THURSDAY 3RD AUGUST 2023

Nigeria's Military on Alert, Cuts Power Supply to Niger as ECOWAS Continues Dialogue Tinubu throws country into darkness, cuts power supply Commissioner says failing to act may diminish regional bloc Dismisses threats from Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea Bissau Hints on standby force to protect democracy in W’Africa

Chiemelie Ezeobi in Lagos, Kingsley Nwezeh and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigerian government, has put its armed forces on standby to carry out military action against the coupists in Niger Republic, if the ongoing

dialogue by the Heads of Government of the Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS) failed.

THISDAY learnt last night that

the move was part of the ECOWAS resolution, where member states were obligated to place their armed forces on standby in case there would be a

need for military action, which they stressed would be a last resort.

Also, to show a degree of seriousness with a clear message, major cities

in Niger had begun to face rolling blackouts as Nigeria, on the instruction Continued on page 8

Thursday 03 August, 2023 Vol 28. No 10340. Price: N250

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We Don't Have Control over Fuel Price, Dollar, Says CBN... Page 10

Tinubu Canvasses Stronger Economic, Defence, Bilateral Cooperation with UK

British govt reiterates support for ECOWAS' moves to reinstate Niger president

Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Bola Tinubu has called on the United Kingdom government to

deepen its partnership with Nigeria and Africa by investing more across sectors to see the African continent attain more sustainable and broad-

based prosperity.

This is just as the United Kingdom has given its consent to steps being taken by the Economic Community

of West African States (ECOWAS) to reinstate President Mohammed Bazoum of Niger Republic, who was sacked by Presidential Guards

in Niamey, last week.

The president made the call yesterday while playing host to the United Kingdom’s Secretary

of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Rt Hon. Continued on page 8

With Tinubu’s Promise of PH Refinery Ready by Dec, Labour Suspends Protests, Extends Dialogue Story on page 8

FG to negotiate new salary award, senate intervenes promises resolution Labour threatens to occupy courts over contempt charge Federal govt must cut down cost of governance, says TUC Rivers workers to president: allow us to breathe, fix refineries

governors return big time as Tinubu Nominates Another 19 MiniSters

Adegboyega Oyetola (Osun)

Bello Matawalle (Zamfara)

Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi)

Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe)

Solomon Lalong (Plateau)

Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo (Kano)

Dr. Bosun Tijjani (Ogun)

Dr. Maryam Shetti (Kano)

Isiak Salako (Ogun)

Tunji Alausa (Lagos)

Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu (Kebbi)

Lola Ade John (Lagos)

At Ministerial Screening, Fagbemi Chides DSS over Handling of Corruption Cases... Page 9

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PROFILES

Second Batch of Team Renewed Hope

Shuaibu Abubakar Audu (Kogi)

Prof Tahir Mamman (Adamawa)

Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (Niger)

Sen. Alkali Ahmed Saidu (Gombe)

Sen. Heineken Lokpobori (Bayelsa)

Uba Maigari Ahmadu (Taraba)

Zaphaniah Bitrus Jisalo (FCT)

Emmanuel Addeh and Adewale Adedayo in Abuja

P

resident Bola Tinubu yesterday sent a new list containing a 19-member second batch of ministerial nominees to the National Assembly for screening, about six days after similarly forwarding 28 names. This brought the figure so far to about 47.

The list was, however, heavy on politicians, rather than the technocrats Nigerians were expecting to come on board to salvage a largely disgruntled country. In all, Tinubu has about 10 former governors on both lists, with many serving and former members of the National Assembly. Will they in salvaging Nigeria? Time will tell.

Bosun Tijani (Ogun) A Nigerian entrepreneur, Bosun Tijani is co-founder and Chief Executive of Co-Creation Hub, a technology innovation centre which was provided $100,000 by the Tony Elumelu Foundation in 2012.

Born in July, 1977, he studied at the University of Jos where he first started off studying for a diploma in Computer Science before going on to study Economics, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in 2002. He later obtained an MSc in Information Systems and Management from the Warwick Business School, United Kingdom in 2007.

Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo (Kano) Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammad Gwarzo, graduated from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, former Chairman of Gwarzo local government, former ALGON chairman in Kano, former Adviser to Governor Shekarau on Special Duties, Deputy Governor of Kano state as well as Commissioner of Water Resources.

Gwarzo was the governorship candidate of Action Congress (ACN) and served as the pioneer Chairman of APC in Kano state.

He was the immediate governing Council Chairman of the Federal College of Education, Zaria. Married two wives with children.

Maryam Shetti (Kano) Ex-national leader of #WeBelieve, an All Progressives (APC) support group that promoted the achievements of the last administration, Shetti has an honorary degree from Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologie (ESGT University), Benin. She is a political and social activist as well as a physiotherapist.

Born into the Kano royal family, Shetti started her early education in Kano and went to Federal School of Physiotherapy in Bayero University, where she finished her Bsc. with distinction.

She has a Masters Degree from the University of East London, Stratford where she majored in sports physiotherapy and was at the State House Clinic at the Presidential Villa.

Tunji Alausa (Lagos) Tunji Alausa is the Executive Chairman, Founder, and Chief Medical Officer of Dialysis Care Centre. He attended the Medical College of Wisconsin. He is also the Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer at Kidney Care Centre.

He is a member of board-certified Nephrologist and Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist/Minimal Access Surgeon at the Federal Medical Centre Birnin Kebbi as well as Head of Laparoscopic Surgical Unit.

Abubakar Bagudu (Kebbi) Senator Abubakar Bagudu was the 8th Governor of Kebbi State, having assumed office on May 29, 2015.

Prior to his election in May 2015, he represented Kebbi Central at the Senate.

Under his leadership, the Kebbi State government entered into a partnership with the Lagos State government on the establishment of a commodity value chain that will give a quantum leap to food processing, production

and distribution.

He however defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2014 and joined the All Progressive Congress (APC).

He had his University Education at Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto State , where he obtained his BSc. in Economics and proceeded to the University of Jos, Plateau State, where he had his Masters in Economics and thereafter went to Columbia University where he obtained his M.A in International Affairs.

Gboyega Oyetola (Osun) Gboyega Oyetola, the former governor of Osun State lost to the incumbent , Ademola Adeleke after the Supreme Court upheld the ruling of the Appellate Court that Adeleke won the July 16, 2022 governorship election in the state.

Oyetola was born in 1954, and served as the state’s ninth governor. He enrolled at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where he earned a BSc in Insurance in 1978. He also earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the same university in 1990. He’s an insurance expert.

He was also Chief of Staff to the former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola.

Bello Matawalle (Zamfara) Born in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara in 1969, Matawalle studied at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos and Thames Valley University, London.

From May 1999 to 2003, he served as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Commissioner for Environment, Rural Development and then Commissioner for Youth and Sports in the state. He’s the erstwhile governor of Zamfara state.

Ishak Salako (Ogun) Dr Ishaq Salako is a medical practitioner and former Commissioner for Health in Ogun State.

He’s the Co-ordinator, Ogun West Stakeholders Forum.

Simon Lalong (Plateau) Simon Lalong was born in 1963. He served as governor of Plateau State from 2015 to 2023. He was also the Director General of the Presidential Campaign Council of the APC. In 1998, Lalong temporarily discarded legal practice to pursue a political career. He successfully contested for the Plateau State House of Assembly.

In October 2000, he became the Speaker of the House of Assembly, occupying that position until 2006.

The seven years which he served as the speaker made him the longest-serving speaker of the House in the history of Plateau State. During that period he was elected as the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of the 36 states of Nigeria.

Aliyu Sabi (Niger) He was born in 1967. He represented Niger North Senatorial District during the 8th and 9th National Assembly. He was the Deputy Chief Whip at the Nigerian 9th National Assembly.

Sa'idu Alkali (Gombe) He was born in 1969. He was elected as senator for the Gombe North senatorial district of Gombe Statate in August 2010 bye-elections after the death of the incumbent Senator Kawu Dukku.

He was re-elected in the 2011 general election on the platform of the PDP platform.

Also in the 2015 and the 2019 general election under the platforms of APC, Alkali lost Gombe North Senatorial seat to former Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo in the 2023 general election.

Lola Ade John (Lagos)

Heineken Lokpobiri (Bayelsa)

An Information and Technology expert, Lola Ade John studied Computer Science at the University of Ibadan. She has worked with Access Bank, United Bank of Africa, Ecobank and Novateur Business Technology.

He was born in 1967. He was a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2003, and Speaker of the House from June 1999 – May 2001.

He was elected Senator in April 2007 on the platform of PDP, representing Bayelsa West constituency.

In 2015, he defected from the PDP to the APC. He was later appointed a minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development by the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

Shuaibu Abubakar ( Adamawa)

Former governor and senator representing the Yobe East Senatorial District on the platform of APC, he was before then, a classroom teacher and an accountant with a membership with the Certified Public Accountants of Nigeria (CPA)

He was born in 1965. He is a Nigerian accountant, businessman, philanthropist and lawmaker. He represents Mubi North/Mubi South/Mahia federal constituency of Adamawa state in the Nigerian House of Representatives.

He was appointed a Commissioner in 2007 by the then governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, in recognition of ‘achievements’ recorded in the private sector.

He therefore served as Commissioner for Lands and Survey – and was on the Adamawa State Executive Council – from 2007 to 2014, when Governor Nyako was impeached.

Tanko Sununu (Kebbi)

Tahir Mamman (Adamawa)

He represents Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituency. He was a Member of Board of Management Federal Medical Centre Katsina (2013) and Member of Board Management Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto (2018). The trained Obstetrician and Gynaecologist was born in 1967.

He is a Professor of law and Senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN). He is also an educational administrator and was the Director-General of the Nigeria Law School from 2005 to 2013.

He is the current Vice chancellor of Baze University Abuja and member governing board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe)

He is a recognised member of the Body of Benchers.

In 2010, he became a board member of the International Association of Law Schools based in Washington DC. In September 2015, he was conferred with the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) status.

Uba Maigari (Taraba) He was a former Deputy Governor of Taraba state.

He was also the Chairman of the campaign committee for the gubernatorial candidate of APC in Taraba for the 2023 general election.

Zaphaniah Jisalo ( FCT) He was born on April 3rd, 1970. He worked with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from 1990 to 2002. He was elected Chairman Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in 2004. He was re-elected in 2007.

In 2011, Jisalo was elected into the House of Representatives to represent Abuja Municipal/Bwari Constituency.

During this period he served in the following House Committees: Sports, NDDC, Defence, Customs & Excise, Appropriations, National Security & Security.

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UK SECRETARY OF STATE VISITS TINUBU...

United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Rt. Hon James Cleverly (left) with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during his visit to the Presidential Villa, PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI Abuja…yesterday

WITH TINUBU’S PROMISE OF PH REFINERY READY BY DEC, LABOUR SUSPENDS PROTESTS, EXTENDS DIALOGUE Our Correspondents Following President Bola Tinubu's promise to fix the national refineries, a key demand of labour, among other commitments, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), yesterday, agreed to suspend their nationwide protest and return to the negotiating table with the federal government on measures to cushion the effects of the removal of petrol subsidy on Nigerians.

The unions also cited intervention by the senate, which pledged to within one week get more involved and try to resolve the issues in dispute.

TUC President, Festus Osifo, disclosed the decision to suspend the protest during an interview on ARISE NEWS Channel last night.

A statement jointly signed by President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, and Osifo said “on the strength of the president’s pledge and commitment, we have decided for a return to a new and reinvigorated dialogue

process to allow for full implementation".

In Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, yesterday, workers took to the streets, chanting "Tinubu allow us to breathe", and other songs to denounce the petrol subsidy removal and the consequent economic hardship.

Speaking while meeting with the leadership of the organised labour centre at State House, Abuja, Tinubu gave his commitment to the labour leaders that the Port Harcourt refineries would start production by December. He said this would be after completion of the ongoing rehabilitation contract between Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Italian firm, Maire Tecnimont SpA. The president assured the labour leaders that he would continue to work for the best interest of Nigeria, while pleading with them to join hands with him to birth a better and economically buoyant country.

According to a release issued on Wednesday evening by Special Adviser to the President on Special

Duties, Communications and Strategy, Mr Dele Alake, consequent upon the fruitful and frank discussion with Tinubu and their confidence in his ability to encourage open and honest consideration of all the issues put forward by the labour movement, the labour leaders resolved to stop further protest.

They opted for further constructive engagement with the government to resolve all outstanding issues as they affected the working people and Nigerians in general.

The interventions by the president and the National Assembly came after thousands of workers, led by NLC and TUC, protested on Wednesday in major cities across the country.

In Abuja, the workers, led by the NLC and TUC presidents, stormed the Unity Fountain area in Maitama, as early as 7am, from where they proceeded in a solidarity march to the National Assembly. They protested the harsh economic situation in the country brought about by the sudden removal of subsidy on the pump price of petrol.

The protesting workers and their civil society allies gathered at the Unity Fountain, chanting solidarity songs.

There was a heavy security deployment on the streets of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), but this did not deter the protesters, as they surged forward and marched to the legislative chambers.

Some of the placards bore inscriptions like, “Let's Unite to Emancipate the People,” “FG why Protect the Subsidy Criminals,” “Workers are dying from fuel price increase, inflation and Insecurity,” “We are workers not slaves."

NLC and TUC said the closeddoor session with Tinubu was fruitful, as it achieved immense mileage with regard to the issues that necessitated the nationwide protest.

The joint statement by the two labour unions said, "It is pertinent to inform Nigerians that the extent of the success of the protest is underlined by the request of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, to meet with

NIGERIA'S MILITARY ON ALERT, CUTS POWER SUPPLY TO NIGER AS ECOWAS CONTINUES DIALOGUE of President Bola Tinubu, had cut supplies to its northern neighbour, the country’s electricity company, Nigelec has said.

Also, yesterday, ECOWAS restated its decision to use military force to restore democratic rule in the Republic of Niger, saying failure to do so could render the regional bloc a laughing stock in the committee of democratic nations.

It however, dismissed threats

by Mali, Bukina Faso and Guinea Bissau led by military regimes, who threatened war against any military action in Niger.

It claimed that the three countries were signatories to the ECOWAS protocol on democracy, adding also that, following a decision by the member states, the ECOWAS standby force would be activated to protect democracy in West Africa and fight terrorism.

Already, the Nigerian government, led by Tinubu, as Head of ECOWAS, had taken part in the dialogue by sending a high-powered delegation to discuss with the military junta.

In the same breath, the military hierarchy was in a meeting of the defence chiefs of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) yesterday in Abuja.

At the meeting where the Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, had called for “collective attention and a united response” among ECOWAS defence chiefs to restore democratic governance in Niger", the directive to muster forces through the Defence Headquarters, leaked to the public.

The leaked document that surfaced online last night had showed in the military order an instruction for the Nigerian Army (NA), the Nigerian Navy (NN) and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to muster forces for

possible deployment.

The NA was instructed to muster two battalions, the NN to assemble its Special Boat Services (the specialised tactical group of the navy likened to the Israeli navy seals), while the NAF was to provide one regiment company. The assembled troops were directed to commence movement of platforms to one of the Northern states pending the directive to enforce democracy in Niger Republic.

To that extent, the order said a ‘No Fly Zone’ would be enforced by the troops over Niger Republic, meaning all aircraft would be forbidden to fly over the conflict zone except with special authorisation.

The leaked letter has begun to cause severe unease at the DHQ given the sensitive nature of the information contained therein.

THISDAY gathered the military has begun moves to investigate, who leaked the ‘Order Note’ and to close all loopholes in leaking sensitive documents to the public until they were declassified.

Tinubu Throws Niger into Darkness, Cuts Power Supply

Major cities in Niger are already facing rolling blackouts as Nigeria has cut supplies to its northern neighbour, the country’s electricity company, Nigelec has said.

West African trade bloc, the Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS) had put sanctions on Niger, but did not indicate if these included electricity supplies, the BBC reported.

On Sunday, West African leaders gave Niger's military junta a week to give up power or face possible military consequences.

Speaking, yesterday, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs,

Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, said an armed intervention would be a "last resort". But he insisted that the bloc had to "prepare for the eventuality".

ECOWAS has vowed to end the wave of coups that has plagued West Africa's Sahel region in recent years.

With this in mind, Musah said there was "a need to demonstrate that we cannot only bark, but can bite."

The juntas in Mali and Burkina Faso had warned ECOWAS against any intervention in Niger, insisting any military action against the new regime would be tantamount to a "declaration of war" against them.

They did not send their defence chiefs to the meeting in Nigeria's

capital, Abuja.

Residents living in the cities of Niamey, Maradi and Zinder have now had power for about an hour at a time before it was switched off for up to five hours. Power cuts like those were unusual in Niger, which normally had regular and reliable supplies.

But the country is heavily dependent on its wealthier neighbour to the south, Nigeria, as its main supplier of electricity. In 2019, Nigelec's chief executive told the Ideas For Development outlet that Niger relied on Abuja for up to 70 per cent of its electricity supply.

Continues online

the leadership of the organised labour.

"He committed to an immediate restructuring of the framework for engagement in line with the input of the labour leaders.

"He let out a certainty that the Port Harcourt Refinery will commence production by December this year.

"He pledged to ensure that agreement is reached on the wage award for Nigerian workers immediately.

He promised to unveil a workable roadmap to the CNG alternative next week".

However, NLC and TUC said they had been served with court summons on charges of contempt of court.

They stated, "It is also important that we inform Nigerians that we have just received a court summons purporting to charge us with contempt of court.

“We urge all Nigerians to be vigilant because it appears that the days of long knives are here with us again. The leadership remains resolute in its commitment to the protection of the interests and welfare of the Nigerian people and nothing whatsoever can take our eyes away from this focus nor shake this belief.

"Having demonstrated our collective resolve through the strong signal we sent today across Nigeria, we urge vigilance on the part of all workers and masses to protect our nation and our decisions while we await the response of the government through the National Assembly as was assured by their representatives during the protest.

"To further show our collective resolve, all Nigerian workers will resume at the courts wherever they may be across the nation on the days of the court sittings to hear the contempt proceedings against the leaders of trade unions.

"The airports, seaports, hospitals, schools, all public and private sector

workers will all appear in court across the nation in response to the contempt charges.

"Once again, we look forward to the continuing support of all Nigerians and workers around the country as we continue in this struggle for freedom from the clutches of oppression and impoverishment.

"We must remain unwavering and together refusing to allow them divide us so that collectively, we will build a nation where, no one will be considered too small to be left behind."

The two labour centres, while thanking Nigerians for their support during the protest, said they resolved to wait for the government to fulfil its own part of the understanding, as agreed with the president.

Earlier, the organised labour had agreed to allow the senate a week moratorium to enable it intervene and resolve the dispute over subsidy removal.

Both NLC and TUC leaders expressed their readiness to meet the senate leadership for talks on resolution of the fuel subsidy logjam.

The development followed an appeal by the senate to the leadership of NLC and TUC during the workers’ protest march to the National Assembly.

General Secretary of NLC, Emma Ugboaja, told the anxious workers that the two labour centres had accepted the intervention of the National Assembly to help resolve the issues.

Chief Whip of the Senate, Alhaji Ali Ndume, who received the protest letter from leaders of the organised labour on behalf of the National Assembly leadership, said the federal legislature would immediately intervene in the subsidy dispute and try to find an amicable resolution within the next one week.

Continued on page 36

TINUBU CANVASSES STRONGER ECONOMIC, DEFENCE, BILATERAL COOPERATION WITH UK James Cleverly, MP, at the State House, Abuja.

Calling on the UK to commit more to win-win development partnerships for Nigeria and Africa, President Tinubu recalled the history of decades of deep symbiotic connection and economic ties between the continent and the UK, adding that the UK government must work with Nigeria and the rest of Africa to create a competitive, technologically advanced economy that will cater to the needs of all citizens.

“I am happy to know that the United Kingdom is ready to work with us in Nigeria and Africa. The United Kingdom must do more for the continent. We have not developed a competitive economy," he said.

Addressing the pressing issue of energy transition and the opportunity for economic growth in Africa and Nigeria, the President charged the Foreign Secretary on the imperatives of the West and UK, in

particular, in mobilising investment to pipe gas from Nigeria to Europe.

“The Western economic programme should be able to help Nigeria pipe our gas to Europe since gas is acceptable as alternative clean energy. You must help us with the finance and facilitate the investment we require,” he said.

Commenting on democracy, peace and stability in West Africa, President Tinubu noted that security would remain a challenge as long as there are unstable governments in the sub-region.

He decried the situation in Niger, the Sahel region and Horn of Africa, where terrorists are finding comfort, asking the government of UK to support Nigeria to secure West Africa.

“We need a dynamic partnership on security and economic development, because we don’t want terrorists to make Africa and our sub-region their nest,” President Tinubu told the Foreign Secretary.

Cleverly, who spoke earlier, congratulated the president on his election victory and the steps taken so far to reform the economy. He saluted him for taking bold and decisive actions on fuel subsidy removal and on multiple foreign exchange markets, which he pointed out would bring development to the country in spite of the current pains.

He told Tinubu about his meeting in Lagos with entrepreneurs, technologists and young people in the creative sector, saying his home government remained a strategic long-term partner of Nigeria and Africa.

“I want to commend you for the decisions you have taken to reform your economy. Your economic reforms are bold and the actions taken have been decisive. Despite the initial pains these decisions will lead to economic prosperity for Nigerians,” he said.

Noting that he was in Nigeria

to promote bilateral and economic partnership, he said, “I am keen on encouraging more UK investments into Nigeria. You took bold and important decisions so far that will reform your economy and open it more for foreign investments.

Nigeria has a population of very young, educated and thoughtful people.

“With their energy and talents along with your resources, Nigeria can be a net exporter of energy and agricultural products. The UK will remain a strategic long-term and multi-decades partner of Nigeria and Africa.”

On the political situation in Niger, the UK Foreign Secretary, who offered his government’s support for the decision of ECOWAS and the leadership of President Tinubu in promoting democracy and stability, said, “For us, our national interest is to see a peaceful and prosperous African continent, because peace and security go hand in hand.”

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NEWS

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

PRESIDENT MEETS UNION LEADERS AMID SUBSIDY PROTESTS...

L-R: NLC President Joe Ajaero, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, TUC President Festus Osifo and President of NUPENG , Comrade Williams Akporeha after a day during the meeting of Labour leaders PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI with the President on nationwide protests over subsidy held at the Presidential Villa Abuja...... yesterday

At Ministerial Screening, Fagbemi Chides DSS over Handling of Corruption Cases Advocates unbundling of EFCC, ICPC, says FG’ll obey court orders Alake pledges press freedom, social media regulations Oyetola, Lalong, Matawale, Bagudu, Geidam, 14 others make Tinubu's second ministerial list Sunday Aborisade in Abuja A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and ministerial nominee, Lateef Fagbemi, yesterday, faulted the Department of State Services (DSS) over the agency's handling of graft cases.

Fagbemi, who stated this when he appeared before the Senate to answer questions on what he planned to do if President Bola Tinubu makes him Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, however, advocated the unbundling of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Financial Crimes Commission (ICPC).

Another nominee, Mr Dele Alake, during screening, said the federal government needed to regulate the activities of the social media practitioners, even as he promised press freedom.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, asked the Senate to confirm the appointment of five former governors and 14 others as ministers.

The governors were Adegboyega Oyetola (Osun), Bello Matawalle (Zamfara), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe), and Solomon Lalong (Plateau).

Others were Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo (Kano), Dr Bosun Tijani (Ogun), Dr Maryam Shetty (Kano), Isiak Salako and Tunji Alausa (Lagos), Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu (Kebbi), Shuaibu Abubakar Audu (Kogi)

and Lola Ade John (Lagos).

Also on the list were Prof Tahir Mamman (Adamawa), Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (Niger) Senator Alkali Ahmed Saidu (Gombe), Senator Heineken Lokpobori (Bayelsa), Uba Maigari Ahmadu (Taraba) and Zaphaniah Bitrus Jisalo (FCT).

But Fagbemi, while speaking, expressed reservation over the manner in which the secret police and the anti-graft agencies were fighting corruption in the country.

“We fight corruption but the way it’s being fought leaves much to be desired. That is the truth. The anti-graft agencies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Financial Crimes Commission should be brought together and then unbundled," he said.

According to him, the bodies should be under direct supervisor of the AGF instead of carrying out independent investigations and prosecution without recourse to the minister of justice.

"Investigation should not be handled by the same body. There must be a supervisory authority within the same system. If there is investigation, another body should handle it while prosecution should be the business of another body.

It does not augur well to ask the same authority to investigate and prosecute.

“We are also not patient enough.

Investigation takes time, especially serious corruption cases. Investigation

should be thorough. You can take time to prosecute. The DSS should do its investigation before arrest instead of making arrest before investigation,” he said.

On the disobedience to court order, he said, "There is no government, especially the head who will want to joke with the judiciary. Where we have disobedience to court orders are between security agencies.

“My advice will be, in matters of law, the Attorney General should be involved. DSS cannot be an island onto itself. EFCC cannot continue to behave as if there is no law. There is law. If you want to do investigation, you do investigation before inviting the accused person,” he added.

Alake, on his part, explained that, “The social media has two sides, positives and negatives. The positive side is instance news, quick information dissemination and faster communication. The down side is so detrimental to good and decent society.

“What I will support is the strengthening of regulations. In my times as editor, I discover that there are laws that guide our conduct in every area of human endeavours but application of these laws has been very short.

"Even victims of libel and defamation and all kinds of negative things hesitate to also apply the laws against the culprit. The most important thing for an editor is to avoid litigation. The victims don’t apply the full weight of these laws when there is infraction

by any medium, whether social or conventional media.

“So, I will recommend strengthening of our regulations and their application. It is not just to enact laws; they must also be tested. It is from testing that that we will know the efficacy and efficiency of those regulations.”

Addressing press freedom, he said, "I was a practitioner and I am still a practitioner and I subscribe to the aphorism in journalism that once a reporter, you are a reporter for life.

"So, the ideals, the tenets, the principles , I am one of those who uphold it and will uphold it seriously, assiduously with every sinew in my veins to make sure that press freedom is sustained in this country.

"However, to every privilege, there are responsibilities and I am not advocating for absolute press freedom without responsibility.

"I have the cause to say to some group of media men just a few days back that those of us who are

Another robbery incident in a domestic flight has been recorded as Air Peace announced that a passenger was caught after stealing N1 million kept in a bag in the overhead locker.

