THURSDAY 17TH MARCH 2022

Power Outage, Fuel Scarcity: President Apologises to Nigerians

Says govt would soon restore normalcy FG working earnestly to resolve grid collapse NERC: Gas pipelines vandalism, not non-payment of Gencos, responsible for worsening supply Subsidy slumps to N30bn in 2022, from N600bn high Deji Elumoye and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday apologised to Nigerians

over the prolonged fuel scarcity and frequent power outages being experienced across the country.

Buhari said shortage of petroleum products was something his

government had successfully averted in its seven years in office.

Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu, also yesterday, likened the worsening power situation across

the country to a war situation. But Aliyu assured that the federal government was doing everything possible to resolve the situation However, the Nigerian Electricity

Regulatory Commission (NERC) explained that the power situation was caused mainly by the activities of vandals on the country’s gas supply assets.

Buhari, in a statement issued yesterday by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, said the Continued on page 10

Including Litigation, FG Considers Three Options to Address Electoral Act Impasse …Page 5 Thursday 17 March, 2022 Vol 27. No 9837. Price: N250

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Chinua Achebe's Son, Chidi, Wins US Bard Award in Medicine and Science... Page 5

PDP NEC Sets Up 37-man Committee over Presidential Ticket

Gives mandate to report back in two weeks Party’s convention proposed for May 28, 29 Sale of forms commences March 17, presidential form to cost N35m Tambuwal meets 37 PDP state chairs over ambition Chuks Okocha in Abuja The main opposition Peoples

Democratic Party (PDP) has set up a 37-man committee to discuss issues around its presidential ticket

and report back in two weeks. This followed consultations and meetings by the party’s top national leader-

ship organs, namely, the national caucus, Board of Trustees (BoT), and National Executive Committee

(NEC), PDP also proposed May 28 and 29 as dates for its presidential primaries.

It released the nomination fees for Continued on page 10

In Letter to Bagudu, Buhari Directs Return to Status Quo Ante in APC I hold no grudge against anyone, declares Yobe governor President says Buni be allowed to conclude convention plans Warns govs to cease fire, stop further acts that can divide party CECPC cancels NEC meeting scheduled for today Deji Elumoye and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, broke his silence over the crisis rocking the national leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and directed immediate return to status quo ante of Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the party which is headed by Mai Mala Buni.

Buhari, who gave this instruction in a letter addressed to the Chair-

man of the Progressives Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, also warned governors of the party to cease fire and stop further acts capable of dividing the party.

This is as Buni has welcomed Buhari’s intervention as the father of the nation and promised to work with all stakeholders, including governors whom he described as his colleagues with whom he shares same goals of a united party Continued on page 10

LET THERE BE PEACE...

L-R: Yobe State Governor and Interim Chairman, Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) Mai Mala Buni, President Muhammadu Buhari and Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, during a visit by the duo to the President in London in an effort to resolve the leadership crisis in the ruling party All Progressives Congress ...yesterday’

Convention: Yari Undermines APC Zoning, Obtains Chairmanship Form... Page 41

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Group News Editor: Goddy Egene Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 0809 7777 322, 0807 401 0580

NEWS

IN PURSUIT OF HIS LIFELONG AMBITION...

L-R: Senator Aliyu Wamakko; Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege; Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu; APC Presidential aspirant and former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu; Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, and Senator Adamu Aliero, before a meeting between the APC Senate caucus and Tinubu at the National Assembly ... yesterday

Including Litigation, FG Considers Three Options to Address Electoral Act Impasse Malami: We’re still processing Kyari’s extradition request by US Says Nigeria now fighting corruption internationally Deji Elumoye in Abuja The federal government has disclosed that it was considering three options, which included litigation, to address the refusal by the National Assembly to delete section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act, 2022 as requested

by President Muhammadu Buhari, even after sharing the understanding.

It said although it was yet to take a definite decision on the issue, it would explore all necessary options available concerning the Act. At the same time, the government said the request for the extradition of the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, over link with a fraudster, Abbas Ramon known as Hushpuppui, was still being processed.

President Buhari, last month, drew the attention of the leadership of the National Assembly to Section

84 (12) of the Electoral Act 2022 and requested that the section should be deleted through a process of amendment.

The controversial Section 84 (12) reads: “No political appointee at any level shall be voting delegate or be voted for at the Convention or Congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election".

However, fielding questions from newsmen yesterday after the virtual Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the State House, Abuja, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, said the three options before government included representing the bill to the National Assembly to amend the contentious section of the Electoral Act, judicial option,

which is approaching the court or accepting the law as it is.

His words: "The government has a lot of options to consider and exploit: One of the options is to demand the National Assembly to consider. The other option is to look at the law within the context and spirit of the law and see what it can do.

"And all these portions on table.

No position has been conclusively taken on the part of the government.

The government is reviewing, the government is looking and the government will come up with a position at the appropriate time.

If the need for further action is required.

"If there is no further need for such action, the government will take it as presented. But no position has been taken by the government as of today with particular regard

as to what needs to be done on the part of the executive arising from the provisions of the electoral act in the respect, which issues conflict to the Constitution were raised."

Malami said it was the responsibility of the lawmakers to legislate, adding that if it became necessary, the federal government would explore all the options available to it, insisting that the government was yet to take a conclusive stand as to what it would do on the matter.

Speaking on the extradition request by the United States government on Kyari, the Justice Minister lamented that there had been a misconception on the issue, but that the request was still being processed.

He expressed concern over what he called the misunderstanding created around the issue by the media, urging them to get a grip of

Chinua Achebe's Son, Chidi, Wins US Bard Award in Medicine and Science Chidi Achebe, the famous novelist Chinua Achebe's son, has been named the winner of the 2022 prestigious John and Samuel Bard Award in the United States for excellence in medicine and science, with Governor Willie Obiano and Governor-elect Charles Soludo felicitating with him.

The 2022 Bard College Awards will hold on May 27.

According to a statement by Anambra Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C. Don Adinuba, Obiano, and Soludo were delighted about the award.

"This is a parting gift to me and the Anambra people as I am about to depart office after eight years of giving my best to a great state," the statement quoted Obiano as saying.

It added, "Prof. Chinua Achebe remains a very great man even in the grave, and it is reassuring that his children like Chidi, a medical doctor who trained in some of the best institutions in the world, is steeped in the tradition of global excellence."

Soludo described Achebe (chief executive of African Integrated Development Enterprise) as a worthy ambassador of Anambra whose passion for Africa's rapid development "is reminiscent of his father's lifelong commitment to Africa's emancipation."

Soludo, who will assume office as

governor on Thursday, observed that despite living abroad for decades, "the younger Achebe is acutely conscious of his roots and belongs to an ever-increasing number of Anambra indigenes keenly interested in contributing actively to a new dawn in our beloved state."

Calling Achebe a worthy ambassador of the country, the governor-elect said, "He is a pan Africanist of the finest hue."

AIDE, which Achebe heads, is building 18 health facilities across Africa, starting with Nigeria and Kenya.

“The John and Samuel Bard Award is named for the two 18th-century physicians, father and son, whose descendant, John Bard, founded the college. The award honours scientists whose achievements demonstrate the breadth of concern and depth of commitment that characterized these pioneer physicians," said Leon Botstein, president of Bard College in New York.

Previous recipients have included Nobel laureates Linus Pauling, Rosalyn Sussman Yalow, Mathilde Krim, and Lewis Thomas.

As AIDE chairman, the younger Achebe heads an organization that works to bring together international companies and expertise to create sustainable integrated delivery of medical care on the African continent.

He has also served as president and CEO of Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center, medical director of Whittier Street Health Center, and assistant professor at Tufts University School of Medicine— all in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. The self-effacing hands-on workaholic earned his medical degree at the esteemed Dartmouth Medical School.

He then took a master’s degree

in business administration from Yale University School of Management and another master’s in public health from Harvard School of Public Health.

While undertaking his professional endeavours, Achebe advocates health-care equality.

For his efforts in bridging health care disparities, he was awarded the 2012 Dartmouth College Martin Luther King Jr. Social Justice Award for Ongoing Commitment.

the facts to avoid creating confusion.

Said he, "Starting with the issue of Abba Kyari as raised, maybe by way of an insight as to the workings of the Office of the Attorney General and Federal Ministry of Justice, we need to understand that it is not and has never been part of the functions and duties of the office of the attorney to conduct investigation.

"So, generally speaking, when issues are raised that have some criminal undertones, the responsibility of the office of the Attorney General is to send such to the relevant agencies of government that are saddled with the responsibility of investigation, inclusive, or perhaps Police, ICPC, EFCC, among others.

"So, with that in mind, during the course of the investigation, there is naturally correspondence and exchange of mutual correspondence between the offices. Fundamentally, after the investigation were deposited to the Office of the Attorney General, Attorney General will review same to see whether there is need for enhancement of investigation as it relates to certain key elements of the offense.

"It is from this background perspectives that you will need to consider what fully transpired in the case of Abba Kyari. Allegations were made, investigations were conducted, and then request for further enhancement of investigation were indeed made by the office of the Attorney General for the purpose of covering the field in arriving at an informed decision one way or the other.

"So, while this process of cor-

Reps Grill NERC over Non-remittance of Operating Surplus to Rural Electrification Agency Udora Orizu in Abuja The House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts yesterday grilled the Chairman, Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Sanusi Garba and the Executive Commissioner in charge of Finance, Nathan Shatti over the non-remittance of operating surplus of the agency to the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Oluwole Oke, who presided over the hearing noted that REA was one of the key government agencies established by government under the Electricity Reform Act passed by the National Assembly and enjoined

the agency to maximise its potential for national development in power sector.

He also noted that the provision of the law was clear that the agency as a regulator of the government agencies and power distribution companies should pay its operating surplus to the government agency in charge of power at the rural areas.

He demanded that the provision of the law on the payment of operating surplus by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government be complied with by these organisations forthwith.

However, responding to the queries raised by the AuditorGeneral of the Federation (AuGF),

NERC Chief Executive said that the agency had paid up all its outstanding operating surplus to the REA. He told the lawmakers that the idea of payment of operating surplus to the government was to improve access to electricity in the rural areas by agencies of government, adding that in 2012 N4 billion was paid to the coffers of government.

Ruling, Oke expressing dissatisfaction with his explanation, directed the Clerk of the Committee to write the REA to submit to the Committee details of payment of operating surplus by NERC from 2015 till date.

respondence between the Office of the Attorney General and the police is ongoing, it is indeed a work in progress and never conclusive position. So, that is what I can tell you clearly, there was indeed an independent request to an investigation.

“Interim Investigation report was presented to the office of the attorney general and the attorney general at the point, requested for further enhancement of the investigation and highlighted some areas in respect of which enhancement of investigation is required. So, it is indeed premature or perhaps, mischievous for any conclusion to have been driven in the direction of exoneration or otherwise of liability or responsibility related therein."

Malami also stated that his ministry had presented two memos on need to step up fight against corruption to FEC for approval.

According to him, "Two items were presented by the Federal Ministry of Justice for the consideration of the Federal Executive Council.

The two items are all relating what we are doing in the direction of the fight against corruption. They are intended to advance the fight against corruption, both locally and internationally, to the next level.

"The first item, which has to do with a memo, which seeks the approval of the Council for the repeal of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Code of Conduct Tribunal, is intended to repeal an act. As you are rightly aware, there exists what is called an Act of the National Assembly, which is known as the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act. C 15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

"We are here today, this morning, and which has been presented before the Federal Executive Council, is the amendment bill or repeal bill that is targeted at enhancing what these two bodies are doing. The Code of Conduct Bureau is simply responsible for the enforcement of the code of conduct for public officers and the Code of Conduct Tribunal is responsible for enforcing, by way of judicial trials and proceedings, which is associated with the code of conduct of public officers.

"So, what we have done this afternoon is to present a bill that seeks to enhance what has been done, arriving from the identified gaps, for the purpose of enhancing the functions of these two bodies, both in terms of the composition of the tribunal, because we have Continued on page 8

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NEWS

INAUGURATION OF GRAND CALIPH...

L-R: Sheik Salis Alao Adenekan; Former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Sheik Ibrahim Inyas; Chief of Staff to Ogun State Governor, Salisu Afolabi, and Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti, during the inauguration and turbaning ceremony of Adenekan as the Grand Caliph of Tijaniyya for Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States of Nigeria, at Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta Ogun State...recently

Deep Blue Project: House Queries NIMASA over Arms’ Procurement

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The House of Representatives Committee on Navy currently investigating the legality of $195,300,000 Deep Blue contract which the federal government entered into with a foreign private company, HLS International Limited, for the supply of certain security and surveillance equipment and systems, yesterday queried the Nigerian Maritime Administration Agency (NIMASA) over the purchase of arms for a security outfit, yet to be established in Nigeria.

The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi reacting to the submission made by the DirectorGeneral of NIMASA, Bashir Jamoh, questioned the procurement of the military equipment and custodial powers of the agency.

"We don’t have coast guard, why are you procuring military equipment and keeping them in your custody preempting that you would have coast guard to hand over to them? Do you think it is safe for this country to keep military equipment in your custody with the sole aim of establishing an agency, predetermining that

Mr President would approve the establishment of the coast guard?

What would be consequent effects of keeping the equipment in your custody?, Gagdi asked In his presentation, Jamoh, revealed that the contract attracted a management fee of 10 per cent placed at $19.5 million.

He claimed that the total sum of $195 million as approved by the executive fell short of logistical expenditure.

He added: "Let me start by addressing the cost of the contract.

The cost of the contract was $195 million and 10 per cent management fee of about $19.5 million.

I want to make it categorically clear, the amount represents the cost of this platforms.

“There are other things or related costs that may not be included here from the time we collected this asset to date. You need to manage the assets; you need buy bunkers. You need do other things including those who are managing the platforms.”

Responding to a question on how the project was conceptualised, Jamoh said the entire contract agreement was conceived,

processed by the Ministry of Transportation and has been fully paid.

"Deep Blue was conceived. It was processed by the Ministry of Transportation and presented to the FEC with two prayers. One was to approve the execution of the contract and two for NIMASA

to pay the cost of the contract and that was what was approved and conveyed such approval to NIMASA. “As usual, we abide by the directive given to us. As of today we don't have a cent unpaid. We paid the contract entire and the contractor completed the supply

Lagos State government has explained that the planned reopening of the Lekki toll gate was inevitable because of the huge debts operators of the facility needed to pay.

The clarification followed recent announcement by the state government of its plan to reopen the toll gate 18 months after the #EndSARS protest.

Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotosho, who made the clarification, said one of the reasons the Lekki Concession Company (LCC) was returning back to the toll was because it owed local lenders about N11.6 billion and foreign lenders about $31.1 million.

Omotosho who spoke yesterday on ‘The Morning Show’ on ARISE News Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, stressed that there was no way

LCC wouldn’t resume tolling on the road as there were about 500 workers with the company who have been idle and have families to feed.

The Commissioner also noted that LCC had done a lot of stakeholders' engagement talking to residents and motorists and has explained itself on why it has to return to the toll gate.

He further guaranteed residents that there wouldn’t be traffic neither would there be an increase in the fares, but rather that there would be incentives like better ways of paying in the first few days after the opening to perfect the system.

“If LCC doesn’t return there, I do not know how it’s going to pay its debts,” he added.

“All the traffic lights on the routes are working perfectly well which will ensure that residents will be able to drive through without traffic jam. I thank lekki residents for showing understanding and

contractor has given me his words that within the next two weeks we would get the remaining items cleared," he added.

He refuted claims that NIMASA handed over its platforms for the armed forces of Nigeria, saying that the platforms were still owned by the agency.

EU, IOM Facilitate Return of 500 Stranded Nigerians from Libya Michael Olugbode in Abuja The European Union (EU) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) have disclosed that this year they have assisted in the return of more than 500 stranded Nigerian migrants in Libya back to the country.

Presently, 162 Nigerian migrants have returned safely from Libya on the fourth charter flight for this year organised by the IOM. The evacuations were done

with support from the EU through its Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration.

A statement by IOM yesterday, explained that the said the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted migrant workers like Yousef Al Hadji who migrated from Nigeria to Libya in 2016.

“When his work hours as a gas attendant decreased dramatically, Yousef began working as a cleaner at a garbage facility to continue sending money home

Lagos State Gives Reasons for Planned Reopening of Lekki Toll Gate Emma Okonji and Nosa Alekhuogie

of all the platforms, except some the platforms still remain at Onne Port, because we were unable to pay the contractors that are clearing these items, their dues.

“We just received approval one and half months ago from the FEC to settle the contractor and get the remaining items. The

allowing LCC commence its business in the road,” he said.

Omotosho reaffirmed that the toll would be reopened on April 1, 2022.

He further alleged that the people who have been against LCC returning to the toll gate, were those who don’t live around the place and don’t live in Nigeria.

According to him, they send messages from miles away asking people not to pay toll and say all manner of things against the toll gate and this shouldn’t be so.

He revealed that stakeholders' engagement was still ongoing, and that it had been massive and encouraging with LCC having meetings with resident associations, traditional rulers and different people concerning the issue.

Speaking on the death of the young lady, Bamise Ayamwole who was murdered in a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) recently, the

commissioner debunked claims that Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu refused to visit the family of the deceased.

He said the governor had spoken to the parents and sent a powerful team of senior officials to the family.

He further stated that it wasn’t all over the news because they felt it wasn’t something to make a political gain out of.

“People who belong to another party and are going there to cry, making a show of it are not doing us or the society any good. The governor wouldn’t go to the family, call television crew and all of that. He has spoken to the parents, calmed them down, prayed for them and they received him with open arms,” Omotosho said.

He noted that the governor has however promised the family justice on the matter, adding that the culprits would not go unpunished as the key suspect has been arraigned in court.

to his family in Nigeria.

“Many other migrants were stranded in Libya due to COVID-19 and the challenging security situation in the country.

Once voluntary humanitarian return flights from Libya resumed in October 2021 after months of suspension due to border closures and restrictions, Yousef immediately elected to return to his country of origin,” it stated.

Al Hadji was quoted to have said when he visited an IOM facility for a medical assessment prior to his travel: “It has been six years since I first came to Libya, and I haven’t seen my big family.” While it was difficult to be away for so long, he now looked forward to reuniting with his family in Nigeria.

Wednesday’s humanitarian flight departed from the capital of Libya, Tripoli, at noon and landed safely at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at 6pm. Out of the 162 migrants, 110 are men and 52 were women including 14 individuals under the age of 18 and 11 infants.

According to IOM Nigeria Head of Sub-office in Lagos, Stephen Rogers: “These migrants have been waiting patiently for months to get a flight back home and allow them to reunite with their families and friends.”

He added: “IOM’s role is not over yet. We need to ensure their needs are accommodated under the best conditions and initiate their reintegration support back in the communities of origin.”

The statement noted that prior to departure, the returnees underwent health checks and got tested for COVID-19 and received hygiene kits containing face masks

and other protective gear.

IOM also provided them with pre-departure counselling services, protection screening and transportation assistance. IOM also offers targeted assistance to migrants with specific situations of vulnerability such as pregnant women, unaccompanied migrant children, victims of trafficking and migrants with medical conditions.

Upon arrival, the returnees were given food, refreshments and a mobile device to assist them with contacting their families and to remain in touch with IOM as they receive reintegration support.

Vulnerable cases were provided with non-food items such as clothes, shoes and other essential items.

Returnees went through a mandatory seven-day quarantine period for unvaccinated beneficiaries and undergo on the second day another PCR test for COVID-19.

Returnees subsequently received financial support for transportation to their communities of origin.

The IOM would provide mental health and psychosocial support and business skills training to help them to kick-start incomegenerating activities as part of their reintegration assistance.

Ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi said: “The EU-IOM Joint Initiative has been instrumental in safely returning and reintegrating Nigerian nationals since April 2017 and we are happy to know that operations have resumed. We are welcoming the flight from Tripoli and we aim at successful reintegration for all returnees.”

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NGF MAIDEN MEETING WITH ATTORNEY GENERALS OF 36 STATES...

L-R: Former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi; Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, and Ekiti State Attorney General, Olawale Fapohunda, during the Nigeria Governors' Forum PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE (NGF) maiden meeting with the Attorney Generals of the 36 States of the federation in Abuja...yesterday

Senate Passes Bill to Amend Money Laundering Act The Senate yesterday passed a bill to amend the Money Laundering Act 2011.

The passage of the bill tagged, “Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022,” followed the consideration of a report by the Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes.

According to a statement

yesterday, the provisions of the Money Laundering Bill 2022, makes it mandatory for banks and other Financial Institutions to report in writing to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, any single transaction or lodgment in excess of N5 million for an individual, and N10 million in the case of a

corporate body.

It provides in Section 11(3) that, “any Financial Institution or Designated Non-Financial Business and Profession that contravenes the provisions of this section commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of not less than N250,000 and not more than N1 million for each day the contravention continues.”

In addition, the provisions of the bill in Section 12 prohibits the opening of numbered or anonymous accounts in fictitious names and shell banks.

It provides that any person or financial institution that contravenes the provisions of Section 12 subsections (1), (2) and (3) commits and offence and is liable to imprisonment

Reps, CBN, Trade Ministry, Others Investigate Challenges Confronting Industrial Centres Udora Orizu in Abuja

The House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Industry to investigate challenges confronting the 22 Industrial Development Centres (IDCs).

The Committee is to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investments and other relevant agencies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and Bank of Industry (BOI), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to come up with a roadmap towards making the IDCs economically viable.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion, “on the need to increase the capacity of 22 industrial development centres

in Nigeria,” sponsored by Hon. Olubukola Oyewo.

Moving the motion, Oyewo noted that SMEs are recognised for promoting industrialisation all over the world, as they play crucial roles in the socio-economic development of countries.

She also noted that to actualise the vision above, the federal government established 22 IDCs across the country, with the first one established in Owerri, Imo State in 1965.

She opined that with the rate of unemployment among the youths in the nation, the IDCs would serve as centres to train youths on different entrepreneurial skills that will make them productive and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of

Buhari Felicitates with Matthew Ashimolowo at 70 Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has rejoiced with the Founder/ President of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo as he marks his 70th birthday anniversary today.

The president in a statement yesterday by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, joined congregation and church leaders to celebrate with the clergyman, publisher and philanthropist, on the milestone.

Buhari rejoiced with Ashimolowo and his wife, Yemisi, for their dedication to bringing meaning and value to many lives through preaching and teaching of the gospel, demonstrating the love of Christ by investing in economic empowerment of brethren, and sponsoring some to gain sound

education.

He noted the spread of wisdom by the leader of the KICC, evidenced in his speaking and teachings in churches and conferences in Nigeria and various parts of world, and more recently the focus on equipping the youths with direction and tools for success in the Biblical context, which prescribes love, justice, hardwork and fairness in all dealings.

Buhari affirmed that Ashimolowo’s influence and relevance stretch beyond the pulpit and his calling as a preacher, with his deep insight on issues of everyday life like marriage, relationships, investments, governance and business, showing the way for many.

He also prayed for the wellbeing of the founder of KICC and his family.

the country.

She said: "Others established later are in Osun, Ogun, Bauchi, Lagos, Sokoto, Niger, Edo, Ondo, Kano, Abuja, Katsina, Enugu, Akwa-Ibom, Adamawa, Cross-River, Plateau, Rivers, Kwara, Kaduna, Borno, and Benue.

“Further notes that the IDCs were established to promote small and medium enterprises, essentially, to provide extension services to SMEs in such areas as project appraisal for the loan application, training of entrepreneurs, managerial assistance, product development, production planning, and control as well as other extension services.

"Informed that due to inef-

fectiveness of the Centres, in December 2009, the IDCs were assigned under the control of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) for management to pave way for the laid down strategies for the re-positioning of the IDCs towards enhancing entrepreneurship development in Nigeria. Concerned that years after the Centres were assigned to SMEDAN, their mandates have not been realised as most IDCs are on a large landmass, particularly that of Osogbo in Osun State and has currently become habitats for wild animals and heavily stocked with machines and equipment that have not been in use for years."

of not less than two years and not more than five years in the case of an individual; and a fine of not less than N10 million but not more than N50 million for a Financial Institution, in addition to the prosecution of the principal officers of the body, and winding up and prohibition of its constitution or incorporation.

The provisions of Section 13 further mandates financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions to identify and asses the money laundering and terrorism financing risks that may arise in relation to the development of new products and new business practices.

The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Suleiman Abdu Kwari (Kaduna North), in his presentation, said the bill seeks to repeal the institutional and legal framework on money laundering prohibition in Nigeria.

According to him, the amendment to the Money Laundering Act, would “provide for effective and comprehensive legal framework to re-invigorate the fight against money laundering in the country by leaning more on prevention as a useful tool to strengthen the existing legal regime in combating money laundering and other related crimes in the country.”

He added that the re-enactment bill provides appropriate penalties and expands the scope of supervisory bodies to effectively address the challenges faced in the implementation of anti-money laundering laws in Nigeria.

Kwari explained further that, the bill upon becoming law, would provide protection for employees of various anti-graft institutions, and see to the establishment of the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

He said that the unit when established, would be charged with the effective implementation of the money laundering laws in relation to designated Non-Financial Businesses and or Professions in Nigeria.

“The enactment of this bill will resolve the institutional issues regarding the establishment of the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering under the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, being implemented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

“The bill seeks to introduce certain supervisory and enforcement mechanism, through the imposition of administrative penalties for breach of any requirement imposed by law,” the lawmaker said.

INCLUDING LITIGATION, FG CONSIDERS THREE OPTIONS TO ADDRESS ELECTORAL ACT IMPASSE limited number and the desire arises for expansion of the scope in terms of the number of the panel that should be seated for the purpose of addressing the issues associated with breaches that are presented before the tribunal by the Code of Conduct Bureau.

"So, we have succeeded in presenting issues related to the powers, expansion of powers of the tribunal, for example, not only to limit itself to the idea of presenting the cases and investigation, but also to include the possibility for future confiscation and seizure of assets, when the need arises, which were part and parcel of the Code of Conduct Bureau before now.

"In terms of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, it’s to expand the scope, taking into consideration of the workload. There are a lot of pending cases, but then we have limited personnel, limited members of the tribunal to address them.

"So, fundamentally, that bill is intended to consider it from the points of expansion of the pow-

ers, from the points of increase in composition of the tribunal, and then from the points of expanding the scope of punishment that could be meted, all out of the desire to take the fight against corruption to the next level.

"The second item that has been presented by the Council is a report – a Council note relating to the Conference of State Parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, held at International Conference Center, Sher and Shek in Egypt, dated 12 to 17 December, 2021. For your information, Nigeria sponsored an international resolution relating to assets recovery, among others.

"The intention of that resolution is to see how best Nigeria can bring about international understanding relating to the recovery of assets by way of simplifying the process, by way of ensuring at the end of the day that, we kind of create an international community understanding relating to the process of recovery of assets. At the end of the day,

arising from the conclusion of the meeting, Nigeria has succeeded in developing a resolution relating to enhancing access and use of beneficial ownership information to facilitate identification, recovery, and return of assets.

"As you rightly know, for example, the case of P&ID, even as at the time Nigeria ran into trouble with the case and we had against us an award of over $10 billion against the Nigerian state, those that were behind it were hidden, they were not identified at all. So, it took us a lot of trouble, internationally and locally, to identify the beneficial owners of P& ID. "So, with that in mind, Nigeria has now developed an international resolution of beneficial ownership register, that whoever is investing in Nigeria, as a company and internationally, should have full disclosure of his identity before embarking on any international investment and then, Nigeria has succeeded in presenting that resolution and it has a lot of support from

a number of countries, including Pakistan, State of Palestine, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, Burkina Faso, Dominican Republic, United States of America, Ecuador, Brazil, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Honduras, Angola, Algeria, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and Kenya, among others.

"So, what I'm trying to say in essence is, Nigeria has indeed taken its fight against corruption, not only locally, but indeed internationally, by way of ensuring that adequate infrastructure, both legal, legislative, and otherwise, are put in place for the purpose of facilitating the tracing and recovery of assets.

"But then, the point of interest arising from what Nigeria did relating to the Conference of State Parties, is the fact that the international community appreciated Nigeria's efforts in the fight against corruption, where Nigeria has also been highly rated as a leader in Africa in areas of developing structures for recovery, repatriation, and disposal of proceeds of crime, among others."

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TEN POWER OUTAGE, FUEL SCARCITY: PRESIDENT APOLOGISES TO NIGERIANS blackouts seen in the national grid were being addressed.

According to him, "A dip in hydroelectric generation due to seasonal pressures has coincided with technical and supply problems at thermal stations. On this, the government is also working tirelessly to resolve the issues at the latter to guarantee sufficient power flows into the national grid.

"As part of emergency measures put in place following a meeting convened with key stakeholders to address the low power generation in the country, the main challenge was identified as being one of low gas power generation as a result of sabotage of gas pipelines, leading to shutdown of power plants, coupled with on-going routine maintenance on other gas power plants.

"To recover over 1000MW, actions were agreed upon between the players in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) and also NNPC. The actions targeted the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) plants, (Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) and power plants run under NNPC Joint Ventures, Agip, and Shell (NAOC and SPDC) and progress on the key actions have already ensured the restoration to the grid of 375MW after the pipeline from ‘Okpai 1’ was repaired.

"To also ramp up the underutilised capacity of the NDPHC capacity, a USD 50 Million Gas Supply agreement is being finalised to secure the sustainability of up to 800MW of underutilised NIPP assets."

The president assured that government’s attention to these problems would bear fruits soon.

He said his administration knew

that the fuel shortage had placed a strain on citizens and businesses and gave an assurance that relief was on the way.

Buhari said, "I specially apologise to all sections of the society for this.

“The government is working round the clock to attend to this issue. An action plan agreed earlier this month is being implemented to address the scarcity. Working together with the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), this plan is now bearing fruit.

"Sufficient fuel supply has returned to a handful of states, with the queues at stations falling.

In the coming days, we expect this to be the case across the rest of the country.

“Looking to the longer term, funds are being targeted toward keeping fuel availability affordable for the country. The international energy markets have surged drastically in recent months; the government will, however, ensure that consumers are protected against these price spikes.”

The president added that he had received information that some people were not behaving properly at the depots and among owners of petrol stations and in this regard, he directed the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), NNPC, and the entire security apparatus of the country to take strong action against those responsible.

FG Likens Power Crisis to War, Says it’s Working Earnestly to Resolve Grid Collapse

Aliyu likened the current power situation across the country to a war situation, assuring, however, that the government is doing everything in its power to resolve the situation. He said this while speaking with journalists at the end of the weekly virtual meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided over by the vice president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, at the State House, Abuja.

The minister attributed the collapse of power to a combination of factors, including unavailability of gas. He said having realised the gravity of the situation, he had summoned a meeting of stakeholders, where he told them that the present condition could be likened to a war situation requiring emergency solutions.

He stated that the power grid that suffered a collapse had now been restored, adding that efforts are being made to put power into it.

The minister explained, “The more reason we are facing the situation now is as a result of the shortage of gas and some of the generators have to go for maintenance.

“It is a scheduled maintenance and it is supposed to be scheduled outage but we had not envisaged that we will have issues around vandalisation of pipelines, which the NNPC has addressed, as you can see evidently everywhere, aviation fuel, and petrol in the filling stations.

"It is a combination of many factors. That compounded the problem we are having on the grid. We have recovered the grid now. The grid is back and we are trying to get more megawatts to push on the grid. We have set

PDP NEC SETS UP 37-MAN COMMITTEE OVER PRESIDENTIAL TICKET the various elective positions, with the presidential nomination form costing N35 million, and sale of forms for all positions starting today, March 17.

Clarifying the details, National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Debo Ologunagba, explained, "On zoning, NEC also approved the establishment of a 37-member Zoning Committee to make recommendations for the zoning of the various elective positions for the 2023 general election."

He said the 37-man committee was at liberty to choose its chairman, adding that all the decisions followed extensive deliberations by the NEC on issues of urgent national importance as well as preparation for the 2023 general election.

Ologunagba stated, "NEC commended the effort of the various organs of our party, the National Working Committee (NWC), the National Caucus, the National Assembly Caucus, the Board of Trustees (BoT), the PDP Governors’ Forum, and our structures at various levels in stabilising our party for the task ahead.

"NEC also commended the commitment of the National Working Committee (NWC) under the chairmanship of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, to further unite and reposition the party ahead of the 2023 general election.

"NEC applauded the NWC for the success of the party in the local government elections in the FCT as well as in recent bye-elections across the country. NEC also commended the NWC for successful conduct of the PDP primaries for Ekiti and Osun states’ governorship elections, respectively, and charged all party members to work hard to ensure victory in the two elections.

"NEC expressed confidence in the ability of the NWC to lead our party to win the presidential election, majority of state governors, as well as majority of seats in the National and State Assemblies."

On preparations for the 2023 elections, the national publicity secretary said NEC had approved the PDP Electoral Guidelines for the conduct of primary elections.

He also said NEC had approved the Timetable and Schedule of Activities of the PDP for the 2023 general election.

NEC also approved a 50 per cent reduction in nomination fees for youths aged 25 to 30 years for various elective positions, he stated.

From a draft sighted by THISDAY, PDP slated its presidential convention to hold on May 28 and 29.

Before the NEC meeting, the national caucus of the party had adopted the setting up of the committee to study and recommend on zoning. This was passed on to NEC, which eventually adopted the recommendation.

THISDAY was told that the national caucus meeting, which started at 10am and ended 3.20pm, witnessed heated arguments from the proponents of zoning in favour of the south and those that wanted the zoning thrown open to all interested aspirants.

The same level of debate also took place at the NEC meeting that started at 5.20pm and ended 9.10pm.

All PDP’s southern governors and other stakeholders spoke passionately in favour of zoning the presidential ticket to the south, insisting such is the mood of the nation.

But the northern stakeholders argued that PDP’s presidential ticket had been in the north for merely two years since the Fourth Republic, while the south had had a 14-year tenure under former President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

The northern stakeholders argued that it was only two years under late President Umaru Yar’Adua that the presidency stayed in the north.

It was after a heated argument that the party’s NEC agreed to set up the 37-man committee to look into the zoning issue in detail.

On the state of the nation, the PDP NEC strongly condemned the heightened insincerity across the country, as well as the corruption and insensitivity of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, which had resulted in agonising economic hardship in the country.

NEC condemned the abysmal corruption in the APC government, which it said was responsible for the excruciating fuel crisis and collapse of the national grid that had crippled economic and social activities in our country.

NEC noted that Nigerians were now looking up to PDP for solution and, therefore, urged all members to remain united in the party’s mission to rescue and rebuild the country from the misrule of APC. In a related development, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal met all the 36 states chairmen of

the party, as well as that of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The meeting was to brief them on his presidential ambition.

Meanwhile, PDP NEC approved the commencement of sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination forms from today, March 17.

Explaining this, Ologunagba said the cost of State House of Assembly Expression of Interest form was N100, 000, while the Nomination Form was N500, 000; House of Representatives Expression of Interest form, N500, 000, Nomination Form, N2, 000,000; and Senate Expression of Interest form, N500, 000, Nomination form, N3, 000,000.

Others are Governorship Expression of Interest form, N1, 000,000, Nomination form, N20, 000,000; and Presidential Expression of Interest form N5, 000,000, Nomination form, N35, 000,000.

up small committees, all geared towards getting more megawatts to put on the grid. Basically, the problem around gas.

“You need to have gas contract between generating companies and gas supplies – some are in form of contracts, some are not.

We are looking into this and have proffered some solutions in some few days to mature."

Aliyu further explained, "Some of you are aware, just two days ago, I summoned an emergency meeting, which is unprecedented.

For the first time, I brought in all the sector players, from NNPC, AGIP, Shell, the regulator, NERC, the umpire, NBET, some of the GENCOs, like Niger Delta Power Company, and TCN, transporters, the ministry, and Special Adviser to the President on Infrastructure.

