WEDNESDAY 7TH JULY 2021

Buhari Won’t Delay Assent to PIB, Says Osinbajo Barkindo, Kyari warn calls for oil sector defunding dangerous

Deji Elumoye, Udora Orizu, Emmanuel Addeh and Peter Uzoho in Abuja Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) yesterday assured Nigerians that President

Muhammadu Buhari will not waste time before signing the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which has just been passed by the National Assembly.

Osinbajo, while declaring open the 20th Nigeria Oil and

Gas (NOG) Conference and Exhibition in Abuja described the passage of the legislation as a “feat,” noting that he was not unmindful of the challenges faced by operators in the oil and gas sector.

Osinbajo, represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Timipre Sylva, said the global lockdown triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic had pushed the industry into a state of

major economic crisis and further amplified the global clamour for cleaner and more sustainable renewable energy.

Osinbajo stated that the future survival and the success of many players in the

industry will not only depend on their achieving greater focus on cleaner energy sources, but also upon their ability to deliver low-cost solutions to Continued on page 10

Agric Minister’s Farm Produce Mop-up Fuels Inflation... Page 8 Wednesday 7 July, 2021 Vol 26. No 9585. Price: N250

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Presidency Hails Arrest of Kanu, Igboho’s Residence’s Raid...Page 10

Southern Presidency Gathers Momentum as Ortom, Middle Belt Endorse Demand

Lawmakers from south back govs ACF: We can’t dictate to parties Northern elders rebuff zoning

Adedayo Akinwale, Udora Orizu in Abuja, John Shiklam in Kaduna, Seriki Adinoyi in Jos and George Okoh in Makurdi The quest for southern presidency in 2023 gathered

momentum yesterday as Benue State Governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF); and the members of the House of Representatives from the 17 Southern states backed the demand by the Southern

Governors’ Forum for the next president to come from the region.

The lawmakers also backed the governors’ rejection of certain provisions of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) passed by the National

BOOST FOR CANCER TREATMENT...

Assembly.

However, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has urged advocates of power rotation to exercise their discretion on which zone produces the next president, in line with the 1999

Constitution that reserves the right to sponsor candidates to contest elections for political parties only.

Speaking yesterday to THISDAY in Jos, Plateau State capital, President of the Middle Belt Forum, Dr. Pogu Bitrus,

said: “We agree with them (Southern governors) fully that the president should come from the South. Given the kind of situation we find ourselves in this country, it is Continued on page 10

SIXTY HEARTY CHEERS...

L-R: Group Executive Director, BUA Group, Mr. Kabiru Rabiu; Kwara State Governor, Mr. Abdulrahman L-R: Vice-Chairman, Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited, Mr. Chike Ogeah; celebrant, Mr. Richard Mofe-Damijo; and former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, at Mofe-Damijo’s Abdulrazaq; and Managing Director/CEO, ASR Africa, Mr. Ubong Udoh, during the presentation of kunle ogunfuyi 60th birthday in Lagos...yesterday the N2.5billion Oncology Centre construction design to the governor in Ilorin...yesterday

Villagers Flee as Bandits Kill 21 in Katsina... Page 5

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

Villagers Flee as Bandits Kill 21 in Katsina

Francis Sardauna in Katsina Gunmen suspected to be bandits on motorcycles have launched a fresh onslaught on Tsauwa village in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing no fewer than 21 persons, including children and women.

Some houses, food items and shops as well as motorcycles were also burnt during the invasion.

Many other residents sustained gunshot wounds in the incident that lasted from 5 pm to 6 pm on Monday,

while many survivors have fled the area.

A prominent leader in the village, Mr. Suleiman Abdulkadir, who confirmed the incident to THISDAY yesterday, said the marauding bandits invaded the village with sophisticated weapons when most of the residents were returning from their farms and started shooting sporadically.

The member representing Batsari constituency at the state House of Assembly, Hon. Jabiru Yusuf Yau-yau, who also confirmed the attack to

THISDAY, said the hoodlums killed many people.

He added that the state Commissioner for Police, Mr. Sanusi Buba, and other top security officers have visited the village.

Abdulkadir stated that hundreds of residents, mostly women and children who survived the deadly invasion, had fled the village to Batsari, the headquarters of Batsari Local Government Area for fear of future occurrence.

He said: "About 270 bandits riding on motorcycles attacked our village (Tsauwa)

yesterday (Monday) and killed 21 people. Right now, we have 21 dead bodies and none of the bodies have been taken to the cemetery and those who survived the attack are moving to Batsari town.

"Last time they killed 38 people and even a few days ago they ambushed some people and killed nine. This is the third attack on Tsauwa village. In the first one, they killed 38 people; the second one, they killed 11 people and yesterday (Monday) they killed 21. See their corpses

laying down here; even the burial has not commenced."

He added that because of banditry and other nefarious activities afflicting farming communities in Batsari LGA, many farmers have abandoned the farm and left their villages for safer places.

He said even those who farmed last year could not access their farms for harvest because bandits had taken over their farmlands.

“The only way for farmers in this village to be able to produce this season is for

the government to provide enough security personnel for us. We have just started planting our crops and they had stopped us from farming.

Government should please and please help us with enough security personnel that would remain in this village," he stated.

When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Gambo Isah, a Superintendent of Police, confirmed the incident and promised to brief journalists later.

He was yet to hold the press briefing as at press time.

Buhari Mourns Emily Aig-Imoukhuede Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a condolence message to the Aig-Imoukhuede family on the death of their matriarch, Pastor Emily Aig-Imoukhuede, aged 79.

The president, in a statement by his media adviser, Mr. Femi Adesina, prayed for God’s comfort for the widower, Mr. Frank Aig-Imoukhuede, the children, grandchildren, and the entire family, asking them to take solace in the fact that the deceased spent the latter part of her years in a deep commitment to the evangelical ministry, and also to bring succour to the vulnerable

and underprivileged.

The deceased, Buhari said, was kind, graceful and caring, offering fervent service to God and humanity, which makes her life a beacon of hope and inspiration.

He praised her contributions in the secular realm too, serving variously as Curator of National Museum, President, National Council of Women Societies, and as Honourable Secretary of State (Federal Minister) for States and Local Governments in 1993.

Buhari urged the family to preserve the memory of the departed by keeping aglow the fire she lit for the inspiration of all that knew her.

PDP Decries Alleged Plan to Promote Magu Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday decried reports of plans to promote the ousted acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, despite a reported indictment for corruption and abuse of office.

The party stated that the report confirmed that President Muhammadu Buhari's administration is a sanctuary of corruption.

The PDP urged Buhari not to “ease off” the allegations of corruption against Magu but to make the Justice Ayo Salami’s report open and if necessary, prosecute the former EFCC chairman.

The party described as outrageous and a direct slap on the sensibilities of Nigerians that the Buhari administration is reportedly planning to promote Magu to Assistant Inspector-General of Police, despite being indicted by the Justice Ayo Salami Presidential Investigation Panel.

The PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, said: “The planned promotion of Magu is indeed ludicrous, though true to its proclivity to cover corruption, that the Buhari’s administration, instead of allowing the law to take its course, is rather rewarding corruption by reportedly

planning to promote an individual allegedly indicted for compromising high-profile corruption cases.

"Our party invites Nigerians to note how the Buhari’s administration has failed to take disciplinary action against Magu, as recommended by the Salami panel, but seeks to reward him with a promotion in spite of the report by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, which nailed him for alleged diversion of recovered funds and fraudulent sale of assets seized by the EFCC. "This is in addition to reports by the Department of State Services (DSS), which also stated that Magu had failed ‘the integrity test and will eventually constitute a liability to the anti-corruption stand of the current government.”

The PDP said the planned promotion of Magu had heightened apprehension in the public space that certain top officials in the presidency were overburdened with corruption complicity and fears that a docked Magu would expose their atrocities.

The PDP, however, called on the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the police high command to resist the pressure to promote Magu and commence the processes for his prosecution in court in the interest of justice.

ENCOURAGING PRODUCTIVITY...

L-R: Winner of a car gift, Mr. Jamiu Olayiwola; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, during the presentation of car gifts to raffle draw winners at the luncheon with 2019/2020 outstanding officers, junior & senior categories, in the public service in Lagos…yesterday

Opadokun Blames Insecurity on Perceived Security Agencies' Sectionalism Sunday Ehigiator A leader of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Mr. Ayo Opadokun, has blamed the increasing banditry and the activities of other non-state actors, who are threatening national security, on what he described as the nation’s gross inadequacies, inefficiencies and undisguised lopsided security agencies.

He, therefore, called for the discontinuation of a centralised policing system to allow states and local government areas to enforce both their state and local government council laws and by-laws respectively.

He stated this yesterday, while delivering a speech at the third year anniversary of the Association of Lagos Artisans and Technicians (ASLAT) in Lagos.

He said the Boko Haram sect has remained potently violent and unstoppable as they regularly attack soft targets.

Opadokun accused President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration of recruiting "socalled de-radicalised murderers, former Boko Haram members, into the army.

"There have been several reports by the media that these new recruits have proven to be informants about the army's operational plans. No

wonder the army is left to be regularly much more reactive after surprise attacks of Boko Haram," he said.

According to him, herders have ravaged and ethnically cleansed many natives from their ancestral lands and homes without any honest and productive government agencies deterring their aggressions.

He described the last five years under Buhari as disappointing, contending that the president has performed below expectations.

He said: “Buhari being a retired general promised us security if we voted for him, and he along with one of his lieutenants ridiculed and derided President Jonathan as a failed leader during their campaigns. "[But] Buhari has performed grossly below expectation. There had been no recorded vigorous and successful prosecution that can even deter the killer herdsmen and their wealthy sponsors from committing worse atrocities."

He faulted Miyetti Allah’s position that every forest in Nigeria is owned by the central government, saying such a position is against the Land Use Act. Referring to a recent interview granted the ARISE NEWS Channels by the president, he stated that Buhari exhibited

an uncommon attachment to false history when he said he had instructed the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, to dust up the gazette of the grazing routes throughout Nigeria.

"The Land Use Act of 1973 has put state lands under the governors as trustees, and there is no provision for the central government’s usurpation of governors’ powers," he said.

Opadokun lamented the activities of bandits who have effectively occupied strategic Nigerian forests and farms, while capturing, kidnapping, tormenting, killing and collecting huge ransoms from Nigerians when it suited them.

He said despite the banditry, the Buhari administration appeared incapable of arresting what he called the greatest assaults on the country’s nationhood.

He also described as unbelievable and unprecedented, the regular capturing and carting away of schoolchildren, pupils, students from primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, adding that the quantum of ransom the government has paid is mind-boggling.

He said these acts had exposed and ridiculed Nigeria and its security apparatus

before the international community.

"It remains an unbelievable misery and possible cover-up that in spite of available technological instruments, the Nigerian state keeps paying ransom to secure releases,” he said.

He said since non-state actors now appear to have the upper hand, the federal government should discontinue its failed strategy of centralised policing.

He said: "Nigeria must return to federal constitutional governance so that the component units can legitimately create suitable security apparatuses to enforce both their state and local government council laws and by-laws, respectively.

"Otherwise, Nigeria will one day wake up to face the unfortunate reality of the supremacy of the non-state actors’ dominance, which usually results in anarchy that can consume everybody."

He said the elite ignoring the consequences of the dominance of the authorities of non-state actors must wake up from their slumber.

Opadokun said: "It's possible for people to know the beginning of violence but hardly can anyone beat his chest that he knows who will be spared, and how the violence and anarchy will end."

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Agric Minister’s Farm Produce Mop-up Fuels Inflation Obinna Chima The ongoing stockpiling of some agricultural produce by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is contributing to the inflationary pressure facing the country, findings

by THISDAY have revealed.

THISDAY gathered that the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Mohammed Nanono, recently awarded contracts to some organisations to mop up some commodities, including maize, sorghum and rice.

In addition, THISDAY also learnt the Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Minister, Ms. Sadiya Farouq, has also been mopping up some agriculture commodities.

The policy has led to the increase in the price of maize as a bag now goes for N31,000, far higher than the range of N17,000 – N20,000 it used to be; while a bag of rice sells around N28,000.

The contract was awarded to two companies based in Katsina and Kano States respectively.

The arrangement, which is being done under what the ministry termed, ‘Emergency Procurement,’ contradicts efforts by some policymakers in the country to tame inflation.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures inflation stood at 17.93 per cent (year-onyear) in May compared to 18.12 per cent in the preceding month, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Also, food inflation in Nigeria has remained high at 22.28 per cent, which the policy by the agriculture minister could worsen.

One of such letters by the Ministry seen by THISDAY, titled: “Award of Contract for the Emergency Procurement of 4,843.16MT of Maize,” dated May 26th, 2021 was addressed to the Managing Director, DJG Integrated Farm Limited, Katsina State.

The letter was signed by the Deputy Director, Procurement on behalf of the minister.

It read: “I am directed to inform you that the management under the emergency situation wishes to convey the presidential approval for the emergency procurement

of 4,843.16MT of maize to your company at the contract sum of N1, 380,266,697.88 only, with a delivery period of eight weeks, with effect from the date of this letter.

“You are therefore required to indicate in writing within three days of receipt of this letter, your acceptance to the Office of Director, Procurement, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Abuja, otherwise the offer would be considered lapsed.

Thereafter, you are to liaise with the Director (Food and Strategic Reserve) for adequate supervision of the contract and the Director (Legal Services) for the signing of the contract agreement.

“Please note that the contract is not transferable and the cost is fixed, firm and request for price variation will not be entertained.”

Also, another company, Zuhala Nigeria Limited, was awarded a contract of N292,375,982.50 under the arrangement for emergency procurement of 1,051.75MT of sorghum.

Commenting on the development, a source who pleaded to remain anonymous, said the policy was against the normal practice, adding that it contradicts efforts by the monetary authorities to cage inflation.

“The minister is buying during planting season, which is not the normal practice.

The normal practice is for the ministry to buy from the farmers to save in the reserves during harvest season. The situation is contributing to the inflationary pressure facing the country,” he explained.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) last week approved the release of 50,000 metric tonnes of maize to 12 major producers to control the price of the commodity.

The bank had explained that the rollout of the commodity from the Strategic Maize Reserve (SMR) under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) to companies was its third intervention in recent times.

It had stated that the release of the grains was aimed at checkmating the activities of middlemen hoarding the

product to cause artificial scarcity.

CBN spokesman, Mr. Osita Nwanisobi, had expressed optimism that the release would crash the price of maize, reduce pressure on the market, and make the product directly available to feed producers, thereby reducing the price of poultry feed.

He added that as part of the bank’s financing framework, the CBN would continue to facilitate the funding of maize farmers and processors through the ABP commodity association, private/prime anchors, and state governments, Maize Aggregation Scheme (MAS) as well as the Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACS).

Meanwhile, a report by Washington Post has stated that surging food prices had put staple meals out of the reach of a lot of Nigerians. It also cited the situation in some other countries.

It noted that at Nyanya Market, near Abuja, the price of the rice that forms the base for the dish went up by 10 per cent.

"A small tin of tomatoes 29 per cent costlier. And the

onions? Their price jumped by a third, according to a Nigerian research firm.

"In Russia, an increase in pasta prices left President Vladimir Putin boiling. In India, it’s cooking oil, and in Lebanon, bread. In meat-loving Argentina, the cost of some cuts of beef has doubled, and beef consumption is at an all-time low.

"The issue has made headlines the world over, including in the United States, where inflation has climbed to five per cent, the highest level in 13 years.

“Even relatively well-off people complain about how food prices are seemingly on an unstoppable tear,” the report quoted Feyi Fawehinmi, a Nigerian author and analyst based in Britain, to have said.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation said its food price index, which measures the global price of select foods, had in May hit highs not seen since 2011, up 40 per cent year-on-year.

A variety of factors are to blame, including a surge in orders from China, fluctuating oil prices, a sliding U.S. dollar, and looming above all: the

pandemic, and in some places, reopening.

But experts said in the face of growing populations, globalisation and climate change, higher prices might not be a blip.

“This is telling us something about the global food system not being adequate,” said Cullen Hendrix, a professor at the University of Denver and senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

Around the world, the way people eat could change, the report noted.

SBM Intelligence has been tracking the prices of ingredients for jollof rice in Nigeria since 2015, in a “Jollof index” that factors in the price of turkey, chicken, beef, seasoning, rice, tomatoes, onions and others.

In its latest quarterly report, the company announced that it had tracked an increase of 7.8 per cent in the Jollof index between March 2020 and March 2021. But the price increases were unevenly spread.

Although a few markets saw small declines, others, such as Nyanya, saw the price of a potful jump by nearly 16 per

cent. In Lagos, the cost of a bag of onions at a market doubled as producers complained of heists targeting the valuable vegetable.

Fawehinmi said the problem has only become worse. “I have had people I would never have expected ask me for money to buy food recently,” he said.

Nigeria has struggled economically over the past year, with low global oil prices hurting one of its key exports. Unemployment hit 33 per cent in 2020, while inflation has reached more than 18 per cent for the past two months.

And “militias have taken over major farmlands and key agricultural transport corridors” in northern states, said Ese Oikhala, a researcher with SBM Intelligence.

Other factors include border closures during the pandemic, designed to stop the smuggling of goods including rice, and the devaluation of Nigeria’s currency, the naira.

The World Bank recently warned that high food prices could force seven million Nigerians into poverty and food prices have become a rallying cry for grass-roots opposition leaders.

IN MEMORIAL...

L-R: Mr. Tolu Ladipo, Mrs. Angela Okotie-Eboh; Dr. Ajoritsedere Awosika and Dr. Olubayode Awosika at the memorial service in honour of Chief Joseph Adolo Okotie-Eboh in Lagos…yesterday mubo peters

Bill on State Police, Regional Security Outfits Scales Second Reading Adedayo Akinwale and Udora Orizu in Abuja The House of Representatives has passed for second reading, a bill seeking to amend 1999 Constitution to allow for the creation of state police and legalise regional security outfits.

The bill also provides that the current police system will be decentralised by moving police from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list.

Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Hon. Onofiok Luke, who sponsored the bill, said in the explanatory

note that the bill sought to alter the constitution “to provide for state police and other state government security services to enhance security and preservation of lives and properties in Nigeria.”

Leading the debate on the bill at the plenary yesterday, Luke said the primary responsibility of every government all over the world is to protect and preserve the lives and property of its citizens and to maintain law and order.

He stated that many years after independence, Nigeria has continually been beset with insecurity ranging from

terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, and domestic violence.

Luke said though there was no society without crime or manifestation of criminal behaviour, the inability to reduce crimes to the barest minimum crime should be regarded as an indictment of the country's security structure.

He said: "The federal structure of our security does not encourage community policing or localisation of policing. Recruitment and subsequent deployment of police officers in their local area is one of the major ways of curbing crime. Such officers understand the area, terrain,

language, behaviour and attitude of the people he or she is policing."

The lawmaker lamented that Nigeria, a country with over 201 million people, is grossly under-policed with about 400,000 police personnel, stressing that this number falls far short of the United Nation’s recommendation of one policeman to 400 citizens.

Luke explained that the bill seeks to amend the principal law by removing police and other government security services from the exclusive legislative list and inserting it in the concurrent legislative list so that both the federal

and state governments can legislate on the subject.

Contributing, the Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Toby Okechukwu, said the bill was germane considering the present security challenges facing the country.

Okechukwu stated: "As a matter of fact, the exclusive list needs to shed weight and if it is going to shed weight with regard to making our country more efficient and secure, the better we are for it. As a matter of fact, there is no state in this federation that does not run a security outfit. No state! Whether it is Amotekun or Hisbah

or Vigilante or Ebube Agu, whichever name you call it, they all run it. But what character do they possess?

What ingredients are they lacking? They are lacking the power to ordinarily bear arms and to arrest and prosecute."

The lawmaker added that there was a need to bring it to the fore the need to solve the challenges the country is facing.

"We cannot be living and pretending that everything is okay. Nothing is okay. If 13 schools were closed in Kaduna, it is not a joke. We need to address this and address this seriously," Okechukwu said.

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Presidency Hails Arrest of Kanu, Igboho’s Residence’s Raid Warns freedom of expression won’t be allowed to undermine national unity Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Presidency yesterday warned that the federal government will not allow the fundamental right of individuals to freely express personal or regional views to be abused to the extent of sabotaging the unity of the country.

It, however, commended security and intelligence agencies for their recent operations, which culminated in the arrest and extradition of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, and the bursting of the 'armoury' of the lead proponent of the Yoruba nation’s protests, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho.

The presidency, in a

statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said the Buhari administration respects the right of citizens to freely express their views and opinions, as that is a tenet of democracy.

It, however, charged security and intelligence agencies to sustain their speed and level of professionalism to stamp out the growing incidences of the kidnapping of schoolchildren.

It said: "Last week, we saw the enhanced collaboration of the Nigerian law enforcement agencies, as they executed with great synchronisation, arrests of individuals who had inflicted pain and hardships on fellow citizens.

"The subversive leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group known for its murderous actions and virulent messaging, was detained as a result of crossborder cooperation.

"This international operation was executed in a closely coordinated fashion following which he was handed over to our National Intelligence Agency, and then returned to Nigeria to face the law."

According to the presidency, the violence inspired by IPOB has led to hundreds of fatalities, particularly targeted at government assets and law enforcement agents, adding that at the last count, there were 55 separate violent attacks, heavily concentrated

in the South-east, which caused hardship on citizens, preventing them from earning their livelihood and going about their normal lives.

The federal government, the statement added, had long been monitoring the activities of IPOB and had strong cause to believe that their funding sources include proceeds of suspected illicit criminal activities.

It stated: "By this singular action of our security forces, sanity, calm and peace has been returned to our communities who previously lived in constant fear of these misguided elements.

"In furtherance of continued diligent work, the State Security Service on Thursday, 1st July raided the residence of a militant ethnic secessionist,

who has also been conducting acts of terror and disturbing the peace under the guise of protecting fellow “kinsmen.”

“His seditious utterances and antics, which he is known to have publicly expressed, have overtime morphed into very hateful and vile laden speeches."

The presidency added that while the federal government respects fundamental rights of citizens to express their views and recognises this as a democratic tenet, any attempt to build an armoury, coupled with plans either subtle or expressed, to undermine national unity will not be condoned.

It said: "Mr. President’s directives to security services regarding anyone seen to be carrying arms, particularly

AK-47, are clear and require no further illumination.

Assault weapons are not tools of peace-loving people and as such, regardless of who they are and where they are from, the security agencies should treat them all the same.

"The successes of our security agencies must be commended as they have demonstrated significant deftness, guile and secrecy in carrying out these missions.

“This level of professionalism must be sustained and brought to bear as we focus on extracting from our society those who have found a new trade in targeting students, rural dwellers and our citizens in the North-west.

“The nation recognises their efforts and sacrifice."

SOUTHERN PRESIDENCY GATHERS MOMENTUM AS ORTOM, MIDDLE BELT ENDORSE DEMAND only good to allow fairness and equity in this nation.

“By 2023, the North would have finished serving for eight years. So, it should go to the South. It is not for us to tell the South which side it should go in the South; they can decide to give it to the South-east, South-south, or South-west. But it should go to the South. We know that they are also rational in their consideration; so they should be able to determine among themselves, which side it should go in the South.”

Pogu added that going by the exigencies of time, it would only be right to zone the presidency to the South, adding that the moment calls for seriousness in terms of equity.

Ortom commended his colleagues for their position on power rotation, saying only equity, fairness and justice could strengthen the unity of Nigeria, give all citizens a sense of belonging and reduce tensions in the country.

His Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Terver Akase, quoted him as describing the decision of the Southern Governors' Forum to enact laws to ban open grazing of livestock in the region as a bold and patriotic move that will end the lingering crisis caused by armed herdsmen.

Ortom lauded his colleagues for backing their May 11, 2011

Asaba Declaration against open grazing with the resolve to legally prohibit nomadic cattle rearing He said the resolution conformed to the global best practice of animal husbandry.

Ortom re-echoed his call on the federal government to respect the 1999 Constitution as altered on fundamental human rights, the rule of law and federal character.

He restated his commitment to speak out against injustice, quoting Reverend Martin Luther King Jnr., who stated: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

Spokesman of ACF, Mr. Emmanuel Yawe, told THISDAY that the 1999 Constitution gives only the political parties the right to sponsor candidates to contest elections in Nigeria.

“The ACF is a socio-cultural group and not a political party, therefore, it will be against the spirit and letter of the constitution if we start dictating to the parties which part of the country a presidential candidate should come from.

“However, when the parties hold their primaries and candidates emerge, we would interact with them and find out their idea about the North. In that way, we can help the Northern voters to make their choices,” Yawe

stated.

Also, the members of the House of Representatives from the 17 Southern states endorsed the resolution of their governors on power rotation.

They also described the attempt to tamper with the 2010 Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2021 by removing the clause on electronic transmission of results as a malicious and unpatriotic act to emasculate the electoral system, undermine democracy and destabilise the country.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Southern Caucus, Hon. Victor Nwokolo, in a statement yesterday, said the alleged attempt to remove electronic transmission of results clause from the bill could not be condoned or justified under any guise whatsoever.

The lawmakers said the resolution by their governors reinforced their stance that the nation must and should exist on the pillars of justice, equity, fairness, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, particularly in the political, economic and structural management of its national diversity.

According to them, the demand that the next president should come from the South represents the opinion of the majority of Nigerians across the board, and is in tandem

with the already established rotation of presidency position between the South and the North.

They stated: "Furthermore, against the backdrop of our commitment towards free, fair, credible and transparent elections, the members of the House of Representatives from the South also backs our governors in rejecting the moves to outlaw the electronic transmission of election result in the Electoral Act, as well as the confirmation of exclusive jurisdiction in pre-election matters on the Federal High Court.

"The attempt to tamper with the Electoral Act to remove electronic transmission of result is, therefore, a malicious and unpatriotic act aimed to emasculate our electoral system, undermine our democracy and destabilise our dear country, and such cannot be condoned or justified under any guise whatsoever."

The lawmakers described the electronic transmission of results directly from the polling unit as a firm step towards the elimination of result-collation-related malpractices, including alteration of figures, mutilation of documents, snatching and diversion of ballot materials on transit to collation centres, among others.

On the PIB, the lawmakers affirmed the governors'

rejection of the proposed 30 per cent share of profit for the exploration of oil and gas in the basins.

They also rejected the moves to vest the ownership structure of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) in the Ministry of Finance and backed the governors in their resolve that such should be held in trust by Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) since all tiers of government have stakes in that agency.

They added: "As lawmakers, we insist that the 30 per cent share of profit as well as vesting ownership structure of the proposed NNPC on the ministry of finance instead of the NSIA do not reflect the desired essentials of justice, equity and fairness."

The lawmakers, however, supported the five per cent share of the oil revenue to the host community as recommended by the House, while assuring their constituents that every effort would be made to sustain their position at the harmonisation level.

On security, they reiterated their support for the establishment of state police and ban on open grazing by Southern states, adding that governors, as chief security officers in the states, must be duly informed before the execution of any security

would solidify regulatory and fiscal frameworks and attract much-needed investment in a sustainable manner, adding that “the 9th National Assembly has engraved itself in gold in passing the Petroleum Industry Bill.”

On the global front, Barkindo, whose keynote address was themed: “Global Oil Market Dynamics in a Decarbonising World” stated that investors, environmental lobbyists and even some corporate boards have been pressuring oil companies and governments to pursue radical policies and initiatives that could, in the end, be more disruptive than productive for the global energy industry.

He said: “There have recently even been calls for investments in oil and gas to be discontinued, which is

a dangerous and unrealistic scenario. These voices have emerged particularly in the context of the ‘net-zero’ 2050 emissions discussions.

“The fact is, however, that oil and gas have an important role to play in the energy transition. Let me be clear, OPEC supports the need to reduce emissions, bolster efficiency and embrace innovation, but we must be aware of the risk we run of not adequately investing in the future of this industry.”

According to him, the industry is already dealing with the harsh impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has had on investment, which declined by 30 per cent in 2020.

He said if this were to continue, the world could see

operation in their states.

Meanwhile, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has rejected the position of the Southern governors that the 2023 presidency should be zoned to the Southern part of the country.

The forum's position was made in a statement issued yesterday by its Director of Publicity and Advocacy, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed.

NEF said as far as the North was concerned, the idea that it would be threatened, intimidated or blackmailed into yielding an office which ought to be settled democratically is not acceptable.

“We are running a democratic government and decisions over where the next president comes from are basically decisions that will be made by voters exercising their rights to choose which candidate best serves their interest,” it said.

The forum explained that the southern governors come from the two dominant parties: APC and PDP, saying that they must have some influence in those parties.

NEF urged the southern governors to influence their parties to zone the presidency to southern states and then work to convince Nigerian voters from all parts of the country to vote for that candidate.

BUHARI WON’T DELAY ASSENT TO PIB, SAYS OSINBAJO their stakeholders.

He added that the federal government is encouraging industry players to focus on the country’s vast natural gas resources as a transition fuel that will function as a bridge between the dominant fossil fuels of today and the cleaner energy of tomorrow.

According to him, the country is ramping up its ability to meet the increasing global requirement for cleaner primary energy, while at the same time enabling much needed domestic industrialisation for rapid economic growth.

Osinbajo said: “We are not unmindful of the peculiar challenges confronting the oil and gas operators in Nigeria from infrastructural deficiencies and insecurity to the high cost of operation, to mention just a few.

“The government is

working consciously to tackle all without lagging behind on our path to meeting the global demand that our signatory to international protocols on cleaner energy have placed on us.”

He said despite the current global challenges in the industry, the government had been supporting the aggressive implementation of the nationwide gas infrastructure blueprint, which informed Nigeria’s declaration of the year 2021 to 2030 as the Decade of Gas, coupled with the enormous work on the PIB to free the industry for investment.

“As you are aware, just last week, the National Assembly passed the longawaited Petroleum Industry Bill. This unprecedented feat has been adjudged as a watershed moment for our nation.

“Let me assure you that the bill when transmitted to the presidency for assent, would receive necessary and timely consideration.

Infrastructural development, security issues, high cost of operations and other various issues are well covered in this all-encompassing bill.

“On behalf of the government, I can assure you that the eventual Act, if fully operational, its governance, administrative and fiscal provisions will be some of the most attractive in Africa,” he added.

In his remarks, SecretaryGeneral of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Dr. Sanusi Barkindo, said the longawaited legislation for the oil and gas sector would help guide the reforms designed to strengthen institutions.

In addition, he said it

Continued on page 48

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COMMENT

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

SYLVA: THE MAN WITH THE MIDAS TOUCH

Ojie Ejemhen pays tribute to Timipre Sylva, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, at age 57

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t is William James, a philosopher, who says, “It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.” For those who know the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipreye Marlin Sylva, this philosopher may have spoken about him, a man whose positive attitude adds the Midas Touch to everything, ensuring that they are accomplished, no matter how mountainous the task is.

His commitment and dedication to do the job is not only inspiring; it is very infectious.

This is not just for the saying! Perhaps this is what President Muhammadu Buhari would be saying today when he turns around to see the giant strides of his administration within the short period he has had Sylva as the “alternate Minister” in the petroleum ministry.

When Buhari appointed Sylva in 2019, the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), the draft for which the foundation was laid at the turn of the millennium in 2000, was in its 18th year, awaiting approval and passage into law. The closest the draft legislation came to being passed into law was during the Eighth National Assembly.

Out of the four components of the bill, the National Assembly passed the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) mainly to provide the legal framework for the establishment of the governance structures to regulate operations of the petroleum industry. The legislative processes were completed, as the two Chambers of the National Assembly produced a harmonised copy of the bill sent to the President for assent.

