CBN Retains MPR at 13.5%, to Enhance COVID-19 Interventions
Predicts economic recession, unveils guidelines for N50bn pandemic facility House passes economic stimulus bill
James Emejo, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday resolved to allow its interventions on
COVID-19 to permeate the economy and retained the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), otherwise known as interest rate at 13.5 per cent. The apex bank also left both the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR)
and Liquidity Ratio unchanged at 27.5 per cent and 30 per cent respectively. The MPR is the rate at which the CBN lends to commercial banks and often determines the cost of borrowing in the
economy. CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, who read the communique at the end of the two-day meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in Abuja, said the
decision to keep all monetary policy tools unchanged was to allow previously announced interventions “time to permeate the economy and allow pandemic to wear out itself.”
The CBN last week had announced its decision to increase its intervention to boost local manufacturing and import substitution with the injection of an additional N1.1 Continued on page 46
W’Bank Wants Debt Repayments by ‘Poor Countries’ Suspended...
Page 10
Wednesday 25 March, 2020 Vol 25. No 9116. Price: N250
www.thisdaylive.com TR
TODAY'S WEATHER
ABUJA 25°C-33°C
MAIDUGURI 31°C-31°C
UT H
& RE A S O
ENUGU 25°C-28°C
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KANO 27°C-33°C
LAGOS 24C-27°C
PORT HARCOURT 20°C-30°C
Osinbajo, Ministers Self-isolate as Kyari, Mohammed Test Positive Buhari not infected COVID-19 tally rises to 44, spreads to sixth state Relief as ventilators, test kits arrive Nigeria Sanwo-Olu closes non-essential markets, banks National Assembly shuts down NNPC tells staff to work from home Our Correspondents Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, some ministers, senior government officials, and top business executives who recently had contact with President Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Malam Continued on page 46
Buhari Laments Soldiers’ Death
Omololu Ogunmade and Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari last night expressed “profound grief and sorrow’’ over the killing of soldiers in an ambush Continued on page 46
THE FEAR OF COVID-19... Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (right) operates from home office, Aguda House, State House, Abuja…yesterday
EFCC Vows to Block Alleged Attempt to Defraud Nigeria of £2.5bn... Page 12
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COVID-19: UPDATE TO OUR CUSTOMERS AND OTHER KEY STAKEHOLDERS In line with our Business Continuity Plan and to keep you apprised of what we are doing to mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19, we will continue to provide you with frequent updates as events unfold. Recall that we had advised the steps that we had taken, and are taking as an institution to protect our systems, employees, customers and all stakeholders. Namely, amongst others: Social Contact Ţ 0LQLPLVLQJ SK\VLFDO PHHWLQJV ERWK ZLWK RXU VWDƩ DQG RXU H[WHUQDO VWDNHKROGHUV • Restricting international travel, and asking international partners to restrict their own travel to our locations • Enforcing a period of at least 14-days self-isolation before returning to work from outside the country Business Continuity Plan Ţ 6HSDUDWLQJ WKH 0DQDJLQJ 'LUHFWRU DQG 'HSXW\ 0DQDJLQJ 'LUHFWRU HQVXULQJ WKH\ RSHUDWH IURP GLƩHUHQW ORFDWLRQV LQ 1LJHULD IRU WKH GXUDWLRQ RI WKLV JOREDO FULVLV Ţ :H UHSOLFDWHG WKLV VHSDUDWLRQ IRU ([HFXWLYH 'LUHFWRUV DQG RWKHU FULWLFDO UROHV LQ WKH %DQN • We are operating from a number of data centres to ensure a 24*7 operation • We created recovery sites in several locations that will keep our institution protected in the unlikely event there is a complete breakdown in the system in one country of operation Further steps to minimize potential spread of COVID-19 included: • Temperature checks at every point of entry to our locations • Hand sanitisers provided inside and outside all our buildings • Maintain social distancing within our branches by controlling the number of customers within at any given time. • All meetings are conducted using online platforms to minimise physical contact Ţ $SSRLQWPHQW RI WUDLQHG KHDOWK FKDPSLRQV LQ DOO RXU ORFDWLRQV WR SURYLGH KHOS DQG DGYLFH WR RXU VWDƩ DQG FXVWRPHUV • Deep cleaning of our premises daily, with attention to high-touch surfaces Ţ 3URYLVLRQ RI IDFH PDVNV IRU VWDƩ ZKR ZLVK WR XVH WKHP Activation of Phase 3 of our Business Continuity Plan 6XSSRUWLQJ *RYHUQPHQW (ƩRUWV LQ WKH )LJKW $JDLQVW &29,' :H DUH DOVR H[WHQGLQJ VXSSRUW WR FRPSOHPHQW *RYHUQPHQWśV HƩRUWV LQ WKH ƪJKW DJDLQVW &RYLG ,Q SDUWQHUVKLS ZLWK $OLNR 'DQJRWH )RXQGDWLRQ DQG RWKHU SULYDWH VHFWRU LQVWLWXWLRQV we have created the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID), tasked with the responsibility of mobilizing the private sector thought leadership and resources; creating public awareness; and directing support to private and public healthcare institutions. We are pulling resources across industries to provide technical and operational support while providing funding and building advocacy through aggressive awareness drives. ,Q DGGLWLRQ WR HODERUDWH HƩRUWV IURP /DJRV 6WDWH ZH DUH HUHFWLQJ IRXU IXOO\ HTXLSSHG PHGLFDO WHQWV WR KRXVH EHGV WKDW ZLOO VHUYH DV WUDLQLQJ WHVWLQJ LVRODWLRQ DQG WUHDWPHQW FHQWHUV :H DUH DOVR SURYLGLQJ DQ DGGLWLRQDO IDFLOLW\ LQ 9LFWRULD ,VODQG /DJRV 7KHVH FHQWHUV ZLOO EH IXOO\ HTXLSSHG ZLWK PHGLFDO VXSSOLHV DQG WUDLQHG SHUVRQQHO WR FDWHU WR DQ\RQH ZKR PD\ EHFRPH DƩHFWHG ,Q DGGLWLRQ H[SHUWV IURP DURXQG WKH ZRUOG ZLOO EH RQ JURXQG WR SURYLGH WHFKQLFDO DQG WUDLQLQJ VXSSRUW 6KRXOG WKHUH EH D QHHG WR H[SDQG &$&29,' ZLOO H[HFXWH WKLV &29,' DƩHFWV XV DOO DQG WKUHDWHQV RXU FROOHFWLYH KHDOWK HFRQRPLF VRFLDO SV\FKRORJLFDO DQG SK\VLFDO ZHOOEHLQJ DQG SHUKDSV RXU H[LVWHQFH +HQFH WKH XUJHQW QHHG WR FROODERUDWH and work together to beat this common enemy. The task ahead is daunting and bigger than any one organization. To win this battle, it is critical that all individuals and organizations join hands and come together as one. Work has commenced to ensure these facilities are completed in good time to serve the growing need of the population during this perilous period. We will share updates in the coming week to keep you abreast of our progress. Rotational Branch Opening :H DUH SODFLQJ VHYHUDO RI RXU EUDQFKHV RQ D WZR ZHHN VKLIW URXWLQH ZLWK RQH EUDQFK RSHQ IRU WZR ZHHNV DQG LWV DOWHUQDWH FORVHG IRU WKH VDPH SHULRG 7KLV URWDWLRQDO SODQ ZLOO DƩHFW EUDQFKHV LQ FORVH SUR[LPLW\ VR WKDW ZKHQ RQH EUDQFK FORVHV FXVWRPHUV LQ WKDW ORFDWLRQ FDQ HDVLO\ DFFHVV DQRWKHU EUDQFK FORVH WR WKHP 6WDƩ RI FORVHG EUDQFKHV ZLOO UHPDLQ DW KRPH taking onboard appropriate advice from public health authorities on safe behavior. See below list of branches currently on two-week rotation: S/No
State
Branch Name
%UDQFK $GGUHVV
$OWHUQDWH %UDQFK Location
$OWHUQDWH %UDQFK $GGUHVV
1
/DJRV
Idejo Branch
3ORW ( ,GHMR 6WUHHW 2Æ© Adeola Odeku, Victoria ,VODQG /DJRV 6WDWH
Adeola Odeku Branch
$ $GHROD 2GHNX 6WUHHW 9LFWRULD ,VODQG /DJRV 6WDWH
2
/DJRV
Saka Tinubu Branch
44A, Saka Tinubu Street, 2Æ© $GHROD 2GHNX 6WUHHW 9L /DJRV 6WDWH
Victoria Island, Adeola Odeku
Plot 64, Adeola Odeku Street
3
/DJRV
Ikoyi, Awolowo Road
$ZRORZR 5RDG ,NR\L
Awolowo Road 2 Branch
$ZRORZR 5RDG ,NR\L /DJRV 6WDWH
4
/DJRV
5HW 6KRS ,NRWD 9*& /DJRV
,NRWD 5HWDLO 6KRS & Ikota Branch ,NRWD 6KRSSLQJ &RPSOH[ 9*&
6XLWH ( $QG 9*& ,NRWD 6KRSSLQJ &RPSOH[ ,NRWD /DJRV 6WDWH
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/DJRV
/DJRV ,VODQG .LQJ *HRUJH 9 Branch
.LQJ *HRUJH 9 .LQJ *HRUJH 9URDG 2QLNDQ
Moloney Branch
0RORQH\ 6WUHHW /DJRV ,VODQG /DJRV 6WDWH
6
/DJRV
Ibafon Branch
Plot 24, Opposite Ibru Jetty, 2ORGL $SDSD /DJRV 6WDWH
$SDSD 2VKRGL ([SUHVVway
$SDSD Ř2VKRGL ([SUHVVZD\ &RFRQXW % 6WRS
7
/DJRV
Broad Street 2 Branch
%URDG 6WUHHW /DJRV ,VODQG /DJRV 6WDWH
Marina Boi Branch
%DQN 2I ,QGXVWU\ %XOLGLQJ %URDG 6WUHHW 0DULQD /DJRV 6WDWH
8
/DJRV
/DJRV ,VODQG %DORJXQ 6WUHHW
Balogun, 36, Balogun 6WUHHW /DJRV ,VODQG
.RVRNR 6WUHHW %UFK
.RVRNR 6WUHHW /DJRV ,VODQG /DJRV 6WDWH
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%%$ /DJRV $WLNX Abubakar Plaza
Balogun Business Association (Bba 1), Atiku Abubakar Plaza, 7UDGH )DLU &RPSOH[ %DGDJU\ ([SUHVVZD\
/DJRV
)HVWDF 7RZQ %UDQFK
7K $YHQXH )HVWDF /DJRV State.
)HVWDF 7RZQ 6HFRQG Avenue
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11
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WEDNESDAY MARCH 25, 2020 • T H I S D AY
S/No
State
Branch Name
%UDQFK $GGUHVV
$OWHUQDWH %UDQFK Location
$OWHUQDWH %UDQFK $GGUHVV
12
/DJRV
7UDGH )DLU &RPSOH[ $VSDPGD Hall 2
7UDGH )DLU &RPSOH[ +DOO 2 Aspamda Plaza, Trade )DLU &RPSOH[ %DGDJU\ ([SUHVVZD\
Aspamda Branch
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13
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Maryland Branch
6, Mobolaji Bank-Anthony :D\ ,NHMD /DJRV 6WDWH
Maryland,Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way
4A Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Maryland
14
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Alausa Branch
183, Obafemi Awolowo Rd, $ODXVD ,NHMD /DJRV 6WDWH
Alausa Branch
Alausa(Plot J, Asitabi Cole St, Central Business District, Agidingbi)
15
/DJRV
Ojodu Berger Branch
3ORW ,VKHUL 5RDG %HUJHU /DJRV 6WDWH
Ret Shop - Isheri, Berger)
,VKHUL 5RDG 3ORW *HRUJH &UHVFHQW 2JED
16
/DJRV
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17
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Oregun Branch, Plot E Ziatech Rd, Oregun
Oregun Branch
.XGLUDW $ELROD :D\ 2UHJXQ 5RDG ,NHMD /DJRV 6WDWH
18
/DJRV
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19
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Aguda Branch
5, Enitan Street, Aguda, 6XUXOHUH /DJRV 6WDWH
Surulere, Enitan Street Aguda
No. 23 Enitan Street Aguda, Surulere
/DJRV
Ogunlana Drive Branch
2JXQODQD 'ULYH 6XUXOHUH /DJRV 6WDWH
Retail Shop - Ogunlana 'ULYH
Ogunlana Drive, 33 Ogunlana Drive, Surulere
21
/DJRV
Nnamdi Azikwe Street Idumota Branch
68, Nnamdi Azikwe Road 6WUHHW ,GXPRWD /DJRV State.
Idumota Branch
1QDPGL $]LNZH 6WUHHW ,GXPRWD /DJRV 6WDWH
22
/DJRV
Oyingbo Branch
0XULWDOD 0RKDPPHG Ebute Metta, Market Way, Oyingbo, Ebute-Metta, Street Oyingbo /DJRV 6WDWH
(EXWH 0HWWD 0DUNHW 6WUHHW 2\LQJER 2SSRVLWH %KRMVRQV /WG
23
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Yaba, Herbert Macaulay Road Branch
238, Herbert Macaulay Street,Yaba
Sabo Yaba Branch
+HUEHUW 0DFDXOD\ :D\ 6DER <DED /DJRV 6WDWH
24
/DJRV
Ret Shop - Iddo, Ebute Metta)
Iddo Market Mini, Iddo Ultramodern Market
Iddo Branch
,GGR 6KRSSLQJ &RPSOH[ ,GGR /DJRV 6WDWH
25
/DJRV
Broad Street Branch
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/DJRV ,VODQG %URDG Street
%URDG 6WUHHW %URDG 6WUHHW /DJRV ,VODQG
26
/DJRV
Ogba Branch
$ % 2JED ,MDL\H 5RDG 2JED /DJRV 6WDWH
Ogba, Ijaiye Road
Ogba, 36, Ijaiye Road
27
/DJRV
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3ORW 2VKRGL $SDSD ([SUHVVZD\ *EDJDGD 3KDVH , /DJRV 6WDWH
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28
/DJRV
/DZDQVRQ %UDQFK
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/DZDQVRQ ,WLUH 5G Branch
/DZDQVRQ /DZDQVRQ 5RDG
29
/DJRV
/HNNL 3KDVH , $GPLUDOW\ :D\
3ORW %ORFN /HNNL 3HQLQVXOD 6FKHPH /DJRV State
Admiralty Way Branch
$GPLUDOW\ 5RDG /HNNL /DJRV 6WDWH
/DJRV
Ojuelegba, Shifawu Street
6KLIDZX 6W 2MXHlegba
Ojuelegba Branch
2MXHOHJED 5RDG 7HMXRVKR <DED /DJRV 6WDWH
31
)&7
*ZDJZDODGD %UDQFK
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*ZDJZDODGD $EXMD 3DUN *ZDJZDODGD 3ORW 3DUN /DQH )FW $EXMD /DQH
32
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*ZDULPSD %UDQFK
3ORW 5G $YHQXH *ZDUimpa Estate, Abuja
*ZDULQSD
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33
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/DGRNH $NLQWROD %OYG %UDQFK
3ORW /DGRNH $NLQWROD %RXOHYDUG *DUNL $EXMD
$EXMD /DGRNH $NLQWROD Bolvd
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34
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Jos Street Branch
-RV 6WUHHW $UHD *DUNL )FW $EXMD
Retail Shop- Savannah 6XLWHV $EM
Savannah Suite Hotel
35
Rivers
3ORW 2OX 2EDVDQMR 3+ Branch
Plot 9 ,Olu Obasanjo Road, Phc, Rivers State.
PH, Olu Obasanjo Way
1R $ 2OX 2EDVDQMR :D\ 3+
36
Rivers
Ikokwu Branch
31A, Amaigbo Road, Ikokwu Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Rsust Branch
River State University Science And Technology, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
37
Rivers
Agip Road Branch
$JLS 5RDG %HVLGH .LOLmanjaro, Mile 4 Rumueme, Port Harcourt,Rivers State.
PH, 222 Ikwerre Road
222 Ikwerre Road, PH
38
Rivers
Rumukurishi Branch
Plot 382, Port Harcourt$ED ([SUHVVZD\ 3RUW Harcourt, Rivers State.
Ret Shop - 316 Aba 5RDG
316, Aba Road, PH
39
Rivers
Ret Shop - Odua Road, PHC
No 2 Station Road,Ph
Bank Road Ph Branch
$ %DQN 5RDG 3RUW +DUFRXUW 5LYHUV 6WDWH
Rivers
PH, 145 Aba Road
Aba Road, 145, Aba Road, Ph Olu Obasanjo Branch
329A, Olu Obasanjo Road, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.
1RWH 7KHVH EUDQFKHV DUH QRW FORVLQJ 7KH\ DUH RQO\ REVHUYLQJ D WZR ZHHN RQ DQG WZR ZHHN RƩ VKLIW VWUXFWXUH 2XU WKRXJKWV DQG SUD\HUV DUH ZLWK HYHU\RQH GXULQJ WKLV GLƬFXOW SHULRG DV ZH EDWWOH WKLV WKUHDW We will get through this together. Stay safe. Signed Management Access Bank Plc
WEDNESDAY, ÍşÍ˝Ëœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY
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NEWS
Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268
W’Bank Wants Debt Repayments by ‘Poor Countries’ Suspended Obinna Chima The World Bank has appealed to the United States, China, the United Kingdom and other member countries of the G20 to allow, “the poorest countries to suspend all repayments of official bilateral credit,� due to the ravaging COVID-19. A statement obtained on the multilateral institution’s website yesterday, said its President, David Malpass, made the call during the G20 finance ministers’ conference call. Chinese credit accounts for 80 per cent of all bilateral loans to Nigeria, according to data from the Debt Management Office (DMO). China provides loans to build railways, power plants and airports, helping to bridge a huge infrastructure gap in Nigeria.
Malpass said the debt repayment should be suspended until the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had assessed the reconstruction and financing needs of the poor countries. According to him, the World Bank and the IMF were ready to work quickly with official bilateral creditors and with other international organisations as partners to finalise a process in April. “I’m calling on the G20 Leaders to allow the poorest countries to suspend all repayments of official bilateral credit until the World Bank and the IMF have made a full assessment of their reconstruction and financing needs. “These are difficult times for all, especially for the poorest and most vulnerable. For the World Bank Group, our first goal
is to provide prompt support during the crisis, based on a country’s needs. “It’s also vital to shorten the time to recovery and create confidence that the recovery can be strong,� he said. The World Bank boss said the breadth and speed of its response were critical to its effectiveness. He stated that on March 17, the bank and its subsidiary, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) boards approved a $14 billion package to respond to COVID-19. Of that, IFC would give $8 billion in relatively fast-acting financial support for private
companies, he said. Also, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA) will provide $6 billion in the near term to support health care. “We’re currently restructuring existing projects in 23 countries, many of these through the use of ‘contingent emergency response components.’ “We’re also preparing projects in 49 countries in a new fast-track facility, with decisions expected this week on as many as 16 country programmes. “Our board will meet shortly, and I’m hopeful
that this first round of countries will provide a framework to allow us to quickly scale up over the next few weeks. We’ll be inviting follow-up tranches from other MDBs into April. “Importantly, we have identified a range of rapid procurement modalities leading to bulk purchases, and we are working together with other MDBs and the IMF to assess needs, implement the new system, and develop co-financing. “We are in dialogue with China among other key countries to obtain help with the rapid manufacture and delivery of many of these supplies and are
grateful for their positive responses so far,� he added. According to him, beyond the severe health impact from the pandemic, there may be a major recession of the global economy. He said the bank was working to provide a fast response, utilising all its available instruments. “Countries need to move fast to boost health spending, strengthen social safety nets, support the private sector and counter financial-market disruption. “Countries will need to implement structural reforms to help shorten the time to recovery and create confidence that the recovery can be strong,� he stated.
Beware of COVID-19 Ransomware, FG Warns Nigerians Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The federal government has alerted Nigerians to the existence of an Android-based malicious and fraudulent COVID-19 Ransomware Application, which claims to provide updates on the virus and infections near the user. In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the Ransomware blocks access to users' personal data and accounts and threatens deletion, unless users pay one hundred US dollars ($100) in Bitcoin within
48 hours. He said the Ransomware App, detected on the website w w w. c o ro n a v i r u s a p p . site, prompts users to download an Android App purportedly for COVID-19 map tracking and heat map visuals. Mohammed said the development confirmed warnings against cybercriminals seeking to exploit the growing spread of the virus for nefarious gains. He, therefore, called on the general public not to download the Ransomware App, urging them to seek updates on the pandemic only from the appropriate authorities.
COVID-19 GREETING... Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (left), and National Leader, All Progressives Congress, Senator Bola Tinubu, during the party chieftain’s visit to the governor in Lagos...yesterday
SEC Introduces Electronic Filing, Processing of Applications Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued an advisory to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on capital market operations. In a circular to capital market stakeholders on COVID-19, the SEC released new guidelines to be adopted in the interim in response to the effects of COVID-19. These adjustments include: Filing and processing of applications electronically, extension of deadline on 2019 annual reports and Q1 2020 reports, postponement of
the quarter1 (Q1) Capital Market Committee meeting earlier scheduled for April 23, 2020. The commission stated that applications shall be filed electronically while pending applications and requests by Capital Market Operators (CMOs) for update of information would be processed online. However, fresh applications for registration of CMOs are suspended until further notice. Also, returns shall be filed electronically while the commission has approved a 60-day extension, in the first instance, for public
companies and capital market operators to file their 2019 annual reports and Q1 2020 reports. By the advisory, public companies are to take appropriate precautionary measures as recommended by the federal and state governments as well as the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to ensure the safety of shareholders and participants at Annual General Meetings/ExtraOrdinary General Meetings and other meetings which may be held during the prevalence of the pandemic. “The first Capital Market Committee Meeting for the year scheduled to hold on
April 23, 2020, and all other meetings have been postponed indefinitely. “It is important to note that the foregoing guidelines are not exhaustive, but rather represent an outline of immediate actions the commission considers necessary to sustain the actualisation of its regulatory mandate and maintain the integrity of the Nigerian capital market during this challenging period. Accordingly, the commission will continue to issue updates to market stakeholders as appropriate. The commission will also continue to closely
coordinate with other financial regulators and governmental authorities,� the SEC stated. The SEC urged all capital market stakeholders to adhere to all recent directives on safety and social distancing, adding that it is focused on the following measures, amongst others: ensuring the continuity of its operations; monitoring market functions and systemic risks; providing regulatory flexibility and guidance to issuers, trading platforms, capital market operators and other stakeholders impacted by COVID-19; and continuation
of investor protection efforts and relevant enforcement actions, The spread of COVID-19 worldwide has created uncertainty and anxiety, as governments and health experts attempt to curtail the proliferation of the virus. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that given Africa’s fragile health systems, the threat posed by COVID-19 to the continent is considerable. This has led to various actions taken by the federal and state governments in Nigeria to curb the spread of the virus.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 25, 2020 • T H I S D AY
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WEDNESDAY, ÍşÍ˝Ëœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY
NEWS
EFCC Vows to Block Alleged Attempt to Defraud Nigeria of ÂŁ2.5bn Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised the alarm over attempts by a certain group of lawyers and their alleged sponsors to short-change Nigeria, saying that the commission will not allow anyone to defraud the country through a controversial claim for ÂŁ2.5billion. A statement from the commission said it strongly condemned "a calculated attempt by a group of 27 lawyers to blackmail one of its lead prosecutors, Mr. Rotimi Jacob (SAN), on the contentious ÂŁ2.5billion, insisting that Jacobs is a reputable lawyer, who had successfully prosecuted several high-profile cases for the EFCC." The 27 lawyers had, in a petition addressed to the National Executive of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), alleged that Jacobs was using the EFCC to arrest, harass and intimidate them for winning a monetary suit against the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) and Union Bank of Nigeria Plc. Speaking through one Mr. Onyechi Egwuonwu, the 27 lawyers further alleged that the Union Bank induced the EFCC and Jacobs to file criminal charges against their client, Petro Union Oil, in order to frustrate the execution of the judgment. But in a swift reaction, the EFCC yesterday dismissed the claim, describing it as false and misleading. The EFCC said: “For the purpose of clarity, the purported ÂŁ2.5billion is a fictitious fund Petro Union Oil drew against an account in Barclays Bank (United Kingdom) through a cheque issued in 1994. “The company made a
fraudulent attempt to present the cheque for clearing through Union Bank but inquiries made by Union Bank at Barclays Bank showed that the account against which the cheque was drawn was closed in 1989, five years before the cheque was presented in Lagos for clearing." The commission asserted that the company was voluntarily dissolved by its promoters in the United Kingdom. The same promoters are the mastermind of Petro Union oil. “For some inscrutable reasons, Petro Union Oil was able to procure a court judgment for the ÂŁ2.5billion against the CBN and Union Bank on the basis of an alleged CBN Statement of Account when it is elementary that the CBN, like all Central Banks across the world, does not maintain accounts for private entities. "Based on the foregoing, the EFCC filed a seven-count charge against Petro Union oil and its directors and trial is ongoing at the Federal High Court," it said. The commission further said: “It should be pointed out that, the publication alleging intimidation and harassment by the lawyers is a desperate attempt by the shady elements and their promoters to divert attention from their ongoing trial and frustrate the EFCC in its determination to rid the country of corrupt and manipulative elements, including the lawyers and other professionals who lent their names to aid the fraud. “Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), is a highly respected member of the legal profession who has worked assiduously in conjunction with the EFCC to secure convictions of many notable convicts in the society."
Ajimobi Asks Alao-Akala to Lead Oyo APC Reconciliation Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has set up a reconciliation team to reconcile aggrieved members of the party in Oyo State. The committee to be headed by a former governor of the state, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, has 16 other members with Prince Gbade Lana as secretary. Ajimobi in a statement made available to THISDAY last night, said the reconciliation team would ensure genuine reconciliation and the repositioning of the party in the state. On the crisis in the party and the ongoing reconciliation, Ajimobi acknowledged that everyone contributed to the success of the party in 2011 and 2015 elections, and should, therefore, accept that they also contributed to the 2019 setback. According to him, ‘’I acknowledged that we all contributed to the success of the party in the past, particularly in 2011 and 2015 elections respectively, conversely, if we have setback in 2019, I believe it is honourable to accept that we all contributed directly or indirectly accordingly.’’ The deputy national chairman also apologised for mistakes he might have also made, urging other members to recognise their
failings too. “As humans, we are not infallible; I accept my mistakes to which I tender my unreserved apology. In the same spirit, others who might have similarly made mistakes, I accept their apologies," he said. He enjoined party members to forgive one another, adding that the APC Oyo State family had been offered a unique opportunity once again to rebuild, reinvigorate, reposition and consolidate for the challenges ahead. “Let us seize this moment for the overall benefit of our party and our people. Let selfless and meaningful service to humanity be our watchword,’’ he said. Other members of the committee include: Alhaji Kamar Ajisafe, (Ibadan Less City); Pa Akin Ojebode, (Oyo); Alhaji Laide Abass, (Ibarapa Zone); Pa Adeleke, Oke Ogun I, Prof Dibu Ojerinde, (Oke Ogun II); Senator Teslim Folarin (Representing Oyo State Caucus in the Senate); Hon. Segun Odebunmi, (Representing the House of Representatives Caucus); Hon. Asimiyu Alarape, (State House of Assembly); Hon. Mojeed Olaoya (State Party Secretary); Mr. Isiaka Areokuta (Youth Leader); Mrs. Mabel Williams, (Women Leader); Chief S.M. Akindele (Oyo Central); Prince Adefisoye Adekanye (Oyo South) and Rasaq Arikewuyo (Oyo North).
GIVE ME SPACE... L-R: Minister of Humanitarian Services, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Ms. Sadiya Umar; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha; and Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, after a meeting of the presidential task force on COVID-19 in Abuja‌yesterday
COVID-19 Levels the High and Low Martins IďŹ jeh
has since gone into self-isolation for 14 days.
W
orld over, middleand low-class people often bear the major burden of disease outbreaks. The infections, the deaths and the devastations are mostly the preserve of the poor and ‘ordinary’ people in the society. But there seems to be a shift in the epidemic spread of COVID-19. It does not respect status as it has moved from one high profiled person to the other, including politicians, entertainers, media influencers and those who are often referred to as the elites. The pattern of spread has now resulted in several high profiled persons and their families scrambling for tests as they may have, in one way or the other had contact with some of their kinds who have tested positive to the virus. Here are the big names battling the disease:
Iran’s Religious Leader, Ayatollah Hashem Bathayi Among the seven high profiled persons who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Iran is its religious leader, Ayatollah Hashem Bathayi. He was a member of the clerical body that appoints the supreme leader in Iran. Bathayi, who was 78 years old, died of the disease two days after he commenced treatment. US Senator, Rand Paul
Nigeria’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari Nigeria’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, yesterday tested positive for COVID-19, a situation that has now made him the first government official in the country to have the virus. Kyari, a close ally to President Muhammadu Buhari, was away in Germany in early March with a delegation of other Nigerian officials for meetings with Siemens AG. It is unclear if he self-isolated before he was tested. The news of his status has rattled Aso Rock; the seat of power, as it is believed he has had contact with other government officials.
The Vice President of Iran, Masoumeh Ebtekar was diagnosed with COVID-19 on February 27, making her one of the seventh government official to test positive to the disease in a country afflicted with over 24, 800 cases of COVID-19.
On March 22, Rand Paul became the first United States Senator to test positive for the coronavirus. The news was relayed on his official Twitter account, where a spokesperson said he’s doing fine and in self-quarantine. Paul, who has since commenced treatment said he was not aware he had met with someone who tested positive to the virus, adding that he was asymptomatic. He said he will join his colleagues at the senate after his quarantine period was over, adding that he will continue to work for the people of Kentucky despite the temporary setback.
Wife of Canadian Prime Minister, Sophie Trudeau
Mayor of Miami, Francis Suarez
Arch Duke of Australia, Karl von Habsburg
On March 12, the Wife of Canadian Prime Minister Sophie Trudeau tested positive for COVID-19 after returning from a brief trip to the United Kingdom where she had a speaking engagement. Sophie has since been placed under isolation and treatment. Her husband has described her symptom as mild, noting that she would come out of it in few weeks. Canadian and UK authorities said they were contacting all the persons she had contact with in both countries, and that they have been advised to self-isolate themselves for 14 days. Although her husband Justin has tested negative for COVID19 following his wife’s status, he
On March 13, THE Mayor of Miami, Francis Suarez tested positive for COVID-19. He announced his status himself in a video on his social media accounts, adding that he was asymptomatic as at the time of getting his result. Since his diagnosis, he has been sharing daily “digital journals� to update the public on his condition and local government efforts to fight the pandemic. He wrote: “In my fifth digital journal, I explain how my condition directly ties into the importance of social distancing, as well as another bold action the City of Miami is now taking to promote that. We are in this together,’ he added.
On March 17, the Archduke of Austria, Karl von Habsburg confirmed he had been diagnosed with COVID-19. The archduke, who heads the historic House of Habsburg-Lorraine, has been in self-quarantine since March 12 after testing positive for the virus. He called into Austrian TV network oe24 to inform the public of his condition: “It is annoying, but I am fine. It is not the Black Plague. I thought it was the usual flu. When a friend called me that he had a positive test at a congress in Switzerland, I was also tested.�
Vice President of Masoumeh Ebtekar
Iran,
Wife of Spain Prime Minister, Begona Gomez The Spanish government announced that the wife of Spanish Prime Minister, Begona Sanchez tested positive for the virus on March 14. The announcement came soon after the prime minister announced sweeping state measures to curb the spread of the virus. At least 39, 000 persons have tested positive for COVID-19 while almost 3000 persons have died from the disease in the country. The country is currently on lockdown.