The airline in a statement yesterday, disclosed that a passenger, Mr. Vitalis Nwabuzor on-board Abuja-PHC flight (P47192) on July 27, 2023, stole the sum of N1 million

but was nabbed afterwards.

Spokesperson of Air Peace, Stanley Olisa, said Nwabuzor stole the said amount contained in a brown envelope but was caught by the owner of the money with the intervention of the airline's staff.

"During the flight, Nwabuzor took another passenger’s computer bag from the overhead cabin, took the brown envelope containing the money, put the computer bag in another luggage compartment and

moved to an empty seat at the back of the aircraft.

"He was one of the first few to disembark despite the announcement of proper disembarkation sequence by the crew. He was eventually caught and the money retrieved from him. Different currencies in different denominations were found on him", the statement said.

The passenger was handed over to the security operatives

“As someone who will be the image maker if eventually appointed

by Mr President as the Minister of Information of this country, we are supposed to be conversant with our National Anthem.

“Mr President, if you would allow me, I will like for the nominee to recite the second stanza of the National anthem,” Mwadkwom said, But Akpabio and the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele shielded the nominee from answering any of the questions.

Specifically, the Senate President said campaigns were over, stressing that nominees were supposed to tell the senate what they would bring to the table and not to sing songs.

This, nonetheless, the names of the new ministerial nominees were contained in a list submitted to Akpabio by the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Akpabio said screening of the new nominees would start Friday, August 4.

Continues online

NCC: Mafab Has Launched 5G Services in Nigeria The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), yesterday, said its attention was drawn to some mislead-

Passenger Caught Stealing Onboard Air Peace Abuja-PHC Flight Chinedu Eze

gatekeepers: Editors, News Editors and all that have an onus on them to regulate whatever comes out for the sanity of our society, because information is power.

"When information is irresponsibly published, it can lead to cataclysmic effect, destruction, chaos, social upheaval in the society. So, I am very, very vehement about the responsibility aspect of the Press and I will uphold it till the very last atom of my breath.”

Meanwhile, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, later prevented Alake from reciting the second stanza of the National Anthem.

Alake was asked by the Minority Leader, Senator Simon Mwadkwom, to recite the second stanza of the National anthem after taking the nominee up on his old social media post.

“I read a statement where you labeled some particular party as wild dogs, selling blood online.

Are you aware of that statement?

Did you say that?

of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for onward transfer to the Police for further investigations. The police confirmed to have released him on bail and said the chance of prosecution was slim as the owner of the money is unwilling to follow up.

Olisa stressed that Air Peace staff would continue to be security conscious and urged passengers to be more careful with their personal items on board flights.

ing comments on social media which falsely claimed that “ MAFAB Communications, one of the companies granted Fifth Generation (5G) licences by the Commission is yet to roll out the service, nearly two years after obtaining a licence, and one year after the roll-out date.”

In a statement yesterday, the NCC explained that, “for a fact, MAFAB Communications is one of the two successful companies that won a 5G Licence during the globally-acclaimed transparent 5G Auction conducted by the Commission on December 13, 2021.

“Upon fulfilling the condition of payment for the fee of $273.6 million in

February 2022, the company formally received the licence on February 22, 2022.

“Consequent upon the issuance of the 5G licence, and in line with the rollout conditions, MAFAB publicly launched its services in Abuja on January 24, 2023, and in Lagos on January 26, 2023.

At launch, the services were targeted at six cities - Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano and Kaduna.

The Commission has continued to monitor the progress of rollout by MAFAB and has been regularly briefed about the status of infrastructure deployment for service offerings as conditioned in its operating licence.”

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TECH ECOSYSTEM EVENT ORGANISED TO FOSTER ENTREPRENEURSHIP...

L-R: Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Innovation and Technology, Olatunbosun Alake; Deputy President of Queens Borough, New York, Ebony Young; President of Queens Borough, New York, Donovan Richards; Founder and General Partner of Future Africa, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs Ibilola Kasunmu during the tech ecosystem event organised to foster entrepreneurship and economic growth between Lagos State and New York City … recently in Lagos

We Don't Have Control over Fuel Price, Dollar, Says CBN Juliet Akoje in Abuja The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday, said it has no control over the price of petrol and the performance of the dollar.

A Principal Manager at the CBN, Clement Osagie, made this known during his appearance before the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating the recent hike in the price of fuel, due to the

federal government’s removal of subsidy on the product in Abuja, yesterday.

Osagie, noted that the demand for fuel has reduced by 30 per cent due to its low demand following

the hike in the price, occasioned by subsidy removal. He disclosed that $150 million used to be paid for fuel importation monthly from CBN’s intervention.

According to him "the federal

government should discourage importation and encourage local production to reduce the current challenges in the nation's economy.

"The PMS market, perhaps it is envisaged that there is no more

FG Must Negotiate with Organised Labour to Avert Crisis, Says Sani Faults Senate screening of El-Rufai Emma Okonji and Nosa Alekhuogie A former lawmaker who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Shehu Sani, has called for understanding between the federal government and the organised labour in addressing issues that compelled labour to embark on a nationwide protest yesterday.

Sani, who spoke yesterday on ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, said the organised labour decided to carry out a nationwide strike because of the removal of fuel subsidy and the dire consequences of the subsidy removal that has adversely affected Nigerians and the Nigerian economy.

“Before now, the government has been subsidising imported petroleum products and this has continued for so long because the government was unable to get our refineries working.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu eventually put an end to the fuel subsidy regime, which the past governments were not able to achieve.

For the first time, the organised labour and the federal government agreed that fuel subsidy has to stop, but the bone of contention is in the implementation of policies that will cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal, in the area of palliative measures.

“The organised labour is asking for immediate, short and long term measures that will cushion the effect but the federal government is asking for more time to address the issue of palliatives to cushion the effect. The truth is that the Tinubu government is at its infancy stage and has no minister that will intercede on behalf of the government in the contending issue,” Sani said.

According to him, the Chief of Staff to President Tinubu and the Spokesman to President Tinubu cannot negotiate with the organised labour on the issue of fuel subsidy removal.

“There has to be a ministry that is represented by a minister to negotiate with the organised labour and that cannot happen now because the Tinubu-led government has not appointed its ministers.

“So that is the issue at hand, but the organised labour is not seeing it that way. They only felt that the Tinubu government was not ready to negotiate with organised labour, Sani further said.

“To me, the national protest embarked by organised labour yesterday, was only a signal to warn the government and to make the government act fast on the demands of labour.

“The federal government on its part failed to put the adequate measures in place that will cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal, before announcing the removal, but I believe the government will do the right thing to ameliorate the sufferings of the common Nigerians.

“The nationwide protest embarked upon by organised labour is a way of exercising its fundamental human rights, which is part of democracy, but I also think that after the protest, labour should go back to the negotiating table with the federal government,” Sani said.

Reacting to the demands of the organised labour, which included upward review of minimum wage;

Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau and Wife, Sophie, Split after 18 years Canadian Prime Minister (PM), Justin Trudeau, 51, has announced his separation from wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau. The PM and his wife Sophie, 48, announced their split on Instagram yesterday.

They have been married since 2005 and share three children.

The separation was announced in matching posts written in both English and French. The PM’s

office also released a statement to confirm they had reached a legal agreement and reveal that the pair will remain amicable, holidaying together soon with their three kids.

“Sophie Gregoire Trudeau has already moved out of the family home to another residence in Ottawa,” the spokesman added.

“They have worked to ensure

that all legal and ethical steps with regards to their decision to separate have been taken, and will continue to do so moving forward.”

According to Canada's Globe and Mail, the pair will share custody of their three children.

Trudeau will remain at Rideau Cottage with the children, but Sophie has already moved to a different property in Ottawa.

repair of refineries in Nigeria, among others, Sani said the demands were legitimate and that the federal government will have no reason to fault the demands.

He however said lack of communication gap had been the major challenge of organised labour, whom he said felt that the government was not willing to listen to them.

Sani also expressed his disappointment over the ongoing screening of political nominees by the Senate. He was particularly worried that most of the nominees screened were not properly grilled and made reference to the former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El Rufai, whom he said, ought to have been properly grilled

to explain some issues hanging around him.

“The political nominees are going to represent Nigerians in trust and therefore, should be properly screened in the full glare of all.

“When a political nominee appears before the United State Congress, such nominee is asked questions that even borders on his or her family matters, including what he or she has said or done in the past and when in office, but we did not see that with the screening of El Rufai.

“He was only asked to take a bow and leave without the right screening. What is happening at the National Assembly in Nigeria is rather unfortunate,” Sani said.

subsidy, no more bottle necks so it becomes real market enterprise; so more people will come into that business and you will see competition will bring the price down."

The Executive Director, Distribution Systems of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NMDPRA), Ogbugo Ukoha, while speaking, stressed that market forces determine the price of fuel.

He added that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) has however given regulators the authority to intervene to avoid the build-up of cartel, which he said was the reason NMDPRA introduced competition.

"PIA has given the authority quit enormous power to intervene to avoid cartel building which is why we have introduced competition and to also deal with illegal profiteering and more importantly to work with Federal Consumers Protection Council in relation to consumer protection," he added.

Contributing, the Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Hon. Babajide Benson said: "We are not happy because Nigerians are still hurting, feeling the effect of the pump price increase. What can we do?

“Our job here is to ensure that the impact of the increase in price is drastically attended to and that Nigerians don't face untold hardship.”

African Govts Urged to Rollout Social Safety Nets, Safeguard Education James Emejo in Abuja African governments have been implored to roll out social protection policies that empower and build the resilience of families in order to make the citizens less susceptible to social ills.

Education ministries of all African countries were also admonished not to yield to pressures to infiltrate the school curricula with inappropriate content that seeks to introduce children to sexuality.

These were some of the recommendations issued at the end of the fifth edition of the Strengthening Families Conference (SFC) which was held in Abuja, recently With the theme: “Strengthening Marriages”, the conference sought to among other things address challenges currently confronting families and society in general as

well exploring lasting solutions to these limitations.

The SFC is a non-denominational event sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints – and open to all denominations and religions, and has contributed immensely to promoting projects and programmes that support family units worldwide and with special reference to the West African Sub-Region.

The SFC also called on governments to resist the pressures by group who are anti-traditional marriages and families, and that government agencies and political leaders should endeavour to formulate policies that would not only strengthen families but protect traditional marriages.

Among other recommendations, the conference emphasised that couples should, as much as possible, avoid external interference

in their families and marriages and learn to resolve their differences themselves without allowing a third-party intervention, unless absolutely relevant.

Couples were also advised to manage their emotion and anger to avoid degeneration to violence, adding that physical and emotional trauma should be avoided irrespective of the level of provocation and circumstances.

The conference further counselled that marriage outside the faith should be a decision carefully taken by the parties involved, with full understanding of what it entails and the complexities therein while discussions about finances should be a priority to couples to provide clear understanding of their financial status.

Continues online

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INAUGURATION OF PDP NATIONAL GOVERNORSHIP CAMPAIGN COUNCIL...

L-R: Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Imo State, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, Bayelsa State Governor and PDP candidate, Senator Douye Diri and governorship candidate in Kogi State, Senator Dino Melaye during the inauguration of the party’s national campaigns council for Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi governorship election at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, ... yesterday

Falana Accuses National Assembly of Approving N110bn Without RMAFC Approval Says money should be distributed to 360 constituencies Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Wale Igbintade in Lagos Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana has asked the National Assembly to distribute the sum of N110 billion to the 360 federal constituencies in the country, stressing that it will go a long way to alleviate the harsh economic pains inflicted on the Nigerians as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy by the Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Falana, in a statement tagged, "Why National Assembly Should Distribute N110 Billion to 360 Constituencies," accused the lawmakers of appropriating additional N70 billion for the renovation National Assembly complex, when the previous N37 billion earmarked for same purpose had not been accounted for.

The fiery lawyer also demanded the refund of N40 billion allegedly used for the purchase of bulletproof cars for the leaders of the National Assembly, without the authorisation of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) The statement read: "Sometime in 2020, the National Assembly members unanimously approved N37 billion for the face-lift of the National Assembly Complex.

"The huge cost of the repairs

of the complex was greeted with nation-wide condemnation in view of the fact that the sum of N128 billion had been allocated for the National Assembly in the 2020 Appropriation Act. "Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan defended the renovation fund, stating that the National

New Ministerial Nominees 1. Abdullahi Tijjani Gwarzo 2. Simon Lalong 3. Bello Matawwalle 4. Tunji Alausa 5. Adegboyega Oyetola 6. Uba Maigari Ahmadu 7. Lola Ade John 8. Dr. Ishak Salako 9. Sen. Heineken Lolokpobri 10. Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu 11. Prof. Tahir Mamman 12. Zaphaniah Bitrus Jisalo 13. Sen. Ibrahim Geidam 14. Dr. Bosun Tijjani 15. Dr. Maryam Shetti 16. Shuaibu Abubakar Audu 17. Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi 18. Atiku Bagudu 19. Sen. Alkali Ahmed Saidu

- Kano - Plateau - Zamfara - Lagos - Osun - Taraba - Lagos - Ogun - Bayelsa - Kebbi - Adamawa - FCT - Yobe - Ogun - Kano - Kogi - Niger - Kebbi - Gombe

Assembly building had not been renovated for 20 years. According to him, when the 9th National Assembly resumed, it was discovered that some parts of the property had become dilapidated.

"We have confirmed that the N37 billion face-lift of the complex has not been completed. Curiously, the members of both houses of the National Assembly have erroneously approved another sum of N70 billion for the face-lift of the same complex without any request for a review of the N37 billion renovation contract.”

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), added: "We have also confirmed that the RMAFC did not authorise the N40 billion for purchase of bulletproof cars for the

Civil rights group carpets NASS over move to stop protest leaders of the National Assembly.

"Therefore, the total sum of N110 billion should be distributed to the 360 federal constituencies in the country. Since each constituency will receive not less than 305 million it will go a long way to alleviate the harsh economic pains inflicted on the Nigerian people as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy by the Bola Tinubu administration."

Meanwhile, civil rights advocacy group, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), yesterday, carpeted the 10th National Assembly (NASS) over their moves to stop the nationwide protests of the organised labour against the anti-people policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

HURIWA also asked the National

The GMD who expressed gratitude to his team and other internal stakeholders for the many successes achieved in the last 12 months, said that through their collective efforts, the bank has celebrated major business wins across various markets, solidifying its position as a leading financial institution in the region.

He said, “I want to express my gratitude to every one of you, our dedicated and talented team leaders and members. for your commitment to our customer-centric vision and the spirit of execution displayed in our successes so far.

“Through our collective efforts, we have recorded major business wins across our various markets, improved on our financial performance, enhanced customer service delivery and are on the way

equitably and fairly and not allow the intended monetary inducements of N30 billion palliative from the government to the judiciary, to influence the outcomes of the petitions challenging the validity of the February 25th Presidential Election.

HURIWA, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the legislature controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC) government has no power to change the tenets of free speech and democratic ideals such as embarking on strikes by workers which are provided for in a plethora of laws in Nigeria and many international labour agreements endorsed and domesticated by Nigeria.

NEPC: $4.9bn Non-oil Export Proceeds Recorded in 2022 Gilbert Ekugbe

The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), yesterday, stated that the $4.850 billion generated from

non-oil export proceeds in 2022, was the best recorded after 47 years.

The feat achieved according to the Council, was courtesy of its intervention and other stakeholders

UBA GMD Marks FirstYear in Office, Says the Best Has Just Begun The management of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has unveiled its commitment to enhance customer experience, whilst expressing optimism for greater achievements for its customers and shareholders.

UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Oliver Alawuba, was quoted in a statement, to have made the pledge in Lagos on Tuesday, while marking his first-year anniversary in office. He promised investors and customers that the best is yet to come.

The ‘UBA 4.0 Team’, led by Alawuba, took over the reins of leadership in August 2022, and have since achieved record-breaking profit margins and witnessed transformative growth across the international and African markets.

Industrial Court or the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal not to allow the humongous fund of N30 billion recently allocated

by Tinubu to the judiciary as palliative measures against high costs of fuel, to influence their determination of cases instituted at the National Industrial court by the federal government to use ‘Jankara Market Restraining Order’ to perpetually impede the decision of the oppressed workers under the aegis of Nigeria Labour Congress to embark on strike due to excessive upward reviews of pump price of fuel by the current administration.

Also, the Rights group has charged the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal to discharge justice

to achieving a more connected Brand, and these achievements have not only strengthened the bank's standing but have also provided a solid foundation for even greater accomplishments in the future,” Alawuba pointed out.

He explained that the bank would not rest on its oars in its drive to deliver on its promise of being the leading financial services provider in Africa and beyond, adding “We will continue to focus on our three levers of transformation, these being People, Process and Technology.”

Alawuba highlighted the importance of engaging stakeholders to drive progress across all aspects of the bank’s operations, as he reiterated his commitment to continuous engagement across all geographies to ensure UBA remains at the

forefront of the financial industry.

“I have travelled to 21 countries across our 24 presence countries in the last 12 months, I make the commitment to continuously engage all stakeholders across all geographies, to ensure we make the expected progress in every aspect of our operations,” he stated.

While reaffirming the bank's mission to empower its customers, partners, and communities as a whole, the GMD stated that the UBA 4.0 remains dedicated to the well-being of our communities thus reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability.

United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees’ group wide and serving over 35 million customers globally.

in the export business.

The Regional Coordinator, South West Region, Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr. Akintunde Folorunsho, at an export capacity building programme for registered exporters organised by the Council, said the non-oil export sector's growth performance was significant, but stated that the first half of 2023 has witnessed a slight drop due to the elections and transition in government.

He however, stated that the essence of the capacity building programme for registered exporters was to give exporters the requisite knowledge to penetrate the export market.

"The group of exporters that have been selected are the ones that have engaged in the export clinic for us to teach them the rudiments of export business. Today's project is a step further into build their capacity in terms of supply chain, logistics, certification to penetrate the export market," he said.

In his words: "So far, we have registered over 80 exporters in this programme and have invited reputable consultants, NIRSAL and financial institutions in our bid to make the nation's non-oil exporters

competitive globally."

He expressed concerns over the inability of Nigerian exporters to access the $3 trillion global fund for export business, saying some Nigerian exporters lacked the capacity to submit bankable proposals to access the fund "It is quite true that there are lots of funds available for exporters to take advantage, but some of them lack the capacity to submit bankable proposals to access the fund. This is the reason why we invited the financial institutions to take them through what is needed to access those funds.

“There is a $3 trillion funds available globally for exporters to grow their businesses. There are also funds available in Nigeria domiciled in Nigeria Export and Import (NEXIM) Bank, Bank of Industry (BoI) and the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) that enterprises, SMEs are unable to access because of the lack of capacity gaps of our exporters to leverage this opportunity," he lamented.

He noted that the export building capacity initiative was aimed at bridging the knowledge and capacity gap for Nigerian exporters to get easy access to these funds

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POLITICS

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com (08033025611 SMS ONLY)

Achonu: I’m Contesting Imo Guber Race to Liberate My People Labour Party’s Candidate in the Forthcoming Governorship election in Imo state, Senator Athan Achonu, in a recent interview with Gboyega Akinsanmi, unveils his plans to industrialise Imo State, explains the root causes of insecurity in the state and explains how he intends to resolve them.

W

hy do you want to become the governor of Imo State at a time insecurity is high and criminality has become a commonplace?

A - I am always of the view that those who are well off should provide for others. God has been kind to me. It is time for me to give back to my people. In Imo State, we have every mineral resources we can think of on this earth. Then, we have abundant human resources, millions of youths, who are graduates. Most of them are jobless.

Look at China, for instance. The reason the whole world focuses on China is because of abundant human resources. They have a lot of solid minerals as well. They now focus on manufacturing to create jobs for their teeming population. That was the strategy of China. They have taken over trade all over the world. We can do the same in Nigeria, especially in Imo State where I come from. Like China, we have abundant human and mineral resources. Those of us who can afford it should build factories and create jobs for our jobless youths.

This should be the focus of Africa. That is my major drive for seeking the next governorship election in the state.

Before now, what have you done to address these challenges you mentioned in Imo State?

As a Senator in the sixth National Assembly, I sponsored a bill that mineral resources should not be exported out of this country without processing them.

The bill was intended to achieve a set of goals.

First, among these goals, if then enacted, the bill would have enabled us to know what has been extracted, which we do not know up till date.

Second, the bill would have enabled us to acquire the technology for mineral extraction and processing.

Third, the bill would have helped us as a country to create a lot of employment massively.

Lastly, we would have created a lot of wealth from such an initiative. I have been preaching it for years. I sponsored a bill at the Senate.

It has not worked. I now decided to focus on the Southeast, where I come from. At least, they will listen to me.

How are you sure that your people will listen to you given decades of failed promises they have experienced in the hand of past governors?

My people are living testimonies to what I have been doing to industrialise Imo State through aggressive campaign and purposeful investments.

In every senatorial district, I have three billboards with different messages. The purpose is to encourage Imo indigenes, who have the means, to come home and invest so that we can create jobs for our teeming youths, who are reportedly into drug peddling and internet frauds.

We have brilliant and intelligent youths. They simply need the right environment for them to make a living and create wealth also. If they were to be in the United States, all these youths will go into Information and Communication Technology (ICT). I have been preaching, “Come home and invest over and over again.” But it is not working because of insecurity. It is not also working because of bad governance.

These have been our challenges over the years.

Because of what happened in Lagos during the last election, my people came to my house and acknowledged my message of “come home and invest” I have been preaching over the years.

They now asked me how would they go home and invest with the level of insecurity. Aside, government is attacking people’s investments in Imo State. All the efforts I made to industrialise the state was blocked. I brought Radisson Hotel to Owerri. They blocked it. I have a licence to build a refinery. They blocked it. I wanted to turn the international airport into a cargo hub for West Africa. They blocked it. They said: “Look, General, with all the efforts you have

Achonu made, we know you have not stolen our money. If you want us to come home and invest, go and become a governor because we trust you. We also believe in you because we know you are development-oriented.”

I carefully thought about what they told me.

I eventually concluded that this was perhaps the reason I had been doing all these things all these years.

I have been living by example. I did not care. If they stopped here, I would go elsewhere. If they stopped there, I would find another place. I decided to go to my village where they cannot stop me.

Currently, I have massive investment in agriculture in my place. Honestly, my brother, people are suffering. The level of hunger is unbelievable. You cannot even imagine that of poverty.

Since some years, Imo State is synonymous to insecurity. What are the roots causes of insecurity in Imo State?

Since the All Progressives Congress (APC) came into our state, violence started. There have been insecurity, kidnapping, killing and violence since APC assumed office in the state. All these issues were not in Imo State until APC used the judiciary to grab power almost four years ago.

Killing and maiming people is not part of our nature. I really need to go and stop these ugly trends. I need to go and make the state secure so that our people can come and invest. We

have drifted already.

Things are getting worse after every term. I cannot imagine what will happen if this government stays for another four years in Imo State.

People do not go home anymore. Our people are now having traditional weddings in Lagos, even in the United States. Every Christmas, Lagos is always empty. Abuja too is always empty.

But this does not happen any longer. Are we going to leave our homeland and run away?

We must have a homeland. And it is from Imo they are attacking Anambra. It is from Imo they are attacking Enugu. It is also from Imo they are attacking Abia. So, it is only an Imolite that will go and stop all these disturbing trends.

I have already presented myself as a candidate to bring order and stability to Imo State and by extension to the South-east.

How do you plan to restore order amid grievous cases of killing, kidnapping and criminality taking place in Imo State?

For me, it is not a difficult task. I will tell my people a positive change has come and that we need to team up together to develop Imo state. The incumbent governor did not win any election. It was the Supreme Court that gave it to him. Imolites did not vote for him, and they will not vote for him in the next governorship election. So, do not bother about what happened with the 27 members of the House of Assembly.

We are confident the election tribunal will upturn everything. I do not want to preempt the election tribunal. Let me wait until the tribunal decides because the APC didn’t win election anywhere in Imo State. Labour Party and Peoples Democratic Party swept the entire state.

Now back to your question, insecurity broke out when governors started starving local governments of funds. The thugs most

Governor Hope Uzodimma was my colleague in the Senate.

We know each other’s strength and weakness. I will defeat him in any election in Imo State. Bring him 10 times I will defeat him. What is incumbency? Incumbency can only work when you do what people like. They said he had been building roads. Which roads? It is federal roads he had been building. How can a state government build roads on behalf of the federal government and abandon the state roads? If he abandons the state roads, who will build them for him?

of them engaged for elections are used to local contractors. They used to get contracts to construct drainages, converts and community roads. From these contracts, they could feed themselves. They were being patronised after every election cycle. Immediately, governors stopped conducting local government elections and started controlling their funds, all hell broke loose. The moment I am sworn in, I will declare a state of emergency in all local government areas. I will appoint caretaker committees in all local government areas for just six months to enable us prepare for the conduct of elections.

Within four months, the administrators can go and contest if they have done well. When we have elected councilors and chairmen, there will be security all over the state because if a stranger comes to a ward, there is no way the councillor in the ward will not know.

There is no country on earth where security personnel do not know who criminals are. Il If they do not know, that country does not have security agents. When we police everywhere, there will be security.

Every policing is local. Every security is local.

Until we return governance to the grassroots, we will never have security. Our state will not be secured because our people feel alienated.

They do not feel the presence of government.

There is no infrastructure.

So, they feel part of this process. They do not believe in it in the first place. I am going to change all that.

Besides providing security, what other plans do you have for the people of Imo State?

When elected, I have a plan to declare an emergency in the power sector. Thanks to former President Muhammadu Buhari. He signed the bill to empower the states to generate their power into law before he completed his tenure. The states can now generate and distribute their own power.

He did a very good job. That is one of the few things he did right while he was in office.

I will capitalise on the new power sector legislation. I will make sure we have regular power supply within the first 24 months of my administration. We have already mapped out six industrial estates within the state, two per each senatorial district.

Look at Nnewi for instance. The whole West Africa is coming Nnewi to buy vehicles from Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing. I am going to turn Imo State into the heart of industrialisation in Nigeria and everybody will be coming to the state to buy what we produce. I will also bring other investors.

A lot of friends are already begging me to go and secure Imo State.

Do you faith in the electoral process given the way previous elections have been handled in the federation, especially in Imo State?

I have faith in our electoral process. I also believe judges are Nigerians. They see what is happening. I believe in the judiciary.

