FRIDAY 15TH APRIL 2022

US Report: Nigerian Judicial Officers Demand Bribe for Favourable Rulings Alleges EFCC, ICPC only after low-level corruption cases Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja A new report by the United States Department of State has alleged that the judiciary in Nigeria remains susceptible to corruption and is constantly under pressure

from the executive and legislative arms of government.

In its “Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2021,” the US stated that although the constitution and law provide for an independent judiciary, political

leaders influence the judges and lawyers, particularly at the state and local government levels.

The document added that there was a widespread public perception that judges were easily bribed, and litigants could not rely

on the courts to render impartial judgments.

“Many citizens encountered long delays and reported receiving requests from judicial officials for bribes to expedite cases or obtain favourable rulings,” the

report stated.

It listed understaffing, inefficiency, and corruption as factors preventing the judiciary from functioning adequately.

Other challenges, the US stated, included the absence of

continuing education requirements for attorneys coupled with the fact that police officers were often assigned to serve as prosecutors.

Continued on page 5

DMO Responds to Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Nigeria’s Debt Service-to-Revenue Ratio... Page 44 Friday 15 April, 2022 Vol 27. No 9866. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Senate Sets Up 13-man Panel to Investigate Crude Oil Theft Approves N4trn Subsidy Deji Elumoye and Sunday Aborisade, Abuja

LADY CHERRY IGBINEDION IS THREE SCORES PLUS 10...

R-L: Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Lady Cherry Igbinedion, and Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, at an event to mark Lady Cherry Igbinedion’s 70th birthday anniversary in Benin City...yesterday

Following public outrage against the massive stealing of Nigeria’s crude oil, which had seen the Continued on page 5

Council of State Meets, Receives Briefing on Insecurity, Dariye, Nyame, 157 Others Pardoned Rejects Atuche, two others Buhari meets CDS, Service Chiefs Tuesday FG to conduct census in April, 2023 Deji Elumoye in Abuja The deteriorating security condition in the country was the focus of the first meeting of the National Council of State (NCS) this year, which held yesterday in Abuja, with the governors taking turns to brief the gathering on the situation in their respective states.

The meeting, presided

by President Muhammadu Buhari, and attended by past Heads of State and presidents, granted state pardon to former

Governors Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame of Plateau and Taraba states, respectively, who were serving jail terms for corruption.

The two former governors were among 159 convicts pardoned by the council at the meeting held at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.

But the council rejected the application for prerogative of mercy for a former Managing Continued on page 5

THE PAST PRESIDENTS & THE PRESENT...

L-R: Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon; former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, former President, Goodluck Jonathan GODWIN OMOIGUI and President Muhammadu Buhari, at the Council of State meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja...yesterday

US State Dept Approves $1 billion Sale of Cobra Attack Helicopters to Nigeria, Delayed over Human Rights Concerns... Page5

2

FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 • T H I S D AY

3

4

FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 •T H I S D AY

5

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2022

PAGE FIVE

US State Dept Approves $1 billion Sale of Cobra Attack Helicopters to Nigeria, Delayed over Human Rights Concerns The U.S. State Department has cleared the sale of 12 AH-1Z Cobra attack helicopters to Nigeria worth nearly $1 billion, apparently after U.S. lawmakers lifted objections over human rights concerns.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency on yesterday announced the sale of the helicopters and related defense systems to the Nigerian military. The package includes $25 million for human rightsrelated training.

The sale includes the Bellmade Cobras; 28 General Electric-made T700-401C engines; 2,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems used to convert unguided missies into precisionguided missiles; and night vision, targeting and navigation systems.

The case highlights the Biden administration’s attempts to balance human rights concerns in the arms sale process.

Foreign Policy reported in July that the top Democrat and Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee delayed the sale amid concerns Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari was drifting toward authoritarianism. The country is facing multiple security challenges, including terrorism.

“Nigeria requires a fundamental rethink of the framework of our overall engagement,” committee Chairman Bob Menendez, D-N.J., told Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the diplomat’s testimony before the panel last year.

Menendez also tweeted that “the Nigerian government must get serious about security” after the militant group Boko Haram kidnapped more than 300 schoolboys in December 2020. The Nigerian government also ran afoul of the New Jersey Democrat

in 2019 after arresting one of his constituents, Nigerian-American journalist Omoyele Sowore.

According to the announcement, $25 million in the package will be dedicated to “institutional and technical assistance” to Nigeria’s military

to continue its Air-to-Ground Integration program, which concerns targeting processes that are consistent with international humanitarian law and the laws of armed conflict.

“The proposed sale will better equip Nigeria to contribute

to shared security objectives, promote regional stability and build interoperability with the U.S. and other Western partners,” the announcement read. “This sale will be a major contribution to U.S. and Nigerian security goals.”

SENATE SETS UP 13-MAN PANEL TO INVESTIGATE CRUDE OIL THEFT country lose huge earnings as well as hobbled its ability to meet the quota allocated by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, yesterday constituted a 13-member Adhoc Committee to investigate oil theft in Nigeria and its impact on petroleum production and oil revenues.

The composition of the panel was

announced on the floor at plenary.

Lawan named Senator Bassey Albert Akpan as Chairman of the Committee.

Other members on the panel include Senators Yusuf A. Yusuf, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, Kabiru Gaya, Mohammed Adamu Aliero, George Thompson Sekibo and Gabriel Suswam.

The panel also included Senators Kashim Shettima, Aliyu Sabi

Abdullahi, Ali Ndume, Stella Oduah, Sani Musa and Ibrahim Gobir.

The adhoc committee was given one month to conclude work on investigations and report back to the chamber in plenary.

Also yesterday, the Senate approved a revised budget of N17,319,704,091,019 trillion for the 2022 fiscal year.

Also, the Senate approved

the total sum of N4 trillion for petrol subsidy in 2022. The figure represented the amount contained in two separate requests by the President to the National Assembly for approval.

The president, had in a letter to the legislature dated 10th February, 2022, sought an additional N2.557 trillion to fund subsidy payments Continued on page 41

COUNCIL OF STATE MEETS, RECEIVES BRIEFING ON INSECURITY, DARIYE, NYAME, 157 OTHERS PARDONED Director of the defunct Bank PHB, Francis Atuche, who was convicted for stealing and jailed last year. Two other applications were also disallowed.

Buhari would follow up the discussions at the NCS gathering with a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) to review the current security situation in the country. The security council comprises Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the three service chiefs, Inspector General of Police, and others from the military brass.

The NCS approved a national population census for April 2023, after the general election slated for February and March 2023.

Briefing newsmen at the end of the NCS meeting, Governor Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa State disclosed that the president would meet security chiefs on Tuesday over the worsening security situation following recommendations and comments by members of the council of state.

Badaru said, “The issue of security was brought before the council and it was discussed.

Suggestions were made by the state governments and some of the members of the council, and President Muhammadu Buhari

promised to call a security meeting to discuss the issues raised on Tuesday so that we will have enhanced security in the country.

“The president was more concerned also about food security and the need for a secure country where farmers would go back to land and continue to produce and it is observed that we are by and large food secured. And, in fact, we are feeding the neighbouring countries also because of the worldwide cost in food around the world and most of the neighbouring countries find Nigerian food cheaper.

“So, there is need for enhanced production, so that you will not only meet the Nigerian demand, but also the neighbouring countries’ demand and the president promised to discuss this with the service chiefs on Tuesday. So that adequate security arrangement will continue to flow based on the advice he received today from the various governors and also from members of the council."

Speaking also, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, said the council

approved 159 out of 162 applications for prerogative of mercy for convicts and inmates in correctional centres across the country. Malami said the recommendation came after the council received the report of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy.

The minister stated, “In the exercise of the powers on the granting of pardon, precisely on the 28th day of August 2018, the president put in place a committee known as the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy, which was saddled with the responsibility of visiting the country’s correctional facilities and making recommendations to the president on the exercise of his power of mercy and compassion, by way of either granting pardon to those that have been convicted, clemency, or some other form of concessions by way of reduction in sentence and term.

“It was in exercise such duties and responsibility, in line with the terms of the Committee on Prerogative of Mercy, that we presented the report to the president and the requirement of the law on the exercise of

that mercy and pardon (is that we) should seek the advice of the Council of State.

“In line with that, a memo was presented by the president this afternoon to the council through which the report of the committee was presented to council for its advice. The committee made a submission of 162 people presented to the president for such consideration.

“Twenty-six of the inmates are recommended for presidential pardon, 85 of surviving exconvicts were recommended for presidential pardon, one deceased person was recommended for posthumous presidential pardon, 27 inmates were recommended for presidential clemency, 13 inmates were recommended for a review of their sentences or prison terms, 10 inmates were presented for a reduced sentence from death to life imprisonment. In total, 162 convicts were presented for the president’s consideration for pardon and mercy.”

Malami said the council rejected proposal to grant pardon to one of the prisoners sentenced to 120 years for stealing over N25 billion. He said the pardon was sought due a life threatening

illness.

The second inmate was convicted for forgery and sentenced to 14 years in jail, and he had stayed in prison for a year and six months, while the third person, who obtained money by false pretence, was sentenced for seven years, he said.

Malami stressed that the council was not satisfied with reasons adduced for the pardon of the three convicts and, therefore, rejected them.

On his part, Minister of Special Duties, Senator George Akume, said the council approved the conferment of National Honours Award on 434 Nigerians, who distinguished themselves in their various field of endeavour.

The council gave approval for a national headcount to hold in April 2023 after the general election. This would be preceded by a Pilot Census to be conducted by National Population Commission (NPC) in June 2022 after political parties’ primary elections.

NPC Director General, Nasir Isa-Kwarra, said the commission would deploy technology in the conduct of the national census.

Isa-Kwarra said through census,

US REPORT: NIGERIAN JUDICIAL OFFICERS DEMAND BRIBE FOR FAVOURABLE RULINGS It alleged that judges frequently fail to appear for trials, stressing however that the salaries of court officials are low, and officials often lacked proper equipment and training.

“The constitution and the annual appropriation acts stipulate that the National Assembly and the judiciary be paid directly from the federation account as statutory transfers before other budgetary expenditures are made to maintain their autonomy and separation of powers.

“Federal and state governments, however, often undermined the judiciary by withholding funding and manipulating appointments,” the US report noted.

On problems with trial procedures, the US posited that although defendants were presumed innocent and enjoy certain rights, authorities do not always respect these rights, most frequently due to a lack of capacity.

“Insufficient number of judges and courtrooms, together with growing caseloads, often resulted in pre-trial, trial, and appellate delays that could extend a trial for as many as 10 years.

“Although accused persons are entitled to counsel of their choice, there were reportedly some cases where defence counsel was absent from required court appearances so regularly that a court might proceed with a routine hearing in the absence of counsel, except for certain offences for which conviction carries the death penalty,” it alleged.

According to the document, in some cases, the police would demand additional payment from family members who wanted to attend a trial even as the authorities could hold defendants in prison awaiting trial for periods well beyond the terms allowed by law.

Furthermore, the document alleged that Nigeria’s anticorruption agencies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as well as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) were mainly focused on pursuing low and mid-level corruption cases.

The US stated that although there had been a few indictments of active top level government officials, the cases were being hampered by administrative delays.

The US document stated: “The ICPC holds broad authority to prosecute most forms of corruption.

The EFCC's writ extends only to financial and economic crimes.

“The bulk of the ICPC and EFCC’s anti-corruption efforts remained focused on low- and mid-level government officials, although both organisations brought indictments against various active and former high-level government officials.

“Many of the corruption cases, particularly the high-profile ones, remained pending before the courts due to administrative or procedural delays.”

Although the law provides criminal penalties for conviction of official corruption, the government,

the US report stated, did not consistently implement the law, and government employees, including elected officials, frequently engaged in corrupt practices with impunity.

“Massive, widespread, and pervasive corruption affected all levels of government, including the judiciary and security services.

“The constitution provides immunity from civil and criminal prosecution for the president, vice president, governors, and deputy governors while in office. There were numerous allegations of government corruption during the year,” it added.

On the government’s posture towards human rights abuses, the report noted government officials sometimes cooperated and responded to such cases, but generally either dismissed allegations, did not provide substantive response, or did not publicise outcomes of investigations.

The document added that in the north-east, there had been reports that the military threatened civil society groups and humanitarian organisations after aid provided by the organisations purportedly reached insurgent groups.

Even though the law establishes the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) as an independent non-judicial mechanism for the promotion and protection of human rights, it noted that the role of the body has been largely advisory as well as for training and advocacy purposes.

“During the year, there were

no reports of its (NHRC) prior investigations having led to accountability. The law provides for recognition and enforcement of damages awarded to plaintiffs, but it was unclear whether this happened,” the report stated.

On insurgency in the North-east by the militant terrorist groups Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA), it noted that the terrorists continued to conduct numerous attacks on government and civilian targets, resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries.

According to the US report, this has led to the internal displacement of more than three million persons, and the external displacement of more than an estimated 327,000 Nigerian refugees to neighbouring countries as of the year’s end.

Quoting the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the document noted that more than 24,000 persons were registered as missing in the country, with the majority from the conflict area in the North-east.

“There were reports of disappearances by or on behalf of government authorities. According to Amnesty International, the whereabouts of at least 50 suspected supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) group arrested in Rivers State between October and November 2020 remained unknown at year’s end,” it said.

It stressed that ineffective and non-existent civil registration and identification management systems in areas hosting displaced persons,

refugees, and returnees remained a concern.

For refugees, the report pointed out that even when civil documents were obtained, community members and local officials were sometimes unaware of their legal rights or standing, which could also prevent them from moving freely, obtaining work, or accessing health care.

During the year, the US posited that ISIS-WA terrorists demonstrated increased ability to conduct complex attacks against military outposts and formations.

“During the year ISIS-WA terrorists took over significant territory formerly held by Boko Haram. ISIS-WA expanded efforts to implement shadow governance structures in large swaths of Borno State,” it said.

In the South-east, it stated that following IPOB’s launch of its military wing, the Eastern Security Network, in December 2020, in the first quarter of the year, local media reported 54 violent attacks on civilians and security forces and 222 deaths, representing a 59 per cent and 344 per cent increase, respectively, compared with the quarter prior to its establishment.

It stated that while some reports estimated the number of Boko Haram and ISIS-WA abductees at more than 2,000, the total count of the missing was unknown as towns repeatedly changed hands, and many families were still on the run or dispersed in camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs).

data was generated for planning, noting that the data currently being used are mere projections and obsolete.

According to him, “It is very crucial because I have highlighted that the census is a very important exercise for the nation. Through census we generate the data that we use for policy making, for planning, for development, by the three tiers of government, and the private sector, they all need this.

“If you are in private sector, you're producing something, certainly, you need to know the population of an area if you want to create a market there.

“So census data is very crucial, very important. Because, the data we’ve been using are just projections, estimation and are sort of obsolete, we need the actual census data to use for our planning.”

At the commencement of the meeting, the council observed a minute silence in honour of former Head of Interim National Government (ING), Chief Ernest Shonekan, who died on January 11, 2022.

This was the fourth time Buhari would chair the NCS meeting in seven years, with the first held on October 21, 2015, the second on September 7, 2016, and the third held virtually in August 2020.

The National Council of State is an organ of the federal government saddled with the responsibility of advising the executive on policy-making matters.

Members of the council include the president, vice president, past presidents, Senate President, House of Representatives Speaker, Chief Justice of Nigeria, serving and past.

Others are Attorney General of the Federation, all state governors, and Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Those who attended the meeting were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, and Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari.

Former Heads of State physically in attendance were General Yakubu Gowon, General Abdusalami Abubakar, and former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Others attended the meeting virtually from their various locations.

State governors in attendance included Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Atiku Bagudu(Kebbi), Bello Matawalle (Zamfara), and Nasir El Rufai (Kaduna). Other governors attended virtually.

6

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2022

NEWS

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

YEMI OGUNBIYI @75, "THE ROAD NEVER FORGETS"...

L-R: Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Wife of the host, Iyalode Folasade Ogunbiyi; her husband, Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi; Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Ondo State Deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Mr Donald Duke; his wife, Onari; and Chief Ike Nwachukwu, during the public presentation DAN UKANA of "The Road Never Forgets" and 75th birthday of Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi in Lagos... yesterday.

FG Faults NLC's Demand for Highpowered Panel on ASUU Strike Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The federal government has described the call by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for the setting up of a high-powered committee to resolve the ongoing strike by university lecturers as unwarranted.

The NLC had urged the government to immediately set up a high-powered panel whose target would be to address the grievances of the university workers with a view to ending the 59-day-old strike within 21 days.

However, the federal government said President Muhammadu Buhari has already mandated a team comprising his Chief of Staff, the Ministers of Labour, Education, Finance, Communication and Digital Economy to help resolve the crisis.

The government again

appealed to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to immediately call off their prolonged industrial action and return to their students for resumption of academic work in the public universities.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige stated this to journalists yesterday in his office, shortly after receiving notification letter of his nomination by Sun Newspaper Publishing Limited for the award of 'Public Service Icon 2021.'

Ngige said the federal government remained unrelenting in its efforts towards addressing all the industrial disputes in the university system, involving ASUU and the other unions.

The minister faulted the demand by the NLC, maintaining that the president had already put in place his own high-powered

NNPC Expecting First Gas From AKK Pipeline in Q1 2023, Says Kyari Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, yesterday said that the national oil firm and its partners expect first gas production from the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project by the first quarter of 2023.

A statement by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, of the NNPC, Mr Garba Muhammad, last night said that the board expressed satisfaction with the progress of work done on the project and believed that the target for delivering it will be met.

The statement added that Kyari spoke when he took the NNPC board members on an official tour of segment “A” site of the project in Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The GMD, who was accompanied by other members of his management team, was quoted to have said that as a result of activities around the AKK project, the country will see over 8 billion standard cubic feet (scf) of gas

injected into the domestic pipeline.

According to him, this will improve power generation, facilitate industrial development, create thousands of job opportunities and deepen domestic gas utilisation.

Kyari, who described the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Pipeline as “a signature project of this administration”, said that it was time for Nigeria to take advantage of having the highest gas reserves in Africa.

Earlier in her remarks, the Chairman of the NNPC Board, Senator Margery Okadigbo, said that based on the magnitude of work done at the various construction sites, the projection to have first gas by the first quarter of 2023 was realisable.

She noted that the country stood the chance to leverage on the current realities to provide solutions to the global gas supply challenge.

Chairman of Oilserve, the Company handling Segment A of the AKK project, Mr. Emeka Okwuosa, according to the statement, confirmed his company's readiness to deliver the project on schedule.

team.

According to him, everything contained in the December 2020 agreement were religiously executed to the extent that the federal government aggregately paid N92 billion from the 2021 budget to cover the revitalisation funds and Earned Academic Allowances/Earned Allowances for non-teaching staff.

Regarding the renegotiation of conditions of service of the university lecturers, Ngige maintained that it must be guided by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) principle of ability to pay.

Ngige said the former renegotiation committee headed

by Prof. Jubril Munzali made a proposal of 200 per cent rise in emoluments of university

workers, but the federal government through the Ministry of Education said it cannot pay.

He said the university system and the teaching hospitals consume two thirds of all the emoluments currently paid from the national budget of the country, meaning that an increase for the lecturers would necessitate an upward review of the salaries of allied professionals in the health sector, based on their different salary structures.

"There is no point giving you percentages on paper that nobody can pay. Munzali worked out a percentage which placed the university workers on about 200 per cent pay rise.

“The federal government through the Education Ministry

said they cannot pay; the Ministry of Finance said they cannot pay. They came to me and I said nothing is wrong with renegotiation because even if a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is signed, it could be renegotiated.

"The document produced

by Munzali was not signed by both ASUU and the federal government. It is a proposal.

Manzali's committee had elapsed.

The Education Ministry didn't act as I wanted. The Minister was away but his lieutenants didn't do anything for five months, contrary to my expectations.

“The minister has set up another committee headed by Prof. Nimi Briggs. They have been working and I have given them six weeks to come up with

a proposal.”

On the payment platform for university lecturers, Ngige reiterated that NITDA informed him that UTAS proposed by ASUU passed user acceptability test but failed integrity and credibility test, which formed the bulwark against hacking.

"NITDA said UTAS failed.

ASUU said it didn't fail. As we were discussing, ASUU went on strike. In the face of this disagreement between ASUU and NITDA, we are talking with NITDA to bend backwards so that there will be a handshake between UTAS and the government certified IPPIS platform. After embarking on strike, ASUU has gone back to what I proposed to them,” he added.

Nigeria’s Grains Reserves Down to 50,000MT as FG Releases Commodities to Vulnerable Nigerians Buhari approves funding for restocking

James Emejo in Abuja The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Muhammad Abubakar, yesterday commenced the emergency release of assorted food commodities to vulnerable persons across the country.

Also to benefit from the distribution are federal ministries, poultry associations, and feed millers as well as those in need of food.

This followed President Muhammad Buhari's recent directive that 40,000 metric tons (MT) of grains be released from the National Strategic Grains Reserves (SGR) to vulnerable Nigerians to cushion the effects of rising prices of food items.

The depletion of the food reserves brings its current value to about 50,000MT from about 90,000MT it was previously.

The minister, however, said the president had approved funding for the restocking of the food reserves.

The move, according to the minister, was to cushion the effect of high prices of commodities across the country especially as

the Ramadan, Easter and Sallah festivities approached.

Speaking during the flag-off at the Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs) camp in Karmajiji, Abuja, Abubakar said while the measures were temporary, the government would continue to take steps aimed at ensuring that food prices are substantially subdued.

The minister also noted that the incessant bandits’ attacks had displaced many farming communities in some states, disrupted their source of livelihood and rendered them homeless.

He added that some of the victims are currently taking shelter around the schools, mosques and churches while households are in dire need of food assistance to ameliorate their sufferings as they faced untold hardship and food scarcity.

He also said the high prices of maize in the open market had affected the cost of production of poultry feeds and consequently, the availability of the products thereby threatening the poultry industry which had been a major

employer of labour for decades.

The minister further pointed out that high fuel prices, insecurity and the low purchasing power of public servants had also made access to food difficult and challenging.

He said, “In the light of the above, and as part of the federal government of Nigeria's effort to ensure food security and alleviate poverty, Mr. President, Muhammad Buhari has approved the release of 40,000MT of assorted food commodities from the National Strategic Reserve to the vulnerable Nigerians to cushion the effects of rising prices of food items.”

Abubakar further explained that the low-income civil servants and as many that need the relief package would benefit from the intervention, adding that in carrying out Buhari’s directive, the ministry would partner the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, which would be distributing about 12,000 metric tons, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Youths and Sports as well as other strategic agencies to ensure seamless distribution.

He added the government wanted to ensure that the relief packages got to those who really needed them.

He also said the president had approved funding towards restocking of the RGR adding that “we are currently restocking even as we are releasing”.

He pointed out that though political commitment is absolutely fundamental for addressing the food security challenge, it is “not the complete answer”.

According to him, “Strengthening food systems and chains is a shared responsibility.

Governments, industry and consumers all have a vital role and must work together to ensure ‘farm to the table’ food security”.

However, the Director of SGR, Mr. Sule Haruna, said the country’s food reserves had been reduced to only about 32,000 metric tons after the federal government ordered the release of 70,000 metric tons of grains from the SGR as palliatives to vulnerable Nigerians amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 • T H I S D AY

7

8

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2022

NEWS

INAUGURATION OF MEMBERS OF THE SURVEYORS COUNCIL OF NIGERIA… L-R: Surveyor General of the Federation, Surveyor. Adebomehin Adeyemi; the newly sworn-in President of Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON), Surveyor. Clement Ikpeama Nwabichie; Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN; and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Bashir Nura Alkali, shortly after the inauguration of the President and Members of the Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON) by the .Minister at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Works and Housing Headquarters, Mabushi, Abuja ... yesterday

Buhari: We’re Emboldened By Easter That Good Will Soon Triumph over Evil Lawan, Atiku preach love, sacrifice IG orders police to be ruthless with criminals, wants intensive patrols Deji Elumoye in Abuja, Chuks Okocha and Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, said his administration has been emboldened by the spirit of Easter that soon, Good would triumph over evil, adding that the recurring insecurity and uncertainties that currently prevailed across the country would be over in no time.

In the same spirit, the President of the Senate and former VicePresident, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, have preached love and sacrifice amongst the Nigerian people, in the spirit of Easter, which commences today, the Good Friday.

This is as the the InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr Usman Baba, yesterday ordered Police personnel to be firm and ruthless

with criminal elements, who might want to take advantage of the festive period to perpetrate their unholy acts.

Buhari, who gave the assurance yesterday in his Easter message to Nigerians, charged the citizenry to extend love to themselves even as they showed more patriotism about Nigeria, reminding all that it was their only country of birth.

"Easter also evokes in us the resilience of the human spirit not to give up in the face of seemingly daunting challenges of life. This period emboldens us to believe that the current spate of uncertainty and insecurity will soon unfold a season of triumph of good over evil; hope over despair, and light over darkness,” he said.

According to the president, the emphasis that the Holy Scriptures placed on the essence of love, had

USAID Launches $3.5m Activity to Improve Water Safety in Jigawa, Kano Ugo Aliogo with agency report The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through Partners for Development has launched a three-year $3.5 million Water Improvement and Sanitation Enhancement (WISE) activity to improve water safety in Jigawa and Kano states.

A statement by USAID stated that the WISE activity would reduce the occurrence and impact of waterborne diseases through improvements in access to clean drinking water and sanitation, and the adoption of key hygiene behaviors. It explained that one of the first tasks would be to construct or rehabilitate 30 water access points and install 55 sanitation facilities in schools and community health centers, “these improved water access points will provide clean drinking water to more than 66,000 local residents.”

In her remarks, USAID Deputy Mission Director Katie Donohoe said, “Access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene services within a community are the cornerstone of a healthy, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.”

She added, “When this is done, each community will have a first line defense against the spread of infectious disease and allow

children to spend more time in school.”

On his part, the Deputy Governor of Jigawa State Umar Namadi stated: “Water is life, and it has been one of the priorities of the Jigawa State government.

We are ready to cooperate with the USAID WISE activity to ensure that safe drinking water is provided to the people of the state.”

The statement revealed that in 2019 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene National Outcome Routine Mapping report, two out of five schools in Jigawa State, and three out of four in Kano State did not have access to reliable drinking water. The statement also stated that frontline healthcare workers also lacked access to safe water and struggle to deliver high quality health services.

The statement also noted that the survey found that over half of community water access services in Jigawa broke down within their first year of operation, while over 20 percent in Kano no longer functioned after six months. The statement added that the WISE activity would work toward addressing some of the deficiencies and increase the capacity of local stakeholders to sustain and manage equitable access to water and sanitation.

become more relevant for Nigerians today and Nigeria as a nation, saying it was this element that would contribute to the nation’s peace and development.

In the message personally signed by him, Buhari stated, "I join our Christian brothers and sisters to celebrate this year’s Easter, which is the most significant event/festival in the Christian calendar.

"This year’s celebration is very unique for adherents of the two great faiths in Nigeria. It culminates the 40-day season of Lent for Christians, where the faithful is expected to fast, pray, assist the poor, abhor injustice and strife, give alms, penitently engage in self-examination and repentance of sins.

"Similar values apply to the Muslim faithful, currently about half-way into the holy month of Ramadan. For us, as a nation, the message of Easter, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ after crucifixion and burial, reminds us of the power of divine love, faith and

redemption.

"I urge us to increase our love for one another rather than hate, and show more patriotism, as this is the only country we have. I enjoin us, therefore, to live out the eternal words of Jesus Christ on the cross: ‘'Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing.’

"Let us remember that the scriptural emphasis of love, has so much relevance for us today as a nation more than ever before, and thus contribute towards its peace and development.

"As we approach another season of electioneering, let the security and unity of the nation guide our actions and utterances.

I wish all Nigerians a joyful and blessed Easter," he stated.

Lawan, in a statement personally signed, said, “I heartily felicitate Nigerians, particularly, the Christians, as they join their brethren across the world in celebrating Easter, the season of the remembrance of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ,”

adding that, “Easter marks the trial, sacrifice, victory and completion of the divine mandate of the author of the Christian faith.”

However, while celebrating Easter with Christians, Lawan said, “As we celebrate the unique occasion, let us keep in mind the significance of the season, which is the perfect demonstration of sacrificial love to others. As it ended in triumph, the season should also rekindle our hope of victory over personal and communal challenges.

“Therefore, the triumph of Christ should encourage all people of faith to be hopeful of victory against trials and challenges, whether as individuals or as a nation. This occasion powerfully reminds us that no challenge is insurmountable.

“I assure us that the government will continue to work for the realisation of the dreams of Nigerians of enduring national peace, unity and progress. The National Assembly will also continue to provide the necessary Legislative interventions to support

every effort made to take Nigeria out of the current insecurity and economic challenges.”

On his part, Atiku, who called on Nigerians to emulate the virtues of love and sacrifice which characterised the life of Jesus Christ, in a message by his media office in Abuja, stressed that love and sacrifice were essential to the unity that Nigeria so desperately neededat this time, when vested and provincial interests threatened to tear the nation apart.

“This weekend, we join our Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria and across the world to celebrate the Easter festivities.

This commemoration is a time for deep reflection as it marks the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and his victory over death. It is a time to reach out to our brothers and sisters in need.

“It is also a time for all of us — regardless of faith, or ethnicity — to come together to pray for the peace of our nation.

Continued on page 42

Adulterated Fuel: House Revokes Decision, Exonerates Duke Oil, Others of Complicity Urges NNPC to maintain 90m liters daily supply Udora Orizu in Abuja The House of Representatives has rescinded its earlier decision, directing the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to suspend four oil marketers/importers - Duke Oil, MRS Oil and Gas, Oando Oil and Emadeb, Energy/Hyde/AY Maikifi/ Britannia-U Consortium - who were reportedly responsible for importation of adulterated petroleum into the country.

The House had on February 10, while adopting a motion of urgent national importance, sponsored by the Chief Whip, Hon. Tahir Monguno, asked NNPC Limited to suspend the above named companies.

It had mandated its Committee on Petroleum Downstream to investigate the release of the product with a view in ensuring that culprits are brought to book and make recommendations to avoid reoccurrence.

Members of the Committee were also mandated to find out the

roles played, if any by the NNPC, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, the Directorate of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian Navy, Customs, limited liability companies and perhaps individuals in respect of this incident.

But on March 23, the lawmakers stepped down the recommendations as contained in the Committee's report, describing it as falling short of expectations of Nigerians, and called for further investigation.

Resuming consideration of the new recommendations, presented by Petroleum Downstream Committee Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Gaya in the Committee of the Whole yesterday, the lawmakers said based on the NNPC’s exoneration, the four oil marketers did not commit any offense, therefore not recommended for suspension.

The House urged NNPC Limited to maintain local supply and distribution of 90 Million liters daily across the country until normalcy is restored.

It directed the Minister of

Petroleum Resources to expedite action for completion of the rehabilitation work and ensure upgrading of the major refineries at Warri, Port Harcourt and Kaduna to meet AFRI5 Specification to boost local refining and reduce over-dependence on imported PMS into Nigeria to avert reoccurrence.

The lawmakers also directed the Minister to initiate the adoption of the 2017 PMS Standard (NIS 116:2017) as approved by SON which include testing for Methanol for future importation of the product into the country to mitigate reoccurrence.

Other recommendations included, "that the federal government should position SON to implement its mandate to the latter by subjecting all imported white Petroleum and other products to the Offshore conformity assessment and also resume routine quality control of them and other products imported into the country at our various Seaports, Airports and Borders

throughout Nigeria as enshrined in SON enabling Act of 2015. “This will finally address the reoccurrence of the importation of off-specification PMS and other substandard goods into Nigeria.

"That the federal government is to note that SON mandate is also specifically enshrined in item 62 (d) of Part I of the Second Schedule (Exclusive Legislative List), to the 1999 Constitution. that the Regulatory Authority in this case Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) should ensure proper housekeeping by working with Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in ensuring water is drained regularly out of the tanks in the Tank Farms, Tankers (trucks) and underground tanks at the service stations."

FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 • T H I S D AY

9

10

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2022

NEWS

IFTAR DINNER WITH HOUSE OF REPS MEMBERS… Vice President Yemi Osinbajo,SAN, hosts the APC caucus members of the House of Representatives to Iftar dinner at the State House Banquet Centre, Abuja...recently

Malabu: Transfer of OPL 245 Asset Got Presidential Approval, Documents Show Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The transfer of Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245 after a 2006 out-of-court settlement between the federal government and Malabu Oil & Gas Limited got the approval of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, new documents have shown.

The approval of the deal by the then president thereafter led to the handing over of the asset

by Malabu to Shell and Eni in 2011 for $1.1 billion. THISDAY recalls that the federal government had revoked the oil block and

awarded it to Shell in July, 2001, but later agreed to return it to Malabu in 2006, following six years of litigation.

Malabu was then asked to pay a signature bonus of $210 million as against the concessionary $20 million granted by the Sani Abacha government in 1998.

But the implementation of the settlement began in 2011, prompting Malabu to eventually relinquish interest in the oil block.

Nigeria is now seeking the award of $1.7 billion against JP Morgan Chase Bank for allegedly failing in its duty of care when

it transferred $810 million to Malabu from the OPL 245 sale proceeds. According to the federal government, the bank ought to have known that it was, “a corrupt and fraudulent scheme” and should have withheld the payment.”

Although he has always denied any complicity, lawyers to Nigeria insisted that the then Attorney General, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, had a case to answer.

They maintain in the British court that Obasanjo granted a media interview denying knowledge of the 2006 out-of-court settlement.

Section 84 (12): N'Assembly Cannot Amend Constitution through Backdoor, Says Ozekhome Commends judge for nullifying controversial section Alex Enumah in Abuja Human rights activist and constitutional lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, has described as an attempt to amend the 1999 Constitution through the backdoor, the recent passage of the 2022 Electoral Act, particularly Section 84 (12), which barred political appointees from voting or being voted for during the congresses and conventions of political parties.

According to Ozekhome, the said section is not only unconstitutional but Justice Evelyn Anyadike should be commended for nullifying it.

In a statement made available to newsmen, the senior lawyer described the section as discriminatory against certain classes of persons (political appointees), adding that with the new law, “the NASS had sought to completely emasculate and consign to the vehicle of electoral oblivion, a section of the political class, simply because they are currently serving their country”.

While arguing that the amended Electoral Act is totally unconstitutional and ultra vires the powers of the National Assembly, Ozekhome stated that, “What the National Assembly intended to do by subsections 12 and 13 of section 84 is to amend the Constitution through the backdoor, without going through the tortuous amendment process prescribed in section 9 thereof; which deals with the mode of altering the provisions of the Constitution”.

According to him various sections of the Constitution have already dealt with the issue of qualification and disqualification of a candidate in an election and the current provisions of the amended Electoral Act run contrary to the Constitution.

“I commend the judgment of Justice Evelyn Anyadike landmark, for protecting the sanctity of the Constitution”, he said, “where the provisions of the Constitution conflict with the provisions of Acts or Bills passed by the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly, the former prevail”.

While he said he would not want to delve into the various political scheming that characterized the amended bill, the senior lawyer raised posers such as “when did we ever witness the 9th NASS oppose President Buhari's budgets, bills, letters, actions or requests? Or When did the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, ever refuse to appeal a judgment and spontaneously act the judgment with such automatic alacrity, in obeying Justice Anyadike’s order of the court, as we just witnessed?

He also queried why the National Assembly (which initially passed the law), and INEC the implementor of the law were not joined in the suit.

“Why would the AttorneyGeneral seek to delete the offensive section 84 (12) as ordered by the Judge? A court’s duty stops at voiding an Act or law; but not to delete or repeal it. That is a

job for the legislature or the Law Revision Commission. When did the Attorney-General (a top player in the Executive) possess statutory powers to delete Acts of the Legislature when laws are normally gazetted by the Legislature after the President and Governor had respectively signed bills into law?

“One should have thought that merely voiding the Act was sufficient until future amendment of the Act and consequential deletion of the offensive section, based on the court’s judgment in striking it down”, he said.

But in a letter addressed to Malabu and Etete dated December 2, 2006, by Obasanjo’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Edmund Daukoru, showed that a presidential approval of the settlement was conveyed and that there were agreements between Malabu and the government.

“The above subject refers and we are delighted to convey to you that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces having concluded a review of your legal claims for the return of the oil block 245 has graciously approved and directed as follows: “That the Federal Government of Nigeria is amenable to an out of court settlement of the claims comprised in the legal proceedings commenced by Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd and consequently has agreed to settle your legal claims for the return of the oil block constituted as OPL245.

“The said oil block 245 (OPL245) shall from the date thereof and with immediate effect, be returned to Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd with full and total reinstatement of all its rights thereof.

“Any and all previous decisions inconsistent with or purporting to deprive Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd of its rights over the totality of the concessions in the said OPL245 shall stand absolutely and totally rescinded as if they had never been made.

“Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd shall immediately upon the receipt of this letter forthwith withdraw, discontinue and terminate all and every legal proceedings concerning OPL245 initiated and or being maintained by Malabu against the federal government of Nigeria in respect of Oil Block OPL 245,” part of the letter titled “Malabu Oil and Gas Limited – out-of-court settlement in respect to OPL 245,” read.

