FRIDAY 13TH MAY 2022

Buhari Signs Three Bills to Fight Terrorism, Money Laundering, Other Financial Crimes into Law Vows to rid Nigeria of menace of terrorism

Deji Elumoye and Michael Olugbode in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has

signed into law, three bills aimed at improving the anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing/ proliferation frameworks in the

FG: Nigeria winning war against bandits, terrorists

country.

The bills signed yesterday were the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2022, the Terrorism

(Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2022, and the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Bill, 2022.

Speaking at a brief signing ceremony at the Council Chamber at the State House, Abuja, the president described the bills as being in

tandem with his administration’s commitment to fight corruption and Continued on page 43

2023: APC Presidential Aspirants Walking on Landmines... Page 5

Friday 13 May, 2022 Vol 27. No 9894. Price: N250

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2023: Saraki Vows to Fix Nigeria’s Security, Economic Challenges... Page 42

Questions Mount Over MTN's Alleged Payment of N618.7bn Taxes to FIRS As THISDAY checks uncovers discrepancies in actual amount, parties reluctant to offer explanation

James Emejo in Abuja MTN Nigeria Communications Plc's claim that it paid the sum of N618.7 billion in both direct

and indirect taxes to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) in 2021 has continued to raise dusts in public quarters, THISDAY can report.

On April 2, 2022, MTN Nigeria, in a statement issued by the company’s secretary, Uto Ukpanah, had said it paid the amount in direct and indirect taxes to the FIRS

in the 2021 tax year, making it the largest single biggest contributor to taxes in Nigeria.

The company added that its total tax contribution to all government

agencies was 13.5 per cent of FIRS’ total collection for the year.

“In 2021, MTN Nigeria’s total tax contribution to all government agencies including the FIRS

amounted to N757.6 billion while FIRS collected a total of N6.4 trillion tax revenue in the Continued on page 5

24-Hours After Presidential Directive to Political Appointees to Resign, Emefiele Meets Buhari

AGF, INEC, honour court summon as PDP, others join CBN governor’s suit Court orders accelerated hearing FG directs ministers, heads of agencies, ambassadors, other appointees nursing political ambitions in 2023 to resign Afenifere hails Buhari, charges him to be decisive too in tackling Nigeria's problems

Deji Elumoye, Alex Enumah and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Twenty-four hours after President Muhammadu Buhari advised political appointees desirous of running for elective offices to resign on or before May 16, 2022, and hours after the Secretary to Government of the Federation issued a circular directing heads of government agencies with political ambitions to also resign, the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor,

Mr. Godwin Emefiele, yesterday met with the president at the State House, Abuja behind closed doors.

Though he was not forthcoming on details of his discussion with the President when State House correspondents asked for his reaction to the president's directive that appointees interested in 2023 election should resign, Emefiele merely said he had no news for the reporters, but there would be Continued on page 5

TAKING A BOW @70...

L-R: Former Governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili; retiring Supreme Court Justice, Honourable Justice Mary Peter-Odili; and Son, Mr. Chinwike Peter Odili, during the valedictory ceremony at the Supreme Court in Abuja... yesterday KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

Following Threats by Islamic Extremists, Atiku Deletes Facebook, Twitter Posts Condemning Deborah’s Murder... Page 42

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2023: APC Presidential Aspirants Walking on Landmines As party places fate of contenders in hands of screening committee Political appointees drag APC, INEC to court over disqualification threats Alex Enumah and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja There are indications that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may be walking on political landmines ahead of the 2023 elections following the refusal of some of its serving ministers who are presidential hopefuls to resign their positions 30 days to the party's primary as directed by the guidelines released by the party before the commencement of the process.

This is just as some political appointees who intend to participate in the forthcoming general elections under the platform of the APC have instituted a legal action against the party over disqualification threat occasioned by Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

The leadership of the party had in the guidelines sold alongside the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms mandated the political appointees to resign 30 days before the presidential primary of the party slated for May 30.

Clearly, Article 3(i) of the APC final guidelines for the conduct of primaries, states: “No political appointee at any level shall be a voting delegate or be voted for the purpose of the nomination of candidates. Any political office holder interested in contesting for an elective office shall leave office 30 days prior to the date of election or party primary for the office sought.”

The decision of the party to avoid legal landmines may not be unconnected with Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act which mandates

political appointees to resign before the election.

While the Electoral Act was not specific on whether the appointees should resign after the primary election or the general election, the guidelines of the ruling party was not ambiguous.

Rather than comply, the ministers sat tight following the ruling of a Federal High Court in Umuahia which struck down Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act 2022.

However, the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Wednesday, citing ‘lack of locus standi,’ voided the judgment of the Federal High Court in Umuahia.

In a unanimous decision, the three-member panel of the appellate court presided over by Justice Hamma Barka held that the said Section 84 (12) was unconstitutional because it breaches Section 42 (1) (a) of the Constitution by denying a class of Nigerian citizens their right to participate in election.

The implication of the judgment

pending the determination by the Supreme court meant that Section 84(12) subsists.

It was based on this judgement that President Muhammadu Buhari gave the marching order to the ministers and asked them to resign.

The president while demanding the resignation of the ministers, had announced that the Minister of State for Education, Hon. Emeka Nwajuiba had resigned his appointment on April 28, as directed by the party. The resignation letter was forwarded to the president.

However, despite his purported resignation, Nwajiuba failed to channel his letter to the appropriate authority - the Secretary of the Government of the Federation (SGF) for documentation and public record.

Besides, after the minister submitted the letter, he was still attending meetings.

Analysts believed that aggrieved members or opposition parties could still explore his refusal to resign

properly in the court of law.

The analysts were of the view that if the party goes against its guidelines, a repetition of the Zamfara and Rivers scenario might be in the offing.

Presently, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio and Nwajiuba have resigned.

Their resignation came two weeks before the party's primary. The questions on the lips analysts are: Will the APC in flagrant violation of its own guidelines screen all those who failed to heed to its directive as contained in the guidelines? If the party proceeds with their screening, can that not lead to litigation by some party members who would contest their eligibility? Or will the party adhere to the guidelines and disqualify all the ministers and others at the point of screening on the grounds that they flouted the its guidelines ab initio?

Renowned constitutional lawyer

and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, was of the opinion that all those who failed to comply with the party's guidelines which was an extract from the 2022 Electoral Act ought to be disqualified from participation in the process.

In his view, resigning now is a waste of time. He went on to say that the operating legal framework was the 2022 Electoral Act until set aside by a superior court which at the moment is not the case.

So, by allowing the aspirants participate in the process is the APC setting itself up for a replay of the Rivers and Zamfara scenarios?

However, speaking with THISDAY in a telephone interview yesterday, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Felix Morka, said the Electoral Act didn't provide any timeline for political appointees to resign.

His words: "That is the decision of the relevant committees of the party to make. These discussions are not heard by any individual,

however highly placed.

"So I cannot give you an answer.

But the only thing I will remind you is that the Electoral Act that provides for these resignations didn't impose any timeline. It's important that when you do the stories, to present all information so people can actually get a perspective.

"The Electoral Act is a law, an Act of parliament, generally speaking, supersedes other inferior laws and regulations. So usually, any lawyer will tell you that when there's a conflict between the constitution and Act of Parliament, the act of parliament you know, is subordinate to the constitution.

"The Electoral Act didn't provide any timeline; each person must resign. So these are the issues that the committee will have to grapple with and decide, ahead of the screening, and all of that.

“So, if the committee, for Continued on page 44

QUESTIONS MOUNT OVER MTN'S ALLEGED PAYMENT OF N618.7BN TAXES TO FIRS year,” the statement said.

However, the MTN's claim came on the heels of FIRS' recognition of 20 top taxpayers in the country including the telecommunications giant.

Nonetheless, THISDAY calculations revealed that the N618.7 billion tax payment as claimed by MTN Nigeria represented less than 10 per cent of the N6.4 trillion that was reported as total collection by the service for 2021.

Hence, MTN's claim that it contributed 13 per cent of total FIRS

collections of N6.4 trillion would mean it actually remitted N832 billion to the federal government in the period in question.

Following the apparent discrepancy unraveled by the THISDAY checks, using MTN's prior statement, the former raised pertinent questions and sought clarification from both the apex revenue agency and the telecommunications company.

Regrettably, the FIRS has declined to provide THISDAY with the specific amount paid by

the company as taxes but said the figure churned out by MTN does not tally with its own account.

Yet, the buck falls on FIRS as a matter of transparency and confidence in the management of public accounts to make proper rendition to Nigerians.

The development particularly smacks of negligence on the part of the service and requires that both parties unravel the truth.

Sources have confided in THISDAY that the refusal of both FIRS and MTN to do the

needful contradicts the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) which among other things, forbids companies and agencies of the government from withholding critical information that is in public interest.

Observers also said the attitude of both companies serves to undermine the anti-corruption agenda of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Specifically, Section 2, subsection 4 of the FOI Act requires that "a public institution shall ensure

that information referred to in this section is widely disseminated and made readily available to members of the public through various means, including print, electronic, and online sources, and at offices of such public institutions.

Analysts also said MTN Nigeria, as a corporate entity cannot afford shy away from the principles of transparency and accountability in the interest of its shareholders and the public in general by detailing the various taxes it paid to government within the year in question.

24-HOURS AFTER PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE TO POLITICAL APPOINTEES TO RESIGN, EMEFIELE MEETS BUHARI news later.

His words: “There is no news now, but there will be news. You heard me, I said there is no news but there will be news."

When further told that international community as well as Nigerians are interested in his position as regards the presidential directive, the CBN Governor stressed that he was not bothered that some people were going to have heart attack, but that he was having fun while those concerned were free to have heart attack.

Meanwhile, there was a new twist yesterday as the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and two others joined in the suit filed by Emefiele, seeking court's determination of his right to participate in the 2023 presidential election.

This is just as the federal government has issued a circular directing serving ministers in the cabinet, heads of government agencies, ambassadors and other political appointees of the administration, coveting political ambitions in 2023 to resign from the government.

Also, yesterday, the Pan Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, lauded the presidential directive that all political appointees interested in the 2023 general elections should resign their appointments forthwith.

On the suit filed by Emefiele, the court had on Monday adjourned to Thursday to enable the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) appear before it to explain why the court should not restrain them from preventing the CBN Governor from realising his political ambition by participating in all the processes leading to the 2023 presidential election.

The summoning of INEC and AGF was sequel to a motion exparte argued by Emefiele's lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, to restrain the two defendants from taking any step that would jeopardise the interest of his client.

Ruling in the ex parte, Justice Mohammed had ordered the CBN Governor to serve all court processes in relation to the suit he filed against

INEC and the AGF who were the 1st and 2nd defendants respectively.

However, when the matter was called yesterday. both INEC and AGF were in court in line with the court's order.

However, instead of proceeding with the case of the CBN Governor, two lawyers stood up to announce appearances for their clients.

First was a Senior advocate of Nigeria, Chief Sebastiane Hon, who informed the court of the intention of his client, the PDP to join as an interested party, which was immediately followed by one John Martins and Olukunle Ebun, who told the court that they were suing for themselves and on behalf of the Save Nigeria our Fatherland.

Responding, Emefiele's lawyer, who did not oppose the applicants joining the suit, undertook to serve the applicants with all processes within 24 hours.

While INEC through its lawyer, Mr. Ibrahim Inuwa, SAN, did not also oppose the application for joinder, that of the AGF, Mr. Dipo Okpeseyi, SAN, did and urged the court to ensure that only proper parties should be allowed to join in the matter.

In a short ruling, the court joined the PDP, John Martins and Olukunle Ebun as 3rd, 4th and 5th defendants respectively.

Justice Mohammed in addition ordered accelerated hearing on the matter, adding that while the 1st and 2nd defendants were directed to respond to the plaintiff's suit within Monday and Tuesday, the 3rd to 5th defendants have up till Wednesday next week to respond and the plaintiff, 24 hours to reply on point of law.

Justice Mohammed subsequently adjourned to May 23, for parties to adopt their final written addresses.

Justice Mohammed while warning that the court would not entertain any request for extension of time since all parties have pledged to the accelerated hearing of the matter, also warned parties not to take any step that would undermine the proceedings.

Emefiele had amongst others approached the Federal High

Court for an Order restraining the defendants from preventing or hindering his participating in the process of the presidential election slated for February next year.

He expressed the fear that any political party he chooses to affiliate with in realising his political ambition may disqualify him based on the provisions of Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which had barred political appointees from participating in the congresses and conventions of political parties unless the resigned 30 days to such conventions and congresses.

Specifically, he argued that by virtue of being a public servant he cannot be barred from participating in the political primaries of political parties by Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

He submitted that constitutional provisions stipulated that he can only resign his appointment as Governor of CBN 30 days to the presidential election which he is interested in contesting.

Amongst the court processes he filed before the court was an application for maintenance of status, which he predicated on the fact that he would be prejudiced against or hurt if the court does not restrain the defendants from taking any step that would jeopardise his desire to contest the presidential election.

Arguing the motion for maintenance of status quo, Emefiele's lawyer, Ozekhome had told the court that Emefiele, "is in a delimma" as to whether he can run in the forthcoming presidential election.

According to Ozekhome, time is of utmost importance, following the fact that timeline for collection of nomination and expression of interest forms ends on Wednesday May 11.

Ozekhome in addition told the court that timeline for the primaries and congresses of political parties have been fixed for May 30 to June 1, and unless the court intervened there will be a carriage of great injustice against his client.

"He needs the protection of the court, the court needs to ensure that nobody does anything that will hurt

him", the senior lawyer submitted, adding that if the court refused to grant the order for maintenance of status quo restraining the defendants from hindering Emefiele from participating in the primary election under a political party of his choice within this period, the case would amount to a mere academic exercise by the time parties return to the court.

FG Asks Ministers, Heads of Agencies, Ambassadors, Other Appointees Nursing Political Ambitions in 2023 to Resign Meanwhile, the federal government’s circular, dated May 11, 2022, with Ref. No.SGF/ OP/l/S.3/Xll/173, a copy which was sighted by THISDAY, was issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha.

The circular was addressed to all serving ministers, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, National Security Adviser, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service and heads of extra-ministerial departments, Directors-General/Chief Executive Officers of parastatals, agencies and government-owned companies among others.

In the circular, Mustapha stated that President Muhammadu Buhari had observed and noted the expression of interest and intention by some members of the Federal Executive Council, Heads of Extra-Ministerial departments, agencies, parastatals of government, ambassadors and other political office holders to contest the upcoming presidential, gubernatorial, National and State Assemblies' elections.

He said the president had

directed that the affected office holders aspiring to run for various offices in the 2023 General Elections, should tender their resignation on or before Monday, May 16, 2022.

The SGF said for smooth running of the machinery of government and the country’s foreign missions, the affected ministers are to hand over to the Ministers of State where they exist or to the Permanent Secretary, where there is no Minister of State.

Also all ambassadors are to hand over to their Deputy Heads of Mission or the most Senior Foreign Service Officer in line with established practices.

“Similarly, Heads of ExtraMinisterial Departments, Agencies and Parastatals are to hand over to the most senior Director/Officer as may be peculiar to the organisation, in line with the service wide Circular No. SGF.50/S. Il/C.2/268 of 4th December, 2017,” the circular added. The SGF said the circular and the incidental directives take effect immediately.

Afenifere Hails Buhari's Directive for Ministers, Others to Resign However, Afenifere National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, said the directive given by Buhari on political appointees and the promptness of its execution demonstrated that he could be decisive where and when he wants to and on matters that touch his heart.

While conceding that the resignation of those interested in contesting would provide a level playing ground for all contestants, Afenifere spokesman called on the president to apply the same decisiveness with which he charged his appointees to resign also in tackling the myriads of challenges facing the country to avert a slide into anarchy.

According to him: “The gusto with which the order of President Muhammadu Buhari on political appointees to resign if they intend to contest in the forthcoming elections was carried out indicated that he

seems to be comfortable with those other aspects of governance that Nigerians are complaining about because of the pains they are suffering.

“Were he to be disturbed by and concerned about those things that are bothering Nigerians he would have brought the same swiftness to bear on those areas. It makes it difficult for one to agree with the notion that he does not have the power or capacity to deal with at least some of the major problems Nigerians are battling with.

“He has failed to deal with them only because he did not consider them as problematic as the rest of us are considering them.”

He added that unfortunately, those who are close to the president and could make him see the challenges realistically failed to do so either because they were afraid or profiting from the anomalies going on or both.

“For example, what stops the President from providing all that is needed by the security agencies in the country to put a stop to terrorism and insecurity going on in the country? What stops him from ensuring that the Ministries of Education and Labour provide the wherewithal for the smooth running of our universities in line with the proposition that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have been making for several years?

What stops President Buhari from breathing life back into the moribund four refineries in the country or build new ones?”

The Afenifere spokesman argued that the issue of non-availability of fund should no longer be an excuse, saying after all, his party raised several billions of naira in less than two weeks just to express interests in running for offices.

"If the ruling party could raise such a huge sum within so short a time, why is government finding it difficult to raise the N200 billion required to make our educational institutions at tertiary level worthy of its name? Between contest for elective offices and education of the country, which should be more important?", Ajayi asked.

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NEWS

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

IS IT IN THE BAG YET...OR ALMOST? PDP Presidential Aspirant, Former President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, surrounded by a cross-section of 1500 PDP national delegates in attendance at Saraki’s Special Breakfast with the media on why he wants to be President at the Ballroom, Abuja....yesterday

Obasanjo, Osinbajo, Soludo, Others Proffer Solutions to Africa’s Infrastructure Deficit Kyari: Continent will fix its energy problems before joining renewables bandwagon AFC launches $2bn intervention for African countries Emmanuel Addeh and James Emejo in Abuja Several prominent Africans, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, President Nana Akufo-Ado, Governor of Anambra state, and Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, yesterday converged on Abuja to discuss the continent’s infrastructure deficit.

Obasanjo contended that if the world must take Africa seriously, the initial financing for major projects must be mobilised from within the

continent, stressing that the issue of corruption in projects financing must be eliminated completely.

Speaking at the African Finance Corporation (AFC) organised programme tagged: “The Infrastructure Solutions Summit 2022,” the former Nigerian leader called for continuity of projects even when leadership changes, noting that it remains the bane of development on the continent.

He called for commitment from African leaders in the bid to ramp up major infrastructure on the continent,

Justice Odili Relives Civil War Experience During Exit from Supreme Court Expresses worry over increasing youth unemployment, insecurity, supports restructuring Alex Enumah in Abuja Justice Mary Peter-Odili (Rtd) yesterday relived her experiences of the nation's civil war, with a warning that, "some of the actions or speeches that propelled the unfortunate war which took the lives of millions of our people are being re-enacted at this time."

Justice Peter-Odili, who spoke at a valedictory court session to mark her retirement from the nation's Judiciary, stated that she brought back the memory not to whip up animosities or negative feelings, but to call to mind the emergency situation currently facing the country.

Peter-Odili, until her retirement yesterday, on attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70 years, was the second most senior justice on the bench of the apex court.

While stating that, "the millions of idle youth is not unrelated to the insecurity on ground," the newly retired Supreme Court Justice called for concerted efforts in tackling the menace of youth unemployment.

"The urgency we are all faced with right now calls for the necessity or immediacy in tackling them. The

matter has become a behemoth of sorts that need no further delay in solving," she said.

She added, “the massive unemployment of tertiary institution graduates is a tip of the iceberg as the condition of the non-graduates who are numerous in number have made the matter of grave concern.”

She also lamented the incessant perennial strike by universities which according to her leaves students roaming for months on end or idling away with their thoughts better imagined.

Besides the issue of youth unemployment another issue she wants the nation to focus on was that of restructuring, which she stated had been resonating for some time now.

She said, "The issue should be given an immediate attention, lest we ignore the matter at the risk of a lost opportunity to set the ship of state on the right course."

On the issue of State of Origin, Peter-Odili, advised that a person's state could be gauged by the number of years he has lived in a given place and his choice instead of the locality of births of parents.

explaining that for instance, AFC and Transcorp were almost killed because his successor thought he benefitted from both organisations.

“You can see why many projects fail. There has to be that drive. Do you have the drive to get the project off the ground and run with it literally?

There has to be continuity. We nearly got AFC and Transcorp as you heard, killed by my successor (because he thought they belonged to Obasanjo and Soludo.), " Obasanjo said.

He explained that after laying the groundwork for the rail system, if the succeeding administration had continued with it, by now Nigeria would have been sufficient in rail transport.

“If we had managed to get the railways going, the way we got AFC and Transcorp going, the situation wouldn’t be what it is today. There

has to be continuity and that is very important.

“You need the driver at the top but also the people who make things happen. It’s a team. I can bulldoze, but if I bulldoze and the team doesn’t follow, the land that has been bulldozed will be overgrown with weed,” he argued.

Obasanjo insisted that Africa must provide initial financing like he did with AFC at the time it was formed, explaining that until then, the world will not take the continent seriously.

“We need to have that initial money and we did it with AFC, raising money in Africa. When I called a summit on HIV, I put in $10 million, Bush junior (then American president) put in $200 million. That initial money later raised over $45 billion,” he contended.

Speaking on the energy transition,

the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Mele Kyari, stated that although Africa should be conscious of the energy transition, it must fix its peculiar needs before rushing to join the bandwagon.

“We miss the point if we don’t recognise that’s there’s abject energy poverty in Africa and you see that reflect everywhere. I am sure that as you were coming here, you saw fuel queues outside. It tells you the level of energy poverty in this country.

We have a very thin supply chain, and a little disruption can cause any problem just like our own nation.

“Having said that, energy transition is not about stopping hydrocarbons or fossil fuels but we are going to get carbon-neutral and what that means is that we are going to have cleaner use of hydrocarbons so that

ultimately the negative impact on the environment will be minimal," he noted.

According to Kyari, Africa should not be rushed to join the rat race for renewables, stressing that the continent’s contribution to global emissions remains very low.

“In Africa, our contribution is probably 3 to 4 per cent maximum carbon emissions, but we are a very resource-dependent continent. In Nigeria we have over 203 TCF proven gas reserves and potentially about 600 TCF of gas but this can actually fuel and fire Africa.

“But there’s very little we can do rather than to first of all address the energy poverty challenge that we have, which means we have to transit gradually. The world has agreed that gas is a transition fuel of choice as we move towards carbon neutrality.

Nigeria Produced 558,000 Barrels Less Oil in April Compared with March, Says OPEC Again, cartel cuts global oil demand growth forecast Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Again, Nigeria failed to ramp up crude oil production despite all the sloganeering by the various agencies of government, producing 558,000 barrels of the commodity less in April, compared with March.

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which made this known in its Monthly Oil Market Report (MOMR) for May, noted that in April the country under-produced 18,000bpd versus the previous month of March based on direct communication.

For several months, Nigeria has failed to meet its OPEC quota, blaming massive oil theft, inability to restart oil wells shut down in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, lack of investment as well as community issues.

In the report which was released yesterday by the Sanusi Barkindo-led organisation, it noted that whereas

Nigeria drilled 1.238 million barrels per day in March, in April it fell to 1.219 million barrels.

This was also a far cry from February’s production figure which was 1.258 million barrels per day and the first quota’s average production which was pegged at 1.299 million barrels per day.

In the same vein, OPEC stated that while Nigeria's private sector has continued to gain momentum this year, with the Stanbic IBTC Bank Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising to 55.8 per cent in April from 54.1 per cent in March, yet rising insecurity might still pose a challenge and weigh on economic activities.

In addition, OPEC listed domestic supply chain disruptions, localised food shortages and inflationary pressures - driven by both local and global factors as problems that the country needs to tackle.

Meanwhile, slower global

economic growth, China’s fight against Covid-19, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine has prompted OPEC to slash for a second month running its global oil demand growth estimate for 2022.

OPEC revised down its forecast for global economic growth and said oil demand would grow by 310,000 barrels per day less than the growth anticipated in the April report.

Back in April, OPEC slashed its oil demand growth estimate for 2022 by 480,000 bpd on the back of lower expected global economic growth with the Russian war in Ukraine and the return of COVID lockdowns in China.

In this month’s report, the cartel cut its world economic growth estimate to 3.5 per cent from 3.9 per cent having revised down in April its global growth forecast to 3.9 per cent from 4.2 per cent.

“The upside potential to the

current forecast is quite limited.

However, it may come from a solution to the Russia and Ukraine situation, fiscal stimulus, where possible, and a fading pandemic, in combination with a strong rise in service sector activity,” OPEC projected.

Concerning the global oil demand, OPEC forecast a growth of 3.36 million bpd in 2022 compared to 2021, down by 310,000 bpd from last month’s estimate.

Yet, overall, global oil demand is still set to average above 100 million bpd this year, at 100.29 million bpd, per OPEC’s latest forecast.

The second-quarter demand estimate was revised down by a massive 670,000 bpd to 98.44 million bpd, but average global oil demand is set to exceed the 100 million bpd mark in the third and fourth quarters, with Q4 demand seen at 102.64 million bpd, OPEC stated.

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COURTESY VISIT TO THE MINISTER...

L-R: Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Mr. Osagie Okunbor; Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva; Upstream Director, Shell, Zoe Yujnovich, and Senior Vice President, Shell Nigeria, Mr. Marno de Jong, during a courtesy call on the minister…yesterday

Manufacturers Ask FG for Special Intervention Fund to Boost Local Production SGF, Senate Clerk say productivity award would prompt them to work harder

Deji Elumoye in Abuja Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), yesterday, called on the federal government to set up a special intervention fund for them to facilitate access to foreign exchange.

MAN stressed that 90 per cent of materials used for manufacturing in Nigeria were imported.

Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc, Matthew Azoji, made the call on the side-lines of the 19th National Productivity Day Celebration and Conferment of National Productivity Order of Merit Award (NPOM) on 48 eminent Nigerians and organisations in both the public and private sectors.

Azoji said, “The challenges we would like government to pay attention, we (Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc) are a local manufacturer of pharmaceutical products. And the foreign exchange is a major issue for us. We want to ask the government to support the pharmaceutical manufacturers, a group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, to improve access to

foreign exchange, because it has been a major problem. More than 90 per cent of input materials for manufacturing in Nigeria are imported.

“If there is a special intervention that the government can do for local manufacturers, particularly, pharmaceutical manufacturers that are improving access to medicines for the ordinary Nigerians.

“So, if you have better access to foreign exchange, it will improve the availability of medicines and in a cost effective manner, because foreign exchange has become a major cost of increasing cost of pharmaceuticals in Nigeria.”

While appreciating President Muhammadu Buhari for the productivity award, Azoji said it would spur him to work harder and pursue excellence for the benefit of Nigerians.

On what he did to merit the ward, Azoji said, “In all the organisations I have worked, I have committed myself to excellence and improving the outcome that is achieved.

Within the three years I have been a Managing Director/CEO, the company has gone from a period

117,000 Jobs Lost in Nigeria's Textile Industry in 26 Years, Says Textile Association 155 industrial textile firms shut down after 37 years Gilbert Ekugbe The Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association (NTMA) has revealed that over 117,000 jobs in the nation's textile industry have been lost in the past 26 years. According to the association, the textile sector could lose more jobs if the federal government does not intervene urgently to salvage the ailing industry.

NTMA President, Mr. Folorunsho Daniyan, at a press briefing on the state of the textile industry in Nigeria and its lack of competitive edge, noted that the industry used to be the highest employer of labour, apart from the federal government in the 1980s. At its peak, the textile industry had a manpower of 500,000 workers.

He added that its membership had shrunk from 175 firms in 1985 to less than 20 in 2022.

"Employment-wise, the number of jobs provided by the industry

took a dive from 137,000 jobs in 1996 to 24,000 jobs in 2008. Today the number of jobs provided in the industry is less than 20,000 jobs," explained Daniyan.

The NTMA president also stated that Nigerian textiles used to be exported to West and Central Africa but suffered a setback between 2003 and 2008.