Hollywood Couple, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson On March 11, Hollywood
superstar, Tom Hanks announced that he and his wife, Rita Wilson has tested positive for COVID-19, adding that they contracted the virus in Australia. Hanks was said to have been preparing for the shooting of Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis Presley biopic when he and Wilson started to feel cold and flu symptoms. The couple subsequently tested positive for the virus and assured they were isolating themselves during their recovery period. According to a March 16 report from People, after a five-day stay at a Queensland hospital, the couple is now recuperating at a rented home in Australia. British Actor, Idris Elba British actor and musician Idris Elba shared a video via Twitter on March 16 to announce that he had tested positive for COVID-19. While he said he remains asymptomatic, he decided to go for testing after discovering he was exposed to someone who had been diagnosed with the virus. Elba appears in the video with his wife, Sabrina Dhowre. He urges viewers to take up global solidarity, social distancing, and soap to combat the spread of the virus. He said: “This morning I tested positive for COVID-19. I feel okay, I have no symptoms so far but I have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus. Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I’m doing,� he added. Hollywood Kurylenko
Star,
Olga
On March 15, Olga Kurylenko, who starred as Daniel Craig in the 2008 James Bond film Quantum of Solace, said she tested positive for COVID-19. The Ukrainian–born French actress shared the news on Instagram, where she urged followers to take the virus seriously. She said: “Locked up at home after having tested positive for COVID-19. I have actually been ill for almost a week now. Fever and fatigue are my main symptoms. Take care of yourself and do take this seriously.�
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COMMENT
Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com
THE EARTH MUST NOT DIE Sonnie Ekwowusi writes that the Coronavirus will be contained
T
he stillness of death lies everywhere. The streets are silent. Not many souls are stirring yet it is just half noon. The chirping of the birds could no longer be heard. The street loner glanced about, looked back, tiptoed cautiously to the roadside, and again looked back on the empty street. Then quietly he stopped and slowly whispered the following words to himself: “death�, “extinction of the human race�. Then suddenly a new thought seized him. If coronavirus found him there alone-with all his money, all his wealth, human fame, what would his life be worth? Fear seized him. A sickening horror froze in his limbs. In vain he sought for assistance. With a chocking cry of utter flight he leaned giddily against the cold building staring helplessly at the sight. In the great stone doorway about 50 metres from where he stood lay hundred upon hundred men and women and children mowed down by coronavirus. Was everybody dead? Warnings wired around the world, “coronavirus has been sent to take revenge upon the earth.� At this juncture he woke up from his deep night sleep. He looked up and down. He jumped up and grabbed the window handle and opened it. He took a studied look at his surroundings. He was still in his abode situate at 72 Street, Manhattan, New York, United States. Then he carefully inspected his hands, legs. He looked at his face in the mirror. He is a man not easily moved by a dream. But this particular dream which looked very much like his somnambulism jarred up his already tired nerves. Thereafter he got up and sank into the small sofa by the side of his bed and, in no time, fell into a deep melancholy. Humankind is poised at a crossroads. Is the earth is dying? Children, are these the much-vaunted last days? The human race is engaged in a race to avert extinction. Before now we lived in a global world that was threatened by nuclear armaments, weapons of mass destruction, communal conflicts, Middle East crisis, armed struggle, Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen killings and serial kidnaps, betrayal of the popular will, lust for power, sit-tight political dictatorship and economic and social strains. But now we live in a new world, a world being strangled to death by the coronavirus pandemic. Man has landed in the Moon and the outer spaces. Despite its seemingly invincibility the Nazi Empire still collapsed. Nuremburg, once a city symbolizing German’s culture, then Hitler’s symbol of Nazi Kultur, eventually became a great waste of broken bricks. The men and women of our 21st Century have conquered the universe: they have accomplishments in the world of science, technology, commerce, communication and so forth. But however strong his conviction that he is the overlord and the conqueror of the universe, man’s anthropocentric self-image shrinks to insignificance in the face of a tiny virus called coronavirus or COVID-19. This truth is not easy to accept; it has always been man’s nature to regard himself as the centre of the universe from whence the sun, moon, the sky, the solar system and all heavenly bodies worship and adore him. Stuck in this make-believe, many people have lost the transcendent perception of our common humanity. As far as they are concerned, the meaning of human existence is worship of the stomach and bodily pleasure. Consider, for example, the secular ethics of utilitarianism of Jeremy Bentham, Peter Singer, John Stuart Mill an others which
SINCE THE YEARS OF YORE HUMAN BEINGS HAVE BEEN BATTLING VIRUSES AND DEFEATING VIRUSES
posits that the morally right action is always the one that brings the great possible material happiness and pleasure. Utilitarianism or consequentialism teaches that society must be transformed to give material happiness to the greatest number even if it engenders transgression of natural laws and the laws of Almighty God. Let me briefly narrate a little event of my life. Many years ago I visited a family of 10 in the central area of London. The wife of my host was an Iranian lady, a convert to Catholicism. She was tall and slim, a very pretty lady. Although she had had 10 children for her husband, she still looked young, could pass for a 21-year old lady. Anyway, this lady told me that the neigbours living in that porch neigbourhood do not pray, let alone go to church. Why? Because they claimed that they do not know what to ask from God since they already possessed all the material things they needed in life. The lady’s last daughter was called Jacinta. Like her mother, Jacinta was very beautiful. But the lady told me that she had to withdraw Jacinta from public secondary school where she had been enrolled because the school was teaching her how she could become a lesbian. So, unhooked from supernatural realities, the secular-humanistic, pragmatic, utilitarian and hedonistic culture is rationalized and embraced as a universal culture which must reign across the world. Anyway, it is said that adversity engenders great awakenings in people, one of which is awakening to the transcendence. Suddenly finding themselves in forced isolation, seclusion, hibernation and social distancing amid crumbling world economy owing to the ravaging coronavirus pandemic, many people may be forced to look up to high heavens in search of assistance. If life must go on in these coming weeks and months without, for instance, the English Premiership (the new opium), without UEFA Champions League, without social intercourses and without those things which give the human beings pleasure then it is not unlikely that many people will turn to God to seek true meaning to their lives. As we speak, practically the whole world is united in prayer to God to bring the coronavirus pandemic to an immediate end. Already President Donald Trump has urged all Americans to seek divine intervention as America works hard to produce the coronavirus vaccine. In Italy, the secluded Italians are shown peeping from the windows of their respective houses. Doing what? Joining the priest as he carries the Blessed Eucharist along the abandoned Italian streets in prayer to God to heal Italy and the world of the deadly coronavirus pandemic. All said, hope is our greatest asset. A people without hope are dead people. But we are not dead. We are still alive. So, why lose hope? Look, since the years of yore human beings have been battling viruses and defeating viruses. From 1346-1353, for instance, the world witnessed what was dubbed the Black Death or the Great Plague. This devastating pestilence killed more than 20 million people in Europe. Yet the earth did not die. Then in 1918 a global pandemic known as the Spanish Flu killed not less than 50 million people. And still the earth did not die. Hopefully with the combined effects of prayer, prudence, medical safeguards and attention, precautionary measures, obedience to medical experts and constituted authority we shall defeat the coronavirus pandemic.
CORONAVIRUS AND RELIGIOUS LEADERS
Religious leaders who defy the authorities and health experts will be accountable to God for lives lost, writes Bashir Mundi
T
housands of people are dying in many countries around the world. Corona virus is killing people of different faith, the rich, the poor, and even doctors and nurses caring for corona patients. In light of this global public health crisis, some (not most) Muslim scholars and leaders, Bishops and pastors in Nigeria, for example, who are displaying misguided religious bravado by treating this pandemic as a hoax or an exaggeration are endangering human lives by advising their followers to defy public health advice from competent government authorities and public health agencies. By God, these religious leaders will answer to God on the day of judgment. And the government should not tolerate this brazen and audacious threat to the lives of thousands of Nigerians. These sheikhs and mallams, and even bishops and pastors, should be held accountable. Their potentially massively lethal actions should not be taken lightly by a government whose most important responsibility is to protect the lives of citizens. That said, the Nigerian government on her part must display a more assertive response to this pandemic. When the Prophet Muhammad (peace by upon him) ordered the Muazzin (caller to prayer) to announce, “pray in your homes, pray in your
homes�, he decided so in order to protect them from getting soaked in rain and mud. This valid excuse was rather mild compared to what we’re dealing with right now. Corona virus is lethal. Medical experts say that this is a rapidly infectious disease that a person can be spreading for 10 to 14 days without showing any symptoms. And everyone that this person infected during this time would also have been infecting others without them showing symptoms either for up to 10 days. And how many other unsuspecting people would those infected keep on infecting innocently? Just imagine how the virus would have been geometrically spreading silently because some people are waiting till they show symptoms before they socially isolate. Meanwhile, religious leaders who have no medical competency are misguiding their followers. As a practicing Muslim, it is extremely disheartening and saddening to see images of empty mosques around the world. It is a surreal and subnormal feeling to have to miss attending congregational prayers in the mosque due to the corona pandemic. On Friday the 13th of March, I was forced to cancel my planned sermon at an Atlanta area mosque due to the corona crisis. It is a very abnormal experience for me. This is such an unprecedented historical calamity that one is still struggling to fathom. However, the Muhammadan way is the way of reasonable caution in times like these. Describing our beloved Prophet, Allah says in the Qur’an, “And We have not sent you except as a loving
mercy to the worlds�. In the historical instance mentioned earlier, the Prophet, peace be upon him, had asked people to pray in their homes for their own safety and out of caution against potential harm from the rain. Potential harm! Not even proven harm! We must appreciate the Prophetic and Islamic Principle of the Priority of Removing Harm or evil (Dar’ al Mafasid). He even instructed people who had eaten garlic not to come to the mosque so that they don’t offend other worshippers with foul odor. Are we more Islamic than the Prophet? Can we say that the Prophet was disobeying Allah by instructing the people to pray at home? God forbid, No! Prayer to Allah is indeed our greatest weapon against this, or any, affliction. A bedouin Arab once left his camel untied outside the mosque, and the Prophet asked him why he had not tied his camel. The man said he was relying on Allah to take care of the camel. Then the Prophet told him “Tie your camel and rely on Allah�. Using the means that Allah has provided, such as competent medical advice and common sense, is part of trusting in Allah. One of the top two objectives of Islam is the preservation life (Hifz al-Nafs). God bless the many other religious leaders that are leading courageously by advising their followers to heed instructions and public health advice from the relevant authorities. The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and other leading Islamic bodies, organizations, and mosques,
have issued statements to this effect. Now that government authorities at different levels are showing more resolve by announcing total ban on large (including religious) gatherings, this is a welcome, even if unfortunate, precautionary measure. With our chronically poor medical preparedness for such a massive public health crisis, our greatest hope in Nigeria is to turn to God to save us. But we must tie our camel! Else we may risk invoking the wrath of God by failing to use the means that He has provided. If, at the end of the day, we discover that we had unnecessarily exercised an abundance of caution after all, then that would have still been the right thing to do. And that would have been the Islamically correct course of action. May God recompense us for our patience and reward us with the full reward of the congregational prayers we miss on account of this pandemic. Meanwhile, adhere to government advice to keep social distance, wash your hands with soap regularly, drink warm water regularly, and keep a clean environment with disinfectants. If you notice symptoms, quarantine yourself and alert health officials immediately. That is how you tie your camel. May God forgive us our sins, lift this affliction from us, bless the souls of those that have died, protect us, fortify those caring for the sick, strengthen our resolve in the face of this tremendous trial, and heal the afflicted amongst us. Dr Mundi is of the Department of Religion, University of Georgia, Athens, USA
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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020
EDITORIAL FIGHTING TROOPS AND MENTAL HEALTH The authorities could do more to ensure sanity of soldiers in front line
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he tragic instances of soldiers going out of their minds and wasting lives at both the front line and after returning home in different parts of the country are becoming worrying. The latest of this unfortunate incident occurred on 26 February this year, when a corporal attached to the Army Super Camp 15 at Malam Fatori in Borno State went berserk, killing four of his colleagues and thereafter shooting himself dead. The list of these bizarre incidences is long. On 2 January this year, a soldier who had gone on a medical leave from the front line in the Northeast to Ede, Osun State, suddenly drew a knife and stabbed his wife and son. Not done yet, the soldier left the room, descended on his neighbour, a nursing mother, and stabbed her several times until she died. On 23 September 2018, a soldier in Giri, Abuja, reportedly shot and injured his colleagues before shooting himself dead. Few days after, a staff sergeant attached to 192 Battalion in Gwoza, Borno SOLDIERS IN THE FRONT State, also shot one LINE HAD PROTESTED of his colleagues THEIR POOR WELFARE dead, injuring four WHILE OTHERS HAD SHOT others and killing SECRET VIDEOS TO KEEP himself. On 12th November, 2017, a THE WORLD INFORMED ABOUT THE INDIFFERENCE sergeant shot dead an army captain, OF THEIR LEADERS TO four civilians before THEIR WELL-BEING taking his own life after an argument at a checkpoint in Chibok, Borno State. There are reports that the armed forces have now started deploying psychologists on the platform of Psychological Counselling Unit (PCU) to reduce suicide and murder cases among the troops. It is also commendable that some medical experts have been deployed to address the emotional, psychological and mental health needs of
Letters to the Editor
the soldiers fighting terrorists in the North-east while the PCU is saddled with the responsibility of detecting and addressing cases of anxiety, depression and trauma.
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T H I S DAY EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI AJAYI, DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN, MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE
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TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (9501000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.
THE GLOBAL HEALTH CHALLENGE
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an does not learn from history. Nothing is new. Every bad thing has happened at some point in time. The Coronavirus scare is no different. Why then does man never prepare for emergencies until they befall him? Nigeria is a country with so much potential but she is one of the poorest countries in the world. This status in the public domain should make her catalogue her problems like the Dutch did with their Dutch disease and solve her problems. When some of the wealthiest countries in the world began to panic and started putting measures in place to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, Nigerian government did nothing but waited until the virus entered the country and started the rat race. Government officials politicize everything, even a simple assignment as the president addressing the nation. I wonder when our emergency response will become fully functional. I see the governor of New York address the state periodically on CNN. Life is gradually beginning to return to China before the second wave reported from people who just returned to China (with the virus) and Nigeria is advocating shutting down the country. What does that say about the type of response system in place in Nigeria to tackle challenges? Is health care a priority for our society or not? If it is, our borders should have been shut before the first case was reported in Lagos. Leadership is a gut-level
owever, it is not enough to send medical experts to battle fields: the main challenge is on the effectiveness of the move. Despite the establishment of the PCU since 2015, soldiers suffering from mental depression still remain on battle fronts until they engage in killings and suicide acts. The soldier who stabbed his wife and son before proceeding to stab a nursing mother in Osun State was said to have been suspected with a mental health challenge by his neighbours. That he was granted medical leave in that condition instead of being hospitalised and promptly treated is a serious indictment on the military authority. Beyond deploying psychologists, the leadership of the military must address other issues culminating in mental health challenges for the fighting troops. For instance, giving soldiers antiquated weapons to fight terrorists has been identified by experts as one of the causes of depression. In the same vein, poor welfare package for soldiers on firing line every day is despairing. In the past, soldiers in the front line had protested their poor welfare while others had shot secret videos to keep the world informed about the indifference of their leaders to their well-being. Also, soldiers are not supposed to spend too long a time in the heat of battle before they are recalled and replaced, but that is not the case. Many of the soldiers fighting Boko Haram have been there for the past three to five years without being replaced. The aftermath of this is the danger posed by such development to family members, colleagues and neighbours. We therefore advise the military to constantly bear in mind factors forcing soldiers into mental health challenges and promptly put in place the necessary machinery to nip them in the bud.
occupation. It is hoped that this virus wouldn’t overwhelm Nigerians as it has in Italy. I wonder what went wrong in Italy, a sophisticated country that brought civilization to the United Kingdom in the days of yore. Our economy is an informal one and people earn daily income in Nigeria, only a handful of people work in established sectors with guaranteed salaries. What about the majority with no source of income? Stay safe; but people cannot be safe without money and food to eat. Many Nigerians are facing financial stress. I do not see strategic food reserves anywhere as in the days of Egypt of old. Hand sanitizers are expensive only because many sellers have latched in on the universal health challenge to dupe Nigerians. Many a Nigerian profit from adversity instead of showing love. Leaders of the moment and at this critical period in our history should decide what role they want to play in the lives of Nigerians – a positive or negative part. This is no time for people who can afford to feed on government’s purse to begin to put fears in the minds of Nigerians, they need to help Nigerians in deed because the currency of fear in the air is becoming worse than the virus itself. They have to show that they care and are interested in citizens in the real sense or else we are in trouble. I know we are already in deep trouble because we did not carry out a capability audit to handle this virus before it entered Nigeria. Simon Abah, abah_s@yahoo.com
BETWEEN SAUDI ARABIA AND RUSSIA
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t beats imagination to say the least that two leading global producers of oil would throw caution to the wind and sustain a mutually destructive price war that has crashed the oil price to less than $24 per barrel at the wake of Covic-19 pandemic. Why these two nations have doubled down on this reductionist diplomacy at a time when the world economy is at the verge of collapse triggered by a virus is hard to imagine. The price war has unleashed increased supply of crude to an already inundated international market. At the last OPEC summit in Vienna, President Putin refused Saudi Arabia’s plan to cut oil production, preferring instead to maintain current levels, see the price fall and hurt US shale oil producers whose product is more costly to extract than Russia’s crude oil. Whilst Saudi Arabia disapproves a temporary advantage that guarantees higher sales volume at ridiculously low price, Russia prefers to lose revenue as long as U.S companies are also caught
in the disadvantaged spiral. As the epicenter of the disease shifts away from China and makes inroads to more nations, no one has been able to foretell when the end will be. Should Russia embrace a humanitarian diplomacy and agree with OPEC to cut production, the global economy may be salvaged. Bringing the narrative closer home, where does the Zero-Sum Game among the three oil giants with robust foreign reserve leave Nigeria that has a mono-product economy and can barely survive the extraneous confines of crude oil? Nigeria should skate her lane, knuckle down and diversify the economy. A state of emergency on agriculture with aggregate attention of all tiers government with a goal and a timeline to double output in agricultural produce and livestock across the nation is most imperative and apparently a choice-less path to navigate. Bukola Ajisola, bukymany@yahoo. com
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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY MARCH 25, 2020
MIDWEEKPOLITICS
Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG Email nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com 08114495324 SMS ONLY
A N A LY S I S
Coping With Conflicting Factors in Abia PDP Emmanuel Ugwu writes that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State may have achieved a careful balancing of opposing blocs in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party
Ikpeazu
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ike party primary elections, party congresses also pose a huge challenge to political party leaders due to the many contending interests usually at play. Balancing the competing interests requires astute maneuvering by party leaders as any tipping of the scale could easily lead to disaffection among party members whose interests were not accommodated. Thus the supposed cohesive wall begins to crack when grumblings and disaffection ensue in party affairs. And if not papered well enough the cracks could widen and lead to indifference, antiparty activities and even defection. This was the looming tempest staring the Abia state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the face when the national leadership of the party announced the time table for the 2020 party congresses. There was palpable convulsion in the ruling party as contending political interests positioned to grab elective offices in the congresses that would take place from ward to state level. The scramble for positions at the state level was more intense due to the impact it would have in 2023 when tickets for elective offices are due. Some sections of the state that felt they’ve not received a fair share in the distribution of party offices were seething with anger, ready to use the opportunity offered by the 2020 state congress to even scores. More over a big question mark is still hanging on the Abia Charter of Equity on which the ruling party has based its power rotation arrangement. Hence the shape of the incoming state executive is a sure pointer to the direction of power rotation compass come 2023. Faced with the simmering discontent, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu needed to act fast to stop it from boiling over. The Abia Chief Executive had swept to power in 2015 on the platform of the PDP and got a renewed mandate in 2019. So he needed no soothsayer to know that things could go wrong and the ruling party adversely affected if the 2020 state congress was not handled well. He just needed to be wary of any thing that could threaten the party’s grip on Abia state. Therefore setting up a State Congress Committee to prepare the ground for a smooth running of the party was a deft move by the governor, who is the leader of the ruling party in Abia. The terms of reference of the committee included “to make recommendations that will guarantee equity and ensure free congress” and “to supervise the congress.” The choice of Rev. Benson Ezem, a former state chairman of Abia PDP, to head the 2020 Congress Committee was seen by observers as a master stroke. Ezem, an architect by profession has proved to be a stabilizing elememt for the party hence he is always invited to calm the party any time the tempest develops. No doubt the party has found in him a man of
Ezem honour and integrity, who always showed courage in taking a stand without pandering to sentiments. Ezem was known to have displayed such character traits in 2016 when he was appointed by the party to head the peace and reconciliation committee in the aftermath of the 2015 general election. That had become necessary due to the discontent and animosity that the party carried into the election after its governorship primary. Ezem was able to calm frayed nerves and even assuaged party members with bloated egos. In the end , he rebuilt confidence in the ruling party. Like in the previous assignment, Ezem did not disappoint this time around. Working with a five-member State Congress Committee which included Chief Ndidi Okereke (former state party chairman), Sir Esiaba Iwezor, Chief Allen Nwachukwu, and Mrs. Love Ezema, who served as secretary of the committee, he sought to set the party on the way to a peaceful and productive congress. On Sunday February 1, 2020 the Committee submitted an interim report to the state Caucus of the party at its meeting in Umuahia. It was gathered that the immediate past governor of the state, Senator Theodore Orji moved the motion for the adoption of the report as a working document. According to an insider, Governor Ikpeazu opted to have an open discussion of the report and for members of the caucus to make their inputs instead of taking a unilateral decision and imposing his wish on the party. “It is the first time in Abia PDP that this type of thing is being done in a very open manner,” said the source, adding that the report enjoyed overwhelming support and everybody was happy with Governor Ikpeazu for his move to achieve cohesion in the party and for his respect for the collective input of party members. No doubt the outgoing state executives of the party would have loved to be returned intact after the congress. In fact some groups were already campaigning that the party chairman, Chief Johnson Onuigbo should continue in
office. But the Congress committee had other ideas. It stated in its report that since 1998 till date the post of state chairman of the ruling PDP has always rotated between Abia North and Abia Central. In all, eight chairmen have piloted the affairs of the party in the 22 years of the present democratic dispensation; five of them, including the outgoing chairman are from Abia Central, while three hail from Abia North. No party member from Abia South has held the position. The Committee in its wisdom therefore zoned the post of party chairman to Abia South, saying that the decision enjoyed acceptance from party stakeholders across the three senatorial zones. The implication is that only party members from Abia South would vie for the post of party chairman at the 2020 state congress. It didn’t stop at that. The Committee was specific that the Ukwa bloc of Abia South zone should produce the chairman to assuage their feeling of marginalization by the Ngwa bloc which got the governorship slot when it was zoned to Abia South in 2015 and has held on to the Abia South senatorial seat since 2007 when the incumbent, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe took his maiden flight into the National Assembly. As a way out of the intricacies of sharing the party state executive positions the committee came up with a swapping formula whereby all positions held by Abia central was zoned to Abia South while Abia North takes up positions hitherto occupied by Abia South and Abia Central moving over to the positions held by Abia North. The Congress Committee did well to insist on internal democracy and transparency at all levels of the forthcoming congresses. It refused to yield to the wishes of some powerful party members to return the present members of the PDP executives at all levels. While conceding to the rights of such party executives to seek reelection for second tenure, the Committee in its report “considered that there might be need to elect new and vibrant
The Committee insisted that a blanket return of all party officials at all levels will not enjoy the support of majority of the party stakeholders in Abia state. It recommended that those to be elected to pilot the affairs of the party for the next four years should be such persons that can bring back the confidence, commitment and loyalty of the entire party membership and leaders in readiness for the next general election
members into PDP executives at all levels, especially as the party executives who (will) take office in the 2020 congresses will be the ones to (lead the party) in the 2023 general election”. Based on this, the Committee insisted that “a blanket return of all party officials at all levels will not enjoy the support of majority of the party stakeholders in Abia state”. It recommended that “those to be elected to pilot the affairs of the party for the next 4 years should be such persons that can bring back the confidence, commitment and loyalty of the entire party membership and leaders in readiness for the next general election”. Perhaps the most outstanding recommendations of the Committee is the decision to sustain the principle of the Abia charter of equity as adopted by the ruling party. Not a few stakeholders have questioned the reasonability of clinging to power rotation in its strict application since all the three zones have now taken their turns thereby completing the circle. The argument in some quarters is that any zone could get the PDP governorship ticket in 2023 so long as the right person to give Abia a fast paced development stride is sought out and elected to pilot the affairs of the state. But the Ezem-led Congress committee said that having carried out wide consultations with PDP senior stake holders from Abia it has come to the conclusion that God’s own state could not do without the natural principle of fairness and impartiality in sharing of political offices. It further backed its position with the provisions of Chapter 1 Paragraph 7(3)(c) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017), which was an adaptation of Section 14 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which recognizes inclusiveness as a directive principle of state policy. According to the relevant section of the PDP constitution, the party in pursuing its aims and objectives shall adhere to “the policy of the rotation and zoning of party and public elective offices in pursuance of the principles of equity, justice and fairness.” Even though the recommendations were far reaching and enjoyed wide acceptability the committee did not wish away the possibility that there could be some party members that would prefer the old ways of doing things. Nonetheless the Committee emphasized the need for participatory democracy during the congress hence “strong attention must be paid by the Committee in the areas of transparency and equitable all inclusive congresses in order to ensure that power returns to the people.” All leaders were urged to be effective in their wards, local governments. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com
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T H I S D AY ˾WEDNESDAY MARCH 25, 2020
POLITICS
Ifeanyi Ubah Fights Off His Attackers
GOVERNANCE IN PHOTOS
Davidson Iriekpen writes that with the Court of Appeal ruling last Thursday Senator Ifeanyi Ubah has not only bounced back, but turned the heat on his accusers
Ubah
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he Court of Appeal in Abuja last Thursday rescued the Senator representing Anambra South senatorial district in the National Assembly, Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, when it voided an Abuja High Court’s judgment sacking from office in January. In a unanimous decision by a three-man panel of justices led by Justice Stephen Adah, the court held that the April 11, 2019, judgment of the lower court that removed him from the Senate, was based on incompetent processes. It noted that not only were the originating summons not duly signed by any legal practitioner as required by law, but that the High Court Rules made it mandatory that such legal document must be signed. Justice Adah who read the lead judgment, said the High Court acted wrongly when it dismissed a motion Ubah filed to draw its attention to anomalies in the processes and the fact that he was not served with a copy of the suit that led to his removal from the Senate. He said the lower court had no powers to set-aside any of its order or judgment that is a nullity. The appellate court judge held that Ubah’s suit was not caught up by section 285 of the 1999 Constitution which made it mandatory that an appeal must be lodged within 14 days after judgment was delivered. Besides, he said he found no evidence that Ubah was served with any hearing notice before the trial court delivered judgment against him. The appellate court held that, “A document that is not signed is a worthless piece of paper that lacks integrity. Any breach of the right of the appellant, vitiated the entire proceeding. The right of fair hearing is very fundamental and very sacrosanct. Once it is breached in a proceeding, every order therefrom amounts to nullity.” The Court of Appeal further held that the Abuja High Court lacked the territorial jurisdiction to entertain the suit that bordered on an election that was conducted in Anambra State. “ Aside vacating the judgment of the High Court, the Appeal Court issued an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Clerk of the National Assembly from giving any effect to it. It further awarded cost of N250,000 each, against the plaintiffs that filed the suit at the lower court, Mr. Anani Chuka and the senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Obinna Uzoh, who was a beneficiary of the judgment. Ubah made history during the general elections by contesting on the platform of a relatively unknown party, YPP to sack an incumbent senator, Senator Andy Uba of APC, who also doubled as the state chairman of President Buhari campaign council in Anambra State. The Capital Oil boss, who polled 87,081 votes defeated the candidates of PDP, the All Progressives Congress (APC), All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Chiefs Chris Ubah, Andy Ubah, Nicholas Ukachukwu, who polled 52,462, 13,245 and 51,269 votes, respectively.
Ubah left APGA for YPP after the leaders of the former disqualified him from the primary election of the party to pave the way for the wife of the late leader of the party, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, who also showed interest in the seat. Both Chris Ubah and Andy Ubah did not take the defeat lightly. They proceeded to the Election Petitions Trbunal and Court of Appeal where they were roundly defeated. Just as he was settling down to his senatorial duties, last January the media was ago with the news that he had lost his seat following a court ruling by an FCT High Court in Abuja, nullifying his election on the grounds that he forged the secondary school certificate he presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to contest the February 23, 2019 senatorial election on the platform of YPP. Dr. Obinna Uzoh had dragged Ubah before the FCT High Court on the grounds that the National Examination Council (NECO) secondary school certificate he presented to INEC to contest the Anambra South senatorial election was forged. Uzoh in his suit, also argued that the YPP having not conducted the primary elections for its party for the Anambra South senatorial election, should be disqualified. In his judgment, Justice Bello Kawu nullified Ubah’s election on the grounds that he forged the secondary school certificate he presented to INEC to contest the February 23, 2019 senatorial election. The judge declared that the 2nd defendant, YPP, did not have the locus standi and should not have participated in the February general election for Anambra South senatorial zone for its inability to conduct a primary election. He also declared that Uzoh is the actual winner of the election having come second position in the general election, and having the 1st and 2nd defendants disqualified for non-compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended). Justice Kawu therefore, ordered the 3rd defendant, INEC to issue a Certificate of Return to Uzoh, within 48 hours, as the duly elected senator for Anambra South senatorial district, being the candidate of the PDP and having scored the highest number of valid votes cast. He also ordered the Senate President and the Clerk to the National Assembly to swear in Uzoh as the senator representing Anambra South senatorial district within 48 hours. The first sign that Ubah was going to win his appeal came when agents of the Federal Government filed a six-count charge against one of his traducers, Dr Obinna Uzoh, his counsel, Eziafa Enwedo, and three others before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged forgery of court documents and judgment. Others equally charged are Anani Chuka, Aroh Ifunanya and Faith Samuel. The charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/78/2020, stated that the accused persons allegedly forged court processes and judgment in a cloned suit No. CV/3044/2018 at the FCT High Court, Kubwa to remove Ifeanyi Ubah from office as the duly elected senator representing Anambra South senatorial district. The criminal charge followed investigations by the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) which unearthed the fraud, involving several judicial staff, lawyers and litigants. The charge sheet alleged that all the processes filed in the said suit were forged including the judgment and that the purported filing fee receipt which was originally dated September 25, 2019, was mutilated to read October 19, 2018. The suspects were alleged to have mutilated the court register and cloned Suit No. CV/3044/2018, which was allotted in 2018 to S & M Holdings Limited vs person unknown filed on October 17, 2018, and affixed Suit No. CV/3044/2018 to Anani Chuka vs Ifeanyi Ubah & Ors. NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com
L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Biodun Oyebanji and Managing Director, Villam Agric Ltd, Rene Haveman, during the signing of MoU between the state government and the Dutch firm in Ado-Ekiti
L-R: Mr. Lookman Durosinmi-Etti, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, Managing Partner of Jackson, Etti & Edu, Mr. Koye Edu and Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Rep. Jimi Benson during the Jackson, Etti & Edu (JEE) dialogue on ‘Maximising butsiness Opportunities and Positioning for Growth’ in Lagos
L-R. Chief of Staff to the Ogun State Governor, Alhaji Salis Shuaib, Ogun State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Mr. Kehinde Oluwadare, Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele and Special Assistant to Ogun Governor on Youths, Comrade Olamide Lawal at the kick off of the Torch of Unity Relay for the (postponed) National Sports Festival, Edo 2020 at the Governor’s office Abeokuta
L-R: Governor State of Osun, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola; Chairman, Boad of Trustees Theatre Arts/ Motion Pictures Producers Association (TAMPAN), Otunba Adebayo Salami Bello and Director of Motion Pictures, Mr. Odunlade Adekola during TAMPAN’s courtesy visit to the Governor in his office at Abere, Osogbo
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FEATURES
Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, 08038901925
Reinforcing Zero Tolerance for Maritime Illegalities Chiemelie Ezeobi and Chinecherem Ojiako write that the recently concluded Exercise Treasure Guard 11 by the Nigerian Navy was targeted at among other things, reinforcing zero tolerance for maritime illegalities in the country’s territorial domain and the Gulf of Guinea waters
Some of the vessels in formation during Exercise Treasure Guard 11
The Flag OďŹƒcer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Oladele Daji agging o the exercise
The naval personnel during the Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS)
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international trade and is central to the economy of the associated regions. It is increasingly looked upon today as resource provider and critical contributor to national growth and prosperity of the several nations lining its coasts and even those landward and with no shared boundaries.
he Gulf of Guinea (GoG) coastline currently faces one of the world’s most severe maritime security challenges, which includes terrorism, resource theft, and sabotage of supporting infrastructure, piracy and sea robbery, crude oil theft, Illegal, Irregular and Unregulated Fishing (IIUF), human trafficking, narcotics, arms and smuggling. It was in its constant bid to find lasting solutions to the myriad challenges bedeviling the GoG, that the Nigerian Navy (NN) organised Exercise Treasure Guard, especially with the successes recorded in the first phase. The exercise saw the navy deploy six vessels and two helicopters for the three-day exercise which covered about fifteen nautical miles within the GoG waters. Gulf of Guinea Waters Lying across 19 coastal and island states, the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) coastline, which stretches
from the waters off Senegal to the south of Angola, is a treasure trove of rich resources. Comprising 26 countries grouped into two Regional Economic Communities (RECs), namely Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS, 11 states with the return of Rwanda) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS; 15 states), the GoG countries’ total population is about 472 million, with 160 and 310 million inhabitants for ECCAS and ECOWAS, respectively. Covering a surface area of 11,755,258 square kilometers, including a coastline of over 6000 kilometres from Senegal to Angola, the GoG countries have an estimated 24 billion barrels of crude oil reserves, that is five per cent of global reserves; five million barrels of crude oil per day; 40 per cent of Europe’s petroleum consumption, and 29 per cent of US petroleum consumption. The GoG is also the primary conduit of
Exercise Treasure Guard 11 Given all the inherent potentials in the GoG waters, the idea of Exercise Treasure Guard 11 on that same coastline was well received. For the exercise, six warships along with other sister agencies embarked on the operation targeted at putting a stop to activities of pirates and crude oil thieves operating around the country's territorial waters. Thus, it was in furtherance of the need to rid the nation of maritime illegalities that the operation 'Exercise Treasure Guard', a sea exercise aimed at maintaining professionalism and improving personnel capability, was
espoused in line with the the chief of naval staff’ zero tolerance for maritime illegalities on the nation's waterways. The three-day operation started from the Western Naval Command area of responsibility which includes Lagos, Ogun, and Ondo States and according to the Flag Officer Commanding Western Command (FOC), Rear Admiral Oladele Daji, the inauguration of Exercise Treasure Guard 11 was to increase the confidence of the global shipping community. Moreover, the overall objectives were to demonstrate and evaluate the navy’s maritime operation centres interoperability, and its tactical interdiction capability. It was also geared on how to demonstrate the capability of the navy to respond to real-time maritime threats, as well as prevent and counter such threats. But the key purpose was to protect key critical oil facilities at sea, especially as the nation and the world at large battles COVID-19 and all
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FEATURES
The helicopter during the medical evacuation
Personnel at sea attention has seemingly been shifted to tackling the virus. The navy thus carried out the exercise to prevent sea robbers from taking advantage of the spread of the virus to attack key installations. The FOC, who led the operation said this year’s exercise, which was hosted by the Eastern Naval Command in 2016, recorded a lot of achievements as lots of vessels that were involved in illegalities were arrested, which he said gave the seafarers confidence to once again ply the waters. He said: "If you look back, about four or five years before then, there was concern about ships calling at Nigerian ports and that's why we deemed it important to once again re-enact Exercise Treasure Guard 11 to increase the confidence of the global shipping community in Nigeria waters. "We have been preparing for over three months because we have had series of coordinating conferences with international partners as well as with maritime law enforcement agencies so the cancellation of the OBANGAME Express did not really have any adverse impact on our preparations as you can see, all the ships have taken their logistics provided by the naval headquarters and we are good to go.� He commended the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas on his commitment in ensuring that the Nigerian Navy continued to collaborate with other maritime agencies. “It is very important that we acknowledge the Chief of the Naval Staff for approving the transmutation of the Nigerian leg of Exercise OBAGAME EXPRESS 2020 which was cancelled due to the health concerns. The approval of Exercise Treasure Guard 11 is a clear demonstra-
tion of the avowed commitment of the CNS to harness and deploy all the capabilities of the navy in conjunction with other agencies. That is to ensure that collectively we secure and protect all the assets in our waters,� he added. Formidable Fleet at Sea For a show of force, it was an impressive fleet deployment of both ships and aerial power of the Nigerian Navy to sea. The entire fleet at sea was a record of six ships and two helicopters. The Nigerian Navy Special Boat Services (NNSBS) were also deployed for the exercise. The vessels include Nigerian Navy Ship (NSS) THUNDER, NNS NGURU, NNS DORINA, and NNS ANDONI as well as thug Commodore Ugwu and Thug Dolphin Rima. At Sea Sea exercises of this nature are designed to work up the ships and personnel in line with NN doctrine of operations, which is also a precursor of the determination to remain combat ready and brace up to meet their mandate. Furthermore, as part of efforts to maintain professionalism and improve personnel capability, sea exercises such as this one are organised periodically. While some involve navies of friendly foreign countries, others are purely carried out by the NN. Also, so many exercises were conducted ranging from the medical evacuation to Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) and then Gunnex. There were also boarding and searching exercises which were simulated like that of real life situations. The scenario showcased how the navy gave chase to a smuggling vessel, boarded and searched it. Armed with the brief,
the boarding party gave chase to the vessel, boarded it, searched and made arrests accordingly. For one of the main exercises at sea, which is the Gunnery Exercise (GUNNEX), all participating ship took part. Having achieved the required formation, other safety measures were taken before the firing took place. Some of the safety measures were activating the fire service water host and putting it on standby for any emergency. Also, fresh water was used to cool the barrel as it was releasing hails bullet. Meanwhile, the fire alarm was on to intimate the crew about the shooting. At inquiry, it was discovered that the purpose of the exercise was to test the efficiency of the weaponry, to send a signal that the navy does not only bark but bite as well. Secondly, it also provided ample opportunity to train the men, seeing that it boosts their efficiency and capacity. The Fleet Commander, Rear Admiral Elkanah Jaiyeola, who was also the tactical commander said the exercise was a fall out from the cancelled exercise OBANGAME Express 2020. All the same, he said this exercise was set up to deal with issues of piracy, illegal unregulated and unreported fishing, human trafficking and sometimes arm trafficking witnessed in the waters. He said: "The essence of this particular exercise was to consolidate on the efforts of the Nigerian Navy towards ensuring that our treasures within the nation’s maritime water are properly safeguarded and apart from that, it will allow to work with other inter agencies towards ensuring effective coordination and collaborations and that was played it during the exercise".
