MONDAY 30TH MARCH 2020

FG Directs Oil Firms to Cut Offshore Workforce NNPC, DPR differ over Nigeria’s petrol stock

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The federal government has directed oil and gas companies to reduce the workforce on their offshore platforms in view

of COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

Director, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr. Sarki Auwalu, said in a circular in Abuja that only staff

on essential duties should be nominated and permitted to travel to offshore and other remote locations.

The circular was issued just as the Nigerian National

Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the DPR at the weekend disagreed over the country’s total stock of petrol, as fears continue to grow over the sustainability of

the current nationwide supply of the product.

“All travels to and from offshore/remote locations shall strictly be in line with the guidelines and procedure

for travel to offshore/swamp location and obtainment of offshore safety Permit 2019,” it stated, adding: “Non-essential Continued on page 10

ASUU Demands N1.1tn for Universities’ Revitalisation...

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ARISE TV Panelists Laud Nigeria’s Handling of Pandemic Warn of tougher days ahead Our Correspondents Contributors at a forum organised by Arise TV

Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, yesterday lauded Nigeria’s management of COVID-19

but warned the federal government not to rest on its oars.

The panelists, comprising

health practitioners around the world, among others, alerted the federal government that tougher days were ahead and

how it would handle the next few weeks would determine whether or not Nigeria would be able to flatten the curve and

halt the spread of the virus.

Among the contributors Continued on page 10

Buhari Locks Down Lagos, Ogun, Abuja as COVID-19 Cases Rise to 111 Suspends flight operations Promises stipend for vulnerable people, gives three-month moratorium on development bank loans I feel well, says Kyari, moves to Lagos for further tests Anambra, Ekiti, Benue, Ogun, Yobe, Abia close borders Dangote, Sanusi, Bello test negative Stallion group pledges rice and fish supply to govt hospitals Air Peace evacuates 274 Israelis to Tel-Aviv Our Correspondents With effect from 11.00 p.m. today, Lagos State, the epicentre of COVID-19 in Nigeria; the neighbouring Ogun State, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), would be locked down, President Muhammadu Buhari directed yesterday.

The president, in a nationwide broadcast in which he outlined efforts by his administration to contain the virus, which as at yesterday had infected 111 people, with one death, directed the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to ensure

full restriction of movements within the three areas for 14 days.

Fourteen fresh cases were recorded yesterday to bring the tally to 111 with nine new infections recorded in Lagos and five in FCT, according to data from NCDC Twitter account.

The presidential broadcast came on the same day Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari, in a statement signed by him and posted on the official twitter handle of the presidency, @NGRPresident, broke his silence on his COVID-19 status, saying on Continued on page 10

Celebrating 68, Tinubu Donates MR. PRESIDENT ON COVID-19...

N200m to Fight COVID-19... Page 9 President Muhammadu Buhari during his nationwide broadcast on COVID-19 in Abuja…yesterday

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NEWS

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

ASUU Demands N1.1tn for Universities’ Revitalisation Accuses FG of breaching 2019 pact Union hasn't notified govt about strike, says Ngige

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has demanded N1.1trillion from the federal government for what it described as the revitalisation of the universities.

Speaking to THISDAY on the indefinite industrial action by the union, ASUU President, Prof.

Biodun Ogunyemi, said the union embarked on the strike to compel the federal government to honour an agreement it entered into in 2009, which was renegotiated in 2019.

He said the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the union rejected the federal government’s proposals on the amount to be released for revitalisation of universities, payment of earned academic allowances and timeline for setting up visitation panels for universities.

When asked to state the specific areas of dispute with the federal government, ASUU president said: "We have outlined issues that are outstanding from our 2019 agreement, including the revitalisation of universities, which the government promised to process the report of the inter-ministerial committee on sustainable sources of funding.

They gave us that document but there was nowhere it mentioned the outstanding balance of about N1.1 trillion in terms of timeline on how to inject that fund into revitalising our universities.�

Ogunyemi added that on the issue of Earned Academic Activities (EAA), both sides had in 2019 agreed that the

balance of the arrears up to 2016 should be paid by the federal government while it would be given enough time to calculate what was outstanding for 2017 and 2018. “Again, it was agreed that the government should mainstream the payment of the allowances in the annual budget as from 2019 but nothing happened," he said.

ASUU president explained that the agreement with the federal government was that it would pay EAA in four installments beginning in November 2019.

According to him, the government reneged on the deal and did not bother to reach out to the union on why it could not meet the payment obligation.

He said members of ASUU were displeased and had insisted that the government must go back to the original plan or at least release N220 billion as a demonstration of commitment to the pact.

Ogunyemi also listed other issues in dispute to include the non-setting up of visitation panels, which was supposed to have been done latest March 2019; checking the poor funding of state universities and arranging for a platform using the auspices of the National Economic Council (NEC) to hold discussions with governors on how to address the situation and the issue of granting an official licence to Nigeria Universities Pension Company (NUPENCO) to ensure sustainable and accountable management of the pension of the academic staff of the

Residents Groan as Lockdown by States Takes Toll Our Correspondents The closure of markets and boundaries by some states as part of the efforts to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted economic hardships on residents of the states, THISDAY’s investigation has revealed.

In Bayelsa State, the total shutdown declared by the government has led to the scarcity of basic food items, whose prices have now been hiked between 50 and 300 per cent, especially in Yenagoa, the state capital.

Among items whose prices have shot up are sachet water otherwise called pure water, grains, yam, garri, tomatoes and food condiments.

Investigation at OkordiaZarama, a rural market and Swali market in the urban area of the state capital showed that a four-litre plastic container of garri, which sold for between N500 and N600 before the shutdown, now sells for N1,500.

A bag of pure water now goes for N150 as against N100 and tomatoes heap, which was N300 is now N800.

Frozen fish, meat, vegetables, fruits, and other edible items were also affected by the food inflation. Similarly, the price of food at restaurants has also gone up from N300 per plate to between N400 and N500.

Traders and food vendors blamed the scarcity and high prices on the closure of borders

between the state and Rivers and Delta states through which food supplies enter the state.

In Niger State, the curfew imposed by Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has virtually paralysed the socio-economic life of the people as all markets have remained closed for the period of the curfew.

Petrol filling stations are also closed during the period of the curfew with many vehicles on the queues at the filling stations waiting for the period the stations would start dispensing fuel.

The curfew has also affected the religious lives of the people as all mosques were shut against worshipers on Friday while Christians observed the Sunday prayers at their homes.

The residents of Kaduna are also groaning under the effects of the 24-hour curfew imposed on the state by the state government to curb the spread COVID-19.

Security personnel were deployed in major roads and streets in the metropolis to ensure strict enforcement of the curfew.

Residents said with the curfew, they were finding it difficult to meet basic needs, like food and other necessities.

Many of those who spoke to THISDAY in an interview yesterday, said they had run short of foodstuffs and basic things.

They called on the government Continued on page 12

universities.

He said the failure to honour these agreements had angered members of the union, fuelling their decision at the NEC meeting to immediately commence the indefinite strike.

He accused the federal

government of trying to apply “carrot and stick approach� in order to intimidate and hoodwink the lecturers into submission by seizing their February salaries and offering them some amount as in lieu of EAA.

Ogunyemi, however, said the union was still open for dialogue, adding that the union has forwarded a notice of commencement of strike to the federal government.

However, the Minister of Labour and Employment,

Senator Chris Ngige, told THISDAY that ASUU was yet to inform the federal government that it had embarked on strike.

"We have not received notice of strike from ASUU and until we do we will not comment on the matter," he said.

UBA AGAINST COVID-19...

Group Managing Director/CEO, United Bank for Africa, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka (left), and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide SanwoOlu, during the presentation of a cheque of N1 billion to the governor as the UBA Foundation’s donation to the ďŹ ght against COVID-19 in Lagos...yesterday

NCDC Prioritises COVID-19 Test for High Profiled Nigerians Martins Ifijeh Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has been conducting COVID-19 tests on high profiled Nigerians, who demanded for it, but asked ‘ordinary’ citizens who also requested for same to strictly follow its casedefinition rule for testing; a situation that has left many unattended to, THISDAY can confirm.

NCDC’s case-definition rule for undergoing testing for the COVID-19 says for anyone to be tested for the virus, the person must have travelled into Nigeria from a high risk country, or must have had direct contact with a confirmed case, and, in addition to any of these definitions, the person must have had visible symptoms of COVID-19 before requesting for testing.

Although many of the high profiled persons who have been attended to by NCDC did not show visible symptoms of the virus, they, along with their families, staff and close allies have been tested, while many ‘ordinary’ Nigerians who may have also travelled to high risk countries or had contact with confirmed cases are been asked to wait until they have visible symptoms of COVID-19 before their

samples can be taken.

Revealing this to THISDAY, an epidemiologist with NCDC in Lagos State, who preferred to remain anonymous, said NCDC does not have enough reagents to go round, hence he advised people to adhere strictly to the case-definition before being qualified for testing. “However, there are occasions where we get directives to go take samples of a high profiled person, his family members, staff and close allies. We can’t say no because that is the order from above. And you know on many occasions we end up wasting the reagents we do not have because these people may not really meet the case definition. “For instance, in the case of a popular musician and his girlfriend, the agency wasted 33 reagents because it tested 33 persons around Davido.

Although his girlfriend tested positive, the other persons all tested negative. These people did not meet our case definition, but what can we do,� he added.

He also emphasized that in an ideal situation, what NCDC does is that when Nigerians call the toll free lines, they are asked whether they have travelled to highrisk areas; if they say ‘yes’, they are asked if they are

having symptoms. “For those who reply in the affirmative, we try to find out which kind of symptoms they have. If this doesn’t meet the symptoms we are looking for, we tell them to access healthcare in any government hospital near them. “If they had a contact with confirmed cases as well, we also ask the same questions.

Once the person meets these case definitions, we come over to take samples.�

Recently, social media has been awash with complaints of Nigerians who have requested for tests k home to her family.

A Social Media SkitComedian, Sydney Talker, has also complained of not being attended to after he allegedly exhibited symptoms of COVID-19.

He said: “A week ago I came down with symptoms of COVID-19, called NCDC and was told to go to any hospital for treatment. Till now the agency did not attend to me.�

Sharing his thoughts, another staff of NCDC in Abuja, who also preferred to remain anonymous, told THISDAY that a lot of top persons in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja do not bother calling public lines, as they have their way of calling in for tests.

“Although the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends for more testing, you know we have limited reagents, so we try to ensure those who are tested are those who really meet our requirements. Many people call in but only a few are qualified. When we don’t oblige others, they go on social media to say we are not working,� the source told THISDAY. Asked if politicians who were being tested met the requirements, he said: “This is Nigeria. They have their way around things. The decision to test them or not does not lie with us,� adding that most of the complaints come from Lagos and not Abuja.

NCDC Director-General, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, had told Arise News Channel, THISDAY’s broadcast arm, at the weekend that the agency does not turn away people who request for testing, adding that it has put a lot of things in place to ensure every call to the toll lines are responded to.

He also warned that those who came into the country from high-risk nations should self-isolate for 14 days, and that if they notice symptoms of the disease, they should reach out to the agency for testing and other protocols.

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Celebrating 68, Tinubu Donates N200m to Fight COVID-19 Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja, Segun Awofadeji in Gombe, Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo, Laleye Dipo in Minna, and Kayode Fasua in Abeokuta National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday marked his 68th birthday, donating N200m to the fight against COVID-19.

He said he could not celebrate big because of the circumstances of the global pandemic.

But governors on his party’s platform, the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), as well as Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF) felicitated with him, saying he has become their rallying point and a national bridge builder. “The circumstances this year prevent us from gathering together to celebrate my birthday but I would still like to mark the occasion,� Tinubu tweeted, adding: “That is why I have chosen today to announce that I will be making a donation of N200 million to fight this deadly virus. Pursuant to this pledge, N100 million will be made available to the government of Lagos State and another N100 million to the NCDC to support their efforts in fighting the scourge of COVID-19.�

The APC chieftain expressed the hope that the pandemic would be defeated. “Together, we will overcome this disease,� he stated even as he regretted that the colloquium that usually heralded the celebrations would not hold.

Govs Eulogise National Leader

APC

Among those who felicitated with Tinubu were Northern Governors Forum (NGF); the Progressive Governors Forum

(PGF); Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his counterparts from Osun, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; Ogun, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Gombe, Alhaji Muhammadu Yahaya; and Niger, Alhaji Sani Bello.

The Chairman of PGF and Governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Abubakar Bagudu, in a statement issued yesterday, described Tinubu as a unifying and rallying point for all.

He commended Tinubu's leadership and commitment to a united prosperous Nigeria.

"We acknowledge your contributions to our team of progressive governors through your insightful and resolute inputs to the processes of managing governance in Nigeria as well as within our great party.

"As our national leader, you certainly represent our unifying and rallying point for all.

"Once more, as we rejoice with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we advise all Nigerians to stay at home and stay safe until we continue to work together towards overcoming the current COVID-19 global pandemic," he said.

The NGF has also joined others to celebrate Tinubu.

The chairman of the forum and Plateau State Governor, Mr. Simon Lalong, described the party leader as one of Nigeria’s finest politicians.

Lalong, in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr. Makut Macham, in Jos, described Tinubu as a personality worthy of note.

He described him as a man, who understood the best way to connect with the people and canvass for their interests. “Senator Bola Tinubu is a leader who serves with diligence, courage and compassion in such a manner that he clearly articulates and canvasses for issues that

Air Peace Evacuates 274 Israelis to Tel-Aviv Chinedu Eze Nigeria’s biggest carrier, Air Peace, has evacuated about 274 Israelis from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to Israel.

Israel said it evacuated its citizens because of fears of the increasing spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

The flight, which airlifted 65 passengers from Lagos and 209 passengers from Abuja, was operated by Air Peace Boeing 777-300 with registration number 5N-BWI. The Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema, described the flight as historical because it was the first time Nigeria and Israel would have a direct flight and expressed hope that subsequently the two countries would have scheduled direct flights between Lagos and Tel-Aviv.

He said: “It is a historic day for both Nigeria and Israel. History has been made today. Sixty years of diplomatic relations, no direct flight has been conducted between Nigeria and Israel till today. So this is the first time Nigeria and Israel will have direct air connectivity. So it is a historic day and it portends greater things to come. Both countries have a lot to gain by

having direct flights. Nigeria is a land of huge potential, which Israel may be willing to tape into, while Nigeria will want to tap into science and technology, which Israel is known for. “I really want to thank the federal government of Nigeria for making this possible.

Previous administrations were unable to pull this through, but this government did it.

We have a compassionate government; that I can tell you. It is difficult to get flight permits even during this critical period of emergencies from other countries, but Nigeria did not waste a second to approve this flight. The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, approved the request the moment it was presented to him. All the heads of aviation agencies gave their support, which made the flight possible. So it is the federal government that made the evacuation possible.�

According to him, the Israeli government supported and allowed for the first time a Nigerian airline to operate a direct flight to Israel, noting that this is something good for both countries, “good for our diplomatic relations.� “So I feel proud, I feel privileged to be part of this history and I thank God for it.

We have to build from here now going forward.

directly affect the people. “He has remained consistent in advocating for matters that unite Nigerians and also promote the economic development of the country,� he said.

Lalong acknowledged the contributions of the celebrant as APC national leader and one of its founding fathers, saying he continued to provide exemplary leadership for the ruling party.

He noted that the politician ensured he maintained harmony among members of the party.

Sanwo-Olu, in a message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described Tinubu as a pathfinder, a visionary leader and a rare mentor, who has contributed to the socio-political and economic development of Lagos and Nigeria.

"Asiwaju, as a pathfinder, navigated and charted the developmental course of modern Lagos and raised the

bar of governance as well as public service in the state," he said.

Abiodun also praised Tinubu for standing firm as a principled politician who could not be swayed by extraneous influence.

He said: “It’s no means to be who you are: elected senator in Lagos and twice as governor.

You survived in the face of all odds and remain the main man standing. “Like phoenix, Tinubu is un-cowed as the face of progressive politics, national leader of the APC, irrepressible statesman and a titan; one whose unconditional service and time-tested leadership inspire hope in most of us.�

On his part, Gombe State governor, described Tinubu as a true democrat, a rare breed and large hearted individual who sacrificed a lot for Nigeria, describing as legendary and inspiring, his

relentless commitment and love for the nation and democracy.

He said with his pedigree and track records of mentoring, guidance and support for upcoming leaders to accomplish their dreams, Tinubu has written his name in gold in the annals of Nigeria and earned for himself, national and global accolades and respect.

Yahaya, who said the APC leader personified courage in leadership and patriotism, saluted his abiding faith in ideals of democracy and the Nigerian project.

Also Oyetola in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ismail Omipidan, described the former Lagos State governor as one of the few political geniuses Nigeria and indeed the world was blessed with, describing him as a man of many parts. “Describe him as a man of many parts and you will not be far from the mark. Indeed,

your impression of him is a function of the side of him you decide to portray per time, quintessential politician,� he said, describing Tinubu as “leaders' leader, nation builder, reputable entrepreneur, astute manager, visionary, emeritus governor, boardroom guru, distinguished accountant, talent hunter and political fighter.�

Similarly, Niger State governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ms. Mary Berje, described Tinubu as a true democrat and a blessing to the nation.

"Turning 68 is a huge milestone, especially to someone, who never gets tired of doing great things in great ways; someone who has provided the much-needed guide on each step of the way; someone who in spite of the cumbersome nature of our political terrain has successfully led us in the right direction," he stated.

FIGHTING THE VIRUS...

Health oďŹƒcials fumigating a street in Abuja...yesterday

Power Supply Drops to 3,899MW over Sustained Gas Shortage Chineme Okafor in Abuja Despite the claim by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) that gas shortage to power generating plants would only last for 10 days from March 8, THISDAY finding has shown that the crisis is still lingering.

Consequently, the volume of electricity allocated to the 11 distribution companies (Discos) from the national grid last week dropped to 3,899 megawatts (MW) from the previous week of 4,139MW. The power production and distribution statistics obtained from the Advisory Power Team in the Office of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, which THISDAY reviewed, covered a period of two weeks starting from March 14 to 27.

It showed that between March 14 and 20, the average volume of electricity sent to homes and offices in the country was 4,139MW, while constrained volume was 4,069MW.

Within that week, the country’s power sector lost N13.6 billion with a shortage of gas supply to generation companies (Gencos) blamed for the low generation figure.

Between March 21 and 27, the figure for the volume of power distributed dropped to 3,899MW while constrained volume increased to 4,646MW. The financial costs of the decline also rose to N15.6 billion.

According to the data, 13 Gencos had gas supply shortages, which affected their production capacities between March 21 and 27.

The affected Gencos were Azura-Edo, which lost an average of 153MW; Calabar NIPP – 126.5MW; Delta (Transcorp) – 162.5MW; Alaoji – 126.5MW; Okpai – 219MW; Geregu NIPP – 504MW; Geregu – 385MW; Rivers – 180MW; Omotosho – 210MW and Afam – 217MW. Others were Sapele, which lost an average of 379.5MW within

the covered week; Omotosho NIPP, which could not produce 506MW and Ihovbor plant, which also failed to produce 506MW. On a day-to-day basis, the statistics showed that on March 21, the ensuing shortage of gas led to the loss of 3,568MW of electricity; on March 22; it rose to 4,024.5MW and remained at the same level on March 23 before dropping to 3,934.5MW where it remained on March 25.

The figure for the constrained volumes, however, went up to 4,099.5MW on March 26 and further to 4,144.5MW on 27. “On March 27, 2020, average energy sent out was 3,906MWH/ Hour (down by 67.42MW from the previous day). 4,144.5MW was not generated due to the unavailability of gas. 211.1MW was not generated due to high frequency resulting from the unavailability of distribution infrastructure. The power sector lost an estimated N2,091,000,000 on March 27,

2020, due to constraints from the insufficient gas supply, distribution infrastructure, and transmission infrastructure,�

Osinbajo’s office said.

TCN had on March 8 reported a decline in gas supply to some Gencos, which it said would last for 10 days.

With the gas supply situation at the weekend, the gas shortage has lasted more than the projected 10 days.

The affected Gencos were Sapele NIPP, Olorunsogo NIPP, Ihovbor NIPP, and Azura Edo power plants, which generated zero megawatt of electricity during the period. “Other thermal power plants equally affected but which generated lower capacities include Egbin (Steam), Sapele (Steam), Delta (gas), Geregu (gas), Omotosho (gas), Olorusogo (gas), Geregu NIPP, Alaoji NIPP, Omotosho NIPP, Odukpani NIPP, Okpai (Gas/Steam) and Omoku (gas) power generating plants,� TCN said.

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PAGE 10 FG DIRECTS OIL FIRMS TO CUT OFFSHORE WORKFORCE staff currently at offshore/ remote locations should be withdrawn with immediate effect.�

It directed that staff rotation less than 28 days had been temporarily suspended, implying that staff were required to stay a minimum of 28 days at the locations per rotation.

It said sections 4.3 and 4.4 of the relevant guidelines would continue to apply “Representation by government agencies at offshore/remote locations shall be limited to a maximum of one person per rotation.

You are to ensure strict

compliance with the above while we continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as required,� it said.

Meanwhile, NNPC and DPR at the weekend disagreed over the country’s total stock of petrol.

While the latest update from DPR showed that Nigeria has only a supply that would last for 24 days from all its 54 depots, NNPC through its Group Managing Director, Malam Mele Kyari, said the stock would last over 60 days.

DPR put the cumulative combined depot stock of petrol from the Petroleum Products Marketing Company

(PPMC), a subsidiary of the NNPC, as well as major and independent marketers at 935,570,757 litres. “Applying the estimated daily national demand of 38,200,000 litres, available depot PMS stock of 935,570,757 litres is sufficient for 24 days� the regulatory agency said.

The depots are spread across Lagos, Eket/Calabar, Kaduna, Warri, Umuahia and Port Harcourt, with Lagos having the largest share of the facilities.

However, Kyari urged Nigerians not to engage in panic buying of the product

as the country has adequate stock, adding that NNPC has the support of all stakeholders to ensure an adequate supply of petroleum products.

On the apprehension caused by the threat by the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to petrol tankers drivers to vacate the depots, Kyari said the corporation would continue to engage them.

NARTO had asked its employees (tanker drivers) to stop loading petroleum products at the depots from last Friday to save them from exposure to the pandemic.

Kyari said: “There is absolutely no scarcity anywhere; our supply is robust, we have fuel that will last this country even for 60 days assuming we do not import any. “Of course, people because of the pandemic, stay at home, may try to conserve fuel; there is no need to do this. Maintain your normal life, we have secured all assurances that trucks will be moving freely across the country throughout this period of difficulty and supply will be sustained. “Our stock and supply plans are robust and there

is no need to buy more than you require at any time. We will keep you supplied.�

He explained that states had all consented to allow movements of fuel trucks and operation of stations during any sit-at-home action, adding that there is no need to buy more fuel than required.

Kyari, who, however, did not say whether the corporation has reached an agreement with NARTO, added: “Trucks will move, fuel stations will sell and products will be available.

We will meet your petroleum products needs during this period and at all times.�

electronic media staff who can prove they are unable to work from home are also exempted.

"All seaports in Lagos shall remain operational in accordance with the guidelines I issued earlier. Vehicles and drivers conveying essential cargoes from these ports to other parts of the country will be screened thoroughly before departure by the Ports Health Authority.

"Furthermore, all vehicles conveying food and other essential humanitarian items into these locations from other parts of the country will also be screened thoroughly before they are allowed to enter these restricted areas.

"Accordingly, the Hon. Minister of Health is hereby directed to redeploy all Port Health Authority employees previously stationed in the Lagos and Abuja airports to key roads that serve as entry and exit points to these restricted zones. Movements of all passenger aircraft, both commercial and private jets, are hereby suspended. Special permits will be issued on a needs basis."

Buhari acknowledged the level of hardship that the decisions would cause citizens, but described the situation as a matter of life and death.

Citing the huge tragedies that accompanied the outbreak of the disease in Italy, France and Spain, the president appealed to citizens to embrace

the restriction with a sense of patriotism and endure attendant inconveniences in government's decisive bid to fight what he described as "our common enemy."

Recalling that some other countries had taken far more painful decisions, the president who implored citizens to see the attendant hardship as their contributions to the fight against COVID-19 pledged the government's preparedness to send relief package to some communities in Lagos and Abuja to cushion the effects of the decisions on residents.

He also said even though schools would remain closed during the period, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development had been directed to work with governments of the affected states on how to develop a strategy for the sustenance of the school feeding programme.

The president directed the immediate implementation of a three-month repayment moratorium for all TraderMoni, MarketMoni and FarmerMoni loans.

He also extended the moratorium to all federal government-funded loans issued by development banks.

"We are fully aware that such measures will cause much hardship and inconvenience to many citizens. But this is a matter of life and death if we look at the dreadful daily toll of deaths in Italy, France

and Spain.

"However, we must all see this as our national and patriotic duty to control and contain the spread of this virus.

I will, therefore, ask all of us affected by this order to put aside our personal comfort to safeguard ourselves and fellow human beings. This common enemy can only be controlled if we all come together and obey scientific and medical advice,� he said.

The president explained that he had given a directive to development financial institutions for what he described as on-lending facilities through the use of capital from international and multilateral development partners to engage the development partners and negotiate concessions to ease the pains of borrowers.

He also directed the immediate payment of the conditional cash transfers to the vulnerable in the society for the next two months, imploring Nigerians to support the weak and the vulnerable around them.

Buhari also pledged to guarantee provisions of food items to internally displaced persons for two months, adding that further decisions would be taken depending on unfolding events.

The president said he had directed the conversion of some public institutions as

the spread of the disease, the Nigerian government needs to put strategies in place to make the lockdown effective. This is going to have an economic impact on the people. Those who are self-employed will struggle to survive. The government needs to put in place adequate support for the vulnerable groups, and then ensure there is free healthcare, among others.�

She also warned that Nigeria must do its best to protect healthcare workers. “They should get personal protective equipment so they don’t become the infected too,� she added.

Ehanire said so far the ministry had tested over 1,000 persons for COVID-19, adding that going forward it was increasing the number of cases tested.

He said: “We are very responsive. We want to be as fast as possible in interrupting the spread of the virus so that the pool of infected people does not increase beyond control.�

Peterside, said although the federal government had locked all borders, the measure came a little late.

He said: “We know Nigeria presently has low cases, but I am afraid this may be because we are not testing people enough.�

The Co-founder, the Premier Specialist Medical Centre, Dr. Abiodun Aluko, said government should include in its preparations, how to protect health workers who are on the frontline interacting with persons infected by COVID-19.

She said: “There is a sense of urgency right now. Every minute someone is coming in contact with persons they shouldn’t be coming in contact with. Our health workers are seeing people who ordinarily should be COVID-19 patients because these people walk up to the hospital to seek treatment. But when we check their travel history, we find out they may be exposed to COVID-19, so health workers need to be protected.�

An Internal Medicine Practitioner, Dr. Yemi Johnson, said although COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, studies had shown it could also affect the heart.

He said: “So far, Nigeria has not recorded the high

figures we are seeing from Europe and the US, but I have studied the timelines. People get very sick from the third week. That is the week we are now in Nigeria, fortunately, we are doing very well.�

BUHARI LOCKS DOWN LAGOS, OGUN, ABUJA AS COVID-19 CASES RISE TO 111 medical advice, he would transfer to Lagos for additional tests and observation.

To curb the spread of the virus to their states, Ekiti, Benue, Ogun, Yobe, Anambra and Abia also joined others to shut their borders.

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Sani Bello; President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; and the former Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, have also tested negative for COVID-19.

The president in the national broadcast, in which he outlined other measures to cushion the effects of the virus on the people, said following the directive, all residents of the two states and FCT must stay at home while movements to and from the areas are disallowed.

During the 14-day curfew, businesses would be shut, including private and commercial flight operations.

The president said authorities of the affected areas and security agencies had been put on alert to ensure compliance.

According to him, the essence of the lockdown is to trace and isolate all contacts with those who had tested positive for the virus.

He explained that the treatment of all confirmed cases would be done while deliberate efforts would be made to contain the continuous spread of the virus.

However, Buhari granted

exemptions to personnel working in hospitals and all related healthcare organisations, Lagos seaports, food processing, distribution and retail companies from the restrictions.

Also exempted, are petroleum distribution and retail outlets, power generation, transmission and distribution companies as well as private security organisations.

Others sectors and items exempted from the order as listed by the president are the media, telecommunications companies and vehicles conveying food and essential humanitarian items to the three areas from other parts of the country.

However, he said such vehicles would be subjected to thorough screening before they can gain entry.

He added that the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, had been directed to redeploy all port health authority workers who have been in Lagos and Abuja airports to major entry and exit points to the restricted areas.

Buhari said: "Based on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, I am directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11.00 p.m. on Monday, 30th March 2020. This restriction will also apply to Ogun State due to its close proximity to Lagos

and the high traffic between the two states.

"All citizens in these areas are to stay in their homes.

Travel to or from other states should be postponed. All businesses and offices within these locations should be fully closed during this period.

"The governors of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Minister of the FCT have been notified. Furthermore, heads of security and intelligence agencies have also been briefed.

"We will use this containment period to identify, trace and isolate all individuals that have come into contact with confirmed cases. We will ensure the treatment of confirmed cases while restricting further spread to other states.

"This order does not apply to hospitals and all related medical establishments as well as organisations in healthcarerelated manufacturing and distribution.

"Furthermore, commercial establishments such as food processing, distribution and retail companies, petroleum distribution and retail entities, power generation, transmission and distribution companies; and private security companies are also exempted.

"Although these establishments are exempted, access will be restricted and monitored. Workers in telecommunication companies, broadcasters, print and

Continued on page 12

ARISE TV PANELISTS LAUD NIGERIA’S HANDLING OF PANDEMIC were the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; an entrepreneur and contractor to Obama’s White House, Mr. Alex Lightman; Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Prof.

Akin Abayomi; Emeritus Professor, Chinese University, Hong Kong, Siam Griffiths; and Chairman, ANAP Foundation, Mr. Atedo Peterside.

Lightman described the country’s management of the pandemic as more organised than that of the United States.

Speaking during the global briefing on COVID-19, tagged: The Pandemic; the Frontlines, the Impact and the Road Ahead, Lightman said it took the US President Donald Trump thousands of confirmed cases before issuing a lockdown but that with less than 100 cases, the Nigerian government had done what was needed in halting the spread of the pandemic in any country.

