TUESDAY 16TH MARCH 2021

CBN Extends Deadline on Appointment of InfraCorp Asset Managers James Emejo in Abuja The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has extended by two weeks, the deadline for Expression of Interest from qualified asset managers active in the infrastructure sector to manage the Infrastructure

Corporation of Nigeria Limited (InfraCorp).

The extension was announced in a communiqué yesterday by CBN Deputy Governor, Economic Policy Directorate, Dr. Kingsley Obiora.

The apex bank said the

deadline for the receipt of final proposals in response to the detailed Request for Proposals (RfP) has been moved to March 30 from March 16 earlier announced.

It, however, pointed out that the "process remains the same such that upon expression of

interest through InfraCorp@ cbn.gov.ng, the promoters shall share a detailed RfP document providing potential asset managers with the necessary information to prepare appropriate proposals in line with the promoters’ requirements."

President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the launch of the N15 trillion company as part of efforts to reposition the Nigerian economy and insulate it from external shocks after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CBN Governor, Mr.

Godwin Emefiele, had said the initiative would be part of efforts to ensure the diversification of the economy.

He stated that the wholly focused infrastructure development vehicle would be Continued on page 8

23.18m Nigerians Jobless as Unemployment Rate Hits 33.3%... Page 6 Tuesday 16 March, 2021 Vol 26. No 9473. Price: N250

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FG Allays Fears over AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine Despite Global Concerns...Page 5

Okonjo-Iweala Rallies Nigeria to Increase Trade, Improve Economy Pledges WTO’s collaboration Urges transition away from fossil fuel Her record of performance earned her the job, says Buhari Deji Elumoye, Ndubuisi Francis and James Emejo in Abuja The visiting DirectorGeneral of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has expressed WTO's willingness to assist the country in surmounting limitations to trade in order to increase its global share

of commerce and boost its economy, pointing out that agriculture could also boost Nigeria's share of African trade, currently at about 19 per cent.

Okonjo-Iweala in her first working visit since she came into office also spoke on ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast Continued on page 8

Military, Intelligence Agencies Step Up Strategy to End Kidnappings, Banditry Say 40 terrorists killed in encounter Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja and John Shiklam in Kaduna The military high command and intelligence agencies are working on a grand plan involving a joint-operational strategy to stem the rampant kidnappings of schoolchildren in the North, THISDAY’s investigation has revealed.

This is coming as the

Nigerian Army yesterday said it was making concerted efforts to rescue three teachers from the Local Education Authority (LEA) Primary School, Rama village, Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, that bandits abducted yesterday.

Besides, the army also Continued on page 8

HOMECOMING...

Director-General, World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (left), and President Muhammadu Buhari during the director-general’s visit to the president in Abuja…yesterday

Buhari: Burna Boy, Wizkid Have Brought Glory to Nigeria…Page 5

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

Buhari: Burna Boy, Wizkid Have Brought Glory to Nigeria Hails forerunners Sunny Ade, Femi Kuti

Deji Elumoye and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Nigerian music stars, Damini Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy, whose entry won the “Best Global Music Album” category in the 2021 Grammy awards, and WizKid, who shared an award, Best Music Video, with American singer, Beyoncé, saying both have brought glory to Nigeria.

The president said they have made notable contributions in the field of music that the world has come to recognise.

The federal government, in a separate statement, also congratulated the music stars over their Grammy Award victories.

The president, in a congratulatory message yesterday by his media assistant, Malam Garba Shehu, hailed Burna Boy on being conferred with the 2021 Grammy, the world’s most prestigious musical awards.

According to him, the music star has made notable contributions in the field of music, which have brought glory to Nigerians at home and abroad.

“We are proud of his

path-breaking achievements,” Buhari said.

He also congratulated WizKid who emerged as a joint winner of the Grammy Awards in a different category.

Buhari acknowledged the efforts of forerunners like King Sunny Ade and Femi Kuti whose creative exertions that earned them Grammy nominations, paved the way and brought Nigerian music to global reckoning.

The president expressed the belief that the musical achievements are recognition of the Nigerian creative talents and the awards will open doors to other aspiring citizens.

In his reaction to the feats by the musicians, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in a statement, described the awards as fitting rewards for the persistent hard work of the duo.

He said the awards also represented a global endorsement for the Afrobeats genre of music that has propelled Nigeria's increasing dominance of the music world.

Mohammed expressed the hope that the clinching of the awards by the two musicians would not only spur them

to greater heights, but serve as a source of inspiration for others.

THISDAY had reported yesterday it was a big day for Afrobeats on Sunday night as history was made at the 63rd Grammy Awards with Burna Boy, the self-

proclaimed African Giant, taking home the award for the Best Global Music Album.

Also on the spotlight was Wizkid, whose duet with American singer and songwriter, Beyoncé, and her daughter Blue Ivy, ‘Brown

Skin Girl,’ took home the award for Best Music Video.

It was the second consecutive time the afrofusion artiste is nominated in the category that celebrates influential music from around the globe.

The category was formerly

known as Best World Music Album and has been mostly dominated by Brazilians.

African singers who have won in this category include Beninese Angelique Kidjo, South African Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Soweto Gospel Choir.

LEGALISING FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19...

L-R: Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem MuriOkunola; during the signing of the COVID-19 bill into law in Ikeja...yesterday

FG Allays Fears over AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine Despite Global Concerns Says Buhari, Osinbajo, others doing well after vaccination France, Germany, Spain, Italy suspend inoculation Olawale Ajimotokan and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Despite concerns over reported negative effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine by some countries in Europe, the federal government yesterday assured Nigerians of its safety.

It said none of reports on the side effects of the vaccine such as blood clotting has so far been reported in the country.

The number of countries that have suspended AstraZeneca vaccine increased yesterday with France, Germany, Spain and Italy joining the long list.

But the World Health Organisation (WHO) advised countries using the vaccine to continue with its rollout.

The federal government also said that none of the over 8,000 Nigerians that had been administered with the vaccine, including President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has reported any adverse effect since the vaccination began last week.

Also as part of the support being received from the private sector for the acquisition of COVID-19 vaccine, the federal government said

the coalition, under the auspices of CACOVID, had promised to contribute up to N10 billion for the purchase of the vaccine.

Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, at the media briefing by the Presidential Taskforce on the Control COVI-19 yesterday in Abuja, said the Federal Ministry of Health was impressed by the cooperation received from Nigerians since the commencement of the vaccination.

Reacting to reports of alleged blood clotting-after effects of AstraZeneca vaccine by some European countries, Ehanire said: "Since the rollout on Friday, March 5, vaccination has been uneventful and no adverse health events have been recorded in Nigeria.

"I am pleased to say that their excellencies, the president and vice president, as well as strategic leaders who have taken the vaccine along with frontline healthcare workers, are all doing very well."

He added that the situation has helped to demonstrate to citizens that the vaccine is safe.

"I assure everyone that the vaccine is safe. NAFDAC is collaborating with WHO,

manufacturers and partners to evaluate other vaccines and also add to our portfolio of vaccines," he added.

The Executive Director of National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, said over 8,000 Nigerians had been vaccinated without any single report of serious adverse effect.

Shuaib said: "As part of COVID-19 vaccine launch, which commenced last week across the country, over 8,000 Nigerians have been immunised so far. We have not received any official report of serious adverse effects from any of those who have been vaccinated."

On the state of deployment of the 3.94 million doses, Shuaib said so far, all the states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, had been supplied with doses of the vaccine except Kogi State, which is yet to repair its storage facility damaged during the EndSARS protests.

Ehanire had earlier given an update on the government's efforts at mobilising funds from various sources to support the acquisition of COVID-19 vaccines.

He said members of CACOVID had pledged to provide over N10 billion.

Out of this amount, a mobile telephone network provider, Glo, has given N350 million while another mobile telephone firm, the MTN, has pledged to provide millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccine through the African Union-brokered facility.

In his update, the DirectorGeneral of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, said the agency would commence a survey in Sokoto, Kano and the FCT to determine the level of COVID-19 infection in those areas.

Meanwhile, the number of countries that have suspended the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine increased yesterday with France, Germany, Spain and Italy joining the long list.

France President, Mr. Emmanuel Macron, said the country was suspending the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine pending a review of its safety by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

“The decision has been made to suspend the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine as a precaution, hoping that we can resume it quickly if

the judgment of the EMA allows it,” Macron told a press conference, adding that an announcement by the EMA was expected today.

In Germany, the vaccine was also halted after reported blood clotting incidents in Europe.

In Spain, Minister of Health, Ms. Carolina Darias, said the country would suspend the use of the vaccine for at least a fortnight over blood clot fears.

“We have decided to temporarily suspend (use of the AstraZeneca vaccine) as a precaution for at least the next two weeks,” Darias told reporters.

She said the decision would remain in place until the EMA “analyses the recent incidences of blood clots, notably over the weekend.”

In Italy, Minister of Health, Mr. Roberto Speranza, said the country had joined other European nations in blocking the use of the AstraZenecaOxford.

The decision by Italian medicines agency, AIFA, came after talks between Speranza and the ministers in Germany, France and Spain.

Over 12 European countries have so far suspended the usage of the shot, which was jointly developed with the

University of Oxford, after reported blood clotting incidents in Europe.

However, the director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, Mr. Andrew Pollard, yesterday said there was no link between the jab it developed and blood clotting after several countries suspended its use.

Pollard said there was “very reassuring evidence that there is no increase in a blood clot phenomenon here in the UK, where most of the doses in Europe been given so far.”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) also called on countries using AstraZeneca vaccine to continue with its rollout.

“We do not want people to panic and we would, for the time being, we recommend that countries continue vaccinating with AstraZeneca,” WHO’s Chief Scientist, Soumya Swaminathan, told a press briefing.

“WHO’s advisory committee on vaccine safety has been reviewing the available data, is in close contact with the EMA, and will meet tomorrow,” WHO’s Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, told yesterday’s briefing.

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23.18m Nigerians Jobless as Unemployment Rate Hits 33.3% James Emejo in Abuja Nigeria's unemployment rate rose to 33.3 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2020 (Q4 2020) compared to 27.1 per cent in Q2, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

This implies that 23.18 million of the country's labour force either did nothing or worked for less than 20 hours a week, making them unemployed by the country's definition of unemployment.

It also meant that there was an additional 1.42 million people added to the country's unemployment portfolio when compared to 21.77 million unemployed persons in Q2.

The total number of people with jobs stood at 46.48 million out of which 30.57 million were full-time employed (worked 40+ hours per week), while 15.91 million were underemployed (working between 20-29 hours per week).

However, the NBS stated that the underemployment rate decreased from 28.6 per cent to 22.8 per cent in the period under review.

According to the ‘Labour Force Statistics: Unemployment and Underemployment

Report (Q4 2020),’ which was released by the statistical agency, a combination of both unemployment and underemployment rates stood at 56.1 per cent for the reference period.

The NBS, however, said using the international definition, Nigeria's unemployment rate stood at 17.5 per cent.

The number of persons in the economically active or working-age population (15-64 years of age) in Q4 stood at 122,049,400 or 4.3 per cent higher than the 116.87 million recorded in Q2.

The labour force, or people within ages 15-64, who are able and willing to work) stood at about 69.67 million, or 13.22 per cent lower than the 80.29 million recorded in Q2.

The unemployment rate among rural dwellers increased to about 34.5 per cent, from 28.2 per cent in Q2 while urban dwellers reported a rate of 31.3 per cent compared to 26.4 per cent.

The NBS stated that underemployment among rural dwellers declined to 26.9 per cent from 31.5 per cent, while the rate among urban dwellers decreased to

16.2 per cent from 23.2 per cent in Q2.

It said the unemployment rate among young people (15 to 34 years) increased

to 42.5 per cent from 34.9 per cent, while the rate of underemployment for the same age group declined to 21.0 per cent from 28.2

per cent in Q2.

The agency, however, explained that a rise in the unemployment rate is not entirely equivalent to an

increase in job losses.

It said rather, an increase in unemployment could occur as a result of several reasons, of which a job loss is just one.

INOCULATED...

Enugu State Governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, during his vaccination in Enugu…yesterday

CAN Asks Court to Invalidate Controversial CAMA 2020 Provision Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, to declare illegal, Section 839 (1) & (2) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, that empowers the federal government to suspend the trustees of incorporated nongovernmental organisations.

CAN, in a statement yesterday by its General Secretary, Rev. Joseph Bade Daramola, said the case came up for mention in court yesterday.

It said the body wanted the court to adjudicate over some provisions of the law, which it was not comfortable with.

The case, with suit No

FHC/ABJ/CS/244/2021, is between the Incorporated Trustees of Christian Association of Nigeria and Corporate Affairs Commission and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, CAN. According to CAN, the case was filed on its behalf by its lawyers led by Mr. Joe Kyari-Gadzama (SAN); Prof.

J. Amupitan (SAN); Mr. Wale Adesokan (SAN); Mr. Isaac Okpanachi; Ms. Comfort Chigbue; Mr. Godswill Iyoke; Mr. Cyril Obika; Mr. Geraldine Mbah; Mr. Francis Oronsaye; Mr. Oluniyi Adediji; Mr. Charles Ndukwe; Mr. Emmanuel Ekong and Mr.Darlington Onyekwere, among others.

It listed CAN leaders present in the court to

include Daramola, Mr. Kunle Fagbemi, Senator Philip Gyunka, Mr. Tunde Adegbesan, Rev. Testimony Onifade; the Director, Legal and Public Affairs, Ms. Comfort Otera Chigbue, and Senator Jonathan Zwingina.

"It resolved to go to court after all attempts to convince the federal government on why it should not intervene or interfere with the management of the church in the country through any of its agencies failed," it added.

CAN, while rejecting the amended CAMA law, had said: "The satanic section of the controversial and ungodly law is Section 839 (1) &(2), which empowers the commission to suspend trustees of an association (in this case, the church) and

appoint the interim managers to manage the affairs of the association for some given reasons is unacceptable."

President Muhammadu Buhari, on August 7, 2020, had signed into law the Companies and Allied Matters bill, which replaced the 1990 CAMA. But CAN had rejected the new law, saying it was “unacceptable, ungodly and a declaration of war on the church.”

The association had also described the law as “a time bomb’’ whose explosion would not only ”snuff life out of the church’’ but rank it (church) as “a secular institution under secular control.”

CAN, in a statement by Bayo Oladeji, Special Assistant

(Media and Communications) to its President, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, had called on the government to steer clear off church matters because it lacked the technical expertise to handle spiritual issues.

CAN labelled Section 839 (1) and (2) of the law as “satanic.”

The section empowers the supervising minister “to suspend trustees of an association (in this case, the church) and appoint interim managers to run its affairs for some given reasons."

“The law, to say the least is unacceptable, ungodly, reprehensible, and an ill-wind that blows no one any good.

It is a time bomb waiting to explode.

“We recall that during the first term of the president,

there was a public hearing conducted by the National Assembly on the NonGovernmental Organisations Bill tagged: ‘Bill for an Act To Provide For The Establishment of the NonGovernmental Organisations Regulatory Commission for the Supervision, Coordination and Monitoring Of Non-Governmental Organisations,’ which was attended by CAN and many NGOs. “At the public hearing, the bill that sought to bring the religious organisations and NGOs under the control and influence of the government was totally rejected because it would snuff life out of the church and rank the church as a secular institution under secular control," it had stated.

NNPC Pledges Support for Fight against Illicit Drugs With drugs in circulation, no end to insecurity, says Marwa Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has promised to support the fight against drug trafficking in Nigeria.

The Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, made the commitment weekend in Abuja during the visit of the management team of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) led by its Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd).

Marwa has also said that

until the circulation of hard drugs is curbed, there may be no end to insecurity and crimes in the country.

The NNPC, in a statement yesterday, quoted Kyari as saying that beyond the strict enforcement of the drug policy in the corporation, there was a need for NNPC to be sensitive to the ravaging effect of drug abuse in the larger society.

“Consumption of illicit drugs is a major problem in this country, ravaging communities and all categories of people and dispositions.

As an enabler organisation

that is very conscious of what happens in our country, we are very interested in the containment of illicit drugs in Nigeria,” he said.

Earlier, Marwa had appealed to the corporation for support in the fight against drug abuse.

He commended Kyari for his doggedness and resultoriented leadership.

Marwa, on another occasion, called for tighter control of drugs in circulation as a way of ending insecurity in the country.

Marwa, who yesterday visited the Lagos State

Command of the agency alongside other directors of the NDLEA, said: “If you open the newspapers today or watch television every day, you will see crimes; either that they are kidnapping schoolchildren or killing people. They all use drugs before going to perpetrate this evil, and until we tackle this issue of drug, we may not see the end of insecurity. It has to go together.”

A statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy of the agency, Mr. Femi Babafemi, quoted Marwa to have said that: “I know that you need

more men and women in this command and very soon the training of the new recruits will commence and from there, we are going to give you more personnel and other commands. Very soon different equipment will come in, including scanners.

When I took over, I found the morale of our officers very low and I know you are all trying very hard to meet up your responsibilities while we still owe you a lot of money, but I am giving you an assurance that your welfare is a priority.

“We have made appropriate

representations to the appropriate authorities and I have received the assurance that they have listened to us, so, we are confident that within this budget year, we will get relief.”

Marwa while expressing satisfaction with the record of activities of the agency in the last two months, said for the whole of 2019, MMIA Command only recovered 34.109 kg of cocaine and 21.72 kg of heroine but with less than three months this year, the command had seized 63.217 kg of cocaine and 950 kg heroine.

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PAGE EIGHT OKONJO-IWEALA RALLIES NIGERIA TO INCREASE TRADE, IMPROVE ECONOMY

arm of THISDAY Newspapers, and admonished Nigeria to begin to transit from fossil fuel as the world is moving in the direction of cleaner energy.

She urged the country to exploit the huge potential in the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to increase its share of the world trade, stressing that Nigeria's 0.33 per cent share of global trade is poor.

Receiving her at the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday, President Muhammadu Buhari attributed her emergence as WTO DG to her past record of performance both locally and internationally.

Speaking during separate visits to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Chief Adeniyi Adebayo, and his Finance, Budget and National Planning counterpart, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, Okonjo-Iweala expressed WTO's willingness to assist the country in surmounting limitations to trade in order to increase its global share of commerce.

To achieve that, the former minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance called for value addition to Nigeria’s huge agricultural products for export.

Speaking during separate visits to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo and his Finance, Budget and National Planning counterpart, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, the WTO DG observed that the 0.33 per

cent share of world trade is just a small fraction of the nation's potential.

In his remarks while being hosted by Adebayo, she said: "Nigeria’s share in world trade is 0.33 per cent. This is a very small fraction of what we could do. Our share in African trade is 19 per cent, a little bit higher and below our share of Africa GDP, which is almost a quarter of Africa’s GDP. "What this means is that we can either look at it negatively or say it is a small portion of what world trade is, or we can turn it around and say it is a glass half full, optimistic side, and say that there is potential for us to do much more. That’s the message I want to convey to the country and Mr. President.

"This means we must step up our action on the economy. We must strive to do better and harder in several ways. The reason we are concerned about that is our youth. Majority of our population are young people who are looking for jobs."

She added that trade could be instrumental to job creation and economic growth with value addition to products and good logistics to deliver trade.

She stressed: "What I am going to say without going into details is the fact that Nigeria really needs to focus on adding value and repositioning."

Okonjo-Iweala further lamented that Nigeria currently ranks 103 out of

167 counties in terms of logistics.

Commending Nigeria for signing on to AfCFTA, the former minister noted that Nigeria accounts for 19 per cent of Africa’s trade, adding that the country could do much better.

While admitting that there are difficulties and challenges with Nigeria’s economy, she called for greater urgency to forge ahead as the nation is imbued with the potential to do much better. According to her, trade is a very strong part of that narrative.

According to her, the WTO can work with Nigeria to help deliver support directly, not only with their own resources in technical assistance, training and quality of products, but also with other institutions to remove some of the bottlenecks confronting commerce.

She said WTO is about supporting investments and supporting infrastructure in technical assistance, adding that although it is not a financial institution, it works with financial institutions.

She stated that the world is moving away from fossil fuel.

The WTO DG called on Nigeria to urgently transit from fossil fuel to renewable energy, saying: "Before we know it, everywhere will be electric cars. So, not only because of trade, but it’s existential for us as a country that we begin to think about what we have."

Urging Nigerians not to despair over the current

difficulties, she admonished that the focus should be to identify those areas where there is potential and turn the economy in that direction.

Her visit, she said, was to thank the federal government and all Nigerians for the overwhelming support they gave without which she would not have emerged as the WTO DG as well as to sort out where the organisation could support investments.

While receiving OkonjoIweala, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Adebayo congratulated her on her appointment and highlighted the country's expectations regarding engagements in ongoing negotiations and discussions.

On the ongoing agriculture negotiation, he said Nigeria expects balance and equitable outcome that addresses structural causes of food and livelihood insecurity in Net Food Importing Developing Countries (NFIDC) and Least Developed Countries (LDC).

On the Fishery Subsidy Negotiations, Adebayo stated that the country looks forward to outcomes that result in a reduction in overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices with effective differential treatment that allows a sustainable development of developing countries.

Also, the Minister of State for Industry Trade and Investment, Mrs. Maryam Katagum, urged the WTO DG not to forget the commitment

to sustain and enhance the ongoing dialogue and action on women in trade - as a firm believer in the power of trade to lift developing countries, including Nigeria, out of poverty.

During her visit to the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Ahmed, the WTO DG noted that Nigeria has a diversified economy that can actually benefit all, if there are investments in it, not just in goods, or agriculture, but also services.

In her remarks, Ahmed called for WTO's support to enable Nigeria to leverage on bio-economic resources.

Explaining that although it is not new, there has been too much dependence on fossil fuel, lamenting that "crude contributes significantly to the extent that whichever way the market swings to, that's the situation we will find ourselves and it is unhealthy."

According to her, Nigeria's gas emissions are very minimal compared to global emissions.

Addressing State House correspondents after visiting President Buhari, OkonjoIweala stressed that despite the organisation's concern about Nigeria's exchange rate, it would in no way affect the nation's economic diversification moves.

She explained that the body was concerned with the exchange rate regime obtainable in Nigeria, saying some member countries of the organisation had laid formal

MILITARY, INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES STEP UP STRATEGY TO END KIDNAPPINGS, BANDITRY claimed that it killed 40 terrorists and lost four personnel on Saturday during a clash with elements of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists along the fringes of Lake Chad and Tumbus.

Sources told THISDAY that the military, intelligence organisations and other security agencies were working on a grand plan that would stem armed banditry, insurgency and kidnapping following reports that the crimes were being masterminded by some influential people.

One of the sources said intelligence gathered so far pointed to the existence of active sponsors of the ongoing mass kidnappings of schoolchildren.

"There is a holistic operational arrangement coming out. All these things are sponsored. Farmers cannot go to their farms; they cannot go and cultivate their farmlands.

"Now, they came to the education sector. They have started going to all these schools.

"But with the intelligence dragnet all over the place, something is being done about it. A grand joint operational arrangement is underway," he said.

The bandits have been on the rampage in the few weeks, abducting pupils and others in Zamfara, Kaduna and Niger States, among others.

Last Thursday, they had kidnapped 39 students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Troops of Quick Response Force of 1 Division, Nigerian Army had on Friday foiled an attempt by the bandits

to kidnap some students of Turkish International Secondary School located in Rigachikun, Kaduna State.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima, in a statement, said following the firefight, troops were able to rescue 180 persons, comprising of 132 male students, 40 female students and eight civilian staff.

Another attempt to kidnap pupils of Government Science Secondary School, Ikara in Ikara Local Government Area of the state was foiled on Sunday.

Teachers Abducted in Kaduna Primary School Gunmen yesterday invaded the Local Education Authority (LEA) Primary School, Rama village, Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, abducting three teachers.

The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, told reporters in Kaduna that other than the three teachers, no pupil was kidnapped.

He said security agencies were intensifying efforts to rescue the teachers.

He stated that the bandits invaded the school on motorcycles about 8:50 am.

According to him, the pupils fled upon sighting the bandits on motorcycles, adding that the two pupils who were missing during the commotion had been found.

He named the three teachers kidnapped as Mr. Rabiu Salisu, Mr. Umar Hassan and Mr. Bala Adamu.

“Pupils who had just arrived at the school to begin the day’s activities took to their heels in the course of the commotion,

as the bandits invaded the premises on motorcycles.

“This led to two pupils going missing, identified as Ahmad Halilu and Kabiru Yahaya.

“However, we are happy to inform you that the two missing pupils have been found.

“We can also confirm that no single pupil was kidnapped from the school. Other than the three teachers previously mentioned, no staff or pupil of the school is missing following the attack,” he said.

Aruwan said security reports showed that the bandits rustled cattle and went away with five motorcycles and other valuables.

He said the military and other security agencies in the Birnin Gwari area were pursuing the bandits to rescue the abductees.

He also said troops on patrol in Faka, Chikun Local Government Area of the state had rescued a young boy wandering in the Faka Forest.

Aruwan said the boy, identified as Adewale Rasaq, was kidnapped over a week ago in the Kudenden area of Chikun LGA, and escaped from his captors while his parents were negotiating the payment of a ransom of about N15 million with the bandits.

Also, the troops, while on patrol in a forest around Kachia and Kauru Local Government Areas found a girl, Fatima Lawal, who had escaped from bandits.

Aruwan said the girl said in her statement that she was kidnapped about three weeks ago at Randa village, in Kadage of Kauru Local Government Area.

The commissioner said the two persons would soon be handed over to their families.

The commissioner who declined to take questions from journalists did not give any update on the 39 students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka, who were kidnapped by last Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army said it is making concerted efforts to rescue the teachers involved in the latest kidnapping in Kaduna.

Army spokesman, Yerima, told THISDAY yesterday that the military was working towards ensuring the rescue of the abductees.

"The army is doing something about it. This is police work but there's nothing we can do; we have to come in," he said.

Scores of Terrorists, Four Military Personnel Killed The Nigerian Army yesterday reported the loss of four personnel on Saturday when they clashed with elements of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists along the fringes of Lake Chad and Tumbus.

A statement by Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.Gen. Yerima, said troops of Sector 3 Operation Lafiya Dole were on a clearance patrol when the incident occurred.

In the statement titled, ‘How Troops Obliterated Boko

Haram Terrorists Along Fringes Of Lake Chad, Tumbus,’ the army said the troops destroyed the insurgents’ gun trucks and captured their ammunition.

“As they (troops) commenced the second phase of their operations and advancing along the Kukawa-Monguno road, about 14 kilometres to their base, they sighted BHTs/ISWAP gun trucks and swiftly commenced pursuit with heavy fire and deft manoeuvre.

“In the course of the hot pursuit, which was aided by air cover provided by the Air Task Team of Operation Lafia Dole, several terrorists were neutralised and their gun trucks destroyed.

“Unfortunately, however, one officer and three gallant soldiers paid the supreme sacrifices while those wounded in action are currently receiving medical attention at 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital in Maimalari Cantonment," it stated.

Also, as part of the ongoing offensive operation against terrorist groups, Boko Haram and the ISWAP in the Northeast, Yerima said in a separate statement yesterday that the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole killed 41 terrorists after "heavy fighting" yesterday in Borno.

He said the troops conducted a fighting patrol along Gulwa and Musuri in Gamboru Ngala Local

CBN EXTENDS DEADLINE ON APPOINTMENT OF INFRACORP ASSET MANAGERS managed by an independent infrastructure fund manager.

He said: “This fund will be utilised to support the federal government in building the transport infrastructure required to move agriculture products to processors, raw materials to factories and

finished goods to markets, as envisaged by the CBN ‘Going for Growth’ roundtable in March 2020."

The promoters include the CBN, the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

complaints before the WTO. She said: "WTO has one of the agreements of the balance of payments, and Nigeria certainly invoked this to be able to conserve foreign exchange through its book list article. But some other members have brought a complaint against us that we shouldn't have used this article in that way. So yes, the WTO is concerned about foreign exchange, the way we manage it, the way we use it and how we use it to support manufacturing or imports and exports in our economy.

“And I think that in discussion with them, the complaints about the exchange rate regime, and we tried to explain. I shouldn't say we because I’m now DG WTO, it is for Nigeria’s representative to explain to the WTO to those members complaining why we're doing this, but eventually, I think having a strong exchange rate and being able to phase out of this, I think we'll be heading in that direction. We're also going to see the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and will undoubtedly discuss some of these issues."

She also allayed fears that embracing the free trade policy of the world body would harm Nigeria’s economic diversification drive.

Okonjo-Iweala affirmed that special and differential treatment could be applied to prevent vulnerable countries Continued on page 10

Government Area of Borno State.

"At Musuri, troops encountered elements of the terrorist group and swiftly engaged them in a firefight, which lasted for about 45 minutes.

"With superior firepower, troops ultimately dominated the area after neutralising 41 of the terrorists" it said.

The update said troops recovered sophisticated weapons and rescued 60 elderly women and children from their captors.

It listed items recovered from the fighters to include 12 AK-47 rifles, eight Fabric Nationale (FN) rifles, a motorcycle, six bicycles, mechanic toolboxes, a sewing machine, a large quantity of batteries used for making of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and sex enhancement drugs.

TOP GAINERS NGN NGN CORONATION 0.05 0.55 NNFM 0.55 6.20 SMURFIT 0.02 0.26 NEMINSURE 0.16 2.19 BERGPAINTS 0.45 6.50 TOP LOSERS NGN REGENCY 0.03 0.30 LIVESTOCK 0.17 1.83 NIGBREW 2.65 47.00 LASACO 0.06 1.30 JAIZBANK 0.03 0.62 HPE Nestle Nig Plc ₦1,375.00 Volume: 184.528 million shares Value: N2.518 billion Deals: 3,527 As at yesterday 15/3/2021 See details on Page 33

% 10 9.7 8.3 7.8 7.4 % 9.0 8.5 5.3 4.6 4.6

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NEWS

FG Dismisses Dokubo’s Formation of Biafra Customary Govt Peter Uzoho The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, yesterday described the reported formation of Biafra

Customary Government by ex-militant leader, Mr. Asari Dokubo, as a “theatre of the absurd by a joker seeking attention.’’

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos

that President Muhammadu Buhari will not be distracted by the absurdity.

He said: “I am sure you have heard of the theatre of the absurd; that is the best way I can describe it.

“If Asari Dokubo wants to form and run a phantom government, I think he is free to do so.

“This administration will not be distracted because we still have a lot to do.”

He said the federal government would not give any attention or time to a joker like Dokubo who said was just looking for attention.

“We will just take it as

one of these entertainment things.

“The beauty of Nigeria is that it is never a dull country, you must have one thing or the other to entertain you,’’ he said.

Sanwo-Olu Approves 21-year Jail Term for Cultists Segun James Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has signed the bill for the Prohibition of Unlawful Societies and Cultism of 2021 into law, approving 21-year jail term for convicted cultists in the state.

The state’s House of Assembly, in February, passed the anti-cultism bill, which also stipulates a 15-year jail term for anyone found guilty of abetting cultists and residents who willfully allow their properties to be used as meeting points by cultists.

Sanwo-Olu assented to the bill yesterday at the swearing-in event for newly appointed members of the state’s Public Procurement Agency Governing Board and two Permanent Secretaries held at Banquet Hall in the State House, Alausa.

At the event, the governor also signed three other bills into law.

They are Lagos State Audit Service Commission (Amendment) Law of 2019, Lagos State Public Procurement Bill of 2021 and Coronavirus Pandemic Emergency Law of 2021.

The anti-cultism law repeals the Cultism (Prohibition) Law of 2007 (now Cap. C18, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015) and provides for more stringent punitive measures, as well as makes its application all-encompassing and applicable to the general public, as against the restriction

of the previous law to students of tertiary institutions.

Sanwo-Olu said the state had suffered the negative effects of unlawful societies and cultism, stressing that the new law sought to make parents more responsible and show more interest in the upbringing of their children and wards to ensure that they do not become a burden to society.

Speaking on the appointment of the procurement agency’s Governing Board members, the governor said their selection was predicated on their track record of integrity, experience and professional competence.

He said the board’s duty was to oversee the procurement process, by ensuring that public funds were judiciously expended in a manner that would promote accountability, transparency and value for money.

Sanwo-Olu said: “Your major responsibility as members of the Public Procurement Governing Board is to ensure strict adherence to the provisions of the State Public Procurement Law. You hold a crucial and strategic role in preventing wasteful spending and corruption in public procurement. The state government and taxpayers count on you to keep the procurement process as transparent as possible.”

The governor said the appointment of the two Permanent Secretaries into the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure was part of the move to restructure the

ministry into two distinct offices, as necessitated by the need to engender improved efficiency and faster delivery of key projects under the purview of the ministry.

“I challenge you to utilise your wealth of knowledge and experience for the expedited and seamless delivery of works and infrastructure projects; you must ensure that we achieve

our purpose for restructuring the two offices,” SanwoOlu charged the appointed Permanent Secretaries.

The bill to amend the state’s Audit Law of 2015 was initiated by the executive to address observed flaws hindering the successful implementation of the extant Audit Law, Cap. A13, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

With the amendments, the Central Internal Audit (CIA), which was a department in the Ministry of Finance is now a department under the Audit Service Commission. This is to bring auditors under one body for effective administration and independence of internal auditors in line with best global practice.

Lagos State Public

Procurement Agency Law originally enacted in 2011, forms the legal bedrock for the public procurement regime in the state. The law was based on the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) model which is a properly regulated procurement system standard on international best practice.

SHIELDED AGAINST COVID-19...

Former Governor of Borno State, Senator Kashim Shettima, during his first COVID-19 inoculation in Abuja…yesterday

OKONJO-IWEALA RALLIES NIGERIA TO INCREASE TRADE, IMPROVE ECONOMY from collapsing under competition.

She added that the special treatment would not be forever as such countries would have to eventually open up for competition.

She also said duties could be applied to imports to prevent the country from being a dumping ground.

Buhari had earlier while hosting Okonjo-Iweala, told her that despite the robust support Nigeria gave to her candidacy for the position, “You also earned it. We are happy you made it, but you earned it with your record of performance both at home and abroad.”

The president said OkonjoIweala was putting Nigeria more on the world map, “and I congratulate you, as well as the country. I know you will represent us so well.”

Buhari lauded Nigerian women once again, pointing to key positions they hold like Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and many others.

He said it is the same

way, the government would encourage the youths, “so that they can be ready for the challenges of the future.”

The new WTO DG thanked the president for the pulsating support she received from her own country in the race for the position.

“You nominated me, you wrote hundreds of letters, called up hundreds of world leaders. Without your personal and direct intervention, it may not have worked. The people of Nigeria also supported me massively.

The youths were wonderful, always encouraging, backing me up on social media.

“Mr President, the world recognises what you have done. Since its establishment, only men have led the WTO. Now, a woman has emerged for the first time, and she’s a Nigerian. We are so honoured,” Okonjo-Iweala said.

She apprised the president of the opportunities for Nigeria in the global organisation, as well as the challenges, stressing that “WTO will do more to help

Nigeria, but we need to add value to our products in order to trade more. We should exploit all the opportunities in front of us.”

Okonjo-Iweala added that the support and leadership of Buhari will help her a lot in her position as DG.

Urges FG to Begin Transition Away from Fossil Fuel However, Okonjo-Iweala told ARISE NEWS Channel that it was time for Nigeria to begin the transition away from fossil fuels as the world is shifting to renewable energy.

She said: "The fact that fossil fuels are being phased out in the world as every country is announcing that as from 2025, 2030, 3040, they would no longer allow the use of fossil fuels; they would not allow cars that burn petrol and is all moving to electric cars and renewables.

"This is huge for the Nigerian economy. It means we've to begin thinking of the transition now. Gas is

our transition fuel. Some of us are trying to argue for a little more time for countries that depend on gas to have a transition period.

"But it's inevitably, the way the world is going, we've to transition out. And what does that mean? That means we've to start thinking what other sectors of the economy are going to bring in revenue to enable us to support imports and exports and create jobs because we're very dependent on the oil and gas sector now."

She also identified some key challenges facing the organisation, indicating that resolving some of them before the next ministerial meeting in December was being pursued.

She listed the challenges to include putting in place an arbitration mechanism, bringing some member countries to make a compromise on certain positions they had taken and updating the organisation's rules, among others.

She said: "Well, I met an excellent staff at the WTO.

They are very technically qualified and I met many ambassadors in the membership who are trying to do their best to negotiate, but the challenge we have is that decisions taken by members overtime on certain issues have become entrenched.

"We are trying to discuss with them to be more flexible so that we can finish some of the negotiations - for example on fisheries subsidies. We have negotiations going on because this will help the sustainability of fishing and oceans. Everybody needs, including our own artisanal fishermen and women. And so, that’s one challenge of coaxing and trying to bring countries to make a compromise on positions they have already taken.

"We should manage to do that before the next ministerial conference at the beginning of December so that we can get an agreement."

She identified another challenge as trying to get the WTO to contribute more to the availability of vaccines.

According to her, "You

know they are traded products - to allow a freer flow of medical products to contribute to the availability of vaccines. That’s the WTO could do more through its rule still.

"A third area is the dispute settlement system of the WTO, which has been paralysed for some years, and in a rulemaking organisation you need a place where violations of the rules can be arbitrated among members. So, we need to reform that.

“And above all, we also need the WTO to update its rules on e-commerce.

E-commerce is now huge and the rules that underpin it to make it a level-playing field for all the actors like our young people have not yet been put in place.

"Finally, the WTO also has challenges to update its rules to help micro, medium and small enterprises and women in trade; bring in those who are excluded and marginalised so that we can improve inequality both in the developing countries as well as the developed.”

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FG Suspends Emirates Airlines’ Flights into Nigeria Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The federal government has announced the suspension of inbound and outbound flights by Emirates Airlines from midnight of Wednesday.

The suspension followed the insistence of the Dubai-based airline to have PCR tests for passengers embarking from Nigeria within 72 hours of their flights in addition to Antigen Rapid Test at Nigerian airports and another PCR test on arrival in Dubai.

Minister of Aviation, Senator

Hadi Sirika announced the federal government’s decision yesterday, while giving updates at the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 briefing in Abuja.

He said Nigeria as a country, considered as unacceptable and devoid of any sense of reasoning the grounds advanced by Emirates.

Sirika said Nigeria rejected the request of Emirates to subject Nigerian passengers to three PCR and a rapid antigen test 72 hours before flight and after arrival.

He stressed that that COVID-19 itself will incubate at least in or

Nine Bandits Killed in Niger while Waiting to Collect Ransom Laleye Dipo in Minna No fewer than nine suspected bandits were neutralised while four others were apprehended by local vigilante group in Gulu town in the Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State on Sunday evening.

The bandits were said to be waiting for the collection of ransom when they met their waterloo.

According to eyewitness, the bandits had earlier raided Gulu town a few days back during which some people were abducted and ransom demanded before they would be released.

It was learnt that after the relations of the victims had managed to raise the ransom they contacted the bandits who gave directive to them on how to deliver the money.

On getting to the spot where the money was to be delivered, the bandits reportedly told some of the relations to return to the town to buy them some food and other edible items.

It was gathered that on their way to purchase the food items, one of the victim’s relation ran into some vigilante who asked him what they were doing in the forest.

After narrating their story to the local security men, the vigilante group mobilised and asked the victims’ relations to show them the spot where the bandits were.

“There was exchange of gunfire between the vigilante and the bandits, which lasted very long, but the vigilante were able to kill nine of the bandits and arrested four others after which they brought the remains of the bandits to the village square,” the eyewitness said.

