WEDNESDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER 2020

Buhari Seeks Approval to Reimburse Five States N148bn Transmits PIB to N’Assembly Deji Elumoye, Emmanuel Addeh and Udora Orizu in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday sought the approval of the National Assembly for

the refund of N148.1 billion to five states for the execution of federal roads.

Buhari also yesterday transmitted the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) to the lawmakers for approval

Sylva, Kyari urge speedy passage of bill

with the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, and the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, urging the federal

lawmakers to facilitate speedy passage of the oil reform bill.

The two request letters from the president on the reimbursement of states and the PIB were read at the resumption of Senate’s

plenary by the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan.

In the letter dated September 2, 2020, Buhari in seeking for the passage of the PIB said: "Pursuant to Section 58 of Constitution of the Federal

Republic of Nigeria 1999 constitution as amended, I formally request the consideration and passage into law by the Senate the Continued on page 8

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Buhari Requests Elevation of Eight Justices to S’Court... Page 5

FG Floors P&ID Again, UK Court Orders Release of $200m Guarantee to Nigeria Malami hails verdict Fund will boost exchange rate management, says Emefiele Obinna Chima Nigeria yesterday recorded another victory in its ongoing legal tussle with the Process & Industrial Development (P&ID) Limited as a London Commercial Court ordered the release of the $200 million guarantee for the stay of execution granted the country pending the appeal filed against the judgment of Justice Christopher Butcher for

the execution of the Arbitral award of $10 billion to the company.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, hailed the court’s ruling even as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, hailed the court’s decision, saying the $200 million will enhance Continued on page 8

Gbajabiamila Directs Re-gazetting of Water Bill for House Reconsideration Adedayo Akinwale and Udora Orizu in Abuja

After a stormy session over the controversial Natural Waters Resources Bill at the House of Representatives yesterday, the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has directed that the bill be published in House gazette for reconsideration.

The bill has continued to generate a lot of ripples in the country since its reintroduction with some section of the

country alleging that the bill was part of a grand plot to seize their water resources and take over their land for use as RUGA settlements, even though the federal government had insisted that those opposing the bill were ill-informed.

However, Gbajabiamila's directive at the resumption of plenary yesterday, followed a point of order raised by Continued on page 8

OWA-OYIBU BY RAIL… L-R: Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele; and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, during the virtual inauguration of Itakpe-AjaokutaWarri Rail and Railway Ancillary Facility Yard at Owa-Oyibu by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja…yesterday

Salami Vows to Do Justice in Investigation of Magu...Page 5

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

Salami Vows to Do Justice in Investigation of Magu

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Chairman of the Presidential Panel of Inquiry investigating the allegations of financial impropriety against the suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial and Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, Justice Ayo Salami, yesterday vowed to press on with investigation into the allegations against the suspended anti-graft boss in order to unearth the truth and ensure that justice is manifestly done.

Salami in a statement denied reports that he expressed regrets over his appointment to head the panel.

He also took a swipe at Magu's lawyers whom he accused of planting lies about the panel's proceedings in the media, expressing the determination of the panel to discharge its duties to the letter.

Salami said he never had cause to regret his appointment as chairman of the panel, explaining that he considered it an honour and call to serve.

"I have no cause to express any regret over my chairmanship of the commission, not to talk of betraying any form of emotion before anyone about it,� he said, adding: "I see my appointment to serve as the chairman of the commission of inquiry as an honour and call to service,

thus my decision to accept to diligently and patriotically discharge this responsibility."

He noted that in the cause of his legal career he had handled more challenging cases than the present one.

"There is no doubt that the false reports were aimed at causing mischief and tarnishing my hard-earned reputation and integrity. I remain resolute and committed to the service of the nation and resolute to champion the ideals of justice and fairness," he said.

He accused Magu's lawyers of engaging in mischief and blackmail.

"I want to point out that such wild claims and allegations against me and the commission are not strange to me given the manner in which the lawyers to Magu have been carrying on in the conduct of their client’s case before the commission, planting such lies in the media about the proceedings at the panel has been their past time.

"They believe that by engaging in such media propaganda against the commission that their client can easily be absolved of various allegations that have been brought against him," he said.

He insisted that such allegations and blackmail would not deter the commission from concluding its assignment.

He said the judicial commission of inquiry would

continue to investigate the allegations in order to unearth the truth and ensure that justice is manifestly done.

Meanwhile, Magu’s counsel, Mr. Wahab Shittu, said reports of Magu's closing remarks at the panel were twisted out of context.

He said: "We wish to state that this story was twisted fundamentally out of context by my client’s accusers who want to hit back at my client

without justification.

"It is true that Magu and my humble self addressed the panel at the conclusion of his defence, while Magu clarified that he threw himself to the job of acting chair because of his passion for the anti-corruption war, a situation that may be alleged overzealousness in some quarters.

"He, however, pleaded for justice and fair-play by the panel members in the context of

his overall achievements and his fledging career, which hitherto remain unblemished and will terminate in two years’ time."

Counsel to Magu also urged the panel members in the interest of fear of God and loyalty to their conscience to ensure justice in the matter.

He concluded by thanking them for their patience and understanding throughout the proceedings.

"At no time did Magu admit

to guilt to the allegations, the subject matter of the inquiry.

Indeed the only thing going for Magu is his conviction of his innocence.

"A member of the panel had cause to inquire from me whether I am convinced that the panel will do justice to my client. I responded in the affirmative and I hope my optimism of the justice of the process at the end will not be illusory," he said.

Buhari Submits 2021 Budget Next Week

BOOSTING RAIL TRANSPORTATION‌

Lawan: 2020 estimates suffered over $14bn loss

Buhari Requests Elevation of Eight Justices to S’Court

Deji Elumoye in Abuja President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, has said President Muhammadu Buhari will submit the 2021 budget estimates to the National Assembly next week.

He has, therefore, appealed to senators to embark on necessary oversight functions on the federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), to assess the performance of the revised 2020 budget.

Lawan stated this in his speech while welcoming his colleagues from an eight-week recess.

He said the lawmakers would devote the month of October for budget defence while November will be for the internal processing of the document.

He said: “I am aware that the president will submit the 2021 budget estimates to us next week.�

Lawan: 2020 Budget Suffered over $14bn Loss Lawan disclosed that the

revised 2020 Appropriation Act suffered over $14 billion loss due to the country's overdependence on oil.

He told his colleagues that Nigeria was faced with a $14 billion revenue shortage during the current fiscal year.

"We were confronted with an over $14billion revenue gap and the grim reality of an unwholesome overdependence on oil," he stressed.

According to him, there is urgent need to focus on other important sectors like agriculture, solid minerals and steel development and manufacturing with a view to diversifying the nation's economy, adding: "We need to work with relevant stakeholders to prevent our economy going into a recession, stimulate the economy, save and create more jobs through a sustainable multiplier effect."

The COVID-19 pandemic, he further stated, disrupted the federal budgetary plans, requiring the review of the 2020 budget and the upper chamber carrying out oversights to ensure that the revised 2020 budget is properly implemented.

L-R: Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN); and Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, during the virtual inauguration of commercial operations of Itakpe- Ajaokuta-Warri Rail-Line at Owa-Oyibu, Delta State‌yesterday

Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Senate yesterday received a request from President Muhammadu Buhari for the elevation of eight Appeal Court justices to the Supreme Court.

The president's request along with that of the confirmation of the board of the National Population Commission (NPC) as well as non-career ambassadorial nominees were read at plenary by President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan.

The request for the confirmation of the eight justices as justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria was contained in a letter dated August 31, 2020.

According to Buhari, the request for the confirmation of the eight justices to the nation's apex court was in line with the provisions of Section 231(2) of the 1999 Constitution and the advice of the National Judicial Council (NJC).

The letter read in part: “Pursuant to section 231(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the

Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and upon the advice of the National Judicial Council, I hereby present for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of the under-listed Eight Justices of the Court of Appeal as Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, according to their ranking of seniority at the Court of Appeal. “They are Hon. Justice Lawal Garba, North-west; Hon. Justice Helen Ogunwumiju, South-west; Hon. Justice Addu Aboki, North-west; Hon. Justice I. M. M. Saulawa, North-west; Hon. Justice Adamu Jauro, North-east; Hon. Justice Samuel Oseji, South-south; Hon. Justice Tijjani Abubakar, North-east; and Hon. Justice Emmanuel Agim, South-south.�

In another request to the Senate dated September 14, 2020, the president sought the confirmation of appointment of the Chairman and Commissioners of the National Population Commission (NPC).

The appointees are Nasir

Kwarra (Nasarawa), Chairman; Ali Silas Agara (Nasarawa); Mohammed Chiso Dottoji (Sokoto); Gidado Folorunso (Kwara); Ibrahim Mohammed (Bauchi); Joseph Shazin (FCT); Ajayi Sunday (Ekiti); Garba Zakar (Jigawa); Aliyu Muhammad (Yobe); Muhammad Rini (Zamfara); Bala Banya (Katsina); and Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin (Lagos).

Buhari, in another letter, sought the confirmation of Ambassador Muhammad Manta and Yusuf Yunusa as non-career ambassadordesignates.

The request, according to the president, was made in accordance with Section 171(1), (2)(c) and sub-section (4) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

He noted that the appointment of both nominees serve as replacement to his earlier submission, wherein he nominated Air Commodore Peter Gana (rtd) and Alhaji Yusuf Mohammed, from Niger and Yobe States respectively.

The upper legislative chamber was also asked by the president via another communication to confirm Chairman, Executive Vice Chairman, Executive Commissioners and NonExecutive Commissioners of Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

They are Emeka Nwakpa, South-east, (Chairman); Babatunde Irukera, North Central (Executive Vice Chairman); Yinka Apata, Southwest, (Executive Commissioner); Adamu Abdullahi, North-east, (Executive Commissioner); Wakili Ahmed, North-west, (Non-Executive Commissioner); Ayang Eyam, South-south, (Non-Executive Commissioner); Ben Nwoye, South-east, (NonExecutive Commissioner), and Theophilus Oyebiyi, North-central, (Non-Executive Commissioner)."

The Senate president will in today’s plenary refer the nominees to relevant committees for further legislative action.

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CAN Urges Buhari to Implement 2014 Confab Report Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to revisit the 2014 National Conference Report with a view to using it to address some problems militating against the peace and unity of the country.

The body also wants the federal government to urgently reduce the cost of governance, attend to the plight of poor masses, and check insecurity in the land.

The association also reiterated its call for a total overhauling of the security architecture of the country to inject personnel with fresh ideas that can address

all security problems.

In a statement issued yesterday to mark Nigeria's 60th independence anniversary celebration, the President of CAN, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, lamented that successive leaders failed to invest in the future of the country hence the nationwide collapse of infrastructure.

"We call on the government to revisit the 2014 National Conference Report with a view to using it to address some problems militating against the peace and unity of the country.

"We don't need another conference if there is a political will to implement the report.

It should just be sent to the National Assemblies as a

template to guide legislative process of better repositioning of Nigeria," he said.

CAN’s president said the country's electoral system has remained far from being free, fair, and credible because of thuggery, godfather syndrome and the use of law enforcement agents to intimidate voters in order

to win the election.

Ayokunle urged Buhari to immediately sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2018, which has been gathering dust on his table since last year.

On insecurity, CAN president said the association is insisting on total overhauling of the security

architecture of the country to inject personnel with fresh ideas that can address all security problems.

"There's no doubt that all at the helm of affairs of our security agencies are doing their best but it seems they have nothing new again to tame the monsters of the security challenges. We are sad

that both the security agents and the civilians continue to be killed by insurgents," he said.

Ayokunle added: "Though we are far from being where we ought and want to be now, the leadership of CAN is fully persuaded that we can still get to where we ought to be if we resolve to fix all these problems, once and for all."

President Directs Nation’s Ports Linked to Rail Network Inaugurates Itakpe –Ajaokuta–Warri line Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja and Kasim Sumaina in Asaba President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday virtually inaugurated the 326 kilometre-ItakpeAjaokuta-Warri rail line for commercial operations 30 years after the project was conceived, and directed the Ministry of Transportation to ensure that all the nation’s ports are linked to the rail line.

The president, who also launched the ancillary facilities' yard, at the recently named Goodluck Jonathan Railway Complex in Agbor (OwaOyibu), Delta State, said the rail line would eventually terminate in Abuja.

Buhari, who declared the rail line open for operations at a virtual meeting in the State House, instructed the Federal Ministry of Transportation to link all the nation’s ports of origin and destination, including Apapa, Tin Can, Warri, Onne, and Calabar Ports to the rail network to enhance overall transportation and economic capacities.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement issued yesterday, said the president recognised the importance of railway mode of transportation as a strong support for industrialisation and economic development.

He also said the president disclosed that he had instructed relevant authorities to ensure the prioritisation of viable rail lines in the country and kick-off the reconstruction and rehabilitation of others.

He quoted the president: ''Accordingly, I have approved the prioritiation of viable railway routes for either new rail lines or the reconstruction and rehabilitation of some, to achieve effective and efficient train services supporting the country’s trade and commerce. ''The railway infrastructure that I have the honour to commission today is the rail line from Itakpe via the steel town complex of Ajaokuta to Warri, and is an important link

for the country’s economy as the central rail line. ''This government has also approved to link this line further from Itakpe to Abuja, thereby, connecting the Northern Zone of the country and also extending southwards to link the Warri Ports.''

Buhari said he was confident that the project would link the South-south to the North, before the end of his administration, adding that it will widen the scope of commerce in the country. ''It will link people across the cultural divides and expand the frontier of trade and commerce, which will lead to better standards of living for our citizens,'' he said.

Buhari explained that 11 railway stations and railway villages had been named after some notable Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in the task of nation building and development.

He listed such Nigerians and stations named after them as: Goodluck Jonathan Railway Complex, Owa Oyibu, Agbor; Adamu Attah Station, Itakpe; Abubakar Olusola Saraki Station, Ajaokuta; Augustus Aikhomu Station, Itogbo; George Innih Station, Agenebode; Anthony Enahoro Station, Uromi; and Tom Ikimi Station, Ekehen.

Others are: Samuel Ogbemudia Station, Igbanke; David Ejoor Station, Abraka; Michael Ibru Station, Opara; Alfred Rewane Station, Ujevwu; and Michael Akhigbe Railway Village, Agbor.

He enjoined all Nigerians in the transportation industry, especially the railway subsector, to continue to support the government in its bid to construct other railway infrastructure projects.

The president called for the support of all Nigerians in the effort to entrench a functional and full-fledged central railway, after over three decades of conception, noting that the Itakpe-Ajaokuta project had suffered several setbacks since it was launched.

SIXTY-SIX HEARTY CHEERS‌ L-R: Wife of Osun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oyefunke Alabi; the celebrant, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola; his wife, Kafayat; and Deputy Governor, Mr. Benedict Alabi, during the 66th birthday celebration of the governor in Osogbo‌yesterday

INEC: Edo Election Puts Us under Pressure in Ondo Jegede alleges attack on team in Akeredolu's LG James Sowole in Akure The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday said that the successes recorded in the recently conducted Edo State governorship election has put the commission under more pressure as preparation continues for the October 10 poll in Ondo State.

This is coming as the Eyitayo Jegede Campaign Organisation yesterday alleged a fresh attack on its campaign team at Ipele in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, the council of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

The Head of Voter Education and Publicity of INEC in Ondo State, Ms. Rosemary Adeniyi, stated this yesterday at the opening of Workshop for Training of Community Voter Education Providers, organised by the European Centre for Election Support (ECES) in conjunction with INEC. Adeniyi, who was presented by her deputy, Mr. Babalola Lebile, said importance of voter education cannot be overemphasised describing the exercise as crucial to election.

Speaking at the event, the ECES Senior Project Officer, Mr Sylvester Somo, said voter

education is a major solution to reduce apathy.

Somo told participants, who were drawn from the 18 local government areas of Ondo State, that their mission, was to assist INEC in the task of educating voters on what they should do and not do during election.

He said: "Your mission is to assist the INEC in the task of delivering a free, fair, inclusive, efficient, cost-effective election, strengthening Democratic values by increasing voter education and the turn-out.

"The focus is on how to vote rather than whom to vote for, providing necessary knowledge regarding how and where to cast their votes especially in line with the COVID-19 protocols."

The project officer told the participants, when carrying out their assignments to take into consideration, the literacy level of the electorate and to address them in simple and clear language to the electorate.

"Electorate must be educated to ensure that the number of invalid votes is reduced to the barest minimum.

"The number of people that voted during an election should justify that the will of the majority prevails. So you are to go out and educate the

people on the need to come out and cast their votes in the day of election.�

Meanwhile, the Eyitayo Jegede Campaign Organisation yesterday alleged a fresh attack on its campaign team at Ipele in Owo LGA of Ondo State.

The organisation, in a statement alleged that some people suspected to be supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) perpetrated the attack to stop the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, from campaigning at Ipele.

According to the organisation, the suspected hoodlums blocked access to the palace of the king and the maternal home of the PDP candidate in a bid to deny him access to both places earlier scheduled to be visited by the candidate.

The organisation said: "Prior to our entry into Ipele, touts and miscreants under the APC had unleashed terror on our members with several casualties.

"These miscreants were dispersed by a joint team of police and NSCDC officers."

However, the organisation blamed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ipele for arresting six members of

the PDP, including the youth leader whose hands had been broken by the attackers and beaten to a coma.

It said: "We would like to warn the APC and its outgoing government to know very clearly that no single individual has the monopoly of violence.

"While we are very cautious about the broad implication of promoting violence in this election, we however would not be intimated in our pursuit of victory in at the polls. “The organisation accused the DPO of gross negligence of his duties to protect the people and collusion with the APC to harass and intimidate our members.

"We also call for the immediate and unconditional release of our members who were arrested and are being detained on the orders of the DPO and may be charged by the police on trumped-up charges."

The campaign organisation called on the police authorities to warn its officers to abide by the rules and not to serve as agents of provocation in the hands of the government.

All efforts to get the reaction of the Akeredolu's Campaign Organisation, proved abortive.

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PAGE EIGHT GBAJABIAMILA DIRECTS RE-GAZETTING OF WATER BILL FOR HOUSE RECONSIDERATION Hon. Mzondu Bem, who said that he was deprived of his legislative privilege of sighting the gazette copy of the bill, and such could not participate in the consideration of the report by the Committee of the Whole, which also deprived him his rights and privilege of representation to his people.

The lawmaker, who represents Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency in Benue State, cited Order 6, Rule 1 (1), 2 and 3, under Matters of Privilege to back his argument, insisting that it was in an effort to eliminate the “element of surprise" that the House in its wisdom included in its Standing Rule that every Bill must be published in its gazette or clean copies be circulated.

Bem insisted that he was misled by the use of Order (12) Rule 18 of House Standing Orders, stressing that it was an issue of law and procedure, while adding that the onus of interpretation lies with Gbajabiamila.

He noted that while the bill was labeled as Bill 2020, it was not considered as Bill 2020.

According to him, “It is important to emphasise that I

have painstakingly searched through all the Journals of the House and cannot find where the bill is gazetted and I stand to be challenged or corrected.

The next question for your consideration, Hon. Speaker deals with "jurisdiction," whether the House has such powers to entertain a bill, such proceedings become a nullity, ab-initio, no matter how conducted and decided."

The lawmaker, relying on Order 7 Rule 8 moved that the House should rescind/ expunge its decision of July 23, 2020, which adopted the bill to have been read the third time from the records of the House since the decision did not meet the laid down procedures and conditions of the House.

But in his argument, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Water Resources, Hon. Sada Soli, said the bill followed the normal procedure as enshrined in the Order of the House, while adding that Hon. Uzoma Abonta, who was opposing the bill, was on the floor of the House when the bill sailed through before the end of the 8th Assembly.

The lawmaker, who

represents Jibia/Kaita Federal Constituency in Katsina State, told his colleagues that the bill followed the laid down procedures of the House.

In his contribution, the Chairman of the House committee on Rules and Business, Hon. Abubakar Fulata, said the bill was passed in the 8th Assembly on December 19, 2017.

The lawmaker, who represents Birniwa/Guri/ Kiri-Kasamma Federal Constituency in Jigawa State, argued that there was no need for the House to commence fresh deliberation on it.

The Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, said he believed that what his colleague said was that his right as a parliamentarian had been infringed upon as a result of wrong procedure, stressing that a lot of the lawmakers aligned with that position.

He stated: "Simply, we ought to re-gazette this bill and the simple truth is if we fail to address the procedure even where it’s effected to Mr. President, then it must be stepped aside. So, what’s wrong in adopting the normal

procedure? He’s not asking that the bill should be killed, let us re-gazette it; there are members who were not in the previous Assembly who didn’t have the opportunity of seeing that bill gazetted.

"Mr. Speaker and colleagues, if you look at Order 12, Rule 3, it thus says that we have three different ways to schedule bill - whether it is a bill that was in the previous Assembly or fresh bill unless we step aside the bill. This particular bill was referred to the committee of the whole on the same day the motion for reconsideration, and the same day same order paper. The simple thing we should is the proper thing. It is a beautiful bill; I commend those behind it, but let us send it back, re-gazette it and bring it back for the full consideration, so that Nigerians will be carried along. I urge and pray that we will consider the issues raised by our colleague, Hon. Mzondu and take a decision in the interest of the Nigerians that we represent here."

While giving his ruling, Gbajabiamila said Matters of Privilege are not meant to be debated, but the Water Bill was debated because of

sensitivity of the matter.

He stated: "I want you to recall that I had a bill on the floor of this House (the Infectious Diseases Bill), being sensitive to the rule, I stepped my bill down and sent it for public hearing. On the issue raised by Hon. Mzondu, he has backed it up by clear language of provisions of our rules which state that any such bill must be re-gazetted.

"The Chairman of Business and Rules, Hon. Hassan Fulata, sought to rely on Rule 16 which says you either re-gazette or clean copy. Unfortunately, it appears some people have done their homework. I think the bill should be sent back to be re-gazzetted and brought back to the floor so that we reconsider it and the right thing would have been done.

Chairman of the Rules and Business should send it to be re-gazzetted and bring it back."

Prominent Nigerians, including Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, and Nobel Laureate, Prof.

Wole Soyinka, had kicked against the widely-condemned bill, insisting that the federal government should not

grab more powers when Nigerians were clamouring for devolution of powers and federalism.

Also, socio-political organisations, including PANDEF, Afenifere, Ijaw Professionals and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, had also condemned the bill.

Some of those opposing the bill said it was an attempt by the federal government to secure the lands around the rivers to resettle herdsmen after the failed Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) initiative.

Ortom had said the provisions of the bill were at variance with the Land Use Act, and that the bill was a “disguised land-grabbing legislation designed to grant pastoralists unhindered access to river basins, adjacent marine and coastal environments across the country.�

But Soli had in an interview with THISDAY, faulted the argument of the opponents of the bill, including Ortom and Soyinka, accusing them of speaking out of ignorance, and claiming that they did not read the draft of the legislation before making comments.

He had also insisted that the bill won’t be stepped down.

FG FLOORS P&ID AGAIN, UK COURT ORDERS RELEASE OF $200M GUARANTEE TO NIGERIA Nigeria’s management of the exchange rate of its domestic currency, the naira, while ensuring monetary and price stability.

P&ID had sought to increase the security to $400 million, but the court presided over by Sir Ross Cranston rejected the request and ordered cost of ÂŁ70,000 against P&ID. The latest ruling comes about three weeks after the court had granted another cost of ÂŁ1.5million against P&ID. Commenting on the latest ruling, Emefiele was quoted to have said: “Due to the substantial evidence of prima facie fraud established before the court, we are pleased that the judge has agreed to release the guarantee. “We are also pleased that the court has rejected P&ID’s application to increase the guarantee, which was clearly intended to be a diversionary tactic and entirely misconceived.

This release, which is an

accretion into the reserves will further enhance the nation’s management of the exchange rate of its domestic currency, the naira, while ensuring monetary and price stability.�

According to Emefiele, the development was a further and significant victory for Nigeria in the ongoing fight to overturn the $10 billion award, “procured through fraud and corruption

by P&ID and former government officials.�

He added: “P&ID and its backers, Lismore Capital and VR Advisory, are increasingly seeing their case slip between their fingers. They continue to resort to employing delay tactics, disseminating misleading claims, and taking every step to obstruct our investigations across multiple jurisdictions. “The Federal Republic of Nigeria will not rest until we secure justice for the people of Nigeria – no matter how long it takes.

Investigations are ongoing, and we are confident that more of the truth will be revealed over the coming months.�

The London Court had on September 10, 2020, directed P&ID to make an interim payment of more than ÂŁ1.5 million within 21 days to cover legal costs Nigeria had incurred in getting the court to allow the nation file court processes outside the time provided by law.

That ruling had come about a week after the court granted Nigeria’s application seeking permission to challenge the $9.6 billion arbitration award obtained by the firm based in the British Virgin Islands, well outside the normal time limits.

Spokesperson to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Dr. Umar Gwandu, had said in a statement: “Cranston J ordered P&ID to make an interim payment of more than ÂŁ1.5 million within

21 days to cover legal costs the FRN incurred as part of their successful application for the extension of time to challenge the arbitration award and procedural hearing earlier in the year. “He had also said that a case management conference to determine the full trial window was scheduled to take place after November 2020. “This is another crucial win for Nigeria in our ongoing fight against the vulture-fund-backed P&ID. We are pleased that the English courts have taken our fraud challenge seriously, and awarded us a substantial interim payment in respect of our successful application for an extension of time to challenge the award. “This is a significant blow for P&ID, who continue to attempt to delay the process.�

Meanwhile, Malami has

expressed appreciation as the London court ordered the release of the $200million guarantee to the Nigerian government.

According to a statement issued yesterday by Gwandu, the justice minister said: “We are glad having this victory in addition to multiple successes recorded so far.�

Malami said the recent judgment on Nigeria's cases against P&ID demonstrated an outcome of strong commitment and determination of the federal government through his office to tackle fraud, corruption, and noncompliance with the due process. “Since the time the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice took over the coordination of the case, it has been a matter of success upon success,� the statement said.

It enumerated the other success recorded to include

Following the submission of the PIB to the federal lawmakers, Sylva and Kyari, who spoke yesterday during the Business Day Energy Series, said the passage of the bill was long overdue.

Speaking during the virtual programme tagged, “Nigeria at 60: Harnessing Nigeria’s Energy Potential for the Future,� Sylva said that Nigeria will continue to devote more attention to its gas resources as a form of cleaner, cheaper and more accessible energy source.

He assured Nigerians that when fully operational, the PIB which has been in the cold for over 20 years will unlock the country’s potentials in the oil and gas sector and boost the federal government’s industrialisation drive. “The proposed PIB now before the national assembly when passed into law will also unlock several midstream gas opportunities to further enhance domestic gas utilisation. “This has become

imperative in the light of the full deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector.

And since natural gas offers a cheaper and cleaner fuel, we expect that its massive adoption and use in Nigeria will cushion the effect of transiting the country to a no-subsidy era,� the minister said.

Kyari, said natural gas will reduce gas flaring, protect the environment, especially with the expected unleashing of the potential in the gas sector with the expected passage of the PIB. "I will not end this discussion without emphasising the need for proper legislation. The passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill is long overdue and we are happy that just yesterday, the minister presented the initial draft of the bill to the National Assembly. “I know that this is one piece of legislation that will expand economic growth and efficient operations,� he said.

Malami Hails Verdict

order for stay of execution of the arbitral award.

According to it, Nigeria also recorded tremendous success challenging the order for cash deposit of $200million to bank guarantee. “Success was equally recorded for having an order for the extension of time to challenge award and agreement. Nigeria was successful as the court awarded payment of legal cost of ÂŁ1.5million in favour of the country. The Court ordered release of bank guarantee in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria,â€? Malami explained.

The justice minister further maintained that Nigeria also got an award of ÂŁ70,000 as further legal cost relating to the issue. “Nigeria obtains multiple positive rulings to obtain information from banks abroad which helped in establishing fraud,â€? he added.

BUHARI SEEKS APPROVAL TO REIMBURSE FIVE STATES N148BN Petroleum Industry Bill 2020.

In particular, the Senate may wish to note that this bill combines in a single tone, aspects of significant reforms to the laws governing the Nigerian Petroleum Industry, that were previously set out in two distinct draft legislation namely the Petroleum Industry Bill 2020 and the Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill, 2020. While I trust that the Senate will in their usual expeditious manner favourably consider the passage of this bill into law, please accept Mr. Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.''

In another letter dated August 13, 2020, the president sought the approval of the Senate to reimburse five states with the sum of N148.14 billion for road projects executed on behalf of the federal government.

The five states are Bayelsa, Cross River, Ondo, Osun and Rivers.

While Bayelsa State will receive N38,404,564,783.40;

Cross River will get N18,394,732,608.85; Ondo, N7,822, 147,577.08; Osun, N4,567,456 673.63; and Rivers, N78,953,067,518.29.

The letter read in part: ''The Senate may wish to be informed that the federal government executive council (FEC) at the meeting of June 3, 2020 approved the reimbursement of N148,141,969,161.24 through the issuance of promissory notes to the Bayelsa, Cross River, Ondo, Osun and Rivers state governments for Federal Road Projects executed by the States. The extract from the meeting referenced EC 11(2020)4 is attached as Appendix 1. ''The approval by FEC was subsequent to the recommendation of an inter-ministerial committee which reviewed the requests for the reimbursement made by the state governments for the projects. The committee reviewed the documents submitted and carried out physical inspection and

verification of the projects in the respective states before making its recommendation to FEC. The summary of the amounts approved for each of the five states as stated.''

The two letters of request are expected to be referred to relevant committees at plenary on today.

Buhari also wrote to the House of Representatives, seeking passage of the PIB and approval for the federal government to reimburse the five states for constructing federal roads in the states.

The letters were read yesterday by the Speaker of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, at the resumption of plenary.

In the separate letters dated August 13, and September 2, 2020, respectively, the President sought consideration and passage of the PIB and as well approval of the reimbursement of N148.14 billion through the issuance of promissory notes to the five states for federal road projects executed by the states.

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WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS

NERC Approves Suspension of Electricity Tariffs Hike for 14 Days Ejiofor Alike In line with the agreement reached between the federal government and the organised labour, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) last night issued an order suspending the September 1, 2020 hike in electricity tariffs for 14 days.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the federal government had reached a truce on Sunday night to suspend the hike in electricity tariffs for 14 days.

The agreement led to the suspension of the planned industrial action by the organised

labour, which should have commenced on Monday.

The electricity regulator issued Order Number: NERC/209/2020 late last night with the title, “NERC Order on suspension of the Multi Year Tariff Order 2020 for the electricity distribution licensees.”

NERC’s Chairman, Prof. James Momoh, and the Commissioner, Legal, Licensing and Compliance, Mr. Dafe Akpeneye, signed the order.

The commission said, “This order shall take effect from 28th September 2020 and shall cease to have effect on the 11th October 2020.”

The commission had approved a new tariff for power distributors that took effect from September 1, 2020, but this was resisted by

labour unions and many power users.

However, in its latest order, the NERC said the September

1, 2020 increase in tariff had to be suspended for 14 days based on the agreement between federal government and labour unions.

It directed the 11 power distribution companies across the country to abide by the order.

APC Asks El-Rufai, Okorocha to Reconcile Fayemi, Ojudu, Others Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has appointed a six-member reconciliation committee to reconcile aggrieved party members in the Ekiti State chapter of the ruling party.

The Paul Omotosho-led APC Ekiti State Working Committee (SWC), which is duly recognised by the national leadership of the party, had recently slammed indefinite suspension on the Special Adviser on Political Matters to the President, Senator Babafemi Ojudu and 10 other chieftains of the party in the state.

Ojudu and the 10 other members were slammed with indefinite suspension by the state chapter backed by Governor Kayode Fayemi, over their alleged disobedience, following their failure to withdraw the case they instituted against the party as directed by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party in its June 25, 2020 meeting, attended by President Buhari.

Others who were suspended

alongside Ojudu include: Mr. Ayo Ajibade, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, Hon. Femi Adeleye, Bunmi Ogunleye, Akin Akomolafe, Bamigboye Adegoroye, Wole Oluyede, Olusoga Owoeye, Dele Afolabi, and Toyin Oluwasola.

But a faction of the party group loyal to Ojudu, and ex-Minister, Mr. Dayo Adeyeye suspended Fayemi from the party for alleged anti-party activities.

However, the national leadership of the APC later described the purported “suspension” of Fayemi, as well as an earlier reported “indefinite suspension” of Ojudu and some other party members in the state as nullity.

The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Yekini Nabena, had in a statement advised all members to adhere to the party’s constitution Nabena, in another statement issued yesterday said the committee chaired by the Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai was inaugurated by the Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, Senator John Akpanudoedehe at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Abaribe, Other Senators Reject Buhari’s Nominee as PENCOM DG Senators yesterday rejected the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to seek the Senate’s approval for the appointment of Aisha Umar, as the Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM).

Some senators, yesterday, vehemently protested the nomination as soon as the Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, read Buhari’s letter, seeking Umar’s confirmation as the substantive DG of the agency.

The letter also named Oyindasola Oni as Chairman of the agency.

Six nominees were sent to the Senate for appointment as chairman, Director General, and Executive Commissioners of the National Pension Commission.

Others nominated as Commissioners are Hannatu Musa (North-west); Clement Oyedele Akintola (South-west);

Ayim C. Nyerere (South-east); and Charles Efe Sylvester Emukowhale (South-south) Speaking on behalf of the aggrieved senators, the Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe, declared that Umar, from the North-east, should not have replaced the former DG, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, who is from the South-east.

Abaribe said Buhari’s action was a flagrant breach of the Act that established PENCOM. Section 20(1) and section 21(1) and (2) of the National Pension Commission Act 2014, state that, “in the event of a vacancy, the President shall appoint a replacement from the geopolitical zone of the immediate past member that vacated office to complete the remaining tenure.”

Abaribe argued that AnohuAmazu’s successor should come from the South-East.

ROYAL ENDORSEMENT...

L-R: Onisolu of Solu-Alade, Oba Babatunde Balogun; Oniwerekun of Iwerekun Kingdom, Oba Tajudeen Elemoro; and the senatorial candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Lagos East by-election, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru, during meeting of traditional rulers in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area held at Elemoro’s Palace in Iwerekun, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos…yesterday

Wike Advocates New Revenue Sharing Formula to Favour States Insists Soku oil wells belongs to Rivers Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has advocated a new revenue sharing formula that will make the states to receive more money for development.

The governor also insisted that Soku Oil Wells belong to Rivers, insisting that the revenue derived from the wells should be paid to the state.

Wike made the suggestion yesterday when he received a delegation of the Revenue

Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) on a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt.

He pointed out that the states bear more development burden and would require more money to cater to the needs of the people.

“There cannot be a federal government without the states.

So, we advocate a new revenue formula that should take more revenue out of the federal government and given to the states.

“This is because the burden is more on the states than the federal government. So, the states should have more revenue to cater for the people,” he said.

The governor described as unfortunate comments by the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, over ownership of Soku oil wells.

He said Soku Oil well belongs to Rivers State and urged the commission to continue to ensure the payment of the accruing revenue to the state.

He insisted that there is a subsisting judgment of the Federal High Court that all revenue accruing from Soku Oil wells should be paid to Rivers State.

He added that if Bayelsa State has filed a matter at the Supreme Court challenging the decision of the court, it did not amount to an injunction stopping the payments.

