MONDAY 6TH JUNE 2022

Fashola: Construction of $15.6bn Abidjan-Lagos Highway to Benefit 40m West Africans AfDB provides additional €3.5m for feasibility studies Nigeria-Cameroon link bridge for inauguration this month Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja When completed, the construction of the 1,028-kilometre Abidjan-Lagos highway would benefit at least 40 million West Africans, the Minister of Works and Housing,

Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), said at the weekend.

The highway estimated to cost $15.6 billion which is expected to have significant impact on the economies of five regional countries, namely: Côte d'Ivoire,

Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria, he said, remained firmly on course.

Speaking at the 16th interministerial meeting of the group in Abuja, Fashola who doubles as the Chairman of the five regional ministerial steering committee,

noted that the resources were being mobilised to ensure the Nigerian axis of the project was completed soon.

"The Nigeria section is the famous Lagos-Badagry corridor. As the designs are going on, integration

is going on and our government led

by President Muhammadu Buhari through his tax-credit scheme, has mobilised the resources that will ensure that the Lagos-badagry section of this highway can be fully paid for.

"Money is now in place and work is now going on and those who are familiar with the corridor must have realised that between December last year and the first Continued on page 5

Power Sector Collapse Imminent, Stakeholders Warn... Page 10 Monday 6 June, 2022 Vol 27. No 9918. Price: N250

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Finally, Nigeria Air to Get Operating Licence Today…Page 11

Owo Killings: Outraged Buhari Mobilises All State Resources to Neutralise Attackers, CursesThem Maintains Nigeria’ll never give in to evil, wicked people Akeredolu: We’ll hunt down assailants Your empty threats are no longer working, CAN blasts president Please donate blood to save lives, NMA urges Nigerians Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja, Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti, Fidelis David in Akure and Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan In a move unprecedented, outraged

President Muhammadu Buhari, has instructed an immediate mobilisation of all state resources, directed to finding and neutralising the criminals, who attacked the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa

Street, Owo Kingdom, in Ondo State, yesterday, and killed scores of people, mostly women and children.

To further underscore the extent of his rage at the unprovoked attack of worshippers, the president also

rained curses on the terrorists, who were yet to be identified, saying eternal sorrow awaited them, both on earth and in the hereafter.

Describing the killings as heinous, Buhari, however, maintained that

Nigeria would never give in to evil and wicked people, even as he vowed that the country would win eventually.

Also, speaking, the Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi

Akeredolu, (SAN), who was deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack and killing of innocent people, vowed to go after the attackers and hunt Continued on page 6

How Owo Church Killings Put 2023 Northern Presidency Up in the Air Ruling party’s govs intensify moves for reconciliation and southern presidency APC aspirants in last minute push for alliances, mobilisation Olawale Olaleye Yesterday’s attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo Kingdom, Ondo State, by criminal terrorists, leaving scores dead in its wake, mostly women and children, might have had devastating consequences on the quest for northern presidency in 2023.

Although a debate on the justification for a northern president after President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight years, has always ended in stalemate, yesterday’s terrorists attack on innocent

worshippers, has however, made the idea more untenable in view of the current realities.

Already, the governors from both north and south, had reviewed the security situation in the country, and were said to have come to a realisation that the joke was on them if they sat back and allowed hoodlums take over the country.

However, with the security situation this bad under a northern president, more so a retired general, the governors Continued on page 5

IT'S A MASSACRE...

Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu in tears during a visit to the victims of the Catholic Church attack in Owo, Ondo State...yesterday

Buhari: APC Set for Third Straight Victory Since 2015... Page 10

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2023: Southern Leaders Laud Buhari, Northern APC Govs for Conceding Presidency to South Want aspirants to close ranks, present one candidate Buhari didn't discuss zoning, Adamu insists Tight security in Abuja, police mount security around Eagle Square Deji Elumoye, Kingsley Nwezeh, Michael Olugbode, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja, Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi and Fidelis David in Akure Weekend’s decision by President Muhammadu Buhari and Northern Governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to concede the party’s 2023 presidential ticket to the South, has elicited commendation from the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), which described the development as a remarkable political development in the country.

SMBLF, in a release jointly issued yesterday by its Leaders, Chief Edwin Clark; Afenifere Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo; President-General of Middle Belt Forum, Dr Pogu Bitrus; and President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ambassador George Obiozor, applauded President Buhari, the Northern Governors and political leaders of the APC for their support for the rotation of the presidency to the south in 2023.

According to the leaders, the decision by the APC Northern leaders to back the emergence of a presidential candidate of the party from the Southern part of the country was a remarkable development and fetched huge relief to well-meaning Nigerians, from the needless political theatrics.

They also endorsed the conclusions of the APC governors and political leaders from northern Nigeria, that after eight years of northern presidency under President Buhari, the presidential candidate of the APC for the 2023 elections should come from the south, “in the interest of building a stronger, more united and more progressive country.”

This, the leaders said, was in tandem with SMBLF long-held position on the rotation of the presidency, and therefore, deserved commendation.

"Just when the nation’s future and political fortunes were looking dimmest, with all sorts of appalling shenanigans, the President and the Northern APC governors, have provided a glimmer of hope; indicating that some of our politicians still cherish the ‘oneness’ of Nigeria beyond parochial, political reparations. And, despite certain reservations, this decision has occasioned a level of optimism that perhaps, all hope is not yet lost for the country.

"And by this development, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has not only ingratiated itself with the people of Southern Nigeria, the Middle Belt region, and indeed, all true lovers of democracy, equity, fairness and justice, but has also demonstrated that it is a truly “national” political party that is committed to the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria.

"We commend the courage and patriotism of Governor Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa State, for heeding the ‘patriotic advice’ of his colleagues

and withdrawing his presidential aspiration. And further urge all other Northern presidential aspirants under the APC and other parties, to withdraw likewise, in the national interest.

"We also appeal to the Southern APC presidential aspirants to close ranks, as suggested by Mr. President, and present a credible consensus candidate that we will represent and protect the interest of all Nigerians.

We further restate our call on the people of Southern Nigeria and the Middle Belt region, as well as, all well-meaning Nigerians, to, as a sacred obligation to the nation, not vote for any political party that does not present a southern candidate in the 2023 presidential election.

"The Forum warns politicians, who place their ambitions over and above the health of the polity that the nation cannot afford to fritter away the labours of our heroes, past and present, by allowing such selfseeking politicians to, callously and carelessly, jettison arrangements and understandings that have sustained the oneness and stability of the country over the years."

Also, the Southern Nigeria Governors’ Forum, has hailed its Northern counterparts, for resolving to allow a candidate from the south become the presidential standard bearer of the party in the 2023 general election.

The forum, in a statement by its Chairman and Governor of Ondo State, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), said the action of the Northern Governors was another landmark achievement in the party's quest for understanding, rapprochement and continual engagements for mutual beneficence.

The governors also appealed to all aspirants from the Northern state, including Senate President, Ahmed Lawan and Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to withdraw in the national interest and allow only the aspirants from the south to proceed to the primaries.

“We, therefore, wish to strongly recommend to President Muhammadu Buhari, that the search for his successor as the APC Presidential Candidate be limited to our compatriots from the Southern states. We appeal to all aspirants from the Northern state to withdraw in the national interest and allow only the aspirants from the south to proceed to the primaries,"the statement read.

The forum further expressed delight with the decision of Governor Badru to contribute to the patriotic quest by withdrawing his presidential aspiration.

"We are delighted by the decision of our esteem colleague, His Excellency, Governor Abubakar Badru, to contribute to this patriotic quest by withdrawing his presidential aspiration. We did not expect anything short of this heart-warming decision from our colleagues, great patriots and reliable partners in the collaborative efforts geared towards

the attainment of nationhood for our dear country.

“This is indeed another landmark achievement in our quest for understanding, rapprochement and continual engagements for mutual beneficence. We acknowledge this courageous stance for equity and moral rectitude. We applaud the zeal and determination of our brothers to engage realistically and honestly.

“We salute this uncommon resolve to confront issues militating against the march towards nationhood and ultimate greatness. By this gesture, we are convinced of the seriousness of our colleagues to join other patriots in ensuring that the ascendant march towards stability, progress and prosperity is not truncated by indiscretion.

“We congratulate our brother Governor, Abubakar Badaru, for his exemplary conduct. Posterity will remember him for good.

We thank the leadership of the Northern Governors’ Forum for the patriotic zest displayed at this crucial moment."

In the same vein, Yoruba Muslim Scholars, have also commended the resolution of 11 governors of the APC from the North supporting that the presidential ticket of the party should go to the South.

A press statement by Sheikh Abdur Rasheed Mayaleke, President General, Prof. Olaiya Abideen, Secretary General and Barr.

AbdulGaniy Olaide Ezra - Publicity Secretary read: “We (CONCERNED YORUBA MUSLIM SCHOLARS IN NIGERIA) received with great joy the news of the resolution of the 11 APC Governors from the Northern Region to zone its presidential candidate to Southern Region in line with the agreement of the founding fathers of the party.

“It could be recalled that the Concerned Yoruba Muslims Scholars in Nigeria have been calling to this path for sometime and we cannot but be appreciative of your ability to listen to the voice of reasoning.

“We are greatly indebted to President Muhammadu Buhari, who not only created enabling environment for the resolution of the lock jam, but also went ahead to endorse the resolution of the Northern Governors position in the overall interest of Unity, peaceful and mutual trust and progress of our Nation.

“We acknowledge this courageous stance for equity and moral rectitude. We applaud the zeal and determination of all the stakeholders to engage realistically and honestly.

We salute this uncommon resolve to confront issues militating against the march towards nationhood and ultimate greatness. By this gesture, we are convinced that the ascendant march towards stability, progress and prosperity is not truncated by selfish or parochial interests.”

In a related development, the National Chairman of the APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, has said President Muhammadu Buhari, has not directed that the party’s 2023 presidential ticket should go to any particular geopolitical zone of the country.

Spokesperson for the National Chairman of the APC, Muhammad Nata’ala Keffi, in a statement yesterday, said the gathering didn’t discuss zoning, adding that such claims were false, mischievous and misleading.

He said the President only advised the aspirants to build “a consensus that would help the party reduce the number of aspirants and bring up a formidable candidate.”

According to him, "From the quotations from Mr. President’s speech, there is nowhere where zoning was mentioned. We call on the public to disregard any information about the zoning of the presidential contest to any part country. What Mr President want is the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians; no more, no less.”

But a coalition of youth groups within the APC, has dissociated

from the stance of the northern governors, declaring that the decision did not reflect the opinions of the entire North.

The coalition made up of APC Youths Elements and North-East Youth Forum for APC, jointly held a peaceful protest against the decision of the governors, whom they described as "selfish, self-centered and power mongers."

The youths, carrying placards with different inscriptions demanded that the APC if it wanted to remain in power beyond 2023, should allow a candidate from the North emerge in other to be able to match the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which according to them, has a formidable candidate in Atiku Abubakar.

They further berated the northern governors for not doing anything to develop their respective states but plunged the region into untold hardships particularly, myriad of issues including banditry, kidnapping, robbery, poverty, unemployment and other social vices.

Addressing Journalists, Chairman, APC Progressives Youth Elements, Al-Amin Bala Mai'Auduga said the northern governors did not do wider consultation before reaching the decision they announced on Saturday, saying it did not represent the entire northern region.

Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, weekend, announced new security measures and traffic diversions in order to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

The measures put in place included a security cordon around the Eagle Square, venue of the election.

Security checkpoints at the entry points to Abuja, notably, NyanyaKaru, Gwagwalada and Zuba, were also reinforced.

It said the command had deployed police detectives and patrol vehicles across the Central Area in order to ensure adequate security.

A statement issued by the command said stop and search

operations would be conducted in the area and that there would be heavy police presence in the various traffic control points to aid the free flow of traffic, conduct stop and search, vehicular and foot patrol among others.

"The All Progressive Congress ( APC) Presidential primary election is scheduled to hold from Monday 6th June to Tuesday 7th June, 2022, at the Eagle’s Square. The event is often associated with a high influx of people, thereby requiring an augmentation of the working security architecture of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

"Given the above and to effectively police the territory within the period, an all-encompassing security deployment has been made. Notable among this security arrangement is the emplacement of traffic diversions at strategic places around the Eagle Square," it said.

The command listed the traffic diversion points to include Good luck Ebele Jonathan Way by Court of Appeal, Behind Court of Appeal, ECOWAS by Women Affairs Ministry, Ministry of Finance, Behind Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Kur Mohammed Road by National Mosque.

Other areas that would be affected by the traffic diversion around the Eagle Square are Benue Plaza, Nitel Junction, Phase 3, NNPC Tower, Ceddi Plaza Bridge, Gana Street by Transcorp Hilton, DSS Headquarters, Phase 1, National Assembly Junction, Bullet Construction Company Road and Bayelsa House.

The command affirmed that the FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr Babaji Sunday, while registering the command’s unflinching commitment to peace and tranquility in the territory, urged all and sundry to shun all forms of violence.

It urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide prompt and actionable intelligence as well as report suspicious or abnormal occurrence to the police.

FASHOLA: CONSTRUCTION OF $15.6BN ABIDJAN-LAGOS HIGHWAY TO BENEFIT 40M WEST AFRICANS quarter of this year, there has been more rapid deployment of men, machines and materials along that corridor,” he assured.

Fashola further revealed that the link bridge between Nigeria and Cameroon, which was largely funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) would be commissioned this month.

“We have completed a new link bridge that links Nigeria to Cameroon, and it was funded largely by the AfDB and we are hoping that the ECOWAS commission will give us the necessary support to ensure the formal opening of that bridge sometime in the month of June,” he added.

According to the minister, the commitment to the piece of infrastructure is to upgrade the road network into a first class six lane highway, stressing that although

there was need for speed, quality must not be sacrificed.

“We’re trying to deliver a better life for five countries and over 40 million people who use that corridor, almost on a daily basis.

“The future is bright, this is an important investment for the people of Africa to achieve the objective of the Africa Union (AU) to create a trans-African highway,” he stated.

Also speaking, the Chief Transport Economist, AfDB and Task Manager for the project, Lydie Ehouman, said the bank had been able to secure an agreement for an additional €3.5 million for the road project.

Ehouman added that with the addition, it brings the total amount available for the initial financing of the strategic study on the project to $ 41 million.

“The agreement for the on-

lending of this additional grant by the bank to ECOWAS is currently being finalised. Thus, in addition to its substantial contribution of $25 million, the bank will have mobilised €12.63 million in the form of a grant from the European Union.

“This brings the total amount available for the financing of this highly strategic study to the equivalent of about US$ 41 million,” the AfDB top employee stated.

However, she noted that the claim of delay by consultants in member countries were not tenable, since the agreement was that work should continue while any variation could be discussed and resolved.

In his remarks, Ghana’s Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah urged the government of the five countries to do everything possible to help remove whatever impediment that

may be slowing down the project.

He called on member states to speed up the negotiation with the consultants to reach amicable settlement, explaining that West Africa cannot afford to lose any more time.

“I would also want to call on my colleague ministers again to humbly consider a fair compensation, so as to enable the consultants to undertake that assignment within our revised timelines,” he added.

The ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Mr. Pathe Gueye, in his remarks, said technical studies had been extended from June 2021 to December 2022, as a result of the setback occasioned by the pandemic.

“Appropriate measures relating to this resumption should also be taken, in particular, the extension of the deadlines of the contracts that have expired,” he noted.

while the service was going on.

Parts of the altar POP caved in, as the gunmen shot many worshipers Pool of blood littered the floor of the church as corpses were moved to the Federal Medical Centre and St Louis Catholic Hospital, Owo, as well as those who sustained injuries.

This, nonetheless, the different presidential aspirants in the party, have already begun to mobilise cash and alliances for last minute push.

A party source confided in THISDAY that the APC aspirants, have only decided to downplay

the magnitude of what is going now, because of the backlash from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) open trading with delegates.

“There’s last minute mobilisation of cash that’s already going on and it is across all the aspirants.

None is left out. Besides, there’s also alliances being negotiated ahead of the D-Day. And all of this is being done to ensure a southerner did not just emerge candidate of the ruling party but goes ahead to win the general election. This is why the last minute push is intense,” the source said.

HOW OWO CHURCH KILLINGS PUT 2023 NORTHERN PRESIDENCY UP IN THE AIR unanimously agreed to do something different in order to get a different result, hence the need to ensure a unifier from the south.

“Owo killings had not crept into the picture when the governors met and concluded they could no longer sit back and allow hoodlums take over the country.

So, they agreed to go to the south and try a new perspective, given thew increasing insecurity in every part of the country.

“But with the mindless killings of women and innocent children, who had gone to worship in Church

by terrorists, northern presidency becomes arguably untenable and might have died a natural death, because those who ordinarily should push it are no longer interested,” said a source privy to one of the governors’ meetings.

The source, who claimed that the northerner governors were the ones personally campaigning for a southern president, explained that the only remaining northern candidate in the race for APC ticket, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, constituted threat to the cause and resolution of the governors.

According to him, “The only northern candidate still in the race, Ahmad Lawan, has no experience.

He has never run anything in his life. He has never run a state; he has never run any business, therefore, he poses no threat to southern presidency with its array of supporters from the north.

“So, essentially what the governors, sharing understanding with the party leadership, are trying to do is to see if they could do the consensus that could unite the country and move on from the present phase. The killings are

not tenable and do not represent who we are as a people.”

The attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, had first come in the form of an explosion and was immediately followed by sporadic shootings by the gunmen suspected to be terrorists.

The explosion, which occurred on the church premises, however, left scores dead and many others injured.

When THISDAY visited the scene of the incident, it was observed that the gunmen used dynamites to blow the altar of the church

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T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022

NEWS OWO KILLINGS: OUTRAGED BUHARI MOBILISES ALL STATE RESOURCES TO NEUTRALISE ATTACKERS, CURSES THEM them down.

But the Owo Catholic church, while reacting to the development, said at the point the nation is now in her history, it was time to seek God’s intervention in the affairs of the country.

This is as the Police command in the state, has confirmed there was the use of grenade in the attack, even as they were unable to ascertain the casualty level.

At the same time, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has called on Nigerians, especially the people of Ondo State, to donate blood in order to help save as many lives as possible.

In view of this, however, more and more eminent Nigerians and prominent bodies, both locally and internationally, have begun to react to the incident, condemning it in the strongest terms possible.

An explosion, yesterday, rocked the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State capital, which was immediately followed by sporadic shootings by gunmen suspected to be terrorists.

The explosion, which occurred on the church premises, left scores dead and many others injured.

An eyewitness, Kehinde Ogunkorode, told THISDAY that the incident caused pandemonium in the area as residents, who were taken by surprise, ran for safety.

When THISDAY visited the scene of the incident, it was observed that the gunmen used dynamites to blow the altar of church while the service was going on.

Parts of the altar POP caved in as the gunmen shot many worshipers Pool of blood littered the floor of the church as corpses were moved to the Federal Medical Centre and St Louis Catholic Hospital, Owo, as well as those who sustained injuries.

Another eyewitness, Ikechukwu Eze, told THISDAY that, "Immediately I heard gunshots, I smartly escaped through the fence. The gunmen were up to 10 in number," adding that, security men, who later came to the scene of the incident were chased away by the angry people.

The Catholic Bishop of Ondo, Jude Arogundada, was seen at the scene but refused to speak with Journalists.

To this end, the President, who had put the security on the alert, vowed to track and bring to justice, everyone involved in the attack, promising to set an abiding example with the criminals.

A presidency source, who hinted THISDAY at the situation, said the incident left the president utterly distraught and had said enough of the criminalities, because he would never surrender the state to evil.

Apart from condemning the incident, Buhari, also in a release issued by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, said only fiends from the nether region could have conceived and carried out such dastardly act.

According to him, “eternal sorrow awaits the perpetrators of the bad act both on earth here, and ultimately in the hereafter.”

President Buhari, however, mourned the dead, condoled with their families, the Catholic Church, and the Government of Ondo State, charging emergency agencies to swing into action, and bring succor to the wounded.

But in submitting, Buhari said, “No matter what, this country shall never give in to evil and wicked people, and darkness will never overcome light. Nigeria will eventually win."

Akeredolu, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, said the vile and satanic attack was a calculated assault on the peace-loving people of Owo Kingdom, who had enjoyed relative peace over the years.

“It is a black Sunday in Owo. Our hearts are heavy. Our peace and tranquility have been attacked by the enemies of the people. This is a personal loss, an attack on our dear state.

“I have spoken to the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Reverend Jude Arogundade, who is presently on his way to Owo. Similarly, I have had to cut short my party’s national assignment in

Abuja and visit Owo immediately.

This is an unexpected development.

I am shocked to say the least.

Nevertheless, the governor has said, he would commit every available resource to hunt down the assailants and make them pay.

"We shall never bow to the machinations of heartless elements in our resolves to rid our state of criminals. I commiserate with my people in Owo, particularly, families of the those who lost their lives to this ugly and unfortunate attack. I extend my condolences to Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye as well as the Catholic Church.

“I urge our people to remain calm and vigilant. Do not take laws into your hands. I have spoken to the heads of the security agencies. I have equally been assured that security operatives would be deployed to monitor and restore normalcy to Owo kingdom,” Akeredolu said.

On their part, the Catholic church in a statement by the Director of Social Communication at the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Rev. Fr. Augustine Ikwu, said the attackers stormed the church during the Mass, shooting randomly and leaving unspecified persons dead and others injured.

"It is Pentecost Sunday, a time every Catholic is expected to be in Church to commemorate the solemnity. It is so sad to say that while the Holy Mass was going on, men of unknown origin, wielding guns attacked St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.

"Many are feared dead and many others injured and the Church violated. The identity of the perpetrators remains unknown while the situation has left the community devastated."

The church said security agencies have been deployed to the community to relatively handle the situation.

"At this point in the history of our dear country, Nigeria, we need God’s ultimate intervention to restore peace and tranquility," the statement stated, adding that all the Priests in the parish were safe and none was kidnapped as the social media has it.

"The Bishop of the Diocese is also with them at this trying time. Let us continue to pray for them and the good people of Owo and the state at large. We turn to God to console the families of those whose lives were lost in this distressing incident, and we pray for the departed souls to rest in peace. Amen. The Bishop appeals that we remain calm, be law abiding and pray for peace and normalcy to return to our community, state and country," it said.

The Ondo State Police Command, which confirmed the attack, in a statement by Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Funmilayo Odunlami, said "the Commissioner of Police, Oyeyemi Oyediran, had deployed men of the Explosives Ordinance Device Unit also known as Anti Bomb Squad to the scene while all efforts were being intensified to arrest those, who perpetrated this evil.

"The Ondo State Police Command is aware of the attack at Owo, we will give you the full details of the incident later. We want to implore the people of the state to be calm as all security apparatus is currently active to ensure peace in this area," the statement added.

Meanwhile, Nigerians from all walks of life have started to react to the development, and unanimously condemned what a majority of them considered unprovoked attack.

Christian Association of Nigeria:

The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has condemned the unprovoked attacks and killing of several innocent worshippers at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owom, and therefore, called on the security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators of the dastardly criminality.

A statement issued by the Media Assistant to the CAN President, Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, described the attack and killing of innocent worshipers as very sad and condemnable.

"This is sad, wrong, condemnable, outrageous, unacceptable and satanic. There is no explanation

for this unprovoked attack and assault on a place of worship. This is raw persecution. These people are possessed, demonic and are not working for the good of the country.

May God descend heavily on them and fight them mindless agents of Satan from their roots in Jesus’ name.

"We are once again reiterating our quest for a total overhauling of the security architecture and are asking President Muhammadu Buhari to stop the recycling of those criminals and terrorists in the name of de-radicalising programme. If the programme is not counterproductive, how come the criminalities are always on the increase and nowhere is safe again.

"Criminals are operating with impunity all over the country and unfortunately, our government appears to be so busy with the 2023 general election that it has no time for the unending killings in the country.

What legacy is the government and those who are the managers of our security architecture leaving behind for the unborn generation?

"We are praying for the government and the security agencies to get it right before it will be too late. If the federal government is not interested in the State Police, what efforts are being put in place to arrest this unpleasant situation?”

While commiserating with all the bereaved, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) and the Ondo State Government, CAN said, "We call on the state governors to meet with the president to find lasting solution to these killings. Issuing mere press statements of condemnations and what looks like empty threat is apparently not a way out of it.”

people, who were merely engaged in the harmless practice of their faith.

The only thing that can be said for sure is that these perpetrators are evil and that they should be subjected to the full measure of the law and justice.

“This violent attack has shocked the conscience of the nation and shattered the peace of this ancient town. It has saddened our hearts beyond what words can say. However, those who did this have made a terrible mistake.

“They think they can break our collective spirit and our will to live in peace and with compassion to all regardless of faith. What they have done will not pull us apart. We must unite so that together we extinguish this evil from our nation. We owe it to ourselves and to those who lost their lives in this heinous attack.”

Goodluck Jonathan:

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, condemned the gruesome terrorist attack and killing of over scores of innocent worshippers during a church service at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP said it was alarmed by reports of how the terrorists invaded the church, opened fire on worshippers, freely used explosives within the premises, murdered Nigerians in cold blood and left unchallenged.

"Today’s attack on St. Francis Church appears to be a part in the series of apparently organised assaults by terrorists, who are emboldened by the alleged complicity of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, which has refused to confront the terrorists despite being aware of their plans as exposed by the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai at the wake of recent terrorist attacks on Kaduna State.

"It is now obvious that the APC administration is deliberately surrendering the sovereignty of a large portion of the territory of our nation to terrorists, who are now expanding their reign of terror and territorial occupation in our country.", the PDP lamented

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, has condemned Sunday’s deadly attack on a Church in Ondo State, by unknown assailants, which claimed the lives of scores of worshippers and charged the security agents to be swift in their efforts to apprehend the criminals and make them pay for their actions.

Jonathan, who stated this in a condolence message to the government and people of Ondo State, said, "I offer my heartfelt condolences to the victims, their families, the entire congregation of Saint Francis Catholic Church, in Owo as well as the Government and people of Ondo State."

While denouncing the "brutal killing in cold blood of innocent worshippers by mindless outlaws, out to cause havoc and mayhem in the society," Jonathan further decried the nefarious activities of murderous criminals in the country and urged security agencies to go after them, adding that all efforts should be made to apprehend and bring them to justice.

Atiku Abubakar:

Former Vice-President and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the terrorist attack in Owo, Ondo State, that resulted in the loss of scores of lives.

Atiku, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, condemned in the strongest terms, the attack and any such attack on a worship centre as unacceptable.

"Any attack on innocent citizens, indeed of a gathering of worshippers in any place in Nigeria, stands condemned; it is a red line," Atiku said, said, adding: "My prayers are with the people of Owo, especially, families of the deceased. I do hope that the state government and relevant security agencies will leave no stones unturned in apprehending the criminals.”

Bola Tinubu:

A former governor of Lagos State and presidential hopeful, Bola Tinubu, said the attack was reprehensible in every sense of the word, because there was no place for such hatred and wanton taking of innocent lives in the nation.

“No one can discern the darkness in the mind of those that would kill

Kayode Fayemi:

Ekiti State Governor and presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Kayode Fayemi, has condemned the attack in Owo, saying it was vile, barbaric and callous, and that there could never be any justification for the heinous behaviour of the assailants.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), also commiserated with the Governor of Ondo State, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), the people of Ondo State over the sad incident.

He urged security agencies in the state to ensure that the perpetrators of the crime were apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law, even as he tasked them to remain vigilant.

quick recovery of those injured.

"We appeal to Nigerians in the affected area of Ondo State to kindly go to the hospitals, where the injured are being treated to donate blood to save lives. We call on all doctors in Ondo State and the environs to mobilise themselves to participate in the treatment of the injured. NMA also calls for the release in good health of those abducted. Let's all join hands to build a safe and secure Nigeria."

British High Commission:

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, has reacted to the incident via her verified Twitter account, where she condemned the attack and extended her sympathies to the victims and their families.

She tweeted: “Terrible news today from Owo in Ondo State. I condemn those responsible for this horrific crime. I extend my sympathies to all those affected.”

Ahmad Lawan:

The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has condemned the heinous killings of innocent worshippers by terrorists and described the callous attack as shocking and reprehensible.

"My heart goes out to the families of the victims, the Government and entire people of Ondo State. This incident should be painstakingly investigated to unravel the criminals behind it with a view to quickly bringing them to justice.

"It is another wake up call on all security agencies to up their game with a view to averting the occurrence of such incidents in future," Lawan said.

Umar Farouq: Peoples Democratic Party: Sadiya Minister of Humanitarian Affairs,

Nigerian Medical Association

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has appealed to the people of Ondo State and Nigerians in general, to donate blood to save lives of surviving victims of the Owo attack.

President of NMA, Dr. Uche Ojinma, who made the appeal in a statement, said the association received with sadness, the news of the wanton killing of innocent Nigerians and abduction of some citizens at Owo in Ondo State by gunmen.

"The recurrent shedding of innocent blood in our dear country, has been going on for far too long and it is the position of the NMA that explanations, condemnations and reassurances are no longer comforting.

"The NMA hereby calls for quick intervention by our Governments and security agencies to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians in every part of this nation. The NMA commiserates with the Government and good people of Ondo State over the loss of lives and prays for the

Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, has condemned in its entirety, the killing of worshippers at St Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa Street, Owo Kingdom, in Ondo State.

Umar Farouq, who described the murder as cold blooded, evil and horrific, commiserated with the families of the dead, the Catholic Church, the people and Government of Ondo State.

“This killing is horrific and mindless. The killing of many worshippers inside St Francis Church on a Sunday morning is condemnable.

A lot of men, women, young girls and children had their lives snuffed out during a church service in Owo. I mourn with their families and state government as well as the church. We pray for the repose of their souls.”

Abubakar Bukola Saraki:

Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has commiserated with the people of Owo Kingdom, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, the government, and people of Ondo State following terrorists’ attack at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo. In a statement by Yusuph Olaniyonu, head of his Media Office, Saraki, who urged the security agents to get to work quickly and arrest the terrorists behind the incident, noted that the incident, being the home state of his mother, Chief (Mrs) Florence Saraki, was a sad indication that the terrorists, who have unleashed violence on the northern parts of the country in the past few years, were spreading their evil tentacles to the western part and should be decisively contained before they further entrench themselves.

While condemning the attack on a place of worship, where members of the congregation usually submit themselves totally to their maker and seek protection from God, the ultimate protector, Saraki added that the security agencies must wholesomely adopt the use of technology in fighting the terrorists and that strategic intelligence gathering, processing, and usage must be given priority in protecting the people against the non-state actors waging war against the country.

Rotimi Amaechi:

Presidential hopeful on the platform of the All Progressives Congress

(APC), Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has condemned the attack and killing of innocent worshippers at a church in Owo, Ondo State.

Amaechi, in a statement by his media office, commiserated with the affected families, St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the people of Owo Kingdom and the people and Government of Ondo State, calling the sad event, “a terrible, absolutely vile and senseless murder of innocent citizens.

“I feel so sad and livid that these criminals are so emboldened to carry out these barbaric attacks on the people in broad day light.

Our security agencies have to put heads together and smoke out these monsters and ensure they are punished, immobilized and totally flushed out. They must also in partnership with our government, step up intelligence and work round the clock to nip such acts of terror in the bud.”

Peter Obi:

Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party and former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed shock over the terror attack that rocked Ondo State, in which many lives were reportedly lost, describing it as a very sad day in the history of the nation.