"The commencement of the exercise was that of a reported piracy and we combined the efforts of our maritime domain awareness centres. We were alerted of the report and we were able to inform our fellow unit for what we call intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and they were able to identify the location of the vehicle and of course we vectored some of the assigned ships to go intercept, board and find out what happened and also to protect assets in the waters. “The exercise was conducted in sequences as the first exercise had two folds. The first one was the opposed boarding in a situation of piracy. It is expected that the pirates will want to oppose the attack, as witnessed during the exercise with our special boat services crew, who were able to board and despite the firing, they were able to rescue the seized personnel. "Aside, you will realise we had an exercise in illegal fishery and report of arms and ammunition. That’s where we had the unopposed boarding where one of our ships was able to board and interrogate and of course we were able to discover some seized weapons. At the gunnery exercise, we were able to test out weapons.� Analysing the achievements of the exercise, Jaiyeola said apart from the navy, other sister agencies like the NDLEA, Customs, the DIA team, Ministry of Justice also participated in the exercise, which gave room for synergy. Overall, sea exercises such as this is a necessity for the navy because it is the only way to ascertain the operational state of the force as this will ensure that NN ships are in optimal working capacity to contain the various criminal activities in the Nigerian maritime environment.
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WEDNESDAY MARCH 25, 2020 •T H I S D AY
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BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OVERNIGHT OBB
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Quick Takes NCRIB Commiserates with Fire Victims
The Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) has described as unfortunate the recent ďŹ re disaster that occurred at Abule Ado in Lagos State through which 20 lives were lost and properties destroyed. President of the Council, Mrs. Bola Onigbogi, in a statement said the ďŹ re incident which was reportedly caused by an explosion of the NNPC gas pipeline in the area was another disaster and the council sympathises with those who lost their loved ones to the unfortunate incident. Onigbogi, opined that, “at a time like this, the heart of our Council and the entire members go after those who lost their beloved families and valuables in the inferno.â€? Shesaidtheincidentalsoprovidedaplatformtounderscorethepivotal place of insurance in risk mitigation and control, particularly through insurance. The NCRIB President commended Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu,forsettingupaN2billionrelieffundtoaddressemergency needs of those aected.She, however, said insurance is a business setup for other businesses to thrive, adding that a payment of little premium to insurance industry could have taken o the burden from the state government.
CELEBRATINGWOMEN
L–R:BritishDeputyHighCommissionLagos,HarrietThompson;Chairman,CAPPlc,AwunebaAjumogobia;ChiefExecutiveOfficer,NigerianStockExchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema; Founding Partner, Banwo-and-Ighodalo, Asue Ighodalo; Country Manager, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Eme Essien; representingtheFirstLadyofLagosState,Mrs.OlamideSanya-Olu,duringasymposiumtoCommemorate2020InternationalWomen’sDayCelebration, heldattheNSEinLagos‌recently
COVID-19: 80 Countries Demanding IMF’s Financial Assistance
Obinna Chima
The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, has said the human costs of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic are already immeasurable. She also disclosed that nearly 80 countries are requesting for its help. The IMF boss who said this in a podcast posted on the Fund’s website, pointed out that, the Washington-based institution would massively step up emergency finance. According to Georgieva, “we have already seen investors pulling $83 billion from emerging
ECONOMY markets since the beginning of the crisis.� This, she described as the largest capital outflow ever recorded. “The human costs of the coronavirus pandemic are already immeasurable and all countries need to work together to protect people and limit the damage on the economies. This is a moment for solidarity, which was a major theme of the meeting today of the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors. “There I emphasized three points. First, the outlook for global growth. “For 2020 it is negative, a reces-
sion at least as bad as during the global financial crisis or worse, but we expect recovery in 2021. To get to it, it is paramount to prioritise containment and strengthen health systems everywhere. The economic impact is and will be severe, but the faster the virus stops, the quicker and stronger the recovery will be. “We at the IMF strongly support the extra ordinary fiscal actions many countries have already taken to boost health systems and protect affected workers and firms,� she added. Georgieva, welcomed moves by central banks across the world to ease monetary policy. These,
according to her, were bold efforts and they are not only in the interest of each individual country, but of the global economy as a whole. “Even more will be needed, especially on the fiscal front. My second point is that advanced economies are generally in a better position to respond to the crisis, but many emerging markets and low income countries face significant challenges. “They are badly affected by outward capital flows and domestic activity will be severely impacted as countries respond to Continued on page 24
‌Shareholders Call on Companies to Pay Interim Dividends Goddy Egene Some shareholders have called on companies that may postpone their annual general meetings (AGMs) due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to pay interim dividends. Some companies had scheduled their AGMs for March and April to approve their accounts and dividends already recommended by their boards. However, forced by the heightened risk of the virus, some are putting those AGMs on hold. However, shareholders under the aegis of Association for the Advancement of the Rights of Nigerian Shareholders (AARNS), have said such companies should
ECONOMY distribute interim dividends which could be approved at AGMs later. President of AARNS, Dr. Faruk Umar, who spoke to THISDAY, noted that while the shift in the date of AGMs was not the fault of the companies, it would be a show of appreciation to loyal shareholders if interim dividends are paid instead of waiting for longtime to reconvene the AGMs to approve the dividends. “Since the board and regulators have approved the dividends and only waiting for shareholders’ to endorse, the boards can pay those dividends as interim pending when the situation will improve,
normal economic activities begin and AGMs are reconvened. At the reconvened AGMs, what the shareholders would need to do is to approve the same dividends as final dividends,� Umar said. Also in a letter dated March 23, 2020 to the Director General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), said that taking cognisance of the Section 379(2) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 2004, the intended and proposed dividends should be convertible to interim dividends and made payable by the orders of the boards of the affected companies. “Relevant controlling and regulatory authorities should
see this measure as palliative or stimulus to cushion the effect of COVID-19 on shareholders to meet their urgent individual needs an aspirations,� ISAN said. Greif Nigeria Plc has already announced the postponement of its AGM scheduled to hold on March 31, it is concerned with the safety and health of its employees, their families and the general public at large. Also, Notore Chemical Industries Plc has cancelled its AGM scheduled for tomorrow till further notice. The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has already shut down all its trading floors temporarily for 30 days and to operate remotely, saying its staff would Continued on page 24
ICAN Postpone Programmes
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has postponed all its activities due to the COVID-19. The institute explained that the spread of the virus worldwide had created uncertainty and anxiety as public and government agencies attempt to contain and combat the new viral respiratory illness. ICANstatedthisinastatementsignedbyitsRegistrar/ChiefExecutive, Prof.AhmedKumshe. Itlistedtheprogrammespostponedtillfurther noticetoincludeICANProfessionalExaminationsthatwasscheduled to have held yesterday in all centres in Nigeria, the United Kingdom and Cameroun; its third Southern Zonal Accountants’ Conference scheduled to hold between March 30th and April 2nd, and its 14th Northern Zonal Accountants’ Conference scheduled between April 6th and 9th in Kano. Others include the Academic Conference on Accounting and Finance that was previously ďŹ xed for April 14th to 16th in Kwara; the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development Programme, and ICAN Faculty Training Programmes. “The World Health Organisation has warned that Africa’s fragile health system meant that the threat posed by the virus is considerable.This has led to various actions by the federal and state governments in Nigeria to curb the spread of this disease,â€? Kumshe added.
FiberOne Broadband Expands
FiberOne Broadband has expanded its Fiber to homes and oďŹƒces coverage areas to meet the needs of its growing customers. AccordingtoastatementmadeavailabletoTHISDAY,theexpansion implied that more families and businesses within the Lekki Area would enjoy unlimited broadband connection. The Chief Operating OďŹƒcer, Joda Kehinde said: “We are thrilled and excited to announce that our world class Fiber to the Homes (FTTH) service is now available in new areas in Lekki like Fola Osibo Rd and environs, Freedom Way, all of Lekki Phase 1 – zone 10, The whole of Oniru estate and environs. “With the addition of the new areas, and further expansions ongoing, we are a step closer to achieving our goal of being the number one choice when it comes to Superfast Fiber to the Home (FTTH) Broadband in Nigeria.â€?
CAFEi Postpones Symposium
The Consumer Awareness and Financial Enlightenment Initiative (CAFEi) has announced the postponement of its annual symposium earlier scheduled for March 26, in Lagos. It explained that the postponement was due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Nigeria. According to a statement signed by the President of CAFEi, Mrs. Debola Osibogun, the decision to postpone the symposium was to ensure the safety of all expected participants at the event. It further hinted:“Beforethepostponement,thesymposiumwassupposedto bechairedbytheChairman,AccessBank,Dr.DereAwosika,whilethe keynoteaddresswassupposedtobedeliveredbytheformerDeputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN), Prof. Kingsley Moghalu.
“If the industry players and the government work together, there won’t be issues of an agency shutting down base stations or cutting fibre cables during road construction� Chief Executive Officer, Backbone Connectivity Network (BCN)
Mr. Ibrahim Dikko
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COVID-19: 80 COUNTRIES DEMANDING IMF’S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE the epidemic. We have already seen investors pulling $83 billion from emerging markets since the beginning of the crisis, the largest capital outflow ever recorded. We are particularly concerned about low income countries in debt distress. It is an issue in which we are working very closely with the world bank. Third, what can we, the IMF do to support our members?â€? She said the Fund was concentrating bilateral and multilateral surveillance on the crisis as well as providing policy advice on actions to temper its impact. “We will massively step up emergency finance. Nearly 80 countries are requesting our help and we are working closely with other international financial institutions to provide a strong coordinated response so we can be more impactful together. “We are replenishing the Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust to help the poorest countries. We welcome the pledges already made and we call on others to join. We stand ready to deploy all our $1 trillion U.S. dollars lending capacity and we are looking to other available options. ‌SHAREHOLDERS CALL ON COMPANIES TO PAY INTERIM DIVIDENDS be available through all its digital platforms to provide support. “Over three weeks ago, we activated precautionary health measures across our offices where we screened visitors with thermometers, provided sanitisers and minimised access into our premises. Further to this and with the significant growth in new cases, effective Tuesday, March 24, 2020, we have activated a 30-day remote working plan for our employees excluding essential staff. In order to give our dealing members enough notice, effective Wednesday, March 25 , 2020 all our trading floors will be temporarily closed, although remote trading will continue and NSE staff will be available through all our digital platforms to provide support. We regret any inconvenience this may cause in the discharge of your business activities, but we must act in the best interest of all stakeholders at this time,â€? Onyema said.
COVID-19: NUATE Commends CBN, FG’s Interventions Chinedu Eze The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) has commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the federal government over the total intervention put at N3.5 trillion to cushion the effect of the pandemic COVID-19. President of NUATE, Mr. Ben Nnabue, who made this known in a statement in Lagos, also called for understanding of the circumstances under which the workforce in the aviation industry were subjected due to the pandemic that is ravaging the world. “We use this opportunity to commend the federal government which through the Central Bank of Nigeria, has announced an intervention fund of N1 trillion to mitigate the negative impact of the corona virus pandemic. We are grateful that aviation has been named among the beneficiaries, and hopeful that the sector will actually be given the lion share. “This is against the background of the well-grounded view that the adverse effects of the corona virus on aviation far outstrips the impact of 911 for which aviation received quite substantial interventions all over the world. “We further urge that the modalities for the application of this fund should be quick to be released in other for the benefits to begin to manifest as quickly as possible. In this regard we are of the opinion that the positive handling of labour
Capital Market Editor
ÙÎÎã Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ă? Comms/e-Business Editor
Ă—Ă—Ă‹ Ă•Ă™Ă˜Ă”Ă“ Senior Correspondent
Ă‹Ă’Ă?Ă?Ă— Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ĂŒĂ™Ă–Ă&#x; (Advertising) Correspondents
Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽĂ&#x; äĂ? (Aviation) ĂœĂ™Ă—Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă? ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ (Maritime) Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă? Ă—Ă?ÔÙ (Finance) ĂŒĂ?ĂœĂ? åÙÔÓ (Insurance) Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă—Ă? Ă•Ă‹Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ě™(Energy) Reporters
Ă&#x;Ă—Ă? Ă•Ă?Ă‘Ă’Ă? (Money Market) Ă™Ă?Ă‹ Ă–Ă?Ă•Ă’Ă&#x;ÙÑÓĂ? (ICT)
Nigeria (FAAN). “This mechanism should in turn be integrated with the national response system. May we therefore be expectant of very urgent and effective steps towards prevention of the entrance of the ailment into the aviation workplace, and/or curtailing it in the event that the worst happens,� he added. Nnabue, noted that break out and wild spread of corona virus has taken a heavy toll on aviation globally, from high exposure of airline and airport personnel, through the near total collapse
of international travel, to the closure of some airports, “it is very obvious that aviation has taken the hardest hit from this pandemic.� “The colossal losses arising from this state of affairs has created a very serious labour challenge. As the airlines, especially the international carriers, and the companies’ dependent on them count their losses; there is now a present danger that the workforce might take a hit as well. This is a matter of serious concern to NUATE as a labour union.
“All stakeholders, ourselves more than others, must share the worry of the affected aviation companies. We truly sympathise with their situation. And there is a genuine fear that some of the smaller entities might be unable to survive the crush. “This type of circumstance calls for sober thoughts. On the other hand, it cannot be denied that the workers of these companies are real human beings with real human needs. The unfortunate situation of their companies does not diminish the bills they have to bear.
WOMEN FORUM
L-R: Executive Director, Women Economic and Leadership Transformation Initiative (WELTI), Ifeoma Okonji; Head, Claims/ Reinsurance, FBN General Insurance Ltd, Jacquelline Agweh, and Nollywood Actress, Ufuoma McDermott; at the WELTI Women’s day forum held in Lagos...recently ETOPUKUTT
DPR Warns Marketers against Hoarding of Petrol Sylvester Idowu in Warri The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Warri Zonal Office has warned petroleum marketers against hoarding of the product. Operations Controller, DPR, Warri office, Engr. Antai Asuquo gave the warning during a surveillance exercise by the regulatory agency in Warri recently. The federal government had last Wednesday reviewed downward the pump price of petroleum product from N145 to N125 per litre. Asuquo, who led the
regulatory team to ascertain the level of compliance to the new price regime told newsmen shortly after the exercise that the federal government had enough products that would not warrant panic-buying. According to him, the pump price of petroleum would be adjusted overtime adding, “The prices of PMS will continually be adjusted overtime time. The next adjustment may be lower, so if you stockpile today and the price dropped tomorrow, who lose? “Also, the public should not store petroleum products at home thinking that the price
will go higher tomorrow, no it may go further downward.� The DPR boss who expressed satisfaction at the level of compliance in Warri and environs urged other petroleum products marketers to adjust their prices in the overall interest of the general public. He said the regulatory agency would continue to carry surveillance to ensure that the marketers dispensed at approved pump price and right quantity to the petroleum consumers. “The petroleum marketers in Delta are complying and we hope that the downward
review of the PMS price will also translate into downward review of cost of transportation for the ordinary citizen. Also, downward review of prices of foodstuff like the Minister of State for Petroleum advised all the other end users of petroleum products. “We will continue to carry out surveillance activities to ensure that not only the price is maintained but that the marketers also dispensed accurately. Of course, customers are sensitive to prices, so it is logistical you comply so that you can remain in business,� Asuquo said.
Some of the retail outlets inspected were: Total filling station, Matrix Energy, Newbridge, Odafe Global Oil and Gas, French Joga and A&E petrol station all in Warri South and Uvwie Local Government Areas of Delta. Mr Joseph Nyong, a tricycles riders told newsmen that the downward review was timely in view of the harsh economy. Also Mr John Yonwei, a taxi driver why commending the federal government appealed that the price should be reviewed further downward to cushion the effect of the prevailing economic hardship.
PETAN Restates Commitment to Oil Sector Devt
Group Business Editor
ĂŒĂ“Ă˜Ă˜Ă‹ Ă’Ă“Ă—Ă‹
issues by the companies should be among the criteria to be used in accessing the fund,� Nnabue said. The NUATE President also called on the aviation agencies to scale up coronavirus response modes to ensure that the virus does not spread through the airports. “We equally use this medium to call on all aviation agencies to activate, or scale up, their corona virus response modes. We expect an integrated mechanism that incorporates the entire airport activities nationwide led by the Federal Airports Authority of
Peter Uzoho The Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) has restated its cent commitment to the development of the nation’s oil and gas industry. The newly-elected Chairman of PETAN, Mr. Nik Odinuwe, stated this during the inauguration of the new executive officers of the association, recently. According to Odinuwe, “PETAN is reputed as the initiator of local content in Nigeria and has been
championing the quest for increased local participation in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, thereby culminating in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Act, 2010.� He stressed that PETAN is an association of Nigerian indigenous technical oilfield service companies in the upstream and downstream sectors of the petroleum industry. He explained that PETAN was formed to bring together Nigerian Oil & Gas entrepreneurs to create a forum for the exchange of ideas with the
major operators and policy makers. He further said: “PETAN has been promoting the development of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria through the organisation and participation of Nigerian entrepreneurs in conferences, seminars, workshops, and creating opportunities for Nigerian companies to project themselves in the competitive industry. “PETAN companies and their contractors employ over 20,000 Nigerians of which over 60 per cent
are graduates. This has a beneficial “domino� effect on economy through the use of local inputs, growth of local expertise and knowhow. “Since 2005, PETAN has been solely responsible for organising the Nigerian Pavilion and the exhibition of Nigerian companies at the Offshore Technology Conference, OTC, which holds in Houston, Texas, every year. “It has also created opportunities for Nigerian companies to showcase themselves in other international
conferences and exhibitions locally and internationally.� Meanwhile, Odinuwe, was elected alongside other new board executives, including: Vice Chairman, Mr. Ranti Omole; Secretary, Ms. Patricia Simon-Hart; Assistant Secretary, Mr. Daere Akobo; Publicity Secretary, Dr. Lucky Akhiwu; Financial Secretary, Mrs. Edith Akwaeke; Treasurer, Mr. Eloka Ejeh; Conference Chairman, Mr. Chinedu Maduakor; Exofficio, Mr. Martins Okoro; and Ex-Officio, Dr. Timi Austen-Peters.
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Access Bank Boosts Access to Credit With a growth of 43 per cent in loans and advances and a 60 per cent growth in retail lending in its 2019 financial year, Access Bank Plc is showing commitment towards engendering economic development, writes Goddy Egene
I
t is globally acknowledged that micro, small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) are the engine room for the growth of any economy. It means that any economy that has a strong SMEs base has the tendency to witness significant growth and development. However, the major challenge usually faced by SMEs is lack of access to credit. Many factors have been attributed by lenders for the inadequate funding that SMEs always witness, which has in turn retard the growth of some economies, Nigeria inclusive. In fact the decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to raise the loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR) to 60 per cent and later 65 per cent for banks was informed by the need to increase SMEs, retail, mortgage and general consumer lending. And going by the performance indicators of Access Bank Plc for the year ended December 2019, the lender has made a significant improvement in its commitment to make credit available to its customers. The bank’s loans and advances rose 43 per cent from N2.136 trillion in 2018 to N3.064 trillion. Even more, retail lending recorded a higher jump of 60 per cent from N131.4 billion to N209.8 billion, a move that indicates commitment to the growth and development of SMEs and the retail business space. Financial performance Generally, it was a very impressive performance recorded by Access Bank Plc in 2019 with gross earnings rising 26 per cent to N667 billion, up from N528 billion in 2018. Interest and non-interest income contributing 81 per cent and 19 per cent respectively. Interest Income grew by 41 per cent to N536.8 billion in 2019, as against N380.9 billion in 2018, boosted by the growing efficiency of the bank’s enlarged balance sheet. However, non-interest income decreased by 12 per cent to N129.8 billion in 2019 compared with N138 billion in 2018, following the bank’s strategic intent to grow income sustainably through traditional banking. Operating income improved by 25 per cent from N311.807 billion to N389.338 billion in 2019. Operating expenses rose faster on the back of merger costs by 31 per cent from N193.962 billion to N253.77 billion in 2019. Profit before Tax (PBT) for the year stood at N115.4 billion, showing an increase of 12 per cent, from N103.2 billion, while Profit after Tax (PAT) increased by three per cent to N97.5 billion from N95 billion in 2018. Return on Average Equity (ROAE) was 17.7 per cent while a Return on Asset (ROA) printed at 1.6 per cent. The bank recommended a final dividend of 40 kobo compared to 25 kobo paid the previous year. The total dividend for 2019 will come to 65 kobo having paid an interim dividend of 25 kobo before now. A further analysis of the numbers showed that asset base grew by 44 per cent to N7.15 trillion as at December 2019 from N4.95 trillion in 2018. Customer deposits increased by 66 per cent to N4.26 trillion in 2019, compared with N2.57 trillion in 2018. Non-performing loan stood at 5.8 per cent, down from 10 per cent in 2018. Commenting on the performance, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, said the bank completed the merger and business combination of the erstwhile Diamond Bank making it the biggest bank in Nigeria by total assets and number of customers as well as a significant retail footprint and infrastructure. According to him, the business combination allowed them complement their existing strong wholesale business with Diamond’s extremely developed retail business. “In October 2019, we achieved full integration of both bank’s operating system, which
Wigwe further stabilised us for growth across all our platforms. Our financial performance in 2019 was significantly influenced by the merger, as we recorded a modest growth in profitability. However, we saw a temporary dip in our metrics as we sought to create excess capacity and information technologi-
We intend to carry on the positive momentum from 2019 and invest in digital solutions including Artifcial Intelligence and advance analytics. Our resolve is to ensure that our customers have best in speed, service and security. We projected merger synergies of N153.9 billion (cost and revenue) over three years
cal (IT) redundancies to ensure that we continue to provide seamless service to our customers throughout the integration period. Having completed this phase, we are now seeing positive and sustainable momentum across all our business lines. Our thrust for 2020 will be to significantly improve our cost of funds, productivity and efficiency of people and resources whilst optimizing our cost,� he said. According to Wigwe, the group recorded a gross earnings of N667 billion and a 12 per cent increase in PBT to N115.4 billion, despite the significant merger cost. “A major driver of this growth is the interest income of N536.8 billion, which grew by 41 per cent, reflecting our sustainable approach to generating revenue through traditional banking .Loan-to-funding ratio stood at 66.5 per cent, which is well above the regulatory minimum of 65 per cent. We continue to work down the levels of our NPLs post merger and this has seen NPL ratio decline from 10 per cent at the end of March 2019 to 5.8 per cent in December 2019. The Nigerian economy recorded a slow growth in the past year, however, we continue to see sustained growth across our retail channels as we benefit from the enhanced retail base and increased velocity of transactions. Accordingly, our low cost
deposits grew by 93 per cent to N2.5 trillion (December in 2018 N1.3 trillion), largely driving down our cost of funds to 5.0 per cent by 50bps,� he said. Wigwe noted that reflecting the increased adoption of their digital channels, total mobile and internet transactions increased to N17.8 trillion within the period signifying a 629 per cent from .N2.4 trillion in 2018. “We intend to carry on the positive momentum from 2019 and invest in digital solutions including Artifcial Intelligence and advance analytics. Our resolve is to ensure that our customers have best in speed, service and security. We projected merger synergies of N153.9 billion (cost and revenue) over three years. Thus far, we have recorded synergies totalling N42.8 million in nine months, of which N28.8 million is recoveries. In 2020, we expect to realise significant cost synergies, which will substantially cut down our cost and boost profitability. Being a systemically important Nigerian bank, we are aware that sustainable returns can only come from a sustainable and resilient business model. As such, our intent to embed resilience at the core of our financing activity is further strengthened, as we journey together to building a bank that is more than banking,� the GMD stressed.
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Pathway to Africapitalism Embracing Africapitalism which focuses on creating an enabling environment, providing the required infrastructure for private sector participating in the economy will go a long way in repositioning Africa, writes Obinna Chima
T
he COVID-19 pandemic is assuming a frightening dimension as it continues to spread across the globe. With over 400 conďŹ rmed cases worldwide as of yesterday, with 40 from Nigeria, the deadly disease has caused far-reaching commotion across the world with the global economy projected to slip into a recession this year. The outbreak of the virus has caused significant disruptions to global supply chains. For instance, a report from Dun & Bradstreet showed that 938 of the Fortune 1000 companies have a tier 1 or tier 2 supplier that has been affected by the virus. It has also exposed market vulnerabilities. Beyond the disruption in the global supply chain, the virus has seen countries restrict movement of persons across their borders, suspension of flight operations, among other protective measures to halt the spread of the virus. This development has also exposed the fragility of globalisation as countries are now fashioning measures to be self-sufficient. “Worsening economic inequality has called into question the capacity of economic globalisation to lift all boats in a rising tide. Even the IMF has acknowledged the pernicious impact of this inequality (but without engaging in the necessary institutional overhaul to address the problem). “Finally, a slowing of global economic integration over the last decade suggests that the world may already have passed peak globalisation. “On top of these systemic challenges, a rising political populism has targeted the global economic elite as the enemy of the people,â€? John Feffer, a director of Foreign Policy in Focus at the Institute for Policy Studies, wrote in a recent article. Focus on Africapitalism The foregoing has also brought to the fore the need for African leaders to, more than ever, start looking inwards by designing policies that would ensure their economies are self-sufficient. Prior to the outbreak of the global pandemic, on daily basis, thousands of migrant Africans who are mostly youths, go through harrowing experience as they try to enter into Europe and other continents in search of greener pastures, in order to get out of what they view as the excruciating poverty and bleak future of the continent. This may no longer be the case as countries may be inclined to sustaining measures that would prevent their citizens from future occurrences of the present ravaging disease. Empowering African entrepreneurs in the continent will therefore be essential for the continent’s development and commentators believe there is need to now embrace ‘Africapitalism.’ The Chairman of Heirs Holdings and the United Bank for Africa Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu had introduced the phrase ‘Africapitalism,’ an approach to business that creates wealth and in which philanthropy can be used to create value. Africapitalism is also an economic philosophy that embodies the private sector’s commitment to the economic transformation of Africa through investments that generate both economic prosperity and social wealth. Elumelu, who is also the founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) argues that Africa’s renaissance lies in the confluence of the right business and political action and had proposed job creation for the youth, inclusive growth, and gender diversity as priority areas for Africa’s development agenda as well as to achieve peace and stability in the continent. Elumelu, has consistently advocated that Africa’s private sector can and must play a leading role in the continent’s development. This concept, as enunciated by its increasingly expanding literature, includes: emphasising entrepreneurship that will unlock the powers of individuals to create and grow their business ideas into successful companies; long-term investment, and especially in strategic sectors; conducting investments and business activity in a manner that delivers financial returns to shareholders as well as economic and social benefit to stakeholders; and facilitating intra-regional
Elumelu commerce and trade through the development of national and cross-border physical infrastructure, and the harmonisation of policies and practices, among many others. “Africapitalism means we cannot leave the business of development up to our governments, donor countries and philanthropic organisations alone,� Elumelu said, adding that, “the private sector must be involved in the business of development.� Africa is one of the fastest growing continents in the world. The continent growth profile is among other things, driven by its rapidly expanding consumer markets as well as its private sector. Nevertheless, Africa’s share of world trade remains low with a very small fraction of global foreign direct investment flows. From Lagos to Nairobi, Accra to Lusaka and other major cities in the continent, with innovations in the mobile payment space, e-commerce, technology, agriculture and other critical sectors of the continent, the promoters of Africapitalism strongly believe that African youths, if given the required support can compete with their peers in the global market. This is also expected to lift the continent out of its present economic predicament and help reposition the continent after this pandemic. Elumelu, who recently expressed concern about the high rate of unemployment in Africa, however stressed the need for initiatives to tackle unemployment in the continent.
Worsening economic inequality has called into question the capacity of economic globalisation to lift all boats in a rising tide
He, however, said he was optimistic about the future of the continent. He described small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) as the engine of growth in any economy because of their ability to create employment. “I am a bit concerned about the challenges that stare us in the face and we must do something now or it will be very challenging. The major thing is unemployment. It is a major challenge in Africa,� he had explained. He also noted that a survey had shown that the continent requires about 200 million jobs, a gap the TEF has been striving to fill. “So if we succeed in creating the enabling environment, SMEs would do well. If we succeed in providing access to electricity as we are doing, SMEs will do well. “If we succeed in bridging access to finance to SMEs, they will do well and as they do well, there would be a direct correlation with creating wealth for Africa. So to us, the future is good, but we need to do something about unemployment,� he added. In 2015, the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, a $100 million commitment to empower 10,000 African entrepreneurs over 10 years was launched. Building on the programme’s success and its unique ability to identify, mentor and fund entrepreneurs across Africa, the Foundation is increasingly sharing its delivery platform and working in partnership with institutions such as United Nations Development Programme, the African Development Bank, the International Committee of the Red Cross and GIZ, to create meaningful and permanent impact across Africa. The programme is inspired by three guiding principles: the inclusive economic philosophy of Africapitalism, based on the belief that a vibrant African-led private sector is the key to unlocking Africa’s economic and social potential; commitment to drive African economic growth through the empowering of African entrepreneurship; and a mission to ‘institutionalise luck’ by creating an environment where African entrepreneurs can get critical elements of support in the early stages of their business life. “The opportunity and challenge in Africa is scale – in our people, our resources and our
horizons. In my business and philanthropic journeys, I have always sought ways to help inspire a generation across our continent. This programme brings together my own entrepreneurial experience and my fundamental belief that entrepreneurs – women and men across Africa – will lead Africa’s development and transform our futures,� Elumelu added. Since its inception, the TEF has empowered African entrepreneurs across the continent with a $5,000 non-refundable seed grant, a bespoke training programme designed specifically for the African environment and access to a dedicated group of mentors, significantly contributing to economic growth, job creation and revenue generation. Strategy for Africa’s Transformation A former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu, in his book: “Emerging Africa,� noted that Africa must come out of the mental laziness that aid has created in many parts of the continent. He argued that no African country, however poor, can hope to escape the poverty trap if it continues to rely on foreign aid, even as he stressed the need to encourage entrepreneurship. “Africa needs an endogenous growth model in which it manufactures goods for its own markets as a first foundation, spreading out regionally from that base and emerging as an economic power in its own right through competitive advantage. “One way to do so is to invest heavily and simultaneously in job-creation strategies and in education systems that will create skilled workers to take opportunities that will be created by expanding economies,� Moghalu stated. Also, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, had underlined the importance of galvanising the broad entrepreneurship eco-system, calling on public sector representatives to encourage, support and replicate the work of the TEF in their respective regions. Akufo-Addo had said: “Nothing is changed or developed on its own. People must get up, speak, have discussions and change the dialogue.� Therefore, African leaders should see this global pandemic as the pathway to Africapitalism by
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Enforcing Building Insurance Compulsory builders’ insurance is one of the five compulsory insurance whose enforcement was launched in six geopolitical zones of the country by the National Insurance Commission. In this report, Ebere Nwoji highlights incessant building collapses and fire outbreaks in the country which the policy was supposed to cater for and the fate of the victims
R
ecent explosion at Abule Ado, in Amuwo OdoďŹ n Local Government Area of Lagos State in which more than 50 houses were destroyed including a college building that killed more than 20 persons, points to the need for enforcement of compulsory builders’insurance nationwide. Recall that barely a year ago, there was a similar case of a three-storey building at the Ita-Faji area of Lagos Island Local Government, in which many people including primary school children lost their lives. Indeed, given the rate of building collapses caused by bit immediate and remote causes and the magnitude of damage caused by these incidents it is apparently clear that there is need for owners of buildings in Nigeria, especially public buildings, to willingly insure their assets for the safety of the users. Building insurance is one of the five compulsory insurance stipulated by the Insurance Act 2003, but has been far from implementation at both federal and state levels. The result is that any time there is incident of collapse or explosion like the Abule-Ado case, the surviving victims are left in their own fate likewise the dependents of deceased victims. For instance, during the Ita-Faji area Lagos Island building in which scores of children lost their lives including the owner of the school, when THISDAY visited, it was discovered that the building had no insurance cover and none of the dead or injured victims had any form of insurance. In the case of Abule-Ado explosion, although the National Insurance Commission(NAICOM) had said that all insured victims of the incident would be indemnified, there are indications that most of the buildings do not have insurance cover. The cases of Ita- Faji and Abule-Ado which were much notable and happened within the space of one year and involved school children are just two out of many cases of building collapse in Lagos and other parts of the country in recent times. For the dead victims, their dependents are often left without any form of compensation mainly because in most cases, owners of the building run away for fear of facing the wrath of the law. Here in Nigeria, it is fast becoming the custom to expect government to take responsibility of certain things common knowledge should teach people to do to stay safe. For instance, government, after the 2012 flood that rendered many people homeless, had mandated that people who built their houses near canals and other flood passages should remove such houses and look for safer places, but till date, people are still living in such areas and have not cared or planned for the unexpected. Presently, people are still occupying houses with shaky foundations. Section 65 of the Insurance Act requires the owner or occupier of every public building to be insured against liability for loss or damage to property or death or bodily injury caused by collapse, fire, earthquake, storm or flood. The Act defines a public building as one to which members of the public have access for educational, recreational, medical and commercial purposes. The penalty for non-compliance is a maximum fine of N100,000 or one-year imprisonment or both. Also, Section 64 of same Act, stipulates that for insurance of buildings under construction, every owner or contractor of any building under construction with more than two floors must take an insurance policy to cover liability against construction risks caused by his negligence or that of his servants, agents or consultants which may result in death, bodily injury or property damage to workers on site or members of the public. This insurance policy also covers liability for
Scene of the Abule-Ado Fire Incident collapse of buildings under construction. Failure to comply with this provision is an offence punishable with a fine of N250,000 or three years imprisonment or both. Despite these laws, house owners and owners of building under construction care less about insuring their houses. But insurers have stressed that this is not supposed to be as insurance firms are set up for the purpose of mitigating risks. According to them, if Nigerians can take insurance covers especially the compulsory building insurance when there is collapse of this nature, insurance companies would be there to compensate the victims. To the President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) and Managing Director Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc, Eddie Efekoha, insurers are now focusing on retail insurance that covers individual policies like building, life, motor insurances as the corporate insurance has been saturated and over marketed. He urged insurers to look critically into retail insurance areas that take care for such policies,
The Act deďŹ nes a public building as one to which members of the public have access for educational, recreational, medical and commercial purposes. The penalty for non-compliance is a maximum ďŹ ne of N100,000 or one-year imprisonment or both
adding that there lies the future of insurance and safety of Nigerians and their assets. Few years back when cases of building collapses became more frequent, some state governments started enacting their compulsory building insurance. States such as Imo and Lagos states were at the fore front of this. The Lagos state government had commenced the enforcement of compulsory building insurance on owners of buildings across the state. It had also established a safety institute where stakeholders in construction work can be trained and certified to prevent frequent cases of collapse buildings in the state. The Director General of Lagos State Safety Commission, Hakeem Dickson, had said the state government would synergise with a consortium of insurance companies and the National Insurance Commission, (NAICOM) to achieve this. He was of the view that if residents in Lagos embraced building insurance policy, it would save them from untold hardship, losses and the hopelessness associated with emergency situations. He also stressed that insurance companies have the financial capabilities to compensate and pay claims to victims of disasters than government. This decision by the state government then, was in line with long standing crusade by both the insurance industry regulator, NAICOM, the umbrella body of insurance underwriters, the Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA) and other stakeholders in the industry on enforcement of compulsory insurance nationwide. They have for many years been agitating for implementation of sections 64 and 65 of the 2003 insurance Act. Its enforcement waas been lying low until when NAICOM in collaboration with the industry operators kicked off campaign on the enforcement in the six geopolitical zones of the country.
