FRIDAY 10TH NOVEMBER 2023

NEITI: NNPC Contribution to Federation Account Declined By 56% in Two Years FIRS recorded 10% drop NUPRC, federal revenue body, national oil company, others remitted N14.38tn

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigeria Extractive Industries

Transparency Initiative (NEITI) yesterday, revealed that the contribution by the Nigerian

National Petroleum Company (NNPC) declined significantly by 56 per cent, along with the Federal

Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), whose contribution also dropped by 10 per cent, between January 1, 2020 and

December 31, 2021.

The decrease in the revenue remittances by both the NNPC and

FIRS was attributed to the decrease Continued on page 5

Tax: Court Nullifies Laws Demanding 50% Payment of Disputed Assessment... Page 8 Friday 10 November, 2023 Vol 28. No 10439. Price: N250

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Power Supply: Niger Govt Demands 13% Derivation from FG Laleye Dipo in Minna Niger State Government is set for war with the federal government over claims for 13 per cent derivation by the state because of the three hydroelectric dams – Kainji, Jebba and Shiroro

on its soil.

The fourth dam at Zungeru is under construction The government is claiming over N1 trillion in accumulated taxes from the three dams, which should have been paid to the state over the years.

A former governor of the state, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, had made similar demands but the request was later abandoned.

However incumbent governor, Mohammed Bago, speaking in Minna, said he would drag the federal government to the Supreme

Court to ensure the payment of the amount. He did not say how the debt was calculated.

Speaking when he received the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, Alhaji Tijani

Aliyu, in Minna, Bago insisted that the 13 per cent derivation must be paid to the state, just like the oil producing states in the country.

He declared, "We will take the federal government to the Supreme Court unless the 13 per

cent derivation from our land, water, air, grass, and everything given to us is paid.”

He added, “Our people are ravaged and displaced year-inyear-out because of the flow of Continued on page 5

INEC Deploys 27 RECs, Two National Commissioners, Others to Bayelsa, Kogi, Imo We've made arrangements for land, maritime transportation to ensure voting commences on schedule says Commission DHQ, DSS, Police vow to deploy force, strength Advise saboteurs to steer clear of Imo, Kogi, Bayelsa Allege plot by impersonators in military uniform to orchestrate havoc Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja and and Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), yesterday, said it had deployed a total of 27 Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo states to support the respective RECs in the three states, where governorship elections will be holding tomorrow.

Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this in a statement issued late last night ahead of tomorrow's elections.

A breakdown of the number of RECs deployed by the electoral body showed that nine RECs were sent to each of the three states that would be going to the polls on Saturday. Three of the RECs will to be deployed to each senatorial district in the states.

INEC also said it had deployed two National Commissioners and Administrative Secretaries (ASs) Continued on page 5

INTERACTIVE SESSION WITH GOVERNMENT AGENCIES… L-R: Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Solomon Olamilekan; Chairman Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sanni Musa and President of The Senate , Senator Godswill Akpabio at a Joint Committee on Finance, Appropriation, National Planning and Economic Affairs and Foreign Debts interactive Session with government agencies on 24-26 Medium -Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) in Abuja.... yesterday JULIUS ATOI

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Govt Moves to End Abandoned Projects’ Syndrome in Housing Sector, Warns Contractors Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The federal government has read the riot act to some contractors handling its housing projects nationwide to expedite work, noting that henceforth there will be no more abandoned buildings in construction sites across Nigeria.

The Minister of Housing and

Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, who spoke when he toured some project sites in Abuja, noted that the capacity of companies currently handling government projects in the housing will also be reviewed.

Some of the projects inspected were the Karsana Housing Scheme, comprising condominiums of several units

of flats and the 1,250 units being built in collaboration with Brains and Hammers at Deidei, Abuja.

Dangiwa maintained that the government would no longer tolerate cases of abandoned housing projects in the country when several millions of Nigerians were in need of shelter.

The minister explained that all the complaints by contractors,

including a vall for review of the contracts, due to rising prices of building materials will be considered after thorough discussions.

“On the aspect of the abandoned housing projects in the country, what we are telling most of the contractors is that we would no more tolerate any abandoned projects.

“We intend to recoup the investments put in by the government, so all abandoned construction sites, we are inviting all the developers to come and have a sit-down with us, so we can know the reasons why they abandoned such projects.

“Some of the developers or Continued on page 34

Dangiwa

INEC DEPLOYS 27 RECS, TWO NATIONAL COMMISSIONERS, OTHERS TO BAYELSA, KOGI, IMO as well as additional staff from the headquarters to Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states to support the election process.

Similarly yesterday, ahead of the elections in the three states, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police warned election saboteurs to steer clear of the polls, because they would not only deploy strength, but would also show force where necessary.

While DHQ warned those who planned to sport fake military uniforms not to cross the red line, DSS and the police said they would be decisive in dealing with those, who plotted to scuttle the polls as well as persons, who engaged in inflammatory statements.

At the same time, the InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday, ordered the posting and redeployment of 40 senior police officers, comprising 14 Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and 26 Commissioners of Police (CPs) to various commands and formations in the country.

The INEC chairman also stated that in less than 48 hours, 5,169,692 Nigerians, who collected their Permanent Voters' Cards (PVCs) were expected to vote in off-cycle governorship elections. He said it was the first time in the country's history that off-cycle elections would be held on the same day and across three geo-political zones of the country: North-central (Kogi), South-east (Imo), and South-south (Bayelsa).

As the election day approached, INEC called the commission's officials – both regular and ad-hoc – to demonstrate the highest level of patriotism and professionalism.

Yakubu stated, "As I said repeatedly, not least during my recent readiness assessment visits to the three states, INEC is not a political party and we have no candidate in the election.

"Our responsibility is to safeguard the process and ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates. The choice of who becomes the governor of Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states is entirely in the hands of voters.

"We have delivered all sensitive

and non-sensitive materials for the elections.

"The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been configured for deployment to polling units as the only means of voter verification and fingerprint/facial biometric authentication of voters.

"Polling unit results will be uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal. All election duty officials have been trained.

"Arrangements have been made for land and maritime transportation to enable us to commence voting on schedule."

Yakubu stressed that in spite of the extremely difficult terrain and physical infrastructure in some locations, the commission was determined to ensure that its officials were there waiting for voters, rather than the voters waiting for their arrival.

He added, "For these off-cycle elections, the commission is deploying two National Commissioners, nine RECs and Administrative Secretaries (ASs), as well as additional staff from different states to each of the three states to support the process. They will be deployed across the senatorial zones in the states.

"Election is a multi-stakeholder responsibility. As with every election, lessons have been learnt from recent elections. We will continue to ensure free, fair and credible and inclusive elections, but INEC cannot do it alone.

"We have received assurances from the security agencies that the environment will be secure for electoral activities and all participants: voters, electoral officials, accredited observers, the media and polling/ collation agents.

"Political parties and candidates have signed the peace accord under the auspices of the National Peace Committee (NPC). Let us maintain the peace and play our roles conscientiously. By doing so, we shall continue to consolidate our democracy."

DHQ, DSS, Police Vow to Deploy Force, Strength At a media briefing in Abuja, yesterday, Director, Defence Media

Operations (DDMO), Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, said the military considered the elections a serious business, and had deployed troops and platforms to ensure the security of the polls.

Buba stated, "Election is serious business and the military is given it deserved attention. Troops, platforms and other assets are deployed to those places.

“For those who wear fake military uniforms, I warn them not to cross the line.

"For the off-season elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states this weekend, here is a message for you.

The military is deploying strength for the election to emplace a safe environment for voters to peacefully come out and cast their votes.

"However, we are aware of plans by some to disguise in military gear to orchestrate havoc and disrupt elections in some areas. Our message to such a group is that there will be injurious consequences for such an action. The military will not fold its arms and watch its image dragged to the mud."

DSS also said the agency would be decisive in dealing with those who plotted to scuttle the polls as well as persons planning to engage in inflammatory statements.

The secret service agency said, in a statement signed by its spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunanya, "Individuals or groups that may decide to engage in illegitimate acts or inimical conducts to public order will be decisively

dealt with as dictated by the law.

Forewarned is forearmed.

"The DSS has observed rising trends and patterns of incendiary comments by some personalities of influence and representatives of non-governmental entities within and outside the country.

Such statements run against public peace and harmony.

"It is strongly believed that a resort to acerbic pronouncements by certain persons will not only heat-up the polity, but (also) set the ground for deep-seated animosities and divisions among the populace.

“Also, it serves the country no good if its own citizens, whether at home or abroad, de-market or subvert her through misleading and false narratives."

The statement added, "With the elections and the attendant contentions legally over, it is expected that we should forge ahead in nation-building without rancour or acrimony.

"This is against the backdrop that reckless rhetoric have the capacity to lead to social unrest and instability, which can put the country's well-being and the general safety of citizens at risk.

"Similarly, the service urges key players and their supporters in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states to conform to the rules of engagement and, specifically, the electoral law during the 11th November, 2023 gubernatorial elections in the areas."

Afunanya said, "The aim is to avert situations likely to undermine

the processes. So far, the service has substantially liaised with INEC, sister security agencies, and relevant NGOs to ensure hitch free exercises in the affected states.

"The service, therefore, implores all stakeholders, irrespective of their political affiliations or grievances, to engage in respectful and constructive conversations that promote collective understanding.

"It has, thus, become imperative that public commentaries should shift towards unity and peace necessary for national development and security. This should be our shared responsibility and, indeed, the priority of everyone."

The agency urged those on election duties, including the media and civil society organisations, to avoid situations that would inflame sentiments and cause a breakdown of law and order.

"Broadcast and monitoring activities should be devoid of manipulations,” DSS stated. It added, “Stakeholders are enjoined to note that politics should not be used to destroy the country or any part of it."

On its part, the Nigeria Police, yesterday, vowed to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of violence and their sponsors in Saturday’s governorship elections, especially in Bayelsa State.

The declaration came as tension heightened in the state, with the two major contenders, Governor Douye Diri of Peoples Democratic

Party (PDP) and former petroleum minister, Chief Timipre Sylva of All Progressives Congress (APC), trading accusations over alleged plans to perpetrate violence.

Addressing a stakeholders’ meeting at the Police Officers’ Mess, Yenagoa, the DIG in charge of the election, Sokari Pedro, assured that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, was totally committed to a free, fair, safe and unhindered democratic atmosphere during the off-cycle election. But Pedro warned that no electoral offender would be spared.

He stated that though Bayelsa was a peaceful state, the three senatorial zones were all volatile once it came to election, while some local governments were already being identified as flashpoints.

Pedro assured the people of the state that during the election, not only culprits of violence would be dealt with, but their identified sponsors would equally be dealt with and prosecuted appropriately.

He said, “It's a known fact that Bayelsa State is a peaceful state.

“Nevertheless, it is election in a volatile state, the three senatorial zones that make up the state are politically volatile. Some local governments are flashpoints. They include Sagbama, Nembe, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Southern Ijaw, and Brass.

“These are just some of the local Continued on page 14

POWER SUPPLY: NIGER GOVT DEMANDS 13% DERIVATION FROM FG water from the Niger to the delta.

“The federal government will pay Niger State N1 trillion in the next three months for hydrocarbon exchange, they must.

“We have provided this country with hydropower for a long time; nobody is compensating us for it.

“Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) must pay us, they have consumed from Niger State hydrocarbon exchange, and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) must pay us."

Bago said the state had now "woken up, we can never ever

tolerate being neglected or abandoned again.

“The only way we can ensure that the federal government heeds to us is to shut down the hydro dams unless we are paid…

“We are serious about this, it is not a threat; it is a statement, every dime that is due to us, we will take it, we will take every kobo that is for Niger State."

The governor added that the state will no longer be marginalised.

"Our waters, our lands, our borders are strengths for us and not weaknesses," he stressed.

The governor further declared, “We demand compensation for our people. Everything, every resource that comes from Niger State must be compensated. We will not tolerate this anymore."

He disclosed that the state would establish a commission for refugees with N500 million as its take-off grant, in addition to releasing not less than 13,000 metric tonnes of assorted grains from the State Strategic Grains Reserves for distribution to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the state.

The federal commissioner

disclosed that he was in the state to distribute food items to IDPs, saying 700 households from the various camps would benefit from the gesture Aliyu said from the commission's findings, there were not less than 64,000 IDPs at various camps in the state Items distributed included 572 bags each of rice and maize as well as 572 cartons of Spaghetti, 572 bags of Semovita, 144 bags of gari, 96 cartons of vegetable oil, 91 cartons of seasoning, and 58 bags of salt.

NEITI: NNPC CONTRIBUTION TO FEDERATION ACCOUNT DECLINED BY 56% IN TWO YEARS in revenue generated from crude oil exports in 2021.

The information was contained in the latest Fiscal Allocation and Statutory Disbursement (FASD) report published by NEITI which covered the period 2020 and 2021.

The federal government revenue generating agencies remitted a total of about N14.38 trillion as revenue from the extractive sector to the Federation Account between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021.

It listed the revenue generating agencies to include the Nigerian NNPCvv, the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (MMSD), and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

A breakdown of the remittances showed that mineral revenue accounted for N6.40 trillion, about 44.5 per cent of total remittances for the period, while other non-mineral revenue, excluding Value Added Tax (VAT) contributed N4.80 trillion, about 33.37 per cent of total remittances.

The Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr Ogbonnaya Orji, while presenting the highlights of the report, said it looked at independent assessment of financial transactions in the areas

of revenue receipts and payments and how the processes weighed on the scale of transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector during the period under review.

Other areas that NEITI focused on in this report, it said, were projects executed, deployment to capital projects and recurrent expenditure and how they aligned with the core responsibilities of the agencies, the government and citizens expectations.

The audit covered four federal revenue generating and 11 beneficiary agencies that are involved in the management of extractive industries funds. It also covered nine selected states: Akwa-Ibom; Bayelsa; Delta; Gombe; Imo; Kano; Nasarawa; Ondo and Rivers states.

The report, which is the fourth in the audit cycle, revealed that overall remittances to the Federation Account for the period increased by about 14 per cent.

The Auditor General of the Federation Mr. Shaakaa Chira, represented by the Director of Audits Mr. Sundung James stated that the FASD report was useful to the office of the Auditor General and also in fulfilment of the agency’s mandate as enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria.

He stated that the report would further assist his office when performing the audit of the federation revenue, its collection, remittance, and disbursement process. Also it will aid periodic checks of deductions and transfers made before remittances and the FAAC Allocations” Eldad affirmed.

Out of a total Mineral Revenue of N6.40 trillion, the report said the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) now NUPRC accounted for the highest contribution of about N2.71 trillion, or 18.83 per cent of the total remittances.

This, it said was followed by the FIRS with N2.13 trillion, or 14.81 per cent, and the NNPC with N1.55 trillion, or 10.8 per cent, while the least contribution was from the solid mineral with N13.33 billion, or 0.09 per cent.

Similarly, non-mineral revenue of about N4.80 trillion, or 33.37 per cent of total remittances, increased

by N3.86 billion from 2020 to 2021, with the highest contribution of N2.69 trillion, or 18.71 per cent coming from the Company Income Tax (CIT), followed with N2.025 trillion, or 14.08 per cent from the NCS and N85.25 billion, or 0.59 per cent from other tax sources.

While the revenue from CIT in 2021 declined by 5.25 per cent from 2020, the report said the revenue realised by the NCS in 2021 increased by 40.55 per cent, while other taxes significantly recovered from a deficit in 2020 to a positive balance in 2021.

However, the report said the remittances from royalty and other fee payments from the DPR and MMSD (solid minerals) increased significantly by 84 per cent and 43 per cent respectively for the corresponding years.

