THURSDAY 7TH APRIL 2022

Zenith Shareholders Reap Bumper Harvest as Bank Pays N97.3bn Dividend Kayode Tokede Shareholders of Zenith Bank Plc have unanimously approved the bank’s proposed final dividend,

expressing delight at the final dividend payment of N2.80 per share which brings the total payout for the 2021 financial year to N3.10 per share with a total value of N97.33

billion.

The shareholders gave the approval at the bank’s 31st Annual General Meeting (AGM) held yesterday at Civic Centre, Victoria

Island, Lagos.

In his statement, the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr Jim Ovia, thanked the shareholders for their unflinching loyalty, which

has enabled the bank to rise to the pinnacle of the nation's financial services industry, and assured them of the bank's commitment to consistently deliver superior

value to them.

Speaking on the financial institution’s performance, the Group Continued on page 39

Wood McKenzie: Oil Theft Gone Beyond Crisis Point in Nigeria… Page 6 Thursday 7 April, 2022 Vol 27. No 9858. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

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Jonathan Escapes Unhurt as Two Aides Die in Abuja Road Accident

Ex-president, Atiku mourn

Emmanuel Addeh and Kingsley Nweze in Abuja

Group Managing Director/CEO, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu; Founder and Chairman, Mr. Jim Ovia, CON and Deputy Managing Director, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, at the 31st Annual General Meeting of the bank held yesterday at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday escaped unhurt in a road accident in Abuja, although the crash left two of his police aides dead and others injured.

Continued on page 39

THISDAY Projects: With Northern Presidential Candidate, PDP Set to Lose Key Southern States Decision makes Oyo, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Abia, Enugu, Akwa Ibom vulnerable in govship contest, Benue also susceptible Party unlikely to make appreciable impact in key northern states to compensate for loss in south Ortom: We’re yet to throw our ticket open Ohanaeze, PANDEF condemn decision by opposition party, say it’s suicidal, a betrayal Fayose: PDP must tread carefully over zoning Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Udora Orizu, Emameh Gabriel in Abuja, Emma Okonji, Nosa Alekhuogie in Lagos and Gideon Arinze in Enugu Although the decision by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP) to throw its 2023 presidential ticket open, has not been sealed yet by its National Executive Committee (NEC), there are clear indications the party might compromise its otherwise bright chances in next year’s general Continued on page 5

HOW NORTHERN PDP CANDIDATES MAY STAND States Abia Adamawa Akwa Ibom Anambra Bauchi Bayelsa Benue Borno Cross River Delta Ebonyi Edo Ekiti Enugu Gombe Imo Jigawa Kaduna Kano

Atiku LOSE WIN LOSE LOSE WIN LOSE TOO CLOSE TO CALL LOSE LOSE LOSE LOSE LOSE LOSE LOSE WIN LOSE TOO CLOSE TO CALL TOO CLOSE TO CALL TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Saraki

Tambuwal

LOSE TOO CLOSE TO CALL LOSE LOSE TOO CLOSE TO CALL LOSE TOO CLOSE TO CALL LOSE LOSE LOSE LOSE LOSE TOO CLOSE TO CALL LOSE TOO CLOSE TO CALL LOSE LOSE LOSE LOSE

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States Katsina Kebbi Kogi Kwara Lagos Nasarawa Niger Ogun Ondo Osun Oyo Plateau Rivers Sokoto Taraba Yobe Zamfara FCT

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Saraki

Tambuwal

LOSE LOSE WIN WIN TOO CLOSE TO CALL TOO CLOSE TO CALL TOO CLOSE TO CALL TOO CLOSE TO CALL TOO CLOSE TO CALL TOO CLOSE TO CALL LOSE LOSE LOSE TOO CLOSE TO CALL TOO CLOSE TO CALL LOSE TOO CLOSE TO CALL TOO CLOSE TO CALL

LOSE TOO CLOSE TO CALL TOO CLOSE TO CALL TOO CLOSE TO CALL LOSE LOSE TOO CLOSE TO CALL LOSE LOSE LOSE LOSE LOSE LOSE WIN WIN LOSE TOO CLOSE TO CALL TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Mohammed LOSE TOO CLOSE TO CALL TOO CLOSE TO CALL TOO CLOSE TO CALL LOSE LOSE TOO CLOSE TO CALL LOSE LOSE LOSE LOSE LOSE LOSE TOO CLOSE TO CALL WIN LOSE TOO CLOSE TO CALL TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Bank of Agriculture MD, Ali-Hassan, Regains Freedom from Terrorists Eight Days After Train Attack... Page 40

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CONTINUATION THISDAY PROJECTS: WITH NORTHERN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE, PDP SET TO LOSE KEY SOUTHERN STATES election if it travelled that route.

Some of the unintended consequences of such a critical, but sensitive decision, is that the PDP might render some of its key states vulnerable and further unable to make significant impact in a few other equally crucial states, in addition to frittering away the presidency.

Therefore, while the decision could make the PDP lose such states like Oyo, Delta, Rivers, Abia, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Benue and Cross River (though currently controlled by the APC, however, a strong PDP state) in the governorship election.

Even more interesting is that the action does not guarantee the PDP would make any major impact in key northern states to compensate for the expected loss in the south.

For example, the PDP has never won Yobe and Borno States, and it is unlikely to perform any magic in 2023, to change the voting pattern.

So, the party would face an uphill task winning these states even with a northern presidential candidate and the APC fielding a southern candidate.

This, nonetheless, Chairman of the PDP Zoning Committee and Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, yesterday, denied the claim, stating that the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) would take a final decision on whether or not to throw the presidential ticket open.

Also, reactions to throwing the contest open to all came swiftly from several groups in the South, who have been clamouring for the presidential ticket to be zoned to the South.

Foremost Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, condemned the decision by the PDP to throw its presidential ticket open, saying it was a suicidal move.

A Pan-Niger Delta Forum, (PANDEF), has also expressed its disappointment at the PDP decision, saying it was an awful decision that would have consequences.

A preponderance of submissions by analysts contended that if the party eventually produced a northern presidential candidate, it stood the chance of losing those southern states to the All Progressives Congress (APC), especially, that it had already begun to make inroads into the southern states.

Unfortunately, the possibility that PDP might pick its presidential candidate for the 2023 general election from the North is high, because the north, which has more delegates would ensure that a northerner emerged at its presidential primaries.

Yet, with a northern presidential candidate, the PDP might lose some of its controlled states in the Southsouth, Southeast and at the same time, unable to make serious impacts in some APC-controlled northern states, both at the governorship and presidential polls.

A survey report sighted by THISDAY, which advised against throwing the ticket open, alluded to the agitation and position of the southern governors that the next president should come from their region.

The party would be going against the mood of its support zone, if it fields a northerner. According to analysts, "there is no way the party will escape the wrath of the of the South", if it goes ahead to pick a northerner as its candidate.

According to the survey, the PDP states had already complained of the implications of being in opposition by 2023, and cited the frequent defections of some of their governors and members of the National Assembly to the APC, as a development that could not be glossed over.

The survey, therefore, warned that the PDP might lose governorship elections in Delta, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Cross Rivers, Rivers and Oyo states, because it might lose grip of the attendant protests for a southern presidential candidate.

While the survey report stated that the party might win in Adamawa state, it noted unequivocally that it would be unable to make any positive input in Borno and Yobe States, as it has never won elections in the two north east states Importantly, with the resignation of Rabiu Kwankwanso from the PDP and his membership of a relatively unknown New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP), the PDP might not make any positive impact in Kano State.

The survey further analysed that, should the APC also pick a southern presidential candidate, it would take advantage of the whirlwind protests against the PDP, which is determined to go north.

The report reiterated that only

Adamawa State might be retained by the PDP in the north as 2023 would be a smooth-sail victory for the APC. Whereas the southern states of Delta, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Benue in the north central might be taken over by the APC, because of the solidarity of the ruling party picking a southern presidential candidate, in tune with the mood of the nation.

A copy of the recommendation of the zoning committee obtained

by THISDAY stated thus: “Zoning, as in our party constitution, is affirmed. Inspite of (1) above, ticket is thrown open, this time around due to exigency of time. Our party is encouraged to always make the issue of zoning very clear, at least, six months before sales of forms.

“Our party should commend the efforts of some our contestants on the issue of consensus candidacy; the efforts should be seen to a peaceful and logical conclusion."

But no date has been fixed for the National Executive Committee (NEC) the party, where it is expected to ratify the recommendation.

To that extent, the survey report sighted by THISDAY, stated that there would be a mark up in the 2015 and 2019 election figures for the APC in the South, due to the fact that the party would field a presidential candidate from South, giving value to the aspirations of the people of the South.

Verified INEC Figures of 2019 Election

A verified INEC figures of the 2019 election, put registered voters as follows: North West:20 million; South West: 15.8 million; North Central: 13.1 million; South-south: 12.6 million; North East: 11.3 million and South East: 9.5 million, put the total for northern Nigeria at 44.3 million and Southern Nigeria at 38 million.

Also, it stated that, 35 in every 100 Nigerian that registered to vote in 2019 presidential election, voted.

Thus, in Northern Nigeria, the figure was 41, while the Southern Nigeria posted 27.

The figures for the turnout also broke down the election categories as follow: Presidential Election: North West, 44%; North East, 43%; North Central, 37%; South-south, 28%; South West, 28%, and South East, 25%. Over all, the Northern Nigeria had 41% while the Southern Nigeria had 27%.

Highest Voting States

A breakdown of the 2019 highest voting states listed the top 10. Kano: NW, 1.96; Kaduna: NW, 1.71m; Katsina: NW, 1.62m; Lagos: SW, 1.16m; Jigawa: NW, 1.15m; Plateau: NC,1.06m; Bauchi: NE, 1.06m; Borno, NE, 955K; Sokoto: NW, 926K and Niger: NC, 897K. Yet, the 2019 least voting states, according to the survey, gave the breakdown. On the presidential election, Bayelsa: SS, 336K; Abia: SE, 344K; Ebonyi: SE, 379K; Ekiti: SW,394K; Cross River: SS, 446K; Enugu: SE, 451K; FCT: NC, 451K; Kwara: NC, 486K; Imo: SE, 543K; and Kogi: NC, 553K.

Factors That Informed the THISDAY Projections

Clearly, these are not some armchair analyses but informed by existential factors, which point in plausible directions for the different categories of elections. However, in the presidential run, there are three critical factors that currently lent credence to the THISDAY projections.

The first factor is that the APC is still strong in the north despite insecurity and banditry. This is essentially, because they still have the support of three key religious groups in the north.

The groups include the one led

by Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi.

There’s another led by Muhammad Sanusi II, former emir of Kano, the Tijaniyya Islamic sect, and of course, there is the Izala Muslim sect, formally Jama'at Izalatul. They have continued to mobilise support for the APC and so, it is still very strong in the north.

The second factor is that, even if the PDP fielded a northern candidate, it still couldn’t defeat the APC in the north and at the same time, it would lose in the south, because APC would still retain its northern hold, while the PDP would lose the south.

However, the third factor is the mood of the country. In 1999, the mood of the country was for a South-west candidate, because of the June 12 crisis, which also explained why the two presidential candidates at the time – Olusegun Obasanjo and Oluyemisi Falae – were from

the zone.

In 2011, the mood was for Niger Delta, albeit by providence, and former President Goodluck Jonathan, won. And now, the mood is for a southern candidate, however, from the Southeast zone.

Above all, the second term APC governors are also determined to ensure successors of choice, a development that would make the election stiff and clearly in their favour with the incumbency factor largely in force.

Ortom: Ticket Not Open Yet, NEC Will Take Final Decision

Chairman of the PDP Zoning Committee and Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has denied claim that the party had thrown its ticket open, saying a final decision on the matter would be taken by the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC).

Ortom said members of the committee met, and unanimously adopted a position, but concluded not to make the decision public until NEC makes a final pronouncement on it.

Ortom, who spoke on the ARISE NEWS Channel, stressed that what was decided at the meeting would be subject to NEC’s approval, adding that NEC could either decide in agreement with what they did, or decide to subtract or add to it.

“All that we did was a recommendation and that was why we felt that it was premature for us to let the cat out of the bag.

PDP has not brought out a report, and that will be done by NEC, so don’t crucify us.

“They will soon invite us to a meeting, a decision will be taken and then, we can move on from there. NEC has the final authority to decide the zoning. So, when that decision is made, then, the party will give a directive,” he said.

The governor, however, said the committee's work at their own level had been concluded and the report submitted to NEC to decide on what they thought was best for the party at the material time.

“We are just 37 members selected from each state and the Federal Capital Territory. But I want to tell you, that PDP is very mindful. We listen to the people, because we are a grassroots party; we are peopleoriented and will make sure that whatever we do reflects the interests of our people in the PDP and for Nigerians.

“Two heads are better than one and we have been able to send a recommendation to NEC. They will make a final decision and I think we will soon be invited for a meeting, because in any case, most of the members of the committee happen to be members of NEC. So, there will be a robust discussion on what will help Nigeria and our party to win in 2023,” Ortom further said.

Interestingly, he made his position known to all on the zoning, when he said the presidency should be zoned to the south, adding that zoning was part of PDP’s constitution and they were able to resolve what they thought was best for the party, adding that, this was his personal position right from the beginning.

His words: “I am not talking as a zoning committee member or the chairman of zoning committee; I am talking as Samuel Ortom. Most importantly, what can we do to get back to where we stopped in 2015, because Nigerians were aware of how PDP was able to manage the economy, the security, the social life, and everything?

"As of today, we have already gone from top to bottom and we're not just talking at the bottom, we are going beneath the bottom, if no drastic action is taken with someone with the capacity to deliver. It means all of us are going to be buried soon.

“For some of us, we have made sacrifices. The unity of Nigeria cannot be compromised and I'm ready to sacrifice anything to ensure justice, equity, and fairness, for our people,” Ortom said.

Reacting to accusations that some aspirants were trying to use money to get the ticket, he said people are entitled to their opinions but encouraged Nigerians to always seek the truth, even as he urged everybody to team up in the fight for justice, equity and fairness in everything, knowing that this is a democratic rule.

He said, “We are really looking at the larger picture of winning the election. It is not just about having a candidate, but it is about going ahead campaigning and winning

the election so that we can rescue Nigeria and build it, which is our paramount interest as at now.”

The committee chairman explained that PDP's NEC had always been represented by all members of the party in the entire country from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), adding that other people from outside, who were not members of NEC could still make input.

“This is an opportunity to get it right. PDP got it wrong in 2015 and they paid dearly for it. I am sure our people have learnt from the mistakes that were done in the past and that is why you can see we are not talking about imposition of candidates. We are talking about doing due process in ensuring that democracy gets to the grassroots and the people themselves, have a say, who becomes their representative.

"So, the issue of money is not the focus. In 2015, there was money everywhere, but did PDP win? Today, we are focusing on assuring that we get the hearts of the people and I believe that in doing this, we must ensure justice, fairness, equity and truthfulness, in all that we do,” Ortom said.

The Benue governor also accused the present administration of rigging in past elections, stating that from the information that they had been able to gather, the opposition has plans to still rig in futute elections, but said PDP would not allow such to happen again.

He reiterated that the reason he was banned from seeing President Muhammadu Buhari was because he was advising him to do the right thing.

“The government does not have the interest of the people. They only have their own personal interest. If the federal government does not act fast, Nigeria will be buried and that is where we are headed,” Ortom added.

Ohanaeze said.

Ohanaeze: Throwing Presidential Ticket Open is Political Betrayal

From PDP’s Zoning Committee, Some Inside Gist

A foremost Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has condemned the decision by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to throw its presidential ticket open to aspirants from all parts of the country and described it as political betrayal.

According to a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the group, which urged all the Igbo presidential aspirants to remain focused and undounted, wondered why the party decided to jettison zoning now that it was the turn of the South, particularly, the South East.

"For purpose of clarity, rotation and zoning principle was engrained into the PDP party’s Constitution in 2009. Article 7 (2) (c) of the PDP Constitution states: ‘In pursuance of the principle of equity, justice and fairness, the party shall adhere to the policy of rotation and zoning of party and public elective offices, and it shall be enforced by the appropriate executive committee at all levels," Ohanaeze explained.

The group noted that such “unscrupulous violation of the zoning principle that has been well entrenched in the PDP constitution simply changes the rules of the game in order to deprive Ndigbo the opportunity to produce a president for Nigeria.”

It claimed it was a political blunder and betrayal, given what Ndigbo had suffered in the country and most recently, for supporting the PDP. "History has never been kind to betrayers and the treacherous,” Ohanaeze said, stressing that, "The machinations and conspiracies to deny Ndigbo their due place in Nigeria is an ingratitude that daily cries to God." Ohanaeze reiterated the position of the Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum led by Chief E K Clark, that any party that does not zone its presidential ticket to the South should not expect the support of the Middle Belt and the entire South.

The organisation maintained that one of the roles of a political party in a democracy was nation building and that for the PDP to shirk its responsibilities, was an unfortunate path to Golgotha.

The statement read in part: "Let it be known that it runs contrary to the indomitable Igbo spirit to swallow any form of indignity, disdain or condescension from anybody or group. It is, therefore, highly inconceivable that the Igbo will validate a party or group that runs roughshod over its sensibilities,"

PANDEF: PDP’s Decision is Awful, Will Have Consequences

A Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), yesterday, expressed its disappointment in the decision of the PDP to throw its 2023 presidential ticket open, warning that such an awful decision would have consequences.

The Forum, in a release by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Ken Robinson, stated that it was not utterly surprised at the development, as the outcome was predictable, because there were evident pointers that this would be the conclusion.

PANDEF insisted that for fairness, equity, justice and in the nation’s interest, the next President of Nigeria, to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023, should come from the South.

It reiterated the call by the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum (SMBLF) on the people and all lovers of peace and equity in Nigeria to reject any political party that failed to zone its presidential ticket to the South.

The statement stated, although in parts, “Governor Ortom’s Committee had a script and they have played it out, with due deference to some patriots that were in the Committee.

The level of desperation and political debauchery being demonstrated by some political stakeholders is deplorable and quite disappointing.

“Regrettably, we are in a society, where it seems anything goes. We will await the conduct of the presidential primaries by the parties to assess the choices that would be presented to us. Anything otherwise would be detrimental to national peace and cohesion. The basis of any viable democracy, especially, in a diverse and complex country such as Nigeria, is fairness and even sharing of power."

Before the PDP zooming committee meeting commenced yesterday, it was observed that Professors ABC Nwosu and Jerry Gana, had in collaboration with like minds, drafted what they purported to represent the views of the committee at the previous meeting.

This was revealed to the meeting by the Deputy Chairman of the Committee and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Ndudi Elumelu.

However, to the rude shock of some members, Elumelu got up and wanted to present what he claimed was the draft resolution of the committee for adoption.

He was angrily shouted down by some committee members from the South. Someone would later query why Nwosu and Gana hijacked the duty and responsibility of the committee's secretariat to summarise their contributions and went ahead to draft resolutions for them.

At this juncture, Governor Samuel Ortom took the microphone from him and started pleading with the house for calm and understanding.

Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, was obliged to make contributions and he spoke along the line of the decisions of his colleague, Ortom, on the challenges facing the PDP as opposition party as well as the expectations and opportunities for the party to seize.

Thereafter, the Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, who was visibly angry, made reference to the submission of Bode George on the need for equity, fairness and justice to be reflected in all that the PDP would come out with.

But it was Senator Jonah Jang, a former Governor of Plateau State, who took strong exceptions to the attitude of his colleagues and queried the justification and morality in what they were saying.

He bluntly told everyone that what they are about to do by denying the South East Zone their God-given opportunity at this time of national distress to step in and rescue Nigeria was an act of hatred, cruel and unjust.

Ibrahim Shema, former Governor of Katsina State, was unapologetic in his submission and quoted various sections of the PDP Constitution to support his position and insistence on Rotation and Zoning.

As a former Deputy Chairman of the PDP, he counselled the committee to adopt the strategies of the past in cases like this, rotate and zone as per the PDP Constitution. He claimed that would not preclude those opposed to it from contesting, because it was their constitutional right, and by so

doing, the party would have upheld its constitution.

In the midst of grumbling, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, whose brilliant and explosive memorandum, had been earlier circulated took the microphone and made a very moving speech that provoked an outcry at the meeting.

He challenged their minds with incidences, facts and figures while buttressing and reinforcing the submission of Governor Shema. He equally reminded all of the need for justness and sincerity. He spoke of the need to reinterpret the paper of Professors ABC Nwosu and Jerry Gana into ordinary language for them to become effective instruments for action.

How efficient will they be? To whose benefits? He queried. He went further to caution the PDP not to take the "sensitivities and sensibilities of the masses" for granted and insisted that rotation and zoning were the pillars on which the PDP was anchored and what would happen in the event that the PDP jettisoned it and APC dusted it and embraced it.

At this point, Ortom asked him, “Please, what do you want us to do?” He responded and said, “Your Excellency, please, let us do right things right and zone the presidency to the South.”

At this juncture there was an uproar. Alhaji Sule Lamido spoke but the eruption that attended Nze Ozichukwu's bombshell drowned his voice. To those who became quite uncomfortable and apprehensive, he cited the "need to diligently and sincerely cultivate the civilisation of dialogue.

"We overheard him telling the chairman that as a democrat, he will sign the draft resolution not as a consensus document, but as reflecting majority opinion though no voting by raising of hands took place but he heard the voice votes.

"After the meeting, we wanted to seek audience with Nze Ozichukwu for more light but he disappeared.

By the time we went out looking for him, we were told that he had driven out with his driver," a source who was at the meeting.

Fayose: PDP Must Tread Carefully over Zoning

A former governor of Ekiti State and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential hopeful, Ayodele Fayose, has advised the opposition party to tread with caution and respect the existing zoning arrangement between the South and the North.

He also maintained that he was not going to step down for aspirants from any zone, because the sentiment that only the north could win election for the party must be jettisoned.

The former governor, who was a host on a Channels TV programme, Politics Today, a few hours after purchasing his presidential nomination form, said he was ready for the onslaught.

Fayose said he intentionally bought his nomination form to challenge the status quo and fight some powerful forces in the party, who wanted to silence or shortchange the south in the scheme of things.

"Nigeria as a country has a diversity.

And for that reason, we (PDP) must tread carefully. We must be very careful. The peculiarities, including the minority, the south, the north the middle belt and sentiment of religion for us to coexist brought into the fore to create within our constitution that there should be time to the north and there should be a time to the south.

"If you remember what happened in 1999, what brought President Obasanjo to power was the reason of grievances in the south, because they don't have good time during the military.

"The agitation was so much and the killing of Abiola and all that, was what brought President Obasanjo.

I remember in 1999, power was purposely zoned to the Southwest that gave Olu Falae and Obasanjo the opportunity. There was no other way.

Explaining why qualified aspirants from the South were not allowed to contest at the party's last convention in Port Harcourt, he said they "didn't contest because they were told it was purely a Northern affair’. I was told it was going to be a Northern affairs. And that was why you ad the Sarakis of this world, the Atiku, the Tambuwal and all of them. There was no southerner,” he recounted.

...Tomorrow, analysis of factors to determine the voting states Continued online

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

NEWS

COURTESY VISIT...

L-R: Technical Adviser, Gas Business & Policy Implementation to Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Engr. Justice Derefaka; Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Bwari Branch, Halimat Adediran; Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, and President, NSE, Engr. Sa’ad Gidari-Wudil, during a courtesy visit to the minister in Abuja …yesterday

Wood McKenzie: Oil Theft Gone Beyond Crisis Point in Nigeria Says menace preventing new investment in fossil fuels Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja As oil-producing companies in the country and even Nigeria continue to lose out on the rising international price of the crude, Wood McKenzie, a global mining and consultancy research group, has said that the oil theft challenge in the country has gone beyond a crisis point.

The firm in its latest report titled: “Nigeria Suffers Record Levels of Oil Theft,” while noting that the problem was scaring investors from the sector, noted that for instance, Shell reported about 107 sabotage incidents in 2021 alone.

Stating that the Bonny pipeline remains the hardest-hit by theft and vandalism, the research organisation stressed that Heirs Oil and Gas, owned by Tony Elumelu, for example, averaged losses of 66 per cent from Oil Mining Licence (OML) 17 in 2021, before peaking at 97 per cent in December.

Further describing Imo River and Rumukpe as hotspots for the menace, the document showed that the Nembe Creek Trunkline, operated by Aiteo experienced a downtime of 40 per cent during the period.

Woodmac added that although

improved security and monitoring reduced losses at Forcados, lack of pump capacity at Ughelli had a major impact on oil production in the Western Delta.

According to the document, ND Western reported 300 theft points on a 12 kilometre section of pipeline during the period around OML 34, while shell declared force majeure at Forcados in August and December last year.

It disclosed that Eni’s Brass oil pipelines in the northern areas are now worst affected, while local security officials contend with an unprecedented number of incidents.

Although Chevron’s Excravos network is mostly offshore and not so vulnerable, it noted that the southern swamp community dispute shut in 8.8kpd in December 2021 while 50 per cent of liquids production now comes from offshore, which offers some form of protection.

“Oil thefts have gone beyond crisis point and are deterring investment in the onshore. Crude theft and sabotage have long been problems in Nigeria, but 2021 saw record levels of theft.

“Thefts combined with export terminal and pipeline shut-downs

In Search of Peace, Soludo Sets Up Committee to Unravel Cause of Agitation in South-east David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Anambra State governor, Prof.

Chukwuma Soludo has set up a committee to unravel the true cause of armed struggle in the south-east, which has heightened insecurity in the region and led to loss of lives and property.

The committee is to be headed

by Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, with Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu as secretary is termed - Truth, Justice and Peace Committee.

Secretary to Anambra State Government, Prof. Solo Osita Chukwulobelu, who in a signed press statement disclosed this reeled out terms of reference to the committee.

It explained: "The purpose of the Committee on Truth, Justice, and Peace is to seek a restorative justice approach for truth-telling or real facts, for the healing of the victims of the violence.

"Accounting for responsibility and accountability of the actors, conditional mercy for the repentant perpetrators, restitution for certain losses and rehabilitation of the perpetrators, for the overall aim of restoration of peace and justice as well as the promotion of development in the State, and the region/Nigeria.

"Terms of Reference for the Committee are: to identify the remote and immediate causes of the agitations, restiveness, violence, and armed struggle in the South East since 1999.

"Document victims/circum-

stances of death, brutality and incarceration, identify stakeholders and groups who have played critical roles in the agitations and conflicts, their roles, capabilities and demands.

"Address any other issue(s) that may be germane to unravelling the extent of the crisis and charting the roadmap for the future and make recommendations for sustainable

peace and security in Anambra state/Southeast."

It further stated that the committee shall have a direct reporting line to the governor, and would be provided with administrative support to perform their duties, and shall conclude its work no later than 6 months from its inauguration.

Meanwhile, other members of the committee include: Dr. Joe

Nwaorgu, Dr. Udenta Udenta, Dr. Uju Agomoh, Rev. Fr (Msgnr) Jerome Madueke and Canon Dr. Okechukwu C. Obi-Okoye.

The others are Mr. Charles Oputa (Charly Boy), Dr. John Otu, Mr. Ngozi Odumuko, Ms. Onyeka Onwenu, Dr. Joe Abah, Mr. Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, Mr. Sam Egwuatu and Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu.

are limiting Nigeria's ability to ramp-up production and take advantage of high prices. Onshore operators are spending to secure current production rather than grow it. This represents a huge opportunity cost.

“The Bonny and Brass pipelines in the eastern delta are worst affected, Forcados much less. Barging can be cost-effective but only at small scale longer term solutions needed,” it said.

Explaining that, “Nigeria has been here before in 2016,” Woodmac said alternative pipelines are coming far too slow to materialise. It added that investors and the state were paying the price.

“Nigeria's production is likely to improve in 2022, but underperformance against OPEC+ quota remains a major risk. NNPC reports that crude thefts in 2021 reached 200,000 barrels per day a quarter of onshore production.

“Prolonged shut-downs at Forcados and Qua Iboe export terminals also hampered output.

There has been little improvement in 2022, with Brass and Bonny terminals shut-in in March,” it noted.

The report reiterated the recently released data by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) that stolen

volumes cost Nigeria up to $3.27 billion oil shut ins and impact associated gas production and sales to the domestic market.

“Some onshore investments are on hold while operators try to secure production via alternative export routes. The scale and sophistication of crude thefts suggests an organised operation on an industrial scale,” it pointed out.

It noted that attempts at finding alternatives had come at a higher cost, as barging costs for instance, are typically between $15 to $20 per barrel.

“Barging becomes cost effective when losses exceed 20 per cent, provided that oil prices are high enough to cover the additional cost Logistics can limit barging volumes to a maximum of 20,000 bpd.

“Producers need access to a navigable river and barging Jetty, and an agreement with an offshore vessel to export the crude. Larger producers see barging only as a short-term solution and typically return to the major trunk lines once performance improves,” it said.

The firm stated that there had been a failure to construct alternative pipelines since 2016 as many producers barge crude offshore from Warri as it offers more secure exports, but at prohibitive costs.

Defection: Anxiety as Court Again Defers Judgment in Suit Seeking Ayade's Sack Alex Enumah in Abuja Expectations were heightened yesterday following the decision of a Federal High Court to defer judgment in the suit seeking the removal of Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade and his deputy, Ivara Esu, from office over their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This was the second time the court would be shifting the date to deliver judgment in the suit brought against Ayade and Esu for dumping the PDP. The PDP had approached the court to challenge the continued stay in office of Ayade and his deputy, haven decamped from the party which brought them into office as governor and deputy governor.

After taking submissions from all lawyers representing parties in the suit, Justice Taiwo then adjourned to March 25, for judgment.

The adjournment was made after the judge delivered judgment in another suit brought by the PDP against 20 lawmakers who had last year decamped alongside Ayade to the APC. Justice Taiwo had in his judgment sacked the 20 lawmakers including two House of Representatives members on the grounds that they cannot remain in office having left the PDP that brought them to office.

However, on the adjourned date of March 25, the court did not sit and it was learnt that the judgment was not yet ready. A new date of April 6, was announced.

Respondents in the suit mark FHC/ABJ/CS/975/2021 are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), APC, Ayade and Esu. However, when the court resumed yesterday, rather than delivering judgment, Justice Taiwo asked parties to address him on the propriety of his delivery of the judgment taking into

consideration the Court of Appeal Judgment in the case of Ebonyi State Governor, Mr. Dave Umahi and his deputy, which held that they cannot be removed from office on account of defection.

Responding, the lawyer to the PDP, Chief Emmanuel Ukala, urged the court to go ahead to deliver its judgment because the issues canvassed in the suit determined by the Enugu Division of the Court of Appeal were quite different from the ones being canvassed by his client, adding that what his client is asking the court to interpret, was not what was presented at the Ebonyi High Court which was the case that the appellate court took a decision on.

However, Ayade and his deputy through their lawyer urged the court to decline the delivery of his judgment and submit to the judgment of the appellate court because the issues that the plaintiff brought before it for determination were exactly the same as those already

decided by the Court of Appeal.

After listening to the arguments of all parties, Justice Taiwo announced that judgment in the matter would be delivered today.

Recall that the appellate court had in a unanimous judgment delivered on April 1, held that Governor Umahi and his deputy had the right to move to any political party they so wished, adding that there was nowhere in the constitution, that barred a sitting governor from defecting to any political party.

Justice A. O. Belgore, who delivered the judgment said the governor and his deputy did not offend any provision of the Constitution or the Electoral Act, as there was no consequence under the law against the defection of the holder of the office of the President, Vice President, Governor or Deputy Governor, to another political party from the party that sponsored the election that brought him or her to office

The Court of Appeal further held that the defection of a political office holder may appear immoral, but it was not the duty of the Court to embark on an investigation or probe into the provisions of the laws, warning that judicial activism must not be turned into judicial rascality.

The Appellate Court further held that there was no provision in sections 180, 188 or 189 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, that empowered the Court to remove either a sitting governor or the deputy.

According to the learned Justices, “defection of an office holder is not novel to Nigeria’s judicial jurisprudence.”

Ayade alongside his deputy were elected on the platform of the PDP in 2015 and 2019, but defected to the APC on May 20, 2021, leading to the current suit.

PDP is asking the court to declare Continued on page 39

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LEKKI 2 DATA CENTRE...

L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; CEO, MainOne Cable Company, Mrs. Funke Opeke, and Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, during the launch of MainOne Lekki 2 Data Centre, at Lekki, Lagos... yesterday

Lawyers Seek Clarification on Sale, Transfer of Union Bank to Titan Trust, Threaten Legal Action Wale Igbintade

A group of lawyers have vowed to challenge the recent acquisition of 89.39 % stake in Union Bank Plc

by Titan Trust Bank Limited, before a federal high court.

Union Bank Plc and Titan Trust Bank had on December 23, 2021, announced that Union Bank’s core investors, Union Global Partners Limited, Atlas Mara Limited, and other shareholders had reached an agreement with Titan Trust Bank to divest their shareholding in the country’s second oldest bank to Titan Trust.

But in separate letters written to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the lawyers alleged “a flagrant abuse of financial regulations, lacking in due process and illegal transfer of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc founded in 1917 to Titan Bank, which started operation on April 26, 2019.”

The lawyers were of the view that the sale and transfer of shares of the Union Bank to Titan Trust Bank was not in compliance with the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 and in violation of Section

342(2) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020.

In the letter dated March 14, 2022, signed by Mr. Adedokun Makinde, on behalf of Dr. Charles Mekwunye, and other minority shareholders of Union Bank and addressed to the CBN Governor, entitled, ‘Unlawful Sale and Transfer of the Majority Shares of Union Bank to Titan Bank Limited and Violation of the CBN Code of Corporate Governance for Banks and Discount Houses and Other statutory law,” he requested for the date the sale, and transfer of all the shares of Union (United) Global Partners Limited, and Atlas

Mara Limited were consummated on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Limited as required by Section 106 (4) of the Investment, and Securities Act, 2007.

The letter also demanded details particulars/reports of the sale of the shares of Union (United) Global Partners Limited and Atlas Mara Limited in Union Bank of Nigeria to Titan Trust Bank limited in the record of the Apex Bank.

It warned that failure to provide the information requested within seven days, they would have no option but to seek further legal recourse to compel the apex court

Lekoil Turns Down Offer By Nigerian Partner to Purchase OPL 310 Loan Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Lekoil Cayman has rejected an offer by its Nigerian partner, Lekoil Nigeria, to buy the company’s $110 million loan owed by Mayfair Assets & Trust Limited.

Lekoil Nigeria had announced that it approached Lekoil Cayman, the oil and gas exploration and production company with a focus on Nigeria and West Africa, with an offer of, “an initial purchase price of $1.5 million.”

This, it noted, represented 50 per cent more than what the board of directors of the company had agreed to sell the Mayfair loan to Savannah Energy Investments Limited pursuant to an Option Agreement.

This it further stated included, “a deferred payment of $110 million being more than twice the deferred consideration proposed to be paid

by Savannah pursuant to the Option Agreement.”

Lekoil Cayman has a 40 per cent equity interest in Lekoil Nigeria.

The Nigerian unit maintained that if it successfully carried out the deal, it would not only prevent the loss of Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 310, but would also have a neutral effect on the value of the shareholders’ stocks.

It was learnt that the licence was due to expire in August 2022, as a result of inactivity, after much delay occasioned by the company’s internal crisis which has dampened plans to begin production.

Lekoil Nigeria, called on the board of directors of the company to act in the best interest of shareholders by calling off the extraordinary general meeting slated for today.

It added that this was especially because upon the offer to acquire the Mayfair loan, there would no longer

be any commercial reason for its parent company to consummate the, “Option Agreement” with Savannah.

According to Lekoil Nigeria, any contractual issues arising from the cancellation of the extraordinary general meeting could be managed with limited impact on the company.

It further urged shareholders to vote against the approval of the option agreement at the extraordinary general meeting if the offer was refused.

However, the position of Lekoil Nigeria appeared to have thrown the company into further problems as Lekoil Cayman in a note published April 1, said the offer cannot be accepted without breaching its legally binding obligations to Savannah.

“The offer by Lekoil Nigeria to purchase the OPL 310 loan and the outstanding amount under the Savannah Convertible Facility Agreement is not capable of acceptance as it would put the company in breach of its legally binding contractual obligations to Savannah,” the Company’s Interim Executive Chairman, Anthony Hawkins said.

He noted that if the offer was capable of acceptance, it was not clear that it would be a superior one, adding that Lekoil Nigeria had not demonstrated the capability to fund the offer.

According to the Cayman-based organisation, Lekoil Nigeria has not, since 2013, shown any evidence of the ability to fund the appraisal and/or development of OPL 310, the licence for which is due to expire in August 2022 due to inactivity.

It argued that the Nigerian unit would be using the group's cash to which the shareholders already have an entitlement to; and it has chosen to conduct the negotiation process

by way of public announcement rather than private dialogue with the company.

It added that for these reasons, the offer should not be seen as a serious attempt to provide an alternative to the company and its shareholders but as an attempt to muddy the waters prior to the extraordinary general meeting “Furthermore, even if the offer was capable of acceptance, it is not clear that it would be a superior offer for the following reasons: Lekoil Nigeria has not demonstrated the capability to fund the offer.

“It has not, since 2013, shown any evidence of the ability to fund the appraisal and/or development of OPL 310 (the licence for which is due to expire in August 2022 due to inactivity).

“It would be using group cash to which the shareholders already have an entitlement to; and it has chosen to conduct the negotiation process

by way of public announcement rather than private dialogue with the company.

“For these reasons, the offer should not be seen as a serious attempt to provide an alternative to the company and its shareholders but as an attempt to muddy the waters prior to the Extraordinary General Meeting.

“I would encourage shareholders to vote by way of proxy at the EGM in favour of the resolutions,” Hawkins insisted.

Meanwhile, Lekoil said yesterday that it had been notified of an ex parte injunction granted by the Federal Court of Nigeria, Lagos Division, to restrain: “The transfer of interests in the plaintiffs; altering the beneficial and/or equity rights of the company in the plaintiffs; and altering or taking steps to alter the company's ownership, equity, share capital structure, rights or interest in the assets of the plaintiffs.”

to provide the information.

However, the CBN in a letter signed by its Director/Secretary to the Board, Aminu Mohammed, acknowledged the letter, stating that ''the information being sought, where available, will be communicated to you in due course.”

A similar letter written to the Director-General, SEC, also alleged that the transaction was marred with unlawful abuse of the process of sale and transfer of shares in banks in Nigeria.

The letter read: “The report reaching our client also confirms that the transaction leading to the unlawful acquisition of Union Bank Plc by Titan Bank Limited failed to adhere to the provisions of the Central Bank of Nigeria Code of Corporate Governance for Banks and Discount Houses in Nigeria, the Companies and Allied Matters Act and other extant laws.

“That we take cognisance of the fact that the CBN approves financial transactions of all banks and approves all transfers of funds.

Also based on our findings, we are very much aware that the CBN in respect to this sale and transfer of shares transaction of Union Bank Plc to Titan Bank Limited will have the records.

“The CBN must approve the transfer of funds used by Titan Bank Ltd to consummate this transaction.

“Further to these findings, we also discovered that Union Bank Plc has existed in Nigeria for about 100 years whereas Titan Trust Bank Limited was incorporated about two years and started banking about 18 months ago. Therefore, we know that Titan Trust Bank Limited has not made profits and has not broken even “Therefore, the source of the finance of the said majority shares

by Titan Trust Bank Limited cannot

be from its profits of this source of finance and we demand strict disclosure as required by law.”