"Textile exports reached their lowest ebb in 2006. However, it recovered some lost ground in 2007 and 2008. Today, the situation is even worse as our exportability is next to zero," he added.

Highlighting the major factors responsible for the industry's declining export capacity, Daniyan narrowed them down to the loss of preferential market access in the EU and US, inconsistent implementation of Export Expansion Grant policy, particularly a perennial backlog of EEG claims, and the inconsistencies in the implementation of ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme.

of loss to period of profitability.

We have been able to achieve a situation where the company paid dividends, after 10 years of non-dividend payments.

“For the last two years, we have paid dividends. And for the past four years there has been consistent growth in profitability, consistent growth in turnover, and service delivery to Nigerians.”

Speaking also, another awardee and President of Erisco Foods Limited, Eric Umeofia, regretted that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) were not doing enough to encourage local production of goods and commodities.

Umeofia alleged that some agencies charged with the responsibility of enforcing ban on imported products were not doing the job effectively, saying their inefficiency is sabotaging government's efforts to encourage local manufacturers.

While calling on the people to patronise locally manufactured products, the Erisco boss said not doing so would only create jobs for foreigners with consequent use of scarce foreign exchange for importation of products that were being manufactured locally.

He raised fears that with the influx of imported goods, like tomato pastes banned several years

ago, local manufacturers might be forced to close shop. This he said would lead to job losses.

He urged the people to encourage manufacturers by patronising locally made goods, which would in turn lead to enhanced job and wealth creation.

On the award, the Erisco boss said he was happy with the recognition given to him by the government.

He said such would spur him to do more.

On his part, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said the special Award for COVID-19 conferred on him was a moral burden to do more for the nation and government.

According to him, "It puts an additional moral burden of doing more for the nation and the government. It comes with a lot of feelings.

“You know, my award is within the category of the Special Award for COVID-19. And most of you were active participants in the response.

“And I believe that this award is dedicated to all the people that were involved.”

Mustapha saluted members of the national response team on COVID-19, people who were on COVID-19 production, the media, saying they “worked assiduously in very difficult, hard times and dangerous in itself.

InfraCredit Guarantee Supports Lagos Free Zone N25bn 20-year Infrastructure Bonds InfraCredit, a ‘AAA’ rated specialised infrastructure credit guarantee institution has announced its guarantee of Lagos Free Zone Company’s (LFZC) N20 billion 20-year Series II Senior Guaranteed Fixed Rate Infrastructure Bonds Due 2042 under a N50 billion Debt Issuance Programme.

According to a statement, leveraging the irrevocable and unconditional guarantee of InfraCredit, the LFZC Series II Bond reinvigorates the benchmark set by LFZC Series I Bond, as the second 20-year non-FGN Bond issue in the Nigerian debt capital market for the development of an industrial hub in Nigeria.

Speaking on the transaction, the Chief Finance Officer, LFZC,

Mr. Ashish Khemka stated: “This is a milestone transaction for us at Lagos Free Zone Company and it is a testament to the capacity of the Nigerian debt market as a veritable source of domestic capital for infrastructural development in Nigeria.

“The response to this bond program further strengthens our commitment to realise our vision and thereby enhance Nigeria's competitive positioning with our continuous focus on Ease of Doing Business parameters.

“LFZ further underscores Nigeria as a compelling industrial hub within the West African coast and ideally orients itself in anticipation of the imminent single market regime

under AfCFTA. “We are particularly excited by the confidence demonstrated by pension fund managers and other institutional investors at this milestone issue Aand we appreciate the team at InfraCredit, StanbicIBTC Capital and other parties to the transaction for this novel structure, which helps to de-risk the transaction and aligns the interest of different stakeholders.”

According to the CEO of InfraCredit, Chinua Azubike, “This is yet another milestone transaction, and we are pleased to have supported the successful issuance of this Series II Bonds following the maiden issuance in 2021, which is particularly significant due to its improved pricing, unprecedented

scale and wide reach of domestic institutional investors.

“The success of special economic zones in Nigeria is critical to accelerating industrialisation, attracting local and foreign direct investment, job creation, and inclusive growth, however one key barrier we have unlocked with our guarantee, is enabling companies like LFZC access up to 20 year local currency finance from domestic pension funds at scale to match the long-term lifecycle of infrastructure investment needed to develop these zones, it is evident that local pension fund investors are playing an important role in supporting private sector led infrastructure development in Nigeria.

Okonjo-Iweala Urges WTO Members to Meet Current Global Challenges Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr.Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has called on the organisation's members to step up efforts to deliver substantive outcomes at the upcoming 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) in Geneva, SWI between June 12 and 15, 2022.

Speaking at a meeting of the General Council in Geneva, she said: “What the world needs right now is a responsive WTO, one that helps us meet the many challenges of our time and delivers on the aspirations of the people we serve.”

Okonjo-Iweala said in her role as Chair of the Trade Negotiations Committee (TNC). “Ministers at MC12 can take an important step in this direction, "That means we in Geneva need to properly lay the foundation for this to happen when ministers arrive in a few weeks.”

The WTO, she stated, has not held a Ministerial Conference since late 2017, adding that it was “only right that we do the preparatory work needed to make a success of an MC12 that has been in the making for nearly five years whilst we also contemplate what we need to do for life after MC12 and

moving towards MC13.”

According to her,“This is our responsibility and I hope we can all act accordingly.”

Okonjo-Iweala said that she sensed a willingness to try to work towards some deliverables at MC12, including the importance of addressing the food crisis, the need to reach a credible WTO response to the COVID-19 pandemic, successfully concluding the negotiations on fisheries subsidies, making some progress on agriculture, and addressing reform of the organisation.

Others are building on the work done so far in the services

negotiations, working towards a mutually acceptable path forward on special and differential treatment and reaching a shared understanding on how to address negotiating areas after MC12 are other deliverables sought by members.

She added: “I recognise that delegations are aware of the limited time left and the need to manage expectations.

“I likewise acknowledge the desire to work now on all pillars and work towards deliverables in a realistic fashion. Let us see what we can do and what we can deliver.”

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T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY MAY 13, 2022

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POLITICS

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

Why Akpabio Isn’t Fit for President Ebibomo Akpoebide flays Senator Godswill Akpabio for seeking to be President of Nigeria even as he presides over the ongoing illegality of administering the Niger Delta Development Commission since October 2019 with Interim Managements/Sole Administrator contraptions which were not appointed according to the NDDC Act

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ontroversial Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, last Wednesday joined the long list of aspirants seeking the ticket of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to contest for President of Nigeria. Hardly had his motley crowd departed the Ikot Ekpene stadium venue of his declaration than the Niger Delta region literally went up in outrage at the Minister’s affront to vie for higher office in the face of what they describe as his “desecration” of the region’s foremost interventionist agency, NDDC, administering the Commission since October 2019 with Interim Managements/Sole Administrator contraptions which were not appointed according to the NDDC Act establishing the Commission.

The people of the Niger Delta region, and indeed all well-meaning Nigerians are understandably scandalized and outraged at Akpabio’s egregious and repulsive audacity to seek to aspire to the highest office in the land after he has spent the nearly three years of his tenure at the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to spearhead, supervise, and superintend the running of the region’s foremost interventionist agency, NDDC in the breach of its establishment Act of 2000, administering the Commission since October 2019 with Interim Managements/Sole Administrator contraptions which were not appointed according to the statutes establishing the federal agency. It is the longest breach of the law governing the operation of the commission since its establishment in 2000.

The media had variously reported, and Senator Akpabio is yet to deny it that he (Akpabio), as supervising Minister of the NDDC, through an official memo in 2019 recommended the suspension of the inauguration of the substantive Board, which President Buhari had appointed, and which was confirmed by the Senate in November of 2019.

It was also reported in the media that the Minister recommended to President Buhari the running of NDDC with illegal interim managements/sole administrator contraptions until the completion of the forensic audit. These recommendations are contrary to the provisions of NDDC Act. The illegal interim managements/sole administrator contraptions have been administering NDDC since October 2019, in contravention of the law, and negates fair and equitable representation which a board guarantees and which ensures proper governance, accountability, equity and fairness to the nine constituent states.

As clearly stated in The NDDC Act, it only provides that the Board and Management (Managing Director and two Executive Directors) of the NDDC at any point in time should follow the provisions of the law which states that the Board and management is to be appointed by the President, subject to confirmation by the Senate. In effect, nobody is supposed to begin to administer the NDDC and utilize the huge funds accruing to it on a monthly basis without passing through this legal requirement as stipulated in the NDDC Act. To the detriment of the entire region, Senator Akpabio has been using these illegal interim contraptions/sole administrator to fleece the NDDC of its funds in the last two and half years.

In two scathing editorials in the first quarter of this year, “The Merry-Go-Round In NDDC” published on January 12, and “NDDC And The Anti-Graft Hoax” published on February 23, THISDAY Newspapers emphatically stated that “The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is becoming an object of jokes among critical stakeholders. Almost six months after the submission of the report of its much-touted forensic report, the federal government has not been able to implement any of the recommendations or appoint a substantive board to allow the commission function effectively as stipulated by law. All that Nigerians are regaled with are tales and empty presidential threats while the Minister of Niger Delta, Godswill Akpabio continues to run the commission with some nebulous interim management committees that are unknown to law.” The paper also affirmed that “Despite the

agitations of critical stakeholders, the commission also remains without a substantive board.

The minister of Niger Delta, Godswill Akpabio prefers to treat affairs of the NDDC more like a private estate by saddling the commission with cronies.”

Matter of fact, in October last year, Arewa

leader in the South, Alhaji Musa Saidu had called on those urging Senator Godswill Akpabio to run for the 2023 presidency to thread with caution, noting that people of the Niger Delta region are bitter with the Minister over the delay in inaugurating the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

Alhaji Saidu said who will become President come 2023 is of great importance to all Nigerians, adding that as the leader of the north in the South he would advise the north rightly on the feelings of people of the South on presidential aspirants from the Niger Delta region.

The employment of deceit, propaganda and lies by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs in perpetuating the capture of the NDDC for selfish parochial interests is rather intriguing. When inaugurating the first illegal Interim Management Committee (IMC) in October 2019, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Godswill Akpabio, said the committee would stay in office for six months to ‘supervise the forensic audit.’

Then in January 2021 Akpabio re-stated that the forensic audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission would be concluded and the report submitted before April 2021. But in February 2020, Senator Akpabio sacked his first IMC Acting Managing Director Ms Joi Nunieh and appointed a new Acting Managing Director, Professor Kemebradikumo Pondei who was his classmate at FGC Port Harcourt, and extended the stay of the IMC to December 2020, by which time he said the audit will be concluded and the Board put in place. Just when that was drawing near, he sacked the Interim Management Committee and appointed his personal aide, Mr Effiong Okon Akwa, as Interim Sole Administrator “to assume headship till completion of the forensic audit,” with a promised forensic audit completion date of March 2021. That again proved to be a lie as the so-called audit was only completed in August and the report of the audit was submitted to President Buhari by Chief Akpabio on September 2, 2021, yet Okon Akwa is still in office as sole administrator.

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

Osinbajo and South West Leaders Etim Etim opines that the recent meeting of South-west leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos may have reduced the tension and hostility between supporters of the party’s leading presidential aspirants

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have taken note of the considerable reduction in the quantum of vitriol, bile and bitterness coming out of the camp of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu after the meeting of South-west leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos last week. The assembly had resolved, to the relief of all Nigerians, that all aspirants from the region do have the right to contest for the presidency, and by implication, no aspirant should be harassed, cowed, abused, insulted or attacked for pursuing his political dreams. With this declaration, Tinubu’s noisy supporters, who had hitherto spent their time and energy insulting Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and calling him names for expressing interest in the presidency, have toned down their venom considerably. I hope that the former Lagos governor has now been well advised to refocus his campaign to emphasize more edifying contents in his messages and messaging. The nation looks forward to this truce lasting throughout the season till the end of the elections. It is also notable that several aspirants from the South West region have jumped into the race soon after the leaders’ meeting. If this is not a coincidence, it could be that the emerging political environment is more conducive, enabling and attractive to modern politicking. I commend the leaders for calling the Tinubu camp to order and restoring relative peace and decorum to our national discourse. Once again, the region has shown exemplary behaviour in the manner it conducts its politics.

The attempt to paint the VP negatively

by the Tinubu people because they had not expected the VP to be in the contest was patently a flawed strategy in the first place.

I just could not comprehend why they kept asking Prof Osinbajo to withdraw from the election just because Tinubu had appointed Osinbajo commissioner 22 years ago. For one, the VP is not the first person to get into an electoral duel with his former boss. In 2003 and 2007, the incumbent President had challenged President Olusegun Obasanjo in the presidential elections of those years, and it didn’t matter to us that as a military Head of State in 1976, Gen. Obasanjo had appointed Col. Muhammadu Buhari Petroleum Minister. It was not an issue throughout the campaigns of 2003 and 2007; and I’m sure many Nigerians did not even remember this aspect of

our history. So, the idea of calling another aspirant ‘’betrayer’’ was quite strange to many Nigerians who are earnestly yearning for genuine leadership, decent conversations and fresh ideas that would make our country better. With just three weeks to the convention, I look forward to reading something new from the Lagos crowd.

I am also pleased that the leader’s summit was attentive enough to extend deference, respect and courtesy to the Vice President at the meeting. The South-west leaders were wise enough not to ask any aspirant to step down, as many have feared. That would have set off a fresh round of unanticipated crisis. I salute their sagacity. By all accounts, Yemi Osinbajo is the leading presidential aspirant in APC, and he’s well on his way to emerging a candidate at the convention.

His message since he got into the race on April 11 has been inspiring, assuring and full of hope. I have followed the VP’s tour around the country, from city to city, and I’ve been thrilled by his wide acceptability by elders, leaders, delegates and stakeholders from one stop to another. Prof Osinbajo has also carefully stuck to his message of experience, readiness to serve and preparedness for office as he stumps the country, and with the quietening of the din from the Lagos camp, Nigerians would now be able to hear their VP quite audibly.

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

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY MAY 13, 2022

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POLITICS

EPISTLES of ANTHONY KILA

Lisa Cook’s Rise as First Black An Agenda for Tomorrow People Woman at the U.S. Federal Anthony Kila examines a thriving segment of the Reserve Board population called youths, while postulating on their

Chido Nwangwu highlights the very brilliant career role in society of Prof. Lisa Cook, who has been given a deserving ear Readers, appointment as First Black Woman at the U.S.Federal Our epistle today is aimed at and directed to those very many Reserve Board young people of this country and

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qually important to me as an African political economy and public policy specialist,are the facts that Prof. LIsa Cook has served on the Faculty of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, and Deputy Director for Africa Research at the Center for International Development at Harvard University.

We’ve seen the same playbook all over, again. The leadership and operatives of the current Republican Party, generally, continue to show an almost giddy inclination, a dangerous propensity to target very qualified African-American ammunitions especially and clean claim without any valid reasons that the black fellow person is not qualified. Worse they claim they are affirmative action appointees just because of their racial origins!

This time, virtually all the Republicans in the U.S Senate and their “strategists” couldn’t be worse when they targeted but failed to vote down the nomination of a brilliant and unquestionably first-class scholar of financial policy issues, international monetary and business relations.

Let’s take for example, one of former President Donald Trump’s controversial advisers Peter Navarro who dismissed Cook as a “race-based appointment.”

Without logical or factual validation the man insisted that “Professor Cook is more qualified to coach an NFL team than manage what may be a looming collapse of our economy from a perch at the Fed.” She has been confirmed by the U.S Senate to serve as one of seven presidential appointees implementing the United States’ monetary policy. Almost similar to the partisan, hideous games which an overwhelming majority of the Senate Republicans played during the confirmation hearings for the U.S Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.

I vividly recall and wrote on USAfricaonline.com and here in my weekly Friday column in THISDAY (Lagos) about the familiar ring of Republicans who falsely created a campaign against “quota appointment” to smear and dismantle Judge Jackson nomination. They failed.

And, on Tuesday May 10, 2022, they failed to quash and nullify Lisa’s nomination!

For the record, professionally, who’s Lisa D. Cook? I am familiar with some of her writings.

I have looked at a recent, very brief contextual summary of her bio-profile: Professor of Economics and International Relations at Michigan State University.

She was the first Marshall Scholar from Spelman College and received a second B.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Oxford University. She earned a Ph.D. in economics from the University of California, Berkeley with fields in Macroeconomics and International Economics.

Equally important to me as an African political economy and public policy specialist, Prof. LIsa Cook has served on the faculty of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, and Deputy Director for Africa Research at the Center for International Development at Harvard University.

Her bio points to her “current research interests are economic growth and development, innovation, financial institutions and markets, and economic history. Dr. Cook is a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research and is the author of a number of published articles, book chapters, and working papers. She is on the Board of Editors of the Journal of Economic Literature, and her research has appeared in such journals as the American Economic Review and the Journal of Economic Growth. This research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, the National Bureau for Economic Research, the Smithsonian Institution, Harvard Business School, and the Economic History Association, among others. She is currently Director of the American Economic Association Summer Program and was President of the National Economic Association from 2015 to 2016.

In 2019, she was awarded the Impactful Mentor Award (for mentoring graduate students) by the American Economic Association Mentoring Pipeline Program and was elected to the Executive Committee of the American Economic Association. During the 2011-2012 academic year, she was on leave at the White House Council of Economic Advisers under President Obama and has had visiting appointments at the National Bureau of Economic Research, the University of Michigan, and the Federal Reserve Banks of New York, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Philadelphia. She serves on the Advisory Boards of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (Academic Advisory Council)” I think the bottom line is that President Biden’s nomination and efforts with Vice President Kamala Harris partnering with legislative Democrats have successfully led to the historic, deserving ascendancy of the eminently qualified Prof. Lisa D. Cook as the first Black woman to serve on the Federal Reserve’s powerful board of Governors.

Just in case you have forgotten, elections have consequences — especially here in United States of America! Register and Vote!

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

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perhaps the rest of the world generally termed as the youth. Thanks to politics, with its penchant for opportunism and proclivity for sophistry, the term youth in Nigeria has assumed some fascinating and colourful variations and it seems to mean different things to different people and at different times. In fairness to political parties and for the sake of simple honesty, we must note that political parties have done better in the last one year and those called youths are getting younger.

Just last week however, I still met a 47 years lady that led a youth delegation to meet me.

Never mind what the World Health Organisation (WHO) says, the definition of that UN agency seems to be limited only to biological considerations while ignoring other factors that influence and define humans. Their definition has its valid reasons but limited it is still. Let us expand the scope a bit. Beyond biological consideration, there seems to be overall two categories of people that can fit into the classification of youth. In one class we have those who are youths for socio-economic reasons and in the second class are those people who can be termed youth for psycho emotional reasons.

Socio-economic youths generally speaking are people that are yet to attain and realize their potentials in their society due to societal factors such as access to employment and other forms or empowerment. Agraduate living in a country with exceptionally high rate of unemployment and with a 10 years old unused certificate whilst moonlighting in the hope of getting a proper job or dreaming for a break will easily fit into the category of socio-economic youth even if he or she is 35 years old or more. Mind you, a senior level manager or a successful entrepreneur of the same age that has a company or personal chauffer will probably fit less in the category of youth. Societies with a culture of open or even institutionalized discrimination like in the bad old days in the USA and continental Europe, offer another example of socio-economic youthfulness with their practice of referring to an adult black man as “boy.”

Psycho emotional youths are roughly speaking those that simply refuse to feel old. This is a very large unrecognized population and to get a quick feel of how large, you are invited to take a swift look around you starting from yourself and you will soon discover how many people you know that are expected to be old but simply do not feel old. The factors for this diffused peter-panism include our life styles influenced by change in cultural values, education or at least literacy, fashion, advance in health care and technology. These lifestyle factors make it reasonable and indeed possible for people who should be in the closing chapters of their book of life to instead feel that they can still hope to open another chapter or section.

Regardless of whether one is a biological, psycho-emotional or socio-economic youth, one thing most of the living population now have in common is that we can all be regarded as tomorrow people. The less than one percent of the living population that is satisfied with today are free to consider taking the risk of not vetting tomorrow and can leave the room as we say at CIAPS. The first implication of agreeing that one is a tomorrow people is the way we look at situations and issues. Whilst those who provide or proffer to provide solutions and services to us might want us to focus on the “who”: their brands if they are companies or candidates if they are politicians, conscious tomorrow people will and should focus on the “what”. Rather

than being carried away by who is talking or promising, tomorrow people should ask themselves what exactly they want from who is promising. Consciousness leads to self interest and the latter will make consumers and citizens gauge brands and individuals not on the basis of what these can offer or represent but in terms of what consumers and citizens need.

What this means is that even before brands and candidates come to offer their inventions and solutions, we the people know what we want and we go looking for it in suppliers that we meet. This way it is the demand that is ordering and valuing supply not the other way round.

Conscious tomorrow people know that their stake in is the future and they know that the only way to get a desired future is to make sure that the process is neither rigged not left to the arbitrium or goodwill of others that will act on their behalf. Another implication for tomorrows people therefore is their interest in making sure that any process or system that will affect them is run in a way that focuses on tomorrow not today. Optimism and faith are for individuals, effective systems and processes run on pessimism and doubt. Things work where those that put them in place think that they might go wrong, in planning and choosing they assume that human beings might one day lie, cheat, forget become complacent, incompetent or simply go mad. In planning for tomorrow they therefore put in place measures that will not allow the lying, cheating, indolence or madness of the few to destroy the future of the many.

Those who are not satisfied with their today therefore have a duty to self: they need to set an agenda that will ensure that their future is not jeopardized by the needs of others. The youth in the body or at heart need to look beyond the words or symbol of what those vying for their attention, they need to insist on processes and systems that will ensure that whoever is charged with managing their private and public lives is doing the bid of tomorrow people. To achieve this, tomorrow people need to set and lead not adapt to let alone echo the agenda put forward by gladiators battling for attention.

When warriors call out their opponents and rivals, tomorrow people should insist on not just punishing the culprit of today but demand an amendment of the system that allowed such crime or sin to be committed knowing fully well that the denouncer of today might easily become the culprit of tomorrow.

-Prof. Kila is Centre Director at CIAPS Lagos

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T H I S D AY

Friday May 13, 2022 Vol 27. No 9895

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See page 23 PDP TICKET: ATIKU ABUBAKAR VS PETER OBI NDUKA NWOSU poses a question: Are Nigerians ready for a positive change?

See page 23 TRUE AND FALSE ‘LIBERATIONS’ – FIGHTING THE GHOSTS OF NEOCOLONIALISM Putin’s war of choice is stealing peace and lives from millions of Ukrainians, writes JAN LIPAVSKÝ See page 26 EMEFIELE: BEFORE WE RE-WRITE HISTORY AHMED SIRAJO writes that the CBN Governor deserves applause for his bold reforms See page 26 EDITORIAL TACKLING GENDER INEQUALITY IN NIGERIA

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opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

WHY FAYEMI WOULD MAKE THE IDEAL PRESIDENT Fayemi’s resume and pedigree offer hope that he can manage the ship of state well, writes JULIUS OGUNRO

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FRIDAY MAY 13, 2022

The forced resignation of ministers is out of time, argues BOLAJI ADEBIYI

DOUBLE JEOPARDY FOR BUHARI’S MINISTERS

It is never too late to do the right thing.

On Wednesday President Muhammadu Buhari directed his ministers and other political appointees as well as heads of ministries, departments and agencies, including extra-ministerial bodies who are interested in political contests in 2023 to quit.

No doubt, forced by searing and FHDVHOHVV DWWDFNV RQ WKH SHUÀ G\ XQIROGLQJ in his camp, the president had to pull the UXJ RͿ WKH IHHW RI KLV PHQ ZKR E\ WKHLU conduct had shown a regrettable lack of integrity. The unfortunate saga began when Abubakar Malami, his attorney-general DQG PLQLVWHU RI -XVWLFH DW GLͿ HUHQW WLPHV misguided Buhari to refuse assent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2022 because of two clauses, the mode of primaries and Section 84 (12), which excludes serving political appointees from the nomination process.

Elegant arguments portraying the two clauses as undemocratic and restrictive of the right of a class of persons were displayed WR PDVN WKH VHOÀ VK LQWHUHVWV EHKLQG WKH objections. But Nigerians were not fooled not to see beyond the veil. It was always known that Buhari’s appointees were bent on having their cake after eating it. They ZDQWHG WR XVH WKHLU R΀ FHV WR LQÁ XHQFH QRW RQO\ WKH QRPLQDWLRQ SURFHVV WR WKHLU VHOÀ VK advantage but also to direct the outcome of the 2023 general election.

The absurdity of their proposition was unclear to only them. Otherwise, how could they not have seen the unfairness and the illegality of their participation in the procurement approval processes for the election management body? That action alone would have amounted to insider trading in the banking and stock market sectors. More ridiculous is the expression of partisan interest by persons in whose custody the printing and safe storage of sensitive electoral materials were to be entrusted.

The more unfortunate thing is that these sit-tight appointees are the very ones who have failed so spectacularly to deliver on their tasks in the last seven years or so.

Niger Delta Minister Godswill Akpabio has not been able to constitute the board of a vital parastatal like the Niger Delta Development Commission for more than three years contrary to law; after spending billions of US dollars on railways, Rotimi Amaechi, the minister of Transportation, could not secure the coaches from avoidable terror attacks; fuel queues have reared their ugly heads again in Abuja and its major cities just after a few weeks of relief under the watch of Timipre Sylva, the minister in charge of petroleum; and as the industrial crises in the education sector worsened, all the ministers who should be looking for resolution, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba and

Chris Ngige, could worry about was how to become the president of Nigeria.

To be clear, the purpose of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act 2022 is to level WKH SOD\LQJ À HOG E\ FXULQJ WKH PLVFKLHI RI SROLWLFDO DSSRLQWHHV XVLQJ SXEOLF R΀ FH to the disadvantage of other players. And contrary to the mischief being peddled by Malami, who had shown interest in the governorship of Kebbi State, it is similar to Section 66 (f) of the 1999 Constitution as altered which requires public servants to stand down before any election, they are interested in.

It is curious though that the standdown presidential directive to the political appointees and public servants came a few hours after the Court of Appeal restored the legality of Section 84 (12) of the electoral law. Some critics have contended that the president acted in the enlightened political interest of his All Progressives Congress, which appeared to be taking a grave OHJDO ULVN RI À HOGLQJ GHIHFWLYH FDQGLGDWHV RQ DFFRXQW RI D SRVVLEOH D΀ UPDWLYH determination of the dispute over the

While Sylva and Amaechi who have procured the mandatory N100 million presidential nomination forms are yet to resign, Ngige and Malami are still procrastinating even after the deadline for the procurement of forms

controversial exclusionist yet a positive section of the law by the Supreme Court.

Nevertheless, the president deserves commendation for realising his mistake and having the conviction to correct it.

After all, the country had passed through this path before. Former presidents had asked their appointees to stand down if they wanted to enter the political fray.

Even now, at least three governors, all of the APC, Adegboyega Oyetola (Osun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) and Nasir elRufai (Kaduna) had since asked politically H[SRVHG R΀ FLDOV WR UHVLJQ IURP WKHLU government.

And to be fair to the ruling APC, it demonstrated its commitment to the fairness of the electoral process when Article 3 (l) of its Guidelines for the Nomination of Candidates for the 2023 General Elections adopted Section 84 (12). It states, “No political appointee at any level shall be a voting delegate or be voted for the purpose of the nomination of candidates. $Q\ SROLWLFDO R΀ FH KROGHU LQWHUHVWHG LQ FRQWHVWLQJ IRU DQ HOHFWLYH R΀ FH VKDOO OHDYH R΀ FH GD\V SULRU WR WKH GDWH RI HOHFWLRQ RU SDUW\ SULPDU\ IRU WKH R΀ FH VRXJKW µ The party had earlier given an indication of this commitment when during its special convention for the election of its national executive committee, it applied Section 84(12), excluding serving political appointees, particularly ministers from voting. It is, however, not clear if it would KDYH WKH FRXUDJH DQG À UPQHVV WR JR WKH whole hog.