In addition, it noted that Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd shall be required to and shall pay a new signature bonus 210 million) but the payment of $210 million less the $2 million previously paid into the coffers of the federal government of Nigeria in respect of an alternative oil block.

The fiscal terms of the 2005 Production Sharing Contract (PSC), it stated, shall apply to the restoration while Malabu was to source its own technical partners and meet the conditions of the award within 90 days of the award.

It continued: “As part of the settlement process, the Federal Government of Nigeria is resolved to and has decided to award Shell Nigeria ultra-deep Ltd (Shell) a present concessionaire an alternative oil block with comparable potential and hydrocarbon prospectively. This information was by a letter dated 1st of December 2006 conveyed to (Shell) Ultra Deep Ltd. “Malabu Oil and Gas Limited

shall be at liberty to exercise all rights incidental to and consequent upon the return of the oil block to it and shall be free to assign, pledge or deal in any way with its restored rights in OPL 245, in whole or in part to any 3rd party subject as always to the operative laws of Nigeria including but not limited to obtaining all approvals permit and appropriate consents necessary.”

A rash of other documents further showed that before the out-of-court settlement, Daukoru had brokered a similar settlement agreement with Malabu on behalf of the federal government.

Last month, Adoke had written the current occupant of the position, Mr Abubakar Malami, absolving himself of any complication in the case instituted by the federal government against American Bank, JP Morgan Chase.

In a letter written by his lawyers, Paul Erekoro (SAN), among others, Adoke noted that the federal government’s argument that he contacted JP Morgan repeatedly and sent an email using the mail of Aliyu Abubakar’s shell company, was false.

Adoke noted that allowing unverified information to be presented before the court, to wit that he and Dan Etete committed the offence of “money laundering by facilitating the payment of the funds to Etete and Malabu Oil & Gas Limited through the deposit account,” remained baseless.

NPA Consolidates Growth of Container Vessel Traffic at Onne Port With the successful berthing today of MV LADY JANE, a vessel with length overall of 295 metres and draft of 12 metres at the WACT Terminal in Onne Port Complex, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has again proven its readiness to consolidate on the growth of container vessel traffic in the eastern ports.

The game-changing attribute of this feat was that the vessel, which sailed in from Majuro in the Marshall Islands is discharging 840 TEUS and loading 1,060 TEUS 50 per cent of which are agricultural commodities Cashew nuts, Sesame seed, Cassia Tora seed etc.

This is coming on the heels of the reception at Onne Port of the first-ever export-laden

barge containing 120 TEUs of Cocoa to Belgium via Cotonou earlier this year.

This was a testament to the unwavering resolve of the NPA to promote exports and support the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria at positioning the non-oil sector as a revenue earner.

Although Onne Port Complex has traditionally been known as a logistics hub for oil and gas services, the implementation of fresh initiatives deployed by the Bello Koko administration had resulted in a 30 per cent increase in container traffic at the close of the year 2021.

According to a statement, whilst the historic berthing of the MV Maersk Stadelhorn,

a 300 metres LOA container vessel earlier on the 15th of August, 2020, tested the navigability of the channel, “MV Lady Jane has proven the capability of the channel for sustained container vessel traffic.”

Speaking to stakeholders who came to welcome the vessel which berthed at about 3pm on 13th April, 2022, the NPA Managing Director, Koko, who was represented by the Port Manager Stanley Yitnoe said, “what this milestone signposts is the fact the initiatives of the Authority geared towards repositioning the eastern ports for productivity are yielding results and that Onne Port Complex is fast becoming an attraction for container vessel

traffic.”

He added: “However, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels, we must continually strive to surpass stakeholders’ expectations” Commenting further, the Managing Director commended the pilots for the professionalism demonstrated by the effortless and safe berthing of the vessel.

He assured that in addition to the palliative works that have already begun on the arterial roads in Onne Port, full scale rehabilitation of infrastructure as well as improvement of port security through illumination and deployment of access control to check unauthorised entry was top on management priority.

11

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2022

NEWS

2022 CHRISM MASS CELEBRATION AT HOLY CROSS CATHEDRAL...

L-R: Monsignor John Aiagwu; Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins; Monsignor Bernard Okodua and Monsignor Anthony Obanla, during the 2022 Chrism Mass celebration at Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos...yesterday.

CBN to Disburse N3.5bn Rebates to Exporters RT200 policy gains $60m export proceeds in two months eNaira hits 756,000 downloads Nume Ekeghe The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revealed plan to disburse N3.5 billion as rebate incentives to exporters of semifinished and finished product as part of efforts to realise its target of attaining $200 billion from non-oil exports over the next three to five years.

The Managing Director/ CEO, Fidelity Bank, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, disclosed this during a virtual press briefing at the end of a Bankers’ Committee meeting yesterday.

She disclosed that the RT200 policy had a total of 150 beneficiaries who brought in export proceeds of $60 million from various levels of finished

and semi-finished export.

She said: “At the meeting of the bankers’ committee today, the Central Bank Governor announced the immediate release of rebates totaling N3.5 billion incentives to various exporters in fulfillment of his promise on the policy of the race to $200 billion from non-oil exports to boost the foreign exchange inflows into the country.

“This policy was rolled out in February 2022. The initiative is to encourage value addition to export products of Nigeria.

Specifically, the policies focuses on value addition in place of immediate which is semi-finished products, intermediate, which is semi-finished products and completely finished products.”

INEC Suspends CVR in lmo as Gunmen Invade Centre, Kill Staff Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Amby Uneze in Owerri

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has suspended the Continuous Voter Registration Exercise (CVR) exercise in Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State, following an attack on the centre by unknown gunmen, who killed a member of staff of the commission, Nwokorie Anthony.

National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, disclosed this in a press statement in Abuja, yesterday.

According to him, the suspension of the exercise was sequel to a report by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Professor Emeka Ezeonu, to the effect of the April attack by gunmen.

According to him, Anthony, who was involved in the ongoing exercise, was shot dead by unknown gunmen at Nkwo Ihitte (PU 004) in Amakohia Ward (RA 02) of Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area.

The REC reported that the State Office was making efforts to locate the whereabouts of the two remaining staff involved in the registration exercise.

Prior to this, the Commission had suspended the CVR in Orsu and Njaba Local Government areas of the state on account of insecurity while the exercise was taking place only at the INEC LGA office in Oru East, Oru West, Orlu and Ohaji – Egbema Local Government Areas of the State.

However, the Commission, has extended its condolences to the family of Anthony and prayed that God would grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

Okoye informed that the incident had been reported to security agencies to unravel the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident and also bring the culprits to justice.

INEC also enjoined the President General of the various Town Unions in Imo State as well as all the critical stakeholders to protect staff of the Commission engaged in national assignment.

Okoye maintained that the safety and security of staff were of paramount importance to the Commission, particularly, with the devolution of the voter registration exercise beyond state and local government area offices nationwide, in the determination to serve Nigerians better.

She further added: “You will recall that the central bank governor announced rebates of N65 for every dollar of export proceeds sold to another end-user and that the proceeds from the exports that is sold to another end-user will attract a rebate of N65 while the proceeds from exports utilised by the exporter will attract a rebate of N35 for every dollar of the proceeds utilised by the exporter.”

According to her, the CBN Governor also pronounced longterm financing of single-digits loans for state governments as an incentive to set up export processing zones and terminals and anticipates more support by states to enhance export proceeds.

She added: “These rebates we just announced would be paid quarterly to exporters who qualify and the initiatives to the government will be at single digits and there'll be

long term financing. All this is to ensure that weboost the foreign exchange inflows into the country by ensuring that we ramp up our exports.”

On her part, the Managing Director GTBank, Mrs. Miriam Olusanya, who spoke on the central bank’s digital currency, the eNaira said: “Since it was launched, we have seen 756,000 downloads of the App. In terms of the consumer wallet, we have seen 165,000 consumer wallets and 2,800 merchant wallets.

“The advantage of the eNaira is that it is at no cost. One of the things the CBN want to achieve is that it will remain cheaper even if subsequently there is a cost to it. It will still remain cheaper than other transactional channels.

“And the eNaira is a digital currency that has legal backing.

The future of money is digital but it is essential that we embrace one that has legal backing and issued by a central

bank. Second advantage is that it is not fluctuating. It is same vale with the naira. It is in and out at the same rate with the naira “Currently, it is an App. We are moving to the second phase and the plan is to be able to onboard the unbanned using the USSD platform. This will be able to aid financial inclusion.

This channel is cheaper, reliable and always available. It supports digital economy, improve economic activities.”

Also, the Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, Mr. Ademola Adebise, said the NQR code that was launched last year by the Nigerian interbank settlement system (NIBBS) would soon be acceptable in other countries.

He said: “The NQR code will be acceptable in well over 176 countries. So, the Committee decided that after appraising the progress made on the adoption to increase the

level of the payment platform considering the huge benefit it brings to the economy.”

Speaking further, the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman said: “Regarding the eNaira, I think this is cutting-edge breakthrough innovation we are talking about and in that sense, the changes and the development would obviously be slow.

“The fact that we have had the courage to start this process, I think is a big step forward. What we are seeing is monthly interaction in the 1000s. So, on a monthly basis, new people are downloading this and that is even before all the other benefits have been attached to it. What we expect to see is that as more merchants start to accept it, and as more platforms start to use it in creative ways to effect payment. More activity can be expected in that regard.”

2023: APC Youths Hold Rally for Adamu, Warn against Fielding Unpopular Presidential Candidate Juliet Akoje in Abuja Youths and stakeholders of the All Progressive Congress (APC) yesterday organised a solidarity rally for Senator Abdullahi Adamu barely three weeks after his emergence as the national chairman of the party.

The Senate had held a valedictory session for Adamu and his deputy, Senator Abubakar Kyari, after the duo's resignation during Tuesday's plenary.

The Coordinator of APC Youth Development and Solidarity Forum (APC-YDSF), Hon. Tobias Ogbeh, at the rally charged the party leadership not to field unpopular presidential candidate at the forthcoming primaries.

"As concerned party members, we must come to terms with the issues at stake should a non-popular candidate emerges as the presidential candidate to fly the party flag at the presidential election.

"This rally is therefore calling on the party under the dynamic leadership of Senator Abdullahi Adamu to, without sentiment, ensure that the most popular candidate emerges as the presidential candidate of the party as the international community and other concerned stakeholders are keenly watching to see what will become of the APC. "We must also warn that there would be unpleasant consequences electorally, should the party deny the best candidate the party flag under the guise of zoning or consensus that fails to meet the yearnings of the masses in 2023," Ogbeh said during the rally.

He added, "Some persons are already parading themselves as the chosen candidates of the National Chairman and the NWC and, to this end, have arrogated to themselves powers that defeat common sense.

"They have, in like manner, elected to ignore critical

stakeholders of the party to the chagrin of all well-meaning members of our great party.

While we may wish to ignore the activities of these individuals, we are, however, constrained to alter the leadership of our party to this ignoble trend that is capable of rubbishing the gains recorded in the party in recent times."

The APC youths group urged the national chairman and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC), to be wary of such individuals that have been name-dropping, thereby sending wrong signals to other members of the party.

"The APC as a party does not need such unhealthy and undemocratic displays by some party members. This is unacceptable, and we demand the leadership of our great party to issue strong caution and reprimand to those individuals.

"Whilst some aspirants have only made their declaration on

the pages of newspapers, others who believe in the power of democracy have continued to galvanise stakeholders and have received popular endorsements from all segments of the party.

"This is indeed the beauty of democracy hence the need for the leadership of our party to step in and assure the teeming members of the APC that they are not in bed with these undesirable elements that aim to take undue advantage of their closeness with the National Chairman to impose their whims and caprices on the party.

"It is our considered opinion that it will be foolhardy for anyone to think that manipulating the party's presidential primaries will be the way out for their candidates. We are assured that the APC as a party is bigger than individuals, and the leadership of our party is well-positioned to avail all aspirants a level playing ground," the group added.

12

FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 • T H I S D AY

13

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022

14

POLITICS

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

Didn’t Tinubu Just Goof On MC Oluomo?

Felix Oboagwina opines that the All Progressives Congress strongman and former governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Tinubu has shown clear bias in handling the crisis between the National Headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers and leadership of its Lagos State arm

W

an aspirant who has estranged himself from National NURTW? This will constitute a major factor for APC deciding for or against Tinubu. If Tinubu ever gets APC’s endorsement, NURTW nationwide can instruct members to work against him. Should NURTW additionally invoke the -BCPVS NBYJN PG iJOKVSZ UP POF JT JOKVSZ UP BMMu to demand the support of its parent umbrella, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the damage to Tinubu and APC can be unimaginably massive.

ho are those counselling Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)? They just goaded the presidential hopeful to make a major miscalculation that may cost him politically.

Not a few believe that the godfather of Lagos politics and the state government goofed over the handling of the transport workers’ local crisis.

Now everywhere is boiling. In this crisis, Tinubu and his handlers had a choice between furthering his “lifelong ambition” of becoming Nigeria’s President as opposed to propping up the career of his strongman, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya.

Instead of Tinubu to summon his legendary talent as a visionary strategist, he succumbed to myopia and banked on Akinsanya, alias “MC Oluomo.”

Background to Impunity What happened? A stiff squabble had raged (is still raging) between “MC Oluomo,” suspended Lagos State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and some chapters of the labour body in Lagos. Unlike his predecessors, Oluomo wanted absolute monopoly to superintend all transporters in Lagos, including the “Okada” commercial motorcycles as well as the “Keke Marwa” tricycle that erstwhile ran their own affairs independent of the bus section that Oluomo supervised. National NURTW intervened and gave instructions to maintain status quo. He refused. When the National body formally queried him, Oluomo did not bother responding. Instead, he arrogantly proclaimed the independence of the Lagos chapter from the national body.

Miffed at this open defiance, the National fired disciplinary measures: r *U TVTQFOEFE i.$ 0MVPNPu BT -BHPT 4UBUF Chairman of NURTW r *U EJTTPMWFE UIF -BHPT /6358 FYFDVUJWF council that he headed r *U BQQPJOUFE UIF 4UBUF 4FDSFUBSZ BT *OUFSJN Coordinator of an ad hoc supervisory leadership.

Lagos rubbished all this by rolling out some counter initiatives. r -BHPT 4UBUF T (PWFSOPS #BCBKJEF 4BOXP 0MV banned NURTW in all state motor parks r 5IF (PWFSOPS JOTUJUVUFE UIF -BHPT 1BSLT BOE (BSBHFT .BOBHFNFOU $PNNJUUFF XJUI “MC Oluomo” as Chairman, a former Perm Sec, Dr. Taiwo Salaam, as Secretary, and former 1PMJDF "TTJTUBOU *OTQFDUPS (FOFSBM PG 1PMJDF "*( Hakeem Odumosu, as Liaison Officer between the government and the committee.

Of the Foolish Fly and the Corpse If you know, you know: Sanwo-Olu was the hand of Esau acting according to the dictates of the puppeteer, Tinubu. Tinubu is today touring the nooks and crannies of Nigeria, marketing his 2023 presidential ambition. However, he has made a tactical error in this affair. As the Nigerian proverb says, “It is the foolish fly that gets buried with the corpse.” Tinubu, in bailing out his embattled unionist godson may have succeeded in damaging his own ambition.

5IF i+BHBCBO #PSHVu BQQBSFOUMZ FYBHHFSBUFE B weak element in the Nigerian politician’s factors for electoral victory. Electoral success in these parts SJEFT PO B IFBMUIZ NJY PG NPOFZ NBUFSJBMT NFO and institutions. “MC Oluomo” was, and remains, a key factor in the “men” element in Tinubu’s home constituency, Lagos. He constitutes part of Asiwaju’s foot-soldiers who “can do and undo.”

Nationwide, such tough boys avail themselves to be employed for intimidation, rigging, ballot snatching and security; and they spare nothing to achieve their objectives, including, if necessary, violence. Successful politicians budget for such men. These toughies provide nuisance value, creating a balance of terror against opponents of their paymasters.

However, employing their services is akin to riding on a tiger. They do not take kindly to being used and dumped. After elections, many usually refuse to submit their arms to

their paymasters and pose multilateral threats to society. The more fortunate ones receive adequate settlement from victorious patrons who dole out compensations by various informal “task force” jobs, transport unions and tough terrains where they feed directly like leeches on the citizenry.

Ultimately, the nuisance they create sometimes PVUTIJOFT UIFJS WBMVF 'PS FYBNQMF VOCSJEMFE political lackeys in Borno State mushroomed into the Boko Haram terrorism ravaging the entire North-East and beyond today. Similar QPMJUJDBM HFSSZNBOEFSJOH FYQMPEFE JOUP UIF spate of Fulani herdsmen militancy, kidnapping, killings currently troubling the whole country.

Bad Mathematics of Over-Pampering In pampering his man, Tinubu goofed bigtime; and he may have just shot a bullet into his own foot. Advisers should have steered Tinubu towards mediating a rapprochement between his boy and National NURTW. Even

if he would not serve the suspension imposed, Oluomo, courtesy his mentor’s intervention, could negotiate a soft landing.

Unfortunately, the Lagos deal only favours Akinsanya while rubbishing his superiors in National NURTW. Have they done the mathematics of this over-pampering? Has Tinubu’s team counted the cost?

“MC Oluomo” supposedly controls one state, Lagos (where it is foolhardy to imagine he controls 100 percent followership).

NURTW controls 36 states plus Abuja.

Even if you drop Lagos from the equation, the union still wields power in 35 states and Abuja. That is a massive slice of the actual voting population. Who wants such a powerful bloc for an enemy? The union nurses anger over Lagos rubbishing the disciplinary measures against Akinsanya. Can APC risk losing such a huge cache of votes by giving its ticket to

The Osinbajo Example Against Impunity As Acting President, Osinbajo had the comNPOTFOTF UP EJTDJQMJOF UIF %( PG %44 -BXBM Daura, whose agency unilaterally shut down the National Assembly in August 2018. Osinbajo promptly booted out the spy chief and prevented a constitutional crisis. An astonished President Muhammadu Buhari has never given his deputy a second chance as Acting President since that incident. Nevertheless, Osinbajo’s sanctioning of Daura rekindled confidence in the nation’s democracy, safeguarded the separation of powers and entrenched the Legislature’s independence. *U BMTP DVSUBJMFE UIF TFDVSJUZ BHFODZ T FYDFTTFT In contrast, “MC Oluomo” getting the kids’ glove treatment can embolden him on the path of unbridled impunity. It gives him a licence to ride roughshod over persons and institutions.

Have Tinubu’s advisers forgotten that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Power means nothing without control. Akinsanya is untamed and he has proved it. Would you guess the first thing his boys did upon his being announced the Lagos park committee Chair?

Resorting to self-help, they stormed the state NURTW secretariat and forcefully ejected the unionists the National leaders appointed to manage transport workers’ affairs in Lagos.

Things are getting bloodier and bloodier, as the two Lagos NURTW factions engage in a battle for supremacy.

-Oboagwina, an author and journalist may be reached via foboagwina@gmail.com NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

The God of Udom Emmanuel

Umo Robinson states clearly the God-factor in the politics of Akwa Ibom State “Oh God, if indeed there is God; please save my soul, if indeed I have a soul”

T

hat is the popular prayer of the agnostic or moderate atheist, specifically associated with such philosoQIFST BT 5 ) )VYMFZ BOE (FPSHF Berkeley. Like every genuine philosophical position, it is at once an honest confession of the need for spiritual help, and admission of limitation in the knowledge of spiritual matters.

The virtue of the agnostic attitude is in its honest and humble declaration of lack of indubitably certain knowledge in the FYJTUFODF PG (PE JO UIF SJHJE FQJTUFNPMPHJcal sense in which we know what we know as a matter of fact. This is because admission of ignorance on a particular issue is the first condition for the acquisition of true knowledge on that issue. After all, “he who knows not, and does not know that he knows not, is a fool”.

But in Akwa Abasi Ibom State, you risk being the odd one out if you as much as broach agnosticism. And why should you when the name of the state itself is a glib BOE JNQMJDJU EFDMBSBUJPO UIBU (PE EPFT OPU POMZ FYJTU CVU JT UIF PXOFS PG "LXB *CPN From that premise, it is easy to see why the OBNF PG (PE DBO CF ESPQQFE JO FWFSZUIJOH including ordinary day-to-day business transaction. Of course, the purpose of such name-dropping is often to scramble the need for personal integrity and commitment which are the sine-qua-none for

successful business in places where people BSF QSFQBSFE UP FYIBVTUJWFMZ EP UIFJS QBSU CFGPSF CSJOHJOH (PE JOUP BO JTTVF 5IF SFBM UFTU PG UIJT (PE IZQF IPXFWFS comes when there is a crisis bordering on threat to vested interest. As Martin Luther King Jr. put it, “the true measure of a man is not how he behaves in times of comfort and

convenience, but where he stands in times of controversy and challenges”.

A top Akwa Ibom politician whose name FWFO CFHJOT XJUI i(PEu PODF UBVOUFE B (PE EFQFOEFOU HPWFSOPSTIJQ DBOEJEBUF JO UIF TUBUF UIVT i* XJMM TFF IPX (PE will make you governor without me.”

Unfortunately, the candidate did not make JU UP (PWFSONFOU )PVTF 0CWJPVTMZ UIBU SFWFBMFE UIF (PE DSB[F GPS XIBU JU USVMZ JT in the state: a perfunctory ritualism.

Fast forward to 2015, the year of the BEWFOU PG %FBDPO 6EPN (BCSJFM &Nmanuel and the sounding of the Dakkada bugle: “Akwa Ibomites, rise to the faith of HSFBUOFTT 3JTF UP UIF GBJUI UIBU XJUI (PE all things are possible. Rise to the faith that "LXB *CPN XBT DSFBUFE CZ (PE PVU PG greatness. Rise to the faith that as a people we can move beyond ethnicity, religion and gender….”

Why “beyond religion”? Most likely because hitherto our religion had consisted in “a form of godliness, but a denial of the power thereof”. In the dakkada creed, the (PWFSOPS XBT UIVT JOUSPEVDJOH B OFX BOE radical octave to our religious attitude, POF FTQPVTJOH iGBJUI UIBU XJUI (PE BMM things are possible”. And the opportunity UP QSPWF UIJT BCTPMVUF CFMJFG JO (PE EJE OPU take long to come.

-Robinson writes from the Office of the Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022

15

POLITICS

Why Doherty Is Tired of Complaining About Nigeria Will Twitter be Captured via Hostile Acquisition by Tesla’s Elon Musk?

Chido Nwangwu writes on the implications of Twitter being acquired by the richest man in the world

V

ery early in the morning of Thursday, April 14, 2022, here in the United States, the breaking news on my priority alert was precise. Elon Musk, the richest person in the world, announced an offer of $43 billion to purchase the social media giant, Twitter. It’s stated in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, same day.

Musk, South African-born mogul, is worth almost $292 billion.

Removing all the fine language and subtleties, Musk has therefore, substantially, initiated a hostile takeover of the world’s leading breaking news and micro-blogging platform. He offered an aggressive and persuasive $54.20 per share in cash, representing a 54% premium over the January 28, 2022 closing price for Twitter Inc. He assessed it as his “best and final” offer.

The bold, imaginative and creative business executive also indicated that Twitter has so much potentials of which Musk asserts he knows how best to unlock those….

Already, @elonmusk has almost 82 million followers on Twitter.

I do know, like many other multimedia

investors and analysts, that Musk’s impact and approach to business projects remain transformative and successfully disruptive.

If you’re in any doubts simply take a look at the bottom line and strategic directions of Tesla and SpaceX. Therefore, before looking at and assessing all the regulatory issues, I believe that the latest move by Musk will be transformative of the business of multimedia delivery of news/events and information technology.

In a previous, related analysis on USAfricaonline.com, I have commended Elon Musk’s entrepreneurial courage and visionary zeal, his leadership of Tesla as the top quality brand synonymous with electric and advanced battery powered automobiles and devices are changing the world!

SpaceX corporation extended the frontiers of scientific research, planetary exploration and space tourism. And, a couple of other obscure but successful investments.

I need to add another realistic point that Elon Musk who was born on June 28, 1971 in Pretoria, South Africa, has also been dramatic on a number of issues and projects.

Clearly, his perennial unpredictability is a concern for many; and has been an issue for corporate types. But Musk reduces to be the complaints of those who are afraid of change.

In researching him, I found this quote by him “Some people don’t like change, but you need to embrace change if the alternative is disaster.”

Although, he’s been named TIME magazine “Person of the Year”, the multi billion dollar question remains: should Twitter, the world’s foremost public arena of breaking news, instant conversations, micro-blogging and debates, belong 100% to one man? Or woman? Or….

I guess we’ll know in a couple of weeks or months. First, on Twitter!

Please, follow me @Chido247 — to know the decision and outcome….

-Dr. Nwangwu serves as Founder & Publisher of the first African-owned, U.S-based newspaper on the internet, USAfricaonline. com

Senator Odebiyi: A Man of Unrelenting Parliamentary Prowess Olubunmi Omoogun highlights the achievements of Senator Tolu Odebiyi in the Red Chamber

S

ome Senators in the 9th Nigerian Senate are making great and outstanding marks. They are leaving indelible legislative imprints. Some of them are continuously and genuinely using legislative instruments such as Bills to reverse the socio-economic problems and challenges in their Senatorial Districts.

One of the upwardly mobile Senators championing the good causes for their people is a first-time Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Sen. Tolu Odebiyi.

Interestingly and sadly, Nigeria has been serially let down by leaders who do not work for the common good of their people. They lack the prowess to do so.

Sen. Tolu Odebiyi like some of his colleagues who have stretched their best

foot forward, working round the clock to sincerely leave a great legacy and striving to better the lots and fortunes of their people.

He believes that one of the ways to improve the well-being of his Constituents is to be deliberate about using legislative instruments to develop and economically empower his District.

Understanding the challenges Nigerians are facing due to lack of proper border management and control, drafted a novel Bill to reverse the ugly trend.

-Omoogun writes from Abuja NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

Kelechi Deca explains the motivation behind Mr. Funso Doherty’s bid to become governor of Lagos State on the platform of the Africa Democratic Congress

F

rom the way Nigeria has turned out, it has become imperative to remind every adult in this country of that timeless and very blunt admonition

by Bertolt Brecht, unarguably the most influential German dramatist and theoretician of the theater of the 20th century. Brecht said that “The worst illiterate is the political illiterate, he doesn’t hear, doesn’t speak, nor participates in the political events. He doesn’t know the cost of life, the price of the beans, the fish, the flour, the rent, the shoes and the medicine, all depend on political decisions.

The political illiterate is so stupid that he is proud and swells his chest saying that he hates politics. The imbecile doesn’t know that, from his political ignorance is born the prostitute, the abandoned child, and the worst of all thieves, the bad and corrupted politician, lackey of the national and multinational companies.”

In the last few days, I have been ruminating over some of the challenges facing the Nigerian, especially in the light of that famous quote by James Baldwin, that “To be a Negro in this country, and to be relatively conscious, is to be in rage almost all the time”. But bringing it to the context of Nigeria’s present situation, I rephrased it thus; “To be a Nigerian, in this country, and to be relatively conscious, is to be in constant rage almost all the time.”

And this rage knows no boundary because Nigeria is happening to everybody at different levels and places be it at home, on the road, at work, market, church and even on the sick bed, which has turned Nigerians into perpetual complainants.

To this end, Mr. Funso Doherty is calling on Nigerians to stop whining and complaining and salvage the future of this country for their sake, that of their children, and unborn children’s children. Nobody, he said, will fix Nigeria but Nigerians.

However, blaming Nigerians for resigning to the fate of complaints and whining fails to take cognizant of the fact that the people have been cowed into acquiescence with the tools of mis-governance. Is it the rising crime rates, or absence of social amenities?

For example, security in Lagos has become so harrowing that there is literally no place to hide for the average Lagosian, just this March 22, the gruesome murder of a young lady inside a BRT Bus was the icing, triggering a huge symbolism of distrust in government facilities and an indictment against a derelict leadership.

Is it the high rates of drug abuse among young people, rising rates of cultism across several zones of Lagos, kidnappings and ritually motivated murders are on the rise. The level of criminality in Lagos is so high with incidents of violent crime, including assaults and armed attacks, occurring even against foreign nationals to the extent warnings are being issued to them to avoid all unnecessary travel after dark within Lagos that is meant to be a global investment hub.

The question remains that if no action is taken, if nobody rises up to say that enough is enough, things will continue to deteriorate.

That is why Funso Doherty is calling every Lagosian, and by extension, Nigerians to stand and be counted, that this is not time to sit and complain, rather to stand and be counted.

That is why the debonair boardroom wizkid and prominent face within the corporate Nigeria circle has declared to contest for the gubernatorial seat of Lagos State, someone asked via a tweet, whether Mr. Doherty is shooting for the Stars while aiming for the Moon. This was in reaction to his recent declaration to contest for the gubernatorial seat of Lagos State as standard bearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Societies troubled by high crime rates soon discover that crime infestation negatively impacts almost every aspect of life, thus people soon live at the mercy of criminals. Such challenges cannot be addressed by leaders whose nocturnal activities embolden criminals

and engender such activities. In the absence of committed selfless leadership, all hopes would be lost.

I am persuaded to agree that for Lagos State and by extension the rest of Nigeria to make a dent on the pervading governance deficit across the country, there is need for men and women of goodwill to step out of their cozy cocoons and take that long overdue plunge into the recess of the deep waters of Nigeria’s politics. Nigeria has suffered the most from the near abstinence from political participation by most of its business and intellectual elite. As nature abhors vacuum, vacant spaces must be filled by those who showed up.

Explaining to Lagosians why he presented himself, Funso Doherty said that “Worthy leaders must demonstrate competence that delivers results. They must also model personal integrity, fairness, justice and compassion”.

He added that “Perhaps most importantly in Nigeria of today, they must be resolute and bring the courage, wisdom and tenacity that we know is needed to drive and institutionalize these values throughout government and the public service.”

In enumerating his vision for Lagos, he is not unmindful of how high the mountain is, or how deep the valley is, to him, it is all a matter of commitment and sacrifice. He envisioned a “Lagos where life is valued, families are safe and secure, businesses can thrive, and citizens can live fulfilled lives with dignity and respect”.

Anyone who has been living or working in Lagos over the last few years would easily agree. The state has deteriorated beyond description, traffic lawlessness has become the order of the day, efforts that were being made to ensure every nook and cranny of Lagos was illuminated enough to embolden the people to move around without fear of the dark, have all gone darker.

Muchmore disturbing is the rising power of gangs of ‘Okada’ riders whose numbers have quadrupled across the state in the last three years or so. These guys have challenged every known law from the State government aimed to checkmate their activities while the government has at most cowed or failed to execute its own laws. That was why in shooting at the stars, Mr. Doherty pledges to engender a “forward-facing Lagos, with its vast resources and potential, liberated from the grip of selfserving interests and governed effectively, in the interest and for the benefit of its people”.

It is self-evident that the “Centre of Excellence” seems to have manifested anything but excellence in the running of its affairs. Irked by such development, Mr. Doherty is calling for “a Lagos that is driven by a meritocratic, empowered and accountable public service, and a thriving private sector, a Lagos that rises to become a cornerstone and model for national transformation, delivering opportunity, quality of life and dignified livelihoods”.

-Deca, a journalist, writes from Lagos.

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

16

FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 •T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2022

17

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

REPO

A T

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

08056356325

A P R I L

S & P INDEX

1 4 , 2 0 2 2

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OBB

9.00%

CALL

4%

INDEX LEVEL

564.02%

1/4 TO DATE

5.82%

N413.03/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

10.75%

1-MONTH

6%

1-DAY

–0.17%

YEAR TO DATE

– 15.85%

*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

3-MONTH

10%

MONTH-TO-DATE

0.19%

To Avert Disruptions, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority Extends Recertification Deadline for Airlines

Chinedu Eze The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has given reason why it did not ground airlines undergoing safety checks for the renewal of Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

NCAA said the reason was to avert the disruption of their operations.

The regulatory authority said if it had grounded airlines undergoing safety audit for such recertification,

flight operations would be disrupted and that would affect economic activities in the country.

The explanation was given by the Director General of NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu, who stated that although AOC always had expiration date but this could be extended to airlines undergoing through the process of renewing their AON. NCAA also said there are 10 active domestic airlines in Nigeria, which

renew their AOC every two years, but despite the number of airlines, there is still under capacity, which has contributed to high fares.

“So if NCAA grounds airlines that are undergoing through the process of renewing their AON, it can affect three or more airlines at the same time, which means that this number of airlines could be grounded and their operations stopped,” Nuhu said.

According to Nuhu, this would

further deepen the under capacity, which would give rise to increase in airfares, increased flight delay and also more flight cancellations. This would also lead to withdrawal of flight service to some destinations, which many persons who wish to travel might not be able to do so.

“To renew AOC, there are certain conditions and processes that must be completed. If for whatever reason, either from the operator or the NCAA, we cannot complete those

processes before the expiration of the AOC, we will extend it for them (the airlines).

“Extension is for the system to continue to ensure that all regulatory requirements are complied with for the renewal. Sometimes for some reasons, some operators are not able to meet certain requirements on time or may be on our own part, we cannot complete the process, then, we say instead of disrupting the system, we give them extension

for that period so that they can continue their operations,” the Director General said.

He further explained that before the extension date, the airlines usually get their renewal and he clarified that NCAA usually reviews the situation, give the airlines extension, while it continues to work to complete the renewal process.

“Renewal is not automatic. It is Continued on page 23

FAO DG Urges Africa to Stand Tall Amid Complex Challenges, Worsening Hunger Crisis Oluchi Chibuzor The Director-General of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), QU Dongyu, has urged Africa to stand tall in facing the many challenges in the continent amid worsening hunger crisis.

He maintained that meeting Africa’s overlapping challenges and realizing its enormous potential requires extraordinary efforts and new ways of working together.

Dongyu said this yesterday as he opened the 32nd Session of

the Regional Conference for Africa (ARC32) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

The regional conference, held in Equatorial Guinea’s capital of Malabo and online, places the spotlight on the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31 and its efforts to transform agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable through the Four Betters: Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment and a Better Life for all, leaving no one behind.

In a statement released by the UN body, the ministerial meeting

is taking place as the continent’s aim of ending hunger by 2025, as well as FAO’s efforts to support members achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, face an unprecedented confluence of obstacles.

According to the statement, aside the climate crisis, long-standing regional conflicts and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, now in its third year, a severe drought is tightening its grip on East Africa.

It noted that most recently, the war in Ukraine is severely limiting the supply of wheat to Egypt and

nearby countries, pushing up bread prices in the north of the continent.

It also noted that the number of people going hungry in Sub-Saharan Africa is on the rise again after years of decline.

According to the latest numbers available, 282 million people on the continent, or over one-fifth of the population, don’t have enough food, representing a rise of 46 million from 2019.

Qu told delegates in his opening statement that, “Like the tall ceiba tree on the flag of Equatorial Guinea, we too must stand tall in facing

Africa’s many complex challenges.”

This year’s regional conference is hosted by the Government of Equatorial Guinea and brought together agriculture ministers and other government officials from more than 50 African countries, along with civil society groups, the private sector, development partners and observer member countries.

The president of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, said the conference was taking place at a critical time for the region’s economy and that there was an urgent need to transform our

agrifood systems in a sustainable way.

Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment at the African Union Commission also addressed the opening day of the conference, which is FAO’s highest governing body in Africa.

FAO is working on multiple fronts to help transform Africa’s agrifood systems, which Qu says can play a central role in meeting the challenges of poverty, hunger, Continued on page 23

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT T H U R S D AY, A P R I L 1 4 , 2 0 2 2 BILLS

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

Price

Yield

107.93 4.92 111.64 7.60 112.41 8.68 107.24 10.14 120.75 10.76

Change Updated Time (%) 08, -0.02 April 2022 April 08, 0.27 2022 08, –0.20 April 2022 April 08, 0.00 2022 April 08, 0.31 2022

Discount

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

307,00 307,00 0.00

April 8, 2022

313,00 313,00 0.00

April 8, 2022

188,00 188,00 0.00

April 8, 2022

288,00 290,00 0.00

April 8, 2022

NTB 11Aug-22

318,00 322,00 0.00

April 8, 2022

Yield

OTC F X F U T U R E S

C Ps

MATURITY

Change Updated Time (%)

MATURITY

Discount Yield

Change Updated Time (%)

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

8.93

8.93

-0.09

April 8, 2022

16.46

16.81 0.07

April 8, 2022

8.65

8.75

0.08

April 8, 2022

11.15

11.53 0.30

April 8, 2022

7.78

7.97

April 8, 2022

0.28

CONTRACT TENOR Contract (MONTH) NGUS APR 27 1 2022 NGUS MAY 25 2 2022 NGUS JUN 29 3 2022 NGUS JUL 27 4 2022 NGUS AUG 31 5 2022

Current Rate ($/₦)

Updated Time

427.24

April 8, 2022

428.93

April 8, 2022

430.63

April 8, 2022

432.32

April 8, 2022

434.02

April 8, 2022

18

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

L-R: Vice President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI),Mr.. Leye Kupoluyi; Director General, LCCI, Dr. Chinyere Almona; President, LCCI, Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole; Deputy Treasurer, PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT LCCI, Mrs. Tola Gbogboade and Vice President, LCCI, Prince Abimbola Olashore during LCCI 2nd Quarter Press Conference on the state of the Nation in Lagos… recently

Lower Niger Basin Dev Authority, Kogi State Partnership Yields 7,000 Ton of Rice Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Managing Director Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA), Dr. Adeniyi Saheed Aremu has revealed that more than 7,000 tons of padded rice was produced as a result

of partnership between the authority and the Kogi State government.