He said: “I watched President Muhammadu Buhari’s broadcast and I think the two-week lockdown he declared in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun State is a very smart move. Nigeria is smarter

than the US because we had thousands of cases before we had a lockdown. If we did this on time, things would not have been this bad in the US. “The lockdown in Nigeria is a game-changer. If people adhere to social distancing and stay at home, the virus will not spread. This virus is a game of function, and one of the best ways against it is to halt community spread,� he added.

Abayomi said the pandemic in Lagos was expected to surge in the coming months following community spread of the virus.

He said although the predominant cases were imported, the state had started seeing community spread of the disease, describing this as the real problem.

He said: “We know personto-person transmission is what we will now battle. That is why we have now changed our strategy, which includes ensuring people stay at home, maintain social distancing and imbibe hygiene practices like hand washing. “So far, none of our patients has come down with serious

symptoms of COVID-19. They are either asymptomatic or are having mild symptoms.

It is only a matter of time before we start having serious cases, so we are preparing. We are putting all the necessary health equipment in place to address this. “We expect to see a few thousands of cases in a couple of months. You can see we are preparing isolation centres, we are training our health workers and volunteers, and we are putting our healthcare in order so as to absorb the expected surge.

If we eventually move past this stage, we will commence a different strategy.�

Abayomi clarified that Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari, who tested positive for COVID-19 last week, was not being managed in Lagos but in Abuja.

Griffiths, who was one of the experts on the show, said Nigeria had a lot to learn from Wuhan City on how they tackled the spread through social distancing and lockdown.

She said: “While it is good to ask people to stay at home as part of measures to halt

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MONDAY MARCH 30, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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Police Alert Nigerians on Emerging Crime Trends Inspector-General of Police (IG), Mr. Mohammed Adamu, has enjoined members of the public to be alert and take precautionary actions against criminal elements who might explore the emergency situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic to increase and diversify their criminal activities.

The police chief's advice was informed by intelligence at the disposal of the Force which suggested that fraud and cybercrime are expected to rise at this time owing to the lockdown emplaced by government at all levels to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adamu, in a statement yesterday in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba, disclosed that intelligence obtained from the INTERPOL headquarters shows that scammers in Nigeria and other parts of the globe have begun to create and set up fraudulent websites, e-commerce platforms, fake social media accounts and emails claiming to sell and deliver COVID-19 medical products. “In some cases, they use the names of prominent companies involved in the production and distribution of these items.

Victims are then asked to pay

via bank transfer. “The IG therefore enjoins the public to strictly adhere to the following security tips: Avoid opening suspicious emails and clicking on links in unrecognised emails and attachments; ensure proper back-up of online and offline files regularly and securely; use strong passwords for securing your emails and social media handles; keep your software updated, including antivirus software; manage your social media settings and review your privacy and security settings,�the statement said.

The police boss also advised

members of the public to be wary of scammers who use names of prominent companies to create fraudulent websites, e-commerce platforms, social media accounts and emails claiming to sell and deliver medical products. “You are advised to ignore and report calls purportedly emanating from a caller who pretends to be a relative currently being treated at hospital asking you to pay for the cost of the medical treatment by transferring money or by paying cash to fake public health representatives; “Do not open letters or emails related to the pandemic from

unknown persons who claim to be health authorities. Often times criminals access sensitive information,steal personal information and steal funds of victims by tricking them into connecting to a specific webpage and logging-in with their credentials. “Against the foregoing, the IG has placed the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja – Nigeria on red alert.

The NCB which houses the cybercrime unit of the Force shall in the coming days and beyond work closely with other Interpol member states across

the globe particularly to carry out intense monitoring of the internet highway in the most legitimate and ethical manner.

This is to engender concerted efforts in cracking down on any individual or all forms of organised criminal gangs that may want to take advantage of the COVID-19pandemic to perpetrate crimes. “The Force also enjoins commercial bank operators to strengthen their online banking security systems and report promptly any suspected case of fraud and other cybercrime related activities in their banks," the statement added.

operating on skeletal operations as the boundary closure affected the economic activities of the state.

The closure of all markets in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has also inflicted economic hardship on traders whose sources of livelihood depends on the operation of the markets and neigbourhood centres.

The closure has also presented an opportunity for the FCTA to fumigate them while the markets were under locks.

All the markets that are under the control of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) were also closed indefinitely to prevent the spread of the pathogen.

The Chairman of AMAC, Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido, who gave the directive, said the closure was to allow for markets' fumigation.

The markets to be fumigated are Utako, Federal Housing Authority Lugbe, Relocation Market Lugbe, Gwagwa, Nyanya, Aco Mini, Jabi Park, Gwarinpa, Kugbo Furniture, Kugbo Spare

Part, Karshi, Karu and Apo Fish Market respectively.

There is fear, however, that the closure of the market would lead to food scarcity and drive the cost of foods beyond the reach of many.

In Lagos State, people have also experienced hardships due to the restriction of activities in the state.

ACCI Director-General, Ms. Victoria Akai, told THISDAY in a telephone interview yesterday that measures being deployed in containing the spread of the disease were affecting production and the flow of supplies, services and people within Abuja and the FCT. She stated: "The economic contagion is now spreading as fast as the virus itself. The necessary measures that are being used to control the spread of the virus are severing production and flow of supplies, services and people within Abuja and the FCT. "This is stalling economic activities and is in the quick process of delivering the impending recession. The pressing question is: What is the way out for businesses and customers in accessing essential goods and services?"

The way out, according to her, is to leverage on the digital economy and develop some service windows such as logistics delivery services that had been underutilised prior to this time.

RESIDENTS GROAN AS LOCKDOWN BY STATES TAKES TOLL to either provide foodstuffs and essential commodities to all residents or come out with strategies to allow people to address their survival needs.

They noted that many people, especially, petty traders, artisans, among others, live on their daily earnings, adding that with the curfew, they are worst hit.

Also, since Ebonyi State Government started the enforcement of its border closure, commuters, and passengers entering the state have been stranded, forcing most of them to meander in the bush for escape.

At the popular Nkalagu boundary, over 10,000 persons were stranded as they were not allowed into the state.

This development created a herculean task for the taskforce team led by the state Deputy Governor, Mr. Kelechi Igwe.

Also as security agencies enforce the closure of the borders of Rivers State, thousands of commuters and vehicles seeking to enter the state are stranded at the borders.

At the major entry points

into the state, there were long queues of vehicles and humans, pleading with security agents for access into the state.

A humanitarian crisis is underway at Mbiama, the border town between Rivers and Bayelsa states, where many stranded passengers are gathered.

As the stay-at-home order announced by Kwara State Government over the COVID-19 yesterday entered its third day, the residents of the state have complained of hardship over the order.

But the state technical committee on COVID-19 at the weekend promised that the state government was planning palliative measures for the poor in order to cushion the effects of the stay-at-home order.

Some of the residents who spoke with THISDAY in Ilorin yesterday on the stay-at-home order said: "It is high time the government fulfilled the promise of providing them with palliative measures in order to avoid untimely death of many people in the state."

Life in Edo State has also been a tough one especially for those in urban areas.

THISDAY gathered that prices of food items have skyrocketed as a plastic bucket of garri which sold for N700 before the restriction order is now sold between N1,500 and N2,000.

The inability of the people to access money from banks due to long queues has also worsened the people’s woes.

Artisans who depend on their daily incomes to survive and feed their families are said to be the worst hit by the restriction order.

Residents of Kano were also not spared as they scrambled for means of survival two days after the closure of the state boundaries.

The residents of the state had on Thursday and Friday went on panic buying of foodstuffs and other household needs to avoid being caught up in the restriction of interstate movements.

THISDAY gathered that traders at Kwari International Textile Market, Sabon Gari Market and Kasuwar Rimi, have been

Economic Contagion of COVID-19 Spreading Fast, Says Abuja Chamber Meanwhile, the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has raised the alarm that the economic contagion of COVID-19 is spreading as fast as the virus itself.

It urged the government to quickly evolve fiscal and monetary palliatives and incentives to cushion the shock on businesses.

Reacting to the measures and the impact of the pandemic on trade and commerce in Abuja,

BUHARI LOCKS DOWN LAGOS, OGUN, ABUJA AS COVID-19 CASES RISE TO 111 isolated centres, restating that all necessary resources would be deployed to combat the scourge of COVID-19.

"My fellow Nigerians, as a government, we will avail all necessary resources to support the response and recovery. We remain committed to doing whatever it takes to confront COVID-19 in our country," he said.

Buhari thanked members of the private sector, individuals and development partners who donated to the fight against the scourge, saying he had also assigned the Presidential Task Force to coordinate such donations.

He promised the effective role of government agencies in the efforts to contain the scourge, reiterating the necessity for every citizen to support both the government and the most vulnerable in the society.

Earlier, Buhari had chronicled how the federal government began to fight the virus since the inception of its outbreak in China late last year.

He said since the index case was recorded on February 27, the country had been under-studying other nations that had been fighting the virus earlier than Nigeria.

As part of efforts to curb the virus, he said the NCDC Director-General, Dr. Kema Ihekweazu, was one of the 10 disease managers invited to China to understudy the control of the disease.

He praised the NCDC DirectorGeneral for his commitment to the battle against COVID-19, noting that he has been deploying the experience he gained in China to fight the disease.

"Since his return, the NCDC has been implementing numerous strategies and programmes in Nigeria to ensure that the adverse impact of this virus on our country is minimised. We ask

all Nigerians to support the work the Federal Ministry of Health and NCDC are doing, led by the Presidential Task Force," he said.

Buhari added that the federal government was deploying all power and resources within its reach to protect citizens and win the battle against the scourge, noting that till date, the disease has no cure.

pledging that his office would continue to serve the president patriotically.

He advised Nigerians to be calm, measured and diligent in their hygiene, especially with cleaning of hands, if possible stay at home or keep their distance, assuring them that the president would do whatever it would take to protect their health and safety.

I feel Well, Says Kyari

COVID-19 Cases Jump to 111

Meanwhile, Chief of Staff to the President, Kyari, yesterday gave an update on his health status, saying although he felt well, he might proceed to Lagos from Abuja yesterday for further tests and observation.

Kyari had tested positive for COVID-19 last weekend, forcing him to move into isolation as required by the NCDC protocol for the containment of the pandemic. “I am writing to let you know that on medical advice, I will transfer to Lagos later today for additional tests and observation,� he said in a statement yesterday, explaining: “This is a precautionary measure: I feel well, but last week, I tested positive for coronavirus, the pandemic that is sweeping the world. I have followed all the protocols government has announced to self-isolate and quarantine.�

The president’s chief of staff said he had made his own care arrangements to avoid further burdening the public health system, which had faced so many pressures. “Like many others that also test positive, I have not experienced high fever or other symptoms associated with this new virus and have been working from home. I hope to be back at my desk very soon,� Kyari said.

He praised his immediate staff for their dedication to duty,

Nigeria has recorded 14 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 111.

The NCDC yesterday said nine of the cases were confirmed in Lagos while five were from the FCT. NCDC said: "Of the 111 cases, 107 are currently being managed; three have been discharged, while one has died."

So far, Lagos has recorded 68 cases, FCT 21, Oyo seven, Ogun three, Enugu, Edo, Bauchi and Osun two cases each, while Rivers, Benue, Kaduna and Ekiti have recorded one case each respectively.

Ekiti, Benue, Ogun, Yobe, Abia, Anambra close borders Meanwhile, Ekiti, Benue, Ogun, Yobe, Anambra and Abia states have closed their borders with the neighbouring states.

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State yesterday closed all borders of the state but exempted those transporting fuel, food and drugs and other essential goods from the restrictions. “All non-residents who arrived the state prior to, or after, the imposition of this restriction, and who remain in the state, must remain in their place of temporary residence in the state

for the duration of the 14 days, as the case may be, and may be subjected to screening for COVID-19 and be quarantined or isolated if necessary,� he said in a broadcast.

Fayemi also prohibited all commuter transport services including bus services, taxi services, motorbikes (Okada) and tricycle services (Keke); except those for purposes of rendering essential services, obtaining essential goods, seeking medical attention, funeral services and to receive payment of social grants or food.

According to him, the restrictions would last 14 days effective from today.

Ogun State Government has also announced the closure of its borders with both the Republic of Benin and neighbouring states, including Lagos, Ondo, Osun and Oyo, to curtail the spread of the disease.

A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Kunle Somorin, said the closure took effect from the midnight of yesterday and that it would last for two weeks in the first instance.

Benue State has also imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew with effect from today. But those on essential services are exempted.

Governor Samuel Ortom, during a live broadcast, yesterday said all borders linking the state with other states would be closed on Wednesday.

He noted that commercial vehicles coming in and those going out of the state as well as those moving from one local government to another must produce manifest of their passengers for proper tracking of contacts in case of any eventuality.

Yobe State Governor, Mallam Mai Mala Buni, in a statement issued yesterday by his spokesman, Mallam Mamman Mohammed, also directed the

closure of the state borders from midnight of tomorrow to guard against the spread of COVID-19 to the state.

He attributed the border closure to the spike in the spread of the virus in Nigeria and noted that “in spite of the state's zero COVID-19 status, the state government had taken adequate measures by establishing isolation centres with equipment and constituting a committee on COVID-19 under the chairmanship of the state Deputy Governor, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana.�

Movements of vehicles into and out of Abia State also ceased yesterday as the state government shut all entry and exit points as it rolled out measures to keep COVID-19 out of the state.

The boundary closure, which became effective at 4.00 a.m. yesterday, was ordered

by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, following the recommendations of the state inter-ministerial committee on COVID-19.

Abia State shares boundaries with seven other states - Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.

The state Commissioner for Information, Chief John Kalu, said the COVID-19 committee deemed it necessary to recommend the closing of boundaries "based on situational reviews of the pandemic.�

Anambra State Government has also announced the closure of the Niger Bridge in Onitsha against vehicles coming into the state.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, stated this in a statement made available to journalists yesterday.

Bello, Dangote, Sanusi Test Negative Niger State Governor, Alhaji Sani Bello; President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; and former

Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, have all tested negative for COVID-19.

A statement by Bello’s Chief Press Secretary, Ms. Mary Berje, confirmed the status of the governor and his decision to remain in isolation "to play safe."

Dangote has also disclosed that he tested negative for the virus.

In a tweet yesterday, Dangote said: “As a global citizen and business leader, I took the COVID-19 test and the result came back negative. “Coalition Against COVID-19 is an initiative that I am leading with other private sectors' leaders and our common goal is to support ongoing government initiatives with our resources in the fight against COVID-19. “We are in this together and I am optimistic we will overcome.�

Also, Sanusi and his wives have tested negative for the virus, according to a statement issued yesterday by the son of the deposed Emir of Kano, Mr. Adam Sanusi. “We have been inundated with calls asking about the health and safety of my father (Sanusi) especially given the number of visitors he received on arrival in Lagos, and a number of contacts he had who have either tested positive for COVID-19 or were in contact with persons who tested positive. “As for my father, on March 25, he and all our mothers submitted samples for the COVID-19 test. These samples were taken at home under the supervision of Dr. Alero Roberts, the second Vice Chairman of the Association of Public Health Professionals. “On March 27, Dr. Roberts conveyed the results and all of them were negative. We hope this information will allay the concerns of all those who are asking,� the statement said.

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FG Evacuates Stranded NCDC Staff from Congo Brazzaville Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The federal government has evacuated stranded staff of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) from Republic of Congo.

The Nigeria Ambassador to the Republic of the Congo, Mrs. Deborah Iliya, in a statement

issued yesterday, said the NCDC staff members were drafted to Brazzaville to undergo a special capacity building course with the World Health Organisation (WHO).

She stressed that the medical team had been stranded following the closure of air and land borders by Congo

Brazzaville to contain the spread of coronavirus. Iliya stressed that the medical team were on a training programme to expand their frontiers of knowledge as regards the management of coronavirus popularly known as for their prompt deployment to the country.

She said: “This message

of support is at the instance of the prompt action taken by the presidency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in deploying a special flight of the Nigerian Air Force to convey back to the country a team of public health officials of the NCDC, who had been drafted to Brazzaville, the Republic of Congo, to undergo a special capacity building course with WHO, a training to expand their knowledge

as regards the management of coronavirus and for their prompt deployment.

“This act has in no small measure further strengthened the bilateral harmony that exists between the two countries. Furthermore, the President of the Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso, has put in stringent measures aimed at ending the spread of the virus as it has actively embarked on sensitisation

campaigns, while the public has also been mobilised for strict observation and compliance to all clinical advisory and lock down directives.”

The ambassador, therefore, commended the government and the people of Congo for the act of solidarity and standing on good relations by the temporal opening of its airport to facilitate the departure of the team on March 26.

Buhari’s Address Empty, Failed to Address Real Concerns, Says PDP NIMASA Bans International Vessels no new solutions to offer market.

Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in its reaction to President Muhammadu Buhari’s long-awaited address on the COVID-19 pandemic, said the address was empty and failed to address the salient demands of the impact of the scourge on the nation.

The party in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan noted that outside the social distancing and isolation, which Nigerians had already imposed on themselves, Buhari had

the nation.

The PDP said it regretted that the address did not touch on the real necessities of majority of Nigerians who reside in the states where President Buhari had ordered a lockdown.

According to the PDP, “It is unfortunate that Mr. President failed to respond to demands on hope for medications, direct social palliatives, cut in taxes as well as reduction in the pump price of fuel even with the cut in the price of petroleum and crude oil in the international

“Our party notes as saddening that even in areas where Mr. President announced an ambitious intervention, such remained largely cosmetic as there are no clear palliative content but moratoriums on loans with no clear data for implementation.

“Mr. President is reminded that already, the COVID-19 had affected the performance of those loans. Granting them moratoriums is therefore of no consequence to the capital and interest on them,” PDP stated.

Buhari Lacks Power to Restrict Movement in Lagos, Abuja, Says SAN A human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa has declared that President Muhammadu Buhari lacks the power to restrict movement without recourse to the National Assembly.

Reacting to the President’s broadcast yesterday, the senior lawyer insisted that the President has no powers to restrict the movement of persons without recourse to the National Assembly.

According to him, the

President has not invoked his powers under the constitution to declare any state of emergency, which must be approved by the National Assembly.

“We are running a constitutional democracy and it is illegal for the President to take over the affairs of any state of the federation without the express consent of the people of that state through their elected representatives.

“It is only the governor of the state through the House of Assembly of the state that

can make any declaration concerning the people of that state. Little wonder that the President could not cite any law that he relied upon for his declaration.”

Adegboruwa, who stated that he supports measures put in place to curb the virus, said the law must be respected.

He, therefore, called on the President to do the right thing.

The senior advocate also called on Buhari to put measures in place to assuage the financial consequences of the restriction.

UI College of Medicine Provost, Deputy Test Positive to COVID-19 The Provost and Deputy Provost of the University of Ibadan’s College of Medicine, Professors Oluwabunmi Olapade-Olaopa and Obafunke Denloye respectively have tested positive for coronavirus.

NAN reported that Prof.

Olapade-Olaopa made this known in a statement released yesterday. The Public Relations Officer of University College Hospital, Ibadan, Mr. Toye Akinrinlola, confirmed this

in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

“I wish to inform you that the Deputy Provost and I tested positive for the COVID-19 following tests done on Friday.

“Although we are both asymptomatic, we have gone into self-isolation for 14 days whilst our contacts are being observed closely to determine if they should also be tested,”

he said.

Earlier, the Chief Medical Director of UCH, Ibadan, Prof.

Jesse Otegbayo, also tested positive for coronavirus.

He said, “On Monday 23rd of March, we commenced a 12-man quarterly board meeting which was meant to last 5 days in the hospital, we observed social distancing and other precautionary measures for COVID-19 as much as possible.

Stallion to Provide Rice, Fish to COVID-19 Patients

Bennett Oghifo

Stallion Empowerment Initiative, the philanthropic arm of Stallion Group, has pledged its support to the local governments of all states across Nigeria by committing to provide locally produced rice and fish to all public hospitals dedicated to Covid-19 for next three months.

A statement by the company yesterday said the Chief Executive Officer of Stallion Group, Anant Badjaty has further committed one staff bus to each

for the five Government run COVID-19 hospitals in Lagos.

“The Group will also provide drivers and fuel for these buses.

This arrangement will help ensure safer and comfortable transportation of our health care workers who are in the frontline in this fight against the virus,” the statement said.

Chairman Stallion Group, Mr. Sunil Vaswani stated that “These are exceptionally difficult times and urgent emergency resources have to be deployed to cope with the needs of

affected states and support their health care systems. At Stallion Group our top priority is the health and safety of our employees, customers and our community. There is nothing greater than the safety of the people of this country and it is our responsibility to support the government and the community in this time of need. We are deeply grateful to every health care worker and person who has risked their life to fight this pandemic and will continue to support them.”

Without Thermal Screening Facilities

Eromosele Abiodun To mitigate the spread of COVID-19 through shipping activities, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Bashir Jamoh, has banned all vessels without thermal screening facilities from operating in Nigerian waters.

Jamoh stated that the purpose is to help shipping companies and all maritime stakeholders to follow advice provided by United Nations agencies including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the International Labour

Organisation (ILO), as well as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

According to him, the outbreak of COVID-19 has necessitated stringent measures that can help curb its spread while not totally grounding the Nigerian economy.

“These are trying times and we must pull through together that is why we have directed that all maritime stakeholders develop risk assessments and safety intervention guidelines for their personnel and operations on the areas of vulnerabilities of their maritime operations that can be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic including but not limited to offshore operations

such as crew/personnel changes, visits from onshore and other locations for provision of supplies, maintenance and repairs,” Jamoh stated.

He also disclosed that the agency would be coming up with the publication that would elaborate on the guidance which also includes schedule for ongoing offshore operations requiring new crew or crew changes from affected countries to ensure that pre-departure tests for COVID 19 are conducted on such persons, and self-isolation procedures for the prescribed period are instituted for such new crew/ personnel before exposure to other personnel.

14

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COMMENT

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

FROM CORONAVIRUS TO ‘CORO-FEAR-VIRUS’

Nigerians can reduce the impact of the viral disease by washing hands with soap and staying at home, writes Oludayo Tade

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rom WUHAN in China to other parts of the globe, the novel Corona virus (COVID-19) ravaging the world has shown that human behaviour in a corner of the world can affect and be dangerous to the survival of others elsewhere. The transnational dimension of the problem has revealed that improperly managed personal problem can become large scale global social problem. The trans-territorial backlashes of the WUHAN disaster on the rest of the world, affirmed that human beings are active agents for virus dispersal. With no clear-cut scientific breakthrough yet on the vaccine to silence COVID-19, the world is in ‘Coro-fear-virus’ (the fear of contracting coronavirus) panic mode. If the COVID-19 health crisis could hit America, Britain and Germany among others, with high fatality figures, what will be the fate of sub-Saharan Africa will frail health system? This is the story of Nigeria — big and blessed with natural resources but unlucky with leadership that has unleashed death centers as health institutions on their people.

As I write, 97 persons have been confirmed infected and the number is expected to increase. The fear is much and compounded by images shared via social media platforms. Except for Lagos that has been proactive, the complacent national leadership has allowed their poor threat analysis intervention skill to afflict the nation before they stopped international flights into the country. Returnees from endemic countries were allowed to mingle with the rest of us because government cannot provide facility to observe them for two weeks! Even the powerful who returned from endemic countries failed to observe the self-isolation advisory. Now, the hapless and poverty-stricken populace who have no international passports and who have been living under excruciating conditions; eating from hand to mouth would have to suffer for the sins of complacency. People of God are not spared. The ‘corofearvirus’ has switched prayers from killing household wickedness or looking for prosperity to appealing to the God of Coronavirus to stop his perceived anger over man’s serial overstepping of his bounds.

It is a total shame that a country whose lawmakers ordered for latest Jeep to ‘oversight’ cannot boast for more than six laboratories where they can test for COVID-19! In all this, Lagos has become the Federal Capital while Abuja is now a ‘State’ running to Lagos for help. The good news is that UK and US where politicians run to for health care are more endemic, their wickedness has come to haunt them — we are all trapped in. It is now time for those in power to utilise the ultra-modern health facilities that they have constructed and equipped. At least, they tell us that they have built world class health infrastructure.

We have been begging those in government to have mercy on the rest of us who lack the wherewithal to do health tourism. Many Nigerians have lost wives, children and relatives to sickness that would have been handled if our health institutions had not been converted to death centers. Medical doctors have gone on strikes over paltry sum and poor working conditions; researchers who the nation should look up to at this moment are not able to help because the state has relegated knowledge through conscious underfunding and intentioned institutional decay and disruptions. We heard promise to stop health tourism — the one who made the promise broke it serially. According to an African adage, if you close your eyes to facts, you will learn through accidents.

The good news is that Coronavirus is no respecter of the Presidency!

It has proved to be a class leveller. The influential middle and upper

HEALTH IS CRITICAL AND SHOULD BE ATTENDED TO BECAUSE UNLIKE BOKO HARAM FIGHTERS WHO KILL SOFT TARGETS, COVID-19 KNOWS NO VIP

classes imported it and through economic, social and other forms of relations, the lower class is reached with the infection. But Coronavirus is daring and did not spare Aso Villa despite heavy security — the influential Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari and some of his aides are infected.

Consequently, corofearvirus has caught governors and ministers and their aides who had contacts with the confirmed cases. The corofearvirus is more terrifying with the news that some governors and some board members of the prestigious University College Hospital (UCH) tested positive for Coronavirus.

Coronavirus may have originated from China, but China has looked inward through her investment in Education, Science and Technology for solution. Unlike the United States and United Kingdom whose investments in Science and Technology is making their scientists work tirelessly in laboratories, Nigeria’s underfunding of Education, Science and Technology is making it a beggarly nation. Thanks to Jack Ma (China’s richest man) foundation who has donated 100,000 face masks, 1,000 protective gowns and 20,000 test kits and other system-made billionaires and millionaires who have donated one thing or the other including Pastor Enoch Adeboye and other corporate organisations who have played active social responsibility roles.

It is hoped that the donated safeguard kits will not be allocated to those who failed to put in place sound health system while the monies would not be diverted to personal purse. Essential workers in the health sector must get these kits to enable them give their best to the infected and protect themselves and their significant others from being infected.

In the same manner, enforcers of the stay-at-home order must be properly kitted in order not to become agents for virus dissemination.

I have seen a few of them in states going on enforcement duties unprotected. This is suicidal. Public spaces must now be disinfected while trained security personnel must be deployed to strategic locations in communities in anticipation of surge in community/residential crimes due to limited economic opportunities. While many livelihoods will be affected, it is expected that both the federal and state governments will put in place palliatives to lessen the impact on the vulnerable that have been advised to stay at home. Politicians who reached the vulnerable during elections to get votes cannot now claim they lack data to reach the vulnerable. With the partial or total lock down, more people will plunge further into hopelessness. When this happens, the strained will innovate and crime may surge.

For the rest of us, avoidance behaviour is critical at this time. Social distancing, regular washing of hands and avoiding crowded places.

Worship your God inside your room. Only the living will worship the Allah and people perish for lacking wisdom. Stay in your house and buy things in your area. Adjust your feeding habit and live ascetic lifestyle to suit this exigency. We can prevent it by reducing our movements and contact with the infected. Inform authorities of returnees and keep the rest of us safe. All of us (rich, poor, young, old) are vulnerable and susceptible to coronavirus and that is why we must take precautionary measures. When this global health insecurity is over, President Muhammadu Buhari and his government should know that you are as healthy as your country. Health is critical and should be attended to because unlike Boko Haram fighters who kill soft targets, COVID-19 knows no VIP. Dr Tade, a sociologist, sent this piece via dotad2003@yahoo.com

BEFORE THE FLOODS

Ayo Oyoze Baje urges the authorities to heed the warning of the meteorological agency

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he recent warning given by the Lagos State government through Mr. Tunji Bello, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources about the impending rains expected to span over 200 days must be taken seriously. Even as the government contends with how to contain the Coronavirus pandemic, no effort should be spared to reduce the attendant flashing floods in earnest. The time to start taking pro-active measures is now. Not when the dams have overflowed their capacity and the rivers have swelled their banks, swallowing up the pot hole-riddled roads, homes, offices and shops.

Not when casualty figures have risen to thousands before half-hearted, panicky measures are embarked upon by top government officials. That was my candid warning some few years back. Apparently, few heeded the advice. It was not surprising therefore that the sad history repeated itself in 2018 with serious casualties, especially in Ogun and Katsina States. At a point the death toll rose to 52, with 90 houses destroyed, over 260 livestock killed and several people declared missing. Property worth millions of naira were destroyed, as flood wreaked havoc in 10 communities of Jibia Local Government area of Katsina State. Earlier, there was the devastating flood that claimed 12 lives and literally ‘swallowed’ 3,800 houses in Ogun State. Back then the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo promised that the federal government, along with the two states would look into the cause of the flash flood with a view to providing a lasting solution. That did not happen.

As usual, that year the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) warned that many parts of the country were likely to experience flooding. Accord-

ing to the Director-General, Prof. Sani Mashi, it was all due to a shift in rainfall pattern caused by climate change. That was then. But this is now, the ‘twin year’, 2020 when things happen suddenly!

According to Bello, the wise step to take is for every resident in Lagos to take proactive measures.

On its part, government has identified vulnerable parts of Lagos, which are below sea level to include Isheri, Owode Onirin, Ikoyi and Victoria Island.

Places such as Ogudu and Ikeja are the highest but they are still susceptible to the rains.

That explains why the government is in touch with both Osun River Basin Authority and that of Ogun state. Six rivers enter Lagos State with Osun river flowing in through Epe. The appeal is for the dams not to release its excess water, else the tragedy of 2019 would repeat itself, particularly in IsheriMagodo and Owode.

In addition, and as part of the proactive measures the state government is working assiduously in tandem with the local government councils and the residents to play their parts. No dumping of refuse inside gutters, no delay in evacuating household refuse and no dilly dallying in the payment of related charges on environmental sanitation.

Also, sustained information dissemination is on as the government talks with the residential associations. There are handbills distributed all over the state. The online platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and YouTube are kept active in this regard. There is judicious deployment of Ecological Fund. Other states and their governors have to take a cue from this laudable enforcement of the rules and regulations on environmental protection.

In 2013, the agency had for months warned that Nigerians should expect more rains, with increase in frequency and intensity. That also means that more damage to infrastructure (residential and office buildings, roads, wire cables) and of course, people should be expected. Such early warning is commendable. Ordinarily, these should spur political leaders at both the state and federal government to begin to put in place measures and mechanisms to stave off the projected effects.

Here, communication through the mass media is an imperative towards finding such long-lasting solutions. Are the residents of the state fully aware about actions they should be taking to assist the government in minimizing the scourge of months of heavy rains, and in their own local languages too? Have they assisted in tree planting, clearing of the gutters and drainages, proper waste disposal of all manner of filth in their immediate environment?

