WEDNESDAY 4TH AUGUST 2021

Buhari Salutes Emefiele’s Patriotic Services at 60

Gbajabiamila extols CBN governor’s diligence Sanwo-Olu: He is an invaluable asset to Nigeria

Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari today congratulated the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, and wished him well on his 60th

birthday. Buhari appreciated the economist and banker for his patriotic service to the country at a time of difficult economic challenges.

The president prayed that Emefiele’s efforts would yield

positive dividends for the generality of Nigerians to reap from.

Buhari equally wished the CBN governor good health and greater service to fatherland.

In a congratulatory letter to

Emefiele, which was personally signed by the president, he stated, “It gives me great pleasure to rejoice with you on the occasion of your diamond jubilee. Kindly accept the felicitations of myself, family and Nigerians at this

auspicious milestone.

“As Governor of Nigeria’s apex bank, you have rendered selfless service to your country at a most challenging period of our economic development, and I salute your commitment, passion

and doggedness. As you continue to build on these achievements, it is my hope that your efforts translate to more positive results on the nation’s economy for Continued on page 8

Nigeria Gets $3.35bn in IMF’s Historic $650bn SDR Allocation ...Page 5 Wednesday 4 August, 2021 Vol 26. No 9613. Price: N250

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INEC Warns Endless Court Orders May Jeopardise 2023 Polls Urges NBA, NJC to intervene Says litigations surrounding Anambra election distracting Restates commitment to use of technology as only way to credible, transparent polls Chuks Okocha in Abuja and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned that except the

leadership of both the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the National Judicial Council (NJC) intervened, the seemingly endless and conflicting court orders over political parties’ affairs might

jeopardise preparations for the 2023 general election.

INEC, which lamented the level of distraction the commission had begun to face as a result of litigations arising from the

Anambra State governorship primary elections, however, restated its commitment to the use of technology in conducting elections, because it was the only way to credible and transparent

polls.

While claiming that new and conflicting court orders from all parts of the country kept flooding its headquarters on a daily basis, the commission said it was not

only frustrating but also causing it to keep recognising one candidate over the other, and changing same again in the major political parties.

National Commissioner for Continued on page 68

Ahead of 2023, Nigeria’s Dominant Political Parties Battle Survival, Leadership Crises APC faces 'legal ditch' over Supreme Court ruling in Ondo, legality of Buni’s leadership called to question PDP in crisis of confidence, plagued by defections, resignations Chuks Okocha and Alex Enumah in Abuja For the two main political parties in the country – the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – the road to 2023 appears inauspicious. Both parties are not only bogged down by leadership crises, but they are also plagued by seemingly intractable survival battles.

Strangely, since the APC was coupled together on February 6 , 2013, by the different tendencies that came together, it has never been able to form a Board of Trustees.

The ruling party is today facing stringent legal

complications, which have thrown its leadership into confusion since last weekend, after a Supreme Court judgement in the Ondo State governorship election sounded the alarm. PDP, too, is not only contending with a crisis of confidence but it is also desperately afflicted by a spree of defections by governors, and lawmakers elected on its platform, which has been compounded by yesterday’s resignations of top ranking party officials.

The reality of the delicate state of things in APC did not dawn on majority of members until the Supreme Court judgement in the Ondo State governorship election petition. The judgement suggested that the party would Continued on page 68

Bandits Raid Kaduna Communities, TINUBU HALE AND HEARTY IN LONDON… Kill Six, Burn Eight Houses ... Page 8 Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu (left) and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, when the governor visited Tinubu in London ... yesterday

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

Nigeria Gets $3.35bn in IMF’s Historic $650bn SDR Allocation

Obinna Chima

The Board of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a general allocation of Special Drawing

Rights (SDRs) equivalent to $650 billion (about SDR 456 billion) to boost global liquidity.

The Washington-based institution which disclosed this in a statement yesterday, revealed

that Nigeria would be allocated about $3.35 billion out of the sum.

SDRs are supplementary foreign exchange reserve assets defined and maintained by the IMF. They are units of account

for the IMF, and not a currency per se. Also, they represent a claim to currency held by IMF member countries for which they may be exchanged. SDRs were created in 1969 to supplement

a shortfall of preferred foreign exchange reserve assets, namely gold and United States dollars.

“This is a historic decision – the largest SDR allocation in the history of the IMF and a shot in

ON INSPECTION TOUR OF PROJECTS… Hon. Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN (right) being received by the Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Lawal Mirwa (2nd right), the Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali (2nd left) and the Hon.Commissioner for Works, Yobe State, Engr. Umar Wakili (left) at the border of Jigawa/Yobe States for the commencement of the Hon. Minister's inspection of the Nguru - Machina and Gashua- Yusufari Roads as part of the inspection tour of Federal Government Road Projects executed by the Yobe State Government for Reimbursement...on Monday

FG to Ramp Up Investment in Fossil Fuel, Says Sylva DPR readies framework for optimisation of Nigeria’s oil, gas Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The federal government yesterday said it would continue to ramp up investments in the country’s hydrocarbons, despite the current global shift to renewable sources of energy.

Speaking at the Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Nigeria Council, the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Mr. Timipre Sylva, said the country would rather leverage on its huge gas reserve as a transition fuel option, instead of abandoning fossil fuels wholesale.

The minister stated that oil and gas would continue to be relevant and play a major part in the energy mix in the foreseeable future, adding that as a government, Nigeria would continue to encourage more penetration of natural gas and its derivatives for domestic utilisation, power generation to propel national economic growth.

Sylva said the process of change has to happen by way of a simultaneous global effort of transitioning national economies to the use of low carbon energy solutions.

He maintained that it was wrong to assume that all national economies were driven by the same parameters, which do not take into account the different socio-economic, political and developmental peculiarities of individual nations.

But the minister stated that despite such investment in fossil fuels, the government in collaboration with global partners was exploring policies,

technologies and investments to address the current challenges that would support migration from reliance on carbon dependent fuels to meeting its commitment to the Paris Agreement.

“It is obvious that a global migration from a fossil fuelbased economy to renewable would engender a corresponding decline in hydrocarbon, including possible divestiture in the sector as deliberate frameworks are being championed to discourage extraction of carbon-laden resources,” he stressed.

In addition, Sylva challenged petroleum engineers in the country to be at the forefront of Nigeria’s quest to achieve the desired balance of clean environment, safe public health and a renewed global oil market.

In his comment, the Director, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr. Sarki Auwalu, argued that for the foreseeable future, the world would continue to see a mix of all energy sources, including coal, oil, gas, nuclear, renewables – in the supply equation.

According to him, while renewable sources will make steady inroads in the global mix, oil and gas would be relevant in decades to come.

“This conclusion is informed by the outcomes of market analysis and forecasts based on demandsupply equilibrium, socio-economic fundamentals, climate change and environmental considerations as well as technology and innovation that is shaping the dynamics of global outlook.

“The character of petroleum as an energy resource, which include availability, accessibility, affordability, reliability, and

efficiency, gives it a measure comparative advantage over emerging energy alternatives for secured and stable energy supply.

“However, we would not delude ourselves that change is not happening; we must continually re-invent the industry and find ways to improve the environmental credentials of oil and gas by deploying technologies for carbon reduction and management to maintain its acceptability as fuel,” he said.

Auwalu argued that the ongoing narrative of the relative significance of each energy type and the clamour for, “end of oil era” was not informed by technical and economic considerations alone but by global geopolitics and the vagaries of neo-colonialism as well.

“Indeed, Africa must take its destiny in its hand and rewrite history by leveraging abundant human and natural resources which nature has bequeathed on this great continent to create wealth for its people, eliminate poverty, improve social-economic conditions while driving value for the globe,” he stated.

He stressed that following an indepth assessment of the status of the industry, the department had identified the need to formulate the Maximum Economic Recovery (MER) strategy for Nigeria to guarantee the actualisation of sustainable resource optimisation and the economic benefits arising therefrom.

Auwalu listed other measures as reserves maturation and production optimisation, exploration and resources maturation, improved oil recovery and enhanced oil recovery implementation.

In addition he said asset stewardship, performance evaluation and rewards as well as risk management have been incorporated into the new framework, which has already

been shared with the industry.

“The future is bright and for me, the future is now. We can lead the future and create our own history if we take conscious efforts now,” he explained.

the arm for the global economy at a time of unprecedented crisis.

“The SDR allocation will benefit all members, address the long-term global need for reserves, build confidence, and foster the resilience and stability of the global economy.

It will particularly help our most vulnerable countries struggling to cope with the impact of the COVID-19 crisis,” IMF’s Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, was quoted to have said.

It revealed that the general allocation of SDRs would become effective on August 23, 2021.

According to the statement, the newly created SDRs would be credited to IMF’s member countries in proportion to their existing quotas in the Fund.

About $275 billion (about SDR 193 billion) of the new allocation would go to emerging markets and developing countries, including low-income countries.

“We will also continue to engage actively with our membership to identify viable options for voluntary channeling of SDRs from wealthier to poorer and more vulnerable member countries to support their pandemic recovery and achieve resilient and sustainable growth,” Georgieva said.

According to the statement, one key option is for members that have strong external positions to voluntarily channel part of their SDRs to scale up lending for low-income countries through the IMF’s Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT).

“Concessional support through the PRGT is currently interest free. The IMF is also exploring other options to help poorer and more vulnerable countries in their recovery efforts. A new Resilience and Sustainability Trust could be considered to facilitate more resilient and sustainable growth in the medium term,” the statement added.

TetFundDisbursesN300bnto220Institutions Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba In a bid to sustain the tempo of human and infrastructural development in the nation's tertiary institutions, the Tertiary Education Fund (TetFund) has this year disbursed over N300 billion this year to about 226 tertiary institutions in the country for staff training and development of various infrastructure.

Speaking in Asaba at an audit and accounts reconciliatory meeting with the benefiting institutions in Delta State, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, TetFund, Alhaji Kashim IbrahimImam, reiterated the agency's commitment to its statutory mandates towards the overall development of the country's tertiary education sub-sector.

He noted that TetFund was committed to building the education sector through training of the academic staff and the building of projects such that would guarantee improved and conducive teaching and learning environment.

He disclosed that in 10 years of TetFund, the agency has more than 10,000 projects to its credit across the various tertiary institutions in the country.

Ibrahim-Imam said, “Our performance impact is visible

in every institution. At the University of Lagos alone, we have 75 completed and ongoing projects; and, at Lagos State University, we have 68 projects.

“There is no tertiary institution that I have visited that does not have at least of 50 completed and ongoing projects which are fully funded by TetFund and I want to assure all the institutions that we are going to do much more than we have done in the past.”

Speaking about efforts in academic staff training and development, the Tetfund chairman said, “In the past 10 years, Tetfund has successfully trained more than 30,000 lecturers across the country for masters and PhD programmes locally and internationally.

“This year alone, the overall budget of Tetfund is about N300 billion. Each university will be accessing overall budget of about N900 million; each polytechnic will receive in excess of N800 million, while the colleges of education will access in excess of N700 million.

“We have about 226 tertiary institutions on our records as at the last count and we are counting more. For academic staff training and development, each university will access about N150 million, Polytechnic and colleges of education N120 million each

this year."

Nevertheless, Ibrahim-Imam said there was, "need for various institutions to examine, evaluate the costs of staff training abroad and resolved to look inward for more staff to be trained locally," in the light of the depreciating value of naira to major international currencies.

While noting that TetFund placed high premium on academic staff training and development and was determined not to let down the standard, he said, "Yes, we spend more on physical infrastructure without which lecturers will not operate in conducive learning atmosphere.

“For this reason, physical infrastructure takes up of about two-thirds of our annual intervention but we place our premium on training of lecturers and that is why you have so many beneficiaries of our training programme here and we are here to see you physically and hear from you.

Also speaking, the Head, Academic Staff Training and Development, TetFund, Mr. Muhammad Sulaiman, stated that no fewer than 1,127 lecturers drawn from nine tertiary institutions in Delta State have been trained by Tetfund at the cost of over N5 billion between 2015 to date.

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CBN Bars Payment Service Holding Companies from Accessing Bank Loans James Emejo in Abuja The Central Bank if Nigeria (CBN) has barred the proposed Payments Service Holding Companies (PSHC) from borrowing from the Nigerian banking system for the purpose of capitalising itself or any of its subsidiaries.

The CBN also prevented them from engaging in any transaction or maintain any business relationship with any of its subsidiaries, except such transaction or business

relationship is at arm's length.

The apex bank disclosed this in a circular to all deposits money banks, payment service providers and other financial institutions on issuance of the guidelines for licensing and regulation of PSHC in Nigeria.

The circular, which was obtained yesterday from the bank's website was signed by the CBN Director, Payment System Management Department, Mr. Musa Jimoh.

The framework is sequel to a recent approval of new licence categorisations for participants in

the Nigerian payments system.

The new payments system regulation earlier released by the bank had required companies desirous of operating more than one licence category, to set up a PSHC with the activities of subsidiaries clearly delineated.

The bank, however, mandated a PSHC to have a minimum paid-up capital which shall exceed the sum of the minimum regulatory capital/ total equity of all its subsidiaries, as may be prescribed from time to time by the CBN.

It stated that where the PSHC owns less than 100 per cent of the subsidiaries, its minimum paidup capital shall exceed the summation of its proportionate holding in the subsidiaries.

The framework stressed that excess capital in one subsidiary shall not be used to make up a shortfall in another subsidiary, adding that it is the capital of the PSHC that is rather applied to the subsidiaries.

The guidelines also stipulated that a PSHC ’s total exposure on contingent liabilities on behalf of

its subsidiaries shall not exceed 20 per cent of the payments service holding company’s shareholders ’ funds unimpaired by losses.

The framework further prevented a PSHC from paying dividend on its shares except its operational, preliminary and organisational expenses, losses incurred and other capitalised expenses, not represented by tangible assets (excluding goodwill), have been completely written-off.

It pointed out that the

UNICEF: 122 Million Nigerians at Risk of Contracting Tropical Diseases Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Port Harcourt The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has said about 122 million Nigerians currently face the risk of being infected by one form of prevalent tropical disease or the other. The agency lamented that the country faced possible reversal of the fragile gain made in rescuing the populace from the health crisis if nothing was done to improve the funding of intervention programmes targeted at tackling the problem.

UNICEF said the focus of its intervention was to break or reduce transmission of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) through mass drug administration and environmental control. It urged governments at all levels and the private sector to provide needed funds to address the challenge posed by NTDs. Speaking at a media dialogue session on the problem of NTDs held in Port Harcourt, yesterday, UNICEF representative and WASH Specialist, Bioye Ogunjobi, said the agency was currently implementing support programmes to eliminate NTDs in 12 states of Nigeria.

Ogunjobi explained, "Nigeria wants to control, eliminate and eradicate NTDs through reduction of morbidity and mortality rates to the barest minimum and wants to ensure break or reduction of transmission of NTDs through mass drug administration and environmental control.

“It is estimated that 122 million persons (two out of every three) Nigerians are at risk of one or more of these NTDs. Out of these numbers, 20 per cent are pre-school age children, 28 per cent school age children (5-14years), and t2 per cent (15 years and above) are adults."

Ogunjobi said the United States government was supporting the agency's intervention on NTDs with 500 million tablets of Ivamentine drug.

NTDs are a group of preventable and treatable diseases that could be caused by viruses, bacteria, and protozoa that affect 1.5 billion people, 40 per cent of whom live in Africa.

The diseases cause endorgan damages due to chronic infections and it has significant impact on maternal, new-born and child health, poor health among women from anaemia to STH infections.

NTDs also pose devastating obstacle to the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

According to Ogunjobi, the disease affects the poorest, most vulnerable people who live in hard to reach parts of Africa.

He stated, "They disfigure, disable, keep children out of school and parents out of work, limiting their potential and leave

communities stuck in poverty.

It is estimated that 122 million persons (i.e two out of every three Nigerians) are at risk of one or more of these NTDs. “Of this number, 20 per cent are pretty school age children, 28 per cent are school age children (5-14years) and 52 per cent are adults (15years and above)."

The UNICEF scribe further said about 119.8 million people suffer lympho filsrissis; with 51.4 million people diagnosed of anchocerciasis, while 28.8 million school age children and 20.5 million pregnancies school age children are down with soil transmuted helminths.

He explained that 26.8 million people suffer trachoma and 23.8 million school age children are infected with scgistosomiasis.

National Coordinator of NTDs in the country, Dr. Nsebong

Akpan, lamented what he described as epileptic funding situation that dragged the efforts to meet various targets set in dealing with identified tropical diseases in the country. Akpan said government had been intervening in various ways to tackle NTDs. He said most often funds appropriated for the NTDs don't get released 100 per cent to enable the desk officers to implement the programme.

For instance, he said, out of a budget of N200 million, only N40 million (20 per cent) usually got released for the programme.

On what could be done to ameliorate the situation, he said there should be collaborative effort between government, the private sector and corporate organisations to address the challenges posed

by preponderance of tropical diseases in the country.

He said the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Environment and Water Resources should work in synergy to find a way to tackle the diseases.

Akpan said as part of measures to maximise the utilisation of support by donor agencies, the federal government was engaging the states to ensure effective implementation of intervention programmes aimed at eradicating the diseases.

He said government was taking the issue of theft or pilfering of donated drugs seriously, adding that henceforth states and programme officers are to account for drugs allocated to them to administer to the people.

According to Akpan, NTDs have serious economic effect

on the people, as it limits the activities of the sick ones and also imposes more economic problem on the poor.

Various desk officers of Neglected Tropical Diseases intervention programme from the Federal Ministry of Health, who made presentations at the media dialogue session, identified poor funding as the major hindrance to the programme.

While speaking on challenges in efforts to address the five common NTDs, like Lymphatic Filariasis, Onchocerciasis (River blindness), Deputy Director and Programme Manager, National Schistosomiasis Elimination programme, Dr. Obiageli Nebe, said the programme had not received funding from the federal government in the last three years.

arrangement would prevent commingling of activities, facilitate management of risks and enable the bank exercise adequate regulatory oversight on all the companies operating in the group.

The affected regulated payments activities include mobile money operations, switching and processing and payment solution services and any other activity as may be approved by the CBN. The bank however, warned that an Approval in Principle for the is not an authority for the PSHC promoters to commence operations or perform any of the activities highlighted in the document adding that the CBN shall issue a PSHC license where it is satisfied with the promoters’ status of compliance with the conditions stated.

The document read among other things that, "Where a PSHC loses control of any of the two payments services subsidiaries - switching and processing company or mobile money operator in the group, for a period exceeding six consecutive months, the PSHC shall cease to be a PSHC and will be required to return its licence to the Central Bank of Nigeria for cancellation.

"Where a PSHC with only two subsidiaries , loses its controlling interest in either of the subsidiaries, for a period exceeding six consecutive months, the PSHC shall cease to be a PSHC and will be required to return its licence to the Central Bank of Nigeria for cancellation."

THE BOURSE AT THE VILLA...

L–R : Acting Head, Business Support Services, Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited, Mrs. Irene Robinson-Ayanwale; Chief Executive Officer, NGX, Mr. Temi Popoola; Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Head, Listings Business, NGX, Mr. Olumide Bolumole; and Head, Government Relations, NGX, Mr. Soji Akinyele, during a courtesy visit to Osinbajo at the State House, Abuja... recently

BUHARI SALUTES EMEFIELE’S PATRIOTIC SERVICES AT 60 improved living standards we envisage for our people.

“While using this medium to pray Almighty God to bless you with many more years in good health and service to your fatherland, please accept my best wishes and personal regards.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, also congratulated Emefiele and praised his diligence and commitment to the country’s economic project.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, Gbajabiamila said Emefiele was one Nigerian whose track record of excellence was there for all to see.

The statement quoted the speaker as saying regarding Emefiele, “Nigeria and Nigerians are proud of him for his services.”

Similarly, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, felicitated Emefiele, describing him as an invaluable asset to Nigeria.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement

by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, noted that the CBN governor’s input to the country's economy and the financial sector were clear testament to his visionary leadership.

The governor said the renowned economist and banker had used his wealth of experience for the benefit of the private sector, especially the banking industry, at a most challenging period of the country’s economic development.

Sanwo-Olu stated, “On behalf of my adorable wife, Ibijoke, and the good people of Lagos State, I heartily congratulate the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, on the occasion of his Diamond Jubilee.”

The governor said attaining the age of 60 year in grace was worth celebrating, considering Emefiele's remarkable track record in the financial world.

He said the CBN governor’s performance had earned him an enviable place as Governor

of Nigeria’s apex bank.

According to Sanwo-Olu, over the years, Emefiele has proved his worth as a good manager of human and capital resources in both the private and public sectors.

The governor stated, “As CBN Governor, Emefiele has been a worthy partner in our administration’s quest to build a Greater Lagos for millions of Lagosians, by creatively working with us in some areas of intervention aimed at building institutions for sustainable economic growth and development of Lagos State.

“Mr. Emefiele’s intellectual input to the nation's economy in this globally economic depressing period has helped in no small measure to stabilise the business environment, while restoring confidence in the ecosystem.

“As Mr. Godwin Emefiele celebrates his Diamond Jubilee, I wish him good health and more fruitful years. I pray that God will continue to preserve and grant

him good health to enable him render more service to humanity and our dear nation.”

Emefiele has been at the forefront of Nigeria’s economic diversification drive, by providing the critical financial support to operators in the non-oil sector.

Under him, the CBN has rolled out massive development interventions in critical sectors of the economy, especially in agriculture, manufacturing, and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

The interventions Emefiele include the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme (SMECGS); Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund (MSMEDF); Agri-business/ Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS); Creative Industry Financing Initiative (CIFI); Targeted Credit Facility (TCF) and the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF); the Youth Entrepreneurship Development Programme (YEDP); and the Anchor

Borrowers’ Programme (ABP), among several other development finance initiatives in the past seven years.

Under the MSMEDF, which charges nine per cent interest rate, the disbursement of over N83.9billion to 216,704 beneficiaries was recorded at the end of 2020. AGSMEIS is an initiative of the Bankers’ Committee, in collaboration with the CBN, that was also set up to improve access to affordable and sustainable finance by agribusinesses and MSMEs. The initiatives have enhanced job creation and boosted the managerial capacity of agribusinesses and MSMEs. So far, a total of N111.7 billion has been disbursed to 29,026 beneficiaries. Furthermore, a N50 billion Targeted Credit Facility was introduced in March 2020 as a stimulus package to cushion the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on households and MSMEs across the country. The Continued on page 68

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Buhari, Lawan, Sanwo-Olu, Tinubu Commiserate with Abiodun Over Father's Passing Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and a national leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, have condoled with Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State over the death of his father, Dr. Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun.

The leaders in separate condolence messages to the governor mourned the foremost educationist in the Gateway state and prayed that God would give the Abiodun family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Buhari, according to a release on Tuesday by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, commiserated with Governor Abiodun and the IperuRemo Family over the passing of Dr.Abiodun.

He also condoled with institutions and educationists in the state, who had worked with Dr. Abiodun, fondly called "Baba Teacher" over many years, affirming that the principles of living for God, good of others and the country, and sharing knowledge greatly impacted on the entire Western Nigeria and the country.

The President believed Abiodun's passing, leaving

a strong legacy of service to humanity, further stirred the need for reflection and making right choices for the living, particularly in working for the betterment of mankind.

He urged Governor Abiodun and all family members to take solace in the good works of their father, grandfather and great grandfather, while praying for repose of his soul.

On his part, the Senate President condoled with the entire Abiodun family, government and people of Ogun State over the demise of the educationist, who made indelible contributions to manpower development in Nigeria.

"The Abiodun Family can take solace in the fact that its Partriarch lived an impactful life as evident in his own great accomplishments and those of his children.

"Baba Teacher will continue to live in the hearts of the numerous people to whom he imparted knowledge as a school teacher," the Senate President said, even as he prayed God to grant Papa Abiodun eternal rest and the family fortitude to bear his loss.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, urged Governor Abiodun, the deceased family, friends and entire people of Iperu-Remo and Ogun State in

A TOKEN OF APPRECIATION… Delta Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa (left) receiving a souvenir from President, Nigeria Institution of Civil Engineers, Engr. Dr. Jang Tanko, when the Executives of the Institution visited him in Government House, Asaba... yesterday

FG: Civil Servants Leaking Classified Memos on Social Media Risk Dismissal

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Federal Government has threatened to dismiss any civil servant caught to be leaking official memoranda and other classified documents on social media and other platforms, in breach of oath of secrecy.

The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi Esan issued the threat in a circular dated August 2, 2021, which was sighted yesterday by THISDAY and copied to the Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice-President, Ministers, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Permanent Secretaries, Inspector General of Police, Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria and the Chairmen Federal Character Commission and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, among others.

The circular- HCSF/3065/ Vol.1 /94 was titled ‘Unauthorised Circulation of Official Documents/ Information on Social Media’.

It read: “The attention of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has been drawn to the incessant unauthorised disclosure

of official documents/ information on social media platforms.

“The unwholesome practice involves posting/reposting of secret, confidential and classified government correspondences, policy drafts, minutes, notes, memos, etc., on social media.

“This reckless action is tantamount to a breach of the Oath of Secrecy public servants swore to, and a serious misconduct which may lead to dismissal from the service, as provided in the Public Service Rules 030401 and 030402.

“Henceforth, any officer

caught posting/reporting government documents on social media and other platforms without authorisation would be severely disciplined in accordance with the provisions of the PSR. “This circular, therefore, reinforces the earlier circular on the subject, Ref. No/ HCSF/109/S.l/120 dated May 22, 2020 and other extant regulations prohibiting unauthorised publishing of official documents.

“Permanent Secretaries and Heads/Chief Executive Officers of extra-ministerial departments are to bring the content of this circular to all

staff for compliance.”

She expressed government’s dismay at the spate in which its official documents were being leaked into the public domain and threatened to apply the full provisions of the Public Service Rules 030401 and 030402 by dismissing outright those who continue with the “reckless action” and “unwholesome practice.”

The latest threat marked the time in more than a year that the Head of Service would be threatening to sanction civil servants for leakage of official documents having issued a similar circular in May last year.

general to immortalise the good name of the late octogenarian.

He said: “The death of a loved one, especially patriarch of a family, is usually painful as it is irreparable but we must always take solace in God for a good life lived by the deceased.

“On behalf of the good people of Lagos State and my adorable wife, Ibijoke, I sympathise with my friend and brother, Governor Dapo Abiodun, on the demise of his beloved father, Dr. Emmanuel Abiodun. I also send my heartfelt condolences to Mama, Mrs. Victoria Abiodun and the entire Abiodun family in Iperu-Remo and the people of Ogun State over the death of the patriarch of the Abiodun family.

“Papa Abiodun, fondly called ‘Baba Teacher’ by young and old due to his relentless efforts at imparting knowledge and inculcating the right values in his students, lived a fulfilled life as an educationist. He served as a school teacher for many years across the old Western State and made a positive impact on the lives of his numerous students, who have turned out as great men and women in the society today.”

“The elderly and wise counsel of Papa would be sorely missed not only by his family but the entire people of Iperu-Remo.

I pray that God will grant the deceased eternal rest and grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Tinubu, in his condolence letter said the late Dr. Abiodun "lived a remarkable life, touched

Bandits Raid Kaduna Communities, Kill Six, Burn Eight Houses John Shiklam in Kaduna Six people were killed Monday night in an attack by bandits on communities in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The bandits were also said to have burnt eight houses, six huts, one motorcycle and destroyed maize crops.

Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, who confirmed the incident in a statement yesterday in Kaduna, said, the attacks took place on Monday.

Aruwan said the affected communities included Ungwan Magaji, Kigam, Kisicho and Kikoba villages in Kauru LGA. Aruwan, who claimed Governor Nasir El-Rufai has condemned the attacks in the strongest terms, however, said reports from the Defence

Naira Gains Further on Parallel Market Obinna Chima

The naira extended its gains on the parallel market yesterday as it closed at N508 to a dollar, stronger than the N512 to a dollar it ended the previous day.

This represents an appreciation by N17 in one week on the parallel market, after the Central Bank of Nigeria ended the sale of the US dollars to Bureau De Change (BDC) operators.

Market watchers attributed the development to increase

forex supply in the system as well as measures to address arbitrage in the market.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Monday dispelled speculations that it was planning to convert the foreign exchange (FX) in domiciliary accounts of bank customers into naira.

The bank further assured members of the public that it would monitor the commercial banks to ensure they meet the legitimate FX demands of customers.

The bank’s Acting Director

in charge of Corporate Communications, Osita Nwanisobi, dismissed insinuations in some quarters that the central bank planned to convert FX in the domiciliary accounts of customers into naira in order to check purported shortage of availability of the dollars.

He stressed that the CBN never planned to tamper with the FX deposits in the accounts of customers, adding that those making such allegations were criminal speculators whose intention

many lives and mentored many young ones as a school teacher and educationist for many years across the old Western Region of Nigeria.

"I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of your father and patriarch of the Abiodun Family, Dr. Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun, on Monday, August 2 in IperuRemo, Ogun State.

"By way of this letter, I extend my deepest condolences to you and other members of your family. To lose a father no matter how old can be a very painful experience. However, I urge you to take heart and be consoled by the memories of the good times you shared together and the fact that Dr. Abiodun lived to a rather advanced age of 89.

"I understand your dad lived a remarkable life, touched many lives and mentored many young ones as a school teacher and educationist for many years across the old Western Region of Nigeria.

“A worthy son of Iperu-Remu, Ogun State and Nigeria, it is also on record that he left behind a legacy of integrity, honesty and selfless service. I enjoin you and other members of the family to maintain and continue, as you do at present, to advance those ideals your dad propagated throughout his life.

"Please, know that our thoughts are with you and the family at this time. While praying that God Almighty comforts you and the entire Abiodun Family, we also beseech Him to grant the soul of Papa eternal rest," the APC leader said.

was to create panic in the foreign exchange market.

The CBN director insisted that at no time did the bank ever suggested or implied that it would tinker with the FX deposits of customers.

He therefore, urged operators of domiciliary accounts and other members of the banking public to go about their legitimate FX transactions and disregard fictitious stories aimed at pitching them against the bank and triggering chaos in the system.

Headquarters’ Operation Safe Haven, indicated the armed assailants attacked the communities early on Monday morning, killing six residents.

The statement listed the victims as Joseph Maza, Timvan Cibi Ciwo, Monday Titus, Asabe Magani, Laraba Danladi and Yosi Danladi.

“Responding to a distress call, troops arrived the location and engaged the attackers, forcing them to retreat. In addition to the casualties, it was reported that eight houses, six huts, one motorcycle and a generator were razed during the attack.

Some maize crops were also destroyed.

“Governor El-Rufai expressed his sadness over the attack and condemned it as an action of depraved entities stripped of every shred of humanity,” the commissioner said.

The governor, Aruwan said, prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims, and sent his condolences to their families and asked security agencies working in the area to sustain thorough investigations into the incident.

The statement added: “Investigations are ongoing in the general area. Government will keep the public abreast of developments in Kauru LGA. “Similarly, the military and other security agencies are working with the governments of Kaduna and Plateau States, towards containing the renewed cycle of violence in Kauru LGA of Kaduna State and Bassa LGA of Plateau State.”

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COMMENT

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

REVAMPING NIGERIA’S CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM Sonnie Ekwowusi argues for the decongestion of the correctional centres

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don’t know about you but I must confess that I am still unable to come to terms with the name correctional centres, the new name of the Nigerian prisons. Why? Because Nigerian prisons are not correctional centres: they are punishment centres, or, poignantly, human dignity violation centres. The Nigerian prisons, for lack of better expression, are hell on earth notwithstanding the change of the name. And since there is no correction in hell no prisoner can regain his humanity after passing through any of the Nigerian prisons. By the way, I don’t know why we like fighting skirmishes and symptoms instead of main problems. For instance, the name of NEPA has been changed to Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). Has that improved electricity supply in Nigeria? We are still experiencing the same, if not aggravated, and epileptic electricity supply. The uniform of the police has been changed. Has that changed the extortionist mindset, defeatist psychology and corruptibility of the Nigeria police? No. The policeman in the new police uniform has not changed. He is the same corruptible man.

In the same vein, the Nigerian prisons have not changed notwithstanding their new baptismal name. The last time I visited the prison in company with members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Premier Branch, I saw for myself the hellish dungeons now called correctional centres. I interviewed about 23 prisoners, all of them victims of miscarriage of justice. They had been dumped and forgotten in prison without bail, without arraignment, without trial. In case you don’t know, about 70% of prisoners in Nigerian prisons are Awaiting Trial Inmates (ATM), that is, prisoners who have not been charged, tried and convicted by any court of law.

There are over 28,000 ATM languishing in the various prisons across the federation. No institution can give what it does not have.

The inhuman condition and maltreatment of prisoners in Nigerian prisons are not correctional measures: they are punitive measures.

The truth of the matter is that many Nigerian prisons are colonial relics - they were built during the colonial times by our colonial masters and have not been rebuilt or reconstructed since that time despite the bourgeoning population of inmates. The over-bloating population has resulted in the over-congestion of the prisons. For example, a prison that has the capacity for 800 accommodates 1, 700 inmates. No wonder the suffocating odious smell constantly oozes out from the prisons. Little wonder the Nigerian prisons suffer frequent outbreak of infectious diseases.

The most nauseating is that most of the ATM languishing in our various prisons had spent more than the number of years they would have spent, if from the outset, they had been charged to court, tried, convicted and sentenced. About one and half months ago, my lawyer friend Ben Abraham, founder and Executive Director, Zarephath AID (a Lagos-based NGO which over the last 17 years has been intervening in the challenges confronting Nigerian prisoners) delivered a paper at the Helmbridge Study Centre on the challenges in the criminal justice administration in Nigeria with special emphasis on the plight of Nigerian prisoners in the various prisons across Nigeria. In his paper, Ben mentioned the name of a former prisoner, who had spent a grueling eight years in prison as an ATM without trial in a court of law. Ben also mentioned how the new entrants to the prisons are punished by their senior fellow

IT IS TRITE LAW THAT THE RIGHT TO LIFE IS AVAILABLE EVEN TO CONDEMNED PRISONERS OR PRISONERS ON DEATH ROW UNTIL THEIR EXECUTION IS CARRIED OUT ACCORDING TO THE LAW

prisoners by ordering them to sleep in a toilet room containing a bucket of human faeces and urine.

The most tragic is that about 3008 condemned prisoners presently on death row in the country’s 227 prisons are yet to be executed. Why? Because the various state governors are not signing their death warrants as required by law. Last week Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola urged the state governors to sign the death warrants of convicts on death row who have exhausted all avenues of appeal. Aregbesola’s concern is understandable. In the last 25 years or so no state governor has signed a death warrant endorsing the execution of any condemned prisoner. Now since the governors are still undecided on whether or not to sign the death warrants of the condemned prisoners languishing in our prisons the condemned prisoners should be released forthwith.

To continue to keep them in prison is a violation of their right to life and personal dignity as enshrined in section 33 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and as decided by the court in Peter Nemi V Attorney-General of Lagos State. It is trite law that the right to life is available even to condemned prisoners or prisoners on death row until their execution is carried out according to the law.

Therefore, the Buhari government should muster the political will to revamp our criminal justice delivery system. There should be massive decongestion of our various prisons to alleviate the sufferings of prisoners therein. Government should stop procrastinating and launch itself out to implement the various recommendations tabled before successive Nigerian governments on prison reforms. We have been waiting for long to see concrete actions and results and prison reforms in Nigeria to no avail. All what we are treated to are mere rhetoric. But mere rhetoric cannot solve the problem. We need concrete actions and results. Apart from government intervention, public-spirited individuals, NGOs, corporate organizations, Churches, Mosques and others should erect frameworks of solidarity in assisting prisoners. Beyond making money and answering big names, lawyers should render pro-bono legal services to ATMs in order to secure their freedom.

Moved by the plight of the ATM in Nigerian prisons, the last Obasanjo administration ordered the immediate commencement of case-by-case audit of those who have spent upwards of five years in prisons including those who were held for minor offences; those whose case files were missing; those about 60 years of age; those with life-threatening diseases and those who had stayed on death row for upwards of 10 years. The then Federal Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Chief Bayo Ojo SAN launched a massive prison decongestion project aimed at facilitating the release of many inmates perpetually languishing in our various prisons. Chief Ojo even enlisted the services of some lawyers across the 36 states to take up the cases of detainees languishing in various prisons. The current Federal Attorney-General and Minister for Justice should emulate the good example of Chief Ojo. Vice-President Prof Yemi Osinbajo should do something. He is an expert in the administration of criminal justice system. Lawyers and the judiciary cannot claim to have a pass mark when almost 80% of the detainees in our various prisons are victims of miscarriage of justice.

HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT

Some perceived political opponents are being persecuted, argues Abu Quassim

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he February 2023 election is about 18 months away and we are already seeing signs that interested parties, individuals and institutions are already warming up. Some are already angling for vantage positions.

As is normal, certain moves are already being made by different political interests.

In some states, people are moving against the opposition — trying to ensure that the opposition is not in a position to upstage the ruling party. In some states, governors are already taking serious punitive measures against people that they consider sympathisers of the opposition.

This is not new. We witnessed it in the first republic when opponents were arbitrarily arrested by local police men and kept away from the election. Also, in the second republic, the police were used against opponents at the state and federal level at the time. The police were the only major law enforcement being deployed by politicians against their opponents.

Today, there are many law enforcement agents that can be used against political opponents. Now, there is the Department of State Services (DSS). And here, you have many cases of people being arrested and kept like the Dunamis 5. Particularly if the allegation against them is defined as having something to do with state security.

You have the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and then the anti-graft agencies — EFCC and ICPC. Perhaps EFCC has assumed notoriety in the recent past. Particularly before the advent of the new administration that has been trying to clean up things. This is why recent arrests and interrogations and invitations of the political elite are interpreted in light of the following.

Thus, when Umaru Al-Makura, former Governor of Nasarawa State and his wife were invited, people said that it is in connection with his All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship. The APC is planning a convention to elect a new national chairman in place of the interim national chairman.

Many people believe that the new cabal consisting of the interim chairman and three other governors and one minister are scheming to retain Mai Mala Buni — Governor of Yobe State and the interim chairman in office by some manipulations and machinations.

Now, this goes against the grain of Al-Makura who is strongly bidding for the chairmanship of the APC, with the support of his governor and successor, Abdul Sule.

Suddenly, Al-Makura became a subject of interest in the EFCC alongside his wife.

Many people in Nasarawa, Abuja and across the nation, believe that this has something to do with the APC chairmanship.

In the same vein, the renewed interest of the EFCC, in the corruption allegations against the former Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, is seen also as another fallout of the struggle for the APC ticket. Yari is also a strong candidate for the chairmanship of the APC. He is said to have the support of some governors, who are his colleagues in the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. He is also said to have opposed the defection into the APC of Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State. This is not sitting well with the APC cabal. Suddenly, the EFCC is calling him in.

Additionally, last Saturday July 31, 2021, the man who is regarded as the real leader of the opposition, Bukola Saraki, a former Governor of Kwara State, has also come under another round of scrutiny by the EFCC. Before then, during the hearing of the fundamental human rights case filed by Saraki, the EFCC had claimed before a judge that the order which restrained the EFCC from investigating him was preventing them from doing their job.

Suddenly, last Saturday, the news space was awash with news of his arrest. However, he clarified and he voluntarily decided to go and answer questions in order to clear the claim that he was preventing the EFCC from doing its work.

There are many people who believe that this is just a case of putting another obstacle

on a man whose opponents believe will run for the presidency. In many quarters, this seems like another attempt to persecute and suppress the man.

Saraki has experienced this since 2013 and 2014, first under Goodluck Jonathan — where he was investigated under the Police Anti-Fraud Unit. This is one of the reasons why he left the party.

After he won the Senate Presidency against the wishes of some members of his party, the federal government then instituted cases against Saraki that included his assets declaration, a made-up case of the forgery of the Senate’s standing rules, in addition to periodically using the EFCC to threaten him.

We believe that there should be an end to regressive politicking. Politicians should seek to beat each other based on the superiority of their ideas, policies, programs and creative solutions to the problems that the country is facing. They should also cease from bastardising or politicising institutions of state, which are created to solve certain problems in the society. This dirty method of unleashing state apparatus against perceived political opponents, only ends up destroying state institutions and derailing them from their set objectives.