He stressed that the authority has reached out to rice farmers in various parts of Kwara State with encouraging results as Kwara State Rice Farmers Association emerged

as the second largest producer of rice at the just concluded Rice Pyramid in Abuja.

He also noted that LNRBDA had been able to deliver one of its key services by the development of irrigated agriculture through the acquisition of more arable land and

subsequent release to individuals, groups and corporate farmers.

“For instance, 500 hectares of farmland was purchased from customary land owners along Malete-Alapa road through the Kwara State government for farming activities,” Aremu said.

He said the project when fully implemented is expected to open up the area for accelerated development, provide jobs and boost food sufficiency in Kwara state.

“Equally, the Authority signed MOU with Kogi State

government and released over 5,000 hectares of its farmland to the state Government. Specifically at Ejiba area office in Kogi State, the partnership with the state government yielded about 7,170 tons of paddy rice from several farmers” he added.

PEBEC Extends 7th National Action Plan By 30 Days Oluchi Chibuzor In line with the goal of continuously improving the business environment in Nigeria through reforms, the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has extended the completion date for the Seventh National Action Plan (NAP 7.0) by 30 days, with a new completion date of May 6, 2022.

The extension of the 60-day window is to enable affected ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) improve on their overall performance, which has so far been suboptimal.

However, based on recent

interventions by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation and relevant Permanent Secretaries, there is the likelihood that more reforms may be delivered by the new deadline as affected MDAs are given additional time for the completion of their reforms.

The PEBEC, at its meeting held In January 2022, had approved the commencement of NAP 7.0 to run from February 7, 2022 to April 7, 2022, with a target to deliver 57 reforms within the 60-day accelerator window.

As at the mid-way point on March 8 the completion rate was 26%. Some of the participating

MDAs include the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Trademarks Registry (Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment), Citizens and Business Department (Ministry of Interior), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Department of Home Finance (Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration

and Control (NAFDAC).

The NAP 7.0 aims to further reduce the challenges faced by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across four areas - Agro-Export Implementation Action Plan, Automation Reforms, Regulatory Reforms, and Executive Order 01/ReportGov. NG compliance reforms.

The reforms include the streamlining and simplification of agro export regulatory practices with a view to boosting the competitiveness of Nigeria’s agroexports while enhancing Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings as stated in the Agro-Export Plan.

Furthermore, NAP 7.0 seeks to intensify efforts at improving travel experience at our airports and to strengthen the automation of the business incorporation process of the Corporate Affairs Commission.

Other reforms include a drive for increased adoption of electronic filling of taxes by taxpayers.

It is expected that, at the end of the 30-day extension, a number of reforms would have been delivered as part of efforts to make Nigeria a progressively easier place to do business.

In her remarks on the extension, the PEBEC Secretary and Special Adviser to the President on Ease

of Doing Business, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, stated that, “the Council is deeply concerned about the situation and accordingly this extension was granted to provide ample time for ministries, departments and agencies to conclude on their outstanding reforms.”

The PEBEC is chaired by Vice President, with the Honorable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment as Vice Chair and consists of 13 Honorable Ministers, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Head of Service and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

‘The Lekki Roundtable’ Set to Revolutionise Entrepreneurship Within Lekki Corridor Oluchi Chibuzor The organizer’s of ‘The Lekki Roundtable’, has expressed optimism that their forthcoming symposium with the theme, ‘Current Trends for Financing Real Estate Transactions’ will help produce the needed entrepreneurs in the fastest development corridor in West Africa.

This, according to them, is because with over 3000 estates and the

development of the Eko Atlantic city within the Lekki corridor, trends had shown that the location has the ability to empower people within the right entrepreneurial network platform.

Speaking at a press conference to sensitize the public about the programme, the Senior Pastor, Church of God Mission International, Oniru Zonal Headquarters, Reverend Chris Ubamadu, said, “with over 3000 estates, recent development within the Lekki corridor can be

used as a tool to revolutionize entrepreneurship.”

He noted that the purpose of the event was centered around powering a highly interactive platform for building beneficial business relationships, generating employment opportunities within the Lekki corridor.

He quoted key insights that supported the fact that the demand for real estate within the corridor, “has continued to grow exponentially, making it

one of the most viable industries in the country thus presenting a source of hope to Nigerians for empowerment.

“The constant increase in property value has shown to be a secure investment opportunity as well as a sound and growing industry for entrepreneurship and youth employment. Concepts such as joint ventures, NHS home loans, land assets and its correlation to financial independence are just a few of the highlights of this year’s

conference. ROUNDTABLE LEKKI is an opportunity for industry players, individuals and enthusiasts alike to come together in a bid to expand their networks and businesses to improve the socioeconomic situation of Nigerians.

“We are humbled by the constant support from the Lagos State Government and their involvement in ensuring that the information needed to impact the current living situation of Lagosians and Nigerians at large, is provided. Our keynote

speaker for this year’s event is the Special Advisor to Lagos State Governor on Housing Mrs. Toke Benson- Awoyinka,” he revealed.

For the Chief Operations Officer of XTREME Mindz Solutions Ltd, Mr. John Obasi, “modern development in currency and how we understand and apply it to the real estate economy in Nigeria has the opportunity to employ and elevate the youth as well as foster a new and innovative class of entrepreneurs.

FAO DG URGES AFRICA TO STAND TALL AMID COMPLEX CHALLENGES, WORSENING HUNGER CRISIS

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

and the climate crisis.

The Director-General also highlighted the desert locust control operations in eastern Africa as an

example of quick and effective action on the ground, together with partners, under FAO’s technical leadership.

“Africa has great potential for change and prosperity due to its rich natural resources and its large pool of innovative young

people. You are here today as key leaders to drive this change. Let us be tall and strong like the ceiba tree, and continue to work

together efficiently, effectively and coherently, and in a more innovative way for Africa We Want!, “Qu said.

TO AVERT DISRUPTIONS, NIGERIAN CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY EXTENDS RECERTIFICATION DEADLINE FOR AIRLINES a process with steps, which must be completed. The most we have given, if I am not mistaken is 90 days, but usually, it is hardly more than 30 days. We do this thing so that the system will keep functioning.

You can imagine if we are unable to complete the process either on the part of the airline or NCAA, we now ground one or two airlines, can you imagine the chaos that we will have in the industry?

“So, people need to understand, rather than the blanket condemnation without clarifications on what the actual issue is and why we are doing what we do. It is the same people that will turn around and insult us if we don’t renew the AOC of a particular

airline. Whatever you do, head or tail, you lose,” he said.

The Director General also spoke on the increase in airfares by the airlines and said that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has its own functions, which were different from that of NCAA and explained that FCCPC deals with consumer protection and NCAA deals with air transport regulation, “which I think, still deals with the issue of airfares.”

According to him, “All airlines are supposed at the beginning of each year to file their airfares to NCAA and most of the airlines do that. However, during the year, if the airfares are going to

be higher than the ones filed before the NCAA, the airline is supposed to notify NCAA. Then, we will do our reasonableness check and if we are good with it, we tell them to go ahead, but if not, we will tell them no; so this is an unfettered deregulation that they can do as they like, there are guidelines to that in our regulations.”

The Director General was referring to the increase in airfares by domestic airlines, which they explained they did in response to the sudden increase in the cost of aviation fuel, which rose by over 200 per cent from late February to early March, this year.

Captain Nuhu also clarified that NCAA was not involved in

the multidesignation of foreign airlines, noting that it lies under the Ministry of Aviation.

“Unfortunately NCAA is not the one responsible for Bilateral Air Service agreement (BASA) negotiations to airlines. It is a policy issue and it is led by the Ministry. NCAA makes its own contributions, but the final decision is by the Ministry. So, anyone that blames NCAA for that is either out of lack of understanding of how BASA negotiations work for Nigeria; and every country has its own peculiarity on how they do BASA. In Nigeria, it is the Ministry.”

He also said that the new national carrier, Nigeria Air, has

started the process of obtaining AOC. He however said he could not ascertain when they would obtain the certification.

“The only thing I can tell you is that the promoters of that airline have applied and their AOC is ongoing. I don’t have any assurances of when the licenses would be. You see, when you apply for AOC or any certification, some issues that are not completely under the purview of NCAA like seeking security clearance for the applicant, security agents do that. I don’t have a control over security agencies to give such clearances. They have applied and it is ongoing, we are waiting for security clearance,” Nuhu said.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2022

19

BUSINESSWORLD

AIR WATCH

United Nigeria, Wakanow Partner to Enhance Customers’ Experience Chinedu Eze Nigeria’s upcoming airline, United Nigeria Airlines has integrated with Wakanow, Africa’s leading travel tech company, to provide greater value to its customers by delivering real-time inventory and flight schedules.

By virtue of this partnership, Wakanow is the only online travel agency with United Nigeria’s Live Inventory bookable in real time enabling the delivery of seamless booking experience for Wakanow customers and United Nigeria passengers.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to United Nigeria, CEO of Wakanow, Mr. Adebayo Adedeji said, “We are excited to commence this partnership with United Nigeria. With the support of Wakanow, the airline will concentrate on her core mandate which is moving travelers across the country while we will ensure

that travelers have the best-in-class booking experience.”

“We have promised our customers that we are the best plug for their local and international travels. We will continue to deliver on this promise and with this partnership, we have gone a step further to delight African travelers,” he added.

Also commenting during the visit, CCO of Wakanow, Mrs. Adenike Macaulay, noted that with the integration, Nigerians should be rest assured of a seamless booking experience for domestic flights with United Nigeria.

“Our expertise as an innovative travel tech company is a great value addition to the airline, which will be leveraged extensively as we deepen our partnership. We will be upping the ante of the booking experience of United Nigeria Airlines as a partner”, she said.

Chairman and CEO of United Nigeria, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, said: “United Nigeria is glad to have

Wakanow as a partner to provide this bespoke service to us in delivering best-in-class booking services. We are sure that their support for United Nigeria will aid our growth and overall success in the aviation industry.”

Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer of United Nigeria, explained that as the airline continues to evolve and take on more destinations, the potential of the tourism sector of Nigeria will all be better known.

According to him, “Wakanow has demonstrated leadership in the travel industry, and we are sure that this will impact on our airline as well and provide the travelling public dear to not only its booking platform but also other services. It will complement United Nigeria’s objective of uniting cities, cultures, businesses, friends and associates through delivery of safe and exceptional flight experiences to its customers.”

A I R WATCH

Aviation Business and Challenges of Operating in Austere Economy

Ethiopia Lifts Ban on Boeing 737 Max After 2019 Crash Chinedu Eze Ethiopia’s Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) has lifted the three-year ban imposed on Boeing 737 Max after the tragic crash involving the aircraft type in the country’s worst air disaster.

The Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) said it lifted the ban after being satisfied with improvements in the planes’ design and the airlines’ pilot training programme.

The aircraft had been grounded worldwide in March 2019 when an Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX crashed near Addis Ababa killing 149 passengers and eight crew members on March 10, 2019.

It was the second of two fatalities involving Boeing 737 MAX in just

five months.

On October 29, 2018 Lion Air Flight 610 operating Boeing 737 MAX crashed into Java Sea 13 minutes after takeoff, killing all 189 persons on board.

Both crashes were attributed to a faulty automated flight-control system known as ‘MCAS’.

It was Ethiopia’s devastating 737 MAX crash that confirmed to the world that there was a major fatal flaw with the aircraft.

But three years later, Ethiopia and many other countries expressed satisfaction with the plane maker’s safety upgrades and the jet had returned to the skies in different parts of the world.

This was after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), European Union Aviation Safety

Agency (EASA), the Civil Aviation Administration of China and the Transport Safety Board of Canada (TSBC), certified that the aircraft could fly in their airspace.

FAA cleared the planes to resume flights in November 2020, but ordered mandatory pilot training and modification of flight computer.

Ethiopian Airlines had in February carried out demonstration flights with the aircraft, airlifting passengers, which include journalists and others and operated it for over one hour.

Shortly after the ill-fated crash, the former Managing Director of Ethiopian Airlines, Tewolde Gebremariam said that the airline would be the last to fly the aircraft when it returned to service.

BAGAIA Holds Safety Workshop, Reiterates Plans Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Bureau (BAGAIA) has reiterated plans to continue strengthening its regional bond and improving safety in the continent by deepening ties with existing and forging new allies.

Commissioner of BAGAIA, Charles Irikefe Erhueh, made this known at the ongoing Aviation Safety Workshop and the Seventh Commission Meeting of Banjul Accord Group Accident Investigation Agency (BAGAIA) holding at Hilton Hotel, Sal Island from April 11th -15th, 2022.

The theme of this year’ meeting: ‘Consolidation of Gains’ aligns with the Aviation Safety’, will go further to

examine how impactful the various safety recommendations in some incidents and accidents has been after infusion into individual and collective systems, the commissioner said.

He said BAGAIA would continue to be interested in strengthening this alliance it has forged together in the sub-region; while, looking forward to doing more to ensure safer skies bereft of accidents and incidents.

He called on states to establish guidelines that would aid them in putting values in place that will further boost safety “The performance of the aeronautical activities are not just

a consequence of the individual characteristics of the human element and the group in which it is inserted, but also of the characteristics of the organisational environment in which it is inserted. Therefore, organisations must seek to establish in their guidelines, actions that favor the rooting of behaviors, values, and attitudes in for the sake of safety and security,” he added.

He acknowledged the group’s drive to integrate new members in the region and beyond that stressed the need for existing members to show commitment financially as only by so doing would BAGAIA grow and fulfill its primary function.

Group Launches Wardchat Tech App in Nigeria Emma Okonji Wardchat, a Nigerian non-partisan social network connecting voters from the same polling unit, ward, local government and state across the country has been launched in the country.

Announcing the launch of the app at a press conference in Lagos recently, the Country Lead, Wardchat, Kunle Lawal, said: “Wardchat is the World’s 1st social network purposely built for an electoral community. It is an effective and smart social network with custom features built on Nigeria’s electoral structure covering 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), 774 Local Governments, 8000 wards and

over 176,000 polling units across the nation”.

He explained that most of the tech apps coming into the Nigerian market were Fintech, Mobility, Insurtech, EdTech, but explained that Wardchat would be the only custom-built tech app aimed at digitising the electoral space for proximal relationships using the smallest electoral unit as a determinant during registration.

“We will play in the social media space where we have the foreign big techs like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Opera News hub,” Lawal said.

According to him, what makes Wardchat different is the niche market it would be serving, which

is Nigeria’s electoral community of over 73 million registered voters and over 120 million above voting age.

He said the features were built for Nigeria’s electoral structure which isn’t an afterthought. “As of today, only Wardchat creates connections by matching user’s electoral profiles thereby helping to foster engagement among voters that lead to better electoral outcomes, targeted audience conversations and ward-centric conversations”, Lawal stated.

He said the major insight that informed the development of the app was the realisation that every polling unit is a community of voters that should connect and interact more as voters, no matter how dispersed they may be.

So much attention is always paid to schedule commercial flight operations because that is the flight service that airlifts majority of the people from place to place, but business aviation provides service to the critical entrepreneurs, investors and top government officials that drive the economy of the nation.

This sub-sector of the aviation industry also buoys the oil and gas industry, as it provides shuttle service to oil and gas exploration and production. Business aviation is a niche market that is indispensable, which plays crucial role by providing the fastest service in connecting the intra and international business engagements.

Recently THISDAY spoke with the General Manager, Nesto Aviation Services Limited (NestAv) Ehis Uadiale. The company provides charter, security and oil and gas shuttle services. In his exposition about the company, Uadiale also x-rayed the challenges facing the aviation sector and pointed out ways Nigeria can revamp the industry after the COVID-19 devastation.

Uadiale said that government must make planned, concerted efforts to ensure that operators in the industry both in business aviation and in schedule service do not go under.

He said that the challenges that cut across the sector include high tariff by Customs, high cost of aviation fuel and the need to have consistent transport or aviation policy not subjected to the whims of the Minister in charge of the industry at any point in time.

“Looking at the stringent regulation that we have we expect that there should be consistent implementation of waiver of tariffs on aircraft and spares given by the federal government. This government is a listening government so stakeholders in the industry should request support from government to ensure that airlines do not go under. This is important because the exorbitant cost of exchange rate does not favour any operator. When the right things are done to safe the industry, it will begin to blossom,” he said.

On the company, Uadiale observed that successful entrepreneurship is deep-rooted in identifying opportunities and meeting the demands for value.

So, when the flourishing Obijackson Group assessed the Nigerian oil & gas industry, it identified the glaring need for industry-centric aviation services, particularly in the charter and security segments.

This gave birth to NestoAviation Services Limited (NestAv) in 2013.

He said that NestAv is a silent but key player in the aviation industry, which has over time, focused on delivering its business objectives while identifying opportunities in areas that competitors may define as tumultuous.

“While a large number of businesses and individuals might still be lamenting the challenges of the COVID-19 virus, its disruption of businesses and altering the way people live, NestAv has identified clear opportunities to positively impact the Nigerian economy by developing its expansion plans,” he said.

He said Nestav is a company set out with a commitment to render peerless air-travel services to all who demand such, with a focus on the oil and gas industry, particularly in the areas of offshore and VIP helicopter support, surveillance services, in addition to executive jet services locally as well as globally.

“NestAv operates with state-of-the-art hangers from two major locations, namely, the oil and gas operational base at the NAF Base, Port Harcourt, and the Murtala Mohammed Airport, close to the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) Ikeja, Lagos. From these strategic locations, the company has continued to provide its clients with world-class aviation services through its well-serviced fleet consisting of two AW139 helicopters, one Bombardier Global Express jet and a Gulf Stream G-IV. “In the face of well documented daunting challenges confronting the aviation industry, NestAvhas managed to make steady progress in its almost ten-year history.

This has led to the organisation’s confidence that through its solid foundation, substantial planning, and evolution, it is well-positioned to obtain a larger market share in the aviation industry,” he said.

The General Manager said the impact of NestAv’s operations on the Nigerian economy through its surveillance and security services is enormous, as the company has been able to use these aspects of its service rendition to help maintain stable oil and gas production. It has also contributed in no small way to securing lives and properties, particularly in the restive areas where the major oil companies operate.

According to Uadiale, NestAv’s business success is not only measured in terms of profitability, but also in the organisation’s contribution towards preserving the lives of oil and gas professionals who consistently face security threats in their field of operation.

Seemingly satisfied with its role in ensuring peaceful and safe operations in the oil and gas industry, the General Manager of NestAv said that the company’s growth plan is poised to hit the ground running this year.

“We already have some plans in the pipeline, but our objective today is to deliver the quality service that we promise our clients. We do have a plan for fleet growth before the end of the year. Our target is to increase our brand recognition by potential clients by increasing publicity of our services. We are strengthening our hold on our niche segment and also achieving additional access within the oil and gas industry,” he explained.

Part of its effort to firm up its grip on its market share includes maintaining its rotary wings (helicopters) through a self-sustained maintenance organisation in-country which leverages an agreement with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and entails following a defined maintenance program to aid the in-house maintenance and repairs when an aircraft is unserviceable or requires routine scheduled or unscheduled maintenance.

Though, for the fixed wings aircraft (jets) there exists limited capabilities to service and maintain aircraft in Nigeria, the organisation schedules annual shadow maintenance outside the country with an approved Aircraft Maintenance Organization (AMO), to ensure all its aircraft that require C-checks are serviced efficiently.

Nesto Aviation Services (NestAv) Limited was incorporated in 2013 and is committed to delivering to all existing and prospective clients the highest possible service in air travel.

Providing offshore and VIP helicopter support flight services as well as Executive Jet Services to its esteemed clients across the country and the sub-region.

20

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

Expanding Infrastructure to Absorb Growing Passenger Traffic The failure to match facility expansion with passenger growth has been one of the factors that have retarded air transport development in Nigeria. This reality has compelled the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to expand capacity at the General Aviation Terminal to meet surging passenger increase, writes Chinedu Eze

D

uring the unveiling of the new terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos in March, many Nigerians were aghast when it was revealed that the international terminal, which started in 1979, had initial capacity of 800, 000 passengers per annum.

The facility continued to serve the travelling public, exceeded its built capacity and by 2021 it was processing about 75 per cent of nearly five million international passengers per annum, being the nation’s major gateway.

Over the years, poor airport infrastructure has remained a challenge in the aviation industry. The tendency to wait until facilities have decayed or become grossly inadequate before intervention smacks of management that lacked vision and accurate projection of the future and industry stakeholders put the blame on government, which they said, allegedly micromanages the agencies through the Ministry of Aviation.

The stakeholders also said that poor and inadequate terminal facilities contribute significantly to flight delays, as there are delays in passenger processing due to inadequate security screening points and other facilities.

But the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) seems to have braced up for the challenge.

The agency started infrastructural renewal programme to address the inadequate capacity at the Murtala MuhammedDomestic Terminal (MMA1); otherwise known as the General Aviation Terminal (GAT).

FACILITY EXPANSION

THISDAY learnt that FAAN has commenced gradual expansion of the domestic terminalwaiting lounge at the General Aviation Terminal and infrastructural renewal at the facility include the expansion of the waiting lounge from 500 capacity to 1, 054.

The existing bungalow structure would be rebuilt to two-story building that would house aviation clinic annex. There would be new elevator for check-in passengers, installation of state-of-the-art cooling system, increase of the screening points from two to five to enhance easy passenger facilitation. It would also create comfortable space for checked-in passengers, enhance space for VIPS and protocols. It is projected that when the project is completed, the GAT would be the largest domestic terminal in Nigeria.

DURATION

FAAN said it would complete the rehabilitation within nine and 12 months. The contractor handling the reconstruction is Glovesly Pro-Project Limited.

Speaking to THISDAY on the project, the General Manager in charge of project at FAAN who is also the coordinator of the GAT project, Yemi Aiyelso, who explained that at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT), there are Zulu and Alpha halls.

“The Zulu terminal is the one we are expanding now. For a while now, the space at the Zulu terminal has been inadequate and due to its inadequacy, most of the airlines moved to the other terminal within the airport. The management has embarked upon

inspection of the terminal several times and we concluded that it is necessary for us to expand the terminal so that it can accommodate more passengers.

“We wrote a proposal, sent it to the Ministry of Aviation and SenatorHadi Sirika, the Minister of Aviation, approved it and sent it to the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for their approvals, which we got,” he said.

He confirmed that presently, the capacity of the facility is not more than 500 persons but it would be expanded to 100 per cent increase.

“Presently, the VIP is a bungalow building and we intend to expand it to a two-storey building. Also, we intend to have expanded protocols at the terminal so that if the capacity of the users is high, other passengers can go to any of the storey buildings. We are going to have escalators that will take people from one level to the other and they are all interconnected.

So, from one terminal, you can easily get to the other,” he disclosed.

ENHANCED REVENUE GENERATION

Aiyelso regretted that inadequate capacity has compelled some of the airlines to move their operations to the other available terminal within the airport (MMA2), but expressed the hope that when the project is completed they would come back to enjoy a more enhanced facility.

“Presently, we have two screening points and machines at the Zulu terminal, but with the expansion, we hope to have five screening points, which will be interconnected and with that you have easy passage of passengers and seamless connectivity. The waiting time will be reduced for air travellers and passenger facilitation will definitely improve, the General Manager said.

With expansion of screening points the delays occasioned by passenger processing, especially at peak hours would be eliminated and this will enhance on-time performance for airlines.

Aiyelso said: “If you go in now, we have done it in such a way that it is easy for passengers to move without any discomfort to them. We have allocated a place for the contractors to put their equipment and we also ensure that critical jobs, which may affect easy movement of passengers, will be done at night. It is a seamless work for everyone.”

He said he was happy being appointed as the Coordinator of this project and expressed gratitude to the FAAN management for giving him the opportunity to serve and to contribute in the rehabilitation of the facility.

“I am very grateful to my management for the opportunity given me to serve in this capacity. I can assure them that the project will be on time, professionally done and quality-wise, it will be a topnotch. By the time we finish, everyone will appreciate what we are doing,” he said.

The General Manager said the travelling

public should not be worried, reiterating that the work would not inconvenience passenger movement.

LOUNGE EXTENSION

The GAT Terminal Manager, Adekunle Aderibigbe said the extension of the domestic terminal waiting lounge, the Zulu Hall, started some few weeks ago, disclosing that the Alpha Hall has been extended some few years ago, but now, the government started the extension of the Zulu which when completed would have aviation clinic annex, elevator for passenger use, comfortable space for checked-in travellers and a space for aged and nursing mothers.

“In addition, the current lounge for the Very Important Persons (VIPs) and government officials will be extended. Also, the screening areas will be extended for passenger facilitation at the screening areas. The total space for the sitting passengers at the departure hall will increase to 1054 from its less than present 500 capacity.

“When the project is completed, this terminal is going to be the largest domestic terminal airport in Nigeria with the sitting arrangement and some other facilities that will come onboard.

Presently, we have two screening areas and two different screening machines, but with more space, the screening area to Zulu, will increase by additional two or three, making it five screening points and machines for the passengers,” Aderibigbe said.

He said one of the major reasons for the terminal expansion is to create more comfort to the travelling public, disclosing that FAAN management, led by the Managing Director, Capt. Rabiu Yadudu came who was appointed few years ago, discovered that the Zulu Hall was too small to accommodate the influx of passengers to the terminal.

“The MD on inspection at times, will see some of the passengers standing, while some of the nursing mothers will be seen carrying their babies in their hands when the facility is stretched at the peak period. So, the management felt it was necessary to increase the ambience for the travelling public and other users of our facilities, which we have commenced now.

“After the completion of this project, the sitting arrangement will be enhanced and members of the public, too, will enjoy all the facilities that are coming onboard after its completion.

Also, the cooling system will be enhanced for all users,” the Terminal Manager said.

TERMINAL BUILDING EXPANSION

The General Secretary, Aviation Round Table (ART) and former Commandant of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Group Capt John Ojikutu (rtd),said each of the aviation agencies should have Research and Development (R&D) Department, which couldbe used to get the passenger traffic for

the airports, noting that they department would study passenger movement and know whether passenger traffic is increasing or decreasing and make recommendation on infrastructure expansion.

“Is the traffic improving or declining? I think apart from the waiting lounge expansion, FAAN should be thinking about expanding the terminal building at the local airport. What FAAN want to do is good for the system, but whatever they do should be in consonance with the passenger growth.

They should do something that can last us for more than 10 years. It should not be two years or five years development.

“Don’t forget that the waiting lounge is for passengers and the terminal hall needs to be enhanced, too. The arrival and departure passengers should be considered in doing this, while the number of boarding gates should also be increased. On completion, the terminal will still ease passenger movement. However, I want to commend the FAAN management for the initiative, but, like I said earlier, plans should also be made to increase the domestic terminal building at the Lagos airport,” Ojikutu said.

Director of Research, Zenith Travels, Mr. Olumide Ohunayo, said that it was a good move for FAAN to plan the expansion of terminal facility in as more airlines are coming in to join the market.

He remarked that there is discomfort, delays and rescheduling of flights due to inadequate capacity at the local wing of the Lagos airport.

“I think it is a good move for FAAN; they need to expand the waiting lounge to cope with the expansion and bring comfort to passengers. This will further reduce anxiety of the early morning flight delays.

I support this move and again, it shows that the previous ministers and FAAN managing directors didn’t look at the future with the expansion and remodeling that have taken place in recent years in the industry.

“For instance, look at the new terminal at the international airport and the bringing down of buildings to make way for the ramp of the new international terminal, it shows poor planning. I want to say that those who have taken poor decisions in the interest of the country in the past and cost us extra money and pain to correct the mistakes of the pastshould be sanctioned,” he said.

A passenger who was travelling through the GAT terminal who identified herself as Sandra Emokpe commended FAAN for starting the project and said that although the expansion was really overdue but it was good the agency had embarked on remodeling and expanding the terminal.

“This will be nice for the travelling public if it is done and done well. It will create more space and comfort for the passengers and other users of the terminal. With this, passenger facilitation will be boosted, while delays will also reduce at the terminal.

“I think it is a good job that FAAN management is trying to put together and I hope that it will be done appropriately. Also, the government too should support FAAN and give the management the adequate support it requires to get the job done as planned,” she said.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2022

21

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Zubairu: Government Investment in Infrastructure Should Be in Form of Credit Enhancements The President and Chief Executive Officer, Africa Finance Corporation, Mr. Samaila Zubairu in this interview spoke extensively on how to tap into private capital to fund Nigeria and Africa’s infrastructure deficit, the importance of intra-Africa trade, AFC’s investment strategy for Nigeria and other issues; Nume Ekeghe presents excepts.

What is the position of the AFC as to financing fossil fuel for development in Africa especially at a time when global institutions are pulling the plug on funding fossil especially for energy production? think the most important thing for us to all agree on is that Africa is the least contributor in global emissions and greenhouse gas but we are the most impacted. And the impact is really significant because it actually deflates the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of a country.

A flood or drought really takes away from the economy. What is most important is that we have some of the world’s best carbon sinks, essentially where the lungs for the world that will absorb all the carbon emissions that occur globally. We have some of the most resilient and most adaptive forests.

Yesterday at a panel session, my interviewer reminded me that the mountain forest in Nigeria is the most carbon absorptive forest in the world. So, we have a lot in Africa in relation to how we can be a solution to the climate challenge we all face. On energy transition, the world is saying our energy consumption is producing a lot of carbon emissions and we need to reduce that energy consumption to reduce the carbon emissions.

Or put differently, we need to change the sources of the energy that we use to reduce the carbon emissions. For us in Africa, we have a significant energy deficit. Of all the people who don’t have access to electricity in the world, two thirds of them are in Africa.

Over half of Eastern Africa has no access to electricity. So, we have significant energy deficit.

If you look at our per capita consumption for energy, it is about 170 kilowatts per hour, I think in Europe it is over 6000, I think in America is about 12,000. So, you then see where we are in energy consumption. If you look at how we consume energy in Africa, mainly is to feed ourselves.

We don’t have sufficient energy for industrialisation. If you look at Nigeria, most of the industrial activities are self-generation, there is no industrial activity that is reliant on the grid. The solution for us as Africans is that we must try to ensure that we have clear strategies to improve our energy access, and our energy access must be a mix of energy sources. We have significant renewable sources; we have financed a lot of renewable assets. So, we financed the first wheat farm in Cape Verde that provides energy for the island. We financed a wind farm and are constantly financing a wind farm in Djibouti that is going to replace imported fuel Ethiopia and aid power generation.

I

How much has AFC deployed to Nigeria to grow its Power generation especially as power is a major developmental tool?

We supported the power generation program here in Nigeria. We invested in a distribution company in Nigeria. We articulated a solar power program that we committed $100 million and we got the green climate fund to also commit $100 million too but unfortunately, we couldn’t reach an agreement on the power purchase agreements that it was required for the project to take off the ground.

Currently, the government is looking at it again, and they are engaging with us on how we can reactivate that program. I must acknowledge the progress that has happened in the power sector in Nigeria. There was a multitude of issues, the main one was the liquidity support required for the sector as well as the absence of sufficient transmission capacity, and of course, the reluctance and the difficulty of implementing the cost reflective tariffs. So, all of this, you know, affects funding and ability to fund a project.

How is AFC helping to enhance interconnection within the continent to tap into The African Continental Free

Zubairu

Trade Area(AFCTA)?

We are also focused on how Africa can be integrated. We have a very elaborate transport and logistics sector; we have a lot of projects that we have financed.

We have financed several toll roads that actually link countries. We are supporting the government of Nigeria now on a rail project to Niger and Nigeria. We have a pipeline of projects that are looking at interconnection within Africa.

More importantly, we are looking at the value addition of African produce and commodities for trade within the continental free trade area. We have set up special economic zones across South African countries that are looking at specific products and how we can enhance value capture within those spaces.

Africa produces over 60 per cent of the world’s copper cobalt, and one African country Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) earn about $7 million from exporting cobalt, but the entire raw material of cobalt, is just about $11 billion.

But the output from cobalt is $1.7 or $1.3 trillion, you see the difference? So, if you can go the end, you can see this income in value creation. So we have done a study that shows that it is cheaper to produce parts of what is required for the electric vehicles and mobility of the future and that it is cheaper to do that in DRC than in the US, China or in Poland.

So, we are embarking on a program to produce battery processors in Africa.

They are also similar other minerals and metals that have the same mutation. So, for example we have a lot of lithium across Africa even in Nigeria, we have a lot of rare earth minerals in Nigeria and if it’s mine processed in Nigeria can add significantly to value creation and high-quality jobs in Africa for our youths.

Can speak on your rebranding?

We have been around for 15 years with a very clear focus, which is to address Africa’s infrastructure deficit and improve its operating environment by developing and financing infrastructure projects across the continent. So that’s very clear and we’ve done that with success over the last 15 years. And we have been instrumental to Africa’s infrastructure development. We know that we’ve added significant value to

most of the communities and projects that we support.

We’ve also learned that we are not as well known, and our significant contributions of our people, our team and our core strength while it’s well known and well established, it’s not celebrated as well. So, most people tell me that my team members are the best in the room. I was in Senegal to look at some projects and they kept calling members of our team by their needs and describing them. So that was very interesting to me. That reminded me of the strength of our people. Likewise, everywhere we go, people are always talking about the significant capacity that we bring to the table.

A lot of people would tell us that without us, several projects will not be built and it is our approach of engagement and partnership that makes these projects come through.

So, we’ve also learned that because we live it every day, it is a passion and commitment of our people to build the roads, bridges that will integrate and connect Africa within Africa and Africa to the rest of the world.

All that lead us to understand that while our mission is clear, our mandate is clear and our commitment is clear, our brand doesn’t quite reflect that. Which is why we decided to do a rebrand that reinforce our conviction that Africa is instrumental to the world. If you summarise all the things that I’ve said about our capacity to provide minerals and metals for the energy transition, our capacity to feed the world, our capacity to provide the carbon sinks that are solutions to climate change.

Africa is a part of the solution, we are instrumental to the world.

The AFC in particular, is instrumental to Africa’s infrastructure development and infrastructure development is instrumental to Africa’s economic development. From the questions that you asked and from the comments that you made in relation to lack of infrastructure as part of the problems that we have and are part of the limiting factors, for our growth as a people.

So, all of this together is reason why we have done the rebrand with the by-line instrumental infrastructure, instrumental Africa.

On financing infrastructure in Nigeria, are there collaborations with Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria Limited (InfraCo)?

We are a key part of InfraCo, we are one of the main drivers of the program. We are working with the Central Bank of Nigeria, which is our largest shareholder and the Nigerian Sovereign investment authority agency of Investment Authority for InfraCo. We have put on the table $2.5 million already. It’s not a commitment; the money is there already. So that is further demonstration of our commitment to infrastructure development in Nigeria.

We’ve also put in place a framework for significant scaling up by appointing independent asset managers, and deploying a blended finance framework for pooling funds and walking working with managers that are experienced in raising third party capital globally. So that is expected to significantly make funding available for projects.

With recent security threats affect the risks of investing in infrastructure projects in Nigeria?

We are looking at managing some of

the risks associated with infrastructure financing. One of the big risks is currency mismatch because the funds come in dollars but the revenue is in naira. So, if you look at Nigeria in particular, where we have short cycles of significant currency depreciation which is why we came up with the naira or local currency funding framework. And we are actually exporting that to the rest of the continent. We think a lot of projects that can be financed in local currency should be financed in local currency.

How much has AFC invested Nigeria and in the nearest future, what are the immediate projects AFC is working on and what how can government improve private investments in reducing the country’s infrastructure deficit?

On how much AFC has invested in Nigeria, the number is actually $1.6 billion currently, I mean earlier investments have been paid back, right now on the balance sheet of $8.6 billion, we have $1.6 billion as investments. We have invested in over 20 projects in Nigeria, 49 per cent is in natural resources, 38 per cent is in heavy industries, telecoms and technology, 11 per cent is in power and 2 per cent is in transport. We have discovered that the trend for infrastructure investment in Nigeria is same as that of the globe.

So, if you look at our infrastructure deficits, and the opportunities to invest in infrastructure, transport and energy is about 80 per cent of the subset, which is also consistent with the global average.

Now, it turns out that transport and energy is the area where you can easily attract private sector capital. So that is the area that governments should least invest in. And any government investment should be more in the form of credit enhancements. What government needs to do in Nigeria is to provide the credit enhancement, provide the guarantees, provide the mechanisms for private capital to develop. So, we know that a toll road between Lagos to Ibadan will make money any day, but because we have experience of government cancelling concessions, people will be shy to make that investment. We’ve seen what happened in the Lekki expressway, people will be shy to make investment. So, government has to step up to say it would not happen and if it happens, we shall compensate you.

So that kind of credit enhancement is what is required from government, once government can provide that, there will be significant capital flow to Nigeria, for various infrastructure projects and indeed, to most of the African continent. So, part of the solution we provide and part of what we are doing is that we are upgrading our Africa investment framework to a policy dialogue framework.