Responding to the letter, Union Bank through its lawyer, Mesuabari Mene-Josiah from the law firm of Udo Udoma and Bello-Osagie, stated that the transaction was privately negotiated sales of shares between the shareholders of the bank.

It stressed that Union Bank was not a party to the negotiations and/ or the share sale and purchase agreement executed between the Selling Shareholders and TTB. The letter dated March 15, reads: “The bank is a public limited liability company listed, and whose shares are freely tradable, on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Limited as required under Nigerian law. As a result, shareholders of the bank have no obligation to notify the bank of any sale of their shares.”

The letter maintained that based on subsisting Nigerian law, the selling shareholders are validly entitled to divest their respective shareholding interests in the bank, and do not require any authorisation from the Board of directors of the bank or any shareholder(s) of the bank in this regard.

The letter explained that Section 139 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 provides that the shares of a member in a company are the personal property of such member.

“Once the bank was notified by the selling shareholders that they had entered into an agreement with TTB, our Client (Union Bank) duly complied with its specific regulatory obligation to notify the Nigerian Exchange of the transaction.

“It is pursuant to this notification that the bank made a public announcement of the transaction on 23rd December 2021,” the letter stated.

Lawmakers Investigate Privacy Breach, IdentifyTheft ofTelephone Subscribers Udora Orizu in Abuja The House of Representatives has mandated its Committees on Telecommunications and Banking and Currency to look into the cases of telephone subscribers who have fallen victims to breach of their privacy and identity theft to identify inadequacies in the relevant regulatory frameworks and proffer solutions.

The resolution of the lawmakers was sequel to the adoption of a motion on the, 'Need to protect telephone subscribers from breach of privacy, fraud and loss of money,' sponsored by Hon. Olusola Fatoba

at yesterday’s plenary.

Moving the motion, Fatoba noted that by standard practice, telephone numbers and email addresses are usually required to open a bank account.

He also noted that in line with the regulations of the Nigerian Communications Commission on dormant or inactive lines, telecommunication companies have the right and may reassign SIM cards and phone numbers once they are inactive for some time without recourse to the previous owners, so long as they remain inactive for a set period.

He expressed concerns that in

spite of the regulatory frameworks in existence, the occurrence of a breach of privacy, cases of fraud and consequently financial losses are on the increase.

He also expressed concerns that many Nigerians had fallen victims to illegal and unauthorised deductions of funds from their bank accounts because their financial institutions keep sending their bank account transaction details to their hitherto phone numbers which had been reassigned to new subscribers, thus opening a dangerous window for fraudulent activities.

The lawmaker said, "Aware that the Nigeria Data Protection Regula-

tion (NDPR) seeks to safeguard the rights of natural persons to data privacy and foster safe-conduct for transactions involving the exchange of personal data, among others.

“Also aware that pursuant to the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, the Consumer Protection Framework was enacted with provisions that prohibit financial institutions from disclosing customers’ personal information and further require that financial institutions have appropriate data protection measures and staff training programs in place to prevent unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, accidental loss and or destruction of customer data.

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FIRST LAPAROSCOPIC RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY CONDUCTED IN NIGERIA...

L-R: Surgical Assistant, Joan Roberts; Consultant Urological and Robotic Surgeon, Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme; Chief Operating Officer, Reddington Hospital Group, Lagos, Mr. Emmanuel Matthews and Director, Reddington Hospital, Dr. Sola Oluwole at a Press conference to announce the first Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy conducted in Nigeria and Sub-saharan Africa, at the Reddington Hospital...on Tuesday.

Russian-Ukraine War: Poland Accommodates 2,000 Fleeing Nigerians, Millions of Refugees Michael Olugbode in Abuja The Government of Poland has said over two million refugees from Ukraine including about 2,000 Nigerians fleeing the RussiaUkraine war have been allowed passage into its country.

A statement yesterday by the Embassy of Poland in Nigeria titled: ‘Poland stands with Ukraine – the spirit of Polish solidarity reborn,’

read: “This February Europe witnessed an unprecedented and unprovoked military attack by the Russian Federation on Ukraine.

In the wake of the unjustified invasion, Poland, who is Ukraine’s next door neighbor, immediately extended a helping hand to a friendly nation in need.

“Since February 24, Poland opened its borders to over two million people fleeing Ukraine

from the Russian aggression.

Although most refugees are obviously Ukrainian, there are also thousands of third country nationals who found shelter in Poland. Polish authorities let in everyone irrespective of nationality, race or creed.

“Many of those who crossed the Ukrainian-Polish border were African nationals, including more than two thousand Nigerians.”

It added: “The government of Poland went to great lengths and undertook every effort to ensure all refugees received meaningful, effective and comprehensive assistance.

“Meals were distributed at border crossings, transport was provided to receptive points where further assistance and help were provided by local government authorities. Moreover, country

Lagos Leads in Technology Start-up, Says Sanwo-Olu Governor launches new Mainone/MDXI data centre to technology and innovation, MainOne over the last 12 years, of digital economy in West Africa,

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday said the state leads its peers in terms of technology start-up in West Africa as well as in technology development and e-commerce.

He said his administration would continue to support and design policies to help in creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in Lagos State.

Sanwo-Olu made the statement during the launch of Mainone/ MDXI new data centre. The company, which is a subsidiary of Equinox Technology, is a cable and communication services company.

According to a statement, the governor noted that with job creation, knowledge and skills would be acquired by those employed in the facility and they would be trained so that they could compete with their counterparts on a global level all over the world.

"Lagos is the heartbeat and commercial nerve centre of the country, therefore, we will continue to support investors and create an enabling environment for their businesses to flourish.

"Lagos remains in the tech global market and in the map of the global space as a destination of choice where investors, tech experts see as a place to be.

“Therefore, for businesses to thrive, with international and local businesses to do well, we need to deliberately listen to their needs, know how government can help in terms of policies to make them thrive.

"This investment is putting Lagos on a global market and likewise providing jobs for the teeming youths," the governor said.

Speaking further on his administration's commitment

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that: “In recent years, Lagos has become the leading destination for technology start-up investments on the African continent. In addition to being the largest sub-national economy in Africa, Lagos is now also Africa’s Start-up Capital.

“We are home to three Fintech Unicorns – Paystack, Flutterwave and Interswitch, among many other very successful, globally recognized Start-ups. We are also a leading global city in e-commerce and retail technology, transportation technology and education technology, according to the Global Startup Ecosystem Index.

“On our part as government, we are ensuring that our policies are designed to support private investment and create unending opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors. We are also putting our skin in the game.

“We have reached advanced stages of the rollout of 3,000km of terrestrial fibre across the State.

I’m aware that MainOne also has a similar network of over a thousand kilometers, part of which is in Lagos.

“We are developing a K.I.T.E Cluster/Campus in Yaba, Lagos, on 22,000 square meters of land, in partnership with the private sector.

K stands for Knowledge, I for Innovation, T for Technology and E for Entrepreneurship. We have just established a new University, the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUTECH), focused on building capacity in science, technology, and innovation in Lagos State.”

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos state was proud of the Managing Director of Mainone/MDXI, Ms. Funke Opeke and what she has achieved with

adding that “Entrepreneurs like Ms. Opeke are solid proof of what Nigeria and Nigerians can achieve when we set our minds to it and pursue business dreams that are ambitious and world changing.”

Speaking earlier, Opeke assured that with the presence of Mainone/ MDXI facility in Lagos and Abuja, they planned to replicate and extend such to Port-Harcourt and other parts of the country.

She said the new facility is a hub

noting that Mainone/MDXI landed its first Marine cable in Lagos and opened its first data center also in Lagos and West Africa.

"The facility will further help in boosting development especially in areas of data gathering and content creation. All telecommunications companies are connected to the facility, lots of major institutions are providing critical services all over west Africa with this facility,” she said.

legislation was amended to cater for the needs of refugees and facilitate the provision of assistance.

“All refugees are guaranteed free of charge medical care. Poland accepts and helps terminally ill refugees, the physically challenged and orphans. Ukrainian children are given the opportunity to resume learning in Polish primary and secondary schools.

“All Ukrainian citizens can apply for a Polish national identity number which entitles the holder to benefit from social welfare and medical care and many other privileges on a par with Polish citizens.”

According to the statement, “Poles open their hearts and homes to refugees. Interestingly enough, it is not only the Polish government that has provided immense assistance, but also ordinary Polish citizens contributed in a tremendous bottom-up response.

Individuals, families, neighborhoods and local communities started helping on their own.

“They brought food, provided transport from the border to every corner of the country, set up information platforms linking

up those in need with potential providers of accommodation, clothes, medicine, food etc.

“Accommodation places were created by the government and local governments, but a large number of refugees is hosted in Poles’ private houses. As more and more people arrive the numbers of those willing to help are not decreasing.

“On the contrary, the assistance given by regular Polish citizens is becoming more effective and structured, sensitive to the changing needs of the refugees. It is worth mentioning that Polish citizens created special assistance platforms dedicated exclusively to assisting African nationals, a large percentage of whom are Nigerians.

“The support offered includes, for instance, finding accommodation, translation services and free of charge legal assistance for those wishing to remain in Poland.”

The statement further revealed that the Polish government has launched a robust and comprehensive system for provision of humanitarian assistance not only in Poland but also in Ukraine.

FG Lifts Nationwide Curfew on COVID-19 Removes restriction on number of persons attending religious gathering

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The federal government has lifted the nationwide curfew from 12 midnight to 4 a.m it had imposed in 2019, which was meant to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The lifting of the restriction was announced yesterday by the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 (PSC). The PSC said the decision to review the country’s COVID-19 response was occasioned by the declining number of cases, reduced risk of importation of new variants as well as the availability of vaccines and increasing number of people vaccinated in Nigeria and globally.

The guidelines stated that there would no longer be formal restrictions on movement within the country, adding that the advisory limiting Nigerians to essential travels only has also been lifted.

It urged all vendors and service providers to abide by stated stipulations from the Federal Ministry of Transportation while urging all passengers and commuters to

wear face masks once on board, as well as continue to observe personal precautionary measures.

It, however, advised members of the public to, given the risks, refrain from non-essential movement and comply with non-pharmaceutical interventions guidelines such as the mandatory use of facemask/facial coverings in public.

The PSC also announced the removal of limitation on air travels – both domestic and international flights; saying travellers must abide by all existing protocols including the use of face mask while on board and taking personal precaution measures.

In addition, the PSC said the limitation on number of persons and 50 per cent limit on persons attending religious gathering had been lifted, even as it advised the continued use of face masks in all indoor religious gathering, while asking congregants to take personal responsibility and take appropriate personal safety protection measures.

The federal government also announced the removal of limitation on number of staff reporting to work, stating that all workers are now free to resume in all offices for normal work.

It asked all Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executives to ensure that all staff are fully vaccinated and ensure the use of face masks and safety protocols within the office premises.

The new guidelines also stated there would no longer be limit on the number of persons gathering in open spaces including sports stadiums and arenas, open congregation and rallies.

It said all bars, night clubs, pubs and event centres are only allowed to open at 50 per cent capacity while capacity limitation on hotels, restaurants and gyms has been lifted.

All hospitality and entertainment facilities, however, are to ensure use of face masks as well as safety precautions in their premises.

The PSC also said the limitation on number of persons attending

informal and formal festivity events including weddings, conferences, congresses, office parties, seminars, end of year events has been lifted while ban on concerts, carnivals and street parties is also lifted.

The PSC on COVID-19 advised that all political activities involving large gatherings to strictly adhere to COVID-19 guidelines issued

by INEC. It asked organisers to ensure use of face masks, mandatory temperature checks and use of sanitisers at events, saying political parties are to be responsible for compliance to safety measures.

The PSC said each state government was responsible for monitoring the risk of transmission and spread of COVID-19 in their states as well as monitoring compliance to safety protocols.

It encouraged all eligible citizens to take COVID-19 vaccinations.

It also recommended the vaccine mandate for only fully vaccinated persons to access government premises or show PCR test of not more than 48 hours to all states.

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

Abaribe: I’m Determined to Be the Change in Abia Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe believes that Abia State, must strive to be the industrial heartland of the nation and he thinks of himself as a governor who can drive this. Segun James reports

W

hy do you want to become the next governor of the state?

My reason is simple: Abia State deserves the best possible material to lead it and I think I am the best person at this time to lead the state. This is the 21st century; this is also a transition year and this is also a year where so many things are happening both in Nigeria and all over the world. And what Abia needs now is a man that has integrity. Abia needs a man that has credibility, a man that has the capacity to do the job and Abia needs somebody, who at all times the people can go to sleep and say they know that Abia is in very good hands.

I am putting myself forward for Abia people to be the governor for all, not the governor of the North, South, East or West, but the governor for every Abia person. And I think that with the pedigree I have and with what I have done for the people of Abia and indeed, the people of Nigeria, all the oppressed people in this country know that I put them first in everything, that I will do a great job for them.

Abaribe

have met with them, Abians asked for one thing: leadership that puts them first and I intend to do that.

This will be your fourth or fifth attempt, do you think people will give you their votes this time?

I think that what is important is the adage: if you try and it doesn’t work, then you try again.

It doesn’t matter how many times I have made attempts, I think that this is the right time and Abia people know and I have their support and their encouragement. I have had consultations with all persons in Abia, all manner of people; I have had with the leadership, I have had with the led, market women, with the youths, I have had with the political leaders, I have had with academia, I have had with all. At every point I

As the Senate’s minority leader. What’s your take on the Electoral Act? It is a good piece of legislation.

It was meant to cure some of the problems that were in the previous acts all this while. The basic thing that we have in the Electoral Act today is the fact that it will make rigging almost impossible. There are two things that were done in that Electoral Act. First is the direct transmission of results in each polling unit. Even if you have problems

in a polling unit, the cumulative of all the polling booths will give you a near accurate figure.

Also, there is a provision in the Act that if you, by any means, force a Returning Officer to announce a result that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not have, that set of results will not be processed.

The other thing about the Electoral Act, which is good, is the very famous one, which everyone saw when the Senate rejected President Muhammadu Buhari’s amendment, which is section 84(12). What that section does is that it codified what was already supposed to be the norm of our society. Usually, if you want to run for election, the norm used to be that you would resign. You won’t sit in office and at the same time utilize your office to run and manipulate state resources in running for election.

There is an aspect of that legislation, which people talk about, which I do not think is in the law. I have heard it said that, if you have not resigned by now, you might not be eligible to contest; that you ought to have resigned. No law is made to be retroactive, so Section 84(12) doesn’t say that you ought to have resigned by now. What is actually in the law is that if you are going to be a delegate for the purpose of primary or you are going to be an aspirant or a contestant for the purpose of primary, leading to an election that you will have to resign. The stipulation as to time is what is in the Civil Service Rules because you are a public officer and you are subjected to the same Civil Service Rules, which is 30 days before any contest.

So, it is actually 30 days before primary or 30 days before congress if you are going to be a delegate. It is not for three months. When the parties set their dates, I believe the 30 days

will now kick-start from the date the parties put for their elections. That is what is in 84(12).

The President, in his wisdom, has said that it conflicted with the 1999 Constitution, where that particular part of the constitution wasn’t mentioned. So, we didn’t know exactly what he meant. As far as we know, we think that if you are in office and you still want to be in that office and also run or contest for an election, what you are doing is that you are short-changing the country because your office will suffer. And of course, when you are running for office, what it means is that you are going to neglect your official duties, and you swore an oath to fulfil your duty towards the public and towards Nigeria, so you cannot balance the two at the same time. It is not going to be in the interest of the country. The interest of the country should come first.

So when we got that communication from the President, we said some people must have mis-advised him to write that letter. For example, I run the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and I now want to be President and then I want to contest for primary while I am still running the NNPC, something is going to suffer. And what is going to suffer actually is my job for the people of Nigeria in the NNPC. We should not allow that. We just didn’t think that these are things that we ought to codify, but we have found out that because it wasn’t codified people were taking advantage of it and staying in their offices and utilizing the office to run elections and of course, to the detriment of their duties. That was why we declined to put an assent to it.

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Okafor: If APC, PDP Zone Presidency to the South-east, Over 50 Unyielding Contestants Will Emerge Amby Uneze engages a federal lawmaker, Chike Okafor, representing Ehime Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/ Obowo federal constituency on the significance of the new electoral law on the Ngor Okpala byeelection, Imo state and the chances of APC in 2023 national elections

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hat would you say are the benefits of the new law that governs elections in Nigeria?

For the naysayers and those who probably don’t see anything good in President Muhammadu Buhari, that he does not mean well for the country can now have a rethink and praise him for midwifing what we may call a perfect electoral reform for the country. For the APC government championing electoral reform is commendable. It is not only engaging in reviewing our electoral reforms but by deepening our democratic process to make it better than it was, though our democracy is a nascent one. It is commendable because even those countries we copied their model are also engaging in electoral reforms. I think Nigerians should give credit to the APC government at the centre for midwifing a process that could also affect their fortunes in the next ballot.

It is not about whether the next election is won or lost by APC, it is all about bequeathing to our country and generation unborn some good electoral model. We should give credit to the APC-led government. The summary of it is that we have an amendment to the electoral act that makes it somewhat difficult for election riggers to manipulate the wish of the people. In other words, we have perfected the cliché of “let the votes count”. So the votes will now count.

Imo state was the first to test run the new electoral act because it had the Ngor Okpala state constituency bye-election immediately after the signing of the electoral bill. Do you think the new electoral act was actually applied in the bye-election?

Very well, the process was applied. That

tion was free and fair and fortunately the APC won. That election signified that our governor, Hope Uzodimma is well accepted in the state, and that he is performing in terms of quality governance. We should also commend INEC for living up to the expectation as well as the security personnel in the state.

Okafor

Ngor Okpala state constituency bye-election complied with the new electoral act. It started with the choice of candidate. I tell you today, you can’t count 10 to 15 people in Ngor Okpala without counting Bladyn Amajirionwu, the winner of that election. So the APC settled for a popular people-oriented candidate and that made the election almost 50 percent won by the popular candidate. Then the party did not also go to sleep; we had a sellable candidate which we campaigned across the 11 wards in Ngor Okpala. The voters from Ngor Okpala came out and voted for a popular candidate. The elec-

In 2015, the PDP-led government introduced the card reader and many felt it was the reason President Goodluck Jonathan was defeated in that election. Now there are fears that the new electoral act might work against the APC in 2023 elections.

What is your take?

The APC does not have any fear in going into the 2023 elections. APC is not looking at what affects it as a party in future elections but we are much more concerned on what would give an advantage to the country’s electoral system. We have a government and a party that is so responsible and responsive to what would affect our country and her electoral process.

In the long run what would matter is what we would bequeath to the country to make her electoral process flawless: an electoral process that is people-oriented; an electoral process that is something close to the model we are copying. If you put it side-by-side with what the opposition think, they know the truth. This government has done much better.

Today, one can freely move from Ibadan to Lagos by rail; from Abuja to Kaduna by rail. You can see some commitment on the part of the government and the people are happy. Those who mean well for the country are seeing it but those who are thinking about the next election are not seeing it. I want to

say that the current leadership we have in the country are statesmen who are not looking at the next election but are looking at the next generation. So APC is not bothered whether this is going to translate to electoral luck. There is fear whether we are going to win in the next elections but what is important is that we are migrating to an electoral process that would make it impossible for unpopular candidates to win elections.

Recently a group of youths from your constituency endorsed you for another term, how do you feel about that endorsement?

I will call it an ambush for the formidable young men that cut across the 108 polling units in Ihitte Uboma local government to come all out to ask me to go back to the House of Representatives. I can tell you they are youths that do not belong to one political family. In 2015, they also endorsed me and their action translated to electoral victory for me. They took me by surprise because they invited me to their quarterly meeting for me to brief them on my activities since they sent me to represent them in the ninth house. They were in their numbers and after briefing them, they were convinced that I needed to go back there to possibly get to the leadership position as a ranking member.

However, my answer to them was that I would consult the party and my governor who is the leader of the party in the state. The young men are busy in their trenches planning on how to return me to another term.

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY APRIL 7, 2022

POLITICS

Aondoakaa: I Was Sacked as Minister Because of My Stance onYar’Adua Mike Kaase Aondakaa, Nigeria’s former Attorney General and Minister of Justice bares his mind on his desire to become governor of Benue State in 2023, in this interview with George Okoh

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hy are you in the race for governorship of Benue State?

Our state needs to be developed. I see the shortfall in development and I see the shortfall in our social interaction as a state with other states and other components of Nigeria. My zeal is to make the state prosperous. People should be able to create wealth, especially in the local communities. I was sacked as Attorney General for the stand I took in 2010. I was the first cabinet member to be dropped when I insisted that the late President Yar’adua must die before the issue of handover can take place. I stood my ground.

When I came back, I said to myself ‘let me do something for my people’. I set up a rice mill to create rice value chain and I saw the effectiveness of that single thing I did. It may not be much, but at the time it was one of the four ground breaking rice mills in Nigeria. The idea was trying to lessen importation and create direct wealth in communities. I created the value chain successfully and it has been there for the past 10 years.

The zeal is that since we are an agricultural state, if I replicate that at the state level, not just on rice but other products, in such a way that Benue becomes the hub for agricultural produce, then I must have achieved my targets and I can’t do that by not being in government.

That’s why I am aspiring to become the next governor of Benue state by the grace of God.

that they could participate in the then ongoing federal government prison decongestion. This brought a lot of income to alleviate some of their problems. I was able to assist others who were not lawyers but could introduce lawyers to me so that I could also support them in those areas to beef up their income.

Aondoakaa

NAFDAC, EFCC, NEXIM Bank, the bank that stimulates export and import promotion. I was able to get a Benue son to head it.

Even in the EFCC, I was able to bring a young guy, who was less than 36years, Harris Ogbole. I made him a commissioner in the EFCC. I was doing all that, thinking that an effective collaboration between the State and Federal Government will push our educated people up. At the middle class level, I was able to get 498 people, proven names into the civil services – Immigration, Customs and others. So, within the short period, mind you, I stayed in office for only two years and seven months but I was able to achieve a lot for my people.

I called the then Attorney General of the state, Chive Kaave, to give me the list of all the lawyers in Benue. I mean all lawyers and I gave all the lawyers that were submitted to me briefs, so

As the AGF then, how did you impact on the lives of your people?

I used my position to create for Benue people a place of service. First, I tried to lobby the federal government, especially the presidency, to ensure that Benue people got jobs at high power level, middle class level and junior officers’ level. I am proud to tell you that I was able to do this in major regulatory agencies. During my time, these agencies were headed by Benue sons –

What are you bringing to the table for Benue people as governor?

I have in my mind that I can aggregate my participation as the next governor under seven headings: to create wealth and engage the youth; to provide security so that farmers can go back to farm because without security the farmers can’t work…to ensure that people in IDPs camps go back and engage in productive ventures; to create a robust education that we can export talents, to be able to feed our sister states in the north that they have jobs for; to tackle the issue of pension reforms by increasing attention to the reforms and act so that our retirees find a permanent solution to their problems.

My concern about the retirees is that at the age they retire, their productive years, like 65 years for a high court judge, the productive years of his life is gone. But the society owes you a duty to programme your life to 90 years or more if your benefits are regularly paid for you to get your basic medications. When this is not done most of them have nowhere else to go, they can’t go to farm.

The next issue is rehabilitation, reconstruction and restructuring of public institutions. What I mean is that we have various public institutions that have been created and have direct impact by the past administrations, but those institutions have been abandoned. There is need to look at them; those who have direct impact must be revived and I will give you examples. We have almost 23 general hospitals in each of the 23 LGAs. Our people have no business coming to treat malaria in the teaching hospital if those hospitals are optimally functioning.

I appreciate past governments for setting up these institutions. My duty is to revive them. I will revive them to the standard that everybody would aspire to access them. I will revive the health centres that are near collapsing. These are just the few public institutions I have mentioned.

Then, I will give full judicial implementation of local government autonomy. For local government autonomy, there must be internal domestic socialization effectively, to ensure that every aspect is working. What do I mean by domestic socialization of the local government? You allow them to operate effectively and independently themselves, so that they socialize with local communities, where government can carve out and contract few things they can carry out to stimulate growth in rural areas.

As you provide infrastructure in rural areas by the local government, wealth is generated and it is also distributed at the local area. I have no business trying to be a super human being to control the local government. I will follow the constitution that gives the local government independence. I know that this had been experienced because during the government of Sen. Dr. George Akume, LGs were independent; during the government of Rev. Adasu, LGs were independent; during the government of Aper Aku, LGs were independent, and mind you, he was a Chairman of LG, sponsoring people abroad from LG funds.

They were allowed to put LG into proper functions. There may be temptations to control them because of certain recklessness but it is better you allow them, but be in the position to supervise them and where they are erring, the House of Assembly will take action so that development at the local level spreads quickly, for people to realize that you mustn’t come to the centre before you get something.

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Sani: Yahaya Bello Scores Full Marks on Security in Kogi Ahmed Sani is the Group Managing Director of Amco Group of Companies, which specialises in aviation, tourism, engineering and real estate. Sani spoke with a group of journalists including Bennett Oghifo about critical issues affecting Kogi State

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eople are zeroing in on leadership as the key problem in Nigeria. Do you agree?

Leadership is a major challenge in Nigeria, but we are always looking at the issue from the wrong perspective. When we talk about leadership in Nigeria, a lot of us start thinking about people who are power. There is more to that. It is a system. The society gives birth to the people in power. The leaders in power are people’s father, brothers, cousins, sisters, mothers etc. We are all leaders and we need to build that capacity in every aspect of our society. We need to be accountable to our wives, husband, father, family, communities, local government, states and the nation. It is unfortunate that we’ve not gotten it right when it comes to leadership. You find out that a typical Nigerian man doesn’t do anything without being paid or find a way to be corrupt one way or the other. Look at people who are managing little offices today, when you go to them, everyone would start looking after the ethnicity, religion and benefits they tend to get, all of these contribute to problems of leadership.

An Hausa man only feels comfortable with an Hausa and vice versa with other ethnicities.

We’re not just getting it right, the leadership problems we have in the country is not just the president, Governor, chairman.

How do we address this problem?

We need to see ourselves as leaders and deliberately build leadership capacity. We need to see ourselves first as a Nigerian. We need to move away from ethnicity and religion.

These things should not be above humanity.

We are first human before we are Igala, Yoruba, Muslims or Christians. We need justice. We need equity. We to treat one another equally with the interests of Nigerians being priority as one of the cardinal pillars. If you’re in a

think, representatives of states at the central must be strong. It is these representatives that determine laws and what eventually gets back to the states. Personally, I think Kogi needs stronger representation in the senate and house of assembly, especially Kogi east where I came from. I see myself serving in this capacity.

Sani

particular position, look at yourself as a Nigerian, not a man from the North, South , East , West or North central , that’s the only way we can get it right.

Since people are canvassing for leaders with the right capacity, do you see yourself serving in any capacity, politically considering that you have earned a name in your line of business?

I am very passionate about Kogi and I won’t fail to serve if needs be.

I think it is time to ensure that we have leaders with the right capacity.

States are struggling in Nigeria. The challenges are not mainly caused by the states. The central has to be right. Our federal system placed a lot of power in the central. So, I

How will you rate Gov Bello’s government in Kogi?

I think Yaya Bello has done well, in the area of security. You may not understand how worst the issue of insecurity has been in Kogi. It became very difficult for some of us to go home. A lot of times, the security details required to go home is enough headache but those things have changed. I think Kogi is one of the safest states in the country. Unfortunately, this is one area that a lot of governors could not get right, even the government at the centre. Security is paramount. People should be able to move and do business freely. I have not heard much around kidnapping, farmer herder class in Kogi or bombing and kidnapping. These things are pronounced in neighbouring states to Kogi. I have also seen that infrastructural projects are ongoing across the states. The bridge being constructed at Ganaja junction is major one.

Kogi like other Nigerian states is poor despite the many solid minerals in the state. How can we turn around these resources to enrich the state?

Kogi has no business being a poor state given the level of natural resources that we have. Kogi has in large quantity, coal, ironore, dolomite, feldspar, tar, bauxite, limestone and crude oil. While we have seen a level of exploration in Obajana by Dangote and a few ceramic companies, the resources have been grossly untapped and those being tapped do not contribute so much to the internally generated

revenue of the state. Previously, the IGR of Kogi was about N500 million monthly. Reports show that, N17.5 billion was generated in 2020 , that is about N1.3 billion monthly. Without being biased, I think we need to commend the current government in that regard. There is a lot that can happen in Kogi with the level of the natural resources we have. The Ajaokuta steel complex is practically dead. The coal is not explored and different other resources. Kogi is very strategic. Anybody coming from south east - South west , south – South or coming from the other region into these places can not avoid Kogi. Kogi is a focal point into the federal Capital Territory. Kogi stands a better chance to be a commercial hub of Nigeria and if there’s any state closer to the federal capital, I think it is Kogi.

Kogi has been named an oil producing state. What is your take on this?

This is very positive and commendable.

We must commend Yahaya Bello for this achievement. I think the governor is a gogetter. Whatever he is determined to do he will achieve it. For a long time, Kogi, Anambra and Enugu have been at loggerhead of the oil deposit in Kogi. We have seen past governors, who tried to make moves to claim this until it was recently achieved by Yahaya Bello.

This declaration is only a testament to the level of natural resources in Kogi. This will improve the revenue of the state, provide job opportunities, increase knowledge gap in the state, especially in the oil and gas sector and also make the state a destination of foreign direct investment. History would remember Bello for this.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͵˜ ͰͮͰͰ

FEATURES

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

Second Niger Bridge: Filling Nigeria’s Infrastructure Gap Dike Onwuamaeze writes that the Second Niger Bridge under construction by the Nigerian Sovereign InvestmentAuthority will help fill a major infrastructure need in the country, especially the South-eastern region

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nfrastructure plays critical role in promoting economic growth, improving standard of living, poverty reduction, enhancing productivity and in improving competitiveness. It also contributes to environmental sustainability.

Indeed, the country’s infrastructure deficit has over the years stymied its economic growth as the challenges of the absence of critical infrastructure continue to impact negatively on the cost of doing business, investment, and capital inflow into the country.

In Nigeria, sectors that require huge investments but have continued to suffer due to paucity of funds and lack of political will include housing and highways, ports, airports, dams, bridges and tunnels, water and telecommunication.

That was why when President Muhammadu Buhari on October 8, 2020 made a promise to Nigerians that his administration would complete and commission the Second Niger Bridge before the end of his tenure in 2023, not many people took his promise seriously.

And the reason why many people took the promise made by the President with a pinch of salt was because several administrations had also made similar promises over the years, but failed to execute it.

The Second Niger Bridge was first proposed during the 1968/69 political campaign by the National Party of Nigeria. It was stalled by the General Ibrahim Babangida’s administration in 1993 and subsequent military governments also gave little attention to the project. The neglect continued under the People’s Democratic Party’s 16 years rule and nothing was achieved on the bridge.

However, today, following the leadership shown by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and the support of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, the total infrastructure of the bridge, which includes road, bridge and interchange and others, is at 84 per cent completion, but the bridge alone is at 91 per cent completion rate.

The completion date for the project has been fixed for October this year.

The second Niger bridge is one of the three projects being funded from the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF). The other two projects are the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road project and the Lagos-Ibadan express road project.

The PIDF is a special fund set up by Buhari and managed by the NSIA. The NSIA brought some of its own capital, the capital provided by the federal government and the fund return to Nigeria as Abacha loot.

One of the objectives of the bridge is to minimise traffic congestion on the old Niger bridge and to strengthen connectivity in the entire South-East region.

Under the new arrangement, the scope of work was expanded to involve the construction of a 1.6km bridge over the River Niger, scheduled for completion in August 2022, construction of two secondary bridges at CH25+166 (Amakom Village Road) and CH28+304 (Atani Road) spanning 21.7m each, which have now been completed, demolition of existing flyover and construction of new interchange at CH34+100 (Onitsha-Owerri Road), scheduled for completion in August 2022.

The project also involves the construction of 3.3km Approach road on the Asaba side and 7.0km approach road on the Onitsha side of the main bridge, scheduled for completion in October 2022, toll plaza at CH25+700 which consists of eight lanes in each direction, scheduled for completion in October 2022, and site clearing of the Right of Way (RoW) including the removal of all bush, trees and shrubs.

The construction work for the project also involves soil improvement including soil exchange, geo-textile as a filter layer, geo-textile for base reinforcement, pre-fabricated vertical drains, geo-textile encased sand columns and geo-textile for base reinforcement.

Upon completion, the project will offer significant socio-economic benefits for the contiguous states and indeed the entire nation by easing traffic flow, improving road safety, and creating greater opportunities for residents and neighboring states,

Orji

Gumel thereby regenerating economic life.

The Approach Roads will drive traffic to the bridge via two 17.5km Approach roads on either side of the bridge and enhance the project’s viability.

To demonstrate the commitment of the federal government to the timely delivery of the project before the end of this year, the project has within the last one month, experienced two major inspections from two high-powered delegations of government.

The first visit to the project site within the last two months was by Buhari who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof Ibrahim Gambari.

He was accompanied on the inspection by the Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola; Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige; the Managing Director of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, Uche Orji; and other top officials of government.

During that visit, Fashola had stated that contrary to what people claimed two years ago that there was no bridge, the fast pace of work on the site against all odds had shown otherwise.

“What I said was the bridge link will be completed around February or at the latest the end of the first quarter.

“We are now heading towards the end of the first quarter and as you have heard from them, they will complete the east bound link on the 15th of March and the west bound link on the 2nd of April,” he had said.

True to Fashola’s prediction, the linking of the Second Niger bridge was done on April 2 in the presence of the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed; the Chairman, Board of Directors of the NSIA, Mr Farouk Gumel, the NSIA Managing Director, Uche Orji; and the Deputy Governor of Anambra State Gilbert Ibezim during a tour of the project site.

Ahmed, who was visibly excited when she saw the architectural masterpiece of the

bridge commended the NSIA and Julius Berger on the pace, and quality of job so far done on the project.

The bridge has been linked, all engineering works completed and the only thing that is left for the project is just the finishing.

The Minister said, “Today is a very significant day in the construction cycle of the second Niger bridge. This is one of the most iconic projects in the country costed at an initial contract cost of N206 billion.

“Today, we have been able to fund this project with N157 billion and I’m here to see where all this money is going to.

And also, the significance of today is that the two ends of the bridge are being put together and this is the final phase of the work in truly competing the project and the finishing work of the bridge.

“So technically, I can report to Mr. President that I have seen where all the N157 billion has gone to. This is a project that is very dear to the President and it is designed to uplift the lives and livelihood of the people of the South-East and other parts of the country.

“And we do hope that when this project comes on stream, it will ease traffic, will enhance commercial activities and improve the lives of the people of the state.

Even without it being commissioned, the developmental impact of the project is being felt as over 20,000 jobs have so far been created for Nigerians living in the states within the bridge.

Ahmed alluded to this fact when she said, “I am happy to see the ladies I am seeing at the construction site, not all men.

Julius Berger has brough some very unique innovations in the construction of this project and I want to on behalf of the government and people of Nigeria applaud the skills of the construction workers that have been working on this site.”

Speaking on the project, the Chairman,

"And we do hope that when this project comes on stream, it will ease traffic, will enhance commercial activities and improve the lives of the people of the state"

Board of Directors, NSIA, Mr. Farouk Gumel said: "The Board is pleased with the quality and pace of work. Undoubtedly, the 2nd Niger Bridge is a vital piece of national infrastructure.

“With the construction now over 84 per cent done, it will soon begin to confer on this axis, reduced travel time and minimal traffic which will in turn increase economic activities and enhance the connection between northern and southern parts of the country. A Nigeria that is suitably connected with world class infrastructure is the Nigeria of our dreams and this road will help in achieving that."

One thing that was also a source of concern during the initial stage of the implementation of the project was the issue of compensation.

But this is no longer a challenge as significant number of the settlements that were affected by the project had been adequately compensated.

But the NSIA’s Managing Director, Mr. Uche Orji, during the inspection tour explained, “Regarding compensation, this is an ongoing affair, we ‘ve paid significant sums earlier and there are still some more compensations to be made to some areas as we continue work.

“As you can see, the bridge itself is 11.9 kilometers, there is still 17 kilometers of road on this side and the Asaba end of the road that will be paid.

“Assessment is still being made for compensation but I can assure you is that the directive we have from the president and from the minister and our board is that adequate compensation is paid to everyone who is affected.”

Orji also confirmed that out of the total project cost of about N206 billion, only N157 billion had been spent on the infrastructure, which is central to the south-eastern Nigeria and the nation as a whole.

“The total project cost is estimated at N206 billion. So far, about N157 billion has been expended on the project. It doesn’t mean that the outstanding sums won’t be utilised. This is just the expenditure to date.

“As it stands, the entire stretch of infrastructure i.e. road, bridge and interchange etc is about 84 per cent done at this point while the bridge alone is over 91 per cent done,” he said.

According to Orji, while in terms of percentage, the major works have been done, the finishing works are quite extensive and would take a few months, stretching into October this year.

Clearly, this all-important project when completed would help in filling a major infrastructure gap in the country.

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͵˜ ͰͮͰͰ

19

#THISISNIGERIA

–Bukky Shonibare

The Brazen Legalisation of Gender Inequality in Nigeria

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arch 1, 2022 was a sad day for Nigerian women. Despite extensive lobbying, consultations, negotiations, and advocacy, the 9th National Assembly (NASS) joined previous ones to legitimise the discrimination of women in Nigeria. It is particularly worrisome that this happened on the first day of International Women’s Month, and on the Zero Discrimination Day when the world commemorated the right of everyone to live a full, productive, and dignified life that is free from discrimination. Paradoxically, this year’s Zero Discrimination Day was themed “Remove laws that harm, create laws that empower,” highlighting the moral and legal obligation of states to expunge discriminatory laws and enact laws that protect people from discrimination considering that laws determine the different treatments of different people.

The ongoing review of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) has reached the stage whereby, following the transmission of the harmonised proposed Constitutional Amendment bills by the Joint Constitution Review Committee to both chambers, two-thirds of the members of each of the Senate and House of Representatives (HoR) is required for each amendment bill to pass. This was the event that took place on March 1, as the upper and lower chambers simultaneously voted on these amendment bills. It is noteworthy that both chambers are required to vote the same way on a bill for it to scale through the next stage of the constitutional amendment process, such that if a bill fails in one chamber but passes in another, the bill still fails.

Of the 68 bills proposed for constitutional amendment, five were directly related to gender equality: 1. Citizenship: The bill seeks to amend Section 26 of the Constitution to provide for citizenship by registration to foreign spouses of Nigerian women, as is currently guaranteed for men in Section 26(2)(a). As it stands, a Nigerian woman cannot confer her citizenship to her foreign husband, as her male counterpart. With voting recorded as: Senate – Yes: 83, No: 2; and HoR – Yes: 135, No: 143, the bill failed to pass.

2. Indigeneship: The bill is to alter Sections 31 and 318(1) (the Interpretation Section) of the Constitution to allow a woman to become an indigene of her husband’s state after at least five years of marriage. Women continue to grapple with the effects of what is considered statelessness when, for instance, their public office appointments and promotions hang on the state they can lay claim to. Although voting was recorded as: Senate – Yes: 90, No: 5; and HoR: Yes: 193,

No: 98, the bill failed to pass for not meeting the required two-thirds majority vote.