"We came together and used the whole day trying to proffer solutions. I challenged all of them. I said this is like a war situation. We need to find solutions. We need to come out with answers. We need quick and emergency solutions.

"As you rightly put it, the power on the grid has dropped due to those things that affect it; lack of gas and maintenance that some of the generators are undergoing.

So, that triggers it.

"You know technology, that drop in the supply that goes down on the grid, it triggers some response.

Some started to trip down and that also causes the whole system to go down.

"We had it day before yesterday, we recovered it. We had it again, we covered it. So, we have covered it now. We are on top of it. The grid is back. We are trying to get more megawatts to push on the grid through that meeting. So, everybody is now contributing to that meeting.”

He stressed that the recent efforts by his ministry was already yielding results, but added that even though the country's generation capacity was 13,000 megawatts, only 5,000 megawatts could be wheeled for transmission.

Aliyu stated, "We have started seeing the outcome of the meeting.

As I leave here today, I will get more information on what I have to go and do. We have set up small committees, two, three committees and all gearing towards getting more megawatts to put on the grid.

"This is the situation. On what I said last time, we still stand on that. We have a capacity of 13,000 megawatts. We have the one on the grid, we have the embedded and we have the captive.

"If you combine all of them, we have that. So, what is happening now is as a result of all these problems that we're encountering,

and we're on top of it. Very soon, we will come out of it." .

The minister also disclosed that FEC approved N5 billion for payment of right of way to expand transmission in Lagos and Ogun states.

He said, "I also told you that we are encountering a lot of challenges of right of ways. For instance, this one is the issue of right of way. But we have gotten approval now; over N5 billion to open up and expand Lagos, Ogun, where presently they may not be enjoying quality electricity.

"So, we need to do this more.

We have not denied that the transmission is not strong to carry load. Otherwise, we have over 13,000-installed capacity at the GENCOs. But we have been able to will only 5,000."

Aliyu said there was no disagreement with generating companies over money, saying they have been paid N40 billion while consultants are working on the balance.

He said, "I think I've spoken all round. On gas issue, this should be one of them. We are trying to solve all the problems. For instance, just last time, I told you the debts owed by the government to DISCOs. I told you we are paying that. We are paying around N40 billion.

"The remaining balance is being reviewed by consultants to come out with exact figure. So, something is being done about that. And regarding the GENCOs and the gas suppliers, this is another issue between them and our obligation to the GENCOs, this is being looked at and we are working on that seriously."

On his part, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Niyi Adebayo, revealed that FEC approved the construction of a new corporate headquarters for the National Sugar Development Council in Abuja, in favour of Vita construction limited in the sum of N5, 756,833,616 with a completion period of 24 months.

Speaking also, Minister of State for Works and Housing, Muazu Sambo, said the Council approved the implementation of four projects, including two road projects and two bridges in different parts of the country.

NERC: Gas Pipelines Vandalism, not Non-payment of Gencos, Responsible for Worsening Power Supply

Meanwhile, NERC yesterday stated that the worsening power situation in the country was caused mainly by the vandalism of the country’s gas supply assets.

Chairman of the commission, Sanusi Garba, who gave an update when he spoke with journalists

in Abuja, noted that the country lost at least 1,000 megawatts to the challenge.

The NERC boss also dismissed the position expounded by Executive Secretary of the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC), Dr. Joy Ogaji, that the Gencos were unable to make more power available because they were owed N1.64 trillion.

Garba stated that although the Gencos were owed legacy debts, that had nothing to do with their current operations, maintaining that if at all there has been temporary delays in payment in the normal course of business, it shouldn’t lead to the generators stopping business for any reason.

Furthermore, Garba noted that whereas the thermal plants, which supplied 80 per cent of the country’s electricity, was supposed to buffer the fall in generation from the hydro plants, due to water management issues, they had not been able to do so this year, due to the inability of gas companies to supply gas.

Flanked by his deputies, Garba acknowledged that the amount of power being enjoyed by electricity consumers in the last two to three months had dipped considerably, as supply dropped from about 5,300mw in October 2021, to about 4,350megawatts in March.

He stated, “Now, obviously, looking at the level of generation, 1,000 megawatts is a lot and this has consequently impacted on supply to many consumers and, in particular, those who are living in Abuja.

“Just for clarification, in October 2021, the hydros were doing about 1,350 megawatts, now they are doing about 1,100. But that's not enough to clearly explain why there are so much outages across the country.

“The reality is that normally at this time of year, when generation in the hydro plants are down, the gas plants, which currently contribute about 80 per cent of the generation capacity, will ramp up to cover the shortfall in generation of hydros.

“Unfortunately, at this time of the year when the gas plants are supposed to improve generation, we have had a number of multiple events that contributed to their lack of capacity to deliver on the shortfall of generation.”

Starting from the Okpai plant, owned by Agip and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), the chairman stated that the pipelines were disrupted in obvious acts of vandalism, which further affected generation in the plants.

Continued on page 43

IN LETTER TO BAGUDU, BUHARI DIRECTS RETURN TO STATUS QUO ANTE IN APC

with internal democracy.

The Yobe governor, who spoke exclusively to THISDAY as he headed to Abuja, declared that, "I hold no grudges against anyone", and went on to cancel the emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party earlier fixed for today.

Buhari, in a two-page letter dated March 16, 2022, personally signed and addressed to Bagudu, intervened with straight and strict instructions in the uncertainties currently rocking the APC. According to the president, the multiplicity of cases currently rocking the party has the prospect of invalidating the activities and actions of the party by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In the letter, which was also copied to the CECPC, the acting CECPC Chairman, Governor Sani Bello of Niger State, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) as well as the Inspector General of Police, the president said the intervention had become necessary since the party could not change the leadership of the CECPC without infringing on the time limit set by INEC, and the fact that the current uncertainties and controversies “pose a real threat to the party.”

He, therefore, directed that the issue of the leadership of the CECPC) should immediately returned to status quo ante.

The president also asked all

members of the Governors’ Forum and their followers to desist from any behaviour or utterances that would likely lead to disunity in the ranks of the party, and ultimately jeorpadise the transition to the convention.

According to him, the Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee, should accordingly be allowed to proceed with all necessary preparations to hold the convention as planned, unfailingly on 26th March, 2022.

The two-page letter, conveyed in the president’s official letterhead, read: "As you are, no doubt aware, the All Progressives Congress, APC, is currently facing a litany of controversies and some level of uncertainties that may ultimately question its status and affect the status and feasibility of its proposed National Convention.

"In addition, it has come to my attention that, because of recent events, the APC is faced with a multiplicity of court cases pending against it in various courts across the country.

As a result of this, the party faces the possibility and prospect of the invalidation of all its activities and actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

"Furthermore, the party has demonstrated its inability to proceed with the issue of effecting change in the leadership of its Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee (CECC), in a way that is inclusive,

legal and respectful of the time limit set and required for giving the INEC sufficient notice of the time and venue for holding its convention.

"No doubt, these controversies and uncertainties, as enumerated above, pose a real threat to the party; and may lead to a possible nonrecognition of its activities, elections and the probable invalidation of all its other actions by INEC. This may ultimately even lead its implosion and non-existence.

"There is, therefore, an urgent need for the party to, as much as possible, avoid all controversies, litigations and all other necessary distractions and quickly get its acts together.

"In view of the foregoing, therefore, I would like now to direct as follows: "First, the issue of the leadership of the Caretaker Extra Ordinary Convention Committee (CECC), should immediately return to status quo ante; "Second, all members of the Governors' Forum and their followers should desist from any behaviour or utterance that will likely lead to disunity in the ranks of the party, and ultimately jeopardise the transition to the convention; "Third, the Mai Mala Buni-led CECC should, accordingly, be allowed to proceed with all necessary preparations to hold the convention as planned — unfailingly, on 26th March, 2022.

Thank you very much."

Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media

and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement, yesterday, further reaffirmed the position of the president.

Meanwhile, Buni, while speaking on the situation in the party, said as a large political party, there was bound to be disagreement, but that members must rise above personal interests for national interest to work together, adding that the zoning arrangement reached still stood and that he was returning to ensure a smooth and well-planned convention.

"I'm happy that since I travelled out, everything is going on well in the party under the leadership of my good brother, HE Governor Habu of Niger State," apparently referring the Abubakar Sani Bello by nick name.

He, however, moved swiftly to reassert his leadership over the affairs of the party.

In a terse statement, the National Secretary of the CECPC, whose fate had been unclear since the crisis, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, announced the cancellation of “Purported APC NEC Meeting” scheduled to hold today by Bello.

"As directed by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker/ Extraordinary Convention Planning (CECPC) and Governor of Yobe State, H.E. Mai Mala Buni, a purported emergency meeting of the party's National Executive Committee (NEC), slated for Thursday, March 17, 2022 is hereby cancelled," the statement stated.

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POLITICS

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

Ashimolowo: It’ll Be Difficult to Manage a Disintegrated Nigeria Nseobong Okon-Ekong holds a conversation with one of Nigeria’s leading clergymen, educator and businessman, Mathew Ashimolowo on why leadership in Nigeria is still encumbered with many challenges with no redemption in sight

W

hy do you think the leadership of Nigeria is still crawling; still floundering, why are we not getting it right?

In my attempt to answer this question I want to first of all put forward a caveat. Every time a Nigerian responds on social media it usually attracts very vitriolic attacks. Our people need to mature to understand that I have a right to my perspective and opinion. You have your right. You could critic my opinion, without raining insults like, ‘stupid man, ‘foolish’.

I think Nigeria is the way it is and will continue to be the way it is for two or three reasons. Number One; when the Brits left, they made sure they left big men, small systems.

In any nation that you have big men, small systems, things will not work. The first thing we should have developed are huge fantastic systems that are bigger than Nse and Mathew; so that whether Mathew comes or goes; like they say, ‘soldier comes, soldier go,’ the barrack remains. I live in the United Kingdom. Why has there not been a civil war in the United Kingdom in 1000 years? Have you ever asked?

Have you ever wondered? When I got to the United Kingdom, I didn’t want to be one more pastor. I actually started a degree in Sociology of Britain. I didn’t finish it, I backslided, but I got what I needed. I wanted to study the Sociology of this country where I was going to spend much of my life. I found that in 1000 years they have not had a civil war. Why? They created a system that embraces the common man. You may call it an opiate; something that cools his pain. Two, they recognized his mind and his right to be a contributor and they created a parliament-House of Commons; it means a place for commoners. The aristocrats who own 62 percent of the United Kingdom’s wealth took themselves to the House of Lords.

The House of Commons will deliberate a matter, the House of Lords will, most times, just confirm, unless they have a reason to argue.

The commoner is happy that he is recognized.

He has a voice. On top of that, in the 1920s a particular Prime Minister brought a welfare system where it will be hard for you to go to bed without food in your stomach-there is unemployment benefit or disability benefit or single parent benefit or child benefit.

Even if you are the wealthiest in the United Kingdom, your children are entitled to 18 Pounds every week until they are 16 years.

If you have three children, they send 18 Pounds in three places to you so that no child goes to bed hungry. That is part of creating a robust system: Legal, they created, transportation, they created systems; in every aspect of the United Kingdom, they created robust systems. If you go to the United States of America that was the same thing they did. They created a robust system If you look at most of Western Europe, you notice that what they did was to create a robust system. Some of the Western nations are so crazy you don’t know their wealthy men. I doubt if you know the wealthy men of Germany. They have multi-millionaires, but the system is so robust, you don’t even need to know them.

When you have a robust system, the next tier is a robust leadership. What we have in Africa is tribal chiefs, not leaders. How do you know a tribal chief? He surrounds himself with people from his tribe. Every African president or Prime Minister if we go back to those days tends to surround themselves with people from their tribes. The challenge of Africa is small systems, big men. Instead of great systems; then work on raising great leaders. America has had all kinds of presidents, but the system is like a man who swallows a crazy fish. His body can absorb it. America had a farmer for president-Jimmy Carter. The nation did not come down. America had an actor for president-Ronald Reagan.

The country did not fall apart. America had a

Ashimolowo

man who first struggled with a lot of alcohol because he was raised privileged-George Bush Jr. The only time America had a challenge was when a big man was trying to challenge a big system. He found out that you may be a big man with your money, the system is bigger than you; that is Donald Trump. He was shocked. The system is so big. Guys were ready to resign. The system taught the CIA Head that there are things he should keep to himself.

There are places he should be able to say yes or no to the President. Can you do that in an African nation?

Can the Central Bank Governor challenge the president who says print more money?

When the Central Bank Governor of Uganda challenged Idi Amin, who asked him to print more money, by saying our money is like toilet paper. He said you call Uganda money sh*t money? Go and do to him what they do to sh*t! You cannot do that in the Western world.

What did Boris Johnson do that our leaders in Africa don’t do; that the whole house was brouhaha?

Members of his party were saying they were going to move a vote of no confidence. I think what saved

him was the Ukraine crisis that made that thing to go quiet. The same governors who say people should not drive against traffic, what do they do? They drive against traffic.

You can’t do that in the UK. The first thing society should do is build super systems.

After you have done that you begin to build super leaders.

We have gone round the cycle of blame.

Some people think it is the old people. If we remove the old people, then we can put younger people in and they are worse. The challenge is the system. I think the army; the generals who came out and became presidents are the best! I was born and raised in the barracks.

By the time you are a 25 or 26 year-old full Lieutenant, they put 50 men under you. You are a Platoon Commander. You learn how to manage 50 people. By the time you are a Captain, you are a Company Commander.

They put 100 men under you. Ninety percent of the guys in the Senate do not have five people in their chambers if they are lawyers. They have never managed five people. Leadership is not the degree. It is the capacity by the way of your training. The Nigerian Army-you may laugh at them-because they don’t know how to market themselves.

By the time you are a Major in the Nigerian Army, you are required to go to Sandhurst in England for training. Teshi in Ghana. You are required to go to India and to the United

When you have a robust system, the next tier is a robust leadership. What we have in Africa is tribal chiefs, not leaders. How do you know a tribal chief?

He surrounds himself with people from his tribe.

Every African president or Prime Minister if we go back to those days tends to surround themselves with people from their tribes. The challenge of Africa is small systems, big men. Instead of great systems; then work on raising great leaders

States. You have been exposed. When you go to those places, you don’t go to eat. They train you on the leadership principles of different generals. They teach you how to handle crisis. By the time you are a Brigadier-One Star General; you are the head of 5000 soldiers. I want you to point to two or three governors in Nigeria who were not soldiers that have ever managed 5000 people in their business?

It will be very hard. Not that we may not have one or two, but in the history of Nigeria we have had several governors, but when you are managing a broken system, you are seen as the one who does not know how to do it.

This country does not even know how much wastage we go through; by the time you are a One Star General; for instance, in the Air Force, you are one of the best Physicists, you are one of the best in Electronic Engineering.

You could fly several planes. By the time you are a two or three Star General, you are now managing more than a brigade under you.

You are managing between 15000 and 20000 soldiers. You make decisions. You were part of a process. The challenge we have, having said all that is that the army itself has been tribalized. Because of that, chances are that somebody may have been given promotion who did not go through all the things I just described. If the system is robust even someone with little experience will manage it. I was a teenager when General Gowon took over. He was only 32 years. Will you hand over Nigeria today to a 32 year-old man?

Do you know that because of his exposure; Sandhurst, Teshi; all those places and rising to the place where he was a Lieutenant Colonel, he had experience. In leadership, even though they call you Commander, you don’t command.

You seek counsel. Esuene was in the Air Force.

Akinwale Wey was the Head of Navy. I still remember clearly. He brought Awolowo to be the head of Finance. Ukpabi Asika was in the charge of the East. May be I am a bit biased in my opinion, it is still my favourite government up till now. A lot of things you see in Lagos were built by his administration or designed not completed-from the National Theatre to FESTAC, the Federal Secretariat in Ikoyi, the National Stadium, Games Village to the International Airport, the Trade Fair Complex; that is a system with good leadership.

Gowon did what America did for Europe after the Second World War. Europe was basterdized. Europe was destroyed; so, they declared a Marshal Plan. Europe was helped to rebuild. Many of the structures you see in Lagos today were built by that administration.

All the civilians that have taken over since 1999 till now, what have they done? Now, Lagos is impossible. I was in traffic for over five hours.

I must also commend the governors of the Second Republic. They all did very well-Prof.

Ambrose Alli; this Weeping Governor-Sam Mbakwe; some of them had no house at the time of their death; Dr. Clement Isong, Lateef Jakande, Balarabe Musa, Bola Ige; those guys were too refined and selfless. The governors of the Second Republic were fantastic; even the central government of Alhaji Shehu Shagari; to be fair. The difference was that the political parties were big. No individual was bigger than the political party. These days individuals are bigger than the political parties.

There is hopelessness everywhere in Nigeria. Even when people offer hope those who it is being offered view it with suspicion. Why do you think hope is rare in Nigeria today?

The challenge with Nigeria is that Nigeria is an enigma. On one hand, I personally believe we need to stay together. Disintegration will have monumental consequences on all parts.

Dare I say, the North will suffer it most. Eastern Continued on page 17

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY MARCH 17, 2022

POLITICS

Orji: Why Ebonyi Ranks Among Least Indebted States Governor Dave Umahi has already declared his interest to run for president in 2023. One of the several advantages he is carrying like a chip on his shoulder is a recent report by BudetIT adjudging it among the least indebted states in the country as well as the leading state that has committed over 70 per cent of its revenue to capital projects. In this encounter with Ugo Aliogo, the state commissioner for Information, Barr. Uchenna Orji explains how Umahi’s vision and leadership style are transforming the state

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udgetIT in a recent report singled out Ebonyi State and a few other states as the states that have been very prudent in the management of their resources. The BudgetIT report also stated that those States have concentrated 70 per cent of their revenue on developmental projects as well as being the least indebted states in the country. Given that Ebonyi State collects the least allocation how has it been able to turn around things, achieving so much work while getting so little from the federation account?

I attribute these achievements to the passion, innovative ingenuity, and leadership quality of Governor David Umahi. I want to say that professionalism including passion is what has made the difference. The leadership style of the governor has made him detest anything wasteful. He has zero tolerance for corruption.

The governor inspects and supervises projects himself, so monitoring and evaluation are very important. He also ensures quality assurance and due process for projects. He also ensures prudent allocations of scarce resources. Since he came on board, we have been prioritizing investments in capital projects against recurrent expenditures, and this has helped our state in attaining the level of achievements we have today.

This came to the fore in the reports by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics, (NBS), Debt Management Office (DBO), and other organizations, when the States of the federation were compared by fiscal responsibilities, performance, and budget index, out of the 36 states, The budget office came up with a budget index and out of the 36 states of the federation, in the area of sustainability and self-reliance or the ability of states to be on their own, Ebonyi state was placed the fourth position in the country (that is viability and self-reliance). In the area of investment in capital projects, Ebonyi State came first, while in the area of transparency, accountability, and prudent allocation of scarce resources, the state also came first. While in overall performance, taking into account all the indices, the state took the second position among the states of the federation.

Orji When the budget office looked at the debt profile of every state, in the entire South-east, Ebonyi State was the least indebted State standing at number 33 in the entire 36 States of the federation. All of these indicators are counting in favour of the administration of our dear governor. This shows that the governor is a man of great leadership ability, who knows how to achieve much with little resources.

We are going into 2023 and there is still some more work to be done.

The Governor has declared interest in contesting for the presidency. Is he in a position to complete all his projects because he promised that he will complete all his projects before handing them over in 2023?

What is the current state of the projects as we speak?

The projects are ongoing, especially for those that have not been completed, and the governor has been speedily investing to ensure that they are completed before he leaves office. The governor has not been known to have

records of uncompleted projects before. If you check the records from 2015 till date, there is no record of uncompleted projects. The governor believes in continuity, all the projects that were left uncompleted by the previous administration.

He came and continued with them. Some of them include the International Market, Centenary City, (New Secretariat), and other projects. We believe that given what the governor has done in the last six years, even the Midas touch that he has, he will complete the project. He has said that even if he will be campaigning and moving from one place to another, it will never deter the level of passion and commitment he has for completing all the ongoing projects.

You may be surprised that he is doing more projects, including a 5km internal road per local government area in the 13 councils. But let me assure you that with his supervision, and the lieutenants who are working day and night, and his ingenuity he will deliver; you know he monitors from everywhere. Every time he is on his phone connecting with his lieutenants monitoring what is going on, you can be rest assured that he will fulfill his promises, but the government is a continuum, our prayer is that let him have a successor that can continue from where he would stop in 2023.

Do you foresee the governor preparing a successor before he leaves because it has been established that some governors anointed by their predecessors are hardly on talking terms today? Remember you talked about continuity, do you see the governor looking ahead to prepare a successor? Look at what happened in Akwa Ibom State, the governor has already anointed someone to ensure that his legacy is not destroyed when he leaves. Do you foresee that happening in Ebonyi State?

In Ebonyi State, the governor believes that God determines who will succeed him, so it is going to be the making of God through the governor with the stakeholders. So what he has done is to set a mechanism for getting to know who will succeed him, and the mechanism in consultation with the relevant stakeholders, such

as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN Ebonyi State Chapter), Traditional rulers, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that they will choose from the right zone, and they will choose the right person. As a matter of fact, everyone who has seen the wonderful work of the governor in this last six years, will not expect anything less from whoever is going to succeed him, so there must be a kind of parameter or yardstick for determining, who will succeed the governor. The person must have a level of ability and passion.

There must be a manifest commitment of the person, seen in his track record showing that he can do more much than the governor has done.

So what the governor has done is to say that he must abide by the charter of equity that is the principle of zoning in Ebonyi State. Following that charter, the South is currently holding the position. He believes that his successor should come either from the Central or North senatorial zone. But it is the people who will eventually decide. His ideal is that we should not have to argue over who becomes the governor, that we should be looking at the track records, but in doing that, we should know that equity also counts. Equity is nation-building; it will bring about confidence, and unity in the state. This is why he said that he will not be in a haste to work out the process of who will succeed him, that it will naturally occur through consensus or majority opinion of who becomes governor and which zone the person would emerge.

You mentioned the charter of equity, a lot of people feel that the charter of equity that the founding members of Ebonyi State formulated is dead and no longer applies. But here you are referring to it as one of the guiding principles to choose who succeeds the governor; I am surprised that it is one of the things that you people consider paramount in guiding the state forward.

-This interview was conducted before the current doubt cast on Governor David Umahi’s by the courts NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

It’ll Be Difficult to Manage a Disintegrated Nigeria Nigeria has a harmonious culture. There may be variation in the way the Igbo man may say somethings. The West has a harmonious culture.

In the South-south, there is some degree of cultural affinity with each other. The North has 300 tribes. Most people in the South don’t know that Hausa and Fulani are not the only languages in the North. Each of these tribes, for a long time, have been suppressed. It will be very difficult to manage a disintegrated Nigeria because of these people who have been fused together and suddenly have a reason for disintegration, may not want to come back together again. How many nations do you want to create?

What is the way forward? I think each area should be given a degree of autonomy at the same time belonging to the greater body. That will be the beginning. Number Two; I think that we need to allow that autonomy to the point that let the West raise its standard. Let the North-east, North-west raise their standard to compete with each other. In the attempt to compete, we become stronger and better.

The hope for Nigeria is in harmony, unity and allowing for a honest atmosphere of competition and elevating competence not tribe. If you don’t celebrate me for my gifting but first want to check where I come from then I know I don’t belong. We need to find a way to celebrate peoples capacity and ability. If that is not done, then there is no hope. Having said all that I have travelled to the whole of Africa. I can tell you that Nigeria is one place of opportunities.

There is volume in the market. There is the talent of the people. There is the hunger of the people for success. Apart from the Bamalekes of Camerooun, the Kikuyus of Kenya, the Igbos of Nigeria and the Ashantis of Ghana, most of

Ashimolowo

Africa is subsistence in thinking, the African man just wants to eat and survive.

In Nigeria, the Igbos and Yorubas have rubbed off on all of us. All of us want to do business. All the se—back in front of our houses have a shop. All the shops in front of our houses. We are by nature, as Nigerians, enterprising. Some Caribbeans who are in our church

in the UK told me that when they go to the market to buy meat, while they are trying to price it, a Nigerian will just come, pay for the meat and go. We challenge ourselves. Why did you do that. You think because my skin is different from yours, you can treat me anyhow?

The Nigerian changed the UK. When all the children born in the UK who came to Nigeria returned to the UK, you want to say Africans are not educated? Here are loads of doctors and pharmacists. They had no choice. They had to

change the system. Nigerians are educated.

They are savvy. They have capacity. They have ability. One in eight black persons in the world is a Nigerian. There is hope. The only thing we can say is the people in leadership should realize that all these things about me are still about big man, small systems.

Let any young man who finds himself in places of responsibility tomorrow be part of the development of the big system. When they do that even if they don’t get the benefit, their children will. Let’s build big systems. I want to register a company in the UK, I don’t see anybody. I go online and in 10 minutes, it is done. I pay 15 Pounds. There is a deliberate disorder in Nigeria because somebody is benefitting from the disorder. Order removes bribery. Order removes corruption. Order helps building of systems. Order makes things to flow. Order makes society to be more robust.

Order makes others outside to come in for your business. It is very difficult to find funding for your project in Nigeria because of disorder.

It is very difficult to find anyone to come to your aid from abroad; bribery. Somebody is deliberately ensuring the computer doesn’t work or he creates new documents that can’t be accessed. Forever CAC is saying you can register your company online. It does not work.

Nigeria is the most expensive place to register a company-N75000.

Disorder is also because the system is not robust. If you ship anything to Nigeria, it says seven days after the arrival of your load, it will enter demurrage. The system has been created for your cargo to enter demurrage. I am in the UK, I order a Hummer from Dallas in America. I don’t see the clearing agent. It arrives at my home in two days.

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FEATURES

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

Building Capacity for Public Affairs Officers To build the editorial capacity of its public affairs officers, especially in the light of the forthcoming 2023 General Elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission in collaboration with ECES, recently held an intensive workshop in Lagos targeted at equipping participants with up-to-date techniques in handling fake news, misinformation and propaganda. Chiemelie Ezeobi reports

Cross section of participants

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ome 2023, the General Elections will take place and to umpire this election is the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Thus, to prepare its Public Affairs Officers (PAO), the commission recently held a two-day Editorial Capacity Building Workshop in Lagos in collaboration with the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES).

At the training, all INEC PAOs across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory were in attendance and they were charged to be knowledgeable and abreast of the newly-signed Electoral Act 2022, as this would enhance their performance for the forthcoming 2023 General Elections.

INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information, Voter Education, and Publicity, Mr. Festus Okoye, gave this charge in his keynote address, just as he added that the commission will leave no stone unturned in building the capacity of staff, especially PAOs who interface with the public.

Okoye, who was represented by INEC Administrative Secretary in Lagos, Mr. James Popoola, urged the PAOs to not just be abreast of the new Electoral Act 2022, but to also take advantage of the positives of social media platforms to propagate the activities of INEC. He said: "Every Public Affairs Officer must be knowledgeable about the rules and regulations, and be ready to communicate same to the public. They must also not be overconfident, but rather study to provide the public with whatever information required correctly."

Also charging them to be familiar with the media and its workings, he further urged them to engage the social media and explore them for the dissemination of facts about the commission’s activities.

Also speaking, Director, Voter Education and Publicity, Victor Aluko, who noted that with the newly signed Electoral Act, there was the need for training of PAOs to provide knowledge for all INEC stakeholders, posited that the commission is building the capacity of all stakeholders on political activities and the new Electoral Act so as to be agents of positive news dissemination to the public.

Earlier in his address, the Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Olusegun Agbaje, said the training was necessity as PAOs need to build up an excellent editorial team for the commission.

Also represented by Popoola, he commended the European Centre for Election Support for partnership, cooperation, support and synergy with the commission in the electoral process in the area of staff capacity building and training.

Collaboration The workshop was held in collaboration with European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES).

In a goodwill message, the Executive Director, ECES, Hamza Fasssa-Fihri, stressed that the workshop was aimed at equipping the officers with basic skills and techniques in monitoring a variety of media sources, thus, the training

is expected to contribute to improving the commission’s internal and external interactions with stakeholders as well as providing accurate information for timely response.

ECES is an independent, non partisan and not for profit foundation which promotes electoral and democratic strengthening through the provision of advisory services, operational support and management of large projects mainstreaming capacity and leadership development via peer exchanges and comparative experiences, dialogue and the prevention and mitigation of electoral conflicts.

Suspension of Nationwide Registration On the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said there is the probability that it would be suspended in July.

Speaking on the sideline of the workshop, he said while the commission is impressed with those that have completed both online pre-registration and the physical capturing of biometrics, the suspension, he said it will be suspended six or seven months before the general elections.

Charging Nigerians, who are still waiting for the last minute rush before registering, to do the needful, he said: "The commission has not decided yet but from what we know, we will suspend the CVR between six to seven months before the general elections to enable us clean up the voter register and print the PVCs of those who have registered so far. It is extremely important that Nigerians should not wait until June or July before they register."

Maximising Social Media Presenting a paper with the title: “Maximising Social Media Benefits: Curtailing Misinformation and Disinformation,” Mohammed Momoh, former Director, News Agency of Nigeria, who talked on misinformation and disinformation, said the major challenge facing the social media was misinformation and disinformation, adding that this has made the job of information communication very difficult for practitioners.

He said: “Social media is very fast and timely, but is dangerous as the image of an

"Every Public Affairs Officer must be knowledgeable about the rules and regulations, and be ready to communicate same to the public"

organisation could get battered through it if care is not taken. INEC staff must monitor social media, produce and respond to messages and positions of people while also syndicating messages.

“I urge the commission to provide the PAOs wherewithal to work in the deployment of social media to help in information management.”

Noting that PAOs must not fail to respond and prove wrong purveyors of misinformation, he added that the key principles of social media include "conversations, community, connecting with the audience and building relationships. It is not just a broadcast channel or a sales and marketing tool.

"Social media not only allows you to hear what people say about you, but enables you to respond. Listen first, speak. It is compelling, useful, relevant and engaging and allows you to try new things.

"Social networks and other online media are great tools for engagement and two-way communication, but given the nature of this two-way, real-time communication, there is the potential for significant risks associated with inappropriate use".

On the major challenge of social media, he said aside "the benefits of facilitating interaction and bringing the globe closer, smooth, interesting, timely and fast; the social media runs unfettered, unrestrained and many times verifiable and unverifiable materials and information that may be positive or negative.

"The social media churn out large volumes of information of different dimension per seconds, including the ones you generate and sometimes it is difficult to track yours except there are specific platforms you assigned.

"Thus the major challenge facing information managers in the world of social medial is sometimes the misinformation and disinformation that pervade the social media as opposed to the conventional media which functions with laid down rules, principles, law and ethics."

On the twin words of misinformation and disinformation, he said they are the major headache which information managers must try to avoid or manage adequately in burnishing the image of his or her organisation.

"In order to continue sustain the confidence of the publics, information managers must be able to adequately confront misinformation and disinformation which have over the years continued to blossom in the social media," he added.

Technological Innovations Speaking on Technological Innovations for 2023 General Election, Dr. Lawrence Bayode Deputy Director, ICT, disclosed that the commission has since 2011 been

progressively deploying technology to improve the transparency and credibility of the electoral process in Nigeria.

This he said led to the introduction of chipbased voters’ card and Smart card Reader (SCR) technologies for electronic accreditation of voters, which were widely acclaimed to be behind major improvements in the quality of elections, particularly in 2015; "Since then, the electorates have yearned for more technologies to reduce human intervention that could alter the wishes of voters in elections ; "Consequently, the Commission began to electronically publish images of Polling Unit results through its INEC Result Viewing (IReV) Portal. This System has been deployed in several major off-season/end-of-tenure and bye -elections.

"Different technologies have been applied over the years, and regularly, INEC makes it a point of duty to continuously improve and redefine the technological processes."

Summarily, he said the commission’s desire of having credible elections issacrosanct and technology deployment has proven to be an effective tool inachieving the set objectives; the need to have one-person-one-vote is what has necessitated the deployment of a Bimodal Voter Authentication System (BVAS); and the need to ensure the credibility and openness of the commission has necessitated the deployment of the IReV Portal.

Strengthening INEC Media Platforms In his lecture, Strengthening INEC Media Platforms for 2023 General Election, Mr. Oyekanmi noted that given that so much is at stake with this elections given the trust imposed on the commission by Nigerians, the PAOs must not forget that fifth columnists and hired conspiracy theorists that are lurking in the dark, waiting for the right time to devour.

Therefore, he charged them to develop the capability to continually set the agenda and shape the narratives about the electoral process as we move steadily towards 2023. "We must take full advantage of our various platforms," he stressed.

He added that the "Commission leverages a variety of platforms to constantly interact with stakeholders, disseminate information and receive feedback. They include quarterly meetings with Political Parties, Civil Society Organisations, Media, Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security. "The Commission also meets with the following stakeholders as the need arises: Development Partners, National Assembly Committees on INEC & Electoral Matters, Agencies under the United Nations, Judiciary, Professional Bodies, Religious and Traditional leaders."

Stressing that the PAOs must implement the INEC Communication Policy, he said they are also expected to churn out incisive news and feature stories, good pictures with captions, short video clips of between five and six minutes, follow INEC across all platforms, as well as expand their social life and show presence.

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#THISISNIGERIA –Yemi Adamolekun

EiE @ 12: On Debates & Democracy “We must begin to imbibe a culture by which those who aspire to lead our people are subjected to a rigorous process of public debates that will assess their suitability on objective criteria, rather than the religion they practise or where they come from.”

- Olusegun Adeniyi, Chairman, ThisDay Editorial Board

I

n 2010, we protested to the National Assembly in Abuja and to then Governor Babatunde Fashola’s office in Lagos, asking if Mr President was dead or alive in Saudi Arabia; demanding that the killings in Jos to be stopped and wondering why an oil-producing nation had fuel queues. 12 years later, Mr President is alive but he’s in London for a medical check up; killings are not only in Jos but in several hotspots across the country and yes, there are still fuel queues.

Twelve years. 12 years. Has nothing really changed? Is enough not yet enough?

Well, we’re still lying to ourselves about fuel subsidy; Mr President shows a lack of capacity to lead the world’s largest black nation and insecurity has fully become an enterprise.

However, citizens have become more aware, more restless, and more courageous. Certainly not Uhuru, but it’s becoming clearer by the day that the status quo is not sustainable. As my dear friend, Aisha Yesufu says, “Tomorrow’s victims are today’s survivors; today’s victims were yesterday’s survivors.”

So, back to 2010. After the protests, we spent time discussing what next, and since elections were the next year, we decided to focus on getting as many young people as possible to participate in the process. We adapted the popular RSVP from ‘Rice and Stew Very Plenty’ to Register | Select | Vote | Protect. The original meaning of the acronym is ‘Respondez s’il vous plait’, which is a formal request to respond if you will attend an event. For us, we were asking young people to RSVP for the 2011 elections - signifying that they will register to vote; select credible candidates; vote and protect their votes. The ‘V’ later became ‘Vote not fight’ when we partnered with the 2Baba Foundation which runs the ‘Vote not fight’ campaign advocating against election violence. 2Baba is also a major supporter of EiE’s work. RSVP is now the longest-running get-out-the-vote campaign in Nigeria.

Elections were in April 2011 and for idealistic young people who saw democracy and elections in the United States as a model, hosting a presidential debate was a no-brainer! As such, the What About Us? Presidential Debate was organized as Nigeria’s first youth-focused debate and we co-hosted it with Sleeves Up, Stand Up Naija (NLI), and Vote or Quench; with media support from Channels TV. It was moderated by Chimamanda Adichie and Ebuka Obi-Uchendu was the master of ceremony.