The governor commended the commission for taking the bold step to correct fraudulent practices adopted by some states in order to gain financial advantage.

Sylva: Returning Subsidy will Cause Petrol Scarcity Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, yesterday warned that succumbing to pressure to reinstate the fuel subsidy recently halted by the federal government will cause the return of fuel queues throughout the country.

Speaking on a live TV programme, the minister explained that with the loss of over 60 per cent government revenue, it was impossible to continue with the subsidy regime, which he said was drying up government earnings.

Sylva said that the government was able to marshal enough evidence to convince the labour on

why it was impossible to retain the subsidies on petrol and electricity, noting that deregulation is the only way to go to draw investment from the private sector.

“If your earnings have dropped by 60 per cent, then you have to do something about it. We showed them everything and they saw with us that it was not possible for us to continue.

“The alternative was to go back to subsidy and have scarcity. If the product is imported at a certain price and sold at a loss, it means somebody was bearing that difference. It was becoming unbearable to us,” the minister said.

On how the federal government

convinced labour to shift grounds, he said: “I applaud the labour leaders who put Nigeria first on that negotiation table. First, we had to be very truthful about the situation in the country, and globally. The government could no longer go on with subsidy because there simply was no money” He stated the labour leaders agreed because they saw the sincerity on the part of the government.

“It was a very painful decision.

But there was no alternative. So, we have to bite the bullet as a country,” he noted.

On the two-week deadline issued by the labour leaders, Sylva said although the organised labour gave

the federal government a timeline, the functionality of the refineries cannot be achieved within two weeks.

“I don’t think labour is expecting to see all the refineries fixed in two weeks. Labour is quite realistic. What we told them was that we understand that fixing of our refineries has been a big problem. When we look at it from the historical perspective, the nonfunctioning of the refineries was because there was subsidy.

“These refineries could not function optimally and commercially.

But with deregulation now, we believe that the refineries can now function optimally.

N2.67bn School Feeding Fund: SERAP Queries Minister, Asks Her to Publish Names Following the N2.67 billion school feeding money the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) said it uncovered in private bank accounts, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) yesterday queried the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development of Nigeria, Sadiya Umar Farouq, to publish details and names of suspects.

Reacting to this, SERAP via

its official Facebook handle said: “Following the disclosure by the ICPC that N2.67billion meant for school feeding during the COVID-19 lockdown ended up in private bank accounts, we’re calling on the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development of Nigeria, Sadiya Umar Farouq to immediately publish details of those suspected to be responsible, or face legal action.

“If the names are not immediately published, we’ll issue a freedom of information request to ensure that those involved are named and shamed.

“We’ll also pursue appropriate legal actions to hold suspected perpetrators to account, in the public interest.

“Diverting funds meant to feed school children [who are already disproportionately affected by corruption], especially during COVID-19 is a blatant violation

of the rights to education, health, and dignity, as well as the government’s own COVID-19 transparency frameworks.

“Corruption in school feeding increases distrust in the government. The federal government must ensure transparency and accountability measures are fundamental to all school feeding and other initiatives in the context of COVID-19, to ensure the children receive the support they need.”

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WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Southern, Middle Belt Leaders Tackle Buhari over Lopsided Recruitment By DSS Accuse agency of recruiting 535 northerners, 93 southerners

Deji Elumoye in Abuja Southern and Middle Belt Leaders have condemned the latest recruitment exercise carried out by the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Yusuf Bichi where 535 northerners and 93 southerners were allegedly employed.

Citing the People’s Gazette report based on official documents and contributions of senior intelligence officials, the leaders alleged that Bichi allegedly activated lopsided hiring process that flooded the DSS with personnel from the Northern part of Nigeria.

The leaders in a statement jointly issued yesterday by Mr. Yinka Odumakin (South-west); Chief Guy Ikokwu (South-east); Senator Bassey Henshaw, (South-south) and Dr. Isuwa Dogo (Middle Belt), lamented that barely 24 hours after both Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Secretary to the

Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha warned separately that cracks on the Nigerian wall could lead to its break-up, a scandalous report came out in the People’s Gazette showing how the DG of DSS has put a sharp knife to the rope holding what is left of Nigeria together through an insensitive and impunitous lopsided recruitment into the agency.

They noted that this fits perfectly into the ethno-agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari, which has manifested in running the country as if he heads only a section of it.

The leaders said Bichi’s regional recruitment agenda came three years after his predecessor implemented a similar hiring process that failed to reflect Nigeria’s diversity.

The statement, which quoted copiously, a report on People’s Gazette, read in part: ‘’The Gazette’s findings obtained over a period of two weeks showed

that the North has a massive share of the roughly 1,300 Nigerians currently undergoing cadet training at two different camps of the secret police in Lagos and Bauchi. Of the total 628 cadet trainees who had resumed at the Bauchi facility as of September 23, 2020, 535 trainees joined the service from either the North-east or the North-west. Only 93 were from either the South-east, South-south, South-west or North-central. ‘’The Gazette’s findings also show that at least 71 of those currently undergoing cadet

training hail from Bichi Local Government Area of Kano State — the director-general’s home local government area. Officials said the number was more, but the Gazette could not independently confirm the higher figures — as well as a slew of other disturbing allegations of bigotry against, Mr. Bichi — prior to its publication.

“The list of candidates was not compiled by the state, but officials believe a state-by-state breakdown would exist at the headquarters in Abuja. In Lagos, the Gazette was unable to obtain official attendance

records of trainees at the camp in Ojo, but multiple participants, including senior officials, said Mr. Bichi disregarded the federal character concept and skewed the process for Nigerians from the North. ‘’A top official estimated 708 trainees were at the Lagos training facility as of September 26. Officials were unsure how many people were taken as cadet trainees in total because some were still arriving three weeks into the six-month exercise. Senior intelligence officials said even

though the sectional disparity mirrors Nigeria’s reality under President Muhammadu Buhari, they are, nonetheless, worried that the development could potentially tip the ethnic and religious balance of national security in favour of a section of the country for decades. ‘’Some of us are worried less about the audacity of focusing on one part of the country to bring in new cadets than we are about its long-term implications,” a senior DSS official told the Gazette

Nigeria’s COVID-19 Cases Rise By 187 to 58,647 Martins Ifijeh Nigeria has recorded 187 new cases of COVID-19, bringing to 58,647 the number of confirmed cases in the country.

Announcing this yesterday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said Lagos recorded 74 new cases; Plateau and Rivers, 25 each;

Gombe and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), 19 each; Osun, 10; Kaduna, five; Borno, three; Ogun and Katsina, two each; while Nasarawa, Bayelsa and Edo, one each.

It said: “So far, Nigeria has recorded 58,647 confirmed cases of COVID-19. 49,937 patients have been discharged, while 1,111 persons have died.”

RIDING THE STORMS WITH GOD....

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (left), and former Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Alison Madueke (rtd), when the former military governor of old Anambra and old Imo states, presented a book on his autobiography, titled “Riding The Storms With God in My Sails,” at the Government House, Enugu... yesterday

Court Dismisses Mailafia’s Court Rejects El-Zakzaky’s No-case Application to Stop Police Submission Application John Shiklam in Kaduna Investigation Justice Gideon Kurada had on August 7, 2020, fixed September 29, 2020, for ruling on the matter.

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos The suit filed by the former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Obadiah Mailafia at the Plateau State High Court to restrain the Nigeria Police from investigating him was dismissed yesterday for lacking in merit, as the court ruled that the Police have the constitutional power to investigate him.

Mailafia had approached the court on the premise that the Nigerian Police have no right to invite him for interrogations on the same subject that the Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier invited him.

The former Deputy Governor of CBN is being interrogated by the DSS over his outburst on the insecurity in the Northern part of the country and Nigeria as a whole, when he said that a serving northern governor was a leader of the Boko Haram.

As the interrogation continued with the DSS, the Criminal Investigation Department of the Force Headquarters also invited him, prompting Mailafia to approach the court.

But yesterday, the Plateau State High Court 5 presided over by Justice Arum Ashom ruled that although the DSS has the right to invite Mailafia over the matter

concerning internal security, the police also have the right to invite him for questioning as well on the same subject.

Justice Ashom held that the double invitation by both the DSS and the police on the same issue did not amount to double jeopardy as moved by the applicant’s counsel.

But the counsel to Mailafia, Mr. Yakubu Bawa, who is also the state Chairman of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) said the ruling was apt.

He added that he had to brief his client before knowing whether to appeal the ruling or not.

Bawa had argued that the invitation of his client by the police after he had honoured that of the DSS was illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional, and ultra-vires to his fundamental right and a duplication of security details on the same issue.

He had also argued that the invitations were a violation of the applicant’s right of freedom of speech as he was commenting on the national issue as an indigene of Southern Kaduna where there were killings, genocide and banditry.

He said that his client merely granted an interview to a local FM station in Lagos which he said went viral.

The Kaduna State High Court yesterday dismissed a no-casesubmission application brought before it by the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria otherwise known as ‘Shi’ite’, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, and wife, Zeenat.

For the first time in five years, the IMN leader pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him before the High Court in Kaduna.

The court presided over by

This was after counsel to the defendants, Abubakar Marshall, on behalf of Femi Falana (SAN) asked that the charges against the IMN leader be quashed.

Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat, had been detained by the Nigerian Government since December 2015 after the Nigerian Army clashed with the IMN in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The clash claimed several lives of the IMN members.

The IMN leader and wife were charged on eight counts of culpable homicide, unlawful assembly, and disruption of the public peace, among other allegations.

When the case came up yesterday, amid tight security, the Prosecution Counsel, Mr. Dari Bayero, adopted his final arguments in the matter.

The presiding judge, Justice Gideon Kurada, thereafter, dismissed the no-case submission, noting that it was premature to rule on the application to quash

the charges against the defendants.

This, Kurada ruled, was in view of the clear provisions of the Kaduna State Administration of Criminal Justice.

According to him, such an application should be ruled on after the defendants might have taken their plea and after hearing on the whole matter has been concluded.

The case was adjourned till November 18 and 19, 2020 for the prosecuting counsel to present his evidence before the court and continuation of the trial proper.

Woman Bags 98 Years for Stealing N49m, $368,000 from Employer A former staff of an old generation bank, Oreoluwa Adesakin, was handed a cumulative 98 years in prison by Justice Muniru Olagunju of the Oyo State High Court for fraud.

Adesakin, female, was found to have committed financial fraud against her employers to the tune of N49,320,652.32 and additional $368,203.00 belonging to the bank which she converted to her personal use.

The convict was prosecuted by the Ibadan Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), on 14-count charges, bordering on stealing, forgery and fraudulent accounting.

One of the charges read: “That you Oreoluwa Adesakin sometime between the months of May, 2013 and November, 2013, at Ibadan within the Ibadan Judicial Division, whilst being a staff of the bank stole the sum of N25,974,116.13 from the bank’s MoneyGram Payment Naira Account.”

She pleaded not guilty to all the charges, which necessitated her trial.

Prosecution counsel, Usman Murtala in arguing his case, presented every vital document and witnesses which nailed the convict.

The judge noted that the EFCC amassed a pool of incontrovertible

evidence against the convict and did a diligent investigation and prosecution.

He pronounced Adesakin guilty of all the charges, sentencing her to seven years in prison without an option of fine on each of the 14 counts, which will run concurrently.

Apart from the jail term, the convict is also to restitute the First Bank, through the EFCC, all the money she stole.

The convict was arraigned April 4, 2014 by the EFCC following a conclusion of investigations against her which arose from a petition from her former employer, dated December 18, 2013.

The bank alleged in the petition that Adesakin, as its Money Transfer Operator, saddled with the responsibility of effecting payments through Western Union Money Transfer and Money Gram platforms, fraudulently manipulated accounting and withdrew the total sums of N49,320,652.32 and another $368,203.00 for herself, which the bank only uncovered while reviewing its internal account.

The EFCC was also able to establish that the convict used part of the proceeds of her crime to acquire landed properties in different parts of Oyo State

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COMMENT

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

TRUMP AND THE AMERICAN DREAM Sonnie Ekwowusi admires Trump for bringing back God to the White House

O

nce upon a time, narrates a bosom friend, there lived in his village a certain mad man called Papauwa. Like most village madmen and women, this one is ill-attired. He eats from the gutter, drinks from the gutter and sleeps in the gutter.

Although Papauwa was held captive by insanity, he was distinguished by his exceptional brilliance in expanding and expounding any subject matter that casually comes out from his mouth. Small wonder he commanded an incredible large village followership. On any Eke or any market day, Papauwa is seen standing in the heart of the village market lecturing a motley crowd on any subject matter under the earth ranging from politics, law, to religion to the thrills of the crowd.

On a day he elects to lecture on politics, he copiously quote, ex-tempore, Plato, Socrates Zik, Awo, Abraham Lincoln. Martin Luther King (Jr) and others to buttress his arguments to the delight of his listeners. And if he was discussing religion, he speaks at length on the salvation wrought by Jesus Christ for mankind, interlacing his arguments with quotations from different parts of the Sacred Scripture.

The aforesaid village mad man is a metaphor for the paradoxes that are common place in our contemporary society.

Those who boasts that they are intelligent or learned or wise are filled with ignorance and stupidity whereas those whom we contemptuously treat as the lowly, the ignorant and idiots are filled with the spirit of wisdom, great learning and discernment.

Papauwa, by all definitions, was a madman. But paradoxically, he was the merchant of light in the village, a public intellectual commanding public respect.

Everyone who intelligently looks at the history of the world today would clearly understand that modern democratic liberalism is emerging out of the desire to snuff out the old order and replace it with laissez-faire economic and political principles.

The idea is that the rise of modernism, and secularism necessitated the decline of religious values and those communallybinding principles remains a fundamental postulate of European and American intellectual life. Surely, something terrible has definitely happened to our political intelligentsia and elites. Our elites are made up of intellectuals of a sort including some who carry the label: “progressives�. Their political thinking is therefore dominated by ideologies. While some of these ideologies are useful in some ways and to some extent true, others are just mere trash. And amazingly enough, the intelligentsia and elites are bent on imposing these suffocating ideologies on everybody as the new liberal culture to the peril of the society. The idea is to promote transgression and destroy traditional cultural norms.

Children are taught that they have a right to enjoy unrestrained freedom-enjoyed fully in contraceptive “safe-sex�- and, that it is good for them to be freed from inherited authorities of parents, community, Church and Mosque because the aforesaid impose “outdated values� which inhibit child’s growth. In dictatorship of relativism, which is now a part and parcel of the today’s new liberal, the cardinal virtue is affirmation of one’s “personal choices�, non-judgmentalism, transgenderism, non-binarism, abortion, bisexuality, intersexuality, queer sexuality, animalism

THE ‘AMERICAN DREAM’ GOES BEYOND ECONOMIC PROSPERITY: AMERICANS ALSO CLAMOUR FOR ENDURING FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES. THEY WANT TO LEAVE GOOD LEGACIES FOR THEIR CHILDREN

and bestiality.

Talking about Barack Obama legalizing bestiality as the U.S President, President Trump is loathed by the CNN, BBC, New York Times and other liberal media directly opposed to what Obama stood for at the White House. For refusing to imbibe “political correctness�, Trump is accused of being unrefined, insolent, brash and rude. He is a racist. He is a mad man. He is an idiot. Unfortunately the undiscerning who have no foggiest idea why the left is calumniating Trump are ready to indulge their prejudices by believing anything said against Trump. At the greatest height of these unsubstantiated accusations in 2016, the white voters, non-white voters, Latino voters, college educated white voters, young adult white voters in the age bracket of 18-29, black voters and even American women voters stunned the left and voted for Trump.

Now, with only few weeks to the American Presidential election, Trump remains the loathsome man in the liberal media.

Many still wonder why many Americans elected Trump in 2016 in the first place, and, still poised to elect him again in 2020. If you want to understand why Trump is a sign of contradiction, you should read F.H. Buckley’s The Republican Workers Party: How the Trump Victory Drove Everyone Crazy, and Why It Was Just What We Needed. In this work, Buckley, who is a professor of law at George Mason’s Scalia School of Law and an erudite writer, explains that Trump keeps triumphing because those opposing him fail to understand the meaning of the “American dream�. The “American dream� is often misunderstood as driven by materialism and economic prosperity. This misconception dates back to the time Alexis de Tocqueville took up the assignment of studying the American democracy. But as far as Buckley is concerned, the “American dream� goes beyond economic prosperity: Americans also clamour for enduring fundamental principles. They want to leave good legacies for their children, who they hope—or used to hope—would achieve greatness.

Trump may be an idiot. But he is a useful idiot. I prefer a useful idiot who brings back the Almighty God to the White House, American public space and American schools to a clever-by-half orator who through his oratorical skills imposes gods of sexual licentiousness, carnality, eroticism, transgenderism, occultism, Satanism and mammonism in America. I prefer a useful idiot who will not be afraid to look at a Nigerian leader in his face and ask him, “Why are you killing Christians in Nigeria?� to a “politically correct� leader who tacitly supports the killing of Nigerian Christians. I prefer a useful idiot who guarantees my right to religious freedom to a deceitful and pretentious leader who allows the killers of the infidels to kill me and my family. “If you remove the word ‘human’ and all that the belief in the supernatural has given to man, you can view him finally as no more than an extremely clever, adaptable, and mischievous little animal,� said T.S. Elliot. In the same vein, if you give a man all the material possessions in this world in exchange for his soul, you would have succeeded in reducing him to the level of a clever animal.

THE POLITICS OF EDUCATION IN OSUN

The Aregbesola-led government was focused on the quality of education given to the child of the ordinary citizen, writes Wasiu Omotunde-Young

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here has been a number of commentaries related to happenings in Osun early this year 2020, concerning education and these have focused on alleged reversal

by Governor Gboyega Oyetola, of some policies initiated by the previous government led by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

These have ignored the fact that the reviewed policy issues are quite few compared to those adopted and being continuously implemented by the governor.

Progress in life requires continuous review of situations and policies. However, rather than educate and edify, most of the commentaries have focused on the mundane and unimportant at the expense of the fundamental responsibilities of government on education.

It is unfortunate the level to which we have sunk. If you read these contributions, you are more likely to think the most important contributions to education in Osun by the Aregbesola administration, in which Governor Oyetola was the Chief of Staff, were, (i) restructuring of schools into Elementary, Middle and High Schools, (ii) single school uniforms for government owned schools and (iii) The renaming of government owned schools; in that or any order.

By statistics provided by the West African Examination Council (WAEC), which can be independently verified by anyone, the best performance in West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Osun during the tenure of the government which Aregbesola took over from, was 15.68 per cent for credit passes and above in English, Mathematics and five other subjects (and this was in year 2010).

The implication of this was that out of 43,216 pupils presented by that government only 6,777 pupils had credit passes and above in five subjects, including English and Mathematics. So in the best year of that government, 36,439 pupils in Osun out of 43,216 could NOT matriculate!

However, the interventions on education by the government led by Aregbesola produced a result in 2018 which was 40.85 per cent credit pass in five subjects and above, including English and Mathematics - certainly not good enough yet, but not in the same league as 15.68 per cent in 2010 that he met.

The change of school uniforms was first and foremost a social safety response to the sorry state of the worn and torn school uniforms, that many of the pupils wore in government owned schools in the year 2010. This was because their parents had been impoverished by bad governance. Government provided free of charge, 750,000 new school uniforms designed and sewn to world class standards.

These helped immediately in lifting the image and the spirit of the child of the ordinary citizen.

The opportunity for goodness which the provisions of free school uniforms represented also presented opportunity to reflate a depressed economy and elevate the skills sets of the people in cloth making. It was also an opportunity to create unique identity for government-owned schools. All these opportunities were seized with all hands.

It is unfortunate that many of the commentators on unification of school uniforms in government owned schools do not see the economic benefits and linkages that accrue, with mass production and merchandising of goods, for which market has been created through deliberate acts of government, as catalyst.

Beyond the name change, the reclassification of schools into Elementary, Middle and High Schools does not in any way differ from the National Education Policy. Our national education policy specifies One Year Early Child Education, nine years of Universal Basic Education (UBE) and three years of High School Education. There is no valid certificate in our system in Nigeria any longer for six –Year Education since the UBE law was passed.

By law, no child must be denied the

minimum nine years of Basic Education schooling after which a Basic Education Certificate is issued. Also by legislation and policy every child must proceed to year seven (JSS1) compulsorily and no child is to be discriminated against, prevented or allowed to drop out from proceeding to year seven (JSS1) through qualifying examinations.

For administrative convenience of transitioning our previous system of six years Primary School and five years Secondary School, the policy provides for six years Primary School, three years of Junior Secondary School and three years of Senior Secondary School or Technical College.

Whether you have your school as a single nine- year Basic Education School, or break it down into six-year Primary School and three- year Junior Secondary School, or the four-year Elementary School and five-year Middle School, as the government led by Aregbesola did, the only valid certificate of schooling is the one issued after the ninth year Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

By the UBE law, Junior Secondary Schools are to have separate physical structures, assets and management from the Senior Secondary Schools. This is because Junior Secondary Schools are part of the Universal Basic Education and their costs are covered by the federal government through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), while the Senior Secondary Schools are exclusively the responsibility of state governments.

Osun was not running the Basic Education System as required by the policy and the UBE law before the government led by Aregbesola.

Osun ran the Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) and Senior Secondary Schools (SSS) under the same assets, structures and management inappropriately, because of the reluctance - or may be ignorance - to embrace change from the old order.

So why did the government led by Aregbesola not just break into 6-3-3, rather than change what was supposedly working

completely?

The truth was that it was not working, but no one was measuring the output. If it was working it would not have delivered 15.68 per cent in WASSCE in year 2010 as the best result during the previous government.

The Primary Schools were sending into the Secondary Schools, pupils with poor literacy and numeracy skills and poor understanding of basic scientific concepts.

In developed economies, you require very good first degree from a good university and still require to pass in the qualifying examinations before you can qualify to train as a teacher. This is to ensure that the brightest and best teach in their schools and even more particularly, in the Primary (or Elementary) Schools. Teachers working in Primary Schools are expected to teach most of the subjects to pupils in their classes and so need all round competence in various subjects.

In Nigeria, as currently structured, it is mainly the holders of National Certificate of Education NCE, that teach in our government Primary Schools. Meanwhile we all know that for several years the requirements for admission into NCE programmes is the lowest either in WASSCE or UTME when compared to admission requirements for Universities and Polytechnics.

What our pupils require to learn by the time they get to Primary five and six in Quantitative and Verbal Aptitude, Mathematics, Introductory Sciences and Technology, are generally beyond the capacity of many teachers holding NCE certificates only.

However, in Secondary Schools, minimum requirements by the National Policy on Education are University Graduate Teachers who are specialists in core subjects like English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Geography, Economics, Basic Science, Basic Technology, etc., that they are expected to teach. r0NPUVOEF :PVOH JT UIF JNNFEJBUF QBTU DPNNJTTJPOFS GPS FEVDBUJPO 4UBUF PG 0TVO

15

T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍąÍŽËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

EDITORIAL

THE ATTACK ON BORNO OFFICIALS Borno State, the heartland of Boko Haram, needs help

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espite claims of several military operations against their locations, the insurgents that have made the North-east area of our country their operational base seem undaunted as they kill soldiers and civilians on a regular basis. Boko Haram and its most virulent partners in insurgency, Islamic West Africa Province (ISWAP) are not only pounding everywhere, including military locations, they have further raised the stakes by going for political leaders. A few days after killing Colonel Haliru Bako and some of his men, no fewer than 15 security personnel comprising eight policemen, three soldiers, including a Lt. Colonel and four civilian-JTF personnel were killed in another ambush, this

BY ELECTING TO CONFRONT time in a convoy THE INSURGENCY HEADof Borno State officials.

ON, THE GOVERNOR With growing DESERVES ALL THE HELP concerns over his HE CAN GET FROM ALL safety, Governor STAKEHOLDERS IN THE Zulum who survived an COUNTRY. BUT THE LEAD attack by Boko MUST COME FROM ABUJA Haram earlier in July said the situation facing the state remains dire. But he also added that the choice before him is “between doing something which gives us some hope and doing nothing which will leave us more vulnerable to Boko Haram’s ultimate wish to take over Borno and bring it under their sovereign brutal administration.� By electing to confront the insurgency head-on, the governor deserves all the help he can get from all stakeholders in the country. But the lead must come from Abuja.

The seeming loss of confidence in the ability and capacity of the military to tame the insurgents by several stakeholders in the North-east is also an issue President Muhammadu Buhari cannot continue to ignore. There is also an

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TO OUR READERS Letters in response to speciďŹ c 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.

THE NIGERIAN SPIRIT IS GENETIC

he Nigerian spirit is one that is palpable in every Nigerian anywhere around the world. As long as you are born Nigerian you have that spirit. I see that spirit in my nephews born in the UK and I see their spirit to be excellent and be the best in everything they do.

I don’t think enough scientific research has been done into the Nigerian spirit. I think there is need to do a proper genome sequencing on what makes up the can-do spirit and resilient streak of Nigerian because I also see that trait in mixed race Nigerians and it is evidently an important mechanism for their outstanding success. If you check through the diaspora communities the success rate of Nigerians is quite high. Not all Nigerians are fraudulent, they are one of the most educated Diaspora communities in America. Hence when President Trump said some nasty things about Nigerians he was just afraid of the Nigerian spirit. In fact when he finally set up his economic advisory council a Nigerian, Adebayo Ogunlesi was there, the man that once owned Gatwick Airport in England.

It is important to check through every sphere of endeavor, you will find Nigerians everywhere doing great - from sports to the academia.

I recently celebrated how the sport of UFC has been dominated by two Nigerians most notably Israel Adesanya. The arts and literary scene has

urgent need to review the strategy. If anything, the escalating state of the insurgency is a bold statement that the armed forces are not doing enough to win the war, particularly under the current leadership.

The recent revelation that 603 ‘repentant’ Boko Haram insurgents who had completed the de-radicalisation programme would be reintegrated into the communities raises questions as to who exactly is driving this war on insurgency and what the end goals are. With the federal government expending huge resources on these insurgents, their victims who have been condemned to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps now wonder whether their lot would not be better if they also carry arms. It is criminal to ignore these most vulnerable citizens and then begin to pamper those who put them in the situation they are in.

The president has refused to commit himself to even the decent argument by many that he should ease out his service chiefs who have all passed their retirement age and appear evidently tired. Despite that their continued stay in office has in itself become a security threat given the career stagnation it is causing within the armed services, the service chiefs seem indispensable. In one of those empty messages to the fighting troops in February, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai said “it is just a matter of days to end the menace of the Boko Haram terrorists.�

As the North-east governors lamented after their recent meeting with the president, residents of the region can no longer go to farms hence hunger and starvation have been prevalent in the region. “This is one of the reasons the insurgents are recruiting more into the sect,� said Zulum, chairman of the North-east Governors’ Forum. The first duty of any government is that of protecting lives and livelihoods of citizens. When a government loses the capacity for both, as the attack on Borno officials which led to the death of many security personnel and the inability to farm by people in the region indicate, then the nation is clearly endangered.

been dominated by Nigerians from Wole Soyinka to Njidika Akunyili Crosby. Many doctors in the NHS in England are Nigerians and most foreign university lecturers are Nigerians. The can-do spirit has permeated religion and other aspects of life.

Recently after taking his genome sequence the popular preacher TD Jakes said he was Nigerian and I was not surprised over the years. I had seen that Nigerian oomph and swagger in him, just like I saw in Wesley Snipes and the list goes on.

I think the true strength of Nigeria is Nigerians as a people, their can-do spirit and their go- getting optimism is worth celebrating. In fact the people run their economy despite a leadership problem. The diaspora put in 25 billion dollars into the economy every year which is a sizeable part of our worth as a nation That is why I call for an in-depth study on the genetic make-up of a Nigerian and I want those traits that make us resilient and unique to be identified. I don’t believe it is a wasted scientific expedition but I believe there is something unusual about the Nigerian gene; just maybe that’s why we thrived during COVID-19. I want our universities to take up these challenges and confirm or deny my hypothesis that the Nigerian spirit - the can-do Nigerian spirit is genetic. r3VGBJ 0TFOJ SVGBJPTFOJ!HNBJM DPN

A TWISTED STEM

S

TEM, the study of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics is seen to be vital for the future and students are being encouraged to look at STEM based careers. There is an emphasis on encouraging more girls to study and work in these areas as historically it has been a male dominated area. There is a need to change the gender stereotypes and recognize that these and all areas can be undertaken by any gender. Everyone supports this approach, or do they?

A local reality TV show, “The Blockâ€? has couples renovating old homes although the social interactions seem to be more prominent than the actual building. This show is popular and at the moment is the highest rating non-news show. A recent episode had the couples creating dream bedrooms for children, a boy’s room and a girl’s room. The boys room included a wall map of the galaxy, a Rubik’s cube, lots of science books and toys and as a judge commented â€œâ€Śaimed at a boy‌â€? whereas the girls room included soft toys, pink accessories and what appeared to be hand cream and as the judge commented â€œâ€Śit feels feminine‌.â€?

How can equality be a reality when stereotypical gender roles are being reinforced on one of the most popular TV shows, and in many other places. These contestants are labelled as “Blockheads� and this title might be appropriate.

I am sure there is more offensive shows on TV, often repeats from the 1970s, but it’s time to boycott them and the products they display so prominently. r%FOOJT 'JU[HFSBME .FMCPVSOF "VTUSBMJB

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WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

CBN Amends Healthcare Sector Intervention Scheme Medical devices developers now eligible for grant

James Emejo in Abuja The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has amended the guidelines for the operation of the Healthcare Sector Research and Development Intervention Scheme (HSRDIS), earlier introduced in May to help strengthen the public healthcare system with innovative financing of research and development as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The amended HSRDIS framework, which was released

yesterday, included one nominee from the National Biotechnological Development Agency (NABDA) in the composition of the Body of Experts (BoEs), which is responsible for the review and evaluation of submitted research proposals as well as recommendation on financing the research and development projects.

The amendment further included medical devices as research intervention, which is eligible for the scheme.

The new guidelines further stated that going forward, candidate vaccines undergoing “late preclinical and early” clinical testing or trials shall be eligible for consideration under the scheme if considered to have high potentials to cross the clinical trial stage and prospects of scale by the BoEs. The updated regulation also stipulated that inventions arising from HSRDIS financed research and development projects must be reported to the CBN that funded the grants.

The document stated that individual researchers and pharmaceutical manufacturers are to retain substantial (80 per cent) ownership of the drugs, medical devices, herbal medicines and vaccines made under HSRDIS funded research.

In addition, inventors are expected to file for patent protection and to ensure commercialisation upon licensing for the benefit of public health.

Specifically, the HSRDIS is designed to trigger intense

national R&D activities to develop a Nigerian vaccine, drugs and herbal medicines against the spread of COVID-19 and any other communicable or non-communicable diseases through the provision of grants to biotechnological and pharmaceutical companies, institutions, researchers, and research institutes for the research and development of drugs, herbal medicines and vaccines for the control, prevention and treatment of infectious

diseases.

The scheme seeks to is to boost domestic manufacturing of critical drugs and vaccines to ensure their sustainable domestic supply and reduce the bulk manufacturing costs of the drugs, herbal medicines and vaccines in the country.

The CBN explained that funding for the scheme shall be derived from the Developmental Component of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Fund (MSMEDF).

Blasphemy: UNICEF Begs FG to Grant Amnesty to 13-year-old Convict The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) yesterday urged the federal government to grant Presidential Amnesty to 13-year-old Omar Farouq, who was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by a Sharia Court in Kano State for alleged blasphemy.

Farouq was on August 10, found guilty and jailed with menial labour by the Sharia court, after he was accused of using “disparaging language on Allah” during a disagreement with his friend.

UNICEF pleaded for clemency for him during a virtual interactive session the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), held with Attorneys-General and Heads of Courts of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory yesterday.

The topic of discussion at the virtual meeting was the

implementation of the “Amnesty and Decongestion Programme for Juveniles Deprived of The Liberty during Covid-19 Pandemic and Beyond”.

In its goodwill message, UNICEF, through its Country Representative, Mr. Peter Hawkins, pleaded that Farouq should be considered in the planned amnesty programme for juveniles.

Hawkins stressed that Section 212 of Nigeria’s Child Rights Act, 2003, prohibited the arbitrary detention of juveniles. While commending the Cross River State Government for the prompt release of 30 children below the age of 18 that were in detention, the UNICEF representative begged the federal government to also release Farouq from detention.

“Due consideration should be given for him to have amnesty as part of this program”, Hawkins pleaded.

Itsekiri Leaders Want Professional from Oil-bearing Communities as NDDC Boss Sunday Okobi The people of Itsekiri in Delta State have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to strictly appoint a professional from the oil-bearing communities of the state as next managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

They insisted that since it was the turn of the state to ‘originally’ provide the managing director and chairman of the interventionist agency, they are rooting for a chief executive of the commission to come for the Itsekiri ethnic stock.

The leader of the Itsekiri people and rights activist, Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor, who spoke to journalists on behalf of others recently in Lagos, argued that the advocacy was informed by her conviction for fair play based on official figures that Itsekiri settlements in the three Warri local government areas account for “17 per cent of the crude oil output in Nigeria and 50 per cent of the Delta State production.”

The veteran journalist insisted that: “We can’t allow the appointment of anyone who is not from the oil-bearing communities as chairman of the board or managing director of the commission. This campaign is in line with our pursuit of

justice and equity for the longsuffering people of the Niger Delta.”

“Having been at the forefront of the fight for the development of the Niger Delta region, it is incumbent on me to make sure that the oil-bearing communities in the region get a better deal.

“Therefore, I want to restate that our position on the composition of the board has not changed. It remains the same.

“We cannot allow the appointment of anyone who is not from the oil-bearing communities as chairman of the board or managing director of the commission.”

She recalled that prior to the dissolution of the last board, “we strongly spoke against the appointment of the managing director on the grounds that only someone from an oil-bearing community should be appointed.

We were glad that President Buhari listened to our complaints and nullified the appointment.

“Our opposition to that manner of appointment remains.

This is being done in line with our pursuit of justice and equity for the long-suffering people of the Niger Delta.

“We reject also anybody parading himself as the political leader of the Niger Delta region on the false grounds that the president has handed over the region to him.”

PASTORAL VISIT...

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Mr. Olusade Adesola; Minister of FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello; former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan; and Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, during a visit to the minister in Abuja ...yesterday ENOCK REUBEN

FG Recovers N700bn Through Whistle Blowers The federal government has recovered over N700 billion from its Whistle Blower Policy, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, has said.

Speaking with journalists at the national conference on the whistle blower policy in Nigeria yesterday in Abuja, Ahmed said the government was able to recover the huge amount of money from the activities of whistleblowers, who came forward with actionable claims of corruption.

“There were recoveries and the cleaning of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS); stoppage of non-compliance with the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and violations of the procurement Act 2007”.

The minister lamented that “at inception there was widespread enthusiasm as Nigerians volunteered numerous actionable information”.

Such information or tips, she said, were referred for further investigation by the EFCC, ICPC,

NFIU or DSS. “However, after sometime, interest in the implementation of the policy nosedived. Our attempt to reawaken public interest on the policy did not quite materialise.

“It was then we realised that there was apparent confusion in the public mind on several issues,” she said.