Receipts from VAT, which increased significantly for the two years period, resulted in the remittance of about N3.18 trillion or 22.1 per cent of total remittances to the Federation Account, while the revenue generated by the NCS increased by 41 per cent during the period under review.

According to NEITI, the federal government, states and local government shared N5.42 trillion mineral revenue.

“In terms of disbursements to the three tiers of government, the report showed that while a total of about N5.42 trillion was distributed to the Federal, State and Local Governments for the period, a total of N859.66 billion was deducted as 13 per cent derivation and shared among the

nine oil producing states after the deduction of excess Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) and royalty,” it said.

The nine oil-producing states, it said, include Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.

A breakdown of the disbursements showed that while the federal government received about N2.80 trillion, the 36 state governments got N1.45 trillion, and the 774 Local Government Areas received a total of N1.17 trillion.

The report noted 2021 as the year with the highest revenue distribution across board, with 2 per cent increase between 2020 and 2021.

On a state-by-state basis, the report showed that the gross statutory revenue and VAT to the states from 2020 and 2021 was about N4.65 trillion, with Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Lagos receiving the highest allocations for the period, while Gombe, Ogun, Ekiti, Plateau, Cross River, and Osun were states with the lowest allocations.

In terms of disbursements to States in the six geopolitical zones, the report said the South-South Zone allocation of N1.37 trillion, or 29.53 per cent of the total revenue, was the highest, as a result of the 13 per

cent derivation revenue payment.

“The allocations for the other zones, the report said, were: North-West N830.078 billion, or 17.85 per cent; South-West, N677.69 billion or 14.57 per cent; North-Central, N669.226 billion, or 14.39 per cent, and NorthEast N591.199 billion, or 12.71 per cent, while South-East had the lowest allocation of N509.59 billion, or 10.96 per cent of the total allocation.

Lagos State received the highest allocation of N243.58 billion in the South-West zone for the period under review, followed by Oyo (N117.93 billion), and Ondo (N95.98 billion), while Osun received the least allocation of N64.19 billion.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) got about N112.77 billion as the highest allocation in North-Central Zone, with Borno receiving N122.49 billion, as the highest allocation in the North-East Zone, while Imo State got the highest allocation of N113.45 billion in the South-East zone for the period under review.

In terms of additional revenue from other sources such as exchange gain, excess crude, other non-mineral, solid mineral, and NNPC refunds, the report said a total of N972.705 billion was distributed among the three tiers of government.

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NEWS

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

SIGNING OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN UBA AND SAUDI EXIM...

L-R: CEO, UBA UAE, Vikrant Bhansali; Group Treasurer, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Adeleke Adeyemi; Group Managing Director/CEO, United Bank for Africa(UBA), Oliver Alawuba; and CEO, Saudi Export-Import Bank (SAUDI EXIM), Engr. Saad Akhaib, during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between UBA and Saudi EXIM, towards deepening of economic and finance relations and export growth Between Saudi Arabia and Africa, at the Saudi Arab African Economic Conference, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, ... yesterday

Sanwo-Olu Seeks Foreign Investments Domiciled in Local Currency to Lessen FX Risk Adesina calls for greater collaboration, co-financing to spur continent’s devt Ugo Aliogo in Marrakech Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, revealed that the State was looking at adopting a strategy where investments coming into it would be domiciled in local currency to de-risk forex.

Also, the President, African Development Bank Group (AfDB) Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has reiterated that the multilateral institution and it partners were implementing a $20 billion Desert-to-Power initiative to develop 10 Gigawatts of solar power across Nigeria and 10 countries in the Sahel region, including the Sahel regional transmission lines.

They both spoke during a plenary session at the 2023 Africa Investment Forum (AIF) Market Days organised by the AfDB with the theme: ‘Regional Corridors: Quest to Integrate Africa.

Sanwo-Olu said: “Such strategy will deepen our own local currency and also help us de-risk foreign currency interest rates and other

issues.

“So, indeed, it is a lot of money.

So, if you want me to put some numbers to it, it could be a billion dollars in local currency or trillion naira. That is the kind of thing that we are going to pick on.”

Speaking on the need to sweat out public assets more in order to generate revenue and cash, the governor explained that the State government was discussing with the Federal Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), adding that there are a lot of assets in Lagos, which they want to determine the real owners and what percentage everybody owns. This, he said would help free up dead assets locked down in some sectors.

He expressed confidence that the State government was working on the timelines.

Speaking on the Lagos State’s completion of the red line railway by the end of 2023 and its partnership with Ogun State on the project, the governor revealed that the red line

rail project was going to get to Ogun state.

He remarked that when they designed the project, there was no partnership with Ogun State, saying, presently, there is a partnership with Ogun State government on the project and, they “have given them access to land.”

Continuing, he said: “We will start testing by December. We will do a lot of testing before full commercial services and transportation of passengers can commence.

“My administration is committed to leveraging opportunities created by the ongoing Africa Investment Forum (AIF) and interface with investors from across the world to create projects that impact lives of the citizens.

“I came to this forum for exchange of ideas with the global business community, to identify areas of mutual economic relationship to enable my government come up with policies that could easily ramp up projects in transportation, food

processing and film industry among others to help change the lives of the people.

“With the benefit of having about 23 years of consistency and unbroken public policy environment, I have no doubt that the issue of political risk that many people are often concerned about won’t indeed be an issue in the state.

“How can you be talking of political risk when you know that Lagos has been together over the last 23 years. I was expecting you to ask of currency risk and not political risk. There is no political risk. All our focus is on infrastructure projects that impact the lives our people,” the governor added.

Speaking further, Adesina, said over the past seven years, the bank has provided over $44 billion for the development of infrastructure.

He said the AfDB had also devoted $2.5 billion towards the development of regional infrastructure.

He noted that the financial

institution was financing the development of regional electricity corridors, to assure reliable and competitively priced electricity, adding that the Bank’s support for regional integration focuses on catalyzing public and private investment in transport and electricity connections.

He remarked that as of 2022, the bank had financed 25 transport corridors, constructed over 18,000 kilometers of roads, 27 border posts and 16 bridges, for a total amount of $13.5 billion.

Adesina expressed delight that the bank and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) have joined the United States, the European Union, together with the governments of Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo to develop the strategic Lobito Corridor, which he said the strategic corridor would connect Angola, Zambia, and Democratic Republic of Congo, opening linkages to the mines and connecting them to the port in Angola.

According to him, “The AfDB

will commit $500 million to this $1.6 billion investment opportunity. The Lobito corridor also brings together the power of two global initiatives, the U.S-led Partnership for Global Infrastructure and the European Union’s Global Gateway.

“To fully optimise the benefits of the development of regional corridors across Africa, we should focus on five priority areas.

“First, dedicate pooled financing facilities to support the preparation and development of corridor projects.

Second, special industrial zones should be developed around the corridors to optimize on the existing infrastructure in these corridors.

“Third, we need to put in place a systematic approach and platform to identify and syndicate around the development of strategic regional corridors. To achieve this, the Africa Investment Forum will dedicate a special board room annually for regional corridors. This will foster greater collaboration, co-financing and faster development of strategic corridors.”

Passengers Stranded as NLC, TUC Picket Kabiru Yusuf Re-elected NPAN President Abuja Airport Over Ajaero's Brutalisation Don’t play partisan politics with aviation industry, Keyamo tells labour leaders Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) yesterday, blocked the entrance to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, due to last week's brutalisation of the NLC President, Joe Ajaero in Imo state.

But the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, yesterday, urged the NLC and the TUC against disrupting aviation activities. The Minister while strongly criticising the mistreatment of Ajaero in Owerri, cautioned the union against playing partisan politics.

However, as part of reactions to the labour crisis precipitated by last week's ill-fated protest in Imo state, the NLC said Ajaero would address a world press conference in Abuja, today (Friday) to give his own account of entire incident.

The workers’ industrial action

caused a major disruption to the activities at the international airport, leaving most passenger to abandon their vehicles and trek to the airport longe.

Addressing the protesting workers, President of TUC, Festus Osifo, said the workers were protesting the unjust action meted out to Ajaero while carrying out his mandate of protecting workers right in Imo state.

He said the organised labour was determined to undertake series of actions until the government do the needful, to bring the Area Commander of Police and those that allegedly perpetuated the brutalisation and molestation workers in Imo state to book.

Osifo said: "An injury to one is an injury to all. Somebody asked me why we are at the Abuja airport, is it a national issue. That the issue is in Imo State and we said no, the person that was brutalized is a national figure.

“Our president is a national figure

and the Police that brutalised him is a national institution, they are not Imo State Police. The Police that brutalised him reports to the Inspector General of Police, who in turn reports to the President of Nigeria.

“So since this is a national issue we must make it one.

“Governor Hope Uzodinma cannot unleash thugs with the Nigerian Police in Imo State on someone who has been peacefully fighting for the interest of the Nigerian workers.

“For us we say no. What is happening is just the first stage of the of the series of activities that will happen, except the Nigerian government do the needful and arrest those people who perpetrated the evil act on the NLC president and Nigerian workers. “This is not acceptable and this must not be allowed by the Nigerian workers.

Comrades let us be strong and this is a marathon. It is not a dash race, we

are just starting until the government do the needful, the Area Commander that perpetuated this, that led those armed men that called themselves members of the Imo state Police are called to order.”

Osifo added: “They must be prosecuted and they must be brought to book. It is not just to transfer the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, there are series of actions that must be taken by the Nigerian government because an injury to one is an injuring all.”

Osifo said injustice was same anywhere, whether it happened in Imo State or in any state in Nigeria, adding that, “once you do this to any Nigerian worker, we have the right fight for the right of the particular person across the nation.”

Osifo said the uprising that happened sometime in the Middle East was actually caused by one individual who was brutalised in Tunisia and it caused an uprising in the entire Middle East.

The Chairman of Media Trust, Publishers of the Daily Trust Newspapers and Trust Television, Mallam Kabiru Yusuf, was yesterday returned to office as the President of the Newspaper Proprietors' Association of Nigeria (NPAN) for another term.

A statement from the Executive Secretary, NPAN, Feyi Smith, made available to THISDAY, yesterday, revealed that the election also returned some other officers of the association. These included Mr. Frank Aigbogun, Publisher of Business Day who was elected Vice President and Mrs. Angela Emuwa, the Chairman of Punch Newspapers elected as General Secretary, “Mr. Fidelis Anosike, who until yesterday was the Assistant General Secretary, was elected Treasurer thus paving the way for the election of Mr. Azubuike Ishiekwene, the Editor - in- Chief of Leadership Newspaper, to fill the vacated seat.

“Mrs. Emuwa filled the position vacated by Alh. Mohammed Idris who was recently appointed as Minister of Information and National Orientation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while Mr.

“Anosike took the position vacated

by Mr. Olawale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinatimg Minister for the Economy,” it added.

According to the statement others returned elected were the Deputy President and Publisher of the Guardian newspaper, Lady Maiden-Alex-Ibru, the Publicity Secretary and Group Managing Director of Champion newspapers, Dr. Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, Ex-Officio member and Past President of NPAN, Mr. Ray Ekpu, Ex.-Officio member and Publisher of Pilot newspaper, Prince Dennis Sami.

The Managing Director of The Telegraph newspaper, Mr. Ayo Aminu, was elected as Ex-Officio member.

“Mr. Aigbogun's emergence as Vice President followed an amendment to the Association's constitution, creating the office of a Vice President which was moved by two Patrons of the Association - Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, Publisher of THISDAY and founder of ARISE NEWS Channel and Chief Olusegun Osoba.

Speaking after the election, Yusuf noted that the injection of the new officers would further energise the Executive council in achieving set objectives.

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LEVERAGING CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES ON NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (second left) addressing Government Heads, Business leaders and investors, Senior Advisor to the President (communications), African Development Bank Group, Dr. Victor Oladokun (left) and other panelists during a session at the Africa Investment Forum 2023: High level Mayoral event “Leveraging Cities and Municipalities on National Development” in Marrakesh, Morocco... yesterday

Tax: Court Nullifies Laws Demanding 50% Payment of Disputed Assessment Alex Enumah in Abuja Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday, declared as unconstitutional, null and of no consequences, some sections of the Tax Appeal Tribunal (Procedure) Rules ( 2021), the Federal High Court of Nigeria (Federal Inland Revenue Service) Practice Directions (2021), and the Federal High Court of Nigeria (Tax Appeals) Rules (2022).

Justice Omotosho, in a judgment declared the said sections unconstitutional on the grounds that they constrained the constitutionally provided right of appeal.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Joseph Daudu, had dragged the federal government to court to challenge the law which had required him to pay 50 per cent of the N1.2 billion tax he was billed, before he could appeal his assessment.

Daudu, in the suit marked: FHC/ ABJ/CS/12/2022, claimed among others, that the provisions were unfair, unlawful and a violation of the right to appeal.

He then prayed the court to declare the said provisions as unconstitutional, null and void and of no consequences.

Meanwhile, in his judgment yesterday, Justice Omotosho pointed out that although the 1st respondent (the Minister) had power to make rules for the conduct of appeal and not expected to construct an embargo to the enjoyment of the right to appeal of any appellant.

According to him, "the right to appeal is a constitutional right and the 1st respondent cannot take away such right through the making of a subsidiary legislation."

He added: The law is trite that where any law or subsidiary legislation contravenes the provision

of the Constitution, it shall be declared void to the extent of its inconsistency.

"The said provisions being challenged by the Applicant were made to favour the Federal Inland Revenue Service without any attempt to balance the interest of a tax debtor.

"For a tax debtor, who is unable to afford to deposit the entire assessed sum of money, he is automatically deprived his right of appeal.

"This court, as a court of justice, will ensure that justice is done to all parties regardless of their status. This court by virtue of Section 6(6)(b) of the Constitution is empowered to determine issues between government and persons.

"This court will not allow an unjust provision to cripple the constitutional rights of the Applicant.

"In final analysis, I therefore do not hesitate to strike down the offending provisions which in the

opinion of this court substantially takes away the right of appeal of a tax debtor such as the applicant."

Justice Omotosho subsequently went ahead to declare the provisions of Order III Rule (6) (a) of the Tax Appeal Tribunal (Procedure) Rules, 2021 as "unconstitutional, null and void and contrary to the provisions of section 36(1) and (2), Section 6(6) (a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the doctrine of separation of powers."

He also declared that the provisions of Order V Rule 3 of the Federal High Court of Nigeria (Federal Inland Revenue Service) Practice Directions, 2021 "is unconstitutional, null and void and of no consequence having regard to the provisions of Sections 251(1), 6(6) (a) & (b), 36(1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Paragraph 17(1) and 21 of the Fifth Schedule

to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2007 and is contrary to the principles of separation of powers and the Rule of Law." The judge also declared the provisions of Order V Rule 1 of the Federal High Court of Nigeria (Tax Appeals) Rules, 2022 as "unconstitutional, null and void and of no consequence having regard to the provisions of Sections 251(1), 6(6) (a) & (b), 36(1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Paragraph 17(1) and 21 of the Fifth Schedule to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2007, and is contrary to the principles of separation of powers and the Rule of Law. He issued an order striking down (deleting) the provisions of Paragraph V Rule 3 of the Federal High Court (Federal inland Revenue Service) Practice Directions 2021, or any other

similar provision therein, for being unconstitutional and in excess of the powers of the 2nd respondent (the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court) to issue practice directions.

Justice Omotosho also ordered the striking down (deleting) of the provisions of Order V Rule 1 of the Federal High Court of Nigeria (Tax Appeals) Rules 2022, for being unconstitutional and in excess of the powers of the 2nd respondent to issue practice directions and Rules of court.