This would begin EiE’s journey with debates as the core component of our work in educating voters to select credible candidates - the ’S’ in RSVP. Over the last decade, we have hosted or co-hosted twenty-five debates of different formats - presidential, governorship, local government chairmanship, youth members of political parties and town hall meetings for legislators. I believe EiE has hosted / co-hosted more debates than any other civil society organization in Nigeria working with Channels TV, TVC News, Arise TV, several radio stations, state television stations and online platforms.

We have innovated with language and accessibility as we continue to work to mainstream debates. During #AnambraDecides2017, in partnership with Channels TV and the Anambra State Broadcasting Service (TV & radio), Anambrarians could either watch the debate in English or a voice-over dub in Igbo. This would be repeated in Yoruba for

#OsunDecides2018 in partnership with TVC News, Rave FM & Adaba FM. In 2019, we made history when the Peoples Debate {Presidential debate} was the first TV program broadcasted as a live radio simulcast in partnership with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). The radio simulcast was a live broadcast in five languages - English, Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo & Pidgin; also the first time this would happen in Nigeria’s history.

Debates are an integral part of a democratic system - either as part of a political campaign or engagements between citizens who have different opinions. In the political context, debates provide a platform where citizens can listen to the candidates, ask questions and make informed choices on who they will elect to govern them. It shapes campaigns and prepares serious candidates for governance. In some cases, debates can help reduce political tensions as the optics of the hug or handshake before and after the debate should communicate to supporters that we can disagree without being disagreeable. It also provides an opportunity for the candidates to commit to peaceful elections and encourage their supporters to follow the process. The power of debates to promote accountability hasn’t been used effectively. During a debate, a candidate’s statements, policy positions and campaign promises become public record that civic groups and the media should use to hold them accountable. EiE believes in the intrinsic value of debates as a mechanism to deepen democratic ideas and we are committed to hosting / co-hosting as many as we can to further

that objective.

March 16, 2022 was the 12th anniversary of the historic Enough is Enough Nigeria protest to the National Assembly. To commemorate it, we’ll host a symposium titled On Debates & Democracy at the Yar’Adua Center in Abuja. The Yar’Adua Center was the venue of the What About Us? 2011 Presidential Debate so it is significant. The keynote address will be given by Janet Brown, the Executive Director of the Commission on Presidential Debates. This is the body that hosts all presidential debates in the US. The media panel will have the four debate moderators that we’ve worked with over the last decade - Maupe Ogun-Yusuf, Ngozi Alaegbu, Reuben Abati, and Seun Okinbaloye - in conversation with Segun Adeniyi. We will also have the debate panel with Abdulfatai Buhari (invited), Babatunde Fashola, Mahmood Yakubu, Mercy Tosin Ayodele and I. Mr Fashola’s role is particularly important as it is a classic case study of the power of debates. He’s easily the “most debated” politician in Nigeria’s history. He went from an ‘unknown’ Chief of Staff to a candidate to be reckoned with the more he participated in debates and Lagosians got to experience his understanding of Lagos and his plans. Unfortunately, most candidates are not like him and they shy away from debates, preferring unidirectional rallies where their views and promises can not be challenged.

Mercy Ayodele is a model for the neutrality of our process. As a woman, I am often accused of not giving female candidates an opportunity to participate in our debates to

give them visibility. We have a clear process of selecting candidates using qualitative and quantitative parameters. For the 2018 Osun Gubernatorial debate, Mercy Ayodele was seventh on the list after our analysis and we had space for five candidates. The PDP and SDP candidates declined to participate and she got a slot on stage and held her own. It wasn’t tokenism; she was assessed as the other candidates and competed on her own merit.

Debates are increasingly seen as a benchmark of a healthy democracy. We have seen shifts over the last decade and more citizens are interested in listening to candidates debate. #AnambraDecides2021 that we co-hosted with Arise TV is the most recent example of the conversation and analysis generated from the top candidates challenging each other’s ideas and statements. We will continue to host / co-host debates that are accessible in multiple languages and channels using radio as an alternative to television.

Save the date and join us in-person or online {bit.ly/EiEOnDebates} as we have a conversation to explore how political debates contribute to democracy via citizens' engagement; legislature (should debates be mandatory); the media and the role of political parties.

“Deliberation and debate is the way you stir the soul of our democracy.”

- Jesse Jackson, African-American Political Activist and Presidential Aspirant tA:FNJ "EBNPMFLVO JT UIF &YFDVUJWF %JSFDUPS PG &OPVHI JT &OPVHI /JHFSJB &J& /JHFSJB 4IF IBT BO .4D JO %FWFMPQNFOU 4UVEJFT GSPN UIF -POEPO 4DIPPM PG &DPOPNJDT -4& BOE BO .#" GSPN 0YGPSE 6OJWFSTJUZ T 4BJE #VTJOFTT 4DIPPM

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THURSDAY MARCH 17, 2022 •T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022

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BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

REPO

A T

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

08056356325

M A R C H

S & P INDEX

1 6 , 2 0 2 2

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OBB

14.00%

CALL

4%

INDEX LEVEL

565.29%

1/4 TO DATE

6.06%

N412.08/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

14.50%

1-MONTH

6%

1-DAY

–0.11%

YEAR TO DATE

– 15.66%

*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

3-MONTH

10%

MONTH-TO-DATE

0.41%

FG Recounts Revenue Loss from Non-commercial Radio Spectrum, Raises Awareness on Effective Usage LONG-WAVE AND SHORT-WAVE RADIO FREQUENCY SPECTRUM ALLOCATION

Emma Okonji The federal government has decried the huge revenue loss from noncommercial radio spectrum revealing that the loss is as a result of nonrenewal of spectrum licence fees by the authorised users.

The Director, Radio Monitoring and Survey at the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Kityobas Binga, disclosed this during a two-day public awareness programme on effective approaches to radio spectrum monitoring in Lagos.

The federal government took the awareness campaign to spectrum

vendors in Alaba International Market and its environs in Lagos on the first day of the campaign and had stakeholders’ forum at the Digital Bridge Institute in Oshodi, Lagos, on the second day of the campaign, where it recounted the huge loss of revenue recorded by government, to non-commercial spectrum, which runs into several millions of naira annually.

According to Binga, “The federal government is losing several millions of naira to illegal use of non-commercial radio spectrum and to non-renewal of spectrum licence fees by the authorised users.”

He said the campaign in Lagos

became necessary, in order to educate users and vendors of non-commercial radio spectrum, on the effective use of the spectrum, and to ensure proper monitoring of harmful interference of radio frequencies. He said the essence of the campaign was also to ensure that adequate level of radiation from approved spectrum equipment is maintained, coupled with the need to stop illegal use of the spectrum that is causing huge revenue loss to the federal government.

Declaring the event open, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, said the campaign was carried out to address illegal use

of non-commercial radio frequency spectrum across the country.

Represented by his Chief Research Adviser, Prof. Sahalu Junaidu, he advised members of the public, especially vendors and service providers of non-commercial radio spectrum, to comply with the regulations of applying and obtaining valid licence to operate the spectrum.

He reiterated the federal government’s commitment in ensuring adequate and legal use of radio spectrum in the country.

“The federal government currently has five active spectrum monitoring centres in Notth-east, North-west,

North-central, South-west and South-south, and has approved additional Monitoring centre in South-east, to be located in Awka, Anambra State,” Pantami said.

The Chief Executive Officer of Tetconsult, UK and Nigeria, and the former Secretary General of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (WTO), Shola Taylor, who presented a paper on ‘Effective Approaches to Radio Frequency Spectrum Monitoring: Opportunities for Stakeholders’, stressed the need for spectrum monitoring, because it is a scarce resource.

According to him, “If spectrum is not monitored and controlled, it

can cause harmful interference to other users and it can also lead to abuse by those licensed to provide the service. Monitoring of spectrum has to do with physical visit to spectrum sites by the regulator, and the use of spectrum analyzer to ensure that the spectrum emits the required level of signals approved for that purpose. Monitoring will also help to avoid harmful interference on other users.” He explained that spectrum could be used with long wave or short wave transmitters, provided the guidelines for use of spectrum were diligently followed.

Continued on page 22

Industry Reform: APCON, NBC Turn to EFCC over Operational Recklessness Raheem Akingbolu Barely six months after the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), released the Advertising Industry Standard of Practice (AISOP) as a new code of conduct for operators in the Nigerian Marketing Communications industry, the Registrar and Chief

Executive of the council, in company of the Director-General of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mallam Balarabe Ilelah, have approached the Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja to join the two bodies to sanitise advertising

and media industry.

At the event, both men solicited the support of EFCC in sanitising the media/advertising industry and eliminating the iniquitous activities of some operators in the sector, which have been crippling its development and growth The DG of NBC stated that the fraudulent activities of some

stakeholders and huge advertising debt have generated concerns as these have created operational challenges for the industry.

“Most media houses are crippled operationally as obtaining credit under false pretence and other fraudulent activities of some stakeholders are endangering the growth of the industry,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the APCON Registrar, had earlier noted that the intervention of the EFCC is strategic to the success of the ongoing industry reforms. He further noted that such intervention would eradicate financial corruption and unethical practices in the industry.

The Registrar seeks the partnership of EFCC to provide financial security

for the advertising industry against all forms of financial crimes as these inhibit the growth of the advertising industry.

While reiterating the commission’s zero tolerance to corruption and financial crimes in the country, the chairman of EFCC pledged Continued on page 22

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT W E D N E S D AY, M A R C H 1 6 , 2 0 2 2 BILLS

BONDS DESCRIPTION 12.75 27-APR2023 14.20 14-MAR2024 13.53 23-MAR2025 12.50 22-JAN2026 16.2884 17MAR-2027

Price

Yield

106.80 6.49 112.34 7.52 113.86 8.29 108.16 9.91 124.59 9.96

Change Updated Time (%) 4, -0.01 March 2022 4, -0.01 March 2022 March 4, 0.00 2022 March 4, 0.03 2022 4, -0.09 March 2022

OTC F X F U T U R E S

C Ps

MATURITY

Discount

Yield Change Updated Time (%)

NTB 28-Apr22 NTB 12May-22 NTB 9-Jun22 NTB 14-Jul22

3.07

3.08

0.00

March 4, 2022

3.13

3.14

0.00

March 4, 2022

3.24

3.27

0.00

March 4, 2022

3.38

3.43

0.00

March 4, 2022

NTB 11Aug-22

3.50

3.55

0.00

March 4, 2022

MATURITY

Discount Yield

Change Updated Time (%)

UNCP CP VI 2-MAY-22 NEVE CP I 24-MAY-22 DANC CP II 25-MAY-22 TRBH CP V 26-JUL-22 FSDH CP VI 1-AUG-22

8.78

8.91

0.00

March 4, 2022

16.31

16.92 0.01

March 4, 2022

8.69

8.86

0.01

March 4, 2022

11.45

11.99 0.00

March 4, 2022

8.15

8.43

March 4, 2022

0.00

CONTRACT TENOR Contract (MONTH) NGUS MAR NGUS MAR 30 30 2022 2022 NGUS APR 27 2 2022 NGUS MAY 25 3 2022 NGUS JUN 29 4 2022 NGUS JUL 27 5 2022

Current Rate ($/₦)

Updated Time

427.24

March 2, 2022

428.93

March 2, 2022

430.63

March 2, 2022

432.32

March 2, 2022

434.02

March 2, 2022

22

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

10THANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION…

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, South Shore Women’s and Children’s Hospital (SSWCH), Sunny Ekhalumel; Human Resources Manager, SSWCH, Abimbola Adesemowo; General Manager, SSWCH, Ekeoma Emenyonu-Imuze; Business Development Manager, SSWCH, Folasade Adejolu and Chief Financial Officer, SSWCH, Donald Igbinovia during the 10thanniversary celebration of South Shore Women’s and Children’s Hospital’s in Lago… recently

NCDMB’s Investment in Base Oil Plant to Materialise in 2022 Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) investment in Bunorr Integrated Energy Limited which would produce lube oil and other lubricants in-country, will begin operations this year, the board has said.

Speaking when he took some stakeholders on a tour of the base oil manufacturing plant located near Omagwa, Rivers State, General Manager, Corporate Communication and Zonal Coordination, NCDMB, Dr. Ginah Ginah, said that the project is one of the board’s flagship.

He explained that the tour of the

board’s projects was conceived to enable critical stakeholders of the oil and gas industry to see the board’s projects and fully appreciate the achievements and the huge impact on the nation’s economy.

According to him, the board’s implementation of the Nigerian Content Act had ensured the

increase of Nigerian content performance from 5 per cent in 2010 to its current level of 42 per cent.

In his remarks, the Founder and Chairman of the base oil plant, Dr. Mason Oghenejobo indicated that the oil and gas green energy company will be fully operational by the second quarter of the year.

He added that the NCDMB owns 45 per cent equity in the plant while its original founders have a 55 per cent stake, pointing out that the board was attracted to invest in the project because of the immense benefits of converting used oil to lubricants, which saves enormous capital flight.

In his comments, the Rivers State Commissioner of Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim, who spoke through his Permanent Secretary, Ibiware Clapton-Ogolo expressed satisfaction with the board’s commitment to supervise and monitor the project to completion.

Barkindo Kicks against Calls for Stoppage of Investment in Oil Industry Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Secretary General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Dr Sanusi Barkindo, has kicked against the calls for a halt to investment in the oil and gas sector on the back of global push towards net-zero.

Speaking at the Nigeria Energy Forum at the CERAWeek 2022 on: “Oil & Gas Investments: The Future of Fossil Fuels amid the Quest for Decarbonisation,” the OPEC helmsman stated that if adhered to,

such requests will further distort the world’s energy supply system.

Barkindo stated that the discourse around energy, climate, and sustainable development continues to be extremely emotive with the voices of oil and gas industry operators being intentionally excluded.

“This is wrong. Rational discussions need to be based on facts, hard data and science, and include all stakeholders.

Additionally, we are witnessing investors, environmental lobbyists

and even some corporate boards pressuring oil and gas companies and governments to pursue increasingly radical policies and initiatives that could, in the end, be more disruptive, than productive, for the global energy industry.

“There have recently even been calls for investments in new oil and gas projects to be discontinued, particularly in the context of discussions around net-zero targets.

This is again wrong,” he argued.

He noted that while OPEC

understands the move by many developed nations to set net-zero emissions targets, it is important to appreciate the massive challenges for developing countries to reach such levels, given that many of them are acutely focused on priorities such as energy access, living wages, and supplying basic necessities.

According to him, access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy, remains a right for all and not a privilege of the few, as enshrined by the

UN in Sustainable Development Goal 7.

“The unfortunate reality for developing countries is that a staggering 759 million people worldwide did not have access to electricity in 2019, with around 79 per cent of them located in Africa.

“Moreover, there were roughly 2.6 billion people or 34 per cent of the global population who did not have access to clean cooking fuels and technologies. This includes a massive 70 per cent of Africans,

exposing them to high levels of household air pollution. “ From the perspective of Nigeria alone, in 2019, only 55 per cent of the population had access to electricity and only 13 per cent had access to clean cooking.

“The energy poverty numbers for Africa are stark. And to add in one further number to discussions on the energy transition, Africa accounts for less than 3 per cent of global emissions,” Barkindo noted.

NCC Will Sustain Digital Economy Transformation Drive, Says Danbatta Emma Okonji The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, has reiterated the commitment of the Commission to

continually drive initiatives that accelerate deployment of digital infrastructure, in order to enhance economic transformation of Nigeria.

Danbatta restated the commitment of the Commission while speaking at the NCC Day, at the recentlyconcluded 43rd Kaduna International Trade Fair, organised by the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA).

Speaking on the theme of the

event: ‘Strategising Nigerian Economy for Global Competitiveness’, in the context of the regulatory activities of the Commission, Danbatta who was represented by a Senior Manager at the Commission, Attah Ogbadu, said the NCC had been at the heart of providing the digital impetus for transforming the businesses and sustaining socio-economic activities in Nigeria.

Danbatta stated that due to the COVID-19-induced economic

downturn and continued volatility, many countries are exploring policies to stimulate growth and create new jobs. “Information Communications Technology (ICT) is one of the fastest-growing industries because it triggers the creation of millions of jobs and therefore an enabler of innovation and socio-economic development”, Danbatta said.

The EVC also asserted that while COVID-19 pandemic came

with its attendant challenges, the Commission continued to work assiduously with various stakeholders to see how more businesses could embrace digital platforms for delivering their services to the consumers.

He explained that aside accelerating digital infrastructure, NCC would also pay attention to ensuring a level-playing ground for operators to promote investment and the delivery of innovative

services to individual consumers, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and big business owners by ensuring enhanced consumer quality of experience.

“So, as a regulator, we also ensure we constantly inform you, the consumers, on how to be protected to prevent cases of online fraud and otherwise ensure you do not fall victims to cybercrimes while using the internet, legitimately”, Danbatta said.

INDUSTRY REFORM: APCON, NBC TURN TO EFCC OVER OPERATIONAL RECKLESSNESS Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun Comms/e-Business Editor Emma Okonji Aviation Editor Chinedu Eze Asst. Editor, Money Market Nume Ekeghe Senior Correspondent Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafo (Energy) Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) Reporters Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy) Ugo Aliogo (Development)

the commission’s commitment to supporting the advertising industry and indicated that two desk offices would be created in Abuja and Lagos by the commission for the industry intervention.

He enjoined the two agencies (NBC and APCON) to come up with a detailed proposal on the intervention of EFCC including framework and scope of intervention In the recent code, which was

basically a rulebook on the modus operandi on international best practices, Fadolapo explained that the new practice includes, “engagement policy, how we engage agencies, payment terms, and commission, remuneration, disengagement protocol, returns on advertising investment and measurement, peaceful resolution and other related protocol.”

The APCON Registrar said

he was optimistic that with the implementation, Nigeria would be among the most progressive advertising and marketing communication industry across the world. “We hope that the faithful application of the advertising industry reform will not only grow the business of advertising marketing communication but will also create over 100,000 jobs directly and indirectly in the next

few months. We are confident the guidelines stand to protect the Nigerian advertising industry and the general public.”

Fadolapo said, “We have restructured our legal team, we are also a parastatals of the Federal Government and so have access to the office of the Attorney General and I believe whatever we need, we will have access to and we will continue to build capacity,” adding,

“currently we operate a licensed regime which requires that all Advert agencies are licensed by APCON, we will continually engage the industry to ensure that this is a success.”

However, despite the assurance given by APCON that the initiatives would deepen professionalism, members of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), rejected the new standard of practice and called for review.

FG RECOUNTS REVENUE LOSS FROM NON-COMMERCIAL RADIO SPECTRUM, RAISES AWARENESS ON EFFECTIVE USAGE He advised spectrum vendors to sell the type-approved spectrum equipment, to avoid harmful frequency interference.

Speaking about the opportunities of spectrum monitoring, Taylor said it could help monitor signals in order to track criminality and illegal use of spectrum.

Taylor listed users of noncommercial radio spectrum to include security services providers like Army, Police, Navy, Airforce, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), as well as emergency services and maritime service providers.

“These particular radio frequency spectrum users fall within the

scope of non-commercial radio spectrum that is being regulated by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, while the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), regulates the commercial radio frequency spectrum that are

used for purely commercial purpose and for money generation,” Taylor said.

He therefore advised users of the non-commercial radio frequency spectrum to obtain the necessary licence that would enable them operate transparently.

Senior Consultant at

Tetconsult, UK and Nigeria, Stephen Bello who delivered a paper on ‘Nigeria Radio Frequency Spectrum Policy and Subsisting Guidelines’, called on spectrum users to always follow the guidelines in purchasing spectrum equipment from licensed equipment vendors.

OPI NION

T H I S D AY THURSDAY MARCH 17, 2022 Thursday 17 March, 2022

123

Vol 27. No 9836

TR

See page 23 THE POLICE AND THE PANGS OF NEGLECT KENE OBIEZU writes that the police should be well-provided for

See page 23 UKRAINE: IN PRAISE OF THE DYING Is the war worth it? asks ACHIKE CHUDE See page 24 NOTES FROM THE SOUTHERN/MIDDLE BELT’S FORUM AYO OYOZE BAJE urges the political leaders to do more See page 24 EDITORIAL UBEC AND SHORTAGE OF TEACHERS See page 30

& RE A SO

N

opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

APC: A JOURNEY TO IMPLOSION OR GROWTH? Recent developments within the party are worrying, writes OLALEKAN ADIGUN

UT H

ETIM ETIM writes that the Aig-Imoukhude Foundation should extend its services to politicians in positions of leadership for requisite exposure

PROMOTING PUBLIC SECTOR EFFECTIVENESS IN CHALLENGING TIMES Sustaining public sector effectiveness and enhancing the morale of public servants during economic crisis could be a very daunting task for many leaders in Africa. Faced with competing demands for resources, governments often have to perform a delicate balancing act in resource allocation among the various sectors. The dilemma that arises in choosing whether to fund infrastructure and other visible deliverables or allocate resources to public service training is well known to our budget managers in government.

But the centrality of public sector workers in the implementation of government policies and programmes is never in doubt. Some Nigerians have also recognized that civil servants must receive the required trainings, exposure, and skills upgrade to operate at optimum level. One of those Nigerians is Aigboje Aig-Imoukhude, who together with his wife, Ofovwe, established a Foundation, which amongst other activities, provides training for senior public servants, preparing them for higher responsibilities.

The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is a public sector-focused philanthropic organisation that seeks to improve the lives of Africans through transformed public-service delivery and improved access to quality primary healthcare. The Foundation’s programmes and initiatives are focused on supporting the development of a more effective public sector.

As Mr Aig-Imoukhuede has said, leadership transformation lies at the heart of broader public sector transformation, and so the Foundation is focused on offering programmes that build the capacity of civil servants and other public sector officials. In addition to offering scholarships to public servants to undertake a master’s degree in Public Policy at the University of Oxford, the foundation has created its flagship executive education programme, the AIG Public Leaders Programme (AIG PLP), also delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford, that develops transformative public sector leaders who can drive change in the institutions they lead.

The AIG PLP is a unique executive programme that affords high-potential Nigerian public servants an opportunity to strengthen the skills they need to build cultures of excellence, effectiveness and integrity throughout the institutions they lead. The programme aims to broaden participant’s public leadership skills and provide them with conceptual and practical tools needed to meet the challenges of leading in the public service in an increasingly complex and changing world.

After a rigorous multistage selection process, the inaugural class (Class of 2021) of the programme commenced in September 2021, with 49 participants from across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, working in different government ministries, departments, and agencies. The programme curriculum is set around six core themes that are mapped out to significantly harness the skills of its participants. They are: Governing in times of challenge and change; Integrity; The pitfalls in

decision making; Strengthening organisations; Harnessing technology and Leadership.

After completing five weeks of intense classroom work, participants were required to develop projects, ideas or initiatives that would have transformational impact in their workplaces in particular and the public service in general. All the 49 programme participants successfully developed and implemented projects in their institutions, with long ranging implications for improved productivity, effectiveness, and service delivery across the public sector. It is amazing how these ideas and initiatives, developed from what they learned in the classroom, have created so much impacts in the various departments where they work.

Each participant’s project defined the problems in their workplace; the initiative or intervention expected to address the problems, steps taken to tackle the challenges and the results achieved.

Take the case of Abdullahi Ali Buhari, a deputy director in the Human Resources Dept of NDIC. After attending the programme, he designed and implemented an automated short message service for employee payroll payment notification. This service enhances effective payroll payment system communication through which employees are advised of their compensation and benefits entitlements at every point of payment before it gets to the bank.

The Foundation is focused on offering programmes that build the capacity of civil servants and other public sector officials

Poor internal communication is a major problem in the public service, and it’s a challenge Ada Phil-Ugochukwu is very familiar with.

After attending the course, Ada led a team that designed measures to address systemic weakness in internal communication in her organization. Her initiatives include creation of a shared online corporate activity calendar; distribution of post event communiqué to staff; bi-annual staff pulse check to obtain feedback, etc. To mitigate and overcome bias against management, corporate decisions are made collectively, communicated timely and clearly to the right persons and through the right channels.

Improving technical competencies of his team was Adedayo Adereti’s major goal before he was admitted for the programme. A Chemical Engineer at Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, Adereti returned to Lagos empowered to address his concerns. He conducted capacity needs assessment of his staff and training opportunities were identified.

He also collaborated with the Ministry of Establishment & Training and relevant training organizations to generate adequate funding for his team.

Other impactful ideas generated by the participants centred on improving work habits of public servants through extrinsic and intrinsic motivation; unsuitable manual filing of accounts; improving organizational effectiveness through digitization and application of auditable performance appraisal system to enhance workplace productivity. I am particularly fascinated by Chinenye Ekwealor’s initiative on Improvement of evidence-based decision-making through implementation of an improved KPI monitoring process at her department at NAFDAC. Monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) in her department was inefficient because it only monitored a portion of the laboratory’s overall testing process. Furthermore, heads of various lab units confirmed their inability to use the KPI monitoring procedure to accurately assess their units’ overall performance. But Chinenye was able to apply the theory she learned at the AIG PL Programme to improve the laboratory’s KPI monitoring, reporting and review process through the development of a new protocol and KPI dashboard, allowing for a faster, visual and more accurate assessment of the lab’s performance against specified performance targets.

Clearly, the impacts of the various projects undertaken by these 49 participants of the programme have been felt at the various organizations they work for. The compound benefits of the programme will come over time as more and more civil servants pass through the programme. The graduates are returning to their work with enhanced problem-solving skills and job satisfaction and improved self esteem that comes with it.

Etim, a journalist and retired banker, writes from Abuja

2 24

T H I S D AY THURSDAY MARCH 17, 2022

Recent developments within the party are worrying, writes OLALEKAN ADIGUN

KENE OBIEZU writes that the police should be wellprovided for

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A committee that had just one job description – to usher in a new set of party executives - soon started finding new jobs for itself to elongate their stay in the office. They started conducting new membership registration: a waste of time and resources

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Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com

325

T H I S D AY THURSDAY MARCH 17, 2022

Is the war worth it? asks ACHIKE CHUDE

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Achike, writer, novelist, writes from Lagos

AYO OYOZE BAJE urges the political leaders to do more

NOTES FROM THE SOUTHERN/ MIDDLE BELT’S FORUM “No state is poor in this country; it is this over-dependence on the Federal Government.”

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Baje writes from Lagos

4 26

T H I S D AY THURSDAY MARCH 17, 2022

EDITORIAL

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

UBEC AND SHORTAGE OF TEACHERS Teachers should be incentivised

T

he lamentation by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) about dwindling numbers of teachers across the country is troubling. According to the UBEC Executive Secretary, Hamid Bobboyi, many government-owned primary schools, especially in the north, have no more than one teacher to boast of. This is a challenge that should task government at all levels in the country.

Meanwhile, there is no real shortage of teachers in the country since there are vastly educated Nigerians TXDOLÀHG IRU WKH MRE The problem is the remuneration of teachers in Nigeria. The lack of a decent welfare package for Nigerian teachers has PDGH WKH MRE XQGHVLUDEOH Many take to teaching profession simply for want of anything else to do. Teachers are poorly paid and hardly regarded in the society. Yet these are people who shape the future of the nation and beyond.

“Only great teachers can produce excellent people and students that will make the future of our country great,” said the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu last year while pledging to pay a bursary of N35,000 each to students of colleges of education in the country. “A SRVLWLYH RU QHJDWLYH LQÁXHQFH RI WHDFKHUV RQ DQ\ FKLOG ZLOO KDYH HͿHFW RQ WKDW FKLOG 7KHUHIRUH WKH IHGHUDO government is ensuring access to quality education”.

While the rationale for attracting quality teachers to the classrooms is good, the federal government did not explain where the funds to implement the programme would come from. The states and local governments that own these schools were not even consulted before WKLV PDMRU SROLF\ GHFLVLRQ ,Q GLVPLVVLQJ WKH LGHD WKH National Association of Parents-Teachers Association (NAPTAN) argued that the proposed amount to the students is higher than the minimum wage which PDQ\ VWDWHV KDYH QRW EHHQ DEOH WR LPSOHPHQW ´,V WKH federal government aware that the number of students

studying education-related courses is in multiple thousands?” asked NAPTAN publicity secretary, Ekundayo Ademola.

All factors considered; therefore, this problem comes down mainly to incentives. The conditions of service IRU WHDFKHUV DFURVV DOO WLHUV LQ WKH FRXQWU\ DUH DEMHFW And there is not much on ground to demonstrate the willingness or readiness of government to prioritise education. Even those who studied education in the universities are not excited about taking up teaching appointment. This leaves a huge gap in the schools hence WKH ODPHQWDWLRQ E\ 8%(& ,Q IDFW EXW IRU WKH 1DWLRQDO Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, many schools in the country would have folded up due to dearth of teachers.

2QH PDMRU FKDOOHQJH is also that the spate of insecurity discourages LQWHUHVWHG DQG TXDOLÀHG teachers from seeking engagement in states where their services may be required. The federal government WKURXJK 8%(& DQG LQ SDUWQHUVKLS ZLWK DͿHFWHG VWDWHV and the NYSC could leverage the abundant manpower that corps could provide. Such a programme could include provision of basic teaching skills at inception, elongated service year for the corps members and enhanced package of incentives. Beyond this, states PRVWO\ DͿHFWHG FRXOG DOVR EH DGYLVHG WR VHHN TXDOLÀHG teachers from other states under a special scheme like the technical aids corps.

Meanwhile, we are also not oblivious to the quality of education in the country which breeds incompetent WHDFKHUV 7RGD\ 1LJHULD LV IXOO RI MREOHVV JUDGXDWHV ZKR DUH VLPSO\ QRW HPSOR\DEOH 0DMRU UHDVRQ 0RVW RI WKHP ÀUVW PLVVHG LW DW WKH HOHPHQWDU\ EDVLF VWDJHV RI VFKRROLQJ 8%(& KDV DOVR FRQÀUPHG WKDW UHSRUWV RI various assessments indicate that some teachers could barely pass quantitative/qualitative tests set for classes they are meant to teach. Addressing this problem requires the involvement of all stakeholders. And there can be no better time to start than now.

The lack of a decent welfare package for Nigerian teachers has made the job undesirable

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

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

Letters to the Editor Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 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 (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

LETTERS UMAHI: THE COST OF POLITICAL HARLOTRY Continued from page 14 , DP QRW D ODZ\HU EXW DV D VWXGHQW RI SROLWLFV , XQGHUVWDQG WKDW ERWK WKH ODZ DQG FRQYHQWLRQ D΀UP WKH VXSUHPDF\ RI SROLWLFDO SDUWLHV DERXW ownership of political mandates in Nigeria. One, as rightly surmised E\ -XVWLFH (NZR WKH FRQVWLWXWLRQ UHFRJQL]HV RQO\ FDQGLGDWHV ÀHOGHG by political parties with no room for independent candidature. Two, ,1(& KDV KDG WR GHFODUH UHVXOWV LQ ZKLFK SROLWLFDO SDUWLHV UDWKHU WKDQ DQ\ VSHFLÀF LQGLYLGXDO LV DGMXGJHG ZLQQHU 7KUHH YRWHV LQ WKH VDPH election have been transferred from one person to another based on SROLWLFDO D΀OLDWLRQ 7KHUH LV QR EHWWHU H[DPSOH RI WKLV WKDQ ZKDW KDSpened on 21st November 2015 during the Kogi State gubernatorial election when the then APC candidate, Abubakar Audu, suddenly died before the process was concluded. Yahaya Bello, who came second at the APC primaries, was eventually picked by the party to inherLW $XGX·V YRWHV ,Q UHMHFWLQJ KLV SDUW\·V GHFLVLRQ $XGX·V UXQQLQJ PDWH James Faleke approached the election tribunal in the state, asking to be declared governor-elect. The PDP candidate also sought legal redress that for a new candidate to replace Audu, there was need for a fresh election. At the end, it was the Supreme Court that resolved the matter. ,Q WKDW MXGJHPHQW WKH DSH[ FRXUW QRW RQO\ UHD΀UPHG LWV SRVLWLRQ RQ WKH $PDHFKL FDVH LW VWDWHG WKDW ,1(& ZDV ULJKW WR FRPELQH YRWHV cast for both the dead and living candidates because the relationship between a party and its candidate was akin to that between an agent

and their principal. “On this basis, the votes scored by the candidate belong to the party that sponsored him at the election and therefore Prince Abubakar Audu, who was the candidate of the 2nd Respondent (APC) and scored votes at the election could not have died with those votes since they belong to the 2nd Respondent (APC). The votes were rightly added to the votes the 1st Respondent (Yahaya Bello) scored in the supplementary election,” according to Justice Kekere Ekun who GHOLYHUHG WKH OHDG MXGJHPHQW , V\PSDWKLVH ZLWK 3'3 DQG WKHLU HPHUJHQF\ ¶JRYHUQRU· LQ (ERQ\L State given that this case will eventually be settled at the Supreme Court at a time Umahi would most probably have concluded his term.

But this moment should also not be wasted by stakeholders in our GHPRFUDWLF SURMHFW :H QHHG WR EHJLQ WKH SURFHVV RI LQVWLWXWLRQDOL]LQJ political parties for the advancement of public good rather than as mere vehicles for gaining power after which they could be cynically GLVFDUGHG 7KDW LV WKH OHVVRQ ZH FDQ WDNH IURP WKH 8PDKL MXGJHPHQW The Constitution and by implication, democracy and the rule of law LV SXW LQ MHRSDUG\ DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH -XVWLFH (NZR ZKHUH WKH ZLOO RI WKH electorate who voted for a political party can be brazenly merchandised by their elected candidate without consequences. $QG , FRQFXU Olusegun Adeniyi, Abuja

EL-ZAKZAKY’S CONTINUED ORDEAL ,W LV QRZ JHWWLQJ WR HLJKW PRQWKV VLQFH 6KHLNK =DN]DN\ DQG ZLIH =HHQDK ,EUDKHHP ZHUH GLVFKDUJHG DQG DFTXLWWHG E\ D .DGXQD +LJK &RXUW RI all the criminal charges levelled against them after spending almost six years in illegal detention.

One would have thought that it will be a matter of days or couple of PRQWKV DW PRVW IRU WKH GXR WR MHW RXW RI WKH FRXQWU\ WR DWWHQG WR WKHLU KHDOWK that deteriorated in the course of their stay in detention. The Kaduna +LJK &RXUW LQ SDVVLQJ LWV MXGJHPHQW PDGH LW FDWHJRULFDOO\ FOHDU WKDW WKH couple were not only innocent and thus discharged and acquitted, but are also entitled to freedom like every other citizen as enshrined in the constitution of the country, including among others, the right to attend to their health in any place of their choice.

But the Nigerian government in a show of contempt to a court of FRPSHWHQW MXULVGLFWLRQ FRQWLQXHG LWV V\VWHPLF SHUVHFXWLRQ RI WKH DLOLQJ couple, this time by withholding their travel documents in a bid to IUXVWUDWH WKHLU TXHVW IRU SURSHU PHGLFDO DWWHQWLRQ 7KH 1,$ DQG 1,6 initially denied withholding the couple’s travel documents, but later DGPLWWHG WKDW WKH\ ZHUH ORVW 7KH R΀FH RI WKH $*) ZHQW DV IDU DV FODLPLQJ WKDW WKH FRXSOH DUH QRW VXͿHULQJ IURP DQ\ OLIH WKUHDWHQLQJ FRQGLWLRQ WKDW ZDUUDQWV RYHUVHDV WUHDWPHQW :KHQ DQG KRZ GLG WKH $*) EHFRPH D diagnostician, capable of tracing what ailments should be attended to in the country?