It was learnt that the four arrested suspected bandits were handed over to men of the Police Special Task Force - Operation Zuma in Ebbo.

Efforts to get a reaction from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun for confirmation of the report were abortive because as he was not picking his phone.

COVID-19: Astrazeneca Vaccine Safe, Sanwo-Olu Reassures Lagos Residents Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday reassured Lagos State residents that the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is safe.

The governor stated that he did not feel any side effects as claimed by some persons.

Sanwo-Olu, who received the AstraZeneca vaccine alongside his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, health practitioners, frontline workers and journalists, among others last Friday at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) Yaba, said he felt no symptom after taking the vaccine.

He said: “I didn’t feel any side effects after taking the shot”.

Speaking to journalists at the Lagos House, Ikeja yesterday, Sanwo-Olu said there is nothing to worry about the vaccine. He therefore encouraged Lagosians, especially those on the frontlines to come forward and get vaccinated.

He said: “It has been three days since I was vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine and the deputy governor too has had his

own shot. I can confirm to you that I felt no after effect at all. I didn’t have any headache, malaria or any symptom whatsoever. It was well received.

“Like I mentioned on Friday, I think all of the speculation that is going round is really unfounded. I have taken the vaccine and we have seen that Lagos has continued to vaccinate the frontline health workers. And so, let us use this medium again to inform our citizens well that the vaccines; the one we have, AstraZeneca, is safe and is of no negative consequence. And I for one do not have any. I have also asked around.

“So, there is nothing for us to get worried about. It is just to take it easy and let us encourage others that are on the frontlines to come forward and get vaccinated.”

Also speaking to journalists to corroborate Sanwo-Olu’s position on the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine, Hamzat said he felt no symptom after he received the shot last Friday.

“No symptom at all. Nothing,” he said.

after 72 hours, adding that most of the time, PCR results were also being faked in most of the countries.

He added that the decision to suspend Emirates operations in Nigeria had been communicated to the airlines since Sunday.

“Therefore, we give the options to the airlines you either have a PCR test 72 hours before departure or have a PCR test on arrival or a Rapid test before departure and you have a PCR on arrival but not a combination of all the three because it makes no sense. It makes facilitation of passengers very cumbersome and our work very difficult. That passengers are going through unnecessary hardship not acceptable,” Sirika said.

Sirika also stated that KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has accepted the conditions spelled out by

the federal government to bring passengers in and out of the country by having a PCR Test within 72 hours. He noted the airline has agreed to start flying immediately.

“We have given them the options to do what we believe is safe and current and KLM has accepted to bring passengers in and out with the conditions we agreed on to have a PCR Test with 72 hours. Emirates did not accept that position so we have asked Emirates to be banned from operations midnight of Wednesday and that has been communicated to them since yesterday,” Sirika said.

Meanwhile the federal government has expressed worries at the growing list of European countries suspending the use of AstraZeneca Vaccines even when the World Health

Organization (WHO) has assured that the vaccine is safe for use.

The National Incident Manager Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Dr Mukhtar Mohammed expressed the concern yesterday at the PTF press briefing. He described the suspension of AstraZeneca vaccine over safety concerns in the last few hours as a major setback.

He, however, described as very reassuring that the regulatory agencies in the European countries have continued to emphasize that the vaccine is safe and the incidents of blood clotting in the patients is not higher than the risk of blood clotting in people who are not vaccinated.

He added that government was reassured by WHO statements about the efficacy of

AstraZeneca Vaccines and use it as a guide for the implementation of its programmes while the Ministry of Health, NAFDAC National Primary Health Care Development Authority (NPHCDA) are working to reassure Nigerians and to get information on any side effects, people are experiencing in the country.

He urged the public to report the side effects like mild cough, cold and sign of being unwell to the right channels after three days of using the vaccine.

The PTF also warned citizens not to capitalize on the arrival of the vaccines to flout COVID -19 protocols while also condemning highly placed religious and political figures for using the situation to misinform the public about the efficacy and safety of the vaccines.

COLLABORATING AGAINST ILLICIT DRUGS…

Chairman/CEO, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (left), and the Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, during the courtesy visit of the NDLEA management team to the NNPC Towers...weekend

US Expands Waiver for Visa Interview Michael Olugbode in Abuja The US Secretary of State, Mr. Anthony Blinken, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, has temporarily expanded the ability of consular officers to waive the in-person interview requirement for individuals applying for a non-immigrant visa in the same classification.

According to a statement by the United States Department of State- Bureau of Consular Affairs, only those applicants whose non-immigrant visa expired within 24 months were previously eligible for an interview waiver.

The statement noted that Blinken has temporarily extended the expiration period

to 48 months.

“This policy is in effect until December 31, 2021. This change will allow consular officers to continue processing certain nonimmigrant visa applications while limiting the number of applicants who must appear at a consular section, thereby reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission to other applicants

and consular staff.”

The statement encouraged travellers to review the website of the nearest US embassy or consulate for detailed information on what services are currently available as well as eligibility information and instructions on applying for a visa without an interview.

Ogun Police Confirm Abduction of Two Female Students of OOU The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the kidnap of two female students of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) by unknown gunmen.

The spokesperson of the state police command, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the victims, identified as Adeyemo Precious and Oyefule Abiola, were of Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, and Department of Agricultural Economics, respectively He said they were kidnapped while returning to their halls of residence located at Olowu area in Ayetoro campus of the institution, Yewa North Local Government Area of the state on Sunday

evening.

He stated that a manhunt led by the area commander, in conjunction with local hunters, had been launched to rescue the victims unhurt and reunite with their families.

The victims were abducted at about 9pm on Sunday when the attackers stormed Igbole Aibo Quarter area of Ayetoro, in Yewa North Local Government Area of State and fired sporadically before taking the captives away just when they were going back home.

The Deputy Registrar, Corporate Affairs Unit of the OOU, Mr. Niyi Oduwole, has also confirmed the abduction, describing it as

unfortunate.

Oduwole said that the university management was collaborating with relevant people to ensure victims safe return.

He said: “the incident is most unfortunate. The university is beefing up security around all our campuses and hostels.

“We sympathise with parents of the victims and we want to assure them that their wards will be rescued unhurt. We are on top of the situation.”

Meanwhile, the Yewa North Patriotic Forum has called on Ogun State Governor, Prince DapoAbiodun to direct the Commissioner of Police to relocate to Yewa-North over the issue of insecurity.

The group said that Yewa LGA had been battling with herders and farmers’ crisis that had reportedly claimed many lives in the last few months.

President of the group, Mr. Sanni Omobolaji, in a statement issued yesterday, noted that Ayetoro area has not been enjoying proper policing.

The statement reads in part, “We have not been enjoying good policing in Ayetoro since the former DPO died a few months back.

Since then, a new DPO has not been deployed to the area, while the DCO who has been acting in the capacity of DPO has not been cooperative with our people.

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COMMENT

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

MONGUNO AS CONSCIENCE OF THE NATION

Jackson Ugbechie urges the relevant authorities concerned with security issues to listen to the national security adviser

T

he National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno, a retired Major General, has been a subject of deprecation by a few Nigerians. But to many others, the urbane NSA is the archetypal conscience of the nation, the voice of the people and a patriotic public servant who chose to act when others were numbed to morbid silence borne out of selective

amnesia.

The subject matter was a recent chat he had with BBC Hausa Service in which he was quoted to have lamented the inability of Nigerian troops to contain insurgency due largely to inadequate arms and ammunition and other requisite military hardware. The BBC report had alluded that Monguno referenced misappropriated funds by former service chiefs.

But in a swift reaction, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) issued an explainer and rebuttal, saying the NSA was quoted out of context. The statement explained that the NSA did not categorically say that funds meant for arms procurement were missing under the former Service Chiefs. Rather, the NSA only reiterated the federal government’s commitment to deal decisively with insecurity and stressed President Muhammadu Buhari’s continued commitment to provide all necessary support to the Armed Forces, including the provision of arms and equipment.

The ONSA also said that the NSA made it clear that Mr President has “provided enormous resources for arms procurement, but the orders were either inadequate or yet to be delivered and that did not imply that the funds were misappropriated under the former Service Chiefs.”

The NSA, according to the statement, also said that Mr President is following up on the procurement process as is usual with contracts relating to military equipment. The ONSA reiterated the position of Monguno that questions relating to Defence procurement should be channelled to the Ministry of Defence. This piece is not to apportion blame to Monguno or the ex-service chiefs. Rather, it’s to alert the nation to the synopsis and prognosis of the nation’s security which has made it difficult to defeat Boko Haram. It’s now too obvious that certain things are skewed within the military which are out of sync with modern techniques of combatting terror and allied crimes.

If we recall that the same Monguno had in February, last year, raised the alarm about an insidious misnomer in which former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari practically usurped his duty as NSA and was holding security meetings with service chiefs; If we also recall that an unprecedented number of soldiers had applied to quit the army in a record mass resignation, then we’ll begin to get the picture of a beleaguered Nigerian military.

Any perceptive mind would see a pattern in the NSA saga. When he mustered the courage to blow the whistle on the late Abba Kyari’s amity with the service chiefs, he came under heavy media attacks, which as is now clear, were sponsored darts at his person. Yet, the subject matter of his concern – insurgency – is getting worse. More Nigerians are being killed. Students are being abducted right from schools at dizzying frequencies. Commuters are ambushed and abducted with abandon on highways and byways. The state of insecurity is getting messier and this hurts the socio-economic life of the nation. Yet, they don’t want the matter to be addressed or even get a mention. But it’s no longer the NSA that is showing concern. Other Nigerians of repute have found their voice and the courage to speak and ask questions on why insurgency has remained intractable.

Last year, in the wake of reported mass resignation, the House of Representatives resolved to investigate why about 365 soldiers from the Nigerian Army alone had applied for resignation. This resolution

THERE WERE SEVERAL VIRAL VIDEOS MADE

BY SOLDIERS TO VOICE THEIR DISPLEASURE AND APPARENT NEGLECT AS THEY BATTLE IN THE FRONTLINE OF THE INSURGENCY WAR. ALL OF THIS SHOULD BOTHER NIGERIANS

was sequel to a unanimous adoption of a motion of Matters of Urgent Public Importance by the Chief Whip of the House, Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno), at the plenary.

Representative Monguno said that on June 22, 2020, a lance corporal in the Nigerian Army, Martin Idakpeni, in a video circulated on social media condemned the attitude of the then Chief of Army Staff towards the attacks and killings of innocent Nigerians and soldiers.

The lawmaker said that Idakpeni’s complaint bordered on untold hardship soldiers face while conducting combat operations in the north east. Rep Monguno on the floor of the House said that there had been cases of mutiny resulting in sporadic shootings and attempted lynching of senior officers by junior officers all because of low morale and frustration.

The lawmaker cited the case of Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi, commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Nigeria‘s Counter-Terrorism team, who was removed for his audacity in exposing the inferior fire power of the Nigerian military. Rep. Monguno also recalled the case of the General Officer Commanding 7 Division of the Nigeria Army in Maimalari, Major General Victor Ezegwu, who escaped being lynched by angry soldiers for leaving them with neither food nor water while fighting insurgents for two days.

There were several viral videos made by soldiers to voice their displeasure and apparent neglect as they battle in the frontline of the insurgency war. All of this should bother Nigerians. They are further expressed in the growing gyre of insecurity in a manner never before witnessed. Even President Buhari last year said he was shocked at the resilience of the Boko Haram terrorists whom at the early stage of his administration, he claimed had been technically defeated. This is the context in which Nigerians should consider the concerns of the NSA as a call to duty and the expressions of a patriot who wants to win both the battle and the war against terror.

Besides, the NSA is the typical professional intelligence officer. Never garrulous, never showy. He operates from the shadow, unobtrusive.

Effective intelligence officers have this hallmark. They don’t throw themselves at the people. They’re self-effacing, taciturn and ghostly.

Their strength is in their diffidence. Their taciturnity helps build a mystique around them. An effective intelligence officer is the one that rarely speaks. Monguno is in this category. Therefore, if for any reason, a Monguno as NSA voices his concern on an issue, it must be taken seriously.

Strangely, the guilty are already fawning in the media. They say that the NSA should not be visible in the media; that persons who occupy such positions ought to remain taciturn. Yes, I concur. But that’s only under normal circumstances. The circumstances we are dealing with are not normal. The level of insecurity in the country is both unprecedented and unbearable. The times are not normal and at such a time of acute uncertainty, someone has got to point the leadership to the flaws that have stymied and weakened national security. That’s exactly what the NSA has done: Alert the nation to the fact that whether as a whole-of-government or a whole-of-society approach, ensuring national security is a serious business which requires the input of all stakeholders including the media and the civil society.

Rather than vilify the NSA, the relevant authorities involved in the nation’s security architecture must self-examine their operations. All actors must act within the limits of their powers as prescribed by law.

When a usually reticent Babagana Monguno breaks out from his shell to voice a concern, it can only be driven by patriotism and a genuine concern to save the nation from further danger. We must listen to him.

Ugbechie, public policy commentator, wrote from Lagos

HOPE UZODINMA: ONEYEAR ON After a year in the saddle, there is little to celebrate in Imo State, writes Justin Uwaezuoke

W

e were on our knees praying before we were roused by the noise of thanksgiving ...

After the January 14, 2019 earthquake in Imo, and the attendant charade at the apex court, many Imo people of goodwill had resigned to fate and moved on with their lives. Many more lapsed into prayers and supplication, believing that nothing was beyond God to handle.

Of course, on that day, the judiciary in Nigeria committed harakiri when it blatantly yanked off the elected governor of Imo State in the person of Emeka Ihedioha and supplanted his administration with a non-contender who came a distant 4th in the Imo guber election.

Imo people wept at the bold-faced injustice; Nigerians too wept with Nd’Imo! In the last 14 months therefore, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, had pretended to govern the State since then.

But a snake can only give birth to a long creature.

A snake cannot sire a lion. So Uzodinma has been running Imo like the interloper he truly is - with neither road map nor compass. He does what he is adept at: governance by make-believe; overarching deception, shilly-shallying and a total lack of basic institutional prescience. This explains why a small matter like first anniversary is being celebrated on

the 14th month. When did 14 months become one year?

But the truth is that it’s not that this ersatz government forgot its anniversary, no. The truth is that there was absolutely nothing to show the world after 12 months. In fact, 12 months came to the Uzodinma government by surprise!

So they needed the last two months to paint over some public buildings abandoned by the Rochas Okorocha government and dress up age-old roads built by Sam Mbakwe in fresh asphalt. Now they commission these things with fanfare, with drumming and dancing; with our Vice President in tow.

This is where we are in Imo State today. But this is not my story. I have a little story to tell, a tear-jerking story: My neighbour’s father was bedridden. Let me call him Pa Onwudiwe. We all live in the neighbourhood in New Owerri called World Bank. A suffocating settlement enabled by the world finance body for the low-incomers upon the creation of Imo State about four decades ago.

Poor as it is, we the people, haven’t had anything better since then. Imagine the constraint of hatching two family buildings on one plot of land. The result is that if you moaned loud enough, your neighbour next door would bear the pain.

My neighbour’s father was therefore ridden on a bed of sickness and hopelessness for many years and

we all bore their pain.

When old age, acute sickness and penury dwell in one room you can imagine how grim the atmosphere would look like.

The sick old man was a pensioner who had long been forgotten by the Imo State government. In short, it seemed he had been left for death by the state government.

Then one day in August 2019, our lane was roused by a convoy of vehicles apparently from Government House. Neighbours were all curious, many peeped from the adjoining walls as the entourage besieged the sick man’s abode!

Now what could this be? Not many visited this sick old Pa Onwudiwe anymore. In fact his people seem to await the knell of his death...

In a short while, the government team were out of the house, zooming off in the manner they had invaded our sombre neighbourhood.

What brought them? The neighbourhood was curious. They had come to effect a biometric capture of the sick old pensioner.

The Imo State government was carrying out a comprehensive review of the state’s pension system; 27 locations had been set up in all the local government areas. Those who were bedridden either at home or in the hospital were sought out and captured by a mobile team.

My friend’s father was beside himself with joy.

Imo State government didn’t only remember him, they traced him to his house! This was too good to be true, he told people around him.

About one month later, Pa Onwudiwe got alert for the payment of two months pension in his phone. It took most of us restraining him; he was literally going berserk with joy.

The Emeka Ihedioha pension reform worked. Pa Onwudiwe continued to receive payment alert every month until Uzodinma took office mid-January 2020.

Pa Onwudiwe’s pension alert seized; for many months there was no alert and no clarity. Some sources said a fresh verification was to be done. A few were getting paid and yet some were getting under-paid. Majority were left unpaid. Many months passed and Pa Onwudiwe never got alert again.

Imo pensioners cried and wept but none showed them mercy. Then the final act of infamy: the senior citizens decided to stage a peaceful protest in front of Government House.

Thugs were instigated to whip the hell out of the seniors. Imo seniors wept in anguish and dispersed in humiliation. They never made a whimper since them. And Pa Onwudiwe died shortly after...

What an anniversary of sorrow it is for the Onwudiwe family and for majority of Imo people.

Uwaezuoke wrote from Mbaitoli, Imo State

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T H I S D AY • TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021

EDITORIAL BURNA BOY/WIZKID AND GRAMMY AWARDS The award to two of our frontline musicians is inspiring

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t a time when the Nigerian story around the world is drenched in violence, corruption and misgovernance, the awards to two of our frontline musicians - Burna Boy and Wizkid - at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards is uplifting.

Even more significant is the fact that the winners belong in the vital youth segment of our population.

Burna Boy (real name Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu), who won the award for Best World Music Album, is 29 while Wizkid (real name, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun) whose duet with Beyonce in ‘Brown Skin Girl’ won him a Grammy for Best Music Video is 30.

The global recognition for the duo is significant in two ways. First, the fact that Nigerian artistes are now able to step onto the world stage, compete with the best and win speaks to our cultural maturation as a nation. Second, the promise of our youth as perhaps beacons of hope and renaissance is vindicated by this achievement. However, what cannot be denied is the historical fact that the stars of today are walking THE FACT THAT NIGERIAN along a path trodden by equally illustrious ARTISTES ARE NOW ABLE TO STEP ONTO THE forebears. But the WORLD STAGE, COMPETE Fela Anikulapo Kutis, Dan Marayas, WITH THE BEST AND Oliver De Coques WIN SPEAKS TO OUR and others lived in a CULTURAL MATURATION more restricted era AS A NATION in terms of access to enabling technology and instantaneous global media. Three, the awards come as further vindication of the strides which Nigerian creative artistes in both the film and music industries have been making in the last two decades.

In recent years, Nollywood has been joined by our world class musical talents to propel Nigeria to the present moment of justifiable celebration. It is even more significant that this achievement has

Letters to the Editor

been made possible by the individual creativity, drive and entrepreneurial initiatives of the artistes themselves. It is also their aspiration to world class standards and a determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with the best of their peers that has led to this moment. All factors considered therefore, we owe the Grammy Award winners the felicitations of the entire nation.

T 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

he rise to fame began for Burna Boy in 2012 following the release of ‘Like to Party’, the lead single from his debut studio album, L.I.F.E. that was produced a year earlier. In 2017, Burna Boy signed with Bad Habit/ Atlantic Records in the United States and Warner Music Warner internationally. In 2019, he won Best International Act at the 2019 BET Awards, the same year he released his fourth studio album, ‘African Giant’ that won several awards and earned him his first nomination at the 62nd Grammy Awards last year. For Wizkid, the road to stardom started at the age of 11 when he released a collaborative album with the ‘Glorious Five’, a group he co-founded with some of his church friends. In 2009, he signed his first record deal with Empire Mates Entertainment and has produced several hits since then.

With a total of about 3.5 billion streams on Spotify, Wizkid is the most streamed Nigerian artiste of all time with several local and international awards to his credit.

While we congratulate both Burna Boy and Wizkid for the Grammy awards, the object lesson of this moment is that the Nigerian genius in every field is alive and waiting to be galvanised. Perhaps the large expenditure of public funds to launder our national image can be better spent providing the enabling peace, security and infrastructure which our populace needs to actualise itself. The image and integrity of the best nations in the world rest on the achievements of their best citizens. The ultimate aim of purposeful governance is to enable the best in their citizenry. That is the most significant lesson from what Burna Boy and Wizkid have achieved.

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.

Prince Harry, Meghan And The Royal Rumble

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uckingham Palace, the official residence of the iconic Queen of England, is a monument that bears testimony to the rich and enduring monarchical tradition of the English.

A symbol of power, opulence and aristocratic grandeur, Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms. Of these, 188 are staff bedrooms, 92 offices, 78 bathrooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, and 19 state rooms. In total, the Palace grounds spans over 39 acres. While Queen Elizabeth famously calls the palace her home, Princes Phillip, Andrew, and Edward all reside there as well, along with a lot of the royal family’s staff members. It is a testimony to the resilience of the palace that over the course of World War 2, it survived nine German bomb attacks.

However, a major ‘war’ that will, no doubt, ruffle the much talked about Buckingham Palace pliability is brewing. Are you already thinking of a fighter jet flying over the palace? No! Don’t just go there.

The war in question is more psychological and emotional in nature. It is about a family fighting against each other.

It could be referred to as a battle between tradition and modernisation. Prince Harry, the disenchanted son of the late Princess Diana, seems at ‘war’ with the palace and all it represents. He has perceptibly demonstrated this in so many ways.

First, his choice of a marital partner is obviously at variance with the palace’s expectation. Second, he and his wife decided to excuse themselves from royal activities, choosing, instead, a private life. Third, they chose to live farther away from the palace by relocating to the United States. Fourth, the duo, Harry and Meghan, recently launched a

lethal attack on the palace, alleging, in a widely viewed interview with Oprah Winfrey, unfair treatment from the palace.

Meghan said the royal family declined to make the couple’s son, Archie, a prince or to offer him the protection that would come with that title. She also said someone in the family expressed concern to Harry about what the baby’s skin color would be. Harry declined to say who had expressed those concerns, but he has said it was neither his grandfather Prince Philip nor the Queen.

Other major revelations from the interview include that the royal family informed the couple that their security detail would be ended after they stepped back from royal duties and moved abroad. The couple also disclosed that their home address in Canada had been revealed by The Daily Mail, making them concerned for their safety and resulting in their move to California.

Meghan also revealed that her experience in the family was so unbearable she had considered taking her own life. Harry told Winfrey that he felt “trapped” within the system of the royal family, and said the family had failed to stick up for them when Meghan was suffering racist harassment from British media and members of the public.

Curiously, the interview drew parallels with a 1995 BBC interview with Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana, whose marriage to Prince Charles ended in divorce.

Meghan is an African-American, who because of her mixed background, looks more white than black. She is convinced she was not fully accepted into the royal family. The Oprah interview shows that the couple is sad about their circumstances.

Expectedly, the palace responded to the explosive allegations, saying that the “whole family is saddened” by how “challenging” the previous years have been for the royal couple. It added that the allegations of racism are “concerning” and will be “addressed by the family privately.”

Sadly, the whole episode has further alienated Harry from his family.

He is no longer at peace with his brother, Prince William, his father and grandparents. That is a burden he will have to carry for a long time. It is the burden of love. He has decided to choose love over family, and he must be ready to live by the consequences of that choice.

Meanwhile, in as much as the authenticity of the couple’s racial claim is yet to be clearly ascertained, it is important to stress that it would be highly incongruous and pathetic if it is true that racism actually exists in the highly revered palace. Remember that the Queen of England is the official Head of the Commonwealth?

According to the late American civil rights activist, Martin Luther King Jnr., three major evils exist in the world. These, he said, are the evil of racism, the evil of poverty, and the evil of war.

In contemporary context, it would be a blunder to assume that racism no longer exists in our world. The death of George Floyd drew widespread outrage last May, after a video circulated online showing Officer Derek Chawin holding his knee on the late musician’s neck as he gasped for breath, appropriately validating the shocking existence of racism in our world.

Tayo Ogunbiyi, Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Ikeja

TUESDAY MARCH 16, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS

Nigerians in Diaspora Issue 14-day Ultimatum to House over Wase’s Derogatory Statement Lawmaker justifies rejection of petition from Tiv people

Alex Enumah and Udora Orizu in Abuja Nigerians in diaspora have protested what they described as “uncharitable and derogatory statement” made against them by the Deputy Speaker of the House

of Representatives, Hon. Ahmed Wase on the floor of the Green Chambers.

This is coming as Wase, has justified the rejection of petition from Tiv people in America, saying he was guiding the sponsor of the petition on the proper procedure

House Begins Probe of FG’s Privatised Public Enterprises Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The House of Representatives has commenced the probe of some of federal government privatised public enterprises, with the aim of recovering missing monies, assets or dividends that are not accounted for.

The House had through a motion moved by Hon. Mukhtar Ahmed on February 10, 2021, resolved to investigate and recover monies, assets and dividends of the government in some privatised government enterprises.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the ad hoc committee yesterday, its Chairman, who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, Hon. Ibrahim Misau, assured Nigerians that the committee would deliver on the assignment.

He said: “We shall x-ray the transactions processes to find

any missing money, asset, and dividend of the federal government that are not accounted for or missing, and recover all on behalf of Nigerians and the federal government.”

Misau pointed out that the Act that established the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), which is chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, makes all privatisation and commercialisation decisions, while the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) is responsible for implementing NCP decisions.

He, therefore, called on stakeholders involved in the assignment to come forward and work with the committee in mutual and friendly manner.

Misau added: “I am made to understand that most of these wrong doings were committed either in human errors or deliberate attempt.

Therefore, the committee is going to work with caution, respect, and do everything humanly possible during the exercise.”

to adopt in presenting the said petition.

In a protest letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the group gave a 14-day ultimatum to the House to retract the statement or incur the wrath of all Nigerians living abroad.

The letter of protest was dated March 14, 2021 and electronically signed by the chairmen of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Continental Bodies (NIDO WW).

The group expressed shock and grave concern over Wase’s statement, which they claimed puts to “doubt our citizenship, privileges and rights as Nigerians”.

The 36 state governors will tomorrow meet on all issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic vaccines.

In a statement issued by the Head of Media and Public Affairs of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Abdulrazaque BelloBarkindo, he said various issues around the COVID-19 vaccines roll out would feature prominently in the 28th teleconference meeting of the NGF (fifth in 2021) on March 17, 2021.

He also said the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, who leads the governors’ committee that interfaces with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, would brief his colleagues on the situation with the vaccines roll out and their attendant impediments since the roll out.

According to the invitation issued by the Director-General of the forum, Asishana Bayo Okauru, he said: “Governors of the 36 states will also be briefed by the Governor Nasir El Rufai Committee on Subsidy on Petrol before any decisions on the supply and or retailing of the product is taken.

“On his part also, the Chairman of the NGF and Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, will update his colleagues on the outcome of his meeting with the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of States’ Universities.

“The educationists met the

forum’s chairman last week and presented a number of requests which they believed would improve education at the subnational level.”

Also, the head of the NGF media and public affairs said the governors would also listen to the activities of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum to hear how their wives fared last week when they engaged the country by attending several activities that marked the International Women’s Day on March 8, 2021.

The meeting, he said, would also play host to three external presentations top of which will be made by the newly appointed National Drug Law Enforcement

day could speak up against the position of the speaker.

While claiming that they remit the sum of $23 billion yearly to Nigeria and facilitate Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), medical missions, community development programmes and professional skills transfer, amongst others, NIDO WW warned that they have no choice than to halt all these if they cannot speak on issues of mutual interest to them.

“We, the Nigerians in Diaspora worldwide (Nigerians in Europe, Americas, Asia, Oceania, MiddleEast and Africa), are totally appalled by these statements of the Deputy Speaker, Hon Ahmed Idris Wase.

“His inference, his body language, his facial expression and posture are totally disgusting. We are equally disturbed to note that none of the House members at the plenary session on that fateful day spoke up to educate the Deputy Speaker on what the Nigerians in Diaspora bring on board for the development of Nigeria and that it was the fundamental right of the Nigerians in Diaspora to intervene in respect of their kinsmen back home.

“We are therefore compelled and inclined to believe that perhaps, these views are shared by other Honourable members in the Green Chamber and Nigeria’s political elites”.

FG Plans Operational Manual for Power Sector Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The federal government has commenced moves to develop operational guidelines for operators in the Nigeria’s power sector.

Therefore, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has initiated the processes towards the development of an operational guideline for the power sector, for effective service delivery.

In a statement issued yesterday by the Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations, Mr. Charles Akpan, he said the guidelines would moderate the activities of the stakeholders for the purpose of ensuring enabling and harmonious industrial relations in the sector.

Govs to Meet Wednesday on COVID-19 Vaccine, Other Matters Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Deputy Speaker was said to have shut down a petition last week, being presented by one Hon. Mark Gilbah at the instance of ‘Mutual Unions of Tiv in America’, a social organisation of Nigerians of Tiv ethnic group living in the USA, describing the Nigerians in Diaspora as intruders and persons of no locus standi on issues bothering on Nigeria socio-economic wellbeing.

However, reacting to the issue, NIDO WW expressed disappointment that such a statement could emanate from such a person of high standing in the country.

They further lamented that no other legislator at the plenary that

Agency (NDLEA) boss, retired General Buba Marwa, whose presentation is entitled: ‘Managing the Drug Crisis’.

Bakindo also said the DFID would be making a presentation on the NNPC audit reports and what the states should know, while the last presentation, which is by no means the least, will be on trade facilitation in Nigeria through e-customs and a PPP structure in partnership with the British High Commission.

The meeting is expected to commence at 2p.m., but governors have been enjoined by the director-general to log in at 1p.m.

Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. Yerima Peter Tarfa, stated this at the opening of a one-day interactive session (Phase 1) with stakeholders towards the development of an ‘Operational Guideline for the Power Sector’.

He said the call for an

operational guideline was informed by the need to tackle the numerous labour crises bedeviling the sector recently, and which inevitably have affected the economy adversely, as “the power sector is one of the key and major sectors in the Nigerian economy upon which other sectors depend

on for their operations.”

Represented by the Director, Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations (TUSIR), Mrs. Omoabie Akpan, Tarfa stated that the crises arose from the unhealthy relationship among the various stakeholders in the sector.

TUESDAY MARCH 16, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY MARCH 16, 2021

POLITICS

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

Puncturing Conspiracy Theories on COVID-19 Vaccines Igbawase Ukumba writes that by presenting themselves for vaccination President Muhammadu Buhari, the Vice President and state governors may have punctured conspiracy theories about safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines

Buhari

Osinbhajo

Sule

Ihekweazu

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facemasks, pending the administration of the second dose,” Sule cautioned.

However, there may be a seeming distrust from the political class. This range from citizens who are sceptical about the government’s ability to deliver a coherent plan, and to put in place necessary modalities for the vaccination exercise until success is achieved.

Acccording to an analyst, “The government has disappointed Nigerians before. Ordinary citizens find it difficult to trust political leaders.

Take the way government handled measures to offset the effect of the lockdown. Its efforts left much to be desired. This added to doubts of government intentions.”

The analysts further said that many Nigerians do not know how potent the newly procured Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is. He added that some Nigerians are bothered at the speed with which things have been done from testing to manufacturing. The analysts believe it may be an uphill task on the side of the government to win people’s trust.

“Consequently, that could be why the government is trying to reduce fears by encouraging its top officials to take the vaccinations,” the analyst maintained.

It was announced sometime in March this year that Nigeria received 3.94 million COVID-19 vaccines shipped by the Vaccines Global Access Facility (COVAX). These were Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines manufactured in India. The government also announced that

it was expecting 41 million doses through the auspices of the African Union. And the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) had approved the vaccines for use.

Earlier this year, Nigeria had not specified which among the available COVID-19 vaccines: Pfizer, BioNTech, Moderna or Oxford-AstraZeneca would be procured but said it would budget for all of them. This was before considering issues of sustainability from storage point of view.

It was against this background that a Virologist and senior research fellow, Dr Solomon Bakarey in his insight on COVID-19 Vaccines said: “The Pfizer vaccine, can only be stored at 70 degrees centigrade condition while the Moderna vaccine can remain stable at refrigerator temperature for about 30 days.

The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, due to its different formulation, only needs to be kept in normal refrigerated conditions. This is better for Nigeria given the country’s erratic power supply.”

Nigeria plans to vaccinate 40 percent of its citizens against the COVID-19 before the end of 2021, and 70 percent by the end of 2022.

But the government has not released details of how this will be achieved, though it has been possible to piece together some elements.

For example, there is an online registration site which also gives details about which group of people will be prioritised. At the

front of the queue are frontline healthcare workers, those who work in high risk areas like entry points and contact tracing teams.

COVID-19 vaccination teams are also included. Others include security personnel teachers and the elderly, especially those with co-mobidities like cancer, diabetes, asthma, HIV and AIDS, and immunocompromised patients. Then the general population will follow.

Be that as it may, the Virologist alleged that Nigeria has not unveiled a coherent plan for the vaccination exercise that will run through 2022. Bakarey said that the unveiling of a coherent plan for the vaccination exercise is a big problem, and it was making Nigerians skeptical about the vaccines.

She said: “Many countries, including some African neighbours, have rolled out distribution plans for the vaccines they have procured.

But the Nigerian government is yet to unveil a coherent plan. In my view, this means that the government isn’t sincere about making sure that there is equitable distribution. The consequence is that people will have doubt about the efficacy of its efforts as well as the vaccine. They might therefore be reluctant to show interest when the vaccines are made available. This will not help the country and the international community will not take the country serious.”

Nevertheless, she continued that Nigeria could learn from the vaccination plans of countries such as the US, Canada, the UK, South Africa, Kenya and Ghana. She added that it boils down to phasing the distribution vaccines across different groups of the society, starting the priority lists with the most at risk population, teachers and then finally the general population.

Nigeria stands to gain a lot if it adopts their COVID-19 vaccine strategies to prevent and control the scourge.

Acccording to the Virologist, “These include having a coherent strategy to distribute the vaccine considering equitable distribution.

Unveiling a coherent plan for distribution and effective vaccination strategies. Educating the public on the time-line for the exercise.

Communicating clearly to citizens about how it intends to reach the end point of the whole population.”

It will be recalled that Nigeria’s preference for Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines was due to the World Health Organisation-led COVAX global initiative failure to shortlist the country for the Pfizer vaccines following Nigeria’s inability to meet the standard requirement of being able to store the vaccines at the required 70 degrees Celsius.

Speaking at a virtual press conference, the Director WHO, African Region, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, said only four African countries were shortlisted for the Pfizer vaccine out of the 13 countries that applied. Moeti said WHO could not risk the Pfizer vaccines being wasted.

fter taking the COVID-19 vaccine in public, President Muhammadu Buhari said on his Twitter handle that his decision was a demonstration of leadership and faith in the safety and efficacy of the vaccines.

“I have received my first jab and I wish to commend it to all eligible Nigerians, to do the same so that we can be protected from the virus. The vaccine offers hope for a safe country, free of Coronavirus,” the Nigerian President stated in his Twitter handle.

Speaking on why political leaders in the country were the first set of people to take the COVID-19 vaccine, the Federal Government said the decision was to puncture the conspiracy theory going round about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine. The government also said that it would do a lot of enlightenment campaigns to neutralise the effect of the conspiracy theories and remove fear from the people’s mind.

The Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who stated this in an interview with journalists in Abuja, pleaded with religious leaders, political leaders and elites to join in assuring their followers that the government would not introduce unsafe vaccines. According to him, the government has set the target of vaccinating, at least, 70 percent of Nigerians in the next two years.

He said: “As of today, the government is busy trying to ramp up the vaccine and is talking to COVAX and various organisations in the world so that in the next two years, 70 percent of Nigerians would have been vaccinated. It would be such a tragedy if, after all efforts and logistics, the vaccines are here and then some people are dissuading Nigerians not to take the vaccine because of their past unpleasant experience or because of some very unscientific conspiracies.”

To extend the hope for the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, state governors in the country replicated the President Buhari’s public demonstration of leadership and faith in the safety and efficacy of the AstraZeneca vaccines in their respective states by first taking the jab. Hence Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, alongside his deputy, Emmanuel Akabe, received their COVID-19 vaccine inoculation in the Government House, Lafia last week.

Speaking after receiving the first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine, Governor Sule said the vaccine was very safe and called on residents to disabuse their minds against any doubt. The governor therefore called on residents of the state, especially frontline workers, to present themselves to be vaccinated without fear.

“I commend President Muhammadu Buhari, the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19, and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency for their efforts to ensure Nasarawa State got the vaccines in good time. May I caution that taking the first dose of the Vaccine may not confer immunity against COVID-19. I therefore urge those who will take the vaccines to continue to use their

To extend the hope for the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, state governors in the country replicated the President Buhari’s public demonstration of leadership and faith in the safety and efficacy of the AstraZeneca vaccines in their respective states by first taking the jab. Hence Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, alongside his deputy, Emmanuel Akabe, received their COVID-19 vaccine inoculation in the Government House, Lafia last week. Speaking after receiving the first dose of the OxfordAstraZeneca Vaccine, Governor Sule said the vaccine was very safe and called on residents to disabuse their minds against any doubt. The governor therefore called on residents of the state, especially frontline workers, to present themselves to be vaccinated without fear. I commend President Muhammadu Buhari, the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19, and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency for their efforts to ensure Nasarawa State got the vaccines in good time. May I caution that taking the first dose of the Vaccine may not confer immunity against COVID-19. I therefore urge those who will take the vaccines to continue to use their facemasks, pending the administration of the second dose,” Sule cautioned

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

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T H I S D AY ˾TUESDAY MARCH 16, 2021

POLITICS

Omo-Agege, Emerhor Meet, Affirm APC Unity in Delta State Leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Delta State have resolved to close ranks and present a united front, reports Sylvester Idowu

Omo-Agege

Keyamo

O’tega Emerhor

Ogboru

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“That was what we went through in 2019. That’s why you see the very poor result. We’ll reach out to others. We’ll try and bring everyone on board. We respect everyone. We respect every leader of the party in the state…All we want is that Delta State is delivered to APC. Let’s reach out to other leaders of the party and those who align and support them and their aspirations.”

Omo-Agege commended Olorogun Emerhor for committing to the peace process in the state, adding that he would work with everyone to ensure that APC wins future elections in the state through unity.

In his remarks, Emerhor, who was the 2015 governorship candidate of the party, described the visit by OmoAgege as historic, saying it was time for leaders and members of the party from across the state to embrace peace and unite in the interest of the party.

He agreed that the main reason the opposition had not been able to

wrestle power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state was largely caused by the disunity and division among opposition leaders in the state. Emerhor said being the Founding Leader and having contested a number of elections in the state, he knows this for a fact. And this was why he has continued to send out messages of unity in recent times.

“As someone who stepped forward after the demise of late Senator Pius Ewherido to build this party and then ran for senatorial election in 2013 and gubernatorial election in 2015, I know what we have suffered in the state and I also know why we have not gone far in the state.

“It’s not because PDP has been so strong, they are strong no doubt about it, but we have never been united as a party, if you don’t unite, it’s easy to pick you apart and break you, that is the lesson of the broom, when it is bunched together, you can’t break it but as a single stick, you can break it,

and that is what has been happening to us in Delta state.

“So, I believe that unity is our only winning formula against the PDP in the next election, divided we fall, united, we stand. That is why I have continued to preach it and I am happy that, that is what Senator Omo-Agege has come to demonstrate here today, by putting aside any difference we may have.

“He didn’t start it with this visit, he had reached out to me like he acknowledged and we have met before.