Do they know the importance of the days set aside for sanitation, or do they convert it to preaching the gospel, as has been prevalent in Lagos metropolis on Thursdays?

According to Muhammed Sanni, the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), such early warning should afford the policymakers the ample opportunity to monitor situations in their communities so as to enable remedial measures to be initiated. This would also bolster effective relief through disaster preparedness actions. Again, the crucial questions arise. Are the relevant government organs such as the Ministries of Environment and Natural Resources, Agriculture and Rural Development, Science and Technology as well as Transport equipped with the necessary informa-

tion about the history of environmental disasters in affected areas? Are they working in concert to articulate comprehensive solutions to the problems at hand? Or, are they dissipating their energy in different directions? And are they well funded to discharge their onerous duties to the communities and the country? The answers to these troubling questions will go a long way towards charting a master plan that could be relied upon in the event of future occurrences.

From the global perspective, there were Early Warning Conferences in 1998, 2003 and 2006 to analyze and examine methods that were working and those that were not. In fact, the 2005 World Conference on Disaster Reduction, in Kobe and a similar one in Bonn, Germany made appreciable progress. What came to light was the need not to focus only on technically accurate warnings as much as the need to understand the risks and make an information link between the producers and consumers of the warning signals. The aim is to trigger actions that would mitigate the scourge.

Simply put, a people-oriented approach with focus on the social and psychological aspects of early warning instead of concentrating on the science and technology is most desirable. And it must be emphasized; according to the Hyogo Framework that early warning on impending environmental disasters should be treated as a national priority.

The veritable platform to realize this goal is government’s pragmatic partnerships with the local government authority, civil society, scientific and academic community as well as the private sector; with the media as the effective vehicle for information dissemination on early warning.

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T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, MARCH 30, 2020

EDITORIAL TIME FOR REAL DEREGULATION The government is in a position to fully deregulate the petroleum downstream sector

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ollowing reduction in the cost of pump price of petrol from N145 to N125 per litre last week, the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Abdulkadir Saidu, promised that henceforth, market prices will prevail in the sector.

Since there is no need telling the deaf that the market is on fire, it is about time. But this is still not how to deregulate the sector. Yet, if Nigeria hesitates to fully deregulate the downstream petroleum sector, the troubles will soon be overwhelming.

The signs are already stark!

As conventional wisdom teaches, subsidising consumption instead of production yields tiny or no returns to the economy. This situation becomes riskier when you have no control over the costs of producing the goods. In 2019 alone, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) reportedly spent N843.121 billion on fuel subsidy. We cannot afford such luxury anymore. That amount could have built the desirable social infrastructure Nigeria desperately needs to support economic IN 2019 ALONE, THE growth. From the NIGERIAN NATIONAL epileptic power sector PETROLEUM to dilapidated roads, there are broken CORPORATION SPENT N843.121 BILLION ON FUEL amenities that could be fixed with monies SUBSIDY. WE CANNOT poured into subsidisAFFORD SUCH LUXURY ing petrol and the ANYMORE comparative impact of such in the economy would be huge.

Besides, the country also loses substantial volumes of the imported petrol it subsidises to smugglers who ship off the cheap petrol to neighbouring countries where prices are relatively within market rates. Clearly, subsidy has not worked out well for Nigeria and it is time to recalibrate. But there are processes the country should follow which we believe has not been done. In

2016, the country had the chance to make this hard and necessary decision but chose to go with what was called ‘price recovery,’ an alternate name for subsidy that has failed woefully. Then, as in now, the federal government merely fixed the price of a product it has no direct influence over its production. Eventually, Nigerians ended up dealing with an irrational economic decision.

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

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

ithin weeks after the decision, private oil marketers who had invested heavily in the downstream sector were out of business. They left the task of importation to the NNPC which did this at heavy costs. Jobs were lost. So were values and the capacity of the downstream sector to promote economic growth on the basis of a free market structure that should breed competition, improve efficiency and drive down prices. It would take a while for these to be recovered if full deregulation happens.

Learning from the past, we expect the federal government to sit down with stakeholders across board to discuss the processes and plans for full deregulation.

We also think that during the consultative process, conversations such as plans for the four refineries owned by the NNPC, but which are decrepit will be raised with concrete conclusions on their conditions.

We expect even deeper conversation on the operational framework to be adopted for pipelines, depots and other key infrastructure which are still in the hands of the government, as well as the role of the NNPC in the subsector after deregulation.

The labour unions that have for decades opposed deregulation and privatisation should also be engaged constructively. They should be made to see that the world and its systems have evolved, and it is time they were weaned of their ideological fixations. Clearly, the unions should be made to see the havoc that subsidising consumption of petrol has wrought on Nigerians and that in fighting to stop deregulation, they are actually putting their members at real dangers of job losses.

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ENGAGING THEYOUNG IN PROMOTING PEACE

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he youths have demonstrated beyond every reasonable doubt throughout the world’s history that they are not only the catalyst for advancing social, political and economic development but also the key agent for bringing positive changes in the society. The United Nations Resolution 2250 of December 9, 2018 on “Youth, Peace and Society” revealed that young men and women across the world constitute the catalysts for change. The youths of today as recognized by United Nations Organization (U.N.O) is the largest generation of the young people in the world summing up to 2.8 billion of the world’s population. At the global level, the U.N.O has actively engaged youths in promoting international peace and security as well as sustainable development. The organization took a bold step further by initiating “The Youth 2030 Strategy” to provide a platform for knowledge exchange among the youths.

Violent extremism has no borders, religion and ethnicity, yet areas of political instability, poverty are the key breeding grounds that drive youth into extremist groups. According to a research conducted by Mercy Corps in 2015, three key factors push youth into violent activities. They are: discrimination, injustice and intolerance. It is however important to dig bigger into understanding how these concepts manifest within different contexts because these drivers differ from community to community and region to region.

In “Engaging the Young People in promoting Peace and Countering Extremism”, here are key strategies to address the issue before us: Efforts should be made to address

factors that make youths more vulnerable to radicalization, including economic deprivation, lack of vocational training and employment opportunities; government should work on establishing inclusive national strategy to counter violent extremism in response to the causes of radicalization in every country. Such a strategy needs to incorporate different stakeholders including the youth (both male and female), activists, community, religious, and cultural leaders; reform of the education sector should include putting in place provisions for student by building and enhancing vocational training opportunities, enhancing students’ critical thinking skills and training teachers to be aware of signals of radicalization and how to address these signals whilst maintaining a positive relationship with students; engaging former extremists in counter –radicalization programs is also an effective tool, as they have deeper understanding of the challenge individuals face to engage and disengage with terrorist groups. Investment in cultural, sporting and other related activities particularly focused on the interests of youth with a view to providing alternative structure to that which may be offered by violent extremism.

In conclusion, the responsibility before the youths in addressing the topic: “Engaging the Young People in Promoting Peace and Countering Extremism” is a message preached

by Robert Kennedy. To him, “The world demands a quality of youths; not a time of life but a state of mind, a temper of will, quality of imagination, a predominant courage over timidity, of appetite for adventure over the love of ease.

Adelakun Tufayl Olamilekan, Lagos

AREWAYOUTH COUNCIL AND COVID-19 PANDEMIC

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n behalf of the President of Arewa Youth Council Comr Dogo Shagari and the entire youths of Arewa community, we commend the efforts of the federal government and all the19 Northern State governors on the measures they are taking in fighting the spread of Corona virus decisively.

We appreciate the sacrifice of our experts in health sector and pray for God to reward them abundantly. The awareness and campaign against the disaster is in good condition by both media and independent individuals. But the materials to be used for the prevention of the disease are short.

Government should do more by making the materials such as face masks, hand gloves and hand sanit God created us equal and enrich some of us out of His mercy and blessings. The support of our business mogul among us can play a vital role in fighting the disease for the benefit of humanity. Our petty traders have their own quota to contribute based on their status in our different communities.

It is our task to repel Covid-19 through

obeying professional advice from health workers across the globe. Staying at home is safe but questionable to those that cannot feed themselves for a single day. The most vulnerable among us deserve governmental and individuals’ intervention to cope with the idea of staying indoor in order to curtail the spread of the disease.

Indeed Covid-19 is a global disruption that can lead to the closure of our state boundaries in the entire Northern states.

We call the attention of our governors to act on behalf of its indigenes to make sure food items are not hoarded and prices are not inflated for the purpose of reducing hardship. The action of our religious leaders is commendable. But the lockdown of our various mosques and churches does not mean we should cease to pray from our respective homes; rather, we should pray continuously for the benefit of mankind around world. We symphathize with the families of infected persons and pray for their quick recovery. And also pray for God’s intervention to distance mankind from this disaster worldwide.

Comr Bello Shehu Adamu, National Secretary, Arewa Youth Council

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MONDAYMARCH 30, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

COVID-19 UPDATE...

COVID-19 UPDATE...

Military Orders Returning Personnel on Foreign Posting to Self-isolate Begins burial plans for 29 fallen soldiers, officers Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Military authorities weekend ordered returning personnel on foreign missions, positing and training to immediately embark on self-isolation as soon as they arrive Nigeria.

It said the order is in compliance with the federal government’s directive requiring 14 days self-isolation for those on foreign trips.

This is coming as it commenced burial plans for 29 soldiers and officers killed during an ambush by

insurgents in Gorgi in Borno State even as it said troops killed nine bandits, arrested 14, set ablaze houses of bandits and rescued 13 hostages in Zamfara State.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the Coordinator, Directorate of Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche, said military personnel engaged overseas were ordered to self-isolate for 14 days.

“It is one of the directives given to the services and everybody in overseas

engagement. They took the advice and self-isolated. Now, it is an order.

“Our stand is that once you come back, you will go on selfisolation. We have complied with federal government’s directives and we have passed it to the services”, he said.

On burial plans for the fallen soldiers, he said the

military’s burial tradition entails according fallen officers “a benevolent and befitting burial” after the next of kins are contacted, saying “our burial procedure is in our professionalism”.

Meanwhile, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji killed nine bandits in Zamfara State and rescued 12 hostages.

A war update issued by the Directorate of Defence Media Operations (DDMO) said the troops released 12 kidnapped civilians by the bandits, including the District Head of Wuya, who was kidnapped a week earlier while the victims have been united with their families.

“Also, in other clearance

operations conducted at Gidan Usman, Gidan Babagoji, Gadauna, Gidan Janari, Kekuwaje, Gidan Sarki, Gardi and Bingi all in Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, troops killed nine bandits and arrested 14 as well as 13 houses of the bandits were cleared and set ablaze by troops”, it said.

Crude Oil Price Slumps to $23 as COVID-19 Pandemic Worsens Ejiofor Alike with agency reports Crude oil benchmarks slumped at the open of electronic trading yesterday, extending last week’s losses as the global COVID-19 pandemic worsened and the Saudi Arabia-Russia price war continued unabated.

In early trading, Brent futures fell 7.1 per cent to $23.15 a barrel, while US crude futures lost 5.6 per cent, or $1.17, to $20.34 a barrel.

The oil markets are enduring a twin shock of demand destruction caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Saudi-Russia price war that is flooding markets with extra supply. The coronavirus pandemic has already killed about 32,000 people and sickened more than 500,000 worldwide.

The Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Anthony Fauci, yesterday estimated the United States alone could suffer as many as 200,000 deaths.

The virus has brought the worldwide aviation industry to

a standstill and put roughly 3 billion people on lockdown to limit the spread of the virus.

Reuters reported that with many eschewing daily automotive use, analysts have estimated worldwide fuel demand could fall by as much as 20 per cent in the coming month.

Despite this, Saudi Arabia and Russia remain at loggerheads.

Russian oil companies have said they expect the price war to continue, while the Saudis have not given any indication that there are new talks coming to curb supply. Still, any move Saudi Arabia and the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) makes may not be enough, Goldman Sachs said last week in a note.

They anticipated a fall of nearly 19 million bpd in global oil demand in April.

In recent days prices for crude oil traded at key locales such as Midland, Texas, have traded at several dollars less than US futures, an indication that companies there are anticipating a flood of supply.

ENFORCING COMPLIANCE…

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri (right); and his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, during an assessment of compliance with the state government’s restriction order at the border town of Adagbabiri...yesterday

FCT Arrests Pastor, Closes 15 Churches for Violating Restriction Order Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The enforcement team set up by the FCT Administration has arrested a pastor for violating the ban imposed on places of worship from conducting religious services at the FCT. The team also closed 15 churches for infringing on the social distancing order.

The General Overseer of

Jesus Reign Family Church, Pastor U U Uden was arrested yesterday.

The enforcement team, which was on patrol to ensure compliance, discovered that the Apo-based church, was having full service, when it arrived the scene.

Pastor Uden was not deterred by the presence of the FCT Ministerial Task

Team, which waited till the conclusion of the service before he was arrested and taken to the FCT Police Command at Garki and handed over to policemen on duty.

The team also dispersed worshippers at the Christ Embassy Church in Jahi District of the FCT. The 24- hour H-Medix Pharmacy, located close to the

popular Amingo Supermarket at Wuse 2 district was also closed by the FCT Task Force Team.

The pharmacy was closed following complaints received at the FCT COVID-19 situation room that it lacked the shortgun thermometer, which is a required item to ensure the safety of customers and staff at the upscale supermarket.

Senate leadership is a follow up to weekend’s resolution by the 43 ministers that 50 per cent of their March salary will be donated to the federal government to support its drive towards curbing the global virus.

Already, the leadership of the Senate had started reaching out to the Senators about the need for them to donate half of this month’s salary to fight the virus in the country.

Sources told THISDAY yesterday that most Senators had been contacted individually by the Senate leadership with

most members accepting the cut in their salaries.

A ranking Senator who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed to THISDAY that he had been approached like other Senators about the donation.

According to him, “the suggestion is a noble one and I have given them the go-ahead to deduct the 50 per cent donation from my March salary.

“I can assure you that most if not all Senators will key into the donation because we all know that nothing will be too small to support the Executive’s

decision to wipe out Coronavirus epidemic from our country”.

The Green chamber is, however, of the school of thought that asking for half of salaries of House members will shortchange their constituents from the magnanimity members wants to show and are already showing.

In a telephone chat with THISDAY yesterday, t House Spokesman, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, lamented that if only Nigerians knew their salaries they will not be asking for half of it.

Tinubu: I Did Not Urge FG to Print New Naira Notes Senators Mull Donation of 50% of their March Salary to FG The National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu has clarified that he did not call for the printing of new Naira notes in the message he released through his Tweeter handle.

Tinubu said yesterday that he used the platform to make known his thoughts should it become necessary for the government to act.

“Thankfully, we have not seen the worst of the virus but we must be bold and we must be prepared should the time for action ever arise.

He stated that he recommended the “maintaining (or expanding) present levels of government spending; (ii) focusing expenditure on public infrastructure and transportation (if the virus does not hit strongly) and health care (if it does); (iii) tax reduction and VAT suspension;

(iv) food security; (v) lower interest rates; (vi) quantitative easing by the CBN to prop up the financial markets; (vii) exchange rate flexibility; (viii) debt suspension to support individuals and the private sector; and (ix) direct economic support for the poor.

“The core principle underpinning all of the above is that the federal government must adopt a countercyclical fiscal policy and should not be afraid to spend as much naira as is required to protect the economy.

“One thing I absolutely did not call for was the literal printing of new naira notes by the federal government.

Such a suggestion is extremely far-fetched and has never been on my mind. It is unfortunate that my prescriptions were so badly misunderstood and misreported,” he explained.

Deji Elumoye and Udora Orizu in Abuja The upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly is considering the possibility of donating half of the Senators’ salaries in March 2020 to the federal government to help in the bid to fight the dreaded Coronavirus pandemic.

The House of Representatives is, however, not thinking along that line as it believes doing so will amount to short changing the members’ constituents.

The latest move by the

Immigration Boss Tests Positive to Pandemic The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mr. Muhammed Babandede, has tested positive for COVID-19 The CG explained yesterday that he is already on selfisolation since he returned

from the United Kingdom on March 22.

He stated, “Today, I tested positive for COVID-19. I have been on self-isolation since my return from UK on Sunday 22nd of this month with British Airways in Lagos.

“I urge my loved ones, Immigration Officers and Nigerians to pray for me and all those affected.”

Babandede urged immigration officers to continue working with his deputy to move the service forward.

He added, “It is a very difficult time but we can’t change what God destined for us. “I urge officers to continue working with my able Deputy to further move our Service to another level. As advised by NCDC, I am totally isolated.”

MONDAY MARCH 30, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ╦╛ MONDAY MARCH 30, 2020

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG

POLITICS

Email: nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com 08114495324 SMS ONLY

M O N D AY D I S C O U R S E

Challenged to Up His Game Nseobong Okon-Ekong and Vanessa Obioha write that a signiямБcant part of the legacy of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State may be tied to how he passes the COVID-19 test

Buhari

Sanwo-Olu

Ehanire

Fayemi

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19

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY MARCH 30, 2020

MONDAY DISCOURSE

Elumelu

Dangote

Agbaje

Ihekweazu

to the fund during a condolence v i s i t t o t h e g o v e r n o r.

“For us in Zenith, we share in the concerns and the very traumatic experience that Lagos State is passing through,” said the bank’s Group Managing Director, Ebenezer Onyeagwu during the visit. “ We a re a l s o i m p re s s e d b y t h e rapid response from the Lagos State Government,” he added.

In a matter of hours, the Lagos State Governor commuted to the P re s i d e n c y i n A b u j a a n u m b e r o f t i m e s t o i m p re s s t h e d e g re e of carnage and why the Federal Government should help Lagos.

S o f a r, t h e D a n g o t e G ro u p h a s donated N100 million worth of cement to the ERF while the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) gave N200 million.

T h e p re c a r i o u s a n d d e m a n d i n g times has brought out the genius in Sanwo-Olu. These are very much unlike the routine, even if, tasking job of securing the state, waste and traffic management and fixing t h e ro a d s .

As confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to mount in the state, Sanwo-Olu never derailed in re s p o n d i n g s w i f t l y t o t h e e m e rg e n c y. F ro m b u t t re s s i n g t h e n e e d to observe good personal hygiene t o o t h e r p a l l i a t i v e m e a s u re s t o curb the spread of the contagious respiratory disease which is easily transmitted from one person to the o t h e r t h ro u g h c l o s e c o n t a c t a n d respiratory droplets when people cough or sneeze. Travel restrictions w e re p u t i n p l a c e a n d h e l i m i t e d the number of social gatherings to 50. That number was whittled t o 2 5 a f t e r m o re i n f e c t e d p e r s o n s w e re i d e n t i f i e d .

“As a responsible government,” the governor tweeted on Thursday, March 19, “we must take actions to protect our residents from physical and other potential threats. After c o n s u l t i n g w i t h o u r h e a l t h c a re p ro f e s s i o n a l s o v e r C O V I D - 1 9 , w e a re c l o s i n g d o w n s c h o o l s a n d re l i g i o u s g a t h e r i n g s . ” The governor also called for c l o s u re s o f c l u b s a n d b a r s .

H e u rg e d t h e p u b l i c t o p r a c t i c e social distancing and avoid unnecessary panic due to misinformation.

O n t h e s t a t e g o v e r n m e n t Tw i t t e r page, tips on staying healthy a n d o t h e r p ro t e c t i v e m e a s u re s a re p o s t e d d a i l y. T h e s t a t e a l s o employed other media channels t o s p re a d t h e m e s s a g e o f s o c i a l d i s t a n c i n g a n d p ro t e c t i o n f ro m the virus. A hotline for persons who may exhibit symptoms of the disease was set up.

O n S u n d a y M a rc h 2 2 , t h e g o v e r n o r o n c e a g a i n d i re c t e d c i v i l s e r v a n t s f ro m g r a d e l e v e l 1 t o 1 2 to stay at home. The directive was issued as more cases of COVID-19

w e re re c o rd e d i n t h e s t a t e . F u rt h e r p a l l i a t i v e m e a s u re s s u c h a s c l o s u re s o f p u b l i c p a r k s , g y m s a n d b e a u t y s a l o n s w e re i s s u e d as the governor pleaded with the public to work together with him in combating the pandemic that has shut down many cities across the globe.

But like other countries that have b e e n h i t b y t h e v i ru s , t h e s t a y - a t h o m e o rd e r re q u i re d a s t i m u l u s package to help individuals and c o m p a n i e s a ff e c t e d b y t h e v i r u s .

Lagos State Government once again b e n e f i t t e d f ro m t h e l a rg e s s e o f the Federal Government which a p p ro v e d t h e s u m o f N 1 0 b i l l i o n to the state. The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Foundation in the same manner donated N1 billion to the state out of its N5 billion COVID-19 relief support fund for a ff e c t e d a re a s i n A f r i c a .

The pan-African bank said it will fund a medical centre immediately in Lagos with beds for isolation and ICU facilities, managed and operated in partnership with Heirs H o l d i n g s ’ h e a l t h c a re s u b s i d i a r y, Av o n M e d i c a l H o s p i t a l .

I n a d d i t i o n , U B A i s p ro v i d i n g a free telemedicine platform, that is p h y s i c i a n - l e d , t o p ro v i d e d i re c t access to medical advice to citizens, in compliance with social d i s t a n c i n g re q u i re m e n t s .

In a statement, the Chairman of U B A G ro u p To n y E l u m e l u s a i d , “This is a time when we must all play our part. This global pandemic must bring citizens, governments and business leaders together – a n d q u i c k l y. A s w e s e e a r a p i d l y i n c re a s i n g n u m b e r o f c a s e s o f t h e C o ro n a v i r u s i n N i g e r i a a n d Africa, the private sector has to work hand in hand with various governments, in stemming the s p re a d o f t h e g l o b a l p a n d e m i c . ”

In a partnership with Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), the state recently o p e n e d t h e n e w l y b u i l t 11 0 - b e d O n i k a n I s o l a t i o n C e n t re f o r C O VID-19 patients.

Sanwo-Olu has also announced a stimulus package for Lagos residents. According to him, over 200,000 households, at an estimat i o n o f s i x p e o p l e ( f a t h e r, m o t h e r and four children) will have access to the package which consists of bags of rice, beans, garri, dry pepper, drinking waters and vitamins.

It is expected that the package will sustain the family for the 14-day period. He also opened 50 neighbourhood food markets across the state to serve as makeshift groceries for residents to buy food items on F r i d a y, M a rc h 2 7 .

While addressing journalists, the governor said tougher decisions may be taken as the state is notici n g a s t a g e t re n d o f c o m m u n i t y transmission of the disease. “ We h a v e s t a r t e d t o s e e a t re n d that suggests we may be entering the phase of community transmission of the disease. In response to this, we are formally launching our N e i g h b o rh o o d M a r k e t s s c h e m e .

We h a v e 5 0 l a rg e p u b l i c - s c h o o l premises across the state that can accommodate temporary open markets where we will have essential food items and household items a v a i l a b l e f o r s a l e a t a ff o rd a b l e rates. “ T h e s e N e i g h b o rh o o d M a r k e t s will operate every two days, and will help achieve a number of g o a l s t h a t a re a l l i n l i n e w i t h t h e guidelines of the health authorities.

T h e m a r k e t s w i l l re d u c e j o u r n e y t i m e s f o r t h e re s i d e n t s . B y e x t e n s i o n , i t re d u c e s t h e t i m e p e o p l e will spend in public and will also help to maintain social distancing re q u i re m e n t s . ”

The governor also hinted that a curfew may be put in place if the indices keep rising while disclosing that fumigation of the s t a t e i s a l re a d y t a k i n g p l a c e . A t t h a t c o n f e re n c e , S a n w o - O l u a l s o signed the Lagos State Infectious Diseases Regulation 2020 into law to give legal backing to the ong o i n g e n f o rc e m e n t o f re s t r i c t i v e measures being taken by the State Government to contain the spread of the virus.

The regulation, Sanwo-Olu said, p re s c r i b e s s t r i n g e n t p e n a l t i e s t o defaulters of directives and guidelines issued by the government to stop community transmission of COVID-19.

O n e k e y a re a t h a t S a n w o - O l u i s l i k e l y t o f a c e g re a t e r c h a l l e n g e i s in data collection. The ability of the state government to clearly identify families that fall under t h e t a rg e t e d 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 h o u s e h o l d s will determine how successful the plan will be.

This is when the wisdom and consistency of successive governm e n t s i n L a g o s m a y p a y o ff . F o r instance, Lagos State was the only state that appointed its own paid enumerators to work side-by-side federal enumerators during the 2006 National Population Census.

Again, the usefulness of the Lagos State Residents Agency (LASRA) c a n ’ t b e o v e re m p h a s i s e d a t t h i s time.

With his resilient efforts to free the state from the virus, Sanwo-Olu would need to reach more grassroots where misinformation is prevalent and rules discarded. With low enforcement measures in these remote areas, residents are still at risk of contracting the virus.

Indeed, Sanwo-Olu’s legacy to a l a rg e e x t e n t i s d e p e n d e n t o n h o w h e p a s s e s t h e C o ro n a v i ru s t e s t . I t is the first major challenge he is confronted with since he assumed o ff i c e . S o f a r, h e ’ s d o n e re m a r k ably well such that Reno Omokri, former media aide to ex-president J o n a t h a n G o o d l u c k Tw e e t e d t h a t P re s i d e n t M u h a m m a d u B u h a r i should hand over to the governor if he can’t lead.

T h e Tw e e t w a s a m o n g a s e r i e s of comments made by the author i n re g a rd s t o P re s i d e n t M u h a m madu Buhari’s lackadaisical attitude towards the public over the s p re a d o f t h e d i s e a s e . U n l i k e t h e P re s i d e n t , S a n w o - O l u m a d e i t a habit to always address the public o n t h e s i t u a t i o n o n g ro u n d e v e r y week. By doing so, he allayed fears and helped to stem the proliferation o f f a k e n e w s . H i s Tw i t t e r p a g e is always full of updates on the c o n d i t i o n o f t h e s t a t e . P e rh a p s , other states should learn from the leadership model that Sanwo-Olu is unknowingly setting.

Indeed, Sanwo-Olu’s legacy to a large extent is dependent on how he passes the Coronavirus test. It is the first major challenge he is confronted with since he assumed office. So far, he’s done remarkably well such that Reno Omokri, former media aide to ex-president Jonathan Goodluck Tweeted that President Muhammadu Buhari should hand over to the governor if he can’t lead

20

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍąÍŽËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

FEATURES

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

Theatre of Death for Nigerian Soldiers Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that the deadly ambush in Gorigi, near Alagarno Forest in Borno State, that left 47 soldiers dead and 15 others wounded, is a sad occurrence that re-emphasises the need for the military to formulate new strategies as this recent attack underscores the continued threat the Boko Haram terrorists poses to the region

Boko Haram Terrorists

Eects of the strike by the military on Valangide

Air Interdiction at Muktu

O

attack.

It is therefore no gainsaying that the intensified and repeated attacks in recent times undermine the repeated claims by the military that the sect had been decimated.

For years, and even in recent times, with the numerous successes they recorded, the military has maintained that the rampaging sect has been contained, but the recent resurgence has put paid to those claims.

Although Boko Haram no longer controls swathes of territory in the NE as it did in the height of insurgency in 2014, the recent attacks underscores the continued threat the sect poses to the region.

n February 22, 2020, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, said with the renewed zeal shown by Nigerian troops battling Boko Haram and the Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP) in the North-east, the menace of the terrorists and their criminalities may end in just a matter of days.

In a letter written to the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Olusegun Adeniyi, Buratai praised the commanders for their gallantry, patriotism and commitment to the war effort by decimating the leadership and rank and file of the insurgents.

But that same day, Boko Haram attacked motorists near Kaliyari, a community located 70 kilometers north of Damaturu, the Yobe State capital. According to reports, the sect members stormed the community, shooting sporadically. During the attack, which took over two hours, the insurgents were said to have mounted a roadblock and seized a group of vigilantes with their Hilux van.

Regrouping Boko Haram Forces World over, the military and security forces

battle one major challenge: regrouping terror forces. Although Nigeria continues to suffer the same fate in its fight against the BHTs, there is no doubt that the military has considerably recorded some successes by reclaiming lost grounds, pushing them back into the arid desert and sometimes, even crippling their sources of weaponry.

But despite these measures, the terrorists keep inventing new strategies to stay afloat. While they have been sacked from the caliphates they had arrogated to themselves, they still unleash pockets of violence in some areas, especially through suicide bombing, and most recently, the resurgence and attacks in Borno State.

According to security analysts, the insurgents are pulling off almost daily attacks. As if that was not enough, they once cut off power from the national grid.

In the past months, specifically from April 2019, there has been a consistent resurgence and escalation of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) attacks in the North-east (NE). Already, the renewed onslaught by BHT has claimed hundreds of lives, especially that of soldiers, who are often the first buffer in the line of

The Ambush Despite repeated claims by the Armed Forces that the Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) sect has been depleted and highly degraded, the recent actions of the terrorists certainly suggests otherwise. Week in and out, stories abound of the sect wrecking havoc on the Nigerian forces, sometimes even over running their bases and killing the soldiers.

It is no gainsaying that Northern Borno is the stronghold of BH, from Metele to Abadam,

Malamfatori, Baga, Gajiganna, Magumeri, Monguno and even beyond reaching to the borders of Lake Chad and Niger Republic, but the recent attacks have heightened fears about the repeated assurances by the military that Nigeria is indeed winning the war against insurgency and extremisms.

It was no different last week when the sect again attacked and incinerated soldiers. But this time around, this attack was one of the deadliest by the sect on the military forces.

Just last week, the Boko Haram terrorists dealt a deadly blow on the military. In one attack, they felled 47 soldiers after Boko Haram staged a deadly ambush on a moving convoy of troops around Alagarno in Yobe State.

According to reports, the terrorists ambushed the military vehicle conveying logistics which included bombs and other weapons and shot at it, resulting in an explosion that killed the soldiers and the insurgents that mounted the ambush.

Although the death toll was initially put at 70, the military later came out to debunk that.

The insurgents had fired rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) at a truck carrying troops and weapons.

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FEATURES THISDAY gathered that the troops had left Maiduguri and were on its way to launch an offensive on a camp belonging to jihadists, when they drove into an ambush, thereby setting off conspiracy theories of a mole leaking their movement.

This recent slaughter of soldiers in an ambush by Boko Haram in the North-east, undermine repeated claims by the military that the group has been decimated. On January 8, no fewer than three soldiers were killed in an intense fighting between the army and the sect around a key garrison town in the Lake Chad area. The soldiers died when an army vehicle burst into flames after a car filled with explosives rammed into a convoy.

A patrol team was attacked near Monguno, but the patrol was quickly reinforced and the attack was repelled. Though there were fewer casualties on the Nigerian troops through vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), many Boko Haram Terrorists were however eliminated during the encounter.