Najeeb Maigatari, Jigawa State, and could be reached via Maigatari313@gmail.com

27

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Shittu: Strong Govt Policy Will Enhance Technology Growth in Nigeria CEO of Intertel, Dr. Abdlrazaq Shittu, speaks on the technological development in Nigeria, the need for strong government policy to drive technology growth and the impact of the company’s 30 years of entrepreneurial journey. Emma Okonji presents the excerpts: Given your long years of experience in ICT and security services, how will you describe technology adoption and growth in Nigeria? started my telecommunication professional journey as a carrier room technician in training at the Nigeria External Telecommunications (NET) in 1979 before leaving to further my education in 1981. This often makes me to feel nostalgia whenever I remember what prompted me to leave NET. After my mandatory NYSC in 1988, I had a choice to work for notable oil and gas multinational corporations, but my father objected to the move on the grounds that it would offer limited technical experience and skills. He, however, encouraged me to work for T-CAS Nigeria Limited, an American Data Communication and Telecommunication Company. The estimated total pay at T-CAS was a huge concern for me, as my colleagues who worked in various corporate organisations earned ten times my pay.

My stint as an engineering trainee at T-CAS Nigeria Limited from 1988 to 1991 gave me the needed exposure in all facets of telecommunication, Information Technology (IT), and data communication. I gained immensely from the company owing to the fact that the firm was a breeding ground for cutting-edge telecommunication professionals. Some decades ago, the company pioneered data communication in Nigeria, providing Local Area Networks (LANs), Metropolitan Area Network (MANs), and Wide Area Network (WANs) in the days of reliance on PSTN connectivity spanning leased circuits and leased lines for affordability and wireless infrared communication links using multi-beam transmitters and imaging receivers that were first deployed by T-Cas for a defunct bank in the early 80s. So, I can say that I am an IT and Telecommunications professional with 34 years of proven experience.

Now, let me come back to your question about the level of technology adoption and growth in Nigeria considering my experience in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Security services. I would like to use Intertel as a major active player in the transformational journey of technology adoption in Nigeria. Today, Intertel has made remarkable grounds in areas such as satellite engineering, rural telephony, communication tests and measurements, Internet Protocol (IP) connectivity, Radio Frequency (RF) solutions, fiber deployments, network optimization, lawful interception and mediation systems, digital transformation initiative solution delivery, data center design and deployment, cellular backhauling, NFV/SDN-WAN, and EOD and SWAT solutions among others. This has made Intertel a primary System Integrator and one-stop center for high-tech niche telecommunication and IT. In describing technology adoption and growth in Nigeria, Karl Marx asserted that capitalism does not work to develop technology, in general, instead, capitalism develops only those types of implements that aid its economic, social, and potential interests, traversing military defense capabilities or otherwise. Capitalism sometimes inhibits the development of technologies that do not aid its development. Technology adoption broadly refers to the acceptance and successful integration of new innovations into the delivery of commercial and non-commercial processes. The curve of diffusion of technologies in Nigeria is never stagnant, and it is somewhat proportionate to the western world’s adoption rates, especially in economic and social citizenry interests such as electronic commerce and mobile commerce as a test case.

Body of knowledge on adoption or diffusion of novel technologies emphasises that the rate at which electronic commerce, mobile commerce and payment systems develop depends on a struggle between rapid change and natural barriers to new technologies or service acceptance. In the last two decades, novel technologies such as information technology (IT) are globally regarded as critical implements that enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the economy of any country.

It is common knowledge that novel technologies across defense, IT, and manufacturing now have significant impacts on the productivity of organisations and countries. These effects can only be fully actualised if and only if technologies across boards are widely spread and used. In the case of IT, telecommunication, wireless manufacturing robotics, wireless health care systems, and autonomous vehicle control and warehousing, I can boldly declare that Nigeria has moved upscale and is above average when compared with the developed nations in terms of citizens and corporates.

Conversely, Nigeria lags in a number of other significant areas such as technology, space, biotechnology, defense, nuclear engineering technology, missiles, unmanned defense/ intelligence aircraft, undersea defense technology, and so on.

Describing technological growth in Nigeria can be complex, and if care is not taken, it could lead into a search and evaluation of the available and related literature.

The existing body of knowledge revealed the existence of technology in Nigeria and Africa prior to the advent of European powers. Colonialism truncated and hindered the growth of traditional skills and techniques utilised during the pre-colonial economic era.

Archeological evidence revealed the existence of iron technology of the NOK culture around Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna,

I

Shittu Ajaokuta, Jos, and Daima during the second century.

As complex as the nuclear technology appears, nuclear power was invented in Africa about two billion years ago; nuclear fission reactors were unearthed in the Oklo area of Gabon. Philip Emeagwali, a Mathematician, invented the formula that allows many computers to communicate at once, without which the internet may never have evolved. Much of the technological feats in Nigeria and in Africa are products of individual efforts, whereas in the developed world, innovative technologies are propelled by the state in order to promote economic and military superiorities.

The lack of technological advancement and growth is mainly due to the systematic destruction of institutions, especially educational institutions, and policies. The developed world spends fortunes on the promotion of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) educational system rather than the traditional educational system that instills knowledge only in students. STEM educational system is a system that is focused on stimulating the brains of the students from a tender age to give their brains free reigns to create rather than replicate the common knowledge.

Technology growth in Nigerian is woeful because we have remained a cargo-driven economy.

What do you think the government should do to enhance technology development both in the public and private sector businesses in Nigeria?

I prefer to rephrase the question as, ‘What do you think the government should do to enhance science and technology development in Nigeria?’ I have added science to your question and removed the private sector because science integrates the systematic study of the structure and behavior of both the physical and the natural environment through observation and experiments, whereas technology is the resultant application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes.

For instance, let us examine the race to the development of Covid-19 vaccines during the pandemic. The race to develop and produce COVID-19 vaccines started in 2019 till December 2020.

Within 12 months, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued emergency use authorisation for Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccines. Similarly, the World Health Organization (WHO) also approved the use of mRNA vaccines. The mRNA vaccines were developed and manufactured with precision technology, unlike the traditional vaccine development and production. The developed nations, permeating the United States of America, Canada, UK, India, China, Japan, and others, were able to respond with the invention and production of these vaccines because science and technology are well developed and in synch in those countries.

To enhance science and technology in Nigeria, there must be a strong government policy. This policy will foster trust in government competence, and invest people, money, and materials into the STEM education system. This will help to connect our traditional methods with up-to-date technology identified in developed countries. To achieve this, government must ensure political, and economic stability, adequate infrastructure, serious investments in education and research, and eradication of corruption in all ramifications.

How will Intertel’s business impact technological development in Nigeria, to achieve the country’s

digital transformation goals?

As a system integrator of 30 years and stop-center for hi-tech telecommunication and IT solutions in synergies with high-net-worth technological individuals from Israel, India, the USA, Canada, and Europe, we have made it a tradition that our partners transfer technologies to our resource personnel.

Our partners involve our resource persons in the in-depth technological process, and we also ensure continuous educational developments in the field of IT and Telecommunication. To achieve the digital transformation goals of the Nigerian Government, the involvement of those who are well entrenched in the anatomy of digital transformation initiatives is very important.

Digital transformation is seen as a fundamental transition to a civil society driven by internet technologies. Digital transformation is about technology, data, process, and organizational change.

Digital transformation reiterates a cultural change that requires organizations or governments to continually challenge the status quo, experiment and get comfortable with, and eventually succeed.

Digital transformation is the process of utilizing digital technologies and the internet to create new or modify existing business/governance processes, culture, and citizens’ experiences to achieve varying governance processes. Digital transformation requires talent. Assembling the right team in four key domains (technology, data, process people, and organizational change capacity) may be the most important step that a government contemplating digital transformation can undertake. Each of these domains requires a certain set of skills. In the technology domain, you need people with a remarkable depth and breadth of technology and the ability to work together with the government representatives and departments.

Leaders of the technology domain must have great communication skills and must possess strategic sense.

We will need this same breadth and depth of knowledge in the data domain of digital transformation.

Intertel has the reach to the right professionals and organisations that can assist the Nigerian government to achieve the desired goals of actualizing digital transformation initiatives if approached for synergy.

Government should welcome synergies locally or internationally in the IT and telecommunication world for a good outcome.

As a company providing premium ICT and Security services, what are your core business areas of service provision, and what are some of the challenges that you faced in the cause of providing such services?

Our core areas of business include: Satellite Engineering – Cellular backhauling, IP Connectivity, Satellite on the Moves; Fiber Deployment and integrity testing – FTTX/FTTH; Rural Telephony – Network Topology Design, Satellite-Hub Selection Criteria, Solar, RAN, VSATs for backhauling, Hub-Baseband Equipments, and Hub RF Chain designs; and Communication Test and Measurements – Drive-Test (Quality Assurance), OTDR, Ethernet Testers, Power Meters, Optical Network Management System (Remote Fiber Test System), Visual Fault Locator, Optical Fiber Identifier, and Light Source.

Others include: Data Center Design and Implementation – Expert Consulting, Designing, Supervision, Commissioning, and Managing CuttingEdge Datacenters; Actionable Intelligence and Smart Security – Lawful Interception & Mediation Systems, Last-mile Actionable Intelligence Solutions, EOD & SWAT Robotic Solutions, and Counter-Drone Solution; Sales of IT and Telecommunication infrastructure equipment and accessories – Closures, Satellite and VSAT Antennae, BUCs, SSPAs, LNBs, Tracking Systems, Modems, FDN Accessories & Solutions, Splitters, Passive Optical Components, FTTX Solutions, and Optical Equipments, among other areas.

Could you share the success stories and their impact on customers’ businesses?

We have several success stories to share as a telecommunication engineering solution delivery company, but one of the most laudable was the risk taken to reduce the price of MHZ&MBPS in 2008 when we delivered an inclined orbit solution to telecom providers and some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) with the same Service Level Agreement (SLA).

A second most nostalgic was our partnership with Skyvision in 2008 to deliver IP Connectivity to 90 per cent of the telecom operators to power the blackberry services, before undersea cables arrived our shores at unprecedented pricing per MBPS. A third feat that gives me joy was the premier design and implementation of rural telephony to provide 2G services in the remotest parts of Nigeria in the year

2000/2001 for a renowned GSM Operator. Being the country representative of Skyvision in Nigeria, Intertel worked in conjunction with Skyvision, Gilat Satellite Networks, and Huawei. The rural telephony was implemented with Gilat’s SkyEdge Hub and for the last 11 years, Intertel has been giving the maintenance backup till date.

Insecurity has been a challenge to the Nigerian government. As a security solution company, what aspect of security solutions will you advise the government to invest more in, to address the country’s security challenges?

The Nigerian government has greatly invested to some levels in actionable intelligence solutions but still needs to do more in terms of completing the most critical project like the National Identity Card Scheme, and simultaneously creating a world-class database in-country and in-cloud.

The federal government should through an act of congress, enforce the establishment of smart cities in the real sense of it in which all local governments, states, and federal departments are linked to designated command and control centers.

Above all, federal government should do all it can to enable consistent power supply in Nigeria, change the economy back to a manufacturing economy, strengthen the educational institutions like they were in the 60s, and 70s, re-awaken the economy by returning to a manufacturing economy, strengthen the institutions, and enhance infrastructures like access to data, roads, and others.

By acts of the congress, the federal government should make 100 per cent access to the Internet and data through all available means of fibre, satellites, radios, and others a right of every citizen.

Technology is evolving by the day, with the emergence of new technology solutions like AI, IoT, Robotics, Big Data, and Data Analytics. How has Intertel tapped into some of these emerging technologies to enhance customer experience?

In telecommunication and IT, you must continue to get educated in the trends, or else you will crash out. Intertel as a company and in the human resources is committed to being well-informed. To continue to be entrenched in the stream of evolution in IT and telecommunications, I went back to school in 2014 for my doctorates in Information Technology with a great focus on the irreversible future of IT. Also, two or three of our key personnel have been sponsored to acquire more understanding about new technological solutions.

To tap into the evolutions, we ensure continued education through Webex, seminars, in-house training, certifications, and so on. Furthermore, we continue to partner with relevant international partners with strength in the evolving capabilities in AI, IoT, Robotics, Big Data, Edge Computing, NFV/SDN, Autonomous Vehicles, and Biotechnology.

Intertel combines diverse domain knowledge within wireless networks, wired networks, digital transformation initiatives, software development, and government security to deliver precision solutions.

How have all these helped in sustaining Intertel’s business over the years?

Parts of this I have answered in the previous question. Our continued education and understanding of the evolutions have helped us to understand the directions of the industry, ability to create blue ocean strategies, while constantly broadening the front-line of our funnels. The sustenance of our integrity and partnership relationship has been a great catalyst to seeing us through 30 years in Telecommunication and IT. Out of every 10 relevant high-tech companies coming from an advance technology-driven country, I am confident that 7 will aspire to work with Intertel.

Intertel offers industry-leading products and services to its clients, cutting across Mobile Operators, ISPs, Banks, Government, and Broadcasting organisations.

How will you describe the competition in service offering?

I have in the earlier years identified frivolity in business, and I try with every bit of my energy to identify and avoid them completely. We also tried to always identify blue oceans and red oceans in products offerings and customer terrains. Before multitudes come, Intertel would have moved, so I can say competition leads to red oceans and it has helped us fashion out strategies to manage it.

Does Intertel have global business relationships with technical partners and to what extent is the global partnership enhancing Intertel businesses in Nigeria?

Yes, since 2008 we have partnered with strong corporates in the areas of our services and they have helped create blue oceans in products and assisted in producing several world-class engineers and technicians. Today, these experts are not only working with some of our partners in the developed nations, they are also exposing Intertel to the evolution of the industry.

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Airtel Nigeria Slashes International Roaming Rates, Unveils Self-Care Portal for Business Customers Airtel Nigeria has unveiled a new self-care portal to empower Business Customers on its network to gain total control of their service accounts as well as fulfil various requests instantly, regardless of location and time.

With the new portal, Business customers can now view their business account details including outstanding and overdue bills; access line level details to identify which accounts are active and inactive as well as view products and usage patterns.

Customers can also fulfil several service requests including bill payments, airtime purchase, account statement status, and account user management. In addition, service provisioning requests such as SIM swap, billing issues, line activation/ deactivation, CUG (Closed User Group) activation and related requests can be resolved via the portal easily.

Commenting on the SelfCare portal, the Director, Airtel Business, Ogo Ofomata, said

the portal was designed to make life simple, better and more enjoyable for all its business customers, noting that with the initiative, customers can now get things done on the go with instant results, thereby improving productivity and business outcomes.

“Airtel is constantly innovating to improve the service experience for our esteemed business customers and we believe that the Self-Care portal will not just put our customers in the drivers’ seats but will significantly enhance their performance as well as enable them enjoy an amazing experience on our network,” she said.

The Airtel Self-Care portal is laden with features that ensure business customers are able to navigate the platform effortlessly so that they can fulfil basic requests and independently manage their business accounts effectively without recourse to third parties.

The company has also announced the introduction

of ‘Roam Like Home’, a new value offering plan that will afford customers the opportunity to roam their lines in over 100 popular international destinations, including Ghana, United Kingdom, Canada, United States of America, Kenya and United Arab Emirates at very affordable rates.

With the initiative, Airtel has

taken a giant stride to make international roaming more affordable, more accessible, more enjoyable and offering customers more value at amazingly discounted rates.

According to Airtel, “the idea behind the bold move is to allow customers to roam their lines while abroad without fear and enjoy calls at almost local rates

in the countries they are visiting while using their Airtel lines, thereby eliminating the need to purchase a local makeshift SIM.” The plan is available to both prepaid and Postpaid customers and no opt-in code is required to activate the offer. In addition, Pay As You Go (PAYG) rates, under the new plan, are almost equivalent to the local call tariffs

in the visited countries.

Commenting on the ‘Roam Like Home’ plan, Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Godfrey Efeurhobo, said the slash in International Roaming rate to over 100 popular destinations is a bold and significant move that underscores Airtel’s commitment to creating more opportunities for Nigerians and all its customers.

15 Startups Emerge in Google Accelerator Africa Class 7 Emma Okonji Google has announced the participants in Google for Startups Accelerator Africa Class 7. The selected startups are developing solutions in areas such as healthcare, education, fleet management, logistics automation and recruiting.

The seventh class includes 15 tech startups from seven African countries, with Cote D’Ivoire joining for the first time. The class was selected from thousands of applications, with final selection based on product stage, program alignment and market fit.

Over the next three months, they will work with Google mentors and facilitators learning best practices on a range of topics including Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, organisational culture, growth strategies and more.

Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programs are organised around a virtual bootcamp concept that includes seminars, one-on-one coaching sessions, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. Bootcamps will take place in March, April and

May. Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa, Folarin Aiyegbusi,said: “We’re thrilled to be starting off our seventh cohort with such a diverse and inspiring group of companies who are harnessing technology to tackle the problems that many people on the continent face every day. Startups in Africa are solving some of the region’s most pressing issues -from employment to logistics, banking, healthcare, and education. This is a journey that we’re happy to be on.”

CEO of iVerify.ng, one of the selected startups, Zita Agwunobi, said:“As a digital identity onboarding platform based in Nigeria, iVerify.ng is extremely delighted to have been selected for Class 7 of Google for Startups Accelerator Africa amidst our need to deploy more robust technology infrastructure and scale our operations across Africa. We’re looking forward to the workshops, mentoring and inestimable value we’ve heard so much about. Thank you for validating our dream.”

Meta Celebrates 50 Women Entrepreneurs for International Women’s Day In continuation of this year’s International Women’s Day Celebration, Meta, in partnership with She Leads Africa, FATE Foundation and Afrigrants hosted 50 women-business owners to an exclusive dinner at the EbonyLife Place in Lagos recently, to celebrate their remarkable achievements.

The theme for Meta’s International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration this year, #Beyond, applauds the resilience and impact of women-owned businesses by spotlighting their role in bridging access to essential services and products during the COVID-19 pandemic. The event featured panel discussions with female business leaders who spoke on the theme by highlighting a future beyond resilience alongside inspirational stories and advice.

Commenting during the

event, Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa, Adaora Ikenze, said, “At Meta, we are dedicated to empowering women and women-owned businesses navigate through uncharted paths. We recognise the resilience of women entrepreneurs and we are happy to celebrate them on this International Women’s Day. We are delighted to have partnered with She Leads Africa, FATE Foundation and Afrigrants to honor these women who have remained resilient and innovative during and post the Pandemic period.”

In her keynote address, the Chairwoman NACCIMA Business Women Group and former Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajia Aisha Abubakar, encouraged women not to underestimate their value, to break the bias and keep pushing beyond the boundaries.

L-R: Head, Legal/Public Affairs & Communications, CHI Limited, Israel Danauta; Marketing Director, CHI Limited, Toyin Nnodi; Managing Director, CHI Limited, Eelco Weber; and Acting Head of Admin, CHI Limited, Uno Abasiene, during the company’s tree planting campaign aimed at curbing/halting climate change and beautifying the environment, with the support of the Isolo Local Council Development Area

Mobile Device Maker Redefines Category with Xiaomi 12 Series Emma Okonji Xiaomi, a mobile device manufacturer has launched the all-new flagship Xiaomi 12 Series for Nigeria markets, designed to redefine flagship category of mobile phones.

Xiaomi 12 Series, which seeks to empower users around the world with a cutting-edge videography studio and entertainment powerhouse, delivers impressive advancements in Xiaomi’s AI algorithm, flagship processing power, and an all-round elevated experience.

The Xiaomi 12 Pro enables users to record studio-quality shots no matter the scenario, be it challenging lighting conditions or moving objects.

It boasts a pro-grade triple camera array for versatile shooting, starring a massive 50MP main wide angle camera, with 8K recording capabilities.

Xiaomi 12 Pro stands out

with its state-of-the-art triple 50MP array, which features a cutting-edge Sony IMX707 ultra-large main sensor. The sensor is capable of catching large amounts of light and empowers advanced imaging capabilities with faster focus speeds and increased color accuracy.

Beyond impressive hardware, Xiaomi 12 Pro also advance Xiaomi’s proprietary AI algorithms.

The innovations make it easier than ever for users to record every moment the way they want to, even in low-light or moving subjects.

Addressing the user experience, the company in a statement, said: “Xiaomi 12 Pro boasts a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor – Qualcomm’s most advanced mobile platform.

Built on a 4nm process, the processor also boosts GPU graphic rendering capabilities by 30 per cent and energy efficiency by 25 per cent when

compared to the previous generation1. It comes with UFS 3.1 exceptional loading and data transfer speeds, along with LPDDR5 RAM for memory speeds up to 6,400Mbps.

For optimal product experience, Xiaomi 12 Series packs a high-performing cooling systems, bolstered by a super-large vapor chamber and multiple layers of graphite to offer a leading-cooling capability.”

Xiaomi 12 Series not only lets users capture every moment in exquisite detail, but also allows them to relive those moments in astonishing detail via an exceptional entertainment experience, the statement further said, adding that Xiaomi 12 Pro offers vivid viewing on an AMOLED Dot Display rated A+ by DisplayMate, and with TrueColor support.

Meanwhile, Xiaomi 12 Pro redefines flagship display

with incredibly smooth viewing, scrolling, swiping, and sliding. The device’s highly power-efficient 6.73-inch WQHD+ display, leverages AdaptiveSync Pro to intelligently adjust dynamic LTPO display between 1Hz and 120Hz based on content.

To optimize core user experience further, Xiaomi 12 Series incorporates MIUI 13, released globally earlier this year. The update includes faster storage, higher background process efficiency, smarter processing, and longer battery life. New features in the upgraded experience include Xiaomi’s proprietary Liquid Storage, Atomized Memory, Focused Algorithms, and Smart Balance.

Xiaomi has been in the Nigerian market since 2019, expanding its networks through mobile operators and online distributors to increase the availability of their devices at multiple touchpoints.

Minister: FG Committed to Repositioning Power Sector Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Minister of Power, Mr. Abubakar Aliyu, has said that Nigeria is willing to welcome more investors into Nigeria in a bid to reposition the sector.

Aliyu, who spoke when he received a delegation from the European Union (EU) to Nigeria and ECOWAS led by the Union’s Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, in Abuja

stated that the government was working to reposition the state of power infrastructure in Nigeria.

While explaining the Nigeria electricity supply industry value chain to the visitors, the minister said the EU had been supportive of the country’s effort to ramp up the power sector.

He added that more of the EU collaboration in the renewable energy sector

would be welcome and informed the delegation of Nigeria’s policy to expand the operation capacity of the Nigeria electricity supply industry (NESI) .

He reiterated that country’s commitment to increase power supply by 30,000MW by the year 30.30 with 30 per cent in renewable energy.

Speaking earlier, Isopi affirmed the importance of Nigeria to the EU, stating that

the body remains the largest grant donor to the power sector, and has in the last two years developed a dynamic partnership to re-launch and boost electricity supply.

She said that the cooperation framework for a green and digital economy with Nigeria, was to see that there is renewable energy and diversification, a development he pledged the support of the EU.

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NEWS

Mastercard Foundation Tasks Youth on Soft Skill Acquisition Gilbert Ekugbe Mastercard Foundation has implored youths on the continent to acquire soft skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, time management, and communication skills to succeed and stay relevant in the workplace.

These were words from professionals from diverse fields,

including technology, human resources, management, and entrepreneurship Speaking during the programme, the Senior Human Resources Business Partner, MTN Nigeria, Rabi Adetoro, emphasised the need for youth to have a mindset of lifelong learners to keep up with the transformative nature of the working environment.

Adetoro further explained the need

for a career-driven person to value experiences derived from acquiring soft skills, as they form the attributes and attitudes that stay with one at the workplace.

“The world of work is changing rapidly, and one of the factors driving this change is automation.

This is a big deal because, ten years ago, what people used to

do is now being replaced by machines. This is why one has to think outside the box to stay relevant in the world of work in the future. Please think of the things machines cannot do; they cannot feel, empathize, or lead or influence people, and all these soft skills can be learned. These skills are work and industry neutral skills that do

not change with the industry or job you go into because they are attitudes and behaviors that stay with you, ”she said.

In her contribution, Elizabeth Koka, Project Officer, Livelihoods, Kakuma spoke on the importance of networking in staying relevant to the future of work. She advocated for the youth to imbibe the

skill of networking, as this would help them thrive in any workplace environment they find themselves in as they progress in their endeavors. Skillsand Innovation Team Lead, Youth Opportunity and Transformation in Africa (YOTA), Eric Saforo, opined that young people needs to invest in their growth intentionally.

A b b ey M o r t g a g e Bank Launches Mobile Banking App Emma Okonji Abbey Mortgage Bank is set to boost customers’ experience in the financial services industry with the launch of its data friendly mobile banking application.

Speaking during the launch of the app, its General Manager, Information Technology and Platforms, Lolita Ejiofor, said: “The AbbeyMobile App was developed based on the need to provide a more seamless and convenient banking experience for both existing and new customers, simply by downloading and registering securely on the AbbeyMobile App. The app would ensure a better experience is accessible for day-to-day banking services, including opening an account to save towards their equity for a mortgage (“Save to Own”), without the need to visit a branch. Of course, our friendly customers experience team are readily available to assist.”

The GH, E-business and Support at Abbey Mortgage Bank, Felix Omodayo-Owotuga said: “Customers will also be rewarded with fabulous prizes as they refer a friend to the AbbeyMobile App, as our goal is to consistently create value for our customers and to provide them with solutions that enable them meet their strategic objectives.”

We remain committed to being there for our customers in their journey to home ownership,

Omodayo-Owotuga added.

The game-changing application will facilitate smooth interaction between customers and stakeholders nationwide. It also marks a big step in the democratisation of mortgage banking in Nigeria and providing unprecedented home ownership access for Nigerians in all geographical locations. The Mortgage Mobile App is attributed to a rise in the number of internet consumers, increased access to web-based and online services, and the rising need to simplifying home ownership.

“With over 108 million internet users in Nigeria and an estimated 120 million mobile phone holders, Abbey Mortgage is now able to connect more Nigerians to quick and professional guide towards their journey to home ownership,” Omodayo-Owotuga said.

Also commenting on the launch, the Managing Director/CEO of Abbey Mortgage Bank, Madu Hamman, said: “We are delighted to be at the forefront of digital banking within the mortgage banking space. We recognise that these are very difficult times and our customers are looking for a partner that can help them navigate the challenges induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is why we are constantly raising the bar and pushing the limits in service delivery by pioneering innovative solutions that make banking easier and faster for our

CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT…

R-L: Executive Director, Finance & Administration, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Chudi Offodile; Chairman, NIMASA Governing Board, Asita Honorable; Vice President, African and Asian Affairs of Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport (AASTMT), Egypt, Professor Alsnosy Mohamed Balbaa; Director General, NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh and Executive Director Maritime Labour & Cabotage Services, NIMASA, Victor Ochei. During a meeting with the AASTMT on capacity development at the headquarters of NIMASA in Lagos… recently

Verve International Accelerates Market Growth with Payment Scheme Expansion Emma Okonji With an increasing global need for safe and convenient payment options, Africa’s leading payment technology and card business, Verve International has announced a marked expansion in its payment scheme.

The payment scheme is capable of onboarding over 200 direct scheme members cross-continent and also

firmly consolidating its growing market share in Nigeria. In terms of card issuance and transactions, it has issued over 35 million active payment cards to date, as well as a combined aggregate of well over 50 million tokens, taking into account its complement of physical (plastic) and digital payment tokens.

On the African front, Verve cardholders are provided with

Africa Data Centres Pushes for In-country Hosting of Cloud Services Emma Okonji Africa Data Centres, one of the data center service providers in Africa and boast of the continent’s first network of interconnected, carrier and cloud-neutral data center facilities has called for in-country hosting of cloud services across Africa.

The Chief Technology Officer of Africa Data Centres, Dr. Krish Ranganath, made the call at a recent webinar, organised by CWG in partnership with Africa Data Centres and Zadara, with

the theme ‘Bringing you to the Future: The Journey Towards a Cloud Lifestyle’.

Ranganath highlighted the benefits of In-House cloud services to include optimal service performance, improved network, data localisation, payment in local currency, in-country support and proximity to data.

“Many companies worry about losing control over their data when it moves to the cloud, but when your company’s data is stored at a local cloud data center, you always know where

your data is and how it is being protected,” Ranganath said.

He maintained that localisation of data must be a priority when considering the adoption of cloud computing, as scalable cloud computing resources located within the region mean that companies can take advantage of the cloud without the drawbacks of moving workloads to data centers that are farther away.

Ranganath further stated that Nigeria and other African countries need to start trusting

their business which is locally grown, adding that such a gesture will provide numerous employment opportunities for the young talents and improve the economy.

“If your cloud provider is close by, you can even visit the cloud data centre . Taking a tour will allow you to see what security resources are in place and to better understand the people and processes that exist to keep your cloud workloads secure and running smoothly,” he added.

CashBox Advocates Adoption of Digital Savings among Nigerians Emma Okonji Moved by the growth of subscribers on the CashBox platform, which rose from 10,000 to 200,000 in 2001, with additional rise to 250,000 customers in March 2022, the Fintech company has said such growth is an indication of the growing adoption of digital savings in Nigeria, and has called for more adoption of digital savings among Nigerians.

The Founder and CEO of CashBox, Mr. Sydney Aigbogun, who made the call in Lagos at

a press conference, where he introduced the new CashBox app, which is an upgrade from CashBox Version 3.5 to 5.0, said CashBox, a fintech company that offers savings and investment services to customers, saw monthly transaction value grew from N16 million in 2019 to 200 million in 2021, representing 1150 per cent increase within the period.

According to him, “The upgraded app comes with new features that make it easy for customers to do seamless

transactions online, hide their online financial transactions from fraudsters and hackers and to also address most of the challenges they may encounter online, without the need for their physical presence at the CashBox offices to lodge complaints.”

Aigbogun said savings were invested in viable assets such as lending platforms, agriculture, which is done directly with farmers to mitigate third party risks, and real estate where it partners with developers. A saver is allowed to withdraw the funds

at maturity and may choose to reinvest.

“CashBox is looking to add more features. Following a recent upgrade of its mobile application from 3.0 to 5.0, the company introduced an investment feature on the platform, which enables users to take advantage of opportunities in different sectors of the economy.

Some of the investments deliver interest rates between 6 to 7 per cent, which the company shares with the users sometimes at a 17 per cent interest rate,” Aigbogun said.

the benefit of using the Verve card in Nigeria and 21 other African countries, underscoring the company’s resolve to ensure theseamlessness of transactions across the continent, particularly for the critical mass of consumer demographics, whilst driving value and efficiency for African financial institutions.

On a global scale, through strategic partnerships with partners such as Discover Financial Services, as well as a plethora of rapidly expanding issuing and acceptance partnerships, including major financial institutions, Verve cardholders are able to perform transactions and make payments from anywhere and anytime using their Verve Card. The Verve Global Card from the Discover partnership is accepted in 185 countries that include the United States of America, United Kingdom, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In a bid to further expand its footprint in the East African region, Verve deepened its partnership with KCB Bank of Uganda in a move that will see the acceptance of

the Verve Card on KCB Bank’s widespread and strategically distributed Point of Sale (POS) merchant network across Uganda, commemorated with a joint announcement and media event in Kampala earlier in February.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Verve International, Vincent Ogbunude, stated that Verve would continue to provide innovative ways to make transactions and payment more secure and convenient for loyal customers across the globe.

He said, “As the world continues the shift towards a cashless system, and in the face of an increased uptake of digital payments, it has become important that we find new and innovative ways to serve our cardholders and ensure that they have a seamless and secure payment experience, providing them with the good life.

“At Verve, we remain focused on improving our customers’ experiences, while making their lives better; and with this in mind, we seek out opportunities to ensure that mechanisms that will make our goals possible are put in place.”

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

ÜÙßÚ ÏËÞßÜÏÝ ÎÓÞÙÜ˝ Chiemelie Ezeobi ×ËÓÖ chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, Tel: 07010510430

When the Wig Taps into the Health Insurance Scheme The Nigeria Bar Association recently took the welfare of lawyers a notch higher with a partnership agreement between the association, the NNPC Health Management Organisation and Garki Hospital, Abuja, in enrolling a thousand lawyers in the National Health Insurance Scheme, Precious Ugwuzor reports

T

he Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) recently took an enviable step in enrolling a thousand lawyers in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

In taking the welfare of lawyers a notch higher they entered a partnership agreement between the association, the NNPC Health Management Organisation and Garki Hospital, Abuja.

The package covers Group, Individual and Family Social Health Insurance Programme (GIFSHIP), in a pilot phase which the NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata described as a game changer in caring for the wellbeing of lawyers and their families across the country.

The NHIS-GIFSHIP is a Health Insurance Scheme for lawyers conceptualised by the Olumide Akpata-led NBA Executive through the innovation and industry of the Welfare Committee chaired by Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, SAN. At the inaugural ceremony in Abuja recently, an elated Akpata described the event as epochal, signaling the beginning of other welfare packages for lawyers even as he recalled efforts in the past to provide insurance cover for lawyers.

“This has been a long journey for us.

Today we official received the ID cards from the NHIS for our 1000 members who were enrolled into the pilot scheme. It is a shared moment because for me it signals the beginning of many good things.

“I personally encourage Nigerians to embrace health insurance because there is no way we can have adequate and quality healthcare by paying out of pocket.”

Akpata disclosed that in 2014, the association entered into an MOU with Leadway Assurance to provide life insurance for lawyers.

The package has proved unsustainable owing to the number of deaths and the huge cost of taking care of those injured in accidents.

He said while members were willing to support colleagues who fell sick, the cost of care for ailments as kidney dialysis and orthopedic surgery is astronomical.

He cited the case of a lawyer who required N7million for hip replacement.

“Presently he cannot walk anymore; he cannot practice his profession. So we’ve been telling our members that you don’t need to wait until you find yourself in that situation.

“That is why we said let us enroll, let us look for the best and the most affordable health insurance provider”, he explained.

He praised his colleagues who did the spade work on the health insurance scheme, working with the NHIS to agree on a pilot phase, beginning with 1,000 members across the country.

“I have been impressed with NHIS. The feedback has been great but it’s taken us this while. Even those who were given for free, getting them to register has been a challenge.

“So we say we will drag them, kicking and screaming, they will have to enroll.

Because when anything happens, they will come back to us. Today we’ve received the cards, we tell them use the cards,” said Akpata.

The Medical Director at Garki Hospital, Dr Adamu Onu was excited by the development.

“This is truly an epochal event, because the truth is that we cannot take our healthcare to the next level without considering health financing and health financing cannot thrive by paying out of pocket.

“That does not meet the requirement of universal health coverage which is our goal and the only way we can achieve that is by expanding national health insurance for the whole community.

“Unfortunately over the years the coverage has not been as wide as it should be. So the fact that the NBA is coming on board is very significant. Their coming on board is to make it known to the public that yes this is a scheme that can work,” he noted.

Dr. Onu described health insurance as the future of healthcare in Nigeria. “I think people need to realise that if we want a

NBA President at the inaugural ceremony health system like they have in UK, Canada and other developed countries, we need to have a well-developed health financing mechanism.

“Go to Europe and see how advanced their systems are, It’s not people paying money out of their pockets the way we do in Nigeria,” he argued.

He said Garki Hospital embraced the vision a long time ago as one of the few hospitals in this country running the health insurance scheme.

“Two-third of the patients that uses this hospital are on health insurance, so out of pocket patients are actually a minority and even the NHIS itself has acknowledge that and regard us as a model hospital for NHIS in the whole of this country.

“We have become so efficient that I dare say that we are probably the only hospital in this country that an NHIS or health insurance patient can see three specialists in one day. Here you can see the cardiologist, the neurologist and endocrinologist all in one day,” Dr Onu told the NBA team.

Garki Hospital, Abuja, GHA, has grown and become a hospital of choice in the FCT and beyond since inception in 2007, it is a multi-specialty hospital, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities backed by a wide range of expertise and skilled personnel providing specialised and general care, in-patient and outpatient services. It has been a shining example of successful public-private partnership in health.