3. Affirmative Action: The bill seeks to amend Section 223 of the Constitution to ensure women occupy at least 35% in political party administration and appointive positions across federal and state levels. In Namibia, for instance, the ruling party, SWAPO, guarantees 50% of parliamentary seats for women, thus ensuring a gender-balanced parliament. And, with their “Zebra System” gender parity is also ensured in ministerial positions such that if a Minister is a man, the Deputy must be a woman and vice versa. For Nigeria, despite women constituting about 50% of the population, there is still a struggle for 35% affirmative action as the bill failed to pass with voting recorded as: Senate – Yes: 34, No: 53, Abstain: 3; and HoR – Yes: 195, No: 107.

4. Ministerial or Commissioner Nomination: The bill seeks to adjust the timeframe for submission of the names of ministerial or commissioner nominees, wherein it is proposed that Sections 147 and 192 of the Constitution be amended to ensure women constitute at least 35% of the nominees. Despite reducing the percentage to 10% and 20% at the Senate and HoR, respectively, the Senate voted Yes: 44, No: 43, and Abstain: 1; while the voice vote at the HoR was recorded in the affirmative.

The bill failed for not meeting the required two-thirds majority vote.

5. Reserved Seats: The bill is to amend, mainly, Sections 48, 49, and 91 to create a total of 111 additional seats for women at the National Assembly, that is 37 at the Senate and 74 at the HoR; as well as 108 seats for women at the State Houses of Assembly.

The bill failed to pass with voting recorded as: Senate – Yes: 30, No: 58; and HoR – Yes: 81, No: 208. The rationale for this bill is to increase the number of women in the NASS without threatening the existing structure.

Currently, at the Senate, women constitute only 7.3% (8 of 109); of the 360-member HoR, only 3.6% (13) are women; and across the 36 state assemblies totaling 990 members, only 45 (4.5%) are women. Staggeringly, 15 of the 36 state assemblies have no female representation. It is no wonder the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) currently ranks Nigeria 183 (and Rwanda 1st) out of 192 countries in women’s representation in national parliaments. Should the Reserved Seat Bill have scaled through, women would occupy at least 25.3% of the Senate, 17% of the HoR, and 11% of state assemblies, all of which still falls short of the

global standard of 35%.

As a Temporary Special Measure (TSM), reserved seat is a gender quota approach currently being implemented by more than 33 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. For instance, Burundi reserves 30%, Djibouti 25%, Eswatini (former Swaziland) 30%, Guinea 30%, Niger 25%, Somalia 30%, South Sudan 25%, and Tanzania 30%. Kenya and Zimbabwe reserve 47 of 350 (13.4%), and 60 of 270 (22.2%) parliamentary seats for women, respectively. Of Uganda’s 556 parliamentary seats, 117 are reserved for women (21%), that is: 112 for district women representatives and the remaining five through other special groups. South Africa adopts an electoral or political party quota system whereby 50% of elective offices are for women; while Niger’s quota system guarantees women 25% elective and 30% appointive positions, resulting in the country’s current 26% women representation in its parliament. Rwanda’s 2003 Constitution guarantees at least 30% seats for women in all sectors and decision-making organs, including the District Councils, political parties, government bodies, and its bi-cameral parliament where 24 out of 80 (30%) of members of the Chamber of Deputies are reserved for women. The rejection of these five ‘gender bills’ rolls back the gains of many years of advocacy for gender equality in Nigeria. That women have to always ‘fight’ and negotiate for the protection of rights that should be a given in a democracy and in this 21st century, and men have to always vote and decide on whether they accept it or not, is a shameful pattern that must worry all of us. One thing is sure, there is no reasonable or cogent reason for this outright and brazen constitutional deprivation of the rights of Nigerian women, save for the patriarchal and misogynistic belief that women remain subjugated and relegated to the abyss of menial occupations.

The overall implication of rejecting these gender equality-related constitutional amendments is simply the instrumentalization of the apex law – based on the abuse of positions, powers, and privileges – to legitimise gender inequality. Each member of the NASS who rejected the gender bills must look himself in the mirror and critique the real reason for being threatened by gender equality.

Borrowing from the words of Hansatu Adegbite, Executive Director of WimBiz, these not-so-honourable members must recognize that women are not trying to ‘take over’ but to ‘make over’ Nigeria by equally contributing to her growth and development. Under the umbrella of #NigerianWomenOccupyNASS led by the Womanifesto group, women have occupied the National Assembly since March 1,

as well as engage lawmakers, to protest the rejection of these gender bills and demand a recommittal.

Although the HoR, on March 8, rescinded its decision on three of these five gender bills, it is hoped that when it is reconsidered, voting will be favourable; and that the Conference Committee will, thereafter, ensure the harmonisation process results in the protection of the right of women to political inclusion.

The constitution of any nation is a crucial legal instrument for not only laying out the ideals that guide members of the society, but in reflecting its priorities and direction. The instrumentality of law is, therefore, critical for demonstrating a country’s commitment to addressing the cultural, social, religious, political, and institutional barriers to equal access to opportunities and social goods, including women’s representation in political leadership. Hence, while root causes of gender inequality continue to be addressed through non-legislative means, a simultaneous review of Nigeria’s supreme law will help in modelling a desired egalitarian society.

The task of challenging such laws that impede women’s rights, both at national and sub-national levels, is a collective responsibility. We must be deliberate, collaborative, and dogged in demanding for a Nigeria that is legally conducive for our mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, and nieces by challenging limiting laws and holding our lawmakers accountable for making sure that every discriminatory legal provision is removed at all levels. Our female children must never have to wonder why they cannot equally access social, economic, and political goods, opportunities, and resources as their male counterparts. This is the least we owe the generations we are birthing and the ones yet unborn.

EiE Postscript: On Tuesday, March 22nd, after the women who had been occupying one of the NASS gates gained access to the NASS premises, they were met by the leadership of the House of Representatives who requested 7 legislative days to review all the bills and vote again. We hope their Senate counterparts will do likewise. We will continue to lobby to add diaspora voting to the bills being reconsidered.

Please lend your voice by signing our petition: www.change.org/RecognizeDiasporansandWomen #BreakTheBias t#VLLZ 4IPOJCBSF JT UIF &YFDVUJWF %JSFDUPS PG *OWJDUVT "GSJDB 4IF IPMET B .BTUFS PG -BXT --. JO *OUFSOBUJPOBM -BX BOE %FWFMPQNFOU GSPN UIF 6OJWFSTJUZ PG /PUUJOHIBN BOE JT DVSSFOUMZ TUVEZJOH GPS B .BTUFS T EFHSFF JO *OUFSOBUJPOBM )VNBO 3JHIUT -BX BU UIF 6OJWFSTJUZ PG 0YGPSE #VLLZ JT B 'PSE (MPCBM 'FMMPX

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THURSDAY APRIL 7, 2022 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

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BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

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

08056356325

A P R I L

S & P INDEX

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Subscribers Groan as Telecoms Operators Begin Deactivation of SIM Cards Not Linked to NIN

Emma Okonji About 37 million telecoms subscribers across networks have been affected by the recent order given to telecoms operators to deactivate all Subscriber Identification Module (SIM cards) that were not linked to the National Identification Number (NIN).

The affected subscribers are worried that they could not make outgoing calls from their SIM cards, and have become incommunicado because their SIM cards have been

deactivated, following the directive from the federal government to deactivate all unlinked SIM cards.

According to statistics obtained

by THISDAY from the website of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the telecoms industry regulator, Nigeria has a total of 198,127,431 active subscriber lines across network as at February this year, but the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, who gave the order to

deactivate all unlinked SIM cards, said before the order was given few day ago, 125 million subscribers have had their NINs submitted for immediate linkage, verification and authentication.

Given the total number of 198 million active lines across networks, and the 125 million subscribers that have submitted their NINs, it shows that over 73 million active lines have not been submitted for linkage, and they must have been affected by the federal government’s order.

However, given the understanding that a single subscriber has more than two lines registered to his/her name, THISDAY deduced that on the average, about 37 million subscribers must have been affected by the order and can no longer make calls.

Some of the subscribers who spoke to THISDAY, complained bitterly that even after complying with the federal government’s order to register, obtain NIN and link NIN to SIM, they were still affected, because they suddenly discovered that they

could no longer make calls with their lines.

Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, told THISDAY that telecoms operators began the enforcement to deactivate all unlinked SIM cards, immediately after the order was given to them on Monday this week, by the NCC, as directed by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.

According to Adebayo, “We,

The Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) can confirm that our members have received formal directives from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to bar out-going calls on subscriber lines that are not in compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage Policy requirement that all Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) must be linked with a National Continued on page22

5G Deployment Will Create Opportunities for Economic Growth, Says Minister Emma Okonji The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami has said the planned deployment of 5G network by MTN Nigeria and Mafab Communications Limited, will create new opportunities for robust economic growth in Nigeria.

He therefore urged Nigerians to embrace the 5G technology when

rolled out, in order to benefit from the many benefits associated with 5G rollout.

Pantami stated this during a Policy Forum on 5G Deployment in Nigeria, organised by Policy implementation Assisted Forum (PIAFo) in Lagos.

Pantami who was represented at the forum by the Head of Spectrum Administration Department, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Abraham Oshadami, said

among other benefits, 5G rollout would create new opportunities for growth in the Nigerian economy, and it would be achieved by enabling dynamic business models and opening new opportunities and markets. He said it would also open up tremendous improvements in interpersonal communications with several innovations and services, as well as initiate several new changes in mobile connectivity

with an enormous capacity to boost productivity and grow the economy.

According to Pantami, “5G policy is designed to ensure effective deployment of 5G to cover major urban areas by 2025, to ensure security of 5G ecosystem and the protection of data. It is also designed to ensure that international best practices and globally accepted standards and specifications, are entrenched in Nigeria’s 5G

ecosystem.”

While delivering the keynote paper on the importance of 5G rollout in Nigeria, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof.

Umar Garba Danbatta, said the theme of the forum, ‘Ascertaining Full Readiness to Make 5G Work in Nigeria,’ was apt because it came at a time when Nigeria has concluded all arrangements for a successful 5G rollout in the country.

Danbatta who was represented by the Principal Manager, Spectrum Administration Department at NCC, Mr. Joseph Emeshili, said: “To ascertain readiness in the telecommunications industry, especially as it relates to the uptake of anything new such as emerging IMT technologies like 5G, there are three critical stakeholders Continued on page 22

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT W E D N E S D AY, A P R I L 6 , 2 0 2 2 BILLS

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Price

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107.93 5.05 112.18 7.38 111.85 8.90 107.24 10.15 122.70 10.32

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BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Nigeria Hands over WATRA Chairmanship to Republic of Guinea Having successfully piloted the affairs of the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) as Chairman in the last one year, Nigeria has handed over the mantle of leadership of the Assembly to the Republic of Guinea.

The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta who served Nigeria’s tenure as the Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria’s national telecommunications regulatory authority, handed over to the newly elected Chairman of the Assembly, Sekou Oumar Barry, of the Republic of Guinea.

The hand over ceremony was one of the major highlights of the recently-concluded 19th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of WATRA, which took place recently in Conakry, Republic of Guinea. The AGM equally approved WATRA’s new Strategic Management Plan (SMP) 2022-2024.

Barry, the new chairman, who will preside over the affairs of the Executive Council of WATRA for the next one year, is the Director General of the Telecommunication and Posts Regulatory Authority (ARPT) of the Republic of Guinea. The Assembly also elected the representatives of Mali and Sierra-Leone as 1st and 2nd Vice Chairmen respectively.

In his address at the event, Danbatta acknowledged the

important role WATRA has been playing in creating policy, legal and regulatory frameworks for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the sub-region since the mid-1990s and commended the synergy among member states, which he noted has continued to provide an economic defence for member countries against global shocks, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Nigeria, Danbatta said ICT currently contributes 17 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) with ambitious target of 20 per cent contribution over the next three years, stating that if one big regional market in which ICT policies and regulations are aligned is created, WATRA members can drive ICT investment and growth faster in their respective countries and collectively in the sub-region.

Danbatta recalled that he had worked closely with the Executive Secretary of WATRA, Aliu Aboki, and his team in last 12 months to achieve a lot in the re-organisation of WATRA’s internal governance and processes to make them more efficient and transparent. The EVC, thus, thanked the Executive Secretary and his team for the energy with which they had pursued the re-positioning task, just as he commended the Executive Committee for the clarity of purpose with which they have spelt out these priorities.

Danbatta said some of his achievements as WATRA Chairman, include the delivery of draft fouryear strategic plan in line with 18th AGM resolution; partial payment of long-outstanding membership dues by some member states after long periods of inactivity; deployment of the new WATRA

automated Asset Management System; successful organisation of various high-quality capacity building programs for members; optimisation of WATRA accounting, finance, and budgeting process; as well as institution of procedures for improved accountability, marked by weekly financial dashboard.

The achievements recorded under Danbatta’s one-year chairmanship also include the deployment of automatic external phone answer and routing system; completion of front-end and back-end development of the redesigned WATRA website; joint development by WATRA; the Coordination Team; and

the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission of a new organisational framework for roaming regulation implementation; reactivation of Niger participation in ECOWAS roaming regulation implementation through WATRA-ECOWAS Commission collaboration.

L-R: Director, Financial Markets FSD Africa, Dr. Evans Osano; CIO FSD Africa Investment, Annie-Marie Chidzero; Economic Development Lead, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) British High Commission, Gail Warrander, and CEO InfraCredit, Chinua Azubike, during the signing of a technical assistance agreement between InfraCredit and FSD Africa in Lagos… recently

ARM’S DAAYTA 2022 Influencers to Advocate Gender Equality, Virtual Finalists Pitch F a m i l y P l a n n i n g i n C o m m u n i t i e s Holds Tomorrow Emma Okonji

Emma Okonji ARM has announced that the 2022 edition of the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) finalists pitch event will hold virtually on April 8th, 2022.

The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) programme is a youth awards initiative founded in 2015 by ARM in honour of its founding CEO, Deji Alli. In a deliberate effort to shape the future of Nigeria, the goal of the award is to provide support to young entrepreneurs with brilliant and innovative ideas that have a positive impact on people’s lives and the communities that surround them.

DAAYTA 2022 focuses on identifying start-ups with a minimum viable product (MVP) and at least one customer.

Having received over 1027 applications from start-up entrepreneurs nationwide, the organisers have selected the top seven (7) outstanding companies following a detailed review process.

They include D-Olivette Enterprise,

Arone, myStash Technologies Limited, Vinsighte Limited, Celloop Limited, Gamp Technology Limited and Arleegreens Renewable Enterprise.

After some structured pre-pitch workshops to prepare the finalists, the seven will present their pitches virtually to a panel of judges that consists of entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals, which include Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien, Victor Asemota, Sadiq Mohammed, Folasade Olusanya, Kola Aina, Ina Alogwu, and Tomi Davies CEO of ARM Group, Jumoke Ogundare, appealed to all wellwishers to kindly support these brilliant companies by giving them access to new markets.

Established in 1994, ARM is a leading Nigerian diversified and integrated asset management group firm that offers wealth creation solutions and opportunities through a unique blend of traditional asset management and alternative investment services to retail, high net worth and institutional investors.

In line with its aim to build a strong community of selfactivating influencers and advocates, Hive, a social impact organisation, hosted its first-ever social advocacy mixer, “#BreakTheBias: Brainstorm & Brunch” at Miliki Private Club, recently.

The event, which also sought

to promote a rapport between its Influencer Champions, Advocates and partnering NGOs, CSOs, and private organisations, was designed to connect these Influencer Champions and Advocates on a meaningful and trustworthy level with its NGO and CSO partners, thereby providing the opportunity to share ideas, align on synergies and learn how to maximize advocacy for

Gender Equality and Family Planning in Nigeria.

In attendance were over 50 lead influencers from the music and media industry including Jude ‘MI’ Abaga, Folu Storms, Chioma Omeruah, Waje, representatives of Gender Equality and Family Planning NGOs and CSOs. National President of the Nigerian Association of Women Entrepreneurs (NAWE) and the

National coordinator PAWED/ dRPC coalition, Vera Ndanusa, said: “Nigerian labour markets are gendered. A majority of those in formal employment are men.

Women own only 20 per cent of enterprises in the formal sector in Nigeria. As of February 2021, women held only 30.3 per cent of managerial positions, 28.9 per cent senior and middle management positions.”

Flour Mills Gets ISO 27001 Certification On Cyber Security Emma Okonji Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC, a leader in the Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) recently passed the PECB ISO 27001certification audit for its Information Technology (IT) and cybersecurity framework and policies.

Commenting on the importance of the certification to Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, it’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Omoboyede Olusanya, said “ We appreciate this certificate and the credit should go to the team

that ensured that this happened.

This is a document that shows that we have done something and we are very particular in the areas of cybersecurity.

We are desirous to build a world-class organization. It is a process and it is an engrained process, there is a continuous stride that we have here. We will keep improving.”

Group Head of Information Technology (IT) at Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN), Serge Yao, said: “This certification brings reassurance to business’s cybersecurity posture. It proves

that we have well-defined system to handle cyber-attacks and cybersecurity. This certification testifies that FMN takes seriously the confidentiality of information asset and IT risks are controlled.

(Financial loss and damage to reputation are mitigated).

We started our cybersecurity program fourteen months ago; the whole organization was engaged, and I want to thank FMN leadership team for the continuous support.”

The country manager of DataSixth CyberSecurity Limited, Ihuoma Obioha said: “This

certification is all about data security for the organization and the need to have a round the clock continuous protection.

This is a bold step for Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC. There is cyber resilience and they are sure that their critical infrastructure is protected. This certification demonstrates that the organization is equal to task in the area of cybersecurity and it shows that they are digitally inclined. This certification will build a lot of moral, trust and confidence for the organization and their stakeholders.”

others.

The Director of IHS Holding Limited, Segun Akintemi, said for 5G to succeed in Nigeria, the necessary infrastructure needed to be in place, adding that infrastructure deployment usually precedes new technology deployment and is highly CAPEX intensive, as 5G comes with its own unique infrastructure requirements.

In his opening remarks, the

Lead Executive for PIAFo, Mr. Omobayo Azeez, said: “PIAFo relies on three pillars to define its essence. These pillars are Policy Advocacy, Policy Implementation and Policy Evaluation. The wisdom behind the PIAFo initiative is to create a platform for active dialogue among stakeholders to ensure that when policies are formulated, we do not just add them to our archive and then go to sleep.”

5G DEPLOYMENT WILL CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, SAYS MINISTER that must synergize to guarantee success. These include: Government (Policymakers); National Regulatory Authorities (Regulators); and The Network Operators. These stakeholders must ensure the provision of robust government policies, excellent regulatory and operational efficiency as well as optimum network performance.

“To achieve success in the uptake of any technology within any

administration, governments are required to put in place excellent policies that will foster development and provide adequate room for innovation. As policymakers, the government should foster a pro-investment and pro-innovation environment, it should also consider to undertake its own independent economic assessment of the commercial viability of deploying new technologies such

as 5G networks, with a view to providing a clear regulatory path and to enable all relevant stakeholders including the network operators to make informed decisions.”

The Director, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, in his presentation on 5G Technology and the Digital Economy, said:

“The global 5G services market is expected to become a $664.75 billion market, according to a recent 5G market report from Grand View Research. That means a compound annual growth rate of 46.2 per cent from 2021 to 2028.”

He said 5G would enhance further growth of the Nigerian economy in the areas of healthcare, education, retail, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, among

SUBSCRIBERS GROAN AS TELECOMS OPERATORS BEGIN DEACTIVATION OF SIM CARDS NOT LINKED TO NIN Identification Number (NIN).

ALTON members are committed to complying with the instructions and call on telecommunication subscribers who have not obtained and/or linked a NIN to their SIMs, to do so at any of the designated centres.”

Adebayo further said ALTON

remained committed to supporting the federal government of Nigeria and upholding the rights of citizens to communicate, to share information freely and responsibly, and to enjoy privacy and security regarding their data and their use of digital communications.

The federal government, through

the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, on Monday this week, directed NCC to order all telecoms operators to bar all unlinked SIM cards with immediate effect.

The recent order came 16 months after the federal government gave the first order in December 2020 to deactivate all SIM cards that were

not registered and linked to NIN. Pantami, had in December 2020, directed the NCC to order telecoms operators to deactivate any SIM card that was not duly registered and linked to subscribers’ NIN, after the initial December 31, 2020 deadline, given for NIN-SIM linkage.

Pantami in a statement, said

“President Muhammadu Buhari gave the directive for the implementation and commencement of the exercise in December 2020, as part of the administration’s security and social policies. The deadlines for the NINSIM linkage have been extended on multiple occasions to allow Nigerians to freely comply with the Policy.”

Pantami further said: “President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the implementation of the Policy with effect from the 4th of April, 2022. Consequently, the federal government has directed all telcos to strictly enforce the Policy on all SIMs issued (existing and new) in Nigeria.”

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T H I S D AY THURSDAY APRIL 7, 2022 Thursday April 7, 2022 Vol 27. No 9858 TR

See page 24 NIGERIA, LOSING ITS MOST VALUABLE ASSET OLASUNKANMI AROWOLO contends that the country must address issues of leadership and policy to chart the way forward

See page 24 COMMEMORATING THE 1994 GENOCIDE AGAINST THE TUTSI MAUREEN CHUKWURA writes on the tragic event in Rwanda and the hard lessons See page 25 TIME FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO THROW IN THE TOWEL The administration is battered and punch-drunk, argues UZOR MAXIM UZOATU See page 25 EDITORIAL TACKLING THE GROWING POVERTY TRAP…(1) See page 26

& RE A S O

N

opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

THE ATTACK ON KADUNA-ABUJA TRAIN The attack has exposed the vulnerability of critical institutions in the country, argues AFAKRIYA A. GADZAMA

UT H

Nigerians must never lose the sense of being shocked, writes MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE

A COUNTRY’S DESCENT INTO COLLECTIVE NUMBNESS I owe the inspiration for this piece to the late Mr Godwin Agbroko, former Chairman of THISDAY Editorial Board. In December 2006 during a board meeting, the issue of rising insecurity was hot on the table, as usual. He made the point strongly and repeatedly that his major worry was that Nigerians appeared to be getting too used to stories of death and bloodshed. He saw that as the real tragedy emanating from the actual physical calamities that were being registered across the nation.

That particular editorial was assigned to me.

Late afternoon on Friday of that week, the board’s main production day, I received a call from Agbroko. News had just broken that some policemen were gunned down at a bank in Ibadan and he wanted that weaved into our viewpoint. As it turned out, that corporate opinion was among the last he edited on earth.

He succumbed to bullets on his way home that night. Such cruel irony!

So, then, what exactly has changed? Nothing much, if any at all, I fear. The easiest thing to do now is to bash the government of the day for incompetence and ineptitude but that would be beside my main concern here. There is hardly any problem that exists in the country today that is new. Equally apparent is the rising intensity RI WKHVH FKDOOHQJHV , KDYH ZDWFKHG GLͿ HUHQW administrations in Nigeria, both civilian and PLOLWDU\ UHVXPH R΀ FH ZLWK EDVNHWV RI H[FXVHV and self-righteous accusations against their predecessors. That has become an embarrassing national pastime. We can only hope and work towards bringing this drama of pain to an end.

How much is the life of a Nigerian worth?

What kinds of mental and emotional reactions do stories of people’s demise elicit? Are we, as compatriots, experiencing a rapid evaporation of empathy? And how far have we gone on that inglorious path? Last week’s bombing of the Abuja-Kaduna rail track and the subsequent killings, maiming, wounding and kidnappings make a sound case study. Bombs are certainly not strange anymore to the country. Remember the one that silenced Dele Giwa in October 1986; the one that hit the convoy of the then Military Administrator of Lagos State, Col. Buba Marwa; the one that disrupted the nation’s 50th Independence anniversary celebrations at Eagle Square, Abuja and the numerous others used by terrorists to terminate the lives of thousands of innocent citizens?

The train attack, however, stood out being the À UVW RQ UDLOZD\ D PRGH RI WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ WKDW had enjoyed relative safety. If that gruesome assault had happened elsewhere, there would have been more responsive and symbolic actions by the government and generality of the people. More concerted hunt for the perpetrators ZRXOG KDYH NLFNHG RͿ LPPHGLDWHO\ %HWWHU care for dying, dead, injured and traumatised passengers would have taken place in full force. )ODJV ZRXOG KDYH Á RZQ DW KDOI PDVW 7LPH RI national mourning would have been declared. If we are too weak to promptly and appropriately recognise these situations for what they are, then we have reached a dangerous bend.

The timing of the rail disaster further exposed our growing poor priorities and judgement as a people. The passion of Nigerians for football is legendary. The match in Abuja between Nigeria and Ghana just a day after the train invasion was a test for the host country which it failed in one key respect. Why did the players not wear black arm bands to signify mourning mood? In most other parts of the world, that moment would have been seized to showcase the humanity, togetherness and spirituality of the bereaved country. An organisation like the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) would have directed all matches played throughout the continent that week to observe relevant formalities in honour of the departed.

It unsettles us that we are often disrespected and abused abroad but how have we so far positioned ourselves anytime opportunities come our way to earn optimal regard from other nations and nationalities?

We should not give ourselves away as people who are quick to forget the memories of fellow FLWL]HQV ZKRVH RQO\ RͿ HQFH E\ WKH ZD\ ZDV WR lead normal lives and pursue legitimate goals.

The morbid roll-call of the Kaduna catastrophe, like the ones before, is heart-wrenching indeed; despite the fact that other callous fatalities have been recorded after that. Chinelo Megafu Nwando, a young medical practitioner, died moments after she tweeted in desperation and asked for prayers. The cynical responses from some of her respondents demonstrate a society in dire need of moral rejuvenation.

Nwando had even concluded plans to travel to Canada for social and economic salvation.

Farida Sule Mohammed, a 29-year-old lawyer,

If we are too weak to promptly and appropriately recognise these situations for what they are, then we have reached a dangerous bend

Barrister Musa Lawal Ozigi, Secretary-General of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Akin Akinsola, Kwara State Chairman of TUC, Abdu Isa Kofarmata, Director of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and others were also reportedly murdered gruesomely that night.

Of what use is a chain of lamentations, one may wonder. Having a good grasp of individual and communal identity is a critical step towards the full actualisation of life itself. That also enhances one’s capacity to value existence and forcefully reject any move to abruptly and criminally terminate same.

My search for expert explanations for what seems to be our deliberate attempt to react feebly or nonchalantly to otherwise shocking, fatal experiences yielded fruits. An article, “Collective Amnesia and Epistemic Injustice,” published in a journal titled, Socially Extended Epistemology, and edited by J. Adam Carter and company describes this condition: “All shared memories are the result of mechanisms that transform initially divergent recollections of the past into an agreed account. Those memories which do not survive this process so that they are excluded from the shared version become forgotten through neglect.

“Sometimes, collective mnemonic silence or forgetfulness is not a mere by-product of the IRUPDWLRQ RI PHPRU\ ,QVWHDG FRJQLWLYH HͿ RUW LV VSHFLÀ FDOO\ GLUHFWHG WRZDUGV EULQJLQJ DERXW ignorance. Ignorance, in these instances, is a SHUYHUVH NLQG RI VXFFHVV« 7KH À QDO DLP LV WR demonstrate that collective forgetfulness is harmful.” Aptly put. In the long run, what do the people stand to gain by not showing the right dose of anger or resistance to the forces that seek to dehumanise them? Subdued, internalised nightmare with all the consequences.

The normalisation of violent, life-ending crimes in the psyche of the people is a huge incentive for more audacity and ferocity on the part of the perpetrators. With that comes a gradual erosion of the readiness of law enforcement agencies to confront them frontally.

The result is the enthronement of anarchy and the collapse of whatever is left of the cultural fabrics of the community. $V D SHRSOH ZH WHQG WR GLVSOD\ VHOÀ VKQHVV cowardice and misplaced stoicism to our own detriment. We might even have become conquered already, defeated by the illogical state called resignation. If we are compelled to permanently live with public enemies like Boko Haram, bandits, unknown gunmen, killer herdsmen, armed robbers, kidnappers, cultists and other merchants of death, we are À QLVKHG :H PXVW QHYHU FRPSOHWHO\ ORVH RXU sense of being shocked. Regaining our ability to feel would make us human and would also be a desirable starting point, a sure step towards lasting victory.

Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

2 24

T H I S D AY THURSDAY APRIL 7, 2022

The attack has exposed the vulnerability of critical institutions in the country, argues AFAKRIYA A. GADZAMA

THE ATTACK ON KADUNA-ABUJA TRAIN The country was again gripped by disturbing shock following the attack on the Kaduna-Abuja train by people suspected to be terrorists. The latest attack on a train in Kaduna came after similar attacks in the past on major institutions and facilities in the town. Other attacks in Kaduna in the past include a foiled LQYDVLRQ RI , 'LYLVLRQ RI 1LJHULD $UP\ WKH Airforce Base and many other acts of sabotage in parts of the State. It is noteworthy that the state has been the epicenter of incessant attacks on communities some of which were never reported by the media. Even at the time of the attack on the Abuja train there were reports of attacks on some communities in 6RXWKHUQ .DGXQD DQG *LZD E\ DUPHG PHQ suspected to be lawless herdsmen, that were not adequately reported.

The attack on the Kaduna-Abuja train KRZHYHU KDG D GLͿ HUHQW GLPHQVLRQ WR WKH VSDWH of acts of terrorism that have besieged parts of the state. One can say with reasonable degree of certainty that the Kaduna train terrorist attack was a well-planned act of sabotage intended to embarrass the government. There have been speculations that the current security challenges are targeted against the country in order to achieve many subversive objectives including destabilizing the country. The attack also exposed the vulnerability of critical institutions in the country. It is important to note that no country will invest in building critical infrastructure like rail networks without putting in place adequate measures to protect them. There are many reasons that should have compelled the authorities to install all that is required to secure the rail lines and trains that pass through some of the worst hot spots of security threats in the country. :KDW LV LQWULJXLQJ LV WKDW WKHUH ZHUH VHYHUDO reports to nearly all action agencies on the possibility that the train to and from Kaduna would be attacked. Nothing was done to forestall such an eventuality. The Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi also disclosed that their plan to install appropriate technology on the rail-road was frustrated by authorities who were to approve such undertakings.

This apparently is the bane of security management in the country which exposed a major weakness in the nation’s security infrastructure. The security forces especially WKH 1LJHULDQ 3ROLFH )RUFH GLGQ·W KDYH WR ZDLW for Nigeria Railway Corporation to provide the technology required to secure such a critical investment. The corporation should have been allowed to procure its requirements.

Above all, the incident again showed that the country is far behind in providing what is required to secure vital and critical investments. It is a known fact that nobody in this era relies on armed security personnel to secure trains, planes and commuters. Such HͿ RUWV DUH DOZD\V FRPSOHPHQWHG ZLWK GURQHV and surveillance capabilities in other climes.

This is the reason some of us have severally canvassed for acquisition and deployment of sophisticated drones for counter terrorism and criminality and sundry acts of sabotage.

The drones we are talking about here are QRW WKH WR\ FRQWUDSWLRQV Á DXQWHG E\ VRPH individuals and organizations some years back.

The attack on a train in Kaduna also raises the question of accountability that is expected from those charged with protecting vital assets in the country. The inability of appropriate authorities to account for funds made available for such undertakings needs to be EURXJKW LQWR IRFXV :H QHHG WR DVN ZK\ WKRVH

who have oversight responsibilities failed to diligently discharge their responsibilities.

The appropriate committees in the National Assembly should have taken up the issue of protecting the railroads and trains in view of current security threats in the country.

The Kaduna train incident should sound a note of warning against security threats in the coming months. There are indications that the country cannot successfully deal with the various security challenges it will face in the coming years especially after 2023 unless the needs of the security agencies are met. :H KDYH VHYHUDOO\ REVHUYHG WKDW QHDUO\ DOO security agencies in the country are terribly XQGHUVWDͿ HG DQG LOO HTXLSSHG Equally important is the need to scrutinize the quality and competence of those heading the various security agencies. Many are not living up to expectations otherwise the security forces should have been on reasonable level of alert. It is however commendable that WKH ,QVSHFWRU *HQHUDO RI 3ROLFH WKH &KLHI RI 'HIHQVH 6WDͿ WKH &KLHI RI $LU 6WDͿ DQG WKH &KLHI RI $UP\ 6WDͿ KDYH GHPRQVWUDWHG leadership in the wake of the train attack and should be commended for inspiring members of the Armed Forces to decisively deal with such challenges. This is what is required at a time like this. Nobody needs to be told that the country will fall into serious problems of eruption of violence and sabotage in view of suppressed agitations all over the country. :KDW LV PRUH WKHUH DUH RWKHU VRXUFHV RI suppressed dissatisfaction that need to be closely monitored and addressed. The fact that there are many who are desperate to discredit the government should not also be lost on anyone.

Another security threat that must not be overlooked is the spread and alignment among criminal groups in the country. The DOOLDQFH EHWZHHQ WKH %RNR +DUDP DQG ,6:$3 are typical examples. There was also the reported movement of some Boko Haram NLQJSLQV DQG HOHPHQWV LQWR WKH 1RUWK :HVW and other parts of the country in the last IHZ PRQWKV 0RUH VFDU\ LV WKH LQÀ OWUDWLRQ RI WKH 1RUWK :HVW E\ VRPH QRWRULRXV DUPHG EDQGLWV 7KH %RNR +DUDP DQG ,6:$3 DUH DOVR reported to be regrouping and strategizing.

6R DOVR LV WKH DWWHPSW E\ ,6:$3 WR HVWDEOLVK strongholds in parts of the country. The North :HVW HVSHFLDOO\ 1LJHU .DGXQD DQG .DWVLQD States have without doubt been massively LQÀ OWUDWHG E\ D FRPELQDWLRQ RI WKH ,6:$3 Boko Haram and sundry criminal foreign herdsmen. These groups are known to have taken over several ungoverned spaces in parts of the country. These developments must be given serious consideration and priority by government, stakeholders and security forces in the coming months.

No state is safe from criminal groups hiding in the many forests in all parts of the country. The Kaduna train incident may accordingly not be the last of acts of sabotage and criminality that will be witnessed in the coming months. This underscores the importance of the government and the security forces taking honest steps to decisively deal with the acts of criminality and insurgency in the country. There is no better time to launch massive operations to mop up the arms in possession of criminal elements in WKH FRXQWU\ EXW QRZ 'HOD\ LV ULVN\ Gadzama, mni is Chairman, National Institute for Security Studies, Abuja

OLASUNKANMI AROWOLO contends that the country must address issues of leadership and policy to chart the way forward

NIGERIA, LOSING ITS MOST VALUABLE ASSET Countries of the world have their varying most valuable assets. Among the league of countries ZLWK WKH KLJKHVW *URVV 'RPHVWLF 3URGXFW *'3 the United States of America leads the group ZLWK WULOOLRQ DERXW SHU SHUVRQ LQ WKH 86 ² D VKDUH RI ZRUOG *'3 RI 7KLV LV followed by China and Japan with $12.238 trillion DERXW SHU SHUVRQ LQ WKH 86 DQG WULOOLRQ DERXW SHU SHUVRQ LQ WKH 86 D VKDUH RI DQG UHVSHFWLYHO\ ,Q WKH UDQN

1LJHULD LQ WKH WK SRVLWLRQ KDV D UHFRUG RI ELOOLRQ DERXW SHU SHUVRQ LQ WKH 86 *'3 D VKDUH RI :RUOG *'3 )URP WKLV 1LJHULD·V *'3 SHU FDSLWDO SRWHQWLDO VKRXOG EH 1*1 7KHVH FRXQWULHV VKDUH VLPLODU PRVW YDOXDEOH DVVHWV EXW DUH H[SHULHQFLQJ GLͿ HUHQW realities.

The Lancet Commissions report published in March 2022 describes Nigeria as ‘both a wealthy FRXQWU\ DQG D YHU\ SRRU RQH· ZLWK RYHU RI KHU SRSXODWLRQ LQ SRYHUW\ DQG PRUH À YH WR VL[ SHRSOH

The Lancet Commissions report published in March 2022 describes Nigeria as ‘both a wealthy country and a very poor one’ with over 40% of her population in poverty and more - five to six people falling into poverty every minute falling into poverty every minute at a current escape rate of minus 2.9 people per minute.

Available data shows that Nigeria is on the YHUJH RI EHFRPLQJ D JOREDO IRUFH ,W KDV VLJQLÀ FDQW intellectual, cultural, and social capital, as well DV VXEVWDQWLDO À QDQFLDO UHVRXUFHV ,W LV WKH PRVW populous country in west Africa, with more than half of the region’s population, and the continent’s largest gross domestic product. Now, you may ask why are all these assets not working for Nigeria’s country’s overall development?

Indeed, like the United States of America, China, and Japan, which thrive on their most valuable asset - human capital - to prosper, Nigeria has the

same. Yet, the country is facing development challenges that will encourage and keep the country’s natural abilities.

It is worth noting that Nigerian immigrants in the United States of America contribute VLJQLÀ FDQWO\ WR WKH FRXQWU\·V *'3 DOORZLQJ the country to thrive and its currency to gain international value. According to the 0LJUDWLRQ 3ROLF\ ,QVWLWXWH LQ :DVKLQJWRQ about 54 percent of Nigerians are employed in high-skilled capacities in various sectors of the US economy, including science, business, management, and the arts, excluding 39 percent of Nigerians born in the United States.

According to a report published in 2018 by the New American Economy Research Fund, Nigerian immigrants earn over $14 billion DQG SD\ RYHU ELOOLRQ LQ WD[HV :H FDQ RQO\ imagine the impact that the same monetary value would have on Nigeria’s economy when such highly skilled Nigerians were employed and retained in the country.

Nigeria’s population of more than 200 million people is expected to quadruple by 2050, reaching 733 million by 2100, making it the world’s third most populated country after &KLQD DQG ,QGLD :KDW WKLV LPSOLHV LV WKDW WKH country has the potential to have even more human capital that would compete favourably globally if managed right.

Owing to the absence of enabling environment, insecurity and/or hostile security service providers, Nigeria’s most valuable assets are gradually being eroded by international opportunities - brain drain. :KDW PHDVXUHV ZLOO WKH FRXQWU\ WDNH to safeguard its most valuable asset? The country’s leadership practices should be carefully analysed and evaluated to answer this question. The nation’s constitutional structure and system of governance, as well as its pragmatic structure and system of JRYHUQDQFH VKRXOG EH HYDOXDWHG WR UHÁ HFW the nation’s reality, particularly with sensitive regard to the nation’s multicultural orientation by region, states, and local communities.

After we have solved the leadership challenge, we may move on to establishing a national planned development framework.

This framework is a well-thought-out road map that should guide all new development ideas and strategies. This is a path toed by developed countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. I would refer to and describe the policy document as a “constitution” for development, as it should be a very authoritative and encompassing strategy.

Although, Nigeria has found itself in a YHU\ GL΀ FXOWO\ FRPSOH[ VLWXDWLRQ LW LV QRW a mission impossible to come out strongly. , KDYH LGHQWLÀ HG DQG UHFRPPHQGHG WZR things in this article: leadership and policy.

These two are fundamental issues that need to be addressed before we can rightfully chart the way forward for our dear country, Nigeria. There are assurances that when these steps are taken, Nigerians can have better working environment - attracting top talents, developing, rewarding, and retaining talents IRU WKH HFRQRPLF DQG VRFLDO EHQHÀ WV RI WKH country. This would subsequently result to LPSURYHG RYHUDOO TXDOLW\ RI OLIH KHQFH ZH would have enough convincing evidence to make our most valuable assets stay and function for a better Nigeria.