The judge equally ordered the striking down (deleting) of the provisions of Order IlI Rule 6 (a) of the Tax Appeal Tribunal (Procedure) Rules, 2021 for being unconstitutional, null and void and in excess of the powers of the 1st respondent (the Minister of Finance) to make Rules prescribing the procedure and conduct of appeals before the tribunal.

ATBUTH Performs First NNPC: Russia-Ukraine Crisis Hindering Laser Surgery on Kidney Export of Nigeria's Crude to Asian Markets Stone Patient Says country's crude to India dropped to 194,000bpd six months after Russian invasion against

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) Bauchi said it has performed its first laser surgery to remove kidney stones.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Teaching Hospital, Dr. Jibrin Bara, disclosed this yesterday, in Bauchi.

Bara who explained that laser surgery was a type of surgery that uses special light beams instead of instruments for surgical procedures explained: "This is a major breakthrough to the Teaching Hospital and first in this part of the country to have a laser treatment of kidney stones."

According to him, "The hospital now had a full upper tract endoscopic and laser facility that residents and others could access without going abroad," he said.

According to him, residents would enjoy subsidies considering the high cost of accessing the treatment in hospitals outside the region or Nigeria.

He said the success of the innovation in the teaching hospital would translate to access to more

affordable healthcare and faster recovery for patients.

On his part, Dr. Evaristus Azobah, Urologist consultant, explained that the presence of kidney stones in the human body could cause immense pain and discomfort.

"It becomes essential to get rid of the stones so that the normal activities of life continue uninterrupted.

"The laser lithotripsy treatment would save patients the pain of opening up their upper urinary tract during surgery," he said.

He added that lithotripsy was a treatment using ultrasound shock waves to break kidney stones into smaller particles that the body can pass out.

The Consultant commended the ATBUTH Chief Medical Director for the introduction of laser surgery treatment in the hospital, saying this goes a long way in saving the cost of patients.

Also Speaking, Dr. Makama Baje, Head of Department Surgery of the ATBUTH lauded the consultant Urologist for performing the first laser surgery and mentoring other staff in the hospital.

250,000bpd before crisis Reveals only120,000bpd made their way to the Asian nation this year Peter Uzoho The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has narrated how the lingering conflict between Russia and Ukraine has impacted Nigerian crude oil inflows in the international oil market, leading to a dip in demand from the once-dependable Asian market at the onset of hostilities in the Eastern bloc.

NNPC in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) in the wees hours of Thursday, quoted the Executive Director, Crude and Condensate, NNPC Trading Limited, Maryamu Idris, to have revealed this in a panel presentation at the Argus European Crude Conference in London.

She said in addition to the substantial price shocks impacting commodity and energy prices globally, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine had triggered a situation where India, a primary destination for Nigerian grades, increased its appetite for discounted Russian barrels to the detriment of some

Nigerian volumes.

Idris, disclosed that due to the crisis, the volume of Nigeria's crude export to India dropped to 194,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the first six months after the Russian invasion of Ukraine compared to approximately 250,000bpd exports within the six months preceding the February 2022 invasion.

The NNPC official also revealed that only about 120,000bpd of Nigeria's crude oil made their way to India this year due to the protracted Russia-Ukraine War. “To illustrate the extent of this shift, Nigeria's crude exports to India dwindled from approximately 250,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the six months preceding the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine to 194,000 in the subsequent six months afterwards. And so far this year, only around 120,000 bpd of Nigerian crude volumes have made their way to India,” she said.

On the other hand, she noted that the Nigerian crude flow to Europe has increased in a bid to fill supply gaps left by the ban on

Russian crude, pointing out that six months before the war, 678,000 bpd of Nigerian crude grades went to Europe, compared to 710,000 bpd six months later and 730,000 bpd so far this year.

“This trend makes it evident that Nigerian grades are increasingly becoming a significant component in the post-war palette of European refiners.

“Several Nigerian distillate-rich grades have become a steady preference for many European refiners, given the absence of Russian Urals and diesel.

"Forcados Blend, Escravos Light, Bonga, and Egina appear to be the most popular, and our latest addition -- Nembe Crude – fits well into this basket. This was a strong factor behind our choice of London and the Argus European Crude Conference as the most ideal launch hub for the grade,” Idris also said.

On production challenges, Idris remarked that, like many other oil-producing countries, Nigeria had faced production challenges

aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, including reduced investment in the upstream sector, supply chain disruptions impacting upstream operations, ageing oil fields, and oil theft by unscrupulous elements.

These factors, she said, contributed to production declines in the second half of 2022 and early 2023.

Idris, however, noted that the challenges were fast becoming a thing of the past with the introduction and implementation of a new framework for the domestic petroleum industry - the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

She said the Act was now rejuvenating the business landscape, and re-positioning NNPC Limited to adopt a more commercial approach to the management of the nation's hydrocarbon resources.

According to her, NNPC Limited has secured vital partnerships with notable financial institutions to promote upstream investments to restore and sustainably grow production capacity in the coming years.

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EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME FOR FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS...

L-R: Dorothy Effiom (Special Adviser to the Chairman, Amuwo Odofin Local Government); Jubril Abdullah (Director, 4M4W Ltd.), Alhaji Adeola (Political Adviser to the Chairman); Martina Peters (Head Partnership, 4M4W Ltd.), Engr. Valentine Buraimoh (Chairman, Amuwo Odofin Local Government); Opeyemi Omotayo (Chief Operating Officer, 4M4W Ltd.)Debo Adeniran (Director, 4M4W Ltd.) and Hon. Olusegun Idris (Chief of Staff to the Chairman) during a meeting between the officials of 4M4W Ltd. and the local government on empowerment programme for female entrepreneurs in Lagos last week.

UBA, Saudi EXIM Bank Partner to Enhance Business Relations, Exports

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and Saudi Export-Import Bank (Saudi EXIM) have announced a partnership aimed at strengthening business growth and enhancing economic cooperation between their economies.

To this end, both institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday, to foster economic cooperation and trade relations between the two entities.

The MoU was signed on the side-lines of the Saudi and Arab

African Summits in Saudi Arabia.

The partnership between UBA Group and Saudi EXIM Bank outlines the guiding principles for developing cooperation and relations between the two banks, with primary focus on promoting trade through the export of goods and services between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the African markets.

Apart from collaborating in these areas, both institutions will also ensure sustained participation in the development of the African

economy through intercontinental business relationships that will be facilitated by the new partnership.

According to a statement yesterday, the MoU would also work towards supporting joint projects and collaboration involving the export of goods and services from Saudi Arabia, and exploring opportunities to co-finance, co-insure, co-guarantee, and reinsurance projects jointly undertaken by companies from both regions.

It would also facilitate the

exchange of information and knowhow in the field of export credit policies and practices, the sharing of experiences and best practices through meetings, conferences, seminars, and workshops, as well as providing training for each other's staff members and staff exchanges when beneficial to both parties.

The framework for cooperation on specific joint projects would, “be established under separate agreements, with each party determining the terms and conditions of its support in line

with its policies, procedures, and national legislation.”

It added: “Also, the exchange of information will be facilitated by both institutions, while technical know-how in the field of export credit policies and practices will also be shared.”

UBA’s Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, who expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, explained that through the partnership, both companies would identify and support joint projects and collaboration in the area of

Hold Leaders Accountable for Good Governance, ICPC Tells Nigerians Nwadiora: collective action needed to kill corruption Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja One of the key agencies of the federal government empowered by law to fight corruption in Nigeria, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) has said every Nigerian has a constitutional role to monitor and evaluate the performance of leaders of the country, especially those in charge of governance.

The Commission welcomed civil society organisations to join the National Anti-Corruption Coalition (NACC), a platform established by the ICPC to help consolidate gains being made in the crusade against corruption in the country.

The injunction by the ICPC came just as the Convener of the: "Do The Right Thing Campaign," Chief Mike Nwadiora, said Nigeria could actually attain greatness if citizens reorientate their minds to do the right thing and to support the fight against corruption.

Speaking at a One-Day Summit tagged: "Being The Right Leader organised by the group, Do The Right Thing," spokesperson of the ICPC, Mrs. Azuka C. Ogugua, said political leaders could endear themselves to the people if they are accountable and follow the rules and make their

work transparent.

She said leaders should always give room for others to hold them accountable.

She added: “The Commission wishes to use this opportunity to call on all leaders in the country to shun every act of corruption or compromise and embrace integrity and uprightness in all their activities.

“This will manifest as they follow the rules, give room to others to hold them accountable, and make their work transparent."

Ogugua, disclosed that the ICPC was also working with schools and youth groups to groom leaders who will do the right thing now and do the right thing tomorrow.

"We do this by partnering with civil society organisations such as the Summit organizers with the hope that we will build a society that is free from all forms of corruption and corrupt practices. That is the ICPC vision.

"The ICPC mandate speaks to enforcement of sanctions against corrupt leaders, prevention of corruption so that those in positions of authority are not tempted or pressured to be corrupt and mobilising the public to join in fighting corruption and holding leaders accountable. This informs

the interest of ICPC in attending this Summit," she said.

The ICPC's image-maker said the Commission appreciates the partnership of Do The Right Thing for the Less privileged and Youth Foundation which recently registered to become a member of the National Anti-Corruption Coalition, an NGOs working with ICPC.

Ogugua, added that ICPC encourages all civil society organisations working in the area of anti-corruption and good governance to register with it in other scale up the campaign against corruption.

While welcoming participants at the Summit, Nwadiora the country could drive positive change and foster ethical leadership if we can

champion the cause of doing the right thing in every facet of our lives.

"Together, we can drive positive change, foster ethical leadership, and champion the cause of doing the right thing in every facet of our lives.

“By arming ourselves with knowledge, compassion, and the will to act, we can truly transform lives and societies,” he added.

exportation of goods and services.

He said, "We are happy to join hands with Saudi EXIM Bank in a partnership that holds great promise for businesses and economies in both regions. This agreement will not only facilitate the export of goods and services but also solidify our commitment to intercontinental business relationships and contribute to the development of the African economy.”

“This relationship is particularly promising, considering that Saudi Arabia is deliberate in deepening economic cooperation with Africa and UBA with presence in 20 African countries, providing the necessary vehicle for deepening this engagement. The partnership also expands our access to Asia and the Middle East, where the Bank recently opened a subsidiary in Dubai,” Alawuba added.

CEO of Saudi EXIM, Saad Al-Khalb, said, “By uniting our strengths, we are setting in motion a dynamic platform that will propel the export of innovative Saudi goods and services, catalyse industrial growth, and magnify our global footprint across the rich tapestry of African economies.

“This, we believe, will not only augment Saudi Arabia's export diversification but also contribute significantly to the socio-economic fabric of the African nations we will serve together."

ASR Africa to Construct N2bn Housing Quarters for Nigeria Army in Abuja Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) yesterday performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of 4 blocks of 30-unit of 2-bedroom Corporal and Below Quarter in the Nigerian Army at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment Giri, Abuja.

The project estimated to cost N2 billion is the corporate social responsibility initiative of the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu.

The grant formed part of the N10 billion Security Support Fund donated by ASR Africa in 2022 to the Nigerian Armed Forces and security agencies with N2billion of it allocated to the Nigerian Army.

The ceremony held at the cantonment for 167 Special Forces Battalion was performed by Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja..

Speaking at the occasion, the CEO of ASR Africa, Dr. Ubon Udoh, said the donation was to further support security agencies as there can be no meaningful development without

peace and security in the nation.

He commended the leadership of the Nigerian Army for prioritising the welfare of the men and women of the Nigerian Army, and promised continued support by the ASR team in ensuring the full implementation and delivery of the project.

In his response, Lt Gen Lagbaja, said the support from the Chairman of BUA Group will further boost the morale of the personnel in delivering adequate security to Nigerians.

The houses would substantially address the huge infrastructure

deficit the Nigerian Army was facing in Abuja by proving shelter for 120 families of the soldiers.

He said aside the transformation of the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving the nation’s constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment, which is the statement of his Command Philosophy, families of his officers and soldiers must be well quartered, educated, and provided with good medical cover.

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DELIBERATING ON NIGERIA'S ECONOMY...

L-R: Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun, and the Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, during an interactive session on the 2024-2026 MTEF-FSP ....yesterday

Transgender People Can Be Baptised in Catholic Church, Be Godparents, Says Vatican Transgender people can be baptised in the Catholic Church as long as doing so does not cause scandal or "confusion", the Vatican announced yesterday.

The Church's doctrinal office also said trans people could be godparents at a baptism and witnesses at a wedding.

The move followed attempts

by Pope Francis to make the Church more welcoming to LGBT people.

According to the BBC, the Pope told one trans person in July that "even if we are sinners, he (God) draws near to help us".

The Vatican's updated stance came after Brazilian Bishop José Negri wrote to the Church's Dicastery of the Doctrine of the Faith with six questions regarding LGBT people and

their participation in baptism and matrimony.

On Wednesday the department posted on its website three pages in response, which was signed by the dicastery's head - Argentine Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández - and with the approval of Pope Francis.

It stated that a transgender person - including those who have undergone hormonal treatment and gender reassignment surgery - could receive baptism under the same conditions as other believers "if there are no situations in which there is a risk of generating public scandal or disorientation among the faithful."

The document also explored Bishop Negri's other questions, including whether trans people

Study Reveals Nigerians Spend Over $1.5bn on Medical Tourism Annually Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano.

The Pfizer-established research institute, Kano Independent Research Centre Trust (KIRCT) has lamented the rate of medical tourism which costs Nigeria over $1.5 billion annually.

The head of the center, Prof.

Jamilu Ismail, disclosed this during the opening ceremony of Kilimanjaro Hospital, yesterday, in Kano.

Ismail, decried the current brain drain in the country in which specialists and medical personnel leave the country in search of greener pastures due to a lack of facilities.

He said as part of efforts to curb medical tourism and brain drain in Nigeria, the center had opened a global standard hospital for the treatment of diseases of the heart and kidney as well as cancer in Kano.

He added that if such facilities were provided in the country it would discourage Nigerians who go on medical tourism seeking treatment for kidney, cancer and heart disease.

"Currently, medical tourism is a big business and Nigeria is losing a lot to medical tourism.

Some studies have shown that Nigerians spend between $1.5

billion to $2 billion annually on medical tourism, especially for heart diseases, kidney diseases, cancer, and other diseases as well.

"So, because of that, we have challenges in our hospital settings, maybe due to lack of equipment, and currently we are also having an issue where a lot of our specialists and doctors are leaving the country.

"Because of that, we felt it an opportunity that if we can provide these services we can curtail that medical tourism.

"Instead of people leaving and going to other countries, they have to look for visas, pay for tickets, pay for accommodation elsewhere, you can come comfortably here within the vicinity of your immediate family and culture and receive the needed medical care. You will also receive good quality services.

"We are doing it in phases, in the first year we are going to provide the general services of the highest quality. Then in the second year, we are going to start the high-end services like treatment for heart diseases, kidney diseases, and other high-end medical and surgical problems.

"Perhaps in the next two years we should be able to compete favorably with other countries that are providing healthcare at a particular quality level, " he stated.

can be a godparent. It said that where an adult has undergone hormone treatment and gender reassignment surgery they may be a godfather or godmother.

But it goes on to state that priests have the discretion to refuse such a request if "there is a danger of scandal, undue legitimisation or disorientation in the educational sphere of the church community".

American Jesuit priest Fr James

Martin, who is a supporter of LGBT rights, posted on X (formerly Twitter): "This is an important step forward in the Church seeing transgender people not only as people (in a Church where some say they don't really exist) but as Catholics."

While the document seemed to set out clearly what the Church thinks in terms of trans people being baptised or acting as godparents, it was more nuanced

on the other issues raised by Bishop Negri.