Also on January 17, not less than 17 soldiers were killed in confrontations between the military and Boko Haram insurgents along Bama-Gwoza road. Many soldiers were also said to have been abducted by the insurgents, who also suffered severe damage in its flanks.

The insurgents were said to have attacked Firgi, 20 kilometres north of Pulka along the road from Gwoza to Bama on Friday night.

They were equally said to have carted away some arms, ammunition and vehicles belonging to the Nigerian Army.

The next day, the insurgents came back and attacked a military company at Banki junction on Bama-Gwoza road. For three hours, they battled and the casualties on the side of the military was four with the record from the insurgents not known. The insurgents were also said to have abducted yet to be ascertained number of soldiers and carted away arms and ammunition.

Military’s Reaction Although the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) initially confirmed 47 soldiers were killed and 15 others wounded in the ambush by Boko Haram, they would later bring the figure down to 29 soldiers and unknown number for the officers.

The Coordinator of the Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche, clarified that the 47 soldiers were not killed in direct combat with the terrorists, rather the terrorists ambushed the military vehicle 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. Forty-seven soldiers were killed and 15 soldiers were wounded.�

Afterwards, Enenche said upon review of the casualty, 29 soldiers and some officers were killed while 39 others were wounded during the fire-fight.

He said the review of the number downwards was based on new figures from the battlefield, adding that some officers were killed but could not make their names available since the procedure for informing their families were not concluded.

On the burial plans for the fallen officers, he said the next of kin of the deceased soldiers would be contacted while a befitting burial would be accorded the fallen soldiers and officers in line with military burial procedure. “Following the encounter between Armed Forces of Nigeria and insurgents in Operation Lafiya Dole at Gorgi between 21 and 23 March 2020, a team was sent to carry out the due operational after action procedure which include reconfirmation of casualties and immediate medical evacuation required among others. “After the exercise, the team made the following findings: 29 Nigerian troops were killed in action and 39 were wounded in action, as a result of the explosion of the truck carrying logistics and ammunition resupply for the fighting echelon. “This is contrary to the figures from the first

The reprisal by the military are mightily proud of your husbands and we salute them and you who stand by them.

We will support you in ways we can and we will support you directly through your bank accounts so that you start business and boost the ones you are doing� Zulum said to the ovation of the women.

President Muhammadu Buhari

Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai

contact situation report of 47 killed in action and 15 wounded in action. This is a common occurrence during combat operations due to the fog of war, encounters or conflicts, when first contact reports are released to higher quarters in contemporary times, in order to counter false reports and fake news by mischief makers,� he added.

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.

Reprisal Following the gruesome ambush, the military high command carried out reprisal on the enemy camp in combined air strikes and artillery bombardment by troops and Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole, which they decimated 100 insurgents.

According to Enenche, “the team also found a casualty of over 100 Boko Haram terrorists neutralised as the result of direct fire action and encounter with the gallant troops of the land component of the Armed Forces of Nigeria during the clearance of Gorgi.�

He further noted that the land component of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in Operation Lafiya Dole successfully cleared Gorgi and dealt a heavy blow on the enemy and the end state of clearing Gorgi was achieved.

A Governor’s Palliative Following the onslaught against the soldiers, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, announced cash support of N23.5 million to the families of the 47 soldiers.

The governor, who was at Maimalari Army Barrack in Maiduguri, said each family of the 47 fallen heroes would be given N500,000 cash, “which should not be seen as compensation for the lost priceless lives but as social protection considering the tough economic times caused

by COVID-19 inspired lockdowns across the country�.

Zulum, received by the G.O.C, 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General A.K Ibrahim, was at the barrack to convey condolences and solidarity with the authorities of the military’s counter-insurgency operation in the Northeast, Operation Lafiya Dole.

He said:“Nothing can compensate for losing these precious brothers and patriotic Nigerians.

We commiserate with their families and because we are at a tough and unprecedented times, the government of Borno will support each family with N500,000. Importantly also, we hope the unfortunate incident will not dampen the spirit of our gallant military in our shared fight against Boko Haram.�

The Borno Governor, who also used the occasion of his visit to address widows and other family women living at the Maimalari barracks, directed that an accurate and verifiable list of all widows and family be compiled with each identifying her choice of small scale business and bank account details attached to every name so that government can transfer startup capital to them.

He said: “You the widows and those married women with children have borne the impact of the sacrifices made by your soldier-husbands.

We know your pains and we share them. We

FG’s Charge Reacting to the monumentalL loss, President Muhammadu Buhari expressed “profound grief and sorrow’’, just as he charged the troops not to allow the loss affect their morale.

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

Burning Questions While the military and of course, the federal government rally round to put to a stop the incessant deaths of our soldiers, some pertinent and burning questions begs for answers.

Questions like- why would the soldiers continually protest the dearth of modern equipment if truly they were given? Why the constant clamour for improved welfare for the troops? Why must the response of the military to the clamour for improved welfare be courtmartial? Why must tales of corruption continually trail funds released to fight insurgency? What happened to the release of N360 billion approved by the president in April, 2018, from the excess crude account (ECA) for the purchase of military equipment to fight Boko Haram insurgency? What kind of equipment were acquired and where are they now?

Given the recent fury of the sect against the military, should we expect new tactical manouevers from the military? Should the soldiers expect better welfare to boost their already dwindling morale? What tough stance should we expect in the coming days from the military? While all these questions needs to be answered, Nigerians need workable solutions and visible implementations to end this theatre of death of our gallant soldiers and officers.

Way Forward Globally, the threat posed by terrorism cannot be understated. Accordingly, nations have evolved various approaches to tackle the menace with mixed results depending on the country and nature of the threat. Nigeria has not been an exception when the rise of the sect assumed international notoriety in 2009.

It must however be noted that the nature of asymmetric warfare particularly counter terrorism and counter insurgency in a complex environment requires dynamism to address the challenges of the fluidity of operation.

Expectedly, it has it ups and lows, the latter which should not drag for a long time if the war is to be won.

One of the major ways to surmounting the challenges of this strange war, according to some military officers who spoke anonymously, is to constantly change leadership of the military in the theatre of war, which allows for introduction of new tactics, approach to logistics and fire support that will bring about the desired operational success.

Undoubtedly, the criminal elements have not always had the upper hand. The military recorded some laudable successes this year in the war against insecurity. Although the successes, which are too numerous to mention are no doubt laudable, given the huge sacrifices the soldiers make, the gains must be sustained if it should have any meaningful impact on the war against terror.

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BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OVERNIGHT OBB

A S

A T

REPO 17.10 15.80

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

14.50 10 10.50

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

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima

Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08152447875

2 7 , 461.82% 0.29% -12.02%

2 0 2 0

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

- 4.020% - 4.02%

EXCHANGE RATE N361/1US DOLLAR* ĚŠ

Quick Takes LAPO Suspends Union Meetings

LAPOMicroďŹ nanceBankLimited,oneofNigeria’sleadingmicroďŹ nance banks, has enforced a temporary suspension of its weekly and monthly clients’ and sta union meetings across the country.

ThisdisclosurewascontainedinastatementissuedbytheBank’sHeadof Communications, Oluremi Akande. Akande, said, “given the intense nature of our interactions with our clients, the suspension of Union Meetings is a deliberate step to immediately achieve social distancing and curtail the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Importantly, this measure will guarantee the protection of the lives of ourclients,Staandfamilies;andbyextension,thecommunitiesweserveâ€?.

HesaidLAPOwouldcontinuetodeploycampaignstoeducatemembers of the public about the virus, thereby, minimising the level of infection and by implication enabling the systemic defeat of COVID-19 in our country.

Smile Assures of Uninterrupted Services

BREAKFASTMEETING

L-R: General Manager, Procurement, ExxonMobil, Judith Mbonu; President, Women in Energy Network (WIEN),Mrs. Funmi Ogbue; Managing Director/CEO, Aftrac Limited, Patricia Simon-Hart; and Director Multistream Energy Limited, Awuneba Ajumogobia, during a breakfast session to commemorate the International Women’s Day, held in Lagos... recently ETOPUKUTT

RenCap Foresees Economic Recession for Nigeria ÂŠÂ˘ÂœČąÂ‹ÂŠÂ—Â”ÂœČąÂ‹ÂŽÄ´ÂŽÂ›ČąÂ™Â˜ÂœÂ’Â?’˜—ŽÂ?ČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂ—ÂŠÂ&#x;Â’Â?ŠÂ?ÂŽČąÂ•Â˜Â ČąÂ˜Â’Â•ČąÂ™Â›Â’ÂŒÂŽČąÂ›ÂŽÂ?’–Žȹ

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Obinna Chima Renaissance Capital’s Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) Economist, Yvonne Mhango, has predicted that the Nigerian economy will slip back into recession this year, due to the impact of the significant slump in the price of crude oil as well as disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking during an online press conference at the weekend, Mhango said a sharp decrease in oil revenue implied a significant deceleration of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.

In her presentation which focused on Africa, the economist noted that the continent’s oil exporters would be severely hit hard by the drop in oil prices. This, according to her, implied a sharp slowdown across all economies in the region, even as she anticipated that SSA’s growth would fall to 1.3 per cent in 2020, compared with her previous forecast of 3.5

ECONOMY per cent.

Slower growth implied fiscal positions would deteriorate across the board, she said.

Yvonne assumed that three of the region’s five biggest economies – Nigeria, South Africa and Angola – would contract, and that the naira would continue to come under pressure to depreciate as Nigeria’s external balances deteriorate.

However, “lower oil prices are positive for SSA’s oil-importing countries, especially those of East Africa, such as Kenya, and positive for their current account balances and their currencies. “Inflation is likely to slow on the back of lower transport and energy costs, allowing for accommodative monetary policy, although this will be undermined by the COVID-19 related drop in global demand that will subdue

GDP,� she added.

But in his contribution, the main factors flagged by the Director, Frontier / SSA banks’ research analyst, Adesoji Solanke, for the SSA banking sector were the COVID-19 implications, low oil prices, the devaluation of currencies, and deteriorating asset quality. “Across the key markets we cover, our view is that COVID-19 has negative demand and supply side implications for banks’ customers whether large, small or individuals. “There are also growing operational risks stemming from branch closures, poor internet and energy availability for stay-at-home employees; and risks to earnings across interest and non-interest income as well. “Overall, how bad this get depends on how long countries remain locked down and how quickly we get the economic engine moving afterwards.

“For oil prices, the extent of potential damage depends on whether we see a “V� or “U� shaped recovery in oil prices.

Banks have put hedges in place for many of their oil customers but not for all production, and these are also time-limited between 6 and 18 months.�

Solanke, however, said Nigerian banks were in a better position today to navigate a low oil price environment, “as the vintages they went into the 2014 crisis with have now been properly stress tested and they simply need to dust up the playbook – restructurings and moratoriums will happen but with impairment implications under IFRS 9.�

Speaking earlier in the online press briefing titled: ‘Where are we in the struggle to make forecasts for EEMEA during COVID-19?,’ Renaissance Capital Global Chief Economist, Charles Robertson, Continued on page 24

Customs Agents Urge FG to Halt Demurrage Charges Eromosele Abiodun Following the coronavirus crisis that has made it virtually impossible for goods to be cleared on time at the nation’s seaports, custom agents in the country have called on the federal government to direct shipping companies and terminal operators to immediately halt demurrage charges and taxes to avoid friction at the ports.

The National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed

MARITIME Customs Agents (ANLCA), the umbrella body of customs agents in the country, Mr Iju Tony Nwabunike, made the plea in an open letter addressed to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

According to the agents, “There is no gain saying that before the COVID-19 pandemic subsides for normal businesses in the seaports, airports and border stations to take it full swing, imported and

exported items might have been trapped in the various gateways to the nation. “As such demurrages and rent payable to Shipping Companies, Concessionaires/Terminal Operators will have attended an unbearable proportion due to the lock down. “As you already know sir, it is difficult, if not totally impossible to process customs documentation and take delivery of cargoes in our ports during this period. “Even when attempts are made, it becomes difficult because

state governments have closed interstate borders, markets are locked and movement of certain vehicles restricted.�

The agents also called on the federal government to declare a Force Majeure at the port in line with international best practices. “We hereby call for the enforcement of “Force Majeure� and total lockdown of our seaports as already done in the airports and border stations to curb the spread

Asthecoronaviruscontinuestospread,WestAfrica’s4GLTEbroadband serviceprovider,SmileNigeria,hasenjoinedallNigerianstostrivetobesafe byobservingallnecessarysafetyprecautions.Tothisend,thecompanysaid it has created data free access to websites for everyone, on its network, to have easy access to up-to-date information on the pandemic.

In a statement issued at the weekend by the 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) broadband service provider, it said: “Appreciative of the current restriction of movement, aimed at combatting the ravages of Coronavirus in Nigeria, Smile has taken steps to remain fully operational and serve the best interest of its customers in this challenging time. Consequently, it has created many online platforms to enable its teeming customers to recharge, make enquiries and seek assistance. Smile customers can henceforth utilize it social media platforms, e-mails and telephone.

CIBN Adjusts Programmes

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has approved the adjustment of all its programmes scheduled to take place between March 23 and June 30, 2020, due to the spreading coronavirus in the country. The decision, the institute said it took out of the concern to safeguard the health of its members, other stakeholders and members of the general public and in adherence to the social restriction order by the Lagos State Government and some other states in Nigeria.

According to a statement signed by the Registrar/ Chief Executive, Mr. ‘Seye Awojobi, three of its statutory programmes would hold as earlier scheduled but digitally and virtually through video conferencing. These programmes are Pre-Annual General Meeting, Annual General Meeting and 2020 CIBN Election designed to take place through e-voting platform. However, another ďŹ ve of the statutory programmes were postponed till a conducive period. The programmes are the April 2020 Diet Banking Professional and CertiďŹ cation examinations, Presidential Valedictory Address and Investiture, CIBN USA Branch International Biennial Conference and Annual Lecture. The statement also indicated that new dates would be announced as soon as the situation permits while all the Governing Council and Committee meetings shall henceforth be conducted virtually through video conferencing and other streaming technologies. The Institute apologised for any inconvenience this might have caused its members and other stakeholders.

Afrinvest Adopts Safety Measures

Afrinvest West Africa Limited said it has introduced all recommended safety measures in the ďŹ ght against the COVID-19.

The investment bank pointed out that the outbreak of pathogen has caused a global health pandemic that has caused widespread uncertainty while pushing global healthcare resources to near breaking point. It noted that as governments world over take steps to implement measures to contain the spread, “we would like to share with you what we are doing to ensure the safety of our employees and clients while maintaining our quality of service.� “With the announcement of the index case, we took precautionary measures by sharing safety tips with all our teams and mandating temperature scans and use of hand sanitisers to gain entry into all our locations in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Onitsha.

“Government should announce a tax credit or partial tax reduction for companies or firms. VAT should be suspended for the next 2-4 months�

APC National Leader,

Continued on page 24

Bola Tinubu

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BUSINESSWORLD RENCAP FORESEES ECONOMIC RECESSION FOR NIGERIA underscored the encouragement from the flattening of new COVID-19 cases in Italy, which peaked at the weekend.

The progression of the virus was fairly straightforward to monitor, according to Charles, who believed that US markets might see new cases peak in April.

He stressed that emerging markets have beaten Europe in their lockdown-enacting measures, acting faster and more effectively overall, “if we judge from the number of cases per 100,000 population.� “Russia, South Africa, Turkey and Egypt have all acted earlier than many European countries – similarly to East Asia, where the virus is much more contained,� he said.

Robertson pointed out that the further crash in EM currencies has taken them to seriously cheap levels, their lowest since the late 1990s, with the biggest currency downward moves in Latin America – Columbia, Brazil and Peru – all at 25 per cent.

CUSTOMS AGENTS URGE FG TO HALT DEMURRAGE CHARGES

of the deadly coronavirus and to protect the Nigerian workforce operating in our ports. “We also appeal to the federal government to prevail on shipping companies, terminal operators and other agencies in the ports to be prepared to waive all charges, taxes and fees during this period of national compromise at all levels,� they said. “Consequently, we seek for all demurrage, rents, penalties e.tc emanating from inability to clear cargoes as at when due from the ports at this period to be waived effective from the first week of March, 2020 when the first case of the deadly virus was detected in Nigeria through an Italian citizen. “We are appealing that you use your good office to ensure that this is implemented immediately. Please note that we are dealing with concessionaires, shipping companies and others who are mainly foreigners, hence the need for government intervention and enforcement has become necessary,� the agents said.

NEWS

FG to Lift Suspension on Mining Activities in Katsina State Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The federal government has said its working towards the lifting of suspension placed on mining activities in Katsina State.

This is even as it noted that in a bid to attract investors and ensure the security of investments, it has put incentives such as zero per cent import duty on the importation of mining and metallurgical plant equipment, in place.

Disclosing this on behalf of the government, Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, stated that punitive measures were being put in place that would see that illegal operators go to jail for two years without an option of fine.

The minister stated this during his sensitisation visit to Katsina State Governor, Alhaji Bello Masari recently, where he intimated him of the ministry’s effort to optimise revenue generation from mining of solid minerals.

He explained that with about 15 different minerals available in Katsina, the state has a lot to benefit if proper mining regulations were adhered to, adding that it could serve as a core stimulator towards an industrial revolution that would spur a wave of infrastructural development for the Katsina people.

According to him, “the ministry is working towards the lifting of suspension of mining

activities in the state.�

Ogah, stressed that with the abundance of mineral resources, Nigeria has the capacity to generate revenue, grow the economy and develop infrastructure through mining.

He added that the ministry would want to have first-hand information about the operational status of the Dana Rolling Mill, which has been shut down for

years, with a view to ensuring that commercial production return.

He however called for stronger collaboration between the federal, state and local governments to achieve full harnessing of mineral resources for economic development.

In his remarks, Governor of Katsina State, Bello Masari, said the visit was apt as it was

the best time to look at other sources of revenue generation in the face of falling prices of crude oil, adding that the solid minerals sector holds the key for economic independence for the country.

He said the state was working on ensuring security and a stable political atmosphere that would attract the confidence of investors, saying that with the

development of a secured mining sector, it would be able to deliver on its electoral promises and lift its people out of poverty.

Masari enjoined the ministry to confirm the suitability of land for mining purposes, especially from state governors before granting licenses to prospective miners in order to avoid the possibility of giving licenses on land that is already in use.

DISCUSSING GLOBAL ECONOMY

Managing Director, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva (left) and Deborah Greenfield, during a panel session on Artificial Intelligence and Economics at the IMF’s office in Washington, D.C‌recently CoryHancock

Kano to Establish Platforms for Grazing Reserves, Stock Routes The Kano State Agro Pastoral Development Project (KSADP) will expend millions of naira in the development of grazing reserves as well as the establishment of platforms to manage grazing reserves and stock routes in several locations across the state, according to a statement by the state Project Communication Specialist, Ameen Yassar.

The State Project Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, was quoted

to have said this during a visit to the Village Head of Dangora, Ardo of Dansoshiya forest, in Kiru local government area of the state, recently. “Our biggest investment in this direction is in developing the Dansoshiya grazing reserve, the largest in Kano state, which is about 4,312 hectres,� he stated. “This initiative is part of our several strategically designed programmes, aimed at curbing

itinerant lifestyle by herdsmen and its accompanying repercussions. This endeavor will keep them with animals around their homesteads and help them to grow and store feed for the animals,� Muhammad stressed. “This visit, is therefore, to inform you, as critical stakeholders, that we are sending some officials to enumerate the pastoralists households, cattle heads and sundry needs, within

the Dansoshiya forest axis and to identify their development needs, so that we can plan projects and programmes which suit them best,� the State Project Coordinator explained.

He said the KSADP intends to provide infrastructure and services that would make life comfortable for the herdsmen living within Dansoshiya Forest and its surrounding area. He added that input from the beneficiaries would make the

project a resounding success.

He urged the stakeholders present during the meeting to help create awareness on the project and to ginger communal support towards its implementation.

In their respective remarks, the community leaders promised to cooperate with the project officials towards successful stock-taking of their development needs and eventual improvement of the Dansoshiya grazing reserve.

Ijaw Youths, Heritage Energy Trade Blame Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) Eromosele Abiodun (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor ((Energy) Reporters

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT)

The Ijaw Youths Council ( IYC), the umbrella body of all Ijaw youths in the Niger Delta, has accused Heritage Energy Operational Services, Limited (HEOSL), operators of the Operational Mining Licence (OML) 30, of impoverishing the people of the region while making other Nigerians billionaires from their activities in the region.

But in a swift reaction, the company dismissed the claim as false, adding that the allegation that it was incompetent and unfit to operate OML30 which is the second largest OML after Nembe in the country was untrue.

The President of the IYC , Eric Omare, during a press conference in Warri, recently, alleged that the company was owing local contractors for more than two years for jobs already executed

while others outside the region were being paid.

He alleged that the Board of Directors of the company, rather than pay contractors, pay themselves and their cronies stressing, “ they refuse to pay the local contractors but they pay their own companies.� “In other words, what they do is this, the company has a Board of Directors , and those Board of Directors have subsidiaries of small, small companies with which they take contracts that are ordinarily ought to go to the local contractors and when it’s time for payment, they pay themselves,� he added, noting that the, “implication is that, instead of that money being spent in the local environment here, it is transported out of the Niger-Delta region, and in most cases, out of the country.�

Omare, maintained that

the resultant effect, was the overwhelming and increasing poverty being experienced in the entirety of the Delta environment with potentials to create militancy in the region because, in most cases, people result to militancy because they do not have means of survival.

Speaking further, Omare argued that despite the fact that things were not totally the way they were expected to be, the living condition of the people of Niger Delta ,was far better during Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) than what it is presently.

He called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of State,Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Timipriye Sylva, to look into the issues raised and nip it in the bud, before it escalates.

However, Heritage Energy

Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), operator of Oil Mining Lease (OML) 30 said the company was not indebted to any of its contractors.

HEOSL made the clarification in a statement made available to THISDAY, in reaction to allegation that it was owing indigenous contractors.

HEOSL which operates OML 30 on behalf of its Joint Venture Partners, the Nigeria Petroleum Development Corporation (NPDC) and Shoreline Natural Resources Limited (SNRL), urged the public to disregard IYC claims.

The statement explained “when it took over operations of OML 30, it inherited many invoices and ongoing contracts. The company noticed that while some of

the invoices could be verified, there were some that could not. “Despite this, the company went ahead and commenced with the payment of verified invoices while investigating others. “The volume of the debts necessitated the development in conjunction with contractors of payment plans for installment payments. Since then, the company has been steadily reducing the debts according to the agreed payment plans.�

HEOSL noted that since their takeover of the operation of the OML 30, it had adhered strictly to the Global memorandum of understanding (GMoU) it entered with host communities in October 2018. “This clarification came in response to allegations by the Ijaw Youth Council at a recent press briefing to the effect that the company is owing contractors, some for as long as three years.�

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WAPIC Insurance, Others Gain Despite Bearish Trading Goddy Egene Investors in WAPIC Insurance Plc, Cutix Plc, Morison Industries Plc and Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc, had a good outing at the stock market last week despite the persistent bearish trading.

The negative impact of the coronavirus and weak crude oil prices sent the market to record low since the beginning of March following huge losses by stocks.

However, the losses moderated two weeks ago when the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (NSE ASI) fell by 2.35 per cent. The NSE ASI recorded a lower decline of 1.52 per cent to close at 21,861.78 while market capitalisation printed at N11.393 trillion.

Despite the losses, shares of WAPIC, Morison and Neimeth among others fetched gains for their investors. For instance, while WAPIC appreciated by 23.8 per cent, Cutix Plc went up by 20.3 per cent. Morison and Neimeth garnered 20 per cent apiece.

According to analysts at Cordros Capital, despite pocket of gains, weak sentiments continued to dominate the domestic market. The weak performance has made the NSE ASI to record a year-to-date decline of 18.6 per cent. In terms of sectoral performance, the NSE Consumer Goods Index recorded the highest decline of 8.1 per cent. It was followed by the NSE Oil and Gas Index with 2.2 per cent, while the NSE Industrial Goods Index shed 0.5 per cent.

However, the NSE Insurance Index and NSE Banking Index appreciated, gaining 3.3 per cent and 2.1 per cent respectively.

Commenting on the market performance analysts at Cordros Capital said: “In our view, the trend witnessed this week is likely to persist, as weakening market sentiment in the face of the fast-spreading coronavirus pandemic and the weakness across global markets are expected to pressure market returns.

Nonetheless, we advise investors to take positions in fundamentally justified stocks.�

Trading at the stock market went fully remote last Wednesday as the NSE closed all its floors as part of the efforts to curtail the spread of theCOVID-19.

Explaining the decision to close the trading floors, the Chief Exchange Officer of the NSE, Oscar Onyema, said remote trading would continue while its staff would 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,� Onyema said.

The NSE boss noted that in line with their robust Business Continuity Management framework, they would like to reassure stakeholders that they have put in place measures to ensure their operations and trading activities continue seamlessly throughout this period.

He said: “As an exchange, we will ensure that all relevant information continues to flow into the market to

are, therefore, encouraged to continue to trade remotely via our electronic platforms such as FIX protocol and XNET, and reach out to their Compliance Officer if any support is required.

Please note that we will provide manual support to members without remote access during this period. Issuers who have any business to conduct with The Exchange can reach out to their Relationship Manager for guidance.

You should continue to submit all regulatory filings via Issuers’ Portal (X-Issuer). As The exchange embraces social distancing as prescribed by Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), we have further engaged with the federal government on issues of annual general meetings, maturing financial instruments, financial reporting, to mention a few and appropriate updates will be provided in due course.�

Onyema said all physical meetings within and outside their office premises had been suspended until further notice. “We have instructed our employees to leverage technological tools to conduct meetings virtually. We assure you that our virtual lines of communication will remain open to engage with you and attend to your needs. We understand that these are trying times, but we are committed to ensuring we do not experience any disruptions to our operations.

As we navigate this new reality, we encourage you to follow our various communication channels as we continue to share relevant updates,� he said.

ensure the pricing of risk assets remains transparent and reliable across asset

classes to allow investors to value their portfolios and make informed

investment decisions under these volatile conditions. Dealing members

Market turnover Meanwhile, investors traded 1.452 billion shares worth N14.918 billion in 21,828 deals in contrast to a total of 2.804 billion shares valued at N32.559 billion that exchanged hands in 31,715 deals the previous week. But the Financial Services industry led the activity chart with 1.224 billion shares valued at N10.590 billion traded in 14,944 deals, thus contributing 84.3 per cent and 70.9 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Conglomerates followed with 50.261 million shares worth N61.457 million in 442 deals. The third place was the Consumer Goods industry, with a turnover of 47.276 million shares worth N2.509 billion in 2,225 deals.

Also, trading in the top three equities: Zenith Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and FBN Holdings Plc accounted for 713.795 million shares worth N8.610 billion in 8,608 deals. They contributed 49.18 per cent and 57.7 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. ETPs In the exchange traded products, a total of 20 units valued at N130.90 were traded in two deals, compared with a total of 15,121 units valued at N87.766 million transacted in seven deals the previous week.

Top price gainers and losers The price move chart showed that 34 equities appreciated lower than 35 in the previous week as against 30 equities that depreciated in price, which is higher than 27 equities in the previous week.

Apart from WAPIC, Morison, Cutix and Neimeth that were among the top gainers, CAP Pl c also went up by 18.9 per cent. NEM Insurance Plc chalked up 18.8 per cent, while Union Diagnostic & Clinical Services Plc gained 18.1 per cent.

Honeywell Flour Mills Plc appreciated by 18.0 per cent, just as Jaiz Bank Plc and Transcorp Plc added 17.7 per cent and 15 per cent in that order.

Conversely, Nigerian Breweries Plc led the price losers, shedding 15 per cent, trailed by African Prudential Plc with 11.1 per cent. Total Nigeria Plc, Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, and Nestle Nigeria Plc dipped 10 per cent each.

Other top price losers included: Conoil Plc (9.9 per cent); Unilever Nigeria Plc (9.8 per cent); NASCON Allied Industries Plc (9.5 per cent); C & I Leasing Plc (9.4 per cent).

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Sule: Our Target is to Ramp up Nassarawa’s IGR Nassarawa State Governor Mr. Abdullahi Sule, during an interactive session with journalists in Lagos, spoke on efforts by his administration to industrialise the state and make it self-sustaining as well as to increase its internally generated revenue generation. The former Managing Director of Dangote Dangote Sugar Refinery said his target is to position the state as one of the top 10 in terms of revenue generation by 2023. Peter Uzoho brings the excerpts: You have been in the saddle as Nassarawa State Governor for 10 months now, tell us about the projects you are carrying out to industrialise the state?

Well, when I came into office I met a lot of ongoing projects. The moment I came in, the Chairman of Azman came to me and said it would be nice for his company to come to Nassarawa State and set up some kind of businesses in support of my person and office as governor. I said agriculture would be ideal.

He agreed to invest in agriculture and I said rice would be perfect and we promised to offer him land. Of course he did. They have done their soil test, their topography test, water level test and the rest of that. Now, they are getting ready to mobilise and commence farming. They have paid the compensation for land to the people for 14,000 hectares of land and that project, the Azman Rice Farms is about to take off. So, they are just mobilising equipment to site. So that is one project, I will say that we started from ground zero. However, we also met some other ones on ground like the Dangote project. We met that Dangote had acquired about 6,000 hectares of land in Tunga, which had already been cleared and roughly about 1500 hectares of land had already been planted with sugar cane. Since we came, we went massively to work with the Dangote project. Today, over 5, 000 hectares of land have been cleared and they are employing people massively into the farm. They have also mobilised lots of equipment to the site and they are getting ready to work on the construction of the factory itself. So, that is the second one, which we consolidated and ensured it is ongoing. We also met the another company, Olam, that had been working. And Olam, had roughly about 3,800 hectares of land for rice production and had employed roughly about 2,000 out-growers. So we came in and joined hands with them. They are now working on a larger scale with roughly about 10,000 hectares of land that has been cleared and they are in the process of planting in the whole area and employing more people. So that is on the agricultural side. There are a lot of other companies. For instance, in Keffi, there is a company called Newpal. The company came in with the intention of processing agricultural produce. So, we worked with them and encouraged them. I inaugurated the Newpal Automated Agri processing project in Keffi. And, today they are processing corn and they have employed many of our people.

We are also working with the Flour Mills of Nigeria. They have come in. They are going to take about 20,000 hectares of land for cassava.