Arowolo is a PhD student at the University of Kent, England and Assistant Lecturer at the School of Communication, Lagos State University, Lagos

325

T H I S D AY THURSDAY APRIL 7, 2022

MAUREEN CHUKWURA writes on the tragic event in Rwanda and the hard lessons

COMMEMORATING THE 1994 GENOCIDE AGAINST THE TUTSI 7RGD\ WK $SULO PDUNV \HDUV since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The tragic event occurred between WK $SULO DQG WK -XO\ DERXW 100 days of intentional and systematic mass killings - culminating in more than one PLOOLRQ 7XWVLV DV ZHOO DV SROLWLFDOO\ PRGHUDWH Hutus being murdered.

7KH FRPPHPRUDWLRQ SHULRG FDOOHG “Kwibuka” – the Kinyarwanda word for

Remembrance – is a time Rwandans pay KRPDJH WR WKH YLFWLPV DQG UHÁHFWV RQ Rwanda’s progress after the Genocide. :LWK WKDW VDLG WKH KLVWRU\ RI 5ZDQGD symbolizes both the worst and the best in $IULFD LQ WKH VHQVH WKDW LW KDV GHPRQVWUDWHG WKH GDQJHUV RI HWKQLF GLVFULPLQDWLRQ SROLWLFV RI GLYLVLRQLVP DQG LPSXQLW\ DV ZHOO DV taught us the power of resilience to heal and rebuild a stronger and more sustainable society.

7KH WKHPH IRU WKLV \HDU·V REVHUYDQFH DV KDV EHHQ WKH FDVH VLQFH LV ´5HPHPEHU

The history of Rwanda teaches us an essential lesson. The capacity for the deepest evils abides in every society, so too the qualities of tolerance, forgiveness, and reconciliation – Unite – Renew”. The focus on ‘Remember’ is because all those whose lives were lost during one of the darkest points in human history must be remembered. The emphasis on “Unity” demonstrates the rebirth of a new 5ZDQGD XQLWHG DQG UHFRQFLOHG RXW RI WKH GHVRODWLRQ RI WKH *HQRFLGH )LQDOO\ WKH VWUHVV on “Renew” denotes commitment as a people to sustain the socio-economic strides post1994. $V 5ZDQGD UHÁHFWV RQ .ZLEXND WKH rest of the world is invited to learn from the tragic experiences to ensure that there is no UHSHWLWLRQ RI HYHQWV RI WKLV NLQG +RZHYHU history would fail to serve as a lesson for the world if there is no collaboration from the international community to stop the genocide

LGHRORJ\ GHQLDO UHYLVLRQLVP DQG GLVSHQVH justice to genocide perpetrators.

As Rwanda forges on in the campaign DJDLQVW JHQRFLGH GHQLHUV DQG UHYLVLRQLVWV LW is worth recalling excerpts of His Excellency President Paul Kagame’s Kwibuka speech of DFNQRZOHGJLQJ 1LJHULD·V FRQWULEXWLRQ towards stopping the Genocide through 3URIHVVRU ,EUDKLP $ *DPEDUL WKH FXUUHQW &KLHI RI 6WDͿ WR 3UHVLGHQW 0XKDPPDGX

%XKDUL ,Q 3URI *DPEDUL ZDV 1LJHULD·V Permanent Representative to the UN Security &RXQFLO ZKHUH KH IHUYHQWO\ DUJXHG WKDW ZKDW was happening in Rwanda at the time was indeed a “Genocide” and called for prompt action.

7KH 81 5HVROXWLRQ $ 5(6 RI 21st April 2020 (on the International Day of 5HÁHFWLRQ RQ WKH *HQRFLGH DJDLQVW WKH Tutsi in Rwanda) highlights the imperative of VKDUHG DFWLRQ IURP *RYHUQPHQWV ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 2UJDQL]DWLRQV DQG &LYLO 6RFLHWLHV WR SUHYHQW Genocide. One of which is through early ZDUQLQJ PHFKDQLVPV WR GHWHFW DVVHVV DQG respond to sources of tension or identify vulnerable population. Another is standing ÀUP DJDLQVW KDWH VSHHFK DQG WKRVH ZKR LQFLWH GLYLVLRQ DQG YLROHQFH WKH GHYHORSPHQW of educational programs to instill in future generations the lessons of ‘genocide’ is also critical.

7KH $8 UHVROXWLRQ $&+35 5HV RI WK -XO\ RQ WKH FRPPHPRUDWLRQ RI WKH Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and the prevention of genocide denial and revisionism SURYLGHV IRU DQ DQQXDO HYHQW RQ $SULO IRU WKH commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda as an occasion for creating awareness about prevention of genocide and other mass atrocities. The resolution further notes that the annual commemoration serves as an occasion for not only paying respect for the lives brutally lost and expressing solidarity with survivors but also remembering the lessons from that tragedy in order to ensure that it never happens again.

The history of Rwanda teaches us an essential lesson. The capacity for the deepest HYLOV DELGHV LQ HYHU\ VRFLHW\ VR WRR WKH TXDOLWLHV RI WROHUDQFH IRUJLYHQHVV DQG UHFRQFLOLDWLRQ Let us then collectively nurture the positive hallmarks of our common humanity to help build a life of dignity and security for all.

Chukwura LV &RPPXQLFDWLRQV 2΀FHU 5ZDQGD +LJK &RPPLVVLRQ LQ 1LJHULD

The administration is battered and punch-drunk, argues UZOR MAXIM UZOATU

TIME FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO THROW IN THE TOWEL Any fellow with even the minutest knowledge of boxing knows that when a boxer takes too much punishment in the ring his manager throws in the towel.

7KLV HQGV WKH ÀJKW WKXV VDYLQJ WKH boxer from further needless punishment that may even lead to death.

I think this boxing parlance has to be deployed in the larger interest of saving the Nigerian government from taking more unnecessary punishment.

It is very obvious that the government GLG QRW SUHSDUH DGHTXDWHO\ IRU LWV ÀJKW with the bandits or terrorists or whatever WKH\ GHHP ÀW WR FDOO WKHLU WRUPHQWRUV $ NH\ ÀJXUH LQ WKH JRYHUQPHQW LV HYHQ talking of needing to higher mercenaries WR KHOS WKH UHJLPH LQ WKH GHDGO\ ÀJKW It will be akin to pitching mercenaries DJDLQVW PHUFHQDULHV EHFDXVH DV $EXEDNDU .DZX %DUDMH UHYHDOHG LW ZDV WKH IRUHLJQ mercenaries hired to win the 2015 elections that turned into bandits and ill-assorted terrorists now.

In the circumstances there is no getting away from the fact that the government LV ZREEOLQJ DQG IXPEOLQJ WR ERUURZ WKH SKUDVH RI IRRWEDOO FRDFK )DQQ\ $PXQ while being knocked from pillar to post.

From Boko Haram to train-and-airportERPEHUV LQ WKH QRUWK LW KDV EHHQ SXQFKHV galore for our hapless government.

7KH À[HUV DQG JRGIDWKHUV RI WKH UXOLQJ regime should fetch a towel and throw it instantly into the ring to save the government from being knocked out cold.

7KLV LV QRW D ODXJKLQJ PDWWHU DQG , DP not laughing in this clear and present issue of urgent national concern.

I happen to be a boxing historian and I VKRXOG NQRZ ZKHQ D ÀJKWHU LV LQ VHULRXV trouble in the roped square.

The government happens to be in the middle of one hell of a slugfest and has been caught napping in defending what is left of the battered administration.

Forget all the bluster from the toadies DQG ERRWOLFNHUV RI WKH UHJLPH WKH JRYHUQPHQW LV XQJXDUGHG DQG WKH punches are coming relentlessly.

This government’s case reminds me of what I heard through radio-withoutbattery that happened to a certain boxer from Umuahia-Ibeku known as Abraham Tonica who decided to take on the then world boxing champion Dick Tiger.

7KH ÀJKW ZDV EDUHO\ D FRXSOH RI PLQXWHV old when Dick Tiger unleashed a series of wicked uppercuts and haymakers on the jaw and face of the bewildered Tonica.

Abraham Tonica of Umuahia Ibeku begged his manager to throw in the towel E\ VFUHDPLQJ ´$OD ,EHNX H LKHD REX DND ka obu igwe?” which means: “Land of ,EHNX LV WKLV PDQ KLWWLQJ PH ZLWK KXPDQ hands or with iron and steel?”

The towel was promptly thrown into the ring and Tonica thus survived until grand old age.

The cabal of the government can learn a thing or two from Tonica on the art of throwing in the towel in the nick of time to save a cornered man’s life.

There is no sweetness in holding on to power now that the country is almost bankrupt whilst the opponents keep

pummeling with blows and bombs.

I don’t think it is worth the pains for the government to insist on going the distance when it can no longer breathe.

The government should quit like the American heavyweight boxer known as Max Baer who was accused of quitting WRR HDUO\ ZKLOH ÀJKWLQJ WKH JUHDW -RH Louis.

The clownish Max Baer replied his critics thusly after hurriedly throwing in the towel: “If you wanted to actually watch the total annihilation of Max Baer you should have paid a lot more dollars!”

Now the government can follow this lead by telling Nigerians: “We are throwing in the towel because we can’t die for a country that is already broke!”

It is very obvious that the government did not prepare adequately for its fight with the bandits or terrorists or whatever they deem fit to call their tormentors Tackling Nigeria’s problems is proving WR EH EH\RQG WKH NHQ RI WKLV UHJLPH just like the other American boxer later NQRZQ DV WKH &LQGHUHOOD 0DQ RI ER[LQJ -LPP\ %UDGGRFN ZKR VSHQW DOO RI rounds of a boxing match running all over the ring after an elusive boxer known as Tommy Loughran. $IWHU ORVLQJ WKH ÀJKW EHFDXVH KH FRXOG not land any punch at all on the artful GRGJHU NQRZQ DV /RXJKUDQ %UDGGRFN went all over the place asking anybody in sight: “Have you seen Loughran? I was VXSSRVHG WR ÀJKW WKH PDQ WKLV QLJKW µ -XVW OLNH %UDGGRFN FRXOG QRW ODQG DQ\ SXQFK RQ /RXJKUDQ WKLV JRYHUQPHQW cannot deal any blow at all on the many bandits and terrorists beating up on Nigeria.

Even if given a hundred terms or URXQGV RU WHQXUHV RU ZKDWHYHU WKH government can do zilch against the tormentors.

Why not throw in the towel now by telling Nigerians: “Because of the national grid collapse and the FRQFRPLWDQW EODFNRXW ZH FDQQRW VHH the bandits that we are supposed to be ÀJKWLQJ µ 'HDU &DEDO SOHDVH IHWFK WKH WRZHO DQG promptly throw it into the ring to save the government from total annihilation.

Call me the ultimate patriot and I will take a patriotic bow!

Uzoatu is a Journalist and a Poet

4 26

T H I S D AY THURSDAY APRIL 7, 2022

EDITORIAL

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

TACKLING THE GROWING POVERTY TRAP…(1) Farming is under strain. The authorities must strive to contain insecurity, and provide employment

N

igerians are groaning under the soaring prices of items, particularly consumer goods. While we are mindful that the challenge is global, what makes the Nigerian situation more sobering stems from several factors, including the KLJK SRYHUW\ UDWH )RRG DͿRUGDELOLW\ KDV ORQJ EHFRPH a major challenge confronting most Nigerian homes.

Basic staples ranging from rice, proteins, grains, cereals, bread to carbohydrates and beverages have been priced beyond the reach of an average Nigerian. Even the on-season periods when prices of certain items drop, providing a window for consumers to stockpile DJDLQVW RͿ VHDVRQ SHULRGV no longer count. Prices of virtually everything are on the rise.

In its poverty assessment report titled ‘A Better Future for All Nigerians: 2022 Nigeria Poverty Assessment’ released last week, the World Bank projected that the number of poor Nigerians would hit 95.1 million this year. According to the bank, with real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) being negative largely EHFDXVH RI &29,' SDQGHPLF PRUH WKDQ ÀYH PLOOLRQ additional Nigerians would fall below the poverty line by the end of 2022. “Were the crisis not to have hit (the counterfactual scenario), the poverty headcount rate would be forecast to remain virtually unchanged, with the number of poor people set to rise from 82.9 million in 2018/19 to 85.2 million in 2020 and 90.0 million in 2022, due largely to natural population growth,” the bank said.

Living in extreme poverty, as it is the case with millions of Nigerians, means living on less than $1.90 (about N820) per day, an amount that cannot guarantee any individual the barest minimal needs for survival. Some of the factors UHVSRQVLEOH IRU WKLV VWDWH RI DͿDLU LQFOXGH D JURZLQJ SRSXODWLRQ DPLG GHFOLQLQJ ÀQDQFLDO UHVRXUFHV KLJK incidence of unemployment, predominant production RI SULPDU\ JRRGV RYHU ÀQLVKHG SURGXFWV DJLQJ SXEOLF infrastructure and opaque systems of governance. In

several parts of the country where farming is the main occupation, the incessant attacks on communities by terrorists have made the profession a serious hazard.

We hope the authorities are paying attention to recent projections and reports from the bank. In its Nigeria Development Update (NDU) report last year, the World %DQN VWDWHG WKDW VXUJLQJ LQÁDWLRQ DQG ULVLQJ SULFHV pushed an estimated seven million Nigerians below the poverty line in 2020 alone. According to the report, SHUVLVWHQW LQÁDWLRQDU\ SUHVVXUH LV GULYHQ ODUJHO\ E\ accelerating food prices at a period Nigeria’s economic growth was being hindered by heightened insecurity, unemployment, and stalled reforms. Similarly, a recent report jointly anchored by the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) warned that acute food insecurity is likely to deteriorate further in Nigeria and 19 other countries, particularly between February and May this year (2022). Of the LGHQWLÀHG KXQJHU KRWVSRWV WKH UHSRUW KLJKOLJKWHG that Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Yemen remain at the highest alert level.

The reality of our situation today is that Africa’s largest economy is either leading the world or almost doing so on the negative side of growth and human development indices. Figures available paint a dire situation of millions of adults and youths roaming the streets looking IRU ZRUN EXW ÀQGLQJ QRQH ,QGHHG WKH 1DWLRQDO %XUHDX of Statistics (NBC) has reported a consistent pattern of worsening situation of unemployment in the country, rising from 9.7 per cent in 2012 to 18.8 per cent in 2017 to about 35 per cent today. That such a huge number of the nation’s labour force is idle is bad enough. But worse and extremely dangerous is the fact that majority of that army of idle citizens is peopled by those between the ages of 15 and 35. Many of them, university graduates, are not only miserable but condemned to the street corner.

To be concluded tomorrow

In several parts of the country where farming is the main occupation, the incessant attacks on communities by terrorists have made the profession a serious hazard

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

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

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LETTERS SUPER EAGLES SUPPER OF DISAPPOINTMENT

O

n 29th March 2022, for the second time in just under three months, the Super Eagles of Nigeria contrived to serve Nigerians a sour supper of disappointment and disillusionment when they stumbled to an insipid defeat against the Black Stars of *KDQD LQ WKH ÀQDO TXDOLI\LQJ URXQG RI WKH 4DWDU :RUOG &XS DW the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. +DYLQJ GHÀHG KRVWLOH FRQGLWLRQV WR HNH RXW D FUHGLWDEOH GUDZ against the same opponents in Kumasi, Ghana, on 25th March 2022, H[SHFWDWLRQ ZDV IHYHU SLWFK WKDW WKH %ODFN 6WDUV ZRXOG ÀQDOO\ EH dimmed in the “Jollof derby” between two of West Africa`s premier footballing powerhouses.

However, with thousands of Nigerians who had travelled from far and near to cheer the Super Eagles watching, it took all of eleven minutes for some calamitous goalkeeping from Nigerian goalkeeper Francis Uzoho to gift Ghana the goal that ultimately sent them to the World Cup. The disappointment has been debilitating to put it mildly.

Sports can be such powerful therapy. Historically and universally, sports has shown again that it possesses a treasure trove of the therapeutic. In a country like Nigeria riven apart by ancient divisions, VSRUWV KDV DOZD\V RͿHUHG D FRPPRQ JURXQG D NLQG RI WUXFH LQ 1LJH-

ria`s war against the enemies within.

Coming into the match, even as droves of Nigerians poured into the national stadium or turned on their radios and televisions to follow events, the national mood was predominantly one of anger and even revulsion, darkened by the latest epic served up by Kaduna`s theatre of terror and horror a day before.

In an attack which sent shockwaves across the country, terrorists had stormed a train travelling from Abuja to Kaduna on 28th March 2022, killed some travellers and abducted many others.

On a night which many Nigerians would remember for leaving a brutal vacuum in Nigeria`s sporting history, events elsewhere seemingly seeped into the pitch and bones of the Super Eagles to leave Nigeria staring at the prospect of looking in from the outside while vastly inferior sporting countries participate at the World Cup, for WKH ÀUVW WLPH VLQFH $QJROD VHQVDWLRQDOO\ SLSSHG WKH FRXQWU\ WR WKH ticket in 2006. $V WKH 6XSHU (DJOHV KXͿHG DQG SXͿHG WR QR DYDLO DJDLQVW WKH Black Stars, many of the builders of the brick wall they butted their heads against were pitch side or sat in the stands. As Nigerian dreams crumbled on a humid night in Abuja, the architects of many a Nigerian problem watched on.

In 2006, Mr. Austine Eguavoen drew from the breakout stars of 1LJHULDCV VHFRQG SODFH ÀQLVK DW WKH 8 :RUOG &XS LQ +ROODQG LQ 2005, melded them with established and experienced stars and sucFHVVIXOO\ JXLGHG 1LJHULD WR D WKLUG SODFH ÀQLVK DW WKH $IULFDQ &XS RI Nations in Egypt. It remains his only achievement of note in charge of the national team.

Yet, when in December 2021, the Nigeria Football Association indulged the toxicity of its delusions and muddled thinking to wield the axe on Gernot Rohr, the German coach, who successfully guided WKH FRXQWU\ WR WKH :RUOG &XS DQG D WKLUG SODFH ÀQLVK DW WKH African Cup of Nations the following year, it was Mr. Eguavoen, a relic of the old days, that was summoned to the role.

Thus, while the Super Eagles laboured in vain against the Black Stars, it was a spent force that occupied Nigeria`s technical area, shorn of ideas and charisma as Nigeria`s World Cup dreams supinely slipped away. Many of his direct and indirect employers who looked on from the stands and the VIP section cannot also escape culpability for the farcical humiliation.

Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com

27

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT

Scaling the Impact of Smallholder Farmers Ugo Aliogo in this report writes on the need to increase support and interventions for smallholder farmers in Nigeria

S

mallholders comprise 88 per cent of all Nigerian farmers, but due to their small land space, they do not produce as many crops as their competitors. Consequently, nearly 72 per cent of Nigerian smallholder farmers live on less than $1.90 per day. Most live well below the poverty line. The agriculture has remained underdeveloped due to the huge concentration on oil and industry.

The neglect of the agriculture industry led to low use of mechanical equipment, poor agricultural systems, poor road networks to transport produce and lack of access to quality fertilizer and seed.

A new research by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), stated that the world’s smallholder farmers produce around a third of the world’s food.

Five of every six farms in the world consist of less than two hectares, operate only around 12 percent of all agricultural land, and produce roughly 35 percent of the world’s food, according to a study published in World Development.

Smallholders’ contributions to food supply varies enormously between countries, with the share as high as 80 percent in China and in the low single-digits for Brazil and Nigeria. The analysis highlights the importance of improved and harmonized data to obtain a more granular and accurate picture of agricultural activities for policy makers.

In 2014, a flagship report from FAO calculated that nine out of 10 of the world’s 570 million farms were family farms and produced around 80 percent of the world’s food. The new research tagged: “Which farms feed the world and have farmland become more concentrated?” aims to clarify the prevalence of farm sizes.

The updated estimates are that there are more than 608 million family farms around the world, occupying between 70 and 80 per cent of the world’s farmland and producing around 80 percent of the world’s food in value terms. The new research teases out estimates of farm size: around 70 per cent of all farms, operating on just seven per cent of all agricultural land, are less than one hectare, while another 14 per cent of farms, controlling four per cent of the land, are between one and two hectares, and another 10 per cent of all farms, with six per cent of the land, are between two and five hectares.

The research argued that the largest one percent of farms in the world greater than 50 hectares - operate more than 70 percent of the world’s farmland, with nearly 40 percent of agricultural land found on farms larger than 1000 hectares.

SWOFON’S ROLE

In Nigeria, agriculture accounts for a quarter of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is the second-highest contributor in the country. Although government has reaffirmed its commitment to allocate 10 per cent of its annual budget to agriculture as a signatory to the Maputo Declaration, it has not allocated more than 2.2 per cent over the past seven years. Women smallholder farmers especially are overlooked by officials overseeing agricultural policy and decision-making, which is surprising when they make up 70 per cent of the workforce and produce 60 per cent of the food Nigerians consume, it is a sad narrative.

In just two and a half years the Smallholder Women Farmers Organization in Nigeria (SWOFON), with the support of IBP, secured three critical budgetary changes to bolster their livelihoods and contributions to the country’s agricultural sector. As a result of data-driven advocacy, the national government increased its spending on agriculture by 18.5% and made new federal budget allocations towards the sector in the five focus states targeted by the programme. Essentially, 111,000 smallholder women farmers gained access to new or improved seeds and fertilizer to grow crops, and lighter and more modern equipment to increase production.

Smallholder farmers are the poorest part of Nigeria’s agricultural sector due to long standing

Fastclaim Introduces App for Claim Notification Nosa Alekhuogie Fastclaim Solutions Limited has launched an app, named FastClaim App, aimed to help policy holders in insurance sector to summit their claim documents to insurance companies in the country.

Chairman, Fastclaim, Effiong Akpan, at the launch of the app in Lagos, said that the app would be a solution to the issues bedeviling the insurance industry such as tedious processess for receiving claims or perception of late or absence of claims payment.

Co founder, FastClaim, Uche Okugo, noted the firm made a decision to disrupt innovation in the insurance space after noticing the trend in the industry. According to him, the tangiblility of insurance is its claims, where people buy an insurance policy, what they fill in the policy is when they are being reinstated when a loss occurs.

“We decided to come up with a disrupter, by creating a community between the insurance companies and the

policy holders so they can communicate in a friendly environment so we can slowly eliminate the perception that insurance companies don’t pay claims,” Okugo said.

Chief Operating Officer of the company, Ray Akalonu, while speaking on the benefits of insurance technology (insurtech), said that a lot of insurance companies have undergone digital upscaling to deliver effective services

to their customers.

He noted that the firm is creating an ecosystem where anyone can get informations about claims and its processes.

The Chief Tech officer, Moyo Ajayi, explained that fastClaim does not settle claims but is a platform that assists insurance firms in resolving their clients claim in a timely and efficient manner.

underinvestment. Women farmers are especially hard hit. Women are not only five times less likely to own land than men, but they also do not have the financial resources to invest in farming supplies and services. This means that they cannot increase their yields or earn as much as their male counterparts.

FG’s ROLE

As part of its desire to support smallholders’ farmers in 2021, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development distributed free agricultural inputs and quality seeds to smallholder farmers in Gombe State.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mustapha Shehuri, said the desire of government is to promote food and nutrition security, create more jobs for the youth, as well as

boost dry-season farming.

The minister revealed the initiative was part of the mitigation measures against the effect of COVID-19 pandemic and the flood disaster that had wreaked havoc on farmlands.

Shehuri said the ministry would support breeder and foundation seed production, as well as link up with private seed companies to ensure that certified seeds were made available to farmers nationwide.

He said improved rural infrastructure and other value chain support would invariably contribute to the attainment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s desire of ensuring easy access to quality food and nutrition for Nigerians.

According to the minister, “The ministry has supported Gombe State with subsidised input with over 350 3HP and 30 7HP irrigation pumps, multipurpose threshers, over 70 motorised and dual powered sprayers, amongst others.

“Under our World Bank assisted nutrition programme, we have provided multiple training and homestead farming input packages, including tomato, pepper, pawpaw, among others, in five local government areas of the state, as well as irrigation kits designed to improve household nutrition.

“The small-holder farmers in the state will today receive the following free inputs; 10,000 gum arabic seedlings, 15MT of rice seed, 2.5 mt groundnut foundation seeds, 1,000 kg of castor seeds, 1,500 kg of cashew nuts.

“Also, to be distributed were, Ratkin and Liptol – organic insecticides to combat armyworm infestation and equipment like water pumps, maize threshers, among others.”

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

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Durvasula: Africa Needs More Fibre Optics, Data Centre Infrastructure Chief Executive Officer of Africa Data Centres, Tesh Durvasula, speaks to Emma Okonji about the growing demand for digital services across Africa, and the need for infrastructure such as fibre optics and data centres. Excerpts: Recently, Cassava Technologies announced your appointment as the new Chief Executive Officer of Africa Data Centres. How are you settling into your new role? he amount of support I have received has been great. I have joined an extremely talented group of executives and staff that have oceans of experience in the African continent, and I am looking forward to learning from them as we continue to grow Cassava Technologies, and Africa Data Centres.

Considering the demographics that I talked about in my previous answer, we have a growing, younger, educated, African population. We have more women participating in the workforce, more women participating in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects, and participating in the new digital economy. Africa is going to be a place where digital infrastructure will continue to expand and not only in South Africa, Ibelieve that they will expand in East, West and North Africa too. Obviously, South Africa is a great economy, and a leader in terms of GDP. However, there are very capable people across the continent who are also looking to take advantage of this infrastructure and just as other African economies have caught-up and even exceeded that of South Africa in terms of GDP, they will also catch-up and possibly exceed with regards digital services, including colocation.

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You will lead the Africa Data Centres team as the organisation rapidly expands its footprint of hyperscale data centres throughout Africa with a plan to add additional ten data centres in the top ten economic centres in Africa. How do you intend to achieve this?

Africa Data Centres has a mantra of growth. We are looking for and talking about, growth in every way.

Geographic expansion is just one part of this growth, we also want to grow in our enterprise space. Many of the top African 500 are already our customers and our aim is to be the organisation with whom Africans do business. We want to be the place that international and global companies think of, when they think of Africa. To achieve this growth, we must have world class standards and we intend to ensure we have these world class standards across all our functions, including sales, support, customer acquisition and finance. Those are the ways an organisation can become a world class provider, and this is how we intend to grow in Africa.

Durvasula for. Africa’s population is a young one and over the next 10 years, the greatest percentage of the population will be in the 18 to 35 years old range.

While other nations and continents such as Europe and North America are faced with a population that is ageing, our population is getting younger.

And they don’t want to do things the same way their parents and grandparents did. They want to do them differently. They have a supercomputer in their pocket, they want to go online, to learn, to communicate, and to consume digital services, and they want to do it now.

There is also an increasing demand for data centres across Africa as internet penetration continues to increase. What does the future of the data centre market look like in Africa, and what is driving this demand and growth?

Firstly, there is a growing demand for digital services across the globe and Africa is no different. Its citizens want to enjoy the same benefit of participating in a digital economy as their European counterparts do.

To do this you need infrastructure such as fibre optics and data centres and Cassava Technologies is offering many of the services that Africa’s citizens are looking

For the time being, Africa accounts for less than 1% of the world’s co-location data centre supply, with South Africa accounting for the bulk of the continent’s capacity. Should we expect a substantial wave of data centre investments to materialise across the continent this year from players like you and why?

In February this year, a report from The African Data Centres Association (ADCA) and Xalam Analytic revealed that Africa needs 1000MW and 700 facilities to meet growing demand and bring the rest of the continent onto level terms with the capacity and density. Is this enough for the continent at this time?

First, it sounds like Africa Data Centres picked a good place to be and we are very happy about that. If history has taught us anything in this industry, and I’ve been in this industry for 25 plus years, it is that our ability to underestimate the demand side of this equation has been unbelievable.

If someone wants to put a number on it such as 1000MW and 700 facilities, that’s okay, but I suspect that we are probably underestimating this demand. We’ve underestimated this demand in North America and in Europe, as well as in Asia.

My guess is that we probably underestimating it in Africa too. But it’s a good goal and we have a long way to go between here and there and Africa Data Centres is very excited about that opportunity. We are excited to expand and further

our position as the leading pan-African data centre network.

You recently unveiled new 10MW data centre in Lagos. Why is Nigeria an important market for Africa Data Centres?

West Africa is extremely important and it is a very diversified area. You have French and English speaking regions. You have Nigeria as a key focus of the region with a wide range of different industries, from financial services and FinTech, to mining and oil. In addition, the region has an extremely large population, with a very large GDP. Again, the people in the region are extremely capable, and we can expect to see Nigeria, and Lagos in particular, continue to be a leading market in Africa.

Nigerian data centres were part of a continental network of data centres being rolled out in all the key cities of Africa. Can you advise what other key cities these include and if they have the same potential as Nigeria?

Africa Data Centres intends to grow ist pan-African operations. In terms of the number of facilities, we have announced the largest data centre expansion plan ever and we are well on our way to achieving the target of 10 facilities. You cannot be a Pan African operator if you don’t have a facility in North Africa, so it is safe to assume that there will be to be something in Cairo, and something in Casablanca, because Egypt and Morocco are prominent countries in Africa which are important to us. We are currently very, very big in Kenya, but there are plenty of other facilities in East Africa. So yes, I think there are a lot of cities that want to participate. Remember, if we go back to the macro trend, the secular trend is that we have a youthful population of educated people that does not want to do things the way they were done in the past. And in order to participate in that economy, you must have digital infrastructure - and these people are all over Africa.

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

Ekine: Consumers’ Website Will Enhance Realtime Product Validation

Managing Director, Consumers Value Broadcasting, Mr. Akonte Ekine, speaks about the importance of consumers’ website in showcasing the power of consumers and product validation in today’s digital era. Emma Okonji presents the excerpts: Consumers Value Broadcasting (CVB) recently launched a website for consumer award. What necessitated the launch? e looked around the marketing ecosystem and the market in the country and noticed that consumers are only at the receiving end of the stick. Which simply means that consumers only exchange money for what is available and in some cases are left without choice. So our thinking is that an award mechanism of this nature will give the consumers some level of power to rate products based on value through interaction with the product(s). At the end of the day, it is an attempt to bring the power of the consumers to play in the market place where by voting the consumers score the product as a valuable one or not.

the categories of consumers that will take advantage of the website?

When consumers come together in the market place, what they do is validate a product through purchase, now when they come to the website to vote they also validate a product or otherwise. Our expectation is that when the result is out to the public at the end of the voting, products will be acknowledged as a value for money product or service which is coming from a group of consumers that have experienced a degree of functional or emotional value for spending money on the product.

The website becomes a platform of reference in the market place before certain buying decisions are made. Over a period of time once you see a sticker of Value for Money, you will know that the product got public endorsement of the consumers on the website through collective voting on the product quality.

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What will you say is the goal behind the launch and what category of consumers will the website support?

The goal is to attempt to contribute to the right narrative of the power of the consumers and the value of products. If consumers universally agreed through votes that a product is of value that will be nice and if it is otherwise, then the expectation is that the product owners will wake to the message from the market.

For a start, we are looking almost every sector of the market from aviation through zoo like it is possible for us to see everywhere consumers are attempting to experience value. Therefore, the website supports all consumers with phones, laptops and mobile devices including desktops once you can access the internet, you are consumer that should be on the platform to express your power.

Can you explain more about the Consumers Value Awards website and how it operates?

Thank you, the website is new and dedicated to empowering the consumers with the power to vote for a product or service of value. It is a website designed for the purpose of evaluating consumer behavioural pattern through casting of votes. When the consumer comes to the site, he/she will see the listed feature of industries and nominated product which we did through a study of the market at certain period.

Ekine How will you describe Nigerian consumers in relation to adaptability to change, when compared with African consumers?

The first thing is that all humans are consumers however, our behaviour in the market differs due to our exposure and training as well as education.

So, we can cluster consumers in accordance to income bracket and other variables to understand behavioural pattern. One thing is sure that the Nigerian consumers are most prosperous in Africa and we have style and character in our consumption even as we tend to display affluence in certain market. Within the market as we go either up north or down south, we will also see certain attributes that differentiate the consumers based on culture and religion which means that the average Nigerian consumer is a dynamic personality affected by multiple of socioenvironmental activities. So is the African consumer different, it is about relativity to his/her culture,environment and economic disposition, which will affect his/her behaviour in the market place.

How will the launch of the website benefit

Consumers’ needs are fast changing daily.

How will the newly launched website address the growing needs of Nigerian consumers?

Again, consumers are dynamic in nature and we do hope that we will be able to move at the speed of the consumers in terms of taste as what the website will always attempt to achieve is to bring conversation of the goodness of a product to the public space for better appreciation. And we are trying to classify activities with quarter with the hope that the infrastructural challenges will not impact on our work for the consumers benefit.

Online fraud is increasing globally with emerging technologies. What are the measures put in place to protect consumers on your website?

Beautiful question. From the moment of conceptualising, we decided that security check must be in place to prevent multiple voting so it is only one system that can vote. The system can vote on different categories but it cannot vote twice even if he comes back, it will recognized that you have voted and thus will not be allowed to vote and we expect some level of sincerity at the end of the day. Why would a consumer want to vote

twice or more for a product or service?

How easy it is to navigate through the website, giving the various categories of consumers that will browse the website, which include tech savvy and non-tech savvy?

It is a case of if you can use your smart phone, you should be able to navigate the site. It is as simple as it can get with anyone who is interested in using his or power as a consumer. Daily, we hear negative stories about products and if you are convinced that a product should be addressed appropriately through the platform then you will take time to do the voting as you might just be giving a good protection to another consumer.

How robust is the website in terms of capacity to withstand sudden crash and who are your technical partners?

The website is very robust to handle the size of the data to manage the objective of the initiate. The capacity is very flexible to expand as we grow to accommodate content and as you know we are in a cloud world now so this site well built for large storage of data. Our partner is HostvilleNigeria a local but international group of developers led by a great mind Bolaji Olawoye.

Nigerian government is keen about local content development. How will the new website enhance local innovation and creativity among Nigerians?

First, everything about the site is local. The concept is local and the designers are local, they are Nigerians, youngfantastic boys and girls came together to develop this site and I need to say that it is still a work in progress. It is innovative and and I think what you are see is creativity out of the mind of a crop of young members of the society which is some real value for us to appreciate and I think the average consumers should be proud that some Nigerians orfellow consumers are thinking in this line to help put some products in check. Just by coming to the platform to vote the consumer is validating a product which is one the goals of the website NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

29

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Olokesusi: FG Should Support Female-owned Businesses Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of transportdriven startup, Shuttlers, Damilola Olokesusi, talks about Women in technology, ways technology can enhance the transportation sector, among other issues. Nosa Alekhuogie presents the excerpts: Why could be responsible for women’s low participation in technology, and what should the federal government do to bridge the gap? ight now, most of the problems that I see are cultural. For example, I studied chemical engineering and there was a handful of female colleagues in my class as at then.

So I think it’s more of cultural factors that inhibits women.

There is a cultural part to why there are few technology entrepreneurs or founders and that’s because there is a belief that women are not meant to be working, or doing strenuous jobs. There is already this notion that there are some roles or career lines that are particularly for men or women but that’s changing and we have seen a rise in the exposure and education, and people are beginning to see that it’s not a gender fixed industry where the male dominates.

Also, there is an education part of it as well. To be a technical co- founder, you need a little bit of background, you don’t need to be a developer or engineer but being in a particular career line that might make it easier to be a tech founder.

Right from school, you hardly see females participating in engineering or being a developer, so there’s a huge gap in that space. Those are the two things that come to mind, the cultural aspect and the pipeline skill gap for women tech founders.

Talking about what the government can do to address the issue, I think government should make good policies and also make the business environment easier for people to do business. But it’s really our responsibility as women to take what’s right for our society.

The federal government can also sensitise female owned businesses and to be honest, I don’t think about what the federal government can do for me, I rather think about what I can do for the government. What I’ll rather speak on is what women can do to participate more in whatever industry they find themselves in, like agriculture, fintech or fashion, they can use technology to make it more efficient. The introduction of technology is just to make something more efficient, faster and being able to cater to multiples of customers at the same time, that’s what technology does, it enables and scales solutions. So in whatever sector we find ourselves as women, we can use technology as an enabler. Women should be more open to technology and try to change their mindset towards being open to adopting technology, and see how they can also be players in this industry.

We need more female founders in technology that can pick challenges around us that’s peculiar to women that can use technology to solve them so that we can even help the government make sure this country is a better place. The government should do the right things, by supporting female-owned businesses and if they can just give us the basic amenities like light, good roads, then we are good. Government should not make life difficult for female entrepreneurs.

There are already a number of female entrepreneurs that are in Nigeria who need to come into the tech space and become players as well.

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How do you think the transportation sector can be enhanced with technology?

There are so many ways and so many problems that the government is still trying to identify and solve, from technology stand point, using data to drive decisions that can help people understand what to do during traffic. Such can prevent traffic congestion and also remove the burden of parking space. The technology that can help government identify how to identify bad roads so that they can know when to fix them, is what we need. Maybe things that can also enhance security on the roads, because so many challenges are still there. We are just focused on the customers’ side and how we can help people find something that is comfortable yet affordable. We are focusing on mass transit and that is why we don’t do cars.

There are also other modes of transportation as well, that we are looking to enter into. There is rail, there is ferry and the other ones that are currently not in the country that people can use as an enabler and technology can leverage on those systems.

Technology on its own might not be able to solve the transport challenges because it has to work with a system to make it work.

Has the government reached out in anyway to partner with you on this platform or contribute in some ways?

The Ogun State government has reached out to us so far, and the government is trying to introduce Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Ogun State. For the current Lagos State government, we have reached out to Lagos Bus Services Limited (LBSL), as well as

Olokesusi bus service, and we have been in talks with them for a while now to see how we can also help to make that possible because we run a scale up system, which we currently do not do. It helps to know when your buses are driving. You can track your bus and all of those things that happen abroad. They have plans to also implement some of these things that we are also proposing but we are still talking with them to see how we can work together. Yes, we have gotten some calls from some other state governments.

What has been Shuttlers greatest challenge so far in the transportation sector and how have you been able to cope with the levies being imposed by different transportation bodies like the National Union for Road Transport Workers (NURTW)?

At every stage in life, there are new challenges. At the early stage, it was people trusting us to be able to pull it off and access to finance. At a particular stage, access to finance was was no longer our challenge, it now became how to find talented team members that can join us to ensure we achieve our goals and after that, it might be government policies or something else entirely.

There’s not a particular thing to pick as the greatest challenge but one thing all this does for us is that once we are able to conquer and overcome one challenge, it’s gives us more strength and boosts our morale to understand that there’s nothing we cannot overcome.

Concerning the imposition of these ‘agbero’ levies, even before shuttlers came into the scene, there was a staff bus industry but then, it was only big companies that could access the bus like the Oil and Gas companies or FMCGs, but right now what shuttlers is offering is an easy access, because your company does not need to have a staff bus. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that has only five staff does not need to buy a bus, they can just pay for the seat on our platform and access the staff bus for their staff or you can pay just 50 per cent for your staff and they are able to access the service.

So what we have done is to break the barrier to entry so that it is not only big companies or elites that can access this staff bus system. Based on that, there is already a staff bus industry where there is a distinction between staff bus and ‘Danfo’ buses where they already pay their local government fees, licenses. There is a number of licenses that are required for them to pay to the Ministry of Transportation and we have paid that already and we are compliant but as we expand, we are moving into communities, we are moving into public transportation, and we don’t own buses, we are just enablers . We are bringing comfortable and efficient buses, putting them on our platform and giving access to customers on our platform but as we expand and grow bigger, we would also want to aggregate public buses and maybe now we would enter the ‘Agbero’ industry. By that time, we would be able to also structure and understand how their levies are being paid but right now, there is a distinction between the staff bus and the yellow ‘Danfo’ buses but in the future, when we are in the ‘Danfo’ system, we would be open to discussion with them on how it is run.