Needless to say, Saraki not only survived, but he thrived over the four-year period that he was the Nigerian President of the Senate.

Quassim wrote from Abuja

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EDITORIAL

THE EMIR OF MURI’S ULTIMATUM Open grazing of cattle should give way to modernity

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pparently worried by the rising cases of killings, kidnappings, and banditry in his domain, the Emir of Muri, Alhaji Abbas Njidda Tafida recently issued an ultimatum to criminal herders to vacate the forests in Taraba State within 30 days. In a viral video, the visibly angry emir, who is also Fulani, said if the herdsmen, whom he identified as nationals of some neighbouring countries refused to heed his warning, they would be killed. “There is no way we will keep having sleepless nights in our own homes.

The poverty we are contending with is enough for us to deal with,” he said.

Even if the emir spoke out of frustration in a speech that may trigger jungle justice and consequent reprisal attacks, the anger is not out of place.

But the surprise is that the federal government has kept mute despite the tension the speech has created in security circles. A similar order in January this year by Governor THE CURRENT SITUATION Rotimi Akeredolu to WHERE SOME HERDSMEN criminal herdsmen occupying some TRAVERSE THE LENGTH forests in Ondo State AND BREADTH OF THE generated howls of COUNTRY WITH THEIR controversy. Both HERDS TO CAUSE the Presidency and MULTIPLE DISCOMFORT TO FARMERS AND OTHER the Office of the Attorney General INNOCENT CITIZENS of the Federation CANNOT BE EXCUSED OR condemned the TOLERATED governor that he had no right to issue such statement. In fact, they practically asked the band of bandits to stay in the forests and continue with their nefarious activities.

This is the kind of duplicity that has become the trademark of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

Meanwhile, there is no doubt that the Muri emir spoke out of concerns for his people. Despite his earlier calls for restraint on the prevailing herderfarmer conflict, there had been little or no progress.

Letters to the Editor

Many communities in his emirate are under severe and regular attacks from herders who occupy their vast forests. Under the guise of herding cattle, they destroy farms, kidnap for ransom, and commit all sorts of atrocities, including the raping of women and girls. In one such incident, some suspected Fulani herdsmen launched an unprovoked attack on two villages of Dori and Mesuma in Gashaka Local Government Area of the state and reportedly killed about 40 innocent men, women, and children.

Women were raped. Several houses were razed, and many families rendered homeless.

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

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

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (9501000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

DCP ABBA KYARI’S 96 HOURS

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here is a popular saying: life is a flip. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari just witnessed one.Just within 96 hours DCP Abba Kyari’s life flipped. Just within 96 hours, his indictment by the American Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was made public, Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba set up a four-man Special Investigation Panel (SIP) headed by DIG Joseph Egbunike, Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID)to investigate the indictment. The IGP recommended Kyari’s suspension, the Police Service Commission (PSC) suspended Kyari, the IGP appointed DCP Tunji Disu as the new head of the elite-force, Police Intelligence Response Team IGP-IRT to replace Kyari. Just 96 hours changed many things about Kyari’s 20 years promising career! This is a strong indication that some public jobs are difficult. When one accepts them, he or she has chosen to be a ‘saint’ and must labour to appear as one.

Public trust is the key in such kinds of jobs; once eroded, it can never be restored. For example, top security agents, anti-corruption czars, and people holding ‘delicate’ positions should rarely talk in public, but when they do, they should carefully choose their words. They should not wine and dine with just anybody, attend lavish wedding

nfortunately, that has become more of a routine. Even though Taraba has joined other states like Benue and Ekiti in banning open grazing of cattle, the rate of crime is still surging, with security agencies hamstrung or compromised. Indeed, the former Chief of Army Staff, General Theophilus Danjuma who hails from the state, had repeated warned his people to defend themselves, a call the exasperated state governor, Darius Ishaku took up lately in a futile attempt at curtailing the overwhelming violence.

However, Taraba is not alone. Across the country, inordinate killings, and kidnapping for ransom are rife. In Benue State, killings and raping of women by some violent herdsmen are common in several communities. But the current situation where some herdsmen (mostly identified as non-Nigerians) traverse the length and breadth of the country with their herds to cause multiple discomfort to farmers and other innocent citizens cannot be excused or tolerated under any known law of the land.

In the absence of firm leadership on the security situation, the recent proposed enactment of the antigrazing laws by southern governors was meant to protect residents of their states from the activities of violent herdsmen who hide behind grazing of cattle to perpetrate all kinds of criminality. Interestingly, many individuals and groups across the north are also of the view that open grazing of cattle should give way to modernity. What is left is for President Buhari to lead on the issue.

ceremonies, extravagant events -etc., and then expect complete public trust. One should be in a self-imposed restraint- what a life to live in!

However, as humans, we have our weaknesses, but the point is, people holding delicate jobs can’t preach fasting in the morning and practice gluttony in the night. They have chosen to be ‘saints’, and must labour to appear so.

On the other hand, one of the big lessons to public office holders from this Kyari-Hushpuppi saga is poor public relations management. Kyari’s first public response was just unprofessional - it complicated the issue.

To be fair, before his arrest by the FBI, Ramon Idirs aka -Hushpuppi was a normal young businessman, he has interacted with many high-profile Nigerians. In fact, Hushpuppi was a role-model, an inspiration, and motivational speaker to many gullible young Nigerians.

So many Nigerians have commented for and against Kyari - all with conviction and valid points. However, many people wish and pray that DCP Kayri’s next flip in life will be a positive one. His dilemma is heartbreaking, but the law must be respected. The IGP has promised Nigerians that the police will strictly follow the rule of law and the sanctity of the probe. The IGP also promised absolute respect for all the rights and privileges of DCP Kyari throughout the period of the investigations.

Zayyad I. Muhammad, Abuja

NIGERIA, CHILDREN AND ISSUES OF PUBLIC HEALTH

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igeria is one of the most difficult countries to be a child. For starters, over 10 million Nigerian children are out of school. The COVID-19 pandemic which flared to its full fury last year pushed even more children out of school, leaving many grounded at home for months, with nothing to do, and unable to get virtual education because of the ostensible absence of internet facilities.

Again, every now and then, our news channels are awash with tales of children who are victims of unspeakable abuse and in extreme instances, even death. Nigeria`s security frailty is also a nightmare for the Nigerian child. When families are violently roused from their sleep, slaughtered and their homes razed in any of the many vulnerable Nigerian rural communities, children are invariably victims not just of the loss of lives and limbs but of the loss of serenity as they used to know it and the onset of life-long trauma.

As Nigeria`s economic fragility bites even

harder, families are forced to make painful choices. Children are often left to bear the brunt of those painful choices which more often than not take the form of severe cuts to provisions that improve a child`s quality of life dramatically.

Then for healthcare. It is no secret that as Nigeria`s health infrastructure has been reduced to a shambles; maternal and infant mortality has soared, cutting off the lives of so many children even before they have had the chance to fully realize them.

The pathetic plight of the Nigerian child has put the recent cholera outbreak into sharp focus. As usual, it is those communities where hygiene is an illusion and water is gold that are the hardest hit. It is no secret to surmise that the devastation caused the bodies of children by cholera is an indictment not just of the poverty which grinds down the bodies of children but also of the calamitous collapse of public health infrastructure which ensure that response when finally mobilized is weak and ineffective.

Kene Obiezu, Abuja

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MIDWEEKPOLITICS

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

Again, Akpabio Fails to Keep July Date for Completion of NDDC Forensic Audit

Amidst growing tension in the Niger Delta region, Nseobong Okon-Ekong recounts how the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, has serially reneged on his promised dates to conclude the forensic audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2019, thereby delaying the inauguration of a substantive NDDC Board

Buhari

“So, the forensic audit of NDDC is on course and it is progressing very well and I am happy with the progress made so far. And I am very certain that by end of July which is just a month and a few weeks away the final result will be given to the president for implementation.” he above were the exact words of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Godswill Akpabio while addressing State House Correspondents on June 22, 2021 after meeting with the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Professor Ibrahim Gambari.

But it was a lie. And Akpabio knew he was merely engaging the media to buy time. Because he had told so many lies in the past concerning the issue of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), it didn’t matter anymore. Like other times, he would mention a date when pressed to speak on the inauguration of the Senate-approved board of the NDDC. By now, any stakeholder who gave him the benefit of the doubt has since withdrawn the courtesy, since it has become apparent that the Minister never had any intention to honour his word.

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Catalogue of Lies by Akpabio Trying to sift through all the ugly lies told by Akpabio may take one back to his days as Governor of Akwa Ibom State. For instance, he claimed to build one industry in each of the 31 local government areas of the state. It was a lie. It is common knowledge that every project that the former governor put a completion plaque on with his name on it were between 60 and 70 percent complete. He had perfected the act of causing people to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid.

He would ensure that the shell or the exterior of building was fitted with glass; and looking very good.

The commissioning would be a big media event, but all the fanfare began and ended outside the building. He did this with the e-library in Uyo; the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene; the Ibom Tropicana and the Ibom Specialist Hospital, to mention a few. These projects have all been redesigned and remodeled by the Governor Udom Emmanuel administration, in order to regain their intended purpose. Of course,

Akpabio

Amaechi

the state ended up paying by far more for Akpabio’s lies. Akpabio said many things that everyone could see were not true, perhaps, because he fancies himself as a smooth talker.

Having made a huge capital from these notable lies as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio took his dishonest enterprise to the Niger Delta Ministry when he was sworn in as the Minister.

What he did not reckon with, however, was the volume of pressure coming from the eight other states-Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers, that constitute the Niger Delta region. He was familiar with Akwa Ibom State, which he governed between 2007 and 2015. He was used to playing with it on his little finger with little or no opposition, which he easily ran rings around or crushed ruthlessly. Now, he had to deal with other ethnic nationalities who had a long history of combative struggle; like the Ogonis, the Ijaws, the Itsekiris and the Urhobos. Still Akpabio was hopeful that his time-tested axiom that ‘what money cannot

buy, more money will buy’ would see him through. So, he began the most grandeur scheming and crafting of a web of lies. His ultimate aim was to renegotiate the composition of the NDDC Board on his own terms. The sharp sword of militancy that these ethnic groups, particularly their youths are known for, may have been diminished by chicanery of Akpabio; playing one group against another.

Threats of a shutdown of oil production in the Niger Delta region if Akpabio failed to inaugurate the Senate-approved NDDC Board by the Ijaw Youths Congress (IYC), Niger Delta Avengers, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) and scores of groups and elders have only fired Akpabio to get worse.

Delicate Peace in the Niger Delta The Nigerian economy is heavily dependent on the oil sector, which, accounts for over 95 percent of export earnings and about 40 percent of government revenues, according to the International Monetary

The Niger Delta Minister Chief Godswill Akpabio also in January 2021 hinted that the forensic audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission would be concluded and the report submitted before April this year. This external audit is not only taking place for nearly two years now but NDDC is being run haphazardly, without a Governing Board as provided for in its Establishment Act, at the whims and caprices of Akpabio. Gradually, the Minister of Niger Delta has apparently turned the whole forensic audit exercise into a circus where the process is not only being micromanaged, but that the NDDC is being run by the minister’s handpicked proxies.

Now, he fixes and reneges on the termination date of the forensic audit under spurious excuses to justify running the agency like his personal fiefdom

Emmanuel

Fund. Nigerian oil production fell to around 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd) earlier this year following a spate of militant attacks. Over the past few years, Nigeria, Africa’s top oil exporter, has been beset by a multitude of problems, notably decreased crude production and exports, oil theft and pipeline attacks, stalled economic reforms and recovery, and the threat of oil price volatility. Therefore, the government can ill-afford another season of targeted onslaught against International Oil Companies operating in Nigeria.

Since the year 2000 when the Niger Delta Development Commission, a federal government agency was established by former President Olusegun Obasanjo with the sole mandate of developing the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria, there have been sustained efforts to improve the living condition of the people of the region, in order to stem the anger of the youths, which led to oil theft, illegal bunkering, kidnapping of expatriate workers in the oil sector and vandalisation of oil pipelines.

Subsequently, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs was announced by the then Nigerian President Umaru Yar ’Adua on September 10, 2008. On June 25, 2009, the Federal Government announced amnesty which included included forgiveness and automatic freedom from any form of prosecution whatsoever which was expected to run for a 60-day period from August 6 to October 4, 2009. Militants in the restive oil-producing Niger Delta frequently the fragile peace in the region and this has thrown up several challenges.

The latest of these challenge to peace in the Niger Delta is Akpabio’s refusal to inaugurate the substantive Board of the NDDC, which has been screened and approved by the Senate. Working with a board composed of personalities supposedly influenced by the likes of the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Adams Oshiomhole and Transportation Minister, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi was simply out of the question. He had to find a way to keep the inauguration of the board in abeyance. He came up with the ingenious idea of an Interim Management Committee (IMC) on October 29, 2019 for a six-month period. The three-member IMC headed

by Ms. Joi Nunieh was a surprising

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4, 2021

POLITICS

Akwa

and audacious move by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, because the IMC was alien to the NDDC Act. This fact was not lost on Akpabio who is a lawyer.

Two months to the end of the IMC, Akpabio had graduated in his lies. On February 21, 2020, he promised completion of forensic audit in December 2020.

Since then, he has spent every day of his enduring ministerial appointment building tissues of lies about a phantom forensic report at the NDDC, which he only he understands. How he manages to pass of this illogicality to President Muhammadu Buhari is baffling. That he finds his way around federal legislators is because he has bullied them into submission with evidence showing their complicity in various contract scam, which resulted in the infamous, “off the mic” episode during a House of Representatives hearing into allegations of fraud at the NDDC. Also promising to Presidential affirmation to the final conclusion of the forensic audit, on June 24, 2021, while receiving the Ijaw National Congress at the State House in Abuja, President Buhari said that “based on the mismanagement that had previously bedeviled the NDDC, a forensic audit was set up and the result is expected by the end of July 2021. I want to assure you that as soon as the forensic audit report is submitted and accepted, the NDDC Board will be inaugurated.”

Recall that the Niger Delta Minister Chief Godswill Akpabio also in January 2021 hinted that the forensic audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission would be concluded and the report submitted before April this year.

This external audit is not only taking place for nearly two years now but NDDC is being run haphazardly, without a Governing Board as provided for in its Establishment Act, at the whims and caprices of Akpabio.

Gradually, the Minister of Niger Delta has apparently turned the whole forensic audit exercise into a circus where the process is not only being micromanaged, but that the NDDC is being run by the minister’s handpicked proxies.

Now, he fixes and reneges on the termination date of the forensic audit under spurious excuses to justify running the agency like his personal fiefdom.

When the Minister sold the idea of an Interim Management for the NDDC in October 2019, Akpabio assured that the Interim Management Committee will only stay in office for six months to supervise the audit after which the Board will be inaugurated. It was even pointed out by legal luminaries that the interim arrangement was patently illegal.

By the time the expected deadline of March 2020 for the submission of the audit report was near, Senator Akpabio sacked his first IMC Acting Managing Director Ms Joi Nunieh and appointed a new Acting Managing Director, Professor Kemebradikumo Pondei who was his classmate at Federal Govern-

Lawan

Gbajabiamila

TIMELINE OF THE NDDC BOARD SAGA July 2019 – Senator Akpabio appointed Minister of Niger Delta Affairs August 27, 2019 – President Buhari approves appointment of a 16-member Governing Board for NDDC

July 20, 2020 – AG. MD of NDDC, Prof Pondei collapses during interrogation at House of Representatives probe of NDDC IMC illegal expenditure

October 17, 2019 – President Buhari orders forensic audit of NDDC

July 24, 2020 – Senate finds NDDC IMC guilty and orders the IMC to refund N4.9B illegal expenditure

October 18, 2019 – President Buhari writes Senate President and forwards the names of 16-member Governing Board to Senate for confirmation

May 27, 2021 – Ijaw Youth Congress makes good its one-month notice and commence disruption of business in Niger Delta and shut down of NDDC offices over failure to inaugurate NDDC Board

October 29, 2019 (AM) – The Senate President reads the President’s letter seeking confirmation of NDDC Board members at plenary and refers same to the Senate Committee on Niger Delta for screening

May 30, 2021 – Former Niger Delta Militant, Government Ekemopulo (Tompolo) gives FG 7-day ultimatum to inaugurate NDDC Board

October 29, 2019 (PM) – Minister of Niger Delta, surprisingly swears in a three-member Interim Management Committee (IMC), headed

by Ms. Joi Nunieh, for a six-month tenure

June 3, 2021 – Akpabio flies into Delta and meets with Tompolo and other Niger Delta leaders, in company of Delta state Deputy Governor, Otuaro, and promises to inaugurate the Board of NDDC by the end of June

November 5, 2019 – Senate confirms the appointment of NDDC Board members sent

by President Buhari and urges him to go ahead and inaugurate them

June 22, 2021 – Akpabio, after meeting with Chief of Staff to President Buhari, announces end of July as final date for the completion and submission of Forensic audit report to President Buhari

February 20, 2020 – President Buhari sacks Joi Nunieh as Ag. MD of NDDC IMC and appoints Professor Keme Pondei as replacement February 21, 2020 – Akpabio promises completion of Forensic audit in December 2020

June 24, 2021 – President Buhari, while receiving in audience the leadership of Ijaw National Congress promises inauguration of NDDC Board on receipt of forensic report at the end of July

May 5, 2020 – Senate commences probe of NDDC IMC for allegedly spending N40B in three months without due process

July 31, 2021 – Akpabio fails to submit the NDDC Forensic audit report to the Presidency as promised

ment College Port Harcourt, and extended the stay of the IMC to December 2020, by which time he said the audit will be concluded

and the Board put in place. Just when that was drawing near, he sacked the Interim Management Committee and appointed his

Akpabio extended the stay of the IMC to December 2020, by which time he said the audit will be concluded and the Board put in place. Just when that was drawing near, he sacked the Interim Management Committee and appointed his personal aide, Mr. Effiong Okon Akwa, as Interim Sole Administrator with a promised forensic audit completion date of March 2021. With this latest failure of the Niger Delta Minister to keep to the promised July date for the completion of the forensic audit, NDDC continues to be run in violation of the law and common sense. The Minister has practically run the NDDC directly using his proxies as Interim Managements since October 2019. During this period over N800 billion has been reportedly spent

by Akpabio’s Interim Managements on frivolous items and questionable payments, as evidenced by whistleblowers and the report of the National Assembly investigations in July 2020

Olatunji-Ojo

personal aide, Mr. Effiong Okon Akwa, as Interim Sole Administrator with a promised forensic audit completion date of March 2021.

With this latest failure of the Niger Delta Minister to keep to the promised July date for the completion of the forensic audit, NDDC continues to be run in violation of the law and common sense.

The Minister has practically run the NDDC directly using his proxies as Interim Managements since October 2019. During this period over N800 billion has been reportedly spent by Akpabio’s Interim Managements on frivolous items and questionable payments, as evidenced by whistleblowers and the report of the National Assembly investigations in July 2020.

Audits have been done in Nigeria previously, creditably and independently, such as the NNPC audit, which was carried out by Price Waterhouse a few years back while the legitimate Board and management were still in place.

Similarly, when in 2016 the Buhari Administration audited all revenue agencies, including the NNPC, NPA, FIRS and others, it did not set aside the Governing Boards. This is the first time an external audit has been employed as an excuse to suspend the law governing a public institution.

The delay in inaugurating a substantive board for the development agency had generated widespread protests in the oil-rich belt in June this year as stakeholders rejected continuous stay in office of a sole administrator.

In October 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari ordered a forensic audit of the operations of NDDC from 2001 to 2019.

Receiving governors of the states that make up the Commission President Buhari said what is presently on the ground in the Niger Delta region does not justify the huge resources that have been made available to the organisation.

According to him, “I try to follow the Act setting up these institutions especially the NDDC. With the amount of money that the Federal Government has religiously allocated to the NDDC, we will like to see the results on the ground; those that are responsible for that have to explain certain issues. The projects said to have been done must be verifiable. You just cannot say you spent so much billions and when the place is visited, one cannot see the structures that have been done. The consultants must also prove that they are competent,” the President said.

He then said that he would wait for the report of the audit before deciding on the next line of action regarding the organisation.

After nearly two years of what is turning to be an endless forensic audit, President Buhari needs to put in place the substantive Governing Board of NDDC to return the agency to the path of law, broad representation, checks and balances, probity, equity and accountability to the Niger Delta people.

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4, 2021

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Game-changer Obinna Uzoh Envisions New Anambra Ahead of the November 6, 2021 governorship election, Dr. Obinna Chukwudum Uzoh, flag-bearer of the Social Democratic Party has defined a new vision to transform Anambra State from a human and infrastructure-challenged land of giants to a modern state, Louis Achi writes

I

ndisputably, Anambra State is a land of icons - powered by faith as well as swashbuckling dreamers in diverse fields of human endeavor.

This peculiar defining feature will shape the high-octane battle for the soul of the state in the November 6 gubernatorial election.

Out of the mass of contestants for tenancy rights of Awka Government House, in November 2021, the towering figure of lawyer, astute business mogul, notable politician, renowned philanthropist and chairman of Gocuz Group, Dr. Obinna Chukwudum Uzoh, looms large - with good reason.

No less a child of providence who exercises influence with alluring humility and exemplary focus, Dr. Uzoh has demonstrated with his life’s trajectory that spirituality, business, philanthropy and politics fundamentally address transformation of the human condition for good.

To-date, he unabashedly maintains this unique philosophy and footing.

An apostle of “politics without bitterness” and politics of consultation and accommodation, Uzoh’s campaign slogan is: Restoration, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of Anambra State.

Uzoh who contested for the governorship seat of Anambra State in 2003 has since been actively involved in politics. Today, with his eyes locked on his state’s immediate future, Uzoh proffers an alternative vision of governance on how to transform his home state into a 21st Century development and technological model for both his region and country to clone. His vision not surprisingly derives its depth, energy and blueprint from over three decades of entrepreneurial excellence, political sagacity and impactful interventions in diverse humanitarian theatres.

In his words: “My folks are widely recognized for their industry, courage and resourcefulness. These qualities have enabled us survive as a people in the face of daunting existential challenges. It’s worth recalling that at creation in August 27, 1991, by the General Ibrahim Babangida regime, Ndi-Anambra had over 75 percent literacy level and boasted extra-ordinary human and material resources. These attributes need to be given a new direction, new discipline and new energy. God has given me the vision to do this.”

According to Uzoh, “I have identified 10 key sectors that deserve total focus to transform the state. These include security, infrastructural development which is foundation for transformational industrialisation and will support Nnewi, Onitsha and Awka as critical technology hubs, real agricultural revolution.

Deploying a transparent, judicious and efficient management of resources, I will empower our people with skills acquisition, mainstream our judiciary, step-up sports, provide microfinance for SMEs and pursue an integrated development scheme that should fundamentally change the game in Anambra State.”

And more...“I am not contesting the 2021 governorship election in my state lightly.

It was a product of deep introspection and wide consultation. I believe that at this moment of our national history and the rapid changes impacting both the continental and international arena, Anambra needs a deep but temperate personality and thinker to guide its journey. Let me share this with you and many may not know this. The fate of Anambra State has fundamental connections with the fate of Ndigbo and Nigeria at large.”

Though a very challenging personal journey, Uzoh adroitly created and nurtured the Gocuz Group of Companies - a very successful conglomerate comprising Gocuz Oil Services, Gocuz Engineering, Gocuz Chambers, Gocuz Construction, Gocuz Finance & Security and Gocuz Farms Limited.

Uzoh is the only Papal Knight (Knight

Uzoh

of Saint Gregory the Great) in the governorship race, in a highly religious community. It’s worth noting that the dominant churches in Anambra State are the Catholic and Anglican churches. Significantly, of all the governorship aspirants in the state, he has done notably so well for the Catholics and Anglicans, as well as other religious and non-religious organizations.

A few years ago, he donated a 110room ultra-modern students’ hostel at the Holy Family Youth Village, Awka to the Catholic Church. This came barely one year after singlehandedly building/donating an imposing church complex in Ihiala - the All Saints Parish complex, in Umunnamehi, Ihiala, which was dedicated by the Papal Nuncio in Nigeria.

Because of the high value he places on education, he has awarded scholarships to many students in primary, secondary, colleges of education, polytechnics and universities across the country. He has also awarded special scholarships to indigenes of

Anambra State in Medicine, Law, Accountancy and Engineering.

He built and donated a threestorey building for the Law Faculty of Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State; built, donated and renovated schools across the country, constructed and equipped several computer and science laboratories in secondary and tertiary institutions in Anambra State and distributed text books and instructional materials to schools across Anambra State.

He is also involved in establishment of small scale enterprises for indigenes of Anambra State and involved in road construction/rehabilitation of rural roads in the state. He has provided boreholes, rural electrification and donated transformers to towns and villages in Anambra State with financial and moral assistance to Non-Governmental Organizations across the country. He has also donated drugs for free medical outreaches to St. Charles’ Borromeo Hospital, Onitsha, Anambra State.

He has established a special fund for assistance to pregnant women,

Uzoh is the only Papal Knight (Knight of Saint Gregory the Great) in the governorship race, in a highly religious community. It’s worth noting that the dominant churches in Anambra State are the Catholic and Anglican churches. Significantly, of all the governorship aspirants in the state, he has done notably so well for the Catholics and Anglicans, as well as other religious and non-religious organizations. A few years ago, he donated a 110-room ultra-modern students’ hostel at the Holy Family Youth Village, Awka to the Catholic Church. This came barely one year after single-handedly building/donating an imposing church complex in Ihiala - the All Saints Parish complex, in Umunnamehi, Ihiala, which was dedicated by the Papal Nuncio in Nigeria

widows, disabled people and people with heart, kidney, lung, sight and spinal cord problems. He has assisted young traders, school leavers and graduates to set up their own businesses through a revolving loan and is involved in sports development through sponsorship of local football competitions, track and field events.

Against this background, it is then little wonder that Uzoh has received countless honours by a grateful society and several respected personalities have testified on these unique interventions. According to the Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. (Dr.) Val M. Okeke, “I have closely followed Dr. Obinna Uzoh’s activities towards the less privileged and they are edifying. He has assisted many indigent students through scholarship.

“He has built houses for the poor, built hostels for students, churches for worshippers of different denominations and he identifies with the poor and the lowly. He has not excluded the rich; his friendship cuts across the poor and the rich. He has identified with the governments, states and federal. He is a good man in all sense of definition.”

For the former governor of Anambra State and ex vice presidential candidate in the 2019 election Peter Obi, “Remarkable too is your spirit of philanthropy which has continued to earn you goodwill in Anambra State and beyond. You have equally excelled in missionary work, contributed in many ways to the Christian youth development, which you most recently demonstrated by building and donating a multi-million Naira hostel edifice to the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha at Holy Family Youth Centre, Amansea. This gesture of yours is a challenge to other wealthy Anambra citizens on how best to give back to the society.”

It’s worth noting that any narrative about the life story of Uzoh that excludes his extraordinary philanthropy fundamentally defeats the being and essence of the largehearted Ihiala-born business mogul - and wait for it - uncommon philanthropist.

Not surprisingly, Uzoh’s entrepreneurial astuteness and broad humanitarian vision, provision of employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerians through the diversity of his business conglomerate and compelling philanthropic spirit which has impacted and lifted many lives in his community, state, region and country, has attracted countless accolades and awards from a grateful community.

Uzoh, born on March 17, 1963, to the family of the late Chief and Chief (Mrs.) Obi Uzoh from Umunnamehi, in Ihiala, Anambra State loves education dearly. This guided him to acquire academic laurels. He obtained B.Sc (Business Administration), University of Lagos; M.Sc (Marketing), University of Lagos; LLB, University of Lagos; B.L., Nigeria Law School and Ph.D (Economics) from the Lagos State University. He is married to the love of his life - Chief Barr. (Mrs.) Henrietta Obinna Uzoh – a union blessed with seven children.

To partner him in his quest to govern Anambra State, Uzoh settled for a scientist as his running mate on the SDP platform.

He is a doctor of human medicine and consultant family physician Uzochukwu Obiora Chira. Dr. Chira hides an inner steel and stern discipline that enabled him rise to his current position behind an affable and courteous exterior.

A public administrator and development strategist, philanthropist and politician, Dr. Chira brings to his political partnership with Uzoh, a track record of youth, dynamism and compelling intellectual acumen - qualities certainly needed for higher political responsibility in the offing.

He is married with a son.

A personality who has envisioned a new direction for his state, Uzoh’s promising electoral choice as next governor of Anambra State would indeed tacitly acknowledge the capacity of highly focused individuals to change their society for the better.

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Will Power Shift to Kogi West in 2023?

GOVERNANCE IN PHOTOS

Ibrahim Oyewale writes on the continued agitation for power shift by various interest groups in Kogi State ahead of the 2023 gubernatorial election

From left, Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Hon.Timothy Owoeye; Osun State former Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Deputy Governor, Sen.Iyiola Omisore; Osun State Governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, during the official launch of Ife Grand Resorts and Industrial Park, in Ile-Ife

Bello

Kolawole

A

will come to play in the 2023 governorship election in the state, calling on leaders and stakeholders from the central and eastern senatorial districts of the state to support the Kogi West Agenda.

“Kogi West Agenda is the mouthpiece of the seven local government areas of the western senatorial district. We represent the interest and aspirations of the people of Kogi West senatorial district spanning three federal constituencies, eighty-five electoral wards and over eight hundred polling units.

“It is a fact that since the inception of democratic rule in 1999, Kogi West has not produced the Governor of the state. Kogi East had it for eight years and Kogi Central is currently occupying the governorship seat and will be there for eight years.

“Kogi West has been in the forefront of stabilizing the polity of the state and full of potentials capable of managing the abundant opportunities available in the state.

It would be recalled that before the 2019 election when the Okun people of Kogi West paid a courtesy visit to Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello demanding for Kogi West to produce the next governor come 2023, interestingly the then Chief of Staff, now Deputy Governor Edward Onoja who represented the Governor, said the result of 2019 governorship election will determine the zone that will produce the next Governor in 2023. At the end of the 2019 election, the result showed clearly that Kogi West voted overwhelmingly for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The mutual adoption of power rotation in our dear confluence state under the watch of our amiable, focused and pragmatic Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello will be unique, outstanding, novel and thus a positive re-enactment of the political history and evolution of the state. Governor Bello’s name shall be boldly written in gold,” he said.

The group declared its determined support for nationwide clarion call on Governor Yahaya Bello to run for the presidency of the federal republic of Nigeria in 2023.

“We join other numerous interest groups to endorse the aspiration of our own, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello for President in 2023.”We are especially happy with the successes so far recorded by our political office holders at federal, state and local government levels in terms of youth employment, empowerment and developmental constituency projects across Kogi West senatorial district.We use this medium to solicit the support of all and sundry in the state and the nation at large for the realization of this patriotic and progressive move to foster unity in Kogi state.’

Recently a group for good governance from Okene in Kogi Central has swarmed social medial with an appeal to the State governor , Yahaya Bello to hand over power to Kogi West in interest of fairness and justice.

head of the 2023 governorship election in Kogi State, stakeholders in the three senatorial districts, Kogi West, Kogi Central and Kogi East may have returned to their political chessboard to re-strategise on who becomes the next governor of the Confluence State after the completion of the current administration of Governor Yahaya Bello.

Kogi State could be described as miniature Nigeria and comprises of three major tribes; Igalas, Ebiras , Yorubas the Okun speaking people) and other minority tribes. Be this as it may the issue of power shift or rotation has been an age long recurring decimal in the state. This scenario has also accounted for the accusations and counter-accusations; allegation of marginalisation by one tribe or the other.

Prior to this time, the Kogi East political elites have allegedly held on to power particularly from 1999 till 2015 when the power was said to have shifted to Kogi Central which produced the incumbent governor since 2016 by divine intervention which was seen as big relief for the other minority groups. The emergence of Bello gave them hope that one day others will have the opportunity to get close to the seat of power.

However, as the clock ticks towards the 2023 governorship election in Kogi State , a non -governmental organization, Kogi West Agenda has urged Governor Yahaya Bello to support the desire of stakeholders and citizens of the Kogi West Senatorial District of the state to produce the next governor.

The question agitating the minds of the people is that whether power be shifted to Kogi West or back to the East where it has been domiciled for too long?

A Lokoja-based political analyst, Benjamin Adewunmi spoke extensively on preparation for Okun Yoruba speaking area of Kogi State to take up the gauntlet and face the reality on ground to contest for the 2023 governorship election with sincerity of purpose , noting that by all standard no single politician of Okun extraction should accept the position of deputy governor as it used to be. He urged political stakeholders to close ranks to achieve this lofty objective of taking the Number One position in the state .

Adewunmi called on the political gladiators in Kogi West to shun ego, political parties lineage and work as a team, stressing that traditional rulers; old and young in the land must be carried along and through persistence, perseverance and had work one of them would emerge as Governor of Kogi State.

At a press conference held in Lokoja recently, a group emphasised that the time has come for the Kogi West which comprises of seven local government areas, Lokoja, Kabba Bunu, Ijumu, Mopamuro, Yagba West and Yagba East local government areas respectively to take a shot at the governorship seat.

The Chairman of the group, Mahmud Inuwa Muhammed, said the people of Kogi West senatorial district hope that the ‘Ebigo’ principle of the New Direction administration

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

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, raising the hand of the All Progressives Congress Chairmanship candidate for Imeko/Afon local government, Yaya Fadipe, while the deputy governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele (left) watches with interest, at Imeko; APC candidates won all the seats in the recent local government elections in the state

Minister, Niger Delta Affairs Ministry, Senator Godswill Akpabio (left) addressing the Press in his Abuja office on the blockade of the East-West Road, by Niger Delta youths with the Managing Director of the Reynolds Construction Company (RCC)

L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; former Osun State Governor, Chief Bisi Akande; Afenifere Leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo; at the first memorial service for the late Senator Ayo Fasanmi in Iye- Ekiti

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4, 2021

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FEATURES

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

NYSC: Death Sentence or Patriotism?

Vanessa Obioha writes that there is growing apprehension surrounding the National Youth Service Corps due to widespread violence across the country

A group of NYSC members

B

usola Enitan was filled with mixed feelings as the last day of her final year exams approached. She was happy that she would finally be dropping the pen but anxious about the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posting, a mandatory assignment for every Nigerian university graduate under the age of 30.

"I pray that I'm not posted to the North," she said apprehensively.

The previous set had some of the students posted to the North and Enitan feared she may face a similar fate. Her concerns stemmed from the rising insecurity in the northern region of the country.

In recent times, states in the Northeast and North-west have become a danger zone for both indigenes and non-indigenes. Banditry, kidnapping, herdsmen clashes, terrorism are the regular stories emanating from the zones.

Enitan would however wait till November to know her fate unlike the thousands of graduates who recently were posted to different parts of the country, including the volatile northern region. Despite the promise of the agency not to send the graduates to areas that are prone to violent attacks, about 9,100 corps members were deployed to the troubled North-west zone where the spate of violence is relatively high and has claimed over a hundred lives with many in the den of kidnappers. The states include Kaduna, Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa and Kebbi.

However, the latest violent attacks in Nigeria are not limited to the region.

The South-east zone in recent times has recorded wanton destruction of lives and property, particularly Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Anambra. For instance, on July 13, three police officers and two civilians were killed by gunmen in Idemili North, Anambra, and in UzoUwani, Enugu, six soldiers lost their lives to gunmen. Two days later, cultists killed 10 people in Awka, Anambra, including two police officers.

These killings often triggered by secessionists have turned the once peaceful zone into a ticking bomb.

Benue, Niger, Kogi, Adamawa, Oyo,

The five corp members who died in a road crash last week

Rivers and Delta states have all recorded pockets of violence.

Though the Director-General of the scheme, Brigadier General Shuaib Ibrahim has assured protec-

tion for the corps members, it is difficult to take his words to the bank given that the widespread violence in the country is yet to be defeated.

Despite the promise of the agency not to send the graduates to areas that are prone to violent attacks, about 9,100 corps members were deployed to the troubled North-west zone where the spate of violence is relatively high and has claimed over a hundred lives with many in the den of kidnappers

At a pre-orientation workshop held in May in Nasarawa, Ibrahim has said that "the welfare and safety of corps members and staff is part of the policy thrust of my administration. We shall continue to work closely with relevant shareholders to evolve strategies for the protection of all corps members and the entire corps community during the orientation course."

A growing concern is the use of students by kidnappers to hold the government to ransom. The terrorist group Boko Haram deployed this method in their attacks with the abduction of the Chibok female students in 2014, which, unfortunately, not all have been rescued, and the Dapchi abduction in Yobe where Leah Sharibu is yet to be found. This year alone, kidnappers have stormed schools and abducted students in droves across the northern region. Areas affected by these mass abductions include Afaka in Kaduna, Kagara, Niger; Jangebe in Zamfara, and Yauri in Kebbi.

A THISDAY tally in March showed that 618 schools remained closed in six northern states over the fear of attack and abduction of pupils and members of staff. The states were Sokoto, Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Niger and Yobe.

As most graduates are sent to schools for their primary assignments, it becomes frightening that they may be walking into the lion's den.

Over the years, the relevance of the NYSC has been questioned due to the increasing number of graduates who lost their lives while serving their nation.

Who could forget the heinous attack carried out on Grace Adie Ushamg in 2009? Ushamg who was serving in Maiduguri, Borno State was on September 26, 2009, abducted and raped to death.

Her death became the first recorded NYSC member abduction casualty. There was also the bloodshed that followed the 2011 general elections where many corps members lost their lives.

Their death led to a protest by the 2012 batches including the postponement of NYSC Batch C in Bayelsa, Borno, and the Yobe States. The then NYSC helmsman Brigadier General OkoreAffia called for state governors in the volatile region to guarantee the safety

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FEATURES

Salute to the nation

of corps members if they were to be deployed to their states.

Last June, about six serving corps members were reportedly injured by armed robbers who attacked their lodge around Dada Estate, Osogbo, Osun State capital during a prayer vigil and carted away valuables. The robbers stole about 20 mobile phones, three laptops and N130,000 from the corps members.

A recent incident occurred on Wednesday, July 28, when a vehicle transporting prospective corps members to camp was involved in a crash around Abuja according to the agency. Five corps members lost their lives in the accident. The incident was said to have happened around 2:00am.

Although the agency has offered corps members safety tips such as not travelling at night.

Beyond insecurity, some of the areas where the graduates are posted lack access to good roads and other infrastructure facilities. A recent video on the popular Instagram page of Instablog9ja showed NYSC members embarking on a journey to Taraba state through the sea. The corps members watched in awe and confusion as the bus was placed on a boat to cross the large expanse of water.

It is almost laughable and pitiable that as a country whose 61st independence is less than two months away, we are still lacking modern transportation means to convey people from one place to the other.

When Yakubu Gowon created the NYSC scheme in 1973, his goal was to foster national integration but in a country that is threatened daily by insecurity and separatists agitations, it is difficult to find a sense of belonging in the scheme.

Perhaps, the looming breakup of the country led the DG of the scheme to consider corps members part of the national defence policy and therefore, can be conscripted to war. Reacting to a call to scrap the scheme, Ibrahim had asserted in a TV interview that the corps members undergo drills during the three-week orientation camp and thus, have shown that they can be trained for war if such a situation arises.

“You can imagine within the short three weeks in the orientation camps, the

NYSC DG, Brigadier General Shuaib Ibrahim

corps members are moulded. They are like soldiers. You see female corps members blowing the army horn, playing with the military band. So, if not for the knowledge, where are you going to mobilise such young Nigerians to train them quickly to put in their best for the country? So, corps members are on reserve. They are also part of the national defence policy,” he had said in the interview.

It is good that the corps members are encouraged to go through the military regimen but sending them to the battlefield defeats the purpose of the scheme.

Another observation is the rate of unemployment for graduates after compulsory service. Many

corps members return home to join thousands of unemployed persons, thereby increasing the rate of unemployment in the country. Last March, the National Bureau of Statistics released data that showed that the number of unemployed persons in the country rose to 33.3 per cent in the three months through December.

A global list of countries with the highest unemployment rate monitored by Bloomberg also revealed that Nigeria was the second-highest out of 82 countries.