Following the presidential directive, some of the ministers, including Nwajiuba, Akpabio and Ogbonnaya Onu of the Science and Technology ministry have thrown in the towel. The trouble though is that going by the strict interpretation of Article 3(l) of the party guidelines, they are already out of time. Safe for Nwajiuba, the resignation came on Wednesday, a clear 12 days behind time. That would amount to double jeopardy should they be GLVTXDOLÀ HG E\ WKH VFUHHQLQJ FRPPLWWHH This perhaps has thrown the other aspiring ministers, including Malami, Ngige, Sylva and Amaechi into a serious dilemma as they have been caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. While Sylva and Amaechi who have procured the mandatory N100 million presidential nomination forms are yet to resign, Ngige and Malami are still procrastinating even after the deadline for the procurement of forms. Maybe they will pick them up at the parallel market before the deadline for the submission of the forms.

Adebiyi, the managing editor of THISDAY Newspapers, writes from bolaji.adebiyi@ thisdaylive.com

2T H I S D AY FRIDAY MAY 13, 2022

23

Fayemi’s resume and pedigree offer hope that he can manage the ship of state well, writes JULIUS OGUNRO

NDUKA NWOSU poses a question: Are Nigerians ready for a positive change?

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FRIDAY MAY 13, 2022

AHMED SIRAJO writes that the CBN Governor deserves applause for his bold reforms

Putin’s war of choice is stealing peace and lives from millions of Ukrainians, writes JAN LIPAVSKÝ

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Sirajo writes from Kano

4 T H I S D AY FRIDAY MAY 13, 2022

27

EDITORIAL

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

TACKLING GENDER INEQUALITY IN NIGERIA It’s time to end the discrimination. Gender equality is a human right

R

ecent statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) that Nigerian women do not enjoy equal access with men in decision making and power-sharing came as no surprise. This is particularly more glaring in the political arena that is dominated by men. According to the NBS Gender Statistics Quarterly Bulletin for the First Quarter 2022, “political aspirants for governorship in the 2019 election had 80 females and 984 males, while deputy governorship aspirants had 271 females and 789 males.

Also, female and male aspirants for senatorial positions in the 2019 election were 234 and 1,649, respectively.” Statistics of judicial and ministerial appointees are not better.

We must join our women DV WKH\ FRQWLQXH WR ÀJKW DOO forms of discrimination, especially in a society that is increasingly patriarchal.

As the NBS has pointed out, nothing speaks to the gender imbalance in Nigeria than the number of representations in the various arms of government both in the states and at the federal level. Since the commencement of the Fourth Republic about two decades back, the number of elected women in both the executive and legislative arms of government have been abysmally low. At the level of the executive, no woman has ever been elected the president of the country or governor of any state.

Of course, there have been instances of elected female deputy governors in states like Lagos, Ogun, Anambra, Osun and Ekiti but this has been nothing but mere tokenism. At the legislative level both at federal and the component states, the number of elected legislators is also negligible.

Many reasons could be attributed to the low turnover of elected female members, especially in the legislature but the most plausible is discrimination. Most of the political parties set guidelines for prospective aspirants that are clearly against the interest of ambitious female members. Some parties request for a non-refundable deposit running into millions of Naira which may be

GL΀FXOW IRU WKH ZRPHQ WR IXOÀO ZKLOH SROLWLFDO PHHWLQJV are almost always scheduled to hold at night which makes it a disincentive for women given the cultural environment under which we operate. There is also a preference for male candidates by these political parties.

Women make up about 50 per cent of the Nigerian population. Therefore, it makes no sense to exclude half of our population from contributing to national prosperity and wellbeing for archaic and oppressive reasons. To deal with the discrimination against ZRPHQ LQ RXU FRXQWU\ ZH PXVW EHJLQ WR SURͿHU GLͿHUHQW PXOWL VHFWRUDO DQG FRRUGLQDWHG VROXWLRQV These include adopting, strengthening, and implementing legislations that will promote gender balance in all aspects of our national life. But, even beyond any proposed legislations, there are clear DQG GHÀQLWH FRQVWLWXWLRQDO provisions that entrench the rights of women that are being observed in the breach. Unfortunately, reminding some Nigerians of these fundamental guarantees seems futile while the people expected to defend or promote those rights hardly care.

Gender equality is not just a human rights issue, it is essential for the achievement of sustainable development and a peaceful, prosperous world.

Therefore, circumscribing the access to opportunities that ultimately empowers women and girls is counterproductive. In 2015, gender equality was declared “not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.” Women are not the objects of pleasure of men or property to be used and disposed of. Indeed, women have the same intrinsic worth as men.

If we must include our women in the governing process, dealing with these issues is very important.

But perhaps much more important is that the men must see gender balance as a universal challenge. We must create an atmosphere that assures women in Nigeria that they are not in any way inferior to our men.

Nothing speaks to the gender imbalance in Nigeria than the number of representations in the various arms of government both in the states and at the federal level

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 THE JONATHAN GAME SHOW The recent game played by former President Goodluck Jonathan is just indicative that politicians will be politicians. The recent denial of any presidential ambition and reversal of that a day after to concretize his interest in the race is just an indication that politicians don’t really care about the people.

I think the Nigerian people always ascribe too much importance to politicians but they forget the politicians are more concerned about their own ambition and prospects than any morality the people require from them.

When the Jonathan game show started, I was quick to tell anyone that cared to listen that the former president is a politician and most politicians have no shame and crossing to the APC that once abused him was going to be the easiest thing for him to do.

With the Daily Trust report that in fact Mr Jonathan has crossed to the APC in Otuoke ward in Ogbia LGA in Bayelsa. I am sure those that swore that Jonathan is so much a saint will now eat their words. I have always wondered why people believe a Nigerian politician so much.

I also was right to point out that reports from sources that President Jonathan was planning to run but he was looking for a concession of consensus because he didn’t have WKH ÀQDQFLDO PLJKW WR FRPSHWH +LV UHFHQW PRYHPHQWV DQG PHHWLQJV ZHUH ÀUP LQGLFDWLRQ of his intentions but most Nigerians still fell for his smokescreen.

I must reiterate to Nigerians after this Jonathan game show that no politician is your savior and all we should enforce should be the independence of our institutions because that is the only strong pedestal our democracy can stand. Our politicians will always play

games and follow their ambition but it is independence of institutions that can help us.

In my close analysis, I must confess that Jonathan is a prime candidate not because he was former president but some sources recently out of Asaba where the upper echelon of defense recently met had copious messages about the possibility of Goodluck Jonathan emerging the candidate of the cabal because if he emerges he can only do four years but importantly he is found to be trustworthy by the powers that be. The singular feat of transition of power still surprises most of people in the President Buhari’s camp. As against WKH DEXVHV DQG DOO WKH HOHFWLRQ ÀJKW WKH IRUPHU SUHVLGHQW DQG WKH FXUUHQW SUHVLGHQW KDYH become friendly and they have forged a decent relationship. I have also spoken to other sources about the Jonathan ambition. It is also noteworthy that President Jonathan meeting with the APC chairman was based on his ambition. The question is, will Jonathan EH WKH ÀQDO SODQ RU DQRWKHU FDQGLGDWH PLJKW EH XVHG" , PXVW UHSHDW WKDW ZLWK SROLWLFLDQV nothing is cast in stone and steady decisions might change.

It has to be stated that the Jonathan show obviously has a producer and director, but most importantly who the scriptwriter is, will matter a great deal. That is why I say in the political world only deals with matter and not the interest of the people. All of this will get clearer from next week. If a deal isn’t done, then Jonathan might have to suspend his ambition because it would also be disgraceful for a former president to fail at getting a party ticket.

Rufai Oseni, rufaioseni@gmail.com

ART FOR MONEY’S SAKE The Andy Warhol, brilliant artist, Marilyn Monroe, great actress, portrait sold for US$195 million. On eBay you can buy a child’s paint set for about $10.

Which will do more for art, one painting, probably in a gallery or about 20 million chilGUHQ ZLWK D SDLQW VHW HDFK" The reality isn’t that simple, but it does suggest that the art market has lost the plot.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

28

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 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 11May-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 8.18% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.74 3.81 5.69% 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 N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A info@anchoriaam.com ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 23.11 23.81 13.94% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 516.73 532.31 14.53% ARM Ethical Fund 43.18 44.48 10.85% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.06 1.06 -2.08% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.04 1.04 2.30% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.75% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com; Tel 08069294653 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 105.17 105.17 8.04% AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Naira 1,103.94 1,103.94 10.39% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) N/A N/A N/A CAPITALTRUST INVESTMENTS AND ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED halalfif@capitaltrustnigeria.com Web: www.capitaltrustnigeria.com; Tel: 08061458806 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Capitaltrust Halal Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.04 1.04 2.96% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.77% Paramount Equity Fund 20.79 21.18 19.23% Women's Investment Fund 156.05 157.95 9.88% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.04% Cordros Milestone Fund 139.31 140.27 11.58% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 109.16 109.16 4.77% 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 100.00 100.00 4.61% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 5.43% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,154.79 1,165.44 -0.94% 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 9.03% Emerging Africa Bond Fund 1.04 1.04 7.44% Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund 1.08 1.08 18.20% Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund 102.25 102.25 4.19% 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 Bond Fund 1449.33 1449.33 10.25% FBN Balanced Fund 197.49 198.93 12.69% FBN Halal Fund 119.42 119.42 9.20% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.02% FBN Dollar Fund (Retail) 123.65 123.65 5.00% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 173.23 175.56 13.47% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy USD Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn

Coral Balanced Fund Coral Income Fund Coral Money Market Fund

4,317.84 3,546.08 100.00

4,389.44 3,546.08 100.00

31.05% 6.24% 6.22%

FSDH Dollar Fund 1.10 1.10 3.67% INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.57% Vantage Balanced Fund 3.16 3.23 17.80% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 140.06 140.06 2.21% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.36 1.41 14.70% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.08 1.08 4.14% 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 1.60 1.62 12.45% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,158.54 1,158.54 3.39% 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 13.99 14.07 18.60% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 7.80% 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) 101.44 101.44 5.74% Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 100.00 100.00 7.43% 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 N/A N/A N/A PACAM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM EuroBond Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 134.43 137.31 11.45% 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 3,801.01 3,845.20 10.43% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 238.52 238.52 1.18% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.54 1.57 19.62% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 319.37 319.37 1.92% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 285.41 289.81 17.92% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.61% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 12,912.45 13,099.16 16.26% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.31 1.31 1.70% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 118.29 118.29 1.13% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 109.12 109.12 2.48% 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 1.08 1.11 16.81% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.56 1.58 14.26% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.24 1.26 14.38% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.10 1.10 2.66% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 2.00 2.00 2.41% United Capital Eurobond Fund 124.66 124.66 1.90% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.69% 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 14.41 14.55 9.30% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 16.57 16.77 13.46% Zenith Income Fund 22.57 22.57 2.50% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.40% VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD funds@vetiva.com Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 4.30 4.40 7.03% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 6.87 6.97 17.48% Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 20.69 20.89 16.93% Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.26% Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 22.84 23.04 14.21% Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 167.25 169.25 5.97%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

122.16 53.16

1.62% 0.82%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

16.29 153.77 122.45 23.85 23.26

16.39 157.54 125.11 23.95 23.36

16.40% 16.81% 18.16% 0.00% 0.00%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.55

12.10%

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

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022

29

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

REPO

A T

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

08056356325

M A Y

S & P INDEX

1 2 , 2 0 2 2

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OPR

6.50%

CALL

10.75%

INDEX LEVEL

610.44%

1/4 TO DATE

– 1.31%

N416.75/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

7.17%

1-MONTH

9.66%

1-DAY

0.03%

YEAR TO DATE

7.13%

*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

3-MONTH

1028%

MONTH-TO-DATE

– 1.31%

How Aviation Industry Averted N13bn Loss in One Day by Suspending Planned Industrial Action

Chinedu Eze It is estimated that Nigeria’s aviation industry would have lost about N13 billion in one day if domestic airlines had shut down operations on May 9, 2022 as planned.

The loss according to experts, would have amounted to about N9 billion in revenue that would have accrued to the airlines and N4 billion that would have been earned by handling companies, catering, suppliers, charges by the agencies and others, totaling about N13 billion in just one day.

Despite the estimated loss, industry stakeholders said if the airlines had stood together and kept to that decision the benefits

would have been greater than the revenue loss because those who may not fly on that day would have flown another day.

Others however believed it would have been ill advised to embark on such shut down.

Industry analysts said about 200 flights would have been affected and economic activities paralysed.

Commenting, the Managing Director of Flights and Logistics Solutions, Amos Akpan said the industrial action would have shocked the Nigerian system because it would have been the realisation of what has always been talked about, written about, imagined but never happened.

“It would have made tremendous impact and the impact will be

that the issue is real. It would have dawned on everyone the contribution of the airlines to the Nigerian economy. It would have shown the impactful role airlines play in the economy. It would have paralysed the socioeconomic system of the country.

We would have realised that this thing we talk about is real, but on a personal note; it was good it did not happen,” Akpan said.

He said it would have affected every sector of the economy, including the engineers who travel to Port Harcourt to board a shuttle flight offshore, adding that it would have also obstructed emergency medical deliveries and other critical movements.

“We are happy it did not happen.

I don’t wish it to happen to Nigeria, but if it had happened the crucial role airlines play in the economy would have been realised. It would have been a bite we will always remember because we have never experienced it; but it has always been talked about,” he added.

On his part, Former Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the immediate past CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Ado Sanusi, told THISDAY that if the airlines had embarked on the strike, there would have been increase in the passenger that would be anxious to travel.

This, he said, would have led to panic buying, astronomical increase in price of tickets and record

increase in sales and bookings.

“If they had gone ahead it would crippled the economy of the country. It would bring hardship and passengers would have suffered. Those that could afford charter would go for charter but those that couldn’t would go by road.

“The federal government would have declared state of emergency and the Nigeria Air Force would be mandated to start operating scheduled flight service.

Government will source airlines and give them accelerated clearance to operate locally in Nigeria,” Sanusi said.

Sanusi further explained that it could happen if state of emergency was declared and recalled that

during the Junior World Cup held in Nigeria in 1999, British Airways deployed aircraft to operate local service in Nigeria.

“If that happened the operating licence of domestic airlines could be revoked because the licences were given for them to operate scheduled service and not to embark on strike; they are not trade union. Airline Operators of Nigeria is like the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

In fact, it is extension of IATA. “So I respectfully disagreed with them on that strike because I believe that they should have exhausted all possibilities of negotiation with government and its agencies.

Continued on page 32

ACSC: Lekki Port Will Checkmate Nigeria’s $14bn Annual Loss to Poor Infrastructure Eromosele Abiodun The African Centre for Supply Chain (ACSC), has stated that the Lekki Deap Sea Port, which is expected to commence operation by the end of this year, will checkmate the congestion at Nigerian existing

ports that is negatively impacting the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), leading to a loss of $14.2 billion yearly.

This, the ACSC stated, is aside other bottlenecks, which include the nonchalant attitude among truckers, congestion of trucks within the ports

and cargo congestion at terminals due to trade imbalance, weak technology application, non-implementation of 24-hour port operations, manual cargo examination by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and lowcapacity utilisation by terminals, congestion emanating from public

holidays, and short working hours that are unquantifiable in terms of naira and Kobo.

According to ACSC, “There is no gain saying that sea ports are vital for economic development, a typical example is Nigeria’s closest neighbours, Togo, Ghana and the

Republic of Benin who have taken advantage of Nigeria’s weak and ineffective port operations to put their countries on the right track for economic prosperity.

The volumes of cargo handled at Nigeria’s seaports dropped to 78.4 million metric tonnes in 2020 from

80.2 million metric tonnes recorded in 2019. This represents a decline of 2.24 per cent.

“Nigerian ports recorded a decline in ship traffic as a total of 3,972 ships called in 2020 as against 4,251 in Continued on page 32

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

BONDS DESCRIPTION

Price

Yield

14.20 14-MAR2024 13.53 23-MAR2025 12.50 22-JAN2026 16.2884 17MAR-2027 13.98 23-FEB2028

110.85

7.79

108.83

9.92

105.63

10.61

119.08

11.10

111.14

11.30

Change Updated Time (%) May 6, -0.01 2022 May 6, 0.00 2022 May 6, 0.00 2022 May 6, 0.00 2022 May 6, -0.07 2022

Discount

NTB 9-Jun22 NTB 14-Jul22 NTB 11Aug-22 NTB 8-Sep22

304,00 305,00

0.00 May 6, 2022

323,00 324,00

0.00 May 6, 2022

350,00 353,00

0.00 May 6, 2022

349,00 353,00

0.00 May 6, 2022

NTB 13-Oct- 356,00 362,00 22

0.00 May 6, 2022

Yield

OTC F X F U T U R E S

CPS

MATURITY

Change Updated Time (%)

MATURITY NEVE CP I 24-MAY-22 DANC CP II 25-MAY-22 TRBH CP V 26-JUL-22 FSDH CP VI 1-AUG-22 NENL CP I 24-OCT-22

Discount Yield 16.52 16.65 8.56

Change Updated Time (%) -0.25 May 6, 2022

8.60

-0.24 May 6, 2022

11.67 11.98

0.75 May 6, 2022

8.44

0.84 May 6, 2022

14.14 15.14

0.12 May 6, 2022

8.27

CONTRACT Current TENOR Contract Rate ($/₦) (MONTH) NGUS MAY 25 1 427.24 2022 NGUS JUN 29 428.93 2 2022 NGUS JUL 27 3 430.63 2022 NGUS AUG 31 4 432.32 2022 NGUS SEP 28 5 434.02 2022

Updated Time

May 5, 2022 May 5, 2022 May 5, 2022 May 5, 2022 May 5, 2022

30

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

AIR WATCH

NIPCO, Firm Sign Deals to Encourage More Gas-fired Vehicles Ejiofor Alike As the federal government shifts emphasis to the use of gas as vehicular fuel, leading integrated energy giant, NIPCO Plc and Femadec Express have entered into a collaboration that will encourage more gas-fired vehicles and also deepen the use of gas for domestic and industrial purposes NIPCO’s Assistant General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Alhaji Taofeeq Lawal, who revealed this development in a statement, further stated that the collaboration would lead to an increase in the number of natural gas-powered vehicles in Nigeria beyond the present figure of over 7,000.

NIPCO Gas Limited, a leader in the AutoGas industry, Lawal said, is partnering with Femadec Express on the scheme. According to him, both companies recently entered into a partnership that will see Femadec Express leverage on NIPCO Gas capacity and Auto

CNG (Compress Natural Gas) distribution network in several states.

“NIPCO Gas currently has Retail CNG dispensing facilities at Ibafo, Benin, Ajaokuta, Okene, and Abuja - where it dispenses AutoGas to over 7,000 vehicles; it is the only Nigerian company that has state-of-the-art workshops at Benin City, Ibafo and Abuja, for conversion of vehicles to dual fuel usage - it has an inventory of conversion kits for all makes of vehicles.

“Plans are underway to increase its CNG infrastructures by adding 40 AutoCNG stations to its footprint. Most of these stations will include workshops for the conversion of vehicles. In the near term, cities such as Lekki – Epe Exp (Lagos), Ibadan, Oron etc will have similar facilities, “ Lawal explained.

“In 2007, the Federal Government granted licence to NIPCO Plc to implement the pilot project of the CNG project to enable vehicles use

gas as auto fuel as an alternative to white oils in Benin city and its environs “The project recorded notable successes as several vehicles were converted to run on Natural Gas, however, the unavailability of CNG stations to service the converted vehicles were noted as a downside to the project,” Lawal added.

According to him, NIPCO Gas Limited, a subsidiary of NIPCO Plc, successfully implemented the pilot project in Benin city with nine operational CNG stations catering to over 4,300 NGVs (Natural Gas Vehicles) in Benin and 700 NGVs in Ibafo, Ogun State. He further disclosed that the company also developed the capacity to convert petrol-powered vehicles to Auto CNG vehicles with the use of a conversion kit.

“As such it is not only factoryproduced vehicles that can enjoy the benefits of using Natural Gas, NIPCO can convert PMS/AGO vehicles to CNG vehicles,” he added.

A I R WATCH Enugu Govt Shuns United Nigeria’s Plan to Establish Hub in Akanu Ibiam Airport

DRONETECX Creates Access for Africa to Tap into $150bn Drone Market Chinedu Eze DRONETECX, Nigeria’s Drone Technology Conference and Exhibition has promised to creat access for Nigeria and Africa to tap into $150 billion global drone market.

Speaking during the second Drone Technology Conference and Exhibition held at NIGAV Expo Center, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Fortune Idu, chairman DRONETECX 2022 said the global drone market has continued to expand on a daily basis with growth of 18 per cent Coarse Grained Reconfigurable Array and hopes to reach $150 billion in

the year 2035 and DRONETECX is creating access for Nigeria to tap into this huge market for job and wealth creation.

Idu said this millennium has seen the evolvement of various disruptive technologies from internet, GSM, robotic, artificial intelligence, space travel and liberalisation which are gradually redefining the way people do things and will in the near future direct every aspect of people’s existence.

He stated that for countries in Africa like Nigeria where infrastructure is a big challenge, the micro technologies driven by the microwave controlled system presents the hope for catch-up

with the advanced world at a fraction of cost, adding that Africa however must be ready to get involved in the backend of the technologies and not just at front end consumer seat.

“DRONETECX 2022 offers the platform to explore all opportunities within the emerging sector and create a meeting point for researchers, operators, dealers, manufacturers and buyers to network. This year’s edition featured Open speaker’s plenary, end user’s workshop, youth seminar, paper competition and drone for humanitarian award, as well as expositions to drone related products and services,” he said.

Nigerian Student Buys Fake Turkish Airlines Ticket from Abuja Airport Chinedu Eze A Nigerian student in Cyprus was shocked when he learnt that the return ticket he bought from Turkish Airlines office at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, was fake.

On the day he wanted to reschedule flight date to return to Nigeria, he was told the ticket was a fake one, and that he had already used the ticket.

The student, Ajunwa Chukwuebuka, bought the ticket February 26, 2022. It has serial number, 59211806, ticket number, 2356982434805; reference booking number, UWQHX7 and he was supposed to fly from Ataturk International Airport, Istanbul

to Nigeria.

According to Chukwuebuka’s father, Mr. Raphael Ajunwa, he bought a one way ticket for his son, from Lagos to Cyprus, but he was told that the new policy of Turkish Airlines was that every passenger must buy return ticket.

That was what prompted him to go to the Abuja airport and bought return ticket for his son.

But when he travelled with the first ticket and arrived Cyprus, after few days he went to Turkish Airlines to reschedule his return date to Nigeria and he was told that the ticket was a fake one, that it indicated he had used the ticket.

“We bought the first ticket from

Lagos, but bought the return from Abuja. The airline told us that he must buy return ticket so I went to Turkish Airlines office at the airport in Abuja and paid through POS but when he reached Cyprus they told him it was fake ticket; that he had used it. As I man talking to you now, my son is stranded in Cyprus,” Ajunwa said.

The cost of the ticket, according to the receipt from the POS was N282, 125.00 and the payment was made on February 26, 2022 and the receipt bore Turkish Airlines, POS pur@2UP14686.

THISDAY made efforts to contact Turkish Airlines official in Nigeria but the phone number available was call centre number and ticket sales office number.

Guidance to Remove Mask Mandate, Step Towards Normality The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed new guidance from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) removing its recommendation that masks should be required in-flight.

EASA’s updated Aviation Health Safety Protocol, published 11 May, calls for the mandatory mask rule to be relaxed where rules have been relaxed for other transport modes.

IATA said this important shift reflects the high levels of vaccination, natural immunity levels, and the removal of domestic restrictions in many European nations. The updated

guidance also acknowledges the need to move from an emergency situation to a more sustainable mode of managing COVID-19.

“We welcome EASA’s recommendation to relax the mask mandate, which is another important step along the road back to normality for air passengers. Travelers can look forward to freedom of choice on whether to wear a mask. And they can travel with confidence knowing that many features of the aircraft cabin, such as high frequency air exchange and high efficiency filters, make it one of the safest indoor

environments,” said IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh.

Several jurisdictions still maintain mask requirements. That is a challenge for airlines and passengers flying between destinations with different requirements. “We believe that mask requirements on board aircraft should end when masks are no longer mandated in other parts of daily life, for example theatres, offices or on public transport.

Although the European protocol comes into effect next week, there is no globally consistent approach to mask-wearing on board aircraft.

Chinedu Eze There are indications that the plan by United Nigeria Airlines to establish its operational hub in Akanu Ibiam Airport, Enugu, may not be realised because of alleged lack of enthusiasm from the state government.

Not a few were elated when the emerging domestic carrier announced that it would use Enugu as its operational hub. The idea was welcomed by many because the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos is already congested. Again, the spokesman of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Sam Adurogboye, told THISDAY recently that locating such hubs at other airports would reduce the pressure on Lagos and also reduce delays in passenger processing at the nation’s busiest airport.

This is the reason why it was heartily welcomed when Ibom Air announced that it would be operating from Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom state, Azman Air and Max Air operating from Kano, while Air Peace, Dana Air, Overland Airways, Green Africa, Arik Air and Aero Contractors operate from Lagos. The last time an airline operated from Enugu was in 2007 when SosolisoAirlines ceased operation after the tragic accident involving one of its flights in Port Harcourt.

Industry insiders said the airline operated profitably before its demise and it never serviced the lucrative Lagos-Abuja route, but opened some of the routes that have become commercial success today in the South East and South South regions.

Information from the United Nigeria Airlines indicated that it would terminate its plan to locate its hub in Enugu because it was unable to secure a place to build its head office and it also planned to site its maintenance facility there.

THISDAY learnt that after the initial request to establish its operational headquarters in Enugu, the Enugu state government welcomed the idea and made promises of support but has failed to fulfill any of the promises.

THISDAY spoke to the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, who was already exasperated by the response he was getting from the Enugu state government.

According to him, that decision to establish the airline’s hub in Enugu might be rescinded any moment because of the disappointment the management of the airline received from the state government.

“We have the best of intensions to go to Enugu. We are not getting all the support we looked forward to getting from the state government despite all the promises. I am afraid that if nothing is done soon, it might affect our decision to be in Enugu. If we don’t get what we want; we may have to rescind our decision to make Enugu our operational hub,” Okonkwo told THISDAY. He said that he was encouraged by the initial enthusiasm of the state government and the promises it made to the airline, but

he was shocked when that hope oscillated to coldness and lack of response for the state government.

“We are not getting the necessary cooperation and we have had meetings, promises were made but not one thing out of many of the promises has been fulfilled.

We intend to have a befitting head office in Enugu with hundreds of staff. If you start renting or buying land at commercial rate in such environment it will involve huge amount of money. We are not estate developers to buy and resell. We expected that at least the state should have considered allocation of some plots of land for us to have at official rate. We are not saying give us free,” he explained.

Okonkwo also disclosed that a land that was earmarked for his company was being contested by the Nigeria Air Force and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), so he expected the state government to step in and resolve the matter, but so far it has done nothing about it.

“The space at the airport they earmarked for us; there seems to be some internal issues with FAAN and other stakeholders at the airport, like the Nigeria Air Force. The state government has promised to come between FAAN and Air Force to smoothen whatever is the issue so that this could be resolved as quickly as possible,” Okonkwo said.

He also said that the Enugu state government understands the benefits of having the airline locate its hub in Enugu in terms of job creation, in terms of revenue from taxes and other opportunities, so he expected encouragement and incentives, but so far Enugu government had deflated the company’s hope.