We had discussion and today, he has come to make it open for all to see and know that we must come together.

“The second aspect to winning Delta State is the issue of leadership. There must be a leader of the party. We have many leaders but somebody must be the head who organises the others to work together so that the ‘Oshobey’ can work. There cannot be many captains in a ship. Too many cooks spoil the broth.

“If you are a father and your son is appointed king, you still remain the father, but you are now the subject of your son the king. The son, the king still respects the father and father respects his son as king. The king is the king whether you are older than him or not. Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, God has made you king in Delta state APC, that cannot be disputed.

Nonetheless you are here today to respect your senior brother.

“If we are to win, we must have a leader, and for that role, it is you, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege that can play it now. It is very clear, all of us who are leaders in Delta state today, if we lead a delegation to Abuja who will they acknowledge first, it is him, will anyone be contesting that at such a meeting? We cannot do that unless we don’t want to win.

However, leadership comes with responsibilities and challenges.

When you are king, you must bring your people together, and that is my challenge to our leader, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege. You must do more, you must not give up. You must reach out to the other leaders, Chief Great Ogboru, Chief Festus Keyamo and others and bring everyone together. In that quest I will continue to support you to ensure that all the leaders of the party come together.

“Also being the Delta State leader of the APC does not translate to Sole Administrator. It is the responsibility of the leader to consult and listen and work with all of us, the other leaders.

“The era where two leaders will gang up against others and create faction in Delta APC is over. Let it be known that Iam not ganging up with the Senator, but supporting him to ensure that peace and unity reigns in Delta APC,” Emerhor added.

he Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, and one of the leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, have buried their differences and called for an end to the division in the party in the state.

Omo-Agege and Emerhor particularly called on leaders of the party from the state to close rank and work for unity of the party ahead of the 2023 general election.

Both leaders spoke at Evwreni in Ughelli North local government area when the Deputy President of the Senate visited Olorogun Emerhor at his country home with other leaders of the party including Rev. Francis Waive, who represents Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu at the House of Representatives.

Omo-Agege, in his remark, described the visit as a brotherly one and part of efforts toward ending the rift between leaders of the party in the state.

He blamed the poor performance of the party in the 2019 general election on the division within leaders of the APC in the state.

The Deputy President of the Senate noted, “This is a brotherly visit. This is not the first time we are meeting.

We have met severally at his residence in Abuja. Before the commencement of our revalidation exercise, I had planned to visit him. It was to reiterate discussions we have had it’s time we bring everybody together.

“As both say, Delta State is ripe for the taking. We have also said that can only happen if all of us are on the same page. Come to think of it, what are we fighting for? At the end of the day, we are brothers first before we became members of APC. The party will come and go but Urhobo people will remain Urhobo. Delta State will remain Delta State.

“Action Group and the rest of them have come and gone but our people remain the same. It’s time to emphasis more on what unites us than what divides us. That’s the only way we can win elections. We have decided that we put all our differences aside.

“We already have that understanding but it’s important that those who follow us, those who sympathise with us and those who share in our aspirations, it’s good they also see that. That’s the reason we are at this event.

“As from today, we should all know that we are one. The party is not just about Olorogun Emerhor and myself, we still have other leaders. In politics, we compete for who gets what, but while doing that, we must do it with civility. We must do it with humanity.

We must not play it in a way that it becomes almost impossible to reconcile ourselves at the end of the exercise.

All we want is that Delta State is delivered to APC. Let’s reach out to other leaders of the party and those who align and support them and their aspirations. OmoAgege commended Olorogun Emerhor for committing to the peace process in the state, adding that he would work with everyone to ensure that APC wins future elections in the state through unity. In his remarks, Emerhor, who was the 2015 governorship candidate of the party, described the visit by Omo-Agege as historic, saying it was time for leaders and members of the party from across the state to embrace peace and unite in the interest of the party. He agreed that the main reason the opposition had not been able to wrestle power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state was largely caused by the disunity and division among opposition leaders in the state. Emerhor said being the Founding Leader and having contested a number of elections in the state, he knows this for a fact. And this was why he has continued to send out messages of unity in recent times. It’s not because PDP has been so strong, they are strong no doubt about it, but we have never been united as a party, if you don’t unite, it’s easy to pick you apart and break you, that is the lesson of the broom, when it is bunched together, you can’t break it but as a single stick, you can break it, and that is what has been happening to us in Delta state

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

The Beauty of Lagos Segun James was at the launch of the book 'The Beauty of Lagos' which is a text and pictorial chronicle of the city of Lagos

L-R: Former Minister of Petroleum, Chief Odein Ajumogobia SAN; Author of the book,'The Beauty of Lagos' Deinte Dan Princewill and wife of former Minister of Petroleum/ Chairman, CAPL PLC, Mrs. Awuneba Ajumogobia, during the launch of the book 'The Beauty of Lagos' in Victoria Island, Lagos...last Sunday

L-R: Father of the author, Mr. Ffaa Dan Princewill; Author of the book,'The Beauty of Lagos' Deinte Dan Princewill and Mother of the author, Mrs. Adesuwa Dan Princewill, during the launch

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agos has a reputation for a lot of things, but beauty is certainly not one of them. At least, not until recently. Admitted, the city is the "go to" place for a lot of Nigerians who see the city as an Eldorado of some sort. For most of these people, the streets of Lagos is paved with gold and all you need is arrive and pick yours. But beautiful? No sir. To some Nigerians, a city that is home to Ajegunle, Makoko and even Mushin must be far from beautiful.

Tell that not to Deinte Dan Princewill.

An architect, a photographer and an artist.

To her, there is surely something that is beautiful about the city that never sleeps.

A city bubbling with energy and the most populous city in Africa. You only need to open your eyes to see it, to appreciate it.

"Lagos is never straight" says Yinka Dayo Adepoju,Mobutu "it always has its twists and turns, it's high and lows, but that's why I love it. There is beauty in its organized chaos. In between the sea of yellow buses and taxis, you will find the most resilient people, always seeking to make something out of nothing. Eko oni baje," he enthuses.

Although to people like Tomi Aluko, "Lagos is not for the faint hearted. It can drown you if your feet are not firmly rooted.

It's wind is powerful. Blow or be blown."

Mariam Amusan also agreed. "Lagos has its stressful days, but it also gives the best unplanned days. Good music, good energy just good vibes."

To show what makes the city of her birth beautiful, Dan-Princewill has gone ahead to document it in the book: "The Beauty of Lagos." Just like her, Kunbi Odubogun has this to say about Lagos. "No matter the distance, whether in miles or in decades, Lagos is a magnet. It pulls you home and holds you tight. Sometimes too tight. It's a complex force like no other that reminds you of who you are and what you can overcome."

Her efforts has caught eyes of the Lagos State government which had been trying hard over the years to sell the city-state as the choices tourist destination of the country.

This was the reason why Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu sent his Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Uzamat Akibile Yusuf to represent him at the unveiling of the book which was streamed live via ZOOM. Dan Princewill captured the essence of Lagos which prides itself as the state of Aquatic Splendor, the Centre of Excellence and the only city in the world where nobody

Author of the book,'The Beauty of Lagos' Deinte Dan Princewill

welcomes you, once you are Lagos, you are already a Lagosian.

Over a third of Lagos is covered by water and is bound to the south by the majestic Atlantic Ocean. No wonder that most of the city super rich live on the Atlantic seabed at such areas as Ikoyi, Lekki, Victoria Island, Lagos Island, Victoria Garden City and Ajah.

"When you talk about Lagos, you have to acknowledge its hustler spirits, the buoyant economy and the resilient escapism. Lagos never say die," says Sam Uduma.

Since the waters make up most of Lagos, land is scarce, it has given rise to spectacular new towns and exclusive business and residential areas such as Banana Island, Osborne Foreshore and the Eko Atlantic city, all built on lands reclaimed from the sea and the Lagos lagoon. "Lagos, where everyone and everywhere is full of life," says Ego Okadigbo.

All this were captured in the book which Dan-Princewill says is a continuing effort as the city keeps on changing every minutes,

every time and everyday. "Lagos. Where prayers are constantly going up, and blessings are slowly but surely coming down," she opines.

She chronicled not only the beautiful places that few people know about the city but also the unique, the peculiar and that which were in the open and full knowledge of everyone,but never noticed. "Lagos, the city where the hustle never sleeps," entrusts Bolanle Williams-Olley.

According to Akinbile Yusuf, the book is a testimonial of what Lagos is, and what is becoming, adding that the book will promote art, culture and tourism, and that state government is ready to partner with her. According to Daniba Dan-Princewill, "Lagos is that 'little engine that could.' Even though it is the smallest state in Nigeria, it has everything to offer everyone. From our delicious street foot to our our world class destination sit s. Lagos is the whole shebang." Akinbile Yusuf couldn't agree more.

The same sentiment was shared by the chairman of the occasion, Mr. Yemi Cardoso, a former commissioner in the state who opines that the woman folks have virtually taken over in the country and have become a major force not only in entertainment and culture but also in business and politics.

He urged other youth to follow in the spirit of Dan-Princewill who has dared to make a difference. "What you are seeing is an example of youth taking over," he stressed. In Lagos you can be anything and anyone you want as long as you play your cards right. And even 'right'is relative. That's Lagos for you," says Dr. Foy. Deinte Dan-Princewill is a passionate and multi-talented architect, designer, entrepreneur and self-proclaimed life enthusiast. One of the children of Faafaa Dan-Princewill, a business man and for governorship candidate in the old Rivers State in under the auspices of the National Republican Party (NRC) in 1991, she is a graduate of the prestigious Cornell University, New York City where her passion for design, arts and culture were further amplified.

She has worked at some of the worlds most renowned designed and architecture firms in the USA and France before moving to Lagos where she started her design firm and established a social hub for professionals called The Metaphor.

Her keen eye for detail and her love for travel and photography motivated her to visually document her Lagos experience in the book The Beauty of Lagos.

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Online Jewellery Retailer Ochuwa Shares Insights in New Book Aisha Ochuwa, a lawyer and entrepreneur, unpacks the nitty-gritty of running a successful business online in her new book, writes Vanessa Obioha

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he internet has provided a unique opportunity for businesses to expand their reach and record more sales but not all have been successful. Some online entrepreneurs are doing the right things in the wrong way while some are simply doing the wrong thing. Enters Aisha Ochuwa, a trained lawyer whose flair for business started at a very young age.

“I could convert any item into money without much stress,“ she said recently in a chat.

Her first business endeavour was the jewellery business. She was fascinated by how a piece of jewellery can change one's appearance. Her passion was fired up by the transformative power of jewellery such that, she expanded her jewellery business beyond bead-making.

Initially, Ochuwa took her beads from one place to another such as banks, schools offices to sell so that “people could see what they actually looked like, determine their quality and make choices based on their analysis."

However, when she transited to the online space, she realised that it was a different ball game.

"I had to put a lot of effort into convincing my customers that the items were of good quality and also assist in different ways to make them understand the actual sizes of these items. This didn't always turn out well because no matter the length of explanation given, people create an image of what they expect and feel disappointed when it comes a little bigger or smaller than what they want."

A greater challenge for her was logistics.

"The online platform exposes a business to customers from different states and countries, thereby bringing forth the need to create an organised system to transport purchases

Ochuwa nationwide and internationally. For a very long time, I had to reject international orders because I had difficulties making deliveries outside Nigeria and I didn't want to make refunds to customers. I had an image to protect and I was determined to do just that, regardless of how much was involved.

To curb this problem, I had to partner companies like DHL and GIGL, which was

and is still helpful to date," she explained.

Since she started her online business, Ochuwa can boldly declare that she has recorded impressive success. "The online platform has created ease in making purchases because people can sit in the comfort of their homes, buy all they want and have it delivered to their doorstep. For this reason and to create more ease, I had to add a

logistics line to my business with a fleet of five dispatch bikes to make running deliveries within Lagos very fast. I can tell you that the ratio between walk-in customers and online customers is 2:9" enthused the lawyer.

The streak of successes inspired her to write a book on the online jewellery business. Titled ‘A Guide to Starting an Online Jewellery Business’, the book unpacks the nitty-gritty of running a business in the digital space, drawing from the author's experiences.

“I chose to write a book because I realised a lot of people erroneously think running an online business is limited to opening an Instagram account or creating a website and posting pictures. This may look like it works just fine, but there are important keypoints in running a business, absence of which may mar the business completely,” she expounded.

She added that the knowledge shared in the book “are key points that will be useful in generations to come. These are standard guidelines that can help any form of business, whether online or offline.”

Still hugging her wig and gown, the entrepreneur dedicated a chapter to legal pitfalls and concerns online businesses should be wary of, with more emphasis on the importance of incorporation and documentation.

In Ochuwa's view, the jewellery business can never be outdated. She explained it this way: “The jewellery business is now highly sorted after in Nigeria. I am emphasising “now” because this is one field that was underrated as people limited jewellery to precious stones and gold, but in recent times there is this understanding that it doesn't need to be pure gold or diamond to be good jewellery. Entrepreneurs now understand that they do not need to drain the bank to start a jewellery business".

IWD: Schneider Electric Pledges Continued Support to Finalists at NDES Female Start-ups Tourney

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he six winning female Start-up Founders at the just-concluded Nigeria Digital Economy Summit (NDES) Accelerator Programme held in collaboration with Foresight Seeds Fund, a part of The Foresight Group, will receive some sponsorship and continued mentorship from Schneider Electric, Foresight Seeds Fund and other partners for the next 12 months to enable them evolve into successful businesses.

Sub-Saharan Africa’s General Manager for Schneider Electric Process Automation, Mr. Ajibola Akindele, announced this at the finals of the selection process which was held virtually on March 8, 2021 to mark the International Women’s Day (IWD).

From across the country, 474 promising Start-ups applied and at the end of the screening phase, only 10 finalists were selected to proceed into the last qualification phase for the Accelerator Program.

The 10 finalists interfaced with the panel of judges who in turn assessed their technical abilities, critical thinking and soft skills after they pitched their innovative ideas.

The closely fought competition eventually produced six winning female tech Start-up Founders who would go into the Accelerator Programme.

According to Akindele, one of the panel of judges, “six of these last standing techpreneurs will be enrolled in the Accelerator Programme and shall receive cash rewards; they will also be supported with coaching and mentoring by Foresight Seeds Fund and Schneider Electric.

"The first winner got N2 million; the second and third winners got N1 million apiece; while the fourth, fifth and sixth winners got N500 thousand each.

"There was a tie between two of the finalists

Akindele which resulted in six female Start-up Founders as joint runner-up winners, as against the projected five. Consequently, an additional N500 thousand was added to accommodate the sixth winner."

Akindele confirmed that Schneider Electric will continue to support and sponsor the NDES Accelerator Programme, just as the objectives of NDES fit into Schneider Electric’s sustain-

ability mandate.

According to him, “Schneider Electric is very big on female empowerment and we have a global initiative called “He 4 She” where, even the men in the organisation are also committed to ensuring gender balance across the organisation.

“Gender balance is one of our KPIs when it comes to Schneider Electric’s sustainability

index and there are key goals we have set for ourselves.

“By 2025, 50 per cent of those that will be hired are going to be female, 40 per cent of front-liners are going to be females too.

Also, 40 per cent of frontline managers will be female by 2025; while 30 per cent of senior leadership will be female by 2025.

“For some of these, Schneider Electric has already exceeded its targets. We have also implemented global pay equality framework, as well as global family leave. All these are intended to ensure women recognition and to promote women in technology.

“Based on the theme for the IWD, the young female entrepreneurs on the NDES Accelerator Programme have chosen to challenge the stereotypes, to challenge gender bias and inequality, and are really doing wonderful things in an area that is dominated by men."

He also commended the top 10 finalists saying they are all winners in their own rights.

“I am very confident that all the participants would go a long way in shaping the future, bringing in new ideas and will continue to inspire more women to participate in technology in the future."

In the closing remarks of Founder & CEO of The Foresight Group, Mr Lanre Osibona, whose company curated the Accelerator Program, said “we’re making the Fourth Industrial Revolution Africa’s revolution towards economic growth and inclusive prosperity.

"This is why we believe it is our duty to ensure more than 50 per cent of the population made up of females are actively involved in the economic development of our nation and continent.

Other sponsors at the event include Bank of Industry, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and Taj bank."

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TUESDAY MARCH 16, 2021 •T H I S D AY

LAWYER

A

WEEKLY PULLOUT

16.03.2021

PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI

SHOOT-ON-SIGHT ORDER: EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLING

BY ANOTHER NAME?

2/DASHBOARD

16.03.2021

LAWYER

Setting Aside the Sale of an Immovable Property

PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI

PAGE 4

A

WEEKLY PULLOUT

16.03.2021

SHOOT-ON-SIGHT ORDER: EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLING

BY ANOTHER NAME?

Are Whistleblowing Laws Working?

PAGE 5

QUOTABLES ‘We can't keep on dwelling on "lets dialogue".

Psychologically, it is not even good for us. It paints a picture of weakness and incapacity......These are not people who are looking for anything that is genuine, kosher, legitimate. These are people who are just out to perform atrocities, to take calculated measures to inflict pain and violence on people......People who, without any provocation, will give birth to their homicidal instincts; they have to be dealt with.’ - Major General Babagana Monguno (Rtd), National Security Adviser, Federal Republic of Nigeria

‘Since the money left the coffers of the Delta State Government; it has to be returned there once it is recovered, having regard to the fact that the Federal Government cannot under any local or international law, lay claim to the money.’ - Femi Falana, SAN, Human Rights Lawyer & Activist

EFCC has Recovered Over N20 Billion Subsidy Loot PAGE 5

BOSAN Mourns Prof. Ijalaiye, SAN PAGE 5

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16.03.2021

Banditry: Beyond the Shoot-on-Sight Order Every time the Federal Government of Nigeria takes one step forward, they seem to take another 10 steps backwards! It seems that those in power do not quite understand that fighting insecurity successfully, demands a holistic approach. It goes beyond shooting on sight, those armed with AK 47s in the forests. It goes beyond using Super Tucano Jets and satellites, to monitor criminals from above. It also goes beyond seeking external assistance from military contractors, to join this fight. And certainly, it goes beyond rhetorics, motivational speaking and the brave words of encouragement that we are used to hearing from Government spokespersons. Interestingly, in recent times, we have not heard anything about the arrival of the Super Tucano Jets which we paid almost $500 million for in 2018, to assist in the fight against insecurity. Knowing Nigeria, there would have been a grand reception ceremony to receive the aircrafts on arrival, bigger than the one that heralded the arrival of the Covid-19 vaccines! It is not only the Yorubas that are the merry making tribe of Africa; the Federal Government too, is not doing so badly in that regard. Even though we have a population of about 200 million people, Government could only bring in vaccines for 1.5 % of the population (which it didn’t even pay for); and even though this is rather remiss of Government, it was well celebrated, as if something very special had been done. Yet, Section 17 (3) (c) & (d) of the Constitution mandates inter alia, that the health of Nigerians be safeguarded by Government, and adequate medical and health facilities be provided for all persons - something which successive governments (present company very much included) have failed to do.

Next time the foreigners are repatriating any looted funds, Government should elect to use some to upgrade our public medical and educational facilities to a decent standard. and pay our health workers and teachers better. Lagos Ibadan Expressway for one, is beginning to sound as if it has the length of Lagos to China, as it’s always seems to be a recurring decimal when incoming funds are mentioned. Whether they are put to use there, is another matter. My first point is that, there will always be criminality in a country which lacks adequate basic infrastructure.

One thing is certain - rich or poor, people fall sick every day. If there are no decent hospitals for the majority to go to, and the ones that are half decent cost and arm and a leg to get treatment, those who cannot afford to pay will commit whatever crimes are necessary to be able to secure medical help for themselves or their children. Ditto for education.

Yes, call me ‘Cacofonix’, a broken record or a scratched compact disc, but the security and welfare of the people is the primary purpose of Government (Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution) - all tiers of Government, including State and Local Governments, not just Federal - but it seems that every second, Government must be reminded of this crucial role, so that eventually, hopefully, they will all step up to the plate and start to play their role.

President Buhari’s Vow President Muhammadu Buhari had vowed after the kidnapping of the Jangebe girls a couple of weeks or so ago, that nothing of the sort would ever happen again, only for us to wake up to the news last Thursday, that on Wednesday night, gunmen kidnapped two students and one teacher from National Institute of Construction Technology, Uromi, Edo State. Again, the next day, (last Friday), we woke up to the news that 219 people, predominantly students, had been abducted by gunmen, and 180 of them escaped/were rescued; but about 39 still remain in captivity. They were kidnapped in the early hours of Friday from the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Mando, Kaduna. Videos have been circulating on social media, showing the abductees being flogged, terrified, crying and begging that the ransom be paid to their abductors so they can be released. It is heart wrenching.

So much for the President’s vow! Are these criminals/bandits/daredevils by their actions, showing us that "talk is cheap" and they are unstoppable? The truth of the matter is that kidnapping is now a national malaise, as no part of the country has been spared from it;

and while some of the actors like Boko Haram are downright evil and bloodthirsty, poverty, hopelessness and easy money are mostly the driving forces behind what has become a lucrative criminal enterprise; and sadly, it will continue unless the Government at all levels, deal with the issue of high unemployment and workers’ salaries appropriately. Apparently, over a period of about five years, at least $100 million or more has been paid in ransom to kidnappers in Nigeria!

According to the 2015 RiskMap Report, in 1999, Nigeria ranked eighth as a global kidnapping hotspot, with Colombia and Mexico ranking first and second respectively. By 2014, we had risen to fifth place. Who knows, today, we may have overtaken Mexico and Colombia, possibly topping the list.

Holistic Approach Aside from law enforcement facing insurgents, kidnappers, class of recalcitrant herdsmen and criminals head on, the issue of poverty, nonpayment of living wages to workers, corruption, religious bigotry, illiteracy and high unemployment which are also an accelerant to criminality, must be addressed simultaneously by Government.

There is a direct correlation between poverty, low income, and to a lesser extent, income inequality, and criminality; and the sooner Government realises this, the better. If you look at the famous theory of motivation, ‘Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs’ which is often displayed in form of a pyramid, starting from the top - self-actualisation, esteem, love/belonging, safety, to psychological needs at the bottom of the pyramid - comprising of basic needs like food, shelter and clothing - if people do not even have the basics, they will do whatever it takes to get it, even if it means kidnapping the whole of Nigeria for ransom, because those are the things a human being needs firstly, to survive. This is the reason why Britain provides Council accommodation, NHS healthcare and unemployment benefits (‘dole’) to its citizens, to satisfy the lowest cadre of Maslow’s pyramid. This is not to say Britain is crime-free, but, undoubtedly their crime rate is nothing compared to ours, where practically has become a kidnapper or ritualistic to make ends meet.

The Minimum Wage Brouhaha Poverty, inadequate wages and unemployment, are three of the primary factors that promote crime in Nigeria. So, when half of the States in Nigeria refuse to pay a minimum wage of a paltry N30,000 to workers, and are looking for a way to extricate themselves from this commitment based on frivolous excuses, it is not only abominable, but it is taking 10 steps backwards and creating an enabling environment for more criminality.

As we have seen, many resort to crime to make ends meet, when pushed to the wall. Have the Federal and State Governments not yet realised that paying majority of workers inadequately, overmanning special positions with favoured staff

Armed Herdsman

aka Special Assistants/Special Advisers/Personal Assistants and so on, paying them scandalous salaries, while also they, their family members and cronies live lavish lifestyles, is a catalyst for resentment, desperation and criminality?

Nevertheless, what the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) must bear in mind is that, by virtue of Section 4(4)(a) of the Constitution, the National Assembly (NASS) and State Houses of Assembly (SHA) are both empowered to legislate on the items on the Concurrent Legislative List. What the NLC should insist on, is that NASS/Federal Government must maintain the baseline minimum wage, so that if States are to legislate on the issue, they will not be allowed to fall below the baseline, only higher. A community reading of the provisions in Sections 16, 17, 34 and 42 of the Constitution, as far as I'm concerned, means that all Nigerian workers must be paid a living wage - and I submit that N30,000 cannot be a decent living wage in most, if not all parts of Nigeria. Last week, I listened to an interview of Mr Bismarck Rewane, one of the members of the Dr Doyin Salami led economic team constituted

by President Buhari in 2019, in which he said that all the States in Nigeria can indeed, afford to pay the minimum wage - it simply depends on their priorities and commitment to their people. My advice? No State in Nigeria should attempt to renege on paying the minimum wage to workers, if we are to start to make any progress in the fight against insecurity.

Creation of Jobs Look at the show of shame Nigerians witnessed between the Minister of State of Labour & Productivity and the House of Representatives, over the creation of 774,000 jobs! The Minister accused the lawmakers of trying to hijack the initiative, possibly to give the jobs out to their own appointees. Education and Skills Acquisition, are also sure ways of lifting people out of poverty. But, how useful for instance, is it to poor families who struggled to put their children through school, when upon graduation, even if their children have the best results and are the most suitably qualified for the available jobs, they are unable to secure them because they have no ‘connections’?

With their incomes from decent employment, they would in turn be able to assist their families financially, and put their younger ones through school, thereby breaking the cycle of poverty and illiteracy. Section 17(2)(a) of the Constitution provides that every citizen shall have equality of rights, obligations and opportunities, not only those who have connections, while Section 17(3) (a) provides that the State shall direct its policy towards ensuring that all citizens without discrimination on any group whatsoever (in this case, the poor and less privileged), have the opportunity for securing adequate means of livelihood, as well as adequate opportunity to secure suitable employment.

Religion As for the problems that religion has caused, even though in certain parts of the country there have been times in which there were problems between Muslims and Christians, from the moment President Obasanjo allowed then Governor of Zamfara State, Ahmed Yerima to get away with adopting Sharia Law in his State and it spread like wild fire all over the North, it gave Islam a pride of place over all other religions contrary to Section 10 of the Constitution, fuelling religious bigotry to the point that Boko Haram believes it can foist on us, its outlandish ideas that western education is an abomination to Islam, when we all know that illiteracy is an acute disease which has absolutely no place in the 21st century, and Islam encourages education and the quest for knowledge. This is why I maintain that, the PDP is an integral part of the problems Nigeria is facing today. Granted, even though someone like Governor El Rufai stated categorically that many of these bandits do not believe in religion, and the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno has also stated that they are not looking for anything genuine, instead of reversing some of these bad decisions, the ruling APC has worsened the situation. Government must, as a matter of urgency, uphold Section 10 of the Constitution which provides thus: “The Government of the

“SO, WHEN HALF OF THE STATES IN NIGERIA REFUSE TO PAY A MINIMUM WAGE OF A PALTRY N30,000 TO WORKERS, AND ARE LOOKING FOR A WAY TO EXTRICATE THEMSELVES FROM THIS COMMITMENT BASED ON FRIVOLOUS EXCUSES, IT IS NOT ONLY ABOMINABLE, BUT IT IS TAKING 10 STEPS BACKWARDS AND CREATING AN ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR MORE CRIMINALITY”

Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion”. It can be done. After all, with the ousting of Omar Al Bashir in Sudan, the transitional government ended 30 years of Islamic rule. I am a product of a staunch Muslim Father and a Catholic Mother, and I maintain that religion is personal, and should be kept where it belongs - in the homes, churches and mosques. Hisbah for example, would do better and contribute more impactfully to society by engaging in community policing and curbing criminality, rather than arresting people for drinking alcohol and wearing mini skirts.

Conclusion The bottom line is that, we live in a dysfunctional society. However, if we are truly seeking a better Nigeria, we must tell ourselves some home truths, no matter whose axe is gored. Some of my observations are only a tip of the iceberg, in a sincere quest to curb criminality in Nigeria.

There is too much inequality in our nation, and until they are addressed one by one, I fear that the efforts by law enforcement to fight insecurity, may be in vain.

4/LAW REPORT

Setting Aside the Sale of an Immovable Property Facts By a Deed of Legal Mortgage, a certain Musa Adamu obtained an overdraft facility from the defunct United Arab Bank in the sum of N250,000.00. The facility was secured by two properties, one of which is a property situate at No. 93, Ibrahim Umar Street, adjacent to Bayero University (BUK) staff quarters, Kano and covered by a Certificate of Occupancy No. LKN/RES/RC/82/1790 (“the property”). Upon the default of Musa Adamu to service the loan, the bank instituted an action against him in Suit No. K/347/92 and obtained judgement against him. Subsequently, the property was sold to the Respondent on 3rd January, 1995, by an ex parte order of court. The Respondent was issued a certificate of purchase in this regard.

However, while Suit No. K/347/92 was pending before the court, Musa Adamu sold the property to the 1st Appellant who put the 2nd Appellant in possession, and instituted another suit, Suit No. K/258/1993. Judgement was delivered in the subsequent Suit No. K/258/1993 in the year 2000, by which the sale of the property to the 1st Appellant was upheld.

Further to the foregoing, the Respondent commenced this action via an Originating Summons at the High Court of Kano State seeking inter alia, a declaration that the judgement in Suit No. K/258/1993, delivered in the year 2000, is a nullity. At the conclusion of hearing, the trial court dismissed the Respondent’s suit, and he appealed to the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal allowed the appeal, and set aside the judgement of the trial court. Dissatisfied with the decision of the Court of Appeal, the Appellants appealed to the Supreme Court.

Issue for Determination The following issue, as extrapolated from the issues formulated by the parties, was determined by the Apex Court “Whether the Court of Appeal was right in holding that the ex parte Order of attachment and consequent sale of the immovable property in this case was valid and subsisting when the Supreme Court of Nigeria has firmly established in the case of Leedo Presidential Motel Ltd v Bank of the North (1998) 10 NWLR (Pt. 570) 353 at Pp. 380 -381 and Alhaji Baba M. Saleh v Alhaji Shertima Monguno (2006) 15 NWLR (Pt. 1001) 26 that an order for attachment and sale of immovable property on the basis of an ex parte application is made without jurisdiction and is a nullity and all things done pursuant thereto a nullity” Arguments Counsel for the Appellants argued that the ex parte application upon which the trial court granted the order for the attachment of immovable property is invalid and the consequent sale ought to be set aside. He relied on the cases of LEEDO PRESIDENTIAL MOTEL LTD v BANK OF THE NORTH (1998) 10 NWLR (Pt. 570) 353 at 380-381 and ALHAJI BABA M. SALEH v ALHAJI SHETTIMA MONGUNO

argued that the Respondent acquired a good title to the immovable property sold pursuant to the order of court.

Court’s Judgement and Rationale By the decision of the Apex Court, the Appellant who was aggrieved by the order of sale made by the trial court, that it ought not to have been made further to the ex parte application, ought to approach the court and pray that the order be set aside. Their Lordships reasoned that, it was improper to institute another action to challenge the order. The conduct of the Appellants, by failing to explore the procedure laid down for setting aside an order of sale as in this instance, amounted to a waiver of their right to challenge the order for sale. The court relied on the decisions in BEEIMES (NIG) Honourable Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta, JSC PLC v UNEGBEDCEN (2012)15 NWLR (Pt. 1322) 31; and SEEAKSO MUHAMMADU BUHARI v ALL NIGERIA PEOPLES PARTY In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Holden at Abuja (ANPP) (2005) 8 MJSC 1.

On Friday, the 18th day of December, 2020 Also, the Supreme Court held that by the Before Their Lordships provisions of Section 47 of the Sheriffs and Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta Civil Process Law of Kano State, a remedy Olukayode Ariwoola available to the Appellants was to apply to Musa Dattijo Muhammad Chima Centus Nweze the court to set aside the sale within 21 Uwani Musa Abba Aji days from the date of the sale. The court Justices, Supreme Court observed that the Appellants ignored this remedy, and by the operation of law, they SC.276/2013 lost their right to challenge the sale.

Between In addition, the court held that where matters involving the same parties and claims are 1.

Alhaji Ameen Suleiman Mohammed 2.

Suraj Garba Karaye … … ……

Appellants raised contemporaneously in two or more courts, it is desirable and in the interest of And Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed Gwarzo… ……

Respondent justice, that the matters be heard in only one of the courts to avoid multiplicity of (Lead Judgement delivered by Honourable Nwali Sylvester proceedings on the same issues. The Supreme Ngwuta, JSC) Court found that where two actions are filed one after the other, and both actions (2006) 15 NWLR (Pt. 1001) 26. are seeking for a relief common to both of In response, the Respondent’s counsel relied them, the second action is clearly vexatious on the provisions of Section 15 of the Sheriffs and calculated to irritate and annoy the and Civil Process Law of Kano State, and adversary. Therefore, once the action is between the same parties, on the same subject-matter, even if differently worded but with the same result, the suit filed later in time is an abuse of court process which is liable to be struck out - PDP v SHERIFF & ORS (2017) LPELR-42736 (SC) PP. 33-34, PARAS. A-E. The court held that, the filing of Suit No. K/258/1993 during the pendency of Suit No. K/347/92 was an abuse of court process.

“SECTION 47 OF THE SHERIFFS AND CIVIL PROCESS LAW OF KANO STATE PROVIDES A REMEDY......BY THAT LAW, THE APPELLANTS HAD 21 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THE SALE COMPLAINED OF, TO APPLY TO THE COURT TO SET ASIDE THE SALE”

Appeal Dismissed.

Representation Dr. G.O.A. Ogunyomi with Ifeanyi Ndimego, Esq. and P.O. for the Appellants.

Kenneth Einmewe, Esq. for the Respondent.

Reported by Optimum Publishers Limited, Publishers of the Nigerian Monthly Law Reports (NMLR)(An Affiliate of Babalakin & Co.)

16.03.2021

NEWS/5

Are Whistleblowing Laws Working?

The International Bar Association has published a new report titled ‘Are Whistleblowing Laws Working?’ The report which is a Global Study of Whistleblower Protection Litigation, tracks the record of whistleblower laws in 38 countries, and provides an unSUHFHGHQWHG HͿRUW WR understand the successes and shortcomings of whistleblower protection legislation worldwide, following a proliferation of laws in recent decades.

Co-published by the International Bar Association (IBA) Legal Policy & Research Unit (LPRU) and Government Accountability Project, the report aims to support legislators, policymakers and regulators in designing and developing normative, institutional and judicial frameworks WKDW HͿHFWLYHO\ SURWHFW whistleblowers in law – and in reality.

IBA President, Sternford

IBA President, Sternford Moyo

Moyo, Senior Partner and &KDLUPDQ RI ODZ ÀUP Scanlen and Holderness in Zimbabwe, said: ‘When whistleblowers report wrongdoings, VRFLHWLHV EHQHÀW %XW generally, these courageous truth-tellers do

not receive the protection that they should.

Putting aside the moral imperative, whistleblowers must be given the full protection of law.

Today, there is no greater example of the need for such safeguarding, than

EFCC has Recovered Over N20 Billion Subsidy Loot Steve Anya The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered over N20 billion of the over N70 billion that was lost to fraudsters, from all the petroleum subsidy matters so far.

The EFCC Chairman, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, said this on Wednesday after he appeared before a Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, to give evidence in a N1.4 billion fraud trial involving an oil company, Nadabo Energy Ltd. The Chairman who spoke to journalists after the court sitting, further said that the Commission is committed to bringing all subsidy matters presently ongoing to an end, and stated that none of the petroleum subsidy cases have been stopped.

Mr Bawa further stated that, those who have jumped bail will be brought back to face the full wrath of the law. According to him, the Commission is presently working on it.

While in court, the EFCC Chairman was led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Seidu Atteh. Mr Bawa said he analysed the email correspondences

shield the brave.’

Are Whistleblowing Laws Working? is the culmination of a two-year project begun in 2018 by a network of researchers from Government Accountability Project, the IBA LPRU and IBA membership. The research, undertaken in more than 20 languages, began with an examination of the strength of national laws on paper, compared with consensus international best practice. Reviews of the track record of these protections as demonstrated in case law followed, to assess whether the laws protected whistleblowers in practice. Although today, 48 – almost a quarter of that of the Covid-19 pan- the world’s countries demic. It has underscored – have a standalone, both the importance and national whistleblowing value of whistleblowers, law compared to none in as well as the risks they 1978, the report illustrates face. We should never whistleblowers have too forget the bravery of Dr often found that rights Li Wenliang who tried which look impressive to warn the world about RQ SDSHU RͿHU PLQLPDO the novel Coronavirus, protection in practice.

The report’s core recomand paid the ultimate mendation is to draft laws price by losing his life.

WKDW UHÁHFW JOREDO EHVW SUDFThis new report shines D OLJKW RQ WKH H΀FDF\ RI tices, and implement them laws that are intended in good faith. However, to protect and empower the report also notes that, whistleblowers, demon- best practice laws will be strates much more work LQHͿHFWLYH ZLWKRXW SXEOLF LV UHTXLUHG DQG RͿHUV support for, and oversight recommendations to of, these rights, and that

that is not possible without transparency and educaWLRQ 7KH UHSRUW·V ÀYH NH\ recommendations are: 1. Countries should publish case decisions online within searchable databases; 2.Governments should publish reports with consolidated information about the impact of whistleblower laws to EHQHÀW VRFLHW\ 3. Laws should remove economic barriers for whistleblowers challenging retaliation; 4 All national whistleblower laws should include a periodic review RI WKH ODZV· HͿHFWLYHQHVV 5. Bias and discrimination should be addressed through intensive public education and training.

The IBA has been at the forefront of global thoughtleadership in relation to whistleblower protection regulation, with input from numerous IBA committees, including the IBA AntiCorruption Committee, and has frequently engaged on whistleblowing issues with the European Union, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, World Bank Group, Business Twenty (B20), International Federation of Accountants and National Justice Ministries.

BOSAN Mourns Prof. Ijalaiye, SAN Again, the Nigerian legal community last week lost one of its distinguished memebers, with passage of Professor David Ijalaiye, SAN. A statement from the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa Body of Senior Advocates of the Defendants and ÀUVW 'HIHQGDQW WKURXJK WKH of Nigeria (BOSAN) found out that contrary second Defendant, deferred signed by its Secretary to their claim, they took the vessel and paid for it.” Seyi Sowemimo, SAN In his previous testimony, announced the sad loss about six million litres of petrol from a mother Mr Bawa told the court of the erudite academic, vessel (MT Evriduk) to that based on investiga- DQG 1LJHULD·V ÀUVW 1LJHULDQ their chartered vessel (MT tion carried out on the Emeritus professor of law.

St.Vanessa). “The email Defendants’ dealings with It said “The late Emeritus IXUWKHU FRQÀUPHG WKDW Staco Insurance Company, Professor David Ijalaiye, the same quantity was dis- ´WKH &HUWLÀFDWH RI PDULQH SAN was born on the 8th charged at Port Harcourt. insurance used by the De- of April, 1928 (92 years In addition, the email also fendant for the transaction old), and was called to the informed us that one Mr in question, was forged”. English and Nigerian Bar The EFCC had accused respectively in 1963 and Jide Akpan was the agent of the vessel”, Mr Bawa Abubakar Ali Peters and 1964. said, in this case which he, his company, Nadabo “He attended Hull Unias an EFCC investigator, Energy, of allegedly us- versity where he obtained was a prosecution witness ing forged documents to his Bachelor of Laws, and before his appointment obtain N1.4 billion from won the prize for the best as the Chairman of the the Federal Government as overall performance. He oil subsidy, after allegedly was the Dean, Faculty of anti-graft agency.