However, just when Nigerians were about to heave a sigh of relief that the burden of the long delay in passing the bill into law had been lifted, the president said he would not pen his signature, citing certain provisions that required further attention.

When Sylva arrived on the scene, he took up the difficult assignment of getting the PIB passed into law as one of his cardinal agenda to accomplish. Today, what seemed unachievable by anyone was achieved last Thursday, with the passage into law of the PIB, pending the crucial final lap of getting the presidential seal of approval to make it an official working document, regulating the operations of the petroleum industry.

The PIB, when signed into law, would provide the solid foundation upon which the growth of the country’s petroleum industry would rely on. This is only one of the record achievements that commends Sylva as the man with the Midas touch.

For over 43 years since its establishment, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), carried the ugly toga of being a cesspool of corruption; a place where nothing worked, despite sitting at the helm of the industry that accounts for more 80 percent of the country’s revenues. Opacity was its other name, as transparency and accountability were strange phenomena in their operations.

But following Sylvia’s arrival, the NNPC published its first audited account for the year ended 2019, highlighting the massive losses accumulated by successive administrations in recent memory. The corporation followed quickly with the publication of the 2020 audited accounts. It has not only sustained the practice as an entrenched culture, but has kept faith with its commitment and determination to publish details of its monthly financial and operations report, capturing the performances of all its strategic business units, subsidiaries and affiliates. This is an unknown tradition in the history of Nigeria public

TODAY, THE NNPC THAT WAS LOATHED AS A GLOBAL OUTCAST IN THE COMMITTEE OF RESPECTABLE CORPORATE CITIZENS HAS BEEN FOUND WORTHY TO BE NAMED AS ONE OF THE STRATEGIC PARTNERS OF THE GLOBAL EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE (EITI) FOR THE ONGOING REFORMS OF ITS PROCESSES

institutions.

Today, the NNPC that was loathed as a global outcast in the committee of respectable corporate citizens has been found worthy to be named as one of the strategic partners of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) for the ongoing reforms of its processes. This is not only commendable but a feat that Sylva and the management of the corporation has vowed to sustain.

The achievement of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), a global leader in gas development, is another worthy story of mention.

After quickly ramping up its production output capacity to about six trains and 22 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) capacity, it appeared its potential to expand and grow was stalled but, with Sylva coordinating and pulling the strings along with management of the NNPC and all the partners involved in the execution of the project, the final investment decision for the construction of the Nigeria LNG Train seven was taken in December 2019 at the peak of the fiery impact of Coronavirus pandemic, which devastated the world and frustrated fresh investment initiatives.

Happily, last month, the official ground-breaking ceremony of the Train seven project was performed, in Bonny, Rivers State by President Muhammadu Buhari, signaling the official commencement of the construction of the Train seven project. What a stride for the Nigeria gas sector? When completed, the plant would not only consolidate Nigeria’s position among global leaders in the liquefied natural gas businesses, but also boost the country’s current global LNG production capacity by 35 percent, to about 30 MTPA as well as Nigeria’s competitiveness in the LNG market.

Over the years, successive administrations have paid lip service to an agenda to harness for value the huge potential of the country’s gas reserves, put conservatively at about 206 trillion cubic feet, but not with Sylva who sees gas as a transition energy between oil and renewable energy. He believes that Nigeria needs to diversity the economy and create the needed jobs for its teeming population.

With the world said to be approaching the end of the oil era in the next 50 years, Sylva believes Nigeria is still far from joining the energy transition train as the country is yet to harness the vast gas resources.

Gas is fuel for our cars, domestic fuel for cooking and other household chores, generation of electricity, power to the country’s industrial establishments, like fertiliser plants, petrochemical and methanol plants.

Sylva believes that before the transition to renewable energy, the country should utilise her gas resources to develop infrastructure for the benefit of the people. Perhaps, that is why he has supported the programme of aggressive development of gas utilization projects.

Sylva is leading the showcase of the Ajoakuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project, one of the legacy projects of the Buhari administration. Launched in 2020, the pipeline system was conceived to help create, in the northern part, the market for the gas produced in the southern part. The AKK Project will help bring gas across Nigeria for the overall benefit of the economy and gas-based industrial establishments across Nigeria along the pipeline route, which is expected to extend beyond Kano to as far away as Algeria to European markets.

Ejemhen wrote from Abuja

TIME TO ARREST THE KILLER HERDSMEN Government should go after all criminals, writes Sonnie Ekwowusi

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f the Buhari government had deployed the same dogged commitment, expertise, capabilities and material resources deployed in re-arresting Nnamdi Kanu and now chasing after Sunday Igboho in prosecuting the Fulani killer herdsmen, Nigeria would have been a better country to live in today. Last week Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom re-echoed the same sentiment when he said, “if the federal government has demonstrated capacity to arrest Nnamdi Kanu, they should also exhibit the same zeal, will and decision to arrest the Fulani herdsmen that are terrorizing our state and the country. Let that be done, they are living here with us. If Nnamdi Kanu can be arrested from a foreign land, I believe that if the federal government can exhibit the same will, they will arrest Fulani herdsmen, especially Miyetti Allah who have owned up to the killings in Benue State and have continued to terrorize our land”.

Governor Ortom, undoubtedly, is right. The killer herdsmen, as you are well aware, have been committing unspeakable atrocities in Nigeria and getting away with them since President Buhari came to power. Apart from killing, maiming and raping their victims to death, the herder killers in conspiracy with their cohorts from Niger Republic have been violating Nigeria’s territorial sovereignty - destroying, encumbering and confiscating farmlands across Nigeria. This has resulted in the scarcity of and soaring prices of foodstuffs in Nigeria. Beating his chest in the euphoria of triumph, Lai Mohammed boasts that it took the federal government two years to closely trail and re-arrest Nnamdi Kanu.

Which means that over the last two years the Buhari government has been trailing Kanu instead of ridding Nigeria of the atrocities of the Boko

Haram insurgents, dare-devil bandits and herdsmen murderers. If the Buhari government has become an expert in arresting “enemies” abroad, why hasn’t the government rescued Miss Leah Sharibu, the only Christian girl still held by Islamic overlords for refusing to denounce her Christian faith.

In contrast, Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufia argues that the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu takes priority over the war against Boko Haram insurgents, bandits and herdsmen murderers because Kanu is a visible and central leader who was based broad and calling for dissolution of Nigeria. With the greatest respect, I have never heard a more illogical reasoning. It completely lacks merit. It is bunkum only fit for the dustbin. Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen and Miyetti Allah all have centralised visible leaders. Why has the Buhari government refused to arrest their respective leaders for murder? In any case, assuming Boko Haram, bandits and the murderous herdsmen have no identifiable leaders, which is denied, what stops the government from defeating them? What about Miyetti Allah with identifiable leaders which has openly been admitting responsibility for killing many Nigerians? If Kanu is calling for the dissolution of Nigeria as Governor Rufai submits, the herdsmen are committing the worst crime - forcefully displacing Nigerians from their ancestral lands and forcefully occupying them. The latter is the worst tragedy that can befall a people.

For six years the AK-47-wielding Fulani herdsmen and their cohorts from Niger Republic have persistently been murdering, maiming, kidnapping and raping their Nigerians victims. They take women and children hostage as well as confiscate the farmlands of farmers which in actual fact is a violation of Nigeria’s territorial integrity. Over-

whelmed in their forlorn frustration and anguish in the face of the aforesaid crimes, the people had pleaded with the Buhari government to declare that the AK-47-wiedling Fulani herdsmen are terrorists.

But President Buhari has refused to do so. Instead of declaring the killers as terrorists, the government simply acquiesced in their massacre of Nigerian citizens. In the aftermath of the massacre of about 200 villagers in Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Jos South local government areas of Plateau State in June 2018, Miyetti Allah quickly issued a statement accepting responsibility for the massacre. It admitted that it carried out the massacre in retaliation for alleged Fulani herdsmen who were killed in the area. According to the Chairman of the North Central zone of Miyetti Allah Danladi Ciroma, “These attacks are retaliatory …Fulani herdsmen have lost about 300 cows in the last few weeks — 94 cows were rustled by armed Berom youth in Fan village, another 36 cows were killed by Berom youth. In addition to that, 174 cattle were rustled and the criminals disappeared with them to Mangu [Local Government]… Since these cows were not found, no one should expect peace in the areas”. Till date the Buhari government has refused to arrest or interrogate Ciroma for declaring war on Nigeria. Neither has the government deemed it fit to declare Miyetti Allah a terrorist organization for inciting the public, waging war against Nigeria and for fanning the embers of disunity in Nigeria.

I hold no brief or sympathy for any Nnamdi Kanu or Sunday Igboho. It is trite criminal law that criminal suspects such as Kanu and Igboho upon reasonable suspicion and evidence that they had committed offence or offences known to law, could, pursuant to the rule of law, be arrested and charged to court and punished if found guilty upon proof

beyond reasonable doubt. I wholly subscribe to this trite law. However it is detestable and repugnant to good conscience to operate two criminal justice systems in Nigeria - one for the privileged which allows the Fulani herdsmen killers, Miyetti Allah sponsors and bandits to escape arrest, prosecution and punishment, and, the second criminal justice system for the non-privileged and infidels aimed at persecuting and prosecuting the Kanus and Igbohos of this world. No month passes in Nigeria without the killer herdsmen invading a Nigerian community and killing, maiming and sacking the residents. On May 30, 2021 the killer herdsmen, in large numbers, invaded three border communities of Benue State, killing and inflicting gunshot and machete injuries on the residents. On or around May 29, 2021 no fewer than 42 persons were reportedly killed by the some Fulani herdsmen in separate attacks in Katsina Ala and Gwer West local councils of Benue State.

And in June 2021 not less than 10 persons were reportedly killed by herdsmen in Igangan, in Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State. What is the response of President Buhari to these recent killings? Acquiescence. This is unacceptable. This is the time to arrest the criminal herdsmen and bring them to justice. Sad that the Fulani herdsmen killers have killed thousands upon thousands of innocent Nigerians in the last six years but unfortunately so single Fulani herdsmen murderer has been arrested let alone prosecuted in the law court. The Buhari government should stop harbouring criminals.

Nobody is above the law of the land. All criminals are equal before the law. The murderous herdsmen should not be treated as sacred cows while other criminal suspects are treated as escape goats. What is sauce for the goose is equally sauce for the gander.

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EDITORIAL ISWAP: OLD WAR, NEW TACTICS Security agencies should devise ways to contain the new security challenges

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ast week report in a national newspaper that Boko Haram, ANSARU, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant’s branch in West Africa (ISWAP) and other terror groups are competing with one another in a mass membership drive in the northern part of the country is a worrisome development.

These terror groups are also reported to be hoisting their flags within some ‘annexed’ territories and collecting taxes from residents. It cannot be an accident that these developments are coming following the elimination of Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau,

by Abu Musab al-Barnawi of the breakaway ISWAP. While the battle against violent extremism and all forces of disintegration is a war which the Nigerian state must win, the authorities must understand that the risk posed by the tactically astute ISWAP deserves more attention, if they are to contain the growing national security threats. Al-Barnawi is more strategic than Shekau. Against the background that in July 2018, The Sun newspaper of the ISWAP MUST NOT BE United Kingdom, ALLOWED TO GAIN reported that ISIS FOOTHOLD IN A COUNTRY leaders were furtively LITTERED WITH ANGRY bringing their comMILLIONS OF YOUTHS manders into Nigeria WHO ARE BEREFT OF to recruit and train OPPORTUNITIES terrorists, the military must understand that we have just entered a new, and perhaps more sinister, phase in the fight against insurgency.

A militant group with perhaps the most brutal version of Islamic rule, ISWAP must not be allowed to gain foothold in a country littered with angry millions of youths who are bereft of opportunities. Already, many countries in the sub-region, particularly those sharing borders with Nigeria, are weighed down by internal challenges. There will be no shortage of people from which to recruit. The authorities must bear this in mind in their counterstrategies.

It is on public record that the Al-Barnawi group has pledged its loyalty to a more sophisticated foreign support. The supremacy of ISWAP over Boko Haram has already reopened a new era in insurgency backed by foreign powers. It should therefore not be seen as reduction in the terror attacks as the al-Barnawi led group has lately posed a greater threat to the Nigerian military. It means that the terror group which has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in Iraq, that has been decimated in the Middle East, is shifting its energy to insurgencies in Africa. This bodes ill for Nigeria, Mali, Chad, Cameroun, and other neighbouring countries of West African region.

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

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

SIS, the principal partner of ISWAP, is an extremist group noted for sectarian hatred, unbridled savagery, beheadings, and mass executions.

The well-provided-for organisation gained international notoriety in 2014 when it drove Iraqi government forces out of some key cities, including Mosul, the country’s second largest city. A United Nations Commission of inquiry on Syria discovered in 2016 that the group had no scruples in using any deadly weapons available, including cluster bombs, chemical and biological weapons on innocent civilians to achieve its aim of an Islamic caliphate.

We commend the military for their efforts in trying to contain the insurgency that had in the past 12 years led to the death of over 40,000 innocent Nigerians.

The dramatic upsurge in violence with the insurgents unleashing vicious and gruesome attacks on civilians as well as members of the armed forces, is a clear testimony that they still constitute mortal danger to their immediate and outlying communities and indeed, to members of the armed forces. Meanwhile, with reports that ISWAP and other terror affiliates are recruiting members, the military must devise a new strategy in dealing with an insurgency backed by international partners. If there is anything that the development underscores, it is that the security challenges are taking a different and perhaps more dangerous dimension.

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 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 (9501000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

Letters to the Editor

HOW TO AVOID SICKLE CELL ANEMIA

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n recent times the fear of sickle cell disease is the beginning of wisdom to young couples who see their future together, but when there is a symptom of sickle cell in one, that relationship comes to a halt.

There are several types of sickle cell disease. The most common are: Sickle Cell Anemia (SS), Sickle Hemoglobin-C Disease (SC), Sickle Beta-Plus Thalassemia and Sickle Beta-Zero Thalassemia.

When a child inherits one substitution beta globin genes (the sickle cell gene) from each parents, the child has Sickle Cell Anemia (SS).

Populations that have a high frequency of sickle cell anemia are those of African and Indian descents.

Individuals with Sickle Hemoglobin-C Disease (SC) have a slightly different substitution in their beta globin genes that produces both hemoglobin C and hemoglobin S. Sickle Hemoglobin-C disease may cause similar symptoms as sickle cell anemia but less anemia due to a higher blood count level. Populations that have a high frequency of sickle hemoglobin-C disease are those of West African, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern descents. Individuals with Sickle Beta Thalassemia (SB) disease also contain substitutions in both beta globin genes. The severity of the disease varies according to the amount of normal beta globin produced. When no beta globin is produced, the symptoms are almost identical to sickle cell anemia, with severe cases needing chronic blood transfusions. Populations that have a high frequency of Sickle Beta Thalassemia are those of Mediterranean and Caribbean descents.

Through research, hemoglobin D, which is a different substitution of the beta globin gene, has been found to interact with the sickle hemoglobin gene. Individuals with Sickle Hemoglobin-D disease (SD) have moderately severe anemia and occasional pain episodes. Populations that have a high frequency of sickle hemoglobin-D disease are those of

Asian and Latin American descents. And finally, Sickle Hemoglobin-O Disease. Hemoglobin O, another type of substitution in the beta globin gene, also interacts with sickle hemoglobin. Individuals with sickle hemoglobin- O disease (SO) can have symptoms of sickle cell anemia. Populations that have a high frequency of sickle hemoglobin-O disease are those of Arabian, North African and Eastern Mediterranean descents.

The most common of them all, sickle cell anemia, is an inherited condition that causes a type of faulty hemoglobin in red blood cells.

It is the most common blood disorder passed down from parents to children. People with this disorder have a typical hemoglobin molecules called hemoglobin S, which can distort red blood cells into sickles, crescent moon or make them shapeless.

The Red Blood vessel carries oxygen to all parts of the body. In someone who has SCD, the red blood cells become hard and sticky and look like a C - shaped farm tool unlike the healthy red blood cell which is round shaped.

The sickle cells die early, which causes a constant shortage of red blood cells and when they travel through small blood vessels, they get stuck and clog the blood flow. This causes pain and other problems like infection, acute chest syndrome and stroke to its victim, which can be known as sickle cell crisis.

Most SCD patients do not manifest clinically till about age of six month when the level of hemoglobin F (HbF) begins to fall. They may present with pallor, jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly and swelling of dorsal of hands/ feet ( hand foot syndrome ) failure to thrive, infections, sickle cell habits, etc.

According to WHO, the African region is mostly affected by this disease. Also, the majority of children with the most severe form of the

disease die before the age of five, usually from an infection or severe blood loss. However, in countries such as Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana and Nigeria, the prevalence is between 20% to 30% while in some parts of Uganda, it is as high as 45%.

A recent study by Nwogoh etal in Benin city, revealed an SCD prevalence of 2.39% and a carrier rate of about 23%.

Most times a person suffering from SCD has some physical attributes that ranges from a normal build to a tall lanky physique depending on the clinical severity. In childhood, sickle cell patients are shorter than normal, puberty is often delayed and considerable growth takes place in late adolescence such that adults with SCD are at least tall as normal.

Many of these physical changes are due to the chronic hypothermia associated with severe anemia.

This disease has a great effect on the liver. This effect of SCD on the liver manifests as liver dysfunction often referred to as sickle cell hepatopathy. It occurs predominantly in patients with SCD and to a lesser extent in patients with HbC diseases and HbS Thalassemia. This liver dysfunction encompasses a range of hepatic pathology arising from the primary SCD process and complications of its treatment.

The primary disease process that may lead to liver dysfunction includes anemia, suckling of red cells in the Sinusoid, swollen kuffer cells, fibrin deposits and healing thrombosis leading to obstruction of blood flow in the liver. Consequences of treatment such as blood transfusion and antibiotics therapy can also lead to liver dysfunction complications of multiple blood transfusion like iron overload, acute and chronic infection with hepatitis B and C are also important causes of liver dysfunction in SCD. Third generation Calphalosporins are known to sometimes crystallize in the gallbladder leading to choleithiasis.

Chinenye Anichebe, Gaduwa Estate, Dudu- Abuja

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MIDWEEKPOLITICS

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

Again, Akpabio in the Eye of the Storm Emameh Gabriel writes that Senator Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs is not the right man for the task of ridding the Niger Delta Development Commissiony of corruption and sanitising its operations

Buhari

Lawan

Gbajabiamila

Akpabio

T

audit by President Muhammadu Buhari. Central to the problem of the NDDC has always been accountability.

With the ascension of Akpabio as Minister in 2019 after his defection from the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), he began to make moves to asset himself and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs over the commission much to the consternation of some stakeholders in the region. Many of which felt the NDDC as an interventionist agency should operate with the least political interference if it is to deliver the required and expected good to the people of the Niger Delta region. Akpabio was a member of the Senate standing committee on NDDC. He understands its workings and political intricacies. As a former governor of a NDDC-member state, he was involved in nomination of key administrators of the agency.

Clearly, it was for this reason that when the President in mid - 2019 constituted a new board for the commission it did not seat well with Akpabio, who in the middle of the confirmation by the Senate went round to get the President’s approval for an interim management committee pending the completion of the forensic audit.

Political watchers have avared that Akpabio is afraid of the calibre of personalities that were appointed board nominees by the president, such as Dr Pius Odubu, who is a close associate and deputy governor of Edo state under Adams Oshiomhole, who was then national chairman of the APC and Bernard Okumagba a respected technocrat, who is a former Commissioner of Economic Planning and Finance in Delta State under Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan. With both at the helm of the board as Chairman and Managing Director, it would be difficult for Akpabio to enjoy an unbridled reign over the commission.

Akpabio’s attempt to exercise a stranglehold over the agency may not be unconnected to his fallout with and removal of two previous acting MD’s he controversially appointed.

Ms Joi Nunieh assumed office as the acting MD of NDDC after the removal of Akwagaga

Enyia in October 2019, but she was sacked four months later. She made a startling allegation during a Senate public hearing in 2020, that during her brief tenure at the commission, Mr Akpabio repeatedly pressured her to take “an oath of secrecy” that was meant to keep her from exposing fraud at the commission.

She told the committee that only N8 billion of the said N81.5 billion spent between October 2019 and May 2020 was spent under her watch.

She also said that she was under pressure

by Mr Akpabio to abuse processes and engage in financial recklessness, and accused him of hijacking the forensic audit ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Analysts posit that Akpabio’s quest for control is clear in the appointment of Effiong Okon Akwa as current interim administrator, and that it can ethical compromise the said forensic audit. This is because Mr Akwa served as SA Finance to Mr Bassey Dan-Abia while he was MD of the NDDC between 2013 and 2015.

He, in fact was posted by Akpabio to DanAbia for that job. Akpabio as Akwa Ibom State governor between 2007 and 2015 nominated Dan-Abia and got him appointed as NDDC MD in 2013. Those years are part of the period under investigation by the forensic audit, yet, a key player in the NDDC mess during this period in the person of Mr Akwa is now in charge of overseeing the forensic audit. And that Akwa was part of the discredited IMC.

management.

The IMC was viewed with suspicion by the National Assembly as an appendage of Akpabio, which subsequently launched a series of probe that resulted in the inglorious fainting of Prof.

Pondei before the house committee.

But Akpabio and the interim committee fought back saying “disgruntled elites who are uncomfortable with the forensic audit of the commission have mobilized resources to demonize them and that it was untenable and indefensible”. They even accused National Assembly members of being major beneficiaries of NDDC contracts.

here is no end in sight to the power play, allegation of corruption, breathtaking scandals and most conspicuously, the scramble for the control and management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), a situation that is almost at the verge of tearing the Niger Delta region apart.

Giving the widespread graft that the commission is notorious for since inception, President Muhammadu Buhari in his wisdom in May 2020 desolved the Prof. Keme Pondei’s led Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the commission after allegations of financial misappropriation and other official misconducts levelled against the committee.

The President subsequently ordered for a forensic audit and investigation to chat a new path for the commission as well as to put an end to the decades long rot in the commission, that has become endemic.

One year after, a new management board is yet to be constituted despite the clamour and pressure by various interests groups in the oil producing region on President Muhammadu Buhari even after the nomination and subsequent screening of selected members across the region since last year by the National Assembly.

Similarly, report of the forensic audit ordered by the President has till date not been released, such that it is already creating rooms for eyeballs to raise.

The ultimatum issued by Niger Delta leaders to President Buhari to inaugurate a new board expired last week.

In what appears to be a watery response to the agitations from the Niger Delta region, Minister of Niger Delta affairs, Goodwill Akpabio, recently at the State House told journalists that the much awaited report of the forensic and special audit into the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is expected to be ready by the end of July. He also disclosed that a new board of the commission would be reconstituted.

This came after various groups in the Niger Delta had faulted the current management committee of the board and called on the President to inaugurate a new board as in line with the Act establishing the commission.

Clearly, Akpabio seems to have been involved in a long running struggle to dictate the affairs of the NDDC. He prides himself on a mandate to rid the agency of corruption and sanitize its operations in the interest of the Niger Delta but many do not think he is such a man for the task.

The NDDC since its creation in 200 has been the focal point of Niger Delta politics, as control of the Commission has always reflected the power balance on the ground, as politicians and factions vie for control and influence over one of the most lucrative federal agency in the country.

Power brokers see it as a cash cow and funds from its coffers have been used to further political interests. It is this prevailing situation that has engendered high leadership turnover in the agency overtime and the order for forensic

Clash with National Assembly Akpabio’s move to prevent the newly confirmed governing board to take over the management of the NDDC by swiftly setting up an Interim Management Committee did not seat well with the National Assembly members with accusations and counter - accusations. With Senate President, Ahmed Lawan mandating the Senate Niger Delta Committee to deal with the board instead of the IMC. But in a swift and deft move Akpabio got the president to dissolve the constituted board, removing an obstacle to the smooth operation of the interim

Political watchers have avared that Akpabio is afraid of the calibre of personalities that were appointed board nominees by the president, such as Dr Pius Odubu, who is a close associate and deputy governor of Edo state under Adams Oshiomhole, who was then national chairman of the APC and Bernard Okumagba a respected technocrat, who is a former Commissioner of Economic Planning and Finance in Delta State under Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan. With both at the helm of the board as Chairman and Managing Director, it would be difficult for Akpabio to enjoy an unbridled reign over the commission

Stakeholders protest, denounce Akpabio’s move Despite attempts by Akpabio to calm frayed nerves through his region wide itinerary, many in the Niger Delta still think that he is exercising undue influence in the affairs of the commission which they say is inimical to peace, stability and development in the region. They contend that board dissolved by the president under the instigation of the minister was the result of wide consultation in the region and had the backing and acceptance of stakeholders.

According to them any attempt to reconstitute the board with new set of individuals would defeat the purpose and mandate of the commission as it would give certain politicians or political faction overwhelming influence that may not necessarily reflect the will and aspirations of the people.

Just last week some elders in the region under the auspices of Rural Chiefs and Development Initiative called on President Muhammadu Buhari to dissolve the interim management committee of the NDDC and inaugurate the president’s nominees cleared and confirmed by the Senate in 2019.

This came after the expiration of an ultimatum handed by leader of Niger Delta to the federal government to constitute a management board for the commission.

In a letter to the president, the Niger-Delta chiefs described the Interim Management team set up by the Minister of Niger Delta, Godswill Akpabio, as illegal and unacceptable, saying it negates the Act that establishing the commission.

The letter jointly signed by the Chairman of the group, Chief Nengi Eriwori, and Legal Adviser, Mr. Ebinyu Aderigba, the group said the tenure of the previous interim management board had expired, noting that they were not unaware of the power of the president under the 1999 constitution as altered to delegate his powers to any ministry to carry out any function as contained in Section 170 of the constitution.

They argued that the Act establishing the NDDC does not contemplate interim management to take over the management of the commission.

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

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY JULY 7, 2021

POLITICS

APC, PDP Play Hide and Seek Over National Conventions

GOVERNANCE IN PHOTOS

Chuks Okocha writes that the two major political parties-All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party are playing a waiting game to see which of them holds its national convention first; a decision that may dictate political trends around the 2023 national elections

Valentine Ozigbo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship flag-bearer for the 2021 Anambra governorship election (in white) poses with Reverend Father Chris Ezeonyemalu, the parish priest of St. Vincent Catholic Church, Amesi and Robert Umeozulu (in blue), and the women leaders of the VCO Campaign Organisation in the 21 local government areas of Anambra State at a thanksgiving service held in Mr Ozigbo’s honour at St. Vincent’s Catholic Church, Amesi

Buni

Secondus

I

and aspiring to have the APC Number One party official will be asking for too much as there are other states in the zone The general opinion is that allowing Senator Sheriff to become the national chairman of the APC is like setting a cold war in motion between the Governor of Borno state, Prof Babagana Zulum and former governor Shettima, which will eventually consume the APC in the state. THISDAY gathered that these were the persons that fought Senator Ali Sherrif ro a standstill in the state and this led to his eventual defection to the PDP, but he has since returned to the APC. The next option in the line of those that want to become the national chairman of the APC is Senator Danjuma Goje. He is a former governor of Gombe State and a serving senator. But to many, he is not serious because of the way he chickened out of the race for the office of the Senate President in 2019.

He renounced his aspiration at the eleventh hour after a visit to see President Muhammadu Buhari. Many see this as a cowardly act. No reason was given why he chickened out, but many say that his action may not be unconnected with his past as a governor of the state for eight years. With his decision not to contest for the office of the Senate President, the coast was then clear for the incumbent Senate President, Ahmad Lawan. So, to many, the aspiration of Goje should not be taken serious.

The next option is the North-central zone where the likes of Saliu Mustapha, a former deputy national chairman of the Congress for Democratic change (CPC), two former governors of Nasarawa state, Senator Al Mankura and Adamu Abdullahi Adamu and the Minister of Special Duties, Senator George Akume are in the face.

One thing going for the zone is that it is the bridge between the North and South. It looks most natural that the next national chairman of APC will come from the zone. This explains the avalanche of aspirants from the Northcentral to become the national chairman of APC. But one thing that is not going for the former governors is that they have not been good managers of political parties.

Members of the APC are quick to point to what the former governor of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole has done to the party. They also said that the roles played by former governors in the PDP have not advanced the cause of democracy and allowing former governors to become national chairmen of political parties is like enthroning autocracy.

For instance, the history of former governors as chairmen of PDP in the past has not been palatable.

n his lecture last Wednesday, former INEC National Commissioner, Prof.

Adele Jinandu said that the two main political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national conventions to elect their national chairmen will, to a great extent, determine the political permutations of the 2023 national elections and where their presidential candidates will come from.

He delivered the lecture at the annual Abubakar Momoh Lecture titled “Security and Elections: Implications for Anambra State Governorship and the 2023 General Election.’

It has been gathered that while PDP will hold it’s national convention in late November or early December, the APC will hold its national convention in December 2021.

Specifically, Prof. Adele Jinandu said that how the APC and the PDP conduct and manage their national conventions towards the end of the year will begin to shape a direction to the 2023 general election.

This is gradually becoming the true position as it was gathered that the APC national convention will take place in December this year after the PDP National convention in November.

The APC is waiting to see how the PDP national convention goes, to decide where the national chairman of the ruling party will come from. The idea, is that the election of the national chairman of the APC will sign post where their presidential candidate for the 2023 will come from. The same goes for the PDP. However, despite the hide and seek tactics of the APC by waiting on the PDP to first conduct its national convention, there are concrete indications that some offices have been zoned and given to individuals to ensure ease of the convention.

To this end, it was gathered that the former governor of Zamfara state, Andulkadir Yari may have jettisoned his ambition of becoming the national chairman of APC to accept the post of the deputy national chairman north.

ThIs was the outcome of a series of meetings that eventually led to the defection of Governor Bello Matawalle to the APC and the state offices and structure handed over to him.

With this, Yari is out of the contention for the office of the national chairman of the party.

For the North-east, there is the aspiration of the former governor of Borno state, Senator Ali Modu Sherrif who seems to have an uphill task in the person of the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and the former governor of the state, Kassim Shettima .

The position of the APC in the North-east, particularly, is that the national chairman of the APC should not come from the Borno/Yobe axis as it already has a sitting Senate President in the person of Senator Lawan. Allowing Borno /Yobe zone to have a number three position

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

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State (left) receiving his visiting colleague Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State at Government House Umuahia

L-R: Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Elders, Prof. Joseph Oluwasanmi; Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi; and Special Adviser to the Governor on Development Partnerships and SDGs Mrs. Margaret Fagboyo; during the foundation laying ceremony of the Ekiti Elderly People’s Resort in Ado -Ekiti

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, ppresenting an Award of Excellence to Osun State Governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, during the inauguration of Hunters Group of Nigeria, Osun State Command, at Freedom Park Osogbo

T H I S D AY ˾ ͵, 2021

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FEATURES

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

Actualising Nigeria's Blue Economy through Hydrography Given that the blue economy is centered on trade and actions around large bodies of water ranging from rivers to oceans, Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that the recently commemorated 2021 World Hydrography Day provided ample opportunity to highlight the import of hydrography to the project and the Nigerian Navy's role in actualising it

Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Jason Gbassa (third right); Hydrographer of the Navy, Rear Admiral Emeka Okafor (second right); Executive Officer NNS LANA, Commander Olatunji Oladipo (fourth left); and other officers onboard NNS LANA

T

he blue or marine economy is the ecosystem of economic activities centred on trade and actions around large bodies of water ranging from rivers to oceans. When this is managed effectively, it yields better dividends given that over 90 per cent of the world’s trade is conducted by the sea, and this is by far, the most cost-effective way to move large quantity of goods and raw materials around the world.

Globally, the economy of nations have been hugely dependent on various maritime activities. Daily, about 180,000 vessels take to sea and 30 million tons of goods are ferried across the world; ports are built, coastal infrastructure are developed, coasts are defended, marine environmental plans are implemented.