Executive Secretary NHIS, Prof.

Mohammed Nasir Sambo on a recent visit to the hospital, praised the PPP

model operating at the hospital which he said has manifested in efficient management of human and material resources.

He promised to partner with the hospital on its cost-effective method for delivering healthcare services.

Indeed, Dr. Onu used that opportunity to identify areas of improvement for Nigeria’s health insurance scheme as proper documentation of beneficiaries and their records as well as standardisation to streamline areas of insurance coverage.

Garki Hospital, accredited by the NHIS in 2008, currently has one of the largest number of NHIS enrollees in the FCT and the only PPP that accepts secondary referrals from other facilities.

The hospital is also the only facility that carries out specialised surgery under the NHIS scheme.

The hospital has over 187,000 patients registered on Electronic Medical Record application, 33,906 NHIS enrollees spread across 55 Health Maintenance Organisations, HMO. Under the FCT Health Service Scheme, the hospital attends to 8139 enrollees from three HMOs, its Private Health Insurance Scheme has 1831 enrollees spread across 35 organisations and it offers corporate services to 10,502 persons from 16 registered organisations.

Dr. Onu said the scheme is working smoothly because the hospital ensures open and transparent billing system and ensures that no patient waits for more than 30 minutes before seeing a doctor.

The hospital has attended to closely

“I personally encourage Nigerians to embrace health insurance because there is no way we can have adequate and quality healthcare by paying out of pocket”

over two million patients and encountered more than 40 open heart surgeries and 26 kidney transplants; no fewer than 100 hip and knee joint replacement surgeries; training in family medicine, O&G, pediatrics, anesthesia, & assisted reproductive technology and nursing services as well as in-vitro fertilisation services.

It is a pioneer in the use of electronic medical record application on all facets of healthcare and has been operating a paperless service since 2016 Telemedicine services, the hospital is fully self-sustaining under the PPP arrangement and it has a continuous operation 24 hours a day.

There are no strikes or interruptions in service. The Federal Government recently announced its expansion of the health insurance system with the launch of a new health insurance package, Group Individual and Family Social Health Insurance Programme, GIFSHIP. The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said the new insurance product is the outcome of wide-ranging and far-reaching reforms within NHIS to significantly increase the fiscal space for healthcare services.

He explained that the new product, expectedly, will address the challenges and barriers encountered during implementation of other insurance packages both by the beneficiaries and operators.

“It will also eliminate known difficulties, as it creates additional value by expanding and upgrading other insurance packages for better reach, service quality and user experience,” the minister promised.

He said the major objective of GIFSHIP is to rapidly expand the scope of healthcare coverage in an urgent quest to attain Universal Health Coverage and leave no one behind.

He said: “GIFSHIP offers Nigerians opportunity to participate and benefit from the health insurance system. There’s opportunity for affordable individual enrolment, family unit or a group of people.

“Any of the enrolments can also be sponsored by well-meaning individuals, Trusts, or organisations.”

The Senate last year passed a Bill that will make health insurance mandatory for all Nigerians.

T H I S D AY ˾ , MARCH 17, 2022

33

NEWS

FERTILITY

With Dr. Kemi AILOJE drkemi@lifelinkfertility.com www.lifelinkfertility.com +2348033083580

FG Restates Commitment Towards Food VAGINALYEAST INFECTION Fortification for Improved Health (CANDIDIASIS) PART 2 Rebecca Ejifoma

The Federal Government alongside players in the food processing industry across the country has restated commitment to ensuring BEFRVBUF GPPE GPSUJàDBUJPO GPS CFUUFS IFBMUI PG IFS DJUJ[FOT Addressing participants at UIF UI "OOVBM /JHFSJB 'PPE 1SPDFTTJOH BOE /VUSJUJPO -FBEFSship Forum, a hybrid session in -BHPT UIF .JOJTUFS PG )FBMUI Dr. Osagie Ehanire, assured stakeholders that the federal government would continue to support efforts to fortify foods with micronutrients.

Food fortification is described as a process of adding vitamins and minerals to commonly consumed foods during processing to increase their nutritional value.

This is, the minister said, would

prevent micronutrient deficiencies and improve staple foods like edible oil, wheat flour, and sugar.

“Food fortification is an important pillar of health strategy.

It assists in disease prevention BOE IFBMUI QSPNPUJPO u BEEJOH that it’s an important pillar of health strategy.

Ehanire pledged: “We shall do all we can in the health sector to support this instead of relying PO JNQPSUBUJPO u In his reaction, Chairman of Dangote Foundation, Aliko Dangote, creating a common set of compliance standards, they are creating a sustainable path UP EFMJWFSJOH /JHFSJBOT GPPE UIBU will help them live healthier, and NPSF QSPEVDUJWF MJWFT u )F GVSUIFS FNQIBTJTFE UIBU UIJT would propel better nutrition for consumers, which will in turn

mean better health and economic development for the nation.

According to the Director PG /VUSJUJPO #JMM BOE .FMJOEB (BUFT 'PVOEBUJPO #.(' %S "OESFBT #MVFUIOFS MBSHF TDBMF food fortification is one of the most effective tools to ensure people get the vitamins and minerals they need to thrive.

“This is part of our five-thematic BSFBT BU UIF #.(' u 5IF GPSVN JT QBSU PG 4USFOHUIFOJOH "GSJDBO 1SPDFTTPST PG 'PSUJàFE 'PPET 4"1'' QSPKFDU GVOEFE CZ #.(' "MJLP %BOHPUF 'PVOEBUJPO BOE 5FDIOP4FSWF 5IF 4"1'' 1SPHSBNNF BJNT BU addressing the challenges in food fortification, using a market-based approach to assist over 90 food processors, increase their capacity to produce, and sell fortified foods to local markets.

After 13 Years, Couple Welcome Quadruplets through IVF

The Ezinnias and their set of quadruplets Rebecca Ejifoma Friends and loved ones rolled out the drums for the family of Mr. Innocent and Mrs. Onyiyechi &[FOOJB XIP KVTU XFMDPNFE B TFU PG RVBESVQMFUT UISPVHI *O 7JUSP 'FSUJMJUZ *7' BGUFS ZFBST of marriage.

During the church dedication of the babies in February, there were screams of delight and energetic praises echoed in and out of the hall of the Assemblies of God Church Isolo 1 in Isolo area of -BHPT 4UBUF :PV DPVME UFMM UIFSF XBT B powerful force altering the aura with harmonious vocals coupled with modern instrumentals and TLJMMGVM KJHT BOE UXJTUT It was the first issue of UIF &[FOOJB GBNJMZ XIP IBE waited for 13 years following an inexplicable fertility issue.

“God has shown us mercy. All UIF HMPSZ UP (PE u IF SFWFSFE

RVPUJOH UIF #JCMF àSTU 4BNVFM chapter one verse 27. “We have a God that answers prayers. I’m grateful to God for not making NF EFWJBUF u UIF SFUJSFE QBTUPS of the church, Frances Chidi Okeremgbo. )BWJOH CFFO JO UIF NJOJTUSZ for 47 years before retirement, Okeremgbo, encouraged the couple to continue in their faith and pass it on to the children.

Expressing gratitude to God for his groundbreaking testimony, Mr. &[FOOJB TBJE i*G OPU GPS NZ GBJUI and belief and understanding, I would have made a mistake.

“I trusted God who promised NF )F XPVME HJWF NF B DIJME Even when pressure came from so many people including my XJGF u 4QFBLJOH UP 5)*4%": UIF XJGF chronicled her tale and the many conflicting counsels she got due to her childless state.

4IF DISPOJDMFE UIFJS FYQFSJFODF

“We’ve been waiting on the Lord for the past 13 years. It was in 2008 we got married so from then till last year we’ve been waiting on the Lord and it wasn’t an easy experience.

“As God will have it, my family and my husband’s family BSF DISJTUJBOT 4P UIF QSFTTVSF wasn’t coming from them much rather from peer groups and GSJFOET 1FPQMF XPVME MPPL BU you and think that you’re not doing enough or not doing what you’re supposed to do, as if you DBO KVTU PQFO ZPVS QBMNT BOE HSBC B DIJME u 4IF SFDPVOUFE IPX GSJFOET gave her many suggestions JODMVEJOH RVBSSJFT i5IFSF XBT B time someone suggested to me to follow her to see a prophet and this prophet will pray for you and you’ll receive a miracle and sometimes they’ll say let’s go to this vigil or there’s this doctor or UIJT XPNBO JO UIJT TUBUF u

Evercare Hospital Marks First Anniversary with Milestone Achievements Vanessa Obioha Recently, health care practitioners convened at The Civic Centre, Lagos, to mark the first anniversary of the Evercare )PTQJUBM -FLLJ GPMMPXJOH B TFSJFT of milestone achievements it has scored since its launch.

Established in Lagos on March 11, 2021, the healthcare facility, which is fitted with a 165-bed, boasts of delivering cutting edge services across core medical and TVSHJDBM TVCTQFDJBMUJFT 4P GBS UIF lone unit has been able to perform close to 700 surgeries, which includes advanced laparoscopic paediatric surgery, open-heart surgery, and spine surgery.

Receiving praise from various keynote speakers for its achievements, the hospital was also lauded by the Commissioner GPS )FBMUI -BHPT 4UBUF %S "LJO Abayomi for its concerted effort in reversing the brain drain of indigenous doctors. Marrying best international practices with local talents, Executive %JSFDUPS &WFSDBSF )PTQJUBM 5FNJ Awogboro explained the need to attract the best talents from both the diaspora and locally.

“We felt that with a combination of the infrastructure, the FRVJQNFOU BOE GPDVT PO UIF RVBMJUZ PVUDPNF XF DBO TUBSU to re-divert some of the doctors UIBU IBWF MFGU /JHFSJB CBDL UP

/JHFSJB u TIF TBJE “We recently signed an agreeNFOU XJUI B HSPVQ PG /JHFSJBO EJBTQPSB EPDUPST JO UIF 6, BOE part of that is about coming back to train, as well as bringing their skills back home. Furthermore, essentially, we want to increase the pipeline of talents coming into the system through a partnership with medical and nursing TDIPPMT IFSF u #FJOH B QBSU PG B global platform that comprises over 30 hospitals spread across five markets that include India, #BOHMBEFTI 1BLJTUBO BOE ,FOZB Awogboro hopes to increase momentum to hit new milestones JO UIF /JHFSJBO NFEJDBM TQBDF in the coming years.

L

ast week, we started a discussionon Vaginal Candidiasis also known as vaginal yeast infection, its causes and symptoms in the vagina. This week, we will be concluding witheffect of vaginal candidiasis on fertility, prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Effect of Vaginal Candidiasis on Fertility Vaginal health is vital for both fertility and personal well-being. While yeast infections do not cause infertility, vaginal infection and altered vaginal environment can have a significant impact on a woman’s ability to conceive.

Vaginal Candidiasis createsa watery thick discharge in the vagina that blocks the passageway of sperm and makes it difficult for sperm to swim further and penetrate the cervix.

This yeast infection makes the vaginal environment highly acidic and sperm cannot survive in such environment. Even when the woman is ovulating, the acidic environment destroys the sperms thereby delaying pregnancy.

Inflammation and burning sensations in the vaginal area also makes it difficult for women to have sexual intercourse. During sexual activity, women experience pain due to symptoms associated with vaginal candidiasis.

All of these symptoms create unwillingness towards sexual activity, lowering the chance of getting pregnant. In this situation, it is also best to avoid sex because the infection can easily spread to the partner.

Prevention r "GUFS UPJMFU VTF FOTVSF UP XJQF GSPN front to back because the rectal area is full of yeast. r "WPJE VTJOH TPBQ BSPVOE UIF WBHJOBM area because it kills the good bacteria in the vaginal environment while having no effect on yeast. r %SZ VOEFSXFBS VOEFS TVOMJHIU r 4UFSJMJ[F PS EJTDBSE VOEFSXFBS VTFE during your last infection; if you must keep them, then boil or iron before use. r 8FBS DPUUPO VOEFSXFBS UIBU JT MPPTF r "WPJE XFBSJOH UJHIU QBOUT PS pantyhose. r 4UBZ BXBZ GSPN DIFNJDBMT MJLF TDFOUFE tampons and vaginal douches, which are ineffective and might cause infection. r )PU UVCT BOE TUFBNZ CBUIT DBO increase the growth of yeast.. r $IBOHF ZPVS DPOUSBDFQUJWFT QJMM JG recurrent infection is observed. r $IBOHF XFU DMPUIJOH BT RVJDLMZ BT possible, especially bathing suits and ensure the pubic region is dried up. r 6TF POMZ TFYVBM MVCSJDBOUT UIBU BSF water-based. r &OTVSF UP LFFQ UIF CMPPE TVHBS MFWFMT as close to normal as possible if you have diabetes because diabetes management can aid in the prevention of vaginal yeast infections. r -FTT TVHBS BOE BMDPIPM JOUBLF BT UIFTF supports the growth of yeast r *OUBLF PG VOQBTUFVSJ[FE ZPHVSU UP CBMBODF the presence of yeast in the vaginal environment

Diagnosis: It is important to visit the doctor if: r :PV BSF FYQFSJFODJOH TJHOT PG B ZFBTU infection for the first time. r :PV BSF OPU TVSF JG JU JT B ZFBTU JOGFDUJPO r /P JNQSPWFNFOU BGUFS VTJOH PWFS UIF counter antifungal vaginal creams or drugs.

If you have recurrent yeast infection, your doctor may perform a test to confirm diagnosis. A sample of vaginal discharge may be obtained to detect the type of yeast infection based on the symptoms and the sample of discharge provided, as well as the best way to treat it.

If symptoms are observed in the mouth, a tiny sample from the mouth or throat is sometimes taken by a healthcare practitioner.

The sample is taken to a lab for examination, where it is usually inspected under a microscope.

Endoscopy is the most common way for doctors to diagnose candidiasis in the esophagus. An endoscopy is a procedure that uses a tube with a light and a camera to inspect the digestive tract. A doctor may administer antifungal medication without performing an endoscopy to evaluate if the patient’s symptoms improve.

Treatment There are many distinct forms of yeast when it comes to treating a vaginal yeast infection. Depending on the type of yeast infection, your healthcare professional / doctor may discuss several treatment options with you.

A vaginal yeast infection is usually treated with an antifungal drug prescribed by your doctor. This type of drug is used to treat yeast overgrowth in the body and it is in two forms: oral and topical.

Topical treatments are creams applied to the infected area while oral medications are taken by mouth. :PV XJMM CF QSPWJEFE JOGPSNBUJPO on each type of medication as well as instructions on how to take it properly.

When using these medications, it is critical to constantly follow your provider’s directions to ensure that the infection is completely treated and does not reoccur.

Conclusion Vaginal candidiasis, often known as vaginal yeast infection, is a common infection. It is normal for bacteria and yeast cells to be found in a healthy WBHJOB )PXFWFS XIFO UIF CBDUFSJB ZFBTU FRVJMJCSJVN TIJGUT ZFBTU DFMMT DBO NVMUJQMZ leading to itching, swelling, and irritation.

Vaginal yeast infections are not considered as TFYVBMMZ USBOTNJUUFE JOGFDUJPOT 45*T CFDBVTF women who are not sexually active can also be infected.

Treating a vaginal yeast infection can relieve symptoms within a few days. In more severe cases, it may take longer.It is essential to treat the underlying cause when treating yeast infection. Controlling the source of the infection can help avoid vaginal yeast infections in the future.

34

T H I S D AY ˾ , MARCH 17, 2022

NEWS

Group Calls for Affirmative Actions to Improve Wellbeing of the Boy Child Mary Nnah To mark the year 2022 National Sons Day which holds annually on March 4, A Mother’s Love Initiative (AMLi ), a social change initiative that campaigns for the overall wellbeing of the African child, has made a clarion call to alert parents in the Nigerian and African space on the growing neglect of the boy child.

This neglect, they say adversely affects their wellbeing, and consequently threatens their future too.

“In the wake of affirmative actions geared towards safeguarding the rights of the girl child, virtually every civil rights group jumped into the bandwagon literally.

“This led to subtle neglect of the needs of the boy child, and a near-total erosion of the erstwhile attention given to the boy child.

“This situation has put the boy child in an unfair balance. The talk is no longer whether the boy child is thriving, but whether in

the circumstances, the boy child can survive the onslaught and myriads of societal pressures weighing on, and against him,” they opined.

At the helm of the objectives of AMLi is the recognition that Children are the Future, and prime attention must be given to their general wellbeing. To achieve this objective, AMLi runs a TV Series “Children na de Future”.

Speaking during the unveiling of activities leading to the celebrations of the “National Sons Day”, Uchechukwu Michael Ginika, (Esq), Press Secretary/ Legal Adviser, A Mother’s Love Initiative said “The rights and roles of both genders must be adequately protected and preserved in the right proportions – none should be neglected.

“When the rights and roles of the boy child are neglected, they barely survive. It is paramount to note that Today Sons are Tomorrow’s Dads! They are Tomorrow’s Leaders, Role Models, and Change Agents.

Neglecting them today has grave consequences on the future of any society.

“While we should still advocate for the rights of the girl child, we must strike the balance”.

Ginika observed that in recent times, the boy child has been identified with several negative vices at all levels of society leading to further disintegration and malfunctioning of the society.

He said, “A lot of expectations placed on the boy child by the family and the society in the areas such as security and protection, sourcing livelihood, and leadership roles make it difficult for him to thrive.

“Some are forced into child labour to help provide for their family. Some work their way through school. They suffer silently.”

He, therefore, called on all stakeholders to give ample attention to the physical, health, mental, educational, and emotional needs of the boy child.

He added that “we demand that African practices which tend to hurry the boy child into adult responsibilities should be shunned, discouraged and discontinued.

“There should be social justice for the boy child. There should be affirmative actions to improve the wellbeing of the boy child.

“A well-balanced boy child today is a well-groomed gentleman tomorrow, who will respect the rights of the girl child or lady. The reverse is the case if we neglect the boy child today.”

He admonished fathers, male family members, and male political leaders to exhibit appropriate behaviours, morals, and ideals worth emulating by the boy-child, adding that the Nigerian government and other African countries should also adopt, dedicate, and officially recognised the annual Sons Day, which is mostly celebrated in the Western world as this will help promote the wellbeing of the boy child in Africa and position him to thrive and not survive.

Expert Canvasses Healthy Living to Boost National Productivity Rebecca Ejifoma A health expert, Prof. Adewale Baderinwa, has called on Nigerians to take the issue of personal health seriously in order to boost national productivity.

Baderinwa, who is a Professor of Alternative Medicine and a Consultant to Agewell Healthcare Ltd, made this clarion call during a media parley with some health correspondents at The Agewell Experience Programme held recently in Lagos.

In his address, the Prof. described Nigeria as a blessed nation with a great potential to lead the rest of the African continent in the health sector.

He asserted that Nigeria currently leads the continent with the highest annual Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of about 432.3 billion US dollars making it the strongest economy in Africa.

To sustain this position, the Prof. opined that the populace must pay personal attention to their individual health.

“When you are not sound, everything about you will be affected; from your looks to your work output. If care is not taken, your entire body system could shut down and this could affect the entire productivity of the country.” He implored.

He, therefore, counselled that no matter the profession one is engaged in, the level of one’s productivity to the national GDP depends largely on the state of the individual’s health condition.

The health expert, however, cautioned on the need to live a healthy life, adding that when one learns to live healthy, it will not only boost the individual productivity but also help in aging well.

The aging well process, Baderinwa oted, is very crucial in every citizen’s life.

To contribute in boosting the nation’s healthcare, he said that Agewell Healthcare Ltd recently introduced to the market; Agewell Virgin Coconut Oil Capsules, a certified multifaceted natural organic health supplement that offers a whole lot of health benefits.

An IT guru, Mr. Moses Awobode, who was present at the forum, told the health correspondents that a country like Nigeria with over 200 million people cannot afford to toy with the health of its citizenry.

He highlighted that his contact with this product revealed that it has multi health benefits which include; looking younger than your age with a youthful smooth skin and lustrous hair.

The Happiness Centre to Mark International Day of Happiness in Lagos Vanessa Obioha

L-R: Broadcaster and Actor, Chukwuka Jude; Veteran Nollywood Actor, Segun Arinze; Head, External Relations, ‘A Mother’s Love Initiative, Hannatu Enwemadu, Esq; and Broadcaster, Justice Aligogo, at the launch of ‘Beyond Engagement: Helping the Boy-Child Towards Meaningfulness’ campaign in Lagos

Why Nigeria Must Place Emphasis on Curative Health, Ogundiwin Posits Kemi Olaitan ÓØ ÌËÎËØ The Chairman, Governing Council of Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology, Eleyele, Ibadan, Dr. Aaron Ogundiwin, has said for the country to overcome barrage of challenges besetting its health sector, it must place priority on preventive and not curative health.

Ogundiwin, who gave the advice at a maiden press conference held in the institution, since the college, which started as School of Hygiene at Eleyele, was founded 89 years ago, said curative medicine is the order of the day in the contemporary Nigeria and the world at large.

According to Ogundiwin, who was assisted by the Provost of the College, Sanitarian Siji Ganiyu, said, “The health sector in Nigeria is suffering from challenges of planning priority and misplace-

ment of priority.

“We place priority on curative medicine than preventive medicine. So, we need to place emphasis on preventive above curative medicine.”

“The genesis of international health was based on curative health. The World Health Organisation (WHO) that was established in 1948 was not the first global response to health.

“International health began around 1920s and it had to do with sanitary issues, which led to the establishment of School of Hygiene, now Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology, in 1933, even before WHO was inaugurated in 1948.

“So, sanitary issues started international health around 1922, which led to the establishment of sanitary training institutions, training centre for sanitary inspectors, who are the first set of health workers globally.

This led to the establishment of

College of Health Technology, Yaba, Lagos in 1922.

“Unfortunately, the government did not give priority to the beginning of professional health, which is preventive.

“Prevention, they say, is better than cure. If you are able to lay emphasis on preventive medicine, there won’t be much need for curative medicine.

“When COVID-19 came, one of the non-pharmaceutical measures that some of us are doing now, which worked against the virus, was that we were told to engage in sanitary ways of living to prevent the spread of infection like COVID-19.

“Lassa fever is now on the increase, and it can be prevented by adhering to sanitary ways.

The response of Governor Seyi Makinde to COVID-19, which was a good example to the federal and some state governments, has shown that his administration prioritises preventive health.

“So, if we are able to spend a lot of effort on sanitation or preventive measures, we won’t be going to hospitals for curative measures.

“We can use masks, wash our hands, ensure physical distancing, which are the preventive measures for COVID-19, instead of engaging in using drugs, and that is why it is called non-pharmaceutical measures. “ If we are able to focus on preventive health, the problem of health sector or response or whatever would not be there”, he said.

He however, corrected “the erroneous news in some quarters about the accreditation and licence for Dental Surgery Technicians programme of the college, saying the public should disregard the fake news on the grounds that the 89-year-old institution is known for integrity and academic excellence since it was established till date.

For the first time, the United Nations International Day for Happiness, usually marked on March 20, will be commemorated in Nigeria by The Happiness Centre in Lagos, Nigeria.

A fully equipped and modern centre that caters to health, wellness and alternative medicine, The Happiness Centre is a part of the international non-governmental organisation (NGO) the Art of Living Foundation.

The event to be headlined by the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwoolu; Minister of Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; His Royal Majesty, the Oniru of Iru Land, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal; and notable political economist and Trustee of the Art of Living Foundation, Professor Pat Utomi, is expected to showcase the centre’s deliberate and well-thought-out efforts to cater to health and wellness of Lagosians through alternative and natural measures to ease stress and its associated challenges.

Speaking on plans to commemorate the day, the Managing Director of the Centre, Akshay Jain said: “We are well aware of the challenges associated with living and doing business in a metropolitan city like Lagos. “ It comes with health challenges that creep into our lives and reduce our productivity. People often get burnt out as a result of not being happy with many issues about their lives, some within and some beyond their control.

“We have set up this Centre to offer a wide range of services to enable people to achieve the single most important thing that humans should strive for - happiness.”

He added that we are all in pursuit of happiness.

“We sleep and wake up hoping that each new day is better than the one before it, when this happens, we are happy and when the reverse is the case there is unhappiness’.

Corroborating his point, the General Manager of The Happiness Centre, Francisca Ukabiala noted that The Happiness Centre is timely in and for a city like Lagos.

“We have probably all heard the recent comments by the Governor of Kaduna State on the special ticket that people who have lived in Lagos deserve to get to heaven having already lived in what in his opinion is a hellish city. “ We are saying that happiness is all around, it is in the energy that keeps the city moving and most importantly, it is in the haven that we have created to ensure that people have greater bouts of positive energy once they walk in and out of our doors and experience bespoke wellness services.”

The Happiness Centre has as part of its mission to make the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal three (Good Health and Wellbeing) possible in Nigeria.

The centre hosts a wide range of personal and group programmes including yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, nutrition packages and more; all of which are handled by trained and certified experts who ensure world-class standards.

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T H I S D AY ˾ , MARCH 17, 2022

NEWS

Spreading the Message of Ability in Disability Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo reports that John Obinna Ukoumuneh, who has refused to be shackled by his disability, is spreading the message of ability in disability

J

ohn Obinna Chukwuma Ukoumuneh has refused to be held down by the shackles of physical disability. Not only has he striven to acquire education up to the university level, he has also acquired skills.

Having overcome the imposed limitations of disability, Obinna has become a messenger of hope for those in similar circumstances of life.

He has continued to inspire people with disabilities to shake off self pity and other inhibitors of self worth and actualisation.

Obinna strongly believes that “there is no disability in disability”, rather, he insists that “there is ability in disability” and has continued to demonstrate it through his activities and programmes.

To help others with the misfortune of having one form of disability or the other, Obinna set up a non-governmental organisation, John Obinna Chukwuma(JOC) Foundation. Though the NGO has concentrated much of its programmes in the Western part of the country, especially Lagos and Ogun States, the founder said that with time other states would gradually feel the impact of JOC Foundation.

Recently the foundation carried out its first project in Abia State in the South-east zone. It was a skill acquisition project targeted at the students of the Special School for the Blind, Afaraukwu in Umuahia North Local Government, Abia State.

The students were trained in the skill of making hand sanitizers, antiseptics and liquid soaps. “I don’t want people to go out there begging. They will lose their self confidence and self esteem,” he said. The project, which Obinna said was sponsored by GlobalGiving.Org, was the first project his NGO was doing in the South-east zone of the country.

It was evident that the programme was a success.

The students at a ceremony marking the end of the programme displayed the products they produced to the amazement and admiration of guests at the event.

The JOC Foundation President said that he was satisfied with the outcome of the programme. He said that it is important that the students should acquire skills in addition to formal education as it would prepare them for the challenge of independent life.

According to him, “every adult, both able and disabled should be self reliant to reduce the burden of poverty”. He explained that the skill acquisition project “is a long term programme” with the first phase just concluded.

The second phase, he added, would involve teaching the students the art of bead making, making of ornamental pots and computer operation skill.

No fewer than 140 blind students are expected to benefit from the programme.

The head of the school for the blind, Mrs. Celine Ngozi Olugu was elated at seeing many of her students learn how to make liquid soaps and antiseptics. She noted that the acquired skill would “make great impact on their lives and help them a lot after leaving school”.

Olugu said that the capacity building workshop organised by JOC Foundation was the first time her students were exposed to such skill acquisition programme and profusely thanked Obinna for the gesture.

But it was really a wonder how the students with their visual impairments managed to mix the chemicals used in making the different products.

A member of board of directors of JOC Foundation, Mrs. Kate Alozie Nwokeafor resolved the puzzle. She told THISDAY that the students were taught how to detect the chemicals by smell and touch. She said that with the detection technic the students were fully involved in the production of the hygienic products. The blind students were also taught how to use their sensory perception to differentiate original chemicals from fake ones.

Therefore, it would be hard to give them the

Founder of JOC Foundation, Obinna Ukoumuneh with some students of School for the Blind, Afaraukwu Umuahia during the exhibition of hygienic products made by the students after skill acquisition workshop

“I don’t want people to go out there begging. They will lose their self confidence and self esteem...every adult, both able and disabled, should be self reliant to reduce the burden of poverty” wrong stuff when they go to the market to purchase the raw materials with which to produce their products.

The empowerment and capacity building workshop for the blind students attracted the interest of the state government and the traditional institution of the host community.

They were at the exhibition ceremony to see things for themselves and encourage the students. The Permanent Secretary in the Abia State Ministry of Education, Mr. Eze Ajuzie sent goodwill message to the JOC Foundation through the Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Roselyn Okorie, encouraging Obinna not to relent in the good works he has been doing among people living with disabilities.

The traditional ruler of Enyiukwu autonomous community Afaraukwu, Eze Phillip Kachi Ukaegbu noted that Obinna’s intervention in shaping the future of the blind students deserve commendations and encouragement. “I highly appreciate the initiative, the coordination and the hope they inspire,” he said.

Eze Ukaegbu said that he was amazed that a physically challenged person could have the drive and strength to do what the JOC Foundation President has been doing. “I admire Obinna; he does not evoke pity. He understands what God wants him to do,” he said, adding that “whoever has life it is for a purpose”.

The royal father stated that the initiative has demonstrated that physical disability cannot kill someone’s dream of being great in life if the will and self belief is there.

“Time has gone,” he said, “when people

see disability as death sentence or a sentence to poverty”.

Even though Obinna, who hails from Ohohoro Ovim in Isuikwuato Local Government of Abia State, has somehow overcome his disability, it has been a long struggle, which started very early in his life.

His mother, Mrs. Okwuchi Ekeoma Ukoumuneh said that he was got poliomyelitis infection barely six months after he was born.

“Till today I cannot explain why he was attacked by polio even though he was fully vaccinated,” she said.

Every medical efforts to restore the child to normal physical health failed. But Obinna’s parents did not give up on their baby and abandon him to his fate as some parents would do to a child with disability.

Obinna received special love and care from his parents and his siblings as well. “I sacrificed my work to encourage him,” said Obinna’s mother. She was a teacher by profession but it was not possible for her to remain in the classroom and still give her crippled child full attention.

Even at the University and the Nayional Youth Service (NYSC) programme, the loving mother was there with her beloved son to care for him. And she has been assisting him to run the JOC Foundation. Obinna acknowledges and appreciates the role his parents have played in his life to make him become an overcomer of disability.

He said that his father, Chief Emmanuel Iheanyi Ukoumuneh made it possible for him to good education up to university level. “My

father made me what I am today by giving me good education,” he said.

Indeed, Obinna considers himself lucky to have parents that love and care for him, noting that “there are so many parents that don’t care and that is why many children with and even without disabilities end up in the streets and engage in begging for survival”.

The JOC Foundation President, who considers himself as “voice of the voiceless” called on parents that have children with disabilities to emulate his parents and take good care of such children.

According to him, every child with disability has a potential to do great things and parents should provide the needed spark.

Obinna started doing projects to help people in need when he was doing his compulsory NYSC programme in Lagos State. He organised eye screening/ blood pressure checks at the Girls Correctional Centre Idi Araba, Lagos State.

The then governor of the state, Mr. Raji Fashola was so impressed with Obinna’s programme and sent doctors as well as 300 pairs of eye glasses in support of the exercise.

Obinna also went to remand homes and organised career talks for the inmates to enable them refocus their lives after leaving their place of confinement.

He has also taken his programmes to the churches and communities where he organised sensitisation programmes on personal hygiene. His efforts did not go unnoticed. He won NYSC awards for his outstanding performances during his service year. Some organisations and individuals have at one time or the other assisted him to carry out some programmes with his NGO. But more assistance is needed.

This is because Obinna wants to do much more with his NGO to help persons with disabilities and the society in general. But his burning desire is at the risk being doused by lack of funds.

JOC Foundation has a wide range of thematic areas of focus, including health and medical interventions/ missions, advocacy, capacity building/skills acquisition.

His activities towers above his physical disability. The young man exudes infectious passion for the welfare of the less privileged and the overall good of the society. “If somebody like Obinna could be doing this, it is a strong message that there is ability in disability,” his mother said.

UK Government Holds Training Workshops For 33 Sexual Assault Referral Centres, Stakeholders in Nigeria Between 28 February and 4 March, UK government offices based in Nigeria organised four days of training workshops for all 33 Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) and their main stakeholders in Nigeria.

These workshops were developed to offer critical support to SARCs who provide vital assistance and forensic and medical services to children, young people, women, and men who have been sexually abused, assaulted or raped. SARCs also support police and prosecution

responses to crimes of sexual violence, abuse and exploitation.

33 SARC managers and stakeholders at both state and federal level participated in the workshops.

This included officials from Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Women’s Affairs, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Ministry of Health, the Nigerian Police Force, as well as staff from hospitals.

NGOs including Women Advocates Research and

Documentation Centre (WARDC), International Federation of Women Lawyers, Nigeria (FIDA), Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, and UN Women also joined the workshops.

The workshops were organised by the Consular Section of the British High Commission in Abuja (BHC) and the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos (DBHC).

They were paid for through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development (FCDO’s) Consular Project Fund (CPF),

in collaboration with the British Council, who supported the BHC in the preparation of these workshops.

The workshops were delivered by visiting field experts, Alison Eaton, a senior retired UK Police Officer and International Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) expert, and Dr Isabelle Kerr, former Centre Manager of Glasgow & Clyde Rape Crisis in Scotland.

The workshops complemented the work being done through the EU Rule of Law

and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) and Managing Conflict (MCN) programmes implemented by the British Council.

During the workshops, Alison Eaton and Dr Isabelle Kerr shared outcomes from findings from their recently completed SARCs baseline assessments, coordinated

by Consular Section to map SARC services across Nigeria with the aim of improving practice, increasing resources and ensuring improved access to SARCs for survivors across the country.

The presenters facilitated the discussion and consultation among SARCs and stakeholders to identify areas of good practice, highlight challenges and gaps in service with a view to standardise practice across the country.

As the workshops concluded, Dr Isabelle Kerr said: “The level of commitment and passion shown by managers and staff within SARCs is enormous and shows how the grit and determination of those who believe in survivor justice and wellbeing can achieve so much.

36

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͯ͵˜ 2022

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Fidelity Bank MD Seeks Enabling Environment for Women to Maximize Potentials James Emejo ËØÎ Folalumi Alaran ÓØ ÌßÔË The Managing Director/Chief Executive, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said it is extremely important to create an enabling environment for women to thrive and maximise their full potential.

This, she said, informed the bank’s resolve to launch “HerFidelity” proposition, which is a community-driven initiative designed to support women across different cadres in meeting their aspirations.

Speaking at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) 2022 International Women’s Day Celebration, themed: “Breaking the Ice”, Onyeali-Ikpe, argued that “one major problems is that women striving for leadership face more obstacles than their male counterparts”.

She also said that the battle for gender parity was far from being won as there currently exists greater measure of gender imbalance in the country.

She said, “Breaking the glass ceiling in our context, refers to overcoming the obstacles that prevent women from pursuing career growth and advancements.

“Women have been advocating for equal rights and opportunities not just on paper, but in everyday scenarios in society. Although the ice is thawing in many areas and societies, unfortunately, the battle for gender parity is far from being won.”

Among other things, she encouraged women aspiring for leadership positions to embrace personal development courses.

He said, “Women everywhere need to understand that no one will hand over their rightful place to them on a platter of

gold. Victory is never served a la carte. It must come through a mix of industry, creativity and innovation. I always say that for women to achieve what their male counterparts have done, they need to work thrice as hard.

“Women should not forget the place of preparation and personal development. Abraham Lincoln said, ‘I will prepare myself and one day, my chance will come’.