“We are investors; we are willing and available to play our own part. In my discussion with them, there was no any reason for me to believe that they do not understand the value of our being in Enugu. We have to add to the economy of the state. That is our state for tax purposes. We are moving in hundreds of staff who will pay their income taxes and engage in other expenses, including expatriates.

Thy showed good knowledge of the value we are going to bring, but their inability to take steps to facilitate the things we need is what I do not know. For me, we are almost giving up,” he said.

THISDAY investigation at the Enugu airport confirmed the land in dispute. Informed source from the airport said that the Minister of Aviation and the Enugu state government are in discussion over the land.

“The land issue is before the state government with the Minister of Aviation,” the source told THISDAY. An official of the state government also told THISDAY that government would not allow the company to move its planned hub from Enugu, promising that the Governor of the state would respond to United Nigeria Airlines’ request.

FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

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BUSINESSWORLD

MARITIME

NPA’s New Vision for Eastern Ports Eromosele Abiodun posits that ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Ports Authority to make other ports across the country viable and efficient will end the seemingly intractable traffic gridlock in Apapa and boost the economies of the regions where they are located

S

eaports in relation to trade are major gateways to the economy of a country.

They represent a complex structure in a country’s transportation system providing ship harbour interface services such as pilotage, dredging, provision of berths, maintenance of navigational channels, etc., ship-port interface in terms of loading and unloading cargoes and port-land interface in delivering cargo to and from the hinterland.

In general seaports have five principal roles.

They include: Cargoes and passengers handling, providing services for ships such as bunkering and repair, shelter for ships in case of heavy sea and storm conditions, bases for industrial development and terminals forming part of a transport chain.

Seaports, expert believe, are complex dynamic systems consisting of numerous interacting elements, influenced by random factors.

Over the years, seaports across the country have suffered neglect, depriving Nigeria of the economic advantages of having efficient and well-managed ports. Apart from the Lagos ports, there are seaports at Warri, Koko, Onne, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Lekki Deep Seaport and Ibom Deep Seaport at Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State, which is still at the design stage. There are also numerous inland dry ports and fuel depots.

The main problem with these ports is that the river channels leading to them are too narrow to accommodate large vessels. The shipping companies find it more convenient to take their vessels to Lagos than to the eastern ports.

The situation worsened after the concession of the ports started in 2006. This was sequel to the withdrawal of the 30 per cent incentive granted vessel owners to use the eastern ports when the federal government controlled the ports.

Currently, apart from the Onne Port, most of the other ports servicing the Southeast, South-South and the Eastern flank of the North are virtually idle.

The channels into these ports need to be dredged, their facilities need to be upgraded and incentives provided to enable them take up more of the nation’s maritime business.

Apart from shallow channels, which make it impossible for bigger vessels to access the port, decrepit port infrastructure is another major problem.

While the Calabar Port suffers from shallow draught, the Onne Port is contending with insecurity such as pirate attacks and sea-robbery among others. However, this has reduced in recent times following intensified effort by the government to check maritime crime and criminality.

Other identified challenges include deplorable berths, dearth of finger mooring jetties to berth Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) crafts, lack of operational vehicles and fire hydrants at quays.

Cargo handling equipment and the port quays areas are also inadequate to make trade facilitation efficient.

Also, while high siltation at the Calabar Port has impeded safe navigation, the Port Harcourt Port suffered under constant pirate attacks, which made the port unattractive for foreign shipping lines. Because of the afore-mentioned challenges, no fewer than 754 vessels are said to have deserted the eastern ports between 2013 and 2016. Specifically, the number of vessels that berthed at the ports reduced from 2,268 vessels in 2013 to 1,514 in 2016.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the number of vessels that berthed at the Delta port fell from 609 in 2013 to 433 in 2016, while the Gross Registered Tonnage at the port also dropped from 8,687,160 in 2013 to 6,177,809 in 2016.

NPA TAKES ACTION

In a bid to attract shippers to eastern ports and boost economic activity in the region, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has taken steps to address the problems highlighted above. Early this week, the new management of the NPA lead by its Managing Director of NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, paid a working visit to Warri port in Delta state.

The NPA team visited every part of the port to access the situation on going projects aimed at revitalizing the port.

During the visit, Bello-Koko disclosed that the NPA has awarded a contract for remedial

is taking steps to get back its landed properties that has been encroached by host the community.

“Yeah, so we observed a lot of encroachment. Even on the path leading to the port, there are a lot of makeshift shops and people have even built houses. And we believe that those lands have commercial value. So we need to take possession. But if you drive away squatters, and you don’t put those lands to use, that means you haven’t taken full possession. We need to sit and think of what commercial value some of the lands are.

“So we have developed parts that are near the water and the backside of it The best way to look at the commercial activity there, do we sell them and generate revenue for government, or do we put them to commercial use in terms of construction of houses. We want out of court settlements for some of the cases that have been in court for 10 years. It doesn’t really make sense, we are at a loss and it is time we sit down and start negotiating, “he said.

SECURITY AND TARIFFS

Bello-Koko dredging of Escravos channel.

Bello-Koko said the dredging of the channel will help to expand the channel and enable bigger vessels to visit the port in Delta State.

According to Bello-Koko, the dredging, which has started and is about halfway done, will enable port in Delta State to have a better draft, receive bigger vessels and record less incidences of vessels running aground when completed.

Bello-Koko said, “We all know that the breakwaters collapsed about 10 years ago, and there has been high siltation resulting in reduction of the draft from 7 meters to 3 meters in some places.”

The NPA, he added, has also started the mapping and charting of the Escravos channel starting from the fairway buoy down to Koko Port, which has not been done for over a decade or more.

“The essence is to enable us to be able to know the draft along the way and also ensure that the navigational aids are properly placed. This is because there are some decisions that can only be taken after knowing that the channel has been properly mapped and surveyed,” he said.

Bello-Koko further said the efforts put together means that the NPA is beginning to pay attention to the ports outside Lagos.

He added, “We have a special interest in ensuring that Warri and other ports are more active. This is why we have been holding stakeholders meetings and we are going to Port Harcourt for another one. This enables us to engage with the importers and exporters for them to know that these ports are available for use. We will deploy more marine equipment and ensure that the signals are also working to ensure safe navigation of vessels.”

The NPA boss added that the development will bring joy to the people, especially those that are into the business of importation, who have been yearning for the decongestion of the Lagos port and the bringing of business to the Warri port.

PROVISION OF MARINE SERVICES

To be able to achieve his objective Bello-Koko said he will ensure that the NPA play its role effectively.

“First of all, what is most important

is for us to be sure that the NPA is performing its own responsibilities by providing the necessary marine services and equipment. As a result, we will review third party contracts, because it is becoming quite difficult for them to operate. Now, Warri has multiple locations. So it is not just the port itself, you have activities around Oghara you have activities in Koko towards Sapele, there are so many jetties and what have you.

“So, we have seen opportunities here that we can harness if we can improve the draft of the channel, but for you to do that, the first thing you need to solve the issue of the breakwaters, the breakwater collapsed about almost 10 years ago, but the studies have been conducted the bathymetric and geotechnical studies have been conducted. We are now at the design stage of the breakwater.”

He added that the NPA is also looking at the possibility of constructing a new one of the existing facility is too costly to rehabilitate.

“It is either we reconstruct the current one or rebuild a brand new.

It is only when you do that, that you stop siltation into the channel and you reduce the incidences of grounding of vessels. Now when you do that, you now look at the other problem, which is the NNPC pipeline. We have been discussing with NNPC, if they can bury the pipe deeper, it means we can now dredge the channel deeper, it means you can bring bigger vessels.

“Now for Warri, that location can actually serve as a hub for activities in the South South. And even some of the commercial centers in the Southeast.

And there are also other opportunities for development of other maritime logistics along the channel. We know there are issues to do with the draft limitations of the of the key walls, then the distance from fairway bouy to the port itself is about 107 kilometers. So that is a bit of a challenge, “he said.

TAKING BACK NPA PROPERTIES

As part of the effort to maximize its assets, the NPA boss said the NPA

Speaking on how the NPA is addressing the security challenge at the port, he said, “We’ve been collaborating with the Nigerian Navy, the Chief of Naval Staff has been really cooperative and now I want to use this opportunity to thank him for that. A committee was set up between the NPA and the Navy and the committee was not just meant to look at security issues but also we have had issues of also possession or ownership of land between us and the Navy, not just in Delta but in virtually all the ports in Nigeria. So, that has been resolved.

“We are also discussing with Nigerian Navy in terms of improved patrols along the waterways, especially as it relates to the ports. Nigerian Navy has also been magnanimous enough to agree that some of our signals stations will be located in areas not too far away from the operational basis or even within the operational basis signal stations. Improve communication also improves security actually because we know where vessels are at any given time. Also the IG just approved the setting up of Marine Police, which we never had in Calabar and in Warri ports. Setting up the Marine Police will help us improve security in those areas.

The NPA, he added, is also looking at the tariffs given to shipping companies to reflect on local shippers to make it more effective.

OLU, STAKEHOLDERS COMMEND NPA

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the NPA boss and his management team to seek royal support in reviving the Warri Port, the Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III, expressed satisfaction on the NPA visit to Warri Port as the first port of call after his confirmation as the managing director.

He said the eastern ports need to be opened up after several pushes by different governments in the past, adding that the recent efforts will yield positive results for the benefit of the importing community.

While saying that the Niger-Delta people want the port to work, the Olu of Warri said that port generally drives the economy of the cities where they are located.

He assured that the NPA can always come to the royal family for support to achieve the goal of opening up Warri Port for business.

Meanwhile, stakeholders in the maritime industry have pured encomium on the NPA for the authority’s effort at making other ports across the country viable. For instance, former President of ANLCA Mr. Olayiwola Shittu hailed the NPA for repositioning the port for greater efficiency.

Another stakeholder, Mr. Felix Abraham, said the deployment of the equipment will assist the port in taking its rightful position as hub for the East and Central Africa sub-regions in oil and gas as it has the advantage of accessibility and proximity to the Eastern commercial centres like Onitsha, Nnewi and Aba, among others.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022

32

BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

Why Nigerian Airlines Cannot Work Together The way domestic carriers reneged on their plan to shut down operations last Monday confirms why they cannot work together or collaborate to ensure their survival, economy of scale and improved service for air travellers, writes Chinedu Eze

W

hile the threat to shut down flight operations on May 9, 2022 by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) attracted both local and international attention and provided the platform for oil marketers, the airlines, the National Assembly and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to discuss and negotiate the price of aviation fuel in Nigeria, it also reconfirmed that Nigerian carriers cannot work effectively together.

After agreeing last Friday they would shut down operations, some of the airlines that signed the statement to stop operations began to renege by releasing separate statements that they would not adhere to the general agreement. It started with Ibom Air, followed by Dana Air, Overland Airways, Aero Contractors and Arik Air; until AON issued statement cancelling the planned shut down.

However, the threat to shut down operations yielded benefits for the airlines by waking up the consciousness of Nigerians and the federal government to the fact that airlines might ground their operations if they continue to pay highly for aviation fuel.

One of the major factors attributed to why Nigerian airlines are not doing well is their refusal to cooperate and work together. Many industry stakeholders have attributed the short lifespan of Nigerian carriers to their go it alone attitude, the cut throat competition and the tendency for them to undermine one another. Nigeria’s international aviation consultant, Nick Fadugba had at different fora canvassed for merger and collaboration of Nigerian airlines.

In 2017, Fadugba who is the CEO of African Aviation Services Limited, Chairman, African Business Aviation Association (AfBAA) and former Secretary-General of Africa Airlines Association (AFRAA), explained to THISDAY why Nigerian airlines would do better if they work together.

He attributed the stunted growth of the aviation industry in Nigeria to the small size of the country’s airlines, describing them as unprofitable with very short lifespan.

He said the survivability of the domestic airlines could

only happen, if the airlines pool their resources together and benefit from the economy of scale in their operations, training and maintenance.

Fadugba who is also the publisher of African Aviation magazine observed that Nigeria has too many airlines, which are too small, so the market is fragmented. He noted that none of the airlines have a critical mass in terms of fleet or route network to become effective and to make money.

“When you look at Ethiopian Airlines, the combined fleet of all Nigerian airlines is about 40 percent of the fleet of Ethiopian airlines. We have approximately 40 aircraft as a country, all our airlines. Ethiopia at the moment has about 90 plus (2017) aircraft and the most modern. And not only that, in the next few years they will operate about 130 aircraft. So you see Ethiopian is taking on a bigger scale,” Fadugba said.

He noted, however, that it could be said that Ethiopia Airlines has a monopoly, which is very different from Nigeria that has a very vibrant economy, adding, because of this, Nigeria has many airlines, which could be described as a good thing in a way, whereas none of these airlines could be described as profitable.

“So what I would recommend for our Nigerian airlines is that they need to work together, they can compete, for example on Lagos-Abuja or Abuja-Port Harcourt but they can work together on training, on maintenance, on spares pooling, on spare parts purchasing, there are many areas where they can work together. They can still compete, it is done in the rest of the world, airlines can compete and collaborate,” he said.

CUTTHROAT COMPETITION

When the first statement against the collective agreement to ground operations on May 9, 2022 came out, one industry stakeholder noted, “A stand alone commercial airline amongst all domestic

operators? How about loan of spare parts like brakes, lubricants, and tyres in outstations? How about share of weather and security information?

How about rescue missions in case of emergency?

Best approach should have been to respond to inquiries by all their other platforms that they will continue to operate. Issuing press statement as this shows members of AON are not united with the executive.”

But it is however, heartwarming that airlines like Azman Air, Max Air, United Airlines and Air Peace stuck to the agreement until AON issued a statement cancelling the plans to shut down operations. Industry observers note that the airline sub-sector is pervaded by animosity, bitterness and anger, which are tools, which they use to undermine one another. Investigations also revealed that when one airline is involved in an incident, another airline would want the public to know about it and when late in the day it seemed the public might not be notified, another airline would surreptitiously release the information.

“There is too much backbiting. It will be difficult for them to work together,” an industry insider said.

In 2018 some text messages went virile, where passengers were being warned not to fly Air Peace and Dana Air. One of the messages was credited to pastor Johnson Suleman, the general overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International. Suleman had to issue a statement denying the earlier message.

Later another airline was fingered for circulating the message against the aforementioned airlines.

THISDAY spoke to the then Director of Consumer Protection, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Adamu Abdullahi and he said, “It was a desperate de-marketing strategy, caused by this intense competition among the airlines. We believe that it is the airlines that were fighting each other to the extent that they went ahead to damage each other’s name. There were even posts on social

medium, Whatsapp by pilots, telling you not to fly an airline they just left; that they left the services of that airline because they don’t maintain their aircraft.

But that is not true because all the pilots and crew of the accused airline would have left if there were any of such danger. This is because no one would want to go and commit suicide if by any chance the aircraft is not maintained, and they go and have an accident. People should think twice about all these fake news that go on air. NCAA has given assurances that any aircraft you see in Nigeria’s airspace is safe and airworthy.”

WORKING TOGETHER

Hours before AON cancelled the planned shut down last Sunday, the CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Abdullahi Mahmood was interviewed on Arise TV where he spoke on behalf of all the airlines, explaining why the prices of aviation fuel had to be reviewed downwards.

He said if the airlines continued to source fuel at the cost of N700 per litre, they would continue to incur debts with the oil marketers and pile up debts for the airlines, which might drown the airlines from existence.

He requested that the marketers should review the current cost of the aviation fuel so that the domestic carriers would return to normal operations.

“If we continue operation we will be doubling the debts of the airlines. We already owe marketers. If we pay them now we would just be defraying the old debts we owe them while the new debts remain. This will lead to consistent flight delays because the marketers who are doing business for profit will refuse to sell to us without payment so our passengers will be waiting while the airlines will be begging marketers to sell fuel to them. At a time you just decide to end it all and this is what we have done,” Mahmood said.

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

ACSC: LEKKI PORT WILL CHECKMATE NIGERIA’S $14BN ANNUAL LOSS TO POOR INFRASTRUCTURE 2019. In year 2020, the nation’s busiest port, Apapa Port received 632,148 TEUs of container traffic compared to 668,672 TEUs received in 2019 while the nation’s second busiest port, Tin Can Island Port, received 650,365 TEUs of containers in 2020 compared to 820,942 TEUs of containers in 2019. For Onne port, 266,109 TEUs of containers arrived in 2020 compared to 247,528 TEUs in

2019. In Rivers port, 91,971 TEUs of containers arrived in 2020 compared to 71,020 TEUs in 2019. At Calabar port, 1,561TEUs of containers arrived in 2020 compared to 174 in 2019.

“Be that as it may, all hope is not lost as the Lekki deep sea port scheduled to begin operations in the last quarter of 2022 is expected to be the game changer for Nigeria’s quest to achieve economic growth

and development. When completed, the $1.53 billion Lekki Port with 16.5 meters draught and 1,523 meters of quay wall, rated the deepest in Africa, will no doubt help Nigeria regain its maritime hub status both in West and Central Africa, “ACSC added.

Speaking during a visit to Lekki port recently, the Minister of Information Alhaji Lai Mohammed

said the Lekki port would also be a big boost for Nigeria in its quest to take advantage of the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

He explained that over $201 billion in taxes, royalties and duties would be generated for the Nigerian government when the port commences operations

while an aggregate impact of the Lekki deep sea port put at $361 billion dollars in 45 years would be over 200 times the cost of building the port.

In his words: “The Lekki deep sea port is a game changer because of the impact it would have on the nation’s economy when completed.

The investment is huge: 1.53 billion dollars on fixed assets and 800

million dollars on construction.

In addition, it will create 169,972 jobs and bring revenues totaling 201 billion dollars to state and federal governments through taxes, royalties and duties. The direct and induced business revenue impact is estimated at 158 billion dollars, in addition to a qualitative impact on manufacturing, trade and commercial services sector.”

HOW AVIATION INDUSTRY AVERTED N13BN LOSS IN ONE DAY BY SUSPENDING PLANNED INDUSTRIAL ACTION I know there were areas they were not treated well, but they could have exhausted all other possibilities,” he said.

Sanusi also remarked that whatever the airlines might have lost in monetary terms, passengers would have lost more but such

losses cannot be quantified.

“Imagine if you are booked for an interview and you are hoping to get there by air and there is no flight? Imagine you are scheduled to sign a contract and you have no plane to take you there. There is no price tag to such losses. Yes,

people rush to estimate everything in naira and kobo but there are things passengers lost that cannot be regained but airlines can regain what they lost. The passengers would have suffered so much.

The airlines know what they would have lost. AON knew

what they would lose. If you go to the handling companies they will tell you what they would lose,” Sanusi said.

THISDAY gathered that high demand of flights pushed up airfares that the first airlines that announced they would not

continue with the planned strike sold tickets as high as N90, 000 to N100, 000 for one hour tickets.

However, a major stakeholder in the industry told THISDAY that the airlines could have shut down to drive home their demand, noting that people are no more travelling

because of the high cost of tickets.

“Nigerian airlines are losing passengers to high prices. Those who are travelling now are those who bought their tickets before.

People are not buying tickets now because it is too costly,” the stakeholder said.

THIS WEEKEND TR

UTH

& R E ASO

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WEEKLY MAGAZINE

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

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͱ, 2022

COVER

AMVCA Runway Show: Lights! Camera! Glamour!

The first-ever AMVCA runway show was a heady mix of glitz, glamour and nostalgia, reports Vanessa Obioha

Yemi Alade and Denrele Edun on the runway.

Another favourite design of the night

Obinna Omeruo’s winning design

A model in a ball gown

A model on the runway

A model in a regal and elegant ball gown

Model

Busola Tejumola

Sophie Chamberlain’s winning design

A model

W

hen the organisers of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) announced that a runway show would be part of its lined up eight-day festivity, there were speculations and expectations.

The AMVCA is known for its extravagant and glamorous red carpet where celebrities usually make fashion statements with their attires. So, not a few thought that the runway show would have some of the famed designers walk the runway. But when the organisers announced the ‘Design for the Stars’ competition for budding fashion designers, there were high expectations on what kind of pieces will be displayed on the runway.

All doubts about the capacity of the organisers to pull off a mind-blowing fashion show were laid to rest the moment the fashion show opened on Sunday, May 8, after a long delay.

Strutting the runway in breezy, vibrant, and stylish outfits made in Pepsi brand colours — red, blue and white — the models gave the motley audience gathered at the Balmoral Hall of the Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, a sneak peek of what to expect from the fashion show.

The brand which sponsored the fashion show had the nine finalists — Amy Aghomi, Azeezat Alawusa, Ezioghene Egbelefiyo, Felix Asuquo, Ikechukwu Nwosu, Obinna Omeruo, Omowunmi Pillot, Oseluese Okpamen, and Sophie Chamberlain — compete in a special Street Style competition where the winner gets to wear the title ‘The Pepsi designer of the Year’ as well as win One Million Naira.

Staying true to the street style theme, the designers who spent two weeks in camp coached by some of Nigeria’s biggest designers Lanre Da Silva-Ajayi of Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Mai Atafo of ATAFO and Adebayo Oke-Lawal of Orange Culture, made colourful hoodies, athleisure outfits, jackets and dresses. Some of the designs were layered with nets and patches.

During their showcase, Styl Plus, the Nigerian R&B group came on the runway to perform.

Their nostalgic performance had the audience swooning with excitement as they sang along to songs such as ‘Olufunmi’.

Keeping up with the tempo initiated by the models for the Pepsi competition, Lush Hair, another sponsor of the show had the audience in gasps and awe at the astonishing hairstyles donned by the models. There were mountainous wigs, longish braids and modest

weaves. The jaw-dropping moment of the showcase was when award-winning Afro-pop singer Yemi Alade and popular media personality Denrele Edun, both ambassadors of the brand strutted the runway.

Alade wore an outfit with long curly braids stitched on it while Denrele’s hair was styled in an updo weave. The two stars did not only just walk the runway but added a little bit of sass as they swayed and danced to Alade’s music playing in the background.

But an AMVCA runway show is not complete without paying tribute to the iconic styles worn by stars on the red carpet. Therefore, the stylish looks of celebrities like Ebuka Obi-Uchendu’s pristine white tuxedo suit that he wore to the awards in 2020 were replicated on the runway. The media personality who was in the audience stood and cheered the model on the runway. Other celebrities whose looks were recreated included Rita Dominic and Toni Tones.

For the main competition, Atafo walked the audience through the process of selecting the winners of the night.

The models, he said, would walk the runway with tags in what he called a blind audition. Both the judges and the audience would have to choose their best

designs based on the tags as the designers behind each look would be unveiled at the end of the parade. While the audience was required to scan a QR code from the stage screens which turned out to be almost impossible, the judges comprising Obi-Uchendu, Stephanie Coker, Denola Grey and Idia Aisien, were to judge the looks based on creativity, exceptionality and practicality. The aim was to see if the attires are glamorous enough to wear to the Amstel Malta sponsored-AMVCA What followed next was an explosion of creativity on the runway. Elegant and regal ball gowns, shimmering gowns with high slits, fashionable suits with glittering embroidery, and colourful native wears dazzled on the runway.

After their showcase, the models were again returned to the runway for one last look before the designers behind each look were called out.

Although the competition was to produce a male and female winner who would take home the N5 million cash prize, three winners emerged at the end of the night.

The judges could not agree between Obinna Omeruo and Felix Asuquo in the male category. Omeruo’s designs — a colourful two-piece Agbada, and a stylish tailcoat with frills— were the audience’s favourite looks. But the judges were swooned also

Styl Plus performs while a model struts the runway

by Asuquo’s designs too — a stylish suit and embroidered native wear.

After two attempts to get the winner, Atafo announced that the organisers will be awarding the three winners including Sophie Chamberlain whose looks include an elegant and glittering green gown with a statement sleeve. The trio went home with N5 million each.

Omeruo and Chamberlain also won the Pepsi competition.

As the night drew to a close, urban Afro-pop group Ajebo Hustlers came to perform, but there were fewer people in the hall to cheer them on.

The AMVCA runway show was in a way a tribute to the fashion industry which plays a critical role in the awards. As noted by the Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice Nigeria, Busola Tejumola, the red carpet of AMVCA has fetched commentaries and made headlines in the past. At the last edition held in 2020, the Best Dressed Male and Best Dressed Female were introduced where Big Brother Naija 2019 winner Mercy Eke and runner-up Mike Edwards won the titles. The organisers pushed the envelope this year to make the awards more encompassing with a series of events that celebrate every aspect of creativity. Although the fashion show had some celebrities like actress and model Osas Ighodaro, Uti Nwachukwu, and Timini Egbuson among others, the main awards taking place tomorrow, May 14 will be a glittering affair.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͱ, 2022

NEWS

Nigerian-Ghanaian Schools Performs Corporate Social Responsibility Stories Mary Nnah Nigerian Ghanaian Schools (NGS) recently reached out to the less privileged at Last Hope Faith Mission Orphanage Home as part of her corporate social responsibility.

The NGS Team, led by the Executive Director, Mrs. Chinyere Chima, was accompanied by some staff and pupils of the school.

Various food items and gifts were donated to the children in

the orphanage including cash donations.

The management and staff of the orphanage were very happy at the show of love displayed

by NGS and were very grateful.

NGS which has a culture of reaching out to the needy in the community used the opportunity to call on well-meaning individuals and corporate organisations to do the same in their communities for a better society.

Recently also, the school in conjunction with Ilamoshe

Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) and Oke-Afa community in Lagos organiSed a free oral health screening for the parents of the Institution and the residents of the community.

According to the school, the free screening in which a number of Oke-Afa residents and the NGS parents benefited, was part of the school’s conduct of giving back to her immediate society.

Chima, who was pleased with the success of the project,

said dental health is an integral part of the total body health, hence promised to do more within the School’s capacity for the benefit of the general populace.

“We are happy that we have been able to touch lives through this free oral health screening. We, at Nigerian Ghanaian Schools, believe that society is an integral part of what we do, the reason we decided to give back to the society through this exercise,” she noted.

Nigerian-Ghanaian Schools team during the event

Accelerate Set to Support Nigeria’s Creative Industry with the Phoenix Project Accelerate; Nigeria’s leading digital, lifestyle, and entertainment platform, recently unveiled The Phoenix Project, an exciting learning platform aimed at expanding the creative potential of Nigeria’s youthful population.

The new initiative, powered

by Access Bank, aims to fill the existing gap in the creative industry and provide the resources needed for individuals to succeed.

Speaking on the launch of the Phoenix Project, Chief Executive Officer of Accelerate, Colette Otusheso, said, “Our society is filled with a large pool of resourceful, creative, and energetic young people seeking opportunities to advance and build rewarding careers borne out of passion.

As a result, through the Phoenix Project, we are committed to empowering the next generation of creatives by providing them with unique

opportunities to realise their creative potential.”

Over the years,Accelerate has supported the creative industry through similar platforms such as the Accelerate Filmmakers Project, a platform that birthed success stories such as Micahel ‘Ama Psalmist’ Akinrogunde whose short film Penance won the 2018 AMVCA for best short film and Bola “Enigma” Akanbi winning the 2020 AMVCA for his short film Thorn.

The Phoenix Project aims to support the Nigerian government’s effort at addressing youth unemployment in Nigeria over the next five years by leveraging the abundance of creative resources available to empower youths in the creative industry.

The Phoenix Project covers 12 knowledge areas such as Social Media for Business, Entertainment Law, Advertising your brand, Graphic design, becoming an Influencer, Introduction

to Film, Scriptwriting, Business of Vlogging, Introduction to Songwriting, Introduction to Film Production, Business of Entertainment and the Business of Fashion.

The knowledge areas are grouped into three bundles, namely; Film and Production, Business of Entertainment, and Social Media for Business, and they are built across the project’s beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Aseamless learning platform has been integrated into the Phoenix Project’s website to provide participants with a unified learning experience.

As a result, participants at the beginner level of the courses will be taught online, while the intermediate and advanced levels are learner-exclusive and will be taught in-person, in collaboration with the School of Media and Communication at the Pan-Atlantic University, School of Media and Commu-

nication, Lagos.