“We invited the said Ak- LQÁDWLQJ WKH TXDQWLW\ RI Law, the University of Ife pan, and during the course premium motor spirit, from 1974-1978 and became of our interrogation with PMS, purportedly supplied WKH ÀUVW 1LJHULDQ ¶(PHULWXV KLP KH FRQÀUPHG WKDW WKH to 14,000M. Professor of Law. He

Professor David Ijalaiye, SAN

was appointed AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner of Justice, old Ondo State from 1984 -1987 and was also appointed member, Nigerian Constitution Review Committee from 1987 – 1988 and member, Body of Benchers from 1984 – 1987.

“He was the Deputy ViceChancellor and Chairman, Board of Postgraduate Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, and a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of

Advanced Legal Studies; Fellow, Nigerian Society of International Law and Nigerian Representative, International Bioethics Committee, UNESCO. He was also a member of, Constituent Assembly from 1988-1989 and earned the award of Distinguished Professor of Law by the Nigerian Universities Commission.

In 2006, he was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

6/TRIBUTE

16.03.2021

What Ijalaiye Meant to Us: Ife Class of ‘82

Members of the 1982 Graduating Class of the Faculty of Law, University of Ife, remember with fondness and gratitude their beloved lecturer, Nigeria’s first Emeritus Professor of Law, David Adedayo Ijalaiye, SAN who joined the Saints triumphant last Thursday, March 11, 2021 aged 92. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.

Our very dear and beloved Professor Ijalaiye,

Letter of Gratitude and Appreciation It is with immense joy that we write these words of deep appreciation to you, our unforgettable teacher.

We recall with fondness and gratitude, the values of life and lessons of the law which you selflessly imparted to us as you took us through the Law of Evidence in our third year and Jurisprudence in our fourth year. You broke it down and made it all so simple, even as you built up our self-confidence and kitted us out with the tools and knowledge we would need as we progressed in life and career.

Who can forget how you simplified an otherwise technical course like the Law of Evidence? In explaining the hearsay rule for instance, “Do not say dem say, for dem say will not be able to say what dem say, when dem say will be called upon to say what dem say”! You lit up and sustained our interest in the subject.

We had heard so much about the Law of Jurisprudence and how it was so difficult, and many of us had approached our final year with a measure of trepidation. You never made any of us feel small or inadequate, or unable to measure up. Rather, you encouraged, coaxed and drew us out of our shells. You made us think outside the box.

You made us think! Your classes were a study in engagement of your students. And when any of us could not come up with an answer on the spur of the moment to a question asked, you Sir. did not put us down. Who could forget the smile in your voice and the twinkle in your eyes as you gently nudged, “Not today guvnor?” before moving on to another classmate and urging, “Go to town!” No answer was worthless, you Sir, made learning interesting and we always looked forward to your classes. You believed in us, even before we believed in ourselves.

Today, we the Class of ’82, grateful to God for sparing our lives and yours and thus, giving us this opportunity, celebrate you and express our heartfelt gratitude to you for teaching, moulding and encouraging our young minds.

Today, we honour you and pray

L-R: Members of the Class of '82; Mrs Ronke Adeniyi, Mr. Niyi Ijalaiye, Ms Funke Aboyade, SAN, Mr. Akin Oladeji and Mrs Ronke Adedayo when they visited Emeritus Professor of Law, David Ijalaiye, SAN in July, 2020

that good health in body, soul and spirit continue to be yours.

Please accept this token of our appreciation.

With very warm regards, The University of Ife, Faculty of Law Graduating Class of 1982 The Faculty of Law Class of ’82 of the University of Ife in July 2020 spent precious moments with Emeritus Professor David Ijalaiye, SAN at his Ile-Ife home and presented him with tokens of their appreciation, including this letter. We had no inkling it would be the last time we would see him alive.

Funke Aboyade, SAN, FCIArb I first met Professor David Ijalaiye in 1975 as an impressionable 12 year old, and had been intrigued by this eminent but humble man who had a permanent twinkle in his eyes and was courteous to all, long before becoming his student. My father was the Vice-Chancellor at the University of Ife, and Professor Ijalaiye, his friend, was a not infrequent visitor at the VC’s lodge, especially when Ijalaiye became Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

If I had been intrigued by him before, as his student I was completely

bowled over. He was endlessly patient, unfailingly courteous, gently prodding, firmly guiding, pushing the envelope as he engaged our young minds, fired our youthful imaginations and boosted our self-esteem in no small measure.

A few years later, as an LL.M student at the University of Cambridge (Jesus College), it dawned on me that Professor Ijalaiye could - and did - stand shoulder to shoulder with any of my lecturers at that most prestigious citadel of learning.

I am comforted and forever grateful to God for the opportunity to let Emeritus Professor David Ijalaiye, SAN know just how much he had positively impacted our young lives, and how grateful the Class of ‘82 was when we visited him at his Ile-Ife home last July. We spent that morning with him reminiscing about our time at Ife and he was his old jovial and sharp self, if a bit frail. We marvelled as he once again, with that twinkle – and perhaps a hint of tears - in his eyes, engaged our minds even quoting Shakespeare to boot. He prayed for and blessed the entire year set, and we had brunch with him, his son Niyi (also our classmate) and other members of his family before departing.

Father, mentor, teacher, Icon, friend, Requiescat In Pace.

Yusuf Ali, SAN, FCIArb

Professor David A. Ijalaiye, SAN was not only iconic, but a legend in the legal firmament of Nigeria. He was quintessential as a lecturer, and deeply knowledgeable in virtually all branches of law. He was what a University lecturer should be. He was a mentor, role model, trail blazer and legal prodigy.

Baba was already a very senior Professor by the time we gained admission into Ife, over four decades ago. He was an administrator par excellence, a humanist, fantastic lecturer, good family man, dependable community leader and patriot who believed in Nigeria and what Nigerians can achieve.

I pray that Baba’s gentle soul should rest in perfect peace.

I commiserate with our Friend, Colleague and Classmate, Niyi Ijalaiye Esq and his siblings, on the passing of your patriarch, who was a father figure to scores of us that passed through him.

Adieu Baba Ijalaiye.

Anthony Idigbe, SAN

Prof Ijalaiye was a great man. He supervised our Moot trial facilitator, Dr Christopolos, when we were students at Ife. He stood on his principle. I recall his battle for us to attend the Philip Jessup International cont'd on page 7

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What Ijalaiye Meant to Us: Ife Class of ‘82 cont'd from page 6

Moot Trial in Washington DC, despite reactionary forces that wanted to use innocent us (students) for Faculty politics. Although, we ended up not making the trip beyond the Nigerian final at University of Lagos - which we won, I remember watching him with awe at the VC's office vociferously arguing our case.

I pray for the gentle repose of his soul.

Layi Babatunde, SAN

Learned Silk, thanks Sir for being such an inspiration. You made our learning the law, a lot easier than it would ordinarily have been.

You were a father to us all indeed.

Your sweet memory lives on by the grace of God. May Baba’s beautiful soul Rest in Peace, and may the family be comforted. Good night, Nigeria’s first Emeritus Professor of Law.

Mrs. Victoria Mbu (Nee Njoku)

So sorry to hear my very favourite lecturer, Prof Ijalaye, has passed on. He was larger than life, and treated us all like his children. He always had a smile for everybody.

He made a difficult subject, seem so easy. I thank God that, our Class of ‘82 was able to honour him in his lifetime. We all mourn him, and pray that the Almighty God will grant the family the fortitude to bear his loss. Amen.

Prince Akuzamus MG Anakwe

Prof. Ijalaiye was to us not just a teacher, but a father. He did not only teach us Law, but mentored his noble genetic immortality into us. May his noble ideals live from generation to generation.

May Perpetual Light shine on his soul, as he marches with the Saints Triumphant in Heaven.

Obidi I. Ume Esq

Prof was a legal titan, an intellectual colossus, and an excellent teacher who demystified serious legal concepts and made them very easy to understand. I recall how he taught us the "Hearsay Rule", such that decades after, I can repeat it effortlessly.

May the soul of this father of generations of Lawyers and leaders rest in peace, Amen.

Niyi Okunlola

A great teacher and Lawyer’s Lawyer; rest in peace Sir.

Akin Oladeji Esq.

He was a father figure to many of us, and made the study of law so simple to understand. There was never a dull moment in his class.

Then Vice-chancellor University of Ife Professor Ojetunji Aboyade, CON (left) at his last Convocation ceremony as VC in 1978 and Professor Cyril Onwumechili who assumed office after him

He was a teacher of teachers. I still recall he was at his humorous best when our 1982 year set presented him with an award only in July, 2020.

May his brilliant and humorous soul rest in peace.

Ibukunolu Alao Babajide (IBK) Senior Legal Adviser UNMISS United Nations Mission in South Sudan Professor David Ijalaiye, the nation builder - about 1978, Olusegun Obasanjo and Ahmadu Ali his Education Commissioner, came up with the hare-brained idea of sending VCs of different ethnicities to the then Federal Universities. The Physicist Onwumechili, an Igbo, was sent to Ife. A Fulani was sent to Nsukka.

Another Igbo was sent to ABU, and Ayandele, the English Professor was sent to Calabar. Needless to say, the Senates of these Universities were at loggerheads with the imposed VCs. So, for them all it was a case of a fowl that lands on a clothing wire. No peace for the wire. No peace for the fowl.

After a while, the conflicts in all these citadels of learning like smoke being concealed by a basket, became public knowledge.

The ever active Ife Students’ Union got wind of it, and we began planning our own Onwumechili Must Go! At the time, the Law Faculty was not built, so Law students had lectures in the evenings after the Humanities auditoriums had been used by the rightful owners.

One evening after one of his unforgettable lectures, this great man invited a few of us to his

Prof. Ijalaiye, Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Ife

car at the car park. After a few academic questions were disposed of, he asked if we were aware of the VC crisis countrywide. Naive and brimming with youthful exuberance, I informed him that we the students would rid Ife of our own VC in a jiffy.

The wise man smiled in the way that only Professor David Ijalaiye smiles. Full face smile. He then said, “I am the DVC - Deputy Vice Chancellor. I promise you I will run this University to your delight. Onwumechili is a sound academic and a gentleman. He is not a threat to anyone. He loves attending academic conferences and the funds for that will be made available to bolster the global academic image of our University.

This is the cradle of Yoruba land, culture and learning. No Yoruba attacks a guest. We are welcoming, and we show hospitality as a good host should. So, please, let others do what reflects their nature, but here, let us show how civilised we are”l That night at the usually endless

SRC - Students Representative Council meeting at Fajuyi Hall Cafeteria, the Onwumechili Must Go became Onwumechili Must Stay. I am happy to say he signed the many SRC awards I got, and he signed the certificates of those whose convocation was in 1982.

He had a peaceful and happy stay at Ife. This story explains the essence of Professor David Ijalaiye. Kind, father figure, mentor, very erudite Lawyer. He once said to us, “We are training you to be all-rounders.

You may be the first graduate and Lawyer from your village. When the tractor breaks down or a child is ill and they rush to you my dear class, you must know what to do”. He later revealed that he was a trained Catechist - some Church functionary below priests, but higher than the Laity.

A great man has gone to be with his ancestors. May God comfort Olaniyi his son, siblings, family and us, his ever grateful students.

We will miss him.

Aidevo Odu-Thomas (Nee Ahonkhai)

Although decades have passed since we were in the lecture theatre with Prof. Ijalaiye lecturing, I still have vivid memories of his jokes and the many practical examples he gave, to make difficult topics easy to understand.

Prof. Ijalaiye strived relentlessly, to guide us to understand the courses he taught. He was fatherly and understanding. He was the most inspiring lecturer I had in Ife. I celebrate you Sir, for your accomplishments and for the ways you touched our lives.

Rest in peace Baba Ijalaiye!

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Shoot-on-Sight Order: Extrajudicial No one can safely say when Nigeria’s battle against insurgency, banditry and kidnapping will end. So far, every measure that this administration has applied to curb the menace of arm bearing murdering criminals (which hitherto, many adjudged to be half-hearted), have proven to be largely unsuccessful. As AK-47 bearing criminals and insurgents become more brazen with their dastardly attacks by the day, President Muhammadu Buhari in what many see as a desperate knee-jerk move, recently issued a shoot on-sight order on anyone caught carrying an AK-47 weapon in the forests. While this may sound cheering to a few, many human rights activists strongly believe that it amounts to sanctioning extra-judicial killing, and an outright violation of the constitutionally guaranteed right to life. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, Dr Osaghie Obayuwana, and Chukwu Emeka Eze weigh in on this Presidential Order Legality or Otherwise of President Buharis’s Shoot-on-Sight Order Monday Onyekachi Ubani Many may erroneously applaud President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent order to the military, to shoot on sight anyone seen with an AK-47 rifle in the forests. To them, that may be what the country needs to bring the worsening security situation in the country under control. According to Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, “the President has ordered security forces to go into the bushes and shoot whoever they see with sophisticated weapons like AK-47”.

This order on AK-47 assault rifles, seems to signal a new resolve by the Buhari administration to deal with the said criminals who have stretched their luck over the years, due to the gross negligence of the government at all levels to deal decisively with their brazen criminality.

Hailing the President’s Order President Buhari has naturally received hailing for this directive, even from strange quarters.

For instance, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, whose relationship with the President has remained that of cat and mouse, was quick to commend the President on the order, expressing confidence that it would “make the communities safer for displaced farmers to return to their ancestral homes”, and “reduce the high rate of criminality, banditry and militia herdsmen attacks on our farming communities”.

In the same vein, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has welcomed the order. Speaking through its National Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Yawe, the Forum contended that only Lawyers though, can interpret the legality of the President’s order.

My View I am of the firm view that, no matter how altruistic the order appears to be in the light of the worsening security situation in the country, the recent Presidential order that directed security agencies to shoot on sight anyone caught carrying AK-47 guns in the forests, is pregnant with ominous danger. In saying this, I am not ignorant of the fact that, recently the Jangebe schoolgirls, Kagara schoolboys, and many travellers were kidnapped in Nigeria.

Farmers and herdsmen clashes are also on the rise, which is almost tending to ethnic conflicts in States across the Federation. This has also resulted in the just-suspended food blockade, from the North to the Southern part of the country.

Yet, in spite of these obvious challenges, it is my submission that giving such a directive, will be counterproductive to the rule of law in the country. In any civilised clime, irrespective of the gravity of an offence, the offender must be allowed to undergo what we call judicial process, that is trial, and then pronounced guilty, before the issue of punishment can be meted upon that individual. I have never seen anywhere in the world in this 21st century, where you will give an order to security agents to shoot on sight anyone that is carrying AK-47

Ibrahim Attahiru

Isiaka Amao

“I REFUSE TO CLAP FOR MR PRESIDENT FOR GIVING THIS DIRECTIVE.....WHAT NIGERIANS WANT FROM PRESIDENT BUHARI IS A DETAILED, WELL THOUGHT THROUGH PLAN.....NOT A KNEE-JERK REACTION THAT IS CAPABLE OF EXACERBATING TENSION, AND CREATING MORE CRISIS IN THE LONG RUN”

Lucky Irabor

or committing a crime.

I am clearly in agreement, that those who are brandishing AK-47 without licence are criminals; despite that, I will still demand that they undergo judicial process when they are caught. No matter how grievous the terror of these bandits or criminals are, I insist that anyone caught committing a crime must still be allowed to undergo a judicial process, before any punishment is meted out. They must have their day in court, be given fair hearing, and that right to fair hearing should not be violated.

The moment you shoot someone with an AK47, you have played the role of the accuser, prosecutor and the judge. It is not done in any country that is said to be in a democracy, like our country.

While security of lives and properties is important, I reiterate that we cannot under the guise of trying to secure the lives and properties of our citizens, begin to break our laws. This is my take on this issue. I refuse to clap for Mr President for giving this directive.

What we should do, is to beef up our security architecture all over the country, and re-strategise on a better approach to deal with the security challenges facing us as a country.

What Nigerians want from President Buhari is a detailed, well thought through plan to combat the festering insecurity in the country, and not a knee-jerk reaction that is capable of exacerbating tension, and creating more crisis in the long run.

The truth of the matter is that President Buhari is yet to do certain things expected of him as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, which obviously does not include the shoot on sight order. If the criminals who brandish sophisticated weapons had been arrested, investigated and if indicted, prosecuted at the initial stage when this criminality was rearing its ugly head, perhaps, by now, the security situation in the country would have been improved. What we witnessed and are

Awwal Gambo

still witnessing, is a President who was missing in action, leaving his aides to voice out most often, contradictory policy statements that left everyone in a state of confusion all the time.

It can be recalled at a time when the state of insecurity got everyone terribly scared, the National Assembly comprising the House of Representatives and Senate passed several resolutions, one of which was that the President should spare his time to have a closed-door meeting with them to brainstorm on the best practical way to tackle the menace. The President who showed enthusiasm initially at the prospect of a meeting, did a volte face to the chagrin of Nigerians, when his political associates and the Attorney-General of the Federation for reasons yet unclear, advised him to shun such a brainstorming session, the purpose of which was to find a common solution to the hydra headed monster.

The President's foot dragging in condemning in clear terms the very dangerous killings and destructions of peoples' farms produce, the raping of women and killings of those that resisted their impunity, was seen as a tacit support of the criminals. There was no serious pronouncement on the issue of arrest and prosecution of the criminals, who were testing the waters at the initial stage. It was obvious to them that perhaps, they are untouchable, leading to their constancy in raising the tempo of their various criminal acts which extended to the recent massive kidnappings for ransom.

The rough estimate of money involved in the kidnapping "industry" , can now be quantified in billions of Naira.

Something more proactive, scientific and comprehensive should be done and done fast to stem the tide, and reduce, if not eliminate insecurity in the land. To achieve that, shoot on sight and other knee-jerk prescriptions, are not the way to go as a nation.

Suggestions

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Killing by Another Name?

The President is better advised to address the root cause of the insecurity in the land, which will start by addressing the basic fundamentals of the causative factors that gave rise to this menace.

The first issues to address, are the economic and educational transformation of the country holistically. Indices like poverty, lack of education, unemployment and absence of basic infrastructure are some of the root causes of insecurity in Nigeria. Without addressing these root causes, measures like the shoot on sight directive which ordinarily appear barbaric and unconstitutional, will be the factor that will rather exacerbate insecurity in the land, rather than reducing it.

It is important that well meaning Nigerians should speak out, and advice the President on the proper path and procedure to pursue, in order to reduce insecurity rather than the measure that will rather escalate and exacerbate it. A word is enough for the wise.

Monday Onyekachi Ubani, former 2nd Vice President, Nigerian Bar Association

Reflections on the Shoot-on-Sight Order by the President Dr Osagie Obayuwana

Monday Onyekachi Ubani

Background Not a few people have complained about what had become the silence of Mr. President for a long time, especially over issues where his voice should have been heard loudly.

Over a long period of time, in matters of national concern, people of all categories have repeatedly called on Mr. President to speak; most of the time, he did not oblige the call. At a point, his handlers argued that Mr. President is entitled to his style, which left many people wondering whether what we have in Nigeria is a constitutional democracy, founded on the principle of accountability of public office holders to members of the public. Even the way the invitation of the President to address the House of Representatives on the security situation, which was once accepted, was shortly thereafter turned down, left more questions, than answers in the mind of many.

To close observers of the media policy of the Buhari Regime, it seems like centuries ago that Mr. President had a media chat. This graveyard silence that goes beyond taciturnity, give some credence to the speculation as to whether our President is alive or not.

It is as if Mr. President felt compelled to speak out, when the security situation had clearly gotten out of hand, especially following the repeated nature of mass abduction of school children in different parts of the country.

But, what the Nation heard was a reported speech, through Mallam Garba Shehu, the President’s Senior Special Adviser on Media, that Mr. President had ordered that any person found with AK-47 Rifle in the forests, should be shot on sight.

Queries Trust the ever boisterous Nigeria Media; many queries immediately surfaced; did the President actually say so, did he mean shoot to kill or shoot to maim and disable? Did he actually mean that a holder of an AK-47 wherever found should be shot dead? Must the holder of the AK47 Rifle be alone, or more than one?

How do we distinguish Policemen who adorn torn Jeans and T-shirts while flaunting their AK-47 in the nooks and crannies of Nigeria’s inner cities and on high-ways, or is the order intended only for those who wear turban?

Is the order limited to AK-47? What about AK-49 and deadlier machine guns we have seen menacingly flaunted, on numerous video clips on the internet? Finally, to whom is the President’s order directed? Only Soldiers, which includes the Army, Navy and the Airforce,

or the Police? What about Customs, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps?

As if to clear all doubts, as to the source of the directive, on Thursday 11 March, 2021 the Presidency released a 12 second video clip, where President Buhari at a meeting with the National Council of Traditional Rulers held at the State House, Abuja, personally reinforced the directive, that anyone carrying an AK-47 Rifle illegally, should be shot, because according to him: “AK-47 is supposed to be registered, and only given to security officials”. The Ooni of Ife and the Sultan of Sokoto, were in attendance.

Hurrah!!! was the expected response from the Nigerian People; our President has indeed, woken up and risen to the occasion.

The essence of this write up, is to cursorily contribute to the examination of whether or not there is a legal justification for the President’s Shoot on Sight Order.

The Legal Regime The first point of call has to be the Constitution

“PRESIDENT BUHARI’S SHOOT ON SIGHT ORDER, CLEARLY HAS NO BASIS IN THE LAW. THE FAMOUS DICTUM IS THAT, EVEN IN TIMES OF WAR, THE LAW IS NOT SILENT, AS THERE ARE LAWS OF WARS”

of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which in Section 33, protects the right to life. Section 33(2) provides that a person shall not be regarded as having been deprived of his right to life, if he dies as a result of the use of such force as is reasonably necessary for the defence of any person from unlawful violence or for the defence of property.

Additionally, force that could lead to death has been justified to effect a lawful arrest, or to prevent the escape of a person from lawful custody; and finally, use of such force is also permissible under the Constitution for the purpose of suppressing a riot, insurrection or mutiny. This section of the Constitution has been criticised for not being in conformity with international standards, especially where it allows for the taking of life in defence of property. The exceptions created under Section 33 of the Constitution, it is argued, appear to trivialise the sanctity of life, whereby defence of property under circumstances where no threat is posed to the life of another, appears to be justified.

Section 73 of the Criminal Code applies in matters of dispersal of unlawful assemblies.

Under the section, any Police Officer may use such force as is reasonably necessary, for dispersing or overcoming resistance to dispersal.

But, there are pre-conditions contained in the law, which require that there must have been a proclamation made for dispersal and the expiration of a reasonable period, and the number of those assembled must be 12 or more persons, and there must have been resistance to being dispersed by those continuing in the assembly.

It seems clear that the Shoot on Sight Order given by Mr. President, has no bearing with Section 73 of the Criminal Code.

Police Force Order No. 237 is the rule that guides the use of fire-arms by the Police, and stipulates the circumstances under which a Police Officer may use fire-arms.

This Order has been criticised as being extremely permissive, and falls short of international standards; it has been argued that the section takes a cue from Section 33 of the Constitution, as well as the relevant provisions of the Criminal Code.

This was the reason why in October, 2019, the Inspector General of the Nigeria Police Force, Muhammed Adamu, is reported to have Revised Force Order 237 in a manner he said was designed to ensure the protection of fundamental human right in matters of policing.

The New Order still permits the use of fire

arms or lethal force where a Police Officer is attacked, or there is an imminent threat of his being killed or seriously injured, and no other means are available to eliminate the danger of saving his or her life. The burden of proving this is placed on the Police Officer, it being opined that under these circumstances, it becomes difficult to justify the use of fire-arms, even if the Policeman is attacked by an unarmed person. Similarly, a Policeman is justified in the use of lethal force, where he or she believes that such force is necessary and proportional in defending a person who has been attacked, and he or she believes that the person cannot otherwise be protected from imminent death or serious injuries, and of course lethal force can still be used to disperse violent assemblies only when there is an imminent threat of death and serious injury, and less extreme measures are insufficient under the circumstances.

Again, there is no doubt that the shoot at sight order proclaimed by Mr. President, did not take into consideration the Revised Force Order 237 on the use of firearms and lethal force by the Police.

It should be recalled that in February, 2019, just before the General Elections in Nigeria, President Buhari issued the same Shoot to Kill Order directed to the Military against anyone caught in the act of stealing Ballot Boxes. It is as if the Nigerian Civil Society at that time did not take up the President, for the danger that order posed to the right to life of the Nigeria People, vis-à-vis the penalties stipulated in law for electoral malpractices.

It should also be remembered that in 2019, Concluding Observations in Nigeria, the Human Rights Committee of the United Nations, expressed concerns about allegations of the excessive use of force against demonstrators who were part of non-violent gatherings. Cases in point included, the killings of hundreds of the members and supporters of the Biafra course during Operation Python Dance between August and November, 2016; as well as the killing of hundreds of supporters of the Shiite Islamic Movement of Nigeria for blocking the passage of a military convoy in December, 2016.

In the case of the Shiites, some investigation was said to have been carried out, but the outcome of the investigation remains shrouded in secrecy, and no person or authority is known to have been punished as a perpetrator. The point UN Special Rapporteurs on extra judicial, summary and arbitrary executions in Nigeria, have repeatedly expressed concerns about how deeply flawed Nigerian rules and practices are, which provide the opportunity for law enforcement agents to shoot and kill at will.

After all, the Police Force in Nigeria used to be known in local parlance as “kill and go”.

The point to be made is that, there is in existence Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Fire Arms by Law Enforcement Officers, which emphasises proportionality, and mandates that the use of lethal force should be as an absolute last resort, and only when strictly unavoidable, in order to protect life.

Placed by the above standards, President Buhari’s Shoot on Sight Order, clearly has no basis in the law. The famous dictum is that, even in times of war, the law is not silent, as there are laws of wars.

Conclusion No doubt, the security situation Nigeria is contending with at this time is grave, but the rational handling of the situation calls for circumspection and not knee-jerk reactions.

One would not want to believe that Mr President in making his order, is playing to the gallery of public expectations. No matter the gravity of the situation, the law is that a citizen is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law, and can only be punished and stipulated in law.

All members of the society are exposed to danger, in a situation where Mr President by cont'd on page 10

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Shoot-on-Sight Order: Extrajudicial Killing by Another Name? cont'd from page 9

casual order confers powers of life and death to a policeman or soldier, who accuses, judges and executes punishment, in spite of the standard set in the law. After all Mr. President has not declared a state of emergency under Section 305 of the Constitution; were Mr. President to have done so, a formal proclamation will be necessary and the stipulations and preconditions outlined in the Constitution will be complied with; the duration will be as spelt out in the law, and the National Assembly would have played its role in the process.

Shoot at sight orders pose a danger to us all, and Mr President should have a rethink, even while combating the insecurity challenge frontally.

Dr Osagie Obayuwana, National President, Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR)

Shoot-On-Sight Order: Legal Synonym for Extrajudicial Killing and Abridgement of Right to Life?

Chukwu Emeka Eze Dr. Osagie Obayuwana

Introduction A media release of Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari, on 3rd March, 2021 gave marching orders to security agents to shoot-on-sight any civilian found in the forest with an AK-47 weapon. Since then the media has been abuzz with mainly non-legal analyses of the subject, until the President directly corroborated the order on 11th March, 2021 during his meeting with the nation’s traditional rulers on the subject of insecurity in Nigeria. Some analysts are of the view that the order is a product of doctrine of necessity.

In the humble view of this writer, the order is a licence to security to kill suspected armed persons, without the due process of law. The order is undeniably a landmark of military regimes, where the leader operates in the parody of L’etat c’est moi (meaning: “I am the State”) of Louis XIV of France (1638-1715). The order is a ‘legal’ approval for the security agents to transform themselves to an accuser, investigation, prosecutor, judicial officer and enforcer of the law, all rolled into one. The security agents will combine executive and judicial functions, to decide the fate of the suspect in a jiffy. The order is, in fact, a legal synonym for extrajudicial killing. It is also a licence for the truncation of the right to life, embedded in our Constitution and international treaties and protocols.

On Illegal Possession of Firearms From the research carried out by this writer, no law in Nigeria permits a civilian to carry AK-47, either in the forest or elsewhere without presidential approval. Section 3 of the Firearms Act, Cap. F28, LFN, 2004 provides that: “No person shall have in his possession or under his control any firearm of one of the categories in Part 1 of the Schedule to this Act (in this Act referred to as “prohibited firearm”) except in accordance with a licence granted by the President acting in his discretion.” Section 4 of the Firearms Act provides for Personal Firearms, which requires a licence from the Inspector-General of Police. Since neither the President nor the IGP gave licences to the forest bandits, it is obvious that they have breached the Firearms Act. Section 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. R11, LFN, 2004 provides for the punishment for illegal possession of firearms thus: “Any person having a firearm in his possession or under his control in contravention of the Firearms Act or any order made thereunder shall be guilty of an offence under this Act, and shall upon conviction under this Act be sentenced to a fine of twenty thousand Naira or to imprisonment for a period of not less than ten years, or to both.”

On How the Law Enforcement Agents should use Force while Performing their Duties The United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, has provided guidelines on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders. Although not strictly binding on Nigeria, its provisions will act as a threshold of international best practices, in the event that a Special Rapporteur is appointed in future to determine State responsibility. Articles 5, 7, and 9 of these Basic Principles appear relevant

Chukwu Emeka Eze

to our analysis.

Article 5: “Whenever the lawful use of force and firearms is unavoidable, law enforcement officials shall: (a) Exercise restraint in such use and act in proportion to the seriousness of the offence and the legitimate object to be achieved; (b) Minimise damage and injury, and respect and preserve human life; (c) Ensure that assistance and medical aid are rendered to any injured or affected persons at the earliest possible moment.”

Article 7: “Governments shall ensure that arbitrary or abusive use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials is punished as a criminal offence under their law.”

Article 9: “Law enforcement officials shall not use firearms against persons except in self-defence or defence of others against the imminent threat of death or serious injury, to prevent the perpetration of a particularly serious crime involving grave threat to life, to arrest a person presenting such a danger and resisting their authority, or to prevent his or her escape, and only when less extreme means are insufficient to achieve these objectives. In any event, intentional use of firearms may only be made when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life.”

(which has already been incorporated into the corpus juris of Nigerian Laws) provides that every human being shall be entitled to respect for his life and no one may be arbitrarily deprived of this right. In Abacha & Ors. v Fawehinmi (2000) 6, NWLR (Pt.660) 228 decided by the Supreme Court on 28th April, 2000, the Supreme Court upheld the application of the African Charter in the Nigerian legal system.

Article 6(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966 provides that every human being has the inherent right to life and no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his life. Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948 states that: “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and the security of the person.”

The Right to Life Section 33(1) of our Constitution provides that: “Every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria.”

Section 33(2) provides for situations where the right to life can be violated. Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights

Nigerian Law frowns at Extra-Judicial Killing In Bello v A.G. Oyo State (2006) NWLR (Pt.1011) 378; (1989) 1 S.C. 1-76, one Nasiru Bello had been convicted of the offence of armed robbery and was sentenced to death by the High Court. While his appeal was pending at the Court of Appeal and serving a copy of the Notice of Appeal on the A.G. of Oyo State, he was executed on the order of the Governor of Oyo State. His dependants subsequently instituted a suit against A.G. Oyo State. The Supreme Court held that the execution was premature, and not only unconstitutional, but illegal and unlawful. The Supreme Court also held that by his execution, the deceased had lost both his right to life and also his right to prosecute his appeal, and that the deceased’s dependents were unjustly deprived of the benefits of his life.

“..... THE ORDER IS A LICENCE TO SECURITY TO KILL SUSPECTED ARMED PERSONS, WITHOUT THE DUE PROCESS OF LAW.....

THE ORDER IS, IN FACT, A LEGAL SYNONYM FOR EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLING”

Similar Order in the Philippines Sequel to the menace of drug merchandise in Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered his National Police to kill drug suspects. This order has led to increased extra-judicial killings in that country. The European Parliament eventually passed a Resolution on April 19, 2018 criticising extra-judicial killing in that country.

Illegality of Extra-Judicial Killing under International Law Article 1 of the UN Principles on the Effective Prevention and Investigation of Extra-Legal, Arbitrary and Summary Executions provide that “Governments shall prohibit by law and extra-legal, arbitrary and summary executions….”

Article 3 of the Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials, which prescribed an international standard on the use of force in law enforcement, was established by the UN General Assembly in 1978. This means that the law enforcement officials obeying the order of the President may be held to account, especially if killings and deaths result from their actions.

Common Article 3 of Geneva Convention IV of 1949 (applicable to non-international armed conflicts) provides that “… the following acts are and shall remain prohibited at any time and in any place whatsoever with respect to [persons taking no active part in the hostilities]:

(a) violence to life and person, in particular murder of all kinds….”

Amnesty International in its publication of July 1993 titled “Disappearances” and extrajudicial executions as via lotions of international human rights, emphasised that extrajudicial executions constitute “willful killings” and are thus, “grave breaches” of the Geneva Conventions under Common Article 3. Although we are in no armed conflict, the case of the investigation of the summary execution of Jammal Khashoggi in the Saudi Arabian Consulate in Istanbul in 2018 by the Special Rapporteur (Agnes Callamard) on extrajudicial, summary and arbitrary executions appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Her final report on Jamal Khashoggi is already in the public domain. Our take home is that, protection of human rights has gone beyond being a local issue or applicable only when war or many people are affected. One extrajudicial killing involving Jamal Khashoggi, was enough to activate this international response.

Nigeria has not learnt her lesson from the 2019 Report of the Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial killing The UN Special Rapporteur for Extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Agnes Callamard, made an official country visit to Nigeria between 19th August and 3rd September, 2019. Part of her findings, which had been presented to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2020, include: The warning signs are flashing bright red: increased numbers of attacks and killings over the last five years with a few notable exceptions; increased criminality and spreading insecurity; widespread failure by the Federal authorities to investigate and hold perpetrators to account, even for mass killings; a lack of public trust and confidence in the judicial institutions and State institutions more generally; high levels of resentment and grievances within and between communities; toxic ethno-religious narratives and “extremist” ideologies - characterised by dehumanisation of the “others” and denial of the legitimacy of the others’ claims; a generalised break down of the rule of law, with particularly acute consequences for the most vulnerable and impoverished populations of Nigeria.

Conclusion Going by the scathing report of the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions on the Nigerian situation in 2019, the presidential order of “shoot-on-sight” will worsen the human rights record of Nigeria. The order will leave Nigeria in a legal quagmire, that could lead to reprimand by the UN Human Rights Council. It will also weaken the authority of the judiciary. The open-ended order, is an affront to the rule of law and a crude sanctity of life in a democracy. The writer admonishes the authorities to seek ways of fighting insecurity, within the bounds of the rule of law.

Chukwu Emeka Eze, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Nasarawa State University; Chairman, Tax Appeal Tribunal, Eastern Zone

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The £4.2m Belongs to Delta State Government Femi Falana, SAN and Chukwudi Enebeli discuss the agreement reached by the British and Nigerian Governments, to return part of the funds confiscated from former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, to the Federal Government of Nigeria, on the condition that the funds are ploughed into specific projects, to forestall the relooting of the funds. The Federal Government has elected and undertaken to utilise the funds, to continue specific road projects which are outside Delta State. The writers denounce this decision as wrong, concluding that the funds belong to Delta State where they were looted from and should be returned to the Delta State Government, or that even if the monies are to be returned on the understanding that they shall be used for earmarked projects, they must be used for projects in Delta State for the benefit of Deltans among the Nigerian populace. However, the issue of who is entitled to the repatriated funds has generated heated arguments in several quarters of the polity.

Femi Falana, SAN The decision of the Federal Government to convert the recovered sum of £4.2 million belonging to the Delta State Government, cannot be justified under local and international law. In fact, the controversy surrounding the disbursement of the funds is totally unnecessary, having regard to the precedent that has been established in the country.

Precedent Factually, from 1999-2003, the Delta State Government collected statutory allocations from the Federation Account, pursuant to section 162 of the Constitution. Part of the money was diverted from the account of the Delta State Government, by Chief James Ibori.

The funds were confiscated during the trial of Chief Ibori; his Banker and Lawyer in the United Kingdom. Since the confiscated funds have been recovered, it has to be remitted to the Account of the Delta State Government.

In AG Lagos State v AGF it was held that the Federal Government lacked the vires to confiscate or seize the funds payable to the local governments in Lagos State from the Federation Account. Since it is not in doubt that the £4.2 million belongs to Delta State, the Federal Government cannot, under any law, seize the funds and use it to fix Kano-Abuja road and Lagos-Ibadan road.

Why not Warri-Asaba road?

It is on record that the money confiscated from Governor Joshua Dariye in the United Kingdom, recovered by the Federal Government and repatriated to Nigeria, was returned to the Account of the Plateau State Government.

The money confiscated from Governor DSP Alamieyesigha in the United Kingdom, recovered by the Federal Government and repatriated to Nigeria, was remitted to the Account of Bayelsa State Government.

Former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori

citizens and the Delta State Government have decided to join issues with the Federal Government over the seized fund. Otherwise, another sum of £100 million which will soon be recovered and repatriated from the confiscated funds, will also be claimed by the Federal Government on very shaky legal grounds.

Femi Falana, SAN

Who Owns the £4.2m Repatriated Ibori Loot?

Chukwudi Enebeli

Memorandum of Understanding The memorandum of understanding signed by the representatives of the British Government and the Federal Government on the disbursement of the recovered funds, cannot supersede the Constitution which has prohibited any form of discrimination in the country. In other words, by virtue of Section 42 of the Constitution, the governments and people of Plateau, Bayelsa and Delta States are entitled to equal rights and opportunities. Since what is good for the goose is good for the gander, the sum of £4.2 million confiscated from Governor James Ibori in the United Kingdom and recovered by the Federal Government, has to be repatriated and remitted to the Account of the Delta State Government.

Indeed, it is trite law that no treaty or agreement between Nigeria and another, shall have the force of law in any part of the country, unless it is enacted into law by the National Assembly in accordance with Section 12 of the Constitution. Since the Agreement on the £4.2 million has not been domesticated by the National Assembly, it is of no legal effect whatsoever.

As far as international law is concerned, the recovered funds have to be paid to the victims of the corrupt practice in Delta State, in accordance with Article 35 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption which states as follows: "Each State Party shall take such measures as may be necessary, in accordance with principles of its domestic law, to ensure that entities or persons who have suffered damage as a result of an act of corruption have the right to initiate legal proceedings against those responsible for that damage, in order to obtain compensation."

It is interesting to note that, some concerned

The news of the eventual repatriation of part of the public funds looted by former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, while serving as the Governor of Delta State, received overwhelming acceptance and celebration

“AS FAR AS INTERNATIONAL LAW IS CONCERNED, THE RECOVERED FUNDS HAVE TO BE PAID TO THE VICTIMS OF THE CORRUPT PRACTICE IN DELTA STATE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 35 OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION AGAINST CORRUPTION.....”

Background Chief James Ibori was elected as Governor of Delta State in the 1999 general elections, and served as Governor for eight years having been re-elected to serve his second term in office in 2003.

Towards the conclusion of his tenure, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) commenced an investigation into the allegations of embezzlement and siphoning of Delta State funds by James Ibori, after receiving a petition from the Delta State Elders and Stakeholders Forum on behalf of the people of Delta State. The attempt to prosecute Chief James Ibori within Nigeria was unsuccessful, as the charges were quashed.

However, on the 17th of April, 2012, Ibori was sentenced by the Southwark Crown Court to 13 years imprisonment, and his assets and properties were confiscated.

On the 9th of March 2021, the United Kingdom signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government of Nigeria, to return the sum of £4.2 million (“repatriated funds”) being part of the recovered funds to Nigeria.