A breakdown of the statistics showed that more than 60 per cent of Nigeria’s working-age population is younger than 34.

Unemployment for people aged

15 to 24 stood at 53.4 per cent in the fourth quarter, and at 37.2 per cent for people aged 25 to 34. The jobless rate for women was 35.2 per cent compared with 31.8 per cent for men.

These figures suggest that the labour market is already saturated with unemployed persons, and thus, is already competitive for the corps members. It should be expected that corps members are given top priority when looking for jobs, but that has not been the case.

However, the DG had revealed that plans are underway to have a National Youth Trust Fund through which loans would be given to corps members to start businesses after completing the mandatory programme.

Despite the insecurity and unemployment challenges, NYSC has produced some memorable moments as pointed out by the DG. There have been intermarriages, skills acquisitions, networking and culture appreciation. Ibrahim argued that 75 per cent of corps members are still serving in rural areas across the country and the insecurity challenge is not valid enough to scrap the scheme as proposed in a bill by House of Representatives member, Awaji-Inombek Abiante last June.

Yet, these opportunities hardly stir graduates nowadays as they consider the programme a waste of time. Perhaps, what the government needs to do is to look for better incentives to awaken their patriotism.

As argued by a THISDAY editorial in June, instead of scrapping the scheme, lawmakers should look in the direction of reforming it. The editorial suggested that beyond ensuring corps members are protected, the scheme should also provide added value such that it is aligned with the current needs of the country and its participants. It proposed five interrelated areas — security, funding, branding, content, and structure — that need to be considered for the overall effectiveness of the scheme. These areas, if properly addressed will impact the major but compromised milestones in the scheme. That is, from mobilisation, through orientation, primary assignment, community development to passing out.

If considered, it will be a brave step towards restoring the totemic significance of the scheme as intended by Gowon.

24

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4, 2021 • T H I S D AY

25

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4, 2021

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OBB OVERNIGHT

A S

REPO 27.50% 28.75 %

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

A T

Email oriarehu.eromosele@thisdaylive.com

08056356325

A U G U S T

S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

4% 6% 10%

Group Business Editor Eromosele Abiodun

S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE

535.12% 0.13% 0.40%

YEAR TO DATE

3 , 2 0 2 1 EXCHANGE RATE N411.50/1US DOLLAR* *AS AT LAST FRIDAY

0.40% -20.10%

Despite Economic Headwinds, FBN, ETI, Five Other Banks’ Profit Soar by 12% in H1

Darasimi Adebisi Amid challenges facing the Nigerian economy, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), FBN Holdings, and five other banks listed on the Nigeria Exchange Limited (NGX) profit after tax rose by 12 per cent in half year (H1) ended June 30, 2021.

The other banks are Unity Bank Plc, Wema Bank Plc, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, FCMB holdings and Sterling bank Plc. Analysis of the banks results showed that they cumulatively reported N113billion profit after tax in H1 2021 as against

N101.02billion reported in H1 2020.

Of the seven banks, Union Bank and FCMB Holdings and FBN Holdings are only financial institutions that reported decline in profit after tax amid decline in gross earnings and impairment losses on financial instruments.

Specifically, Union Bank reported about 11 per cent decline in profit after tax to N9.84billion in H1 2021 from N11.08billion reported in H1 2020 while FCMB Holdings’s profit after tax closed H1 2021 at N7.56billion, about 22.1per cent decline from N9.7billion reported in H1 2020.

Further breakdown revealed

that FBN Holdings profit after tax dropped by 5.5 per cent to N22.45billion in H1 2021 from N23.76billion reported in H1 2020.

The Group Managing Director, FBN Holdings, U.K. Eke in a statement said the Holdings delivered a resilient performance in the half year, reflective of its focus on strengthening the organisation in recent years.

According to him: “We remain committed to our strategic objective of driving further stability in performance, as well as delivering sustainable growth over the years to come.

“In line with our focus on revenue diversification, we continue

to grow our non-interest income as we progressively become a more transaction-led institution and implement innovative and technological driven measures to improve overall efficiency. The macro and socio-economic conditions remain challenging given the COVID-19 pandemic and the low-interest rates environment.

“While these points negatively impacted overall revenue generation, we are confident that FBNHoldings can navigate this challenging operating environment and keep delivering sustained innovative solutions that enrich customer experience as well as deepen financial inclusion.”

Conversely, Wema bank in the period under review reported significant increase in profit after tax to N3.72billion, about 149 per cent increase when compared to N1.49billion recorded in prior period.

Analysis of Wema Bank’s results showed that the bank grew its gross earnings by 8.3 per cent and drive its operating income by 30 per cent that impacted on profit after tax.

The Managing Director, Wema bank, Mr. Ademola Adebise in a statement said: “We are pleased to release our results for the first half of the year.

“Our performance speaks

to the spirit of resilience that runs through the organization as we have strongly bounced back from the COVID-19 impacted performance of the same period in 2020. As the economy opens back up fully, we expect to see a stronger performance for full year 2021.”

He added that: “Over the course of the second half of 2021, the bank will continue its strong focus on the digital business, pushing for further gains in customer acquisition, consumer lending and transaction volumes while on the commercial side of the bank, Continued on page 26

ERA/FoE Urges FG to Halt Shell Divestment from Nigeria Oil Industry Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Environmental Rights Action Friends of Earth Nigeria (ERA/ FoE), has demanded that the oil giant, Shell, should be made to account before divesting its interests in the Nigerian oil industry, asking the federal government to act fast.

The group said it strongly deplored the recent disclosure that Shell that it has concluded plans to sell its land based and shallow offshore oil fields and infrastructures in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

In a statement in Benin City,

ERA/FoRN, also noted that in its characteristic nature, Shell having almost drained the region dry of oil and gas resources and engaged in genocide because of its reckless and unconscionable operations in the region, have something to hide by seeking to walk away from its crime scene with billions of dollars in its kitty.

The statement which was endorsed by the Programme Director of ERA/FoEN, Mike Karikpo, further stated that though it has been at the forefront of campaigns to leave the oil in the soil and to halt oil

and gas extraction, it strongly deplores the insensitivity of the transnational corporation that has over the last few years been divesting from the region, collecting huge payouts for the oil fields and infrastructure sold and leaving local communities to deal with the devastation and destruction of the ecosystem, their lives and livelihoods.

“Shell recently sold OML 17 to HEIRS Holding in a deal worth well over half a billion dollars and absolutely nothing was set aside for the remediation and restoration of the damaged ecosystem of

communities around this area, “Karikpo added.

He said the call on the federal government became imperative given the history of Shell as one with disdain for local communities and disrespect of Nigeria’s justice system.

The ERA/FoEN programme director cited the repeated refusal of Shell to pay the N17 billion compensation awarded by a Nigerian court to the EjamaEbubu community in Eleme local government area of Rivers state for oil spills that devastated their land in 2010.

He said: “This spill occurred

during the Nigerian civil war 1967-1970 and Shell has refused to undertake proper cleanup of the spill area or pay the compensation set by the court.

In November 2020 Shell lost an attempt to extricate itself from responsibility for the spill and the compensation cost awarded against it. The Nigerian supreme court rejected Shell’s bid to set aside the 2010 compensation award, with accruing interest the compensation claim now stands at a healthy N180 billion.”

Also, the Executive Director of ERA/FoEN, Dr. Godwin Uyi Ojo, declared that, “Shell owes

the environment and the people of the Niger Delta region a huge ecological debt for its reckless operations in the region over the last seven decades, and should not just be allowed to walk away as if it is doing our people a big favour. Allowing Shell to run away from accountability for its ruinous actions in the Niger Delta region amounts to eating your cake and having it.”

He therefore, called on the Nigerian state to protect local communities’ interest within the divestment process of oil and Continued on page 26

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT T U E S D AY A U G U S T 3 , 2 0 2 1 FGN BONDS DESCRIPTION 11.668 FGNSB 15-AUG-2021 10.301 FGNSB 16-AUG-2021 11.150 FGNSB 11-SEP-2021 12.364 FGNSB 12-SEP-2021 12.175 FGNSB 10-OCT-2021

Price

Yield

BILLS Change (%)

MATURITY

OTC FX F U T U R E S

Discount Yield Change (%)

100.29

2.85

-0.04

NTB 26-Aug-21

3.00

3.01 0.00

100.26

2.86

-0.04

NTB 9-Sep-21

3.10

3.11 0.00

100.84

3.16

-0.04

NTB 16-Sep-21

3.15

3.16 0.00

100.99

3.17

-0.04

NTB 30-Sep-21

3.25

101.59

3.50

-0.05

NTB 14-Oct-21

3.35

CONTRACT TENOR (MONTH) 1

Contract

Current Rate ($/₦)

NGUS AUG 25 2021 420.93

2

NGUS SEP 29 2021 422.38

3

NGUS OCT 27 2021 423.83

3.27 0.00

4

NGUS NOV 24 2021 425.28

3.37 0.00

5

NGUS DEC 29 2021 426.73

C Ps MATURITY

Discount Yield

Change (%)

MREP CP XXXI 13-AUG-21 UNCP CP III 27AUG-21 VAAG CP I 27AUG-21 TTNG CP II 31AUG-21 SIBP CP I 2-SEP21

8.66

8.68

-0.04

4.10

4.11

-0.04

10.02

10.09 -0.04

4.48

4.50

-0.04

4.04

4.05

-0.04

26

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

NGX PAYS HOMAGE TO ASO ROCK

L–R: Acting Head, Business Support Services, Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited, Mrs. Irene Robinson-Ayanwale; Chief Executive Officer, NGX, Mr. Temi Popoola; Vice-President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Head, Listings Business, NGX, Mr. Olumide Bolumole and Head, Government Relations, NGX, Mr. Soji Akinyele during a visit to the State House, Abuja… recently

OML 150: Relief for Conoil As Delta State Government Wades into Leadership Dispute Sylvester Idowu in Warri Relief has come the way of Conoil Producing Limited, prospecting OML 150 oil field in seven Itsekiris communities in Warri South Local Government area as Delta State Government has set up a seven member communities liaison officers to manage the affairs of the host communities with the oil prospecting company.

The state government, in a

letter dated July 25, 2021 made available to newsmen and addressed to the Managing Director of Conoil Producing Limited, directed the oil firm to route all dealings to the individual host communities through the appointed Communities Liaison Officers (CLOs).

The letter with the heading, “Appointment of OML 150 Communities Liaison Officers” and a copy of which was also sent to the Olu Palace, Warri,

read thus, “please take note that the issues bothering on the leadership crisis of the OML 150 Consultative Committee has drawn the attention of the Executive Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

“Consequently, I have the mandate of the Executive Governor of Delta State to direct you to avoid dealing with any Consultative Forum, purportedly representing the seven host communities

for the time being pending the determination/amicable resolutions of all legal issues pertaining to the Consultative Committee.”

“Consequently, you are directed to route all dealings with the individual host communities through the following appointed Communities Liaison Officers (CLOs). Engr. Mone Mayomi (Obodo community); Mr. Omereyemi Otomewo (Uwakeno community); Mr.

Johnson Onire, (Ajosolo community); Mr. Billy Ejejigbe (Ekekwara community); Mr. Quincy Onuwaje (Omadino community); Mr. Lube Omadele, (Ifiekporo community) and Mr. Ola Femi (Jaluwa community), “he stated.

The letter, which was signed by the Executive Assistant (Security) to the Governor, Hon. Zino Ensemor, maintained that the arrangement is put in place to ensure the peace, which is

now being frequently threatened by aggrieved parties and also help build the fragile peace within the host communities and Delta State at large.

THISDAY recalled that the crisis between Hon. Monday Agbeyi and Charles Omadeli has been threatening the operations of the oil firm with protesting Itsekiri host communities in support of Agbeyi occupying the OML 150 oil field for sometimes now.

Expert: Middlemen Fleecing Peasant Farmers, Creating Artificial Scarcity Gilbert Ekugbe An agribusiness expert and the Director General, Premier Agribusiness Academy, Mr.Toromade Francis, has stated that middlemen are taking advantage of peasant farmers by buying off their produce to hoard in a bid to create artificial scarcity for staple crops.

Indeed, the country has continued to witness the rising cost of staple food crops despite being the largest producer of staple crops in West Africa by a large margin.

In a telephone chat with THISDAY, he said the

middlemen rent and own large warehouses in Zaria anticipating the prices of staple crops to rise in their quest to make unfair profit to the detriment of farmers and Nigeria at large.

According to him, “The most unfortunate thing is that it is not the farmers that are making money in Nigeria, but the middlemen who go to the farms to buy from the peasant farmers who do not have money. They rent warehouses in Zaria waiting for price to go up which they will eventually sell expensive to feed millers who will then pass the cost to consumers.”

He emphasized on the

need to educate farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), saying that until Nigeria develops human capital on most impactful agricultural practice, the federal government’s target of achieving food security will only remain a mirage.

He however bemoaned over the nation’s inability to invest in mechanized farming, adding that Nigeria still depends largely on subsistence farming which is grossly inadequate to meet its demand for food.

“We are not doing mechanized farming, we are still depending on subsistence farming method and consider-

ing our population, there is no way subsistence farming can meet our food needs. It is even better now and it might go worse in the next ten 10 years, because people are still using cutlasses and hoes in Nigeria and there is no place in the modern world where they cutlasses and hoes any longer.

With the subsistence farming our yield per hectare is low and there is no education on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs),” he said.

Meanwhile, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) identified credit constraint as one of the key barriers to adoption of modern

agricultural technologies such as chemical fertilizer, improved seeds, irrigation technologies among smallholders.

He said to address food insecurity in Nigeria, his Academy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IITA to train farmers on production of yam, maize, cassava, rice, soyabeans and cowpea, stressing that it also signed MoU with the Nigeria Institute of Animal Science to train on poultry, cattle rearing, goat rearing, piggery, dairy and aquaculture.

“We have succeeded in bringing the stakeholders together in both the public

and private sector to constitute an advisory council committee involving Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), International Training Fund (ITF), Catfish and Allied Fish Association of Nigeria (CAFAN), Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), Agriculture Research Council of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development (FMARD) and many more,” he added.

He pointed out the need to make more lands available for farming to boost production of food, saying that an average farmer has less than 2 hectares of land as against 500 hectares compared to other climes

DESPITE ECONOMY HEADWINDS, FBN, ETI, 5 OTHER BANKS PROFIT SOAR BY 12% IN H1

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

we will continue to aggressively grow our commercial lending business alongside trade and other revenue lines.”

Further investigation revealed that of the N113billion profit after tax reported by the seven banks in H1 2021, ETI contributed 55 per cent by recording N62.55billio profit after tax in H1 2021 from N48.53billion reported in H1 2020.

The Ecobank Group CEO, Mr. Ade Ayeyemi, in a statement said: “We saw continued and sustained resilience in our performance, which is indicative of the success of our ‘execution

momentum’ drive.”

In addition, Unity Bank’s profit after tax rose by 34.2per cent to N1.38billion in H1 2021 from N1.03billion reported in H1 2020 while Sterling Bank reported about five per cent profit after tax to N5.69billion in H1 2021 from N5.42billion reported in H1 2020.

The Managing Director/ CEO, Unity Bank, Mrs. Tomi Somefun had noted that the double digits growth recorded in both earnings and profits.

She added, H1 2021 was the result of a portfolio plan which the Bank set out in

the beginning of the year to diversify its portfolio whilst incrementally pursuing as set creation in petrochemical downstream, consumer, healthcare and general commerce with agribusiness providing the bulwark for identified business and brand benefits.

She stated that the Bank will be looking to strengthen its balance sheet from the liability side as it continues to grow its brand franchise in many areas of the retail market by promoting and leveraging its Agriculture value chain businesses as an offshoot to achieve better performance

ratios that enable it expand the scope of business for even greater outcome.

Peaking on the results, capital market analyst said the unaudited results of the seven banks indicated economy challenges, stressing that other sectors that have submitted the same results outperformed the banking sector.

The Vice president, Highcap securities, Mr. David Adonri said the performance of banks came as a surprise despite the ease of COVID-19 lockdown in the economy.

He said, “This time last year,

everywhere was lockdown and this year, economy has opened up and we exited recession. These banks weak performance put integrity on their results. The good thing is that some banks performed better and there is hope that for the banking sector to deliver good earnings this year.

“However, when you compare these banks performance to MTN Nigeria, Seplat, among others showed that other sectors are doing better than the banking sector. But, we are still waiting for H1 2021 results of the big banks on NGX.”

decision on the sale of Shell’s environmentally destructive assets so that they can ensure that the billions of dollars

that would accrue from the sale would be utilized for the remediation, compensation and restoration of our environment.

ERA/FOE URGES FG TO HALT SHELL DIVESTMENT FROM NIGERIA OIL INDUSTRY gas multinational companies operating in the Niger Delta region and halt Shell’s attempt to run away from its mess without

proper clean up of the Niger Delta.

Against this backdrop, ERA/FoEN therefore called

on CSOs and local communities to immediately put in place negotiating teams that will participate in any discussions and

27

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4, 2021

BUSINESSWORLD

MONEY ANALYSIS

The Many Gains of CBN’s Financial Inclusion Strategy The strategy deployed by the Central Bank of Nigeria to deepen financial inclusion since its inception in 2012, is gaining traction despite the initial hiccups, writes Nume Ekeghe

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in 2012, launched the National Financial Inclusion Strategy, at a time when about 46.3 per cent of Nigerian adults were excluded from financial services. The strategy’s goal was aimed at cutting down the exclusion rate to 20 per cent by 2020. In 2018, about four years after Godwin Emefiele became CBN Governor, the bank published a revised strategy aimed at setting a clear agenda for significantly increasing access to and usage of quality and affordable financial services in Nigeria. In 2019, Emefiele said the CBN was now targeting 95 per cent financial inclusion rate by 2024.The CBN’s increasing focus on financial inclusion has been described by industry players as sound and healthy. According to the World Bank, financial inclusion means that individuals and businesses have access to useful and affordable financial products and services that meet their needs. And the more financially inclusive an economy is, the more productive it can become. “In recent times, financial Inclusion has assumed a critical development policy priority in many countries, particularly in developing economies,” according to CBN.

PROGRESS REPORT

Although the set target for full financial inclusion in Nigeria is yet to be achieved, but financial analysts are of the view that the CBN’s strategy has helped in bringing more Nigerians into the financial ecosystem, thereby empowering more Nigerians with access to finance. According to CBN, the success recorded over the years is a sign that the country is on the right track. For example the banking population grew in 2020 by 45 per cent, up from 40 per cent in 2018. The CBN under Emefiele has also prioritised the development of technologies such as mobile money and agent banking to drive financial inclusion. Also, the success of financial inclusion cannot be divulged from the real economy, which has been affected negatively by the coronavirus pandemic.

But as the country recovers and economic activity picks up amid fears of a third wave, the CBN’s policies can only accelerate the rate at which more adult Nigerians seek financial inclusion.

Access Bank, fintechs like Paga, Interswitch, Quickteller, TeamApt, OPay, and Kuda Bank also play in the field and are constantly coming up with innovative ways to serve the unbanked and underbanked

DIGITAL MONEY

THE CHALLENGES

Achieving financial inclusion remains a global challenge, particularly in developing economies where some countries have as much as 70 per cent financial exclusion levels. In Nigeria, most financially excluded people resort to the use of informal financial services, and the situation is aggravated by insufficient financial infrastructures, such as the paucity of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and bank branches in rural areas.

According to a report published by the Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA), a development organisation that promotes financial inclusion in Nigeria, about 36 per cent of Nigeria’s adult population remains financially excluded. Many of those excluded are women and adults in Northern Nigeria.” “ Large gaps in financial access remain for some of Nigeria’s most financially excluded groups. Women continue to be more financially excluded than men, with only 45% of women using formal financial services, compared with 56% of men,” the report said.

“Adults in Northern Nigeria continue to be significantly more financially excluded than those in the southern zones, and rural adults are still more excluded than those in urban areas. Young adults, between the ages of 18-25, are significantly more likely than older adults to be financially excluded.”

REGULATIONS

The CBN’s approach to solving the financial

inclusion challenge has been to provide the conducive regulatory environment for financial institutions to engender innovation; this approach includes providing licensing and regulatory guidelines for Payment Service Banks (PSBs) and the Shared Agent Network Expansion Facility.

In July 2021, the bank released regulatory guidelines and framework for Mobile Money services in the country.

The guideline “addresses business rules governing the operation of mobile money services, and specifies basic functionalities expected of any mobile money service and solution in Nigeria.”

It also “identifies the participants and defines their expected roles and responsibilities in providing mobile money services in the system. In addition, it sets the basis for the regulation of services offered at different levels and by the participants.”

Earlier in 2019, the CBN had licensed 15 mobile money operators to increase the provision of financial services to unbanked Nigerians.

“In our effort to drive change and development, the CBN has over the last decade and half worked to build an effective and efficient payment system,” Emefiele said in a statement in March this year.

According to the CBN Governor, the robust regulatory framework put in place by the bank has opened up the payment system to innovation with several new players across Payment Service Banks, Payment Terminal Service Providers (PTSP’s), Payment Solution Service Providers (PSSP’s), Mobile Money Operators (MMO’s), Payment Terminal Application Developers (PTSA’s), and agent banking.

Agency banking contributes significantly to banks’ revenue growth driven by charges from electronic banking services The CBN introduced the Point of Sales (PoS) system and agent banking in 2013 to achieve financial inclusion and develop a cashless economy and apart from commercial banks with agent banking arms like FirstMonie by First Bank Nigeria and Access CLOSA by

As part of its efforts to drive financial inclusion, the CBN also zeroed in on developing new frameworks such as a digital currency.

Recently, the bank announced that the e-Naira become operational by October this year, another leap, which is expected to improve financial inclusion among Nigerian adults.

The digital currency will make transactions “cheaper and more efficient,” Emefiele said in a statement in July this year.

“On the digital economy, the Nigerian economy just like the rest of the world is going digital and cash cannot play in that space. Therefore, the e-Naira which will represent the digital equivalent of cash will be used as the fiat currency to effect transactions.

“And of course, in the area of facilitating monetary policy transmission, we believe that the rise of private digital money such as Facebook game and others will mean less visibility to the amount of money in the system and hence inability of monetary authorities to properly transmit monetary policy decisions.

“And in terms of financial inclusion, we believe that over 30 percent of bankable adults are still outside the financial system. So, the ability to have offline payment through our e-Naira initiative will bring most of them into the formal financial sector,” Emefiele said.

PRIORITISING WOMEN

As noted earlier, women are more financially excluded than men.

The CBN has taken cognisance of this, as it prioritises women in its financial inclusion strategy.

In September 2020, the apex bank launched the framework for Advancing Women’s Financial Inclusion in Nigeria, as part of efforts to close the 8.5 percent financial inclusion gap in Nigeria.

According to CBN, “Women’s financial inclusion is an important element in striving toward the broader goal of women’s economic and social empowerment,” the Framework report said. Financial inclusion is not an end in itself it is a means of improving livelihoods and fostering women’s economic and social empowerment.”

28

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

MARKET INTERVIEW

Oritsejafor: Domestic Investors will Continue to Dominate Equities Market Managing/Chief Executive Officer of United Capital Securities Limited, Mr. Bawo Oritsejafor in this interview with Goddy Egene speaks on the Nigerian capital market and prospects for investors among other issues. Excerpts factors, we project interest rates will be volatile in H2-2021 with a lot depending on the timing of heavy liquidity inflows into the financial system. Thus, while we believe the yield environment has peaked and the overall trend of the yield environment points towards a decline, we expect to see periods of oscillation in yields throughout H2-2021.

What in your opinion was the driver of the stock market in the first half of (H1)-2021? he driver of the equities market in H1-2021 was been the reversal of yields in the fixed income and treasury markets.

The market kicked off 2021 relatively strong carrying over the bullish momenta from 2020, gaining 5.3 per cent in January-2021. However, towards the end of January we began to see investors navigate from equities into fixed income assets as it became obvious that the government was on an intense debt spiraling program.This was recently evident in the latest budget implementation document released by the government which showed the height of the borrowing at the start of the year. So, we will say that has been the biggest driver in the market thus far in 2021. Thus far (Jan-2021 – May-2021), the segmented breakdown of equity market participation in 2021 shows that domestic investors primarily drove the market in H1-2021. Total transactions in the market were split 77.8 per cent vs. 22.2 per cent, in favour of domestic investors. Domestic investor activity in the market was N658.2 billion, as of April-2021, while international investor activity was N178.2 billion. Going forward for the rest of 2021, we do not expect to see any fundamental changes in the segmentation of foreign investors, considering the state of the economy and broad market expectations.

T

What are your expectations for the current earnings season?

Going into the current earnings season, we have a broadly positive outlook for listed Nigerian companies particularly in the real sector of the economy. The elevated inflationary environment has given consumer and industrial goods companies room to raise prices on their products. In addition, as the economy continues to stage a rebound from the recession in 2020, we expect to see a resurgence in consumer demand although the average consumer continues to remain pressured.

That said, we expect to see a significant rise in cost for these companies considering the global rebound in commodity prices, devaluation of the Naira and the high inflationary environment. All in, we expect the impact of revenue growth on bottom line will outweigh the drag from a surge in costs. Thus, we project a decent growth in profitability for fast moving consumer goods (FMCGs), brewers, food processors and cement companies. In addition, we have a similar sentiment for Telecoms companies as accelerating broadband penetration would continue to drive data revenue growth while the resumption of SIM registration would further support subscriber base. For banking stocks, we maintain a lukewarm position on outlook for their earnings. First, for interest income, we expect a decent improvement considering the fast-paced reversal in the fixed income environment.

However, the tighter system liquidity is expected to weigh on their cost of funds given the spike in fixed deposit rates.

Thus, we expect to see pressure on the net interest margin (NIMs) of banking stocks.

As a result, growth in net interest income can only be supported by expanding loan book. On Non-interest income, we expect significant declines on the trading income of banks with heavy long positions in the fixed income market. However, we expect recovery in Fee & Commission income could help compensate for the dip in Trading income. Lastly, cost management in this high inflationary environment will be critical for profitability for banking stocks. Thus, overall, we have a not too shiny outlook for banking earnings in H1-2021.

So, what is your outlook for the financial market going forward?

Looking ahead, our outlook for stocks for the rest of 2021 is broadly bearish. Despite the expectation of moderation in the yield environment, we do not expect the yield environment to significantly dip such that it ignites investors’ interest in the equities market. That said, we expect the yearly hunt for dividend yield will present opportunities for investors to exploit in H2-2021. Thus, we expect the performance of the equities market in months where earnings scorecard is announced will show decent gains as investors take positions in stocks expected to deliver the numbers, raising chances of improved dividend payments. For the debt market, the overall outlook for the yield environment in H2-2021 is biased towards downward movement from current levels albeit with periods of volatility. Our research team believes yields in the fixed income market will continue to be shaped by a horde of factors including financial system liquidity dynamics, and sovereign debt mangers’ market guidance.

Oritsejafor

How soon do you expect foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) to return to the Nigerian equities market?

In our opinion, we expect foreign investors to stay away from the Nigeria equity market until at least 2023, simply because traditionally in a year like 2022, which is a pre-election year and 2023, the actual election year, foreign investors are bound to adopt a rather stand-off stance towards Nigerian equities, going by precedence. Also, since the turn of the year, other frontier and emerging equities markets have received massive inflows from international markets.

Yet, the flow of foreign funds into Nigerian equities has remained hugely limited, despite our foreign reserves mainly remaining stable and the rebound oil prices. The market perception around the CBN continued attempts to adopt measures to stop the onslaught on foreign exchange reserves by limiting outflows from the capital accounts has dampened investor sentiment in the Nigeria equities in the last year.

Moreover, the investment environment remains currently unattractive to FPIs in the short term, due to our stagflation and currency uncertainties.

What are your views on the developments in the debt market and where do you see yields moving in the next half of the year?

In line with our expectation for a strong reversal in the yield environment, the fixed income market has witnessed rapid acceleration in the yield environment through H1-2021. To give perspective, average yield across the yield curve has

climbed 624bps yesr-to-date(YTD) to 11.4 per cent as at Jun-2021, from 5.1 per cent at the end of 2020. Consequently, Nigerian sovereign bonds underperformed peers in emerging markets, as the S&P/FMDQ Nigeria Sovereign Bond index has lost 21.1 per cent YTD, compared to YTD loss of 2.9 per cent on the JP Morgan EM Government Bond index.

In the primary market, for NT-bills primary market auction, stop rates on the 91-day, 182-day and 364-day bills rose to a peak of 2.0 per cent, 3.50 per cent & 9.75 per cent respectively, from 0.04 per cent, 0.5 per cent & 1.21 per cent at the last NT-bills auction in Dec-2020.

For the bonds market,marginal rates on the short-tenor, mid-tenor, and long-tenor instruments peaked at 13.1 per cent, 14.0 per cent and 14.2 per cent at the May-2021 auction, from 8.0 per cent, 8.7 per cent and 9.0 per cent in Jan-2021 auction.

Looking ahead, we expect investors’ liquidity to improve in H2-2021, creating stronger demand for fixed income assets in the period. The improved liquidity is also expected to relieve liquidity pressures faced by banks in H1-2021.

However, we think the CBN would resume CRR debits given the amount of liquidity that is expected to hit the financial system via bond maturities and coupon flows. Furthermore, we expect the FG’s financing needs to remain elevated albeit with huge dependence on the external debt market.

In addition, sovereign debt managers would continue deploy financial repressive tactics with a view to managing the precarious cost of debt for the Federal government. Having highlighted these

What is your recommended investment strategy going forward?

Looking ahead, we believe investors should be very active in managing their portfolios in H2-2021. We do not advise a buy and hold strategy in any of the segments of the markets as active management will help maximise their returns in the market conditions expected in H2-2021. In the equities market, we believe exposing your portfolio to stocks on track to record aggressive growth in revenue and profitability would provide the best returns considering we expect price upticks in stock to be driven by momentum bias from earnings release. We also believe proper timing relating to taking positions ahead of earnings release will be critical to outperforming the market. In the fixed income market, we recommend watching trends of expected liquidity inflows into the fixed income market will be critical to guide for entry and exit in the fixed income market considering we expect higher volatility in H2-2021.

As an organization, what are your plans to implement your Transformation Agenda/ Strategy going into 2022, especially as it relates to the Securities Trading Business?

At United Capital Securities, we strongly believe that there is room for growth of securities trading business in Nigeria. In a country with an adult population of over 96 million, there are less than 10 million active CSCS account and lots of states within the country with limited access and knowledge on investing in financial markets. We are committed to supporting the regulators in deepening financial literacy and inclusion especially as it relates to the capital market.

We intend to create more interesting products that suits the investment needs of diverse investors across the country and the African market. Leveraging on our robust digital platform, we would offer Nigerians a wide range of markets to invest in as well as enhance the understanding of financial markets in all the state of the federations through targeted campaigns and clinics for various segment of the market. Via these initiatives, we hope to broaden financial literacy and drive improved savings/investment culture in Nigeria as well as create sustained value for our shareholders.

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BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

Need for Uninterrupted Recapitalisation Exercise in Insurance Sector There has not been any successful recapitalisation exercise in the insurance industry over the years. Past attempts to have such a comprehensive process were fraught with controversy.

Ebere Nwoji writes that successful recapitalisation will boost the capacity of the sector

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ast and present moves by insurance industry regulatory authority, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to upscale the minimum operating capital of insurance firms for the purpose of building a stronger and virile insurance sector have severally been marred by resistance and opposition from the industry operators.

The resistance, often emanate from operators whose firms lacked the wherewithal to meet the new capital regime. This development has happened many times under different regimes in the Commission. Indeed, recapitalisation exercise in Nigerian insurance sector has always been greeted with controversies that often end in court injunction that eventually put the exercise on hold. The result of lack of successful recapitalization exercise is that the insurance industry has small firms with weak financial base and lack the ability to pay claims. Past recapitalisation initiatives started way back in 1997, during the regime of the late Oladipo Bailey, as the Commissioner for Insurance. Industry stakeholders opined that the recapitalisation exercise embarked upon

by NAICOM at that time met the worst and most pronounced resistance to the extent that the entire insurance industry was enmeshed in several court cases.

LEGAL TUSSLE These legal tussles were instituted by various arms of the industry against the regulator under the Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA) as the umbrella body of Insurance underwriters, the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), then known as Nigeria Council of Insurance Brokers, the Institute of Loss Adjusters of Nigeria (ILAN), the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), which is the educational arm of the industry. These bodies filed one case or another against the regulator. In recent times, the resistance has shifted from the umbrella bodies to individual companies.

This negative trend has continued even up to the present time, raising the question on whether the industry cannot afford to have a peaceful, smooth and controversy-free recapitalization exercise that is devoid of opposition and litigation. Industry analysts, on account of this, described the insurance sector as the most unserious industry that prefers to maintain its age-old position as poor cousin of banking sector.

industry’s minimum capi-tal increased to N2 billion for life underwriters, N3 billion for general busi-ness and N5 billion for composite firms as well as N10 billion for reinsurers and that was in 2007. The exercise reduced the number of operating firms to 57 insurance companies and two reinsurance firms making them 59 firms.

Since then, NAICOM, as a regulator through the commissioners for insurance has been trying to raise the industry’s capital to match inflation trends and the level of risks coming the way of operators but to no avail.

Industry observers also said that each attempt had witnessed strong oppo-sition from the operators and the shareholders and this obviously was one of the reasons the immediate past Commissioner for Insurance, Alhaji Mo-hammed Kari, lost his chance of having his tenure renewed.

CAPITAL FLIGHT

TIER BASE CAPITAL

Industry analysts also argued that this was why the sector has continued to suffer capital flight and noted that most high -tech and capital-intensive risks from key sectors like oil and gas as well as aviation sectors are insured abroad despite the local content law of the federal government because of low capitalisation of most insurance firms. Industry observers have remarked that the prevailing low capital of most firms cannot allow operators of these capital-intensive businesses to willingly place their core businesses with local insurers.

They prefer to take them abroad at even higher costs.

Kari, who was the former Managing Director and Chief Executive officer of the hitherto federal government owned NICON Insurance Corporation knew the danger of small firms with low capital operating in the system and un-derwriting huge business tickets which claims they cannot pay.

He therefore came up with the Tier Base Capital increase, through which he classified the operators in terms of capital base into tier one, tier two and tier three.

But this was along the line kicked against by some operators who allegedly instigated their shareholders to head to court. Once more, this saw the sus-pension of the initiative.

With the tier base capital model, each operating firm was to concentrate on underwriting of only the businesses it has the financial muscle and human capital to underwrite and be in position to easily pay claims emanating from such class of business when the risk crystalises but this was again resisted by the operators.

Industry insiders said part of their reasons for opposing the tier base capital model was that companies which fall within tier three will be regarded by the insuring public as poor operators and that since NAICOM did not set bounds on tier one and tier two operators on their limit of operations in terms of classes of businesses to underwrite and those they should not venture into, they will stand as predators to tier three firms and will as such chase them out of business.

With this reason, some operators were said to have colluded with their shareholders

EFFORTS OF THE REGULATOR Against this backdrop, every regime in NAICOM has made efforts to make the industry overcome the low capital syndrome of many of the insurance companies, but till date opposition still mounts and has insisted that the low capital status quo must remain.

Records show that after the 1997 exercise led

by Chief Bailey, which reduced the number of insurance firms in the country from 129 operating firms to about 79, came the second wave of recapitalisation in 2003, under the regime of late Chief Emmanuel Chuk-wulozie as Commissioner for Insurance. He increased the capital base of insurance firms from N70 million to N200 million and N150 million for gen-eral and life underwriters respectively. The exercise then led to his suspen-sion and removal and he later ended behind prison bars due to series of allegations. Then came Mr. Fola Daniel who concluded the exercise and later supervised a follow up exercise that saw the

and got court injunction to compel the regulator to suspend the exercise.

SHARE CAPITAL INCREASE After this, Kari, in apparent move to weed out those small operators whose interest he tried to protect by coming up with the tier base model, later instituted the increase in share capital model which saw over 300 per cent increase in operating capital of firms.

Thus the increase in share capital model upgraded minimum capital of general business underwriters from N3 billion to N10 billion, life underwriters from N2 billion to N8 billion, composite underwriters, that is those underwriting both life and general business from N5 billion to N18 billion and reinsurers from N10 billion to N25 billion.

This brought an uproar among the operators and their shareholders who again headed to court and in the process, Kari’s first tenure elapsed and because of several negative reports by operators on his highhandedness, his tenure could not be renewed, a development that led to his exit.

Industry observers said that if the share capital model were allowed to stand, the number of operating firms would have been reduced from 57 to 20.

Currently there are a total of 65 insurance and reinsurance companies in the country. They exist in the following order: 31 General business underwriting firms, 17 life insurance underwriting firms, 10 composite firms, four Takaful firms and three Reinsurance firms. But there are indications that not all of them are healthy today.

When the present Commissioner for insurance, Mr. Sunday Thomas came on board, there was much jubilation among industry operators who saw him as a home breed that is familiar with the terrain, having been the Director General of the umbrella body of underwriters the Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA).

Thomas tried to live up to their expectation by shifting the deadline for the pending recapitalisation exercise from June 30, 2020 to December 31, 2020.

After the outbreak of COVID-19, he divided the exercises into two phases, saying firms should provide 50 per cent of the required capital by December 31,2020, while making up the balance of 50 percent

by December 31st 2021.

Surprisingly, some operators and their shareholders still went to court to obtain injunction stopping the December 31,

deadline for completion of first phase of the recapitalisation and suspending the exercise.

Their major reasons were that NAICOM should allow admissible capital in form of fixed assets to count as part of the capital.

They also said the Com-mission should take into consideration, the effect of the pandemic and the #ENDSARS protest.

MANAGING THE SITUATION Informed source disclosed that before now, NAICOM, had been managing the situation underground to see if the operators would show sense of un-derstanding on the need to grow the industry through adequate capitalisa-tion but in the process, there was another court order on December 30, 2020 restraining the Commission from upholding the December 31 deadline.

A source close to NAICOM, told THISDAY that the main problem with insur-ance industry recapitalisation over the years is that whereas NAICOM has been keen to build a strong and formidable insurance industry that can match other firms in the global insurance market, many insurers have re-mained as conservative as ever, preferring to remain and die as small enti-ties.

Speaking about the nature of insurance industry he wants to see in Nigeria, Thomas said, “The exercise aims to strengthen the financial position of op-erating firms, reduce risk of insolvency in the sector and protect policy hold-ers.”

He had said the recapitalisation exercise was aimed at repositioning the sector for self-actualisation in terms of growth and development.

“But let me state in clear terms that the recapitalisation process is up and running in line with the roadmap and the Commission will see to its logical conclusion,” Thomas had added. Contrary to this, industry operators said the industry does not need huge capital.

Chairman, Mutual Benefit Assurance Plc., Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, had described the recapitalisation idea as a great disservice to the operating firms and the industry, saying the exercise has created confidence problem in the in-dustry as it could kill the industry if it is not reversed or given a longer-term period as deadline.

“In fact, something drastic needs to be done to reverse this new capital ex-ercise. It has created a lot of confidence problem. Even the people doing in-surance don’t know what will happen.

If an industry is working with N5 billion and they are not able to use it for profitability, and you say increase it to N18 billion, what are we insuring?” he queried.

He said he did not agree with the purpose of the NAICOM’s recapitalisation initiative, insisting there was no reason for the requirement of the new capital base.

According to him, the current capital base

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GODWIN EMEFIELE THE FIRST 60YEARS

A LIFE OF SERVICE IN PICTURES 1

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EMEFIELE: A LIFE OF SERVICE OBINNA CHIMA AND JAMES EMEJO

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hen the tenure of the then Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido was coming to an end in 2014, a lot of Nigerians jostled for the plum jobs.

Even when the names of some top bank chief executives, economists and even some deputy governors at the central bank then were being bandied about, nobody mentioned his name.

He was not even from the geo-political zone that most people thought the job would go to considering that he comes from same region with President Goodluck Jonathan.

But against all odds, Mr. Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele was nominated for the job of the CBN Governor, a position on February 20, 2014. Having put up an impressive performance at his screening before the Committee and thereafter the entire Senate on March 26, 2014, his appointment as the 11th (10th indigenous) Governor of the CBN was confirmed and he assumed the position on June 3, 2014.