To address these issues, a committee with representatives from anti-graft and security agencies chaired by a representative of the Federal Ministry of Justice was set up to

draft a Whistle Blower Bill, taking into account all the complaints received from the public and the observations of the various stakeholders.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said the whistle blower policy “was developed as a tool towards the exposure of corruption and corrupt actors in Government.”

Osinbajo urged developers of the new whistle blower bill to expand “the scope of wrongful acts that may be reported by whistleblowers”.

NBS Begins National Economic Census after 20Years The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) will begin a national economic census across the country from October 12.

It stated on Monday that it had been more than 20 years that the exercise was conducted in Nigeria.

Statistician-General, NBS, Yemi Kale, who announced this at the Training of Trainers for the National Business Sample Census

in Abuja said the census would last for two months.

He explained that the business census, also known as an economic census, was a statistical exercise that involved the enumeration of formal and informal business establishments across the country.

He stated that during the process, commercial and industrial business operations

in fixed locations would be listed with valuable information.

Kale said information collected during the exercise include the nature of the economic activity of the establishments, the number of employees they engage, their contact details, among other things.

He said, “The information emanating from this census activity is primarily useful in understanding the nature and

structure of the economy, as well as providing a sound business frame for the conduct of economic surveys in the country.

“Conventionally, it is conducted every five years as recommended by the United Nations Statistical Commission. However, in Nigeria, the census has not been conducted for over two decades, mainly due to funding challenges.”

N94tn Unremitted to Federation Account, Falana-led Coalition Tells Buhari The Alliance for Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), a coalition of 70 labour and civil society organisations (CSOs), led by a human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) has revealed that it has discovered N94.3 trillion which was unremitted to the Federation Account.

In letter dated September 28 and addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari, Falana said the unremitted money can fund the national budget for more than

eight years.

The group maintained that “revenue leakages” have shown that the federal and state governments have the funds to ensure better welfare for the people, and as such, ASCAB will start campaigning for another increase in the minimum wage next year.

“ASCAB rejects the argument of no money to provide basic goods for the masses. The wealth of Nigeria, as measured by the GDP,

is now three times higher than it was in 1998, but the minimum wage is only worth half of its value then, and at least eight states have yet to fully pay the legislated N30,000 that was agreed to be paid from July 2019,” Falana said.

“As a result, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recently reported that 40 per cent of Nigerian households have to survive on N11,500 a month or less, when the average per capita GDP is now around N75,000 a

month.

“The federal government claims it cannot afford the ‘fuel subsidy’, state governments claim they cannot afford the minimum wage. In contrast, ASCAB has shown that the federal government has money owed to it of nearly N95 trillion. Assuming the revised federal budget for 2020 of N10.8 trillion is constant, the N95 trillion would fund the total federal budget for over eight years.

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WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

80 Passengers in Lagos Fail COVID-19 Test WHO to roll out 120m rapid test-kits in Nigeria Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The federal government has revealed that 80 out of the 2,400 passengers that were tested in Lagos after returning to the country with COVID-19 negative PCR results, tested positive for the virus after another PCR tests were carried out by the health authority seven days after they arrived the country.

The National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Dr. Sani Aliyu, made the startling revelation yesterday when the task force addressed reporters.

Aliyu made the disclosure while clarifying the complaints from passengers on the malfunctioning of the travel portal since the federal government introduced it four weeks ago for passengers arriving through Lagos and Abuja.

He said the cases would not have been detected if they were tested at the airport upon arrival.

He expressed worries that many potential travellers having COVID-19 would arrive undetected when the airports begin to operate at full blast of 5,000- 7,000 passengers per day if the presence of the virus is not examined. ‘’If we had a system of enforcement of isolation such that every passenger coming into the country self isolates effectively for two weeks, you do not need to do the test because we know that you would not

transmit it to anybody else. But we don’t have that luxury of checking, neither do we have the resources to check and enforce this. So our only option ,is to pick up the people that are likely to become infectious fairly early on with the best chance being day sevens after arrival and that is why we are testing after day - seven days after arrival,’’ Aliyu said.

He further said that since the resumption of international flights in September, over 27,000 passengers had come in through Lagos and Abuja.

While the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, accounted for over 18,000 passengers, the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja has processed a little over 9,000 arrivals.

Aliyu also disclosed that of the total passengers, 99.8 per cent had a negative COVID-19 PCR result. He said the PTF is working with its partners to address the issues on the portal particularly those that bothered on malfunctioning and multiple payment on the portal.

“The costs of PCR test in approved private laboratories stated on the travel portals vary. While the charges range between N35,600 for the Kano portal which is about to be operationalised to N50.400 for Lagos while price for the Abuja portal has come down from N42,500 to N39,600.

Meanwhile, the federal government has also announced plans to be begin aggressive

testing for coronavirus on the heel of the partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO), to roll out 120 million effective rapid test tools capable of providing reliable results in 30 minutes rather than hours.

The Chairman of the PTF, Mr. Boss Mustapha disclosed this yesterday in his remarks at the PTF briefing.

He said the breakthrough, which followed the meeting with WHO officials last week, would enable distant communities where laboratories were not located in cutting down the response time that medical personnel needed to commence treatment.

He said through the partnership, the country will be one of the early beneficiaries of the rollout when it commences.

In another development, the Minister of State for Education, Mr. Emeka Nwajiuba has said that private tertiary institutions are already responding within the guidelines and template on the reopening of schools in the manner the states where they are cited can cope with.

Nwajiuba said all the tertiary institutions have different templates set by their governing bodies, adding that 93 universities have responded and are set to embark on their reopening processes, stressing that they are in compliance with the guidelines sent to them by the Ministry of Education.

Two Herdsmen Killed, Others Injured in Ebonyi Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki Two people suspected to be Fulani herdsmen have been reportedly killed at their camp in Ukwuachi Forest in Ishieke, Ebonyi State.

Confirming the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, Philip Maku, noted that the deceased are identified as Adamu Ibrahim and Jubril Adamu.

The CP, who spoke through the Command’s Spokesman, DSP Loveth Odah, noted that two persons were also injured, and are receiving treatments in a hospital.

According to Odah, “The

Commissioner of Police Ebonyi State Command, Philip Sule Maku, has condemned the attack on Fulani herdsmen camp at Ukwuachi Forest in Ishieke, which resulted to the death of two persons, Adamu Ibrahim, 7, and Jubril Ibrahim, 15, while two others are critically injured, and are currently receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Abakaliki.

“A Fulani herdsman, Ado Ibrahim, who reported the matter at the Ishieke Police Division, stated that the victims were his grandchildren and that the attack took place at their camp

in the aforementioned area while the children were sleeping after grazing their cows on September 28, 2020, by 9p.m.”

Meanwhile, the state commissioner of police, who undertook a tour in the area, has ordered full scale investigation into the matter with a view to arresting the perpetrators, who fled the scene immediately after the incident.

He also urged the public, especially herders, to remain calm and not to embark on any reprisal as the Command under his watch will live no stone on turn for the interest of justice.

PDP NWC Ratifies Removal of Osun State Chairman Chuks Okocha in Abuja The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday ratified the removal from office of the Osun State Chairman of the party, Hon. Adesoji Adagunodo, following the validation of a vote-of-noconfidence passed on him by the state executive.

The decision of the NWC is

consequent upon the report of the sub-committee set up by the NWC which investigated and validated the allegations as well as the vote-of-no-confidence passed against Adagunodo by the state executive in line with section 59 (2) (4) of the PDP constitution.

According to a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, the NWC has directed the state Deputy

Chairman, Hon. Sunday Akanfe, to take charge of the affairs of the state chapter of the party pending the emergence of a substantive state chairman in keeping with the dictates of the PDP constitution.

The PDP wished the former state chairman well in his future endeavours as he continues to contribute his quota to the growth and development of the party.

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MIDWEEKPOLITICS

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

Emmanuel Reinvents Akwa Ibom with New State Symbols

Nseobong Okon-Ekong writes that Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has reinvented the state with the launch of a set of new state symbols that inspires a fresh look at the meaning of being Akwa Ibomite

Governor Udom Emmanuel hoisting the Akwa Ibom flag at Government House in Uyo

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he orange colour has been accepted for long as a marked visual identity of Akwa Ibom State. Commercial vehicles started using the colour to distinguish their vehicles from the blue and white colours of commercial vehicles in Criss River State from which Akwa Ibom was excised. The colour quickly became entrenched and offices of state institutions proudly began to adorn same. This may be accepted as the period when orange became adopted as the symbolic shade of the state with the moniker, ‘Land of Promise’. What is not in doubt is that at the 32nd anniversary of its creation on September 23, Governor Udom Emmanuel bequeathed a legacy official ethos that will forever define his tenure in governance.

Perhaps, a more elaborate ceremony would have been enacted at the public presentation of the novel Akwa Ibom State symbols, if the demure mood of the times ocassioned by the global Coronavirus pandemic did not dictate otherwise. All thesame a very decent open and experiential formality was carried out to expose the Akwa Ibom Flag, the Akwa Ibom Anthem and the Akwa Ibom Coat of Arms inside Government House, Uyo within the limits of what is allowed.

The choice of Sergeant Habilah Adamu of the Nigeria Police to receive the flag from Governor Emmanuel may be sending a wide and allembracing invitation to all men and women of goodwill all over the world to consider making Akwa Ibom a home. This willingness to play a hospitable host to all and sundry is one of the cardinal programmes of the Emmanuel administration which he is pursuing vigorously by establishing industries that attracts a wide range of skilled professionals from all walks of life and every part of the country and across the world.

True to the words of Stanza One of the anthem, Akwa Ibom is determined to ‘Rise Beyond Ethnicity .’

Disclosing details of the state symbols, Mr. Ini Ememobong, Commissioner for Information and Strategy said, “ the flag was designed by Nsikak John. The Coat of Arms by Mbuotidem Ukpe, while the anthem was produced by Dr. Iberedem Iwok.” He further disclosed that the state government had resolved all copyright infringement issues by making sure that the designers of the flag and the coat of arms and the composer of the anthem were properly rewarded.

The Akwa Ibom State Coat of Arms has 10 icons which convey different meanings: The

Emmanuel

Ememobong

Lion with a Crown on its Head is a figure of courage, boldness, dignity and authority.

The Cross is a representation of the peoples’ faith as Christians and a public declaration of its destiny as a state named after God. The Tusks represent the culture of the people and regard for royals as custodians of the peoples cultural legacy. The Green Grass represents the arable land and good vegetation. The Shield represents the safety and security of Akwa Ibom State. The Oil Rig represents the state’s rich heritage in oil and gas. The Palm Tree in the sunrise represents Akwa Ibom’s God-given agricultural heritage. The Blue Colour with

the fish and the crab represents its rich aquatic life and longest shoreline in the country. The cowries and manila represents a history of trustworthiness in finance management , while the Woven Cord stands for unity and the strong bond among the people.

These meanings fire up in the people deep emotions relating to its history, myths and values.

They raise the consciousness of the the people to celebrate their identify which extends beyond their immediate communities. Going forward, Akwa Ibom is going to demand respect for its state symbols from her indigenes and other compatriots.

By launching its state symbols, Akwa Ibom State is in the good company of other states that blazed the trail. Her neighbour, Cross River adopted an anthem and flag since the tenure of former Governor Donald Duke, who hugged history by hoisting the biggest national flag. Ogun State has ‘Ise Ya’ as its state anthem. During the tenure of Rauf Aregbesola as governor of Osun State, the promotion of state symbols was taken to an extreme when he insisted on a change of nomenclature to State of Osun

At the onset of the Emmanuel administration, a novel ethical and moral campaign, Dakkada, which literally means, ‘Stand Up’, was launched.

The crusade has since assumed broader dimensions of celebrating hallmarks and achievements of the Akwa Ibom people. Ememobong agrees that the meanings and representations of the new state symbols align totally with the Dakkada philosophy “as they stimulate our people to rise to the faith of greatness.”

By launching its state symbols, Akwa Ibom State is in the good company of other states that blazed the trail. Her neighbour, Cross River adopted an anthem and flag since the tenure of former Governor Donald Duke, who hugged history by hoisting the biggest national flag.

Ogun State has ‘Ise Ya’ as its state anthem. During the tenure of Rauf Aregbesola as governor of Osun State, the promotion of state symbols was taken to an extreme when he insisted on a change of nomenclature to State of Osun. No matter how it is viewed, state symbols once approved, remain eternal pillars that attracts precise commitment from peoples with diverse ideals that can be cemented into an indivisible whole. Like the Dakkada crusade, the new Akwa Ibom State symbols is expected to generate a lot of debate and conversation, while inspiring a generation of creative entrepreneurs who will reinvent and exploit these symbols for personal and commercial gain. “Private people can use the symbols, same having been launched apart from those restricted to government use,” explained the Information and Strategy Commissioner.

With the new Akwa Ibom State symbols, another set of heroes have been created. Messrs Ukpe, John and Iwok are the latest entrants into the Akwa Ibom pantheon. They take a deserved place along with other distinguished Akwa Ibomites, living and dead.

Kudos to Governor Emmanuel for leading a generation of Akwa Ibomites who have reinvented, redefined and reimagined their relationship with a view to forging symbols that promote unity. Henceforth, many Akwa Ibomites will be forced to take a fresh look at the meaning of being Akwa Ibomite.

Ememobong said having come of age, Akwa Ibom “must have an identity which is reflective of our values . We have always had orange as the colour of the state and the flag is made of green, white, and orange. The orange colour has been around for as long as the state has been in a bid to differentiate us. I think Akwa Ibom Transport Company (AKTC ) was the first to use it to colour their buses differently from the blue used by Crossline.”

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POLITICS

Saraki, Fayemi Commend Adenuga’s Influence on Nation Building Udora Orizu writes that a book on the ‘Foremost Nigerians in the last 60 Years’ has attracted critical commendation from former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki and Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, who also lauded the moderating influence of successful businessman, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr.

Saraki

F

ormer Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki has espoused Nigeria’s greatness which he agrees had been tested in several ways, adding that though Nigeria might not have fully fulfilled the aspirations of her citizens and the rest of the world, she has continued to play a major role in stabilizing her region and the continent at large. Thus, he says he welcomes any attempt to give a good account of Nigeria’s existence as an independent country in the last six decades.

He said this in his Prologue, titled ‘Enriching the History of a Giant.’ The former two-term governor of Kwara State was commending the book, ‘Nigeria @60: Foremost Nigerians in the Last 60years’ by former Society Editor of THISDAY Newspapers, Lanre Alfred. Saraki concluded that “Nigeria will overcome her challenges and fulfil her manifest destiny because there are several ways of leading Nigeria out of the woods; “One way is the one Lanre Alfred has taken with this book; celebrating the nation’s birthday through a revisit of the role of some of the key players.”

“This book by Lanre Alfred, a journalist with many years experience, is definitely going to add fresh pages to the body of literature and biographical work on this great country. This unique attempt at recounting our national history also seeks to put on display the roles of the selected players in national development over the years. It also presents a challenge for those key players, who are alive to strive to improve on their roles while also giving the rest of the citizenry the opportunity to honestly and genuinely assess the account and the roles it ascribes to these individuals.”

The Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, in the Foreword, writes that Nigeria is an amazing story and an evolving power whose destiny is far beyond the convulsive spasm that often diminishes the narrative of her undeniable glory. “This lesson is what has attracted the intellectual lens of Lanre Alfred in this insightful book. He takes us through an undulating labyrinth of the Nigerian story and points our attention to the mesh of our socio-cultural plurality, which ultimately makes ours a complex political experiment. “(Alfred) depicts the nation’s foundational challenge as that of a sailing mission without a rudder and a flying expedition without a compass. For it was clear that, at independence, there was no consensus around vision, purpose and strategy for the actualisation of the nation’s dream.”

Like Saraki, Governor Fayemi concurs that the irony of the Nigeria story is that while her inadequacies are apparent to all, her progress is difficult to ignore either. “And this is the reality, which many critics and commentators have failed to factor into their evaluation of the nation’s trajectory. One of the ways to appreciate this progress might be to focus on the contribution of many compatriots, who have invested their God-given talent and

Fayemi creativity for the progress of the nation in the different segments of our national life,” he says.

Governor Fayemi says he is satisfied with Alfred’s optimistic approach to the appreciation of Nigeria because, “He has elected to gauge our progress in terms of verifiable and invaluable contributions of some individuals, who have greatly impacted the nation and whose contributions to her development since independence, are of immense significance.

“This approach is not only a commendable reward system; it is also an effective story-telling strategy that properly situates the nation’s milestones around the exploits of her heroes and heroines. To suggest that Nigeria has not made progress is to declare that the works of her heroes and heroines are in vain. It is to assume that, generally, nonentities had led the nation in politics, business, culture, religion and leadership!”

He also commends the efforts that went into putting the book together, saying, “Alfred has launched his fecund mind into a fertile territory that many people would have ignored. It is another demonstration of his depth, prodigious intellect and mastery of the nation’s story as a social commentator and chronicler. He has taught us a new lesson that nation-building is a collective responsibility and that a nation’s prosperity is the aggregation of the industry and prosperity of her citizens.”

Alfred said that he was motivated to write the book because, “One of the biggest errors of our heritage as a nation is the failure to properly and periodically document in enduring forms, significant events of our national history and the roles of the personages. Such an important document helps to prevent the distortion of the feats and facts of our heroes and leaders.”

He added, “Whether we want to believe it or not, Nigeria is a nation guilty of not keeping data, which has, over the years, led to the distortion of her history. Many of those who

Adenuga came before us, despite their monumental talents and achievements, refused to pass on to us lessons from their trajectories. Our generation is the poorer for it because many do not have a sense of where they are coming from or where they are headed.”

Alfred said he made up his mind long ago that whatever it takes, he would do everything to be on the right side of history by deploying his resources, experience and skills to documenting for posterity and today’s youth - who are bereft of quality role models - the inspiring exploits and attainments of Nigeria’s foremost citizens of the last six decades whose contributions have been of an immense boost to nation-building.

According to him, “This book captures a critical period in our 60-year history as a nation; and fills a long-abandoned vacuum by bringing out of the shadows of history a silent army of men and women especially those that had until now, been unacknowledged and under-represented, despite their contributions to the nation we now proudly call ours. Through the individual stories and exploits of our heroes past and present, we’re given an insight into the strength and stamina that they evince (d) in the face of a system geared against them.”

Endorsed by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Council for Arts and Culture, NCAC, the Director-General, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, said the book is of significant historical and cultural value to this generation especially as Nigeria celebrates her 60th independence anniversary.

“This is a trans-generational effort that is in tandem with the Federal Government’s appreciation of the need for proper documentation in enduring forms, significant events of our chequered history and the roles of outstanding men and women who created the history.” Runsewe further said Interestingly, however, Alfred announced that the book is especially dedicated to Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr, the man popularly called

Like Saraki, Governor Fayemi concurs that the irony of the Nigeria story is that while her inadequacies are apparent to all, her progress is difficult to ignore either. “And this is the reality, which many critics and commentators have failed to factor into their evaluation of the nation’s trajectory. One of the ways to appreciate this progress might be to focus on the contribution of many compatriots, who have invested their God-given talent and creativity for the progress of the nation in the different segments of our national life

‘The Bull’ as a homage to his humanity and relentless strides at rewriting the African business narrative; for standing tall and wading through odds with the courage of a knight and confidence of a champion.

Hugely successful, yet, affectionately humble, ‘The Bull’ as he is widely known is one of those risk-taking individuals that struckout on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success to prosper themselves and their society. He has proved over time that if sent to Mars, he would still treat it as a stepping stone to Saturn – the quality of constant invention and self-improvement that has earned him worldwide acclaim and prosperity.

According to Alfred, “Adenuga does not believe in impossibilities. With just tenacity of purpose and a terrier devotion to his dreams, he bestrides, successfully, the gap between creativity and commerce.He started from the scratch, but kept his nose to the grindstone and has turned many seemingly insignificant ideas into behemoth industries.The story of Globacom – how it has survived a myriad of odds including a hostile economy, harsh government policies and competition – remains his magnum opus”.

He added that he is proud to associate with Dr Adenuga’s success in turning generosity, excellence and humaneness into an art form, adding, “In an era beleaguered by the infamy of the human species, Dr Adenuga’s handiwork unfurls as an undying tribute to mankind’s better nature. He challenged resolve with steely grit and exploited the arduous planes of ambition and toil, till he encountered grandeur at the crossroads where wild contemplation and hard work morph into triumph.”

Adenjha founded Glo, a proudly Nigerian company with the wellbeing of Nigerians the core of its business principle has positively impacted on the lives of Nigerians; giving many uncut talents a platform to harness their talents through its reality television shows; while gifting hundreds of lucky subscribers life-changing prizes through its promos and providing direct and indirect employments to millions of Nigerians. In the intervening years, Globacom has made home-grown stars from the entertainment industry the faces (ambassadors) of its brand, while making them worth their popularity in affluence and influence.

The all-colour, all-gloss book, which has been widely hailed by many prominent Nigerians as a worthwhile educative and historical work, is published by Alfred’s Old English Partners, publishers of the widely popular coffee table books; Titans...The Amazing Exploits of Nigeria’s Greatest Achievers; and Highlife - Lifestyles of Nigeria’s Rich and Famous; and biographies like Pacemaker - Triumphs of IghoSanomi at 40; The Lion of Afia Nsit - Triumphs of Scott Tommey at 45; Julius Rone…The Jewel of the Delta; and Dapo Abiodun…The Heart of Prince.

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍąÍŽËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

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FEATURES

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, 08038901925

Towards an Enhanced, Secure Maritime Environment Chiemelie Ezeobi, who reviewed the five year scorecard of the Nigerian Navy under the leadership of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, reports that amidst daunting challenges, the service has lived up to the strategic mandate it emplaced in fleet renewal, infrastructural development, as well as human resource management towards a secure maritime environment for enhanced national prosperity

Commissioning of NNS UNITY, NNS KARADUWA, TUG CDR UGWU and EPENAL Boats by President Muhammadu Buhari

The new Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Survey Vessel, NNS LANA launched September 24, 2020 at Les Sables D’olonne, France

Vice Admiral Ibas agging o the construction of Nigeria's latest warship, Landing Ship Tank 100, in Albwardy Damen Shipyards in Dubai

A

he has over time fulfilled.

lthough 70 per cent of Nigeria's economic growth lies on the waterways, the maritime domain is often fraught with the challenges of maritime illegalities ranging from piracy, sea robbery, smuggling, illegal fishing to crude oil theft and others.

Asides protecting Nigeria's territorial integrity, the NN also contributes its quota at the regional level, by patrolling the waters of the Gulf of Guinea, which is a vast expanse of water stretching almost 6,000km from Senegal to Angola.

To tackle this, the Nigerian Navy has had to patrol the endless miles of waterways despite some major challenges like shortage of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), budget constraints, inadequate local ship building capacity for constructing naval vessels and inadequate surveillance.

But today, some of these challenges are gradually becoming a thing of the past especially when it comes to fleet acquisition, surveillance and ship building capacity.

This is because fleet renewal, infrastructural development and human resource management and administration towards a secure maritime environment for enhanced national prosperity have been the thrust of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, who has in the last five years placed premium in transforming the navy into a service well equipped to tackle contemporary challenges.

Mandate at Decoration At the decoration ceremony of the CNS and other service chiefs in 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari had charged them with a strategic mandate to brace up and continuously team up with other stakeholders to come up with a well-coordinated joint effort to address the insurgency and insecurity.

Chief of Naval Sta, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas He further urged them to ensure judicious use of resources and treat the welfare of troops and professionalism as uppermost priority. Accordingly, they were to ensure that operational efforts meet existing rules and regulations of international standard.

They were also to take all measures to ensure the safety and protection of innocent civilians in theatres of conflict as well as respect for the rights of captured combatants to earn the support of local communities and the respect of allies and the international community.

The beggars the question- How far has the navy under the leadership of the present CNS fared? Will history judge him fairly?

These questions get an emphatic yes from the Director of Naval Information (DINFO), Commodore Suleman Dahun. According to him, the ethos and policy thrust of the CNS has always been to place high premium on operational availability of ships and platforms, training and motivation of personnel, a pledge

Vision and Mission Following the strategic mandate of the president, an assessment of the maritime security situation indicated that there was a compelling need for the Nigerian Navy to evolve new approaches to combating the spate of insecurity in the maritime environment.

Hence, the CNS articulated his vision ‘To develop a credible naval power in fulfillment of the Nigerian Navy's constitutional roles towards enhancing national prosperity and security’.

He further went on to complement this with a mission statement which is ‘To deploy a naval force that is well trained, organised and highly motivated to discharge its constitutional roles professionally and efficiently for the defence of Nigeria in ensuring her economic prosperity’.

Strategic Directives Drawing from the president’s strategic mandate, the CNS promulgated his Strategic Directive 1 which focused on eight key priority areas to be achieved by the Nigerian Navy under his command.

This covered directives in areas of operations, fleet renewal, logistics, infrastructural development and human resource development among others, including specific tasks to be accomplished by the branches, commands, establishments and units within specified time frame.

Given the success of the Strategic Directive 1, the CNS afterwards promulgated Strategic Directive 2 in 2016.

Achievements Having set targets and baselines for the realisation of the CNS’ vision and mission for the service, in line with the president’s strategic directives, the navy has attained significant achievements in identified key areas.

Thus, the navy has in the last five years made giant strides as evidenced in the increased number of arrested vessels engaged in various maritime illegalities. Also, the reduction in piracy incidences from 70 in 2016 to 11 in August 2020, which was achieved through navy’s sustained presence as well as various operations conducted, further demonstrates the capability of the NN to secure Nigeria’s maritime area of interest.

Furthermore, the seizure of 89,166 bags of foreign rice valued at about N2 billion is in line with the federal government’s effort to stem rice smuggling in the country in order to encourage local production.

Additionally, the anti-crude oil theft/illegal bunkering operations of the NN as at August 2020 successfully immobilised 5,019 illegal refineries, saving the nation over N695 billion worth of crude oil. According to the DINFO, the NN was able to achieve these milestones with an annual average of 25,574 hours of maritime patrol as well as conduct of over 38 major maritime operations.

Aside these operations, the navy is also involved in Defence Headquarters-led operations such as Operations LAFIYA DOLE, HADARIN DAJI, WHIRL STROKE, DELTA SAFE and most recently OperationACCORD, amongst others towards addressing various security challenges in the nation.

The service has recently recorded notable milestones through capacity building in indigenous navigational chart production with the production of two indigenous navigational charts covering parts of Nigerian waters as well as operational charts covering the entire Niger Delta region.

The navy has also commenced work on the production of electronic versions of these charts to facilitate their formal validation internationally and eventual release. This proficiency has

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FEATURES

New jetty at NNS BEECROFT enhanced operational activities across the nation’s l maritime environment, particularly within the backwaters.

Bolstered by this capacity, the Nigerian Navy is currently on the verge of formalising arrangement with the National Inland Waterways Authority for the dredging and charting of the nation’s inland waters, as facilitated by NEXIM Bank.

In addition to various tangible achievements over the last five years, there have been numerous intangible attainments, particularly in the areas of NN concepts and organisation. The introduction of the Harmonised Standard Operating Procedures on Arrest, Detention and Prosecution of Maritime Criminals has been a real game changer in enhancing cooperation among maritime law enforcement agencies under the leadership of the NN. Maritime jurisdiction has been further boosted by the president’s assent of the Suppression of Piracy and other Maritime Offences Act, 2019. This is the first legal instrument in the entire West African region and it is already being put to test with the recent successful conviction of three out of nine suspected pirates that hijacked an Equatorial Guinea flagged vessel, MV ELOBEY VI by a Federal High Court Port Harcourt.

The navy has also recorded successes in fleet renewal, infrastructural development and human resource management and administration towards a secure maritime environment for enhanced national prosperity within the period under review.

But the CNS would rather not take the glory for these achievements. He would rather make it known that these successes would not have been possible without the untiring support of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Operations In terms of operations, the NN has conducted a total of 38 operations from 2015 to August 2020, which have substantially improved security in Nigeria's waters. These operations led to the arrest of over 364 vessels suspected of committing various infractions within the maritime domain with 13 of these vessels already forfeited to the FGN and 224 vessels handed over to prosecuting agencies.

Three dedicated NN operations, TSARE TEKU, CALM WATERS, RIVER SWEEP amongst others have reduced piracy incidences in Nigerian waters from 70 in 2016 to only 11 attacks as at August 2020.

The NN anti-piracy operations led to the arrest of a total of 116 pirates and rescue of numerous vessels from pirate attack at sea.

However, landmark opposed boarding of MT MAXIMUS in 2016, MSC GRACE in January 2020, MV MSC FLORIANA in April 2020 and MV HAILUFENG II recently in May 2020 have reinforced the pre-eminent position of the NN and Nigeria in the Gulf of Guinea.

Notably, the recent joint rescue of a merchant tanker, MT TOMMI RITSCHER, by Nigerian and Benin Republic Navies in Benin Republic waters gave effect to the activation of the ECOWAS Maritime Zone E, among member states Benin, Togo, Nigeria and Niger Republic.

The NN also increased routine patrols within the last 5 years. From 2015 to August 2020, Nigerian Navy ships have clocked annual average of 25,574hrs at sea. This has led to appreciable decrease in maritime related criminal activities within the maritime domain.

The Nigerian Navy has made considerable gains in its anti-smuggling operations within the period under review. These efforts redoubled in the past 4 years due to closer collaboration with other stakeholders under the auspices

The AW 139 Leonardo Helicopter Navy schools.

Infrastructural development by the navy of Operation SWIFT RESPONSE. In support of national effort against the illegal importation of foreign rice, a total of 89,166 bags of foreign rice valued at about N2 billion have been arrested so far.

The Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) facilities made up of the Falcon Eye (established by the FGN - Office of the National Security Adviser) and Regional Maritime Awareness Capability have greatly improved the navy’s surveillance capacity while serving as force multipliers.

Presently, the service carries out round the clock surveillance of Nigeria’s maritime space using surface vessels, helicopters and the robust MDA infrastructure. This has increasingly assisted the navy’s patrol efforts particularly quick response capability and effective tracking and arrest of many vessels involved in maritime related crimes.

The navy has also performed creditably well in the fight against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering. On the whole, the value of POL products the Nigerian Navy saved from being stolen from 2015 to August 2020 is estimated at N695 Billion.

The navy has effectively checked the incursion of illegal fishing within the five nautical miles of the nation's maritime environment to protect artisanal fishermen. There has also been progressive increase in fishing from 2016 after years of decline due to insecurity at sea.

Fleet Renewal Under the Buhari Administration, the Nigerian Navy witnessed extensive procurement of platforms of different types and mix.

The government funded the procurement of 267 flat bottomed, assault, rigid hull, riverine patrol and whaler boats. Importantly, about 170 of these riverine patrol boats were built in-country, thus complementing indigenous shipbuilding capacity, employment generation and skills acquisition.

Following the successful commissioning of a second locally built Seaward Defence Boat (SDB) NNS KARADUWA in 2016, local-shipbuilding is being further enhanced through the indigenous construction of a 43m SDB and two logistic supply vessels which are programmed to join the service later this year 2020.

The navy has also deployed 12 Naval Security Stations along the nation's coastline in areas prone to illegalities under the Choke Point Regime and Control operations.

Additionally, this administration facilitated the procurement of 25 fast attack craft, seaward defence boats and inshore patrol craft.

Furthermore, one survey ship, one offshore

patrol vessel and one landing ship tank are being expected to join the Nigerian Navy fleet soon while one AW 139 Leonardo helicopter has already been delivered.

Similarly, the NN built two self-propelled barges, three tug boats and acquired a total of 168 outboard engines with their spares.

Cumulatively, the fleet renewal effort of the navy under the Buhari administration has led to the procurement of well over 300 platforms of various types and mix.

Infrastructural Development As part of efforts to enhance its capacity to effectively deliver on her mandate to protect the nation's maritime environment and motivate her personnel for improved output, the service embarked on numerous infrastructural, administrative and welfare projects.

Notably, over 400 construction and related projects have been undertaken from 2015 -August 2020 with over 80 per cent of these projects completed and others are at various stages of completion. A key infrastructural project is the reconstruction of NNS BEECROFT Jetty Apapa, Lagos, which provides berthing facility for the bulk of Nigerian Navy ships within the Western Naval Command area of responsibility.

Jetties at Naval Shipyard Limited Port Harcourt, Under Water Warfare School Ojo, NOP KOLUAMA and other Forward Operating Bases are at various stages of completion. The activation of Joint Venture between the Nigerian Navy and China Ship Building and Offshore International Limited for the construction of an integrated workshop at Nigerian Naval Shipyard and provision of floating dock has further boosted the navy’s infrastructural capacity to build and maintain its platforms.

In terms of housing and barracks accommodation, the navy has also within the period under review engaged in the extensive housing development for personnel accommodation and other welfare projects. These include the construction of over 2,500 housing units across the country, several of which have been completed and commissioned.

Some completed projects include hundreds of Compressed Earth Bricks buildings at Atimbo Barracks in Calabar, Kuje Barracks in Abuja and NNS LUGARD in Lokoja. Others include various units of accommodation for officers and ratings at Kubwa, Navy Town Asokoro Abuja and Navy Town Lagos. Institutional houses are also under construction for Commanders and Chief Boatswain Mates of operational commands as well as armouries, sports centres and worship centres at most Nigerian Navy bases, Forward Operating Bases and Nigerian

Human Resource Management and Administration In contributing to human resource development in Nigeria, the navy has established the Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN) Ibusa, Delta State, the Naval War College in Calabar and the Nigerian Navy Military School Ikot Ituen, in Akwa Ibom State. Nigerian Navy Primary and Secondary Schools have also been established in Kaduna, Bauchi, Rivers, Sokoto and Bayelsa States.

The navy also commissioned the Naval Base in Lokoja and a 150 units barracks in Banda, Lokoja, Kogi State, just as the president commissioned an ultramodern Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital in Calabar in 2018, after 40 years of neglect. This includes the installation of Endoscope Suite at the Hospital to attend to critical surgical needs using 21st Century equipment that ensure minimal access/invasive procedure. The service also constructed an Imaging Centre at Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital Ojo, Lagos and upgraded Nigerian Navy hospitals inWarri and Port Harcourt with modern diagnostic equipment.

The navy has also established a COVID-19 Treatment and Isolation Centre on June 1, 20 in Lagos to cater for NN personnel infected with the virus, in support of the national effort.

Prospects Not done with transforming the navy, the CNS is poised to effectively address emerging challenges for improved operational efficiency, through articulation of new perspectives taking cognisance of past experiences, current operational realities and the contemporary strategic security environment.

Accordingly, with due consciousness of the limited resource allocation in the face of other compelling national needs, navy’s future policy direction will seek to optimise technology, broaden its partnership and funding base for effective delivery of maritime security. Some of these future prospects include further investing MDA as a force multiplier towards enhanced operational efficiency and improved surveillance capacity, which will thus save the huge cost associated with prolonged presence at sea.

The navy also intends to develop hydrographic survey capacity beyond mere surveys to the production of relevant charts to incorporating data relevant to the blue economy and national security.

Despite the current gains in fleet renewal, the navy plans to re-position the Nigerian Navy Air Arm to better support the navy’s operations.

Going forward, the navy also seeks to strengthen ongoing discussions with Original Equipment Manufacturers to commence local shipbuilding within the country as a sustainable means of guaranteeing fleet availability and readiness.