Who is Entitled to the Funds?

The news of the restitution of the £4.2 million has generated mixed feelings among commentators on who is entitled to receive the funds, as between the Federal Government and the Delta State Government.

Two schools of thought have emerged on this topical issue. On the one hand, are people who believe the funds should be returned to the Federal Government. Proponents of this school of thought believe that the victim of the loot was the Federal Government, because the law breached by the looting is a Federal Law (the Money Laundering Act), and the Federal Government is the party that has been fully involved in the processes that culminated in the conviction of James Ibori, confiscation of his properties. and the proposed repatriation of the £4.2 million.

Some proponents also argued that, the Delta State Government had claimed in the past that they had no complaint against James Ibori, and they do not support the prosecution of the ex-Governor.

As expected, the Federal Government aligns itself to the first school of thought, and has already proposed that the £4.2 million will be used in the construction of the second Niger Bridge, Abuja-Kano road, and Lagos-Ibadan Express road.

On the other hand, however, are the people who believe that the funds should be returned to the Delta State Government. I agree with this school of thought, for the reasons which I shall now canvass in succeeding paragraphs anon.

Analysis The starting point in analysing this issue, would be to identify the owner of the monies stolen and siphoned by the ex-Governor. Indeed, it is the owner of the stolen monies that is the victim of the theft, and is entitled to the repatriated funds. See: David v Federal Republic of Nigeria (2018) LPELR-43677(CA).

This point was underscored by NdukweAnyanwu J.C.A. in the case of Emmanuel Nwude v Federal Republic of Nigeria & Ors [2016] 5 NWLR (Pt. 1506) 471 when His Lordship defined “Restitution” as “an act of giving back to a person something that was lost or stolen, or paying him for

the loss”.

It is not in doubt that, the monies were stolen and diverted by the ex-Governor while he served as the Governor of Delta State. Put another way, the monies were public funds meant for safeguarding the lives and properties of the people of Delta State, as well as for the development of the State.

By this analogy, it will be safe to conclude that the stolen monies belonged exclusively to the people of Delta State; it is they who were affected by the act of the ex-Governor of Delta State. Furthermore, the Delta State Government being the trustee of the people of Delta State, is entitled to the funds to hold same in trust for the people of Delta State.

This point is made more poignant against the backdrop of the fact that, the ex-Governor has never served in any Federal capacity.

Another way to view the issue is to answer the question, had the ex-Governor not embezzled, stolen or siphoned the monies, who would have taken benefit of the monies? Certainly, the monies would have been available to the benefit of the people of Delta State exclusively.

It is my view, therefore, that the repatriated funds be paid exclusively to the Delta State Government.

To further drive the point I am making home, if a customer of a Bank obtains a loan from the Bank under false pretence, and a criminal charge is preferred against such a customer and his assets are confiscated and sold after the criminal proceedings, would the money be returned to the Central Bank of Nigeria?

Certainly not.

In the same vein, the Federal Government cannot lay claim to the repatriated funds. The funds belong exclusively to the good people of Delta State, and as such, it is unfair, unjust and contrary to all known equitable principles, to deprive the State of what belongs to it. The fact that the State had through one of its officers, held the view that its monies were not missing, is not sufficient basis for the Federal Government to lay claim to the monies in the face of contrary evidence.

The fact that the law breached by the exGovernor was a Federal Law, and that the Federal Government was the party actively involved in the process of the repatriation, does not, in my view, make the Federal Government the victim of the looting by the ex-Governor of Delta State. The victims for all intents and purpose, are the Delta State Government and its citizens.

Conclusion While the Federal Government may have outlined projects to which it intends to apply the looted sums, the justice of this case requires that the people of Delta State be afforded exclusive access to the monies by forwarding same to the Delta State Government immediately.

In the event that the Federal Government refuses to yield to justice and fairness, the Delta State Government may have recourse to the Supreme Court, in furtherance of their rights under Section 232 (1) of the Constitution.

The earlier the Delta State Government acts, the better, because it has also been reported that the Honourable Attorney- General of the Federation had stated that over £100 million allegedly stolen by the ex-Governor, is still being expected.

As an indigene of Delta State, I hope and pray His Excellency, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, acting through the office of the Honourable Attorney- General of the State, immediately takes steps towards protecting what rightfully belongs to Deltans.

Chukwudi Enebeli MCIArb, Partner, Pinheiro LP

12/

16.03.2021

State Police and Community Policing: The Urgency of Now start their own policing system. It is a truism that most crimes, like politics, are local. Consequently, States’ response to crimes must also be local. This may however, be done in collaboration with the Federal Police, as operates in developed nations of the world.

Similarly, Nigeria’s geographical area is too large and complex, for a central Police Command. Thus, policing citizens should be the sole responsibility of the respective States, as this goes a long way in reducing criminal activities within the States and local government areas.

The Police as a security agency, should not depend on donations from individuals and corporate organisations. It should be maintained from the resources of such States, to avoid compromising its independence, impartiality and effectiveness.

Introduction Nigeria is currently in a state of dire security quagmire. Nigeria is literally at war with herself, with large swaths of lands flowing with blood of innocent Nigerians through serial killings. Insecurity of lives and property, has taken the centre stage. For over a decade now, Nigeria has been facing the heinous torture, maiming and gruesome killings by Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen, kidnappers, armed robbers, armed bandits and other insurgents. All this has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives of innocent Nigerians.

Any government's legitimacy is measured by its ability to secure lives property, and give democratic dividends to the governed.

See Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution.

With the ongoing wanton killings, many have wondered if Nigeria truly indeed, has security agencies paid with tax payers’ money, to protect lives and property. Notwithstanding the existence of the Army, Navy, Air force, Nigeria Police Force, DIA, NIA, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Department of State Security Services (DSS), unspeakable crimes still take place unabated. Of all these security agencies, the Nigeria Police Force is the one that is constitutionally saddled with the responsibility of the day-to-day protection of lives and property of Nigerians. While Nigeria was still reeling from the April, 2014 abduction of Chibok girls, one year to the 2015 elections, the spectre of yet another abduction of school girls was reenacted at the Federal Government Girls Secondary School, Dapchi, Yobe State. It was perpetrated by the same Boko Haram insurgents. Then, Kankara, Kagara, Jangebe, etc. It is now a daily affair. It is simply merchantilistic, the highest paid industry in Nigeria today.

Most concerned Nigerians, daily reel under this danger. Some have suggested ways and means of dealing with this menace.

Some have created local security outfits, eg, Àmòtèkun, Easter Nigerian Network, Yan Banga, Yan Kasai, Hisbah, Neighbourhood Watches, etc. This aligns with sustained demands for the creation of State Police, and community policing.

Origin and State of Policing in Nigerians “Police” is a word derived from the Greek word, “Polis”, which consists of non-ecclesiastical administration that has to do with safety, health and public order of the State. Though derived from the Greek, it was the Romans that actually perfected the system, with the Roman “Policies”, which equated with the Greek “Politeira” – a symbol of power that resided in a central authority. In the UK, policing developed as a local affair which makes every person maintain law and order.

State or provincial Police constitutes a type of sub-national territory Police Force that abounds particularly in the Oceania, South Asia and North America. State Police simply means the absence of a centralised national Police Force, which is outside the control of the IGP. This means a death blow to the over bloated, behemoth Federal Police Force established under Sections 214, 215 and 216 of the 1999 Constitution. Section 214 thereof provides for a unified and centralised Police Force that operates from the centre, and prohibits the establishment of any other form of policing in Nigeria.

This was why and how Governor Ortom of Benue State, cried out. Herdsmen had given him notice of a future attack. The State Commissioner of Police was aware. The helpless governor cried to the centre in Abuja. No help came. The herdsmen attacked.

The Governor wept like a baby. Lives were lost. Mass burial took place. The world was shocked.

It appears that Nigeria is the only prominent democracy in the world, that still maintains a unified central Police Force over a population of 210 million people, 36 federal States, and 774 LGAs. The New York Police Department is one of the most organised Police Forces in the world, founded by the New York City Government that is headed by a Mayor. In the UK, there are about 45 territorial Police Forces, and three special Police Forces. So, why must Nigeria retain her non-functional centralised Police Force?

What is State Police All About?

The Concept State Police can be described as a body of Police Force unique to each State of the federation, having State wide authority to conduct law enforcement activities and criminal investigation across that particular State. The concept of State policing, is not altogether a new phenomenon in Nigeria. It has been widely recommended, as one of the means to address the issue of insecurity in our country.

This concept has received wide acceptance by most Nigerians, for their peculiar exclusive reasons. The Government has recently joined.

Some say that the Federal Police Command is incompetent, or has failed in its duty of securing Nigerians. Some others believe that the closeness of State Police, will help for more effective policing.

I belong to this school. I have, over the years, advocated for State Police and community policing. From the 2005 National Political Conference (where I had the Civil society group); to the 2009 Vision 2020 (where I participated in the Law and Judiciary Thematic area); up to the 2014 National Conference (where I headed the sub group on the outcome of the conference, within the legal, Law Reforms and Judiciary Committee), I have always shouted myself hoarse on the desirability of embracing this true Federalism concept. I stand by it. Its advantages far outweigh its demerits.

Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu

Definition State policing has therefore been defined as, a Police Force under State authority, rather than under the authority of a federal, city or local government in the State. It has also been defined as the Police organised and maintained by a State, as distinguished from that of a lower sub-division (as a city or LGA) of the State government (Mersim, 2012). However, in the Nigerian context, State Police consists of a kind of sub-national Police Force, which is organised, maintained and operates under the jurisdiction of a particular State Government, as opposed to the Federal Government.

The Pros and Cons Arguments for and against the establishment of State Police Forces, have been going on for a very long time. Proponents of State Police like my humble self, argue that this is consistent with the principle of true Federalism and decentralisation of powers; as the arrangement would enable the States to effectively maintain law and order, especially during emergencies. Such proponents criticise Section 215(4) of the 1999 Constitution, for hindering Governors from the exercise of their power as Chief Security Officers of their respective States. We contend that the Nigeria Police Force as it is today, cannot adequately protect Nigerians. The present Federal Police structure, is too detached from the more than 180,000,000 people. They cannot be effectively policed with a force of less than 500,000 Police personnel; and hence, the need for States to

“THIS WAS WHY AND HOW GOVERNOR ORTOM OF BENUE STATE, CRIED OUT. HERDSMEN HAD GIVEN HIM NOTICE OF A FUTURE ATTACK. THE STATE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE WAS AWARE. THE HELPLESS GOVERNOR CRIED TO THE CENTRE IN ABUJA. NO HELP CAME. THE HERDSMEN ATTACKED”

The Fears No doubt, the Nigerian federation is very dysfunctional. It requires urgent restructuring. The creation of State Police is one of the fundamental requirements of the call by patriots, for the operation of true Federalism in Nigeria. Some fear that State policing would make Governors possess absolute powers to make use of State Police for some selfish and devious ambitions, such as illegal arrests and detention of opponents, without trial. While this assertion may be correct, establishing State Police under a proper legislative framework, will definitely prevent State Governors from misusing them. For example, there could be established a Federal regulatory body that establishes minimum standards, qualifications and requirements for employment into the Force; make rules to prevent jurisdictional and territorial conflicts and related inter-State and inter-border problems. It could also maintain a basic training school for all Policemen, to have some uniform procedures and processes.

This argument, as attractive as it is, it requires interrogation.

The reason is that, creating State Police undoubtedly requires constitutional amendment. The 1999 Constitution as it stands today, places the policing of the entire nation on the shoulders of the Federal Government. Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution provides that, the Nigeria Police Force shall be under the full and exclusive control of the Federal Government. Furthermore, Section 215 (2) of the same Constitution, provides: “the Nigeria Police Force shall be under the command of the Inspector-General of Police and any contingents of the Nigeria Police Force stationed in a State shall, subject to the authority of the IGP, be under the command of Commissioner of Police of that State”.

This is quite anomalous for a heterogeneous, multi-ethic and religiously diverse country such as Nigeria. After all, the very policing of the citizens of this country should be the duty of the various States that are close to the people, and not the Federal Government.

This argument finds support from the fact that, in the United States of America, the Federal Government owns the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), while various Police Forces or Departments are owned by the States, county councils, municipal authorities and even territory institutions. Apart from the US, countries like Australia, Spain, Canada, Brazil and India also operate State policing systems.

I humbly submit that, with State controlled Police, security, law and order would be more effectively maintained within the State.

The personnel of such a Force, being mostly indigenous, would be better able to contend with any uprising- be it Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen, Kidnappings or armed robbery incidences. Besides, some State Governments already have their own vigilante groups, quite akin to State Police established by law. For example, in the Southwest, we have the Odua People’s Congress (OPC). In the North, Hisbah is the Sharia Police in Kano, and they work in cooperation with the Federal Police. In the South-East, there existed the Bakassi Boys, IPOB and MASSOB. The South-South boasts of the Egbesu boys. The existence of these semi-Police Forces and others earlier discussed, is a pointer that there exists a policing gap across the States of the Federation which these groups are admirably filling.

Some Opponents As salutary as this argument is, many Nigerians are opposed to the creation of State Police for various reasons, some equally convincing.

Some argue that, to have State Police is to have replicated in our localities, the very inefficiency, corruption and failures the Police at the Federal level has been saddled with. They urge that the urgent need of our time, is simply to have a Police Force that is professional both in outlook and content; a reform that is targeted at addressing structural, institutional and attitudinal challenges.

Few of these pressure areas, they argue, are those that relate to recruitment, nature and content of the curriculum, and internal discipline. The training manual must be civilian-friendly and 21st century-compliant, especially as regards the human rights content.

For recruitment purposes, there must be a deliberate policy to undertake effective background checks, argued Professor Cyril Ndifon of the University of Calabar, who believes it is a case of “garbage in, garbage out” (To be continued).

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK “We cannot continue to rely only on our military, in order to achieve the national security objectives that we've set. We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded”. (Barack Obama)

16.3.2021

/13

14/

16.3.2021

15

˾ TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021

Tuesday, March 16, 2021 Thisday Afrinvest 40 Index Declined 0.3% dŚĞ dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ĨĞůů ϯϭďƉƐ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ Ăƚ

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

1,733.90 points. This was on the back of price declines in GUARANTY (-2.6%), ZENITH (-0.7%) and NIGERIAN BREW-

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

ERIES (-ϱ͘ϯйͿ͘ dŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ 16.4% of the index.

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

1,733.90

-0.31%

18.1%

73.4%

12.8%

3.3%

930.00

0.0%

34.8%

9.2%

9.2%

7.9%

2.8%

74.75

0.0%

11.0%

-3.4%

-3.4%

19.1%

11.2%

35.9x

6.8x

2.6%

2.8%

29.95

-2.6%

8.8%

-7.4%

-7.4%

27.9%

4.7%

4.3x

1.2x

9.3%

23.0%

The Bears Maintain Dominance... ASI down 0.2% ^Ğůů ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ůŽĐĂů ďŽƵƌƐĞ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĮƌƐƚ

3 Guaranty Trust Bank PLC 4 Zenith Bank PLC

2.6%), NIGERIAN BREWERIES (-5.3%) and INTBREW (3.8%) dragging the benchmark index down 22bps to

Price Change Index to Date

Ticker

1 Airtel Africa PLC 2 BUA Cement Plc

trading session of the week with sell-ŽīƐ ŝŶ GUARANTY (-

Price Previous Current Change Price YTD Weighting Change

Current Price

5 Dangote Cement PLC 6 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC 7 Nestle Nigeria PLC

ROE

ROA

P/E

5.1x

P/BV

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

0.5x

5.8%

6.9%

1.3%

21.20

-0.7%

5.8%

-14.5%

-14.5%

22.4%

3.1%

2.9x

0.6x

14.1%

34.6%

220.00

0.0%

5.5%

-10.2%

-10.2%

30.8%

14.6%

14.7x

4.6x

7.3%

6.8%

158.00

0.0%

4.6%

-7.0%

-7.0%

15.7x

18.0x

5.9%

6.4%

1,375.00

0.0%

3.7%

-8.6%

-8.6%

3.6%

22.00

0.0%

3.5%

4.5%

7.80

0.0%

2.6%

-7.7%

8 Lafarge Africa PLC 9 Access Bank PLC

17.8%

27.8x

37.2x

5.1%

4.5%

6.5%

4.6%

15.3x

1.0x

4.5%

6.5%

-7.7%

16.8%

1.5%

2.5x

0.4x

8.3%

39.5%

7.20

0.7%

2.3%

-16.8%

-16.8%

7.35

3.5%

2.5%

2.8%

2.8%

11.2%

1.1%

4.1x

0.4x

5.2%

47.00

-5.3%

1.8%

-16.1%

-16.1%

4.5%

1.8%

50.9x

2.3x

2.0%

2.0%

40.00

0.0%

1.8%

-9.2%

-9.2%

24.3%

3.7%

5.3x

1.2x

5.9%

18.8%

to േϮϬ͘ϮƚŶ͘ dƌĂĚŝŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ǁĂŶĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ĂŶĚ ǀĂůƵĞ

13 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC 14 International Brew eries PLC

5.10

-3.8%

1.4%

-14.3%

-14.3%

-26.3%

-6.2%

29.70

0.0%

ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ďLJ ϯϳ͘Ϯй ĂŶĚ ϯϯ͘Ϯй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ƚŽ ϭϴϰ͘ϱŵ units

15 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC 16 SEPLAT Petroleum Development C

1.2%

14.2%

14.2%

and േ2.5bn. The most traded stocks by volume were

17 11 PLC 18 Okomu Oil Palm PLC

38,561.84 points. Consequently, the YTD loss worsened to -ϰ͘Ϯй ĂŶĚ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ďLJ േ45.3bn

FBNH (31.1m units), NOTORE (22.0m units) and FIDELITY

(15.3m

units)

while

NOTORE

(േ1.4bn),

FBNH (േ226.0m), and ZENITH (േ163.3m) led by value.

10 United Bank for Africa PLC 11 FBN Holdings Plc 12 Nigerian Brew eries PLC

104.8%

19 Fidelity Bank PLC 20 Ecobank Transnational Inc 21 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC 22 FCMB Group Plc 23 Sterling Bank PLC 24 NASCON Allied Industries PLC 25 Transnational Corp of Nigeria

Mixed Sector Performance

26 Presco PLC 27 Unilever Nigeria PLC

Performance across sectors under our coverage was

28 PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC 29 United Capital PLC

mixed. The Insurance and Oil & Gas indices gained 2.0% and Ϭ͘ϳй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ďƵLJŝŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶ NEM (+7.9%), WAPIC (+10.0%), SEPLAT (+0.9%) and OANDO (+1.7%). Conversely, the Consumer Goods and Banking indices dipped 1.5% and 1.0% ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ price

declines

in

NIGERIAN

BREWERIES

(-

5.3%), INTBREW (-3.8%), GUARANTY (-2.6%) and ZEN-

30 Guinness Nigeria PLC 31 Custodian and Allied Insurance 32 AIICO Insurance PLC 33 Total Nigeria PLC 34 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC 35 Wema Bank PLC 36 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC 37 Oando PLC 38 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd 39 Beta Glass PLC

ITH (-0.7%). Lastly, the Industrial Goods and AFR-ICT indices ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ ƚŽ ϭ͘Ϭdž ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ 0.7x recorded previously as 17 stocks advanced against 17 decliners. WAPIC (+10.0%), NNFM (+9.7%) and

5.3%) were the top losers. We expect to see sustained sell ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞƐ ĂƐ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ůĞĂŶ ƚŽǁĂƌĚƐ ƚŚĞ ĮdžĞĚ ŝŶĐŽŵĞ space.

-15.6% 8.1%

8.4%

38.4%

1.4%

35.5%

35.5%

0.8%

0.0%

0.0%

16.4%

7.6%

12.4x

1.9x

93.00

0.0%

0.8%

2.2%

2.2%

24.6%

16.0%

11.3x

2.6x

2.39

3.9%

0.7%

-5.2%

-5.2%

10.5%

1.1%

2.6x

0.3x

8.9%

5.15

0.0%

0.6%

-14.2%

-14.2%

0.6%

0.0%

38.4x

0.2x

17.55

-2.2%

0.6%

-0.3%

-0.3%

25.5%

12.6%

7.2x

1.7x

8.5%

13.9%

2.90

0.0%

0.5%

-12.9%

-12.9%

10.3%

1.2%

2.8x

0.1x

4.8%

36.3%

1.56

1.3%

0.3%

-23.5%

-23.5%

9.2%

0.9%

3.9x

0.3x

1.9%

25.9%

14.00

0.0%

0.4%

-3.4%

-3.4%

18.4%

5.8%

8.1x

3.0x

2.9%

12.3%

0.82

-1.2%

0.3%

-8.9%

-8.9%

-3.5%

-0.8%

0.5x

1.2%

-7.1%

69.00

0.0%

0.3%

-2.7%

-2.7%

18.5%

7.7%

2.2x

2.9%

10.2%

-182.2%

9.8x

2.6%

13.25

0.0%

0.2%

-4.7%

-4.7%

-2.4%

-1.6%

1.2x

4.85

-3.0%

0.2%

-8.5%

-8.5%

-12.2%

-5.6%

0.6x

2.1%

1.1x

15.2%

4.61

-4.0%

0.2%

-2.1%

-2.1%

35.5%

4.2%

23.00

-2.1%

0.2%

21.1%

21.1%

-17.8%

-9.0%

6.00

0.0%

0.2%

2.6%

2.6%

13.9%

4.8%

3.0x

0.8x

1.21

0.8%

0.2%

7.1%

7.1%

21.4%

3.3%

2.7x

0.5x

3.5x

-2.1%

0.7x 9.1%

0.0%

0.2%

9.2%

9.2%

0.0%

0.1%

-4.5%

-4.5%

3.2%

0.4%

19.8x

0.6x

9.5%

5.0%

0.62

1.6%

0.1%

-10.1%

-10.1%

6.8%

0.5%

3.0x

0.4x

6.6%

33.2%

-1.0%

0.0%

1.7%

0.1%

-18.9%

14.5%

2.6%

21.5x

-100.0% -18.9%

5.1%

5.9x

62.50

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.0%

-29.7%

-8.5%

54.00

0.0%

0.1%

-2.5%

-2.5%

9.4%

6.4%

3.25

0.0%

0.0%

-9.7%

-9.7%

5.0%

1.3x

0.2x

8.0x

0.7x

T ic k er

10.0%

FB NH

NNFM

6.20

9.7%

SM UR F IT

0.26

N EM B ER GER

1.8x

Vo lum e

-18.4% 3.4%

3.5%

N OT OR E

22.0

0.0%

8.3%

F ID ELIT YB K

15.3

3.9%

2.19

7.9%

SOVR EN IN S

10.8

-4.2%

6.50

7.4%

T R A N SC OR P

8.7

-1.2%

7.7

-0.7%

6.0

-2.2%

0.21

5.0%

CHA M S

0.22

4.8%

D A N GSUGA R

F ID ELIT YB K

2.39

3.9%

A C C ESS

5.5

0.0%

FB NH

7.35

3.5%

UC A P

5.2

-4.0%

LEA R N A F R C A

1.09

2.8%

LIVEST OC K

5.1

-8.5%

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V a l u e

T o p 10 L o s e r s

LA SA C O

12.5%

P ric e C hg %

31.1

A F R IN SUR E

NB

16.9% 77.4%

-28.4%

Z EN IT H B A N K

LIVEST OC K

4.7%

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V o l u m e

P ric e C hg %

R EGA LIN S

33.2% 36.8%

17.00

0.55

T ic k er

28.4% -28.2%

142.00

P ric e

T ic k er

Value

P ric e C hg %

-9.1%

N OT OR E

1375.0

0.0%

1.83

-8.5%

FB NH

226.0

3.5%

47.00

-5.3%

Z EN IT H B A N K

163.3

-0.7%

1.24

-4.6%

GUA R A N T Y

125.7

-2.6%

P ric e 0.30

P ric e C hg %

J A IZ B A N K

0.62

-4.6%

SEP LA T

123.5

0.9%

SOVR EN IN S

0.23

-4.2%

D A N GSUGA R

107.5

-2.2%

UC A P

4.61

-4.0%

A C C ESS

42.7

0.0%

GUIN N ESS

40.8

-2.1%

IN T B R EW

5.10

-3.8%

PZ

4.85

-3.0%

F ID ELIT YB K

35.3

3.9%

-2.6%

D A N GC EM

25.7

0.0%

GUA R A N T Y

Afrinvest West Africa Limited

7.2% 4.0%

0.9% 0.0%

WA P IC

SMURFIT (+8.3%) were the top gainers while REGALINS (9.1%), LIVESTOCK (-8.5%) and NIGERIAN BREWERIES (-

-34.0% 4.7%

545.00

T o p 10 G a i n e r s T ic k er

0.9x

24.4%

0.8x

228.00

3.00

40 Transcorp Hotels Plc

7.2%

29.95

Brokerage

Asset Management

Investment Research

Adedoyin Allen | aallen@afrinvest.com

Robert Omotunde | romotunde@afrinvest.com

Abiodun Keripe | AKeripe@afrinvest.com

Taiwo Ogundipe | togundipe@afrinvest.com Christopher Omoh | comoh@afrinvest.com

16

TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Fidson Healhcare Plc Board Meets to Approve 2020 Financials Goddy Egene The

of Fidson Healthcare Plc will meet on March 25, to among other items, review

Board of Directors 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

and approve the audited financial statements (AFS) of the company for the year

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 12Mar-2021, unless otherwise stated.

ended December 31, 2020.

According to the company, based on the above, none of

its insiders may buy and or sell its shares from March 15, 2021 until 24 hours after

the filing of the AFS with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

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 149.14 150.62 -8.77% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 -11.22% Nigeria International Debt Fund 353.39 353.39 0.09% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 112.21 112.21 3.69% 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 1.04 13.65% ACAP Income Funds 0.65 0.65 -11.09% 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 1.88% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.23 3.39 -8.93% 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 17.98 18.53 -0.83% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 400.07 412.13 -0.08% ARM Ethical Fund 35.11 36.17 4.17% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.20 1.20 -1.99% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.05 1.05 -6.52% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.26% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 103.03 103.03 1.30% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 120.53 121.37 -4.48% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.18% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.06 2.06 -24.11% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.13 2.17 -24.90% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 2.85% Paramount Equity Fund 14.98 15.28 -6.26% Women's Investment Fund 128.17 129.58 -3.72% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 N/A N/A N/A Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) N/A N/A N/A 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 0.87% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.14 1.15 -4.79% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.48 1.48 -6.35% 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 1.95% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 1.81% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,152.70 1,156.12 -3.92% 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 1,348.43 1,348.43 5.48% FBN Balanced Fund 179.79 181.05 -4.20% FBN Halal Fund 110.20 110.20 4.55% FBN Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 123.80 123.80 2.97% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 145.01 146.85 -4.08% 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 0.75% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 126.87 127.40 17.05% 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 1.34% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.62 2.68 14.30% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 152.90 153.27 -1.64% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.07 1.07 5.08% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.35 1.37 -1.38% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,141.68 1,141.68 1.62% 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 1.59 1.62 7.49% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.24 12.36 0.04% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 1.50% PACAM Equity Fund 1.56 1.57 -1.49% PACAM EuroBond Fund 109.58 112.29 0.16% 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 125.66 127.80 4.22% 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 3.19% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,095.32 3,120.43 -3.75% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 227.03 227.03 0.97% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.13 1.14 -3.81% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 297.45 297.45 0.95% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 209.96 212.56 -3.92% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.84% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 9,758.33 9,884.09 -7.07% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.24 1.24 1.16% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 111.91 111.91 0.75% 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 -4.17% United Capital Bond Fund 1.91 1.91 1.19% United Capital Equity Fund 0.87 0.89 0.49% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.83% United Capital Eurobond Fund 118.48 118.48 1.11% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.05 1.07 -2.78% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.02 1.02 2.33% 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 11.94 12.05 0.65% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.25 13.36 8.43% Zenith Income Fund 24.20 24.20 0.94% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.00%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

122.01 52.85

1.05% 0.86%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

12.35 114.79 91.88

12.45 114.79 93.61

-6.57% -5.71% -7.53%

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 5.36 16.56 1.00 19.14 176.77

3.70 5.44 16.66 1.00 19.34 178.77

-3.11% -5.79% 1.34% 0.39% -6.71% -19.93%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.40

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.

23

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯʹ˜ 2021

BUSINESSWORLD

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima

Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08152447875

ͳ ˜ Ͱ ͮ Ͱ ͯ MONEY MARKET OVERNIGHT OBB

REPO 16.33 15.33

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

12.50 9.50 11

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

564.82% -0.14% -0.14

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

- 15.73% - 15.73%

EXCHANGE RATE ͱ͵ͷ˹ͯ ̩ ̩

Quick Takes ArdovaPlctoInvestinHigherMarginProducts

BUILDING CAPACTITY

L-R: Coordinator, Financial Malpractice Investigation Unit, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC),Mr. Ayodele Harry Adewale; Director, Special Insured Institution Department/Coordinator, Lagos Office, NDIC, Mr. Joshua -James Etopidiok; Director, Legal Department, NDIC, Mr. Belma Taribo; and Commissioner of Police, In charge of Special Fraud Investigation Unit, NDIC, Vwamhi Felix Yame, at the capacity building workshop for law enforcement agencies organised by NDIC in Lagos..recently ETOP UKUTT

NEITI Decries Nigeria’s $3bn Share of Africa’s $75bn FDI Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has described as regrettable that out of the $75 billion foreign direct investment (FDI) flowing into Africa, Nigeria has a meagre share of just $3 billion.

Speaking in Abuja in separate consultative meetings with leading Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and forum of oil, gas and mining companies in the extractive sector, the Executive Secretary, NEITI, Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji, said the situation underscored why all hands must be on deck to eliminate all bottlenecks in the country’s business environment.

Orji called for closer collaboration and partnership

ENERGY with civil society, oil, gas as well as mining companies towards the implementation of ongoing reforms in the extractive industry in Nigeria.

He stated that the new approach by NEITI was to work with the government, companies and civil society to rebuild trust urgently required to promote inflow of FDI into the oil, gas and mining sectors.

A statement by the Head, Communications and Advocacy, NEITI, Mrs. Obiageli Onuorah, stated that Orji “ expressed regrets over the complaints by oil companies that out of over $75 billion investments that came into sub Saharan Africa in the last few years, only $3 billion came to

Nigeria”.

“It is time for us to reunite with mutual respect to address poor investments in the industry and I see my appointment as NEITI executive secretary as the instrument of that unification. Stakeholders’ unity is key because in transparency and accountability, every one gains,” he said.

During the meeting organised by the oil trade section of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) the executive secretary assured the companies that under his leadership, NEITI will be a pillar of trust, partnership and collaboration.

He pledged that NEITI would work with the companies and relevant government agencies to address the growing concerns over proliferation of

levies and taxation, noting that the organisation will evaluate the roles of its strategic partners and devise new approaches to achieve results.

In a separate meeting with CSOs, Orji promised to enhance the capacity of the civil society to respond adequately to unfolding challenges associated with driving the reforms in the extractive industry in Nigeria.

“We will create the space for engagement and address every concern that you have. Trust that we will work with you to deliver on your mandate as enshrined in the civil society protocols set out in the EITI Standard,” he said.

He announced the formation of a civil society congress, where robust debates and Continued on page 24

Nigeria Has 34 Days Petrol Stock Sufficiency, Price Regulator Claims Chineme Okafor in Abuja

ECONOMY

Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector price regulator, the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), has said that the country can sustain its current daily petrol consumption of about 55 million litres for another 34 days, indicating thus that product scarcity could be farfetched.

Pockets of heavy queues for petrol recently emerged in the country due to PPPRA’s publication of a price guideline, which suggested that the market rate for a litre of petrol should be about N212. The federal government, however, claimed ignorance of the price and its implementation by oil marketers.

However, a stock data re-

port of the PPPRA for March 11, obtained by THISDAY explained that the country had about 1.925 billion litres of petrol in storage and which could last for 34 days.

Most of the volumes in store were, however, owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which also claimed last week that a raise in pump price was not in consideration despite rise in oil price in the international market.

According to the PPPRA, about 1.137 billion litres of petrol were in store in the country’s land-based storage facility while up to 788 million litres were in marine-based storage. It added that the land-based

storage could last for 20 days while marine stocks would take the country for about 14 days.

Also, in store for about a month sufficiency according to the PPPRA is Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK) which it said was about 99 million litres and 33 days sufficiency. The volume of diesel available in the country was put at 368 million litres and able to last for 26 days while domestic kerosene stock was 21 million which could last for 29 days.

Following its publication of the guiding price and a public outcry on its socioeconomic implications, the PPPRA stated in a public statement that the prices were “only indicative of current market trends and do not translate to any increase

in pump price of PMS.” It however disclosed that a ‘Market-Based Pricing Regime for PMS Regulation 2020’ has been approved and gazetted by the government with which its deregulation of the downstream sector will be based.

“Based on this regulation, prices are expected to be determined by market realities in line with the dictates of market forces.

One of the conditions for the implementation of the Market-Based Pricing Regime for PMS Regulation 2020 is the monthly release of guiding price to reflect current market fundamentals.

“The PPPRA in line with its mandate to maintain constant surveillance over Continued on page 24

The Chief Executive Officer, Ardova Plc(AP), Olumide Adeosun has said the company would remain focused on increasing long-term value for their shareholders by investing in higher margin products to improve their earnings-generating capacity and preserve the strength of AP’s balance sheet.

Adeosun stated while speaking on the 2020 results of the company, which showed a profit after tax of N2.1 billion. According to him, 2020 presented the most challenging market conditions globally with the energy sector being one of the worst hit by the pandemic.

“The foresight we had in the early activation of our business continuity plan proved essential as we transitioned to remote work with a near zero impediment to workflows. The resilience of our firm shone through as we forged ahead to achieve milestones we set in our strategic roadmap. We successfully commenced the roll out of our newly branded solar-service stations, we delivered on significant growth in market share on PMS sales volume, and a strategic partnership with Shell as the sole distributor of its lubricants in Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, hitting these mile stones powered the company to deliver a 46.7 per cent growth in normalised profit to N2.0billion, while operational efficiency ratios and margins improved to 5.1 per cent and 6.7 per cent.

U.S.nowIndia’sSecondBiggestOilSupplier

The United States overtook Saudi Arabia as India’s second biggest oil supplier after Iraq last month, as refiners boosted cheaper U.S. crude purchases to record levels to offset OPEC+ supply cuts, data from trade sources showed.

According to Reuters, the switch in supplies, triggered by lower U.S. crude demand, coincided with Saudi Arabia’s voluntary extra one million barrel per day (bpd) output cut, on top of an agreement by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) to maintain lower production.

India’s imports from the U.S - the world’s top producer - rose 48 per cent to a record 545,300 bpd in February from the prior month, accounting for 14 per cent of India’s overall imports last month, the data obtained by Reuters showed.

In contrast, February imports from Saudi Arabia fell by 42 per cent from January to a decade low of 445,200 bpd, the data showed. Saudi Arabia, which has consistently been one of India’s top two suppliers, slipped to No. 4 for the first time since at least January 2006.

Oil Slips, Reverses Previous Gains

Oil prices edged lower on Monday, pulling back from early gains fostered on strong Chinese economic news and ongoing supply restraint from major oil producers.

Crude benchmarks have steadily climbed throughout 2021 as major oil producers restrained supply and coronavirus vaccine distribution quickened, feeding hopes of stronger economies and fuel demand.

Brent crude futures for May settled at $68.88 a barrel, losing 34 cents. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude for April settled at $65.39 a barrel, shedding 22 cents.

China’s industrial output growth quickened in January-February, beating expectations, while its daily refinery throughput data rose 15% from a year earlier, data showed.

Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia cut supply of April-loading crude to at least four north Asian buyers by up to 15 per cent, while meeting the normal monthly requirements of Indian refiners, refinery sources told Reuters on Friday.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, a group known as OPEC+, decided this month to extend most supply cuts into April.

A massive U.S. stimulus package passed this month, raising prospects for global economic growth.

“It is sad to note that we sell gas cheaply to investors while the price is high in the domestic market to the extent that some Nigerians say diesel is cheaper than gas” Petroleum Resources Minister, Timiprye Sylva

24

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯʹ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

BUSINESSWORLD NEITI DECRIES NIGERIA’S $3BN SHARE OF AFRICA’S $75BN FDI constructive dialogue on the scope, dimension and stakeholders responsibilities to reform Nigeria’s extractive sector through consensus building will be held from time to time under NEITIcovered entities and donors’ collaboration.

Chair of the Companies’ Forum, Mr. Bunmi Toyobo, in his remarks, stated that the meeting was called to ask questions on Orji’s vision and how the stakeholders will support him to deliver on his mandate.

He lamented the huge burden of expectations from the extractive sector in Nigeria even in the face of dwindling production capacity and lack of competitiveness of the Nigerian extractive investment corridor as well as the uncertainty surrounding the future of fossil fuels.

In her remarks, a former member of the EITI Board, National Stakeholders’ Working Group of NEITI and chair of the civil society steering committee, Ms Faith Nwadishi, described Orji it as a square peg in a square hole.

National Coordinator of Publish What You Pay (PWYP), Nigeria, Peter Egbule, noted that it is time to rebuild the civil society family and lauded the ongoing consultations.

NIGERIA HAS 34 DAYS PETROL STOCK SUFFICIENCY, PRICE REGULATOR CLAIMS all key indices relevant to pricing policy, monitors market trends on a daily basis to determine guiding prices,” it explained.

The PPPRA added that the NNPC became the sole importer of petrol in Nigeria due to prevailing challenges with the supply of the product.

“PPPRA is also mindful of the current discussion going on between the government and the organized labour on the deregulation policy.

While consultation with relevant stakeholders is ongoing, PPPRA does not fix or announce prices and therefore there is no price increase,” it note

Group Business Editor

ÌÓØØË ÒÓ×Ë Capital Market Editor

NEWS

Law Firm Seeks Clarity on FG’s Plan to Sell Key National Assets Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja A commercial law firm, Olaniyun Ajayi, which boasts of nearly 60 years’ experience in the business, has called for clarity in the federal government’s bid to sell some key national assets to boost the country’s revenue.

Writing in its March bulletin, the company noted that it was obvious that the government had resorted to the development as a means of improving liquidity, reducing operating costs and improving the operational efficiency of certain its assets given the depth of resources and higher levels of expertise that is abound in the private sector.

Specifically, it noted that the government intended to use the proceeds realised from the disposal of the assets which cut across energy, industries, communications and infrastructure, to fund the 2021 budget.

While some of the assets will be privatised using a ‘core investor sale’ which involves a sale of at least 51 per cent of the shares of an entity, others will be privatised of by way of asset sales or more temporary arrangements such as commercialisation and concession.

A recent report listed the assets for privatisation, commercialisation or outright sale as the Yola Electricity Distribution Company, Mineral House, Lagos, Geregu Power,

××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) Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) Reporters

ÙÝË ÖÏÕÒßÙÑÓÏ (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy)

International Trade Fair Complex, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Federal Housing Authority, Bank of Agriculture and the Nigeria Commodity Exchange.

“None of the reports provide any exact or estimated figures as to the total sum of money the government expects to raise from the privatisation exercise.

However, it is reported that in addition to the funds to be raised from the sale of the government assets, the FGN intends to also borrow $14.69 billion from local and international lenders.

“ In the country’s 2021 budget, a statutory transfer of $1.3 billion and $8.65 billion was approved for debt servicing.