There are several issues that confronts us as Africans and we think that we need to find a way of engaging with government from an investor perspective.

We know that Covid has had in the ability to contribute to investments and we want them to focus on health, security and education for the future workforce because we need to invest now for that future workforce we aspire for. All the studies indicate that Africa would have a workforce larger than China and India combined by 2035, so for that to be a meaningful workforce, we need to invest in education. Government should provide the enhancement that would mobilise private capital to transport and energy that the private sector would fund and they can invest in security, education, health, water and sanitation that is not so easy the private sector to participate in.

22

BUSINESSWORLD

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

INTERVIEW

Usman: Kano State Contributes About 24% of Total Milk Produced Locally Powered by a Public Private Partnership strategy, Chairman, Kano Dairy and Livestock Husbandry Cooperative Union (KADALCU), Mr. Usman Abdullahi Usman, in this interview said that the dairy industry is thriving in Kano State as a result of the partnership between the Kano Dairy Cooperative Union, the Outspan Nigeria Limited and the support of the state and the federal governments. Dike Onwuamaeze brings you the excerpts: Can you provide an insight into the operations of the Kano Dairy Cooperative Union? ano Dairy Cooperative Union (KDCU) serves as an umbrella body for 74 primary cooperative societies from different local government areas of the state. These cooperative societies are from clusters of dairy farmers who desire to learn modern dairy farming practices and desist from grazing to settle in one place.

The cooperative union comprises about 12,500 members from 74 cooperative societies. We have been able to segregate the cooperatives into three (3) senatorial districts or zones of the state.

Can you shed light on the objectives of the Kano Dairy Union?

One of the aims of the cooperatives is to provide a regular and sustainable dairy market for the member farmers thereby putting an end to roaming or open grazing among the farmers. The potential off-takers and the union itself can off-take the raw milk supplied by the members and process it into different varieties of dairy products. Outspan Nigeria Limited, the dairy business unit of Olam Food Ingredient (ofi), saw our vision and approached the union to open up a partnership framework to Usman off-take the raw milk from our members and process it into different varieties of We prioritised quality and Kano Dairy Cooperative Union products. The union in 2020 signed a whereby when the women stop standards as a cooperative union. memorandum of understanding (MoU) hawking the milk produced on their And we want to ensure our clients with Outspan Nigeria Ltd. farms, the mature ones among them off-take milk that meets the best As part of this MoU, Olam aims could be sent to school to receive global quality standards. This is why to develop and execute a backward formal education. This is our third we have put in place a rigorous milk integration plan that seeks to enhance objective as a union. The fourth testing parameter. We have what and support the dairy value chain in objective is to create wider awareness is called a quality control unit. We line with the federal government’s among our members and to orientate train the milk attendants to carry plan for self-sufficiency in the dairy them to adopt modern dairy farming out basic tests on raw milk brought industry. Today, the union has achieved practices as well as help them practice into the milk collection centre to a lot although it was only registered animal husbandry on a commercial ascertain the density level of the formally as an organisation in 2017. scale instead of seeing it as a cultural raw milk to avoid adulteration, and The union seeks to relieve the women heritage. We also realised that most the PH level of the same to ensure who traditionally hawk the local milk day of our people are currently living they are not getting sour. by day, which, considering the changes to below their potential as a result of the consumer lifestyles, does not provide Can you tell us more about their inability to utilise the resources commensurate value for the efforts put that are available to them or convert the bulking centre? into the production of the raw milk.

A bulking centre is a bigger version them to economic means. What Consequently, we go into the cluster, of a milk collection centre. From its we do is to buy the raw milk from collect the milk from all the clusters, them and ensure they have a steady name, the bulking centre is where and relieve the women of street hawking income to rise out of the bottom of raw milk is collected, preserved in to allow them to concentrate on raising the socioeconomic ladder where most a larger tank and off-taken in a their children well while the milk is off of them are currently sitting. We have larger quantity compared to what taken and sold to the corporate off-takers. is obtainable at the milk collection started small.

Another objective is to generate direct The cooperative union now centre. and indirect employment opportunities has a bulking centre, which has for the youth.

How long do you keep the milk been renovated and upgraded by With the intervention of Outspan Nigeria Outspan Nigeria Limited. Through at the bulking centre?

Limited, we have been able to secure The milk is kept for a maximum of the intervention support of Outspan motorbikes and tricycles which have Nigeria Limited, we are spreading to 48 hours at the bulking centre. The been issued out to the youth vendors locate a milk location centre closer technology is almost similar to what to go to the Fulani clusters and collect the to each cluster to ensure effective is available at the milk collection milk for processing at the milk collection collection, preservation and off-taking centre though. We ensure the milk centres. I’m sure you have seen some of fresh milk. As of today, through don’t stay too long at the centres. of the tricycles and motorbikes around. the financial support of Outspan This milk is 100 per cent sourced Through this intervention effort, the youth, Nigeria Limited, we’ve opened a from locally bred cows. Of course, who have been employed to drive the total of three milk collection centres we do get milk from crossbred cows, motorbikes and tricycles, earn daily in three separate clusters, and are on but it is rare. 99 per cent of our milk incomes to help them take care of their the verge of commissioning a fourth. is sourced from indigenous cows. families. As an umbrella cooperative union, And in Kano alone, we have the we also want to support the education How do you ensure the capacity of producing 30,000 litres of the children of the dairy farmers. improvement of the quality level or more of milk a day. It is just that We target setting up the nomadic of the raw milk being collected this milk is uncollectable because the children educational programme under farms are located in distant cities. from the clusters?

K

This is where logistics, manpower, culture system, and education in milk handling/transportation have to be in place. These are the reasons the milk is not being collected. But with the coming of Outspan Nigeria Limited, I am sure the system gaps would be closed sooner to ensure effective collection of milk from distant clusters.

How would you appraise the performance of Kano State dairy industry in comparison to other states?

There are no basic statistics to this effect. But I can guarantee that the Kano State dairy industry contributes close to 24 percent of the total milk produced locally on a national scale.

This is because Kano State has the largest population of cattle and the relative peace level in the state has been attracting new settlers in the state as cattle farmers are trooping into Kano in larger numbers. Besides, Kano also enjoys a higher population in terms of human resources. This provides a larger market for milk consumption. Also, the state has a culture of consuming milk. Fulanis are settling here in large numbers. Overall, Kano provides a strong market for milk production and consumption.

How do you manage herdsmenfarmers clashes?

The traditional rulers in Kano have a fast and effective method of quickly settling internal issues, especially between the farmers and the herdsmen, before they escalate into a crisis. Also, as a cooperative union we ensure that before a crisis occurs, we inform and educate our members about the impending crisis and ensure the herdsmen don’t get in the ways of the farmers by avoiding farming plantations.

How much support do you get from the Kano State government?

The Kano State government has been supportive, especially in terms of putting in place policies and driving partnership frameworks between the union and private institutions to ensure the growth of the dairy sector. We are like a child to the government.

They also witnessed the partnership agreement between the Kano State Dairy Union and Outspan Nigeria Limited.

They have created an enabling environment for us to run our business smoothly. There are also several programmes designed for the dairy farmers in the state that is close to taking off. Currently, there is an initiative called agro-pastoral development programme targeted at helping livestock farmers. There is also a project driven by a partnership between the federal government and the state government that targets improving our operations. The federal government has been highly supportive of dairy farmers. It donated and equipped the bulking centre that was upgraded by Outspan Nigeria Limited.

123

T H I S D AY FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 Friday April 15, 2022 Vol 27. No 9867 TR

See page 24 BLOOD-LETTING ON THE PLATEAU AYO OYOZE BAJE urges adequate security on the Plateau See page 24 A CURIOUS OBSESSION WITH NUMBERS KENE OBIEZU argues that Nigeria must get its priorities right in the education sector See page 25 WHY NIGERIA NEEDS ASIWAJU Bola Tinubu has what it takes to fix the country’s problems, contends OPEYEMI OGUNTOYE

See page 25 EDITORIAL REVAMPING THE EDUCATION SECTOR See page 26

& RE A S O

N

opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

NNAJI: A SPORTSMAN IN ENUGU GOVERNORSHIP RACE EMMANUEL OKALA celebrates Bart Nnaji as a foremost sportsman

UT H

The underperformance of Muhammadu Buhari’s administration stares the vice president in the face, writes BOLAJI ADEBIYI

THE CROSS YEMI OSINBAJO BEARS Since Vice President Yemi Osinbajo made public his intention to succeed his boss, Muhammadu Buhari, he has come under heavy attacks by many social critics who ÀQG KLP XQZRUWK\ RI WKH SRVLWLRQ IRU PDQ\ UHDVRQV WKDW DSSHDU GL΀FXOW WR GLVSXWH Yet this is paradoxical given his oratory, erudition, intellectual standing and many \HDUV RI SXEOLF VHUYLFH GDWLQJ EDFN WR +RZ FRXOG KH EH IRXQG ZDQWLQJ IRU WKH KLJKHVW R΀FH KH KDV GHSXWLVHG IRU VHYHQ years? Although in Nigeria, deputies are KDUGO\ IRXQG ZRUWK\ RI WKH VDGGOH E\ WKHLU principals, Osinbajo, given his erudition and H[SHULHQFH RXJKW WR EH GLͿHUHQW +H FDPH LQWR R΀FH ZLWK RWKHUZLVH LOOXVWULRXV SXEOLF DQG SULYDWH VHUYLFH UHFRUGV $Q DFFRPSOLVKHG DFDGHPLF ZKR EHFDPH D SURIHVVRU RI /DZ in record time, he was appointed attorneyJHQHUDO DQG FRPPLVVLRQHU IRU -XVWLFH E\ %ROD 7LQXEX JRYHUQRU RI /DJRV 6WDWH LQ VHUYLQJ WZR WHUPV :KLOH VHUYLQJ LQ WKDW position, he took silk and was well regarded IRU KLV UHIRUPDWRU\ ZRUNV LQ WKH MXVWLFH VHFWRU %HIRUH WKHQ KH KDG EHHQ D VSHFLDO DVVLVWDQW WR %ROD $MLEROD 6$1 D IRUPHU DWWRUQH\ JHQHUDO RI WKH IHGHUDWLRQ DQG PLQLVWHU RI -XVWLFH ZKR ODWHU EHFDPH D MXGJH RI WKH ,QWHUQDWLRQDO &RXUW RI -XVWLFH 7KH +DJXH $MLEROD IRXQG KLP VR FRPSHWHQW WKDW KH WRRN KLP WR 7KH +DJXH $IWHU SXEOLF VHUYLFH LQ 2VLQEDMR UHIXVHG WR JR EDFN WR WKH FODVVURRP RSWLQJ IRU D SULYDWH OHJDO SUDFWLFH WKDW WXUQHG RXW WR EH YHU\ OXFUDWLYH DQG VXFFHVVIXO +H DOVR became a senior pastor in the well-known and populous Redeemed Christian Church RI *RG ,W ZDV IURP KHUH WKDW KH ZDV LQYLWHG WR FRPH DQG UXQ ZLWK %XKDUL LQ 7KH VWRU\ VLQFH WKHQ LV ZHOO NQRZQ It is interesting that these records have not KHDGOLQHG WKH SXEOLF GLVFRXUVH RI 2VLQEDMR·V GHFODUHG LQWHQWLRQ VLQFH 0RQGD\ $QG IURP WKH LQWHQVLW\ RI WKH YROOH\V UDQJHG DJDLQVW him, they are not likely to come into any PHDQLQJIXO UHFNRQLQJ LQ WKH GD\V DKHDG This may be strange but to the discerning REVHUYHU RI WKH QDWLRQ·V RIWHQ VOLSSHU\ DQG sophisticated political landscape, the vice SUHVLGHQW KDV RQO\ KLPVHOI WR EODPH IRU DOORZLQJ WKH QDUUDWLYHV WR EH IUDPHG DJDLQVW KLP ORQJ EHIRUH KLV GHFODUDWLRQ RI LQWHQWLRQ Around early last year, a curious conversation about how Osinbajo became %XKDUL·V UXQQLQJ PDWH HPHUJHG DQG GHYHORSHG LQWR D ELJ PHGLD LVVXH &RQWUDU\ WR WKH HUVWZKLOH JHQHUDO EHOLHI WKDW KH ZDV QRPLQDWHG E\ KLV SUHVXPHG JRGIDWKHU 7LQXEX WKH VWRU\ EHFDPH ULIH WKDW RWKHU IRUFHV ZHUH DFWXDOO\ KLV GHVWLQ\ KHOSHUV Osinbajo is not known to have issued any FODULÀFDWLRQ 1RW D IHZ SHUVRQV WKRXJKW WKDW was strange, giving rise to the allegation RI LQJUDWLWXGH $ VHHPLQJO\ LQQRFXRXV FRQYHUVDWLRQ GHYHORSHG D OLIH RI LWV RZQ and blew open on Monday with many

otherwise serious political analysts accusing WKH YLFH SUHVLGHQW RI EHWUD\LQJ KLV JRGIDWKHU 7ULYLDO" 0D\EH %XW LW ZDV D ELJ LVVXH WKDW RYHUVKDGRZHG WKH YHU\ LPSRUWDQW DFW RI KLV SUHVLGHQWLDO GHFODUDWLRQ A more important issue though is the GLVEHOLHI LQ WKH DELOLW\ RI 2VLQEDMR WR ULVH WR WKH RFFDVLRQ RI SXOOLQJ WKH FRXQWU\ EDFN IURP WKH SUHFLSLFH RI HFRQRPLF VRFLDO DQG SROLWLFDO PLVHU\ 3RLQWLQJ WR KLV GHFODUDWLRQ EURDGFDVW FULWLFV VDLG LW ZDV HPSW\ RI DQ\ PHDQLQJIXO DWWDLQPHQW DQG IXOO RI SURPLVHV RI WKH VDPH WKLQJ WKDW ZHUH SURPLVHG VHYHQ \HDUV DJR The most annoying soundbite in the speech IRU WKHP ZDV KLV SOHGJH WR FRQWLQXH WKH MRE IURP ZKHUH %XKDUL ZRXOG VWRS LQ The hostility to Osinbajo on this score LV XQGHUVWDQGDEOH %XKDUL·V UHFRUGV VKRZ DE\VPDO XQGHUSHUIRUPDQFH 7KH IDFWV DUH MXVWLÀHG E\ WKH JULP UHDOLW\ RI WKH SRYHUW\ VWULFNHQ OLYHV RI 1LJHULDQV 7KH administration has done very poorly on

Pointing to his declaration broadcast, critics said it was empty of any meaningful attainment and full of promises of the same thing that were promised seven years ago. The most annoying soundbite in the speech for them was his pledge to continue the job from where Buhari would stop in 2023

all it promised to do: revive the economy, VHFXUH WKH FRXQWU\ DQG WDFNOH FRUUXSWLRQ 7KH LQGLFHV LQÁDWLRQ *URVV 'RPHVWLF 3URGXFW H[FKDQJH UDWH IRUHLJQ LQYHVWPHQW LQÁRZ GHEW SRUWIROLR DQG XQHPSOR\PHQW DQG SRYHUW\ UDWHV DUH DOO 6RXWK IURP WKH 1RUWK WKH %XKDUL JRYHUQPHQW LQKHULWHG 7KH security situation today is as appalling as the ZRUVHQLQJ VSDWH RI FRUUXSWLRQ Meanwhile, the vice president spoke DJDLQVW WKH EDFNJURXQG RI D YHU\ KDUVK FRQGLWLRQ RI OLYLQJ $OO WKH EDVLF GDLO\ WKLQJV RI OLIH ZHUH HOXVLYH 3HUVLVWHQW JULG FROODSVH KDG SXW WKH QDWLRQ LQ GDUNQHVV IRU GD\V Alternative sources could not be deployed EHFDXVH RI WKH KLJK FRVW HYHQ VFDUFLW\ RI GLHVHO DQG SHWURO &ULSSOLQJ LQÁDWLRQ KDG PDGH EDVLF IRRG LWHPV LQDFFHVVLEOH DQG MXVW D IHZ ZHHNV EHIRUH D WUDLQ FRPPXWLQJ FLWL]HQV IURP $EXMD WR .DGXQD ZDV ERPEHG by terrorists, who killed eight persons and PDGH DZD\ ZLWK RYHU D KXQGUHG RWKHUV 2VLQEDMR·V SOHGJH WR FRQWLQXH ZLWK WKLV ORZ SHUIRUPDQFH FRXOG QRW LQ JRRG conscience have been expected to attract DSSODXVH IURP D GHHSO\ WUDXPDWLVHG SHRSOH This is particularly so because the vice SUHVLGHQW QHLWKHU RͿHUHG DQ\ H[SODQDWLRQ DW DOO IRU WKH GLUH VWDWH RI DͿDLUV QRU GLG KH VD\ KRZ KH LQWHQGHG WR LPSURYH 1LJHULDQV· ORW $OWKRXJK LW FRXOG EH VDLG WKDW LV XQIDLU WR KROG WKH YLFH SUHVLGHQW UHVSRQVLEOH IRU WKLV VWDWH RI SOD\ VLQFH WKH EXFN VWRSV DW KLV ERVV· WDEOH WKLV QHYHUWKHOHVV LV D KDUG VHOO IRU WZR SULQFLSDO UHDVRQV )LUVW XQGHU WKH Constitution as amended the vice president KDV H[FOXVLYH UHVSRQVLELOLW\ IRU WKH HFRQRP\ That is why he chairs the National Economic &RXQFLO PDGH XS RI WKH VWDWH JRYHUQRUV DQG VRPH NH\ PLQLVWHUV 6R LW ZRXOG EH FRUUHFW WR DOORW KLP WKH EODPH IRU WKH IDLOHG RXWFRPHV RI WKH DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ·V HFRQRPLF SROLFLHV Secondly, Osinbajo was the one who led DQG DUWLFXODWHG WKH HFRQRPLF SROLFLHV RI the All Progressives Congress during the HOHFWLRQHHULQJ FDPSDLJQV RI DQG $V LW ZHUH KH ZDV WKH IDFH RI WKH $3& KHQFH WKH QHHG IRU KLP WR DSSUDLVH WKH VLWXDWLRQ DQG UHSRUW SURJUHVV However, the overall problem is the UHIXVDO RI WKH $3& JRYHUQPHQW DQG LWV VXSSRUWHUV WR DFFHSW LWV JODULQJ IDLOXUH DQG WDNH UHVSRQVLELOLW\ 6XUHO\ LI WKLV LV WKH R΀FLDO SRVLWLRQ LW EHFRPHV GL΀FXOW IRU WKH vice president in that administration to GHYLDWH 7KH FKDOOHQJH WKRXJK LV WKH GL΀FXOW WDVN RI DVNLQJ 1LJHULDQV WR GLVEHOLHYH WKH KDUG HYLGHQFH RI WKHLU RZQ UHDOLW\ 7KLV obviously, is the dilemma Osinbajo and the RWKHUV RQ KLV WUDLO IDFH DQG ZRXOG KDYH WR FRQWHQG ZLWK LQ WKH GD\V DKHDG Adebiyi, the managing editor of THISDAY Newspapers, writes from bolaji.adebiyi@ thisdaylive.com

2 24

T H I S D AY

EMMANUEL OKALA celebrates Bart Nnaji as a foremost sportsman

NNAJI: A SPORTSMAN IN ENUGU GOVERNORSHIP RACE /LNH PRVW VSRUWVPHQ DQG ZRPHQ LQ 1LJHULD , ZDV H[FLWHG ZKHQ LW ZDV UHSRUWHG WKDW 3URIHVVRU %DUW 2NHFKXNZX 1QDML WKH JOREDOO\ IDPRXV HQJLQHHULQJ JHQLXV DFFHSWHG RQ 6XQGD\ $SULO WR UXQ IRU WKH (QXJX 6WDWH JXEHUQDWRULDO UDFH , DP SDUWLFXODUO\ KDSS\ IRU REYLRXV UHDVRQV 7KRXJK P\ SDUHQWV FDPH IURP 2QLWVKD LQ WRGD\·V $QDPEUD 6WDWH , KDYH EHHQ OLYLQJ DQG ZRUNLQJ LQ (QXJX VLQFH WKH V LQFOXGLQJ EHLQJ WKH JRDONHHSHU IRU WKH 5DQJHUV ,QWHUQDWLRQDO )RRWEDOO &OXE ZKLFK LQ WKH V DQG V VHW GLͿHUHQW UHFRUGV LQ 1LJHULD·V KLVWRU\ 7KH VHFRQG UHDVRQ IRU P\ LQWHUHVW LQ 3URIHVVRU 1QDML LV WKDW KH DQG , SDUWLFLSDWHG LQ WKH 1DWLRQDO 6SRUWV

)HVWLYDO DW WKH 1DWLRQDO 6WDGLXP 6XUXOHUH /DJRV DV UHSUHVHQWDWLYHV RI (DVW &HQWUDO 6WDWH ZKLFK KDV VLQFH EHHQ VSOLW LQWR WRGD\·V $ELD $QDPEUD (ERQ\L (QXJX DQG ,PR 6WDWHV :KLOH , ZDV SOD\LQJ IRRWEDOO 1QDML ZDV D VWDU LQ WKH ÀHOG DQG WUDFN HYHQWV +H UHSUHVHQWHG (DVW &HQWUDO 6WDWH LQ DERXW IRXU HYHQWV LQFOXGLQJ ORQJ MXPS DQG WKH PHWUH UDFH ZKHUH KH ZRQ SUL]HV 7KH 1DWLRQDO 6SRUWV )HVWLYDO WRRN SODFH ÀYH \HDUV DIWHU WKH 1LJHULDQ &LYLO :DU ZKLFK RXU KHURLF (DVWHUQ 1LJHULDQ SHRSOH ORVW $OO RI XV ZHUH GHWHUPLQHG WR WDNH RXU SHRSOH RXW RI WKH VWDWH RI ZKDW WKH SRSXODU SROLWLFLDQ 'U . 2 0EDGLZH IDPRXVO\ FDOOHG D VWDWH RI SV\FKRORJLFDO GHIHDWLVP WR D VWDWH RI SV\FKRORJLFDO JORULÀFDWLRQ :H IRXJKW OLNH ZRXQGHG OLRQV :H ZHUH QRW LQWHUHVWHG LQ PRQHWDU\ EHQHÀWV EXW LQ WKH XSOLIWPHQW RI RXU SHRSOH +RZ 3URIHVVRU 1QDML EHFDPH D VSRUWVPDQ LV D IDVFLQDWLQJ VWRU\ RQ LWV RZQ +H ZDV D +RXVH &DSWDLQ DW 6W 3DWULFN·V &ROOHJH (PHQH (QXJX 'XULQJ WKH ,QWHU +RXVH 6SRUWV WKHUH ZDV QR SHUVRQ WR UHSUHVHQW KLV +RXVH LQ ÀHOG DQG WUDFNV +H IHOW FKDOOHQJHG 6R KH RSWHG WR HQWHU WKH UDFH IRU WKH KHFN RI LW +H VXUSULVLQJO\ GXVWHG DOO KLV FRPSHWLWRUV LQFOXGLQJ WKRVH ZKR KDG DFKLHYHG VWDWH ZLGH IDPH DV VSRUWV VWDUV +LV YLFWRU\ ZDV FRQVLGHUHG D ÁXNH LQ VRPH TXDUWHUV $ UHSHDW ZDV WKHUHIRUH RUGHUHG +H RQFH DJDLQ ÁRRUHG DOO ULYDOV 1RW RQO\ LQ DQG EXW DOVR LQ DQG HYHQ LQ ORQJ MXPS 7KLV ZDV DEVROXWHO\ LQFUHGLEOH +HUH ZDV VRPHRQH ZKR QHYHU SDUWLFLSDWHG LQ VSRUWV QRW HYHQ LQ PHUH SUDFWLFH RU PRFN RU GHPRQVWUDWLRQ GHIHDWLQJ VWDWH DWKOHWHV KDQGV GRZQ +H ZDV QDWXUDOO\ LQYLWHG WR FDPS WR VOXJ LW ZHOO IURP VWXGHQWV IURP RWKHU VFKRROV LQ WKH VWDWH +H GXVWHG HDFK DQG HYHU\ RQH RI WKHP DOPRVW HͿRUWOHVVO\ %DVHG RQ WKH RXWVWDQGLQJ SHUIRUPDQFH RI \RXQJ (DVW &HQWUDO 6WDWH IRRWEDOOHUV

DQG DWKOHWHV PDQ\ \RXQJVWHUV VHFXUHG HPSOR\PHQW ZLWK WKH 6WDWH 6SRUWV &RXQFLO LQ (QXJX %DUW 1QDML ZDV RQH RI WKHP , KDG DOUHDG\ EHHQ KLUHG DV HDUO\ DV -DQXDU\ /LNH PDQ\ RI XV KLV H[FHOOHQFH LQ VSRUWV SURYHG PRUH EHQHÀFLDO WKDQ PDQ\ DQWLFLSDWHG 1QDML VHFXUHG DGPLVVLRQ LQWR GLͿHUHQW $PHULFDQ XQLYHUVLWLHV LQFOXGLQJ &ROXPELD DQ ,YRU\ /HDJXH LQVWLWXWLRQ LQ 1HZ <RUN EDVHG RQ ERWK DFDGHPLF DQG VSRUWV H[FHOOHQFH EXW KH FKRVH 6W -RKQ·V 8QLYHUVLW\ LQ 1HZ <RUN VLPSO\ EHFDXVH LW LV DQ ROG &DWKROLF LQVWLWXWLRQ KH KDV DOZD\V EHHQ D GHYRXW &DWKROLF ,W LV LPSRUWDQW WR VWUHVV WKH SRLQW RI 1QDML·V VFKRODUVKLS WR VWXG\ LQ WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV SDUWO\ EHFDXVH RI KLV H[FHOOHQFH LQ VSRUWV PRVW UHSRUWV , KDYH UHDG DERXW KLV JRLQJ WR WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV LQ FODLP WKDW KLV VFKRODUVKLS ZDV EDVHG VROHO\ RQ KLV RXWVWDQGLQJ EULOOLDQFH DSSDUHQWO\ RQ DFFRXQW RI KLV SURGLJLRXV DWWDLQPHQWV LQ WKH DFDGHPLD ,W LV DOVR LPSRUWDQW WR VWUHVV WKDW 1QDML·V UHFRUG LQ ORQJ MXPS DW 6W -RKQ·V 8QLYHUVLW\ ZKHUH KH JUDGXDWHG DV WKH EHVW VWXGHQW RI WKH \HDU LQ DIWHU VWXG\LQJ 3K\VLFV DQG 0DWKHPDWLFV IRU VWUDLJKW PRQWKV UHPDLQV XQEURNHQ WR WKLV GD\ +LV QDPH LV FRQVSLFXRXV LQ WKH XQLYHUVLW\ +DOO RI )DPH IRU RXWVWDQGLQJ VFKRODVWLF DQG DWKOHWLF DFKLHYHPHQWV ,W LV JRRG IRU VSRUWVPHQ DQG ZRPHQ WR PRYH LQWR GLͿHUHQW VSKHUHV RI OLIH ,W LV H[SHFWHG WKDW WKH\ ZLOO UHPHPEHU IRUPHU VSRUWV SHUVRQV ZKR DUH QRZ LQGLJHQW DJHG RU LQFDSDFLWDWHG 0DQ\ RI WKH VWDUV RI \HVWHUGD\ DUH WRGD\ OLYLQJ LQ SHQXU\ 7KH\ FDQ·W DͿ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ÀFHV IRU RXU SHRSOH LQ RXU \RXWK 2ELDQR HYHQ PDGH PH KLV 6HQLRU 6SHFLDO $VVLVWDQW RQ 6SRUWV +H PDGH VXUH 5DQJHUV SOD\HUV ZHUH UHFRJQL]HG DW HYHU\ PDMRU SXEOLF IXQFWLRQ LQ DSSUHFLDWLRQ RI RXU UROH WR UHGHHP WKH ,JER SHRSOH LQ WKH ZDNH RI WKH &LYLO :DU 2Q 0DUFK KH JDYH PH WKH KLJK DZDUG RI WKH &RPPDQGHU RI $QDPEUD 6WDWH DW D PRVW LPSUHVVLYH FHUHPRQ\ DW WKH QHZO\ EXLOW DQG PDJQLÀFHQW $QDPEUD ,QWHUQDWLRQDO &RQYHQWLRQ &HQWUH $ZND 2I FRXUVH QR RQH FDQ IRUJHW WKH HͿRUWV RI VXFK VSRUWV ORYLQJ HUVWZKLOH JRYHUQRUV DV 'U 2NZHVLOLH]H 1ZRGR WKH ÀUVW HOHFWHG (QXJX 6WDWH JRYHUQRU ZKR ZDV LQ WKH SURFHVV RI UHKDELOLWDWLQJ 5DQJHUV ZKHQ WKH *HQHUDO 6DQL $EDFKD FRXS RFFXUUHG RQ 1RYHPEHU *RYHUQRU &KLPDURNH 1QDPDQL PDGH PH WKH 5DQJHUV 7HDP &RDFK *RYHUQRU 6XOOLYDQ &KLPH DSSRLQWHG PH 6SRUWV &RQVXOWDQW 8QGHU *RYHUQRU ,IHDQ\L 8JZXDQ\L 5DQJHUV ZRQ ERWK WKH /HDJXH FKDPSLRQVKLS DQG WKH )RRWEDOO $VVRFLDWLRQ &XS DIWHU PDQ\ \HDUV 8JZXDQ\L D IDQWDVWLF VSULQWHU DW 6W 7KHUHVD·V &ROOHJH LQ 1VXNND FRQWLQXHV WR VXSSRUW 5DQJHUV 1HHGOHVV WR VWDWH *RYHUQRU -LP 1ZRERGR RI WKH ROG $QDPEUD 6WDWH ZDV 5DQJHUV &KDLUPDQ DQG ZHQW RXW RI KLV ZD\ WR SURPRWH WKH WHDP Okala, MON, is ex - Eagles Goalkeeper

FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022

AYO OYOZE BAJE urges adequate security on the Plateau

BLOOD-LETTING ON THE PLATEAU “Strengthening internal security is an imperative. The inter¬related problems of security, stability and development must be solved through home-grown methods”.

-Mario Machungo, in his “Good Leadership Counts” presented at the 1999 Kampala Conference for Security, Stability, Development and Cooperation in Africa 0RUH OLNH WKH UXOH UDWKHU WKDQ WKH H[FHSWLRQ QHZVSDSHU KHDGOLQHV DUH OLWHUDOO\ VFUHDPLQJ SXUH KRUURU YLUWXDOO\ HYHU\ GD\ 7KH UHFHQW RQHV LQFOXGH ´3ODWHDX 2YHU NLOOHG LQ .DQDP FRPPXQLWLHV· DWWDFNµ ´ NLOOHG E\ WHUURULVWV DVVDVVLQV LQ 3ODWHDX .DGXQD 2VXQ ZLWKLQ KUVµ $FFRUGLQJ WR FUHGLEOH QHZV UHSRUWV JXQPHQ UHSRUWHGO\ NLOOHG DW OHDVW SHUVRQV LQ IUHVK DWWDFNV RQ VRPH FRPPXQLWLHV LQ .DQDP DQG :DVH /RFDO *RYHUQPHQW $UHDV RI 3ODWHDX 6WDWH 7KH DWWDFNV ZKLFK KDSSHQHG RQ 6XQGD\ WK $SULO ZHUH FDUULHG RXW LQ .XNDZD *\DPEDZX 'XQJXU .\DUDP <HOZD 'DGGD :DQND 6KXZDND *ZDPPDGDML DQG 'DGLQ .RZD FRPPXQLWLHV RI WKH VWDWH $FFRUGLQJ WR ,VKDNX 7DNZD WKH PHGLD R΀FHU RI 2SHUDWLRQ 6DIH +DYHQ 236+ D PLOLWDU\ WDVN IRUFH PDLQWDLQLQJ SHDFH LQ 3ODWHDX 6WDWH DQG HQYLURQV FRQÀUPHG WKH DWWDFNV WR MRXUQDOLVWV LQ -RV 7KH ODWHVW DWWDFNV FRPH OHVV WKDQ D PRQWK DIWHU SHUVRQV ZHUH NLOOHG LQ 7H·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´ %HURP QDWLYHV LQ 'RJRQ 1DKDZD ZHUH PDVVDFUHG E\ EORRG WKLUVW\ KHUGVPHQµ &RQFHUQHG DERXW WKH ODUJHO\ SUHYHQWDEOH FULVHV , KDG XVHG P\ 'UXPEHDWV RSLQLRQ FROXPQ ZLWK HVVD\V VXFK DV ´7DPLQJ WKH EHDVW RQ WKH 3ODWHDXµ 0DUFK DQG ´%ORRGEDWK RQ WKH 3ODWHDX DJDLQ µ 'HF ERWK LQ 'DLO\ ,QGHSHQGHQW QHZVSDSHUV 2Q $XJXVW LQQRFHQW 1LJHULDQV ZHUH JUXHVRPHO\ PXUGHUHG GXULQJ WKH YLROHQFH VSDUNHG DW $QJZDQ 5XNXED 5RDG -RV 0XVOLPV KDG WR FHOHEUDWH WKHLU (G HO )LWUL LQGRRUV DV QR RQH GDUHG WR YLVLW WKH DPXVHPHQW SDUN DQG RWKHU SODFHV RI WRXULVW DWWUDFWLRQ <HW WKH ZRUVW FDVH VFHQDULR ZDV WR IROORZ DV UHÁHFWHG LQ WKH OLVWHG QHZV KHDGOLQHV µ)LYH PRUH NLOOHG LQ -RVµ 'DLO\ ,QGHSHQGHQW $XJXVW ´)DPLO\ RI HLJKW ZLSHG RXW LQ -RV µ 'DLO\ 6XQ 6HSW 6RRQ DIWHU ZDV ´$QRWKHU IDPLO\ RI HLJKW ZLSHG RXW LQ -RV µ 30 1HZV 6HSW $FFRUGLQJ WR PHGLD UHSRUWV VRPH )XODQL KHUGVPHQ ZHQW RQ WKH UDPSDJH LQ +HLSDQJ QHDU -RV RQ 6HSWHPEHU %\ WKH WLPH WKH\ ZHUH WKURXJK WKH IDPLO\ RI &KROORP *\DQJ LQFOXGLQJ KLV ZLIH +DQQDWX VL[ FKLOGUHQ DQG D IRXU PRQWK ROG EDE\ ZHUH GLVSDWFKHG WR WKHLU HDUO\ JUDYHV $QG LQ D VXEVHTXHQW VZHHSLQJ VWULNH E\ XQLGHQWLÀHG JXQPHQ DQRWKHU IDPLO\ RI HLJKW LQFOXGLQJ D YLVLWRU ZHUH KDFNHG WR GHDWK DW )RURQ YLOODJH LQ %DUNLQ /DGL /RFDO *RYHUQPHQW $UHD DW DERXW DP 7KDW ZDV RQ )ULGD\ 6HSWHPEHUU ,W ZDV the fourth oI VXFK EHDVWO\ DWWDFNV LQ 3ODWHDX 6WDWH ZLWKLQ RQH ZHHN 7KHVH JULVO\ DQG GHVSLFDEOH NLOOLQJV V\PEROL]H D QDWLRQ ZKRVH OHDGHUV KDYH IDLOHG DQG JURVVO\ VR WR JXDUDQWHH WKH PXFK QHHGHG VHFXULW\ RI OLYHV DQG SURSHUW\ LQ OLQH ZLWK 6HFWLRQ E RI WKH FRQVWLWXWLRQ DV DPHQGHG DORQJ WKH EDVLF SULQFLSOHV RI JRYHUQPHQW )RU WKH VHULHV RI SUHYHQWDEOH WUDJHGLHV RQ WKH 3ODWHDX WKH SRLQW LV QRZ FU\VWDO FOHDU WKDW RQO\

WKH SHRSOH RI WKH 3ODWHDX FRXOG HͿHFWLYHO\ H[RUFLVH WKH GHPRQV RI VHOI GHVWUXFWLRQ IURP WKHLU RQFH SHDFHIXO VWDWH $FFRUGLQJ WR WKH &KDLUPDQ RI %DUNLQ /DGL / * $ (PPDQXHO 'DFKROORP ´:H KDYH PDGH DSSHDOV WR WKH IHGHUDO JRYHUQPHQW WKDW WKH SHRSOH LQ 0DKDQJDU DUHD KDYH ORWV RI VRSKLVWLFDWHG ZHDSRQV EXW JRYHUQPHQW KDV UHIXVHG WR GR DQ\WKLQJ DERXW LW µ (YHQ &DSWDLQ &KDUOHV (NHRFKD WKH 67) VSRNHVPDQ KDG DOVR FRQFHGHG WR WKH IDFW WKDW ´HYHU\ZKHUH LQ WKH VWDWH LV LQIHFWHG ZLWK ZHDSRQV ZLWK VSRUDGLF VKRWV KHDUG GD\ DQG QLJKWµ 7KDW ZDV EDFN LQ $UH WKLQJV DQ\ EHWWHU WRGD\" $V H[SHFWHG *RYHUQRU 6LPRQ /DORQJ RI WKH HPEDWWOHG VWDWH V\PSDWKL]HG ZLWK WKH FRPPXQLWLHV DͿHFWHG E\ WKH UHFHQW DWWDFNV DQG SURPLVHG WKHP MXVWLFH DV ´WKRVH EHKLQG WKH DWWDFNV ZLOO QRW EH DOORZHG WR JR ZLWKRXW SXQLVKPHQWµ +H DOVR VWDWHG WKDW WKH 6WDWH 6HFXULW\ &RXQFLO KDV DGRSWHG IDU UHDFKLQJ PHDVXUHV WR HQKDQFH WKH FDSDFLW\ RI WKH VHFXULW\ DJHQFLHV WR UHVSRQG WR DOO VLWXDWLRQV )XUWKHUPRUH KH GLUHFWHG WKH 6WDWH (PHUJHQF\ 0DQDJHPHQW $JHQF\ DQG WKH 3HDFH %XLOGLQJ $JHQF\ WR LPPHGLDWHO\ YLVLW WKH DUHDV DVVHVV WKH VLWXDWLRQ DQG SURYLGH UHOLHI DV ZHOO DV WUDXPD PDQDJHPHQW %XW KRZ GRHV WKLV VRXQG WR WKH SDWULRW·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ͿHUHG DPQHVW\ RQ D SODWWHU RI JROG DV LI WKHLU OLYHV DUH PRUH SUHFLRXV WKDQ WKDW RI WKH LQQRFHQW 1LJHULDQV WKH\ KDYH GLVSDWFKHG WR WKH JUHDW EH\RQG" 2QH FDQQRW EXW ZRQGHU ZK\ WKH 67) KDV QRW EHHQ VX΀FLHQWO\ HPSRZHUHG WR WDNH SURDFWLYH PHDVXUHV WR WDPH WKH NLOOLQJV $FFRUGLQJ WR 'DFKROORP ´1RZ RXU SHRSOH KDYH EHHQ SXVKHG WR WKH ZDOO :H GR QRW NQRZ IRU KRZ ORQJ ZH FDQ ZDLW IRU JRYHUQPHQW WR SURWHFW XV µ 2Q KLV SDUW WKH *ERPJERP -RV &KLHI *\DQJ %XED KDV FRPH RXW WR UHPLQG WKH SXEOLF WKDW JRLQJ E\ KLVWRULFDO IDFWV DV LQ WKH JD]HWWH WKH %HURPV DUH WKH QDWLYHV RI WKH 3ODWHDX DQG QRW WKH )XODQLV +DXVDV <RUXEDV DQG ,ERV +LV SHRSOH·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aje writes from Lagos

325

T H I S D AY FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022

Bola Tinubu has what it takes to fix the country’s problems, contends OPEYEMI OGUNTOYE

KENE OBIEZU argues that Nigeria must get its priorities right in the education sector

WHY NIGERIA NEEDS ASIWAJU

A CURIOUS OBSESSION WITH NUMBERS In any country that desires to ascend to the height of sustainable development and subdue the wild thrashings of poverty, HGXFDWLRQ GRHV QRW MXVW HYRNH DQ HTXDOL]HU - it elicits the ease of access through which the progress of any country can be measured with some authenticity.