On the question of whether same-sex parents who adopt or use a surrogate mother could have a child baptised in the Church, the Vatican said a priest's decision would have to be based on the, "well-founded hope that he or she would be educated in the Catholic religion."

There was a similarly nuanced response to a question whether a

person in a same-sex relationship could be a godparent at a Church baptism. It said the person had to "lead a life that conforms to the faith".

The updated guidance to Catholic clergy followed a suggestion by the Pope last month that same-sex couples could receive a blessing from a priest - saying such a request should be treated with "pastoral charity".

I’m Dying, Former NUPENG President, Frank Kokori ‘Abandoned’ in Hospital, Cries Out Sylvester Idowu in Warri Former General Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and one of the fighters for the nation’s freedom from the claws of military rule, Chief Frank Kokori, has been hospitalised in Warri, Delta State over kidney-related ailment.

The elder statesman, who said he was already dying, has been sick for a while now, and reportedly abandoned on his hospital bed in a ‘third class’ health facility, he said, while briefing journalists.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Kokori, lamented his condition in a Save Our Soul (SOS) messages made to the general public, and government on.

He was admitted for treatment at a private hospital for kidney-related ailment but had been having a

hard time paying the bills due to harsh economy.

However, addressing journalists yesterday from his hospital bed, Kokori, who had earlier made a distressed call Wednesday night for the media to assemble for his briefing, said he would shame the leaders of the nation, when he survives the ailment.

The one-time firebrand unionist, who was a topnotch labour leader during the General Sani Abacha’s military junta, and fought for the validation of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, believed to have been won by the late Chief MKO Abiola, said life was fast ebbing out of him where he was receiving treatment.

Kokori noted that he remained a tough voice but his voice was now laden with excruciating pains because according to him, he was “dead and risen.”

Specifically, he said NUPENG

has abandoned him to his own fate in the hospital, which air conditioner was switched off by the hospital management possibly owing to shortage of diesel.

The septuagenarian, who has been in the hospital for some time, complained over the idea of being abandoned in what he described as a “third class” hospital in Warri by those who should cater for his wellbeing.

He charged Journalists to mobilise media houses to help publish his story because “I have something to tell this country, please. Please, do your best. Tell the world that Kokori is dead and risen. The only man in Warri that can handle kidney problems is Horeb Hospital Warri.

“But I am facing other challenges. The Air Conditioner is not working. And AC can’t keep alive till morning. What a country! Mobilise yourselves. I

have something to tell this country, please. Please, do your best.

“Tell them that I can pay any amount, but let them switch on the AC for me because I am dying.

The AC went off. Please do your best. Flash it. I can come alive again but I just want the world to know that if I survive, I will shame the leaders of this country.

“Shame to them. How can Kokori be in a third class hospital.

The people are trying their best because I know it’s diesel issue.

The AC is off. Two of my foster children are here with me. I’ve sent one to meet the hospital management that they should do everything that the AC is switched on, that when I’m out, I will pay.

That I’m dying.

“I’ve called on NUPENG that this is what they’ve done to their leaders. That NUPENG could not even take care of me. It’s sad. God bless everybody,” he said.

FG Lashes Obi over Remarks on Supplementary Budget Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The federal government has urged the candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 Presidential election, Peter Obi to refrain from misrepresentation of facts for political gains and be informed and balanced in the exercise of his right to differing opinions.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this yesterday, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant (Media), Rabiu Ibrahim, as a riposte to Obi’s criticism that the supplementary budget was not sensitive.

Obi had, in a post on his X handle

on Wednesday, condemned the supplementary budget as uncaring and insensitive for failing to capture urgent items of national welfare, despite being signed by President Bola Tinubu at a “late” period of the year.

But Idris disagreed, saying the 2023 supplementary budget signed into law by the President on Wednesday was not insensitive, but rather a bold and pragmatic response to the pressing and economic challenges Nigeria currently faces.

He urged Obi to make effort to acquaint himself with the details of the N2.17 trillion 2023

supplementary budget, which includes allocations for essential sectors: security, agriculture and food security, works and housing, wage increase for workers, student loan scheme and social safety nets, among others, all aimed at strengthening the country’s economic foundations and improve the living conditions of Nigerians.

“The broad provisions in the supplementary budget is a reflection of President Tinubu’s strong desire and eagerness to support the vital functions of government, address urgent security needs, and fast-track the country’s recovery process from the economic impact occasioned

by the removal of fuel subsidy,” Idris said.

He explained that the supplementary budget was derived from the active engagement and consultation with relevant stakeholders, who ensured that the budgetary provisions aligned with the needs and expectations of Nigerians.

The minister emphasised that, in line with President Tinubu’s inclination to accountability and transparency in government expenditure, all items in the supplementary budget have been meticulously scrutinised to ensure efficient utilisation of public funds.

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ANNUAL STOCKBROKERS CONFERENCE …

L-R: The President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Mr Oluwole Adeosun; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; the 2nd Vice President of the Institute, Fiona Nyako Ahimie and the 1st Vice President, Mr Oluropo Dada, during the 27th Annual Stockbrokers Conference held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Thursday.

Masters Energy Canvasses Increased Gas Availability to Encourage Mass Adoption of Nigeria's Autogas Policy Urges FG to address FX hiccups in petroleum products marketing Peter Uzoho Masters Energy Oil & Gas Limited has advocated for increased gas production and availability in the domestic market to encourage both marketing companies and the Nigerian masses to key into the federal government's Autogas policy.

The Uche Ogah-owned oil marketing group also urged the federal government to put in place measures aimed at addressing the foreign exchange challenge that was posing a major hiccup in the importation and marketing of petroleum products in the country.

The Executive Director, Operations, Masters Energy Group, Mr. Felix Eribo, made the submissions during an interview with THISDAY, on the sidelines of the just-concluded 2023 Oil Trading and Logistics (OTL) Africa Downstream Week, held in Lagos.

Eribo, said the company was already keying into the Autogas policy, which was more popular

with the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to power vehicles both mass transit buses and private cars.

He said Masters Energy was cooperating and collaborating with the government to ensure the success of the Autogas programme and had started establishing its CNG refilling stations across its major filling stations in the country.

Noting that CNG was cheaper than petrol, Eribo, pointed out that the challenge in its adoption was the unavailability of the gas, adding that the factor discourages marketers from setting up CNG refilling plants and also dampens the willingness of vehicle owners to convert their vehicles to CNG-powered.

Eribo explained, "I've told you earlier that we have over 300 filling stations across the country. So, we are keying into that Autogas policy.

And we have started establishing our CNG refilling stations starting from our major filling stations in major cities across the country, especially in the South-east.

"So, to address this, the federal

government has to ensure that the gas we flare is converted to CNG. When the CNG is available and we can get it, we can then establish the refilling plants in all the stations. Presently, CNG is comparatively cheaper than petrol but the availability is the main issue.

"Today, a lot of people want to do CNG but nobody wants to convert his or her car when there is no CNG to power it. So, the first thing is, CNG should be available before you ask people to convert their vehicles. But in terms of adoption, CNG is in our blueprint already, so we are keying into it."

He equally urged the federal government to put in place measures aimed at addressing the foreign exchange challenge posing a major hiccup in the importation and marketing of petroleum products in the country.

He specifically urged the federal government to address the FX constraints in products importation by mandating the Nigerian Ports

Authority (NPA), the Nigerian Customs, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) amongst other agencies to start collecting all import-related charges and fees in naira rather than in dollar.

He further explained, "In terms of the FX issue, the federal government has a lot to do to manage the FX element in the template. I give you an example: we hire vessels here in Nigeria and most of the vessels are foreign vessels. We have to pay in dollars. But I assume that is outside government's purview.

"But why should NPA charge in dollars? Because they charge in dollars, you are not going to get that dollar from the CBN. You are putting more pressure on the dollar and everybody who is dealing in petroleum products will have to pay in dollars to government agencies.

And the rate continues to go up.

"If the federal government can mandate NPA to charge in naira, it will achieve two things: One, it will reduce the pressure on naira

Oil Theft: Oilserv Founder Advocates Adoption of Technologies to Safeguard Pipeline Assets Peter Uzoho As Nigeria grapples with the menace of oil theft and pipeline vandalism resulting to massive drop in crude and gas production, the Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Oilserv Limited, Dr. Emeka Okwuosa, has called for the adoption of modern technologies in safeguarding pipeline assets during engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) stages.

He said such technologies with a focus on engineering codes and specifications would include Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) and tamper-proof reinforcement already utilised in advanced countries and offer effective solutions.

Okwuosa, made the submissions at the Nigeria International Pipeline Technology and Security Conference, organised by the Energy and Corporate Africa and Pipelines Professionals Association of Nigeria, in Abuja.

The theme of the conference was: "Bolstering Regulations, Technology and Security for Growth."

He said the primary pipeline

security strategy involves engaging various stakeholders, including the government, host communities, and industry players, while upholding minimum maintenance standards.

In his keynote paper entitled: "A Critical Perspective of an Indigenous Pipeline Operator/ Service Company towards Bolstering Technology and Security in Nigeria’s Pipeline Sector," Okwuosa observed that most times, pipeline operators in the country have had to rely on physical presence to monitor and secure the pipelines.

He blamed obsolete pipeline systems that lack latest monitoring technology for the constant attacks on the crude oil pipelines across the Niger Delta region.

He said: “Pipelines and their associated infrastructure are vital assets within the industry, serving as a critical means for transporting hydrocarbons from production facilities to various destinations, including storage, distribution, and export.

"They play a pivotal role in supplying energy to residential, commercial, and industrial sectors,

while also contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings in producing economies.

"Pipeline assets require substantial capital investment due to the high costs associated with engineering, construction, maintenance, and surveillance.

“These assets are strategically situated, often in challenging terrains, making them susceptible to vandalism and destruction.

"To ensure their long-term functionality, operators must carefully manage pipeline networks, considering cost, technological advancements, geographical challenges, and the specific needs of local communities. A strategic approach is necessary to justify investments and uphold the integrity of these vital resources.”

He maintained that pipeline security extends beyond the protection of physical assets to encompass the safeguarding of technology systems that monitor product flow pressure, asset integrity, billing metrics, and operating procedures.

Furthermore, he said the technology systems are exposed to

risks such as cyberattacks, malware, and acts of vandalism, adding that implementing a robust security system and a well-thought-out response plan was imperative for safeguarding pipeline assets.

This, he noted, entails addressing existing threats, proactively anticipating potential risks, and mobilising resources to protect these assets.

The Oilserv GCEO emphasised that the primary issues concerning theft within the crude oil pipeline delivery system, particularly the trunk lines responsible for exporting oil, revolved around safeguarding from the wellhead.

He further said, "Operators and asset owners must prioritise proper cathodic protection systems to prevent corrosion and maintain pipeline functionality. Attacks on pipeline assets serve as valuable learning experiences and often lead to national security concerns, necessitating a coordinated response.

"Industry leaders should undergo essential training, cooperate and prioritise the national economy's well-being over self-interests.”

and it will reduce the landing cost of that PMS or whatever product because you are now paying in naira.

“Then, NIMASA, CABOTAGE, all these are being charged in dollars whereas we are selling the products in naira. So, if we can manage those forex elements within the template, the pressure will come down."

Despite the challenges around FX and high agency fees which all marketers were grappling with, the Masters Energy Director said the company remains a customercentric company that feels the plight of the masses and makes

its products highly affordable.

"One good thing in the oil and gas business is your capacity and your efficiency. If you are able to manage your cost efficiently, you will be able to compete in the market and make profit and Masters Energy is doing that well," he added.

He noted that the company's business model, which was that of "ownership spirit" was what differentiates it from other competitors in the market, noting that all the employees have a sense of belonging and are stakeholders in the business.

INEC DEPLOYS 27 RECS, TWO NATIONAL COMMISSIONERS, OTHERS TO BAYELSA, KOGI, IMO governments that are most volatile.

Unfortunately, the youths have been identified as vanguard of election violence, and the so-called godfathers and principals are the purveyors and patrons of this, the trend of election brigandage has become a new normal for two major reasons. One, when suspects are arrested, they are treated with kid-glove, and, secondly, the sponsors are not always arrested, and when they are arrested, they are not always prosecuted. This encourages the culture of impunity.

“But we are assuring the peaceloving Bayelsans that in this election, not only culprits will be dealt with, the identified sponsors will be dealt with, the proxies will be prosecuted and the principals, in order to ensure a peaceful election in Bayelsa State.

“As we leave here, officers in all the local governments have been directed to carry out a show of force. All the perpetrators of violence be put out of circulation and their sponsors, any civilian that is armed at any polling centre shall be arrested and failure to do that by the police, the police themselves or the brother agent who is responsible for such a lapse will be arrested.

“Any orderly or guard that escorts his principal to the polling centre shall be arrested and thereafter tried in order room. In this case, if care is not taken, may lead to his dismissal.

“I want to assure you that at every point from voting, counting, and collation, police officers responsible there shall provide protection for peaceful voters, INEC officials, property and materials. Sanctions shall be meted to officers for any breach.

“Parents and guardians have been warned to tell their children to stay

away from any trouble, before, during and after the election. The youths should have the courage to advise those who sponsor them for violence to tell their children."

IGP Orders Redeployment of 40 AIGs, CPs The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday, ordered the posting and redeployment of 40 senior police officers, comprising 14 Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and 26 Commissioners of Police (CPs) to various commands and formations in the country.

The Force Headquarters, in a statement, said the exercise was part of the "mandate to ensure professionally competent, service driven, rule of law compliant and people-friendly police force and to reflect the new status of senior officers, who were just recently elevated to their next ranks".

The AIGs posted and redeployed included AIG Ogundele Joshua Ayodeji, Zone 7, Abuja; AIG Patrick Ogon Edung, Zone 11, Osogbo; AIG Badru Banji Lawal, Border Patrol FHQ; AIG Bartholomew N. Onyeka, Zone 8, Lokoja; AIG Suleiman A. Yusuf, DOPS FHQ; AIG Idowu Owohunwa, FCID Annex, Alagbon, Lagos; AIG Rhoda Adetutu Olofu, Maritime Lagos; AIG Godwin N. Aghaulor, Zone 13, Ukpo Dunukofia Awka; AIG Effiom Emmanuel Ekot, ONSA, Abuja.

Others were AIG Anene Ndu Innocent, CTU FHQ Abuja; AIG Odama Paul Ojeka, Zone 16, Yenagoa; AIG Ebong E. Eyibio, Zone 4, Makurdi; AIG Adebowale Williams, Zone 17, Akure; and AIG Sahabo A. Yahaya, Investment FHQ Abuja.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS

UMAHI, MBAH INSPECT COLLAPSED BRIDGE… Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi (middle), and Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah (right), discuss during an inspection tour of the site of the collapsed bridge at New Artisan on the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway, Wednesday, preparatory to reconstruction work starting on Friday

Jonathan, Atiku Drum Support for Diri, Melaye as Governors Former president to his kinsmen: Vote massively for Bayelsa gov Diri's former aide explain why Sylva will win on Saturday’s poll

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja and Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa Former President Goodluck Jonathan has told his kinsmen in Ogbia Local Government Area to reciprocate the good developmental gestures of Governor Douye Diri in the area by massively voting for the governor in Saturday’s governorship poll.

Similarly, former Vice President of

Nigeria and the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has urged electorate in Kogi State to vote massively for the candidate of the PDP , Senator Melaye on Saturday.