I keep saying it, but people laugh at me. There are so many good people in the judiciary. We are all Nigerians. I am not a saint too. If there are four million people who are stealing now, there are 40 million Nigerians who are waiting for their own turn to steal. That is the nature of every citizen including those in the media.

The United States was the worst country on the earth before. Mafia used to appoint police chiefs and judges. It was the media that saved the United States. They started writing to expose the rots in the country. Some of them lost their lives. They paid supreme sacrifice. When the police officers saw that they could no longer cover what had been exposed, they started working with journalists. Some judges too started giving powerful judgement. That is how the United States was liberated the hands of mafias.

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

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY, ͱ˜ ͰͮͰͱ

19

FEATURES

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

How Punuka is Touching Lives to Help Challenged Children Although Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors is in the business of law, it is also touching lives through The Punuka Foundation, Precious Ugwuzor writes On Sunday, it inaugurated the state-of-theart Punuka Foundation Childcare Centre in Sangotedo, Lagos to help challenged children.

The Foundation was founded by the Senior Partner of Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors, Dr. Anthony Idigbe (SAN), and the law firm’s Managing Partner, Mrs. Elizabeth Idigbe, in 2004.

The inauguration was also part of year-long events to mark the centenary of the late Supreme Court Judge, Justice Chukwunweike Idigbe, who established the law firm in 1947.

Inspired by the Idigbes’ personal experiences, the centre will cater to the health and educational needs of children and young adults with developmental needs such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), among others.

Chief Idigbe explained that the land for the project was acquired in 2007, following their experiences catering to their third child both at home and abroad.

He said the couple observed that there was a dearth of facilities to cater to special needs children in the country.

The SAN believes that the expansive facility would provide world-class care for children of families in need.

“The facility will start with 18 kids,” Idigbe said, adding that the Foundation hoped to admit more children as the facility expands.

Mrs. Idigbe added that the facility will run a five-day boarding programme week while parents will be expected to pick up their children at the end of school on Fridays.

She noted that this arrangement will relieve parents and guardians of the tremendous challenge of caring for their special needs children and free them up to attend to other matters.

“This journey started when my husband and I faced the challenge with one of our children, Chuka.

“In our journey with Chuka, we realised that a lot of people with similar challenges needed help.

“It is tough to take care of a challenged child, but it is important to face the challenge, with prayers to God, action on doing the very best for the child and having a community of experts and fellow parents for support.

“Hence the childcare centre is to give succour to families in this situation and maximise the potential of challenged children.

“It is also a reminder that no child should be left behind,” Mrs. Idigbe said.

She added that the Foundation had assembled a team of passionate and highly skilled professionals and is “committed to providing the highest quality care, therapy and education to each child entrusted to us”.

“At Punuka Foundation, we understand that the journey of a child with special needs is not one that can be reversed alone by their parents and caregivers.

“We value the importance of partnerships

L-R: Trustee, Punuka Foundation, Dr. Babatunde Ajibade (SAN); Senior Partner, Punuka Attorneys & Solicitors, Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN); wife and Managing Partner of the firm, Elizabeth; former Lagos State Deputy Governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, who chaired the event; Vice Chair, Kano Independent Research Trust, Dr Amina Umar, who was the keynote speaker; and Catholic Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, Most Rev Alfred Adewale Martins at the inauguration of the Punuka Foundation Childcare Centre in Lagos as part of the year-long events to mark the centenary of the late Supreme Court Justice Chukwunweike Idigbe

The inaugurated Punuka Childcare Centre and collaborations with parents, caregivers, educators, and the wider community.

“Together, we will create a support system that nurtures the growth, development, and well-being of these incredible children.”

Former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, who chaired the event and commissioned the centre, commended the leadership of the Punuka Foundation for the initiative.

She hailed “their exceptional commitment

to the plight of the challenged children and their parents”.

She added: “I recognise that caring for challenged children can be quite tasking and requires care specific to their health, mental, social and physical development.

“It is pertinent to note that this noble initiative being undertaken by Punuka Foundation, is in line with the spirit

and letters of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

She urged the foundation not to relent in its efforts on the care and empowerment of children with special needs and their caregivers, as these children have equal rights and opportunities like every other citizen.

“We must all ensure that these children are able to live free of violence, discrimination and abuse,” she added.

Vice Chair of the Kano Independent Research Trust and senior lecturer at Bayero University and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Dr. Amina Umar, delivered the keynote address.

She noted the importance of having the right facilities for special needs children and urged others to emulate the foundation.

Guests at the event included Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), Mrs Dorothy Ufot (SAN), Dr. Babajide Ajibade (SAN), who is also a trustee of the foundation, among other seniors and junior lawyers and law sector stakeholders.

Others were His Grace, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, who blessed the centre; immediate-past Minister of State for Budget and National Planning Prince Clem Agba; representatives of the Ajayi Apata family, and representatives of the Order of Preachers (the Dominicans) who will be providing Chaplaincy support to the Centre.

Also present were the Board of Trustees of the Punuka Foundation; the board of partners, management and staff of Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors; knights and ladies of St Mulumba; captains of industries and clients.

Chairman of the Centenary Organising Committee and a Partner at Punuka, Mr Nnamdi Oragwu, in a statement after the event, added that the year-long events will continue on August 12, 2023, with the inauguration of the “Honourable Justice Chukwunweike Idigbe Museum and Youth Centre” in Asaba, Delta State.

This will be chaired by Chief Thompson Okpoko (SAN), with Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, as the special guest.

On August 11, a public lecture with the theme: “The Impact of Justice Idigbe on Nigerian Commercial Jurisprudence through his judgements” will be held at the NBA Bar Centre in Asaba.

Professor Poonam Puri from Osgoode Hall Law School in Canada will be the guest lecturer.

Prof Emeka Chianu will also speak at the NBA event.

On the same day, the “Hon. Justice Idigbe E-Library and Resource Centre” will be donated to the NBA Asaba branch.

On the evening of August 11, immediate-past Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, will chair an event tagged “An Evening with Prof. Puri,” which will be held at Elomaz Best Western Hotel, Asaba.

Botswana's Resilient Response to Severe Agricultural Drought: Lessons for Addressing Food Insecurity in Nigeria, Others Helen Onyeaka and Phemelo Tamasiga

B

otswana, known for its semi-arid climate, is grappling with a severe agricultural drought this year, which could potentially place the lives and livelihoods of many at risk. However, President Masisi's recent declaration has triggered a nationwide relief effort, promising support for those affected.

According to the official press release, rainfall distribution for the 2022/23 season was inadequate, resulting in considerable strain on both crop and livestock production. The areas worst affected include Kgalagadi, Ghanzi, and Western Ngamiland. The government of Botswana employed several measures to reduce the impact and severity of the drought: * Government Extensive Relief Initiative In response, the government has launched an extensive relief initiative, offering both immediate and long-term support to farmers and citizens affected by this ecological crisis. One commendable

measure is the decision by the Ministry of Finance to pay 40% of seasonal loans to farmers who had previously taken loans from the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) and the National Development Bank (NDB).

This assistance should alleviate some of the financial burden on those farmers affected by the crop failure. * Agricultural Subsidies Further to this, the Ministry of Agriculture has offered numerous subsidies, including a 30% livestock feed subsidy and a 30% subsidy for non-traditional commodities, aiming to promote equitable distribution and lessen the impact on smallholder farmers. *Provisions for Food Security In addition, the Ministry of Health pledges a continuous supply of therapeutic foods for malnourished children, ensuring they receive the nutrition needed during this challenging period. A further innovation that the Government of Botswana could consider is integration of Circular Economy principles in building

resilience and safeguarding against climate induced food insecurity. *Mitigating unemployment in the agricultural sector According to the World Bank the agricultural sector in Botswana comprises 23% of total employment.

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development will also increase employment slots in the Ipelegeng program to cater to individuals affected by job scarcity in the agricultural sector.

While the initiatives put forth are indeed commendable, only time will tell whether these measures are enough to combat the drought's impacts effectively.

The resilient people of Botswana are undoubtedly looking forward to seeing these promises put into action promptly.

With the government’s commitment to action and the resilience of the people, Botswana will hopefully endure this severe agricultural drought. However, it serves as a stark reminder of the tangible

effects of climate change and the need for sustainable and resilient agricultural practices for the future. Furthermore early warning systems that are tailor made for the agricultural sector need to be developed and implemented to assist farmers to make crop and livestock planning in the face of uncertainties. Collaborations and partnerships between government, think tanks, farmers, NGOs and the private sector need to be encouraged and supported with appropriate structures in order to collectively plan for mitigation and adaptation to climate change effects on Agriculture. One often overlooked source of skills transfer and solutions for the myriad of challenges of food security and innovation in agriculture is the diaspora. We implore Botswana and African governments to be deliberate in creating structured platforms where the skills of the diaspora could be harnessed to address challenges beyond Agriculture. t0OZFBLB BOE 5BNBTJHB XSPUF JO GSPN 6OJWFSTJUZ PG #JSNJOHIBN 4DIPPM PG $IFNJDBM &OHJOFFSJOH #JSNJOHIBN 6, BOE 1VCMJD 1PMJDZ JO "GSJDB *OJUJBUJWF :BPVOEÏ $BNFSPPO

20 T H I S D AY THURSDAY AUGUST 3, 2023 TR

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Thursday August 3, 2023 Vol 27. No 10339

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opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

TINUBU AND THE ENDGAME IN NIAMEY OLUSEGUN ADENIYI votes for a diplomatic solution to the Niger crisis See page 21

BALA MOHAMMED: HISTORY WILL VINDICATE THE JUST Critics undue attention to the governor’s family house project is unfortunate, writes EMMA AGU

See page 21

EDITORIAL

DEATH ON THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA

EUROPE

22

1

The will of the government to renew hope would be passed through the furnace in the next few weeks, contends KUNLE JENROLA

‘RENEWED HOPE’ IN A PRESSURE COOKER There seems to be interesting intersections between the meanings of the Latin phrase: “carpe diem” (seize the day) and the English proverb: “put the cart before the horse “ in FRPPXQLFDWLQJ WKH QXDQFHV RI KXPDQ DͿDLUV Curiously, the two musings hint at the knack RI PDQ IRU SURJUHVV DGYHUWHQWO\ RU RWKHUZLVH While the former speaks directly to improving one’s lot, advantageously, the latter adopts an intuitive speech mode to also sensitize motion HYHQ LI LQ UHYHUVH RUGHU In other words, if carpe diem, literally translated as “pluck the day” was coined to provoke prompt, rational response to the uncertainties of the future by taking advantage of immediate opportunities, the concealed wisdom RI D GLVRUGHUO\ ´FDUW EHIRUH KRUVH SURÀOHµ is suggestive of the importance of adequate SODQQLQJ DV D SUHVFULSWLRQ IRU H΀FLHQF\ DQG RUGHUO\ FRQGXFW It is clarifying to note that as a recurring literary theme in the agrarian setting of the middle-age, proverbs, folklores and myths were employed to forge better understanding of socio- political and HFRQRPLF ORJMDPV As such, other proverbs like: “make hay while the sun shines,” and “strike the iron when it’s hot” share a logical realm of reason with carpe GLHP +RZHYHU D ÀJXUDWLYH EHDXW\ RI ODQJXDJH ZDV introduced by, John Heywood, an English writer of the 16th century, in his work: “A Dialogue of English Proverbs” where he suggested an “illogical”: “cart before the horse” mechanics of PRWLRQ 7KH SRHWLF VSLQ RQ WKDW H[SUHVVLRQ ZDV an absurdity that gave odd similarity to the act RI ´ZHDULQJ VKRHV EHIRUH VRFNVµ Needless to point out that, Heywood’s powerful imagery, an irony, has since caught on as the synonym for disaster, disorder and preposterous action in individual/corporate XQGHUWDNLQJV DQG VRFLR SROLWLFDO FDOFXODWLRQV It is therefore intriguing that the allure and instructive cadence of proverbs, idioms and other literary musings have become both DQDORJRXV DQG GHÀQLQJ RI WKH SDUDGR[ RI WKH policy orientation and implementation of the evolving administration of President Bola $KPHG 7LQXEX After scoring an ace “to hit the ground running”, it would appear that the administration’s trained focus to ‘seize the day” through courageous, well-intentioned economic policies such as fuel subsidy removal DQG KDUPRQL]DWLRQ RI WKH IRUHLJQ H[FKDQJH ZLQGRZV ZLWKRXW À[LQJ FRQGLWLRQV SUHFHGHQW LV EHFRPLQJ LWV DOEDWURVV $V WKLQJV VWDQG WRGD\ K\SHU LQÁDWLRQDU\ tendencies that shot prices of food items and transportation through the roof in response to market forces appears to be taking the ‘Renewed Hope” of many Nigerians through the furnace RI ÀFNOH IRUWXQH When, one may ask, did the bonhomie that JUHHWHG WKH H[WHPSRUDQHRXV LQDXJXUDO VSHHFK stoppage of the fuel subsidy begin to lose its oomph?

Why is the virtually muted post- election grouse of a critical mass of Nigerians gaining its “we- told -you- so” voice back? &RXOG LW EH WKDW WKH LQH[SOLFDEOH IDLOXUH WR

activate a soft- landing gear of predictably bumpy policy ride has made the berth of these H[LJHQW SROLFLHV D VWXG\ LQ QDLYH HJRWLVWLF RU insensitive leadership?

The thing is, this new government started courting trouble from get-go in its attempt to strike a delicate balance between an impulsedriven removal of fuel subsidy and the foresight-demanding provision of amenities to cushion its attendant harshness on the populace - in an orderly “horse -before-cart” IDVKLRQ While it would be cheap to suggest that an administration conversant with the seamy politics of subsidy removal simply glossed over the consequent negative impact on Nigerians, it bodes fair to infer an error of judgement that borders on taking the resilience of the masses IRU JUDQWHG In playing the devil’s advocate, one might even argue that President Tinubu was driven by the patriotic zeal of a transformational leader that over-focused on a quick surgery to ULG WKH QDWLRQ RI D WHUPLQDO DLOPHQW What with a petrol subsidy budget of 1 WULOOLRQ LQ 1 WULOOLRQ LQ DQG D KDOI \HDU DSSURSULDWLRQ RI 1 WULOOLRQ IRU URXJKO\ 1 ELOOLRQ HYHU\ PRQWK DQG GZLQGOLQJ IRUHLJQ H[FKDQJH HDUQLQJV ,W LV DOVR GL΀FXOW WR EOLQN WKH IDFW WKDW WKH Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) was losing revenue hand RYHU ÀVW WKURXJK FUXGH RLO WKHIW DQG VXEVLG\ ELOO WR WKH H[WHQW WKDW LW KDG EHHQ XQDEOH WR make remittances into the federation account IRU PDQ\ ORQJ PRQWKV At the peak of the controversy surrounding KLV FRUSRUDWLRQ·V DOOHJHG SURÁLJDF\ WKH *URXS &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2΀FHU RI WKH 1LJHULDQ National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, sent shock waves in the media when he told a Senate hearing that the NNPCL was not owing Nigeria, but Nigeria was owing 113&/ 1 WUQ DV RI -DQXDU\ 3HUKDSV D VWURQJHU MXVWLÀFDWLRQ WR discontinue the fuel subsidy policy of previous administrations was solid in a World Bank Report titled : ‘Africa’s Pulse: An Analysis of ,VVXHV 6KDSLQJ $IULFD·V (FRQRPLF )XWXUH· 7KH document stated that our petrol import bill hit 1 WULOOLRQ LQ WKH KLJKHVW LQ VL[ \HDUV DV WKH TXHVW E\ WKH FRXQWU\ WR ZHDQ LWVHOI RͿ imported fuel drags: which clearly fueled the

economy of our neighbors remarkably over WKH \HDUV Another major policy shift of the administration with an enviable potential of DWWUDFWLQJ LQÁRZ RI IRUHLJQ H[FKDQJH LV WKH attempted merger of the rates at both parallel DQG R΀FLDO PDUNHWV :LWK D SUH PHUJHU R΀FLDO H[FKDQJH UDWH RI 1 SLWFKHG DJDLQVW D SDUDOOHO PDUNHW YDOXH RI RYHU 1 FRUUXSWLRQ DQG XQLPDJLQDEOH IRUPV RI economic sabotage was the order of the day XQGHU WKH ROG GLVSHQVDWLRQ 7KH QDLUD LV QRZ EHLQJ ÁRDWHG DW EHWZHHQ 1 R΀FLDOO\ DQG 1 XQR΀FLDOO\ WR GHOLYHU D JUHDWO\ UHGXFHG H[FKDQJH GLVSDULW\ DQG GLVFRXUDJH LQVLGHU WUDGLQJ DQG URXQG WULSSLQJ Surely, these deft moves along with H[HFXWLYH GHFODUDWLRQ RI D 6WDWH RI (PHUJHQF\ RQ )RRG 6HFXULW\ VLJQLÀHG D SXUSRVLYH ZD\ out of the woods, at least, until hope for tangible reliefs was fading fast and dragging IDU Suddenly, the miseries of ill- fed Nigerians at the base of the social pyramid increased as many had to resort to trekking long distances WR EHDW SURKLELWLYH WUDQVSRUW FRVWV Let’s not miss the point that these inevitable economic ideals are replete in long-term JDLQV %XW D OHVVRQ RQ KRZ WR ´GR WKH ULJKW things wrongly” began to put the nobility of the administration’s intention to test in the absence of short term measures to prevent or mitigate the bitterness of the life-saving HFRQRPLF SLOO WKH UHIRUPV SRUWHQG At the approach of this fork in the road to economic wellbeing, a throw- back to WKH GHÀFLHQFLHV RU IDLOXUHV RI 3UHVLGHQW 2EDVDQMR·V 2SHUDWLRQ )HHG WKH 1DWLRQ 2)1 6KDJDUL·V *UHHQ 5HYROXWLRQ DQG %DEDQJLGD·V 6WUXFWXUDO $GMXVWPHQW 3URJUDPPH 6$3 LV ZRUWK\ RI DSSUDLVDO Advantage of hindsight revealed that the rushed implementation of these bold economic projects, crushed their gains due to failure to IDFWRU LQ WKH YDJDULHV RI KXPDQ QDWXUH 7KH history of socio-economic change has always KDG WR FRQWHQG ZLWK FRPSOH[ KXPDQ QDWXUH that hugs pleasure in the short run and abhors SDLQ HYHQ LI LW SRUWHQGV ORQJ WHUP SOHDVXUH Since governments are always in a hurry to wrought a change, they, including the current RQH IDOO ÁDW LQ VXUPRXQWLQJ WKH KXPDQ IDFWRU DQG RWKHU HOHPHQWV RI QDWXUH This is precisely why, the Tinubu’s JRYHUQPHQW LV VWUXJJOLQJ WR GHÁHFW DFFXVDWLRQV and suspicions of an attempt to “choke the SRRUµ DV LW UROOHG RXW DQ 1 ELOOLRQ ERXTXHW RI SDOOLDWLYHV The gulf of distrust has widened in spite of the supplementary budgetary allocation, ZKLFK SURYLGHG 1 E IURP ZKLFK ´SRRU IDPLOLHVµ FRXOG GUDZ 1 SHU PRQWK IRU VL[ PRQWKV DQG WKH 0LQLVWU\ RI :RUNV DQG +RXVLQJ ZLOO JHW EQ WR DOOHYLDWH WKH LPSDFW RI WKH VHYHUH ÁRRGLQJ H[SHULHQFHG LQ WKH FRXQWU\ LQ RQ URDG LQIUDVWUXFWXUH DFURVV WKH VL[ JHRSROLWLFDO ]RQHV Jenrola is a seasoned Journalist and Communication Consultant

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THURSDAY AUGUST 3, 2023

Critics undue attention to the governor’s family house project is unfortunate, writes EMMA AGU OLUSEGUN ADENIYI votes for a diplomatic solution to the Niger crisis

TINUBU AND THE ENDGAME IN NIAMEY Continued from backpage Wagner is currently operating in Central African Republic (CAR), Mali, Sudan, Chad, Mozambique, Libya, Guinea, and Burkina )DVR ,Q D YRLFH PHVVDJH RQ :DJQHU D΀OLDWHG Telegram channels, Yevgeny Prigozhin was quick to praise “the struggle of the people of 1LJHU ZLWK WKHLU FRORQLVHUVµ ZKLOH RͿHULQJ his services to the coup plotters. And in a video released two weeks ago, Prigozhin had told his men currently stationed in Belarus to prepare for a ‘new journey to Africa’. Since the mercenary group uses the exploitation of mineral resources in these countries to pay themselves, Niger will be attractive to them. With the landlocked country bordering Katsina and Zamfara States, Wagner’s presence would be too close for comfort, especially given the gold deposits in Zamfara.

Unfortunately for ECOWAS, when it rains, it pours. President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone was not at the Abuja summit due to the post-election crisis in his country.

On Tuesday, several civilians and military R΀FHUV ZHUH DUUHVWHG RQ FKDUJHV RI WU\LQJ WR “launch violent attacks on state institutions and citizens.” Whichever way we look at it, anti-democratic forces are expanding their tentacles on the continent.

In February last year, I wrote a column on ‘Nigeria and the Coup Epidemics’ following the leaked American intelligence documents GHVFULELQJ DQ HͿRUW E\ :DJQHU WR UHFUXLW rebels as part of an “evolving plot to topple the Chadian government”. According to the report published in the ‘Washington Post’, the documents detail a discussion in February 2022 between Prigozhin and associates about the timeline and facility for training an initial group of rebels in Avakaba (a city in Central African Republic), close to the Chadian border, and the route that Wagner would use to transport them. A crisis in Chad, as I wrote last year, is a crisis in Nigeria, given the proximity and associated security issues.

“Besides, in a divided country like ours with abundant mineral resources, what stops these mercenaries from extending their network to Nigeria once they succeed in installing a puppet regime in N’djamena?”

As it turned out, it is in Niger Republic that military adventurists are now seeking the help of Wagner. But we should have seen it coming. As head of the presidential guard in 1996, the late Ibrahim Baré Mainassara seized power in a military coup and became Head of State in Niger. Three years later, he was toppled by the commander of his presidential guard, Daouda Malam Wanké, who is also now deceased. Abdourahamane Tchiani who proclaimed himself ‘President of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland’ last Friday had been commander of the presidential guard since 2011. He was a close ally of then-President Mahamadou Issoufou who appointed him to the position before promoting him to the rank of general in 2018.

Incidentally, two days before Issoufou handed over to Bazoum (his elected successor) in 2021, Tchiani reportedly foiled an attempted coup. Whether the coup was real or contrived, it guaranteed his retention by the new president who I learnt was never comfortable with him. Apparently in a bid to remove Tchiani from the position in which he had become entrenched and almost untouchable, he was recommended to be in the Class of 2022 at the Nigeria Defence College in Abuja. At the last minute, Tchiani chose not to attend the course and remained

in Niamey, where he has now pronounced himself the new leader of the country.

Last Wednesday, according to sources, President Tinubu sent a delegation to meet with Tchiani at a time of uncertainty in the country. It was led by the NIA Director General, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar. Others in the team included former Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari DQG &KLHI RI $LU 6WDͿ $LU 0DUVKDOO +DVVDQ Abubakar. Tchiani, from what I gathered, did not give any indication that he is ready to step down.

By landmass, Niger is the largest country in West Africa. Currently ranked 189th out of 191 countries in the 2021 report of the United Nations’ Human Development Index (HDI), its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita of $413.98 makes it one of the poorest countries in the world. But available reports indicate that President Bazoum has provided good leadership for the landlocked country of 25 million people. It used to come last in all global socio-economic indices (including +', XQWLO KH DVVXPHG R΀FH )URP WKHLU pronouncements thus far, there is no suggestion that the president breached his oath, which explains why Bazoum remains adamant that he would not relinquish power to the military usurpers. But in poor countries like Niger where there are many hungry people, it is easy to mobilise support for an undemocratic change of government.

The Times of London summed up the dilemma in Niamey on Tuesday. “The cause of the coup appears to have been little more than internecine acrimony and personal ambition, but a deterioration of the security situation will be its likely consequence,” the paper wrote. That will be bad news for Nigeria. With hundreds of thousands of refugees from war-torn Sudan already invading Chad, the fear is that many will end up in Nigeria given our porous borders.

To unwittingly create a condition for an LQÁX[ RI PLJUDQWV IURP 1LJHU ZLOO WKHUHIRUH be unwise. That’s what will happen in the event of an armed attack by ECOWAS which for all practical purposes means Nigeria. I therefore endorse the position of Mr Femi Falana, SAN, that sanctions and backchannel negotiations will serve us better than an open confrontation with suicidal PLOLWDU\ R΀FHUV LQ 1LDPH\ I understand that President Tinubu has had several calls with French President Emmanuel Macron as well as with the United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken on the situation in Niger and its implication for the sub-region and continent.

While the interests of these countries may GLͿHU IURP RXUV 1LJHULD DOVR KDV D VWDNH LQ D stable Niger. Now that ECOWAS is dangling the stick, a diplomatic solution is the best option to avoid a tragic outcome. Nigeria FDQQRW DͿRUG D QHLJKERXU HPEURLOHG LQ D civil war that could unleash non-state actors when our own internal security situation is precarious.

It is therefore my hope that the containment measures put in place by the authority of ECOWAS under President Tinubu will be enough to force Tchiani and his fellow travellers to retreat so that commonsense can prevail in Niamey. But one thing is certain: A military solution to the political crisis in Niger Republic will do more harm than good to Nigeria.

Adeniyi is Chairman, THISDAY Editorial Board

BALA MOHAMMED: HISTORY WILL VINDICATE THE JUST On one occasion in 2016, I was with His mine), in its edition of 16 June 2021, Excellency, Senator Bala Mohammed, CON, The Guardian, one of Nigeria’s most Governor of Bauchi State in the interrogation authoritative newspapers reported thus: room of the Economic and Financial Crimes ”The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has Commission (EFCC), as the investigating approved the resumption of the Federal R΀FHU DJJUHVVLYHO\ TXL]]HG KLP RYHU Capital Development Authority (FCDA) DOOHJDWLRQV RI ÀQDQFLDO LPSURSULHW\ ZKLOH KH land swap initiative which was begun ZDV LQ R΀FH DV PLQLVWHU RI WKH )HGHUDO &DSLWDO under the previous administration.

Territory (FCT), between 2010 and 2015.