From the foregoing, it is clear that the funds raised from the privatisation exercise will be used to shore up the country’s finances and keep the national debt at sustainable levels,” it noted.

While calling for clarity, the firm stressed that a number of the assets listed have been subjects of previous partial or total privatisation efforts in Nigeria, including the National Integrated Power

Projects (NIPP) assets, which were subject of significant investor interest but was ultimately unsuccessful due to a number of technical issues.

“Also, Yola Electricity Distribution Company, was successfully privatised by the federal government in 2013 but the transaction was subsequently unwound, when the private sector investor exercised its ‘put option’ in respect of the shares acquired – on account of insecurity and related issues in the company’s coverage areas.

OURSCORECARD

L-R: Finance Director, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Mr. Joseph Alegbesogie; Group Managing Director, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi; Chairman, Dr Bamidele Makanjuola; Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Mr. Olalekan Sanni; and Non-executive Director, Mr. Achike Umunna, during the 59th annual general meeting of VitafoaminLagos…recently.

FG Gets Report on Gas Affordability, May Slash Prices Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The federal government may review downward the prohibitive prices of gas in the country, following the submission of a report to that effect by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources in Abuja.

Despite the government’s much-touted focus on gas as a cleaner source of energy, especially to discourage the use firewood

by Nigerians, there have been complaints about the high prices of the product which currently range between N5,000 and N5,500 for a 12-kilogramme container of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

In June last year, the government set up a committee to recommend an appropriate pricing framework for the strategic sectors of Nigeria’s

domestic market, including for retail and industrial uses.

While receiving the report at the headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Timipre Sylva, said that the purpose of the entire report was to reduce the price of gas in order to liberalise the sector for more stakeholders to get involved.

He opined that this would enable the sector to grow and attract more investment with accelerated development in the entire gas value chain and reaffirmed that Nigeria has abundant gas resources in its reserves with a total of 203 trillion cubic feet of proven reserves and 600 TCF of possible reserves.

A statement by the Deputy Director of Information at the min-

istry, Bob-Manuel Enefaa, quoted the minister as emphasising that revising the prices would give Nigerians more options, whether for domestic uses or otherwise, stressing that some persons could decide to opt for auto-gas, for instance instead of petrol.

Sylva added that gas-based industries would continue to dominate and determine the sustainability of the economy at large, noting that gas remains the next big thing in the country.

The committee was earlier saddled with the responsibility of evaluating and reviewing the price of gas in the country.

“Without appropriate pricing, we can’t get it right. We have to ensure that gas becomes affordable. It is sad to note that we sell gas cheaply to investors while the price is high in the domestic

market to the extent that some Nigerians say diesel is cheaper than gas,” he had said earlier.

Sylva opined that Nigeria has a lot of gas deposit, and that once the country is able to solve its gas problems, it would surmount a lot of its current challenges.

Addressing members of the committee, the minister said the body was deliberately enlarged and structured to accommodate people with diverse opinions, dedication and commitment.

The terms of reference of the committee included the review of domestic gas price and benchmark, recommendations for appropriate gas price for the respective gas sectors and to make evaluations, and technical suggestions on how to grow the sector.

Chairman of the committee

Mr. Yusuf Usman, Chief Operating Officer, Gas and Power, NNPC, while speaking, said the committee evaluated the price of gas in line with global standards.

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary at the ministry, Mr. Bitrus Nabasu, expressed optimism that with the report now ready, and with the expected implementation, it will enhance Nigeria’s economic development and sustainability.

“We are delighted to have a final report which documents recommendations based on problems we are much familiar with in the Nigerian domestic gas market.

“The pricing must be cost reflective, non-discriminatory, realistic and market determined. Cheap gas which Nigeria boasts to have in abundance remains our only nexus to economic sustainability,” he stated.

‘Mortgage Bill Will Raise Gross GDP by 51%’ Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Goddy Egene

Comms/e-Business Editor

Zungeru Hydro Power Plant and Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

It named some of the other assets as Geregu II, Calabar II and Omotosho II power plants, the Kaduna, Warri, and Port-Harcourt refineries, Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), Nigerian Film Corporation, Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), Abuja Water Board, International Conference Centre, Abuja and River Basin Development Authority.

Others assets include: the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos

Proponents of the Institute of Mortgage Brokers and Lenders (IMBL) bill which has just passed its third reading at the House of Representatives, have said that when passed, it will increase Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by at least 51 per cent.

The bill, which was initiated

by Ondo State born entrepreneur, realtor and financial analyst, Jasper Olusayero, when passed, is expected to regulate mortgage practice

in Nigeria.

In a press statement in Abuja, Olusayero argued that the bill would also create massive employment opportunity for the country’s teeming unemployed youths and eradicate fraud and sharp practices in the mortgage industry.

“This bill will curb all corrupt dealings and money laundering channels through mortgage practices,” Olusayero, who is the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the organisation

posited.

The bill sponsored by Hon. Danchung Bagos, representing Jos South/ East Federal Constituency (Plateau State), had recently passed third reading at the floor of house of representatives.

The Mortgage Practices Regulation Bill, which was presented on the floor of the green chamber in 2020, enjoys massive support of the lawmakers due to its benefits towards addressing housing deficit and protect interest of Small enterprises accessing credit facility in the country.

According to Olusayero, the bill will empower the organisation to advance the study, training and determine the standard and knowledge and skills to be attained by persons seeking to become registered members.

The act will also enable institute attain a professional status in Nigeria , thereby bringing mortgage practices in Nigeria at par with other climes globally.

IMBL also offers consultancy services on mortgage brokerage, financing and

lending and helps foster a favourable operating environment in the housing and mortgage market.

The organisation pledged to be the voice for the residential mortgage lending industry and the central provider of economic, statistical, legal, research and other market information that makes mortgage transaction quick and seamless.

It also promised to bridge the gap between borrowers and lenders to ensure smooth transactions.

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Firm Offers Support for Investment Programme The Founder and Managing Director, Ninu Intercontinental Investments Limited, Paula Seyi-Ogedengbe, has pledged the organisation’s readiness to provide unparalleled end-to-end customer support to clients who are seeking better access to the world for business expansion opportunities, wealth and estate management, as well as succession planning.

The organisation, she noted, is listed as authorised representatives of the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment programme, with headquarters in London, UK, and a local office in Lagos, Nigeria. The company is an agency that provides African high net-worth individuals (HNWIs) with citizenship and residency by investment solutions from international governments and institutions seeking for foreign direct investment from within the African continent.

This, Seyi-Ogedengbe said, would be achieved from the discovery to the finalisation of their investment.

“The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment programme is the most affordable means for African families to overcome visa restrictions that are increasingly placed on many African countries, which limits ease of access to the rest of the world and global mobility in this globalised era.”

She emphasised on the visa application processes, which are

becoming increasingly complex for Nigerians. “ For instance, under the Trump administration, US visa application fees for Nigerian applicants have been increased and an interview waiver process for visa renewals for frequent travelers has been indefinitely suspended, while a ban has also been placed on issuing immigrant visas to Nigerians.

“Many other African countries like Ghana and Kenya have large groups of individuals that cannot travel without undergoing the tedious visa application processes that do not guarantee the approval of the visa.”

The Antigua and Barbuda CIP, the director noted, provides a plan B, for Africans that are seeking to travel the world and gain access to global business opportunities without being limited by the increasingly tense visa restrictions.

“The Antigua and Barbuda passport has a high mobility score and is ranked in the world’s top 30 passports.

“The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Program is still the most affordable citizenship by investment program for families of four; it costs a $100,000 minimum investment, compared to 150,000 for St. Lucia, 175,000 for Dominica, and 200,000 for Grenada.

“The A&B passport is also ranked higher than most Caribbean countries that offer citizenship by investment, ahead of St. Lucia, Grenada and Dominica,” she added.

Logitech Partners Proxynet to Address Grey Market in West Africa Emma Okonji Logitech, a multinational company that produces technology devices like video conferencing kits, keyboards, wireless mouse, wireless headsets, webcam and other creativity tools and equipment, has partnered Proxynet as its authorised distributor for all its tech products in the West African region.

Giving details of the partnership deal at a recent press conference in Lagos, the Managing Director of Proxynet Communications, Mr. Ifeanyi Ozo-Onyali, said with the partnership, Proxynet became the authorised distributor for Logitech West Africa, to serve all Logitech resellers in West Africa and grow the Logitech business, leveraging on its spread across West Africa to grow the brand, build proper reseller network and support structure.

According to Ozo-Onyali, “The partnership with address all areas of grey market, and provide the right channel, where retailers will have the opportunity to buy quality and standard products from the authorised distributor at competitive pricing. The essence of making Proxynet the distributor for the West African market, is to further grow the market for Logitech and make its products more visible across West African countries, including Nigeria.

“Proxynet will enhance the product distribution through its offices in Nigeria, Ghana

and Cote d Ivoire, and it is currently in partnership with IT Companies, and Computer Accessory Dealers that will drive sales of Logitech products in the West African regional markets.”

Before now, most dealers do not know how to get genuine products from Logitech and most of them resorted to buying from grey market, which has always remained a high risk market because of the influx of substandard products around the grey market that are not from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

By buying through the Proxynet channel, dealers will not only have quality and standard products, they will also get training, market support and products availability from Proxynet, Ozo-Onyali further said. Giving the reason for the choice of Proxynet, Ozo-Onyali explained that Proxynet was instrumental to the growth of Samsung’s B2B business in Nigeria as well as other big brands and would bring its expertise to bear in the Logitech distributor partnership deal.

“The issues with logistics will not be a challenge because Proxynet has put in place, a framework and the right infrastructure that will help distribute the products to resellers, who will in turn sell to the end users. We will ensure we make the products available in Nigeria, Ghana and Cote d Ivoire to serve both the English and French speaking regions in West Africa.

NIRSAL Partners NASENI on Agriculture Mechanisation James Emejo in Abuja The Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) Plc has partnered the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in a landmark initiative that is expected to create 110,000 jobs.

Under the agreement, the risk management agency is engaging NASENI as its technical collaborative partner for the conceptualisation, design, development, deployment, implementation and execution of various schemes/projects under the NIRSAL-NASENI Comprehensive Tractor Recovery Scheme.

It will further cover the Modular Geo-Cooperative-Based Irrigation System for Smallholder Farmers and other agricultural value chain-related challenges requiring efficient homegrown

scientific and engineering solutions for proof of concept projects and scale-up to attract finance and investment into fixed value chains.

The move is in continuation of NIRSAL’s strategy of delivering on its mandate of providing end-to-end solutions aimed at fixing breakages along the Agricultural Value Chains (AVC) in the country.

Managing Director/Chief Executive, NIRSAL, Mr. Aliyu Abdulhameed, at the launch event in Abuja, said the deal would support the federal government’s efforts aimed at achieving economic stability and prosperity for Nigerians.

He expressed optimism that the partnership would ensure that there are sustainable fixes to identified challenges facing the agribusiness sector in the country.

The MD stressed that the

partnership would go a long way in maximising the agricultural potentials of the country, thereby contributing to the achievement of food security, inclusive economic growth, diversification, and employment generation.

He said the risk assessment agency remained committed to ensuring a successful collaboration, adding that it would extend its Credit Risk Guarantee (CRG) cover to the finance invested into the scheme.

NIRSAL will also provide project monitoring, reporting and remediation services; provide technical assistance, capacity building and advisory services as well as create, provide and facilitate capital market opportunities.

As part of the partnership, NIRSAL and NASENI would crowd-in stakeholders from all AVC segments to create AVC-wide commercially viable platforms anchored on Public-

Private Partnerships (PPPs).

Abdulhameed, explained that to make up for the deficit in tractors and other mechanisation equipment, both parties will recover and reinvigorate idle agricultural equipment for enhanced mechanisation of of the sector.

He pointed out that the deal will further leverage on the technological capacity of NASENI in the area of solar modules production to create a critical backbone in the provision of off-grid energy to power modular irrigation and agro-processing clusters that are domiciled within NIRSAL Agro Geo-Cooperative clusters.

He said the partnership, like all of NIRSAL’s strategic interventions, will create widespread socioeconomic development, adding that least 110,000 jobs comprising 10,000 direct and 100,000 indirect employments.

KNOWLEDGESHARING

L-R : Chief of Staff to the Executive Vice Chairman(EVC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr. Hafiz Shehu; Director, Technical Standards & Network Integrity, Bako Wakil ; Director, Public Affairs , Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde; EVC, Prof Umar Garba Danbatta; Director, Human Capital and Administration, Mr. Usman Malah; Director, Spectrum Administration, Oluwatoyin Asaju; and Director, Financial Services Mr. Yakubu Gontor during the NCCexecutives virtualbullionlectureinAbuja…recently.

MBA Reassures Investors of Getting Back Funds Raheem Akingbolu MBA Trading and Capital Investment Limited, a forex training and capital investment company, has reiterated its commitment to pay back investors’ capital fund after its inability to meet up with the expected investment revenue base due to market volatility among other challenges. Investors have been calling for payment of their capital fund across social media platforms and news platforms.

An online news platform reported that investors alleged that major stakeholders in the company committed fraud.

But in a statement, the Chief Executive Officer of MBA Trading, Maxwell Odum, assured investors that they would get the refund of their capital funds as the

process had already commenced while some had already received their funds. It also maintained that it did not engage in another notorious Ponzi scheme and its major stakeholders never committed any fraud.

“Now, following the challenges we are currently grappling with in our business due to market volatility and other unfortunate developments, which means we are unable to meet up with the expected outcomes, we are strongly committed to ensuring that you do not at least lose your capital. We sold you an idea that we believed in and you have invested your funds into it because you trusted us. Where for one reason or the other things do not work out as expected in terms of your returns, the least

you would expect is that your capital is safe.

“Our commitment is to pay back all capital funds. In fact, we have commenced that process by paying out our clients on the N360, 000 category (which has the largest volume of persons).

To this end, we have slowly paid out hundreds of persons before we encountered an unforeseen circumstance. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) suspended any dealings in our accounts because, according to them, it became imperative to carry out some checks to ensure that we have been acting lawfully. All other payment gateways we normally use for easy payout of funds have also blacklisted us causing even more difficulty in the initial process,” he said.

Commenting further on the issue with the CBN he added: “On our part, we recognize the role of government’s intervention in moments of hazy optics.

While we are not perfect, we do not subscribe to criminality and will not convert this intervention to exploitation of your patience to shy away from our responsibility. However, you will agree with us, in circumstances like this, we are expected to cooperate with the authorities until they lift this embargo and allow us to fulfill our commitments to you.

The statement also cleared the air on the smear campaigns against certain individuals who have sacrificially committed their time to stave off crisis from inception till now.

APCON Registrar Announces Growth Strategies for Advertising Industry Raheem Akingbolu The Registrar and Chief Executive of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, (APCON) Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, has unveiled some of his plans on regulating and uplifting the standard of advertising practice in Nigeria.

Some of his plans include industry reform, solving tax related issues, copyright issues, agencies pitching for government

communications jobs, among others. He revealed these at the reception organised to honour him. The event was organised by multiple award-winning frontline brands and marketing publication, Brand Communicator in collaboration with the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN).

Similarly, Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) practitioners tasked APCON to ensure that it adheres to

growth based regulations that will help strengthen the industry rather than killing the industry businesses.

Commenting on the state of regulation in the country, Olalekan said:“Nigeria is the only country in Africa that practices double regulatory system as at today; we have the government regulatory system and self-regulatory system. In other market, it is purely selfregulation. The sectoral group

comes together they outline best business practices, they sign MoU and it becomes a law, but in Nigeria we always find it difficult to conclude that process.”

Therefore, he said that, he was working on how to bring the sectoral group to work together, in the interest of having an industry all can be proud of.

On the industry reform, “Again the industry reform has been a major challenge.

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Seplat Restates Commitment to Sustainable Value Delivery Goddy Egene Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc, a leading Nigerian independent energy company listed on both the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE), is strongly committed to deploying resources and expertise to create and deliver sustainable value to meet the expectations of its various stakeholders through a responsible approach in the management of the company’s Environment Social, and Governance (ESG) imperatives.

Chief Executive Office at Seplat, Mr. Roger Brown, stated this at the Facts Behind the Sustainability Report presentation made to the NSE. According to him, the company is committed to driving operational excellence in optimizing benefits to society and minimizing the negative impacts of its activities whilst making significant contributions towards sustainable development and

pursuing continuous improvements in its Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure a better world without losing focus on the future generations.

Brown said Seplat’s sustainability policy is based on the following principles: commitment to transparent and complete disclosure of our ESG performance; encouraging responsible use of resources – energy, water and others; implementing human rights and gender equality; needs assessment of stakeholders to identify appropriate solutions; considering natural and cultural circumstances of Seplat’s host communities in the implementation of CSR initiatives; and setting science-based targets to deliver on environmental footprint.

“We adopt an inclusive stakeholder management approach; integrate sustainability into our core business model and strategy; embed sustainability concept and practice companywide; operate the highest standard of corporate governance; leverage on stakeholder engagement in

determining materiality; and exhibit a strong belief in our shared value philosophy,” he noted.

He explained that the company is strongly driving Nigeria’s transition to gas, delivering significant environmental, economic and social benefits that support United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

On Seplat’s response to climate change, he said the company was strongly adhering to its flare out campaign to reduce carbon footprint, and has gone ahead to established a science-based assessment of “our greenhouse

gases emissions and reporting, adding that Seplat is currently investing in new infrastructure and R&D to help capture some of the emissions not previously reported.”

“We are developing a carbon calculator for continuous sustainable deployment to highlight the most negative carbon emission activities. Our investments in gas at Oben, Sapele and ANOH is aimed at reducing GHG emissions.

“Seplat has created a new energy group to manage our midstream gas business and explore the adoption

of renewable energy,” Brown added.

According to him, Seplat’s operations impact a wide range of stakeholders, saying that the company has continued to deploy proactive and effective stakeholder engagement framework, identify and classify stakeholders and their expectations, build mutually beneficial relationship with stakeholders, engage its stakeholders regularly and consistently, and deliver consistently on our Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) commitments.

He explained that Seplat has

invested extensively on development of local suppliers, of which over 98 per cent of materials are sourced from Nigeria.

“We have a deliberate policy of encouraging local contractors in the award of some jobs. The company takes the issue of local content delivery seriously. Over the years, Seplat has improved economic empowerment of women and youths with customised empowerment programme, sustained skills acquisition programme for youths in its communities whilst creating jobs and developing local suppliers.

OnlinePlatformtoAddress FamilyChallengesLaunched Emma Okonji Familylifers has launched an online family platform known as familylifers.com, which seeks to address societal ills by engaging youths and families with technology skills that will help them overcome the challenges of COVID-19.

The online platform provides an opportunity for empowerment, employment, acquisition of skills, and advertisement of businesses for SMEs/entrepreneurs, for youth to engage in meaningful ventures that will help to shun activities that could bring a setback to Nigeria and cause havoc on the citizens.

Speaking at the launch of familylifers.com recently, its co-Founder, Mrs. Yomi Adewale, said: “The impact of COVID-19 pandemic is not a small deal on the citizens in any way. It has increased challenges faced by families, especially our youths and young adults who are the future of our nation and tomorrow’s leaders.”

Citing the current unemployment rate of 27.1 per cent, as released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in the second quarter of 2020, she said the rate implied an increase in the poverty level in many families, adding that many youths are out of jobs beyond gender, geographical or educational biased reasons.

She further explained that the founders were moved by the societal and family challenges to create an online platform to address structural and practical challenges faced by today’s youth and families.

She said the initiative would support the efforts of the government to curb the rate of unemployment among Nigerian youth.

Co-founder, Mr. Bisi Adewale, who was optimistic that the online family platform would address family

and youth challenges, said Nigeria battled so many things at the same time from high crime rate to poverty, unemployment, divorce, wife battering, abandonment, violence in marriage, depression, kidnapping, banditry, child sexual abuse, suicides, violence against women, among others.

“Seeing the present state of the nation, we need to pay attention to our young people, and help them grow to full potential and responsible adults who can join in nation-building. Nigeria has one of the largest numbers of young people in the world.

We can’t sit down without helping these young ones to become better personalities. In their annual report, the World Bank tracks the percentage of each country’s population within 0 - 14 years of age.

Among the countries with a high population of children are Nigeria, Afghanistan, and Uganda,” he said He further added that a third of all women experience physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives, and that a quarter of all women aged between 15 -24 have already experienced violence by their partners.

“We discovered that one of the best ways to solve the problem of our nation is using the power of science and technology, hence the birth of the platform that will bring a solution to many of our nation’s problems. The platform will take them out of the street and make them use technology for positive things.

“It will also give room for young Nigerians to interact and showcase their skills, products and services free of charge. It is an avenue for unemployed graduates to be linked with employers of labour as they upload their CVs on the platform,” Mr. Adewale further said.

AWARDOFRECOGNITION

Managing Director/CEO, BUA Cement Plc (4th left first row) and General Manager, Richard Gidaddo, BUA Cement Plc( 4th right first row ) flanked by membersoftheOkpellaGraduatesAssociation(OGA)whentheypaidacourtesycalltoBUACement topresentanawardtothecompany inOkpella… recently

Oriental Energy Donates Science Laboratory to Akwa Ibom School Peter Uzoho Oriental Energy Resources Limited, an indigenous oil exploration and production company in Nigeria, has donated a state-of-the-art Science Laboratory Complex to the Community Grammar School, Ebughu, Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The complex donated by the company consists of Biology, Chemistry and Physics laboratories including teachers’ offices, toilet facilities and fittings, gas cylinders and fire extinguishers.

Others included laboratory furniture such as stools for students, teachers’ desks and chairs, white boards, shelves and storage facilities for reagents and chemicals.

Also included are the West

African Examination Council (WAEC) standard equipment together with different types of reagents/chemicals for Biology, Chemistry and Physics practicals.

Electricity supply within the laboratory building complex was also made possible by a solarpowered system and inverter, which also pumps water from the borehole to the overhead tanks and solar water heating system.

The Corporate Communications Manager of the company, Sam Umukoro, quoted the Managing Director of Oriental Energy Resources, Mr. Ignatius Ifelayo, to have said at the inauguration and handover ceremony held recently that the facility was a demonstration of the company’s commitment to education and human capital development in the state. Ifelayo also said that

the gesture was evidence of the company’s long-term dedication to human capital development in Akwa Ibom State.

He said: “It is now very clear that most jobs of the future will require a basic understanding of mathematics and science.

“At the same time, recent developments around the world point to the fact that scientific and technological innovations are becoming increasingly important in the 21st century.

“Therefore, in preparing our children for the future, we need to provide them with a conducive learning environment, where they can lay a good foundation, especially through the study of biology, chemistry, and physics.

“This is the main reason why we embarked on the science laboratory project at Community

Grammar School, Ebughu, Mbo LGA, Akwa Ibom State”.

According to him “It is our hope that the judicious use of the laboratory complex for teaching and learning will lead to better academic outcomes for students registered for examinations in the core science subjects of biology, chemistry and physics.” the managing director added.

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Idongesit Etiebet, commended Oriental Energy Resources for embarking on the science laboratory project.

“Oriental Energy Resources partnering with the state government to promote education should be a challenge to other multinational companies, NGOs and individuals to join hands and build up the sector’’, she said.

Digital Agency, Loose Media, Enters the Market Place Top fast-rising digital first marketing and media agency, Loose Media, has launched into the digital marketing space. The digital agency, which began operations in May 2020, is solidifying its place in the marketing and advertising ecosystem in Nigeria and beyond.

Although it started operations in 2020, Loose Media comes power-packed with top talents and experts known to make magic happen in the digital and traditional marketing industry.

Little wonder the agency successfully launched Vbank, a leading digital bank in Nigeria, and played a key role in the

massive 400 per cent growth the bank saw in its first year of launch.

Speaking on the launch, Managing Director/CEO, Loose Media, Ized Uanikhehi, said: “In my 15 years’ experience in marketing, I can honestly count this as my proudest moment.

At Loose Media, what sets us apart is the fact that we are KPI and data driven, plus we have a vast knowledge of the digital marketing industry and we know what works. I am really excited about how far Loose Media has come. I am grateful to God for giving me the best team ever. I would

not have come this far without this team.”

Uanikhehi shared how the team is sure to break grounds and encourages brands and businesses to experience outof-the-box, creative thinking that solves problems.

On the goals of the company, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Loose Media, Charles Avackaa, said: “Our services are geared towards building a brand people love, use and talk about. That’s why our vision is to be the hub of value-driven creativity and the foremost expert in the marketing ecosystem out of Africa. This is what drives

us every day.”

A vibrant, energetic marketing and media agency that is quickly writing its digital footprints in the marketing, Loose Media is motivated by a desire tocreate meaningful connections for brands and their target audience, telling impactful stories for brands that captivate the hearts of customers, which they have been known to do in a short time.

Among the many clients and partners on the Loose Media portfolio are Vbank, EverdonBDC, Anchoria Asset Management, Afripay, Cellar Central, Risevest, among others.

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Olaleye: Gender Inclusivity is Foundation a Sustainable World The Group Executive Director, Commercials, ipNX Nigeria, Bimpe Olaleye, in this interview sheds light on the wins and the journey ahead towards the attainment of a gender-inclusive world. Ugo Aliogo presents the excerpt.

What is the significance of International Women’s Day(IWD)?

IWD is significant for women and society at large. It brings together people of every race, religion, ethnicity, and age to raise awareness about the necessity of a gender-inclusive world.

IWD equally provides an avenue to celebrate women’s achievements all over the world and continuously nudges critical stakeholders for collective actions towards gender parity. In simple terms, it highlights how far we have come on gender inclusion, and shows us how far we still have to go as a people In what ways does gender disparity harm the society?

Gender disparity harms our collective existence and development as a people. Chiefly, it leads to the exclusion of women who constitute about half of the world’s talent, experience, and knowledge, leaving our societies operating at under 50 percent capacity. There is growing evidence that women do not only bear the brunt of poverty but that women’s empowerment is a central precondition for its eliminations. As such, poverty elimination is only achievable if the disproportionate economic burden, lack of access to education and health services, as well as lack of productive opportunities for women are addressed. According to a 2015 report from the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI), advancing women’s equality could add about $12 trillion to global growth by 2025. Clearly, the continued existence of gender disparity is a bane of societal development.

Attainment of gender inclusivity, whose responsibility is it?

Attaining gender inclusivity is everyone’s business, as such, we cannot afford to leave the conversations to women alone. Particularly because gender inclusivity in its truest sense is a necessary foundation to achieving a peaceful, thriving, and sustainable world. It is imperative that all stakeholders – men, women, educational institutions, corporate organisations, religious bodies, government, etc. – get involved.

More men need to join in to raise awareness about the reality of gender stereotypes and discrimination. It is also critical for them to help transform the power dynamics both in the corporate world and politics. Educational institutions should constantly educate the younger generations about gender equality, especially in their formative years. Corporate organisations have critical roles to play as well. They need to ensure that they create an equal platform for both men and women to learn and grow.

Adequate policies must be in place to combat stereotypes.

Olaleye The government must continue to empower women, and fight the gaps in the areas of financial inclusion, education, and politics because gender equality is not only a pressing moral and social issue but also a critical economic one.

Do you think there have been any wins on gender inclusivity?

For me, the number one win is the fact that we are having this conversation. The awareness level is growing, and that is the starting point towards attaining gender inclusivity. Men are becoming conscious of the reality of gender stereotypes and discrimination, and women are realizing that truly, there is no limit to what they can achieve. On the global scale, countries like New Zealand, Iceland, Germany, Denmark, etc. have incumbent female leaders. On the African continent, Ethiopia’s Sahle-Work Zewde comes to mind. And recently, Nigeria produced the first female Director-General of the World Trade

NESGLauds thePassageofthePlantVarietyProtection Bill Ugo Aliogo The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has lauded the Senate for passing the Plant Variety protection Bill (PVP) into law on the March 3.

A statement by the NESG said the PVP Bill (HB 68) was read for the third time and passed into law by the Senate after several months of deliberations.

The Plant Variety Protection Bill was read for the first time in the Senate on February 16, and is in concurrence with passage of the Bill by the House of Representatives on the December 17.

The statement further explained that through the Partnership for Inclusive Agricultural Transformation in Africa (PIATA), together with AGRA, the Rockefeller Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and USAID, the NESG has

been collaborating with the Nigeria Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) to support the enactment of legislation that would “provide a plant variety protection system that will incentivise national and multinational agribusiness investments and aid the development of Nigeria’s Agriculture value chain.”

The statement hinted that the passage and implementation of the PVP bill would give plant breeders intellectual property over a new plant variety, with exclusive rights to commercialize seed and/ or propagation material of the variety.

“The PVP also promotes marketing of new varieties and allow breeders to earn back the considerable costs involved in the long process of variety development. Furthermore, a well-functioning PVP system will encourage in-country

breeding activities; this will also attract foreign companies to introduce high quality improved varieties, knowing that others cannot easily copy their effort or take advantage of it. Once the PVP Law is passed and implemented in Nigeria, the country will move from generating $0 from seeds export to generating well over $2.0 billion from seeds export within the first five years,” it said.

“While commending the National Assembly for its role in ensuring the passage of the PVP Bill, we implore the government to act speedily in ensuring that this legislation is signed into law, as we believe that the measures set out in the PVP Bill will create a more appropriate system that meets today’s realities, improve the business environment and general agricultural performance across the economy as a whole,” it added.

Organisation. In the corporate world, 20-First’s 2020 Gender Balance Scorecard reveals that Africa’s top companies seem to be ahead of their Western counterparts in terms of the gender balance of their Executive teams. Of the companies’ 210 Executive Team members, the gender ratio is 77 per cent men and 23 per cent women – this is above the global average.

These wins should be celebrated and spur us to go further towards achieving an inclusive society.

Would you say Nigerian organisations promote gender inclusivity enough?

Corporate organisations are a reflection of what is obtainable in the larger society. And as it is with other stakeholders, more corporate organisations in Nigeria have woken up to the reality of an inclusive future, and are taking necessary steps in that direction. At ipNX, for instance, gender inclusivity is core to our operations because

we believe strongly that everyone deserves an opportunity to reach their full potential. We give men and women equal opportunities to thrive. I feel this is the right thing to do because organisations will benefit from giving women voices and platforms.

The question then is why would any organisation not embrace equality and inclusivity?

What advice would you give women who want to play in male-dominated industries?

You need to know what you want out of life and go for it. These days, there is truly no limit to the height a woman can attain. All that is required is for you to dream, focus, work on your dreams, and set out to shatter every glass ceiling. Importantly, you must be deliberate about challenging gender stereotypes and discrimination. You need to have mentors who can guide you – learning from the experiences of those who are ahead of you can help you navigate your way easily despite the many challenges.

Burkina Faso Gets New Green Energy Project Burkina Faso is to get a new large-scale renewable energy plant, it was announced today, 15th March. Located some 250km south east of the nation’s capital city of Ouagadougou, near the town of Pâ, the new solar energy plant will supply all the electricity it produces to Burkina Faso’s national power utility, La Société National D’électricité Du Burkina Faso (SONABEL).

The Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF), a member of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) is lending the project’s developer, Urbasolar SAS, 80 per cent of the capital needed for the construction of the new 30MW facility.

EAIF is the sole lender to the project, providing €29 million of the estimated €35.4 million development cost. Financial close (the transfer of funds from lender to borrower) is expected by the second quarter of the year.

An Investment Director

at EAIF’s managers, Ninety One, Paromita Chatterjee, said:“Harnessing Burkina Faso’s sunshine to improve its future prospects will bring many benefits to the country and make an important contribution to fighting global warming. This project is a perfect example of how EAIF’s public private partnership model can have lasting economic, social and environmental impacts while mobilising private capital and enterprise to create new infrastructure.”

Commenting on the project, President of Urbasolar, Arnaud Mine, and Urbasolar Regional Head, West Africa, Emmanuel Kaboré, said;“As a European expert in solar power, the Urbasolar group is conscious of its role in developing this energy source in Africa, notably in Burkina Faso, where we already operate. It is Urbasolar’s conviction that the solar power sector offers solu-

tions to numerous economic, environmental and social issues.

Therefore, in addition to providing green energy, this project also includes a number of other measures such as education regarding solar technology, the provision of study grants and a microfinancing program for local women, as well as support for the healthcare system.

This project is the result of the willingness of the Burkinabé President, Rock Marc Christian Kabore, and the government to increase the country’s energy supply by promoting private investment through public-private partnership. We are pleased to be able to work alongside the government and the national energy utility, SONABEL, to reach the goal of generating 200 MW of energy via solar power plants by 2021, the strategy established by Dr Bachir Ismael Ouedraogo, Minister of Energy, Mines and Quarries.

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TUESDAY MARCH 16, 2021 •T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯʹ, ͰͮͰͯ

IMAGES

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Photo Editor ÌÓÙÎßØ ÔËÖË Email ËÌÓÙÎßØ˛ËÔËÖË̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙ×

The Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji (4th right Standing), and the leaders of Arochukwu during an honour bestowed on the Speakerfor his exemplary leadership in Umuahia... recently

L-R: APC Caretaker Committee and Interim Management Committee Chairman/ Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni; Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Minister of Niger Delta Development Commission, Senator. Goodwill Akpabio during the commissioning of NCDC Headquarters Complex in Port Harcourt... recently

L-R: EDGE Expert, Sintali Group, Maryam N’jie; Managing Director, Alpha Mead Development Company (AMDC), Damola Akindolire; Operations Analyst, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Temilola Sonola; and Group Managing Director, Alpha Mead Group, Femi Akintunde at the presentation of Nigeria’s inaugural real estate EDGE Advanced Certification to AMDC for its tech-driven Lekki Pearl Estate in Lagos....recently PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

L-R: Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, Ore Famurewa; Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, and Chairman of the Board, Centre for Nigerian Dutch Dairy Development (CNDDD), Ben Langat; and General Manager, Dairy Development Nigeria, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, John Olayiwola, at the CNDDD webinar titled: “Harnessing the Great Unpolished Diamond of Africa, CNDDD’s vision for creating a sustainable dairy sector in Nigeria” held in Lagos...recently

L-R: Director, Business Development, Association of Business Managers and Administrations of Nigeria (ABMAN), Dr. Ibrahim Simon; Inductee, Comrade Shehu Umar; Representative of the Executive Secretary, Christian Pilgrim Commission (inductee), Mr. Barnabas Ali and Representative of the President, National Council of Women Society (inductee), Mrs. Angela Eriba, during the conferment of Awards, Fellowship and Honors to the fellows in Abuja...recently PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN

L-R: itel customers, Toluwalase Alli; Brand Ambassador, itel Mobile,Olamide Adedeji (aka) Badoo; and anothoer itel customers, Stephen Oriaku, at the itel exclusive cocktail dinner for fans in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr Musa Istifanus and Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, during the Permanent Secretary’s familiarization visit to Naval Headquarters in Abuja... recently

L-R: Representative of National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Doctor Wasiu Oladosu; Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Niger Delta Affairs, Ita Enang and Representative of Petroleum Technology Development Fund, Barr. Usman Pindar during the briefing on the effort of federal government to integrate the Modular Refinery in Abuja...recently PHOTO: AYO AJAYI

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY MARCH 16, 2021

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT Over 5 Years After Payment, ASO Savings, Hortigraph Yet to Deliver Subscriber’s Home Bennett Oghifo

T

ore people are having their plans of owning dream homes somewhere in the country dashed because of inconclusive transactions that most victims have alleged were either programmed by the developers or circumstantial.

The ordeal can happen even after the unsuspecting subscribers have made full payment for their preferred housing units, and their harrowing feeling is compounded by a sinking feeling that they are unprotected because the housing sector is

unregulated.

For one of the affected families in Abuja, it has become a source of anxiety that over five years after paying in full for their preferred house-type at an estate being developed jointly by “Hortigraph Nigeria Ltd, and Hallmark Synergy Integrated Services Ltd., in collaboration with ASO Savings and Loans Plc., as the project financiers” at Karmo District in Abuja, the developers have neither released keys to the home nor pointed at the plot where the housing unit would stand.

The distraught head of the family (name withheld) said

his desire to have a home in Abuja compelled him to respond to a beautiful flyer of an estate being developed

by Hortigraph Limited that promised quick delivery of a housing unit. He found the proposal worthy and sold his property in Lagos to enable him pay for a preferred house-type at Hortigraph estate in Karmo, Abuja. After the payment, the nightmare began, he said.

“When I came to Abuja, I realised the rent was high and thought the best thing to do was to buy a home. So, I went to Lagos and sold my property in Isheri and, based on referral

from a friend, I went to ASO Savings (a mortgage bank), where the managers told me they were marketing an estate owned by Hortigraph Limited in Karmo District in Abuja.

“From 2015, these people have collected N27.3 million from me, and they have not delivered up till today,” the subscriber told THISDAY, stating that he was certain other people are suffering similar fate.

“I went to ASO, and what they were saying, both sides (mortgage bank and developer), was that they had three phases in the estate and they were using the first phase that they

had completed to convince everybody to pay. They took me to the phase one and I liked what I saw, as every other subscriber who paid, and that was why I paid.”

He said shortly after payment, the marketers that interacted with him at the beginning, disappeared, creating a worrisome feeling.

“Immediately after, the worst thing set in because the people who were their marketers in ASO at that time resigned after some time,” and within the period, he dug deep and found out that there was an unresolved problem between

ASO and Hortigraph.

However, both companies, he said agreed that he had paid in full and that Hortigraph told him they were in the process of borrowing funds from another source to continue the project and promised to build homes for those who had paid in full, including him. “This was in January 2020 and in March there was no improvement.”

Last week, he told THISDAY that Hortigraph has not contacted him either, adding that he was desolate. “Why should I give N27.3 million to you people since 2015 without getting my home?”

Rungas Partners NCDMB to Produce LPG Cylinder at Alaro City Bennett Oghifo The Gas Industry and Nigeria’s Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) Cylinder production has received an additional boost as Rungas Group and the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB), through its SPV known as Rungas Alfa FZE, breaks ground on its new facility in Alaro City, Lagos, where it will set up the second composite LPG cylinder manufacturing plant within Nigeria with an annual capacity of 800,000 Type 3 Composite Cylinders to add to its expanding portfolio.

This facility will add to the existing SPV between Rungas and NCDMB and will raise local manufacturing of LPG composite cylinders to 1.2 million per annum; and strategically position

Nigeria as a continental hub for the supply of composite cylinders.

Rungas and NCDMB, last year also broke ground on its LPG composite cylinder manufacturing plant in Polaku, Bayelsa State, known as “Rungas Prime Industries”. The plant has a projected annual capacity of 400,000 cylinders per annum.

Rungas has also partnered with the Egyptian Government to produce and assist with the distribution of LPG and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinders in Egypt. The factory, located in the Egyptian Gas Industrial Park, will produce 200,000 LPG cylinders for domestic use and 130,000 CNG cylinders for automobiles.

Lanre Runsewe, the Chief Executive Officer of Rungas

Group - a Nigerian gas infrastructure company pioneering the deeper penetration of LPG across Africa, said the company identified Alaro City as the perfect place for its second LPG manufacturing facility because of the unique nature of the city’s masterplan and the speed with which infrastructure was being rolled out in the new city. “As we make progress on our goal of increasing the use of LPG in Nigeria and Africa, such partnerships with businessfriendly locations like Alaro City are critical,” he said. “This project is in line with the federal government’s policy aspirations for the gas sector, as encapsulated in the National Gas Policy, and also aligns with the 2019-2023 Priority Project Deliverables of the Ministry of Petroleum

Resources vis a vis clusters for gas resource, rapid growth of the LPG market, development of supporting LPG infrastructure, investment and domestic growth.