Typically, in Nigeria’s political scene, it is usually not easy for a public officer who was appointed by a government to be retained in office when an opposition government wins an election.

But Emefiele survived all the darts thrown at him when the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government took over and even went ahead to become the first CBN Governor to get a second term since 1999, following his reappointment in 2019.

Indeed, the Ika-born banker who celebrates his 60th birthday today, has lived a remarkable and eventful life.

Despite rising to the pinnacle of his career he has remained himself and has held onto the ideals of unyielding rectitude, selfless service and unwavering commitment to the welfare and well-being of the common man.

There is something about Emefiele that appeals to you from a distance. In more ways than one, your first encounter with him is likely to leave a humbling experience in you. His calm and dignified mien resonates long after you may have left him; his very simple nature underscores a man unimpressed by the grandeur and prestige of his office. Big titles and big talk are hardly a part of him.

THE EARLY YEARS

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mefiele was born on August 4, 1961. He attended Government Primary School, Victoria Island, Lagos in 1973 and Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikeja, Lagos State, for the West African School Certificate (WASC) in June 1978.

He proceeded to the famous University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where he studied Banking and Finance and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree (B.Sc.) (Second Class Upper Division) in June 1984. In October 1986, he obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree in Finance also from UNN, winning the Best Graduating Student Award. He later engaged in Executive studies at Stanford University, Harvard University (2004) and Wharton Graduate School of Business (2005), where he took courses in Negotiation, Service Excellence, Critical Thinking, Leading Change and Strategy. Before his banking career, he lectured Mathematics of Finance and Insurance at the UNN and University of Port Harcourt.

The young Emefiele started his banking career at the Nigerian American Merchant Bank (First Bank of Boston) and later joined Zenith Bank Plc at its inception in 1990.

“Growing up, my parents, recognised that the only way to brighten my chances for a better future was to provide me with a good education. I witnessed their toils as they struggled to pay my school fees, sometimes using proceeds from a small palm-oil plantation we cultivated in our hometown.

“I sympathised with their inability to sufficiently support me through those periods, despite all the luxuries that some of my peers had. With their relentless reminders, I remained diligent and determined to accomplish my dream of becoming a leader in my chosen field of finance.

“When I look back at some of my peers in school who focused on other things besides hard work and dedication to excellence, I see a different turn in their journeys through life.

For this and many other reasons, I remain eternally grateful to God and to my parents for the principles they imparted in me,” Emefiele told a gathering of students and academics at the University of Lagos, recently.

“I am a believer in destiny. Every man’s life has been ordained by destiny but you cannot say because your life is ordained by destiny you will not work. Hard work and focus will lead you to achieve your destiny otherwise that which was ordained for you will not materialise,” he had told THISDAY. For some inexplicable reason, his childhood fascination was to be a doctor, but he switched to Banking and Finance.

“I wanted to be a doctor, I wanted to study medicine in school but really can’t remember what happened that made me decide to change to banking and finance. I don’t know why I suddenly made that switch, but I did and even became a lecturer,” he added.

THE FAMILY MAN Emefiele is married to Margaret and they are blessed with two sons: Godwin Pammichukwu Jnr. and Andrew Olisehike Emefiele. Although Emefiele is said to be closely knitted with both his nuclear and extended family , this attribute was truly demonstrated by two events in 2016 that happened 7 months apart.

At the burial of his mum in April 2016, Emefiele left no one in doubt that his late mum meant much to him emphasising that she had raised them up with strict Christian and Biblical principles. Emefiele said: “I enjoin mothers to bring up their children in the way of God, correct them when they are wrong and teach them to be hard working in life, they will turn out to be good citizens of the society.”

The second event which happened in October 2016 was the dramatic kidnapping of his wife, Margaret. Although she was rescued within 24 hours , the CBN governor left no one in doubt about his closeness with his family: “I am grateful to security agencies for their gallantry in bringing my wife back home within 24 hours in compliance with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“My gratitude to the Delta and Edo State governments, friends and well wishers who, through their actions, prayers and goodwill, helped to bring this harrowing experience to a joyful end.

“I reaffirm my resolve to continue to serve the nation diligently with all his heart without any fear of intimidation,” Mr. Emefiele said in a statement after the event

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ZENITH BANK YEARS Emefiele was an integral part of the team that transformed Zenith Bank Plc from a start-up to one of Africa’s largest banks with over 10,000 staff and N1.17 trillion in shareholders’ funds as of December 2020, as well as subsidiaries in Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, South Africa, Dubai, China and the United Kingdom.

On account of his uncommon diligence, exceptional motivation, and undying integrity, he rose quickly through the ranks of the bank and was appointed Executive Director in 1996. In this position, Emefiele oversaw the banks affairs in Corporate Banking, Treasury, Financial Control and Strategic Planning, and was later appointed Deputy Managing Director in 2001.

Emefiele who typically as someone from the Niger Delta is fluent in pidgin English and also speaks Yoruba fluently, played key roles in the bank’s expansion beyond Africa’s shores as Zenith became t h e first Nigerian bank in 25 years to be licensed by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in the United Kingdom for the commencement of banking operations in April 2007.

In August 2010, he became the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, and its subsidiaries in Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, South Africa, China, and the United Kingdom.

Under Emefiele’s leadership, Zenith Bank strengthened its position as a leading financial institution in Africa, winning recognition and endorsement at home and abroad for giant strides in key performance areas like corporate governance, service delivery and deployment of cutting-edge ICT. The bank also won several awards, both domestic and international.

EARLY YEARS AT CBN When the former Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, arrived on his first day as the CBN governor in June 2014, his task was huge.

He carried with him the burden of high expectation as the institution then was perceived to be going through a turbulent time, considering the manner in which Sanusi was suspended.

Investor confidence, both local and international was shaken. The sharp fall in crude oil prices that year, which led to significant revenue shortfall in Nigeria was a concern.

Additionally, the economic outlook for the country and some of its peers in the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was gloomy, as oil prices had been widely estimated to remain weak in the medium term. These resulted to pressure on the country’s external reserves.

But despite these challenges when he took over and which have seen the economy slip into recession twice under the present administration mainly due largely to exogenous factors, the CBN under Emefiele has continued to steer the economy in the right direction through its monetary policy and aggressive development finance interventions.

GODWIN EMEFIELE , A TRUE SYMBOL OF LOYALTY

By Jim Ovia One of the most commonly used words in the Nigerian public space today is ‘Loyalty’. It is also an attribute that is very much in short supply.

Only few Nigerians are loyal to their friends, their colleagues, their ideals, their bosses or, indeed, any abiding principles, especially where money and power are involved. But then, loyalty is a two-way thing: We repose utmost trust in other people only when we feel secure and safer because of their presence in our lives, and they feel the same about us.

When I set out to establish Zenith Bank, Godwin Emefiele was one of the first persons I invited to join me on what has turned out to be an incredible journey. Faithful, diligent, and honest in his dealings, he was young, he was intelligent and humble. He was a team player. He was loyal to me as a friend and direct boss as well as to the ideals of the bank. And he rose by dint of hardwork to become my successor as Managing Director and CEO. These same attributes that endeared Godwin to me would later recommend him to President Goodluck Jonathan, who first appointed him the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2014, and President Muhammadu Buhari, who not only graciously retained him but gave him an unprecedented second term in office - only a second time in the history of the Central Bank.

The career trajectory of Godwin is a testimony to his strength of character. From a humble beginning as an assistant lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt before he ventured into banking, Godwin has never sought the limelight nor crave any position. He has always preferred his work to speak for him. It is therefore no surprise that at 60, he has become a living proof of that immortal Biblical passage in Proverbs Chapter 22, Verse 29: “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”

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CENTRAL BANKER OF THE POOR The CBN Act of 2007 charges the bank with the overall control and administration of the monetary and financial sector policies in the country.

Although the four key objectives of the CBN includes to ensure monetary and price stability; issue legal tender currency in Nigeria; maintain external reserves to safeguard the international value of the legal tender currency; promote a sound financial system in Nigeria; and act as banker and provide economic and financial advice to the federal government, the bank has continued to perform major developmental functions, focused on all the key sectors of the economy.

Central banks in developing economies aim at the promotion and maintenance of a rising level of production, employment and real income in the country. This they do by working in alignment with the fiscal authorities for effective policy transmission.

That is why the CBN under Emefiele has continued to pay significant attention to the development finance role of the CBN by supporting efforts of the fiscal authorities.

Chief among them is the development of policies that targets rural dwellers as well as poverty alleviation.

This has seen the Emefiele-led CBN in the past seven years champion the diversification of the Nigerian economy away from heavy dependence on crude oil and other items that can be produced in the country.

Some of these initiatives include the Anchor Borrowers Program (ABP), Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) and the National Collateral Registry.

Also, the CBN introduced the Real Sector Support fund; a facility meant to provide cheap funding at no more than nine per cent to new projects in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors; aimed at boosting output and creating jobs.

In the agriculture sector, ABP has ensured that Nigeria emerged from being a net importer of rice to becoming a major producer of rice. In fact, presently, over one million farmers across more than 16 different commodities have so far benefited from the ABP, which has generated millions of jobs across the country.

SUPPORT FOR MSMES/ FINANCIAL INCLUSION The CBN has contributed significantly to the development of micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria. Apart from galvanising policy support for SMEs development through its mandates, the CBN has rolled out massive developmental interventions in some critical sectors of the Nigerian economy, especially in agriculture, manufacturing and SMEs. Attention has also been paid to advancing knowledge and innovation through various initiatives targeted at promoting youth’s entrepreneurship, research and development. Some of the specific achievements that we have recorded in this area are highlighted below.

As part of its development finance interventions to directly support SMEs, the bank has introduced several schemes and initiatives including the SME Credit Guarantee Scheme (SMECGS), Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund (MSMEDF),

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Youth Entrepreneurship Development Programme (YEDP) and Agri-business/ Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS). Others are the Entrepreneurship Development Centres (EDCs), National Collateral Registry (NCR), Creative Industry Financing Initiative (CIFI), Targeted Credit Facility (TCF) and the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF).

One of the most recent schemes targeted at channelling low-interest wholesale funds to the MSME segment is the MSMEDF. This scheme has recorded the disbursement of over N83.9billion to 216,704 beneficiaries at end of 2020. The obligor limit ranges from N500,000 for micro enterprises to N50 billion for SMEs financed by banks and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs). Also, the initiative offers 10 per cent of the total loans for start-up businesses, two per cent to economically active persons living with disabilities (PLWD) and 60 per cent of the Fund’s wholesale component dedicated to women entrepreneurs or women led MSMEs in order to promote financial inclusion.

Under the AGSMEIS, an initiative of the Bankers’ Committee, in collaboration with the CBN set up to improve access to affordable and sustainable finance by agribusinesses and MSMEs, a total of N111.7 billion has been disbursed to 29,026 beneficiaries.

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT The Emefiele-led central bank also launched several youth investment-friendly programmes and interventions to empower Nigerian youths with necessary inputs to build successful SMEs and other businesses. One of such schemes is the Youth Entrepreneurship Development Programme (YEDP) which was launched in 2016, to enhance the deployment of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Nigerian youths to achieve maximum economic development. Under the scheme, a total of N173.4 million has been disbursed to over 67 beneficiaries.

The target beneficiaries are members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), non-NYSC (but with not more than five years post-NYSC), holders of verifiable tertiary institution certificates, and artisans with First School Leaving Certificate or a technical certificate or accredited proficiency certificate from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

Similarly, the Federal Executive Council on the 22nd of July 2020 approved the sum of N75 billion for the establishment of the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) for the period of 2020 - 2023 to be funded by the CBN. The objective of NYIF is to improve access to finance for youth and youth-owned enterprises for national development. Under the scheme, N2.04billion has been disbursed to 7,057 beneficiaries, of which 4,411 were individuals and 2,646 SMEs. Furthermore, the bank has provided substantial support to some selected higher institutions in the country in order to enhance training, and quality. This formed the basis for the construction of centres of excellence in eight universities across the country, two of which have been completed, with others at various stages of development.

“We would be writing to all universities, to begin to conduct some kind of entrepreneurship development competition programme.

“If you truly say you are a graduate of agriculture, are you coming out of the university to begin to look for a job in a company or you are graduating with your certificate to go into agriculture business? So, we would like to encourage universities,” he said recently.

SUPPORT FOR CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

Furthermore, the Emefiele-led central bank established the Creative Industry Financing Initiatives (CIFI) aimed at improving access to long-term, low-cost financing to entrepreneurs and investors. It covers a wide range of sub sectors in the creative industries, some of which include, movie and music production, fashion and ICT. Among the target opportunities is the graduate software development loan.

While the disbursement is in phases, in line with the agreed milestone, a sum of N3.1 billion has so far been disbursed to 341 beneficiaries.

Another area championed by the bank towards SMEs development relates to entrepreneurship and youth training. The CBN in 2006 in collaboration with Small and Medium Enterprises Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), National Directorate of Employment (NDE), National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) and Industrial Training Fund (ITF), began the establishment of Entrepreneurship Development Centre [EDC] across six geo-political zones of Nigeria. The centres were mandated

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the production of key staple items, which is in line with the government food security objectives.

The CBN boss, at the inaugural meeting of the Steering Committee (SteerCo) for the repositioning of the NCX said the federal government’s premier commodity exchange had not been able to catalyse agricultural production due to several structural and idiosyncratic challenges.

COVID-19 INTERVENTION

to develop entrepreneurship spirit amongst Nigerians and provide insight into the tools, techniques, and framework for managing all functional areas of business enterprise, including production, marketing, personnel, and finance. These initiatives have significantly helped to bridge the skilled labour gap among SMEs.

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In line with the first-responder approach, the Emefiele-led central bank acted swiftly, almost when the first case broke out in the country by unveiling a raft of measures to moderate the impact of the virus on households, businesses as well as the economy. Precisely, Emefiele announced an extension of the moratorium on the apex bank’s interventions programmes, interest rate reduction, creation of a N100 billion targeted credit facility; N100 billion health sector intervention facility and N1 trillion for the manufacturing sector. Some other measures included strengthening the central bank’s Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR) policy and regulatory forbearance. In addition, Emefiele was also instrumental to the formation of the private-sector-led Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID), which was able to mobilise billions of naira and has immensely supported the country’s COVID-19 fight by setting up healthcare facilities across the country as well as in distributing palliatives to states.

The health sector facility provided loans to pharmaceutical companies to expand/open their drug manufacturing plants in the country and also for hospitals and healthcare practitioners to expand/build health facilities.

Furthermore, the Targeted Credit Facility was introduced in March 2020 as a stimulus package to cushion the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on households and MSMEs across the country.

RESUSCITATING THE NIGERIAN COMMODITY EXCHANGE

CACOVID: DRIVING PRIVATE SECTOR COALITION

Emefiele at the beginning of the year announced the suspension of the planned to privatisation of the Nigeria Commodity Exchange (NCX) by the federal government with immediate effect and spearheaded efforts to reposition the exchange. Part of the measures to revamp the moribund company was the investment of at least N50 billion by the apex bank through the InfraCo structure.

According to the CBN governor, the move followed the unfortunate arbitrage opportunities which the government had noticed in the private sector arrangement and which had become an obstacle in moderating food prices in the country.

Under the proposal, President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the revalidation of CBN’s 59.7 per cent majority shareholding stake in the NCX, to enable it implement far reaching measures, which also included the reconstitution of NCX’s board and board committees and appointment of chairman by the CBN, The CBN is further required to engage the Nigeria Postal Service on possible utilisation of its assets to develop model warehouses across the federation.

Emefiele pointed out that the repositioning drive of the NCX will open up the country’s agricultural sector and bring succour to Nigerian farmers who have suffered in the hands of “people who are arbitraging, people who take their products for peanuts and then sell and make lots of money.”

He added, “We believe this would stop by the time this happens and we can on the part of government see to it that we are able to moderate prices in the way that it is good for our economy.”

The CBN governor argued that notwithstanding the gains so far recorded by the various interventions by the apex bank and the federal government in the agricultural sector, there are still significant challenges within the Nigerian agricultural commodities value chain that would need to be addressed, in order to accelerate investment and productivity in the sector.

He explained that poor infrastructure and logistics had impeded the movement of produce from farm to market and/or processing centers resulting in massive revenue losses to farmers.

He also identified other challenges to include limited storage and preservation facilities, lack of adequate liquidity to support offtake of agricultural goods, unavailability of pricing information to market participants as well as activities of middlemen who currently aggregate commodities with the sole aim of manipulating prices for selfish gains.

He said these core issues that affect Nigeria’s commodity market must be addressed in order to properly harness the benefits that the agriculture sector could provide to our economy.

Emefiele maintained that an effective and efficient commodity exchange ecosystem remained critical in achieving the aforementioned objectives, through its provision of an organised platform for farmers to trade products in a transparent and efficient market.

He said the intervention by the federal government alongside the CBN had implemented several intervention schemes in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors, aimed at boosting employment generation and wealth creation, reducing dependence on imported food items, conserving foreign exchange earnings, and spurring economic growth.

These interventions, he said in agriculture, particularly the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) and Commodity Development Initiative (CDI) sought to strengthen key agricultural commodities’ value chains, enable improved productivity in the agricultural sector, and increase sourcing of inputs locally by stakeholders in the manufacturing sector.

He stressed that these programmes had also helped to improve self-sufficiency in

The role of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, in making Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) a huge success cannot be quantified.

As a private sector task force in partnership with the federal government, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) - and with the sole aim of combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Nigeria, the central bank under the able leadership of Emefiele, led deposit money banks and private sector operators in the country to support the federal government in procuring equipment and materials to combat the COVID-19 menace in the country.

The movement helped to raise over N30 billion to provide various forms of palliatives including food and medical resources to vulnerable Nigerians and helped to minimise the impact of the pandemic.

Emefiele had said the move became imperative after series of consultation and engagement with compatriot stakeholders in the private sector, on the need to support the government during the critical period to whittle down the impact of the virus on the economy.

Emefiele who led the Bankers’ Committee and the private sector led by businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, said it became imperative to form the COCOVID to urgently combat the unfolding pandemic as it was fast spreading in the world.

According to him, the federal government had made giant strides in the fight against the virus adding that the private sector needed to step in, and support efforts already being made.

Coupled with the efforts of the federal government, the Coalition committed to providing and equipping medical facilities in the six geopolitical zones in the country. These included the creation of testing, isolation and treatment centers,

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as well as provision of Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and molecular testing labs.

The interventions initially began with Lagos where 1,000 beds were provided, Kano (500 beds), Rivers (210 beds), Abuja (200 beds), Enugu (200 beds) and Borno (200 beds). The facilities were subsequently spread across Katsina, Ogun, Bayelsa, Anambra, Bauchi and Plateau States.

While Nigerians groaned under the harsh impact of the pandemic, Emefiele, assured that the relief materials mobilised under the apex bank-led private sector CACOVID will be distributed in all the states of the country.

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SUPPORT FOR INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT No doubt, the dearth of infrastructure remains one of the major challenges plaguing the development the Nigerian economy, largely due to funding gaps.

According to the CBN, “Infrastructural development remains grossly inadequate relative to the nation’s requirements due to lack of funds”.

In a bid to address the problem, the apex had in 2010 established the Infrastructure Finance Office with the mandate to evolve a sustainable financing framework to stimulate long-term financing for infrastructure development in the country among others.

Emefiele, in his year- year Policy Thrust of the CBN (2019 - 2024), had outlined measures to boost infrastructure development to grow the economy.

Although the CBN has had several interventions to boost infrastructure particular the N300 billion Power and Aviation Intervention Fund (PAIF) among others, the recent establishment of the N15 trillion Infrastructure Development Company, (InfraCo) is the boldest and most comprehensive attempt under Emefiele to fix infrastructure in the country.

According to Emefiele, the country needed about N35 trillion investments in infrastructure to achieve double-digit growth especially amidst the adverse impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

He said InfraCo will utilise local and international funding for the rebuilding of critical infrastructure across the country for an initial period of five years.

Emefiele had also committed to support the development of a Robust Payment System Infrastructure stressing that an efficient payment system was vital to the effectiveness of monetary policy interventions.

He believes that having a robust payment infrastructure will help to reduce the cost involved in payment for goods and services.

“The Payment Services Management Department in the CBN will work to enable the buildup of a robust and secure payments infrastructure in Nigeria that is reliable and easy to access. We will reinvigorate our efforts at driving the cashless initiative across the country, due to the immense efficiency gains that will be derived from it, and the impact it could have on our financial inclusion drive,» he said in his five-year blueprint.

Mr. Godwin

Emefiele

Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria

On August 4, 1961, the heavens bestowed on Agbor, Delta State and Nigeria a rare breed of a genius.

From a twinkling star in schools across Lagos and Nsukka to Ivy League Universities in the United States, you shone like a thousand stars. As the Nation's Number One Banker, your financial wizardry and string of successes on corporate banking, treasury, financial control, strategic planning and financial inclusion and interventionist policies at the Nation's Apex Bank are pointers to a greater Nigeria

A LOVER OF CHELSEA FC Emefiele loves to watch football. If you think his favourite football club would be Arsenal, Manchester United, then you need to think again.

“I am a Chelsea fan; I know a lot of people would expect me to be an Arsenal fan, but I am a big supporter of Chelsea club,” he also told THISDAY. But the surprise does not stop there, he equally loves driving. “I like to drive myself particularly on weekends, I enjoy driving myself.”

I pray that the good Lord will continue to uphold you and grant you good health in the service of fatherland.

Like a true Diamond, keep shining.

Congratulations, Mr Governor

CALLED TO SERVE; PREPARED FOR THE JOB There is a sense in which it could be said that Godwin Emefiele, the serving Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria was not only called to a life of service; he was, indeed, prepared for that role. The quality of input and depth of achievements by him since he came to the saddle in 2014 have ,indeed, confirmed that assertion. He is about the first CBN governor to have integrated the implementation of the country’s fiscal and monetary policies in ways could be felt in the lives of Nigerians.

Not only did he arrange, for instance, for farmers to get loans, through the Anchor Borrowers Programme he put in place, he has also ensured through his well integrated Offtakers’ anchor, that what they produced were not left in the store houses, wasting, as was the experience in the past.

Signed:

His Excellency,

Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR Governor, Ogun State

Igbega Ipinle Ogun, Ajose Gbogbo Wa Ni

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On behalf of the government and people of Abia State, I wish you

many happy returns as we

celebrate you today and always.

Mr. Godwin Em

efiele, CBN Go

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Mr Godwin Emefiele (CON) Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria

The Management and Staff of

African Industries Group felicitates

Mr. Godwin Emefiele (CON) Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria

on his 60th Birthday

Best wishes on your birthday today.

Life’s milestones are not counted, they are celebrated.

May the Lord grant you continuous good health, boundless energy and greater wisdom.

You are indeed a rare gift to Nigeria.

Happy Birthday!

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SIGNED: Management, African Industries Group

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SUPPORTING AGRICULTURE NATIONWIDE

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4, 2021

BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

A’Ibom: Emergence of a Hospitality Destination Godwin Ndifreke

T

he hospitality industry in Akwa Ibom State is experiencing a phenomenal growth that is fast assuming the nature of a revolution. This growth is in tandem with the fact that the state is emerging as a tourism and hospitality destination not only in Nigeria, but also in the West African sub-region. Over 2,000 hotels have so far been registered in the state, to ensure standardization of operations, in order to make them function in line with international best practices.

The changing hospitality landscape in the state has come about as a result of the very conducive economic environment the government has created, which has attracted investors from within and outside the state, and in turn spurred massive investments in the hospitality industry. The government’s thinking is that as the state’s private sector investment increases, more and more people will continue to come into the state to take advantage of the opportunities that are available for investment in all sectors of the economy, hence the need to expand the hospitality industry to cope with the expect influx.

The impact of the booming hospitality sector in Akwa Ibom is already being felt in the area of job creation, as hundreds of young men and women have been employed to cater to the needs of the growing number of visitors to the state on business and leisure. The development has spurred hospitality operators to embark on training and retraining of staff to enable them to acquire skills that are needed to provide the manpower that is expected in running a specialized industry that operates with the highest standards.

One of such training organized recently by Tojum Hospitality, an industry expert, involved managers drawn from different hotels in the state, who were taken through all the ingredients that are necessary to ensure efficient management of hospitality outfits, meet international standards and guarantee sustainability, under the theme, “Hotel Sales, Service and Standards”.

Leading the effort to develop the specialized manpower that is needed to run the hospitality industry in Akwa Ibom is IBOM ICON Hotel and Golf Resort, the industry flagship in the state. The hotel is currently running an intensive one-year capital development programme that is aimed at converting semi-skilled employees to experts with skills that would enable them to operate at high level anywhere in the world.

This is expected to equip them with the knowledge and skill that are required to run the hotel whose partner, the Kenya-based ICON Hotel Group Africa, is a household name in the African hospitality industry.

The major benefit of these training programmes

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel is that the participants are indigenes who would be expected to man key positions in an industry that is expanding very rapidly.

The state would not find itself in a position in which it would need to look for expertise from outside to run the industry.

A middle-level employee who works in a strategic department of the hotel, who is participating in the training programme, is full of praises for the new managers for embarking on transfer of skills to the people of the state.

“The knowledge and skills we are acquiring in this progrmme is going to help us to see our service delivery from a global perspective”, he said. “We are going to see our clientele base as not being the people of Akwa Ibom, not the people of Nigeria, but people from around the world”.

The effort to make Ibom Icon Hotel and Resorts a world-class hospitality outfit is going to raise the standard of service delivery

in the industry in the state and spur more competition, which is needed to make the industry thrive. This is healthy for the growth of the sector. It would contribute to making the state the hospitality destination of choice, not just for Nigerians from other parts of the country, but for foreigners as well.

I cannot be ruled out the possibility that in the near future, other hospitality operators may look in the direction of IBOM ICON Hotel and Resort as a poaching ground for skilled staff. This would make the hospitality industry in the state to be at par with what obtains in other parts of the world.

As the Akwa Ibom hospitality industry expands and becomes more sophisticated, so also will it guarantee employment generation for the youths of the state that come out every year from institutions of higher learning, with the certainty of improving standard of living. It is helping to achieve the job creation goal of the government.

A managerial staff at Watbridge Hotel & Suites in Uyo is quite excited about the opportunity the hospitality industry offered her to get a job almost immediately after her national youth service programme, upon graduation with a degree in Geography and Urban Planning from the University of Uyo. “If I didn’t get this job I would probably be in a place like Lagos searching for jobs that are not there, because I have a relative there; or I would be at home thinking of what to do with my life”, she said.

With the job, she is able to contribute to the education of a younger sibling who is also in the University of Uyo. She sees the rising number of hotels in the state, especially Uyo, the capital, as healthy for the growth of the industry, because it would make everybody to sit up. “In this industry you must be interested in knowing what other competitors are doing, because nobody wants to be left behind in the competition”, she said.

“The patronage is quite high these days, with events taking place in the state almost on a daily basis. People come into the state for conferences, seminars, meetingss, weddings, or just visits because of the stories they have heard about the state. There is hardly a time this hotel is not filled up”.

At the weekend she spoke, the hotel was fully booked for visitors who came in from outside the state for the wedding of the daughter of a well-known advertising practitioner who hails from the state. Many prospective guests found themselves being turned away.

Shola Oyeyemi, a Lagos-based tourism consultant with deep knowledge of the African hospitality landscape and a regular visitor to Akwa Ibom, says the rapid growth of the hospitality industry in the state is an indication of the positive response of investors to the economically friendly environment that has obtained in the state in the last four years. “Those who are investing in the hospitality sector in the state have recognized early the changing economic fortunes of the state, especially with the fast emerging strong private sector which is evident in the rate at which the government is setting up industries”, he says.

“It’s like laying the foundation on which other sectors are going to stand. Potential investors coming into the state from other parts of the country and outside the country will need to rely on a strong hospitality sector for the period it would take them to settle down finally to live and do business in the state, or even when on visits”.

With what is happening in the industry in the state, Akwa Ibom is certainly on the path to becoming a major hospitality destination in Nigeria, if not in Africa.

NEED FOR UNINTERRUPTED RECAPITALISATION EXERCISE IN INSURANCE SECTOR of the insurance sector is the big-gest in Africa despite not having the same level of penetration with some countries in Africa.

Arguing further, he said, “The insurance industry currently employs about three million people. If you have one insurance company that is able to re-capitalise, will that take the place of the 10 that will go out of operation? No. “This recapitalisation policy will kill the industry if the policymakers, the federal government, Ministry of Finance don’t quickly wake up and see that this is a retrogressive move, “Ogunbiyi insisted.

He also stated that capital base is not the only way to make insurance cre-ate value and be more relevant in the nation.

According to him, the insurance companies have other problems that needed to be addressed, remarking that if insurance companies were un-able to use their capital for profitability, increasing the capital base would have no impact.

However, industry observers have frowned at this, questioning how the op-erators hope to meet their counterparts in other climes with their prevailing low capital.

They also questioned how they want the insuring public to have confidence in them with their prevailing attitude of repudiating claims, a development which has been stalling the success of their much orchestrated deepening insurance penetration in the country.

Presently, most insurance firms do everything possible to deny claims even when it is obvious to them that the claims were genuine and this has robbed the industry the much needed public confidence and patronage.

CALL FOR RECAPITALISATION Efeomo Olotu of George Etimi & Partners, an investment analyst was of the opinion that the introduction of the new minimum capital requirement is a welcome development that would help improve the insurance sector, just as similar laws in the banking industry in 2005 helped shape the future and development of

the Nigerian banking industry.

According to her, currently, Nigeria’s insurance sector is still one of the most underdeveloped compared to its peers.

“With a population estimated at 200 million people, a growing middle class and increased life expectancy rate for Nigerians (55.2 years average for men and 54.5 for women), the potential for growth in the sector is signif-icant.

However, at 0.3 per cent, Nigeria has the lowest insurance penetra-tion level amongst notable African countries. Currently, South Africa is at 14.7 percent, Kenya at 2.8 percent, Angola at 0.8 per cent and Egypt at 0.6 per cent. Similarly, the sector’s insurance density is still one of the lowest when compared to its peers”, she said.

Olotu noted that in the previous years, Nigerian insurers have operated on marginal scales, adding that this might be cited as a reason why the market had not benefited much from the sector.

She remarked that the principal objective of the reform is to have an emer-gence of bigger and stronger players in the industry with enhanced capacity to reach and cover the majority of the Nigerian populace.

CAPACITY Stakeholders have acknowledged that presently most insurance firms can-not handle capital intensive businesses in some classes such as oil and gas, aviation insurances. What Nigerian underwriters do in such busi-nesses is to act as insurance agents and brokers for their foreign counter-parts due to low capital.

Investment analysts said the present level of capitalisation in the industry is ridiculously low compared to increase in inflation level between 2007 when the last recapitalisation exercise was carried out and the present time, as well as the magnitude of risks both from natural disasters and social unrests coming the way of insurers in recent times. This according to them has reinforced the need for fresh recapitalisation in the industry.

WAY FORWARD Industry observers said for this to happen both the operators and the regu-lator should come to a round table and discuss the need for capital in-crease and operators who feel they cannot make it on stand-alone basis should embrace merging, instead of creating confusion using their share-holders.

But while these operators who oppose recapitalisation continue to maintain their status quo on capital level in the sector, industry analysts point to the need for them to realise that the world is not waiting for them and for the insurance sector to remain relevant in the scheme of things in the finance services sector of the Nigerian economy and by extension the global economy, these opposition leaders must step aside for the industry to move forward.

A close look at these operators who are averse to increase in capital shows that some are operators whose firms were hitherto among the industry leaders but because of their involvement in politics in their quest to win elections, either as state governors or senators, squandered their company’s capital in political campaigns but failed to win the elections.

Industry analysts said that because of their inability to recover the money they spent in politics, their companies became financially weak and in their bid to remain alive in business while consolidating on their positions as company owners, they resorted to frustrating every move to increase the sector’s capital, fearing that their companies might fall by the way side or they go into merger and lose their position as the chairman of the companies.

Reacting to the prevailing situation in the industry, lawmakers in the National Assembly in the 2020 consolidated insurance bill said that the industry should maintain a position that allows periodic upward review of capital base of the sector that would not be questioned or appealed against in any court.

On their part, present and upcoming regimes

in NAICOM should borrow a leaf from what the late Chief Oladipo Bailey did during the 1997 exercise. Through counter court appeals, he maintained his ground and performed his duty as regulator by supervising a successful recapitalisation exercise that brought a major turn around to the fortunes of the insurance sector.

The NIA as a body should realise that the world is not waiting for Nigerian insurance industry. The association should detest the present 0.3 percent contribution of insurance to the GDP of the economy and 0.06 insurance penetration level.

The NIA should be worried that out of total $6.3 trillion global insurance premium in 2019, Nigerian insurance sector contributed only 0.03 percent ranking the 63rd country out of 88 countries profiled by a global insurer in its research tagged Sigma research 2019.

Reacting to this rating, industry observers said it was disheartening when compared with Nigeria’s Sub-Saharan peers. Whereas Nigeria insurance penetration is 0.3 per cent, South Africa is 13.4 percent, Morocco 3.9per cent, and Kenya 2.3 per cent.

Similarly, they said the sector grapples with low insurance density (GPW per capita) of $8.0 compared with South Africa $803.0, Morocco $127.0, and Kenya $43.0.

As a result of the abysmal performance of the industry and low capital in the industry today, claims payment, which is basis of insurance contract is reduced to the barest minimum; although every year, insurance companies keep quoting billions of Naira claims they paid annually.

Members of the insuring public have a lot of gory stories to tell about insurance companies that gave them cover even as NAICOM and other regulators keep on changing directors of insurance firms because of weak financial base and low solvency margin. The latest in the series were NICON Insurance and Nigeria Reinsurance whose managements were recently taken over by AMCON.

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BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

‘Full Automation of the Ports is Our Goal’ Since coming into office four months ago as Acting Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello Koko, has been grappling with several challenges bedevilling ports management. In this interview with Bola Mohammed, he speaks on his vision for the ports and efforts to sanitise their operations How are you tackling the challenges facing the ports authority? regard my appointment as a call to duty; my colleagues and I will be guided by the culture of inclusiveness and transparency in the administration of government policies in the port. Our goal is to bring relief to all port users and customers, so that working together with other agencies on the government side and the private sector, the Nigerian port system will truly become the preferred destination of cargo in sub-Saharan Africa. We will be engaging more with industry stakeholders, at all levels, to address the execution of some of our recent interventions, to further enhance our role as gateway to the Nigerian economy. The federal government, through the Nigerian Ports Authority on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, will continually put in the required investments and support the private sector to enthrone world class port services in Nigeria.

In line with the laudable economic reforms already rolled out by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, the Authority remains committed toincreased efficiency of port operations; reduction of operating costs; simplified and secured ports services; 24-hour operations in the ports; sustained automation of service delivery; and environment friendly port practices.

While we’re aware that the prevailing environment in the port could be much better, we equally appreciate that a lot has been done in the last five years to improve service level and efficiency in our ports. We will like to assure the Nigerian port community and our international partners that the Nigerian Ports Authority will continue to discharge its responsibilities and is committed to making Nigerian ports gateway to the African economy.

create a business friendly environment at our ports and terminals.

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Obviously, one of the challenges is the gridlock in Apapa. How helpful has ETO been?

Truth be told, a large part of our existing port infrastructure is quite old, including the very busy ones in Lagos where the ‘youngest’ port terminal at Tin-Can Island Port is over 40 years old. The city has caught up with the ports; this has made any major expansion work very difficult. We are now pushing towards the development of new and bigger seaports or deep-sea ports capable of receiving ultra large container or bulk carriers.

Hopefully the first of these deep-sea ports, in Lekki, would become operational in another 18 months. However, aside the problem of ageing ports, the delivery and evacuation of cargoes has predominantly been by road haulage. So while cargo volumes increased exponentially, the port access roads were ignored. Over the years, in the absence of a functional freight rail system, these roads began to fail.

Access to the port is bedeviled by heavy vehicular congestion which is crippling business and social life in places like Apapa. This sorry situation is what the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has been working seriously to ameliorate.

Today, there is a remarkable improvement from what this administration inherited in 2015. Under the guidance of our supervising ministry, other modes have been harnessed to complement movement of cargo by road. However, the bulk of the trade is still being carried by road, this informed the collaboration we had with Dangote and Flour Mills to rehabilitate the road to the Lagos Ports Complex, while the Tin-Can Island Port corridor is also being handled by Dangote in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works.

On the ‘Eto’ system, having experimented with a manual truck scheduling arrangement for over a year, the authority introduced an electronic truck call-up system in February, to streamline truck movements and eliminate traffic congestion in and around the port area. The system was rolled-up in Lagos where our two busiest ports are situated. All trucks doing business at the port in Lagos would be required to park at approved truck parks until they are called up into the port through an app called Eto. The Eto application is for the scheduling, entry and exit of cargo trucks into the port. Truck companies, terminal operators and freight agents are required to download the app, and then proceed to create an account to monitor the schedule and movement of their trucks.

After the early success, we noticed a push back by those who never wished the system to work for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. But we are determined to take them head-on. My first public

What has been the effect of reduction of multiple agencies at the ports?

The NPA is the federal agency with the mandate to govern and manage ports and harbours in the country. The federal government had on more than one occasion directed some agencies to leave the port premises, to enhance trade facilitation. We understand that some of these agencies are unhappy and are making efforts to return. As an agency of government, we only implement policies or directives of the government, so whoever is permitted to operate within the port is welcomed by us.

The 2011 presidential directive, which is the subsisting directive for now, listed eight agencies that should have a physical presence at the port; others are to be invited on a case by case basis.

What I think is more imperative, aside from the number of agencies allowed to have a presence in the port, is what we’re trying to institute in line with the Ease of Doing Business Policy of the current administration. We’re working to entrench a 24hrs service in the port and all agencies involved in the release of cargo will conduct joint examination and sign-off, so that unnecessary delays are eliminated.

Bello Koko action after assuming office was to visit the Lilypond Terminal, to re-assess the quality of infrastructure and operational framework deployed by the system manager, Messrs. Truck Transit Parks Ltd. I have equally met with the Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and members of the State Taskforce on ways to improve monitoring and enforcement of traffic rules along the port corridor. We have met with the leadership of the various trucking groups and other stakeholders. We are equally dealing with the complaints of extortion and indiscriminate parking along the port corridor.

I am confident that all these efforts will in the shortest time resolve all the teething problems associated with the Eto system.

Would you put a cost to the gridlock?

Nigeria by virtue of its resources and population is no doubt the biggest trading country in Africa. This trade is facilitated primarily by the ports, be it the export of hydrocarbons or import of food, raw materials or industrial items. Every time we read reports or statistics of how much is lost due to the infamous Apapa gridlock or the fact that our ports outside of Lagos are not being well utilized. We know the impact is huge, be it revenue loss by government and corporate entities, high transit cost, low quality exports and other socio-environment costs. What I will like to emphasize is that we are determined to change the narrative. We are taking deliberate steps to address all the identified underlying deficiencies,fixing the port access roads, upgrading port infrastructure, increased automation, fighting corrupt practices and all forms of racketeering at the port. We’re very convinced that very soon these efforts will translate to improved efficiency and lower port costs.

How is your Operation Green initiative progressing?

As the custodian of seaports in Nigeria, part of our responsibility is to keep the port environment safe, secured and be aesthetically pleasing. Over the years, our people have turned the port area into a marketplace, where all manner of wares are bought and sold, the approaches to the port outside have become transit parks, all manner of wrongdoings including extortion and armed robbery. Just last week, street urchins or those you called “agberos” were up in arms over who should control the collection of illegal levies from truck drivers and so forth. We cannot allow the mess to continue, especially in this era of ISPS Code, whereby the ports and its surroundings are designated as security or restricted areas.

The NPA in collaboration with the Lagos State

government have deployed law enforcement operatives along with NPA security staff to bring an end to this ugly situation.