“Minister of the Federal Capital As the nearly two hours interrogation Territory (FCT), Mohammed Bello, made dragged on, time and again, Bala Mohammed the disclosure at the end of Wednesday’s got increasingly agitated. But the properly meeting presided over by President groomed son of a district head, schooled in Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential deference to constituted authority, would not villa, Abuja. lose his cool over the antics of an investigator.

“The initiative worth about N1 trillion Actually, his unease had not much to do with under the immediate past Senator Bala WKH EHOOLJHUHQW VW\OH RI WKH R΀FHU ZKR LQ P\ Mohammed-led administration was view, was applying the best approach he knew, VSHFLÀFDOO\ GHVLJQHG WR UHPHG\ WKH to extract information that unfortunately did LQIUDVWUXFWXUH GHÀFLW LQ WKH IHGHUDO FDSLWDO not exist or if it did, could only have incubated by swapping land with private investors in the jaundiced imagination of the former who would in turn provide the necessary minister’s adversaries. infrastructure”.

Rather, what irked Bala Mohammed the Certainly, it was providential that Bello more was the allegation that he had somehow graciously acknowledged that the that Bala managed to stash away N1.3 trillion. The social Mohammed’s Land Swap programme media was awash with that charade which would save the country about N1 trillion. purportedly emanated from the website of To imagine that much of the minister’s the anti-graft agency. To Bala Mohammed and YLOLÀFDWLRQ WLOO GDWH HPDQDWHG ODUJHO\ IURP that undeserved persecution smacks of unspeakable injustice. Yet, some mischief makers keep alluding to it as if they have nothing else to talk about.

Over time, the more Bala Mohammed pleaded his innocence, the more those intent on pulling him down have come after him. And yet, even till he became Governor and in spite of very diligent prosecution by the anti-graft agencies, nothing has been found on him.

Naturally, that got me curious. I always had the feeling that something was amiss, that the overzealousness of the anti-graft agencies seemed to transcend the normal perhaps every right-thinking person, alleging FDOO RI GXW\ WR VRPHWKLQJ GHÀQLWHO\ VLQLVWHU that someone had stolen more than the entire and personal. But I could not lay my hands budget of the FCT for the duration of his tenure on it. seemed not just preposterous but a huge slight There were moments I wondered if he on the intelligence of Nigerians. was still being persecuted for the ‘crime’ To buttress that position, let me recall of catalysing the emergence of then DQRWKHU QHHGOHVV LQTXLVLWLRQ LQÁLFWHG RQ Vice President Goodluck as President Bala Mohammed. Ignoring that following an when, against some vested interests, he inquest, the Senate had already given a clean spearheaded the Doctrine of Necessity bill of health to the Land Swap programme of motion that removed any constitutional the Bala Mohammed-led FCT administration obstacles to doing what was right. But I had of the Jonathan era, the House Committee on thought that that would be grossly unfair the FCT embarked on what lawyers would to a patriot who rightly felt that equity and describe as a voyage of discovery. Reminiscent justice should transcend narrow political of the EFCC interrogation room episode, I interests. sat beside Bala Mohammed during one of Typical of Bala Mohammed, he could the heated hearings of the House where the only have been motivated more by the chairman’s style fell short of the decorum desire to defend the constitution and like expected of a legislator. If my memory has not the true statesman that he has always been, failed me, the former Senate President, Anyim guard against actions that could destroy Pius Anyim, GCON who was also present the country’s fragile unity. minced no words in excoriating the committee However, when against all odds, Bala chairman over his high-handed and utterly Mohammed defeated the incumbent disrespectful attitude towards the former Governor of Bauchi State on his way to legislators. being elected governor in 2019, it dawned By a curious twist of fate, at one of the on me that the unremitting demonization meetings of the Federal Executive Council, of the former minister was predicated ÀYH \HDUV DIWHU WKDW QHHGOHVV GUDPDWLF LQTXHVW more on a grand plot to derail his political the Buhari Administration reinstated the Land career than a patriotic duty to recover any Swap programme, described it in such highly funds. complementary terms as could embarrass all Sadly, his family members were those who, contrary to the basic tenet of our not spared the ordeal; they have been jurisprudence that an accused is innocent until maligned, threatened and humiliated. Yet, proven guilty, had arrogated to themselves the Bala Mohammed takes all of this as the prerogative to hold Bala Mohammed guilty price he has to pay for leadership. until he proved himself innocent!

They were wrong. Writing under the Veteran journalist Agu headline, “FG APPROVES RESUMPTION is Media Consultant to Governor Bala OF FCT LAND SWAP SCHEME” (emphasis Mohammed

22 4

T H I S D AY

THURSDAY AUGUST 3, 2023

EDITORIAL

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

DEATH ON THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA The authorities should pay more attention to the economy

N

o fewer than 1,200 Nigerians have died while trying to cross the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea, two of the most dangerous migration routes in the world) this year.

Citing data from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the acting deputy Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, made the disclosure last week. “We have a big problem in this country and that is the issue of ‘Japa syndrome’. We have so many of our youths who are dying in the Sahara Desert, dying in the Mediterranean Sea. They are dying for no cause,” said Nandap As we keep reiterating on this page, Nigerian authorities must address the conditions that create the desperation to leave the country for unknown destinations. Today, we live in a country where many are not only poor EXW FDQQRW ÀQG MREV )RU years, factories have been folding up and selling their warehouses while several businesses have had to shut down due to lack of electricity. In the circumstance, vibrant young men and women are leaving the country to embark RQ MRXUQH\V ZKLFK IRU PDQ\ RI WKHP WUDJLFDOO\ HQG either in the Sahara Desert or on the Mediterranean Sea. “We do not want to continue to lose youths to the dangerous Trans-Sahara route and the treacherous Mediterranean Sea in their attempt to seek greener pastures,” Nandap said while calling on all relevant stakeholders to play their role in changing the narrative. “We know that many people want to go abroad seeking greener pastures. It is not bad, but WKHVH MRXUQH\V PXVW EH VDIH PXVW EH RUGHUO\ DQG must be regular.”

Driven mostly by economic desperation, thousands of able-bodied young men and women are, almost daily, embarking on suicide missions in the bid to migrate towards the northern hemisphere in search of opportunities that are no longer readily available even in those societies. While only a small fraction

EUROPE

eventually gets to their destinations where they IDFH GLVDSSRLQWPHQWV DQG IUXVWUDWLRQV PDMRULW\ RI them usually perish on the way. Indeed, the stories being told by Nigerians who are increasingly being GHSRUWHG DIWHU WKHLU IDLOHG HͿRUWV WR FURVV WR (XURSH or other parts of the world are harrowing.

While many of them have become destitute, some nurse terminal diseases like cancer without any VXSSRUW )RU WKHVH XQIRUWXQDWH 1LJHULDQV ZKRVH quest for a better life ended in disappointments, the future seems bleak. Meanwhile, many who make LW WR (XURSH RU WKH 0LGGOH (DVW DUH XVXDOO\ IRUFHG into prostitution (especially the women), used as mercenaries, deployed as household servants, factory workers, drug couriers and even as organ donors.

There is also a criminal dimension to the problem.

Some unscrupulous Nigerians now recruit young girls from rural communities with the promise of securing for WKHP JRRG MREV DEURDG RQO\ to turn them to prostitutes.

Chilling statistics suggest WKDW KXPDQ WUD΀FNLQJ KDV become one of the biggest PRQH\ PDNLQJ EXVLQHVVHV DIWHU GUXJ WUD΀FNLQJ Today, our country is regarded not only as a transit route for this illegal trade but also a source as well as a destination with children and young adults, especially of the womenfolk, now becoming merchandise for what has become a cross-border crime.

One of the challenges is that of mind-set as there are many young men and women who believe they can only make it abroad and will do anything to travel outside the shores of the country. Yet, irregular migrants are merely compounding their miseries because what await them on the other shores are no longer opportunities but detention, most often under subhuman conditions. Therefore, apart from addressing the socio-economic issues of our country, government must also embark on a campaign to disabuse the minds of our teeming population of young people. The grass is not always greener on the other side.

Nigerian authorities must address the conditions that create the desperation to leave the country for unknown destinations T H I S D AY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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

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

LETTERS FOUR YEARS ON: DADIYATA IS STILL MISSING It has been four years since Idris Abubakar popularly known as Dadiyata was abducted from his home in Kaduna, North:HVW 1LJHULD 2Q QG $XJXVW XQLGHQWLÀHG PHQ VHL]HG Dadiyata at the entrance of his home, and till date, neither his whereabouts nor the identity of his abductors is known. The question of‘where is Dadiyata?’ is being asked for four years and no concrete response has been provided by the Nigerian authorities.

Dadiyata is a known critic of the Nigerian government on social media and like many other critics of the government who have had to endure harassments, arrest, threats, and litigations by the state actors, Dadiyata’s case is not far-fetched from these scenarios. On 8th May 2019, the police command arrested Steven Kefason, a critic of the Kaduna State government and deWDLQHG KLP IRU GD\V RYHU D )DFHERRN SRVW 7KH SDWWHUQ RI disappearances of government critics in Nigeria has long been established.

Nigeria’s secret police, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Kaduna State government have denied having any involvement with Dadiyata’s disappearance, but this does not negate the fact that the government has failed in protecting his

human rights. The government’s pivotal responsibility is to SURWHFW WKH EDVLF KXPDQ ULJKWV RI FLWL]HQV VXFK DV WKH ULJKW WR movement and liberty.

7LPH DIWHU WLPH WKH 1LJHULDQ JRYHUQPHQW KDYH PDGH HͿRUWV WR UHVWUDLQ WKH IUHHGRP RI H[SUHVVLRQ RI LWV FLWL]HQV DQG SUHVV freedom. The nonchalance of the state authorities in conducting adequate investigation of missing persons in the country is TXLWH DODUPLQJ 7LOO GDWH WKHUH LV QR GHÀQLWLYH QDWLRQDO GDWD RQ the number of missing persons in Nigeria because there is no R΀FLDO LQGH[ ,W LV VDIH WR VD\ WKDW WKH JRYHUQPHQW·V HͿRUW LQ LQvestigating Dadiyata’s case, if any, is below par. ¶:KHUH LV 'DGL\DWD"· PRYHPHQW LV QRW OLPLWHG WR ÀQGLQJ 'DGL\DWD LW LV WR UHDVVXUH FLWL]HQV DQG WKH PHGLD WKDW WKH IUHHGRP of expression in Nigeria is adequately defended and unwavering. It is four years down the line and there has not been a single headway regarding Dadiyata’s case. The question of ‘where is Dadiyata?’ has sprung up new questions of ‘What does this mean for other government critics? Are the state actors incapaEOH RI SURWHFWLQJ WKH ULJKWV RI LWV FLWL]HQV" ,V WKH IUHHGRP RI H[pression actually free in Nigeria after all? Does this translate to a leverage for abductors to go scot-free in Nigeria?

The languidness of the Nigerian authorities in tackling cases of missing persons and protecting the fundamental human ULJKWV RI LWV FLWL]HQV KDV EHFRPH D PDWWHU RI D VKLS ZLWKRXW D UXGder. The incessant disappearances of government critics must EH VFUXWLQL]HG E\ WKH DXWKRULWLHV DV LW UHPDLQV WKHLU UHVSRQVLELOLW\ WR SURWHFW WKH ULJKWV RI DOO FLWL]HQV DQG HQVXUH WKDW WKH ULJKWV RI WKH FLWL]HQV DUH XSKHOG We beseech the state actors to address the four-year-long case of Dadiyata’s disappearance and divulge information concerning his whereabouts. The train of unexplained arrests and disDSSHDUDQFHV RI FLWL]HQV PXVW FRPH WR D KDOW $FFRXQWDELOLW\ MXVtice, and transparency from the government are long overdue and we will continue to ask the question of ‘Where is Dadiyata?’

DQG WKLV TXHVWLRQ ZLOO QRW SDVV E\ DV LQVLJQLÀFDQW State authorities must provide answers. There must be a concrete investigation regarding his case.

The government must uphold Dadiyata’s human rights and EULQJ KLP KRPH VDIHO\ +LV SURWHFWLRQ MXVW OLNH HYHU\ RWKHU FLWL]HQ PXVW EH D SULRULW\ RI WKH JRYHUQPHQW Ameedat Abdusalam, Amnesty International, Nigeria

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2023

23

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

REPO

A T

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

08056356325

A U G U S T

S & P INDEX

2 , 2 0 2 3

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OPR

11.25%

CALL

19.12%

INDEX LEVEL

611.31%

1/4 TO DATE

-0.07%

N795.28/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

11.50%

1-MONTH

16.25%

1-DAY

0.03%

YEAR TO DATE

0.48%

*AS AT MONDAY, JULY 24, 2023

3-MONTH

15.75%

MONTH-TO-DATE

-0.7%

PWC: Nigeria’s Mining Sector Fraught with Challenges, Despite Huge Potentials

Emma Okonji A recent report published by PricewaterHouseCoopers (PwC), has described the Nigerian mining sector as a profitable sector that could attract the interest of both domestic and international investors to boost the Nigerian economy.

It however decried the dwindling activities of the sector, which according to the report, is fraught with challenges that are capable of preventing it from attaining its laudable goals, because it lacks the necessary support from government.

According to the report seen by THISDAY, the mining industry was once a substantial contributor to the growth of the Nigerian economy,

accounting for approximately four to five per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the 1960s and 1970s.

“However, with the discovery of crude oil, the industry suffered from neglect, resulting in a mere 0.17 per cent contribution to the GDP from 2018 - 2022. In order to achieve the ambitious three per cent target set in the mining roadmap for 2025, significant efforts must be undertaken to catalyse growth in the sector.

“The Nigeria mining industry continues to attract domestic and international investors despite the fact that it is still quite underdeveloped. Given the industry’s potential as a major revenue earner for the country,

government needs to tackle the challenges in the mining industry if it is to reap the benefits of the sector,” the report said.

The report reviewed some of the strategic minerals in the sector, and concluded that the mining of Iron Ore, Baryte and Coal is weak, while the mining of Lead/ Zinc and Gold is moderate, but said the mining of Limestone is a bit strong.

The report added that in spite of the presence of mineral resources like Iron Ore, Baryte, Lead/Zinc, Gold and Coal, Nigeria still import steel and local scrap that are processed from Iron Ore, as well as roofing sheets and batteries that are processed from Lead/Zinc, and jewelries that are processed

from Gold. There is however a minimal local use of Coal in the country, according to the report.

Analysing the report, Partner, Mining Leader, PwC Nigeria, Cyril Azobu, said Muhammadu Buhar’s administration made a significant breakthrough with the launch of the Electronic Mining Cadastre plus (eMC+), which is a digital cadastral system that grants access and manages titles for all existing investors and prospects in real-time and around the world.

“In line with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007, each state across the country has inaugurated a MIREMCO. The purpose of MIREMCO according to the Mining Act, is to oversee mining operations, supervise the

environmental aspects of mines and tackle illegal mining,”Azobu said.

A roadmap for the growth and development of the Nigerian mining industry was launched in 2016 for the purpose of creating a globally competitive sector capable of contributing to wealth creation, providing jobs and advancing social and human security.

The report highlighted some of the targets on the roadmap and achievements so far in the areas of revenue growth, employment and contribution to GDP. In the area of revenue generation, the report said the sector increased its solid mineral revenue generation since 2015, as government’s solid mineral receipts witnessed a growth of 78 per cent from N 64.46 billion

recorded in 2015 to N114.8 billion in 2020. It however said the trend analysis of the sector’s earnings revealed a snail speed growth, insisting that there are ample improvement opportunities if the sector must achieve the N 284 billion target by 2025.

In the area of employment, the report said as of 2015, the sector employed over 86,000 of the Nigerian workforce. This number rose to over 111,000 in 2017 and subsequently to 130,000 in 2020. It however said its employment-generation potential of three million jobs by 2025 is far from being realised.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Appropriate Policy in Advertising Will Lift Economy, Says Fadolapo Raheem Akingbolu The Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Dr. Lekan Fadolapo, has again reiterated that advertising stands a better chance in boosting Nigeria’s economy if the players in the industry play by the rules. Speaking with THISDAY in Lagos, Fadolapo pointed out that the marketing and advertising sub-sector contributes well over 20 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP based

on the current advertising spend of the multinational companies.

According to him, “If advertising is well promoted, it will generate economic value and encourage more innovation, support employment and help fund vital services. Beyond the immediate economic gain, the business of marketing Nigeria as a corporate body rest on the Marketing Communications sector because carving a good image for Nigeria will attract foreign

investment and patronage of locally made goods,” Fadolapo who identified weak regulation as one of the challenges the industry has consistently contended with, argued that the role of advertising in national development cannot be dismissed.

“This is viewed from the angle that advertising encourages more patronage for goods and services; hence it leads to higher output by industries. When there is an

increase in industrial output as a result of advertising, it leads to more tax being paid to the government coffers and it also provides more employment for the masses. As such, it is right to say that advertising in Nigeria contributes to economic growth.

Secondly, advertising helps the consumers in making choices about what products or services to patronize. It serves as a source of information to consumers about goods and services.

“According to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the multinational companies had been the best player in terms of tax payment and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Companies like MTN, Nigerian Breweries, and Guinness Nigeria etc. are in their list. What drives these companies’ profitability is marketing and advertising,” Fadolapo said.

Commenting on the various economic roadmaps being rolled out by Tinubu’s administration, the

DG pointed out that the president has taken a proactive decision to salvage the economy but he added that the benefits of the reforms may not yield expected results immediately. Among other benefits, Fadolapo said the removal of fuel subsidy for instance, would free up resources for other sectors of the economy like education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.

He also said the country will soon start attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT W E D N E S D AY, A U G U S T 2 , 2 0 2 3 BONDS Change Updated Time DESCRIPTION Price Yield (%) July 27, ^13.53 23106.81 8.99 -0.01 2023 MAR-2025 ^12.50 2227, 103.19 11.00 0.00 July JAN-2026 2023 ^16.2884 27, 110.61 12.55 0.00 July 17-MAR-27 2023 ^13.98 2327, 104.49 12.65 0.00 July FEB-2028 2023 ^14.55 2627, 107.55 12.65 0.00 July APR-2029 2023

BILLS MATURITY

Discount Yield

Change (%) Updated Time

MATURITY

NTB 24-Aug23 NTB 7-Sep23 NTB 26-Oct23 NTB 9-Nov23

3.88

27, 1.64 July 2023

NTB 7-Dec23

JULI CP II 25OCT-23 ZEDC CP I 17-NOV-23 NSDL CP IIA 22-NOV-23 MTNN CP V 23-NOV-23 NSDL CP IIB 23-NOV-23

3.89

4.13

4.15

5.00

5.06

5.25

5.33

5.75

5.87

OTC F X F U T U R E S

CPS

27, 1.73 July 2023 27, 2.04 July 2023 27, 2.13 July 2023 27, 2.32 July 2023

Discount Yield

Change (%) Updated Time

17.73 18.54

27, 2.05 July 2023

16.03 16.86

27, 2.21 July 2023

20.26 21.68

27, 2.25 July 2023

12.92 13.49

27, 2.25 July 2023

20.27 21.70

27, 2.25 July 2023

CONTRACT Current Updated Time TENOR Contract Rate ($/₦) (MONTH) July 27, NGUS AUG 13 914.19 28 2024 2023 July 27, NGUS SEP 14 927.51 25 2024 2023 July 27, NGUS OCT 15 938.61 30 2024 2023 July 27, NGUS NOV 16 949.70 27 2024 2023 July 27, NGUS DEC 17 960.80 24 2024 2023

24

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, ͰͮͰͱ ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

PROMOTING FINANANCIAL TRANSACTIONS…

L-R: Chief Digital Officer, Wema Bank Plc, Segun Adeniyi; Head Card Business, Zenith Bank Plc and Chairman, Committee of e-Business Industry Heads (CeBIH), Celestina Appeal; Executive Director, Retail and Digital Business, Wema Bank Plc, Tunde Mabawonku; Head, Card and Messaging Business, FirstBank of Nigeria and Vice-Chairman, CeBIH, Folasade Femi-Lawal and Divisional Head, Payments Business, Wema Bank Plc, Damola Bolodeoku, during the hosting of the committee by Wema Bank in Lagos… recently

Danbatta: Adjust with Disruptive Technologies to Remain in Business Emma Okonji Executive Vice Chairman of

the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof.

Umar Garba Danbatta, has

advised businesses to adjust to the potentials of disruptive technologies that have been

adopted across the globe for enhanced productivity and sustainability.

C l oud Net work Foundation Celebrates NCC’s Director, Muoka Emma Okonji Cloud Network Foundation, last week, celebrated Mr. Reuben Muoka for his appointment as Director, Public Affairs of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and for his contributions to the growth of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry.

Muoka was appointed Director of Public Affairs at the NCC in June 2022, after serving as Assistant Director in the department of Public Affairs of NCC. After spending some years in Public Affairs Department of

NCC, he was posted to Human Resources Department of the NCC, before he was redeployed to Public Affairs Department and was made the director in charge of public affairs of the NCC. According to the foundation, Muoka became the first to be celebrated, having been a member of the journalist profession before joining NCC. Chairman, Cloud Network Foundation, Mr. Abimbola Toki, in his welcome address, said the celebration became necessary because it has become expedient to celebrate people for their achievements, while

still in active service.

“We celebrate Muoka today for his achievements in the media industry.

In the early 1990s he pioneered ICT reporting in the media, when he started writing about ICT and the Alpha Numeric Pager in the Vanguard Newspapers. He has garnered a lot of experiences in ICT journalism, and the celebration is in recognition of his achievements in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) journalism,” Toki said.

“I feel honoured to be celebrated for being a journalist.

Although ICT reporting has never being an easy task, but some

of us were able to make it an interesting beat to report. As a reporter in Vanguard, my team of ICT reporters was able to attract a lot of interviews for Vanguard Newspapers where we worked, and I did a lot of investigative journalism, while in Vanguard Newspapers. After breaking stories that usually hurt some people, I will be on the run for fear of arrest, which was very rampant in my days of journalism.

I feel elated that I am being celebrated because I couldn’t have written my testimonials more than what have been said by members of the foundation at this celebration,” Muoka said.

CSR: Firm Partners NCF to Plant 3,000 Trees in Nigeria Raheem Akingbolu Pernod Ricard Nigeria, a subsidiary of the Pernod Ricard group, a global leader in wines and spirits, has partnered the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) to plant 3,000 trees across Nigeria.

The tree planting exercise falls under the Nurturing Terroir pillar of Pernod Ricards Sustainability and Responsibility Roadmap for 2030. It is an ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability aimed at creating a greener and more sustainable

environment that would guarantee a healthy future for Nigerians and other societies across the world.

This year’s tree planting exercise kicked off with a symbolic event at PanAtlantic University, Lekki with employees of Pernod Ricard Nigeria and other guests participating in the tree planting exercise. A total of 3000 trees were planted across various locations of Nigeria including the Old Oyo National Park in Sepeteri, Oyo State, Omu Forest Reserve in Ogun State, Okomu National Park in Edo State, and Pan-

Atlantic University (PAU) in Lagos State, In 2022, Pernod Ricard and the NCF planted 2000 trees across different locations across Nigeria.

Managing Director at Pernod Ricard Nigeria, Sola Oke, said: “All our products come from nature and take their distinct character from the land where they were grown.

Our business is inherently dependent on the vitality of our agricultural ingredients; preserving agricultural lands and ingredients is paramount.

Thats why we are committed to nurturing every terroir and its

biodiversity, and responding to the challenges of climate change to ensure quality ingredients now and for generations to come.”

The Director General, Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Dr Joseph Onoja, said: “The fresh air we breathe freely, the food we eat and enjoy, the drugs we take for healing, the shelter we have, are all derivatives of the forest.

NCF is happy to see corporate organisations such as Pernod Ricard Nigeria committed to saving the planet through restoration and afforestation activities like tree planting.”

Knorr Jollof Fest Elevates Experience in Lagos Raheem Akingbolu The second edition of the Knorr Jollof Fest has taken place in Lagos and ignited the culinary passion of Nigerians towards Jollof rice.

Stakeholders believed the event was a true celebration of Nigeria’s beloved dish - Jollof rice, captivating the hearts and taste buds of attendees from all walks of life, and not even the rain could dampen the spirits of

the enthusiastic participants who came out to have a good time.

The Knorr Jollof Fest was an immersive culinary experience that delighted attendees with a variety of captivating activities and mouthwatering Jollof rice creations. Participants were treated to a range of interactive games and engaging competitions that added an element of excitement to the event. The festival provided a platform for individuals to showcase their creativity and

immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Jollof rice.

Situated within the festival grounds, the “Eat for Good” garden was a highlight that showcased Knorr’s dedication to promoting nutritious and wholesome meals.

Attendees had the opportunity to explore and discover a diverse range of fresh cooking herbs and spices, inspiring them to ‘Eat for Good’ by infusing their meals with more herbs and vegetables.

Speaking at the event, Marketing

Director, Nutrition, Unilever West Africa, Bolanle Kehinde-Lawal, said the Knorr Jollof Fest 2023 was a celebration of the vibrant culinary tapestry of Nigeria, stating that the aim of the organisers was to ignite culinary passion and bring people together through the love of Jollof rice.

“The festival succeeded in creating an immersive experience that showcased the versatility and creativity that Jollof rice represents,” he stated.

He told industry leaders and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) innovators, who gathered at the 2023 edition of the Information, Communication, Technology and Telecommunications (ICTEL) expo, organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Lagos, that advancements made in the global ICT industry have become business and enhancing.

Danbatta, who was represented by the Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau at the Commission, Mr. Alkasim Umar, said technology had always played a significant role in shaping the world people live in. He however said in recent years, advancements have accelerated at an unprecedented rate.

According to the NCC boss, as the world grapples with the 4th Industrial Revolution driven by the internet, advancements in many facets of ICTs are

fundamentally changing all aspects of people’s lives and reshaping economic, social and cultural paradigms across the world.

President of LCCI, Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, who appreciated the commission’s efforts in providing a predictable telecom regulatory environment, noted that the theme of this year’s edition of the ICTEL Expo had been carefully chosen considering the far-reaching impact disruptive technologies are having on businesses around the world.

NCC’s Zonal Controller, Lagos, Yomi Arowosafe, who was part of the team to the well-attended ICT Expo, received an LCCI Appreciation Award presented to Prof.

Danbatta, by the Vice President of LCCI, Leye Kupoluyi, in recognition of Danbatta’s contribution towards the success of the 2023 ICTEL Expo held on July 25 - 26, 2023 at Landmark Event Centre in Lagos.