So they had already gone to the site, they have acquired most of the other areas, getting ready right now to do their final survey of the land, so they can identify which areas they would do road construction, which area will be what. I even met with the Flour Mills’ Group Managing Director, recently, to finalise issues about that area. So in a nutshell, those are the major ones we have worked on. But we are still attracting some other companies that will come in to invest in agriculture and other areas. From the government side, we have worked very strongly where we are now lucky. Nassarawa is one of the three states in the federation that have been selected and are going in for the National Livestock Transformation Project (NLTP). The National Economic Council has already approved it and we are now working on getting the National Executive Council to approve for the release of the funds, so that we can now start the project.

Three sites have been identified in the state.

There is a site in Wamba Local Government Area. There is a site in Awe Local Government Area, and there is a site in Nassarawa Local Government Area itself. There are additional sites both in Lafia, in Karu Local Government that we will be looking into. Right now the three are the ones we are working on. These

Sule are going to be huge sites. Each one will not be less than 7,000 to 8,000 hectares of land, that is going to address the issue of our own security in the state. Once we take care of the issue of security, because all the cattle will now be provided with grazing area. And in the grazing area there will be water, there will be special grass for grazing, there will be schools, security post, clinic for the people, so that we can now gather the Fulanis and the herders in those particular areas. So there will be no more open grazing routes. By the time you do that, that side is also going to be a site.

There will also be no roaming all over the state of the various cattle. There will be an abattoir in the area. So, it will be a site where you can actually go and buy meat, buy milk, buy butter and the rest of them. There will be processing activities also within the same zone.

Those are the kind of things we are going to be doing in the different sites in Nassarawa State. That is also part of the industrialisation on the government side. And the extension of the agric again from the government side, we are working with the CBN and NIRSAL

So, by extension, no mining licence will be given unless the state government is in the picture. And also we have been going round most of the mining activities. I have a very strong commissioner for environment, who is responsible for that

to empower our youths. We are working on a N1.5 billion loan that is going to come from the CBN at a single digit rate. Again, land has already been identified in Nassarawa State around Doma Local Government Area, and that land is going to be purely for the youths that will be operating more like an out-grower scheme.

An area will be given to each group of the youth. Then they will carry out the farming and whatever they farm, they are selling to an off-taker. If it is rice, they have Olam that can buy, we have Dangote Rice that can buy.

If it is sugar cane, we have Dangote that can buy. If it is cassava, we have Four Mills that can buy. Those are the kind of areas that we are working on now. That I think is mostly the concentration on the part of businesses and the agriculture and the rest of them.

How are you tackling power challenge in the state?

Power is one of the areas that we have worked very strongly with the federal government.

There is the major 390KVA power substation that we also came and met. Now they are working with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC). The project itself is almost 95 per cent completed. Once completed it will have six lines. Two of them will be dedicated to Lafia itself, one is going to Akwanga, one is going to Doma, one is going to Asakin area, and one is going to Kana-Awe axis. Right now, they are doing what they call line-in-Line-out.

When the main line comes, we have to drop the line and then we have to also u bundle the line, so that it will drop and then take off. That is the only aspect of the contract that has not yet been completed. But the main project itself has been completed. Once that is done then there will be regular power supply in Lafia. But some of these projects that we have mentioned don’t even require national grid. Take the sugar project of Dangote for

instance, that project is going to now generate its one power. You know, sugar cane, once you take the cane itself and extract the watery part, then the solid part of it becomes fuel that you can actually use to generate power. Dangote project, once completed will generate about 98 megawatts of power on its own. They don’t need 98MW, so what they will do is that they will use about half of that, the remaining half they will have to send it to the national grid, or they now draw lines that will go around the area. But there are no major projects around the area to take another 40MW of power. So it has to go the national grid, because for most of the villages, 2MW will be more than enough for them.

Are you into any partnership with the Rural ElectriďŹ cation Agency, to enhance access to electricity in Nasarawa State through renewable energy?

Yes, we have established the rural and renewable energy partnership with them. We have registered as one of the states. However, we are also doing two kilometres solar power in every Local Government Area and we have already completed that. So now in every LGA we have two kilometres and we are using the new system that doesn’t have battery and coil alone and the rest of that. It is a single unit.

Nassarawa State is blessed with a lot of solid minerals, are you tapping into that to grow your revenue?

Definitely. We have started tapping into that. There are some companies that are doing solid minerals operations in Nassarawa State that had not paid any taxes, any tenement rate, any dine up till. In fact, the biggest solid minerals conference that takes place in Africa, that is, Mining Indaba, which takes place in CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

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SULE: OUR TARGET IS TO RAMP UP NASSARAWA’S IGR

NPA Denies Contradicting NCDC Over Covid-19 Case on Vessel Eromosele Abiodun Following public reactions to attempts by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to get full details of COVID-19 cases said to have been found on a vessel, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has denied contradicting the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

The NPA said it did not by its tweet on last Thursday, contradict the information released to the public by the NCDC. In a statement by its General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Jatto Adams, explained that what the tweet sought to do was get full details of incident for purposes of record and better management in the future.

The NPA said it needed the clarification to reassure its stakeholders who raised concern over the announcement that six cases were found on

Sule Cape Town, I was the only governor that went. That will tell you how I am interested in solid minerals. So I went, the Minister of Solid Minerals was there, so many miners from Nigeria were there. So many financiers around the world were there. So we were there. That is one. Two, we took the case of solid minerals to NEC in the last meeting. Because, you see, the solid minerals themselves belong to the federal government, but the land belongs to the state. So, what the companies had done in order to exploit people, what the ministry requires is nothing but what they call Consent Letter. So, they just go ahead and then obtain the consent letter. They go to one community, divide the community into two, give this one N500,000, this one N2 million, and then they will give them the consent letter, and then they will show it to the ministry and obtain their letter and then they will come and start mining.

The state will not even be aware of what is happening. So we took this matter to NEC and our Chairman at NEC, Mr. Vice President, a very intelligent guy who understands all these legal issues and very fair person also. He said no, it is not right. So, he set up a committee and I am a member of that committee, to review how licences will be given to people henceforth. So we are working on that. One of the things we achieved was that no licence will be given and if one was given in the past that licence becomes null and void. The reason is, no licence will be given until the original land owner gives a consent. So, by extension, no mining licence will be given unless the state government is in the picture. And also we have been going round most of the mining activities. I have a very strong commissioner for environment, who is responsible for that.

So he is going there. In fact, we have N15 million for tenement rate that we have not paid for the past seven years. So we are going to pay now’, this and that. He is a man, and I want to even see what is there. Some people when they hear he is coming, they will come and pay. So that is what we have been going through. I’m not just looking at the revenue that is coming to the state, I am trying to see the entire business plan. How do you want to reclaim the area after the mining activity is done? How many people have you employed?

What is your development plan? How much CSR are you going to do for the local communities? What are you building? A school, a clinic, are you giving them scholarships? Are you providing boreholes for them for water because you are already contaminating their environment? What are you doing to protect the environment in case of any environmental hazards? What is the protection against some diseases that may come 15, 20 years from now and this and that? So that is what we are checking properly, rather than just taking tenement rent

and all that from them.

With the impact of COVID-19 on the crude oil market and other economic activities, and considering how challenging Nassarawa State’s FAAC allocation is, especially in terms of paying salaries and all that, what other areas are you looking at to generate more revenue to run the state?

In fact, the civil servants in the state call me a revenue governor. Because they strongly believe I spend so much time trying to make the state independent by generating revenue.

Nassarawa State is so lucky that if you have revenue income of anywhere between N3 billion to N4 billion a month, the state is self-sustaining, it can survive on its own. That is how lucky we are. So, I kept telling them that my aim now is to see how we can be generating that. So, we started by consolidating all our revenues. And like you mentioned, every area you find in that place, from Masaka, all the way to Nyanya at the border, you will see businesses upon businesses. Somebody is generating revenue from them and pocketing it. It is not that revenue is not being generated. There are markets there that you can generate anywhere between N15 million and N20 million a day from them. People are generating that and pocketing it. So, the first thing we did on assumption was to ensure that we consolidate all our revenue sources. We appointed a commissioner responsible for revenue. His own focus is to do revenue.

We constituted a committee also that is being chaired by that commissioner.

The aim is to ensure that we generate revenue. We went around and identified the major buildings that were not being tenanted. We tried to find out why they were not being tenanted, they said they had not got their documents, they had outstanding, they had their C of Os, and all that. We asked our geographical information agency to go ahead and process the documents. We processed and signed and gave to them. So, today, we have actually grown past five states in revenue generation, because our revenue generation has grown almost twice what we used to generate, and that’s not my target. My target actually is to see that we are one of the top 10 states in the country, then I will be comfortable that we are now generating revenue. We used to be number 33, 34, but today, we are around 27, 28, that’s where we are.

As I said, by the next two, three years, our target is to be among the top 10. Once we are there, and the moment you begin to generate about N3 billion to N4 billion, we will be one of the top 10. So that is actually the direction that we are going and we have different areas to do that.

a vessel when as shipping companies, terminal operators, jetty operators did not witness such passengers through their respective COVID-19 protocol. “The NPA and Ports Health Services have set clear protocols on the identification of sick people on vessels and the management of suspected and confirmed cases in line with best practices set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). “The protocol is that: The captain of any vessel with a sick person(s) on board must fly two yellow flags, this done, personnel of the Port Health Services will go into the vessel at berth, inspect it and in cases where there is a person on board, they will quarantine the ship and immediately escalate to the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Health will send an epidemiologist who will go on board with Port Health, take samples from the suspected sick person and

then report to the NCDC, “it stated.

The NCDC, the NPA added, has now clarified that these cases were discovered on an oil rig, Siem Marlin on the High Sea, offshore Lagos and accessed by the Lagos State government and the NCDC by helicopter.

It added, “Maritime stakeholders would not have been so apprehensive if it was clear that the passengers were on a rig. This clarification has renewed the confidence of stakeholders in the effectiveness of the processes put in place, which remains. the principal objective of the Authority. “Given the fact that the maritime industry is central to the management of the pandemic worldwide, the Nigerian Ports Authority is committed to working with all other agencies of government to ensure the safety of all Nigerians.

COVID-19: Heritage Bank Offers Seamless Services Heritage Bank Plc said it has taken practicable steps to offer seamless services to customers, whilst ensuring the health and safety of its workers and others due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bank, in a statement, explained that it has put in place crisis response measures to minimise and manage the risk arising from the disruption of business activities due to the spreading virus.

It explained that it has put in place payment infrastructure and logistics to maintain operations as various state governments brace up for lockdown to contain the pandemic. The bank’s management in a statement explained that part of its business continuity management was to guarantee seamless service delivery to its stakeholders, adopt measures to tackle significant business risk that might have growth impact on economy, whilst taken reasonably practicable steps to minimize the risk.

According to Heritage Bank, incognisant with the protocols proffered by the World Health Organisation, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and other health agencies, it has provided a work environment that is safe and adequate for workers in carrying out their work. “The Bank has maintained a maximum of 10 per cent of staff who constitute mainly unit heads and “must have� working from its premises during these times of uncertainties, whilst others work remotely from home to adhere to the social distancing directive,� the statement added.

The bank further noted that efforts have been ongoing via its intranet and other channels to keep staff and customers up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 information and provide clear direction and guidance expected of workers and customers. “We have enforced and continued to monitor the need for work-

ers to practice good hygiene, including: frequent hand washing, use of sanitizer, limiting contact with others, including through shaking hands covering their mouths while coughing or sneezing require workers to stay away from the workplace if they are unwell and not fit for work, and encourage them to seek medical advice as appropriate seek advice from health authorities immediately if there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 and for staff who are arriving from affected countries to self-quarantine for 14days,� the financial institution stated.

To ensure seamless banking transactions, the bank explained that customers are constantly communicated to, to adopt its available 24/7 alternate electronic channels. “We have set up a COVID-19 Support Centre to offer COVID-19 safety tips to all our customers during this period, in support of the efforts of the Government and relevant bodies,� it added.

AfDB Launches $3bn COVID-19 Bond The African Development Bank (AfDB) has raised $3 billion in a three-year bond to help alleviate the economic and social impact the Covid-19 pandemic will have on livelihoods and Africa’s economies.

The Fight Covid-19 Social bond, with a three-year maturity, garnered interest from central banks and official institutions, bank treasuries, and asset managers including Socially Responsible Investors, with bids exceeding $4.6 billion.

This was the largest Social Bond ever launched in international capital markets to date, and the largest US Dollar benchmark ever issued by the Bank. It will pay an interest rate of 0.75 per cent.

According to a statement, the AfDB is moving to provide flexible responses aimed at lessening the severe economic and social impact of this pandemic on its regional member countries and Africa’s private sector. “These are critical times for Africa as it addresses the challenges resulting from the Coronavirus. The African Development Bank is taking bold measures to support African countries. This $3 billion Covid-19 bond issuance is the first part of our comprehensive response that will soon be announced. “This is indeed the largest social bond transaction to date in capital markets. We are here

for Africa, and we will provide significant rapid support for countries,� AfDB President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina said.

The order book for this record-breaking bond highlights the scale of investor support, which the African Development Bank enjoys, said the arrangers. “As the Covid-19 outbreak is dangerously threatening Africa, the African Development Bank lives up to its huge responsibilities and deploys funds to assist and prepare the African population, through the financing of access to health and to all other essential goods, services and infrastructure,â€? said Tanguy Claquin, Head of Sustainable Banking, CrĂŠdit Agricole CIB.

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NANTA Gets New President Chinedu Eze The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA) has sworn in Mrs. Susan Akporiaye as the 44th president of association.

Akporiaye took over from Mr. Bankole Bernard, the immediate past president of the association.

Speaking after she was sworn in, Akporiaye assured NANTA members and its stakeholders of continuity, since she was a member of the immediate past executives. “On one hand you are assured of continuity because I was one of the outgoing executives of the last administration. COVID-19, which is currently ravaging the world has become an impediment to reach out physically in the engagement process, but we shall overcome the challenge� Akporiaye said.

According to her, this is the birth of a new beginning as the incoming executive takes over under her leadership as the 44th President of NANTA. “I know there is a huge challenge to re-access our reach and physical engagement process in

view of Covid 19 and the impact on global Travel. We are conscious of the pressure to rebound and gain immediate foothold; yet we are determined to guide our members to follow established federal and states governments protocols on Covid 19 and practice safety and social distancing as recommended by health officials globally�, she said.

She also assured the stakeholders that NANTA is united and in safe hands under her watch, adding that the watchword under her watch would be teamwork. “We must admit that while we have global challenges brought on

by COVID-19. We also do have some pertinent local challenges facing our members and their businesses, which we must confront and come up with effective strategies to address. In due course, the incoming executives shall engage and consult with all of you as stakeholders in order to establish and validate our priorities. I will then be articulating these priorities with strategies on how to move us forward�, Akporiaye stated.

Customs Joint Border Operations Intercept Smuggled Goods Worth N802m Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Zonal Coordinator, Joint Border Drill Operations in charge of the North Central zone, Mr. Mohammed Uba Garba, said his team has intercepted 151 smuggled goods worth over N802 million since its inception.

He also said it also arrested 23 suspects and repatriated 106 illegal migrants during the period under review.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin at the weekend, on the activities of the operation, Mr. Garba said the development was due to the commitment of

the men of the operations to rid the country from the activities of smugglers in the country.

According to him, the seizures were made around Jebba-Mokwa, Okuta, Alapa and Kotangora axis of the sector. He said that, “out of over N802 million worth of goods intercepted, a sum of N98 million worth of smuggled goods were intercepted within the last three weeks in March, 2020.� He stated that, “In keeping to this promise, the sector initiated new anti-smuggling strategies which have led to remarkable feats. “The fight against smuggling activities in the North Central axis will continue to receive a sustained

momentum that will lead to more seizures and enforcement of federal government directives towards curtailing smuggling activities. “I therefore stress the need for all illicit traders to desist from all illegal trades and try to engage in legitimate businesses. “We want to reiterate to all Economic saboteurs and their accomplices that Joint Border Operations Drill Sector 3, will continue to emplace efforts to ensure that any items found to be prohibited will be seized and offenders will be sanctioned accordingly.� He added that, “Officers and men involved in this national assignment have

been mandated and tasked to work tirelessly and confront challenges that militate against our successes; we will continue to build on the achievement made so far in the course of carrying on our mandate.�

Garba stressed that, “It is noteworthy that the federal government has made significant strides to encourage local production. Therefore, all members of the populace are encouraged to take advantage of federal government visible effort transforming the agricultural sector, especially in the area of rice production and its efforts towards industrialisation of the economy.�

SophosLabs Warns against Cybercrime Emma Okonji Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 currently ravaging the world, SophosLabs said it is tracking how the use of ‘COVID-19’ in domain names, spam, phishing attacks, and malware has skyrocketed, thereby creating threat to cybersecurity.

According to SophosLabs, its current tracking showed that the volume of “COVID-19� email scams have nearly tripled in the past week.

It said attackers were also increasingly impersonating the World Health Organisation (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of North America and the United Nations (UN), as evidenced in the scams it tracked recently.

Speaking on the development, Sophos Principal Research Scientist, Chester Wisniewski, said: “Cybercriminals are wasting no time in shifting their dirty, tried and true attack campaigns toward

advantageous lures that prey on mounting virus fears. It’s easy to see that the attackers behind a new Chloroquine scam are the same as those behind a recent herbal Viagra scam�.

Wisniewski, emphasised that, “With global spam volumes estimated to be in the hundreds of billions, for 2-3 per cent of those to be COVID-19 themed is significant. “Similar to recent testing of advertisements and web pages, criminals often dip a toe in the water when there is a new or sensational topic in the news.

If the new topic proves a more effective lure than the previous scam bait they begin switching to new lures. “In one of the spam campaigns we tracked last week, there was evidence of exactly that. These particular criminals had been using fake shipping and delivery emails to convince unsuspecting victims into opening attachments and infecting their computers with the Kryptik Trojan.

NIA, AIO Postpone Conference Ebere Nwoji with Agency report The Nigeria Insurers Association(NIA) in collaboration with the African Insurance Organisation (AIO) has postponed the 47th African Insurance Organisation conference and the general assembly earlier scheduled to hold in Lagos, between May 31st and June 4th, 2020.

The annual conference has been rescheduled tentatively to between October 3rd and 7th, 2020.

The NIA and AIO said the postponement of the meeting was due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Similarly, the global Insurance Market has adopted various measures to respond to the impact of the dreaded COVID-19 which is now a global epidemic.

In Nigeria, the Director –Gen-

eral of NIA, Mrs. Yetunde Ilori, said the decision to postpone the conference followed the outbreak of dreaded Coronavirus disease (COVID -19).

Ilori, further said the NIA has also suspended all its monthly technical committee meetings until further notice and would encourage members to hold virtual meetings where necessary.

She expressed gratitude to all partners who had agreed to sponsor the conference and expressed hope that in spite of the postponement occasioned by the virus, the association would get greater support during the conference in October when it was expected that the disease would have abated. “We thank all the stakeholders for their support and understanding at this time and wish to assure them that Nigeria will still host a memorable conference on the new date�, she appealed.

AGRIC EXPO

L-R: Representative of Minister of Agriculture/State Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agric and Rural Development, Lagos, Mrs. Olayinka Akeredolu; CEO/MD, TAB Group/ Organiser Africa Agri Expo 2020, Mr. Tahir Bari; GMD/CEO, NAHCO Aviance, Mrs. Tokunbo Fagbemi, and Managing Director, Same Duetz Fahr, Mr Marcello Personeni, during the Agri Expo Nigeria 2020, held in Lagos...recently KOLAWOLE ALLI

COVID-19: Paga Introduces Measures to Reduce Cash Handling Chinedu Eze Following the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Paga has announced measures it has taken to reduce cash handling in the country.

Paga founder and Group CEO, Tayo Oviosu said at the weekend in Lagos that the company has made adjustments to its fees, with the aim to help slow the spread of the virus by reducing cash handling in Nigeria.

According to him, Paga has adjusted its transaction fees for instore merchant payments and money transfers.

During this time, merchants can save on transaction fees by accepting payments with Paga

for Zero fees. Customers can send money for free if sending to anyone using the recipient’s phone number or email address versus a bank account. Additionally, customers sending money to bank accounts also enjoy free money transfers for amounts below N5,000.

The company also announced its innovative payment collections page available to all Paga customers - JustPaga.me.

It explained that all Paga customers are eligible to get a free customised web page they can send out to collect money from anyone who owes them.

People paying can pay using their bank cards or Paga account.

The company is taking these

actions in response to the cases of Coronavirus recorded in the past week and the need to reduce handling cash as a way to slow the spread of the virus. “During this period, we understand that people are experiencing a range of difficulties as they try to minimise the risk of exposure. Using mobile money on Paga is the best way to transact without needing physical cash. “You can link multiple banks and transact from one place or load cash into the wallet.

Your cash is always available to you anytime, anywhere.

We are pleased to support by proactively adjusting our fees to help Nigerians navigate the

challenges and uncertainty caused by the Coronavirus,� Oviosu said.

In addition, Paga said it has decided to have its employees work remotely and also taken steps to implement social distancing in the few cases where remote work is currently not feasible.

The company said it has a team of over 500 employees based in Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. “We made the decision for our employees to work remotely to protect them, our communities, and do our part to flatten the curve of spread. During this time, our business will continue as usual and we have measures in place to provide even quality service� Oviosu added.

NBC Calls for Decryption of Local Channels on Pay TVs Emma Okonji The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has directed that all pay subscription broadcasters in Nigeria such GOTv, DSTV, NTA Startimes, FreeTv Platform, among others, to immediately decrypt all local channels on their bouquet to enable subscribers to their services in Nigeria, access without hindrances, daily reports and directives on the

Corona virus pandemic.

According to the NBC’s directive issued through a statement, the directive would last for one month in the first instance.

Further directives on it shall be issued by the Commission after detailed assessments of subsequent development, it added. The NBC had earlier requested broadcast stations to ensure timely basic information and updates on the subject mat-

ter. Daily broadcast monitoring reports so far indicated that broadcast stations across the country have been giving detailed reportage on the campaign for awareness on Corona Virus.

The statement further said the Commission, however, expressed dismay that a few broadcasters aired unsubstantiated news and names of persons purportedly infected by the virus without required professional authentica-

tion. “Broadcasters are further mandated to allot, at least, 10 per cent of their daily airtime to public enlightenment on the virus, in line with national interest and social responsibility, as enshrined in the Nigeria Broadcasting Code. The Commission commends broadcasters that have remained steadfast and displayed professionalism this period,� the statement said.

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SON Takes Campaign against Substandard Products to Alaba Market Eromosele Abiodun In its renewed efforts to fight the influx of fake and substandard products into the country, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has commenced a national sensitisation campaign to various sectors of stakeholders in the country.

Speaking at the taking-off of the programme at the Electronics Section of Alaba International Market in Lagos State, the Director General of SON, Osita Aboloma stressed the need to fight the war against fake and substandard products within the country.

Aboloma, who was represented by a Director from his office, Yahaya Bukar, informed the

traders that both SON and the traders association has decided to constitute a taskforce that would comprise of members of the association as well as officials of SON, with the task of taking regulation closer to the importers and traders.

According to Aboloma “We want to fight the war from within because you know those that are not complying. We know that there are genuine and wellmeaning importers, manufacturers and traders that are highly committed to complying with the requirements of standards. “There are also importers and traders that are not willing to comply with standards. These set of importers and traders are enemies of the public, because

their acts are dangerous to lives and property and a drain to people’s pockets. “We must also protect the businesses of the genuine importers and traders by eradicating substandard products from the markets and ensure that Nigerians get value for the money spent on electronics,� he said. The SON boss also said it was the duty of the agency to make sure that electronic products sold in Nigerian markets are safe to use, especially as the Alaba international market is regarded as the largest electronic market in West Africa. “It is our responsibility also to ensure that electronic products in our markets are safe to use.

It will be a thing of joy also if

the electronics market of Alaba is noted for only good quality products. “This is not impossible to achieve. It only requires your collective effort, dedications, patriotism, truthfulness, uprightness and more importantly, the fear of God, “Aboloma said.

He asserted that the engagement was one of SON’s approach to fight the war against substandard products from within.

The SON boss urged importers to approach the agency to enable them brand their manufactured products with their brand-names rather than using labels of already established foreign brands, which according to him, such acts amount to promoting and creating employment to those

countries nationals. “Substandard and fake electronic gadgets cause lots of hazards including, electrocution, deaths, injuries, loss of revenue, among others. “We seek your contribution as worthy stakeholders in this fight against sub-standard products.

We urge you to avoid noncompliant trade, �he warned.

Speaking earlier, the President of International Markets Association (Electronics) IMAE Alaba International, Paulinus Ugochukwu called on the federal government to address the challenge of power supply and the deplorable access roads to the Alaba International market.

Ugochukwu also admonished the government to reopen the

nation’s land borders, noting that genuine traders and importers have suffered severely from the border closure.

He assured SON that members of the association would continue to adhere to stipulated standards even as he encouraged his colleagues to tilt towards manufacturing their own products rather than importing finished electronic products.

He observed that the theme of the event, “Promoting Self-Regulation to Eradicate Substandard Electronics from Nigerian Markets,� showed the high degree of stakeholders’ engagement by SON to sanitise and rid Nigeria of substandard products.

COVID-19: Ecobank Commits N100m to Radio Campaign Ecobank Nigeria said it has committed about N100 million to drive its National Radio Campaign ‘StaySafeNigeria,’ being part of its corporate actions to support measures to check the rising spread of the coronavirus.

According to the bank, the campaign which is a call to action, creating awareness and educating the populace on safety measures to adopt against the dreaded COVID -19, is currently running in over 50 radio stations across the six geopolitical zones of the country, the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) network news. This amount was in addition to the bank’s contribution as a corporate member of the Bankers Committee and the Nigerian Private Sector led Coalition to raise funds against COVID-19, the details of which it stated would be made public in due course. “The campaign messaging which is in Pidgin, Ibo, Hausa and Yoruba is also being driven through the social media

and is trending extensively on #StaySafeNigeria, #StaySafeNaija, #StaySafe tag following massive support from members of the Creative industry essentially on philanthropic basis,� it added.

The bank in the statement thanked the entertainers and football stars who have so far adopted the campaign as a show of commitment and belief in the bank’s approach in the public enlightenment of Nigerians, ensuring the message is taken to every door step, especially at the grassroots for all citizens to imbibe the ethos of “StaySafeNigeria�.

The bank listed those who have supported to include the Legends of Nollywood, Linda Ikeji, Brodashaggi, Alex Ekubo, Taooma, Sound Sultan, Bolanke Austen Peter’s, Mr Macaroni, Teni Oluwo, Dala Oruwari, former African Footballer of the year, Victor Ikpeba, football legends, Austin Eguavoen, Garba Lawal and Mutiu Adepoju amongst several others.

L-R: Director, Monitoring & Evaluation, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Tunde Adelana; graduate trainee of the Amazon-NCDMB Flaredown project, Mr. Ogbomo Endurance; Group, Chief Executive Officer, Amazon Energy, Mr. Olayinka Oluwatimehin; graduate trainee, Miss. Blessing Amakeme, and General Manager, Capacity Building, NCDMB, Dr. Ama Ikuru, during a graduation ceremony of the trainees under the NOAC Kwale Gas Flaredown project, held in Lagos ...recently KOLAWOLE ALL

Airbus Adapts Wing Production Activity against COVID-19 Chinedu Eze with agency report

European aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, said it is supporting efforts globally to tackle the COVID-19 crisis. The company announced that it has carried out extensive work in coordination with its social partners to ensure the health and safety of its employees by Health Organisations even in our implementing stringent health and business operations. safety measures, while securing “Following recent development business continuity.

Airbus in the spread of the dreaded partially resumed production and virus, we have been constrained assembly work in France and Spain to activate our scenario two on March 23, following a four-day crisis response option to the health crisis, which is voluntary shutdown of our offices, and remote operations from home by all our staff except those James Emejo in Abuja who must absolutely be in the office.

One of the leading technology “On Monday, 23rd March, we companies, Techvibes Limited, tested our business continuity has offered schools free access systems and are confident of to its online learning platform our capability to service our StudyLab 360 to assist schools clients’ needs remotely from cope with the impact of the outside our offices without Covid-19 pandemic. disruption.�

The FCT administration “We shall persevere through recently announced the closure this challenge and believe that of all schools in the territory to together we shall emerge from it with a deeper sense of purpose� he added. The firm appealed for the understanding and cooperation of all clients and As the federal government, other stakeholders to ensure through the Federal Ministry of the success of the remote work Health and the Nigeria Centre mode even as the management for Disease Control (NCDC), team reaffirms their commitment intensifies effort to check the to delivering top notch creative spread of the novel Corona and communications services. virus pandemic in the country,

SO&U Group Suspends Physical Business Operations As the incidences of COVID-19 increase, one of Nigeria’s leading Integrated Marketing Communications Groups, SO&U has announced safety measures to protect its staff, clients and community. The company has announced the temporary suspension of operations at its Opebi and Ikeja GRA locations thus mandating its employees to activate a remote operation and service mode till further notice.

According to the Company’s Group Managing Director, Mr. Udeme Ufot, “ It is our collective responsibility to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and in line with this, the SO&U Group is encouraging its employees, clients and the general public to take precautions necessary to safeguard their health and that of others. “As a business, community and team, we hold firmly to faith and trust that united we will fight and beat the COVID-19 scourge. One of such measures we have immediately embraced is the global call for “Social Distancing� amongst other advisory measures by both the local and International

GRADUATION CEREMONY

pause. At the same time, operations in the UK, Germany and the US continued at normal rates.

Based on the adapted ways of working which reflect the new health and safety measures, Airbus said it was continuing to evaluate its production flow.

In this context, the wing plants in the UK and in Bremen, Germany, have reviewed the additional completed stock levels developed in the recent period and the immediate demand from the Final Assembly Lines as they resume

partial operations. As a result of that review, Airbus said it has decided to adapt the production activity in the wing plants for the next three weeks.

This means that the production and corresponding activities for support to production of the wing plants in Bremen, Filton and Broughton would be reduced, with an extended Easter holiday implemented at Broughton and Filton and a reduced working week at Bremen.

The sites, the company said,

would remain open during this period and would continue to ensure wing deliveries to the final assembly lines, the receipt and control of materials and components from the supply chain, building and installation maintenance, critical administrative support and preparation for activity restart. Employees would continue to perform activities remotely via home working where their activities are not directly related to the production activity being adapted.

Tech Firm Offers Free Online Learning Software forestall any case of coronavirus infection among school pupils.

A statement issued by the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (FCT), had directed that students should not be in school from March 23, assuring that lost time would be catered for subsequently.

However, in a statement, the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Techvibes, Mr. Michael

Oglegba said: “Schooling should not stop with the closure of schools.� He further stressed that schools will be able to access over 10,000 online teaching videos, question banks and analytics covering students’ needs up to S.S.3.