Speaking at his country home in Otuoke on Wednesday, when Diri led a delegation to visit the former Nigerian leader, Jonathan said the governor had demonstrated love towards the Ogbia

Tinubu: Afenifere Disowns Statement Faulting S’Court Verdict Says final decisions by group rest with Fasoranti Fidelis David in Akure The leadership of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, led by Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has distanced itself from a communiqué released by the group’s Secretary General, Sola Ebiseni, faulting the Supreme Court judgment upholding President Bola Tinubu’s election.

THISDAY reported that a faction of the group led by Ayo Adebanjo had Wednesday berated the recent Supreme Court judgement which upheld President Bola Tinubu's election win, bringing to an end a legal challenge brought by his two main rivals, who argued that his victory was marred by irregularities.

However, a statement yesterday by the group’s National Organising Secretary, Kole Omololu, clarified that Fasoranti, and other leaders were not aware of Ebiseni’s press release and did not authorise it.

The statement read: “The world will recall that the Leader of Afenifere himself, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, had congratulated the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces on his election into office, and also expressed solidarity over his victory at the apex court.

“It is then clearly underhanded and mischievous to have such preposterous attack on the judiciary by intemperate elements within the fold, fanning the embers of national discords with political motives, using the name of Afenifere.

"As the acting leader of the group,

Pa Ayo Adebanjo, in the natural and traditional order of Afenifere, is expected to defer to his leader, who appointed him, Fasoranti, without reservations. To do otherwise is to tread such ignoble path in national discourse as this unfortunate release reveals.

"The meeting recently held in Ogbo Ijebu, at no point raised or decided on the attack on the judiciary as the statements of the General Secretary seemed to portray. The leaders of Afenifere would like to challenge Chief Ebiseni to offer the world, the true record of deliberations at the said meeting to confirm its concurrence with the communique he so released to the world."

Afenifere said it believed that it iwas time for real governance beyond the politicking that the judiciary has sealed with the Supreme Court judgement.

"We look forward to good governance from the federal, state and local governments, and are prepared to offer constructive feedback, counsel and criticism in the quest for a better Nigeria, and a prosperous nation with viable federating entities.

“The ethos and structure of Afenifere vest the leadership authority in the leader as the Olori Ebi, until such time that he joins his forebears, notwithstanding whoever he has chosen to act on his behalf.

“Pa Adebanjo is an acting capacity, hence finality rests with the Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, OFR. Lai ku egiri, enikan o gbodo fi awo e se gbedu," the group added.

kingdom in different ways and that the people needed to reciprocate this by re-electing him and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

This is coming as a former aide to the Bayelsa State Governor and a leader of ex-militant group in the Niger Delta, 'Gen'. Charles Kurobo, expressed hope that the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Timipre Sylva, would carry the day.

Kurobo said the people of Bayelsa were tired of the failed promises of the successive PDP-led administrations in Bayelsa.

Jonathan commended Diri for choosing one of his political sons, Chief Mitema Obordor, as DirectorGeneral of his governorship campaign council, stating that it was a signal of more good things to come to the East Senatorial District of the state.

He said: “I thank the Otuoke community for giving the governor and his team this warm reception.

For us in this senatorial district, one

thing we should know is that when somebody picks one of your own to lead him in a political contest, that means that person will never forget you.

“For the governor to select Obordor from this senatorial district and indeed from Ogbia as his campaign DG, it means that Governor Diri has the mind to do something for you and will not forget you. And I plead with you all to reciprocate so we can get the benefit in store for us.”

He urged the people to renew the governor’s mandate on Saturday by voting massively for him.

In his remarks, Diri thanked the former president and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, for the warm reception and his endorsement, which he said was given freely.

Diri, described Jonathan as a unique democrat and patriot that always desired the best for the state and the country.

He also stated that Jonathan had

always been a father to all and not a political godfather.

Diri, said those speculating that his endorsement by the former president and the former governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, was due to godfatherism were either ignorant or being mischievous.

He stressed that they lacked the understanding of honouring those placed in position to lift others like Jonathan and Dickson.

His words: “I have had the endorsement of the immediate past governor of the state. Today, I also have been endorsed by the former president of the country, who happens to be our own, and some people say that is godfatherism. I say a thousand times No. We must honour those that God has placed in position.

“Let me make it clear that the former president has never asked me for anything. Some ignorant people were writing on social media that it

was because of what the governor is giving to the former president. That is ignorant and very mischievous.

“If there is anything that I convinced myself to do, I support him out of my conviction. The same thing with the immediate past governor. We must recognise our leaders because if we do not, when it comes to your turn, nobody will support you.”

Diri recalled that his relationship with Jonathan dates back to when the former president was deputy governor and later governor of the state and that he alongside Dickson served under Jonathan as commissioners.

It was the second time in 24 hours that the former president endorsed the governor’s second term bid, coming immediately after prominent leaders of the PDP, including governors, former governors, National Assembly members as well as members of the National Working Committee visited him on Tuesday at his Yenagoa residence

NUPENG President Insists No Faction in Petrol Tanker Drivers’ Union

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The National President of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers ( NUPENG) Williams Akporeha, has said there’s no faction in the national leadership of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the organisation.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja shortly after the Augustine Egbon-led executive of the union assumed office, he stated that the antics of certain persons who wanted to hijack the union had failed.

"On the issue of whether there is a faction in the PTD branch of our union, the fact that you weren't part of an election process or just because you refused to contest and then go and declare yourself a winner elsewhere doesn't mean that there is faction.

"And we have seen their kind of character in the way they attacked the new national officers of the branch last week.

"If not for the grace of God,

some of us would not have been here today, but God saved us from their hands and they will face the wrath of the law for the criminal act they perpetrated.

“That was not about election, that was not about trade unionism. It was about criminality. So, I want to say here that as far as NUPENG is concerned, there is one PTD branch and the leadership of Egbon is the one recognised.

“I want to use this opportunity to implore Nigerians to ignore any criminal going parading himself as national chairman of PTD or saying he is a member of NUPENG or PTD branch leadership.

“We don't know such kind of persons and we urge stakeholders and Nigerians to cooperate with this team which we know as the legitimate executive of the PTD," he said.

Earlier while addressing newsmen, the new National Chairman of the Branch, Egbon, also corroborated the NUPENG president on the processes

that led to his emergence as national chairman of the branch.

“The elections that brought my colleagues and I to this position was carried out October 31, 2023 at the University of Ibadan Conference Centre, Ibadan in accordance with the constitution of NUPENG and bye laws of our great branch as approved by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the union,” he stressed.

At the end of the elections, Egbon who is from Benin unit of the Warri Zonal Council of the union said he was duly returned elected as the national chairman of the union in accordance with the extant rules.

“Today, and I want to assure all our members across the country, critical stakeholders and the general public that there is no division at all in our union and the branch. Our solidarity remains constant because we know that workers united can never be defeated," he stated.

General Secretary of NUPENG, Wale Afolabi also disclosed that the

displaced executive was aware of the resolution to conduct fresh election in accordance with the verdict of Justice Bashir Alkali.

He recalled that the National Executive Committee of the Union invited the former branch leadership to a meeting where it was briefed on its resolution to conduct a fresh election in accordance with the outcome of the court judgement and a five-member caretaker committee was put in place after the dissolution of the executive to pave way for a fresh election.

"On July 26, an emergency NEC meeting of the union was convened on the judgement. We invited all members of the former branch administrative council whose election were nullified to a meeting to brief them on the judgement.

“NEC decision was to accept the judgement, the dissolution and the names of the caretaker/ election organising committee to oversee the affairs of the branch and organise the elections.

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NEWS

11TH ANNIVERSARY LECTURE AND INVESTITURE INTO THE REALNEWS HALL OF FAME...

L-R; Representatives of Managing Director, AMCON/ Head of Corporate Communications, Jude Nwauzor; Associate Director, Legal and Sanction, Nigerian Financial Intelligent Unit, Felix Obiamalu; Guest Lecturer/DG, ECOWAS Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), Senegal, Mr. Edwin Harris; Publisher, Realnews, Maureen Chigbo; Representatives of Executive Vice-Chairman, NCC/Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka; Representatives of MD of Nigerian Ports Authority, Durowaiye Ayodele and Director of Proceeds of Crime Department, ICPC, Kayode Adedayo during the 11th anniversary Lecture and Investiture into the Realnews Hall of Fame in Lagos...recently ABIODUN AJALA

Ribadu Calls for Synergy of Security Forces to End Menace of kidnap-for-ransom 113 terrorists killed in one week, says DHQ

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, yesterday, called for the synergy of security forces to contain the menace of kidnap-for-ransom ravaging the nation.

He said security, intelligence and other relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) should take responsibility to protect lives and property of Nigerians.

He made the call as Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said intense military operations in the last one week, resulted in the killing of 113 terrorists while 300 of them were

arrested.

It said troops also arrested 25 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 91 kidnapped hostages even as troops denied oil thieves an estimated sum of N571,793,350.00.

The NSA, who was represented by the National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Rear Admiral Yaminu Musa (rtd), spoke at the briefing of service chiefs and heads of agencies on the roadmap for the establishment of the proposed Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell in Abuja.

He called on stakeholders to engender a comprehensive solution to combat the menace of kidnap-

Reps Investigate Mistreatment of Nigerians in Benin Republic Juliet Akoje in Abuja The House of Representatives has mandated its Committees on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights and Diaspora to investigate the incessant mistreatment of Nigerians living in the Republic of Benin and report back to the House for further legislative action.

This resolution followed the adoption of a motion on the illegal Incarceration of Okumab Chika and Discriminatory Arrests of Nigerians in the Republic of Benin move by O.K. Chinda, Fred Agbedi, Bitrus Laon, Abdulsalam Dasuki, Felix Nwaeke, Kelechi Nwogu, Guger Onwusibe, Mark Esset, Rodney A, Nkewonta and Patrick Umoh at plenary on Thursday.

Chinda noted that Okumah Chika, a Nigerian legally residing and working in Benin, was allegedly arrested by the Republican Police (DGPR) on April 18, 2023.

He raised a concern that Chika, an administrative worker at ESFAM University in Port Novo, had been incarcerated at the Akpro-Missérété Prison since April 26, 2023, over allegations of internet fraud.

"After a series of investigations which confirmed that Okumah Chika is legally employed by ESFAM University and that his job schedule includes processing

admissions, facilitating transcripts, academic guidance and similar duties, he is still being held in detention by the Republican Police authorities," said the lawmaker.

Chinda added, "Many Nigerians in the Republic of Benin who are legal residents, engaging in lawful enterprises are victims of unlawful and discriminatory arrests and detention by the Republican Police."

According to the lawmaker, the illegal detention of Chika and other Nigerians is mainly orchestrated and influenced by their Beninese schoolmates, workmates and acquaintances "envious of the hardworking, resilient and enterprising spirit of Nigerians."

"The incessant arrests and hounding of Nigerians living and working in the Republic of Benin have made their life hellish as they are perpetually living in fear, worry and confusion," said the legislator.

"If urgent and immediate steps are not taken to address this issue, it may affect the age-long diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin."

Considering the economic benefits which the Republic of Benin "gains from Nigeria, the mistreatment of Nigerians living "over there is not a reflection of appreciation for Nigeria's benevolence," Chinda pointed out.

for-ransom and other related crimes bedevilling the country.

Ribadu recalled that as part of the concerted efforts by his office to address the menace of kidnapping in Nigeria, the first security and defence partnership dialogue between the United Kingdom (UK) and Nigeria was held in London in February 2022.

He added that one of the

agreements reached during the dialogue was the need to create an "Anti-Kidnap Multi-Agency Fusion Cell" to help stem the threats of kidnapping in the country.

"So far, eight workshops have been held by personnel of relevant stakeholders working with experts of the UK National Crime Agency (NCA).

"The workshops culminated in

the setting up of a multi-agency writing team to contribute to the formulation of a National AntiKidnapping Strategy," he said.

The NSA expressed appreciation to the UK through the High Commissioner for the support provided in the nation's efforts to tackle the issue of Kidnapping and other crimes in Nigeria.

In his remarks, the British

High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, noted that the first duty of government was the security of its citizens and that issue of kidnapping brought trauma to families.

He assured of the commitment of the UK government to the full implementation of the security and defence partnership between the two nations.

Muslim Community in Plateau Protest 'Inconsistent' Appeal Court Judgements Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Hundreds of youths and women from the Muslim community in Plateau State yesterday joined the protests over the ‘inconsistent’ judgements of the Court of Appeal in the state, calling for a review of the judgements.

The protest came on the heels of the massive protests that brought together youths from the 17 local government areas of the state, who barricaded major streets in Jos from Old Airport Junction to Mararaba Jama'a roundabouts.

The Court of Appeal, in recent judgements, sacked two senators and four Members of the House of Representatives, all of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

The youths unanimously

described the development as an act of injustice and an attempt to rob the state of the mandate the people gave to the party.

The Secretary of Hausa/Fulani PDP Forum, Mallam Abdulkarim Yaro called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to review the Appellate court judgments which hinged on a pre-election matter that the Appeal tribunal does not have the jurisdiction to entertain.

Yaro said: “We got up to express our displeasure with the recent judgments by the Appeal Court because we know we have been robbed of our mandate. In other states, this issue has been taken as a pre-election matter, but why is the case of Plateau different?

“We from the Muslim community, align our voice with all the other

groups in the state that have spoken against the injustice. We wanted to protest on the streets, but the police said no. So as law-abiding citizens, we have no other option than to obey but we demand justice.

Why are we treated differently?”

Women leader of the group, Lubabatu Ali called on critical stakeholders in the judiciary and Nigerians to rise against what she described as injustice against the people of the state.

She said: “We know this has been a pre-election issue, we want justice. We all came out massively and supported the PDP and the party won with a difference of 40,000; to 50,000. So much resources and energy have been expended.

“This congress they are talking about, I am a member of the PDP

and I participated in it. It happened in the presence of INEC, in the presence of the people, why are people not sincere, who is targeting Plateau, and for what reason?”

One of the protesters, Iliya James said: “How can the mandate of someone who scored over 95,000 votes in an election be nullified by the court and the person who scored about 35,000 votes be declared the winner? This is a miscarriage of justice.

“This is banditry, and we are here to express our dissatisfaction with the action of the Court of Appeal. The people of Plateau overwhelmingly voted for these people and the action of the court is trying to kill democracy using technicalities and dampening the morale of voters.

GOVT MOVES TO END ABANDONED PROJECTS’ SYNDROME IN HOUSING SECTOR, WARNS CONTRACTORS contractors we realised do not have the managerial or financial capacity.

“These are some of the developers we would edge out and bring serious ones for the construction to take off because at the end of the day, we want to ensure that Nigerians are better for it because there are millions of Nigerians that need houses,” he stated.

Dangiwa warned that the government would not entertain any substandard work in the present administration, explaining that there may be no new projects without old ones being completed.

On variation in prices of materials that had affected the delivery time of the houses, Dangiwa advised the developers to engage the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).

He added that once the ongoing projects, many of which have reached advanced stages are completed soon, the commencement of work, including the construction of six megacities, one in each geopolitical zone of the country will commence.

Dangiwa added that PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) with some of the developers was still

on course. “ In FCT, we are thinking about 10,000 housing units because the off-takers are already on the ground, both high and low income earners,” he added, urging some dissatisfied contractors to approach their creditors.

“Contractors talking about a review of their contracts would have to engage the FMBN because I know that loans were given to them. If they couldn’t finish within time, then they would have to go and sit down with FMBN to explain why they couldn’t finish the projects within the stipulated time,” he noted.

In his remarks, the Managing Director, FMBN, Mr Madu Hamman, said the first phase of the project at the Brains and Hammers Estate should be ready for off-take by December.

He explained that of the entire estate of 1,250, the first phase of 800 units had been ‘packaged’ while the delivery of the 450 units will be concluded as early as the first quarter of 2024.