Crypto Gets Boost with N ew I nve s t m e n t i n PATRICIA Technologies Nosa Alekhuogie The dwindling Crypto exchange landscape recently experienced a boost as the Chief Executive Officer of Tradefada, Mr. Oluwaseun Dania, announced the backing of PATRICIA Technologies with a significant investment.

Announcing the undisclosed amount of investment in a recent LinkedIn post, Dania noted that the investment in PATRICIA Technologies, a standout name among Africa’s premier crypto exchanges, is a pointer to the confidence investors have in Africa’s leading crypto exchanges.

In the post, he lauded Patricia Technologies for its unparalleled innovation and commendable representation of Nigeria and Africa on the global financial spectrum, stressing that despite

the challenges faced by many in the fintech space, PATRICIA’s resilience and adaptability, particularly under the leadership of Hanu Fejiro Agbodje, have been a constant beacon of optimism for industry insiders.

“While turbulence is a part of groundbreaking journeys, Patricia Technologies has consistently been a flagbearer of innovation, setting Nigeria and Africa alight on the global stage. Beyond just crypto, this is about steadfast resolve, audacious vision and pioneering the financial evolution in Africa,” he said.

Meanwhile, the strategic investment by Dania has been viewed by many as not just a financial commitment but a profound testament to his faith in PATRICIA’s team, their mission and their transformative capabilities.

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2023

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BUSINESSWORLD

OIL AND GAS

Examining NNPC’s Investments Under New Petroleum Act Emmanuel Addeh writes that despite the harsh business environment, the new Petroleum Industry Act appears to be revving up the investment drive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) in the oil and gas sector.

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lmost two decades in the works, the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) finally became an Act of Parliament in August 2021, thereby paving the way for a more clement fiscal environment for operators in the oil and gas industry.

Not to be left behind in taking advantage of the long-awaited law, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has since begun forming alliances and partnerships.

This has driven up the number of deals sealed and markedly improved oil production from a low of 900,000 barrels in Q4, 2022, to between 1.5 million barrels per day and 1.6 million bpd when condensates are added.

Instrumental to the passing of the law, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC, Mele Kyari, has now set new investment benchmarks in the aftermath of the new law as the national oil company attempts to move away from its past.

Since then, multiple deals running into as much as $48.15 billion to rejuvenate the hitherto much vilified company have been signed, with other key investment projects slated for Final Investment Decisions (FID) including the $25 billion West African Gas Pipeline project otherwise known as the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline.

The deal will see the NNPC stake $12.5 billion to secure a 50 per cent equity in that project while it is also expending $2.8 billion on the ongoing AjaokutaKaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline.

At the last check, the NNPC said it had spent over $1.1 billion on the gas pipeline project, delivering 70 per cent of the trunk welding.

The AKK project spans 614 kilometres with a 15km Abuja terminal gas station, four gas stations, 22 block valve stations, pigging stations among others. Through the facility, NNPC will transport 2 billion Standard Cubic Feet (scuf) of natural gas per day to three power plants in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano with 1,300 megawatts (MW) capacity; and to other gas-based industries and off-takers.

“This project has not stopped for one day. We are continuing to fund it despite the fact that we do not have third party finance for this project. We have so far spent over $1.1 billion on this project from our cash flow,” Kyari recently said during an inspection.

In addition , to bolster revenue, the Nigerian government in June 2022 renewed talks with Algeria and Niger to kick-start the $13 billion (€12.8 billion) Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) even as Europe looks to Africa to ramp up gas supply on the back of the RussiaUkraine war.

Commenting on the issue, an Associate Professor of Energy and Natural Resources, Olanrewaju Aladeitan, said that what the NNPC was doing with the TSGP project was what Nigeria should have done in 1970s to take advantage of its huge has resources.

According to him, Nigeria should be

taking advantage of the vacuum created by the non-supply of oil to Europe by Russia and expand its gas projects penetration the European market.

“If we had done that, by now we would be smiling to the bank because we would have utilised the opportunity of market that was left by the withdrawal of Russia.

So if we can achieve the same aim through the Trans-Sahara pipeline, it will be fine.

“We also have the West African Gas Pipeline, which passes through Benin Republic, Togo to Ghana, and that has also been in the works for some time. This is what has informed Nigeria looking at constructing these pipelines to Europe and the gas can flow from there,” he maintained.

On how the projects will markedly transform the sector in Nigeria, a Senior Legislative Aid to a former Senate President on Gas and Power, Mr Olabode Sowunmi, said the industry, particularly the gas sector, offers Nigeria great opportunities for industrialisation.

Sowunmi advocated consistency in the Nigeria Gas Master Plan, especially on projects such as AKK, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and West African Gas Pipeline, expressing satisfaction that some reforms have started in the industry in view of the implementation of the PIA 2021.

In addition, the NNPC has also taken positive measures aimed at blocking the loopholes in crude oil leakages, theft and vandalism, working closely with the Nigeria’s security agencies and locals in the Niger Delta.

Energy experts say the step is expected to propel NNPC into a global profit-making brand like other major oil giants across the globe as

the company in the last 24 months engaged in exploring new business ventures, investment opportunities.

To ensure energy security for the country, the company successfully signed and acquired a 20 per cent federal government stake in the Dangote 650,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery for $2.76 billion.

In addition, to boost Nigeria’s crude oil reserves, the national oil company has also secured over $3 billion local and foreign investment interests in the Kolmani Integrated Development Project.

Recall that the Kolmani project houses a 120,000-barrels per day refinery, a 500-million standard cubic feet per day gas processing plant, a 300-megawatt capacity power plant, and a fertiliser plant of 2,500 tons per day.

Earlier in 2023, the NNPC renewed oil production pact with its partners for 10 billion barrel aimed at putting an end to the protracted dispute between the state-owned company and the contractor parties in Oil Mining Licences (OMLs) 128, 130, 132 and 133, as well as 138 Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs).

According to the NNPC, the signing of the new PSCs remained a key milestone , which will ultimately unlock opportunities within the Nigeria upstream sector.

Penultimate week, the NNPCL signed a Heads of Terms (HoT) agreement with UTM Offshore Limited for the construction of the nation’s first indigenous floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) project with a $5.6 billion funding package from Afreximbank.

Speaking on the UTM deal, the NNPC in a statement said the agreement was a step towards bolstering Nigeria’s energy security and promot-

ing the utilisation of its abundant gas resources.

“In a major step towards bolstering Nigeria’s energy security and promoting the utilisation of its abundant gas resources, the NNPC Ltd and UTM Offshore Limited signed a Heads of Terms (HoT) agreement.

“It is for the construction of the nation’s first indigenous Floating LNG project,” the company said.

In terms of profitability, though still far from Eldorado, the NNPC had grown its profit after tax from N287 billion in 2020 to N674 billion in 2021.

After a long hiatus, the NNPC has also commenced the payment of interim dividend and PSC profit oil into the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) with the payment of N123 billion in the June circle that was shared in July.

A breakdown of the amount showed that the national oil company paid N81 billion as monthly interim dividend and N42 billion as 40 per cent PSC profit oil in addition to compliance on payment of royalties and taxes.

An erstwhile Senior Special Adviser to the immediate past Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, Mr Horatius Egua, in his own assessment, said he believes that the passage of the PIA was instrumental to the new developments, stressing that the recent modest feats would not have been possible if the PIA was still in the doldrums.

“Thumbs up must be given to Chief Sylva, the leadership of the National Assembly and former President Muhammadu Buhari. You also know that it is one thing to have a law, but if you don’t have competent people to drive and implement that law, it becomes useless.

“So Mallam Kyari has done well in his own capacity as the boss of the NNPC Limited,” he said of the leadership of the NNPC.

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THURSDAY AUGUST 3, 2023 •T H I S D AY

THURSDAY AUGUST 3, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ˾ AY, AUGUST 3 , 2023

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

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

How Banditry, Poverty Deepens Malnutrition in Katsina Francis Sardauna writes that the spate of malnutrition in Katsina State is driven by insecurity, poverty and lack of infant and young child feeding programmes

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pparently, malnutrition is a chronic and multi-faceted concern in Katsina State, driven by the cumulative impact of insecurity, poverty, lack of access to healthcare in rural communities, illiteracy level among breastfeeding mothers and other man-made factors.

It is historically most acute between late June and early September during the ‘lean season’ – the period between the planting of crops and the harvest period.

Stressors of low immunisation, lack of access to clean water, hygiene and healthcare, too often combine with chronic food insecurity to produce devastating effects for children, particularly those living in banditry affected communities in the state.

The cumulative impact of the years-long security challenges and lack of infant and young child feeding programmes continues to drive long-term displacement, which undermines victims’ ability to cultivate food and access healthcare.

As a result, rising food prices are taking a particularly high toll on inhabitants of rural communities in the state, thereby leading to wasting among children, including their parents or caregivers.

Wasting, according to medical professionals, is the most immediate, visible and life-threatening form of malnutrition. It results from the failure to prevent malnutrition among the most vulnerable children.

Wasting and other forms of acute malnutrition are the result of maternal malnutrition, low birthweight, poor feeding and care practices, infection exacerbated by food insecurity, limited access to safe drinking water and poverty.

Children with wasting are mostly treated with ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), allowing them to recover in their own homes and communities rather than in a health facility, while treatment services are resourced and managed primarily by the government rather than humanitarian workers.

But in Katsina, it is an endless tale of woe from traumatised victims of malnutrition because treatment is primarily done by development partners such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) with little or no assistance from the local, state and federal government.

This, perhaps paved the way for hundreds of malnourished children in the state to be wallowing between life and death in banditry-ravaged villages and communities in Batsari, Jibia, Kankara, Sabuwa, Danmusa, Safana, Faskari, Dandume, Kurfi and Dutsinma local government areas of the state.

According to a 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) conducted by UNICEF in partnership with the state government, there are no fewer than 143,000 children who are currently suffering from severe acute malnutrition, especially in frontline local government areas.

The MICS further indicates that out of the state’s two million under five children, 1.2 million are stunted, 574,200 moderately wasted, 250,151 severely wasted and 1,376,000 currently suffering from anaemia across the state.

Ergo, it was a bright and breezy recent Tuesday morning in Wagini, Batsari Local Government Area of the state when THISDAY met a threeyear-old Fatima Suleiman with her mother at a Comprehensive Healthcare Centre in the hitherto banditry-ravaged community.

Fatima’s face was gaunt, her eyes sunken and her tiny hands and legs tightly covered by flesh.

She had shrunk in size and whimpered whenever her mother, Hadiza, adjusted her sitting position.

Three-year-old malnourished, Fatima Suleiman Wrapped in her mother’s arm who sat helplessly amongst breastfeeding mothers on the bare floor outside the health facility, Fatima struggled to force a tear out of her hardly closed eyes.

Fatima, who hails from Nahuta village in Batsari, was brought to the dilapidated health facility by her mother to receive ready-to-use therapeutic food being supplied by UNICEF in the hospital.

According to her mother, Fatima had suffered from dizziness, fever, diarrhoea, and low appetite for seven months which had left her weak and that she has been receiving the RUFT for the past five months.

Her mother, Hadiza, had brought her to the health facility after she stopped eating for three days. Although she is three, Fatima’s tiny body seems like that of a 16-month-old child. The toddler slowly parted her lips as she awaits her mother to collect the RUFT to feed her.

Hadiza said: “We spent more than three hours here waiting for health workers to come and assist us. I am sad about my child’s health and her growth but I tried my best as a mother to feed Fatima and her siblings with the food I can get. She has been in this condition for more than six months”.

Fatima’s scowling experience is the story of many other children in Wagini who are currently battling with severe acute malnutrition, with many others ticked with all symptoms of malnourishment in other adjoining hard-to-reach communities in the area.

Insecurity has disrupted agriculture and

food supplies in rural communities in Batsari, and Fatima’s mother said efforts by her husband, Suleiman, to feed his family has become a herculean task. “We cannot access our farms again due to activities of bandits; no food to eat”, she said while clutching her malnourished daughter.

Farida Shehu, another mother of a malnourished child who was driven away by bandits from her Shimfida community in Jibia local government area one year ago, is still struggling to save her two-year-old son from dying.

She recalled how her husband and 10 other villagers were massacred on a rainy Saturday night by the bandits: “It was terrible! I only managed to escape with my four children with the help of some vigilantes without any property”.

Now resettled in Jibia town without any means of livelihood, the widow of four said she survives and caters for her children through begging for alms.

“Sometimes, people give us something, sometimes they don’t. Getting drinking water is also very difficult. We have to trek far distances to fetch water from a borehole,” she said.

When her last baby, Faruq, fell ill six months ago, and was vomiting and stooling, she tried all she could to save him, including visiting herbalists within and outside Jibia local government area.

She said: “I gave him herbs and drugs, but he only got worse; he stopped eating

completely. Recently, I heard about the free malnutrition treatment programme taking place at the Jibia Primary Healthcare Centre, and made a last attempt to save my baby”.

At Kankara Primary Healthcare Centre, Zulaihat and other caregivers- about 40 women with their malnourished children- were seated at the outpatient treatment centre, waiting their turn for the clinical assessment and the weekly RUTF ration.

Bilkisu Ahmed, was among the caregivers seen at the health facility. She lives in a remote area of Katoge far from health facilities and has two children who were identified as malnourished during a recent nutrition screening in the hospital.

Her children—Aliyu and Nura—were identified to have severe acute malnutrition during the screening. “I felt sorry for my children; at the same time, I was embarrassed. I was blaming myself”, she said while weeping uncontrollably.

Aliyu and Nura did not like the taste of the micronutrient powder in their meals. But as a mother, Bilkisu just wanted her children to eat more and did not yet understand the importance of the prescribed food intake for the rehabilitation of a malnourished child.

She admitted that she felt guilty about her children’s condition, which led to other negative emotions that added to her discouragement. “At times, I felt tired of doing it and I asked myself, ‘how much longer do I have to feed them this?

“They gave me seven RUTF sachets, and I had to travel to the health unit weekly to get more.

Transportation is so expensive. I had to walk if there were no vehicles. I was so anxious all the time about what to do”, she added.

In Dutsinma, the situation is the same as buttressed by Zainab Murtala. “Getting food to eat is a major challenge. It is our husbands that go out and whatever they get is what we will use. Sometimes, they don’t even get anything.

“My children are sick because of lack of food (malnutrition) and I have to bring this small one to the clinic here for treatment including myself because I am not feeling fine”.

Zainab’s attestation of lack of food further confirmed UNICEF’s Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys which revealed that the state has 1.6 million people who are hungry, out of which 63,000 are suffering from acute food insecurity.

Despite the availability of 23 Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) centres in the state, investigation revealed that government has not shown enough financial commitment towards the sustainability of the centres.

Perhaps, this will further worsen the state’s nutrition crisis. Therefore, the government should ensure timely allocation, release and utilisation of annual budget for nutrition.

It should also scale-up coverage of high-impact cost-effective maternal, infant and young child intervention to 80 per cent, particularly in the first 1,000 days.

Fund and fully implement a national multisectoral plan of action for food and nutrition, and increase budgetary allocation to health and nutrition interventions as well as to adopt improved maternity protection including six months of paid maternity leave and workplace interventions for working mothers.

Government should also develop and implement policies that increase access to food and income for the most vulnerable households in rural areas; enacting food security laws. Above all, the government should immediately tackle the spate of banditry in the state.

World Breastfeeding Week: Lactation Consultant Enumerates Importance of Breast Milk Mary Nnah Lactation consultant and Founder, Milk Booster, and MilkBank, Nigeria, Dr. Chinny Obinwanne has enumerated the importance of breastfeeding to the overall health and wellness of both baby and mother.

Speaking recently with journalists in commemoration of the 2023 World Breastfeeding Week holding from August 1st -7th, she said breastfeeding reduces the risk of so many illnesses and diseases in a newborn; from respiratory issues like pneumonia to gastrointestinal issues like

vomiting and diarrhoea, including reducing the risk of allergy, eczema, asthma, and atopic dermatitis.

She stressed further that breastfeeding keeps babies alive by lowering the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in premature babies, stating that getting breast milk provides a lot of immediate and long-term benefits that follow the baby as they grow to become toddlers, teenagers, and a grown adult.

“For a newborn; the first milk (colostrum) which is loaded with antibodies coats the

lining of the gut preventing the passage of bacteria and viruses into the body system of the baby. Breast milk provides the perfect nutrition that contains everything a baby needs for the first 6 months of life, Obinwanne-Eziwike said.” In line with the theme of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, “Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a difference for working parents, Obinwanne noted that breastfeeding helps a mother lose weight as it takes a huge amount of calories to manufacture breast milk. The more breast milk a mother’s body produces, the

more calories it will consume from her body fat storage to make it. As long as the mother is eating the right nutrient-dense meals, she will notice weight loss.

“In a situation where some nursing mothers are not able to produce enough milk for their babies, rather than them supplementing their breast milk with formula, they can do that with pasteurised donor human milk. According to WHO, pasteurised donor human milk is the best option when babies do not have access to their mother’s milk”, she added.

Speaking on the challenges of

running a milk bank in Nigeria, she noted that lack of funding plays a huge role. “Without any external funding, The Milk Booster has been funding the cost implication of running the Milk Bank from paying the staff; blood screening of each donor mum; the numerous pre-pasteurisation and postpasteurisation milk screening and running the facility. It’s been a lot. I remember the number of times we had a post-pasteurisation milk sample test come back and not clear, we kept going back and forth with the team in South Africa that

helped us so much to get past that hurdle.

She added that awareness is another challenge. “We have gotten 20 recipient requests for human milk, after we engage them and do the paperwork, the majority of them don’t proceed to the final steps of receiving the milk. The Milk Bank is hoping to fill the gap of awareness and knowledge by partnering with bodies and organisations that represent different arms of healthcare practice that are in line with what we are doing to increase awareness of the need for milk banks in our community.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2023 • T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS A Mutual fund (UnitTrust) 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 InvestmentTrust) 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 01-Aug-2023, 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 252.01 253.18 33.18% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 5.90% Nigeria International Debt Fund 332.07 332.07 10.93% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 107.53 108.63 3.85% 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 N/A N/A N/A AIICO Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 7.21% Anchoria Equity Fund 182.68 185.01 26.03% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.32 1.32 7.50% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com info@anchoriaam.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 28.46 29.32 29.70% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 626.63 645.52 20.22% ARM Ethical Fund 48.86 50.33 8.30% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.15 1.15 1.88% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.13 1.13 2.36% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.40% ARM Short Term Bond Fund 1.04 1.04 -0.04% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com; Tel 08069294653 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 101.18 101.18 11.33% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,141.58 1,141.58 7.22% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 172.21 173.42 27.67% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.81% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.23 2.23 9.83% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.71 2.77 -55.37% CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.02 1.02 4.96% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 10.65% Paramount Equity Fund 24.15 24.67 38.78% Women's Investment Fund 192.45 195.86 26.53% CHD Nigeria Bond Fund 98.37 98.37 12.09% CHD Nigeria Dollar Income Fund 1.00 1.00 11.33% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.63% Cordros Milestone Fund 152.22 153.22 18.98% Cordros Fixed Income Fund 106.96 106.96 10.28% Cordros Halal Fixed Income Fund 104.40 104.40 5.84% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 112.46 112.46 7.32% CORONATION ASSETS MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com, Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.00 1.00 8.37% Coronation Money Market Fund 1.41 1.43 24.16% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.41 1.41 3.46% Coronation Fixed Income Fund EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-asset-management-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Emerging Africa Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 12.48% Emerging Africa Bond Fund 1.07 1.07 10.74% Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund 1.25 1.25 40.08% Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund 104.73 104.73 5.46% FBNQUEST ASSETS MANAGEMENT LIMITED invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Bond Fund 1572.75 1572.75 11.74% FBN Balanced Fund 245.65 247.94 23.01% FBN Halal Fund 131.72 131.72 13.50% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 10.08% FBN Dollar Fund 124.79 124.79 7.12% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 230.09 232.85 38.94% FBN Specialized Dollar Fund 110.23 110.23 9.35% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.31% Legacy Debt Fund 3.52 3.52 -1.56% Legacy Equity Fund 2.57 2.63 28.85% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.30 1.30 3.20% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A

GUARANTY TRUST FUND MANAGERS LIMITED enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.gtcoplc.bank; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Guaranty Trust Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Guaranty Trust Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Guaranty Trust Equity Income Fund (VEIF) N/A N/A N/A Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.77 1.80 11.06% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,184.09 1,184.09 5.96% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: www.meristemwealth.com/funds/; Tel: +2348028496012 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 15.73 15.83 35.91% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.22% NORRENBERGER INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED enquiries@norrenberger.com Web: www.norrenberger.com, Tel: +234 (0) 908 781 2026 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Norrenberger Islamic Fund (NIF) 102.47 102.47 10.14% Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 100.00 100.00 10.61% Norrenberger Dollar Fund (NDF) ($) 102.09 102.09 10.63% 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 1.80 1.85 14.69% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.85 12.20 7.44% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 10.81% PACAM Equity Fund 2.05 2.09 44.86% PACAM EuroBond Fund 128.12 131.97 15.36% SCM CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT 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 The Frontier Fund 158.60 166.99 26.16% 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 1.07 1.07 10.27% 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 4,524.84 4,561.31 33.48% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 252.27 252.27 7.09% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.89 1.91 50.79% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 343.66 343.66 9.75% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 334.51 338.26 43.16% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.48% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 16,043.40 16,229.12 46.90% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.42 1.42 9.99% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 125.14 125.14 7.04% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 121.13 121.13 13.87% Stanbic IBTC Absolute Fund 4,812.83 4,812.83 13.13% Stanbic IBTC Aggressive Fund 4,537.84 4,593.24 63.19% Stanbic IBTC Conservative Fund 4,930.45 4,954.44 29.58% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Equity Fund 1.23 1.24 34.86% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.72 1.73 32.67% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.33 1.35 24.27% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.13 1.13 12.08% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 1.89 1.89 6.98% United Capital Eurobond Fund 121.59 121.59 5.77% United Capital Global Fixed Income Fund 1.05 1.05 8.73% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.03% Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Balanced Strategy Fund N/A N/A N/A Zenith ESG Impact Fund N/A N/A N/A Zenith Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Zenith Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD funds@vetiva.com Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund N/A N/A N/A Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund N/A N/A N/A

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

121.03 54.87 101.72 10.07

6.35% 3.49% -11.82%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

20.51 85.00 216.00 17.40 16.40

20.61 85.00 216.00 17.50 16.50

32.44% -33.97% 114.18% 38.99% 55.63%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.39

0.00%

Fund Name

SFS REIT Union Homes REIT Nigeria Real Estate Investment Trust UPDC 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

I N F R AST R U CT U R E F U N D 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.

30

T H I S D AY THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2023

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

FSD Africa Invests £10m in InfraCredit’s Risk-sharing Facility FSD Africa has invested £10million into a first-of-its-kind risk sharing facility in collaboration with InfraCredit, which is designed to unlock funding for sustainable infrastructure development in Nigeria.

By increasing the accessibility of finance for “climate-aligned” infrastructure projects, the facility will help to accelerate Nigeria’s economic and social development, as well as deliver on its climate goals.

According to a statement, the Risk-sharing Backstop Facility (RSBF) aims to mobilise short and medium-term local institutional investment into critically needed and climate-aligned infrastructure projects that have a reliable business model and are ready to expand but struggle with a higher perception of risk without this form of credit enhancement.

The statement noted that the need for infrastructure investment in Nigeria is vast. According to the IMF, it requires an estimated US$3 trillion to finance its infrastructure deficit over the next 30 years.

“The RSBF will address this perception of high risk by providing backstop support to investors alongside InfraCredit’s guarantees, thereby providing early-stage greenfield climate-aligned infrastructure ventures which are at a construction stage and too early for additional capital to be secured via a bond issue, with more time in which to start generating stable predictable cashflow and demonstrate their status as being long-term bankable, ”the statement noted.

Commenting, CIO of FSD Africa Investments, FSD Africa, Anne-Marie, said, “FSDAi’s partnership with InfraCredit on the a bridge-to-bond facility introduces

a derisking financing solution to mobilise short and medium-term local institutional investment into critically needed infrastructure projects that are currently considered un-bankable without alternative credit enhancement.”

CEO of InfraCredit, Chinua Azubike, said: “I am delighted to work with FSD Africa on an innovative facility which will support much needed but underfinanced projects realising their ultimate goals and purpose.

Smart use of catalytic capital can dramatically increase the role of private capital and local intermediaries in investing in Nigeria’s sustainable infrastructure space and help the country develop responses to the significant challenges which confront it from the deteriorating environment and ecology to an unstable energy mix and severe social inequality.”

L-R: Director Legal, Enforcement, and Regulations, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Mr. Bamidele Bamigboye; Acting Head, Retail and SME Banking, Parallex Bank, Mr.Olanrewaju Fatai; Chief Compliance Officer Parallex Bank,Mrs. Isioma Gogo-Anazodo; and Chief Financial Officer, Parallex Bank,Mr. Bola Ibrahim, during the presentation of the Most Innovative Digital Financial Solutions Provider of The Year Award to Parallex Bank at the Tech of Titans Award ceremomy in Lagos recently ETOP UKUTT

UK, NGX Harp on More Dual Listings, Increase Investment Relationship Kayode Tokede The United Kingdom (UK) through its Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has stated that it will continue to collaborate with the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) to boost more dual listings and deepen investment links to ensure Nigeria’s economic potential is unlocked.

UK government announced the Mobilising Institutional Capital Through Listed Product Structures (MOBILIST) partnership with the Exchange which will facilitate increased investment in sustainable development in Nigeria through products listed on the Exchange.

The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Rt. Hon.

James Cleverly, said both Exchanges currently have Seplat Petroleum Plc and Airtel Africa Plc, expressing optimism over more dual listings.

“We have Seplat Petroleum Plc and Airtel Africa Plc listed on NGX and LSE. We wanted to see more dual listings,” he said.

Cleverly, who was accompanied by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Montgomery and other senior officials of the UK Government during the “Closing Gong Ceremony” to honour his visit to Nigeria on the trading floor, noted that NGX, through its activities have a gravitational and attractive force to attract investment noting that investment fuels the economic activity, generates profit and unlocks the

economic potential and feeds through jobs and prosperity for ordinary people for here in Nigeria and outside Nigeria.