Participants who complete the advanced level of the programme will find the Phoenix Project even more interesting.

At the advanced level, highachieving individuals will have access to the Phoenix Den, a seed fund designed to help participants soar and expand their creative endeavours.

The first of its kind in Nigeria, The Phoenix Project has taken a deliberate approach to assemble an impactful line-up of facilitators from the creative industry to ensure a well-rounded learning experience for programme participants.

They include Kemi Lala Akindoju, Amaka Agbakoba, and Uche Ugo. Others include, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, Dapo Osaji, Adetoke Oluwo, Paul Okeugo, and Umeeta Rabiu.

Everyone is welcome to be part of the Phoenix Project, regardless of academic background.

Africa Soft Power Summit Returns to Real-world Setting in Rwanda this May The 2022 Africa Soft Power Summit will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from May 26th – 27th.

Celebrating Africa’s unique creative, knowledge and digital industries, the summit will combine sessions, networking activities, and local events, as the summit celebrates its return to a real-world setting following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originally founded as a virtual event during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Africa Soft Power Summit continues its theme of promoting May as ‘Africa month’, as the Africa Soft Power Project (ASP) at large

seeks to establish the continent’s creative and knowledge industries on the world stage.

Specifically, the 2022 programme will focus on ‘Africa & the Global Community: The New Face of Collaboration’, examining how Africa’s digital, creative and knowledge economies can be leveraged to benefit the continent, the global diaspora community, and beyond.

Sessions will include sports, film, music, fashion, financing/ digital infrastructure, tourism/ trade and payments.

The event aligns with the playoffs and finals of the Bas-

ketball Africa League – a sports event highlighting Africa’s expanding sports economy.

Speaking on the collaboration with ASP, John Manyo-Plange, Associate Vice President, NBA Africa, and Head of Strategy & Operations, Basketball Africa League said. “Africa’s real power is in its people. Sports has a pivotal role to play in projecting that power on the continent. The excellence of our sportsmen and women is on display every day, on every pitch, field and court.

“We need to do more at home to create a robust industry,

infrastructure and ultimately tap into the skills and talents of our sports stars to grow our economies. Our goal is to project that soft power globally and give meaning to the label, Made in Africa.” In addition to showcasing African talent, creativity and sports, payment is also a key focus area in this year’s programme: “Creative talent and innovation thrive on monetisation, and monetization is unquestionably linked to payment. Payment is the trigger for trade and as such an efficient payments system will have an accelerating effect on trade.

IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN BERTHS IN NIGERIA

IWC Schaffhausen watch.j Nigeria’s foremost retailer of luxury goods, Polo Limited, is taking class and status to new heights with the introduction of IWC Schaffhausen, the famed makers of Swiss luxury timepieces, into the Nigerian market.

Polo is bringing the highly coveted brand closer to its discerning clients as well as newcomers as a strategic move that will not only satisfy but supersede the growing appeal for elegant timepieces among watch enthusiasts in Nigeria.

Standing tall as one of the world’s most revered watch brands, IWC is one of the very few watch manufacturers to have mastered and offer almost all complications in the watch industry that including chronographs, perpetual calendars, minute repeaters, and tourbillons, as well as some unique offerings like a digital perpetual calendar with a flyback chronograph.

Executive Director of Polo Limited, Jennifer Obayuwana commended IWC for its progressive outlook, which has allowed the brand continually re-invent watch movements to create simply stunning ladies’ watches.

She said, “Although not known by many, IWC has created ladies’ watch models regularly since the late 1870s, one of which is a personal favourite of mine, the Da Vinci Lady Chronograph. “ The IWC brand promises durability, reliability, and value for money because it will appreciate over time. The dual time feature is beloved among travelers because it allows them to tell the time in another time zone.”

Speakingfurthertoitswealthofexperienceininnovativetechnology,Ms.Obayuwanasaid,“IWCusesbronzeforthemanufactureof itsproducts.Forusinthewatch-makingbusiness,thisisinnovation because bronze is a material scarcely used by watchmakers. “ The brand is also dynamic in its ability to cater to its fans in aviation with truly sporty, active, and fast-moving lifestyles while serving a distinctly conservative demographic as well.”

The strategic partnership between Polo and IWC is expected to consolidate the loyalty enjoyed by the Swiss luxury watch brand, while also welcoming a new crop of watch lovers into its fold.

With IWC’s entry into the Nigerian market, timepiece collectors are granted easy access to the 154-year legacy of watch-making innovation that includes products such as the Portugieser, the Pilot Watch, and the Da Vinci.

KUA AFRICA 2022: MAKING DREAMS TO STUDY, LIVE ABROAD WITH EASE Precious Ugwuzor The crave for foreign education has gone up for many Nigerian students, especially during a period like this when the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is at dagger-drawn with the government.

Recently, the academic body declared a 12-week strike when the government was unable to bring the body to the negotiation table after a month’s warning strike.

As expected, most students have given up hopes of a better education abroad and resigned to their fate. Some not because of funds, but inability to get a dependable vehicle for a successful application to any foreign universities of their choice.

But LinkPro Consult Integrated Limited’s unique offerings can make an otherwise cumbersome university application process much easier for Nigerian students.

The company, located in East Africa (Nairobi, Kenya); West Africa (Lagos, Nigeria); South Africa, and Ireland, is a consultancy firm with specialty in education placements in international schools abroad.

It is a registered agent for a number of international higher education schools and an ICEF-certified recruitment agency.

In a hybrid event tagged “KUA AFRICA”, the company would be presenting discerning parents, students, professionals and agents in Nigeria with an unmatched one-on-one networking with representatives from prestigious international institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Germany as well as the Institute of Education in Ireland.

TheinstitutionsthatwillbeinattendanceincludetheGalwayand Letterkenny Campuses of theAtlantic Technological University, University of Europe forApplied Science in Berlin, Germany and Institute of Education in Ireland.

The meeting would be held at a designated venue in Lagos with offer holders, prospective students, and professionals in the ICT, management, hospitality and tourism sectors.

Other sectors include fintech, health care, nursing, engineering and medicine.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͱ, 2022

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Ochicha: Lack of Inclusiveness is Bane of APC in the Last Seven Years Anthony Odey Ochicha is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Cross River State. He was the governorship candidate of the party in 2015, having voluntarily retired from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, with five years to spare. He lost to incumbent Governor Ben Ayade. In this interview with select journalists including Charles Ajunwa, Ochicha spoke about the challenges confronting the APC, the 2023 general elections, the absence of a reward culture In the party and sundry issues What is your assessment of your party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) seven years down the line? n terms of the journey so far, I would not say they have earned the trust and confidence of Nigerians. However, I can say that they have been a few highs. The few highs could be seen in the area of infrastructure. President Muhammadu Buhari has recorded significant milestones on road infrastructure. One of such milestones is the soon to be completed second Niger Bridge.

You know the PDP started the project and so far, we have been able to take it to a near completion level. No doubt, by October this year, it is likely to be commissioned.

Apart from the Second Niger Bridge, APC has done remarkably well on road infrastructure.

Basically speaking, there are some areas our party has done well, and there are also areas it has not done well.

The APC came on the back of three cardinal agenda- rebuilding the economy, fighting corruption and tackling insecurity. While I could say the government has done the best it could, but it is yet to meet the expectations of Nigeria based on the three mantra of improving the economy, fighting corruption and tackling insecurity.

Economy as you are aware is not in a good shape yet, the security of the country is still facing a big challenge arising from Boko Haram, armed banditry, killer herdsmen, kidnappings.

The government has done its best to contain them but it is still work in progress.

Corruption is still a big challenge, however, the government is doing its best to curb it. I will like Nigerians to know that a country that is corrupt cannot develop. So, seven years after, I will say that it is not yet uhuru.

came and grabbed these positions. I do not blame those who came and grabbed it. It is our party and the President, our leader who allowed it. So I hold the President and our party responsible for the treatment I received.

The party has been unjust and unfair to me. I left my lucrative and juicy job at NNPC five years to retirement to come and run for governorship.

By God’s grace I won my primary landslide, took the party to all the 196 wards, to all the palaces, interest groups. I lost to Governor Ben Ayade, only for me to be treated in such an unfair manner. it should never have happened that way.

I have been told several times that sort of thing does not happen in PDP. The party ought to have recognised the enormous sacrifice I made, and ought to have done for me what was done for my counterparts in Rivers State. Dakuku Peterside was rewarded with a DG NIMASA; Umana Umana of Akwa Ibom State was also rewarded with an MD of a parastatal. He is still an MD till today.

So why should my case be different? Was it because I was from Cross River or what? It was the party and the leadership that I held responsible, I still cannot blame those who came in and took what should have come to me.

I

One major criticism of the APC administration is that of its inability or outright failure, if you like, to manage the country’s diversity. Do you agree with this?

I agree with you completely. A renowned leadership guru, John C. Maxwell says that “Without involvement, there can be no commitment”.

One sore point that I have observed for seven years now is the lack of inclusiveness.

One of the mistakes that is often made is the exclusion of some regions from governance.

For me, there should be total inclusion, not exclusion. Good governance is about inclusion, carrying everybody along.

For instance, the South-east, when it comes to appointment, the region has been aggrieved.

The resultant or cumulative effect of this, is the separatist movement we are witnessing today.

If they have been carried along, I do not think there would even be a separatist movement.

So in that area, I do not think we have done well as a party.

And this should be a wake up call for leadership in future that they should carry everybody along, involve everybody in order to achieve the three Ps of leadership which is peace, progress and prosperity. And you can call it the three Ps of leadership, because without peace there can be no progress, without progress there can be no prosperity.

There have been criticisms for the whopping N100 million APC is charging for its nomination form, which many insist does not allow for equal participation. What is your position on this?

For me, it is outrageous. That is the truth. It is outrageous. It is too much. We are a progressive party, and so, our nomination fee ought to be lower than that of the PDP. So for me, there is no justifications at all. I’m a progressive democrat. I’m not just a democrat, but a progressive democrat.

I do not subscribe to the huge nomination fee.

It is outrageous, and it should have not been so. It is not encouraging at all.

And we are a party promoting the ‘”not too young to run” which is about carrying the youths along. So where do you expect the youths to cough out N50 million from if they are to run for the governorship? For me, it is not fair. As a progressive party, we should also be progressive minded.

What is your take on a consensus arrangement for producing a presidential candidate of your party ahead of 2023?

You know as a technocrat, as a bureaucrat who has held so many top positions during my time with the Nigerian National Petroleum

Ahead of 2023, what’s next for Anthony Odey Ochicha?

Though I have not declared, but I intend to run for the Senate. We had a meeting with our state chairman our party in Calabar, with a view to coming up a with a consensus candidate.

So that is what I have in mind if I am given the opportunity to serve as a senator. In line with our zoning arrangement, it will not be fair for anybody to aspire from the Northern Senatorial District to run for the governorship of the state in 2023.

Ochicha Corporation, there are two ways by which decisions are taken at every meeting, either by consensus or through the majority vote.

Consensus means everybody agrees, but where everybody does not agree, put it to vote. So that is one of the ways by which decisions are taken. You use consensus if everybody agrees, whereby everybody does not agree, then you put it io vote, direct or indirect primaries.

It is the constitutional right of anybody to want to run, to aspire as a Nigerian. But they need to apply the formula we adopted Cross River State in the run up to 2015 governorship primary that produced me as the APC governorship candidate. For me it is the best formula which I recommend for leadership selection process in Nigeria.

What is this formula? It is the formula of wisdom, maturity and understanding.

But I am not seeing that.

The former governor of Lagos State and National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his political godson, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo are on a collision course for the presidential ticket of the APC. What does this portend for the party?

I loved what I saw on social media this morning. The former governor of Lagos State and former Chief of Staff to

Asiwaju himself, Raji Babatunde Fashola, said he cannot run against somebody that made him. We have mentors or benefactors, and I do not expect mentors and mentees or beneficiaries to be fighting each other. No, this is where wisdom is not being applied, maturity is not being applied, understanding is not being applied. And when these three factors are missing, there will be confusion.

For me, they need to understand each other, they should work for a common purpose, and not work across purposes.

A father and son should not be fighting each other over positions. A son fighting the father is not good. If for instance, the father has any interest, for me the son should show understanding and support the father, unless the father is not interested.

In 2015, when there was so much scepticism about the APC in Cross River State, you threw your hat into the ring by flying the party’s governorship flag which you eventually lost. What has been your lot since then?

It is sad indeed to say I was abandoned and forsaken. There is no reward system in our party. Those who just jumped into the party from nowhere, who didn’t sacrifice like I sacrificed, were offered juicy appointments.

I made a huge sacrifice for our party. The party leadership, for me, was responsible for the neglect. I hold the party and the President responsible. Not the people that

“I am a professional leadership expert. I know what leadership entails. It is about persuasion, it is all about networking, it is about influence, it is about convincing you in a superior argument. It is about lobbying. It is not fighting”

Following the outcome of the 2015 governorship election in which you lost as the candidate of the APC to Governor Ben Ayade of the then PDP, you were alleged to have been compromised following the manner in which you quickly congratulated your opponent in the PDP. How true was this allegation?

They said that out of sheer ignorance. The truth, my brother is, they do not know who Odey Ochicha is. Everybody has his own style of politics. Politics is not aggression, it is not confrontation, they should try and do an assessment of some the chieftains of the party at both national and the state levels with aggressive tendencies and how they ended. So politics is about persuasion, just like leadership.

Leadership according to John C. Maxwell is simply influence.

I am a professional leadership expert. I know what leadership entails. It is about persuasion, it is all about networking, it is about influence, it is about convincing you in a superior argument.

It is about lobbying. It is not fighting. We call that “politricks”, not politics. Unknown to those critics, I studied political science as first degree and I have a master’s in Labour Science. So I know how politics is played. It is not about instigating a crisis. Of course, that was the method people wanted me to adopt. They should ask themselves where is Donald Trump today? He was confrontational, aggressive, talking down on people but where is he now? He could not win a second time. So again, leadership is all about lobbying, and I’ve been doing that.

Lobby is a veritable tool in democracy. You lobby, you network, you apply what I call the three Cs, what are the three Cs? communication, consultation, connection with the powers that be, the leadership of the party, to get what you want. And I have been doing that. You think politics is only by coming out to fight? No! That is not politics at all. You network, you persuade, you lobby to get what you want.

That is what I call refined politics, and Ochicha plays refined politics not crooked politics that has taken Nigeria nowhere. That has always resulted in violence and deaths.

Do you think leadership is about violence, to kill people? No. It is to lead, to serve. And they do not know that I am a lover of the cooperative society. And I like the motto of the cooperative society so much, which is “improving the welfare of the people”.And that is what leadership should be about. To improve the welfare of the people you ead.

Creating a better society to make people happy.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͯͱ, 2022

POLSCOPE 2023 Presidency: What is APC Up To? A lmost all normal Nigerians were aghast when the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) announced that its presidential nomination (plus Expression of Interest) form will cost N100 million. Yes, N100million! Many shouted that it is the prologue to a festival of corruption. In a country where poverty and hardship had seized majority of the people, to be the same country where a few A4 sheets of paper will cost N100 million, is most confounding.

But party adherents argued at the time, that the high cost was deliberately meant to ward off unserious aspirants and that only those who are keen will afford to “stake” that humongous amount.

But the events of the last two weeks have shown that they were all wrong.

Both the serious and the unserious have all flooded the political space, all claiming to be the best character for Nigeria’s presidency.

One thing common among nearly all of them is that none of them is living within their known and official means. To dole out N100 million for form suggests that there is nearly four times or more of such amount stowed away in some vaults somewhere. Afterall, the campaigns will cost much more, that is after nearly N100 million or more would have also been spent in settling the delegates at the APC presidential primaries billed for end of this month.

Even when the nomination fee was N25 million in 2015, the APC did not have this crowd of presidential aspirants as we have today. How can it be explained that the more expensive the nomination form is, the more people are trooping into the race? The way the aspirants kept popping up for form seemed to have suggested that it is only a race for the rich. As at the time of writing this column, twenty-nine members of the APC, yes, twntynine, have collected the N100 million presidential nomination forms. True to the arrogant reply of Abdullahi Adamu, the APC Chair, that “if you don’t have N100 million, you have no business wanting to be the President of Nigeria”, it soon became a show of financial ego. So, it is a game for only the ‘big boys’.

But pray, how many N100 million did President Muhammadu Buhari have in 2015 before he became the president of Nigeria?

Even when there is a pretence to accommodate the young men and the women by slashing the cost of their forms by 50%, no one young man or woman has really come forth to pick any APC form.

It is clear that the contest is not and will not be for the one with character, competence and popularity.

It is an exclusive circus for the rich and only very rich.

But one weird development in the APC is the liberalization of the zoning understanding for the presidency of the country. Before and immediately after the coming of Abdullahi Adamu, the understanding was that the presidency has been zoned to the Southern part of the country, given that the sitting President Muhammadu Buhari, is from the north.

So that explains why until less than two weeks ago, all the presidential aspirants have been from the three geo-political zones of the south, except the outlier—Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, who is from the North central zone.

But about a dozen days ago, we have had northern aspirants like the Jigawa state governor, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, former Zamfara State governor, Ahmad Sani Yerima, sitting senate president, Ahmad La-

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Igbos are Not Allergic to Nigeria’s Presidency

Prof George Obiozor

here is hardly any argument in the Nigerian polity on how unfairly the Igbo have been treated in the Nigerian federation. Yet, there is hardly a logical or convincing reason why they do not get their fair share in the Nigerian state. It is certainly not for lack of push or lack of relevant persons. But even if that was the case, deliberate effort should be made to comprehensively integrate the Igbo folks into the Nigerian system.

Those who seem to argue that the Igbo are not fit to rule this country have nothing else to cite other than the banal issue of the Nigerian civil war of over fifty years ago.

The Igbos are the most gregarious set of people in Nigeria. The joke has often been made that wherever you go on this earth, if you don’t find an Igbo man there, better run away fast. It is very true. I recall how, 31 years ago, during our NYSC “endurance trek” into a distant forest (close to Cameroun) in Benue State, the only place we could find coke to buy (in the middle of nowhere) was being operated by an Igbo man. They are just everywhere.

What is more, they do not just inhabit a place, they possessively settle in a place.

In the part of Lagos I live, an entire flank of an estate has been completely bought over by Igbos. That they are masters of entrepreneurial drive is clearly beyond argument.

But anytime it comes to political issues, they are not only treated shabbily, but with a disdainful slice of tokenism.

Nigeria is said to be on a demographic tripod: the Hausa/Fulani, the Yoruba and the Igbo. In-between and among these three dwell the many other minority groups, including my Urhobo folks men and women.

How can it be thus explained that even in the convenient calibration of the Nigerian state into six geo-political entities, it is only the South East geopolitical bloc that has five states, while others have six states each with even the North west having seven states? Why was the South East “short-changed”?

It is even an annoying irony knowing that this idea of geo-political groups was the brain child of late Dr Alex Ekwueme, an Igbo man.

There is a deliberate attempt to incapacitate the Igbo nation. Both the military oligarchy and the political elite of this country have always sought to scheme the Igbo nation into a state of subservient force. Were it not so, how can it be explained that the beside having just five states instead of six, the entire number of Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the South East (95) is less than the number of Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the three northern states of Katsina, Kano and Jigawa States (105)? And to know that even the last two states (Kano and Jigawa) were just one state initially.

At that, not only will the three northern states cited, have more representation at the national parliament, they will also have a larger share of the national cake, when it is shared on the basis of number of local government areas per state. How skewed can a federation be!

T

Abdullahi Adamu

wan –(all of them having Ahmad as part of their names) have all joined the presidential race, supposedly meant for the south exclusively. It is even more befuddling to know that all the northern aspirants (including their southern counterparts) have got the nod of Mr President to join the race, as they all claimed. So, what is Buhari up to in encouraging northerners to join the presidential race? Is that an inadvertent endorsement of the position of the Northern Elders Form (NEF) that zoning is dead and buried in this country?

One is not sure what either President Buhari or Abdullahi Adamu is driving at. Would the nearly 30 or more aspirants go for the contest?

Are they merely being politically correct by allowing every party member to compete for the ticket, or do they have some ulterior hidden motives? Do they really mean that after eight years of Buhari’s administration, another northerner will succeed him, within the same APC party? Some have reasoned that the likes of Ahmad Lawan and the Jigawa State governor, Badaru may just be positioning themselves for the Vice President slot. But would that require registration of such interest with a whopping sum of N100 million? Some say it is a “political strategy” But is it also a strategy for many of the aspirants to claim that the forms were bought for them by some associations, groups or allies?

No doubt, such claims are aimed at keeping the radar of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) directed off their way. No government appointee depending on his legitimate earning is expected to save enough money, as much as N100 million to buy a presidential nomination form of N100 million.

That is the truth! That is why the likes of Godwin Emefiele, the CBN governor claimed that it was the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria that contributed the N100 million with which his form was bought. These are the same struggling farmers who are surviving on the government loan, called Anchor Borrowers a scheme, who have not been able to pay back their loans; yet they have

so much as to contribute N100million to buy the nomination form. Even if that was true, was it also the rice farmers that also contributed the money used in buying and branding those fleets of Emefiele-for-President campaign vehicles? Or how come those ‘friends’ of Timipre Sylva contributed the N100 million for his own form? Even a pastor who is on a bank loan for the building of his church also had a lousy N100 million for the form. Perhaps the most hilarious of them all is the so-called Association of Almajiri which allegedlycontributed N100 million, yes, N100 million, to buy the nomination form for former President Goodluck Jonathan!

Almajiri whose name and meaning collocates with abject poverty are the same people who contributed N100 million to buy a nomination form. Such a smelly lie! What do Almajiris do that will enable them even have N100,000 ? Is it not these same persons who tie a plastic plate around their barely clad dirty bodies searching for left-over food everywhere in the northern towns and cities? Those are the same people who gathered N100 million?

But even if it is true, does the law not forbid groups and associations from contributing to the political funding of politicians? Does Section 10 of the CBN ACT not bar Emefiele from this partisan path he is treading? And let me also ask, is it fair for Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to be using official presidential jets to be travelling from one part of the country to another in the name of consultation for his own partisan interest? Is the consultation part of his official job to which he should use official privileges?

As a senior advocate of Nigeria and a professor of Law, and also a Pastor, does he not know that what he is doing is an abuse of his office?

Steadily and gradually, the APC is turning out to be a well- stuffed Pandora box. With the presidential order that all those seeking elective position should resign, latest by next Monday, Nigerians are waiting for the next scene in the APC theatre of the absurd.

It is bad enough that in terms of geographical aggregation, the South east has been grossly undermined, yet it is far worse that even in political leadership, they will perpetually be thrown under the bus. Why can an Igbo man or even woman not become Nigeria’s President? Why are they not usually reckoned with when we are searching for who can lead this country?

2023 is around the corner again. Political discourses seem to focus essentially on the two other strands of the tripod: Hausa-Fulani and Yoruba. Why is the Igbo man not a first choice, knowing that since Independence, nearly 62 years ago, the Igbo man has not quite led the country, save the short stint of Aguiyi Ironsi’s military rule? In our peculiar multi-ethnic configuration, political leadership should be on a turn-by-turn basis, so everybody can have a sense of belonging. The argument that let the best from anywhere emerge seems too elitist for our level of national development. We are not there yet as a people.

That is why the likes of, Yemi Osinbajo, Ibikunle Amosun, Dimeji Bankole, Tunde Bakare , (all from Ogun State), Bola Tinubu, Kayode Fayemi, Ajayi Boroffice etc., from the South West geo-political zone are being enjoined to step down, even by the Afenifere group.

What is good for the goose should also be good for the ganders. The Igbos are Nigerians as well.

In the second republic, the farthest the Igbo man could go was to be the Vice President (Alex Ekwueme) to Hausa Fulani (Shehu Shagari). In the troubled third republic, the farthest the Igbo man could get was senate presidency. The Igbo man is hardly considered fit to head the Nigerian Army or even the Nigeria Police or the DSS, except in few far-in-between cases.

It is this unfair treatment that is making the Afenifere, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) as well as many other fair-minded Nigerians including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Olu Falae etc., to demand that the Igbos should be given a chance to lead the country, if for no other reason, but political expediency. There are many qualified Igbo men who have signified interest in the position, across both leading political parties: the APC and PDP. But they must do away with the crab mentality.

The Ohaneze Ndigbo, the sociocultural umbrella group of the Igbo must work on their men to love one another. All the aspirants of Igbo extraction cannot become President all at the same time. They should look inward and even unto other Igbo aspirants from outside the core South east geographical enclave and sort themselves out. This is their chance and turn. They should grow beyond wanting to play second fiddle.

What happened in 2003, when even South East governors voted against their own (Alex Ekwueme) in the PDP primaries, (preferring Obasanjo for their own selfish reasons) should not be allowed to happen again. After all, the Igbo man is not allergic to the nation’s presidency.

C

n th s

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ MAY 13, 2022

38

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank Customer Deposit Hits N3.96bn Adedayo Akinwale ÓØ ÌßÔË Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank Plc has announced that its customer deposit base increased by 5 per cent from N3.77 billion in 2020 to N3.96 billion in 2021.

The bank also declared the sum of N542 profit after tax, saying it showed the strength and resilience of its strategy.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Adeyinka Bibilari disclosed this Thursday during the company’s16th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Abuja with shareholders joining through virtual platforms.

Bibilari, while addressing shareholders and stakeholders at the AGM, the Bank’s audited

figures showed the profit before tax increased to N656.92 million from N465.06 million in 2020, representing a growth of 41%.

He revealed that loans grew by 39% from N7.12 billion in 2020 to N9.91 billion in 2021.

Bibilari stated: “We celebrate the Bank’s robust results, with a net profit after tax of N 542 million, which shows the strength and resilience of our ambitious strategy. Our solid balance sheet, disciplined governance and risk management approach will position us for significant growth in 2022.

“On-lending and refinancing activities also witnessed a growth of 22% from N2.68 billion to N4.76 billion. Total

assets grew by 22% from N13.34 billion in 2020 to N16.19 billion in 2021, while shareholders’ funds grew by 5% from N6.44 billion in 2020 to N6.77 billion in 2021.

The bank’s customer deposit base increased by 5% from N3.77 billion in 2020 to N3.96 billion in 2021.”

Bibilari assured the shareholders that the Bank would implement holistic growth initiatives to improve market standing and optimize the business.

Also, the Managing Director/ CEO of the Bank, Mr. Sunday Olumorin said the Bank would be ahead of changing trends to deliver value to all stakeholders.

Access Bank Moves to Dominate Agency Banking Nume Ekeghe Access Bank in its bid to enhance financial inclusion has noted its intentions to significantly increase its customer base and deepen wallet share of the banking population riding on its agency banking platform.

Access Bank agency banking ‘Access Closa ’ recently hit a milestone of having 100,000 agents currently spread across Nigeria as the bank further plans to increase its footprint by having a minimum of 50 agents in each of the 774 LGAs across the country.

Group Head, Agency Banking, Access Bank Plc, Chizoba Iheme, in a statement noted that due to

the limited number of financial institutions, especially in rural areas, Access Closa is Access Bank’s strongest retail channel used in providing banking services to a large population of unserved and underserved Nigerians.

She said: “Our plan is to bank one in two Nigerians as this will see us increase our customer base and deepen our wallet share of the banking population.”

“Going by the high youth and adult population, the resources of Nigeria’s financial institutions are being overstretched in providing physical and human resources and were unable to cope with gaps that existed in meeting banking

needs of Nigerians hence the need for Agency Banking as envisaged by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2013.

“Therefore, Agency Banking helps financial institutions decongest crowded branches by providing a matching and more often convenient channel for their customers. In instances where reaching customers in rural areas is often highly expensive for financial institutions because transaction numbers and volumes do not cover the cost of a branch, agency banking helps in serving them.”