In the future, the navy will also continue to strengthen existing collaboration with regional and global navies, Maritime Law Enforcement Agencies and the organised private sector.

This partnership, it is hoped, would strengthen maritime governance, Maritime Law Enforcement, and enhance capacity building in operations, burden sharing and exchange of intelligence to ensure improved security in the Gulf of Guinea in Nigeria's national interest.

From the performance of the Nigerian Navy in the past five years, it is evident that the strategic mandate has largely been accomplished but the navy can achieve more with enhanced resource allocation given the increasing complexities of maritime threats within the nation’s maritime area of interest.

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T H I S D AY Ëž ÍąÍŽËœ 2020

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OVERNIGHT OBB

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Quick Takes CHI Limited Marks Nigeria’s Independence

PROMOTING ICT RESEARCH

L-R: CEO, Phase 3/ President, Association ofTelecommunications Companies of Nigeria, OlusolaTeniola; Director, Research Planning and Administration, National Universities Commission, Dr. Fumilayo Morebise; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta; Director, Research and Development, Dr. Henry Nkemadu; Deputy Director, National Board for Technical Education, Dr. Fatima Kabir Umar, and Chairman, Telecommunications Based Research Evaluation Committee, Prof. Mu’azu Bashir, during the inauguration of the Evaluation Committee for the 2020Telecommunications-basedResearchInnovationfromAcademicsinNigeriantertiaryinstitutionsheldinAbuja...recently

Banks Urged to Partner Fintech for Competitiveness Dike Onwuamaeze The World Fintech Report 2020 has highlighted the need for banks to enter into partnership with fintech players in order to transform into agile and customer-centric organisations and remain appealing in a shifting business landscape.

The report by McKinsey Africa, stated that banks should also take on a specialised role, rather than a universal one by opening up their infrastructure for fintech players to integrate with and drive innovation that would apply specific solutions to sectors that are most resilient and more likely to be receptive to digital activities. “The increase in fintech activity in Nigeria has already spurred incumbent banks to adopt new strategies to remain competitive and the COVID-19 crisis has only made this imperative more urgent. “At this time, banks could consider not just competing in concentrated pools, but collaborating in new, blue-sky

BANKING spaces with fintechs to grow the pool,� the report said, adding that banks should identify new revenue pools, reinvent their business model to serve new segments more effectively and leverage on partnerships and acquisitions to scale operations.

The report also called for the collaboration of the multiple financial market regulators in Nigeria, namely the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), as well as the National Communications Commission (NCC) to unlock the next wave of fintech innovation.

It stated: “Given the value at stake for the broader society and economy, our analysis shows it is vital that ecosystem participants work together at this time to protect gains and accelerate growth in this sector. We highlight key considerations and actions that regulators, governments, and development partners could take to create the conditions that

will support recovery and unlock the next wave of innovation in the sector. “We also discuss how market participants could position themselves for growth by leveraging their unique strengths and capabilities within the context of a rapidly changing landscape.

For those who act now and act decisively, the rewards are likely to be significant.�

The reported noted that the COVID-19 crisis has revealed some challenges and the awareness that the investment required to foster innovation in order to meet these challenges and realise fintech’s potential in the longer term could be significant, “but positive results could be achieved through collaborative action if all stakeholders in the fintech ecosystem, including government regulators, infrastructure players, private organisations and providers of capital work together, the country can start to unlock the potential of its fintech assets.�

The report stated that the development of the fintech industry has been a bright spot

in the Nigerian economy with the potential to get brighter even with the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. “The sector (fintech) has been gaining momentum, as agile and innovative startups move to take advantage of increased technology penetration and high levels of unmet needs in the traditional banking sector to seize market share. “In the past three years, fintech investments in Nigeria grew by 197 percent, with the majority of investment coming from outside the country,� the report said adding that “fintechs have led with innovation in product development, designing useful, convenient and affordable financial products and services for millions of Nigerians. “In the process, they have created a multiplier effect across the economy, unlocking new business models beyond financial services, fueling the growth of e-commerce, increasing the STEM talent pipeline and moving the needle on progress towards the country’s development goals.�

All States Must Benefit from FG’s Palliatives, Minister Assures James Emejo in Abuja The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Mariam Katagum has assured that more Nigerians would benefit from the federal government palliatives.

This is just as she directed focal persons in all states of the federation to intensify sensitisation efforts for Nigerians to apply for the federal government’s palliative recently unveiled to cushion the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country.

She emphasised that all states need to be equally represented in the scheme.

The minister gave the charge following reports that low

ECONOMY internet connectivity in some states and local governments had limited the ability of individuals to register for the federal government’s Survival Fund, launched to provide palliatives to ameliorate the impact of the pandemic.

Speaking while providing update on the scheme, she also said there had been reports of some attempted cyber-attacks on the application website by fraudsters in recent times.

Katagum, however assured members of the public that, “the application system is secure with multiple levels of encryption and any information loaded on

the official application page is safe from cyber-attacks of any kind.�

She also said that there were feedback that state governments and trade associations are putting in place innovative strategies to deal with the situation.

The federal government had earlier in the month, flagged-off the National MSME Survival Fund and the Guaranteed Off-take Scheme (GOS), both targeted towards assisting Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to overcome the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The interventions which will gulp a total of N75 billion are core part of the N2.3 trillion

Nigeria Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP) is currently being implemented by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to help cushion the impact of the pandemic with a view to boosting the economy by saving existing jobs and creating new job opportunities.

The minister said as at the last count, total successful registrations from the scheme stood at 174,574 with Kano State accounting for 19,895 applications, Kaduna 13,575, Lagos 13,640, Katsina 8,383 and FCT 8,085.

According to her, some unscrupulous individuals had also tried to take undue advantage of the programme to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

CHILimitedhascongratulatedthegovernmentandpeopleofNigeria on the occasion of the country’s 60th Independence anniversary.The company in a statement, commended Nigerians for their resilience, patriotism, industriousness and enterprise over the years despite daunting challenges.

It stated that the country’s Diamond Anniversary aords, “us time to reect on our journey in nationhood and reaďŹƒrm our commitment to promote democratic values, security, and prosperity for our country.â€?

Itnotedthatwiththespiritoftogethernessanddiversity,“ourpatriotic zeal, abundant wealth, rich human capital, purpose-driven innovation, culture of excellence in various endeavours, Nigeria is a nation of potential and greatness.�

CHI Limited has been a partner in the country’s development in the last 40 years of its operations.

It stated that the company has played a major role in the growth of the food and beverage manufacturing sector in Nigeria. “Throughitscommitment,thecompanyhasbeenattheforefrontasa lead campaigner for quality, healthy and nourishing locally produced fruit juices, drinking yoghurt, evaporated milk and snacks brands, whilst driving local economic development and growth.

Commenting on the occasion of Nigeria’s 60th Independence Anniversary, Managing Director of CHI Limited, Mr. Deepanjan Roy, statedthatthenation’sIndependenceAnniversaryoeredNigerians an opportunity to commemorate the sacriďŹ ces that were made to achieve freedom, to strengthen democratic ideals, and to reect on the country’s challenges and opportunities.

Sovereign Trust Insurance to Hold AGM

Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc will hold its 2019 Annual General Meeting(AGM)inLagosonOctober22,2020.Thecompany,however said because of the COVID19 pandemic, most shareholders would participate virtually.

The spokesperson of the company, Segun Bankole, who spoke at the pre-Annual General Meeting media brieďŹ ng said the company performed impressively during the period.

Accordingtohim,thecompany,hasshowngreatresilienceamidstthe various challenges that characterised the operating environment in the year 2019. He said, there was every reason to be appreciative to all the shareholders and customers of the company who had shown level of commitment and patronage to the Company since inception 25 years ago. According to him, this year’s AGM is a remarkable one as the company celebrates her 25th anniversary in the insurance industry in Nigeria. He said amidst challenges in 2019, the company ended the ďŹ nancial year under review with a great sense of optimism that the days ahead will continue to look brighter and better. “In the midst of the avalanche of challenges that characterised the industry within the year under review, Sovereign Trust Insurance in its consistent manner was able to record Gross PremiumWritten of N10.8 billion, representing a three per cent increase over the N10.5 billion recorded in 2018.

Afreximbank Gets New Director

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced the appointment of Mr. Constantin von Moltke as its Director of Syndications and Agency.

Prior to the appointment, Moltke had been serving as the Head of Syndicated Loans at Afreximbank, having joined in 2016.

He has more than 20 years’ experience in structured finance, including over 15 years focused on syndicated lending. Moltke’s experience spans commercial banks and development finance institutions in the loan markets in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. He was the Head of Loan Syndication and CoFinancing in the Private Sector Department for four years at the African Development Bank (AfDB) and prior to his AfDB experience, he was Global Head of the Project and Commodity Finance Loan Syndication team at UniCredit Group from 2002 to 2012. Mr. von Moltke also served as Manager in the European Energy and Utilities project and acquisition finance team at Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein from 1996 to 2001.

“I want to reiterate the strong commitment of the CBN towards supporting measures that would bring the nation from our over dependence on imported goods�

Deputy Governor, CBN

Edward Adamu

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Olabinjo: Economic Diversification Must Be Prioritised Now The Managing Director/Chief Officer, Skystone Capital and Investment Limited, a financial intermediation services firm, Mr. Ola Olabinjo, in this interview speaks on the state of the financial sector, the economy and what should be done to stimulate economic growth. Goddy Egene brings the excerpts: There are apprehensions about the performance of the economy due to Covid-19 pandemic. What is your economic outlook for the year and 2021?

To be fair these apprehensions are not unfounded.

The effects of the decline in crude oil prices occasioned by the disagreement between the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Russia and the unexpected outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic(Covid-19) were, in my opinion, too much for our economy to deal with. So, with disruptions in global supply chain, reduction of our OPEC quota and various lockdown measures adversely affecting businesses and economic activities all over the world, one is not surprised that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects a negative global growth of 4.9 per cent for full year (FY) 2020. In terms of performance of the domestic economy, the economy contracted by -6.10 per cent in second quarter (Q2), 2020 gross domestic product (GDP) on the back of unprecedented restrictions of movements, supply shocks, loss of jobs and reduced income levels which effectively ended a 3-year positive real growth rates recorded since the 2016/17 recession.

I must add that with government’s 2020 budget at 7.0 per cent of GDP at the beginning of the year, we witnessed series of budget revision to align with current realities which puts oil benchmark at $28/bbl from $57/bbl and crude production reducing from 2.18mmbpd to c. 1.50mmbpd as well as a currency devaluation thus leading to a 0.65 per cent decline in projected net 2020 government revenues. I think a key takeaway is that even with these challenges our performance was not as bad as most analysts had posited. For example, if you take a look at the performance of major economies in the world, GDP fell dramatically; the United Kingdom contracted by -20.4 per cent, France by -13.8 per cent, Canada by -12.4 per cent, in the United States, GDP contracted to -9.5 per cent, in Japan, we saw a GDP contraction of -7.8 per cent and neared home in South Africa, GDP fell by -17.1 per cent. In terms of outlook however, I am optimistic that with the raft of fiscal measures put in place by the federal government, various interventions and monetary policy rate adjustments announced by the CBN to activate economic activities, the gradual ease of the lockdown measures and more importantly a better coordination between the fiscal and monetary authorities, Nigerians should begin to see some ramp up in economic activities. Whilst it might be difficult to project into the future, I believe that the worst is behind us and in alignment with global projections, we should begin to come out of the economic doldrums by Q4, 2021.

How do you think the ďŹ nancial sector would fare given the various headwinds and threat of economic recession?

I think without a doubt COVID – 19 affected the financial sector and particularly the fortunes of the banking industry. If you look at the results released, you will notice that the industry has had its own fair share of macro-economic headwinds, which has resulted in declining margins and in some cases write-offs of impaired loans. Following from this, banks that are significantly exposed to the oil and gas, manufacturing, real estate, hospitality, construction, and general commerce sectors will be hard hit as these headwinds pose significant threats to customers’ ability to repay their loans and by extension affecting asset quality. In addition, the devaluation of the currency is expected to bloat industry’s foreign currency loan book, which, again, are mostly from oil and gas, manufacturing, and general commerce customers. With these, I think going into full year 2020, we should see weaken capitalisation ratios on the back of a general increase in the level of delinquent loans. I must, however, commend the CBN for being proactive in approving forbearance and restructuring of credit facilities across the financial services sectors which includes microfinance banks, finance companies and mortgage banks. I believe this was very well thought through, without which, we would have witnessed a major bloodbath in the financial services sector. I think this will further mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the financial services sector whilst the economy is going through a recovery path. In my view, banks that have adopted and invested in technology as we have seen from some of the big banks, will be able to offset losses from

proceeds from such instruments cannot be diverted and that funds will be applied judiciously for purpose sought. So, in essence, investible instruments with above inflation returns that also supports national development plans is critical to mobilising capital from an already bearish investor base.

Olabinjo

traditional income line i.e. fixed income securities with income from e-business and related lines which also brings about a significant reduction in operating expense. So I think in general, I do not expect to see a woeful performance across the sector, the pandemic more than anything, has provided an opportunity for operators to revisit their digital transformation initiatives now more than ever which will bring about a reduction in operating expense profile and enhance their ability to survive in an increasingly digital society.

What do you think can be done by our economic managers to reduce the impact of the covid-19 pandemic and low oil prices on the economy?

Anyone that critically analyses the economy will know that we have reached a time where a permanent solution to the structural issues disallowing our economy from thriving must be discussed. I think it is time that diversification of the economy must be treated as a national priority. Look, the numbers are generally bleak. Unemployment rate climbed to 27.1 per cent, and if you add underemployment, we should be talking in the region of 50 per cent, rural-urban migration is on the increase thus putting pressure on an already weak infrastructure base, households’ incomes are thinning-out in the face of rising inflation. There are about six areas I believe policy makers must concentrate on to create jobs, deepen our export base, promote made in Nigeria products, educate our people, and stimulate local industries. First, we must steer the economy away from traditional foreign exchange sources such as crude oil, Diaspora remittances etc. that we do not have control over and widen our foreign exchange receipt base via institutionalising targeted actions aimed at opening up industries/sectors that have the capacity to generate foreign exchange. Secondly, policy makers must control the narratives and educate the masses on the rationale of all reforms initiatives particularly the ongoing petroleum subsidy and power reforms so that social critics who do not fully understand the essence of these reforms be allowed to use it as a political tool. Government must own the initiatives and communicate with citizens on the importance of these reforms as they strive to re-direct freed-up capital to critical sectors such as education, healthcare as well as infrastructure renewal. I must however commend government for taking these bold steps, though at a difficult time, but certainly a right step in a right direction. Thirdly, we must channel efforts at deepening our tax collection mechanism, our current Tax to GDP ratio of 6.1 per cent is one of the lowest in the world and personally, I think the answer lies in effective collections and not reduction or even an increase. Fourthly, adjustment of the exchange rate to reflect current realities is

equally germane. I reckon it is time we unify extant foreign exchange windows and do away with the current arrangement because I believe this confuses everyone including portfolio investors. Fifthly, I enjoin policymakers to find innovative ways to unlock dead capital, by this, I mean government should embark on the privatisation of own assets, consolidate where possible and invite private sector participation to operate and manage these assets whilst continued efforts must go into instituting an environment that allows for a level playing ground.

Sixthly, so my view is that infrastructure planning must be purposeful, what I am saying in essence is that when we plan for example, a railway project, we must make economic development a critical center piece. Advanced economies no longer develop rail infrastructure projects only for transportation sake, these types of projects must come with the economic advantage of opening new cities, moving agricultural produce and perhaps strategic linkages to our seaports. The newly Federal Government’s inaugurated National Steering Committee that will prepare a new National Development Plan 2021-2025 and Nigeria Agenda 2050 Plan must focus on prioritising strategies to reduce our reliance on a sole commodity for our economic survival, propose initiatives that will unleash an agricultural revolution as well as introduce policies to usher-in much needed private sector investments and solutions to tackle our deep-rooted challenges.

In the midst of these challenges, how can investments be mobilised from individuals and corporates?

The level at which the coronavirus spreads exponentially damaged consumption patterns, purchasing power and services, and even investment decisions among investors. With savings rate at an all-time low, I think we must do all we can to further unlock supply side opportunities. You see, traditionally, focus have always been on the demand-side management, so I think we have reached a time when new investible products with twin objectives of returning real positive returns as well as contribution to the economy must be prioritised. With a plethora of issues requiring private sector investments (locally and international), policy makers need to do more in areas of developing products that will help tackle investment and funding issues related to critical sectors such as housing development, infrastructure, education, healthcare etc. I have no doubt that with the relevant products, and consistent education within the investor base, investment capital can be better harnessed from diverse sources. When you look at the subscription levels of previous Sukuk issued in the country, you will note that it has always been oversubscribed and I think a key reasons for this is that a lot of people know that

Looking at the capital market, for instance, how would you assess the year-to-date performance of the market and what is your projection for the rest of the year?

The uncertainties from COVID-19 will likely remain with us for a foreseeable future. The Nigerian capital markets had no choice but to remain hyper-vigilant and rewrite their business continuity playbooks.

While it was very reassuring to see prompt fiscal and monetary policy responses from our regulators, clarity on how these actions will stabilise and accelerate capital markets to normalcy is still slowly emerging. I think activities in the equities market have generally remained normal due to the low yield environment, inability to foreign portfolio investment (FPI) to outflow capital, amongst few other developments. In the debt capital market, we saw corporates tap the funding during the period in a bid to take advantage of the low interest rate environment, via issuance of commercial papers and bonds to refinance some of their rather expensive debts, so, again there have been activities on that side. I think technology is also playing a significant role in moderating the effect which has largely helped securities exchanges continue with their operations. In terms of outlook, I believe the capital markets will continue to remain a critical ecosystem to tap capital for economic growth. We expect to see further activities on the back of the continued negative real returns on fixed income securities, business combination activities expected to be driven by the insurance industry, attractive valuations as most stocks still trade below intrinsic values.

Companies just released their Q2 results.

Based on the corporate results and the existing economic headwinds, how do you see the outlook for the second half of the year in terms of corporate performance?

Don’t forget that the historic lockdown experienced in first half (H1) 2020 crippled demand and disrupted supply chains. In terms of where we are, and as we begin to implement a full ease of lock down measures and in particular lifting of restrictions on domestic and international flights, one expects galvanization of corporate performances going into FY 2020 as pockets of business activities begin to resume. Again, from a monetary standpoint, what we have seen is a posture to continue to implement economic policies that is broadly expansionary which will, again, hasten recovery, so as a whole, I do not expect businesses and corporate performances to reach pre-covid levels just yet, but I envision improved business performances from badly hit sectors such as aviation, hospitality, education and general commerce etc. So for me, I’ll remain cautiously optimistic for my H2 2020 corporate performance outlook.

The difďŹ cult economic environment, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, has further weakened ďŹ nancial power of investors to invest. What will be your advice to investors at the moment?

My advice to investors is to first and foremost prioritise safety before returns (that is return of capital over return on capital), as we are largely in uncertain and unpredictable times. With negative real returns, I know this is an exceedingly difficult time for passive investors who do not think it’s necessary to put their monies to add economic value to the country.

Without a doubt, I will recommend a total change in investment mindset and encourage investors to take a second look and re-direct their investments to the real sector. Some critical sectors such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food processing etc. which typically posts anywhere between 20 – 40 per cent returns are veritable investment outlets that provides real positive returns that compensates for diminution in previous investments. So, like I have said earlier, investments must be tied to economic value.

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In Defense of BDCs Bureaux De Change operators in the country have continued to support Nigeria’s growth agenda and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s commitment to exchange rate stability, writes Maduabuchi Ubani

C

orruption and illicit ďŹ nancial ows are twin evil that no right-thinking individual, group or organisation should support. The impact of these societal malaise transcends over $30.4 billion lost by African economies and businesses annually.

It has led to poor infrastructure and rise in insecurity.

That explains why the over 5000 Bureaux De Change (BDCs) and their umbrella body, the Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) rejected in totality, a recent article in one of the national newspapers titled: ‘CBN’s Poor Regulation of BDCs Hurting the Economy,’ to label BDCs as economic saboteurs and illicit forex traders.

The fact remains that money laundering and illicit funds transfer are illegal practices that predates the coming of licensed BDCs. These illegal activities are so pervasive and widespread that every segment and all operators in the financial industry is vulnerable to their operations. That is why many prominent financial institutions including global banks, and investment firms have been found culpable in this respect.

ABCON leadership backs the Central Bank of Nigeria’s ongoing investigation of some corporate bodies and individuals.

It also believes that money laundering through the BDCs or any other financial institutions is unacceptable and those found wanting should be punished based on the law.

ABCON believes and has supported the need to tighten and strictly enforce regulations in the foreign exchange market , and taken steps to punish erring members including recommending them to the CBN for sanctions.

Besides, the CBN has been effective in regulating the the BDC sector , hence ABCON and all registered BDCs take exception to The Punch editorial for its outright lies and ignorance of the working of the fincnail system.

ABCON President, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, said: “We also do not agree with the newspaper that the CBN has been “inexcusably weak in enforcing its own rules�, as the regulator has in the past, fined erring BDCs and insole extreme cases, withdrew their operating licenses�.

He said contrary to the editorial, the resumption of dollar sales to BDCs has led to nearly N40 appreciation of the naira in the first week of the exercise, and saved the local currency from continued depreciation.

He said the CBN’s aim of easing pressure on supply and firming up the naira succeeded and will continue to be achieved with improved liquidity in the market. “The N2 margin earned by BDCs from every dollar sold is barely enough to cover their operating costs and keep over 15,000 Nigerians employed by the sector, hence the assertion that BDCs business is one of the lucrative business in the country is wrong,� he stated.

Gwadabe also said that the newspaper’s call for a moratorium on licensing new BDCs was unacceptable as any new operator that meets the requirement for registration should be given the opportunity to operate.

The ABCON boss said BDCs operate only within the allowable scope of transactions ie PTA, BTA, School fees, medicals, among others adding that BDCs all over the world are important retail sector of the foreign exchange market. “The BDCs in Nigeria have over the years remained the most portent tool of exchange rate stability management of the CBN whenever the local currency suffers as seen in 2006, 2009, 2016 and 2020. The BDCs are not illegal operators but licensed with CAC and CBN and pay levies and taxes to the government. “The over 5000 BDCs have created huge employment opportunities and remained a big threat to over one million unlicensed operators whose activities are usually misconstrued to represent the licensed players,� he said.

Understanding BDC Operations In a statement, ABCON Executive Council, said it considered the editorial which alleged weak regulation of the BDC sector, linking BDCs money laundering activities and illicit funds transfer; and condemned dollar sales to BDCs by the CBN as unfair, very biased.

It described the editorial as a product of ignorance

Gwadabe

of the role and contributions of the BDCs sector, as well as the various measures put in place by the Central Bank of Nigeria and ABCON to ensure strict regulation of the sector as well as compliance with all regulatory requirements especially anti-money laundering measures.

The editorial, it added failed to distinguish between licensed BDCs and illegal currency hawkers or money changers, as a licensed BDC is registered as a corporate body with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and is licensed by the CBN to provide retail forex services across the counter. “The BDC sector is regulated by the CBN via its various enabling laws which applies to all financial institutions. This include the CBN Act, BOFIA, Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing Terrorism guidelines, Know Your Customer (KYC) Requirements. “In addition to these is the CBN Guidelines on the Operations of BDCs, which is specific to the scope and operations of the BDCs. To ensure compliance, the CBN requires that each licensed BDC render returns on periodic basis (Daily, Weekly, Monthly and annually). Furthermore, BDCs are also required to render returns to the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), which plays a major role in the country’s Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorist Financing and Counter-Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/ CPF) efforts,� it said.

Furthermore, ABCON created an online platform for real time rendition of returns. The platform is presently used by over 4000 licensed BDCs to

Historical gains by the naira due to the CBN’s funding of the BDCs showed that at the peak of exchange rate volatility in 2009 the naira was exchanging at N148.9 to dollar at the ofďŹ cial market. The parallel market rate stood at N192 to dollar at the parallel market until the CBN resumed weekly dollar sales to BDCs which forced the rates down to N151 to dollar, achieving N41 gain.

EmeďŹ ele.

render returns to the CBN and NFIU. Also, to ensure compliance with the Know-Your Customer (KYC) requirement, a critical element of the anti-money laundering guidelines, ABCON partnered with the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), to onboard BDCs on the NIBSS platform for verification of customer information.

In addition to the above, and also to ensure transparency, ABCON created naijabdcs.com, an online live exchange rate platform, which also contains the addresses and contacts of all licensed BDCs. The platform publishes the ruling exchange rate in the retail foreign exchange segment, so as to ensure, forex end have reliable information to guide them in their transactions with BDC operators.

Also speaking, former Executive Director at Keystone Bank, Richard Obire, said servicing the retail foreign exchange market through the BDCs is helping to stabilise the exchange rates. “Generally, the supply and demand situation of forex shows that the forex rate set by the CBN doesn’t quite reflect demand and supply dynamics.

Many who need forex can’t get it at the set rate and so are willing to get it elsewhere ( possibly through BDCs) at higher rates,� he said.

ABCON’s Role in BDCs Compliance Gwadabe said ABCON is playing stronger role in the BDC industry by embracing effective selfregulation and ensuring compliance with extant Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) laws and regulations to mitigate the risks and vulnerabilities in the sub-sector.

He said that ABCON has also developed and implanting Code of Conduct for members to promote ethical practices and transparency in while also continually advising the apex bank on market intelligence on key industry issues.

He said ABCON had consistently advised BDCs to put in place and implement, a system of internal policies, procedures and controls including Know Your Customer, Customer Due Diligence and reporting of all suspicious transactions to regulators.

According to Gwadabe, ABCON is also training BDCs on regular basis on the need to keep transaction records, and get a designated compliance officer that has day-to-day oversight over AML/ CFT programme. He said the Compliance Officers have been taught the rules in preparing Suspicious

Transaction Reports (STRs), and rendering STRs’ returns to the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

He said BDCs have met and will continue to meet a number of compliance requirements specified by Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and local regulators.

The ABCON boss said the collation and reporting of foreign currency transactions and suspicious transactions by BDCs are now fully automated.

ABCON had in 2019, launched its Live Run Automation Portal in Lagos.

The technology automates all BDC Operations with those of Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), NFIU and the CBN to improve the level of compliance of the BDCs with set regulations.

ABCON, severally, organised trainings for its members, and at other times, partnered NFIU and the EFCC to build capacity for operators.

Report Filling by BDCs ABCON has continued to ensure that BDCs file their reports as and at when due. The BDCs also do customers Know Your Customer (KYC) and due diligence reports.

Contrary to believe that BDCs are not well regulated, , Gwadabe said there are increasing difficulties arising from over regulation and complex documentation requirements that licensed BDC operators are facing in carrying out their daily legitimate operation remain worrisome.

For instance, six units within the CBN are involved with BDC regulations, supervision, licensing, monitoring, saying this constitutes multiple regulation of a unit of the financial sub-sector that is only involved as a small market player�.

He said a BDC operator render daily, monthly, quarterly, half yearly and annual returns to these various departments of the same corporate body, which could be very cumbersome, repetitive and time consuming for both the operator and the regulator.

BDCs’ Contributions to Economic Development ABCON Executive Council, said that while BDCs are licensed to offer retail, across the counter, foreign exchange transactions, they however play critical roles in the economy and have contributed to the economic development of the country like ensuring order and confidence in the forex market, providing data for monetary policy, channels for CBN Intervention in Retail forex market and creation of over 15,000 jobs among others.

ABCON has assured the public of its commitment to orderly conduct of retail forex transactions as defined and regulated by the CBN for licensed BDCs. Members of the public are strongly advised to always patronize license BDCs and for this purpose they should visit www.abconng.com and naijabdcs.com for the list and contact of licensed BDCs,� it said.

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Oni: Nigeria Requires Investment-friendly Policies to Boost Growth The Regional Head of Equity Research, West Africa at Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Muyiwa Oni, in this interview speaks on the impact of the pandemic on the Nigerian economy and businesses. Dike Onwuamaeze provides the excerpts: We have witnessed an unusual disruption as presented by COVID-19. What are the signiďŹ cant challenges posed by the pandemic on the Nigerian economy?

The impact of the pandemic on the Nigerian economy has been negative with the economy declining by 6.1 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2020, as lockdown measures taken to stem the spread depressed economic activity across the country. To provide some context, the oil sector contracted by 6.6 per cent year-on-year and 10.1 per cent quarter-on-quarter, which is the largest contraction since the attack on the country’s Trans-forcados pipeline in 2016. With the exception of agriculture, other key non-oil sectors slumped into near record contractions during the second quarter, as the Covid-19 containment measures significantly disrupted economic activity. The manufacturing, trade and construction sectors contracted by 8.8 per cent year-on-year, 16.6 per cent year-on-year and 31.8 per cent year-on-year respectively, driven by supply chain disruption, and collapse in purchasing power due to job losses and pay cuts. Nevertheless, the agriculture sector (1.6% year on year), the ICT sector (15.1% year on year) and the financial services and insurance sector (18.5% year on year) recorded positive growth during the second quarter of 2020. Foreign exchange (FX) liquidity challenges have persisted since the second quarter, posing further challenges to the expected recovery in economic growth.

As a country, what are the threats to the chances of investments in 2020?

Beyond the economic dampening impact of Covid-19, economic growth has been weaker in Nigeria post the 2016 recession. We have also seen a steady decline in net FDI and in recent times, a significant decrease in FPI inflows as a result of FX liquidity challenges. A prolonged situation of FX liquidity challenges is likely to keep FPI flows out and also dampened net FDIs considerably. Net FDI inflows have declined to below $1 billion in 2019 versus a 10-year average of $4.6 billion and $2 billion in 2018. In recent times, the indistinct fiscal and monetary policy direction have restricted investments, and this makes planning for capital projects more challenging. An accelerated pace of execution of investment friendly regulations amid

hopefully spur growth.

Oni fiscal and structural reforms should reverse this trend.

A number of sectors have thrived despite the pandemic and resulting economic lockdown; while some others, not so much. Among the thriving sectors are banks and telecoms companies. Can you highlight steps to be taken by the hugely affected sectors to enable them bounce back?

A steady reopening of the Nigerian and global economy should improve some of the contraction we saw in Q2 2020. So, as supply chain networks improve with the reopening of borders and further ease of lockdown within and outside the country, we should see steady improvements. The major part of the services sector and their value chains could still take some time to recover as social distancing protocols are still required. Ultimately, full recovery only seems sure after a global vaccine is found to eradicate the virus. However, beyond the challenges from the lockdown, purchasing power of Nigerians continue to decline which is a challenge for manufacturing companies as they are unable to increase price prices despite levating imput costs. Further investments in infrastructure and conducive regulatory environment should improve the operating environment in these sectors and

There has been a signiďŹ cant rise in the number of infected persons and the expected time for the development of an appropriate vaccine is uncertain. What does this mean to businesses, especially SMEs? Are there steps the Nigerian Government should be taking to hasten economic recovery?

The timing of global availability of an effective vaccine can be as far out as 18 months, hence it is clear that we will have to live with covid-19 for a while. Hence it is understandable to see governments around the world continue to set up measures by which sectors and business can operate in a safe and healthy manner that limits the escalation of infections. We have seen the same situation in Nigeria whereby government has phased the opening of sectors to give time to prepare for safe reopening. From phased opening of land boarders and airports to hotels, bars and restaurants. The government launched a N2.3 trillion economic sustainability plan in June, in a bid to provide some stimulus and limit the economic damage of the pandemic. Furthermore, this accounts for 1.5 per cent of GDP versus 40 per cent for developed countries such as Japan and the US. Even though monetary policy stimulus should provide ample liquidity and keep interest rates low so there will be excess money in circulation to allow broad-based economic growth, we believe the pace of execution is still being hampered by the lack of fiscal space and the inability to enact a few fiscal and structural reforms.

A recap of Stanbic IBTC’s August 2020 private sector Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) recorded growth for the second successive month, to 54.6 from 50.4 in July and 46.4 in June. What does this mean to the man on the street?

So, from a top down standpoint, it implies that the Nigerian economy returned to expansionary territory in July versus the June reading. However when we consider the current lockdown measures in the country, one can argue that beyond the telecoms sector, the services sector in general is still in contraction mode and is likely to remain in contraction territory till the end of the year in the

absence of a vaccine, as social distancing measures dampens economic activity in the sector. A big positive from the PMI reading was stability in employment, although excess capacity remained as a result of the severe declines in new business during the second quarter. This is positive, showing stability from four successive month on month decline in employment as at the July PMI reading. Hence the job market remains soft, implying difficulty for the man on the street despite improving output.

What’s your assessment of the informal sector and how can it navigate these challenging and uncertain times?

The Nigerian economy is at least 65 per cent informal and that basically speaks to the man on the street. In truth, these times will be tough for the informal sector but can also present an opportunity to learn/re-learn new skills to be able to take advantages of opportunities across different sectors as the economy opens up more.

There has been a rise in the rate of unemployment as a result of the contraction in economic activities.

What can be done to turn this around?

As economic activity improves, we should see an improvement in employment rate. Beyond the current macro-weakness, unemployment levels have remained elevated, reflecting the effect of low economic growth over the past five years.

Implementation of measures highlighted in previous points should improve the investments outlook of Nigeria and increase employment opportunities and investments growth.

Now that we are in this position, how soon can we expect a comeback?

This depends on what “comeback� refers to.

If comeback means a return to positive growth, it is likely that happens in 2021 but we still don’t think the economy will grow by more than one per cent next year. The current FX illiquidity challenges being faced by corporates will continue to dampen the level of recovery expected. The overwhelming concern remains the fact that even before the pandemic, economic growth in Nigeria was very low and even below average population growth rate. That is not sustainable and some of the measures already highlighted above could help correct that imbalance.

As Insurance Sector Struggle to Gain Patronage Ebere Nwoji writes on the negative impact of the non-payment of claims by insurance firms

R

ecent visit by the umbrella body of insurance underwriters, the Nigeria Insurers Association(NIA) to the Speaker , House of Representative, Hon.Femi Gbajamila seeking for legislation that will enable the sector overcome its present challenge explains the desire of operators to see the sector blossom.

The sector, has continued to occupy the low position of poor cousin of bank and by extension, poor parent of the pension sector.

Whereas in its 16 years of existence, pension assets has hit the N11 trillion mark, whereas in its over 100 years of existence, insurance annual premium is still below N500 billion.

Against this backdrop, insurance operators, the National Insurance Commission and even the brokers are eager to see the growth of the sector.

They have resolved that the much desired growth can only come when the industry gains recognition of both the masses and the government.

To win this recognition, the industry leaders have for years been making efforts through interface with various agencies of government to establish and register the image of the industry and its services to the mind of the people.

Unfortunately, in the mist of these efforts, the insurers themselves scuttle their chances of success through their protracted poor attitude to both claims and dividend payments.

For instance, the NIA, during the visit, specifically sought for improved engagements between the sector operators and the lawmakers.

The association, noted that the industry, needs a number of legislative interventions to improve and create opportunities for insurance growth.

The insurers’ visit to the lower house for the above purpose was one out of several similar

Thomas visits in recent times just for the same purpose.