He added that the UK government would love to see more of dual listings while adding that developing countries need at least $3.9 trillion in additional financing if it is going to have a credible chance of achieving their sustainability goals.

Commending the United Kingdom’s commitment to attaining Climate Neutrality by 2050 and its progress in transitioning to renewable energy sources, the Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Umaru Kwairanga said, “NGX remains fully committed to further strengthening its existing relationship with the UK by fostering even stronger partnerships and collaborations.”

Parallex Bank Emerge Most Innovative Digital Financial Solutions Provider Parallex Bank has once again been recognized for its groundbreaking digital financial solutions and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.

At the prestigious 19th Annual Titans of Tech Awards held at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos, Parallex Bank was crowned as the Most Innovative Digital Financial Solutions Provider of the Year and also honored as the Best Customer-Centric Bank of the Year.

Organized by Tech Global Network TV, the Tech of Titans Awards celebrates the

exceptional insights, resilience, optimism, and achievements of the most influential figures, pioneers, innovators, organizations, and institutions in the hi-tech industry. According to the Managing Director of Tech Global Network, Mr. Don Pedro Aganbi, Parallex Bank earned these prestigious awards due to its unparalleled dedication to utilizing digital financial solutions to enhance business productivity and contribute to national development.

The bank’s efforts have set a benchmark for others in the

financial sector to follow in the realm of digital financial services.

Expressing his gratitude for the awards, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Parallex Bank, Dr. Olufemi Bakre, emphasized that these accolades reinforce the bank’s dedication to providing a seamless banking experience.

He pledged to continue the bank’s pursuit of excellence, professionalism, and collaborative efforts to ensure Nigerians receive the best possible banking experience.

IPMAN Extols Polaris Bank, Emadeb for PMS Import Nume Ekeghe The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (lPMAN) has showered praise on Polaris Bank and Emadeb Energy Services Limited, a prominent indigenous player in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, for their remarkable collaboration and strategic partnership, culminating in the recent importation of 20,000 metric tonnes of premium motor spirit (petrol) into the country.

The National Operations Controller of lPMAN, Mr. Mike Osatuyi, speaking exclu-

sively to PLATFORMS AFRICA, described the pioneering feat

by Polaris Bank and Emadeb Energy as unprecedented, noting that they have both made it possible for Nigeria to break the age-long monopoly in the downstream sector.

“We are now in a free market for PMS, and I believe everyone will be better for it. As for us in IPMAN, we are ready to collaborate with financial stakeholders in making supply available across the country,” he stated.

Speaking on the feat, Executive Director at Polaris Bank,

Chinwe Iloghalu said: “We are enthralled to have partnered with Emadeb Energy on this important project”. She added, “This importation is a major milestone for us as a financial partner and Banker to Emadeb Energy, and we are proud to have played a role in making it possible.” Continuing, she noted, “Polaris Bank is a leading provider of financial services to businesses of all sizes. The bank has a long history of supporting businesses in achieving their goals, and we are proud to be a part of Emadeb Energy’s success story,” Chinwe remarked.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) MARCH 2023 Money Supply (M3)

54,634,063.50

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

442,402.18

Money Supply (M2)

54,191,661.32

-- Quasi Money

32,839,133.46

-- Narrow Money (M1)

21,352,527.87

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,445,439.42

---- Demand Deposits

119,907,088.45

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

5,992,904.55

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

48,641,158.95

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

70,596,115.20

---- Credit to Government (Net)

27,529,720.19

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

0.00

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

43,066,395.01

--Other Assets Net

11,123,812.79

Reserve Money (Base Money

15,975,739.59

--Currency in Circulation

1,683,498.35

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

14,292,241.24 419,889.49

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

April 2023

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.80

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

18.00

Treasury Bill Rate

5.73

Savings Deposit Rate

4.59

1 Month Deposit Rate

7.32

3 Months Deposit Rate

7.92

6 Months Deposit Rate

9.84

12 Months Deposit Rate

8.18

Prime Lending rate

14.05

Maximum Lending Rate

28.59

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 17 JULY, 2023

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $82.06 a barrel on Friday, compared with $81.53 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

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

T H I S D AY ˾ AY, ͱ˜ ͰͮͰͱ

31

MARKET NEWS

Stock Market Regains Positive Trend After Five-day Losses Kayode Tokede After a five-day uninterrupted sessions of losses, stock market of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday recovered as overall capitalization gained N41 billion on investors buyinterest in NASCON Allied Industries and 30 others.

The NGX All-Share Index (ASI) gained 75.16 basis points or

0.12 per cent to close at 64,267.36 basis points.

Consequently, market capitalisation rose by N41 billion to close at N34.973 trillion.

The upturn was driven by price appreciation in large and medium capitalised stocks amongst which are; BUA Foods, Dangote Sugar Refinery, Skyway Aviation Handling Company, Lafarge Africa and Nigerian

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

Breweries.

As measured by market breadth, market sentiment was positive, as 31 stocks gained relative to 26 losers. Abbey Mortgage Bank, Chams Holding Company and NASCON Allied Insurance emerged the highest price gainer of 10 per cent each to close at N1.21, 99 kobo and N35.75 respectively, per share. Skyway Aviation

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

QUANTITY TRADED

Handling Company followed with a gain of 9.96 per cent to close at N28.15, while Dangote Sugar Refinery advanced by 9.93 per cent to close at N32.65, per share.

On the other side, Thomas Wyatt Nigeria and The Initiates Plc (TIP) led others on the losers’ chart with 10 per cent each to close at N1.30 and 72 kobo respectively, while University

T R A D E D

VALUE TRADED ( N )

MAIN BOARD

A S O F

Press followed with a decline of 9.78 per cent to close at N2.49, per share.

University Press lost 9.76 per cent to close at 37 kobo, while John Holt depreciated by 9.44 per cent to close at N1.63, per share.

The total volume of trades decreased by 56.60 per cent to 330.784 million units, valued at N4.270 billion, and exchanged

in 6,251 deals. Transactions in the shares of Transnational Corporation (Transcorp) led the activity with 58.829 million shares worth N209.187 million.

FBN Holdings (FBNH) followed with a volume of 27.951 million shares valued at N502.760 million, while Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) traded 21.303 million shares valued at N330.246 million.

AU G U ST / 2 / 2 3 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

32

THURSDAY, ͻ˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

ʬ

ʬ

ʬ

7 R S 7 U D G H V E \ 9 R O X P H

7 R S * D L Q H U V T ic k er A B B EYB D S N A SC ON

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

1.21

10.0%

T ic k er T R A N SC OR P

58.8

3.1%

35.75

10.0%

FB NH

28.0

1.1%

21.3

1.9%

CHA M S

0.99

10.0%

ET I

SKYA VN

28.15

10.0%

A C C ESSC OR P

20.7

-0.3%

D A N GSUGA R

32.65

9.9%

CHA M S

17.0

10.0%

C H ELLA R A M

2.81

9.8%

FCM B

15.2

4.4%

SUN UA SSUR

0.79

9.7%

UB A

14.4

-2.2%

C H IP LC

0.95

9.2%

Z EN IT H B A N K

12.1

0.0%

GUIN EA IN S

0.24

9.1%

C H IP LC

10.6

9.2%

J A P A ULGOLD

1.00

7.5%

UC A P

10.2

3.0%

7 R S 7 U D G H V E \ 9 D O X H

7 R S / R V H U V P ric e

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

Value

T H OM A SWY

1.17

-10.0%

FB NH

502.8

1.1%

UP L

2.49

-9.8%

Z EN IT H B A N K

404.5

0.0%

OM A T EK

0.37

-9.8%

A C C ESSC OR P

341.8

-0.3%

J OH N H OLT

1.63

-9.4%

ET I

330.2

1.9%

M B EN EF IT

0.48

-9.4%

D A N GSUGA R

316.0

9.9% 0.0%

T ic k er

P ric e C hg %

D A A R C OM M

0.30

-9.1%

GT C O

277.0

R T B R ISC OE

0.51

-8.9%

T R A N SC OR P

209.2

3.1%

N SLT EC H

0.30

-6.2%

UB A

197.6

-2.2%

R EGA LIN S

0.36

-5.3%

D A N GC EM

150.7

0.0%

-4.6%

ST A N B IC

145.1

0.0%

LA SA C O

1.86

33

THURSDAY, ͻ˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

NCC’S OUTREACH WITH CORPS MEMBERS...

L-R: Principal Manager, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Tolulope Awolope; National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) Camp Director, Geku Ruth; NYSC Federal Capital Territory Coordinator, Shokpeka Winifred; Assistant Director, NCC, Moses Iyi, and Head, Lectures Committee, NYSC, Chike Chris-Moneke, during an NCC’s outreach programme with corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Kubwa, Abuja ...recently

NITDA Raises the Alarm over Imminent Attack on Critical Digital Infrastructure Urges MDAs, others to adopt preventive measures Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has raised the alarm over an imminent attack on the nation's critical digital

infrastructure.

It warned that the Distributed Denial of Service (DDOS) attack would be targeted at critical national digital infrastructure.

NITDA's warning was contained in a press release yesterday, which

was signed by the agency's Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations, Mrs. Hadiza Umar.

According to the statement, NITDA, through its Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team had detected activities of a

hacktivist group targeting vital digital infrastructure.

The hacktivist group, known for its politically and religiouslymotivated cyber campaigns, poses a significant risk to critical information infrastructure, NITDA warned.

Farmers Urge Federal, State Govts to Cut Cost of Governance Amid Economic Hardship Say Tinubu should give attention to insecurity James Emejo in Abuja The National Agricultural Communities Projects (NACP), yesterday, urged governments at all levels to be courageous enough to cut their cost of governance amidst the current hardship facing Nigerians.

The group said the move would demonstrate to Nigerians that the leaders share in the sufferings and sacrifices of the people.

Addressing journalists on President Bola Tinubu's recent address on the state of the nation, particularly efforts on food security, the President, Maize Farmers Association of Nigeria (MAAN)/Lead Partner, NACP, Dr. Bello Abubakar Annur, said the perks available to public office holders were so enormous that it is difficult for the average Nigerian to understand why they suffer so much and those in leadership are unaffected.

Annur, alongside presidents of the various agricultural commodity associations, therefore, called on Tinubu to do the needful, adding that, "we expect further announcements on the measure to cut the cost of governance."

The NACP also advised Tinubu to pay more attention to the current state of insecurity in the country, pointing out that the president had failed to address this in his pronouncements so far.

Annur said, "It is also of utmost importance to deal with the issue of insecurity because, without security, there can be no prosperity.

“If the issue of insecurity is not adequately dealt with, the implementation of these strategies could be in jeopardy.

"In reality, it is inevitable that we suffer some pain for these reforms to successfully bear the required fruits.

We all want a better and brighter future for Nigeria. So, let those

knowledgeable about the farmers challenges run the programme and we assure you of a positive results at the end of the programme."

The farmers commended the president on his second State of the Nation address as the country grapples with the short-term economic hardship resulting from subsidy removal and exchange rate harmonisation.

The group said the president’s address showed leadership, responsibility, and accountability, and he demonstrated empathy as he unveiled a broad plan to ease the cost of living pains for Nigerians - and provided clarity on the palliative measures and strategies for implementation.

The NACP also hailed the president on the palliative plan to support businesses, the working class, and the most vulnerable, as well as a policy intervention to check rising inflation and ensure exchange rate stability.

The NACP however, lamented that though the president covered most of the strategic sectors of the economy, "nothing was said about security, farmers and herders clashes, which is a critical factor in national development."

The group said, "The President described the plan to spend the N500 billion ($652 million) package to boost the economy by easing transportation costs, boosting manufacturing, and enhancing food supply.

"It will also provide conditional grants to at least a million small businesses. To ensure affordable food prices, it is good that strategic reserves of grains will be released to households, and support for agriculture, including farmland cultivation, will be a priority.

"These plans demonstrate that the President is listening to Nigerians.

"The NACP supports the short

and immediate terms efforts to ensure staple foods are available and affordable."

The NACP, nonetheless, requested that the planned release of 200,000 metric tonnes of grains from strategic reserves to households across the 36 states and FCT to moderate prices, should include the leadership of NACP for easy access and equitable distribution to our teeming members, who constitute the bulk of the target beneficiaries.

It also requested to be part of the distribution of 225,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer, seedlings and other inputs to farmers, in order to ensure proper targeted so as to assure productive achievement of our food security agenda.

Annur said, "As we commend the government’s courage in

enacting these series of policies and measures, we call on all states and local governments to emulate the federal government and replicate similar initiatives in the their various catchment areas -especially now that federal allocations to all tiers of government have improved greatly."

Regarding the federal government's decision to invest in the manufacturing sector, the NACP noted that it would be pertinent to consider more enterprises as 75 enterprises mentioned would not significantly impact the economy.

Among other things, the group said, "Not many enterprises across the country have the appetite for such huge loan amounts. We also commend the efforts to kick-start sustainable economic growth and improve productivity.

According to the agency, their tactics include targeted attacks on government digital services, using various attack types particularly DDoS attack, adding that they have a track record of successful attacks in various countries.

"NITDA hereby alerts the general public to be wary of the occurrence of these attacks which underscores the undeniable and concerning fact that cyber-attacks are not a distant threat but rather a looming danger that resides much closer to us than we may have previously acknowledged.

"This realisation compels us to recognise the urgency of reinforcing our cyber front, fortifying our digital defences to shield against these malicious intrusions and secure the safety of our critical information and infrastructure," the statement read.

NITDA warned that if not averted, the consequences would be dire, stressing that, "the consequences of such cyber-attacks are always severe and may have wide-ranging impacts."

These include disruption of critical services, economic losses, as well as public trust and reputation loss.

"To guard against attacks targeted towards government institutions and other critical sectors, the National Information Technology Development Agency's Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team (NITDA-CERRT) seeks to advise all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, including other providers of critical services in the country to ensure the implementation of

measures to prevent against DDOS attacks, such as: Deploying DDoS Monitoring systems to watch out for signs of DDoS attacks."

It also prescribed other measures such as, "minimising the attack surface area thereby limiting the options for attackers and allowing you to build protections in a single place, e.g. obscuring the target, closing unused ports and protocols, hence minimising possible points of attacks, implementing or subscribing to DDoS protection features, applications or services to fortify your cyber defences against disruptive DDoS attacks. e.g. rate limiting, load balancing, traffic filtering, Content Delivery Network (CDN), Web application Firewalls, etc."

NITDA also urged the potential attack victims to aim at, "ensuring that hosting providers offer abundant redundant Internet connectivity, enabling systems to manage significant volumes of traffic effectively, configuring network hardware such as firewall or router to drop incoming ICMP packets or block DNS responses from outside the network (by blocking UDP port 53).

"Furthermore, enhancement of all critical national infrastructure such as financial services providers, telecommunications providers, and relevant government service providers should ensure cyber security readiness and resilience by implementing necessary cyber security measures to safeguard against potential attacks," it added.

State Governors Have Taken Ownership of Tinubu's Economic Framework, Says Abiodun James Sowole in Abeokuta Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said the 36 states of the federation have taken ownership of President Bola Tinubu's framework on ameliorating the plight of the people and have begun the implementation of the same.

Abiodun, made this known in an interview during the two years memorial service of his father, Dr. Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun at St. James' Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo.

The governor pleaded with Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu's administration, saying, "This too shall pass, and we will all be better for it."

Abiodun, while noting that the resultant effect of the removal of

subsidy was hard on the people but good for the economy, noted that the federal government action would save the country over N4 trillion and allow the government provide people with programs and projects that would better their lives.

"We have shown that we are very deliberate. We have demonstrated that we feel the pains of our people, and we have done that by being very proactive.

"We sat with the president because he took the decision to remove the fuel subsidy in the best interest of this nation. It was a cancer that was causing this country over N4 trillion as of last year and would have caused over N6 trillion by the end of this year.

“And he took that bold step to

remove it so that we can use that much money toward things that people can see, feel, and touch; things that will be of direct benefit to the common man.

"Like I said earlier, this is just a process of transition. Mr President under his leadership have provided us with a framework. I mean the governors as to what we need to do in our respective states, and we in Ogun State have taken ownership of that framework, and we have begun the implementation of the same.

"We were in Benin Republic recently. In Benin Republic, fuel prices are about N900 to N1000 per litre.

"So Nigeria was busy subsidising all her neighbours; so he decided to

remove subsidy. With that removal, there has been an attendant increase in transportation fares and high costs of food prices, and things have been a bit difficult for our people," he said.

The governor said his administarion, in line with the president's mandate, has started with the payment of N10,000 transport allowance to civil servants and pensioners.

He also confirmed that he recently had the opportunity of riding an electric-powered motorcycle during his trip to the Benin Republic with President Tinubu, reiterating that Ogun State would soon launch its E-mobility program which would make transportation more economical and affordable for the people of the state.

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AFRICAN TAKAFUL NON-INTREST FINANCE CONFERENCE...

L-R: Guest Speaker/Former Commissioner, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mohammed Kari; Chairman, Noor Takaful Insurance Limited, Muhtar Bakare; His Royal Highness, Khalifa, Muhammad Sanusi II; Deputy Commissioner for Insurance, NAICOM, Sabiu Abubakar; Vice Chairman, Noor Takaful Insurance Limited, Aminu Tukur and Managing Director, Noor Takaful Insurance PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN Limited, Rilwan Sunmonu during the African Takaful and Non-Interest Finance Conference held in Lagos …. Tuesday

Enugu Residents Shun Ekpa's Sitat-Home Order, Open for Business Gideon Arinze in Enugu Residents of Enugu State, yesterday, shunned the order to sit at home for two weeks

issued by the Finland-based self-acclaimed Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa.

In a series of Tweets, Ekpa said the sit-at-home,

which would last between July 31 and August 14, was intended to further demand the release of detained leader of the Indigenous People of

Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

IPOB had distanced itself from the calls for a sit-at-home at several times. Kanu had also reportedly written to

Ekpa, directing him to end all sit-at-home orders in the South-east via a letter made public on Friday by his Special Counsel, Aloy

Go and Conquer, PDP Charges Campaign Councils for Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi Guber Polls Chuks Okocha in Abuja Ahead of three governorship elections in Bayeslsa, Imo and Kogi States, later in the year, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, inaugurated its National Campaign Council for the three governorship elections slated for November 11, with a charge to ‘go and conquer.’

The charge was given by the acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagun, at the presentation of certificates of return and inauguration of the campaign councils at the party’s national secretariat, Abuja.

Damagun urged members of the campaign team in the three states to deploy their knowledge of the political terrain to woo supporters to the party and vote the PDP candidates on November 11.

Not unaware of the distance some political parties walk during campaigns, the PDP boss reminded members of the campaign teams

not to do anything unlawful, saying the fact that other parties did such things was not enough for PDP members to do the same.

“You have been selected carefully because of what you can do, regardless of where you come from.

We have confidence in you that you will go there and conquer.

We expect nothing but victory.

“You are going in at a time whereby the country as it is, everybody is feeling the burden of the mistakes that have happened in this country. What is expected of you is go there and remind them that this is not what we bargained for, and that there is a time God in his infinite mercy, give us to change the course of history, and this is the time.

“We will have Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi. These are PDP states.

Somehow, they slipped away but Bayelsa has always had a PDP governor. I want to challenge everyone in this country to look at the states governed by PDP

governors viz-a-viz the other parties. We have always excelled.”

Bayelsa State Governor and candidate of the party, Duoye Diri, told journalists at the event that PDP was a united party in the state, and that on a scale of 100, the party enjoyed 80 per cent compared with 20 per cent for others.

“PDP is very sure of victory in Bayelsa State. We don’t have any internal crisis in the PDP in Bayelsa State. We are well organised and as a matter of fact, we have more members of the opposition coming into PDP in Bayelsa State.

“Bayelsa PDP is very strong, vibrant and poised to win the election. If I should give you on a scale, it would be like 80-20 per cent. Bayelsans have resolved unanimously that PDP as exemplified by me, doesn’t need to change players in a winning team,” he said.

Governorship candidate for Imo State and National Secretary of the

PDP, Samuel Anyanwu, similarly expressed optimism in the chances of the PDP in the State.

“Imo is traditionally a PDP state. What you have there now is a product of the court. I am back to reclaim the mandate of the PDP,” he assured.

On his part, candidate for Kogi State, Dino Melaye, said with him as the PDP flag bearer, the All Progressives Congress would become history in November.

“I just want to announce that as far as this election is concerned in Kogi State, APC is history. APC

Sanwo-Olu Mourns Medical Doctor, Diaso, Orders Immediate Investigation Rebecca Ejifoma Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide

Ahead of Today’sAPC NEC,Tinubu Meets Party's National Caucus Buhari: I won't be able to attend the meetings Deji Elumoye in Abuja Ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) today in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, met with the national caucus of the party behind closed doors at the State House, Abuja.

Unfortunately, former President Muhammadu Buhari, has disclosed that he won't be able to attend the caucus and NEC meetings of the party following his earlier commitments.

Although the agenda of the meeting held at the Banquet Hall were not made public and newsmen

were barred from the meeting, there were indications that it might not be unconnected to the politics of leadership succession in the. APC. The National Chairman and Secretary of the party, Senators Abdullahi Adamu and Iyiola Omisore, had resigned their positions last month.

Since their resignations, there have been subtle political moves to choose their successors.

While the President was reportedly pushing for a former Kano State governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, as Adamu's replacement, other stakeholders were said to have preferred the emergence of an ex-Nasarawa State governor, Senator Tanko Almakura, as his successor.

THISDAY, however, learnt that the decision about who steps into those officesmight be taken at the meeting, among other pressing issues.

Those billed to be at the meeting include all serving APC governors, all past national chairmen and secretaries, former President Muhammadu Buhari; the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abass, among others.

But Buhari, yesterday, in a release by his former spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, attributed his announced absence to earlier scheduled commitments, but pledged

has gone to oblivion. PDP is the party to beat in Kogi State and I assure the people of Kogi State, that my name is Daniel and Daniel is used to taming lions. I befriend lions, I kiss lions and subdue lions,” he said.

Delivering an acceptance speech on behalf of the Chairmen of the Governorship Campaign Councils for the three states, Governor Adeleke described the PDP as a widely beloved political party that has worked and is still working to satisfy the aspirations of our people.

Ejimakor.

In the letter, Kanu warned that anyone enforcing sit-athome in the southeast was not his disciple and should be made to face the full wrath of the law.

However, while he claimed that the sit-at-home had been 100% successful with videos of some empty streets, checks by THISDAY showed that business owners went about their activities across various locations in Enugu, yesterday, including the states main market, Ogbete. It was the same story on Tuesday.

To ensure the security of residents, security operatives, including the army, were stationed across markets and other strategic locations.

The streets were busy with commercial bus.

Some business owners, who spoke to THISDAY said the sit-at-home has not yielded any results. Rather, it has impacted negatively on the economy of the region, hence the time to reject it.

his total support and commitment to the party.

"Former President Muhammadu Buhari has explained his inability to be present at the caucus meeting and the National Executive Committee, NEC, meetings of the All Progressives Congress, APC to which he has been invited and has conveyed his apologies, indicating that he is unable to attend due to commitments earlier made.

"Muhammadu Buhari used the opportunity to express his support and commitment to the party, at the same time wishing it a good meeting as the leaders take decisions on issues of importance to the party and the nation," he said.

Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, mourned the passing of a medical doctor, Dr. Vwaere Diaso, describing her death as shocking and a colossal loss to the health sector in the state and Nigeria as a whole.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement on his verified social media handles, said he had taken immediate action to initiate a thorough investigation into the cause of the ugly incident.

Diaso died Tuesday at the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island, after an elevator she took developed a mechanical failure.

However, Sanwo-Olu has also commiserated with the deceased family, friends and colleagues, particularly the Nigeria Medical Association, Medical Guild, doctors, and healthcare professionals in Lagos State.

He said: "I was deeply saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Dr. Vwaere Diaso, a dedicated medical professional whose life was taken due to a mechanical failure within the elevator at the Doctors' quarters of the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island. It is distressing to think that such a promising young doctor had

her life cut short in such a devastating manner.

"As a parent myself, I cannot help but feel the pain and sorrow that Dr. Diaso's loved ones must be experiencing during this difficult time. My heart goes out to her parents, family members, friends, and colleagues who are grieving this profound loss.

"To the Nigeria Medical Association, the Medical Guild, and all doctors in Lagos State, I extend my deepest sympathies. Losing a fellow healthcare professional is a tremendous loss for the entire medical community.

"In light of this tragedy, I have taken immediate action to initiate a thorough investigation into the cause of the mechanical failure. It is my sincere commitment that this investigation will be conducted with utmost transparency and fairness, leaving no room for any biases or favoritism.

"Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident.

May Dr. Vwaere Diaso's soul rest in eternal peace."

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2023 DETTOL SCHOOL HYGIENE...

L-R: Marketing Director, Reckitt Sub-Sharan Africa, Tanzim Rezwan; Category Manager, Reckitt Sub-Saharan Africa , Zara Adoki; Deputy Director, Nursing Lagos State, Dr. Sola Aketi; Assistant Director, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Investment, Mr. Ismail Sowunmi; Head of External Communications and Partnerships, Reckitt Sub-Saharan Africa, Mrs. Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh during the Impact Presentation of the 2023 Dettol School Hygiene Program in Lagos...Tuesday

Kalu Tasks NBA, Lawyers on Adherence to Rule of Law Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and legal practitioners to adhere strictly to the rule of law, saying doing otherwise would open the society up for chaos.

Kalu stated this when the President of the NBA, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, paid him a visit at his office.

Kalu in a statement issued Wednesday by his Special Assistant, Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, urged the NBA to ensure that they contribute to nationbuilding through various channels of leadership.

He said: "You have the intellectual prowess and presence to excel in the position and you have been doing us proud since your

emergence. We don’t have any regrets. Like you rightly pointed out, there’s a role for us all in nation building.

"As lawyers, we know that law governs anything we do and in the absence of law, you are opening the society up for chaos. We will become what we want to be when everyone carries his brick to build it.

There’s a brick for everyone to carry, the government and the citizens alike."

The Deputy Speaker assured the NBA of his attendance at the upcoming 63rd Annual General Conference of the NBA, scheduled to hold in Abuja from 25th of August to 1st of September 2023.

Earlier, President of the NBA told Kalu that he came to congratulate him on his emergence as Deputy Speaker of the 10th

House of Representatives.

While expressing his confidence on Kalu's ability to carry out the demands of the office, he urged him to attend the 63rd Annual General Conference of the NBA, scheduled to hold in Abuja from 25th of August to 1st of September 2023.