For all these things to happen, the hydrographer is key as without their services by providing charts and other nautical publications, voyages through the sea would have become a nightmare to captains of ships who need to move goods and services from one part of the world to the other in a safe and economical way.

Essentially, hydrography is the science of the measurement, description, and mapping of the surface waters of the earth, with special reference to their use for navigation.

However, hydrography not only deals in understanding the physical features of water bodies, but also plans economic development, security and defence, scientific research, and environmental protection related to it and this was done through making of charts to aid navigation by mariners as they navigated across the water.

Role of Nigerian Navy in Hydrography Over the years, the Nigerian Navy (NN), in line with her constitutional roles, has been building both human and material capabilities to enable her

The CNS, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo

provide hydrographic services that meets international standard. These efforts have paid off.

In recent times, Nigerian Navy

Hydrographic Office (NNHO) ramped up its hydrographic capabilities with several first-of-its-kind products to support Nigeria’s Blue Economy project.

This was seen during the last World Hydrography Day (WHD) when the NNHO published the first indigenous navigational chart ever produced by Nigeria; NG 2501 (Lagos Harbour Chart) with much fanfare.

According to the Hydrographer of the Navy, Rear Admiral Emeka Okafor during the 2019 WHD, "this feat completed Nigeria’s hydrographic capacity development as required by the IHO". The navy has gone on to achieve other feats in the field.

This year, they again ramped up its boost for hydrography with the recent acquisition of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) LANA. Over the years, the capacity of the NN to conduct hydrographic surveys that would assure safety of naval and merchant traffic at sea was significantly hampered by the absence of a hydrographic ship in its fleet.

That gap was what the newly acquired hydrographic vessel, NNS LANA, a first ever purpose-built Offshore Survey Vessel, is geared to provide by improving reliable hydrographic data and information as a critical component in the projection of naval power for enhanced maritime security in Nigerian waters and the Gulf of Guinea at large.

Essentially, the vessel would also afford Nigeria with the opportunity of keying into the General Bathymetric Charts of the Oceans (GEBCO) Seabed 2030 project and the Global Multi-Resolution Topography (GMRT) synthesis project which would ultimately facilitate Nigeria’s accomplishment of its obligation under SOLAS Convention.

During a recent brief tour of NNS LANA at the jetty of NNS BEECROFT in Apapa, Lagos, by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Jason Gbassa and Hydrographer of the Navy, the Executive Officer, Commander Oladipo Giwa, reeled out the capabilities of the vessel to include navigation, communication, hydrography and engineering.

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FEATURES

The bridge of NNS LANA, the hydrographic survey vessel of the Nigerian Navy

The executive officer NNS LANA briefing the FOC and Hydrographer of the Navy onboard the vessel during the WHD

At the bridge, he showed the senior officers all four sections, as well as the dry and wet labs where samples are analysed. According to him, the ship has capability to conduct hydrographic/ oceanographic operation/ research, patrol duties, search and rescue, diving operation and helicopter operation just to mention a few.

World Hydrography Day Given the huge import of hydrography to nations, a day- June 21, is mapped out to commemorate it. This year, the World Hydrography Day was themed "100 Years Of International Cooperation in Hydrography" and it was marked globally via virtual means.

According to Wikipedia, in 1921, the International Hydrographic Bureau came into existence with the sole purpose of providing a safe mechanism for consultation between governments on matters related to safe navigation, technical standards and protection. In 1970, the name International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) was coined.

However, in 2005, IHO came up with the idea of World Hydrography Day to celebrate the work of hydrographers.

This idea was welcomed by the United Nations General Assembly in resolution A/RES/60/30 Oceans and the law of the sea. Therefore, the date 21 June was chosen in order to mark the anniversary of the founding of the IHO.

wind farming, coastal zone management, blue economy, as well as offshore exploration and exploitation of mineral resources among others. These activities require a great deal of both national and international collaborations at various stages for maximum benefits to be derived from".

Import of Hydrography to Blue Economy Granted, the import of hydrography to the actualisation of the blue economy cannot be understated. To mark the WHD this year, the navy held a hybrid meeting across the nation. In his virtual address, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, stressed on the importance of hydrography to the actualisation of the nation's Blue Economy Project.

The CNS said hydrography would equip the NN with faster survey and chart coverage of Nigeria‘s waters towards facilitating a more robust maritime activity for security and economic growth of the nation.

He said: "Through hydrography, Nigeria's inland waters, which connect the Atlantic Ocean via over 25 river entrances can be opened for transportation of goods and services for export towards enhancing Nigeria's economy. Additionally, effective hydrographic practice will ensure adequate chart coverage of about 84,000 square nautical miles of Nigeria’s territorial waters. This will ultimately provide up-to-date products to drive Nigeria’s Blue Economy Project including support for safe conduct of mariner's activities."

Adding that hydrographic applications have increasingly shifted from safety of navigation for marine transport to other activities that facilitate sustainable use of the ocean for economic growth, he noted that they include "offshore

Global Co-operation On why he considers this year ’s WHD, which, marked the 100 years of international cooperation in Hydrography as apt for Nigeria, the CNS said the dwindling economic fortunes of the world elucidates a rethink towards economic diversification in Nigeria, using hydrography as a critical enabler.

Noting that this calls for more purposeful international and national cooperation among all stakeholders in the field of hydrography, he stressed that "through international cooperation in Hydrography with the UK, Nigeria has been able to sustain all forms of maritime activities that support over 96 percent of Nigeria's seaborne trade.

"Further, international cooperation with India and the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) has helped Nigeria, particularly its Navy to build human capacity in Hydrography and develop standards for hydrographic survey and charting".

He stated that these international cooperations and the Nigerian Navy's engagements, with other hydrographic industry's players in Nigeria enabled the country produce its indigenous navigational charts and nautical publications in 2019.

"This feat placed Nigeria on the international map of chart producing nations. There are two paper charts and three calls of Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) indigenously produced by the Nigerian Navy, which are cur-

One of the several charts produced by the hydrographic unit of the Nigerian Navy

rently supporting safety of Navigation in Nigerian waters," he said.

Gambo posited that the recent addition of the state of the art 60-meter Hydrographic Survey Vessel NNS LANA to the NN's inventory would improve hydrographic service delivery to mariners within Nigerian waters, adding that "already, discussions are ongoing with the Nippon Foundation/ GEBCO for Nigeria's participation in the Seabed 2030 Project. This is aimed at facilitating Nigeria's fulfilment of the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, which deals with sustainable use of the oceans, sea and marine resources".

He further revealed that the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM) were in partnership for the opening up of the nation’s inland waters for improved maritime business, through hydrographic survey and charting, adding that "on the national scene, improved cooperation, in form of data sharing and joint surveys, is envisaged between the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) among others.

"This underscores the indispensabiity of cooperation in hydrographic industry for better and up-to-date hydrographic service delivery to mariners, towards safety of navigation and economic prosperity".

Hydrographic Upgrade for Nigeria In an interview afterwards, the Hydrographer of the Navy, Rear Admiral Okafor said efforts were also on by the navy to boost hydrographic development in the country through the upgrade of NN Hydrographic School in order to get accredited by the International Hydrography Organisation (IHO) that will enable them build required man-

power both in the military and civil spaces.

According to him, plans to ensure the country's entire maritime space was charted commenced with the acquisition of NNS LANA, a specialised hydrographic ship with capabilities to perform defence and security roles.

"The plan to ensure the entire nation's water is charted started with the acquisition of this vessel (NNS LANA) you are onboard now. The charts that have been produced were done with smaller boats that can operate within inland waters.

Those boats were used to acquire the data that was used to produced those charts.

"Because those boats cannot safely operate at offshore areas, this vessel was acquired and before it arrived, the hydro office had developed national charting plan that shows how charts can be produced to cover Nigeria's maritime space.

So, one after the other, those plans would be implanted using this vessel.

The plan is to out- phase that of the UK done over 100 years ago because every nation is responsible for charting of its coastal and offshore waters.

"UK was doing it because it was like a stop-gap measure. We didn't have the capacity and now that we do, we will gradually take over from them. As a matter of fact, we have started. If you check the International Chart Catalogue now, ICENC, you will discover that the Lagos Harbour Chart used to be from UK. "But because we have produced this chart, it has replaced the UK's now.

There are plans to acquire more vessels.

As I talk to you now, contract has been awarded for a 35-metre vessel that can work side by side with NNS LANA. I am sure with availability of funds, as that one is coming, more will be acquired," he said.

On complaints by mariners that there were no navigation aids along the Lagos channel, Okafor said that had been addressed, adding that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) completed buoy placements about two weeks ago and that the channel had both paper and electronic charts which ships can request through the unit's website.

"The lectures we had from the just concluded World Hydrography Day event clearly brought out that one entity alone cannot survey and chart a nation's water. So as regards Nigeria, you have the Nigerian Ports Authority who maintains the harbour and port approaches; Nigeria Inland Waterways (NIWA) also handles the inland waterways as well as NIMASA. "Efforts are ongoing to harness the charting and surveying capabilities of all of these agencies so that when they survey, they process the data with Nigerian Navy Hydrographic office who will use same to produce a chart for the nation," he said.

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WEDNESDAY JULY 7, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͵˜ 2021

BUSINESSWORLD

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08024557078

ͱ ˜ Ͱ ͮ Ͱ ͯ MONEY MARKET OVERNIGHT OBB

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CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

S & P INDEX 12.50 14 14

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Quick Takes South Africa to Host of IATF 2021

CSR-IN-ACTION

L-R: President/CEO, Utopian Consulting, Dr. John Adesioye; Director, Public Image, Rotary Club of Lagos, Femi Ojumu; Outgoing President, Dare Adeyeri; Incoming President, Babawale Agbeyangi; , CEO, First Bank of Nigeria Limited/Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, and Director, Membership, Rotary Club of Lagos, Adetunji Lamidi, at the installationceremonyofAdegbeyangiasthe61stPresidentofRotaryClubofLagosandinductionofthe2021-22Board/DinnerheldinLagos…recently

Oil Producers Seek End to Rising Cost of Doing Business, Others Stories by Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

ECONOMY

The Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) a sub-group within the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) have decried the high cost of doing business in the country, including the challenge of access to foreign exchange.

OPTS is made up of both local and foreign-owned companies registered in Nigeria who hold an Oil Prospecting License (OPL) or an Oil Mining Licence (OML) in the country.

Speaking on the topic, “Technological Capacity Development and Technology Transfer” on the first day of the Nigerian Oil and Gas (NOG) Conference in Abuja, Chairman of OPTS,

Mr. Mike Sangster, who is also the Managing Director of Total Energies, noted that if sorted out, Nigeria’s economic potential will be realised.

In addition, Sangster who was represented by the Chairman, Sub-committee on Nigerian Content Development of the OPTS, Mr. Joseph Ofili, stated that importing materials for production remains a problem with the problem of accessing foreign exchange for large scale projects.

He stressed that there’s also a huge gap in Africa in terms of technology, noting that one of the challenges to technology transfer is the infrastructure value chain which needs to be improved upon.

“For funding of projects, for every technology advancement you want to embark upon, you will need some funding, so that’s another challenge that we need to overcome. Payment arrears is a challenge in the oil and gas industry technological gap.

“For commercial terms, don’t forget that it is investors that are coming to put their money here, so if they feel that the commercial terms are not favourable they will hold back their investment.

“Another one is high cost of doing business. There is no point doing a beautiful technology in China and bringing it back to Nigeria and you can’t use it because you have not settled the environment,” stated.

According to Sangster, while efforts to solve the problems are ongoing, there is the need for conscious and concerted moves

to attract investment.

In his intervention, the MAN representative, Dr. Timi AustenPeters, who also doubles as the Chairman of Dorman Long Engineering, listed foreign exchange issues, adequate power supply as well as access to funding as some of the problems facing manufacturers in the country.

“Forex is a problem, even in our daily lives, not to talk of importing hundreds of thousands of tons of steel to be able to produce something. The developmental role of government cannot be overstated.

“An enabling environment is very important to be able to manufacture effectively. The issue of power, access to funding, IT, R&D are important. These are issues which face all of us. Some Continued on page 24

NEITI, Lawmakers Move to Strengthen Extractive Industries Regulations The House of Representatives has begun consultations with the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) on ways to strengthen the existing law setting up the body, describing the organisation as exemplary.

Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources Upstream, Preye Oseke, who spoke when he led the members of the committee on monitoring and oversight visit to the NEITI secretariat in Abuja, pledged to continue to partner NEITI in ensuring that all government public finances are managed transparently.

ECONOMY Members of the committee also requested NEITI to forward its law for amendment with a view to widening the scope of its operations and powers.

Oseke, while pledging to review the NEITI Act explained that the body has an existing Act that would require amendment to expand the scope and enhance the workings of the organisation.

“So, it is not going to be one bill that will come to parliament and lie there. We all want transparency in the extractive industry and we will approach the review

with all amount of speed and patriotism for the good of the country,” Oseke stated.

He added that the team was at NEITI to explore how it can strengthen its support to NEITI in the discharge of its mandate.

“We have been interacting with NEITI and we understand its constraints with respect to the funding of its activities. We want to reaffirm our commitment to supporting NEITI in ensuring that it performs its duty as envisaged in its enabling law,” he said.

He emphasised the need to expand NEITI’s funding sources as well as its human resource capacity.

“This is important given the enormity of its work, the nature of the sector it operates in and the diverse nature of the country,” he stated.

He further explained that the extractive industry accounts for over 80 per cent of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings, hence it is important for the National Assembly to work with NEITI to get the results and the objectives that had been set for the agency.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji, noted that the NEITI Act has clear provisions Continued on page 24

ThesecondIntra-AfricanTradeFair(IATF2021)hasbeenrescheduled totakeplaceinDurban,KwaZulu-Natal,SouthAfrica,fromNovember 15th to 21, 2021.

The Trade Fair was previously due to be held in Kigali, Rwanda in December, 2021.

A statement explained that the decision to move the Trade Fair to Durban was made by the Advisory Council of IATF2021 at its 10th meeting held virtually in May 2021.

This decision was arrived at after formal consultations with the Government of Rwanda, who indicated that logistical constraints relatedtotheCOVID-19pandemichadadverselyaffectedtheprogress of construction of a new facility to host the event.

Commentingonthedecision,IATF2021AdvisoryCouncilChairmanand formerPresidentofNigeria,ChiefOlusegunObasanjo,commendedthe GovernmentofRwanda,Afreximbank,theAU,theAfCFTASecretariat andallIATFstakeholdersforshowinggreatresilienceinadaptingtothe uncertainenvironmentarisingfromtheCOVID-19pandemicsituation.

“We have once again been able to shoulder the consequences of the COVID-19pandemic,whichisaffectingallsectorsworldwideandforcing Governments, corporates and individuals to take unprecedented measures to ensure public safety and keep economies running,” Obasanjo said.

“Relocating IATF2021 to Durban saves us time on the calendar and will enable African countries and corporates, as part of their recovery strategy,totakefulladvantageoftheTradeFair,whichisalsoanimportant component of the implementation of the African Continental Free TradeAgreementunderwhichtradingcommencedthisyear,”headded.

He expressed optimism that, “a significant number of people would have been vaccinated by November and this will allow us to have a successful event.”

FBNQuest Wins Award

FBNQuest Merchant Bank said it emerged as winner of the Equity Deal of the Year category at the 2021 African Banker Awards.

The award was in recognition of the key role the organisation played as the adviser on the privatisation of Afam Power Plc and AfamThree fast Power Limited for the Bureau of Public Enterprises on behalf of the National Council on Privatisation.

Astatementexplainedthatthefeataffirmedtheorganisation’sstrong performance.

The African Banker Awards has become one of the most respected and recognised industry events celebrating achievements in the African banking industry. FBNQuest Merchant Bank said it acted as theFinancialAdviser&ConsortiumLeadontheprivatisationofAfam Power and AfamThree Fast Power transaction.

The transaction provided an opportunity to add to the organisation’s impressive portfolio and highlight its capabilities for the successful execution of sizeable transactions.

Commenting on the award, the Group Executive/Head Investment BankingandOperations,PatrickMgbenwelu,said:“FBNQuestremains committedtoconsistentlyprovidingfinancialsolutionsthatwillenable our clients to make a difference, and we are honored to be recognized by the African Banker, which is a reflection of the quality of support we give our clients.”

NDIC Reiterates Commitment to FICAN

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has assured that it will continue to support capacity building initiatives in the media industry,especiallyinareascoveringbankfailuresanddepositinsurance.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer NDIC, Mr. Hassan Bello, gavethisassuranceduringarecentcourtesyvisitbytheexecutivesof the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) in Abuja.

Bellosaidthecorporationlauncheditscapacitybuildingworkshopfor finance correspondents and business editors in 2002, as a veritable means of building capacity in the media industry especially on the workings of deposit insurance system in Nigeria as well as other topical issues in the Nigerian financial services sector.

“Ever since the commencement of the capacity building program the symbiotic relationship between NDIC and financial journalists has remained cordial,” he added.

“We must understand that true economic diversification is a very difficult goal to achieve for resource dependent countries such as Nigeria.And yet, it remains an imperative for our country to become a part of these elite clubs” Former CBN Deputy Governor,

Kingsley Moghalu

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BUSINESSWORLD OIL PRODUCERS SEEK END TO RISING COST OF DOING BUSINESS, OTHERS of them are being addressed,” he said.

On the regulatory environment, he noted that with the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), some degree of certainty will be restored to the Nigerian business space.

Earlier in his industry address, Deputy Managing Director, Deep Water, Total E & P Nig. Limited, Mr. Victor Bandele, stressed that the company’s upstream branch now plays a significant economic and social role in Nigeria, operating nearly 15 per cent of the country’s production.

“Nigeria, as one of our core areas of activities, is also crucial to the TotalEnergies Group, accounting for 12 per cent of its equity production. In the last few years alone, TotalEnergies has invested approximately $10 billion in the country.

NEITI, LAWMAKERS MOVE TO STRENGTHEN EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES REGULATIONS

on the roles of the legislature in the implementation of the global Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

Orji informed the committee that an in-house review of the NEITI Act is currently ongoing, noting that “Once we are able to establish the areas that require amendment, we shall approach the executive and subsequently the National Assembly for action” The NEITI boss while giving update on the Act stated that the National Assembly as a law making body, believes and shares NEITI’s vision that the current NEITI Act was passed in 2007 when focus was on oil and gas, but has since then moved to solid minerals and the law needs to be strengthened to cover these areas.

“We are also moving to emerging issues including contract transparency and beneficial ownership to track illicit financial flows, terrorism financing and financial malfeasance through capital flight so our law needs to be strengthened in these areas.

NEWS

NEPZA Partners Shippers’ Council to Boost Non-oil Revenue James Emejo and Folalumi Alaran in Abuja The Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, has expressed the organisation’s readiness to open multiple partnerships with the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) to significantly scale-up the federal government’s non-oil sector deliverables to Nigerians.

Speaking while congratulating the newly appointed Executive-Secretary of the council, Mr. Emmanuel Jime, Adesugba, described the former’s appointment as a testimony to his continuous relevance as a patriot who still has a lot to contribute to national development.

He added that, as the head of the council, Jime has returned to manage another critical sub-sector of national economy whose importance is now amplified due to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He said: “As your agency also regulates dry port operations in Nigeria, we have unique opportunities to collaborate and work together for the development of the various

value chains of the economy and bridge economic infrastructural deficit facing the nation’’.

Jime, was at a time Managing Director of NEPZA and two-term member of the House of Representatives representing Makurdi/ Guma Federal Constituency of Benue State between 2007 and 2015.

The NEPZA boss said: “I look forward to working closely with

you through multiple partnerships and collaborations to realise the lofty agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari on the non-oil sector of the economy.

“It is with great excitement and pleasure to congratulate you on your appointment as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council by President Muhammadu Buhari.

This is a joyful occasion for us

and all your associates.

“Your appointment is no doubt a validation of your proven records of national service as a two-term lawmaker and an astute administrator having also served as the Managing Director/CEO of NEPZA, a position I currently occupy’’.

The NEPZA managing director, therefore, said exploring variety of partnership channels around

the non-oil sector would help to significantly scale-up federal government’s deliverables for the citizens.

“Let me, again, on behalf of the management, staff and the entire workforce of the Authority congratulate you for a well-deserved appointment,” he said in a statement by Head, Corporate Communications, NEPZA, Mr. Martins Odeh.

CHANGE OF BATON

Pioneer Chairman, Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG), Demola Adeyemi-Bero (left), and New Chairman, Governing Council, Abdulrazaq Isa; during IPPG’s first leadership transition and hand-over event held at Ikoyi, Lagos… recently

COVID-19: PenCom Floats Online Portal for Retirees’Verification James Emejo and Folalumi Alaran in Abuja The Director -General/Chief Executive, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Aisha Dahir-Umar, said the commission has developed an online enrolment application with the capabilities to register, verify and enroll prospective federal government retirees.

She said the platform will also provide guidance note to help compute retirees’ retirement benefits.

Dahir-Umar, while speaking at

the opening of the Pension Desk Officers (PDOs) workshop on the online enrollment application in Abuja, said, the innovation was necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic which had limited physical contact in order to contain the spread of the virus.

She, however, expressed regrets over the inability of the commission to conduct the physical annual pre-retirement enrolment exercise due to the global impact of the pandemic.

Nonetheless, the PenCom boss reiterated the desire of the commission to ensure that

the verification of pensioners is carried out in order not to affect the validation and determination of the accrued pension liabilities of the would-be retirees for the government budgetary purposes.

She was represented at the occasion by the PenCom Commissioner, Technical, Mr. Anyim Nyerere.

She said the nouveau application, which would be hosted on the commission’s website, will enable prospective retirees log on to register with their details on the Retiree Registration Module (RRM).

Dahir-Umar, pointed that the ministries, departments and agencies of government will be required to upload the list of potential retirees who have not been enrolled before as well as all employees who had retired but missed previous enrolment.

She added that the MDAs will among other things assist retirees who cannot do online registration on their own adding that the roles of the PDOs in the online exercise was critical.

She added that the workshop was particularly necessary to expose the PDOs to the newly

developed online enrolment procedures for the verification of the prospective retirees.

She pointed out that it is an established norm within PenCom to conduct physical annual retirement verification and enrolment exercise on the federal government employees of the treasury funded MDAs who are scheduled for retirement within the next fiscal year.

She added that the exercise was aimed at validating and determining the retirees’ accrued pension liabilities for budgetary allocation by the federal government.

Babington-Ashaye Urges Insurers to Leverage Market Opportunities for Growth Ebere Nwoji

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

A former President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) and Managing Director, Risk Analyst Insurance Brokers, Funmi Babington -Ashaye, has charged insurance operators to leverage on opportunities in emerging markets to improve their fortunes and enhance the industry’s growth.

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji Asst. Editor, Money Market Nume Ekeghe Senior Correspondent

ËÒÏÏ× ÕÓØÑÌÙÖß (Advertising) Correspondents

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) ÜÙ×ÙÝÏÖÏ ÌÓÙÎßØ (Maritime) Ë×ÏÝ ×ÏÔÙ (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor (Energy) Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) Reporters

ÙÝË ÖÏÕÒßÙÑÓÏ (ICT) Peter Uzoho (Energy)

Babington-Ashaye, made the call while speaking on “Emerging Markets and Opportunities in the Insurance Industry,” at the 2021 Mid-year Workshop organised by the Lagos Area Committee of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB).

Ashaye, who delivered her presentation virtually defined emerging market as a market that has some characteristics of a developed market, but does not

fully meet its standards.

According to her, an emerging market economy is considered to be progressing towards becoming a developed market.

She said emerging markets comprise of developing nations which are becoming more engaged with markets as they grow; transiting from low per capita income, but with insignificant industrial activities towards a modern and industrial economy.

According to her, in such markets, insurers capitalise on increased wealth in the middle class, a low rate of penetration of insurance products and services, and even government support to introduce insurance products to people in rural areas.

She expressed optimism that the current growth momentum is expected to continue as more distribution channels are being explored with increased use of

information technology tools for back-end operations as well as for sales services to reach out to the customers.

Ashaye, called on the underwriters and brokers to take advantage of emerging markets opportunities by focusing on key drivers such as financial services, customer segmentation, consumer needs, technology, business models, and transformational changes.

Musa Unveils 9-Point Agenda for Insurance Industry Ebere Nwoji The new Chairman of the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Mr. Ganiyu Musa, has released his nine -point agenda targeted at lifting the insurance sector during his two-year tenure as the chairman of the underwriters’ umbrella body.

Musa, said he hopes to get the support of those

in government and other stakeholders in the country to take the industry where it deserves.

Speaking at his investiture as the 24th Chairman of the association in Lagos, he said the association would work closely with other stakeholders to maximise the benefits derivable from insurance.

According to him, “His first agenda is to refocus the

association to win support and respect of all stakeholders in Nigeria economy, particularly the executive and legislative arms of governments, followed by working with all stakeholders to ensure passage of the consolidated insurance bill and working with his predecessors in office to move the association to the next level.”

He also seeks to improve relationship between NIA and

its regulatory agencies. These include the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) and National Pension Commission (PenCom).

He further said he has the intention to collaborate with other bodies in the trade industry to deepen insurance penetration in Nigeria; promote ethical standards amongst NIA

member companies and larger insurance industry to earn the respect the association deserves; work with all stakeholders to address all restrictive laws on insurance practice; work with its partners such as GIZ and the Financial Inclusion Secretariat to ensure greater insurance awareness and penetration and work with NAICOM to achieve seamless migration to IFRS 17.

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FMN Reaps Benefits of Innovation Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc combined products innovation, cost optimisation and backward integration to deliver improved results in the year ended March 31, 2021, despite headwinds in the economy, writes Goddy Egene

O

perating business in the Nigerian environment was very tough in 2020 following the spread of COVID-19 pandemic to Nigeria.

Apart from the usual headwinds such as poor infrastructure, high cost of raw materials, and the rising inflation, many companies had to contend with the challenges brought by COVID-19 pandemic.

The economy witnessed a lockdown for months, a development that affected the operations of companies.

Therefore, there were apprehensions among stakeholders that considering the impact of the pandemic, companies would performance poorly and reward shareholders with lower dividends. However, some companies have shown resilience going by their interim results.

Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc (FMN), which financial year runs from April 2020, to March 2021, is among the companies that have overcome the headwinds to declare improved financial results and rewarding shareholders with high dividend.

Riding on the back of product innovation, agro-allied turnaround strategy, cost optimisation and renewed focus on backward integration programmes, FMN delivered growths in both the top and bottom-lines.

The audited results for the year ended March 31, 2021, showed an innovation-driven revenue performance underlined by an accelerated four quarter growth against the same period of preceding year. The performance also indicated that the group achieved impressive top-line growth for the year, aided by gains from its agro-allied turnaround strategy.

A breakdown of the results showed that FMN posted a revenue of N771.6 billion for the year, 34.5 per cent growth compared with N573.77 billion recorded the previous year. Net finance cost fell from N17.5 billion to N15 billion, resulting from better cost and financial management strategy. Profit before tax rose by 112 per cent to N37.19 billion from N17.50 billion, while profit after tax (PAT) grew faster by 126 per cent to print at N25.72 billion compared with N11.38 billion the preceding year.

The efficiency of the company was reflected in the profit before tax (PBT) margin, which improved from 3.0 per cent to 4.8 per cent, while profit after tax (PAT) similarly rose from Olusanya two per cent to 3.3 per cent.

Based on the improved results, the board has proposed a dividend of 165 kobo per share of affordable and high nutrition-based food products; an acceleration in B2C segments with up from 140 kobo per share last year.

Commenting on the results, the Group the introduction of new product offerings such Managing Director, Mr. Omoboyede Olusanya as Auntie B Spaghetti Slim and Spaghetti, as said: “FMN emerges from the prevailing well as the introduction of new stock-keeping COVID-19 environment as a stronger, more units (SKUs) in key categories, along with resilient, flexible, and confident business as a investments in regional distribution.

“The leadership vision and brand pillar is result of the collective strategic actions made improving operational and capital efficiency. over our 60-year history.

“I want to thank all our employees for their The group’s food product portfolio is good patience and hard work as we consistently for the nation and excellent for business; the adapted to the year’s challenges and invested group’s increased its focus on local content in significantly in our purpose of feeding the group-wide supply chains and investments in backward integration as part of its long term nation every day.”

FMN successfully issued N30 billion in strategy to contribute to economic growth,” corporate notes with tenors of 5 and 7 years at the company said.

FMN added that in one of the most chal5.50 per cent and 6.25 per cent, respectively, to strategically replace costly short-term facilities. lenging years in recent history, the group Championing backward integration pro- activated a comprehensive response and grammes also enabled the company to expand value delivery across all value chains, including strategic partnerships with smallholder farmers, which drove an average revenue gain of 34 per cent across all business sectors.

Also, the company said its food business also recorded exponential organic growth, driven by constant product innovation and transformation in new markets, as well as operational efficiency through route-to-market investments in digitalisation and rapid expansion in the business to consumer (B2C) sectors.

The leadership of the company has pledged to maintain a consistent focus on strong discipline in operational and capital efficiency by increasing local content in group-wide supply chains and sustain its commitment to backward integration programs across all value chains.

According to the company, the year under review marked a strategically improved market/brand awareness of the Group’s range

We like that the company maintained broad-based improvements across all business units, reflecting positive results from product innovations, investments in its route to market strategy and operational efficiencies

mobilised considerable resources including a resilient global supply-chain to help the federal government manage the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nation.

“These include: expanding Nigeria’s testing capacity with 60,000 COVID-19 test kits; supporting 10,000 Nigerian healthcare workers in 15 states with $1.5 million medical supplies procurement.

“Supporting vulnerable communities in 12 states with a N400 million food donation programme and contributing an additional N1 billion to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) -led Nigerian private sector coalition against COVID-19,” the company said.

FMN said it was also supporting local wheat development with a strategic partnership with Flour Milling Association of Nigeria (FMAN).

The group has aggregated over 800 tons of wheat across three states, and has provided 493 farmers with mechanized harvesting and threshing services.

Equally, in line with the federal government’s commitment to make Nigeria sugar self-sufficient, FMN said that one of its a subsidiaries, Golden Sugar Company, had expanded investments in backward integration to engage more sugarcane outgrowers at its Sunti Sugar Estate.

Sunti Golden Sugar Estate N64billion investment is the largest commitment under the Nigeria Sugar Masterplan Plan (NSMP) and also the first and only Greenfield initiative currently producing raw sugar in the country.

According to the company, the new investment in upland acquisition of 5,200ha in Sunti, brings the total acquired land area for cultivation of sugarcane to 22,000ha and the expected increase in production will subsequently drive the capacity expansion of the Sugar mill –

construction of a 15km all-weather heavy-duty link road to the mill has already commenced.

“With this acquisition, total upland development would exceed 10,000ha under cane, which would be mainly cultivated by smallholder farmers engaged by the company, to receive necessary support under the existing outgrower scheme, to guarantee quality of output. Upland cultivation significantly reduces the potential risk of flooding, which could wash away plantations of cane,” FMN said.

Olusanya, noted that FMN was committed to investing a minimum of N160 billion in backward integration including the inauguration of a new Sugar mill at Nasarawa.

He said all countries in their own ways create avenues for sustainable local development of goods and services that they have a certain level of competitive advantage at producing locally.

The GMD said: “We have invested more than N150 billion in backward integration over the past 10 years to support in particular, the core businesses that we are in, our backward integration plan indicates that we are a strong player in the agric sector, one of the key drivers for us is to help develop the local supply chain and reduce dependence on imports.