How helpful has the Lagos State government’s committee on traffic management been in resolving the Apapa gridlock Nigeria’s two busiest seaports, handling no less than 70 percent of the nation’s annual cargo throughput are located in Lagos State. Therefore, out of necessity and in the interest of our national economy, the NPA has over the years fostered a healthy and mutually rewarding relationship with the government and good people of the state. I have kept with that tradition since I assumed office in May. The NPA and LASG are collaborating in a lot of areas; the outcome is why Lagos is the biggest economy in West Africa. Some of our recent initiatives like the electronic call-up system for trucks are being implemented with the strong support provided by the LASG. Another example is the one I earlier mentioned - “Operation Green”- a joint effort to clear the port corridors of shanties and other unauthorized contraptions. We equally relate well with some of the state’s MDAs whose activities impact on port operations and carriage of goods in and out of the port. Recently, we met with the French Development Agency (AFD) along with officials of LAMATA to explore areas of port infrastructure financing, this is in line with our push to modernize and upgrade our port facilities to be of the highest global standards.

One of your objectives is to fight corruption at the port. How far have you gone with that?

Fighting corruption in Nigeria is no tea party but at NPA I can say without equivocation that we have confronted the challenge frontally. We were the first agency in the transport sector to embrace the open budget system to entrench transparency and accountability in our budgeting process. We have streamlined our organizational structure in a manner that promotes cost efficiency and rewards excellence. The congestion we have along the port corridor contributes to the perception of corruption at the port, this is why NPA is a vanguard in the implementation of the Nigerian Ports Process Manual (NPPM) along with our sister agency, the Nigerian Shippers Council, ICPC and others.

The NPPM’s objective is to put an end to illegal or non-receipted payments in the port. It will help to curb corruption, promote transparency, improve service delivery and

Truck owners accused NPA officials of frustrating their business. How true is this?

The trucking companies and operators are our partners in progress, and we are grateful for their support in our quest to end the perennial traffic gridlock along the port corridor. As the landlord, our role with respect to trucking is to prevent unsafe trucks from accessing the port. With the roll out of Eto, any truck without a ticket would also not be allowed entry into the port.

In the area of enforcement and arrest of recalcitrant truck drivers, that job is being handled by law enforcement officials provided by the Lagos State government. So, at the moment, we don’t have the figures of traffic violators arrested or trucks impounded, I will advise you to approach the LASG for that information. On our part, we have re-introduced the Minimum Safety Standards (MSS) scheme for trucks, anchored on the Eto platform.

From July, only trucks confirmed by the NPA to have met the MSS requirements and duly issued with an MSS certificate will continue to be active on the Eto platform. Any truck or vehicle not confirmed or certified will be denied access to initiate bookings on the Eto platform, until it has met all MSS requirements as stipulated by us.

So, what is the situation at truck parks?

We have truck transit terminals, at Lilypond, Ijora and opposite Tin-Can Island Port gate. We have also approved several trailer parks and holding bays where trucks can wait while processing their Eto ticket. We have approved jetty loading and landing points for ro-ro and container barge operations.

This process is on-going.

What is your vision for the NPA in the next five years?

A renewed NPA with better automation, more marine equipment. An NPA with newer port facilities which I believe will be achieved. We believe that the new Lekki Deep-sea Port will come on stream by the second quarter of next year. The proponents of Badagry Sea Port are more serious and have seen the urgency to move forward. We have a 25-year port master plan which will soon be completed. The essence of it is to make the Nation take decisions on the best locations for ports. In five years, we are going to have an NPA with better facilities, more marine equipment, providing 24 hours service, a more robust infrastructure and less human interference. In the next five years we will be getting back some of the cargo traffic we have lost to other countries because of inefficiency. The Lekki deep sea will be able to take bigger vessels so this idea of mother vessels staying somewhere in Lome will stop because those big vessels can now come and birth in Nigeria.

Imagine if Badagry comes in, and that is just the first phase of Lekki I’m talking about. By the time they conclude it, we would have bigger vessels coming into the country. We are modernizing the ports; discussions have begun so we are left now with the issue of funding and business models and viable options to take. That means here in Tincan and Apapa, there will be improved ports in the next five years.

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Lubcon Boss Expresses Concern over Epileptic Power Generation in Nigeria Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Group Managing Director of Lubcon lubricant manufacturing company, Ilorin, Mr. Adesoji Fagbemi has expressed concern over the epileptic power generation in the country.

He said the development has continued to have a serious effect towards the growth of local manufacturing industries in the country.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin on the sideline of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the company, Fagbemi added that the development has continued to have adverse effect on production capacity and profitability of the manufacturing industries in the country.

According to him, “There’ is electricity power challenge affecting manufacturing industry in the country as the. capacity of electricity power being generated in the country is not adequate to meet the.production capacity of the various manufacturing companies in the country”.

He said, “We share power among other sectors of the economy. It’s even so difficult to achieve eight hours supply daily. We spent more than N93 million in a quarter on diesel because we run several manufacturing points.

“We had to purchase a 1,000 kva generator. We also expended about N157 million on 33 kva dedicated line to get 23 hours power supply by co-opting other neighbouring companies just to cope with the huge expenses.

Thus, profitability is affected”.

Fagbemi added that, “the company has plan to invest in alternative energy to tackle power challenges in the country in partnership with consortia of organizations on gas production in Ajaokuta gas park.

“Hopefully, when operational, it would solve power generation and distribution in the country and boost trade and investment, especially among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in and around the state.”

He also said that the group of companies was planning to go into agriculture towards serving as platform for agric processing and export for MSMEs with establishment of an industrial agro park for entrepreneurs to maximize their potential in agro processing.

He said, “We’ve been supporting agriculture before now as we supply lubricants for tractors, machine tools, etc.”

Fagbemi, who called on security operatives to improve on their logistics to tackle economic saboteurs who engage in adulteration of lubricants and

engine oil in the country, said that regulators are sometimes incapacitated to battle people behind adulteration.

He also appealed to commercial banks to assist manufacturing industry with adequate financing, describing sourcing funds from banks as

herculean. “We need support from banks, but those in banking sector continue not to be forthcoming”.

Fagbemi stated further that, “the company, in its 30 years of existence has won several awards as a result of its adherence to high quality

standards, pursuit of innovation and excellence.

“Lubcon has won the following awards and certifications amongst others; the first lubricant blending company to win the prestigious NIS (Nigeria Industrial Standards) award for Quality; the first downstream

Oil & Gas company to be ISO 9001:2000 certified; recipient of the National Productivity Order of Merit.

He however said that, the company has lined up a number of activities and events to commemorate its 30 years of existence.

CELEBRATING PETROLEUM ENGINEERS…

L-R: Group Managing Director, NNPC, Mele Kolo Kyari; Chairman, Waltersmith Group, Abdulrasaq Isa; CEO/MD, Waltersmith, Chikezie Nwosu and External Affairs and Government Relations Manager, Waltersmith, during the tour of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Nigeria Limited stand at the opening ceremony cf 2021 Nigeria Annual International Conference and PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA Exchibition (NAICE) organised by Society of Petroleum Engineers in Lagos...recently

Anchor Insurance Grosses N6.8bn Premium, PTAD Issues Certificate of Legacy Fund, Announces Dividend Payment to Shareholders Debt Clearance to African Alliance Anchor Insurance Company Limited, said it grossed N6.8billion premium in the year ended December 31,2020.

This represents 61per cent growth compared with N4.2billion premium raked in by the company in the same period in 2019.

The Company’s Profit After Tax grew by 98 percent from N220.2million in 2019 to N436.5million in 2020. Total assets experienced 87 percent appreciation from N7.2billion in 2019 to N13.5billion in 2020.

These were recently disclosed by the company’s Chairman, Dr. Elijah Akpan, during the organisation’s 31st Annual General Meeting held virtually at its Victoria Island Head Office in Lagos.

He said these were achieved during the year under review notwithstanding the challenges faced by businesses due to the different devastating happenings in 2020.

He noted that the company responded to claims demands from its affected genuine policyholders to the tune of N1.3bn in 2020 as against N929.6million paid in 2019, stating that “as a tradition at Anchor Insurance Company Limited, we recognise the crucial role which regular payment of claims plays in keeping any serious insurer strong in the Nigerian insurance market.”

The Chairman informed the Shareholders of the company that the board and management have done well so far in pursuing the recapitalisation exercise as ordered by the National Insurance Commis-

sion (NAICOM).

He said, “Based on the level we are with the exercise, it is our strong belief that we will sail through. This feat, when achieved, will go a long way in catapulting the company to a more vantage position where it can retain more big ticket businesses in its port-folio than it is currently doing,” he said.

While thanking God for seeing the company through the harsh economic weather in 2020, the Managing Director, Mr. Ebose Augustine, disclosed that the shareholders have approved 4kobo dividend per share recommended by the board to be paid to them.

According to him, “It is our standing practice to put smiles on the faces of the owners of the company every year for their investment in the organisation. It is our belief that when you sow, you deserve to reap.”

He assured the shareholders of better future saying, “With the way business is looking up year to date, we are sure of beating our 2020 records on all indices.”

He further informed the shareholders about dedication to duty by the workforce.

“Our workforce has been very wonderful. I can safely say that the ownership spirit they have continued to bring into the discharge of their duties is directly responsible for the rise of the company.

We will ensure, on our part, that appropriate rewards are extended to every deserving Staff”, Ebose stated.

Ebere Nwoji The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has given clearance of non-indebtedness over legacy life insurance fund to African Alliance Insurance Plc. PTAD, said African Alliance, has cleared all its outstanding legacy insurance indebtedness to the directorate.

Consequently, the directorate has presented to the life insurer a certificate of non-indebtedness at a brief ceremony in Abuja.

At the presentation, the Executive Secretary, PTAD, Dr Chioma Ejikeme, while handing over the certificate to a team of senior management staff of African Alliance, commended the leadership of the company for its commitment to settling the debts against all odds.

“My congratulations go to the Managing Director and her team for this uncommon accomplishment. While we thank African Alliance Insurance PLC for her commitment towards the liquidation of this lingering debt within the shortest period of time by the current MD, Mrs. Joyce Ojemudia, we must add, without fear of contradiction, that the directorate will not hesitate to approach African Alliance Insurance for further clarification on Legacy Funds and assets whenever the need arise,” she said.

She further called on all other insurance underwriters holding on to Legacy Funds and assets to release the funds as a matter of urgency in order for the directorate to meet obligations to pensioners.

In her response, the visibly

excited Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of African Alliance Insurance, Mrs. Ojemudia, thanked the Almighty God for making the settlement of the debt possible whilst acknowledging the unstinting support of the board as well as the drive of the in-house committee on PTAD. “With God, all things are possible. And with a board like ours, ably led by the inimitable banker and financial guru, Dr Anthony Okocha, impossible is nothing. I am grateful for the board’s support throughout this process; indeed, their support was the sail under our wings.

I must not forget to thank my team, especially our amazing and reliable Executive Director, Finance, Mrs. Olabisi Adekola, for working assiduously with the PTAD Committee, as we

call them in-house, to make this happen”.

She said African Alliance Insurance has scaled yet another hurdle in the management’s quest to aggressively grow the company’s market share and bring viable and humane life insurance to more Nigerians.”

Also speaking, Brand, Media and Communications Manager of the company, Bankole Banjo, said incorporated in 1960, African Alliance Insurance is recognised as one of the strong specialist life insurer in Nigeria.

He said following the assumption of duty by Joyce Ojemudia as the MD/CEO of the company in less than a year ago, the firm has continued to experience an upward trajectory in its overall growth, branch network, staff emancipation and consistent payment of claims.

‘Women Can Play Key Roles in Providing Solutions Towards Upscaling Clean Energy Access’ Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The Minister of state for Environment, Sharon Ikeazor has said women can play key roles in providing solutions towards upscaling clean energy access and with their unique positioning, connect to communities to deliver sustainable energy products.

Ikeazor hinted this at the National roundtable advocacy on enabling policy and market environments for Women Entrepreneurship in clean Energy sector held recently in Abuja Represented by her Special

Adviser, Dr. Priscilla Achakpa, the minister said ensuring that women entrepreneurs are enabled in the clean energy sector is not only about women’s rights but about creating sustainable and practical pathways to expand clean energy access and be in the front lines of combating climate change.

According to her, “To advance this role of women in Nigeria’s sustainable energy sector, it is vital that relevant key stakeholders mainstream innovative approaches to proactively engage women in their efforts towards energy access.”

The Country Director, Solar Sister Nigeria, Mrs. Olasimbo Sojinrin said women are key part of the solution to scaling up energy access.

She noted that to advance the role of women in Nigeria’s sustainable energy value chains, it is vital that key stakeholders mainstream innovative approaches to proactively engage women in their efforts.

She opined that there is also the need to proffer solutions to some of the barriers that are hindering more deliberate engagement of women in the sector such as lack of finance

and technical skills.

According to her, addressing women energy needs is a prerequisite for poverty eradication.

“By selling, maintaining and financing sustainable energy products and services, women become active change agents in the energy sector. “she said.

In a goodwill message from Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Head PMU, Nigeria Electrification Project, Anita Otubu, said REA is committed towards ensuring that women in the energy sector (both service providers and beneficiaries) are recognized and supported.

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BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Stanbic IBTC Pension Charges Contributors to Explore Opportunities in Transfer Window Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, has urged pension fund contributors to explore the unique opportunities presented by the ongoing Transfer Window to switch their Retirement Savings Accounts to a Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) of their choice.

The Zonal Manager, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers,

Magnus Ekwueme, stated this recently during a radio interview on pension transfer window and its benefits to contributors.

Speaking on what contributors should consider when switching from one PFA to another, he said, “Pension fund is a long-term investment asset which needs to be nurtured in safety. He said contributors should consider two critical

Minister Advocates Digital Technology To Strengthen Industry Manpower Capacity Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has called on operators and practitioners in the Nigerian Travel-Tourism and Hospitality industry to seize the opportunity occasioned by the Covid-19 Global pandemic to re-strategize and re-position the industry for better growth and development via the application of digital technology.

He noted that as bad and critical as the pandemic is, it is an eye opener for the Nigerian tourism industry to be resilient in ensuring that the industry works for the socio- economic good of the country.

Lai Mohammed made the call through Mr. Folorunsho Coker, Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) at the occasion of the Annual Master Lecture Series of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), held in Abuja yesterday.

According to a Press release signed by Ahmed Mohammed Sule, Director,Media and Public Relations of NIHOTOUR which was made available THISDAY yesterday, the Minister said human capital development of the Nigerian tourism sector must be compliant with the provisions of the protocol guidelines of Covid-19 for the safety of both service providers and customers as a way of building confidence in the sector.

He said the theme of this year’s lecture which is ‘Professionalizing the Nigerian Tourism and Hospitality Personnel in a Pandemic World’ was apt and couldn’t have come at a better time than now when government is doing everything possible to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic while at the same time allowing economic activities to go on without hindrance.

Also speaking at the occasion, Dr. Ifeoma Adora Anyanwutaku, Permanent Secretary of the Information and Culture Ministry said personnel in the tourism and hospitality sector in Nigeria must acquire skills that will enable them conduct their businesses in a safer and sustainable manner in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

He assured that the National Institute for Hospitality and

Tourism is in a better position to provide the platform for impacting the necessary skills for such professional conducts that adhere strictly to the Covid-19 non-pharmaceutical protocols.

The Permanent Secretary who was represented at the occasion by Mrs. Patricia Joseph Narai, Director of Domestic and Eco Tourism in the Ministry, stated that the current technological breakthrough in ICT has made it possible for people to conduct business without much of physical contacts through the deployment of electronic and online transactions that are a critical component of the Covid-19 protocol provisions.

Earlier in his welcome address, Nura Sani Kangiwa, Director General of NIHOTOUR said though the Tourism and Hospitality sector is the hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic globally, the industry remains the most viable sector of the Nigerian economy.

He noted that the choice of the theme for the 2021 Lecture is to address the skill-gap prevalent in the industry especially of compliance with the Covid-19 protocol guidelines by industry players in the conduct of travel tourism and hospitality activities in the country.

Kangiwa stressed that while government’s proactive measures and efforts must be appreciated at stemming the tide of the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, stakeholders in the travel tourism and hospitality industry must deploy the use of modern technology to adequately equip themselves with the necessary skills for efficient and effective service delivery without compromising their safety and wellbeing and those of the patronizing customers against the deadly virus of Covid-19.

This year’s Annual Master Lecture Series is the fifth. As a critical part of the academic activities of the Institute, the exercise was instituted to attract.

Hospitality and Tourism, practitioners, professionals and intellectuals to provide informative, engaging and thought-provoking lectures on varying issues that are of paramount relevance to the growth, development and promotion of a flourishing Hospitality and Tourism industry in Nigeria.

factors when choosing a PFA. According to him, one is sustainable performance, and the other is ownership and management of the PFA. He urged contributors to look for PFAs who can offer sustainable performance in service delivery, returns and convenience.

He also highlighted the importance of knowing the values and experience of the individuals driving the business to ensure it aligns with their expectations.

“Contributors should only go for institutions with integrity that offer quality service, consistent, long

term risk adjusted returns and innovative technology in delivering to client needs.

He stated that with Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, contributors are assured of transparency, security, accessibility and quality service.

Ekwueme advised contributors to start preparing very early (as early as three years before retirement) by updating their information with their PFA and obtaining relevant information and documents from their employer such as pay slips, valid means of identity etc.

He noted that it is critical

to conclude all clearance and reconciliation procedures before retirement and urged contributors to ensure that all their pension contributions are in their retirement savings account.

Ekwueme gave assurance that retirees can walk into any Stanbic IBTC office nationwide or contact the company via its online channels to get any support needed.

He also noted that Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers proffers digitised solutions via its Super App; enabling contributors to do the following: access their statements easily, view their account balance on the

go, independently change passwords, access newsletter, among others.

These, according to him are the functions contributors can perform on the Stanbic IBTC Super App. Ekwueme, attributed the long term success of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers to the organisation’s value of integrity, its deep expertise, passion to serve its clients and consistency over the years in delivering maximum customer value, adding that Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers has also continued to re-invent itself and adapt to changing customer needs.

INDUCTION CEREMONY…

R-L: Director of Professional Training and Standards, Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Examiners of Nigeria, Prof. Michael A. Ayeni; President/Chairman of Council, Dr. Iliyasu B. Gashinbaki and First Deputy President, Dr. Johnson Oluata, during the institute’s direct members’ induction ceremony in Abuja... recently

Leadway Assurance Launches HMO to Deepen Health Insurance Penetration Leadway Health Limited, a new health maintenance organisation (HMO) established by the Leadway Assurance, has unveiled a range of healthcare service offerings targeted at improving and fostering access to quality health and wellbeing solutions to Nigerians.

Speaking at the unveiling event held in Lagos, Chief Executive Officer, Leadway Health, Dr Tokunbo Alli stated that the introduction of Leadway Health would serve as a disruption and an exceptional redefinition of the delivery of reliable and affordable health care to the public.

“According to the National Health Insurance Scheme, more than 190 million Nigerians are still paying out-of-pocket to access medical services, forcing individuals, businesses and households to incur enormous and usually unplanned health

expenditures.

Describing this as unnecessary, unsustainable and costly means to accessing quality healthcare services Alli, said with the introduction of Leadway Health Limited, range of solutions in the firm’s kitty would help bridge the gap in providing quality, accessible, and affordable health services to Nigerians.

“We are confident in a healthcare system that genuinely cares for your health, your wealth and more. With nationwide coverage and seamless healthcare service on-the-go backed by a hightech Artificial Intelligence (AI) application, quality customer service delivery that enables convenient access and smooth 24/7 support from a team of experienced and thoroughbred professionals, there is no doubt that our customers are assured of disruptive healthcare

services and an exceptional delivery experience” he stated.

Alli further said that Leadway is in partnership with a leading pioneer of one of the most comprehensive West African Third-Party Administration and registered health maintenance organisations under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

He expressed belief that with this partnership, the new firm with over 1,500 health providers and diverse range of bespoke corporate, retail and international products will be able to extend health insurance penetration to millions of Nigerians and Africa at large.

“We therefore enjoin individuals, families, business owners and corporates alike to come on board and experience healthcare delivery tailor- made to suit their specific needs”, he added.

According to him, Leadway Health’s superior product offerings include advanced telemedicine, health enrollee app that allows authorisation of care by enrollees, digital health tracking, access to financial and family counseling and geo-location capabilities for hospitals and pharmacy.

He also said it offers benefit program that involves genuine drugs from manufacturers delivered to the home/office for those with chronic ailments, employee assistance program to promote mental health, medical concierge services, preventive health programs that includes baby wellness programs, access to fitness and nutritional stores, customised health tips, talks and newsletters across all age groups with a unique reward system to encourage and promote general wellness amongst others.

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4, 2021

EDUCATION Buhari’s Promise to Increase Education Budget, Another Unrealisable Move?

Uchechukwu Nnaike and Funmi Ogundare

T

he promise by President Muhammadu Buhari to increase the country’s budgetary allocation to education by 50 per cent in the 2022 and 2023 appropriation bills is cheering news given the level of rot plaguing the sector after years of neglect.

The president’s promise was contained in a document titled ‘Heads of State Call to Action on Education Financing Ahead of the Global Education Summit’, signed as a form of commitment at the just concluded education summit in London.

Presidential spokesman Femi Adesina quoted Buhari as saying: “We commit to progressively increase our annual domestic education expenditure by 50 per cent over the next two years and up to 100 per cent by 2025 beyond the 20 per cent global benchmark.”

If the N2 trillion per annum estimated cost of funding university education alone, presented by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), is anything to go by, then a sustained increase in budgetary allocation is necessary.

However, stakeholders in the sector think the declaration is a tall order, given the country’s debt profile and other priorities. Barely two months ago, the president hinted that the federal government could not afford the funds needed to revive the country’s education system.

He explained that the competition for funds had become keener because of the recent increase in Nigeria’s number of tertiary institutions.

The global economic downturn has worsened the country’s finances.

It is noteworthy that the Nigerian government has not allocated up to 10 per cent of the budget to education over the years, despite UNESCO’s recommendation of 26 per cent.

The 50 per cent mouthed by Buhari seems unrealisable. Details of the budgetary allocation to education from 2011 to 2021 shows that the figure ranged from six to nine per cent. The highest being 9.94 per cent allocated in 2014, while the lowest is 5.6 per cent in 2021.

Considering the nation’s rising debt profile, which stands at N33.10 trillion, according to the Debt Management Office (DMO) and its sole dependence on crude oil for revenue, it is not clear how the president will fund the 50 per cent education budget.

Therefore, critics believe that the president made the promise to score cheap political points, accusing him of having made empty promises in the past. Others expressed hope that the 50 per cent budgetary allocation will be actualised to transform the education system. They also called for

Buhari

the appointment of an ombudsman to oversee and initiate measures that will ensure appropriate application and utilisation of the improvement in funding to avoid perceived excessive bleeding in the education sector.

The Vice-Chancellor of Samuel Adegboyega University, Prof.

Idowu Babatunde, said Buhari’s intention to increase the education budget by 50 per cent in two years is quite admirable. However, a closer analysis of the patterns

of his administration’s budget on education reveals otherwise.

“For instance, in 2012, the Nigerian government allocated 8.2 per cent of its national budget to education. It, however, increased the budget to 8.55 per cent in 2013 and 2014, 9.94 per cent was allocated, while in that same year, defence got 20 per cent of the budget.”

“A decline emerged in 2016 as the education sector received 6.10 per cent. The decline continued

in the following years as at 2017, 2018, and 2019, as 7.38 per cent, 7.03 per cent and 7.05 per cent were allocated to the education sector, respectively. The same thing happened in the 2020 and 2021 budgets. So what change will happen in 2022?” noted Babatunde.

He recalled that the federal government last year increased only a fraction of the budget while other areas suffered tremendously and described the president’s pronouncement at the summit as mere grandiloquence.

“Don’t forget,” added the vicechancellor, “he spoke after his Kenyan counterpart issued a statement. Kenya’s education sector has traditionally received the lion’s share of the country’s national budget.

In 2016, Kenya assigned 23.1 per cent to education. So what were you expecting?”

“Nigerian budget on education and other sectors will continue to decline in real value. Have you even checked the number of schools that are closing in Kaduna and other parts of the north? On the other hand, as a patriot and a believer, I hope and pray it becomes a reality,” Babatunde said.

A former Rector of Lagos State Polytechnic, Olawumi Gasper, pointed out that the proposed increase in the education budget by 50 per cent from the 2022 budget takes it from the current 2.5 per cent to 3.75 per cent. Though an improvement, it is below the universal benchmark.

According to him, there are other competing demands for the nation’s scarce resources. Still, there should be an emphasis on human capital development, which will be a precursor to developing the knowledge economy and innovation to drive the country’s industrial transformation agenda and growth of technologybased industries.

“For the actualisation of the industrial transformation agenda, there is no resource that is better focused upon than the human capital development accompanied with quality intervention and quality improvement benchmarked against international standards and best practices.

“Human capital development that will ensure that Nigerian youths possess skills, knowledge, attitude and are innovative to embrace technology for a knowledge-driven economy: that is, one in which the generation and exploitation of knowledge would play a predominant part in the creation of wealth,” he explained.

Speaking further, the former rector stated, “Accordingly, we need to promote a system that will endeavor to catch the recipients young at a time when they are receptive to creativity and critical thinking and equip them with the education and skills required to be competitive in the new global order driven by innovation and technology,” Gasper stressed.

TETFund Joins Science Granting Councils Initiative Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCl) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SGC) has announced Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) as its new member.

Starting in 2015, the SGC is funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Canada’s International Development Research Centre, South Africa’s National Research Foundation, the Swedish Inter-

national Development Cooperation Agency and the German Research Foundation.

The TETFund’s executive secretary, Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, who disclosed this in Abuja, said joining the group was in the right direction.

He stated, “We are confident that our admission into SGCl will open a new window of opportunities that will provide platforms that can serve as a fulcrum in achieving our goals

of Nigeria’s transition to a knowledge economy in the 21st century. We are assured of quality partnerships and collaborations on the continent of Africa and beyond.”

Speaking on FCDO’s involvement and the benefit to Nigeria, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing said: “Nigeria’s TETFund’s admission to the Science Granting Councils Initiative is a positive development that will

better position Nigeria to maximise the commissioning and use of research for development, in line with critical national social and economic priorities.”

She noted that the UK “recognises the importance of science to address global challenges, we are pleased to have supported the TETFund” to join the SGCI. Laing added that the British government would continue to work with Nigeria to better realise the benefits of science and research.

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4, 2021

EDUCATION

Prof. Isaac Adewale Albert: How to Protect Nigerian Schools from Terrorists, Bandits In this interview with Funmi Ogundare at the just concluded capacity building workshop on conflict reporting for journalists in Abuja, a professor of African History, Peace and Conflict Studies, and pioneer dean of the Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies, University of Ibadan, Isaac Adewale Albert, explained why Nigerian schools should acquire special knowledge in security to guard against terrorism threat of terrorism and insurgents’ attacks, we need to begin to reflect on how to keep our schools safe. Keeping schools safe will require several things. You have the school environment itself being better structured in terms of having quality fencing and good gates. The second layer of security is to post security operatives to the schools and thirdly to ensure that the teachers and students are more security conscious by not going to areas that are vulnerable to the attacks of insurgents. The increasing numbers of schools overrun by criminals suggest that we need to do more to secure our schools.

Recently I listened to the handlers of some of the institutions that had been attacked, and we are beginning to feel that the terrorists attack more schools that are located at the outskirt of communities.

If that is the case, probably, we need to relocate some of the institutions. So if in the community, the schools are located in very bushy areas or too far away from the city, it is either you relocate them, or you strengthen their security.

What is your view on conflict reporting? onflict reporting is part of strategic communication modelling.

Conflict divides society, and reporting it means that you are trying to stand between communities that are decided. To that extent, it is considered to be a delicate and specialised area. To report a divided society, you have to do things that do not make you look as if you are siding with the parties. It is actually difficult for you to divide three persons into two. You have to cut one get the second half. Conflict reporting is the most difficult aspect of journalism. Therefore, anybody venturing into that terrain must be well trained and have the right type of education, skills, and passion for the job. You must have gone to the university to acquire knowledge in your specialised area, but that does not make the person a good conflict manager.

The person must move to the second stage, which is acquiring skills in conflict management. It is not something you get in totality from the classroom. The most difficult is the passion for the job.

Because when you are reporting conflict, you must venture out of your comfort zone to be able to meet the conflict parties. You meet them in a very difficult environment such as IDP camps and a society where people are being killed or a society where people are being suspected to be corrupt.

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Do you think journalists are doing enough in that aspect?

Nigerian journalists are not doing enough because many were never trained on how to report conflicts. They are professionals but, reporting conflict requires additional training. The training is coming at the right time, not because journalists need to be trained in this specialised area. But it is coming when the Nigerian state is trying to get the environment of the journalists more regimented. You have more rules coming up every day from the government.

So what it requires is for journalists to step back and ask themselves what they are doing right or wrong.

How does conflict affect education?

If a society is divided or the political leadership in the country is divided, definitely, it will have an effect on the education sector. For instance, the federal government is establishing new universities to please politicians who are complaining.

Some of them are complaining that they are disadvantaged and there is a need to establish a university or polytechnic in their community. The question is that with all these universities and polytechnics, do we really need them, and are we actually managing the existing institutions very well? The second point is that when society is divided, as we are witnessing in Nigeria, it becomes even difficult to teach peace education very well.

It is affecting those of us who teach because in the classroom, people, even your students, read meanings into what you say. If you want to publish any paper, your paper is misinterpreted in the context of the ongoing conflict in the country. The divided nature of our society is affecting the quality of peace education because you cannot teach it the way it is taught in other parts of the world. You cannot do your scientific papers on peace. We are too suspicious of ourselves. Even those of us who teach in the classroom, many of us are even taking sides. The way forward is for all of us to maintain the ethical standard of our profession.

As a professor of Peace and Conflict

For institutions witnessing conflict, what strategy should administrators and teachers adopt?

They too must acquire security education because when you listen to many of the principals and teachers talk, you will realise that they don’t have terrorism prevention training. That is to say that before the attacks, nobody had ever brought them to workshops where they will be exposed to security awareness training. I think there is a need for handlers of these institutions to be given requisite security awareness training so that if any problem occurs, they will be better positioned to organise an early response.

Prof. Albert

Keeping schools safe will require several things. You have the school environment itself being better structured in terms of having quality fencing and good gates. The second layer of security is to post security operatives to the schools and thirdly to ensure that the teachers and students are more security conscious Studies, my academic orientation is that you say whatever you want to say about a conflict. But you must support your points with scientific evidence and bring up theories that will strengthen your argument and numerical data that will support your position. So it is not just a matter of saying a problem is happening. No. The canon of the profession is that you are scientific. You come up with evidence and schools of thought to support your position. When you are able to do that, then you are a scholar. Whether we are doing it right or not now is debatable.

What are the effects of armed conflicts on the educational system?

The most important impact that I can actually call attention to is the armed conflict in Nigeria, and the crisis in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central is leading to the

closure of schools. It started with secondary schools in Chibok and Dapchi. They went to primary schools, and now it is affecting universities in Kaduna. That means all levels of our education in Nigeria are affected.

Colleges of education are affected.

Polytechnics are also affected. For the schools that have been shut down in the North today, those who shut them down have not been able to provide us with alternative information of what they will do. Will these institutions remain closed forever?

How do you think Nigeria can provide quality education in conflict zones?

The federal government started the safe school initiative, supported by some international organisations.

Now the theoretical understanding before establishing that structure is that now that our schools are under

What can journalists do to protect themselves while reporting in conflict zones?

Journalists globally face a lot of hazards in conflict environments. They want to get as close to the news as possible. The closer you try to get to that type of news, the more endangered you become. What is done in the Western world is not to ask journalists to run away from reporting. The journalists are heavily insured.

Unfortunately, in Nigeria, journalists are poorly treated. Many are not paid; those paid collect pittance, and so it becomes difficult for you to even talk of insurance.

The government should see journalists as partners in progress. They are considered to be the fourth estate of the realm, and for any society to function very well, you must maintain a close relationship with the media. If the government sees the media as a credible partner, I don’t see why the government should not legislate on the treatment of journalists. If all we have are just five journalists, let them be treated as their counterparts in other parts of the world. Treat them with dignity, protect them, listen to them and try to understand the hazards of their profession. When a journalist is reporting in an environment, he should get very good protection from the police, army and other security agencies in that environment. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, the state is not always happy with journalists doing their work. That makes the work more difficult. That means journalists have to force themselves into the conflict environment and making the work more difficult. We have cases of journalists who have been arrested and jailed, as well as cases of media houses that have been attacked by security operatives.

We still have a long way to go. This is because we still actually see journalists as working in support of society.

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4, 2021

EDUCATION

Nigerian Students Shine at Cambridge Education Creative Technology Hub Learner Awards Funmi Ogundare Fifty-three Nigerian students have received the outstanding Cambridge Learner awards for their November 2020 international examination series performance in various subjects.

The awards, which recognise exceptional learner achievement in Cambridge examinations around the world in over 40 countries for various subjects at Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge O Level and Cambridge International AS and A level, is designed to celebrate and recognise the success of highperforming learners.

The award winners included three students who excelled in Sociology, Agriculture and Law. They received the ‘Top in the World’ honour. Cambridge International also granted 39 ‘Top in Nigeria’ awards to learners who achieved the

highest standard mark in their country for a single subject, 19 ‘High Achievement’ awards, and three ‘Best Across’ awards to students who attained the highest cumulative total standard marks over a set number of subjects.

The top-performing students will also receive certificates from Cambridge International in recognition of their achievements.

Cambridge International’s Regional Director for sub-Saharan Africa, Juan Visser, expressed delight about the students’ performance, considering the challenges they went through in taking the exams.

He told THISDAY, “Students around the world faced one of the most challenging years ever, with the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting teaching and learning.

Despite this, we are delighted to see that students in Nigeria still excelled at their examinations and managed to produce these

outstanding results.

“This points not only to the dedication of learners and their teachers but also to the quality of the schools in Nigeria registered to offer Cambridge programmes.”

Visser commended the schools for organising the resources for learners to prepare, noting that it also helped with the information that the schools needed to support their study.

“The ability to keep up to date with their studies were evident in their results. I am very proud of the learners and the schools,” he said, adding that Cambridge works with the British Council to deliver curriculum to schools offering Cambridge.

Country Director, British Council Nigeria, Lucy Pearson, said it creates international opportunities through arts, English Language, education, administering exams and building stronger societies.

“The exams we administer continue to help people all over the world gain educational and professional development, so they are better positioned for success in life and their careers,” noted Pearson. “Education is a key enabler for these opportunities, and we believe in ensuring young learners have access to world-class education and assessments, which we have achieved through our partners Cambridge Assessment International Education and the British Council Partner School.”

Director Examinations, British Council Nigeria, Marniee Nottingham, said through its partner schools, the British Council provides professional skills development and networking opportunities to schools and teachers that have improved teaching talent across its portfolio of about 395 schools across Nigeria.

Opens in Lagos

Ayodeji Ake Ehizua Hub, a social enterprise and Africa’s first education and creative technology hub, has opened ‘Education and Creative Technology Hub’ in Lekki.

The hub aims at making online learning of creative technology programmes easily accessible in Nigeria and Africa through university admissions and scholarship, corporate accelerator programmes and global opportunities.

The admission programme facilitates university admissions, scholarship and online programme delivery for short programmes, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

The corporate accelerator programme and corporate venture capital (CVC) aim to provide a combination of education, investment, mentoring and networking for participants, providing support for start-ups (earlystage companies) or scaleup companies (companies that have found product/market fit) early-stage start-up companies through start-up capital, mentorship and office space.

While explaining the motivation behind setting

up an education and creative hub in Lagos, the founder and CEO of Ehizua Hub, Matthias Ehizua, stated, “These beliefs drive the founding values of Ehizua Hub. Ehizua Hub also has skills-based training with the aim of making participants engage in skills-based and in-demand industry-focused training that can immediately be applied in a job.

He added, “Examples of creative technology that the upskill training programme offers include multisensory experiences made using computer graphics, video production, digital cinematography, virtual reality, augmented reality, video editing, software engineering, new media art and internet art, 3D printing, the internet of things, CAD/CAM and wearable technology.”

While taking guests on a virtual tour, Ehizua Hub Manager, Adenekan Adewole said: “One of the highpoints for me is the fact that our facility is designed to help students experience real time classroom interaction from our hub without having to travel abroad to have such, though you still have an option to travel abroad if you desire to.

MTN Foundation Opens Applications for 2021 Scholarships

L-R: Executive Director of The Foreshore School, Ikoyi, Mrs. Bunmi Egbeyemi; a year five pupil, Miss Uchechi Obi, her As part of efforts to recognise mother, Mrs. Obi; Executive Administrator of the school, Miss Oyindamola Egbeyemi; and Administrator, Vivian Fowler and promote academic Memorial College, Mrs. Funke Fowler-Amba, during an art exhibition organised by the Foreshore School... recently excellence among highperforming students in various accredited Nigerian public tertiary institutions, the MTN Foundation has called for application for its 2021 scholarships.

Through the foundation, MTN provides two idea, Abone and Ilok said it The company plans to introduce School’s drive to raise young categories of scholarships Uchechukwu Nnaike was about a security company AirGuard Wearable, which pairs entrepreneurs. We are indeed annually: the MTN Science For coming up with the idea of that develops two products that with the AirGuard App to help very proud of them, and I wish and Technology Scholarship Scheme (MTN STSS) and the a company that uses wearable keep students safe by alerting students quickly alert family them success in the final.”

The competition is organised MTN Scholarship for Blind technology to counter the family and friends when in a members and friends when in a critical situation or a state of by a consortium of the world’s Students (MTN SBS). increasing abduction of school state of emergency.

MTN STSS is open to all 300 “The inspiration for our emergency,” they said. top universities and Silicon Valley children in Nigeria, Chioma Greensprings principal entrepreneurs to motivate and level Science and Technology Abone and Emmanuela Ilok business idea came from the of Greensprings School stand insecurity situation in the country. Anthony Campus, Magdalene mentor aspiring high-school students with a minimum the chance of winning $960,000 As students, we aren’t happy Okrikri, expressed happiness at entrepreneurs across the globe. Cumulative Grade Point with the news of the constant the students’ advancement to the The competition started in May, Average (CGPA) of 3.5 (second worth of prizes.

The announcement came abduction of fellow students in final stage of the competition, and the finalists have gone class upper or its equivalent), saying: “Looking at the total through three rounds, in which while the MTN SBS caters to from the Young Tycoon Business some parts of Nigeria.

“So, we decided to work number of students that they submitted their business the educational needs of blind Competition organisers, and according to them, the students on an idea about a company participated in this competition, ideas, developed their business students at 200 level with a emerged as one of the 28 finalists called Paramount Guard, which I consider the emergence of plans, and defended their pitch minimum CGPA of 2.5 or its out of the 7,000 participants from seeks to offer security services our students as finalists to be decks. The fourth and final round equivalent.

Greensprings Students to Win $960,000 in Young Tycoon Business Contest

80 countries.

Explaining their business

to school students, not only in Nigeria but all over the world.

a great feat. This achievement is a testament to Greensprings

will take place at a later date, yet to be advised.

AAAN, Henley Business School Announce 2nd AdCademy Masterclass The Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), in partnership with globally renowned Henley Business School (HBS), has announced the dates for its second AdCademy Masterclass.

The three-day programme, the AAAN announced at a virtual press conference, will hold from 26-29 August.

The AdCademy Masterclass Series is part of AAAN’s efforts at expanding the industry’s talent pool and is open to current and aspiring advertising professionals as well communications professionals in both public and private sectors.

Speaking at the press

conference, AAAN President, Mr. Steve Babaeko, explained that the purpose of the AdCademy, which held the first masterclass in March, is to expand the pipeline of fresh talents for the industry and retrain current professionals.

HBS, according to the Babaeko, will support the masterclass with its robust business curriculum to ensure that participants learn as much about the business side of their craft as they will about the creative side.

“We are partnering with Henley Business School, one of the best business schools in the world, to fuse its tradition of excellence with Nigerian

excellence to help us take the curriculum beyond just our class room teaching. “We also looked at the gap within our industry and discovered that while people know about communication and creativity, they need to learn about the rudiments of the business. That vision works well with Henley Business School,” said Babaeko.

AdCademy Director of Academics, Adeyinka Adewale, expressed similar sentiments:“The emphasis is not just on building professionals, who understand their craft, but also professionals who understand the business of their craft.