In a press release, Obi lamented the continued descent of the country into insecurity and failure of the state.

He bemoaned the mindless killing of innocent worshippers, saying it was heart-breaking.

"The heartless waste of precious lives at Ondo, today, and indeed other parts of the country, where lives are lost in droves, reminds us how awfully we have retrogressed as a nation, and the herculean task, of nation building, ahead of us, in taking back our nation from insecurity and every form of failure holding us down," Obi lamented.

Nigeria Forum

Governors’

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has expressed its deepest sympathies to the Owo community, the government and people of Ondo State and the country in general following the attack on worshippers at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State in which scores of people were reportedly killed The NGF, in a statement condemned the attack as gory, ugly, and a gruesome act by extremely wicked and warped minds meted out to innocent victims on a holy day.

The governors, however, in the spirit of all faiths, prayed for the deceased and asked that God forgive and grant them mercy. "As Governors, on our oath, we solemnly pledge to work with Mr President, all citizens and residents of our dear Country, Nigeria to assure you of a fully secure environment. Our goal is to halt brutalities, address unresolved criminal acts and ensure all killers are ultimately brought to face the consequences of their actions."

Civil Society Organisations:

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), yesterday, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to live up to his responsibility as president and halt the spiralling criminalities in the country.

The civil society groups also sought the investigation of the allegations by the Methodist Church Prelate that military personnel were complicit in the spate of kidnappings in the South-east.

Members of the coalition include Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, Lagos, African Centre for Entrepreneurship and Information Development, Abuja, COMPPART Foundation for Justice and Peacebuilding, International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre, Young Innovators and Vocational Training Initiative and Ace and Vanguard Legal Practitioners among others.

A statement issued by the coalition Continued on page 50

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Group News Editor: Goddy Egene Email: Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 08074010580

MARKETING CONCLAVE FORUM 3...

L-R: Group Chief Executive Officer, Prima Garnet Africa, Mr.Lolu Akinwunmi; Chairman, First Katalyst Marketing, Mr. Tsola Barrow; Dean of Lagos Business School (LBS), Prof. Chris Ogbechie; andManaging Director, First Katalyst Marketing Limited , Mr. Soji Odedina, at the “ Marketing Conclave’ an event to commemorate First Katalyst Marketing's 10th anniversary in Lagos recently ETOP UKUTT

Buhari: APC Set for Third Straight Victory Since 2015 Promises to sustain unity, party cohesion Stresses need for consensus presidential candidate to emerge Deji Elumoye in Abuja At a meeting, last night, with members of the National Advisory Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC), at the State House, Abuja, President Muhammadu Buhari,appraised the series of consultations held so far towards getting a widely acceptable presidential standard bearer, and concluded, the party was on its way to winning its third straight victory since 2015.

Speaking at a meeting convened to provide leadership and direction during the transition period, the president, who added that the motive was “to strengthen our unity and to focus on building upon our electoral fortunes,” also promised to sustain national unity and cohesion in the party.

“I am optimistic that the outcome of this consultation with the National Advisory Council will in addition to sharpening our focus, help to fortify the positive democratic principles, practices and culture that already

exists within the party system.

“In the course of these consultative processes, I have already met separately with the Progressive Governors and with all our eminent members who are aspiring to become the Presidential flag bearer for our party during the 2023 elections.

“I am pleased to inform you that those meetings have been fruitful and indicative of a party that is prepared and marching towards a third straight victory since 2015, at the presidential polls,” he said.

Buhari recalled that at the meeting with the governors and the aspirants, “I underscored the important roles consensus building and consultation have played in the survival of successful political parties around the world, adding that our party should not be an exception.

“Recognising the foregoing, therefore, I also emphasised the need to strengthen our unity, stabilize our internal cohesion and system as well as present a formidable Presidential candidate who has

National Assembly Staff Embark on Indefinite Strike

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) and National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) have resolved to embark on an indefinite strike over the failure of the National Assembly Management (NASS) to implement the subsisting memorandum of understanding (MoU) jointly signed by NASC, NASS management and PASAN on April 13, 2021, for payment of all arrears for staff.

In the notice of industrial action signed on behalf of the unions by PASAN Secretary General, Hammed Awobifa, they said the strike would commence from 12 midnight on Sunday 5th June, 2022.

The notice read: "PASAN, the NASC of the National Assembly at its joint congress meeting of June 2, 2022, resolved to embark on an indefinite strike over the failure of the National Assembly management to implement the subsisting MoU jointly signed by NASC and NASS

management and PASAN on the 13th of April, 2021. “PASAN had issued a communique on the 28th March 2022, where it demanded full implementation of the subsisting MoU and the Revised Conditions of Service, it also Notified National Assembly Management of 21 Days, 14 Days and Seven Days Service of Notice for Industrial Action if by 31st May, 2022, National Assembly Management failed to comply with the Congress resolution.

"Highlight of the items in the MoU include but not limited to: 24 months arrears of Minimum Wage/Consequential Adjustment in which Management paid only 16 months, leaving a balance of 8 months 13 days. Full implementation of the Conditions of Service as entered to in the MOU signed in April 2021.

To which implementation had started but stopped. In view of this unfortunate development, the Association is embarking on an indefinite Strike commencing from 12 midnight on Sunday 5th June, 2022."

the ability to build a unified nation and the capacity to deal with our challenges.

“The party machinery has also screened all our aspirants to the office of the President and found that they consist of eminent personalities, rich in experience, capacity, commitment to service and accomplishment in life. This gives us a lot of confidence but it also comes with its challenges.”

He said in the circumstances, in order to prevent any postconvention acrimonies and also reduce noticeable anxiety among members on the possible outcome of the process, the party leadership has recommended the intensification of consultation and consensus building to reduce the number of aspirants as it approaches the convention, which commences Monday , June 6, 2022.

Also, to further support the efforts of the party, the president said he has admonished the aspirants to consult among themselves and with the party, so that the objective of the recommendation by the leadership would be actualized.

And as members of the National Advisory Council of the APC, the president claimed torecognise the fact that they all had diverse interests, spheres of influence and expectations.

“You similarly possess the

collective ability to ensure our victory at the 2023 polls by strengthening the stability and unity of the party.

“My charge and appeal to all of you, therefore, is to reach out to your various spheres of influence to actively promote the spirit of consultation and consensus building so that a formidable candidate for the 2023 Presidential elections would emerge from the convention. Our citizens do not expect less from us.”

Buhari assured them as he did to the governors and the aspirants, that in the interest of the nation and the party, he would lead the transition processes and on-going consultations, “till we successfully choose our candidate for the 2023 presidential elections and record our third straight victory, thereafter, by God’s grace.”

They were unanimous that with hard work and a united front, the APC would win the presidential election billed for February next year, as well National Assembly, governorship, and State Assembly polls.

At another meeting with VicePresident Yemi Osinbajo; the leadership of the National Assembly including the President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila and other prominent members of the ruling party, the president used the occasion

to press ahead with his desire to achieve a consensus on the race for the party’s presidential ticket before the convention.

“Looking at this assemblage of personalities and considering your rich pedigree of accomplishments in life, I have come to the conclusion that our party, the APC, is rich in human resources and also that our nation is blessed with capable people that can successfully steer the ship of state into the future,” Buhari stated.

He said with his firsthand knowledge of the demands of the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the expectations of the citizens, “I must salute your courage and your selfless spirit, in volunteering to serve in the highest office of the land.

“Our party, the APC, has won two successive presidential elections in 2015, first when we were in the opposition and in 2019, when I sought re-election. Both processes were achieved through unity of purpose, strategic alignment, consultation, fairness, determination and effective leadership. In both instances, national and party interests were overriding factors in our deliberations and decision-making.

“The 2023 general election are fast approaching in a global, regional and national environment that is constantly changing and challenging.

This demands that our party should become more aware of the changing environment, be responsive to the yearnings of our citizens, re-evaluate our strategy and strengthen our internal mechanism so that we would sustain the electoral successes.

“I am pleased to note that the party, recognising the significance of all these demands, has over time developed several democratically acceptable processes and policies, that promote consultation, internal cohesion and leadership to facilitate victories at the polls.”

The President recalled the consultation he had held with stakeholders “that would help the electoral fortunes of our party, beginning with the State Governors.

This is the second in the series and I still look forward to meeting with party stakeholders. These steps are being taken to ensure that the unity and cohesion of the party are sustained and to provide direction.

“Among others things, I reminded the APC Governors of the need for the party to proceed to the 2023 Presidential elections with strength, unity of purpose and to present a flag bearer,who will give Nigerians a sense of hope and confidence, while ensuring victory for our party. I extend a similar reminder to all of you distinguished aspirants.”

Power Sector Collapse Imminent, Stakeholders Warn Peter Uzoho Stakeholders in Nigeria’s power sector have warned that the sector faces imminent collapse as a results of a myriad of challenges.

Speaking with journalists yesterday, they highlighted the acute foreign exchange shortage in the country as a major challenge affecting the sector. This, according to them was because almost all the materials in the sector are being purchased in foreign currency, adding that the cost of maintaining their facilities is also in dollars.

“We hardly get enough dollars to be able to meet with the maintenance of our equipment and other obligations. This is one of the reasons the sector has been facing all manner of challenges and blackouts in recent time,” one of the stakeholders who pleaded to remain anonymous said.

The federal government had at the weekend explained that the

drop in electricity generation was a result of the partial shutdown of the Oben gas plant for the repair of critical gas processing equipment.

It had also disclosed that the 14 reactivated independent power plants (IPP) across the country would produce off-grid electricity of 1,000 megawatts.

“We wish to notify the general public that the current dip in electricity generation is a result of the partial shutdown of the Oben gas plant to address the repair of critical gas processing equipment.”

“The incident, unfortunately, occurred at a time when other power plants on other gas sources are undergoing planned maintenance and capacity testing.

“We wish to notify the public that Seplat Energy Plc has mobilised equipment, material, and personnel to the site to expedite the restoration of normal gas supply to the affected power plants.

“We have been assured that the repair work would be concluded this weekend and normalcy will be restored. While pleading with electricity consumers with the current state of supply, we wish to assure the general public that efforts are being made for a sustained improvement of supply across the country,” the government had explained.

Another of the power sector stakeholder also warned that the lack of adequate forex was precipitating more crisis in the sector, saying that if urgent measures are not taken to make forex available, collapse is imminent.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) recently appealed to the federal governments to protect industries from collapse due to the erratic power supply in the country.

The Chairman Kwara/Kogi branch of MAN, Bioku Rahmon, called for expedited rescue of

players and investors from the imminent orgy of unemployment and mass closure of companies that is imminent due to the energy crisis. He expressed concern that the manufacturing industry was yet to fully recover from the monumental strangulations occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic, while describing the subsisting energy crisis as the exact antithesis of what the industry can’t contain at this time.

He lamented that electricity generated from the national grid had recorded no improvement and was hampering the activities of manufacturers.

“Foreign Exchange scarcity has worsened significantly, even as industry players continue to experience a sharp and growing shrink in the forex windows.

This has led to major downturns and stress in the purchase and acquisition of foreign components for production,” MAN said.

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CHEERING UGWUANYI ON FOR GOOD PERFORMANCE...

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (right) acknowledging cheers from the people of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of the state, when they paid him a Solidarity/Thank-you visit at the Government House, Enugu, in appreciation of his administration’s numerous development projects in the council area and peaceful conduct of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary elections in the state, yesterday.

Finally, Nigeria Air to Get Operating Licence Today Chinedu Eze The proposed national carrier for Nigeria, Nigeria Air will receive its Air Transport Licence (ATL) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) today in preparation for it to start operation after it has obtained its Air Operator Certificate, (AOC).

The licence would be presented to the interim management of the airline

at the headquarters of the aviation regulatory body in Abuja.

This was made known on the Instagram handle of the Ministry of Aviation @fmaviationng which read: “The @NigerianCAA will on Monday, June 6th, 2022 present the Air Transport License (ATL) to the interim management of the #NigeriaAir, Nigeria’s national carrier at the NCAA’s Corporate

Edo Pledges to Improve Access to Healthcare through Telemedicine Initiative

The Edo State Government has said the telemedicine programme it plan to launch today in partnership with the Association of Nigeria Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) would improve access to quality healthcare for residents across the state.

Edo State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Obehi Akoria, was quoted in a statement yesterday to have said the telemedicine services would be available across the Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in the state.

“There will be an official launch of this programme on Tuesday. The launch is to tell the world that it has been tested and proven that this is possible. We have people who have benefited from it.

“Doctors abroad sit in their offices; we will schedule patients for them to see. Our nurses will remind them that they have an appointment. The doctors in America through digital platforms talk to the patients, asking questions, making decisions and at the end, give out prescriptions and go home with the medicine which is free.

“Now, we are scaling; we are using this place for now.

We are moving to Ugbor PHC and from there, we will gradually scale to other places. If there is a problem in Auchi or Ibillo, the same way somebody stays in America and talks to someone in Benin

and sorts out a problem that will be the same done in Auchi.

“They don't have to travel on the road and risk their lives because the technology is there. This is about deploying the internet to deliver healthcare. As it is right now, this is being done on a purely volunteers’ basis, a free service courtesy of the government of Edo State. The government is investing in the hardware, computers, internet and solar panels required for this job," the statement added.

The commissioner said further: "The first phase was the proof of concept phase.

We have passed that stage, it is working seamlessly. We are at the pilot phase and we need to strengthen it. The next phase is for us to scale, and it will be outside Benin so that overtime, we can go outside.

“We are volunteers. As this thing goes, it will be a whole department on its own, where we will now have to employ dedicated staff who will be troubleshooting across the state, helping us solve issues by deploying technology.

“If after examination, there is need for surgery, the patients will be arranged in batches and the surgeons will be booked to come from the USA to conduct the surgery in Nigeria in the comfort of their families. This is a win-win situation for everybody.”

headquarters, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.”

The ATL is issued as authorisation to airlines to provide scheduled and non-scheduled services. It is one of the licenses received by airlines before they can commence operation just as they await the AOC that fully guarantees them the right to begin air services.

Nigeria Air Limited had in April 2022 applied to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for a licence to operate scheduled and non-scheduled passenger and cargo services.

The company had disclosed this in a public notice as part of the requirements for granting an AOL. The notice stated that any person or organisation with objection should make it known before 28 days expire.

“This is to inform the general public that Messrs Nigeria Air Limited has applied to the Nigerian Civil Aviation

Authority for the grant of an Air Transport License to operate scheduled and nonscheduled passenger and cargo services within and outside Nigeria,” the notice read.

Director-general of NCAA said the promoters of Nigeria Air have applied for AOC and that the process was still ongoing.

Nuhu said he has no assurances yet on when the license would be issued because, like all other airlines that had applied for AOC, there are some issues that are not completely under the purview of the NCAA such as seeking security clearance for the applicant.

Nigeria Air had been expected to start operation since it was identified as one of the major projects of the President Mohammadu Buhari administration in the aviation industry.

Sirika had promised that the airline would start operation in June/July. 2022 and the obtaining of ATL is

a positive step to actualising that objective.

The Ministry of Aviation recently reiterated that the airline would be driven by the private sector but it is the responsibility of the government to midiwife the national carrier but would only have 5 per cent stake in the company, the technical partner would have about 49 per cent, while the rest would be acquired by local investors.

However, industry analyst and former Commandant of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos (MMIA), Group Captain John Ojikutu (retd) expressed doubt about the planned national carrier.

He said his worry was that it might go the same way like the defunct Nigeria Airways Limited (NAL), saying there was nothing being done differently from the way the former national carrier was run.

“My fear about the national carrier is that it will go the same way as Nigeria Airways.

I am not in support of it. How many African countries have national carrier now? South African Airways, Kenya Airways which are national carriers are having problems. It is only Ethiopian Airlines that is doing very well, but other national airlines are not doing well. Ghana, Congo, Cameroon don’t have national carrier, but they had in the past. If you say that the private sector will have 95 per cent, why not put the bidding out so that the private sector will drive it? Why are you midwifing it?” he said.

Also the President, Sabre Network West Africa, Dr. Gabriel Olowo, said it was only the Minister of Aviation and his team who could correctly tell if the airline was ready to take off as planned.

Olowo who is also the President, Aviation Round Table (ART) also noted that national carrier for any country was no longer in vogue, describing it as a “mere nomenclature.”

Pope Francis Honours Ex-Chief Judge Bozimo, Azinge, 13 Others Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Prof Epiphany Azinge (SAN) and former chief judge of Delta State, Mrs. Rosaline Bozimo, were among 15 eminent Nigerian citizens from Delta State in the honours roll of Pope Francis in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the church and society.

They were awarded the prestigious Papal Knights and Dames of St Gregory and St Sylvester for their respective contributions to the universal church and society.

Aside Bozimo, who is a former Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI) and the wife of former Minister of Police Affairs, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, the wife of chieftain of Delta APC, Mrs. Carol Enuha, also made the list.

Other recipients of the papal award included Patrick

Ikemefuna, Okechukwu Ofili, Benedict Chukwuma, John U T Okolo, Joseph Emuezie, Henrienta Odume, Henrienta Ajuebon, Caroline Sotunde Patience Elumeze, Justina Nwaobi, NES, Elizabeth Okwuadi and Suzanna Nwabude.

The Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku, Delta State, Rev Fr. Charles Uganwa, who disclosed this in a statement in Asaba, said the investiture ceremony would hold on June 18, 2022.

Fr Uganwa said, “Some were also honoured with Papal Medals. These men and women have distinguished themselves in faith and morals and have contributed immensely to the growth of the Church and society.

“The Bishop of Issele-Uku diocese, Most Rev Michael Elue will, on behalf of the Holy Father perform their investiture ceremony within a Eucharistic celebration

which will take place at St Paul Cathedral, Issele-Uku on Saturday, June 18.

“They have also selflessly helped in bringing positive development to Nigeria in all ramifications. The honour given to them is, therefore, a clarion call on them to further gird their loins in the defence of Christ in all ramifications at all times as his soldier.”

The Papal Knighthood is awarded to Catholic faithful who have been instrumental to the physical and spiritual development of their local Church thereby helping in no small measures in grassroots evangelisation in the diocese.

"These honourees, and many others, no doubt have been instrumental to the physical and spiritual development of the local Church thereby helping in no small measures in grassroots evangelization in the diocese. They have also selflessly helped in brining positive development to Nigeria in all ramifications.

The honour given to them is therefore a clarion call on them to further gird their loin in the defence of Christ in all ramifications and at all times as his soldier.

"As soldiers of Christ and the Church, Knights are expected to be fired with a fervent zeal of the Holy Spirit for the social apostolate, holding in high esteem professional competence, family and civic sense, virtues related to social behaviour, such as honesty, sense of justice, sincerity, courtesy and moral courage without which there can be no religious or social apostolate.

"They should be ready to endure any hardship for the good of their fellow men, recalling the words of St. Paul: “If one of us suffers, all suffer together; if one of us is honoured, all rejoice together” (Cor. 12:26). A vocation of knighthood is one of service to every member of the human family.”

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19 Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG

POLITICS

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

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

Timeline of Events Leading to APC Presidential Nomination

The All Progressives Congress (APC) will today commence activities that will culminate in the nomination of its presidential candidate for the 2023 national elections. Adedayo Akinwale highlights the events leading to the special convention

Buhari

Osinbajo

Adamu

A

damu’s Emergence On March 26, 2022, the former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Abdullahi Adamu emerged as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after President Muhammadu Buhari anointed him for the position.

Adamu, a serving Senator at the time entered the race very late. Other frontline contestants were persuaded to withdraw their interest, making him the sole candidate, at the end of the day.

The decision of the president to back his candidacy forced other chairmanship aspirants to subsume their ambition due to the respect they have for the president. The chairmanship aspirants that stepped down for Senator Adamu were; former Governor of Nasarawa state,Senator TankoAl-Makura, Senator GeorgeAkume, Senator Sani Musa, former Governor of Zamfara state, Abdulaziz Yari, Mallam Salihu Mustapha and Muhammed Etsu among others.

Few days after he assumed the leadership of the party, Adamu said he would commence the probe of the secretariat and directors of the party after the Transition Committee submits its report. He stated categorically that he would like to know the state of finances of the party.

Directors Ordered to Proceed on Compulsory Leave Following the submission of the report by the Transition Committee, Adamu directed six directors of the party to proceed on compulsory leave with immediate effect.

The directive was in furtherance of the move by the National Working Committee (NWC) to reorganize the National Secretariat of the party.

Akwa Ibom Debacle The State Congress of the APC held in October 2021 recognized Mr. Austin Ekanem as the winner and chairman of the Akwa Ibom APC State Executive. APC conducted state congresses across the country on October 16, 2021. In Akwa Ibom, the congress conducted by the seven-member Banki Sheriff-led Election Committee, dispatched

by Governor Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker Committee, produced Ekanem as chairman, having won the exercise, polling 1,278 votes.

However, in April 2022, Adamu inaugurated Mr. Stephen Ntukekpo as chairman of the party in Akwa Ibom State in defiance to a Court of Appeal order, asking parties to maintain status quo.

Ntukepo is a member of a faction loyal to former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, while Ekanem belongs to the faction loyal to the National Secretary of the defunct Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Senator John Akpanudoedehe.

But, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Akwa Ibom State, Mike Igini warned INEC

Lawan

The ruling party incurred the wrath of Nigerians when it fixed its presidential nomination form at the rate of N100 million. The party argued that its decision was aimed at ensuring that aspirants who were not serious do not scuttle the party’s electoral process.

Nevertheless, a former Governor of Cross River state, Clement Ebri condemned the high cost of forms for Expression of Interest and Nomination for elective offices, saying it vitiates the principles upon which the party campaigned and was voted into power.

Also, a former national chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun described the N100 million as “princely ransome.”

Tinubu

Amaechi

would not compromise its stance on the sanctity of the processes that birthed the Ekanem-led state executive of the party. One of the chieftains of the party in Akwa Ibom and former Petroleum Minister, Chief Don Etiebet alerted the National Secretariat of the APC to the dire consequences that the Akwa Ibom APC fiasco may bring on the entire structure of the party nationwide.

Invalid Delegates Lists A former Minister of Petroleum and a chieftain of APC, Chief Don Etiebet warned that the party might end up not having a presidential candidate in the national 2023 elections if it allows unqualified delegates to vote in its primary.

Etiebet told journalists in Abuja that there was need for the NWC led by Adamu to address the issue of valid delegates list from Akwa Ibom.

He described the recently conducted governorship primaries in Akwa Ibom as inconsistent with the provision of

Section 84 (1) of the Electoral Act. Cross River Similarly, the Cross River State APC is currently embroiled in a crisis over the sending of “fraudulent” delegates’ lists by the State Working Committee (NWC) to the NWC. In a statement issued by Mr. Francis Ekpenyong on behalf of Cross River Authentic Adhoc National Delegates, he called on Adamu to ignore a ‘fraudulent’ list of the national delegates sent by the SWC. The party stakeholders pointed out that the state Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, Hon. Legor Idagbor, Barr. Alphonus Ogar Eba, Sen. Stephen Adi Odey, Dr. Thomas Aruku, among others did not take part in the National Delegate Election and they can not be delegates from their respective local government areas of Cross River State.

The stakeholders stated: “We make bold to say that the so-called National Delegates lists presented to the party by the State Working Committee members of the party was based on a poorly scripted skit comedy shot by the State Chairman of the party and his co-conspirators.”

Outrageous N100 million Presidential Nomination Form

A former Minister of Petroleum and a chieftain of APC, Chief Don Etiebet warned that the party might end up not having a presidential candidate in the national 2023 elections if it allows unqualified delegates to vote in its primary

Olawepo-Hashim, Chima, Garba, Ayom Refuse to Participate A businessman, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, Ihechukwu Chima, Moses Ayom and Adamu Garba who had previously shown strong interest in contesting for the Number One office in the land on the APC platform later chickened out after the party announced the sum of N100 million for the form. Announcing his withdrawal from the race in a phrase that may have captured the sentiments of fellow presidential aspirants who bowed out, Olawepo-Hashim said, “My day will come.” However, he has continued to engage the public, politicians and the electoral umpire on prevalent issues in the polity.

23 Presidential Aspirants Hustle for APC Ticket The outrageous cost of the presidential nomination form did little or nothing to stop aspirants from purchasing it. Initially, 28 aspirants bought the forms, while 23 submitted.

The President of African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Minister of State for Petroleum, Timpre Sylva, Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele and Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige were among those who couldn’t brave the odds.

The 23 aspirants are: Governor of Jigawa State, Abubakar Badaru, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, Tein Jack-Rich, Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, former Minister of Education, Emeka Nwajuiba, former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senator Bola Tinubu and Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi.

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

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T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY JUNE 6, 2022

FEATURES

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

Unending Reign of Terror in Anambra Insecurity in Anambra has reached a worrisome crescendo, especially with seven local government areas of Anambra South zone under siege. While it seems security agencies are overwhelmed depsite measures by the state government, David-Chyddy Eleke reports that the incessant tales of killings, abduction and even beheading, have turned the once vibrant state into a shadow of itself

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n March 2021, when gunmen attacked Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area during an event by the then governorship aspirant of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, killing three of his security aides, it was obvious that that the governorship election which was coming in November of that year would be a hard battle. Many attributed the attack to politics, especially by opposition politicians.

But after the primary election, rather than decrease as expected, the tempo of attack increased, further fueling speculations that the attacks had political connotations. Gun-totting young men and women ceased to operate only in the border areas of the state, but entered right in the heart of major towns like Nnewi, Onitsha, Ekwulobia and Ihiala.

They operated freely, killing at will, abducting many, and snatching vehicles for their operations. Though no one was sure of their identity, there were indications that the attackers were members of the separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The accusation came out almost true as most of those attacked, who came out alive said the attackers always harped on the incarceration of the leader of IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Incidences of attack continued to the level where the hoodlums warned that their attacks will now be targeted at politicians. They warned that people should remove political parties' insignia from their cars to avoid attacks. True to their words, during the campaign period for the governorship, many politicians were attacked, including a member of the House of Representatives, Hon Chris Azubogu, and the candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Obiora Agbasimelo, who was kidnapped, and up till date, no mention of him has been heard.

Husband of late former Minister of Information, Prof Dora Akunyili, Dr Chike Akunyili also fell victim of the mindless attacks by the gunmen.

Akunyili was killed in Onitsha, shortly after he had picked a posthumous award for his late wife. Driving in a black prado jeep with a security aide, Akunyili was mistaken for a politician according to eyewitnesses, and a hail of bullet was pumped into his face. His police orderly and one other person who was travelling in the car with him were also killed.

All these made everyone believe truly that the killings may have to do with politics.

Monday Sit-at-Home and Persistent Killing The activities of the gunmen however continued after the election held in November of 2021. Though there was a little reduction in the tempo of killing, news of the activities of gunmen continued, even though it reduced to only Mondays, which despite the call off of the Monday sit at home has continued to be enforced by urchins.

To ensure that the Monday sit at home continued to be observed, the gunmen usually instill fear in the people either through Sunday attacks, or early Monday morning attacks on unsuspecting people going to their businesses.

The attacks usually circulates widely and instills fear in residents of the state, who inadvertently sit back at home, leaving the streets empty.

An Olive Branch by Governor Soludo The coming of Prof Chukwuma Soludo as governor of Anambra State on March 17, 2022 seemed like one that stirred the hornet nest.

Despite devoting a sizeable part of his inaugural address to appeal to criminals to dump their nefarious operations and also offering them an olive branch, the activities of gunmen in the state shot up astronomically.

First, Soludo abolished the Monday sit at home after declaring a day’s prayers and fasting, which was marked with a Catholic mass. As if to announce that they were stronger, the level of killing rose, with attacks coming in various parts of the state on a daily basis. While some were killed, others were taken hostage and

Anambra State Police commissioner, CP Echeng Echeng briefing the media on state of insecurity in the state

Beheaded Anambra lawmaker, Hon Okechukwu Okoye ransom demanded, while the "lucky" victims had their vehicles seized to be used for their nefarious operations, and others were dispossessed of various valuables.

Extension of Criminal Network in Seven LGAs Many say the seven local government areas that make up Anambra South Senatorial District are now the strong base of the criminals. Sources said that in some communities in Nnewi South Local government, indigenes have to pay fees to criminals

The state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo with security chiefs, during a statewide broadcast on measures adopted to quell insecurity if they want to hold any social activities. Communities like Ukpor, Ezinifite, Azia, Lilu and others also harbour camps for the gunmen, from where they come out to conduct operations.

In some of the communities, the criminals have in coordinated operations mopped up guns in the communities, which were purchased for vigilante operatives. According to a source, this has put the villages in serious danger as they can no longer defend themselves. The source said many communities in the local government area were affected by the development, which explains why the various communities can no longer resist the invasion of the gunmen in the area.

The tiny but vicious gangs that have invaded our state and terrorising us...they don’t come from the air, and hence are not “unknown” gunmen. They are known. You know them, but are either too scared to speak up or out of indifference. But for how long will you be silent while our people continue to be killed in the most cruel and barbaric manner?

The source said: “They once brought an unsigned letter demanding that we surrender all guns in our possession, we thought it was a joke, but the next thing we saw was fierce-looking heavily armed youths who stormed my house and demanded for the guns. They were strange faces and they took the guns we purchased for our vigilante outfit. What surprised me was that they knew the number of guns we have, which is an indication that someone from our community was working with them. We have tried to identify who the saboteur could be without success. As it stands, we are at their mercy. They can come into any community and operate without any resistance.”

A Typical Day in Anambra At the moment, a typical day in Anambra is seemingly not complete without news of killings, attacks, abductions and dispossession of properties. Last two weeks, bad news flowed in torrents in Anambra. At about 7am on Friday last two weeks, citizens of the state who were going to their places of work reported that a headless corpse was sighted at Nnobi-Alor-Nkpor road.

While security operatives moved and retrieved the corpse, which was discovered to be that Continued on page 21

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T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY JUNE 6, 2022

FEATURES

Anambra State Police commissioner, CP Echeng during a visit to husband of a slain pregnant woman

Scene of a typical attack in Anambra of the kidnapped Anambra lawmaker, Hon Okechukwu Okoye, the news of the discovery of three fresh heads broke again at about 6pm.

The heads were discovered at Chisco Park in Amichi, Nnewi South LGA. The heads were said to be those of the slain lawmaker, his aide, Cyril Chiegboka and one other person.

On the same day, news of attacks at Onitsha Tollgate, Ogbunike/Nkwelle Junction, Eke Adazi Nnukwu, Ogidi, Aforigwe, Umunnachi, Oraukwu, Agulu and Nanka were heard. In all the attacks mentioned above, people also lost their lives.

Mystery over Gunmen Identity Repeatedly, the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB has denied that its members are responsible for the attacks in the state. Though there are many pointers to the fact that those perpetuating the attacks were also involved in separatist struggle or used it as a smokescreen, but both the Anambra State Governor, Prof Soludo and the state police command have insisted that the attackers are common criminals, to whom their operations is purely a money making venture.

While the State Police Commissioner, CP Echeng Echeng believes that the men are indigenous members of communities in Anambra, the governor is of the belief that the men are not Indigenes, even though they are Igbo.

CP Echeng in an interview with THISDAY said there was nothing unknown about the gunmen terrorising the state to warrant the tag of 'unknown gunmen' as the criminals have come to be known. He decried what he called a conspiracy of silence by residents of various communities, who he said have not provided enough information for the dislodging of criminals in their various hideouts.

He said: "We have been saying unknown gunmen is not the right name for these criminals.