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

T H I S D AY ˾ , APRIL 7, 2022

30

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

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

NACA DG: We Want to Replicate ‘CACOVID Feat’in HIV Response Programme With the dwindling foreign financial assistance posing a major challenge in the health sector, the National Agency for the Control ofAIDS has launched an initiative to mop funds from the private sector to support the campaign against HIV-AIDS in Nigeria. In this interview with Onyebuchi Ezigbo, the Director General of NACA, Dr. GamboAliyu said the agency is seeking to galvanise private sector resources to fight HIV. He also speaks on milestones achieved as well as strategies to eradicate AIDS in Nigeria What is your scorecard in the fight against HIV in Nigeria since you assumed office? hen we are looking at milestones in controlling HIV we look at two big milestones. Where are we in terms of our ability to control the epidemic? The second one is after we achieved epidemic control, what measures are we putting in place to sustain the control? On the first one there are programatic indicators which we use now to attain epidemic control.

These indicators are that people living with HIV AIDS, 95 percent and above should know they have HIV. Another 95 percent of those who know they have HIV in them should have unmitigated access to life saving drugs and another 95 percent of those that have this access should have the drugs working in them, suppressing the virus, making the virus to disappear from the blood and it is not seen. Once it is not seen, the virus isn’t transmitted and if it is not transmitted then it doesn’t have the capacity to break the body’s defence mechanism to make the person sick. When I came on board, we had on record close to 800,000 people that where identified and were linked to the life saving treatment out of about two million people that live with HIV AIDS in Nigeria but today as I speak to you in the span of three years we were able to identify additional one million people. We at the moment have 1.8 million people identified out of the two million we are looking out for and they have been successfully placed on treatment.

We are testing them to find out how these medications are working on them to achieve that goal of making the virus disappear.

If it is not seen then it is not transmitted.

This is the first trench. In the first phase we have done exceedingly well. Nobody had expected that in the span of three years we would be able to turn around the national response and add a million people on treatment. Prior to 2019, we on average identified and added 50,000 to 60,000 of person every year. However, in 2019 to 2020, 2020 to 2021 now 2021 to 2022 we have identified on the average more than 300,000 every year. So this is how the narrative changed for the last few years I took over with regards to the first phase. For the second phase which is sustainability, this is putting structures in place, financial and otherwise knowing fully well that by the time we achieve the first phase, this money that we have and we enjoy will no longer be as big as it is. The question now is, from there onward who pays for the medication? Who provides this uninterrupted medication for these people to keep this virus in them without sharing it with the rest of us for the rest of their lives.

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NACA has identified unmarried people and sex workers as the highest multiplier of HIV infections. What measures have you put in place to put them in check and arrest further spread of HIV ?

We already have measures that we put in place that are ongoing. The group you are talking about is the group we call key affected population. These are sex workers, men who have sex with men, injection drugs users, transgenders and the other category you are talking about are young unmarried which cuts across men and women that for some reasons are now disconnected in terms of access to our prevention services.

Our prevention services are available and accessable. However, somebody needs to be aware of the existence for them to take advantage and make good use of them.

One thing that is obvious to us is that the adolescents and young adults pay attention more to social media and spend

DG NACA, Dr. Gambo Aliyu

most of their time on social media and because of that we have expanded our tentacles there. We are out there on the social medias, we are sending messages, tweeting, we are on Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook spreading this message. Why it is important for you to know about your HIV status and why it is super important for you to remain negative if you are negative and what benefits awaits you if you are positive in terms of us helping you to fight the virus and keeping it in you without the virus leaving you to affect other persons and without the virus having the upper hand to make you sick.

How many new infections do we have since you assumed office and what is the total number of people infected with HIV in Nigeria as at

this year?

I don’t have the total new infections to give you for the last three years in my head but one thing I can tell you is that the number of new infections are declining and the number of deaths from HIV is also declining and these are the critical milestones or indicators for progress towards epidemic control.

As you approach epidemic control and the community is getting saturated in terms of identifying people living with HIV and placing them on treatment the virus will now be caged and demobilised, so if it is not moving as before. It means you won’t be seeing new infections as before and at the same time, you won’t be seeing deaths from HIV because more 90 percent of people who have the virus now know they have the virus and are taking good care of it. So because of that

“The private sector came together to help government of Nigeria to fight Corona virus.

That same model is the model we are adopting for HIV.The private sector is coming together.

At this material time, we tell them that one of the areas that we are having gaps and require urgent attention is the fight to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV and that is where the HIV trust fund is focusing and helping”

the virus doesn’t progress to what we call AIDS and it has to go to AIDS before it kills so it doesn’t go there.

What about the mother to child transmission of HIV? Have you been able to check that?

Unfortunately no. We haven’t been able to arrest mother to child transmission but we have taken every measure that are necessary to halt mother to child transmission, to reduce it significantly this year and to further reduce mother to child transmission in the next coming years for us to see ourselves being counted as countries that are making huge progress towards eliminating mother to child transmission. It is global and it is possible. other countries have done it and some other countries are doing it now and we are also in a good position to do it and we are on track to drastically reduce the mother to child transmission beginning from this year and then progressively eliminating it.

What is the rate at which the pregnant women respond to HIV test because it has been identified as a problem and that most of them don’t go for test?

You are right. The first limitation is having access to the pregnant woman. From our programme, from what we have seen once we have access to the pregnant woman and we introduce our services to them, almost 100 percent accept our service. They test and those that are found to have HIV also agree to take the medication to prevent the spread of the virus from them to their unborn baby. They understand the risk and most of the time they are very co operative. They want to make sure that the virus isn’t seen in their unborn baby.

Where we have the problem is the access.

T H I S D AY ˾ , APRIL 7, 2022

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NEWS NACA DG: WE WANT TO REPLICATE ‘CACOVID FEAT’ IN HIV RESPONSE PROGRAMME Significant number of pregnant women don’t come to conventional facilities whether government or private to deliver. Some of them deliver at home for cultural reasons, some at a traditional centre or a nurse in the ward.

Some of them deliver at religious places of worship and some of them deliver in other places. Those that we don’t have access to are the ones that we are now marking efforts and looking at how we can have access to them in addition to those that we already have access to. If we are able to double the number of pregnant women we see this year then it is an indication that we are making very good progress in terms of having access to the pregnant woman. Last year and the year before last year I think the numbers we had access to were about two million every year. This year we want to see if we can have access to about four million pregnant women and give them HIV services.

We will like to know what NACA’s budget is like, what you got from donors and the federal government?

There isn’t much different between what we have this year and what we had last year and also similar to what we had the year before last year. However, we know that going forward and it has started happening, this year we had a budget deficit of about $26 million that is the money we are getting from American government is about $26 million short of what we have had last year and this scenario we expect to continue to repeat itself as we approach epidemic control and by the time we approach epidemic control and we reach there, we know there would be this discussion about sustainability of the entire program since the American program isn’t here to stay forever. It has a life span and the life span is dependent on our ability to control the virus and now we are right on track on controlling the virus.

So we know by the time we are able to control the virus most of the monies we see now may not be there because we use money for two things; to find cases and to program and manage the cases. So if you finish finding the cases then all the money for case finding would go and now you would be looking for money to manage the cases that you have found and this money is what you should plan to have continuously on an annual bases for as long as HIV continues to exist without cure, we shall continue to give this medication to this people that we found to make sure this virus doesn’t move.

What is the federal government’s side of the budget?

Let me give you a scenario, out of the 1.8 million that we have on treatment you can make an assumption that the government of Nigeria is taking care of about 100,000. The global fund is taking care of between 300,000 to 400,000 and the United State government is taking care of about 1.3 million. It is just an example I gave you. So we have a programme we call alignment where we put all our resources together and in that alignment United States government has the largest share of contribution followed by the global fund and then the federal government of Nigeria.

You recently launched an initiative to bring in private sector fund or domestic funding into the HIV-AIDS control programme, what is the progress report on that initiative? :PV BSF SFGFSSJOH UP )*7 USVTU GVOE PG Nigeria. This is an initiative that has been in the pipeline before COVID 19 came. When COVID 19 came this idea was introduced in COVID 19 response and it worked very well and this is what we call CACOVID. The private sector came together to help government of Nigeria to fight Corona virus. That same model is the model we are adopting for HIV. The private sector is coming together.

At this material time, we tell them that one of the areas that we are having gaps and requires urgent attention is the fight to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV and that is where the HIV trust fund is focusing and helping.

What the trust fund does is money that is contributed from private sector is 100 percent managed by the private sector and what they do with our alignment is to provide us commodities. We have shared our commodity needs for this year and we have shared our commodity forecast for next year with the fund. We are now

waiting for the trust fund to come back to us and ask us how do we want this commodity to be provided in terms of the time, in terms of location but we have done our first part and we are waiting for the trust fund to look at our request, work on it and then come back to tell us how they are going to filling in this gap we have allocated to them and everything is going on well.

FERTILITY

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

VAGINITIS (INFLAMMATION OF THE VAGINA) PART 2

In monetary terms, what will this allocation to the trust fund require?

What we requested this year because we want to expand the prevention of mother to children transmission in the community level and one thing that is required and which takes a lot of money in this business BSF UIF UFTU LJUT :PV NBZ IBWF UP UFTU MJLF 50 pregnant women, 20 percent sometimes, or 40 sometimes before you get one HIV positive. These numbers that you test you need thes kits to test them. So this is our request for this year from the trust fund, we want them to provide us kits to help us expand the services at the community level. Maybe next year we will add drugs but this year we have enough drugs to go round including the number of pregnant women that would be identified.

Can you say that Nigeria will meet the global target on elimination of AIDS? #Z UIF ZFBS )*7 XPVME TUJMM CF JO some people’s body. However, it is our hope that by the year 2030 that we don’t see people with this disease called AIDS that makes people sick and kills them and I have told you that we have observed decline and those decline are significant in terms of people that are having new infections and people that are dying from HIV and that is the area of interest that we will keep our eyes on looking towards 2030. Our hope is that within the next two to three years Nigeria should arrive at that bridge where we don’t see AIDS people anymore and every HIV infected individual is managing his or her disease as chronic illness just like we manage diabetics, hypertension and any other chronic disease.

They are living with it, they are going about their business without fear, without stigmatisation or discrimination.

How far have you been able to address the issue of stigmatisation?

It is still a factor but not as it used to be in the past. We have had tremendous gains in fighting stigmatisation and discrimination.

I can say that stigma and discrimination has been the major barrier that deny us that opportunity to identify these two million people we have been looking out for the last almost 20 years but for the last three years you can see we were able to identify a million and over 12 to 13 years before then we were not able to identify up to a million. So you can see how stigma has been a factor from the time we started this vigorous fight against HIV in 2005 up to around 2018 and from 2019 we had a change that suddenly people now come close and people take the services and also people use this services.

We have unlocked the barrier that prevented people from coming to facilities to request for the services. What we did is that we take the services to their doorstep, to the community level. So now what is clearly coming out is if you take the services to people’s doorstep people would be happy to take it, people would be happy to know about their HIV status and they would be happy to take this medication but if you continue to stay at facilities in our hospitals waiting for people to come and demand then we haven’t reached that stage as we want.

1FPQMF BSF TUJMM SFMVDUBOU UP DPNF UP facilities and demand for the services as we would have want to see but going to the communities at their doorsteps, people XPVME UBLF UIF TFSWJDFT :PV DBO TFF B change, we were identifying 50,000 a year now it is over 300,000 a year due to what we have been able to do at the community using information, using data that we were able to collect in 2018.

There is also COVID 19, is it still a factor? Does it have impact on the HIV drive?

COVID 19 had impact on our services for only two months when it came first.

Up until March, April, May, June 2020 that was when COVID 19 had a profound impact on our services but as at July we were able to bounce back and since then we have being cruising at high altitude

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ast week, we started a discussion on Vaginitis, which is the inflammation of the vagina. We mentioned and explained types and some of the causes, this week, we will continue on more causes, signs, symptoms, complications and prevention.

CAUSES OF VAGINITIS(CONTINUED) INFECTIOUS VAGINITIS Sprays, douches, detergents, and spermicides cause allergic reactions in the vaginal tissues.

Tampons and tissues, for example, can create a type of non-infectious vaginitis that can be treated by removing the irritant. Vaginitis may also occur in young girls who are not sexually active but due to poor hygiene, particularly when they wipe from back to front, bringing fecal germs from the anus to the vagina.

ATROPHIC VAGINITIS This is also known as vaginal atrophy. This inflammation occurs due to deficiency of the reproductive hormone estrogen. The level of estrogen in a woman declines at a particular times like during menopause and while breastfeeding causing the inner layer of the vagina to shrink resulting to irritation, burning, edema, dryness, urine urgency and itching. Women with vaginal atrophy have a greater chance of developing chronic vaginal infections. This condition is common with a lot of postmenopausal women experience. It is also possible to get the condition if you are on estrogen-lowering medicine for breast cancer or endometriosis, or have diabetes.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF VAGINITIS The symptoms of vaginitis vary depending on the cause of the infection or inflammation. Most women with vaginitis are asymptomatic. Some of the symptoms you could experience include: r " CVSOJOH GFFMJOH XIFO VSJOBUJOH r 7BHJOBM JUDIJOFTT r %JTDPNGPSU PS QBJO EVSJOH TFY r (FOJUBM JSSJUBUJPO r OáBNNBUJPO DBVTJOH TXFMMJOH PG UIF MBCJB r 4QPUUJOH PS CMFFEJOH r 'FWFS PS DIJMMT r 1FMWJD QBJO r "COPSNBM WBHJOBM EJTDIBSHF An abnormal vaginal discharge could include: r 5IJDL XIJUF BOE PEPSMFTT WBHJOBM EJTDIBSHF r (SBZJOH BOE GPBNZ WBHJOBM EJTDIBSHF XJUI a fishy smell r 'SPUIZ ZFMMPX HSFFO BOE GPVM TNFMMJOH EJTDIBSHF Some women get recurrent vaginal infections, or the symptoms of vaginitis do not go away even after treatment. In such instances, you should visit a clinician.

COMPLICATIONS OF VAGINITIS Vaginitis is one of the most common gynecological issues among women aged 15 to 45. Vaginitis can lead to more serious complications if left untreated.

The following are some of the most common complication of untreated vaginitis: r 7BHJOJUJT JODSFBTFT UIF DIBODFT PG CFJOH JOGFDUFE with STIs such as HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhea. r *O QSFHOBOU XPNFO WBHJOJUJT DBVTFE CZ

bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis can induce preterm labor and delivery. r :FBTU JOGFDUJPOT DBO DBVTF EJTDPNGPSU TPSFOFTT trouble peeing, and increased vaginal sensitivity. r 3FDVSSFOU PS QFSTJTUFOU CBDUFSJBM WBHJOPTJT demands numerous treatments Sexually transmitted bacteria migrate from the vaginal to the upper reproductive tract, causing 1FMWJD *OáBNNBUPSZ %JTFBTF 1*% #BDUFSJB UIBU DBVTF 1*% BSF DPNNPOMZ TFFO JO DIMBNZEJB and gonorrhea.

1*% DBO MFBE UP DISPOJD QFMWJD QBJO BO BCTDFTT JO the fallopian tubes or ovaries,ectopic pregnancies, and infertility if left untreated.

PREVENTION OF VAGINITIS Some cases of vaginitis can be avoided if you take a few precautions. The following are some of the most frequent techniques to prevent vaginitis: r "WPJE EPVDIJOH NBOZ XPNFO CFMJFWF UIBU douching make them feel cleaner, but it can actually make symptoms worse by removing good bacteria from the vaginal lining, which helps defend against infection. r "WPJE UIF VTF PG WBHJOBM TQSBZT QFSGVNFE toilet paper, and tampons since they may contain chemicals that irritate your vagina. Instead use non-scented pads. r $MFBO UIF WBHJOBM BSFB XJUI QMBJO XBSN water or a mild, unscented soap on a daily basis. r 5P NJOJNJ[F ZFBTU JOGFDUJPOT LFFQ UIF vaginal area as dry as possible r *G ZPV BSF PWFSXFJHIU MPTF XFJHIU UP JNQSPWF blood circulation to the vaginal area. r -JNJU ZPVS TFYVBM QBSUOFST BOE BMXBZT VTF B condom when having sex. Vaginal infections are less likely when you have fewer sexual partners.

Condoms consisting of other materials such as nitrile, polyurethane, or polyisoprene that can be used if you are sensitive to latex. r 5BLF UIF BOUJCJPUJDT BT EJSFDUFE CZ UIF DMJOJDJBO Antibiotics remove bad bacteria, but when used wrongly, they can also kill helpful bacteria in the digestive system and vaginal area. r "WPJE XFBSJOH XFU PS EBNQ HBSNFOUT TJODF they provide a warm, moist environment for yeast infections to thrive. r "WPJE XFBSJOH DMPUIFT UIBU JT UPP UJHIU TJODF it traps moisture and heat in the genitals. r $PUUPO VOEFSXFBS QSPNPUFT BJS DJSDVMBUJPO and keeps the vaginal area dry. r 4UPQ VTJOH MVCSJDBOUT PS TQFSNJDJEFT UIBU irritate you. r 6OEFSTUBOE ZPVS HFOJUBMT SFHVMBS PEPST and vaginal discharge, as well as changes during the menstrual cycle, so you can notice harmful changes and get treatment as soon as possible. r ,FFQ ZPVS CMPPE TVHBS VOEFS DPOUSPM JG you have diabetes. r 6OEFSTUBOE IPX UP DMFBO ZPVS HFOJUBM BSFB appropriately while bathing or showering. r $IBOHF ZPVS UBNQPO PO B SFHVMBS CBTJT UP NJOJNJ[F JSSJUBUJPO GSPN BO PWFSTUBZFE UBNQPO r &YFSDJTF PO B SFHVMBS CBTJT UP LFFQ ZPVS body in good shape and enhance circulation. r 5P BWPJE TQSFBEJOH CBDUFSJB GSPN UIF BOVT to the vagina, wipe correctly from front to back TO BE CONTINUED

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T H I S D AY ˾ , APRIL 7, 2022

NEWS

Avon HMO Hosts Critical Health Stakeholders at NBCC Conference and Exhibition Amid reports of countries around the world relaxing COVID-19 restrictions the Commissioner for Health in Lagos State, Professor Akin Abayomi has sounded a note of caution to Nigerians warning that the threat of the pandemic still looms high.

This admonition was given during a panel discussion helmed by leading health maintenance organization, Avon Healthcare Limited (Avon HMO) at the maiden edition of the NigerianBritish Chamber of Commerce Conference and Exhibition.

Moderated by the company’s CEO, Adesimbo Ukiri, the panel was an assembly of leading healthcare experts brought together to discuss the topic: “Healthcare in Nigeria – Beyond the Crisis.”

Alongside the health commissioner, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa;

Medical Director/CEO, First Cardiology Consultants, Dr Adeyemi Johnson and the Founder/ CEO of Doctoora, Debo Odulana, were also present to offer their perspectives on what lies ahead for the country’s health sector, two years after the COVID-19 virus was first discovered in the country.

Responding to a question about whether Nigeria can toe the line of countries like the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Indonesia and others, Professor Abayomi said the low rate of vaccination in the country remains a cause for concern.

“The countries that you are referring to are close to, or already 100 per cent vaccinated. Some are even over a 100 per cent vaccinated with boosters while some are even going into double boosters. We have five per cent of our population vaccinated so unless there is some genetic

protection that we have, Nigeria and Africa remain the opportunity for the virus to do what it knows how to do best.”

The Commissioner however acknowledged that while the crisis phase of the pandemic may be over, the state of healthcare in the country necessitates continued vigilance to prevent surges in COVID-19 infections, even as things go back to normal.

“Covid is not over, but I believe the crises should be over. Our role as the government is to ensure that we balance the public health response with maintaining the economy of the nation. The virus is looking for opportunities to spread all the time and if it finds a community that is unprepared, either in terms of a public health response or in terms of boosting the immunity of its people, it will circulate within that population.

“Our health systems were nowhere near what they have

in Europe and America and yet we could see that their health system broke down. So, if we had the same kind of disease profile in Nigeria or sub-Saharan Africa, it would have been a devastating outbreak for us,” he added.

To this, the panelists affirmed the need to remain conscious of the threat posed by the virus.

For Adesimbo Ukiri, Nigerians can’t afford to let their guard down even as they go about their daily socio-economic activities, while Dr Odulana noted that continuous awareness of safety habits should remain a priority.

“It is important for us to adapt the behaviors that will protect us. We need to keep masking up, washing hands and practice crowd control as best as we can. There is still a lot of work as regards behavioral change that should go into dealing with the virus.”

L-R: Medical Director/Chief Executive Officer First Cardiology Hospital, Dr Adeyemi Johnson; Honourable Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Professor Akin Abayomi; President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Bisi Adeyemi; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Avon Healthcare Limited (Avon HMO), Adesimbo Ukiri and the Founder/ Chief Executive Officer, Doctoora Health, Dr Adebowale Odulana, after Avon HMO’s healthcare panel at the maiden edition of the NBCC Conference and Exhibition which held recently at Eko Hotel & Suites, VI, Lagos

ACOMIN: States not Meeting Obligation on Anti Malaria Drugs for Pregnant Women Onyebuchi Ezigbo ÓØ ÌßÔË Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition (ACOMIN) has said most of the states in the country have failed to provide basic anti malaria medicines to protect pregnant women from malaria scourge.

It expressed concern that progress at curbing maternal deaths and infant mortality rate due malaria is being threatened by poor funding by state governments.

According to ACOMIN, malaria remained a major health burden for Nigeria, with the country recording the highest number of global cases (27 per cent) and also accounting for the highest number of deaths (23 per cent) globally.

It said available statistics showed the pregnant women and children under age five are most vulnerable to malaria.

Speaking to THISDAY shortly after a quarterly advocacy meeting of the group in Abuja, ACOMIN National Coordinator, Mr. Ayo Ipinmoye said the COVID19 pandemic has significantly af-

fected the availability of resources for the anti malaria programme.

According to Ipinmoye, funding for anti malaria programme from development partners and donor agencies has dropped significantly in recent years.

“Global Fund is giving Nigeria long lasting mosquito treated nets and through mass campaign every household in the states will be able to get them. They are also giving us other essential medicines. “But Global Fund asked our state governments to provide preventive treatment for pregnant women by making sure that such medicines (SPEs) like fansidar, Amala.

“The state governments are supposed to provide that so that when the Global Fund is providing all of these more expensive ones, the cheapest of the medicines are supposed to be provided by our state governments and they are not being provided.

“Virtually every state we go now, there is a stock out. Because if we have this provided and women take them, we will not be having all these incidences of

women dying due to malaria or losing their babies,” he said.

Speaking on the utilisation of the grant from Global Fund, Ipinmoye said that ACOMIN and others community based organizations are working across 13 states of federation equipping the people with relevant knowledge, skills and resources. He said that one of the key achievements of the project was that several communities have been able to mobilise resources to solve their health needs rather than waiting for government.

For instance, he said that one evidence of community ownership was recorded in Funakai, Local government Area, Bake ward in Gombe state where a new Primary Health Centre is being built.

With regard to ensuring equity in the provision of healthcare services in Nigeria Ipinmoye said that ACOMIN is working to see that there is equal access to malaria services.

“Every person unresponsive of their socio-economic class, gender, ethnicity, demography and location should have equal rights

and unrestricted access to malaria services, malaria interventions and ultimately, proper healthcare services, he said.

Ipinmoye said that marginalised population such as people staying in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp and hardto-reach communities are often neglected and deprived of access to health services.

He therefore said that it is important that healthcare services are deliberated targeted at the neglected population to ensure equity of health services.

He said that ACOMIN has also observed a disproportionate distribution of health workers in the country, with urban areas being saturated with qualified health workers, leaving the rural communities with a few or no qualified health workers.

The Coordinator of National Malaria Elimination Programme Dr, Perpetua Uhomoibhi who also spoke THISDAY, said that the efforts the federal government and it’s partners were yielding fruit as malaria prevalence dropped from 42 percent in 2010 to 27 per cent to 23 per cent in 2018.

DDH Urges Parents to Reduce Sugary Foods in Children to Curb Cavities Chiamaka Ozulumba

Divine Dental Home (DDH) has urged parents and guardians to reduce the amount of sugary foods like sweets and chocolate they expose their children to, as it is one of the leading causes of tooth decay, cavity and eventual removal.

The Assistant Director of DDH, Dr. Frances Eluemunor, said this during the centre’s awareness campaign in Victoria Island area of Lagos on World Oral Health Day 2022 marked every March 20.

While residents and passers-by were sensitised on good dental health, how to secure their oral health, prevent the disease, DDH distributed toothbrushes, floss, handbills to them.

A team of medical doctors from the facility also engaged passers-by on dental hygiene. This is as DDH assistant director spoke extensively on the need for parents to cut down on the quantity and the frequency of intake of the sugary substances among children.

She emphasised: “Sugary foods or what the dentist calls refined sugars should be minimise. Parents and guardians should teach children to brush more frequently. While you brush in the day, your night brushing is considered to be very important in the control of bacteria causing cavities.”

On how to help people identify quality toothpaste, Eluemunor said every good toothpaste must contain fluoride.

“So usually when the government provides water, they would add substitutes like fluoride to the water and that fluoride is very important for your teeth.

“What fluoride does is that it helps to remineralise your teeth and prevent tooth decay. So in cases where you live around this part of the world, you are advised to get toothpaste containing fluoride. You may not have that in your drinking water, but you need it in your toothpaste,” she prescribed.

She advised that people should check the area where the various ingredients are printed. “It doesn’t really matter how expensive it is, if you can find fluoride in the cheaper ones you can go for it, too.”

With the knowledge of brushing twice daily, the dentists urged Nigerians to use soft toothbrushes.

“Hard toothbrushes can damage your gums and your teeth.

Learn to floss your teeth every day, using dental floss. Avoid using toothpicks as much as possible.”

She cautioned against the use of toothpicks, which she insisted create spaces in between the teeth. According to the dentist, such a habit causes food to pack in between one’s teeth with time. And that comes with gum infection, bad breath and even tooth decay.

She suggested: “Change your toothbrushes every two to three months. See a dentist every six months for a checkup. It is the dentist that will be sure that there are no new cavities, and know if you are using your toothbrush the right way.”

As part of activities to mark the day and promote dental hygiene, DDH visited Oniru neighbourhood, marker places, religious centres, schools in Ikorodu, VI and Lekki areas in the State.

Hacey Health Initiative, Osun Government Collaborate to Launch Digital Health Solution Yinka Kolawole ÓØ ÝÙÑÌÙ Hacey Health Initiative has said its ready to collaborate with the Osun State government in providing digital health solutions to support the state in managing health data in 332 primary health facilities across the state.

Speaking with journalists shortly after stakeholders meeting with Directors in the state Ministry of Health and government representatives at the weekend, the Executive Director of Hacey Health Initiative, Rhoda Robinson said digital health programme will improve the working conditions of health care providers in the state.

Robinson noted that digitisation of health services in the state will assist the system in analyzing and reviewing data in real-time to make adequate quick decisions for the people of the state.

She said they have started the programme in five local government areas of the state to test run the technology with the residents and health system in Osun.

According to Robinson, “We’re working in just five local governments now. We do not want to end in five local governments as fast as possible. We want to move from five local governments or move to the other local government as well because that is our vision to ensure that more women and more children have access to better health care.

“It is harder to learn from this kind of thing or fix the problems faster. But right now, what we are doing in the five local governments is we are learning with the technology we are learning with the people we are learning with the system or the state’s health system.

“We need to scale to the other facility by the time we need to scale to the other facilities. We will have a system that works for every single facility that can anticipate changes that are anticipated issues that may come up and respond adequately,” she said In the same vain, the CEO of IRPO Solutions, Dr. Keith Hanna expressed his excitement to bring digital interventions to Osun state, saying that plan is to reduce maternal mortality in the state.

He also stressed that they will cut across different verticals such as malaria net immunization that will be of benefit to all residents of the State.

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T H I S D AY ˾ , APRIL 7, 2022

NEWS

Boosting Fight against Non-communicable Diseases with Sugar Tax Health experts at the recently held Nigeria Health Watch ‘Pro-Health Tax in Nigeria Webinar Series’, themed, ‘Does Nigeria Need a Sugar Tax?’, have expressed the belief that the proposed tax on sweetened drinks will help Nigeria in the fight against non-communicable diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Sunday Ehigiator reports

Sugar Drinks

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Sugar Tax

ecently, the Minister of Finance and Budget Planning, Zainab Ahmed, while presenting the breakdown of the 2022 budget revealed that an excise duty of N10 per litre would be charged on all non-alcoholic, carbonated, and sugar-sweetened beverages.This development has been met with mixed reactions among members of the public.

While some Nigerians think that this development will inflate the prices of beverages, health experts think it is a welcome development long overdue.

According to reactions from the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) Industry, the introduction of the sugar tax, “will lead to loss of jobs and livelihoods of millions of already impoverished Nigerians”.

However, speaking at the webinar session, the Minister of state for Health, Dr. Olorunimbe Mamora, assured that the development was meant to raise intervention funds for the health sector, as the proceeds from the tax would be used as an intervention fund for the treatment and prevention measures for Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria.

According to him, the idea was to create a pull of intervention fund for the care and treatment/preventive measures of NCDs such as Diabetes, Cancer, and Cardiovascular ailments.

He said treating NCDs, such as cancer, costs a lot of money and that many Nigerians have lost their loved ones due to their inability to afford the treatment.

“The idea is to create an avenue for the sustainability of health financing for Noncommunicable diseases.

“Earmarking such additional revenues for critical population-based health interventions may contribute to rapidly rebuilding a resilient Nigerian health system.

“We are all aware of the scarce resources available to us as a nation. Even with scarce resources, there are competing needs. We have an important role to play in exploring mechanisms to galvanise extra revenue for the health sector in providing services not just for physical structure but for services rendered by human resources.

“Not just mobilise these resources but to make sure that they are reinvested in the health sector, on a sustainable basis.

“Pro health tax is a low-hanging fruit because we can use it to reduce the burden of NCDs. “The realities of diminishing resources are with us and we have no choice but to act now and in

“The development was meant to raise intervention funds for the health sector, as the proceeds from the tax would be used as an intervention fund for the treatment and prevention measures for Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria” doing that we have to commit ourselves more than before to enlist the support of all the stakeholders so that we establish partnerships that will help us push this very important issue.

“In so doing, we are not just working for ourselves but for a healthier society and that will improve the productivity of the system.

Most importantly, gathering the resources and using them sustainably.”

Also speaking, Senior Health Specialist for World Bank, Dr. Kate Mandeville, who spoke from Beijing China, said the development was a huge step forward.

“I know there will be opposition. Many countries have joined in introducing sugar tax because they have seen how important it is to improve the health of the population and revenue.”

Mandeville revealed that no fewer than 66 countries all around the world now have excise tax in place, meaning there is a difference in price between sugary drinks and ordinary water.

“Why are countries targeting sugar drinks?

There is no nutritious benefit. They spike blood glucose quickly and affect metabolism thereby causing diabetes and metabolic syndrome. If you take a sugar drink, it is not compensated anywhere because it goes straight into the bloodstream.

“In comparison with tobacco and alcohol, the evidence now that SSB causes chronic diseases and sudden death is solid.”

Mandeville equally raised concern that consumption of SSB is increasing despite the evidence that it causes cancer, diabetes, and tooth decay amongst many others.

She expressed worry that as consumption drops off in developed countries, there is a rise in developing countries.

“Mexico uniform SSB tax imposed a 12 per cent increase in cost. There is a debate in Nigerian about what products will be included.

The Mexico example can be taken. There was a considerable reduction in sales and there was no negative effect on employment. There was a decrease in weight of adolescent girls and a 43 per cent decrease in consumption.”

According to the medical expert, there are tested and workable complementary measures Nigeria can take that work in other countries such as Mexico and South Africa.

These, she said, include, “raising public awareness on why SSB is unhealthy and their consumption should be reduced, increase retail prices, and incentivise nonprice industry response such as reformulation, resizing and so on.

“Another success story in the United Kingdom (U.K.). It has become evident that SSB tax can evolve. It is possible to do that in Nigeria. It means those SSBs with higher sugar content will have higher taxes and those with lower sugar content will have lower taxes.

“It worked well in the UK because the volume of business did not change. So people will still drink SSB but switched from higher sugar-/higher cost to lower sugar/lower cost,” she said.

Also speaking, another Senior Health Specialist at the World Bank and the moderator of the webinar, Dr. Olumide Okunola, said South Africa and Mexico make $140 million and $250 million yearly from the sugar tax.

While he acknowledged that this may look small compared to tobacco and alcohol, he said it was significant in raising additional funds for the government.

“For Nigeria, all these add up to N2.50 Kobo to a bottle of Coca-Cola. It is still very small. So we have to make sure that year on year, we can raise the tax,” he said.

Earlier, while laying a background to the discussion, the Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Health Watch, Vivianne Ihekweazu, said Sugar-Sweetened Beverages are one of the main drivers of obesity and Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in Nigeria.

She said data indicate that the prevalence of DM in Nigeria is about six per cent suggesting that 11.2 million Nigerians (one out of every 17 adults) are living with the disease.

Ihekweazu said the webinar was aimed at providing background information on SSB taxes, the evidence base for their use in reducing consumption of SSB, and providing insight into international experiences in the introduction of SSB taxes.

She noted that the webinar was also aimed at presenting an overview of the newly introduced ‘sugar tax’ in Nigeria and highlighting potential opportunities to amplify the health benefits of the tax through earmarking as well as identify and discuss strategies to overcome industry opposition to SSB taxes. In his Special Guest remarks, Chairman of FATE Foundation and co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Fola Adebola, said: “It is part of what makes a society, pursuing what is greater than us because we are thinking of how the society can be better.

“Reducing tobacco, alcohol and sugary beverages can prevent sudden deaths in Nigeria.

Prevention is better than cure. If we find people healthy and alive, our output and productivity are improved.

“I am suggesting that whatever revenue should be put into improving the welfare of our citizens. I align with the policy, which though underutilized but highly effective.

“These taxes should be channeled into the improvement of the health ecosystem so that when consumers fall sick, we should have facilities to take care of them. Illness and death are bad job providers and thus counters the argument that people will lose jobs.

“I support the policy. The obstacles are very high but we will scale them,” he said.

Interswitch Re-launches eClinic for Efficient, Quality Healthcare Delivery in Nigeria Rebecca Ejifoma An innovative health-tech solutions provider and subsidiary of the Interswitch Group, Interswitch’s eClat Healthcare Limited, has relaunched its eClinic to effectively address challenges associated with medical records management across the country.

This is in its effort to provide Nigerians with access to

improved quality healthcare services.

Clinic is a specially designed patient-focused healthcare service product that transforms the familiar analogue system of record keeping to a digitised process, where patients’ records are kept secure and easily accessible.

Speaking on the relaunch of eClinic, the CEO of Interswitch eClat, Dr. Wallace Ogufere, said that the introduction of the

improved health-tech solution to the healthcare system in Nigeria would facilitate efficiency.

He added that it would also enhance the trust between patients and their healthcare providers, as patients are guaranteed of their safety and the safety of their medical records.

Ogufere emphasised: “The infusion of technology into the healthcare system in Nigeria is one that will certainly increase

efficiency, save costs and propel trust between patients and their healthcare providers. Ultimately, this, among other benefits, is the goal of eClinic.”

As a flexible tool, he continued, eClinic was created to serve a range of healthcare providers, from small, single care providers to multi-specialist facilities. This makes it a well-rounded platform tailored to the varying needs of healthcare providers, and

complementing existing systems.

According to Ogufere, the platform centralises all records of patients, ensuring their data is within reach of health workers, opening avenues for swift analysis, efficiency, and thoroughness of healthcare professionals in the country. And with the relaunch, the eClinic solutions have new features integrated like inventory and stock keeping, patient appoint-

ment and queue management, medical and insurance billing, assets management, integration to third-party systems via API, quick messaging and notification.

Others are medical coding, backup and multi-location support, among others, patients are assured of an improved healthcare delivery process when they walk into their preferred care provider for health-related matters.

s e nnt y. nt e

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T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ APRIL 7, 2022

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Fidelity Bank Grows Nigerian Export Sector with its EMP 12 Initiative Entrepreneurs that participated in the 12th edition of the Fidelity Bank’s Export Management Programme (EMP 12) have commended the bank for providing hands-on training on the opportunities in the international market and how to develop their capacity to play big in the export space.

The EMP, launched in 2016 and hosted in partnership with the Lagos Business School and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), is designed to equip entrepreneurs with requisite knowledge for driving the country’s non-oil exports.

Commenting on the on

the final day of the weeklong training, Divisional Head, Export and Agriculture, Fidelity Bank Plc, Isaiah Ndukwe said, “Most people think that non-oil exports is just about earning in dollars.

I think it’s beyond that. A key upside to an export-oriented business or economy is that it makes you super competitive over time eg improvements in processes, product design and packaging, quality and cost optimizations.

That is why beyond the obvious, which is dollar earnings, we are big on helping businesses build export business management capacities.”

One of the participants at

the programme and CEO, Sochi June Limited, exporters of cashew, sesame seed and chilli pepper, Mrs. Ifeyinma Hart commended Fidelity Bank for not only subsidizing her attendance at the training but empowering her with knowledge to her increase her business footprint in the international market.

Another entrepreneur, Ruth Chukwukezirim, who is a licensed freight forwarder said she has benefited a lot from the EMP by Fidelity Bank, maintaining that the programme has exposed her to detailed information regarding the export industry.

CIS launches Academy toTrain Capital Market Operators, Others KayodeTokede The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) has launched an Academy to deliver high standard structured professional and post-graduate training for capital market operators, investors and the general public.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Muhammad Nami explained that the establishment of the CIS Academy was coming at a time Nigeria economy is facing challenges, and required the right financial and fiscal policy interventions.

He noted that the CIS Academy would be the frontier of knowledge, skills and competence needed at this cruel time to cope with the increasing digital revolution and competitiveness in the business landscape.

He predicted that the Academy would improve the performance of the Nigerian economy.

According to him, it is expected that the CIS Academy will set

and maintain high standards, for capacity development not only for practitioners in the Investment and Securitas Market in Nigeria but for all workforces in the financial public sector of our economy.

In his goodwill message, the Director-Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Yuguda Lamido, who was represented by the Director, Lagos Zonal office of the Commission, Mrs. Hafsat Rufai commended the management of CIS for the establishment of the Academy.

“Today’s event, yet marks another important milestone in the institute‘s drive to re-position itself to more effectively and efficiently meet the knowledge and competences needs of current and old-age finance professionals, including members and nonmembers of the Institute.

“It is my sincere hope and desire that upgrading the training and continued professional development function of the institute to a full-fledged academy status will serve to significantly

add scale and robustness to the scope of training provided by the institute.”said Lamido.

In his welcome remarks, the President/Chairman of CIS, Mr. Olatunde Amolegbe said the Academy was expected to run a professional training programmes in Finance, Securities and Investment, Business and Management and Marketing, among other areas.

The General Manager, CIS Academy, Mr Chukwudi Nga said the Academy’s brand promise was to provide result-oriented training and quality courses at competitive prices.

The Chairman, Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Mr Sam Onukwue who commended the Institute for the initiatives said: “ The inauguration of this academy could not have come at a better time given the noticeable emergence of specialized platforms, innovative products and the attendant need to up skill and develop requisite capacities for efficient service delivery.