It is not because they are alarmists that those who cry wolf in the education sector cry HDFK WLPH LW HPHUJHV WKDW LQ WKLV VW FHQWXU\ in some parts of Nigeria, children still sit on WKH ÁRRU LQ FODVVURRPV ZLWKRXW ZLQGRZV WR take half-baked lessons from poorly trained and poorly remunerated teachers, in schools ZLWKRXW DGHTXDWH VDQLWDU\ IDFLOLWLHV It is not for nothing that teachers across GLͿHUHQW OHYHOV RI HGXFDWLRQ LQ 1LJHULD GRZQ tools from time to time whenever they feel that they have run out of options with which to press home their demands across the table from governments that achieve very little while doing their best to look like they are at their best.

In a country where the institutions on ground are crying out for funding and maintenance, what else can possibly be behind the spate of bills seeking to establish various higher institutions in the country if not parochialism, provincialism and even outright folly?

So, education in Nigeria has continued to stutter, failing to rise above many of the bottlenecks that have come to symbolize Nigeria`s developmental struggles as a country.

The travails of education unsurprisingly provide the springboard for many of the country`s knotty problems. In spite of the lacerating lyrics of A-list Nigerian musicians who have risen to rinse education in recent times, at the bottom of Nigeria`s struggle to sustain a mindset capable of engendering and sustaining constant positive development is D GHÀFLHQF\ ZKLFK FRPHV IURP D SODFH RI poor education. %HFDXVH PDQ\ 1LJHULDQV ODFN TXDOLW\ education, they have become products of their own handicaps and in their interactions with Nigeria, they have succeeded in hatching a handicapped country of considerable heft. Thus, if many Nigerians are unable to understand their complex problems and craft solutions to them, it is because many of them simply lack the tools with which to do that. If many Nigerians are unable to resist the systematic decimation of their most prized values and most important national assets, it is because WKH\ ODFN WKH LQQHU ÀEUH RI UHVLVWDQFH WKDW RQO\ HGXFDWLRQ FDQ IRUP DQG ÀUP XS 7KH $FDGHPLF 6WDͿ 8QLRQ RI 8QLYHUVLWLHV is currently observing what has now

become an annual strike leaving thousands of undergraduates to languish at home. The Union has gone back and forth with the government on many issues but no common ground is yet to be found.

At the heart of the grievances of the striking Union is outrage over the refusal of the government to stick to previous agreements over wages, and the lamentable state of education in Nigeria.

With everything going wrong in the education sector, Nigerian legislators have devised a most curious solution to the problem: establishing more institutions in the country. Indeed, to watch a man attempt to scale the heights of an iroko tree after VXͿHULQJ GHIHDW E\ DQ RUDQJH WUHH LV EH\RQG amusing. A blizzard of bills has been pushed and are being pushed to establish more institutions in the country.

In a country where the institutions on ground are crying out for funding and maintenance, what else can possibly be behind the spate of bills seeking to establish various higher institutions in the country if not parochialism, provincialism and even outright folly?

'RHV DQ\RQH LQ WKHLU ULJKW VHQVHV PDNH the location of any institution anywhere part of their promises on the campaign trail or constituency projects afterwards? At the moment, does Nigeria lack for institutions as VHYHUHO\ DV LW ODFNV WKH ÀQDQFLDO PDQDJHPHQW to get those institutions up and running?

We are a country obsessed with numbers. )RU XV LW LV TXDQWLW\ RYHU TXDOLW\ 2XU mantra is ‘the more the merrier’ and the safety we seek is the safety that comes from numbers. So, as long as it is majority, we are comfortable and even happy.

This obsession with numbers recently instigated the unsightly scramble that led to the establishment by the Senate of six new campuses of the Nigerian Law School to EULQJ WKH FXUUHQW QXPEHU WR HYHQ ZKHQ there is abundant evidence that the existing campuses are creaking under the weight of QHJOHFW DQG QHJOLJHQFH *RYHUQPHQW R΀FLDOV ZKR KDYH RWKHUZLVH IDLOHG LQ R΀FH NQRZ WR strategically locate these institutions in their villages so as to epitomize illusory legacies.

Things have got so bad that some communities where these public institutions are located now perceive them to be communal properties. When their misplaced sense of entitlement is threatened in any manner, they plumb the depths of shamelessness to scribble a message.

The utterly disgraceful conduct of some persons when the recent appointment of a Vice Chancellor for the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife did not go to according to their plans paints an ominous picture. )RU WKH *LDQW RI $IULFD WR ZDON DJDLQ LW must get its priorities in education right. *HWWLQJ WKHVH SULRULWLHV ULJKW FHUWDLQO\ FDQQRW involve putting numbers over substance. It is not by citing a federal institution in every nook and cranny of the country, it is about funding and sustaining them.

But with legislators who are all itching to cite a federal government institution in their YLOODJH VTXDUHV ZH DUH SULPHG WR FRQWLQXH building a country of numerous schools but few scholars. keneobiezu@gmail.com

Undoubtedly, some of the slang expressions that were popular in the ’80s and ’90s were as a result of the atrocities committed by various evil agents in Lagos State. Most of us heard about them from our relatives who reside in the state or from popular musical record. Examples of such are phrases like “Eko o gba gbere, Ma lo nagere, etc.,” which invariably means that you must be smart to live in Lagos as various agents are ready to swindle, rob and physically assault you. The acts of unknown agents writing to residents in order to inform them of their intention to rob, and such being carried out without any resistance by security agencies was so rampant at a time as well. It was so bad that children were not allowed to leave the house without any helper.

However, immediately Asiwaju took the RDWK RI R΀FH LQ RQH RI KLV DVVLJQPHQWV was to deal with the issue of insecurity in the VWDWH ,Q -XO\ KH DGGUHVVHG WKH VWDWH DQG announced the formation of the new security RXWÀW FDOOHG 5DSLG 5HVSRQVH 6TXDG 556 ,I we are to be sincere, that has been the best security unit created out of the Nigeria Police Force. Asiwaju knew that the police are the best bet to handle all sorts of insecurity in the state but they are poorly funded, so he decided to hold the bull by the horns and step into action. Lest we forget, the demands RI WKH 3UR (QG6$56 ZHUH FHQWHUHG RQ WKHVH same issues which were already addressed by a man who could see the dangers inherent in the failure to tackle those issues. Wouldn’t it be fair and better to have a man like Asiwaju, blessed with the right mindset and understanding of the practical issues facing the security apparatus in the nation to handle the security issues in the country? We had WHVWLPRQLHV RI KRZ 556 SROLWHO\ DGGUHVVHG FLWL]HQV À[HG SHRSOH·V YHKLFOHV SURWHFWHG lives and properties, etc. If we want to believe in our security agencies again, we should rally our support behind the aspiration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed. ,Q $PHULFDQ $EEH\ '·$JRVWLQR and New Zealander Nikki Hamblin won a special Olympic commendation for their VSRUWVPDQVKLS DW WKH 5LR *DPHV Hamblin tripped in a 5,000-metre heat and EURXJKW '·$JRVWLQR GRZQ ZLWK KHU WKH American helped her competitor to her feet. /DWHU RQ LQ WKH UDFH '·$JRVWLQR IHOO DJDLQ as a result of her twisted leg, but Hamblin VWD\HG E\ KHU VLGH XQWLO WKH ÀQLVK OLQH 7KHUH were so many athletes on the track that day but the world focused on only the two of them because of the act displayed to the world, kindness and true sportsmanship.

Hamblin could have continued her race that GD\ DQG OHIW '·$JRVWLQR EHKLQG VKH VWD\HG and helped her. Not once but twice till they ÀQLVKHG WKH UDFH )RUPHU *RYHUQRU RI 2QGR 6WDWH 2OXVHJXQ Mimiko will always remember the battle to KHOS WKH SHRSOH RI KLV VWDWH +LV TXHVW WR ensure that the true democracy we have today wasn’t lost, that the education sector, KHDOWK VHFWRU EH À[HG DQG WKDW WKHUH LV D reduction in the rate of unemployment wouldn’t have been successful without the help of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed. Without a doubt, he won the election held in 2007, but as a result of corruption and some forms of electoral manipulation, his opponent, 2OXVHJXQ $JDJX ZDV GHFODUHG WKH *RYHUQRU With the assistance of Asiwaju however, he was able to retrieve his mandate through the judiciary just like Adams Oshiomole DQG 5DXI $UHJEHVROD 7KLV ZDV FRUURERUDWHG

by one of the speeches delivered by the Vice President Yemi Osibanjo at Asiwaju’s FROORTXLXP $VLZDMX 7LQXEX LV VRPHRQH ZKR EHOLHYHV LQ WUXH MXVWLFH WKLV VFKRRO RI thought has made millions to continue to IROORZ KLP WR GDWH

In one of the twitter spaces organized by Asiwaju’s support groups, a Nigerian living in Canada narrated how he was saved from JRLQJ EOLQG E\ WKH LQLWLDWLYH -,*,%2/$ RI Asiwaju Bola Ahmed. He was a young boy who had an issue with one of his eyes, and his parent took him to the state hospital.

According to him, from the registration till the operation was carried out, he didn’t pay a dime. Even in the second year, when he was preparing for his examination :$(& DQG KLV VHFRQG H\H ZHQW EDG DV well. Surprisingly, we called him a tripled favored man because he also enjoyed the IUHH :$(& WKDW ZDV HTXDOO\ LQLWLDWHG DQG paid for by the Asiwaju-led government DQG ÀQDOO\ JRW D MRE ZLWK /DJRV 6WDWH 7UD΀F 0DQDJHPHQW $XWKRULW\ /$670$ ZKLFK ZDV DOVR HVWDEOLVKHG GXULQJ $VLZDMX·V ÀUVW tenure.

In a country like ours, we need people who have good foresight, who would naturally create opportunities for Nigerians, in the health sector, education, security, and economy. Most of the initiatives that were initiated in Lagos are being replicated in other states today and this is what makes Lagos the capital city of Nigeria in terms of economy and physical transformation.

So, if we don’t want to be known only as the giant of Africa but seen through our progressive development, we need to adopt the vision of a man like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed. By so doing, not only will other African countries copy our developmental template, the rest of the world will envy our giant transformation.

5HXEHQ $EDWL LQ DQ LQWHUYLHZ ZLWK 0U Chude Jideonwo, made mention of how SHRSOH ZKR ZRXOG RUGLQDULO\ TXHXH WR VHH former President Jonathan, abandoned and snubbed him on the day he lost the election.

This has made it more obvious that the funfair of power should never be used to judge the true love for an individual. In the real sense of it, Asiwaju is the only leader in this country who still has numerous wellwishers trooping into his house despite not holding any political position in the ODVW \HDUV ,W VKRZV WKDW EH\RQG EHLQJ LQ SRZHU WKHUH DUH XQLTXH DWWULEXWHV WKDW make millions continue to admire Asiwaju Tinubu. Tinubu’s sense of wisdom is among the many attributes that people admire, coupled with his prowess in dealing with political solutions and leadership tussle.

oguntoyeopeyemij@yahoo.com

4 26

T H I S D AY

FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022

EDITORIAL

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

REVAMPING THE EDUCATION SECTOR The reform in the sector should be holistic

T

KH SHUHQQLDO VWULNH RI WKH $FDGHPLF 6WDͿ Union of Universities (ASUU) is just a symptom of a bigger malaise in an educational sector. And only a return to those neglected details that make for a credible system can rescue the nation from the current sorry pass. Therefore, any serious solution aimed at revamping the education sector should not only be holistic but must also begin with the quality of teachers and other academic infrastructure at the level of basic education. Sadly, despite the Universal Basic Education (UBE) scheme, many states maintain D WUXO\ SDWKHWLF SURÀOH LQ the form and content of their curricula. But this is hardly surprising, as many of them have consistently failed to access the federal government’s counterpart funding arrangement that RͿHUV D FOHDU UHVFXH SDWK The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has repeatedly lamented the failure of state governments to access and use the funds. This is in addition to states which collect it and divert same to political patronage, or which put their counterpart funds as bait to draw federal government support and quickly pocket theirs. To address this problem, the commission should publish the list of defaulting states and invite the serious ones for ‘expressions of interest’ in the unutilised funds. The much-vaunted professionalisation of teaching should be pursued with new timelines while the Teachers Registration Council (TRC) and the Nigerian Teachers Institute (NTI) may well be merged, to have all matters relating to teachers domiciled in one address.

Meanwhile, pre-primary school education should be made to function within a well-articulated and enforceable policy framework. The entry and exit into education management at this level should be regulated and standardised. A modern testing instrument should be developed and administered to potential/existing SURSULHWRUV DQG VWDͿ RI HDUO\ FKLOGKRRG HGXFDWLRQDO facilities to audit the system. All these can be done

through a sustainable partnership arrangement with SUR FKLOG RUJDQLVDWLRQV DQG D΀OLDWH 1*2V RI development partners.

2XU SRVW SULPDU\ LQVWLWXWLRQV DOVR QHHG D FRPSOHWH overhaul. This should begin with a comprehensive FDSDFLW\ DXGLW RI WKH DFDGHPLF VWDͿ 5HVHDUFK FDSDFLW\ should also be strengthened and the criteria for academic promotion made more rigorous. Above all, the reward system, and the eligibility criteria for leadership of the trade and academic unions should be reviewed to favour serious academics. Those who want trade union platforms as springboard to political visibility should be subtly distanced from such platforms. The government should also always honour its agreements with the teachers, so that attention can move from trade disputes to exchange of ideas for the development of the system.

At the tertiary level, the governing boards of our universities and polytechnics should be populated with people whose relevant exposure will add value to post-secondary education.

The federal government only needs to pay attention to the mistaken assumption that an appointment into the governing board of any institution is an opportunity to confer political patronage. The federal ministry of education should reduce the excess luggage it now carries by merging some of its agencies. For instance, the FRQWLQXHG UHWHQWLRQ RI WKH VWDͿ RI WKH 8QLW\ &ROOHJHV DV VWDͿ RI WKH PLQLVWU\ SURPRWHV LQH΀FLHQF\ DQG QXUWXUHV abuse in the system.

2YHUDOO WKH IHGHUDO JRYHUQPHQW FDQ EHJLQ GHDOLQJ with the emergency in education by not convening another national summit on education. Not only have there been many of such, but there is also already a road map adopted by the current administration. The many insightful suggestions can be structured with timelines DQG DQ LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ WHPSODWH VR WKDW VSHFLÀF DFWLRQ points are isolated and treated. For as long as education is in the doldrums, for so long shall the future of the country be there with it.

For as long as education is in the doldrums, for so long shall the future of the country be there with it

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

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

Letters to the Editor Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (750- 1000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

LETTERS CHARLES SOLUDO IS ON ANOTHER DELIVERY MISSION Whenever He mercifully appoints redemption time for +LV SHRSOH *RG DOZD\V DSSRLQWV D 0RVHV 7KH VWRU\ RI 3URI &KDUOHV &KXNZXPD 6ROXGR LQ $J͇ $ZND ZRXOG DOZD\V KDYH indices of liberating reforms in the state; the South East’s comPHUFLDO KXE 3HUKDSV WKH DGRSWHG YLVLRQDU\ Vlogan by Enugu 6WDWH JRYHUQPHQW ´(QXJX 6WDWH LV LQ WKH KDQGV RI *RGµ ZRXOG serve better in Anambra State now given the person in charge.

He’s got the passion to serve his people. He’s got the education and experience to serve them well. He’s got the repuWDWLRQ WKDW ZRXOG RIWHQ ZDWFKGRJ KLV HͿRUWV DQG SODQV +H·V got everything required for the top job and he’s shown it in MXVW IHZ ZHHNV 6X΀FH LW WR VD\ WKDW 3URI 6ROXGR LV WDLORUHG IRU Anambra’s current needs.

For the past six months or more, the state’s security forPDWLRQV KDYH GHWHULRUDWHG WR D YHU\ VRUU\ VWDWH OHDYLQJ QG̷ Anambra deadened by terror on daily basis. Within this time, many lives have been lost, there is fear in every city and news headlines are always dirtied by reports of shootings, death, kidnap and so many social unease. The people of the state have seen their humanity tainted with so much bloodletting that they are almost getting acclimatized to the situation. The

sad reality remains that the security condition in the state is far from normalcy and the governor is concernedly aware and he’s obviously not drinking tea over it.

7KH VXFFHVVIXOO\ FRQGXFWHG 3HDFH %XLOGLQJ DQG 6HFXULW\ 'LDORJXH KHOG DW WKH 3URI 'RUD $NXQ\LOL :RPHQ 'HYHORSPHQW Centre, Awka recently at the governor’s behest shows how PXFK 3URI 6ROXGR ZDQWV WR UHVWRUH VDQLW\ LQ WKH VWDWH +LV assurance that his government would always be open to engage with the good, the bad and the ugly, not discriminating against anybody says so much the kind of peace he seeks for his people. There’s an underlying message in the governor’s assurance; everyone would be given sense of belonging. This is the quickest way to peace, I think.

The governor has always interwoven peace and progress in his speeches, stressing how the latter is consequent to the former, and with his persistent call for peace, one could see that he truly thinks about, advocates for and architects the state’s progress.

His determination to see Anambra State progress is the reaVRQ KH KDV EHHQ EXV\ VLQFH DVVXPLQJ R΀FH ,W·V QR VXUSULVH though because he made it clear before now and always re-

iterates that he would work hard every day. Recall that the scheduled April 2nd - 4th for waste evacuation and drainagHV GHVLOWLQJ LQ WKH VWDWH HVSHFLDOO\ EDGO\ DͿHFWHG FLWLHV RI IHZ local government. As people trooped into the streets for the cleaning exercise, His Excellency joined and played an active part in the cleaning exercise.

The rubbles sitting large in some cities of the state, though not included in the hand over note, are part of what the AnamEUD 6WDWH ÀUVW FLWL]HQ LQKHULWHG 3HRSOH KDG FULHG RXW WKHLU H\HV over the stench they inhaled from the waste. In a recent docXPHQWDU\ UHFRUGHG E\ 3UHVKGXE 0HGLD D PDUNHW ZRPDQ bemoaned how hazardous it is trading in such environment.

1G̷ $QDPEUD DUH JODGO\ GDQFLQJ ´)ROORZ :KR .QRZ 5RDGµ E\ 2Q\HQ]H DQG MXVW OLNH WKH ,VUDHOLWHV RI WKH ROG IUHHG IURP 3KDUDRK·V FDSWLYLW\ WKH UHGHPSWLRQ RI $QDPEUD 6WDWH LV VLJQHG DQG VHDOHG EHFDXVH 3URI 6ROXGR MXVW OLNH 0RVHV LV RQ another delivery mission.

Tochukwu Anekwe, DQHNZHVR΀FH #JPDLO FRP

FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 • T H I S D AY

27

28

FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 •T H I S D AY

FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 • T H I S D AY

29

30

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ APRIL 15, 2022

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Fidelity Bank Moves to Help SMEs Explore US Markets Amby Uneze ÓØ áÏÜÜÓ Fidelity Bank Plc, hosted a one-day workshop for small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) looking to scale and expand their reach into new international markets.

The training held in Aba, Abia State, was put up in collaboration with Export & Sell Limited - a trade enabling platform that facilitates the listing of Nigerian businesses on Amazon as well as access to other US off-take markets.

Speaking on the rationale behind the workshop, Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe said, “For more than three decades, we have helped customers scale up their businesses through the right mix of financial and non-financial solutions including access to

markets initiatives like our Export and Sell workshop holding in Aba. With the workshop, our aim was to guide customers and prospects in developing the competence necessary for selling to the US market.”

Similarly, the Managing Director/CEO of Export and Sell LLC, Nduka Udeh, expressed his excitement for collaborating with Fidelity Bank on the project and commended the financial institution for the initiative.

Giving a summary of what participants gained from the training Udeh explained, “the training offers a practical approach to exporting and will show businesses how to prepare the correct documentation required to export to the United States of America (USA), how to find buyers, how to list products and sell on Amazon, how to export

food products and the various licenses needed as well as other aspects of exporting.”

He added that assisting businesses to export would have an enormous ripple effect across the economy by increasing the volume of export earnings.

According to the bank, the seminar is designed for businesses in the following sectors: Food and Beverage; Fashion and Textile; Leather and Foot ware; Furniture and Woodwork; Art and Craft, Beauty and Cosmetic Industries, Pet Products, Building Materials; Light Equipment; as well as Chemical and Petrochemical industries.

After the training, Export & Sell assisted businesses to revamp their products packaging, and sales literature, making sure they meet the specifications to sell on Amazon and other US outlets.

FG to Register 200,000 Women Entrepreneurs on SheTrade Platform Igbawase Ukumba ÓØ ËʨË The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) said the Nigerian government has signed onto the International Trader Centre’s (ITC’s) SheTrade initiatives with a pledge to register 200,000 Nigerian women entrepreneurs on the SheTrade Platform.

Executive Director of the NEPC, Mr Ezra Yakusak, disclosed this at a capacity building programme on the use of SheTrades in commonwealth crisis management toolkit for women owned businesses at Mararaba, in Karu Local Goverment Area of Nasarawa State.

The executive director, who was represented by Mrs Esther Ikporah, a deputy director in the council, maintained that the registration was part of the broader UN goal of connecting three million women worldwide to global market.

Yakusak continued: “In 2018, ITC launched the SheTrade in the commonwealth project to economically empower women in four commonwealth nations; Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Bangladesh.

“In October 2021, SheTrade Initiative attained its goal of connecting three million women to the global market, a milestone

that was achieved despite economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic.”

In a welcome address, the Trade Promotion Advisor for the Lafia Export Assistance Office of NEPC, Mrs Amina Tumba, said the overall objective of the capacity building training was to assess the impact of the pandemic of the women owned businesses in Nasarawa State.

Tumba continued that the objective of the capacity building was to also train participants on the use of the resilience and recovery action plan (RRAP) that were designed to build business resilience and sustainability.

International Breweries Goes Bold with Smart Drinking Message In furtherance of its commitment to Smart Drinking and implementation of effective and collaborative solutions to disrupt harmful drinking,International Breweries Plc, organised a Smart Drinking Roundtable Session.

The event which held in Lagos was used to launch the Responsible Beverage Servicein Nigeria with eminent stakeholders and representatives from the Federal, and State Ministries of Health, Federal Road Safety Commission, Nigerian Medical Association, Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA), Lagos State Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, and the Lagos State Safety Commission in attendance.

In his welcome address, Managing Director, International Breweries Plc, Hugo Rocha, said, “Since 2018, Smart Drinking has, more and more, become part of our DNA and we continue to strive to bring that culture to our communities. Our commitment extends far beyond saying“drink responsibly”: it spans our Global Smart Drinking Goals, the work of the AB InBev Foundation, the commitments of our brands, and the behaviours that we ask our consumers to practice every time they pick up a beer.”

The keynote speaker and President, Society for Adolescent and Young people’s Health in Nigeria, Professor Adesegun Fatusi enlightened the audience on the theme of the day, stating that, “To achieve optimal results from the Responsible Beverage

Service and other interventions targeting harmful alcohol use, partnership is key. Raising social consciousness and actions to reduce harmful alcohol use is only possible through collaborative efforts by the government, non-governmental organisations and communities.”

Speaking on the essence of the roundtable session, Legal & Corporate Affairs Director, International Breweries Plc, Temitope Oguntokun said, “We are proud to announce we have been shortlisted to be one of the representatives in 15 select countries where the rollout of the Responsible Beverage Services (RBS) initiative will be done by AB InBev, globally. In Africa, we are among three countries that were shortlisted – Nigeria, Zambia, and South Africa.

Indomie Celebrates Mothers, Unveil Unconditional Love Campaign Leading noodles brand, Indomie Noodles, has kicked off a new campaign celebrating the unconditional love between mother and child. The campaign which started online with the hashtag ‘Unconditional Love’, took Nigeria by storm as it trended for days ranking as the number one online content with people sharing stories of the unconditional love they got from their mother.

A poll was conducted on Twitter to determine the best expression of unconditional love with categories such as Mother’s Love; Love for Football; Relationship Love, and Love for Food. Mothers Love won the

unconditional love polls by a landslide 84 percent. Aside from the online engagement, Indomie noodles collaborated with the Lagos State Bus Rapid Transport to offer free rides to mothers at select terminals from Thursday, 24th March 2022 to Sunday, 27th of March 2022, Mother’s Day. According to Temitope Ashiwaju, the Group Corporate Communications and Event Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, “A mothers’ love is unconditional, even when the children are undeserving of it.

They express this love to their kids in different forms, especially with a delicious bowl of Indomie.

They are always relentlessly

performing their duty towards ensuring the wellbeing of their children and family day-in and day-out, without fail or break, even at their own expense.”

Speaking at the Mother’s Day event, National Coordinator, Indomie Fan Club, Faith Joshua explained that the essence of Mother’s Day is to celebrate the Unconditional Love of mothers and build lasting memories between mothers and children.

In her remarks, the awardwinning actress, Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi applauded the role mothers play in keeping the home together while praising Indomie for recognizing the role of mothers play.

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 AS AT WEDNESDAY 12 OCTOBER 7

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $106.07 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $102.41 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

31

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͯͳ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

Stock Market Gains N77bn amidst Easter Celebration Kayode Tokede The stock market of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday gained N77billion to close positive and sustained a five-day bullish trend amidst easter celebration.

Yesterday was the last trading day of the week as the federal government declared Friday, (Good Friday) April 15th, and Monday, (Easter Monday) April

18th, 2022 as public holidays to mark the Easter celebrations.

The NGX All Share Index (ASI) rose by 143.07 points or 0.30 per cent to close at 47,510.38 basis points, while the overall market capitalisation value gained N77 billion to close at N25.613 trillion.

The upturn was impacted by gains recorded in medium and large capitalised stocks, amongst which are; SFS Real Estate Investment Trust (SFSReit), Dangote

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

Cement, Nigerian Breweries, Julius Berger and Berger Paints Nigeria.

Market sentiment, as measured by market breadth, was positive as 21 stocks gained, relative to 16 decliners. SFSReit recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent to close at N77.00, per share. MEYER Plc followed with a gain 7.38 per cent to close at N1.60, while UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust up by 7.32 per

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

cent to close at 88 kobo, per share.

Chams rose by five per cent to close at 21 kobo, while Linkage Assurance appreciated by 4.08 per cent to close at 51 kobo, per share. On the other hand, Dangote Sugar Refinery led the losers’ chart by 5.09 per cent to close at N15.85, per share. R.T. Briscoe Nigeria followed with a decline of five per cent to close at 57 kobo, while Africa Prudential depreciated by 4.76 per cent to

T R A D E D

VALUE TRADED ( N )

MAIN BOARD

A S

close at N6.00, per share.

Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN) declined by 4.62 per cent to close at N6.20, while Cutix and Red Star Express depreciated by 1.64 per cent each to close at N2.40 and N3.00 respectively, per share.

Meanwhile, the total volume of trades fell by 1.7 per cent to 385.182 million units, valued at N4.022 billion, and exchanged in 6,212 deals. Transactions in the shares of Fidelity Bank

O F

1 4

topped the activity chart with 74.814 million shares valued at N282.518 million. Sterling Bank followed with 45.533 million shares worth N64.895 million, while Access Holdings traded 33.866 million shares valued at N347.251 million.

Zenith Bank traded 31.090 million shares valued at N777.994 million, while African Alliance Insurance transacted 26.656 million shares worth N5.331 million.

/ 0 4 / 2 0 2 2 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

32

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

FOREIGN DESK

COMPILED BY BAYO AKINLOYE

Cyclone Megi Kills at Least 138 in Philippines

Authorities in the Philippines say at least 138 people are dead in the wake of Cyclone Megi, which made landfall Sunday, causing heavy rains, flooding and landslides.

More than 162,000 people have been displaced, Philippine officials say, and that scores more are still missing.

Many of those killed were buried in landslides, according to news reports.

Others reportedly drowned.

One district, Kantagnos, has been “greatly devastated,” according to a Facebook post by an army battalion in Leyte province.

“Homes and livelihoods have been damaged, families and individuals are missing, and communication have been unstable,” said the post.

The army says search and rescue operations will continue.

Megi was the first cyclone of 2022 in a country that usually sees around 20 storms a year.

Russia: Black Sea Flagship Damaged

by Onboard Explosion, Not Ukraine’s Missile Russia said Thursday it evacuated all its crew from the flagship of its Black Sea fleet following an onboard explosion, but Ukraine said it hit the ship in a missile attack.

The Russian defence ministry blamed a fire that detonated ammunition on board the guide-missile Moskva. It said the fire had been contained, and the ship remained afloat. The ministry added that the ship’s main weapons were not damaged, and efforts were being made to take the ship back to port.

But the governor of Odesa said Ukraine launched two cruise missiles that struck the ship.

Pentagon press secretary John Kirby told CNN that “there was an explosion” on the ship but added, “We’re not quite exactly sure what happened here. We do assess that there was an explosion — at least one explosion on this cruiser — a fairly major one at that that has caused extensive damage to the ship.”

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan said that the vessel was badly damaged on Wednesday as a result of either “incompetence” or a successful attack by the Ukrainians.

US Counters Chinese Outreach to Solomon Islands The United States is increasing its diplomatic outreach and COVID-19 vaccine assistance to the Solomon Islands amid concerns over a security deal between the Pacific island nation and China.

This week, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke with Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele about plans to reopen the US Embassy in Honiara and what US officials described as “joint efforts to broaden and deepen engagement” between the two countries.

The US is also donating additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to the South Pacific nation. The Solomon Islands has received 52,650 doses of the Pfizer vaccine in recent days after 100,620 doses were delivered in November.

The US currently maintains a consulate in Honiara after closing its embassy in 1993. The plan to reopen a US Embassy in the Solomon Islands’ capital was first announced by Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a Pacific trip in February.

Sherman’s latest diplomatic push follows reports that the Solomon Islands and China have reached a deal that could allow the deployment of Chinese forces in the event of a domestic disturbance.

China’s Xi Vows to Continue Strict COVID-19 Policies President Xi Jinping has said that China must stick to its strict “dynamic COVID clearance” policy while the global pandemic remains serious, promising those enduring lockdowns that persistence will prevail in the end.

China’s zero-COVID policy has put millions of people into lockdown and has had a growing impact on the world’s second-largest economy, in contrast with other countries that have thrown off restrictions even though the virus is still spreading.

“We must persist putting people above all, life above all... We must adhere to scientific precision, to dynamic zero-COVID,” Xi said during a visit to the southern island of Hainan on April 13, state media reported.

“The current global pandemic is still very serious, and we cannot relax the prevention and control work. Persistence is victory.”

The coronavirus first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019. Wuhan’s lockdown in early 2020 heralded a Chinese policy that significantly limited the spread of the virus for most of the next two years.

But new outbreaks of the fastspreading Omicron variant began flaring early this year.

The epicentre of China’s battle with COVID is now the financial hub of Shanghai, where most of its 25 million residents are under lockdown.

Briton Convicted in Islamic State Beheadings Trial A jury convicted a British national Thursday for his role in an Islamic State group hostage-taking scheme that took roughly two dozen Westerners captive a decade ago, resulting in the deaths of four Americans, three of whom were beheaded.

The jury deliberated for four hours before finding El Shafee Elsheikh guilty on all counts. Elsheikh stood motionless and gave no visible reaction as the verdict was read. He now faces up to a life sentence in prison.

In convicting Elsheikh, the jury concluded that he was one of the notorious “Beatles,” Islamic State captors nicknamed for their British accents and

known for their cruelty — torturing and beating prisoners, forcing them to fight each other until they collapsed and even making them sing cruel song parodies.

Surviving hostages testified that the Beatles delighted themselves rewriting “Hotel California” as “Hotel Osama” and making them sing the refrain “You will never leave.”

The guilty finding came even though none of the surviving hostages could identify Elsheikh as one of their captors.

Although the Beatles had distinctive accents, they always took great care to hide their faces behind masks and ordered hostages to avoid eye contact or risk a beating.

Prosecutors suggested in opening statements that Elsheikh was the Beatle nicknamed “Ringo” but only had to prove that Elshiekh was one of the Beatles because testimony showed that all three were major players in the scheme.

New Zealand Court Rules Murder Suspect Can Be Extradited to China New Zealand’s top court on Wednesday ruled a man can be extradited to China to face a murder charge — a landmark judgment that goes against the trend set by most democratic nations.

In a 3-2 decision, the Supreme Court found that China could give New Zealand officials sufficient assurance that the accused, Kyung Yup Kim, could get a fair trial and wouldn’t be tortured.

Concerns over those issues have been enough to stop most democratic countries from extraditing suspects to China in recent times. New Zealand does not have a formal extradition treaty with China like many other nations.

The decision is sure to be celebrated

by China’s ruling Communist Party as a legal victory and a diplomatic and public relations success.

But Kim’s lawyers said they would try to stop the extradition by first filing a complaint with the UN Human Rights Committee and then, if needed, filing a fresh judicial review based on Kim’s poor health.

Lawyer Tony Ellis said Kim was very

disappointed by the judgment. He said his client is in a suicidal state due to his health issues, which include severe depression, a small brain tumour, and liver and kidney disease.

Ellis said he had trouble understanding the decision, given that for the past 10 years, most countries had stopped extraditing people to China. He said almost every suspect in China pleads guilty before going to trial because they know that if they do not, they’ll be tortured.

He said China might see the ruling as an encouragement to start extradition cases against people who have fled the country and been accused of economic crimes.

WHO: COVID-19 Cases, Deaths in Africa Drop to Lowest Levels The number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Africa has dropped to its lowest levels since the pandemic, marking the longest decline yet seen in the disease, says the World Health Organisation.

In a statement on Thursday, the UN health agency said COVID-19 infections due to the omicron surge had “tanked” from a peak of more than 308,000 weekly cases to fewer than 20,000 last week. Cases and deaths fell by 29 per cent and 37 per cent, respectively, in the last week; deaths decreased to 239 from the previous week.

“This low level of infection has not been seen since April 2020 in the early stages of the pandemic in Africa,” WHO said, noting that no country in the region is currently seeing an increase of COVID-19 cases.

However, the agency warned that with winter approaching for Southern Hemisphere countries, “there is a high risk of another wave of new infections.”

The coronavirus spreads more easily in cooler temperatures when people are more likely to gather in larger numbers indoors.