Furthermore, she added that becoming an agent has become a means to empower and reduce unemployment in Nigeria.

New Betting Platform, Gobet247, Launches in Nigeria The burgeoning betting industry will inevitably experience an intense revolution when Gobet247 makes its grand entry into the Nigerian market on May 14, 2022, the new betting firm has said.

Gobet247, a Nigerian company, said it is committed to rewarding the passion of Nigerians by creating a world-class and hassle-free experience for the betting populace.

With more bonuses, great odds and instant payouts, the firm said Gobet247 is raising the bar in the Nigerian betting industry, with offerings that are mouth-watering and the delivery that is stimulating.

The company noted that fans would get a N250 welcome bonus once they sign up via the user-friendly platform; https:// gobet247.com with no deposit

required. Upon first deposit, punters would also get a 100% bonus.

According to the General Manager of the betting firm, Damian Okosun, “Gobet247 online platform is an easy-to-use on desktop and mobile phones as bookmakers can seamlessly register, deposit, place their bets and withdraw their winnings without hassles.

We are committed to providing the fastest payout in the industry and that is an experience our customers will find out by the time we roll out nationwide on May 14.

“We are creating a brand that the gaming populace will trust; a platform that offers the pundits the opportunity to access their winnings in a twinkle of an eye. More so, punters can earn more using our platform for

their gaming activities because our odds are highly competitive.”

He said the customers can’t be worried about the security of their identities and funds, insisting that the top-class technology deployed by the firm makes the platform among the most-secured betting websites in the country.

“Choosing Gobet247.com, one of the most secured online betting sites in Nigeria, you can be sure of getting 250% accumulation bonus and sign up bonus with no deposit required,” the online gambling platform manager noted.

Okosun added that although Nigerians are more passionate about football, the platform covers many sports including volleyball, tennis, basketball, ice hockey, boxing, MMA, and table tennis among others.

L-R:General Manager (Operations), Mandilas Group, Mr Pal Singh; General Manager (Sales & Marketing), Mrs Marie-Therese Phido; General Manager, Mandilas Ghana, Mrs Ruth Anson and Business Area Director, Carrier Transicold Europe (Russia, Eastern, Middle East, Africa), Mr Eric Moussiegt at the launch of Carrier Transicold in Lagosyesterday

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS 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

Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) 14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

Loofca International, Vanu to Boost Rural Telephony with Green Energy

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

By Vanessa Obioha

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

As the world continues to take practical steps to combat climate change, Loofca International and Vanu Wireless Inc., USA have entered a partnership to deploy about 10,000 mast sites to boost rural telephony through green energy.

At a sign-off event, the Vice President of Vanu, Anoj Singh specified that the project which will make more rural communities in Africa enjoy digital connectivity will have zero carbon emissions in its execution. While lauding the opportunity to partner with Vanu,

rural communities, Singh said that, “it always makes sense to have a solution with low power potential. So our product has been designed specially for low power consumption, lightweight, easy to access, and easy to maintain.

Our products require a minimum skill set in terms of operating base stations.”

Loofca, which has a renowned reputation in the global space for its logistics services that spread across different sectors including manufacturing, is aiming for a three to a five-year partnership with Vanu, according to Olukoya.

2000 sites, he said, are to be deployed in Nigeria within the

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage)

Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

Olufemi Olukoya, the CEO of Loofca International said that the proprietary technology of Vanu which will be deployed on the sites was specifically researched and designed in America.

“So these are special equipment that are very user friendly, low maintenance and run by solar panels. The only maintenance needed is to clean your solar panels. It is one of the best things that can happen across Africa.”

The equipment, Singh added, have been used in other parts of Africa by tier one operators to give voice and data connectivity.

Noting that unstable power supply has been a challenge in most

(MILLION NAIRA)

JANUARY 2021

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT MONDAY MAY 9, 2022

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $114.37 a barrel on Friday, compared with $113.04 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).

39

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͯͱ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

MTN Nigeria Rewards Shareholders with N174.53bn Dividend Dike Onwuamaeze The MTN Nigeria has set aside N174.53 billion as dividend to its shareholders whose names appeared in the Company’s Register of Members at the close of business on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, which translates to N8.57 Kobo per every two kobo ordinary share.

This would bring the total dividend for the year that

ended on December 31, 2021 to N13.12 per share, subject to withholding tax.

The MTN Nigeria also announced that its initial 575 million share unit’s offer was exceeded with an oversubscription rate of 139.47 per cent, and in order to manage the over subscription, it added 86.25 million share units to the initial share units.

It said: “In all, 661.25 million

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

units of MTN Nigeria shares were allotted and a total of 126,720 retail investors submitted valid applications and received full allotment. Other institutional investors such as pension funds, insurance companies, asset managers, corporates, and foreign portfolio investors who participated in the book build were allotted 72.09 per cent of their applications.

“This includes Nigerian

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

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

pension funds representing approximately 6.5 million Nigerian contributors. Nigerian investors across the country supported the offer through multiple channels such as Receiving Agents, Issuing Houses and Primary Offer, that is the digital application platform.

“More than 89 per cent of retail offer subscribers applied through the Primary Offer platform (via mobile and web).

“In addition, 114,938 new

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) accounts were opened by first-time investors. It was estimated that 76 per cent of the successful subscribers to the public share offer via the digital platform are women, while 85 per cent of these are below the age of 40.”

Speaking on the opportunity that the public share offers to Nigerians, The Chairman of MTN Nigeria, Mr. Ernest

O F

Ndukwe, said: “There was no better way for us to commemorate our 20th anniversary than by giving more Nigerians the opportunity to participate in our future success, in line with our Ambition 2025 commitment to shared value.

“To do this, we launched an offer for the sale of 575 million shares held by the MTN Group in MTN Nigeria Communications Plc in November 2021.

1 2 / 0 5 / 2 0 2 2 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

40

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022

INTERVIEW

Prof Roger Delves: How Leaders Can Optimise Their Impact In this interview, the University of Oxford-trained Prof Roger Delves shares insights into how leaders can optimise their impact. He also explains why executives should attend TEXEM UK’s forthcoming programme on ‘Strategic Leadership For Optimised Organisational Performance In An Era Of Uncertainty’.

Delves, Prof Paul Griffith, Ambassador Charles Crawford and Prof Rodria Laline will help deliver the live sessions of the programme between May 21 and June 11. Delves is dean of Qualifications and professor of Leadership Practice at Ashridge Executive Education. His special interests are helping others understand the roles of authenticity, emotional intelligence, ethics, values, principles and integrity in leadership and the development of ethical decision-making methodologies.

Delves studied at St Catherine’s College, University of Oxford, and is a fellow of the RSA (Royal Society of Arts). He is qualified in a range of psychometric tools and has designed and led tailored, open, and qualifications programmes. He has taught across most of Western Europe and in Turkey, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Rumania, Qatar, America, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, Russia, Brazil, Australia, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria. He has been at Ashridge since April 2008. Excerpt: How can leaders build their brand, and why is this important for their organisation?

Leaders develop their brand best by being authentic (so that their brand is genuine) and by being consistent (so that they deliver their brand regardless of situation or circumstance). Being authentic means being your real or true self the whole time at work. That true self should allow a high degree of transparency, meaning that people can see the values that guide you, the purpose that guides you, and can see these values and this purpose reflected in how you live your life dayto-day. Your team members should also see your authenticity reflected in the decisions you make and in the consistency of your decision-making - you make decisions that are congruent with your values and purpose and not simply situation dependent. The likes of Tony Elumelu, Obafemi Awolowo and Ahmadu Bello are fantastic examples of leaders who have built their brands and unlocked strategic value for their organisations and nation.

Why is psychological safety important in organisations?

Without psychological safety, people do not feel able to join in difficult conversations, say, or hear what must be said or heard.

Nor do they feel safe failing, so they don’t try the sort of new things that might make a real difference. Psychological safety is at the heart of successful teams because without this sense of security, it is hard for team members to engage with the team’s work, and unengaged team members will never work with the application and attitude of engaged team members. This sense of safety also allows team members to feel that they can be themselves within the team - and that too helps them work to the best effect. Team members who do not feel

How can leaders optimise their impact?

Same as mentioned earlier: by being authentic consistently. By having values and a purpose that is transparent and worthy and living to those values and purpose regardless of situation or circumstance day in and day out.

Teams want to be well-led and want their leaders to be trusted and great leaders who are excellent at inspiring and motivating the team. Therefore, team members will work hard to help a leader who is evidently working hard to be the very best leader that they can be. In contrast, team members led by a leader who is self-interested rather than fundamentally driven by the team’s interests and the organisation will never have the trust in that leader that is necessary if the team optimises its performance. The key for a leader to consistently make a positive difference is to embrace a growth mindset, be self-aware, constantly explore selfrenewal and enshrine the principle of lifelong learning.

Delves

that they can safely be themselves within a team will never work with the same application or aptitude as team members who feel free to be their authentic selves at work. Psychological safety could lead to a culture of humility and respect and enhance the organisations’ capability to adapt, innovate and be agile. Organisations can enhance their psychological safety by investing in executive development programmes such as that of TEXEM, the UK, on situational awareness, addressing all forms of biases through self-awareness and ethical leadership.

How can leaders enhance their teams’ impact?

Teams need a clear sense of vision, mission, and purpose, clear goals which are stated and then not changed, and a culture that is positive and which offers safety to all. Leaders must constantly model the culture that they want the team to live in, and leaders must organise their own time so that they have the time to invest in the people they lead. For teams to maximise their impact, they have to create high achieving cultures, and this means that both the leader and the team members must have the available

time to invest in relationship building.

Leaders should invest their time in team building, creating places of psychological safety, developing a coaching culture, and all the other intangible but time-consuming things that go into building high-performing teams genuinely.

In these times of uncertainty, how can leaders optimise their organisational performance?

Offer vision, understanding, clarity and agility to combat volatility, uncertainty, complexity and Ambiguity (VUCA and the antidote).

Why should executives attend this forthcoming TEXEM programme?

First, to explore ideas that work, like those outlined here. Time spent in personal development, exploring new ideas, understanding them, and understanding how to apply them to the workplace, is never wasted. The most cost and time-efficient way for organisations to improve are by doing more and doing better with their resources. Developing leaders in ways that will allow those leaders to build their teams into high-performing teams is an excellent example of how to do more with what you have. TEXEM’s impressive research of topics and her effective methodology assure that executive development programmes are fun, actionable and impactful. Also, the design of this programme Strategic Leadership for optimised performance in an era of uncertainty. The TEXEM design of this forthcoming programme comprises self-study and live engaging sessions that are flexible and ensure that executives can learn and still work. The following Testimonials from previous clients, which is available on TEXEM’s website, confirm the quality and the value of their executive development programme.

FOCUS

Saraki and Quest for North-central Presidency Jiti George While the South, especially the South East, has insisted on producing the presidency in 2023, the North-central has lately come up with a very strong argument.

Since the return to democracy in 1999, the North Central has not had a shot at the presidency. The North Central zone argues that it has been relegated to a power-sharing agreement in the country under the current dispensation.

Some political pundits share in this sentiment that the region should be given a chance to produce the president. Another argument is that the North-Central had consistently

supported other regions to lead the country and deserves similar support from other zones, this time.

Though there has been clamour for power to shift to the South, the idea of zoning has been criticized by some stakeholders. Some pundits argue that zoning does not bring out the best and so, should be jettisoned.

Nevertheless, the quest for a North central presidency has become glaring because the region has not produced the country’s president.

One name that comes to the fore as a frontline aspirant is former Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki. He is regarded as a strong force to be reckoned with. Observers of political events also posit that since he left the

Senate, Saraki has put himself up as a possible face of a North-central presidency.

The PDP Chairman in Plateau State, Mr. Chris Hassan, shares this view as he told the delegates that Saraki stood with the state during its trying times. Hassan said that Saraki was a stabilizing factor that had traversed the length and breadth of the country to reconcile members of the PDP. A member of the House of Representatives, Beni Lar, daughter of Chief Solomon Lar, first PDP chairman, alluded to the fact that Nigerians are tired of bloodshed and that Saraki could end the killings.

Lar urged the presidential aspirant

to ensure that women got their 35 percent affirmation action when elected President in 2023.

Lending his voice to the growing agitation for a north-central presidency, Saraki has said that it is the turn of the North-Central geopolitical zone to lead the country.

The former Kwara governor, who is among the many aspirants in the race for the PDP ticket, said: “You remember that before the national convention of our party, we held a meeting in Abuja with delegates of North-Central extraction.”

“We said to ourselves that for many times and many years, we, in the North Central, have worked hard, we struggled, used our efforts, used

our money, and used our energies to support other people to lead.

“Everybody, who had become President under this great party, got the seat because of our massive sacrifices.

“We have now resolved that it is time for others to vote for us in 2023.”

As the race for a PDP presidential candidate gathers steam, it is expected that a consensus will be built around Saraki to emerge as the candidate, representing the north-central and who will eventually become the next president in 2023.

•George, a political affairs commentator, writes from Asaba, Delta State.

41

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022

NEWS

AT AWUJALE OF IJEBULAND’S 88TH...

L-R: Otunba Toyin Ashiru; Otunba Oscar Ibru; Yeye Otunba Wanda Ibru, and Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, at the Oba Sikiru Adetona Awujale of Ijebuland’s 88th birthday…recently

Buhari Appeals to ASUU, Others to Call Off Strike, University Workers Reject Plea Directs CoS, labour minister, others to promptly resolve grey areas in lecturers' demand Rabiu, Ovia, Adenuga, Onyema, others honoured Deji Elumoye and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday pleaded with members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other industrial unions in governmentowned universities that are presently on strike to call of their industrial action in the interest of the students.

But in reaction, the university lecturers and non-teaching staff turned down the appeal by the federal government to go back to their posts while negotiations on the grievances continue.

The president, who made the passionate plea at the 19th National Productivity Day and the conferment of the National Productivity Order of

Merit Award (NPOM) on 48 eminent Nigerians and organisations in both the public and private sectors, at Abuja, said it was high time the university lecturers considered the plight of students and call off the ongoing strike.

Buhari also urged students in the nation's public tertiary institutions to exercise patience, saying his government was striving to address the nagging issues in the university system within the ambit of resources available.

He disclosed that he had directed his Chief of Staff, the Ministers of Labour and Employment, Education, Finance, Budget and National Planning, to immediately bring all parties to the negotiation table to again critically look at the grey

Delay Hampers FG-AfDB Special Agroindustrial Processing Zones' Launch A mega cluster-based infrastructure project of the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Special AgroIndustrial Processing Zones (SAPZs), designed to connect farmers, processors and retailers to ensure agricultural products get to the market, has yet to get the nod of the Federal Government, thus preventing its implementation.

THISDAY checks revealed that the SAPZs project had already reached high-level engagements involving Nigeria's finance minister, Zainab Ahmed.

"The special agro-industrial processing zones will be gamechangers for agriculture in Nigeria," AfDB President Akinwunmi Adesina had said in January about the programme. "They will provide world-class infrastructure to support food businesses to locate close to zones of production and develop competitive value chains supported by logistic systems that will drive food processing and value addition.

The programme is expected to support inclusive and sustainable agro-industrial development in Nigeria in four broad areas.

The SAPZs four components include supporting the development of climate-adapted infrastructure for agro-industrial

hubs (AIHs), improving agricultural productivity and enterprise development to enhance agricultural value chains and job creation in the SAPZ catchment areas, supporting agro-industrial zone policy and institutional development, and programme coordination and management.

The first phase of the SAPZs programme, if approved, would be implemented in seven states (Cross River, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Ogun, and Oyo) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with project sites mapped out

by AfDB. Though $520 million had been raised by AfDB and its partners to co-finance SAPZs, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had yet to approve it, it was gathered. There are concerns the finance minister has not demonstrated commitment to the project as the seven states concerned, including the FCT. Specifically, it was gathered that the finance ministry had been dawdling on preparing a memo regarding the loan agreement with the donor banks (AfDB, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the Islamic Development Bank) for FEC's ratification, stalling the launch of the project.

areas in the demands of ASUU and all other university-based labour unions.

Commenting on the theme of this year’s celebration ‘‘Achieving Higher Productivity through Improved Education System,’’ the president pledged that the federal government would continue to do everything possible to uplift the standard of the educational system in the country, adding that his administration recognised that the future of any nation is premised on the standard of its educational system.

“Therefore, if we desire to transform Nigeria into a competitive, strong, vibrant, productive and sustainable economy, improving our educational system should be accorded the highest priority,” he added.

Reeling out notable achievements in the education sector including the drastic reduction of the number of out of school children from 10.1million in 2019 to 6.9 million

in 2020, automatic employment for graduates of education, review of the retirement age of teachers from 60 to 65 years, among others, the president said more still needed to be done.

According to him: ‘‘Quality educational system is good not just for the national economy; it is also good for the citizens.

“Ignoring the productivity dimension of education would endanger the prosperity of future generations, with widespread repercussions for poverty and social exclusion.

“It will be difficult to improve our economic performance and overall productivity, without improving our educational system.

“Government notes the emergency situation in our educational system with particular reference to the dearth of qualified and dedicated teachers to enhance the quality of teaching and learning at all levels of our educational

system."

To address these challenges, Buhari said his administration had reviewed the retirement age of teachers from 60 to 65 years, while years of service have now been moved from 35 to 40 years to encourage more graduates to join the teaching profession.

The president also said government had approved a special salary scale for teachers in Basic and Secondary schools including provisions for rural posting allowance, Science teachers allowance and peculiar allowance, while prioritising timely promotion and prompt payment of salaries.

He further stressed that the reintroduction of bursary award to education students in universities and Colleges of Education comes with assurance of automatic employment upon graduation as well as payment of stipends to Bachelor of Education students.

Congratulating all the awardees

for their various accomplishments and well deserved recognition, Buhari said they have been carefully selected from a multitude of competitors, saying ‘‘this award should spur you to greater heights.’’

He also commended the Chairman and members of the National Productivity Order of Merit Award Committee, including the management and staff of National Productivity Centre for a job well done, urging the recipients of the merit award and Nigerians to make productivity their watchword.

Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige said since the inception of the award in 1991, 382 individuals and 97 organisations have been honoured with the NPOM. Dr. Stella Adadevoh and Mr. Babatunde Lawal, received posthumous awards at the 2019/2020 edition of the National Productivity Day.

Airlines Lament as Fuel Scarcity Causes Flight Disruptions Chinedu Eze Domestic airlines have attributed flight delays and disruptions to their inability to source aviation fuel, known as Jet A1 on demand.

In letters addressed to their passengers, some of the airlines explained that following the cancellation of the plan to shut down flight operations on May 9, 2022, there had been marked delays in the supply of aviation fuel to the airports by oil marketers.

Since February this year when oil marketers increased aviation fuel price from N190 per litre to N400 per litre and in March when the airlines contested the second increase of prices, flight operations have suffered hiccups.

Major airline operator, Dana Air was the first to complain of flight disruptions due to late supply of products and last weekend, THISDAY learnt that Air Peace flight from Asaba was delayed due to late supply of the product.

Similarly, yesterday Azman Air sent a message to its passengers apologising for the protracted

delays and even cancellations of some of its flights, blaming it on the scarcity of aviation fuel The airline said though there had been promising prospects to address the problem, it became important to advice the general public that until there was resolution, disruption of flights might be unavoidable.

“Our obligation at Azman Air to deliver hassle free services to our esteemed customers is recently being hindered by incessant challenges facing the Nigerian aviation sector due to jet A1 price hike and scarcity.

“The paucity of this product has labelled our services with protracted delays and even cancellations thereby subjecting our customers to unintended hardships in getting to their destinations.

“Though there has been promising prospects to overturn this obstacle, it is important to advice the general public that until there is resolution, disruption of flights may be unavoidable.

We totally understand the effect these disruptions poses on our

passengers and we can only appeal and crave your understanding while we continue to navigate the situation,” Azman said.

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dana, Sukhjinder Mann, in a message to its passengers recently, also revealed that the airlines were again witnessing the scarcity of aviation fuel across the airports in Nigeria which has caused flight delays and cancellations but that they have thXXX commitment of their fuel partners to meet their requirements.

“Unfortunately, we are again witnessing the scarcity of Jet A1 fuel across the airports in Nigeria, which has in some cases, caused recent flight delays. Our commitment towards offering a convenient and reliable schedule has never been in doubt and has always been centered on setting new standards in customer experience and redefining air travel and this communication is to reassure you that we have the commitment of our fuel partners to service our requirements,”

Mann said.

Spokesman of Air Peace, Stanley Olisa said the airline was also finding it difficult to get fuel as the scarcity persisted and was causing flight disruptions.

The spokesperson of Air Air, Ola Banji, also confirmed that aviation fuel was not readily available, so airlines had to wait for it, which causes delays.

But the Managing Director of Cleanserve, Chris Ndulue, said there was global petroleum product supply disruption due to the Russua-Ukraine crisis, noting that the scarcity was not peculiar to Nigeria, saying countries such as the UK were also experiencing same.

He denied claims by the AON that fuel was now being sold for N700, insisting that the price was between N540 and 580. He said the intervention of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in the importation of aviation fuel was unnecessary and advised that the Central Bank of Nigeria should make forex available to marketers.

42

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022

NEWSXTRA

EKWEREMADU IS 60...

L-R: Son of Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, His Father, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, supported by wife, Dr. Nwanneka Ekweremadu as he cuts his 60th birthday anniversary cake in Enugu ...yesterday

Following Threats by Islamic Extremists, Atiku Deletes Facebook, Twitter Posts Condemning Deborah’s Murder Condemnations trail killing of student for alleged blasphemy in Sokoto Chiemelie Ezeobi in Lagos and Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto Following series of threats by some Islamic extremists on his social media handles, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, late last night deleted his condemnation of the murder of Deborah Samuel.

The deceased, a 200-level student of the Department of Home Economics, Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, was yesterday killed by an angry mob for allegedly blaspheming Prophet Muhammad.

Atiku had after the incidence which has continued to receive global condemnation, written: "There cannot be a justification for such gruesome murder. Deborah Yakubu was murdered, and all those behind her death must be brought to justice. My condolences to her family and friends.”

But storming his Facebook and Twitter pages, the extremists, mostly from the northern parts of the country, threatened not to vote for him in the forthcoming 2023 elections.

Warning him to jettison his condemnation of the cold-blooded murder, they also promised to mobilise against him.

While he did not engage them, he first deleted the post he made on Facebook and about an hour later, he also deleted that of Twitter.

The former vice president’s actions have since earned him the derision of most Nigerians, who accused him of always chickening out when the going gets tough, an action they termed 'unpresidential'.

According to a source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, trouble started when there was heated argument on the departmental WhatsApp page between the deceased and her colleagues.

The arguments drew the attention of angry mob who stoned the lady and set her body ablaze.

Reacting to the incident, Sokoto State Commissioner of Information, Isa Bajini Galadanchi, said the situation was unfortunate.

He stated that Governor Aminu

Waziri Tambuwal, who is away, has directed that investigation into the matter should commence immediately.

"We just woke up this morning to hear this unfortunate news,” he stated.

He maintained that the Governor has directed the ministry of higher education and other related agencies to commence immediate investigation.

He urged everybody to remain calm as government would do everything to unravel the circumstances behind the incident.

He also said the government has directed immediate closure of the institution to forestall breaking down of law and order, just as military personnel have already been deployed to the school and other schools in area.

Meanwhile, the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar has condemned the incident, saying nobody has right to take the laws into their hands.

He explained that the law enforcement agencies would be allowed to investigate the incident to bring the culprits to book, even

as he condoled with the family of the deceased assuring that Justice must prevail.

However, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has described the gruesome murder of Yakubu as provocative and unfortunate.

In a statement, Catholic Diocese of Sokoto Bishop Hassan Kukah, said the killing of Yakubu has no place in Nigeria extant law, Bible or Quran.

He explained that Christians and Muslims have lived peacefully together in Sokoto without having

issues with each other.

He called on the Christians in the state to remain calm and be law abiding as there are efforts to bring the perpetrators to book.

On his part the Nigeria Police Sokoto State Command confirmed the incident.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sanusi Abubakar, said those that carried out the dastardly act block Sokoto Jega road.

According to him, on hearing about the incident, the Commissioner of Police Sokoto

State Command Kola Okunlola, directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police Operation and members of SWAT to move to the scene.

He noted that before reaching there the mob have already killed the lady. He disclosed that two persons have been arrested in connection to the incident.

However, following series of threats by some Islamic extremists on his social media handles, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, late last night deleted his condemnation of the murder of Deborah Yakubu.

2023: Saraki Vows to Fix Nigeria’s Security, Economic Challenges Says he's the bridge for north, south Chuks Okocha and James Emejo in Abuja Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday promised to address Nigeria’s security and economic challenges if chosen to lead the country in the 2023 general elections.

However, a day after his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) threw open the presidential contest to members of the party, Saraki yesterday formally declared to contest for the presidential ticket of the party, stating that he has the experience as well as the capacity Saraki made a passionate appeal to Nigerians to join hands with him to make the country work again, vowing to provide leadership which he said had been the missing link in getting the country out of the woods.

Saraki said though the country’s present challenges may be daunting, his administration will initiate the change that would ultimately reset the country.

Speaking during a breakfast session with journalists and friends in Abuja, to provide insight into why he was running for the office of the president in next year’s general elections, the former governor of Kwara State, vowed to end insecurity, restore access to basic education,

affordable healthcare, insurance as well as stimulate job creation among others.

Saraki, said, “The stake has never been higher for our country. This is the moment that we must put in everything we have to save this nation because what we have today is not our country.

“This certainly, is not the Nigeria of the dreams of our founding fathers and those who came after them.”

He said, “In our lifetime, we have seen a Nigeria where everyone, rich or poor, was guaranteed education just by merely attending a school.

“In our lifetime, we have witnessed a Nigeria where children could wander far away from home, for as long as they wanted, and were sure to return in the evening.

“In our lifetime, we have witnessed a Nigeria where one could drive from Lagos in the night and arrive Maiduguri in the morning, without fear or misfortune.

“In our lifetime, we have witnessed a Nigeria, where a Fulani man, would arrive Enugu as a cattle trader and ended up as elected mayor of the city.

“In our lifetime, we have witnessed a Nigeria where everyone was guaranteed a minimum standard of living, where the middle

class thrived, where jobs were available and predictable, where crimes were punished, where the civil service was efficient, where public utilities worked, and where Nigeria was the pride of every black man anywhere in the world.

“Where has this our Nigeria gone?

How can we rediscover it and make it even greater for our children and for generations yet unborn? This is the reason I am running. I want to be president because I believe that this Nigeria is still possible in our lifetime.”

He added that if elected president, he would raise the country’s revenue from the non-oil sectors to the same level as current earnings from oil, adding that “as long as crude oil revenue remains the mainstay of our economy, and we remain so vulnerable to the volatility of international oil market, then the job is not done”.

He also vowed to ensure strict compliance with the rule of law as well as guarantee consequences for crime, stressing that “as long as there are still people in this country who believe that they can break the laws of Nigeria with impunity; who think that crime has no consequences, then the job is not done”.

Saraki, further promised to deliver 500,000 affordable housing units every

year to the low-income earners and eliminate urban slums as well as invest massively in cloud computing, data analytics, programming and other such in-demand skills to drive innovation and competitiveness among the youths.

He said, “As long as Nigeria is not the tech hub for Africa, despite our incredible talents in this area, then our job is not done. And this is why I want to be president…”

He said, “We never lacked ideas in this country. We all seem to know what needs to be done. What we have missed is leadership; the ability to rally everyone and everything around agreed priorities, to set measurable targets, to be uncompromising in achieving results, and to accept no excuse or justification for failure.

“This critical vacuum is what I intend to fill. This leadership with a purpose is what I bring to the table, and this is what would make the difference.