At a forum of insurance brokers in Lagos where the Federal Fire Service Department was invited, the agency was surprised to learn that 0.25 per cent of premium from compulsory builders’ insurance was to go to them to enable them equip their workers in their job. Also at a conference in Abuja, when the issue of compulsory builders insurance came up with its expected aid to the fire service from the premium, one of the insurers said the service has not received aid from insurers in this regard because no account has been opened to that effect as directed by the law. The underwriters themselves said not much premium has been realised from the policy. However, at the conference, the insurers agreed that government and its relevant law enforcement agencies should help the industry in the enforcement of the policy while the industry should seek for alliance and cooperation from the agencies and help in buying some of their equipment. The insurers want all hands to be on the deck in the enforcement of the builders insurance arguing that the policy, if patronised will not only save lives and properties in the country but would position insurance to play its role in the economy. The federal government itself should be at the vanguard of this by getting its law enforcement agents to not only enforce the purchase of the policy, but also deal decisively with owners of collapsed building in different parts of the country, especially if such buildings lack insurance cover. A situation where a building collapsed, killing scores of people and law enforcement agency like the police waited for a whole day before going there , thereby allowing the owner to escape will create room for carefree attitude among Nigerians regarding patronage of the policy. Therefore, government should use every available measures to compel Nigerians to comply with the compulsory builders’ insurance as well as enforce standard in construction of public buildings in Nigeria.
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WEDNESDAY MARCH 25, 2020 • T H I S D AY
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BUSINESSWORLD
NEWS
FCCPC, Others Agree on Sustainable Consumption of Recycled Products Raheem Akingbolu The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and other stakeholders in the nation’s packaged food-drinks, water, and container- producing industries have agreed that cooperation with government is one of the major ways through which sustainable consumption could be achieved. The stakeholders said steps toward attaining the benchmarks set up by the United Nations on Sustainble Development Goals (SDGS) concerning production and consumption of recycled products by the year 2030 had been identified. The stakeholders, who made the call in Lagos at the
just concluded forum organised by the FCCPC to commemorate Consumer Rights Day, also called for regulatory guidelines to promote sustainable consumption of recycled products in the country. They said adopting the principles was vital for sustainability and protection of Nigerian consumers and the nation’s economy. The Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Babatunde Irukera, used the forum to call on manufacturers, consumers and other stakeholders to collaborate with government to change the narrative to one that will not only safeguard the environment, but also enhance the welfare of consumers. He said issues related to sustainable consumption must be a thing of
concern to all stakeholders; – the government, business operators as well as consumers. “Consumers have a right to sustainable environment and government, businesses and consumers play a vital role in ensuring the environment is sustained,� he said. Irukera, pointed out that the present health challenge, being faced by countries, around the world, including Nigeria, had made sustainable consumption, imperative; since it ensures that goods and services are used in a way that minimised negative impact on the environment While commending the stakeholders, including representatives of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, consumer advocacy
groups and business chieftains, Irukera argued that it had become imperative for all stakeholders to discuss and find solutions to the problems of waste management facing the country, rather than allow the government to come up with regulations, other stakeholders had little, or no, input in. He said: “The issue of waste has remained a huge challenge in big cities around the world, including some Nigerian cities. And I think the time has come for stakeholders, including manufacturers, consumers and government to sit down and come up with guiding principles for sustainable consumption in the country. “For instance, some cellophane bags take as long as 400 years to decay, since they are
mostly not biodegradable. Is that the type of the legacy that we want to leave for generations, coming after us?� he asked. According to the FCCPC’s boss, the forum, therefore provided stakeholders the opportunity to discuss how to ensure sustainable consumption in the country, especially in the nation’s food-drinks, water, and container producing industries. Speaking further, Irukera urged consumers to be assertive by ensuring that their rights were not infringed upon, pointing out that government would soon form a taskforce of both public and private sectors to promote aggressive campaign to encourage consumers to recycle and purchase recyclable products.
He said the long-term plan would encourage the manufacturer to invest in more eco-friendly packaging materials. Meanwhile, part of the resolutions reached at the forum included the promotion and use of international health standards to improve land and soil quality as well as promote awareness on the benefit of environmental, social and economically sustainable consumption to preserve the environment now and the future. The participants resolved to promote adequate labelling with respect to specific sustainable claims, deploy appropriate technology to encourage environmentally friendly products and services to avoid waste, e.g. recyclable materials.
Female Insurers Seek Greater Opportunities Women Female staff of Linkage Assurance Plc have underscored the importance of harnessing the potential and abilities that rest with the women fold. The staff said this in line with the World Women’s day recently celebrated worldwide. They noted that if the hidden abilities were explored, the feminine gender could add so much value to the economy and society at large. Speaking on the theme, ‘Each for Equal,’ as part of the activities to mark the women’s day, the GM, Marketing, Linkage Assurance, Mrs. Joyce Ojemudia, called on the women staff to take advantage of the event and array of expert speakers brought together to redefine their career and launch themselves into higher responsibility in their professions. Ojemudia, also noted that it was important that women set goals, be focused, have clear vision, be committed to their visions, and take action. “I will advise that we get your
certifications and have mentors whom you can look up to for guidance and advice.� The speakers, while agreeing that women are disadvantaged in a number of ways including managing career and family, emphasised the importance of women overcoming the challenges to make success in their career. They also agreed that women should invest in every aspect of their lives, while also mastering the art of impression management, as that would give them the opportunity to be considered along their male counterparts for any position. On the theme of the conference, the speakers said it was apt and necessary to stimulate women to know that they are not inferior to men, and could achieve so much if the pursue their goals conscientiously. Among the speakers at the event held in Lagos were Modupe Marc-Dawodu; Mr. Rajiv Sharma; Dr. Lekan Adelakun, and Mrs. Abi Longe.
AWARDWELL DESERVED
L-R: Cabin Services Manager, Air Peace Limited, Florence Opia; Deputy Governor Cross River State, Prof. Ivara Esu; Group Managing Director/Editorin-Chief, Champion Newspapers Limited, Mrs. Nwadiuto iheakanwa, and her husband, Uche Iheakanwa, during Champion Newspapers Limited annual awards where the Chairman/CEO Air Peace, Allen Onyema was bestowed with Champion Newspapers Man of theYear, at an event in Lagos‌recently
Eko Innovation Centre Honours Female Entrepreneurs Primero Adopts Safety On her part, the Group “Also, the policy of equal Ekeruche stated that the iniAyodeji tiative was a demonstration pay for both genders should be Executive Director, Hazon Measures against COVID-19 Hamid The Eko Innovation Centre of the enormous windows implemented so as to empower Holdings, Adetutu Afolabi
Peter Uzoho
The Primero Transport Services Limited has commenced disinfection of all buses in its fleet across Lagos, as part of measures to protect passengers against the COVID-19 pandemic currently ravaging the world. The company is partnering with a couple of organisations including Infinity Services, Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Mikano and Sterling Bank Plc, to carry out the safety measures aimed at protecting its staff and passengers on board. Reeling out the measures during a press conference in Lagos, the General Manager, Operations, Primero Transport, Mr. Segun Anako, stated that the company had contracted Infinity Services to carry out thorough cleaning and sterilisation of all surfaces within and outside the buses, to ensure they are free of viruses and germs. The general manager at the event, led a live cleaning
demonstration by Infinity staff, on some of the company’s buses at its Ikorodu BRT Depot, to illustrate the thoroughness of the cleansing process while also showcasing Primero’s commitment towards staff and passengers’ safety. He stated that Primero would not spare any expense and would do anything possible to see that their efforts towards curbing the spread of the virus was a successful one. Anako said: “We will provide hand sanitisers for our passengers, and in addition, also ensure that all of our bus drivers, inspectors and ticketing officers would always be required to wear protective masks and gloves. “Daily temperature checks of all staff would be embarked upon before commencing operations, and any staff found to be above normal temperatures would be asked to get medical clearance before resumption of their duties.�
has organized a sensitization programme with the theme: “Raising Game Changers the Future Ready Shepreneurs.� At the forum, the organisation urged women to prepare and adequately empower themselves with knowledge and technical know-how so as to possess the ability to capitalise on vital opportunities that would come their way. The innovation hub recently pointed out that one of the crucial cardinal points for empowering women was them being inspired by other successful women, which was why it has remained dedicated towards supporting women reach their maximum potentials, whereby they get to interact and network with successful female entrepreneurs from various sectors of the nation’s economy.� Speaking to Journalists during an interview after the event, an Advisory Board Member, Eko Innovation Centre, Doja
of opportunities regarding entrepreneurship and leadership roles available to women in the society as well as preparing them to effectively tackle challenges they would encounter on their journey towards succeeding. According to her, women are faced with the responsibility of balancing it all amidst social expectations. “Thus, women have proven that they have the capacity to effectively play multiple roles, either at work place or domestic roles.� “However, there is a fundamental need for more policies and regulations that support and eventually enhance the capacity of a woman in order to enable her function as an apex individual to be introduced in our environment. “Policies such as, flexible work hours; flexible working which enables women work from home when necessary with the use of technology devices.
the females at work places thrive at their job description more effectively,� Ekeruche added. In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer, Future Software, Nkemdilim Begho during her keynote address said, “In order to attain success as an entrepreneur women need to leverage on technology as they carry out their day to day activities. “As an entrepreneur there are key technology skills we should have and one of them is, digital marketing. It is important to know basic digital marketing skills that can drive your brands reach and services like, content marketing, search engine optimisation and search engine marketing. “Social media management is another vital digital marketing tool that can be used to boost your enterprise’s capacity and awareness, thereby increasing the success rate of the brand.�
explained: “Women have the capacity to balance their work life and domestic roles as it has been proven that women have potentials to be great at effectively executing multiple tasks. “Definitely, there would be challenges, but, you also need to realise that you have it in you to deliver the best innovations and economic solving solutions to the nations developing economy. “It is also important for women to know that while they are balancing both work life and domestic responsibilities they would need to also take good care of their health. “Speaking in regards to being a successful entrepreneur; it requires you to be customer centric, whereby you pay close attention to details concerning the needs and wants of your customers, and then delivering the sort of products and services they desire. This would help boost the entrepreneur’s credibility, as well as profit.�
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UPMFB Empowers Customers Pursuant to the sustained goal of its owners to work toward alleviation of poverty in the society, the Enugu Catholic diocese’s-owned Umuchinemere Pro-credit Micro Finance Bank (UPMFB) said it gave out a total of N1.205 billion credit facilities to a total of 5,711 economically active poor people in Enugu State to improve their quality of lives in the 2019 financial year ended. A statement quoted the bank’s Head of Credit, Mr. Charles Udeani, to have disclosed this. Furthermore, the statement disclosed that statistics on gender distribution of the facilities indicated that of the 5,711 beneficiaries of the N1.2 billion, there was a total of 3,290 male beneficiaries and they received the sum of N588,095,457, while the remaining figure, 2,421 female beneficiaries, got the greater chunk of the facilities, the sum of N616,826,416. Comparatively, “there was a general improvement in loan disbursement, both in terms of amount/volume of business and the number of beneficiaries from the preced-
ing year�, Mr. Udeani added. In 2018 the distribution shows that 3,170 men got the sum of N653,838,754 while the female beneficiaries were 2,031 and they received N459,743, 750. He said the amount and the beneficiaries granted in 2019 increased by N91 million and 510 persons respectively. UPMFB met its annual projected disbursement figure of N1,194,000,000, exceeding the projected budget by N10m. The bank took the first position in agriculture sector financing in Enugu State in 2019 in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme (ACGS). It gave over N126m to farmers for agricultural purposes and they were all insured. The Head of Credit observed that loan default was still a major problem to the bank in its quest to empower the economically active poor people in the society. The UPMFB was first established in 1995 as a community bank and later changed to microfinance bank in 2007 when microfinance banking was introduced in the country.
BudgIT Says 988 Constituency Projects Not Under Right Agencies Peter Uzoho Tracka, a platform owned by BudgIT, that allows citizens to collaborate, track and give feedback on public projects in their communities, has observed that a higher percentage of the N100 billion allocated for zonal intervention projects in 2020 approved budget were allocated for empowerment projects in lieu of infrastructural projects. Considering the challenge of service delivery in the country, Tracka ensures that allocated public funds for projects nominated by members of the National Assembly, are effectively disbursed for the good of the people in local communities. Lack of transparency and citizen inclusion in the nomination of the capital projects has led to an increasing number of abandoned projects in various communities across Nigeria, and despite the huge funds allocated for capital expenditure over the years, some projects are either left uncompleted, mismanaged
or worse still, abandoned. Tracka’s analysis, according to a statement, also revealed that over 50 per cent of nominated projects in the last five years were “empowerment programmes.� These programmes include the disbursement of items like sewing machines, bicycles, tricycles, grinding machines amidst other things to constituency members. “While we advocate for genuine citizen empowerment, the current mode of disbursement is, to say the least, questionable,� Head of Tracka, Ilevbaoje Uadamen said. “In 2019 and 2020 alone, a total of N58 billion and N63 billion were allocated respectively for empowerment provisions. How do politicians come to determine the empowerment needs of their constituents without needs assessment nor inclusion in the decision-making process and how are the beneficiaries decided?� he queried further. According to recent reports, the government has in the past 11 years allocated a minimum
of N1.1 trillion for constituency projects (note that funds have not been released for 2020 constituency projects as at the time of this press release), however, the budget breakdown result misaligns with the huge sum of money released to the respective MDAs for project execution. “In addition to the aforementioned irregularities, we also observed that projects worth a total sum of N2.1 billion have unspecified locations. Failure to provide these locations is antithetical to democracy, depriving communities, CSOs and auditing bodies of information. “This anomaly provides an avenue for siphoning public funds meant for project implementation and also impedes opportunities to monitor and ensure proper implementation of the public officials’ obligations to the people. “In the 2020 budget, Tracka discovered over 988 projects that were budgeted under agencies that do not have the mandate to
execute the projects. We observed that a total sum of N71.5 million was budgeted for the supply of 30 tricycles, 20 carted motorcycles and 80 Motorcycles in Eket/ Esit Eket/ Ibeno/Onna, Akwa Ibom State under the Ministry of Science and Technology and awarded to the National Centre for Hydropower Research and Development. Projects like this make us raise eyebrows as the ministry in question does not have the competence to execute empowerment projects,� the statement added. Tracka urged Nigerian citizens to effectively engage their elected representatives to carry out a needs assessment to ensure their needs are adequately represented in the budget. Nigerians should also track projects until completion and always demand accountability of allocated funds. We equally call on members of the National Assembly to also ensure that capital projects are being made a priority for the citizens.
FBNInsurance Settles N9.92bn Claims FBNInsurance said it paid a total of N9.92 billion claims to its customers in 2019. The company’s management said it sees prompt settlement of customer’s claims as key to the success of the company’s business. The Managing Director of FBNInsurance, Mr Val Ojumah, said this has also continually boost customers’ confidence and trust in the company. Ojumah, said this in a recent chat with journalists, where he said the company in 2018 paid out a total of N4.31 billion. According to Ojumah, “Our strategy remains providing financial security for our esteemed customers and as always, we will not fail to exceed our customers’ and stakeholders’ expectations.� NIA Renovates, Commissions School Hall The Nigerian Insurers Association(NIA) recently renovated the School Hall of Baptist Junior Secondary School Obanikoro, Lagos. The intervention was to improve the learning condition of pupils and provide a convivial environment for advancement of knowledge. The association, in doing this said it was worried by the deteriorating learning condition and dilapidated infrastructures in the school. Speaking at the inauguration of the project which was part of corporate social responsibility initiatives, the Chairman of the association, Mr. Tope Smart, expressed hope that the facility would be put to good use and charged the school authorities and students to maintain the facility so as to encourage other corporate bodies to invest in similar projects in the school. The chairman, said the association was moved by the inhuman learning condition in the school which is dotted by dilapidated classrooms, leaking roof and other decrepit facilities
and made the intervention to assist the pupils fulfill their academic potentials in a conducive learning environment even as he emphasised the need for a strong maintenance culture in Nigeria to protect the facility from decay. “As a responsible corporate organisation, we were moved by the unfavourable learning condition we met during the global money week; the hall was in a state of disrepair that no meaningful activity can take place there. “So, when the management of the school approached us for assistance, we had to oblige them and we are happy that we did. “This is our modest contribution to the advancement of learning and we are sure the students and teachers appreciate this intervention,� he said. Emphasising the need for the staff and students of the school to keep the facility in top shape, he noted that there was need for all to change their attitude towards maintenance of public facilities as lack of good maintenance culture remained a huge problem in the country. “We need to change our attitude to maintenance of our valued assets and change the narrative in this regard so as to give confidence to corporate organisations who would like to embark on CSR initiatives. “The problem with us in Nigeria is that we do not have a strong maintenance culture. I think you can be an agent of change in this regard so that when we come here in two or three years, we would be happy that you have kept faith by keeping this hall in good condition,� he added. He also used the opportunity to educate the teachers on the need for insurance for individual and co-operate organisations describing insurance as a restorer of hope in time of need.
COMMONWEALTHAFRICANSUMMIT
Chairman/Founder, AACS (Consulting & Principal Investment), Dr Falil Ayo Abina (right); with Secretary-General, Commonwealth of Nations, Patricia Scotland,atthewreathlayingceremonythatkickedoffCommonwealthAfricanSummit2020,whereAbinadeliveredaspeech,inLondon‌recently
Kenya to Seek IMF Support over COVID-19 Kenya’s government plans to seek help from the International Monetary Fund, pay pending bills to suppliers and quickly process company tax refunds to support the economy in the face of the coronavirus crisis, officials said. Reuters quoted Patrick Njoroge, the country’s central bank governor, to have told a news conference yesterday that the government was seeking emergency assistance from the IMF of up to $350 million. “This is assistance that doesn’t have the conditionalities of programs ... a lot of this could be directed towards budget support,� Njoroge said, adding that more support will
be sought from the World Bank. Kenya has 16 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and the disease is hurting crucial tourism and farm exports. The government expects revenue collection to be hit as both imports and domestic consumption slow, Finance Minister Ukur Yatani told Reuters late on Monday. “We are looking at underperformances as a result of just COVID-19, of about 70 billion (shillings) ... in terms of revenue for the remaining three months (of this financial year),� he said, adding that situation was evolving fast. Yatani said the government would shift planned spending
towards urgent development projects. It plans to release 49 billion shillings ($460 million) to suppliers for the unpaid bills and expedite the payment of close to 10 billion shillings in value-added tax refunds to businesses in the next two to three months, he said. The World Bank is making $60 million available to Kenya’s health sector to help it deal with the outbreak. President Uhuru Kenyatta, who has been meeting business executives, said on Monday that fiscal stimulus measures would be will be announced later this week. Kenya’s central bank has
already implemented stimulus measures, cutting interest rates by a heftier than expected 100 basis points on Monday and reducing the amount of cash that banks are required to hold as reserves. It is also letting borrowers restructure loans if they enter into difficulties due to the outbreak. Yatani said the government and firms were seeking new sources of raw materials imports to keep industries going during the crisis. “We already have challenges with the inflow of (materials) inputs... inputs are either delayed or are not moving in as required,� he said.
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WEDNESDAY MARCH 25, 2020 • T H I S D AY
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EDUCATION Boosting Quality Education, Healthcare Delivery With the inauguration of various milestone projects by the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, at the weekend, Funmi Ogundare reports that the institution is taking private education to another level through the provision of quality healthcare delivery, as well as functional and transformational education since its establishment 10 years ago
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n an unprecedented move in the history of any private university in the country, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) has inuagurated 16 newly installed dialysis machines in the institution’s Multi-system Hospital, which is the largest number of dialysis machines to be assembled in any university in Africa. The dialysis centre, which intiative was aimed at consolidating its position in the healthcare sector, is named after President Muhammadu Buhari. The institution also inaugurated a state-of-the-art blood bank and transfusion services, as part of effort to provide world class healthcare; Ministry of Aviation-certified modern Helipad to ease transportation of patients and clients to the Multi-system Hospital and the university, as well as a new building for the military to ensure security. The inauguration which had in attendance dignitaries from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), management of the university and members of the academia, armed forces, the Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi, Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and other royal fathers, also witnessed the presentation of two books titled, ‘The Elusive Search for for Nation Nigeria’ and ‘ABUAD: The Pioneering Educational Renaissance’, as part of the founder’s continuous contribution to knowledge base and providing valuable reading materials for the public. Speaking at the programme, weekend, at the Owolabi Hall, the founder, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) said: “The importance of blood bank in a hospital cannot be overemphasised. A blood bank in a multi-system hospital like ours should be handy. Also because of the high number of patients, it is a necessity.� On the Helipad, he expressed concern about the bad shape of the federal roads leading to the state with no airport and rail line, adding, “the helipad, which has since been in use, has become a necessity in view of the number of patients coming from all parts of Africa particularly in the absence of an airport.� Babalola sat the military outpost has become necessary considering the different shades of crime including violence, kidnapping, armed robbery and killing for diffrent motives. The founder expressed concern about the closure of tertiary institutions in the country, saying that after a meeting with management and Students Representative Council (SRC), it was decided that the university should close down as directed. According to him, “the SRC was unhappy about the decision. More than 50 per cent of the students believe that it is counter productive. Some of them, including some medical students who are in the midst of examination which will run for about a week. Some others are on postings.� He said the one-month closure starting from March 23, would have adverse effect on the predictable academic calendar of private universities and reduce them to the level of public universities where four-year programmes are not completed in eight years. “The senate is of the view that education is a delicate issue. Universities are not parstatals of government like railway or bank of industry. Even the visitor to public universities has no right to dissolve council, remove registrar or dabble into academic work.� The acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Smaranda Olarinde commended the determination and generosity of the
L-R: Wife of the AlaďŹ n of Oyo, Yeye Aishat Adeyemi; the AlaďŹ n, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Chairman, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Professor Abba Waziri; acting Vice-Chancellor, Afe Babalola University, Professor Smaranda Olarinde; the founder, Chief Afe Babalola and his wife, Yeye Modupe Babalola at the inauguration of some of the projects at the institution... recently founder to have the projects in place for the benefit of humanity, adding that the books will make a compelling read for those who are hungry and thirsty for knowledge. “Having gone through the books, I am enthralled by the depth of the scholarly work that has gone into them, to the extent that they will make a compelling read for many who are hungry and thirsty for knowledge and ready to drink from the great Aare Afe Babalola’s fountain of knowledge and experience.â€? She described the inauguration of the projects and presentation of the books as fascinating, as the institution is clocking 10 years of commencing academic activities. “We all owe the multiple events of today to one man, a trail blazer, a pathfinder who has not only found the way, built the
All of us here appreciate the centrality of a blood bank to any hospital. It makes life safer because if blood is needed for any patient, it is just a matter of going into the blood bank to procure the type that is needed for the patient. This facility will eradicate the agelong practice where relations of patients would be scampering in panic to procure blood for their sick relations many kilometers away from where the blood is needed
road, but most importantly leads us all through well paved road by example. We have not stopped growing as a university and we will not stop growing until we realise our dream of leading others by example in quality, functional and transformational education and provision of quality healthcare delivery in Nigeria,� the VC stressed. The Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who unveiled the hospital projects, said: “All of us here appreciate the centrality of a blood bank to any hospital. It makes life safer because if blood is needed for any patient, it is just a matter of going into the blood bank to procure the type that is needed for the patient. This facility will eradicate the age-long practice where relations of patients would be scampering in panic to procure blood for their sick relations many kilometers away from where the blood is needed.� The royal father, who noted that he has never heard of any university in the country having a blood bank, said if the facility had been in place six years ago, his daughter who would have turned 60 this year, but died of renal failure, would have been saved with the dialysis machine. He commended Afe Babalola for his futuristic initiatives, saying, “it is only a futuristic person that would put in place and inaugurate 16 dialysis machines, a helipad, blood bank and a military outpost in one day. I call on well-meaning Nigerians to take a cue from Afe by investing in quality education and healthcare delivery.� Commenting on the closure of schools, he said, “the instant situation as it concerns the private universities is particularly worrisome in that the federal government did not consult the private universities before asking them to shut their doors and release their students, some of them were getting ready to write their end of session examinations, to go home for one month.� In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of ABUAD Multi-System Hospital, Professor Fola Esan recalled how he had donated blood 56 times in the past as a young doctor, saying that was what used to be when people had to donate blood willingly. He expressed concern that everything
seems to have changed as the country had to import blood from abroad to save the life of patients. “We need to ensure that we can produce what we can, we have got the knowledge and facilities that will ensure that we no longer have to import blood from abroad. I am hoping that with the renal machines, patients with kidney failure can live longer and happily. The helicopter service will also ensure that those who are critically ill can be brought to the hospital on time.� He appealed to the Ekiti state government to ensure the timely upgrade of its airport. The Chairman of the institution’s Governing Council, Professor Tunde Ayeni described the programme as historic, saying that the hospital projects will take care of the training of its medical students; serve the community and the state in general. In a letter sent to the institution, former President Olusegun Obasanjo commended the management for the initiative particularly at a time when the incessant trips by Nigerians abroad for one medical treatment or the other is becoming so alarming with many of them going as passengers and some of them coming as cargo. According to him, “even for basic medical checkups, members of the Nigerian elite, at great cost to the public directly or indirectly, hop on a plane overseas.� “How do we build our own medical structures when we keep going abroad? How do we build confidence in our medical institutions if we don’t patronise them? How do we encourage and support our professionals when we give the impression that they are incapable of meeting our medical requirements? Is it right to keep wasting our limited foreign reserves on such trips abroad?� Obasanjo expressed excitement about the initiative, while urging all stakeholders to follow the example by providing service to humanity. “No doubt, the effects of this laudable investment, particularly in dialysis facilities and blood bank by ABUAD is one that will touch the lives of people, reduce pain and sorrow, and help build the bodies and minds of people who will in turn would become more productive in the society.�
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EDUCATION
COVID 19: Mobile Classroom App Offers Free Portal for Nigerian Students Mobile Classroom, the first indigenous mobile application, which enables students to learn audio-visually through devices like phones and computers, has offered all Nigerian secondary school students free access to its online portal without subscription for the period of the suspension of academic activities in schools nationwide. According to the Chief Executive Officer of Save-A-Lot Limited and the originator of the app, Mr. Akeem Salami, “Mobile Classroom online
portal has been declared free without subscription for Nigerian students throughout this period of nationwide school closure by the federal government. “To us, Mobile Classroom will be a great learning hub for millions of Nigerian students, particularly those who will be sitting for their senior secondary school examinations.� Salami explained that the subscription-free mobile classroom offer is easy to be part of; “students are to register to log-in by downloading Mobile
Classroom App from Google Playstore using their mobile phones. For those who prefer laptops, they can go through the registration process logging-in through our website www.mobileclassroom. com.ng. All participants are to sign-in with their functional email addresses and choice passwords. Students can then
access lectures on any topic and subject of their choice and enjoy different lectures in the comfort of their homes.� According to the initiator of the app, “this is the best moment parents and students will enjoy the support of a mobile classroom to save lost moments after paying tuition. This is coming at
no cost for them within this emergency break. “In the mobile classroom, students can select topics and the yeacher will pop up right on their device to teach them within the comfort of their homes. This platform is hereby declared free for this period as the world manages the pandemic.�
He advised students to stay away from crowded gatherings to avoid the risk of possible spread of the infection. “We are making an effort to reach out to all state ministries of education to communicate this opportunity to their respective students across the federation.�
Aregbesola Calls for Collaboration between Govt, Private Sector to Empower Students Funmi Ogundare The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola has appealed to polytechnics in the country to work with government and corporate organisations by establishing a system of entrepreneurship that will retool its students. Aregbesola, who made this appeal recently while delivering the 27th convocation lecture of Lagos State Polytechnic titled ‘Infrastructural Deficit and Technological Development in Nigeria: The Role of Technical Education’, expressed concern that graduates are acquiring bland certificates that do not equip them with life sustaining skills, adding that most times, they are turned down by employers who consider them as unemployable. “Polytechnics complain that their graduates are discriminated against by employers. This is self- indicting. Employers, besides the public sector, are rational actors, they want well trained productive graduates that will add value to their enterprise.� He also expressed concern about the quality of polytechnic graduates, saying that they are supposed to have an advantage over their university counterparts, but that their knowledge and skills have become so obsolete that they have to be trained and retrained to be able to fit into the workplace. “This is where the schools fail their graduates and is the basis of rejection,� the minister said, adding that polytechnics should prepare their students for a competitive job market with indisputable and unignorable job skills.� Aregbesola, who stressed the importance of certified technical knowledge, said this should be a requisite for any person aspiring to be a builder. “Needs also exist in improved building and landscaping techniques. Our environment is ugly and we are in constant danger of building collapse because then technical knowledge is
missing. Certified technical knowledge is the file in some of our neighbouring countries where it is compulsory to receive technical education before being certified as competent to engage in any aspect of construction.� The beauty of the built-up environment in developed countries, the minister said, is largely due to landscape engineering which is what separates the civilised from the uncivilised environment. “Save for the few beautiful houses, our environment is chaos, total bedlam! The space from the road to the house, the setback, must be cultivated and it requires a specific specialised technical knowledge to do that,� he said, while expressing hope that polytechnic will start offering landscaping as a vocational course in the environmental sciences.� He stressed the need for polytechnic graduates to revive the indigenous dye industry and supply all the colours for the textile industry, adding that they could also get training and empowerment in the area of recycling old motorcycles, cars, trucks, tractors and industry machine. He described these areas as unlimited opportunities for jobs, relevance and professional engagements for teeming polytechnic graduates. “It is most regrettable that the indigenous technology for producing dyes for the textile industry is almost lost as we now import colours, even for making adire, a local textile material. “Regrettably, Nigeria has become a huge cemetery for vehicles of all sorts. Paradoxically, we have the taste for the most modern automobiles even when we don’t manufacture any. And then, we have the highest vehicle obsolescence rate in the world. We should be able to recycle them when necessary and more importantly, produce and source parts for them and maintain them for optimal use,� Aregbesola stressed.
L-R: Former Group Managing Director of NNPC, Chief Chamberlain Oyibo; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Stephen Oluwole Awokoya Foundation for Science Education (SOAFSE), Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye; Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; and Managing Director of Niger Delta Exploration and Production Plc, Dr. Layi Fatona, at the 25th annual lecture of SOAFSE in Lagos... recently
Grange School Lagos Wins World School Games in Dubai A contingent of under-13 (U-13) students from Grange School, Lagos, has emerged champions at the school’s maiden appearance at the World School Games which held in Dubai from February 27-29, 2020. The World School Games, comprising three sports categories, is an international competition for schools to showcase the talent, diversity and sportsmanship of students around the world. The participating schools compete across athletics, swimming and football to accrue the highest number of points to win the coveted World School Games trophy. The U-13 team from Grange School, captained by Jordan Demuren and Toni Ogunlade, put forward an outstanding performance across all categories
that saw them win a cumulative total of 28 medals across the individual and team activities, and all 24 team members receiving overall gold medals for winning the competition. According to the Director of Activities, Mr. Okechukwu Obi, who prepared and also accompanied the students to Dubai, “this victory is a result of hard work and dedication shown by the students. They put in a lot of work ahead of the games and to say that I am proud of what they achieved will be putting it mildly. They deserve this win and I am elated to see their commitment pay off.� The team recorded remarkable victories at the games, including breaking an existing record in the triple jump category and coming first in the athletics
and swimming categories, and second in the football category. The students accrued a total of 53.5 points, the highest from any of the participating schools, securing their victory as champions. Upon their return, the victorious students were given a hero’s welcome as they made both school and country proud. “These impressive young people are role models to everyone. They have shown us all how to set an ambitious goal and work hard to achieve it. Theirs is an extraordinary achievement, one which will remain with them for the rest of their lives,� said Ms. Abra Stoakley, the Head of School. She added that it took several days and evenings of intense practice to make the school’s dream come true at the World
School Games. “Does it involve giving up the things you’d rather do? Yes it does. Does it involve having supportive families who are determined to help their children do their best? Does it involve thinking like a team, moving away from being selfish, supporting and encouraging others and always striving to give your best performance? Of course it does,� she said. The school now looks ahead to other future outings with an increased sense of possibility of surpassing this first outing. There is increased motivation for other students to join the sports team and consider representing the school in various competitions locally and internationally, which in turn holds much benefits for the students and to the school.