A quick recall of such visits brings to remembrance that in January 2018, during the tenure of Mrs. Funmilayo Babington-Ashaye as the CIIN President, she also made similar efforts amongst which included a meeting with the then Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Ekanem-Ita-Oyo .

During the meeting, one of the issues that topped agenda of the meeting was better recognition of insurance industry and its professionals in the civil service of the federation.

Babington-Ashaye, had also warned that one of the reasons the insurers were not taken serious was because of unprofessional and unethical activities of some professionals who often refuse to play by the rules.

Just few months back, the Nigerian Council of

Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) said it will take insurance awareness to the office of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Executive Secretary of the Council, Mr. Fatai Adegbenro, said the proposed visit to the president was part of the Council’s sensitisation programme to deepen insurance penetration in the country and seek for recognition of the industry.

He also said the planned visit to the Presidency was aimed at sensitising the government on the need to engage the services of the registered insurance brokers, to protect the assets and liabilities of the government. “We are engaging the people to embrace the benefits of insurance. Insurance is key. In other climes, nobody waits for the government. It’s very easy because people rely on ignorance to say government has not done this or that. Government cannot do everything even in the United States of America (USA). “If they suffer loss, they don’t go to government, the people call on their insurance companies for compensation. We are doing everything to ensure we minimise reliances on government here,� he said.

As earlier stated the insurers have been making these efforts to gain both government and public recognition. But the result has not been as fruitful as desired. The climax of their effort to win government recognition was their benevolent donation to government for fight against corona virus during the COVID-19 lockdown.

The industry, during the fight against COVID-19 supported the fight by offering free life insurance cover for frontline health workers and donated some health equipment.

The industry operators paid N11billion for the life insurance cover for 5000 health workers

. Perhaps, this gesture by the insurers, explains why government recently paid fully the group life insurance premium for its workers.

Findings on why both public and government recognition of the industry remains low shows that poor attitude of operators towards claims payment and dividend payment is major factor.

Indeed, in spite of all their efforts to create awareness and boost patronage, both government and the people still do not take insurers serious let alone patronise their products because they are not sure that after paying premium, their claims will be paid when it comes. Indeed, in most cases, they don’t see insurers as genuine and serious minded people due to attitude of majority of them towards claims payment.

This poor attitude towards claims and dividend payment cuts across all classes of insurance firms as even the market leaders are number one culprit.

The insurers these days play out their poor attitude towards claims payment in such a way that whereas it is obvious that they are in business to pay claims, they appear to be keen to see that in their annual reports, figures on claims’ payment lowers every year than reduction in their management expenses.

Irked by the insurers’ growing non claims and dividend payment attitude, the former commissioner for insurance, Alhaji Mohammed Kari, had noted that it was fast eroding the interest of investors and the insuring public towards the sector. Kari, had also said non -payment of dividend by insurance firms was a disincentive to investors in insurance sector.

He had noted that only about six out of 27 publicly quoted insurance companies paid dividends in the last three years.

The Executive Director, Leadway Assurance Limited, Adetola Adegbayi, in her submission on

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BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

NNPC’s Creativity, Transparency in Project Conception, Delivery Adams Aliyu There is a sense in which the current management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is unlike previous ones. Since taking over the affairs of the corporation last year, Mallam Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director and his team have exhibited neither the lethargy nor ineptitude common with public officials. The Kyari team has demonstrated a fertile inventiveness that has repositioned the NNPC as the leader in the oil and gas industry.

The Corporation opened yet another chapter of creative solutions to the challenges of product distribution on Friday 18th September, when it undertook a public bid opening for the rehabilitation of its pipelines, depots and/or terminal infrastructures.

These include nine pipeline network systems with a total of about 5,120kilometres of pipelines and 23 products depots nationwide.

Some of these infrastructures had been yearning for rehabilitation for long, having been constructed more than 40 years ago and suffered massive pipelines vandalism and tampering at several points. Successive governments and past managements of the NNPC had dragged on despite the obvious problems, and only finding adhoc solutions when under public pressure probably because of the huge resources required to fix the problem.

That is why the step being taken to rehabilitate these infrastructures at a time of great financial difficulty for the nation is highly commendable.

The ravaging COVID-19 pandemic is not helpful either, further constraining government’s revenue substantially. This is the more reason why taking on such a project at this time is intriguing for its audacity and ingenuity.

So, how would the NNPC finance such a project?

Where would it raise the huge funds needed to deliver the project without squeezing the industry and further depleting national revenue? This is why it is remarkable that despite the lull in the global economy, the Mele Kyarii led Management

Mele Kyari

has found a way to work around financing the infrastructural revamp.

The project, as revealed by the GMD, would be executed through private partnership financing.

Private companies would construct, operate and ultimately hand over the facilities to government after a recoup of their investment from tariff earned during the period that they run the facilities. It is a form of infrastructure concessioning which enables quicker upgrade of the facility, assures of their integrity and boost their efficiency.

Seventy-eight companies took part in the opening bid, which in itself is an indication of confidence in the viability of the project and the integrity of the process. There is a remarkable feeling in the industry that the NNPC would ensure a level playing ground for all bidders so that only the best would win the offer. That is a positive development for the industry and for Nigeria.

This would certainly bolster investor-confidence to raise finance for other projects of national importance of this nature without jeopardizing the liquidity of government. The process also highlights the

corporation’s commitment to the Accountability, Transparency and Performance Excellence (TAPE) principle which has remained the mantra of NNPC since July 8, 2019 when Mallam Kyari assumed office as the 19th GMD. Mallam Kyari himself admitted this much when he declared that the bid offer was conducted in fulfillment of NNPC’s commitment to transparency and accountability as an Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) partner company, adding that the corporation was only taking a cue from President Muhammadu Buhari’s “directive that all NNPC’s operations must be guided by integrity.�

The Director General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), one of the agencies represented at the occasion, Engr.

Chidi Izuwah, could not hide his admiration for the transparency of the process. He was quoted as saying that the administration of the public bid was not only in line with the ICRC infrastructure drive, it equally demonstrated that things could be done rightly in this part of the world to enable value-addition for Nigerians.

There were other external observers who witnessed the exercise, and they include: the Bureau of Public Procurement, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Civil Liberty Organization and the Centre for Transparency Watch. Representatives of these organizations all were quoted as commending the process and recommending similar “model of transparency� to other government agencies.

Holding a public bid during a pandemic is a challenge that many government agencies could use to manipulate the process, and it is significant that the NNPC has ensured due process by holding a virtual bid. It did not use the covid-19 pandemic as excuse to undermine the process in favour of undeserving companies. This further underlines and reinforces its commitment to transparency.

It is a dedication to transparency that had seen the NNPC fully deployed Artificial Intelligence

(AI) to boost its processes across board, while also opening its books to the public for scrutiny. For the first time in the history of any government agency in Nigeria, the NNPC published the 2018 Audited Financial Statement (AFS) of 19 of its subsidiary companies nationwide on 11th June, 2020.

There is, undoubtedly, an ongoing process to institutionalize transparency and accountability in the management of the corporation. It is a momentum which the management of the corporation must sustain if it hopes to see through its reform agenda.

The sweeping reforms going on at the nation’s apex Oil Corporation has not gone unnoticed. On 18 August, 2020, the Extractive Industries Transparency International (EITI) made the NNPC one of its Partner companies. By that recognition, the NNPC joined a group of 65 other extractives companies, state-owned enterprises, commodity traders, financial institutions and Industry partners committed to observing the EITI’s support company expectations that include full disclosures of operational processes.

The change of attitude at NNPC is unsurprising.

Kyari’s appointment in June last year had been applauded as a step in the right direction. Many of the stakeholders in the industry, including NEITI, had hailed him as a transparency champion and urged him to initiate reforms to reposition the corporation and the oil and gas sector.

Less than two years into his tenure, his footprints have become noticeable in the industry while his synergy with the Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva has brought more stability to the sector.

NNPC under Kyari had undertaken a handful of important and critical projects in recent times. But the rehabilitation of its pipelines, depots and/or terminal infrastructures would be a legacy when and if accomplished. In view of Kyari’s aggressive, go-getter drive, not a few stakeholders would be willing to bet that it is not a matter of if, but when the project would be delivered. t"MJZV XSPUF GSPN 'FEFSBM )PVTJOH &TUBUF ,VCXB "CVKB

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IMAGES

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Photo Editor ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ ÔËÖË Email Ă‹ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜Ë›Ă‹Ă”Ă‹Ă–Ă‹ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ù×

R-L: Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN; and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki during a courtesy visit by Obaseki to the State House Abuja...recently

R-L: Special Assistant to the Speaker, House of Representatives on ICT Salami Mohammed; Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Services, Wole Raji and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media and Publicity, Benjamin Kalu during the Inspection of the installation of e-parliament by the speaker at the Green Chamber, National Assembly, Abuja...recently

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R-L: Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila; President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba and President, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Quadri Olaleye during an intervention meeting convened by the Speaker with the leadership of organised labour unions in a bid to avert the proposed nationwide strike over the hike in fuel price and electricity tari by the government at the National Assembly, Abuja...recently

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr.Ifeanyi Okowa (right), presenting a card to the newly married couple, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Nani, during a reception in their honour in Sapele..recently

L-R: Director; Royal Exchange Plc, Rufai Mohammed, Company secretary, Sheila Ezeuko; Director, Hewett Benson; and, Group Managing Director, Olawale Bonmore during the company’s 51st annual general meeting held in Lagos...recently PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Otunba Jide Oshinubi; celebrant’s wife, Taiwo and her husband, former Nigeria Airways Pilot, Oluremi Soneye and Alhaji Adeyemi Kamol, during the 70th birthday celebration of Soneye at Celestial Church of Christ Covenant Cathedral, Amuwo OdoďŹ n... recently

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L-R: Non Executive Director, eTranzact International Plc, Mr Jude David Mbamalu; MD/CEO, eTranzact International Plc, Mr. Niyi Toluwalope; Chairman Board of Directors, eTranzact International Plc, Mr. Wole Abegunde; Company Secretary, Ayobami Odulana and Deputy Managing Director, eTranzact International Plc, Hakeem Adeniji-Adele, during the 16th Annual General Meeting of eTranzact International Plc held in Lagos... recently

L-R: INEC National Commissioners, Mrs Amina Bala Zakari and retired AVM Ahmed Mua’zu, during the demonstration of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at the INEC headquarters by vendors in Abuja...recently

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Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Kaduna State Chapter, Comrade Ayuba Sulaiman (middle), addressing newsmen on the suspension of the planned strike, in Kaduna...recently

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EDUCATION Nigeria@60: Achieving Developmental Goals, Agenda to Solve Educational Challenges As Nigeria marks its 60th independence anniversary tomorrow, stakeholders in the education sector explained to Funmi Ogundare why government must follow through its developmental goals and agenda aimed at solving social problems and economic development through educational partnerships and collaborative investments. They added that the issue of funding should be re-addressed through empowerment of teachers, education providers and students to achieve educational goals

Buhari

T

omorrow, October 1, Nigeria will mark its diamond anniversary with the theme ‘Together Shall We Be’.

However, the anniversary celebration would be held low-key this year, due to the scourge of the coronavirus pandemic.

During a brief ceremony last week at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to unveil this year’s logo and theme for the celebration, President Muhammadu Buhari said celebrating 60 years of independence really calls for pomp and pageantry, but the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced all nations to think and act differently, has also forced on the country the imperative of a low-keyed celebration. “Operating within the limitations placed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we created an internet challenge for Nigerians to make a choice from a set of four pre-selected logos that will appropriately define the themes,� he said, adding that the theme we’re chosen to forge a more united and cohesive Nigeria.

Considering the theme chosen for the independence annivesary, experts in the education sector said a lot more needs to be done from the perspective of emerging economies and for a nation struggling to tackle its developmental needs, including education.

The President, Universal Learn Direct Academia (ULDA), Chief Olawumi Gasper believes that the country has failed to catch the education fever, with a dismal obsession for the development of education.

He expressed concern that Nigeria, a resource rich nation, is ranked among the lowest in global education, with a poor performance in reading literacy, mathematics and science, adding that 10.5 million of the country’s children aged five to 14 years are not in school, despite the fact that primary education is officially free and compulsory. “One of the fundamental and overarching issues in the development of any nation is its success in education as it is a catalyst for improving an individual’s socio-economic position in the society and a gateway to the middle class. Unfortunately, the education sector in Nigeria has undergone series of turns, as the quality of education now cannot be compared with what we had in the 60s, 70s up to mid-80s. The puzzle to most Nigerians is what actually changed and how did we lose the days of glory?�

Adamu He described the issue of public schools in the country in the past 60 years as a mixed grill, which withessed a lot of good in the 60s, 70s and mid-80s, but thereafter up to this period, has witnessed a decline. “Unfortunately, some of the public schools are still witnessing declining standards and very poor performances in national examinations. It is no arguing that the public schools provide the only window for the large number of the poor and vulnerable Nigerians to educate their wards. Here lies a dichotomised and dangerous divide in a highly pluralistic and divisive society having multiple ethnic and religious groups, with a section in the country already educationally disadvantaged and housing more out-of-school children. “Our population no doubt is growing exponentially, subtly growing and harbouring an army of agitated, misdirected and angry children and young men unable to access education and unskilled, easily motivated to engage in terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities,� Gasper, a former Rector of Lagos State Polytechnic stressed.

Despite all the glaring contributions of technical and vocational education to industrial development, innovations, youth unemployment, self reliance, entrepreneurial development and economic growth of the country, he said Nigeria in the past 60 years, is yet to accord TVE the full attention it deserves.

This he said is one of the major reasons for the rising unemployment, poverty and unabated crimes in the society today. “Investment in TVET and youth skills training must be accorded priority attention since no country can favourably compete in the emerging global market place with non-competitive and poorly skilled workforce. “The president said the latter part of the past 60 years has witnessed an improved investment in the higher education sector through intervention agencies like TETfund. “Stakeholders in the sector have applauded the efforts of the TETFund in not only infrastructure development and capacity building of the teaching faculty, but also stimulating research and development, especially local contents development through recent support to research,� he said, while expressing hope that the efforts will be the cornerstone to innovations and product development and the opportunity to reposition Nigeria as an

industrial country with less dependence on importation. “The recent mobilisation of the researches from the universities, research institutes and the private initiatives with the support of TETFund is applauded.�

In his submission, the Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LSUBEB), Wahab Alawiye-King said educational development in Nigeria has had a chequered history from poor educational system to increamental development and transformation, and commended some of the optimal investments in the sector in the last half century. “The investment in technology and digitalisation by some states are well acknowledged and commendable. For instance, digital learning and online classes are gradually taking centre stage and have completely transformed the interaction of stakeholders even despite the pandemic. “Similarly, we must commend the realisation of the right to universal basic education up to basic 9, remains a landmark achievement and efforts by the government to improve facilities and provisions are worthy also of commendation.�

He regretted the myriads of problems such as poor funding leading to poor educational infrastructures, inadequate classrooms, teaching aids (projectors, computers, laboratories and libraries), paucity of quality teachers and poor/polluted learning environment, being faced by the sector.

For meaningful development to take place in the education sector, Alawiye-King stressed the need for government to re-address the issue of funding, adding that private investors, teachers, parents/guidance and students need reorientation towards achieving the goals of education. “Education must be made affordable for all and sundry. The current monolistic approach to knowledge acquisition must be changed. Technical education and innovation/ adaptation centres must be encouraged and well funded if this nation must move out of this present technological and scientific dependence. Government and the organised private sector must as well fund research programmes, inventions and mass production of invented products.�

The chairman also stressed the need for a

system of support that enables healthy development, respond to student needs, which include a multi-tiered system of academic, health and social supports that provide personalised resources within and beyond the classroom to address and prevent developmental detours, including conditions of special needs and personal financial circumstances. “There is also the need for the government to have a developmental goal and agenda aimed at solving social problems and economic development through educational partnerships and collaborative investments in educational institutions.�

The Anambra State Commisioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Don Adinuba highlighted some of the state’s achievements in the area of education, which include winning the prize for the best teacher of the year during the 2019 World Teachers’ Day, recording the highest rate of success in NECO and SSCE, among others, while advising other states to learn from it.

He expressed concern that higher education in the country seems to be in a deep mess and not competitive at all, saying that there is need for the establishment of dual degree programmes, a standard practice in Europe and Asia when a faculty of a university in Nigeria will partner another university in Europe to run a joint curriculum in a particular field. “Africa needs it more than any other region in the world. It is an effective way of getting first class education. For instance, a university in Nigeria could reach an agreement to run a joint curriculum with Cambridge University or University College, London in fields such as Engineering, Music or Literature. It means the curriculum of the Nigerian university must be overhauled to meet a high standard and at the end, they award a degree jointly. Our curriculum must be up to date,� he stressed.

The commisioner argued that university curriculum being developed with the National Universities Commission (NUC) is a sham, adding that with the dual degree, one could have two different degrees from two different universities, despite attending only one institution.

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

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EDUCATION

UBA, Consolidating on Education amid Pandemic Amid the Coronavirus pandemic, the UBA Foundation has announced increased prize money for the 2020 edition of the National Essay Competition, writes Charles Ajunwa

W

hen the C o r o navirus pandemic started in China, not everyone took it seriously. As the virus spread, even governments took varying positions. For example, while countries like Singapore and Taiwan took swift steps to implement lockdowns, social distancing rules and tracing methodology, others such as the United States and Britain delayed. In the end, most economies went on some form of lockdown or the other, although the measure hasn’t been successful everywhere as in say, China, which has managed to stop the virus’ spread with what has been described in some quarters as draconian rules.

In Nigeria, a lockdown came into full force in April, effectively shutting down offices, schools, religious centres and virtually all forms of public activities.

Since then, the country has reported negative economic growth in the first quarter and is set to report a successive negative growth, which will condemn it into a recession.

The question on the lips of many has been, was it - the lockdown - worth it?

Did it save lives or could it have been done away with?

This September, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Foundation called for entries into its annual National Essay Competition for senior secondary school students and the topic borders on whether the pandemic lockdown was an essential measure, in spite of the hardship it has brought economically.

What could you have done differently and why?�

Historically, the UBA Foundation essay competition, now in its 10th edition, has been a hotbed of sparkling ideas from precocious, blossoming minds.

The competition is part of UBA Foundation’s education initiative which is aimed at promoting the reading culture and encouraging healthy and intellectual competition amongst secondary school students in Nigeria and across Africa.

This year ’s edition has been modified to ensure ease of access and increased participation of senior secondary school students from the comfort of their homes through the introduction of a digital submission portal.

Taking into consideration the effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on lives and incomes across the board, the UBA Foundation has also increased the prize money for 2020 edition of the competition by 33 per cent as the first prize winner will get an educational grant of N2.5

million, up from N2 million in 2019. The second and third prize winners will now receive N2 million and N1.5 million educational grants respectively, from N1.5 million and N1 million which were awarded in the previous year’s competition.

The Chief Executive Officer, UBA Foundation, Mrs. Bola Atta stated that with the newly introduced digital submission portal, more students in secondary schools across the country will have the opportunity to scan and send in their entries and compete to win educational grants for study at any university of their choice on the African continent.

She said: “As a foundation, which is the CSR arm of the United Bank for Africa - a fully digitalised bank - we are driven by the mantra to always innovate and adapt to our constantly changing environment.

This year, we thought hard about how to ease the pains that everyone is feeling. Students have not been able to go to school and there has been a lot of anxiety in families trying to ensure that educational gaps do not emerge. It is imperative for us at the UBA Foundation that our impact programmes do not wane. We also need to design them to be as inclusive as possible so that those students who don’t have easy access to computers can still participate in the competition with a chance to win grants towards their tertiary education.�

Atta explained that the choice of topic for this year ’s edition is one that helps promote creative and analytical thinking in students, whilst helping them become problem solvers.

All entrants are to handwrite their essays and upload scanned copies of their handwritten entries as well as ID on the digital portal at www. ubagroup.com/nationalessay-competition before October 2, 2020. They may also drop off the handwritten essays at their nearest UBA business office for onward submission to the UBA Foundation.

The judges, who are made up of esteemed professors from reputable Nigerian universities will receive all the essays on a digital drive, evaluate them and select the top 12 finalists all of who will take home consolation prizes including personal computers.

The finale of the competition this year will be conducted virtually as the initiative rolls out across 19 more countries in Africa.

UBA Foundation embodies the UBA Group’s CSR objectives and seeks to impact positively on societies through several laudable projects and initiatives. The foundation has donated hundreds of thousands of

Chairman, UBA Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu books to students across Africa under the ‘Read Africa’ initiative, aimed at encouraging and promoting the reading culture among African youths.

Students can apply for the National Essay Competition 2020 at: www.ubagroup. com/national-essay-competition. The UBA places a high premium on the National Essay Competition.

The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, in his

congratulatory message to the winners in one of the past editions, said “We are encouraged by the impact this initiative has had and as such we are extending it to other parts of Africa.

Already we have replicated this in Ghana and Senegal with many more to come,�

Uzoka noted. “UBA as a bank is happy that it is touching lives and making solid impacts through this competition and the grant it gives out to those who emerge winners.

GMD, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka “Seeing past winners tell their stories about the impacts the grants have made on their education and particularly how the financial burden was lifted off their parents, give us joy, that our foundation is unique and stands out from others in touching lives. “The essay competition has produced 96 winners since its inception in 2011 in Nigeria, with winners studying varied courses in universities in Nigeria and African continent. I must

also state here that we want to make sure that the grants are given to those who really need them. That is why we restrict the support to schools within Africa alone.

If by chance the parents of any winner sends his or her ward to an elite school outside Africa, we would not go ahead with that support, because what we are really after are those who really need the grants and contribute to the development of the African continent,� he added.

Experts Seek Ways to Modernise Agric Engineering for Africa’s Agenda Funmi Ogundare Members of the academia drawn from various institutions across Africa, recently converged virtually for the Pan African Society for Agricultural Engineering (PASAE) special workshop themed ‘Modernising Agricultural Engineering Programmes to meet Africa’s Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want’.

The workshop was aimed at providing an overview of Agricultural Engineering curricular offered at various institutions to learn from best practices, assessing and understanding the impact of Agricultural Engineering programmes on sustainable food production in response to regional needs, promoting Agricultural Engineering curriculum transformation to support engineering and the use of modern technology in the transformation and industrialisation of agriculture in Africa towards agenda 2023 and beyond, among others.

With support from the Royal Academy of Engineering, Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), Harper

Adams University, among other institutions, experts at the workshop emphasised on the implementation of Agricultural Engineering curriculum in their respective institutions, which has led to the realisation on the need for a more broad-based graduates that would be equipped with modern skills and competence.

In his remarks, a Professor of Agricultural Engineering and Director, Centre for Water Resources Research, University of Kwazu-Natal, South Africa, Jeff Smithers said more engineers are required for productive, sustainable food production and processing system, adding that students should be well equipped with the needed skills that would broaden their knowledge.

Professor Kehinde Taiwo of the Department of Food Science and Technology, OAU, Ife spoke on how Outcome Based Education (OBE) can help to improve quality so that students can be globally competitive.

According to her, “OBE focuses on continuous quality improvement for lecturers and

students which will enhance teaching and learning and in the long run, students will be globally recognised when they graduate from any institution.�

Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations Regional Officer for Africa, Accra, Joseph Mpagalile recommended targeted training programmes designed to build the capacity of stakeholders such as the mechanisation hire service providers through vocational training and short courses. “Capacity development is essential at all levels from farmers through to artisans, technicians and professional managers, in addition to policy and planning experts. revision of curricular of programmes offered by higher education and training institutions is also necessary,� he said.

He also said focus should be on mainstreaming new areas of knowledge, including precision farming, automated systems, robotics and conservation agriculture, adding that refresher courses for lecturers and instructors

should be considered in the wake of fast development in innovations such as robotics and digitalization. “There is need to engage key Agricultural Engineering education stakeholders in the private sector in organising joint practical oriented trainings, revising curricular and planning refresher courses.

Our education should also address needs in the area of psychology, marketing, infrastructure and transportation. We need engineers who are comfortable in the digital age, “ he stressed.

The Director, School of Agricultural Engineering, Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Sciences (IAV), Morroco, Dr. El Houssine Bartali in his paper, ‘Capacity Building: Investing in Sustainable Development of Morocco and Africa’, said there is need for future engineers who will contribute to better agricultural resilience in Africa, as well as an investment in modern agriculture for increased production, productivity and value addition.

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EDUCATION

CSTC Opens Corona Day Secondary School in Lagos Following the demands for a day school amidst maintaining the school’s success history and all-round excellence, Nigerian education sector got a boost when on September 28, 2020, the Corona Schools’ Trust Council unveiled the Corona Day Secondary School, Lekki, Lagos. It was an epic making occasion in the life of the 65-year-old institution. Sunday Ehigiator reports

L-R: The Chairman, Board of Trustees, Corona Secondary Schools, Mr. Niyi Yusuf; Administrator, Corona Day Secondary School, Lekki, Mr. Anthony Ilobinso; Chairman, Corona Schools’ Trust Council, Justice Bukunola Adebiyi; Trustee, Corona Schools Trust Council, Mr. Adedotun Sulaiman; and Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Corona Schools’ Trust Council, Mrs. Adeyoyin Adesina, at the oďŹƒcial opening of Corona Day Secondary School, Lekki, Lagos...recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

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ith a clear vision to be of of Nigeria’s leading educational institution, focused on and dedicated to producing well-rounded and proudly Nigerian young men and women equipped for continuous learning, personal mastery, and leadership, the Corona Schools brand has strategically continued to innovate and evolve with the times to suit its students and publics.

The school which has been in existence for 65 years, has continued to pride itself in excellence and stayed true to its mission of providing world class education to children, with its latest being a day secondary school.

Located within sprawling premises of Corona Schools in Abijo’s Government Residential Areas (GRA), Lekki-Epe Express Way, the school which permanent site’s construction will kick off anytime soon within the same axis, is also expected to continue to inculcate high moral and ethical values in students, and prepare them for a lifelong learning, service and fulfillment.

In attendance at the ceremony were Financial Controller, Corona Schools’ Trust Council (CSTC), Mr. Adewale Soremi; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Corona Secondary Schools, Mr. Niyi Yusuf; Member, Governing Board, CSTC, Mrs. Sekinat Yusuf; Chairman, CSTC, Justice Bukunola Adebiyi; Trustee, CSTC, Mr. Adedotun Sulaiman; Chief Executive Officer, CSTC, Mrs. Adeyoyin Adesina; the Principal, Corona Secondary School, Agbara, Ogun State, Mrs. Chinedum Oluwadamilola; School Adminstrator, Corona Day Secondary School, Lekki, Mr. Anthony Ilobinso; Director of Education, Mrs. Dafeta Amelia, parents, staff members, well wishers and pioneer students.

In her remarks, Justice, Adebiyi said the idea of the Corona Day Secondary School

was part of the schools strategic plan which was drawn in the 2003/2008 to expand Corona Schools. “At that time, Lekki Schools which is where we are presently, started as a temporary location while this edifice that we are in today was being constructed.

And we are able to move to this edifice in 2014. “The idea of starting a day secondary school has been on the front burner for a while.

We had parents who had clamoured for this. As we are aware, our secondary school is in Agbara,vwhich is not actually in Lagos State, but Ogun State.

And it’s not all parents that want their children to be in boarding school, even as beautiful as our boarding school is. “Corona Secondary School, Agbara has been in existence for 25 years and has been delivering world class education to many in a serene, safe, friendly and top notch environment. We at Corona therefore are not new to secondary education.�

Adebiyi noted that the day secondary school is simply an expansion of the schools expertise in the delivery of secondary education. “We have the experience, the facility, the personnel and proven track records in secondary education in this country.�

She said the school is starting at the facility of the existing Corona Lekki School, adding that in addition to the building released to the day school, preliminary works have begun on the land. “The designs are in and very soon, construction would commence on the permanent site for the secondary school. Due to setbacks suffered from the COVID-19 pandemic, the two years projection that we initially had to deliver the permanent site might not be feasible. However, within two-and-a-half years, God willing, the permanent site of the secondary school should be ready,� she said.

In his remarks, Sulaiman

reflected on how special the accomplishment was for him and the school in general. “For me, today is a very special day because I have been fully involved in the development of this school. It is like a dream come true. “My association with Corona started 35 years ago, where my first set of children, two girls attended Corona School in Victoria Island. Those two girls would be 40 years old in December by God’s grace. Then they had two younger sisters that went to Corona Schools. So, all my children went to Corona.�

According to Sulaiman, the whole idea of the day school is to give parents a choice. “There is always this conversation about the merits and demerits of boarding education. We in the Corona system now have a choice. We could either bring our children to school daily or leave them at the boarding school.�

He thanked the pioneer parents of the school for entrusting their children to the school, and assured them that “by the time the children are leaving here, you would be proud of this singular decision of bringing them here, as you have made.�

Addressing the pioneer students and parents who were present at the occasion, Yusuf said there was no way the history of the day school would be written “that you will not be mentioned. So I count you as very special. “It is no longer news that Ibeju-Lekki is the new Lagos, hence it is just ideal that we bring to it the culture of excellence. At Corona, we do more than academics. We develop children in a 360 format. We develop them in sports, presentations, technology, modesty, leadership, character and community services. “We inculcate the attitude of giving back and helping the needy into our students so that they grow up with an attitude of giving and improving their environment for the good of

all. Very soon, our environment would start benefiting and feeling the impact of our community service. Our students have also taken a good share in the use of technology. No Corona child was left behind. They all took their courses digitally even as the world continues to battle the corona-virus pandemic. “We also have Corona College of Education where we train all our teachers and aspiring students who choose teaching as a profession and very soon, we would be metamorphosing into Corona University of Education,� he said.

While introducing parents and other stakeholders to the management team of Corona Day Secondary School, Adesina said the CDSS team was “carefully put together.� They are all accomplished educators.

Most have been drawn from our schools to ensure that the excellence culture, tradition and quality of the brand is replicated. “We have also infused fresh perspectives by engaging and adding highly qualified teachers to the faculty. We are proud of the CDSS team.�

She thanked the trustees and the schools management for their tenacity, commitment and dedication to the institution.

In an interview with THISDAY, Ilobinso revealed that his plans for CDSS is to make it an environment where learning is nurtured and where students’ interests and talents are discovered and groomed. “CDSS is purely hinged and anchored on the schools’ mission and vision statement. We have a legacy of providing world class education to students. We have a service that is trusted by generations of parents. “So we have put in place students, structures and even the personnel required in achieving this. We have fantastic staff and professionals who understand what the Corona brand stands for. We have a lot of technology tools and wonderful facilities available to our students.�

KEHINDE OMORU www.kayomoru.com

BREAK IT DOWN Thebenefitsofbeingaqualifiedteacherareimmense.Ifyouareawholesome teacher,youwillnaturallyandunconsciouslybringthetoolsofthetradeto bearonsituationsthatcomeyourwaydaily(orfrequently),andfixthem.

A close friend of mine was practically pulling out his hair the other day over the financial consequences of his worker’s negligence. It might be okay to cause a damage to happen at your work place. But when these damagesarecontinuous,expensiveandtime-wasting,yousoonbecome a nuisance to your boss and everyone else really.

So this my friend’s admin staff ‘opens and closes’ the office building daily. Unfortunately he repetitively either forgets to close a door here, or a window there. Of course Lagos rain will not apply to pour! It will pour it down in torrents in the middle of the night, at dawn, as well as at those hours of the day you already know.

Don’tgetmewrong-forgetfulnessandhumanerrordoesgetthebestof usfromtimetotime.Ithoweverbecomesunacceptableandsuspiciously concerningifweekin,weekoutanopenedwindowletsintorrentswhich peels the paint, soaks furniture, drenches paper and subsume carpet. “Haveyou got aprotocol in placefortasksthat needclosureat start and endoftheday?�,Iaskedhim.“Protocol!�,myfriendquippedinimpatience. “Why would a 30-something year-old man not apply common sense to his work? Must people be told something as simple as to go around the buildingandcloseallwindowsatthecloseofbusiness?�“Yes�,Icountered “you must spell out your standards and requirements. In fact you should assigntasksclearlyandtonamedstaffmembers.Wherethereisnolaw, therereallymightbenosin-asthesayinggoes!�“Really?�herepliedwith amellowedreflectivevoice,“anyideasforwhatshouldbeonsuchalist?�

I sent my friend my own customised monthly calendar-styled protocol.

It is magical in the way that it starts and ends our working days with the least‘agro’imaginable.Iwouldliketoshareitwithyoutoo;itfeaturesthe following: Ëž ÓÞÖĂ?Ë? Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă’Ă?ĂœËŞĂ? Ă“Ă‹ĂœĂŁ Ă‹Ă“Ă–ĂŁ Ă’Ă?Ă?Ă•Ă? ÙÞË Ëž Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ’Ë? Ă?ÚÞĂ?Ă—ĂŒĂ?Ăœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ Designated Assignee: (staff member’s/members name(s) Ëž Ă?Ă‘Ă“Ă˜Ă˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™Ă? Ă‹ĂŁ Ă’Ă?Ă?Ă•Ă?Ë?

-All windows and doors were met locked.

-All taps were met locked (no drips).

-Doors/windows unlocked as required.

-No leakages have been seen.

-Chairs and tables are in good working order.

-Light bulbs are working.

-Fire extinguishers are in place.

-Staff is wearing appreciate clothing and shoes.

-Staff have on ID badges.

-Room is clear of clutter and trip hazards.

-There is clear space around electrical and inflammable equipment.

End of Day Checks: -All windows are closed/locked.

-All doors/gates are secured.

-Appliancesareturnedoff(e.g.computers,fans,airconditioner,generatoretc.)

-Lights and switched are turned off.

-Computers and sensitive materials are locked away.

-All spillages/food spillages have been cleared up.

-Toilets have been flushed and clear of urine and feaces.

-All bins are empty.

-Maintenance items reported to management.

Omoru is a freelance writer, education, health and social care advocate

Bauchi Insists on Repositioning Education for Better Delivery Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi The Bauchi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment towards repositioning the education sector for effective service delivery.

Governor Bala Mohammed made this known at the inauguration of the Secretariat of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi chapter.

Represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House Bauchi, Dr. Ladan Salihu, the governor said improving the standard of education is one of the cardinal principles and policies of his administration.

He said his administration will continue to work with critical stakeholders for educational development and for a greater Bauchi state. “Education is one of the cardinal principles and policies

of this administration and in the last one year, 360 schools have been renovated, while over 250 have been constructed with the support of partners. “Ours is a government of partnership and in Bauchi State through stakeholding, partnership and collaboration the governor has been able to build a system of government and governance that respects all and he has found a partner in the Bauchi State House of Assembly.�

Mohammed therefore appreciated ASUP in the institution for finding the late Senator Ali Wakili worthy of the honour, described it as a gift of legacy.

The guest speaker at the occasion, a former Minister of Education, Dr. Dauda Birma called for the review of the National Policy on Education in order to meet with the educational needs

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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CITYSTRINGS

ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ăš Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ™ĂœË? Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă–Ă“Ă? äĂ?Ă™ĂŒĂ“ Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă– Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă–Ă“Ă?Ë›Ă?äĂ?Ă™ĂŒĂ“ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ă™Ă—Ëœ ͙͖͓͓͖͓͔͓͖͑͒

Tapping the Sun to Give Quality Healthcare A Nigerian firm is leveraging the energy of the sun to keep local healthcare centres up and running, thus preserving drugs and saving lives. Chineme Okafor who tracked these efforts, reports

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hen it is done installing the 5000 units of solar power mini grids in local healthcare facilities across the country which it plans to do, indigenous energy firm, Volsus Energy, believes that it would have significantly contributed to cutting down the rate of unpleasant health incidents recorded at the healthcare centres due to poor or non-existent access to electricity.