We are trying to mystify something that is not just there. It is time we go into demystifying those people. These people are not spirits, they live with us, they are our nephews, our cousins, our brothers, and they live in communities. We know who they are. The problem of security is that of total silence, nobody sees something, nobody hears something and nobody says something.

"Security is collective and everyone has a part to play. Crimes are localised, and they happen in our communities. We should be able to come up with information of what is happening in our communities, not glorifying them and tagging them unknown gunmen, otherwise we will end up not making headways. We know them, we have actually arrested some of them and they are human beings. I want us to also shift the narrative that these criminals are Fulani. We have arrested some and taken out some during gun duels.

"So, when the community who should help to contribute to security decide to stay quiet, that is not a good sign. Last week, a person I didn't know told me that a team of gunmen were operating at Umunze in a Hummer Jeep, I sent a team after them, and we were told they have moved to Umuchu and we pursued them and were able to take out four of them. I don't know the man who gave me the information, but we used the information to fight the criminals. That black Hummer Jeep you see there (pointing to it) was recovered

from the criminals. You can see what information can do. That is how powerful information is, and we expect people to give information," Echeng said.

Investigation by THISDAY also corroborated the claims of CP Echeng. An indigene of Ukpor, a community in Nnewi South Local Government Area who spoke to our correspondent said: "It is true that some of them may be from somewhere else, but our brothers are all members of these unknown gunmen.

"Some of our youths who have nothing doing, and who see how these boys spend money have joined them. They are known, but truth is that you cannot report them.

Somehow, they always find out those responsible for reporting them, and you won't be able to withstand the kind of trouble they will give you, and police may not be there when they will visit you."

Another resident of Ezinifitte, Nnewi South Local Government Area said the entire community has been deserted because any youth found is conscripted into their gang and forced to go with them to operation.

"I'm not from Ezinifitte, but I have people whose buildings I'm handling there, but since this trouble started, I have ceased from going to Ezinifitte. I live in Ozubulu, and I'm okay there, even though sometimes there are pockets of violence there too," the source said.

Petty Thieves Take Advantage As insecurity rages in the state, THISDAY investigation has shown that not all crimes committed in the state can be attributed to the group referred to as 'unknown Gunmen'.

Petty thieves, armed robbers, cultists and other armed gangs have also been responsible for some of the violence in the state.

In Onitsha for example, in broad daylight, urchins aged between 16 and 24 move in groups of four or more, dispossessing residents around Nkpor, Awada, Obosi and Okpoko of their belongings by merely

brandishing daggers.

A female journalist residing in Onitsha told her experience recently. She had been given a free ride by a colleague to a junction, from where she hoped to catch the next bus to her house, but as she alighted from the car, three boys approached her and demanded that she give them some money to buy something. She opened her purse and gave them N2,000, but the boys insisted it was too small, and before long, they demanded to be given the entire purse.

They drew daggers, and she succumbed. They did not stop, they also robbed her colleague who was dropping her off. All these happened in full glare of residents and passersby.

Also in Awka, cult activities have reached an alarming height, with several killings already registered. Recently at Ifite area of Awka, a clash between cultists and vigilante operatives left four vigilante operatives dead. It was gathered that vigilante operatives had weeks back killed and set ablaze a cultist in the area, which is close to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and fellow cultists had mobilised to avenge the death of their member, leading to a massive shoot out that lasted for hours, sending residents of the area to early sleep, even before bedtime.

In Ekwulobia, a gang of four boys who were said to be residents in Oko, Orumba North are said to have devised a way of eating free food everyday. Knowing already the fear soaked atmosphere in the state, the boys walk into any restaurant to eat food without paying, after which they threaten the restaurant owner for coming out on a day that has been declared sit at home. They were however recently apprehended by some residents of Ekwulobia, where they confessed that they were just taking advantage of the fear already instilled in the people by the daily killings.

Efforts of State Government As part of efforts to stem the tide of insecurity in the state, the state governor, Prof Soludo has moved to restore calm in the state. Though many argue that it took the killing and beheading of the lawmaker representing him in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon Okechukwu Okoye, his aide, Cyril Chiegboka and a huge outcry over the killing of a pregnant woman and her four children to move him.

Soludo in a state wide broadcast made on Wednesday evening declared curfew in eight local government areas of the state with effect from Thursday, 26th May, 2022. He said: "A 6pm to 6am curfew is hereby placed on motorcycles (okada), tricycles (keke), and shuttle buses in Aguata, Ihiala, Ekwusigo, Nnewi North, Nnewi

Security is collective and everyone has a part to play. Crimes are localised, and they happen in our communities. We should be able to come up with information of what is happening in our communities, not glorifying them and tagging them unknown gunmen, otherwise we will end up not making headways. We know them, we have actually arrested some of them and they are human beings

South, Ogbaru, Orumba North and Orumba South Local Governments until further notice.

Until further notice also, motorcycles, keke and shuttle buses are banned from operating in these local governments on Mondays until the Sit-at-Home completely stops.

"The youths of every community in the zone are hereby enjoined to assist the security agencies in the implementation of this policy and are mandated to seize any such motorcycle or tricycle on the spot.

"Local Vigilantes should report such motorcycles or tricycles (keke) immediately, and they will be confiscated by government and the owner prosecuted. The Okada, Keke, and shuttle bus union leaders must take responsibility to report their members who are involved in criminal activities. We shall review this after two weeks, and if members of these unions continue to be involved in criminal activities, the government will have no choice but to either disband the Unions and/or ban them out rightly in the state."

Referring to criminal gangs in the state, Soludo said: "The tiny but vicious gangs that have invaded our state and terrorising us are mostly in eight local governments in Anambra and three neighboring local governments in Imo State. They are in our forests, communities, and houses owned by individuals. They don’t come from the air, and hence are not “unknown” gunmen. They are known. You know them, but are either too scared to speak up or out of indifference. But for how long will you be silent while our people continue to be killed in the most cruel and barbaric manner?

"The security agencies will continue to do their part, but we the people, must proclaim that Enough is Enough and demonstrate full ownership."

As part of ways to curb the menace, Soludo unveiled more phone numbers to be used by citizens of the state to report suspected cases of crime. He also added no part of Anambra State shall be used as camps for criminals, and anyone with a gun in a camp will be considered a criminal in Anambra State, and the government and people will work with security agencies to flush them out.

He said that the state government would also revoke and acquire any land found to be harboring criminals, while every community is required to provide information on any part of their land occupied by these criminals as camps, and if the community fails to do so, the government will take over such land.

He said the same applies to any buildings found to be harboring kidnappers and murderers who have laid siege on the state, while hotels are to find a way to get the identity of lodgers seeking their accommodation, fuels stations are to install CCTV cameras, and keep their recordings, which will be demanded once demanded by security agencies, during investigation.

It is not certain if the violence in the state has abated, but as at the time of filling this report, fear was still palpable in the state, especially as after observing the usual Monday sit at home exercise, another was again being observed on Wednesday, even after message had been sent all round social media that the Abuja High Court trying leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu could not sit because Justice Binta Nyako was indisposed.

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022

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FOCUS

First Bank’s Excellent Result in Q1,2022, Affirmation of Successful Rebound One week after the release of the first quarter 2022 financial results of the nation’s oldest bank, First Bank Nigeria Limited, analyses of the bank’s impressive performance, which is described as an affirmation of its successful rebound still dominate discussions in the media, writes Adedayo Ayuba

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loan book.

He believes the ability of the FBN Holdings, the parent company, to significantly cut the exposure to non-performing loans to 6.1 per cent showed that the bank has shut the door against future delinquent debtors, a development he said will consolidate the bank.

Nwosu said many of the shareholders were pleasantly surprised first, by the performance in the 2021 full results, saying the first quarter 2022 results came as a confirmation of the readiness of the bank to take its leadership position in the nation’s banking industry.

“Considering all the provisions they had made in the past two years and for them to have come out clean shows it is not a bad result and for them to have agreed to pay 35 kobo dividend to shareholders, it is encouraging because most shareholders did not know the company was going to pay anything, especially with all the challenges going on in the economy.

“We are indeed excited that they have been able to bring down non-performing loans which means they will have more money to do business with and I’m quite sure they will be more careful this time when it comes to giving out loans,” Nwosu stated.

aving whetted the appetite of its stakeholders including shareholders, customers, and regulators with its impressive performance in its 2021 fullyear results, First Bank Nigeria Limited, the banking arm of FBN Holdings Plc has affirmed its return to solid profitability with a repeat performance in its first-quarter 2022 results.

MOST EFFICIENTLY RUN BANK Investors in the bank were busy counting their gains from the bountiful returns from last year’s results when the bank released that of its first-quarter performance with all the indices of a bank ready to reclaim its leading position in the nation’s banking industry.

Perhaps, one of the indices of the bank’s robust turnaround was its ranking as the first among the nation’s Tier-1banks with the smallest cost to income ratio.

In a ranking conducted by Nairametrics for instance, First Bank ranked number one among banks reviewed as far as cost to income ratio was concerned. First Bank recorded the highest decline in its cost-to-income ratio in Q1 2022, dropping from 79.5% recorded in Q1 2021 to 67.03% in the review period.

The cost-to-income ratio is a key financial metric, which shows a company’s costs as a proportion of its income. It helps to give investors a clear view of how efficiently a bank is being run. Specifically, it shows how much input the bank requires to generate N1 of output.

Notably, the lower this ratio, the more profitable, productive, and competitive the bank will be. Here are the banks with the lowest cost-to-income ratio

REAPING FROM PURPOSEFUL LEADERSHIP

1Q 2022 RESULTS Analysts said FirstBbank’s results for the first quarter of the year have justified the rising confidence of its stakeholders, especially the shareholders who are showering commendations on the management for a job well done. It was a good show in virtually all its performance metrics, a development they attributed to the NPL improvements which restored investors’ confidence. And success with NPL means the quality of assets is bound to rise.

In the period under review, First Bank Limited recorded gross earnings of N170.4 billion, up by 33 per cent as against N128.1billion in the previous year.

The bank’s net interest income was put at N72.9 billion, a 42.1 per cent from N51.3 billion generated in the same period of 2021, while non-interest income was N58.8 billion, up by 21.7 per cent from the 2021 figure.

Profit After Tax for the first quarter of 2022 was N31billion, whereas N16.3 billion was the figure declared for 1Q, 2021. The bank declared total assets of N8.8 trillion, a 3.5 per cent rise from N8.5 trillion in the preceding year.

To show the bank was in a serious business of lending, its customers’ loans and advances (net) totalled N2.999 trillion, up by 5.8 per cent, year-to-date as of December 2021, which was put at N2.835 trillion, while customers’ deposits were N5.9 trillion, as against N5.6 trillion in the first quarter of 2021, a 5.4 per cent increase.

An analysis of the bank performance gleaned from the group Q1, 2022 results showed that its exposure to bad loans has substantially reduced given the fact that the amount set aside as impairment charges has come down from N13.175 billion in the first quarter of 2021 to N8.75billion in 1Q 2022.

ADEDUNTAN: OUR DRIVE FOR PROFITABILITY, A PERMANENT THING To show that the impressive performance

FirstBank CEO, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan was not an accident, Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank Group, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, expressed the resolve of the management of the bank to use the current good performance to make its drive for profitability a permanent thing.

He said, “At FirstBank, we have historically been interwoven with the fabric of this nation with a full-service commercial banking offering catering to every segment of the economy. We believe we are now in a good position to translate this unique revenue-generating potential into improved bottom-line performance.

“Our first-quarter results demonstrate that we have commenced our journey of Quantum Profitability Leap in earnest with profit before tax doubling to N34.1 billion as the Bank begins to reap the dividends of the successful restructuring of its balance sheet, revamped risk management, robust technology, and innovative service offerings.”

The bank’s CEO also spoke on the development of its risk management capabilities, saying “ Our gross earnings are also up 33.0% YoY to N170.4bn and Net Interest Income up 42.1% YoY to N72.9bn. Furthermore, our strengthened risk management capabilities equip us with the ability to mitigate any negative effect of headwinds which may materialise given current macroeconomic pressures.”

Adeduntan stressed the determination

of the management of the bank to explore the potential of First Bank’s large network in consolidating the current impressive runs.

“Looking ahead, we will continue to maximise all opportunities presented by our large network, and support our customers with innovative value-adding solutions through these uncertain times while investing in strengthening our digital banking offerings to deliver a better customer experience.

SHAREHOLDERS’ ENDORSEMENT Some shareholders of the bank commended the management for successfully shedding the burden of nonperforming loans and for consolidating the modest gains in last year’s performance as evident in the first-quarter results.

According to them, the outstanding results for the bank’s full-year 2021 is an appetiser to the first-quarter 2022 results and that the repeat of impressive results for the first quarter did not only show the consistency of its restructuring but that it demonstrated the fact that the recovery is real.

Speaking for a large spectrum of the shareholders of the bank, the founder and pioneer national coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association, Chief Sunny Nwosu, said the management of First Bank deserves praise for working the bank back to profitability and a clean

Analysts argued that the turnaround in the fortune of First Bank didn’t come overnight, explaining that it took the resolve of committed management led by Dr. Adeduntan to return the culture of excellence and professionalism to the bank.

For instance, it has been observed that the current leadership has been instrumental in building stakeholders’ confidence and trust in the bank’s financial viability. Analysts are quick to point to the bank’s consistent improvements in its Non-performing Loans (NPL) ratio and position.

For instance, by June 2020, when improvements were noted in the bank’s NPL ratio, the NPL ratio stood at 8.8%. By March 2021, this figure had impressively dwindled to 7.9%, and going by the 2021 results, the figure only stood at 6.1%.

For a bank that has been burdened by nonperforming loans, it came as a great relief to both the shareholders and the regulatory authorities that for the first time in a long while, First Bank’s NPLs came down to 6.1 per cent, significant progress for the bank when compared to other Tier 1 banks and the regulatory threshold of 5.0per cent.

Analysts also attributed the significant fall in the NPL rates from 40 in 2016 to 6.5 per cent in 2021, to a new culture of corporate governance currently in place in the group and which has successfully revamped the company’s risk management capabilities.

MAINTAINING FAIRLY MANAGEABLE NPL RATIO It is interesting to note that amidst the huge pressure placed on Nigerian banks by the prevailing sluggish economy, what the management of First Bank did was diversify its loan books and maintained a fairly manageable Non-Performing Loan (NPL) ratio.

This is because the percentage of nonperforming loans in Nigeria reflects the health of the banking system. A higher percentage of such loans shows that banks have difficulty collecting interest and principal on their credits.

That may lead to less profits for the banks in Nigeria and, possibly, bank closures.

First Bank recorded the highest NPL ratio in four years with 24.7 per cent in 2018 which dropped to 9.9 per cent, 7.7 per cent, 7.2 per cent in 2019, 2020, and 6.1 per cent in the 2021 full-year results.

T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022

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This Week In Tech Tech Top 5 News 08097710984

NCC: NIGERIA’S INTERNET SUBSCRIPTION HITS 148M ubscriptions for internet across mobile, fixed, and VoIP networks in the country increased to 148 million in April this year.

Statistics obtained from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reveals that telecom operators recorded 2.5 million new subscriptions in the month.

Despite losing 13.8 million internet subscriptions between January to May last year due to the government’s suspension of SIM registration and activation between December 2020 and April 2021, the telecom operators in the industry have risen above the challenge to gain a remarkable ground, with mobile network operators taking the lead.

Records of December 2020 showed that subscriptions across all the networks in the country stood at 154.3 million.

NCC’s data shows that mobile network operators MTN, Globacom, Airtel, and 9mobile maintained the market lead with 147.4 million subscriptions. VoIP operators Smile Communications and Ntel have 349,742 internet subscriptions, while 14,412 were on fixed wired networks – 21st Century and iPNX. Broadband subscriptions (high-speed internet service) rose to 81.6 million in April from 80.6 million recorded in March, bringing the country’s broadband penetration to 42.79 per cent.

The largest operator by subscriber number, MTN Nigeria, maintained its leadership position as it gained 1.1 million new internet subscriptions in April, with its internet subscription database hitting 61.8 million.

In April, Airtel recorded an additional 918,191 internet subscriptions, which brought its total internet customers to 40.2 million.

Globacom also gained new subscriptions in the month as it added 331,360 internet customers in the month. At the end of April, its internet subscriptions database stood at 39.8 million.

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GOOGLE TO MERGE MEET, DUO INTO A SINGLE PLATFORM Google is set to merge two of its audio and video-calling platforms- Google Duo and Google Meet, into a single platform.

The technology company says it is integrating both features to create a more unified communications service.

The platforms will be merged in a two-step process where Google Duo will get all the features of Google Meets first.

Google Duo will be renamed Google Meets later this year.

Meet has become a more powerful platform for official meetings, group calls, and chats for organisations in the last couple of years. On the other hand, Duo has been more of a messaging app.

Google has further claimed to add all the features of Duo to Meet, which will certainly offer the best of both worlds.

In a statement, the head of Google Workspace, Javier Soltero, said it was important to understand how people make choices regarding what tool they’re going to use, for what purpose, and in what circumstance.

“Our digital lives are filled with a million different chat apps, each with its own rules, norms and contact list, some for work purposes and some for personal ones. Google’s hoping it can use Gmail addresses and phone numbers to bring all that together,”Soltero said.

He added, “It is important and powerful to be able to reach you that way and allow you decide whether you want to be reached or not, as

nosakhare.alekhuogie@thisdaylive.com

Nosa

Alekhuogie

Tech Personality of The Week ABASI ENE-OBONG

T

his week’s tech personality is the Founder and CEO of 54gene, Abasi Ene-Obong.

54gene is a health technology company advancing the state of healthcare through large scale discovery and translational research, advanced molecular diagnostics, and clinical programs for the benefit of Africans and the global population.

Prior to 54gene, Abasi worked with leading healthcare organisations, including Fortune 100 pharmaceutical companies, academic and research institutions.

54gene, which raised $15 million through a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation-backed venture fund, is hoping to “spur a biotech revolution” on the continent, collecting and analysing the data that can advance discovery and relevant drug development as well as building the talent and infrastructure needed to power a homegrown industry.

Last year, they raised $25 million to expand precision medicine capabilities.

Abasi also made the Fortune 40 under 40 list in 2021. opposed to having to manage all these different identities and deal with the consequences.”

LASG: INDRIVER, RIDA PLATFORMS NOT LICENSED TO OPERATE The Lagos government has alerted residents about using unlicensed e-hailing ride services in the state.

A statement by the government listed inDriver and Rida as operating without a licence.

According to a report by Rest of World (RoW), the government told residents of Nigeria’s largest city to “be wary of unlicensed e-hailing cab operators within the State as they pose security threats to the safety of lives and property.”

InDriver allows customers and drivers to negotiate prices.

A director at the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Olayinka Olawole, explained that the ban was prompted by safety concerns following reports of thefts and kidnappings by drivers and passengers on ride-hailing platforms, including those that have licenses to operate in Lagos.

In recent years, Nigerian authorities have increased their scrutiny of international technology companies operating in the country, demanding that they set up operations locally.

“There are only eight licenced e-hailing cab operators in Lagos.

Lagos Ride, Uber, Bolt, Let Me Run, Global Taxi, Zoom Run, Treepz, and Shuttlers are the only lawful operators recognised by the State Government and licensed to operate in Lagos,” the statement said. inDriver operates remotely from its Cape Town office, which moderates

the activities in Nigeria.

On the other hand, Rida operates in Abuja and runs the negotiation pricing model, which allows passengers and drivers to agree on a price.

TECH START-UPS TO BENEFIT FROM $100M VC FUNDING Constant Ventures has announced that it is raising a $100 million venture capital fund to invest across a range of technology start-ups in West Africa.

However, the $100 million investment is aimed specifically at fintech platforms and marketplace start-ups with a focus on financial inclusion, education, and healthcare.

The purpose of the capital is to provide instruments for wealth generation and build a financially educated area for businesses and entrepreneurs. It also aims to support African entrepreneurs and achieve gender parity in business funding.

These start-ups must be active in goods, infrastructures, and services that provide underserved individuals with access to loans, savings, investments, and platforms or markets for trading information, products, or services.

In addition, the funds available to each eligible start-up are between $50,000 to $15 million, with each company receiving a maximum of 15 per cent of the fund.

The Investee companies will be based in Nigeria and Ghana to expand funding to the rest of West Africa.

Chairman and co-founder of Constant Group, Ike Echeruo, stated, “We are now on the cusp of

a paradigm shift with recent advances across information technology presenting a unique investment window. We have looked at what has worked in other geographies. Now, refined and optimsed for Africa, we have modelled a fund to invest in businesses that will both improve the lives of millions of people and deliver outstanding returns for investors.”

WHATSAPP TO ROLLING OUT CHAT FILTERING FEATURE WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new feature to let users rapidly view all unread messages.

This feature is for regular users after successfully launching it for business accounts last year.

According to a report on WABetainfo, the new chat filter will let users quickly glance at all their unread messages. The unread chat filter is currently available to a set of beta testers.

Users will be able to view all their unopened chats in one sitting.

The messaging platform has been working on making several filters on its platform, including the ability to filter groups and non-contacts. Users can tap on the option shown in the screenshot to see unread messages, disable it, or tap clear filter if they do not want to use it.

The new filter has been rolled out to the beta version of the Desktop application.

The unopened chats filter is now only available to WhatsApp Desktop beta testers. Standard users will be able to access it on the web version and the instant messaging platform for iOS and Android in the future.

The feature is now being rolled out slowly to standard accounts in the next update.

24

MONDAY JUNE 6, 2022 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022

25

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

REPO

A T

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

08056356325

J U N E

S & P INDEX

3 , 2 0 2 2

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OPR

11.25%

CALL

10.25%

INDEX LEVEL

613.31%

1/4 TO DATE

-0.85%

N416.86/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

11.50%

1-MONTH

9.56%

1-DAY

0.16%

YEAR TO DATE

7.64%

*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

3-MONTH

10.52%

MONTH-TO-DATE

0.44%

Foreign Reserves Down $2.03bn as Crude Oil Price Appreciates by 67.02% in Five Months

Kayode Tokede Despite the 67.02 per cent appreciation in global oil price, Nigeria’s foreign reserves depreciated by $2.03 billion in five months of 2022 on the backdrop of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sustained interventions.

According to numbers released by the CBN, Nigeria’s foreign reserves dropped to $38.48 billion as at May 31, 2022 compared to $40.52 billion it commenced 2022 amid steady increase in global oil prices.

At $38.48 billion as of May 2022, the foreign reserves dropped lowest since October 08, 2021 when it was hovering around $38.39 billion.

The monthly breakdown revealed that the foreign exchange buffer dropped by 943.07million in May

2022, the highest decline in a month, followed by $478.95 million decline in January 2022.

For the month of February and March, it also depreciated by $121.45 million and $317.8 million, respectively. However, in April, the foreign reserves added $41.5 million to close at $39.58 billion from $39.54 billion it opened in April 2022.

The decline in foreign reserves is coming on the backdrop of steady increase in global oil prices as gas costs soar amid fears of a global economic shock from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The CBN in the numbers published on its official website disclosed that daily crude oil price has appreciated by 67.02 per cent in 2022 so far, reaching $133.73/

barrel from $80.07/ barrel.

Mr Robert Asogwa, who is a member of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), had in his personal statement at the end of March 2022 meeting said the large oil thefts in the Niger Delta Region has diminished the possible benefits to the country as oil production level has dropped consistently.

“However, the current level of reserves is still adequate to shield the economy against external vulnerabilities,” he added.

However, experts have expressed that the current crisis in Niger-Delta relating to oil theft might be responsible for dwindling production, a major contributing factor impacting on foreign reserves growth on the

backdrop of increase in global oil prices.

They noted that the increasing CBN’s intervention in the foreign exchange market is also a contributing factor.

A check on Naira at the Investors & Exporters Foreign Exchange (I & E FX) window has depreciated by 0.48 per cent or N1.98 against the dollar from N412.67 against the dollar at the central rating to N415.15 against the dollar as at May 31, 2022.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) had warned that Nigeria’s foreign reserves could fall to $29.1billion by 2024 on the back of lower oil prices, restricted Eurobond market access, and higher capital outflows.

According to the report, the

country’s foreign position is weaker as foreign buffers are limited.

The Washington-based lender said, “High interest payments relative to fiscal revenues expose Nigeria to interest rate and growth shocks.”

Commenting, the Former President Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, President, Prof. Segun Ajibola attributed the dwindling external reserves to the crisis in Niger-delta and sustained foreign exchange interventions by CBN. He said: “Nigeria is having a peculiar oil theft challenge in the Niger-Delta and that is affecting our daily production quota. Government is still trying to confront pipeline vandalises, causing confusion at the points of production which is expected to have a negative impact

on the country’s ability to meet the OPEC quota allocated to Nigeria.”

He explained further that: “Most of Nigeria’s oil transactions are paid for most times in 90-day times- it is called forward transactions. In some cases, we go into a swap agreement whereby those that refined products for Nigeria are paid back through crude oil. It means we are not selling but exchanging through crude oil.

“When we do forward transactions, the money does not reflect in the external reserve immediately.

Those are the complicated issues in the global market that most people will not understand. Common man on the street will expect the steady hike in global oil price to impact on Continued on page 29

CBN RT200: Exports Rise by 137.9%, Capital Imports Slow to $1.5bn in Q1, 2022 Nume Ekeghe The RT200 policy recently launched by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to incentivise export earnings has started to yield dividends as Nigeria’s export increased by 137.88 per cent in the first three months of 2022 to N7.1 trillion compared with N2.98 trillion recorded in the first quarter of 2021.

Also, capital inflow into the Nigeria declined by 28.09 per cent to $1.57 billion compared to N5.76 trillion recorded in the last quarter of 2021.

According to trade statistics released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s total imports at the end of the first quarter of 2022 stood at N5.9 trillion compared to N5.94 trillion recorded

in the last quarter of 2021.

There was however a 21.04 per cent rise in imports when compared to N4.87 trillion that was recorded in the first quarter of 2021.

According to the NBS, there had been significant increases in the export of agricultural goods, which rose by 51.89 per cent Solid minerals, the NBS report revealed, rose by 45.17 per cent while crude

oil exports rose by 31.66 per cent compared to what they recorded in the fourth quarter of last year.

The report showed that the value of agricultural goods exports stood at N201.59 billion while Solid Minerals exports in Q1, 2022 were valued at N19.69 billion. The value of crude oil exports in Q1, 2022 stood at N5,62 trillion representing 70.16 per cent of total exports.

Also the value of other oil products exports increased by 11.35 per cent to N764.27 billion, compared to N686.38 billion recorded in Q4, 2021 while the value of raw material goods exports in Q1, 2022 was valued at N259.48 billion showing an increase of 4.44 per cent and 504.17 per cent than N248.45 billion and N42.95 billion recorded in Q4, 2021 and Q1, 2021 respectively.

Meanwhile the value of exports of energy goods in Q1, 2022 declined by 25.66 per cent to N15.36 billion, just as the value of manufactured goods exports was valued at N219.08 billion in Q1, 2022 showing a decline of 44.6 per cent compared to N395.48 billion recorded in Q4, 2021.

Capital importation data which Continued on page 29

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT F R I D AY, J U N E 3 , 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

110.82

7.57

107.90

10.20

106.34

10.35

120.47

10.70

113.11

10.84

Change Updated Time (%) June 3, -0.01 2022 June 3, 0.00 2022 June 3, -0.10 2022 June 3, -0.10 2022 June 3, -0.21 2022

MATURITY

Discount

Yield

OTC F X F U T U R E S

CPS

Change Updated Time (%)

NTB 14-Jul22 NTB 11Aug-22 NTB 8-Sep22 NTB 13-Oct22

2.59

2.59

0.00 June 3, 2022

3.25

3.27

0.00 June 3, 2022

3.50

3.53

0.05 June 3, 2022

3.52

3.56

0.00 June 3, 2022

NTB 10Nov-22

3.97

4.04

0.00 June 3, 2022

MATURITY TRBH CP V 26-JUL-22 FSDH CP VI 1-AUG-22 NENL CP I 24-OCT-22 FSDH CP VII 27-OCT-22 SIBP CP III 27-OCT-22

Discount Yield

Change Updated Time (%)

11.49

8.17

0.07 June 3, 2022

8.05

8.16

0.09 June 3, 2022

14.66 15.55

0.07 June 3, 2022

8.97

9.30

0.06 June 3, 2022

8.17

8.44

0.06 June 3, 2022

CONTRACT Current TENOR Contract Rate ($/₦) (MONTH) NGUS JUN 29 1 427.24 2022 NGUS JUL 27 428.93 2 2022 NGUS AUG 31 3 430.63 2022 NGUS SEP 28 4 432.32 2022 NGUS OCT 26 5 434.02 2022

Updated Time

June 3, 2022 June 3, 2022 June 3, 2022 June 3, 2022 June 3, 2022

26

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Experts Hinge Future of Insurance Sector on Sustainable Practice Ebere Nwoji Insurance sector operators have stated that the future of the sector revolves around sustainable insurance practice.

The operators who stated this at the maiden edition of a discourse tagged, “Sustainable Insurance-Issues and Trends,” agreed that providing the proper tools and approach to managing the global sustainable relatable risks, which are environmental, social and governance (ESG) are crucial to the survival of the industry.

Speaking from regulator’s perspective, the Head IT Department, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Abiodun Aribike, disclosed that the insurance regulator; NAICOM was using Information Technology to drive sustainable insurance in Nigeria.

Aribike stated that the Commission in partnership with the Financial Sector Deeping Africa (FSD) recently launched the Risk, Resilience and Regulatory Laboratory (R3Lab) in Lagos to ensure achievement of its purpose.

He added that the initiative was aimed at mitigating the impact of specific challenges bedeviling the

insurance regulatory environment in Nigeria as well as exploring ways in which collaboration, technology and insurance supervisory capacity building could improve the regulatory effectiveness of Africa’s insurance industry.

Also speaking the Head, Retail Solutions, Axa Mansard, Mrs. Rashidat Adebisi, emphasised the need for operators to start working on sustainability of the sector’s future by shifting focus from investing in just oil revenues to gas, as gas is more sustainable.

“The world is currently shifting away from oil. We need to start investing in gas, which is more sustainable and greener. We need to take actions on sustainable goals as this helps the environment to be safe.I urge everyone here to start and lead the sustainable goals conversations in their various companies because sustainability is key”, she expressed.

Speaking from the broker’s perspective, Saheed Egbeyemi of Hogg Robinson Nigeria Limited, noted that opportunities abound for the sector to tap into and flourish but said the issues of rate cutting and unhealthy competition

have to be addressed.

Former President of the Institute of Loss Adjusters of Nigeria (ILAN), Mr. Ralph Opara, representing the loss adjusters, said ILAN was doing a lot to ensure sustainability because the arm remains the life wire of the insurance value chain.

Rector, College of Insurance and Financial Management (CIFM), Dr. (Mrs.) Yeside Oyetayo, said ESG risks are now a criteria to determining a company that is sustainable hence, trainings and programmes on sustainable risks needed to be factored into the insurance industry academic curriculum.

She also noted that the industry needed to collaborate with other sectors.

During the panel discussions, Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Olusegun Omosehin, emphasised that collaborations and innovation were the ways to go for the industry as regards sustainability.

“Opportunities are before us as underwriters so we need to transit into green insurance so we can sustain the businesses and future of insurance in Nigeria”, he said.