Some contractors on the sites had called for an upward review of contract prices, as some of the deals had lasted over five years and had been impacted by inflation.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2023

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POLITICS

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

Oyebanji: Making Ekiti Great Again Raheem Akingbolu writes that the body language, expression and attitude of the people towards Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti state as he marks one year in office depicts total acceptability across board.

I

n the run-up to the 2022 election, his opponents often dismissed him on the basis that he garnered almost all his experiences in Ekiti. On the other hand, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s supporters gave it a positive spin. According to them, the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate was “tiwantiwa’’ and roughly, this term translates to ‘’homegrown”. Oyebanji won the election and the nickname has stuck. One year after, Governor Oyebanji has lived the name through his reformation work in the civil service, infrastructure, the education and health. Now, that the foundation has been laid, the governor has thus opened a new chapter.

Findings in Ekiti in the last one week have revealed that Governor Oyebanji’s approach to governance and infrastructural development is different from the norm in the country’s political environment.

At an interactive session organized for the governor and civil servants to rub minds, the state Chairman of Civil Service Commission, Bunmi Famosaya, described the governor as a ‘silent achiever’. According to Famosaya, who was the state’s former Head of Service, BAO, as the governor is fondly called, has done more than what he’s being celebrated for.

Also, in different interviews conducted by this reporter with stakeholders in Ekiti, it was established that all projects, policies and programmes are designed with the people in mind. The ones most referred to are in the areas of electricity, road rehabilitation and construction.

For instance, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 2, Hon. Richard Bamisile, while addressing guests at one of the events organized to mark the anniversary said the governor surprised him within a year for his commitment to see that his community was reconnected to the national grid after over 10 years of being in darkness.

“I came to Ekiti from Abuja with the determination to dedicate a whole week to this anniversary because of the political will deployed

by Governor Oyebanji to make sure my people were connected again to the national grid after many years in darkness.

It takes a governor who has his people in mind to achieve what has almost cut our people away from civilization,” the House of Reps member stated.

Hon Bamisile’s declaration represents the feelings in many quarters across the state because that’s the governor’s style whether in the area of road construction, electricity, health and even policies.

Everything Oyebanji does, according to stakeholders, is people centered. In retrospect, towards last year’s election, Oyebanji’s campaign’s slogan was “Putting People First.” At every opportunity, he’s always eager to remind Ekiti people that he’s one of them in all totality and would not do anything that would demean his family’s legacy-the name.

He told the teachers that his parents were teachers who sponsored him with their salaries.

He told the farmers of his farms.

He reminded the lecturers in various institutions in the state that his wife was one of them and that he, the APC candidate, started off as a university lecturer.

Looking back, the “Putting People First” slogan was self-evident even in the first three months, as the entire administration has always been people centered.

Specifically, policies are designed mainly to impact directly and positively on the lives of the people who have been neglected or short changed of dividends of democracy in the past years.

For instance, the news about the deplorable condition of Ekiti roads, especially the Ado Ekiti township roads were everywhere months before he came on board. On assumption of office, he instantly mobilized contractors to go and fix the Ado-Ilawe Road that had totally collapsed. Few days after he was sworn in, he commenced the rehabilitation of the roads in the capital city. Equally, in the three local

governments: Ekiti West, Ekiti East and Ayekire, where several towns had been in darkness for between 10 and 15 years, Oyebanji waded in and restored the light. On the occasion of this one year anniversary, the inauguration of these electricity projects were highpoints

of the occasion.

For example, in Ekameta LCDA (carved out of Ekiti West LG) where the governor ended 15 years of total blackout, Governor Oyebanji pointedly stated that he considered the projects as a move that would boost local economy and

propel the industrial development via robust growth of Small, and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Ekiti State.

While charging Ekiti citizens to protect all public utilities in their domains to safeguard government infrastructure from being destroyed, the governor said his government would not tolerate the idea of towns being left in perpetual power outage for a period of 15 years, describing this as a potential danger that could cripple businesses and shore up the poverty level in the state.

He said the 33KV electrification project, which covers 19km radius and stretched from 132 KV TCN Sub-Station at Omisanjana to connect Erijiyan and Ikogosi-Ekiti, needed protection to spur business activities along that axis.

“I wish to urge our people to see all public infrastructure within their communities as their property and to jealously guard and protect them from vandalisation. They must also be prepared to pay for electricity usage,” he pleaded.

Oyebanji, who described electricity supply as an impetus and a major boost to the growth of SMEs, said this view accounted for why the government placed high premium on reconnection of towns experiencing lingering power outages across the state.

He lamented that a town housing one of the state’s business concerns was without power supply for years, saying connecting the town back to the national grid would boost the water bottling company as well as the tourism potentials of the area.

“For us, electricity is a critical infrastructure in our Ekiti development agenda. It is indeed, the circulatory artery upon which the Ekiti industrial agenda can be kept alive. Without power any talk of industrialisation remains an empty wish, it is for this reason that we made it a major priority in our Six Pillars development agenda of this Administration.

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

What Onyejeocha is Bringing to the Table in Labour Ministry Emameh Gabriel writes that the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has been able to turn things round for the better in less than three months in office.

F

riends and foes give it to President Bola Tinubu when it comes to leadership recruitment. Unlike some of his peers at both national and sub-national levels whose clinchers in deciding who gets what are religion, ethnicity and servility, Tinubu looks out for who can deliver.

This explains in no unclear terms why none of his three successors as Lagos State governor has lowered the bar of governance in the state since 2007 when he left as governor but remained a centripetal figure in the state’s political dynamics.

Outside Lagos and the South-west, many of those he had brokered their emergence here and there on the national scene did not deport themselves as blunders.

As president, his ministers are already showing sparks of grasps of their job descriptions, just two months down the line. While other ministers may grab prime attention, some of the Ministers of State are the x factors in the successes of the ministries.

For instance, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has not lifted her feet from the gas since she assumed office. In formulation and implementation of policies, she has been hitting the bull’s eye with outcomes.

Being the first female Minister of state for Labour, she has imported her wealth of experience into the ministry. Without doubt, she is today the most celebrated politician in Abia State.

Without prejudice to Labour Minister, Hon. Simon Lalong’s expertise at the negotiating table, insiders from both the government and labour

divide attest to the fact that Hon Onyejeocha should be given her flowers for master classes in brinkmanship and in deploying acumen and intellection in tempering Nigerian labour leaders, at least in the two instances they were all out to bring the business of governance to its knees in the country.

In just about two months, she has injected life in the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), a critical parastatal in her ministry that has been in a state of suspended animation out of a sustained institutional and systemic neglect and deprivation.

In the little space of time Hon Onyejeocha has taken charge, the NDE has received a shot in the arm, enabling it to face up to its full responsibility of upskilling Nigerians and dispensing artisanal training for self-reliance among Nigerians.

With the benefit of a 16 years hands-on in lawmaking, her first approach to her job in the

ministry was to examine the country’s extant labour laws with a fine toothcomb towards grasping their application and their niceties of why and when.

Next was to evolve a synergy with those at the commanding height of the ministry towards an evolution of a harmonious working relationship. She left no one among them in doubt that she wants to leave the ministry more functional and better on all sides than she met it.

In the area of social works, she has already set up a team of experts at the ministry to recalibrate its social engagements and reposition the ministry towards providing more jobs and engaging more Nigerians in social services. Her target here is to promote social change, social development and empowerment, which she hopes to drive by instilling a sense of belonging and collective responsibility among the employed and yet to be employed Nigerians.

She holds welfare of the workers close to her heart. It is common knowledge that no demoralised workforce can take productivity a notch higher. On the contrary, an incentivised human resources would not hold back on industry and application.

This provides the backdrop for Onyejeocha’s quest for the provision of cutting-edge technology work tools for the staff of her ministry and every other incentives that would leverage them to give their utmost.

-Gabriel writes from Abuja NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2023

19

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

A T

REPO

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

08056356325

N O V E M B E R

S & P INDEX

9 , 2 0 2 3

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OPR

11.25%

CALL

19.12%

INDEX LEVEL

611.31%

1/4 TO DATE

-0.07%

N795.28/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

11.50%

1-MONTH

16.25%

1-DAY

0.03%

YEAR TO DATE

0.48%

*AS AT MONDAY, JULY 24, 2023

3-MONTH

15.75%

MONTH-TO-DATE

-0.7%

Aviation Experts: NCAA’s Poor Oversight Activities Threaten Air Safety in Nigeria Chinedu Eze Recent incidents and accidents in the aviation sector have indicated that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has become lax in the enforcement of its regulatory oversight, an ugly development that has started reflecting in the number of mishaps taking place in Nigeria, industry experts have said.

They cited the near fatal incident that happened at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan in Oyo State on November 3, 2023, where an aircraft that was not designated for charter service, was involved in charter operation and it landed short of the runway in the night and crashed into the bush.

“Also, on August 2, 2023 a single engine, fixed wing, Jabiru aircraft with registration number 5NCCQ,

with three persons on board, crashlanded into an old communication pole inward Ikeja Bus Stop on Oba Akran Avenue, Ikeja Lagos. Before these two accidents, there have been records of helicopter accidents that claimed lives, “they said.

On August 28, 2020 two people died and a third was critically injured and later died in hospital after a helicopter crashed into a residential area in Nigeria’s most populous city, Lagos.

The dead include the pilot and a passenger in the Bell 206 helicopter operated by Quorum Aviation.

Industry operators attribute these accidents to growing poor oversight function of the regulatory authority, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which is accused of losing its firmness and restrict monitoring of flight operations.

The latest serious incident at the Ibadan Airport involved HS25B aircraft with Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) with core sign, 5NAMM operated by Flint Aero.

The aircraft was reported to have hit the ground before reaching the runway, lost control and crashed into the bush.

NCAA confirmed the incident and said that the Consumer Protection Officer (CPO) arrived at the scene of the crash at 06:18hrs (6:18 am) on November 4, 2023 and after having received a call at 05:58hrs (5:58 am) on crash of a private aircraft (5N-AMM) on runway 22 which arrived at 20:13hrs (8:13 pm) from Abuja on November 3, 2023 .

NCAA also disclosed that the

Airport Control Manager from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Mr. Omoyele and the Teminal Head NCAA, Mr. Bepo Joshua, were at the scene of the crash.

It was observed that the aircraft touched down into the bush before the beginning of runway 22. There was an impact on the lights in the bush just before the beginning of threshold on the runway.

Industry observers established two regulation breaches about the serious incident and one was that the aircraft used for the flight was a non-commercial aircraft not meant for charter service because it does not have the permit to operate charter.

The second fact is that the Ibadan airport is designated as sunset airport, as communicated in the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), which means

flights could operate there from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, but flight involved in the incident left Abuja at 6:41 pm and arrived at 8:13 pm.

Two operators who spoke to THISDAY said that two regulations were breached, which include: an aircraft that was meant for private service was used for charter service and it operated into an airport designated for Visual Flight Rule (VFR), that is sunset airport.

They stressed that this could be attributed to lapses of the regulatory authority, noting that such breaches have become common in recent times.

“Ibadan is known as daylight airport. It is surprising that the flight was allowed to leave Abuja to Ibadan at that time. That was a big risk. The aircraft does not have

Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

It has PNCF. Using aircraft that is private to operate charter services is eroding the market. It means the industry is not properly regulated.

Every aircraft should be monitored.

Also, the Visual Flight Rule at Ibadan airport was compromised. We operate charter services and pay 5 per cent charge to NCAA. We also face stricter regulation in terms of maintenance to ensure that aircraft that operate charter services are safer. Those that have permit as privately operated aircraft do not pay this 5 per cent charge and are not subjected to strong maintenance monitoring,” the operator who is into charter services, he told THISDAY. The story continues online on

www.thisdaylive.com

L–R: Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX),Temi Popoola; President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr. Oluwole Adeosun; Executive Governor, Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun and Chief Executive Officer, Chapel Hill Denham Group, Bolaji Balogun, at the ongoing 2023 CIS Conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State… yesterday

PMAWCA: FG Seeks Africa’s Collective Action for AfCFTA Success Gilbert Ekwugbe The federal government has called on West and Central African nations to unite for the success and gains of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the 43rd Council and 18th Managing Directors’ Roundtable of the Port Management Association of West & Central Africa (PMAWCA) in Lagos yesterday, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of

Transportation, Dr. (Mrs.) Magdalene Ajani urged for a collective action for the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Ajani emphasized the vision of a united Africa, stating, that one Africa is possible if all participants countries decides to work together adding, “One Africa certainly is possible, and I urge us all to be active participants in that journey.”

Ajani while stressing the importance of the PMAWCA conference in reviewing possibilities

for ports and economies under AfCFTA said, “We can only make collective progress when we work together to continue sharing experiences and best practices amongst ourselves,” she added, echoing the proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together.”

She encouraged participants to turn discussions into actionable plans and assured attendees that Nigeria, under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,

would prioritise the development of the maritime sector.

“In the interest of Nigeria’s strategic interests and our common economic goals as a region with similar challenges and aspirations, the administration will continue to prioritize the development of the maritime sector,” she affirmed.

Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Mohammed Bello Koko commended the collaborative efforts during the

conference and highlighted the interconnectedness of West and Central African nations.

He said, “Our geographical reality of interconnectedness and interdependence makes cooperation a necessary precondition for the collective advancement of our Ports.”

Koko acknowledged the positive outcomes of the conference, indicating that the ideas generated would guide policy formulation and government actions towards AfCFTA implementation.

The NPA MD specifically commended the President of PMAWCA, Mr. Martin Boguikouma, the Secretary General, Mr. Jean Marie Koffi, and the team from the Nigerian Ports Authority for their exceptional work in organizing the conference.

He expressed confidence that the convergence of West and Central African talent at the conference would provide direction to policy formulation and embolden government action toward AfCFTA implementation.

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT T H U R S D AY, N O V E M B E R 9 , 2 0 2 3 BONDS Change Updated Time DESCRIPTION Price Yield (%) ^13.53 23-36, November 101.40 12.14 MAR-2025 00 2, 2023 ^12.50 22-12, November 99.00 13.00 JAN-2026 00 2, 2023 ^16.2884 November 108.14 13.23 -1,00 17-MAR-27 2, 2023 ^13.98 23November 99.81 14.02 -6,00 FEB-2028 2, 2023 ^14.55 26November 98.98 14.82 -5,00 APR-2029 2, 2023

BILLS

OTC F X F U T U R E S

CPS

MATURITY

Discount Yield

NTB 26-Oct23 NTB 9-Nov23 NTB 7-Dec23 NTB 25-Jan24

1.80

1.80

Change (%) Updated Time November 0.00 2, 2023

MATURITY

2.57

2.57

November 0.00 2, 2023

3.92

3.94

November 0.00 2, 2023

3.50

3.53

November 0.00 2, 2023

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

NTB 8-Feb24

4.39

4.45

November 0.00 2, 2023

NSDL CP IIB 23-NOV-23

Change Time Discount Yield (%) November 0.00 2, 16.95 17.00 2023 November 14.71 14.89 0.00 2, 2023 November 19.25 19.60 0.00 2, 2023 November 11.27 11.39 0.00 2, 2023 19.24

19.60

November 0.00 2, 2023

CONTRACT Current TENOR Contract Rate ($/₦) (MONTH) NGUS OCT 1 – 30 2024 NGUS NOV 2 – 27 2024 NGUS DEC 3 – 24 2024 NGUS JAN 4 – 29 2025 NGUS FEB 5 – 26 2025

Date

November 2, 2023 November 2, 2023 November 2, 2023 November 2, 2023 November 2, 2023

T H I S D AY

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2023

We must build bridges and roads to advance the cause of our unity, argues JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA

NIGERIA’S UNITY: A LONG ROAD TO NOTHING? Denial works like a powerful drug. If you adopt it as a form of daily defense against reality and the pains it is known to serve, it can appear to prove quite effective. Denial though is never the solution to anything. It serves as a palliative at best. Palliatives, in essence, help to quell the symptoms of a condition or situation, they do not address the cause. There is no use comparing this to the ‘palliatives’ conversation around the removal of fuel subsidy. It serves the same meaning in that sense. Nigeria has mostly been in denial about the unity of its people. It has designed political palliatives through the years to ease the symptoms of the apparent disunity amongst its people, these, if you look closely or

even from afar, have not exactly worked out as planned.