“With the virus still circulating, the risk of new and potentially more deadly variants emerging remains, and the pandemic control measures are pivotal to effective response to a surge in infections,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s Africa director.

THIS WEEKEND TR

UTH

& R E ASO

N

WEEKLY MAGAZINE

NEWS METRO THISLIFE ART WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com 07010510430

Abidemi Ayodeji Ogunmolu: On a Mission to Making Timeless Music

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͳ, 2022

34

COVER

Abidemi Ayodeji Ogunmolu: On a Mission to Making Timeless Music Abidemi Ayodeji Ogunmolu, also known as Bidemi Olaoba, is a budding Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter, and music composer best known for singing gospel high life music in the Fuji style, a style heavily influenced by the environment in which he grew up after a brief stint in the contemporary style, which did not thrive. He began his musical career over eight years ago as a worship leader in the choir at Christ Apostolic Church and later joined the CAC Music Ministry and the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Currently on a musical tour in the United States of America and also billed to release his latest single, Oluwatise, Ogunmolu, in this interview with MARY NNAH, talks about the journey so far, his USA tour, why he is being so grateful to God and his intention to make timeless music with his brand Let’s talk about your current USA tour and the motive behind it am currently on a tour of the United States of America. We have been doing a lot within several states. Just last week, we did several events at various locations in churches within Atlanta. The motive is clear. I am doing a tour in America and so we plan on holding major concerts in different states. We have Chicago on lockdown, Atlanta on lockdown, Maryland on lockdown, News Yorks on lockdown, Dallas on lockdown. So basically we are here to storm Africa. The tour will culminate in the unveiling of my new song titled, “Oluwatise”.

I

What is the inspiration behind your soon-to-be-launched song, Oluwatise.

What message do you intend to pass across with it?

When I started there was no picture of how things were going to turn out. So I never expected that I was going to even come close to this present level that God has put me much more imagining that I was going to be here today. We were just doing it for fun. I never imagined that I was going to come this far and I thank God that I am here today. I am dropping a single this month, titled, “Oluwatise” (God has done it).

I looked at what I have been through in life from where I started; I never knew that I was ever going to come close to where God has put me today. So this is a song that I am dedicating to God. It is a song of thanksgiving, jubilation, and praise to God just to appreciate God for His goodness and mercy over my life.

Oluwatise means God has done it. It is my song of gratitude. Thanksgiving is not just the first Sunday of the month. Thanksgiving is every day. Praising God is a lifetime commitment.

Despite all that happens around you always cultivate the habit of thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is an attitude. It is not just a praise section. It is a lifestyle. The song, Oluwatise, is going to help you cultivate the attitude of thanksgiving, Why did you choose highlife for gospel songs over other genres of music?

I chose this pattern of music because this was what I grew up knowing. As a child, I listened to the high life. This is not Fuji, it is highlife. Growing up, I have heard several songs as a child and these are things that make up my music today.

My kind of music is inspired by the scriptures, what I hear, what I see, and trends. I do gospel highlife in a Fuji way. I also have a lot of youths following me and the adults as well.

Are you sure you can reach a tangible audience with this genre of music?

I have been reaching millions of people with my music by the grace of God. My genre of music has never been a limitation to me in any way even in America.

So, my kind of music gives vibes, brings joy, and heals the broken heart; God uses music to bring joy. You could see the joy in the faces of people each time they hear my music.

Tell us about your journey into gospel music.

I have been on a journey of grace. Sometimes it seems unreal but the grace of God has brought me thus far. I am what I am by the grace of God. I can only imagine how much more God can do. He has helped me in the past and He is still my hope for years to come.

Over years of doing this, professionally leading thousands of people in worship, bringing hundreds and thousands of people to Christ, the journey has not been smooth but the grace of God has been sufficient.

I started music pretty young. I can but mention our local church; I grew up in Christ Apostolic

Abidemi Church, Oke Iyanu, Mile 12. My sister sings as well, she is in the church choir.

I didn’t know I could sing. On one of those days, there was a church right after my house, so I tried to imitate what I was hearings. I heard a song from the church from a distance and I sang the song, I guess someone was passing by and he heard the song I was singing and he was like ‘oh, nice voice!’ And it started like that in my church where I was opportune to be in the children’s choir department. I and two other friends of mine carved out a group from the children’s department choir. The name of our team was Dynamic Voices. Because of the nature of our church then, we were not allowed to go outside to sing because we were seen as unserious and were advised just to focus on school alone. But our love and passion, even as children, will make us climb fences and escape from church so that the pastor wouldn’t see that we were going out there. We were just doing it then because

we were having fun. From there, I grew into the youth choir department of the same church. From there I started going to churches to sing I could clearly remember that one of the first churches that I went to for ministration was the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Covenant Area in Mile 12.

So we sang and God took the glory. We were three and while I did the chants (Oriki), he would do the contemporary and from there to my secondary school, Living Stone Model College, Ketu, Lagos. There, I and people with like minds after the class would go to the back of the classroom during our free periods to sing and play drums with the tables and people would be like these guys are sounding sweet. And those were the pointers to me that I was a good singer. From there, someone came into the picture, his name is simply Kehinde – like mind, same passion and he lived in the same street with me then. He is still in my bad today. And then Kehinde will go to any length just to tell people that they must invite us to their next programme

“Music to me is communication; a way of expression. Character and culture are formed through music because people replicate what they hear. Even the Bible said faith cometh by hearing … So music to me is an avenue of expressing our feelings”

and so at some points, we would go to like eight churches in one night and we usually trek a long distance to ensure we meet our desire to sing at different churches. My tenacity and passion grew and then I went to Yaba College of Technology where I met my pastor, Oluwaseun Afolarin Moses. There was one of these programmes that we went for and I met him there. He liked what he heard and I also loved his spirit and we became very close.

He was like an uncle, a father, and a friend to me. I lived in his house and he sings very well also. So, the passion grew from there and I was leading praise in church. From there, the grace kept abounding and to the glory of God, we are still leading people to Christ through worship and praise.

Is music for you a gift or call?

I will say it I both. It is a gift from God and also a calling. I started as a talented musician but along the length by the grace of God and God’s spiritual deposit in me, I grew from just a regular singer to a minister of the gospel. I can’t forget the experience. It was in 2012 that I had a calling to be in this ministry and that was when the dimension of scriptures came in and the prophetic dimension of this ministry came into manifestation. So, it is my ministry, a gift from God and it is also my career.

Music to me is communication; a way of expression; character and culture are formed through music because people replicate what they hear. Even the Bible faith cometh by hearing … So music to me is an avenue of expressing our feelings and for me when I am standing in front of thousands of people, to express myself, it’s like a mystery to me. So, for me, music is an avenue of expressing gratitude to God.

ͱͳ

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͳ, 2022

NEWS

Igbo Maritime Practitioners Decry Activities of Fake Members Precious Ugwuzor The President General of Association of Igbo Maritime Practitioners in Nigeria (ASIMPIN), Eze Ambassador Damian Emeka Obianigwe, has raised alarm over alleged calculated attempts by a group of people, said to be elders of the association, to cause disaffection amongst members.

Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant, Media, Godfrey Emeka Nwosu, Ksm, Eze Obianigwe said unequivocally that nobody constituted any council of elders in the association and that a purported meeting by the so-called elders is a ruse.

In his words: “I wonder who constituted the council because elders in Igbo cosmol-

ogy are men of wisdom whose predominant attention is peace, rectitude and prudence.

“These attributes are deficient in the proponents of the meeting and their spurious claim of belonging to council of elders.

“Eze Obianigwe does not give a whimper over such grandstanding with a fathom group of self-glorifying persons masquerading as elders.

“It is noteworthy to state that he has since taken bold steps towards constituting a committee to organise elections in the nearest future but for the effects of COVID-19 and unfortunate demise of two members of the association namely: Chief Dom Obi, Secretary General of the Association and the former first electoral

committee Chairman, Chief Achike Molokwu.”

According to Eze Obianigwe, the elders might have been too late for intervention and making erroneous statements over genuine and pragmatic steps taken to move the association forward.

“Genuine members of the association are advised not to be cajoled into chasing shadows. It would come to those who know the stand of the founder of NAGAFF and ASIMPIN as a shock over the sudden interest being shown by this group of faceless elders and disgruntled elements.”

The royal father further assured all genuine members of the association of his unalloyed commitment and efforts to keep hope alive and

stand the great association on a solid ground better than it was from inception.

He also advised all those that embark on campaign of calumny by writing frivolous releases to turn a new leaf and genuinely help in contributing to the success of the association which the President General nurtured from infancy to greater heights today.

“It should be noted that these individuals that orchestrated the release are not active members of the association either by chapter or proxy. Their stock in trade is causing dis-affection amongst members.

“Productive members of the association are advised to ignore their rantings borne

DJ Cuppy UrgesYouths to Gear Up for 2023 Elections Stories by Mary Nnah Nigerian Disc Jockey, Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, popularly known as DJ Cuppy recently opined that Nigeria being a country with a huge youth population, they would clearly be a deciding factor come 2023.

She said therefore that there was need for youths to educate themselves on the electoral process, by understanding what happens pre-election, and what should occur during the elections and post-elections.

This, she said would in turn help inspire enough confidence in the youths to take action.

Speaking as a special guest during a Student Voters conference in Lagos, Nigeria, DJ Cuppy, who expressed concerns about voter apathy which has become widespread mainly due to insecurity in the land, hoped the situation would improve and that more people would be able to exercise their franchise come 2023.

In her keynote speech, DJ Cuppy spoke about her desire to facilitate a Permanent Voters Card (PVC) drive to create awareness and encourage young DJ Cuppy Nigerians of voting age to get their PVC and fulfill their Her work as an ambassador civic responsibilities.

She stressed the importance for Afrobeats and African arts of youths coming out to vote cannot be overstated and over in 2023, as she said; “My mis- the years, her charity organsion here today is simply to isation, Cuppy Foundation inspire you all and that in turn has worked to aid the most you will inspire or encourage vulnerable young Nigerians others to get registered, get across the federation.

This conference which was their Permanent Voters Card proudly sponsored by The (PVC) and actually vote.”

DJ Cuppy is one of the most Cuppy Foundation, and hosted recognisable African names in by Youth4Nigeria, in partnermusic and entertainment across ship with Global Shapers Community, was geared towards the world.

high profiled personalities in the business and fashion world, Oil and Gas Merchants, and captains of industries from different parts of Nigeria.

This year’s event, which originally had over 30 finalists was later pruned to the best 10, due to the high standards of the organisers.

The winner of the contest will represent Nigeria in August on the world stage where the Miss Teen Global Beauty International 2022, will be held

Uzoma Mba As part of the efforts to continue delivering quality services to its customers, Spincity Drycleaners has opened a new outlet at Oyekun Street off Akerele Road, Surulere, Lagos.

Spincity Drycleaners is a foremost premium dry-cleaning and laundry services company with three branches in Lagos PWV Gardens Estates, Ikate, Lekki; 48 Akerele Extension, Surulere; and the last outlet at No 3 Oyekun Street in Surulere.

For Spincity, a total laundry and drycleaning services provider, its priority is customer’s satisfaction and service flexibility.

According to the founder of the company, Mrs. Benson Abisola “we strive to be the leading company in the provision of affordable world class premium quality cleaning professional services in the industry.

“We are committed to achieving the objectives of our business, trusted and respected by our clients as being innovative, up to date, responsive and technical leaders in the industry.

We will continually improve our services without compromising on our qualitative standard.

“At Spincity, we go beyond the normal wash and press service, if we did just that there would be no need to bring your garments to us.

“Calling on our extensive institutional knowledge and experience of over a decade and utilising state of the art specialized equipment, we lovingly clean and restore your garments to its previous condition.

“Our first class cleaning procedures, detergents and additives ensure that your garments get to you spin cleaned.

Every garment is treated differently according to its material and cleaning requirements.”

Spincity Drycleaners services includes laundry & dry cleaning, pressing, shirt service, cobbler service, suede and leather works, cotton cleaning, duvet cleaning, rug cleaning, stain removal, alteration, wedding gown cleaning and preservation, corporate cleaning for the events and hospitality Industry, pickup & delivery service and among others.

“Our experienced repair specialists offer a tailored service to meet your needs, from replacement zips and length adjustments, to detailed repairs and garment re-sizing.”

But beyond clothes, Benson added that “we have a highly skilled team to meet your shoe request, this services includes changing and repair of shoe heels, soles, buckles and repair of any damaged part of your shoe”.

OOH ACADEMY, APCON’S WORKSHOP FOCUSES ON GOOGLE MAPS, LOCATION INTELLIGENCE

raising awareness for the upcoming national elections in 2023 and sensitising young Nigerians about the role they have to play come 2023.

The Student Voter Conference was set up as part of a civic education and engagement session series for Nigerian students to encourage them to vote, and enlighten them about the procedures involved, so they are well prepared to participate in the upcoming

elections, and to do so from an informed and reflective standpoint.

The key highlights from the event included a panel discussion with other key stakeholders tagged; “Building Citizens’ Confidence to Vote – Road to 2023” The Cuppy Foundation will be actively encouraging and supporting youths to be a part of the election process come 2023.

Miss Teen Global Beauty Nigeria Holds April 17th The beautiful timber city of Sapele will again play host to Nigeria’s biggest teenage beauty pageant on April 17, 2022.

Like the maiden edition, which was held successfully in October 2020, the second edition will witness the conglomeration of the Crème De La Crème of the entertainment industry in Nigeria.

Amongst those expected to grace the epoch-making event are top government officials,

SPINCITY DRYCLEANERS OPENS NEW OUTLET IN LAGOS

in Paraiba, Brazil, courtesy of an all-expense-paid trip by the official sponsor of Miss Teen Global Beauty Nigeria, Awaritse Nigeria Limited.

According to the National Director of Miss Teen Global Beauty Nigeria, popularly called, “Nigeria’s King of Queens, Mrs. Gwen Elohor Tagbarha, she is out to change the narrative in the beauty pageant industry by sanitising the system which has been serially bastardised by both morally

bankrupt pageant organisers and willing collaborators.

While outlining how the winners will emerge, she stated that 70 per cent of scores will be taken right from the auditions, home task assignments, behavioral assessment, hard work, and attitude, one-week camp activities which will be collated and submitted to the judges while their stage performances during the grand finale will have the other half of 30 per cent.

The focus at the maiden Location Intelligence Workshop organised by OOH Academy in collaboration with the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) held recently was on the value of GPS technology, the power of location intelligence in Out-of-Home business, and gaining audience and location insights from google maps in strategising and planning OOH campaigns.

The event, which had the theme, “Exploiting the Opportunities in Google Maps for Better Decision Making in OOH Advertising Business”, featured presentations from seasoned experts and professionals from diverse areas to address the subject matter.

Speaking in his welcome address, the Convener of the workshop and Project Coordinator of OOH Academy, Kingsley Onwukaeme, said that organising the workshop was borne out of the need to share knowledge with professionals and to promote the growth of the OOH subsector in Nigeria.

“Google Maps is one of the freely accessible Location Intelligence platforms that has the biggest level of data widely acceptable in the world.

“Therefore, the need to introduce us to some features of the platform and how to creatively analyse its data sets and use them in proving the values of OOH solution to the clients. “,Therefore, we came up with the workshop to show how to gain audience and location insights from Google maps when strategising and planning OOH campaigns,’’ he revealed.

Orakwe John who is a professional Google Street View photographer gave participants valuable insights on how to leverage Google products in providing value for the clients they work for.

In his presentation titled “A Tour of Google Maps,” the photographer who is also the Country Manager of Proto leveraged his experience using these products to educate participants on how to put out their billboard locations on the Google maps for easy customer reach.

At the end of the workshop, participants were given certificates of participation which are eligible for an APCON upgrade. The Location Intelligence Workshop is one of the activities of the OOH Academy, a bespoke platform that provides thought leadership and training in the Out-of-Home subsector in Africa.

Onwukaeme said the focus of the Academy is on the growth of the fast-evolving subsector in Africa and in Nigeria specifically, adding, “our objectives are to promote the education of the OOH subsector by building knowledgeable practitioners in Nigeria, grow the OOH industry by deepening the credibility of her integrity and recognising and celebrating excellent performances in the OOH subsector.

o c t a h

36

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͳ, 2022

E-TRENDS THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF LAGOS BREAKS STREAMING RECORDS Stories by Vanessa Obioha

The dramatic reality TV series Real Housewives of Lagos (RHOLagos) recorded a new first when it premiered exclusively on Showmax last week. The show reportedly broke the record for the most firstday views on Showmax Nigeria, trending at No.1 in Nigeria and South Africa. It was also featured on the trend list in the United Kingdom.

The cast trended individually in Nigeria, supported by an official Twitter Event page that sat on top of the trends list for the entire 24 hours. A Twitter Space hosted to recap the launch was retweeted to an even larger international audience of RHOLagos superfans by the official Twitter TV account.

Reacting to the reception of the first episode, Candice Fangueiro, Head of Content at Showmax Africa said “The reception of the first episode of RHOLagos acrossAfrica and the UK was beyond amazing; we knew we had a trend-setter on our hands and we’re not surprised thatRHOLagosisbreakingrecords.”

The show’s staggering record can be attributed to the drama-packed first episode which saw the ladies subtly throw shades at one another.

From Toyin Lawani-Adebayo having trouble with Chioma Ikokwu’s accentaswelldeterminedtoretaliate against Laura Ikeji-Kanu’s tardiness to her daughter’s event to the issue of friendship among the ladies.

New episodes are streamed every Friday and will allow fans to gain insight into the lives of these women and how they navigate businesses, family and friendships.RHOLagosisstreaming on Showmax throughout Africa, the United Kingdom and other international markets such as Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. It is produced by

NEW AFRIKA SHRINE TV LAUNCHESWITHEASTER CONCERT This Easter weekend,Afrobeat lovers will enjoy performances from Rema, 2Baba, and Cavemen on the new Afrika Shrine TV. The new live-streaming platform serves as a place for Afrobeat lovers to tap into and be part of these magical performances and happenings at the New Afrika Shrine, any time and from anywhere in the world.

The original Shrine was created in the 70s by Abami Eda himself, FelaAnikulapo Kuti. Following his death in 1997, his eldest children, Femi and Yeni, lovingly built the New Afrika Shrine in his honour.

The entertainment centre located in Ikeja, Lagos, which serves as the host location of the annual Felabration music festival is set to take the magic that is Afrobeat to every nook and cranny of the world through this exciting new direction.

From May 1, 2022, www.afrikashrine.tv will broadcast live, everything that takes place in the iconic, 2,500 capacity venue.

With a monthly payment of just $5, subscribers will gain full access to the programme which is packed full to the brim with outstanding live performances from Aramide, Chike, Falana, Discovery Night, Ayra Starr, Peruzzi, Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti, Made Kuti, and many more! All live-streamed performances are available for a further seven days.

MUSIC SHOWBIZ

…Your weekly entertainment delight

NOLLYWOOD

Is Tiktok’s Influence on the Music Industry a Fad or Here to Stay?

Iyke Bede To a large extent, the gap between Nigerian artists and their foreign counterparts is continually bridged by technology. Unlike in the 1990s, various advancements in technology have led to the birth of platforms that have increased the reach, visibility, and influence of many local artists to the global audience.

These benefits, in turn, have also strongly dictated the texture of the afrobeats genre, fusing it with other genres to reflect a mix of authenticity marinated in global appeal. But more so, it has given rise to partnering with foreign creatives at every level of music production commonplace, especially since the late 2010s and early 2020s.

Surely, the role these platforms play towards attaining these developments cannot be overemphasised, however, they aren’t all equal in terms of the possibilities they offer.

Streaming services like Spotify and Apple music put musicians on the map, no doubt, but compared to the likes of Chinese-owned short-form, video-sharing app TikTok, they lack the viral factor.

Since the explosion of TikTok at the start of the pandemic, the app has become a haven for discovering talents that might have been lost in between the cracks.

In other cases, it revivifies the essence of past hits through creators who snip and use the catchiest portion of a musical piece to create a cover, incorporate a dance routine, or simply act plain silly to draw attention to it. International artists like American rapper Doja Cat greatly benefited from the platform when her song ‘Moo’ gained viral status.

On March 3, 2021, Afrobeats star Adedamola Adefolahan, who performs under the moniker Fireboy DML, hopped on and gave a viral TikTok remix of Madonna’s ‘Frozen’.

Fireboy, Goya, Ckay have viral sounds on Tiktok

The remix TikTok sound was produced

by Canadian DJ/producer Sickick. It retains elements of the original song with noticeable inclusion of synths and alteration of the singer’s vocals to sound more masculine.

Aweek following the release, visuals to the DML version titled ‘Madonna Vs Sickick – Frozen (Fireboy DML Remix)’ were uploaded to Youtube.

It portrays Madonna as a matriarchal figure basking in the reverence bestowed upon her by DML. Within three days, it recorded over 1.3 million views on YouTube.

Ordinarily, scoring a feature with the 63-year-old and seven-time Grammy

winner is no easy feat, even for an artist in the same space as her. But with a stroke of luck powered by the ubiquitousness of the internet, Fireboy DML discography suddenly looked impressive.

In a similar vein, TikTok viral sound shot underground Nigerian artist Bright Goya, otherwise known as Goya Menor, to international recognition. He achieved this fame after he impacted an energetic twist to the Nektunez amapiano remix of ‘Ameno’, a 1996 orchestral song arrangement by the international new age music group Era.

Music Meets Football at Heineken Novelty Match

While both Fireboy DML and Goya bank on the nostalgia that comes with hits from the past, other Nigerian artists have enjoyed similar exposure for their original body of work. Case in point, CKay’s ‘Love Nwantiti’.

‘Love Nwantiti’, in every way, was a phenomenon. It had become a hit in neighbouring African countries, with a few mentions on the international scene.

But due to the creators who embarked on a challenge, Its status changed, garnering over three million video covers as of September 2021.

It also charted No. 1 on the Shazam global chart that same period.

APRAISEJAMFOREASTER

Tope Alabi,Tim Godfrey,Mercy Chinwo for Praise Jam.

MI, Darey at Heineken Face-off match

Afrobeats superstar Davido led Team Nigeria in the novelty match with four-time Champions League winner and iconic Dutch footballer, Clarence Seedorf. The match which was held at Landmark Beach as part of the UEFA Champions League Tour presented by Heineken saw Team Heineken take on Team Nigeria in an encounter that showcased some classy football skills from both sides. Team Heineken was captained

by UCL Ambassador Seedorf and featured Nigerian Breweries Plc Supply Chain Director, Martin Kochl and Finance Director, Rob Kleinjan.

Davido led the line for Team Nigeria which had ex-Nigerian internationals, Jay Jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachi and Pastor Taribo West, NB Plc Marketing Director, Emmanuel Oriakhi, Rapper MI and Afro R&B singer Darey.

The game which lasted about an hour was filled with fun moments that saw the over 500 watching fans treated to an entertaining display with Okocha finding the net with almost every shot he took and Clarence Seedorf showing why he is called the Professor after hitting the woodwork twice and finding the back of the twice.

Seedorf completed the tour in

Abuja where he met with fans and also watched the Liverpool vs Benfica match at the Transcorp Hilton.

The UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour was a chance for football fans around the world to get closer to the iconic UEFA Champions League Trophy. It was developed to enable fans globally to have the chance to get closer to the UEFA Champions League competition and the trophy itself. The 2021/22 Heineken’s UEFA Champions League campaign titled, “Cheers to All Fans”, highlights that football belongs to all passionate fans and challenges the stereotype that football belongs to men.

The first Easter edition of the gospel music concert Praise Jam will be held today at the Eko Convention Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Leading radio stations, Cool FM, Wazobia FM, and Nigeria Info, under the auspices of AIM Group, said that the Easter edition is an opportunity for Lagosians to celebrate Easter holidays in grand style with their favourite gospel artists.

The concert, which is entitled ‘The Resurrection’, promises to feature live musical performances from the likes of Mercy Chinwo, Tope Alabi, Tim Godfrey, Akpororo, BJ Sax, Emma Oh My God, Mike Abdul, Chioma Jesus, and D.J. Ofure while Kenny Blaq would serve as the host.

Speaking on the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of Cool FM, Wazobia FM, and Nigeria Info, Serge Noujaim noted that the rationale behind the event is to create a platform that encourages Lagosians to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ collectively.

37

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯ, 2022

ART WEEKEND

…For pure art enthusiasts

ICON LAUNCHES INT’L IBOM ART AND BOOK FESTIVAL, TACKLES At the public presentation of her book, ‘Kukuruku Girl: Tales of My Childhood,’ Onize Edith Aiyede alluded to influences from STEREOTYPES OF literary legends such as Soyinka, Achebe and Adichie in fastening the threads of African narratives embedded in her debut MINORITIES collection of short stories. Yinka Olatunbosun reports Yinka Olatunbosun

The Kururuku Girl: Telling the Tales of Childhood Years

Book cover for Kukuruku Girl

J

erry curls, disco sound and bell bottoms may have gone out of fashion but telling one’s authenticAfrican story will not.

That tradition was revived last weekend at the Freedom Park Lagos- the venue of the formal book presentation by Onize Edith Aiyede.

The native of Igara in Edo State had been conscious of self-preservation and identity in her writing having been weaned on African literature. Her first published book, ‘Kukuruku Girl’ is written in English with some elements

of her indigenous language, Etuno.

“I started writing the book in 2019. I finished it the same year then gave it to an editor in 2020. I got the first edit after six months. The editor was very busy. Apparently I was looking for an editor that was known and by the time he sent back the copy edit, I wasn’t impressed with it,’’ she recalled.

As she wrapped up her MBA studies in May 2021, she worked on the book-starting all over again and by November last year, it was ready for editing. For her, it was non-negotiable to engage an editor

who understands Etuno language as well.

“I discussed it with Eddie Lawani and he agreed to edit it. Etuno is the language of the Igara people.

There are lots of stories out there.

You read stories about Chimamanda Adichie telling stories about what is happening and where she is from, Soyinka and Achebe wrote stories that were centred around where they are from. Furthermore, they grew into looking into the country as a whole. I looked back and realised that there are no stories told about us and I felt like if there

is anyone to tell our story, it should be us,’’ she explained.

The ‘kukuru girl’ is a collection of short stories of the author’s childhood experience that captures past memories of the Nigerian child and the duty of care towards them. Described as a rollercoaster of emotions, the book also puts a spotlight on the plight of children who are out of school.

“I want to say something. If I cannot hold the microphone to do it, I will do this. You don’t need to have money to have a voice. This is me using my voice and I will do it on paper,’’ the author who works as a realtor disclosed.

Talk Show Co-host, Mariam Longe Captures Young Minds with New Book to Save Vultures Yinka Olatunbosun In step with her advocacy work in environmental conservation and sustainability, Your View Co-Host, Mariam Longe has taken her campaign into a literary platform with the release of the children literature titled ‘Vultures to the Rescue: The Cleanup Crew.’ Illustrated

by Oluwaseyi Alade, the book fills the void in formal education in the area of environmental studies.

Through the delightful illustrations of the characters, Longe tells the stories of the misconceptions around vultures and the economic value of vultures to man. Dogs may be called man’s best friend but vultures are indeed man’s protector.

Alongside the epic plot of the story, Longe provides a glos-

Book cover for Vultures to the Rescue

sary for the book to deepen the understanding of its vulture vocabulary rendered in both English and Hausa languages.

Other fun aspects of the book include crossword puzzles, trace, draw and painting exercises.

In a foreword written by the Director General, Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Dr. Muhtari Aminu-Kano, it was revealed that the vulture population in Africa had declined by over 90per cent.

“Without vultures, diseases like anthrax, rabies and tuberculosis would spread as vultures feed on dead animals,’’ he said.

Longe, in the past two years, has supported the Nigerian Conservation Foundation’s campaign to address vulture conservation in Nigeria with the #SaveVulture Campaign.

As an ambassador of the foundation, she has been very vocal about vulture preservation.

A non-governmental organisation, Inspire Community Network, (ICON) is set to launch the maiden edition of Ibom International art and book festival. Aimed at changing the narratives of the Southsouth as well as the minorities in Nigeria, the festival is scheduled to hold from July 28 till July 31.

The celebrated Brazilian muralist, Wes Gama and an Akwa Ibom son and Washington DC top muralist, Aniekan Udofia, are set to design and commission the festival’s selected spaces. While Gama will design major partners’ spaces, Udofia is more interested in reinventing the outdoor spaces by designing the city of Uyo. Reflecting on the event, the festival director and founder of ICON, Kate Ekanem-Hannum explained that the festival will draw lovers of arts, books, writers, filmmakers, actors, journalists, activists, entrepreneurs and students to the city of Uyo for the grand opening of the Ibom Int’l Book Festival at the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo. “These mural projects are both Wes and Aniekan’s solo documentary projects and the potential of how far and wide this would go is indescribable,” said the festival director.

Ekanem-Hannum, revealed further that Ibom International Art and Book Festival will dismantle stereotypes that have caught minorities in a web of misrepresentation. It is for this reason that the festival is built on creating and sustaining platforms for global minorities.

“Again, the cultural identities, languages, histories, traditions, and creativity of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers, Ondo, Delta, Cross River, and other Niger Delta cultural groups, and minorities in Nigeria, in addition to minority countries and groups worldwide, are oftentimes suppressed in mainstream literature, films, and international media representation.

Hence, the festival has been carefully designed as a weekend of events that will feature panel sessions, workshops, and masterclasses led by prominent literary figures; theatre and other cultural performances to reveal the rich culture of the Niger Delta people, art exhibitions from artists from Namibia, Brazil, the US as well as open mic sessions and poetry slams, alongside concerts featuring top Nigerian artists.

Meanwhile, ICON is known for its chain of diverse volunteers, promoting rural communities’ development, advocacy for girls’ education, women empowerment, youth development, and writing, art, and cultural development in all six geopolitical regions of Nigeria.

Inspire Community Network is credited to be the organisers of major literary events in Nigeria that create opportunities for underrepresented writers and other creatives. Such events included: Lagos Author’s Talk, a project that takes place in Lagos city and has partnered with organizations like Goethe Institut, Art Twenty One, CCA Lagos, Revolving Art Incubator amongst others.

38

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͳ, 2022

POLSCOPE

áÓÞÒ ÎÎã ÎÓàáÜÓ áÓÞÒ ÎÎã ÎÓàáÜÓ ÏÎÎã˛ÙÎÓàáÜÓ̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙט ͸΀͸ͽ ͻ͸; ΁ͻͽ; ÏÎÎã˛ÙÎÓàáÜÓ̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙט ͸΀͸ͽ ͻ͸; ΁ͻͽ;

2023 Presidency: Amaechi, Osinbajo Raise the Bar

Canticles….

The Nation is Bleeding, They are Thinking Election

Prof Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman Amaechi

ast Monday, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, after so much suspense and near indifference to the clamour to join the presidential race, eventually broke his silence about it when he “summoned” all the governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to announce that he is joining the presidential race. The day after, he further summoned the senators elected on the platform of the APC to also brief them of his long-held ambition.

Long before this week, Osinbajo had suddenly got so busy traversing the length and breadth of the country, purportedly on official assignments, the last being the visit to Ebonyi State to inaugurate some projects Governor Dave Umahi built. Now, we can understand better his style.

Long before now, Osinbajo’s men had seized the political space, campaigning and crusading for him.

But he maintained stony silence. I saw a short video advert of school children refusing to go to school, and housewives refusing to cook for their families unless Vice President Osinbajo agreed to join the presidential race.

I shall return to Osinbajo and his presidential ambition.

Before Osinbajo, another major aspirant, like a presidential masquerade, ran into the political space with so much drama and panache. He is Rt Hon Chinbuike Rotimi Amaechi, the Minister of Transportation.

Like Osinbajo, the polity had been fed for too long, with the rumours of his joining the presidential race.

But he had neither said a categorical yes, nor no until last Saturday, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he announced his decision to apply to be the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The facade of the event was a Thanksgiving Service organised by the Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, for a successful national convention, where one of their own, “a Port Harcourt Boy”, Hon Victor Ton Giadom was elected National Vice Chairman (South-south).

The stadium, where the event held, was packed-full to its bursting brim.

But it was more than a Thanksgiving Service. The atmospherics were evidently indicative of a greater plan.

The musical bands, the orchestra, the groups of mass choir, the mammoth crowd plus the massive security arrangement, etc., all showed it was more than what was advertised.

The crowd yelled and bellowed, the moment Amaechi climbed the stage, with his wife, Judith. They yelled even louder when he uttered the first line ”Fellow Nigerians, I stand before you today to declare my intention….”, followed by a loud and long ovation, “to submit my application to serve as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria…”

The less than 30 minutes speech,

L

Osinbajo

titled “Forward with Courage”, interjected with rounds of musical interlude, was like what all the people were waiting to hear. They were evidently excited and charged.

It was not clear what point Amaechi wanted to make when he embarked on a long marathon race, round the field. Some say it was symbolic of the presidential race itself, some others say it was to prove the point that he is young, energetic, fit and healthy to undertake the arduous task of leading Nigeria, unlike some of the aspirants believed to be frail and sickly.

The two latest entrants to the presidential race on the platform of the APC lengthen the list of the presidential hopefuls. Before them were Bola Ahmed Tinubu, (who has not officially declared, but has been “consulting” after informing President Mohammadu Buhari), Gov Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, who seems to be scaling down his presidential ambition for senatorial ambition (although he denied this), but has still not openly declared.

He was manifestly shaken with the court case that had earlier sacked him and his deputy for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling APC. A recent Appeal court ruling gave him the reprieve of remaining in office.

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State who had long been at the aspiration, courting massive media support; Godwin Emefiele, the CBN governor, whose ambition has been loudly spoken of by his many posters all around town (but has not formally declared). Others include Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who does not seem to have stoked his ambition with any visible action, save the mere expression of interest, months ago. Kalu has been rather quiet and non-committal to the presidential project.

One thing clear from the several aspirants is that there is an understanding that the Southern geo-political zones should present the presidential candidate of the party. It is only Yahaya Bello that is not from the South. He is from the same North Central geo-political zone that has just produced the national chairman of the Party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu. It is not clear how the same zone would produce both the national chairman and the presidential candidate of the same party, in a complex political configuration like Nigeria. But Bello waxes very strong and hopeful in his chances and suitability.

In earnest, the race may narrow down to four main aspirants: Tinubu, Osinbajo, Amaechi and Emefiele. The first two being Yoruba and the last two being peripheral Igbo. While Amaechi is Ikwerre in Rivers State, Emefiele

is Agbor in Delta State. They both are considered to be from “extended Igbo communities” outside the core Igbo States of Anambra, Imo, Abia, Enugu and Ebonyi.

Recent political prognosis has said that the Southwest delegates would be split between Tinubu and his erstwhile political son, Osinbajo.

While many acknowledge that Osinbajo, has a legitimate right to contest, especially as a serving Vice President, others fault him on moral grounds of “rubbing shoulders” with his erstwhile master. Osinbajo was appointed Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, by then Gov Bola Tinubu of Lagos State in 1999. Many, until recent revelations showed otherwise, thought Osinbajo was Tinubu’s nominee to the Buhari administration, since a Muslim-Muslim ticket would not be favoured by the polity. Thus, many argue, on grounds of sentiment and emotion “not legal logic”, that Osinbajo should not be seen to be contending with his political master.

But politics is like Shakespearan paradox: fair is foul and foul is fair. The duo are already in the ring, ready to engage each other in a context of popularity. While the one will deploy huge financial resources and a long-nurtured network, the other will deploy the influence of incumbency and the niche of integrity.

A social media comic, during the week likened it to a football contest between Bullion Van United Vs Tradermoni FC. Even then, the argument of microzoning will arise. Will it be fair and right to allow the South-west to produce yet another president of the country after Obasanjo’s eight years as President and Osinbajo’s eight years (by 2023) as Vice President?

Amaechi, among all four, is the youngest. Full of energy and understanding of the system, what with his vast governance experience. Some complain that he is stubborn, while others argue that Nigeria needs a “stubborn” and radical leader to rescue and redeem Nigeria from its present pitiable state. With the recent endorsement he is garnering from the emirs in the north, Nigerians in Diaspora, as well as several groups and political blocs in the south, even among the Igbo, he is surely a man to watch in the outcome of the presidential primaries.

In the same way, many believe that Emefiele’s deep insight into the complexity of the Nigerian economy is what is needed to draw Nigeria out of the cesspit of economic woes.

With less than 65 days to the APC presidential primaries, Nigerians are waiting with bated breath to see who will be the presidential standard-bearer.

I

hear the Independent National Election (INEC) has given June 30 as the new deadline for the collection of PVC--- Permanent Voter’s Card. And so, it is calling on all eligible Nigerians to collect their PVCs in readiness for the 2023 general election.

of killings and bloodletting. We are all casualties…. And you are busy talking about elections. How are you sure these killer squads will not storm the polling booths and shoot at voters in the queue?

If fire can burn the tortoise with the iron coat, imagine what it will do to the cock with the feathery gown.

That is a misplaced priority.

How? What do you mean? Do you know this INEC plans ahead?

Do you remember that the election timetable was released over a year ago? This agency of government is quite intentional, calculative and highly organized.