Reports from credible institutions championing healthcare delivery across the world indicate that the lack of reliable electricity has frequently prevented people, mostly in remote and rural communities from accessing the kind of healthcare they need and when they need it.

According to them, sustained energy poverty in Nigeria and indeed most parts of Africa have ensured that woman still give birth to their babies in the dark, critical surgeries are still carried out by candlelight while children are often left vulnerable to diseases because vaccines cannot be refrigerated and for that reason, they go bad or don’t last long enough as they should.

In April 2019, the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) and the United Nations Foundation, linked up with key healthcare delivery partners to host a conference on ‘Clean Energy for Health Care’ in Nairobi, Kenya and it was disclosed that one in four health facilities in Sub-Saharan Africa is estimated to lack access to electricity.

Additionally, the conference found that three in four of such facilities in the continent lack reliable power, and that the continued absence of adequate electricity delays the delivery of quality health care to people who need it and when they do.

Plainly, the conference explained that the absence of stable electricity, “leads to vaccine spoilage, interruptions in the use of essential medical and diagnostic devices, and lack of even the most basic lighting and communications for maternal delivery and emergency procedures�. “It also limits the hours of operation and retention of rural health workers and undermines the provision of adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene. Simply put, the capacity of Africa’s health systems - from community clinics to urban hospitals, to deliver adequate care is hugely hampered by the continent’s lack of access to electricity,� the conference added.

Renewables Could Fill Energy Access Gap Due to the continent’s limited capacity in on-grid electricity supply, the SE4All and its partners opted to raise awareness among Africa’s policymakers and key stakeholders to the importance of and the opportunity that exist in electricity from renewable energy sources and energy efficiency.

According to them, the continent could leverage renewables and energy efficiency practices to create stronger and more resilient healthcare systems for its people. While sharing knowledge on how this could be useful in resource-constrained environments to improve healthcare delivery, they emphasised the need for Africa to prioritise deploying renewable energy to healthcare delivery.

For instance, using renewable energy, clinics, maternity wards, surgery blocks, medical warehouses and laboratories which lack or rely on unstable grid electricity could improve on their abilities to refrigerate medicines, provide quality lights for surgery, sterilise medical equipment and undertake life-saving medical procedures with devices that require electricity.

With renewable energy sources, healthcare facilities in Nigeria and Africa could also ensure quality service delivery to patients.

According to healthcare experts, keeping vaccines and medicines refrigerated ensures

Karu PHC solar mini grid expected to keep the clinic electriďŹ ed

Solar-powered health centre that their medical worth and potency is secured for long.

Considering the resource-constrained condition which most medical facilities in Nigeria are subjected to, energy experts equally explained that pivoting to solar power could help them save money, which could be reinvested to build more resilient health systems. Additionally, more savings could be gained from reduction in waste of pharmaceutical or medical products which shelf lives depend broadly on controlled temperature.

Harvesting the Potentials in Karu Based on the possibilities of leveraging solar electricity for quality healthcare delivery, an indigenous clean energy start-up, Volsus Energy, initiated and recently unveiled a scheme - the Volsus Solar for Health (VSFH) mini-grid programme in Abuja, which it plans to subsequently deploy to parts of the country where access to electricity for healthcare centres is dire.

Volsus explained during the unveiling of the scheme at the Karu Primary Health Centre within the federal capital city, Abuja, that it intends to install about 5,000 units of such mini grid solar systems across health centres in the country to improve their services to locales.

Photos: Power4All According to Tomiwa Bayo-Ojo who heads the start-up, the 12-kilowatt power (kwp) VSFH mini-grid with 58-kilowatt hour (kwh) battery bank will provide to the Karu health centre sustainable, efficient, clean and reliable electricity to deliver quality healthcare services to patients who visit.

Karu being on the eastern flank of the federal capital city along the Abuja-Keffi highway, will also offer to neighbouring Mararaba, opportunities for quality healthcare delivery with the new solar power facility.

Bayo-Ojo who explained that the clean energy facility was initially conceived to support Nigeria’s healthcare system against the COVID-19 pandemic, however noted that the start-up recognised the federal government’s longing to use renewable energy to deliver quality electricity to underserved and un-served segments of Nigeria which the healthcare sector is a part of.

He noted that Volsus was, “deeply concerned about this, and has considered the state of the nation’s health facilities amidst the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic,� to initiate the VSFH programme. “The firm has the vision to promote the attainment of Goal 7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) towards creating ripple effects on the living conditions of millions of Nigerians who seek access to

health facilities,� Bayo-Ojo said, adding that the plan to provide access to sustainable and uninterrupted electricity with solar to Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across Nigeria has begun.

He also stated that technical support for the first phase of the VSFH was given to the firm by the Minister of State for Power, Mr. Goddy Jeddy-Agba, and that a three-year maintenance plan was part of the scheme. “This pilot mini grid project is fully funded

by Volsus Energy Limited with technical and advisory support from the Office of the Minister of State for Power. “Prior to the installation of this solar mini grid facility, access to uninterrupted power has been the bane of the centre especially as it could not operate optimally. However, this success story of the Volsus Solar For Health (VSFH) mini grid is changing that story,� Bayo-Ojo noted.

He further stated that: “The mini grid is now providing 24-hour electricity to the wards, the labour room, the laboratory, and the entire building. There is also the component for a refrigerator to improve the storage process of vaccines for routine immunisation at the centre,� to buttress the position of global bodies such as the SE4All on renewable energy as a potent solution to poor energy access for healthcare facilities.

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BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Govts Urged to Assist Smallholder Farmers Ugo Aliogo The Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria (AAN), Mrs. Eneh Obi, has appealed to the federal and State government to assist small holder farmers’ access bank credit to improve food production in the country.

Obi, who disclosed this recently at a two-day stakeholders’ consultative meeting on the 2021 Agriculture Budget in Lagos, said there was need for major investments in agriculture. She said the country cannot continue depending on oil as its major source of revenue. He also urged government at all level to look inwards and invest in agriculture in order to create jobs and provide enough food for the country.

Obi remarked that government should make major investments, not only on budget allocation, but the release of the budget and also look at the issues of gender, and how to help small holder farmers access credit.

She further explained that the two-day workshop provided an opportunity to engage with the small holders’ farmers and their leadership to review the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Plan, (CAADP).

According to her, “The budget-

ary allocations are not appropriate.

We are a population of young Nigerians that is about 62 percent and when you have such population with energy it is an engine room for development. We are calling for more investment in the youth population. COVID-19 has drawn a lot of challenges. “For ActionAid, it is a social justice organisation for ending poverty, but COVID-19 has come and doubled the poverty level which is closing the gap of some of the achievements that we have had, there is the issue of flooding and natural disasters, so there are a lot of things that are in conflict with what we are doing, but we are not giving up. “So this gathering is targeted to look at the bench mark for the biennial review for the comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Plan. So what we are have done in the last two days is to review what is happening at the country level because we cannot have a national level reporting without the state not contributing to it. “We have been able to develop shadow budgets to look at the percentages in agriculture and what can make the difference.�

At the end of the two-day consultative meeting, a com-

muniquĂŠ was issued with some key recommendations. One of the key recommendations was that the allocation made to CAADP in the 2020 agriculture budget should be released 100 per cent to support coordination of the agriculture sector and knowledge building on the CAADP/Malabo performance indicators.

The communiquĂŠ further called for political will to allocate at least 10 per cent of annual budgets and actuals of revenues to the agriculture sector with appropriate budget lines so that Nigeria would be on track in, “the next biennial reporting to the Africa Union Heads of States and Government in line with the Malabo declaration and commitments of 2014.â€?

The communiquĂŠ added: “The Agriculture sector requires a separate budget cycle to enable Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) achieve.

Buffer funds from sources such as natural resources funds, climate resources funds and the National Agricultural Development Fund (Establishment) bill, 2019 being proposed by the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development should be considered given the strategic importance of the sector.

Flour Mills Marks 60 Years of Operations Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc (FMN) has announced activities to commemorate its 60 years existence. It disclosed this in a statement yesterday.

The company boasts of a rich leadership history in Nigeria’s food industry and value-chain through a legacy of impactful investments, job creation, community development, and economic growth.

FMN has also created value along the entire food chain with its “farm-to-table� model by providing inputs and knowhow to farmers, aggregating and sourcing crops and raw materials to supply its worldclass processing facilities across Nigeria, and distributing its innovative food brands to its customers. “This year marks an important milestone for Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc as we commemorate 60 great years of enriching lives and empowering communities.

Exactly 60 years ago, FMN was

born through the vision and dedication of our founding father, George Stavros Coumantaros, to create a winning brand that would one day become a household name in Nigeria.

Since then, FMN and the iconic Golden Penny food brand has truly evolved to become a family favourite and a trusted source of nutrition for millions of Nigerian families. “From generation to generation, FMN and Golden Penny have been with Nigerians, through the best of times and at the most difficult of times. A testament to the fact that our connection with our beloved country truly runs deep. “So, as our nation celebrates its 60th anniversary, we are proud to celebrate our shared history by recognizing the people who have supported our vision through the years. We want to say thank you to Nigeria for standing with us over the years while also shining a light on the people

who are rarely in the spotlight; our employees, partners, dealers and stakeholders,� the company stated FMN as a role model of private sector interventions in the public sphere, was particularly upstanding in this symbolic year of its existence, through supportive actions against the scourge of the COVID-19 pandemic which disrupted lives, livelihood, communities and businesses worldwide, it noted.

Incorporated in September 1960 and quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange since 1978, Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) Plc, owners of the iconic Golden Penny Food brand is one of Nigeria’s leading food and agro-allied companies. With a broad basket of food products and robust pan-Nigerian production, distribution, and supply chain network, FMN is a fully integrated and diversified food and agro-allied group.

Group Wants FG to Evacuate Stranded Nigerian Traders in Ghana Ahead of the celebration of Nigeria’s 60th Independence Anniversary tomorrow, the Progressive Ambassadors of Nigeria (PAN) has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari, to consider the immediate evacuation of frustrated and stranded Nigerian traders in Ghana whose businesses were recently clamped down by the host government.

A statement from the group said the appeal has become increasingly necessary following the rising cases of frustrations, biting hunger and impoverishment, sad feelings of grave abandonment, among others, being faced by affected Nigerian traders in Ghana. “The Progressive Ambassadors of Nigeria is greatly disturbed

by this development which has the potential for unlawful resorts to either self-help or recourse to unpatriotic lifestyles capable of tarnishing the good image of our country. “This passionate appeal to Mr. President is equally reinforced by the conclusive fact that the issue of the Ghana Investment Promotion Act (865) under which premise our law-abiding compatriots in Ghana were, and are being subjected to several xenophobic and dehumanizing conditions and treated as slaves; is by all evidence and manifest just a cover to sack Nigerians in Ghana. “It is no longer news that as things stand today from clear body language of the Ghanaian

government that Ghana no longer want Nigerians in their country. “Having been working closely with the federal government through the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, towards finding a lasting solution to this lingering impasse, the Progressive Ambassadors of Nigeria is disappointed that all diplomatic measures taken so far with respect to this matter have not yielded the desired results,� it added.

However, the PAN believes that while the diplomatic engagements continue, the immediate evacuation of these victims from Ghana would be the best and most appropriate nationalistic step to take at this material moment.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JULY 2020 Money Supply (M3)

36,822,751.47

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

3,476,121.25

Money Supply (M2)

33,346,630.22

-- Quasi Money

120,764,479.02

-- Narrow Money (M1)

12,582,151.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,002,026.89

---- Demand Deposits

10,580,124.31

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,637,137.23

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

29,185,614.24

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

39,711,115.95

---- Credit to Government (Net)

19,521,851.08

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-130,189,264.87

--Other Assets Net

3,472,017.70

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,421,827.07

--Currency in Circulation

2,395,917.03

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

11,025,910.04 317,234.17

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Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month Inter-Bank Call Rate

March 2018 15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

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OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE Ëœ Í°Íś Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $41.61 a barrel on Monday, compared with $41.93 the previous Friday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), ZaďŹ ro (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).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

37

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍąÍŽËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

NG Clearing to Become CCP for Derivative Products Goddy Egene NG Clearing Limited has secured approval-in-principle from the Securities and Exchange Commission to launch clearing and settlement of exchange traded derivative products, as Nigeria’s premier Central Counterparty Clearing House (CCP).

NG Clearing’s role as a CCP in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem is to ensure safety of the market

by managing counterparty credit risk, which in turn, reduces systemic risk in the Nigerian capital market, by guaranteeing settlement of trades.

Speaking on the development, the Chairman, NG Clearing Limited, Mr. Oscar Onyema, said: “Our main role is to improve the safety of our financial market by delivering best-in-class post-trade services that manage counterparty credit risk and reduce systemic risk.

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

To mitigate these credit risks in an efficient and robust manner, we will interpose ourselves as a guarantor to both parties in a transaction, thus ensuring the successful execution of derivatives and other trades from various trade points in Nigeria. We intend to deliver an unparalleled CCP experience for the Nigerian financial market.�

According to him, the company will optimise deployment of its resources to achieve

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

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

long-term value creation for its stakeholders using a stateof-the-art risk management framework, which complies with global best practices for mitigating settlement risk. “Its risk based additional collateral requirement will ensure that capital deployed by clearing members is always optimal.

The company intends to deploy a competitive lowcost clearing fee regime for

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

members. The company has sufficient financial resources, including settlement guarantee fund, to cover participants’ risk exposures. Members will have access to a wide range of financial reports that equip them with extensive knowledge and enable them make informed decisions,� he added.

Explaining further, the Managing Director, NG Clearing Limited, Mr. Tapas Das, said: “NG Clearing shall be play-

O F

ing a key role in the financial market ecosystem in the region, upholding stability and safety of the marketplace, through efficient and timely settlement of derivative trades. The aim is to strengthen the country’s investment environment through solutions that systematically reduce risks, enhance operating efficiency, and minimise costs for all market participants, thereby serving as a catalyst to national development.�

2 9 / 0 9 / 2 0 2 0 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

38

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

NB Plc Board Meets to Approve Nine Months’ Results Goddy Egene The board of directors of Nigerian

Breweries (NB Plc) will meet on Thursday, October 29, 2020 to consider and approve the unaudited financial

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

statements of the company for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

In a notification to the Nigerian

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 28Sep-2020, unless otherwise stated.

Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday, the leading brewing firm said its ‘Closed Period’(period in which

directors, staff and related parties do not trade in the shares of the company) has commenced and

will continue until the next day after the said unaudited financial statements are submitted to the NSE.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 0.95 0.97 6.03% ACAP Income Funds 0.79 0.79 10.37% 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 5.32% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.14 3.23 27.91% 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 2.35% Anchoria Equity Fund 105.98 106.35 3.82% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.32 1.32 13.64% 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 N/A N/A N/A ARM Discovery Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Eurobond Fund ($) N/A N/A N/A ARM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 100.36 101.07 4.46% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.54% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.19 2.19 18.92% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 1.90 1.93 13.12% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.93% Paramount Equity Fund 12.09 12.31 -3.40% Women's Investment Fund 114.23 115.30 3.49% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 3.94% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 110.81 111.28 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 123.46 124.38 Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 102.93 102.93 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 3.33% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.98 1.00 6.10% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.60 1.60 20.50% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 N/A N/A N/A FBN Balanced Fund 156.23 157.35 6.41% FBN Halal Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 120.60 121.06 4.34% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 120.64 121.10 3.86% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 118.43 120.27 -8.99% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.92% Legacy Debt Fund 3.83 3.83 4.78% Legacy Equity Fund 1.20 1.22 5.69% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.12 1.12 3.76% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,262.14 3,303.12 7.34% Coral Income Fund 3,199.55 3,199.55 4.02% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 4.08% 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 100.00 100.00 4.05% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 121.17 121.70 12.39%

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 3.43% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.28 2.32 4.14% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 7.95% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 151.25 152.00 5.52% 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 1.24 1.26 10.48% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,142.84 1,142.84 7.89% 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 N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 1.35 1.37 10.72% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.92 11.88 5.41% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 3.20% PACAM Equity Fund 1.12 1.13 PACAM EuroBond Fund 108.30 110.89 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 120.39 122.82 -1.46% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.02 1.02 7.28% 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 2,521.35 2,532.80 8.21% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 5.34% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 2.78% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 6.15% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 7.40% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 3.36% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 -0.10% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.21 1.21 4.13% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 109.66 109.66 5.23% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.18 1.20 -0.92% United Capital Bond Fund 1.86 1.86 7.41% United Capital Equity Fund 0.67 0.69 -4.91% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.57% United Capital Eurobond Fund 114.96 114.96 5.21% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.03 1.03 -2.19% 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 10.55 10.67 2.64% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.70 11.80 0.64% Zenith Income Fund 24.43 24.43 6.83% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.49%

REITS NAV Per Share

Fund Name SFS Skye Shelter Fund

Yield / T-Rtn

118.13

5.31%

53.51

2.80%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

9.00 90.31 69.66

9.10 92.25 70.93

7.94% -4.40% -7.29%

Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

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

3.15 4.57 12.53 1.00 11.58 192.50

3.19 4.65 12.63 1.00 11.78 194.50

-11.12% -22.50% 3.20% 2.47% 11.31% 1.97%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.03

15.02%

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.

39

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

US Election: Biden Releases Tax Returns Hours Before Debate with Trump Democratic White House hopeful Joe Biden released his tax returns for the last four years Tuesday just hours before he debates President Donald Trump, who faces criticism for paying almost no federal tax.

The former vice president and his wife Jill Biden, an educator, paid $299,346 in federal income taxes for 2019, according to forms filed with the Internal Revenue Service and released by Biden’s campaign.

The amount stands in sharp contrast to Trump, who claims to be a billionaire businessman but paid only $750 in federal income taxes in 2016, according to a bombshell report by The New York Times.

According to the explosive report in the New York Times - which says it obtained tax records for Mr Trump and his companies over two decades - Mr Trump paid no income taxes at all in 10 of the previous 15 years. It adds that the president is personally responsible for more than $300m in loans, which will come due in the next four years.

It does not suggest Mr Trump

received any previously unknown ties to Russia, though it revealed that the president has earned some money from foreign sources.

The records reveal “chronic losses and years of tax avoidance”, it says.

“Actually I paid tax. And you’ll see that as soon as my tax returns - it’s under audit, they’ve been under audit for a long time,” he told reporters after the story was published on Sunday.

“The IRS [Internal Revenue Service] does not treat me well… they treat me very badly,” he said.

Mr Trump has faced legal challenges for refusing to share documents concerning his fortune and business. He is the first president since the 1970s not to make his tax returns public, though this is not required by law.

The New York Times said the information scrutinised in its report was “provided by sources with legal access to it”.

The report came just days before Mr Trump’s first presidential debate with Democratic rival Joe Biden and weeks before the 3 November election.

WHO Outraged over Allegations of Sexual Exploitation and abuse in DR Congo Ebola Response The World Health Organization (WHO), leadership and staff, are outraged by recent reports of alleged sexual exploitation and abuse in the context of the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),” the world body said in a statement on Tuesday.

The organiSation said the allegations were “unacceptable” and will be “robustly investigated.”

“The actions allegedly perpetrated by individuals identifying themselves as working for WHO are unacceptable and will be robustly investigated.

“The betrayal of people in

the communities we serve is reprehensible. We do not tolerate such behaviour in any of our staff, contractors or partners.

“Anyone identified as being involved will be held to account and face serious consequences, including immediate dismissal.

“The Director-General has initiated a thorough review of the specific allegations, as well as broader protection issues in health emergency response settings.

“WHO has a zero tolerance policy with regard to sexual exploitation and abuse,” the WHO said.

Amnesty Suspends Operations in India Amnesty International said Tuesday it has suspended its Indian operations after its bank accounts were frozen in what it called a government “witch-hunt” against rights groups.

Non-governmental organisations have long alleged they face harassment from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist administration for highlighting rights abuses, including in restive Indian-administered Kashmir.

Amnesty said that it came to know on September 10 that its Indian bank accounts were frozen, forcing it to let go of staff and pause all ongoing campaign and research work.

“This is the latest in the incessant witch-hunt of human rights organizations by the Government of India over unfounded and motivated allegations,” the group said in a statement.

Amnesty said that the freezing of its accounts is “no accident” after it issued a series of reports alleging “grave human rights violations” by police in deadly sectarian riots in New Delhi in February, and by security forces in Indianadministered Kashmir.

“Treating human rights organisations like criminal enterprises and dissenting individuals as criminals without any credible evidence is a deliberate attempt… to stoke a climate of fear and dismantle the critical voices in India,” said Avinash Kumar, Amnesty India’s executive director.

“It reeks of fear and repression, ignores the human cost to this crackdown particularly during a pandemic and violates people’s basic rights to freedom of speech and expression, assembly, and association guaranteed by the Indian Constitution,” he said in the statement.

The Times said it reviewed tax returns relating to President Trump and companies owned by the Trump Organization going back to the 1990s, as well as his personal returns for 2016 and 2017.

It said the president paid just $750 in income taxes in both 2016 and 2017, while he paid no income taxes at all in 10 of

the previous 15 years, “largely because he reported losing much more money than he made”.

Before becoming president, Mr Trump was known as a celebrity businessman and property mogul, building an image of a hugely successful self-made billionaire which could be dented by the latest revelations, observers say.

But the newspaper says his reports to the IRS “portray a businessman who takes in hundreds of millions of dollars a year yet racks up chronic losses that he aggressively employs to avoid paying taxes”.

According to the US Bureau on Labor Statistics, the average American household paid $9,302 in federal income tax in 2018,

on an average earnings figure of $78,635.

In an annual financial disclosure that he is required to make as president, President Trump said he made at least $434.9m in 2018. The newspaper disputes this, alleging that his tax returns show the president had instead gone into the red, with $47.4m in losses.

L-R: Director, Regulatory and Government Affairs, IHS Nigeria, Mr. Oluwabankole Falade; Chief Executive Officer IHS Nigeria, Mr. Mohammad Darwish; Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, at the officer handover of 100 000 COVID-19 test kits to the NCDC by IHS Nigeria via UNICEF in Abuja.. yesterday KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

Guinea Closes Borders with Guinea-Bissau, Senegal Ahead of Vote The West African state of Guinea, which is in the middle of a turbulent election campaign, has closed its land borders with Guinea-Bissau and Senegal, a senior government official said on Tuesday.

The closure is for security reasons, the source in the Guinean capital Conakry said without elaborating.

Guinea-Bissau’s Interior Minister, Botche Cande, earlier told journalists that he had “received reports from border

agents indicating that the frontier had been unilaterally closed since Sunday”.

Guinean Security Minister Albert Damantang Camara could not be reached by AFP for comment.

The president of GuineaBissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, has tense relations with Guinean President Alpha Conde, who is seeking a controversial third term in office in the October 18 ballot.

Conde has been heavily

involved in diplomatic efforts to resolve Guinea-Bissau’s repeated political crises.

A Guinean representative was a notable absentee at ceremonies on September 24 to mark GuineaBissau’s independence day.

Sources in Bissau, the capital, said that Guineans living there had been recently trying to return home to vote after encountering difficulties in doing so at their country’s consulate.

Many of the expatriate community are Fulani, also

called Peul — an ethnic group considered likely to favour Conde’s electoral rival, Cellou Dalein Diallo.

Guinea, one of the poorest and most volatile countries in Africa, has been buffeted by political turbulence ahead of the vote.

Conde is bidding for a third term in office, defying critics who say he forced through constitutional changes this year enabling him to sidestep two-term presidential limits.

Merkel Urges Immediate Ceasefire in Karabakh Fighting German Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged an immediate end to the fighting in the region of Nagorny Karabakh in phone calls with the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan, her spokesman said Tuesday.

At least 95 people have been killed in the clashes that have been raging since the weekend, including 11 civilians, according to the latest available tallies.

“The chancellor urgently called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to the negotiating table,” Steffen Seibert said.

Merkel spoke with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Monday and with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Tuesday, he added.

The so-called Minsk Group of mediators, led by France, Russia and the United States,

“offers an appropriate forum” for dialogue, Merkel said in the calls.

The UN Security Council is due to hold emergency talks Tuesday behind closed doors on Nagorny Karabakh, diplomats said.

Yerevan and Baku have been locked in a territorial dispute over the ethnic Armenian region of Nagorny Karabakh

for decades, with deadly fighting flaring up last July and in 2016.

The region declared independence from Azerbaijan after a war in the early 1990s that claimed 30,000 lives.

It is not recognised by any country — including Armenia — and is still considered part of Azerbaijan by the international community.

Israeli Minister Hints at Further COVID-19 Lockdown Extension Israeli Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said Tuesday that there was “no way” the country’s second nationwide coronavirus lockdown would be lifted after three weeks as originally planned.

“There’s no way that in 10 days we’ll be lifting all the restrictions and saying it’s all over, everything is fine,” he told

public broadcaster Kan. Israel imposed its second lockdown on September 18 after the coronavirus infection rate soared. It was originally scheduled to end on October 10.

On Friday, the measures were tightened after the initial eight days failed to bring down the world’s highest infection rate per capita.

Beyond shuttering schools and cultural events, the lockdown has closed the vast majority of workplaces, markets and places of worship.

Parliament was meanwhile due to debate a regulation limiting demonstrations, which could curb weekly protests that have been held against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s

leadership for months.

Convoys of vehicles were meanwhile heading to Jerusalem to protest the possible restrictions on demonstrations.

On Saturday night, Netanyahu acknowledged “mistakes” in the reopening of Israel’s educational system and economy following the first lockdown earlier this year.

40

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

PDP Govs Pay Thank-you Visit to Oba of Benin Monarch cautions against godfatherism

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Governors elected on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by its Chairman, Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, yesterday paid an unscheduled visit to the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II where they commended the monarch on the role he played to ensure a peaceful election.

This is coming as the Benin monarch has urged the PDP to guide against enthroning the idea of godfatherism, which it campaigned against during the electioneering of the Edo State governorship election.

Others in the entourage were the chairman of the PDP Campaign Council for Edo governorship election, Governor Nyesom Wike ofRiversState;GovernorAhmaduFintiri ofAdamawaState;GovSeyiMakindeof OyoState;South-SouthViceChairmanof thePDP,ChiefDanOrbihandGovernor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.

Speaking at the occasion, Wike said theywereinthepalacetofulfillthepromise they made that they would return to thank the Oba if their candidate wins.

He said: “We made a promise to you and the palace that by the special grace of God if Godwin Obaseki emerges as the winner. We will come back here and thank the Oba and the palace chiefs. On the 19th

of September, election was held and then on the 20th of September, Godwin Obaseki was declared as the winner of that election.”

According to him, “As it is our tradition in PDP; we will always respect the traditional institution and whatever promise we have made, we will always fulfill that promise. And so today, we have come on behalf of the PDP, other governors would have been here

but because of other engagements I have to come with Oyo, Adamawa, Sokoto ad Rivers states and of course, including your own son, Edo State to come and thank you and thank the palace leaders.

“You made a promise to us that as a traditional ruler, and as far as everybody is concerned you are apolitical and so that you will not canvass for votes for anybody but what you preach is that there should

be peace, there should be free and fair election On his part, Obaseki said he would abide by the advice of the monarch.

“I want to assure you that as the governor of Edo State, I have heard your admonishments; I want to promise that I will rededicate myself in my next tenure to the full service of Edo State and the people of Edo state. We will always rely on your wise counsel, we will always rely

on you to pray for us and ensure that we the required peace so that we can do all the good things that God desires of us to do for our people” Responding, Oba Ewuare charged them to ensure that they act what they have been preaching about the ills of godfatherism even as he asked Obaseki to ensure he acts as governor of the whole of Edo State.

Boat Mishap Claims Four Lives in Asaba Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Four persons who were believed to be relocating from the banks of the lower Niger River in Asaba, Delta State, due to the threatening flood in the area have reportedly drowned at Omeligboma camp in Oko, a community in Asaba, the state capital.

The victims, whose identities could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report yesterday evening, were said to be on board the ill-fated boat in an apparent bid to escape the rising flood in the area when the tragedy struck.

The boat conveying ‘fleeing’ residents suddenly capsized, leaving the captain of the small boat as the only survivor as the accident occurred in the middle of the water.

Despite persistent appeals from the state government to residents

in areas to relocate to higher areas in the light of the warning from the country’s meteorological and environment authorities, some residents have remained adamant, but apparently relied on wishful thinking that the flood disaster predicted would not happen.

The bodies of the victims were yet to be recovered as at yesterday evening, even as many residents of the areas were becoming more anxious because many houses are being submerged by the ravaging flood.

Few days ago, theAsaba-Ase road leading to several communities in Isoko and Ndokwa areas of the state had reportedly been overtaken by floods, thereby denying residents as well as traders from other parts of the state access to local markets in the area, and forcing people to resort to using canoes and boats.

Coalition of Northern Groups Reject FG, Labour Agreement on Subsidy,Tariffs John Shiklam in Kaduna The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has rejected the agreement reached between the federal government and labour unions over the increase in pump price of petrol and electricity tariff.

The labour unions, including the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and others, had suspended their planned nationwide strike slated for last Monday after a meeting with the federal government officials last Sunday.

Addressing a news conference yesterday in Kaduna, spokesman of the group, Mr. Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, declared that the agreement does not address the grievances of majority of Nigerians.

He said it was disappointing that “after sufficiently mobilising Nigerians, the NLC and the TUC surprisingly announced a two-week suspension” of the planned strike.

The group, therefore, vowed to liaise with credible sections of the civil society to establish an alternative platform for pursuing national grievances.

He also said the CNG would resist the deregulation of the downstream oil sector, insisting on the immediate, unconditional and total reversal of the fuel price

and electricity tariffs.

The group insisted on a unified and affordable electricity tariffs for both the northern and southern parts of the country.

Suleiman said the CNG had directed its state chapters to reach out to all sections of the civil society, credible non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and prepare every section of the northern society for a massive protest on a date to be announced soon “to force the reversal of this and all other harsh economic policies pursued by the government.”

Suleiman accused the labour leaders for “betraying the trust of the public by compromising the expectations of Nigerians.”

He said the federal government can no longer be trusted with its inconsistent promises for the reactivation of refineries in the country.

Suleiman said: “The interest of the majority of Nigerians was not in anyway reflected or protected in the Labour-federal government agreement.

“The agreement reflected the concentration of negotiation on only electricity tariff which was just one demand out of many concerns raised by Nigerians, such as exploitative taxation, insecurity, infrastructural decay, massive unemployment and poverty.

SERVICE TO HUMANITY...

L-R: Vice President, Oriwu Club of Ikorodu, Alhaji Bola Dawodu; President, Prof. Adebayo Ninalowo; and General Secretary, Mr. Joseph Odulate, during the club’s guest lecture series in Lagos...recently

Police Arrest Seven-man Gang of Robbers in Adamawa Daji Sani inYola The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested a sevenman gang of robbers terrorising the residents of Girei, Ganye and Mayobelwa Local Government Areas of the state.

The state police command disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday by the spokesman of the command, DSP Suleiman Nguroje.

Nguroje said the seven-man gang of robbers were arrested by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad ( SARS) and police operatives

attached to Girei, Ganye and Mayobelwa LGAs. The statement said: “Police operatives attached to Girei/ Ganye Divisions and SARS have arrested a gang of seven criminals that attacked and robbed three commercial motorcyclists in Girei , Ganye and Mayo - Belwa LGAs after inflicting severe injuries on them and carting away their motorcycles.”

According to Nguroje, “Investigation has revealed that the dare-devil criminals, Kabiru Muhammed, 23; Idris Salisu,

42, and Friday Elkanai, 23, all residents of Wuro-Hausa, Yola South LGA; Lafiya in Lamurde LGA, and Dikong in Mayo-Belwa LGA, who are all members of hunters association and eventually betrayed the trust put in them by members of the public.

“Similarly, on September 27, following a credible information, the gallant men of the command attached to SARS arrested Sadiq Abdullahi, 20; Awal Bakari 23; Aminu Gidado, 23, and Aliyu Abubakar, 25, all residents of Mayo Belwa LGA and recovered

two Dane guns, four cutlasses, three knives, a set of military uniform and four pairs of dessert boots.”

He said the police command is ensuring that the victims get proper medical attention and also have their stolen motorcycles back.

Nguroje said the police enjoined the residents of the areas to report any suspicious persons to the nearest police division or report same through any of the Police Command Control/Emergency numbers: 08089671313, 08107364974, 08053872326.

Abide by Your Oath of Office or Face God’s Wrath, Ortom Tells Appointees George Okoh in Makurdi The Benue State Governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom, had warned appointees in his government, who had taken oath of office, to read, reflect and assimilate the covenant they had made with God and humanity, stressing that a breach of it would attract the wrath of God. Ortom made the statement yesterday at the Government House in Makurdi while swearing

in Kenneth Achabo as his Special Adviser on Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Achabo replaced former Adviser for Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, late Elder Jerome Tor Shimbe, who died recently after a brief illness.

Speaking during the ceremony, the governor charged the new Local Government Bureau Adviser not to breach his oath of office,

but work according to its dictates, and would not have any cause for alarm.

He charged the Adviser to work harmoniously with council chairmen for the desired result, even as he also tasked council chairmen to support him to succeed.

Ortom stressed that Achabo’s appointment was based on merit and competence, and reflects his administration’s policy for fair and equitable distribution of

political offices.

He urged the appointee to be guided by the principles of accountability, fairness, equity, transparency among others, and above all, fear of God in the discharge of his duties.

While responding, Achabo thanked the governor for finding him worthy to serve in this capacity, and pledged to follow the governor’s footsteps in order to succeed in his new assignment.

FG Shares N993m Conditional Cash Transfer to 24,929 Beneficiaries in Akwa Ibom Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The federal government has shared the sum of N993, 450, 000 under the Conditional Cash Transfer programme (CCT) to 24,929 beneficiaries in Akwa Ibom State.

The cash was handed over when the programme was flagged off yesterday by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, at the Holy Child Primary School at Nung Udoe, Itak, Ikono

Local Government Area.

The minister said the 24,929 beneficiaries were drawn from nine local government areas or 30 percent of the states. The local government areas that benefited from the cash transfers are Eastern Ibolo, Mkpat Enin, Nsit Atari, Nsit Ubium, Onna Ukanafun, Uruan, Orukanam and Ikono.

She also commended the people of the state, particularly the women, for excelling in virtually all areas of human endeavours in spite of mounting odds.

The minister stressed that

other social protection schemes such as the CCT, the Youth Employment and Social Support Operations, Community and Social Development Programme, were established under the coordination of National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) to implement the federal government poverty alleviation initiative programmes.

“A coordinating body has also been set up with support from the World Bank along with a social register of Poor and Vulnerable Households (PVHHs) for targeted

programmes,” she said.

Farouq said the beneficiaries would get all that has accrued to them since 2019 when they were formally enrolled.

Earlier, the Deputy Governor of the state, Moses Frank Ekpo, who represented the state governor thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for extending the programme to Akwa Ibom State, and called on the minister to also send more palliatives to the state to assist the indigenes in the post-COVID-19 period.