I cannot over-emphasize the importance of preparation, personal development, hard work, dedication to duty, up skilling and deep knowledge of your industry and world affairs in breaking the ice in career and entrepreneurship.”

Continuing, she said, “Go for personal development courses.

Read widely and prepare thoroughly for every meeting and presentation. Develop your leadership skills.

L-R: Mr Aruna Velusami, Hogan Lovells Partner, Infrastructure, Energy, Resources and Projects, Mr Andrew Skipper, Hogan Lovells Chair of Africa Practice and Abena Poku, Hogan Lovells Head of Marketing and Business Development – Africa and the Middle East at a Media parley held in Lagos recently

MARKET INDICATORS

Flourish Africa to Empower 500 Female Entrepreneurs with N1bn in FiveYears Gilbert Ekugbe Flourish Africa, a female empowerment Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) has announced plans to empower 500 female entrepreneurs in Nigeria with a N1 billion grant over the next five years.

According to the Founder, Flourish Africa, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija, the N1 billion fund for female entrepreneurs is a major step towards supporting the entrepreneurial activities of female-owned businesses in Africa while also helping them achieve their full potentials.

With the pilot phase to kick off in Lagos and Abuja, Alakija, lamented over the huge chunk of women currently being left behind, noting that women

represent 49.6 per cent of the world population and must be carried along to drive inclusive economic growth and development.

Addressing a press briefing, the Founder said out of the N1 billion fund, a sum of N2 million would be disbursed to 100 women every year for five years after going through a vigorous selection process, adding that working with its partners, the beneficiaries would also like be exposed to business and life skills training programmes to help them grow their businesses sustainably.

“I launched the Flourish Africa 1 billion Naira Fund last year during my 70th birthday as a gift to hardworking and enterprising women. This initiative will focus on empowering women

economically and socially for the benefit of their immediate families and the society,” she said.

She further explained that one of its training partners, Eloh Consulting Limited will train the female entrepreneurs in 10 modules of management development over three months, while Google will train the entrepreneurs to use the “Google My Business” app to create visibility and grow their businesses.

Also speaking, Partner - Eloh Consulting Limited, Mrs. Lilian Uwaeme, stated that the company is proud to be partnering with Flourish Africa because the vision to empower 500 female entrepreneurs this year is a laudable one that aligns with Eloh Consulting’s values of empowerment.

Adegbite Assures Miners of Access to Fund Kasim Sumaina ÓØ ÌßÔË The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite has reiterated the federal government’s resolve to support Artisanal and Small Scale Miners to access funds that will increase their productivity.

The Minister made this known over the weekend during his inspection of the ongoing construction of the Gemstones Market in Ojoo, Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State.

He encouraged miners to come together as different Cooperative Groups to access funds set aside to support their activities. He said the Miners can access loan from

2million to N100million payable in 15years at 5% interest rate per annum.

Adegbite said a loan of N2 million and below would only require a guarantor while a miner seeking to access a loan above the sum of N2 million would need to provide required collateral.

“I realized that a lot of people could not access the money because of collateral and I advised that it be reduced so that those who need small loan of not more than N2 million can access without a collateral but a guarantor of level 14 and above in the civil service,”, he further explained.

On the construction of the gemstones market, the minister said gemstone market in Ojoo is where the gemstone would be identified and graded, cut, polished and ready to be made into jewelry.

He said the people being trained in gemstones design in Abuja would populate Ibadan gemstones market as well as the Gold Souk in Kano since they would be working on jewelries and gemstones.

He however noted that the gemstones mining is not limited to Oyo State as he pointed out other States where gemstones could be found to include Taraba, Plateau and Abuja among others.

SBI Media Ties up with Stagwell to Strengthen Global Presence Omolabake Fasogbon Foremost independent media agency, SBI Media has expanded its footprint in global marketing service with its affiliation with international marketing and communications group, Stagwell global.

SBI Media officially announced its partnership with Stagwell at a media parley in Lagos, recently.

Stagwell, a challenger holding company and a global network boasts top-flight creative, research, and media expertise built to transform marketing.

Both organisations will be leveraging their expertise and strengths to deliver top-notch service to growing sophisticated consumers. By the partnership, SBI Media will be able to collaborate with agencies across Stagwell’s network to scale omnichannel media, content, and production capabilities for top brands while Stagwell wiould harness SBI’s rapidly growing digital and traditional media environment with a hyperlocalized approach.

Speaking on the partnership, Group Managing Director of SBI

Media, Rotimi Bankole stated that the the new development was apt given the commonality of vision between organisations to transform marketing communications. “Our strategic affiliation with Stagwell is now activated . We are proud to take on the next level of our business growth with such partnership across the board that will not only extend to clients with the best in class performance that they expect, but also clearly fulfils our vision to share SBI’s outstanding insights into African audiences, media, and markets.

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JANUARY 2021 Money Supply (M3)

38,779,455.43

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

1,039,129.55

Money Supply (M2)

37,740,325.88

-- Quasi Money

21,779,302.69

-- Narrow Money (M1)

15,961,023.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,364,871.13

---- Demand Deposits

13,596,152.06

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,414,275.50

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

31,365,179.93

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

42,916,586.63

---- Credit to Government (Net)

12,304,773.44

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

30,611,813.19

--Other Assets Net

3,892,112.74

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,264,585.14

--Currency in Circulation

2,831,167.19

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,433,417.96 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ ͵

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).

37

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͯ͵˜ ͰͮͰͰ

Buying Interest in MTN, 17 Others Lift Stock Market by N17bn

Kayode Tokede

The stock market of The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday reversed its two-day consecutive decline and traded positively, as investors’ buying interest in MTN Nigeria Communications (MTNN) and 17 others drove the capitalisation higher by N13 billion.

The NGX All Share Index (ASI) rose by 23.60 basis points or 0.05

per cent to close at 47,364.46 points, while the overall market capitalisation value gained N13 billion to close at N25.527 trillion.

The upturn was impacted by gains recorded in medium and large capitalised stocks, amongst which are; Okomu Oil, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGXGroup), PZ Cussons Nigeria, MTN Nigeria Communications (MTNN) and UAC

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

of Nigeria (UACN).

Market sentiment, as measured by market breadth was positive as 18 stocks gained, relative to 17 losers. NPF Microfinance Bank recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent to close at N2.31, per share. PZ Cussons Nigeria followed with a gain 9.79 per cent to close at N7.85, while AIICO Insurance rose by 6.15 per cent to close at 69 kobo, per share.

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

Unity Bank rose by 4.17 per cent to close at 50 kobo, while NGX Group appreciated by 4.02 per cent to close at N23.30, per share. On the other hand, Royal Exchange led the losers’ chart by 9.73 per cent to close at N1.02, per share. Livestock Feeds followed with a decline of 9.71 per cent to close at N1.58, while Industrial and Medical Gases Nigeria depreciated by 9.47 per cent to close at N8.60, per share.

T R A D E D

VALUE TRADED ( N )

MAIN BOARD

A S

Chams declined by 8.70 per cent to close at 21 kobo, while Red Star Express depreciated by 4.69 per cent to close at N3.05, per share.

Meanwhile, the total volume of trades declined by 20.42 per cent to 145.832 million units, valued at N2.535 billion, and exchanged in 4,113 deals. Transactions in the shares of United Bank for Africa (UBA) topped the activity chart with 14.759 million shares valued

O F

1 6

at N125.882 million. Access Bank followed with 10.283 million shares worth N107.055 million, while Zenith Bank traded 10.031 million shares valued at N266.096 million. Guaranty Trust Holding Company traded 9.120 million shares valued at N239.228 million, while Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) transacted 9.087 million shares worth N108.733 million.

/ 0 3 / 2 0 2 2 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

38

THURSDAY, ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

Thursday, March 17, 2022

dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ĚŽǁŶ ϲ͘ϱƉƉƚƐ dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ĨĞůů ďLJ ϭϰďƉƐ dŚĞ dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ ĨĞůů ϲ͘ϱƉƉƚƐ ƚŽ ϭ͕ϴϵϱ͘ϳϴ ŝŶĚĞdž dŚĞ dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ďLJ ϭϰďƉƐ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůů ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ŽŶ E/d, ;Ͳϭ͘ϱйͿ͕ ^^ ;Ͳ Ăƚ ϭ͕ϲϳϰ͘ϴϵ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůůͲƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ŽŶ E/d, ;ͲϬ͘ϲйͿ͕

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

ϭ͘ϬйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ h W ;Ͳϭ͘ϮйͿ͘ ƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ͕ ƚŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĐͲ t W K ;Ͳϭ͘ϯйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ h ;ͲϬ͘ϳйͿ͘ dŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĐƵŵƵůĂͲ ĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϵ͘ϭй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞdž͘ ƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϭϯ͘Ϯй͘

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

Current Price

Ticker

ŽŵĞƐƟĐ ŽƵƌƐĞ DĂƌŐŝŶĂůůLJ 'ĂŝŶƐ͘​͘​͘ ^/ ƵƉ ϱďƉƐ ^/ ƵƉ ϭϭďƉƐ ĂƐ E' D 'ĂŝŶƐ ϯ͘ϯй zĞƐƚĞƌĚĂLJ͕ ƚŚĞ ĚŽŵĞƐƟĐ ďŽƵƌƐĞ ŽƵƚƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĞĚ ŽƵƌ ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

1895.78

1 Airtel Africa PLC 2 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC

ƉƌŽũĞĐƟŽŶ ĂƐ ďƵLJŝŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶ DdEE ;нϬ͘ϮйͿ͕ & E, WƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ĚĂLJ͕ ƉƌŝĐĞ ƵƉƟĐŬ ŝŶ ,KEz&>KhZ

1,260.00

3 BUA Cement Plc 4 Guaranty Trust Holding Co PLC

;нϭ͘ϯйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ ^d E / ;нϬ͘ϵйͿ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚĞĚ Ă ŐĂŝŶ ŽĨ ϱďƉƐ ƚŽ ;нϵ͘ϴйͿ͕ E' D ;нϯ͘ϯйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ & E, ;нϬ͘ϳйͿ ďŽůͲ

5 Zenith Bank PLC 6 Dangote Cement PLC 7 Nestle Nigeria PLC

ƉƵƐŚ ƚŚĞ ďĞŶĐŚŵĂƌŬ ŝŶĚĞdž ƚŽ ϰϳ͕ϯϲϰ͘ϰϲ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͘ dŚƵƐ͕ ŵĂƌͲ ƐƚĞƌĞĚ ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ůŽĐĂů ďŽƵƌƐĞ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ůůͲ ŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ zd ƌĞƚƵƌŶ ŐƌĞǁ ďLJ ʬϭϮ͘ϳďŶ ĂŶĚ ^ŚĂƌĞ ŝŶĚĞdž ƌŽƐĞ ďLJ ϭϬďƉƐ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ƚŽ ʬϮϱ͘ϱƚŶ ĂŶĚ ϭϬ͘ϵй͘ DĞĂŶǁŚŝůĞ͕ ƚƌĂĚͲ ϭϭďƉƐ ƚŽ ϯϵ͕ϱϱϬ͘ϯϲ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͘ ŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶƚůLJ͕ zd ůŽƐƐ ŝŵͲ ŝŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ǀĂƌŝĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ǁĂŶĞĚ ďLJ ϮϬ͘ϰй ƚŽ ƉƌŽǀĞĚ ƚŽ Ͳϭ͘ϴй ǁŚŝůĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ƌŽƐĞ ďLJ ϭϰϱ͘ϴŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ǁŚŝůĞ ǀĂůƵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƌŽƐĞ Ϯ͘ϰй ƚŽ ʬϮ͘ϱďŶ͘ േϮϯ͘ϰďŶ ƚŽ േϮϬ͘ϲƚŶ͘ dƌĂĚŝŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ǁĂƐ ŵŝdžĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ďLJ Ϯϭ͘ϲй ƚŽ ϭϭϬ͘ϴŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ǁŚŝůĞ ǀĂůƵĞ DŝdžĞĚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƌŽƐĞ ďLJ ϴϴ͘ϱй ƚŽ േϯ͘ϭďŶ͘ dŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĐƌŽƐƐ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ͕ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ ŵŝdžĞĚ ĂƐ ϯ ďLJ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ǁĞƌĞ dZ E^ KZW ;ϭϭ͘ϵŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ & E, ;ϭϭ͘ϭŵ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ͕ ϭ ůŽƐƚ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ĂŶĚ Kŝů Θ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ ĂŶĚ K E K ;ϳ͘ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ǁŚŝůĞ E ^d> ;േϮ͘ϮďŶͿ͕ 'ĂƐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ dŚĞ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ E' D ;േϭϰϱ͘ϬŵͿ͕ ĂŶĚ 'd K ;േϭϯϰ͘ϴŵͿ ůĞĚ ďLJ ǀĂůƵĞ͘ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ŽƵƚŵĂƚĐŚĞĚ ƚŚĞ ďƌŽĂĚ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ͕ ƵƉ ϭ͘Ϯй ĂŶĚ Ϭ͘Ϯй

ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƉƌŝĐĞ ƵƉƟĐŬ ŝŶ // K ;нϲ͘ϮйͿ͕ E D ĞĂƌŝƐŚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ;нϮ͘ϮйͿ͕ W ;нϵ͘ϴйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ &>KhZD/>> ;нϬ͘ϴйͿ͘ dƌĂŝůŝŶŐ͕ ƚŚĞ

Price Previous Price Current Change Price Change Weighting Index to Change YTD Date

-6.46% 0.0%

38.2%

2.2%

89.6%

31.9%

31.9%

ROE

15.0%

ROA

P/E

3.5%

5.4x

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

P/BV

0.8x

5.9%

16.7%

1.5%

205.00

0.2%

8.0%

4.1%

4.1%

134.7%

14.1%

14.0x

21.5x

70.75

0.0%

6.8%

5.5%

5.5%

19.1%

11.2%

34.0x

6.4x

26.15

-0.2%

6.2%

0.6%

0.6%

20.7%

3.3%

4.2x

5.1%

7.2%

0.9x

11.5%

23.6% 29.5%

2.9%

26.40

-1.5%

5.9%

5.0%

5.0%

20.4%

2.7%

3.4x

0.6x

11.7%

273.50

0.0%

4.4%

6.4%

6.4%

39.2%

16.3%

12.9x

4.8x

7.3%

7.8%

1,435.00

0.0%

3.1%

-7.8%

-7.8%

106.8%

15.6%

27.8x

32.8x

3.5%

3.6% 14.4%

8 FBN Holdings Plc 9 Lafarge Africa PLC 10 Access Bank PLC

11.75

1.3%

3.3%

3.1%

3.1%

8.4%

0.8%

6.9x

0.6x

3.8%

24.00

0.0%

3.1%

0.2%

0.2%

11.6%

8.4%

9.0x

1.0x

8.3%

11.1%

10.40

-1.0%

2.8%

11.8%

11.8%

17.0%

1.4%

2.9x

0.5x

8.2%

34.3%

11 United Bank for Africa PLC 12 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC 13 Nigerian Brew eries PLC

8.55

0.6%

2.2%

6.2%

6.2%

15.8%

1.4%

2.5x

0.4x

11.7%

39.6%

34.80

0.9%

1.5%

-3.3%

-3.3%

15.1%

2.1%

7.8x

1.2x

11.7%

12.8%

45.40

0.0%

1.4%

-9.2%

-9.2%

7.6%

2.7%

28.5x

2.1x

3.5%

3.5%

960.00

0.0%

2.2%

47.7%

47.7%

8.7%

4.1%

8.8x

0.8x

4.3%

11.4%

-10.3%

-3.9%

14 SEPLAT Energy PLC 15 Ecobank Transnational Inc 16 International Brew eries PLC 17 Okomu Oil Palm PLC 18 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC 19 Fidelity Bank PLC 20 AXA Mansard Insurance PLC 21 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC 22 FCMB Group Plc 23 United Capital PLC 24 Guinness Nigeria PLC 25 Transnational Corp of Nigeria 26 Presco PLC

11.95

1.3%

1.8%

37.4%

37.4%

5.10

0.0%

1.1%

3.0%

3.0%

142.50

1.8%

1.0%

0.4%

0.4%

36.5%

23.3%

9.7x

3.2x

32.00

0.8%

1.1%

12.9%

12.9%

15.9%

4.5%

4.9x

0.7x

5.2%

20.4% 44.9%

2.8x

36.3% 1.0x

-11.2% 10.3%

2.93

0.0%

0.7%

14.9%

14.9%

13.3%

1.3%

2.2x

0.3x

7.5%

2.30

0.0%

0.5%

-0.9%

-0.9%

9.3%

3.0%

7.1x

0.7x

9.6%

14.1%

16.00

0.0%

0.4%

-8.0%

-8.0%

17.4%

6.9%

8.8x

1.5x

6.3%

11.3%

10.3%

1.1%

3.45

0.0%

0.5%

15.4%

15.4%

12.50

-1.2%

0.4%

26.3%

26.3%

0.3x

4.3%

2.8x

12.0%

65.00

0.0%

0.6%

66.7%

66.7%

13.3%

6.0%

13.7x

1.7x

0.7%

7.3%

1.11

-1.8%

0.4%

15.6%

15.6%

11.1%

2.3%

5.9x

0.6x

0.9%

17.0%

125.00

0.0%

0.4%

42.4%

42.4%

2.7x

0.8%

27 NASCON Allied Industries PLC 28 AIICO Insurance PLC

13.50

0.0%

0.3%

2.3%

2.3%

21.3%

6.9%

12.7x

2.5x

3.0%

7.9%

0.69

6.2%

0.2%

-1.4%

-1.4%

7.2%

1.1%

383.3x

0.7x

264.90

0.0%

0.3%

19.4%

19.4%

48.0%

9.5%

5.4x

2.2x

1.6%

18.6%

ŝŶĚĞdž ƌĞŵĂŝŶĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ dŽƉƉŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ ĂƌĞ ƚŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵͲ ϭ͘ϱйͿ ĂŶĚ ^^ ;Ͳϭ͘ϬйͿ ĚƌĂŐŐĞĚ ƚŚĞ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ŝŶĚĞdž ĚŽǁŶ

29 TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeri 30 Custodian and Allied Insurance

7.10

-1.4%

0.2%

-10.1%

-10.1%

19.5%

5.5%

4.2x

0.8x

7.7%

24.0%

Ğƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ĂŶĚ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ͕ ĚŽǁŶ ϰ͘ϲй ĂŶĚ ďLJ Ϭ͘ϲй͘

31 Vitafoam Nigeria PLC 32 Unilever Nigeria PLC

22.30

0.0%

0.2%

-0.9%

-0.9%

38.7%

16.0%

5.7x

2.0x

6.7%

17.5%

13.60

0.7%

0.2%

-6.2%

-6.2%

7.8%

4.9%

30.2x

1.2x

ϭ͘Ϯй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ƉƌŽĮƚͲƚĂŬŝŶŐ ŝŶ E ^d> ;Ͳ

33 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC 34 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC

26.50

0.2%

0.2%

18.6%

18.6%

18.9%

2.4%

4.0x

0.8x

1.5%

25.0%

4.0%

ĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ͕ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ &ZͲ/ d ŝŶĚĞdž ƌĞǀĞƌƐĞĚ ƚŚĞ ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ůŽƐƐ͕ ƵƉ Ϭ͘ϭй ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ĂƐ ϰ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ůŽƐƚ͕ ϭ ŝŶĚĞdž ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ &ZͲ/ d ŐĂŝŶƐ ŝŶ DdEE ;нϬ͘ϮйͿ͘ ,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕ ƐĞůů ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ŽŶ E/d, ;Ͳ

KƵƚůŽŽŬ ϵ͘ϭйͿ͕ hE/> s Z

;Ͳϯ͘ϱйͿ͕

>/E< ^^hZ

;Ͳϲ͘ϰйͿ͕

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ͕ ŝŵͲ ĂŶĚ D E^ Z ;ͲϮ͘ϮйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ĂŶĚ ĂŶŬͲ ƉƌŽǀĞĚ ƚŽ Ϭ͘Ϭϯdž ĨƌŽŵ ͲϬ͘ϭϬdž ĂƐ ϮϬ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ͕ ϭϴ ůŽƐƚ ŝŶŐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĨĞůů ďLJ Ϭ͘Ϯй ĂŶĚ ϮďƉƐ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůůͲ ǁŚŝůĞ ϳϭ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ /Ŷ ƚŽĚĂLJ͛Ɛ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ͕ ǁĞ ĂŶƟĐŝͲ ŽīƐ ŝŶ K E K ;ͲϬ͘ϴйͿ͕ E/d, ;ͲϬ͘ϮйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ 'd K ;ͲϬ͘ϮйͿ͘

35 Oando PLC 36 Wema Bank PLC 37 NEM Insurance PLC 38 Sterling Bank PLC 39 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd 40 Transcorp Hotels Plc

ƉĂƚĞ Ă ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĞĚ ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŽŶ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ŝŶǀĞƐͲ ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ǁĂƐ ƚŚĞ ůŽŶĞ ŐĂŝŶͲ ƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͘ Ğƌ͕ ƵƉ ϭ͘ϴй

ĚƌŝǀĞŶ

ďLJ

ƉƌŝĐĞ

ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂͲ

ƟŽŶ ŝŶ E' D ;нϯ͘ϯйͿ͘

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ

;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ͕ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ͕ ƐĞƩůŝŶŐ Ăƚ ϭ͘ϲdž ĨƌŽŵ ϭ͘ϯdž ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ůĂƐƚ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ Ϯϰ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ ϭϱ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ͘ DZ^ ;нϵ͘ϵйͿ͕ D zͲ

T ic k er

^dK < ;Ͳϰ͘ϴйͿ ůĞĚ ůŽƐĞƌƐ͘ WƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ĚĂLJ͕ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ƚŽ ƌĞŵĂŝŶ ŵŝdžĞĚ͕ ĂƐ ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐƐ ƐĞĂƐŽŶ ŐƌĂĚƵĂůůLJ ǁŝŶĚƐ ƵƉ͘

5.9%

5.9%

7.1%

0.8%

7.0x

0.7x

15.4%

15.4%

14.5%

2.6%

2.2x

0.3x

0.92

0.0%

0.0%

27.8%

27.8%

14.1%

0.8%

4.0x

0.5x

4.3%

2.3%

0.1%

-9.6%

-9.6%

35.6%

18.5%

6.3x

1.0x

4.5%

15.8%

1.53

-1.9%

0.1%

1.3%

1.3%

9.4%

0.9%

2.0x

0.3x

3.3%

50.0%

62.50

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.0%

-28.3%

-6.1%

5.38

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

2.4x 14.0%

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V o l u m e

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

2.31

10.0%

UB A

14.8

0.6%

7.85

9.8%

A C C ESS

10.3

-1.0%

A IIC O

0.69

6.2%

Z EN IT H B A N K

10.0

-1.5%

UN IT YB N K

0.50

4.2%

GT C O

9.1

-0.2%

23.30

4.0%

ET I

9.1

1.3%

11.00

3.3%

UA C N

8.9

3.3%

F ID ELIT YB K

7.5

0.0%

T R A N SC OR P

5.9

-1.8%

N GXGR OUP

5.6

4.0%

UP D C

5.4

-4.0%

N EM

4.07

2.3%

142.50

1.8%

FB NH

11.75

1.3%

ET I

11.95

1.3%

OKOM UOIL

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V a l u e

T o p 10 L o s e r s T ic k er

P ric e

R OYA LEX

P ric e C hg %

1.02

LIVEST OC K

-9.7%

1.58

-9.7%

CHA M S

0.21

-8.7%

R ED ST A R EX

3.05

-4.7%

UP D C

0.95

WA P IC ST ER LN B A N K T R A N SC OR P Z EN IT H B A N K

-4.0%

1.31

-3.0%

0.49

-2.0%

1.53

-1.9%

1.11

-1.8%

26.40

25.0%

-13.8%

0.9x

PZ

UA C N

14.2% 45.5%

4.07

P ric e

C A VER T ON

Afrinvest West Africa Limited

0.1% 0.1%

3.3%

NP FM CRFB K

< Z ;нϵ͘ϴйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ ,KEz&>KhZ ;нϵ͘ϴйͿ ůĞĚ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ ǁŚŝůĞ dZ E^ ;Ͳϴ͘ϯйͿ͕ > ^ K ;Ͳϲ͘ϳйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ >/s Ͳ

0.0% 0.0%

T o p 10 G a i n e r s

N GXGR OUP

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ

6.25 5.10

0.3%

-1.5%

T ic k er

Value

P ric e C hg %

M TNN

458.9

0.2%

Z EN IT H B A N K

266.1

-1.5%

GT C O

239.2

-0.2%

D A N GC EM

205.2

0.0%

SEP LA T

201.0

0.0%

N GXGR OUP

129.1

4.0%

UB A

125.9

0.6%

P R ESC O

119.4

0.0%

ET I

108.7

1.3%

A C C ESS

107.1

-1.0%

Brokerage

Asset Management

Investment Research

Adedoyin Allen | aallen@afrinvest.com

Robert Omotunde | romotunde@afrinvest.com

Abiodun Keripe | AKeripe@afrinvest.com

Taiwo Ogundipe | togundipe@afrinvest.com

Christopher Omoh | comoh@afrinvest.com

Damilare Asimiyu | dasimiyu@afrinvest.com

39

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 15Mar-2022, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A AIICO Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 6.14% Anchoria Equity Fund 143.76 145.50 3.19% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.22 1.22 7.12% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com info@anchoriaam.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 21.58 22.23 6.37% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 482.27 496.81 6.89% ARM Ethical Fund 39.67 40.87 1.84% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.05 1.06 -2.37% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.03 1.03 1.49% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.18% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com; Tel 08069294653 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 109.05 109.05 7.22% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Naira 1,085.50 1,085.50 8.55% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.11 2.11 13.22% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.26 2.31 23.63% CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.03 1.03 1.83% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.57% Paramount Equity Fund 18.66 18.99 10.87% Women's Investment Fund 146.22 147.82 5.13% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Cordros Milestone Fund N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) N/A N/A N/A CORONATION ASSETS MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com, Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-asset-management-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Emerging Africa Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.57% Emerging Africa Bond Fund 1.02 1.02 5.68% Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund 1.04 1.04 14.10% Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund 101.57 101.57 3.51% FBNQUEST ASSETS MANAGEMENT LIMITED 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 1,426.24 1,426.24 10.79% FBN Balanced Fund 185.77 187.19 6.00% FBN Halal Fund 117.66 117.66 8.39% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.21% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Legacy Money Market Fund Legacy Debt Fund Legacy Equity Fund Legacy USD Bond Fund FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Coral Balanced Fund Coral Income Fund Coral Money Market Fund FSDH Dollar Fund

123.06 158.17

123.06 3.98% 160.35 4.70% fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com

Bid Price 1.00 3.98 1.80 1.22

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.00 7.00% 3.98 -0.61% 1.84 3.73% 1.22 0.89% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price 4,019.98 3,511.85 100.00

Offer Price 4,081.78 3,511.85 100.00

1.09

1.09

Yield / T-Rtn 3.28% 1.25% 5.76%

0.69%

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 N/A N/A N/A Vantage Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) N/A N/A N/A Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A 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 1.48 1.51 2.90% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,163.40 1,163.40 2.32% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 12.67 12.76 7.48% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 8.72% NORRENBERGER INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED enquiries@norrenberger.com Web: www.norrenberger.com, Tel: +234 (0) 908 781 2026 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Norrenberger Islamic Fund (NIF) 103.58 103.58 10.56% Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 100.00 100.00 8.95% 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 1.62 1.65 1.06% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.66 11.66 4.21% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 6.86% PACAM Equity Fund 1.48 1.49 2.57% PACAM EuroBond Fund 113.90 116.42 -1.11% 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 130.00 132.25 9.53% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.02 1.02 9.34% 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 3,558.24 3,597.67 3.35% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 237.02 237.02 0.55% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.36 1.38 5.38% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 316.83 316.83 1.11% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 249.46 253.07 3.02% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.75% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 11,427.38 11,589.73 2.87% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.30 1.30 0.91% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 117.75 117.75 0.67% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 108.11 108.11 UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Equity Fund 0.98 1.0035 5.45% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.43 1.46 5.27% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.16 1.18 6.54% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.09 1.09 1.52% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 1.9866 1.9866 1.50% United Capital Eurobond Fund 123.66 123.66 1.08% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.20% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Balanced Strategy Fund 13.48 13.61 2.22% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 15.55 15.73 6.48% Zenith Income Fund 22.35 22.35 1.58% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.74%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

121.99 53.17

1.48% 0.83%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

14.19 135.73 107.19 20.50 22.67

14.29 139.13 109.56 20.60 22.77

1.57% 3.13% 3.45% 0.00% 0.00%

Fund Name SFS REIT Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund MERGROWTH ETF MERVALUE ETF

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.28

10.80%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

FOREIGN DESK

COMPILED BY BAYO AKINLOYE

India in Talks with Russia to Buy Discounted Crude Oil coast of Fukushima, Japan, Wednesday night.

The quake reportedly struck at a depth of 60 kilometres just at 11:36 p.m. local time.

Buildings as far away as Tokyo reportedly shook, and millions in the impacted area have been reported without power.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning for parts of Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures.

In March 2011, the same area was heavily impacted by a 9.0 magnitude quake and subsequent tsunami, killing thousands and damaging the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

There have been no official reports of damage or casualties from Wednesday’s quake.

India is exploring the possibility of buying oil from Russia amid sanctions imposed by Western countries in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine.

In parliament Tuesday, India’s petroleum and natural gas minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, said that the government was having discussions with Russia on crude oil purchases.

“I myself have had a conversation with the appropriate levels of the Russian federation. There are discussions currently underway,” he told lawmakers.

Puri said that the government was looking at availability and payment for the crude.

A report in the Times of India newspaper said that India is close to finalising a deal to buy 3.5 million barrels of Russian crude at “deep discounts.”

It attributed the report to people aware of the development but who requested anonymity to discuss the matter.

India is the world’s third-largest importer of oil, depending on crude from overseas for over 80% of its needs.

The bulk of its supplies come from the Middle East and the United States, with Russian crude accounting for only about three per cent of its imports.

Council of Europe Removes Russia as Member Russia is no longer part of the Council of Europe, the continent’s leading human rights monitor organisation, following its invasion of Ukraine.

On Tuesday, Russia announced it would leave, and on Wednesday, the 47-nation COE made it official.

After the decision, members of the COE went outside the organisation’s headquarters in Strasbourg and lowered the Russian flag, ending a 26-year relationship.

“Russia’s actions alone have led to this outcome,” Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde said. “We sincerely hope that Russia will one day return to the ideals of peace and democracy and regain its membership.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused NATO and EU members in the COE of “abusing their majority in the council, eventually transforming it into a tool for anti-Russian policy.”

Ukraine is a COE member state.

Its foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, said there was “no place for Russia in European bodies as it wages a barbaric war of aggression against Ukraine and commits multiple war crimes.”

North Korean Launch Fails, Raining Debris Near Pyongyang: Reports North Korea tried but apparently failed to launch an unidentified projectile early Wednesday, South Korea’s military said, with reports adding that the weapon exploded mid-air and rained debris near Pyongyang.

The North Korean projectile appears to have failed “immediately after the launch,” which occurred in the Sunan area near Pyongyang, South Korea’s military said in a statement.

South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported the weapon “seems to have exploded in mid-air shortly after launch.”

NK News, a Seoul-based outlet with sources in North Korea, said projectile debris fell in or near the North Korean capital, citing a photo and witnesses to the failed launch.

“A photo seen by NK News shows a red-tinted ball of smoke at the end of a zig-zagging rocket launch trail in the sky,” NK News reported.

It is not clear what type of weapon North Korea attempted to test. Earlier, Japanese media reported North Korea fired an apparent ballistic missile but offered no more details.

Trapped Nigerian Students Plead for Evacuation From Ukraine’s Kherson Nigeria has evacuated at least 1,800 of its citizens from Ukraine since Russia’s invasion but says that 80 Nigerian students remain trapped in the southern city of Kherson. Russian forces have captured the city, and the students this week called on the Nigerian government to come to their aid.

It was another cold night in underground bomb shelters for Nigerian students in Kherson. The students have been trapped for about two weeks since Russian forces seized the city on March 3.

The students say gas and internet services have been cut off and that they’re running out of food.

Akinyemi Victor, who graduated from the Kherson state maritime academy, spoke about the students’ situation on Twitter.

“When there’s no gas, there’s no heating system. We heat now with firewood and we cook there too. Some of us who have tried to go out of the city, Russian armies are sending them back home. No supply is coming into the city, (there’s) nothing going out, nothing coming in,” Victor said.

Kherson, a port city in southern Ukraine, was one of the first areas to fall to Russian forces. According to online groups calling for their evacuation, an estimated 150 Africans are believed to be trapped in the city.

Biden Announces New Assistance for Ukraine US President Joe Biden answered Ukraine’s plea for help Wednesday with an $800 million assistance package that includes a range of weapons and defensive gear. However, the assistance fell short of the no-fly zone that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeks as his country faces continued attacks from Russia.

“That brings the total of new US security assistance to Ukraine to $1 billion just this week,” Biden said, adding: “This new package on its own is going to provide unprecedented assistance to Ukraine. It includes 800 anti-aircraft systems to make sure the Ukrainian military can continue to stop the planes and helicopters that have been attacking their people and to defend their Ukrainian airspace.”

In addition to the 800 Stinger anti-aircraft systems that Biden mentioned, the package includes 2,000 Javelin and 1,000 light anti-armour weapons and 6,000 AT-4 anti-armour systems; hundreds of grenade launchers, shotguns and machine guns; thousands of rifles and pistols; more than 20 million rounds of ammunition; and tens of thousands of sets of body armour and helmets.

The new US assistance package followed an impassioned plea that Ukraine’s president made Wednesday to US lawmakers, begging them to do more to protect his nation amid a three-week onslaught by Russian forces.

Iran Releases Two British-Iranians British-Iranian nationals Nazanin ZaghariRatcliffe and Anoosheh Ashouri have been released by Iran and were expected back in Britain Wednesday.

“I am very pleased to confirm that the unfair detention of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori in Iran has ended today, and they will now return to the UK,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Twitter.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe was detained at Tehran’s international airport in April 2016 as she was trying to return home with her daughter to Britain from a visit to relatives in Iran. An Iranian court sentenced the charity worker in September to five years in prison for undisclosed security offenses.

She was accused of plotting to overthrow the Iranian government.

Iran-born Ashoori was arrested in Tehran in August 2017 while visiting his mother. He traveled from London, where he, his wife, son and daughter have lived for decades. Iranian authorities later convicted him of spying for Israel and sentenced him to 10 years in the capital’s Evin prison.

Iran state media reported that Britain had paid Iran a “long-overdue debt of $530 million to Tehran.”

Human rights groups have accused Tehran of taking dual-national hostages as bargaining chips, something Iran denies.

Media Crackdown: Belarusian Journalists Handed Jail Terms Journalists of Belarus’ oldest newspaper were handed prison terms Tuesday in the latest move in a relentless government crackdown on independent media.

Nasha Niva’s chief editor, Yahor Martsinovich, and journalist Andrey Skurko each were sentenced to two and a half years in prison on charges of dodging communal payments they have rejected as politically driven. Martsinovich and Skurko have remained in custody since their arrest in July.

In July, the newspaper was blocked and banned as extremist in November on the 115th anniversary of its founding. The ban has exposed anyone who would publish or repost Nasha Niva materials to prison terms of up to seven years.

Most other Nasha Niva journalists have left the country and continued to publish the newspaper online, changing its domain to bypass the blocking.

Nasha Niva extensively covered the massive anti-government protests that erupted after President Alexander Lukashenko was handed a sixth term after an August 2020 presidential vote that was denounced as rigged by the opposition and the West.