Tambuwal Pledges to Implement Policies to Improve Education Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto The Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the standard of education in the state through the implementation of policies; construction, renovation and equipping of schools. He said this while declaring open the fifth annual symposium of the America Chemical Society of Nigeria (ACS) with the theme ‘Chemistry, a Viable Tool for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals’ at the Sokoto State University recently. Tambuwal, who was represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Garba
Bashir Tambuwal, commended the society for contributing to the socio-economic development of the country. He said the knowledge of chemistry is critical for the improvement of skills and productivity. “As a state government, we are committed to raising standards and quality of education. We have demonstrated this by renovating and re-equipping facilities in schools,� he said. Earlier the chairperson of ACS Nigeria chapter, Prof. J A Obaleye thanked the state government for their support in hosting the conference. He disclosed that ACS as a body, has contributed to the development of the nation, stressing that ACS meritorious
awards are competitive because about 28 countries are members of the society. He enjoined students, corporate bodies, industries and individuals to join the society. On his part, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Magaji Garba, the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University, Gusau said Nigeria is yet to exploit 40 per cent of its natural resources. Magaji appealed to the Minister of Science and Technology to implement the communique of the conference for the over-all interest of the country, as crucial issues would be discussed. He enjoined state governor to harness mineral resources in their domain to avoid over
dependent on the federal government for monthly allocation. In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the host university, Prof. Muhammad Sani Dangoggo commended the governor for the initiative taken by his administration that contributed towards the development of education and youths empowerment. He disclosed that the institution is intensifying effort towards making the university an enviable institution in the country. Dangoggo explained that the university had entered into partnerships with several institutions and research centres by signing memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance quality research.
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EDUCATION
Aspire for More, Girls Told, as New Era Old Girls Unveil ICT Centre Uchechukwu Nnaike The National President of the New Era Girls’ Secondary School Old Girls’ Association, Mrs. Iyabo Runsewe-Abiodun has advised girls to aspire to be more, to get to the peak of their careers and to venture into areas that are said to be reserved for boys alone. Runsewe-Abiodun gave the advice during the unveiling of an ICT centre, facilitated by the old girls, as well as the sod-turning ceremony for the alumni building at the school. She regretted that in some parts of the country, girls limit themselves, “we see ourselves as wives of governors rather than being governors. We see ourselves as being wives of heads of parastatals rather than being heads of parastatals ourselves. “But I know that in other
parts of Nigeria, there are limitations, restrictions to the girl child,� she said, stressing that girls need a lot of push from successful and accomplished women. “That is what we are doing; rewarding excellence, we just had speech and prize-giving day in the school that we supported with about N500,000, prizes, gifts and awards. So we should begin to see that we can get there, we don’t have to be reliant on anybody to get to the peak of our careers.� On the essence of the projects, she said at inception in 2018, her administration identfied three thematic areas such as improving academic standards, morals and visibility and after a guidance and counselling session, the old girls realised that the students need stronger support in counselling.
Thus, she said the alumni building, which is estimated to cost N40 million, will house counselling room, e-library and micro business centre where downloaded materials can be printed at subsidised rated for the students. For the ICT laboratory, she said: “We are in the computer age so the skills of our girls need to be highly improved in terms of ICT and we hope that the students can be hands-on and work directly with the computer.� She added: “I hope to see a girl child that will remain a woman that has a milk of human kindness. A woman that aspires for the best. I look forward to a girl child that will grow up to a woman that would lead by example, show that Nigeria can be better than what it is. I look forward to a girl child
that will have confidence in herself. A girl child that will eventually become a purposeful, respectable, respected woman with a lot of dignity and would strive for excellence at all times and God fearing.� One of the pioneer students of the school, Mrs. Folashade Thomas-Fahm commenced the old students for the intervention, saying that it shows they have the students in mind to make them comparable to their counterparts in other parts of the world. While thanking the association for the gesture, the Principal of the senior school, Mrs. Adenike Oyefeso said the students will be more exposed to the use of computer and the internet. She also called for a growth mindset among parents concerning girl-child education.
L-R: The President, New Era Girls’ Secondary School Old Girls’ Association (NEGSSOGA), Prof. Iyabo Runsewe-Abiodun; Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT), NEGSSOGA, Mrs. Shade Thomas-Fahm; Life Matron, NEGSSOGA, Alhaja Rahiat Koleosho; students of the school, Miss Olalokun Rukayat; Miss Toibat Bakare; and a member, BOT, Mrs. Teju Akindolire, at the sod turning for the alumni building and inauguration of ICT laboratory by NEESSOGA in Surulere, Lagos... recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT
BESDA: Gombe Distributes School Uniforms, Writing Materials to Pupils Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State has commenced the distribution of school uniforms and bags containing writing materials to pupils in public schools and girl-child learning centres in the state. Performing the exercise in Jalingo Primary School, Furnakaye Local Government Area, he said the distribution of the materials demonstrates his administration’s commitment to improving the quality of education in the state through the provision of instructional materials and basic support to pupils in various public schools across the state. The governor expressed hope that the gesture will help increase the enrolment level and enhance the quality of teaching and learning in public schools with a view to producing pupils who will go on to excel in higher stages of life in future.
He regretted that over the years, the state used to be ranked among the poorly performed states in national examinations, as such his government saw the need to change the narrative through sound education policies. He added that his administration met an education system that was ravaged by inadequate and decayed infrastructure, large number of out-of school children and a teaching work force that is poorly trained and motivated. The governor said through concerted efforts, his government declared a state of emergency in the sector and deployed a broad-based approach to deal with the educational challenges in the state. He said the government took necessary actions to improve basic literacy level by venturing into the federal government/World Bank project of Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) to ensure the mopping up of
out-of- school children and returning them to formal learning centres. “Among other steps taken was conversion and renovation of the dilapidated and abandoned almajiri school in Kwami into a teacher training centre to serve as a capacity building citadel for teachers in the state.� He lauded the concerted efforts by BESDA and SUBEB as well as development partners such as USAID and UNICEF in supporting the state towards revamping education in the state through training and retraining of teachers. “Other areas of focus in improving education in the state is the renovation of schools across the state to ensure that a conducive atmosphare of learning is put in place for pupils and teachers.� He added that from September 2019-March 2020 the state government through BESDA project was able to enroll over 200,000 out of school children, ranging from almajiri/tsangaya
school category to girl-child education. The governor, who urged traditional leaders and parents to suppport government in the sensitisation and mobilisation, also charged the SUBEB and BESDA officials to be fair and transparent in distributing the materials. He said his administration is committed to free sponsorship of all wards with disability, pledging to personally sponsor an eight-year-old visually impaired pupil, Muhammad Ahmad who was at the occasion with the help of a guide. He said he will personally fund from his pocket, the educational expenses of the boy from primary to any level he aspires to attain. The Commissioner of Education, Dr. Habu Dahiru assured the guests that the state ministry of education will continue to ensure that the statutory mandate of the ministry- promoting quality educational policies- is sustained.
KEHINDE OMORU www.kayomoru.com
NATURE’S PPE FOR COVID-19 Today, to dearest colleague described as “healthyâ€? Areema Nasreem, I say ‘Please get well soon! She’s a mother, 36 and presently in ICU, in the Midlands in the UK, having caught the dreaded Corona virus. She developed the symptoms approximately 10 days post contracting the virus, starting with: body aches, a high temperature, then a cough and reportedly worsened very quickly. What can I say, but that we all obey stringent self-isolation measures the government is laying down or we risk passing the virus on or being passed the virus - PRONTO! But whether or not you catch this virus, you must take care of that body of yours. Chiey more than ever below, eat purposefully to boost your immune system so that it can help you through the hard times ahead. One good way is to eat enough vitamin C rich foods. DidyouknowthatthereisvitaminCinalmosteveryfruitandvegetable? However, some have far greater vitamin C content than others. Cranberries and melons have high vitamin C content. In fact, tropical fruits appear to have the highest vitamin c content of all fruits. Hot peppers are amongst the richest sources of vitamin C, with regards to vegetables.The hotter the pepper, the higher its vitamin C content. Vitamin C is water soluble so many vegetables lose their eectiveness as a vitamin C provider, particularly if they are boiled for a long time. Steaming or stir frying vegetables ensures that more of their vitamin c properties are retained. The recommended daily amount of the c vitaminiseasilyobtainablebyeatingďŹ veportionsoffruitandvegetables daily. This is even more so if you consume your fruits and vegetables raw, steamed or lightly cooked. Vitamincispossiblythemostwidelyknownandingestedvitamintoday. This is not surprising because the body needs and uses vitamin c for numerous functions. This versatile vitamin has been proven to help protect individuals against heart disease, cancer and other serious illnesses. Without vitamin c the human body may not be able to heal itself effectively.This is because vitamin c is vital for the formation of collagen. Whenever an individual has a cut or an injury, it is collagen that helps repair the tissue damage. In addition, collagen has other vital functions in the body, including keeping the organs in place. Vitamin C is an antioxidant. It boosts the functions of the immune system, supporting it in its defence and protection remits around the body. Furthermore, vitamin c helps other vitamins and minerals to be absorbed better. For instance, Folic acid and iron need vitamin c to maximize their eectiveness. The more vitamin c that your body has, the better its defence is against colds and other common illnesses. The presence of vitamin c may not prevent you from catching a virus, but it deďŹ nitely helps speed up your recovery process. Vitamin supplements are extremely handy alternatives that ensure that people are taking suďŹƒcient vitamin c.This is because most people are not including enough vitamin c in their diets due to their busy daily schedules. However, if you always eat a balanced diet the amount of vitamin c your body receives is likely to be suďŹƒcient. If you begin to feel tired or lethargic then a vitamin c supplement may well help you to overcome this. When you eat and your body has taken suďŹƒcient vitamin c from your diet, it would simply excrete the excess.
Mrs Kehinde Omoru writes from the UK
Registration Portal Opens for InterswitchSPAK 3.0 National Science Contest Interswitch has announced the commencement of this year’s edition of its national science competition, InterswitchSPAK 3.0 in Nigeria. Students from senior secondary schools are now free to register for the competition on the InterswitchSPAK portal henceforth. InterswitchSPAK is an annual Pan-African competition, aimed at re-igniting interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects among secondary school students. For the registration, each school is required to present its best six science students in senior secondary two (SS2) and for mixed schools, at least two female students must be among the best six. Every registered student will participate in the qualifying examination at any of the centres across Nigeria. The top 81 students will proceed to the finale to battle for the crown of Nigeria’s Best Science Student.
Schools are expected to register their best science students for InterswitchSPAK 3.0 on https://www.interswitchspak. com/ The Chief Marketing and Communication Officer, Interswitch, Cherry Eromosele, expressed her excitement about the last edition and encouraged more girls to participate in the ongoing registration. According to her, “we at Interswitch are committed to inculcating knowledge, coupled with improving the standard of education in Nigeria. We are very passionate about encouraging more girls to take up STEM subjects. The good thing is, there has been an increase in the number of girls participating in the competition. We commend the relentless effort of the entire team that ensured the previous edition was successful. It is our belief that this year, more girls will register for the qualifying exams and make the top 81 list.�
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Corona College Matriculates 176 Students, Restates Commitment to Transparency, International Benchmark Uchechukwu Nnaike The Corona College of Education (CCED), Lagos has matriculated a total of 176 students who were admitted into various programmes of the college for the 2019/2020 academic session. Speaking at the college’s fifth matriculation ceremony, the Provost, Dr. Martin Obinyan said the multi-dimensional support from all stakeholders has been responsible for the continued determination to making the college one of the best performing colleges of education within the short period of its establishment. “We will not relent on our collective efforts, and we will continue to manage the college with deep commitment, transparency, and accountability to achieve international benchmarks. “It will interest you to note that in the last PQEI assessment examinations conducted by the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), the college scored 98 per cent pass rate which amounts to the second-best result ever in the history of the TRCN examination.� According to him, matriculation ceremonies worldwide are important events which should be taken seriously by students and their parents, as well as staff, promising that the college will do its best to provide the enabling environment and the best learning experiences for the students. He urged the students to respect the rules and regula-
tions of the college and remain focused on their studies. In a chat with journalists, Oghenetega Awhinawhi, a graduate of the college, who is also the proprietor of Khan Foundation Junior Academy, a tuition-free school in the Makoko slum, described the course at CCED as impactful. ‘’I considered going for a teacher training course after experiencing some challenges in running a school and opted for Corona College of Education. I got first-hand training on how education evolves in Nigeria and how to manage schools. I met a wonderful set of classmates. The provost, registrar and members of staff were also very helpful. The management of CCED visited my school and were moved by what we are doing. This spurred them to grant scholarship to some untrained teachers in my school. This has made their teaching more deliberate, producing better results in the pupils. One of the best decisions made so far. CCED laid the foundation for me,� he stated. Another graduate of CCED, Idowu Osilowo expressed joy and excitement for passing through the college, saying, “for me it was a great time learning better and professional ways of teaching students. Indeed Corona College is the best that has ever happened in my professional career,� she added. The Class Governor of PDE Cohort I, Mr. Babatunde Popoola, who affirmed that the students had an interest-
Encourage Children to Choose Courses out of Passion, Career Expert Tells Parents In Nigeria, it is believed that medical doctors, lawyers, and engineers are respected and well-paid. Therefore, many parents try to make their children study courses related to these professions even when their children don’t have a passion for the courses. However, in recent times career experts have been encouraging parents to allow their children to choose a profession based on their strength and interest. Reacting to the issue, the College-and-Careers Guidance Counsellor of Greenspring School, Soluzo Ekenta said, “there is nothing wrong with parents recommending that their children should study courses that can get them lucrative jobs. In the past, those courses include medicine, law, and engineering. “But there are many other unpopular courses that also guarantee lucrative jobs and in our new information technology (IT) age, there are hundreds of new lucrative IT-based jobs.� Soluzo suggested that instead of parents forcing their children to study courses that are believed to be lucrative, they should encourage them to study courses based on
their strength and interest. “At Greensprings School, our goal is to give our students a quality education that builds a solid foundation for whatever course they want to study in the university or college. We also guide them to choose courses based on their strength and passion. “Towards the end of last year, we launched our careers, college and university readiness centres and introduced a new software called Maia Learning. The software enables our secondary school students to take personality tests and the results are used to recommend courses that suit the personality of each student. “The students get to discover their areas of strengths and learn about profitable courses that are in line with their passion. And as it turned out, the students and their parents are happy because the software helped both to achieve their objectives.� Soluzo encourages parents to listen to their children when it is time to choose a course of study, adding that children should be allowed to study courses that they are passionate about and related to their area of strength.
ing matriculation, said “I feel very excited, I have been a teacher for a while, but not a professional. I am happy now that I am in a college to learn and to add more skills to the ones I have.� He said the teaching profession in Nigeria still has a long way to go, looking at what is obtainable in developed
countries. Also speaking, Adikat Olusesi, the Deputy Governor, PDE Cohort II, who has been teaching for the past eight years, said she is a graduate of French Language but not a certified teacher. “I am here to get an educational qualification and also process my TRCN certificate and license so that
I can be a recognised teacher in Nigeria. “The lectures have been helpful, imparting in us various techniques to be implemented in the classroom for the growth of the children.� Assessing the country’s education system, Olusesi maintained that there is much improvement presently unlike
how it used to be in the past, adding that for the country to move forward, there is need for the government to focus more on education and equip the teachers. According to her Corona College of Education has so far made it easy for everyone to have access to a professional certificate in education.
Students of Wavecrest College of Hospitality, Surulere; Queen’s College, Yaba; Wesley Girls Senior Secondary School, Yaba; and New Estate Baptist School, Surulere, at the Women Economic and Leadership Transformation Initiative (WELTI), Women’s Day forum on leadership held in surulere, Lagos... recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT
Okanlawon: Osun Student’s Feat at National Science Contest Confirms Functional Education Policy Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo A former special adviser in the Rauf Aregbesola administration in Osun State, Semiu Okanlawon has described the emergence of a student of the state’s public school as the best science student across Nigeria as further assurance of the quality of the state’s education policy. Okanlawon stated this while congratulating Master Akintade Abdulahi Akanbi and Governor Gboyega Oyetola over Akanbi’s performance which earned him a full scholarship up to doctorate level. He also said special appreciation must be accorded to Osun teachers who have rededicated themselves to real teaching and attuned themselves to the task of lifting the state’s education
sector. According to him, no one should miss the manifestations of the quality of education programmes put in place in the last one decade with the latest recognition of Akanbi. He said this is coupled with a recent emergence of another student as third best scorer in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board examinations last year. “Who knows what feat Osun students would come out with in the ongoing JAMB examinations?� Okanlawon said He added: “What further prove do you need to tell those who condemned those education policies at that time simply because they were in opposition and they must oppose whatever the Aregbesola administration did no matter
how well-intentioned? “But we are all vindicated that in less than one decade, the results of those ingenious ideas are emerging in their multiple and beautiful manifestations. “I congratulate the people of Osun. I congratulate Akanbi. I congratulate Governor Oyetola who was part of this inheritable, good legacy and worked indefatigably for eight years to achieve these noble ideas with his governor. I congratulate my former Governor and now Minister, Rauf Aregbesola for bequeathing to us all a strong legacy. I congratulate Prof. Wole Soyinka who spent time for a good cause such as laying a solid framework for Osun to build on. “Those who have been genuinely monitoring the progress recorded under the
Aregbesola administration would recall that between 2010 to 2017, Osun’s performance in public examinations jumped from 15.58 per cent to 44.69 per cent. This had reached about 68 per cent before the exit of Aregbesola in 2018. “In 2018, Premium Times, a reputable online newspaper, did an independent report and concluded that Osun students had achieved 70 per cent success rate in Mathematics. “For us all, it is a reassurance that none of us made any mistake in the determination to create a new value in all facets of Osun life. Osun definitely shall produce more Akintade Akanbis because the courageous decision had been taken to give the people of Osun the best regardless of the odds,� he said.
COVID-19: Abia Schools Race against Time to Conclude Second Term Exams Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia All primary and secondary schools in Abia State are now racing against time to meet the deadline set by the state government for them to conclude second term examinations and shut down because of the rampaging Coronavirus. Governor Okezie Ikpeazu had set Friday, March 27, 2020 as the deadline for schools, both public and private, to conclude all academic activities and send students home, as part of measures to checkmate the Coronavirus.
In some states, schools have been forced to hurriedly close down without concluding the second term of the 2019/2020 academic session due to the determined efforts of state governments to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Abia has not recorded any index case of Coronavirus, but the governor said he won’t take chances hence the directive that schools should round off their academic activities and go on holidays. “What we want to do is to encourage all primary and secondary schools to
do everything within their powers to conclude their examinations and close by March 30,� he said, adding, “we want them to do everything possible to meet the deadline.� Ikpeazu said he would discuss with the commissioner for education “to see how we can provide incentives for our teachers to work extra hours to ensure that our children and pupils who are in various schools conclude their exams and then vacate by the 30th.� He explained that the measure was to ensure that what the students have learnt
and the time they have spent in the second term “will be useful and the parents will have value for their money.� Meanwhile the governor has cancelled the 27th convocation ceremony of the Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, originally scheduled to hold on Friday, March 27. He said a convocation ceremony is a big event that involves foreign visitors and for that it would not be allowed to hold in the present pandemic situation, adding that he has directed the university management to send the students home.
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CITYSTRINGS
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Empowering Osun Youths in Arts, Culture Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo writes on the drive by Abeni Visual and Performing Art Institute to empower 90 Osun youths in art and culture
Youth empowerment program in session with 30 youths from the three senatorial districts in Osun State
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n line with government's drive to create jobs, wealth through arts and culture, an organisation known as Abeni Visual and Performing Art Institute (AVPAI) has commenced steps to train 90 Osun youths across the three senatorial districts of the state. The initiative, according to the firm's Founder and Artistic Director Chief Muraina Oyelami, was being done in collaboration with the state government to promote values, create wealth and contribute to community development and sustainability. A brain child of Oyelami, the programme which first targeted training of youths across local government areas (LGAs) was marketed to Governor Gboyega Oyetola who graciously acceded to it. Beneficiaries of the programme would be trained in batches of 30 per senatorial district for three months each and are expected to have acquired requisite social, moral, mental and financial capacities to enable them excel. Speaking at the unveiling of the programme in Osogbo, Oyelami noted that the institute currently has three units- Visual Arts, Performing Arts and other special courses aimed at giving future to youths left behind by formal education system. He said, "The institute currently has three units as follows: Visual Arts where courses offered are textile art design and cloth weaving, fashion designing, graphics, painting and print making; Performing Art with courses such as drumming/ drum making, dance/choreography as well as other special courses like Yoruba cultural values and appreciation, and executive courses including summer holiday programme. "AVPAI provides a forum that clusters fine mix of scholars and visual art practitioners that aims at promoting art and building human capacity," he said. To give life to the project, the governor recently directed all LGA chairmen to contribute a token in support of the firm, a request that 14 chairmen have complied with. "We have to commence the programme
Young ladies in drumming session at the empowerment program in Iragbiji, Osun State while we wait for the other chairmen to comply. The training with start with 30 youths from Osun Central who will be trained in three months and thereafter, 30 each from Osun East and West will follow suit. "However, candidates must be holders of first school leaving certificate in the minimum. Also, they have to be between 16 and 30 years unemployed or out of school youths who must be mentally stable and teachable. "Talented persons or those with flate for one of thr courses offered in our institute are also required. "The expectation is that after the three
months intensive training, the candidates would have been empowered. The institute anticipate that the training will reduce youth unemployment, number of street youths, number of out-of-school youths, poverty and inequality levels. It will as well bring about increased Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and secured community," said Oyelami. Also speaking, Director, Osun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr Samuel Adeniyi, said the ministry was passionate about the programme and would work towards development of the youths in the state. He said the state government had
given approval for the training program for the development of the state in all ramifications. Adeniyi noted that the government was fully aware that the pillars of economic development of the state revolved around culture,tourism and preservation, adding that the state would continue partnership with corporate organisations to attain sustained economic development. According to him, the initiative was an opportunity for all LGAs to key into the system for sustainable development through pragmatic approach, urging them to participate in the programme that would ensure self reliance for their youths.
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CRIME&SECURITY
Advocating for Policy Reforms to Boost Defence Sector Accountability
Chiemelie Ezeobi, who was a participant at the one-day seminar organised by Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, writes that the core focus was to advocate for reforms that will boost accountability and transparency in the defence sector, especially in the light of the ongoing war against insurgency
CISLAC Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa
The facilitators and participants at the training
One of the speakers anked by participants
T
he Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called for policy reforms in the country's defence sector for improved transparency and accountability. They made this charge in a dialogue with defence and security reporters, at its recently organised one-day media workshop for 21 investigative journalists and editors on Defence Sector Accountability Reportage on March Tuesday,’ March 18. The workshop was organised in collaboration with Transparency International (TI) and support of Department For International Development (DFID)- UK. In advocating for policy reforms to boost defence sector accountability, they tasked the media on responsible reporting, just as they challenged them to deploy investigative journalism skills in their effort to make the defence sector a lot more transparent and accountable in Nigeria. Nonetheless, the media was charged to probe the defence sector in order to expose corruption without jeopardising national security. Call for Policy Reforms In his opening remarks, CISLAC Conflict Advisor, Salaudeen Hashim, said some level of reforms, particularly within policy regime, was needed for improved and more transparent performance of the sector. He noted that laws like the Official Secrets Act were shrinking media space, encouraging corruption while some behavioural practices of defence spokespersons were creating some bottlenecks in the institution's relationship with the civilian population.
The facilitators Charging the media to ensure their reports were informative and very constructive to ensure that every party within the sector was fairly represented, he said: "For us, the media is a worthy ally in the campaign to achieve an accountable and a transparent defence sector. If we must achieve a reform that is people centred, we believe that the media will be a very key partner to help us in terms of achieving a desired result. "So, what we have done here today is to actually put media individuals and personnel together to be able to also interact and equip them with adequate information that can help them in doing their job a lot better. The information, we believe, will be able to help in terms of ensuring that we secure the kind of accountability and the modern military that we want to have. "Unfortunately there seems to be a lot of distress currently but we know that the media stand a very good stead to help the country in restoring accountability in the defense sector. “What we can see very clearly borders around bureaucratic practices within the defence sector that is actually hampering access to information and that is very key and the unprofessional nature within which defence public relations officers or those who are proxies for them speak on their behalf seems to have some level of challenges.� In her presentation tagged "An overview of Increase transparency, accountability and integrity (ITAI) project," Bertha Ogbimi noted that corruption in the defence sector was dangerous, divisive and wasteful, adding that it leads to misappropriation of funds and
by extension jeopardises national security. Ogbimi, a development specialist advocate, said there was need for defence budget to be made more transparent so that Nigerians can know how funds are being expended. She said: "We are not saying we want to know certain information that can compromise national security. What we are asking is that they be more transparent in the process. Information that have no security implications should be made public.� Meanwhile, she reeled out the organisation’s interventions in the defence sector and the successes gained under its Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa. Among them are the SANDS project researches that birthed policy briefs, like ‘Weaponising Transparency’ Defence Procurement Reform As A Counterterrorism Strategy in Nigeria, 2017; ‘Camouflaged Cash’- How ‘Security Votes’ Fuel Corruption in Nigeria, 2018 and Involvement Of The Nigerian Security Services in the 2019 Electoral Process: Guardian or Threat to Democracy? In his presentation, journalist and defence reforms advocate, Senator Iroegbu, who doubles as the founder of The Sentinel, a fast-growing online paper, shared practical and real-time experiences he has garnered on the field while reporting the defence beat. He also admonished reporters on the beat to always weigh the implications their reports would have on the nation before publishing. According to him, this was because of concerns expressed by stakeholders that defence sector policies impede the efforts of journalists to deepen their coverage of the sector.
During his presentation on “Accuracy in Investigation and Reporting As A Key To Achieving Defence Reform Agenda – Experience Sharing�, he discussed top notch approaches to reportage of defence and security issues, urging the media practitioners to review their strategies and move beyond crisis messaging in order to enhance security sector reforms and therefore participate in building a deep understanding of objective security contexts and threats. “It is time you go beyond reportorial and go deeper to actually become an expert, contributing your quota to issues when your opinions are sought,� he charged. Stressing that the military cannot distant itself to the era of instant global media communication, he said they need to be reformed and be in sync with prevailing situations. At the same time, he urged participants to adopt more uncompromising ways of demanding accountability and transparency through their reportage, adding that if media beams its their in the defence sector, hold stakeholders accountable, things will improve for the defence sector and for the nation. CISLAC, Programme Officer, Mr. Salaudeen Hashim advocated that there should be a level of reform particularly within policy regime within the state. While highlighting this against the background that there seems to be a few policy space that is shrinking media practices, he also advised the media to do more of in-depth research into the sector they are reporting because this would indeed help to situate them in a more balanced way to avoid any sort of partisan or perception of being lopsided in any way.
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T H I S D AY Ëž Í°Í˛Ëœ 2020
BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE
Manufacturing Index Records Slow Growth in March Nume Ekeghe The Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) stood at 51.1 index points in March, indicating expansion in the manufacturing sector for the 36th consecutive month. However, the index grew at a slower rate when compared to February. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) disclosed this in its PMI report for February, 2020, posted on its website yesterday. According to the report, of the 14 surveyed sub-sectors, seven recorded growth (above 50% threshold) in the review month in the following order: transportation equipment; petroleum & coal products; furniture & related products; food, beverage & tobacco products; cement; fabricated metal products and plastics & rubber products. However, the electrical equipment; primary metal; nonmetallic mineral products; paper products; textile, apparel, leather and footwear; printing & related support activities and chemical & pharmaceutical
products sub-sectors all recorded declined in the review month. Also, the report showed that at 54.4 points, the production level index for the manufacturing sector grew for the 36th consecutive month in March. The index however indicated slower growth in the current month, when compared to its level in February 2020. In all, 10 of the 14 manufacturing sub-sectors recorded increased production level, remained unchanged while one recorded a decline. “At 59.1 points, the new orders index grew for the thirty-fifth consecutive month, indicating increases in new orders in February 2020. Furthermore, the report stated: “At 54.4 points, the production level index for the manufacturing sector grew for the 37th consecutive month in March 2020. “The index however indicated slower growth in the current month, when compared to its level in February 2020. Seven of the 14 manufacturing subsectors recorded increased production level, while seven sub-sectors
recorded decline in production.� It added: “At 52.3 points, the new orders index grew for the 36th consecutive month, indicating increases in new orders in March 2020. The index grew at a slower rate, when compared to its level in February 2020. “Five sub-sectors reported growth, two remained unchanged while seven recorded declines in the review month.� The composite PMI for the non- manufacturing sector also stood at 49.2 points in March 2020, indicating contraction in Non-manufacturing PMI for the first time after 34 consecutive months of expansion. The index declined slightly below the turning point of 50 points in the review month. Of the 17 sub-sectors surveyed, seven -sub-sectors recorded growth (above the 50% threshold) in the following order: management of companies; arts, entertainment & recreation; repair, maintenance/washing of motor vehicles; real estate, rental & leasing; information & communication; water supply, sewage and waste management; health care & social assistance.
GTBank Sets Up Medical Facility to Contain COVID-19 Peter Uzoho Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Plc said it is building a 100bed intensive care centre to be fully-equipped with modern facilities for the treatment of Nigerians who may be infected with the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic currently ravaging the world. The facility which will be sited at Onikan, Lagos, was
being set up in collaboration with the Lagos State Government and was expected to be completed this weekend. “As an organisation, beyond the safety measures we have put in place across our offices and branches, we are also lending ourselves to doing more to beat this outbreak. “We are setting up a fully equipped 100- bed Intensive Care Centre at Onikan for the
Nigerian people,� a statement quoted the Chief Executive Officer, GTBank, Mr. Segun Agbaje to have said. According to him, “the centre will be fully equipped with all the necessary equipment including respirators and personnel to treat and care for those that may become affected. We are fully committed to having the Centre fully set up by the end of this week.�
Ambah Urges Banks to Build Consumer Trust Eromosele Abiodun Bankers have been called upon to take greater responsibility in all areas of their services in order to build consumer confidence and trust. The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, FSDH Merchant Bank, Hamda Ambah, made the call during an interview with journalists on the sideline of the 45th Quarterly General Meeting of the Association of Chief Audit Executives of Banks (ACAEBIN) held in Lagos. She said players should take responsibility by going all out to provide customers with the right information. She said the issue was about
poor communication between banks and their customers, and therefore, “we have to take the responsibility to put out the right information.� “Sometimes, the problem is misunderstanding for lack of the right information because in the absence of information, we get misinformation,� she added. Ambah said: “you will see some elderly people who are not educated and they will give their ATM Cards to people they don’t even know. “Please my daughter, help me, this is the number. If the money now gets missing, is it really the banks fault? It’s not. But what we have to do is to take it as a responsibility to
educate them that even if it is your child, don’t disclose your PIN number.� According to her, this does not end with the non-educated, saying “I see some senior executives always giving their drivers or PA’s their ATM card to go and make withdrawals for them, instead of transferring the money to the person’s account so that he or she could use his or her own ATM cards.� Speaking on theme of the ACAEBIN Meeting: ‘Consumer Protection and the Role of Internal Audit Executives of Banks ’, Ambah said the most basic, yet fundamental ingredient on which banking thrives was trust.
Unity Bank Takes Safety Measures against COVID-19 Unity Bank Plc said it has fully activated its business continuity plan and implemented additional safety measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. In line with this initiative, employees in non-essential functions now works remotely to minimise physical interaction as well as observe social distancing intended to safeguard all stakeholders against the threats posed by the virus, the bank disclosed in a statement. It further stated that it has suspended all training programmes, adding that meetings would henceforth be
held virtually. It revealed that all employees who recently returned from foreign trips have also been directed to commence self-isolation, even as members of staff were encouraged to report any such staff or any that have come in contact or related with anyone who recently returned from a foreign trip. Unity Bank said it would continue to enforce compulsory temperature screening and the use of hand sanitisers for all those that must gain access to any of its business premises. “Our customers are encouraged to transact business at this time on our alternative channels and
reduce traffic in the business offices. Only customers with essential financial transactions are advised to visit our branches. “To mitigate the impact of this development, all our digital banking channels have been optimised to cater for all forms of transactions. The Bank’s self-service platforms like the multi-lingual USSD platform *7799#, the mobile banking app, UniFi app and the internet banking service, UnityOnline have been optimized to meet all customer’s needs such as funds transfer, bill payments, airtime and data recharge, etc,� it added.