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Retired Kogi Judges Appeal to Bello for Pensions, Gratuities Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja Retired Judges in Kogi State have called on the state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to pay the pensions and gratuities of retired judicial officers in the state.

The former Grand Kadi of the state Sharia Court of Appeal, Justice Zakaria Idakwoji Mohammed, made this appeal while speaking at the special valedictory/court session in honour of the deceased and retired judicial officers of the state judiciary at

premises of the High Court of Justice in Lokoja yesterday.

Justice Mohammed said he had retired from active service since 2018 and has not been paid his pension since then.

He explained that this was not peculiar to only judiciary staff but also others who have retired from service since last four years.

Mohammed noted that after meritorious service to the state, it is expected that pensions and gratuities should be promptly paid to cater for

their needs.

He added that those who have died have also not been considered for payment, stressing that only the living that can benefit from pension and gratuity.

He therefore, appealed to the governor to as matter of urgency consider the retired judges and other

judicial officers.

The Grand Kadi noted that the payment would help to alleviate their present suffering in the state.

“The governor should be magnanimous to pay our gratuities.

This would go a long way to reduce the hardship faced by retired Judges and those that left their families

behind after succumbing to death,” he lamented.

Meanwhile, the state judiciary has mourned the late Chief Judge of Kogi State, Hon. Justice NasiruAjanah.

At a valedictory court session, jurists took turns to eulogise the former CJ who died on June 28, 2020, after a brief illness

The court also honoured two other deceased former President of the state Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Ibrahim Atadoga Shaibu, who passed away on June 21, 2020, and a former Judge of the state High Court, Hon. Justice Zaccheaus Owonibi, who died on September 16, 2018.

Terror Attack: Military Pledges to Support Zulum Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Military authorities yesterday said they would continue to provide support for the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, whose convoy was attacked twice last week by Boko Haram terrorists and the Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP).

The attack led to the death of 18 people, including 10 policemen, four soldiers and four civilians.

A statement issued by the Nigerian Army headquarters said it would provide support for the governor in his bid to relocate internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral home.

“The Nigerian Army is fully in support of the ongoing efforts by the Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, to relocate our fellow country men

and women who are internally displaced in the state back to their ancestral homes.

“Indeed the governor’s efforts are commendable and the right steps in the desired direction,” the military said.

The statement signed by Army Spokesman, Col Sagir Musa, said as a patriotic and key agency in the war on terror in the Northeast region, the Nigerian army “would continue to do everything possible to ensure the successful actualisation of the governor’s desire, and hereby declares its unflinching commitment to the relocation of the IDPs to their original abodes.

“In this regard, the Theatre Command has been directed to do all it takes to ensure the successful and seamless relocation of the affected people in the state.”

Court Dismisses RAP’s Suit against Uzodimma’s Election Alex Enumah Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday dismissed the suit filed by Reform and Advancement Party (RAP) and its candidate in the 2019 Imo State gubernatorial election, Mr. Kingdom Okere, seeking the removal of the state Governor, Hope Uzodinma, from office.

By the suit filed in July this year, the plaintiffs asked the court to restrain Uzodimma from acting as the state governor.

Okere, a lawyer, said the matter was of constitutional importance because Uzodinma, according to him, is occupying the seat of Imo State governor illegally, having not participated in the 2019 election as a candidate of any political party.

Specifically, the plaintiffs are in court to seek judicial interpretation

on whether the All Progressives Congress (APC) indeed sponsored Uzodinma in the 2019 Imo State governorship election.

However, the party yesterday brought an application dated September 24, 2020, for withdrawal of the suit, seeking the court to make a consequential order striking out the suit.

But defence lawyers, M.A. Aguma, Idris Yakubu and Hassan Umar (SAN), appearing for Uzodinma, the state government, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) respectively, asked for the cost of N8 million and N5 million for the expenses incurred in joining issues in the suit.

In dismissing the suit, JusticeAbang awarded the sum of N500, 000 in favour of Uzodinma, the office of the governor and INEC.

Lagos Ex-commissioner Declares Governorship Ambition for 2023 Segun James

The race for the Lagos State Governorship seat has already commenced as former state Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Abdulhakeem Abdullateef, yesterday declared his intention to contest for the position in 2023.

The former commissioner, who is of the Awori stock, the people that make the majority of indigenes in the state, said it was time for his people to be allowed to produce the next governor of the state.

Abdullateef, who declared his intention yesterday, said if

given the opportunity to govern Lagos State, he is determined to make the difference that the state urgently needs.

He stressed that he was making his ambition known now, more than two years, before the next election because he wants the people to be aware of his ambition at the right time.

The former commissioner called on Lagosians to join his political movement to turnaround the fortune of the state, adding that his leadership would represent justice and fairness for all irrespective of the tribe, ethnic or religious affiliations.

RALLYING SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES...

L-R: Co-founder, Wakanow, Mr. Ralph Tamuno; Group Managing Director, CMC Connect Limited, Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okunsanya; Co-founder, Synlab Nigeria, Mr. Richard Ajayi; Chief Executive Officer, HealthPlus Limited, Mrs. Bukky George; and Co-founder, Wakanow, Mr. Obinna Ekezie, during a media briefing organised by Business Founders’ Coalition in Lagos...yesterday ETOP UKUTT

Customs Denies Allegation of Having ‘Northernisation’Agenda James Emejo in Abuja The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) yesterday insisted that it has abided strictly by the rules governing recruitment, promotion and appointment into its management cadre.

It faulted accusations that the Service was pushing a ‘northernisation’ agenda following recent appointments into the senior management level.

The NCS Spokesman, Mr. Joseph Attah, in a statement,

maintained that the country’s six geo-political zones were equally represented at the management cadre.

He said vacancy for new appointment was only made available through retirement, resignation, dismissal or any natural cause, adding that: “When any of the above occurs, such vacancies are filled by new appointments from the zone(s).”

He explained that in the last few months, there had been retirements of two Deputy

Comptroller Generals (DCGs), each from the North-east and North-west regions as well as three Assistant Comptroller Generals (ACGs) who exited the service by way of two retirements from the Northwest and one dismissal from the North-east region.

Attah said two DCG vacancies provided spaces for two senior serving ACGs from the same zones of North-east and Northwest to be appointed to the rank of DCG. He said the development had

therefore increased the number of ACG vacancies to five, which must be filled from the two zones that had the vacancies.

According to the statement, “Following the seven recent appointments in acting capacity, the service management cadre is currently made up of four officers from the North Central; three from the Northeast and four from the Northwest.

Also, the South-south had two officers, three from the Southeast and four from the South-west region.

NAF HasTrained 118 Pilots Since 2015, Says Air Force Chief Gets first female fixed-wing fighter pilot Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, yesterday stated that the Nigerian Air Force has trained 118 pilots since 2015.

Abubakar, who spoke at the combined graduation ceremony of six pilots in basic and tactical flying (Basic Flying Course and Tactical Flying Course 24B) at the NAF headquarters in Abuja, said the six pilots, one of whom is

the first female fixed-wing fighter pilot in the history of the NAF, Flying Officer Kafayat Sanni, and five others, bring the number of trained pilots since 2015 to 118.

He said the human capacity development, being one of the key drivers of his vision, had received attention since he assumed office as the 20th Chief of Air Staff.

“This is evident in the number of personnel that have been

trained in various courses, both locally and internationally.

Indeed, today’s graduation brings the total number of new pilots winged since 2015 to 118, and by the end of 2020, the NAF would have completed the training and winging of 139 pilots, which is a glowing testament to the efficacy of our capacity building initiatives.

“These pilots have continued to add value to the efforts of the

service in dealing with security challenges in the North-east, North-west and other parts of the country,” he said The CAS expressed delight that Flying Officer Sanni, who was decorated with her pilot wings as the first female fixed-wing fighter pilot in the history of the country, had made history yet again, by successfully completing the tactical flying training on the alpha jet aircraft.

FG to Embark on Nationwide Correctional Centres Decongestion Alex Enumah in Abuja The federal government yesterday disclosed of a planned decongestion of Correctional Centres across the country.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), made the disclosure during a virtual interactive session with Attorney Generals and Commissioners of Justice of the 36 states and Heads of Courts in the country.

The interactive session was organised by the Presidential Committee on Correctional

Service Reform and Decongestion (PCCSRD) with the theme: ‘Implementing Amnesty and Decongestion for Juvenile Deprived of their Liberty during COVID-19 and Beyond’.

Speaking at the occasion, Malami, who further disclosed that 3,751 inmates have so far been released since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, said all stakeholders must come together to achieve a desired purpose.

According to him, “Considering the vulnerability and susceptibility of juveniles deprived of liberty in locked facilities, correctional

centres, ‘borstal’ homes, including those detained with their parents or caregivers, and those detained on national security grounds, to contract the coronavirus due to the congested environment they are detained in, the ministry classifies this second phase of the said exercise to be very strategic in achieving Juvenile Justice Reform and attaining Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development; provide justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

“I wish to underpin the importance of this intervention exercise, which is aptly focused on juveniles, by stating its relevance to the effective implementation of some of the provisions of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, especially section 35, that clearly stipulates provisions on juvenile offenders.’’

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the PCCSRD and the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Justice Ishaq Bello, assured that the Custodial and Non-Custodial Sentencing Practice Direction, 2020, will be signed into law in October this year.

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Ëœ ÍťÍ¸Ëœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

TRANSFER NEWS....

Troost-Ekong Completes Five-year Watford Switch from Udinese Watford have signed Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong from Italian

William Troost-Ekong...shortly after completing the transfer to Watford...yesterday

club Udinese on a five-year contract.

The 27-year-old centre-back was born in the Netherlands, where he began his career with Groningen.

He joined Udinese in 2018 and his move to Watford is the latest in a series of summer deals between the two clubs, which are owned by the Pozzo family. “I believe in the project for Watford to get back into the Premier League,� the 27-yearold told BBC Sport Africa. “It’s always been my dream to play in the Premier League and Watford has given me the platform now to get there.

Looking at the squad, I believe we have the quality to do it.�

Troost-Ekong made 66 appearances for Udinese, but no details about any transfer fee have been disclosed. “I’ve always made tactical

decisions for my career and this felt like the right step now for me and my family,� he added. “As for my international future, I have shown what I can add to the Super

Eagles. I have consistently contributed to the team’s success in the last five years and have had the pleasure of captaining the team.�

Watford have also agreed a deal to sign 17-year-old

Guinea youth international striker Djibril Toure from Ceffomig FC on a five-anda-half-year deal.

He will complete his move to Vicarage Road on 1 January 2021.

Relegated Leganes Slam â‚Ź7.5m Fee on Omeruo Relegated Spanish club CD Leganes want to make a tidy profit on the transfer of Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo, after demanding any interested club pay 7.5 million Euros.

Several La Liga clubs as well as clubs from Turkey have indicated interest in signing the experienced central defender, who cost Leganes 5 million Euros.

However, the Madrid club have rejected a loan move for Omeruo, insisting on an outright sale.

With just a week to the close of the summer transfer window, the international defender could well play in

the Spanish second-tier league when the new season kicks off.

He still has four years left on his contract with Leganes.

L-R: CEO, Monimichelle Ltd, Ebi Egbe; Delta State Deputy Governor, Kingsley B. Ofuaro; NFF President, Amaju Pinnick and General Secretary, NFF, Mohammed Sanusi at the groundbreaking ceremony of the FIFA Goal Project in Ugborodo, Delta State...yesterday

Work Begins on FIFA Mini Stadium Project in Ugborodo Duro Ikhazuagbe Kenneth Omeruo

Pinnick: NFF To Partner Rivers on Real Madrid Academy The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is to partner the Rivers State government for the camping of Nigeria youth teams at the Real Madrid Academy based in Port Harcourt.

NFF’s President, Amaju Pinnick revealed this shortly after being taken around the facility by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Real Madrid Academy, Chris Green in company with Rivers Commissioner for Sports, Boma Iyaye and Permanent Secretary, Sir Honour Sirawoo According to Pinnick, the facilities at the academy were top notch and comparable to any of the best football academies across the world “This is incredibly impressive.

I was here two years ago when the foundation was being laid and when you lay the foundation stone, you become skeptical about the reality but this is beyond our comprehension. “I have seen academies in other parts of the world; as the president of NFF, I have been opportuned to go round the world, what I have seen here is super, super impressive. The beauty of the academy is that it has world-class facilities, the hostel, the labs, the gym, the dining; the finishing is superb. “On behalf of NFF, we want to commend the Rivers State

Government led by Governor Wike. When he said two years ago he was going to complete this in record time, there were some doubting Thomases but I am here to say we have seen it. We will be coming here in the next few months with very tall football personalities to commission this project.�

Pinnick stressed further that the NFF would soon be knocking on the door of Rivers state government for the use of the facility to camp junior national teams. “The NFF will partner Rivers State government in many ways, you know, we have our youth teams, we can also get them to come and camp here; because we have a relationship, it will cost us little or nothing, the camp is world-class, when you hear players go camping, it’s not a tent, it’s a hotel and this one is beyond the hotel, this one is purpose-built for football, quite really impressive. “I came here with Fanny Amun and you know his technical prowess. We will give Rivers state government all the necessary certification, this is to support youth development programme, because they are the future of the country, we need to take them off the streets, off the creeks,� he stated.

The groundbreaking ceremony of the second FIFA Goal Project in Nigeria, aimed at helping to develop football at the grassroots, held yesterday at Ugborodo, Delta State.

The project awarded to one of the best turf experts in the continent, Monimichelle Limited, consist of a FIFA standard playing turf and a sitting pavilion that can conveniently accommodate nearly 500 fans, is expected to be completed in six months.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Governor of Delta State, Hon. Kingsley B. Ofuaro, described the project in Ugborodo as strategic and historical and will go a long way to foster unity among the Itsekiri, Ilaje, and Ijaw people and it will also aid the development of the area in all facets.

He promised that the government will be an integral part of the project and thanked FIFA and the NFF for the project.

“I want to start by specially thanking FIFA and the Nigeria Football Federation for this FIFA Forward project. The citing of this project here is strategic considering the geographical location as it will serve the Itsekiri, Ilaje, and Ijaw communities around the Atlantic Ocean area of the state. The citing of this project can only be done by a man (Amaju Pinnick) who clearly understands the geographical location of this area. We can’t over-emphasize the importance of this laudable project as it will foster unity, build capacity, social harmony, attract more development and government presence and also aid the development of the round leather game of football.�

NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, expressed his delight at the kick-off of the construction of the project while also thanking the government of Delta State for their support so far.

He urged the communities to ensure they give the needed

support to the contractor in order for him to have an enabling environment to execute the project.

Pinnick who doubles as Member of CAF Executive Committee further listed the immediate benefits the communities will derive from the project while also pointing out that FIFA is fully committed to making it a world-class facility. “I am overjoyed that this is happening here today. We started nurturing the idea of citing this project in this small community of Ugborodo two years ago and I am delighted that we have finally kicked it off. “We want to use this project to correct the wrong notion that the Niger Delta is a volatile and restive area. We urge youths in the community to give the contractor all the support in order for him to do a good job. FIFA will monitor and ensure every detail is taken care of,� stressed the NFF Chief.

Earlier, Delta FA Chairman, Kenneth Nwamoucha in his

welcome address hailed world football-governing body, FIFA and the NFF for bringing “this huge project to Delta State especially the riverine communities.�

In his remark, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi thanked the Government and the people of Delta State while also urging them to see the project as a good omen of bigger projects to come.

He urged the people of the State to continue to support their illustrious son, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, who is well appreciated for his contribution to the development of football in Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.

The Deputy Governor, Kingsley Otuaro subsequently led dignitaries in the performing of the ground-breaking ceremony even as the General Secretary handed over the certificate of the project to MoniMichelle Construction Company to signal the commencement of the project.

NWFL Congratulates Obaseki on His Re-election The management of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has sent congratulatory messages to Governor Godwin Obaseki on his re-election for another four-year term at the recently concluded 2020 Edo State gubernatorial poll.

The NWFL management headed by Aisha Falode described the hard-fought victory of the incumbent and his deputy, Phillip Shaibu as heartwarming and well-deserving. “Congratulations Governor

Godwin Obaseki and the Deputy Governor, Comrade Phillip Shaibu on your welldeserved victory at the Edo State governorship polls. “The NWFL says a heartwarming well done to you and your hardworking deputy, Comrade Phillip Shaibu. It must have been your peopleoriented programmes and deep rooted interest in the well-being of the youths and sportsmen and women that earned you the resounding yes votes of the Edo indigenes

at the polls. “You and your deputy, Comrade Phillip Shaibu exemplary and principled leadership especially in the past four years have proven to be the antidote and cure for most of the ills and anti-social activities among the youths in most of our states. “Once again accept the NWFL deepest and warmest congratulations,� said the NWFL boss.

Aisha recalled with fond memories the uncommon

and unwavering interest the governor and his deputy showed in the programmes of the league body as well as the height the governor has taken the state-own women team, Edo Queens in the annals of women football. “The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board member prayed fervently that the second coming of the amiable governor will be impactful and unleash more visas and common areas of collaboration with the women league body.

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Ëœ ÍťÍ¸Ëœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAYSPORTS CARABAO CUP

Tottenham Beat Chelsea on Penalties to Reach Qâ€™ďŹ nal

Tottenham reached the last eight of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night after beating Chelsea 5-4 on penalties. Scores tied 1-1 at full time before going into the shootout.

At the end of an absurd tie, Mason Mount missed the 10th kick of the shootout and Spurs went through in a competition written off by Jose Mourinho.

SUPER CUP

Bayern’s Sane to Miss Clash with Dortmund, Alaba Doubtful Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane will miss tonight’s Germany DFL Super Cup against Borussia Dortmund with a knee injury while defender David Alaba is doubtful, coach Hansi Flick announced yesterday.

Bayern, who won four titles this year, lost Sunday’s league game at Hoffenheim 4-1 to suffer their first defeat of 2020. “Leroy is out. He will most likely be out until and will return after the break for international matches (between 7-13 October),�

Flick told reporters.

Defender Alaba is doubtful with a muscle problem, with a final decision to be taken on today.

The Bavarians almost played through the summer with no real pre-season preparation as they lifted the Champions League in August. They also beat Sevilla last week in the European Super Cup to secure their fourth trophy after also winning the German league and Cup. “No one has come to me asking for a break,� Flick said. “We know that this season will

be a major challenge, not only for us but all teams with many international players. “For us it is a bit different situation. We had no real preseason and we had two breaks of two weeks.�

Flick said his team were mentally strong, despite the loss to Hoffenheim which ended their 32-game unbeaten run across all competitions. “I can only say that the mentality is outstanding,� Flick said. “It could be the case that one player or another is or was a bit tired but when they are on the pitch they give it 100 per cent.�

Similarly, Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho will miss the Super Cup clash against Bayern Munich along with keeper Roman Buerki, the club said on Tuesday.

England international Sancho is the subject of ongoing transfer speculation, with British media reporting earlier on Tuesday that Manchester United had made a bid for the player worth up to 100 million euros ($117.41 million).

The Tottenham manager had bemoaned a fixture schedule that left them unable to compete for the lesser pickings. But, having gone behind to Timo Werner ’s first-half strike, they levelled through Erik Lamela before triumphing in the shootout.

Penalties was an appropriate end for a berserk match of drama, tantrums and, in the case of Eric Dier, an unscheduled toilet break.

It started with Werner’s first goal for Chelsea on 19 minutes, which for the better part of an hour appeared to be enough to put his side through.

Spurs had been dreadful for much of the first half but finally managed to

apply pressure in the second. They had a flurry of chances, two of which were well saved by Chelsea’s new goalkeeping hope Edouard Mendy, but appeared to be heading out in a blitz of anger.

Mourinho seemed ready to blow, but they were saved

by Lamela’s equaliser seven minutes from time.

Despite Tottenham’s win, there will be further questions over the future of Dele Alli. In the ongoing saga of his place at Spurs, he was dropped for a fourth matchday squad out of four.

If it is the end for Alli, then what a shame. And what a waste, too.

Of course, it could be just one more twist in the Mourinho shuffle — another

cold shoulder to make Alli run hot. Or maybe it is just what it looks like — a loss of trust and the start of a goodbye. With Mourinho, in his world of thick smoke and circus mirrors, it really is so hard to tell.

But the brighter prognosis, that this is all a prelude to a grand revival, does feel a little like wishful thinking.

Just as it felt timely when the stadium staff decided partway through the warmups to show footage of Alli’s magnificent lob over Arsenal in this competition two years ago.

While that homage to the past played out on the big screens, the newer blood had their chances below. For Spurs, featuring nine changes to cater for their third game

in five days, that meant a debut for Sergio Reguilon, at left wing back next to three centre halves in a tweaked system.

Only Dier and Hugo Lloris were retained from the Newcastle draw, but no towels were being thrown in.

In the context of selection, they were weakened, but far from weak. So perish the thought that Mourinho may have attempted to mislead with a few of his pre-match comments, but the waiting presence of Harry Kane on the bench suggested his manager held more than a passing interest in going through.

Lampard made eight changes but also put out a strong side, with Mendy

Tottenham Hotspur players celebrating beating Chelsea 5-4 on penalties to reach last eight of the Carabao Cup...last night

Liverpool’s Thiago Self-isolating After Covid-19 Positive Test Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane is out of tonight’s Germany DFL Super Cup Clash with Dortmund

Cameroonian Player Arrested in Mauritius over Passport Scam Cameroonian midfielder Marcel Wamba Kepdep has been arrested in Mauritius after he tried to illegally obtain a Mauritian passport.

The 27-year-old has been playing for Mauritian side Roche-Bois Bolton City and was hoping to travel to Europe with the documents.

Kepdep remains in police custody after his provisional indictment in court.

One major advantage enjoyed

by Mauritian passport holders can travel visa-free to the Schengen region in Europe for tourism and business purposes for a period of up to 90 days.

Mauritius’ Central Criminal Investigation Division (CCID) is investigating a network trying to sell Mauritian passports to foreigners, including African footballers playing in the country.

Following the arrest of three people in Port Louis as part of a

police crackdown the authorities examined computer files and seized fake passports.

Among the documents were some that features photos of Marcel Wamba Kepdep, but under a different name.

Following his arrest the Cameroonian confessed he had approached this network to obtain a Mauritian passport before heading to Europe.

Football in Mauritius has been suspended due to the global Covid-19 pandemic meaning that many players contract’s will not be renewed as teams are having struggle to pay them.

Kepdep participated in the Confederation Cup last year as Roche-Bois Bolton City made their debut in the second-tier continental club competition with a win over Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy, before being eliminated by Zambian side Zanaco.

Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara has tested positive for Covid-19 and is self-isolating.

The 29-year-old only recently signed for the club from German side Bayern Munich and made his debut as a substitute in a 2-0 win at Chelsea.

However, he missed an EFL Cup win at Lincoln last week and was absent for a 3-1 victory over Arsenal on Monday.

Liverpool said Thiago “has

exhibited minor symptoms of the virus but is in good health and is getting better�.

A statement on the club’s website added: “The club has, and will continue to follow, all protocols relating to COVID-19 and Thiago will remain in selfisolation for the required period of time.�

On Monday, the Premier League announced that 10 peoplehad tested positive for

coronavirus in the latest round of testing - the highest number of positive tests since the season began.

Liverpool play the Gunners again in the EFL Cup on Thursday and travel to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday before the international break.

The club’s first game after that will be in the league at Everton on 17 October for the

Merseyside derby. “It is the choice of each individual whether they reveal publicly the outcome of a Covid-19 test,� said Liverpool first-team doctor, Dr Jim Moxon. “We have followed all the protocols to the letter and Thiago is OK. “He will be self-isolating now as per the guidelines and hopefully he’ll be back with us soon.�

Drogba Selected to Receive UEFA President’s Award Cote d’Ivoire and Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has been selected to receive the 2020 UEFA President’s Award.

Drogba, 42, scored Chelsea’s winning penalty in the 2012 Champions League final shootout, helped the Blues to four Premier League titles and as many FA Cup triumphs across nine years in two spells. “Didier is a hero to millions of football fans for his achievements throughout his glittering playing career,� said Ceferin. “He is a leader – a pioneer.

I will remember him as a player for his skill, strength and intelligence, but above all for his insatiable appetite to succeed – a trait which is just as present in his desire to help others off the field of play. “The UEFA Champions

League has become the greatest club competition in the world, partly due to our clubs being able to attract the best players from around the world. “We have been lucky to have seen the likes of George Weah, Samuel Eto’o and Didier Drogba play at the very highest level. They in turn, have blazed a trail for African footballers and have given inspiration to a whole new generation to look to follow in their footsteps.�

Drogba will collect his award at Thursday’s Champions League draw in Geneva.

He racked up 164 goals in 381 appearances in a trophyladen Chelsea career, while also helping his country to three World Cup tournaments. “To have won a Champions League, to have played and scored for my country at a

World Cup – these are things I could only have dreamed of when I was a child,� said Drogba “There are so many children in the developing world who have the potential to become not only footballers, but also doctors, teachers and engineers. “This is why it is so important to help and support our youngsters to let them fulfil their dreams and aspirations.�

Balancing his charity work with studying for UEFA’s executive master for international players (MIP) programme, Drogba continued: “I had been thinking, ‘how can I keep having the same impact without playing, without using my physique, my legs and my heart?’ “The best way was to use my brain and think about how

to stay in football and go into administration. “That is why I am here – to get all the tools and skills needed to improve not only as a person but as an ambitious man who wants to contribute to the development of football.�

Didier Drogba

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WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 •T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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Wednesday September 30, 2020

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Salami to Opponents

“I have no cause to express any regret over my chairmanship of the commission, not to talk of betraying any form of emotion before anyone about it. I see my appointment to serve as the chairman of the commission of inquiry as an honour and call to service, thus my decision to accept to diligently and patriotically discharge this responsibilityâ€? – Chairman of the Presidential Panel of Inquiry investigating the allegations of ďŹ nancial impropriety against Magu, Justice Ayo Salami, hitting back at those alleging that he regrets his appointment.

KAYODEKOMOLAFE THE HORIZON

kayode.komolafe@thisdaylive.com

0805 500 1974

The (Un)making of Nigeria T here is hardly any country in which —ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ČŹÂ‹ÂžÂ’Â•Â?’—Â?ČąÂ’ÂœČąÂŠČąÄ™Â—Â’ÂœÂ‘ÂŽÂ?ČąÂ‹ÂžÂœÂ’Â—ÂŽÂœÂœÇŻČą To build a nation its people under a leadership with a sense of historic mission must continuously strive for ›Ž—Ž Š•ǯȹ ‘ŠÂ?Č‚ÂœČąÂ˜Â—ÂŽČąÂ˜Â›Â?Š—’œ’—Â?ČąÂ™Â›Â’Â—ÂŒÂ’Â™Â•ÂŽČąÂ‹ÂŽÂ‘Â’Â—Â?Čą the stories of those countries to which Nigerians •’”ŽȹÂ?Â˜ČąČąÂŒÂ˜Â–Â™ÂŠÂ›ÂŽČąÂ?‘Ž’›ȹ—ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÇŻČąČąČą Â˜Ç°ČąÂ?Â˜Â–Â˜Â›Â›Â˜Â Č‚ÂœČąČąĹœĹ–Â?‘ȹŠ——’Â&#x;ÂŽÂ›ÂœÂŠÂ›Â˘ČąÂ˜Â?ȹ—ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÂŠÂ•Čą ’—Â?Ž™Ž—Â?ÂŽÂ—ÂŒÂŽČąÂœÂ‘Â˜ÂžÂ•Â?ČąÂ—Â˜Â?ČąÂ‹ÂŽČąÂŠČąÂ–Â˜Â–ÂŽÂ—Â?ČąÂ?Â˜Â›ČąÂ?ÂŽÂœÂ™ÂŠÂ’Â›ÇŻČą —œÂ?ŽŠÂ?Ç°Čą Â’Â?Čą œ‘˜ž•Â?Čą Š—ȹ Â˜ÂŒÂŒÂŠÂœÂ’Â˜Â—Čą Â?Â˜Čą ›ŽĚŽŒÂ?Â’Â&#x;Ž•¢ȹȹ ask some critical questions as the basis of hope Â?Â˜Â›ČąÂ™Â›Â˜Â?Â›ÂŽÂœÂœÇŻ Although the federal government is planning a year-long commemoration, yet the general –˜˜Â?Čą Â’ÂœČą Â?‘ŠÂ?Čą ˜Â?Čą Šȹ ČƒÂ•Â˜Â ČŹÂ”ÂŽÂ˘Č„Čą ŒŽ•Ž‹›ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÇŻČą ‘Žȹ reasons for this option are obvious: the uncertain public health situation and the depressing socioÂŽÂŒÂ˜Â—Â˜Â–Â’ÂŒČąÂŒÂ•Â’Â–ÂŠÂ?ÂŽÇŻČą Besides, vast swathes of the territory of the federal republic could be likened to ungoverned spaces given the murderous activities of insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers and other ÂŒÂ›Â’Â–Â’Â—ÂŠÂ•ÂœÇŻČą ‘˜žœŠ—Â?ÂœČąÂ˜Â?Čą Â’Â?ÂŽÂ›Â’ÂŠÂ—ÂœČąÂ›ÂŽÂ–ÂŠÂ’Â—ČąÂ’Â—ČąÂ?‘Žȹ ÂŒÂŠÂ–Â™ÂœČąÂ˜Â?Čą —Â?Ž›—Š••¢ȹ ’œ™•ŠŒŽÂ?Čą ÂŽÂ›ÂœÂ˜Â—ÂœČąÇť ÂœÇźÇŻČąČą So a combination of factors makes the social environment to be out of tune with rolling ˜žÂ?ČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ?Â›ÂžÂ–ÂœÇŻ ¢ȹ Â?‘Žȹ  Š¢ǰȹ Â?Â‘Â’ÂœČą Â’ÂœČą —˜Â?Čą Čą Â?‘Žȹ ꛜÂ?Čą Â˜ÂŒÂŒÂŠÂœÂ’Â˜Â—Čą that some Nigerians would call for a sombre Š——’Â&#x;ÂŽÂ›ÂœÂŠÂ›Â˘ÇŻČą Â‘Â˜ÂœÂŽČą Â Â‘Â˜Čą –Š”Žȹ ÂœÂžÂŒÂ‘Čą ÂŒÂŠÂ•Â•ÂœČą Š›Žȹ “žœÂ?’ꊋ•¢ȹÂ?’œŠ™™˜’—Â?ÂŽÂ?ȹŠÂ?ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂœÂ?ŠÂ?ÂŽČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ?‘Žȹ—ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÇŻČą Some would even overstate their point by ‹Ž’—Â?ČąÂ?’œ–’œœ’Â&#x;ÂŽČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂœÂ’Â?Â—Â’Ä™ÂŒÂŠÂ—ÂŒÂŽČąÂ˜Â?Čą ÂŒÂ?Â˜Â‹ÂŽÂ›ČąĹ—ÇŻ Yet, a judicious reading of history would ÂœÂ‘Â˜Â ČąÂ?‘ŠÂ?ȹ’Â?ČąÂ‘ÂŠÂœČąÂ—Â˜Â?ČąÂŠÂ•Â•ČąÂ‹ÂŽÂŽÂ—ČąÂŠČąÂœÂ?Â˜Â›Â˘ČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ Â˜ÂŽÂœÇŻČą ˜ž‹Â?Â•ÂŽÂœÂœÇ°ČąÂ?‘Žȹ Â’Â?ÂŽÂ›Â’ÂŠČąÂ˜Â?Čą ÂŒÂ?Â˜Â‹ÂŽÂ›ČąĹ—Ç°ČąĹ—Ĺ&#x;ĹœĹ–ČąÂ ÂŠÂœČą —˜Â?ȹ’Â?Ž—Â?Â’ÂŒÂŠÂ•ČąČąÂ Â’Â?‘ȹÂ?‘Žȹ Â’Â?ÂŽÂ›Â’ÂŠČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ?˜Â?Š¢ǯ Therefore, a dialectical approach is suggested in reading the history of Nigeria in the last ĹœĹ–ČąÂ˘ÂŽÂŠÂ›ÂœÇŻČą For it has been a history of the making and ž—–Š”’—Â?ČąÂ˜Â?ȹŠȹ—ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÇŻČą Â?Č‚ÂœČąÂŠČąÂ‘Â’ÂœÂ?Â˜Â›Â˘ČąÂ?›ŠžÂ?‘Â?ȹ ’Â?‘ȹ Â?›ŠÂ&#x;ÂŽČąÂŒÂ˜Â—Â?›ŠÂ?Â’ÂŒÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÂœÇŻ Â?Čą Â?Â˜Â›Čą —˜Â?‘’—Â?Čą ÂŽÂ•ÂœÂŽÇ°Čą ÂŒÂ?Â˜Â‹ÂŽÂ›Čą Ĺ—Čą œ‘˜ž•Â?Čą ‹Žȹ celebrated as a day to acknowledge the heroic Žě˜›Â?ÂœČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ?‘Žȹ—ŠÂ?’˜—Š•’œÂ?ÂœČąÂ Â‘Â˜ČąÂ?˜žÂ?‘Â?ČąÂ?Â˜Â›ČąÂ—ÂŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÂŠÂ•Čą Â?›ŽŽÂ?Â˜Â–ČąÂŠÂŒÂ›Â˜ÂœÂœČąÂ?Ž—Ž›ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÂœÇŻČą The nationalists played their part well in Â?‘Žȹ –Š”’—Â?Čą ˜Â?Čą Â?‘Žȹ Â’Â?Ž›’Š—ȹ —ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÇŻČą ˜ž—Â?Čą men in the Zikist movement were jailed and ‹›žÂ?Š•’œŽÂ?Čą ‹¢ȹ Â?‘Žȹ Œ˜•˜—’Š•’œÂ?ÂœÇŻČą ‘Žȹ ’”’œÂ?ÂœČą made the struggle for freedom their career ÂŠÂœČą Â˘Â˜ÂžÂ—Â?Čą —ŠÂ?’˜—Š•’œÂ?ÂœÇŻČą Â’Â?—’ęŒŠ—Â?•¢ǰȹ Â?‘Ž¢ȹ Â Â˜Â—Čą Â?‘Žȹ ‹ŠĴ•Žȹ Â?Â˜Â›Čą Čą ’—Â?Ž™Ž—Â?ÂŽÂ—ÂŒÂŽÇŻČą Â?Čą Â’ÂœÇ°Čą Â?‘Ž›ŽÂ?Â˜Â›ÂŽÇ°Čą a gross disservice to their great memories for the troubled contemporary generation to act as if nothing happened in history and dismiss ÂŒÂ?Â˜Â‹ÂŽÂ›ČąĹ—ČąÂŠÂœČąÂŠČąÂ?ÂŠÂ˘ČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ—Â˜ČąÂŒÂ˜Â—ÂœÂŽÂšÂžÂŽÂ—ÂŒÂŽÇŻČą ‘ŠÂ?Č‚ÂœČą why the proper history of Nigeria should be Â?ŠžÂ?‘Â?ČąÂ’Â—ČąČąÂœÂŒÂ‘Â˜Â˜Â•ÂœÇŻ Eminent historian, Professor Jacob Ade-Ajayi, once said that to have a country without a sense history is like driving a car without a ›ŽŠ›ȏÂ&#x;Â’ÂŽÂ ČąÂ–Â’Â›Â›Â˜Â›ÇŻČą The story of the struggle for independence Â’ÂœČą Šȹ Â?ÂŽÂŠÂŒÂ‘ÂŠÂ‹Â•ÂŽČą ™Š›Â?Čą ˜Â?Čą Â?‘Žȹ Â’Â?Ž›’Š—ȹ ‘’œÂ?Â˜Â›Â˘ÇŻČą Â&#x;Ž—ȹ Â’Â?ÂŽÂ›Â’ÂŠÂ—ÂœČą Â Â‘Â˜Čą Š›Žȹ Čą ĹœĹ–Čą Â˘ÂŽÂŠÂ›ÂœČą ˜•Â?Čą ‘ŠÂ&#x;Žȹȹ no memories of the absurd realities and gross injustice of colonialism, much less those who Š›Žȹ ž—Â?Ž›ȹ řŖȹ Â˘ÂŽÂŠÂ›ÂœČą Š—Â?Čą Â Â‘Â˜Čą ‘Š™™Ž—ȹ Â?Â˜Čą ‹Žȹ ’—ȹ Â?Â‘ÂŽČąÂ–ÂŠÂ“Â˜Â›Â’Â?¢ǯȹ —•’”ŽȹÂ?‘Žȹ™›ŽȏŗĹ&#x;ĹœĹ–Čą Â’Â?Ž›’ŠǰȹÂ?‘Žȹ Â’Â?Ž›’Š—ȹŠ›–¢ȹȹ Â’ÂœČą Â—Â˜Čą Â–Â˜Â›ÂŽČą Œ˜––Š—Â?ÂŽÂ?Čą ‹¢ȹ Šȹ ›’Â?Â’ÂœÂ‘Čą Â?Ž—Ž›Š•ǯȹ The Nigeria Police Force is not headed by a British Inspector-General; neither is there any ›’Â?Â’ÂœÂ‘ČąÂ™ÂŽÂ›Â–ÂŠÂ—ÂŽÂ—Â?ČąÂœÂŽÂŒÂ›ÂŽÂ?Š›¢ȹ’—ȹÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂŒÂ’Â&#x;Â’Â•ČąÂœÂŽÂ›Â&#x;Â’ÂŒÂŽÇŻČą There are more schools and hospitals today Â?‘Š—ȹÂ?‘Ž›Žȹ Ž›Žȹ’—ȹȹÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂŒÂ˜Â•Â˜Â—Â’ÂŠÂ•Čą Â’Â?Ž›’Šǯȹ