NATIONAL PENSION COMMISSION

PENCOM Partners THISDAY for Awareness on Contributory Pension Scheme

DBN Disbursed N334bn to MSMEs in Five Years

James Emejo in Abuja

The Managing Director/Chief Executive, Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Dr. Tony Okpanachi, has said the bank disbursed N334 billion to 135,000 Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) between 2017 and 2020 which was its last audited financial period.

However, he said financing support to small businesses had exceeded N482 billion to over 208,000 MSMEs by the end of 2021.

Okpanachi also said the bank’s profitability remained resilient despite the low-interest rate environment and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the business environment.

Speaking during an interactive

session with journalists, the DBN boss said Profit Before Tax (PBT) and Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at N18.8 billion and N17.9 billion respectively, translating to returns on assets and equity of 4 per cent and 11 per cent respectively for 2020.

He said the bank would continue to strengthen its capital base in order to scale up its interventions to MSMEs. He said, “This is one of our strategic initiatives which requires our continuous effort to crowd-in more investments. To this end, we are on that pathway.”

The DBN boss also disclosed that since 2017 when it commenced operations, the bank was yet to record any Non-Performing Loans

(NPLs) in its books adding that this “gives credence to the great work of the entire team at DBN”.

He said, “Since inception, the institution has fared exceptionally well across various areas and this underscores our drive for sustainability, which is one of our core values.

“For us, this means that while we are in business to provide financing support for MSMEs, we strive to be financially sustainable, ensuring we create social impact for MSMEs and the communities around us.

“And also ensuring our activities do not adversely affect the state of our environment but rather contribute to its resilience and sustainability.”

FRC Harps on Enforcement of Sustainability Guidelines Oluchi Chibuzor The Executive Secretary of the

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

Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), Mr. Shuaibu Ahmed has stressed the need for the implementation of sustainability guidelines in the country.

According to Ahmed, Nigeria is not immune to climate change risks as seen by the annual flooding in various parts of the country.

The FRC boss said this during a recent stakeholders’ webinar organised by the council. The FRC is responsible among other things to develop, publish accounting and financial reporting standards.

Additionally, he stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders in addressing the challenges that climate change and other environmental issues pose to the country.

“The programme is the first in the series. We at FRC plan to ensure that Nigeria effectively contributes to a global single set of high

quality sustainability reporting standards.

“Presently, sustainability reporting initiatives exist in silos and even non-existent in most sectors, therefore, a unified sustainable approach is inevitable to ensure that the current needs are met without complaint for the future generations to meet their needs.’’

He noted that Nigeria had long aligned with global standards, especially in financial reporting, auditing and corporate governance.

According to him, the then Nigerian accounting standards board used to align substantially with the international accounting standards before the country adopted IFRS in 2012.

According to him, Nigeria joined the rest of the world to sign Sustainable Development Goals 2013 agenda, which attested to the fact that it aligned with global initiatives.

PENCOM DG, Aisha Dahir-Umar As the regulator of the Nigerian Pension industry, it is the responsibility of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) to carry out public awareness, enlightenment, and education on the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). To this end, the National Pension Commission (PenCom) is partnering with THISDAY Newspapers for a weekly publication that will provide insight on topical pension issues and the workings of the CPS. A number of pension arrangements preceded the advent of the CPS, the first of which was the 1951 Pension Ordinance.

The Pension Ordinance had a retroactive effect from 1 Jan 1946 and initially applied only to United Kingdom officials posted to Nigeria, but was later extended to Nigerian Public Servants albeit, under less than ideal terms. The first private sector pension scheme in Nigeria was set up for the employees of the Nigerian Breweries in 1954 but the introduction of the National Provident Fund (NPF) in 1961 established the first formal social protection scheme for private sector employees. While the NPF was contributory, it offered only one-off lump-sum payment and was subsequently replaced by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) which provided an enhanced pension scheme to private sector employees. Next was the 1979 Pension Decree 102 (with retroactive effect from 1974) enacted for Civil Service Pension Scheme which brought about an unfunded and non-contributory pension scheme where benefits were paid from the government’s Consolidated Revenue Fund.

For decades, the Federal Government operated an unfunded Defined Benefits Scheme for the public service and the payment of retirement benefits was budgeted annually. The annual budgetary allocation for pension was often one of the most vulnerable items in budget implementation because of revenue constraints. In many cases, even where budgetary provisions were made, the inadequate and untimely release of funds resulted in delays and accumulation of pension liabilities. It was obvious therefore that the Defined Benefits Scheme could not be continued. In the private sector, many employees were not covered by the pension schemes put in place by their employers and many of these schemes were not funded.

Besides, where the schemes were funded, the management of the pension funds was full of malpractices between the fund managers and the Trustees of the pension funds. It became evident that the various pension systems and arrangements were unsustainable.

This necessitated a re-think of pension administration in Nigeria. Accordingly, a pension reform was then initiated to address and eliminate the problems associated with pension schemes in the country. The outcome of the reform was the enactment into law of the Pension Reform Act 2004 (PRA 2004), which birthed the CPS. The PRA 2004 was repealed and reenacted in July 2014.

The CPS is an arrangement where both the employer and the employee contribute a portion of an employee’s monthly emoluments towards the payment of the employee’s pension at retirement. In addition to the CPS’ contributory nature, the scheme is fully-funded and based on individual Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA). The individual account commonly referred to as an RSA, is opened by an employee with a Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) of their choice. All pension contributions are remitted into the RSA and invested. The accumulated RSA balance is thereafter used for payment of retirement benefits. As a safeguard to ensure transparency, Pension Fund Assets under the CPS are privately managed by PFAs and kept in custody by Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs) which are licensed and supervised by PenCom. These measures are intended to ensure that every person that worked in either the public or private sectors in Nigeria, including the self-employed persons, receives their retirement benefits as and when due. This is the main objective of the CPS. It has been eighteen years since the advent of the CPS and within that period, 9.65 million employees had opened and operated RSAs while N14.06 trillion has been accumulated as pension assets. The scheme has produced 399,741 retirees, and N1.3 trillion has been paid as benefits since the inception of the scheme. By all accounts, the CPS has stayed the course when viewed within the pitfalls that characterised the pension schemes that preceded it.

In the weeks to come, this column will provide salient information on the pension industry in order to inform and enlighten stakeholders and boost confidence in the Contributory Pension Scheme. The National Pension Commission assures all stakeholders that it will continue to come up with positive innovations and policies that will not only address their yearnings, but also enhance the regulation and supervision of the pension industry. t "MM mHVSFT TUBUFE BSF BT BU "QSJM

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022

27

BUSINESSWORLD

STATUS REPORT

Flour Mills of Nigeria: Impressive Performance Across Key Indicators

Kayode Tokede

F

lour Mills of Nigeria Plc (FMN) reported all-round impressive performance in its audited financial statement for the period ended March 31, 2022 to maintain its position as the leading integrated food business and agro-allied group and one of the most fundamental stocks listed on the Nigeria Exchange Limited (NGX).

The company demonstrated solid performance across Food, Agro-Allied and Support Segments to deliver revenue growth of about 51per cent to N1.1 6trillion in 2022 from N772 billion reported in 2021.

The growth in revenue can be attributable to strong volume growth and favourable mix. Key segments that contributed to significant increase in revenue are: Food, Agro-allied, Sugar and ‘Support’ segments.

In the year under review, FMN reported 57 per cent increase in its food segment to N749 billion as against N478 billion reported in 2021, while its Agro-allied closed 2022 financial year at N213 billion, an increase of 53 per cent from N139 billion reported in 2021.

Further breakdown of revenue revealed that its sugar segment rose by 25 per cent to N156 billion in 2022 from N125 billion reported in 2021, while ‘support’ grew significantly by 56 per cent to N46 billion in 2022 from N29 billiion in 2021.

The food segment performance was driven by increased B2B volume contribution with most lines recording double digit growth and growth in core B2C categories: Noodles and Ball foods (Semo and Goldenvita).

INVESTMENT IN PRODUCT INNOVATION

The company also invested in product innovation (amazing day cereal, goat meat pepper soup Noodle flavour) and driving volume in the economy/value pack segment.

For the agro-allied segment that contributed 53 per cent to revenue, key components that contributed to the growth are Oil and fats business that grew revenue by 58 per cent, while pretax profit margin expanded by 141 per cent y-o-y driven by improved export operations (revenue up 26per cent), implementation of Cost savings program and installation of a seed cleaning plant to reduce frequent machine breakdown in production.

Also, the agro-allied segment growth of FMN’s Animal feeds business recorded 49per cent growth, largely due to product innovation and investments in logistics infrastructure and fertilizer business expanded with a new blending plant in Kaduna state, contributing 89per cent and 21 per cent growth in revenue and volume respectively.

About 25 per cent revenue growth in the

sugar value chain is driven by actions to support to dealers. Brown sugar continues to gain traction following sustained demand from the North and other industrial customers and the segment’s operating performance was largely impacted by the rise in raw material cost.

In addition, support segment revenue and profit growth in the support segment largely driven by: increased demand for locally produced packaging material, focus on high value products and increased focus on RTM for the company’s innovative products such as Zero Fly. Amid inflationary pressure, among other factors, the company reported 59per cent increase in cost of sales (CoS) to N1.06trillion from N665billion reported in 2021 financial year.

Cost of raw and packing materials rose by 64 per cent to N957.97billion in 2022 from N583.62billion in 2021 to contribute 95.3 per cent to CoS in 2022 from 87.78 per cent in 2021.

The interplay between revenue and cost of sales led to the company’s gross profit marginally increase of one per to N108billion in 2022 from N107billion in 2021, to positioned gross margin at 9.3per cent in 2022 from 13.86per cent in 2021.

However, the significant increase in international food prices and input costs impact gross margin. Wheat and sugar costs increased by over 30per cent and 20per cent respectively in addition to higher energy and local distribution costs whilst sustaining progress on ESG agenda.

Operating expenses, however, grew by four per cent to N43billion in 2022 from N41billion reported in 2021, while finance costs moved to N41billion in 2022, an increase of 11per cent from N37billion reported in 2021.

TOPLINE PERFORMANCE THRUST PROFIT, DIVIDEND

With the growth in revenue and effective management of cost, FMN reported N41billion profit before tax in 2022, an increase of 11 per cent from N37billion reported in 2021.

Tax expenses grew by 14 per cent to N13billion in 2022 from N11billion in 2021, to positioned profit for the year at N28billion, nine per cent increase from N26billion reported in 2021 financial year.

On the backdrop of improved profit, the management of FMN proposed a dividend of N2.15 per share, representing a 30per cent growth vs LY (compared to an 18per cent growth in 2021 and

a 17per cent growth in 2020) The total proposed dividend is N8.8billion in the year under review as against N6.8billionn declared in prior year.

BALANCE SHEET ON IMPRESSIVE POSITION

The growth in profit & loss figures couldn’t have achieved impressive performance without a robust balance sheet to operate with. In 2022 financial year, FMN’s total assets rose by 22.44 per cent to N667.01 billion from N544.73 billion in 2021.

FMN’s total non-current assets rose by 6.7 per cent to N254.9 billion in 2022 as against N238.7billion in 2021while Total current assets rose by 34.7 per cent to N412,12 billion in 2022 from N306 billion in 2021. The group’s total equity gained 12.19 per cent to N195.9 billion in 2022 from N174.6 billion in 2021.

Furthermore, the group’s total liabilities rose by 27.3 per cent to N471.12 billion in 2022 from However, total current liabilities rose by 40 per cent to N293.6 billion in 2022 from N209.7 billion in 2021, while Total non-current liabilities gained 10.66 per cent to N177.52 billion in 2022 from N160.4 billion in 2021.

ACQUISITION OF HONEYWELL FLOUR MILLS

FMN had obtained approval and has acquired Honeywell Flour Mills Plc. The company through its affiliates acquired 71.69per cent equity stake in Honeywell Flour Mills Plc (HFMP) to reinforce its position as the leader in flour, semolina and pasta markets.

In addition, FMN through its affiliates also acquired 5.06 per cent equity stake of FBN Holding’s in HFMP. Presently, FMN is the majority shareholder with 76.75per cent equity stake with operational and managerial control.

The Transaction was valued at a total estimated enterprise value of N80billion and the transaction was concluded at final equity price per share of N4.20.

With the acquisition, FMN aimed to extend footprint, enlarged customer base, solid market share and better channel penetration, strong combination of market-leading and diverse product offerings to the Nigerian population and strategically positioned for the opportunities stemming from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

FMN’S OUTLOOK

FMN noted that it is dedicated to

achieving strategic growth opportunities, both organic and inorganic, within the sector and remains committed to executing its overall long-term strategy to maintain growth and sustained profitability by increasing local content through product innovation across the 5 core value chains: Grains, Oils and Fats, Proteins, Sweeteners and Starch The Group also expressed that commodity prices and input costs expected to increase further as the war between Russia and Ukraine continue to drive up production costs and performance of Sweeteners foreseen to strengthen over the next two quarters, with the value chain being very attractive in the long run.

The integrated food business and agro-allied group said it continue to fill the needs of the consumers with route to market and new product initiatives across the group, investment in production capacity and increasing aggregation/ sourcing and increase operational efficiency with accelerated plans for cost optimizations across the Group to ensure competitive product offerings and profitability in the new operating environment.

LONG-TERM PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

The Group Managing Director, FMN, Omoboyede Olusanya, had said:“We remain committed to implementing our long-term plan with further investments in local content via product innovation across our five major value chains.

“Our substantial underlying earnings demonstrate our commitment to achieving sustainability as we drive to achieve food security in the country, given the challenging operating environment over the years.

“With the acquisition of HFMF and the attendant differentiated offers, our portfolio continues to evolve, strategically positioning the Group for opportunities from the AfCFTA. “With the appointment of our third female board member and the promotion of gender diversity throughout our business segments, our sustainability agenda made more strides in line with our long-standing commitment to women’s empowerment.

“In addition, we developed a local content, food security, and nutrition board committee to improve the well-being of our consumers, assist in regenerating and strengthening the farming communities in our supply chains, and promote local economic development.

“In line with our strategy, we will continue to increase operational efficiency with accelerated plans for cost optimizations across the Group. This will ensure that we are on course to continue to create value for our shareholders in the long run.”

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L-R: Faculty Lagos Business school, Prof. Olawale Ajai; Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited,Mr. Bismarck Rewane; Associate Dean, Lagos Business School,Prof. Olayinka David-West; CEO, FirstBank, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan; Group Executive, Transaction Banking, FirstBank, Olaitan Martins and Group Head, Public Sector, FirstBank, Jide Adeola, at the FirstBank sponsored Lagos Business School Breakfast Meeting held in Lagos… recently

Nigerian Airline to Operate as Sierra Leone National Carrier Chinedu Eze Xejet Limited and the government of the Republic of Sierra Leone have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Nigerian airline to operate regional and international flights for the West African nation, using Lungi International Airport, Freetown as hub.

THISDAY learnt that Sierra

Leonean government and Xejet have been in discussions for months and have now agreed that the company would establish and operate a national carrier for the country.

This means that Xejet will have a core sign designating it as national carrier when it is operating from that country and also have a guaranteed passenger market.

The parties further agreed to

work together to successfully execute the project to international standards.

The MoU was signed by the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Kabineh M.Kallon on behalf of the Sierra Leone government and CEO, Emmanuel Iza for Xejet in the presence of Dr. Rex Idaminabo (Consulting Associate) and Mr. Floyd Davis Deputy Director Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority

(SLCAA).

In attendance at the signing ceremony from the Ministry of Transport and Aviation are, Mr. Rex Bhonapha (Deputy Minister) the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Mr. Alhassan Kondeh, Dr. Adams Steven (Technical Adviser), Mr. Hindolo Shiaka (Director of Transport) and Mr. Macmond Kallon Policy Coordinator OPIIState House.

Report: Nigeria to Experience Severe Impact of Russian/Ukraine Conflict Dike Onwuamaeze The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report titled “The War in Ukraine and the Rush to Feed the World,” has stated that Nigeria and other countries were expenditures on food constitute more than 40 per cent of households’ income would be severely affected by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The report which was published last month and made avilable to Nigerian journalists on Tuesday, said: “But the effects will be far

more severe in the many countries around the world where food comprises over 40 per cent of consumer spending, including Pakistan, Guatemala, Kenya, and Nigeria to name a few, and for the most vulnerable populations in every country,” adding that“Nigeria and the other affected countries would face severe levels of extreme poverty, compounded by the ongoing economic and social challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The report stated that “the looming global food crisis

is not about the world’s capacity to produce enough food. Rather, it is about the inability of our food systems to store and distribute enough food—and the inputs that are needed to produce it securely and equitably—in the face of the disruption caused by the war in Ukraine.”

According to the BCG report, additional factors worsening the food crisis include heavy reliance on food imports, high import bills, high inflation, a high debt burden, climate risks, and civil unrest.

The Managing Director and Partner at BCG Nigeria, Mr. Stefano Niavas, who commented on the report said: “The impact of the Ukraine war on our food systems calls for critical and immediate review of our budgetary allocation.

Currently, Nigeria spends over 27 times of its Agriculture allocation to service its debt. Compounded with the Ukraine war and the lingering challenges of COVID-19, the average debt-to-GDP ratio across the continent is expected to rise from 60 per cent to 70 per cent.”

Cassava Stakeholders Raise Concerns over Insurance, Finance Bottlenecks Oluchi Chibuzor Cassava seed producers have raised concerns over their inability to access loans and insurance cover to hedge against risks.

They spoke at the second edition of the cassava seed business summit organized by the Building an Economically Sustainable and Integrated Cassava Seed System, Phase 2 (BASICS-II) project of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

Speaking at the event, the President of Industrial Cassava Stakeholders Association of Nigeria (ICSAN), Mr Charles Adeniji, noted that

even though the Central Bank of Nigeria, commercial banks and microfinance banks have funding programs, they are usually burdened by administrative and process challenges that make access difficult.

He said, “Generally, financing is available with the Central Bank of Nigeria. The commercial banks and microfinance banks have intervention funds. But there are barriers to getting access, high-interest rates, short tenure, and often strident conditions.”

According to the Vice President of the National Association of Cassava Seed Entrepreneurs Network

(NACSEN), Dr Augusta Amajuoyi, said poor access to loans was a major challenge for a private sector-led cassava seed system.

“Seed entrepreneurs find it difficult to get loans because of the harsh conditions given by banks requesting collateral and all manner of things.

Sometimes, interest rates are up to 28 percent,” she lamented.

The Summit, themed: “Financing and Insurance Opportunities for the Sustainable Growth of the Cassava Seed System,” was held virtually with over 130 cassava entrepreneurs and stakeholders in attendance.

In his welcome remarks,

the Managing Partner at Sahel Consulting, Temitope Adegoroye, stated that finance and insurance were crucial for sustainable growth in the cassava seed system.

“A sustainable cassava seed system would catalyze the potential of cassava given the country’s status as the highest producer of the crop in the world,” he said.

In the keynote address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Mr Ernest Umakhihe, encouraged seed enterprises to make insurance covers part of their business strategies.

Xejet Aviation was set up to provide Air Transport Services in the areas of passenger, cargo, aircraft maintenance, and aviation training.

Founded and run by a team of highly experienced technocrats with years of experience in airline and air operation.

Recently the airline took delivery of an Embraer ERJ145 from ACIA Aero Leasing (“ACIA”), a leading

provider of regional aircraft leasing and lease management services.

ACIA made the announcement of the delivery of ‘a single Embraer ERJ145 on lease to Xejet Aviation (“Xejet”), a fast-growing, start-up airline based in Lagos, Nigeria.

The aircraft ACIA Aero said is to support Business Class Only carrier’s vision to be Nigeria’s go-to airline for smart and cost-effective premium air travel.

Wema Bank Emerges Most Profitable by PAT Growth in Q1 2022 Wema Bank Plc has endeared itself to investors and analysts in the Nigerian financial sector with its breathtaking efficiency, excellent customer service, impressive result, and innovativeness in the Nigerian banking sector, earning it the Top 5 bank in Nigeria in the first quarter of 2022.

The banking industry generally recorded impressive growth in the first quarter of the year, recording a 23.24% yearon-year increase in real GDP, evidenced by the performance of the twelve commercial banks listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).

Wema Bank proved its mettle in the key metrics of total assets growth, customer deposit growth, profit after tax growth, loan book growth, return on average equity and cost to income ratio.

According to a special report on the financial performance of quoted Nigerian banks in the first quarter of 2022 by Nairametrics, some banks dominated the efficiency, deposit, and profitability

metrics, especially newly re-engineered banks like Wema Bank and Unity Bank, among others.

Indeed, Wema Bank’s excellent showing across all the performance metrics earned it the second best bank in the first quarter of 2022 after Zenith.

“Taking the average of the performance of the banks across the six metrics under our radar, we see Zenith Bank on top of the rank, followed by Wema Bank, Stanbic IBTC, First Bank, and Fidelity Bank based on their Q1 2022 numbers”, the report said.

For the analysis, the Q1 2022 results of 12 banks were tracked, namely: Access Holdings, FBN Holdings, FCMB, Fidelity Bank, Wema Bank, GT Holding, Stanbic IBTC, Sterling Bank, Union Bank, UBA, Unity Bank, and Zenith Bank.

Wema Bank led the others in profit after tax growth in the first quarter of 2022 with 119 percent compared with what it made in the previous quarter. Other bank’s with strong showing in this category are FBN (108%); Sterling Bank (47.9%); and FCMB 44.6%).

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NEPC Eyes $27tn Global E-commerce Market in New Initiative James Emejo in Abuja The Executive Director/Chief Executive, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Dr. Ezra Yakusak, has said the council remained committed to tapping into the $27 trillion global e-commerce market to grow and diversify the nation’s economy from crude oil as a major source of revenues.

He said NEPC was ever willing to render support to individuals and organisations

that present viable option that will enhance market access for Nigerian goods and services of various sectors.

Speaking at the launch of Agogo Africa, an innovative e-commerce platform that seeks to boost the country’s African fashion exports, among others, Yakusak said as of today, e-commerce remained one of the fastest-growing industries in the global economy with an annual growth estimate at 23 per cent and projected to hit

$27 trillion by the end of the decade.

However, he said Agogo Africa seeks to create an innovative e-commerce platform that will connect the creative industry to the international market, especially now that more emphasis is being placed on e-commerce.

The NEPC boss also pointed out that the apparel, garment, arts and craft, cosmetics and the beauty industry have continued to make tremendous

contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), recording over $5 billion in e-commerce transactions in 2020.

According to him, the country is currently ranked the 35th largest market for e-commerce globally and records yearly growth of 42 per cent while 26 per cent of Nigerians bought products online as of 2020.

He said it is equally on record that fashion including the textile and footwear sub-sector remained the second largest

contributor to the country’s GDP after food, beverages and tobacco.

Essentially, he said the launch of the e-commerce platform remained a step in the right direction as this would “not only expose our fashion and textile industry to the global market but also provide an opportunity for the industry to source the raw materials the fashion industry players need in their production processes.”

Yakusak added, “This forms the basis of our partnership

with Agogo Africa to launch a credible platform to onboard fashion and related sectors for trading.

“The NEPC on its part has through its various programmes empowered and strengthened Nigeria exporters and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to enable them to increase and improve their products quality and quantity in readiness for the challenges thrown up by emerging markets and increase in demand of products and services.”

Obayuwana Becomes First African to Bag Swiss Learning Excellence Award

Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, planting the first oil palm tree, with Managing Director, JB Farms’ Limited, Mr. Ajibola Adebutu (second right) during the inauguration of the plantation in Ore, Ondo State last week Tuesday

In recognition of his outstanding leadership and promotion of exclusive Swiss luxury brands in the Nigerian market, the Swiss Embassy in Nigeria and the Swiss Learning Organisation have honoured the Founder and Managing Director of PoloLuxury Group, Mr. John Obayuwana, with the Swiss Learning Excellence Award.

He becomes the first Nigerian and African recipient of this award. The Consul General of Switzerland to Nigeria, Thomas Schneider, presented the award to Obayuwana at an exclusive event in Lagos.

The event themed, “A Taste of Swiss Luxury,” was attended by a selected audience of corporate executives and industry leaders who were taken through the excellent products and services coming out of Switzerland, including the top-notch educational institutions in the country.

Thomas Schneider, speaking

CBN RT200: EXPORTS RISE BY 137.9%, CAPITAL IMPORTS SLOW TO $1.5BN IN Q1, 2022 was also released by the NBS showed that the total value of capital importation into Nigeria in the first quarter of 2022 stood at $1.573 billion from $2.187 billion in the preceding quarter showing a decrease of 28.09 per cent.

When compared to the corresponding quarter of 2021, capital importation decreased by 17.46 per cent from $1.905 billion. The largest

amount of capital importation by type was received through Portfolio Investment, which accounted for 60.87 per cent at $957.58 million.

This was followed by Other Investment with 29.28 per cent or $460.59 million and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) accounted for 9.85 per cent or $154.97 million) of total capital imported in Q1 2022.

Disaggregated by Sectors,

capital importation into banking had the highest inflow of $818.84 million amounting for 52.05 per cent of total capital imported in the first quarter of 2022. This was followed by capital imported into the production sector, valued at $223.67 million and the financing sector with $199.37 million.

Capital Importation by Country of Origin reveals that United

Kingdom ranked top as the source of capital imported into Nigeria in the first quarter of 2022 with a value of $1.021 billion, accounting for 64.92 per cent. This was followed by the Republic of South Africa and the United States of America with capital importation from both countries amounting to $117.50 million and $82.07 million respectively.

FOREIGN RESERVES DOWN $2.03BN AS CRUDE OIL PRICE APPRECIATES BY 67.02% IN FIVE MONTHS our external reserve but the underline challenges might delay it.”

Analyst at PAC Holdings, Mr. Wole Adeyeye explained that said, “The bulk of our foreign exchange earnings come from the oil sector.

However, Nigeria has not been meeting its OPEC crude oil production quota due to the oil theft and pipeline vandalism. “Although, the price of crude oil jumped above $100 per barrel in the commodity market in Q1 2022, the dwindling crude oil production may have contributed to the setback recorded in the foreign reserves during the period.

“With the recent efforts of the

government to fight oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the country, we may likely see a slight improvement in the country’s foreign reserves in Q2 2022.”

Analysts at Cordros Securities in a report explained: “In our opinion, the CBN has enough supply to support the Foreign Exchange (FX) market over the short term, given inflows from the recently issued Eurobond ($1.2 billion) and the IMF Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) “However, foreign inflows are paramount for sustained FX liquidity over the medium term, in line with our expectation that accretion to the

reserves will be weak given that crude oil production levels remain pretty low.”

The Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, CBN, Edward Adamu in his personal statement at the MPC stated that the war between Russia and Ukraine is unfolding in multiple directions in domestic economy.

According to him, “First, crude oil prices are high and could remain so for some time. Unfortunately, this is neither translating to more revenues for government nor increased accretion to the country’s external reserves. Under this condition, the cost of subsidy on PMS will increase,

further limiting the fiscal space for supporting growth.

“Other downside risks to growth emanating from the war in Ukraine include rising gas prices as well as cost of some intermediate goods.

Manufacturing and agriculture could take a hit from these developments.

“In view of these prospects, it appears to me that domestic output recovery is severely threatened. In effect, the CBN cannot at this time relent in supporting growth using monetary policy and development finance interventions which have so far proved to be among the economy’s critical safety nets.”

at the event, expressed the deep gratitude of the Switzerland Government to Obayuwana for building a strong bond between the Nigerian and Switzerland governments and also for opening up the vast West African market to the impeccable craftsmanship of high-end Swiss watch brands such as Rolex, Patek Phillipe, IWC Schaffhausen, Piaget, Omega, and Chopard, among others.

He stated further that, “With 35 years in the luxury business, representing several of the high-end watch brands, John Obayuwana is a real champion of Swiss-Nigerian trade relations and a true friend of Switzerland. He has excellently represented over 700 companies that are part of the watch industry in Switzerland. We are grateful for his contribution to this relationship and we are delighted that his name has

joined the ranks of the illustrious prizewinners. He is in fact the embodiment of bringing ‘A Taste of Swiss Luxury’ to Nigeria”.

In his acceptance speech, Obayuwana thanked the Swiss Embassy in Nigeria and the Swiss Learning Organisation for the honour bestowed on him, describing Polo Luxury’s 35-year journey with Swiss watch-making brands and Switzerland in general as truly rewarding and strategic in helping Polo Luxury achieve its vision of enriching the lives of its existing and expanding client base with high-quality products.

He said, “I sincerely appreciate the honour you have conferred on me with this award. It is indeed a privilege to not only represent, but also bring home a taste of the beauty, innovation, and savoir-faire that Swiss watch brands are known for.”

FAO: Food Price Index Dipped in May Oluchi Chibuzor

World food commodity prices declined modestly in May for the second consecutive month, even as wheat and poultry prices pushed higher, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported said over the weekend.

In a statement, the FAO said Food Price Index averaged 157.4 points in May 2022, down 0.6 per cent from April.

The Index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of a basket of commonly traded food commodities, however, remained 22.8 percent higher than in May 2021. The report noted that, “The FAO Cereal Price Index increased by 2.2 percent from the previous month, led by wheat prices, which were up 5.6 percent from April and 56.2 percent from their corresponding value a year earlier. International wheat prices, averaging only 11 percent below

the record high reached in March 2008, rose in response to an export ban announced by India and concerns over crop conditions in several leading exporting countries as well as reduced production prospects in Ukraine due to the war. International rice prices also rose across the board, while coarse grain prices declined by 2.1 percent, with maize prices dropping by even more in step with slightly improved crop conditions in the United States of America, seasonal supplies in Argentina and the imminent start of Brazil’s main maize harvest.

“The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index declined by 3.5 percent from April, while still markedly higher than its year-earlier level. Prices dropped for palm, sunflower, soy and rapeseed oils, due in part to the removal of Indonesia’s shortlived export ban on palm oil and sluggish global import demand for soy and rapeseed oils in view of elevated costs in recent months.”

NIPOST Clampdown on over 30 Illegal Courier Operators in Lagos Emma Okonji Months after the Courier and Logistics Regulatory Department (CLRD) of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), suspended the raid of illegal courier operators and embarked on intensive training for all licensed courier operators, the courier department, last week, resumed its clampdown in order to

sanitise the industry.

General Manager of CLRD, Mr. Oludotun Gideon Shonde, said NIPOST decided to resume its clampdown, having trained operators who were ready and willing to have good knowledge of the industry and to abide to the laws governing the courier industry.

“We felt there was need to train people to understand the

operations and rules of the indudtry they operate it. Many of them attended the training session and they are now well informed about the operational standard of the courier industry.

Some however were defiant and refused to attend the training and they still violate the rules with impunity. Those are the illegal courier operators that we are clamping down and we will

continue the clampdown till we get the courier and logistics industry fully sanitised,” Shonde said.

According to him, last week’s raid was a successful and massive clampdown on unlicensed and illegal Courier, Express, Delivery, Logistics and Dispatch operators.

The enforcement team of CLRD, carried out it’s mandate

to sanitise the postal industry and to get rid of unscrupulous elements especially around Lagos metropolis.

The enforcement team, which comprised of armed mobile policemen from the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Alagbon and staff of CLRD, embarked on the clampdown around Awolowo Road, Falomo,

opposite Military Hospital, Ikoyi and Law School junction in Victoria lsland, Lagos.

Well over 30 dispatch motorbikes of unlicensed and Illegal courier operators were seized and taken away by the enforcement team.

Those arrested, are currently being prosecuted by the police and may be charged to court any time soon.