Hogan Lovells Advises Sojitz in Largest Private Sector Gas Distribution Deal Hogan Lovells advises Sojitz Corporation (”Sojitz”) on its purchase from Helios Investment Partners (“Helios”) of a 25% interest in the holding company of Axxela Limited (“Axxela”), the largest private-sector gas distributor in Nigeria, a transaction which marks the start of the collaboration between Sojitz and Helios in West African gas downstream businesses.

Helios Investment Partners, the Africa-focused private investment firm, acting on behalf of funds it advises, and Sojitz Corporation, one of the leading conglomerate investment and trading houses listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, announced today the

completion of the sale by Helios of a 25% interest in the holding company of Axxela, the largest private-sector gas distributor in Nigeria, to Sojitz. Helios retains a 75% interest in the company.

Sojitz is a leading conglomerate whose experience spans several industries including energy (gas, LNG, renewables, power, new clean energies including hydrogen), automotive, aerospace, agriculture, chemicals, consumer goods, healthcare, infrastructure and resources. As a global energy player, Sojitz possesses deep expertise in the gas and power infrastructure sector, where it has been involved in the development of gas distribution networks, LNG

terminals and power plants globally. In a statement, the company said the transaction marks Sojitz’s first significant equity investment in Africa, “indicating its growth ambitions on the continent and serving as a blueprint for future collaboration in Africa between Helios and Sojitz across a range of sectors.”

Commenting on the transaction, Sarah Shaw said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Sojitz on this ground-breaking transaction which demonstrates the strength of our expertise advising on complex cross-border M&A transactions in the energy transition space as well as the depth of our Africa practice.”

Maritime and Offshore Award Unveils International Panel of Judges The Maritime and Offshore Award (The OMIS) has unveiled an international panel of judges for its inaugural edition.

Chief Executive Officer of the The OMIS Award, Femi Da-silva disclosed this in a statement released on Friday in Lagos.

He said that the four-member panel comprising maritime experts from Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt and Greece was to increase the credibility of the award and ensure only the most qualified nominees win.

Da-silva identified the judges as: Dr. Ify Akerele, a Nigerian and pioneer Director General of the Nigerian

Chamber of Shipping (NCS); Colonel Barthélemy Blédé, an Ivorian maritime expert currently serving as Liaison Officer with the Regional Centre for Maritime Safety and Security in West Africa (CRESMAO); Mohamed Tayel, an Egyptian subsea Integrity Engineer with more than 20 years’ experience; and Christos Michalopoulos, a Greek Naval Architect and ISPS Lead Auditor.

Da-silva explained that the award was conceived to recognise and celebrate excellence in the maritime and offshore sector.

He urged stakeholders to

nominate deserving maritime practitioners and organisations in the 15 categories open for nomination on the award website.

The OMIS Award boss equally announced a two-week extension to the nomination deadline for the award.

He said that the organising committee deemed an extension necessary to give ample time for more nominees to join the already swelling nomination pool.

Da-silva said, “More than 300 nominations have been received so far since the nomination process commenced in the first week of March on www. theomisaward.com.

L-R: General Manager, CIS Academy, Chukwudi Nga, Registrar and Chief Executive, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Josiah Akerewusi, Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Muhammad Nami, President, CIS, Olatunde Amolegbe and 2nd Vice President, CIS, Oluropo Dada at inauguration of CIS Academy in Lagos, yesterday.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JANUARY 2021 Money Supply (M3)

38,779,455.43

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

1,039,129.55

Money Supply (M2)

37,740,325.88

-- Quasi Money

21,779,302.69

-- Narrow Money (M1)

15,961,023.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,364,871.13

---- Demand Deposits

13,596,152.06

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,414,275.50

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

31,365,179.93

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

42,916,586.63

---- Credit to Government (Net)

12,304,773.44

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

30,611,813.19

--Other Assets Net

3,892,112.74

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,264,585.14

--Currency in Circulation

2,831,167.19

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,433,417.96 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ ͵

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

35

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ʹ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

Transcorp Hotels Announces N717m Dividend Payout to Shareholders

Kayode Tokede

Transcorp Hotels Plc paid a total dividend of N717 million to its shareholders at its 8th Annual General Meeting held in Abuja recently.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom stated that the Company closed the 2021 financial year strongly, with an impressive gross revenue

of N22billion, surpassing its 2019’s pre-COVID revenue of N20billion.

“Our disciplined approach to financial management has continued to yield results as reflected in reduced finance cost during the year. During the year, Transcorp Hotels maintained its credit rating for the Company and the Bonds, as two prominent rating agencies affirmed the Company’s “Stable” outlook,”

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

Nnorom said.

“The pandemic changed the customer behaviour, arrival and departure patterns and the geographical business mix of the hotel. We harnessed all these and dominated the market as we outperformed the industry average and the N10billion revenue recorded in 2020,” the chairman added.

In her remarks, Managing

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

Director/CEO Transcorp Hotels Plc. Mrs. Dupe Olusola noted that occupancy -- proportion of hotel accommodation occupied -- which started at 55per cent in January grew steadily to an all-time high of 80per cent in December 2021.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) also grew from N69,000 in January 2021 to N83,000 in December 2021.

“We remained the superior choice for all, including numerous

T R A D E D

VALUE TRADED ( N )

MAIN BOARD

A S

world leaders and dignitaries from around the world who we hosted in 2021. We continued to reinforce our position as the all-round industry leader with an increased focus on delivering excellent service quality, customer satisfaction and security,”Olusola added. Reiterating the Chairman’s statement on revenue, the Managing Director/CEO noted that the Company closed the year

O F

0 6

2021 with an impressive gross revenue of N22billion.

“This great progress reflects the growth achieved in most of our business segments and the strengthening of our leisure business.

“We became more innovative in our leisure business segment as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic which was a key success factor for us in 2020.

/ 0 4 / 2 0 2 2 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

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36

THURSDAY, Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

Thursday, April 7, 2022

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THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

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5 Zenith Bank PLC 6 Dangote Cement PLC 7 Nestle Nigeria PLC

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22 FCMB Group Plc 23 United Capital PLC 24 Guinness Nigeria PLC

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25 Transnational Corp of Nigeria 26 Presco PLC

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27 NASCON Allied Industries PLC 28 AIICO Insurance PLC

ƚŽ ďƵLJŝŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶ >/E< ^^hZ ;нϴ͘ϱйͿ ĂŶĚ ŝŶĚĞdž ƌĞŵĂŝŶĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ dŽƉƉŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ ĂƌĞ ƚŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵͲ

29 TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeri 30 Custodian and Allied Insurance

Ğƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ĂŶĚ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ͕ ĂŶĚ D E &/d ;нϴ͘ϯйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ ĚŽǁŶ Kŝů Θ ϰ͘ϲй 'ĂƐ ĂŶĚ

31 Vitafoam Nigeria PLC 32 Unilever Nigeria PLC

ϭ͘Ϯй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ƉƌŽĮƚͲƚĂŬŝŶŐ ŝŶ E ^d> ;Ͳ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ Ϭ͘Ϯй ĂŶĚ Ϭ͘ϭй ƌĞƐƉĞĐͲ

33 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC 34 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC

ĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ͕ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ĂƐ ϰ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ůŽƐƚ͕ ϭ ŝŶĚĞdž ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ &ZͲ/ d

ϵ͘ϭйͿ͕

hE/> s Z

;Ͳϯ͘ϱйͿ͕

>/E< ^^hZ

;Ͳϲ͘ϰйͿ͕

ƟǀĞůLJ͕ ĚƌŝǀĞŶ ďLJ ƉƌŝĐĞ ƵƉƟĐŬ ŝŶ ^ W> d ;нϭ͘ϭйͿ

35 Oando PLC 36 Wema Bank PLC

ĂŶĚ h ;нϭ͘ϵйͿ͘ ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ

37 NEM Insurance PLC 38 Sterling Bank PLC

'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ǁĂƐ ƚŚĞ ůŽŶĞ ůŽƐĞƌ͕ ĚŽǁŶ Ϭ͘Ϯй ŽŶ ŽīƐ ŝŶ K E K ;ͲϬ͘ϴйͿ͕ E/d, ;ͲϬ͘ϮйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ 'd K ;ͲϬ͘ϮйͿ͘

39 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd 40 Transcorp Hotels Plc

ĂŶĚ D E^ Z ;ͲϮ͘ϮйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ĂŶĚ ĂŶŬͲ ŝŶŐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĨĞůů ďLJ Ϭ͘Ϯй ĂŶĚ ϮďƉƐ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůůͲ

ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ǁĂƐ ƚŚĞ ůŽŶĞ ŐĂŝŶͲ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ŽĨ ƐĞůůͲŽīƐ ŝŶ E ;Ͳϭ͘ϭйͿ ĂŶĚ /Ed Z t ;Ͳ Ğƌ͕ ƵƉ ϭ͘ϬйͿ͘

ϭ͘ϴй

ĚƌŝǀĞŶ

ďLJ

ƉƌŝĐĞ

ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂͲ

97.3%

32.0%

32.0%

3.5%

5.2x

0.8x

6.2%

0.0%

8.5%

7.6%

7.6%

134.7%

14.1%

14.4x

22.3x

6.2%

7.0%

5.5%

5.5%

19.1%

11.2%

34.0x

6.4x

4.0%

2.9%

22.10

-1.1%

5.4%

-15.0%

-15.0%

20.7%

3.3%

3.6x

0.8x

13.5%

27.9% 34.4%

5.2%

-9.9%

-9.9%

20.4%

2.7%

2.9x

0.6x

13.6%

4.5%

6.4%

6.4%

39.2%

16.3%

12.9x

4.8x

7.3%

7.8%

1,395.00

0.0%

3.1%

-10.4%

-10.4%

106.8%

15.6%

27.1x

31.8x

3.6%

3.7%

11.80

0.0%

3.4%

3.5%

3.5%

8.4%

0.8%

7.0x

0.6x

3.8%

14.4%

21.80

0.0%

2.9%

-9.0%

-9.0%

11.6%

8.4%

8.2x

0.9x

9.2%

12.3%

2.8%

7.0%

7.0%

17.9%

1.6%

2.2x

0.3x

8.5%

46.0%

2.0%

2.0%

-3.7%

-3.7%

15.8%

1.4%

2.3x

0.3x

12.9%

43.7% 13.0%

34.15

0.0%

1.5%

-5.1%

-5.1%

15.1%

2.1%

7.7x

1.2x

4.1%

40.00

-1.1%

1.2%

-20.0%

-20.0%

7.6%

2.7%

25.1x

1.9x

4.0%

4.0%

960.00

1.1%

2.3%

47.7%

47.7%

8.7%

4.1%

8.7x

0.8x

4.3%

11.4%

2.7x

0.4x

5.6%

12.00

0.0%

1.8%

37.9%

37.9%

16.9%

1.0%

4.85

-1.0%

1.1%

-2.0%

-2.0%

-10.3%

-3.9%

142.00

0.0%

1.1%

0.0%

0.0%

36.5%

23.3%

9.6x

3.2x

5.6%

10.4%

30.55

0.0%

1.0%

7.8%

7.8%

15.9%

4.5%

4.7x

0.7x

5.4%

21.4% 38.0%

0.9x

3.46

0.9%

0.8%

35.7%

35.7%

13.3%

1.3%

2.6x

0.3x

10.2%

2.45

0.0%

0.6%

5.6%

5.6%

9.3%

3.0%

7.5x

0.7x

10.2%

13.3%

15.80

0.0%

0.4%

-9.2%

-9.2%

17.4%

6.9%

8.7x

1.5x

6.3%

11.5%

10.3%

1.1%

3.23

0.9%

0.5%

8.0%

8.0%

12.60

1.2%

0.5%

27.3%

27.3%

0.3x

6.2%

2.5x

11.9%

68.50

0.0%

0.6%

75.6%

75.6%

13.3%

6.0%

14.4x

1.8x

0.7%

6.9%

0.98

-2.0%

0.3%

2.1%

2.1%

11.1%

2.3%

5.2x

0.5x

2.0%

19.2%

133.00

0.0%

0.4%

51.5%

51.5%

2.8x

0.8%

11.90

-2.5%

0.3%

-9.8%

-9.8%

21.3%

6.9%

11.2x

2.2x

3.4%

0.65

0.0%

0.2%

-7.1%

-7.1%

14.0%

2.2%

22.0x

0.6x

3.1%

4.5%

238.50

0.0%

0.3%

7.5%

7.5%

48.0%

9.5%

4.8x

2.0x

7.7%

20.7%

6.50

-0.8%

0.2%

-17.7%

-17.7%

19.5%

5.5%

3.8x

0.7x

7.6%

26.2%

22.30

0.0%

0.2%

-0.9%

-0.9%

38.7%

16.0%

5.7x

2.0x

6.8%

17.5%

13.30

0.0%

0.2%

-8.3%

-8.3%

7.8%

4.9%

29.5x

1.2x

3.9%

3.4%

26.00

0.0%

0.2%

16.3%

16.3%

18.9%

2.4%

3.9x

0.8x

9.6%

25.5%

4.1%

6.10

0.0%

0.1%

3.4%

3.4%

7.1%

0.8%

6.9x

0.7x

-2.9%

0.1%

6.6%

6.6%

14.5%

2.6%

2.0x

0.3x

3.00

3.4%

0.0%

316.7%

316.7%

14.1%

0.8%

13.0x

1.7x

8.0%

7.7%

3.97

0.0%

0.1%

-11.8%

-11.8%

21.5%

12.8%

4.5x

0.9x

5.6%

22.1%

2.0x

0.3x

6.7%

1.50

0.0%

0.1%

-0.7%

-0.7%

9.4%

0.9%

62.50

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.0%

-28.3%

-6.1%

5.31

0.0%

0.0%

-1.3%

-1.3%

2.4x 0.9x

1.4%

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V o l u m e T ic k er

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

8.9%

F ID ELIT YB K

67.4

0.0%

0.30

7.1%

T R A N SC OR P

40.9

-1.0%

F T N C OC OA

0.33

6.5%

WA P IC

18.3

-2.4%

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ

C UT IX

2.17

5.9%

GT C O

15.3

2.5%

C A VER T ON

1.33

5.6%

A C C ESSC OR P

14.5

1.6%

/ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ͕ ǁĂƐ ƵŶĐŚĂŶŐĞĚ ;ͲϬ͘ϬϯdžͿ ĨƌŽŵ ƉƌŝŽƌ ƐĞƐͲ

N IGER IN S

0.21

5.0%

Z EN IT H B A N K

12.1

3.4% -0.2%

ĨƌŽŵ ϭ͘ϯdž ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ůĂƐƚ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ Ϯϰ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ

ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ dŽĚĂLJ͕ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƚŽ ƉŽƐƚ

ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ ϭϱ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ͘ DZ^ ;нϵ͘ϵйͿ͕ D zͲ

3.45

4.5%

N GXGR OUP

8.2

Z EN IT H B A N K

22.75

3.4%

FB NH

7.1

0.0%

GT C O

22.35

2.5%

ST ER LN B A N K

6.1

0.7%

950.00

2.2%

UB A

5.2

1.3%

SEP LA T

ŵĂƌŐŝŶĂů ŐĂŝŶ ĂƐ ŝŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ŚƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ďĂƌŐĂŝŶƐ͘ < Z ;нϵ͘ϴйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ ,KEz&>KhZ ;нϵ͘ϴйͿ ůĞĚ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ ǁŚŝůĞ dZ E^ ;Ͳϴ͘ϯйͿ͕ > ^ K ;Ͳϲ͘ϳйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ >/s Ͳ

^dK < ;Ͳϰ͘ϴйͿ ůĞĚ ůŽƐĞƌƐ͘ WƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ ĚĂLJ͕ ǁĞ ĞdžƉĞĐƚ ƚŚĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ƚŽ ƌĞŵĂŝŶ ŵŝdžĞĚ͕ ĂƐ ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐƐ ƐĞĂƐŽŶ ŐƌĂĚƵĂůůLJ ǁŝŶĚƐ ƵƉ͘

NP FM CRFB K

P ric e 2.25

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

Value

-9.6%

GT C O

341.2

P ric e C hg % 2.5%

SEP LA T

289.1

2.2%

LEA R N A F R C A

1.69

-9.1%

M ULT IVER SE

0.21

-8.7%

Z EN IT H B A N K

275.0

3.4%

M TNN

265.6

0.0%

R T B R ISC OE

0.56

-6.7%

N A SC ON

12.20

-5.4%

F ID ELIT YB K

230.6

0.0%

195.1

-0.2%

H ON YF LOUR

3.38

-4.8%

N GXGR OUP

C OR N ER ST

0.60

-4.8%

A C C ESSC OR P

141.3

1.6%

FB NH

82.7

0.0%

CHA M S

0.21

-4.5%

M B EN EF IT

0.24

-4.0%

GUIN N ESS

62.7

-1.5%

-3.8%

T R A N SC OR P

41.4

-1.0%

C OUR T VILLE

Afrinvest West Africa Limited

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V a l u e

T o p 10 L o s e r s T ic k er

0.51

Brokerage

Asset Management

Investment Research

Adedoyin Allen | aallen@afrinvest.com Robert Omotunde | romotunde@afrinvest.com Abiodun Keripe | AKeripe@afrinvest.com Taiwo Ogundipe | togundipe@afrinvest.com

51.0% -13.8%

0.86

ƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ ϭϲ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ͕ ϭϴ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ ϳϬ

14.5% 49.3%

R EGA LIN S

UP D C R EIT

8.9%

4.71

M EYER

;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ͕ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ͕ ƐĞƩůŝŶŐ Ăƚ ϭ͘ϲdž

36.8% -11.7%

P ric e C hg %

KƵƚůŽŽŬ

6.9%

0.0%

P ric e

ƟŽŶ ŝŶ E' D ;нϯ͘ϯйͿ͘

17.5%

1.5%

0.0%

T o p 10 G a in e r s T ic k er

15.0%

-0.4%

13 Nigerian Brew eries PLC 14 SEPLAT Energy PLC

20 AXA Mansard Insurance PLC 21 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC

6.4%

Dividend Earnings Yield Yield

P/BV

70.75

9.95

ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ ĂŶĚ K E K ;ϳ͘ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ǁŚŝůĞ E ^d> ;േϮ͘ϮďŶͿ͕

ĞĂƌŝƐŚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ

39.1%

P/E

212.00

7.75

18 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC 19 Fidelity Bank PLC

0.0%

ROA

22.65

11 United Bank for Africa PLC 12 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC

ďLJ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ǁĞƌĞ dZ E^ KZW ;ϭϭ͘ϵŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ & E, ;ϭϭ͘ϭŵ

ĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ǁŝƚŚŝŶ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ͕ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ

-0.06%

ROE

273.50

8 FBN Holdings Plc 9 Lafarge Africa PLC 10 Access Bank PLC

Ϯϲϭ͘ϲŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ĂŶĚ ʬϮ͘ϰďŶ͘

ƵůůŝƐŚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ

1,260.40

3 BUA Cement Plc 4 Guaranty Trust Holding Co PLC

15 Ecobank Transnational Inc 16 International Brew eries PLC 17 Okomu Oil Palm PLC

ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƌŽƐĞ ďLJ ϴϴ͘ϱй ƚŽ േϯ͘ϭďŶ͘ dŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ

1973.40

1 Airtel Africa PLC 2 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC

Price Previous Price Change Current Price Change Index to Weighting Change YTD Date

Christopher Omoh | comoh@afrinvest.com

Damilare Asimiyu | dasimiyu@afrinvest.com

37

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022 • T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 05Apr-2022, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.84% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.46 3.51 -2.42% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 6.25% Anchoria Equity Fund 136.09 137.71 -1.71% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.21 1.21 5.05% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com info@anchoriaam.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 20.76 21.39 2.36% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 476.25 490.60 5.56% ARM Ethical Fund 39.58 40.77 1.59% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.06 1.06 -2.14% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.03 1.04 1.79% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.34% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com; Tel 08069294653 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 109.26 109.26 7.42% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Naira 1,092.55 1,092.55 9.25% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.11 2.11 10.99% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.21 2.26 6.32% CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund N/A N/A N/A CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.41% Paramount Equity Fund 17.92 18.26 6.54% Women's Investment Fund 142.65 144.32 2.60% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.54% Cordros Milestone Fund 138.96 139.85 5.11% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 111.86 111.86 4.89% CORONATION ASSETS MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com, Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-asset-management-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Emerging Africa Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.09% Emerging Africa Bond Fund 1.03 1.03 6.25% Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund 1.02 1.02 11.82% Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund 101.81 101.81 3.75% FBNQUEST ASSETS MANAGEMENT LIMITED invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,434.25 1,434.25 10.08% FBN Balanced Fund 185.46 186.86 5.82% FBN Halal Fund 118.19 118.19 9.35% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.97% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Legacy Money Market Fund Legacy Debt Fund Legacy Equity Fund Legacy USD Bond Fund FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Coral Balanced Fund Coral Income Fund Coral Money Market Fund

123.26 156.07

123.26 4.13% 158.16 3.47% fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com

Bid Price N/A N/A N/A N/A

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price 3,979.99 3,523.73 100.00

Offer Price 4,042.43 3,523.73 100.00

Yield / T-Rtn 2.27% 1.60% 6.11%

1.09

1.09

0.90%

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 4.67% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.97 3.04 4.20% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 139.34 139.34 -2.77% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.25 1.30 -0.40% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.08 1.08 4.12% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 12.22 12.33 3.77% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 8.37% NORRENBERGER INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED enquiries@norrenberger.com Web: www.norrenberger.com, Tel: +234 (0) 908 781 2026 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Norrenberger Islamic Fund (NIF) N/A N/A N/A Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 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 1.55 1.58 -3.48% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.67 11.68 4.32% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 6.68% PACAM Equity Fund 1.39 1.40 -3.63% PACAM EuroBond Fund 115.62 118.25 0.42% 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 127.35 129.58 7.43% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.02 1.02 9.25% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Equity Fund 0.96 0.98 3.33% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.41 1.43 3.48% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.14 1.16 4.96% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.09 1.09 1.97% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 1.99 1.99 1.86% United Capital Eurobond Fund 124.04 124.04 1.39% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.26% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Balanced Strategy Fund 13.44 13.56 1.91% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 15.49 15.66 6.00% Zenith Income Fund 22.41 22.41 1.85% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.68%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

122.16 53.16

1.62% 0.82%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

14.23 132.66 105.89 19.99 20.77

14.33 135.92 108.18 20.09 20.87

1.89% 0.77% 2.17% 0.00% 0.00%

Fund Name SFS REIT Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund MERGROWTH ETF MERVALUE ETF

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

4.07 5.48 17.87 1.00 20.95 167.76

4.17 5.58 18.07 1.00 21.15 169.76

1.55% -6.10% 1.07% 0.00% 4.81% 6.29%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND

Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund 107.28 10.80% 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.

FSDH Dollar Fund

38

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

FOREIGN DESK

COMPILED BY BAYO AKINLOYE

EU Adopts New Sanctions against Russia The European Union is expected to join the United States in imposing new sanctions against Russia as horrific reports of possible war crimes in Ukraine continue to surface. But critics, including some EU members, are calling the measures insufficient.

The new EU sanctions — the fifth round by the bloc since Russia invaded Ukraine — are expected to target Russian coal, shipping and banking sectors, including Russia’s largest lender Sverbank, which says the move will be insignificant to its operations.

In a video address to the Irish parliament, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the EU indecisive for not adopting stronger measures to bar Russian energy imports.

Calls for tougher energy bans also are growing within the EU, including from Baltic states — which ended Russian natural gas imports as of April 1 — and the bloc’s executive arm. That includes European Council President Charles Michel, who addressed the European Parliament on Wednesday.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he said, “I think that measures on oil and even gas will also be needed sooner or later.”

The same message was sent from EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who said the EU had paid Russia’s President Vladimir Putin more than $35 billion for energy imports since the war began, compared with only about $1 billion worth of arms and weapons the EU sent to Ukraine.

Sri Lanka’s President Revokes Emergency Order President Gotabaya Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka has revoked a state of emergency order amid an economic crisis that triggered street protests and political upheaval posing a threat to his rule.

President Rajapaksa issued the order last week after demonstrations demanding his resignation outside his home in Colombo. The decree had given police the power to make arrests without warrants and made it illegal for people to leave their homes.

The president lifted the emergency decree Tuesday, shortly after 41 lawmakers abandoned the ruling coalition and became independent, leaving Rajapaksa’s party short of the 113 members needed to maintain its majority in Sri Lanka’s single-chamber parliament.

The mass resignations occurred two days after Rajapaksa’s entire 26-member Cabinet quit, including his brother, Basil, who served as finance minister, leaving only the president and another brother, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, in charge. Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s offer to all political parties to form a unity government was rejected Monday.

Russian Media Claims Bucha Deaths Are Fakes As gruesome videos and photos of bodies emerge from the Kyiv suburb of Bucha, Kremlinbacked media are denouncing them as an elaborate hoax — a narrative that journalists in Ukraine have shown to be false.

Denouncing news as fake or spreading false reports to sow confusion and undermine its adversaries are tactics that Moscow has used for years and refined with the advent of social media in places like Syria.

In detailed broadcasts to millions of viewers, correspondents and hosts of Russian state TV channels said Tuesday that some photo and video evidence of the killings were fake while others showed that Ukrainians were responsible for the bloodshed.

Group Files Torture Case against Myanmar Junta A British rights group is taking Myanmar’s junta to court over allegations of widespread torture since a 2021 coup, frustrated by a perceived lack of meaningful action by the United Nations.

The Myanmar Accountability Project filed the criminal case with the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Istanbul, Turkey, on March 29, pinning its hopes of holding the junta’s leaders to account on the legal principle of universal jurisdiction.

Universal jurisdiction holds that some crimes are so heinous they transcend any one nation and can be tried anywhere. International treaties in its remit include the UN-sponsored Convention Against Torture. Turkey is one of the signatories.

“Where there isn’t any other meaningful international action ... a state party to a convention

has a particular obligation to act,” MAP director Chris Gunness told VOA. “The Security Council sure as hell isn’t going to do anything about crimes against humanity being committed inside Myanmar. General Assembly resolutions ... are non-binding.”

A resolution condemning the junta’s bloody crackdown on peaceful protests against the Myanmar military’s February 2021 coup made it through the General Assembly in June.

But China and Russia, the junta’s main arms suppliers, are widely seen to be blocking the Security Council from imposing international sanctions and any hope of referring Myanmar’s leaders to the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

Hong Kong’s Second-in-Command Resigns Hong Kong’s number two official, a staunch supporter of a Beijing-backed crackdown on pro-democracy activists, tendered his resignation on Wednesday to pave the way for his run in the city’s upcoming leadership race.

According to a government statement, John Lee, the city’s chief secretary for administration, submitted his resignation to Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam. “If my resignation is approved by the Central People’s Government, I shall plan to stand for the upcoming chief executive election,” said Lee at a news conference.

“Having been in the government for over 40 years, to serve the people of Hong Kong is a glory.”

He said he would elaborate on his “next move” if the Chinese government approved his resignation.

Taiwan Tightens Russia Export Curbs, Details Tech Rules Taiwan’s government says it is tightening export curbs to Russia as part of sanctions on the country for its invasion of Ukraine, detailing rules to prevent technology and chips from being used for military purposes.

Taiwan condemned Russia’s attack and joined the Western-led sanctions effort, though it is largely symbolic as there is only minimal direct trade between the island and Russia.

Taiwan’s Cabinet said in an announcement that any companies wishing to export a long list of tech-related goods to Russia would need to seek permission.

The move has been made “in order to prevent our country from exporting high-tech goods to Russia for the production of military weapons,” the Cabinet added.

The list includes equipment for making semiconductors, the production of which Taiwan is a world leader, and lasers and navigation systems.

The Economy Ministry added in a separate

statement that it “urges industry to follow the export control laws, conduct due diligence before exporting, and avoid exporting products from the ‘Russian export list’ that can be used for weapons proliferation to Russia without approval.”

It said it had produced the list based upon what other allied countries were doing and that, in total, it covered 57 “controlled items.”

UN to Vote on Expelling Russia from Human Rights Council The UN General Assembly is set to vote Thursday on removing Russia from the Human Rights Council because of its action in Ukraine.

Two-thirds of the 193 member states would have to vote to remove Russia.

The council, based in Geneva, is largely symbolic, but it can authorize investigations into human rights violations.

Russia is in the second year of a three-year term on the council.

Earlier this week, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield called Russia’s presence on the council a “farce” and called for its removal.

Since Russia’s February 24 invasion of Ukraine, the General Assembly has passed two resolutions condemning Russia’s actions.

Malawi Police Arrest Journalist, Seize His Equipment Press freedom groups and the US and British mbassies in Malawi have expressed concerns after police interrogated an investigative reporter over his sources and confiscated his equipment.

Gregory Gondwe says police held him for four hours Tuesday in a failed attempt to get him to reveal his sources. Gondwe had published a story in March about the government’s alleged secret dealings with a businessman who is on trial for corruption.

The arrest of Gondwe, who works with the Platform for Investigative Journalism, came after Malawi’s Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda announced he would take action against those who leaked a document meant for the Anti-Corruption Bureau.

According to the document that Gondwe used in his story, published on March 30, it appeared that Nyirenda allowed the government to make payments to the corruption suspect, Zuneth Sattar.

That move runs counter to Nyirenda’s actions in January when he publicly terminated all of Sattar’s contracts with the government and restricted any payment on the same.

MSF Suspends Work in Cameroon’s Southwest Region Medical aid group Doctors Without Borders,

known by its French abbreviation MSF, has suspended its work in Cameroon’s troubled Southwest region. The group is protesting a lack of progress toward releasing four MSF staff members arrested three months ago.

Authorities accused the staffers of cooperating with regional separatists, something MSF denies.

Gisa Kohler is MSF’s highest-ranking officer in the region. He said there has yet to be significant progress in MSF’s efforts to have its staff members released.

“We have been trying to communicate with the government to understand what we have been doing wrong according to them, following the statement or the press release by the minister of defence accusing MSF of supporting terrorists. We were looking for a conversation with the government authorities to understand what they think we have been doing not correctly to solve the issue and try to get our people as fast as possible out of prison,” he said.

Kohler, speaking to VOA by a messaging app, said MSF has been giving psychological and financial support to the worried families of the arrested workers.

On December 27, 2021, MSF reported that two of its workers were arrested by Cameroon government troops. MSF said the military stopped an ambulance in which its workers were transporting a patient with gunshot wounds in the Southwest region town of Nguti.

Protesters Force Peru President to Call off Curfew Peruvian President Pedro Castillo Tuesday lifted a curfew imposed on the capital, Lima, hours before it was due to expire in the face of angry and defiant protests.

Residents were surprised when President Castillo announced the curfew for Lima and the neighbouring port city of Callao in a nationally televised speech shortly before midnight Monday. The curfew, which took effect at 2 a.m. local time Tuesday and was due to expire at 11:59 p.m., was ordered to quell the growing wave of violent protests across Peru over soaring fuel, food, and fertilizer prices.

The streets of Lima were mostly empty during the day as security forces patrolled the city, with shops and schools closed and public transportation shut down. But residents in some neighbourhoods opened their windows and banged pots and pans to protest the order, and thousands of citizens eventually gathered in downtown Lima in defiance of Castillo.

Castillo reversed course and signed an order that ended the curfew shortly after 5 p.m. local time.

39

THURSDAY, Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

THIRTY-NINE

Report: Digitalisation Could Boost Commonwealth Trade by $1.2trn Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja Exports from the 54 Commonwealth nations, including Nigeria could increase by as much as $1.2 trillion in the next five years if trade reaches full digitalisation, according to a new report by the Commonwealth Secretariat.

In its Quantitative Analysis of the Move to Paperless Trade, the secretariat stated that if the 54 Commonwealth nations implement policies to facilitate digital trade across borders, exports could increase by around $90 billion, while the reform of laws to support electronic records in trade could unleash a further

$1.1 trillion by 2026.

The report also stated that the cost of trade would fall by an average of 75 per cent, therefore making it easier for more exporters to access trade routes.

The report added that digital trade documents would improve access to finance, which has the effect of creating markets, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which are largely unable to access traditional forms of financing because of the due diligence costs involved.

The research, produced by Coriolis Technologies, aims to provide a business case in support of the Commonwealth’s

Connectivity Cluster Agenda, an initiative that targets digital trade facilitation.

It follows a similar report from the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), published in October last year, that found trade across the G7 could increase by $9 trillion in the next five years if the industry reaches full digitalisation.

While the Commonwealth’s potential trade increase in dollar terms is smaller than that of the G7’s, the developmental impact of digital trade facilitation in its countries is markedly more pronounced.

Of the world’s 42 small states,

32 are Commonwealth members, and of these, 25 are small island developing states.

The Commonwealth also comprises some of the world’s poorest countries, with 14 of its members classified as least developed countries by the United Nations.

These countries are especially vulnerable to global shocks, and – as the report points out – could benefit the most from trade digitalisation.

“The most striking finding is that at present, the average costs of international trade for some island economies and some nations in Africa are higher than

the average revenues received.

This makes trade untenable in those countries,” the report stated, pointing to four economies for which costs are higher than 100 per cent of the revenues received from trade.

The countries include Vanuatu, Tonga, Gambia and Papua New Guinea.

It added that the gains from digitalisation present, “a compelling background case to the process of legal reform and should be a wake-up call to heads of state.”

Some Commonwealth members have already reformed their laws. Last year saw Singapore

implement the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) into domestic legislation and then go on to carry out the first ever MLETR-enabled transaction with Abu Dhabi.

In February this year, Papua New Guinea signed its new electronic transactions act into law, which enacts MLETR along with other UNCITRAL texts on e-commerce.

Meanwhile, the work currently underway in the UK to achieve legal equivalence for electronic versions of trade documents in English law is expected to help pave the way for the rest of the Commonwealth’s jurisdictions.

Copyright Bill: Senate Okays Jail Term for Violators Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Senate yesterday passed a bill to provide for the holistic review of Nigeria’s Copyright Law and make it an offence to broadcast any digital or online work of a performer without first obtaining their consent.

The bill in clause 73 provides for a fine of not less than N100,000 for an individual or to imprisonment for a term of not less than one year or both.

It also imposed a fine of not less than N2 million where criminal liability arises in respect of infringement of performer’s rights.

The review was aimed at strengthening the provision of

policy and legal framework for the effective regulation, protection and administration of copyright in line with global best practices.

The bill was tagged: “A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Copyright Act CAP LFN 2004 And to Re-enact the Copyright Act 2021,” was sponsored by Senator Mukhail Abiru (Lagos East).

The bill when signed into law would make the broadcasting or duplication of any online audiovisual work without the consent of the performer an infringement.

They included audio or visual works by a performer posted on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter or any other online platform.

The passage of the bill followed the consideration of a report by the Joint Committee on Trade and Investment; and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.

Co-Chair of the Joint Committee, Senator Saidu Ahmed Alkali (Gombe North), in his presentation, said the bill essentially seeks to strengthen the copyright regime in Nigeria to enhance the competitiveness of its creative industries in a digital and knowledge-based global economy.

He said the re-enactment of the bill would effectively protect the rights of authors to ensure just rewards and recognition for their intellectual efforts.

He, however, stated that the

legislation would also provide appropriate limitation and exceptions to guarantee access to creative works, encourage cultural interchange and advance public welfare.

He explained that when signed into law by the President, the new law would facilitate Nigeria’s compliance with obligations arising from relevant international copyright treaties and enhance the capacities of the Nigerian Copyright Commission for effective administration and enforcements of the provisions of the copyright Act. He lamented that, “piracy of Nigerian creative works has devastated businesses, harmed

JONATHAN ESCAPES UNHURT AS TWO AIDES DIE IN ABUJA ROAD ACCIDENT The former president was said to have been on his way from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, to his residence in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) when the accident happened.

But THISDAY learnt that two security personnel attached to him, Inspectors Ibrahim Abazi and Yakubu Toma, were not so lucky as they did not survive the crash.

Although it wasn’t clear what caused the accident, Jonathan was said to have left Yenagoa, Bayelsa, his home state, for Abuja in the afternoon before the accident which saw a number of the cars in the convoy mangled, happened.

A statement released on the incident by the former president’s spokesman, Ikechukwu Eze, said that although safe, Jonathan was deeply saddened by the death of his aides.

“Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed deep sadness over the unfortunate tragic death of two police officers

attached to him in a road crash today at the vicinity of the Abuja airport, while on his way out of the airport.

“The former president who described the incident as painful and heart-rending stated that the sudden death of the two security details has thrown him into deep mourning.

“Dr. Jonathan noted with sadness that the deceased, Inspectors Ibrahim Abazi and Yakubu Toma, were fine officers who were dedicated to their duties and service to the nation,” the statement noted.

It confirmed that two other officers sustained injuries in the accident which involved a car conveying the security men, noting that they were rushed to a hospital in Abuja where they were responding to treatment.

“The office of the former president has offered condolences to the families of the bereaved and the police high command.

“Dr. Jonathan prayed God to

DEFECTION: ANXIETY AS COURT AGAIN DEFERS JUDGMENT IN SUIT SEEKING AYADE'S SACK that, “in view of the provisions of section 221 of the Constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the democratic system of governance operated in Nigeria, votes at the election and elections are won by political parties and not their candidate or the candidates sponsored at the election by the political parties.”

The party is also seeking an order directing INEC, “to immediately receive from the plaintiff (PDP), the name of its candidates to replace the 3rd and 4th defendants (Ayade and Esu) for the purpose of utilising the lawful votes cast in favour of the plaintiff or in the alternative directing the 1st defendant to hold a gubernatorial election for Cross River State in accordance with Section 177 of the Constitution (excluding the 3rd and 4th defendants who are disqualified from participating in

the election by virtue of Section 192 (1) (b) of the Constitution) arising from the abandonment of the majority lawful votes and the offices occasioned by the action of the 3rd and 4th defendants by reason of their becoming members of the 2nd defendant who did not win majority of the lawful votes cast at the election.”

Recall that Justice Taiwo had in a similar suit filed by the PDP ordered the removal of two Cross River State House of Representatives members and 18 House of Assembly members for defecting from the PDP to the APC. Justice Taiwo in the judgment held that their continued stay in office haven decamped to the APC was illegal, unconstitutional, and unlawful. On Monday, Taiwo Taiwo, a judge, sacked 20 lawmakers from Cross River state who defected alongside the governor to the APC.

grant the souls of the departed eternal rest and bless their families and the nation with the fortitude to bear the loss,” it added.

Meanwhile, a former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has commiserated with Jonathan over the occurrence, describing the deaths as shocking.

On his Twitter handle, Atiku stated that the story of the accident and the loss of two of Jonathan’s

aides were heart-wrenching.

“This story comes across as a a rude shock. We thank God for sparing the life of President @GEJonathan. But it is heartwrenching that he lost two of his aides to the auto accident.

“I console the immediate families of the deceased as well as President Jonathan. May the souls of the departed rest in peace,” Atiku stated.

consumers and acted as disincentive to foreign direct investment in relevant sectors.”

Alkali further explained that, “the proposed legislation makes online/digital reproduction an infringement as well as properly defines copy to accommodate transient or non-permanent copy that are obtainable online.”

He noted that the bill seeks to align Nigeria’s copyright law to be in line with relevant international treaties, including the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual

Property Rights (TRIPS).

He added that the bill also provides for new rights of remuneration for performers in respect of audiovisual works.