“We see that as a strong element of business growth for us, and our ability to continue to play significantly well in the sector, whether it’s in sugar, wheat, cassava or in palm-oil.

FMN will continue to support the growth and development of local production and manufacturing,” he said.

Assessing the results, analysts at Cordros Securities, stated the strong performance was underpinned by the solid top-line growth (+34.5 per cent) and a surge in investment income (+52.6 per cent).

According to the analysts, revenue grew by 34.5 per cent to N771.61 billion, driven by substantial growth across the company’s food (+33.5 per cent), agro-allied (+32.2 per cent) and sugar (+27.7 per cent) business segments.

“Similarly, revenue from support services surged by 136.9 per cent, – the highest in at least 10 years. Our channel checks revealed that the company’s impressive performance was underpinned by diverse and new product offerings across five value chains – grains, oils & fat, sweeteners, proteins and starches. The solid topline growth was further supported by the new advertisement campaigns, restructuring of the agro-allied business segment and accelerated expansion in the B2C channel,” they added.

Cordros Securities said gross margin increased by 207bps to 13.8 per cent , as top-line growth (+34.5 per cent) outpaced the increase in the cost of sales (+30.9 per cent). The slower growth in sales cost reflects the company’s improved operational efficiencies amidst the challenging business environment. Consequently, gross profit jumped by 62.3 per cent to N106.76 billion while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization(EBITDA) advanced by 33.9 per cent to N74.54 billion in 2021.”

The company said FMN’s earnings were further boosted by moderation in finance costs (-6.6 per cent) following a reduction in interest on bank loans from N15.18 billion in 2020 to N9.89 billion in 2021FY. In addition, we highlight that the N30.00 billion bond issued by the company moderated additional borrowings during the period. Accordingly, net finance cost declined by 14.7 per cent, further supported by a 52.6 per cent surge in investment income.

“We like that the company maintained broad-based improvements across all business units, reflecting positive results from product innovations, investments in its route to market strategy and operational efficiencies. Similarly, the company completed the restructuring of its agro-allied segment, which in our opinion, will continue to support revenue growth. However, we note that the reopening of land borders, weak macroeconomic fundamentals, and elevated operating cost remains a significant headwind to volume growth and profitability. From a market standpoint, we expect investors to react positively to the company’s solid earnings,” Cordros Securities said.

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Pessu: Nigeria Records 50% Post-harvest Losses Annually Dr. Patricia Pessu is the Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, a research agency whose mandate is to enable better and more efficient agricultural storage facilities in order to curtail losses which farmers incur from improper handling and storage upon harvesting their produce. In this interview with Eromosele Abiodun, she speaks on a wide range of issues including efforts being made to popularise the various innovations being churned out by the institute. Excerpts: NAFDAC and will be introduced to the market once that process is completed.

We are also working to secure more patents. The place of intellectual property rights is to allow the institute to get maximum benefits for the intellectual efforts of our scientists who are working tirelessly to come up with the innovations.

Would you say that Nigeria pays as much attention to proper management of agricultural harvests as it ought to?

Nigeria is making progress managing agricultural harvests. However, we need to pay more attention to effective planning for more availability and access to finite food resources for the future. You may recall the food crisis that ensued during the peak of the COVID 19 pandemic. Food security is core to every nation and it is not just about food availability, but inclusive of food safety and its access. At the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), we believe Nigeria needs to do more in postharvest management in order to ensure food security.

One criticism that Africans generally receive is that we have heavy supply of sunshine throughout the year, but that we do very little with this sunshine. Has your institute been able to come up with any creative ways of using solar energy in postharvest food storage for instance?

Solar energy is a cheap and accessible source of energy and NSPRI has many on-going research projects on optimal use of solar energy. The institute has developed technologies that are powered with solar energy. The Solar Tent Dryer, the Parabolic Solar Dryer, the Mobile Tent Dryer, and the Hybrid dryer all use solar energy to dry agricultural commodities.

Our solar tray dryer is effective for drying fruits and vegetables at household level. The solar tent dryer is effective for drying high volume low value crops such as paddy rice, and for drying small size low fat fish such as Whittlings which is like the popular Panla or Oporoko that is a delicacy in many parts of this country. The parabolic solar dryer is suitable for drying various crops with enhanced heat retention and shorter drying rates. All these dryers ensure that dried products are free of contaminants, and toxins in food or crops which are usually associated with improper drying. In other words, safety of the food products is guaranteed. With the adoption of these dryers our people will no longer have to dry these agricultural commodities by the roadside where animals and dust contaminate the dried products.

Talking about fruits and vegetables, rotten fruits are a very common sight at Mile 12 Market in Lagos. But it is even worse in rural areas where huge quantities of fruits and vegetables get rotten or withered badly before they get to the market. In fact, in Nigeria, if a fruit is not in season, you cannot get it to buy. What is NSPRI doing in this regard?

NSPRI has a reputation for its long-standing commitment to capacity development of our citizens in the area of proper harvesting, postharvest handling and storage issues to ensure high food quality and safety. We have and continue to train farmers on proper harvesting techniques, which is a major concern in postharvest loss management of fruits and vegetables. Proper packaging and transportation are important in postharvest loss prevention measures for fruits and vegetables. In this regard, NSPRI developed plastic crates for packing and transportation of fruits and vegetables. And to ensure availability of fruits and vegetables all year round, NSPRI devised drying technologies to prolong the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Post-harvest losses in fruits and vegetables in Nigeria is about 50 percent annually. This is a worrisome situation because fruits and vegetables that are meant to complement other food items that we consume for a healthy life are wasting away. Unfortunately, preserving them fresh requires a lot of investment. Again, because electricity supply could be a challenge, using refrigeration may be difficult. One of the innovations that NSPRI has developed is the Evaporative Cooling systems (ECS), which can extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables for about two weeks. One salient point about this technology is that it is very effective in the northern parts of the country where a lot of vegetables are produced and the weather is dry especially during harmattan. Another option of preserving the fruit and vegetables is by drying.

The dried products are used for making juice or even eaten as snacks. The dried fruits contain same nutrients as the fresh ones. Vegetables can also be dried using any of our solar drying technologies. We have a few clients who are selling dried fruits and

Do you encourage farmers to copy the design and mode of operation of your innovations?

Yes. We encourage this a lot. Our goal is to see our interventions improve the livelihoods and generally enhance the quality of life of our people.

All the innovations are for the ultimate benefit of the people.

How are you able to get the farmers to replicate your designs accurately? Is there any monitoring of these designs and their operations?

What we do is to train artisans in various localities to accurately replicate our designs. For instance, we have trained quite a lot of fabricators on fabrication of smoking kilns, and many of our beneficiaries are making a living fabricating the smoking Kilns.

The same applies to our solar dryers and others.

Pessu vegetables locally and internationally. To ease the difficulties of transporting fruits, NSPRI developed the stackable ventilated crates. Using these crates to transport fruits and vegetables minimises damage and losses. Effective cold chain technologies mostly depend on stable power supply. We just developed what we call the “self-chill solar cold room” for storage of fresh fruits and vegetables. This self-chill cold room is powered by solar energy, thus making it an attractive alternative to conventional cold chain facilities. A very interesting area in which we are currently working and making enormous progress is in developing affordable solar-powered refrigerated systems to help our people extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. We want these solar refrigerated systems to be very effective and at the same time to be very affordable, because even though clean energy is sustainable and has lots of advantages, it comes at a cost.

Some analysts have said problems such as inadequate storage facilities for harvests exist because the Nigerian agricultural sector is not evolving as fast as it ought to; do you agree with this?

To some extent, I would agree that there are disparities in terms of the number of persons involved in production compared with storage. However, it may be noted that the post-harvest link of the agricultural value chain requires specialized skills, which are not yet widespread in our country. In the developed world, there are many people with special skills, and they have specialised transportation systems to move agricultural produce from the farm to the industry or markets. In other words, we do not only need people who are specially trained, we also need a more specialised agricultural ecosystem that makes provision for different operational aspects such as specialised vehicles for conveying agricultural commodities to reduce post-harvest losses. But it’s a developmental process. We will get there someday. Also, reviewing government policy on food transportation will definitely salvage post-harvest losses in Nigeria So, are there any ways by which NSPRI is helping to promote more agricultural specialisation in the country?

NSPRI works on improving processing protocols of agricultural commodities, developing innovations and technologies that are pointers to hygienic products and offers advisory services to value chain actors.

NSPRI engages in public enlightenment campaigns and advocacy to ensure specialisation along the value addition chain among other activities that ensure post-harvest management. In our institute, what we do is interdisciplinary research. By this, all the disciplines that are required to provide ap-

propriate solutions to post-harvest problems work together to develop our innovations. Another thing we have done is to champion the establishment of the Federal College of Agricultural Produce Technology (FCAPT), where practitioners and students are trained on postharvest management of crops. The college awards OND and HND. In addition to the certificate programmes, our institute also organises series of training workshops for stakeholders.

Is there promise in having a set of agriculture workers whose key focus is storage? Do you think that this might be a feasible business for entrepreneurs to go into?

Yes, we need to create more awareness of how lucrative storage is for food security. The feasibility and viability of agri-preneurship is vast and the opportunities along the value addition chain are numerous. Actors along the value chain enjoy the privilege of specialisation and diversification; they can decide to specialise on certain aspects of the value addition chain. Some of such opportunities are bulking of durable commodities, drying of fish and tomato processing, just to mention a few.

Would you say that the innovations and interventions that you churn out are being commercialised at the rate you expect and is the private sector forthcoming with the requisite support as readily as you expect?

The rate of commercialisation of our technologies was initially slow but things are taking a new turn.

We have not enjoyed much of private support in the past, but we are now working with a few companies. We have embarked on rigorous enlightenment through the media, and we hope it will yield dividend soon.

We understand that NSPRI has several patents as well. If you are producing equipment for the common man and you are not averse to people copying your innovations, why then do you need to patent these innovations?

Yes, we do have several patents. We have patents for the Iced-fish box which is used for storing freshly harvested fish. Our fish-smoking kilns, which can run on charcoal, gas or electricity and dry fish uniformly, help to produce export-quality smoked fish. We also have patents on our Inert Atmosphere silos, which are used for storing large quantities of grains over long periods. We have a patent on NISPRIDUST as well. NSPRIDUST is a non-chemical pesticide or what you would call a bio-pesticide. Bio-pesticides are generally much safer than chemical pesticides. NISPRIDUST contains an active ingredient known as diatomaceous earth. It is currently in the final stages of registration with

How would you rate the uptake of NSPRI’s innovations across the country? Would you say that uptake is as good as you expect? If not, what do you think needs to be done to enhance uptake?

The uptake of NSPRI’s technologies can best be described as a bittersweet scenario. Our improved smoking kiln has been widely adopted across the country. We have constructed over 50 units for individual fish farmers or processors. About 200 units were bought by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), in 2005, while hundreds of units have been bought under the constituency projects and special intervention projects. However, the same cannot be said of some of our other technologies.

Our solar dryers are now in different parts of the country. Our 500-ton capacity inert atmosphere silo is in Landmark University Omu-Aran, Kwara State where they use it to store grains to feed their poultry and livestock. But we continue to engage commodity associations and other pressure groups to invest in these technologies to empower their members. The more people understand the value and cost savings, which these technologies translate to, the more they are inclined to adopt them.

How would you rate the support you get from local communities?

The support from local communities has improved, over the years, but we still yearn for more of their participation. We foresee a time when farmers clearly understand that agricultural development is a collective effort to the extent that they are willing to contribute in tangible terms towards the delivery of innovative technologies.

Do you collaborate with universities; there is a view that often Nigerian scientists work in silos and as such are often not aware of collaboration opportunities with other scientists?

NSPRI encourages and welcomes collaborations; we are working with the Agricultural Developmental Programme, National Agricultural Research Institutes and universities to project the importance of postharvest management. Currently, we are partnering with Benue State university’s Centre for Food and Technology Research (BSU-CEFTER), which is World Bank African Centre of Excellence in post-harvest food loss reduction. The collaboration is yielding positive results on multiple fronts. We have provided postharvest technologies for teaching, learning and extension activities for CEFTER. Some of our senior researchers are teaching special courses on postharvest food loss reduction while several of our staff have post graduate training in various fields.

How much support do you receive from international agencies?

We are enjoying the support of international agencies on specific areas of research in my institute. In the past seven years, we initiated collaborations with, USAID, ICRISAT, VESTERGAARD and Oklahoma State University (OSU) to mention a few.

WEDNESDAY JULY 7, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

Expanding Financial Inclusion CBN: Propelling Agribusiness through Non-interest Banking Ummi Kabir

R Mrs Hajara Adeola - Chairperson Lotus Bank

Mrs Kafilat Adeoye -MD Lotus Bank

Hamid Ayodeji

and non-speculative business.

“Lotus Bank is the first non-interest bank to commence operations from South-west, Nigeria with a focus to serve people of all faith,” the financial institution added.

Lotus Bank is deeply rooted in ethical banking and committed to ethical investing and ethical prosperity. The financial institution is committed to deepening financial inclusion and broadening the array of non-interest products available to the banked, unbanked, and under-banked population.

The bank’s values are bold, ethical, and birth new ideas. They are a testament to its desire to deliver a differentiated customer experience that supports Nigerian businesses and supplies shareholder value.

Prior to founding Lotus Capital, Hajara Adeola previously worked with Arthur Anderson Consulting (now Accenture). She also was a Director at UBS Warburg, heading their London Islamic Finance Desk. Before joining UBS, she was a convertible bond research analyst at BNP Paribas, London, where her primary responsibility was to analyse, write, and publish daily and quarterly research on European convertible bonds. She also at a point was with ARM Investment Managers.

Hajara is regarded as the top industry expert in Islamic fund management in Nigeria.

She holds a Master’s Degree in Finance from Durham University, where she specialized in Islamic Finance. She also holds an MBA in International Management from Exeter University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacology from King’s College, London.

She is a Fellow of the Africa Leadership InitiativeWest Africa and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

Also, Kafilat has expertise in virtually all areas of core banking, with emphasis on International and Domestic Operations, Payments, General Management, Business Development, Risk Management, Human Resources and Strategy.

Non-interest banking assets have been grown faster than conventional banking assets, according to reports, adding that there has been an increased interest in Islamic finance from countries such as the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, South Africa and Hong Kong.

To underscore its importance, the Central Bank of Nigeria recently introduced non-interest guidelines meant to provide facilities without interests to boost critical sectors like Agriculture, MSMEs, and Information Communication Technology (ICT) and so on.

The CBN said the initiative was for non-interest financial institutions under its Agri-Business, Small and Medium Enterprise Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS), Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund (MSMEDF), and Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme (AADS).

According to the guidelines by the apex bank, the framework will integrate non-interest windows in all its intervention programmes aimed at supporting businesses and households that have been impacted negatively by the coronavirus.

It said under the Agri-Business, Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS) for Non-Interest Financial Institutions (NIFIs), there will be creation of a Fund to be known as ‘AGSMEIS Non-Interest Fund’ to be domiciled in a dedicated account with the CBN. The guidelines stipulated that each Non-Interest Deposit Bank full-fledged or window is to set aside five per cent of its profit after tax annually as contribution to the Fund.

Non-interest banking is increasingly attracting attention among investors globally, especially in 2019 which saw a double-digit growth in assets.

According to a report by bnymellon.com, despite the tumultuous year for global financial markets last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is growing interest on this form on banking instrument due to three reasons—greater appreciation around the role that it plays in responsible investing; geographical interest in markets where it is gaining prominence; as well as digital transformation, which makes it investments more accessible.

A Growing Industry, Attracting New Interest Globally In 2019, non-interest banking assets amounted to US$2.88 trillion, the highest recorded growth for the industry since the global financial crisis.

The prospects look positive: by 2024, this is set to rise to US$3.69 trillion.

But there remains significant opportunities elsewhere in the world, according to the report.

That is why in Nigeria, financial institutions have also been positioning themselves to tap from these huge market.

One of such is Lotus Bank Limited.

The financial institution was recently granted non-interest banking licence by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Lotus Bank seeks to pursue the mission of creating value and growth for all through digital innovation and best-in-class customer experience for Nigerians.

Founded & Chaired by Mrs. Hajara Adeola, who is also the Managing Director of Lotus Capital (the pioneers of non-interest finance in Nigeria), the bank is starting its operations on a solid foundation of experienced leadership and a strong Advisory Council of Experts (ACE).

Lotus Bank is managed by a team of seasoned professionals and financial experts led by the Managing Director/CEO, Mrs. Kafilat Araoye who has over 25 years commercial banking experience.

According to the Managing Director, Lotus Bank’s focus and guiding principle is, “to deliver an alternative option to interest-based banking and to cater to the needs of not just the banked but also the under-banked and unbanked population.”

She explained that non-Interest banking is geared towards supporting the real sector, adding that Lotus Bank aims to improve financial inclusion in the country.

“In addition, the bank will operate transparent pricing models as is the norm in non-interest banking.

“Our values are deeply rooted in partnership. A critical component of our mission is the provision of innovative solutions that drive ethical prosperity for all stakeholders.

“We pride ourselves on digital solutions that provide our customers with the convenience of unlimited access to our services and products,” she added.

Araoye further stated that, “Our products and service offerings will include non-interest business financing, deposit products (current, savings and investment accounts) and personal financing.

“The bank aims to be a socially responsible organisation that will satisfy its customers across all touch-points.”

With its flagship branch located at Victoria Island, Lagos, the bank will open its doors to customers from July 7, 2021.

Non-interest banking is recommended to all Nigerians who desire to be involved in ethical

ecently, the National President of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) announced that Nigeria’s nine million metric tonnes of rice a year has made her self - sufficient in the product and will soon place her in a position to begin to export the product. This means that Nigeria is now the highest producer of rice in Africa.

Not too long ago, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), through its Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP), unveiled rice pyramids in Kebbi, Gombe and Ekiti states.

Apart from rice, Nigeria has also witnessed the unveiling of the first maize pyramid in the country by the Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN). All these are part of the drive to make the country self-sufficient in basic staples and guarantee food security.

These are all results of a CBN policy that placed a restriction on importation of certain goods and products, especially those the country can produce on its own.

As at 2014 Nigeria was spending about N1.3 trillion worth of foreign exchange on the importation of rice, fish, wheat and sugar.

The Central Bank of Nigeria in June 2015 issued a policy banning importers of 41 items from accessing foreign exchange at the Nigerian foreign exchange markets in order to encourage local production of these items. Subsequently, with the addition of fertilizer and textile products, the list grew to 43.

This action by CBN was taken in its efforts to sustain foreign exchange market stability and ensure the efficient utilisation of foreign exchange as well as ensuring that optimum benefit is derived from goods and services imported into the country. It was also intended to significantly grow the local economy particularly in the agriculture sector.

The CBN Governor, Godwin Emiefele, while defending the policy said, “Nigeria does not need to keep importing things she can produce.

With dwindling income from oil, it was time the country took drastic steps to diversify the economy by supporting local production.”

Ever since, there has been a significant increase in the production of agricultural crops like rice, wheat, maize, millet, yam and many more as well as the growth of value chain actors in the areas of processing, packaging, marketing and transportation.

When the CBN announced the policy, many Nigerians, especially manufacturers cried foul.

They described the policy as a ploy to kill local industries which at the time depended heavily on imported raw materials for their production.

Even the International Monetary Fund (IMF) opposed it saying it was making it difficult for foreign capital inflow into the country.

Six years down the line, Nigeria is already experiencing the positive impacts of that restriction.

Giving some data, the CBN governor, said, “Noticeable declines have been recorded in CBN’s monthly food import bill which declined from $665.4 million in January 2015 to $160.4 million as at October 2018; a cumulative fall of 75.9 percent and an implied savings of over $21 billion on food imports alone over that period.”

He said “a lot of progress has been made, but at the same time more needs to be done in order to ensure that we build an inclusive economy that supports domestic production of goods and services, while offering job opportunities to teeming Nigerians.”

The Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) which was created by the CBN to create a linkage between anchor companies involved in the processing and small holder farmers (SHFs) of the required key agricultural commodities, has created many value chain actors and wealth for the average small holder farmer.

At harvest, the SHF supplies his/her produce to the Agro-processor (Anchor) who pays the cash equivalent to the farmer’s account.

Mr Emiefele said that the programme had created economic linkages between smallholder farmers and reputable large-scale crop processors, with a view to increasing agricultural output and capacity utilisation of integrated mills.

Commenting specifically on the restriction of forex on textile imports, National President, Cotton Association of Nigeria (NACOTAN), Mr. Anibe Achimugu, said the CBN has been very

Emefiele supportive of the cotton industry. According to him, “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has so far invested over N120 billion across the cotton, textile and garment (CTG) value chain since its intervention programme in the industry began.

Over 320,000 farmers had been financed between 2018 to date.

“I must tell you that this special focus on the industry by the CBN is a direct result of the restriction of forex for the importers of textile products. I support anything that will assist the textile sector to grow. As a country, we must putall hands on deck to ensure a vibrant textile industry.

“The truth of it is that if I have access to forex to bring in mostly second hand clothing, I don’t see how that will help our local textile industry.

The policy by the CBN is a welcome action.

It also speaks to the seriousness of the federal government’s commitment to revive the textile industry in Nigeria,” he explained.

Former Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council, Bar. Hassan Bello, said the policy has been a huge success.

“We can’t continue to be an import dependent economy. While containers come here laden, they leave here empty and this affects even the transportation cost. The policy of the CBN has provided a rise in non-oil export for the first time. It is a testimony of the diversification of the economy and the confidence we have in our own economy,” he said.

“Forex restriction on textile and others is not protectionism. It gives equal opportunities with our producers here as most of our textiles for instance, are smuggled into Nigeria. We had about 15 textile industries employing hundreds and thousands of workers. It’s just like steel in Pittsburg or automobile companies in America.

Because of the American policies of looking inwards, there are a lot of restrictions of steel into America,” Bello said.

Speaking on the impact of the forex restrictions on oil palm, President of the Plantation Owners Forum of Nigeria (POFON), Mr Emmanuel Ibru, admitted that in the long run, and if all oil palm imports are routed through the ports with all duties accurately paid, the price of imported crude palm oil should be at per with that of locally processed one.

“And, if the policy survives the onslaught of pressures,”he added, the long-term implication could be aggressive investments in the agro-allied sector, economic growth and development and eventual food security and prosperity through improved Gross Domestic Product (GDP.” Managing Director of Agropark, an agro processing firm, Shola Olunowo, explained that in response to the agro-economic policies, demand for locally processed chickens had improved drastically. He said affordable financial schemes for poultry farmers would enable them to scale up production, employ more farm hands and meet up with demand to avoid demand-induced inflation.

He explained that prevention of poultry smuggling is one of the best policies to stimulate local production so far, and that sustaining such a policy is desirable if the government actually wants the economy developed through agriculture.

President of All Framers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Arc Kabir Ibrahim and that of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mansur Ahmed have also backed the policies, but with a caution to the government to put in place necessary infrastructure, especially power generation and availability, and other enabling environments to avoid counter-productive consequences. What this entails is that with discipline and sustainable policy the policy of food security will be achieved and enough reserved for export. t,BCJS XSPUF JO GSPN "CVKB

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BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

Supporting Economic Recovery through SMEs’Lending Nume Ekeghe writes on efforts by the United Bank forAfrica Plc to support operators of small and medium sized enterprises in order to boost recovery from the COVID-19 disruptions

Kennedy Uzoka

S

mall and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have remained the backbone of economies all over the world and continue to represent a large percentage of businesses who contribute immensely to catalysing growth.

Bank lending is the most common source of external finance for many SMEs and entrepreneurs, which are often heavily reliant on traditional debt to fulfil their start-up, cash flow and investment needs.

While it is commonly used by small businesses, however, traditional bank finance poses challenges to SMEs, in particular to newer, innovative and fast growing companies, with a higher risk-return profile.

Almost every business with innovative ideas that later blossomed into thriving organisations/ conglomerates were aided or supported by financial institutions who saw the viability of their innovation and wasted no time in helping them actualise that dream or success.

Most especially in a time of crisis exacerbated by the COVID 19 pandemic, when economies all over the world were shut down with jolted by the crisis businesses across the world needed significant credit support like a fish craves oxygen and most understandably became distressed in the absence of it.

Nigeria was no exception as the economy slipped into recession for the second time in four years as oil prices plunged in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While bank financing will continue to be crucial for the SME sector, there is a broad concern that credit constraints will simply become “the new normal” for SMEs and entrepreneurs. It is therefore necessary to broaden the range of financing instruments available to SMEs and entrepreneurs, to enable them, continue to play their role in investment, growth, innovation and employment.

During the turbulent economic situation where businesses suffered under the weight of COVID, insecurity and other economic challenges, a few banks were upstanding and served as adequate life -line to businesses helping the economy surmount its numerous economic challenges. One of the banks worthy of mention was United Bank for Africa (UBA), which was innovative enough to help weather the storm with several loan facilities that practically helped change the narrative and eventually catalyse growth.

Eight banks gave out loans and advances worth N760 billion in the first quarter (Q1) of 2021 in a bid to stimulate economic growth constrained by numerous headwinds, according to data compiled

by THISDAY. The banks are: United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc Access Bank Plc, FBN Holdings Plc, FCMB Holdings Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Wema Bank Plc and Zenith Bank Plc. UBA lent to its customers, a total of N178 billion, in the three months under review to put its loan portfolio to customers at N2.733 trillion, from N2.555 trillion.

Commenting on the credit to customers by banks, a financial expert and securities dealer, Mr. David Adonri of Highcap Securities Limited, said short-term credit was required by businesses to finance their working capital.

“Banks are the source of this type of finance.

As a result of risk management considerations,

Elumelu

bankability of requests is a major factor in credit creation. Of course, banks will usually observe the canons of lending when granting credits.

If the economic environment is conducive and prospect is bright, the confidence to grant credit to borrowers will be high because repayment is guaranteed,” he said.

According to him, the volume of credit granted in Q1, 2021 by banks rose because of increase in economic activities.

“Fund users demanded more credit during the period to ramp up their products and services to cover increased consumer pull. The demand on banks for credit also resulted in increased borrowing by banks from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) during the period.

“The supply gap in the economy is still huge and this will increase demand for bank credit. As a result, banks like UBA is poised to create more credit this year to meet the rising Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate revised from 1.5 per cent to 2.7 per cent,” he added.

Speaking on the bank’s recent loan position and consequent determination to buoy the nation’s SME sector, Group Managing Director, Kennedy Uzoka said, “Our passion for Small Businesses and great ideas has never been in doubt and is evident in the firm support given the business community as our loan products are tailored specifically to meeting the varying needs of all our customers.

Continuing, Uzoka said, “Despite the tumultuous impact of Covid-19 pandemic globally and across our 23 countries of operation, we created N519.0 billion additional loans as we continued to support our customers and their businesses.

“Customer deposits grew 48.1 per cent to N5.7 trillion, driven primarily by additional N1.8 trillion in retail deposits. As a global bank, we remain well capitalised and determined to successfully drive financial inclusion on the continent through our innovative products and vast network.

“Our capital adequacy and liquidity ratios came

Our primary strategy will continue to focus on providing excellent services from our customers’ standpoint, putting the customer first always. Looking ahead, I am inspired by the achievements we have made since the launch of our transformation programme

in at 22.4 per cent and 44.3 per cent, well above the respective regulatory minimum of 15 per cent and 30 per cent.”

Speaking on the bank’s strategy, he said, “Our primary strategy will continue to focus on providing excellent services from our customers’ standpoint, putting the customer first always. Looking ahead, I am inspired by the achievements we have made since the launch of our transformation programme.

“We have expanded market share considerably across the geographies where we operate and are consolidating our digital banking leadership in Africa. We will continue to leverage our diversified business model and dedicated workforce to further strengthen our position as ‘Africa’s Global Bank’.”

Also on the performance, the Group Chief Financial Official, Ugo Nwaghodoh said, “The persistent low interest rate environment in 2020 exerted significant downward pressure on margins. Notwithstanding, our interest income for the year grew by 5.7 per cent (to N427.9 billion), driven by 8.2 per cent and 7.5 per cent year-on-year growth on interest income on loans and investment securities respectively.

“Our interest expense declined by eight per cent (to N168.4billion) driven largely by a 34.2 per cent decline in interest expense on customer deposits in our Nigerian operations, bringing down the Group’s cost of funds to 2.9 per cent, from four per cent in 2019.

While giving an insight to the bank’s array of loan products changing the dynamics in the industry, Group Head Consumer Lending, Anant Rao recently spoke about some of the products and intrinsic benefits to customers as he said Click Credit is one of the bank’s vibrant facility, which seamlessly supports customers.

“It is an automated loan with no form of documentation, paperwork or queue. Customers can get up to N1 million instantly and pay through a period of 12 months. This loan product of UBA is known for speed, efficiency and competitive rate.

This product is available to all salaried customers.

Customers can apply by dialling *919*28#, sending “Loan” to Leo and clicking on the “Click Credit” feature on the mobile app or Internet banking.

Anant further explained that no document was required to access the loans. There is also the UBA Structured Loans, Personal Loans, Auto Loans, Asset Finance Mortgage.

As for Personal Loans, Anant said: “It is a product designed to aid the finance of the daily needs of our customers. Available to employees of enlisted counter-parties whose salaries and other emoluments are being paid through UBA or are willing to transfer their accounts to UBA. “Here, required documents include letter of introduction and awareness from employer, copy of customer’s staff ID, copy of customer’s Valid ID, duly accepted offer letter and duly filled loan application form.’’

He explained that Asset Finance, one of its products, was designed to facilitate the purchase of

physical assets ranging from household appliances to alternative power solutions and devices by our retail customers through approved partnering vendors, giving them the convenience to pay over a period.

Customers must be employees of bank’s approved counterparties.

The bank listed the required documents as letter of introduction and awareness from employer, copy of customer’s staff ID, copy of a customer’s valid ID, proforma invoice in UBA/customer’s name and duly filled loan application form as well as accepted offer letter.

Mortgage UBA Mortgage Loan is a product designed to part-finance the acquisition of residential real estate by salary earners whose employers are listed on the bank’s approved counterparty list.

“The product is targeted at High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs) with predictable and sustainable income. The product is to enable customers buy fully developed properties or draw equity from their home as loans for specific purposes,” the bank said.

The UBA Personal Loan – Direct is a variant of UBA Personal Loan product targeted at civil servants whose salaries are not domiciled with UBA. The product is designed to offer personal loans to civil servants who have difficulties in changing their salary accounts from other banks to UBA. This loan is available to Federal civil servants that are enrolled on IPPIS platform, state civil servants (this will be limited to states whose salaries are managed by ICT firm). The required documents include duly filled loan application form, a copy of customer’s staff ID, a copy of customer’s valid ID and customer’s instruction letter.

The UBA FX Cash Backed Loan is a term loan designed for Nigerians that operate FX accounts with the bank. Customers can get up to N10 million for investment or to meet the financial needs of relatives in Nigeria.

Also, the UBA Working Capital loan offers up to N50million to help business owners meet their cash flow needs and expand their business. A flexible collateral cover will be required depending on the loan amount and the nature of customer’s business.

This loan product is targeted at customers with verifiable credit net worth whose cash flow patterns meet the requirement for lending and other structured groups/business clusters There are also the UBA Asset Finance for SMEs, the UBA School Loans and the UBA Health Loan.

“It is a medium-to-long term facility aimed at meeting working capital, asset and mortgage needs of registered privately-owned schools. The bouquet comprises a four-month time loan, a three-year asset finance loan and a 10-year mortgage loan.

“The UBA Health Loan is designed to provide financing to registered hospitals, pharmacies, medical laboratories, diagnostic centres, optical and dental clinics for their business expansion/ upgrade, equipment purchase as well and support their cash flow needs,” the bank said.