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T H I S D AY MONDAY JUNE 6, 2022 Monday June 6, 2022 Vol 27. No 9920 TR

See page 32 PARTY PRIMARIES AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN GOVERNANCE There is a nexus between how candidates emerge in primaries and accountability, argues FELIX OLADEJI See page 32 DECONSTRUCTING EMEKA IHEDIOHA Ihedioha is a tactician and creative thinker committed to the common good, contends PAUL OBI See page 33

INVESTMENT IN SHARES IS NOT GAMBLING The processes and procedures for investment in shares show that it is not gambling, writes SOLA ONI See page 33 EDITORIAL ON INCESSANT GAS EXPLOSIONS

See page 34

& RE A S O

N

opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

INDIRECT PRIMARIES AND THE DOLLARISATION OF NOMINATION EXERCISE ADEOLA OLUWABIYI argues that direct primaries will be less monetised and decent

UT H

There has not been any concerted effort to address the crisis in living standards, argues LANRE BABALOLA

A VIEW ON COST OF LIVING CRISIS On the 1st of May 2022, the U.K. Observer published an editorial titled “The Observer view on the cost of living crisis”. The editorial focused on the challenges of the rocketing cost of living in Britain, caused by falling real household incomes as compared with higher energy and food prices because wages fail to keep pace with rising bills. The article outlined the impact of the crisis, U.K. government’s inadequate responses, and the measures that could be adopted to urgently raise living standards.

There are certainly parallels to be drawn here to the economic situation in Nigeria.

Not only have living standards in Nigeria been falling at an unprecedented rate for the past two decades, but government responses have been tepid and have failed to halt, let alone reverse the troubling trend. The depth, pace and duration of WKH IDOO LQ OLYLQJ VWDQGDUGV DUH GL΀ FXOW to gauge with any certainty in a country known for poor data-and-record keeping. &KHFNV RQ R΀ FLDO VRXUFHV UHYHDO OLWWOH 7KH EHVW VRXUFH OHIW LV LQÁ DWLRQ VWDWLVWLFV :KLOH they tell us how quickly prices are rising, they spotlight neither the vertiginous fall in living standards that is set to continue as energy and food prices continue to increase, nor how wages fail to keep pace with rising bills. $ GHWDLOHG H[DPLQDWLRQ RI GLͿ HUHQW issues reveals the depth of the cost of OLYLQJ FULVLV LQ 1LJHULD :KLOH QRPLQDO income per capita has been on an upward trend over the last 20 years, the jarring inequalities that accompany economic growth in Nigeria, and macroeconomic disequilibrium mean that the impact of the rise in the cost of living has not been felt equally. For those at the helm RI DͿ DLUV ERWK LQ WKH SULYDWH RU SXEOLF sector, this will barely register. For some families, skyrocketing prices have meant PDNLQJ GL΀ FXOW GHFLVLRQV ZKHQ FKRRVLQJ how to cut back in consumption, such as IRUJRLQJ VSHFLÀ F VWDSOH IRRG LWHPV DQG other necessities.

For many Nigerians, the rise has stretched budgets that were already barely adequate to breaking point, forcing more and more into poverty as they struggle to balance meagre resources to cover the costs of food, energy, transport, accommodation, and healthcare bills. The situation is compounded by a pronounced absence of urgent policies to reverse the poverty spiral, despite the increasing number of people being sucked into it.

7KH ODWHVW VWDWLVWLFV SXW WKH À JXUH DW RYHU 80 million Nigerians. The lack of relevant GDWD KRZHYHU PDNHV LW GL΀ FXOW WR EH precise on how deep and widespread the crisis is and which parts of the country are

DͿ HFWHG PRVW 3HUKDSV WKLV VLPSO\ JRHV WR show the unresponsiveness of government to a problem of such magnitude.

Government’s actions over the last few years can be reduced to populist social investment programmes that have little to do with investment in any meaningful sense, and pandemic palliatives that were VLPSO\ LQHͿ HFWLYH DQG QRW ZHOO WKRXJKW out to have any real impact. In other words, WKHUH KDV QRW EHHQ DQ\ FRQFHUWHG HͿ RUW WR address the crisis in living standards. This leads to the conclusion that the attention RI PLQLVWHUV DQG JRYHUQPHQW R΀ FLDOV KDV been trained on the pursuit of their own interests and the 2023 elections with a view to self-perpetuation rather than to improving public service and elevating public interest. This is evident in the increase in the level of tax burden imposed RQ FLWL]HQV DV À VFDO FRQVWUDLQWV DQG IDOOLQJ revenues have caused government to LQFUHDVH 9$7 ZKLOH DOVR VLJQLÀ FDQWO\ increasing public debt to fund budgets.

Unfortunately, the preponderance of public expenditure goes on salaries and other recurrent expenditures.

Government actions are contrary to the standard economic tenet of stimulating economic activities and have instead H[DFHUEDWHG WKH FRVW RI OLYLQJ ,W LV GL΀ FXOW not to conclude from this that the hardship people are enduring is of no consequence to those in government with the authority to meaningfully address the crisis.

The worrying lack of appropriate policies and measures ought to be of concern to those in authority as it may EH FRQVWUXHG DV LQGLͿ HUHQFH SRRU appreciation of the dimensions of the crisis or lack of understanding in formulating necessary solutions to address the

To tackle the high cost of living, the government needs to implement structural reforms in two areas: The most important of economic and social infrastructure, transportation, energy, ICT, and water, account for the former; and education, skills acquisition, healthcare, the latter

harsh economic circumstances that are UHVKDSLQJ DQG GHÀ QLQJ 1LJHULDQ VRFLHW\ and lives. :KDW ZH KDYH VHHQ VR IDU DUH QRW RQO\ LQHͿ HFWLYH SROLFLHV EXW H[SHQGLWXUHV on projects that have neither positively impacted the cost of living nor created real MREV EXW KDYH LQVWHDG ZRUVHQHG WKH À VFDO position of the government as increasing levels of local and foreign debts are being contracted.

Nigeria is experiencing a prolonged economic malaise. Real wages are on a downward trajectory, productivity has remained stubbornly low, the economy is moribund, policies are wrongheaded and together these factors have sent prices skyrocketing. Our productivity in every economic endeavour and cost of production rank unfavourably against comparable countries both globally and on the continent. The implication is we simply cannot compete.

Sadly, there are no shortcuts to increasing living standards. Any approach must be multi-pronged. In this context, there are three main avenues, at the minimum, we must embark upon to address falling living standards. Firstly, economic policies need to focus strongly on boosting productivity and then ensuring that the gains and EHQHÀ WV DUH VKDUHG HYHQO\ DPRQJ WKH YDULRXV HFRQRPLF DJHQWV ² À QDQFLHUV producers, employers, and consumers.

One of the reasons why poverty rates have risen is that unemployment has increased in geometric progression whereas economic growth has not even experienced appreciable arithmetic progression. Indeed, where jobs do exist, wages and income do not pay enough to ensure a minimum standard of living KRZHYHU ZH GHÀ QH LW This situation can only be tackled by HFRQRPLF SROLFLHV WKDW IRFXV À UPO\ RQ job creation, on overcoming disparities between rural and urban areas, on income, and on gender inequalities. This will require, at the very minimum, a radical rebalancing of government capital expenditure vis-à-vis current expenditure, of public versus private sectors. To do so, the government must encourage far PRUH H΀ FLHQW DOORFDWLRQ RI UHVRXUFHV more purposeful investment in social and economic infrastructure, on skills acquisition, to boost domestic production. &OLPDWH FKDQJH WKH HͿ HFWV RI WKH SDQGHPLF Á XFWXDWLQJ JOREDO GHPDQG patterns and supply chains, and graft, will only make the task harder.

Dr. Babalola is a director of The African Politeia Institute, an Abuja-based think-tank

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T H I S D AY

ADEOLA OLUWABIYI argues that direct primaries will be less monetised and decent

INDIRECT PRIMARIES AND THE DOLLARISATION OF NOMINATION EXERCISE “If I know that my return will depend on some few men, I may not care about you.

But if I know that my return will depend on my accountability and representation to the people, I will do the right thing.

“It is important for this generation to open the door of leadership to the next generation. We must allow every Nigerian to participate fully in the process of leadership. I, therefore, stand with direct primaries. ´7KDW·V ZK\ , VDLG DW GLͿ HUHQW IRUD WKDW I’m for direct primaries. We have to do this for the sake of the institution’’. That was vintage Femi Gbajabiamila.

He was and he still for all-inclusive process that will accommodate all eligible party members who are members of the party in determining the candidates of the political parties in elections.

Not in indirect primary situation where few individuals will turn themselves into gods and turn votes into transactional commodity for highest bidders. The recent sad experience during primary elections across political parties last weekend vindicated the position of the speaker of the House of Representatives.

He was light years ahead of peers. He foresaw the impending danger of heavily monetized politics and he raised the alarm but only few heeded his warning.

The adoption of the indirect nomination process has obviously become a great disservice to the nation as the democratic gains and the modest evolution of the electoral system is being reversed. The nation’s democracy is gradually turning into plutocracy, the government of the rich.

In saner climes, men of ideas are treasured more than those with material substance.

It is the intellectual wealth that will drive the nation in the current fourth industrial revolution age and not loads of cash.

So, no decent candidate who had worked honestly for his money will venture into a heavily ‘dollarized’ electoral process. In other words, the system will encourage those with questionable sources of means WR DVSLUH IRU SROLWLFDO R΀ FHV 3HUIRUPDQFH track record won’t be reckoned with but only money. That was what Nigerian people saw played out at the primaries of the major political parties. :KDW RI WKH GHOHJDWHV" 7KH\ DUH WKH latest superstars in town trading votes for dollars. The system turned them into an emergency power brokers who should be courted at all cost. In this case, the man who can pay the highest get the ticket not the most loved, not the most educated or capable.

When a electoral process becomes

heavily transactional and controlled by vagaries of demand and supply forces, the nation is in for the worst of all times.

What that means is that such individuals who bought their way in will never be accountable to the electors. He believed he earned the ticket by his war chest why should stewardship be rendered to the SHRSOH" In fact, the protracted challenges plaguing the nation require a stringent leadership recruitment mechanism that will ensure that only the best and the capable emerge as potential leaders in shadow elections in preparation for the general elections. The nation that is caving in under the burden of large scale poverty, deprivation, lack of infrastructure, terrorism, banditry and general insecurity cannot hand over leadership at this critical period in the nation’s history to men who are obsessed with money and not clear-cut ideas and road map on national development.

All these pitfalls and setbacks were foreseen by Gbajabiamila when he kicked against the delegate system for nomination of political party candidates.

Let’s look back at the political history of Nigeria; most the founding fathers of the nation got into sub and national leadership SRVLWLRQV LQ WKHLU HDUO\ V 7KH\ OHDUQHG WKH rudiment of human and material resources management at that level because the system created an enabling environment for them to thrive. No impediments on the account of heavy cash for votes in elections.

But that has become impossible under the current political dispensation.

Only young folks with stupendously rich parents or those who amass wealth scamming the gullible on the internet can play in the current heavily monetized political system.

The realities as seen at the just concluded indirect primaries also made mockery RI WKH PXFK FHOHEUDWHG 1RW 7RR <RXQJ to-Run bill that was passed into law and assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari with pomp and pageantry. Though, the barriers of age had been lifted while bigger stumbling blocks are impeding the aspiration of young people without strong political wealthy godfathers.

Now, the law that intended to foster inclusion, appears to favour only the children of political heavyweight and those of wealthy pedigree. Across the land, the children of former governors, ministers and top political chieftains harvested party tickets for state houses of Assembly, House of Representatives and even governorship in the case of Jigawa.

But the ugly and dangerous trend can be halted if there is a national consensus on the urgent need to ensure that the nomination process and by extension, the general elections are not heavily monetized. The starting point is what Speaker Gbajabiamila had advocated - direct primaries. This ZLOO DͿ RUG DOO PHPEHUV WR GHFLGH RQ WKH FDQGLGDWHV IRU WKH SDUW\ ,W ZLOO EH GL΀ FXOW if not impossible for a moneybag to buy over all the party members.

So, this will provide opportunity for new entrants into the political fray to have a fair chance in the game.

Oluwabiyi writes from Lagos

MONDAY JUNE 6, 2022

There is a nexus between how candidates emerge in primaries and accountability, argues FELIX OLADEJI

PARTY PRIMARIES AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN GOVERNANCE Modern democracy highlights the importance of political parties both in agendasetting and in displaying party aspirants from whom the electorate must choose. Post-cold ZDU FRQÁ LFWV LQ PRVW GHYHORSLQJ GHPRFUDFLHV have largely erupted as a struggle by the poor PDVVHV WR KROG WKHLU SROLWLFDO R΀ FHKROGHUV to account for the resources at their disposal.

This is based on the notion that democracy empowers them through participation in YRWLQJ IRU WKH SROLWLFDO R΀ FHKROGHUV 7KLV ORJLF can be taken but the question is whether they LQÁ XHQFH WKH SDUW\ SULPDULHV WKDW SURGXFHG

the candidates they voted for. There is a great nexus between how candidates emerge in party primaries and the ability of the ordinary electorate to demand accountability from them.

The return to democratic rule in Nigeria in 1999 raised the hope that the myriad of problems ranging from instability in the polity, social ills, poor economic development, and alienated political leadership, if not eradicated could be drastically reduced. No doubt, there have been turbulent periodic elections; however, what is missing is engendering accountability, responsiveness, electoral stability, internal security, and economic development that will culminate into good governance. The disparity between the few elite including their clients and the other masses shows that WKH HOHFWHG SROLWLFDO R΀ FH KROGHUV KDYH QRW been accountable to the masses in whose WUXVW WKH\ KROG R΀ FH , ORFDWH WKH PDODG\ WR the type of political party primary election conducted in Nigeria. The existing approach to address the problem of accountability by the SROLWLFDO R΀ FHKROGHUV LQ 1LJHULD KDV EHHQ WKH conventional focus on institutional reform to generate positive change.

However, this is near impossible in a political system where political parties that nominate candidates for election are a “property” of few individuals who impose preferred candidates on the political system.

There is a paucity of literature focusing mainly on party primaries in Nigeria. This is connected with the fact that the development of the political party in Nigeria came as a form of resistance or attack against the colonial government. The democratic process in the selection of party candidates at this period did not matter as preference could be on the individuals that can display braveness in confronting the colonial government or bridging penetration by political rivals from other parts of Nigeria as manifested in postindependence party formation in Nigeria.

There was a combination of tradition and charisma in the actions of the political leaders of Action Group (AG) in Western Nigeria, National Council of Nigeria Citizens (NCNC) in Eastern Nigeria, Northern People’s Congress

(NPC) in Northern Nigeria, and Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) led

by Aminu Kano. Leadership dexterity was considered above internal democracy therefore, party members were willing WR WUDGH RͿ DQ\ IRUP RI LQWHUQDO FRQÁ LFWV because of the need to prevent internal rupture. The formerly dominant parties in the regions respectively might vigorously bemoan the repressive tactics used by the agents or their political allies in other regions. The demand for accountability became measured against ‘match-able’

party members vis-a-vis the other parties.

The Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in 1979 exhibited that leadership control was highly entrenched. Though, the leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo expressed democratic socialism but there were doubts over openness within the party.

No one is excluded based on religion, ethnic identity, and place of origin, or SULRU SROLWLFDO D΀ OLDWLRQ <HW WKH GHJUHH of ‘openness’ of this process, however much it might have been proclaimed, was found unconvincing by many invitees.

Some might come and stay for some time but then drift away accusing Awolowo of playing with a stacked deck. Others could never convince themselves that those who had spent years around the table would not have an unmatchable advantage over the newcomers. Even if the cards were fairly dealt, how could they ever be certain that the veterans would not use covert understanding especially of the ways of WKH PDVWHU WR NHHS WKHP RͿ EDODQFH DQG LQHͿ HFWLYH" Awolowo argues that it was the height of absurdity for anyone to think that largely non-literate electorate would be capable of deciding what is in its interest and to believe otherwise was to be nothing but irresponsible. However, the rank-andÀ OH SUHYDLOHG RYHU ODWH FKLHI 2EDIHPL Awolowo against Pa Alayande his preferred candidate in the governorship primary election in Oyo State in the Second Republic (1979-1983) and voted for late Chief Bola Ige. The same scenario occurred in Kwara State in 1983 when the rank-andÀ OH LQ WKH SDUW\ YRWHG IRU 6HQDWRU &RUQHOLXV Adebayo in the party primary conducted three times to defeat late Joseph Sunday Olawoyin as the gubernatorial candidate preferred by late chief Obafemi Awolowo 7+,6'$< 'HFHPEHU S 7KH VLWXDWLRQ LQ $QDPEUD ZDV GLͿ HUHQW

Oladeji writes from Lagos

333

T H I S D AY MONDAY JUNE 6, 2022

Ihedioha is a tactician and creative thinker committed to the common good, contends PAUL OBI

DECONSTRUCTING EMEKA IHEDIOHA “A liberal knows that the only certainty in this life is change but believes that the change can be directed toward a constructive end” - Henry Wallace :LWK WKH IUHQ]\ RI JHQHUDO HOHFWLRQ DW a fever pitch, so many issues are cropping up ZLWK SRRU GLDJQRVLV 'HEDWHV KDSKD]DUGO\ DSSUDLVHG $QG ZLWK LQWHUQHW DQG VRFLDO PHGLD HYHU\ 7RP 'LFN DQG +DUU\ LV QRZ EHFRPLQJ SVHXGR H[SHUW DQG DQDO\VW <HW LQ VR PDQ\ DFFRXQWV ZH FDQ DGGXFH WKDW KLVWRU\ ZRXOG GHÀQLWHO\ EH RXU JXLGH LQ KLJKOLJKWLQJ WKH VDOLHQW LVVXHV DERXW 1LJHULDQ SROLWLFV DQG

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The processes and procedures for investment in shares show that it is not gambling, writes SOLA ONI

INVESTMENT IN SHARES IS NOT GAMBLING ,QYHVWPHQW LQ DQ\ DVVHW FODVV LV D WUDGHRͿ of risk and return. It is settled in portfolio management that there are four major asset classes - cash and cash equivalents, equities, À[HG LQFRPH DQG UHDO HVWDWH $SDUW IURP ZKDW LV FDOOHG V\VWHPDWLF RU XQGLYHUVLÀDEOH ULVN ZKLFK LV LQKHUHQW WR WKH HQWLUH PDUNHW RU PDUNHW segment, each asset class has its peculiar risk.

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Anyone who loses his life savings to investment in shares must have breached the due process of investing or duped by a con man

can impact negatively on the company’s top DQG ERWWRP OLQH " 7KLV LV ZKHUH VHFXULWLHV SURIHVVLRQDOV FRPPRQO\ FDOOHG VWRFNEURNHUV EHFRPH JDWHNHHSHUV 7KHVH SURIHVVLRQDOV NHHS WDE RQ DOO WKH VHFWRUV RI WKH HFRQRP\ 7KH\ GR PDQ\ DQDO\VHV EHIRUH UHFRPPHQGLQJ EX\ VHOO RU KROG WR DQ LQYHVWRU 6WRFNEURNHUV DUH QRW *RG $ VXGGHQ RFFXUUHQFH FDQ QHJDWH WKHLU DQDO\VLV EXW WKH\ HQFRXUDJH WKHLU FOLHQWV WR GLYHUVLI\ holdings as a hedge against unforeseen risks.

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4 34

T H I S D AY

MONDAY JUNE 6, 2022

EDITORIAL

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

ON INCESSANT GAS EXPLOSIONS Regulators should be alive to their responsibilities

I

gas retail outlets on how to operate their business t is rather unfortunate that gas has with minimal risk to themselves and the general progressively become another source of public. death and bodily injuries for users and Ironically, these explosions occur amid intense innocent bystanders in Nigeria today. Less campaigns on the need for Nigerians to drop than a month after nine persons were killed kerosene for gas as a cheaper and cleaner means in Sanbongari, Fagge local government area of cooking.

In an incident that is typical of the of Kano in what was believed to be a gas explosion, carelessness often associated with many homes, another one occurred last Friday in the same state. a female domestic help in Epe, Lagos, turned on $OWKRXJK WKHUH DUH FRQWHQWLRQV DERXW WKH ÀUVW the gas and left to chat outside. By the time she explosion with claims that it could have been returned to light up the burner, the kitchen was ignited by a suicide bomber, the latest occurred VXͿXVHG ZLWK FKHPLFDO 7KH UHVXOWDQW ÀUH DQG DW D /LTXHÀHG 3HWUROHXP *DV /3* UHÀOLQJ VKRS explosion consumed her razing houses when and many neighbours. a cylinder exploded Meanwhile, despite and instantly caught that hundreds of lives ÀUH $W OHDVW SHUVRQV The relevant authorities need to organise sensitisation programmes have been lost to this were injured in what problem with businesses is becoming a familiar to all gas retail outlets on how to operate their business with and property worth tragedy. billions destroyed, While we commiserate minimal risk to themselves and the general public nothing concrete has with families of the come from any of the Kano victims, there investigations. That is not is an urgent need the way to handle a problem of this magnitude. To for a thorough investigation of these incessant reduce the increasing regularity of gas explosions explosions so that appropriate lessons can be T H I S D AY and the attendant dangers to lives and property, EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU learnt. But ignorance and greed play a big role it is important to step up advocacy on the issue.

DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA in many of these tragic occurrences in a milieu MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO We urge the relevant authorities to conduct regular where regulation is weak. For instance, when in DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU drills in markets and other public buildings on D F\OLQGHU H[SORGHG DW WKH 3ODWHDX 6WDWH :DWHU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI safety measures regarding the commodity. That is Board treatment plant leaving eight people dead, EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN the only way we will not continue to harvest tragic MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI it was discovered that the fatalities were recorded THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE but avoidable deaths. because residents inhaled the poisonous gas which Many of the gas retail outlets still do not know enveloped the entire neighbourhood. There are how to operate their business with minimal risk.

DOVR FDVHV RI LOOHJDO JDV UHÀOOLQJ SODQWV GRPLFLOHG )RU LQVWDQFH WKH IRUPHU 'HSDUWPHQW RI 3HWUROHXP LQ KLJKO\ LQÁDPPDEOH DUHDV DFURVV WKH FRXQWU\ T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D 5HVRXUFHV '35 UHSHDWHGO\ XUJHG PRWRULVWV WR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA Much more need to be done to ensure that GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, desist from using mobile phones while refuelling those who handle gas always abide by safety ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DW ÀOOLQJ VWDWLRQV %XW PDQ\ VWLOO GR LW 2WKHU procedures. In recent times, fatal explosions had DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, artisans who work with gas and petrol also do so.

EHHQ UHSRUWHG LQ 3ODWHDX $NZD ,ERP /DJRV DQG ANTHONY OGEDENGBE Yet, answering calls besides any explosive material Jigawa States, killing dozens of people. However, DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI is dangerous which is why people are usually SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH also of increasing concerns are gas explosions ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI DGYLVHG WR VZLWFK RͿ WKHLU SKRQH DW WKH JDV VWDWLRQ of the domestic kind. Incessant domestic gas CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI But because many disobey this simple rule and explosions because of leaking cylinders are on the DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO many others, we keep harvesting deaths resulting rise across the country. The relevant authorities TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com from gas explosions. need to organise sensitisation programmes to all

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

IT’S NORTH VS SOUTH IN 2023 7KH HOHFWLRQV ZLOO EH G\QDPLF DQG FKDQJH WKH political landscape of Nigeria. Currently both political parties are in a quandary as regards a path to victoU\ 7KH 3'3 VHOHFWHG $WLNX $EXEDNDU D IRUPHU 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW DQG VHULDO SDUWLFLSDQW KH KDV EHHQ UXQQLQJ IRU 3UHVLGHQW VLQFH %XW FXULRXVO\ D ORW RI SHRSOH WKLQN WKDW GHFLVLRQ OHDYHV WKH 3'3 LQ MHRSDUG\ DV WKHUH is a pervasive zeitgeist for power to return to the south.

6RPHRQH RQFH TXLSSHG WKDW $WLNX LQ WKH HOHFWLRQV could be akin to phantom of the opera without AnGUHZ :HEHU EHFDXVH WKLV ZLOO OHDG WR WKH 3'3 ORVLQJ the southern voting bloc due to screams of betrayal by the south.

2Q WKH URDG WR SURGXFLQJ D 3'3 FDQGLGDWH D ORW RI VRXWKHUQHUV WKRXJKW WKDW WKH 3'3 ZLOO ORRN VRXWK EXW they did look north with the strong argument that only Atiku could win, albeit they played a symphony of no zoning on their exonerative grand piano.

Conversely, some have challenged this “winnability” talk by arguing whether the north will vote for Atiku.

There are some uncircumspect postulations that if the QRUWK GRHVQ·W YRWH IRU $WLNX DQG WKH 3'3 GRHVQ·W JHW the southern vote - which is possible due to the recent FU\ RI EOXH PXUGHU E\ 2KDQDH]H LQGLJER WKHQ LW PLJKW be continuation of the wilderness experience for the 3'3 But as hitherto caveated, this is an uncircumspect itHUDWLRQ 6X΀FH WR VD\ WKH SRVWXODWLRQ RI WKH $3& QRW being able to win elections in the north with a southern candidate and winning the south with a below par performance is another jaundiced postulation.

However, asphyxiated of logic some of these postulations may look, they are scenarios to consider as some parrot the need for a third force which they outULJKWO\ VD\ PXVW EH 3HWHU 2EL %XW RQ PRUH LQWURVSHFWLRQ WKH TXHVWLRQ ZLOO DULVH GRHV 2EL DQG KLV EULJDGH KDYH WKH JUDYLWDV WR HNH RXW WKH YRWHV LQ $3& DQG 3'3 VWURQJKROGV" +DV KH EXLOW D VWUXFWXUH RI DW OHDVW men and women to watch out for his votes across 774 ORFDO JRYHUQPHQW DUHDV VSUHDG DFURVV VT NP"

If a structure is built then how can this win an election?

Can Nigeria be France where Macron started with the Republique enMarche and he built it to win? Even with Macron I ask if François Fillon had been without scandal will Macron have emerged?

2QH WKLQJ LV FHUWDLQ HYHQ GHVSLWH KRZ QHEXORXV WKH process is, it would be the return of the old brigade and WKH HQG RI ´WKDW HUDµ 7KH ÀQDO ZLQQHUV PLJKW EH HLWKHU WKH 3'3 RU $3& EXW D WKLUG IRUFH PLJKW PDNH D GHQW However when the process ends, one thing is certain: both key parties would have had their innings and the new active participation by the youth would emerge. I am excited at the possibilities, but my fear is the lack of a robust public discourse as that is the veritable pedestal for national development. As the Irish Rock Band, 8 ZLOO VLQJ ´FKDQJH RI KHDUW FRPH VORZ UHPHPEHU it’s not a hill but a mountain as you start out the climb.”

Rufai Oseni, rufaioseni@gmail.com

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T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022

HOMES&DESIGN Atlantis Towers

A Premium Facility in Victoria Island

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MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

HOMES&DESIGN

Atlantis Towers: Inside Victoria Island’s Premium Luxury The development of Atlantis Towers has remarkably provided prospective investors with massive and rare opportunities in the real estate market in Victoria Island, Lagos. Besides, it is an excellent place to pursue happiness. Bennett Oghifo writes he Atlantis Towers is a worldclass building strategically located on Bishop Aboyade Cole Street on Victoria Island, Lagos. It is in the neighbourhood of the landmark Eko Atlantic City, a multibillion-dollar project sitting on over 10 million square meters. It is expected to accommodate over 150,000 people who would reside there and another 250,000 who would work and commute within the city on a daily basis. It is a self-contained city offering all the necessary services and facilities.

The Atlantis City Towers consists of

T

premium one-, two-,three-bedroom condos, one-, two-, three-, and fourbedroom maisonettes, including a luxury five-bedroom penthouse with BQ. Every residential condo in the Towers is equipped with a huge en-suite bedroom, study space, spacious living and dining rooms, large windows for ample ventilation and lighting, a lovely kitchen, and a suspended swimming pool.

According to its promoters, investors will benefit from the proximity to hospital health services

and convenient connectivity to renowned Multinational Companies (ExxonMobil Company), KPMG, and many others.

“In the very stunning and timeless landscape of Victoria Island at Bishop Aboyade Cole Street, Atlantis City Towers is in a strategic position. The iconic Condos development is to provide our investors and home buyers the opportunity to invest in our properties with unbelievable annual interest rates and also provides buy-to-rent clients appreciable

properties with unrivalled annual rental returns on their investments at prime locations,” explained the promoters.

The promoters added, “Each serviced tower consists of premium 1,2,3-bedroom condos and 2,3,4-bedroom maisonettes, as well as a luxury 5-bedroom penthouse with BQ. Each residential condo is fitted with large en-suite bedrooms, study room, spacious living and dining areas, large windows for sufficient ventilation and lighting, a lovely kitchen, and a suspended swimming pool.”

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MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSSPECIAL

Editor: Obinna Chima obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08024557078

Ending the Dollarisation of Nigeria’s Economy There is need for a fundamental solution to the dollarisation of Nigeria’s economy, writes Obinna Chima

T

he recent depreciation of the naira to about N613 to a dollar on the parallel foreign exchange (forex) market has remained a source of concern to a lot of Nigerians.

Whereas the present high crude oil environment ought to have resulted to exchange rate stability and improved forex inflows for the country, the reverse has been the case, which presages challenges in the economy. More worrisome is the dollarisation of the Nigerian economy which has seen some property owners, delegates at some political parties’ recent primaries allegedly being bribed in dollars, airlines and school owners among others, demanding payments in dollars.

All these contribute to the weakness of the naira exchange rate and distorts monetary policy transmission despite increased efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to strengthen the naira through its intervention in the forex as well as its development finance initiatives.

Dollarisation which is the use of foreign currencies as a medium of exchange, store of value, or unit of account has emerged as a key factor explaining vulnerabilities and currency crises. The CBN had threatened to prosecute anyone found transacting business in the country with foreign currencies as medium of payment.

Provisions of the CBN Act of 2007, states inter-alia that “the currency notes issued by the Bank shall be legal tender in Nigeria…for the payment of any amount.”

Furthermore, the Act stipulates that any person(s) who contravenes this provision is guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a prescribed fine or six months imprisonment.

To the International Monetary Fund (IMF), dollarisation can pose important challenges to policymakers. It also constrains the capacity of monetary authorities to act as a lender of last resort; hampers banks’ liquidity management; and weakens the stability of the financial sector, as it may amplify the impact of exchange rate movements on banks’ balance sheets, thereby increasing the risk of contractionary effects and bank failures.

“A better understanding of dollarisation in Africa may thus help to assess potential vulnerabilities and the case for the implementation of policies in order to mitigate the risks that may result from it,” the fund added.

The CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele had declared that the currency for transacting business in the country remains the naira and had warned that it is illegal to carry out transactions using the US dollar.

He had said: “We will be looking at areas where people are making demands for foreign currency; people who are landlords who are asking for rent in dollars; schools that are asking for school fees in dollars or transacting business in dollars.”

He stressed that it was illegal in Nigeria to transact business in foreign currency and

advised those involved in the practice to desist from doing so, because the CBN would soon come after them.

Beyond the dollarisation of the economy, experts have stressed the need for the country to increase its productivity and change consumption patterns to shore up the value of naira. This was among the consensus reached by experts at a one-day roundtable on national issues at a recent forum organised in Abuja.