"It’s such an honor to be here, it’s such a great privilege to visit you, interact with you, at this level of our growth. Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu is my classmate, we sat together in the same class when we did our residency at Oxford. “That was the time when our bonding started. Of course we’ve been colleagues but we never had the opportunity, ever since then we have kept the relationship.

"I have watched the trajectory of his growth in this profession.

A growth that’s characterized by

integrity, professionalism and the dexterity that you’ve brought to bear in the representation of your people.

The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) has put forward a proposal for the establishment of a Health Development Bank, in a move towards strengthening Nigeria's healthcare system.

The announcement was made by the Lead Director of CSJ, Eze Onyekpere, during a workshop on "Innovative and Alternative Funding of the Health Sector" held in Abuja, yesterday.

The current state of healthcare financing in Nigeria has been a cause for concern, with allocations to the health sector averaging a mere five per cent of the federal budget over the last five years (2018-2022).

These allocations encompass capital, recurrent, statutory transfers, and other vital aspects of the health sector, but still fall far short of meeting the sector's demands.

According to Onyekpere, the CSJ's proposal for a Health Development Bank seeks to address the financial constraints faced by the health sector.

He noted that: “If implemented, the bank will provide a predictable and sustainable source of funding

for critical health projects, ensuring that funds are tied to specific results and milestones in line with national health policies and goals.”

Currently, a significant portion of Nigeria's health budget is dedicated to recurrent expenditure, leaving minimal room for capital investments in health infrastructure and upgrades.

Onyekpere said “The proposed Health Development Bank would enable targeted investments in areas such as health facilities, medical equipment, digital technology for telemedicine, and improvements in pharmaceutical production, including the manufacture of critical vaccines and pharmaceutical ingredients.”

One of the pressing challenges in the health sector is the lack of access to basic medical equipment in primary healthcare facilities.

According to the World Health OrganiSation (WHO), only 41 per cent of such facilities had access to such equipment in 2018.

Additionally, many health facilities suffer from inadequate access to electricity, water, and sanitation, affecting the quality of healthcare services provided.

Onyekpere said: “The bank will be instrumental in improving

Nigeria's pharmaceutical industry, which currently heavily relies on imports.

“By providing funds for infrastructure, technology, and human resource development, the bank can stimulate local production of critical pharmaceuticals and vaccines, enhancing the nation's health security.”

The proposal also emphasised the need to invest in the health workforce to bridge the significant gaps in healthcare personnel.

Nigeria's doctor-to-patient ratio is far below the desired levels, and

years back I didn’t know that this is where we will find ourselves.

I know you also owe all of this to God almighty," Maikyau said.

FG Urged to End Dollarisation of Nigeria's Economy Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja A financial expert, Dr. Emmanuel Ozigi has urged the federal government to take urgent steps to reduce the dominance of dollar in economic transactions in Nigeria.

Ozigi, who made the call during the official launch of the business operation of Kabimya Finance Company Limited (KFCL), in Abuja, yesterday, said the free fall of the naira was frustrating

NGO Launches Draft Bill on Proposed Health Development Bank of Nigeria Michael Olugbode in Abuja

“The NBA cannot be luckier than it is now to have you at this time. It’s such an honor and privilege. When we met several

the country needs an additional 149,700 doctors to achieve the ideal 1 doctor to 1000 patients ratio.

The Health Development Bank would develop a human resource loan scheme to facilitate the training and development of essential healthcare professionals.

If approved and implemented, the Health Development Bank has the potential to transform Nigeria's healthcare landscape, increasing access to quality healthcare, generating jobs, improving tax revenue, and enhancing the nation's GDP contribution.

Nigerians.

His words: "You cannot have a free for all policy where there are no regulations. Because there is no economy that thrives on a free market policy where everybody determines, or the forces of the market determines.

"Some of the policies as in the case of Nigeria are not realistic.

The effect will be heavy on the common man. That is why the implications of the free for all policy we have now is more on the common people who do not have access.

“That is why we are saying it should be regulated. At the same time, government should be looking at how to reduce the dollarisation of our economy because we cannot continue to dollarise every of our activity.

When you dollarise everything, it makes it difficult for you to improve your economy locally.

“That is why we cannot compete internationally. So as much as possible, we should reduce the dollarisation of our commodities, activities and services."

Ozigi stressed that everyone can see the micro-economic effect of unregulated economy in less than last 60 days — in terms of inflation, standard of living and livelihood.

According to him, “an economy should be driven and should have drivers of the economy who will

point the direction of how it should go.

“Now that it is the force of demand and supply that determines the exchange rate. I can decide to hoard and release when I know there is heavy demand. These are the implications of not having a regulated economy.”

Against this background, Ozigi called for urgent review of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) free floating policy of the naira, stressing that allowing the exchange rate unregulated would worsen the situation.

Speaking on the impact of KFCL, added that the firm would assist the Nigeria business community especially the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by providing serviceable credit facilities and jobs to the teeming unemployed youths.

He also said they the firm would give risks management advise to help the business of their customers grow.

Ozigi said: "Our mission is simple: to empower our clients to achieve their financial goals and secure their financial future.

Through a comprehensive range of products and services, we will be offering tailored solutions that cater to every stage of our clients' lives from investment planning and wealth management to lending solutions and risk management strategies.”

Court Order Won't Save Ikpeazu from Accounting for His Stewardship, Says Abia Government Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia The Abia State government has said the immediate past governor of the state would not escape giving account of his stewardship, no matter his legal antics.

Commissioner for Information and Culture, Hon Okey Kanu, made this known Wednesday while brief-

ing journalists on the outcome of this week's State Executive Council meeting.

Ikpeazu had gone to Abuja and obtained an ex-parte interim injunction restraining a judicial panel for recovery of looted funds and government properties set up by his successor, Mr. Alex Otti.

But Kanu lampooned the former governor, saying he was on a wild

goose chase trying to escape justice, saying, "It is laughable. For him (Ikpeazu) to go to Abuja to shop for ex-parte court order would not save him. It is not right and doesn't show right thinking."

The government spokesman argued that if the former Abia governor "feels that he is innocent, why go to Abuja to shop for court order" to prevent being held account-

able for his deeds in government.

He insisted that Ikpeazu would not succeed within antics because "our lawyers would do something about it and vacate the ex-parte order.

On the colossal salary arrears inherited by the Otti administration, Kanu said government was exploring every option of raising funds to offset the arrears.

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LET THE POOR BREATHE...

Workers protest in Asaba ... yesterday

WITH TINUBU’S PROMISE OF PH REFINERY READY BY DEC, LABOUR SUSPENDS PROTESTS, EXTENDS DIALOGUE Ndume told the protesters, "I assure you that between now and tomorrow we will fix meeting with labour and start the discussion and engagement. We will do our best, as your representative, to come up with a solution acceptable to all stakeholders.

"Give us one week and let's try to find solutions and resolve the dispute and if you are not satisfied then you can go further with any action."

While presenting a letter to the representative of the senate president at the National Assembly, Ajaero said the letter contained several issues listed in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the labour unions and government.

The NLC president complained about the apparent side-lining of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF), which, he said, ought to be chairing the negotiations and to fast track the resolution.

Addressing the protesters, Ajaero said the protest was necessitated by the continued delay by government in addressing the demands of the workers as contained in the MoU signed by both parties He listed the demands of labour to include immediate implementation, in good faith, of all resolutions with the congress and TUC jointly signed with the government, as well as "immediate reversal of all anti-poor policies of the government, such as hike in school fees of tertiary institutions, Value Added Tax and pump price PMS".

Other demands include fixing the local refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna; release of eight months withheld salaries of university lecturers and workers; according appropriate recognition and support to the presidential steering committee and the work of its sub-committees; and ending inhumane actions and policies of government.

He recalled that there was a first hike in pump price of petrol to N540 per litre, which was further increased to N617 per litre within four weeks, while negotiations were still ongoing.

Ajaero said the federal government also ignored a court order that all parties should maintain the status quo.

Speaking on the continued withholding of eight months salaries of ASUU members due to their participation in a prolonged strike last year, the NLC president accused the federal government of reneging on an agreement it duly signed with ASUU in 2009. He added that if the university teachers were made to forfeit their salaries, it would amount to rewarding a government for failing to keep agreement.

"I enter agreement with you, and you fail to implement, I cry by going on strike and you punish me for that. I want the National Assembly to look into that law,” he added.

Ajaero urged the National Assembly to see that the matter was resolved and salaries of the affected lecturers were paid in full.

Regarding the money so far saved from fuel subsidy, Ajaero expressed worry at the apparent contradiction

between the disclosure by Tinubu that the country had so far earned N1 trillion, and the Presidential Steering Committee’s revelation that no money had been saved from the fuel subsidy removal.

Ajaero said since the president had said N1 trillion was saved from subsidy, then the money should be deployed judiciously to ameliorate the suffering of Nigerians. He said the reason the congress was pushing for a wage award was because the minimum wage was a constitutional matter that would be due for legislation by May 2024.

He said workers could not afford to continue to suffer the hardship imposed by the hike in fuel price until 2024.

On his part, Osifo said the federal government should look into cutting down cost of governance as a way of showing the much needed leadership and in keeping with reality of the time.

He stated, "I want to add to what the NLC president said and it is about the reduction of cost of governance. We strongly believe that the government of today is not being sensitive to the plight of Nigerians and that government comprises the executive, legislative, and judiciary.

"We believe strongly that you cannot ask Nigerians to keep tightening their belts and sacrificing or ask a man who barely has one meal a day to now be drinking only garri.

“The Nigerian masses have been battered, the Nigerian masses have suffered and are passing through excruciating and very difficult times."

The TUC president said the administration was about to appoint new ministers who would in turn appoint several special assistants and personal assistants, adding, “Before we know what is happening, the number of political appointees will hit the roof.”

He said the federal government had proposed N70 billion for the National Assembly members to fix their offices, pointing out that most offices where workers stay are currently in bad shape with dilapidated facilities.

Ajaero, "We are all Nigerians and we have equal stake in the project called Nigeria. We want you in the National Assembly to show sacrifice, we want you to cut down your budget and we want you to go and buy Innoson Motors and not foreign made Toyota vehicles, which will further deplete our scarce foreign exchange.

"We don't want you to continue to patronise imported goods because you are creating jobs there and importing suffering here. Let everyone be using Innoson Motors and other locally manufactured good."

He said organised labour was not insensitive to the fact that, “our legislators should operate in a conducive environment but that they should also show example in leadership.”

Protests took place in several cities in states across the country.

Rivers Workers to Tinubu: Allow Us to Breathe, Fix the Refineries

In Rivers State, over 500 civil servants took to the streets of Port Harcourt, yesterday, to protest against removal of petrol subsidy.

They said Tinubu must allow Nigerians breathe, as his anti-people policies had impoverished the masses.

The workers demanded that the federal government should reverse all anti-people policies, fix the local refineries and stop the importation of fuel in the country.

The protesters, who were chanting "Tinubu allow us to breathe", marched to the Ikwerre Road through Mile 3 Market to Azikiwe Road and terminated at Government House, Port Harcourt.

The state NLC chairman, Alex Agwanwor, who spoke during the protest in front of Government House, called on the federal government to fix the refineries. Agwanwor said the importation of fuel was responsible for the increase in the pump price of petrol.

Agwanwor said, "We are here today as workers to protest the current happenings in Nigeria occasioned by the removal of subsidies and the hardship that came with it.

The suffering and trauma Nigerians are passing through, as a people they said you should let us breathe.”

He said the salaries of workers could no longer cater for their basic needs, including feeding and school fees for their children.

In his response, Rivers State Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, assured that he would not take the mandate given to him by the people of the state for granted. Fubara said his administration was poised to embark on policies that would better the lot of the people.

Addressing the organised labour at Government House, Port Harcourt, Fubara said he felt the pains and difficulties experienced by the workers and the generality of the masses as a result of subsidy removal.

The governor, who was represented by Chief of Staff, Government House, Mr. Chidi Amadi, commended labour for their peaceful disposition during the protest, stating that the demands of the workers would be channelled to the appropriate authorities.

Delta NLC, TUC Say Fuel Subsidy Removal Choking Workers

Workers in Delta State, yesterday, joined the nationwide protest by organised labour to protest against the removal of petrol subsidy by Tinubu without due consultation.

Chairman of Delta State NLC, Goodluck Ofobruku; his TUC counterpart, Martin Bolum; and Deputy President, Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers' Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), Innocent Ofuonyeadi, led members of their affiliate unions in the protest, which started from the Labour House, through NTA Road, Okpanam Road to Government House, Asaba.

The protesting workers displayed placards with different inscriptions connoting dissatisfaction with the subsidy removal and the attendant hardship on the people. They chanted solidarity songs as they marched

through the streets.

Presenting a position paper to the state governor, Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, at Government House gate, Ofobruku accused the Tinubu administration of insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians, especially the workers whose salaries were fixed.

He lamented that the removal of fuel subsidy without consulting the relevant stakeholders and damning the socio-economic consequences on the already impoverished majority of Nigerians was choking. He said the protest was to prevail on government to allow Nigerians, especially the workers, to breathe.

NLC, TUC Storm Lagos Assembly

Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and members of the state House of Assembly, yesterday, received protesting members of NLC and TUC and their affiliates, who were in Alausa, Ikeja, to express their concerns about the hardship in the country.

Spokesperson and chairman of NLC in Lagos State, Bello Ismail, said the body commenced the nationwide protest to express their dissatisfaction with the removal of fuel subsidy, resulting in hardship on the citizens.

Ismail noted that the current situation in the country was unpalatable for the average citizens, urging the government to respect the people of the country who voted them in.

“You come to us to beg us to vote you in, your responsibility as a representative of the people you govern is to protect their welfare,” he added.

Human rights activist Femi Falana (SAN), who joined the protest, lamented the hardship faced by citizens, saying, “We are here to tell the federal government through the Lagos State government that our country is not a poor country; we are blessed with so many natural resources to be suffering this way.”

Obaseki Charges Workers to Reject FG’s Palliative, Offers N500m Monthly Package

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, said his administration would disburse N500 million monthly to poor households in the state as palliative to cushion the economic hardship caused by the subsidy removal by the All Progressives Congress (APC) federal government. Obaseki disclosed this while speaking to members of the Edo State Chapter of NLC, led by Odion Olaye, and other labour unions, who were at Government House, Benin City, on a peaceful protest over the hardship faced by workers and Nigerians as a result of petrol subsidy removal.

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of workers and all Edo people, Obaseki said his government would sustain efforts to reduce the suffering and hardship inflicted on the people by the APC-led federal government.

According to Obaseki, “The APC government has thrown us into this mess and we can't ignore this fact but

as Nigerians, we will do something about it. It may take time but we will prevail.

“On May 1st this year, I warned labour that we were likely to face the condition and situation we face today. I warned you in that speech not to wait but be proactive and plan ahead. Look at where we are today.

“We in Edo State will do our own bit and I have decided that every month, going forward, we will take N500 million from our money to give to the poorest of the poor in Edo State.”

The governor further stated, “I want to alert you to reject the palliative they want to give to you.

It’s a continuation of the fraud that the federal government has always undertaken against the people of Nigeria. The so-called money for palliative should be given to the local government, which is closer to the people, to take care of their people.”

Anambra NLC, TUC Decry Hardship under Tinubu

Anambra State Chapter of NLC joined yesterday’s nationwide protests to show rejection of the hardship on Nigerians, caused by the removal of fuel subsidy by the President Bola Tinubu government.

Various bodies that make up the union gathered at the state office of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), from where the protest kicked off.

The protesters who carried placards with various inscriptions, marched to Ekwueme Square, Awka, a short distance from the NULGE office, before they dispersed.

Inscriptions on some of the placards read, “End fuel price increase;” “Fix our local refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna;” “No to jumbo pay for politicians;” “Stop naira devaluation;” “We cannot bear the suffering anymore;” “Pay university workers their salaries;” and “N8,000 palliative to households, insult to Nigerians.”

The state chairman of NLC, Humphrey Emeka Nwafor, who addressed the protesters, said, "The hardship Nigerians are passing through under this present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is too much.

"Other Nigerians should equally add their voices against the current economic status of the country. We demand that the federal government should pay the eight months salaries of university workers.

"The federal government should not allow private companies to determine the price of petroleum products for Nigerians, when we have our regulatory agency. We are not accepting the N8, 000 palliatives.

Nwafor added, "As I speak, the cost of living here in Anambra State is very high. The current house rent in Awka is higher than other state capitals of the federation while workers monthly salaries remain the same.”

Kwara NLC, TUC Join Nationwide Protest

Hundreds of workers under the aegis of NLC and TUC in Kwara

State, yesterday, staged peaceful protests to express their displeasure over the removal of petrol subsidy by the federal government.

The workers, who came out in their numbers, moved round major streets in Ilorin.

Some of the protesters were armed with placards with various inscriptions, such as, “Repair our refineries and build additional ones,” “No to industrial neo-liberal slavery,” “Masses welfare is sacrosanct,” and “Release eight months withheld salaries of university lecturers and workers, among other demands.”

The protest took off from the state NLC secretariat on Lajorin Road, GRA, Ilorin, and moved to Governor’s Office, where the marchers made a detour to the office of Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi.

In his address, shortly after delivering the letter, the chairman of NLC, Kwara State Council, Muritala Olayinka, expressed satisfaction with the peaceful manner members conducted themselves.

Proposed N8, 000 Palliative, Insult to Nigerians, Says Kaduna NLC

Kaduna State Chairman of NLC, Ayuba Suleiman, described the proposed N8, 000 palliative by the federal government as an insult to Nigerians. Suleiman said this yesterday, in Kaduna, during the nationwide protest against the high price of petrol by the organised labour. He said rather than dishing out a paltry N8,000 as palliatives, the money should be used to revive the nation’s refineries.

He demanded the reversal of petrol pump price to N185 per litre as against the N615 per litre, as directed by the court.

Suleiman called for a minimum wage of N200, 000, considering the difficult economic situation Nigerians were facing.

He stated, "Use the money you want to borrow from the World Bank to revive our refineries, use the proposed N8,000 palliatives to revive our refineries. We don't need the government palliative.

"We are demanding for salary 'upper' the minimum we can bear is N200,000. We voted for democracy, good standard of living, equity and justice. The decision of President Tinubu on May 29, to remove fuel subsidy is causing untold hardship on Nigerians.

"We demand free education from primary to tertiary level and not students’ loan.”

A formal letter containing the workers’ demands was delivered to Governor Uba Sani, through Adamu Samaila, his Special Adviser on Labour Matters.

Enugu NLC Chairman: Tinubu Ambushed Nigerians with Fuel Subsidy Removal

Workers in Enugu, yesterday, joined the nationwide protest by TUC and NLC against the removal of fuel subsidy and the economic hardship it is inflicting on Nigerians.

Continues online

˾ THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2023

37

GAMINGWEEK

Edited by NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG | ikotibok@gmail.com | Tel: 08114495324

Assessing the Broader Socioeconomic Impact of Sports Betting in Nigeria Iyke Bede writes that Nigeria needs to continue to embrace sports betting as a form of entertainment, striking a balance that maximises its positive contributions while addressing the challenges that arise as a result

U

ndoubtedly, sports betting in Nigeria has rapidly emerged as one of the most dynamic sectors significantly contributing to the nation’s economy.

This surge in growth is projected to potentially generate between 1.5 to 3 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), as highlighted by the National Sports Industry Policy in 2020.

This seeming growth has also highlighted certain grey areas around the laws guiding tax collection in the sector, as can be evidenced in the ongoing jurisdictions war between federal regulatory body- the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) and their various state counterparts across the country to determine rightful tax revenue collection channels.

As of 2020, it was estimated that the sports betting subsector of the gaming ecosystem was worth $2 billion, a figure driven by 60 million Nigerian youths between the ages of 18 and 40, with a daily transaction of $5.5 million. While a good number of those transactions occurred in walk-in shops (estimated at 64 per cent), online transactions at the time represented 34 per cent.

Total figures are projected to see a bump with internet penetration rising to 40.72 per cent in 2023 (up from 34.55 per cent in 2020), increased adoption of cashless policies, and the availability of user-friendly mobile apps to place bets.

Despite the influx of numerous local and international operators, most of them depart after a brief period, driven by various factors. One such reason, as noted by Oyindamola Michaels, the country manager of Parimatch International, is investors’ impatience.

“Most investors springing up and opening are doing so for the wrong reasons. They are not really coming to invest. They are coming to make profits, which is good. But if you do it for the right reasons, you should be able to expand across.”

However, a few operators have maintained their presence by securing most of the market share.

Bet9ja, for instance, records a daily transaction of $400,000. According to the ORBIT Nigeria Smartphone Report this year, the operator also boasts as the third most used app. It records that the SportyBet app has the highest number of online users, followed by BetKing, with 1xBet in fourth place. However, These apps do not represent their huge physical presence across the country.

Speaking with an industry stakeholder, Yahaya Maikori, a seasoned entertainment lawyer interested in the sports and gaming sector, implied that the spike in revenue generation could also be attributed to the low entry-level required to place a wager.

“I am sure that there are companies that are doing N1 billion turnover a day, conveniently in 2023.

You have to understand that the entry point is very low now. I can bet with N100,” Maikori noted. “The population is about 200 million people. On every street corner you go to, there is a betting company there—low entry level. So, everybody can practically participate in it. So,

Yahaya Maikori it’s not unusual; those figures are… I am not confirming, but those figures are easy.”

Cumulatively, the sports betting sector realises $4.7 billion annually in revenue and creates about 10 million jobs; directly through customer service, marketing, and data analysis roles, as well as indirect jobs in the informal sectors providing services for them. Through the various tax levies of existing operators and licence fees accrued from

Yomi Oketope the growing number of licensees, the sector generates revenue for government expenditures, hence its economic importance.

By ensuring a low entry level, more people can allocate some disposable income for a chance to win big. However, this accessibility raises concerns about its potential impact on spending patterns and other sectors of the economy, as well as the financial literacy of the population, which may lead to

Bimpe Akingba gambling addictions. With wager choice influenced by an individual’s skills, knowledge, and luck, potential financial losses lurk — a gateway to gambling addiction to recover losses.

In tackling gambling addiction, several initiatives like Gamble Alert and Crucial Compliance have been established to mitigate the metastasis of the scourge on online platforms.

But with profitability in mind, especially for the less established operators, they bend the rules by

“Cumulatively, the sports betting sector realises $4.7 billion annually in revenue and creates about 10 million jobs; directly through customer service, marketing, and data analysis roles, as well as indirect jobs in the informal sectors providing services for them. Through the various tax levies of existing operators and licence fees accrued from the growing number of licensees, the sector generates revenue for government expenditures, hence its economic importance.”

ADVISORY: +18 PERSONS UNDER 18 MUST NOT PARTICIPATE IN BETTING, GAMING OR LOTTERY ACTIVITY

allowing underage, vulnerable players with little financial agency to place wagers at their physical store, with some seemingly targeting that age group without fear of facing the consequences. This bold move on their part is influenced by the failure of regulators to hold them accountable.

Stakeholders also complain about the misplaced priorities of regulators in the space, saying regulators place more emphasis on tax revenue collection than coming up with innovative ways to propel the industry forward and generate more revenue, which, in

turn, would benefit host communities through the good cause initiatives, a socioeconomic tool to raise awareness and funds for a specific charitable purpose. This is a position held by Bimpe Akingba, Executive Secretary of the umbrella body of sports betting companies known as the Association of Nigeria Bookmakers (ANB).

In contemporary times when sports betting and sports culture in Nigeria has led to increased fan engagement, it presents a unique problem of questioning the integrity of sports events and potential matchfixing issues that have become a growing concern in international sporting events. Additionally, fandom wars also rears its ugly head now and then when aggrieved fandoms sense injustice.

Aside from the revenue generated from the sector, some argue that the public’s perception of the industry would be more favourable, provided every unit of the sector plays its part in fair regulation policies and compliance with such regulations, ultimately fostering trust and transparency within and without the community, as could be seen in the recent multilateral agreement between clubs, betting operators and regulators to withdraw gaming sponsorship on the front of matchday shirts for the 2026/2027 Premier League.

“There are some cultural practices and beliefs that are hindering the growth of this sector, generally. It is both cultural and religious,” said Yomi Oketope, the managing director of Sax Innovative Network Limited.

“When people see you gambling, they see you as irresponsible. The church will say, ‘Look, gambling is bad’.”

He added, “So, there’s a negative perception of gambling, whereas gambling is a lifestyle. There is no way you want to earn income from tourism that you will not include the gaming sector. Because when the tourists come in, they are looking for the nearest casino because they are used to it. For them, it’s a lifestyle. It’s entertainment. It’s part of hospitality.”

By and large, assessing the broader socioeconomic impact of sports betting in Nigeria is crucial to comprehend the far-reaching impact of this rapidly growing industry. As Nigeria continues to embrace sports betting as a form of entertainment, striking a balance that maximises its positive contributions while addressing the challenges that arise becomes paramount. Nigeria can harness the full potential benefits by adopting evidence-based policies and fostering responsible gambling practices while safeguarding its socio-economic fabric.

GAMINGWEEK TEAM Nseobong Okon-Ekong ikotibok@gmail.com | 08114495324 Iyke Bede ikennabede@gmail.com | 0703 044 7714 Akeem Lasisi lasaisai@yahoo.com | 08023687884 Vanessa Obioha vaysylver@gmail.com | 08069838305 Davidson Abraham davisiano.adm@gmail.com | +971 56 744 6013

THURSDAY AUGUST 3, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

38

NEWS

UK SECRETARY OF STATE AT THE NGX…

L-R: Head, Primary Markets, Nigerian Exchange Limited, Mr.Tony Ibeziako; Group Chief Financial Officer, NGX Group, Mr. Cyril Eigbogbo; Country Director, Department for Business andTrade, Ms. Chim Chalemera; Charge d’affaires (Head of Economic Development, Climate and Energy), Ms. SallyWoolhouse; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange Limited, Mr.Temi Popoola; United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs,The Rt. Hon. James Cleverly; Group Chairman, NGX Group, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga; British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Montgomery; Divisional Head, Capital Markets, Nigerian Exchange Limited, Mr. Jude Chiemeka; Deputy Country Director and Investment Officer, Morayo Adekunle; Head, Broker Dealer Regulation, NGXRegulationLimited,Mr.OlufemiShobanjo, andDivisionalHead,BusinessSupportServices,NigerianExchangeLimited,Mrs.IreneRobinson-Ayanwale,duringaClosingGongCeremonyinhonourofRt.Hon.JohnCleverly’svisittoNigeriainLagos…recently

Surinamese Jailed 13 Years for Drug Offence NDLEA secures conviction of 1,445 traffickers in six months According to a statement located in the North Eastern Qatar Airways flight in search 2, Port Harcourt on 1st June

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

A 34-year-old South American man from Suriname has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for smuggling drug into Nigeria.