“This three-day immersive

programme sits on a tripod, with the first being an overview of how the market works; the second focused on leadership competencies and the third on effective work and practice management,” explained.

He noted that the programme condenses action, reflective and experiential learning into one package.

Olusankami Atolagbe, AdCademy’s acting Director, said the masterclass will run between 9am and 5pm daily.

Supporting the Henley Business School team, Atolagbe disclosed, is a high-calibre team of Nigerian facilitators from diverse backgrounds.

MTN said the scholarships demonstrated its commitment to supporting the country’s development through youth education.

The foundation’s Executive Secretary, Odunayo Sanya, said:“As a brand committed to the socio-economic development of Nigeria, we understand that providing the support to Nigerian students, particularly students of public tertiary institutions, is crucial to securing the future growth and development of our nation.

This knowledge underscores our diverse interventions in the educational sector.”

Among other benefits, MTN scholars are awarded N200,000 annually for three years until graduation, provided they maintain the minimum grade point requirement.

The foundation has awarded scholarships to over 4,000 students to date.

Firm Empowers Nigerian Youths on Digital Revolution Jobberman has inaugurated the second phase of the #FindYourDigitalSuperpower campaign, aimed at helping 24,000 youths, as well as 1,000 employees within the formal and informal e-commerce space to better position themselves for the digital future.

Now in its second phase, the campaign was inaugurated in partnership with international development agency, USAID. It requires participants to take behavioural tests to help decipher their strengths and developmental opportunities in the digital world.

The tests are free and are open to HR/business heads, employees in formal

and informal establishments, merchant platforms, tech enthusiasts, chief executive officers of e-commerce companies and medium scale business owners, as well as youths between the ages of 18 to 35 in Nigeria.

Speaking on the campaign, Jobberman CEO, Ms. Rolake Rosiji, said: “The world is fast becoming increasingly digitized and is bound to continue on this trajectory in the years to come. As a result, it is pertinent that job seekers, especially young people and players in the e-commerce sector position themselves to have relevance in the forthcoming digital revolution.

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4, 2021

EDUCATION

Nigerian Schoolchildren Don’t Know Tongston Unveils Learning Campus What a Library is, Says Aregbesola in Africa James Sowole in Akure

The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has frowned at Nigerians’ attitude, particularly youths, to using the library.

The former Osun governor noted that the modern education system would be impossible without the library, stressing that most youths had not been in a library.

Aregbesola stated this in Akure during the inauguration of a library in Akure Muslim College by the children of the first indigenous Chief Imam of Akure, the late AbdulSalaam

Alake.

A book titled ‘Imam AbdulSalaam Alake: His Life and Legacies’ was also launched.

“Modern education system is practically impossible without the library. Unfortunately, our children don’t even know what a library is.

“Teachers only have enough time to introduce to students the subject. The actual learning will be drawn from the library resources and personal research.”

Aregbesola added that “education, both secular and religious is important to man.”

He added, “Religious

education helps man to develop his personality and grow in the knowledge of and build his relationship with God. Religion without morality will lead to disaster. Religion with morality leads to spirituality. If you are spiritual, you cannot hate any other person regardless of what they do.”

Also speaking, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Oladunni Odu, disclosed that the state government had prioritised education.

According to the daughter

of the late chief imam, Munirat Ogunlayi, the library was built to contribute to society’s development of the society.

“Our dream is for the library to be a reference library in Ondo State if not in Nigeria.

We will like to implore and work with the school and the ministry of education on proper management, including deploying a professional librarian for proper management of the library and instituting a system of conducting an annual audit to ensure books and items are always in place.”

Olawale Ajimotokan in Africa Tongston Entrepreneurship Group has unveiled its pioneer integrated business and learning campus in Africa, located in Gombe.

It has also offered free training to over 100 educators with its maiden Entrepreneurial Educators Course (EEC). The organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, Bello Mohammed Tongo, stated this recently.

He said the company’s vision is a Nigeria devoid of unemployment and underemployment and not dependent on the government for sustainable socio-economic development.

Justifying the selection of the state for the scheme, Tongo stated that apart from being a “forward-thinking” state with the right leadership, driving the mantra of educational reform in the North-east, Gombe was recently announced as the best state in terms of ease of doing business by the Presidential

Enabling Business Environment Council.

“To truly achieve the mission and vision, Tongston created the Tongston entrepreneurial ecosystem operating across the education value chain from primary to secondary, tertiary and post-tertiary, and the entrepreneurship value chain of finance, education, and media.

“Tongston has developed the model through seven years of innovation, by taking all that is required of people post-school, and backward integrated into the existing education model, to ensure that formal schooling prepares people for what lies ahead,” he explained.

The recent Tongston Showcase was a two-part event that involved the main showcase of the Tongston Group and subsequently over 100 educators in Gombe, representing educators of all levels in government secondary schools and undergraduate/postgraduate students of education in Gombe State University.

School Director Harps on Technology to Drive Education Oluchi Chibuzor

L-R: The Head Teacher, LEA Primary School Tungan Kwasou, Hajiya Rahmat Suleiman; President. BPW International, Nigeria, Mrs. Yinka Ajibola; and immediate past President, BPW International, Dr. Amany Asfour, during a familiarization visit to the school in Bwari Area Council of the FCT, Abuja... recently

AUN President: Closing Schools to Prevent Kidnapping Will Increase Out-of-school Children Kuni Tyessi ÓØ ÌßÔË The President of the American University of Nigeria, Yola, Dr Margee Ensign, says closing schools because of bandits will increase out-of-school children.

Ensign, who spoke in Abuja during an interview, regretted the low level of protection and security the government provides in schools. She noted that there would not be out-of-school children if the government made education a priority.

Emphasising that children have a right to go to school, Ensign disclosed that many

kidnapped Chibok girls sent overseas have graduated and are doing well.

Speaking on the closure of schools due to bandits attacks, including kidnapping, the AUN president stated that schools might remain closed.

“We can’t lose any of those children to the streets. Who knows where the next leader of your country is? So I had the privilege of sitting last Monday with Mary and sisters from Chibok, and Mary was giving them advice about how to succeed in college,” she stated.

“I couldn’t be on any university

campus around the world and get advice about how to study hard.”

Ensign noted that education was instrumental in transforming personal lives and communities.

She further explained that her interactions with some of the Chibok kidnapped students reinforced that belief.

“The other women, I went around and asked, where are you in your studies and what do you want to do? One said: ‘I am a third-year law student, and I want to be a lawyer to bring (about) justice in my country.’ One said, ‘I’m studying

Environmental Science because I’m worried about our climate.’

Another said, ‘I’m studying Accounting so that I can stop corruption.’ Think of who is saying these. They were the ones who were kidnapped, and they are so focused,” disclosed AUN boss.

Ensign added, “We need to all keep focus so that no kids are kidnapped anymore. Where is the protection for these kids?

They have a right to go to school.

Until that happens, the schools will probably have to be closed, and we have to find a way to get them properly educated.”

Girl-Child Education: Group Empowers 1,000 Lagos Students Segun James

As part of promoting girl-child education in Nigeria, a nongovernmental organisation, Ornaments of Grace and Virtue (OGAV), has empowered 1,000 students in public secondary schools in Lagos State with care packs containing food items, sanitary pads,

underwear and stationeries.

The beneficiaries were pupils of public secondary schools in Lagos State Education District (LSED) I, which covered Agege, Alimosho and Ifako-Ijaiye.

Speaking at the programme, held recently at Government Senior College, Agege, the founder of OGAV, Olubusola

Kolade, noted that the idea behind it was to foster a better future for Nigeria since educating the girl child amounts to training a nation.

The empowerment scheme initiative tagged: ‘Blooming in Adversity,’ was done in collaboration with Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation.

Kolade said her foundation

and collaborators had been at the forefront of promoting girl-child education for over five years.

According to her, the organisation organises a one-month summer leadership camp for teenage schoolgirls annually though the COVID-19 pandemic did not allow the camp to hold in 2020.

The Proprietress of De Joyland School, Lagos, Abimbola Osagie, has urged schools to use technology for educational purposes to cater for modern and future demands of learning.

Osagie, who said this at the ninth graduation and prize-giving ceremony of the school, held recently in Lagos, explained that an “intentional approach to technology” would enable students to live more efficient lives in the modern world.

According to her, a former student of the school is already making waves in the tech industry.

“One of our past graduands, Joshua Agboola, is already making waves in the tech industry doing great things in the tech space. So, going forward, we want to be more intentional about tech by helping children learn it because that is the new thing now,” she disclosed.

Her school’s dream is to use

technology to develop and nurture pupils’ skills, talents, and abilities, which will give the students an edge among their peers after school.

“In our school, all the children from grade one to six take coding as a subject. They can code and do programming.

Some of them have developed games, and they can as well use tech to build their area(s) of interest(s),” Osagie further noted.

The proprietress called for a review of the current education system, noting that a regimented system will restrict schoolchildren to limited career opportunities.

“We do not want to regiment our children to particular professions. Some of them are good at art. Some are good when it comes to (public) speaking. We try to discover our children’s strengths so that they can become stronger. We want to raise children that would make a global impact both in the country and internationally,” she added.

Mastercard Foundation, Beyond the Classroom Educate 6,000 Children on COVID-19 Protocols A non-profit volunteer organisation, Beyond the Classroom, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has organised an awareness campaign for 6,000 children in Nigeria on COVID-19 safety protocols.

The community engagement is part of the Mastercard Foundation’s ‘COVID-19 Public Awareness Campaign,’ aimed at delivering accurate, timely and life-saving information on COVID-19 across African communities.

The initiative in Nigeria was rolled out in 11 public and private schools in Lagos and Nasarawa. Each child received a free COVID-19 safety pack containing the book ‘There is a New Virus in Town,’ written

by Raquel Daniel, founder of

Beyond the Classroom, and produced in partnership with the foundation.

The programme educated the schoolchildren on the need to wash their hands regularly with soap or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers, properly wear a face mask and maintain social distance, stated Raquel.

He added that the students were encouraged to motivate their parents and guardians to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the Nigeria Country Head at the foundation, Chidinma Lawanson, the community engagement is the second phase of the NGO’s COVID-19 campaign, aimed at educating children aged seven to 14 years on COVID-19 preventive measures.

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T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4, 2021

CITYSTRINGS

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

Championing Care for Depressed People Rebecca Ejifoma reports that for Dr. Maymunah Kadiri, who is the medical director and psychiatrist-in-chief at Pinnacle Medical Services, a foremost psychology and mental health clinic prominent in the application of innovative clinical approaches, her debut psychological novel titled Deep Expression, is targeted at directing patience and care to depressed people, thus accelerating their swift recovery

D

eep Expression, a debut psychological novel by celebrity shrink, Dr. Maymunah Kadiri, is quintessential for today's world of social media, increased unemployment, youth restiveness, mass hysteria, and global health tussle. This book disciplines readers to be patient, understanding, and supportive to depressed people for swift recovery.

With much precision, the author, popularly known as Dr. May, enlightens readers about depression, its symptoms, effects, and solutions while weaving it around the 21st century lifestyle of an active youth. She uses familiar words like Instagram, Tik Tok, photoshoots, and comments among others to interact with the mind of the reader.

The novel details the life of Brenda, an enthusiastic teenager, through whose charmingly exuberant gaze readers can feel the woe of a depressed person in the society. In one second, Brenda has her life at her fingertips -- creating a community of followers on Instagram through daily posting of her Tik Tok videos -- until a fatal auto crash falls her world apart. And her centre can no longer hold.

Now the writer clarifies that depression is not sadness, not a choice, personality trait, anxiety disorder, or mood swings.

She delicately describes it as an illness that chooses its victims. Hence, it requires treatment, patience, compassion, and empathy towards sufferers.

For the multiple award winning mental health physician, advocate and coach, it has become evident how depression is synonymous with deep pressure on one's reasoning. It causes persistent gloom, deeper and more intense melancholy, haplessness, worthlessness, crippling, and emotionally damaging.

Deep Expression exposes the list of people who are prone to depression everyone. And when an individual like Brenda is depressed, his or her world gets entangled. That world includes her loved ones, families and friends, Dr. May career, and other daily activities that once cheered her. This, over time, melts down productivity for those affected.

Now according to the author, who has over 20 years experience as a mental health physician, the level of depression in today's world seems to be on the surge. Just like Brenda, so many young Nigerians have become strangers to themselves from who they used to be.

Consequently, the book, a perfect stream of consciousness, expresses worries over the sudden rise in cases of depression. Hence, she backs up the case of Brenda with data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimating that about 350 million people are depressed globally. This makes depression the most common illness worldwide and the leading cause of disability. "It is that serious," Dr. May chips in.

Brenda, like the other 350 million victims, was no longer the jolly good fellow she used to be. Her new companion became zero appetite for excitement, constant guilt, rhetorical questions, low self-esteem, and isolation. Brenda's family did everything positive to help her weather the storm. However, her friends were quite the opposite.

Through Brenda's friends, Instagram followers and neighbours' ridicules, you could feel reality staring you in the face. While in a dire strait, many social media users today have turned

into trolls. They find pleasure in making derogatory, negative, and dispiriting comments on posts to school or slam.

Truly, many people make statements they have no interpretation of. You must have heard a few godawful phrases made to those bereaved: "It is fate; what will happen will happen". "It has happened; it has happened", "God gives and God takes", "A time to be born and a time to die", "Stop crying" and the list goes on and on. But Dr. May does not reconcile to this unpleasant idea, as they are capable of hurting, in this case, a depressed person.

For the sufferers of depression, the novel prescribes that they consciously summon strength, resilience. The author goes ahead to list a self-check questionnaire

for depression. They are: Do I have difficulty processing my feelings?

Do I have intense feelings of guilt, helplessness, and worthlessness?

An excerpt: "Do you experience insomnia, hypersomnia, lack of concentration, anger, restlessness?

Are you accommodating suicidal thoughts and thinking of the best technique to end it all? Have these symptoms occurred continuously for two weeks or more?", For the author, if you answered those questions honestly and got three yeses, the next step is to see a therapist. "It doesn't mean you have depression. But you are in a sensitive stage."

Dr. May is the Medical Director and Psychiatrist-In-Chief at Pinnacle Medical Services, a foremost psychology and mental health clinic prominent in the application of

In a dire strait, many social media users today have turned into trolls. They find pleasure in making derogatory, negative, and dispiriting comments on posts

innovative clinical approaches in the management and treatment of a wide range of psychological, emotional, and behavioral related disorders.

She is a trained and certified Rational Emotive and Cognitive Behavioural Therapist from Albert Ellis Institute, New York, USA. She is also a certified Trauma Counsellor and Neurofeedback Practitioner.

Dr. May has wide experience in psycho-therapeutic techniques and has perfected her skills whilst in private practice and whilst working for a variety of organizations. She is a recognised radio and television guest Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist. She also contributes to articles published in magazines and newspapers.

She is the only Nigerian with the 14Ps Physician, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Practitioner (NLP, BFB, NFB), Public Speaker, Published Author, Producer (movies), Proficient Coach, Parent, Philanthropist, People oriented, Public Health Advocate and Passionate about God and life."

Dr. May has got much of an ace up her sleeve for mental health in the country. Her driving force is to live, and learn. And ultimately, she is out to impact generations positively, with Deep Expression taking the lead.

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4, 2021

63

CRIME&SECURITY

Walk against Human Trafficking To commemorate the 2021 World Day against Human Trafficking, Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that the Lagos Zonal Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons recently led stakeholders on a road walk to create awareness about the menace and the travail the victims pass through in the hands of the traffickers

T

he National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Lagos Zonal Command recently joined the world to commemorate the 2021 World Day against Human Trafficking in Persons.

Themed "Let the Voices of Victims Lead the Way", NAPTIP and stakeholders from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the Lagos Chamber of Commerce, Legal Hub University of Lagos, Live Abundantly organisation, among many other non governmental and government agencies staged a road walk to create awareness about the menace.

Led by the Lagos State Zonal Commander, Mr. Agaran Alao, the road walk, which was to sensitise the public and create awareness on human trafficking and its negative effects, started from NAPTIP Lagos office in GRA, Ikeja to Allen Junction in Ikeja.

During the walk, NAPTIP officials distributed leaflets containing information about the dangers of human trafficking and why they should stay away from it. It also contained contacts to call.

Speaking at the walk, Alao said the theme was apt as the voices of survivors of human trafficking, sex slavery tell a true rhetoric of the danger inherent in human trafficking.

He said "This year's day against human trafficking is dedicated to victims of human trafficking. We want to ensure that the rights of the victims and survivors of human trafficking is protected. We want to use the occasion to create awareness on the situation of the victims. The theme of this year's day on human trafficking is that victims' voices lead the way and we want to ensure that whatever we are doing, the victims are part of it.

"We want to create a survivor advocacy group where a lot of things can be done for them. We want them to be empowered and not be re trafficked .We want them to be empowered to live well in the society".

He further hinted that over 300 persons have been rescued from countries they were trafficked to by the Lagos Zonal Command this year, adding that all hands must be on deck to fight the menace.

Associate Professor Iyabode Ogundiran representative of Anti- human Trafficking Hub, University of Lagos, said the scourge of human trafficking is all over the world and creating awareness of the victims' plights should be a continuous exercise. She urged members of the public to be careful not to fall prey to the trafficking ring.

Sister Felicia of the Bakhista Foundation urged the government to address the push factors fuelling illegal migration, adding that "the push factor has also been poverty.

People who cannot get better opportunity to get jobs, and live a good live can easily get deceived to come for job offers but on getting there, the story changes. There is no work but sex slavery. The issue of parental care for children is important so that a neighbour will not take advantage of a mother or father not being in the lives of children to deceive and traffick them".

The National Coordinator of the Network Against Child Abuse, Trafficking and Labour (NACTAL), Mrs. Morenike Moribeoje said all hands must be on deck to fight human trafficking and build a strong society that values the lives of young Nigerians.

Mrs Bumi Laja of the Live Abundantly Organisation said " Let's hear from the victims.

They are the ones that have been through all the horror. They are in the position to tell those intending to travel illegally their experiences so as to dissuade them from being trafficked."

One of the rescued girls ,19 years old Bella John said " I am from Delta state. I lost my dad and a neighbour we know as Mama called me to her room. She told me she had sales girl job for me in Benin city Edo State but she said that I should not inform anyone that we are traveling. I left Delta State with

NAPTIP zonal coordinators, officials and other stakeholders during the walk her and we got to Benin. She took me to Lagos where we moved by road to Mali. It was after we got to Mali that I was told it was prostitution work.

I felt bad.

"Luckily, some girls she put me up with, about fifty of them decided to ran away. Some of them succeeded in escaping, they were the ones who

reported to the embassy. That was how I was rescued and brought back to Nigeria".

Another trafficked survivor, Becky John said she is happy to be back in Nigeria. She said " There is no job outside the country but sex slavery.

It is horrible and I suffered all the time I was there in Ghana. I was lucky to

There is no job outside the country but sex slavery.

It is horrible and I suffered all the time I was there in Ghana. I was lucky to escape and be rescued to Nigeria. I am going about preaching to young girls to be patient in Nigeria and not be deceived that there is good job in other countries. What the traffickers are taking you to do there is prostitution

escape and be rescued to Nigeria. I am going about preaching to young girls to be patient in Nigeria and not be deceived that there is good job in other countries. What the traffickers are taking you to do there is prostitution".

One of the rescue agencies in the United Arab Emirate, Abigail Foundation urged the government to provide jobs for the teeming youth especially those who who have completed their secondary education. Mrs Abigail said " Nigerians are the traffickers. They seize their passports and visa and threaten the girls that if they are not sleeping with men,they will kill their parents and other family members in Nigeria.

"The trafficked girls are called okada riders and they have what they nicknamed as pit where these girls sleep with these men. They beat them up when they refuse to work.

This pit can be a construction site, a forest, bush, anywhere. The madam is very cruel and there are cult boys who also participate in the trafficking ring and are used to threaten the girls to meet with men for money ".

64

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͳ˜ 2021

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Olugbenjo: Stanbic IBTC N100bn Infrastructure Fund Will Bridge Infrastructure Deficit Nume Ekeghe Chief Investment Officer, Stanbic IBTC Infrastructure Fund, Dolu Olugbenjo has urged corporate organisations and project developers, among others, to explore company’s N100 billion infrastructure fund to bridge the infrastructure deficit in Nigeria.

The Fund, according to him, will help Nigeria close its infrastructure gap by linking investors with long-term capital while enabling them to achieve their investment goals.

Olugbenjo who stated during a webinar held recently said the establishment of the fund was borne out of the need to bring to the fore the many opportunities for investments beyond the traditional investment propositions whilst boosting confidence in the Nigerian capital market.

According to him, “Nigeria, like most African countries, struggles with infrastructural deficits and for a nation striving to achieve development, closing this gap requires around $3 trillion investment over the next 30 years. This highlights the need for urgent and concerted efforts at solving this problem. In

addition, the current challenges plaguing government’s earnings have restrained its efforts at solving some of these problems, thus creating a further need for the involvement of financial organisations.”

Shedding more light on the rationale for setting up the Fund, he stated, “The Stanbic IBTC Infrastructure Fund is tailored at addressing these challenges by providing infrastructural investment in critical sectors of the economy such as energy, telecommunications, healthcare, water treatment, waste management, communications, and transportation, among others.”

Olugbenjo noted that the fund, which will be released in tranches, will provide an avenue for investors to gain exposure to critical infrastructure projects while ensuring that risks are mitigated.

“There are commensurate returns for the risks assumed.

The Fund, which will be released in tranches and has a 12-year term period, provides the governance framework to ensure that investors are kept aware of investments. It is geared at addressing investors’ appetite for infrastructure-dedicated funds, “he said.

Dolu stated that Stanbic IBTC Asset Management, with over two decades of deep investment management experience, has been at the forefront of leading Nigeria’s infrastructural development in the country by providing innovative products.

“As one of Nigeria’s leading investment managers, providing world-class solutions and prioritising collaboration for the utmost benefit of our clients have remained a core objective of Stanbic IBTC Asset Management.

We have been undertaking this task within the scope of existing regulations, and we will continue to seek ways to optimally leverage our strength and capabilities for the benefit of our clients.”

“Stanbic IBTC Asset Management has 16 collective investment schemes, which is the highest pool managed by any Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-registered fund manager in Nigeria.

“Our suite of funds provides diverse options for investors with different risk appetites, and these products are suitable for different market conditions, allowing investors to freely rotate between strategies, depending on the market outlook,” he added.

Wema Bank’s Total Assets Rises to N1.02trn in H1 Darasimi Adebisi Wema Bank Plc total assets gained 4.76 per cent to N1.02trillion as at June 30, 2021 from N979.52billion reported in full year ended December 31, 2020.

The lender reported 0.5 per cent increase in customers deposit to N808.87billion as at June 30, 2021 from N804.87billion reported in 2020 as net loans grew by 3.63per cent to N373billion in H1 2021 from N360.08billion reported in H1 2020. Wema Bank announced its unaudited H1, 2021 financial result and accounts with strong fundamentals in income statement position as profit before tax rose significantly by 148.7 per cent to N4.3billion in H1 2021 from N 1.73billion reported in H1 2020.

Commenting on the results, the Managing Director, Wema Bank, Mr. Ademola Adebise in a statement said: “We are pleased to release our results for the first half of the year. Our performance speaks to the spirit of resilience that runs through the organization as we have strongly bounced back from the COVID-19 impacted performance of the same period in 2020.

“As the economy opens back up fully, we expect to see a stronger performance for full year 2021. Over the course of the second half of 2021, the bank will continue its strong focus on the digital business, pushing for further gains in customer acquisition, consumer lending and transaction volumes while on

the commercial side of the bank, we will continue to aggressively grow our commercial lending business alongside trade and other revenue lines.”

The Chief Finance & Strategy Officer, Wema Bank, Tunde Mabawonku in a statement also said, “We are delighted to announce the Bank’s H1 2021 results.

“The performance shows growth in key financial metrics despite the challenging macroeconomic environment arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

According to Mabawonku: “The key measure of success for us is growth in customers and customer activity – and we are glad that we are reporting strong growth here.”

Olugbenjo

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JANUARY 2021 Money Supply (M3)

38,779,455.43

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

1,039,129.55

Money Supply (M2)

37,740,325.88

-- Quasi Money

21,779,302.69

-- Narrow Money (M1)

15,961,023.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,364,871.13

---- Demand Deposits

13,596,152.06

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,414,275.50

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

31,365,179.93

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

42,916,586.63

---- Credit to Government (Net)

12,304,773.44

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

30,611,813.19

--Other Assets Net

3,892,112.74

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,264,585.14

--Currency in Circulation

2,831,167.19

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,433,417.96 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR)

NAHCO Shareholders Approve N12.50 Dividend Amidst Covid-19 The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (Nahco aviance) has again delighted its shareholders by paying a gross dividend of N12.50 kobo per ordinary share of 50 kobo each. This amounted to N203 million dividend payout to shareholder The Chairman, Board of Directors, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company, Dr. Seinde Oladapo Fadeni at the 40th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in Lagos, said the company would continue to be the leading ground handling company in Africa in terms of market share, client base, revenue, and profitability.

“Notwithstanding the estimated loss of about N7 billion to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, by ground handling companies, thereby limiting

their performances, NAHCO plc withstood the challenges and chose to reward its shareholders for their support, “he said.

The AGM, which was held by proxy had a few people in attendance, while the proceeding was streamed live in conformity to the Covid-19 protocols. The Board assured its shareholders of enhanced returns on their investments in the years ahead.

The 2020 annual report and accounts of the group had indicated that the NAHCO Group earned N2,302.4 billion as gross profit in 2020, whereas it earned N3,305.2 billion in 2019 operating year, indicating about 30 per cent drop in the year under review.

The group also earned N478,090 million as profit from operations in the 2020 financial

year, but earned N1,467.7 billion in the 2019 operating year.

The group’s profit before tax also dropped from N1,340.5 billion in 2019 to N361,279 million in the year under review.

However, profit for the year 2020 was N302,131 million, unlike the N717,199 million in the 2019 operating year, indicating a 57.9 per cent reduction.

The drop in revenue of the group was primarily due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He, however, regretted that the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, which crippled activities in the last financial year affected its performance and approval of higher divided to the shareholders but expressed optimism that the company would return to the verge of high profit in the 2021 financial year.

Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ ͯͳ ͰͮͰͯ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $73.15 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $75.29 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

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

65

T H I S D AY ˾ Ͳ˜ 2021

Gains in MTN Nigeria, Airtel Lift Stock Market by N163.22bn Daramsimi Adebisi The Nigerian stock market closed the transaction for the second trading day in August on a positive note, as price appreciation in MTN Nigeria, Airtel Africa and 10 others drive investors gain by N163.22 billion.

Bargain hunters buying interest, particularly in the telecommunication sector majorly led to the positive performance in yesterday’s trading period.

In summary, overall market capitalisation value grew by N163.22 billion or 0.81 per cent to close at N20.277 trillion from N20.114 trillion the stock market opened for trading.

Consequently, the Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index (ASI) grew by 313.27 basis points or 0.81 per cent to close at 38,917.99 basis points from 38,604.72 basis points it closed yesterday.

The stock market gain on

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

yesterday pushed Its Year-to-Date (YTD) returns currently stands at -3.36per cent.

However, investor sentiment as measured by market breadth was negative, as 26 stocks declined while 11 gained.

FTN Cocoa led the losers’ chart by 8.16 per cent to close at N0.45, per share. Honeywell Flour followed with a decline of 7.78 per cent to close at N1.54 from N1.67, while Mutual Benefits Plc lost 5.13 per cent

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

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

to close at N0.37 from N0.39 kobo, per share.

Transcorp Plc lost 5.10 per cent to close at N0.93, while Neimeth shed 5.06 per cent to close at N1.50 from N1.58, per share it opened for trading yesterday.

On the other hand, Wema Bank appreciated by 5.95 per cent to close at N0.89 from N0.84, per share. UPDC followed with a gain of 5.93 per cent to close at N1.25 from

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

N1.18, while Airtel Africa went up by 5.69 per cent to close at N650 kobo, per share.

Courtville Solution rose by 4.17 per cent to close at N0.25kobo, while Cutix gained 3.95 per cent to close at N5.00 kobo, per share.

Market turnover closes negative as volume moved down by -5.25per cent as against -36.90per cent decline recorded in the previous session. Transcorp, Jaiz Bank and Honey Well Flour

O F

were the most active to boost market turnover. MTN Nigeria and Zenith Bank topped market value list.

Cadbury Nigeria leads the list of active stocks that recorded impressive volume spike at the end of today’s session.

This week, analysts at United Capital Plc expected investors to react to the late flurry of results that came into the market last week.

0 3 / 0 8 / 2 0 2 1 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

66

MONDAY, ͺ;˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

67

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4, 2021 • T H I S DAY

MARKET NEWS A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 02Aug-2021, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS

AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 156.92 158.48 -3.00% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 4.60% Nigeria International Debt Fund 311.60 311.60 -19.85% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 111.67 111.67 -0.39% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A ACAP Income Funds N/A N/A N/A AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.05% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.24 3.40 -4.60% info@anchoriaam.com ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 7.14% Anchoria Equity Fund 135.20 136.76 1.65% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.10 1.10 -17.41% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 19.76 20.36 8.96% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Ethical Fund 38.28 39.43 13.55% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.09 1.09 -0.95% ARM Fixed Income Fund 0.97 0.97 -7.91% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.01% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 105.49 105.49 3.72% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,013.97 1,013.97 1.40% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 135.31 136.26 7.24% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.90% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.00 2.00 -12.32% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.11 2.16 -9.67% CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund 1.01 1.01 2.13% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.23% Paramount Equity Fund 15.57 16.88 0.53% Women's Investment Fund 136.98 138.57 2.93% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.01% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 118.63 119.38 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 107.24 107.24 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.93% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.19 1.20 -1.17% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.36 1.36 -14.22% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 8.50% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 6.97% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,138.22 1,153.18 -1.19% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,396.74 1,396.74 11.39% FBN Balanced Fund 191.67 193.07 2.12% FBN Halal Fund 111.58 111.58 7.78% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.64% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Legacy Money Market Fund Legacy Debt Fund Legacy Equity Fund Legacy USD Bond Fund FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Coral Balanced Fund Coral Income Fund Coral Money Market Fund

126.42 157.96

126.42 3.35% 160.17 4.48% fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com

Bid Price 1.00 3.96 1.58 1.18

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.00 5.33% 3.96 2.40% 1.62 4.04% 1.18 4.02% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price N/A N/A N/A

Offer Price N/A N/A N/A

Yield / T-Rtn N/A N/A N/A

GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.00% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.80 2.86 -1.95% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 151.89 152.17 -2.32% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.28 1.32 1.82% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.10 1.10 0.93% 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 1.42 1.44 4.17% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,139.27 1,139.27 4.96% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 11.45 11.51 9.42% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 7.14% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.66 1.69 7.17% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.47 11.53 -5.40% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 5.46% PACAM Equity Fund 1.65 1.67 4.54% PACAM EuroBond Fund 112.55 114.32 2.42% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 134.57 137.17 10.02% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 10.07% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,275.73 3,310.45 0.34% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 231.80 231.80 0.02% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.22 1.24 1.65% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 305.25 305.25 0.08% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 223.64 226.94 0.62% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 8.00% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,313.66 10,461.23 0.68% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.27 1.27 0.06% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 115.03 115.03 0.05% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 102.71 102.71 UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.29 1.31 1.24% United Capital Bond Fund 1.90 1.90 3.88% United Capital Equity Fund 0.87 0.89 9.21% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.30% United Capital Eurobond Fund 119.37 119.37 4.30% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.05 1.07 3.47% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.06 1.06 5.81% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 12.93 13.05 8.98% Zenith Ethical Fund 14.24 14.37 16.55% Zenith Income Fund 24.24 24.24 1.09% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.77%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

124.98 51.79

10.62% 2.65%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

13.42

13.52

1.56%

127.51 100.78 17.95 18.30

130.58 102.91 18.05 18.40

1.49% 1.53%

Fund Name SFS REIT Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund

SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund MERGROWTH ETF MERVALUE ETF

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.93 5.91 17.61 1.00 19.59 151.35

3.97 5.99 17.71 1.00 19.79 153.35

4.17% 3.85% 8.45% 5.54% -4.49% -30.90%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.40

13.11%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

68

WEDNESDAY, ͼ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

SIXTY-EIGHT AHEAD OF 2023, NIGERIA’S DOMINANT POLITICAL PARTIES BATTLE SURVIVAL, LEADERSHIP CRISES have lost the state to PDP had the opposition party’s governorship candidate, Eyitayo Jegede, joined APC’s National Caretaker Committee Chairman and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, in the suit. .

The technicality of the case had split the seven-man Supreme Court panel to a four-three majority decision, with the minority judgement led by Justice Mary Odili, arguing that the apex court should have sacked Governor Rotimi Akeredolu since Buni acted on behalf of the party. But the majority judgement delivered

by Justice Emmanuel Agim contended that since all the issues revolved around Buni, he should have been joined for the argument to be valid.

The crux of the debate followed the position held by some members of the party that as governor of Yobe State, an executive position, Buni could not at the same time act as the APC chairman, another executive office. They alleged that Buni contravened both Section 183 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 17 (iv) of the APC constitution.

But Buni and a few other likeminded party faithful disagreed and despite a plea by majority of party members to suspend last weekend’s congresses for fear of the unknown, the Caretaker Committee went ahead with the exercise.

THISDAY had reported earlier this week that the vice president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, acting on the instruction of President Muhammadu Buhari, had made desperate moves, after a meeting of all lawyers in the cabinet, to call off the congresses. This was for the fear that the hint from the Supreme Court judgement in Ondo State could come back to haunt the party.

But from all indications, reason is believed to have started prevailing, as governors elected on the platform of APC and other stakeholders are now considering the way forward.

Their options are believed to include the possibility of cancelling the congresses to save the party from a myriad of potential future legal challenges.

To this end, a chieftain of APC, Okosisi Ngwu, has dragged the Buni-led caretaker committee before a High Court in Abuja seeking a nullification of the congresses. The plaintiff is also

asking the court to declare the congresses held under Buni as illegal, flowing from the Supreme Court judgement that questioned the validity of the Buni-led Caretaker Committee.

The suit marked FCT/HC/ CV/1824/2021 and dated August 2, 2021, listed the APC and all members of the caretaker committee as defendants.

They are Buni, Isiaka Oyebola, Ken Nnamani, Stella Okorete, Governor Sani Bello, Dr James Lalu, Senator Abubakar Yusuf, Hon. Akenyemi Olaide, David Leon, Abba Ali, Prof. Tahir Mamman, Ismail Ahmed, and Senator James Akpanudoedehe.

In the originating summons filed by his counsel, Chief Oba Maduabuchi (SAN), Ngwu is further asking the court to dissolve the committee, as there was no organ of the party or any such organisation in the party's constitution as Caretaker/ Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC).

He equally sought a declaration that pursuant to Section 87(4)(b)(1) of the Electoral Act (as amended), only the National Executive Committee of a political party could validly appoint a date for the holding of primaries for the nomination of the governorship or other candidates of the political party.

Ngwu, who hinted that he had wanted to contest the position of the National Chairman of the party in 2018, urged the court to grant an order setting aside all actions and decisions taken by members of CECPC of the party.

APC is, apparently, yet to agree on a strategy to approach the quagmire it has found itself in. But what the majority of members feel the party can minimise its losses by, first, cancelling the congresses and, then, fathoming a way out of the legal ditch it has found itself.

In PDP, the last few months have been palpably discomforting, with the party losing about three governors and several state and federal lawmakers to different reasons, including not being able to tag along anymore with the PDP leadership.

Leading the defection train was the governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, followed

by Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade, and, most recently, Zamfara State Governor Bello

BUHARI SALUTES EMEFIELE’S PATRIOTIC SERVICES AT 60 fund has been increased N400 billion.

In terms of the ABP, over 3.1 million farmers have been financed for the cultivation of crops across 21 agricultural commodities. Also, a total of 3,107,890 farmers have been financed for the cultivation of 3,801,397 hectares across 21 commodities through 23 Participating Financial Institutions in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from the inception of the programme till date.

For the YEDP, which was launched in 2016 to enhance the deployment of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Nigerian youths to achieve maximum economic development, a total of N173.4 million has been disbursed to over 67 beneficiaries.

The target beneficiaries are members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), non-NYSC (but not more than five years post-NYSC), holders of verifiable tertiary institution certificates, and artisans with First School Leaving Certificate or a technical certificate or accredited proficiency certificate from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

Emefiele also earned his

stripes as one of the heroes of the country’s efforts to contain COVID-19. The CBN under Emefiele’s leadership was proactive in mitigating the effects of the pandemic on the economy.

Immediately the first COVID-19 case was recorded in Lagos, the Emefiele-led CBN took decisive actions and unfolded a raft of measures to moderate the effect of the virus on households, businesses, and the economy.

Emefiele was also instrumental to the formation of the privatesector-led Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID), which was able to mobilise billions of naira and has immensely supported the country’s COVID-19 fight by setting up healthcare facilities across the country and distributing palliatives to states. It also established a health sector grant to promote research in the development of vaccines, among other policy measures.

The health sector facility has provided loans to pharmaceutical companies to expand and open drug-manufacturing plants in the country, and it has helped hospitals and healthcare practitioners to expand and build health facilities.

Matawalle, whose defection had also raised some constitutional concerns following the manner of his emergence as governor.

Matawalle had emerged governor after the 2019 general election, sequel to a Supreme Court judgement that disqualified all APC candidates across the board over allegedly flawed primary elections. Although PDP is still in court challenging Matawalle’s defection and asking the Supreme Court to sack him, a fresh crisis has erupted in the party, with the National Youth Leader, Sunday Udey-Okoye, berating the National Chairman of the party, Uche Secondus.

This was soon taken a notch up as seven officials of the party tendered their letters of resignation yesterday over allegations of marginalisation by the party leadership.

But Secondus has described what the youth leader said as the price of leadership, wondering why he did not realise that the deputies that resigned were not given any official duties in the last three years or since the inception of the party.

Other members of the NWC, it was gathered, equally berated the national youth leader, alleging that he is being economical with the truth.

One of the NWC members, who spoke to THISDAY on condition of anonymity, stated, "Ask the deputies that resigned, they knew before they contested elections to become officials of the party; knew that they are not entitled to attend the NWC meeting, less invited.

"If they were not sponsored, why are they just waking up from their slumber? This is a constitutional issue. There is nothing we could do unless the constitution of the party is amended.

"This has been the case right from the formation of the party.

They are being used."

The NWC member said, a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting would soon be summoned to address the issues raised.

Secondus, in his response, claimed that the issue was not personal but the price of leadership. He alleged that the seven deputies that resigned were sponsored, as they were all aware of their status before being elected.

"The National Working Committee of our great party at its meeting today received the notice of the resignation from deputies, who are elected members of the National Executive Committee,” Secondus confirmed.

Responding to the emergency, National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, said, "The meeting of the National Working Committee and the deputies immediately took place to dialogue on the issues that were raised. The party will look into the grievances raised by members of NEC as well as members of the National Working Committee.

"The internal conflict resolution mechanism of our party has also been immediately activated to put these issues behind us. We call on all the leaders, stakeholder and members of our great party to remain calm as we collectively resolve these issues.”

But in an interview with newsmen, the youth leader blamed Secondus for the problems of the party.

The youth leader stated, "Mr. Uche Secondus, the national chairman of the party, is incompetent of managing the affairs of this party, he lacks managerial capacity to manage PDP. He had made sure that

many departments of the party did not function as effectively as it ought to function. Mr. Chairman has nothing to offer to the party; only to come here and deceive us.

"There is a sharp division in our NWC right now, not only me, many more NWC members are more aggrieved than myself.”

In a similar vein, National Organising Secretary of the PDP, Col. Austin Akobundu, confirmed the resignation of seven members of the NWC. THISDAY gathered that by the PDP constitution, the seven different deputies that resigned were not truly eligible to attend meetings of the NWC. It is the substantive officers that attend the NWC, except where in the absence of the substantive official.

But the deputies have been agitating that they should be allowed to attend the main NWC meeting as the information reaching them after NWC was always secondary. The seven national officers of PDP, in their separate letters, addressed to National Secretary of the party, Senator Unaru Tsauri, on Tuesday, alleged being side-lined and unfairly treated by the National Chairman, Secondus.