He added that in addition to the assessment items and explanatory videos, teachers can also create and send quizzes remotely.

“The teacher gets performance data on each student, thereby helping the teacher to identify and bridge learning gaps with precision,� he said. He said the company is offering its school administration software, Quampus Plus and award winning online learning software at no cost to schools to help them through the difficult times currently confronting the economy at large.

COVID 19: CBN Disinfects Head Office, Branches the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has commenced the disinfection of its head office and 37 branches.

Disclosing this in Abuja at the weekend, the Director, Corporate Communications Department, Isaac Okorafor said the move

followed a Management directive, which was in line with advisory from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the NCDC that all government establishment should disinfect their offices as a preventive measure against

the virus.

Okorafor also disclosed that the CBN had instructed all Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and other financial institutions operating in Nigeria to take adequate measures to disinfect their offices.

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NNPC’s N11bn Rally against COVID-19 Wale Solomon Nothing exemplifies the harmony and sense of corporate responsibility that now permeates the oil and gas industry as the recent announcement by the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mele Kyari, of the industry’s $30 million intervention fund to combat coronavirus.

It was an unprecedented corporate empathy in scope, timing and the short time it took to rally the industry behind the national effort to combat the deadly COVID -19 which continues to spread in the country.

If this is not the first time the NNPC was acting with such dispatch during a national crisis, it is certainly the first time it mobilised the oil and gas industry for a collective response to the national call.

On Friday March 27, the NNPC GMD led a delegation of the Corporation and representatives of oil companies to deliver coronavirus testing kits, a brand-new ambulance, hospital beds and other in-patient support systems to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.

It was the first day of a four-day deployment plan for a $30 million (N11 billion) donation

by Nigeria’s oil industry for the fight against coronavirus. It was an unmatched industry rally behind Nigeria’s effort to stop the spread of the virus and empower the health system to contain outbreak.

Spearheaded by the NNPC GMD, the donors comprised major upstream oil and gas producers, indigenous upstream producers as well as service providers and downstream players in Nigeria.

Tagged ‘The Oil and Gas Industry Intervention Initiative on COVID-19’, it was an initiative designed to put the country ahead of the pandemic in line with the ongoing federal government’s effort.

It was designed as a three-pronged covid-19 intervention initiative which targeted urgent needs in the areas of diagnostic and protective kits, logistics and in-patient support system and delivery of intensive care facilities.

The intervention would deliver 40 ambulances, 10,000 test kits, 10 million surgical masks, 20,000 respiratory masks, 1,000 ventilators, 120,000 safety gloves, 3,000 oxygen kits and four diagnostic laboratories. The fund would also provide makeshift intensive care facilities with beds and other equipment in states regarded as the epicenter of the pandemic in Nigeria.

The objective is to bring immediate relief to highly impacted epicentres of the virus where cases continue to rise.

For now, Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory have continued to record more numbers while cases have also been recorded in Ogun, Enugu, Oyo, Osun, Bauchi, Edo and Rivers states.

To also benefit from the NNPC largesse are densely populated areas of the country with strong communal transmission of the virus and NNPC operational catchment areas.

Each of the 36 states of the country would also receive at least one retrofitted Toyota Hiace High Roof ambulance, sets of testing kits and sets of patient support system. It is no doubt a timely boost for the country’s health system and the effort to curb spread of coronavirus.

As expected, the NNPC GMD is one to ensure transparency and faultless execution of a plan.

Thus, a governance structure was put in place to supervise all purchases and deliveries. The structure is headed by the NNPC GMD, who is the sponsor of the initiative. Other members of the Steering Committee include the GGM NAPIMS (LEAD), Chairman OPTS, Chairman IPPG, GGM COMD, DAPMAN Chairman, Country Chair, Shell Group of Coys, Chairman & MD, ExxonMobil Coys and Chairman & MD of Chevron Coys.

Kyari The Working Team of the intervention include GM Services of NAPIMS, 5 representatives each from OPTS, IPPG, COMD, NNPC Medical and NNPC Downstream entities.

The working team is guided by an execution plan which kicked-off on Thursday March 26 with a strategy meeting between the NNPC and its partners. It also involved consultations between the team and selected states on sites where makeshift intensive care units would be located in the states.

This would be followed on the second day by deployment of testing kits and ambulances to Abuja and Lagos.

On the third day, March 28, the team led by Kyari would inaugurate the makeshift ICU at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital. On the same day, testing kits and ambulances would be deployed to 12 states including all the states with covid-19 cases. Sunday, March 29 would be the turn of Lagos State to have the makeshift ICU installed and take deliveries of testing kits and ambulances. The team would make similar deliveries in additional 12 states same day.

The intervention would round-off on Monday March 31 with the inauguration of regional

makeshift ICUs in the six geo-political zones of the country. The exercise would conclude with the deployment of testing kits and ambulances to the remaining 12 states.

All the states which got the team’s makeshift ICU would take deliveries of all critical hospital equipment and items expected in an intensive care unit of any modern hospital. The equipment donated includes: an oxygen generating plant; one brand new ambulance, six NNPC operational ambulance vehicles, two ventilators, patient monitor, hospital beds, bedside cupboards, overtop tables, air conditioners, fully automated 5-part hematology analyzer and semi-automated chemistry analyzer.

While announcing the intervention fund, the NNPC GMD said “Health systems, the world over, are getting overwhelmed. Countries with stronger health systems are struggling to contain the disease. “It is obvious that to fight this menace, we all have to collaborate to ensure that Nigeria defeats the virus.� According to him, the intervention was aimed at supporting the national healthcare delivery facilities. Kyari further said the project covered three key areas, namely :(a) Provision of medical consumables.

(b)Deployment of logistics and in-patient support system. (c) Delivery of medical infrastructure.�

He said the three thematic support initiatives amount to $30 million (N11 billion) adding that “To address the increasing demand for medical services, we are immediately providing medical consumables covering testing kits, medical protective suits and ambulances to the highly impacted areas of the federation.�

What the intervention has shown, among other things, is that NNPC and the oil and gas industry care about the health and safety of the country, its people and its economy. NNPC in particular has demonstrated capacity for empathy and to be proactive when the need arises. The Corporation, the oil industry along with other sectors, have intervened at a time of uncertainties when a virus poses an existential threat to the world.

NNPC under Kyari has continued to demonstrate result-oriented approaches to challenges in the industry and the nation in a way many had thought impossible. We are seeing an uncommon commitment to a vibrant, prosperous and transparent industry, and to the nation. t4PMPNPO XSJUFT GSPN 4VSVMFSF -BHPT

Keystone Bank Pledges N1bn in Fight against COVID-19 Nume Ekeghe As part of effort to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in Nigeria, Keystone Bank has announced the donation of N1 billion for the purchase of relief materials, critical care facilities and protective gear to contain the spread of the virus.

The pledge was made during the Bankers’ Committee meeting

held recently to support the Central Bank of Nigeria in its bid to raise funds for the fight against coronavirus pandemic through the newly-formed Nigerian Private Sector Coalition Committee against COVID-19.

In a statement at the weekend, the Acting Managing Director, Mr. Olaniran Olayinka, explained that the decision to make the pledge was part of the bank’s

corporate social responsibility pillar to provide an enabling environment by improving the well-being and health of the communities wherein we operate.

Olayinka stated: “What we have is a situation that calls for an inclusive support for humanity. A time that all hands must be on deck to support the assiduous effort

the government is making to manage the situation. “The decision to support the government’s effort is consistent with our unshakable resolve to promote health initiatives which is very key pillar in our corporate social responsibility plans. It is also crucial in our role as a signatory to the principles of responsible banking by the

United Nations Environment Finance Initiative working to achieve a sustainable future. “At Keystone Bank, we remain firmly committed to our promise of supporting Nigerians to thrive and this means for us showing up when it matters most. For us, this is one of such moments�.

Olayinka expressed optimism that the current

pandemic will soon be a thing of the past. “I am very confident that the current prevailing health challenge will soon be an episode in the footnote of our history; We have the capable human resources, the will of the part of the government and the support of every Nigerian to end the pandemic at the earliest possible time.�

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Potential in Green Revolution Aminat Jegede Introduction With the global sensitisation on the adverse effect of climate change and the various movements to reduce it, more countries are shifting towards cleaner sources of energy including renewables and natural gas. To tackle the infrastructural challenges of utilizing natural gas, especially the huge capital outlay necessary for transporting natural gas from the producing fields to consumers, focus is now on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

In Nigeria, the domestic gas industry is still plagued with several challenges, including lack of market-driven pricing mechanism and unclear legal framework, which has led to a deficiency of gas availability, affordability and deliverability.

Nonetheless, in recent times, some factories in the country are switching to CNG, to minimise energy cost, while contributing to the global efforts to reduce global warming.

In an interesting development, the federal government is also mulling the possibility of switching from the conventional premium motor spirit (PMS) to CNG, with the aim of making fuel cheaper and to reduce the budgetary spend on PMS subsidy.

Thus, CNG is gaining more popularity in the country as an alternative energy source, amongst other uses. Nonetheless, the existing players in the sector continue to clamour for market driven pricing and clear fiscal framework, to attract more investments. It is incontrovertible that businesses will flourish and enhance economic growth, when there is adequate return on investment, amongst other factors. Investment in CNG is no exception!

CNG- simply methane (CH4) is made by compressing natural gas to less than one percent of the volume it occupies at standard atmospheric pressure. Its combustion produces fewer carbon deposits than other forms of fuels and it can be used in place of gasoline (for cooking and power generation), diesel fuel and liquified petroleum gas. CNG is usually stored and distributed in spherical and cylindrical containers.

To use CNG, the combustion engine of automobiles or other machines (such as generators) may have to be modified or manufactured for CNG use, either alone (dedicated) with a segregated gasoline system, to extend range (dual fuel), or in conjunction with another fuel such as diesel (bi-fuel). CNG is eco-friendlier and more efficient for engines as it produces far fewer harmful emissions and hydrocarbons.

Factors to aid investment in CNG A key factor for the survival of a CNG business is the ease of access to its main raw material i.e. natural gas (because CNG requires higher volume of gas to compress/store the energy equivalent of gasoline or petrol), as well as access to the market.

In a country plagued with gas pipeline/ infrastructural deficit, which has also been identified as one of the impediments to the growth of the sector, CNG presents a solution as it is transported via virtual pipeline distribution models that eradicate the need for long distance pipeline constructions, with attendant cost savings. The authors have therefore highlighted some factors that could aid new investments in the CNG space under the following sub-headings: Adequate Gas Supply CNG businesses should seek to partner with existing gas producers to ensure continuous flow of gas supply for their operation. Alternatively, they could explore the possibility of “backward integration� for this purpose.

Regular availability of natural gas will lead to increase in the investor traction into the sector and ensure that the much-needed competition required in every industry is achieved.

Enhanced Transportation Infrastructure A robust transportation network is necessary to connect CNG players to both suppliers and customers in a cost-efficient manner. The deplorable state of some of the major highways in Nigeria, may therefore be a deterrent to the growth of the sector. In this regard, development of other modes of transportation (one of the current focus of the FGN) – for example, the rail network - may be explored as the inherent benefits of increased investments in CNG far outweighs the cost of the infrastructure to the Nigerian economy.

the other issues highlighted above, as impeding the growth of the sector should be addressed.

Ultimately, market dynamics should be allowed to determine gas prices to ensure its continuous availability. And there should be a transparent and hitch free licensing process for proposed CNG outlet investors.

Beyond the specifics noted above, it is essential that the FGN continues to set clear strategies and policies that are geared towards increasing investment in the Nigerian gas sector. It has been previously highlighted by stakeholders that the existing legal and tax framework, were written primarily for oil, and thus, do not provide robust technical, tax and commercial framework for gas as a unique resource.

Consequently, new policies should be formulated to drive sustainable investment in the sector. For instance, the implementation of the Nigerian gas flare commercialisation program, launched by the FGN, should be pursued with vigor, in order to improve gas supply for CNG and other businesses whose feedstock is gas.

Enhanced Safety Standards/ Regulations Countries that have adopted the extensive use of CNG have put in place high technical and safety standards for the development of CNG supply/ retail stations. Thus, in Nigeria, existing and new standards need to be enforced for the design of CNG stations, the materials required for building the various components of the CNG fuel system installation and maintenance of CNG cylinders and kits.

Although, CNG has less combustion properties than other forms of fuels (such as PMS or Liquefied Petroleum Gas), it is also flammable and needs to be handled with care and caution. If appropriate safety measures are not enacted and enforced, CNG operation badly managed may result in unwarranted loss of human and material resources.

Possible investment vehicles for CNG This has the potential of eliminating start up hurdles. It also provides such investor the instant access to the existing market and distribution network of the acquired business. However, extensive due diligence, including a tax health check of the business to be acquired, should be conducted before the acquisition, to forestall unpleasant financial loss.

Sylva Market Driven Pricing Gas projects are generally long term and very capital intensive. However, the current state of the Nigerian gas industry has shown that the pricing regime is not sufficiently attractive to potential investors, despite the vast opportunities. Industry players have continued to clamor for gas pricing that is based on appropriate commercial terms between a willing buyer and a willing seller. Thus, to boost gas availability for CNG purposes, a holistic approach to gas pricing that will accommodate the dynamics for gas and create a headway for businesses within the gas value chain to thrive concurrently is paramount. We are aware that the federal government of Nigeria is already considering a new regulation to address it and other related matters. However, speed is of the essence. We therefore implore the government to take this as a matter of priority.

Gas projects are generally long term and very capital intensive. However, the current state of the Nigerian gas industry has shown that the pricing regime is not sufďŹ ciently attractive to potential investors, despite the vast opportunities. Industry players have continued to clamor for gas pricing that is based on appropriate commercial terms between a willing buyer and a willing seller

Fiscal incentives – the role of Government Excessive taxation does not encourage investment because it depresses returns on investors’ funds.

Investment in CNG project entails huge capital outlay on which business owners seek decent return within a reasonable period. It is probably in recognition of this that the government enacted certain incentives for production and utilisation of natural gas. For instance, gas income and profit are taxed under the Companies Income Tax Act at the rate of 30 per cent as against the rate of 85 per cent or 65.75 per cent under the Petroleum Profit Tax Act (PPTA) for oil production. In addition, the capital and operational expenditure from the utilization of associated gas projects that cannot be separated from those incurred on crude oil, can be taken against oil income. Downstream operations in the sector are also eligible for tax free period, accelerated capital allowance and tax-free interest on loans (where applicable).

Incidentally, the above incentives appear to have been targeted at the CNG producers themselves and their suppliers of natural gas, but not the end users, particularly, industrial consumers, without which there would be no market for CNG itself.

Thus, it is suggested that similar incentives as described above should be extended to industrial users of CNG, to bolster the market and guarantee a decent return on investment. For instance, the profit of companies who solely produce CNG cylinders, and automobile companies that produce cars that run on CNG may be partially or fully exempted from tax. Alternatively, such companies could be included in the category of businesses that will pay CIT at concessionary rate of twenty percent (20%).

It is on record that the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) recently announced a corporate partnership with an indigenous gas company, for the immediate conversion of PMS consuming vehicles to CNG fired ones and for the building of CNG retail outlets across the country.

And that a National Gas Expansion Program Committee has been set up to steer the gas sector for optimal performance and better utilisation of Nigeria’s abundant gas resources. Nonetheless,

Joint Ventures Two or more investors can consider entering into joint venture arrangements to jointly incur costs and bear the risks in setting up a CNG company.

Buying a Franchise Purchasing a franchise also has higher probabilities of business success and growth. An investor can use the brand of an already successful CNG business to create its own niche in the CNG market.

Enquiries should however be made to find a good franchise that provides opportunities for growth and requires less investment to manage.

Direct Investment Investors can also set up their own CNG plants and distribution channels. Given that this is highly capital intensive, it is important that proper feasibility studies on the viability of the proposed business model is carried out, to understand the dynamics of the project, projected timelines of expected returns and the risk associated with the project.

Conclusion Despite the associated costs for converting plants and engines for CNG use, and the challenges faced by Nigeria in enhancing gas utilisation in the country, it is undisputable that utilization of CNG will be environmentally, economically and socially beneficial to the economy and its citizenry.

Additional investment in the gas sector through CNG or in any of the gas value chain will create jobs and further strengthen the Nigerian economy.

This has the potential to save some of the foreign exchange being utilized for fuel importation, put an end to the fuel scarcity occasionally experienced in the country and lift people out of poverty.

Based on available records, Nigeria is primarily a gas province, with some oil reserves. Thus, if the proven gas reserves of the country are developed and complimented with a holistic development of the entire gas value chain, it will stimulate the astronomical growth of the economy. However, the achievement of this growth is largely hinged on the determination of the FGN to encourage and attract local and foreign investment to the gas sector.

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Central Banks and Digital Currency Tao Zhang This afternoon, we’re going to take up a topic that everybody seems to be talking about these days – namely, central bank digital currency (CBDC). This is a “widely accessible, digital form of fiat money that can be legal tender,� and a recent BIS survey of central banks shows that 80 per cent were exploring CBDC. I’ll start by laying out what I see as some of the main pros and cons of CBDC, as well as their international implications. I’ll say a few words about a few recent pilot experiences with these currencies, and also about some variants and alternatives to CBDCs. Finally, I will close by sharing what the IMF is doing in this area.

Digital currencies issued by central banks can bring a number of benefits.

First, a more efficient payments system. In some countries, the cost of managing cash can be very high on account of geography, and access to the payments system may not be available to the unbanked, rural, or poorer population. CBDCs can decrease costs and enhance efficiency.

Second, enhanced financial inclusion. CBDC may provide a public digital means of payment without requiring individuals to hold a bank account.

Third, more stability and lower barriers to entry for new firms in the payments system. In some countries (such as Sweden and China), we observe an increasing concentration of payment systems in the hands of a few, very large companies. In this context, some central banks view having their own digital currency as a means to enhance the resilience of the payments system and increase competition in the sector.

Fourth, enhanced monetary policy. Some academic scholars have suggested that by promoting financial inclusion, CBDC can also enhance the transmission of monetary policy. Moreover, to the extent that cash use is made costly, CBDC could be used to charge negative interest rates and thus help alleviate the constraint on monetary policy transmission due to the “effective lower bound.�

And fifth, a means of countering new digital currencies. A domestically issued digital currency backed by a trusted government, denominated in the domestic unit of account, may help limit the adoption of privately issued currencies (e.g. stable coins), which may be difficult to regulate and could pose risks to financial stability and monetary policy transmission.

Despite the potential benefits, risks from CBDC can emerge. Measures need to be taken to mitigate the risks by getting the design of CBDC right.

Let me start with the risk of banking-sector disintermediation. Individuals could move their money from deposits at commercial banks to CBDC holdings. Banks in turn might feel pressed to raise deposit rates or access more expensive (and volatile) wholesale funding, weighing on profitability and possibly leading to more expensive or lower provision of credit to the real economy.

Such disintermediation risks could be mitigated with a CBDC that does not bear interest (at least in an environment of positive deposit rates), and with limits on CBDC holdings.

Another issue to consider is so-called “run risk.�

In times of crisis, bank customers could flee from deposits to CBDC, which might be seen as safer and more liquid. However, credible deposit insurance should continue to dissuade runs. Moreover, if a run occurred, the central bank would be more easily able to respond to banks’ liquidity needs with CBDC. In addition, in many countries around the world, bank runs typically coincide with runs from the currency.

Thus, independent of the existence of local-currency CBDC, depositors might seek refuge in a foreign currency.

Next, there are implications for central bank balance sheets and credit allocation. In case demand for CBDC is high, the central bank’s balance sheet could grow considerably. In addition, the central bank may need to provide liquidity to banks that experience rapid and large funding outflow. As a result, central banks would take on credit risk and have to decide how to allocate funds across banks, opening the door to political interference.

CBDCs also imply costs and risks to the central bank. Offering CBDC could be very costly for central banks, and it could pose risks to their reputations. Offering full-fledged CBDC requires central banks to be active along several steps of the payments value chain, potentially including

interfacing with customers, building front-end wallets, picking and maintaining technology, monitoring transactions, and being responsible for AML/CFT issues. Failure to satisfy any of these functions, because of technological glitches, cyberattacks, or simply human error, could undermine the central bank’s reputation.

Policy makers around the world are actively considering the best way to address these issues, taking into account countries’ own circumstances.

Among all the options, one potential way for the central bank to mitigate some of these costs and risks while offering a safe alternative to cash would be to enter into a partnership with the private sector to provide a synthetic version of CBDC (sCBDC). The private sector would issue coins fully backed with central bank reserves, under the supervision of the central bank.

Advantages relative to full-fledged CBDC include preserving comparative advantages, with the private sector to innovate and interface with customers and the public sector to regulate and provide settlement services and trust. This would be a two-tiered system not unlike current arrangements whereby banks provide payment

In times of crisis, bank customers could ee from deposits to CBDC, which might be seen as safer and more liquid.

However, credible deposit insurance should continue to dissuade runs. Moreover, if a run occurred, the central bank would be more easily able to respond to banks’ liquidity needs with CBDC. In addition, in many countries around the world, bank runs typically coincide with runs from the currency

services to customers but settle in central bank money.

In addition, sCBDC could be less costly and risky for the central bank. Consider the CB not having to run customer due diligence, nor being directly responsible for AML/CFT compliance. Also, the CB would not be responsible for technological glitches, designing the user interface, or answering customer service lines.

However, sCBDC would require additional oversight on the part of the CB and establishing clear criteria to obtain an sCBDC license and access CB reserves. sCBDC also has advantages relative to privately issued stable coins (including global stablecoins).

Stablecoins seek to minimize price fluctuations by backing their issuance with assets (including globally used fiat currencies) or by managing their outstanding supply using algorithms. Global stablecoins are those that could scale rapidly by leveraging existing network of clients for other services or goods offered. Being backed

by CB reserves and supervised directly by the CB, sCBDC could be safer than stable coins.

All that I’ve said so far relates to the domestic implications of CBDC, but there are important international repercussions as well, and as you can imagine, we at the IMF are extremely interested in those as well. On the one hand, a CBDC used as an international means of exchange could improve the efficiency of cross-border payments, which are currently costly, slow, and opaque.

But at the same time, CBDC available across borders could increase the probability of currency substitution (“dollarization�) in countries with high inflation and volatile exchange rates and therefore reduce the ability of the central bank to conduct an independent monetary policy.

Moreover, a CBDC used across borders could also have an impact on capital flow movements, the effectiveness of capital flow management measures, and the international monetary system I hope that all this discussion makes it clear that the decision to issue CBDC is an incredibly complicated matter, and there are lots of factors to be taken into account before proceeding. Whether the pros outweigh the cons will depend very much on individual country circumstances, and there are plenty of international spillovers to consider as well.

Countries differ substantially in the extent to which they are actively exploring digital currencies and in just how close they might be to issuing such currencies.

Some countries recently have launched pilots to develop experience with CBDC. Some countries

have run or are preparing pilot projects to explore the feasibility and the implications of CBDC. To do so, they have increased resources allocated to CBDC and fintech research at the central bank, sometimes in partnership with private sector advisors. Several countries are also reviewing and revising legislation to support CBDC in the event it was to be issued. And they are actively studying the potential implications of competing CBDC designs. Some authorities are also engaging with the public and their legislatures to discuss the possibility of issuing CBDC. Some other countries are investigating CBDC, though they are also exploring alternatives.

Regarding CBDC, these countries mostly focus on undertaking analysis and doing some limited, hands-on testing of technology. A final group of countries do not see an immediate need to issue CBDC. They are focusing instead on improving existing payment arrangements and strengthening regulation. Some are exploring synthetic CBDC and yet others are thinking about other ways to improve payment systems (such as “fast payments�) without issuing CBDC at all.

Recently, we’ve seen an increase in central banks’ interest in CBDC following the announcement

by Facebook of its Libra initiative. The G7 set up a working group on stable coins that produced a report published in October 2019.

At the IMF, we have been ramping up our research, analysis, and overall thinking on CBDCs, and indeed, on Fintech in general. Together with the World Bank, the IMF produced the Bali Fintech Agenda, which offers a framework to guide policymakers in thinking about how to regulate Fintech in their jurisdictions. We also routinely publish Fintech Notes, Staff Discussion Notes and Working papers on issues related to Fintech and CBDC, specifically. In January, for instance, we came out with a note on “Institutional Arrangements for Fintech Regulation and Supervision� and another on the “Regulation of Crypto-Assets.�

And we also collaborate with other international organizations and standard setters, such as the Financial Stability Board (FSB) and Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructure (CPMI).

The Fund is also a member of the G7 Working Group on Digital Payments.

This is, as I’ve tried to emphasie, an incredibly rich area for policy experimentation and discussion, and I look forward to hearing your views during the remaining sessions this afternoon. r Zhang, who is a Deputy Managing Director at the IMF gave the keynote address at the London School of Economics, recently

34

IMAGES

L-R: Managing Director, ADASSA Energy Limited, Agatha Obiekwugo; Managing Director/CEO, Nepal Oil and Gas Limited, Ngozi Ekeoma; Group Executive Director, Rainoil Group, Mrs. Godrey Ogbechie; Managing Director, Energy and Infrastructure Finance Investments Ltd, Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani and Managing Director, Energy Institute in Nigeria, Yewande Abiose, at the breakfast session to commemorate the international women’s day Organized by Women in Energy Network in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍąÍŽËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

Photo Editor ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ ÔËÖË Email Ă‹ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜Ë›Ă‹Ă”Ă‹Ă–Ă‹ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ù×

The main gate of Abuja Central Mosque completely shut down at Friday prayer time to curb the spread of COVID 19 in Abuja...recently PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN

R-L: Deputy National Chairman of APC South West Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Lagos State Governor,Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu,Kano State Governor, Alh Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Mr Dele Alake, APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Dr Junaidu Muhammad,during a courtesy visit to Tinubu at his Bourdillon Residence Ikoyi, Lagos...recently

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (right), and his Special Adviser on Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya (left) during an inspection of the COVID-19 Emergency Food Response by the Lagos Government, at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives premises in Agege...recently

Minister of State Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ramatu Tijjani, fumigating at Kadobiko market in Gwarimpa Abuja to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Abuja...recently PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN

R-L: Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu; Commander of RRS, Tunji Disu and others going round markets and Stores to ensure compliance with the directives against the spread of COVID 19 pandemic in Lagos...recently

The COVID-19 Emergency Food Response, initiated by the Lagos Government, at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives premises, Agege, inspected by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Lagos...recently

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T H I S D AY Ëž ÍąÍŽËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

Wuse Market shut down by the oder of the FCT Minister to check the spread of corona virus in Abuja... recently PHOTO: JULIUS ATOI

A woman selling hand gloves and mouth cover at lle-Epo market...recently

PHOTO: KOLA OLASUPO

L-R: VP, Customer and Dealer Experience, Oluseyi Folaranmi; Director, Corporate Services, Timi Tope Ologunoye; VP, Consumer Business Group, Mayokun Fadeyibi; Dean, School of Transport, Lagos State University, Prof Samuel Odewumi; Faculty Member, School of Transport, Olayiwola Giwa and VP, Trade, Cars45 Mohammed Iyamu at the launch of the Cars45 Middle-Manager Fast Track Programme in Lagos... recently

Some people coming out from a prayer/social gathering venue in Ejigbo LCDA despite the Lagos State Government ban on social gathering of up to 20 person as a preventive measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the state...recently

This is Oladipo Motor spare market shut down in compliance to Government order on Covid 19 in Mushin, Lagos...recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

People preventing themselves against the deadly Coronavirus otherwise known as Covid-19, at Oja Oba, Lagos...recently PHOTO: KOLA OLASUPO

L-R: Mr. Power Agwaretoma;Mrs.Helen Obodo; Manager, Research / Communications Strategy, Caritas Communications, Mr. Ejiro Obodo; Evangelist, Rainbow Christian Assembly, Orode Obodo; and his wife, Mrs Dougherty Obodo, at the burial ceremony of Deaconess Queen Oharisi, mother of Ejiro Obodo in Kokori Inland, Delta State...recently

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T H I S D AY Ëž ÍąÍŽËœ 2020

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Polaris Provides 400 Beds, Others in COVID-19 Fight Hamid Ayodeji Polaris Bank said it has given a boost to government efforts in the fight against coronavirus (Covid-19).

To this end, the bank explained in a statement at the weekend, that it has acquired 400 specialised hospital beds, complete with mattresses and accessories.

The beds according to the bank would be handed over to the Lagos State Government; being the state most hit by the pandemic, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other state governments.

The Bank also announced that it would be partnering with the Nigeria Coalition Against COVID-19 (NCAC), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Health Institutions and State Governments in stemming

the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic by delivering additional materials to cover the areas of testing, isolation, treatment and training.

The statement quoted the Managing Director/CEO, Polaris Bank, Tokunbo Abiru, to have disclosed this in a letter to customers and stakeholders of the bank.

He explained that the bank, working with relevant partners and government, remains committed to “doing everything possible to keep our environment safe for all�. “At Polaris Bank, we will continue to devote all necessary resources to contribute to the safety of our esteemed customers and our environment as a whole, while maintaining all of the banking services you need to stay safe.�

The bank chief also affirmed

his commitment to the total well-being of Nigerians and the fight against COVID-19 noting that, “as new developments emerge, the bank would continue to share information about safety of its staff and working environment as well as the efficiency of its operations and service to stakeholders.

Polaris Bank had in the wake of the outbreak of COVID 19 activated its Business Continuity Plan (BCP) which ensures that it can maintain its operations and enable financial transactions, even during critical incidents. “The bank had suspended all corporate events, travels, and outdoor activities as well as enforced social distancing which ensured that all staff who have just returned from travels outside Nigeria are placed on self-isolation.�

MARKET INDICATORS

‌Stanbic IBTC Runs Skeletal Operations As part of the plans to safeguard the lives of its staff and customers and also prevent the spread of Covid-19, Stanbic IBTC Holdings has announced that it has started running skeletal operations.

The Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Yinka Sanni, said the action was necessitated by the need to safeguard members of the public, given the rising number of individuals who have tested positive to Covid-19. He commended the actions taken by the government thus far, such as banning of large gatherings, closure of schools and certain offices, all aimed at managing the spread of the virus.

He, however, stated that a lot more needs to be done to manage the situation given

that the Covid-19 was the most serious world health emergency in a century.