Nigerians are not united. It is that simple.

Nigeria is in denial of this unwholesome reality.

We play political correctness and try our best to play around its edges, just so we can force the union along. However, we are far from a united people. We are as separate a people as we were before Lord Lugard happened, as we are over a century after. It is an objective reality. More real than ‘Nigeria’ as a country.

As we have seen through history, countries have come and go, their existence or disappearance largely manifested by documents.

Ethnic groups differ. The quest for unity cannot pretend about the reality of that difference. We are different in truth, diverse in our essence and culture and unfortunately, divided to the core.

We cannot do much about our difference, we have to see our diversity as a form of strength and even if we do not, it is a literal reality that no form of denial can wish away. What we can and must look to address is our division.

In a sense, this mirror’s Africa’s attempts over the last half-century or so to unite its countries.

The Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was a political design to help seed, nurture and bring about that unity. It largely failed on that front.

African countries looked individually more friendly and ‘united’ with non-African countries even while African leaders gathered every year and their technocrats met every quarter to iron out the various mechanisms of the continent’s unity.

With the African Union (AU), things have evolved from a strictly political design. There is a general acceptance now that if we manage to make the continent trade within itself, its chances of unity will increase. The pressure and motivations of trade have now instituted more open borders starting out with ‘visa on arrival’ and now, ‘no visa’ for African nationals as already started by the likes of Kenya and Rwanda. That’d

likely be the norm across the continent before the end of this decade.

Nigerians of course do not require a visa to visit any part of their country. They require security and infrastructure. The former hasn’t always been lacking, the latter has always been.

You cannot just pick your luggage in Dutse and say you want to go spend your weekend in Benin. There are many factors that’d cause you to hesitate. Should you look to go by road, your primary consideration is how safe such a journey would be and then how good the roads are to ease your travel. Individually, they are enough to discourage you, taken together, both will often easily combine to help quench that thirst. The cost of travel is another factor, it is not always the main factor in this case.

If you choose to fly, the cost of travel takes precedence, even though many Nigerians remain wary of flying locally. That is despite the fact that the country hasn’t recorded any major commercial plane crash incident since 2012.

Those years are not long enough for anyone to assume that the skies are now that safe, examples abound of near misses since then.

With these challenges in mind, you’d find that most Nigerians not only live close to where they were born, they work just as close by and have built their entire existence within the geographic and cultural confines they have known since birth. Those who have ventured beyond both confines haven’t explored the rest of the country enough to feel at home or at peace elsewhere.

The dearth of transport infrastructure and the challenge of insecurity aren’t just about the direct costs of both, they are at the root of our division.

We are divided because we do not trust one another. We do not trust one another because we do not know one another enough. We do not know one another enough because we are confined within the Nigeria we were born into.

Movement doesn’t just drive commerce and prosperity, it is the foundation of national unity.

The quest for Nigeria’s unity is a long road, a marathon. When addressed within the confines of politics alone, it’d likely end up being a long road to nothing. We must build bridges and roads — literally and figuratively — to advance the cause of our unity. As we have come to find out, if we do not address other root causes of anger between various warring ethnic groups, we’d continue to deploy soldiers to quell unrests across the country. The deployment of soldiers is always going to be nothing more than a palliative.

I doubt any Nigerian hopes for anything other than a united and prosperous country. As it is, the planetary bodies appear more likely to be in syzygy every other day than we are to meet these ideals. That said, our pursuit isn’t exactly celestial. We just need a little pragmatism; an acceptance of where it is we are, what it is we need to do, and how it is we want to move ahead.

We already know the ‘why’, or may be some don’t. There is little or no chance of collective prosperity without a commitment to advancing to the future as one. The collective needs not travel in denial of its differences, but it must do so aware of the fact its diversity can and should be its strength.

Omojuwa is chief strategist, Alpha Reach, author, Digital Wealth Book

MARTIN LUTHER AGWAI argues the need to make land administration more accessible

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21 4

T H I S D AY

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2023

EDITORIAL

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

DEALING WITH FOOD POISONING The regulators could do more to safeguard lives

I

Implementation of the policy and other national n Nigeria, according to the World Health legislation will address the unsatisfactory level Organisation (WHO), more than 200,000 of food hygiene and safety practices which to a persons die of food poisoning annually, with large extent is responsible for the prevalence of contamination as the main cause. The WHO food-borne diseases in Nigeria. also reported another 20,000 deaths yearly Meanwhile, associated mostly with food arising from exposure to food pesticides, poisoning in recent years are cassava-based children inclusive. Food safety has for years been dishes which are widely consumed in Nigeria, a growing concern in the country. Increasingly, and indeed in many places in Africa, as in many Nigerians are dying, ironically, from what South America, where it is a major source of ought to sustain and indeed, keep them alive. carbohydrates. They are by far the commonest There are disturbing incidents of deaths after meals, with popular appeal to the poor. It has one meals. To tackle the menace, the National Agency major drawback: The roots and leaves of poorly for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s processed cassava plants contain a substance Moji Adeyeye recently launched a campaign named Linamarin which when eaten is converted against drug hawking and forced ripening of to cyanide, a poisonous fruits in Lagos. gas which could be For years, the issue fatal when inhaled or of food safety has ingested. Experts say The consumption of food grains laced with pesticides by vendors to posed a daunting that poor preparation of challenge hence an cassava meals can leave preserve their shelf life puts many people at risk of gastro-intestinal urgent need for strict enough of the poisonous compliance with laws disorders and some types of cancers substance to cause acute on food preservation. intoxication, goiter and ([SHUWV KDYH LGHQWLÀHG in some cases death. In improper use of agrosome cases, particularly T H I S D AY chemicals and pesticides to control pests on those with high cyanide level, mere exposure to EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU agricultural products and grains as one of the DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA volatile substances while being processed can causes of the rising cases of food poisoning in the MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO cause some health disorders. country. The consumption of food grains laced DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU Food-borne diseases according to Eva Edwards, with pesticides by vendors to preserve their shelf CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI NAFDAC director for Food Safety and Applied EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN life puts many people at risk of gastro-intestinal 1XWULWLRQ DͿHFW GLVSURSRUWLRQDWHO\ WKH PRVW THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE disorders and some types of cancers. vulnerable of society, the infants, young children, The whole essence of the National Policy on pregnant women, the elderly. The Federal Food Hygiene and Safety that was launched in Ministry of Health, Standards Organisation of 2000 as an integral part of the Nigerian National Nigeria (SON) and NAFDAC should mitigate Health Policy is being questioned if attaining T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D food poisoning cases by applying universal food EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA food safety still remains a mirage. And like safety practices. The federal agencies should GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, several other countries, Nigeria must contend ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI ensure safety compliance by monitoring the with the problem of food-borne diseases with DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, quality of food being sold in Nigerian markets. their attendant social, economic and health costs.

ANTHONY OGEDENGBE This can be actualised by educating food vendors The abiding objective of the policy is to attain DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI on hygiene and safety practices as well as SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH high level of food hygiene and safety practices enlightening farmers on the dangers of applying ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI which will promote health, control food-borne banned agro-chemicals to boost or preserve farm GLVHDVHV PLQLPLVH DQG ÀQDOO\ HOLPLQDWH WKH ULVN RI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO produce. diseases related to poor food hygiene and safety.

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

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

LETTERS SUPPORTING FALLEN HEROES’ WIDOWS AND DEPENDANTS This is a clarion call for well-spirited Nigerians to ensure Nigerian fallen heroes, military widows will not again be looked down upon. It is a burden that cannot be carried alone. Therefore, Nigerians should embrace an initiative to raise UHYHQXH IRU WKH EHQHÀW RI IDPLOLHV RI IDOOHQ KHroes, ex-service men, dependants, orphans and widows.

By patronizing the recently launched Nigerian Legion/Military Widows (MIWA) 2024 mass transit stickers, daily ticket and badges, this support will go a long way in empowering the widows, dependents and ex-servicemen.

Stickers have been launched and are available for sale to the public who are kindly requested

WR KHOS LQ UHFRJQLWLRQ RI WKH VDFULÀFHV PDGH E\ members of the armed forces who have paid the VXSUHPH VDFULÀFH DQG WKRVH ZKR KDYH VHUYHG and left in peace, some with their limbs gone but have families to cater for.

Some are on pension but it is not enough to take care of the burden of the aforementioned and their children. So through the sale of the stickers, the revenue to be generated therefrom will be judiciously used to cater for the needs of these dependants.

6R 1LJHULDQV VKRXOG LGHQWLI\ ZLWK WKLV HͿRUW WRZDUGV DOOHYLDWLQJ WKH HQRUPRXV VXͿHULQJV RI the families of fallen heroes The Nigerian Legion shall be responsible for

the distribution and accounting from the proceeds of the stickers sales, which shall be administered under the supervision of the Nigerian Legion and Ministry of Defence, and will be judiciously used to ensure monies are used for the stated purpose..

Our gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, who, under the poverty alleviation programme, exWHQGHG WR 1LJHULDQ YHWHUDQV VRPH EHQHÀWV MIWA needs assistance because it is concerned with the welfare of widows, fallen heroes DQG WKHLU FKLOGUHQ (YHU\ HͿRUW WR VXSSRUW WKLV venture will be highly appreciated.

Major Gen. Abdulmalik Jibril (rtd), National Chairman, Nigerian Legion

22

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2023 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

AIR WATCH

Yuletide: Air Peace Rolls Out Additional Flight Frequencies Chinedu Eze West and Central Africa’s largest airline, Air Peace, has assured the flying public of adequate flight frequencies during the Christmas season.

The airline’s spokesperson, Stanley Olisa, said more flight schedules would be uploaded on the Air Peace website in a few days and travellers should not panic as the airline would make more flights available to accommodate everyone who wishes to travel, especially to South South and South East

destinations.

According to Olisa, additional flight schedules from December 15 will be live on the booking platforms in the next coming days and the flying public will be able to book for their Yuletide trips, adding that “more aircraft are returning from maintenance checks abroad, which will also support in meeting the increased travel demand of the festive period”.

He stated that additional aircraft would be deployed to the destinations currently underserved to ensure that

the airline meets the travel demand of the flying public, assuring that it has perfected operational plans to effectively service all its routes during the Christmas season.

The Yuletide period is characterised by increased flight demand, especially to the South East and South South, with numerous travellers booking available flights, which are hardly enough.

“But Air Peace is rolling out multiple flight frequencies and deploying more aircraft to address this scarcity,” Olisa added.

A I R WATCH Uganda Airlines: New Vista of Opportunities

Royal Academy Honours Agubata as Engineering Icon A Deputy General Manager, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Dr Felicia Agubata has been honoured by the Royal Engineering Academy as an Engineering Icon in the United Kingdom.

According to the organisers of the event, Aguabata’s honour was part of the activities to mark the National Engineering day celebrated on November 1, every year.

The organisers said it is the day dedicated to recognising the achievements and contributions of engineers.

Speaking about the honour, Aguabata said: “I am excited to share in the celebrations. It’s a day to celebrate the brilliant minds and innovative spirits that power progress and shape the future of our society. From towering bridges to life-changing medical devices, engineers are the unsung heroes who turn dreams into reality.

“Today, the Engineering Icons

Tube Map in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Engineering is being launched and I have been featured at Rayners Lane station on the Metropolitan/Piccadilly line! I am being celebrated as an Engineering Icon in the UK, and a station lane on the London Metropolitan Piccadilly Line named after me.

“This recognition goes beyond me; it is a celebration of the entire engineering community.

Engineering is the driving force behind innovations that shape our everyday lives. From the infrastructure that supports our cities to the technologies that power our world, engineering touches us all,” Aguabata said.

According to her, as an engineer, she had the privilege of being part of a dynamic industry that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible and contributes to projects that have improved everyday life in various ways.

“From sustainable energy solutions, to transportation advancements, STEM education to mentorship, it’s about making a positive impact. These developments not only improve our quality of life but also pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.

“I am delighted and filled with gratitude. All glory to God almighty who makes all things beautiful. I want to take this moment to thank the Royal Academy of Engineering, my colleagues, mentors, and everyone who has been part of my journey. Engineering is a collaborative endeavour, and it is the collective efforts of talented individuals that make these achievements possible.Let us continue to celebrate the power of engineering and the positive changes it brings to our world.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.Congratulations to us,” she said.

Embraer Hosts 2023 China Regional Aviation Forum Brazil-based plane maker, Embraer has played host to the 6th China Regional Aviation Forum (RAF) this year.

Embraer said it chose to be the host, as China’s civil aviation market continues to grow, fueled by rising domestic demand.

The event held in the city of Qingdao from 7-8 November 2023.

The theme for the event is Connectivity and Differentiation – New Momentum in Regional Aviation Development.

The forum received over 150 participants from the government, domestic and overseas airlines, airports, lessors, institutes, trade associations, and other related organisations. Speakers include

airlines executives, industry experts, and think tanks. The group led discussions on a variety of topics ranging from the global and China regional aviation market development to successful business models and experience sharing for airlines.

“Through the forum, Embraer provides a platform that pools wisdom and experience of the most qualified and knowledgeable people to discuss and debate how to expand regional networks and how to boost connectivity,” said Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation.

“The key is to offer efficient and rightsized aircraft to build the connectivity of China. The

E2, which complements China’s indigenous products perfectly, is the perfect aircraft to do that as it will connect second & third tier cities as well as remote regions. Now that the E190-E2 and E195-E2 are both certified

by CAAC, we are confident about our prospects in China, supporting growth and helping China Civil Aviation embrace a more sustainable aviation future.”

“We believe the regional market is a key driver of the future growth. There are one billion people living in China that have never taken a flight,” said Guo Qing, Managing Director and VP Commercial Aviation, Embraer China.

Qore to Roll Out Financial Solutions in Banking Sector Emma Okonji Qore, Africa’s leading Bankingas-a-Service platform provider, has announced plans to roll out homegrown financial solutions that will address the issues of foreign exchange outflows on foreign software.

This is as statistics from the International Trade Centre (ITC) showed that $1.09 billion was spent on software acquisition and importation of computer services into Nigeria in the past five years.

The Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder at Qore, Mudiaga Umukoro, who disclosed the plan at the inaugural Nexus 2023 customer experience event, hosted by Qore in Lagos, said most core banking technology used by Tier 1 banks in Africa could be considered legacy,

which is a major problem.

At a time when the need for Forex is at an all time high, Umukoro revealed that banks were paying it out to sustain banking infrastructure.

Umukoro however announced the company’s plans to roll out an enterprise grade core banking system, targeted at commercial banks, even as he disclosed that Qore is positioned to break the strangle-hold that foreign core banking software providers like Infosys, Temenos, and Oracle, have on the commercial banks.

He stated that the decision to provide an alternative to the incumbents servicing the commercial bank space, resulted from a desire to spare the country needless foreign exchange outflows on account of payments for solutions that have better homegrown alternatives.