Buhari —ȹ Â?‘Žȹ •ŠœÂ?Čą ĹœĹ–Čą Â˘ÂŽÂŠÂ›ÂœÇ°Čą Â’Â?Ž›’Šȹ Čą Â‘ÂŠÂœČą ™›˜Â?žŒŽÂ?Čą Ž¥™Ž›Â?ÂœČąČąÂ’Â—ČąÂ&#x;ÂŠÂ›Â’Â˜ÂžÂœČąČąÄ™ÂŽÂ•Â?ÂœČąČąÂ Â‘Â˜ČąÂŠÂ›ÂŽČąÂœÂ?ÂŠÂ›ÂœČąÂ’Â—ČąÂ?‘Žȹ —ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÂŠÂ•ČąÄ™Â›Â–ÂŠÂ–ÂŽÂ—Â?ǯȹȹ Â˜Â–ÂŽČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ?‘Žȹ‹›’Â?Â?ÂŽÂœČąÂŠÂ—Â?Čą highways in use now did not exist even in the •ŠœÂ?ČąÂ?ŽŒŠÂ?ÂŽČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂŒÂ˜Â•Â˜Â—Â’ÂŠÂ•ČąÂ›ÂžÂ•ÂŽÇŻČą Â˜Â›ČąÂ’Â—ÂœÂ?ÂŠÂ—ÂŒÂŽÇ°ČąÂ?‘Ž›Žȹ Â ÂŠÂœČąÂ—Â˜Čą ŠÂ?Â˜ÂœČŹ ‹ŠÂ?ÂŠÂ—ČąÂŽÂĄÂ™Â›ÂŽÂœÂœÂ ÂŠÂ˘ČąÂ’Â—ČąĹ—Ĺ&#x;ĹœĹ–ÇŻČąČą ‘Žȹ road was constructed by a military regime in Â?‘ŽȹŗĹ&#x;Ĺ?Ĺ–ÂœÇŻČą Â?ČąÂ ÂŠÂœČąĹ—ĹœČąÂ˘ÂŽÂŠÂ›ÂœČąÂŠÂ?Â?Ž›ȹ’—Â?Ž™Ž—Â?ÂŽÂ—ÂŒÂŽČąÂ?‘ŠÂ?ČąÂ?‘Žȹ idea of a new national capital was also conceived ‹¢ȹŠȹ–’•’Â?Š›¢ȹ›ŽÂ?’–Žǯȹ ˜Â?Š¢ǰȹŠȹ ÂŽÂ?Ž›Š•ȹ Š™’Â?Š•ȹ Territory has been created in the heart of the Œ˜ž—Â?›¢ǯȹ The Empire Day is no more celebrated in a ‘ž–’•’ŠÂ?’—Â?ȹȹÂ?•˜›’ęŒŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ČąÂ˜Â?Čą ›’Â?Â’ÂœÂ‘ČąÂ’Â–Â™ÂŽÂ›Â’ÂŠÂ•Â’ÂœÂ–ÇŻČą Warts and all, some of the pieces of evidence ˜Â?ČąÂ™Â˜ÂœÂ?ČŹĹ—Ĺ&#x;ĹœĹ–ČąÂ™Â›Â˜Â?Â›ÂŽÂœÂœČąČąÂ’Â—ČąÂ?’쎛Ž—Â?ČąÂ?Ž™Š›Â?–Ž—Â?ÂœČą of national life were the products of the making of Nigeria by the policymakers of the immediate post-independence period and thereafter including Â?Â‘ÂŽČąÂ•Â˜Â—Â?ČąÂ™ÂŽÂ›Â’Â˜Â?ČąÂ˜Â?ȹ–’•’Â?Š›¢ȹ›ž•Žǯȹ Despite this visible evidence of relative development, there is also the depressing story ˜Â?ČąÂ?‘Žȹž—–Š”’—Â?ČąÂ˜Â?Čą Â’Â?Ž›’Šǯȹ Â’Â?‘ȹŠȹÂ?˜˜Â?ČąČąÂ–ÂŽÂŠÂœÂžÂ›ÂŽČąÂ“ÂžÂœÂ?’ęŒŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—Ç°Čą Â’Â?ÂŽÂ›Â’ÂŠÂ—ÂœČą point to the fact that their country is many Â˘ÂŽÂŠÂ›ÂœČąÂ‹ÂŽÂ‘Â’Â—Â?ȹȹ’Â?ÂœČąĹ—Ĺ&#x;ĹœĹ–ČąÂ™ÂŽÂŽÂ›ÂœČąÂ’Â—ČąÂ?ÂŽÂ&#x;Ž•˜™–Ž—Â?Š•ȹ ÂœÂ?›’Â?ÂŽÂœÇŻČą ž—Â?Â’Â?ÂœČąČąÂ˜Â?Â?Ž—ȹ–Ž—Â?Â’Â˜Â—Čą ÂœÂ’ÂŠÂ—ČąÂŽÂĄÂŠÂ–Â™Â•ÂŽÂœČą ˜Â?Čą ÂŠÂ•ÂŠÂ˘ÂœÂ’ÂŠÇ°Čą —Â?’Šǰȹ ˜žÂ?‘ȹ Â˜Â›ÂŽÂŠÇ°Čą ’—Â?ÂŠÂ™Â˜Â›ÂŽÇ°ČąČąÂŽÂ?ÂŒÇŻ The unmaking of Nigeria is manifest in a ŒŠÂ?Š•˜Â?ÂžÂŽČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ?›’–ȹ’—Â?Â’ÂŒÂŽÂœÇŻČą Â?Â?ÂŽÂ›ČąĹœĹ–ČąÂ˘ÂŽÂŠÂ›ÂœČąÂ˜Â?ȹ—ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÂŠÂ•ČąÂ?›ŽŽÂ?Â˜Â–Ç°ČąÂ?‘ŽȹÂ?›ŽŽÂ?Â˜Â–Čą from ignorance is still beyond the reach of millions ˜Â?Čą Œ‘’•Â?›Ž—ȹ ˜Â?Čą ÂœÂŒÂ‘Â˜Â˜Â•Čą ŠÂ?ÂŽČą ›˜Š–’—Â?Čą Â?‘Žȹ ÂœÂ?›ŽŽÂ?ÂœÇŻČą Nigeria has the largest number of children out ˜Â?ČąÂœÂŒÂ‘Â˜Â˜Â•ÇŻČą —Žȹ ˜Â?Čą Â?‘Žȹ ÂŒÂ˜Â—ÂœÂŽÂšÂžÂŽÂ—ÂŒÂŽÂœČą ˜Â?Čą Â?‘Žȹ Â—ÂŽÂ˜ČŹÂ•Â’Â‹ÂŽÂ›ÂŠÂ•Čą ravages in the policy arena is the collapse of public ÂŽÂ?žŒŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÇŻČą ›ŽŠÂ?ČąÂœÂŒÂ‘Â˜Â˜Â•ÂœČąÂ‘ÂŠÂ&#x;Žȹ‹ŽŽ—ȹÂ?ÂŽÂœÂ?Â›Â˜Â˘ÂŽÂ?ČąÂ?žŽȹȹ Â?Â˜ČąÂŒÂ›Â’Â–Â’Â—ÂŠÂ•ČąÂ—ÂŽÂ?•ŽŒÂ?ȹŠ—Â?ȹž—Â?Ž›Â?ž—Â?’—Â?ÇŻČą Â?ČąÂ?Â˜ÂŽÂœÂ—Č‚Â?Čą prick the conscience of Nigerian leaders that they could not send their children to their former schools where they received quality education as their counterparts do in the metropolitan Œ˜ž—Â?Â›Â’ÂŽÂœÇŻČą Â?ČąÂ‘ÂŠÂœČąÂ‹ÂŽÂŒÂ˜Â–ÂŽČąÂŠČąÂœÂ?ŠÂ?ÂžÂœČąÂœÂ˘Â–Â‹Â˜Â•ČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂœÂŽÂ—Â?Čą Â?Â‘ÂŽÂ’Â›ČąÂŒÂ‘Â’Â•Â?›Ž—ȹÂ?Â˜ČąÂ?˜˜Â?ČąÂœÂŒÂ‘Â˜Â˜Â•ÂœČąÂŠÂ‹Â›Â˜ÂŠÂ?ÇŻČą Â?ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂ˜Â—Â•Â˘Čą option available to those of them from humble backgrounds were to be expensive university education abroad, they would not be as educated ÂŠÂœČąÂ?‘Ž¢ȹŠ›ŽȹÂ?˜Â?Š¢ǯȹ žœÂ?ČąÂ•Â’Â”ÂŽČąÂ—Â˜Â Ç°ČąČąÂ’Â—ČąÂ?Â‘Â˜ÂœÂŽČąÂ?ÂŠÂ˘ÂœČąČą Â™Â˜Â˜Â›ČąČąÂ™ÂŠÂ›ÂŽÂ—Â?ÂœČąÂŒÂ˜ÂžÂ•Â?ČąÂ—Â˜Â?ČąÂŠÄ›Â˜Â›Â?ČąÂ?Â˜Â›ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽÂ’Â›ČąÂŒÂ‘Â’Â•Â?›Ž—ȹ ÂŽÂ?žŒŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ČąÂ?›ŽŠÂ?ÂŽÂ?ČąÂŠÂœČąÂŠČąÂŒÂ˜Â–Â–Â˜Â?Â’Â?¢ǯȹ The leadership seems to be unmindful of the perilous outcomes of this policy design

Â?Â˜Â›ČąÂœÂ˜ÂŒÂ’ÂŠÂ•ČąÂ’Â—ÂŽÂšÂžÂŠÂ•Â’Â?¢ǯȹ It is one poignant aspect of the unmaking ˜Â?Čą Â’Â?Ž›’Šǯȹȹȹ This country has the worst record of open defecation while millions of people have no ÂŠÂŒÂŒÂŽÂœÂœČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂ™Â˜Â?Š‹•Žȹ ŠÂ?Ž›ǯȹ Foreign heads of state used to seek medical ÂŒÂŠÂ›ÂŽČąÂŠÂ?ČąÂ?‘Žȹ —’Â&#x;Ž›œ’Â?¢ȹ ˜••ŽÂ?ÂŽČą ˜œ™’Â?Š•ȹǝ ǟǰȹ ‹ŠÂ?Š—ǯȹ Â˜Â›ÂŽČą Â?‘Š—ȹ śŖȹ Â˘ÂŽÂŠÂ›ÂœČą •ŠÂ?Ž›ȹ Â’Â?Ž›’Š—ȹ leaders and members of their family now seek medicare abroad because the federal and state governments have failed to establish centres of –ŽÂ?Â’ÂŒÂŠÂ•ČąÂŽÂĄÂŒÂŽÂ•Â•ÂŽÂ—ÂŒÂŽÇŻ The social structure is that of oases of scandalous Â˜Â™ÂžÂ•ÂŽÂ—ÂŒÂŽČąÂ’Â—ČąÂ?‘ŽȹÂ?ŽœŽ›Â?ČąÂ˜Â?ȹ Š—Â?ȹŠ—Â?ȹ‘ž—Â?Ž›ǯ In fact, Nigeria is now called the poverty ŒŠ™’Â?ÂŠÂ•ČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂ Â˜Â›Â•Â?ÇŻČą —ȹ Šȹ  Š¢ǰȹ Â?‘Žȹ –Š—ŠÂ?Ž–Ž—Â?Čą ˜Â?Čą Â?‘Žȹ —ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—Č‚ÂœČą ™˜•’Â?Â’ÂŒÂŠÂ•ČąÂŽÂŒÂ˜Â—Â˜Â–Â˘ČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂœÂŠÂ?Â’ÂœÂ?¢ȹÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂœÂŽÂ•Ä™ÂœÂ‘ČąÂ’Â—Â?Ž›ŽœÂ?ÂœČą of a few amidst the misery and squalor of the masses appears to be the sum of the story of Â?‘Žȹž—–Š”’—Â?ČąÂ˜Â?Čą Â’Â?Ž›’Šǯ –’Â?ÂœÂ?ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂœÂ˜ÂŒÂ’Â˜ČŹÂŽÂŒÂ˜Â—Â˜Â–Â’ÂŒČąÂ Â˜ÂŽÂœÇ°ČąÂ’Â?Č‚ÂœČąÂŠČąÂ™Â˜ÂœÂ’Â?Â’Â&#x;ÂŽČą step, however, that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is reviving the idea of Â?ÂŽÂ&#x;Ž•˜™–Ž—Â?ȹ™•Š—ǯ Čą Â?ČąÂ™Â›ÂŽÂœÂŽÂ—Â?Ç°ČąÂ‘Â˜Â ÂŽÂ&#x;Ž›ǰȹ Â’Â?ÂŽÂ›Â’ÂŠČąÂ’ÂœČąÂ?Žę—ŽÂ?ȹ‹¢ȹ underdevelopment largely because policymakers Š‹Š—Â?˜—ŽÂ?ȹ™•Š——’—Â?ǯȹȹ In fact, neo-liberal economic recipes have been so much embraced that development plans Â‹ÂŽÂŒÂŠÂ–ÂŽČąÂ?’›Â?Â˘ČąÂ Â˜Â›Â?ÂœÇŻČą ŠÂ?Â’ÂŒÂŠÂ•ČąÂ™Â˜Â•Â’Â?Â’ÂŒÂŠÂ•ČąÂŽÂŒÂ˜Â—Â˜Â–Â’ÂœÂ?Ç°Čą •ŠžÂ?ÂŽČą ”Žǰȹ ™žÂ?Čą Â’Â?Čą Â–Â˜Â›ÂŽČą Â?ž—Â?Š–Ž—Â?Š••¢ǯȹ Čą Žȹȹ ˜‹œŽ›Â&#x;ÂŽÂ?ȹȹ’—ȹÂ?‘ŽȹŗĹ&#x;Ĺ&#x;Ĺ–ÂœČąÂ?‘ŠÂ?ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂ™Â›Â˜Â‹Â•ÂŽÂ–ČąÂ ÂŠÂœČąÂ—Â˜Â?Čą really with the option of the path to development but the fact that development was not even on Â?‘ŽȹŠÂ?Ž—Â?ŠȹŠÂ?ȹŠ••ǯȹ ‘ŽȹÂ?›Ž—Â?ČąÂ’ÂœČąÂœÂžÂŒÂ‘ČąÂ?‘ŠÂ?ȹ•ŽŠÂ?ÂŽÂ›ÂœČąČą ÂœÂŽÂŽÂ–ČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂ‘ÂŠÂ&#x;ÂŽČąÂœÂ?˜™™ŽÂ?ČąÂ?‘’—”’—Â?ȹ‹’Â?ÇŻČą Â›Â˜Â–ČąÂŠČąÂ™Â˜Â•Â’ÂŒÂ˘Čą culture of planning for massive water schemes to produce millions of gallons of water in the Ĺ—Ĺ&#x;ĹœĹ–ÂœÇ°ČąÂ™Â˜Â•Â’Â?Â’ÂŒÂ’ÂŠÂ—ÂœČąÂ—Â˜Â ČąÂœÂ?ŠÂ?ÂŽČąÂŽÂ•ÂŠÂ‹Â˜Â›ÂŠÂ?ÂŽČąÂŒÂŽÂ›ÂŽÂ–Â˜Â—Â’ÂŽÂœČą Â?Â˜ČąČƒÂŒÂ˜Â–Â–Â’ÂœÂœÂ’Â˜Â—Č„ČąČąÂ‹Â˜Â›ÂŽÂ‘Â˜Â•ÂŽÂœÇŻČą The new concept of mass transit in the dictionary of some politicians is the ubiquitous –˜Â?Â˜Â›ČąÂŒÂ˘ÂŒÂ•ÂŽČąÂ’Â—ČąÂŒÂ’Â?Â’ÂŽÂœČąÂŠÂ—Â?ČąÂŒÂ˜ÂžÂ—Â?Â›Â˘ÂœÂ’Â?ŽȹŠ•’”Žǯȹ Perhaps, the gravest expression of the unmaking of Nigeria is coming in the form of the threat of —ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÂŠÂ•ČąÂ?’œ’—Â?ÂŽÂ?›ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÇŻČą ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÂŠÂ•ČąÂŒÂ˜Â‘ÂŽÂœÂ’Â˜Â—ČąÂŒÂŠÂ—Čą Â—Â˜ČąÂ–Â˜Â›ÂŽČąÂ‹ÂŽČąÂ?Š”Ž—ȹÂ?Â˜Â›ČąÂ?›Š—Â?ÂŽÂ?ÇŻČą May this categorical threat not be the ultimate ž—–Š”’—Â?ČąÂ˜Â?Čą Â’Â?Ž›’Šǯ For three decades now, the calls for the restructuring of the Nigerian federation have ‹ŽŽ—ȹ–ŠÂ?Žȹ’—ȹÂ?’쎛Ž—Â?ČąÂ?Â˜Â—ÂŽÂœČąÂŠÂ—Â?ČąÂ?ÂŽÂ—Â˜Â›ÂœČąÂŠÂ—Â?ȹ’—ȹ Â?’쎛Ž—Â?ČąÂ™Â˜Â•Â’Â?Â’ÂŒÂŠÂ•ČąÂŒÂ’Â›ÂŒÂžÂ–ÂœÂ?ÂŠÂ—ÂŒÂŽÂœÇŻČą ÂœČąÂŠČąÂ–ÂŠÄ´ÂŽÂ›ČąÂ˜Â?Čą Â?ŠŒÂ?Ç°ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÄ™Â›ÂœÂ?ČąÂ&#x;Š•’Š—Â?ȹŠĴŽ–™Â?ČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂœÂ?ŠÂ?ŽȹŠȹ—ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÂŠÂ•Čą conference to correct the distortion of the Nigerian Â?ÂŽÂ?ÂŽÂ›ÂŠÂ•Â’ÂœÂ–ČąÂ ÂŠÂœČąÂ’Â—Čą žÂ?žœÂ?ȹŗĹ&#x;Ĺ&#x;Ĺ–ÇŻČą Â‘ÂŽČąÂœÂŒÂ‘ÂŽÂ?ž•ŽÂ?Čą venue was the National Theatre, Surulere, ŠÂ?Â˜ÂœÇŻČą ‘Žȹ –’•’Â?Š›¢ȹ Â?˜Â&#x;Ž›—–Ž—Â?Čą ˜Â?Čą ›Žœ’Â?Ž—Â?Čą ‹›Š‘’–ȹ Š‹Š—Â?Â’Â?ÂŠČąÂœÂ?˜™™ŽÂ?ȹ’Â?ÇŻČą Â‘ÂŽČąÂŒÂ˜Â—Â?ÂŽÂ›ÂŽÂ—ÂŒÂŽČą was called four months after the April 22 coup Â?‘ŠÂ?ČąÂ ÂŠÂœČąČąÂ›ÂŽÂ™Â•ÂŽÂ?Žȹ ’Â?‘ȹŽÂ?Â‘Â—Â’ÂŒČąÂ˜Â&#x;Ž›Â?Â˜Â—ÂŽÂœÇŻČą ÂŠÂ“Â˜Â›Čą Â’Â?ÂŽÂ˜Â—Čą Â›Â”ÂŠÂ‘Ç°ČąČąÂ Â‘Â˜ČąÂ›ÂŽÂŠÂ?ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂŒÂ˜ÂžÂ™ČąÂœÂ?ŠÂ?Ž–Ž—Â?Čą on radio, actually announced that some states ’—ȹÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂŒÂ˜Â›ÂŽČąÂ—Â˜Â›Â?Â‘ČąÂ ÂŽÂ›ÂŽČąČƒÂŽÂĄÂŒÂ’ÂœÂŽÂ?Č„ČąÂ?Â›Â˜Â–Čą Â’Â?Ž›’Šǯȹ Since then questions have been continuously raised about the structure of the federation using Â?’쎛Ž—Â?ČąÂœÂ•Â˜Â?ÂŠÂ—ÂœČąÂŠÂ—Â?ČąÂ™Â‘Â›ÂŠÂœÂŽÂœÇŻČą During the agitation for the revalidation of Â?‘Žȹ ÂžÂ—ÂŽČąĹ—Ĺ˜Ç°ČąĹ—Ĺ&#x;Ĺ&#x;Ĺ&#x;ČąÂ™Â›ÂŽÂœÂ’Â?Ž—Â?Â’ÂŠÂ•ČąÂŽÂ•ÂŽÂŒÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ČąÂ Â˜Â—ČąÂ‹Â˘ČąČą Bashorun Moshood Abiola, the call for the Œ˜—Â&#x;Ž—’—Â?ČąÂ˜Â?ȹȹŠȹ ˜Â&#x;Ž›Ž’Â?—ȹ ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÂŠÂ•Čą ˜—Â?ÂŽÂ›ÂŽÂ—ÂŒÂŽČą Â ÂŠÂœČąÂœÂ?›’Â?Ž—Â?ÇŻČą Before all the foregoing was the tragic civil  Š›ȹ ’—ȹ Â Â‘Â’ÂŒÂ‘Čą Â–Â’Â•Â•Â’Â˜Â—ÂœČą ˜Â?Čą •’Â&#x;ÂŽÂœČą  Ž›Žȹ •˜œÂ?ÇŻČą ‘Žȹ malaise of the Nigerian federalism is at the root of the cyber civil war that is often fought Â˜Â—ČąÂ?‘Žȹ›ŽŠÂ?’—Â?ČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ?‘Žȹȹ ‹ž›’ȹ ŒŒ˜›Â?ǯȹȹ

Hitherto, the agitation for a workable federation has been largely an intellectual one in serious quarters with multiple perspectives being thrown ž™ȹ ‹¢ȹ Â?’쎛Ž—Â?Čą ˜›Â?Š—’œŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÂœČą ˜Â?Čą Â?‘Žȹ Â’Â?Ž›’Š—ȹ Â™Â˜Â ÂŽÂ›ČąÂ‹Â•Â˜ÂŒÂœÇŻČą ˜—Â&#x;Ž›Â?ÂœČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂ?‘Žȹ’Â?ÂŽÂŠČąÂ˜Â?ȹ ‘ŠÂ?ČąÂœÂ‘Â˜ÂžÂ•Â?Čą ‹ŽȹÂ?Â˜Â—ÂŽČąÂ‘ÂŠÂ&#x;ÂŽČąÂ‹ÂŽÂŽÂ—ČąÂ Â˜Â—ČąÂŠÂ•Â˜Â—Â?ČąÂ?‘Žȹ•’—Žǯȹȹ For instance, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka Â˜Â—ÂŒÂŽČąÂ›ÂŽÄšÂŽÂŒÂ?ÂŽÂ?ČąÂ˜Â—ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂ’ÂœÂœÂžÂŽČąÂ’Â—ČąÂŠČąÂ•ÂŽÂŒÂ?ž›ŽȹŽ—Â?Â’Â?•ŽÂ?Čą Čƒ ÂŽÂ? ŽŽ—ȹ ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—Čą Â™ÂŠÂŒÂŽČąÂŠÂ—Â?Čą ŠÂ?’˜—‘˜˜Â?ǯȄȹȹ Â˜Â›Čą ‘’–ȹ Â’Â?ÂŽÂ›Â’ÂŠČąÂ’ÂœČąÂŠČąČąČƒÂ—ÂŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ČąÂœÂ™ÂŠÂŒÂŽÇŻČ„ ‘ŠÂ?ČąÂ’ÂœČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂ‹ÂŽČąÂ?Â˜Â—ÂŽÇľČą Â˜Â˘Â’Â—Â”ÂŠČąÂ™ÂžÂ?ČąÂ?‘Žȹ–ŠĴŽ›ȹ•’”Žȹ Â?Â‘Â’ÂœÇąČąČƒ —Â?ČąÂ?Â‘ÂžÂœÇ°ČąÄ™Â—ÂŠÂ•Â•Â˘Ç°ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂšÂžÂŽÂœÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÇąČąÂ’ÂœČą Â’Â?Ž›’ŠȹŠȹ —ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ČąÂ?˜Â?Š¢Ǿȹ Â˘ČąÂŠÂ—ÂœÂ ÂŽÂ›ČąÂ’ÂœČąČŹČą ˜Â?ȹ¢ŽÂ?ÇŻČą ÂœČą Â’Â?Ž›’Šȹ Šœ™’›’—Â?ČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂ‹ÂŽČąÂŠČąÂ—ÂŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÇľČą Â‘ÂŽČąÂŠÂ—ÂœÂ ÂŽÂ›ČąČŹČą Â—ÂœÂžÂ›ÂŽÇŻČą Š—ȹ’Â?Ǿȹ Â˜ÂœÂœÂ’Â‹Â•Â˘ÇŻČą ‘˜ž•Â?ȹ’Â?Ǿȹ Â˘ČąÂŠÂ—ÂœÂ ÂŽÂ›ČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂ?‘ŠÂ?Čą is absolutely non-sentimental, purely technical and subjective : I prefer not to have to apply for yet another visa when I need to travel to —žÂ?ÂžČąÂ˜Â›Čą Â˜Â›Â—Â˜ÇŻČ„ Unfortunately, not many of those who have legitimate strong views about what should be the fate of the Nigerian federation have interrogated Â?Â‘ÂŽČąÂ’ÂœÂœÂžÂŽÂœČąÂŠÂœČąÂœÂ˜Â‹ÂŽÂ›Â•Â˘ČąČąÂŠÂœČą Â˜Â˘Â’Â—Â”ÂŠÇŻČą In recent years, the questions about the distortions of Nigerian federalism have assumed ŠȹÂ?Š—Â?ÂŽÂ›Â˜ÂžÂœČąÂ?Â’Â–ÂŽÂ—ÂœÂ’Â˜Â—ÇŻČą The objective of the Indigenous People of Biafra Çť ÇźČąÂ’ÂœČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂŒÂ›ÂŽÂŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂŠČąÂ›ÂŽÂ™ÂžÂ‹Â•Â’ÂŒČąÂ˜Â?Čą ’ŠÂ?›Šȹ’—ȹ Â?‘Žȹ œ˜žÂ?‘ŽŠœÂ?ÇŻČą ‘Žȹ ’–™ŠŒÂ?Čą ˜Â?Čą Â?‘Žȹ ŠŒÂ?Â’Â&#x;Â’Â?Â’ÂŽÂœČą ˜Â?Čą ȹ’—ȹÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂœÂ˜ÂžÂ?‘ŽŠœÂ?ČąÂ‘ÂŠÂœČąÂ‹ÂŽÂŽÂ—ČąÂžÂ—Â–Â’ÂœÂ?Š”ŽŠ‹•Žȹ despite the fact that the leader of the movement, —Š–Â?Â’Čą Š•žǰȹ•’Â&#x;ÂŽÂœČąÂ˜ÂžÂ?œ’Â?ÂŽČą Â’Â?Ž›’Šǯȹ Today as the federal government plans to mark Â?Â‘ÂŽČąĹœĹ–Â?‘ȹȹŠ——’Â&#x;ÂŽÂ›ÂœÂŠÂ›Â˘ČąÂ˜Â?Čą Â’Â?ÂŽÂ›Â’ÂŠČ‚ÂœČąÂ’Â—Â?Ž™Ž—Â?ÂŽÂ—ÂŒÂŽÇ°ČąČą some Yoruba elements have planned to stage rallies within and outside Nigeria in support ˜Â?ȹŠ—ȹ Â?žÂ?ž Šȹ ÂŽÂ™ÂžÂ‹Â•Â’ÂŒÇŻČąČą Â‘ÂŽČąÂ–ÂŠÂ™Ç°ČąÂŽÂ–Â‹Â•ÂŽÂ–ÂœČą and anthems of the proposed republic have Â‹ÂŽÂŽÂ—ČąÂŒÂ’Â›ÂŒÂžÂ•ÂŠÂ?’—Â?ȹ’—ȹÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂŒÂ˘Â‹ÂŽÂ›ÂœÂ™ÂŠÂŒÂŽČąÂ?Â˜Â›ČąÂœÂ˜Â–ÂŽČąÂ?’–Žǯȹ Meanwhile, the Yoruba people have never given anyone a mandate in a referendum to Â?ÂŽÂŒÂ•ÂŠÂ›ÂŽČąÂŠČąÂ›ÂŽÂ™ÂžÂ‹Â•Â’ÂŒČąÂ’Â—ČąÂ?‘Ž’›ȹ—Š–Žǯȹ The leader of the movement, Banji Akintoye, an erudite professor of history, is the author of the important book, A History of the Yoruba PeopleÇŻČą Akintoye, who was a senator in the Second ÂŽÂ™ÂžÂ‹Â•Â’ÂŒÇ°ČąÂ’ÂœČąÂ?‘Žȹ ›Žœ’Â?Ž—Â?ČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂ?‘Žȹ Â˜Â›ÂžÂ‹ÂŠČą ˜›•Â?Čą ˜—Â?Â›ÂŽÂœÂœČąÇť ǟǯȹȹ The recent militant posing of the National Question is in itself a distortion of the restructuring Š›Â?ž–Ž—Â?ÇŻČą Â?ČąÂŒÂ˜ÂžÂ•Â?ȹ•ŽŠÂ?ČąÂ?Â˜ČąÂŠÂ—ÂŠÂ›ÂŒÂ‘Â˘ÇŻČą Â˜ČąÂ’Â–ÂŠÂ?’—Žȹ a bloodless breakup of Nigeria is an optical Â’Â•Â•ÂžÂœÂ’Â˜Â—ÇŻČą Â?Čą Â’Â?Ž›’Šȹ Â‹Â›ÂŽÂŠÂ”ÂœČą ž™ȹ Â˘Â˜ÂžČą  ˜ž•Â?Čą —˜Â?Čą ‘ŠÂ&#x;Žȹ—ŽŠÂ?ČąÂ›ÂŽÂ™ÂžÂ‹Â•Â’ÂŒÂœČąÂŽÂ–ÂŽÂ›Â?’—Â?ČąÂ?Â›Â˜Â–ČąÂ?Â‘ÂŽČąÂ›ÂžÂ‹Â‹Â•ÂŽÂœÇŻČą Disintegration would only create turfs for warlords Š—Â?Čą ‹žÂ?Â?’—Â?Čą Â?ŠœŒ’œÂ?ÂœÇŻČą ‘Žȹ Â&#x;ÂŠÂ›Â’Â˜ÂžÂœČą Â?ŠŒÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÂœČą ˜Â?Čą Â’Â?Ž›’Š—ȹ Čą Ž•’Â?ÂŽČą œ‘˜ž•Â?Čą Čą ™Š¢ȹ ŠĴŽ—Â?Â’Â˜Â—Čą Â?Â˜Čą Â?Â‘Â’ÂœČą Â?ÂŽÂ&#x;Ž•˜™–Ž—Â?ǯȹȹ The increasing separatist ferment in the land is partly fuelled by the gross mismanagement ˜Â?ȹ’Â?Ž—Â?Â’Â?Â˘ČąÂ™Â˜Â•Â’Â?Â’ÂŒÂœČąÂ‹Â˘ČąÂ?‘Žȹ ž‘Š›’ȹŠÂ?–’—’œÂ?›ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÇŻČą A moral leadership vacuum is created by the abysmal lack of equity in running the federation, which the ethnic militants are trying Â?Â˜ČąÄ™Â•Â•ČąÂ’Â—ČąÂŠÂ—ČąÂŠÂ—ÂŠÂ›ÂŒÂ‘Â’ÂŒČąÂ?ÂŠÂœÂ‘Â’Â˜Â—ÇŻ Buhari has urged his team to “trumpetâ€? his socio-economic achievements towards the making ˜Â?Čą Â’Â?Ž›’Šǯȹȹ ž’Â?ÂŽČąÂ&#x;Š•’Â?ǡ

˜ ŽÂ&#x;ÂŽÂ›Ç°ČąÂ˜Â—ČąÂ?Â‘Â’ÂœČąÂ˜ÂŒÂŒÂŠÂœÂ’Â˜Â—ČąÂ˜Â?Čą Â’Â?ÂŽÂ›Â’ÂŠČ‚ÂœČą ’Š–˜—Â?Čą Jubilee the President should make a political addition to his agenda: promotion of national ’—Â?ÂŽÂ?›ŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—Čą ’—ȹ  ˜›Â?ÂœČą Š—Â?Čą Čą ŠŒÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÇŻČą ÂŽČą œ‘˜ž•Â?Čą strive to make this part of the legacy he would •’”ŽȹÂ?Â˜ČąÂ•ÂŽÂŠÂ&#x;Žȹ‹Ž‘’—Â?ČąÂ’Â—ČąĹ˜Ĺ–Ĺ˜Ĺ™ÇŻČą Buhari owes the nation the historical responsibility of preventing the ultimate unmaking of Nigeria by using the weapons of social justice and deliberate policies of inclusion in a regime ˜Â?ČąÂŒÂ˜Â–Â™ÂŽÂ?Ž—Â?ČąÂ?˜Â&#x;ÂŽÂ›Â—ÂŠÂ—ÂŒÂŽÇŻ

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