The Stanbic IBTC Holdings Chief Executive said: “As a responsible corporate citizen, we will also be playing our own part. Effective immediately, we will be operating skeletal services in terms of our operations. “A good number of our workforce will work from home and only critical staff will be physically present at our premises and branches including head office campuses. If you already haven’t, this is the best time to switch to digital. “Our full range of financial services can be accessed on our various platforms- ATM, Mobile App, Online Banking and USSD

platforms. Our multi lingual customer service lines are also available to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.� “While some branches of Stanbic IBTC Bank will be shut, customers can still make transactions in other. The bank’s branches which will remain open are located in Oba Akran, Alausa, Akoka, Surulere, Mushin and Idumagbo, Lagos State. “Other Stanbic IBTC Bank branches that will remain open in Lagos are situated at Lekki Admiralty, Ikota, Ajose Adeogun, Apapa and Satellite Town. “Selected Stanbic IBTC Branches will also remain open in the South East, South West, North Central and North West areas of Nigeria,� he added.

CRC Credit Bureau Offers Safety Tips The Managing Director/CEO, CRC Credit Bureau Limited, Mr. ‘Tunde Popoola, said his firm is are deeply concerned about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on businesses and the economy.

In a notice to customers, Popoola, said in times of upheaval such as this, it was imperative to stay calm and work together to beat the virus as a country and indeed as humanity. “In response to this, CRC Credit Bureau has further strengthened current practices to safeguard the health of its employees, customers and other stakeholders “We understand the importance of the role we play in credit decision making and with

digitalisation, it is imperative that decisions can still be taken within seconds. “Therefore, with the current realities, we seize this opportunity to once again reassure you of our commitment to ensure that we deliver products and services that enable, our stakeholders make informed decisions that enhance access to credit for strategic growth and continue to deliver value to our stakeholders during this time.�

According to him, “Our support staff are available to assist for prompt resolution of inquiries via our help desk platform. This allows you make your requests or chat directly with a member of the support

team online real time. “All alternative channels of communication e.g. email addresses and telephone numbers for further contact are also available on the help desk platform and our website ‘Contact Us’ page for speedy resolutions. “Direct messages can also be sent via our social media handles. For ease of reference, kindly click on the social media icon buttons below to follow us and leave a message. You can also click the link in bio to download the mobile app. “Our Application Programming Interface (API) is also operational 24/7 to enable our partner institutions access information to ensure uninterrupted business operations.�

S’Africa May Approach IMF for ‘Health Funding’ South Africa may approach the International Monetary Fund and World Bank for funding to fight the coronavirus that threatens to drag the country’s economy deeper into recession, Reuters quoted the country’s Finance Minister Tito Mboweni, to have said in the Sunday Times newspaper. “This morning in a conversation with the (central) Reserve Bank and the Treasury I indicated that we should proceed and speak to the IMF and the World Bank

about any facility that we can access for health purposes,�

Mboweni said in an interview with the weekly newspaper.

South Africa entered a 21-day lockdown on Friday, with people restricted to their homes and most businesses shuttered. The country has reported 1,187 cases of coronavirus and now almost certainly faces a deep recession.

On Friday, the country lost its last investmentgrade credit rating when

Moody’s downgraded South Africa to junk, citing persistently weak growth, fast-rising debt and the impact of an unreliable electricity supply. “We take no ideological position in approaching the IMF and World Bank.

They are creating facilities for this environment and SA should also take advantage of those facilities in order to relieve pressure on the fiscus,� Mboweni said in the interview.

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

SEPTEMBER 2019 Money Supply (M3)

35,029,779.72

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

7,374,356.91

Money Supply (M2)

27,655,422.82

-- Quasi Money

116,533,891.21

-- Narrow Money (M1)

11,121,531.60

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,625,047.69

---- Demand Deposits

9,496,483.91

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

13,911,335.83

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

21,118,443.89

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

35,918,179.45

---- Credit to Government (Net)

10,452,199.38

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

11,007,422.79

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

25,465,980.07

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-14,799,735.56

--Other Assets Net

7,000,253.07

Reserve Money (Base Money

2,005,600.83

--Currency in Circulation

4,677,530.81

--Banks Reserves

317,121.43

Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

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OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT THURSDAY, 26 MARCH 2020

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $26.04 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $26.94 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), 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

Sterling Bank Grows Profit After Tax by 15% to N10.6bn Goddy Egene Sterling Bank Plc has announced its audited results for the year ended December 31, 2019, showing higher top and bottom lines. Gross earnings stood at N150.2 billion, up from N148.7 billion in 2018.

Profit after tax (PAT) rose from N9.2 billion to N10.6 billion in 2019, showing an increase of 15 per cent.

Commenting on the financial performance, the

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sterling Bank Plc, Abubakar Suleiman, said the bank recorded an increase in gross earnings, driven majorly by growth in fees and commissions by 24.3 per cent, despite a steady loan base – as it continues to diversify into key sectors of focus - and a decline in trading income.

According to him, in 2019, the bank delivered more than 200 per cent increase

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

in loans to its retail and consumer segment with its loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR) above the regulatory limit all year round.

Abubakar explained that the bank’s digital lending product continued to set the trend with more than N45 billion disbursed to more than 50,000 customers. “Also, interest expense declined by 10.9 per cent driven by a 19.4 per cent increase in low-cost deposits as the bank

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

continues to grow its retail & consumer base, resulting in a 110 bps drop in the cost of funds and consequently, a 130 bps increase in net interest margin,� he said.

According to the CEO, the bank’s cost-to-income ratio remained relatively flat yearon-year, even as operating expenses grew on the back of staff salaries and wages and spend on technology infrastructure as well as digital platforms.

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

Suleiman said the bank grew its deposit base by over N130 billion in deposits representing over 75 per cent growth from its 2018 performance of about N75billion, and shareholders’ funds grew by 22.2 per cent at the end of the year.

He also noted that investments in technology have also allowed the bank to continuously record steady growth in the instant payments market contributing

O F

to the bank’s transactional revenue. Also, the bank has continued to see traction in machine supported transactions, driven by the adoption of its digital channels. As a direct result, Sterling’s NIBBS Instant Payments (NIP) transaction volume grew by 78 percent compared to the previous year, faster than the industry growth while recording the fastest growth in Fees & Commission income in comparison with its peers.

2 6 / 0 3 / 2 0 2 0 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

38

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

NASCON Allied Industries Posts N27bn Revenue, N3bn Profit before Tax Goddy Egene

NASCON Allied Industries Plc, a member of Dangote Group, has recorded a revenue of N27.487 billion for the year ended December 31, 2019, showing an increase of 6.9 per cent compared with N25.769 billion posted in 2018.

Cost of sale jumped from N17.989 billion to N21.647 billion, bringing the gross profit from N7.781 billion in 2018 to N5.840 billion in 2019.

Administrative expenses rose from N1.868 billion to N2.044 billion, while financing cost stood at N223 million.

However, profit before tax dipped

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

to N2.7 billion from N6.5 billion, while the company ended with profit after tax of N1.845 billion, compared with N4.42 billion in 2018.

NASCON recently said its new multi-billion plant was set to take off, assuring the host community in Apapa of economic development and employment opportunities for

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 26Mar-2020, unless otherwise stated.

the people.

The Managing Director, NASCON, Mr. Paul Farrer, who was represented by the Chief Financial Officer, Mrs. Aderemi Saka, .

According to him, the company produces family-oriented products such as salt and seasonings, noting

that the location of the its plant the community will add flavour and taste to their activities as these are products used every day in families.

He urged the community to see NASCON as a partner in progress and ensure that the relationship is nurtured for growth

through constant engagement and consultations on issues.

Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area, Mr. Abdulfatai Ayoola had described the new plant as a huge blessing to the community which he said would boost economic activities within the environs.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 113.35 116.99 -22.63% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 6.50% Nigeria International Debt Fund 294.32 294.32 -5.81% 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 8,686.00 514463.58% ACAP Income Funds 0.76 0.76 34.40% 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 2.46 2.51 -0.24% 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 N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Discovery Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 86.41 87.01 -10.07% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.12% 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 7.00% Paramount Equity Fund 9.65 10.04 -22.05% Women's Investment Fund 104.32 105.15 -5.56% 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 6.33% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 92.36 92.74 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 99.17 99.65 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 4.84% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.81 0.82 -12.27% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.31 1.31 -1.05% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 5.87% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 5.24% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,186.02 1,189.76 2.14% 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 1,294.68 1,296.32 0.28% FBN Balanced Fund 129.20 130.07 -12.00% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.19% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 111.78 112.61 -6.26% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 112.36 113.19 -6.23% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 101.31 102.48 -22.15% 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 7.32% Legacy Debt Fund 3.72 3.72 1.67% Legacy Equity Fund 0.94 0.95 -17.05% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.09 1.09 1.05% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 2,819.85 2,848.62 -5.48% Coral Income Fund 3,139.44 3,139.44 14.53% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 6.39% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.26% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 114.98 115.72 5.79%

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 5.42% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.05 2.09 -6.33% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 10.87% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 136.48 136.85 -4.89% 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 1.13 1.15 -3.12% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,128.36 1,128.36 2.70% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.33 1.35 8.99% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.31 12.34 8.87% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 6.00% PACAM Equity Fund 0.91 0.91 PACAM EuroBond Fund 85.12 87.11 SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 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 -5.29% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 1.60% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 -13.48% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 1.85% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 -13.59% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.53% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 -13.44% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.16 1.16 1.36% 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 9.01 9.11 -12.36% Zenith Ethical Fund 10.78 10.87 -7.29% Zenith Income Fund 23.25 23.25 4.56% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.73%

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

7.17 74.53 56.31

7.27 76.10 57.35

-17.58% -19.41% -23.63%

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

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

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.

39

MONDAY, ÍťÍ¸Ëœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

PERSPECTIVE

COVID-19: It's Matter of Life and Death, Says Buhari

F

ellow Nigerians.

From the first signs that Coronavirus, or COVID-19 was turning into an epidemic and was officially declared a worldwide emergency, the Federal Government started planning preventive, containment and curative measures in the event the disease hits Nigeria.

The whole instruments of government are now mobilised to confront what has now become both a health emergency and an economic crisis.

Nigeria, unfortunately, confirmed its first case on 27th February 2020. Since then, we have seen the number of confirmed cases rise slowly.

By the morning of March 29th, 2020, the total confirmed cases within Nigeria had risen to 97.

Regrettably, we also had our first fatality, a former employee of PPMC, who died on 23rd March 2020. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this very difficult time. We also pray for quick recovery for those infected and undergoing treatment.

As of today, COVID-19 has no cure.

Scientists around the world are working very hard to develop a vaccine.

We are in touch with these institutions as they work towards a solution that will be certified by international and local medical authorities within the shortest possible time.

For now, the best and most efficient way to avoid getting infected is through regular hygienic and sanitary practices as well as social distancing.

As individuals, we remain the greatest weapon to fight this pandemic. By washing our hands regularly with clean water and soap, disinfecting frequently used surfaces and areas, coughing into a tissue or elbow and strictly adhering to infection prevention control measures in health facilities, we can contain this virus.

Since the outbreak was reported in China, our Government has been monitoring the situation closely and studying the various responses adopted by other countries.

Indeed, the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was one of ten global health leaders invited by the World Health Organisation to visit China and understudy their response approach. I am personally very proud of Dr Ihekweazu for doing this on behalf of all Nigerians.

Since his return, the NCDC has been implementing numerous strategies and programs in Nigeria to ensure that the adverse impact of this virus on our country is minimized. We ask all Nigerians to support the work the Federal Ministry of Health and NCDC are doing, led by the Presidential Task Force.

Although we have adopted strategies used globally, our implementation programs have been tailored to reflect our local realities.

In Nigeria, we are taking a two step approach.

First, to protect the lives of our fellow Nigerians and residents living here and second, to preserve the livelihoods of workers and business owners to ensure their families get through this very difficult time in dignity and with hope and peace of mind.

To date, we have introduced healthcare measures, border security, fiscal and monetary policies in our response. We shall continue to do so as the situation unfolds.

Some of these measures will surely cause major inconveniences to many citizens. But these are sacrifices we should all be willing and ready to make for the greater good of our country.

In Nigeria’s fight against COVID-19, there is no such thing as an overreaction or an under reaction. It is all about the right reaction by the right agencies and trained experts.

Accordingly, as a Government, we will continue to rely on guidance of our medical professionals and experts at the Ministry of Health, NCDC and other relevant agencies through this difficult time.

I therefore urge all citizens to adhere to their guidelines as they are released from time to time.

As we are all aware, Lagos and Abuja have the majority of confirmed cases in Nigeria. Our focus therefore remains to urgently and drastically contain these cases, and to support other states and regions in the best way we can.

This is why we provided an initial

Buhari intervention of fifteen billion Naira (N15b) to support the national response as we fight to contain and control the spread.

We also created a Presidential Task Force (PTF) to develop a workable National Response Strategy that is being reviewed on a daily basis as the requirements change.

This strategy takes international best practices but adopts them to suit our unique local circumstances.

Our goal is to ensure all States have the right support and manpower to respond immediately.

So far, in Lagos and Abuja, we have recruited hundreds of adhoc staff to man our call centers and support our tracing and testing efforts.

I also requested, through the Nigeria Governors Forum, for all State Governments to nominate Doctors and Nurses who will be trained by the NCDC and Lagos State Government on tactical and operational response to the virus in case it spreads to other states.

This training will also include medical representatives from our armed forces, paramilitary and security and intelligence agencies.

As a nation, our response must be guided, systematic and professional. There is a need for consistency across the nation.

All inconsistencies in policy guidelines between Federal and State agencies will be eliminated.

As I mentioned earlier, as at this morning we had 97 confirmed cases. Majority of these are in Lagos and Abuja. All the confirmed cases are getting the necessary medical care.

Our agencies are currently working hard to identify cases and people these patients have been in contact with.

The few confirmed cases outside Lagos and Abuja are linked to persons who have travelled from these centres.

We are therefore working to ensure such inter state and intercity movements are restricted to prevent further spread.

Based on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, I am directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11pm on Monday, 30th March 2020. This restriction will also apply to Ogun State due to its close proximity to Lagos and the high traffic between the two States.

All citizens in these areas are to stay in their homes. Travel to or from other states should be postponed. All businesses and

offices within these locations should be fully closed during this period.

The Governors of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Minister of the FCT have been notified. Furthermore, heads of security and intelligence agencies have also been briefed.

We will use this containment period to identify, trace and isolate all individuals that have come into contact with confirmed cases.

We will ensure the treatment of confirmed cases while restricting further spread to other States.

This order does not apply to hospitals and all related medical establishments as well as organizations in health care related manufacturing and distribution.

Furthermore, commercial establishments such as; a. food processing, distribution and retail companies; b. petroleum distribution and retail entities, c. power generation, transmission and distribution companies; and d. private security companies are also exempted.

Although these establishments are exempted, access will be restricted and monitored.

Workers in telecommunication companies, broadcasters, print and electronic media staff who can prove they are unable to work from home are also exempted.

All seaports in Lagos shall remain operational in accordance with the guidelines I issued earlier. Vehicles and drivers conveying essential cargoes from these Ports to other parts of the country will be screened thoroughly before departure by the Ports Health Authority.

Furthermore, all vehicles conveying food and other essential humanitarian items into these locations from other parts of the country will also be screened thoroughly before they are allowed to enter these restricted areas.

Accordingly, the Hon. Minister of Health is hereby directed to redeploy all Port Health Authority employees previously stationed in the Lagos and Abuja Airports to key roads that serve as entry and exit points to these restricted zones.

Movements of all passenger aircraft, both commercial and private jets, are hereby suspended. Special permits will be issued on a needs basis.

We are fully aware that such measures will cause much hardship and inconvenience to many citizens. But this is a matter of life and death, if we look at the dreadful daily

toll of deaths in Italy, France and Spain.

However, we must all see this as our national and patriotic duty to control and contain the spread of this virus. I will therefore ask all of us affected by this order to put aside our personal comfort to safeguard ourselves and fellow human beings. This common enemy can only be controlled if we all come together and obey scientific and medical advice.

As we remain ready to enforce these measures, we should see this as our individual contribution in the war against COVID-19.

Many other countries have taken far stricter measures in a bid to control the spread of the virus with positive results.

For residents of satellite and commuter towns and communities around Lagos and Abuja whose livelihoods will surely be affected by some of these restrictive measures, we shall deploy relief materials to ease their pains in the coming weeks.

Furthermore, although schools are closed, I have instructed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to work with State Governments in developing a strategy on how to sustain the school feeding program during this period without compromising our social distancing policies. The Minister will be contacting the affected States and agree on detailed next steps.

Furthermore, I have directed that a three month repayment moratorium for all TraderMoni, MarketMoni and FarmerMoni loans be implemented with immediate effect.

I have also directed that a similar moratorium be given to all Federal Government funded loans issued by the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture and the Nigeria Export Import Bank.

For on-lending facilities using capital from international and multilateral development partners, I have directed our development financial institutions to engage these development partners and negotiate concessions to ease the pains of the borrowers.

For the most vulnerable in our society, I have directed that the conditional cash transfers for the next two months be paid immediately. Our Internally displaced persons will also receive two months of food rations in the coming weeks.

We also call on all Nigerians to take personal responsibility to support those who are vulnerable within their communities, helping them with whatever they may need.

As we all pray for the best possible outcome, we shall continue planning for all eventualities.

This is why I directed that all Federal Government Stadiums, Pilgrims camps and other facilities be converted to isolation centers and makeshift hospitals.

My fellow Nigerians, as a Government, we will avail all necessary resources to support the response and recovery. We remain committed to do whatever it takes to confront COVID-19 in our country.

We are very grateful to see the emerging support of the private sector and individuals to the response as well as our development partners.

At this point, I will ask that all contributions and donations be coordinated and centralized to ensure efficient and impactful spending.

The Presidential Task Force remains the central coordinating body on the COVID-19 response.

I want to assure you all that Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies with a role to play in the outbreak response are working hard to bring this virus under control.

Every nation in the world is challenged at this time. But we have seen countries where citizens have come together to reduce the spread of the virus.

I will therefore implore you again to strictly comply with the guidelines issued and also do your bit to support Government and the most vulnerable in your communities.

I will take this opportunity to thank all our public health workforce, health care workers, port health authorities and other essential staff on the frontlines of the response for their dedication and commitment. You are true heroes.

I thank you all for listening. May God continue to bless and protect us all. r'VMM UFYU PG 1SFTJEFOU .VIBNNBEV #VIBSJhT BEESFTT PO UIF $07*% QBOEFNJD PO 4VOEBZ ."3$)

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍąÍŽËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

40

CITYSTRINGS

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă– Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă–Ă“Ă?Ë›Ă?äĂ?Ă™ĂŒĂ“ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ă™Ă—Ëœ ͙͔͙͚͚͓͖͑͑͑͒

Agonising over ConďŹ scation of Farmlands Igbawase Ukumba writes that inhabitants of Akoh village in Nasarawa State are in agony following the alleged confiscation of their farmlands for a sugar refinery

A tatched house pulled down

One of the demolished structures

I

t all began in June, 2019 when the inhabitants of Akoh village in Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State had gone to work on their farms. The women had run to them that people were allegedly burning their houses behind. Consequently, when the farmers looked to the direction of their settlement, behold, a thick smoke emanated and they quickly abandoned work and rushed home to ascertain the situation.

Speaking to THISDAY, youth leader of the village, Mr. Abiggy Moses, narrated that when they reached home from their farms, they saw a group of youths burning their houses.

"It was then that we enquired to know what was their motive of setting our abode on fire as they responded that we had earlier said that we don't belong to the domain of Tunga Chiefdom; therefore as from that day, we should leave the area."

"When we sought to know what was the issue that warranted no dialogue but burning of our houses, they responded that we should leave our settlement. There and then, they started attacking us with sticks. In the process, they called military men who came and started shooting in the air. Thereafter, the military men ordered us to line up and marched to where they were by the road side."

The village youth leader continued that after marching to the military men, he sought to know from the head of the military men if it was ideal to sack the inhabitants of the village from their abode on the excuse that they don't belong to Tunga Chiefdom after they have lived in Akoh for over 200 years under Awe Chiefdom.

He continued: "I explained to the military that throughout our living in our community, our parents never told us that we belong to Tunga Chiefdom. If it was a new creation, we thought that it is the government that has the power to inform us about the new development."

"However, my statement did not go down well with the military men hence they bundled us up into their vehicle and took us to their superior officer in Tunga town who in turn interrogated us if we were compensated for the land. We replied that nobody compensated us.

The military superior officer told us that it was reported that we were compensated but refused to vacate from the said land."

"It was when the superior officer discovered that we were not compensated as being claimed in some quarters that he ordered us to get up from the ground that we were forced to sit on and consequently directed that food be served to us," Moses narrated.

Corroborating the youth leader, the Akoh

Akoh village youths village head, Zaki Mshia'an Alyebo said when he was working on his farm on that fateful day, he suddenly saw a thick smoke engulfed their village and rushing there, he saw youths from a neighbouring community in their numbers beating his subjects. “It was at that point that military men arrived and joined the said youths in beating me and my subjects thereafter bundling us to their base in Tunga town�.

The village head said: "The reason advanced by the intruders was that we belong to Tunga Chiefdom. But I told them that we don't belong to Tunga Chiefdom, rather to Kaffi Moi Chiefdom.

I then accompanied the paramount ruler of Kaffi Moi to report the development to the authorities concerned in Awe." "However, on returning back to our abode, I discovered that all buildings, economic trees were pulled down to rubbles leaving an empty space for us, hence we had no shelter. At the moment, we are homeless as our buildings, beddings, household utensils and economic trees are all gone as a result of the invasion.

"Being farmers, we have nowhere to go.

However if the invaders have an alternative settlement for us where we can farm to get food and generate revenue for our day to day economic demands, let them offer it to us as we have nowhere to go."

Nevertheless, in a bid by the Akoh farmers to get redress from the invasion of their settlement, the farmers resorted to litigation by dragging the sugar factory to a Nasarawa State High Court over alleged forceful take-over of their farmlands for establishment of a sugar refinery.

Others also joined in the suit were the governor of Nasarawa State, the Sarkin Tunga and the Attorney General of Nasarawa State as second, third and fourth respondents respectively.

In an originating motion on notice, the applicants are praying the court for the following reliefs: "A declaration that the forceful take-over of land, houses and economic trees at Akoh village on September 10, 2018 and thereafter, for establishment of sugar refinery was not by the due process prescribed by the Land Use Act, 1978, nor upon prompt payment of compensation and therefore arbitrary, unconstitutional and fragrant abuse of the applicants fundamental right.

"A declaration that the purported revocation and acquisition of the applicants right of occupancy by the second respondent over their land situated at Akoh village for establishment of first respondent (Dangote Sugar Refinery) is not in the manner nor for the purposes prescribed by the Land Use Act, 1978."

The applicants were also seeking a “declaration that the invasion of their farmlands in June, 2019 by the first respondent, with heavy trucks and a detachment of military officers, ploughing through the farms, surveying and planting beacons therein, and destroying the applicants' food crops and economic trees without notice of acquisition nor prompt payment of compensation was illegal, unconstitutional and blatant infringement of the applicants' fundamental right enshrined in section 44 (1) (a) of the 1999 constitution as amended�.

The applicants also “sought for a relief of an order of perpetual injunction restraining all the respondents either by themselves, agents,

privies or howsoever from further violating the applicants' fundamental right or freedom from compulsory acquisition of their private property, trucks and a detachment of military officers, ploughing through save by due process of the law and prompt payment of compensation�.

"An award of N100 million special damages against the first respondent, been the estimated value of the applicants' houses destroyed by the respondent. An award of N1 billion general and aggravated or exemplary damages against all the respondents jointly or severally, for the destruction of the applicants' immovable properties and for the untold hardship and inconvenience suffered by the applicants as a result of the purported acquisition, unlawful taken-over and wanton destruction of their properties by the respondents," the originating motion on notice of the applicants read.

Speaking to journalists shortly after further hearing on the case was adjourned by Justice Suleiman Dikko, counsel to the applicants, OG Akaaka said the taking over of the applicant’s farmlands by the sugar refinery was felt as an infringement of the fundamental rights, in collaboration with the other parties.

He said: "We believe that due process was not followed and so we are challenging that under fundamental human right enforcement rule. The matter came up but issues were joined because the other parties have just filed in their processes and one has not even entered appearance. So until issues are joined before the matter will go into hearing," Akaaka said.

However, counsel to the first respondent, MA Maikamari, declined commment when journalists approached him on the ground that he was not permitted by his principal to speak with journalists.

But the Nasarawa State commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kana, when speaking on the matter separately said the sugar refinery factory did not forcefully acquire land in Awe Local Government Area and Azara Development Area of the state for its sugar project. He noted that it was the Nasarawa State government that acquire the land after mutual understanding with the communities.

He said: "We the people of Nasarawa State under the former administration of Umaru Tanko Al-Makura brought the sugar refinery to the state to invest. The state government provided the land for him and did not forcefully take the land from anybody."

Kana maintained that the communities in Awe and Azara voluntarily donated the lands to the state government for the purpose of the project that would bring job opportunity to the teeming youths in the state.

41

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍąÍŽËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

CRIME&SECURITY

Save Me From Miscreants, Octogenarian Widow Begs AIG Mary Nnah

A

widow, Alhaja Alimot Asake Kifuli, has alleged that her life, that of her grandchildren and tenants are in great danger following the activities of some street miscreants led by one Ogun Jelili Ajulo living in Makoko area of Yaba, Lagos.

Narrating her ordeal in the hands of the miscreants, Alhaja Kufili said her expanse property, located at 56/62, Church Street, Makoko, Yaba, has been turned to Indian Hemp joint by some miscreants living in Olulu street, Makoko.

In a petition signed by A.R Fatoki & Associates and addressed to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 2, Lagos, Kifuli alleged that her travails in the hand of Ogun Jelili Ajulo, and Afeez Orebeka, Kazeem Adekanbi, Lola Omo Ilaje, Akumalu, aka Omo Ibo and Babatunde Ajumobi, began sometime in January, 2020 when she complained about their activities on her property. “I was admitted into the hospital for an ailment and I was discharged on January 9, 2020 and was recuperating at home when I noticed Ogun Jelili Ajulo, and his gang converged on my veranda smoking Indian hemp. “When I objected, pointing out my fragile health condition, they descended on me, not minding my advanced age, and tore my cloth and pushed me to the ground threatening to rape me if I raise any objection again. “It took the intervention of Ogun Jelili’s wife and other people in the area before he left me alone, but threatened to come back and finish me off if I say anything

Alhaja KuďŹ li again.â€?

According to her, initial attempts made by the assailant’s father to desist from attacking her was rebuffed by Ogun Jelili, while one Mrs. Doyin Abejoye, a tenant in her house who tried to intervene was also assaulted. “My property was vandalised with the windows broken, and some shops destroyed.�

In the petition, her lawyers claimed that the matter was reported at the Adekunle

Police Station, Yaba, but the police are yet to take any decisive action on the matter. “The most perplexing aspect of this issue is that this matter through our letter dated January 13, 2020 was reported to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command. “The command upon receiving our letter referred the matter to the Area C Police Command, Surulere for investigation. “The Officer of the Area C Police C led by one Bukky contacted us and upon

the taken of the statement of our client went to effect the arrest of the culprits. “Strangely, upon seeing him, they could not arrest him, claiming some politician has instructed them not to arrest Ogun Jelili Ajule and his accomplices,� the petition reads.

Kifuli, who is over 80 years old, prayed that the AIG should use his good office to help save her life from these miscreants, who on daily basis have continued to threaten and harassing her.

Experts Recommend Early Education against Child Rape, Drug Abuse Rebecca Ejifoma

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hile cases of rape, adolescent pregnancies and drug abuse continue to hit the dailies, medical experts have recommended early education as balm to the menace with severe penalty deterrent for perpetrators.

This was made known at a one-day symposium and stakeholders' forum on the theme, Adolescent Health and Education: Meeting the Right of the Adolescent Child in Nigeria, held at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) in Lagos.

The Consultant of Paediatrics Endocrinology and Adolescent Education at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Abiola Oduwole, lent her voice to the government for adolescents, who are persons between childhood and adulthood. “We have girls being exposed on social

media. The National Assembly should have some regulations set up to ensure they promulgate laws to protect these children. The fines given don't have much impact,� she said.

The expert further continued that if a perpetrator was made to serve 10 years for raping a child then it would be a deterrent to others. “For instance, it is not just to say pay N20,000, you must ensure that the girl child you have raped goes to school and you pay for that child's education to any level she wants to. I'm sure when they promulgate such penalty, a lot of men would think twice before doing that.�

Oduwole, who is also a Professor at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, suggested that children be given adequate information early in life.

Her words: “The girl-child should be exposed to education. Lack of information is rampant. They need to be educated about drug abuse and its consequences,

too.�

Decrying the lingering cases of child marriage and pregnancy, the professor acknowledged that they were high factors that affect girls from attaining their educational right, which is Goal 4 of the 2030 Agenda for SDGs of the UN. Oduwole, however, noted: “adolescent pregnancy is high risk for the mother and child because these are the things that disrupt a child from attaining that educational right.�

She divulged that approximately 3.9 million girls undergo unsafe abortions and half of the pregnancies in among girls aged 15 and 19 in developing regions are estimated to be unwanted.

Her words: “Such actions usually expose the girls to infections and they become vulnerable because they had missed the information they should have got while in school.�

Speaking also, the Director-General NIMR, Prof. Babatunde Salako, said the

forum was a collaboration among the UI Research Foundation, UNICEF and NIMR organised by the Special Thematic Working Group on Maternal, Neonatal, Children and Women Health, was aimed at informing adolescents. “Adolescence is a formative period for these children. It is a period when they are exposed to a lot of risks, where they get some freedom at school and they don’t know how to use it,� he expressed.

The DG reminded the government, parents and their religious circles of their responsibilities to educating adolescents on their rights. “They are supposed to know about their rights from the government, parents and their religious circles so that they can have a voice in decisions made on their behalves,’’ he said.

Salako also urged parents and teachers to always discuss and listen to these young children to prepare them for eventualities and the future.

NUJ, PDP Chieftain Laud Okowa, Others On South-south Security Outfit Sylvester Idowu In Warri

T

he Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Delta State Council has described the proposed establishment of a security outfit by the South-south governors as a right step in safeguarding the people of the geopolitical zone from internal and external attacks by criminally minded elements.

Also, a former governorship aspirant on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chief Sunny Onuesoke commended the state Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for being at the forefront in the initiation to set up the regional security outfit to combat crime in the region.

The NUJ, in a statement signed by

its Chairman, Comrade Mike Ikeogwu and Secretary, Churchill Oyowe, noted that the action stance was an indication that the governors have listening ears and the will power to respond to the needs of their people.

The union recalled the communique of the NUJ, South-south Zone at its last meeting held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state in which it called for the establishment of a regional security outfit and thanked the governors for responding swiftly.