Clause 65 states that, “in the absence of express agreement to the contrary, a performer’s consent to the broadcasting of his performance shall be deemed to include his consent to an authorised rebroadcasting of his performance, the fixation of his performance for broadcasting purposes and the reproduction for broadcasting purposes of such fixation.”

Buhari Elevates Abdullahi to Minister of Environment Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the immediate redeployment of Mohammed H. Abdullahi as the new Honourable Minister of Environment with effect from April 6, 2022.

The redeployment was announced in a statement issued Wednesday by the Secretary to

the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha.

Until his appointment, Abdullahi was the Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation.

The statement said the President hoped that he would bring his wealth of experience to bear on his new assignment for the growth of the country.

ZENITH SHAREHOLDERS REAP BUMPER HARVEST AS BANK PAYS N97.3BN DIVIDEND Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, said: "if you look at the bank's history over the years, Zenith Bank has always grown, and even within the pandemic, we have maintained a reasonable positive growth trajectory.

Growth is coming from the fact that we are deploying our digital capability to grow more businesses, simplify our service processes, make our processes more efficient, and deal with customers' complaints.

“Apart from developing new products, we are discovering new business verticals, especially within the retail segment, which have significant revenue.”

He added: “Meeting the expectation of shareholders means we have to work harder. The team is dodged, hardworking, resilient, and above all, we have a very supportive board that comes with superior guidance."

Commenting on the dividend payout, the Chairman Emeritus of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Mr. Sunny Nwosu, expressed the delight of shareholders over the consistent payment of dividends by Zenith Bank, noting that the bank's shares remain the toast of investors because the bank has never failed to pay dividends to shareholders.

Also speaking on behalf of other shareholders, the President of the Association of the Rights of Nigerian Shareholders (AARNS), Dr. Faruk Umar, said: "The bank is doing very well. All the ratios and indices have gone up. And

more importantly, while we were in the meeting, I got my alert of the credit of my dividend. This is very commendable.

“The leadership of the bank has been very effective; we thank Jim Ovia for the leadership he has been giving, he has increased the dividend in spite of the economic hardship in the country, and I believe the GMD is doing very well. I commend the management and staff of the bank, including the board, and I am very confident that this year would also be very good for the bank."

Umar also commended the Group Managing Director over the numerous awards the bank received in 2021, especially the sustainability awards.

In spite of a challenging macroeconomic environment aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Zenith Bank Group achieved year-on-year (YoY) growth in gross earnings of 10 per cent from the N696.5 billion reported in the previous year to N765.6 billion. This was on the back of a 23 per cent YoY growth in non-interest income from N251.7 billion to N309 billion and a two per cent YoY growth in interest income from N420.8 billion to N427.6 billion.

Its profit before tax also grew by 10 per cent, from N255.9 billion to N280.4 billion in the current year.

The increase was due to growth in the top-line and very strong management of the treasury portfolio that increased efficiency, resulting in a drop in interest expense by 12 per

cent from N121.1 billion in 2020, to N106.8 billion in the current year.

This further led to a seven per cent increase in net interest income of N320.8 billion in 2021, from N299.7 billion in 2020.

The bank’s customer deposits also increased by 21 per cent, growing from N5.34 trillion in the previous year to N6.47 trillion in the current year.

The growth in customer deposits came from both corporate and retail customers. Retail deposits grew by N146 billion from N1.72 trillion in 2020 to N1.87 trillion in 2021.

The Group's continuous drive for retail deposits combined with the strategic rebalancing of its funding base helped to reduce the cost of funding from 2.1 per cent to 1.5 per cent in the current year. Although operating expenses grew by 13 per cent YoY, growth remains below the inflation rate, and the Group improved its Earnings per Share (EPS) which grew by six per cent from N7.34 to N7.78.

Total assets increased by 11 per cent, growing from N8.48 trillion in 2020 to N9.45 trillion in 2021, mainly driven by growth in customer deposits. With the steady recovery in economic activities, the Group prudently grew its gross loans by 20 per cent, from N2.9 trillion in 2020 to N3.5 trillion in 2021, with moderated non-performing loans (NPLs) ratio from 4.29 per cent to 4.19 per cent YoY. The Group recorded impressive liquidity and capital adequacy ratios of 71.6 per cent and 21 per cent,

which remained above regulatory thresholds of 30 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively.

In recognition of its track record of excellent performance, Zenith Bank was voted as Best Commercial Bank in Nigeria in the World Finance Banking Awards 2021, Best Bank in Nigeria in the Global Finance World's Best Banks Awards 2020 and 2021, Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker's Bank of the Year Awards 2020, and Best in Corporate Governance 'Financial Services' Africa 2020 and 2021 by the Ethical Boardroom. Also, the bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands 2020 and 2021, Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital in the "2021 Top 1000 World Banks" Ranking by The Banker Magazine and the Retail Bank of the year at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFI) Awards 2020 and 2021.

Similarly, Zenith Bank was honoured as Bank of the Decade (People's Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020 and emerged winner in four categories at the Sustainability, Enterprise, and Responsibility (SERAS) Awards 2021, carting home the awards for "Best Company in Reporting and Transparency", "Best Company in Infrastructure Development", "Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment", and the coveted "Most Responsible Organisation in Africa.

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REGIONAL EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE OF WEST AFRICA...

L-R: Deputy Executive Secretary, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) Rev..Fr. Peter Babangida Audu; Director, Social Communications, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria CSN, Rev. Fr. Michael Umoh and Secretary Photo: ENOCK REUBEN General CSN, Rev .Fr. Zechariah Samjumi, during a press conference on the forthcoming Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA) in Abuja ... yesterday

Retired Judge, Lagos Govt Opt for Out-ofCourt Settlement over Unpaid Gratuity Wale Igbintade A retired Judge, Justice Samuel Candide-Johnson and the Lagos State government have opted to explore an out-of-court settlement in a suit filed by the former jurist before the National Industrial Court, in Lagos over his unpaid gratuity.

Justice Candide-Johnson had instituted the suit over the failure of the Lagos State government to pay his pension, gratuity, and other entitlements.

Apart from the state government, other respondents in the case are: the state's Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN); the Lagos State Judicial Service Commission; and the National Judicial Council (NJC) in the suit.

At the resumed hearing of the suit yesterday, a lawyer from the state's Ministry of Justice, Saheed Quadri urged Justice Maureen Esowe to adjourn the matter to enable parties to discuss and agree on a settlement.

Quadri advised the judge to grant an adjournment for four weeks. The claimant's lawyer, Yemi CandideJohnson did not oppose the request but asked the state government to withdraw its preliminary objection to the suit to demonstrate that the request for settlement was done in good faith.

Quadri, however, opposed the move insisting that he was optimistic about the settlement talks.

Following the consent of the parties, Justice Esowe adjourned further proceedings in the matter to May 9 for a report of settlement.

The retired judge had in his statement of claim, stated that his monthly salary and other consolidated allowances as recorded in his last payslip stood at N749,166.66 net earnings, and N561,777.64.

He stated further: “The annual salary of one of the claimant’s domestic staff is N600, 000.00 at N50, 000 monthly. The claimant also received the sum of N5, 414,220.00 as furniture allowance on May 26, 2021. Thus the

annual salary of four of the claimant domestic staff is N2, 400,000.00.”

The claimant stated that in accordance with provisions of the constitution, and the Pension Rights of Judges Act, he was entitled to a minimum lifetime pension of N21,145,551.6 and therefore urged the court to declare that he was entitled to the payment of his pension, severance gratuity, and other entitlements, and that the governor should calculate his entitlements and pay them forthwith.

The claimant also asked the court for an order directing the governor to pay N10 million damages for failing to pay his pension and severance gratuity in accordance with the law.

But, in their reply, the Governor and the Attorney General exonerated themselves from the action by filing a Motion on Notice, stating that the claimant’s action as constituted discloses no reasonable cause of action against them.

The first and second Respondents further stated that, “the administra-

tion and payment of pension of retired judicial officers have been transferred to the third defendant (Judicial Service Commission) pursuant to the Pension Right of Lagos State Judicial Officers Law Ch.P3, Volume 9, Laws of Lagos State 2015.”

The Respondents also maintained that the claimant belongs to the third arm of government, the judiciary, which has been constitutionally bestowed with its independence and financial autonomy that is sacrosanct, “sections 291(3) and (4) of the constitution recognised the application of State’s law in the administration and payment of pension of retired judicial officers, the claimant inclusive."

Therefore, it stated, “all the reliefs being sought against the first and second defendants cannot be granted against them as they cannot implement the Federal Acts heavily relied on by the claimant.”

In its defence, the third defendant, the State Judicial Service Commission,

Insecurity: CAN, Ethnic Groups Protest Incessant Attacks, Killings in Plateau Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Youth and women wings of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), a Coalition of Ethnic Nationalities, and some communities in Plateau state, yesterday staged a protest to the state Governor’s office in Jos over the incessant attacks and killings in some communities, calling on Governor Simon Lalong to intervene.

There have been several attacks in recent weeks on some communities in the state, leading to death of several persons.

Led by the National President of the Irigwe Youth Movement (IYM), Mr. Ezekiel Bini, the protesters urged Lalong to show commitment to securing the lives and properties of the people.

Bini said they were out to tell the government and the world that lives were being wasted daily by gunmen, and to ask government to put immediate stop to the carnage.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Danladi Atu, while addressing protesters said the state

government was working hard on resolving the problem, especially in Irigwe land where attacks have been frequent, and to secure a lasting peace in the communities.

He said Lalong feels the pains of the protesters, and commiser-

ates with them and the families of those affected, adding that the governor had ordered reinforcement of security personnel to dominate the area, while thorough investigations are ongoing to unravel the cause of the attacks.

Atu said, "Governor Lalong has also directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to step in to ascertain the extent of damage and casualties as well as provide immediate relief materials to cushion the effect of this condemnable act."

urged the court to dismiss the suit, as it is vexatious and lacking in merit.

In its 20 paragraph statement of defence, the third defendant stated that the Lagos State government is not mandated to adopt the payment of the retirement benefit of judicial officers as contained in sections 291(2) and 3(a-c) stricto sensu (In the narrow sense).

The JSC stated: “The delay

Train Attack: Coalition of CSOs Call for Amaechi's Resignation Kuni Tyessi in Abuja A coalition of civil society organisations has called for the immediate resignation of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, over what it called negligence of the lives of Nigerians after the train attack that claimed eight lives, with many others injured and several others yet to be accounted for.

The coalition also blamed the attack on what it referred to as the minister's personal interest against that of nationhood, citing instances where the minister failed to deploy surveillance equipment at the time of the commissioning of the railway.

Lamenting over the incident, the group stated that Nigerians are dying daily and the nation has been watered with the blood of citizens whose government seem incapable of protecting their lives.

The coalition which made the call through its spokesperson, the

Bank of Agriculture MD, Ali-Hassan, Regains Freedom from Terrorists Eight Days After Train Attack James Emejo in Abuja The Managing Director/Chief Executive, of Bank of Agriculture (BoA), Mr. Alwan Ali Hassan, has been released by terrorists who had abducted him during the recent attack on the AbujaKaduna train.

The attack last Monday night reportedly left eight persons dead, with several others injured while scores were whisked away by the terrorists.

However, Hassan who was among many passengers whose

families declared missing following the incident, was seen standing among the terrorists wearing cream Jalabiya in a video they released from their camp.

In the video, the terrorists stated in Hausa language that they released Hassan because of his age, position and the fact that he was observing the Muslim Ramadan, fasting.

Hassan was however allowed to speak on why he was being released. Pretty much confirmed the reason the terrorists gave for releasing him. He appealed to

the government to that he was leaving behind many people still languishing with the terrorists in their camp, urging the government to do something about their fate.

One of the terrorist interjected, saying they didn’t want money and that the government knows what they wanted and that all they want was for the government to give them what they want.

They however did not state in the video what it was they wanted.

But reacting to THISDAY's enquiries on the development, Spokesman for the bank, Mr.

in the payment of the claimant and other affected retired judges’ benefits is due to administrative impediments. The third defendant is working earnestly with other agencies of the first defendant to ensure that the claimant and other affected retired judges receive their entitlements in good time after all administrative issues must have been resolved”.

Akile Bologo, said the bank had no official statement as the family had managed the entire situation right from the start.

He said he could not comment on the development because the office had no knowledge of the sequence of events which led to his release.

The deadly raid on the Kadunabound train by dare-devil terrorists had left eight passengers dead in the attack, 26 injured, and dozens still missing, while several others were still unaccounted for at the time of filing this report.

Executive Director of Voter's Rights Academy, Olayinka Dada at a media briefing yesterday, in Abuja, said the call for his resignation had become expedient judging from the rising cases of insecurity on the nation's transport systems, noting that such has become unbearable and cannot be tolerated.

Dada who said the new norm has continued to affect businesses, movement and people, noted that it has also left Nigerians at the mercy of prayers while the government elected by the people seem helpless in curtailing the sorrowful attacks.

He added that in saner climes, Amaechi would have turned in his resignation on account of his incompetence, noting that, "since he has refused, the citizens owe it a duty to ask for his resignation "The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi is one and we collectively, here and now, demand his resignation. The railway system cannot continue to whet the appetite of anyone's presidential ambition with the blood of innocent Nigerians.

Amaechi should GO. And, he should resign now! Enough is Enough!

"From the foregoing, it is evident that Minister Rotimi Amaechi did not put national interest forward.

It is clear that all he attempted to do was favoritism. It is even crystal annoying that after the attacks, he insulted the sensibilities of Nigerians by justifying his personal interest for the attacks.

"Our Minister of Transportation rather than finding the courage to accept responsibility for the security lapse had the effrontery instead to accuse other authorities within the government of sabotaging efforts at mounting surveillance equipment systems at the rail lines. This is the worst of it all."

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PDP’S NATIONAL RECONCILIATION & STRATEGY COMMITTEE’S REPORT...

L-R: Sen. Liyel Imoke; Chairman of the PDP National Reconciliation & Strategy Committee, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki; Chairman of the PDP, Sen. Iyorchia Ayu; Former Senate President, Pius Anyim; and Former Katsina State Governor, Ibrahim Shema, at the presentation of the PDP’s National Reconciliation & Strategy Committee’s Report to the National Working Committee of the party at Abuja…yesterday

Obi: Only Strong Economy Can Guarantee Vibrant Foreign Policy Gbajabiamila calls for global response to terrorism challenges, others Udora Orizu in Abuja Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Presidential aspirant, Mr. Peter Obi, yesterday advised the federal government to focus on developing a strong economy that will reflect on its foreign policy.

Obi who stated this while addressing journalists during the public presentation of the book tilted:

“Reflections on Nigeria’s Foreign Policy 1960–2020,” co-authored by Toby Okechukwu, Deputy Minority Leader of the House in Abuja, said with Nigeria’s economy headed south, it would be difficult to have a strong foreign policy.

According to him, you cannot contribute outside when you are not even doing well inside.

According to him, "A reflection of

the economy. If you have a strong economy and an expected economic development pace that is strong, that reflects your foreign policy, the way people take you, relate with you, see you. “As it is today, if you look at Nigeria in terms of economy and everything, we are headed south. So, it is difficult to have a strong foreign policy because what are going to contribute outside

when you are not even doing well inside?

"We should focus on turning around Nigeria from consumption to development, pulling Nigerians out of poverty and ensuring that you build a better future for Nigerians and then you have a strong domestic policy where people have employment and everything, and then, that translates to your foreign policy."

PDP Presidential Ticket: Obi, Tambuwal Intensify Consultation Meet PDP NWC, BoT, Party's National Assembly caucus

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Front line presidential aspirants in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Peter Obi and Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, yesterday intensified their consultations as they sought support of party members for the presidential ticket.

While Obi met the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), the Senate and House of Representatives caucuses as well as the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party, where he informed them of his aspiration On his part, Tambuwal met the Senate and House Representatives caucus as well as the BoT members to inform them of his aspiration.

According to Obi who spoke to newsmen after the meeting rejected the insinuation that he was fronting to be a running mate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

He said, "You have to check my trajectory as a person, look at all the people that are contesting and view my background, you will probably see that I am the only person who has a very unique background.

“I am a business man, I have chaired corporations in this country including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and so many quoted companies and I have been a governor. It is for you to go and check all those places and see what I have been able to do and ask yourself who is the right person to take leadership of this country at this difficult time."

According to him, "Our country is now going through a difficult time. I am not desperate to be president; I am desperate to see a better Nigeria."

On the economy, he said, "We are now on the top of the list of the most fragile state. We are now on the top of the list of the most terrorised states sitting behind Yemen and Afghanistan.

“We are the poverty capital in the world. We now have more people living under poverty than most big nation's combined. We now have several millions of out of school children.

"Unemployment is 33 per cent officially but when you add underemployment, it is about 55 per cent. Sixty per cent of these are the young ones who constitute the asset and the engine room of their productive age.

"People now spend 100 per cent of their salary to feed. It is a crises situation. What will somebody like me do," he said.

On the way forward, the former governor of Anambra state said, "We need to move the country from consumption to production. There is nothing to share again, we now need wealth creators not wealth sharers. We have been sharing wealth for a long time, we need to start creating wealth.

"I am coming from that background, basically as a trader who has created wealth in private space and in government space.

We now need to shut down out cost of governance and everything.

“So go and look at the trajectory of where people were coming from and check all the places I have been giving responsibility including being a governor. You saw what I did in Anambra state, you saw what I saved and all that.”

Commenting on security, Obi said, "We have what we call natural

security and artificial security.

The natural security deals with job-creation; you need to put food on people's table to ensure that they are not doing the wrong thing. If they don't know where the next meal will come from, the tendency is that they will become a tool for anything.

"So we need to employ people. I know what to do in putting money into micro, small and medium scale enterprises. I have experimented iron a small way which people can see.

“Otherwise how could a small state like Anambra end up on the day I was ha doing over not owing

salary, pension, no contractor who has executed his job, raised certificate or supplied us goods were being owed.

"I left N77 billion which is over $500 million at that time in the bank.

I know what we can effectively do to turn around the situation," he explained.

On what PDP could do to salvage the situation, he said, "We are in a crises situation, what the party can do is to allow the best candidate to emerge. Our country is in a crises situation; we are now using over 90 per cent of our budget to service debt.

Delivering his remarks, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila said Nigeria, Africa and the world are currently confronted with challenges that affect everyone. He stressed that a global response was the best way to ensure collective survival of all.

He said international collaboration was necessary to find solutions that would improve the lives and circumstances of people all over the world caused by issues ranging from public health to terrorism and the myriad difficulties of globalisation.

The Speaker also said from experience, Nigeria's foreign policy must, “unapologetically” define the terms on which it engages the rest of the world to address the different manifestations of her shared challenges.

He expressed optimism that the book would enlighten and influence the country's foreign policy decision makers.

"Our nation’s foreign policy defines the terms on which we engage with the rest of the world.

It is through our foreign policy that we declare who we are, what we stand for, and the principles we hold dear and will defend as we have done here at home and abroad in South Africa, Liberia, Sierra Leone and everywhere else we have been called.

"Hon Toby Okechukwu and his

co-authors, Messrs Tony Onyishi and Emmanuel Ukhami have, in the best tradition of statesmen, undertaken a comprehensive and scholarly review of the foreign policy of Nigeria from independence to date.

“They have used the instruments of research and data analysis to help us understand how our foreign policy has evolved over the years and how foreign policy decisions have both hindered and advanced the cause of Nigeria on the global stage," Gbajabiamila said.

In his address, Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Aminu Wali, said Nigeria deserves permanent membership of United Nations Security than any country in Africa but has not been able to achieve that because of lack continental cooperation.

Wali, who was Chairman of the occasion observed that while Nigeria may have a policy that is afrocentric, she's not getting the same respect that she gives her neighbors and colleagues in Africa Corroborating, the Deputy Minority Leader and co-author of the book, Hon. Toby Okechukwu noted that Nigeria’s afrocentric commitment is not adequately reciprocated by her African counterparts.

He said the nagging issue of the country's shrinking voice in critical diplomatic circles may also be appreciated vis-à-vis contemporary socio-economic challenges at home.

Ahead of 2023, INEC Seeks Robust Security in Election Management Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stressed the need for more robust election security management as it prepares for the 2023 general elections.

The National Commissioner and Chairman of the Board of The Electoral Institute, Prof.

Abdullahi Zuru, said this in Keffi, Nasarawa State, yesterday, during the commencement of a three-day workshop on the ‘Integration of Election Security into the Curricular of Training Schools of Security Agencies.’

Zuru in his opening address said the Commission had been addressing security challenges in

a more coordinated manner in recent elections.

He, however, said some of the security challenges the Commission had been addressing seem to be recurring in spite of the cascaded training given to security personnel on election duty.

He expressed optimism that the workshop would resolve the challenge by integrating election security into the curricular of training schools of security agencies who are members of the Interagency Consultative Committee on Election Security.

The Director General of The Electoral Institute, Dr. Sa'ad Umar Idris, in his welcome address described election security as vital

to democratic consolidation and growth of the electoral process.

He said: ''Arising from the conduct of bye and rerun elections, in the aftermath of the 2019 General Elections, is the realisation that insecurity at elections can mar any election.

“There is, therefore, need for security awareness among all cadres of election officials and stakeholders for elections to be rid of security problems which may ultimately culminate in the cancellation of elections or postponement of the elections in areas where there is a breach of the peace or disorderliness just as poor security management opens the elections to a host of risks.

“The Commission, through The Electoral Institute (TEI), has institutionalised the development and implementation of a cascaded training of security personnel as a critical component of its training plan.''

Furthermore, he said reports on the conduct of security operatives during the general elections and stand-alone governorship elections had shown progressive and commendable improvement in their disposition to electoral training. ''It is believed that the efficiency and effectiveness of security operatives at these Elections owe a lot to the Electoral Security Training conducted by the TEI as reviewed by other critical stakeholders.

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AT FEC MEETING...

L-R: Minister of Science and Technology Innovation, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu; Minister of State for Education, Chief Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba and Minister of State for Science and Technology Innovation, PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI Muhammad Abdullahi, during a meeting of the Federal Executive Council held at the Presidential Villa , Abuja....yesterday

FG: Terrorists Suffering Heavy Casualties as Air Strikes Avert Killing of More Soldiers in Kaduna Says it's not overwhelmed, blames PDP for economic woes Okays N36.1bn for KeffiNasarawa-Toto road Boko Haram fighters eliminate 10 ISWAP terrorists in gun duel Deji Elumoye and Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The federal government, yesterday, reiterated that terrorists disturbing the peace of the nation had continued to suffer heavy casualties in their engagement with Nigerian soldiers in some parts of the country especially, the North West and North East zones.

It also said contrary to insinuation in some quarters, government was not overwhelmed by skirmishes of security challenges across the country, but that not every success of the military in its war against terrorism, was in the public domain.

This is as some military air strikes conducted by the Nigerian Air Force in Kaduna, yesterday, averted the killing of more soldiers by hundreds of terrorists on motorcycles, even though fifteen soldiers were killed in the attack while 21 others were wounded.

The air interdiction came as, at least, 10 fighters of the Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP), including top commanders were reportedly executed by a faction

of Boko Haram in the North-east of Lake Chad region.

At the same time, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has also disclosed that Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved N36.130 billion for KeffiNasarawa-Toto Road in Nasarawa State, Central Nigeria.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, made this known Wednesday while addressing newsmen after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja.

The minister blamed the media for giving prominence to terrorists by publishing their stories on the front pages.

He also confirmed the attack on a military base in Birnin Gwari area of Kaduna State during which, 16 soldiers were reportedly killed and was quick to say the attack was repelled with the terrorists suffering heavy casualties.

His words: “Yes, there was an attack on a military base in Kaduna State but what was not

reported was the very timely and efficient manner it was repelled, and the huge casualty suffered by the bandits/terrorists. I also have a video of the area interdiction by the military.

"I keep saying that this is an asymmetrical war in which we are not in liberty only to tell you how in details, how the camps of the bandits are being decimated daily. It is a war of attrition, but our military is living to the billing, our military is working day and night to ensure that the terrorists are neutralised.

"We will continue to give information on the progress we are making in our fight against the terrorism but we can assure that we are on top of this matter.

"But unfortunately, it is the story of second guessing that is going on and we will continue to give relevant information on the progress we're making in our fight against the terrorism.

"But we can assure you we're on top of this matter and in any country in the world, while we are fighting terrorists, the oxygen they

need is what is being provided daily today, which is they want to occupy the front page of every paper, they want to carry out spectacular attacks even when they are down.

"This is where I think we also seek your support in understanding the mentality of terrorists, that even when they are dying, they will look for the soft underbelly that will keep them relevant, and enable them to get more money from their sponsors, more support from their sponsors.

"But clearly the last three, four, five days, the military recorded massive victories against terrorists and bandits, either in the northeast or in the Kaduna, Niger axis."

On whether the federal government was listening to the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who said the terrorists could be tracked as they listened to their conversations, Mohammed said, "I know that Monday, there was a very successful area interjection, where scores of not hundreds of bandits/terrorists were eliminated.

"Even when we're able to identify where the bandits are,

Reddington Hospital Performs First Keyhole Prostate Cancer Surgery in Africa Mary Nnah

The Redddington Hospital Group, Lagos, has again raised the bar in quality and affordable healthcare delivery service in Nigeria with the successful conduct of the first Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in Africa.

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove a patient’s cancerous prostate.

Laparoscopic surgery differs from traditional open surgery by making five small incisions as opposed to a large one to perform the surgery.

This leads to less blood loss, less abdominal trauma, a faster recovery rate, and better cosmetic outcomes.

Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme, a Consultant Urological, and Robotic Surgeon and clinical lead surgeon for Urology at Glan Clwyd Hospital in Wales, the United Kingdom who collaborated with the Reddington Hospital on the project, said prostate

cancer was more prevalent among blacks than Caucasians even though figures show higher rates in Europe and the Americas due to high rate of testing.

Furthermore, Ekwueme said prostate cancer remains the number one killer among Nigerian men followed by breasts cancer for women.

He said hypothetically, there is one male suffering from prostate cancer in Nigeria in nine out of 10 homes in Nigeria.

Ekwueme said the collaboration with Reddington Hospital would reduce medical tourism and capital flight as the hospital has the cutting edge medical technology for Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy which is cheaper than robotic surgery but gives equal results.

He said it cost as much as £30,000 for one session of Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in the United Kingdom and the majority of Nigerian men have been his patient.

This does not include the cost of the flight for the patient and accompanying family members and accommodation. This is a far cry from an equivalent of £1000 charged in Nigeria for the surgery.

He said a prostate cancer patient duly operated on would not lose his erection and would be able to function very well.

Ekwueme said conversations were ongoing with the Reddington Hospital to fully maximise the medical equipment and expertise in the hospital to establish a prostate cancer and diagnostic facility at the hospital.

He urged men above 40 to go for a regular test to know their PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level as early detection will ensure the survival of the patient.

The Chief Operating Officer(COO) of Reddington Hospital Group, Mr. Emmanuel Matthews said the hospital has consistently invested in cuttingedge technology and attracting the

best medical expertise in Nigeria and in the Diaspora to ensure that the hospital maintains global best practices and ensure affordable health care.

Matthews said Reddington Group has over the years pioneered medical breakthroughs in Nigeria like the 66-year-old man, Mr. Oluwatoyin Adebiyi who in 2020 successfully underwent a complex heart surgery involving a coronary artery bypass graft and mitral valve repair.

The patient, an elderly man (names withheld) who went through the Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy said he is highly elated at the success of the surgery noting he could walk, and eat immediately and he is feeling very well. “Although I have the resources to go abroad for this surgery I came to Reddington Hospital on recommendation and I am very satisfied”, adding “why go to Sokoto for what is in your Sokoto”.

sometimes out of fear of collateral damage to the innocent civilians, you choose the time you want to strike. But I just want to assure you that the administration is not unmindful of your anxieties and your concerns.”

On the worsening economic situation in the country, the minister blamed the opposition PDP, saying, the party laid the foundation for the current hunger being experienced

by Nigerians.

He, however, explained the current administration was doing everything possible to address the situation, while on why the present

administration has not improved on the bad economy it met in 2015, he said, "I think those who are binding data about the economy and survey are not been very fair to this administration, because they're taking this data out of context.”

Speaking too, Fashola said, “The Ministry of Works and Housing presented a memorandum to council for a contract for the rehabilitation of 118.9 Keffi-Nasarawa-Toto road in Nasarawa State and the memo was approved for the award of the contract for N36.130 billion.”

Continued online

APC: We Haven't Made Any Decision on Party Primaries Adedayo Akinwale

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it was yet to make any decision on party primaries or released a schedule of activities for the sale of forms and screening of aspirants ahead of the 2023 elections.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Felix Morka, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja while briefing journalists after the meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.

He said while the schedule of activities of the party was discussed amongst other issues, no decision had been made in that regard.

Morka stated: "Today, the 6th of April, 2022, the NWC of the APC met and we just rose from that meeting. Amongst other topics covered was as you properly expected, we discussed the programme for our party's primaries looking at the schedule of activities that is to come.

"But I am not able to give you the rundown of the details of that schedule, because that is still in discussion. We are yet to conclude on a definite plan or timetable or schedule for our primaries.

"But I can confirm that we did have that conversation today. At least, we did begin that conversation today but we have not concluded and we have not made any decision."

The party spokesperson insisted that the ruling party had not put out any information into the public space about the schedule

of activities for its primaries, but confirmed that the leadership had the discussion and the discussion was still work-in-progress.

He said as soon as the details were concluded, the general public would be informed about it.

Asked if the party leadership has asked the ministers and political appointees, who planned to contest 2023 elections to tender their resignation letter, Morka said he believed that those involved would comply with the dictates of the Electoral Act. According to him, the ministers were members of the party and the party was the party.

“Now, both the Ministers and other appointees and the party leadership have excellent counsel and guidance. I'm sure, everyone involved intends to comply fully with both the intendment and the letters of the Electoral Act. But the proposed schedule of activities sighted by THISDAY projected the ruling party would commence the sale of forms for the various election positions on April 22 and end on May 7.

The proposed timetable also indicated that submission of completed forms for various positions would take place between May 9 and 18, while the screening of aspirants was scheduled to hold between May 22 and May 29.

It also revealed that the screening appeals will hold on May 23, while the primary election would take place between May 17th and 30th May, 2022.

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NEWS

Wanted Taraba Drug Cartel Queen Nabbed Michael Olugbode in Abuja A wanted drug supplier in Taraba State, Lami Mai Rigima has been finally nabbed by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA).

According to the spokesman of NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, Mai Rigima, who is “a notorious queen of drug cartel supplying psychoactive substances to traffickers in Taraba state,” was on the anti-narcotics agency’s wanted list for months.

Babafemi said: “The 40-year-old queen of the drug world came under the anti-narcotics agency’s searchlight when a number of traffickers arrested in the state in 2021 and early this year fingered her as their supplier.”

He said the manhunt for Lami paid off on Monday when operatives tracked her to her hideout in Iware village in Ardo Kola Local Government Area of Taraba, noting that the search for her began in October 2021 following the arrest, prosecution and conviction of a drug dealer, Abdullahi Madaki, 50.

He added that after serving his brief jail sentence, Madaki returned to the illicit trade with Lami still as his supplier. He was, however, rearrested on 13th February 2022 while another trafficker, Jamilu

Hassan, 20, who is also a member of Lami’s supply chain, was nabbed on 24th February.

Babafemi also said in Adamawa, operatives arrested a cross border drug trafficker, Emeka Okiru, 40, with 32,700

tablets of Tramadol 225mg under the brand name: Royal and Tramaking.

According to him, Okiru was arrested at Garden city, Mubi, Mubi North Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday

while preparing to supply his customers who came from Republic of Cameroon, with the drugs found concealed in cartons of paintbrush.

In Oyo state, Babafemi said different quantities of cocaine,

amphetamine and cannabis were recovered from four suspects: Adetola Tosin; Akeem Kazeem; Korede Ahmed, and Abdulgafar Nureni who were arrested in Omi-Adio, Ido local government area; Oje area of

Ibadan North local government area; Iwo Road, Ibadan North East local government area, and Sabo, Mokola, Ibadan North West local government area when operatives raided parts of the state on Tuesday.

DEEPENING GREEN BOND MARKET…

L– R: Special Adviser to the President on National Home Grown School Feeding, Mrs. Titilola Adeyemi-Doro; Chief Executive Officer, Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) Africa, Mr. Mark Napier; Chief Executive Officer, FMDQ Group Plc, Mr. Bola Onadele. Koko, and the British Deputy High Commissioner, Lagos, Mr. Ben Llewellyn-Jones at the launch of the Nigerian Green Bond Market Development Programme Impact Report in Lagos…yesterday

Police Arrest Eight for Public Offices: Court Orders FG to Reserve 35% for Women Armed Robbery in Rivers Alex Enumah in Abuja

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The operatives of Rivers State Police Command have arrested four armed robbery suspects along Agip Junction in Port Harcourt.

According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, Ms. Grace Iringe-Koko, the command also arrested four persons allegedly attacking officials of Petroleum Task Force (PTF), at Abonnema Wharf axis of Port Harcourt.

A statement by Iringe-Koko, yesterday, revealed that the suspects met their waterloo after they snatched a car from their victim at gunpoint.

She also disclosed that the

command recovered arms, ammunition and vehicle from the suspects.

Iringe-Koko said: “Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command, while responding to a distress call April 4, 2022, at Abonnema Wharf where miscreants were attacking officials of PTF, arrested four suspects namely: Lucky Monday Yaatee (22), Bala Ibrahim (20), Izuchukwu Eze (39) and Okro Agu (51).

“In a bid to chase others who took to their heels, the police stormed some shanties where arms and ammunition were recovered.

FG to Prosecute 1,500 Workers with Fake Employment Letters Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The federal government will prosecute the 1,500 workers caught with fake employment letters for fraud related offence.

The Permanent Secretary Career Management Office, Dr Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi dropped this hint yesterday when he briefed the media after addressing participants of Class A of Directorate level Structured Mandatory Assessment-Based Training Programme (SMAT-P) held at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN), Abuja.

He said the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other

Related Offences Commission (ICPC) was already handling the matter according to the law, particularly as some top grade civil servants had been fingered in the job scam.

“The law will take its course. Anybody who has a fake appointment letter will be sent home and will also be prosecuted,” Ogunbiyi said while providing updates on the disclosure by the of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan on the discovery of employment scam in her remarks at the 4th National Policy Dialogue organised by the ICPC.

Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has, on Wednesday, ordered the Federal Government to comply with the 35 percent affirmative action for women.

Affirmative action for women refer to various government policies or programmes aimed particularly at increasing the proportion of women in various sectors historically considered to be male-dominated.

Justice Okorowo made the order while delivering judgment in a suit filed by some women groups challenging the alleged

marginalisation of women by the federal government.

In arriving at its decision, the court agreed with the plaintiffs that the lopsided appointments by the President Muhammadu Buhari led government was unlawful and an arbitrary violation of the National Gender Policy 2006, Sections 42, 147 (3) and 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, and Articles 2, 13 (2) and (3) and Article 19 of the African Charter of Human and Peoples Rights.

The plaintiffs are: the Nigeria Women Trust Fund; Women Empowerment Legal Aid; Centre for Democracy and Development West Africa; Women Advocates

Research and Documentation Centre; Vision Spring Initiative, and Women in Politics Forum.

The court also agreed with the women groups that the “overwhelmingly predominant appointment of the male gender into decision making positions of the Federation” was wrong, unlawful, unconstitutional and a violation of the provisions of the earlier cited laws.

The judge, accordingly granted all the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs, and restrained the president from further exercising the constitutional and statutory power of appointment in a manner violating the 35 per cent affirmative

action policy of the government as contained in the National Gender Policy, 2006.

The judge also held that there was a policy statement on an allinclusive government, adding that the federal government should honour its policy statement and not implement them in a selective manner.

He held: “All the reliefs sought in the Originating Summons are resolved in favour of the plaintiffs.”

The judge earlier dismissed the preliminary objections of the defendants, including President Muhammadu Buhari and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

Ekiti 2022: Scores Injured, Cars Damaged as Oni’s Convey is Attacked Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

In what looks like a bad omen for the June 18 governorship poll in Ekiti State, the convoy of the former governor Segun Oni and candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was allegedly attacked yesterday at Efon Alaaye, Efon Local Government Area of the State, by suspected party thugs.

Efon is the hometown of the candidate of the Peoples

Democratic Party(PDP), Bisi Kolawole.

According to the Publicity Secretary, Segun Oni campaign organisation, Jackson Adebayo, the hoodlums, who besieged the venue of the rally shot sporadically into the air and wounded many in the process.

Adebayo said the hoodlums brandished guns, cutlasses, sticks and stones, but were confronted by combined forces of security

men, who averted bloodshed in the process.

Adebayo said: “The campaign train which had successfully toured nine local governments since Monday and fully received by large turnout of members and supporters of the SDP was attacked with gunshots, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons at the centre of the town around 3.30pm.

“Shortly after the Efon Local

Government members and supporters of the SDP had converged at the venue to wait for the arrival of the party’s governorship candidate, Segun Oni, the thugs started shooting and attacked the supporters with sticks and cutlasses.

“Some supporters were badly injured and vehicles in the convoy were damaged by thugs before the arrival of a detachment of police, who overpowered the thugs.

2023: Kachikwu Declares for Presidency, Vows to Tackle Security, Corruption African Democratic Congress going on in Nigeria. I am running reforms, eliminate corruption and James EmejoinAbuja Media Mogul, Mr. Dumebi Kachikwu, yesterday officially declared his interest to contest the 2023 presidential election, promising to find lasting solutions to the worsening insecurity and corruption bedeviling the country.

He said he would be seeking election on the platform of the

(ADC) in order to make a difference in governance, adding that no one currently appears to have solutions to the challenges confronting the country.

He said: “I am running because I believe something is about to happen in Nigeria. I am running because I believe that Nigeria cannot sustain the internal combustion

because I believe that #EndSARS was a child’s play compared to what is about to happen in Nigeria.

When that happens, Nigerians would realise that we need a leadership.”Kachikwu, who is the Chairman of Roots Television Nigeria, during a virtual broadcast, titled: “My Opening Argument”, also vowed to initiate public service

win the war against terrorism.

He vowed to eliminate corruption by ensuring that Nigerian workers are paid better salaries, build modern cities and ensure that all nook and crannies of the country have better amenities, world class health facilities, accessible and affordable internet services.

the Joint Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary); Primary Health and Communicable Diseases; and Foreign Affairs.

The report was on the motion on “The Urgent Need To Conduct Investigation On The Allegation of Fake COVID-19 Test Result Being Used To Defraud Nigerians In Ghana; And The Obtainment Of Fake Covid-19 Vaccination Cards.”

The Chairman of the Joint Committee, Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe, in his presentation, recalled that the investigation was necessitated by allegations that the Ghanaian authorities diagnosed Nigerians who travelled to their country of testing positive for COVID-19 even after testing negative in Nigeria.

He said it was alleged further that Nigerian travellers to the

country were committed to isolation for two weeks at N70,000 equivalent daily, an amount running into millions of Naira.

He disclosed that investigations showed that Nigerians were possibly exploited at the Ghana International Airport going by explanations by the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19.

NSITF Disagrees with N/Assembly on Remittance of N3.8bn Senate Moves to End Nigerians Maltreatment in Ghana being a social security agency Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has faulted the claim by the House of Representatives Adhoc Committee on unclaimed funds that NSITF owes the federal government in respect of non-remittance of N3.8 billion Operating Surplus Funds between 2013-2020.

The agency explained that

which is currently majorly funded from contributions of private sector employers to procure cover on behalf of their employees cannot be described as revenue.