To the convener and member of THISDAY Editorial Board, Dr. Okey Ikechukwu, the CBN had made several policy interventions to improve the value of the national currency, including via the Anchor Borrowers Programme, which was created and enhance farmers’ access to loans.

“This initiative alone has created millions of jobs, taken many youths off the crime path and rescued many local economies. Only economy-reflating and socially impactful efforts, as seen in such initiatives, in addition to consuming what we produce and producing what we consume, will give us the prospect of bringing up the value of the National Currency and keeping it up,” he said.

Clearly, for Nigeria whose currency is not convertible or serve as international currency, she must earn foreign exchange through high productivity and export of goods and services, receipt of monetary gifts or receipt of foreign loans and investments in order to import needed goods and services aimed at the development of the economy and enhancing the welfare of the citizens.

Indeed, high levels of forex earnings and external reserves are the backbone of the naira exchange rate. They ensure stability of the rate while low levels weaken the naira. But then, it must be noted that the CBN does not produce forex; it is what is earned by the country that the Bank strives to manage and use to stabilise the exchange rate.

To Prof. Mike Obadan, the CBN has strived to carry out its mandate by using supply and demand management strategies, particularly, forex conservation and control measures as well as measures to ensure adequate supply of foreign exchange. This is particularly so because forex is a scarce resource that needs to be efficiently managed if the country is to achieve macroeconomic stability, and avoid chronic balance of payments and external reserve problems.

The Professor of Economics and Chairman, Goldmark Education Academy, noted that for some time now, there have been issues about forex in the country, which predates the present administration, stating that over the years, genuine efforts

of the federal government to achieve a headway on these have tended to be undermined by exogenous shocks in the past five years which pushed the economy into recession in 2016 and 2020.

According to Obadan, the first recession from the first quarter (Q1) of 2017, was triggered by the collapse of crude oil prices in the global market. The price of Nigeria’s Bonny Light crude oil then declined continuously from $62.22 in Q2 2015 to $34.39 per barrel in Q1 2016.

Owing to this, as at the second quarter, 2017, when the country exited recession, crude oil price per barrel stood at just $50.21 per barrel.

“Due to the heavy dependence of the Nigerian economy on the oil sector, the impact of the oil market crash was severe on export earnings, foreign exchange reserves, government revenue and other macroeconomic aggregates including economic growth “External reserves declined from $28.28.33 billion in Q2, 2015 to $23.8 in Q3, 2016. The other external sector indicators similarly deteriorated: balance of goods and services, balance of current account, financial account, overall balance of payments, and external debt stock and debt servicing.

“The net forex inflow became negative, implying that the country paid out more forex to the rest of the world for importation of goods and services than it received. This implied that the demand for forex was higher than receipt of forex and the pressure on forex and the naira exchange rate was very high. This accounted for the devaluation/ depreciation of the naira in relation to the US dollar at that time.

“Secondly, the Covid-19 pandemic-induced economic crisis in 2020 resulted in recession in the third and fourth quarters of last year. The pandemic containment measures in the form of economic lockdowns and restrictions on international travels and business resulted in recessions for countries in various degrees.”

The former Director-General, National Centre for Economic Management & Administration, Ibadan, however, pointed out that the parallel market rate is determined mostly by speculators and rent seekers in a shallow and illegal market, which he argued constitutes a very tiny proportion of the forex market in Nigeria.

“Because the quantity of forex available in that market is very small in relation to the demand of the desperate economic agents that want to buy forex at any cost, the exchange rate is necessarily high. It cannot serve as reference for the naira exchange rate.

“If it is so, then it is the case of the tail

wagging the dog! The parallel forex market needs to be avoided by decent economic agents.

It will continue to exist as long as the naira is not convertible, the productivity of the economy remains low and the country does not earn enough forex from export of goods and services and capital inflows,” Obadan stressed.

Therefore, in order to stabilise the forex market and reduce the pressure on the naira exchange rate, Obadan said there was the strong need to move away from the country’s flawed pattern of economic management of the past.

He therefore called for a revival and rebuilding of the productive sectors of the economy to achieve higher capacity utilisation and productivity, and competitive manufactured exports; strong government encouragement of local refining of petroleum products for both domestic consumption and exports; as well as strong and effective surveillance of the forex market by the monetary authority to check round-tripping of forex from the deposit money banks to the parallel market.

In addition, Obadan advised the government to ensure that during oil booms, it saves forex and build fiscal buffers; increases sourcing of local raw materials and revival of the capital goods industry; promote fiscal and monetary discipline and harmony; create an enabling environment for productive capital inflows, especially foreign direct investment; and actively promote restoration of confidence in the economy to check capital flight.

“A good handle on the current insecurity challenges along with macroeconomic stability will be very helpful in this regard; rationalise imports structure to manage demand for forex; as may be permitted by supply considerations, use external reserves stock to support the exchange rate through increased funding of the foreign exchange market; and use moral suasion to encourage Nigerians to patronise home-made goods and reduce their high propensity for disruptive trade and commerce,” he added.

Former Deputy Governor of the CBN, Prof.

Kingsley Moghalu, had stressed the importance of export diversification. Moghalu pointed out that there was need for the country to have education, industrial and trade policies that are in alignment to support the growth of the economy.

He also said there was need to focus on productive knowledge in Nigeria, saying many people go through schools, but only a few have the kind of skills that can drive an industrially powered economy.

Therefore, while taking steps to put an end to the seeming dollarisation of the economy, improving the country’s forex earnings and stabilising the exchange rate require developed domestic production structures, a diversified economy and export orientation that is supported by an effective trade policy as well as a conducive macroeconomic environment.

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BUSINESS SPECIAL

ANALYSIS

Providing Affordable, Quality Homes Many Nigerians are left without roofs over their heads due to severe economic realities in the country, writes Dike Onwuamaeze

“A

man is not a man until he has a house of his own.” This quote by the late President Nelson Mandela of South Africa underscored the place of decent housing in meeting every man and woman’s social, economic, and psychological needs.

Yet, despite the place occupied by housing facilities for people’s daily and essential needs, many Nigerians are left without roofs over their heads due to severe economic realities in the country.

It is estimated by some authorities that the country’s present housing deficit is over 20 million units and would require about N21 trillion to finance.

A Professor of Economics and Public Policy, University of Uyo, Prof. Akpan Ekpo, had stated that the housing deficit crisis in Nigeria had worsened in recent times with the statistics showing a deficit of at least 17 million.

Ekpo had stated that the housing deficit, when left unabated, could lead to an increase in crime, an outbreak of diseases, unaffordable house prices, poor standards of living as well as high mortgage payments.

Also, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajiabiamila, had in 2021, declared that Nigeria’s housing deficit rate was alarming and would require N6 trillion to bridge the country’s housing deficit, which he estimated to be between 17 and 20 million housing units.

According to him, this number was increasing annually by 900,000 units. apping into this huge opportunity in the housing sector and working to provide ethical professional services that would enable Nigerians to secure a roof over their heads is the Founder/Managing Director of Rouxey Vision Homes and Construction (RVHC), Mr. Jude Ikeji, who is redefining the concept of luxury living in the country.

Ikeji holds a B.Sc. in Accounting/Business Management from the University of Lagos, and a Master’s degree in Project Management/ Business Administration and Management, from the prestigious Lagos Business School of the Pan-Atlantic University. He also has a Diploma in Banking and Finance from the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State.

He is an experienced real estate professional with a passion for the provision of luxury homes, the supply of quality building materials, and cost-effective logistics management.

His Lagos-based RVHC, which he founded and nurtured is today among the foremost firms in the real estate consultancy business in Nigeria with operations across the world.

He actively leverages his intimate working knowledge of the operations of real estate assets to judiciously deploy capital and ensure an above-average return to the business and its partners without compromising the long-term satisfaction of its esteemed clients and contribute to the growth of the nation.

He has direct oversight over the firm’s day-to-day activities managing the team of highly trained professionals with passion in the quest to make RVHC a reference point in Nigeria’s burgeoning luxury real estate market.

Its vision is to create unique, luxurious, and

development and delivery of this super-luxury five bedroom fully detached duplex with BQ in Osapa London, Lekki. The project was valued at N145 million only.”

LEKKI PHASE1 PROJECT

Ikeji affordable homes that are rendered in classy and outstanding designs for all our clients.

Ikeji said, “with safety and comfort as our watchwords, we continue, through our projects, to contribute our quota to the growth and development of Nigeria’s economy as well as improving the lots of our clients and partners through investment in real estate, general investment finance, and management services,” adding that “with our experience of over 12 years in the industry, we guarantee excellence.”

RVHC renders quality and value-added services that are backed up by years of experience and aided with information and communication technology (ICT) in the real estate industry. It is guided by honesty and adherence to the highest standards and ethics in service delivery.

“We provide services to industries, government bodies, parastatals, and individuals in Nigeria and overseas. And in our dealings with customers, our emphasis is on utmost professionalism, innovative solutions, and customer satisfaction.” Ikeji said.

“We are recognised and respected for the quality of our service delivery in the following areas: estate/property developer; Estate agency; Property marketing; Valuation for all purposes; Feasibility and viability appraisal; Real estate advisory; Title search and verification; Project management; Property and Facility management.”

Currently, RVHC is developing Amanda’s Garden Estate in Ibeju Lekki along with the major development (Abijo Heights) situated at Abijo G.R.A Lagos, a fast-rising suburb. Rouxey Vision Homes and Construction is reputed to have initiated and completed the Diamond Estate by Novare Mall, which is sited on a 1,200 sqm expanse that has been sold out. It is also handling the Osapa Project, which is hyped as a fantastic five-bedroom duplex located in a safe and secured environment.

Ikeji said, “RVHC superintended the

Rouxey Vision Homes and Construction built and delivered the super luxurious 5-bedroom fully detached duplex with BQ in the heart of Lekki Phase1 from start to finish using the best building materials sourced internationally. Its features include a spacious living room, modern lighting fittings, all rooms ensuite, POP ceiling, and spacious bedrooms.

Other projects that were executed and completed by the Rouxey Vision Homes and Construction includes the Abijo Heights, which is an 8,000sqm two-phased project (Phase 1 and 2) in the heart of ‘new’ Lagos.

The location, according to Ikeji, was selected with speedy value appreciation in mind. He said that the homes were designed to deliver a seamless fusion of comfort, serenity and aesthetically-pleasing architecture. Abijo Heights straddles the two hottest ‘new’ Lagos locations for fast-growing property - Sangotedo and Ibeju Lekki. It brings to our esteemed clients a golden opportunity on a silver platter.

“Each home is a beautiful, contemporary, four-bedroom Maisonette and BQ that comes with a laundry room, box room, ample storage, and 1-room BQs, all brilliantly spread out over three floors. It is built on solid structures, well-planned layouts, ambient perfection, and top-level security awaits you with as little as N10 million deposit.”

RVHC does not just construct buildings, it also ensures that infrastructures needed to enable residents to enjoy a quality lifestyle are provided. These include a good road network, water treatment, ultra-modern sewage system, good drainage system, playground for children, and sporting facilities like a gym and relaxation spot. The project is also supported by an independent power supply within the estate to guarantee a 24-hour uninterrupted power supply. There is also an extra car park behind for at least four vehicles Payment Plans: Owning a home is also designed to be affordable as payment could be spread over 24 months with a pocket-friendly initial deposit of N10 million only.

Among its ongoing projects is the Chois Garden Estate Project, which has ready for sale 10 bungalow units at Chois Garden Estate, Abijo G.R.A on a 3000sqm site. Each beautiful and luxuriously finished brand new 3-bedroom Bungalow is move-in ready. You only need to bring your clothes. The gated compound can accommodate up to 8 cars with two external wash bays.

Rouxey Vision Homes and Construction shares the philosophy that the real estate sector of the Nigerian economy should offer Nigerians opportunities to own homes, invest and grow their income over time.

Specifically, the industry should offer homeowners and investors some direct benefits that includes financial security as a

source for passive income, capital appreciation on the initial investment as well as having a reliable asset that could serve as collateral to secure funding from commercial banks and other financial institutions. In addition, investing in real estate also guarantees financial stability.

His view tallied with Ekpo’s position that, “housing is important to the development of any society, and it has both economic and welfare effects. Economically, investment in housing contributes to fixed capital formation, employment, and substantial backward and forward linkages with the rest of the economy.”

Ikeji also shared the concern expressed by Gbajabiamila that some estate developers are exploiting the gaps in relevant legislation to also operate with impunity, stealing away the dreams and billions of Naira of hard-working Nigerians.

Gbajabiamila had said: “A lack of accountability and regulation in the dealings between these real estate developers and home buyers has caused untold hardship to many already struggling Nigerians, who desired to own their own houses. So, It is our responsibility to introduce effective regulations to resolve these issues.”

Ikeji agreed to the existence of fraudulent activities that have led many people to be defrauded by some real estate owners. He has however, infused a good dose of professionalism to ensure that RVHC would remain on the path of business integrity.

He explained that with over 12 years of industry experience and a team of highly trained professionals, we consistently lead the way in the design, development, and delivery of competitively priced luxury properties across different sectors, both locally and internationally.

“We are recognised for excellence in service delivery which has given us an edge in the industry.” He said.

“Our mission is to be recognised for the provision of extraordinary service and expertise in the luxury real estate development market, leveraging innovative technology, professionalism, and integrity to consistently achieve increased customer satisfaction, an impressive return on investment, and improved quality of life in our community.”

RVHC is a professional real estate firm and a member of Estate Surveyors and Valuers. The firm is a member of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), as well as the Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON) with approval to practice and provide real estate services in Nigeria.

Rouxey Vision Homes is also registered with the Lagos State Real Estate Transaction Department (LASRETRAD) as a Certified Real Estate Practitioner.

Some of its services include property development, sales and lease, real estate advisory/management, importation and supply of building materials, and logistics services.

RVHC has international partners such as the W Estate of Turkey it collaborates with to offer international real estate investment opportunities for its clients.

NACCIMA Reaps from Buhari’s Spain Visit, Signs Fresh MoU Dike Onwuamaeze The recent visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to Spain is beginning to open doors for the Nigerian organised private sector to do business with their counterparts in that country.

During the visit, National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mr. John Udeagbala, and his counterpart from Spain Chamber of Commerce, Mr. José Luis Bonet Ferrer, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Madrid, Spain.

The signing of the MoU took place on the sidelines of the Nigeria-Spain Business Forum, which brought together business and political leaders from both countries.

NACCIMA said the MoU was designed to promote closer collaboration between NACCIMA

and Spain Chamber of Commerce, and also, “to encourage and facilitate actions leading to the promotion and development of commercial exchanges and economic cooperation between interested Members of both chambers of commerce.”

A statement issued by the NACCIMA’S secretariat stated that, “NACCIMA, through this MoU, will provide a platform for the business community in Nigeria to showcase and expand their businesses to Spain through strategic business-to-business (B2B) meetings, trade fairs and exhibitions to be organised in both countries.

“The MoU will also cover cooperation in the areas of investment across key sectors of the economy.

“The signing of this memorandum further displays the commitment of NACCIMA, under the leadership of its National President, Mr. John Udeagbala, to

strengthen the relationship and increase collaborations between Nigerian businesses and their foreign counterparts for the benefit of the Private Sector in Nigeria.

“As the Voice of Business in Nigeria, NACCIMA is actively promoting growth and competitiveness of Nigerian businesses for global trade through its strategic collaborations with Chambers of Commerce and Business Councils all over the world.”

President Buhari departed Abuja on May 3, to Spain for an official visit at the invitation of the Spanish President, Mr. Pedro Sanchez.

Buhari and Sanchez used the visit to hold bilateral talks on various issues affecting their countries, including signing of agreements and MoUs on a wide range of topics that are geared towards further enhancing the bilateral relations between the two nations.

Udeagbala and Ferrer during the MoU signing in Madrid, Spain… recently

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MONDAY JUNE 6, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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MONDAY JUNE 6, 2022 • T H I S D AY

MONDAY JUNE 6, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ JUNE 6, 2022

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BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Accion MFB Grows E-channel Usage by 75%, Eyes Listing on NGX Ugo Aliogo Accion Microfinance Bank (MFB) has revealed that its adopted digital technology was used to transform the bank’s business resulting in a 75 per cent increase in usage of the bank’s e-channels by its customers currently.

This was even as the bank said it is considering listing on Nigeria’s stock market at the appropriate time.

Speaking to journalists during the bank’s Walk for Wellness initiative in Lagos, the Managing Director, Accion Microfinance Bank (MFB), Taiwo Joda, noted that the initiative was born out of the bank’s desire to help its staff to live a healthy lifestyle while creating an avenue for bonding due to the seclusion

created by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Joda further revealed that the bank is planning on having its annual sport festival this year and stated that the current 75 per cent of the bank’s workforce speaks to the fact that Accion MFB’s future remains bright.

When quizzed on the level of investments the bank has done leveraging technology, he said: “We have had huge and amazing investments. We were undoubtedly the leader among the microfinance bank sector in Nigeria that has adopted digital technology to transform business. We have our E-Channels working and as of the last count 75 percent of our customers use our e-channels. That’s 75 per cent of the 250,000 customers that we serve who use our

digital channels. I think that is a huge number considering where we are coming from.”

Joda also stated that the bank is in partnership with some groups to enhance the bank’s operations by delivering the bank’s mandate of empowering micro-entrepreneurs and low Accion Microfinance Bank (MFB) Accion Microfinance Bank (MFB) income earners and providing financial services in a sustainable, ethical and profitable manner.

He revealed that the bank will list its shares on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) at the appropriate time as the decision rests with Accion MFB’s shareholders.

“We will do that (listing) but not in the immediate term but you can’t rule out that possibility”.

A Cross selection of Lagos Island East LCDA indigenes participating in The John Basil Mandilas Foundation Medical Outreach in Lagos...recently

Sterling Bank, Bedrock Initiative Train Entrepreneurs On Business Management Nume Ekeghe Sterling Bank Plc has partnered with the Bedrock Initiative to train youths so that they can be gainfully employed as part of its contribution toward reducing unemployment in the country.

The training session was conducted during the Owerri Business Week, which was held recently with the theme: ‘Gaining Business Momentum.’

A statement by the bank, Divisional Head, Business Growth and Transaction Banking at Sterling Bank, Mr. Obinna Ukachukwu, speaking during the programme in Owerri, the Imo State capital proposed a bottom-to-top approach as a possible solution to remedying

Nigeria’s economic challenges. He said the efforts aimed at solving Nigeria’s problems should be a bottom-up approach, whereby the youth would begin to revolutionize their thinking and mindset about reshaping the country such that the leadership would have no choice but to key in.

“We can transform this country from bottom to top if the people who are in the majority decide to do the right thing. First of all, as a voter, let every adult of 18 years and above procure their permanent voter card (PVC) and get ready to vote and participate in the electoral process. If they participate and make their votes count, their elected leaders would not have any other option than to follow the minds of those that

elected them.” he said.

Ukachukwu, who was one of the key speakers at the business forum, noted that there were different ways of getting things done, especially by deviating from the conventional way. He urged entrepreneurs and young start-ups to follow their own mind and continue to build.

He recommended that young Nigerians should begin to think of building for tomorrow in order to transform the country. “This means that you are building your business outside of yourself. You need not build a business around yourself, but liberate yourself from the business so that your dream would be bigger than you. Let the next generation build and improve on what you have started.”

Mandilas Implores Medical Outreach Beneficiaries on Regular Check-Up Mandilas Group Limited under the aegis of The John Basil Mandilas Foundation has concluded a two-day free medical outreach for employees and others within the company’s immediate community in Lagos Island East Local Council Development Authority (LCDA).

Organized in collaboration with the Company’s Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Medexia Limited, the two-day free medical outreach had over three hundred (300) beneficiaries in attendance.

The free Medical outreach forms part of the activities in celebration of the Group’s 72nd Anniversary and included Blood Pressure Check, Eye test, Body Mass Index (BMI), Fasting/ Random Blood Sugar (Diabetes) & Medical Advisory Services.

Addressing the beneficiaries, the Group CEO, Mrs. Ola AyoAdeloye represented by the Group Head, Human Resources and Admin, Mrs. Anna Fatosin highlighted the importance of periodic medical checks and encouraged the beneficiaries to imbibe the culture either young and old. She said: “Knowledge is Power, and Health is Wealth.

The medical check will assist with detecting potential health risks early, limit complications and enable medical personnel to provide the best care.” The Mandilas boss also advised beneficiaries to follow-up on medical report received in Government or private medical facilities after the exercise.

In his opening speech, Dr. Adesoji Adereti, the Doctor-in-

Charge from Medexia Limited urged everyone to make their health & wellbeing a top priority.

He counseled on the need to eat healthy with emphasis on fruits, vegetables, cutting down on sugar and salt intake, exercising the body, and holistic adherence to prescribed medications.

The Team Coordinator and Assistant General Manager, Medexia Limited, Mr. Lanre Salami expressed appreciation to the Mandilas Group for putting together the initiative and encouraged all beneficiaries to take full advantage of the resources made available for the outreach.

The indigenes of the Lagos Island East LCDA made of mostly the elderly promised to adhere to medical advice and make healthy living a part of their lifestyle.

Margaret Moore to be Invested President of PILA Mrs Margaret Moore, managing director/CEO, Mega Trust Insurance Brokers Limited will on Tuesday be invested the 14th President of the Professional Insurance Ladies Association (PILA).

She will be taking over from Joyce Ojemudia, Managing Director/CEO, African Alliance Insurance Plc who has served the female insurance body in the last two years.

PILA is the elite professional Association of Women in Insur-

ance across Africa, stablished in 1973 and has become the rallying point for professional women in the industry.

The investiture ceremony scheduled to hold at Oriental Hotels in Victoria Island will have in attendance the Commissioner for Insurance, Sunday Olorunda Thomas and other top players within and outside the industry.

Mrs Margaret Nkechinyere Moore is a seasoned composite Insurance Practitioner with extensive exposure and

experience in Marketing, Underwriting, Claims, Reinsurance and Insurance Broking. She is amiable and engaging with a positive personality, a focused team player, goal-getter, and a natural motivator.

She holds a BSc (First Class Hons) degree in Insurance from Joseph Ayo Babalola University, a Post Graduate Diploma in Maritime Law and Master’s Degree in Business Administration (Financial Management) from Lagos State University.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JANUARY 2021 Money Supply (M3)

38,779,455.43

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

1,039,129.55

Money Supply (M2)

37,740,325.88

-- Quasi Money

21,779,302.69

-- Narrow Money (M1)

15,961,023.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,364,871.13

---- Demand Deposits

13,596,152.06

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,414,275.50

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

31,365,179.93

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

42,916,586.63

---- Credit to Government (Net)

12,304,773.44

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

30,611,813.19

--Other Assets Net

3,892,112.74

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,264,585.14

--Currency in Circulation

2,831,167.19

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,433,417.96 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT MONDAY MAY 30, 2022

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $118.84 a barrel on Friday, compared with $116.50 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).

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T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ʹ˜ ͰͮͰͰ

Shareholders Commend NASCON’s Impressive Performance Amid Challenges Kayode Tokede Shareholders of NASCON Allied Industries Plc, a subsidiary of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) have commended the food seasoning company over its impressive performance in the year ended December 31, 2021, in spite of the harsh economic operating environment just as the company

emerged the best haulage company of the year.

Speaking during the NASCON’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the weekend in Lagos, a representative of the shareholders, Mrs. Bisi Bakare said the performance reflects the ability of the management of NASCON to steer the company through difficult times especially in the face

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

of lack of power, fluctuating exchange regime and dwindling purchasing power of consumers.

She expressed the belief that the overall performance of the Company was a reflection of its Seven sustainability pillars adopted by NASCON and which are geared towards ensuring that the company connects with all stakeholders.

Another shareholder, Mrs.

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Adetutu Siyanbola in her remarks said that NASCON Transport Team section should be commended as indicated in the financial report, for winning the best haulage company of the year out of the 684 companies that enrolled for the Road-Transport-SafetyStandardization-Scheme of the Federal Road Safety Corps.

She pointed out that the company has over the years

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imbibed a culture known for taking good care of shareholders through consistent payment of dividends adding that despite the harsh operating environment occasioned by the global economic downturn, the company still paid a dividend of 40 kobo per share.

Adding his voice to the commendation, respected shareholders’ rights’ activist, Sir Sunny Nwosu, lauded the

O F

board and management of NASCON for their ability to declare and pay dividends despite the harsh operating environment which resulted from the Apapa Wharf gridlock and the downturn in national economy. He said that while other companies are lamenting and cutting down on production, the company is paying dividend which is commendable.

0 4 / 0 6 / 2 0 2 2 DEALS

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VALUE TRADED ( N)

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MONDAY JUNE 6, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022

NEWS

UNVEILING OF PLAQUE TO COMMEMORATE TURNING OF THE SOD CEREMONY...

L-R: Chairman, Fundraising Subcommittee, St. John Mary Vianney Priests Home (SJMVPH), Project, Chief Anthony Idigbe; Chairman, SJMVPH Project, Rev. Fr. Anthony Fadairo; Rev. Fr. Paul Arole; Archbishop of The Metropolitan See of Lagos, His Grace, Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on religious Matters (Christian), Very Rev. Bukola Adeleke, and others, during the unveiling of plaque to commemorate Turning of the Sod ceremony for the St. John Mary Vianney Priests Home at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Anthony Village, Maryland, Lagos ... recently

WHO Raises the Alarm over Dangers of Environmental Impact of Tobacco Industry Says vaccinations, natural immunity to slash Africa's COVID deaths by 94% in 2022 Ndubuisi Francis and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja with agency report The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised the alarm on the extent to which tobacco damages both the environment and human health, calling for steps to make the industry more accountable for the destruction it is causing.

In a new report, “Tobacco: Poisoning our Planet”, WHO highlighted that the industry’s carbon footprint from production, processing and transporting tobacco is equivalent to one-fifth of the CO2 produced by the commercial airline industry each year, further contributing to global warming.

According to the Director of Health Promotion at WHO, Dr. Ruediger Krech, “Tobacco products are the most littered item on the planet, containing over 7000 toxic chemicals, which leech into our environment when discarded.

Roughly 4.5 trillion cigarette filters pollute our oceans, rivers, city sidewalks, parks, soil and beaches every year.”

Products like cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes also add to the build-up of plastic pollution, the organisation said.

Cigarette filters contain microplastics and make up the secondhighest form of plastic pollution worldwide.

Every year, the tobacco industry costs the world more than eight million human lives, 600 million trees, 200, 000 hectares of land,

22 billion tonnes of water and 84 million tonnes of CO2.

The majority of tobacco is grown in low-and-middle-income countries, where water and farmland are often desperately needed to produce food for the region.

Instead, they are being used to grow deadly tobacco plants, while more and more land is being cleared of forests.

Despite tobacco industry marketing, there is no evidence that filters have any proven health benefits.

WHO called on policy-makers to treat cigarette filters, as what they are, single use plastics, and consider banning cigarette filters to protect public health and the environment.

The costs of cleaning up littered tobacco products fall on taxpayers, rather than the industry creating the problem. Each year, this costs China roughly $ 2.6 billion and India roughly $ 766 million.

The cost for Brazil and Germany comes in at over $200 million.

Countries like France and Spain and cities like San Francisco, California in the USA had taken a stand.

Following the Polluter Pays Principle, they have successfully implemented “extended producer responsibility legislation” which makes the tobacco industry responsible for clearing up the pollution it creates.

WHO urged countries and cities to follow this example, as well as give support to tobacco farmers to switch to sustainable crops, implement strong tobacco taxes (that

could also include an environmental tax) and offer support services to help people quit tobacco.

Meanwhile, deaths on the African continent from COVID-19 are expected to fall by nearly 94 per cent in 2022 compared to last year, modelling by WHO has shown.

Last year was the pandemic's deadliest in Africa, with COVID-19

emerging the seventh major cause of death, just below malaria.

"Our latest analysis suggests that estimated deaths in the African region will shrink to around 60 a day in 2022. Last year, we lost an average of 970 people every day," WHO Africa Director Matshidiso Moeti told a virtual news conference.

Reuters reported that the gulf

in the numbers is due to increased vaccination, improved pandemic response and natural immunity from prior infections, quoting the WHO official.

COVID deaths in Africa have been uneven. Richer countries and southern African nations have had around double the mortality rates of poorer ones in other parts of Africa, partly due to co-morbidities

that increase the risk of death, the WHO analysis found.

Around 23,000 deaths are expected by the end of the year, provided current variants and transmission patterns remain the same, according to the analysis.

The findings infer that only one in 71 COVID-19 cases are recorded in Africa and that about one in three deaths have been missed.

Hope Rises for Nigeria as Putin Agrees to Free Up Ukrainian Grain Exports Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The food inflation as well as scarcity of farm additives in Nigeria occasioned by the war between Russia and Ukraine, may be tempered soon, with President Vladimir Putin assuring African leaders of his readiness to allow their export to the continent.

The federal government had recently lamented that the war was causing another wave of global economic distortion reflecting in the cost of food and fertiliser in the country.

Aside grains export from Ukraine, Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, said that as a fertiliser-producing country, it has been tough getting potash, a key ingredient in the production of the agricultural commodity, which had led to skyrocketing prices.

“For Nigeria as a producer of fertiliser, one of the major inputs

for fertiliser production, potash, is also affected. Now it is scarce and that means that the input is very expensive and we are seeing that reflecting in the cost of fertiliser,” she said.

But in April, Nigeria bought emergency supplies of potash after the country was unable to import the key fertiliser ingredient from Ukraine-Russia due to the impact of the invasion.

However, during a meeting with the Chairperson of the African Union (AU), Senegal's President Macky Sall, Putin told the representative of African leaders that he was ready to enable the export of Ukrainian grain to ease a global food crisis that is hitting Africa especially hard.

"President Putin has expressed to us his willingness to facilitate the export of Ukrainian cereals," Sall wrote on Twitter after meeting Putin in his role as chairman of the AU.

Russia was also ready to ensure the export of its own wheat and fertiliser, Sall said, according to Reuters, after the talks in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi.

Sall did not say if Putin had attached any conditions to his offer, but Russia had previously said it is ready to allow vessels carrying food to leave Ukraine in return for the lifting of some Western sanctions against it, a proposal that Ukraine has described as "blackmail".

Africa is heavily dependent on grain supplies from Russia and Ukraine that have been badly disrupted by the war.

"I have come to see you, to ask you to be aware that our countries, even far from the theatre (of war), are the victims of this economic crisis," Sall told Putin earlier.

Russia's army has seized much of Ukraine's southern coastline and its warships control access to the country's Black Sea ports.

Yet it continues to blame Ukraine and the West for the resulting halt in Ukrainian grain exports.

Putin told Russian state TV in an interview broadcast that Ukraine could export grain from ports including Odesa if it cleared them of mines.

"Let them remove the mines, we guarantee them free passage to international waters," he said.

Putin said the easiest way to ship out Ukrainian grain would be via neighbouring Belarus, but that it would require the West to lift sanctions on on the country.

African countries are acutely affected by the growing crisis, which has sent prices of grains, cooking oils, fuel and fertiliser soaring in recent times.

Russia and Ukraine account for nearly a third of global wheat supplies, while Russia is also a key global fertiliser exporter and Ukraine is a major exporter of corn and sunflower oil.

Ofehe Wins Delta YPP Guber Ticket, Vows to Defeat PDP, APC Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Dutch-Nigerian environmentalist and human rights activist, Mr. Sunny Ofehe at the weekend won the gubernatorial primary election of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) held in Asaba, with a promise to lead his party and youths to dislodge the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State.