“You may also ask; how long would it take to solve all these problems? I agree, the problems that we face are so many and so daunting that we may not solve them all in the lifetime of a presidency or even in our lifetime. But that is not the point. The point is not whether we would be able to solve all the problems; or whether I possess

a magic wand that will turn our country into a paradise overnight.

“The point is that we can be the generation that starts it all. We can be the turning point generation; in whose time everything began to change. The generation that despite our differences, we are able to unite against poverty and hunger, because poverty and hunger spare no tribe or religion.

“We can be the generation that is ashamed to be labeled as the poverty capital of the world; and therefore, commit itself to do whatever it takes to remove this badge of dishonour on our country.

“We can be the generation that is collectively embarrassed to admit that we have more children out of school than any other country in the world and therefore, resolve to ensure that every Nigerian child, regardless of the circumstance of her parents, is guaranteed quality basic education.”

Saraki also promised to develop targeted incentives to reverse the brain drain and keep professionals in the country.

He pointed out that “As long as some of our best and brightest brains still relocate to other countries to find fulfillment, then our job is not done. And this is why I want to be president”.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022

NEWSXTRA

LFZC 20-YEAR SERIES II BOND...

L-R: Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Capital, Funso Akere; Chief Executive Officer, Lagos Free Zone, Dinesh Rathi; Managing Director, Africa, Tolaram Group, Haresh Aswani, and Chief Executive Officer, InfraCredit, Chinua Azubike, during the signing ceremony for the Lagos Free Zone Company (LFZC) 20-year Series II Bond in Lagos…yesterday

2023: INEC to Finalise Document Guiding Elections Next Week Says all political parties have notified it of their primary elections Mulls alternative arrangement for storing sensitive electoral materials Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it would by next week, finalise the document guiding the conduct of future elections, including the forthcoming Ekiti and Osun governorship elections as well as the 2023 general elections.

The Commission also disclosed that all the 18 registered political parties have complied with the notifications for their congresses and presidential primaries.

These were disclosed yesterday by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakuku during a second quarterly meeting of the Commission with media executives in Abuja.

Yakubu said though it would be

subjudice to comment on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, the Commission was making alternative arrangements to store its sensitive electoral materials should the CBN governor go ahead to contest According to him, beyond the conduct of primaries by political parties, the Commission was required to make regulations and guidelines for the implementation of the provisions of the Electoral Act. “With regard to the Ekiti and Osun Governorship elections, the Commission is processing applications by media organisations for accreditation. I wish to reassure you that all applications will be carefully considered and expeditiously treated,” he said.

CSOs: Tensions over Economy, Insecurity, Strike May Threaten 2023 Polls Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Nigerian civil society coalition, the Situation Room has said unresolved issues in areas such as security, economy, transportation and education in Nigeria may pose serious challenges to peaceful and credible 2023 general elections.

It said the situation could also create a tensed political atmosphere which could be latched on by disgruntled groups to disrupt the polls.

The Convener of the Situation Room, Ms. Eneh Obi who addressed journalists in Abuja, said it was disappointing that there had been clear lapses in the areas of security, economy, transportation and education in Nigeria that have remained largely unresolved.

For instance, she said the Abuja – Kaduna bound train incident where passengers were abducted was still pending with the victims yet to regain freedom.

Also Obi said other issues of concern were the Academic Staff Union of Universities’ (ASUU) strike that has lasted for more than three months and the naira’s continuous plummeting against the dollar.

"Yet, the political appointees in these sectors appear focused on their future political ambitions thereby neglecting their key responsibilities which scorecards reveal that they have not performed maximally; a great disservice to Nigeria.

“These issues raise questions, yet nomination forms are being purchased while the nation and

Nigerians suffer.

"It is pertinent to state that these actions can have a direct negative effect on the 2023 General Elections and result in low voter turnout because young people and others making up the marginalised groups, did not have a chance at nominations and their state of mind due to the present situation of things in the country had been befouled.

"This could also create a tensed political atmosphere created by disgruntled groups who are underrepresented.

"Situation Room therefore calls on the federal government to address these concerns and create a democratic environment to ensure a free, fair credible and inclusive 2023 General Elections," she said.

Situation Room expressed the hope that the government would enforce the May 16, 2022, deadline given to Ministers vying for elective office to resign.

"Violations to the 1999 Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022 are already ongoing.

Situation Room notes that the belated directive for political appointees to resign contravenes Sections 66 (1)(f), 107 (1)(f), 137 (1)(g), 182 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution which stipulates that elected public officers, which include civil servants, who want to contest an election must have resigned their position at least 30 days to the date of the election.

Political party primaries elections begin the electoral process for any candidate," she said.

He said the Commission would also work with the security agencies to ensure the safety and security of journalists as well as ensure they have unimpeded access to all voting and collation locations during elections.

“There are many progressive provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 which requires clear understanding to guide implementation. One of such provisions is the electronic transmission of election results.

“At this meeting, we will discuss the implementation of the provisions of Sections 60, 62 and 64 of the Electoral Act 2022 regarding the management of election results.

We have prepared a document for discussion which is included in your folders for this meeting,” he added.

The INEC Chairman further disclosed that the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise would end next month, that is June 30, 2022.

“Both the online pre-registration as well as the physical registration at designated centres are taking place simultaneously. However, online pre-registrants would require time to schedule appointments to complete their registration physically at designated centers.

“For this reason, the Commission has decided to suspend the online registration in the next three weeks, that is 30th May, 2022. This will enable the online registrants to complete their registration physically at the designated centres before the exercise is suspended on 30th June 2022. This will enable the Commission to clean up the registration data, print the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) and compile the register ahead of the 2023 General Election,” he added.

Speaking further, he said: “On the cleaning up of the registration data, the Commission addressed a press conference four weeks ago to present a report on the

CVR exercise covering the period from June to December 2021. For the first time, the Commission deployed the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) which is a comprehensive and robust system involving not just the fingerprint identification but also the facial biometric recognition.

“The report of the ABIS is included among the documents in your folders for this meeting. There will also be a presentation on the exercise by our ICT Department,” he added.

On election technology, he noted that the commission had reviewed the functionality of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) following the complaints received after the recent Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) held on February 12, 2022.

Two weeks later, the Commission conducted six bye-elections in four states across four geo-political zones of the country covering rural, sub-

urban and urban areas.

“It was the most extensive geo-political deployment of the BVAS since it was pioneered in the Isoko South I State Constituency bye-election in Delta State in June last year. In these bye-elections, the BVAS functioned optimally as attested to by the reports of field observers accredited by the Commission.

“The lessons learnt from the most recent bye-elections have been taken into consideration as we prepare for the forthcoming Ekiti and Osun State Governorship elections. The Commission has finished the configuration of the BVAS for the Ekiti State Governorship election.

“To further ensure optimal performance of the BVAS on Election Day, the Commission will undertake a mock voter accreditation exercise in Ekiti State ahead of the main election on June 18, 2022, the details of which will be announced shortly.”

BUHARI SIGNS THREE BILLS TO FIGHT TERRORISM, MONEY LAUNDERING, OTHER FINANCIAL CRIMES INTO LAW illicit financing activities, as well as critical to the governance agenda and the development of Nigeria.

According to him, the new laws have provided enough punitive measures and containment strategies against abuses and compromises while the inadequacy of all the repealed Acts had impacted legal actions against offender.

"We will not rest until we rid the nation of the menace of money laundering, terrorism, and other financial crimes," he added.

Buhari commended the National Assembly members for their tenacity, courage and commitment in ensuring that Nigeria put in place effective measures to address the menace of money laundering, terrorism, and terrorism financing.

He noted that the 9th National Assembly had proven to be patriotic, responsive, resourceful and industrious in its legislative assignments, recalling that he had on January 14, 2022, sought expeditious passage of the three bills.

The president lauded the Assembly under Senate President, Dr Ahmed Lawan and House Speaker, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila and their colleagues for responding to his request, saying they have certainly carved out a worthy legacy for themselves.

Commenting on the importance of the legislations, the president said: "The signing of these bills into law

today not only strengthens the Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/ CFT) framework in the Country, but addresses the deficiencies identified in Nigeria’s 2nd round of Mutual Evaluation as assessed by InterGovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa on compliance with the Financial Action Task Force global standards.

"Accordingly, the repeal of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended and enactment of Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 provides comprehensive legal and Institutional Framework for the prevention and prohibition of money laundering in Nigeria and confers on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the legal status of the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering.

"The repeal of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 as amended in 2013, and enactment of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 provides for the effective implementation of international instruments on the prevention and combating of terrorism and suppression of the financing of terrorism.

"The enactment of the Proceeds of Crime (recovery and Management) Act, 2022 makes comprehensive provisions for the seizure, confiscation, forfeiture and management of properties derived

from unlawful activity."

Buhari told his audience which included the Senate President and some Senators, the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, Heads of anti-corruption agencies, including ICPC and EFCC, that the executive arm of government carefully avoided creating another asset recovery and management agency with its cost implications in deference to government’s sensitivity to the rising cost of governance.

He explained that the new law mandates the creation of dedicated accounts for the proceeds of crime and other confiscated assets in order to enhance the accountability of the process.

The president stressed: "I have therefore taken time to note the emphasis placed on collaboration, synergy and unification of strategies and measures to combat the scourge of Money Laundering and terrorism financing and proliferation financing in the Act. "The primary objectives of these measures are to ensure effective, unified and comprehensive legal, regulatory and institutional framework for the implementation of the Acts.

"This is profound and calls for coordinated responses to the challenges posed by the menace.

I therefore charge all relevant agencies to ensure effective implementation

of these new laws.

"The robust frameworks diligently enshrined in the Acts can only serve useful purposes when every bit of them is enforced.

Emphasising that the fight against corruption requires an “All of Government, All of Nation approach,” the president affirmed that every Nigerian had a role to play to rid the country of corrupt practices.

He commended the members of the National Action Task Force comprising several Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government, noting that the bills were clear demonstration of government functioning at its best with coordination, collaboration, and execution all towards a common goal.

The president assured Nigerians that his administration would continue to do its best to secure the nation, adding that the bills signed into law represent not just legislative instruments but very significant governmental actions projecting courage, determination, and sincerity in tackling the menace of Money laundering, terrorism and other financial crimes.

Meanwhile, the federal government yesterday said it was already winning the war against bandits and terrorists, noting that Nigerians are only experiencing occasional flashes of attacks on soft targets.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022

NEWSXTRA

COURTESY VISIT TO NWC...

L-R: Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; National Secretary of the All Progressive Congress, Senator Iyiola Omisore and APC Deputy National Chairman (North], Senator Abubakar Kyari, during a courtesy visit by Governor Abiodun to the party's National Working Committee after submitting his re-election nomination and Expression of Interest forms at the party Secretariat, Abuja...Wednesday

2023 Polls: PDP's Decision to Disregard Zoning Final for Me, Says Anyim Party upturned zoning arrangements to favour Atiku, Afegbua claims Chuks Okocha in Abuja Anyim Pius Anyim, former Senate President and frontline presidential aspirant of the PDP, tells party stakeholders he has accepted the National Executive Committee (NEC) decision that threw open the party's presidential ticket.

On Thursday, he told the forum of former National Working Committee (NWC) members that visited him he accepted the decision of the NEC because the party would always be supreme.

The PDP NEC had on Wednesday, after several intrigues, threw open the contest for the party's presidential ticket to all the six geopolitical zones of the country.

The NEC had noted that the zoning and rotational presidency provision in the PDP "is good and served the party well in the past."

"It should be affirmed and it is hereby affirmed. We must always try to enshrine justice justly and fairly.

That it is in the interest of justice and fair play that the party should take decision on zoning timeously so as to prevent complications to the process as it is happening now," the party's NEC said in a communique.

"In the light of the above, the presidential election should now be left open. However, the party should work towards a consensus candidate where possible."

Anyim explained that the party also asked the aspirants to commence talks on consensus.

"I have already commenced talks with my fellow presidential aspirants on consensus since the party has recommended it. For now, zoning is to take the back seat for the general interest of the nation. Nigerians are waiting for the PDP, and we cannot afford to disappoint the nation," stressed Anyim. "Nigerians won't expect us to quarrel over the zoning issue as the ruling party is expecting. We will unite and move the country forward. Generations to come will

NANS Protest: ASUU Slams Senate President as Irresponsible over Comments Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has berated Senate President Ahmad Lawan for asking protesting students not to use their protest to disrupt political activities.

The University of Ibadan ASUU chapter chairman, Prof.

Ayo Akinwole, said on Thursday in a statement that Lawan represented the class of political vipers bent on destroying the future of children of the masses.

Akinwole said as a presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lawan did not show the capacity to solve problems by not knowing the importance of education over political activities.

He said it was unbecoming of a Senate president to prioritise political activities over education.

ASUU went on strike on February 14, demanding better conditions of service, funding for public universities and

deployment of the University Transparency Accountability Solution (UTAS), among other things.

"It is inconceivable for a Senate president to see political activities as more important than having students back to learn and develop the society.

The Union, ASUU, informed, lobbied and appealed to the Senate to avert the strike, but they were not forthcoming. We see a house loyal to the ruling political elites and not Nigeria," stressed Akinwole. "To this set of politicians, anything can suffer but their access to the common treasury. That is a sign of irresponsibility."

He commended the students for fighting for their rights.

"Education is a right and not a privilege," said the ASUU leader in UI. "The youth, Nigerian students have an inalienable right to be concerned and must take actions they considered appropriate to secure their future."

not forgive the PDP if we fail."

Former NWC members in the delegation included former national chairman Kawu Baraje, former women leader Kema Chikwe, ex-national publicity secretary Olisa Metu, ex-women leader Inna Ciroma and former national organising secretary Mohammed Mustapha, etc.

Speaking in a similar vein, another presidential aspirant,

Sam Ohuabunwa, said, "We talk about zoning because we do not yet have a country. If we have a country, no one will be talking about zoning. We should be talking about building our nation that is why I’m presenting myself."

Kassim Afegbua, however, dismissed the party’s decision as a travesty of justice, accusing its National Chairman, Iyiochia Ayu, of pandering to the whims of one

of the presidential aspirants, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

"The outcome of the meeting of the National Executive Committee on zoning did not come as a surprise because I knew from day one that Dr. Iyorchia Ayu-led executives were working from answer to question because of pecuniary interest," claimed Afegbua.

He added, “Dr. Ayu's first

major assignment of following the dictates of the party constitution has ended up in abysmal failure.

How do you jettison your constitutional provisions because you want to crookedly plot the ticket of the party for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar? It is obvious that Dr. Ayu is pretentiously working for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and, in the process, trying to upturn the zoning arrangement."

2023: Ambode’s Ally Submits Nomination Form to Challenge Sanwo-Olu in APC Primary Segun James

As the race for the 2023 general election heats up, former Lagos Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Wale Oluwo, has submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos.

The submission is the first direct challenge to the endorsement of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu by the national leader of the party and presidential aspirant, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Oluwo, an ally of former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, submitted his forms to the party on Wednesday at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. As at May 10, 2022, the deadline set by the APC before the extension of the sale of forms, only Sanwo-Olu had purchased the forms to contest the APC governorship ticket in Lagos.

Oluwo, chairman of the Akinwunmi Ambode Campaign Organisation, was the only member of the state executive council to stand by the former governor at the height of his face-off with the party's leadership in his

unsuccessful attempt to clinch the APC ticket for the second term in 2019.

He is from Ibeju-Lekki. Oluwo vowed to defeat the incumbent governor at the governorship primary election later this month and promised that governance in Lagos would no longer be business as usual.

Apart from Oluwo and Sanwo-Olu, another ally of Tinubu, Mustapha Olorunfunmi, had reportedly purchased the nomination forms but had yet to submit them.

Sanwo-Olu was recently

endorsed by the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), considered the highest advisory organ of the party in Lagos. Tinubu heads the GAC. Many have however continued to question the legality of GAC, since there is no provision for such in the APC constitution. They described it an amorphous and illegal body the former governor used to do his political bidding, particular to intimidate sitting governors in the state. "Tinubu alone decides is a member of the council, he dissolves and constitutes it at will," analysts continue to out.

2023: APC PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRANTS WALKING ON LANDMINES example, thinks the view that the Electoral Act provisions should apply, then the question you're asking becomes mute. And that would be a fair decision because, the Electoral Act is obviously superior to any rules or regulations by political institutions.

“So it's not that clear cut. I know, you guys, like yes or no answers, but sometimes yes, or no answers don't address the issue."

Morka insisted that bringing Zamfara scenario into focus would be speculative, saying Section 84 does not dictate a timeline.

"Section 84(12) does not dictate a guideline. It doesn't say resign a week before or a month before.

So if it doesn't say that, then what the Court of Appeal said is irrelevant to this question you are asking."

The party spokesperson noted that the constitution with respect to civil servants says you must resign a month before an election.

Morka stressed, "So in other words, if this question is based on the Electoral Act alone, any minister who resigns 24 hours before the primaries is fine. It doesn't say resign one month, or two weeks or one hour before, it just says resign before. So, at any point before primaries, people are still free to resign.

"But now the president has given a directive that's purely presidential and administrative.

They are ministers serving at the pleasure of the president.

“So he has requested them to resign. So I'm quite sure that they will comply. He's the Commander

in Chief. He has the right to hire them and to demand their resignation. So that is a separate issue altogether.".

2023: Political Appointees Drag APC, INEC to Court over Disqualification Threats Some political appointees who intend to participate in the forthcoming general elections under the platform of the APC have instituted a legal action against the party over disqualification threat occasioned

by Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

The plaintiffs amongst whom included a governorship and

two House of Representatives aspirants in the suit are seeking for an order of court stopping the APC as well as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from disqualifying them on the strength of their being political appointees and section 84 (11) and (12) of the Electoral Act 2022.

The aspirants, Ambassador Sodique Abubakar, Lawal Abubakar and Bindir Buba in the suit marked, FHC/ABJ/ CS/641/2022 are contending that Section 84 (11) and (12) of the new Electoral Act is discriminatory against them and unconstitutional and therefore should not be permitted by the court to be used to disqualify them on account of their mere political appointment.

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FRIDAY MAY 13, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

NDLEA Arrests 3,539 Suspects, Recovers 65,916kgs Drugs in Four Months Chiemelie Ezeobi The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday said it arrested over 3,539 suspects and recovered 65,916 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs within the first quarter of this year.

NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd), made this disclosure at the Western Naval Command (WNC), Apapa, Lagos, while receiving two Epenal boats donated to the agency by the Nigerian Navy (NN) to boost its war against drug abuse.

Marwa, who was represented

by NDLEA Director, Seaport Operations, Mrs. Omolade Faboyade, said the agency broke its first quarter operational record with the arrests which included that of a “rogue security personnel and a well-known billionaire baron”.

According to Marwa, given the agency’s commitment to contain proliferation of drugs in the country, security organisations can no longer afford to work in silos.

He stressed that illicit drug trafficking, as a transnational

organised crime, require the deployment of intelligence and close-knit with key stakeholders like the navy and other security organisations.

He said: “In our effort to stem the ride of narcotic drugs, we have gone the extra mile and that includes the pursuit of synergy with organisations in the security

sector.

“So far, our efforts in one year showed that the strategy is effective.

In 2022, we recorded the arrest of more than 12,300 suspected drug

offenders, including seven drug barons with 1,400 traffickers jailed.

“We were able to counsel and rehabilitate 8,000 drug users and in the same period, also, we mopped

up over 3.4 million kilograms of assorted drugs. Interestingly, drugs and illicit proceeds of drug crime worth over N130 billion were successfully recovered.

PRESENTATION OF LICENCE!…

L-R: Mrs. Rosemary Odili; Mr Paul Odili; Honorable Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu; Mrs. Margaret Odili; National University Commission (NUC) Executive Secretary, Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed; and Mr. Vincent Azike at the presentation of Operating Licence to Margaret Lawrence University, Galilee, Delta State in Abuja... yesterday

NSCDC Arrests Kwara Air Force Celebrates 58th Anniversary, Says Bombing Poly Student for Stealing Campaigns Have Degraded Terrorists employment of airpower especially significant contributions in the areas of insurgents to operate.

NwezehinAbuja at this critical stage in the nation’s of internal security, humanitarian He noted that following bombing Money, Gold Chain Kingsley and peace-keeping operations as campaigns in Niger and Zamfara As Nigerian Air Force marks its history.

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a Kwara Polytechnic Student, Mr.Taoheed Garba for allegedly stealing his girlfriend’s money and gold chain.

In a statement issued in Ilorin yesterday, the spokesman of the civil defence, Mr. Babawale Afolabi, said that, Garba was arrested on May 11, based on the report of allegation, filled by one Simiat Adebayo, his girlfriend.

Afolabi said that the

complainant reported the case on May 9, on how Garba stole her money, a sum of N341, 000 from her bank account and later stole her gold chain worth N250, 000.

He said that the suspect withdrew the money from the girlfriend’s phone on two occasions, without any trace, until the complainant requested for her statement of account from the Bank.

The spokesman said that, the suspect also stole the complainant gold chain for N105, 000 to unknown buyer at the market.

Gombe Approves N11.49bn Contract to Expand Regional Water Supply Scheme Segun AwofadejiinGombe The Gombe State Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has approved N11.49 billion contract for the rehabilitation, upgrade and expansion of the Gombe regional water supply scheme.

The Commissioner of Water Resources, Mijinyawa Yahaya, disclosed this to newsmen shortly after the State Executive Council meeting held at the Exco chamber of the Government House yesterday.

He said the contract was awarded to Mssrs JIDADU Ventures Limited, with a completion period of 24 months. JIDADU Ventures

Limited is an indigenous company with track record of perfect execution of similar jobs both with federal ministry of water resources and its relevant agencies as well as World Bank Water Supply Funded schemes across the country.

“In compliance with the State procurement law, Messrs JIDADU Ventures Limited, having quoted the least and most responsive bid, was selected to be considered for the award of contract for the rehabilitation, upgrade and expansion of the Gombe regional water supply scheme, GRWSS at the sum of N11.491 billion with a completion period of 24 months “.

Emerging Africa Group 5HORFDWHV WR 1HZ 2ͿFH Emerging Africa Group (EAG) has relocated to its new headquarters on Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi. EAG is leading African Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) focused investment group with equity and debt holdings across sectors.

According to the group, the relocation of its head offices to the Emerging Africa Campus, which is an environmentally friendly complex with expansive urban green spaces, aligns with its ESG commitment.

The Group’s head offices were

previously located on Maitama Sule Street, Ikoyi but has now moved to Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Commenting, Executive ViceChair, EAG, Mrs Toyin F. Sanni, said: “We are very excited about the Emerging Africa Campus, as it offers an opportunity to further boost employee wellness and productivity coming after an extensive period of COVID19 induced remote working, in which both staff strength and group profitability grew by over 300 per cent.”

58th anniversary, it said bombing campaigns embarked upon had degraded terrorist groups, Boko Haram, ISWAP and armed bandits in many parts of the country.

It said more emphasis would be laid on joint military operations and effective synergy with the other arms of the military and security agencies even as it was determined to consolidate on the gains of the

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, the Chairman, Organising Committee for the NAF 58th Anniversary Celebration/ Reunion 2022, Air Commodore, Olasunkanmi Abidoye, said NAF in its 58 years of existence, had no doubt grown into a formidable and respected force within the African continent and beyond.

“It has also continued to make

well as restoration and sustenance of democracy on the African continent and it is only rational, therefore, to celebrate its existence as well as the laudable achievements recorded over the years”, he said.

In his remarks, Spokesman of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said the air interdiction conducted by the force had reduced the capacity

States, armed bandits and other criminals were on the run.

Abidoye announced that the forthcoming NAF day with the theme, “Enhancing Nigerian Air Force Efficiency in Joint Operations for Effective Response to Contemporary National Security Imperatives”, is scheduled to hold from 19 to 21 May 2022, at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Kano.

SDP Female Presidential aspirant, Khadijah Okunnu-Lamidi Submits Forms A presidential aspirant, Khadijah Okunnu-Lamidi has submitted her presidential nomination form ahead of Social Democratic Party (SDP) primaries.

The nomination form was received on behalf of the party by the National Chairman of the Party, Alhaji Shehu Gabam and

the National Organising Secretary, Dr. Olu Agunloye.

Speaking, OkunnuLamidi said: “This upcoming election is a redefining moment for our dear country, the message of hope and belief is what every Nigerian is holding onto at this moment. The time to turn things around

is now. The mandate given to me by the people is what drives me, we are so proud of our progress so far. Becoming the flag bearer of the SDP to contest for the presidency of Nigeria is the next stage so help me God,” said Khadijah Okunnu-Lamidi.

The 38-year old OkunnuLamidi explained that she

is part of Nigeria’s teeming youth majority demographic who believe in the hope and promise of a better Nigeria guaranteed by the ability and capacity of its youth population that demand now more than ever before to be part of the process of governance that defines their lives today and in the future.

Shehu Sani: Southern Govs Betraying South-east Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba 2022 annual seminar organised extraction or even to be seeking or agreement overboard.

Human rights activist and Kaduna State gubernatorial aspirant, Senator Shehu Sani, has accused governors of states from the Southern part of Nigeria of betraying the good people of South-east geopolitical zone on the issue zoning of the presidency in 2023.

Sani stated this yesterday in Asaba in his presentation at the

by the Asaba Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council.

The senator, who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, said that it amounted to betrayal of the South-east and a capital spiritual sin for any Southern politician outside the Southeast to be scheming to be running mates to presidential candidates of Northern

for the presidential ticket of political parties.

Recalling that Southern governors from different political parties had some time ago met and signed a documented agreement to support only presidential candidates from Southern Nigeria in 2023, Sani said that it was surprising that these governors appear today to have thrown that decision

He wondered while the people of the South-east should continue to suffer political ostracising for a rebel war that ended more than 50 years ago, saying it would be part of the national healing process for all parts of the country, and particularly Southern states, to zone the presidency to the South-east geo-political zone.

IGR: Ogun Warns LGs against Overburdening Investors with Tax James Sowole in Abeokuta The Ogun State government has warned local government administrators to desist from collecting unwholesome revenues from investors operating in their local government areas under the guise of raising Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

The Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo,

gave the warning, at a meeting with the chairmen and representatives of the 20 Local Government councils, held in Abeokuta.

Okubadejo, explained that such practice promotes unhealthy investor relations and amounts, in some cases to double taxation which he said affects the State’s Ease of Doing Business index ranking.

The commissioner specifically, stated that revenue items such as tenement rates and others have

been harmonised and taken care of by the Land Use and Amenities Charge (LUAC However, the commissioner, called for the cooperation and support of the third tier of government in a bid to shore up the IGR of the state towards achieving its revenue target for the year.

This was just as the state government reiterated that it would not undermine the autonomy of the

local government administration.

Okubadejo, who noted that the monthly allocation from the federal government to local governments in the state, was grossly insufficient to meet their financial obligations, disclosed that the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration has always augmented the allocation every month, for even spread of dividends of democracy to all the nooks and crannies of the state.

46

FRIDAY MAY 13, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

WORLD OF ISLAM NUC Approves New

NEWSEXTRA

Curriculum, Gives Provisional Licences to 12 New Varsities Kuni Tyessi ÓØ ÌßÔË

To meet the global needs and international best practices, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has said it has approved a new curriculum for universities in the country that will bring to the fore uniqueness of each existing institution.

The Executive Secretary of NUC, Professor Abubakar Rasheed, made this known yesterday in Abuja during the presentation of provisional licences to 12 new private universities in the country.

He said the new curriculum, Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), which was brought about after a comprehensive review of

Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) currently in use, would be unveiled to the public soon.

According to Rasheed, “The Federal Ministry of Education through the National Universities Commission has embarked on radical re-engineering of curricula in Nigerian universities to meet global standards and international best practices towards preparing Nigerian graduates for relevance in the fourth revolution world economy with the skills needed for the future.

“The Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) has been revised to Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS).

“The CCMAS, which will soon be unveiled to the public, provides 70 percent of what should be taught along with the expected outcome, while the university will provide 30 percent based on their individual contextual peculiarities and characteristics.”