The man, whose name was given as Dadda Lorenzo Harvy Albert, was arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement

Agency (NDLEA), at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Rivers state for bringing into Nigeria 117 parcels of cocaine concealed in extra-large latex condoms factory packed inside bottles of 100ml body spray, taken to court subsequently found guilty and sentenced to 13 years in prison.

Fire Razes Multi-billion Naira Pharmaceutical Company in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

A multi-billion naira pharmaceutical company has been razed by fire in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

During the incident, according to THISDAY checks, property worth several millions of naira were destroyed by the inferno.

The fire incident occurred last Tuesday at about 11:55 hours at the Peace Pharmaceutical Company, opposite National Hajj Commission in Ilorin West Local Government Area secretariat.

The press officer of the

state Fire Service, Mr. Hassan Adekunle, who spoke with THISDAY in Ilorin yesterday, confirmed the fire incident.

He said: “We received an emergency call of a fire incident at Peace Pharmaceutical Company.

“The fire crew, upon receiving the distress call, promptly departed from the station with the fire appliances to attend to the situation.

“Upon arrival at the scene, the fire crew encountered a severe and rapidly spreading fire at the Peace Pharmaceutical Company. “

AMML Decries Invasion of Market by Hoodlums in Abuja The Abuja Market Management Limited (AMML) has warned of serious security breach in its market following recent attacks by some sponsored hoodlums on its offices in various markets.

The management of the markets through it Legal Advisers Barrister Abu Edache Felix while briefing reporters said the action of those behind the attack in Wuse,Dei Dei and the other markets in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is condemnable.

He said it has become imperative to inform the

media of some sordid events currently putting the survival of AMML, its Staff, security and wellbeing of our markets in jeopardy.

According to him,”On the 26th of July 2023 the GMD of Abuja Investments Ltd unilaterally wrote to all FCT owned markets, intimating them of their decision to suspend and throw open the market gates. This communication which was well circulated in the markets, compromised our security architecture”

MSF Treats 30,000 Malnourished Children in Katsina organised by the Katsina State Francis SardaunainKatsina The Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) yesterday said it has treated 30,000 malnourished children between January and June this year in Katsina State.

The MSF Health Promotion Manager, Elsie Siboe, who disclosed this in Katsina at an event to mark the 2023 World Breastfeeding Week, said the children were treated in eight health facilities in the state.

With the theme: ‘Enabling breastfeeding, making a difference for working parents, the event was

Government in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Siboe explained that the data of malnutrition in the state was quite alarming and that there was an urgent need for the government to intervene in order to eradicate the scourge.

She said: “The data of malnutrition in Katsina is quite alarming because from January to June, we were able to treat 30,000 children within the eight health facilities for outpatients.

yesterday by the spokesman of the NDLEA,Mr. Femi Babafemi, the accused who claimed he departed his country, Suriname,

coast of South America on 2nd April for Sao Paulo, Brazil and from Sao Paulo to Nigeria on Friday 7th April, 2023 on board

of his long-lost Nigerian father whom he called “Omini”, was arraigned before Justice E.A. Obile of the Federal High Court

on two counts of importation and unlawful possession of 9.9 kilogrammes cocaine in charge number FHC/PH/181C/23.

Nasarawa Accountant-General Absconds as Pressure Mounts over Debts Payment government activities with adverts ran into several months domiciled following a petition

Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

Nasarawa State Government is finding it difficult to meet its financial obligations owing to depleting resources, THISDAY’s findings revealed yesterday.

The development has reportedly paralysed

most of the ministries and agencies unable to get their statutory overhead.

The state government also owes millions of naira for advert placements to media organisations.

It was gathered that the

with affected reporters under immense pressure to pay the money by their respective bosses at the headquarters.

The situation was compounded by the recent garnishing of three reputable banks where their accounts are

by some group of pensioners in the state, THISDAY gathered.

Last Friday, an Industrial Court in Makurdi, Benue State, ordered the affected banks to immediately release the sum of over N1 billion to the pensioners.

Shareholders Hail First Bank’s Recapitalisation Bid, Appointment of Otedola as Director Goddy Egene

Some shareholders of FBN Holdings Plc have commended the decision of its Board of Directors to raise fresh capital, saying it is a proactive move that will place the financial group on a stronger footing.

In its notice of annual general meeting (AGM)scheduled to hold virtually on August 15, 2023, the board of FBN Holdings has proposed that the directors be authorised to inject fresh capital into the financial institution.

They are also asking that Mr.

Samson Oyewale Ariyibi be elected an executive director and Mr. Olufemi Otedola, be elected a non-executive director.

Some stakeholders have faulted the proposed virtual AGM and election of Otedola as a director.

However, shareholders under the aegis of the Association for

the Advancement of Nigeria Shareholders (AARNS) have said the board of FBN Holdings Plc should be commended for thinking ahead considering the economic situation which may eventually lead to recapitalisation exercise in the banking sector.

Sa’adatu Rimi Varsity Accesses N3billion from TETfund, Says VC

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The Vice Chancellor of Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education, Kano, Prof. Yahaya Isa Bunkure, has said the institution has accessed about N3 billion intervention fund from Tertiary

Education Trust Fund (TETfund) for the construction of various structures in the institution.

Bunkere disclosed this during an interactive session with the leadership of Kano State Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), which

paid him a courtesy visit in his office yesterday in Kano.

He said the TETfund intervention fund was used to construct befitting accommodation and office blocks for academic and non-academic staff; construct 10 different types of lecture

rooms, and four well-equipped laboratories.

According to him, there are N280 million blocks for Early Grade Reading to serve Colleges of Education in the North-west; training and re-training of lecturers, among other projects.

NSSF Supports NPHCDA with N150m to Boost Immunisation in Cross River, Kwara, Ogun Sunday Okobi

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the Nigeria Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF) have initiated a significant partnership aimed at enhancing routine immunisation in Nigeria.

The two organisations signed the partnership in Abuja recently with the NSSF providing N150 million in funding support for the conduct and strengthening of optimised outreaches for routine immunisation in three states of Cross River, Kwara, and Ogun.

The group disclosed that

the six-month pilot initiative, which commenced last month, will improve immunisation coverage and reduce the number of zero-dose children, who have not received any vaccine in the supported states.

While addressing the media, the General Manager and Chief

Executive Officer of NSSF, Dr. Fejiro Chinyere-Nwoko, said: “Recognising the critical role of routine immunisation in safeguarding the health and well-being of our country, this collaborative effort is designed to ensure that every child has access to life-saving vaccines.

Oyo to Fix Collapsed Bridge, Opens Alternative Road in Olodo

About a week after the collapse of the Olodo Bank Bridge due to flooding, the Oyo State government has opened an alternative route in the axis, appealing to road users not to hinder the flow of traffic on the new route.

The Commissioner for Works, Public Infrastructure

and Transport, Professor Daud Kehinde who visited the 2.5 kilometre Oki JunctionOlodo Bank Road fixed by Shangodoyin, the government as an alternative route for road users in the axis, said the collapsed bridge would also be fixed in six months.

According to a statement

issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo State Governor, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Shangodoyin was at the site in company with the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade and an engineer from the Peculiar Ultimate Concerns, the contractors handling the

Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo Road.

Shangodoyin said Governor ‘Seyi Makinde has equally directed that another route from Oki through Kumapayi to Olodo, which is 3.8km, should be fixed as an alternative, adding that the ministry would embark on that project immediately.

Bauchi Gov Charges 20 LGA Caretaker Chairmen, Deputies to be Accountable

Segun AwofadejiinBauchi

The Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has sworn in 20 newly appointed local government area caretaker committee chairmen alongside their deputies, urging them to be accountable and

transparent in the discharge of their duties.

Performing the swearing-in ceremony at the multi-purpose Indoor Sports Hall in Bauchi yesterday, the governor who was assisted by the Chief Judge of the state, Hon Rabi Talatu Umar, said

the success of the local government administration would be a yardstick for his government.

He charged the appointees to be cautious of the fact that they are servants of the people, stressing that they must work in collaboration with the district heads, traditional

rulers, and ward heads in their respective communities to safeguard lives and property.

Mohammed said: “Nobody bribed his way to be given this appointment; you all got it on merit.

You were given this responsibility based on your past recognition.”

39

THURSDAY, ͻ˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

THURSDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Upset Galore as Reggae Girlz, Banyana Banyana Reach Last 16 Favourites Brazil, Italy, Argentina Knocked out in shocking fashion

Duro Ikhazuagbe Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz, ranked 43rd in the world and 54th ranked Banyana Banyana of South Africa on Wednesday created the biggest upsets so far at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, progressing to the Last 16 stage .

Both countries stopped the likes of favourites Brazil, Italy and Argentina from progressing to the knockout phase of the tournament.

First, It was the Reggae Girlz who set the stage for the biggest upset to be seen so far in the tourna-

W O M E N ’S W O R L D C U P ment when these Jamaicans held almighty Brazil to a goalless draw in Melbourne to reach the Last 16 for the first time.

Brazil, who needed victory to progress, dominated their final Group F encounter at AAMI Park but could not find a breakthrough and bowed out at the group stage for the first time since 1995.

The Reggae Girlz, who held France 0-0 in their opening match before beating Panama 1-0, have yet to concede a goal at the tournament

and finished second on five points behind group winners France on seven points.

Brazil, who recalled striker Marta to the starting XI, could not find the goal they needed and failed to progress for the first time in 28 years.

Marta, 37, is the all-time leading scorer in men or women's World Cups with 17 goals in six tournaments. Jamaica could face Colombia or Germany in the Last 16.

Jamaica manager, Lorne Donaldson, said his team had "never

had this much fun".

"We were not expected to be in the World Cup in 2019," said Donaldson.

"The programme was fairly new and we said, 'Oh, we're in!'. It was like being deer in headlights.

"We were very young and happy

RESULTS Jamaica 0-0 Brazil Panama 3-6 France Argentina 0-2 Sweden S’Africa 3-2 Italy

to be there. This time around we said, 'Hey, we're not just going to show up. We're going to get out of the group.' Our mentality was that nothing is impossible."

Elsewhere in Wellington, New Zealand, South Africa claimed their first Women's World Cup win with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Italy.

Golden girl Thembi Kgatlana's stoppage-time winner came after Italy fought back to level with an Arianna Caruso header.

The late drama completed an emotional fortnight for the South African goalscorer who lost three family members in the last two weeks yet continued to be part of the Banyana Banyana squad.

After earning a first World Cup point in their 2-2 draw with Argentina, South Africa showed

uncommon zeal and determination to emulate Nigeria to reach their first knockout stage feat.

But Kgatlana's stoppage-time winner broke the hearts of Italians at home and abroad as the South Africans finished on four points behind Group winner Sweden on maximum nine points.

Speaking after their first ever progress to the knockout phase, South Africa’s Head Coach, Desiree Ellis, was in Cloud Nine.

"They fought like warriors,"gushed Ellis to reporters.

"They fought like the heroines that we know that they are. They fought to be historically remembered and they've made history not just getting our first win, but going to the round of 16 and that is freaking amazing.”

GROUP F P 3.

3.

3.

3.

W 2.

1 1.

0.

D 1 2.

1.

0.

L 0 0 1.

3.

GF 8.

1.

5.

3.

GA 4.

0 2.

11.

GD 4.

1.

3.

-18.

Pts 7 5 4 0

P Sweden 3.

S’Africa 3.

Italy 3.

Argentina. 3.

W 3.

1 1.

0.

D 0.

1.

0.

1.

L 0.

1.

2.

2.

GF 9.

6.

3.

2.

GA 1.

6.

8.

5.

GD 8.

0.

-5.

-3.

Pts 9 4 3.

1.

France Jamaica Brazil Panama.

GROUP G

England Star Warns Clash with Nigeria May Defy Bookmakers Femi Solaja with agency report

REGGAE TRIUMPHS OVER SAMBA...

Reggae Girlz of Jamaica played goalless with Brazil ‘s Samba Girls to reach the Last 16 Round of the ongoing Women’s World Cup in Melbourne, Australia...yesterday

Ogun Youths Key into Gov Abiodun’s Drive to Host National Sports Festival Barely 24 hours after Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun inaugurated an initial 16-man Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the National Sports Festival that his state will host next year, some youths in the state have been motivated into action.

A group of five who go by the name “Men of the Table” has made an initial donation of N5 million as they remarked that they were moved by the words offered by the governor on Monday at the LOC inauguration.

The ‘Men of the Table’ is led by Dr. Kayode Akinsola, a lawyer and Partner at Queens Attorney. The other members are Kayode Adamolekun, an engineer and CEO at Hardams Concept Nigeria Ltd, Honourable Solomon Enkolobo who is the managing director of Oluwalogbon Electronics, Hon. Tunde Delu, the Managing Director of Tunde Delu Concepts and Tobi Joseph, the CEO of Black Phoenix.

Governor Abiodun while inaugurating the LOC, had noted

that the sports festival should bring together the energy, and creativity of youths in the country and also serves as a platform for them to showcase their diverse talents and potential.

He added that hosting the festival is a testament to the commitment of his administration to empower the next generation

by offering them the opportunity for growth and self-development.

In accepting the donation from ‘Men of the Table’, the LOC Chairman, Bukola Olopade thanked them and urged members of the public to follow suit as Ogun State will deliver a sports festival that will be a delight to all.

“We will raise the bar”, he declared while stating that the LOC will ensure an excellent service delivery.

The LOC promptly swung into action with an inaugural meeting.

The committee is currently going on inspection tour of facilities at Ikenne, Sagamu and the host city, Abeokuta.

NNL Appoints Match Room Sports Agency as Brand Consultant Nigeria’s second tier football league, the Nigeria National League (NNL), has appointed leading Sports PR and Brand Development agency, MatchRoom Sports and Media, as its Strategic Brand Consultants.

MatchRoom will deliver strategic consultancy as the NNL seeks to boost its brand profile amongst key stakeholders across the country.

Speaking on the development, Chief Executive Officer of the NNL, Emmanuel Attah said: “Since the

NNL board was constituted by the Nigeria Football Federation, we have been looking for partners to take the league to the next phase.

MatchRoom Sports and Media was identified as a key player to enhance our brand and we are satisfied with their approach so far”.

Reacting, Managing Director/ CEO of MatchRoom, Ojeikere Aikhoje said: “This is an exciting partnership for us because MatchRoom provides strategic and creative

thinking to help clients unlock the potential of their brands.

“We will sharpen the brand’s proposition, discover opportunities for the brand and make it meaningful to those that matter most.

“Our desire is to ensure the NNL inspires Nigerians and make a positive impact on society.”

This is the first time that the NNL will appoint a brand consultant since its creation as home of second tier Football in Nigeria.

England forward, Lauren James, has said that the Lionesses’ mouthwatering clash with Nigeria’s Super Falcons on Monday will be a very tough one, dismisses bookmakers assumption that it will be a smooth ride over the African side.

The two footballing nations will clash in the Round of 16 in Brisbane with the quarter final ticket as a reward for the winner.

Randy Waldrum’s side finished second in their Group B on five points behind co-hosts Australia.

The American gaffer gave his players two-days rest till today (Thursday) for final preparation for the all-important clash with England to begin in ernest.

In an interview with www.

england.comearly yesterday, the Chelsea women’s team inspiring striker noted that a clash against Nigeria is going to be very tough despite the gulf between England as European champions and the Super Falcons nine-time African title holders.

"Nigeria is going to be very tough, to be fair every team has been tough, even watching the other games.

"Teams are catching up with each other and I know that will be another very difficult game," observed Lauren who is younger sister of Recce James of Chelsea FC. THISDAY recalls that the last time the two countries met in the tournament was at the group stage 28 years ago when the Lionesses edged Super Falcons 3-2 to progress to the knockout stages.

Nigeria’s Ex-Int'l Athletes Partner Edo Govt on Sports Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Ex-Nigerian internationals in athletics have entered a partnership with the Edo State Government to embark on sporting competitions that would unearth best track & field talents in the region for global competitions .

Leading some sports legends on a tour of facilities at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Dr. Bruce T. Ijirigho, pledged to inspire sports development in Edo and Delta states.

Ijirigho, who was a member of Nigeria’s team to the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, Canada but was denied the opportunity to compete in the quarter mile and the 4x400m relay as Nigeria led 26 other African countries to boycott the Games, noted that he missed becoming an Olympic

gold medalist.

Also at Ogbemudia Stadium were the duo of Dr. Godwin Obasogie and Dr Charlton Ehizuelen who was the world’s leading best long jumper to the Montreal Games.

Obasogie pledged: “We are coming in through our sport, the athletics for now. We want to organise some competitions in the very near future. We want to have the major reunion for our team of 1971 that distinguished this whole country in athletics at the Hussey Shied (Port Harcourt).

That remains the greatest track & field team to ever come out of this country."

After facility tour, these ex international athletes said they were impressed with the world-class facilities at the stadium and would in stage a big competition between Edo and Delta states in 2024.

Thursday, August 03, 2023

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MISSILE

Fatma Samoura to Super Falcons “I know that things have been tough. We must face the realities of Nigeria. It pains me a lot. It is because of you [the Super Falcons] that, for the first time, the prize money has been ring-fenced in the history of FIFA to ensure that it goes to you”—FIFA Secretary-General, announcing that the 2023 World Cup prize money will be paid directly to members of the Nigerian female team to avoid official looting.

OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Tinubu and the Endgame in Niamey A ccording to impeccable sources, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on Monday switched off the grid that supplies electricity to Niger Republic in response to a directive from President Bola Tinubu. It was the first of several measures to force out the military junta that seized power in the country last week Wednesday. Also on Monday, the president secured the commitment of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, to serve as the Economic Community for West Africa (ECOWAS) Special Representative on the crisis. He will be assisted by the Sultan of Sokoto, HRH Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, who has also accepted the assignment. Both are likely to be in Niamey tomorrow to begin negotiations with the coup leaders.

On Tuesday, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, hosted a meeting of stakeholders comprised of the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Defence Intelligence, Director General, State Security Service (SSS), Director General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and Permanent Secretaries in key ministries. Heads of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and other critical federal agencies were also at the meeting. The main objective of the session (and measures being taken) is to enforce the ECOWAS resolutions of last Sunday in Abuja. Hosted by Tinubu (in his capacity as chairman), it discussed “the latest developments in the Republic of Niger that have been marked by an attempted overthrow

Niger coup leader, General Abdourahmane Tchiani by members of the presidential guard of the constitutional order and the illegal detention of the legitimate President, Muhammed Bazoum as well as members of his family and government.”

After condemning and rejecting the military takeover in Niger, the sub-regional group described the detention of President Bazoum as akin to a hostage situation, calling on the coupists to reinstate him. “In the event the Authority’s demands are not met within one week, (ECOWAS will) take all measures necessary to restore constitutional order in the Republic of Niger. Such measures may include the use of force” the statement warned. But the situation remains dicey with the coup leaders arresting top officials of the Bazoum government who are now effectively being used as human shields in the event of an attack. Those in their custody include Oil Minister, Mahamane Sani Mahamadou, Mining Minister, Ousseini Hadizatou, head of the ruling party, Fourmakoye Gado, Interior Minister, Hama Amadou Souley, Transport Minister, Oumarou Malam Alma as well as Kalla Moutari, an MP and former defence minister.

There are compelling reasons as to why we should not allow the coup in Niger to stand. In circulation is an ominous map of Africa with a coup belt that stretches on top of Nigeria right across six countries. That Niger is the seventh country within West and Central Africa to contract the coup bug in the last three years makes it even more troubling. From Guinea (September 2021) to Mali (August 2020) to Burkina Faso (September 2020) to Niger (last week) to Chad (April 2021) to Sudan (October 2021), the excuse for these military takeovers is no more than a simple power grab by military opportunists.

Since turkey, as they say, would never

vote for Christmas, it is also understandable that the transitional leaders of Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso (who themselves came in through coup d’etats) are backing the military gamblers in Niamey against ECOWAS. Any military intervention against Niger “would be tantamount to a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali,” they threatened in their joint statement on Monday, adding that such a move could result in “disastrous consequences” that “could destabilise the entire region”. Earlier, both Burkina Faso and Mali expressed “their fraternal solidarity to the people of Niger, who have decided with full responsibility to take their destiny in hand and assume the fullness of their sovereignty before history.”

Meanwhile, as it was/is in those countries, the coup leaders in Niger are looking towards the Russian mercenary paramilitary group, Wagner, for support and that’s what makes the ECOWAS intervention a bit tricky.

Continued on page 21

Ajuri Ngelale In terms of professionalism, temperament and character, President Bola Tinubu could not have gotten a better official spokesman than Ajuri Ngelale. He is a perfect fit for the office of Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity. I wish Ajuri success in his most challenging assignment.

Just Take and Bow…and Go!

I

f the morning, as they say, shows the day, then it is safe to conclude that the 10th Senate under Godswill Akpabio will offer Nigerians nothing tangible. At a time of serious challenges in the country, most of the ministerial nominees were asked to take a “bow and go” during their confirmation hearings that have become another hollow ritual. On Monday, one of the nominees, a professor from Benue State, claimed to have completed primary school at age nine, going by his CV. Senator Mikhail Abiru sought to know more about how the professor attained this feat.

Senator Abba Moro (of the botched 2014 recruitment scandal which resulted in stampedes that left 20 people dead) chose to speak for the nominee, appealing to his colleagues to ignore what he himself described as discrepancies.

That was enough for Akpabio to deploy the ‘off the mic’ procedure to which he must be well versed as one of the protagonists of that infamy.

“I will not want to entertain anything on the issue of when he (the nominee) entered school again.

Senator Abba Moro just pointed my attention to an important issue, which the nominee will clarify.”

Before the professor was asked to take a bow, Senator Elijah Abbo completed the farce: “The nominee is exceptionally brilliant like me. I took the entrance exam at the age of three and I won (sic).”

Thank God, the distinguished senator didn’t say he passed. He won his common entrance examination at age three. And since then, he has kept ‘winning’! Meanwhile, the session of Tuesday and that of yesterday were no less embarrassing, making the entire ministerial screening an organized waste of time. With the remaining nominees sent

yesterday to the senate, President Tinubu has completed his ‘Council of Former Governors’.

But that’s not for today. Eight years ago, the late Professor Pius Adesanmi wrote on the screening of President Muhammadu Buhari’s first cabinet.

Below are excerpts from what he wrote. To readers, anywhere you find the name Buhari, just replace it with Tinubu. Over to Pius: One regrettable detail about the ritual of national unserious which passed for Senate confirmation hearings is that Senators who would in any case have treated Nigerians to the bow and go caterwauling on display to the whole world yesterday received the precious gift of alibi from President Buhari.

The clowning Senators would be right to say: ‘we produced comedy and farce because the President gave us little to work with.’ Sadly, they’d be right.

And it has nothing to do with the quality of the nominees.

There is a reason for announcing the portfolios of ministerial nominees in every serious democracy known to man. When you announce a nominee for, say, education, there is a Senate committee in charge of that portfolio. It affords them the opportunity of going to work on the profile and vision of the said nominee. It affords the full house the opportunity of preparing thoroughly for a grilling of the nominee.

Most importantly, the nominee can prepare fully for a presentation of vision and mission in his or her area of expertise.

In the absence of portfolios, what President Buhari set up was our familiar ritual of asking the deaf to interview the blind. An opportunity for real change was lost. I repeat: the most painful part of it all for me is that Senators who are intellectually

ill-equipped for the process anyway can always legitimately argue that they mounted the convivial farce we watched because they did not know which portfolios they were supposed to be grilling people for.

However, bow and go is but a fragment of a much bigger problem. Because President Buhari did not find it within himself to change the paradigm by nominating folks with envisaged portfolios, he has inadvertently set in motion another tragic and familiar scenario. In the absence of a transcendental national ideal around which we have built our vision of Nigeria, food and metaphors of consumption have tragically come to define project nationhood.

Whereas the American national ideal is summed up in the American dream, the German ideal in the idea of German efficiency, Nigeria defines herself and her own ideal as “the national cake”.

This explains why all the verbs and metaphors with which we conceptualize Nigeria relate to opportunistic and irresponsible consumption: sharing formula, allocation, national cake, etc. We have allowed that disease to affect our conceptualization of service. In Nigeria, service is essentially about food, hence every public office or political appointment is classified as “juicy” or “not juicy”.

The nominees have been screened. They have done the bow and go thing. None has a portfolio.

We are now into a phase of intense lobbying and jostling for “juicy ministries”. It would be foolhardy to believe that any of the nominees walked out of the Senate chamber yesterday without this next phase of the Nigerian thing in mind. Now is the time to return to Godfathers, Godmothers, moneybags and sponsors and enlist their help to persuade President Buhari to give a “juicy ministry”

to our son or our daughter.

It is too late to expect the current crop of ministers not to operate from the conceptual framework of food and the juiciness or lack thereof of ministerial postings. They are part of our extant collective political culture. And they have all been sponsored by interests and power blocks that are totally defined by the classification of public service as juicy or non-juicy. It will take at least a decade of civics and national reorientation to begin to produce Nigerian citizens weaned of this pernicious mentality. It is too late for the current nominees. They are certainly already jostling for “juicy ministries” as I write.

“Nigeria deserves better” is a patriotic statement you should say out loud every morning.

The greatest obstacle to this slow process of mental rebirth is, sadly, the ordinary Nigerian. He will be on the lookout for “juicy ministries” for nominees from his state, faith, or ethnic group. Whether his man is qualified for a particular ministry or not, the ordinary Nigerian will spend the next month fighting bruising social media wars because his man has been “marginalized from juicy slots”.

And when you raise arguments such as I have raised in this treatise, trust the ordinary Nigerian to quip: “qualification fit does not matter at the ministerial level. They are political appointees. There are perm secs and technocrats in the ministry to help the minister do the job”.

At every step of the way, the ordinary Nigerian produces the most brilliant defense of his own suffering…

ENDNOTE: What more is there to add? May the soul of my friend, Pius Adesanmi continue to rest in peace.

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