CBN building
MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS
(MILLION NAIRA)
SEPTEMBER 2019 Money Supply (M3)
35,029,779.72
-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors
7,374,356.91
Money Supply (M2)
27,655,422.82
-- Quasi Money
116,533,891.21
-- Narrow Money (M1)
11,121,531.60
---- Currency Outside Banks
1,625,047.69
---- Demand Deposits
9,496,483.91
Net Foreign Assets (NFA)
13,911,335.83
Net Domestic Assets(NDA)
21,118,443.89
-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)
35,918,179.45
---- Credit to Government (Net)
10,452,199.38
---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA
11,007,422.79
---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)
25,465,980.07
---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)
-14,799,735.56
--Other Assets Net
7,000,253.07
Reserve Money (Base Money
2,005,600.83
--Currency in Circulation
4,677,530.81
--Banks Reserves
317,121.43
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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
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OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE Ëœ Í°Íą Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ
The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $24.72 a barrel on Monday, compared with $28.57 the previous Friday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), ZaďŹ ro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela). SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna
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MARKET NEWS
SEC Postpones CMC Meeting, NSE Extends Financial Statements’Filling Deadline Goddy Egene The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has postponed the first Capital Market Committee (CMC) scheduled to hold on April 23, 2020, as part of measures to mitigate the spreading COVID-19 on capital market operations. The CMC is a quarterly gathering of stakeholders in the capital market community and other sectors of the financial system to discuss market and
financial issues aimed at moving the economy forward. In a circular yesterday, SEC released a number of marketfocused adjustments to be adopted in the interim in response to the effects of COVID-19 which includes filing and processing of applications electronically, extension of deadline on 2019 annual reports and first quarter (Q1) 2020 reports and the postponement of the Q1 CMC meeting. The commission stated that applications shall be filed elec-
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tronically, while fresh applications for registration of capital market operators are suspended until further notice. Also, returns shall be filed electronically while the commission has approved a 60-day extension, in the first instance for public companies and capital market operators to file their 2019 annual reports and Q1 2020 reports. “By the advisory, public companies are to take appropriate precautionary measures as recommended by the federal and
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state governments as well as the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to ensure the safety of shareholders and participants at annual general meetings/extra-ordinary general meetings and other meetings which may be held during the prevalence of the pandemic,� the commission said. SEC enjoined all capital market stakeholders to adhere to all recent directives on safety and social distancing, noting that it is focused on: ensuring
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the continuity of its operations; monitoring market functions and systemic risks; providing regulatory flexibility and guidance to issuers, trading platforms, capital market operators and other stakeholders impacted by COVID-19; and continuation of investor protection efforts and relevant enforcement actions among others. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has granted listed companies 60 days grace period for the
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submission of their audited financial statements (AFS) for the year ended 31 December 2019(AFS). Going by the postlisting requirements of the exchange, the AFS are due for submission on Monday, March 30, 2020. However, following the shutting down of operations as a result of the COVID-19, the exchange has given that grace period, saying there will be no sanctions for companies that are unable to file the AFS.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY
MARKET NEWS
Seplat Posts N85bn Net Profit, to Pay N19 Dividend Per Share Goddy Egene
bottom-line. from N14.3 billion to N6.2 billion Details of the results showed in 2019. Consequently, profit before Seplat Petroleum Development that the company recorded a Company Plc, a leading revenue of N214.2 billion, down tax rose 11.2 per cent to N89.6 Nigerian independent oil and marginally by six per cent from billion, up from N80.6 billion in gas company, has announces its N228.4 billion in 2018. Gross 2018. A drastic reduction in tax audited results for the financial profit rose from N119.8 billion by 75 per cent from N35.7 billion year ended 31 December 2019, to N121.5 billion in 2019. Net to N8.9 billion, made the profit showing impressive growth in financing costs fell 56 per cent after tax (PAT) to jump by 89 A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 23shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Mar-2020, unless otherwise stated.
per cent from N44.9 billion to benefit from being a resilient N85 billion in 2018. The board company built on the solid has announced a dividend of foundations of prudent financial N19 per share. management and the careful Commenting on the results, mitigation of risk. We have Chief Executive Officer, Seplat, previously been tested by crisis. Austin Avuru said: “As we We successfully navigated the enter a challenging phase for twin challenges of the 2014/2015 the global economy, Seplat will oil price shock, which was 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.
immediately followed by the 16-month Trans Forcados shut-in, which drastically reduced our liquids production. Thanks to our flexibility in managing cash flows we emerged a stronger and better-funded company, ready to take advantage of new opportunities.”
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 110.74 114.38 -24.39% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 6.50% Nigeria International Debt Fund 295.05 295.05 -5.58% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.86 0.87 2.78% ACAP Income Funds 0.76 0.76 34.37% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.07% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.45 2.51 -0.39% info@anchoriaam.com ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 5.96% Anchoria Equity Fund 83.84 84.12 0.00% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.13 1.13 -0.88% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 12.48 12.86 -18.52% ARM Discovery Fund 305.03 314.23 -11.70% ARM Ethical Fund 25.33 26.09 -12.91% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.48% 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 86.07 86.67 -10.42% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.15% 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 N/A N/A N/A CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 0.07 0.05 6.96% Paramount Equity Fund 9.55 9.95 -22.80% Women's Investment Fund 104.90 105.72 -5.04% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.39% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 94.96 95.35 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 101.88 102.36 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.87% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.80 0.81 -13.63% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.31 1.31 -1.24% 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 FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,291.94 1,293.57 0.07% FBN Balanced Fund 127.89 128.82 -12.89% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.18% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 109.96 110.83 -7.78% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 110.54 111.42 -7.75% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 100.71 101.86 -22.61% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.47% Legacy Debt Fund 3.71 3.71 1.62% Legacy Equity Fund 0.93 0.94 -18.28% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.09 1.09 1.01% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH Treasury Bills Fund N/A N/A N/A GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A
GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.57% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.02 2.05 -8.12% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 10.87% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 138.37 138.73 -3.58% 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 1.14 1.16 -2.27% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,127.49 1,127.49 2.63% 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 7.15 7.22 -27.07% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 4.67% 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 1.33 1.35 8.99% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.31 12.34 8.86% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 5.04% PACAM Equity Fund 0.91 0.91 PACAM EuroBond Fund 83.28 85.25 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 108.88 110.76 -11.16% 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 1.03 1.03 2.68% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,521.35 2,532.80 -5.67% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 1.54% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 -14.04% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 1.80% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 -12.72% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.43% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 -13.64% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.16 1.16 1.32% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 118.18 118.18 0.00% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.07 1.09 -10.75% United Capital Bond Fund 1.77 1.77 2.21% United Capital Equity Fund 0.59 0.61 -16.28% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.22% United Capital Eurobond Fund 113.52 113.52 1.49% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.04 1.04 -4.85% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 9.00 9.09 -12.52% Zenith Ethical Fund 10.89 10.99 -6.30% Zenith Income Fund 23.24 23.24 4.52% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.84%
REITS NAV Per Share
Yield / T-Rtn
3.20 120.83 52.49
-66.85% 1.45% 0.85%
Bid Price
Offer Price
Yield / T-Rtn
7.38 73.42 56.02
7.48 74.96 57.05
-15.13% -20.62% -24.02%
Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund Union Homes REIT
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund
VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund
funds@vetiva.com Bid Price
Offer Price
Yield / T-Rtn
2.19 3.39 9.92 10.28 163.85
2.23 3.47 10.02 10.48 165.85
-38.19% -42.38% -17.74% -1.02% -12.17%
NAV Per Share
Yield / T-Rtn
108.69
17.60%
INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund
The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 25, 2020 • T H I S D AY
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WEDNESDAY MARCH 25, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY
INTERNATIONAL
WHO: US Could Become Next COVID-19 Epicentre The World Health Organisation said on Tuesday that the United States could become the global epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic, which finally forced reluctant organisers to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics. Britain joined the ranks of countries in lock down to try to hold back the virus, and data showed business activity collapsing from Australia, Japan and Western Europe at a record pace in March, with the US showing expected to be just as dire. “The coronavirus outbreak represents a major external shock to the macro outlook, akin to a large-scale natural disaster,’’ analysts at BlackRock Investment Institute said. But amid the gathering gloom, the Chinese province of Hubei, where the virus was first identified
in December, said it would lift travel restrictions on people leaving the region as the epidemic eases there. Confirmed coronavirus cases around the world exceeded 377,000 across 194 countries and territories as of early Tuesday, more than 16,500 of them fatal. In Geneva, WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said that there had been a “very large acceleration” in infections in the US Over the previous 24 hours, 85 per cent of new cases were in Europe and the US, and of those, 40 per cent were in the US As of Monday, the virus had infected more than 42,000 people there, killing at least 559 Asked whether the US could become the new epicentre, Harris said: “We are now seeing a very large acceleration in cases in the
US So it does have that potential.” Some US state and local officials have decried a lack of coordinated federal action, saying that having localities act on their own has put them in competition for supplies.
President Donald Trump acknowledged the difficulty. “The World market for face masks and ventilators is Crazy. We are helping the states to get equipment, but it is not easy,” he
tweeted. Of the top 10 countries by case numbers, Italy has reported the highest fatality rate, at around 10 per cent, which at least partly reflects its older population.
The fatality rate globally – the ratio of deaths to confirmed infections – is around 4.3 per cent, though national figures can vary widely according to how much testing is done.
Boko Haram Killed 92 Chadian Troops, Says President Ninety-two Chadian soldiers have been killed in the deadliest attack ever by Boko Haram jihadists on armed forces in the country, President Idriss Deby Itno said Tuesday. The attack is part of an expanding jihadist campaign in the vast, marshy Lake Chad area, where the borders of Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria converge. Boko Haram launched an insurgency in Nigeria in 2009 before beginning incursions in its neighbouring countries to the east. “We lost 92 of our soldiers, non-commissioned officers and officers,” in the attack overnight Sunday in Boma, the president said. “It’s the first time we have lost so many men,” he added, after visiting the site of the attack in the Lac province, which borders Niger and Nigeria. The attack on soldiers on the Boma peninsula lasted at least
seven hours, and reinforcements sent to help out were also targeted, one soldier told AFP. He said 24 army vehicles were destroyed, including armoured vehicles, and captured military arms were carried off in speedboats by Boko Haram. “The enemy has hit at our defences hard in this zone,” a senior officer said. Boko Haram has stepped up its attacks in recent months on the islands of the Lake Chad basin. Boko Haram’s insurgency has killed 36,000 people and displaced nearly two million in northeastern Nigeria since it began, according to the UN. Since 2015, countries in the region have cooperated in the Multinational Joint Force, a regional coalition engaged around Lake Chad with the help of local residents formed into vigilante groups.
COVID-19: Britain Asks
Public to Respect Lockdown Britain’s leaders on Tuesday urged people to respect an unprecedented countrywide lockdown, saying that following advice to stay at home would stop people dying of coronavirus. “Unless you stay at home, then the people you love most may die,” senior minister Michael Gove said in a round of broadcast interviews. Prime Minister Boris Johnson late on Monday bowed to pressure to follow other European countries in shutting most shops and services, as the death toll reached 335. Many streets were deserted on Tuesday morning, although reduced traffic still circulated in London and construction workers were being allowed to stay on site. Pictures on social media showed packed rush-hour trains on the London Underground “Tube” network, but this is partly as a result of a dramatic reduction in services. Johnson said people must stay inside except to buy essentials and
take daily exercise, but there were questions about how the new rules will be enforced. “For those people who are determined to flout the rules, the police will have the tools in order to ensure that those people are penalised and punished”, Gove said, citing the risk of a fine. But Britain’s police forces were thinly spread even before the outbreak, which has caused further shortages due to officers self-isolating. Peter Fahy, the former head of police in Manchester, said clarification was needed, particularly on how to enforce a new rule banning gatherings of more than two people. “Our police officers are already very stretched,” he told BBC television. “It will require a huge amount of public support, public acceptance and public compliance.” Britain has been slower than some of its neighbours to impose a shutdown to tackle the outbreak of COVID-19 sweeping the globe.
Manu Dibango performing in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, in 2018
AFP
UN Seeks Ease of Sanctions on Iran, Other Countries The UN rights chief called Tuesday for any sanctions imposed on countries like Iran facing the new coronavirus pandemic to be “urgently reevaluated” to avoid pushing strained medical systems into collapse. “At this crucial time, both for global public health reasons, and to support the rights and lives of millions of people in these countries, sectoral sanctions should be eased or suspended,” Michelle Bachelet said in a statement. “In a context of global pandemic, impeding medical
efforts in one country heightens the risk for all of us,” she said. Bachelet insisted “humanitarian exemptions to sanctions measures should be given broad and practical effect, with prompt, flexible authorisation for essential medical equipment and supplies.” Her comments came as the number of cases of COVID-19 approached 400,000 worldwide, including nearly 17,000 deaths, according to an AFP tally using official sources. Bachelet pointed in particular to the case of Iran — one of the hardest-hit countries in the pandemic with nearly 2,000
deaths. Even before the pandemic, she pointed out that human rights reports had repeatedly emphasised the impact of sectorial sanctions on access to essential medicines and medical equipment in the country, including respirators and protective gear for healthcare workers. Bachelet’s office stressed that more than 50 Iranian medics had died since the first COVID-19 case was detected in the country five weeks ago. She warned that Iran’s epidemic was also spreading to neighbouring Afghanistan and
Pakistan, putting a strain on their fragile health systems as well. The statement also cautioned that sanctions could impede medical efforts in Cuba, North Korea, Venezuela and Zimbabwe during the pandemic. “The majority of these states have frail or weak health systems,” Bachelet warned. “Progress in upholding human rights is essential to improve those systems — but obstacles to the import of vital medical supplies, including over-compliance with sanctions by banks, will create long-lasting harm to vulnerable communities,” she said.
Cameroonian Music Legend Manu Dibango Dies of COVID-19 Veteran Afro-jazz star Manu Dibango died on Tuesday after contracting the new coronavirus, his representatives have confirmed. The 86-year-old Cameroonian, best known for the 1972 hit “Soul Makossa”, is one of the first worldwide stars to die as a result of COVID-19.
“He died early this morning in a hospital in the Paris region,” his music publisher Thierry Durepaire said. A message on his official Facebook page confirmed that his death had come after he contracted COVID-19. “His funeral service will be held
in strict privacy, and a tribute to his memory will be organized when possible,” the message said. The saxophonist was one of the pioneers of Afro jazz and also fused funk with traditional Cameroonian music. His biggest hit was the B-side of a song to support the Cameroon
football team in the African Cup of Nations but was picked up and popularised by New York DJs. In 2009, he accused Michael Jackson of borrowing one of his hooks for two songs on the legendary “Thriller” album. Jackson settled out of court.
South Africa’s COVID-19 Highest Cases in Africa The number of coronavirus cases in South Africa increased by 152 to 554 within 24 hours. The country has the highest number of cases in Africa but no death has been recorded. On Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a 21-day lock down to curb the spread of the outbreak. “From midnight on Thursday, March 26 until midnight on
Thursday, April 16, all South Africans will have to stay at home,” Ramaphosa said. “This is a decisive measure to save lives of South Africans from infections and to save lives of hundreds of thousands of our people. “While this measure will have a considerable impact on people’s livelihoods, on the life of our society and on
our economy, the human cost of delaying this action would be far, far greater. ” The president, however, said people will still be able to leave their homes to seek medical care, buy food or collect a social grant. All shops and businesses are to close, with the exemption of pharmacies, laboratories, banks, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, supermarkets,
petrol stations and healthcare providers. Health workers, emergency personnel and security services will be allowed to work, while soldiers will be deployed to patrol the streets in support of the police. There are fears that the lock down could be disastrous for the economy as the country is currently battling its second recession in two years.
Over 200,000 Cases Declared in Europe More than 200,000 coronavirus cases have been declared in Europe, with Italy’s 63,927 infections and Spain’s 39,673 accounting for more than half
of the total, according to an AFP tally on Tuesday. With at least 200,009 cases, including 10,732 deaths, Europe is the continent
worst hit by the pandemic, ahead of Asia with 98,748 cases and 3,570 deaths. The first outbreak was in China in December.
The official figures reflect only a fraction of the total cases as many countries only test for the disease when people are hospitalised.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 25, 2020 • T H I S D AY
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WEDNESDAY, ÍşÍ˝Ëœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY
PAGE FOURTY SIX CBN RETAINS MPR AT 13.5%, TO ENHANCE COVID-19 INTERVENTIONS trillion across all critical sectors of the economy. The move, which was in line with the banking sector regulator’s efforts to cushion the impact of COVID-19 on the economy, came two days after it had unveiled a six-point palliative to ameliorate the continued impact of the global pandemic on the country. According to Emefiele, not only will the pandemic result in a health crisis, it will unleash a massive economic crisis that may plunge many industrialised countries as well as Nigeria into a recession. Emefiele noted that the COVID-19 pandemic, which
is a public health crisis, would continue to undermine any monetary and fiscal stimulus unless appropriate measures are taken to test, isolate, curtail the spread and treat infected persons while ensuring that migration across the country is prohibited. He urged the federal government to implement measures to safeguard the population, including a compulsory restriction of movements to curtail the spread of the virus. Emefiele also tasked the government to embark on close monitoring and install emergency-ready measures to identify and care for infected
persons in the country. The central bank warned about the huge economic costs of the pandemic, which has brought the global economy to its knees. The CBN governor said available data on the country's key macroeconomic variables indicated the likelihood of subdued output growth for the economy in 2020. He stated that based on the current down trend in oil prices, projections indicate that the output in 2020 would be less than earlier envisaged, largely as a result of the continued spread of COVID-19, further decline in crude oil prices
and reduction in accretion to external reserves, reduced government revenues linked to weak aggregate demand, declining non-oil receipts as well as infrastructural and security challenges. However, he said these headwinds could be partly mitigated by the timely and effective response of both the monetary and fiscal authorities in containing the spread of the viral infection, the recalibration and adjustment of the 2020 budget to the revised threshold while pegging expenditure to critical sectors of the economy. Emefiele called for the adoption of a new fiscal regime
to encourage the build-up of fiscal buffers, sustained CBN interventions in selected sectors, enhanced flow of credit to the real sector and deliberate policies to diversify the Nigerian economy. However, in holding the monetary policy instruments constant, he said the MPC noted the continued rise in domestic prices; the glut in oil supplies and low oil prices in the wake of the current global shocks; exchange rate pressure and other domestic monetary and fiscal responses to the evolving crises. He said: "On the choices before the committee, the MPC noted the recent actions of the
bank, targeted at strengthening the resilience of the financial system and alleviating the initial impact of the crisis. “In its wisdom, the committee felt that tightening would result in reining in the rising trend in inflation and that it would support reserve accretion. "However, it would reduce money supply and limit DMBs credit creation capacity, thus resulting in increasing the cost of credit, with adverse impact on output growth.� He explained that tightening would also result in a reduction in aggregate demand as a fall
accompanied him to Lagos are out. “Of the six initial tests carried out, one sample was confirmed positive for COVID-19. The positive result happened to be that of His Excellency, Senator Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State,� the statement explained. The governor had earlier gone into self-isolation after having contact with the son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar who had tested positive of the virus.
one; Oyo one; Edo, one and Bauchi State, one. While 41 persons are presently in isolation receiving treatment, two of the cases have been successfully treated and discharged and one died on Monday.
Continued on page 47
OSINBAJO, MINISTERS SELF-ISOLATE AS KYARI, MOHAMMED TEST POSITIVE Abba Kyari, have gone on self- isolation, THISDAY has learnt. Their self-isolation followed Kyari's testing positive for COVID-19 after a trip to Germany where he had talks with officials of Siemens in Munich on improving power supply in Nigeria. However, while Kyari, who had travelled to Germany on March 7 and returned on March 14, but did not show any symptoms, tested positive, the president, one of those who had contacts with him, tested negative. With the spike in the COVID-19 incidence, federal and state authorities have ramped up efforts to tame the pandemic by stepping up measures to promote social distancing and flattening the curve. Among the new curbs yesterday were the suspension of plenary, for two weeks, by the two chambers of the National Assembly, Senate and House of Representatives; the ban on interstate travelling as well as the closure of markets, except for those selling foodstuffs and drugs, and courts by the Lagos State Government; and a directive by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to all non-managerial staff to work from home. However, efforts at tackling the pandemic got a boost yesterday with the arrival in Nigeria of test kits and ventilators donated to Africa by Chinese billionaire and co-founder of Alibaba Group, a multinational technology conglomerate, Jack Ma. THISDAY learnt that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), had tested the president and Kyari on Monday and yesterday informed them of the results. Kyari and Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, were among the four new COVID-19 cases discovered yesterday to bring the toll to 44, covering six states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Of the 44, two persons had been discharged and one died. Osinbajo's Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, in a tweet yesterday on his Twitter page, @akandoj, said the vice president was working from home as he was on selfisolation in accordance with NCDC protocols. He said: (The) “VP Osinbajo yesterday at the office conducted his meetings via video conferencing, while observing social distancing. "Today, he continues his work from the home office, as he is in self-isolation in accordance with NCDC protocols.� It was gathered that Kyari had gone on self-isolation in a private house in Abuja. A press conference scheduled by the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, for 3.30 p.m. yesterday to give Nigerians an update on COVID-19, was hurriedly put off. Although no official reason was given for the cancellation, a presidential source said the minister was instructed to cancel the briefing. THISDAY gathered that the press conference was expected to give an update on the tracing of ministers, senior government officials, influential politicians and top business executives, who had contact with the chief of staff. A minister confided in THISDAY yesterday that he had gone on self-isolation because of his recent contact with Kyari. “I am currently on selfisolation because I had contact with the Chief of Staff to the President recently in the cause of my official duty. Some of my colleagues are also on selfisolation for similar reasons,� the minister stated. It was also gathered that a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), who also had contact with Kyari was on self-isolation in his private house in Abuja. A top government official told THISDAY that the chief of staff was on self-isolation where he
was being monitored by medical personnel because he's not showing severe symptoms of the disease. Asked if he was not expected to be moved to Abuja University Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada where victims of COVID-19 are being treated, the source said it was not compulsory that everyone who tests positive must be taken to the hospital. According to him, if the patient is not showing severe symptoms of COVID-19, he can merely be given bed rest, noting that most of the victims of the disease naturally, recover. He added that over 80 per cent of victims recover without any intervention. He said: "He may test positive and not show severe symptoms and so be in self-isolation. The symptoms in over 80 per cent cases are mild as they manifest modestly. Most people will recover without intervention. Fatality is common in old people. "They only have to be monitored to find that the situation is not deteriorating. He can be on bed rest and given drugs related to the symptoms he's showing. If the symptom is fever, he can be given paracetamol. "He will be given water to help him hydrate. His blood sample will be taken to know that he's not showing any signs of deterioration. The treatment given to them is just to support the immune system." According to him, most of the victims of the disease who die are those who show respiratory symptoms like pneumonia and that is why ventilators are needed. The source explained that staff working with Kyari who had had contact with him had been asked to self-isolate. THISDAY also learnt yesterday that some notable presidential aides who had contacts with the chief of staff had gone into self-isolation. Some of them contacted by THISDAY to confirm their status opted to keep mum. Asked if there is no necessity
to subject such staff to tests, the source said no test would be conducted on them unless they show signs of the ailment. According to the source, while it is ideal for everyone to be tested, the test cannot be carried out on every suspected case until the person shows symptoms of the disease. The members of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 yesterday visited the State House for undisclosed reasons. Led by their chairman and incumbent SGF, Mr. Boss Mustapha, members of the group visited the office of the chief of staff. The group declined to speak on their mission in the State House. Members of the group in the visiting team included Ehanire; Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora; Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Investment, Ms. Sadiya Farouq. Earlier in the day, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, and the Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Aminu Masari, had visited the State House for undisclosed reasons.
Bauchi Positive
Gov
Tests
Test Kits, Ventilators Arrive in Nigeria Nigerians may soon experience relief as test kits and ventilators sent to Nigeria by the Chinese billionaire, Jack Ma, arrived in the country yesterday and thus raising hope of the possibilities of conducting more tests that may be considered necessary. Patients showing respiratory symptoms can also have access to ventilators, which can help their breathing system. Ethiopian Airlines brought in the ventilators and the test kits yesterday.
COVID-19 Cases Climb to 44, Spread to Six States
The Bauchi State Government yesterday confirmed that Mohammed had tested positive for COVID-19. A statement yesterday by the governor's Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Mukhtar Gidado, also said Mohammed, who was tested on Monday by NCDC, had gone into self-isolation after his result turned positive. “This is to inform the general public that the result of the six initial tests carried out by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on His Excellency, Senator Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, his family and aides that
In an update yesterday on its official Twitter page, @NCDCgov, the NCDC put the number of new cases at four more, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 44. Announcing the new cases, the NCDC said Bauchi, Lagos, Ogun and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) recorded one case each. NCDC said: “Of the four cases, one had travel history to Germany, the other to the United Kingdom, while one is a contact of a previously confirmed case.� NCDC did not mention from which country the last person came into Nigeria. So far, Lagos has 29 cases; FCT, eight; Ogun, three; Ekiti,
conveying logistics and artillery, which included bombs and other weapons and shot at it. According to him, the shooting resulted in an explosion that killed the soldiers and the insurgents that mounted the ambush. He said: "As you know, we are in a fluid conflict situation and our gallant troops are out there at the frontlines. Ladies and gentlemen, between 21 and 23 March 2020, troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, were on clearance and fighting patrol operation to Gorgi in Borno State, which was successfully done. "However, during consolidation, they were ambushed by elements of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT). Sadly, we suffered some casualties in the unfortunate attack. Fortyseven soldiers were killed and
15 soldiers were wounded." Eneche added that following the ambush, fighter jets were scrambled and the fleeing insurgents that survived the explosion were neutralised. “Accordingly, air assets, including Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform and fighter jets were immediately scrambled to provide close air support to the troops. While the ISR platform provided situational awareness to the troops, the fighter jets engaged the BHTs, immobilising a gun truck and neutralising some of the terrorists. Some others, who attempted to beat a hasty retreat, were mopped up by the jets in follow-on attacks. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in furtherance of the objective of restoring peace and
National Assembly Suspends Plenary for Two Weeks As part of the efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19, the National Assembly yesterday suspended activities for two weeks. The Senate suspended plenary for two weeks and expressed concern for the lack of sufficient testing kits to fight the epidemic in the four NCDC isolation centres across the country. President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, who announced the suspension at the end of an executive session of the Senate that lasted for over an hour, said: "The Senate resolves to adjourn sitting for two weeks from today due to the pandemic of COVID-19 ravaging the entire world." According to him, the Senate will resume plenary on April 7. Lawan, however, gave an assurance that the Senate will be ready to attend to urgent national matters during the two-week break. "However, the Senate would be on hand in case of emergency on any national issue that requires its attention," he added. He advised Nigerians to observe all preventive measures recommended by the NCDC. While calling on the federal government to immediately set aside a special intervention fund to curtail the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria, Lawan advocated the release of financial assistance to states for the same purpose. Shedding more light on the epidemic, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, told reporters after plenary that "for over two Continued on page 47
BUHARI LAMENTS SOLDIERS’ DEATH by terrorists in Gorgi Village, Borno State. Forty-seven soldiers were, according to the Defence Headquarters, yesterday killed by Boko Haram in an ambush attack in Gorgi Allargano forest in Borno State. The president, according to a statement by presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, said “sacrifices of our gallant patriots cannot be quantified, and their sacrifices cannot go in vain.’’ The statement said the president, who commiserated with their families and those who sustained injuries, added that the death of every soldier causes deep pains because he knows what it means to be a soldier. According to the statement, the president fully understands the
extreme risks associated with the profession, noting that “despite the tragedies and incidents, we cannot allow anarchists and mass murderers to hold the country hostage.’’ It added that the president appealed to the military “not to allow the incident to affect their morale," assuring them that his administration would continue to motivate and equip them adequately in order to cope with the complex challenges of unconventional warfare. Shehu said the Nigerian Army had dispatched a team to assess the situation and report back to the government.
Military Pounds Boko Haram after Losing 47 Soldiers The military had yesterday rained
bombs on Boko Haram's hideouts in Borno State in reprisal against the killing of 47 soldiers in an ambush on Monday. Although the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday confirmed 47 soldiers killed and 15 others wounded in the ambush by Boko Haram at Gorgi in Allargano forest in Borno State, other sources put the death toll at 70. But a day after the ambush, fighter jets of the Air Task Force under the Operation Lafiya Dole launched airstrikes on the terrorists’ locations. However, the Coordinator of the Defence Media Operations, Maj- Gen. John Enenche, told journalists in Abuja that the 47 soldiers were not killed in direct combat with the terrorists. He said the terrorists ambushed the military vehicle
security in the Northeast will continue to sustain the offensive against the enemies of our nation,� he stated. Enenche explained that the names and identities of the deceased soldiers were being collated while the military sympathised with the families of the victims. “The Defence Headquarters commiserate with the families of our fallen gallant heroes who paid the supreme price in the course of defending our fatherland. "We assure Nigerians that the armed forces and other security agencies in furtherance of the objective of restoring peace and security in the North-east and other parts of the country will continue to sustain the offensive against the enemies of our nation," he said.
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NEITI: Despite 37bn Barrels Reserve, Nigeria Still Imports Bitumen Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Despite a huge reserve of over 37 billion barrels of bitumen, the mineral used in the production of asphalt for road construction, manufacturing of asbestos and other waterproofing materials, Nigeria has continued to waste foreign exchange in importing the product, the latest report from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has indicated. The report noted that lack of activities in some of the strategic minerals found in the country was leading to loss of
foreign exchange through the importation of the product, of which Nigeria has the highest reserve in Africa, thereby draining the country’s revenue earnings. With an estimated yearly import of more than N300 billion worth of bitumen into Nigeria and the pivotal role it plays in developing and infrastructure-starved nations, the organisation called on the authorities to encourage more exploration of the product also deployed in canal lining, underwater tunnels, river bank protection, dam construction and
rail tracks. NEITI further urged the federal government to pay attention to the extraction of barite, estimated at 15 million tonnes in the country and is a key material used in the oil and gas industry. “The following strategic minerals: Bitumen, barite and gold remain largely untapped. “Nigeria’s bitumen deposit is estimated at 37 billion barrels. Bitumen is an essential component in the building (manufacture of asbestos and water proofing materials) and construction (production of
asphalt for road building sector). “Our review revealed that bitumen has attracted very little attention over the years. “This has led to loss of scarce foreign exchange through importation, under-development of the mineral which is strategic to our road infrastructure and opportunity for employment is lost to other countries,� the transparency initiative noted. As for barite, NEITI disclosed that an estimated N5 billion is expended in the importation of the solid mineral annually despite its availability locally.
It said that in spite of its wide use in the oil and gas industry, the country has failed to develop the raw material in-country. “Revenue, which would have accrued to the government in the form of taxes is unrealised. The continuous importation of barite negates the oil and gas local content development initiative. “We reiterate a deliberate government policy aimed at encouraging exploratory and mining activities on our barite and strategies to phase out its importation for forex conservation,� the report said. It also stressed that the mining
of gold had not received that attention it deserved in form of investment, noting that it is still left at the artisanal level and mostly smuggled out of the country. NEITI added that black market activities in the industry which pose security risks had become a disincentive for investors who are interested in the opportunities in the sector. For the period under review, the body noted that Bayelsa remained the only state without any activity in the solid minerals subsector of the energy sector.
ANAP Tells FG
various agencies at their disposal to enforce quarantine, help distribute food and prevent crime. "Government is waking up to its responsibilities and some state governments are shutting down schools; universities have been shut down, but a lot more has to be done." ANAP said the federal government should move into full national lockdown now. "We also, recommend that government partners with the private sector and NGOs. This will require some distribution of food and other basic amenities to keep the most vulnerable at home. "It is now that companies, churches, mosques and wealthy individuals should use much of their money to distribute to poor areas to help them stay at home," he stated. Other members of the group include the Vice Chairman, Abubakar Mohammed, George Etomi, Ayo Ahonkhai, Matthew Kukah, Salamatu Suleiman, Adwoa Edun, Yinka Sanni, Funke Aboyade, Ndidi NnoliEdozien, Leo Ekeh, Innocent Chukwuma, Ayisha Osori, Buti Sam Kputu, Lambert Shumbusho, Ibrahim D. Waziri, Dudu Manuga, Lucy Surhyel Newman and the Project Coordinators, Tariye Peterside and Kunbi Dixon.
OSINBAJO, MINISTERS SELF-ISOLATE AS KYARI, MOHAMMED TEST POSITIVE weeks now in the Senate plenary, we have been observing no-hand shake and I can assure you that no senator has tested positive to Coronavirus." According to him, the nation did not have enough testing kits in the four isolation centres across the nation. The House of Representatives also announced that plenary and other activities would be shut down for two weeks. The Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, made the announcement at the resumption of plenary yesterday. Gbajabiamila said the shutdown was not a holiday, but an act of necessity in furtherance of the social distancing and isolation guidelines that have proven to be effective in preventing secondary transmission of the COVID-19. He stated that the House would continue to observe developments and respond as the circumstances demand, adding that if it becomes necessary, the House may reconvene to act on emergency legislation and possible amendment of the Appropriation Act, 2020. He also assured all doctors, nurses and other medical professionals on duty call that the House will ensure that the tools needed to protect themselves and practice effectively are provided. He appealed to members
to restrict all non-essential movements and observe selfisolation and social distancing according to NCDC guidelines. The National Assembly also asked all staff to remain at home for two weeks in the first instance effective today. The Clerk of the National Assembly, Mohammed SaniOmolori, stated this in a two-page circular dated March 24, 2020.
NNPC Asks Workers to Work from Home Like the National Assembly bureaucracy, the NNPC has instructed its employees who are not in the management cadre to work from home, effective from yesterday. The NNPC said the order was in compliance with the federal government’s directive following the increasing cases of COVID -19. It said the instruction affected all office-based staff below management level across all its formations. A statement in Abuja by the corporation’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, said the directive, which was conveyed to the NNPC workforce through a message signed by the National Oil Company’s Group Managing Director, Malam Mele Kyari, directed
all NNPC Strategic Business Units to activate their business continuity plans immediately. Obateru noted that the decision to allow SBUs to continue work was to ensure minimal disruption to operations while protecting staff from exposure to the COVID-19. “The NNPC leadership, since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease, has been providing daily enlightenment to staff on how to keep themselves and their families safe from infection,� he stated. On the reported death on Monday of Mr. Suleiman Achimugu, the NNPC condoled with the family of the late engineer who it said passed on in the early hours of Monday after a bout with COVID-19.
Lagos Bans Interstate Travels, Closes Markets, Courts Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday stepped up measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state with a directive closing all markets and courts effective from tomorrow. He also encouraged the private sector, including banks, to follow the steps of the public sector by focusing on online services. Sanwo-Olu stated these after a meeting of the state’s Security
Council in Lagos. The governor, who described his directive as not a lockdown, however, said the new order would be for seven days in the first instance. He also reduced the number of people who can gather together from 50 to 25. He said all travels to Lagos by air or by road would no longer be encouraged and urged all public parks, gym, swimming pools to close down with immediate effect. According to him, security agents have been ordered to strictly enforce the directive as anyone who contravenes it will be dealt with. The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has also appealed to guests who attended the recent Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA), organised by the pay-TV company, Multichoice Nigeria Limited, to self-isolate as one of the attendees had tested positive to COVID-19. Among movie and showbiz stars at the event were Funke Akindele, popularly called by her moniker, Jenifa, and her husband; Uzor Arukwe, Seun Akindele, Iyabo Ojo, Toyin Abrahams and her husband; and TuFace, Banky W and his wife, Adesua, a movie star.