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BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

Going Home to Akwa Ibom

Emmanuel

Linus Etim

I

hadn’t been to Akwa Ibom, my home state, in about four years. My knowledge of what happened in the state during that period, from socio-economic and political perspectives, was based on secondary sources – individuals and the media. I had no way of knowing what was the truth, half-truth or outright falsehood.

An opportunity to obtain first-hand knowledge of Akwa Ibom came through an emergency, whistle-stop, three-day visit that had me traverse virtually the length and breadth of the state, early June. I looked forward to the trip with excitement. I was going to see, with my ‘naked eyes’, the stories I’d heard about what the Udom administration is doing in the state.

The choice of airline for the trip couldn’t have been any other. My state owns an airline. A combination of curiosity and patriotism compelled the use of Ibom Air. The government had established the airline about two years earlier – on June 29, 2019. And within the period, I had heard of, and read about the soaring success of the first state government-owned airline on the African continent – a company that started with two aircraft operating on two routes, namely, Uyo-Lagos and Uyo-Abuja, growing to seven aircraft servicing two additional routes – UyoCalabar and Uyo-Enugu.

The Ibibio translation of the announcement welcoming passengers as they settled into the cozy seats of the sleek Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft flying to the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo brought home to me the fact that I was, indeed, going home. I started to feel at home even before the aircraft took off from Lagos. Quite a thrilling experience! The airline did not disappoint me in terms of services and professionalism. It lived up to its billing.

Leaving the Victor Attah International Airport for the drive into Uyo town, my antenna was activated to detect any image or sign of development that wasn’t there during my last visit to the state in 2017. I noticed that expansion work is being undertaken on the dual carriage road.

At first glance, one was tempted to question the wisdom in expanding a road that is virtually bare of traffic, leading to and from an airport that has yet to operate optimally. But a deeper scrutiny revealed that Governor Emmanuel may be seeing what others are not seeing.

With the planned commencement of international operations at the airport in 2022, which would see Ibom Air flying to different destinations in Western and Central African countries, that road would accommodate more traffic than it currently does. The rate of appreciation of real estate on the route would be rapid. Already, several structures, many of which attract commercial benefits, have sprung up on the route. There is a secondary school, a polytechnic and many other structures. The government may also be trying to avoid having to tangle with communities on the route over issues of compensation if the need arises in the future for expansion at a time it may not have the resources. The structure that caught my attention, as far as development is concerned, is the greenhouse project, which is an integral part of the government’s agricultural

programme. The expanse of land on which the project sits is far bigger than the picture I had in mind based on what I saw in photographs and television screens. This is where vegetables which cultivation the soil of the state was hitherto believed not to be suitable are being grown – tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, onions, etc.

The road project I saw on the Uyo-Oron Road, the expansive roundabout from where Udo Udoma Avenue begins, made me to understand that infrastructure development is still work in progress, despite the rate at which the Uyo landscape has changed. This impression would be re-inforced by what I saw on the trip to Onna Local Government Area, going through the Etinan-Onna Road that is under construction, where a well-lit dual carriageway has replaced the old, one-lane road that was built in the 1970s.

I needed intermittent explanation by my host to know where I was at any point, despite the fact that it was a route I used frequently up to about two decades ago.

Akwa Ibom is a very peaceful state, a departure from what it was about five or six years ago.

The kidnappings that are regular occurrences in many parts of the country are remembered in the state as something that occurred in the past. The pockets of armed robbery and bagsnatching cases that occur in Uyo, the capital, only serve to drive home the fact that crime is a concomitant effect of development, as is the case all over the world.

Night life thrives in Uyo – proof of the peace and security that reigns in the capital. On the night of Thursday, June 10, when popular televangelist, Paul Enenche, was in town for a crusade at Ibom Hall, the crowd that thronged the IBB Avenue as late as 10 p. m., literally making vehicular movement impossible, did not belie any fear of insecurity.

One industry that is fast emerging as a dominant player in the economy of Akwa Ibom is hospitality. My enquiry revealed that hotels are being established at a rapid pace. This is because at any point in time, there are people from different parts of the country in need of hotel services while in Uyo for one purpose or the other – business, conference, seminar, wedding, etc. There is an expectation of more visitors to the state in the coming years, especially with the transformation the state is undergoing, from a civil service to an industrialized state.

I cannot end this piece without mention of the Uyo Central Business District, where the iconic, 21-story Dakkada Towers stands. The structure is a sight to behold. I was told the building has been commissioned and is awaiting high profile tenants from the oil and gas industry who have indicated interest to occupy it.

The last time I visited the Ibom Tropicana Complex, it cut the picture of an abandoned, decrepit structure. Now remodeled into a huge shopping arcade, a visitor who has been to Paris, London or New York would be forgiven if he thought he was in one of those places.

As the old saying goes, seeing is believing. I went to Akwa Ibom to see. I believe everything I saw there. rEtim lives in Lagos.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͵, 2021

EDUCATION Repositioning Edo Education through Improving Standard With the inauguration of Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation 2.0, as the initiative recently clocked three years, the state government explained why it is poised to take the sector to another level so as to enhance quality and learning. Funmi Ogundare reports

T

he Edo State Government recently commemorated the third year of introducing the Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo BEST) initiative, designed to increase learning gains and create an enabling environment for pupils’ development especially at the basic education level.

To ensure that the system works, the state government had already introduced the five pillars of system strengthening and organisational development, teacher professional development and quality assurance, curriculum development and learning outcomes, community engagement and partnerships, as well as school infrastructure and facilities.

All of these have already been set in motion against the backdrop of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s strong belief that basic education is the foundation of education.

Speaking during the inauguration of Edo BEST 2.0 held at the Government House, Benin City, the governor, who also used the opportunity to expand the Edo BEST programme to capture secondary schools and tertiary institutions in the state, said this became necessary to ensure that secondary schools and tertiary institutions in the state benefit from the gains in digital teaching recorded in primary schools through the initiative, which was inaugurated in 2018.

According to him, “as far as we are concerned in the state, the Edo BEST programme is one of our greatest achievements. We are very happy that Edo BEST has gained global and local recognition. We want to replicate the successes and achievements that we have made in EdoBEST to EdoBEST 2.0, which is meant to capture our secondary schools and higher institutions in our dear state. As a government, we have decided to focus on the foundation and improve the quality of education at the basic level, so that the children can be connected to the world and be able to read and write at an early age.

We are going to track the performance of teachers, inspectors and quality assurance officers.”

The governor also disclosed the state’s readiness to ensure that a technical school is built in every local government area, adding that it will be a collaboration between the state and local government, as well as the private sector.

“We want to strengthen the capacity of our teachers at the basic level and ensure that there is quality at every level. Our graduates should be able to have skills to set up themselves,” he said.

According to him, the tertiary institutions are going to focus on producing certain kinds of manpower, particularly agriculture and healthcare, among others, while promising that his administration would make tertiary institutions in the state competitive globally.

“Our education system must deliberately work on our national values.

We are working hard to ensure that the same method used to achieve success in Edo BEST in three years will be used to change our junior and senior secondary schoools and the university system.”

He commended the Chairperson, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (Edo-SUBEB), Dr. Joan Osa-Oviawe for ensuring the success of the initiative, adding, “I don’t see how Edo BEST would have been successful if not for the person of Dr. Joan Oviawe and

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki (middle), with the Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Joan Osa Oviawe; the state Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu; Governor’s wife, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; and the Deputy Governor’s wife, Mrs. Maryann Philip Shaibu with pupils during the inauguration of Edo BEST 2.0 in Benin City... recently

her team.

“You have helped us build these children to primary six level, now, what is next? So, today we are going to unveil the Edo BEST 2.0, as a way to ensure that the gains of learning at the basic education level is sustained after the first six years.”

Obaseki highlighted the progress made so far, saying, “Edo BEST is work in progress, we are not where we want to be yet, but we need to accelerate. Our kids are now learning better; their level is about 70 per cent of their colleagues in Europe and Asia. They are far from where their colleagues in Nigeria are; that’s not the standard. We want to be at 100 per cent. We want to extend this education transformation throughout the educational chain; basic education system, middle school, technical colleges and tertiary institutions.

Asked how he is able to cope with the enormous challenges especially in governance, Obaseki told pupils during an interactive session with him that, “you must be knowledgeable which comes from taking your education seriously. Once you are able to go through school and you are diligent, you will be able to know what is right and participate in what is going on in the society and know what the problems are.”

He commended the teachers, saying that with their continued support, Edo BEST 2.0, will be a success.

“Government alone cannot do it.

Education should be communally owned, it is a public good, it can’t be owned by an aspect of government. We need to make adequate our education system.”

In her remarks, the Chairman of Edo-SUBEB enumerated some of the successes it had recorded in the last three years, saying, “teachers’ attendance in Edo State today is 91 per cent, lessons completion rate as at today is 81 per cent and the focus is

to achieve 100 per cent and perfection.

“We also recorded 17 per cent increase in the enrollment into public schools in Edo State, which has amounted to 21,000 pupils coming into the system from the private schools. Our successes so far is a motivation for us to continue to work hard.”

Oviawe said despite the global shutdown as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, the teachers were able to create over 7,000 virtual classrooms to enable pupils continue with their learning, as contents were uploaded on its website to ensure continuity.

Earlier, in her welcome address, a pupil of Iguodala Primary School, Stephanie Osewengie, commended Governor Obaseki for improving the standard of education in Edo State, especially the basic level.

She said, “Edo BEST has brought out the best in Edo children, putting them in the best position to compete with other children from well developed nations. The programme has prepared us to take over the leadership of the nation.”

Some of the teachers who spoke to journalists, explained how they have been impacted with the automated technology-backed new learning system.

A primary two teacher at Obaseki Primary School, Benin City, Mrs. Rosemary Ezehiwele, who has taught in Edo State for the past 11 years, described the transformation of teaching from analogue to digital as amazing.

“It has really helped in creating a better future for our pupils in the state by helping to improve their vocabulary development, with the use of connective symbols, speech sounds, thinking ability and logics in Mathematics, they are now highly knowledgeable and can compete globally. The Edo BEST programme, has really equipped them.”

Asked where she sees her pupils with the initiative 2.0, she said in the nearest future, they are going to be at the apex of it and the pupils would

Education should be communally owned, it is a public good, it can’t be owned by an aspect of government. We need to make adequate our education system

be able to compete worldwide.

“I see them being top in all areas of educational system and being the best. There is nothing like truancy in our system as far as Edo BEST is concerned, they learn with ease and teachers don’t struggle to teach the pupils. The learning outcomes has been amazing.”

On her class schedule for the day, Ezehiwele said, “we normally have teachers computer on a daily basis.

I preview my lessons so that if there is any issue in the course of teaching the next day, I could easily trash it out, and in the morning the lessons are made easy. I do morning prep and ensure that the board is set for the day. I get to school as early as 6.30 am everyday and at the end of each lesson, I save and exit to have a good lesson completion. I take up to nine lessons. We have independent lessons and I mark their homework.”

Ezehiwele said the Edo BEST initiative has made her more competent, committed punctual and hard working.

“There is nothing like truancy because we are always busy. It has even improved my ability as a teacher to even read more. So the difference is visible.”

Another teacher of Idumowu Primary School, Ebele Igueben Local Government Area, Mr. Micheal Osahon Osaigbovo, who has been teaching since 2008, emphaised on the difference between the analogue system which they were using before the introduction of Edo BEST and digital system, saying, “then, we used to write notes and consult books, but now, we have schedules and the schedule comes directly into our computer and we teach from there.

The push now is different from how it used to be, it used to be manual, but now its digital. The children are studying more.”

He noted that the impact on the pupils has been tremendous, adding that their speaking and reading skills have improved.

“So we use sounds and pictures to help identify letters (phonics) at an early age. We also instil confidence into them to eliminate their fears, we use pictures to illustrate things and call them out to identify things. When you see children being able to identify things by themselves, you are able to build their courage.”

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EDUCATION

Greensprings Decorated Monarch,VC Solicit French Govt’s as One of First HP IDEA Collaboration for Exchange Programmes, Schools in Middle East, Culture at Augustine Varsity Africa Uchechukwu Nnaike Eight teachers from Greensprings School, Lagos have been certified as HP IDEA Fellows, and the school has been decorated as one of the first HP IDEA Schools in the Middle East and Africa.

The certification and decoration marked the completion of the year-long Innovation and Digital Education Academy (IDEA) programme by Hewlett-Packard (HP).

The eight teachers certified in the school are Innocent Oaikhena, Esther Akpan, Rachael Eretan, Omolade Adetola, Bosede Agboola, Lanre Oguntoye, Monsuru Okunade, and Omolade Oni. Commenting on the achievement, Greensprings’ Deputy Director of Education, Dr. Barney Wilson said the programme will strengthen the school’s position as an innovative and cutting-edge learning institution.

“Eight of our teachers are now HP IDEA Fellows, and we are extremely happy about this achievement.

To become fellows, they had intensive training sessions weekly and attended scheduled conferences since

Sunday Ehigiator

the programme began in September 2020. The teachers were challenged to explore a variety of frameworks to reflect innovation in the educational context. Amidst their already tight schedules, they were able to cope with the demands of the programme and successfully completed several innovative projects.

I believe the knowledge and skills gathered from the programme will strengthen our position as an innovative and cutting-edge learning institution.”

Wilson added that the HP IDEA School plaque is now displayed on the three campuses of Greensprings School, and that every teacher of the school now has an opportunity to become an HP IDEA Associate.

HP IDEA is an initiative of HP, the computer hardware manufacturer, in collaboration with Intel, a leading producer of semiconductors, and Mirai Partners, an education innovation consultancy. The programme was designed to address the challenges and harness the opportunities presented by COVID-19’s impact on the education sector in Middle East and Africa.

The Vice-Chancellor of Augustine University (AUI), Ilara, Lagos State, Prof. Christopher Odetunde has called on the French Government through its Nigerian Embassy, for a collaboration between his institution and French universities in the areas of exchange of programmes, research and culture.

He said this when the French Ambassador to Nigeria/ ECOWAS, Mr. Jerome Pasquier paid a courtesy visit to the institution in Ilara-Epe last week.

According to the vicechancellor, the synergy would be a great opportunity for the embassy to serve as a point of linkage between AUI and these universities. He added that the visit has presented the university, which has all the potential to compete with the best tertiary institutions in the country, the platform to establish a significant relationship with a European country known for its best practices in education.

Odetunde, who assumed office nine months ago, said he is delighted and honoured by the envoy’s visit, which is a landmark event, being the first ambassador or top envoy from any embassy to personally visit the campus.

“Augustine University is a Catholic University, owned by the people of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos and being a young, growing university, it must be a divine plan that you find yourself on our pristine and serene campus today.

“AUI though young, is fast becoming a world-class university in her outlook and educational character and she has all it takes to rub shoulders with the best universities in the world. Your coming is an opportunity for the university to establish a relationship with the people of France and her educators.”

Odetunde said Augustine University being a Catholic University in Nigeria with the millions of Catholic

faithfuls in France, as well as well-established Catholic universities there, the ambassador’s visit is an opportunity for the embassy to serve as a point of linkage between AUI and these universities, through exchange programmes in the area of research and culture for both staff and students.

Commending the French government on her support for the Sugbon-Eredo Heritage, a monument site which dates back to 13th century, Odetunde said it is a living example of collaboration between both countries as such programmes will go a long way in enhancing the learning curve for staff and students from both countries; the synergy he added will also position AUI as a research hub.

“We hope that your coming today will mark the beginning of an impactful relationship between our university and the French Embassy. As stated earlier, the university is growing slowly, but steadily as we hope to embark on projects

that will continue to put AUI in the spotlight and make her the university of choice for prospective national and international students,” he added.

Odetunde also presented some of the products produced by the institution such as garri, smoked fish and bottled water to Pasquier.

In his brief remarks, Amb. Pasquier commended the management of the institution for the warm welcome given to him and his entourage. While extolling the young citadel of learning, he said education is very important and top priority not only in Nigeria, but globally.

He assured the management of his country’s support that when the COVID has subsided they will look for a way to establish a relationship between AUI and French universities.

“There are universities that have been in existence for decades in Nigeria but we want to see if we can achieve a collaboration between your university and the French universities in France.”

FG Presents Concept Note on Establishment of Aviation Varsity Kuni Tyessiin Abuja The federal government has presented a concept note of the proposed Aviation and Aerospace University to the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The commission, a regulator of university education in Nigeria, assured the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika that it would expeditiously look into the concept document he submitted.

The Executive Secretary, NUC, Professor Abubakar Rasheed, who gave the assurance after receiving the note from the minister, said the commission will engage some professors to perfect the concept note for immediate approval.

“I can assure you that by the end of the month (July), we are going to have a brand new university, the first of its kind in Abuja, the first African university dedicated to aviation and aerospace study in the country.”

The NUC executive secretary applauded the minister for his courage in ensuring that the university sees the light of the day.

He said the proposed institution is a special one that deserves support, noting that it won’t serve only Nigeria, but the entire continent and the international community.

Earlier the minister, who was accompanied by the ministry’s Permanent Secre-

tary, Directors and Heads of Agencies, said the ‘African Aviation and Aerospace University Abuja’ will be dedicated to research and development of knowledge in aviation and aerospace.

He said the quest for the university was driven by the need to fill some identified gaps for the growth and development of the aviation sector.

“When we took up the leadership in civil aviation, we identified and understood the gap in the growth and development of civil aviation in Nigeria in particular and Africa in general. We are deficient in research and development in civil aviation and aerospace technology and that has caused a lot of underdevelopment of the sector and made us backwards.”

He said there are huge gaps in the aviation sector that need intervention, particularly in the area of research and development in order to advance the betterment of the Civil Aviation and Aerospace industry.

“We have been working three to four years now into this and we developed a concept note based on the advice by Executive Secretary NUC for critique and that will fast track the process of setting up the University. We come up with concept note of what will be the focus of this university,” he explained.

L-R: The Registrar, Augustine University, Mrs. Margaret Aziba; the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Christopher Odetunde; French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Jerome Pasquier; Alara of Ilara-Epe Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo and his wife, Olori Bolanle, during Pasquier’s courtesy visit to the university in Ilara-Epe, Lagos… recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

Korean Speech, Writing Contest Produces Winners Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Ayodele Precious and Joy Elo Ossai have emerged winners of the 2021 Korean Speech and Writing Contest.

The contest, which was held online, was organised by the Korean Cultural Centre of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.

Muizat Kehinde Ayoola and

Faith Iyanuoluwa Aiyedogbon placed second and third respectively in the speech making category, while Onyekachi Anthony Ikoku and Deborah Oluwabukola Adedeji trailed Ossai in the writing contest.

The Korean speech and writing competition is an annual event for students of Korean Language.

The competition assists language students to improve

their communication and writing skills in Korean Language.

The winner of the speaking category stands a chance to visit Korea on an all-expense paid trip. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both the entry submissions and award ceremony for this year were done online. Students for the speaking category submitted their videos by email, just as those for writing competition

sent their scripts via email.

The theme for this year’s speaking contest is ‘My Favourite Korean Word’, while the writing competition theme is ‘The Korean Tourist Destination I would like to Visit’.

Three winners from each category got various cash prizes, while the winner in the speaking category will be recommended for a trip to Korea.

Women Group Emphasises Child Education for Better Society Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi The International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW International) has stressed the importance of educating children, particularly the girl-child, for a better, prosperous and sustainable society.

Making the emphasis during a familiarization visit to the L.E.A Primary School, Tungan Kwasou in Bwari Area Council of the FCT, Abuja, Dr. Amany

Asfour, current President of African Business and Professional Women in the African Union (AU) and immediate past President of BPW International, said any society that aspires to progress in any facet of human endeavour must make the education of its children its priority.

According to a statement issued by the Head Teacher, LEA Primary School, Hajiya Rahmat Suleiman, Dr. Asfour expressed satisfaction with the

administration of academic activities and progress made in imparting education in pupils of the school.

She said BPW International as one of the most influential networks of business and professional women in the world, will continue to champion the cause for the promotion and enhancement of education and in particular, that of the girl-child.

In her remarks, the National President of BPW International, Nigeria, Mrs. Yinka Ajibola said

the visit to the school was to inspect progress made in teaching of children since its inception in 2017.

Ajibola said they were impressed with what they saw and called on the management and staff of the school to keep on with the good job and make L.E.A Tungan Kwasou an example among its peers in the provision of quality primary education in Bwari Area Council and the FCT as a whole.

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EDUCATION

Septuagenarian Fetes Special Needs Children to Celebrate Birthday Chris Asika As part of activities marking his 70th birthday, the Chief Executive Officer of Icepok Nigeria Limited, Chief Ifeanyichukwu Okaro recently donated provisions, food stuffs and toiletries, and cash to the Heart of Gold Children’s Hospice, Surulere, Lagos.

Okaro, a retired senior staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria, told THISDAY that he decided to celebrate his birthday at the facility because of his love for children.

“My love for children started very early in my life, even though it took me 10 years before I started having my own children, it did not stop me from loving children. I cant’s count how many kids I have sponsored through school both in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. It is a call I have from God. Don’t hold back, you must reach out particularly to the less privileged. That is the essence of Christianity. I had to follow the scripture which tells us to show compassion to humanity.”

The event, which was well attended by friends, well wishers and the chaplains and members of St. Georges Military Church

Apapa, was followed by a holy communion service at the church.

In appreciation, a staff of the orphanage, who preferred anonymity, thanked the celebrant and invited guests.

“On behalf of the founder, God will bless you for creating out time to visit these abandoned children, 8/10 of the children here are deformed. If not for COVID-19, we usually encourage visitors to go inside and see them and even play with them, but because they are vulnerable to ailments.

This facility was built and handed over to us by Mr. Raji Fashola on Sunday, June 28, 2009 when he was Governor of Lagos State during his birthday just like Sir Okaro is celebrating today and ever since then we have only survived by generous donations of people like you today.”

“My prayer for you is you will cross 80, 90 and beyond in Jesus name, Amen. Happy birthday Sir.” On her part, the founder, Mrs. Theresa Onolaja explained how some of the children were picked where they were abandoned in churches, mosques and other public places and how the home has given shelter and confort to

save the lives of the children.

“Disability is nothing as these children are created by God. They are unique and should be treated as such by society at large. Integration and equal rights should not be denied, they are disabled which means they are there already, we think we are normal but the truth is we are more disabled than these children. I thank God for this vision and my unquenchable thirst for loving, caring, working, walking, wining and dining with these society rejects. They are my treasure.”

She said the facility cares for children with terminal and life threatening illness which offers comfortable, caring and loving environment with state-of-the art facility to support the society rejects with care, comfort and pain management.

Speaking during the church service the Vicar Venerable B.G Newton, admonished all in attendance to emulate the exemplary life of the celebrant by giving to charity especially the less privileged.

“Today is a day to give thanks to God in your life and the care you have given to the society.

God will grant you more happiness, many more birthdays and prosperity. May the grace

of God be sufficient for you in your life. We wish you happy birthday sir.”

In his sermon titled ‘One day at a Time’, he said the number 70 appeared many times in the bible, but not in respect to birthdays. For instance, he said in Exodus 24:12 Moses was accompanied by 70 elders to worship the lord and collect the two tablet of stones where the commandment was written; relating it to Okaro gathing people through Grace so Amazing Foundation (GSAF), a daily scripture manual which he has distributed to many to build their spiritual lives.

“Continue to praise God and worship him for all you have achieved because some of your school mates may not be as privileged as you are. Keep the flag flying.”

Okaro also called on Nigerians to recognise the less privileged institutions, stressing the need for wealthy citizens to show support just like in the civilized world.

He prayed that God will touch the hearts of the ministers of health, internal affairs, social development and education to wake up to the social menace of lack of care for the less privileged institutions.

Chief Ifeanyichukwu Christian Okaro, during the presentation of items to the Heart of Gold Children’s Hospice, Lagos, to celebrate his 70th birthday

Foreshore School Pupils Excel at Cambridge Checkpoint Exam Funmi Ogundare The management of The Foreshore School (TFS) Ikoyi, Lagos, has announced the excellent performance of its pupils in the Cambridge International Checkpoint examination for the 2020/2021 session.

With a 100 per cent score in the examination, it said they have demonstrated a comprehensive and secure level of understanding, knowledge and skills of the curriculum content and have been well prepared for the next stage of learning.

Speaking at the 2021 graduation ceremony of the third set of year six pupils in Lagos recently, the Administrator, Miss Oyindamola Egbeyemi described the pupils’ performance as impressive, saying that they achieved much higher than the international average and also did better than its last

set of pupils.

“They performed very well with excellent results according to the Cambridge international score scale. Also impressive is the fact that they did all these despite having gone through a pandemic and spent two academic terms within the limitations of learning from home.”

She advised them to always remember the foundation they started with at TFS, saying, “it is on this foundation that they will build themselves to become the best that they can be.”

The Executive Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Egbeyemi commended the teachers who are working to ensure that the school meets up with international standards, despite the local challenges.

She said the school has evolved from Tender Loving Childcare (TLC) and Tender Loving School (TLS) with the

support of its stakeholders, including parents, teachers and the children, adding, “what we are witnessing today is the graduation of children, some of whom started at TLC from about 18 months and are now 11 years old.”

Egbeyemi urged the pupils to be confident wherever they find themselves, saying, “to my wonderful children, I can only wish you the best. I look forward to seeing you in the future. You are leaving TFS to the next level of life. You will recall my talk with you. Always be confident, don’t feel less than anyone, among the values we have imbibed in you. I wish you the best.”

The Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Toyin Ogundipe, who was represented by a Professor of Exercise Physiology, Grace Otinwa commended the management of the school for its efforts on the

pupils, saying, “I have served on the board of some schools and I know what it takes to groom the children. Your investment will never be in vain.”

She advised the pupils to protect the name of their family and the school as they go out to the next level of learning by standing out.

In her remarks, the guest speaker and Creative Director, Redbutton, Mrs. Chioma Ogbudimpka encouraged the pupils to exhibit excellent traits, saying that this will expose them to opportunities and make people to trust them as they move to the next phase of life.

Ogbudimpka, who is an alumnus of Tony Elumelu Foundation, said, “the more excellent trait you exhibit, the more people trust you. It will be a lot easier to win support.

You can be the greatest, nothing can stop you from being great except you.”

KEHINDE OMORU www.kayomoru.com

IT NEEDN’T BE SO Recently, a discourse session took place on the emotional trauma that parents/wards/older siblings, uncles, aunts and what-have-you’ continue to deliberately or inadvertently leave in the hearts of budding teenagers and young adults home and away.

Thiswasamixedgroupofmostlymiddle-agedAfricanadultswhoappeared tohaveeachexperiencedsituationsinthisregardduringtheirownformative years.Agentlemandescribedhowtheunclehehadtogoandlivewithnever paidakobotowardshiseducationnorgavehimtransportfareseventhough dayandnight,hewasthehouseboy,gateman,handyman,andmaintenance man all rolled into one, of uncle’s family.

Ifeelthatnarrativesalongwhatconstitutesconstructivetrainingasagainst bullying,repression,harassment,concealedenslavement,neglect,etc.,do need to be made, heard and frequently revisited amongst ourselves.

ManyNigerianadultsneedtocometotherealisationthatthey,inthename of‘training’havesetmanyteensuptofailbytheverynastyutterancesthey madeoraremakingtoyoungminds.Ibeingasuffererofsignificantvarying measures in this wise, following the untimely death of my mother when I was only 12 years old, know this only too well. Many people can’t just find it within themselves to be kind, pronto!

Icouldn’thelpbuttosurreptitiouslygritmyteethinangerquiterecentlyata Nigerianfatherwhosuddenly‘lostit’.Heturnedaroundduringhisdaughter’s CPAreview,andhissedthathis15yearolddisturbeddaughterwouldforthwith be sent back home for ‘sense to be beaten into her’ (dad’s actual words).

Thisgirlhadrepeatedlysufferedbullyingatschoolandwasstrugglingwith accepting the physical changes in her own body, being currently a breast size 38b bra cup size.

Girlinquestionhastwoyearshistoryofrestrictingherowndietandpurging aftereachmeal-verymuchacaseofbulimianervosa.ThisiswhoNigerian father states must be sent back home (back to Nigeria) where she would begiventhoroughcaningforsometimeandshewouldstopbeing‘silly’.He went on heatedly to brag about his perfect brother’s child who was also 15 and just gained entrance to uni in Nigeria to read Engineering.

Mum,whohadattendedsameCPAmeetingfrozeimmediatelyatthisher husband’sangryoutburst.Allofasuddentheyearsandyearsofseemingly repressedemotionswelledupinherasshedroppedtothefloorcurledinto a fetal position and cried buckets. She looked up several times during her tears, threw her arms into the air as if to say, what have you just said?’ and resumed wailing hysterically.

Trustme,therulesofthegamechangedswiftlyandtheprocessesofputting thisyoungpersonincarefullybegan.Thatsamedaypetitionswerevirtually exchangedandratified.And,thisdisturbedgirl-childwasswiftlytakeninto care,andasclausesafterclausesofthehandoverputit,‘forherownsafety’.

So what are the fates of those millions other girls out in our communities withnoadvocates?Let’scomebacktobasics-whathaveyoubeensaying toyourownchildabouttheir:body,idiosyncrasies,aptitudes,weaknesses, fears, achievements and unfolding personalities?What have you already said in the past to young minds you have come in contact with?

Howaboutthoseofyouthat‘dump’yourkidsonyourseeminglyrichersiblings, and then walk away playing the victim of life’s misfortunes. How on earth do you really feel that an uncle/aunt can totally ‘father/mother’ your own childforyou?Thesickeningaspectofitallarethoseparentswhoreligiously spitefully praise the achievements of other children to their own children.

It’s called in bible terms - covetousness; one of the 10 commandments of God - forbidden to be practiced.

So would you please take a minute or two to reflect on how constructive your utterances presently are to your children, teenage relatives as well as teenagers around you. Are you building or setting young minds up to eventually fail?

Omoru is a freelance writer, education, health and social care advocate

Group Insists on Appointment of Urhobo Indigene as PTI Principal The Urhobo Advancement Agenda (UAA) said it has been inundated with expressions of concerns from different quarters over a planned attempt to foist a non-Urhobo indigene as the substantive principal of the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun, Delta State, despite the overabundance of core Urhobo professionals qualified for the position.

A statement signed by the National President, Theophilus Akpocha read in parts: “UAA as a foremost advocate for equity, fairness and justice in the affairs of Urhobo nation strongly condemns this move to repeatedly shortchange the Urhobos because of their natural disposition to peaceful co-existence and warm hospitality often taken for granted. The Urhobos have over the years been grossly marginalised in the

appropriation of the nation’s commonwealth in the midst of playing host to enormous revenue resources, oiling the wheel of growth and development of the country.

“UAA is hereby using this medium to call on the appropriate authorities in the succession management of the institute to ensure that the pool of qualified candidates of Urhobo extraction is duly accorded the right of first refusal as it is done in other notable federal institutions in the country.”

The group said it has put up mechanisms to remotely and keenly monitor the process of the appointment of the principal of the institute this time, “with high expectations that the federal government will use this opportunity to right some of the wrongs of the past meted on the Urhobo nation.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͵, 2021

Admissions: UniAbuja Big School or Small School- What is VC Debunks Alleged Better for Your Child?

Feud with JAMB Gregor Polson

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof.

Abdul- Rasheed Na’allah has debunked ongoing rumours that the institution is in a feud with the management of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) over its system of admissions.

Also, the VC disclosed that it has received grants to upgrade the face and landscape of the university and this includes the construction of parameter fence, 21st century senate building, more hostels and classrooms, street lights and indoor sports facilities, among others.

JAMB had in the 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), alleged that the university was not following laid down principle in its admission process and was going ahead to give admissions without recourse to the exam body.