Belarusian authorities responded with a sweeping crackdown that saw more than 35,000 people arrested and thousands beaten by police.

Overall, 32 Belarusian journalists are in custody, serving their sentences or awaiting trial.

Lukashenko has held on to power amid bruising Western sanctions relying on support from his main ally and sponsor, Russia, which used the Belarusian territory to launch an invasion of Ukraine on February 24.

Powerful Earthquake Strikes Northern Japan A 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the

Another Journalist Murdered in Mexico The director of an online media outlet was murdered Tuesday in Mexico, the latest journalist killed this year in a country long considered the most dangerous in the world for journalists.

Police in the western state of Michoacan said Armando Linares, who ran the Monitor Michoacan website, was shot to death at a house in the city of Zitacuaro. Linares’s death came just weeks after Roberto Toledo, his colleague at Monitor Michoacan was shot and killed.

Turf wars between local drug gangs have long plagued Michoacan state. The Associated Press says Linares had revealed he had received several death threats after enrolling in a government-run journalist protection program.

Among the journalists killed in Mexico this year are Lourdes Maldonado Lopez, a veteran journalist who covered corruption and politics for several news outlets, who was found shot to death outside her home in the northern city of Tijuana in January; photojournalist Margarito Martinez, who was shot and killed outside his home in Tijuana several days earlier; and Jose Luis Gamboa, the founder and editor of an online news outlet, who was killed January 10 in Veracruz state.

The murders prompted the European Parliament to pass a resolution last Thursday urging Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to end his verbal attacks on reporters and ensure their safety.

President Lopez Obrador angrily lashed out in response the next day, denouncing the statement as “slanderous” and accusing the parliament of having a “colonialist mindset.”

Biden to Grant Temporary Deportation Relief to Afghans The Biden administration will grant temporary deportation relief and work permits to Afghans without permanent legal status but who are currently in the US, a move that could aid those evacuated after last year’s US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The grant of so-called Temporary Protected Status (TPS) will be available to 72,500 Afghans who entered on what is known as “humanitarian parole,” another temporary status, as part of the US evacuation of at-risk Afghans last summer, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said on Wednesday.

The TPS designation would also cover about 2,000 Afghans who entered the United States on student, employment and tourist visas and can no longer return to their home country following the Taliban takeover in August.

The designation will be available to those living in the United States by March 15 and last for 18 months, the DHS said, although the status could be renewed.

The Islamist Taliban overran Afghanistan in August as the former Western-backed government collapsed with surprising speed and the last US troops withdrew after 20 years of war.

US President Joe Biden, a Democrat, has greatly expanded the number of immigrants eligible for humanitarian protection under TPS, reversing the restrictive approach of his Republican predecessor, Donald Trump.

41

THURSDAY, ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

FEDERAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING...

L-R: Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu at the Federal Executive Council meeting held PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI at Abuja...yesterday

Convention: Yari Undermines APC Zoning, Obtains Chairmanship Form Adamu, Akume too as Akpanudoedehe avoids caretaker meeting again Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The proposed zoning of party offices ahead of the March 26, National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) appears to be in jeopardy as a former governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, yesterday, obtained the chairmanship form.

APC had zoned the chairmanship position to the North Central, while the position of the National Secretary of the party was zoned to the Southwest.

And, after days of protracted leadership crisis, the ruling party commenced the sale of forms for the various party offices on Tuesday, ahead of the national convention.

Addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja after purchasing the form on behalf of Yari, Senator Tijani Kaura, said despite Yari's decision to contest, he remained a loyal party man.

"Here is the delegation of people from Zamfara State here in the APC national secretariat. We represent the former governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, in purchasing the nomination form for national chairmanship of our great party.

"We have just purchased the nomination form to declare the intention of Dr. Yari Abubakar to contest the national chairmanship of our great party," Kaura said, insisting that the national chairmanship position was zoned to the north and Zamfara is part of the north.

According to him, "As far as we are concerned, there are contending

issues as to the zoning formula.

But we are fully aware that the national chairmanship has been to the north, just like the presidency has been zoned to the south.

"We are fully aware that all positions of the party and the government that were hitherto in the south are moved to the north and those in the north have moved to the south, that's what we are aware and Zamfara is part of northern Nigeria."

He noted that Yari, having contributed immensely to the growth of the party, was ready to lead the party, stressing: “We are very much ready. First of all, Yari is one of the founding fathers of this great party. He has contributed greatly and immensely to the development of this party and therefore, the need for him to lead the party and not to allow the party to derail.

"What the party needs is to unify the party once again. This is a party that was formed by the congregation of several other parties and this is a party that if care is not taken, it is going to be divided."

Kaura, therefore, reiterated that Yari, being a founding father of the party was so desirous that the party would not disintegrate, hence, his decision to throw his hat in the ring despite the zoning arrangement.

Also, a former governor of Nasarawa Sstate, Senator Abdulahi Adamu, has obtained his chairmanship form.

Addressing journalists after obtaining the firm on behalf of Adamu, Mr Lawrence Onuchukwu,

said if the rumour that Adamu was the anointed candidate of President Muhammadu Buhari was true, then, it was good for his ambition "As you can see, we are here to obtain form to vie for the national chairmanship of this party for our principal, Senator Dr Abdullahi Adamu," he said.

Asked if Adamu was the president's choice, Onuchukwu said, "If that rumour is anything to go by, it is a boost for us. Mr President, as a man of integrity,

Ahead of 2023 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday disclosed that it was working out plan to redistribute eligible voters to new polling units across the country.

Speaking at a two-day workshop organised by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, for journalists in Abuja, the Chairman, Information and Voters Education Committee, INEC, Festus Okoye, said the idea was designed to decongest existing polling units and ensure balanced distribution of voters in all the voting centres in the country.

Okoye who spoke on the topic: ‘INEC and Electoral Act 2022: Operational Challenges and Emerging Risks,’ explained

that out of the 176, 846 existing polling units, some of the newly created polling units have zero voters while others have up to 5000 registered voters, hence the need for decongestion to ensure a seamless voting process in the future.

He said: "In 2021, the Commission created 56,827 additional polling units in Nigeria to 176, 846. Populating the newly created polling units is a huge challenge.

The Commission is working hard to balance these polling units.

Meanwhile the Commission has expressed skepticism over the possibility of the increasing number of internally displaced persons to vote in the next general elections.

Okoye said although the 2023 general election would come with challenges, the Commission was

of Special Duties, Senator George Akume.

He said he believed that Akume was the best for the job and would emerge as the chairman of the party.

Asked if he would prefer a consensus arrangement, Gemade said they would abide by the decision of the party.

His words: "Whatever the party chooses. The party has the final say.

If at the end of the day, the party is able to consummate a consensus exercise for this contest, we agree with it. However, if they decide

there should be a balloting for this contest, we will go with the balloting and whatever the outcome is, we will accept."

Meanwhile, the National Secretary of the Caretaker/ Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Senator John Akpanudoedehe, was absent at the caretaker committee meeting for the second time.

Yesterday's meeting was chaired by the acting National Chairman of the CECPC and Niger state Governor, Abubakar Bello.

COVID-19: UK Removes All Travel Restrictions

High commission debunks claims of temporary suspension of priority visa

Chinedu Eze and Ugo Aliogo The United Kingdom has announced that it would remove the remaining COVID-19 international travel restrictions for all passengers from 4am on Friday 18 March.

The UK government which disclosed this on its website, noted that it would remove the remaining restrictions on international travel for all passengers ahead of the Easter holidays. The statement quoted Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, to have said these.

“As one of the first major economies to remove all its remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions, this is a landmark moment for passengers and the travel and aviation sector.

“From 4am Friday 18 March, all

INEC Plans Redistribution ofVoters to New Polling Units Emameh Gabriel and Udora Orizu

I'm sure will not want to associate himself with someone, who does not have capacity to actualise the vision of this party.

"And you are also aware that we must not pretend that the party has some challenges and you need an administrator, a politician, you need a person, who can handle the party."

Similarly, a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Barnabas Gemade, yesterday, obtained the chairmanship form on behalf of the Minister

determined to surmount it in order to conduct free, fair, credible and elections.

But he pointed out that the growing insecurity in some parts of the country and increasing number of IDPs would pose a biggest challenge to the conduct of the 2023 general elections.

According to him, so many, "IDPs are in the houses of their friends and relatives and have lost their PVCs and it's next to impossibility to recreate their polling units.

"This is because Section 47(1) of the Electoral Act clearly provides that a person intending to vote in an election shall present himself with his PVC to the presiding officer for accreditation at the polling unit in the constituency in which his name is registered."

COVID-19 travel restrictions will be lifted, including the passenger locator form (PLF) for arrivals into UK, as well as all tests for passengers who do not qualify as vaccinated.

“This change, therefore, removes the need for unvaccinated passengers to take a pre-departure test and a day 2 arrival test,” the statement said.

The statement said this step reflects the decisions taken by the government, as set out in the Living with COVID plan and the success of the UK’s vaccine and booster rollout, with 86 per cent of the population having received a second dose and 67 per cent of the population with a booster or third dose.

Shapps was quoted to have said: “The UK is leading the world in removing all remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions, and today’s (March 14) announcement is a testament to the hard work everyone in this country has put in place to roll out the vaccine and protect each other.

“I said we wouldn’t keep travel measures in place for any longer than necessary, which we’re delivering on today – providing more welcome news and greater freedom for travellers ahead of the Easter holidays.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the travel sector and partners around the world to keep international travel moving.”

Also, Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “As we learn to live with COVID-19, we’re taking further steps to open up international travel once again ahead of the Easter holidays.

“We will continue monitoring and tracking potential new variants

and keep a reserve of measures that can be rapidly deployed if needed to keep us safe.

“We can remove these final restrictions thanks to the incredible success of our vaccination programme, which has seen more than 8 out of 10 adults across the UK boosted.”

UK said to ensure the protection of public health, the government would maintain a range of contingency measures in reserve, which would enable it to take swift and proportionate action to delay any future harmful variants of COVID-19 entering the UK should the need arise.

It also stated that in future, the government’s default approach would be to use the least stringent measures, if appropriate, to minimise the impact on travel as far as possible – given the high personal, economic and international costs border measures can have – and the contingency measures would only be implemented in extreme circumstances.

It added that given the current state of the pandemic and a move towards global travel volumes returning to normal, the remaining managed hotel quarantine capacity would be fully stood down from the end of March.

The Chief Executive of Airlines UK, Tim Alderslade said: “Today’s announcement sends a clear message to the world – the UK travel sector is back. With travellers returning to the UK no longer burdened by unnecessary forms and testing requirements, we can now look forward to the return to pre-COVID normality throughout the travel experience.

“We’re grateful for the timing of the announcement as we prepare

to welcome back passengers this Easter and summer, for which we know there is huge pent-up demand, and for the UK’s leadership in being the first major aviation market to remove all remaining restrictions. The time to return to the skies – to enjoy all that makes aviation and international travel great, for families and businesses – is now.”

Meanwhile, the British High Commission has debunked claims of a temporary suspension of study, work, and family visa applications for Nigerians.

The High Commission in a statement said: “Following the statement issued by the Commission in Nigeria on 15 March that temporary suspension of priority visas for student work and family applications, we are aware of reporting circulating in the Nigerian media and online that the UK has suspended student, work and family visas for Nigerian applicants.”

The statement pointed out that the news circulating in the media was not true, adding that it was still possible to apply for any category of UK visa in the usual way on gov.uk and their Visa Applications Centers (VAC) in Nigeria.

It noted that the VACs remains open, saying customers are welcome to apply for a standard visa of any category in the usual manner, this includes student, family, work and visit visas.

According to the statement, “Due to a reprioritisation of resources in response to the humanitarian crisis arising from the invasion of Ukraine, the UK has temporarily suspended its priority visa service.

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My Ambition Not Blind, Tinubu Tells APC N’Assembly Members Urges them to support his lifetime aspiration to be president Says he wants to step into Buhari’s shoes, not step on his toes Hints president asked him to run to sell party’s democratic credentials Sunday Aborisade, Udora Orizu and Juliet Akoje in Abuja Former Lagos State governor and one of the national leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, yesterday, told National Assembly members of his party that his ambition was not blind and therefore would not step on the toes of President Muhammadu Buhari, but step in his shoes.

He, however, appealed to the federal lawmakers to support his "lifetime presidential ambition", because change would be

inevitable in 2023, when another election would hold.

Tinubu made the appeal, when he met separately with the APC caucuses at the two chambers of the federal parliament.

At the Senate, he said he was at the red chamber for "counsel, partnership and support", adding, "Nigerians have come to that stage where we need a change of baton.

President Muhammadu Buhari is about to serve his second term in full.

"Election is coming up in February. We have various programmes

including nomination process, primary process and all of that.

I can't do it by myself and I can't do it by sitting at home expecting that many friends I have here will do it for me.

"I believe jointly we can do it. You can back me successfully for the nomination of my lifetime ambition to become the president.

My ambition is not blind to the extent I will step on the toes of the President. I just want to step into his (Buhari's) shoe and not on his toe."

According to him, if the counsel

of wise men was anything to go by, "I'm asking for that team manship here today to get me over the hump of nomination process.

And from that hump, to get me to the presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"Look at my capacity. I am an unusual candidate. Perhaps, the only one who had been in the Senate, who had been a governor and aspiring to become president.”

He said Nigeria would remained united if he was elected president and "we will use that unity, the symbol of our party to cleanse

COURTESY VISIT TO NAVAL HEADQUARTERS...

L-R: Chief of the Naval Staff, (CNS) Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo presenting a souvenir to the Hon. Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, during a courtesy visit to Naval Headquarters, Abuja...yesterday.

Sack: Court to Hear Umahi, Deputy, 16 State Legislators' Request for Stay of Execution March 21 Alex Enumah in Abuja Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday fixed March 21, for hearing in the motion filed by Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State and his deputy, Mr. Kelechi Igwe, seeking to stop the execution of the judgment that sacked them from office last week.

The court would also on that date hear a similar motion by 16 lawmakers of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly.

Justice Ekwo had in a judgment delivered on March 8, ordered the applicants to vacate the elected offices they occupied owing to their defection to another party other than the one through which they came into office.

They court held that their continued stay in office was illegal, null and unconstitutional on the grounds that votes in an election belongs to political parties and such votes cannot be transferred, hence the applicants who won the 2019 election with the PDP cannot transfer the votes of the PDP to the APC following their defection.

Although the defendants had appealed the judgment they however, want the trial judge to order a halt into the execution of his judgment pending the determination of their

appeal at the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal.

However, when the case was called, lawyer to the respondents/ applicants, Mr. Chukwuma MaChulkwu-Ume (SAN), urged the court for a short adjournment to correct some noticeable clerical errors in the motions.

Meanwhile, the plaintiff/ respondents, PDP have filed a counter affidavits wherein they urged the court not to stay the execution of its judgment.

In a short ruling, Justice Ekwo adjourned the case to Monday, March 21, for hearing.

Umahi and his deputy, in the motion on notice brought pursuant to order 26 rules 1 & 2(1) and order 32 rules 1 & 4(1), of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) rules 2019, are praying the court for an order staying the execution of the orders made in the judgment of the court delivered on March 8, 2022.

They are specifically seeking a stay of execution of the order of court directing the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) to immediately receive from the PDP, the names of its candidates to replace them.

In addition, they want the court to stay the execution of its order directing INEC to hold a

governorship election in accordance with section 177(c) of the 1999 Constitution.

Furthermore, they want another order staying the execution of the

order of court directing INEC to immediately declare the persons nominated by the PDP as Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State respectively.

Nigeria of unrealisable potential."

Tinubu also commended the senate on the passage of the Constitution Alteration Bill, saying, "Thank you for sustaining our democracy. I ran into a little ambush of women protesters, because I went to the other gate.

"Interestingly, you have been very careful on affirmative action and you are being very careful not to jeopardise the Constitution. Yes, the interests of women are necessary but for APC, we are doing our best and we’ll continue to do our best to accommodate the interest of our women."

While in the House of Representatives, Tinubu said he had a discussion with President Buhari to succeed him after his tenure in 2023, adding that, during the discussion, Buhari joyfully and enthusiastically asked him to come out for them to see how he will promote his democratic credentials.

He declared that he was the only Nigerian, most qualified that was running for the President, and that the other aspirant were hiding, because of his credentials and the fact that he was the only aspirant that has been in one party.

Arguing that the others were not stable and were rolling stones, Tinubu said, "Democracy is not adversarial. It is when we have collaboration of the body, particularly, the legislative body that is the pillar of democracy. In Nigeria, the strongest part of us is the legislature. Government of the people, by the people and for the people. What I want to request you to do is to support me.

"I have discussed that aspect, my lifelong ambition with Mr President, that after the end of his term, I want to step in his shoes and not step on his toes. He responded to me saying well come out let us see you run and we see how best we can promote your democratic credentials.

"I love the opportunity today to come and consult with you. I am here as a Nigerian, who has gone through the great tutelage of independent accounting in one of the best financial accounting of this world. I was one of those most recruited graduates of my university, multiple honours, first class degree.

"Most people have nothing to offer but questions and creating doubt. I am not here to be defensive. I am here to tell you that I am one of the best products that you can sell. I am the only one in the race that is most competent,

most qualified to be your president come year 2023.

"I am the only one who has been through the tutelage of the National Assembly. I am the only one who has consistently been in one party. The others are not stable.

Some of them are rolling stones. I have been through the National Assembly.

"I can look back now today and I am proud to be standing before you representing that great state, which is now a mega city with a national budget higher than three countries of West Africa. I ask for your collaboration today to be a bridge. We define our hopes, we define our destination and land Nigeria on a prosperous well developed country.

"I ask for your endorsement.

You are the ones with your votes and supporters, who can make me succeed President Muhammadu Buhari. I want to be your partner to forge a future for this country. We can do. We are the most populous country in Africa.

We have the best brains, we have the capacity, we have the resources.

Let us join hands together. We can work together to make this country the Eldorado of our time."

Leader of the House, Hon. Ado Doguwa, speaking on behalf of the APC lawmakers, assured him of their support, saying Tinubu as an APC member, has paid his dues and it's time for them to pay him back "I want to say here without fear of contradiction that you are the only one we know. The only one we will support. I said so for yet another reason,” Doguwa said.

At the upper chamber, President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, said the APC Senate Caucus was a central and fundamental pillar of the party, saying, "This caucus has remained committed to the party, shown resolve to our manifesto to work within us and the Executive.

We have achieved so much, because of the APC caucus.

"From 2019 that this caucus showed loyalty, commitment and purposeful orientation to ensure that our victory from 2015 and 2019 as a political party are fully utilised for the benefits of Nigerians. This party needs the kind of commitment that APC members have shown in the country.

"APC must continue to be progressive in our actions. 2023 is going to be a year for APC again. By February 25, when the presidential election will take place, by the grace of God, APC will have the victory that is required."

NJC Places Judge on Watchlist, Recommends Appointment of Six Others as Heads of Courts Alex Enumah in Abuja The National Judicial Council (NJC) yesterday announced the placement of Justice Muawiyah Idris of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, on its “Watch List” for a period of one year.

Justice Idris was placed on the NJC's watchlist shortly after he was issued a warning letter, "for signing the Writ of Possession for execution on the same day he delivered judgement in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/FT/36/19 between Sicons Nigeria Ltd V Nile Place Restaurant and Catering Services Ltd. The Suit was for recovery of demised property.

The decision to place the judge on suspension according to a statement from the Council was taken

at the NJC's 97th Meeting held on March 15 and 16, 2022, under the Chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Ibrahim Muhammad.

The statement signed by the Director, Information, NJC, Mr. Soji Oye, explained that the council agreed with the findings of the Committee that investigated the Judge that his action was in contravention of Proviso to Order 27 Rule (16) (b) High Court of the Federal Capital Territory Civil Procedure Rules 2018 and Order 4 (1) and (2) of the Judgement Enforcement Rules 2004.

Besides Idris, the NJC also issued a similar warning letter to Justice M. M. Ladan of the High Court of Kaduna State having found merit in the petition written against him in Suit No. KDH/KAD/1321/2018 between VTLS Inc. Vs Ahmadu

Bello University.

He was said to have signed the Writ of Attachment while the Garnishee Order Nisi was pending.

Meanwhile, the NJC at the same meeting considered the list of candidates presented by its Interview Committee and at the end of deliberation, recommended the a total of 15 successful candidates as Heads of Courts and other Judicial Officers in Nigeria.

Those recommended for the position of Heads of Court were: Justice David Mann - Plateau State CJ; Justice Joseph Awak - Gombe State CJ; Kadi Abdurrahman Abubakar - Grand Kadi, Sharia Court of Appeal, Kaduna State; Kadi Shuaibu Ahmad - Grand Kadi, Sharia Court of Appeal, Taraba State; Justice Ihemnacho Obuzor, President, Customary Court of Appeal, Rivers State and

Justice Sampson Anjor - President, Customary Court of Appeal, Cross River State.

While six judges were recommended for the Federal High Court, only one each were recommended for the FCT High Court, Sharia Court of Appeal and the Customary Court of Appeal.

"All recommended candidates are expected to be sworn-in after approval by the President, Muhammadu Buhari, and their respective State Governors and confirmation by the National Assembly and the respective State House of Assemblies as the case may be.

"The members also considered the reports of various Committees and noted the notification of retirements of 23 Judicial Officers of the Federal and State Courts and notification of death of one State High Court Judge.”

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WAEC 70TH ANNUAL COUNCIL MEETING...

L-R: Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba; Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, during WAEC’s 70th Annual Council Meeting held at Abuja…recently

Delta Court Adjourns Olu of Warri’s Missing Crown Case to April 20 Sylvester Idowu in Warri A Warri Magistrate Court, Delta State, has adjourned the alleged missing crown case of the Olu of Warri to April 20, 2022.

The case with suit number: No.MW/178/C/2021, Commissioner of Police Vs. Chief Ayiri Emami, the Ologbotsere of Warri, was brought following alleged theft of a gold crown at Olu’s palace last year.

At the resumed hearing of the

case yesterday, Jolone Ikomi and F.J Atie, appeared for the prosecution, having been granted FIAT to prosecute on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police.

Chief Victor E. Otomiewo appeared as lead defence counsel with Chief Emmanuel Uti, P. Okogie, E. F, Akporuvweku, O. Edowe, E. S. O., Ogholaja and M. K. Ighomrore appearing as co-defence counsels.

The charge was brought sequel to a petition from the palace of the Olu of Warri against Chief Ayiri

Emami, the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom.

Counsel to the applicant/claimant, had on Monday urged the court to adjourn the case to enable the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) that was absent in court to appear the next hearing date.

He said the IPO was detailed from the AIG’s office in Benin and could not make it to court on time, thus prompting the application for stand down till noon and subsequent adjournment to

were responsible and accountable in delivering their mandate.

“Sometime in 2020, the EU identified state networks across the country and the discussions began early 2021 to build legitimacy on what we need to do and rebuild eroding public trust. Critical stakeholders like development partners and even government felt that we have not done well.

There has been several attempts by the National Assembly to regulate the sector, but they have come at it from an uninformed position that seems to restrict the space for civil society to operate.

"So, we thought that for us to respond to the fears that critical stakeholders have, we need to ensure that we find ways to hold our self to some basic minimal standards of operations and ensure we also build the public trust needed, to give ourselves the legitimacy we need to continue to operate. Its the need to self-preserve and also to build the eroding public trust in the civil society ecosystem, "We have gone round the country meeting with critical stakeholders, development partners and civil society organisations. We have identified various models of selfregulation and so, we are meeting today to ratify the findings that we have gotten and thereafter, we go ahead and validate. We will start the validation immediately and we are hoping that the document will be ready before the end of April for adoption,” he said.

Policy and Governance Advisor at the USAID Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) Programme, Abdusalam Bahamas, who spoke on behalf of the Chief of Party, Lydia Odeh, added that the civil society space was expanding and more resources were available in the sector, which reiterated the need to self-regulate.

Executive Director, Nigeria Network of NGOs, Oluseyi Oyebisi, said the self-regulatory framework would ensure that CSOs audit accounts and send to regulatory agencies in the country, saying, “To curb corrupt practices, We are setting minimum standard on how we utilise funds and also create a feedback system to explain how we have used the funds.”

In his remarks, the Component 2 Manager Agents for Citizen-Driven Transformation (EU-ACT), Idem Udoekong, said the EU-funded programme was supporting CSOs to develop a regulatory framework that would create a more enabling environment, noting that regulatory framework could enable or disenable the civil society sector.

yesterday, Wednesday 16/3/2022 for continuation of the case.

The IPO had in January opened the prosecution’s case, which had suffered several adjournments.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, the Applicant/Claimant counsel, Ikomi told the court that the palace of Olu of Warri, petitioned the Chief Justice of the state for the transfer of the

case from the court on ground of insecurity and alleged closeness of the magistrate to the defendant.

The petition from the palace alleged that the magistrate should recuse herself from the case alleging link with Ayiri.

In a counter motion, the lead defence counsel, Otomiewo opposed the claims, saying the vicinity of the court was best suitable for

the case as it was surrounded by several security formations.

The court, therefore, refused the application for transfer of the case to another court, and after much debate, the magistrate also ruled out the petition that the court premises was secure for the case.

The court subsequently adjourned the case to April 20 for continuation of hearing.

Ganduje Lauds Buhari for Enhanced Fiscal Self-Regulatory Framework for CSOs Out in April Transparency, Accountability in States Michael Olugbode in Abuja Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) operating in Nigeria have said a selfregulatory framework that would ensure that the sector executed its mandate in a transparent and efficient manner would be ready

by April.

This was disclosed yesterday at the meeting of the General Assembly (GA) National Technical Committee (NTC) and Advisory Council on CSO Self-regulation in Nigeria, organised by the British Council in Abuja.

The NTC, GA and Advisory Council on CSOs Self-Regulation were co-facilitated by the European Union Agents for Citizen-Driven Transformation (EU-ACT) Programme and the USAID Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) Programme.

Speaking at the event, Harry Udoh, Chairman, NTC on Civil Society Self-regulation, explained that the decision to develop a framework was informed by the need to build the eroding public trust on the civil society ecosystem.

He expressed concern that critical stakeholders especially, donors and the Nigerian government had scored CSOs performance low and the trust they had in the sector as well as public trust was eroding.

The chairman also disclosed that there was poor accountability in the management of funds and execution of project, and interventions in the sector.

He noted that these issues spurred attempts by the National Assembly to regulate the space, insisting that the method adopted by the lawmakers was however constricting the civil space, hence, the need to develop a self-regulatory model that would ensure that CSOs had the enabling environment to operate while also ensuring that they

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has applauded the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for its intervention through the States Fiscal Transparency Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) programme.

SFTAS is a World Bank-assisted programme designed to deepen transparency, accountability and sustainability at the state level.

Ganduje, who was represented by the Director, PRS in the State Ministry of Finance, Salisu Lawal Indabawa, gave the commendation in Kano, while declaring open a workshop on fiscal sustainability organised by the SFTAS Programme Coordination Unit, Federal Ministry

of Finance, Budget and National Planning.

In a statement, the SFTAS Programme Communication Specialist, Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed, quoted Ganduje to have said the workshop which was meant to explore ways of ensuring the sustainability of the programme ideals at all levels of government, drew participants from the 36 states of the federation and Abuja The governor noted that the $1.5 billion World Bank-assisted programme had contributed in no small measure in bailing out most states of the federation from financial distress, especially during the period of economic recession and the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

He said: “It is gratifying to note that

today, most States of the Federation, Kano State inclusive have fully mainstreamed and institutionalized SFTAS ideals in their public financial management system through the widespread adoption of good practices in fiscal and public financial management and strengthened fiscal transparency by improving overall budget transparency and accountability to help build trust in government,” he said.

He stressed that the wholesale adoption of the SFTAS programme by the 36 states of the federation had translated into increasing efficiency of public expenditure; strengthened fiscal sustainability through increased efficiency in spending, strengthened revenue mobilisation and debt sustainability to prevent fiscal crises in the future.

POWER OUTAGE, FUEL SCARCITY: BUHARI APOLOGISES TO NIGERIANS He noted that there were issues with the gas-powered plant in Calabar with generation capacity of about 500 megawatts owned by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).

Added to that, Garba noted that the Afam 6, owned by Shell, had supply issues from Okolobo plant, which required some refurbishment, explaining that the multiplicity of events, “presented a perfect storm for the industry.”

He said, “But I want to say that on a positive note, all hands are on deck to remedy the situation with gas supply being restored to the Okpai plant and because there is also another plant that has just been completed on the same side. We recently had a meeting to discuss how that can also be brought on board to cover the shortfall in generation.

“The Okpai plant that has gas challenge from the Okolobo gas processing plant, we had a meeting two days ago to see how NNPC

and Shell can expedite the repair of the gas plant so that the plant can also combine to cover generation.

“So we also have the Niger Delta power plants. The federal government has invested in 10 new power plants of which eight are in operation; most of them affected have gas shortages because they haven't contracted officially for gas.

“Now, the discussion we have had in the last 24 hours has been for the Nigerian gas market and company to now contract for gas for those clients, so that they can also compulsorily not only restore our generation capacity, but also exceed what we've been doing.”

He explained that by March 21, what was being done would have materialised to produce “very firm generation capacity.”

Asked to react to a comment

by Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, that subsidy had been fully halted in the electricity sector, he confirmed that in the past four or five years, the level of subsidy

had gradually been reduced, but did not say whether it had now completely stopped.

He said, “All of you can understand that you cannot run the electricity market on life support and a situation that investors will not get the kind of return on investment until government steps in to provide the required funding itself.

“The subsidies have been, at one time, as high as N600 billion a year and gradually coming down, I think about N30 billion this year.”

On the Gencos debt allegation, Garba said, “There were debts that were being owed Gencos called legacy debts. It was a historical liability that is backed by the Nigerian Electricity Liability Management Company (NELMCO).

“Occasionally, there may be delays, one, two weeks, three weeks and so on. But in the course of an ongoing business, you wouldn't say that's the reason you cannot perform or that's the reason why

this thing is killing my business.”

The vice chairman of NERC, Musiliu Oseni, attributed the power problem to a problem with the Benin axis, saying a panel has been set up to resolve all the outstanding issues.

Oseni said, “Currently, there is an investigative team that has been set up and the commission is currently awaiting the final report of the team. The cause was the snap on that 330 kV line in the Benin axis, which cascaded into loss of 440 megawatts from Ughelli plants.

“And when you have such an event, where you lost 440 megawatts immediately, we have constrained generation availability, so that could cause imbalances in the system that can immediately cascade into total collapse.

“So the team is currently working to unravel both the immediate cause of the events and the commission is expecting the reports from TCN and in line with the grid code.”

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NEWS

Strike Cripples Academic Activities in Akwa Ibom Public Schools Okon Bassey in Uyo Public Schools in Akwa Ibom State have been closed indefinitely as the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers(NUT) embark on a strike.

Teaching and learning activities in public primary and secondary schools across the 31 Local Government Areas were yesterday paralised over the strike by members of NUT in the state.

“It is very worrisome for the students in public schools to be left stranded abruptly like this, it shows how insensitive the government has become, especially considering the fact that children are the leaders of the future”, Ekpenyong Bassey, a parent told Newsmen at Uyo High School.

“How can a responsible government allow students to remain idle going into the crucial elections’ year where students are daily recruited into cultism to do the biddings of desperate politicians”, Grace Ufon, a parent, whose son is on the verge of writing his SSCE examinations at Four Towns Secondary School, Uyo, laments.

Parents impressed it on governor Udom Emmanuel to quickly address the major

demands of the striking teachers for the sake of the younger generation.

The NUT embarked on the strike in protest over years of unpaid entitlements.

A statement by Comrade Victor Amirize, Senior State Secretary of the NUT reads: “The NUT hereby orders all primary and secondary schools in public school to proceed on an indefinite strike action”, for the following reasons.

“Akwa Ibom state government teachers’ amnesty programme should be reopened to cover the teachers that were cut off during the last amnesty programme”.

Besides, the teachers are also demanding the appointment of teachers as Permanent Secretaries as well as the release of promotion examination results of teachers who attended the exercise as at 2020.

They maintained that the results should be released without recourse to a pass in the Administrative Professional Officers Compulsory Exami-nation because this was not demanded for at the point of the interview.

Other demands include, “Refund of 7 percent contributory pension to primary school teachers. Payment of gratuity/ harmonisation of pension to

retired teachers.

“Payment of 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 leave grant to primary school teachers”.

They are also demanding the payment promotion arrears for six years from 2011 to 2016 to primary schools teachers; and the release of 2017 and 2018 promotion exercise

conducted by SUBEB as well as immediate commencement of 2019, 2020, 2021 promotion exercise.

Justifying the strike, NUT claimed that the state government

could not address the demands of the teachers after 21 days and a subsequent seven-day ultimatum given by the union to the government.

RESETTLEMENT CITY PROJECT…

L-R: Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu (left), and Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, at the foundation laying ceremony and turning of sod for the construction of Resettlement City in Auchi, Edo State…recently

Man Beats Wife Commuters Stranded as Pensioners, Transporters Protest in Edo to Death in Delta Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Sylvester Idowu in Warri Operatives of Delta State Police Command yesterday arrested a 42 years old man, Mr. Efe Erinoja, for allegedly beating his wife to death.

THISDAY gathered that the suspect, after committing the crime, at about 6.30 a.m. yesterday, fled his home at Orerokpe in Okpe Local Government Area of the state.

Although the cause of the dispute between the couple could not be ascertained immediately, it was learnt that the shrill voice of the wife, identified as Mrs. Faith Ekpe, 36 years, attracted her neighbours’ attention.

Community sources disclosed that Faith was already dead by the time the neighbours arrived the scene.

It was learnt that the husband, realising the enormity of the

crime, fled the community to escape being mobbed by angry youths of the area.

THISDAY gathered that the matter was later reported at Orerokpe Police Station by the brother of the deceased who was identified as Mr. Monday Otebrise Ekpe.

“When the police detectives arrived at the scene, they found the corpse of Faith Ekpe on the ground with signs of violence on her body.

“The police removed the body and deposited it at Ariemughere mortuary, Orerokpe awaiting autopsy. A suspect who initially took to flight was tracked and later arrested,” security sources disclosed.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe , confirmed the incident and said that investigations have commenced into the cause of the dispute between the couple.

Many passengers yesterday were stranded in Benin City, capital of Edo State as pensioners in the state protest non-payment of their pension and gratuity since retirement. Also commercial vehicle drivers protested the increase in the daily ticket rate by the government.

As early as 7:00am, commercial activities were already grounded as intra-city commercial drivers grounded

operations over the increase in the daily ticket rate by the state government.

Following this development, passengers had to resort to trekking because the protest that caught many residents of the capital city unawares.

This led to commercial vehicles with passengers onboard being stopped and harassed by irate members of the transport unions in strategic areas across the city to enforce compliance.

Speaking, one the transporters, Mr Solomon Agbovaire, explained that the state government on Tuesday increased the ticket fee from N800 per day to N2,000, a situation, he said did not go down well with members of all the transport unions in the state.

“You (passengers) will have to trek, since government wants to kill us. We are asked to be paying N2,000 daily for ticket as against the N800 we paid previously.

This is unacceptable,” Agbovaire said.

In her reaction, Mrs Ifeoma Iroha, one of the affected passengers told Journalists that it was a height of insensitivity on the part of the state government to increase the fee amidst the prevailing harsh economic situation.

Iroha lamented how she was forced to pay a higher transport fare despite the fact that she was not conveyed to the agreed destination.

Kwara APC Exco, Aspirants Warned against Indiscipline Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Chairman, Kwara State chapter of All Progressives Congress(APC) Mr. Sunday Fagbemi, has warned the new executive members of the party and aspirants to desist from act of indiscipline that can affect ongoing repositioning of the party for effective electoral success ahead of the 2023

general elections.