The NUJ Delta state council noted that the response of the governors would go down well with most stakeholders in the geopolitical zone observing that the security challenges facing the country were also rife in the South South Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who is

the South-south governors forum's chairman, had last Thursday, announced that he and his colleagues, who met in Asaba, agreed that there was need for a regional security outfit to combat crimes in the region. The meeting was attended by governors of Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states.

Onuesoke, in his reaction to the resolution of the governors, commended Okowa for leading the pack of South South governors to initiate the move to set up the regional security outfit like Amotekun of the South-west to compliment the efforts of the police and other security agencies in the task of policing the region and reducing crimes to the barest minimum.

Speaking to journalists at Asaba Airport while on his way to Abuja

for a climate change workshop, Onuesoke maintained that the South-south governors move was very significant in saving lives and properties in the region.

He noted that when the security outfit comes into existence, it will go a long way in resolving the issue of herdsmen menace, kidnapping, armed robbery and assassinations amongst others in the region.

"Okowa's idea of bringing Southsouth governors together to set up a regional security outfit is timely. It is a right peg in the right hole. It is the best measures to get rid of insecurity challenges emanating from nefarious activities of herdsmen thriving in the absence of joint coordination of security outfit for the south south", he added.

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INTERNATIONAL

Spain Records 838 COVID-19 Deaths in 24 Hours

Spain confirmed another 838 deaths in 24 hours from coronavirus on Sunday, a new daily record bringing the total number of deaths to 6,528, according to health ministry figures.

The number of confirmed cases in Spain has now reached 78,797 — after the one-day increase of 9.1 per cent — as the country battles the world’s second most deadly outbreak after Italy.

Except for a brief lull recorded on Thursday, Spain’s

death toll has been rising daily.

However, officials have pointed to a slower growth rate for both deaths and confirmed cases and expressed hope that the peak of the outbreak was approaching.

Spain also reported Sunday that 14,709 people had been cured of COVID-19, a rise of 19.7 percent in 24 hours.

Like Italy, Spain on Saturday tightened measures to contain the outbreak, ordering a halt to all “non-essential” activities.

“All workers in non-essential

economic activities must stay at home for two weeks,” Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said.

The health, food and energy sectors are among areas considered to be essential.

An emergency cabinet meeting on Sunday was to decide on the details of the new measure.

Currently, people in Spain are authorised to leave home for work if remote work is not possible, to buy food, get medical care or briefly walk their dog.

US Records 518 New COVID-19 Deaths in 24 Hours The US recorded 518 new coronavirus-linked deaths in the span of 24 hours, according to data published Sunday by Johns Hopkins University.

The record toll, higher than the previous day’s increase of 453, brings the country’s total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic to 2,409.

The number of cases shot up 21,333 in one day, the data showed.

That is about the same as Saturday’s increase of 21,309 but the numbers are counted in real time by Johns Hopkins and should be taken with caution.

With 136,880 total cases, the US has the highest number in the world, ahead of Italy, China and Spain.

New York State, which has become the epicenter of the pandemic in the US, is by far the hardest-hit region, with

nearly 60,000 cases and 965 deaths, according to a statement released Sunday by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Senior US scientist Anthony Fauci, an infectious disease expert and an advisor to President Donald Trump during the crisis, cautiously predicted Sunday that the novel coronavirus could claim between 100,000 and 200,000 lives in the United States.

Netherlands’ COVID-19 Cases Exceed 10,000 The number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases in the Netherlands passed the 10,000 marks on Sunday, the authorities said, as the country focuses on building up herd immunity rather than confining the population of 17 million.

A total of 771 people have died from the COVID-19 epidemic in the Netherlands and 10,866 have tested positive, the country’s institute for public health and environment (RIVM) said.

The Dutch government has adopted a series of measures to fight the virus but has decided so far not to force people to stay home. A review of the policy is due to be unveiled on Tuesday.

“The number of reported hospital admissions and the number of deceased patients appears to be increasing less rapidly than would be expected without measures in place,” the institute said on its website.

“In a number of days, it can be concluded whether the

number of hospital admissions and the number of deaths among reported patients is actually levelling off, and thus how well the measures are working.”

More than two-thirds of the more than 31,000 deaths worldwide from coronavirus have now been recorded in Europe and the Netherlands has warned people will be put under confinement if the measures already are taken do not work.

Canadian PM, Justin Trudeau’s Wife Recovers from COVID-19 Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau, the wife of Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has recovered from the novel coronavirus.

“I am feeling so much better and have received the all clear from my physician and Ottawa Public Health,” she wrote on her Facebook page.

“From the bottom of my heart, I want to say thank you to everyone who reached out to me with their well wishes.”

She had tested positive for

the virus on March 12 after returning from Britain, with her husband subsequently going into self-quarantine as a precautionary measure.

He has since been giving daily press briefings from the porch of his residence.

“I strongly believe that science AND compassion will get us through this crisis,” Gregoire-Trudeau said.

“That means listening and following the health protocols and staying at home for the

time being.”

Earlier Saturday Trudeau told reporters he intended to remain with his family at his residence even though his 14-day isolation period had ended.

“We are continuing to follow the advice of health experts.

And as everyone should do, we must try to stay at home, to isolate ourselves as much as possible, not to go out if not absolutely necessary,” he said.

German Minister Worried By Coronavirus Crisis Commits Suicide Thomas Schaefer, the finance minister of Germany’s Hesse state, has committed suicide apparently after becoming “deeply worried” over how to cope with the economic fallout from the coronavirus, state premier Volker Bouffier said Sunday.

Schaefer, 54, was found dead near a railway track on Saturday.

The Wiesbaden prosecution’s office said they believe he died by suicide.

“We are in shock, we are in

disbelief and above all, we are immensely sad,” Bouffier said in a recorded statement.

Hesse is home to Germany’s financial capital Frankfurt, where major lenders like Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank have their headquarters. The European Central Bank is also located in Frankfurt.

A visibly shaken Bouffier recalled that Schaefer, who was Hesse’s finance chief for 10 years, had been working “day and night” to help companies and

workers deal with the economic impact of the pandemic.

“Today we have to assume that he was deeply worried,” said Bouffier, a close ally of Chancellor Angela Merkel.

“It’s precise during this difficult time that we would have needed someone like him,” he added.

Popular and well-respected, Schaefer had long been touted as a possible successor to Bouffier.

Like Bouffier, Schaefer belonged to Merkel’s centre-right CDU party.

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COVID-19: SERAP Wants FG to Publish Weekly Details of Funds Allocations Chuks Okocha in Abuja One of the front line civil society group on accountability, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has asked the federal government to publish weekly details of exact funds and other resources allocated by the authorities and received from the private sector as well as details of used and planned use of any of such funds and resources to combat the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in

Nigeria.The group also wants a disclosure of information on the exact number of tests that have been carried out for high-ranking public officials and politicians; the number of any such high-ranking public officials and politicians now in self-isolation or quarantine, as well as the exact number of tests that have been carried out for the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people.

SERAP also wants the federal government to make Nigeria Centre for Disease Control

(NCDC) website functional and accessible, and publish on the website the weekly spending on initiatives such procurement, testing, early detection and isolation of confirmed cases and follow-ups.The civil society group also stated that it wanted the government to disclose processes and procedures

put in place to ensure that the funds and resources allocated to combat COVID-19 are not diverted, stolen or mismanaged as swell as measures to protect health workers, encourage the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people to come forward for testing and to enhance testing for this group.

In two Freedom of Information (FoI) requests sent to the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, and DirectorGeneral of NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, made available to THISDAY, SERAP said: “We are concerned about the lack of transparency in the use

of the funds and resources being mobilised to combat coronavirus amid problems to access the NCDC website and reports that authorities are prioritising home testing of politicians, with some reportedly taking multiple tests.”

FG Activates Health Desks in 774 LGAs

Udora Orizu in Abuja

As part of effort aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19, the Federal Ministry of Environment has activated environmental health desks in all the 774 local government areas in the country to vigorously pursue grassroots advocacy.

The Minister of Environment, Dr. Mohammad Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement yesterday, saying the health desks will also offer guidance and counseling as well as disinfect all risk-prone areas.

He said: “The Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health as well as the Environmental Health Officers Council of Nigeria has since deployed their personnel across the country to disinfect and decontaminate public places such as markets, motor parks, airports, schools and other congested areas in conjunction with relevant authorities in an effort to contain further spread of the pandemic.”

The minister also sent words of empathy to Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, who last Saturday tested positive to coronavirus.

The minister, in a series of tweets thereafter, noted that

he was pleased to learn about the ways in which Nigerians are coming together to support the containment of COVID-19.

He however, said the increase in cases over the last few days, according to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) update, indicated that Nigerians need to take more serious measures to collectively contain the virus.

Abubakar, who is also a member of the Presidential Task Force on the control of the spread of coronavirus, urged Nigerians to continue to heed the advice of experts and government on COVID-19.

“As more people are being encouraged to go into selfisolation, we must remind everyone to stay home and practice social distancing. We know this is immensely difficult for many of us, but we know this is the right thing to do. We can and must take these steps together. “The Presidential Task Force on the control of the spread of COVID-19 is continuing to take necessary action, but we all need Nigerians to do their part.

Avoid large gatherings, practice social distancing, wash your hands with soap, cover your mouth while coughingh and stay home,” he added.

SEC Unveils Regulatory Framework for Crowd-funding Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja In a bid to further deepen the nation’s capital market and enable it provide development capital for medium and small-scale enterprises of the economy, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), at the weekend unveiled an exposure draft of its regulatory framework for crowd-funding in the country.

Crowd-funding, an alternative finance source is the practice of funding a project or business venture by raising small amounts of money from a large number of people through an online platform, which could be a website, portal, intermediary portal, application, or other similar modules that facilitate interaction between fundraisers and the investing public.

The draft regulatory framework, when approved,

proposes conditions under which private companies are permitted, “with the required structure and mechanism in place” to raise capital from the public through the process of crowd-funding.

The funding occurs within a period known as funding round, “within which a specific project, business, or venture is hosted on a crowdfunding platform to raise funds from a large number of people in exchange for shares, debt securities or other investment instruments approved by the commission.

The funds may either be pooled from high net worth investors, or a large number of people through an online platform in exchange for any investment instruments approved by the commission, which also be plain vanilla bonds or debentures, and simple contracts.

GIVING BACK TO THE SOCIETY…

L-R: Head, Operations, Primero Transport Services Limited, Mr. Abiodun Apata; Director of Bus Services at Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Dr. Desmond Amiegbebhor; Managing Director of Primero, Mr. Fola Tinubu; LAMATA Managing Director, Mrs Abimola Akinajo; and Managing Director of Safety and Protection Management Solutions Limited, Mr Tunji Olaniyi, at the launch of free distribution of 3M nose masks to Lagos residents, in Lagos…weekend

Oyo Task Force Impounds 22 Vehicles At Club Houses Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The Oyo State COVID-19 Security and Enforcement sub-Committee has impounded a total of 22 illegally parked vehicles during its special night operations to enforce compliance at club houses and public places in Ibadan,

the state capital.

The Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Road Transport Management (OYRTMA), Mogaji Akin Fagbemi, who distributed protective tools such as hand gloves, portable hand sanitizers, face masks and thermometers to the team of officers before the

raid, charged them to be professional in the exercise and respect fundamental human rights in the course of the operation.

According to him, “The Oyo State COVID-19 Security and Enforcement sub-Committee is made up of Oyo State Road Transport Management

Agency and other security agencies, and we have begun a special night monitoring and enforcement of the state government’s directive aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 among residents of the state, particularly through transport operators, night clubs and other public places.”

Onyeama Denies Testing Positive to COVID-19 Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, has denied testing positive to the rampaging COVID-19.

The minister in a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media, Sarah Sanda, described the media report alleging that he has contracted

the virus as fabricated and malicious.

He said, “It has come to the attention of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, that a fabricated and malicious report is circulating in social and print media alleging that the two claimed cases of COVID-19 recently reported in Enugu were the Minister and

his Personal Assistant.”

Onyeama insisted that himself and his aide were in Abuja at all material times, adding that as a member of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19, all the members were recently tested and all found to be negative.

According to him, the authors of this act are well known, adding that their motive is to

embarrass and spread alarm and panic during a national emergency.

“For that reason as well as to curb this kind of criminal behaviour, the matter has been brought to the attention of the law enforcement agencies for investigation and severe sanctions as a deterrence for the future,” the minister added.

CAN Calls for Palliatives to Cushion Impact of Pandemic Onyebuchi Ezigbo inAbuja The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), His Eminence, Rev. Dr. Samson Ayokunle, has asked the federal and state governments to provide palliatives that would cushion the effects of the economic lockdown on the masses.

The CAN, IN a statement issued by the Special Assistant (Media &Communications) to the CAN President, Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, urged Nigerians not to be afraid in order to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ayokunle said: “I call on our governments to provide palliatives for the people who cannot provide

their daily needs as a result of the lockdown order. People cannot be lockdown in hunger for a long time. You are not the only government that gave such an order but governments all over the world are providing relief assistance to the people.

According to him, the United States’ government had approved

$2 trillion as palliatives to enable its citizens to adapt to the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak.

He said: “Both the Democrats and the Republicans in the Congress have buried their political differences and they are now working together. This is what governance is all about. I appeal to our governments to do likewise.

Kwara Gov Donates 100% Salary to State Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, yesterday rallied support for the state campaign to keep COVID-19 out of the state.

The governor also announced the donation of 100 percent of his 10 months’ salary from

May 29, 2019 to date to his administration efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

“Whereas our state has no confirmed case of the coronavirus as at now, we have been taking every step necessary to ensure we keep Kwara State safe. Such measures

have included keeping our people at home while we ramp up investments in our capacity to cope with this global health emergency,” AbdulRazaq said in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.

He added: “This time calls for sacrifice from everyone as

humanity needs all the help it can get. For this reason, I am hereby donating 100 percent of my monthly salary since May 29, 2019, when I was sworn in, to our efforts to prevent this virus from getting to us; provide palliatives to our people as well as boost our capacity to cope if it ever comes here.”

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MONDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Enyeama Leads Other African Legends against Covid-19 Femi Solaja with agency report Former Super Eagles Captain and goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, yesterday teamed up with some former African football legends in the fight against the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic that is ravaging

the world.

The Nigeria goalkeeper to three World Cup finals in 2002, 2010 and 2014 was part of a group of African football legends that came together to do a short video on how to stay safe this period.

Tagged the #Safehands and #Noshandshake, the

Covid-19: Nigerian Athletes under Close Watch, Says Sports Minister Despite the postponement of the 20th National Sports Festival and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to the outbreak of Covid-19, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, has assured the nation that the ministry was monitoring the athletes.

According to him: “The Nigerian authorities through the Sports Ministry called off the National Sports Festival as precautionary measure to curb the spread of Covid-19. This means several of our athletes overseas can no longer practice because the sporting facilities were shut down. “We are in touch with each one of them through our database to monitor their plans and to know the kind of support they need. “Despite the postponement, the ‘Adopt-an-Athlete’ project is ongoing and the funds are going to them. So we are happy that those funds can help them at this period when they cannot make money from competitions. “They are free to leverage on that; they can also look for indoor facilities where they can practice. They can

pay to use those facilities, so there’s a continuous engagement with our athletes,� observed the minister yesterday.

Dare insisted that Nigeria would stick to 11 sports for the Olympics as earlier decided, even as funds would be released pending qualifiers which the athletes can attend as soon as the virus is stemmed.

He urged them not to relent in their training , even as the Ministry will continue to plan and strategise to support them.

Dare said: “As we speak, in another two days, 33 of the athletes - both foreign and home-based - are completing a video message to lend their voices to the awareness campaign on how to curb the spread of the virus. I am also involved in the campaign. It’s being produced as we speak.

He said Nigerian athletes from across the world “will be giving out messages of encouragements to our fellow citizens.�

Dare said the country’s athletes “will be prepared whenever the Olympics will hold. What is of the utmost urgency right now is to ensure that Covid-19’s spread is contained so we can all be free again.�

Covid-19: Turkey’s Former Keeper, Rustu, in Hospital Turkey’s most capped player, former goalkeeper Rustu Recber, is in a “critical period� in hospital with coronavirus.The ex-Barcelona and Fenerbahce keeper, 46, won 120 caps and was one of the players of the tournament when Turkey reached the 2002 World Cup semi-finals. “We are still in shock by the sudden and rapidly developing symptoms,� his wife Isil Recber said on Instagram. Isil and her two children have tested negative for the virus.

Rustu retired in 2012 after a five-year stint with Besiktas. “We convey our wishes for a speedy recovery to our former national team goalkeeper Rustu Recber, who sported our jersey for many years; we wish for him to regain his health as soon as possible and hope to receive good news from him,� Fenerbahce said on Twitter.

Barcelona wrote on Twitter in Turkish: “Get well Rustu!

We love you and we as Barcelona stand with you!�

short video is aimed at ensuring the spread of the virus is curbed.

This video came 24 hours after the President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick had earlier released one on behalf of the board and football community in the country. “We must join the global army in eliminating this scourge from the Planet Earth. We must listen to the dictates of our government‌â€?, said the NFF president who urged people to follow the dictates of personal hygiene as well as social distancing.

Above all, he urged Nigerians and others to adhere to the “stay at home� advisory as this will enable the battle against Covid -19 to be at least 90 per cent won.

The 98-seconds video by the African legends featured others like Roger Milla of Cameroon, Herita Ilunga and Tresor Lomana Lualua both from DR Congo, ElHadji Diouf, Alassane N’Dour, Khalilou Fadiga and Diomansy Kamara from Senegal, Atlas Lion of Morroco’s France 1998 striker, Mustafa El-Haddaoui, Jean is also there while Ssenide of

Uganda is the only female former footballer in the video.

Wael Gomaa of Egypt, Fatau Dauda and Anthony Baffoe of Ghana completed the list of ex internationals leading the fight against the virus.

In the video clip, the players emphasized on the importance of washing of hands and avoiding handshake as some of the measures to stop the spread.

Representing various generations, and led by CAF Deputy General Secretary, Baffoe, they tutored Africans on steps

for safety measures. “Apply soap, Lather your hands well with soap, Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds, Rinse your hands under clean water and Dry your hands using a clean towel,� they pleaded.

The likes of Diouf and Lualua spoke in their local dialects, Wolof and Lingala respectively.

As a result of Covid-19, CAF has suspended all competitions until further notice and remain in constant with partners such as the World Health Organisation, FIFA among others in the fight against the virus.

Fans who have been starved of top ight football watching the Minsk derby last Saturday

Belarus Premier League Attracts Global Attention as it Plays on Football is suspended in the UK and across most of world because of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic - but the game rolls on in Belarus.

The Belarusian Premier League rarely gets a mention in normal circumstances yet it is attracting attention from foreign fans as one of the few places around the globe - and the only place in Europe - where football is still being played.

On Saturday, there were six top-flight games in the eastern European country including the derby between FC Minsk and Dinamo Minsk watched by a capacity 3,000 crowd in Belarus’ capital. “It so happened that this

derby was practically the only official football match on earth,� read Dinamo’s match report after their 3-2 defeat.

There have been fewer than 100 cases and no deaths from coronavirus in the former Soviet republic, which has a population of around 9.5million people.

While most European countries are quarantining their citizens and shutting borders, the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, is not worried and has even suggested citizens drink vodka to combat the disease.

Belarus Football Federation spokesman Aleksandr Aleinik said precautions were being taken to allow games to

go ahead. “We’ve taken all the measures recommended by the Sports Ministry. All those who are in contact with fans are supplied with gloves,� he added.

The decision to carry on has helped the Belarus Football Federation secure broadcasting deals with sports networks in 10 countries, including Russia, Israel and India, where fans have been left with nothing to watch.

Aleinik called it an “unprecedented situation�.

Dinamo Minsk, seventime Premier League winners, had a player sent off in the 58th minute as they lost to neighbours FC Minsk, who lead the table two games into the

2020 season.

Alexander Strok, a Dinamo Minsk spokesman, hopes the international attention will help the players “get more responsible� after two straight defeats.

Fans around the world have been posting messages about football in Belarus on social media with Starboard Wunmi tweeting: “You know you’re obsessed with football when you’re checking out the recent form of Slutsk and Dinamo Brest before their games kicks off in the Belarus Premier League.�

David Watson added: “By the end of this everyone will have a team they support in Belarus.�

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MISSILE

Supreme Court to APC “The rules are clear that the court shall not review any judgment.

The first and constant duty of the court in interpreting statute is to give regard to the statute. There is total prohibition to review judgment. The operative words are ‘shall not” – The Supreme Court dismissing the application of the APC seeking to review the judgment on the Zamfara governorship election.

ALEXOTTI OUTSIDE THE BOX

alex.otti@thisdaylive.com

Coronavirus: The Global Democratic Pandemic Downpressor man Where you gonna run to You gonna run to the sea But the sea will be boiling You gonna run to the rocks The rocks will be melting You drink your big champagne and laugh all along that day You can run but you can’t hide You can’t bribe no one Them no want no money Them run’f money That money gets funny (Peter Tosh, 1977)

T

he advent of the Coronavirus seems to have forced those who would ordinarily travel out for flimsy or even no reason at all, to stay back home. Those who were abroad when the pandemic broke had to hurry home before the rest of the world shut down their borders and airspaces.

The whole thing started like an innocuous affair late December 2019. Wuhan, a modern Chinese city with about 11 million inhabitants, had been hit by a strange form of pneumonia.

The world started paying attention by middle of January when fatalities began increasing by the day. Initially, the Chinese were blamed for what was regarded as their local palaver through their lifestyle. Pictures of bat- and snake-eating Wuhanians, were freely and gleefully circulated all over the social media. The situation soon got out of hand as the disease spread to far flung destinations across the world. Before long, the World Health Organisation (WHO) would declare the Coronavirus outbreak, a pandemic.

Today, it is the most significant phenomenon throughout the world. There have been all sorts of speculation including conspiracy theories about its true nature and source. Some people have branded it a biological or chemical warfare started

by China against the whole world. Some others believe that it is an outcome of the implementation of extreme technology like the 5G or even the outcome of degradation of human immunity resulting from various hybrid experiments.

An indigenous variant of these assumptions is that it is not an African disease. Several people, including some respected ‘men of God’, had at the beginning of the pandemic, boasted that it didn’t belong here. The general feeling was that the virus could not survive the heat in Africa and that our own genes were resistant to the virus.

China, on the other hand, faced the scourge with all seriousness it deserved and achieved commendable results. It implemented a strict lockdown policy and quickly contained the spread of the virus. Some other countries have followed the Chinese method with similar results. A few others, however, remained lax about it and the price has been a harvest of rampant infection and deaths. Here in Nigeria, the authorities started strict monitoring and precautionary measures after an index case was recorded in Lagos on February 27, 2020. There are a lot to learn from the outbreak of this virus and I pray that we shall take the lessons.

One of the first lessons is that the world has actually become a global village in a way different from how we understood it. For those who chose to erect physical or psychological walls, we are being taught that when disaster comes, those walls would not protect us. You may be fooled that you are protected from external attacks but the pandemic has shown that with globalization, some phenomena are no respecter of such walls.

It is interesting that the US which imposed visa ban on some countries including Nigeria, a few weeks ago, is now calling for medical personnel

Health Minister, Dr. Osagie Ehanire from all countries, and I believe that includes countries affected by the ban, to come over to the US and help.

Related to this is the fact that in the final analysis, we are all human and therefore equal.

The virus is simply a leveler and in a sense, the ultimate democrat and a global citizen. It is no respecter of persons. As it is ravaging the poor man, it not leaving out the rich. It is affecting the black and the white. It is affecting the republican and the democrat. It is affecting Prime Ministers, Princes, Governors, Presidents and their wives. It is affecting the driver, the cook, the house help and the security guard.

The poor even seem more prepared since they had been used to dealing with challenges of diseases, hunger, poverty deprivation and even epidemics all through their lives.

This pandemic has shown that little things matter! It is so humbling that some unseen virus has the capacity to bring the entire world to its knees. While governments, particularly the Super powers, were spending heavily in defence budgets trying to outdo each other in research and development of the deadliest weapons and bombs; while they were investing in artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and automation, they spared no thought about the possibility of all those being rendered useless by one hitherto unknown virus that travels across borders without visas and passports. Since the virus struck, attention has shifted away from high tech developments and nations are fighting hard to contain the plague. Expenditure is focused on developing and manufacturing a vaccine and medication for this pandemic. It is at this point that humanity understands that in the final analysis, God remains greater than man, even for those who don’t believe in Him. It has become clearer to the nuclear powers of the world that those investments are really nothing but vanity. This Pandemic is capable of wiping out everyone without anyone shooting any bullet.

It has exposed the world’s underbelly.

Somehow, everyone has now been forced to stay indoors. Those who never spent time at home; those who were hitherto seemingly too busy to be found at home; those who have many homes both on land, sea and air, are now all forced to hibernate in one of them, the land more like!

Those who are infected are forced to remain in their countries. No matter how much money they have, despite their private jets and yatches, they must remain where they are diagnosed for treatment. Their influence is no longer of any consequence. Their private jets can no longer land in the healthcare capitals of the world. In

fact, even those cities that made so much money from medical tourism are struggling to cope with their own nationals. They are practically overwhelmed and cannot welcome additional pressure on their overstretched capacity. Someone was lamenting the attitude of selfishness by the developed world which would make the pandemic last longer than necessary. While we have no reason to disagree, we must also refer to cabin attendants who advise aircraft passengers that in the event of loss of cabin pressure, one must fit one’s oxygen mask first before helping others.

The truth is that no country, except maybe China, has been able to handle this pandemic effectively and therefore cannot be thinking of extending a hand to the challenged underdeveloped countries.

One major lesson to learn from this Pandemic is that even if out of self-interest, our leaders should fix our healthcare delivery system. This column had in the past screamed itself hoarse on the poor local healthcare delivery system, all to no avail. Available data shows that we spend over a billion dollars annually on medical tourism. We had recommended, and still do now, that investing this same amount locally in the sector, could give us some state of the art medical facility, in preparation for a day like this. No one seemed to have listened. So, the question is why are we doing this to ourselves? Studies have shown that a brand new sophisticated 500 bed hospital on a land size of 40,000 square meters that will employ between 3,000 and 5000 people will cost no more than $750m, even on a very generous budget. With free land and cheap labour, it will cost much less. So, why can’t we decide to have, at the minimum 6 medical villages deployed to the 6 geopolitical zones of the country at the cost of what we spend in three years on medical tourism? This would have the added advantage of creating up to 30,000 direct jobs, and multiples of that in indirect jobs. Besides, there is the benefit of improving our life expectancy and boosting our GDP. Had we done this years ago, we would not be in the kind of mess we find ourselves today.

We are like the proverbial local bird that only begins to build its nest when it goes into labour.

We need not deceive ourselves and believe that all is going well with us in the wake of this pandemic. The truth is that we are facing a major problem and there is a reality check loading. We may be reporting low numbers of Covid 19 cases relative to other countries, but the truth is that we are not in a position to confirm our situation with any certainty, because we are unable test a significant number of our people.

As at March 25, we were only able to conduct 262 tests nationwide for a population of 200m people. The reason the tests are not happening is lack of equipment to do them. Reports have it that there are only 5 molecular laboratories in the whole country. They are located as follows: 2 in Lagos and 1 each in Abuja, Osun and Edo. Two more in Ibadan and Ebonyi are being expected.

Compare this to South Africa with a population of 60million people who have tested over 20,000 people with less than 1000 reporting positive and 2 deaths. We are aware that with the receipt of Jack Ma Foundation support of 20,000 test kits, 100,000 masks and 1,000 protective suites, the situation would change, but not radically. The issue of ventilators is even more worrisome. We have reports that the total number of ventilators in the country is less than 500. This is a necessary piece of medical equipment for the treatment of Covid 19. An attempt made over a week ago by the Alex Otti Foundation to buy a few units from Europe to support hospitals in Abia State, failed woefully. After paying for the ventilators, when our representative went to pick them up, the sellers offered to refund the money because

their home government had asked them not sell any ventilators any longer as their own country needed them and had actually bought up all they had at obviously higher prices. This is a major challenge as countries are holding back what is in their countries. This now brings us to the issue of local production. We must find a way to encourage local capacity for a day like this. A few days ago, I engaged Chief Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson Motors who confirmed that his company has the capacity to fabricate ventilators locally. It would require modifying one of their production lines. His problem is that he is not sure of demand and would not be willing to take the risk and incur the huge expense if he does not have enough confirmed orders.

Elsewhere in the United Kingdom, a company called Dyson which specialises in the manufacture of hand driers, has just been commissioned by the government to rush manufacture 10,000 units of ventilators for use in UK hospitals.

The economic cost of this virus is better imagined than experienced. We can only speculate but one thing that is certain is that it will take several years to wear off. Many countries are rolling out stimulus packages to cushion the effect of the disruption. The US Congress has just passed a $2trillion dollar package for the economy. Our own situation is even worse and indeed could further worsen unless we act fast. It must be stated that the Central Bank of Nigeria has done something that is commendable. It recently announced a stimulus package of N1trillion to support the economy. However, assuming that we share out the said sum equally, every Nigerian would get N5.00. Yes, Five Naira per person. I’m still trying to settle what N10 would do for my wife and I before the money arrives. But what can we do? Oil prices are now below $30 per barrel and there are stories of ships laden with our crude oil floating on the high seas without any buyer in sight. Even at the low price, people are not buying. Our national budget has had to be scaled down in view of the present realities. Our reserves are going down. There are scarcely new foreign investors waiting to come into the country.

Exchange rates are shooting through the roof.

With close to 100m of our people living by the day and below poverty line, it is doubtful that we can afford a sustained lockdown to contain the virus. Our GDP has been growing so slowly and limping behind our population growth rate.

A sustained lockdown will easily fling us back into a recession. We therefore must realise that we have a very difficult situation in our hands.

This may therefore be a good time to look at our economy again. We must open up the economy to private sector initiatives. There is too much public sector presence that suffocates the private sector. This is the time to give them all the incentives to help reflate the economy.

We need to immediately put more money in the hands of the people. Where is the money going to come from? Low interest rates which the CBN governor has been pushing is a good policy. That policy alone cannot cut it. Reduction in the cost of governance has become imperative.

We cannot continue to ignore it. We must also deliberately identify areas of the economy that we want to promote. If we get it right, we stand the chance of turning this “apocalypse” into a blessing in disguise. If we don’t, we are sure going to end up in a crisis far worse than any economic crisis that we had witnessed in the past. Against our best wishes, we do not see that this pandemic is going to abate anytime soon. We must brace up for a crisis that will last months, if not years. If luck smiles at us and it is contained in the short term, then we must thank God.

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