He expressed confidence that his, "entry into the race will give Sheriff Oborevwori and Ovie Omo-Agege sleepless nights," because they know his pedigree

and what his stand had been on proper management of the vast resources of Delta State.

Ofehe lamented that too many Deltans were still living in abject poverty and misery without basic necessities of life because of the yawning disconnect between the government and the people, promising to commit himself to bridging that gap if voted into office as governor.

He said his over 25 years sojourn in Europe opened his eyes to the fact that, “you do not need rocket science to provide the basics needs for the people for a more

meaningful life, wondering why government should be boasting about carrying out its statutory role of providing roads and other infrastructure.”

In his acceptance speech, Ofehe said: "Today, I am offering myself to serve the good people of Delta State as your governor come 2023.

I am in this race as a voice of the voiceless, a pathfinder for the deprived, the less privileged and all those have been denied pipe-borne water in our rural communities and cities.

"I am in the race for our poor artisans who are never taken into

account in the policy making of this state. I am in the race to ensure that children of the less privileged in our midst can still feel the pressure of governance, attend good schools and live better life.

“I am in the race to ensure that our mothers and pregnant women are given adequate medical care from prenatal to post-natal stages.

"Our government will not slogan road infrastructure, or hype school infrastructure development as though we have done something tangible for people as these are constitutional and customary duties of every government. “We will take

into account what our people need at any given time and ensure that our children learn in a conducive environment.

"I have seen how a country can develop through the spirit of patriotism and good governance," he further said.

"The European advancement today is not rocket science; I have seen it and have fully embraced the culture. We know we can replicate it because as a State with the highest number of tertiary institutions, we can boast of adequate human capacity."

While thanking the delegates,

party loyalists and Ieaders, the governorship hopeful appealed for total commitment to the cause of taking Delta State from the PDP government and even the APC which presently enjoys a measure of influence in the state.

The returning officer also presented Ofehe with the party's Certificate of Return and flag, under the watchful eyes of the Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Monday Udoh-Tom, the state YPP chairman, Ufuoma Awiniki and leaders of the party from the 25 local government areas of the state.

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T H I S D AY • MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022

NEWSXTRA

AT THE 6TH ICC AFRICA CONFERENCE ON INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION… L-R: Chairman, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Africa Conference planning committee, Prof. Gbolahan Elias SAN; President, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Court of Arbitration, Claudia Salomon; and Chairman, International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria (ICCN) Commission on Arbitration and ADR, Dorothy Ufort, SAN at the 6th ICC Africa Conference on SUNDAY ADIGUN International Arbitration in Lagos...yesterday

Tambuwal, Deputy Get Senatorial Tickets after Withdrawing from PDP Presidential, Guber Contests Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto The Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal was at the weekend announced as the Senatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for Sokoto South

Senatorial District following the withdrawal of former commissioner of youth and sport Bala Bodinga.

By the affirmation, Tambuwal is now seeking to represent seven local government areas in the red chamber come 2023.

The local government areas are: Bodinga, Dange/Shuni, Kebbe, Shagari, Tambuwal, Tureta and Yabo local government areas.

In a related development the State Deputy Governor Alhaji Manir Dan'Iya clinched the senatorial ticket

of Sokoto North senatorial district.

At the well-attended event, which was held in Bodinga town, Tambuwal emerged unopposed following the withdrawal of Bala Bodinga who won senatorial ticket during the PDP senatorial primary

Cleric, 11 Others Arrested over Abuja Blasphemy Killing FCT Minister condemns mob attack at Lugbe Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The cleric who incited a mob that killed a security guard, Ahmed Usman for alleged blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed (SAW) at the Tipper Garage, Lugbe, Abuja and 11 other suspects have been arrested.

It was gathered last night that the cleric, named Malam Lawan and others who participated in the exta-judicial mob action have been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department of the FCT Police Command.

Usman, who was a member of the vigilance group at the Tipper Garage, was on Saturday stoned

and burned to death by a mob for alleged act of blasphemy on the directive of the cleric.

The Patrol Commander of Lugbe /Airport for the Vigilance Group, Abdulahi Umar told THISDAY that Usman, who got married early this year, was buried on Saturday, according to Islamic rights after the permission of his aged parents, who reside in Keffi, Nasarawa State was sought and granted.

Umar, who spoke to THISDAY yesterday, said the whole allegation of blasphemy against Usman was a frame up by Lawan.

He said the duo had a misunderstanding on Friday night

after Usman, who was on a security patrol, attempted to arrest some of the followers of the religious teacher after 12 midnight for wandering.

“I sent Usman to patrol of the garage and ensure the place was secure. Then he met Malam Lawan and directed that all the boys that were with him should be arrested and detained in the Vigilante Office.

But the Malam resisted and accused the deceased of unruliness. There was an argument and he threatened to kill my boy on that night.

“I am surprised that on Saturday morning, about six of them gathered in front of our office at about 8 a.m. and said they came in connection

with the issue that happened the previous day. I asked ‘which issue?’

They said my boy had blasphemed Prophet Mohammed. I categorically said no,” Umar said.

He said after the misunderstanding was resolved he returned to the office to see that a mob of over 200 had gathered at the office demanding for Usman to be turned over for blasphemy.

“They over powered us and dragged him from our office. He was beaten to death and burned in front of our office. The allegation that he insulted the Prophet is not true. They just used the opportunity of the disagreement to kill him,” Abudulahi said

11 Drug Traffickers Arrested at Lagos, Abuja Airports Michael Olugbode in Abuja No fewer than 11 members of trafficking syndicates have been arrested in connection to drug seizures at both Lagos and Abuja airports.

A statement yesterday by the spokesman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Femi Babafemi said several attempts by agents of drug cartels to break through the security at Nigeria’s main airports in Lagos and Abuja with large consignments of assorted illicit substances were thwarted by operatives of the agency.

Babafemi said: “No fewer than 11 members of the trafficking syndicates have been arrested in connection to the seizures. Beside the 11 suspects, a 35-year-old physically challenged lady, Kasarachi Onumajuru who hides under her condition to deal drugs in Umudumaonu community, Mbaitoli local government area of Imo state was also arrested on Sunday 29th May.” He disclosed that first on the list of those arrested in connection to seizures at the two airports was Ofor

Chileobi, who had on Friday, May 20, attempted to export to Dubai, United Arab Emirates 200 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 30.2 kilogrammes concealed in 40 sacks of bitter leaf through the SAHCO export shed, a cargo wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

He said on same day, 10 cartons of khat with a gross weight of 354.6 kilogrammes were also seized at the NAHCO import shed of the airport, and the following day, Saturday 21st May, a freight agent, Roland Orinami was arrested by NDLEA operatives attached to the local wing of the Lagos airport with 1.9 kilogrammes Loud, a variant of cannabis, factory packed in some bottles while trying to send same via flight to Abuja.

Babafemi added that a follow up operation in Abuja, led to the arrest of a taxi driver, Nsikak Evans, who was sent to collect the consignment, whose confession also led to the arrest of the actual owner, Adesanya Isaac at his house in Life Camp area of Abuja.

He said Adesanya who claimed to be into Information Technology,

accepted ownership of the seized drug, and said it was meant for an upcoming birthday party of one of his friends.

He said in another clampdown on May 24, another freight agent, Moshood Olaide was arrested at NAHCO export shed of the MMIA when he presented a cargo containing psychotropic substances heading to Dubai.

According to him, the illegal consignment was packed into other items such as can drinks, liquid bitters and other noncontrolled drugs, with the seized drugs including tramadol 225mg, Rohypnol and MDMA. He said a follow up operation led to the arrest of another suspect linked to the crime, Olagboye Selim on May 27, adding that also on the same day, operatives of the Nigerian Customs Service at NAHCO import shed transferred 15 cartons of khat leaf with a gross weight of 256.7 kilogrammes which came into the country on Royal Air Maroc to NDLEA command at the airport.

Babafemi further disclosed that on May 23, another freight agent,

Lasebikan Gbenga was arrested with 200 bottles of pentazocine injection, with a brand name "Drutapent" weighing 1.05 kilogrammes, with the consignment heading to the United States of America.

He said another agent, Akuta Lucy was on May 26, arrested at the SAHCO export shed while attempting to export 14.75 kilogrammes of khat concealed inside other vegetable leaves and food condiments such as bitter leaf, scent leaf, pepper, all packed in bags for shipment to the United Kingdom.

Furthermore, he revealed that at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, a 45-year-old Ezika Nicholas was arrested on May 26, for ingesting 60 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.037 kilogrammes on arrival from Addis Ababa on board Ethiopian airline.

According to him, Ezika who claimed he was into shoe business before his arrest travelled to Ethiopia on May 23, on the invitation of the person who gave him the drug, which he ingested before returning into the waiting arms of NDLEA officers at the Abuja airport.

in the state.

In speech after his emergence Tambuwal said the PDP and its presidential candidate were poised to reclaim their pride of place as the ruling party and president of the country respectively after the general elections next year.

“I urge you, men and women, youths and the elderly to continue praying. When the time comes and the campaign commences, we must go into nooks and crannies of our villages to campaign for our candidates and the PDP; for its return to the center and its continuation here in the governance of Sokoto state.

“APC is already in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) and we know what is happening now, between today (Saturday) and tomorrow (Sunday), they have gone back to try to trace the drawing board…which they are yet to see.

“They are still looking for the

drawing board because they are so confused as to what to do at the national convention on Monday and Tuesday.

“Either way it goes, by the grace of God, our presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (Wazirin Adamawa), will emerge victorious as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he stated.

The Governor expressed gratitude to God and the political stakeholders: electoral teams from Abuja and the ones in Sokoto state; as well as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitoring team, for their participation in the primary election, which simplified the process, thus making it a success.

“By the grace of Allah (SWT), we shall not disappoint you when you give us the mandate. We shall continue to build on the good work we have done in the past and what we are doing now,” he assured.

Monarch Says Lokoja is Strategic to Nigeria’s History as Gotv Launches Products in Kogi Ibrahim Oyewale, Lokoja A Traditional Ruler, the Maigarin of Lokoja , His Royal Highness , Alhaji Mohammed Kabir Maikarfi lll has disclosed that the city of Lokoja is strategic in the history of Nigeria.

He said Lokoja was the first Nigeria's colonial capital and where the name Nigeria was coined from Niger Area by a female journalist, Flora Shaw .

The Royal Father made these known while speaking during the launch of Gotv by Multichoice Nigeria at Lokoja, at the weekend.

The Maigarin of Lokoja who was represented by the Maiyaki of Lokoja , Ali Lawal pointed out Lokoja is very rich in culture and peaceful which is reflected in other parts of Kogi State, adding that the launch of Gotv in the city was good step in right direction.

The Monarch added that the visit to the palace earlier to seek royal blessings not only brought glamour to the programme , but also attracted great importance to the official launch of Gotv in the State by the Multichoice Nigeria He note that there was enough space for competition, urging the people of the state capital and other

cities across the state to patronise Gotv.

The Executive Head of Sales, Gotv, Mr. Akinola Salu earlier told the monarch that the team was in the palace to receive a royal blessings, noting that his team brought Gotv to the doorsteps of the Kogi State for more education and entertainment.

Salu explained that Gotv came to Kogi State with high-quality entertainment for the households and economic empowerment of the residents, saying it is family package and that whatever amount there is package for everybody.

"Aside from the modern digital decoders, there a lot of educational programmes and entertainments would be experienced in Govt Bouquets,” saying that over 100 Channels are available with both international and local content for the delight of the people.

He added that within the shortest period of the emergence of the Gotv in an already saturated market, it has moved thousands of young graduates, boys and girls, out of the streets, stressing the that Govt already recruited no fewer than 200 youths as dealers in the neighbourhood outlets in the city of Lokoja.

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70TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF THE MATRIARCH OF TREM...

L-R: The Presiding Bishop TREM, Bishop Mike Okonkwo; Celebrant/Resident Pastor, TREM HQ, Bishop Peace Okonkwo; Member, Organising Committee, Tosan Erogbogbo; presenting foodstuff item to one of the beneficiary, Mrs Tiwo Eniola Blesing during the TREM Community Impact Day to mark the 70th birthday celebration of the Matriarch of TREM, Bishop Peace Okonkwo at the Church Headquarters, Lagos. yesterday… Saturday

ADC Presidential Ticket: Kachikwu, Moghalu, Others Take Battle to Abeokuta Ogheneuvede Ohwovoriole in Abuja All is now set for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primaries scheduled to take place in Abeokuta on Wednesday, with the founder of Roots Television Nigeria, Dumebi Kachikwu and the former

Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof.

Kingsley Moghalu, as front runners in the race.

Other aspirants include Dr. Mani Ibrahim, Hon. Joyce Ogochukwu Nsaka, Dr. Chike Okogwu, Dr. Chukwuka Monye, Angela Johnson, Chichi Ojei, Dr. Muhammed Lamido, Ify-George Oforkansi,

Dr. Favour Ayodele, Evang.

Ebiti Ndok Jegede and others.

A businessman and activist, Kachiukwu, who had declared his interest to contest for the office of president in the 2023 general election had identified 20 areas, where he would make a substantial difference in the lives of Nigerians and the country if elected.

Shekarau, Former Buhari's Ally, Emerge Kano NNPP Senatorial Candidates

Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

Former Special Adviser to President Buhari on National Assembly, Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila and former governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, yesterday emerged as senatorial candidates of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) in Kano South and Kano Central Senatorial District.

Also, the Immediate past Executive Secretary, TETFUND, Dr. Abdullahi Bappa Bichi emerged as Kano North senatorial district candidate.

The party held a zonal

rally at Bichi, Gezawa and Rano yesterday evening and the exercise which attracted a mammoth crowd in each of the centers was generally peaceful.

In Kano Central, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau who was returned unopposed scored 516 votes.

The primary election conducted in Gezawa local government attracted delegates across 15 local governments that constituted Kano Central Senatorial District.

In Kano North Senatorial District, NNPP officials conducted a voice vote for the

sole candidate, Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi who returned unopposed by delegate drawn from 13 local council areas of the zone.

The former Special Adviser to President Buhari on National Assembly, Dr. Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila was returned unopposed by delegates from Kano south senatorial District.

Kawu, founder of Alistikama University, Sumaila swelled the rank of NNPP after irreconcilable differences with All Progressives Congress leadership in the state last month.

The Delta State born politician, who said he was on a “rescue mission’’ to savage what the All Progressives Congress had destroyed in the last seven years, promised to initiate wide-ranging public service reforms to eradicate corruption and win the war against terrorism.

Kachiukwu also promised to create equal opportunities for men and women, and an improved welfare package for teachers and initiate a technology-driven education and healthcare system to stop medical and education tourism abroad.

The ADC presidential aspirant pledged to eliminate corruption by ensuring that Nigerian workers are paid better salaries and build modern cities with better amenities, world-class health facilities and accessible and affordable internet services across the country.

In a broadcast made via his social media platform, the ADC presidential front runner reminded the delegates how crucial the presidential ticket was, saying they have a huge opportunity this week to elect

a candidate of the party who has the capacity to redirect the socio-political and economic focus of the country.

He promised to redirect the vast energies of youths to a productive venture like trading with their technical skills rather than engaging in online scams popularly called ‘yahoo.’

He said if elected president, he would collaborate with state governments to invest in power generation, build broadband internet infrastructure and limit states and the private sector to distribution activities only.

Kachikwu said: “Together we can design a new menu for our people. We will rebuild Nigeria from the ground up and do away with the faulty and archaic colonial foundation that now characterises our current existence.

“We must define our common charter as Nigerians and constitute a new nation that is not only inclusive for all but guarantees equal rights and expressions to all irrespective of tribe, tongue and religion.

“This new Nigeria must come first before any other identification. It will be our

common bond as we do away with all colonial relics of division, mistrust and hatred.”

He said government was and should be a big brother and not a big bully, adding that millions of the citizenry still live without light and potable water in the year 2022. This is unconscionable.

On his part, Moghalu promised to “secure Nigeria and the lives and properties of Nigerians in the north, south, east and west of our country, if he emerges in 2023.

“I will have the political will to secure our country. This means putting our security above all else: no security, no country. Political will is the willingness and ability to take tough decisions to secure Nigeria, including not succumbing to or being deceived by vested interests that might be profiting from the killing field Nigeria has become.

“It also means putting Nigeria’s security above ethnic or religious interests. It means loyalty to the lives of Nigerians and the territory of Nigeria first, no matter where within our country’’, he said.

Oyo Deputy Governor, Olaniyan Dumps PDP for APC Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Rauf Olaniyan, yesterday, dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He announced his defection while speaking with journalists in his office, in Ojoo, Ibadan.

The announcement came after weeks of speculations that he was going to leave the PDP because of the frosty relationship between him and Governor Seyi Makinde.

The deputy governor had in 2020 complained to the Dr. Saka Balogun-led committee to reconcile aggrieved PDP members in the state, saying

that the governor had sidelined him for a long time.

There were reports last Thursday that Makinde had dropped him as his running mate for the 2023 governorship poll but no official statement had been issued to that effect.

Olaniyan while speaking on the defection, said he remained the Deputy Governor of the

state, stating that it does not affect the relationship between him and the governor.

He maintained that he had no issue with his boss, adding that anything the governor expects from him in tAerms of governance he would willingly carry it out.

According to him, “This was a joint ticket. I was promised

many things. Alhamdulilah for everything. It is not about money. If it was about it, I wouldn’t have attempted to join politics. I am not uncomfortable but by being in position of power, you have the right to assist many people.

“My people have been calling. Those from Ibarapa called yesterday. The Okeogun

are meeting in Iseyin as we speak. The people are what make me. They can’t say something and I say otherwise.

“Whatever the governor expects from me, I will do. I have been sidelined in politics.

So there is no problem with us.

I am still loyal to him except they want to misinterpret the meaning of loyalty."

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COURTESY VISIT TO MAIGARI PALACE...

L-R: Regional Brand Manager, North, MultiChoice Nigeria, Kayode Soyemi; Executive Head of Sales, MultiChoice Nigeria, Akin Salu; MultiChoice Super Dealer, Lokoja, Haruna Ibrahim; Maigari of Lokoja, HRH, Alhaji Dr Muhammadu Kabir Maikarfi (III) OON; Regional Customer Head, North Central, MultiChoice Nigeria,Taiwo Ogunkanmi; Senior Marketing Manager, MultiChoice Nigeria, Adetunji Beyioku, during a courtesy visit to Maigari Palace for the GOtv Launch in Lokoja on Saturday

Trust Buhari on Niger Delta Devt, NDDC Boss Urges Stakeholders Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The Interim Administrator, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Effiong Akwa, has called on the people of the Niger Delta region to trust President Muhammadu Buhari on the development of the region.

Akwa also appealed to aggrieved stakeholders in the

region to exercise patience a little longer while the president handles issues affecting the NDDC and the Niger Delta.

The NDDC boss spoke during a webinar organised by his Special Adviser on Youths and Sports, Engr. Udengs Eradiri, and attended by hundreds of youths across the world.

Akwa said Buhari meant well for the region, adding that the

OWO KILLINGS: OUTRAGED BUHARI MOBILISES ALL STATE RESOURCES TO NEUTRALISE ATTACKERS, CURSES THEM also demanded the investigation of a trending video, where a police officer alleged that military personnel in the South-east were frustrating the efforts of other security agencies to contain kidnapping in the region.

"The primary duty of government is the security of life and property.

Therefore, we call on President Muhammadu Buhari to rise up to his duty as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to ensure that the growing security challenges are addressed," it said.

Olusegun Mimiko, Ondo CAN:

Former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has condemned the gunmen attack on unarmed worshipers at St Francis Catholic Church Owa-luwa, Owo in Ondo State.

Mimiko, in a statement by John Paul Akinduro, his Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communications, said, "the Owo massacre is a condemnable act and it assaults our humanity and bludgeons our sensibilities" In the same vein, the Christian Association of Nigeria, Ondo State Chapter, has expressed shock over the act, describing the incident as ungodly.

The State Chairman of CAN, Rev Fr. Anselm Ologunwa, in a statement said, the incident was one of the numerous cases happening under the security challenges facing the country, which he called on president Muhammad Buhari to address squarely.

Afenifere:

A pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has described the attack on a Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State on Sunday morning, as a terrorism act against the South western part of Nigeria bordering

on a declaration of war!

The group, therefore, called on all the six governors in the South West of Nigeria to declare three days of mourning for the victims of the Owo carnage.

Afenifere, in a release signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, said it was in the same vicinity, Owo, that Olufunke, daughter of its Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, was killed by Fulani bandits in 2019 just as many other acts bordering on terrorism got daily reported in Ondo State and other parts of Yorubaland.

“The attack with sophisticated weapons, where people gathered to worship is one of the most heinous acts that could ever be committed especially since we are not in a state of war. Going by the extent of the damage and the systematic way that the massacre-like action was carried out, it was clear that the act was planned far ahead with the seeming imprimatur of trained gunmen.”

Babajide Sanwo-Olu:

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commiserated with his Ondo State counterpart, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi (SAN) and the State Government, over the attack and killings of worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church at Owa-luwa Street, Owo in Ondo State by unknown gunmen on Sunday.

Sanwo-Olu, who described the attack as callous, inhuman and despicable act, also sympathised with the people of Ondo State, especially, the residents of Owo, Governor Akeredolu’s hometown and members of the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa.

Sanwo-Olu in a condolence message issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, condemned the attack by the gunmen, saying it was crime against humanity to open fire on worshippers on Sunday morning killing scores of people.

president was at the verge of handing over a reformed, productive, effective and efficient NDDC to the Niger Delta people.

He noted a genuine request for the constitution of a substantive board for the commission, as he urged stakeholders to exercise patience and allow the implementation of the forensic audit report.

Represented by Eradiri, Akwa disclosed that the audit report uncovered a can of worms in the commission insisting that the process of cleansing was ongoing to give the NDDC a fresh beginning.

He disclosed further that the

Act establishing the commission was undergoing required reviews to accommodate germane recommendations of the audit report.

Akwa said: "The NDDC will continue to strive hard to leave in accordance with its mandate.

I am aware of the agitations, but I want to appeal to all those who are aggrieved to allow the federal government and President Muhammadu Buhari to do what it intends to do with the NDDC. He means well for the commission and the Niger Delta.

"People have been talking about the creation of a board, I agree with that but the forensic

audit that concluded some months ago has opened a can of worms and those worms are being dealt with and that is why the issue of the board had not been formally concluded.

"I believe that by the time they finish with this process, the board will be concluded. Following the outcome of the forensic exercise, we can no longer rely on the existing Act. The Act is being reviewed to accommodate some of the recommendations of the report.

"The board will come when all the parameters have been put together so that going forward, the new NDDC can start on good

footing. People should reduce the agitation on board and work with the current management of the NDDC." Commenting on the theme of the webinar, which centred around the 2023 general elections, Akwa encouraged the youths and other stakeholders to participate in the electoral process.

He asked them to get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to enable them decide the future of the Niger Delta region in 2023.

Akwa warned youths against electoral violence, backbiting, speaking in dividing voices, vote buying and selling ahead of the general elections.

Kola Abiola Wins PRP’s Presidential Ticket, Defeats Bugaje, Others Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Kola, son of late Moshood Abiola, acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election, has won the presidential ticket of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

The businessman, who had last month picked the N10 million party’s expression of interest and nomination forms,

defeated a former House of Representatives member, Dr Usman Bugaje, Patience Key as well as Col. Mosugu Erosimi (rtd) to emerge victorious.

Abiola polled 1,970 votes in total to come tops during the primaries, while Bugaje garnered 787 votes and Key as well as Erosimi had 333 and 280 votes respectively. Ten of the delegates' votes were

declared invalid.

He had earlier said that he believed in internal party democracy, noting that a transparent party primaries was preferable to any consensus arrangement.

“Whoever wins, we will all come together and work for the party and not somebody calling for consensus where someone will step down for another.

“Let’s go and have a competitive environment, it will be transparent and we will uphold internal democracy and be able to have proper democracy,” he had insisted.

The total votes were arrived at after delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) cast their ballot, with Abiola winning in about 27 of the states.

We Have Witnessed Development Under Your Administration, Isi-Uzo People Tell Ugwuanyi Say Peter Mbah’s emergence as PDP guber candidate Enugu indigenes’ choice The people of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State yesterday went on a solidarity visit to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for what they described as the unprecedented development projects his administration had executed in their council area.

Led by the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Augustine Nnamani, the member representing Isi-Uzo Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Mrs. Amaka Ugwueze, the Chairman of IsiUzo LGA, Obiora Obeagu and other stakeholders, the people of the council also commended Ugwuanyi for the peaceful conduct of the PDP primaries in the state.

According to a statement, the people of Isi-Uzo LGA told Ugwuanyi that they accepted the

outcome of the party primaries in good faith as loyal party men and women, and assured the governor of their 100 percent support and loyalty.

Presenting their unanimous stance to the governor, Obeagu, while listing the numerous projects of Ugwuanyi’s administration in the council area disclosed that, “from the time you assumed office as governor till date, Isi-Uzo LGA has witnessed tremendous development.”

The Council Chairman added that in the history of Enugu State, no administration remembered Isi-Uzo LGA in terms of development, human empowerment, peace and security like Ugwuanyi’s administration, stressing that the governor constructed and reconstructed

classroom buildings and other infrastructure in over 55 schools, built healthcare facilities, bridges, and roads such as the 22km Neke-Mbu-Ogbodu Aba-Obolla Etiti inter-community link road and the 8.8km Nkalagu-Eha Amufu road in Isi-Uzo LGA, which was neglected for over 35 years.

The people of Isi-Uzo reassured Ugwuanyi that, “we have come to tell you that we are loyal party men and women; that you have our 100 percent support and loyalty and wherever you stand is where Isi-uzo stands.”

Speaking on the outcome of the PDP Governorship primary election, Nnamani, explained that the emergence of Peter Ndubuisi Mbah as the party’s governorship candidate was the choice of ‘Ndi Enugu’

following wider consultations which involved not only the governor, but also the party leadership, revered stakeholders and traditional rulers, among others.

Corroborating, the Traditional Rulers from Isi-Uzo LGA present at the event, through HRH Igwe Silas Udeogu hinted that prior to the PDP governorship primary election, the entire Traditional Rulers of Enugu East Senatorial District came together, preached peace and agreed to support whoever emerged as the party’s governorship candidate.

The Royal fathers thanked Ugwuanyi for keeping faith with the agreement he had with the Traditional Rulers from Enugu East Senatorial District, saying: “We also thank you for the peace in Enugu State.”

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SERAP, 185 Nigerians Sue INEC over Failure to Extend Voter’s Registration Udora Orizu in Abuja The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and 185 concerned Nigerians have filed a suit against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) asking the court to declare unconstitutional, illegal, and incompatible with international standards the failure of the electoral baody to extend the deadline for voter registration to allow eligible Nigerians to exercise their rights.

Against its earlier stance, INEC recently extended the deadline for the conduct of primaries by political parties by six days, from June 3 to June 9, 2022.

But the commission failed to also extend the online preregistration which ended May 30, 2022 and the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) ending 30 June 2022.

In the suit number FHC/L/ CS/1034/2022 filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos, SERAP asked the court to determine whether the failure of INEC to extend the deadline for voter registration was not a violation of Nigerian Constitution, 1999 (as

amended), the Electoral Act, and international standards.

SERAP also asked the court for a declaration that the failure of INEC to extend the deadline for voter registration was a

violation of eligible Nigerians’ rights to participate freely in their own government, equality and equal protection.

The organisation further asked the court for an order

of mandamus to direct and compel INEC to extend voter registration by a minimum of three months and take effective measures to ensure that eligible Nigerians are able to register

to exercise their right to vote in the 2023 general elections.

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Opeyemi Owolabi, read in

part: “Extending the voter registration exercise would also bolster voter confidence in the electoral process. One of the people’s most sacred rights is the right to vote.

AUTOCHEK, ACCESS BANK DINE…

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, De’Feon Autos, Olaniyi Olukitibi; Chief Executive Officer, Autochek Africa, Etop Ikpe; Senior Vice President, West Africa, Autochek Africa, Mayokun Fadeyibi; Regional Sales Manager (Retail), Access Bank Plc; Uche Onyeigwe, and Chief Operating Officer, Autochek Africa, Timi Tope Ologunoye, at a dinner in Lagos SUNDAY ADIGUN

Retired Blind School Teacher This APC Convention ‘ll Be Different from Others, Says Adamu Receives N8.3m in Osun Adedayo Akinwale

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

It was a rain of encomiums and jubilation as a retired blind school teacher in Osun received a bond certificate of N8.3million.

The benefitting retiree, Mr. Aniobi John, described the gesture as the best thing that has ever happened to him, saying Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has rekindled his dashed hope.

He was among 162 retirees that benefitted from the N1.156 billion bond certificates presented to a fresh set of pensioners by the state government.

The benefitting retirees were primary school teachers, local government staff and those in the core civil service, parastatals and state-owned tertiary institutions.

The retiree, who retired in the year 2016 after he had served the state meritoriously for 35 years, burst into tears of joy for being favourably considered by the present administration.

The pensioner, who claimed to have lost his sight three years before his retirement, said the payment of his pension and gratuity in full would go a long way to begin a new life filled with prosperity and abundance.

Kwara Gov’s Confidant Dumps APCasfor ADC the ADC’s senatorial

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Ahead of 2023 general elections, one of the confidants of Kwara State Governor and chairman of his inauguration committee for the May 29, 2019 swearing-in ceremony, Senator Suleiman Makanjuola Ajadi and his teeming supporters have dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Ajadi was later elected

candidate for Kwara South for next year’s general elections.

Also at the weekend, thousands of APC members in Baruten Local Government Area of the state defected to Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The defectors were led by an aggrieved House of Assembly Aspirant, Mr. Umar Sariki Usman, the son of the Emir of Yashikira, who decried the alleged highhandedness and impunity that have characterised the party.

FMDQ Group Restates Commitment to Environment Protection FMDQ Group Plc has restated its commitment to the preservation of the environment as the global community commemorates the 2022 World Environment Day. According to FMDQ Group, its strong commitment to the preservation of the environment is firmly entrenched in its Sustainability Agenda, which has the Environment’ as one of its five (5) Sustainability Pillars and is hinged on the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 - Affordable

and Clean Energy, Goal 12 Responsible Consumption and Production, and Goal 13 - Climate Action.

FMDQ added that in recognition of the need for Nigeria to continuously stay at the forefront of the global sustainable finance drive, and acknowledgment of the potential of Nigerian financial markets to provide the requisite funding for climate-resilient investments has taken the lead in championing sustainable finance initiatives.

The National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdulahi Adamu, yesterday declared that the convention would be different from others. Adamu who stated this while inaugurating the subcommittees for the convention at the party in Abuja, said: “This event is not a new thing in our great party. It is expected that when we hold such a big event, an annual event, like the national convention we make sure that we have a befitting outing in the name

of our national convention.

“This convention this year is a bit different from the other convention. It is different because it is the first transition convention of our great party. The forthcoming convention will be expected within our constitution to produce the flag bearer of our great party to contest the presidential slot.

“We are very careful that we chose different persons to be part of the committees that have been enumerated by the national secretary.”

“At the governorship level, every governor is a governor.

We assigned the committees at the thoughts and discretion of the party. So, it is our prayers and hope that very persons who is allotted a committee will be satisfied to give his or her best to serve in the slot that is given him or her.”

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee and the Governor of Kebbi state, Abubabar Bagudu, said many people have been at work even before the inauguration.