Fagbemi, however, said that any one of them caught engaging in the act of indiscipline would be sanctioned.

Speaking in Ilorin yesterday at the swearing-in of the newly elected state executive council members of the party, Mr. Fagbemi stated that, “the current leadership of the party

in the state is poised to unite the party and would not allow any act that would thwart the move so as to ensure the party win the next elections.”

Fagbemi added that, the leadership was also in touch with other aggrieved members so as to reconcile them.

The chairman noted that, “the administration of Governor AbdulRahman

AbdulRazaq has achieved a lot since assumption of office on May 29, 2019 and it is for us to put our house in order so as to ensure electoral victory of APC. He said: “Putting our house in order cannot happen without discipline within the party. We will therefore begin by ensuring that there’s discipline within the party.

to Recall North Central Lawmakers Opposing LGAs’ Autonomy NPAN Mourns Emeka Obasi Labour Congress (NLC), Yusuf Sarki a message of solidarity. cent vote for the autonomy Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

The Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) has expressed sadness over the passing away of one its members Prince Emeka Obasi.

According to a statement made available to THISDAY and signed by the President, NPAN, Kabiru Yusuf, “it is with great shock that we received the news of the death of our friend, brother and colleague, Prince, Emeke Obasi.”

The statement also noted that his passage is more shocking, coming at the unripe age of 58.

The statement said until his death Obasi was a quintessential journalist and media guru, and a member of the association as the publisher of Business Hallmark Newspaper.

The statement said: “Though Prince Obasi died in his prime, we are consoled by the enviable legacies, he left within and outside our esteemed industry and the nation at large.

“We cannot, but recall his establishment of the National Mirror Newspaper, which he nurtured to the point that it attracted the attention of billionaire businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim, who bought it over.

“On behalf of the executive council of our esteemed association, we commiserate with you, the Business Hallmark newspaper, and your entire family.”

The organised labour from the North-central zone yesterday threatened to invoke section 110 of the Nigeria constitution on any state lawmaker with dissenting voice to the demand for local government, legislative and judicial autonomy.

Leadership of the organised labour from the zone gave the threat through the Nasarawa State chairman of Nigeria Labour

Iya, during a solidarity rally to the Nasarawa State House of Assembly to pressurise implementation of autonomy for local government, legislative and judiciary arms of government.

Iya said: “Today we are here to advocate support from you ( Nasarawa Assembly Speaker).

That is why the states of Nasarawa, Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Kwara, Niger and the Federal Capital Territory are here to pass

“Mr. Speaker, this is your project and it affect you indirectly. The autonomy is one of the key ingredients of good governance, prudency, transparency, accountability and adherence to the rule of law.”

The Nasarawa NLC chairman maintained that wherever there is no autonomy, there is bound to be corruption and insincerity in financial dealings.

“We want to have 100 per

from the states. The message from our national body is that the constitution is very clear.

There is no ambiguity about the constitution as section 110 of the constitution states that where you are not comfortable with a member of a House of Assembly, you recall him.

“We can invoke that section on any member with a dissenting voice to our demand for the autonomy,” Iya threatened.

Police Arrest Native Doctor, Others for Stripping Woman in Anambra David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Obasi

Police in Anambra yesterday arrested some people involved in the stripping of a woman, who was accused of killing her husband with sex overdose.

Video of the woman had circulated in the internet, with a commentator stating that the woman’s husband died while having marathon sex with her.

State police command’s

spokesperson, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga said while one person had been earlier arrested, more persons, including a native doctor have been arrested, after carefully studying the video.

Ikenga said: “I want to use this opportunity to update you on the video that recently trended where a lady was indecently assaulted and publicly disgraced over alleged incident of causing her husband’s death.

“The Command operatives have

arrested a total of six additional suspects including a native doctor who were identified during the study of the video by police operatives.

“The suspects are: Anthony Obanye ‘M’ 44 years, Udalor Egwuatu Nnalue ‘M’ 46 years, Godwin Ezechukwu ‘M’ 42yrs, Nonso Ezechukwu ‘M’ 20 years, Philomena Onyekwe ‘F’ 27 years and Chineyere Mmachi ‘F’ 32 years.”

He said that investigation

revealed that the deceased, Mr Udorji Egwatu, had been sick for some time when his brother, Mr Udalor took him to Anthony a native doctor.

“Anthony confessed to have taken the decease on some spiritual cleansing and administered him some herbs before he died. It was Anthony who allegedly told the family of the deceased that the cause of his death was as a result of the wife infidelity.

THURSDAY MARCH 17, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWSXTRA

Wike-Obaseki: Ayu Advises PDP Members to Settle Differences In-house The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Iyorchia Ayu, yesterday urged party members to refrain from “attacking” each other, saying such attacks are a distraction for the party.

Ayu gave this charge while addressing a joint meeting of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party at the PDP headquarters in Abuja.

According to him, instead of attacking each other, the focus of party members now should be on winning elections.

He therefore admonished that party members should settle differences “in-house”.

He said: “I am calling on every single member of the PDP family to put their differences aside. We are not out to fight against ourselves; our goal is unite the party, go out as we used to do, win elections as we used to do.

“I call on every member of this party to forget their differences. If there are differences, we must settle

our differences in-house. No party member should attack another party member.

“If there are any issues,

we have different organs of the party to resolve party differences.”

Ayu’s advice is coming

amid a verbal war involving Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike , and his Edo State counterpart, Godwin Obaseki.

Edo State Deputy Governor, Philips Shaibu had said he and Obaseki might leave the PDP if the party continued

to treat them as outsiders.

But Wike in his response, criticised Shaibu, for “daring to threaten” the PDP.

LOYALIST COLLEGE PROGRAMME…

L-R: Member, Grace Schools Centre for International Studies, Mr.Taiwo Olubanke; Executive Director, Grace Schools, Mrs. Olatokunbo Edun; and Coordinator, Grace Schools Centre for International Studies,Mr.PhillipsBalogun,atthemediabriefingonthecommencementofLoyalistCollegeCanadaprogrammeinLagos…yesterday ETOPUkut

Luke Promises to Expand Niger NLC Embarks on Indefinite Strike Akwa Ibom’s Economy Laleye Dipo in Minna

Okon Bassey in Uyo

Frontline gubernatorial aspirant in Akwa Ibom, Onofiok Luke has vowed to leverage on existing technological policies and facilities to expand the state’s economy.

Luke, who is the House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Judiciary, said this yesterday in Uyo that he would make the state a technology hub a priority.

He spoke during his formal declaration to contest for the position of governor of the state.

“Akwa Ibom State is an emerging technology hub and we will make it a priority to

provide access to IT education, mentorship programs and technology incubation facilities for our youth. We will ensure that Information Technology becomes a fundamental part of our educational system in Akwa Ibom. This is the only way that we can produce a globally competitive next generation of leaders from Akwa Ibom,” he said.

He added that to also expand existing capacities in agriculture, health, industry, education, food sufficiency and agric development, tourism, sports, youth, women inclusion, security, environment, infrastructure and good governance.

Centre Expresses Concern over Rising Corruption in Nigeria Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The Mambayya House Anticorruption Project, Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Studies at the Bayero University Kano has expressed great concern over the rising cases of corruption in Nigeria.

The Project Director of the centre, Professor Ismaila Muhammad Zango, made the complaint while addressing a maiden press conference on the activities of the project in Kano yesterday.

He said following a survey conducted by the project, it had come to understand that corruption had become endemic in Nigeria, as the menace had cut across all sectors of the country.

According to the director, “The ingrained status of corruption in Nigeria is making our work very difficult because oftentimes, even the people you want to work with in implementing this project are facilitating corruption rather than antagonising corruption.

Kebbi Directs Payment of N3bn Gratuity to Workers Ismail Adebayo in Birnin Kebbi

The Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has directed the payment of N3,097,013,964.47 for the payment of gratuity and death benefits to state, local government and LGEA workers in the state.

A statement issued by the governor’s media aide, Yahaya Sarki, said the payment was in addition to the earlier directive on January 17, 2022, for the release of N381,778,623.68 as balance for state workers who retired from

service in 2017 and 2018.

According to the statement, “The directives for the two releases were from the N6 billion earlier approved by the governor, while reconciliation exercise is continuing in respect of the 2020 and 2021.”

It added that a statement signed by the Kebbi State acting Head of Service, Safiyanu Garba Bena, said the payment was in line with the present administration’s policy on the general welfare of retired workers in the state.

The ongoing strike action declared by the Niger state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has now turned into indefinite action.

This is just as students of the state origin in institutions of higher learning across the country have threatened to embark on road and street blockades over what they described as government’s neglect of the

education sector.

The NLC in taking the decision said government disregarded the ongoing negotiation over the payment of salaries to staff of local governments when it paid out 70 per cent instead of full salaries to workers in Rafi local government .

The act, according to a statement by the State Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Yakubu Garba “ Negates the progress made in the ongoing negotiation

as a result the organised labour hereby notifies civil servants at state and the 25 LGAs that the ongoing 14-day warning strike is transmuted to indefinite strike action effective Wednesday 16th March 2022” Garba said: “ The strike will remain in force until salaries of workers in 25 LGAs are in 100 per cent gross component”.

Addressing a news conference yesterday, the President of the National Association of Niger

State Students (NANISS) Comrade Saliha Buhari berated the state government for neglecting the education sector and especially the welfare of students and their teachers.

Buhari claimed Niger State Government in the last 39 months paid out scholarships only nine times with total financial volume of “ below N20 million for the entire population of about 1.2 million students outside the state.”

Insecurity: House Requests Police, Army Operatives to Return to Katsina Community Udora Orizu in Abuja

The House of Representatives has urged the Nigerian Army, Police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to restore security operatives recently withdrawn from Shimfida town in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The House also urged the Ministry of Humanitarian

Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development as well as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to urgently provide relief materials to the internally displaced person in the town.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance sponsored

by Hon. Sada Soli at plenary yesterday.

Moving the motion, Soli said the combined security personnel stationed at the town were suddenly withdrawn last week without any notice or explanation.

This, he said, caused panic among the indigenes, with majority trekking for nearly 20 kilometres to neighbouring town for safety.

The lawmaker said in the

course of this, 10 people died due to exhaustion, while many more suffered various ailments as a result of exposure to unfavorable weather conditions and hunger.

He lamented that the absence of the security personnel resulted in the people completely deserting the village, leaving the elderly and the weak to face attacks, kidnappings and rape.

SGF: Nigeria’s Growing Population Requires

Increased Investment in Healthcare Sunday Ehigiator

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, has said that the Nigeria’s growing population requires an increased investments in the healthcare sector.

He stated this yesterday during his keynote address at the official launch of ‘The

Lancet Nigeria Commission, held in Abuja.

According to him, it is high time for Nigeria to stepped out and take its deserved position in the world, and can only be achieved with a healthy population driving a healthy economy.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated what Nigeria

can achieve with holistically innovative community. The impact of the pandemic on the economy has been significant as several thousand Nigerians lost their lives and livelihoods.

Yet Nigeria has been relatively spared from the devastating effect of the pandemic.

“We have been able to harness considerable resources, engaging

our partnership with the state government, and private sector, and the global community to contain the pandemic using evidence-based solutions.

“The lessons from this experience are yet to be fully stable, however, we know that Nigeria has not seen the expected results from increased health investment in urban areas.”

Obiano’s Aide Battles Umeh over APGA Senatorial Ticket David-Chyddy Eleke inAwka

An aide of the outgoing Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, Mr. Uzuegbunam Okagbue, has challenged Senator Victor Umeh on his aspiration to go to the Senate.

Okagbue, who declared interest to run for the Anambra Central senatorial zone, urged the All Progressives Grand Alliance

(APGA) to look beyond Umeh, and give its ticket to an aspirant that can win election.

Speaking at a press conference at his home at Umunachi, Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state, Okagbue said he was more prepared for the task, and promised to make Anambra Central proud if voted for to represent the zone.

He said: “We need younger and

more vibrant people to represent Anambra Central. The Senate is not a retirement home where politicians who have served in various positions are settled to go and rest.

“I represent something different in Anambra Central, and I assure you that if I represent Anambra Central in the Senate, they will begin to see the different.”

Okagbue, who worked as Chief

Protocol to Obiano, and also as deputy Chief of Staff for eight years, said he is better prepared for the election, adding that it’s high time a youth was sent to represent the zone.

“I have public and private sector experience. Having worked with the governor for eight years and also as a banker previously for eight years, I believe I’m more prepared for the job.

THURSDAY, ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

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THURSDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi to Host Ghana v Nigeria Cracker Femi Solaja with agency report

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), yesterday granted Ghana Football Association (GFA), temporary permission to stage the allimportant first leg clash of the 2022 World Cup playoff between the Black Stars and Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

The latest development nullifies the Cape Coast Stadium turf Black Stars have been using as home facility over the last two years.

Before CAF gave the goahead for the match to hold in the Kumasi stadium, it however gave conditions for a number of conditions regarding facilities which it wants to be met.

The GFA will be fined should CAF’s requirements not be fulfilled.

W O R L D C U P P L AYO F F The Cape Coast Stadium was initially designated to host the meeting with the Super Eagles on Friday, 25 March, but the playing surface was damaged after the stadium was used for the country's Independence Day celebrations on 6 March.

In a letter to the Ghana FA, CAF’s Development Officer, Raul Chipenda said the Baba Yara Stadium will be removed from its list of approved stadiums following the match - and will only be reinstated once remedial works have been completed.

CAF has issued a series of demands including improving the floodlight intensity, dressing room capacity and media facilities, and a stadium inspector will carry out another

assessment before the match.

The second leg of the tie will take place in Abuja on Tuesday, 29 March, with the winners

qualifying for the World Cup finals in Qatar.

Ghana appointed former Newcastle boss Chris Hughton as technical advisor and Otto Addo as head coach last month following the dismissal of

Milovan Rajevacafter a groupstage exit at this year's Africa Cup of Nations.

The Black Stars are yet to publicly announce their squad for the tie against West African rivals Nigeria.

The Super Eagles are bidding to reach a fourth consecutive World Cup, while Ghana are looking to return to the tournament after failing to qualify for the 2018 edition in Russia.

Ghana High Commissioner Visits Dare, Assures Fans of Warm Reception in Kumasi The Governments of Nigeria and Ghana have assured their fans of hitch-free 2022 FIFA World Cup playoffs between both countries later this month.

The Sports Minister of Nigeria, Sunday Dare and the Ghana High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, Rashid Bawa, gave these assurances in Abuja on Wednesday.

Mr Bawa had paid a courtesy visit on the Sports Minister in his office to deliberate on areas of interest as the dates for the crucial playoff games draw closer.

Sports Minister Sunday Dare said Nigeria would continue to maintain the long standing relationship with Ghana and the tension around the playoff games will in no way jeopardize it.

His words: "These games should be seen as sports where there is the possibility of winning as there is of losing. We need to demonstrate the spirit of sportsmanship. We must not seen the games as a do or die affair but rather as an avenue to further strengthen the bond that exists already between us.

"This administration of President Muhammadu Buhari

has identified sports as a tool for promoting unity and peace, not only within Nigeria but across the World so you can be assured of our hospitality and large heartedness," the Minister added.

The Ghana High Commissioner in his remarks said his visit was to assure Nigerians that football, especially the fast approaching playoffs would not divide the two countries where long standing relationship, collaborations and friendliness exist.

Mr Bawa said the chartered flight that will airlift the Nigerian contingent to Kumasi in Ghana will be given a landing permit without hassles and the team would be given all the cooperation needed for easy passage into Ghana and during the period of their stay.

He also revealed that five percent of the total tickets for the match at the 40,000 seater Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi will be given as complementary tickets to the Nigerian contingent.

The Minister Sunday Dare thanked Mr Bawa for the gesture and promised that Nigeria will reciprocate this hospitality ahead of the return leg in Abuja on Tuesday, March 29, 2022.

Nigeria’s Sports Minister, Chief Sunday Dare (right) and the Ghana High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, Rashid Bawa, during the envoy’s visit to Dare in his office in Abuja....yesterday

Chukwueze Last Nigerian Standing as Villarreal Knockout Juventus Chelsea beat Lille to also reach Quarter Finals

Samuel Chukwueze was in cloud nine last night as Villarreal stunned Juventus with a 3-0 win to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2009.

The Super Eagles’ winger started from the bench in the 65th minute.

Gerard Moreno, Pau Torres and Arnaut Danjuma all scored in the final quarter as Juventus unravelled in embarrassing fashion.

Unai Emery's side produced a defiant defensive show for most of the Turin return after the two sides had played out a 1-1 draw in Spain three weeks ago.

Villarreal took a 78th-minute lead when substitute Francis

C H A M P I O N S L E AG U E Coquelin tumbled over Daniele Rugani's outstretched leg.

The penalty was awarded after a VAR review and Moreno, who had only been on the pitch a matter of minutes, just managed to beat Wojciech Szczesny from the spot.

Torres added a second five minutes from time, stabbing in from close range after Serge Aurier had flicked on a corner.

Danjuma sealed victory in stoppage time with a third goal

in 14 minutes, sweeping home a second penalty for 'The Yellow Submarine' after Matthijs De Ligt had handled.

In the other match of the night, Chelsea maintained their hopes of retaining the Champions League as they beat Lille 2-1 at a lively Stade Pierre-Mauroy to secure a 4-1 aggregate win and reach the quarter-finals.

The Blues took a 2-0 first-leg lead to France but, in a match played amid continued uncer-

tainty over the club's future, they had to come from behind after a slow start to earn success in the return.

Burak Yilmaz pulled Lille back into the tie with a penalty after Jorginho handled, only for Christian Pulisic to reply in first-half injury time.

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta then put the last-16 encounter beyond the French champions when he finished at the back post with 19 minutes remaining.

Thomas Tuchel's side will find out their last-eight opponents in Friday's draw.

Nigerian Star, Igboun, Becomes First African Footballer to Depart Russia Nigeria international, Sylvester Igboun, has become the first African footballer to leave the Russian Premier League as a result of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The 31-year-old forward has taken advantage of a FIFA rule allowing foreign players to leave the country, and has terminated his contract with FK Nizhny Novgorod.

Igboun, whose deal expires at the end of the season, only joined Nizhny Novgorod last month after leaving Dynamo Moscow by mutual consent.

"Sylvester has cancelled his contract because of the ongoing

problem between Russia and Ukraine," one of Igboun's advisers told BBC Sport Africa.

"It's a personal decision taken by the player after speaking at length with his family."

Igboun only made one league appearance following his move to Nizhny Novgorod.

Last week world governing body Fifa announced that foreign footballers playing in Russia can suspend their contracts and temporarily leave the country.

The move came after Russian football clubs and national teams were suspended from all competitions "until further notice" by Fifa and Uefa.

The versatile Igboun previously starred for Danish club FC Midtjylland, scoring 47 goals and providing 30 assists before moving to Russian side Ufa in at the end of the 2014-15 campaign.

He scored 27 times in 119 appearances during his five-year stay at Ufa before sealing a permanent move to Dynamo Moscow in August 2020 following a successful loan spell in the capital.

Capped six times by Nigeria, Igboun made his debut for the Super Eagles against Tanzania in their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in September 2015.

Samuel Chukwueze (right) and his Villarreal teammates celebrating knocking out Juventus to reach the quarter final of the Champions League ...last night

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THURSDAY, ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

SPORTS

Modele Sarafa-Yusuf, Our Sports Girl, Who Would be Governor

I

do hope our would-be Governor will allow me to breach protocols and address her as I have always done these past several years I have known her. In anticipation of her positive response, I will address our Governor to be as I have always done- Modele or MSY. Of course, this will change when she does become Governor of Ogun State. Some weeks ago which seems like several months ago, Modele shocked Nigerians when she decided 'to throw her hat into the ring' and contest to be the Governor of Ogun State. I was particularly shocked because though I know she has always had strong political views she never once gave the impression she would join the fray and contest for a political office.

‘Egbon' (was what I graduated to after our NTA days when she would usually call me by my first name.

Sometimes when she wanted to be mischievous she would call me Daddy Folake or Daddy Mobola), “I want to run for the office of Governor Ogun State” was how she put it. I

Modele Sarafa Yusuf....plotting to turn Ogun to ‘Sports Mecca’ was of course, incredulous.

Governor? Ogun State? My mind raced back to when

former Green Eagles Captain, Segun Odegbami, wanted to run for the same office, almost

five years ago. What was she getting herself into? Somehow, I managed to ask if she was certain she was aware of how dirty, grimy and dangerous swimming in the murky water of partisan politics could be. Her answer in the affirmative was not going to assuage my worries.

But today, I am not going to bore you with apprehension. Rather, I would like us to examine the prospect of a Modele Sarafa Yusuf candidacy. Do I think the name recognition sports provided for her would be enough to help her clinch the support she requires to be the APC governorship candidate for Ogun State? Does Modele have what it takes to survive the landmines built into partisan political contests?

One of the qualities MSY has is her ability to throw everything she knows or has into achieving a set goal. I got to know her when she was assigned to me during her NYSC year which she served at NTA Ibadan. At that time, I have just been put in charge of the Sports Unit of the TV station. My charge was to bring sportscasting back to the height it was under Fabio Lanipekun who had just

been transferred to Lagos. I assembled a good team and soon after we were making good progress. Together with Feyi Ogunduyile, Wilson Olabamiji, Peter Uzamere we were soon on the right track. Then BCOS came on board and started a tough war for the attention of viewers. Everything I introduced they also started doing. That was when Modele came along.

As soon as I saw her, I knew I had all I need to knock off our competitor. Without having any interest whatsoever in sports, she soon became the first female sportscaster in Africa. She learnt everything there was to learn.

She became the face of sports and unsurprisingly, won the ‘Best Corper’ Award for Oyo State.

Modele is a strong woman, the type you will wish to have in your team. I have seen her fight unceasingly for her rights and what she believes in taking

up challenges that could scare off many.

Would MSY be able to secure the APC ticket for Ogun State?

Would she then go on to be the First Female Governor in Ogun State? Because I know her so intimately, I am inclined to answer in the affirmative. In an era when we put forward our third eleven, choosing Modele would be like selecting one of the best we possibly could.

I have known her for more than 30 years during which time I have seen her weather many storms successfully. She is like a younger sister and all my children who are now parents in their rights refer to her as ‘Aunty Modele’. Her worldview has been moderated by all that is noble and just. I have little doubt she would make an extraordinary Governor. And maybe under her, Ogun State would become the Mecca for Sports in our country.

Barca Eye Europa League Q’Finals as West Ham Welcome Sevilla Barcelona and tournament specialists Sevilla are hoping to secure spots in the quarterfinals of the Europa League tonight with three Spanish teams still in a competition dominated by LaLiga clubs in recent years.

A rejuvenated Barca head to Istanbul for the second leg of their last-16 tie against Galatasaray on a 10-game unbeaten run that has propelled them back up to third in LaLiga and seen them emerge as one of the favourites to win the Europa League.

"The fans are enjoying themselves when they come to the stadium, and so are we out on the pitch," said Gerard Pique, who played his 600th game for Barcelona in Sunday's 4-0 defeat of Osasuna.

"The results are coming back and we hope to keep this going through to the end of the season," the veteran centre-back told the club's website.

TONIGHT Europa League Red Star Monaco Leverkusen Galatasaray Lyon West Ham Eintracht

v v v v v v v

Rangers (0-3) Braga (0-2) Atalanta (2-3) Barca (0-0) Porto (1-0) Sevilla (0-1) Real Betis (2-1)

Europa Conference Basle Rennes Copenhagen Alkmaar Gent Roma LASK Feyenoord

v v v v v v v v

Marseille (1-2) Leicester (0-2) PSV (4-4) Bodo/Glimt (1-2) PAOK (0-1) Vitesse (1-0) Slavia (1-4) Partizan (5-2)

However, Xavi Hernandez's side were held 0-0 at home by a struggling Galatasaray in the first leg of their Europa League tie last week so still have work to do to reach the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, Sevilla are in London to play West Ham United with a 1-0 lead from the first leg given to them by Munir El Haddadi's goal.

Six draws in their last eight league games have effectively ended their domestic title hopes, leaving Julen Lopetegui's charges 10 points adrift of leaders Real Madrid.

But they remain on course for more success in the Europa League as they look to win a trophy they have already lifted a record six times, all since 2006.

Sevilla also have the incentive of trying to reach a final that will be played in their own stadium, the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, on May 18.

They left the injured Marcos Acuna out of their squad for the journey to the United Kingdom to face a West Ham side who see the Europa League as their best chance of a first major trophy in over four decades.

"We need to score and I hope, on Thursday, in front of a full

stadium, we show our quality and make the most of the opportunity," said Hammers midfielder Tomas Soucek.

West Ham are the sole English representative still in the Europa League, while Manuel Pellegrini's Real Betis are the third Spanish side as they head to Germany to play Eintracht Frankfurt bidding to overturn a 2-1 deficit.

Spanish clubs have won seven of the last 10 editions of the Europa League, including last year when Villarreal beat Manchester United on penalties in the final.

Rangers are primed to advance to the last eight after winning 3-0 at home to Red Star Belgrade in last week's first leg, while Braga, Atalanta and Lyon will also defend first-leg leads.

RB Leipzig earned a bye to the quarterfinals after last-16 opponents Spartak Moscow fell victim to the ban on Russian clubs.

In the Europa Conference League, Leicester City are well placed to reach the last eight as they defend a 2-0 first-leg lead on their trip to France to play Rennes.

Marseille, Roma and Feyenoord are among the other sides defending first-leg advantages.

Gerard Pique...hopes Barcelona can consolidate on the advantage against Galatasaray in Turkey tonight

Anosike South-east Cricket Tourney Kicks-off April 10 This year's edition of the Chuma Anosike South-east Cricket Tournament, which is in its 11th year will hold between April 10 and 14 in Aba, Abia State.

At a press briefing on Tuesday at his Victoria Island office, the sponsor of the tournament, Chuma Anosike said the tournament will take place in two venues - Abia State Stadium and the Holy Child Girls Secondary School in both male and female categories.

The male would play their games at the stadium while the girls' games would take place at

Holy Child Secondary School.

Winning teams would cart away giant trophies while there will be individual prizes for the best batsman, best behaved player and team and many more.

The tournament which would take a round-robin format with the top two teams playing in the final, will see all the five eastern states comprising Imo, Anambra, Abia, Enugu and Ebonyi participating.

According to Anosike, all Covid-19 rules would be observed at the tournament, while also stressing that all the values of

cricket would be fully taken into cognizance.

While emphasizing some of the achievements of the tournament so far, Anosike said: "The main objective is to awaken the game of cricket in the East. Some of the products of this tournament had gone to play for the senior national team and while others have represented the country at U-19 category."

"At the last national U-17 cricket competition Anambra State was top, something that could not have been achieved

15 years ago. A lot of good things have already started happening in the South-East as far as cricket is concerned," Anosike noted.

He however thanked Mikano and Ekulo Group of companies for their support towards the success the tournament had achieved so far.

Anosike indeed hail the emergence of the South East Cricket Association (SECA) which is meant to develop cricket in the Eastern zone, saying the process of registration os going on and would be announced in

due course.

"Courtesy of SECA, there would be significant movement in cricket across the eastern zones, while proper cricket pitches are being planned for the south-east states.

At the national level, Anosike is of the opinion that the future of cricket in Nigeria is bright.

"At the moment we have six Turf-two each in Lagos and Edo, one in Abuja and Kaduna. Without proper cricket turf there is no way we can compete favourably internationally," he observed.

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MISSILE

Atiku Abubakar to PDP BoT

“I am worried and you should be worried too that if we do not win, it means we will be in opposition again for the next eight years. By the next eight years, I don’t know how many were left in politics and it may even ultimately lead to the death of the party because people gravitate, particularly in developing countries, towards governments.”—Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, speaking with members of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) on Tuesday

OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Umahi: The Cost of Political Harlotry O

n 17th April 2015, the Supreme Court ordered Ifedayo Abegunde, representing Ondo State Akure South/North federal constituency in the House of Representatives, to immediately vacate his seat. What was the offence? His defection to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) from the Labour Party (LP) under which he was elected. The ACN has since morphed into the current ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In a unanimous judgement at the time, all seven Justices of the apex court (including then Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmud Mohammed) held that Abegunde acted illegally by abandoning the party that sponsored his election to join another one.

According to the apex court, as at the time Abegunde defected to the ACN, there was no division in the LP that could have been used to justify his action going by section 68(1) (g) of the constitution. The Supreme Court stressed that the “division” or “factionalisation” which was cited by Abegunde as his excuse for abandoning LP was only at the state level. Justice Musa Muhammad, who read the lead judgment, stated that “The principles enunciated by this court in the two cases – FEDECO v Goni supra and Attorney General of the Federation v Abubakar supra – is to the effect that only such factionalisation, fragmentation, splintering or ‘division’ that makes it impossible or impracticable for a particular party to function as such will, by virtue of the proviso to section 68(1) (g), justify a person’s defection to another party and the retention of his seat for the unexpired term. Otherwise, as rightly held by the courts below, the defector automatically loses his seat.”

While this case relates to the defection of a lawmaker and the circumstances in which this is permitted, I am aware that the Constitution is silent on what happens when a sitting president or governor defects from the party under which they were elected to join another one. But from the Second Republic to date, judgements of the Supreme Court have always affirmed the supremacy of political parties when it comes to the ownership of mandates.

Given the foregoing context, it is unfortunate that the governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi would throw caution to the wind following the recent Federal High Court judgement that sacked him, his deputy and 16 members of the state House of Assembly for defecting to the APC after being elected on the platform of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In his judgement, Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo stated that “a person who won an election on the platform of a political party and occupied an office by virtue of that, cannot by act of defection make a party that lost an election become the party in power to the chagrin of the party that rightfully own the votes that won the election.” He added, “There is no constitutional provision that makes the ballot transferrable from one political party to another. Where the electorate express their trust in an election by giving their votes to a political party, there is no political machination or manipulation that would allow a party to short-change the

Umahi will of the electorate.”

Although Justice Ekwo conceded that the Constitution makes no clear provision as to what should happen to a Governor or Deputy Governor who defected from the party which brought them to power, as it does for lawmakers, his position is that the consequences are the same. “Let me put it this way…If a Governor or Deputy Governor defects from the political party by whose vote he got into office by joining another political party, such a person must be seen to have jettisoned not just the political party, but the votes of the party as well, under our law,” Justice Ekwo said.

Common sense has prevailed with Umahi ‘apologising’ to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) which took exception to his reckless statement attacking the Judge. But the bigger issue is that the judgement has brought into sharp focus the role of the political party in the democratic process and how that role is increasingly being subverted in Nigeria.

I once alluded to the 2013 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) capacity assessment report on Nigeria written by Jeremy Liebrowitz and Jibrin Ibrahim which underscored how political parties advance democracy and good governance as “a vital channel by which citizens can aggregate their interests, make policies, and hold government accountable”. I have also argued that what we have in Nigeria is no different from the situation described of India by Prakash Sarangi in his 2016 research paper, ‘Politics as Business: An Analysis of the Political Parties in Contemporary India’. According to Sarangi, “forming or sustaining a party seems to be a survival strategy for political activists” in which they “calculate the returns on the political and economic investments made…Parties look like business firms in a political market.”

Sarangi could have been speaking about Nigeria. Indeed, nothing exemplifies this more

than the present situation in the two leading political parties (APC and PDP). Both have collectively been in power since the advent of the current dispensation in the country.

The two parties are in serious crises and contentions are not about pressing national issues but rather how their prominent members might grab power. No consideration is given to what ails us as a nation. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) last week extended its current strike by another eight weeks with dire implications for the future of our country. The nationwide blackout has taken us back to the days of NEPA (No Electric Power Again). Airlines are threatening to shut down for lack of aviation fuel in an oil producing country. But none of these are of any concern to our politicians, many of whom have hardly slept since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the 2023 general election timetable. One has relocated its headquarters to London, and another is trying desperately to exclude his three principal presidential contenders of four years ago from the current contest.

In my Platform Nigeria 1st May 2019 presentation, ‘An Economy on Life Support: Time to Pull the Plug’, I stated that we either have a conversation about the future of our country in an orderly manner or it is forced upon us when we have little or no control.

Sadly, we are gradually moving in that direction. After highlighting how different Nigerians were responding to our existential threats, I zeroed in on “those who, like my friend Louis Odion would say, enjoy presiding over the seating arrangement in a sinking Titanic.” That precisely is what is going on in the parties at a time when even the oil and gas sector (on which all the desperation rests) is under severe pressure.

In the 2019 audit report being considered by the National Assembly, the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation disclosed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), recently rebranded as Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, failed to account for about 107,239,436 barrels of crude oil lifted for domestic consumption. NNPC records showed that N1,272,606,864,000 was transferred by the corporation, but only N608,710,292,773.44 hit the federation account, leaving a gap of N663,896,567,227.58 that is yet to be accounted for. Incidentally, that same 2019, a report by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) had revealed that a whopping $42 billion was lost to oil and products theft by Nigeria in ten years.

NEITI also noted at the time that whereas the federal government claimed that between 150,000 and 250,000bpd of oil were stolen from country daily, data from private studies estimated that between 200,000 and 400,000bpd were lost to criminal cartels operating within and outside the industry.

In his column last Sunday, ‘Managing Risks to Nigeria’s Economy from RussiaUkraine War’, Waziri Adio, the immediate past NEITI Executive Secretary, explained why the jump in crude prices that should ordinarily benefit our country could become a nightmare because of the way we have over the years mismanaged the oil and gas

sector. There are so many nuggets in his intervention. Now that national electricity grid has collapsed amid a worsening diesel crisis that is global and skyrocketing aviation fuel prices, we are reaping bountiful harvest from what we refused to sow. It should be noted that both diesel and aviation fuel are already deregulated but the fact that the products are imported puts us at a great disadvantage.

These are some of the issues that demand attention at a most critical period in the life of Nigeria. And what appears lost on most of our politicians is that democracy cannot grow in an environment where there is no accountability. Accountability begins from respecting the wishes of the electorate. So we can then understand why Nigeria is what it is. If a person elected on the platform of a political party could whimsically defect to another party in pursuit of personal interest, such people cannot be expected to pursue the public good in office. This is precisely the meaning of Justice Ekwo’s judgement on the Umahi case and I believe it should trigger a serious national conversation.

Meanwhile, Umahi should listen to the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) Chairman, Itse Sagay, SAN. Not only has the respected law professor endorsed the judgement, Sagay said it would most likely be sustained by the Court of Appeal. “I definitely know there will be an appeal on the ground that there is no specific mention of that (defection of governor to another party) in the constitution. The judge only did it by implication. It is permissible in law to do it; when the law takes off from one point, you can extend it to another point by implication. I think that is why he (Justice Ekwo) is relying on Supreme Court judgment in Amaechi’s case where it was held that it is the parties that are elected,” said Sagay who incidentally is an APC member so there can be no question of political bias in his position. “If you go back to that principle alone, then it was the PDP that was elected.

That Amaechi’s judgment was a governorship case too just like this one on Ebonyi and it is a very strong point to stand on. So, from the look of things, Umahi may have problem in the Court of Appeal because the PDP lawyers will argue that this decision that is being appealed against was based on a Supreme Court decision and so, neither the High Court nor the Court of Appeal can change it. So, I think there is a fairly good chance that this judgment will be sustained”.

NOTE: The piece is concluded on page 26

Adieu Emeka Obasi

I

felt very sad yesterday when I learnt that the publisher of HALLMARK newspaper, Prince Emeka Obasi passed away on Tuesday. He had been ill for the past few years but despite what he must have been going through, he never allowed his health condition to rob him of his humanity and he remained a Nigerian patriot to the very end. May God comfort his wife, Dr Carol Obasi, their children and the entire family.

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