Enforce Quarantine Now,
Meanwhile, the Atedo N. A. Peterside (ANAP) Foundation COVID-19 Think Tank has called on the federal government to use various agencies at its disposal to enforce quarantine following the spread of COVID-19 in the country. It also recommended that government should separate people who are vulnerable to the virus, including sick and old from young Nigerians to curb further spread of the disease. In a report signed by the Chairman, ANAP, Chief Atedo Peterside and made available to THISDAY yesterday, he said: "Most young people survive the illness from the virus. It can be fatal for people aged 45 years and upwards and those with underlying lung, liver, kidney, cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. "They need to be kept in a room by themselves and shielded from other members of the family, especially from young ones that are carriers of the virus or who can survive the illness. "However, it is a fallacy to say it is the disease of the elderly and young people should not care. It is simply humane to avoid infecting vulnerable, sick people by young people. "I recommend that the government makes use of
CBN RETAINS MPR AT 13.5%, TO ENHANCE COVID-19 INTERVENTIONS in disposable income results in output compression; whereas at this time, policy emphasis should be on stimulating aggregate supply and demand, both already weakened by COVID-19. According to the governor, "With respect to loosening, whereas the committee felt it would stimulate the economy in the short term, and boost aggregate supply and demand, the committee nevertheless, was of the view that there was a need to be cautious in loosening given the fact that it would exacerbate an already worsening inflationary condition, resulting in massive pressure on reserves and the exchange rate. "Based on the balance of these arguments, the MPC, in taking note of the recent actions already taken by the management of the bank in response to the COVID-19, resolved to allow time for the measures to permeate the economy while allowing the pandemic to wear out its plateau before deciding on further supporting policy measures to boost and strengthen aggregate demand and supply in the recovery phase of the economy. " He noted that the choice to hold the rates also factored the subsisting LDR and the DCRR policies, which sterilises excess liquidity in the banking system, hence an increase in the MPR would be counter-productive. He said the monetary policy stance arrived at the meeting took cognisance of the need to address the unfolding unfavourable macroeconomic developments, rein in inflation, support growth and employment through the
extant interventions and recent initiatives, check capital outflows and support external reserves accretion as well as dampen pressure and ensure foreign exchange market stability. Emefiele said the MPC considered the weakened revenue position of the federal government, arising from the sharp drop in oil prices and reiterated the need for the government to urgently reduce reliance on oil revenue by gradually diversifying the economy and improving tax collection. The committee noted the speedy response of the federal government to the oil price shock by the revision of the 2020 budget downwards by N1.5 trillion and the oil price benchmark to $30 per barrel as well as urging the National Assembly to fully cooperate with the federal government in coming up with a budget that reflects the new realities. He stated that the introduction of price modulation measures, resulting in reduction in the pump price of petrol from N145 to N125 per litre had a contributory effect in boosting aggregate demand, lowering inflation and improving the welfare of the ordinary Nigerians. He said the MPC noted the persistence of inflationary pressures attributed to a combination of monetary and structural factors and urged the federal government to leverage on Public Private Partnership (PPP) to intensify investment in infrastructure to increase output
and employment. According to him: "The committee noted the sustained improvement in the financial soundness indicators, applauding the continued decline in the ratio of non-performing loans, growth in assets of the banking system and profitability of the industry in the light of increasing global uncertainties. "It also recognised the success of the bank’s loan-to-deposit ratio policy and its potential to alleviate production shortfalls, reduce unemployment and boost aggregate demand, urging the bank to pursue this and other related policies to a conclusive end," Emefiele added.
CBN Unveils Guidelines for N50bn COVID-19 Facility Meanwhile, the CBN has released guidelines for the disbursement of the N50 billion special intervention fund meant to cushion the impact on the COVID-19 disease on the economy. Emefiele had last week announced the fund as part of stimulus package by the bank. According to the guidelines for the fund posted on the central bank’s website yesterday and signed by the Director, Financial Policy and Regulation, Mr. Kevin Amugo, NISRAL Microfinance Bank (NMFB) will serve as the disbursing financial institution with SMEs, households and enterprises that have verifiable evidence of livelihood and evidence of
business activities adversely impacted by the deadly virus. He urged those with bankable plans to take advantage of opportunities arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The guideline listed sectors eligible for the credit facility to include agric value chain, hospitality, health, airline service providers, manufacturing/value addition, trading as well as any other income generating activities as may be prescribed by the CBN. The scheme, which will be financed out of the CBN’s N220 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund (MSMEDF), earmarked a maximum facility of up to N25 million for MSMEs while households can access up to N3 million based on the activity, cashflow and industry/segment size of a beneficiary. “Working capital shall be a maximum of 25 per cent of the average of the previous three years’ annual turnover; where the enterprise is not up to three years in operation, 25 per cent of the previous year’s turnover will suffice. “Interest rate under the intervention shall be five per cent per annum all-inclusive up to 28th February 2021 and thereafter, the interest on the facility shall revert to nine per cent as from 1st March 2021.� The guideline stated that collateral for the facility would include one or more of the following: “Moveable asset(s) duly registered on the National Collateral Registry (NCR), simple deposit of title
documents, in perfectible state, Deed of Debenture (for stocks), in perfectible state, irrevocable domiciliation of proceeds, two acceptable guarantors, personal guarantee of the promoter of the business, life insurance of the borrower, with NMFB noted as the first loss payee and comprehensive insurance over the asset.�
House Passes Emergency Economic Stimulus Bill In a related development, a Bill for an Act to provide temporary relief to companies and individuals to alleviate the adverse financial consequences of a slowdown in economic activities brought on by the outbreak of the Covid-19 disease in Nigeria has passed third reading in the House of Representatives. The bill, which was sponsored by the Speaker, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, was given accelerated hearing at the resumption of plenary on Tuesday. The speaker noted that the bill seeks to provide for relief on corporate tax liability, suspension of import duty on selected goods and deferral of residential mortgage obligations to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria for a fixed term to protect jobs and alleviate the financial burden on citizens in response to the economic downturn occasioned by the outbreak of COVID-19 disease. The proposed legislation also seeks to protect the employment status of Nigerians who might
otherwise become unemployed as a consequence of management decision to retrench personnel in response to the prevailing economic realities. The bill would also provide for a moratorium on mortgage obligations for individuals at a time of widespread economic uncertainty. Gbajabiamila explained that the bill would eliminate additional fiscal bottleneck on the importation of medical equipment, medicines, personal protection equipment and other such medical necessities as may be required for the treatment and management of the Covid–19 disease in Nigeria, to ease the burden of importation and financial burden, thereby fostering easier access and reduction in the price. The speaker said that the bill would cater for the general financial wellbeing of Nigerians pending the eradication of this pandemic and a return to economic stability. "Notwithstanding the provision of any other law in force in Nigeria, any employer duly registered under Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), which maintains the same employee status without retrenching their staff as at 1st of March 2020 till the rest of the year ending 31st of December 2020 shall be entitled to 50 per cent income tax rebate on the total of the actual amount due or paid as Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Tax under the Personal Income Tax Act Cap C8 LFN 2004 (as amended),� he said.
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Tinubu Backs Measures against COVID-19, Supports Total Lockdown Segun James The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has thrown his weight behind the
preventive measures being taken by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to stop the spread of COVID-19 within the state. Tinubu said Sanwo-Olu had shown leadership in the
Buhari Approves Appointment of 16 Permanent Secretaries Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the process for the appointment of 16 permanent secretaries to fill the existing vacancies and replace the retiring permanent secretaries in 2020. The Director of Communications, Office of Head of Service of the Federation, Olawunmi Ogunmosunle, issued the statement yesterday approving the commencement of the process for the selection of eligible directors to fill the vacancies. The states are: Kwara, Kebbi, Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Kaduna, Kano, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Adamawa, Yobe, Gombe and Jigawa. Ogunmosunle said officers in the main stream of the federal civil service, who attained the substantive rank of Director, on Salary Grade level 17 on or before January 1, 2018, who had updated their records on the IPPIS Verification Portal and
are not retiring from the service earlier than, or December 31, 2021 , are eligible to participate. Accordingly, the ministries/ offices are requested to forward the list of all eligible Directors on SGL 17 in their ministry/office as well as their confidential and personal files; 20 copies of their Curriculum Vitae; brief on each of the directors in the attached format, to be produced in Microsoft word and submitted in both hard 20 copies and soft copies to be sent to the office of Head of Service. The evidence of state of origin which, in the case of female directors, is not acquired by marriage, is also to be produced. Ogunmosunle clarified that the selection process for the eligible candidates would involve a written examination, test on ICT competency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point and an interactive session with a broad – based panel of experts and practitioners.
implementation of the response strategy to manage of confirmed cases and tracing of suspected cases, even beyond the borders of the state. The former Lagos State Governor described virus as “mysterious enemy”, saying leaders across the globe were in for a “challenging period” as they take actions on daily basis to combat the ravaging epidemic. Tinubu spoke yesterday after a
private meeting with Sanwo-Olu at the State House in Marina. “First of all, I congratulate the Government of Lagos State for what has been done so far and the regular information that the government is sharing with the public. This is the essence of leadership. Nigerians need a lot of education in this challenge period. “I congratulate the governor (Sanwo-Olu), for the fact that he asked the workers to stay at
home to discontinue the chain of transmission. We must respect this order and obey the government. We endorse the position of the governor. Let people stay at home in period and pray in their houses.” Tinubu said he would be in support of further more stringent measures, suggesting a total lockdown in the state to stop the epidemic. “If the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom could lock down
the city of London,” the APC leader said there would be nothing strange if Lagos government took similar decision. He said: “I can’t pre-empt what the governor would be doing next. But, whatever decision he takes, he has our support. We have reviewed the previous measures with him and he has also reviewed with his team. We have confidence in the team; whatever they say, we will comply.”
House Asks FG to Arrest Nigerians Avoiding Screening Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to arrest and prosecute anyone avoiding COVID-19 screening at the nation’s airports. The Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, stated this while reacting to the circular issued by
the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Abba Kyari, alleging that some members of the House evaded screening at the airport. Kalu said the letter from Kyari was a wake-up call for all Nigerians, adding that the virus was real and should be taken seriously by all irrespective of status. “The truth is that it is unpatriotic for you not to pass through the
screening. It is unpatriotic to the nation and such persons should be penalised. They should be arrested. Kalu added: “Those people who pass through there without screening should be arrested and be properly checked before being released so that we don’t allow anyone who has this virus into circulation. We don’t even know who has this virus right now and
so, we have to take extra care. “There is a screening process at the airport that is supposed to be obeyed by every patriotic citizen of this country irrespective of your status. It doesn’t matter if you are whether you are the President of the country, a Senator or a member of the House or a governor.
Aero Suspends Flight Service Chinedu Eze In cognisance of the commendable efforts of the federal government to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, Aero Contractors has suspended flight services in support of initiatives to ensure that there
is no community infection in the country. The company said in a statement that its decision is also in line with the decision of the Lagos State Government, which has prohibited any gathering that is more than 20 persons. “Coronavirus, known as COVID-19 is a global threat to
our humanity and considering its devastating effect on many countries where it has led to death of thousands of people, we have decided to make this onerous sacrifice by suspending our flight operations for two weeks, effective Midnight 26th March, 2020. After the two-week duration, we will
review the progress made and take a decision on resumption of operations. “We, therefore, crave the understanding of our esteemed customers to recognise our decision as a responsible corporate citizen and our support for full government’s effort to protect our citizens,” the statement explained.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 25, 2020 • T H I S D AY
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NECA Writes Buhari on Economic Palliatives for Private Sector Chris Uba The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has called on the federal government to take more specific steps in providing palliatives and support to organised businesses to hedge them from the negative impacts of COVID-19, according to a leaked letter written by the association to President Muhammadu Buhari . In the letter, which was signed by the Director-General of the association, Mr. Timothy Olawale, NECA requested for a temporary scheme for paying compensation to companies in risk of laying off in order to retain jobs. The association also requested for support from
government to negotiate and reschedule bank loans, and boost their businesses. It also called for the suspension of payments of taxes and levies. “We commend the federal government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the ongoing efforts at containing the COVID-19. In particular, we note the various interventions and palliatives through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) aimed at ensuring business continuity. “We also commend steps taken by your administration to further curtail the spread of the virus, to wit: the closure of Educational Institutions and Airports to prevent further spread of the virus in Nigeria.” “While we note the efforts
made thus far, we wish to state that the implications of the pandemic on businesses could lead to closure of companies, massive job loss and loss of revenue to government through
payment of taxes, increase in social vices and increased insecurity, among others, leading to further economic crisis.” NECA called on Buhari “to take more specific steps in
providing palliatives and support to organised businesses.” NECA enumerated the specific steps “temporary scheme for paying compensation to companies in risk of laying off
in order to retain jobs. This is to aid the continued existence of companies and prevent layoffs within private companies facing financial pressures as a result of COVID-19.”
Niger Quarantines Seven Suspected Cases of COVID-19 Laleye Dipo inMinna The Niger State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Makunsidi Muhammad has disclosed that seven people in the state are currently on quarantine for coronavirus. Briefing journalists in Minna, Makunsidi said that out of the seven people, one is in Suleja while six others in Minna. He explained that the one in Suleja is exhibiting the symptoms of the virus and had to be taken into quarantine while one of those in Minna just returned from the UK. The other five cases, Makunsidi said, had contact with someone that has a confirmed case of coronavirus and they had to be quarantined. “The other five cases confirmed that they had contact with someone who has been confirmed to have coronavirus and was in Minna. After he was confirmed, they decided to submit themselves for quarantine.”
The commissioner said that the government remains resolute in the curfew of 8 am to 8 pm saying that it would go a long way in reducing contacts with individuals. “We know we live in close proximity with Abuja and since we cannot stop people from coming into Minna, this is the only preventive measure we can take to ensure that the spread of coronavirus in Niger state does not occur.” He further disclosed that a 28 man taskforce have been made on coronavirus with the Secretary of the state government, Ahmed Matane to head the task force. In a related development, a message reportedly said to have been sent by a student of the Federal University of Technology, Minna to the National Council for Disease Control (NCDC) that he had contacted the virus is currently causing panic in the state.
Seven on Compulsory Self-isolation in Kogi No fewer than seven persons are said to be on compulsory self-isolation in Kogi State. The Ministry of Health said they would be placed on strict monitoring for the first 14 days. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Saka Audu, stated this on his Facebook page. He stated the seven persons had visited high risk countries
in the last one month. Of the seven persons, Lokoja, the state capital, has five while Ajaokuta and Okene LGAs have one each. The commissioner enjoined any one that recently returned from any of the high risk countries to contact the ministry for necessary action to prevent escalation of the virus.
Navy Suspends 2020 Recruitment Exercise In response to national concerns, the Nigerian Navy (NN) yesterday said its 2020 recruitment exercise has been suspended indefinitely. This was contained in a statement by Director Naval Information (DINFO), Commodore Suleman Dahun. The navy commenced its online
recruitment exercise on March 11 and the application process was billed to continue till April 21. Dahun said the online registration for the 2020 recruitment has been suspended and the recruitment portal deactivated till further notice.
MARCHING AGAINST PANDEMIC…
L-R: Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Raji Razaq; Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; and State Director for Public Health, Dr. Oluwatosin Fakayode, during the inspection of Isolation Centre in Ilorin…Monday
NECO Postpones Common Entrance Exams Indefinitely Kuni Tyessi in Abuja and Laleye Dipo in Minna As a result of the COVID-19, the National Examinations Council (NECO) has postponed its forthcoming examination for pupils seeking admission into the Nigeria’s 104 unity colleges. The examinations, which were slated for March 28 in
all states of the federation, have been postponed indefinitely. In a statement signed by its head of media and publicity, Mr. Azeez Sani, the examination body said the decision was taken in line with the government’s efforts to stem the spread of the dreaded virus in which, so far, 44 have tested positive and one death casualty.
He said: “The National Examinations Council (NECO) wishes to inform all candidates, guardians and relevant stakeholders of the indefinite postponement of the 2020 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) into federal unity colleges earlier scheduled to hold on Saturday, March 28, 2020. “This decision is in deference
to the various measures being put in place by the federal and state governments to curtail the potential spread of COV1D-19”. The statement said a new date for the examination will be communicated to candidates and other Stakeholders in due course. However, the registration for the examination has continued.
Benue, Kano Ask Workers to Work from Home Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano and George Okoh in Makurdi The governments of Kano and Benue states, yesterday directed workers to work from their homes. Benue State Government approved “work from home” for its civil servants on grade levels 1 to 2 and banned visitors from entering the Government House in Makurdi. This was contained in a communique issued at the end of an expanded Executive Council Meeting which held at
Government House in Makurdi presided over by Governor Samuel Ortom. Reading the communique to journalists, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tony Ijohor (SAN), said that the work-from-home” approach for these categories of workers was meant to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 in and round government offices in the state, stressing that workers on grade level 13 and above would be allowed into government offices to render skeletal and other essential
services . He explained that the stayoff workplaces would last for two weeks, which is subject to review after the first week starting from Wednesday, March 25, 2020 (today), while government would also press on the authority of the State Independent Electoral Commission, to also postponed local government election for two weeks which was earlier slated to hold on March 28, 2020. The Kano State government has also directed civil servants to stay off office for 14 days as from
Wednesday, March 25 (today) as part of the efforts to safeguard the lives of the people of the state and prevent the spread of the deadly virus to the state. A statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba on the outcome of the special session of the council meeting held at the Africa House, Government House, however, said that essential service workers to be identified by the government, are exempted from the stay at home order.
PDP, CUPP Urge Buhari to Speak out on COVID-19 Udora OrizuinAbuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) have charged President Muhammadu Buhari to douse widespread public anxieties by immediately addressing the nation on the status of the Presidential Villa, in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. The party’s demand is predicated on public apprehensions of health safety issues in the Villa following reports that President Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari, had
tested positive to the disease. The PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, noted that though President Buhari was reported to have tested negative to the virus, it is imperative that he douses public tension by addressing the nation on the status of the Villa, especially given that other officials, like Abba Kyari, had travelled to high-risk countries in the course of their duties. The party noted that an address on the situation in the Presidential Villa will further douse public concerns about the status of certain key officials,
who have not been visible in the last few days. The party stressed that Nigerians, no matter how highly placed, should strictly adhere to directives by relevant agencies of government on health safety measures, particularly as they relate to isolation of persons returning from foreign trips. On its part, the CUPP said that President Buhari must see his clean bill of health as a divine chance to do more to protect Nigerians. The political parties in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Mr. Ikenga Ugochinyere called for a
wholesale testing of all governors, ministers and persons who have had cause to enter the presidential villa since Kyari returned from his foreign trip. CUPP said, “We call that the best possible hands and all available resources be deployed to ensure the safety of Mallam Abba Kyari. He is obviously a resource to the Presidency and a trusted confidant of the President and his wellbeing will keep the President in a good frame of mind to diligently lead our country in these very trying times.”
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COVID-19 UPDATE...
COVID-19 UPDATE...
US Group Slams $20tn Suit against China over COVID-19 Alex Enumah inAbuja A group in the United States of America has instituted a legal action against China over the devastating effects of the COVID-19 on the lives, economy and people of the United States. In the suit filed at the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, the plaintiffs are demanding the sum of $20trillion as compensation for damages suffered as a result of the pandemic in the United States. According to the plaintiffs in the
suit with number: 3:20-CV-00656-K, the number of deaths recorded as a as at March 15, 2020 was 41, which is expected to rise, with other devastating effects on the health and economy of the US citizens. Plaintiffs in the suit filed on March 17 are: Buzz Photo, Freedom Watch, Inc., Larry Klayman and members of the class and subclasses and all persons and entities similarly situated. Other defendants include; The People’s Liberation Army (China’s military), Wuhan Institute of Virology, Shi Zhengli, Director, Wuhan Institute
of Virology and Major General Chen Wei, China’s People’s LiberationArmy. In the class action brought pursuant to the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) exception 18 USC § 2333, the plaintiffs want the court to hold the defendants guilty of breach of international laws on weapons of mass destruction. “This is a complaint for damages and equitable relief arising out of the creation and release, accidental or
otherwise, of a variation of coronavirus known as COVID-19 by the People’s Republic of China and its agencies and officials as a biological weapon in violation of China’s agreements under international treaties, and recklessly or otherwise allowing its release from the Wuhan Institute of Virology into the city of Wuhan, China, in Hubei Province, by among other acts failing to prevent the Institute’s
personnel from becoming infected with the bioweapon and carrying it into the surrounding community and proliferation into the United States”, lawyer to the plaintiffs, Larry Klayman, said. The plaintiffs claimed that although it appears that the COVID-19 was released at an unplanned and unexpected time, it was prepared and stockpiled as a biological weapon to be used against China’s
perceived enemies, including but not limited to the people of the United States. “While COVID-19 may be too slow acting and slow-spreading to be used quickly against an enemy’s military, it was designed to be used against the general population of one or more of China’s perceived enemy nations, such as the United States.
Delta Acquires Ventilators, Bans Public Gatherings Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State yesterday said the state government had acquired 19 ventilators, monitors and other critical equipment for the management of COVID-19 cases if it occurred in the state. Okowa disclosed this in radio and television broadcast on the COVID-19 pandemic in the state, in Asaba. He announced that public gatherings, including burials, weddings, conferences and seminars, with over 20 persons in attendance should be suspended immediately. According to him, the ban is part of measures being put in place by the state government to protect the people from contracting
the deadly coronavirus which has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The governor also directed that civil servants from Grade Level 1-12 should stay at home till further notice, and also suspended the application of Biometric system for daily attendance of workers to work in the state till further notice. He, however, stated that workers on essential services were exempt from the order, and urged Deltans to avoid non-essential travels in and outside the state. “My Dear Deltans, for the second time in one week, I am addressing you on the coronavirus pandemic.
Osun Senator on Self-isolation after UK Trip The lawmaker representing Osun Central district in the Senate, Senator Ajibola Basiru, is self-isolating after his trip to the United Kingdom. Basiru made this known while reacting to a letter by the Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari, alleging that lawmakers who embarked on a trip to the UK disregarded COVID-19 precautionary steps. Bashir, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora, Non-Governmental Organisations and Civil Society Organisations, said that he had not attended any public event since his return.
He tweeted, “Contrary to the reports that all the Senators that travelled to the United Kingdom for the Petroleum Oil and Gas seminar have not complied with the protocol on precautionary steps on COVID-19, I have been in self-isolation since I returned from the UK. “So, I have not been to the National Assembly or attended any business or function. Also, the National Center for Disease Control contacted my next of kin earlier today to know how I am faring. I am in good health and enjoying enough rest at home.”
RELIEF AGAINST COVID-19...
Ethiopia Airlines freighter offloading medical supplies - kits and ventilators - sent to Nigeria by Chinese billionaire, Jack Ma, at the ramp of the cargo section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos...yesterday
Ecobank Shuts Wuse II Branch after Customer Dies of COVID-19 Ecobank Plc has said it temporarily closed its Wuse II branch in Abuja because the former Managing Director of the Pipelines Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Mr. Suleiman Achimugu, who died of coronavirus, visited the branch. Achimugu is the first case of death from COVID-19 recorded in Nigeria. He died on Monday. According to a statement by
the bank, Achimugu visited the branch on March 12 but did not show any symptoms at the time of the visit. The bank also said all its staff members at the branch have been put on mandatory self-isolation. “The COVID-19 outbreak is a global pandemic. Nigeria, very sadly, this morning recorded its first death, which unfortunately
is one of our valued customers. Our most sincere condolences to the family,” the statement read. “Our attention has been drawn to the fact that the deceased was at our Wuse I, Abuja Branch on March 12, 2020, twelve days ago. The deceased did not show any symptom at the time of the visit. “In line with best standards and out COVIO-19 response plans,
we have, therefore, immediately temporarily closed the branch and all staff at the location have been put in mandatory self-isolation for 14 days, in full compliance with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) guidelines and to ensure their wellbeing and those at our customers. We have promptly informed the NCDC.”
Airlines May Lose $252bn, Says IATA Chinedu Eze The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has updated its analysis of the revenue impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global air transport industry and projected that airlines would lose $252 billion. IATA said owing to the severity of travel restrictions and the expected global recession,
it has estimated that industry passenger revenues could plummet the said amount or 44 per cent below 2019’s figure. The Director General and CEO of IATA, Mr. Alexander de Juniac said it would be a scenario in which severe travel restrictions would last for up to three months, followed by a gradual economic recovery later this year.
IATA explained that its previous analysis of up to a $113 billion revenue loss was made on March 5, 2020, before the countries around the world introduced sweeping travel restrictions that largely eliminated the international air travel market. “The airline industry faces its gravest crisis. Within a matter of a few weeks, our previous worst
case scenario is looking better than our latest estimates. But without immediate government relief measures, there will not be an industry left standing. Airlines need $200 billion in liquidity support simply to make it through. Some governments have already stepped forward, but many more need to follow suit,” De Juniac said.
Ayade Closes Cross River’s Miyetti Allah Asks Members to Shut Cattle Markets Boundaries be put on hold indefinitely. “Let my people remain in the know who has contracted it. there, as coming out to meet Bassey Inyang in Calabar The National President of the As part of the efforts to curb COVID-19, the Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade has announced the closure of the state’s air, land and sea borders to travellers, who will be allowed into the state only after they have been thoroughly screened by health workers and medical experts. The governor also announced the closure of state government’s offices against non-essential service providers, closure of all schools, restriction of number of persons that can be found in any gathering in public spaces, including religious organisations. Ayade also directed that the local government elections in the state billed for March 28, this year
The governor’s directives were announced through a press release issued Monday night by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr. Christian Ita. “In view of the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state governor, His Excellency, Sir Ben Ayade, has issued the following directives: “All the entry points into Cross River State (land, air and water) are hereby locked down. Access will be based on passing a thorough screening regime. “The Local Government Council elections scheduled to hold on Saturday, March 28, 2020, is suspended indefinitely.
Miyetti Allah Kautal, Alhaji Bello Bodejo, has asked members to shut down cattle markets across the country. Bodejo said the decision was taken as a measure to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country. He asked members of the association to remain in the bush until the pandemic is over.
bush until the problem is all over; even those who are outside should join those in the bush until the situation is brought under control,” Bodejo said. “They should close all cattle markets in every place in Nigeria because, in the market, you don’t know who is who. You don’t know who has tested positive to coronavirus and you don’t
The best thing to do is take precautionary measures to safeguard my people and to halt the spread. “Of what benefit will it be to our association if our people contract the disease while in the market? The best bet is to keep away from the market. “The herdsmen who are in the bush or forest should remain
those in the market portends danger. “It is possible for those who are in need of cows to meet the herdsmen in the bush and forest to buy cows, and in doing so, they should make sure there are no body contacts and the buyers must use nose mask during transactions.”
AMVCA Attendees Exposed to COVID-19, Says Lagos All the participants and attendees of the justconcluded African Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) may have been exposed to COVID-19, the
Lagos State government announced yesterday. It said all of them may have come in contact with one of the confirmed cases. The event, which held
on March 14 at Eko Hotels and Suites on Victoria Island in Lagos, attracted numerous key players in the creative and movie sector in attendance.
The state government, however advised all parties concerned to go into selfisolation and call the emergency lines in case they detect any form of symptom.
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House Urges FG to Establish Isolation Units in Federal Colleges Udora Orizu in Abuja Following the increasing number of people requiring treatment from the COVID-19, the House of Representatives at the plenary yesterday mandated the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to immediately develop contingency plans for the establishment of emergency care facilities at the Federal Government Colleges. The House said the contingency plans should include cost estimates for the provision of equipment, materials, medicines and other requirements that may become necessary. The Green Chamber also directed the Federal Ministry of Education to immediately make available hostels in the now-vacated federal government colleges across the country for use as emergency care centres and isolation units by the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC.
It further urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as part of its policy measures in response to the COVID-19 to act urgently in funding the establishment and operations of these emergency health centres across the country. This was sequel to the unanimous adoption of a motion of urgent national importance titled: ‘Motion of Urgent Public Importance on the need for the Federal Government to Adopt Emergency Measures to Protect the People and Economy of Nigeria from the Potentially Dire Consequences of a Widespread Outbreak of the Covid-19 Disease among the Population’, which was sponsored by Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, Hon Ahmed Wase and eight other lawmakers. While presenting the motion, Gbajabiamila commended the activities thus far taken by the federal government to prevent the occurrence of COVID–19
pandemic in the country. He, however, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to exercise his authority under the Customs,
Excise Tariffs (Consolidation) Act to remove any import or excise duty on essential medical equipment as determined by the Minister of
Health in order to manage the disease effectively. The Speaker said the House is aware that the country has a very
limited window of opportunity to act in preparation for the possibility of a large scale breakout.
MEDIA ENGAGEMENT…
Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Godiya AKwashiki (left), and Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, making clarifications before the media on the status of the Senators that came back from UK, in Abuja. ..yesterday JULIUS ATOI
Osun Govt Suspends Edo Restricts Public Gathering to 20 Persons Weekly Markets Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city Indefinitely As part of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Osun State, the state government has directed that all markets transacted on weekly basis across the state be suspended indefinitely. This is just as it embarked on a sensitization exercise to educate market women under the aegis of Association of Osun Market Women on the virus and the need for them to practise good hygiene. The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu, who led the government delegation on the sensitisation visit to the market women, disclosed the government’s decision to shut down the weekly markets. Dr. Isamotu stated that the lockdown was necessary due to the fact that Osun has boundaries with some states that have cases of the COVID-19, adding that people from neighbouring states patronise the weekly markets, which he said, makes Osun open to the disease. He added that only the daily
market, which attract relatively low patronage as against the weekly markets would be allowed to go on for now, but with strict precautionary measures in place. The Commissioner, therefore, urged the market women to support government’s effort in containing the spread of the disease by putting up hand-washing points and providing sanitizers for everyone who patronise them. He also warned people against loitering at markets, urging them to leave immediately after performing their transactions. He maintained that Osun government under the leadership of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola was ready to combat the deadly virus, hence the proactive measures set up to protect the citizens. In her remark, the Special Adviser to Osun Governor on Commerce, Cooperatives and Industries, Mrs. Christiana Ogunfolaju, said that safety measures are one of the keys to overcome the spread of Coronavirus and any other disease.
Umahi Recalls All Retired Health Officers in Ebonyi Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki Ebonyi State Governor, Chief David Umahi, has recalled all retired health officers at the state and local government area to help offer medical services in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic. The governor has also directed that all passengers to and from Lagos, Edo States, Abuja and other South-west state must be recorded and submitted to the Ministry of Health on a daily basis He explained that the state government would not close down religious centres, markets, hotels and other essential service centres for now as no case has been recorded in the South-east
region of the country. In a state broadcast on the measures taken to fight the scourge of the virus in Ebonyi State, Umahi noted that should it become necessary to shut down religious institutions, his government would be bold enough to do so after meeting with religious leaders. The governor, however, directed all religious institutions and all centres for essential services to provide face masks, running water and ensure that every person entering and exiting these centres wash their hands in a running water and use sanitizers as well as observing the social distancing order.
Edo State Government yesterday stepped up its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, further reduced the number of people allowed in any public gathering in the state from 50 to 20 persons. Other fresh measures taken by the state government in the
face of continuous spread of the virus in the country included the closure of markets, where only sellers of food items, medicines and other vital commodities are allowed to operate. The governor announced these fresh measures during the inauguration of the Edo State COVID-19 Response Committee at the Government House in Benin-city. According to Obaseki, “We are
reducing the number of persons allowed to gather in public places from 50 to 20. Also, only markets where essential commodities like foodstuffs are sold should remain open for now. “The state government is working with the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) for mass production of hand sanitizers in drums that would be distributed to local government areas, palaces,
markets and other government agencies for use in public places.” He directed transport unions to intensify sensitisation among members on the need to implement the social distancing policy by reducing the number of passengers on their vehicles. The governor tasked security agencies in the state on the enforcement of the new measures.
FCT Closes Churches, Mosques, Supermarkets, Bans Gatherings
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The FCT Administration has said all mosques and churches in the territory will remain shut to mitigate the rise in number of
Coronavirus cases in the territory. FCT Minister, Mr. Mohammed Musa Bello stated this yesterday at a press briefing on COVID-19, in which the FCT has recorded many confirmed cases and one
fatality. The minister also announced that all shops in the markets and neigbouring centres in the FCT are to be shut to traders except those who sell essential commodities
and medicines. However, pharmacies and supermarkets selling essential products and bakeries are to remain open.
Uzodinma Asks Civil Servants above 45Years to Work from Home Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has ordered for partial shutdown of the state’s workforce, assuring the people of the state of his government’s preparedness to tackle head on the crisis rocking the nation and the world at large. Uzodinma spoke yesterday
during the flag-off of the distribution of hand sanitizers to Ministries, Agencies, Markets (MDAs), Churches, Schools and other public places. “In continuation of our programme to nip the spread of Coronavirus in the bud, Government has decided to close all Nite Clubs and
late night restaurants. From Wednesday, Civil Servants above 45 years will be encouraged not to come to work because they are the most vulnerable group.” However, he said those on essential services will continue to come to work and promised that adequate measures have
been put in place for their safety. Uzodimma reiterated that his government will continue to be proactive in the fight against the virus and enjoined all citizens of the state to keep away from crowded places and strive to upgrade their personal hygiene.
Presidency RestrictsVilla Coverage to 13 Media Houses The Presidency has scaled down the coverage of the State House by media houses to only 13 in the wake of COVID-19 spread to the seat of power. The Presidency said in a statement issued yesterday that the restrictions will be in place “until further notice
as the coronavirus incident indicates.” It said the decision was in compliance with the “social distancing” rule and accommodation of not more than 50 persons at any gathering. The 13 media houses allowed
to have access to the Villa henceforth are: Deutsche Welle, NTA, Channels TV, TVC, FRCN, VON, NAN, THISDAY, The Sun, Leadership, Daily Trust, The Guardian and Vanguard. A statement by the Director of Information, State House, Mr. Attah Esa, said the Presidency
had scaled down the number of staff in other departments as well, adding that “over 100” correspondents gathering for work daily was not in line with the social distancing rule and overcrowding. The restrictions take effect from today.
Produce Officials Beat Kogi Driver to Death over N500 A driver of a J5 commercial bus was allegedly beaten to death for not paying N500 to produce officials on time in Kogi State, resulting to a gridlock at the Lokoja end of the Abuja/Lokoja Expressway. The produce officials were
said to have beaten the driver for not bringing out the money on time and this led to his death. However, other truck drivers blocked the highway in anger and insisted on seeing the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. William Aya, confirmed that the J5 bus driver was stopped by the produce officials and asked to pay the official fee of N500. He added that in the course of their demand, they had
issues with the driver, and they stabbed and he died on the spot. He disclosed that the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ede Ayuba, had intervened on the matter.