Those who have resigned are Deputy National Financial Secretary, Deputy National Organising Secretary, Deputy National Legal Adviser, Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Deputy Woman Leader, and Deputy National Auditor.

One of the deputies that resigned, who pleaded anonymity, also berated the Secondus-led NWC for allegedly treating deputy national officers “as if we are nobodies.”

Asked to clarify the statement, the officer said, “Since our election in 2017, we (deputy national officers) have only met with our chairman, Prince

Uche Secondus, thrice. It is not as if he called us; on those three occasions, we sought audience with him.

“The most annoying part is that during Christmas and Sallah festivities, the NWC would visit our governors. They would collect money and other items but I can tell you that they don’t share anything with the deputies.

To him, we are just a necessary evil to be tolerated but never to be catered for.

“We all have our constituencies and our followers but from the way we are being treated, it appears they see us as nothing but appendages forced on them by the party’s constitution.”

As at press time, the Secondusled NWC was meeting and a statement expected from the meeting.

Meanwhile, the PDP Governors' Forum said it received with regrets and sadness the recent rumblings in the party.

It called on all members of the party and stakeholders to remain calm in the face of the developments.

The PDP governors, in a statement by their chairman, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, said, “We plead with all aggrieved persons and those with the interest of the PDP at heart to keep their gun powder dry, as efforts are being made in consultation with members of the PDP Board of Trustees and other stakeholders to resolve all contending issues.

“To this end, the PDP Governors' Forum has scheduled an emergency meeting to discuss the affairs of the party and the way forward. The PDP, as the only remaining hope of the nation for good governance, must show an example to Nigerians and also take advantage of the current disarray in the APC and its rudderless government.”

INEC WARNS ENDLESS COURT ORDERS MAY JEOPARDISE 2023 POLLS Voter Education, Festus Okoye, who hinted at this in Awka, Anambra yesterday, during an implementation meeting on voter enlightenment and publicity for the 2021 Anambra State governorship election said, "This (litigations) is frustrating. What the commission does in terms of obedience to court orders is that if a judgment comes today, the commission obeys the order, because it is the latest in time.

"If on the same issue, another court of coordinate jurisdiction, or from a court of another judicial division comes to us, because that one is the latest in time, the commission obeys that one.

"So, what the political parties have been doing, and what they are doing is that they anticipate the commission, and the moment you're proceeding, they get court orders. This is impeding our performance and making things difficult.

"Elections require sanctity and adherence to guidelines, The leadership of the NBA and the NJC should look at this. This is urgent and imperative, because if it persists, this can jeopardize the conduct of the 2023 general elections. We are having court orders on a daily basis from courts in all parts of the country and that is not right."

Arguing that the courts and lawyers were gradually taking over the duties of the commission, Okoye said the frequency of frivolous court orders would make it difficult for INEC to obey court orders, going forward.

Okoye listed 10 variables, which according to him, might shape the way the Anambra elections scheduled for November 6 would go.

The variables, he said, included the COVID-19 pandemic, insecurity, use of technology, litigations, Anambra poll being a stand-alone election, conduct of

political parties, the interruption the election would create on the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) and the changing demography, which shows youths developing interest in politics.

His words: "Out of the over one million persons, who have registered online, over 700,000 of them are between the ages of 18 and 34. This clearly tells us that youths are taking interest in politics. The election will also be affected by the fact that we are still living under the shadows of a pandemic, and we intend to ensure compliance with COVID-19 protocols.

"The spectre of insecurity too.

Anambra has its fair share of the insecurity in the country, but we believe that if elections have held in terrorists ravaged areas, nothing stops election holding here.

"We had delivered all the non-sensitive materials for the election ahead of time, that was why we were saddened, when the commission's headquarters in Awka went up in flames.

"This election is going to be a stand-alone election, and almost everyone will be interested in it. There will be focus on this election, governors will be interested, political parties, international community and others. What this means is that the officials of the commission will be under pressure. If it were a general election, people would focus on their areas.

"Another factor is litigation. I have talked about it. Then, there is technology, and we are also irrevocably committed to the use of technology in conducting this election. All over the world, technology is reducing human interference, and Nigeria is not an exception," Okoye said.

Dwelling more on the use of technology, Okoye said, "As you

all know, the Commission places high premium on the deployment of technology in the conduct of elections.

"This very practice, which has become a part and parcel of the operations and activities of the Commission has impacted tremendously on the quality of elections in the country. It is important that you update your knowledge on some of these technology-driven processes and procedures of the Commission.

"There is no doubt that the deployment of technology in the delivery of over 26 bye-elections since the 2019 general elections remarkably reduced the impact of human interferences in the outcome of the elections.

"The Commission was able to show a clear capacity to deliver credible election, ensuring more especially, that the results from the polling units were not tampered with and that they reflected the will of the voters."

Reflecting on the conducts of primary elections by political parties, Okoye said the commission has variously and consistently complained of the frequency and consistency with which courts of coordinate jurisdiction from different places assumed jurisdiction and delivered judgments and issued orders with far-reaching implications on the conduct of the Anambra State governorship election.

He reiterated that, "Some of the orders have the tendency of eroding the powers of the Commission and compromising its independence, powers and timelines for the conduct of the upcoming election.

"In our regulations and guidelines for the conduct of elections as well as the timetable and schedule of activities, the Commission issues access code to the national chairman of political

parties with which they upload the personal particulars and list of their candidates electronically.

"This obviated the demonstrations, fights and violence normally witnessed in the premises of the Commission by different factions of Political Parties and the national and state branches of political parties. Unfortunately, some of the judgments and orders given especially, on the primary elections in Anambra State have bypassed our portal and sought to restore the manual submission of the list and personal particulars of candidates.

"It is also becoming increasingly difficult for the Commission to obey Court Orders and judgments that are the latest in time or the first in time as some of the Political Parties and the candidates have perfected the art of shopping for the first in time or the latest in time. The planning and preparation for election requires certainty and adherence to timelines.

"The leadership of the Bar Association and the Leadership of the Judiciary must wade into this descent to forum shopping and the multiplicity of Orders and judgments from courts of coordinate jurisdiction. This is urgent, it is imperative and cannot be carried over to the 2023 general elections.

"The Commission has maintained that political parties must obey and conform to their constitutions and guidelines for the conduct of party primaries as well as the provisions of section 87 of the Electoral Act. Political parties must extricate themselves from the web and crisis of endless litigation arising from the conduct of primaries, own their rules and also comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) in all their activities."

T H I S D AY ˾ WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4, 2021

IMAGES

69

Photo Editor Abiodun Ajala Email abiodun.ajala@thisdaylive.com

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, TeamApt, Mr. Tobi Amira; Team Leader, Design and Innovation Lab, Africa Fintech Foundry, Ms. Omolola Tunde Alade; Senior Executive, Interswitch Group, Mr. Victor Sada; Front-runners of EazyChange, Mr. Chuddy Anene and Deji Opoola; Managing Director, Links Microfinance Bank (subsidiary of DLM Capital Group), Mr. Funsho Idowu; and Chief Executive Officer/Co-founder, Cowrywise, Mr. Razaq Ahmed, at the Pegasus Fintech Challenge in Ikoyi, Lagos...recently

L-R: Managing Director, Tetrapak (West Africa) Limited, Mr. Aruna Oshiokamele; Senior Vice President, Packaged Foods Business, Olam Nigeria Limited, Mr. Premender Sethi; and Vice President, Packaged Foods Business, Olam Nigeria Limited, Mr. Mohnish Varma, at the launch of the new Freshyo 1L Tetrapak in Lagos... recently

L-R: Darling Hair Category Manager, Adenike Lawrence; Business Head, Godrej West Africa, Chitwan Singh; music artist, Patoranking; Head of Marketing, Godrej West Africa, Ayodele Otujinrin; and Head of Sales, Emeka Okeke, at the ‘Black is Beautiful’ party organised to unveil Darling Hair’s new television commercial, a collaborative work with Patoranking to celebrate black women, in Lagos...recently

L-R: Director, Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE), Mr. Toyibudeen Oduniyi; Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, Senator Theodore Orji; Chief Executive Officer, Ikeja Electric, Mrs. Folake Soetan; and Vice Chairman of the Senate committee, Senator Aderele Oriolowo, during the oversight visit to Ikeja Electric in Lagos...recently

L-R: The Convener, Campaign for Transformative Governance, Jaye Gaskia; Convener, Social Development Integrated Centre (Social Action), Mrs. Vivian Bellonwu; and Convener of Environmental Rights Action and Friends of Nigeria, Chima Williams, at a press briefing on free, fair and credible elections in Nigerian held in Abuja...recently PHOTO: JULIUS ATOI

L-R: lmo State Deputy Governor, Prof Placid Njoku; state Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma; former state Governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim; industrialist, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; All Progressives Congress (APC) state Chairman, Prince Marcon Nlemigbo, and HRM Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, during the fourth Imo State stakeholders’ meeting held at Obi Ndieze, Owerri…recently

A cross section of the 10 pirates sentenced to 12 years imprisonment each for hijacking a Chinese vessel, by the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, under the Nigerian new anti-piracy law...recently PHOTO: KOLAWOLE ALLI

L-R: Guest Speaker and Co-founder of Edutech Consultants, Olugbenga Olorunfemi; a representative of the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo Olu, on Education, Dr. Goodluck Olakunle; Leader of the Jobs Initiative Lagos (JIL), Prof. Banji Fajonyomi; and the JIL Coordinator, Charles Ekenma, at the Employability/Entrepreneurship Skills Development workshop organised by the state government in partnership with LOFTYINC and Allied Partners, for final year students of the Lagos State University in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

70

WEDNESDAY, ͼ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

THE ALTERNATIVE

with Reno Emokri

El-Zakzaky Exposed The Godlessness of Many Nigerian Christians and Muslims

I

t is by now no longer news that Ibrahim El-Zakzaky has been discharged and acquitted by Honourable Justice Gideon Kurada, whose judgment totally vindicated the Shiite leader and gave hope to many Nigerians that despite the best negative efforts of the demonic duo of Muhammad Buhari and Nasir El-Rufai, justice can still be found in Nigeria.

El-Zakzaky was arrested and detained for six years. Members of his congregation were killed in their thousands. Buhari killed 6 of his children. The remainder of his congregation were hounded.

Yet, they never abandoned him.

I want to study El-Zakzaky’s life. His ability to sustain loyalty is commendable.

In his roman à clef, The Beautiful Ones Are Not Yet Born, Ayi Kwei Armah said: “Disgust with injustice may sharpen the desire for justice. Readers who don’t see this connection merely wish to be entertained, and I have neither skill nor desire to turn the agony of a people into entertainment.”

I am disgusted with the injustice meted out to Nigerian Shiites. I note with some contentment that I spoke up when the Zaria Massacre of at least 347 Shiite men, women, children and infants (the real number will never be known, but it was much more than 347) occurred between December 12 and 15, 2015.

Not only was I the first Southern Christian with a national voice to speak, I also called the then President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, and appealed to him to issue a statement of support and solidarity with the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, against their persecution by Buhari.

I did this by persuading Pastor Ayo that Christ would have done what I was appealing to him to do.

That action of December 2015 was a test. Buhari was testing the waters to see how tolerant Nigerians would be to his brutality.

If we had all risen as one to condemn what he did to Shiites, he would not have gone on to commit the atrocious acts of state-sponsored killings that have taken Nigeria back to the Abacha era, including the Lekki Massacre of #EndSARS protesters, mass killings of peaceful IPOB protesters, and the ethnic cleansing that has been and continues to happen in Southern Kaduna and Benue.

As disappointed as I was and still am with Southern Christian leaders, especially after Pastor Ayo’s tenure as CAN President was over, my disappointment, nay embarrassing shock, goes to Northern Muslim leaders who acquiesced, via their silence, with what Buhari did to El-Zakzaky and the Shiites.

To the best of my memory, not one significant Islamic body, including the slavish Southern lackey (MURIC), spoke up in defence of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria.

I remember calling a prominent Muslim Northern Muslim and asking him why the Muslim Ummah was so unconcerned with the Shiites' fate and was told that there is not a lot of appetite for Shi’a Islam in Northern Nigeria.

But even at that, are they not worth defending based on their intrinsic value as humans?

We are where we are today in Nigeria because: First, they came for the Shiites, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Shiite.

Then they came for IPOB, and I did not speak out— Because I was not IPOB. Then they came for Sunday Igboho, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a supporter of the

El-Zakzaky

Yoruba nation.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

This is the case for many of us in Nigeria.

I sometimes suspect that we are facing the national spiritual repercussion for what we let happen to El-Zakzaky.

That man had been to hell and back, yet he is not broken. Meanwhile, Nigeria that tried to break him is itself broken, hopefully not beyond repair.

Cast your mind back to that image of a bloodied El-Zakzaky, with gunshot wounds, one eye almost dislocated from the eye socket, lying limp in a wheelbarrow, being ferried off to who knows where by soldiers sent by Buhari and Buratai.

And what was his crime? That his congregation blocked a major road in Zaria, while the then Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Buratai (a coward who is only strong when he is facing unarmed civilians, but is nowhere to be found when Boko Haram and killer herdsmen surface) was in town for an event.

And just because of that flimsy excuse, the Nigerian state did to him what they have not done to either Boko Haram or herdsmen.

In the final analysis, El-Zakzaky exposed the Godlessness of many Nigerian Christians and Muslims. Many Nigerian religionists only love their neighbours as themselves if they follow the same religious doctrines.

Read that again. I am not saying what you think I am saying.

Nigerian Christians do not necessarily love other Nigerian Christians. They tolerate them. Their love is reserved for members of their denomination, and sometimes, their love is so granular that it is reserved for only members of their particular church.

And the same or true for Muslims.

We have forgotten, or perhaps we never knew, that God did not create Jews, Christians, or Muslims on the Sixth Day. What God created on that blessed day was Mankind.

God’s religion is not Judaism, Christianity, Islam or any other doctrinal religion. God’s religion is love.

And that God’s kind of love is the love I saw displayed by Nigerian Shiites for Ibrahim El-Zakzaky. Through hardship, killings, deprivation, humiliation, ostracisation, and economic emasculation, Nigerian Shiites stood by Ibrahim ElZakzaky.

That alone is a testament that the man has leadership abilities beyond what we have seen in contemporary Nigeria. And if we had universities worth their salt, by now, they would be researching what, why and how the man El-Zakzaky built up such a massive, cohesive, supportive and emancipative following.

Because if Nigeria is to recover from the hell and beyond that Muhammadu Buhari has put us through, we will need a leader that can command such a loving, loyal, self-sacrificing and committed following.

And obviously, I am not referring to the type of follower-ship typified by the shattered dreams that made Yahuza Ibrahim of Katsina change his daughter’s name from Buhariyya to Kauthar, because, according to him: “Before, when his name (Buhari) was mentioned, everyone felt he was the right person that could help in tackling our problems. But it has turned out to be the other way round. I tell you, the president has not redeemed any of his campaign promises. He has done nothing.”

Not one Nigerian Shiite will ever say that about Ibrahim El-Zakzaky. Not even one!

Alas, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky was imprisoned for six years of Buhari’s misrule for a crime he did not commit. Meanwhile, bandits, killer herders and Boko Haram are still free after six years of Buhari’s misrule despite the many crimes they have committed. And we expect peace in Nigeria. Can there be peace without justice?

Reno’s Nuggets Dear men, Will you still recognise your fiancé without: A wig Foundation Fake eyelashes Make-up Body magic (if you don’t know what this means, ask around) Fake nails, and ‘Organic’ cream?

Do you even know her real height (have you seen her without high heels)?

If you can’t answer in the affirmative, you are about to marry an illusion. Any marriage based on illusion is destined for destruction!

Unmask the masquerade to know who you are marrying. #RenosNuggets #FreeLeahSharibu

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Nigeria’s Security Situation Unpredictable, Fragile, Says Canada Emmanuel Addeh inAbuja The Canadian Government has described the security situation in Nigeria as unpredictable and fragile, advising its citizens in the country to take their personal

security very seriously.

In a travel advisory posted on its website, the government urged its countrymen to avoid non-essential travel to Nigeria due to the “unpredictable security situation” throughout the country

FG to Prosecute Rape, Gender-based Violence Offenders Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The federal government has vowed to deal decisively with the perpetrators of rape and other gender-based violence in the country.

The Vice President, Prof Yemi Osibanjo, made this known yesterday in Abuja at the official launch of USAID’s Momentum Country and Global Leadership. The vice president was represented by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq.

He said that the declaration by the federal government of zero tolerance to rape and other forms of gender-based violence

was a step in the right direction in fighting rape in the country.

He said the country would continue to boldly condemn Gender-Based Violence (GBV), so long as it continues to impact negatively on survivors, victims, families, broader society and economies of nations.

“From available information, we are more than ever convinced that gender-based violence is driven by structural inequalities and unequal power relations that render women subordinate to men due to limited access to education, employment, finances, healthcare and opportunities to contribute to their families, communities and the nation’s economic growth.

and the significant risk of terrorism, crime, inter-communal clashes, armed attacks and kidnappings.

In the North-western states of Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara and North-eastern states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa and Yobe, the government advisory stressed that there had been rising incidents of terrorism.

Added to that, the advisory from the Canadian consular, explained that the risk of kidnapping in some northern states of Nigeria remain high, including in Plateau State, which it said is affected by sporadic

episodes of inter-communal and sectarian violence.

The North American country stressed that security situation in the Niger Delta region remains fragile and unstable, particularly in the states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers “except in Port Harcourt, where we advise against nonessential travel”.

It noted that regional and ethnic conflicts between militant groups occur in the area and have led to higher incidents of violent crime and civil unrest, stressing that armed robbery and kidnapping pose a significant threat in the

Niger Delta states.

“Militant activity has also been directed at foreign interests. Armed groups have carried out successful attacks on oil facilities and workers, resulting in injuries and deaths.

“If you choose to remain in the Niger Delta states despite this advisory, be extremely vigilant at all time. If travelling for business, ensure that meetings are held at a secure location and that your contact is known to you. Seek the advice of local authorities when planning trips and leave a detailed itinerary with family or friends,” it advised.

According to the advisory,

piracy remains an ongoing threat in the Niger Delta states, worsened by armed robbery against ships, ship hijackings, kidnappings and hostage takings in coastal waters in the Gulf of Guinea.

However, the government of Canada urged its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, where it said the security situation is more stable and facilities are relatively well developed compared to the rest of the country.

COURTESYVISIT…

L-R: Director General Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Segun Ajayi Kadir; Deputy Managing Director, ARISE NEWS Channel, Delta Community Protests Emmanuel Efeni; President of MAN, Mr. Mansur Ahmed; Director News ARISE NEWS Channel, Yemi Ajayi; Director Corporate Services Division, MAN , Mr Ambrose Oruche; Public Relations Officer, MAN, Mrs. Omotayo Okewunmi; and Director of Engagement and Guest Land Encroachment by Liaison, ARISE NEWS Channel, Joseph Ushigiale during a visit by the MAN team to ARISE NEWS Channel in Lagos… yesterday Pastor Oritsejafor’s Varsity Alleged Kidnapping: Police Tortured Me to Sylvester Idowu in Warri

The people of Omadino community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State yesterday took to the streets to protest against the alleged encroachment on their land by Eagle Heights University owned by former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor.

The community, it was learnt, sold 100 acres of land to a church presided by Oritsejafor, which in turn purchased the land for the takeoff of the university.

THISDAY gathered that trouble started when the authorities of the university began to fence the land acquired, only for the community to discover that more land has been encroached

upon.

The development was said to have angered the members of the Omadino community, causing them to direct the stoppage of the fencing, but they later discovered that military men were deployed to protect the workers.

The protesters included the elderly and youths, who matched with placards and leaves at the entrance of the university.

Chief Priest of the community, Yomene Oti Roland, who addressed the protesters, said the community was not against the takeoff of the university, but vowed not to cede any land beyond what was sold to the school.

He said it was unfair for the university, owned by a church led by Pastor Oritsejafor to encroach on their land.

Monarch Slams N100m Suit on Oyo CP, 11 Others The Olodogbo of Odogbo-Ijesha in Osun State, Oba Olatunde Oginni, has sued the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Ngozi Onadeko; the Area Commander of Iyaganku, ACP Sunday Oke; DSP Yussuf Olalekan Are, and nine others, seeking N100 million damages over his arrest and detention between May 28 and 29, 2021.

The suit instituted by his counsel, Oladipo Olasope (SAN) before an Ibadan High Court, accused the state police boss and others of breaching his fundamental human rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution with his arrest and detention for two days.

The court papers read in part:

“That the arrest and detention and constant invitation of the applicant by the respondents over a purely civil matter of landlord/tenant relationship is a breach of the constitutional right of the applicant.”

The monarch, through a petition by his counsel, had accused Onadeko of taking side in a tenancy case between him and some aggrieved tenants, challenging what he described as the high handedness of men of Oyo State Police Command.

Oba Oginni insisted that the police boss was not satisfied because of the petition written to the office of the Inspector General of Police (IG) and the Police Service Commission (PSC).

Confess, Ex-Soldier Tells Court Wale Igbintade A former soldier, Victor Aduba, yesterday told a Lagos High Court how he was allegedly tortured by members of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigerian Police Force to admit that he was an accomplice of Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike alias Evans.

Led in evidence by his counsel, Mr. Emmanuel Ochai, Aduba said

he was invited by an acquaintance, Mr. Chukwuma Nwosu to a bar in Ago, Lagos but unknown to him, Nwosu was wanted by the police.

He said: “As I reached the bar, he (Nwosu) was acting unusual and I kept asking what was wrong with him and then I noticed five policemen who approached me and said I was under arrest. “I resisted and they overpowered me and when I got to the police

station, one Mr. Philip, their boss said I should cooperate with them and do whatever they say I should do. I told them they should allow me to go to my office where I worked as a soldier but they refused,” he said.

Aduba said that he was ordered by a member of IRT, Inspector Idowu Haruna to sign a written statement admitting to the crime but he refused. He alleged he was ordered to be taken to a “theatre”

by Mr. Phillip where he was beaten and was cut with a machete by Haruna.

Aduba, during his testimony showed his alleged machete injury to the court.

He alleged that in the days he was in custody, three men, Felix Chinemeren, Paul Samyan, and Chukwuma Nwosu, who were initially paraded to the media as kidnappers were extra-judicially killed by the IRT team.

Flood: 382, 208 Farmers to Get FG’s Agricultural Inputs Ismail Adebayo in Birnin Kebbi Kebbi State Governor and Vice Chairman of the National Food Security Council (NFSC) Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, yesterday said no fewer than 382,208 farmers affected by flood in 2020, across Nigeria would get free farm inputs provided by the federal government .

Bagudu, who disclosed this in Birnin Kebbi during the national flag-off of the distribution of the free farm inputs said the items to

be distributed include: assorted seeds, seedlings, pumping machines, agrochemicals, sprayers and other related inputs .

The governor said those engaged in livestock production would benefit from the invaluable gesture of the Federal Government through NEMA as the agency, assisted by other collaborating partners had already duly registered all the beneficiaries.

Bagud said “ For the first

time, President Muhammadu Buhari, who is the Chairman of the Council has approved the provision of insurance covers to the beneficiaries.

“All the beneficiaries will henceforth be insured hence, they don’t need future support in case of any flood eventualities.”

He added that the president has mandated the Federal Ministries of Transport , Water Resources and Environment to come up with a National

Drainage Architecture on the control of flooding to prevent threat to food security. “Happily, this is also in the bid to reduce the perennial devastating effects of flood on the economy”, he said .

While commending the president for what he descried as unparalleled gesture, Bagudu reiterated the commitment of the council to continue to support farmers, agro allied and food processing industries to bolster food security in the country.

IOM, NAPTIP Launch Tools to Protect Victims of Trafficking in Nigeria Michael Olugbode in Abuja The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have launched new tools to ensure a standardised approach to the identification, referral and protection of Victims of Trafficking (VoTs).

The launch in Abuja coincided with this year’s commemoration of the World Day Against

Trafficking in Persons, (WDATIP) with the theme “Victims Voices take the Lead.”

A statement that was issued yesterday by the IOM said that the WDATIP was established to raise awareness of the plight of victims of trafficking and promote and protect their rights.

The statement lamented that COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation of vulnerable persons who, due to their worsened economic

situation, were recruited for labor or sexual exploitation.

The statement showed that in 2018, the Walk Free Foundation estimated that there were almost 1.4 million individuals living in modern slavery in Nigeria.

Research also showed that two-thirds of Nigerian victims of trafficking are victims of domestic human trafficking.

According to the statement, the tools developed are a first step in providing a voice to the victims

as it allowed them to share their experiences, help service providers facilitate referral pathways and provide comprehensive protections services.

The event had in attendance, high level government stakeholders, representative of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, the UN Resident Coordinator, members of the diplomatic community, donors, partners, stakeholders, and civil society organisations.

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Scores Feared Dead as Fresh Violence Erupts in Jos Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Many persons are feared dead following violence that erupted last night at Gada Biu, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Unconfirmed report alleged that angered hoodlums, in retaliation for the recent attack on Irigwe community in Bassa

Local Government Area of the state, waylaid a truckload of cow driving through Gada Biu on Tuesday night, beat up the driver and set the truck on fire leading to full- blown violence.

The Police and the special Taskforce on Jos crisis struggled to contain the violence from escalating to other parts of the city.

Governor Simon Lalong had convened an emergency meeting on Monday night following an earlier violence in Bassa Local Government Area where 13 persons were killed and over 22,000 other displaced.

He had ordered the security agents to fish out perpetrators of persistent crises in Bassa and Riyom local government.

After over three hours of deliberations behind closed doors, the Plateau State Security

Council headed by Lalong rose with a directive to the security agencies in the state to take full control of all vulnerable in Bassa and Riyom LGAs and clear the attackers that have parpetrated mayhem within the areas.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting, Commissioner of Police Edward Egbuka, said the Governor after receiving full briefs from the various security organs in the State and after exhaustive review of the

situation, gave marching orders to the Police, Operation Safe Haven, Nigerian Army, DSS, Civil Defence, NSCDC and other collaborating agencies to reinforce and contain the situation without further delay.

According to CP Egbuka, “The meeting basically reviewed the fallout of events within the last 48 hours where there were attacks specifically at Jebbu Miango. From our records as at Saturday night the 31st of July

2021, five people were killed while about 85 buildings were burnt. The next morning, the attacks still persisted. From intelligence, the attackers are militia brought from outside the State. The attacks continued in Tamburam, Riyom LGA where unfortunately twelve people were also killed and some houses destroyed and again at Maiyanga. We lost some security personnel at Maiyanga and Riyom”.

John Shiklam in Kaduna

released on Sunday.

He said the three students had escaped from captivity before the recent released of 28 of their colleagues.

According to him, the three students were abducted by a different set of bandits after their escaped from the bandits who abducted them from school and were trying to find their way out of the bushes.

He said the bandits demanded a ransom of N10

million for the release of the three children, adding that the children were released on Sunday after series of negotiations.

“The students had escaped from their captors three days before the recent release of 28 of their colleagues.

“But as they were trying to find their way out of the bushes, they were again abducted by another bandit.

“When the bandit got them, he called us and promised to

return them, but he changed his mind the following day and said he will not return them until ransom is paid.

“He demanded for N10 million and we started negations and they were released today”, Hayab said.

He lamented that the children had suffered from one group of bandits to the other, adding that it was unfortunate that government had failed in addressing the security situation.

Hushpuppi: Truth Shall be Unveiled, Three Re-abducted Bethel Baptist School Students Regain Freedom Says Kyari Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Abba Kyari, yesterday insisted on his innocence, stating that the truth would be revealed at the appropriate time with regards to the United States (US) court papers that implicated him in the $1.1million fraud involving Ramon Abbas also known as Hushpuppi.

He took the position in a statement posted on a platform for alumni members of a US leadership programme.

He said everything he said and posted remained the truth.

The Inspector-General of Police had recommended his suspension following the US indictment and the service of the court processes on the police

by FBI. The IG’s recommendation for his suspension was later

approved by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

He was also also replaced as the head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) by DCP Tunde Disu.

“To all my friends and colleagues in the office, please do not be worried. I am good and in high spirit. I see this as an excellent opportunity to relax and spend good time with family and friends after 11 years of none stop dogged fight against deadly criminals and killers across the country.

“I thank you all for your dedication and utmost support while I held sway as your commander. Many of you have become my brothers and friends, and I do not take this for granted. Together We brought innovations in crime fighting and improvements in infrastructures to our organisation”, he said.

Saraki’s Reconciliation Committee Meets Makinde, Oyo PDP Stakeholders

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, yesterday assured that he would address all grievances within the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with a view to making the party more formidable and well-positioned for victories in future elections.

This is just as he said stakeholders of the party in the state must never allowed their grievances to get to the point of destroying the party, urging everyone to put their misgivings behind them.

Makinde stated these in Ibadan, during a meeting between the party’s

stakeholders and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Reconciliation and Strategy Committee led by former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki.

Other members of the reconciliation committee in attendance included former President of the Senate and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; former Governors of Cross River and Gombe States, Senator Liyel Imoke and Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo and former Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola.

Workers, Motorists Groan as Students Protest Death of Colleague in Akure James Sowole in Akure Human and vehicular movement in and out of the premises of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Ondo State, was disrupted for several hours yesterday as students made bonfires at the two entrances of the institution.

The students’ action followed the death of a 200-level Software Engineering student, Mr. Adeyinka Daniel, who late Monday, was involved in an auto accident on Monday with three other colleagues along Oyemekun Road in

Akure.

The action of the students caused confusion at the two entrances of the university as staff who wanted to resume at their duty posts were stranded.

The situation also caused disruption of traffic flow on Akure -Ilesha Road as the students remained adamant to entreaties during the protest.

Some of the students, who spoke to journalists, said the death of the student could have been avoided if the security guards at the gate had allowed the victim to be taken to FUTA health centre without delay.

Three students of the Bethel Baptist High School, Kaduna, who escaped from captivity but were re-abducted by another set of bandits have regained their freedom after payment of ransom.

Confirming their release in a telephone chat, the Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Joseph Hayab, said the students were

FG Seeks Closer Ties with Senegal, Other W/African Countries On Power Generation The Minister of State for Power, Dr. Goddy Jedy Agba, has called for effective collaboration between Nigeria and Senegal as well as other Western African countries on power generation.

Agba made the call in Abuja during a meeting with a delegation from Senegal that was led by the country’s Minister of Energy, Ms. Sophie Gladima.

He said that as the world prepares for COP26, it was important for West African countries particularly and Africa to discuss and come up with strong positions that would represent the interests of the region and continent.

He averred that electricity deficit is a common problem in Africa, therefore, they need to work closely together to

Bible Society Builds Ministers’ Capacity The Manager Media/PR of the Bible Society of Nigeria, Benjamin Mordi, has said the Bible Society will be organising a capacity building programme for over 7,000 ministers and pastors in the areas of crisis management, succession planning and home management.

According to the release, he said the training is part of the BSN’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to the Church in Nigeria, aimed at strengthening its strategic partnership with it. He added that in collaboration with the American Bible Society, the Society will donate over 7,000 copies of the Bible to participants at the training.

Mordi said the first series of the training, which will be in partnership with International Church Growth Ministry, will commence on August 5, 2021, in Lagos with the theme: “Leveraging Kingdom Resource Tools for Maximum Impact in the Ministry and Building the Family Front for a Biblical Value-oriented Society”.

find sustainable solutions to the challenge.

Agba, who identified funding as the major challenge affecting the power sector in Africa

called on the United Nations and the World Bank to support the continent to develop its renewable energy sources.

He said: “I want to welcome

you to Nigeria. We’re excited to meet with you and your team to discuss and share ideas on how to tackle power challenges in our countries as well as Africa.

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Falana Writes AGF, Demands Prosecution of 400 Sponsors of Terrorism Wale Igbintade The human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has given the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, seven days to provide information on the prosecution of about 400 sponsors of terrorism believed to have been arrested by the federal government.

Falana made the request in a Freedom of Information (FIO) request dated August 3, 2021, entitled “Request for Information on Prosecution

of Arrested 400 Sponsors of Terrorism in Nigeria.’’

He reminded the AGF that on May 4, 2021, it was widely reported in the print and electronic media that the federal government had concluded arrangements to prosecute about 400 alleged sponsors and financiers of terrorism in Nigeria.

In the said publication, the AGF assured the nation that the suspects would be arraigned after the industrial action recently embarked upon by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).

The letter reads: “In view of the terrorist attacks being unleashed on law-abiding citizens by groups of insurgents in several parts of the country, we strongly commend the move by the federal government to prosecute the suspects who were reported to have been arrested in a nationwide operation a few months ago.

“We, however, request that our law firm be furnished with information with respect to when criminal charges were filed against the suspects since the strike by JUSUN has since been called off.

Bayelsa Uncovers 612 Ghost Workers, Dead Persons in Payrolls Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa The 33-member Committee on the Review of Grade Levels and Steps of Local Government and Primary School Staff set up by the Bayelsa State Government in April this year has submitted its report with the discovery of anomalies in the state payrolls.

The Chairman of the committee, Mr. Timipre Seipulou, said the committee reviewed a total of 14,258 cases in the various local government areas of the state.

Presenting the report in

Government House, Yenagoa, he said the number comprised 7,207 primary school teachers, 5,893 council staff members and 1,189 health workers.

Seipulou, who noted that the committee conducted a staff verification using the March 2021 payroll as a template and discovered some anomalies, saying it observed that out of the 7,207 primary school staff members, 612 were confirmed by headmasters as ghost workers in their various schools.

The report added that 573

staff members were not in the payrolls but were said to be physically present in the schools, while names of 10 dead and 13 retired staff members were found in the payrolls.

Seipulou, who is also the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Revenues and Accounts, said the committee equally observed irregular progressions across board, improper updating of files and indiscriminate award of special promotions among other irregularities.

Ugwuanyi Offers Scholarships to Inventors of Aircraft, Radio Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has offered scholarships up to the university level to the Enugu and Anambra States-born young students of Government Technical Colleges (GTCs), Nsukka and Enugu, Masters Emmanuel Maduabuchi Chukwu and Chukwuebuka Udoye, who locally manufactured two aircraft (helicopter and a jet fighter) and an MP3 radio set respectively.

Ugwuanyi announced the scholarships when he received the two students at the Government House in Enugu yesterday to appreciate their talents, skills and sheer dexterity in promoting technology-based innovation in the state.

In addition, the governor gave the inventor of the two aircraft, Chukwu, an indigene of Nnewe in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, the sum of N1 million, and N500,000 to the student

of GTC Enugu, Udoye, an indigene of Aguata in Anambra State, who produced the MP3 radio set, to enable them advance their inventions.

Expressing his delight, the governor disclosed that he was very proud of the students and the many feats the educational system has brought to Enugu State since the inception of his administration, stressing that “all the money being spent in education is a worthy investment.”

Brutality: Govt Suspends Edo College Principal, House Master Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city The Edo State Government yesterday suspended the principal of Edo College, Benin-city, and the house master of Akenzua Hall of the college over a disturbing video which surfaced on the internet last Monday in which senior students are mercilessly beating a junior student.

A video last Monday went viral where some senior students of the school severely whipping

a junior student accompanied with heavy blows and kicks.

In the video, the junior who is naked and on his knees, bleeding, and passionately pleading for mercy from his attackers who are apparently unmoved as they continue with the brutality.

With dirt all over his body, the victim, who was covered in blood and writhing in pains as the senior students do not betray any emotions but continue with the whipping, kicking and cursing.

When contacted, the school Principal, Mr. Peter Edomwonyi, disclosed that the students involved in the horrible acts have been identified, noting that the state Ministry of Education has placed them all on indefinite suspension pending the outcome of investigations.

Edomwonyi further explained that part of investigations by officials from the ministry is to ascertain whether the assault was cult-related or not.

COAS Decries Rising Cases of Sexual Abuse in Military Barracks Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya, yesterday decried the rising cases of sexual abuses in military barracks across the country, blaming the development on the absence of the soldiers who are away on official assignment outside their formations to protect and defend the country.

Yahaya stated this in

Makurdi, the Benue State capital, at the 2021 Conference of Nigerian Armed Forces Catholic Chaplains.

Represented by the Commandant of the Nigeria Army School of Military Engineering, Brigadier General Mark Mamman, the COAS said that the soldiers were always away from their families while doing their assigned duties to

protect the nation’s citizens from external and internal forces.

He said: “It is worthy to note that the Armed forces is overstretched in all ramifications, with the various areas of restiveness to cover and manpower to deploy. Most of our gallant officers and soldiers spend their year-round in the bushes and frontlines away from their families.

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A’Ibom APC Crisis Deepens as 17 Caretaker Chairmen, Others Suspended Okon Bassey in Uyo The crisis resulting from the conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congress in Akwa Ibom State has deepened with the suspension of 17 caretaker chapter chairmen and two lawyers, who are stalwarts of the party.

The State Working Committee (SWC) of the party led by Dr. Ita Udosen yesterday announced the suspension at a review meeting of the ward congress elections conducted in the state by a seven-man Ward Congress Committee (WCC) led by Hon. Yusuff Sherriff Banki from the national headquarters of the party in Abuja. he state caretaker committee chairman, Udosen, said the action was in line with the party constitution provided in article 21: I, ii, iv, v, vi, vii and ix, on with the suspension was immediately effected.

The party noted with concern an attempt by some of the

caretaker committee chapter chairmen and the two party members to allegedly rubbish, undermine and derail the process and integrity of the ward congress elections by issuing a communique with a vote of no confidence on the state working committee on the election day for no just cause.

All the suspended chairmen were directed to handover all party property in their custody to the respective deputy chairman in the affected council areas.

He said: “On the strength of this statement, all deputy caretaker committee chairmen in the affected LGAs should immediately take over the responsibilities of the party as acting chapter chairmen.

“Subject to the provisions of our constitution and the right to fair hearing, the SWC has accordingly set up a disciplinary committee to enable the affected persons appear and defend themselves accordingly.

Boy Escapes from Kidnappers in Ondo James Sowole in Akure A 14-year-old Junior Secondary School (JSS) student, Felix Adekinle, last Monday reportedly escaped from kidnappers in Owo, Ondo State.

The boy, who was hawking slippers at the time he was kidnapped, is a student of Furaben International College, Owo. According to the boy, he was lured by the suspected kidnappers at Okemapo area of Owo, when he was tricked that one of his wares had fallen off, and that made him to go move to a lonely place where he was pushed into a waiting Toyota Camry car.

Adekinle said: “I decided to come back to the market for my sales. I took Okemapo road which is a shorter route to the market where I saw three men who told me that one of my goods had fallen down.

“Immediately I dropped my other wares to look for the one

that ‘fell off’, the men dragged me into the vehicle and I became unconscious.

“I later found myself in a dilapidated blue bungalow in a forest. I saw a woman crying with her hands tied backwards sitting by a headless body of a young person.

“I asked her who the person (headless body) was; she said she was her child. At this time, I heard the men’s voices inside the house. The woman told me to remove the rope she was tied up with, I did and we fled together.

“While fleeing, the woman fell.

She called me back and gave me N500 and said I should keep running and never look back. I heard gun shots, which made me run as faster as I could.

“When I came out of the bush, I saw some people selling bread by the roadside and narrated my ordeals to them. They called the police who did not respond, and later got the Amotekun who responded swiftly and took me to their office.”

“The SWC, therefore, uses this opportunity to reiterate its commitment to hand over to the incoming executive committee a virile, strong,

united and stable party that no money can sway it out of its supremacy as enshrined in the party constitution.”

Meanwhile, the state

Publicity Secretary of the party, Nkereuwem Enyongekere, in a statement said at the end of the review meeting, a vote of confidence was passed on the

seven-man Ward Congress Committee, the state Caretaker Chairman, Udosen; the state Caretaker Secretary, Mr. Austin Ekanem, and others.