This new facility in Alaro City, located within a Free Trade Zone, will not only boost our local capacity for LPG cylinders but also further position Nigeria as a powerhouse within the continent.”

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Timipre Sylva, who was the special guest of honour at the Ground-breaking ceremony in Bayelsa, said the new manufacturing facility was another result of the various policies initiated for the sector in 2020 which was declared the ‘Year of Gas’ by the federal government. “Our 2020 strategy to drive key policies and regulatory

initiatives that would enhance gas reserves growth to support domestic and export projects has resulted in various significant upgrades in our gas infrastructure development, of which deeper LPG penetration is one of them,” he said. “It is therefore my pleasure to welcome this latest investment in deepening LPG infrastructure and its contribution to the stimulation of investment opportunities and national economic development.

I salute the promoters of Alaro City for building worldclass infrastructure for businesses to strive. What we have done today will not only boost the profile and economy of Alaro City and Lagos, but also that of Nigeria and remove us from the position of being one of the lowest gas cylinder producers

in Africa.”

Launched in 2019, Alaro City is planned as a 2,000-hectare mixed-income, city-scale development with industrial and logistics locations, complemented by offices, homes, schools, healthcare facilities, hotels, entertainment and 150 hectares (370 acres) of parks and open spaces. Alaro City is a partnership between Rendeavour, Africa’s largest new city builder, and Lagos State, the economic and financial nerve centre of Nigeria. Among the pioneering companies in Alaro City is Starium FZE, a subsidiary of BUA Group. Others include Mantrac Caterpillar, Ariel Foods FZE, the largest and most technically advanced ready-to-eat therapeutic foods producer in Africa, and HMD.

Lafarge Assembles Professionals to Address Root Cause of Building Collapse Bennett Oghifo Addressing the root cause of building collapse in Nigeria will be the focus of today’s discussions at the second edition of Lafarge Africa’s quarterly webinar - Concrete Ideas, a platform for deliberation of issues, policies and developments shaping Nigeria’s construction, infrastructure and housing sectors.

At Lafarge Africa Plc.,’s previous Concrete Ideas webinar series with the theme: “PublicPrivate Partnership Approaches to Rapidly Upscaling Nigeria’s Economic Infrastructure,” professionals proffer credible solutions and implementable options to the nation’s infrastructure problems.

Today’s discussions will be headlined by the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, as Special Guest of Honour. There will also be in attendance reputable Thought Leaders, including Engr. Joseph Makoju, Chairman, Nigerian Cement Association, Michael Scharpf, Head, Sustainable Construction, LafargeHolcim, other experts in public policy and leading industry players.

The Special Guest of Honour, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite is the current Minister of Mines and Steel Development. He has over 35 years’ experience in architecture and construction.

He holds a Bachelor of Envi-

ronmental Studies (B.E.S. Arch) and a Master of Environmental Design (M.E.D. Arch) from the School of Architecture, University of Lagos where he also earned a Master of Science in Construction Management (M.Sc. Constr. Mgt).

He once served as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in Ogun State from 2011 to 2019 where he played a key role in the construction of roads, flyover bridges, and other infrastructural development projects in the State.

The programme’s host and CEO of Lafarge Africa, Khaled El Dokani will also participate in the discussions. Khaled El Dokani is the Country CEO of Lafarge Africa Plc. Prior to his appointment, he was the Country CEO of Iraq where he provided leadership which increased the productivity and efficiency of operations in Iraq.

He graduated from the University of Alexandria in Egypt (1989) with a bachelor degree in commerce & accounting and obtained “Certified Public Accountant” title in Delaware, USA (1998).

Since joining Lafarge Algeria in 2004, he has served in different capacities in Eastern Canada & Eastern USA. Following the merger of Lafarge and Holcim Groups in 2015, he was assigned as Country General Manager in Qatar, responsible for Cement,

RMX, and Aggregates operations.

Engineer Joseph Oyeyani Makoju is the chairman, Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (CMAN).

He once served as the managing director/chief executive officer of the West African Portland Cement Company. Following his track record in the private sector, he was appointed the managing director/chief executive officer of the erstwhile National Electric Power Authority (NEPA)/ Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

He graduated from University of Nottingham, UK, with First Class Honour earning BSc in mechanical engineering; and M.Phil. Mechanical Engineering from the same university.

Another distinguished resource person is Mallam Farouk Salim, who is the Director General/ Chief Executive Officer, Standards Organisation Of Nigeria (SON).

Mallam Farouk A. Salim holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA. He is a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, registered with the Pharmacist Council of Nigeria and the Missouri Pharmacy Board in the United States of America.

Also on the panel today is a distinguished personality, Dr.

Chairman of Lafarge Africa Plc, Adebode Adefioye

(Mrs.) Bola Onigbogi, President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), is an astute Insurance professional and Broker.

Bola Onigbogi attended the Prestigious London School of Insurance in the United Kingdom where she earned a Higher National Diploma Certificate of the Chartered Insurance Institute of London with a Distinction in Risk and Insurance.

She was consequently admitted as an Associate Member of the Chartered Insurance Institute of London (ACII) and that of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (ACIIN). Afterwards, she proceeded to obtain a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Business School of Netherlands.

During last quarter’s Concrete Ideas webinar series, policy mak-

Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite

ers drawn from the private and public sectors agreed that Nigeria should increase its infrastructure financing to fix capital projects, for socio-economic development.

The professionals linked Nigeria’s economic challenge to poor infrastructure development over the years. They also recommended effective private public partnerships (PPPs), which according to them, is strategic to government’s financing and development plan. They spoke Welcoming participants, the CEO, Lafarge Africa, Khaled ElDokani, said the Concrete Ideas initiative of the company would become a quarterly platform to foster strategic ideas and discussions. He added that the initiative would catalyse the attainment of commercial success within the sector.

El-Dokani said the concrete

ideas webinar series had come at a crucial time since the COVID-19 pandemic has put severe pressure on the Nigerian economy, pointing out that it was designed to chart a new course and move the Nigerian economy forward.

Minister of Works & Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, who was the guest of honour at the event, opened the discussion, admitting that there was indeed a lacuna in the country’s developmental policy, which allocates a meager portion of its GDP on recurrent expenditure, while roads, bridges and transport remain in shamble.

He argued that the country stopped investing in infrastructure in the 1970s and that it must get back to investing something similar today by investing a sizeable part of the GDP on infrastructure development.

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T H I S D AY ˾ TUESDAY MARCH 16, 2021

PROPERTY & ENVIRONMENT

Building Collapse: Senate Considers Bill for Compulsory Compensation to Victims Bennett Oghifo

A

bill seeking the compulsory insurance of public buildings and buildings under construction scaled second reading on the floor of the Senate recently.

A statement issued by the Special Assistant (Press) to President of the Senate, Ezrel Tabiowo, said the Insurance Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021, was sponsored by Senator Amosun, Ibikunle Oyelaja (Ogun Central).

The bill when passed by the National Assembly and assented into law by President Muhammadu Buhari would, among others, make it mandatory for victims of building collapse to be compensated by insurance companies.

Leading debate on the bill, Amosun said, “the need for the amendment of this Bill was necessitated by the prevalence of collapsed buildings in many

Nigerian cities which has led to unquantifiable loss of lives and property as well as permanent disability.

“There has been an increase in the cases of collapsed buildings in the country, most especially in the last 10 years.”

He recalled that a 3-Storey residential/school building on Massey street, Ita Faaji area of Lagos Island on March 2019, resulted in the loss of 20 lives with 43 injured; while another under construction located at No 9 Ezenwa Street, Onitsha, left no fewer than six persons dead.

According to the lawmaker, the Lekki building collapse which occurred on Tuesday March, 2016, resulted in the killing no fewer than 34 persons and injuring several others; and a six storey guest house belonging to a church in the Ikotun area of Lagos state on September 2014 collapsed, trapping about 300 people out of which over 100

were said to have lost their lives.

He added that the Umuahia Building collapse, dated May 2013, witnessed a building under construction in the Agbama area of Umuahi, Abia state, collapsing and claiming about seven lives; and the Abu Naima primary and secondary school, Bukuru, Jos south local Government area of Plateau state in September 2013, resulting in the death of 10 pupils mostly below 10 years old.

Amosun recounted that the uncompleted building in Abuja (August 2010) – a four storey uncompleted building located on ikoli street, off Gimbiya street, Area 11, Garki, collapsed leading to the deaths of 21 persons and injuring many more; and the collapse of the Titanic building at Ebute Meta on July 2006, with a block of 36 flats which housed an estimated 180 people collapsed leading to the deaths of 20 people.

“These cases and several oth-

ers, too numerous to mention, are considered as some of the worst incidences of collapsed building in Nigeria, in recent times.

“The need to checkmate the rising cases prompted the urgent need to amend the insurance Act.

“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, this bill is proposed to ensure compliance with the compulsory insurance of public buildings and buildings under construction by relevant stakeholders in Nigeria, thereby addressing the limitations of

the current law particularly in respect of inadequate penalty against any persons, group of persons or entity liable for building collapse and non-existing provision on the minimum sum to be insured for a building under construction.

Prof. Shiiwua Manu, former Director of A.P Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, using the bird guide to teach the Park Rangers

NCF, NPS, BIOPAMA Train 50 Park Rangers, Empower 240 Community Members Bennett Oghifo The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), with the support of National Park Service trained 50 Park Rangers of Okomu National Park, Edo State, and empowered 240 members of the neighbouring communities through two separate intensive capacity building workshops on 1st – 5th

March, 2021.

The core objective of the training was to improve the security and tourism infrastructure for the effective management of the Park.

Other objectives include enhancement of the management and governance of priority Protected Areas (PA) by addressing existing limitations; enforce the legal framework required

to achieve effective biodiversity conservation in PAs; support local communities’ initiatives aiming to enhance the livelihoods of local people whilst effectively contributing to PA management; and promote the ecotourism potential of the Park.

This was done with the financial contribution of the European Union and the African Caribbean Pacific (ACP)

Group of States through the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management (BIOPAMA) Programme.

The hands-on capacity building training for Park Rangers was to aid Rangers’ knowledge in the area of data collection, surveillance operations, nature interpretation, conflict resolution and effective protection of species within the Park.

NCF donated critical field and surveillance equipment to the Park to enhance its logistical and operational capacities on protection, biodiversity conservation and ecotourism development.

Among the items donated were drone, walkie-talkie, binoculars, Global Positioning System (GPS), computers, new uniforms, patrol motorcycles among others.

Dr. Muhtari Aminu-Kano, Director General of NCF, represented by Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director of Technical Programme, NCF in his speech during the opening ceremony of the workshop said the capacity building and donations of items are being done in order to enhance the protection of the Park and also to aid data collection of the wildlife species.

State in this area have really developed this axis,” he said.

“The project will be completed within the next 8 months and buyers can move in. Subscribers are to make an initial deposit of 20% on all of the units and a payment plan of between 6 months to 1 year.

With 66% payment made, the property is allocated to the client,” he said.

“Despite the increasing cost of building materials, our project

which is fully finished is still 100% local content,” he said.

“We implore for more support from the government to the real estate sector, by providing infrastructure like good roads, less strenuous building policies.

It takes forever in getting building plans, which can be made seamless after application. Also, the C of O do not come that easy as well. With all these in place, our work would be a lot easier,” he said.

Imperial Garden Puts Fine Real Estate in Market Fadekemi Ajakaiye Imperial Gardens has launched Imperial Court, an exquisite real estate in Lagos market.

Imperial Court, which was launched recently, is a subset of Imperial Gardens and is powered by DNJ Properties & Investment Ltd., Lagos.

The Court is located in Abijo GRA of Ibeju Lekki, and offers a total of 11 units to the public.

The breakdown is 4 units of

3-bedroom semi-detached duplex with BQ; 3 units of 4-bedroom terrace; and 4 units of 4-bedroom semi-detached duplex with BQ. All the 11 units are fully finished, spacious and come with 4 parking slots each.

Imperial Court, which is a modern estate, provides a beautiful layout, with amenities for recreation. It is a gated community with per1meter fence, adequate security features and functional road layout.

The features of this court include security, good road network, electricity, playground, drainage and more. The property also comes with title Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).

At the unveiling of the Court, one of the Co-founders and Directors of DNJ Properties & Investment Ltd., Mr. John Okoria stated that “for every of our projects, we always consider our customers and will remain customer focused”, he said.

“For our finance, we depend largely on our network of marketers, who inform their clients, who see the potential involved and invest their monies. It is basically, other people’s money, we start the projects, while our investors, that is our subscribers help to finish it,” he said.

“Imperial Court, which is themed Urban Life, is in a fantastic location of Abijo GRA, and the activities of Lagos

Women in Tech Join Hands to Provide FCT Minister Urges Action on Implementation of Abuja Masterplan Mentorship, Encouragement Fadekemi Ajakaiye To mark International Women’s Day, women’s mentorship organisation Wentors, in collaboration with Microsoft, through its Microsoft 4Afrika initiative, aims to provide mentorship and training to 1,000 women working in the technology industry.

According to the United Nations Institute of Statistics (UIS) less than 30 per cent of the world’s researchers are women. Numerous studies have found that women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) fields publish less, are paid less for their research and do not progress as far as men in their careers. UNESCO notes that a strong gender

imbalance exists globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, in regard to women’s representation in STEM fields.

And in its report on Factors Which Contribute to or Inhibit Women in Science, the African Academy of Sciences noted that, “the choice to pursue STEM related careers was further influenced by other women working in STEM who acted as role models.”

Wentors is a global community of women in technology mentoring and nurturing each other through a platform in which experienced women in the tech industry can mentor upcoming young women joining the industry, and final year students looking to start a technology career.

The initiative was launched

by Microsoft 4Afrika employee,

EduAbasi Chukwunweike, a graduate in software engineering with her Masters’ degree in Informatics. Chukwunweike noticed that as a solutions specialist in the enterprise team responsible for the cloud business in Nigeria, most of her conversations within the customer environment were with men. This got her thinking about how she could make an impact with gender diversity in the technology industry, and ultimately led to the launch of Wentors.

“We believe the people best situated to nurture these dreams are the women currently in technology and hence we are redefining the mentorship roadmap by building a global community of women in technology who nurture each other,” says Chukwunweike.

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The FCT Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello has tasked all the stakeholder departments dealing with land matters in the Federal Capital Territory to immediately resolve all associated problems that impinge the full implementation of the Abuja Master Plan.

He issued the directive at the commissioning ceremony of the Accelerated Area Council Sectional Title Re-Issuance Scheme (AACSTRIS) and AGIS Data Centre recently.

He reiterated the need for all the departments and agencies of the FCT Administration to resolve all outstanding issues and problems that have hindered the smooth execution of the AACSTRIS project for over

a decade.

Bello stated that AACSTRIS must be reaped to enable the FCT Administration to provide the needed infrastructure for development of the territory because it has funds that are locked down and which can be used to improve the revenue base of the FCT through the payment of premium, ground rents, and other sundry charges.

“Land title owners across the Area Councils and homeowners in many estates and mass housing schemes in the FCT can now fully benefit from their real estate investments as regularised titles would be issued statutory Rights of Occupancy and subsequently, Certificates of Occupancy, which are bankable instruments,” he said.

The minister urged staff in the relevant land departments to eschew any act of corruption capable of hindering the implementation of the project.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Director of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS), Dr. Isa Ibrahim Jalo, said the AACSTRIS project has been established to process over 10,000 backlogs of pending applications for the regularisation of the Area Council land titles from customary to statutory.

He added that AACSTRIS also aimed to process over 30,000 and 10,000 title documents for the mass housing estates as well as multi-dwelling houses littered across FCT by providing them bankable titles in line with the global best practices.

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BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

NIBBS, CBN Launch Quick Response Code to Boost Financial Inclusion Nume Ekeghe The Nigeria Interbank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and all deposit money banks (DMBs) have collaborated to launch the NQR, a Quick Response (QR) Code-driven payment solution to aid financial inclusion in the country. The solution is an indigenous QR code platform introduced by NIBSS as an alternative to existing payment solutions such as the point of sale (PoS). However, this solution does not come with the cost implications of a PoS machine, but involves contactless payment needed during this pandemic era.

In addition, the solution would provide a “touch-free option of receiving and making payments for goods and services by simply scanning to paying.

Speaking at the virtual launch yesterday, the Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, CBN, Mrs. Aishah Ahmad, said introducing the product was timely, adding that it would continue to put Nigeria’s payment system on the global map.

According to her, the solution would help curtail the spread of Covid-19.

She said: “The Nigerian payment system has evolved

significantly over the past decade with wide spread technological advancement supported by deliberate enabling regulation which has facilitated the growth and proliferation of innovative financial products, services and channels.

“Indeed, Nigeria has leapfrogged a number of advanced economies in the area of financial innovation.

“Covid-19 pandemic has also accentuated the situation with more opportunities for financial institutions and other players within the payment ecosystem to innovate and provide more options for payments and settlements. “Globally, there has been a major shift from contact to contactless options with a number of countries like china Thailand, Malaysia, India Singapore, Ghana and Nigeria pioneering groundbreaking solutions in this regard.”

She added: “The CBN in response to these market developments released the response to development released the framework for QR code payments for Nigeria in January 2021, as part of efforts to further deepen the adoption of electronic payments in the country.

“The framework stipulates acceptable standards for

implementation and interoperability roles and responsibility of participants for QR code schemes in the Nigerian system amongst others.

“The NQR payment solution coming soon after the QR code framework would bridge an urgent gap within Nigeria’s fast evolving payment landscape.

“It would unify QR code scheme across the country, offer a robust payment platform that delivers instant value from p2b and B2B transactions and a more improved customer experience.

“The scheme would also allow a more convenient and integrated process leveraging Application Programming Interface (API).”

Furthermore, she said this would reduce the cost of financial services, deepen financial inclusion and grow economic and business activities to increase payment activities and merchant outlets.

She added: “The CBN as the regulator of the banking and payment system is committed to providing an enabling regulatory environment that ensures interoperability, proper market conduct and continued innovation within the financial services ecosystem to foster healthy competition, high quality services and financial inclusion.”

TEF to Close Application for Entrepreneurship Programme March 31 Dike Onwuamaeze The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has announced that it will close the application for this year’s Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme on its TEFConnect digital platform on March 31.

It said the application is open to all African entrepreneurs with business ideas from across all the 54 African countries for both new start-ups and existing young businesses, operating in any sector and would be used to empower 3,500 young African entrepreneurs in collaboration with global partners.

The TEF requested that all prospective applicants should apply on the digital networking hub for African entrepreneurs, www.tefconnect.com.

It also announced that this year’s intervention would prioritise the economic recovery of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and young African entrepreneurs, following the COVID-19 disruption to economic activities.

Also, successful applicants would receive a world-class business training, mentorship, non-refundable seed capital up to $5,000, and global networking opportunities. The Director of Partnership and Communications at the TEF, Ms. Somachi ChrisAsoluka, said: “Africa is growing, and active youth population must take advantage of this opportunity and apply for the programme before March 31, as their full participation will create a pathway to economic prosperity.

“This year, we have the capacity to empower more African entrepreneurs than ever, further ensuring that they have adequate training, funding and mentorship to boost their performance.

“It is time for young African entrepreneurs to embrace this much-needed support system to enable thriving and sustainable economic activity. We believe we will continue to see exponential change in sectors across the continent.” The TEF’s $100 million entrepreneurship programme,

which was launched in 2015, to empower 10,000 entrepreneurs within 10 years, is now entering its seventh year and has empowered more than 9,000 young African entrepreneurs from 54 African countries. The Head of Marketing and Corporate Communication of the TEF, Ms. Nkem Onwudiwe, said the major objective of the TEF is to, “empower women and men across our continent, catalyse economic growth and drive poverty eradication through job creation.”

She added: “Based on our founder’s philosophy of Africapitalism, we believe that the private sector’s role, especially that of young entrepreneurs, is critical for Africa’s development and in fulfillment of this responsibility the private sector must create both economic and social wealth.”

The Communication Manager of the TEF, Mr. Kaside Anosike, also added that the ETF is committed to the sustainability of the entrepreneurs in their respective businesses.

Meristem Guides on Smart Investing with New Campaign Goddy Egene Meristem Securities Limited is intensifying the essence of building lasting wealth that can withstand stormy days, guiding investors on how invest wisely record good returns on investments.

Meristem is doing this through new campaign message titled, ‘Storm,” which is a sequel to the successful ‘The Journey’ TVC that showcased Art doyen Mama Nike Okundaye Davies both still anchored on the campaign promise “Let’s take you farther,” which debuted last year.

According to the company, as part of its efforts to encourage investors and business to partner with experienced and trusted

financial partners who understand the investment terrain, the new campaign mirrors the resilience that people and businesses all around the world have shown amidst a global pandemic that slowed economic growth.

The campaign highlights the importance of trusted financial advisors in wealth building, as well as the essence of making smart investment decisions with strong and resilient financial partners. Commenting on the campaign, Group Managing Director, Meristem, Oluwole Abegunde, said: “The economic and global business environment has been very tough because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses have had a fair share of the accompanying challenges

of the pandemic. “Investors are now torn on how to allocate scarce resources smartly while pursuing the prospect of healthy financial returns.

“This can only be possible with the help of tested and trusted partners who have been able to withstand the downsides of the external environment,” he added.

He explained that from inception, the company had operated a client-oriented business which had helped to create tailor-made financial solutions for its clients, some of which include retirement planning, mutual funds, foreign denominated products like Meristem Dollar investment portfolio, real estate advantage portfolio and more recently, probate management service.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JULY 2020 Money Supply (M3)

36,822,751.47

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

3,476,121.25

Money Supply (M2)

33,346,630.22

-- Quasi Money

120,764,479.02

-- Narrow Money (M1)

12,582,151.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,002,026.89

---- Demand Deposits

10,580,124.31

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,637,137.23

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

29,185,614.24

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

39,711,115.95

---- Credit to Government (Net)

19,521,851.08

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-130,189,264.87

--Other Assets Net

3,472,017.70

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,421,827.07

--Currency in Circulation

2,395,917.03

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

11,025,910.04 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ ͯͰ ͰͮͰͯ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $68.14 a barrel on Friday, compared with $67.39 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

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ASHON Advises Dealers on Survival Strategies after NSE’s Demutualisation Goddy Egene The Chairman, Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Chief Onyenwechukwu Ezeagu, has urged stockbroking companies in Nigeria to align their business models so as to enjoy the anticipated opportunities that would emerge from the demutualised Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

Following its approval to convert into public company by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) last week, the NSE would henceforth operate as a profit making organization under The Nigerian Exchange Group Plc(NGXGroup ) with three subsidiaries.

Addressing securities dealers at a Webinar themed “ The future of securities dealing business in

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

Nigeria post demutualisation of NSE, “ Ezeagu urged ASHON’s members to align their business models with the new market structure and reality.

He said:“ The changes that this new orientation will bring in the business model of the exchange may impact our own operating models as securities dealers.

However we anticipate that there must be responsibilities and risks attached to every relationship,

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

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some of these risks may crystalise, some are not within our radar, we know that researchers usually expect some serendipity results and make provisions for it just like we try to do in this matter.”

According to him, the Governing Council of ASHON has been deliberating on proactive measures to take in order to realign their business model and ensure the sustainability of members’ businesses in the

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

changes that may follow the Demutualisation.

“In this wise, the council resolved to engage with other exchanges (platforms) with a view to creating avenues for our members to diversify and sustain their businesses and enhance their earnings base. Such platforms include the Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE), the NASD, and FMDQ. It is important for all securities dealers

O F

to understand the changes that may come along with the new market structure. We need to prepare well in order not to be caught unawares,” Ezeagu said.

The ASHON boss noted that there were involved in the demutualisation process with the council and management of the NSE from inception and participating in the various decision inputs and committee memberships.

1 5 / 0 3 / 2 0 2 1 DEALS

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TUESDAY MARCH 16, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Ugwuanyi, Obaseki, Others Take COVID-19 Vaccine Jab Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo and the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Priscilla Ngozi Emehelu, yesterday, received COVID-19 vaccinations, at the Government House, Enugu.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Hon. Philip Shaibu, also yesterday received their first jab of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

Minister of State for FCT Dr. Ramatu Tijani Aliyu, who flagged off the exercise in Abuja yesterday, however, opted to be vaccinated privately.

The Commissioner for Police,

FCT Command, CP Bala Ciroma; the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev.Samson Jonah; the Chief Imam National Mosque, Abuja, Professor Ibrahim Ahmad Maqari; the Chairman, FCT Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa and several frontline healthcare workers in all private and public COVID-19 isolation centres, treatment and laboratory centres were among the individuals that received the jabs of AstraZeneca vaccines yesterday.

Ugwuanyi and the two others were the first key stakeholders in the state to receive the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines.

The event was witnessed by the wife of the governor, Mrs. Monica Ugochi Ugwuanyi; the

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emmanuel Ikechukwu Obi; the Executive Secretary, Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. George Ugwu, representatives of the Development Partners, and trained health personnel, among others.

The first recipient of the jab in the state, Dr. Okechukwu Ogbodo, a frontline health worker at ESUT Teaching Hospital Isolation and Treatment Centre, Enugu, had encouraged the people of Enugu

State to take the vaccine saying: “I can tell you that almost 30 minutes after taking the vaccine I am hale and hearty; no reaction. So I want to encourage everybody in Enugu State to come and take this vaccine”.

Edo State, had on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 received the first batch of 81, 080 doses of the vaccine from the federal government, to be administered to about 40,000 people for the first and second jab, as each person

is expected to take two doses at four to 12 weeks intervals.

Edo First Lady, Mrs. Besty Obaseki and the wife of deputy governor, Mrs. Maryann Shaibu were also yesterday inoculated against the virus.

Other dignitaries that were vaccinated include the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie; Chief Judge of the State, Chief Justice Esther Edigin; Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Hon. Marcus

Onobun; Senator representing Edo South, Sen. Matthew Urhoghide; Senator representing Edo Central, Sen. Clifford Ordia and Senator Ehigie Uzamere.

Others are Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Benin, Rev. Augustine Akubeze; former National President of Pentecostal Fellowship (PFN), Rev. Felix Omobude; Chief Imam of Benin, Alhaji Abdufatah Enabulele and Edo State Police Commissioner, Philip Agbadu, among others.

Atiku Urges FG to Declare State of Emergency on Education Sector Chuks Okocha in Abuja Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has urged the federal government to declare a state of emergency in the education sector following the latest abduction of students and teachers in Kaduna State.

Reacting to the attack on Universial Basic Education Primary School at Rama in Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State where bandits abducted three teachers, Atiku advised the federal government to post armed guards at every school in the affected and neighbouring states.

He said on Twitter, “With the latest Kaduna school abduction, I repeat my call for the FG to declare a state of emergency in the education sector and to

post 24-hour armed guards at every school in the affected and neighbouring states. No expense must be spared to keep our schools safe.

“With 13.5 million children, Nigeria is already the world headquarters for out-of-school kids. This can only make things worse. It behoves on us as a nation to act decisively and excise this cancer of school abductions from our polity with clinically precise policies.

“We must also stop paying ransom at random. It is a short term solution that will cause much long term destruction.

We must, as a nation, impose law and order now, or we will bequeath lawlessness and disorder to the next generation. And may God forbid that.”

FG to Spend 0.5% of GDP on Research, Innovation Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday disclosed that the federal government would allocate half per cent of the Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to research and innovation in a determined effort to enhance the country’s economic growth and development.

Buhari made this known in a speech delivered on his behalf by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the opening of the 2021 technology and innovation expo with the theme: ‘Science, Technology and Innovation for Economic Recovery and Sustainability Amid COVID-19 challenges’.

He said the measures adopted over the years by his administration have helped to increase research and innovation with the aim of achieving sustainable development.

According to him, “We are happy that this has been achieved in line with the decision taken by the African Union Executive Council in 2006 to establish a target for all member states of 1 percent of GDP investment in Research and Development (R&D) in order to improve innovation, productivity and economic growth.

“We are aware that only a

few African countries have met this target, but as a result of the challenges of this critical sector of the economy, we will allocate a minimum of 0.5 percent of our GDP to research and innovation as a way to fast-track meaningful development.”

Commending the heroic contribution of Nigerian researchers and scientists in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Buhari said the pandemic has asked tough questions of our national capabilities in the area of research and innovation, which are competently being answered through the commendable efforts of researchers and scientists.

He said: “As a government, we are committed to providing an enabling environment for the science and technology sector in order to unlock the enormous potential for innovation, wealth creation and economic growth.”

The president expressed confidence that through hard work and determination, and by effectively harnessing potential in science, technology and innovation, the country would overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and build a country that meets the aspirations of all citizens.

ENHANCING PAYMENTSYSTEM…

L-R: Chief Risk Officer, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), Mr. Temidayo Adekanye; Executive Director, Business Development, NIBSS, Mrs. Christabel Onyejekwe; Managing Director/CEO, NIBSS, Mr. Premier Oiwoh; and the Deputy Managing Director, NIBSS, Mr. Niyi Ajao, during the official launch of Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System in Lagos …yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

Akeredolu Threatens to Sack Disloyal Aide James Sowole in Akure Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has inaugurated four commissioners with a threat to sack any of his aides who displays any act of disloyalty.

The commissioners inaugurated were Mr. Wale Akinterinwa (Commissioner for Finance); Mr. Ojogo Kimikanboh Donald (Commissioner for Information); Sir Charles Titiloye (Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General),

and Mr. Aminu Raimi Olayiwola (Commissioner for Works).

While the trio of Ojogo, Akinterinwa and Titiloye returned to their former ministries headed in the first termof Akeredolu, Aminu was the Special Adviser to the governor on Lands and Infrastructure.

The governor said the commissioners were to resume duties immediately at the ministries were they served in his first term.

Akeredolu warned that anybody

sacked for disloyalty would not be recalled.

According to him, “We will sanction disloyalty with dispatch.

We will not allow it to fester. There will be no room for explanation because the choices I made are deliberate.

“My resolve to being you back underscores the importance of the quality of services you rendered in our first term. Our people are expecting a lot. It behooves on us to sustain the level of excellence.”

Responding on behalf of the commissioners, Akinterinwa promised that they would work harder than they did in the first term of Akeredolu’.

He said the presence of the traditional rulers and other stakeholders from the areas where the commissioners hail from demonstrated the confidence they have in them.

Akinterinwa promised that they would not betray the confidence reposed in them.

Pharmacists Call for Restructuring of Governing Board of FMCs, FTHs Pharmacists under the umbrella of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Lagos branch, has called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the provisions of the emerging Federal Medical Centre (FMC) and Federal Teaching Hospital (FTC) Bill to achieve comprehensive health reforms in the country.

Chairman of the PCN, Lagos Chapter, Mr. Gbolagade Iyiola, who expressed strong concerns over the

cycle of decay, which pervades Nigeria’s health sector, said the association has also recommended a speedy restructuring of the Governing Boards of FMCs and FTHs as key to resolving lingering crisis in the health care sector.

In his address at the 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of PSN Lagos State Branch, Iyiola called for legislation on the appointment of post-graduates and professionals with minimum of 15 years hospital-

based experience as Chief Executive Officer of Federal Medical Centres (FMC) and Teaching Hospitals (FTH).

“PSN Lagos State Branch make bold to call on the National Assembly to catalyse the belowreflected provisions in the emerging Federal Medical Centre (FMC) and Federal Teaching Hospital (FTC) Bill: Every FMC and FTC must have a Chief Executive who shall be a Healthcare Professional

with a postgraduate specialty in Administration/Management or a seasoned Administrator/Manager of cognate experience provided they have at least fifteen years’ experience in hospital- based practice.”

Iyiola further explained that the pharmacists’ critical appraisal focused on two contemporary subject matters: the Federal Medical Centre Bill and quest for compelling health reforms.

2023: Group Urges Jonathan, Tinubu, Others to Drop Presidential Ambition ChuksOkochainAbuja Agroup,CentreforCredibleLeadership and CitizensAwareness (CCLCA), has advised some politicians in Nigeria to stay away from the presidential race in 2023inordertocreatepoliticalsanityand cohesion in the country.

In a statement made available to journalistsinAbujayesterday,theDirectorGeneral of the group, Dr. Nwambu Gabriel, said it would amount to greed ifcertainaspirantsfromtheregions,who

haveenjoyedtheirshareintheon-going politicalequation,stillpresentthemselves for the exalted office.

According to the statement, “In the interestof federal character, individuals like Rabiu Kwankwaso, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Mallam El-Rufai, Governors Aminu Tambuwal, Kayode Fayemi; Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, Chibuike Amaechi, Godswill Akpabio, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan among

others, should keep away from the race in 2023 in order to give an atmosphere of peaceful cohesion.”

While justifying its position, Nwambu noted that: “Now, Nigeria is made up of six geo political zones.

These are the Northeast, Northwest, North Central, Southeast, Southsouth and the Southwest. Since the return of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria in 1999, the Southwest took off with former President Olusegun Obasanjo completing

a two term of eight years.

“He handed over to the Northwest in late President Musa Yar’Adua, who barely served for two years before he died. This prompted the swearing-in of the South-south President Jonathan. Thereafter, in 2015, the Northwest took over again with President Muhammadu Buhari, while Yemi Osinbajo of the South-west region is serving as the vice president.

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TUESDAY MARCH 16, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

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Drop Proposed Life Pension for Ex-govs, SERAP Tells Ugwuanyi Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked the Governor of Enugu State, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, to drop a proposed bill aiming to provide life pension for former

governors and their deputies.

SERAP said the bill also made provision for medical allowance not exceeding N12million per annum for one surviving spouse, provided that such spouse was

I wish Dangote Refinery ExistedYears ago, Says Okonjo-Iweala The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said Nigeria would have started producing its own refined petroleum products if Dangote Refinery had existed years ago.

She said this yesterday during her visit to the President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to her, the President and Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, should have been encouraged be encouraged in his efforts to build a refinery in the country.

The Presidency quoted OkonjoIweala as saying this during a press conference in a series of tweets.

Answering questions on Dangote Refinery, the largest

single-train refinery in the world, she was quoted as saying, “I wish we had done it years ago. If we had done it years ago and encouraged Alhaji Dangote, who is doing a good thing, we’d be producing our own fuel today.”

She thanked the president for his support in her bid to become the DG of the World Trade Organisation.

“I felt I had to come to Nigeria first, to say thank you, to Mr President; to thank him for his nomination and his support, he signed so many letters, he talked to so many people.

“I want to say a special thank you to young people in Nigeria. They were on social media sending so many encouraging videos,” she added.

Buhari Removes NIMET DG, Reappoints Olateru as AIB Commissioner Chinedu Eze in Lagos and Kasim Sumaina in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has sacked the Director-General of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Professor Sani Mashi, and replaced him with Professor Bako Mansur.

The president also reappointed the Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria (AIB-N), Akin Olateru, who ended his first tenure in December 2020, and also appointed Captain Modibbo Alkali Mahmud as the new Rector of the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, (NCAT) Zaria.

A statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs of the Ministry of Aviation, James Odaudu, said the changes were in line with the administration commitment to the

implementation of the Aviation Development Roadmap.

The ministry said: “President Buhari has approved some reorganisations within the agencies under the Ministry of Aviation. Consequently, he has approved the appointment of Professor Bako Mansur Matazu as the new director-general of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), who replaces Professor Sani Abubakar Mashi.

“Professor Matazu holds a doctorate in Geography (Applied Meteorology), with membership of the Nigerian Environmental Society, African Forestry Forum, Nigerian Meteorological Society, the Climate Change Network, Nigeria, and the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, Nigeria (REEN). He was until his appointment the general manager, Meteorological Research in the Agency.”

Give Guber Ticket to Anambra Central, Okonkwo Tells PDP Chuks Okocha in Abuja A front-line governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming Anambra State governorship election, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, has asked the PDP to give the governorship ticket of the party to the central senatorial zone.

Also yesterday, Senator Uche Ekwunife paid and picked the governorship forms.

Okonkwo stated this at the PDP National Secretariat when he officially paid and obtained the governorship forms and expression of interest forms.

He paid a N20 million and one million naira non-refundable fee respectively.

According to Okonkwo, the Anambra North senatorial zone has produced two governorship candidates in the persons of Chinwoke Mbadinaju and Tony Nwoye, while Anambra South senatorial zone produced Prof. Oseloke Obaze. The only candidate from the central senatorial zone was Dr. Chris Ngige.

To balance the equation, Okonkwo called on the PDP to ensure that Anambra central senatorial zone has over 60 percent stronghold of the PDP in the state.

married to the governor while in office.

The rights group, in a statement issued yesterday, threatened legal action against Ugwuanyi if the bill is passed into law.

SERAP said, “We urge Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State @GovUgwuanyiNews (as trustee of the state’s resources, and consistent with his oath of office), to immediately drop the proposed self-serving bill

that would provide life pension for former governors and their deputies.

“Public officials have a legal commitment to discharge a public duty truthfully and faithfully.

“The bill amounts to an abuse of office and incorrect and improper performance of public functions.

“We’ll see Governor Ugwuanyi in court if the bill is ever passed into law.

“Rather than sponsoring bills that would improve access of children in Enugu to quality education, the Governor and lawmakers are taking advantage of their entrusted public positions to propose a bill to collect large severance benefits.

“While the state government would provide adequate security for the former governors for their lifetime, the bill would also mandate the state government

to provide three vehicles for the ex-governor and replace them every four years.”

“The Executive bill has reportedly passed the second reading. The bill also made provision for medical allowance not exceeding N12m per annum for one surviving spouse, provided that such spouse was married to the governor while in office.

COURTESY VISIT…

Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa (left), receiving the Director General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim in her office, Abuja …recently

Fayemi Pays N507.4m Compensation to Police Brutality Victims, Others Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, yesterday presented N507.4 million cheques to victims of human rights violations and those whose lands were acquired for the building of international cargo airport in the state.

While Fayemi paid a sum of N7.4 million to petitioners who were awarded compensations by the judicial panel of inquiry

handling cases of human rights abuses by the disbanded Special- Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), 700 farmers, whose lands were acquired for the construction of the airport got a sum of N500 million.

While addressing the SARS’ victims in Ado Ekiti , Fayemi said his government decided not to wait for six months given to the judicial panel of inquiry before starting payment to instill confidence

in governance .

Fayemi promised that his government will carry out law reforms, policy change and institutional strengthening that can fight crime in Ekiti and ensure justice for all .

“In most cases, we pay attentions to the offenders while not trying to remedy the emotional and psychological damage done to the victims.

The House of Assembly has begun work on Ekiti Criminal

Code with the task of ensuring that victims of crime are put side by side with the offenders and get compensations while the offenders got punishment .

“I hereby apologise to the victims of human rights violations in Ekiti for the hurt and damage they had suffered emotionally and psychologically . These monetary compensations would help to alleviate your feelings and what you have suffered”.

2021 UTME: JAMB Set to Commence Sale of Registration Forms The Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) has stated that it has concluded all arrangements to commence the sale of 2021/2022 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) registration forms.

The board disclosed this in its Vol. 2, No. 15 Weekly Bulletin of the Office of the Registrar and made it

available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja.

The board said that official dates for the commencement of the sale of both documents and the conduct of the examinations would be announced not later than March 24.

According to JAMB, the 2021 exercise was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The board, therefore, warned that any ongoing sale of forms and registration was fraudulent and not associated with JAMB. “This year’s exercise, unlike the previous years, is peculiar because of the series of disruptions to virtually all aspects of public life occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is with this extant reality

in mind that the delay is being experienced, with the board embarking on series of strategic adjustments, aimed at ensuring that academic activities are not unduly impacted.