In response, the institution categorically stated that its action was legitimate and backed by university laws.

The VC, who cleared the air at the commemoration of his second year in office, at the the institution’s main campus, said its system of admissions has not changed as 45 per cent is for merit, while the

other percentage goes to other factors, adding that all the 36 states of the federation are its catchment areas.

On the call for extension of validity period for JAMB results and the 2021 recorded mass failure, Na’Allah, who was careful and technical in his response, said this is not the first time mass failure is being recorded.

“We want pure, thorough and valid admission and we have no issues with JAMB, as the only exam students do to gain admission into this institutions is the UTME. “The admission process remains 45 per cent on merit before we go to the state level.

Every state in the federation is our catchment area and this is just too technical. No one has accused us of taking students that we like as against the admission process. The story here is that we are working well and doing the best we can.

“This is not the first time we are having mass failure in the Nigerian educational system and the fault can be from the students, parents, the exam body and other factors.

“JAMB has been serving Nigeria well. The kind of thoroughness of JAMB’s computer based test centres, it is doubtful that things can just happen,” he said.

A debate has been going on for a number of years to determine what is better for your child’s education, a big school or small school.

As an educator who has dominantly worked in small schools, I have a personal preference but understand the concerns of parents that a small school doesn’t offer what they need for their child’s education.

Evaluating the impact of school size on educational and personal growth is a complex problem, and enrolment by itself does not necessarily give us the complete picture.

One of the earliest publications on this issue was written in 1959 and was called ‘The American High School Today’. This book changed the shape of education in the US with its emphasis on large high schools, a model followed by many state systems.

The conclusion was that a large school could offer more choices in the curriculum and facilities due to economies of scale. Holding

down cost is often a primary driver in building a big school, particularly for state schools. Larger schools are more cost effective if the outcome is simply cost per student enrolled, but if the outcome is cost per student achievement, small schools do better.

At approximately the same time, another influential book came out called ‘Big School, Small School’. This book showed that small schools and big schools differ in the opportunities they provide to students. Where small schools provide the opportunity for more responsibility and involvement, big schools offer curriculum choices.

Why can small schools offer more responsibility and involvement? Small schools will generally have fewer staff in certain areas, which allows the parents and students an opportunity to be involved in leadership roles, which encourages involvement.

Big schools on the other hand can be overstaffed in these areas.

Why do students do

better in small schools?

Smaller schools typically have smaller classes, and high teacher-student ratios, which directly translates into more focus and attention for the individual student and their education. From an educational standpoint, lower class sizes are good because it offers the opportunity to differentiate and delve deeper into the curriculum, while moving through it at a faster pace. It’s equally beneficial from a social standpoint. With fewer students in the classroom, class participation is inescapable, but also usually less intimidating. The size of such schools actually promotes belongingness; it becomes difficult for students to go unnoticed and their individual needs are identified.

Smaller schools operate more like a community than a corporation. They frequently have a greater sense of unity, especially if they are built around a particular belief system shared by the parents and staff alike. Another reason for this intimate feel is

that there are often more opportunities for students to participate. For example, in a big school typically, competition is fierce for most sports teams. Those students who make the team gain a personal investment in the school, while those who don’t make the team may feel marginalized and left out. In smaller schools, the chance for student participation is recurrently higher because students are required so they are not left behind. As a result, students in smaller schools and their families have more of a stake in their school and a real feeling that they make a difference.

Size alone does not determine a school’s success, but it certainly can be a contributing factor to the success of your child.

The most important aspect of schooling is to know your child and understand where they will get the education for them to achieve their best.

-Polson is Principal Head Teacher, Lagos Preparatory and Secondary School

NGO Trains 500 Indigent Students on Prevention of Illicit Drug Use Kasim Sumaina in Abuja A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Freedom Foundation, in partnership with Drug Abuse Prevention Centre (DAPC), has concluded a six-month anti-drug abuse campaign which witnessed the training of 500 in-school and out-of-school youths in OshodiIsolo Local Government Area of Lagos on ways to prevent or delay the initiation of drug use.

The campaign, which began in January according to the foundation, is aimed at educating the students on different ways to prevent or delay early initiation to drug use.

The event Coordinating Manager, Miss Oluwakemi Odedeyi disclosed this recently at a conference organised by foundation in partnership with DAPC, in Lekki, Lagos.

Odedeyi stated that it is no longer news to the average Nigerian that the Nigerian community is saturated with illicit drugs and substances harmful to human health.

“As we conclude our six-month anti-drug abuse campaign which began in January, has seen to the training of 500 in-school and out-of-school youths in Oshodi-Isolo LGA on ways to prevent or delay the initiation of drug, online community awareness, creation of drug-free clubs in secondary schools within the community, school advocacies, among other awareness programmes.

She added that the campaign

came in different segments, which includes a creative art competition where students were allowed to express their thoughts and ideas about drug abuse in Nigeria through creative arts such as drawing, music and spoken words to win amazing prices.

The youths comprising secondary school students from Raising Sun Secondary School, Isolo; Chrisland High School, Lekki, among others, called on the federal government to nip in the bud the growing tide of drug abuse and the distribution of illicit drugs within the country.

According to them, the future of the average Nigerian youth may be at a huge risk of jeopardy and failure if the growing concern of drugs use and abuse is not properly addressed.

The students who expressed their thoughts through creative methods such as drawings, spoken word, poems and drama, highlighted the causes of drug abuse in Nigeria, its effects on adolescents and youths and the role of parents, as well as the youths in curbing the menace of drugs in the country.

The winner of the creative art competition, Master Ibrahim Shittu, a student of New Hall International School, said, “we learnt a lot and personally, I was able to identify various ways to avoid drug abuse and also speak up when my peers try to lure me into trying any drugs.”

From left: The Registrar, Wellspring University, Benin City, Edo State, Dr. Patrick Ohikhena; Chairman, Board of Trustees, General Ephraim Usaide (Rtd); Vice-Chancellor, Professor T. Omobuwajo; Chancellor, Pastor Ituah Ighodaro; Pro-Chancellor, Daniel Isimoya, his wife, Mrs. Idiowa Isimoya; University Librarian, Mr. Adedoyin Esan; and Bursar, Mr. Paradise Iwoh, at the second combined convocation ceremony of the university... recently

Entrepreneur Partners Academy, Awards Scholarship to Nigerian Students Funmi Ogundare A Nigerian entrepreneur, author and coach, Mr. Fidel Melody has partnered an African University, Leadpreneur Academy based in Benin Republic to award 100 per cent tuition-free scholarship to Nigerians students.

In a groundbreaking ambassadorial endorsement, Melody Fidel and Leadpreneur Academy will provide qualitative education and skills empowerment to Nigerians to study at the Benin Republic University at 100 per cent tuition-free.

They will be combining several years of social entre-

preneurship training, digital skills training, leadership and information communication skills to provide educational entrepreneurship pathways to Nigerians aimed at nation building.

According to Melody, “it is important to complement the effort of the government in the education sector by providing relevant opportunities to deserving and talented Nigerians to acquire core knowledge that are relevant for the daunting task of nation building in this 21st century.”

He said the 100 per cent tuition free scholarship will provide several opportunities for teeming Nigerian youths

to acquire necessary knowledge and education skills to contribute to the development of the Nigerian society at the long-run.

“I have always been a champion of the Nigerian youths because of the enormity of their potential. This is an exciting deal for me collaborating with Leadpreneur Academy, a top tier institution in Benin Republic, not only to bring qualitative educational and skills empowerment to Nigerians, but at 100 per cent tuition-free as well.”

The Academic Director, Leadpreneur Academy, Mr. Henry Okooboh emphasised on the importance of the col-

laboration with the Nigerian entrepreneur which provides a rare platform for Nigerians to acquire knowledge and grow.

“We are super excited by this collaboration. This is a great opportunity for talented Nigerians to receive 100 per cent tuition-free scholarship to acquire 21st century-compliant knowledge including digital skills, entrepreneurship, leadership core values, artificial intelligence and management pre-requisites among many others at Leapreneur Academy, an accredited institution that has continued to churn out graduates who are poised to shape the present and future.”

38

T H I S D AY ˾ ͵, 2021

CITYSTRINGS

ÜÙßÚ ÏËÞßÜÏÝ ÎÓÞÙÜ˝ ÒÓÏ×ÏÖÓÏ äÏÙÌÓ ×ËÓÖ ÍÒÓÏ×ÏÖÓÏ˛ÏäÏÙÌÓ̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙט ͖͕͔͑͑͒͑͒͑͑͘

Lagos Ports Congestion: Eto Call-up System as Best Solution Ephraims Sheyin

N

igeria is believed to have the most robust port infrastructure in the sub-region, but port users have continued to struggle with huge economic costs due to inefficiencies arising from unfavourable export and import processes.

Over the years, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has made several interventions to resolve the incidence of heavy vehicular and human congestion around the country’s seaports and off-dock terminals, especially those within the Lagos axis where a large chunk of the nation’s external trade is processed.

After experimenting with a manual truck scheduling arrangement for over a year, the NPA came up with an electronic truck call-up system in February, to tackle the perennial traffic gridlock responsible for the delay along the access roads leading to the country’s two busiest ports.

The truck call-up system, dubbed “Eto”, the Yoruba word for “to schedule”, is now the only authorised pathway for cargo trucks to access the port, including transfer of empty containers by shipping companies.

Mr Ibrahim Nasiru, NPA’s Assistant General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, in a statement, insisted that, “henceforth, all trucks doing business at the ports in Lagos will be required to park at approved truck parks until they are called-up into the port through “Eto”, the new application.

“The ‘Eto’ application will be responsible for the scheduling, entry and exit of all trucks into the port with effect from 27th February 2021,” the statement said.

With the deployment of “Eto”, truck companies, terminal operators and freight agents are required to download the app, and then proceed to create an account to monitor the schedule and movement of their trucks in and out of the port.

According to the managers of the e-call up system, Messrs Trucks Transit Parks Ltd (TTP), benefits to subscribers of “Eto” include increased returns on logistics investment while maximising time per trip.

Others include the easing of truck traffic congestion and streamlining cargo movement activities, smart parking for trucks, information navigation options for truck owners/drivers on available parking spaces, as well as convenience and safety for drivers at designated truck transit parks.

From available accounts, the roll-out of the electronic truck call-up platform proved to be a game-changer with its instant positive impact on the carriage cost of goods at the two Lagos ports.

The haulage fee imposed on fully laden containers from the Lagos Ports Complex, Apapa to a destination within the Lagos area fell substantially in the week the “Eto” app was formally launched.

Similarly, carriage cost from Tin-Can Island Port to warehouses within Lagos State dropped progressively by the second quarter of 2021, according to the records.

However, in spite of the firm directive by the NPA that non-compliance to the use of “Eto” and its guidelines would result in denial of access into the ports, impounding of trucks and withdrawal of registration or operating license, investigation has shown that some truck drivers and their collaborators appear bent on derailing the system.

While the responsible trucking companies continue to follow due process, the actions of some desperate truck drivers have become a big worry to the NPA. After the smooth process witnessed in the early weeks following the launch of the “Eto” app, vested interests responsible for the sorry traffic situation around the port began to push back.

Truck owners, allegedly in collusion with state agents including NPA security staff, began to willingly circumvent the process.

To keep the ports on the path of efficiency and growth, the 'Eto' system is the way out Allegations of forgery of transit e-tickets and selling of tags to truck drivers by unscrupulous TTP employees were rife, while cries of extortion by security operatives assigned to monitor traffic along the port corridor became increasingly strident.

Those benefiting from the existing disorder seemed determined to preserve the status quo.

But TTP and the manager of the “Eto” platform say that the challenges are being addressed frontally, with Chief Operating Officer of TTP, Temidayo Adeboye, describing the “Eto” technology as the right solution toward resolving the chaos and corruption around the movement of trucks, especially to the Lagos ports.

“We deployed the right technology to drive the process and it was a very reliable system; it was organised, and guaranteed easy control of traffic. But as they say, when you fight corruption, it will fight back. There were lots of money that were changing hands and people were profiting from the chaos and weren’t happy when TTP came on board,” he explained.

Determined to restore port users’ confidence in the electronic truck call-up system as witnessed in the early days of its roll-out, Acting Managing Director of the NPA, Malam Mohammed Bello-Koko’s first public action when he assumed office in early May, was a visit to the Lilypond Terminal described as the theatre of operations for “Eto”.

His mission was to re-assess the quality of infrastructure and operational framework deployed by the system manager.

Bello-Koko, while interacting with haulage operators and drivers during his visit, assured them of NPA’s commitment to speedily resolve all teething challenges against the smooth implementation of the call-up system.

He promised that both the online scheduling process and truck transit arrangement would be fine-tuned to check manipulation and other vices associated with the new arrangement.

“We will ensure that the entire process is fully automated and secured to prevent counterfeiting, while priority will be given to export cargoes in line with the economic diversification agenda of the Federal Government.

“I have directed that action be taken immediately to improve the overall efficiency of the truck scheduling system for the benefit of its subscribers,” the NPA boss said.

The improvements he demanded from TTP included immediate deployment of physical infrastructure such as bollards, spikes and automated barriers and the

installation of CCTVs at the port’s entry and exit points.

He also called for the hiring of quality and experienced human resources, improved response time to customers’ demands, and better information sharing with other designated transit park operators.

To further ensure that the goal of “Eto” was not derailed, Bello-Koko met with the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to fine-tune strategies to curb indiscriminate parking and alleged extortion of truck drivers by traffic and security operatives on the access roads leading to the ports.

The NPA and Lagos State government resolved to collaborate more on enforcement of traffic rules by rejigging the security architecture on the port access roads which had been fingered as a major contributor to the delays and alleged extortions along the corridors.

Arising from the meeting, it was agreed that henceforth, monitoring and traffic enforcement within the port corridors would be round–the-clock. Sanwo-Olu also promised to engage owners of oil tank farms and representatives of petroleum workers’ unions to key into the “Eto” platform, to put an end to the indiscriminate parking of oil and gas trucks on the port access roads.

The governor stressed that private operators in the ports must play their part toward ensuring that ports in Lagos were transformed into logistics centres of excellence.

Having re-evaluated the implementation of the call-up system along with a thorough review of the feedbacks from industry stakeholders and users of the app, BelloKoko recently endorsed the implementation of additional measures designed to correct deficiencies so far identified.

According to the new measures, henceforth, a daily manifest will be generated by TTP for all trucks approved to access the port.

The manifest will be shared with all customers (subscribers), while truck owners will inform the drivers of trucks on the list/manifest to proceed to their various port destinations according to their allotted time as stated in the manifest.

The manifest for each day’s movement will be circulated by 10 p.m. of the previous day and all movements will be done strictly in accordance with approved time belt for each truck category.

The trucks that will be on the manifest are those that emanate (i.e. pre-gated out) from truck parks approved by NPA/LASG, while the status must show “left Pre-gate”

on the “Eto” dashboard.

The new measures also stipulated that all trucks must physically be situated in their respective truck park or pre-gates before being called out or pre-gated out, as applicable, with any truck or truck park found not complying blacklisted, or shut down.

Vehicles not verified from such truck parks but are on the manifest shall not be allowed into the port, while the responsibility for ensuring that all trucks reflected in the manifest physically emerged from the truck parks shall be that of the truck parks and TTP. At the port end, TTP must ensure that only trucks on the manifest gained access into the port while NPA provides security.

To affirm seriousness, some truck parks were recently suspended for some infractions.

To ward off extortions, the new measures stipulated that after a ticket had been duly issued, it is the responsibility of the truck owner/driver to secure it as no other law enforcement agent is authorised to check driver’s call-up tickets.

The truck status could be validated by law enforcement officials using the manifest as published, and the truck’s registered plate number, while LASG/LASTMA shall impound all trucks not on the manifest but hanging around port locations at any-time, without additional notice.

Analysts have hailed the renewed zeal for the success of the “Eto” app, especially in view of the enormous impact of the Apapa traffic situation on socio-economic activities in Lagos.

They have also commended the current efforts of Bello-Koko who, they recalled, had played a major role in the conceptualisation and eventual roll-out of the electronic truck call-up system while serving as NPA’s Executive Director, Finance and Administration.

They believe that the “Eto” initiative, if effectively deployed, will bring an end to the intractable vehicular gridlock on the access roads leading to the country’s two busiest seaports.

They, however, emphasised the buy-in of the port community, noting that such support was critical to success.

Mr Sesan Onileimo, Executive Director, Maritime Industry Advocacy Initiative, an NGO, put it more succinctly.

“The ‘Eto’ system must be supported to succeed to keep the Nigerian port economy on the path of efficiency and growth; it is an intervention too good to fail,” he said. ... Sheyin writes for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

T H I S D AY ˾ ͵, 2021

39

CRIME&SECURITY

Waging War against Drug Abuse in Katsina Wife of the Katsina State Governor, Dr. Hadiza Bello Masari is tackling the prevailing rate of drug addiction among youths and married women in the state, writes Francis Sardauna

T

he wave of drug addiction that is pervading Nigeria, with dominance mostly in the North and some parts of the West has tipped the nation into a boiling conundrum. The reason is not far-fetched. Recent discreet investigation

by THISDAY has revealed that married women, youths and students in Katsina State often abuse cough syrups, Indian hemp and off-the-counter drugs like rophynol, tramadol, diazepam and lexotan, which are controlled drugs that should only be sold after a doctor’s prescription.

The consequences of this menace in the state have been terrible as findings revealed that drug abuse has led to the prevailing cases of banditry, kidnapping, unwanted pregnancies, adultery, and burglary as well as broken homes in the state.

This age-long predicament has also burgeoned into a critical economic, social and physiological crisis, which if unchecked, portends grave danger to the society at large.

Consequently, the menace has become the concern of all and sundry because the victims and traffickers of drugs live in the society as neighbours, children, friends, students, siblings and spouses or even parents. Today, the disturbing global phenomenon to which no nation is immune, has spread to many homes as even married women get increasingly involved in illicit drugs and substance abuse.

Miffed by this scenario, Wife of the Katsina State Governor, Dr. Hadiza Bello Hajiya Hadiza Masari Masari, is out to deal with the drug scourge and bring other stakeholders on youths, students and married women board, to collectively face the challenge in the state with a view to stemming of drug abuse head-on through her pet the challenge.

Mrs Masari, through her Nonproject, "Centre for the Advancement governmental Organisation (NGO), of Mothers and Children".

Thus, she built a benefiting state-of-the- is also partnering traditional rulers, art centre in Funtua Local Government teachers, community and religious Area of the state for the rehabilitation leaders to help sensitise families, asand reformation of drug addicts and sociates and friends of the victims to dissuade them from further abuse so offenders.

The centre, which is located in Funtua as to quicken the process of reducing town, the headquartres of Funtua Lo- stigma associated with drug abuse and cal Government, was inaugurated in other related crimes afflicting residents December 2019 with the sole aim of of the state.

Consequently, the governor's wife provide counselling, rehabilitation and treatment to drug users in order to is determined to ward off trafficking stem the tide of drug addiction among and consumption of illicit drugs in all youths, particularly students, young parts of the state. Infact, she is not only girls and married women in the state. concerned about total rehabilitation of The centre is fully equipped with victims of drug abuse, but also reducing facilities, caregivers and psychologists stigmatisation to foster fast recovery of to aid victims' quick rehabilitation and all affected persons, particularly rural provide counseling for them to easily dwellers across the state, hence her reintegrate into the society and contribute unflinching support at all times.

Meanwhile, in commemoration of this meaningfully to the socio-economic swell being of the society. The centre year's (2021) International Day Against also focuses on patient detoxification Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Dr. and rehabilitation for drug and alcohol Hadiza, flanked by the Chairman, dependents by assessing their physical Board of Trustees of her NGO who and mental health, detoxification and is also the Chief Judge of the State, rehabilitation which include counselling, Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar, visited educative activities, occupational training Funtua Correctional Centre where she distributed bags of rice, maize, millet and social reintegration.

Since its inception, the centre has and salt to inmates at the facility. She embarked on numerous humanitarian equally secured freedom for 16 inmates, activities which includes; community including a breastfeeding mother, who sensitisation against drug abuse, trained have been in detention for years.

Speaking shortly after the distribution 33 people across the 11 local government areas in Funtua zone as community of the items, Dr. Hadiza Masari, said drug advisory and counseling workers, studies indicate that drug addiction is schools campaign programme against threatening a generation of students, drug abuse that covers all secondary women and youths, adding that subschools in the zone and partnered the stances that were once unknown have National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency acquired notoriety among the women, (NDLEA) and the National Youths Service who now put them to negative use.

Corps (NYSC) on public sensitisation She described the issue of drug abuse as a heinous crime which breaks her programmes.

These, among other notable humanitar- heart, adding that parents must ensure ian services that included media advocacy that their children who are entrusted and mass mobilisation campaigns in to them by God are safe from people nooks and crannies of the state, had with questionable characters.

She said: “We strongly condemn drastically reduced the menace of drug abuse. Accordingly, from 2019 to date, the activities of drug traffickers in the centre has succesfully provided view of their negative consequences free counselling for more than 7,000 of destroying the future of our youths,

who are the leaders of tomorrow. This (Masari) administration through active collaboration with my NGO is therefore up and doing in bringing about opportunities that would enable our youths to be self-employed and improve their economic well-being.

"There is sufficient evidence that the use of licit and illicit substances has contributed in no small measure to the prevalence of insecurity and acute and chronic health conditions and social problems like domestic violence, road traffic and workplace accidents, and criminal activities. Both substances are responsible for the majority of treatment demands recorded in local facilities".

She explained that there was a need for all stakeholders to pay attention to the dangers inherent in the increasing use of amphetamine-type-stimulants, injecting drug use, lack of services for drug users and the gender disearities that exist in access to treatment, calling for concerted efforts to tackle the problem.

According to her, "in the midst of this changing scene we have not made much progress in drug policy reform as we continue to rely on untested and ineffective strategies and not giving due attention to treatment and rehabilitation.

Treatment should be readily available to anyone in need and such treatment should be professional in nature and based on the best available evidence".

Similarly, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Centre for the Advancement of Mothers and Children, Justice Danladi while in a media chat to commemorate the day, lamented that about 15 million Nigerians partake in drug abuse, most of whom he said are the youth population. ”Imagine what would become of Nigeria in the next 15 years if by default tomorrow, these youths assume leadership positions in the society. The result would indeed be a chaotic society where life becomes short, nasty and brutish. God forbid", he said.

Consequently, he called on all and sundry to ensure the total eradication of consumption and trafficking of illicit drugs and the stigmatisation of its victims. He admonished the media and

the civil society as agents of change and public enlightenment to join the fight against abuse and illicit trafficking as well sensitise the general public against stigmatisation of victims to foster fast recovery.

The chief judge added that: "It is high time we understood that the victims are our sons, daughters, husbands, wives, parents, in-laws, neighbours and colleagues who would one day rise to positions of leadership in our societies".

Even though Dr. Hadiza Bello Masari has over the years responded boldly to this global challenge with innovative, standard-setting drug demand reduction policies and programmes, there is need for other policymakers to join forces with her for more awareness programmes to address the perception of stigma among the youths and their families over substance use and to remove barriers towards seeking care for the problem.

These programmes should also address the inability of the youths, students and married women to perceive addictive behaviours as a health risk. Parents and support persons’ involvement and engagement in youth programmes should be strengthened further as it improves communication and better decision-making for youth health issues.

Family-based prevention programmes emphasising parenting skills, training or improving family functioning, communication and family rules regarding substance abuse needs to be introduced.

Also, teachers are a major source of information to young people. Hence, strengthening the role and performance of educational institutions, ensuring availability of counselling services, gender sensitivity issues, making life skills courses a part of curriculum, are required for health and welfare of young people.

Most importantly, in all youth- related programmes, young people should be involved and engaged to empower them to take informed decisions by government at all levels, including non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations and philanthropists in the country.

40

T H I S D AY ˾ ͵˜ 2021

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

NDIC to Partner BPSR to Boost Service Delivery to Depositors James Emejo ÓØ ÌßÔË The Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mr. Bello Hassan has expressed the corporation’s readiness to partner the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) towards enhancing innovation in the delivery of services to depositors and other stakeholders.

Speaking when he received the Director-General of the bureau, Mr. Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi and his management team on courtesy visit to the corporation, Hassan said the NDIC remained committed towards effective service delivery.

He said this informed the swift approval by the NDIC board for the establishment of

an Efficiency and Innovation Unit in the Strategy Development Department in compliance with the directive of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

The NDIC boss, in a statement by the NDIC Director, Communication and Public Affairs, Mr. Bashir Nuhu, further restated the corporation’s support for external assessment of its performance and expressed the belief that the Self- Assessment Tool (SAT) developed by the bureau would complement the NDIC’s existing mechanism for assessing the effective discharge of its mandate.

This, he said, will also assist it in achieving the federal government’s objectives of significantly strengthening governance and accountability in service delivery to the citizenry.

Earlier, Arabi had explained that the IT-based self-assessment tool of the bureau is designed to coordinate, monitor and evaluate the implementation of reforms as well as disseminate information on all aspects of public service, amongst other objectives.

He expressed optimism in the corporation’s ability to implement the bureau’s selfassessment processes and its commitment towards putting innovation as a top priority to promote excellence in service delivery.

He added that the BPSR will continue to collaborate with the NDIC as well as other government agencies in assessing their performance to ensure optimal discharge of their mandate to the populace

NIRSAL MFB Denies Alleged Misappropriation of AGSMEIS Facility James Emejo ÓØ ÌßÔË NIRSAL Microfinance Bank (NMFB) yesterday denied allegations that it had misappropriated the sum of N5 million loan facility under the Agri-Business Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS) with respect to a beneficiary.

Specifically, the bank said the accusation that an “AGSMEIS loan of N5 million was diverted by staff of NMFB is far from the truth”.

The financial institution however, reiterated its commitment to delivering services in a seamless manner for more rewarding experience for customers.

In a statement issued yesterday

by Head, Corporate Communications, NMFB, Halima Idris Omar, the bank described the incident in question as a, “rare case of

swap of phone numbers with similar names in 2019, when full automation had not been deployed.”

While putting the records straight, the bank stated: “The fact of the matter is that this was a rare case of swap of phone numbers with similar names in 2019, when full automation had not been deployed.

“The phone numbers of two applicants bearing the same name (Rebecca Daniel and Rebecca Zamari Daniel) exchanged places during the disbursement process.

“Incidentally, both had AGSMEIS loan approvals for different sums. Upon disbursement, the loan of N500,000.00 was approved in favor of the rightful person using her Bank Verification Number (BVN) but with a wrong phone number.”

Omar, however, pointed out that the loan had since been

utilised by the said beneficiary in early 2020 while repayment had also commenced after moratorium.

“This explains why Rebecca Zamari Daniel was receiving text messages for the repayment of a N500,000 loan.

“Presently, the information mismatch has been sorted and the N5 million loan for Rebecca Zamari Daniel booked. “ The statement added that the AGSMEIS application process had now been improved by leveraging on technology to bring about efficiency following fully-automated process from start to finish.

The bank said applicants are now able to carry out a BVN validation exercise, conduct a credit bureau check and provide guarantors online, whereas online questionnaire replaces physical or telephone interview.

First Bank to Support Education Sector Ugo Aliogo The Chief Executive Officer, First Bank Nigeria Limited, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, has expressed the preparedness of the bank to support the Rotary Club of Lagos in its quest to upscale basic education and literacy by supporting the provision of school libraries with N5, 000,000.

Adeduntan, who this disclosed recently in Lagos, during the installation ceremony of Mr. Babawale Agbeyangi, as the 61st President of Rotary Club of Lagos and Commencement of Humanitarian Projects for the year 2021-2022, said the support was in line with the bank’s sustainability drive to improve reading habits in students and further increase

the growth and development of Nigeria’s economy.

He also stated that the support would boost the mutually beneficial partnership between the bank and Rotary International.

“It would help actualise our mutual objectives of growing our people, minimising negative environmental impacts, and investing in the communities in which we operate,” he added.

He further explained that the bank is committed to the sustainability of the communities in which they operate, adding that its corporate responsibility and sustainability pillars are hinged on education, health, welfare, financial inclusion, responsible lending and procurement.

According to him, “In 2019, the bank was recognised with

the ‘Outstanding Invaluable Company Award’ by The Rotary International.

“The recognition stems from the bank’s impactful corporate social responsibility projects in the areas of education, health, economic and youth empowerment, infrastructure, and environment, amongst others, which Rotary considers invaluable in the service to humanity. We thank you again for this honour. We are deeply committed to supporting the education sector.”

He said at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, FirstBank strengthened the sector to recover by launching an e-learning initiative aimed at moving one million students across the nation to e-learning.

Old Mutual Launches Life Insurance Savings Plan Ebere Nwoji Old Mutual has developed a short term life insurance savings plan that allows an individual save as well as obtain life cover up to N1 million.

The company said developing the product became necessary considering the fact that building a savings culture has become more strained at this time, while the need to save has definitely become more of a necessity than

an option.

Old Mutual Executive Head, Marketing and Customer Experience, Mrs. Alero Ladipo, while speaking on the product, said experience over the course of 2020/2021 have been a lesson in ensuring that one protects his family, health, and livelihood.

“It has become more important to focus on a goal and work towards while at the same time ensuring you are

covered from unpredictable circumstances”, she said .

According to her, Old Mutual, the Nigerian subsidiary of Old Mutual Limited launched the product in Nigeria to further support individuals, families, and small business in achieving and protecting their goals.

She said the plan allows for a minimum monthly savings contribution of N5, 000 which can be increased annually.

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 ˜ ͳ ͰͮͰͯ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $75.71 a barrel on Monday, compared with $75.21 the previous Friday, 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).

41

T H I S D AY ˾ ͵˜ 2021

NGX All-Share Index Rises 0.5% as Market Sustains Gains Goddy Egene The stock market extended its positive performance yesterday as gains in bellwether counters pushed the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited All-Share Index (ASI) by 0.5 per cent to close at 38,418,04. Similarly, market capitalisation added N103.2 billion to close at N20.026 trillion.

The market, which rebounded last week had opened the week with a marginal gain of 0.02

per cent on Monday.

However, the positive trend was sustained yesterday as investors swooped on interim dividends paying firms such as Seplat Energy Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and Access Bank Plc. In all, 28 equities appreciated compared with 10 stocks that depreciated.

Market analysts had envisaged a bull market, saying expectations for half-year (H1) earnings seasons would

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

retain the market in the bulls’ territory as investors position for interim dividends.

According to analysts, with the H1- 21 earnings season on the horizon, investors would be looking for clues on the sustainability of the decent corporate earnings released for Q1-21.

“However, we expect mixed market performance in the week ahead as bargain hunting in dividend-paying

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

stocks will be matched by intermittent profit-taking activities. Notwithstanding, we advise investors to take positions in only fundamentally justified stocks as the unimpressive macro story remains a significant headwind for corporate earnings,” analysts had said.

A look at the price gainers’ table showed that May & Baker Nigeria Plc led with 9.6 per cent, trailed by UACN Property Development Company Plc with

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

9.5 per cent. Total Nigeria Plc, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc and University Press Plc chalked up 9.2 per cent apiece just as Seplat and Berger Paints Nigeria Plc garnered7.1 per cent and 7.0 per cent respectively.

Access Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, Custodian Investment Plc and Zenith Bank Plc, which are also known for the payment of interim dividend were among the gainers.

Conversely, Eterna Plc led the

O F

price losers with 9.7 per cent, trailed by Linkage Assurance Plc with 9.4 per cent. Unity Bank Plc shed 8.0 per cent, just as Coronation Insurance Plc and Jaiz Bank Plc went down by 5.0 per cent and 1.7 per cent in that order.