You don’t get the point. You can use any adjective you like to describe INEC, even though we are conscious of the malaise of “inconclusive elections”. The point I am making is akin to a line in the Anglican liturgy: “we have left undone what we ought to have done, and have done those things we ought not to have done, and there is no health in us…”

I don’t understand you.

Look, INEC, political parties, politicians, every agency and organ of government is already seized by election fever. Do you realise that already true and proper governance is on holidays?

Politics and politicking have taken over.

But who among all those fretting about the elections, has bothered to ask whether or not the elections will actually take place? Are you not seeing the country? Are you sure we are ready for the elections? Look at the sky and you will understand what I mean. (looks skyward) What is in the sky?

I can’t see anything that says or suggests we will not hold the election.

Hmmmm, the moon can only shine when the sky is free of clouds. The cloud above the Nigerian skyline is heavy.

Nobody is sure of tomorrow. Those planning the election and those fretting about one contest or the other are not sure they will not be guests of the bandits in the nearest future. The security situation in the country is damn scary, almost like an enigma. Haba! There is no day people are not being killed either by bandits or Boko Haram fighters, or by armed robbers or by terrorists or kidnappers. Moving trains are being attacked and passengers killed and abducted, homes are being broken into and people kidnapped, villages and communities are being attacked and burnt, schools are being attacked and schoolchildren abducted, even military formations are being attacked, over 700 soldiers killed in 18 months, armoured tanks burnt; policemen are being killed and their stations burnt, FRSC officials are being killed on the road, farmers are being beheaded in their farms, travellers are being abducted from the highways; everywhere you turn there are stories

Yes, we are all casualties. That means it is not peculiar to Nigeria. The world is in turmoil. We are in the Sahel region, plagued by torrent of terrorist attacks.

But more importantly, the Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Bashir Salihi Magashi (retd), last Wednesday assured Nigerians that the sponsors and saboteurs aiding and abetting these acts of terrorism will soon be named and shamed. He was certain….. (cuts in)…. Away with such empty promises. How many times have they claimed to have had the list of those behind the terror attacks and that they will soon release them? Till today, have we had anything? Didn’t the Minister of Justice, and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami in May last year claim that the government’s investigation has revealed the names of high profile Nigerians and businessmen who are financing terrorism in Nigeria? Didn’t he announce that the list of such Nigerians will be released and the people prosecuted? One year after, where is the list, where is the prosecution? Ask Malami where the list is. It was the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that jailed some Nigerians for funding Boko Haram. That was how we knew some persons had been caught sponsoring terrorism in Nigeria. But our own country is protecting and shielding them. Yet we come to the public stage to be lamenting , wringing our hands in helplessness and making promises we do not intend to fulfill. In fact, it is act like this that makes many people to believe that the people in government are part of the terrorists themselves.

Their body language is loud and clear.

How can you say that?

Why not? Can you not read the handwriting on the wall? Don’t you know the people in government are part of the problem? You don’t know they leak information to the bandits? Were it not so, how did the bandits know the coach where the First Class passengers sit, during the February 28 train attack?

How would crude bandits emerging from the bush know exactly where the First Class passengers sit to target that coach in the attack? Now the First Class coaches are scarcely patronized in the trains? Can’t you see how we are evil unto ourselves?

This is Holy Season. With Lent officially ending today---Good Friday-and the Ramadan season still running, it is a good time to keep praying for the redemption of Nigeria. Let us cry unto God to give us a new lease of life as a nation.

FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 • T H I S D AY

39

40

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 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 13Apr-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 8.52% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.60 3.66 1.74% 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 6.29% Anchoria Equity Fund 144.89 146.60 4.40% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.19 1.19 3.71% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com info@anchoriaam.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 21.23 21.87 4.65% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 482.01 496.55 6.84% ARM Ethical Fund 41.26 42.50 5.90% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.06 1.06 -2.07% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.03 1.04 1.91% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.52% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com; Tel 08069294653 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 109.4 109.4 7.56% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Naira 1,095.18 1,095.18 9.52% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.11 2.11 10.19% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.25 2.29 12.75% CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.03 1.03 2.41% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.35% Paramount Equity Fund 18.75 19.10 11.45% Women's Investment Fund 146.92 148.67 5.68% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.70% Cordros Milestone Fund 141.82 142.74 7.28% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 108.87 108.87 5.14% 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 8.53% Emerging Africa Bond Fund 1.03 1.03 6.71% Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund 1.04 1.04 14.11% Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund 101.94 101.94 3.88% 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 1,437.69 1,437.69 10.16% FBN Balanced Fund 189.46 190.89 8.10% FBN Halal Fund 118.41 118.41 9.31% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.64% 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

123.34 161.07

123.34 4.19% 163.24 6.39% fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com

Bid Price 1.00 3.97 1.79 1.22

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.00 6.00% 3.97 -0.79% 1.82 2.89% 1.22 1.23% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price 4,058.11 3,528.27 100.00

Offer Price 4,122.35 3,528.27 100.00

Yield / T-Rtn 4.29% 1.73% 6.12%

1.10

1.10

0.99%

INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) N/A N/A N/A Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.51 1.54 4.79% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,144.64 1,144.64 2.86% 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 12.72 12.81 7.90% 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) 101.02 101.02 6.84% Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 100.00 100.00 8.51% 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 1.64 1.67 2.05% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.58 11.48 3.04% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 6.90% PACAM Equity Fund 1.49 1.50 5.13% PACAM EuroBond Fund 115.97 118.66 0.74% 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 127.05 129.50 5.80% 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 3,598.28 3,638.74 4.52% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 237.90 237.90 0.92% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.40 1.42 8.46% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 318.24 318.24 1.56% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 254.48 258.38 5.14% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.75% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 11,697.28 11,862.92 5.30% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.31 1.31 1.31% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 118.05 118.05 0.92% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 108.63 108.63 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 0.91 0.93 3.31% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.40 1.42 3.42% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.11 1.12 4.92% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.10 1.10 2.13% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 2.00 2.00 2.01% United Capital Eurobond Fund 124.18 124.18 1.51% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.85% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Balanced Strategy Fund 13.39 13.82 2.72% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 15.68 15.85 7.31% Zenith Income Fund 22.44 22.44 1.95% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.13%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

122.16 53.16

1.62% 0.82%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

14.31 137.28 108.75 20.55 22.39

14.41 140.64 111.11 20.65 22.49

2.46% 4.28% 4.94% 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

4.37 5.58 18.39 1.00 21.03 167.03

4.47 5.68 18.64 1.00 21.23 169.03

8.76% -4.42% 4.10% 5.78% 5.21% 5.83%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND

Fund Name NAV Per Share Yield / T-Rtn Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund 107.53 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

41

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2022

NEWSXTRA

CONSOLIDATING GROWTH OF CONTAINER VESSEL TRAFFIC AT ONNE PORT… Officials of NPA celebrating the successful berthing yesterday of MV LADY JANE, a vessel with length overall of 295 metres and draft of 12 metres at the WACT Terminal in Onne Port Complex, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has again proven its readiness to consolidate on the growth of container vessel traffic in the eastern ports

Wike Shuns Obaseki During Visit to Edo, Meets State’s Delegates Promises to check insecurity, promote economic activities Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The political difference between the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and his Edo State counterpart, Godwin Obaseki, appears not to be over yet as Wike, yesterday, shunned the Edo State Government House

while in the state as part of his consultations with delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ahead of the party’s convention to pick its candidate for the 2023 presidential elections.

Wike also refused to visit the Edo PDP party secretariat but rather paid a courtesy visit to the

palace of the Oba of Benin and then met with party delegates at the Benin residence of the late former Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih.

At the palace of the Oba of Benin, Wike said if elected president, he would focus on

Another Police Station Attacked in Anambra, One Gunman Killed David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Operatives of the Anambra State Police command, led by the Commissioner of Police, Echeng Echeng, has killed a member of a killer group after they attempted to attack another police station in the state.

THISDAY learnt that the gang of gunmen had attacked Nteje police station, but luck ran out on them when operatives of the command got a tip off and launched a counter attack on them.

Just Tuesday morning, some gunmen had attacked a police station at Ogbaru Local Government Area, killing four police officers and razing down the station.

Anambra State police

command's spokesperson, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed the latest attack on Nteje police station, said the gunmen visited the state at 3am yesterday.

He said the CP led operatives to the affected police station, where one of the gunmen was felled, and a riffle and magazine recovered from him.

A press release by Ikenga read: "Anambra Police Operatives led by CP Echeng Echeng today 14/4/2022 at about 3am foiled an attack by gunmen at Nteje Divisional headquarters Oyi LGA. "The Operatives recovered one type O6 rifle, one magazine and fifty- three live ammunition of 5.56mm and charms. The Commissioner of Police CP Echeng, led the crack squad,

when responding to the distress call as the station came under attack by the deadly gang. The Police Operatives decisively dealt with the assailants.

"During the gun duel, one of the gunmen was neutralised and due to the superior fire of the police operatives, the assailants fled the scene. The station was secured and all police operatives and arms are intact," Ikenga said.

The spokesperson quoted Echeng as saying the command would not relent in delivering on its mandate on protection of life and properties.

He also commended the officers and men of the command for their perseverance and painstaking efforts to weed out all criminal elements in the state.

APC Summons Emergency NEC Meeting Next Week Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has summoned an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for next week, most likely, Wednesday, April 20, 2022.

The date for the NEC meeting will be ratified next Tuesday, when the National Working Committee (NWC) resumes its adjourned meeting, which held last Wednesday at the party National Secretariat.

The NWC of the party, has been meeting since last week over the timetable and schedule of activities regarding the 2023 elections.

But despite holding several

meetings, the NWC of the party was yet to come up with a timetable and schedule of activities.

Indications, however, emerged yesterday that leaders of the party and other party chieftains, including President Muhammadu Buhari, would deliberate on the cost and date for the commencement of sale of nomination forms, as well as conduct of primaries for the seat of the presidency, governorship, national and states assemblies.

A party source, who pleaded anonymity said Tuesday's meeting would determine, when the NEC meeting would be held.

"But for some issues on

dates of the primaries, which the leadership of the party is still making wider consultation on, the NEC meeting would have been immediately after the Easter break, but the date for the NEC meeting will be decided on Tuesday at our continued NWC meeting.

"Though some members wanted the emergency NEC to hold on the 20th of April, we have the mandatory 7 days notice to be published before the meeting. So, by Tuesday, we shall announce the date for the NEC meeting."

THISDAY gathered that the NWC would seek NEC's approval for APC’s timetable for all events leading to the 2023 general election.

checking insecurity with massive investment in intelligence gathering, insisting that it was only in a secure environment that economic activities, agriculture and investment in infrastructure could thrive.

He said, “I was here one and a half years ago as the DG (Director General) of the campaign for the re-election of Governor Obaseki but I am here today not on behalf of anybody but of myself and my team to seek your prayers.

“I have come to Benin to talk to the delegates of our party that will be part of our national convention by May 28th and 29th. The way our country has fared, Nigeria needs somebody that will see white and say it is white and will see black and

say that it is black.

“If the PDP gives me the ticket, I have enough experience to tackle Nigeria’s myriad of problems, having been a local government chairman, Minister of State overseeing Education and now governor.

“The major issue confronting Nigeria, today, is insecurity and without security, no other activity can function and what we need to tackle insecurity is intelligence gathering, which is lacking. We are not going to sit down and give excuses, but we will take action and spend resources to gather intelligence.”

In his reaction, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, while lauding the competence and capacity of the Rivers governor based on what

he had done as governor, urged political leaders to promote and ensure sustenance of the African culture and traditions, which he said the colonial masters tried to erase after discovering that Benin Kingdom and others had a superior administration and civilisation than them.

On Wike’s ambition, he said, “Wike is our son, we love him and if I say so, I believe I am speaking on behalf of our ancestors. We will keep praying for him so that he does not come across anybody that will mislead him, that will misinform him and may he and his family not come across harm.

We must continue to hold on to our traditions and customs because of its superiority over others.”

SENATE SETS UP 13-MAN PANEL TO INVESTIGATE CRUDE OIL THEFT from July to December, 2022.

He had disclosed that 138 of the 254 projects in the budget totalling N13.24 billion had been identified for deletion.

The National Assembly in December, 2021, had approved the sum of N442.7 billion for subsidy in the 2022 budget for the period of January to June this year.

Buhari, however, anchored his fresh request on the fact that petrol subsidy was not duly appropriated for in the national budget beyond June.

According to him, the development was as a result of the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act which stops all such payments past the given June deadline.

In another letter dated 12th April, 2022, Buhari had requested the National Assembly to approve an additional N1 trillion to his earlier N2.557 subsidy request to bring the total amount on payments to N4 trillion for the year 2022.

The approval came with the passage of a bill to amend the 2022 Appropriations Act transmitted to the National Assembly on 10th February, 2022,

by President Muhammadu Buhari for consideration.

The Senate in December, 2021, had passed a budget of N17,126,873,917,692 trillion.

The revised sum of N17.3 trillion in contrast with the 2022 budget

of N17.13 trillion passed last year, represented a N193 billion increase.

The passage of the Appropriations Act, 2022 (Amendment) Bill, followed the consideration of a report by the Committee on Appropriations.

The figure represented an increase of N192.5 billion from the N17.1 trillion approved and assented to last December.

The passage followed the consideration of a report by the Appropriation Committee on the 2022 Appropriations Bill in both chambers.

The nation's parliament increased its annual budget by N12 billion.

It was N139 billion in the 2022 budget but has now increased to N153 billion in the revised version, approved yesterday.

A critical analysis of the revised budget showed that there was no increment in the capital vote of N5.415 trillion The increment affected only the recurrent expenditure.

Out of the total sum of N17,319,704,091,019 trillion passed, N817,699,410,210 billion is for Statutory Transfers; N3,978,087,110,437 trillion for Debt Service; N7,108,621,131,849 trillion for Recurrent (NonDebt Expenditure); and N5,415,296,438,523 trillion for Contribution to the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure.

He explained that the

additional request was against the backdrop of adjustments to the 2022 fiscal framework which became imperative due to market developments occasioned by the spike in crude prices, following the Russian-Ukrainian war.

The chamber, accordingly, approved the President’s request for additional N3.557 trillion for PMS subsidy with the passage of the 2022 Appropriations Act (Amendment) Bill, Thursday.

It also approved N192.52 billion aggregate increase sought by the executive, and an additional provision of N182.45 billion to cater for the needs of the Nigerian Police Force to enhance their morale.

The Senate, after passing the 2022 Appropriations Act (Amendment) Bill, adjourned till the 26th of April, 2021 The Senate had before the approval, considered the report of its Committee on Finance on the Medium Term Expenditure and Fiscal Strategy Paper, laid by the Chairman, Senator Olamilekan Adeola.

The red chamber, in the MTEF/ FSP approved oil benchmark $73 per barrel as proposed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

It also approved oil production volume of 1.600m per day.

The chamber gave its nod for an additional provision of N182.4 billion to cater for the needs of the Nigeria Police Force.

42

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2022

NEWSXTRA

SWORN IN FOR A SECOND TERM… L-R: Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC), Dr. Michael Ezeugwu Ajogwu; Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and ENSIEC Member 1, Dr. Greene AnikeNweze, after they were sworn in for a second term by the governor, at the Government House, Enugu...yesterday

Akwa Ibom APC Crisis: Akpabio Commends Abdullahi Adamu for Obeying Court Order Akpanudoedehe warns party against interference Adedayo Akinwale and Alex Enumah in Abuja The Minister of Niger Delta, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has commended the Senator Abdullahi Adamu-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for obeying court order and the swearing in Mr. Stephen Ntukekpo, as the duly elected executive of the party in Akwa Ibom State.

The Ntukekpo-led faction is the faction Akpabio belongs to in the state.

But the immediate past Secretary of the APC Caretaker / Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Senator John Akpanudoedehe, has written to the National Legal Adviser of the party not to interfere with his appeal currently at the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal.

Akpanudoedehe had earlier threatened to sue Adamu for going ahead to swear in Ntukekpo-led faction of the state APC as the duly elected executive, saying it was done in breach of an order of the Court of Appeal, which had ordered maintenance of status quo.

Fielding questions from journalists after meeting with Adamu at the national headquarters of the party yesterday in Abuja, Akpabio insisted that what the chairman of the party did was to obey the rule of law.

Akpabio rhetorically asked: which party was Akpanudoedehe threatening to sue?

According to him, "It depends on which party. Is he suing the party in Akwa Ibom or suing the party in Anambra, or suing the party at national? Which one?

"We are all sticklers to the rule of law, and the party at the national level obeys the rule of law and I believe strongly that it is better to have a country that is made of people, who obey the law than people of strong men."

The Minister noted that he didn't want to comment on the issue, because the matter was still before the court of law, however, stated: "But I want to thank the National Working Committee of our great party for being law abiding and for adhering to judicial pronouncement. The cause had given the chairmanship of the party and the leadership of the party in Akwa Ibom to an individual and other persons. ''The candidate the congresses

produce, we don't want to go into the merit and demerits of who won, who did not win but because we are in court. We are going to abide by court orders as stated in the court of appeal has already dismissed the appeal brought forward by the party."

Akpabio noted that the party leadership withdrew from all appeals as regards the issue of Akwa Ibom and the NWC enjoined party leaders in the state to make peace.

"So, the question of somebody was sworn in somebody was not sworn in, we must not forget the fact that we have another opportunity in democracy to ventilate your thoughts.

If you think you are not carried along, you go to Court and if you go to Court and the court said maintain status quo, everybody knows the meaning of status quo.

"It means the consequential orders to ensure the swearing-in of the new chairman, because the APC has withdrawn from that appeal.

The status quo must be maintained, which means swear in and obey the court order and the party has done that. I want to urge my leader let's go home and also abide by the party's decision to ensure harmony and peace."

Asked if he would be contesting

presidency 2023, Akpabio said as a minister, part of his duties was to ensure that President Muhammadu Buhari ends his administration well.

“People have mention my name?

You know I'm a minister of the federal Republic of Nigeria and I work with the president, who is very focused and I'm determined to ensure that he ends well. So, my job as a minister of Niger Delta is to continue to interact with stakeholders for the Niger Delta.

"So, there is no doubt that my job has not ended, my job is to

continue to support Mr president not just to ensure the completion of his legacy projects but also to ensure that his projects and legacy leads beyond 2023," he said.

But the former secretary, in a letter to the National Legal Adviser, warned against interference as the appeal was already sub-judice before the Court of Appeal.

Akpanudoedehe urged him to take cognizance of the fact that he was the one at the center of the litigation and not the party, hence he has the constitutional right to

proceed with the case.

He explained that his desire to appeal against the judgment of the trial court was borne out of his belief that the judgment of the trial court was not only given without jurisdiction on the state of the law in Nigeria today but was also perverse.

"What is more, if you refer to the affidavit supporting the originating summons at the trial court particularly paragraphs 18, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29, you would find that I was singled out

as the one whose conduct was impeachable.

"Are you now suggesting that I should not exercise my constitutional right to vent my grievance against a judgment that impeached my conduct in office even when the National convention, had vindicated our administration simply, because I am now out of that office? Or are you saying that the new Secretary will adopt any supposedly impeachable act of my office as part of his own official act? I think not," he said.

BDC Operators Seek Measures to Strengthen Naira The Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) has said the widening gap between the official and parallel market exchange rates was driven by acute dollar scarcity due to the continued suspension of foreign exchange sales to BDCs by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

ABCON stated this in its Quarterly Economy Review for the first quarter of the year (Q1’22), expressing concerns over the inability of the fiscal and monetary authorities to address the wide

parallel market and multiple exchange rates in the country.

Commenting on the widening gap, ABCON said: “A premium is the outcome of market restrictions that drive the non-official supply and demand for foreign currency which is a symptom of the inconsistency of fiscal and monetary policies. It also shows lack of credibility of exchange rate policy given the level of foreign reserves.

“That fiscal and monetary policies in Nigeria cannot curtail

the premium that rent seeking dealers in foreign exchange, that is banks and other intermediaries, is worrisome and highly contributory to the distortions in the economy.

“Multiple exchange rates cause distortions by manipulating relative prices in the economy and widens opportunities for rent-seeking behaviour for those who have access to the lower exchange rates.

When the multiple exchange rates are corrected, it would promote a more efficient application of market-driven relative prices to

allocate resources in the economy.”

The association also highlighted the nation’s huge public debt and increasing level of poverty, recommending that the federal government should reconsider its strategy of depending on debt to grow the economy.

“The Nigerian economy is currently faced with two major interrelated problems: heavy indebtedness and the incidence of poverty. Together, they have important implications for growth possibilities,”

BUHARI: WE’RE EMBOLDENED BY EASTER THAT GOOD WILL SOON TRIUMPH OVER EVIL We must all remain constant in our efforts to promote unity — across all lines — because united, our nation remains stronger and we thrive as a people,” he said.

He, therefore, expressed belief that in this season, Nigeria would rise and overcome her national challenges, “because our shared experiences are bringing us to the conclusion that no matter what the forces of evil can do, we as Nigerians, united as one in doing good, can and will prevail.”

While encouraging Nigeria’s leaders to use the opportunity of Easter celebration to reflect on their stewardship to the people and the nation, he said, “Our leaders at all levels should follow the virtues that define this season – sacrifice, love, and charity – and come together to help all Nigerians resolve the differences that divide us."

The IG, while directing intensive security patrols of all public spaces and critical national assets across the country, specifically ordered Commissioners of Police (CPs)

in the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and their supervising Assistant InspectorsGeneral of Police (AIGs) to ensure adequate deployment of police personnel, and operational assets to areas of security interest within their respective areas of responsibility.

He, however, gave the directive as he made good his promise to effect the promotion of 21,039 rank and file personnel of the Nigeria Police.

Further directing that supervising officers should ensure that confidence-boosting, proactive, and high visibility patrols were carried out along the highways, motor parks, train stations, airports, worship centres, recreation centres, banks, and other financial institutions, he said they should also take adequate measures to provide a peaceful, crime-free, and enabling environment for religious, cultural and other socio-economic activities to thrive.

A statement issued by

Force Headquarters said the Commissioners of Police and their supervising AIGs were directed to ensure proper supervision of the men assigned roles.

"They must be professional and courteous to law-abiding citizens but firm and ruthless to criminal elements, who might want to take the advantage of the festive period to perpetrate their unholy acts," it said.

In order to give effect to the directive, the IGP Monitoring Unit and X-Squad were given marching orders to monitor and police activities of police officers policing the highways to ensure respect for the rights of citizens and operational conformity with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Rules of Engagement (RoE) of the Force; the Complaint Response Unit, vis-à-vis Public Complaint Bureau, have equally been charged to respond swiftly to complaints received from the general public.

While felicitating with Nigerians,

and the Christian community in particular, on the commemoration of the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the IG thanked the citizenry for their support and called on them to continue to cooperate with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies by providing timely information that would help in the prevention and detection of crime.

Against this backdrop, the IG has approved the promotion of 21,039 junior police officers, who were last promoted on or before 2017.

A separate statement by Force Headquarters said the promotion, which comprised the elevation of 20,572 sergeants to the next rank of inspector, 324 corporals to sergeants, and 143 constables to the rank of corporal, was part of the ongoing efforts aimed at improving welfare, conditions of service, boosting the morale of personnel, with a view to repositioning the force for greater

efficiency.

The IG further noted that the promotion of the officers was part of the manpower development drive of his administration to ensure that deserving personnel were promoted accordingly to encourage hard work, and further embed the culture of merit, excellence and dedication to duties.

The IG assured senior police officers that the police high command was liaising with the Police Service Commission (PSC) on the release of their promotion, expected to be approved and released as soon as possible.

Baba, while commending the newly promoted officers for their resilience and invaluable commitment to duty, charged them to see their promotion as a call for renewed zeal, vigour, patriotism to duty, and further rededication to professional policing standards, even as he restated the commitment of his administration to entrench longstanding reforms in the Nigeria Police.

FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

43

NEWS

Attacks: Soludo Urged to Use Anambra Youths to Fight Insecurity David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Anambra State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has called on the state Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, to partner youths of the state in the fight against insecurity.

There have been several cases of insecurity in the state within one week, including the burning of a local government secretariat and police facilities in diverse places in the state.

Reacting to one of the attacks, the governor stated that statistics available, according to suspects already arrested by security agents, all those involved in the attacks were from outside the state.

Mrs. Ijeoma OnuorahAnyakwo, a senior member of the state chapter of the NYCN and chairperson of the group’s election debate, said there is no better way to fight those causing fear in the state than to partner the youths.

Speaking to journalists during a debate organised for candidates of various positions to talk about their reason for aspiring to lead youths in the state, Onuorah-Anyakwo said

youths in the state have become enlightened, and ready to partner the government against those causing insecurity in the state.

According to her, “Our governor has told us that from arrests made so far,

those involved are not even from Anambra State, and our youths are now enlightened and not willing to join anyone who would destabilise the peace and economy of the state.

“You can see the chairmanship

candidates of the state chapter of NYCN, and if you listen to all of them, top on their agenda is how to galvanise the youths to fight the insecurity in the state, and I think the governor should seize this opportunity to partner

the youths.

“In Ichi community, youths recently rounded up some strange elements suspected to be part of those terrorising the state, and handed them over to the police. That is what the

youths can do if our governor partners them.”

The debate featured presentation of manifesto from chairmanship, zonal vice chairmanship candidates and those of the secretarial position.

WEMA BANK’S PROMO…

L-R: Head, Marketing Communications and Investor Relations, Wema Bank, Funmilayo Falola; N100,000 winner of 5th draw, Dr. Jessica Stephens; Managing Director/ CEO, Wema Bank, Ademola Adebise; N100,000 winner of 7th draw, Christiana Adeojo, and Divisional Head, Retail & SMEs, Wema Bank, Dotun Ifebogun at the grand finale of the bank’s ‘5 for 5’ Promo draw in Lagos...yesterday

Easter: Bauchi Gov Felicitates Police Parade 32 Suspected Robbers, Kidnappers in Lagos The suspects were said to vandalised service provider specialised in service provider Ejifoma Christians as FRSC Deploys 858 Rebecca be involved in armed robbery, network masts and stole 16 network theft.

While all stolen items were The Lagos State Police conspiracy, vandalisation, inverter batteries, six modules, defilement, and a cable wire. recovered from the suspects, yesterday, paraded kidnapping, Marshals to Keep Safe Roads Command, “On sighting police the commissioner of police told 32 suspects for various murder, cultism and more.

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi State has felicitated Christian brothers and sisters in the state on the occasion of this year’s Good Friday and Easter Monday celebrations, urging them to give special thanks to God for making it possible for them to witness and celebrate the period.

This is just as Bauchi State Command of the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed a total of 858

personnel made of Regular and Special Marshals in line with its commitment towards ensuring an accident -free Easter celebrations.

In his Easter message to Christian community in Bauchi, the governor recalled that, in his life time, Jesus Christ preached peace, honesty, love for one another and above all the fear of God and therefore enjoined them to imbibe these virtues and put them into practice irrespective of their religious inclinations.

Court, INEC Recognise Udeze as National Chairman of Action Alliances Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The protracted leadership tussle rocking the Action Alliance (AA) was yesterday put to rest as the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) finally recognised Chief Kenneth Udeze as the authentic national chairman of the party.

INEC in a letter dated April 13, signed by its secretary Rose Oriaran- Anthony said its decision to recognise Chief Udeze as national chairman of AA followed “ the receipt of a judgment of the High Court of the FCT in suit number FCT /Hc/cv/174| 2022 dated

28tg March 2022 delivered by Hon Justice Eleojo Enenche.

“In compliance with the judgment ,the commission shall forthwith recognise Kenneth Udeze as the national chairman of AA’ The FCT High Court, in judgement delivered by justice Enenche also granted a prayer restraining INEC from recognising any other person other than Udeze as the national chairman of AA. A chieftain of the party Chief Uzewuru Nwachukwu had approached the Court challenging the leadership of Udeze as the national chairman of AA.

criminal operations across the state.

They include Yaya Amosun, 54; David Ugwi, 54; Sakariyat Hakeem, 39; Lateet Balogun, 38; Kayode Sunday, 25; Bankole Monsuru, 25; Akanbi Femi, 35; and Adedyo Yekini, 50 among a host of others.

They were nabbed for allegedly wielding guns and other dangerous weapons, then invaded Habibat Akande Street, off Tinubu Road Igbodo with two buses.

According to the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, these suspects

operatives and vigilante group, the hoodlums opened fire the security team retaliated leaving three of the armed robbers shot,” Alabi listed.

In the course of investigation, the suspects were said to have confessed to being armed robbers who

newsmen that investigation was ongoing to arrest other fleeing gang members.

In another development, Sheu Tijani, a wanted notorious and deadly cultist, armed robber and serial killer was busted in Lekki area of the state on March 8 this year.

Osun APC Welcomes Omisore, Says His Emergence Portends Victory for Party Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The entire party structures of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State yesterday welcomed the newly-elected National Secretary of the party, Otunba Iyiola Omisore to the State.

The party’s faithful, who trooped out in large number assembled at the popular Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, where the Ife-born seasoned politician was given a rousing welcome laced with fanfare.

Otunba Omisore returned to the state yesterday, for the first time after he emerged the National Secretary at the National Convention of the ruling party held on Saturday, March 26, in Abuja.

This is even as the new party’s national scribe described his emergence as a victory for all to entrench quality leadership in all ramifications and ensure all-round victory for the party in the next Osun guber poll and next year’s general elections.

Addressing the mamonth

crowd, Otunba Omisore said: “My emergence as the new National Secretary of our party portends greatness, victory and all-round success for Osun in particular, and indeed, Nigeria, in general.

“As you all know, our State is known for progressives, we are known for APC and we are overwhelmed today that we have this opportunity. I am honoured today and I urge our people to show appreciation by voting massively for our party in the next governorship election in the

State and in the general election.

“First and foremost, let’s thank God for His mercy on us. He has been so merciful to us. I thank Mr. Governor for making today a reality. I accept your efforts that translated to what I am now. I thank Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our leader, for his support.

I thank Chief Adebisi Akande for his support. I thank all the Governors, most importantly in the Southwest, and our party faithful in the Southwest in particular and Nigeria in general.

FITC CEO Urges Organisations to Create Environment for Millennials to Thrive The Managing Director/CEO, Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC), Ms. Chizor Malize, has called on organisations to equip millennial women with the support and resources needed to cope with the challenges of the corporate world, while joggling the sometimes-daunting task of holding on to,their homes and careers at middle level.

She made this known at the Employee Marketplace 2022 event, themed, “Millennial Women in the Workplace: Building Career

Resilience Post Pandemic”, in Lagos.

The Employee Marketplace Initiative (EMP)is a knowledge sharing network designed to deliver insights on the changing workplace, and how today’s organizations can effectively harness the talent of millennials to stimulate workplace innovation.

The ‘Millennial Women in the Workplace’ event, being the fourth of its series by the EMP, brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and millennials

from diverse sectors across Nigeria to take part in the review of its research study findings focused on millennial women in the workforce.

According to the EMP convener and the Group Head of Strategic Brand Management and Communication of Polaris Bank Ltd, Nduneche Ezurike, noted that the objective of the study was to determine the extent to which millennial women in the workplace believe their work environment enables gender parity

and inclusiveness.

This set the tone for the panel conversations which comprised three key personalities and leaders: Chizor Malize, MD/CEO, FITC, Abosede George-Ogan, Founder, WILAN Global and the convener, Nduneche Ezurike.

Ezurike added that organisations and senior leaders alike have a responsibility to make their workplaces conducive for women, bearing in mind that women have a lot to offer irrespective of the hurdles before them.

Sylvester Idowu inWarri

University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE).

He said his decision to contest stemmed out of the emphatic calls for populist leadership in the state, noting that his declaration was anchored on “The Edge to Build A New Delta”.

After chronicling some of the developmental infrastructure he had attracted to the state by virtue of his position in the National Assembly, Omo-Agege said it was time for the state to benefit

more than what the people were getting from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).

He decried the under development of the state under the ruling PDP, which he accused of turning the people to Keke and Okada riders and assured them of turning the state into an economic hub in the Niger Delta region.

The deputy senate president thereafter declared: “I offer myself as a candidate for the office of Governor of Delta State.”

A leader of the APC in Delta State, Olorogun Ortega Emerhor, said it was time for the people of the state to take their destiny in their hands by voting out the ruling PDP. He lamented the deplorable state of Delta since 1999, adding that, “The people of our state have been suffering since the advent of democracy,” stressing it was time for people to vote out PDP that had since been mismanaging the resources of the state.

Court Issues Warrant for Lawyer’s Arrest over Alleged $250,000 Fraud Omo-Agege: I’ll Fix Delta, Declares for Governorship Wale Igbintade

Justice Y.S Bogoro of the federal high court, in Lagos has issued a warrant for the arrest of a legal practitioner, Ismailia Amhed Olokun for failure to appear in court for trial over alleged $250,000 fraud.

Justice Bogoro, who issued the warrant, ordered the operatives of the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) of the Nigerian

Police and other security agencies to arrest Olokun in any part of the country and bring him to court to face criminal charges filed against him.

Olokun ,who is facing criminal trial bordering on false pretence with intent to defraud, fraudulent conversion and issuance of dud cheques was granted bail on the January 19 ,2022 but repeatedly refused to appear in court for trial.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, yesterday, declared his ambition to contest Delta State governorship election in 2023, saying he would fix the current challenges of the state.

Omo-Agege made the declaration before a mammoth crowd of the All Progressives Congress (APC) members, friends and associates at the Federal

44

FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Bayelsa APC Crisis: Thugs Invade High Court, Sack Judge, Lawyers Olusegun Samuel ÓØ ÏØËÑÙË

proceedings while an official of the court, the claimant, Alex Blackson, and his brother, Osom Blackson, were injured during the invasion.

However, the presiding Judge, Justice Nayai Aganaba, escaped unhurt after he was stoned with plastic bottles by the hoodlums but was taken to safety by his police orderly.

It was gathered that most of the lawyers in court were

also chased out, while those that came with the claimant were brutalised.

It was gathered that the hoodlums may have been provoked by the alleged insistence of the Presiding Judge, Justice Aganaba to hear the suit filed by Alex

We are One Family, Says Tinubu in Good Friday Message

President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Mrs. Susan Akporiaye has denied the plan by foreign airlines to sell tickets in dollars following the forex scarcity and inability of airlines to repatriate their earnings from the country.

The NANTA President was reacting to reports indicating that foreign carriers would start

Suspected political thugs last Wednesday invaded a Bayelsa State High Court and disrupted proceedings into the hearing of a suit on the disputed ward, local government and state congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The thugs numbering over 30, chased the lawyers and Judge away from the court

All Progressives Congress presidential aspirant, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu yesterday urged Nigerians to remember that we are one family in spite of our different religions.

In a Good Friday message, they said this season is a precious opportunity to be thankful to God for His mercy and to focus on Christ’s life of service, sacrifice and compassion toward all.

“It is a time to reflect on our belief in the Divine and what that means as we go about the conduct of our daily lives. In this, we are reminded that we Nigerians may be of different religions, yet we are of one family. We serve but one God. This year has brought together the sacred days of two of the great Abrahamic religions.

As Christians commemorate the sacrificial death of Christ, Muslims observe the Holy Month of Ramadan. In this, we are reminded that we Nigerians PD\ EH RI GLͿHUHQW UHOLJLRQV yet we are of one family. We serve but one God,” they said.

The Tinubus called on both Christians and Muslims their brothers and sisters.

They said: “We seek a land based on the compassion, love, DQG VHOÁHVVQHVV -HVXV SUHDFKHG and lived and for which he gave his innocent, blameless life. Given that each of these great faiths hold compassion, devotion, humility and peace among their pillars, there is no room amongst us for those who might use religion to divide and sow discord among brothers and neighbors.

Blackson seeking the order of the court to set aside the disputed congresses of the APC held last year.

The state Chairman of the party, Dennis Otiotio, who was also in the court and escaped by the whiskers, condemned what he described as the

brazen and crude invasion of the court by the sponsored thugs.

Otiotio, however, distanced members of APC from the fracas at the court, alleging that those involved were suspected Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters who

were in the courtroom and hanging around the premises.

He expressed confidence in the ability of the judiciary to adjudicate in matters concerning the party, and urged the police to fish out those behind the invasion of the court.

Travel Agents: Airlines Don’t Sell Tickets in Dollars in Nigeria Chinedu Eze

selling tickets in dollars from April 19, 2022 and insisted that such reports were false, noting WKDW 1$17$ ZDV FRQÀUPLQJ that the reports were not correct.

“There are reports that from April 19, airlines in Nigeria will start issuing tickets in dollars and I want to say that it is not correct. If you read the publication that reported the story, NANTA was not quoted because the information didn’t come from us and whoever put

that write up together did not consult us if not, we would have properly educated the person on the facts rather than generalizing,” Akporiaye said.

She disclosed that APG Network for Airlines, which was the platform that was quoted to have given the information is only a distribution platform, which can assist airlines to generate additional revenue by selling air and non-air ancillaries.

“APG is not an airline and

so cannot speak on behalf of airlines in Nigeria. I am the President of NANTA and I can say that airlines in Nigeria did not tell travel agencies that they will start issuing tickets in dollars because of the forex issue of repatriating their funds,” Akporiaye said.

She said information reaching NANTA showed that the letter from APG was sent without the consent of the top management of the company.