The NUC boss, while saying access to universities remains a major problem in the country’s education sector, said Nigeria has a little above two million students in the university system, adding that the figure represents about one percent of the country’s population. He commended the promoters of the 12 new private universities for scaling through the 14 stipulated requirements before securing the licences.

2023: APC Group Warns Party, Lalong against Imposition of Candidate Seriki Adinoyi ÓØ ÙÝ Plateau All Progressives Congress (APC) Patriots group has warned the leadership of the APC and state Governor, Simon Lalong to avoid the bait of imposing a governorship candidate on the party, saying it will be counterproductive, and will reverse the fortune of the party in the state.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Mr. Mark Ibrahim, the group alleged plans by Lalong to impose the former Benue State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Dr. Nentawe Yiltwada on the party, warning that the attempt will be resisted, adding that it will be disastrous to allow the imposition of an unpopular candidate to fly the party flag.

The group warned that the scenario led to the defeat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state in 2015 is gradually being played out in the APC, recalling that PDP in the Plateau lost the governorship election to APC as a result of the imposition of a candidate.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as OYEDOKWU HEZEKIAH and OYEDOKUN HEZEKIAH T., now wish to be known and addressed as OYEDOKUN OJO HEZEKIAH. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as IFEDI CHISOM GLORY, now wish to be known and addressed as NWOSU CHISOM GLORY. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKORONKWO CHIOMA HELEN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS KIMEBE CHIOMA HELEN. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ODEI SHARON CHIOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS GARRARD SHARON CHIOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MR OKAH JERRY EMAMURHO, now wish to be known and addressed as MR GARRARD JERRY EMAMURHO. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

“The same scenario is gradually being played out, politics of Plateau State should not be seen to be cyclical, the leadership must learn from the pitfalls of PDP that led to the

emergence of the APC. “Plateau abhors injustice in all its ramifications, the people of the state especially party members should not be taken for granted.”

Tribunal Affirms PDP’s Total Control of Abia LGs 15 Months after Poll Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo ÓØ ×ßËÒÓË The Abia State Local Government Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Umuahia yesterday delivered judgment on the only petition it received after the December 18, 2020 Council poll affirming that the ruling party also won

CHANGE OF NAME I,formerly known and addressed as MISS IDONGESIT DENNIS EKWERE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ETUK IDONGESIT EKWERE. All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as MISS UJU AMAECHINA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. UJU NNAKWE. All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as OGOR PEACE ABIGAIL now wish to be known and addressed as MOSES PEACE ABIGAIL. All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as FATIMA ABDULLAHI now wish to be known and addressed as AHMED FATIMA JABIR. All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as TANGAR BECKY EBIARE now wish to be known and addressed as ODIKA TANGAR BECKY EBIARE. All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH I, ONYIBE STELLA UDON, was born on December 1, 1976 and not the date January 12, 1976 on my previous INTERNATIONAL PASSPORTS. The Nigeria Immigration Service and the general public should please take note.

in the contentious Ohafia local government.

The Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) had declared the candidates of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) victorious in all the 17 chairmanship seats and councillors across the state.

But the chairmanship candidate of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) for Ohafia local government, Hon Kalu Mba Nwoke felt he was robbed of his victory and approached the tribunal to reclaim the “stolen mandate”.

In his petition filed on January 15, 2021, Hon Nwoke alleged that the council poll in Ohafia was marred by malpractices including falsification and arbitrary allocation of results to favour the PDP candidate.

#EndSARS: Osun Compensates Victims of Police Brutality

Yinka Kolawole ÓØ ÝÙÑÌÙ

The Osun State Government yesterday presented cheque of N53,290,000 as compensation to victims of police brutality in the state.

The state Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, affirmed that the motive was a deliberate quest to redress the wrongs of yesterday and set the state on the path of true healing.

However, Senator Ademola Adeleke Campaign Organisation has described the gesture as a political gimmick.

Adeleke campaign organisation in a statement issued urged the beneficiaries to accept the gifts as their rights and benefits, saying they shouldn’t allow themselves to be swayed by the Greek gift because it lacks sincerity of purpose and genuineness. But Oyetola stressed that the gesture was a further testament to the commitment of the state government to peace, fairness, unity, justice, equality, and indeed the rule of law.

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Reading for Life By: Dr. ‘Abdul-Kareem Bakkaar/Islamweb

A

llah, The Exalted, inculcated in mankind inquisitiveness and love for exploration, and this allowed them to develop themselves as “cognitive beings” and to be always prompted to acquire more knowledge without any limits of saturation or repletion.

In the past, the process of knowledge acquisition relied on the “transmission” of information, and so learning and teaching were time-framed actions that were done in a chronological order. Whenever a knowledgeable person died, it was possible that the best of his knowledge would die with him.

When people developed alphabets for the various languages and relished the blessing of writing, the dissemination of knowledge moved from the scope of time to that of place. The preservation, documentation, retrieval and promotion of the available knowledge became accessible to the broadest extent possible.

This enabled people to develop their knowledge in an astonishing way, and thus humanity came to have a new history.

There are many reasons that require a person to learn, read and gain life-long experiences. Those reasons include the following: 1- What urges people to gain more knowledge is knowledge itself. The greater the available knowledge becomes, the wider the unknown area gets! Also, progress itself increases man’s pressing need for knowledge, as delving deeper into knowledge fields opens up new possibilities and horizons and generates new motivations to achieve the most extensive progress.

A cultured intellectual, who seeks to honor the value and dignity of his culture, is required to regrow his knowledge on an ongoing basis. Whenever he feels content with his share of knowledge, he will be placing himself on the brink of degeneration.

If he is a specialist, the waves of successive scientific advances and breakthroughs in his specialty would throw him to the shore, to find himself ultimately outside of that specialty (were he to fail to keep abreast of what is new therein).

The mental state of an averagely cultured person – let alone one who is weakly cultured – declines and degrades due to the accumulation of theories, ideas and doctrines to which he can no longer contribute, even if he shows interest in them.

In fact, the scope of our ignorance widens with the advancement of knowledge, just as the area of surface contact between a ball and the outside world increases as the ball’s diameter increases, and this creates increasing challenges for every reader.

2- In the past, people did not have a strong sense of the correlation between earning a living and the extent of knowledge they acquired, but today the situation has dramatically changed. The occupations and jobs that the illiterate and the culturally weak people can perform are progressively diminishing.

A nation whose children fail to improve their level of knowledge continuously will find itself qualified to be subordinate to advanced nations and be exploited by them at all levels!

3- The knowledge and experiences that we possess today do not have absolute fixed values. The inhabitants of Earth make up a unified world, and the importance of each part of that world always stems from that part’s resilience in the face of challenges, its ability to contend with rivals and solve problems, and its weight in the global arenas.

The prevalence of alphabetic and civilizational illiteracy has caused the Muslim ummah problems that are much bigger than what we think them to be, and this is not limited to the scope of earning a living and production only, but rather extends to the understanding of Islam as well. Being a sophisticated civilizational edifice, Islam cannot fully manifest itself except through a pioneering cognitive and civilizational experience. This means that the backwardness from which we are suffering has blinded us to perceiving the divine methodology as required.

4- The human mind always tends to build habits and draw frameworks for its work, and they inform and ‘program’ the mind with the passage of time.

The surrounding environment, with all its various kinds, provides the elements of such programming.

The more culturally shallow a person is, with limited sources of knowledge, the narrower the scope of his perceptions and the more local his models and visions become, as he becomes unable to go beyond the incorrect inputs that he absorbed from his society.

Extensive reading in various fields of knowledge maximizes a person’s awareness through comparison and broadening of his scope of vision. Our early scholars did not trust the knowledge of a scholar who did not travel and strive in the pursuit of knowledge, as they were aware of the perils of cultural programming that is based on limited local inputs.

5- The enormous gush of information and the accumulation of scientific research products are continuously increasing, and the direct result of this phenomenon is the obsolescence of our knowledge and information. According to some estimates, about

90% of all “scientific knowledge” was introduced in the last three decades, and this knowledge is set to double in about 12 years.

A researcher contended that a contemporary specialist has to keep in mind that about 10-20% of his information has become outdated and needs renewal.

Another researcher held that information goes through an aging process, by 10% per day for newspapers, 10% per year for magazines, and 10% per year for books.

6- The obsolescence of information manifests in various forms; sometimes by proving its falseness or inaccuracy, sometimes by its incompatibility with the new plans, sometimes by dropping out of attention because it is no longer valuable for the knowledge structure, and sometimes by proposing a new perusal of it; i.e., reproducing it in a different way that changes its initial purports.

The remedy for all these problems is continuous reading and keeping abreast of what is new, so that our knowledge does not deteriorate and we do not drown in the falsehoods and illusions that spread as side products of scientific progress.

Reading and other information sources: We live in an era of knowledge explosion; the huge numbers of scientists involved in scientific research, the advanced means of data processing, transfer and dissemination, and the unique and increasing global communication; all of this has overwhelmed people with news, information and concepts that bombard them every moment from various parts of the globe.

This situation led people to question whether there is any role left for reading and books, and it also prompted many intellectuals to speak out and vehemently complain about the abandonment of books and the infatuation with the varied cultural programs and materials presented by the various media outlets.

The truth is that this complaint is justified, as there are clear indications that people are reluctant to read and buy books, and they spend longer times in following the various media outlets.

It is enough to know that the average number of printed copies of books in the Arab countries does not exceed three thousand copies per book!

This limited number of printed books are not usually sold out in less than three years, whereas the distribution numbers in developed countries are much bigger, leaving no room for comparison!

The media outlets produce highly elaborate shows, which gives them a huge attractiveness. If we add to that the lack of motivation for reading and the lack of cultural traditions that promote book acquisition, we will realize the (saddening) status of reading in our Muslim world!

The media provides fragmented information that are seldom related to the real cognitive need of the followers. Moreover, it is well known that the dense information flow about anything might impede its proper understanding, just like the case when there are only a few facts and little information available about it. The human brain has limited capacity to analyze, classify and filter the inputs, and whatever exceeds its processing capacity confuses and distracts it.

On the other hand, modern media have caused significant harm to people’s feeling of the need to think; media writers and program editors have taken on this task on behalf of the recipients.

The TV viewer, the radio listener, and the magazine or newspaper reader receive a full blend of carefully selected data and statistics, presented in an ingenious rhetorical style that amazes the recipient and prompts him to surrender to it and comply with its orientation without exerting any personal effort to process it.

This is contradictory to the requirements of modern scientific and social development, which requires us to be able to be creative and rationalize mental judgment rather than being preoccupied with understanding and memorizing some items of knowledge.

All this should not make us deny that the massive media and information flow has given rise to some sort of public enlightenment and raised the level of awareness among people as well as giving them a good amount of general knowledge.

The margin separating entertainment from true education is narrow, and it is quite possible that what we listen to and watch is a form of entertainment and a means to pass time while we (mistakenly) think that we are learning!

I believe that books remain the primary means of good education, as we get to fully exercise our freedom to choose what we need. Moreover, books do not require assisting devices to read them and they are cheap compared to other means.

However, I am not trying to underestimate other sources of information. What counts is that our objectives with regard to education and knowledge development should always be clear, and then we may look for the tools and means that help us realize those objectives.

May Allah grant us success!

47

FRIDAY, ͹ͻ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Buhari Withdraws D’Tigers, D’Tigress from Global Basketball for Two Years Interim committee to be set up to manage domestic basketball leagues Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the withdrawal of Nigeria from international basketball competitions for two years with immediate effect.

A statement issued yesterday by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Ismaila Abubakar, said the presidential directive followed the intractable crisis that has dogged and crippled the development of basketball in the country in form of the leadership crisis at the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF).

The statement said the decision to withdraw the country was made to concentrate efforts by the government towards revamping the sport from the grassroots as well as domestic leagues which have become moribund.

The sports ministry also said an Interim Management Committee (IMC) will also be set up to oversee the management and development of the domestic basketball leagues in the country to further address other related issues around the development and advancement of the game in the country and to utilise the period of break to address all contentious issues among stakeholders "The Terms of Reference (TOR) and membership of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) will be announced in due course.

"In issuing the order, the Federal Government reiterates its interest and commitment to the development of the sport of Basketball in Nigeria as well as huge talents of our youth

N B B F C R I S I S FA L LO U T domestically in an atmosphere free of rancour and squabbles.

"Government therefore calls on players, officials, fans and other stakeholders of the sport to remain calm as it embarks on far reaching initiatives to reposition, sustain and stabilize the game of basketball for growth and success in the long-term interest of the country," the statement said.

The federal government's intervention came two days after basketball players staged another protest at the office of the Minister of Sports, Mr Sunday Dare, at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja over the leadership impasse rocking the NBBF. The angry led by Players Representative in the NBBF Board, Mr Stanley Gumut had accused Dare of duplicity in resolving the post election crisis that had jolted the NBBF since January 31, 2022, leading to the emergence of two parallel boards, led by Igoche Mark and Ahmadu Musa-Kida, following two different elections in Abuja and Benin City respectively.

But it also seems President Buhari has only thrown away the baby with the birth water with the approval of withdrawal of the country from international basketball competitions for 24 months.

This is so as the action will erase the gains made by the country in international basketball particularly as the male and female teams are rated number one in Africa.

The female team, D'Tigress,

which qualified in effervescent fashion by beating France for a place in the Women's basketball

World Cup billed for Spain in September this year, will be hard hit by this decision as a no-show will attract sanctions from FIBA as one of the consequences of the self-imposed two-years

withdrawal.

D'Tigress that are rated 14th in the latest FIBA world ranking have won in sucession the last three editions of the Women Afrobasket, while the male team have also

D’Tigress will be most hit by the withdrawal of Nigeria from international basketball for the next two years as the country’s senior women’s team have already booked a place at the FIBA World Cup slated for September in Spain

Osimhen Rejects Man Utd, Others, Insists on Napoli Stay Femi Solaja with agency report

Nigerian Footballer Banned for Two Years A football player of Nigerian origin, Christopher Chizoba Iyikwobe, has been slammed with a two-year worldwide ban from the game.

The Bangladesh Football Federation had requested FIFA to make worldwide the ban it placed on Iyikwobe for misdemeanor not listed. The world football ruling body expectedly granted the request, making it impossible for the Nigerian player to ply his

trade elsewhere until serving out the two-Year ban.

The Bangladesh Football Federation had placed a two-year worldwide ban on Iyikwobe on 26th September 2021, and subsequently appealed to FIFA to give it worldwide effect.

FIFA has now granted the request and Iyikwobe remains suspended from all football-related activities globally until 26th September 2023.

Liverpool to Play Chelsea without Injured Fabinho Liverpool Manager, Jurgen Klopp, has confirmed his side will be without midfielder Fabinho for Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea.

The Brazilian came off with a hamstring injury in Tuesday's win at Aston Villa.

Fabinho will also miss the final two league games of the season, but Klopp hopes he will be fit in time for the Champions League final on 28 May. "We can cope," Klopp said, when asked how the 28-year-old's absence would impact Liverpool's title hopes.

"We have to. Having him or not having him is a difference but it is all fine. That's normal stuff that happens. It's never in a position where you have 12 options, it's always in a position where you don't."

Klopp added: "There's a good chance that he will be available

FA CUP FINAL for the Champions League final."

Jordan Henderson came off the bench to replace Fabinho in the comeback victory at Villa Park and Klopp hinted that Henderson will retain the defensive midfield position at Wembley.

"Hendo came on and played incredible. He has played super games this season at number six, so that is not a problem."

A vital cog in the Liverpool machine, the Reds will be without Fabinho for the Premier League games against Southampton and Wolves as they hope for a Manchester City slip-up.

Liverpool are second, three points behind defending champions City and with a significantly inferior goal difference with two games remaining.

made tremendous progress by qualifying for the last three editions of the Olympics Games as well as winning the Afrobasket in Tunisia in 2015 after beating Angola by 74 points to 65.

In spite of overture from top clubs in the English Premier League in the last few months, Super Eagles’ forward, Victor Osimhen, has put paid to all forms of speculations as he has insisted on staying put at Napoli next season.

Top clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle have shown interest in the Nigerian forward in the last four months and at a time, Arsenal were leading in the race following the prospect of the Gunners playing in the UEFA Champions League next season which was one of the conditions given by Osimhen.

But yesterday, the Napoli striker voiced his desire to stay for another season at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

The 23-year-old has led his side to Champions League qualification this season, sitting atop the Serie A side's scoring charts with 13 goals from 25 games.

Indeed, United and Newcastle were both tipped to move for Osimhen this summer but the Nigeria international, who remains under contract until 2025, insisted yesterday he is enjoying life in Naples and is already planning a push for the Serie A title next season.

"It is a great honour for me to have achieved this goal (qualifying for the Champions League) with my team-mates," Osimhen told Radio Kiss Kiss. "We are very happy to be able to measure ourselves in the biggest European club competition.

"We are more disappointed than (the fans) not having (won the title). We are, because we had the quality to win it. It was our dream to win it. Of course, our hope remains to win the title and

Victor Osimhen...says no to interests from Manchester United and Newcastle

TRANSFER UPDATE for this, we will give everything next season to try again."

Osimhen then went on to voice his desire to continue playing alongside his team-mates, including 'mentor' Dries Mertens, before stressing that he hopes to keep developing under manager

Luciano Spalletti.

"I have to thank Spalletti so much," he said. "He helped me a lot in my growth as a footballer from many points of view, and I have to thank him and his staff for helping me score all these goals. They helped me improve my movement.

"He always talks to me after training and trains me both with

and without the ball. I know I'm dealing with a very high-level coach, really. It is a great honour and a real pleasure to be trained by him, and I hope to be able to work with him for many more years,” observed Osimhen in the interview with the radio station.

But while the player’s representative has concluded that his ward will remain in Naples next season, the club too is not taking things for granted when it told representatives of Manchester United that payment of £85.5m will guarantee the Old Trafford side the service of the player next season.

The Red Devils are expected to strengthen their attacking options in the upcoming transfer window.

Edinson Cavani is set to depart when his contract expires on June 30, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s future remains uncertain.

United’s top scorer has another year left to run on his deal at Old Trafford, but he could seek pastures new after the Red Devils failure to qualify for the Champions League.

Even if Ronaldo stays, United will have to begin planning for life after the 37-year-old soon.

Osimhen still has three years left to run on the deal he signed when he joined Napoli in 2020.

Spurs Win North London Derby to Pile Pressure on Arsenal Tottenham turned up with pressure on arch-rivals Arsenal in the race for a place in next season's Champions League with an emphatic 3-0 north London derby victory last night.

The victory move Spurs to 65 points, just one behind Arsenal in fifth place.

Arsenal could have confirmed a place in the Premier League's top four with a win at Tottenham

TOP FOUR RACE Hotspur Stadium but endured a dismal night to now stand only one point clear of Spurs with two games left.

In a feverish atmosphere, Harry Kane gave Spurs the lead from the spot in the 22nd minute after Son Heung-min was fouled by Cedric Soares, then

added a second before the break with a stooping far-post header after Rodrigo Bentancur flicked on a corner.

In between, Arsenal had been reduced to 10 men when Rob Holding was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Son, while the South Korean finished off any hopes the Gunners had when he fired in from 10 yards two minutes after half-time.

Friday May 13, 2022

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Price: N250

MISSILE Olu Falae to FG “I have very serious doubts, great doubts about 2023 becoming a reality. Apart from the general state of war and violence, INEC made it known that hundreds of its workers have been killed… the state of violence has been progressing to the final stage of anarchy. Nigeria is in limbo. It will mean that the ‘Lugardian evil’ experiment has come to an end” –Former Presidential Candidate, Chief Olu Falae, foreseeing ominous signs in 2023 general elections.

AKINOSUNTOKUN DIALOGUE WITH NIGERIA

akinosuntokun@thisdaylive.com

2023 As Nigeria’s Breaker T

he latest potential outrage in Nigeria is the credible speculation that the two dominant parties, the All Progressive Congress, APC and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP are scheming to present Nigeria with the fait accompli of two northern moslems as their presidential candidates. Both are using the vaunted fanaticism of this subset of the Nigerian electorate as alibi.That, regardless of political party affiliation, if one presents a northern moslem as presidential candidate and the other does not, the latter is guaranteed to lose the election.The orchestration of this theory of political backwardness manifested first in the PDP with the causative emergence of Iyorchia Ayu as party chairman. Confirming speculations of him playing John the baptist for vice-president Atiku Abubakar, it was under his tutelage that the presumption of zoning the party’s presidential ticket to the south was thrown overboard. Equally there was the initial assumption that president Mohammadu Buhari and the APC may yet partially redeem themselves by following through on the hitherto stipulated rotation of the presidential ticket to the south.

On the contrary, especially since the emergence of the northern irredentist and probity challenged Abdullahi Adamu as party chairman, the Nigerian public has been treated to the dissìmulation of ambiguity and equivocation. We are now being advised that the famed capacity of Buhari to sway his cult followership(in the North) to the cause of national unity and integration stops short of his identification with this noble objective. If this is truly the case (and not a ruse by the region’s irredeemable political leadership), it raises the poserisn’t there something shameful about this inherent attribution of backwardness and negative exceptionalism to these Nigerians?

Of holding the country to ransom at any departure point for making a nation out of Nigeria? Yet Sunday Igboho and Nnamdi Kanu are supposed to be the problems of this country.

I have hitherto argued that the partisan divide in Nigeria is less PDP vs APC and mostly the abiding north-south dichotomy (currently embodied in a Buhari writ large constituency versus the rest of us).The platitude is that Nigeria is more divided today than it has ever been. If this is the case, what then are the potential measures available for its mitigation or exacerbation?

The most damaging aspect of the Buhari presidency has been the sharp knive taken to practically sunder the thin fabric holding the country together.The worst case scenario is for calamitous incompetence to reinforce raw divisive nepotism. In being so culpable, the Buhari dispensation continues to make a strong case for the non viability of Nigeria.The experience of the past seven years has simplified and clarified this untenable situation to such an extent that the least educated and unexposed farmer in my village can independently arrive at the conclusion that Nigeria has nothing better to offer him

Buhari

than discrimination and impoverished servitude. The Nigerian water well has been sufficiently polluted and poisoned with the destructive power politics of the winner-takes-all, and the genie, so to say, has popped out of the bottle.

In the short term, the lapse of another Northerner as successor to Buhari will be the culmination and climax of this trend.

And will be a fitting epitath to the Buhari presidency that it was under his watch that Nigeria took this most precipitate step.

I will iterate, that by themselves, difficulties, hardship and challenges are routine and inevitable in the affairs of man and society (and often becomes the spur for a quantum leap in socioeconomic development). What matters is the predisposition of the citizenry to collectively rise to meet the occasion with the sense of a shared nationhood borne of non discriminatory governance and commonality of purpose. You would then have fostered a formidable Nigerian coalition of the willing rearing to contend with any national adversity. And then the J.F. Kennedy exhortation to ‘ask what you can do for your country’ will become the rallying banner. By the same token, discriminatory policies, institutions and governance logically foster the obverse the alienation and demobilisation of the citizens; and an inherent rejection of the ethos of collective sacrifice without which no nation can prosper and endure. An indication of this consequential weakening of national resolve is the contemporary lacklustre performance of the Nigerian army against the Boko Haram insurgency (in contrast to the efficiency of neighbouring Nigerien military). Would a disaffected cadre of the Nigerian military consider themselves as having an equal stake in fighting for a country they no longer believe in?

The less emphasised lesson of the transition of power from President Goodluck

Jonathan to Buhari in 2015 is that it was given momentum by the background of the premature termination of rotation of power to the North - stymied by the peremptory exit of late President Umaru Yar’Adua. Were Jonathan to have become president after a two term (eight years) rotation to the North, his exit from office after one term and (consequent reversal of power to the North) would have been quite problematic. Behind the veil of the ostensible Jonathan enabled democracy leap of faith is the compelling masquerade of the unfulfilled Yar’Adua tenure. Twenty nine years ago, it is doubtful there would have been any nation threatening crisis were the military president who annulled the June 1993 presidential election to be Yoruba. These two instances constitute a specific background to the expediency of power rotation in Nigeria. The attendant crisis of the 1993 election was far less about democracy and more about the monopoly of power by the North. It is the reason there was a contrived concession of power to the South West in 1999 and the stabilising enactment of the zoning convention. It is the reason the still born vice president Abubakar Atiku’s challenge to president Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003 was ultimately doomed.

Speaking on behalf of the Western region to the pre civil war situation in May 1967, Chief Obafemi Awolowo had this to say “If any region in Nigeria considers itself strong enough to compel us to enter into association with it on its own terms, I would only wish such a region luck. But such luck, I must warn, will, in the long run be no better than that which has attended the doings of all colonial powers down the ages. This much I must say in addition, on this point. We have neither military might nor the overwhelming advantage of numbers here in Western Nigeria and Lagos. But we have justice of a noble and imperishable cause on our side, namely: the right of a people to unfettered selfdetermination. If this is so, then God is on our side, and if God is with us then we have nothing whatsoever in this world to fear”. In thus speaking to the prevalent context of balance of terror (in which the North wielded the advantage) Awolowo might as well be addressing himself to the emergent Nigerian situation.The current dispensation is even worse - when the embarrassing governance incompetence of Buhari and nationwide security breakdown are factored into the equation.

Igboho may not be Awolowo but in his boots on the ground galvanisation of the Yoruba self-determination spirit he is the current personification of the position eloquently tabled by the latter at a comparable period in Nigeria’s history.

And this is precisely the symbolism of Professor Wole Soyinka’s courtesy visit to him at coutonu the other day. If Nigeria has deteriorated to such a degree that this is the perception of Igboho, blame the increasingly intolerable status-quo for making identification with Igboho a

growth industry. Blame those who have taken Nigeria captive to an agenda that may be tolerable or beneficial to some and completely degrading to others. If we are getting increasingly powerless to influence a course reversal, we are, at least, entitled to the right to repudiate the Nigeria indicated in this trend.

With reference to Awolowo’s observation on “military might and the overwhelming advantage of numbers”, the population numbers game is the original sin of the Nigerian union and its fraudulence is contemporaniusly captured in the following report by the Guardian of London “Indeed, the official 1963 figure of 55.6 million as total national population is inconsistent with the census of a decade earlier because it implies a virtually impossible annual growth rate of 5.8 percent’. One of the abiding peculiarities of Nigeria is that the full knowledge of the fraudulence of these figures notwithstanding, it has been adopted intoto and remains the standard for extrapolating the validity of subsequent enumeration of Nigerians. Such subsequent exercises have been little more than a variation and proportional upward review of the figures initially attributed to each region and states. Here again is the London newspaper “analysis of the data for each of the country’s 36 states and its capital shows that INEC has increased the number of new registered voters by almost exactly the same percentage across all states. The correlation is a “statistical impossibility”. Plotted on a scatter line graph, there is a 0.99 correlation across all the states, without a single outlier.

According to three separate data analysts, the parity cannot be a coincidence. “Only God works that closely,”. It is significant that the only population census bereft of any political implication and fignalling has the figures of 9,075560 and 8,615376 for the southern and northern provinces respectively-as extracted from the table showing the total number of Nigerian deaths during the pandemic of 1918-1919.

It used to be the case that a northern proxy from the south (as president) reinforced with a stranglehold on the national assembly is deemed sufficient guarantee for the subsistence of northern hegemony.

But like Oliver Twist the managers keep coming for more until there is nothing left to give.

Going forward, the challenge confronting the wounded sub national communities comprising Nigeria transcends the superficial divide between the two major parties. And it does not require a soothsayer to predict that, in the current trajectory, the country is headed for a scheduled appointment with fate. Meanwhile monumental efforts are going to be deployed to divide and dismember the ranks of the politically disinherited and render them prey to a renewed bid for internal colonialism. It is a period that will test our individual and collective resolve to stare down the political menace with which Nigerians are, once again, confronted.

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