Meanwhile, trading activity improved as volume and value traded rose 2.2 per cent and 29.4 per cent respectively to 288.9 million shares and N2.4 billion.

0 5 / 0 7 / 2 0 2 1 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

WEDNESDAY JULY 7, 2021 • T H I S DAY

42

MARKET NEWS A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 05Jul-2021, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 154.77 156.30 0.00% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 0.00% Nigeria International Debt Fund 318.27 318.27 0.00% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 111.28 111.28 0.00% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.55% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.24 3.40 -4.56% info@anchoriaam.com ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 3.34% Anchoria Equity Fund 133.35 134.87 0.26% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.10 1.10 -17.23% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 19.39 19.97 6.90% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 421.81 434.53 5.35% ARM Ethical Fund 38.21 39.36 13.35% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.09 1.09 -1.23% ARM Fixed Income Fund 0.96 0.97 -8.13% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.90% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 105.01 105.01 3.24% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.46% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 1.97 1.97 -16.50% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.07 2.11 -15.40% mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund N/A N/A N/A CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.83% Paramount Equity Fund 16.27 16.57 1.73% Women's Investment Fund 135.11 136.67 1.52% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.85% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 116.99 117.76 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 107.08 107.08 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.80% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.18 1.19 -1.65% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.39 1.39 -12.21% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 3.09% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 2.69% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,140.26 1,150.12 -0.35% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,384.43 1,384.43 11.11% FBN Balanced Fund 188.95 190.25 0.68% FBN Halal Fund 110.94 110.94 8.31% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.38% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Legacy Money Market Fund Legacy Debt Fund Legacy Equity Fund Legacy USD Bond Fund FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Coral Balanced Fund Coral Income Fund Coral Money Market Fund

125.91 157.27

125.91 3.54% 159.43 4.03% fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com

Bid Price 1.00 3.95 1.57 1.18

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.00 4.30% 3.95 2.19% 1.61 3.37% 1.18 3.61% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price N/A N/A N/A

Offer Price N/A N/A N/A

Yield / T-Rtn N/A N/A N/A

GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.74% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.87 2.93 0.51% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 151.08 151.36 -2.84% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.26 1.30 0.17% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.09 1.09 0.06% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.41 1.43 3.47% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,152.22 1,152.22 4.27% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 11.21 11.25 7.00% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 7.58% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.66 1.68 7.18% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.50 11.55 -5.23% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 3.77% PACAM Equity Fund 1.63 1.64 2.87% PACAM EuroBond Fund 111.32 113.01 1.28% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 131.37 133.68 4.23% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 3.41% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.28 1.30 0.18% United Capital Bond Fund 1.89 1.89 3.36% United Capital Equity Fund 0.85 0.88 7.85% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.53% United Capital Eurobond Fund 118.64 118.64 3.68% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.05 1.06 2.81% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.06 1.06 5.54% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 12.86 12.97 8.39% Zenith Ethical Fund 14.09 14.21 15.33% Zenith Income Fund 24.15 24.15 0.74% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.23%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

124.09 51.54

2.77% -1.64%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

13.20 124.66 98.78 17.81 17.94

13.30 127.62 100.89 17.91 18.04

-0.13% 3.61% -0.46%

Fund Name SFS REIT Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund MERGROWTH ETF MERVALUE ETF

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.85 5.95 17.27 1.00 19.15 151.68

3.89 6.03 17.37 1.00 19.35 153.68

2.05% 4.47% 6.48% 4.38% -6.65% -30.77%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.52

13.11%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

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IMAGES

T H I S D AY ˾ ͵˜ 2021

Photo Editor ÌÓÙÎßØ ÔËÖË Email ËÌÓÙÎßØ˛ËÔËÖË̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙ×

L-R: First Lady of Kebbi State, Dr Zainab Bagudu; Ondo First Lady, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu; and Director Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Adebimpe Adebiyi, at the Combined First and Second Quarter Meeting of the National Technical Working Group on Cancer Control and Prevention in, in Abuja ..recently

L-R: Former Pro Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi; Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev Felix Ajakaye; Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolwo University, Prof Eyitayo Ogunbodede and his wife, Mrs Ogunmodede; at the funeral mass for the late Prof Francisa Aladejana at the St Patrick’s Catholic cathedral, Ado-Ekiti...recently

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma (left) being welcomed by APC Chieftain, Chief Ikechi Emenike and wife, Ambassador Uzoma Emenike for the burial of late Lady Olaocha Ohadiugha mother in-law of Chief Emenike at Umule Ohuhu, Umuahia, Abia State...recently

President/Chairman of Council, The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Dr. Bayo Olugbemi (right) and Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde during the CIBN Stakeholders’ Engagement with governor in Ibadan...recently

lL-R; Minister of FCT, Malam Mohammed Bello; Chairperson, House of Representatives Committee on INEC, Rep. Aisha Dukku; and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Rep. Abdullahi Gaya, during the 9th House of Representatives Northern Caucus Retreat in Niger State….recently

L-R: Commissioner for Local Government Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development Arc. Aliyu Muhammad Saifudeen; Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Senior Ibrahim Sulyman; Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi; and Olofa of Offa HRM Oba Muftau Muhammed Gbadamosi; during the commissioning of Kwara State Polytechnic Auditorium Complex, in Ilorin...recently

L-R: Kwara State Commissioner of Police CP Muhammed Bagega; State Director DSS Patrick Ikenweiwe; State Commandant NSCDC Makinde Iskil Ayinla; Secretary to the State Government Prof. Mamman Saba Jubril; and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; during presentation of operational vehicles and bulletproof vests to security agencies in the State at Government House, Ilorin...recently

L-R: Wife of Assistant Pastor in Charge of Province (WAPICP) Admin, : Pastor (Mrs) Ladipo Bamidele; Wife of Pastor in Charge of Province (WPICP), Pastor (Mrs) Olabisi Akinlabi; Wife of Assistant Pastor in Charge of Region 2 (WAPICR), Pastor (Mrs) Oworonke Osunsan and Wife of Assistant Pastor in Charge of Province (WAPICP), Pastor (Mrs) Adetutu Olurinto during the RCCG Lagos Province 17 2021 Sister’s Convention in Lagos…recently

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WEDNESDAY, Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

FG Praises Army for Professionalism, Obedience to Civil Authority Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The federal government yesterday commended the Nigerian Army for remaining a highly professional security agency subordinated to civil control since 1999.

The Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi (rtd), made the commendation yesterday on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari at the grand finale of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2021 in Abuja.

Magashi also charged the army to remain resolute in tackling security challenges bedevilling the country.

He commended the army for saving the country from disintegration and for demonstrating a high level of professionalism in its operations.

The minister, however, charged the army to evolve new methods of winning the support and confidence of Nigerians.

He said: “I am particularly happy to note that despite the army’s involvement in politics, it has since 1999 remained a highly

professional Army, subordinated to democratic civilian control.

“The Nigerian Army, as part of the larger armed forces, has continued to discharge its constitutional roles with great success. It is to the credit of the army that despite the current internal security challenges, the nation’s commitments to regional and international peace and security remain unshaken.”

He also commended what he described as the increasing understanding and cooperation within the military, as well as the inter-agency cooperation in the fight against terrorists and other criminals in the North-east.

According to him, the joint effort has led to the decimation of some terrorists and criminals.

“Government services and private businesses have since resumed in areas hitherto controlled by these terrorists. Therefore, as we celebrate the achievements of the Nigerian Army and all security agencies, we would like to thank all well-

meaning Nigerians for their support and understanding,” he said.

He said the federal government appreciated and commended recent efforts by individuals, community members, traditional leaders and numerous civil society organisations, especially the youths that are cooperating and supporting the security agencies in exposing all agents of destruction and instability in the polity.

Magashi stated that as a responsible government, the federal government is conscious of the challenges being faced by the citizenry and promised that these would soon be resolved.

“You have saved Nigeria from disintegration and have demonstrated a high sense of professionalism in your operations. I want to assure you that this government and indeed the Nigerian people deeply appreciate your noble sacrifices to safeguard our nation,” he said.

He charged the officers and men of the Nigerian Army to be proactive in evolving new strategies,

methods and techniques of winning the hearts and minds in the current phase of operations.

The minister also urged them to continue to collaborate and synergise with other security agencies in the country as well as friendly nations facing similar challenges in order to enhance their current efforts.

The minister said throughout the colonial era, the army was used primarily for internal and expeditionary operations.

“In its internal security role, the army served as an instrument of colonial subjugation while in its expeditionary role, it was used in World Wars I and II as part of the allied forces that defeated Nazi Germany.

It fought gallantly during the civil war to safeguard the unity of our dear nation and to guarantee our collective peace and security,” he said.

Magashi said the federal government was also aware that the achievements of the Nigerian Army also came with associated costs.

According to him, some soldiers have lost their lives,

some have sustained injuries while many others have been away from their families for long periods.

“I once again send my condolences to the families of those who died in an effort to safeguard the sovereignty of our great nation. May their gentle souls rest in peace,” he said.

Magashi urged the Nigerian Army to continue to abide by its ethics and ethos and to keep to its rules of engagement while ensuring that human rights are respected in the conduct of military operations.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Farouk Yahaya, said: "This day, 6 July, is of great significance in the history of the NA and indeed Nigeria.

It was on this date in 1967 that the first shot was fired at Garkem, a border town in present-day Cross River State, in what turned out to be the unfortunate 30-months Nigerian Civil War.” Yahaya said in view of the significant role the Nigerian Army played in the resolution of the crisis,

the date was chosen and set aside not only to preserve its history, but also to project and educate members of the public on the activities of the Army.

“It also affords us the opportunity to showcase our contributions to the socio-economic and political developments of Nigeria,” Yahaya said, noting: “This year’s celebration is low key, due to the unfortunate and sad development that led to the death of my predecessor, the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, and 10 others in a plane mishap on Friday, May 21, 2021 in Kaduna.”

The COAS also used the medium to congratulate the recipients of the COAS commendation awards, reinstating his resolve to continue to promote merit, celebrate gallantry and honour heroes.

He also assured the rank and file of his determination to bring back the glory of Regimental Sergeant Majors as custodians of discipline and regimentation in Nigerian Army formations and units.

LCCI: Nigerian Postal Bill will Endanger Private Investments Dike Onwuamaeze The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has warned that the Nigerian Postal Services Bill 2021 as passed by the Senate is replete with provisions that would be detrimental to private sector investments in the courier industry.

President of the LCCI, Mrs. Toki Mabogunje, during the

Chamber’s, “Address on the State of the Economy,” yesterday in Lagos, described the provisions of the bill as an impediment to sustainable investment in the courier industry.

The chamber’s concerns about the bill included the requirement in Section 68 (2) (b) that licensed private courier operators should contribute two per cent of

their annual turnover to the Universal Postal Service fund.

She said: “We have taken a critical look at the bill and we are seriously concerned about several provisions of the bill. The bill as passed by the Nigerian Senate is replete with provisions that are detrimental to private sector investment in the courier industry.

“This provision is most

unfair to courier companies, many of which are struggling to survive. Turnover would include companies’ debts (some of which the courier companies may not be able to collect).

“Besides, these companies currently pay numerous taxes, which include Company Income Tax, VAT and levies by various states of the federation, the Federal

Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and airport charges, throughput charges by the FAAN pension funds and the NSITF, the NHF, local government charges, signage fees of various states, etc.).

“The industry is currently beset with a variety of taxes at national and sub-national levels.”

Mabogunje also expressed the LCCI’s discomfort with

the exclusive powers granted to the Public Postal Operator (PPO) in Section 10 (1) (a), (b), (h), (j) and (r) of the bill for “collecting, accepting, processing, conveying and delivering postal articles weighing up to one kilogramme and delivering postal articles with the tariff of less than five times the rate of postage applicable to the particular weight class.”

in the Nigeria petroleum industry while the influx of new investments from second-generation International Oil Companies (IOCs) is being expected.

Danjuma Goje, North-east; Opeyemi Bamidele, Southwest; Stella Oduah, Southeast and Gabriel Suswam, North-central.

Lawan charged members of the conference committee to meet with their counterparts in the House of Representatives to enable the National Assembly to come up with a final document on the PIB for transmission to the executive arm of government.

He said: “The conference committee will meet with our counterparts in the House; the House will also announce the composition of the conference committee, and we hope that they will swing into action immediately, so that we are able to have the final document of the PIB which we will transmit for the presidential assent.

“So, we expect our delegation hereunder the leadership of the Senate Leader to engage with our colleagues in the House of Representatives.”

Last week, the two chambers of the National Assembly passed the agelong PIB with the Senate

approving three per cent of operational cost as Trust Fund for Host communities while the House of Representatives approved five per cent.

The conference committee of the two chambers is expected to harmonise the percentage due to the host communities before the final cleaning of the bill for onward transmission to the President for his assent.

Gbajabiamila yesterday set up a committee for the harmonisation of differences in the bill.

He said Hon. Muhammad Monguno will chair the committee, with Hon. Victor Nwokolo, Hon. Ademorin Kuye, Hon. Kingsley Uju, Hon. Tijjani Yusuf, Hon. Ibrahim Hamza and Hon. Mansur Soro as members.

Gbajabiamila also read a communication from the Speaker of the Ghanaian parliament, Mr. Albert Bagbin, of his intention to visit the House of Representatives on Wednesday (today), to brief the House as a continuation of the collaboration between the Nigerian and Ghanaian parliaments.

BUHARI WON’T DELAY ASSENT TO PIB, SAYS OSINBAJO demand exceeding supply, posing an energy security risk to both producers and consumers.

Barkindo added that this could result in knock-on effects for both the global economy and geopolitics, as there is simply no “one size fits all” solution to addressing climate change.

Instead of jettisoning fossil fuels altogether, he said the deployment of cutting edge technologies and advanced innovations, can all be leveraged to promote a lower carbon future such as carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS).

Barkindo stated that there are challenges to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, stressing that in terms of scale and timing, the 28-year period from now until 2050 is not adequate to achieve net-zero emissions, considering the scale of investments required, the availability of land and the required massive expansion of the electricity grid.

“The last transition took nearly 200 years to cycle through, and now we want to achieve an even more ambitious transition

in less than 30 years! This is simply not realistic,” he added.

He stated that 790 million people worldwide did not have access to electricity in 2020, most of them located in Sub-Saharan Africa and developing Asia, with roughly 2.6 billion people who did not have access to clean cooking fuels, 35 per cent of whom were in Sub-Saharan Africa, 25 per cent in India and 15 per cent in China.

“Climate financing for adaptation and mitigation is an extremely complex process, and questions continue to be raised as to how the $100 billion per year committed in the Paris Agreement will be secured, much less the even more ambitious $5 trillion annual funding needed globally as set out by the net-zero 2050 plan,” he stated.

Also speaking, Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, stated that it is now clear that the industry is challenged today.

“As we all know, investment has gone down

30 per cent. So, those outcomes (non-investment in the oil sector) will come up probably in the next three, four, five years when we will realise that the lack of investment of today will manifest in a very practical sense in our inability to meet demand requirements of oil and gas industry,” he said.

He stressed the need to create the right balance, adding that the world is making a mistake by assuming that in 2050, fossil fuel will disappear and yield the space to renewables.

Director of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr. Sarki Auwalu, in his comments said the oil and gas sector remained pivotal to the Nigerian economy and had historically accounted for upwards of 80 per cent of government revenues and over 90 per cent in foreign exchange earnings, since the beginning of oil exploitation in the late 1950s.

He expressed confidence that with the passage of the PIB into law, operators would have the reasons to consolidate their portfolios

National Assembly Constitutes Committees to Harmonise PIB Meanwhile, following the rejection of the certain provisions of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) by the leaders of the Southern Nigeria, the two chambers of the National Assembly have constituted two separate committees to harmonise the oil bill.

On its part, the Senate set up a seven-man conference committee on the PIB. President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, announced the composition of the conference committee at plenary on Tuesday.

He named the committee members to include the Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, who will serve as Chairman; Senators Mohammed Sabo, North-west; Albert Bassey Akpan, South-south;

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T H I S D AY • WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021

NEWSXTRA

South-west Govs Set up Committee on Constitution Review Deji Elumoye, Adedayo Akinwale and Udora Orizu in Abuja The six governors of the South-west, yesterday set up a committee on Constitution Review, after a meeting behind closed doors with South-west federal lawmakers.

The meeting which took place at Transcorp Hotel, Abuja lasted for over two hours.

Governors in attendance were Dapo Abiodun, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Seyi Makinde and Gboyega Oyetola, of Ogun, Lagos, Oyo and Osun states, respectively.

Also present was the Ekiti State Governor and Chairman of Nigeria

Bribery Video: Court Orders Ganduje to Pay N800,000 to Daily Nigerian Publisher Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano A Kano State High Court has ordered the state Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, to pay N800,000 to the publisher of an online newspaper, Daily Nigerian, Ja’afar Ja’afar, over the viral dollar bribery video.

A series of the secretly recorded videos in 2018 had shown a figure alleged to be Ganduje pocketing wads of dollars allegedly taken as kickbacks.

The governor had denied the videos, saying they were doctored.

He blamed it on mischief makers who were bent on tarnishing his reputation.

He had also gone to the court in an attempt to clear his name, while asking the publisher to pay N3 billion in damages.

On June 28, 2021, the governor

Governors Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and his Ondo State counterpart, who is the Chairman of Southern Governors Forum and South-west Governors Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu who presided.

Akeredolu, earlier in his opening remarks, said issues set for discussions include, gender equality, federal structure in governance and fiscal decentralisation, state Police, amongst others.

He recalled that the last time such meeting was held was when they wanted to decide on who

becomes the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

He described the inability to hold meeting since that time as unfortunate, while assuring that the development would not repeat itself.

Reading the resolution shortly after the closed doors meeting, the governor explained that they deliberated with the lawmakers on several areas of interest, especially constitutional amendments and they resolved to set up a committee in order to present a common position as regards to the

amendment.

According to him, the committee is made of up senators led by the caucus Chairman Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; House of Representatives caucus Chairman, Hon. Femi Fakaye and attorneys of the south-west states.

Akeredolu said,“South-west governors held a meeting with members of the House of Representatives and senators from South -west. At the meeting we discussed so many areas of interest, but most importantly we deliberated on constitutional amend-

ments and we resolved that we will present a common position as regards to amendment to constitution. And in order to achieve this, we set up a committee, the committee made of up senators led by the caucus chairman and House of Representatives caucus chairman and attorneys of the south west states. The committee is to harmonise our position so that we can present it when necessary before the two House and at the end of the day have a constitutional amendment have our serious input.”

filed an application at the court through his counsel, Offiong Offiong, seeking to discontinue the case.

During the hearing of the case yesterday, counsel to Ja’afar, Utum Eteng and counsel to Penlight Media Limited, publisher of Daily Nigerian, MB Azumi, did not object to the application, but demanded the sum of N400 million as part of terms to discontinue the suit.

The lawyers also demanded an apology, which they said should be published in national dailies, as well as a pre-action letter.

In his ruling, the presiding judge, Justice Suleiman Na-mallam, granted the sum of N400,000 each to Ja’afar and his company.

The judge was, however, silent on the prayer by the defendants for the governor to make a public apology in national dailies.

Four PDP House Members Defect to APC Udora Orizu in Abuja Four members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Zamfara State, in the House of Representatives yesterday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers are: Hon. Bello Hassan Shinkafi, Hon. Ahmed Bakura, Hon. Ahmed Shehu and

Hon. Suleiman Gumi.

Their defection is coming few days after Governor Bello Matawalle defected to the ruling APC. In a letter signed by Hon. Suleiman Gumi and read at plenary by the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the lawmakers hinged their decision to leave the PDP, on crisis within it, which led to dissolution of the state chapter by the national leadership of the party.

SIGNED AND SEALED… L- R: Company lawyer, Mr. Sadiq Mahmood; Brand Ambassador, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi; and Chief Executive Officer, Vento Furniture, Mr. Usman Abdullahi, at the unveiling of the Adeniyi as brand ambassador in Abuja…yesterday

Gbajabiamila: Only Authentic Electoral Bill will Be Passed

Membership Registration Continues in Imo, Kwara, Ogun, Rivers, Says APC

Adedayo Akinwale and Udora Orizu in Abuja

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila yesterday debunked reports that the Electoral Act Amendment Bill has been altered, declaring that only the authentic bill will be passed.

He decried reports that the lawmakers were planning to remove electronic transmission of election results from the Electoral Act amendment bill, saying that they were yet to receive the report

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has approved the continuation of the party’s membership registration revalidation and update exercise in Imo, Kwara, Ogun and Rivers states.

The National Secretary of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee of the party, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday, following the recommendation of the membership registration appeals committee.

He said: “With this approval, the membership registration, revalidation and register update exercise in the four states will continue for two weeks.

“Those who have not been

registered in these States can purchase forms for congresses, party office elections and convention. For congresses in Rivers State, all those who have purchased forms in the past will be allowed to participate in the congresses on the presentation of the bank teller as proof of payment.”

Akpanudoedehe added that registration materials have been adequately deployed to the listed states.

“Any attempt to deprive intending registrants will be dealt with accordingly in line with the provisions of the APC constitution and guidelines for the exercise.”

He stressed that all Nigerians who are desirous of joining the progressive fold are welcome to take advantage of this window and register as members of the APC.

Vento Furniture Unveils Adeniyi as Brand Ambassador Daniel Agada Vento Furniture, a premium furniture company in Nigeria, has unveiled the Chairman, Editorial Board of THISDAY, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, as its brand ambassador.

According to the Head, Strategy and Communication of the company, Mr. Joshua Ocheja, the choice of Adeniyi was informed by his rich professional pedigree.

“The intellectual space is deserving of recognition. Olusegun Adeniyi has distinguished himself as a writer and journalist, who has authored several books that are of premium content.

Besides, Adeniyi’s style of writing and public engagements resonate with the premium quality of Vento

Furniture, which is designed to bring maximum comfort to every home, like the satisfaction you get after reading his (Adeniyi’s) literary works.”

Ocheja further added that the unveiling of Adeniyi was the first in recognising the social value of intellectuals and the audience they influence in society.

In accepting the offer, Adeniyi who expressed surprise that a writer could be picked to occupy a space meant only for celebrities, said he was delighted that Vento considered him worthy to be their brand ambassador.

“This is particularly special for me because my late father was a carpenter. So, now you have a carpenter’s son selling furniture.”

from the committee.

Gbajabiamila’s statement was in response to a point of order raised by a member, Hon. Ugonna Ozurigbo, who said his constituents have inundated him with calls, demanding why the lawmakers would refuse electronic transfer of election results.

Ozurigbo said: “A number of Nigerian have been calling me to express worry about the alteration to the electoral act. I don’t know the information going around where they said that we carefully amended Section 50 Subsection 2 that the

agreed electronically transmitted election result have been changed to manually transmitted. I think my privilege has been breached.’’

Responding, the Speaker said he had made it a habit not to respond to every media report, as the committee saddled with the responsibility of working on the Electoral Act was yet to submit a report to the House.

“I really don’t want to speak to a report that has not been submitted to this house. We have procedures, time-tested,” he said.

“The committee has been given

an assignment, they will do their work and present its report and house of as a whole will vote on that report clause by clause.

“Only the committee’s authentic report like it has always been, will take hold on the floor of the house, nothing more, nothing less.

“I have asked the chairman of that committee; she is not aware of any such. So it remains on the realm of speculations and we will be waiting until the committee submits its reports. Like I said that will be done before we close on the 14th (of July).”

North-east Govs Lament Delay in Execution of Mambilla Hydro Power Project Wole Ayodele in Jalingo The North-east governors have lamented the delays in the execution of the Mambilla Power Project in Taraba State In a communique released at the end of their meeting held in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, yesterday, the governors noted with dismay the contractual encumberances that have continued to stall the take-off and actualisation of the project and urged President Muhammadu Buhari to accord the project the

seriousness it deserves.

The governors, in the communique signed by their Chairman of the forum and governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum urged the President to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to address the encumberances and bring the project to reality.

The forum stated that it has noted the general improvement in the security situation in the region and called for continuous collaboration between the security agencies to maintain the gains recorded so far.

The governors however called on the diplomatic and donor agencies to activate the process of transmitting from humanitarian activities to stabilisation and durable solutions within the region, saying this will ensure sustainability and give the people the opportunity to help themselves out of poverty.

The governors decried the effects of drugs and narcotic substances in the region and the extent to which it has fueled insurgency and called for support in stopping drug trafficking as well as enforcing control in the

region and across the borders.

The forum however expressed displeasure over the lack of collaboration between the North East Development Commission and the states in the region just as it described the execution of ongoing projects of the Commission as very slow.

The governors commended the Federal Character Commission but noted with dismay the shortfall in the number of applicants from the region in the recent recruitments into some federal agencies.

Gunmen Abduct Four Ekiti Farmers, Demand N50m Ransom Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted four farmers at Ikosun-Ekiti, Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

It was gathered that the farmers were kidnapped while working on their farmlands in the area around 5.30pm on Monday.

The captors were said to have contacted the families yesterday and

demanded for N50 million ransom to release the people being held hostage.

A source in the town told journalists yesterday that that the farmers who were: Gbadamosi Sarafa, Yinka Adeniran and two others identified as Seun and Jimoh, were all kidnapped at the farm settlement between, while working inside their farms.

He further explained that two of those kidnapped, Seun and Jimoh were said to be truck operators working in the farm as at the time

they were abducted along with two others and taken to an unknown destination.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti Command, Mr. Sunday Abutu, confirmed the kidnapping.

Abutu stated that the Command had deployed policemen in the surrounding bushes at Ikosun Ekiti up to the Kwara border for thorough combing of the sprawling forest region .

The police spokesman also denied knowledge of the N50 million being requested by the abductors from the abductees’ families.

“Our men are in the bush working hard to rescue the farmers. We are working in conjunction with Amotekun Corps and local hunters.

“We believe that with the level of security measures we have put in place, we are sure that we will rescue them and probably get the perpetrators of this dastardly act.”

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Kaduna School Confirms Abduction of 121 Students Bandits assures of safety of students John Shiklam in Kaduna The President of the Kaduna Baptist Convention, Rev. Ishaya Jangadi, yesterday confirmed that 121 students were abducted by bandits at the Bethel Baptist High School, Damishi,

Kaduna.

The students were abducted on Monday when the gunmen, said to be about 70 invaded the school.

Speaking in an interview with journalists after a meeting with parents of the abducted children at the school

Falana Commends Lagos Assembly for Outlawing Media Parade of Suspects Sunday Ehigiator Human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has commended the Lagos State House of Assembly for unanimously passing an amended version of the Criminal Justice Law of the state barring the police from henceforth parading suspects before the media.

He also urged the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to speedily assent to the bill.

In a signed statement issued yesterday, the senior lawyer particularly singled out Section 9(A) of the newly passed bill which states that: “As from the commencement of this law, the police shall refrain from parading any suspect before the media,” for commendation.

According to him, the bill has adopted the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 on the humane treatment of criminal suspects, and has also outlawed the discriminatory and illegal parade of criminal suspects by law enforcement officers in the State.

Falana said the practice of parading suspects was illegal, as it constitutes a gross violation of the fundamental rights of criminal

CAN Demands Probe of Security Lapses in Kaduna Students’ Abduction Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has charged President Muhammadu Buhari to summon security chiefs in the country to explain why criminals are operating with ease in Nigeria without being brought to justice.

In a statement issued yesterday

by CAN President, Rev. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, the Christian body said Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for anyone.

He said the country is gradually becoming a den of kidnappers and other criminals who are operating almost unhindered.

Against the background of the kidnap of the 180 pupils of Bethel Baptist College in Kaduna by the Boko Haram terrorists or bandits last Monday, the CAN president said: “President Buhari should summon all the security chiefs in the country and cause them to explain why the criminals are operating with ease in Nigeria without being brought to book.”

With regards to the recent kidnap of some students, Ayokunle expressed CAN condemnation of the abduction of the school children and other kidnappings in the country.

Funeral Obsequies for Kunle Akerele Begin The burial programme for Mr. Akinkunle Akerele, who passed on recently has been released by the family.

According to the statement by the family, the service of songs holds at 5pm on Thursday (tomorrow), July 8, 2021 at his Gwarimpa, Abuja residence.

Burial service is at 10 am on Friday, July 9 at African Church, Durumi, Abuja, followed by interment at Gudu Cemetery, by Apo Legislative Quarters, in the FCT.

suspects to presumption of innocence guaranteed by Section 36 of the Constitution and Article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (Cap A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

He also noted that the act of parading suspects was equally discriminatory as only lowly placed criminal suspects are exposed to media parades by the police and other law enforcement agencies.

premises in Damishi village, Jangadi said the bandits had contacted the school authorities.

He said the bandits confirmed that the children were with them and were safe, adding that the bandits were yet to make any demand.

Jangadi said“some of the children spoke with us”and they (the children) counted themselves and said 121 of them were with the bandits.

“On Monday morning we received a distress information that bandits have entered our school.

“We alerted the security officers

who came to our rescue and actually they respond. They came in and they met the bandits who were already going away with a number of our students and they start exchanging fire.”

According to him,“In the course of exchanging fire, they lost two of the soldiers.

“We have 154 boarding students in the school. After the exchange of fire between the bandits and the security personnel, we came to the school and we recovered 28 students .

“Some of them hide in different

places. Some of them in the course of taking them away, they escaped from the bandits and came back to the school.

“So the total number of students we recovered yesterday were 28. “ Speaking further Jangadi said, “Today, by the grace of God, we had a call from the bandits. They assured us that our children are well.

“We had the privilege of speaking with a few of them. They (the students) counted themselves in the jungle and they gave us information that they are 121 with the bandits.

“When we add the number with the number of those recovered, we discovered that the number is exactly the number of boarders we have in the school. The bandits have not made any demands.”

He said the meeting with the parents was to calm them and solicit for their support in ensuring the release of the students.

“We met with the parents to appreciate them for their patient, understanding and calmness and to also solicit for their support in this trying moments.

UK Parliament to Debate Kanu’s Repatriation to Nigeria The United Kingdom Parliament has disclosed that it would discuss issues surrounding the repatriation of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.

Kanu, who is also a British citizen, was arrested abroad and extradited to Nigeria to face trial for alleged treason.

In a schedule posted on its website, the UK Parliament said it would discuss “the circumstances surrounding the transfer of Kanu to Nigeria against his will,” among other issues.

According to the document, Lord Alton of Liverpool will be raising the issue at the House of Lords and

will ask the British government on Kanu’s repatriation to Nigeria.

“To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of (1) the alleged role of the government of Kenya in the detention and alleged mistreatment of Nigerian activist Nnamadi Kanu, (2) the circumstances surrounding the transfer of Kanu to

Nigeria against his will, and (3) of any assistance being provided to him by the High Commission in Abuja,” the document reads.

The document also states that the question, tagged ‘HL1665’ tabled on July 5, 2021 will be “due for answer” by the “relevant government department” by July 19, 2021.

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Senate Flays Unlawful Arrest of Nigerians By Benin Republic Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Senate yesterday flayed the unlawful encroachment and arrest of Nigerians by the authorities of the Republic of Benin.

This is just as it agreed to consider

the 2021 supplementary appropriations bill today.

Acting on a motion brought before it at plenary, the upper chamber directed its Committees on Foreign Affairs, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal

Anyim Harps on Equity, Justice, Fairness for Social Cohesion Emameh Gabriel in Abuja Former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, has identified equity, justice and fairness as the essential recipes to build a nation out of multi-ethnic nationalities, even as he called for deliberate planning and effort at all stages the national life of Nigeria. Anyim made this revelation yesterday as the guest speaker at the ‘International Research Conference On ‘50 Years Post Nigerian Civil War: Issues, Challenges and Prospects Towards National Integration’, Justice, Peace and Security’, organised by Centre

for Health, Allied Legal and Demographical Development Research and Training of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa, Anambra State.