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Six to Die by Hanging in Ekiti for Murder Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has sentenced six persons to death by hanging for murder and attempted murder. The convicts are Oniyelu Olu (63); Folorunso Oluwatoba (65); Peter Ajayi (73); Tijani Arowolo (80) who died during the pendency of the suit in court; Dolamu Olaide (29); John Ojo (77) and Lateef Arowolo (45). Justice Lekan Ogunmoyewho,
passed a death sentence on the convicts, said the prosecution successfully established a prima facie case of conspiracy, attempted murder and murder against them. The convicts were charged to court for offences contrary to Sections 516 of the Criminal Code Law, CAP C16; Section 320 of the Criminal Code Law CAP C16 and Section 316 of the Criminal Code Law, of Ekiti State, 2012. The prosecutor informed the court that the offence was committed on or about February
7, 2017 at Ilupeju Ekiti when they conspired to murder one Sola Adeniyi (27). According to the charge sheet, the convicts also attempted to murder another commercial motorcyclist, Ojo Olaoluwa (22), who gave evidence that the 2nd accused person (Folorunso Oluwatoba) stopped him on that
fateful day when he was about to mount his bike. Olaoluwa told the court that he asked Oluwatobo to open his bag as they were approaching a police check point because he noticed blood dropping from the bag. According to the commercial motorcyclist, the convict answered that he was carrying a grass cutter
and refused to open the bag. Olaoluwa said Oluwatoba took to his heels when it was perceived that the content of the bag might be incriminating as he (Olaoluwa) received a gun shot from his back. The prosecutor, Oluwakemi Daniel called five witnesses and tendered exhibits that included
confessional statements made to the police by the accused persons, photographs of the severed body of the deceased, medical report from Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Dane gun, locally made single barrel and one cartridge to prove the case of murder against the convicts.
Lawan Mourns Senator Rose Oko President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, has mourned the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Trade and Investment, Senator Rose Oko. Oko, who represented Cross River North senatorial district in the Senate, died on Monday at a medical facility in the United Kingdom where she was receiving treatment. In a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Ola Awoniyi, Lawan said he received the news of the death of the lawmaker with shock. He condoled with the family
of the deceased senator, as well as the loved ones Senator Oko left behind. The Senate president also sympathised with the people and government of Cross River State, saying Oko’s death was a great loss to the Senate and to the Nigerian women in politics. According to him, the late lawmaker will be greatly missed by her colleagues in the Ninth Assembly. Lawan prayed that the Almighty God would comfort her family and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
Army Recovers Weapons in Benue Communities George Okoh in Makurdi The Nigeria Army has recovered a huge amount of weapons in two communities of Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State following a military operation in the area last Monday. Acting Director of Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Bernard Onyeuko, in a statement, said: “Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke in conjunction with NAF Special Forces as well as 72 Battalion troops in the early hours of Monday carried out a cordon and search operation in Odogoke and Odejo communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State to apprehend bandits following deadly clashes on March 23, 2020. “During the operation, the bandits flee from the area abandoning their weapons. Items recovered from the two settlements included one double barrel gun, 19 locally made rifles, one pistol, four rounds of 7.62x54mm ammunition, three cartridges for pump action rifle among others.”
The army said normalcy had returned to the communities and general security in the area remains calm, emphasising that troops dominated the general area with fighting patrols to ensure peace and stability in the area. Meanwhile, the state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has postponed its state congress scheduled for today indefinitely. According to a statement signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bemgba Iortyom, the postponement is sequel to a directive from the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja which directed that all of its organs across the country comply with measures being taken by the federal government against the COVID-19 pandemic. The party noted that part of the measures being put in place by the government prohibits gatherings of morethan50personsincloseproximity, saying: “Holding the scheduled state congress today (yesterday) would amount to a violation of those measures aimed at curtailing the spread of the pandemic in Nigeria.
Wike Heads Task Force on Enforcement of Ban on Public Gathering Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt The Rivers State Government has set up a 12-man Task Force on the enforcement of ban on public gatherings and places of worship in order to check the spread of COVID-19. The Task Force is headed by the State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike . A statement issued by Government House yesterday listed other members to include: the Commissioner of Police; Garrison Commander, 6 Division of the Nigerian Army; Air Force Commander; Naval Commander;
State Director, Department of State Services (DSS). Others include the State Commandant, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); Secretary to the State Government; Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; Chief of Staff, Government House; and the Commissioner for Health, while the Commissioner for Information and Communication will serve as secretary. The statement said the Task Force would hold its inaugural meeting today at the Government House Port Harcourt.
POLICE REFORM ON THEIR MINDS…
Members of Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Tanko Al-makura (left), and Senator Hassan Gusau, during a public hearing on a Bill for an Act to Repeal and Re-enact the Police Act, in Abuja...recently JULIUS ATOI
COVID-19: House Debunks Report of Members Rejecting Airport Screening Udora Orizu in Abuja The House of Representatives has debunked the report that some members of the House, who recently got back from United Kingdom, refused to go through the mandatory screening at the airport, which was a precautionary measure put in place to contain the spread of the COVID-19
pandemic. The Chairman House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who briefed journalists yesterday, described the report as fake news as the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) did not confirm that any member of the House was infected by the virus. According to Kalu, “some of the
people making these references have not declared their source of information. The integrity of any information is determined by its source. If it’s not a legitimate source, then it becomes fake news. “We related through the Committee on Health Services and the Committee on Health Institutions and I asked them whether they have liaised with
the NCDC to find out the records of how many members of the House of Representatives that have been infected. To my greatest joy the NCDC could not confirm that any member of the House of Representatives has been infected. And until we get such formal documented authentic information, we consider the information that is trending online as fake news.”
Niger Gov, House of Assembly Disagree on Curfew Laleye Dipo in Minna Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, and the state House of Assembly have disagreed over the curfew slammed on the state by the executive arm of the government as one of the steps designed to contain the COVID-19 in the state. The governor had last Monday imposed a 12-hour curfew on the state starting from 8a.m. to 8p.m. commencing on Wednesday as part of the measures put in place to curtail the disease. However, the Assembly at
plenary yesterday disagreed with the governor, saying the period should be from 5p.m. to 8a.m. The Assembly also frowned at the usage of the word ‘curfew’, saying it sounds ‘despotic’, and wants it changed to restriction. Debating a motion of urgent state importance during plenary, the legislators submitted that the word ‘curfew’ is used only “during violent crisis.” Moving the motion, Alhaji Abdulmalik Bosso said the dusk to dawn lockdown would worsen the situation
in the state than serve as a preventative measure. Bosso argued that “with the worsening poverty, hunger and suffering, stopping people from hustling for their daily survival was more suicidal than anything imaginable.” He, therefore, called on the state government to reconsider its position on the curfew. Also contributing to the debate, Alhaji Husseini Yabagi Akote, who represents Gbako state constituency, said though the move by the government was to prevent the spread of coronavirus, the economic and
social impact of restricting movement of people will be devastating to the masses. Virtually all the Assembly members spoke against the stand taken by the executive leading to the motion being passed. Commenting on the decision of the House of Assembly, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Makun Sidi, said the decision to impose the curfew from 8a.m. to 8p.m. “is scientific,” adding that the government “wants to break the chain of transmission which is highest between 8a.m. and 8p.m.
Anambra Doctors Resume Work after Four-week Strike David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Medical doctors in Anambra State, who have been on strike for about four weeks, have returned to work in order to help manage the COVID-19 pandemic should it be found in the state. This was stated at a press briefing in Onitsha by Conference of Civil Service Doctors in the state
yesterday. Chairman of the group, Dr. Livinus Chukwuma, said the suspension of the strike was in line with the oath they swore to uphold the health of the citizens. He described the decision as a sacrifice worthy of taking in view of the seriousness of the virus scourge. According to him, “Considering the current trend in the world, namely
the COVID-19 and its presence in Nigeria, the civil service doctors in Anambra State feel that it is a mark of dishonor to the people of the state to remain on strike while they are facing the looming danger. “The scare of the eventual outcome of the disease will be indelible in the minds of the public and the doctors too. “In line with the oath we swore to uphold the health of our citizens, the doctors have
decided to suspend the strike in order to be combat-ready for the COVID-19 pandemic. “This is a sacrifice expected of us, and must be made.” Chukwuma, therefore, called on his members to return to work immediately, while enjoining the state government to take advantage of the period to fine-tune their actions towards finding a last solution to the crisis.
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Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY
Olympic Games in Tokyo Postponed Till 2021 Due to Covid-19 Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report Organisers of the 2020 Olympic Games scheduled to begin on 24 July in Tokyo, Japan, have agreed to a one-year postponement of the event because of the global Covid-19 pandemic. Speaking to reporters yesterday, Japan’s Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, said the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had agreed to the delay. “I proposed to postpone for about a year and (IOC) President, Thomas Bach, responded with 100% agreement,” Abe announced. Before yesterday’s postponement, Canada and Australia had stepped down their participation in Tokyo 2020 due to the widespread of the virus globally. Several qualifiers not concluded yet were either cancelled or suspended indefinitely. Just on Monday, UEFA postponed the finals of both the Champions League and the Europa League earlier scheduled for May till later in the year. The UCL is still in the Round of Last 16. In a joint statement yesterday, both Abe abd Bach said that based on current World Health Organization (WHO) information,
the Tokyo Games “must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020 but not later than summer 2021, to safeguard the health of the athletes, everybody involved in the Olympic Games and the international community”. “The leaders agreed that the Olympic Games in Tokyo could stand as a beacon of hope to the world during these troubled times and that the Olympic flame could become the light at the end of the tunnel in which the world finds itself at present. “Therefore, it was agreed that the Olympic flame will stay in Japan. It was also agreed that the Games will keep the name Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020,” the statement concluded. The Olympics, which has experienced boycotts, terrorist attacks and protests, but has been held every four years since 1948, is the highest-profile event affected by the virus that has killed thousands and closed sports competitions worldwide. Bach said the decision to postpone was “about protecting human life”. Squeezing in the 16-day Games into what will already be a hugely crowded 2021 calendar is another major headache, with arguably the two biggest sports,
swimming and athletics, due to hold their world championships that summer. However, World Athletics has already said it was prepared to shift its world championships, scheduled for August 6-15 next year in Eugene, Oregon, to accommodate a rescheduled Games. “World Athletics welcomes the decision of the IOC and the Japanese Government to postpone the Tokyo 2020
Olympic Games to 2021,” track and field’s global governing body said. “It is what athletes want and we believe this decision will give all athletes, technical officials and volunteers some respite and certainty in these unprecedented and uncertain times.” British sprinter Dina AsherSmith, the world 200m champion, posted on Instagram: “#Tokyo2021, Same fire, new dates. Stay at home and stay safe everyone xxx.”
The IOC came under increasing pressure in recent days to postpone the Games, with 1.7 billion people across the planet in lockdown to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. On Sunday, the IOC had initially given itself a deadline of four weeks to come up with a proposal to postpone the Games, a Herculean task that touches on every aspect of Tokyo 2020 planning from venues to security to ticketing.
But after Canada and Australia withdrew their teams and the powerful US Olympic Committee and World Athletics also joined the chorus calling for a postponement, the writing was on the wall. Tokyo was spending some $12.6 billion to host the Games, according to its latest budget, and experts believe a postponement could cost it some $6 billion in the short-term before recouping it when they eventually go ahead.
Ighalo’s Permanent Man Utd Switch Threatened Former Super Eagles forward, Odion Ighalo’s long-term Manchester United future is up in the air with his loan deal set to end on May 31. The forward arrived from China in the January transfer window on a temporary move until the end of the season and has been acting as cover for the injured Marcus Rashford. The 30-year-old has impressed at Old Trafford after scoring four goals in three starts and the lifelong United fan is loving life at the club. Sources close to the player have indicated that the Nigerian would be open to making his loan deal permanent, should the club want to keep him, but the Covid-19 situation has complicated matters. With the Coronavirus pandemic leading to the postponement of the season, and it being unclear what is happening with regards to the transfer window, plans for Ighalo’s future are up in the air with no agreement currently reached between the parties in these unprecedented circumstances. The contract, which was agreed with the player and his parent club Shanghai Shenhua on deadline day, was enough to see Ighalo stay until the end of the season and past a potential Europa League final. However, it is now likely United would have to ask for special permission for an extension to his deal with the 2019-20 campaign, if it resumes, likely to run past the end of May. The former Watford striker was initially brought in as
cover for Rashford but after impressing in his opening eight games, Solskjaer admitted earlier this month that the club would consider making the move permanent. “We might get to the summer and think we want to extend this, who know? He’s come in as a breath of fresh air as well,” the Norwegian told Sky Sports. “He had chances in his five minutes against Chelsea, he scored against Bruges, he had chances against Watford, he had a very good save [(from a shot) against Everton – there have been good saves, he doesn’t miss the target very often. “Even for Anthony (Martial), Mason (Greenwood) and Marcus to learn that it is where the sharks are swimming. It’s comfortable outside the box and you can have a few shots,” stressed OGS on the former Nigerian international.
The Tokyo 2020 Games have been postponed till 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Dare, NBBF Commend IOC over Tokyo 2020 Shift Youth and Sports Development Minister, Mr, Sunday Dare, has commended the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for postponing the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Dare “The IOC must be commended for postponing the Olympics in the best interest of the whole world. This is in response to the general calls across the globe to have Tokyo 2020 moved to a time when the virus would have abated. “As much as we were all looking up to the games, the safety and well being of the athletes, officials and fans alike is of paramount importance. We cannot afford to toy with the lives of millions of people around the
world. At a time like this, this is the best way to go,” observed the minister. Dare affirmed that the IOC cannot stand alone and it had taken the decision in the overall best interest of safety of all Olympic families. “This decision is an attestation of the fact that the IOC is sensitive and puts premium on the safety of people. This would douse any fear or tension about going against the general consensus which clamoured for a shift in date. We believe that once the pandemic is over, the world can come together in unity to celebrate sports biggest fiesta,” concludes the minister. Similarly, the leadership of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has commended IOC’s
decision to postpone the summer games in Tokyo. In a statement issued by the NBBF President, Musa Kida, he commended the IOC for taking such a bold but difficult decision to postpone an iconic event for the good and safety of the world. According to him, this is one of the major decisions taken across the globe necessary for tackling the pandemic that has continued to threaten human existence. “Postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is the right step taken at such a critical time because as the saying goes, nothing is worth human life. We know this decision will come at an additional cost to sponsors, vendors, the government of Japan, participating countries and their athletes, but it is a necessary step.”
Kida said if we have to protect the human existence as it is currently known, there is need for governments around the world to come around, unite and fight the pandemic which till now has no known cure. “It is crucial for basketball players in Nigeria and abroad to know the importance of social distancing and self-quarantine as being promoted by the World Health Organisation and medical personnel as a key step in breaking the chain of the viral infection,”observed the NBBF chief. Nigeria’s men and women’s senior basketball teams have qualified for the 2020 Olympics earlier scheduled for the iconic city of Tokyo between Friday, July 24 and Saturday, August 9, 2020.
FG Directives on Covid-19 Alters NFF Investigative Panel’s Work Plan
Odion Ighalo…permanent deal threatened
The directives of the Federal Government on the raging Covid-19 outbreak has altered the work plan of the investigative panel set up by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on the death of Nasarawa United FC player, Chineme Martins. The panel was expected to submit its final report on Thursday, 26th March, 2020 to the Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, in Abuja. However, following the current trend of events arising from the
Covid-19 scourge, the panel has temporarily suspended its activities, including submission of its final report. This change in work plan has also been approved by the NFF leadership. “Since the inauguration of this committee in Benin City on Monday, 16th March, members have been at work. We have inspected facilities in Benin City and Lafia, and spoken to personalities who were involved one way or the other in the organization of the match in
which the player died. “We have been able to extract useful information all round. Our plan was to submit the report to the Hon. Minister on Thursday, 26th March 2020. “We returned from Lafia on Tuesday morning, but have had to change our plans because of the trend of events and the pronouncement by His Excellency Mr. President himself, as well as other directives by the Federal Government. We are forced to suspend our activities,”
chairman of the committee, Dr. Peter Singabele said. Singabele added that if the committee had a challenge in its job, it was the risk that members took to interact with people at this trying period in Nigeria. “I won’t say strictly that there were challenges. If there was a challenge it was that we took a big risk moving around at this time. We were bound to hold meetings and meet people and we could not tell who was infected at any time.
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Ancelotti, Mourinho Join Covid-19 Battle Carlo Ancelotti surprised an Everton fan with motor neurone disease while Jose Mourinho helped deliver care packages as Premier League managers joined in the battle against the coronavirus crisis. The English top flight has been suspended until at least April 30 due to the pandemic but clubs and managers are pitching in to help vulnerable, isolated people. Everton manager Ancelotti joined his club’s “Blue Family” community campaign, making a phonecall to Mark Cruise, a 52-year-old Everton fan
diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year. In a video posted on Everton’s Twitter feed, Ancelotti initially caught the disbelieving supporter by surprise. “Hi Mark, how are you? I’m Carlo,” Ancelotti, 60, said. “Who is it?,” Cruise replied. “I’m the manager of Everton. I know that you are a fan of Everton,” said Ancelotti before Cruise responded: “I’m a big fan of you Mr Ancelotti, you are a top fella.” The Italian chatted with Cruise about his favourite Everton games, insisting that he
should address him as “Carlo”, not “Mr Ancelotti”. “Usually in Italy, Mr is a man of great importance. I’m not so important, I’m just a manager,” joked the boss. He revealed his fears for friends and his sister in Italy, which has been hit hard by
the virus. Tottenham boss Mourinho has been working with Age UK and community group Love Your Doorstep to deliver vital supplies such as food and medication to those in need. “I came to give some support to Age UK, Enfield and Love
Your Doorstep, Enfield, to help people in our club’s local community,” said the 57-yearold, who was photographed packing up supplies wearing a face mask and gloves. “It is a difficult time for everyone right now, particularly among the elderly, so I want
to offer my assistance in any way I can.” Tottenham’s London rivals Arsenal have pledged £100,000 ($117,000) to local charities fighting the virus. Gunners manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for the virus earlier this month but has now recovered.
…Eddie Hearns Predicts Adverse Effects on Boxing Many fighters will be forced to leave boxing because of the impacts of the coronavirus crisis, promoter Eddie Hearn has warned. On Monday, the British Boxing Board of Control extended the suspension of events until May and a number of major fights have already been cancelled - and Hearn expects many boxers to have to get different jobs in the future. “The coronavirus is going to have a massive impact on every business, particularly boxing,” Hearn told the BBC Radio 5 Live Boxing podcast. “If this drags on to September, October, November, December we will have fighters that have not boxed this year. “The fighters at the top end are going to be fine but the fighters coming through, small hall fighters, ones starting their careers or those who do not have a sponsorship
deal face big concerns. “They will have to give up the sport of boxing and get a job and that’s heartbreaking for someone trying to live their dreams. “If there are no events, the companies are not making money and the athletes are not getting prize money. We will see a lot of fighters have to give up the sport of boxing at a lower level because there’s no income. “ Hearn, whose Matchroom Boxing company promotes world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and also produces shows around the world, feels these are uncertain times for every sport. “We do not want people to leave the sport, we want the more fighters the better,” said Hearn. “But look at the Olympics, these people have grafted for four years to achieve their dream and fight in Tokyo.
Ronaldo, Mendes Donate £1m to Combat Covid-19 Cristiano Ronaldo and his agent Jorge Mendes will finance three intensive care units for patients suffering from coronavirus at hospitals in Lisbon and Porto – with the donation worth £1million. The Portugal captain and Mendes have been in contact with the hospitals already and are planning to equip two wards in Santa Maria hospital in Lisbon and one in Santo Antonio in Porto. Wards in Santa Maria will come with ten beds and ventilators while the wing in Santo Antonio will have fifteen beds and ventilators. The chairman of the Santa Maria board of director has confirmed the donation, while Santo Antonio hospital have also revealed that the duo are helping out too. Daniel Ferro, president of Santa Maria, thanked the pair:
‘We were contacted by Jorge Mendes, who volunteered with Cristiano Ronaldo to finance two intensive care units for critical patients suffering from COVID-19. ‘There are fans, monitors, infusion pumps, beds ... all the equipment that constitutes an intensive care unit equipped to provide care to a COVID-19 patient.’ It has been confirmed that the monetary value of the donations from the pair will top £1m. Mendes has been helping out financially with the coronavirus crisis over the last week. He provided 1,000 masks and 200,000 protective gowns to the Sao Joao hospital in Porto last week. The 54-year-old has also ordered eight further ventilators and will distribute them to hospitals across the country.
Ronaldo (left) and his agent, Mendes
Mourinho (left) and Ancelotti at the media briefing…yesterday
Bayern Munich, Other Bundesliga Clubs, Take Pay Cut Footballers at Germany’s top teams including Bayern Munich have agreed to take pay cuts to help other clubs survive the economic impact of the coronavirus, media reports said Tuesday. Newspaper Bild reports that players and club officials at champions Bayern, top of the Bundesliga when the Bundesliga season was halted on March 13,
have accepted a 20 percent cut in their salaries. Like all top European leagues the German top flight is losing income from broadcasting, sponsorships and ticket sales during the COVID-19 pandemic, with matches in Germany suspended until at least April 2. Bayern has a massive wage bill which reached 336 million
euros (364 million dollars) last year, almost half of club turnover. Players at Borussia Moenchengladbach were the first in the Bundesliga to propose a pay cut, followed by others at Werder Bremen and Schalke 04. Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen players are in talks over pay cut proposals with management.
At Dortmund -- second in the Bundesliga -- coach Lucien Favre has made a personal offer to take a pay cut while players are negotiating a 20 percent salary reduction if the season does not restart or a 10 percent cut if play resumes behind closed doors, when clubs will at least earn income from TV rights.
Togo’s Adebayor Stuck in Quarantine in Benin Former Manchester City, Real Madrid and Togo international forward Emmanuel Adebayor is stuck in quarantine in Benin over the coronavirus pandemic, his Paraguayan club Olimpia said on social media. The 36-year-old “took the decision to return to his
country for the duration of the quarantine period declared by the government” of Paraguay, said Olimpia late on Monday. However, in trying to return home he was put in quarantine in a hotel in the port of Cotonou, the largest city in Benin, alongside another 84 travelers, Olimpia said.
“His decision was to spend this time with his family,” Olimpia said of Adebayor’s attempts to make the long journey from Paraguay to Togo. Like much of Latin America, Paraguay is in partial shut down and has imposed a nighttime curfew.
The former Togo forward, who also played for Arsenal, Tottenham and Crystal Palace during a decade-long stay in the English Premier League, made a surprise move to the Paraguayan champions in February having left Turks Kayserispor in December.
‘La Liga Santander Fest’ Set to Use Music, Sport to Beat Covid-19 Many people in various countries of the world are at home due to COVID-19. In view of this situation La Liga, in collaboration with Banco Santander, Universal Music and its sponsors as well as players, clubs, artists and GTS have organised ‘La Liga Santander Fest’. This will be the first global charity festival that seeks to raise funds to acquire products necessary to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, which will be channeled according to the Spanish government’s health priorities in coordination with the High Sports Council (CSD). The charity macro-concert will bring together 20 top artists for the first time and will involve players from all LaLiga Santander clubs. The festival will take place on Saturday, 28 March for fans around the world. A total of 20 top artists of the rank of Alejandro Sanz, David Bisbal, Aitana, Sebastián Yatra or
Antonio Orozco, who have never previously been involved in the same event, will take part in ‘La Liga Santander Fest’. Along with them will be 20 players from La Liga Santander teams, who wasted little time in signing up to an initiative rolled out by the clubs’ association. All the participants in the festival will participate from their respective homes. ‘La Liga Santander Fest’ will be broadcast simultaneously in all countries of the world. It can be followed through all LaLiga channels and the LaLigaSportsTV platform. In addition, La Liga will offer the signal to all its international broadcasters. Donations can be made through the Santander Foundation, through various channels that will be announced shortly. All funds raised will go towards the purchase of medical supplies in a coordinated
effort with the health authorities and the CSD. “La Liga wants to support everyone who are in quarantine and at the same time, raise money to buy medical supplies to deal with COVID-19. We are very happy with the response we have received from all fronts; footballers, clubs, artists and sponsors have all joined together for this initiative. “I am convinced that together we are going to create something very memorable,” said Óscar Mayo, director of Business, Marketing and International Development at LaLiga. Alejandro Sanz, David Bisbal, Aitana, Sebastián Yatra or Antonio Orozco are just a few of the artists who will join the event this Saturday, with many more set to lend their voice to this cause. According to Organisers of the show, the identity of the remaining music artists will
gradually be revealed throughout the week via LaLiga’s social media channels and by the artists and players on their own accounts. This festival is part of the “LaLiga se juega en casa” (La Liga’s being played at home) campaign, which seeks to support fans throughout this period of quarantine, making it more bearable and raising awareness about the importance of staying at home to halt the spread of COVID-19. This concert will take place exactly a week on from #LaLigaSantanderChallenge, the online challenge that saw influencer Ibai Llanos invite all of the LaLiga Santander clubs to compete in a FIFA20 tournament. The competition, which was staged between Friday and Sunday, raised more than €142,000 towards UNICEF’s aid efforts.
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ASUU to FG “Some ASUU members who went to enrol on IPPIS have started running to us for help. There was the case of a vice-chancellor who enrolled on IPPIS, but was paid N57,000 as his monthly salary, instead of over N1million” – The Academic Staff Union of Universities describing the IPPIS as a ploy to cripple the Nigerian university system.
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KAYODEKOMOLAFE THE HORIZON
kayode.komolafe@thisdaylive.com
0805 500 1974
The Front Line of COVID-19 War
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huffling through posts on the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) one often finds some useful pieces of information buried in an avalanche of fake news, hate speech and other genres of mischief. A recent instructive material is a video of health professionals of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust of Northern Island in United Kingdom. In the highly emotive video, respiratory consultants, nurses and other professionals took turn to make a stay-at -home appeal to the public. One of the doctors pungently warns that COVID-19 “is not a rehearsal.” As the capacity of the otherwise developed healthcare system of the UK is being severely challenged by the burgeoning figures of COVID-19 patients, professionals in the healthcare team “beg” members of the public to “play your part” of staying at home so as “to save lives” during the “greatest medical crisis of our life time.” Another respiratory nurse puts it like this: “doctors and nurses have died; we need to stay healthy so we can help you. You can help save our lives. So, stay at home…” The moral of the story is this: these health professionals have made the war against COVID-19 their own. They are appealing to their public to help them in winning the war by staying at home thereby reducing the number of people who could die from the disease. There is a hidden irony in the prosecution of the war against coronavirus. In one breath, governments across the world are gearing up to enforce stay-at-home orders (when moral appeals fail); in another breadth doctors, pharmacists, nurses, physiotherapists, technologists and other members of the medical team are called upon to be on duty in the hospitals to provide care for COVID-19 patients. Members of the medical staff cannot work from home. Medical professionals on retirement are being recalled to bridge the manpower deficit. The system is not only overburdened in terms of the number of available ventilators and other items of equipment, the human beings who operate the system are overstressed. It is time policymakers and the people alike acknowledged the heroism of the medical personnel working in almost impossible conditions especially in the countries mostly ridden by the public health crisis. These are the front line soldiers and generals in this global war against coronavirus and the disease that it spurs, COVID-19. They deserve a salute! The Chinese hero doctor, Li Wenliang, who first raised an alarm about the virus, has since died in the course of the pandemic. The report on his death has acknowledged his “bravery” and “sacrifice.” The 34-year old eye doctor contracted the disease while treating an infected patient. Other doctors should not be exposed to such grave risks unduly as it happened to Dr. Li. As more is known in the epidemiology of COVID-19, new challenges are introduced into the clinical management of the crisis. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is reportedly considering “airborne precautions.” To paraphrase the Roman general, Publius Renatus, if you want peace (good public health), prepare for war (putting and end to the COVID-19 pandemic). Those who would be the front line fighters in the Nigerian sector of the war should be well equipped with the appropriate weapons. The health worker becomes more exposed to the virus when facilities become overwhelmed with the exponential growth in the rate at which patients seek medical attention. There have been
Health Minister, Dr. Osagie Ehanire reported cases of hospitals completely out of masks, shields, gloves and other gears. Members of the public are being told to stay at home. But when health workers leave home to provide care for COVID-19 patients in the hospitals, they should not be made to look like lambs going to the slaughter’s slab. The health care giver should be adequately protected so that he could give an efficient care to the COVID-19 patients. According to a new study, experts believe that coronavirus could survive in the air in some situations. Few months ago, it was said that the virus could only be transmitted in droplets from sneezing and coughing . Social distancing and other precautionary measures could prevent such transmissions by droplets. Now depending on factors such as heat and humidity, the virus could be airborne to wreak havoc on its victims. So, the medical staff needs to be protected because of the newly discovered risks. Although the war is global, the prosecution is, of course, local. Every country is virtually left to its own devices in the circumstance. So how battle ready is Nigeria? The trend in the
spread of COVID-19 in the last few days especially should make Nigeria wake up to the possibility of a public health emergency of monumental proportions. Even the screening at the airport was reportedly handled in a sloppy manner. A cavalier attitude has been noticeable in some official and non-official quarters in dealing with the crisis. Preparedness is the word. But it is dangerously lacking. The system should be firmly put on alert. If relatively highly developed healthcare systems of Italy and Spain could be so exposed as grossly inadequate in the face of the COVID-19 storm, it is hardly imaginable how Nigeria could cope if the crisis gets worse. Indications in the last few days seem to suggest that the capacity to tackle the magnitude of the crises of Italy and Spain is absent here in Nigeria. If the disease is said to be airborne, are there enough and appropriate masks for medical staff? A painful memory of the risk before healthcare providers fighting an epidemic is that of Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoh. Her heroism, (which by the way has not been sufficiently acknowledged by Nigeria), was that of seizing the moment in 2014 to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus beyond containment. She ensured that the index case, Patrick Sawyer, a Liberian, was quarantined in Lagos. The man was on his way to attend an international conference in Calabar. The Ebola crisis was not as devastating on Nigeria as it was on the poor West African countries of Liberia, Sierra-Leone and Guinea. Sadly, Dr. Adadevoh died in the process of saving Nigeria as she herself got infected with the virus. Her story should bring home again to policymakers the enormous risks that medical staff in Nigerian hospitals face as the nation prepares to fight the COVID-19 from its own corner. This moment of crisis provides another test for the capacity of the healthcare delivery system as an important segment of the social sector. The capacity of the facilities and the welfare of the medical staff should ordinarily be the focus of the investments in the sector. This is what this crisis has proved in other countries. The COVID-19 catastrophe is making governments across the world to rethink some assumptions about public health as well as the preparedness for tackling epidemics, and in this
tragic case, a pandemic. With all the sophisticated gadgets and technology that the world powers have acquired for both constructive and destructive purposes, this crisis has proved again that you still need human efforts to get problems solved partly using simple methods. The time-honoured methods include washing hands and staying at home. That is why human development should always be at the centre of all development efforts. Humanity will always assert itself despite the massive erosion. In Nigeria, the neglect of the social sector is significantly manifest in the poor attention paid to the welfare of those expected to sustain the system as medical personnel. When doctors, nurses and other medical staff go strike, it is not perceived by the society itself as something unusual, much less an emergency. Despite the abysmally poor doctor-patient ratio, Nigerian doctors and nurses emigrate to more developed climes. Yet, policymakers do not seem to think anything is amiss about that negative trend. It is a paradox in this society that even in normal times those whose job it is to save lives are hardly appreciated and respected. This societal attitude should change. Meanwhile, whatever strategy being put in place by the Nigerian taskforce on COVID-19 should include ensuring adequate protection and welfare the medical staff who would provide the care sorely needed by the patients. Apart from providing the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), all the WHO protocols should be strictly adhered to in this country. The medical staff should not be overworked. In some countries, retired medical personnel are being recalled to meet the extraordinary needs of the emergency situation. The isolation centres should be made more humane and decent so that it could attract suspected cases. The staff of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) would be encouraged to move swiftly in taking patients for isolation only if they are well kitted with protective gears. In other words, those who would be in the front line of the battle against COVID-19 should be given the appropriate weapons. They should not be equipped with toy guns and paper shields when they need AK 47 and bombs to confront the enemy.
Time to Organise, not Agonise Issa Aremu The global narrative of the cause and management of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19 is riddled with multiple meanings: they range from metaphysical to the scientific, the epistemological to the pedestrian, conspiratorial to the racist, the sobering to the hysterical, the political to the partisan. It’s however time to organise our reactions in order to tame and damn the monster. Many thanks to Kayode Komolafe for bringing to the fore the inherent lessons in the often ignored singular exceptional example of the Caribbean island of Cuba in public health at home and medical internationalism and solidarity. Cuba taught the world the beauty of collective efforts in confront pandemic no less in managing prosperity. His article entitled “The Political Economy of COVID-19” of March 18, 2020, was a timely call to organise and confront the menace instead of agonising. The COVID-19 discourse is as infectious and virulent as the notorious virus. First detected in Wuhan, China in December 2019, coronavirus (COVID-19) is truly stateless.
It’s global. It’s classless and gender blind. It defies all human contrived walls namely Berlin/ Chinese/ Great Zimbabwe wall/ Donald Trump Walls/ Israel/ West Bank Border Walls. As of March 20, 2020, over 240,000 have been infected in 148 countries. More than 10,000 had died across the world. About 88,000 recovered according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Nigeria’s timeline of the pandemic according to the Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) started in February 27 with a 44-year old Italian. He reportedly tested positive in Lagos but later tested twice negative. He has since been discharged with one his contacts in Ogun who tested positive. With a new confirmed case in Abuja FCT yesterday, Nigeria parades as many as 40 confirmed cases, with the breakdown of cases by states as at 11:00 pm on the 23rd of March, 2020, showed that Lagos had 28, Abuja 7, Ogun 2, Ekiti 1, Oyo 1 and Edo 1 with the hope that we will stop counting. With seemingly open headed updated list, we are certainly living in the age of an adversity occasioned by Coronavirus. However as worrisome as it is, lest we forget:
global pandemics are almost inevitable. Certainly they are unavoidable. The Chinese who first bite the COVID-19 bullet (and who first commendably and successful confronted the Virus) have a saying that, “misfortune is not that which can be avoided, but that which cannot”. Carl Edward Sagan, the late American astronomer, cosmologist, author and science popularizer is my favored author . In one of books, : Cosmos: THE STORY OF COSMIC EVOLUTION, SCIENCE AND CIVILIZATION, (1995) the popularizer of astronomy wrote that “We can lead a full life and never personally encounter a natural disaster more violent than a storm. And so we become complacent, relaxed, unconcerned. But in the history of Nature, the record is clear. Worlds have been devastated. Even we humans have achieved the dubious technical distinction of being able to make our own disasters, both intentionally and inadvertent. On the landscape of other planets where the records of the past have been preserved, there is abundant evidence of major catastrophes”. The point cannot be overstated that Coronavirus is the new link in human chain of afflictions.
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