He said from the comments he had been hearing from party members, they are energized to ensure the party has a befitting

and successful convention.

Bagudu said: “I know that even before the inauguration of this committee, many people have been at work and it is quite commendable that we are on time. And, coincidentally, INEC had rolled out many events and was forced to be done quicker than usual.

“And in many states, congresses including congress nominate various persons were sometimes for two different offices were done on the same day. And, I am sure that has given a lot of refreshment and more experience to everyone here.

APC Presidential Ticket: Governors Intensify Support for Fayemi

Strong indications have emerged that about 18 of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors elected are rooting for the presidential ambition of the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi in the build up to the party’s special national convention scheduled for tomorrow.

It was gathered that this development may be in

tandem with the decision of members of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF across party lines that they must all work to ensure that one of them emerges the next President of Nigeria.

Sources close to the inner workings of the NGF showed that this decision had been sealed amongst the governors as far back as early 2021. The governors were said to have been unanimous that only a

serving governor, who feels the pain of the shoes of the present lopsided fiscal federalism status quo the States are forced to wear can effect drastic changes.

“This was what motivated the high number of governors across party lines to join the Presidential race. The governors were also clear that only a governor of the present set and not the 1999 set could understand the issues better and make sweeping changes,”

a source clarified.

THISDAY checks showed that 18 out of the 22 APC governors are keeping faith with the NGF’s pact. The Governors are said to be showing deep understanding with three of their colleagues.

“One is Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, who is said to share political umbilical cord with his political godfather, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

2022: Ekiti SDP Alerts Security on Importation of Fake Military, Thugs Victor OgunjeinAdoEkiti The Governorship Candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Mr. Segun Oni, has alerted the police and other security formations on alleged importation of fake military and political thugs to rig the June 18 election.

Oni alleged that the fake military personnel and thugs are located in some major towns and villages like

Ilupeju, Otun, Ilogbo, Oke Ayedun, Ijero, Okemesi and so on.

A statement in Ado Ekiti yesterday, the Director of Media and Publicity, Segun Oni Campaign Organisation, Mr. Jackson Adebayo, Oni called on the Police Commissioner, Mr. Morounkeji Adesina, and other security outfits to beam their searchlights on those he described as merchants of death, who want to ignite violence during

the election. “The assignment given to the thugs and fake military personnel is to unleash mayhem in their various locations while it was basically instructed that leaders of the SDP should be their target.

The organisation expressed disappointment in politicians for embarking on this dastardly and unholy strategy in an election, saying: “We call on our traditional rulers to as a matter of urgency call

these politicians to order in their areas before they destroy the peace of their communities in the name of politics.”

Also, a pro-Oni group, the Ekiti Build Back Better (EBBB), has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate in Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, of turning schools compounds in the state into campaign grounds

Anglican Bishop, Journalists Call for End to ASUU Strike Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The Diocesan Bishop of Ijesa North Diocese of the Anglican Church, Rt. Rev. Isaac Oluyamo has called on the federal government to see to the needs of the Academic Union of Universities (ASUU) so as to allow students resume their academic activities

without further delay.

The Bishop spoke in Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State at the weekend while delivering an address on the occasion to mark his 7th year anniversary as the Bishop of the Diocese.

Similarly, the Photojournalists Association of Nigeria (PJAN), Lagos Chapter, an affiliate of

Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has urged the federal government and the ASUU to sheath their swords and let reasons prevail to settle the lingering crisis. PJAN made the call at the end of their monthly meeting held on Saturday in Lagos.

Bishop Oluyamo said the students have spent too much

time at home doing nothing.

This, according to him, could lead them into vices.

The cleric used the occasion to urge Nigerians to pray and allow for a peaceful transition of the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, noting that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of rancour.

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Gunmen Abduct 10, Kill Two in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Gunmen at the weekend reportedly abducted about 10 persons along Obbo Ayegunle-Osi Road in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Already, the state police command has ordered an immediate manhunt of the armed men wherever they may be hiding in the area.

THISDAY checks revealed that two people were said to have been killed while several others sustained serious injuries during the incident.

It was further learnt that the remains of two victims of the attack have been deposited at Carosi Hospital mortuary for autopsy.

THISDAY investigations revealed that unknown armed men forcefully attacked an 18-seater commercial bus with registration number XC 167 MUN, along Obbo Ayegunle-Osi Road in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.

It was said that the gunmen shot into the vehicle and fatally injured the driver, identified as

Akeem and one Mama Ariye, both of Obbo Ayegunle town while some yet to be specified numbers of passengers were abducted and moved into the bush.

Sources close to the town told journalists yesterday in Ilorin that “on receipt of the information, men of the police in Obbo Ayegunle including vigilante, local hunters and available members of sister agencies were said to have rushed to the scene of the incident.

“Upon getting to the scene of the incident, the bodies of the dead were retrieved and deposited at Carosi Hospital mortuary for autopsy while the security agencies have moved into the bushes in an effort to get the victims rescued.”

However, the State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Okasanmi Ajayi, confirmed the ugly development and said that the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Tuesday Assayomo, has directed a 24 hourly patrol of the area in conjunction with other sister security agencies to boost the confidence of the people and to also prevent

any further attack in the area.

Ajayi said: “The Commissioner of police, Cp Tuesday Assayomo on hearing of the unfortunate incident directed that a massive

manhunt for the perpetrators of the heinous crime must commence, gave a marching order to the area commander and the divisional police officers

covering the area to move into the bushes to ensure that the kidnapped victims were rescued and the kidnappers arrested.

“While empathising with the

families of the deceased, the commissioner assures that the perpetrators of the crime would be smoked out from wherever they may be hiding.”

PROMOTING ECONOMIC GROWTH…

The Olú of Warri, Ògíame Atúwàtse III, giving the keynote speech titled; Iwereland and the 2021 Petroleum Industry Act: A New Dawn, at the Ògíame Atúwàtse III Economic Summit in Warri, Delta State…recently

Appeal Committee Faults Benue Plateau Lawmaker Flays Renewed Killings in His Constituency APC Governorship Primary Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

George OkohinMakurdi

The All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship primary held in Benue State forth night ago has raised serious concerned as confusion sets in with the real position of the party on the final outcome of the appeal committee decision on who won the governorship primary.

The party had declared Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia the winner of the primary election with a wide margin vote difference from his close challengers.

However, the governorship appeal committee led by Princess Ozoamaka Oyeama has declared the election invalid, stating that “it’s a yahoo, yahoo arrangement.”

She questioned the process that gave Alia the victory at that

primary poll, adding: “How can any election result of the magnitude of total votes cast of 815, 452 not have at least one invalid vote?

We the appeal panel members unanimously agreed that it is not the true reflection of a credible election result; it is too flawless in figure which is a clear proof of the assertions of the aspirants/ stakeholders submission that it was written in somebody’s house, the state party secretariat or in hidden places.

“Our submission on the above as appeal panel members was that no election took place in Benue State gubernatorial primary election on May 26, 27 and 28 2022, and the results so submitted by the primary election committee members were an allusion, mirage, façade and at best a ‘Yahoo-yahoo’ result sheet.

Primary: Badagry Constituency 1 Aspirants Back Hon Solomon as Winner

House of Assembly aspirants who contested in the primary election held on May 27, 2022, in Badagry constituency 1 of Lagos State have resolved to support Hon. Bonu Solomon since he has been declared winner of the primary election by the party and certificate of return to be issued him in consonance with the electoral laws.

This was contained in a communiqué issued by six of the aspirants after having consulted widely with leaders and other party stakeholders in Badagry constituency 1.

Consequently, at a review meeting held on June 3, 2022, in Lagos under the chairmanship of Hon. Babatunji Wusu, the aspirants reached a compromise that Solomon be duly recognised.

The aspirants, Hon. Babatunji Wusu, Hon. Oluwadamilare Kafisewon, Hon. Abimbola Ajose, Hon. Ezekiel Hunvoete, Hon. Ahadji Williams and Hon. Nathaniel Ajose, stated that “It becomes pertinent to present our position in Badagry Constituency 1 to the leaders of the party at the state level.”

The member representing Jos South/Jos East federal constituency and Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, Hon. Dachung Bagos, has flayed renewed attacks on his constituents, which resulted in the killing of one Stephen Gyang.

Gyang was killed last Saturday night in an attack on Chacha village of Vwang District, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State that also left Isaac Gyang and Rev. Davou Ishaya John with fatal injuries at a local hospital in the area.

Lamenting the renewed onslaught on the people, Bogos in a statement issued

by his media aide, Danja Yakubu, described the attack as unprovoked and carefully orchestrated and executed.

He called on the federal and Plateau State Governments to, as a matter of urgency, increase the security vigilance in the area and other areas within his constituency.

While sympathising with affected families and praying for

comfort for them, the lawmaker called on governments at all levels to come to the aid of the victims in the hospitals by way of ameliorating their bills.

He also called on his constituents to be more vigilant and report suspicious activities of dare devil criminals to the security agencies and desist from taking the law into their hands.

With Amaechi as APC Candidate, 2023 Election ‘ll Be Walkover, Group Boasts An advocacy group, Compass for New Nigeria (CNN), has appealed to leaders of Southern Nigeria to support former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as its consensus candidate for the office of the president.

In a statement by its leader, Toluwalade George, and titled: “Appealing to the Conscience of Southern Leaders”, the group said the journey so far has proven that there was never a time that the south suffered dearth of materials for leadership,

but what has always been the problem was who to choose from the array often presented.

According to the group, President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision that the south should go and consult and revert, was a blank cheque that they must not be misused otherwise the opportunity could elude them for a long time, saying supporting Amaechi makes the best of sense.

“Let’s start from his experience, no one currently in the race has his experience. He was speaker for eight years and

also chairman of speakers for eight years. He was governor for eight years and also chairman of governors for eight years.

He was Buhari’s DG for two terms and minister for over seven years.

“So, without prejudice or ethnic sentiments, who again amongst the lot has that experience? Or shall we throw away such staggering experience on the altar of primordial sentiments? We recall former US President, Barack Obama, describing such a situation as

the age of anti-intellectualism.

“Like Obama rightly stated, if we want to build houses, we call the best of engineers. To hire drivers, we get the most experienced. To fly a plane, we get the certified pilots to do it. Even in school, we get qualified teachers to teach our children; we ask of the services of very qualified lawyers and doctors in peculiar situations, yet, when it comes to politics and governance, we would rather the worst of us. Isn’t that sickening?

Makinde: Our Govt Has Recorded 75% Performance programme,’ Meet the Governor’, the developments at the national outcome of that presidential

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has declared that his administration has recorded over 75 per cent success rate as far as service delivery and electoral promises made by him are concerned.

He explained that the policies and programmes of the government in the areas of education, health, security and economic expansion have brought a positive turnaround to the state.

The governor stated these during a live interview

hosted by the state-owned Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted Makinde as saying that his administration would continue to deliver the goods to the people till the last day of its tenure.

Speaking specifically on the just-concluded Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convention, Makinde said that he had put

convention behind him, stating that the party would do what is necessary to rescue Nigeria.

Makinde, who stated that though a Northerner emerged as the party’s presidential candidate despite the decision by Southern governors that the Presidency of Nigeria should rotate to the South, it has become imperative to work together so that Nigerians could be saved from the maladministration of the APC. He said: “We have seen the

primary but it is what it is. In politics, if you cannot get what you desire, you look at where you are, evaluate and see how best you can deal with your situation.

“At this point in time, as PDP and for the generality of the people of Nigeria, they want APC out of government at the national level.

So, we have to work. The task for us now is to get rid of APC. Once we are able to achieve that, then the agitation will still continue.

Four years is not really long.

the voting shape of Ondo’s female delegates and sacrificed their own for fleeting fun.

The statement reads: “Nigerian women defied the scorching sun and thronged the national assembly to demand that 35 percent of the nation’s legislative seats be allotted to women to enable women have more space to contribute to the country’s political affairs.

“It is in favour of this goal that I dropped the toga of a first lady

and joined fellow women to press for the all-important increase in parliamentary seats for women at both the state and national levels.

“In the wake, a number of women took up the challenge to contest for legislative elections while banking on the female delegates to do the magic as in the case of Adamawa” Anyanwu-Akeredolu, who was a senatorial aspirant for Imo East, also bemoaned the manner

at which the party conducted its recently held primary election across the country.

“There is a sense in which the APC showed a darling example in its recently held primary election across the country, save for instances of irregularities in few states, including Imo, my state, where government actors made a charade of a process that should ordinarily have deepened democratic practice.”

Ozekhome Mourns Passing Akeredolu’s Wife Faults Women for Abandoning of Prof Ighietseme (CDC), Atlanta, and a Professor at Alex Enumah in Abuja Moorehouse School of Medicine Female Aspirants during Primaries Constitutional lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, has described as shocking and painful, the death of the renowned professor, teacher, and mentor, Professor Joseph Ugbodaga Ighietseme.

The late Prof. Ighietseme, an indigene of Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government of Edo State, until his death recently was the Chief of Molecular Pathogenesis at the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention

and Emory Medical School, Atlanta, Georgia.

Ozekhome described the death of the late professor as a colossal loss not only to the people of Afemai, but to the entire Nigerian nation and the world at large.

He said: “Shock underestimates my deep anguish and sorrow.

Devastation underpins my present state of mind. Melancholy overwhelms me. Words fail me.

Fidelis David inAkure

The Wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has expressed disappointment over the manner female delegates sacrificed female politicians for political reasons during in the just concluded primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The first lady, in a statement she personally issued yesterday, said that more states in the country took

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BACKPAGE CONTINUATION SPRINT OF THE TIGER Mahmud Jega Thinking about APC presidential aspirants racing towards the finishing line at their special convention which begins in Abuja Monday, I remembered a nature film I once watched on NatGeo Wild, of a tiger hunting deer in an Indian reserve. A dozen deer were feeding on the grass. A tiger emerged from the trees and silently crouched towards them. When it was within striking distance, the tiger burst its cover and took off at very high speed after a selected deer.

The deer saw the tiger and also took off. Within seconds, both tiger and deer were sprinting at full speed. The camera zeroed in on the tiger, its powerful leg and shoulder muscles very visible in sprint. The commentator said in heavy Indian accent, “The tiger’s thrust is powerful, but it cannot be sustained for long, which is why the element of surprise is very important.” He was soon proved right because after a powerful chase lasting a few seconds, the deer widened the distance and the tiger suddenly abandoned the chase and lay down, panting.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, always considered the front runner in the APC presidential pack, learnt the difference between a sprint and a marathon towards the end of this race. For nearly a decade he had been running like Abebe Bikila, the legendary Ethiopian marathon runner. He was strategizing, building bridges, mending fences, building IOUs, planting his associates in key party and government positions, visiting distressed persons and communities, making hefty donations, picking his words carefully at occasions, carefully tending to his public image and managing his relations with President Buhari with the patience of Job. It was very much like the tiger stalking a deer.

Last Thursday, Asiwaju suddenly

changed his pace from marathon to sprint. He broke cover and launched a final sprint at the nomination. He did so at an occasion in Abeokuta, at a huge gathering of Yoruba political leaders, where he delivered a long speech, in Yoruba language, sprinkled with gestures, mock faces and poetic phrases. His speech immediately ran into a political ambush. Missiles flew from left, right and centre.

His ardent supporter, former SGF Babachir Lawal, described Asiwaju’s remarks as “bullshit.” APC chairman Senator Abdullahi Adamu publicly threatened to discipline Tinubu for what he called insulting Buhari.

Suddenly it looked like the prey widened the distance and predator was politically panting.

Asiwaju’s top supporter in the North, former Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima, waded in on Friday with a blistering interview on Channels and TVC stations. He forcefully made a case for power shift to the South and for APC leaders to reward Asiwaju for his immeasurable role in forming the rainbow party in 2012 and giving it the fillip to victory in 2015. In the process, the intellectual and deeply philosophical Shettima took a dig at two Tinubu rival aspirants, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Senate President Ahmed Lawan.

Osinbajo, he said, is a good man who should be selling ice cream.

This is an old English language phrase, that the most likeable people are those who sell ice cream. Some people quickly grabbed the remarks and said Shettima ridiculed the country’s Number Two and Number Three men in one fell swoop. At the weekend, both Asiwaju and Shettima walked back on some of their remarks, saying they were mistranslated, misunderstood and mis-contextualised.

Asiwaju and Shettima’s speeches were only the second and third that fired up the political scene in Nigeria last week. Since mid-last

Tinubu week, anxiety had enveloped the APC scene with President Buhari’s speech to APC governors, in which he hinted at personally choosing the party’s presidential candidate.

His demand was cleverly couched, but when Buhari referred to APC governors getting second terms, anointing their successors and then asked for “reciprocity,” he was clearly asking for the right to choose the presidential candidate.

When flaks flew from all sides, the president’s spokesman Femi Adesina also tried to walk it back, saying it was wailers at work. The statement however tallied neatly with Buhari’s stance in 2015 when

The Stabilizer

& BRIDGE BUILDER For AN IMPROVED SECURITY ECONOMIC ADVANCEMENT EDUCATIONAL REFORMS AGRICULTURAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY

he said governors were free to choose commissioners in their states while he would brook no interference in choosing federal ministers.

Neither the Constitution, nor the Electoral Act and nor even APC constitution or election guidelines provided for anyone anointing his successor. In practice, a man could do so by manipulating the rules and processes, but it was not something to be openly stated in a public speech. Besides, if Buhari really intended all along to anoint a successor, he should not have acted non-challantly when the 2023 race was unfolding. Last week alone, he travelled abroad three times [to Equatorial Guinea, Spain and Ghana] while preparations were in top gear for the APC convention.

In fact, Buhari could have decided on one or more likely successors many years ago and deftly empowered him, her or them with very responsible cabinet positions in order to get optimum publicity, reach and influence, if not resources.

To wait until the last minute, when aspirants have invested so much time, energy and resources and then spring an anointing surprise on them could utterly wreck the party.

On Saturday evening when he met with the top APC aspirants, Buhari refrained from naming an anointed aspirant and instead asked them to go and work on producing a consensus candidate among themselves. This system has never worked and is unlikely to do so now. In this country we have no reliable opinion polls which the aspirants could refer to and say they are most popular. So a meeting to try to arrive at a consensus will only result in bruised egos and self-serving arguments.

In the event, all three men

[Buhari, Tinubu and Shettima] were saved by a bombshell announcement on Saturday evening that drove their critics off the airwaves.

Eleven serving and one powerful ex-Northern governor forcefully asked Buhari to push the APC presidential ticket to the South.

Jigawa State Governor Badaru Abubakar promptly responded by stepping down from the race.

Strident Southern voices for power shift were suddenly silenced. All the claims that there was a Northern plot to deceive the South and “retain” power in 2023 collapsed in one fell swoop. No “cabal” in APC or the Presidency could possibly deliver on any anointed candidate, Northern or otherwise, without the support of these governors.

The stance of these APC governors showed that they were not intimidated by Atiku Abubakar’s emergence as PDP’s presidential candidate. They ignored the rumoured danger that Northern voters, the bedrock of APC support, could desert the party and vote for Atiku, for regional or other reasons. It instead endorsed Kashim Shettima’s argument that APC should stabilize politics and the country by producing a candidate from the South, however a sellable one in the North.

Northern governors surrendering the APC presidential ticket to the South did not however end the party’s agony. At the weekend, Aremo Olusegun Osoba led a meeting of South Western leaders to try to produce a single aspirant from the many powerful ones in the zone, including the sitting Vice President, the chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum, and Tinubu. Osoba’s team has nothing near the power of the 23 Afenifere leaders that picked Chief Olu Falae over Chief Bola

Ige as Alliance for Democracy’s [AD] presidential candidate at the D’Rowans Hotel, Ibadan in 1999.

So this effort is unlikely to succeed.

To add to the problem, some people quickly waded in and said the South West leaders should learn from the Northern governors’ magnanimity and further micro-zone the APC ticket to the South East.

For many reasons this is impossible.

APC has preciously little support and no strong aspirants from the South East. IPOB’s violence has so much fouled the atmosphere that APC could hardly risk pitting a South Eastern candidate against Atiku Abubakar. To boot, they could hardly tell Jagaban, Osinbajo or Fayemi to step down in the name of “equity and justice” when the top prize is tantalizingly within their reach.

Why did the Northern governors not finish the job by taking the next, critical step of agreeing on one person to support? That would have forced the hand of South West leaders and of almost everyone else, including the president. Trouble is, they too are divided on that score. I suspect that majority of them are Tinubu supporters but we don’t know how much damage his remarks of last week did to that support base. Some of them are probably closet Osinbajo, Fayemi or Amaechi supporters because it makes it easier for themselves to be picked as running mate.

They probably refrained from making a final choice in order to give Buhari the “reciprocity” to endorse a candidate, very late though he has left the matter. Very dramatic developments could yet come between Sunday evening and Monday afternoon, when the APC special convention gets underway.

S P O N S O R E D A DV E RT I S E M E N T

OTE

SENATOR AHMAD IBRAHIM LAWAN AS

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

OF THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC)

APC Presidential Primary: Vice President Osinbajo projected to win Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will emerge the winner of the APC presidential primary slated for next week, according to a poll conducted by the Democratic Research Initiative, a respected Research and Strategy Institution that sampled voting decisions of eligible delegates across the country who will choose the party’s next flagbearer.

The recently released study placed the Vice President in first position with a total of 648 votes which accounted for 28% of all votes cast, and former Lagos Governor, Bola Tinubu in second position with 552 votes and 16% of the total votes cast.

Rotimi Amaechi was projected to finish third with 88 votes, and he is followed by Godswill Akpabio (47 votes), Governor Kayode Fayemi (34 votes), Governor Yahaya Bello (28 votes), Governor David Umahi (18 votes) and Senator Ahmad Lawan (1 Vote).

The poll is the most comprehensive and standardized projection of the consequential party event with a confidence level of 95%.

A stratified sampling technique was deployed to achieve a distribution of responses that reflect the spread of delegates across Nigeria, resulting in the

polling of at least 1,200 delegates.

The structured questionnaire used to obtain the data from the sample study controlled for demographic, candidate preference, and other push and pull factors that influence delegates’ preferences.

The projected triumph of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo comes amid growing reports of his endorsement by President Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu’s fiery and controversial comments in Abeokuta, in which he mocked President Buhari over his previous failures to win the presidency and crediting himself for saving the day.

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Eagles Return to Abuja in Search of AFCON 2023 Ticket Familiar foes S’Leone arrive Abuja hoping to shock Peseiro in his first official game

Olawale Ajimotokan inAbuja Twenty-four out of the 27 Super Eagles players invited for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone on Thursday in Abuja had their first training session yesterday in the Federal Capital City.

New Head Coach, José Santos Peseiro, and all his assistants were on hand to put the players through their paces.

Captain of the Team, Ahmed Musa, led the players that included goalkeepers Francis Uzoho, Adewale Adeyinka and Adebayo Adeleye, and defenders Olaoluwa Aina, William TroostEkong, Zaidu Sanusi, Chidozie Awaziem, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Leon Balogun, Sani Faisal and Kenneth Omeruo in that work out at the MKO Abiola Stadium

NPFL Match-day 32 Wikki 1-0 Rivers Utd Sunshine 2-1 Nasarawa Plateau Utd 1-0 K’Pillars Tornadoes 2-1 Enyimba MFM FC 0-0 Lobi Stars Kwara Utd 2-0 Katsina Dakkada 2-0 Shooting Remo Stars 1-0 Gombe Abia War 2-0 Rangers Heartland 1-0 Akwa Utd

in Abuja.

Others at this training include; midfielders Alex Iwobi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Innocent Bonke and Frank Onyeka, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen, Cyriel Dessers, Ademola Lookman, Sadiq Umar, Terem Moffi and Emmanuel Dennis.

As at lunch time on Sunday, only defenders Abdullahi Shehu and Calvin Bassey, and midfielder Joseph Ayodele-Aribo were being expected in camp.

During breakfast and lunch periods, Peseiro was able to meet and familiarize with invited players who were unable to make it to the United States for the friendlies with Mexico and Ecuador. They include skipper Musa, defenders Sanusi and Balogun, midfielder Etebo and forwards Chukwueze, Umar and Lookman.

He also met with defender Omeruo, midfielder Onyeka and forward Osimhen, as well as Israel –based goal-tender Adeleye, who were not invited to the friendlies in America but have been called for the AFCON fray.

The Super Eagles Will confront familiar foes Sierra Leone at the MKO Abiola National Stadium on Thursday evening, in one of the Match-day 1 matches of Group A of the qualification series.

Sierra Leone arrived Abuja on Saturday and are hoping to stun Nigeria again like they did in Benin City last year, coming back from four goals down to draw 4-4 in an AFCON 2022 qualifier. Super Eagles are yet to win a game since 19 January 2022. They have been

on a five-match run without a victory.

Two days after playing Sierra Leone, Super Eagles will fly to Marrakech for a Match-day 2 game against São Tomé and Príncipe that will take place on Monday, 13th June.

SUPER EAGLES FOR SIERRA LEONE AND SÃO TOMÉ & PRÍNCIPE

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Adewale Adeyinka (Akwa United); Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel) Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Abdullahi Shehu (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Chidozie Awaziem (Alanyaspor FC, Turkey); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England);

Calvin Bassey (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Sani Faisal (Katsina United); Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain) Midfielders: Joseph AyodeleAribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (Watford FC, England); Innocent Bonke (FC Lorient, France); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal CF, Spain); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Cyriel Dessers (Feyenoord FC, The Netherlands); Ademola Lookman (Leicester City, England); Sadiq Umar (UD Almeria, Spain); Terem Moffi (FC Lorient, France); Emmanuel Dennis (Watford FC, England).

Super Eagles midfielder, Joe Aribo (left) in action during the international Friendly with Mexico in Dallas, USA ...last week

Rafael Nadal Beats Ruud to Kadima Emerges Best Boxer at GOtv Boxing Night 25, Wins N1m Win 14th Roland Garros Title Rafael Nadal reclaimed his crown as the king of the French Open, winning a record-extending 14th title by beating Norway's Casper Ruud in straight sets.

Spain's Nadal, 36, won 6-3 6-3 6-0 against Norwegian eighth seed Ruud to also extend his record number of Grand Slam men's singles titles to 22.

He moves two ahead of his great rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

Nadal, who lost to Djokovic in the semi-finals last year, has won 112 of his 115 matches on the Paris clay.

After also winning the Australian Open in January, Nadal has claimed back-to-back major titles for the first time since 2010 - when he won the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open in a row.

Two days after his 36th birthday, Nadal becomes the oldest French Open men's singles champion and surpasses fellow Spaniard Andres Gimeno, who won aged 34 in 1972.

The left-hander dropped his racquet to the court in amazement after taking his second match point to win in two hours and 18 minutes.

Nadal's achievements are even more impressive in the context of the physical issues that have hampered him in recent times.

At the end of last year he thought he would have to retire because of a chronic foot problem and was troubled by the issue at the Italian Open earlier this month.

A stress fracture of the rib also caused him to miss two months of the season shortly after his 21st major win at the Australian Open.

"It takes a lot of energy to keep going. I want to say 'merci, merci beaucoup'," Nadal said after lifting the Coupe des Mousquetaires.

"I don't know what will happen in the future but I will keep fighting to keep going."

Ruud, 23, was making his debut in a Grand Slam final and facing Nadal for the first time in a professional match.

Cruiserweight boxer, Stephen “Freeman” Kadima, on Saturday, emerged the best boxer at the 25th edition of the GOtv Boxing Night after defeating his opponent, Michael “Emirate” Godwin.

His stellar performance earned him the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy and the cash prize of N1million attached to it.

The event took place at the Old Gymnasium of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The seven-bout event also saw Ibadan-based lightweight boxer Samuel Moses defeat his opponent Wale Anifowose, thereby ending a streak of victories for Lagos-based boxers.

But the other lightweight of the night ended in defeat for another Ibadan-based boxer, Ademola Ibrahim, as Segun "War" Adeyemi was declared winner by unanimous decision.

In the heavyweight division, Olanrewaju "Larry King" Adebiyi made the involvement of Solomon

"Iron Fist" Imole a brief one with a first round technical knockout.

Super welterweight star, Jafar "Armor Tank" Suleiman, also knocked out Basiru Kabiru in their super welterweight duel.

The light heavyweight tie was decided by a unanimous decision in favour of Segun "Success" Olanrewaju, who faced a spirited challenge from Victor Bennet all through the eight-round duel

L-R: Head of Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria, Tope Oshunkeye; Stephen “Freeman” Kadima, GOtv Boxing Night 25 best boxer and winner of Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy; President, Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), Dr Rafiu Ladipo, at the GOtv Boxing Night 25 event which held in Ibadan on Saturday.

Five-star Messi Helps Argentina Crush Estonia

King Nadal....wins 14th French Open title and still counting

Lionel Messi scored all five of Argentina's goals as they continued their fine form by thrashing Estonia in a friendly in Pamplona, Spain.

The Argentines swept aside Italy 3-0 in the Finalissima- a game between the champions of Europe and South America - on Wednesday.

Messi provided two assists in that game and he was once again in vintage form.

He opened the scoring with a penalty and then struck two more

goals in either half to complete the rout.

It is the first time the 34-year-old has scored five in a game for his country. In fact, he has only ever achieved the feat once before in his career, in a 7-1 win for Barcelona over Bayer Leverkusenin the Champions League in 2012.

His third against Estonia, two minutes after half-time, took him level on 84 goals with Ferenc Puskas as the fourth highest-scorer in the history of men's international

football.

Fourteen minutes later, his fourth of the game meant he had surpassed the legendary Hungarian and now holds that position outright, behind only Malaysia's Mokhtar Dahari (89), Iran's Ali Daei (109) and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (117).

He would have been closer still to Ronaldo, but the Portuguese scored twice in his country's Nations League game against Switzerlandyesterday also.

The light welterweight duel between Sadiq "Golden Boy" Oyokojo and Azeez "Latest" Ayobami ended in a draw.

Wales Edge Ukraine to End 64-year Wait for a World Cup Ticket Wales overcame another monumental effort from Ukraine to qualify for their first World Cup since 1958 on a night of high emotion and drama in Cardiff.

Having beaten Scotland in an emotionally draining semi-final four days earlier, the Ukrainians amid the backdrop of their country being embroiled in war with Russia - were deeply impressive once again but fell just short in their attempt to reach only a second World Cup in their history.

Instead, it was Wales who achieved that 1-0 feat at a delirious Cardiff City Stadium.

Their winning goal came against the run of play as Gareth Bale's first-half free-kick was inadvertently headed in by Ukraine captain Andriy Yarmolenko, a particularly cruel way for the visitors to concede having dominated before then.

Both teams tired but threw players forward in a chaotic second half, with Bale wasting a golden opportunity and substitute Brennan Johnson hitting the post for Wales.

Ukraine also had several chances to equalise but were repelled by the phenomenal goalkeeping of Wayne Hennessey and defending of Ben Davies.

TR

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MISSILE Peter Obi to APC, PDP

“There is no unrighteous and unjust pillar that will stand. The PDP was a good platform, but it has expired. The APC was never a good platform, it is of no consequence. The two parties are out, they have expired, they have no relevance to the new things that Nigerians and the youths are looking for…But the Labour Party is a sleeping giant” – Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, issuing a no confidence vote on APC and PDP.

MAHMUDJEGA VIEW FROM THE GALLERY

Sprint of the Tiger

– See article on page 62 S P O N S O R E D A DV E RT I S E M E N T

Check details on pages 17 and 62 Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja .

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