“The amount standing to the credit of the Employers Compensation Fund Account, does not fall under the Operating Surplus, intended by the Section 22 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate has urged the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to liaise with the Ghanaian government to strengthen bilateral relations between both countries.

The Senate said that such step would prevent the maltreatment of Nigerians travelling to Ghana.

It made the recommendations after it considered a report by

44

THURSDAY APRIL 7, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

Strike: Govt Agencies Interfacing with ASUU, SSANU, Others, Says Lai Mohammed

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The federal government yesterday disclosed that the on-going strike action embarked upon by both academic and non-academic staff unions of the nation’s public universities were being addressed by relevant government ministries and agencies.

This was just as the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the establishment of 12 additional private universities on different parts of the country.

Speaking with newsmen at the end of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja, Information and Culture Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said relevant government ministries and agencies were interfacing with the striking unions like the Academic Staff Union of Univerdities (ASUU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union of Allied and Educational Institutions (NASU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) to ensure that the strike action was called

off.

Asked if the issue of the university workers’ strike was discussed at FEC meeting, the minister said: “You asked me, was the issue of ASUU discussed

in council? We have ministers and departments who are full time every day dealing with the issues of ASUU and labor unrest.

“It is not every matter that you discuss in Council, no. But

I can tell you no government will just sleep and pretend that ASUU is not on strike, but there is engagement is going on.”

Mohammed also announced that government granted approval

for the establishment of 12 new private universities.

According to him, the new universities would be mentored by federal universities close to their locations to provide

recruitment of principal officers, academic, and administrative staff, availability of human and material resources for the commencement of any academic programme among others.

ALL FOR GENDER BALANCE…

L-R: Director, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability,The Coca-Cola Company, Mrs. Amaka Onyemelukwe; Country Director, UK Government Department for InternationalTrade, Nigeria, Mrs. Chimwemwe Chalemera; Chief Executive, CSR-in-Action and Producer, Earth Women, Mrs. Bekeme Masade-Olowola; Ms Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, and Founder, Women at Risk Foundation (WARIF),Dr.Kemi DaSilva-Ibru,atthethirdCommunityandHumanRights(CAHR)Awardsandpremiereofadocumentarytitled,‘EarthWomen’,inLagosrecently

EU Donates 30 Boats, Insecurity: CAN, Ethnic Groups Protest Forensic Equipment to Incessant Attacks, Killings in Plateau ECOWAS for Security Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Michael Olugbode inAbuja

The European Union has made commitment towards tackling maritime crime and other security challenges in West Africa with donation of security hardware including 30 rigid-hull inflatable boats and forensic equipment to the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS).

The issue of piracy has become a big issue on the Gulf of Guinea and reduce the volume of business from Europe and other continents to the West Africa region.

The boats and other security hardware are expected to be deployed on the West Africa waterways before the end of the year as the arrangement between the EU and ECOWAS are concluded at the high-level maritime security seminar in Abuja held on Monday and Tuesday.

The seminar convened by ECOWAS, under the framework of the European Union-funded Support to West Africa Integrated Maritime Security (SWAIMS) project have in attendance representatives from all member countries of the

FG Pre-qualifies 98,000 Beneficiaries for GEEP 2.0 Programme Olawale AjimotokaninAbuja

The federal government has prequalified 98,000 people to benefit from small loans ranging from N50,000 to N300,000 in the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP 2.0) in all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

This followed the final verification of Phase 1 applicants who qualified and were selected for the scheme.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Disaster Management and Social Development, Ms. Sadiya Umar Farouq, said the loan is payable

within nine months without interest and all beneficiaries would soon receive their disbursement alerts.

Farouq said the ministry has planned to rollout the programme nationwide, after which an enumeration exercise to capture beneficiaries’ biodata, would follow.

The GEEP 2.0 is a loan scheme designed by the federal government to provide financial inclusion and give credit access to poor and vulnerable individuals, including Persons With Disability (PWD) and persons at the bottom of the economic pyramid who are engaged in small scale commercial activities.

2023: Nasarawa Gives Appointees April 8 to Resign Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia Political appointees and public office holders aspiring for elective offices during the 2023 general election in Nasarawa State have been directed to resign from their appointments latest April 8, 2022.

The directive was issued yesterday in a statement signed by the Secretary to the Nasarawa State Government, Muhammad Ubandoma Aliyu, in compliance with Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act 2022.

According to the statement,

“those seeking to become delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are also to resign from their appointments or public office.”

The statement drew the attention of the political appointees and public office holders to the recent signing into law of the new electoral act by President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as the release of guidelines by the National Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) which have both came into full effect.

Youth and women wings of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Coalition of Ethnic Nationalities (CEN), and some communities in Plateau State, yesterday, staged a protest to the state governor’s office in Jos over the incessant attacks and killings in some communities in the state, calling on Governor

Simon Lalong to intervene.

There have been several attacks in recent weeks on some communities in the state, leading to death of several persons.

Led by the National President of the Irigwe Youth Movement (IYM), Mr. Ezekiel Bini, the protesters urged Lalong to show commitment to securing the lives and properties of the people.

Bini said they were out to tell

the government and the world that their lives are being wasted daily by gunmen, and to ask government to put immediate stop to the carnage.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Danladi Atu, told the protesters that the state government has been working hard to resolve the problem, especially in Irigwe land where attacks have been

frequent, and to secure a lasting peace in the communities.

Atu said that Lalong felt the pains of the protesters and commiserated with them and the families of those affected, adding that the state governor has ordered reinforcement of security personnel to dominate the area, while thorough investigations are ongoing to unravel the cause of the attacks.

2023: Ex-PDP State Chairmen, Youths Berate Governors over Attack on Emefiele Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Former state chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a group of youths within the party yesterday berated governors elected on the platform of the PDP for attacking the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria Dr. Godwin Emefiele.

The PDP governors had in a statement, accused the CBN Governor of allegedly spending billions of naira on his ambition

to become president in 2023.

But the Forum of former northern state chairmen of PDP and a group under the aegis of PDP Democratic Youth Forum at an event in Abuja, warned the party’s governors to stop attacking a man who is not in the presidential race yet.

The groups asked the PDP governors to concentrate on the internal problems of the party in order to reposition the party.

They demanded that the governors of PDP focus on the

internal challenges threatening to polarise the party instead of dissipating efforts on Emefiele who now seems to be their focus.

The northern state chairmen spoke through their coordinator, Alhaji Adamu Musa while the youths spoke through their leader, Umar Yusuf.

They specifically called on the governors and PDP National Executive Committee to concentrate effort on resolving the zoning issue which is currently threatening to tear

the party apart.

They noted that a united PDP stands a good chance against any candidate of the All Progressives Congress.

Adamu said: “We cannot be spending all our energy on a man who has not even declared to run this election. “ Is the CBN Governor the only candidate our governors are afraid of to join the race?

Why all this frenzy about Emefiele? What if the man is not running at?

Killings, Kidnappings, May Lead to Famine in Ekiti, Farmers Warn Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti Farmers in Ekiti State, whose farming activities have been disturbed by incessant killings, kidnapping and raping by killer herdsmen have expressed fear that abandonment of farms by their colleagues could trigger famine in the state.

They lamented the daily kidnapping of farmers for ransom and raping of their wives

and daughters by the marauding herdsmen, calling on the state Governor, Kayode Fayemi, to take action or they will come out enmass on June 18 to use their voter cards to reject the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Leaders of the farmers, Chief Ajayi Olowolayemo, Pastor Adeoluwa Alonge, Mrs. Deborah Ayodele and Mr. Ibukun Lawal, who stated this while interfacing with Social Democratic Party

(SDP) governorship candidate, Segun Oni, yesterday, said farmers are ready to vote for Oni to protect the future of the state.

The farmers, who were led to the parley by the Publicity Secretary of pro-Oni group called Ekiti Build Back Better (EBBB), Idowu Adelusi, said the state had never witnessed this upsurge in terrorism in its history.

The said: “Only Segun Oni we knew and trust that will not play politics with security of our lives and property. He is a man of God; he has the fear of God and has the political will to restore security and normalcy to the state.

“For instance, the people of Ikole, Oye, Moba, Ilejemeje, Ise, Emure, Ekiti-East, Ikere, Ekiti-West, Ijero and Efon Local Government Areas.

‘Kidnapped Catholic Reverend in Niger Now in Solitary Confinement’ Laleye Dipo in Minna The Catholic Reverend, Dr. Leo Raphael Ozigi, who was abducted recently by terrorists on Sarkinpawa-Minna road in Niger State, has now been put in solitary confinement, according to a source close to his kidnappers.

Ozigi, according to the source, is tied hands and legs

to a mango tree somewhere in the forest in Kaduna State.

THISDAY was told by his colleague, a Catholic priest, Reverend Basir Sarki, in Gwada, Niger State, that the latest development was divulged to him by a woman who was kidnapped by the same gunmen but was released recently.

According to the priest, the woman was released by the

terrorists because she was allegedly “smelly.”

Sarki quoted the woman in a telephone interview with THISDAY that Ozigi is in “good health” and was being fed differently from other victims in the custody of the terrorists.

The priest said: “He is not allowed to mix with other victims; he still wears his cassocks, so they know he is

a Christian and a clergyman.”

He said no ransom has been demanded for the release of the priest, adding that four other women kidnapped by the gunmen have been asked to pay a total ransom of N9million.

Sarki said the terrorists made separate contacts with the relations of the women during which they made the demand.

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FCT Minister, Zone 7 Police Chief Meet over Banditry, Kidnapping Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has met with AIG, Zone 7, Police headquarters, Mr. Muhammad Ndatsu Aliyu on need to upscale security in the FCT to respond to banditry and kidnapping.

He tasked the Nigeria Police on the need to tighten security in the nation’s capital, especially in the suburbs of the FCT. The minister expressed confidence in the capacity of the AIG given his wealth of experience and successes in similar postings across the country.

While appreciating the close working relationship between the Nigeria Police and FCTA, which, he said, has greatly reduced crime rate in the nation’s capital, the minister enjoined the newly appointed AIG to bring his wealth of experience to bear in ensuring that crime rate in the states in zone 7, of which FCT is one, is brought to a minimum.

“We have been under a lot of pressure from the citizens, especially those in the surrounding towns in the Area Councils, especially with regards

to the spate of kidnappings and some issues of banditry also, which I’m sure you are very much aware of.

“As AIG for the zone, I’m sure you will leverage on your vast network to be able

The House of Representatives has urged the Nigeria Police Force to construct a Divisional Police headquarters at Ayete town in Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The lawmakers also mandated its Committee on Police Affairs to include the construction of a divisional police headquarters in the 2023 budget estimates.

The resolutions of the lawmakers followed the adoption of a motion sponsored

by Hon. Muraina Ajibola at the

“my mother party,” Omeje disclosed that he rejoined the PDP because of the peace and good governance initiatives of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and the quest to join hands with the adherents of the governor’s focused and people-oriented administration to strengthen his leadership trajectory in the state and the party, ahead of 2023 general elections.

He added that his decision to return to the PDP was also borne out of his desire to support and join forces with the leadership of the party in Ede-Ukwu Ward, Ede-Oballa community and Nsukka Local Government Area.

plenary yesterday.

Moving the motion, Ajibola said the House is aware that in the last 10 years, Ibarapa North LGA, including Ayete town, has experienced several violent attacks allegedly perpetrated by bandits and other criminals, resulting in the loss of lives and property worth billions of naira.

He said the House was also aware that Ibarapa North LGA has witnessed skirmishes between men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and suspected smugglers due to its proximity to the Republic of Benin.

Group Wants Kwara Assembly to Appoint Substantive Clerk Hammed Shittu inIlorin A leading pro-democracy group in Kwara State, Kwara Must Change, has urged the leadership of the state House of Assembly to appoint a substantive Clerk of the state Assembly to avoid creating unnecessary gap.

The group said the development became imperative in view of the alleged controversy surrounding the contract engagement and re-engagement of the clerk of the state House of Assembly, Hajiya Jummai

would work towards providing the zone with all the necessary support it requires to function effectively.

Earlier, the AIG, Zone 7 Police headquarters, Aliyu had solicited the support of the

FCTA, especially in the area of mobility for the effective coverage of the zone and by extension, the FCT. He also assured of his preparedness to work in synergy with all security organs of government to secure the zone.

L-R: Project Manager Agriculture, HerVest, Greg Ikwe; Technical Adviser on Agriculture to the Kwara State Governor, Abdulquawiy Olododo; Deputy Governor, Kwara State, Mr. Kayode Alabi; Chief Executive Officer, HerVest, Solape Akinpelu, and Project Coordinator Monitoring and Evaluation, HerVest, Duche Basahuwa, during the launch of the Gender Finance Project meant to train and finance 1,000 Kwara female farmers in Ilorin…recently

Insecurity: House Urges Police to Construct Divisional HQ in Oyo Town

Udora Orizu in Abuja

move across the borders to the surrounding states,” Bello said.

He noted that the synergy among security organisations has been very helpful in keeping the FCT and its residents safe while assuring that the FCTA

FINANCING FEMALE FARMERS…

PDP Returnee Collapses APC StructureDescribing in Enugu A Chieftain of the All the PDP as, Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Mr. Evans Ikpechukwu Omeje, who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2017, and later vied for the seat of Nsukka East Constituency in the State House of Assembly in 2019, as APC candidate, has formally returned to the PDP. Omeje, who is from EdeUkwu Ward, Ede-Oballa in Nsukka Local Government Area of the state, announced his return to the PDP amid jubilation, at the Ede-Ukwu Ward office of the PDP, yesterday, where he addressed the ward executives and other stakeholders of the party.

to really coordinate the states within your zone because what we have realized in the FCT is that criminal activities are usually hatched outside the territory and then people come into the territory, perform these acts and

Kperogi.

The contract engagement and re-engagement of Kperogi after the completion of her 35 years in service by the state House of Assembly had continued to create tension in the state.

The development, however, led a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Elites Network for Sustainable Development (ENetSuD), to issue a 14-day ultimatum to the leadership of the Assembly to reverse the contract engagement and re-engagement of the Clerk, Kperogi, or face legal action.

N-Delta Group Aligns with North, Calls for S’South Presidential Candidate

Sylvester Idowu inWarri

The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has urged all political parties in the country to pick their presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections from the core South South geo-political zone.

The group said the call became necessary as it will “balance the unity of the country and guarantee national security and strategic partnership between the North and South.”

Rising from a conference in Warri yesterday, NDYC noted

that if the demand is heeded to by the various political parties, Nigeria will be on the right track of development, peace progress and unity.

The group, which claimed to represent the six states of the South-south in addressing issues of injustices, deprivations, socio-political and environmental challenges in the Niger Delta Region, however seeks alliance between South-south and the North in the forthcoming political dispensation.

According to the group, the main option to balance the unity of the

nation lies in striking a strategic partnership between the North and the core South-south.

In communique issued at the end of the conference and signed jointly by the group’s National Coordinator, Comrade Israui Uwojeyan and the National Secretary, Comrade Bakpa Orehime, NDYC observed that with the ongoing agitation for power by the political stake holders in the South-west and the South-east is an indication that the nation “will be faced with dire uncertainties if power goes to any of the above zones agitating for power”.

“The core South-South is the pivotal zone to bring about collective sense of security and National unity between all the geopolitical zones.

“The core South-south has been in strong alliance with the Northern part of Nigeria as a people right from the Second Republic. The core South-South played a vital role for the late President Shehu Aliyu Shagari of blessed memory to win the keenly contested Presidential election of 1979, and this same core South-South people massively voted for his re-election in 1983 for a second term as Nigeria’s president.

Insecurity: AFBA President Calls for Urgent National Discourse Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The Presidential, African Bar Association (AFBA), Mr Hannibal Uwaifo, has called for the urgent conveying of a national discourse to address the challenges of insecurity in Nigeria.

Uwaifo made the call in Benin City, Edo State on Wednesday after his investiture as Notary Public for Nigeria by the Chief Judge of Edo, Justice Joseph Acha.

Uwaifo who noted that the present state of insecurity is capable of throwing the nation into anarchy, said the federal government lacked the will to tackle the challenges.

He stressed that convocation of a national discourse on Insecurity, is a sure way of proffering a lasting solution to the menace that have claimed hundreds of innocent lives within the last few weeks.

“Government does not have

the will, whether political or otherwise, to deal with the issue of insecurity and i don’t think the problem will solve itself. It is going to keep deteriorating.

“We need to have a national discourse on it where pertinent questions will be asked. We need to find out how we came about the issue of banditry, kidnapping, how did foreigners got involved in Insecurity in the country?

“If we don’t do this urgently we may not get out of this. It

is a big problem that may spell doom for the country with the way it is escalating everyday. urgent steps is needed to be taken to tackle it,” he stated.

On the Notary, Uwaifo said it is call for more work to the public and the profession.

According to him, “This is part of our profession, as a Notary, you have a lot of duty to perform to the public and we are ready to take that and in more capacity now.”

House Approves Establishment of National Social Investment Programme, NYSC Trust Fund Udora Orizu inAbuja The House of Representatives yesterday passed through third reading a Bill which seeks to establish National Social Investment Programmes (NSIPs) with a view to assisting and empowering the poor and vulnerable persons in Nigeria.

The Bill was passed after

the adoption of the report of Committee on Poverty Alleviation at the Committee of the Whole.

As stipulated in Clause 18 of the bill, the funding for the NSIP programmes shall be drawn from: counterpart contribution from the Federal, State and Local Governments; such sums as may be appropriated for the programmes by the National Assembly; such

sums as may be provided by the federal government or by a state government to support the activities of the office or a particular programme; donations from individuals, companies, government institutions, bilateral or multilateral organisations and development partners.

Other sources include: two per cent of recovered assets

and repatriated funds; 0.25 per cent of the profit before tax of companies and enterprises including telecommunication, government contracts, banks and other financial institutions and insurance companies; 0.5 per cent to one per cent of VAT and company tax to any company doing government contract to social investment programmes in Nigeria.

Senate Okays Transport University for Buhari’s Town Sunday Aborisadein Abuja The Senate yesterday approved the establishment of the Federal University of Transportation in Daura, the hometown of the President, Muhammadu Buhari, in Katsina State.

The Senate passed the bill seeking its establishment at plenary.

The approval followed the

consideration of a report by the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND. Chairman of the Committee, Ahmad Babba Kaita (Katsina North), in his presentation, said the establishment of the university would allow Nigerians access to modern knowledge, emerging techniques and skills in the transport industry.

He said the institution would provide required knowledge to prospective students to enhance Nigeria’s transportation sector and make them drivers of the industry.

He also explained that the development of the transport sector by knowledge transfer and capacity building would in turn generate employment opportunities for Nigerians.

He said, “The envisaged University of Transportation has immense benefits, especially in closing the huge gap in knowledge about transportation business and enhancing technical skills.

“It will ensure technology transfer from the most developed nations such as China, USA, South Korea, etc to benefit the Nigerian transportation industry,” Kaita said.

THURSDAY, Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

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THURSDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Osimhen Visits World Cup Frustration on Ikpeba Duro Ikhazuagbe In what has now become a familiar tantrum, Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, took former African Footballer of the Year and Super Eagles forward, Victor Nosa Ikpeba, to the cleaners yesterday over an innocuous remarks made by the latter.

Osimhen who along with his Super Eagles colleagues will be watching the 2022 FIFA World Cup from the stands or on television after Nigeria failed to qualify for the mundial, was upset with the advice given by Ikpeba during the Monday Night Football show on SuperSport.

Ikpeba fondly called the Prince

of Monaco had insisted that if only Osimhen had controlled some of the high balls flicked to him from the midfield, he probably would have scored rather than resorting to bicycle kicks that were way off targets.

“Victor Osimhen is a good player but is not yet a finished article, forget he’s playing for Napoli. Some of those crosses he might have controlled instead of trying to do a bicycle kick,” observed the former Monaco star.

But the Napoli star felt insulted and poured expletives on the 1997 African Footballer of the Year.

In his Instagram post yesterday, Osimhen while replying Asisat Oshoala was blunt in insisting

no pundit can tell him what to do on the field.

“Werey dem say make u no dey do bicycle kick,”to which the former Lille forward replied, “I go continue dey do am, no be that pundit go tell me wetin to do.“ He wenton to further insult Ikpeba in uncouth Yoruba language not fit for print.

Super Eagles failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar after grinding out a 1-1 draw with Ghana at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja. The Black Stars qualified on the away goal rule.

Abuja fans however visited their frustration destroying anything in sight at the Stadium.

Spanish Players’ Union, AFA Futbol, to Challenge Nwakali’s Sack in Court Duro Ikhazuagbe withagency report The last may not have been heard over the dismissal of Nigerian international, Kelechi Nwakali

by SD Huesca.

Spanish players’ union announced yesterday that it will challenge in court the “unilateral” dismissal of 23-year old Nwakali

by SD Huesca.

The players’ union AFA Futbol stated in an official statement

yesterday that the labour rights of Super Eagles midfielder were violated by the club.

SD Huesca terminated Nwakali’s contract after he played at the Africa Cup of Nations against the Spanish club's wishes and he then turned down a transfer in January.

The 23-year-old said he "will no longer suffer in silence" as he made a series of allegations against the club in a statement posted on Twitteryesterday.

Midfielder Nwakali alleges

Huesca Sporting Director, Ruben Garcia, pressured him not to join the Super Eagles squad for January's Nations Cup and that the club had been "abusing its power" in an attempt to force him to sign a new contract, including failing to pay his wages on time.

Huesca "completely deny and disagree with the player's accusations" and say they will defend themselves in court if required.

"The club has acted at all times with the utmost respect for the player," a Huesca statement said.

"Given the seriousness of some of the statements made, the club reserves the exercise of any actions it deems appropriate in defence of its legitimate rights and interests."

The second-tier outfit announced it had terminated Nwakali's deal, which was due to expire at the end of this season, on Tuesday but did not give a reason for the decision.

Victor Osimhen...went overboard insulting a Nigerian legend on social media

Super Falcons in Canada for Friendlies with Olympic Champions Kelechi Nwakali...sacked at Huesca

NFF Mourns Former FIFA Referee Okubule

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has commiserated with the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) and the immediate family of former FIFA referee Festus Bolaji Okubule, who died in Lagos on Tuesday evening at the age of 80.

Okubule, who was the second Nigerian referee to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations after Sunny Woghiren in 1974, was nicknamed ‘Showboy’ for his demonstrative stance on the pitch and his immaculate dressing.

He refereed at the 1986 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Egypt.

“Festus Bolaji Okubule was an icon of the whistle and a man of high integrity. It is quite sad that the list of veterans and pacesetters of Nigeria football keeps depleting, steadily. We pray that God grants the late Okubule eternal rest and also grant those he has left behind the fortitude

to bear the loss,” NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi said on Wednesday.

After he retired from active refereeing, Festus Bolaji Okubule continued to serve the game, contributing as member of several committees and panels constituted with the objective of improving the lot of Nigeria Football.

Okubule became Nigeria’s first referee at a FIFA World Cup, when he was picked by the world –governing body for the 1983 FIFA World Youth Championship (now FIFA U20 World Cup) in Mexico.

That tournament was also Nigeria’s debut at a FIFA World Cup, with the Flying Eagles coming close to reaching the quarter finals after defeating old Soviet Union, losing to Brazil and drawing with The Netherlands.

Nine-time African champions Nigeria will clash with reigning Olympic champions Canada in two friendly matches that will hold over three days in the cities of Vancouver and Victoria City.

Both matches are scheduled to take place on Friday, 8th Apriland Monday, 11th Aprilrespectively.

According to Director of Communications of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ademola Olajire, two players – defenders Onome

Ebi and Glory Ogbonna – were among the contingent that flew out of Nigeria aboard a Lufthansa Airline plane on Tuesday night, and connected a flight from Frankfurt to Vancouver on Wednesday.

The other players are to fly direct to Vancouver from their bases in Europe and the American continent.

Canada’s Women National Team are the reigning champions of Olympic women’s football, having won the gold medal at

the Olympic Women’s Football Tournament in Tokyo in August 2021, after beating Sweden on penalties following a 1-1 draw after regulation and extra time.

The Super Falcons have won the African title nine times and recently qualified for the Women AFCON finals holding in Morocco this summer, after a 3-0 aggregate win over Cote d’Ivoire in February.

Newcomers Ifeoma Onumonu (in Abuja) and Esther Okoronkwo

Super Falcons to play Olympic champions Canada in tune up matches

(in Abidjan) accounted for the goals that avenged the Falcons’ elimination from the Tokyo Olympics women’s football by the Ivorians.

The NFF is organising this twomatch tour against the Olympic champions as part of the Super Falcons’ preparations for the 12th Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi said: “There are no longer minnows or minions in African women football. The championship in Morocco will serve as the qualifying tournament for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and we cannot afford to take chances,” observed the NFF scribe.

Only the four semi finalists in Morocco will qualify for the Women’s World Cup to be hosted

by Australia and New Zealand next year.

Friday’s clash at the BC Place in Vancouver is another date for both teams after many years, following their epic 3-3 draw at the 1995 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Sweden.

Both will again clash at the Centennial Stadium in Victoria City on Monday, 11thApril.

The two matches will kick off at 7.30pmNigeria time (3.30amVancouver time on 9th Apriland 12thAprilrespectively).

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THURSDAY, Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

SPORTS

Tiger Woods Chasing the Green Jacket at The Masters, Again Augusta National. The Green Jacket. Amen Corner. The manicured fairways. The blooming azaleas. Unmistakeably, the Masters.

Golf's first men's major of the year is upon us, with the world's finest players making their annual pilgrimage to one of sport's most iconic venues.

The first tee shot will be hit at 13:00 BST today - after the ceremonial drives from legendary champions Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson - with a field of fewer than 100 aiming to sink the winning putt come Sunday.

Most of the attention this week has been on whether Tiger Woods will play, just 14 months after suffering life-threatening injuries when he crashed a car while speeding.

That has allowed the likes of

Scottie Scheffler, who recently rose to the world number one ranking after three wins in his past five events, his American Ryder Cup team-mates Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson and Collin Morikawa, plus Europe's leading player Jon Rahm, to prepare for their Green Jacket bids without the same level of scrutiny.

World number nine Rory McIlroy, who again bids to complete the career Grand Slam of winning all four majors, is once again the leading player from the UK. On Tuesday, Tiger Woods confirmed he planned to play in the Masters and compete in a top-level event for the first time since his last appearance at Augusta in November 2020.

Asked if he thought he could win a 16th major title this week, Woods simply replied: "I do."

Moyes Plays Down Possible Semis against Barcelona

For the first time in three years, the 86th edition of The Masters is expected to welcome a capacity crowd at Augusta after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions

Benzema’s Hat-trick at Stamford Bridge Put Chelsea in Jeopardy Chukwueze’s Villarreal stun Bayern Munich in quarter final first leg Chelsea's hold on the Champions League hangs precariously after Karim Benzema's hat-trick put Real Madrid in a position of power following the quarter-final first leg at Stamford Bridge.

Real coach Carlo Ancelotti made a winning return to the club where he won the Premier League and FA Cup double after veteran France striker Benzema delivered his latest masterclass.

Benzema, 34 and fresh from the treble that sunk Paris St-Germain in the last 16, punished holders Chelsea with two magnificent headers in the space of three minutes midway through the first half.

Kai Havertz's header gave Chelsea hope before the break but keeper Edouard Mendy's poor clearance seconds after the restart gifted Benzema his third to put Real in command of the tie before the second leg at the Bernabeu next Tuesday (12 April).

Elsewhere, Ex-Bournemouth striker Arnaut Danjuma scored as Villarreal stunned Bayern Munich 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.

Super Eagles winger, Samuel Chukwueze was a late 81st minute substitute for Danjuma

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE and made little impact until final whistle.

The home side were superb from the outset and led inside 10 minutes when Danjuma stabbed in from close range.

Francis Coquelin had a goal

ruled out while Gerard Moreno hit the post as Villarreal pushed for a second.

German champions Bayern were well below par and did not manage a shot on target until the second half.

Robert Lewandowski, who has scored 51 goals for club and country this season, was kept quiet by a well-organised Villarreal defence as the hosts followed up their impressive win against Juventus in the previous round with another big result.

Karim Benzema (left) scored hat-trick at Stamford Bridge yesterday to put holders Chelsea in difficulty ahead second leg next week

West Ham boss David Moyes has said that his "new boys on the block" dare not dream about the prospect of a Europa League semi-final with Spanish giants Barcelona.

The Hammers will meet Barca in the last four if the two clubs overcome Lyon and Eintracht Frankfurt respectively.

Moyes' side host Lyon at London Stadium in this evening’s quarter-final first leg.

"We're not looking any further than Lyon, they were in the Champions League semi-final two years ago. It would be crazy to look beyond this," he said.

Hammers boss Moyes added: "How could we dare?

They are too big a club. We're really excited by getting to the quarter-final of a European competition. It's a big deal for any club."

EUROPA Moyes also discounted the notion his side were favourites against Lyon, despite beating record six-time winners Sevilla in the last 16.

"I find that quite difficult (to believe) considering we're relative newcomers and Lyon have had loads of experience - most people would consider them a Champions League team," he added.

"We're the new boys on the block (in Europe) Lyon are a side who we've got big respect for - it's not that long ago they were really challenging the top teams."

West Ham have not played in a European quarter-final since 1980-81 and left-back Aaron Cresswell acknowledged the experience would be a new one for most of the squad.

Super Six: Lakeside Queens Plan Big for Amateur Female League As part of their preparation for the nationwide cadre of the Nigeria Women Football League, Lakeside Queens of Bariga, Lagos has won the Scouting Championship recently staged in Badagry.

The team under the tutelage of Coach Oluwatobi Ganiyu defeated Global Soccer Angels, Badagry 2-1 in the final of the tournament in which 16 teams took part.

Victory Queens, Ikorodu, Future Stars 99 Igando, Young Talents 99 of Orile Agege, Makbel Queens of Ikorodu, and Aseyori Queens from Owode Yewa, Ogun State are some of the teams that took part in the pre-season tournament organized for amateur female teams.

Lakeside Coach, Ganiyu told our correspondent that the team was getting fully set for the league taking place in

Benin, Edo State between April 22and 27.

“We are really excited that the players are doing so well in preparation for the league.

We are working hard to make a good impact because there are lots of talented players in our team,” Ganiyu said.

The Gbagada-Bariga based side is one of the academies producing grassroots talents in both male and female cadres of the round leather game.

Players like Yetunde Balogun, Aminat Folorunsho, Olamide Oyinlola and Motunrayo Ezekiel are those expected to boost the team in Benin.

The CEO of lakeside Queens Olalekan Ganiyu said efforts are on to make the young girls excel in forthcoming Super Six in Benin especially with the team having the league highest scorer with six goals, Ezekiel, in its fold.

Thursday, April 7, 2022

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Nyesom Wike to Thompson Sekibo

“I am shocked that Senator Sekibo even dreamed of running the affairs of River State when he has passed his prime. I don’t even know how to explain this to the good people of River State that a grandpa wants to be Governor. I tell you for free, governing a state like Rivers is not a tea party affair. The demands are neck breaking. Therefore, an old man should enjoy his retirement in peace” ---Governor Wike telling Senator Sekibo to forget his gubernatorial ambition

OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Presidential Aspiration by Deceit As a member of the Niger State Chapter of the Christian Corpers Fellowship in 1989/90, I was close to one sister who happened to be the prettiest in our set. Our friendship put me in a position to know that in the course of our service year, no fewer than five brothers ‘received’ for this sister (a Pentecostal euphemism which means God had directed them to woo her for marriage).

Curiously, every one of these brothers had an interesting account of the way God ‘spoke’ to him about the sister. But it is doubtful the brothers were led by God; I believe that they admired the sister for her beauty, and lacking the courage of their conviction, they came in spiritual garb.

Incidentally, that is what most Nigerian politicians do when seeking public office. Rather than tell us they want to be President or Governor or Senator or House of Representatives/House of Assembly member because they like the job (or the money they know would accrue therefrom), they hoodwink us with lies about God leading them to seek such offices. Even when they have prepared the infrastructure of rigging (money, marabouts, arms) and are certain to run, they still tell us they are waiting for ‘God’s direction’.

This time, we should tell such imposters they are nothing but a fraud!

Unfortunately, given that Nigeria is a very ‘religious’ country, we are going to hear a lot of these tales in the next couple of weeks as politicians strut the landscape. That explains why it is incumbent on us all to be wary of those who would play the religious card, those who would want to use the faith they profess as the launching pad for their ambition. Few are brazen in this direction and that is why we should be careful in that some can be rather subtle about it. But it still boils down to the same thing: anyone who would use the name of God to rationalise a personal ambition is not worthy of our votes.

In fact, I am always suspicious of people who use the name of God frequently within the political arena. While we desire that our public officials be religious, it is in the conduct of such a person that we prefer to know how much he/she believes in the God he/she professes. What we expect of our public officials is that they be fair and just to all, maximize our potentials and put our people to work.

However, I also need to state that while I do not believe that religion should influence the way we make our choices, this is not, and cannot even be assumed to be, an endorsement of any presidential or gubernatorial ticket that is insensitive to our diversity, including in religion. What I am saying in essence is that those who seek to be president/ governor should be bold enough to say why they are seeking such offices rather than hide under the faith they profess… =============================

T

he foregoing is taken from my October 2014 column in a series preceding the 2015 general election. It was a critique of the way politicians were using religion and the name of God to hoodwink the people in pursuit of their ambition. That was part of the tricks during the first 16 years of the current dispensation under the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). While I am aware that a few politicians

Yemi Adamolekun

still play that game, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has devised a new method for deceiving the Nigerian electorate. Now, we have a situation in which poor farmers, palm wine tappers, hunters and market women are the ones ‘contributing money’ to purchase nomination forms for presidential aspirants whose children attend elite schools abroad.

Apparently miffed by these shameless antics that have become all-too-familiar, President Olusegun Obasanjo has asked Nigerians to avoid voting for certain presidential aspirants who claim that their nomination forms were purchased by youths. “Today, they are paying N40 million. Some of them (presidential aspirants) even said it is some youths who bought it for them. In fact, anybody who would come out to tell you such a lie, you shouldn’t vote for him,” charged Obasanjo.

“Which youths gathered N40 million? If you want to buy the form, buy it and tell us. You don’t need to lie to us.”

Not only do I agree with President Obasanjo, what I find particularly disgraceful is the lack of originality in this deceit. Everybody is doing the same thing, acting the same script. They are not even creative in the way they lie. What that suggests is the absence of rigour in our politics. Once one politician does something, however silly, others begin to ‘copy and paste’. Meanwhile, that our politicians rely on such brazen dishonesty is due to the lack of accountability that defines public engagement, including campaign donations.

In the United States, where we copied our presidential system, federal law requires that all candidates, political action committees (PACs) and political parties disclose contributions exceeding $200. That is less than N120,000, no matter the exchange rate we use. And such donations must include important details like names, addresses, occupations, and employer information, for public record. Here, some nebulous ‘committee of friends’ can donate

billions of Naira without any disclosure of who they are or what they do for a living.

But we know. Most often, these ‘donations’ are funds being round tripped from the public treasury.

More disturbing is that while our politicians are busy sponsoring idle youths to dramatise purchase of forms, spending precious hours in parliament debating whether Bobrisky should be wearing shirt or skirt, and suspending clerics for preaching what they don’t like, terrorists are gradually seizing control in our country.

Having lost ‘the monopoly of violence’ to non-state actors, our country is becoming a funeral home. Dozens of citizens, including personnel of the military, police, and security agencies, are killed every day by criminals. On Monday, gunmen suspected to be members of a Boko Haram affiliate invaded a military base in Birnin-Gwari, Kaduna State, killing many soldiers and injuring scores of others.

That these criminals would take their battle to a military base where they also killed three locals, razed armoured vehicles, and went away with military weapons, is indicative of their growing capacity to overwhelm the Nigerian state.

In fact, the Birnin-Gwari Emirate People’s Union (BEPU) has confirmed that their traumatised communities now pay protection levies to these terrorists. “Millions of Naira are being paid to the bandits as a ransom for the freedom of kidnapped persons and taxes for access to farmlands and for freedom to live in various communities within the local government. There are hundreds of captives, including women and children, who have been in the den of the bandits for months and are yet to be released because their families could not afford to pay for their freedom,” according to the statement by BEPU. That is Kaduna State where more than a hundred passengers seized from the train last week Monday are still in captivity. I have heard heart-breaking stories from families of the abducted victims. The situation is worse in Niger State where terrorists have practically hijacked power, killing, maiming, and raping at will. But rather than discuss these and other challenges, our politicians are busy stage-managing circus shows in the name of collecting nomination forms. Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, could not have been more apt than he did yesterday on the security challenge facing the nation. “If nothing drastic is done about the present situation in the country, a time will come when even the Presidential Villa and other government houses will be taken over by the terrorists. They are already closing in on us and we seem to be helpless,” Ortom told ARISE News Network.

I know those who would dismiss Ortom’s view as that of opposition. But he is merely echoing last April’s warning by Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State. Following the sacking of nearly 5,000 villagers from their ancestral homes in Shiroro and Munya local government areas of the state, Bello admitted that the terrorists were not only annexing territories, they were also ‘confiscating’ the wives of villagers. He then said: “Sambisa is several kilometers from Abuja, but Kaure is

just two hours’ drive from Abuja. So, nobody is safe anymore, not even those in Abuja.”

I believe that our sensibilities have been insulted enough by myopic politicians who cannot see the danger ahead. Whoever wants to run for president should just go and collect their form and spare us this nonsensical drama that borders on lack of accountability in our polity.

Incidentally, this same issue of accountability was the central focus in the discussion at the Enough is Enough (EiE) 12th anniversary symposium ‘On Debates and Democracy’ in Abuja on Tuesday. With Janet Brown, the Executive Director of the United States Commission on Presidential Debates as keynote speaker (via zoom), other participants include Works and Housing Minister, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, Arise News anchor, Ngozi Alaegbu, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Elections Debate Group, Edward Emessiri, AIT Director, Imoni Amarere, and a former Osun State governorship candidate, Mercy Tosin Ayodele. I was conscripted by the EiE Executive Director, ‘Yemi Adamolekun to moderate discussions hosted by television personality, Bolanle Olukanni.

While debates are increasingly seen as a benchmark of a healthy democracy and they help to promote accountability, Adamolekun contends that they have not been used effectively in Nigeria. “During a debate, a candidate’s statements, policy positions and campaign promises become public record that civic groups and the media should use to hold them accountable,” she argued but who do we blame when office seekers are never willing to submit to serious public interrogation? Why should they engage us when we are the ones ‘begging’ them to run for office and even ‘paying’ for their forms?

At a moment our country desperately needs leadership to tackle the myriad challenges that pile up daily, what this mendacity points to is that those who aspire to be president in 2023 are trapped in the past: All they see is the glamour of the office without the mounting responsibilities. It is cowards who hide behind lies because they’re not willing to face the ugly truth. True leaders will not use cheap tactics to seek power at a most challenging period in history.

I am sure there are people who would argue that it is no big deal when presidential aspirants play games with the purchase of forms. But the connecting thread for the challenges we face today is an absence of trust in leadership at all levels and in all spheres. Yet, the actions that build trust are what is also required to build society. How can a leader build trust in an environment where citizens already know that even in things as mundane as picking up nomination forms, those who aspire to the number one office in the country are telling lies?

“Lying fosters a culture of dishonesty,” according to John Mearsheimer, a highly regarded professor of political science at the University of Chicago and author of ‘Why Leaders Lie’. He added: “It is difficult for a country to function well if no one trusts their leader.”

Enough said!

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