“The public is to note that the 2021 UTME/DE application forms are not yet on sale. Anybody advertising anything to the contrary is a fraudster,” it warned.

NIRSAL Microfinance Bank Raises the Alarm over Fake Staff, Agents Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja NIRSAL Microfinance Bank (NFMFB), which is owned by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Bankers’ Committee, has raised the alarm over some unethical practices by individuals disguising as its staff or agents to hoodwink unsuspecting members of the public.

In a statement issued yesterday, the bank said its attention had

been drawn to some unethical practices being perpetrated by individuals disguising as its staff or agents, demanding and receiving money from unsuspecting members of the public purportedly to secure COVID-19 targeted credit facility or the AGSMEIS loan.

It, therefore, warned members of the public against falling prey to such people, adding that the COVID-19

targeted credit facility being disbursed by it on behalf of the CBN is a loan, and not a grant as beneficiaries must pay back with interest.

The statement read: “The attention of the management of NIRSAL Microfinance Bank has been drawn to some unethical practices being perpetrated by individuals disguising as its staff or agents demanding and receiving money from

unsuspecting members of the public purportedly to secure COVID-19 targeted credit facility or the AGSMEIS loan.

“We also wish to inform the public, who may have been scammed by these unscrupulous people, to lodge a complaint on our whistleblowing portal by sending us an email on WHISTLEBLOWER AT (whistleblower@nmfb. com.ng).”

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FG Releases Dates for Resumption of Int’l Flights in Kano, Enugu, Port Harcourt Airports The federal government yesterday released the dates for the reopening of Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu airports for international flights.

Speaking in Abuja during the briefing by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika,

Kano Arrests 200 Street Beggars, Almajiris The Kano State Government has arrested 200 street beggars and Almajiris for allegedly violating the law banning street begging in the state.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Zahra’u Muhammad-Umar, made the disclosure yesterday while repatriating the beggars in Kano.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted the commissioner as saying that following the ban on street begging in the state, her ministry arrested the beggars and almajiris in the Kano metropolis.

She said 60 per cent of them were women, children, and men, while 30 per cent were almajiris.

“Some of those arrested sleep under bridge while some on the streets.

“Most of the beggars and almajiris are from Kaduna, Bauchi,

Borno, and Yobe, among others while only a few are from Kano,” the commissioner said.

Muhammad-Umar noted that the decision to arrest the street beggars was to safeguard their future and make Kano state and Nigeria a better place for all.

“We noticed that because Kano is peaceful, that is why they came.

It is very dangerous to leave them on the streets without knowing their parents, adding that bad behaviour is mostly found among the beggars.

“We will continue to arrest them to ensure sanity and rid the streets of all forms of crimes,” she said.

She explained that those arrested from other states would be repatriated to their states on March 16, and would be handed over to their parents.

announced the dates during the weekly briefing of the Presidential Task Force, said Enugu airport would be reopened on May 3, 2012; Kano, April 5, 2021; and Port Harcourt, on April 15, 2021.

He said, “There have been agitations for us to open Port Harcourt, Enugu and Kano and of course, it takes a tremendous amount of work, appropriation

in the management of this virus to be able to open ore departure up other areas of entry.

“We will do only at a time what will be good for the management of this virus, it is very painful especially for us in civil aviation to have our airports closed and our direct source of income affected as we are finding it extremely difficult to pay salaries.

“So, we shut down the airport with great care and when we shut down the airports, we had to keep them running otherwise the facilities in there will get dilapidated for lack of usage. So, it is in our interest to keep them open but unfortunately, we couldn’t because of our collective health and goods

of the country and those that do business with Nigeria.

“Now that we have most of the things in place due to the work by the PTF, we will be opening Enugu airport on the 3rd of May 2012. We will be opening Kano on the 5th of April, 2021 and Port Harcourt on the 15th of April, 2021 for international flights.”

ANAMBRA 2021 ON THEIR MINDS…

L-R: National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Sunday Kelly Udo-Okoye; Minority Leader of Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Onyebuchi Offor; and a PDP governorship aspirant, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, after the aspirant picked his nomination form at the national secretariat of the party, Abuja…yesterday

Six Confirmed Dead as Fuel Tanker Rams into Tricycles in Arik Air Debunks Claims of Unsafe Operations Akwa Ibom precautionary as the pilot took by the crew of the flight were safe operations in all stages Chinedu Eze No fewer than six persons were confirmed dead yesterday as a tanker laden with fuel ran into two tricycles at Ntak Inyang village in Akwa Ibom State.

The accident was said to have occurred few kilometres to Uyo, the state capital.

The truck caught fire and burnt down the two tricycles and their passengers.

Akwa Ibom State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr. Ogah Ochi, confirmed the accident, saying a preliminary investigation conducted by the officers of the corps indicated that two trucks were involved in the accident.

He added that the second truck that caused the accident ran away.

“Actually six people died - one female and five males. A detailed investigation will come out by tomorrow. Our investigators have gone there and the preliminary report they have given confirms that two trucks were actually involved in the crash, but one escaped.

“The truck that actually caused the accident ran away. The one that got burnt was trying to veer off from the truck that was overtaking which caused it to ram into two tricycles,” Ochi said.

Grammy:Young Nigerians Redefining Global Music Space, Says APC Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Nigerian Afrobeat star, Damini Ogulu popularly known as Burna Boy, and hip hop artist, Ayodeji Balogun musically known as Wizkid, for winning awards at the 63rd 2021 Grammys held in Los Angeles, United States of America.

The National Secretary of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, in a statement issued yesterday, said the awards crowned the efforts of Nigerian superstars such as Fela Anikulakpo Kuti and others, who were the main progenitors of Afrobeat/Afropop that has become the mainstream music all over the world.

According to Akpanudoedehe, “As a party, we are immensely proud that the country’s musical

stars are leading the pack of young Africans who are redefining the global music space.”

Akpanudoedehe said Burna Boy won the Best Global Music Album category with his ‘Twice as Tall’ album, while Wizkid won the Best Music Video for his song with Beyonce ‘Brown Skin Girl’.

He added: “This is unarguably Nigeria’s biggest moment on the world music stage, and an affirmation of our artistes as well as the vibrant Afrobeat genre as an international musical force.”

The APC secretary stressed that Burna Boy and Wizkid’s Grammy awards are an inspiration to Nigerian youths as they continue to make their marks in different endeavours.

He noted that the youths are the country’s asset, adding that their creativity, talent, energy, innovation, and drive are positively impacting and changing the world.

Arik Air last night reacted to stories alleging that its operations were unsafe and admonished those parading such information to verify the true position before declaring the airline’s flight to be unsafe.

A statement issued by the airline’s CEO, Captain Roy Ilegbodu, stated that actions taken by the crew of the Abuja March 8, 2021 flight were strictly

necessary safety measures by returning the aircraft to land in line with standard practice.

The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to stories published on the social media claiming that Arik Air operations are unsafe following an incident last week.

“The incident referred to by the author of the article occurred in Abuja on the 8th of March 2021.

For the records, the actions taken

strictly precautionary as the Pilotin-Command of the aircraft took the necessary safety measures by returning the aircraft to land as they have been well trained to do in line with standard practice, after observing a cautionary indication light in the cockpit.

“Our aircraft are modern, next generation aircraft equipped with redundancies and annunciators that enhance

of flight.”

He went further: “Arik Air in line with standard practice and being a responsible corporate organisation notified the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), who subsequently checked, certified and returned to service the aircraft after all mandatory reports and processes had been fulfilled in accordance with global safety standards.

Catholic Church Can’t Bless Same-sex Unions, Says Vatican The Vatican has decreed that the Catholic Church will not bless gay marriages since God “cannot bless sin.”

According to Associated Press, the Vatican’s orthodoxy office broke the news in a statement yesterday.

The statement comes as a formal response to questions bordering on whether Catholic clerics have the authority to bless gay unions.

In the two-page response signed

by Pope Francis and published in seven languages, the Vatican gave

“negative” as an answer to those making such inquiries.

It said the church’s decision to welcome and also bless gay people should not be mistaken to mean approval of unions between them.

Buttressing its point, the Vatican argued that same-sex unions contradict God’s plan, adding that any such sacramental recognition could be confused with marriage.

It also maintained that while people who belong to the LGBT community should be accorded

dignity and respect, gay sex is “intrinsically disordered.”

It added that the Catholic Church upholds its teaching which sees marriage as a union between a man and woman for procreation as planned by God. The statement comes as a setback for those advocating acceptance of couples belonging to the LGBT community into the Catholic Church.

However, Francis DeBernardo, executive director

of New Ways Ministry, which advocates for greater acceptance of gays in the church, said there’s the possibility that the Vatican’s directive will be ignored by many Catholic clerics.

“Catholic people recognize the holiness of the love between committed same-sex couples and recognize this love as divinely inspired and divinely supported and thus meets the standard to be blessed,” he said.

Archbishop Blames Social Media for Deteriorating Lifestyle of Nigerian Girls David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, has blamed the deteriorating lifestyle of some young Nigerian girls on their activities on the social media.

Ibezim said social media has had more negative impact in the life of the Nigerian youths,

especially young girls in the society, who he said engaged in various negative activities to the detriment of their moral life.

The archbishop stated these when he spoke at an event organised to mark the 2021 Mothering Sunday at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith in Awka, Anambra State, calling on mothers to seek spiritual solution by praying for the young generation.

According to him, “Mothers

must monitor the movement of their children through prayers.

Most mothers do not know the whereabouts and activities of their children, especially on social media. This is because the new telecommunications gadgets are alien to most parents.

“Most girls connect to so many bad friends through social media, including dating men outside the country only to portray

Godly life to their parents to deceive them. I urge parent to embrace prayers as the only remedy to salvage the generation in the technologydriven world.”

The cleric urged mothers to understand their roles in the family, saying some women in the family mislead their husbands into involving themselves in wrongful acts reminiscent to Safira and Ananias in the bible

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Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Pinnick Throws Light on How He Won the FIFA Council Seat Speaks on Gernot Rohr’s invite to Ahmed Musa, Eagles’ boat trip to Cotonou

Duro Ikhazuagbe President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Melvin

Ahmed Musa...pass mark for his leadership qualities

Pinnick, has described his election into the FIFA Council as a victory for Nigerians, Africa and global football.

Pinnick last Friday defeated incumbent Walter Nyamilandu of Malawi 43-8 at the 43rd CAF General Assembly in Rabat, Morocco to become the third Nigerian to occupy the position in the 37-member FIFA Council.

Speaking on ARISE NEWS’ ‘The Morning Show’ television programme yesterday, Pinnick admitted that despite the final ‘landslide’ vote scoreline, his election into the hallowed chamber of world football’s decision making body was no tea-party.

..Pamodzi Boss Congratulates Pinnick on Victory in Morocco Nigeria’s foremost sports marketing outfit, Pamodzi has congratulated President of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Melvin Pinnick on his election into the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) Executive Council.

Chief Executive Officer of Pamodzi, Mike Itemuagbor, said in a statement yesterday that Pinnick’s election into the decision making organ of world governng body for football was a reward for his hardwork and dedication to the development of football in Nigeria and the African continent.

“I wholeheartedly congratulate Amaju Pinnick on his well-deserved election. The manner of his victory shows his popularity among his colleagues in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) executive council and congress.’’ ‘’At Pamodzi we are not surprised by the giant leap Pinnick has made since the begining of the last decade, rising from being the Chairman of Delta State Football Association and later Chairman, Delta State Sports Commission in 2010

before his election as President of Nigeria Football Federation and later one of CAF’s Vice Presidents.

“Like Leonardo da Vinci said, people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.

This Pinnick has demonstrated it and his leadership of Nigeria Football Federation has opened up the federation to corporate Nigeria,” said Itemuagbor in the statement.

The Pamodzi boss thanked the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari and the Sports Minister, Sunday Dare for the unflinching support given to the NFF President and congratulates both and indeed Nigerians on his success.

“This victory is for Nigerians.

Pinnick is a symbol of Nigerians as a hardworking, intelligent and honest people. It is a big boost to our image as a nation that we have men and women of great honour and intellect who can compete for positions worldwide and be successful,” the Pamodzi boss concluded.

“It was a very difficult task for me to get elected despite the final vote scores. It was not a tea-party.

“First, there was a meeting of the Presidential candidates and the theme of the meeting was for everyone to think Africa and what will bring unity to the continent. There were lots of intrigues but at the end of the day, three of the candidates withdrew their candidatures for South African Patrice Motsepe.

“Then for the FIFA Council seat, only one slot was available for the Anglophone and we were six candidates on the queue for it. And these six candidates were giants in their own rights.

I mean Lamin Kaba Bajo from Gambia; Nick Mwendwa who is a certified chartered accountant from Kenya to Incumbent Walter Nyamilandu of Malawi; Zambia’s Andrew Kamanga and Karia from Tanzania. These were no pushovers.

“These are real technocrats and men who have been involved in Africa’s football politics. We started by appealing to them. It was quite difficult because when you are appealing to one to step down, he in turn asks why not you stepping down for him.

“Take the case of Nick Mwendwa for instance, there was this feelings in Kenya that a Nigerian (Ngozi Okono-Iweala) just toppled a Kenyan to have the WTO job. So it was more of a national pride but for the benefit of Africa, he had to step down for

me,” revealed the former Chairman of Delta Sports Commission.

On how his election would impact Nigerian football, Pinnick admits plans are afoot for him and the new CAF leadership to change the narrative of the game in the continent.

“We had a meeting with the CAF President and a few others shortly before my departure from Morocco where we talked about what can we do to show for our first 100 days in office and so on.

“The new CAF President Motsepe is so determined. If you follow his meteoric rise since when he was pronounced the first black billionaire in 2008 to date you will realize that he has that leadership quality to deliver.

“He asked me to go back to Nigeria and see how CAF can partner a bank here for development.

“I can tell you that I already have a meeting scheduled with a big bank on this.

Pinnick also admits that as a member of FIFA Council, it is a life dream come true because it gives an unfettered access to the world.

“It is huge. Just 37 members in the world that has economy of trillions of dollars business out there. We are going to work within the dynamics so that Nigeria as a country is better recognized globally as a football nation.

Asked to throw light on why ‘ clubless’ Captain of the Super Eagles, Ahmed Musa, was invited

for the double header with Benin Republic and Lesotho, Pinnick stressed that the winger was an exceptional quality who must have been called up for other reasons known to the coaches.

Musa has been without a club since leaving Saudi club Al Nassr last October.

“If Ahmed Musa is in that team, I believe that the technical crew have reasons to justify it.

“I recall when he had issues and was not playing at Leicester City, and the list of players going to a World Cup qualifier was released without his name, I put a call through to the coaches to ask why he was not there.

“The coaches said he was not playing at his club (Leicester) but it was later discovered that he had some marital challenges.

“He was included Eagles and turned out one of the best players in the team.

That boosted his ego and eventually made it to the World Cup in Russia and was outstanding in our team.

“He was also outstanding at the World Cup in Brazil in 2014. So like I said, I am the president of the Nigeria Football Federation and do not meddle in technical matters but there’s are cases that one needs to support the decision of the technical crew to get the job done.

The NFF chief also dismissed the controversy generated by the proposed plan to move Super Eagles contingent to Benin

Republic but boat from Lagos for the AFCON 2022 qualifier at the end of the month.

“I don’t see anything wrong in Eagles going to play in Benin Republic by boat. Later today (Monday night) we are going to know which route is better for them to take to the game.

Pinnick insisted that no city in the world is without one form of challenges or the other.

“In most livable cities of the world like Melbourne, Vancouver, etc, there is none without black spots. What is wrong in taking our players to the match by boat for them to see the other beautiful parts of the country? It is just a journey of less than one and half hours by boat. “ I have spoken with most of the players and they are excited about seeing the aquatic scenery of Lagos. Some of the players previously lived in Ajegunle while the like of Oghenekaro Etebo is a Warri boy. We all played on the streets and understand our neighborhood.

“It is not just enough to begin to drive fears into the players with issues of security in the country.

“As President of the NFF, our league teams go round the country to play matches every week. Let’s preach positive things about this country not just the negative. The Presidency is doing its best to ride the country of the present challenges,” concludes Pinnick.

PGA Nigeria Elects Philmoore New Director Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The PGA of Nigeria (PGAN) has elected Hon. Tony Philmoore PhD. from Port Harcourt Club 1928 as its new Director at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the MultiPurpose Hall of the Port Harcourt Club 1928.

A statement signed by the PGAN Secretary, Jide Bolaji described the transition of leadership as a free and fair election. Philmoore took over from Mr Samson Lawal who had served the maximum two terms of two years each.

In same manner, Uchenna Ezebuiro from IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja was elected as Operation Director after serving as the Tournament Director for a maximum of two terms. He took

over from Matthew Lawrence, who ceased to be on the board after serving his full terms in the position.

Segun Obamuwe from IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja was returned unopposed for another term as Finance Director.

Johnbull Dangofa, Head Resident Professional at HSD Golf Club, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State was elected as Tournament Director. Dangofa is on the Executive Committee for the first time while Musa Ayuba from IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja was elected as Executive Committee Member II and as a first-timer in the committee.

And lastly, Aminu Baba also from IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja got elected for a second term as Executive Committee Member I.

Amaju Pinnick (left) and Super Eagles Head Coach, Gernot Rohr at the last AFCON 2019 in Egypt. Pinnick has thrown his weight behind the invite to ‘club-less’ Ahmed Musa

Ondo Auto Rally 2021 Lists Smokin Hills,Idanre as Add-ons The organisers of the Ondo Auto Rally 2021 have announced plans to include major sporting and tourist facilities to the list of places to touch down on during this year’s event. The event is scheduled to hold on April 3rd, 2021.

Ade Ojuoko, the Founder of Work and Play, the team behind the annual car show said that it was all in the plan to raise the offering that the event delivers.

According to him, “Our goal is to keep raising the

values of the event. We have secured arrangement for the racers to enjoy the pounded yam with vegetables mixed with orisirisi, to explore the Ondo State especially the Idanre Hills and also to play at most challenge course in the continent, Elizade Smokin Hills Golf course.

The Work and Play team was recently awarded the Best Tourism Promotion Initiative at the 2020 edition of the Nigeria Tourism Award, a development that Ojuoko said that was well

received and has spurred his team to work harder to grow the spirit of Work and Play in the country.

This event would be kicked off with street race on Saturday April 3rd, 2021 in Akure. The race will flag off from the Government House. Other events scheduled for the oneday show are off-road race and drifting which will be held at the Ilara-mokin racing track in Ondo State In 2020, Work and Play had partnerships with some key

Motorsports clubs to record successful events and it has also confirmed that this year will also feature some other strategic partnership in an effort to grow the spirit of Work harder and Play harder.

This year, he said that interest for participation has been received from Lagos, Oyo, Abuja, Kebbi, Nasarawa and Enugu so far and that will include the logistics of moving their racing cars from bases to and fro Akure for the racing challenge.

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R u t h - l e s s E xe c u t i o n

T

the uproar was vicious.

Everyone who was anyone in athletics had an opinion on ‘The List’.

There were accusations of bias, nepotism, favoritism, God-fatherism and outright ineptitude. The bitterness was palpable across the oceans and from the beaches of California to the deserts of Abu Dhabi.

Nigerian athletes cried “FOUL”. This was the reaction to some names on list of people the Federal Ministry of Sports had released to benefit from the Covid-19 relief fund and also the “Adopt-anAthlete” Programme. One name in particular, caused the rippling agitation: Ruth Usoro.

At the beginning of 2020, Special Adviser (Media) to the Sports Minister, John Joshua-Akanji confirmed that a would-be Olympian has been ‘adopted’ by a businessman under the ‘Adopt-an-Athlete’ initiative being promoted,

by Mr. Dare.

The Chairman of Dakinda Football for Every Home Limited, Mr. Emmanuel Akpakwu,

had signed an agreement to pay $20,000 (about N7.2 million) towards the preparation and participation of Ruth Usoro at the upcoming Olympic Games. The documents were signed in the minister ’s office at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja. While thanking the Sponsor, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Sunday Dare charged the athlete not to disappoint the benefactor. He advised her to double her efforts and bring pride to the nation.

There was a nationwide inquest. We have lots of potential Olympic medalists not yet recognized, the naysayers said. Why would anyone think Ruth would win a medal when she was not even good enough to qualify?

Qualification for the Olympics in her specialty was unlikely as we hardly have any qualifier in that event for the ladies. Even our national record was not good enough to qualify her for the Tokyo Games.

How on earth did her name come up for a grant and big names like Seye Ogunlewe, a three-time national champion in the 100m was not chosen?

There were even some athletes that had made the standard to represent Nigeria in Tokyo that had no financial support.

Ruth, a junior college student at the TexasTech was unperturbed. Her focus always total. I had come to know her closely as she comes often to my fitness centre, Fitness Options, with her coach, Late Adu Uruemu to do her strength work which is available for free for athletes all the time as my contribution

Ruth Usoro... amazing talent

to the sports that brought me honours. You could not doubt the pretty girl’s dreams and ambition.

She was determined to succeed. Many times, my clients (regular working class folks) would see the heavy weights she was carrying and quietly wonder how a ‘small’ girl was so strong. So it was evident that criticism back home did not deter the young girl’s drive to make the qualifying mark

in Tokyo.

Ruth Usoro did not disappoint. Barely a year after receiving the grant, she has made history by becoming the first Nigerian athlete (male or female) to qualify for the Olympics in both the Long Jump and Triple Jump, a feat she performed in two consecutive days while competing at the Big 12 Indoor Championships in Lubbock, Texas. Not only did she qualify, she broke the national record in the triple jump with a distance of 14.36 meters. This record was her second in just two month having earlier jumped 14.28 meters in the season opener in January, breaking the 13-year-old record of 14.21 set by Chinonye Ohadugha in 2007 at the All African Games in Algiers. In the Long Jump, Ruth was equally ruthless in performance, winning the Meet with a distance of 6.82 meters. Only two Nigerians have ever jumped longer than her. Olympic Gold medallist, Chioma Ajunwa and Olympic Bronze medallist Blessing Okagbare. Her feat is a great success story for the Minister and his programme and how sponsorship can motivate athletes to

excel. Hopefully it would encourage other sponsors to come forth.

These performances were vindication for those that selected her name on the list of those to benefit from programme. One prominent ex-athlete based in the US queried me when I suggested that we should move on as the names of athletes sponsored was at the discretion of the Ministry and the sponsors. “Why are you saying we should move on? We have been tolerating foolishness in our sport and it’s time for us to stand and demand transparency. Let them tell us the criteria for selection.” I advised that we should all in our little way contribute our quota to help our sport and not just make noise over the internet, she replied.

“How are we going to change policy if we don’t make noise? You have to show that something is wrong,” the former athlete roared from her base in America. Even some of the current athletes were not

left out in the complaints over Ruth. A former 100m National champion bitterly complained to me about his omission when we met at the stadium while I was training some kids in my Athletics Academy. Then he sarcastically begged me to, “Adopt him”. I smiled.

He needed to know that sponsors need talent and level heads at the same time and in selecting athletes for support and sponsorship, there is much more to it than the talent on the field of play. And to a lot of people, journalists, ex-athletes and some of the current athletes, the modalities and technicalities of seeing a prospective champion is lost on them.

But Miss Ruth Usoroh has answered all these critics on the field of play with ruthless execution.

* Enefiok is an author, Speaker, administrator, Life coach, businessman and Nigeria’s ONLY Male two Time Olympic Medalist

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Hazard to Miss Atalanta UCL Tie as Ramos Returns Tonight Real Madrid Coach Zinedine Zidane has said he is at a loss to explain forward Eden Hazard’s latest injury setback.

The Belgian international joined Real in a 150 million euro ($178.83 million) deal in 2019 but has been blighted by injuries, making 25 La Liga appearances since signing.

After returning from a

muscle problem for the final 15 minutes in Saturday’s last-gasp 2-1 win over Elche, Zidane said Hazard will miss Tuesday’s Champions League home last-16 second leg with Atalanta.

“He won’t be fit. They’re things that I can’t explain. I want to be positive and hope that it’s not too much of a problem,” Zidane told a news conference.

Real said in a statement that

Hazard is suffering from psoas - the primary muscle connector between the body’s trunk and lower limbs - problem but gave no indication of a likely timescale of his absence.

“Something’s up, because he was never injured in his entire career (before joining Real) or there were very few injuries,” Zidane said.

“It’s something new. I can’t really give any more of an

Gladbach Need ‘More than Extraordinary’ to Beat Man City Borussia Monchengladbach would need something “more than extraordinary” to beat Manchester City in the Champions League last 16, boss Marco Rose said.

Gladbach have lost their last six games, including a 2-0 defeat in the first leg against Pep Guardiola’s City.

Both legs are at the Puskas Arena in Budapest because of Covid restrictions.

“It would be more than extraordinary, it would be a sensation,” said Rose, who is taking over at Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season.

“Pep has them playing almost Total Football.”

He had to back down after suggesting he would prefer a full week of training to playing in the game.

“We don’t want to give the impression that this is a friendly.

It’s a Champions League game where we have a chance of reaching the next round, but we have to be realistic,” Rose said.

“We want to put in a good performance and then come home and concentrate on our essential tasks.

“Of course the City game is important to us. On the other hand, if I had said that I have full confidence that we can go there and turn it around, then everyone would have shaken

their head and said Rose has lost his marbles.”

Raheem Sterling is back in City’s squad after being rested for their Premier League win over Fulham at the weekend.

Sterling tweeted to deny the decision to leave him out led to a disagreement with Guardiola.

“He doesn’t need to do it,” Guardiola said. “Nothing happened. He was not selected, that’s all.

“When you have 20 top-class players, it will always be unfair for some of them. I love them, they are the main reason why we are in the position.

“Raheem has been so important for the team and all of us.”

explanation. We want to help him and hope he’s back as soon as possible.

“We’re going to try and figure out why it’s happening (the club’s injuries), but right now we can’t explain it. We’ve spoken about things like the lack of pre-season, amount of games and the mental aspect.”

The 30-year-old Hazard joins Casemiro on the sidelines for the fixture against the Italians, with the Brazilian suspended after

picking up a booking in the first leg, however captain Sergio Ramos is fit and likely to start.

Real won last month’s first leg 1-0 in Bergamo thanks to a late Ferland Mendy strike.

Meanwhile, Sergio Ramos returned for Real Madrid on Saturday but the bigger question is whether he is back for good.

After two months out with a knee injury, Ramos played an hour in Madrid’s win over Elche, with the plan to blow

away the cobwebs ready for a start against Atalanta.

His availability should be a significant boost for Madrid and will be confident of being Spain’s first, and perhaps only, survivor in the tournament’s quarterfinals.

And yet Ramos’s reemergence has been pinpointed less as a boost to his team than a bolstering of his case to stay, every week he was absent another blow to his hope for a contract extension beyond the summer.

Eden Hazard...dogged by fresh injury woes

Pele Congratulates Ronaldo on Goals Feat Pele has congratulated Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portuguese forward surpassed the Brazilian soccer great’s tally of goals scored in official matches.

Ronaldo netted a hat trick in Juventus’ 3-1 win over Cagliari on Sunday to move onto 770 career goals, three more than Pele.

The 35-year-old Ronaldo took

to Instagram to recognize his achievement as well as the Brazilian’s influence on his career, prompting Pele to reply.

Life is a solo flight. Each makes his own journey. And what a beautiful journey you are having,” Pele wrote on Instagram.

“I admire you a lot, I love watching you play and this is no

secret to anyone. Congratulations on breaking my record of goals in official matches.

“My only regret is not being able to give you a hug today.

But I leave this photo in your honor, with great affection, as the symbol of a friendship that has existed for many years.”

Portugal’s leading goalscorer with 102 goals, Ronaldo

previously played for Sporting Lisbon (five goals), Manchester United (118) and Real Madrid (450) and has now scored 95 times for Juventus.

However, whether the fivetime Ballon d’Or winner is now the top goalscorer in history is still very much up for debate.

The Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation (RSSSF),

an international organization dedicated to collecting statistics about the game, still lists the late Austro-Czech striker Josef Bican as the sport’s all-time top goalscorer with more than 805 goals.

However, it notes that some of those goals came in amateur and reserve club matches, as well as non-official international

games. Adjusting his total tally accordingly, multiple reports suggest Bican’s official total is 759 goals.

FIFA, world football’s governing body which doesn’t have an official ranking, credits Bican, who passed away in 2001, with an “estimated 805 goals” during his career, which spanned from 1931 to 1955.

Tuesday March 16, 2021

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MISSILE Atiku to FG “We must also stop paying ransom at random. It is a short-term solution that will cause much long-term destruction. We must as a nation impose law and order now, or we will bequeath lawlessness and disorder to the next generation.” – Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, calling on the FG to declare a state of emergency on the nation’s education due to the abductions of schoolchildren.

TUESDAY WITH REUBENABATI abati1990@gmail.com

Getting a VC for Ibadan Varsity: The Ugly Politics

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stablished in 1948 as a campus of the University College, London, somewhere around Eleiyele in Ibadan, the University of Ibadan as it later became known when it assumed an independent status in 1962, has the history of Nigeria, its greatness and challenges written into every grain of sand, every piece of grass, every sound in its chambers, the minutest echo in its premises so much that any encounter with the University of Ibadan is an encounter with a piece of history. It is Nigeria’s first university. It has produced some of the brightest minds that Nigeria can ever boast of, and has served the country as a factory for the training of generations of skilled workers. At the height of its glory, every university in Nigeria was referred to by ordinary people as UI as in UI of Nsukka, UI of Kano, UI of Maiduguri, UI of Port Harcourt…

For years, indeed, the University of Ibadan, as symbol, signifier, and object of public imagination, embodied in every sense, what John Henry Newman calls “The Idea of a University”. As Nigeria degenerated and small minds replaced visionaries at the commanding heights of governance, and touts became new superstars in a country once destined for greatness, the country careered down the downhill path and every value failed. The first place to notice the effect was in the education sector at all levels and in that very department, iconic institutions took a fall: from the primary to the tertiary level. The town and the gown began to look alike, sometimes with the latter sounding less informed than the former in a reversal of roles.

The idea of the university was trampled upon by an emergent anti-intellectual Nigerian elite that sought to dictate the processes, and standards for the production of knowledge and ideas. When the rogue class wanted to destroy Nigeria, they started with the intellectual class or anything at all that they thought could stand in the way of the planned emergence of thugs, bandits, thieves and terrorists as the new elite.

The University of Ibadan was badly hit over the decades. The teachers, among whom were some of the best in the world were targeted and demoralized by their less talented colleagues who had “connections in high places.” UI once had the best Chemistry laboratory in Africa. One night, it went up in flames. UI once had the best library in West Africa. In due course, that library became something of a museum. UI had the best archival library in Africa. Somehow, that also failed. UI had the richest zoo in West Africa. It turned out that the animals in the zoo, a great attraction for tourists, were eaten up one by one or sold by those who were employed to conserve them. Once, a zoo keeper who had been converted into a growing wave of Christian Pentecostalism, went into the zoo and proclaimed himself “Daniel in the Lion’s Den”. He confronted a hungry lion. You know how the story ended. But that did not stop some of the brightest Professors in the University joining the Pentecostal bandwagon too. Prayer rooms and night vigils became bigger attractions on campus.

When some countries or institutions lose it, and the elite go astray, they manage to retain some value, a residual zone of redemption. But when things go wrong in Nigeria, they simply travel from bad to worse. This is the background to the current situation at the University of Ibadan, a metaphor for the overall Nigerian condition.

Which is why it is so sad, and this is the point of this piece, that the University of Ibadan, once the breeding place of “national diamonds” has now become a melting pot of the Nigerian factor.

And to think that there are actually persons within that system not knowing the difference between the town and the gown, or they probably do, but they really do not care that the rot in town has so infiltrated the university; it may no longer matter anyway. It is particularly a crying shame

Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu that the University of Ibadan since November 2020 has not been able to appoint a substantive Vice Chancellor, after the expiration of the tenure of the former Vice Chancellor, Professor Idowu Olayinka. There may have been issues with the Vice Chancellorship of the University in the past (Kenneth Dike, Tekena Tamuno). There was also once a Cross vs. Crescent war between Christians and Muslims on the campus but what is now going on at the University is truly a new low. Every alumnus of the University must be concerned that his or her alma mater is now a war zone for religious and ethnic politics, and that both faculty and staff are embroiled in a do-or-die fight over the position of Vice Chancellor.

I once served on the Governing Council of a University – Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State. I was Chairman of the Establishments Committee and a member of the Appointments and Promotions Committee (known as A & P).

Ordinarily, when a substantive Vice Chancellor is due to exit the position, the process for the recruitment of another would have begun more than three months before the scheduled exit to

ensure a hitch-free transition. At the University of Ibadan, Professor Idowu Olayinka’s tenure was due to end by November 2020. For one reason or the other, the University Council slept off, more or less on the matter of succession and did not activate the necessary processes in line with the Universities Autonomy Act. In the face of that omission, mischief makers with their own agenda found an opportunity to step into the fray. They exploited the situation in typical Nigerian fashion. The emergent dominant position would eventually be defended as follows: the most vocal interest groups said they wanted an Ibadan indigene as Vice Chancellor of the University because no Ibadan person has ever been VC of the University. They even went a step further to insist that the next VC must be a Muslim. This is in a University that was once specially categorized as a Research University and as a Centre of Excellence.

In 2020, its Professors and non-academic staff were busy fighting over the religious and ethnic extraction of a future VC. Several attempts have been made to resolve the impasse but they have proved futile and inconclusive.

In the midst of that confusion, the university’s Senate reportedly met and decided to appoint Professor Adebola Ekanola, Professor of Philosophy, as Acting Vice Chancellor, with effect from Dec. 1, 2020. Ekanola did not previously show interest in the position. He served under VC Olayinka, as DVC Academics. The main gladiators were Professor Kayode Adebowale – a Professor of Chemistry, and a Christian, believed to be Olayinka’s anointed successor. He served under Olayinka as DVC Administration. The second candidate was/ is Professor Abideen Aderinto, a Muslim and a Professor of Sociology. Aderinto is said to be the candidate of Professor Isaac Adewole, who after serving as Minister of Health, has since returned to the College of Medicine in the University. It is widely believed that he is using his Abuja connections to seize control of the University and to determine who becomes the next Vice Chancellor. We have several levels of conflict here: Adebowale vs.

Aderinto (candidates seeking the office of VC); Olayinka vs. Adewole (conflict of egos between two former VCs trying to control the university

by proxy); Ibadan indigene vs. outsider (should indigeneship be a factor in the appointment of the Vice Chancellor of a Federal University?) and finally Christians vs Muslims (and I ask: do we now have bandits and kidnappers among the Ibadan academia?).

These may perhaps be some of the considerations that led the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu to suspend the process of appointing a new Vice Chancellor at the University of Ibadan indefinitely. But in taking that decision, the Minister merely complicated the process. He should have allowed the university to run its own affairs. His decision to stop the process has fuelled the suspicion that the Ministry or the Minister himself is a party to the conflict. On the streets of the University of Ibadan today, there is great suspicion and masked tension.

The tenure of the present Chairman of the Governing Council, Nde Joshua Watlek Mutka ends in April. He cannot be compared to Chief Wale Olanipekun, SAN who served as Chairman of the Governing Council of the same University before him, or the likes of late Mr. Gamaliel Onosode, who also served with distinction as Chairman of the UI Governing Council. Waklek throughout his tenure as Council Chairman of the University of Ibadan has functioned like a victim of Peter’s Principle.

But then this is Nigeria: he is father in-law of the Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, an APC Governor! In today’s politics, that is big political capital. But to drop the ball and draw Nigeria’s Premier University into the vortex of religious, party and ethnic politics is most unfortunate. Who cares whether the Vice Chancellor is an Ibadan indigene or not? And what has being a Muslim or Christian got to do with University Vice-Chancellorship?

The Minister of Education must revisit this issue quickly. If he waits till the end of the tenure of the current Chairman of Council before the University gets a substantive Vice Chancellor, it would be correctly assumed that Abuja has imposed the politics of Godfatherism on the country’s premier University. The University’s Alumni have also been too quiet. They must not play possum and watch their alma mater turned into a battle-field of ambitions and egos.

The Nigerian Diaspora Vs. Deputy Speaker Idris Wase

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dris Wase is the Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives. There is a video in circulation that shows him presiding over a session of the House of Representatives in the absence of the Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila. The matter before the House was the attempt by Rep. Mark Terser Gbilah representing the Tiv Federal Constituency to present a petition by his constituents writing under the umbrella of the Mutual Union of Tivs in America (MUTA). These concerned citizens in the said petition sought to register their protest about the maltreatment, utter neglect and the wanton violation of the fundamental human rights of their kith and kin back home in Nigeria who as a result of the attack on their homesteads and farmlands by herdsmen have been rendered homeless in the past few years and are now stranded in refugee camps in the Middle Belt. Members of MUTA want their people’s plight to be addressed by the Nigerian government and their seized lands returned to them.

You need to watch the video. The evidence is compelling. The content is horrid. The Speaker in session, Idris Wase, did not even allow Rep. Gbilah to make the presentation. He dismissed Nigerians living in Diaspora as a company of ignoramuses who do not know what is going on in Nigeria. Really? In this age of the internet? He said he would rather listen to a petition coming

from Nigerians living in Nigeria, but not anyone in Diaspora. Thus, Wase robbed Diaspora Nigerians of their right of expression and even their citizenship!

He even argued that these are people with dual nationality. Here is a lawmaker, a No. 2 member of the House of Representatives who is supremely ignorant of the fact that the Nigerian Constitution allows dual citizenship. “Do they really know what is going on if they are in America? Do they have dual citizenship?”, Wase asked with astonishing arrogance. He eventually asked Rep. Gbilah to be so advised and sit down. And poor Gbilah took the advice like a -beaten chicken and put down the petition he was about to read. The evidence is graphic. It leaves Wase no opportunity to claim hereafter that he was quoted out of context or that the video was “doctored”. Other members of the House in attendance at that session looked as if the matter at hand was not their business.

Are we surprised? No. I was indeed so shocked that I had to rush to the internet to double-check Wase’s profile.

He is described as a graduate of Plateau State Polytechnic! It was hard to believe. He actually spent some years in a school of higher learning?

And wait for this: we are further told he is also a graduate of the Kennedy School of Government at the University of Harvard, United States. Wase went to Harvard! “How? as what? as a tourist?”, I wondered. And yet he sounds like that? He

is on top of it all, a fourth-time member of the House of Representatives and he has been either a member or Chair of various committees of the House since 2007. The Idris Wase video should be circulated widely. It is a perfect illustration of the crisis of leadership that Nigeria faces and the failure of the country’s leadership recruitment process.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) representing the entire Nigerian Community in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Oceania and Africa has jointly expressed its outrage in a letter dated March 14 and addressed to the Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila. NIDO definitely has every right to ask whether the only thing its members are good for is Diaspora Remittances!

Idris Wase owes NIDO and MUTA an apology for speaking so rudely and contemptuously about a group of Nigerians who continue to represent some of the very best that the country offers on the global stage. And Abike Dabiri, CEO of the Nigeria in Diaspora Commission must visit Idris Wase, post haste, to take him through a quick tutorial on the significance and relevance of Nigerians in Diaspora, and the folly of his cow-brain, dishonourable comments. Whenever House Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila returns, he must ensure that Rep. Gbilah gets the opportunity to present the petition of the Mutual Union of Tivs in America (MUTA) - with Idris Wase in attendance!

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