He said conflicts are “usually borne out of misunderstanding between or among communities or ethnic groups that hitherto came together to form a modern nation.”

According to the former lawmaker, “Research has shown that pre-modern nation differences will remain a trigger for conflicts except if the modern state is properly welded together by equity, fairness, justice and equality, and at times by human and economic developments.”

Matters, and States and Local Governments to interface with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Ministry of Justice and National Border Commission to urgently put in place the necessary mechanism that would provide lasting solutions to the unlawful arrest of Nigerians and encroachment.

Senate’s decision to intervene was sequel to the adoption of a point of order raised by Senator Tolu Odebiyi (APC, Ogun West).

Coming under Order 42 and

52 of the Senate Rules, Odebiyi recalled the numerous reports of alleged encroachments into Nigeria’s territory by authorities of the Republic of Benin, which, according to him, “has become increasingly disturbing.”

The Senator quoted recent media reports indicating that,“gendarmes” from the Republic of Benin crossed illegally into Nigeria territory to carry out the arrest of one Pastor Kunle Garb and Mr. Benjamin Amosu, his interpreter, who are residents of Igbokofi village in Yewa North Local

Government Area of Ogun State for demanding the reversal of the land encroachment by the government of the Republic of Benin.

He also noted that the arrest of these Nigerians was based on the allegation that they are resisting encroachment into Nigerian land through Igbokofi village inYewa-North LGA of Ogun State.

The Senator added that the allegations of encroachment have been flayed by the government of the state as published in a release from

the State Government calling on the Federal Government to immediately secure the release of Nigerian citizens currently languishing in detention in the Republic of Benin as a result of their resistance to the continued encroachment; According to him, the continuous “unchecked” Egress and Ingress of persons at the different entry points and borders between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin – the country’s closest neighbour, are largely the result of the porosity of the country’s borders.

NLC Faults El-Rufai’s Planned Probe of Kaduna Labour Protest Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has described the setting up of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry by the Kaduna State Government to investigate the warning strike action by the NLC from May 16 - 19, 2021, as a joke taken too far.

A statement signed by the

President of the NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, said that the warning strike was purely a labour dispute and industrial relations action that had been legitimised by the 1999 Constitution.

Wabba said that it was equally important to point out that the Governor of Kaduna State, Mr. Nasiru El-Rufai, is a party to this dispute.

According to the NLC’s president,

one of the core principles of law stated that one could not be a judge in one’s case, adding that “the NLC did not see how El-Rufai and the Kaduna State Government could be judge in this matter and we would still have justice given his repeated boast that he would deal with labour leaders and those who took part in the strike action....and that by the time he was done, they would never again set

their feet in Kaduna.”

The NLC’s statement reads in part: “Our attention has been drawn to the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the Kaduna State Government to look into the remote and immediate causes of the warning strike action by the NLC from May 16 - 19, 2021, its legality and the impact on the state and other entities.

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ASR Africa Grants N2.5bn to Kwara Govt to Build Oncology Centre The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), a brainchild of the founder of the BUA Group, Mr. Abdul Samad Rabiu, and the Governor of Kwara State, Mr. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, have announced the construction of the largest oncology and diagnostic centre in West Africa to be built with N2.5billion ASR Africa Tertiary Health

Systems Infrastructure initial grant.

The construction of the centre was recently awarded to Kwara State by the ASR Africa from its annual $100 million Africa Fund for Social Development and Renewal (AFSDR).

Rabiu, who received the design for the oncology center from AbdulRazaq, said that the construction would

Group Calls for Electronic Transmission of Election Results Daniel Agada ReclaimNaija Grassroots Network, comprising grassroots community development and professional associations across the country, has called on members of the National Assembly to ensure that the outcome of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill should reflect the views of the Nigerian people for free, fair and credible elections.

In a plea addressed to members of the lawmakers’ Joint Committee on INEC and Electoral Matters, the network noted that, “the Nigerian citizens have, over the years, constantly expressed their desire for an Electoral Act that safeguards electoral integrity, free and fair elections in the country.”

“We want an Electoral Act that puts an end to electoral fraud and malpractices. The Electoral Act must protect the mandate of Nigerian citizens and make sure that their votes count.

“It should also be one that ensures a level-playing ground for citizens and not one that favours the socioeconomically privileged sections of the society. All these were expressed in the recent public hearings and consultations carried out by National Assembly.

“We are, therefore, gravely con-

cerned to hear that there are attempts to introduce into the Electoral Bill 2021 clauses that undermine electoral integrity and the expressed will of Nigerian citizens, whose interests the legislators are supposed to be upholding in the National Assembly,” the group said.

Continuing further, the network added that, “We join other wellmeaning Nigerians to demand the following: “Electronic Transmission of Results - Section 50 (2): We demand the electronic transmission of results from the polling units and reject any attempt to endorse manual transmission of results.

“Drastic Reduction in Campaign Finance Limits - Section 88: We reject the attempt to astronomically increase the limit for campaign expenses. This is because the high cost of running for office is one of the reasons why disadvantaged groups in our country such as women, youths, persons with disability and low-income earners are not able to contest for public office.

“It also contributes to electoral fraud and godfatherism so that sometimes the candidate that ends up emerging is the one who spent the most money and not necessarily the best candidate,” it reasons.

commence on-site before the end of august.

Speaking at the presentation of the grant and visit to the proposed site, the Group Executive Director of BUA Group, Mr. Kabiru Rabiu, who represented the founder of the BUA’s Group, commended the governor of Kwara State for his commitment to healthcare development, social infrastructure, maternal and child health, and education, which were also the pillars of ASR Africa’s vision.

The executive director said: “I will like to commend and congratulate Governor Abdulrazaq for all the achievements and development his administration has brought to Kwara State in the healthcare sector, infrastructure and education. This aligns with the vision of Mr. Abdul Samad Rabiu through the ASR Africa Initiative.

We are proud to partner serious and committed governments and entities to make critical interventions and sustainable impact in healthcare

and development for the benefit of the people.

“The ASR Africa oncology and diagnosis centre in Ilorin is a standalone facility dedicated to oncology diagnosis, research and treatment, and this would go a long way in bridging the gap in cancer research, diagnosis and treatment in West Africa.

“We appreciate the seriousness with which Abdulrahman and his team have put to kick start the project in line with our mutual accountability

framework. We are moving to site as early as August and the chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu has mandated that the oncology center must be completed before the end of 2022.”

AbdulRazaq, in his response, thanked Founder/Executive Chairman of BUA Group and initiator of ASR Africa, Mr. Abdul Samad Rabiu, for the grant and noted that “Kwara is lucky to have the attention of Abdul Samad Rabiu, the BUA Group and the ASR Africa.

NLC Demands Transformation of NNPC to Limited Liability Entity Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has asked that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) should be transformed into a public liability company (PLC) where every Nigerian could own shares.

The NLC made this demand when it reacted to the passage of

the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) by the two Chambers of the National Assembly and urged the National Assembly to handle with utmost care the sensitive issue of the unbundling of the NNPC. A statement that was signed by the NLC’s President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, canvassed that the NNPC should be transformed into a PLC where every Nigerian can

own shares.

The NLC noted that the PIB was promoted by the government as an instrument for increased transparency, services delivery and global competitiveness in the Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

“This desire to make the Nigerian people stakeholders in the commonwealth of the country appears to have fared quite well in the Senate’s

consideration. This is commendable.

“Congress is, however, concerned that unlike the Senate representation of Clause 53, Clause 53 of the PIB as passed by the House of Representatives does not seem to sufficiently capture this desire of the Nigerian people,” he said.

The NLC stated that such flaw in the amendment is a major blight in the PIB.

Bill on Slaughtering, Breeding, Ranching of Donkey Divides Senators Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Senate was yesterday sharply divided over the debate on a bill to regulate the slaughtering, breeding and ranching of donkey in the country.

The bill for an Act to regulate the slaughter of donkey and establish the breeding and ranching of the animal through the export certification value chain to mitigate the extinction of donkey and for related matter, which sparked the debate, was sponsored by the Senate Leader,

Abdullahi Yahaya.

Raising point of order 43 of the Senate Rules before the Senate Leader could lead debate on the bill, Senate Minority Leader, Eyinnaya Abaribe, drew the attention of his colleagues to some provision in the constitution on why the Senate should not go ahead with debate on the bill.

Insisting that the bill is a violation of some provisions in the constitution, Abaribe said: “I will expect that as a parliament, we should look at the constitution before certain things are put up here.”

Making reference to Section 4 second schedule of the 1999 Constitution, Abaribe noted that there are 68 items in the Exclusive

Legislative List.

He said further action on the bill would invariably make the Senate going against the laws of the land by dabbling into issues that are on the residual list of the constitution meant for legislative actions of state House of Assemblies and local government councils.

According to him “Section 4(4a) of the constitution says: ‘The National Assembly shall legislate on: any matter in the Concurrent Legislative List set out in the first column of Part II of the second schedule to this constitution to the extent prescribed in the second column opposite thereto.

“Part 17-20 of the second schedule 17 states: ‘The National Assembly

may make laws for the Federation or any part thereof with respect to (a) the health, safety and welfare of persons employed to work in factories, offices or other premises or in inter-state transportation and commerce, including the training, supervision and qualification of such persons; (b) the regulation of ownership and control of business enterprises throughout the federation for the purpose of promoting, encouraging or facilitating such ownership and control by citizens of Nigeria; (c) the establishment of research centres for agricultural studies; and (d) the establishment of institutions and bodies for the promotion or financing of industrial, commercial or agricultural projects.

Alleged N5.2bn Fraud: Court Remands ex-JAMB Registrar in Prison Alex Enumah in Abuja A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that a former Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Lawrence Adedibu Ojerinde, be remanded in prison custody.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu, in a ruling yesterday, ordered that Ojerinde be kept in a correctional facility pending the hearing of his bail application, scheduled for July 8.

Justice Egwuatu gave the ruling after Ojerinde was arraigned on an 18-count charge, marked: FHC/ ABJ/CR/97/2021, in which he was accused, among others, of complicity in the diversion of public funds estimated at over N5.2billion.

The prosecuting agency – the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission

(ICPC) – said Ojerinde committed the alleged offences, contained in the charge, between from when he served as the Registrar of the National Examination Council (NECO), though his years in JAMB, till 2021.

Ojerinde pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him.

His lawyer, Mr. Peter Olorunnishola (SAN) subsequently informed the court about a bail application he filed and served on the prosecution.

Olorunnishola however sought time to react to the counter-affidavit filed by lawyer to the prosecution, Mr. Ebenezer Shogunle, which the defence lawyer said was served on him late.

The defence lawyer told the court his client was also standing trial before a High Court in Minna in Niger State in a similar case, which would be heard today.

He said Ojerinde had been arraigned and granted bail by the court in Minna, in respect of which he was made to surrender his international passport.

Olorunnishoa said since the hearing in the case before the court in Minna was scheduled for today (Wednesday), the court should grant the client temporary bail to enable him to attend the proceedings in Niger State and return on a later date for his bail application.

Relying on Section 165(1() of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) that allows the court the discretion to grant bail, Olorunnishola argued that the purpose of bail was to ensure a defendant attends court and not punished or keep such a defendant in government’s confinement.

He said his client was ready to stand trial and would not run away.

He prayed the court to allow the defendant to remain on the bail earlier granted him.

Olorunishola told the court earlier that he had written the ICPC Chairman and sought an audience, with the possibility of a plea-bargain, but was told his client must appear in court. He added that the ICPC gave the impression that it was no longer interested in a plea-bargain.

Responding, Shogunle acknowledged filing a counter-affidavit against the bail application, which he had served on the defence.

Shogunle did not object to Olorunnishola’s request for time to react to the counter-affidavit but opposed the defence lawyer’s application that his client be allowed to remain on the administrative bail, earlier granted him by the ICPC pending the hearing of his bail application.

Shogunle said no law supports the defence’s request for a temporary bail.

WEDNESDAY JULY 7, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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WEDNESDAY JULY 7, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

S’Africa’s Simbine Erases Fasuba's 15-year-old 100m African Record Okagbare races to new 10.89 personal season’s best in 100m Duro Ikhazuagbe Oluso i detokunbo Fasuba’s ŗ5-year reign as rica’s astest man ended yesterday with outh rica’s kani imbine stepping into the saddle as the new king o speed in the continent with a new ş.ŞŚ seconds.

imbine sha ed oě a hundreth o a second rom the ş.Ş5 seconds Fasuba clocked at the 200Ŝ Doha rand ri¡ in atar.

With barely a month to the start o the athletics e ents o the Tokyo 2020 Olympic amesǰ imbine running at the Ist an yulai Memorial meeting in Budapestǰ Hungary on Tuesdayǰ sent a strong signal to the rest

o the ęeld that the blue ribband e ent in the Far ast will be a tough call. igeria’s Di ine Oduduru who was touted as possibly the man to erase Fasuba’s rican record a ter he scorched to a ş.ŞŜ seconds ęnish to win the ŗ00m title in 20ŗşǰ ęnished third in the 200m race in Budapest as imbine

returned to complete a double in 20.25secs. Oduduru hit the ęnish line in 20.řŞ or the bronze medal. he race as OduduruȂs ęrst since a¢ řŗ. n the omenȂs ŗ00mǰ Blessing Okagbare raced to a ne ŗ0.Şş seconds personal seasonȇs best to place ourth in the ŗ00m e ent.

he igerianǰ looking to make it a hatȬtrick o ŗ00m wins at the meeting could not race past two amaicansǰ 20ŗŜ io Ol¢mpics double sprint championǰ laine hompsonȬ

erah ǻŗ0.ŝŗǼ and hell¢Ȭ nn raserȬ r¢ce ǻŗ0.Ş2Ǽ. ellow ricanǰ or¢ oastȇs arieȬ ose a ou who ran ŗ0.ŞŜ seconds placed third.

Okagbare won the e ent in 20ŗŜ and 20ŗŝ but aced her biggest test e er at the e ent on Tuesday.

While the apele-born sprint ueen ailed to win or the third time in Budapestǰ Okagbare howe er returned with a personal seasonȇs bestǰ her ę th legal run inside ŗŗ seconds this season and 2řrd o erall since she ęrst broke ŗŗ seconds at the i a rand ri¡ in rystal alaceǰ London in

uly 20ŗ2.

Okagbare will now head to the tade Louis ŗŗ stadium in Monaco or the Herculis epter Diamond League meeting on Friday with her sight set on becoming the ęrst igerian nay rican woman to break 22 seconds in the hal lap race.

EURO 2 0 2 0 . . . EU RO 2 0 2 0 . . .

Italy Beat Spain to Book Final Ticket

tal¢ beat pain on penalties to reach the uro 2020 ęnal a ter an enthralling semiȬęnal at a noisy Wembley. ter l aro orataȇs penalty was sa edǰ orginho strolled up to score and set up a ęnal with either ngland or Denmark in London on unday. ederico hiesa looked as i he had sent taly Ȭ who are unbeaten in řř games Ȭ to the ęnal in normal time with a delight ul curled ęnish to cap oě a uick counter.

But orata stepped oě the bench to slot an e ualiser with ŗ0 minutes to go a ter a one-two with Dani Olmo.

But the u entus orwardȇs penalty miss in the shootout pro ed costly as pain lost a semi-ęnal or the ęrst time in their history.

Fears about an empty or uiet crowd pro ed un ounded despite tickets still being on sale during the dayǰ and with ans unable to Ěy rom either country without uarantining or too long to watch the game.

Olusoji Fasuba...African record finally rested

TOKYO 2020

Eight NBA Stars Dominate D’Tigers’ 15-man List Ogwumike three sisters eye history with Nigeria at the Olympics After weeks of camping, D’Tigers Head Coach, Mike Brown, has pruned the 49-man list to 15 ahead of the friendly series lined up for the team just before the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

The 15-man list is made up of eight NBA stars headlined

by Detroit Piston Centre, Jahlil Okafor who is in line to make his international debut for Nigeria.

Miami Heat’s trio of Gabe Vincent, Chikezie ‘KZ’ Okpala and 2020 NBA draft pick, Precious Achiuwa have also been pencilled down for the last phase of preparation with Utah Jazz’s Miye Oni. Minnesota Timberwolves’ Josh Okogie and Metu Chimezie of Sacramento Kings will be making a return to the team following their exploits at the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China where the youngsters helped Nigeria secure an Olympics ticket alongside Ike Iroegbu.

Jordan Nwora’s fairytale adventure continues with another chance to be at the Olympics.

Nwora whose team, Milwaukee Bucks is heading to the NBA finals is the current and youngest highest point scorer for Nigeria in a competitive game as well as making history alongside his father (Coach) being on the same team.

After missing out of the 2019 World Cup, Spain-based Obi Emegano returns with his inclusion, alongside Caleb Agada,

Ekpe Udoh and Stanley Okoye who has been a constant feature in the team since 2015.

A member of the 2015 Afrobasket team, Mike Gbinije made the cut with Chima Moneke who has been impressive for the team since making his debut during the 2021 Afrobasket qualifiers.

Brown revealed that the final 12-man list will be named days before their trip to Tokyo.

Nigeria is grouped alongside

Australia, Germany and Italy following the conclusion of the Olympics Qualifying Tournament.

In the roster for Nigeria’s senior women’s team also released yesterday, the Ogwumike sisters are on the threshold of history after the trio were listed in the 15-man provisional list submitted to the Nigeria Basketball Federation

by Head Coach, Otis Hughley.

Number one overall draft in 2012, 2016 WNBA Most Valuable Player and current Los Angeles Sparks power forward, Nneka Ogwumike has been penciled down alongside Chinenye Ogwumike who had previously represented the United States of America at the U-18 and U-19 categories.

Erica completes the list of the Ogwumike sisters who may be making history as siblings playing for the same national team at the Olympic Games.

Tread Softly, Ex-International, Kingsley Onye, Counsels Siasia Femi Solaja Former team-mate o amson iasia in the Flying aglesǰ ingsley Onyeǰ has ad ised him to maintain a uiet disposition in the a termath o the latest ruling in his appeal at the ourt o rbitration or ports ǻ Ǽ. iasiaǰ a ormer uper agles striker and later coach o both the nder-2ř as well as the national team has had his initial li e ban by FIF re ersed to a ę e-year ban but has made public uĴerances accusing sports administrators and close riends o neglecting

him.

In the a termathǰ the igerian sports ministry came out outlining behind-the-scenes assistance it oěered to raise unds or the embaĴled ormer coach to appeal at .

Onyeǰ beĴer known as ȁMature’ who li es in the ad ised iasia to keep mute as public statements on the issue are more in urious than ser ing him any good.

Both iasia and Onye were members o the ŗşŞ5 set o the Flying agles that placed third in the -20 World up held in the ormer o iet nion.

“That he was part o the igerian Flying agles that won bronze in the 20 World

up in ŗşŞ5 and also played at both the World up as well as the Olympics and also leading the country to an impressi e podium ęnish at both 200Ş and 20ŗŜ Olympics are worthy o commendationǰȄ remarked Onye.

He howe er berated iasia or e¡tra agance and sometimes youth ul e¡uberance in public statements. He pleaded with the sports ministry to let sleeping dog lie as public e¡change o statements “will not do good to both iasia and igerian sports in general.Ȅ Onye noted that iasia’s statement may ha e emanated rom rustration which induced the anger and outburst.

Italy players celebrating defeating Spain 4-2 in penalty shootout after regulation and added time ended 1-1...last night

En landǰ enmark Semi-ęnal Live on StarTimes The England versus Denmark needed to signal their return second semi final of Euro 2020 at 8 pmtonight at the Wembley Stadium will air live and in HD on StarTimes World Football channel (English commentary) and the Premium Sports channel (French commentary) on Basic and Smart bouquets.

With a semi-final match against Denmark on Wednesday, England will fancy themselves as the favourites for Euro 2020's final and hopefully, finally end their 55-year wait for silverware.

A 2-0 victory against long-time rivals Germany in the round of the last 16 and a 4-0 thumping of Ukraine in the quarter-finals were the result the Three Lions

to take their rightful place in European football.

A place in Wednesday’s semi-final against Denmark at home in Wembley Stadium is the reward for the two inspiring performances in both the Last 16 and in the quarter final.

“StarTimes subscribers are assured of uninterrupted viewing experience as our transmissions are weather-friendly, which means subscribers won’t suffer signal loss when it’s raining,”PR Manager, StarTimes Nigeria, Lazarus Ibeabuchi, concluded.

Yesterday’s first semi final between Italy and Spain was aired live on StarTime

HiFL 2021 Round of 16: LAUTECH Set to Shut Down FUTMINNA

L T

unters will aĴempt to shut down the F T Trans ormers in Ogbomoso as matches in the ound o ŗŜ o the 202ŗ igher nstitutions Football League ǻ iFLǼ kicks oě today. cross our centresǰ teams spread across eight uni ersities will hope or a ourable score lines that will put them in good standing going into the second leg o the matches.

It would be recalled that L T

unters ualięed rom roup alongside F T Tigers and IL arines while F T I Trans ormers ualięed rom roup B with B obles.

In other round o ŗŜ matches or week ŗǰ Luminaries will host O iants in kungbaDz IB oyals will tackle I L alabites in Benin while B tallions will slug it out with I ID Desert Warriors in ano. peaking on the matchesǰ the hie trategy OĜcer at

ports and ntertainment arketing Limitedǰ r. oodness Onye iaku said lo ers o ootball will be thrilled at the talents on display in this year’s edition.

“We are happy that HiFL has now set some records regarding the calibre o players that the league is producing. “ couts across the country are now paying greater aĴention to the games in order to identi y talentsǰ particularly or students who ha e chosen the path o growing a career in ootball.

“We sincerely thank our sponsors including tanbicIBT ǰ i ea enǰ inimie and Hi ersa or their support. To our partnerǰ the igeria ni ersity ames ssociation ǻ Ǽ we are also ery pleaseǰȄ oodness said.

The Higher Institution Football League ǻHiFLǼ an initiati e o ports and ntertainment Marketing Limited started in 20ŗŞ. The maiden edition was won by M Tillers.

TR

Wednesday July 7, 2021

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Price: N250

MISSILE

MBF to North “We agree with them (Southern governors) fully that the president should come from the South. Given the kind of situation we find ourselves in this country, it is only good to allow fairness and equity in this nation” – The Middle Belt Forum backing the demand by the Southern Governors’ Forum for the next president to come from the region.

KAYODEKOMOLAFE THE HORIZON

T

kayode.komolafe@thisdaylive.com

0805 500 1974

For KK of Africa

he body of the first president of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda, will be buried today in a private ceremony at the presidential cemetery in Lusaka.

Kaunda died on June 17 at the age of 97. He was Zambia’s president for 27 years. A major thread running through the tributes paid Kaunda’s memory is that the man fondly called KK by admirers around the world was one of the last giants of African liberation struggle.

Kaunda was essentially a devotee of panAfricanism.

Five days ago, the government of President Edgar Lungu honoured the memory of Kaunda with a state funeral at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, the Zambian capital. There was a 21-gun salute. This was apart from the 21 days of morning earlier declared in the country with the national flag flying at half-mast.

Despite COVID-19 ravaging parts of Africa, almost a dozen presidents and heads of government attended the state funeral. The African presidents acknowledged the roles Kaunda not only in the history of Zambia, but also celebrated his impact in Africa Among the dignitaries was South African President Cyril Ramaphosa who said: “Kaunda was the last surviving leader of the generation who lit the path to Africa’s freedom from colonial misrule.” According to Ramaphosa, South Africa would “never be able to pay back the debt that we owe” Kaunda.”

It would be remembered that eight years ago Kaunda’s presence was conspicuous at the funeral of Nelson Mandela . Both African leaders shared a passion of total commitment to the cause of freedom and justice.

In the heyday of the liberation struggle, there was a political and ideological bond between Kaunda’s United National Independence Party (UNIP) and South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC), the oldest party on the continent. Despite the poor economic status of Zambia, the country made enormous sacrifices for the cause of freedom in southern Africa. It was a lesson that a poor country could still make itself historically relevant given a leadership acting with an organising principle. The liberation fighters found succour and solidarity in Zambia. The apartheid government of South Africa attacked Zambia as the racist regime sought to intimidate the weaker country. The strength of Zambia under Kaunda was more moral and poltical than it was in military terms. It was on this basis that Kaunda was involved in the struggle. There was a spill-over of the armed struggle against colonial powers and apartheid regime in south Africa to the landlocked Zambia. Yet, Kaunda remained undaunted. His head was bloodied; but it remained unbowed.

In fact, despite the security threats Kaunda gloriously hosted the 1979 Commonwealth Conference that partly paved the way for the independence of Rhodesia which became the independent Zimbabwe in 1980.

Little surprise, therefore, that in a similar tone of veneration, Ghana’s president, Nana Akufo-Addo, said of Kaunda: “We are marking what is truly the end of an era on our continent... the last of the great freedom fighters, the philosopher king”.

Mourners waived white handkerchiefs to the tunes of dirges for the man called “Africa’s Ghandi.” In the fight for freedom, like the Indian leader and sage, Mahatma Gandhi, Kaunda employed peaceful means. From a young age and armed only with his trademark white handkerchief, Kaunda, a catholic, fought for national independence of Zambia as he stood

Kaunda against racial injustice in southern Africa.

Kaunda was a decent politician.

He was the first president on the African continent to be defeated in a multi-party elections.

He accepted defeat and elected to retire with grace in 1991. He told his opponent who won the election: “My brother, you have won convincingly and I accept the people’s decision.”

Besides, Kaunda pursued the cause of freedom not only with his head, but also with his heart.

He shed tears on many occasions in his political career. He was a deeply emotional activist and politician. Nigerians of older generation would probably recall the following anecdote that could illustrate this aspect of Kaunda’s political personality.

Former Head of State General Murtala Mohammed made a statement on January 11, 1976 at the meeting of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the precursor of African Union (AU), in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia . The historical relevance of that speech entitled “Africa Has Come of Age” still resonates today on the continent. On the agenda was the recognition of the Movement for the Popular Liberation of Angola (MPLA) after years of the fight for independence. A week before the meeting, American President Gerald Ford had sent a letter to the Nigerian Head of State through the United Sates Ambassador in Lagos, Donald Easum. And the famous American Secretary of

A major thread running through the tributes paid to Kaunda’s memory is that the man fondly called KK by admirers around the world was one of the last giants of African liberation struggle

State, Henry Kissinger, was making diplomatic rounds to African countries to influence the decision of African leaders. America and apartheid South Africa preferred the opponents of the left-wing MPLA namely the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA) and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) to be in charge of Angola.

Mohammed ’s speech was initially to be delivered by his deputy, General Olusegun Obasanjo, who was the Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters.

But on going through the draft, Mohammed changed his mind. He knew when to seize the historical moment. Mohammed decided to address the OAU meeting himself. As he rehearsed the speech while donning his military uniform he reportedly gave instructions that his boots be specially polished for that outing.

Mohammed told the meeting inter alia: …

Africa has Come of age. It is no longer under the orbit of any extra continental power. It should no longer take orders from any country, however powerful. The fortunes of Africa are in out hands to make or mar. For too long have we been kicked around: for too long have we been treated like adolescents who cannot discern their interests and act accordingly. For too long has it been presumed that the African needs outside ‘experts’ to tell him who are his friends and who are his enemies. The time has come when we should make it clear that we can decide for ourselves; that we know our own interests and how to protect those interest; that we are capable of resolving African problems without presumptuous lessons in ideological dangers which, more often than not, have no relevance for us, nor for the problem at hand.

On that occasion Kaunda was elated. He reportedly shed some tears of joy, saying that he felt fulfilled that an African leader could be so audacious to denounce neo-colonialism and imperialism in explicit terms as Mohammed did at the meeting. Mohammed was assassinated about a month later. The rest, as they say, is history.

The anti- imperialist mood of 45 years ago has been upended on the continent. The ferment against neo-colonialism has virtually expired. At the time of Kaunda’s death, African heads of state are routinely summoned to western capitals allegedly to discuss the economic development of the continent in partnership with western powers. Meanwhile, no one invites the leaders of the Asian tigers in a continental group to his country to discuss economic partnerships.

Africa is, perhaps, the only continent in which presidents are assembled in another continent to discuss African problems. In the African public sphere, words such as imperialism and neo-colonialism have disappeared even at the rhetorical level. Yet the reality of neo-colonial influence is palpable in the political economy of virtually every African country.

Since Kaunda’s demise western commentators have passed verdicts on his political career with a neo-colonialist tinge. For instance, in some cynical quarters his historical contributions to the cause of freedom on the continent have been ignored while attention has been focussed almost exclusively on the severe difficulties that bedevilled the Zambian economy in the 1970s and 1980s. With the fall in the prices of commodities and poor human resource development, there were social convulsions on the streets of Zambia. The country that depended on exports of copper country became increasingly indebted. Food riots broke out episodically. Despite Kaunda’s stance against neo-colonialism, he eventually turned to the

International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 1987 for a loan. But then the welfarist instinct made him reject some of the IMF neo-liberal economic prescriptions.

Although Kaunda was imbued with enormous idealism and a solid vision of development for his country, he was overwhelmed by the contradictions of neo-colonial Africa. Hence his philosophy of “Zambian Humanism” (a mixture of socialist convictions and Christian faith without intellectual rigour) became an object of derision by the petty- bourgeois and even some left-wing assessors of his legacy.

Yes, it’ s a historical fact that Kaunda stayed for too long in power from independence in 1964 to 1991. He was swept out of power by the wave of democratisation on the continent following the Fall of Berlin Wall and the subsequent collapse of the Soviet Union. It was also a grave mistake of his political career that he initially resisted the movement for multi-party democracy led by the trade unionist, Fredrick Chiluba, who eventually succeeded him as president.

Those who took over power in Zambia after the first multiparty elections moved to humiliate Kaunda. After being president for 27 years, his opponents uncharitably questioned his Zambian nationality. Kaunda’s mother was a Malawian.

The freedom of the author of the popular book, Zambia Shall Be Free, was put in jeopardy.

The book published in the Heinemann African Writers Series, is both an autography of Kaunda and a story of the anti-colonial struggle in Zambia.

Unfortunately, the exit of Kaunda from the African stage coincides with this period of tragic decline in pan-Africanist vision. The generation of Kaunda found the purpose of their politics in the broad African context.

Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah wrote about an all African government decades before the Europeans agreed on a union. When in the 1930s and 1940s , Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was already an inspirer to others on the continent in the struggle for independence, he was not called Zik of Nigeria; he was known as Zik of Africa.

Even more recently, after Thabo Mbeki succeeded Mandela as the president of South Africa he promoted the idea of “African Renaissance.”

Tragically, under the watch of one of Mbeki’s successors, President Cyril Ramaphosa, scores of Nigerians and other Africans have been killed in a barbaric upsurge of xenophobia in South Africa. And these killings of Africans in South Africa have been shamelessly rationalised by those who feign ignorance of the fact that blacks in South Africa enjoyed the solidarity of the Kaundas of Africa while they were victims of racist oppression. Whereas the generation of Kaunda dreamt of African unity, some of the present generation of African progressives now think of liberation in ethnic and clannish terms.

Worse still, in some cases the continent is saddled with leaderships with provincial orientations.

The wars of the 1960s and 1970s supported

by Kaunda were fought by national liberation heroes with a clear pan-Africanist perspective.

Today the threats of wars are from ethnic war lords with a very backward outlook. The 1994 genocide in Rwanda was a negation of the African unity that Kaunda and his generation envisioned while fighting for independence.

Kaunda, the eight child of his parents who were teachers, lived and fought as a pan-Africanist.

That tribute to his memory will endure beyond the present.

May the tribe of KK increase in Africa.

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