.HHS 2; 3UHVLGHQWLDO $VSLUDQWV *RY 6XOH :DUQV $SSRLQWHHV Igbawase Ukumba ÓØ ËÐÓË Nasarawa State Governor, Abdulallahi Sule, yesterday warned his political appointees to keep themselves away from any particular presidential aspirant in the country.

Sule gave the warning during a meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC) executive committee members from the local government and state levels

at the Government House in Lafia.

Using the opportunity of the meeting to update the party officials regarding the emergence of presidential aspirants on the platform of the APC, he stressed the need for circumspection, because the national chairman of the party is from the state.

Therefore, the governor said he wouldn’t want to pass the wrong signal to Nigerians.

According to him, “Because for

the fact that I have the national chairman in my state, the direction I go may be seen as the direction of the national chairman, and it will send a wrong signal.”

He pointed out that even though many presidential aspirants are approaching state governors, as far as Nasarawa State is concerned, it doesn’t have a direction yet.

Sule, however, warned that if any of his political appointees is seen with a particular presidential

aspirant, such appointee is on his own.

Earlier, in an opening remark, the state Chairman of the APC, +RQ -RKQ 0DPPDQ VDLG WKH party saw the need to meet with chairmen, secretaries and members of the working committees of the party from across all the local governments and state, with a view to generating a working data to guide the party ahead of the coming primary elections.

FRIDAY APRIL 15, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

45

NEWSEXTRA

Adamawa Declares End to Cholera Outbreak After Killing 55 People Daji Sani in Yola Adamawa State has declared end to cholera outbreak after finding no suspected case despite weeks of ‘heightened’ surveillance.

The declaration was made yesterday by the state’s Commissioner for Health, Professor Isa Abdulahi while addressing newsmen at his office in Yola.

Abdulahi said the disease came to an end after it had affected 1,959 people and resulted in 55 deaths.

He recalled that cholera outbreak was declared in July last year, and that in the succeeding months, there

occurred the total of 1,959 suspected cholera cases.

He also announced the closure of cholera outbreak during the press briefing with newsmen.

“Since we have not recorded any case despite heightened surveillance for cholera for several weeks, we (government and partners) are happy to declare the cholera outbreak over.

“Since the beginning of the outbreak, a total of 1,959 suspected cases with 55 deaths were recorded.” he said.

The commissioner cautioned, however, that the declaration of end of cholera does not suggest a time to relax.

“It is a window of

opportunity to heighten our preparedness against cholera and other vaccines preventable diseases,” he said.

Abdullahi thanked the World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), International Rescue Committee (IRC), International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) and other organisations that collaborated with the state government in managing cholera from when it broke out in July last year to now to keep both infections and fatalities as low as it could be helped.

“The state and development partners ensured adequate risk communication messages to aid prevention of the disease.

Amotekun Nabs Two Juveniles for Alleged Armed Robbery, 17 Others in Ondo Fidelis David inAkure The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed “Amotekun,” yesterday paraded two juveniles who specialised in armed robbery at Ijare in Ifedore Local Government Area of the state.

They are, Timilehin Femi (Anini), 12 years; Ojo Sunday (Oyenusi) 16 years and 20 year-old Odeyemi Ayodele (Osumbo), who supplies them with guns.

Recall that late Lawrence Nomanyakpon Anini was a Nigerian bandit who terrorised Benin City in the 1980s along with his sidekick Monday Osunbor,

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as ACHI IJEOMA OKIDI, now wish to be known and addressed as ACHIOKIDI IJEOMA AN. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I formerly know and addressed as AJANAKU BUKOLA COMFORT, now wish to be known and address as AYOOLA BUKOLA COMFORT. All former documents remain valid, Covenant Ambassador,College of Education Ikere and the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS CHIKA CHIKAODI GLORIA AGBUNNO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHIKAODI GLORIA IGWE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as UWHA EMEKA BARTHOLOMEW, now wish to be known and addressed as SUNDAY EMEKA MARTHOLOMEW. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as KIBE NWOKORO ONA, now wish to be known and addressed as KIBE RICHARD NWOKORO MORKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as CHINEMEREM MIRACLE, now wish to be known and addressed as CHINEMEREM MIRACLE VINCENT. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as NGOZI EDITH AFORKAJA, now wish to be known and addressed as NGOZI EDITH ORUMWENSE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

while Ishola Oyenusi (popularly known as Dr. Ishola), a notorious Nigerian armed robber was active during the 1970s.

They were among 19 suspects paraded for various alleged criminal offences ranging from kidnaping, rape, stealing and open grazing. kure, the Ondo State Commander of Amotekun, Mr Adetunji Adeleye said six of the suspects were arrested for armed robbery and terrorising residents

of Akure, Ilara and Igbara-Oke. He said: “One of the three juveniles (Oyenusi) was arrested last year, taking to rehabilitation centre and was later released because of the age. His mother was arrested too because Oyenusi confessed to us that his mother has been the one preparing charms for him to prevent his downfall and arrest by security agents and his mother too has been a benefiting of proceeds from the crime.

Group Calls for Collaborative (;RUWV DJDLQVW ,QVHFXULW\ Sunday Okobi An international not-for-profit social justice organisation, The NALT International Club, has expressed deep concern and apprehension over the growing insecurity in Nigeria, which it said is being heightened by the current bandits and terrorist activities across the country.

The group, founded in Nigeria, therefore, called on all Nigerians to collaborate with the government and security agencies to end the security crises facing the country.

The NALT International Club in a statement made available to THISDAY yesterday by its Public Relations Officer, Ekweozor Precious .O, and Vice Public Relations Officer, Chika Omeje, said: We have monitored an escalation of acts

of banditry and terrorist attacks with new targets bringing to the fore a new dimension and operational shift of attacks on security operatives and government institutions/ facilities including airports and railways.

“Understandably, this has raised a new level of anxiety and panic among Nigerians given the new wave of boldness and violence perpetrated by the criminals especially ahead of the 2023 general election.”

NALT expressed deep concern that the growing insecurity spreading across Nigeria is not only portending grave danger to the peaceful coexistence of Nigerians and the stability of the country but also to the entire ECOWAS sub-region ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Ugwuanyi Swears in Ajogwu as (16,(& &KDLUPDQ IRU 6HFRQG 7HUP Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, yesterday swore in Dr. Michael Ezeugwu Ajogwu, SAN, as Chairman of the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC), for a second term.

The governor also swore in Dr. Greene Anike-Nweze as ENSIEC Member 1 for a second term.

Speaking after being sworn in, Dr. Ajogwu, on behalf of himself and his colleague, thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for the magnanimity he extended to them by finding them worthy to serve for a second term after they successfully concluded their first term of five years.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) promised the governor that they will discharge their duties faithfully, and in accordance with the law and their Oath of Office.

In his remarks, Gov. Ugwuanyi congratulated them and wished them well in their new tenure.

The governor used the opportunity to appreciate other members of ENSIEC for their commitment and diligent discharge of their responsibilities.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Prof. Malachy Okwueze, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, Steve Oruruo, ENSIEC Secretary, Barr.

Chukwudi Amah, and other members of the Commission witnessed the event while the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice and state’s SolicitorGeneral, Barr. Victor Emeribe, administered the Oath on Dr. Ajogwu and Dr. Anike-Nweze.

WORLD OF ISLAM

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Longing for Ramadan (2) By: Islamweb Continued from last week

A

bdullaah Ibn Al-Fudhayl (RA) heard a verse that made him faint and fall; it was the Saying of Allah (which means): “If you could but see when they are made to stand before the Fire and will say: ‘Oh, would that we could be returned [to life on earth] and not deny the signs of our Lord and be among the believers.’” [Quran 6: 27] It surely is applicable to these people, the Saying of Allah (which means): “Their sides depart [i.e., they arise] from [their] beds; they supplicate their Lord in fear and aspiration, and from what We have provided them, they spend. And no soul knows what has been hidden for them of comfort for eyes [i.e., satisfaction] as reward for what they used to do. “ [Quran 32: 16-17] O Ramadan! But nowadays, who do you meet when you arrive? Miserable people whose only worry during the night is entertainment and frivolity; foolish people who have abandoned prayers and busied themselves with satellite television channels; lazy people, some of whom only strive to pray eight Rak’ahs of Taraweeh with the Imam and then leave the mosque, bragging about it as if they have therefore fulfilled their due worship and all other responsibilities towards Allah; hard-hearted people who hear the Quran being recited day and night and yet whose hearts do not move, and whose eyes never shed a tear.

O Ramadan! Forgive us! Our hearts have become hard and our eyes are dry; we no longer feel the sweetness of obedience to you, nor do we sense the beauty of worship.

Apologies to you, O Ramadan! You used to come to people who were brothers without any blood relationship, but they realised the value of brotherhood, understood its significance, and thus fulfilled its rights; they perfectly comprehended the saying of the Prophet (PBUH) when he said: “A Muslim is the brother of his fellow Muslim.”

They would be like a single body, the elders would be merciful towards the young and the young would honour the elders; they lived compassionate lives and dealt with each other based on love; they lived in harmony and had no hatred, envy or spite. They would suffer at the suffering of their brothers and strive to fulfil the needs of their brethren.

Once, a man came to Ibn ‘Abbas (RA) and found him residing in the mosque during I’tikaf; he asked him to help him fulfil a need, so Ibn ‘Abbas (RA) stood up to accompany him and help him, so people said to him: “You are in your I’tikaf! How can you leave?”

He (RA) replied: “It is better for me (i.e. more rewarding) to accompany my brother, aiming to fulfil his need, than staying in I’tikaf for two full months in the mosque of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.”

O Ramadan! But nowadays, you only meet people who have replaced brotherhood with enmity, and love with hatred; it is as if they have never heard the saying of the Prophet (PBUH): “Deeds are raised to Allah every Monday and Thursday, and He forgives all people except for any two who have a dispute among them; it will be said: `Delay these two until they reconcile.”

You only come nowadays to find people whose sense of brotherhood, as well as the bond set forth between them by Allah, has diminished; they do not react to the disasters of their fellow Muslims around the globe.

They are not moved when their sisters are raped, or their rights are transgressed; it is as if they have never heard the saying of the Prophet (PBUH): “He who is not concerned about the worries of other Muslims is not one of them.” You only come nowadays to find people who hardly even know anything about their next door neighbour.

Apologies to you, O Ramadan! These are our wounds and this is the reality in which we live!

Make the month of Ramadan be the beginning of a new life, full of obedience and virtue; make it be the start of your maintenance of prayers in the mosque; make a pledge now to never again abandon even a single prayer; forget the notion that you cannot wake up and pray Fajr (morning prayer) with the congregation; purify your hearts with the recitation of the Quran; shed tears over the evil you have committed in the past, perhaps Allah may forgive you and transform your sins into reward; remember that the mercy of

Allah is greater than the sins of anybody; end sinning and pay no attention to the criticism that you would draw by doing so; never underestimate any sin - stop shaving your beards, shun cigarettes and intoxicants and adhere to the Hijab.

If you are one who used to consume intoxicants, then shun them immediately, because they are prohibited. If you had dealings that involved Riba (i.e., interest or usury) then cease doing so. If you were accustomed to taking bribes, then content yourselves with that which is lawfully attained, because it is better for you and your children; purify your wealth from all ill-gotten money and be assured that by doing so, Allah will replace that which you dispose of from the ill-gotten money with something blessed and better.

If you used to prevent others from doing virtuous deeds, then repent to Allah, and do not continue being a human devil. Train yourselves during this month to compete in virtue because this is a characteristic of the Prophets, may Allah exalt their mention, about whom Allah Says (what means): “…

Indeed they used to hasten to good deeds and supplicate Us in hope and fear, and they were to Us humbly submissive.” [Quran 21: 90] Pay no attention to those who wish that you remain disobedient and far from the guidance of Allah; they do this because, usually, fornicators wish to see everyone around them doing the same, and those who deal in Riba wish that all others partake in the same types of financial transactions as theirs, so beware, lest they prevent you from repentance and deprive you from goodness, because Allah likes that you repent while those who follow their desires like that you become inclined towards them and their actions. Some people wish that everyone around them will become supporters and assist them in their evil; listen to what Allah Says (which means): “Allah wants to accept your repentance, but those who follow their passions want you to digress [into] a great deviation. And Allah wants to lighten for you [your difficulties]; and mankind was created weak.” [Quran 4: 27-28] O young men! O you who is deceived by his youth! Be merciful to yourself; protect your honour and preserve your religion. Stop wasting your life in disobedience to your Lord; do you not ever think about the Day on which Allah will question you about this youth and how you spent it? Why do you insist on excluding yourself from those whom Allah will shade under His throne on the Day when there will be no other shade but His? Why are you lagging behind in following and imitating your Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and his companions (RA) who would rush towards virtue? This is an advice to you, and I hope you will follow it; repent now and adhere to the commandments of Allah and fulfil His rights upon you; be of those who never miss a prayer in the mosque, because that is where success lies, and it is the way leading to Paradise and its rivers and maidens; open a new page in your life full of obedience and dutifulness towards your parents.

Dear sisters! Obey Allah and His messenger (PBUH); be obedient wives as long as your husbands do not order you to do an act of disobedience to Allah; help your husbands become obedient men and know that the first step in your true repentance is materialised in your adherence to the Hijab. Also, beware of walking in the streets adorned and never shake hands with non Mahram (i.e., unmarriageable men).

Many are those who were advised but never listened; they saw people passing them by, on their way towards success, but never joined the caravan; time began running out for them, but they insisted on remaining heedless, until their time came to an end; they then regretted what they did during their lives, but alas … it was already too late.

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim (RA) said: “Whenever you see a man with a heart that has shunned the love of Allah and has ceased to prepare for His meeting, and has replaced that with loving others, and is content instead with the pleasures of this life, then know that such a heart is ruined; whenever you see that the eyes have become dry, then know that this resulted from the hardness of the hearts, and the furthest people from Allah are the hardhearted ones; whenever you see one who rejoices in being with other people more than being in isolation in supplication to Allah, then know that this is a useless heart and one that leads (its owner) to punishment.”

FRIDAY, ͹ͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

46

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Morocco Joins Nigeria in Pursuit of Lauren Blanc as National Team Coach Nigeria's attempt at hiring former PSG, Bordeaux and France manager, Laurent Blanc as Super Eagles new boss may not be a smooth sail afterall as Qatar 2022 World Cup-bound Morocco have joined in the race to hire the French man, reports Ignazio Genuardi via Get Football News France.

Nigeria Football Federation recently revealed a shortlisted list with Blanc among several other foreign coaches as possible replacement for Augustine Eguavoen.

The former handler of the team Eguavoen stepped down from the role after he failed to help the three-time African champions qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

But the Nigerians are not the only one eyeing Blanc, as Morocco are also interested in the 56-year-old tactician.

Unlike Nigeria, the North

Africans, led by Vahid Halilhodzic, have booked a place at Qatar 2022. But the Moroccan FA wants to replace Halilhodzic before the Mundial after the former PSG forward fell out with star man, Hakim Ziyech, of Chelsea.

1998 World Cup winner with France, Blanc has never worked in Africa as he has only previously managed Bordeaux, the French national team, Paris Saint-Germain, and Al-Rayyan.

Also listed for the Nigerian job is former World Cup star Finidi George who was recently appointed an assistant coach in the Super Eagles following a major re-organisation by the NFF. Finidi is currently coach of NPFL club Enyimba.

The former Ajax Amsterdam winger will work with Salisu

Yusuf, who will be the main assistant coach to a foreign coach yet to be named.

The former Barcelona, Inter

Milan, and Manchester United defender is, however open to a new challenge, having recently managed Qatari club

Al-Rayyan – the first time he is coaching outside of Europe.

A coach with a proven track record, Blanc won four Ligue

1 titles with Bordeaux (1) and PSG (3) while clinching the Ligue 1 Manager of the Year awards three times.

Iheanacho, Lookman in Action as Leicester Cruse to Semis Super Eagles duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Ademola Lookman were in top Leicester, who came from a goal down to beat PSV 2-1 and qualify for the semi-finals of the UEFA Conference League tonight.

Leicester City have now qualified for their first ever European semi-final.

Iheanacho was in the starting 11 before going off on 65 minutes while Lookman, who had a hand in Leicester’s winner, came on for Harvey Barnes before the start of the second half.

With the first leg ending goalless, PSV took the lead in the reverse fixture thanks to Eran Zahavi in the 27th minute.

In the 77th minute Leicester equalized through James Maddison who received a cutback pass from Ayoze Pérez and powered into the roof of the net from 10 yards.

And with two minutes left Ricardo Pereira for the winner for Leicester.

EUROPA Patient play down the left saw Lookman burst into the box, found Patson Daka whose effort was saved by PSV keeper but it fell to Ricardo who smashed it home.

Leicester will now meet the winner between Bodo/Glimt and Serie A giants AS Roma in the semi-finals.

UCL RESULTS Atalanta 0-2 RB Leipzig Barca 2-3 E’Frankfurt Lyon 0-3 West Ham Rangers 3-1 Bragga

CONFERENCE PSV 1-2 Leicester PAOK 0-1 Marseille Roma 4-0 Bodoe/glimt

Wife Stages Osim Memorial Kitty Mrs Bisi Osim, wife of late Commandant of the Armed Forces Command Staff College, Jaji, AVM EE Osim, is all set to host a memorial kitty for her husband who passed on last year. The event would hold at the Calabar Golf Club on April 23.

Bisi an engineer who is equally a golfer and a Pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church disclosed that she decided to honour the memory of her husband with a golf tourney because during his lifetime, he showed an unending love for the game and expended so much money to assist those who wanted to play the game but could not afford it.

“My husband just loved the game”, Bisi Osim reiterated. “He was always devoting his free hours to the game. He hated playing alone. At all times, he wanted people around him on the golf course. This is reason I am doing this tournament. I know this is what he would have me do”.

Nigerian international, Ademola Lookman (middle) was in action as Leicester defeated PSV Eindhoven to reach Europa semi final last night

In the same vein, the Captain of the Calabar Golf Club, General AM Sabo, disclosed that the Club was ready to host a grand event that would befit the status of late AVM Osim who indeed was equally a past Captain of the Club.

Sabo, an astute golfer, disclosed that Osim, during his time expended enough resources to ensure the rapid growth of the the Calabar Golf Club, especially in areas of infrastructures and course maintenance.

He further disclosed that Osim used his abundant charm and charisma to draw people closer and maintain oneness at the golf club.

General Sabo added that AVM Osim lived a unique life and that he impacted hugely on lives of several individuals irrespective of where they came.

He reiterated that this could be reason over 300 golfers from across Nigeria have indicated interest to hit Calabar for the memorial kitty.

Ex-Brazil World Cup Star, Careca, Reveals Admiration for Osimhen Former Brazil and Napoli star, Careca, has revealed his admiration for Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen.

Osimhen has been outstanding for Partenopei this season, scoring 16 goals and assisting five times in 26 appearances. The former Lille star could have scored more

if not for injuries.

Careca was part of the last golden Napoli team alongside Diego Maradona, that won the Scudetto and UEFA Cup in the 1989/1990 season.

The former Brazil international admires Osimhen for his strong mentality, and he believes that the 23-year-old

has a lot of quality.

“He’s going strong, and he’s a striker who scores. He’s fast, powerful, and strong,” Careca told NapoliMagazine.

“I see he’s someone who wants to win and make history.

I’ve seen he’s tough, always aiming for the goal. I like him,” Careca added.

The last time Napoli won the Scudetto, it was a Careca and Maradona show. Osimhen has been brilliant for the Luciano Spalletti-tutored side. With six games left, Osimhen would look to continue with his outstanding performances to help the Partenopeans to their first title in 32 years."

Japan Donates Judo Equipment to Lagos State In fulfillment of the promise made in 2021, the government of Japan has donated judo equipment to Lagos State.

Speaking during the presentation of the first set of equipment to the Lagos State Judo Association (LSJA), the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi said they are ready to improve the profile of judo in Nigeria and Lagos being a sports loving state would continue to benefit from the gesture of Japanese government.

He specifically hailed the efforts of the Chairman of LSJA, Sheriff Hammed , whose vision and passion for the sport has brought vibrancy to judo in

the state.

He said the donation would not be a one-off gesture but a continuous one that would help to improve the fortune of the sport in the state.

“I am so happy to be here today because what we are doing here today is to fulfill the promise I made on September 2021 where I promised to support the state with some equipment.

“Fortunately, when I went back to Japan, I was able to talk to an NGO in Japan who are eager to give judo equipment and this is just the first set of equipment and we believe this will be a continuous partnership that will help to teach the athletes the

virtues of judo like respect, rule of law, discipline and diligent which are part of democracy and economic development. Some of the things I know now were what I got from doing judo. So, judo goes beyond sporting activity but an art that can help to shape someone’s life,” he said.

He said the donation is also part of the sports diplomacy between Nigeria and Japan, while assuring the state of more support to other sports in the state.

For the chairman of LSJA Hammed, the gesture of the Japanese government would help to increase the popularity of the sport as well as encourage

more people to take up the sport.

He however appealed to the Japanese government to help rehabilitate their judo hall at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Complex in Rowe Part in order to inspire more athletes and create an enabling environment for the sport to thrive in the state.

The Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) Oluwatoyin Gafar who was represented at the event by Director of Sports Development in LSSC Moses Kolawole, thanked the Japanese government for their generosity toward the state while promising that the equipment would be well utilized to groom world beaters in the sport.

47

FRIDAY, ͹ͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

SPORTS

Filip Kostic scored in both halves in Barcelona as Frankfurt reached the semi-finals

Europa: Night of Upsets as Eintracht Frankfurt Beat Barcelona to Reach S’Final Eintracht Frankfurt stunned Barcelona with a dramatic victory at the Nou Camp to set up a Europa League semi-final against West Ham. After the first leg had finished 1-1, the German side stormed into a 3-0 lead in the second and looked in control before two late goals for Barcelona.

Filip Kostic's penalty and Rafael Borre's superb strike were followed by another for Kostic after the break.

But Sergio Busquets' effort and Memphis Depay's penalty set up a tense finish.

Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka was also sent off for a second yellow card for what looked a

soft foul on Luuk de Jong for the spot-kick, with nine minutes added on following a VAR malfunction.

But Frankfurt, who sit ninth in the Bundesliga and won this competition in its previous guise in 1980, saw out a memorable victory to the delight of their almost 30,000 travelling fans.

Barcelona, on a superb run since

the arrival of Xavi, did not know how to cope with the Bundesliga outfit's clinical counter-attacks and Frankfurt could have had more.

Kostic slotted the first from the spot following a foul by Eric Garcia but the goal of the game came from Borre, who thundered a strike into the roof of the net from distance.

Larry Osai Assumes Captaincy of Ibori Golf Club Holds 2022 Captain's inaugural tournament, promises inviting golfing year Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba The newly elected Captain of Ibori Golf and Country Club (IGCC), Asaba, Mr. Larry Osai Saturday, held the 2022 Captain’s Inaugural tournament that ushered him in with his other executive members.

The new Captain as the helms man of the Club for the next one year during which he will administer the runnings of the activities in the club including the scheduling and creating of golfing tournaments, has assured golfers that his administration will keep the hope of the club alive and healthy.

Speaking at his inauguration, Osai noted that uplifting the club to an enviable height in the global golfers’ arena was one of his executive members’ vision, saying they hope to achieve that vision within the shortest time possible.

He assured members of great plans for the progress of the club as the IGCC Captain, saying he was confident that lofty goals will be achieved within a reasonable timeframe with concerted effort and the cooperation of all members.

Captain Osai said, “As your new Captain, I assure you that I have great pride and commitment to this position and this Golf Club. I am not going into this year thinking this is all about a parking space and some free rounds of golf.

"I know there is a lot of responsibility and hard work involved in occupying this position and I am looking forward to working effectively with my Executive Committee to deliver the dividends of your trust. I will

mostly appreciate the support of every member in keeping my committee on the straight and narrow road to success in the course of the year.

“I could promise you all sorts of competitions and events but these require the unflinching support of members. With this in place, you can be assured that we will do the best we can to make this golfing year as enjoyable as possible for you, the members and visitors alike.

"Please don't hesitate to

approach our Committee on any issue that will engender progress for the club. I am optimistically looking forward to a safe and healthy year with golf as a major part of it."

Osai charged the members to rise up to challenge of collective action as next to nothing could be achieved unless all of the members come out of their comfort zone, noting that "a bird that must fly high must first leave the nest."

The captain, therefore, appealed to the members as well as friends

Larry Ossai...new Captain of Ibori Golf and Country Club in Asaba

of the IGCC to help add value to the Club’s existence by contributing in their different capacities and measures to the progress of the Club.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged the contributions of his predecessors who started it all and grew it to the present level, assuring that the goal of putting IGCC in global Golf map will be achieved in this dispensation committed to the vision.

He pledged an open-door policy for ideas and opinion towards the progress of the Club in all ramifications.

Also speaking fielding questions from newsmen, Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza described Osai as a purposeful leader who is "able to carry people along in his drive to making the golf club worth the while", assuring of his readiness to work with him and to help him achieve a truly successful tenure.

Ogbueshi Peter Iweze, who is popular for his 'Caddies Tournament', also described Osai as "a man who is very committed to anything that he does", adding that he would do more exploits during his tenure as Captain with the cooperation of members.

A Captain of IBB Golf Club, Abuja said that IGCC, Asaba will get adequate support from his club as it is their custom to support any of their members.

He noted that the new captain, Larry Osai is a member and his presence will attract attention from IBB Abuja.

The Inaugural tournament was won in Men 0 -19 category by Austin Modungwo while Rita Atuzor won the first place in the women category.

The hosts had chances of their own and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang headed over in the first half before failing to connect with Ousmane Dembele's low cross in the second.

Busquets saw an initial effort ruled out for offside in added time before sparking a dramatic finish with a well-taken goal, but the hosts ran out of time after Depay's penalty just crept over the line.

It means Frankfurt can look forward to a semi-final against David Moyes' Hammers.

West Ham United on the other hand secured their first European semi-final in 46 years with a stunning second-leg victory in Lyon.

Having held on for a 1-1

first-leg draw in London after playing the entire second half with 10 men, David Moyes' players withstood periods of intense early pressure before sweeping their Ligue 1 opposition aside.

The visitors struck twice in seven minutes at the end of the first half, as Craig Dawson met Pablo Fornals' corner with a superb near-post header before a deflected Declan Rice strike put the Premier League club in total charge.

Jarrod Bowen extended the advantage within three minutes of the restart, slotting in at the end of a sweeping counter-attack, and a deflated Lyon could offer no response as West Ham comfortably saw out a memorable win.

Okpekpe Race Organiser Hails Yusuf Alli's appointment as Commonwealth Games coordinator Organiser of the historic Okpekpe international 10km road race, Mike Itemuagbor has hailed the appointment of long jumper Yusuf Alli as Team Nigeria coordinator for the 2022 Commonwealth Games which holds this August in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Alli, a former Africa, Commonwealth and World University Games champion and two-time World Athletics Championship and one-time Olympic Games long jump finalist was named as Team Nigeria coordinator by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development early this week.

“This is a classic case of a square peg in a square hole and I want to first congratulate the Sports Minister for making such a fitting appointment,” said Itemuagbor.

“Yusuf has proved his mettle as an athlete, winning continental, Commonwealth and global medals for Nigeria. He has also proved to be an astute sports administrator and this he has proved by helping to make the Okpekpe 10km road race the first

to be granted a World Athletics label. He is also behind the Lagos City marathon's achievement as the second road race in Nigeria to get a label rating,” added Itemuagbor who is convinced Alli is destined for greater things.

“Yusuf has proved to be the best amongst his colleagues and I was not surprised when he was named Edo state Sports Commission chairman. His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki could not have made a better man for the job.”

Itemuagbor is convinced both Edo State and Nigeria will benefit immensely from Alli's technical and administrative know-how.

Alli has been the technical director and consultant for the Okpekpe 10km road race since inception in 2013.

The 61-year-old holds a personal best of 8.27m in the long jump set on his way to winning the African Athletics Championship gold medal at the National stadium, Surulere, Lagos in August 1989.

That mark is the farthest any Nigerian man, dead or living has jumped. He also holds a 8.15m best in the event indoors.

Friday April 15, 2022

TR

UT H

& RE A SO

N

Price: N250

MISSILE Northern Elders to Buhari “The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari does not appear to have answers to the insecurity challenges we are exposed to. Killers and other criminals appear to have sensed a paralysing vacuum at the highest levels of leadership…Nigerians have shed enough tears and blood without appropriate response from those with responsibilities to protect us” –Northern Elders Forum’s Spokesman, Hakeem BabaAhmed, on behalf of the Forum, lamenting the worsening insecurity in the country.

AKINOSUNTOKUN DIALOGUE WITH NIGERIA

akinosuntokun@thisdaylive.com

Osinbajo and Tinubu: Situation Report

T

o begin with, it is not at all clear that the presidential election of February 2023 will hold as scheduled.This, in a manner of speaking, is a restatement of the ecclesiastical revelation of Pastor Enoch Adeboye to the effect that God has not told him that there will be a presidential election in Nigeria next year. Despite this spiritual skepticism, Adeboye’s protégé, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has gone ahead to throw his hat into the ring and affirm his long nurtured aspiration to run for the office he had deputised for in the last seven years. With a similar declaration by the minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, two days prior, the arena is definitely getting more colourful. Unlike the relatively unencumbered minister, Osinbajo is headed into massive turbulence.

As Vice-President with a world acclaimed resume, Osinbajo comes prepared and he is nominally the most logical and conventional successor to Buhari. In reality however he is running against significant headwinds.

First and the most intriguing is the conflict of interest he has thus set up with his erstwhile political mentor, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has declared his ‘lifelong ambition for the office of the president’.

Pointedly, the Vice-President used the same expression to draw a contrast between him and his erstwhile godfather-”though it is not my lifelong ambition”. In truth, with or without Osinbajo, the likelihood of Tinubu picking the All Progressives Congress, APC presidential ticket tantamount to reaching for a pie in the sky but now he has been handed a perfect fall guy for this potential failure.

It is inconceivable that in contemporary Nigeria anyone can contemplate a Muslim/ Muslim ticket- which is what a Tinubu candidacy portends for the APC. If the APC presidential candidate is coming from the South, the redoubtable base of the party in the Islamic North has insisted on the irreducible minimum of producing a Muslim running mate. Further, I don’t need to be a member of the crucify Tinubu brigade to suggest that his candidacy is a non starter on the criteria of physical fitness- which has acquired a larger than life dimension on the wings of the conspicuous negative attention Buhari’s health crisis has drawn to the factor. On account of the clashing aspiration of this duo and the moral imperative of conceding the presidency to fellow Southerners, Ndigbo, this season is not the best of times for the Yoruba.

Regardless of this imperative, Osinbajo has risen to become a most popular aspirant in the South-West. Understandably so. As earlier iterated, he is a universally compelling candidate for any public office, all other things equal. Bearing witness is a testimony from the Financial Times of London.”There are some promising candidates. If Yemi Osinbajo, the technocratic vice-president, were miraculously to make it through the campaign thicket and emerge as president, the hearts of Nigerian optimists would beat a little faster”.

But no matter the extenuation of the mutual disregard the Yoruba and Igbo have for one another, it is opportunistic

Osinbajo (left) and Tinubu of Osinbajo and the Yoruba to wish away the moral imperative of conceding the presidency to the South-East. And trust the rich ensemble and repertoire of the Yoruba vocabulary to find an appropriate idiom for this opportunism. It is called ‘omo eni o sedi bebere, ka fi ileke si idi omo elomi’. A borrowed translation is “One cannot say because one’s daughter has ample buttocks he would put the waistbeads on another man’s daughter”. I pray that Osinbajo has secured the endorsement of his principal on the perilous voyage he has just commenced lest he get drowned in opprobrium in the cause of grasping at a mirage. So goes a smell of the coffee specially brewed for him “This is a very notable week, this is the week Osinbajo declared his interest for the presidency. It is also the week Judas betrayed Jesus Christ”.

If I were in his shoes I would make a play for heroism and indebt the gratitude and eternal goodwill of the Yoruba, Nigeria and international onlookers. Rather than dare to run I would choose to publicly disavow any intent to contend against Tinubu (no matter how imperfect the latter) and in the same breath endorse power shift to the South especially the South-East. From the podium on which such Mandela like nobility is displayed would emerge a new Yoruba and Nigerian political star, a quintessential Omoluabi. And the reward would not be long in coming. It is a no brainer to anticipate the likelihood that rather than a successful presidential election, Nigeria is most probably sleepwalking into a political gridlock that will require the arbitration of statesmen in the form of a government of national unity. And Nigeria and the world would remember a man who has proven himself so worthy of being a rallying figure. Heck! even if it doesn’t pan out as I project, attaining the status of the Vice-President of Nigeria is a rare gift given to a select exclusive club of overachievers for which one should rest content and eternally give the glory to God. Second is the alleged opposition of the ‘Buhari cabal’ to his emergence. It is a mark

of the twisted logic ruling the universe of the Buhari presidency that a distinction is made between the president on one hand and his cabal on the other-regarding the prospects of Osinbajo’s aspiration. Reckoning that the latter’s ambition is dead on arrival without the endorsement of the president, this twisted logic is utilised (by Osinbajo promoters) to downplay the relevance of the not too hidden hostility of Buhari’s pointmen to Osinbajo’s aspiration. I don’t know the extent to which it is tenable that the ‘faux pas’ of asserting his authority as acting president (including firing a redoubtable member of the cabal) whilst Buhari was attending to his failing health in far away London should cost him dearly. But it is at moments like this that prudence teaches us to recall a teachable counsel by Governor Nasir El Rufai- that longsuffering vengefulness is a veritable Fulani pastime.The third current against the smooth sailing of the Vice-President in the shark infested waters of the presidential election is the liability of the emphasis on his vocation as a pastor. Heedless of the scriptural injunction that warns “touch not my annointed and do my prophets no harm” we have been treated to the extreme weaponization of this liability.

In a teaser to a mind bungling animus and somewhat bogus attack on Osinbajo, this is what a writer had to say “A Yemi Osinbajo presidency would, without a doubt, plunge Nigeria into the depths of a smoldering religious volcano that will hasten its self-immolation.This isn’t some idly churlish oracular indulgence.

It’s based on an intimate familiarity with Osinbajo’s trajectory of religious bigotry, overpowering anti-Muslim prejudice, and irrevocable devotion to the materialization of a Pentecostal, specifically RCCG, capture of the Nigerian state.. this vile, shameless, emotionally stunted bigot has the gall to barefacedly lie to Nigerians that he wants a Nigeria where our diversities, tribes [sic] and faiths unite, rather than divide us.. He wants to establish a Pentecostal RCCG republic.

If that’s what Nigerians want, good luck!”

Such a malicious diatribe! This deliberate

oversimplification of the ramifications of Osinbajo’s pastoral status is a pointer to the kind of stuff the Vice-President would encounter now and again on the rough and tumble path he has now charted for himself.This is one aspect in which the genuine endorsement of Buhari becomes indispensable. To mitigate the liability (amidst the religion sensitive Northern electorate and Buhari faithfuls) Osinbajo will require nothing short of an all out declaration of support and sponsorship of their political icon namely Mohammadu Buhari. Yet, in the considered opinion of one who should know, the Buhari life jacket may even prove inadequate as a life saver; that the Northern Islamic electorate is particularly allergic to the appellation of pastor.

In the game of throwing the kitchen sink at one another, Tinubu definitely has the advantage. Resulting from regular public embarrassment borne of a lifelong association with scandals, he has, over the years, acquired immunity against the resurgence of any breakout of same.

Not so for prim and proper Osinbajo, our lord, spiritual and temporal. Nonetheless, as Christian faithfuls would profess, there is nothing God cannot do. But remember that Osinbajo’s father in the Lord, Pastor Adeboye, has warned that God has not told him there will be a presidential election in Nigeria come February next year. And this is one instance in which carnal logic and divine skepticism appear to be of one accord.The magnitude and dimensions of the nation threatening security crisis bedeviling Nigeria today is multiple times worse than a comparable season in 2015. In the realistic assessment and acceptance that the volatile situation was beyond the ken of a compromised Nigerian military, Jonathan called on the skill set of foreign mercenaries- at whose intercession, all became well with the elections. Confronted with a much more degenerate security situation the need to borrow a leaf from the Jonathan playbook is compelling. In concurrence, a central figure in the Buhari dispensation who doubles as Governor of Kaduna state offered this damning insight into the mess that has overtaken Nigeria “These people (terrorists) are getting money. The way they are so emboldened; they fear no authority, no soldier and so why won’t security agents go to their enclaves and kill them all?

Unless this is done, this problem will persist and it is capable of destroying Nigeria as a whole. We know where they are, SSS gives reports on them every day, they have their numbers including that of Dogo Gide and what he is planning”. At the end of the day, according to the bookmakers, the probability is that Tinubu and Osinbajo would work to waste one another in a fit of mutually assured destruction. The relevant odu ifa goes forth “owonrinsogbe (ogbesowonrin), she mi n she o, adiye da mi logun nu, ma fo leyin..kaka ki eku ma je sese, kafi she awa danu”- do me I do you, the fowl has scattered my medication and I retaliate by breaking its eggs..If the rat would not eat the nuts, then we might as well throw them away”

Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja .

All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com