ngozi was in the fullest of time in a pandemic when the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) involving 54 African countries in one economic trading zone with a combined population of more than one billion people combined gross domestic product of more than US$3.4 trillion is new normal.

In her acceptance speech, Okonjo-Iweala said one of her top priorities would be to work with members “to quickly address the economic and health consequences brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic”.

“A strong WTO is vital if we are to recover fully and rapidly from the devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.

WTO under the leadership of an African must make a difference by ensuring that trade serves the purpose of wider growth, as well as industrialisation and mass jobs’ creation on the basis of respect for workers and their rights. It’s good news that the new DG of WTO is passionate about decent jobs for the youths of Africa. The best support Africans can give their own is a peaceful and productive continent that would facilitate international and continental trade for empowerment and value addition. Senseless banditry, proxy wars of attrition must give way to partnership for development (goal 17 of SDG 2030!).

“My education was truncated by the Nigerian Biafra War. We were in the war for three years and this was something that really opened my eyes. It started when I was just entering my teens and finished when I was in my mid-teens. It was a harrowing time, two of the three years I didn’t go to school.”

How many “Ngozis” were lost to the avoidable conflicts in Africa are better imagined.

And better too, how many female African “firsts” await the continent with sustainable peace and development?

Aremu is a Member, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos and Vice President Industrial Global Union

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