VOTER EDUCATION…

L-R: Anambra State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Charles Nwoji; Anambra State Coordinator of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs. Yetunde Baderinwa; National Commissioner for Voter Education, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr. Festus Okoye; INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Anambra State, Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji; and Director Voter Education, INEC, Mr. Sadiq Hassan, during a meeting on voter enlightenment campaign in Awka, Anambra State… yesterday

Anambra Poll: Court Clears Soludo as APGA’s Candidate David-Chyddy Eleke inAwka The Court of Appeal, Awka Division, Anambra State, last Monday struck out an application challenging the judgement of the state High Court recognising Professor Chukwuma Soludo as the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

The high court in Awka presided

by Justice Charles Okaa had two weeks ago ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enlist Soludo’s name as APGA governorship candidate.

The party governorship candidate from another faction, Chief Edozie Njoku, along with one Okoro Benedict had approached the appellate court to challenge the order.

The plaintiffs had sought from the appellate court presided by

Justice Nwosu-Iheme three reliefs against the judgement of Justice Okaa which affirmed Soludo as the authentic candidate of APGA in the state governorship election.

They had sought the following reliefs to wit: order of the appellate court staying execution of Justice Okaa’s court judgement; order of the appellate court to set aside court rules and grant the appellants (Njoku and Okoro) permission to compile and transmit judgement

of Justice Okaa to the Court of Appeal, and to make an order granting their application an accelerated hearing.

But Justice Nwosu-Iheme in her ruling in the consolidated motions last Monday, dismissed the applications as incompetent, and awarded the sum of N200,000 and, N250,000 respectively against the applicants who listed Hon Wilson Onyekwelu, APGA, and others as respondents.

DSS Arrests Five Kidnappers of Six-year-old Boy in Kano Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The Kano State Command of the Department of State Services (DSS) yesterday said it had arrested five suspected kidnappers of a boy, Abdallah Abdulkadir Salisu, 6, of Gadon Kaya quarters in the state.

The officer, who led the operation, said the five kidnappers, who are barely 16 to 21 years of age and all residents of Dorayi quarters, met their waterloo when they

called the father of their victim, Alhaji Abdulkadir Salisu, to collect a ransom.

According to the officer, the incident occurred on July 16, 2021, when one Abdulhadi Ibrahim, who is a cousin to the kidnapped child, connived with four others to abduct the boy in order to get ransom to celebrate Sallah festivities.

When Ibrahim, who had access to the victim’s house as a cousin, succeeded in abducting the child, he called one Yusuf

Abubakar and Adamu Shehu, a tricycle operator, to transport the boy to their hideout at bypass area in Kano on a tricycle.

The victim remained in the custody of Yusuf Abubakar, where he stayed for three days while negotiations between the kidnappers and the child’s father were ongoing to collect the ransom.

The officer further stated that the kidnappers initially demanded N5 million ransom, but eventually pegged it at

N150,000.

He added that the DSS received the complaint of the abduction of the boy from his father, adding that as soon as it received the information, the command swung into action and trailed the kidnappers up to the point of payment of the ransom and apprehended them.

The DSS operative said the boy was rescued unharmed while all the kidnappers were apprehended and detained in the DSS command in Kano.

A Kwara State High Court in Ilorin yesterday sentenced a 400-level student of the University of Ilorin, Joshua Ogizien, and three other persons to prison for offences bordering on internet fraud.

The three other convicts are Toheeb Muritala, a 200mlevel Computer Science student of the Kwara State University, Molete; Rasheed Afeez Temitope, a graduate of Bartholomew

Shao, and Olaoluwa Samuel from Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State The Ilorin zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dragged the four students to court for the offences bordering on love scam.

Following credible intelligence reports on the activities of the fraudsters swindling unsuspecting victims of their hard-earned money

operatives of the EFCC swung into action and arrested them at various locations within the metropolis.

The convicts, however, volunteered statements and confessed to the crime.

Consequently, the suspects were arraigned on separate charges.

They pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them.

Instruments used in committing the crime such as

fraudulent messages printed out of their phones and laptops as well as their confessional statements, were tendered and admitted in evidence by the court.

Delivering the judgment on the cases, Justice Mahnood Abdulgafar said the court placed reliance on the plea of guilt entered by the defendants, the unchallenged testimonies of the prosecution witnesses and all the exhibits tendered.

Youths Attack APC National Court Jails Students for Cybercrime in Kwara Delegates in Kano College of Health Technology, in Ilorin and its environs, phones, laptops, including the Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Ibrahim ShuaibuinKano

The national delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) narrowly escaped a mob attack by irate youths in Kano following the outcome of last Saturday’s ward congress of the party.

The angry youths in their hundreds were spotted in a circulated video yesterday on rampage to convey their displeasure over the party’s consensus process adopted for the ward congress in Kano State.

The youths in large numbers clamped down on the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led delegates spotted in white Hilux bus on the road close to the Government House in the metropolis.

The party last Saturday elected 27 ward executives each at the 484 wards across the 44 local government councils of the state under consensus arrangement, a development that has since raised dust, having been kicked against by

some interest groups in the party.

Furious in their hundreds, the youth were making their way back from the APC state headquarters in the state where they went to deliver the result of their parallel ward congress to the party leadership. The party loyalists, who had staged peaceful protest at the state headquarters because of the absence of party leadership to receive them, incidentally transferred their aggression to the delegation led by one Dr. Tony Macfoye.

The incident, which generated heavy gridlock on the busy state road, took the intervention of security personnel attached to members representing Municipal and Dawakin-Tofa/Tofa/RiminGado federal constituencies in the House of Representatives, Hon Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada and Hon Tijani Abubakar Jobe respectively to rescue the vehicle conveying the APC national delegates from being set ablaze.

UAE Lifts Ban on Transit Passengers Michael Olugbode in Abuja with agency report The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has lifted the travelling suspension on residents of the country returning from Nigeria and five other countries.

Other countries with exemptions are India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Uganda.

Authorities in the Arab country, according to an agency report, announced that the suspension would be lifted from Thursday, August 5.

The report stated that travelers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and hold valid UAE residency permits, with at least 14 days passing after the second vaccine

dose was received and they must also hold a certificate to this effect.

The report said this was among a string of exemptions announced by the UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA).

The report revealed that those previously exempted were

citizens of the UAE and their first-degree relatives; diplomatic personnel between the UAE and the applicable countries, including administrative workers; official delegations, subject to obtaining prior approval; Expo 2020 international participants and exhibitors; and personnel sponsored by its organiser.

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WEDNESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

TOKYO 2020

Oborududu to Get $10,000 for Wrestling Silver

Ese Brume’s long jump bronze to fetch her $7,500 as FG triples prize money Blessing Oborududu on the podium after receiving the wrestling silver medal...yesterday Duro Ikhazuagbe The Federal Government yesterday tripled the bonuses promised Team Nigeria athletes with Blessing Oborududu, winner of the country’s first wrestling silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to receive $10,000 (about N5million).

Oborududu lost her bid to win the women's wrestling freestyle 68kg category gold medal yesterday following her 4-1 defeat by USA's Tamyra Mensah Stock in an epic final.

The Nigerian wrestler who competed with an injured knee has entered into the country’s Olympic history as the first to win any wrestling medal at the Games.

Earlier on Monday, Oborududu made history as the first Nigerian to reach the final of a wrestling event at the Olympics, after recording an

impressive 7-2 victory against 2012 bronze medallist Battsetseg Soronzonbold of Mongolia in the last four clash.

The 10-time African champion Oborududu then set up an epic clash with top seed Mensah Stock in Tuesday’s epic final.

Oborududu made light work of Elis Manolova in the round of 16, thrashing the Azerbaijani 13-2 via technical superiority, before securing a hard-fought 3-2 win against Meerim Zhumanazarova of Kyrgyzstan in the quarterfinals.

President of the Nigerian Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali who is an Olympic gold medalist for Canada at Sydney 2000, described Oborududu's feat as reward for hard work spanning a period of ten years.

Also yesterday, Ese Brume who won Nigeria’s first track & field medal at Tokyo 2020 is to receive $7500 (about N3.75million) for placing third

in the women’s long jump.

The African Record holder Brume became the winner of Nigeria's first athletics medal since 2008, taking bronze with her best leap of 6.97m in a highly competitive final at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo.

Brume finished third behind

Germany's Malaika Mihambo and USA's Brittney Reese.

Speaking on the triple bonuses for Oborududu and Brume, Director, Federation and Elite Athletes Department (FEAD) of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Dr Simon Ebhojaiye, said the gesture was

in appreciation of the impressive and historic performances put up by the athletes.

“The gesture is to drive home the point that the Federal Government rewards superlative efforts," said the Director who praised the athletes for their massive exploits in Tokyo.

I Never Settled for Less, Says Brume after Winning Long Jump Bronze African Record holder in the women's Long Jump, Ese Brume, is over the moon after winning Nigeria's first athletics medal since 2008, taking bronze with her best leap of 6.97m in a highly competitive final at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo on Tuesday.

Speaking after her spectacular feat, Brume, who finished third

behind Germany's Malaika Mihambo and USA's Brittney Reese stated that the colour of her medal doesn't really matter as she is just excited at having finished on the podium.

The Doha 2019 Bronze medallist said, “I'm just excited, I'm grateful. I'm super happy that I was able to make it to

Top 3. I really want to thank God. I can't contain my joy; it doesn't matter the medal; I'm just super happy I made Top 3,” she gushed in excitement.

When asked what the medal means to her, she said: “This medal means that God is alive, Jesus is alive. It has been a great season even though I got injured

Thompson-Herah Makes Olympic Sprint Double-Double History Elaine Thompson-Herah on Tuesday confirmed her place among the pantheon of sprint greats as she secured an unprecedented women's 100m-200m double-double with a sensational victory over the longer distance in Tokyo.

The 29-year-old Jamaican surged home in 21.53 seconds, just 0.19 seconds off Florence Griffith-Joyner's long-standing world record, to back up her individual golds from Rio 2016.

It is the second-fastest time in history.

Trailing in her draught, Namibian teenager Christine Mboma, who was barred from her favoured 400m two weeks before the Games on account of her naturally high testosterone levels, took silver in 21.81.

Gabrielle Thomas, the

American champion, took bronze in 21.87.

Griffith-Joyner's 21.34-second mark, set in the final of the 1988 Games in Seoul, has long seemed unassailable. But Thomas' 21.61 run in the US trials in June and Thompson-Herah, who became the second-fastest woman of all time over 100m on Saturday, have brought it back into view with the help of a high-tech track and carbon-stiffened spikes.

It may yet be Mboma who could finally claim the record however. Having only turned 18 in May, the Namibian had run only one 200m before this season, a pedestrian 25.05. But her awesome finishing speed swallowed up Jamaican great Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and several others over the final 50m.

“Gold medallists will now be rewarded with $15,000 while silver and bronze medal winners will each get $10,000 and S7,500 respectively. The earlier bonus award promised the athletes were $5,000 for gold, $3,000 for silver and $2,000 for bronze,” he concluded.

Elaine Thompson-Herah...double-double sprint record

in April, but I never settled for less. I never looked at the situation but I kept on pushing and my coach kept on pushing and told me “Ese you can do it.” Thank God I'm here today,” the Delta-born observed with gratitude to God. Back in May, the three-time African Champion soared to a World Lead and African Record of 7.17m and she said that superlative feat boosted her confidence coming to Tokyo.

"Setting the African Record boosted my confidence because then my injury was still fresh yet I was able to set that record and a Personal Best. So I thought to myself that yes, I could do it and my coach thought same as well. So we never settled for less coming down to Tokyo here,” she added.

Brume also offered words of encouragement to her teammates that were unable to compete at the Games.

She said: "And to those who were here but could not compete, never settle for less. God is with you. It is not over until it is over.

You may not have competed here today but God has a better future ahead for you."

Brume is expected to compete in the women's 4x100m which gets underway on Thursday.

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Ese Brume's Parents Dedicate Bronze Medal to Pinnick, Delta Govt

Ese Brume's parents, Mr and Mrs Dickson Oghenebrume and Sally Abaka, have dedicated their daughter’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games long jump bronze medal to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation and the incumbent and immediate past governors of Delta State.

Speaking on Tuesday morning few hours after Ese Brume clinched the bronze medal in the long jump finals, her father revealed that he and his wife have called Pinnick to thank him for the role he played not only in the discovery and nurturing of their daughter but also for his support to the family of all Delta athletes.

"We are the happiest parents in Nigeria right now. We are so proud to see our daughter bring Olympic glory to our nation and we give back the glory to God and dedicate it to Amaju Pinnick who as commissioner/chairman of sports in Delta State discovered and nurtured her.

“We also give gratitude to our current Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his predecessor Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, for all their love and support for not only Ese but our entire family," Oghenebrume Abaka enthused.

"Pinnick is particularly a father to Ese and to all of us. When Ese was discovered at the Inter-house Sports at St Theresa's Grammar School, Ughelli, he took her up, groomed her and set her up as a programmed athlete. Since then, our daughter has been growing

T O K YO 2 0 2 0 O LY M P I C . . . in profile,” recalled the proud father of an Olympic bronze medalist.

"After taking her through various competitions and training programmes, Pinnick then tried to get her employed in the Delta State Sports Commission and afterwards arranged for the state government to send her on scholarship to Syracuse University where she can access better facilities and trainers.

Both the past and incumbent governors of the state maintained support for her leading to her graduation with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism last year,” he observed with gratitude.

Oghenebrume is also eternally grateful to the NFF Boss for funding his surgery to ensure the matter didn’t cause distractions for Ese and her training programme.

"At a point when I was seriously ill and needed surgery, the situation disturbed Ese in her studies and sports career school until Pinnick came to our rescue.

He took up the bill for my surgery and recuperation. He assured Ese that things will be taken care of back home and encouraged her to focus on her career, and here we are today celebrating the fruit of that training.

Interestingly, it is not only Ese that is into sports in the Oghenebrume household. Her younger siblings have taken after her.

"Her younger ones are also athletes. Okowa has also given her junior sister, Oghenekaro Oghenebrume, a scholarship

to study in Texas while he has employed the younger brother, Godson Oghenebrume in the Delta State Civil Service in Asaba as a programme athlete.

Godson would have been part of Team Nigeria sprint relay

team at Tokyo 2020 but missed the cut. We know his time is coming just as we watched Ese grow to win several laurels through the All Africa Games, the Commonwealth Games, the World Athletics Championships

Enekwechi Through to Shot Put Final

Nigeria’s prospect for a gold medal is on the horizon again as Chukwuebuka Enekwechi has advanced to the final of the men’s shot put final at the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

This feat by a member of Team Nigeria is a follow up to Blessing Oborududu‘s final game-match in wrestling event which she eventually lost to American Tamyra Mensah Stock to settle but for the silver medal of the 68kg category.

Enekwechi is ranked seventh after launching his implement to a mark of 21.16m on the Men’s Shot Put Qualification table.

The Nigerian secured a nonautomatic qualifying spot for the final after clinching fourth position in Group B. He was ranked below Egypt’s Mostafa Amr, who had a throw of 21:23m.

Others who qualified for final are USA’s Crouser

Ryan with 22.05metres mark, New Zealand’s Walsh Tomas – 21.49m, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Mesud Pezer – 21.33m, Brazil’s Romani Darlan – 21.31m (SB), and Italy’s Weir Zane – 21.25m (PB).

Others who advanced to final with a non-automatic qualifying spot are Armin Sinancevic of Serbia, Kovac Joe and Peyton Otterdahl of the United States, Kyle Blingnaut of South Africa, and New Zealand’s Gill Jacko.

Enekwechi is the 2018 Commonwealth Games Silver medallist and reigning African champion in shot put.

He is also the 2019 African Games champion and the reigning Nigerian National Sports Festival champion.

Currently a volunteer assistant coach with the Boilermakers, Enekwechi is a 12-time All-American, five-time NCAA medalist and four-time Big Ten champion at Purdue.

Chukwuebuka Enekwechi...in shot put final

Ese Brume on the podium after receiving the long jump bronze medal...yesterday

and now the Olympic Games,” he prayed.

The senior Oghenebrume hinted that Ese must have acquired the genes of her mother who was also a former athlete.

"I think Ese’s athletic prowess is from my wife's gene. She was an athlete of the old Bendel State under Dr Sam Ogbemudia. She obviously must have transmitted the talent to all our children,” emphasised Ese’s father.

Speaking on the build-up within the family to the moment Ese hit the Olympic medal, he revealed that the family members were all awake to witness the great moments of her achieving an Olympic medal.

"We didn't sleep throughout the night. As you know, the final was held at about 2am. My wife and I held hands in prayers till the moment came. I had charged her to aim for the gold because the gold medalists are just humans like her. However, we are happy, proud and grateful to God for the bronze and we believe that she will ascend from glory to greater glory.”

When the news of suspension of 10 members of Nigeria’s track & field news break and was followed with Blessing Okagbare’s dope issue, the Oghenebrume family resorted to prayers for their daughter.

"There were a few disturbing news at the initial time from the Nigerian camp but we have always trusted in God to preserve Ese and He never fails. We must however commend the Minister of Sports (Sunday Dare) also for how he managed the situation to ensure that the competing athletes remained focused. He translated the outcome from anxiety to the excitement we now share and assurance for the future of Nigeria’s sports,” concludes Ese’s father.

How Oborududu Defies Leg Injury to Win Silver FG to pay for her surgery in any country of her choice Unknown to millions who watched Blessing Oborududu win silver medal in women’s 68kg freestyle wrestling at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she actually defied a nagging knee injury to become the first Nigerian to win a medal in the event.

According to the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the Nigerian Wrestling Federation, Dr. Daniel Igali, "She did her best.

We have been treating that tender knee all through the tournament.

I am even surprised she was able to take a full double attack,” revealed Igali who won wrestling gold for Canada at Sydney 2000.

However, after braving the pain to achieving this worthy silver medal finish at this Games in Tokyo, the Federal Government has taken up the responsibility of footing the cost of Oborodudu’s surgery.

According to Igali,: “The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare, has assured us that the knee will be fixed in any country of Blessing’s choice when she gets back to Nigeria and settle down".

Blessing Oborududu (left) fought through to the silver medal with an injured knee Igali who doubles as Bayelsa performance from Odunayo,” interview said she was fired up State’s commissioner for sports he said. againstOborududu because of added: "Coming here to Tokyo, I Oborududu yesterday entered the age long rivalry between would have gladly taken a bronze the record books as the first her parents’ country Ghana from Blessing (Oborududu). This Nigerian to win a wrestling and Nigeria. is a precious record breaking medal at the Olympics.

The same Mensah Stock silver. I'm so so proud of her.

She claimed the coveted silver stopped the Nigerian wrestler “I thank everyone for the following her 4-1 defeat by her from achieving gold medal massive support. We look long term foe, American Tamyra finish at the last Wrestling World forward to another great Mensah Stock who in a YouTube Championships.

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Another Bosman Ruling Looms Before FIFA as Siasia Challenges His Ban in US Court Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report Former Super Eagles Head Coach, Samson Siasia has filed a law suit against FIFA in a New York Federal Court in USA seeking for the overturn of his life ban conviction reduced to five years by the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) overturned as well as the 50,000 Swiss Franc fine returned.

Siasia who holds dual Nigerian and USA citizenship is also asking for damages for the alleged violation of his civil rights by FIFA. He insisted that FIFA ran foul of his constitutional rights when

it convicted him of bribery and booted him from the organization, claiming in a lawsuit filed Monday that only the U.S. government can charge him.

In the case entitled: Siasia v.

Federation Internationale de Football Association, case number 1:21-cv-06516, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, is a novel test of the world body’s absolute jurisdiction over football matters. It is in the mound of the Jeane Bosman case that changed players’ transfer from one club to the other for good.

According to the case filed

by Siasia’s attorneys, Nitor V.

Egbarin of the Law Office of Nitor V. Egbarin LLC, as a US citizen resident in Atlanta, "In convicting Siasia of bribery, FIFA relied on Swiss bribery law.

“If any crime was committed, only the FBI or Georgia State Police could investigate and bring charges of commercial bribery," his suit says, adding that "Georgia does not criminalise commercial bribery."

Siasia said in the court papers that “the soccer international governing body is a state actor that violated his rights to due process under the Fifth and 14th

Amendments when it convicted him for his minor role in a wide-ranging conspiracy to fix hundreds of matches by paying off corrupt players and officials.

The suit also says FIFA's imposing the fine and revoking his license constituted "cruel and unusual punishment" barred by the Eighth Amendment.

Siasia was licensed as a Coach through the United States Soccer Federation, a FIFA affiliate, in 2009.

A year later, convicted match-fixer, Wilson Raj Perumal, offered Siasia a coaching job in Australia where he would "play along" and "close

one eye" to Perumal's dealings,” the suit stressed.

In emails sent from Atlanta, Siasia expressed interest, and the two went back and forth on terms but ultimately went their separate ways, according to court papers.

FIFA learned about the messages during a Finnish probe into Perumal and charged Siasia in 2019, yet it failed to properly notify him, his suit stressed.

"Siasia was not aware of the bribery charge for which FIFA indicted him until FIFA published to the whole world in or around

Aug. 16, 2019, FIFA's conviction and imposition of a life ban on Siasia from using the coach license issued under the laws of the United States," the suit further stated.

However, on an appeal, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland upheld his conviction and fine on June 21, but it reduced the ban to five years, finding a lifetime ouster was disproportionate to the offence, Siasia's suit recalled.

FIFA’s legal department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter.

NPFL: Who Wins the Eunisell Boot Award?

Akwa United grabbed their first Nigeria Professional Football League title with a match to the end of the season, but the exciting goal race continues till the final whistle, on Thursday, with the duo of Nasarawa United’s Silas Nwankwo and Akwa United’s Charles Atshimene, ahead of the pack.

For the first time since the introduction of the Eunisell Boot in 2018, the race for the prestigious award in the NPFL goes down to the wire.

With 18 goals each, Nwankwo and Atshimene will continue their search for the most-sought-

The Eunisell Boot Award for highest goals scorer in the NPFL

after award in the domestic top flight.

The Eunisell Boot seeks to elevate the standard of the NPFL by inspiring top stars to boost their performance through incentives and raise fresh consciousness about the domestic top flight.

“Eunisell is proud to be associated with our homegrown stars. Too often, we lose sight of the importance of the domestic league and its players. The prestigious trophy and value of the Eunisell Boot award will spur players into performing better,” said Eunisell Group Managing Director, Chika Ikenga.

The five-star outing of both players in front of goal explains why their teams have turned out with 52 and 51 goals this term.

In fact, this is the second time players from both clubs will be in the race for the award.

Back in 2019, celebrated top scorer, Mfon Udoh and Ibrahim Sunusi, emerged joint-winners of the award after scoring 10 goals each.

Nwankwo and Atshimene head for tricky road trip matches to showcase their quality in front of partisan opposition fans and the duo is no stranger to scoring away from home with five and four goals, respectively.

Both players scored a brace each on the road to underscore their credentials for the Eunisell Boot.

At stake is a life changing opportunity and the prestigious Eunisell Boot award.

In addition, Eunisell has placed a premium value of N200,000 per goal scored by the winner.

Samson Siasia has further challenged his ban by FIFA in a US Federal Court in New York

FACommunity Shield Live on DSTv, GOtv

HiFL: Olowu Targets Q’final Ticket with OAU Giants

As the ongoing Higher Institution Football League (HiFL) enters the round of 16, right back of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Rotimi Olowu, is tipping the OAU Giants to go all the way to winning the title.

The OAU Giants have a date with their counterparts from the Adekunle Ajasin University today at the OAU Sports Complex, Ile Ife, Osun State.

Both sides played a goalless draw in the first leg decided in Akure last month but Olowu is optimistic OAU Giants will defeat AAUA Luminaries to earn a quarterfinal ticket today.

“We have been training so hard for this match because our plan is to go all the way in the

competition. Now that we are playing at home, we are going to give our best to move on in the race for the trophy.

“Our coach, Chike EgburuOlimene, has been busy giving us various tactics options not only for this match but for other challenges in the competition.

We want to win and move on,” Olowu said.

The defender is hoping to use the HifL to launch himself into greater heights within or outside the country.

“My ambition is to play for the national team from the age grade category and then travel out to play for a club abroad.

I want to take my career to highest level I can,” the OAU defender added.

Kelechi Iheanacho (left) and Wilfred Ndidi will be in action on Saturday when Leicester take on Manchester City in the Community Shield

The 2021/22 football season in England gets underway with the traditional seasonopening fixture, the FA Community Shield between Leicester City and Manchester City.

The game has been promised to be available to all DStv and GOtv customers Live on SuperSport.

The Community Shield will see Nigerian stars and DStv ambassadors, Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho play for the FA Cup champions, Leicester city, as they face Premier League champions, Manchester City, at the Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at 5.15pm The match is to be broadcast live on SuperSport Premier League (DStv channel 203) and SuperSport Football (DStv channel 205 & GOtv channel 31).

Following their

UEFA Champions League disappointment last season, Manchester City will be looking to make a major statement of intent in this clash, though Leicester City are a rising force and their FA Cup triumph could be a foundation upon which they build a powerful, title-contending team.

Manchester City and Leicester have met in 122 matches across all competitions since 1895.

The Citizens have claimed 62 wins compared to 31 for the Foxes, while 29 games have been drawn. The teams’ two Premier League meetings last season both produced away wins: Leicester stunned Man City 5-2 at the Etihad Stadium in September 2020, but the Citizens claimed revenge with a 2-0 triumph at the King Power Stadium in April – courtesy of goals from Benjamin Mendy and Gabriel Jesus.

DStv and GOtv customers will also enjoy a range and depth of live football action from the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Europa League as well as La Liga and Serie A.

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Lukaku: Inter Reject £85m Plus Alonso Offer from Chelsea Inter have rejected a third offer from Chelsea for striker Romelu Lukaku which would have seen Marcos Alonso move to San Siro in exchange.

It was revealed late Monday that Chelsea had already lodged two informal offers for the Belgian, whom 90min understands would

TRANSFER NEWS...TRANSFER NEWS... be 'very interested' in a move back to Stamford Bridge if Inter agree to sell him.

Chelsea are keen to give him the chance to come back and Gianluca Di Marzio notes that

Arsenal Open Contract Talks with Xhaka

Arsenal have opened contract negotiations with Granit Xhaka after the midfielder's proposed move to Roma hit the buffers.

The Switzerland international looked to be on the verge of joining Jose Mourinho in Rome earlier this summer, though I Giallorossi's refusal to meet the Gunners' £20m valuation has seen a switch fail to materialise.

Xhaka has just two years remaining on his current deal at the Emirates, meaning Mikel Arteta could be forced to sell the midfielder on the cheap next summer in a bid to avoid losing him for free 12 months later.

Naturally desperate to avoid such a scenario (again), the Evening Standard report that the Gunners have now opened talks with Xhaka over a new deal.

Despite their quest to offload the 28-year-old so far proving unsuccessful, Arteta is still desperate to bolster his midfield options ahead of the new season.

The north London club have spent the majority of the summer pursuing a deal for Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli. Arsenal are understood to have tabled a €40m (£34.3m) bid for the Italy international,

the Blues have submitted yet another bid for Lukaku which was quickly knocked back. This time, the offer stood at €100m (£85m) plus left-back Marcos Alonso.

The belief is that Chelsea will return with an improved offer in the near future, but it is noted that Lukaku may have to voice a desire to leave if the bid is to be accepted.

There is currently no indication that Lukaku will push for an exit. His public stance that he is happy in Milan is the truth and he has not been unsettled by the departure of manager Antonio Conte, but he would not rule out a return to Chelsea either.

Chelsea are on the hunt for a new superstar striker, and having grown frustrated with Borussia Dortmund's refusal to sell Erling Haaland, they have turned their attention back to Lukaku and are exploring ways to lure the

Belgian back to Stamford Bridge.

Including Alonso looks to be a smart way to go. As noted by Calciomercato, the Spaniard remains on Inter's wish list even after Conte's departure and there is a good chance that they will launch a bid for him before the summer comes to an end.

The deals may end up being separate, which isn't exactly a major concern for Chelsea, but it does complicate things as they need to find a way to come up with close to £100m if they are

to convince Inter to sell.

Chelsea's belief is that Inter need to sell to balance the books and reduce their wage budget, and while it's a stretch to say there is optimism that the deal will get done, the Blues see Lukaku as their best chance of landing a superstar forward this summer.

Thomas Tuchel has also voiced an interest in Tottenham striker Harry Kane, but even though the Englishman has refused to return to training, Spurs are still ruling out the idea of offloading him.

but his desire to play Champions League football means fellow admirers Juventus remain frontrunners in the race for his signature.

Locatelli isn't the only midfielder on Arsenal's wish list this summer, with Lyon's Houssem Aouar also understood to be of interest, and the Frenchman's teammate Bruno Guimaraes can now also be added to that list.

Arsenal technical director Edu knows Guimaraes from his time as the general coordinator of the Brazilian national team and has pinpointed the youngster as a potential new arrival.

However, Guimaraes is currently away on international duty with Brazil at the Olympics and is refusing to speculate over his future until he returns to club duty.

Elsewhere, the Gunners are continuing to pursue a move for Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, though their reluctance to meet the Blues' £40m valuation has seen talks reach an impasse.

Chelsea are looking to offload the England striker as they try to generate transfer funds ahead of a move for Erling Haaland.

Romelu Lukaku...Inter rejects fresh bid from Chelsea

AstonVillaEyeLoanDealsforAbraham,Tuanzebe

Granit Xhaka...new Arsenal deal on the table

Aston Villa are interested in loan moves for Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham and Manchester United defender, Axel Tuanzebe. Both Abraham and Tuanzebe played on loan at Villa as Dean Smith's side earned promotion to the Premier League from the Championship in the 2018-19 season.

Abraham received limited first-team opportunities at Chelsea after Thomas Tuchel

replaced Frank Lampard in January, but still ended last season as the club's joint-top goal-scorer alongside Timo Werner.

Chelsea would prefer to sell

Abraham than send him out on loan and are thought to value the 23-year-old at around £40m, with Arsenal also interested in signing the English forward.

With Abraham's current

contract at Stamford Bridge running until 2023, the club would look to extend the deal if they were to allow him to leave on loan for the upcoming campaign.

Hayatou Gets One Year Ban for Breach of FIFA’s Ethics Former FIFA interim president Issa Hayatou has been banned for one year and fined 30,000 Swiss francs ($33,189.51) for a breach of FIFA's ethics code, the world soccer body said on Tuesday.

Cameroon's Hayatou, 74, served as Confederation of African Football (CAF) president for 29 years until he was voted out in 2017.

He was acting president of FIFA from 2015-16 when Sepp Blatter, now 85, was suspended amid a widespread corruption

scandal.

Hayatou is also an honorary member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

FIFA said an investigation into Hayatou’s conduct as CAF president concerned involvement in deals for media and marketing rights of CAF competitions with France-based Lagardère Sports between 2014 and 2017.

The adjudicatory chamber ruled that Hayatou had entered "in the name and on behalf of the confederation, into an

anti-competitive agreement with Lagardère Sport which was detrimental and caused significant damage to CAF." FIFA said this amounted to 200 million Egyptian pounds ($12.76 million) and had caused reputational and financial damage.

The ban, from any kind of football-related activity at both national and international level, came into force on Tuesday.

Hayatou, who rarely makes public comments, could not immediately be contacted.

Tammy Abraham (left) and Axel Tuanzebe wanted on loan at Aston Villa

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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Wednesday, August 4, 2021

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Lawyer to National Assembly

“If we are truly serious about changing the Constitution then we should address that. Why will you go to Rivers State, collect their oil, bring it to the centre and distribute it to all the states and tell them that their derivation is 13 percent?”

--- Legal Practitioner, Chidi Amamgbo, asking the lawmakers to amend the Constitution to reflect true federalism.

KAYODEKOMOLAFE Against the Reign of Impunity W THE HORIZON

kayode.komolafe@thisdaylive.com

hat is to be done about the culture of impunity plaguing the land?

That was essentially the question pondered yesterday at a virtual National Conference Against Impunity in Nigeria. It was the 24th yearly lecture organised by the National Association of Seadogs in honour of Nobelist Wole Soyinka, one of the seven students of the University College Ibadan who formed the organisation in 1952 as the Pyrates Confraternity.

Indeed, some of the symptoms of the general malaise of bad governance are actually specific consequences of impunity. In other words, Nigeria would be better governed if impunity could be put in check.

In his prefatory remarks, Soyinka affirmed the topicality of the question of impunity as the theme of this year’s lecture as he challenged the people to confront impunity head - on.

The keynote speaker was the Kenya legal scholar and one-time head of anti-corruption agency in his country, Professor Patrick Lumumba. He posed some pertinent questions about the climate of impunity enveloping Nigeria, nay Africa. Poverty and underdevelopment have been exacerbated because of the reign of impunity and the lack of reason in managing public affairs, according to him.

For instance, he asked why Nigeria should be the poverty capital of the world despite its immense human and natural resources. He traced the root of the problem to the absence of accountability.

He also called on the people to stand up against impunity. Borrowing from one of Soyinka’s works, Madmen and Specialists, Lumumba wondered when the people would develop enough feeling of “disgust” with impunity.

The inadequacy of accountability in governance, identified by Lumumba, was amplified by other guest speakers. A youth organiser and programme manager of YIAGAAfrica, Cynthia Mbamalu, asserted

By Issa Aremu

Wole Soyinka that the EndSARS protest that rocked parts of the country last year constituted an action of the youth against impunity. In this case, the violation of the rights of citizens, torture and extra- judicial killings by a special squad of the police had gone on for years with impunity before the popular revolt.

She suggested wider engagement especially by civil society organisations for greater democratic possibilities. According to her, the legislature that should check the executive impunity is in itself perpetrating acts of impunity. Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa elaborated on the violation of human rights and serial official

0805 500 1974

disobedience of the law with impunity. Adegboruwa gave insights into the impunity which spurred the EndSARS protests. With an anecdote, Professor Pat Utomi explained that the impunity that fuels flipflops in policy has done a lot of damage to economic development. He also gave examples of impunity in the political realm including the one that “is writ large” in the internal regimes of the parties. According to him, a party that could not guarantee its members internal democracy should not be counted as a force for the democratic development of the country. With the questions from the audience, it was clear that the worsening impunity in the country bothers many people.

As a little contribution to the discussions, this reporter attempted to trace the systemic root of impunity. It is not enough to see impunity as a bad behaviour on the part of those in public office.

The Nigerian system itself reinforces impunity because it is designed to make a class of people to escape questioning, much less punishment for crimes against the people. It is not only political rights that are violated with impunity, socio-economic violence is daily unleashed on the people through policies that breed poverty and underdevelopment.

It should, therefore, be examined why the violation of socio-economic rights with impunity is often camouflaged with neo-liberal phrases as a mere policy choice.

This reasoning would, of course, be enhanced if the Nigerian media continues to play its constitutional role of holding public officials “accountable”. The corollary to this is that beyond information, the media would have to consciously act to protect the interest of the weak and the poor and in the process galvanise the people towards the values of popular democracy.

It is, therefore, important to think deeply about the nature and pattern of impunity that’s perpetrated. A basic requirement for this is what another Nobelist, Amartya Sen, describes as “public reasoning.” In

fact, in his book, The Idea of Justice, the economist and philosopher, expands the definition of democracy to include “public reason.”

Such a scrupulous examination could only take place when discussions are structured in such a way that the searchlight could be on acts of impunity while focussing public attention on how to fight against impunity. To do so is a democratic duty on the part of the members of the society who are at least socially concerned. After all, a former of the London Economist newspaper, Walter Bagehot, once posited that democracy itself should be a “government by discussion.” Here we are talking of discussions of policies, in the course of which those holding public offices would be compelled to answer questions on the policy steps of the government.

Instead of doing that, democracy in Nigeria is steadily being reduced to period ferments of elections and nothing more. So a president is voted into power; but his policy execution or the lack of a workable policy by his government is hardly a matter of continuous public scrutiny. His ministers and heads of agencies could sometimes shun invitations from the legislature to answer questions on the activities of their ministries, departments and agencies. After all, in a parliamentary system, the prime minister (the equivalent of an executive president) would be required to answer questions frequently in parliament on policies.

Not so here.

Talking about what is to be done, an example was shown to the world last week in the Niger Delta.

A group of concerned Ogoni youths summoned their inherent power as citizens (as different from subjects!). They occupied the Eleme-Onne road that has been scandalously neglected for years with impunity. This has forced the Ministry of Niger Delta to order contractors back to the site.

In order to rein in official impunity, there should be more of such citizens’ rational actions.

Godwin Emefiele at 60

The 11th second- term running Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) turns 60 today.

As a sexagenarian my self, I bear witness to the significance of the gift of worthy six- decade life in an ever precarious world of insecurity and Covid:19 pandemic with its notorious Delta variant. Emefiele’s inspiring profile is a delight of writers and members of commentariat alike.

There are enough positive word counts on the life and indelible landmarks of a multiple degrees holder in Finance and insurance, former lecturer at the first generation University of Nigeria Nsukka, an alumnus of Executive Education at Stanford University, Harvard University (2004) and Wharton School of Business (2005) and former Group Managing Director of a leading bank in Africa: Zenith Bank., Emefiele was born on August 4, 1961 in Lagos. His parents originally hailed from Ika South, Agbor of Delta State. A confluence of “Center of Excellence” (Lagos) and a “Big heart” ( Delta) makes a great compatriot in whom many Nigerians are at home with. Young Emefiele attended primary education in Government Primary School, Victoria Island (formerly Ansar-U-Den Primary School, Igbosere), Lagos, before proceeding to Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikeja, Lagos. Emefiele’s cosmopolitan disposition, humility, modesty, fairness to all and tenacity of policy purpose and focus point to the strength of multiple identities in a diverse Federal Republic like Nigeria. I agree with the American talk show

Emefiele host, television producer, author, and philanthropist, Oprah Winfrey that “ The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate”. The essential Emefiele is an activist 11th CBN Governor (Bankers’ Banker) and Development Central Banker. Seven years after eventful activist independent central banking, Emefiele has cut a commendable clout as a Governor with an eye on the bigger picture of the economy. He has remarkably balanced the Bank’s mandate of monetary and price stability, with the development objectives of national economy. In seven years, CBN has

recorded significant successes with respect to price and financial stability and macro economics despite the pressures of centrifugal forces. First is his prompt agenda setting. Appointed in 2014, by former President Goodluck Jonathan Emefiele in his inaugural speech espoused “Entrenching Macroeconomic Stability and a Engendering Economic Development in Nigeria,”. On reappointment by President Muhammadu Buhari he consolidated on the achievements of the first tenure through his popularized five-year policy thrust for another term of five years (2019-2024). Worthy praise goes to both former President Goodluck and President Muhammadu BUHARI for the statesmanship in appointment and retention respectively. To serve under two Presidents, Emefele is a lesson in staying power and dilligence. The CBN within the context of its enabling Act continues to maintain sound financial structure, promote monetary stability , safeguard the value of Naira and stable exchange rate, proving to be a financial adviser to the federal government in the areas of price and exchange rate management, development financing, building foreign reserves and employment creation. On Exchange rate management, there have been creative interventionist measures which include flexible exchange rates (in interbank market) to multiple windows FX management for whole sale, invisible, small and medium enterprises (SME) and Investors/Exporters windows. Rate stability is the constant factor. Notwithstanding a sharp drop in crude oil prices, and reduction in Nigeria’s oil production quota, as well as the significant decline in government revenue and

foreign exchange earnings as a result of the impact of two recessions in quick successions in addition to COVID-19 impact on the nation’s economy, exchange rate stabilizes at N410/$. Exchange rate availability allows for planning and investment decisions. CBN had consistently resisted the pressures to return to “staggering and undulating foreign exchange rate in relation to the naira due to pressures by speculators, bettors, round-trippers and rent-seekers.”. Capital adequacy and capital control are imperatives for a developing economy like Nigeria. The 11th CBN governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele had long seen tomorrow well before COVID: 19. In promoting import substitution through development financing, CBN rightly removed some 43 imported goods from the list of some items valid for Forex Exchange in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market. I agree with the governor that “, it is our collective duty to ensure that the potential and prospects of the economy are optimally realized.

The ongoing economic recovery requires the joint efforts and wise counsel of everyone, if we must take giant strides forward” . Therefore beyond the creative monetary measures of the CBN, the fiscal authorities with respect to electricity supply, fighting smuggling and dumping (customs department), curbing insecurity, trade policies must compliment with new activist measures that would boost domestic manufacturing. Many Happy returns to a co- sexagenarian!.

Comrade Aremu (mni ) is the Director General of Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Ilorin

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