“Legacy Core Systems have

resulted in slow response, as banks with legacy technology are usually late to every party in terms of renewal and with the naira fluctuating, planning is near impossible. Also, Fintechs and digital banks are now gaining on retail market share,” Umukoro further explained.

He said Qore, the premium cloud-native core banking system was built in Africa and for Africans.

“Some of the benefits of adopting Qore includes the fact that most banks on Qore CBA will be able to rollout new products and integrations will be way faster.

“Banks on Qore will enjoy greater efficiency from more comprehensive process automation and technology costs will no longer fluctuate and will become reliable as bills are settled in Naira,” he added.

Chinedu Eze For decades, aviation experts have railed against the lack of connections between African cities, frowning at the idea of a passenger from Nigeria travelling to Europe before connecting a flight to Madagascar.

They also frowned at the visa restrictions, a situation where a traveller in the US could easily secure a visa to Egypt but a Nigerian would have visa request to the same African country turned down.

All these, they insist, are inimical to intra African business and connectivity and the major bane to African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

But things seem to be easing out. South Africa Airways can now fly Africans to Botswana, Namibia and other southern African destinations.

Ethiopian Airlines can fly Africans to many African cities and long haul destinations. Kenya Airways can take African travellers to the rest of East Africa.

And now, Uganda Airlines has joined the fray, well poised to take a chunk of the market.

This is why its direct flight between Entebbe and Lagos is a milestone towards cutting a slice of the African air transport market.

What is also remarkable is the zeal Africans are developing to trade among themselves. They are realising that they are the ones that will develop their economies, said the Secretary General, Africa Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), Funke Adeyemi, during her recent presentation at the African Aviation conference in Abuja.

Countries are also opening up on visa restrictions and the countries leading the charge are those located in the Horn of Africa: Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and others.

There is another significant impact of the flight between Lagos and Entebbe by Uganda Airlines. Many Nigerians have realized that touring African destinations are more rewarding than going to Europe and Middle East, where they are subjected to embarrassing scrutiny; so, there is growing number of Nigerians travelling to different parts of Africa for holidays and for business.

This is a niche market for Uganda Airlines.

What is there in Uganda to attract Nigerian businessmen and women and to attract Nigerian tourists?

The Chief Commercial Officer of Uganda Airlines, Adedayo Olawuyi, said there are a lot of things in Uganda that will attract Nigerians to travel to the East African country.

“We are quite positive that a direct flight will definitely be able to stimulate the traffic between the two routes. It will stimulate business; it will stimulate relationships between government partnerships. We have had a lot of engagement; like last week in Kampala, we held a UgandaNigeria trade and business forum where we brought in companies, Nigerian companies, which are already doing business in Uganda.

We brought in investors who are looking at doing business in Nigeria, who are presently based in Uganda.

“The feedback from that was very positive because everybody seems to have that excitement of being connected to a market as large as Nigeria. The tourism sector also is very excited

about that. As you know, there’s been a lot of intra-Africa travel by Africans. So, we want to be able to position ourselves, which is one of the key reasons why the airline was actually set up: to promote Uganda as a destination, to promote business and trade, to improve the balance of trade between Uganda and all the other countries that we relate to.

“So, we are quite positive that with a direct flight the relationships between the two countries will improve on all the different fronts. That is, you will be shocked to know that presently we have over a thousand Nigerian students who are actually schooling in Uganda. We also have a large community of lecturers, people who are being seconded to come and lecture in Ugandan universities from Nigeria. So, these are the things that we found looking into the market,” Olawuyi told THISDAY recently.

The delegation who came with the inaugural flight to Nigeria showed so much enthusiasm and hope. They were elated that the airline opened East-West route, which cut the flight time between the two countries to less than four hours.

The Chief Executive Officer, Uganda Airlines, Jennifer Bamuturaki, said the flight service would be three times a week and would cut travel time from 10 hours to three and half hours.

She noted that the launch of the EntebbeLagos route came with several benefits for both Uganda and Nigeria. Firstly, it significantly reduces travel time between the two countries.

Previously, travelers had to endure long layovers or multiple connections to reach their destination.

With Uganda Airlines’ direct flights, the journey time is reduced from over ten hours to just four hours, providing a more convenient option for travelers.

Moreover, the new route opens up opportunities for increased trade and tourism between Uganda and Nigeria. The inaugural flight was celebrated with the Nigeria-Uganda Trade and Tourism Business Forum, where stakeholders from both countries discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations. The flight acts as a gateway for business, tourism, culture, and entertainment, fostering closer ties between the two nations.

THISDAY learnt that Uganda Airlines has been in operations for the past four years.

Olawuyi said Nigeria being the most populous nation in Africa has definitely been on the business implementation plan for the airline.

That is primarily because of the population of the country, and because of the ties that Nigeria has with Uganda, and definitely because of the travelling population available in Nigeria.

“We are trying to build a network in Uganda.

We present the flight to 11 destinations. On Saturday, the 7th of October, we just launched our flights to Mumbai, India. So, Nigeria has always been one of those destinations that we have been looking to tap into, considering presently there is no direct flight between Entebbe, Uganda and Nigeria. So, that’s actually in a nutshell what informed that decision to start operations into Nigeria,” he said.

Uganda Airlines is operating the route with Airbus A330 neo, one of the most modern aircraft operating in Africa.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2023

23

BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

As NiMET Earns Global Recognition The local and international recognitions given to the Nigeria Meteorological Agency, based on its tremendous progress in the last two years, speaks volume of its quest to become a globally recognised agency, writes Chinedu Eze

I

n addition to other services it provides, the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has contributed immensely to the safety status recorded by Nigeria’s aviation sector, which has not suffered any major accident involving commercial airline in the past 10 years.

But NiMET did not come to limelight for many years until Dr. Anthony Anuforom took over as the Director-General of the agency and when he left, industry observers said it went into downward trajectory until the appointment of the current Director General, Professor Mansur Bako Matazu, who has significantly transformed the agency and put it on a global map.

AWARDS

Under Professor Matazu who took over on March 17, 2001 as Director General, NiMET has won global acclaim and priceless awards that have designated it as the met agency to beat in Africa and one of the best in the world.

Recently NiMET clinched 9th position on Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) of MDAs by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

In an advertorial, the anti corruption body listed NiMet as having attained 9th position in the overall ranking out of 404 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) administered in 2023 with NiMet scoring 78 percent and second position in the Presidency and Extra Ministerial category.

According to ICPC, the objective of administering the EICS is particularly to track ethical, integrity and compliance deficiencies in the MDAs, and proffer remedial actions for the management of the MDAs and the government as appropriate.

For Ministries, Departments and Agencies’ effectiveness and responsiveness, the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in the scorecard as configured are to identify some ethics and integrity standards that MDAs must comply with within the areas of Management, Performance, Service and Professional Conduct.

Also, Nigerian Meteorological Agency was awarded the Service Provider of the Year 2022 award by the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents.The awardwas in recognition of NiMet’s improved service delivery.

In the same 2022, just a year Professor Matazu took over as the Director General, the Management of Air Transport Quarterly Magazine (ATQ) gave the prestigious “ATQ AVIATION MAN OF THE YEAR” award to Matazu.

NiMet also acquired the recertification of the International Standard Organization ISO 9001:2015 and the International Standard Organization ISO 29990:2010 for the provision of aeronautical meteorological services and capacity building at its Regional Training Centre (RTC), in Lagos and Muhammadu Buhari Meteorological Institute of Science and Technology (MBMIST), Katsina respectively.

According to Prof. Matazu, the implication of this recertification is like the stamp of standardisation of service delivery by an international organisation and gives a guarantee on the precision and efficiency of NiMe’s products and services.

He revealed that the agency is exposing its operations to quality management systems and even transforming to Safety Management Systems (SMS), across all its operations in the country and assured that NiMet is striving to do more and is open to assist other MDAs of government to pass through this process.

Also, recently, the Bureau of Public Service Reforms in the Presidencycelebrated the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and its Director General, as awardees of the prestigious Nigeria GovTech Award 2023 in the category of the Best Federal MDA

in Data Management and Analytics; while the DG/CEO Professor Matazu received the Distinguished GovTech Trailblazer Award for exemplary Leadership demonstrated in advancing GovTech initiative and digital governance with NiMet in line with the Federal Government Digital Transformation in the Public Sector.

So, this bouquet of awards is a testament of the exceptional achievements of NiMET, which has been internationally recognized as met agency in Africa known for its accurate weather prediction and which has extended its services to many other countries on the African continent.

SERVING BEYOND BOUNDARIES

Under Prof. Matazu, NiMET extended its services to Liberia, Sierra Leone and other African countries. He has given the met agency global outlook and recognition in such a manner that it has become a representative of sub-Saharan Africa in advancement of meteorology and contribution to accurate weather forecasting.

THISDAY confirmed that today, NIMET renders daily services to Sierra Leone and Liberia and is assisting many countries in West and Central Africa to develop their meteorology organisations. This further burnishes the experience of NIMET as service provider for accurate weather prediction.

“We do provide technical service to some countries like Sierra Leone, Liberia, Burkina Faso, Niger etc, as I said. There is what we call WMO VCP (Voluntary Country Partnership), which is called in ICAO as ‘No Country Left Behind’. So weather is dynamic and it moves from one area to the other. So, if you have the capability and you don’t share that expertise to your neighbours, I don’t think you are helping. Example, in Nigeria, if there is a problem in Niger Republic relating to drought and flood, we have over a thousand kilometers borders, all of them would move to Nigeria. That is number one. The reason America and other countries are called Superpowers is by providing some of these supports,” he said.

COLLABORATION

Matazu disclosed that NIMET has been working with many international agencies to broaden its horizon and deepen its knowledge and experience.

The agency started Volume Coverage Pattern (VCP) with World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and according to Matazu, “In the VCP meeting that we attended, Nigeria was the only black nation because you have US, UK, Spain, Netherlands, eight of them plus Nigeria because we want to show the world that we are not a beggar nation in all ramifications, even in the science of weather and services, we are not

waiting for any country.

“We had a meeting with the French Government. We are going to do a programme with them and they were very happy with what they have seen. This provides credibility, trust and relevance and with that you would get recognised by the global community and they suggested Nigeria will help these other countries under this United Nations financed Systematic Observation Financing Facility (SOFF).

The essence of this SOFF is based on the UN Secretary General’s statement that in the next five years, all citizens in the world must have access to early warning about weather; you have seen what happened in Libya; 10,000 people unaccounted for and more than 6,000 people confirmed dead in one incident.

But if these people got early warning, it has been confirmed globally that if people get early warning on any imminent weather hazard, you are bound to reduce casualties by more than 70 percent. But if they get the information one week ahead, it will increase the number that will be saved,” he said.

PERSONNEL TRAINING

Under Prof. Matazu, NiMET renewed training programmed that were hitherto abandoned or neglected because personnel training is critical to dovetail to the changing world; especially in the area of sciences.

“Our human resources are critical.

We have improved the conditions of service for staff. We have also introduced mentoring culture where the senior staff train the junior staff, we have also created an open process where staff have access to management staff.

As a CEO, I still go and interact with messengers and cleaners to understand what they feel and get inputs from them on how we can improve. This has increased productivity. We have also improved the work environment experiences by renovating our offices at the headquarters in Abuja and other offices across the country” he said.

According to him, the headquarters was more than one decade old and had degraded.

“We had to make it look more modern.

We have also touched on all aspects of our operations. Even though our salaries within the aviation sector is much lower, we are working on improving through our parent ministry and other relevant MDAs. Improving infrastructure is critical because some of the buildings are over 50 years old so we needed to upgrade them. Which we did.

“With the support of the staff, we have fared well and we have adopted a bottom-top approach in decision making and everyone is feeling ownership and carried along. This is the secrete to our success in the last two years. NiMet has also intensified training and retraining

of its staff across all cadres and on diverse subject matters, including budgeting.

“Some other training includes: training of Meteorologists on Air Quality Monitoring, Development of Forecasts &Advisories, Scientific Evaluation and Update of the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) 2022 Mid-Season; NiMet Training for Forty (40) Meteorological Observers & Forecasters at the Meteorological Institute of Science and Technology, Katsina and Five-Day Training Programme On Information Security Management (ISMS) ISO/27001 and ISO/ IEC 20000 Lead Auditor Training,” he said.

Matazu added that training was carried out to implement the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO)2022 Hydrological Status and Outlook System (HydroSOS) in Nigeria and the Status Audit and Gap Analysis of NiMet Aeronautical Meteorology Operations at 12 Airports.

ACCURATE WEATHER PREDICTION

Pilots who fly for domestic airlines and those who fly for international airlines have at different fora acknowledged the reliability of weather prediction by NiMET. In fact, a pilot that had operated into Nigeria for over a decade for Europe-based mega carrier, told THISDAY that International Federation of Air Line Pilots Association (IFALPA) monitored progressive reliability of weather reports from Nigeria; adding that pilots flying into Nigeria and even over fliers rely on weather reports from NiMET; unlike in the past when they relied on satellite and ASECNA (Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar) for weather reports.

In the last two years, NiMet has introduced modern technology for more reliable and timely climate prediction and weather forecasts to guide socio-economic activities across the country. The agency embarked on improving and upgrading the weather observation infrastructure across the country.

NiMet under Prof Matazu’s watch changed the annual public release of the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) from March to January every year. This early climate prediction release is to enable weather users to plan. This early release is critical for planning due to the associated disasters, especially around flooding, weather-induced diseases, and other socio-economic activities.

NiMet weather observatory stations were also upscaled to more than 100 locations across the country.

“We are present at all the airports, all the seaports, and all the states. In some states, we have three offices. We are running two schools, one in the north and the other in the south” Matazu disclosed.

THISDAY also learnt that Earth Networks (EN), a US Based Company also donated 10 Lightning Sensors and 10 Automatic Weather Stations to NiMet to improve forecasts.

NiMet has also ensured an impact based forecast in order to improve the adaptation of weather information across all segments of the economy, especially agriculture, health, aviation, transportation, industry, maritime, insurance, environment, and other critical areas.

According to NiMet data, with the impacts on weather forecasts, farmers are beginning to get improvements in yield by about 30 to 45 percent. Also, there is a reduction of loss by extreme weather by more than 90 percent based on NiMet early warnings and downscaled weather predictions.

Institutions and individuals in Nigeria have adopted NiMET’s weather reports to plan their activities and save costs.

In aviation, weather report is critical requirement for flying and no aircraft goes into the air without the pilot knowing that weather is safe in the airspace and on the ground to fly.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2023 • T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 08Nov-2023, unless otherwise stated.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 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 Afrinvest Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 13.26% AIICO Balanced Fund 4.76 4.86 40.43% 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 0.02% Anchoria Equity Fund 181.34 183.69 25.11% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.23 1.23 -0.04% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com info@anchoriaam.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 29.33 30.22 33.67% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 644.57 664.00 23.66% ARM Ethical Fund 53.33 54.94 18.22% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.17 1.17 3.57% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.15 1.15 3.62% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.07% ARM Short Term Bond Fund 1.06 1.06 1.95% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com; Tel 08069294653 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 100.94 100.94 11.06% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,119.75 1,119.75 4.57% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) N/A N/A N/A CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund N/A N/A N/A CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.00% Paramount Equity Fund 24.63 25.13 41.96% Women's Investment Fund 195.54 198.56 40.80% CHD Nigeria Bond Fund 101.02 101.02 12.45% CHD Nigeria Dollar Income Fund 1.02 1.02 11.13% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.61% Cordros Milestone Fund 159.21 160.26 24.06% Cordros Fixed Income Fund 106.01 106.01 10.07% Cordros Halal Fixed Income Fund 108.26 108.26 11.43% Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 113.48 113.48 6.19% CORONATION ASSETS MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com, Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.00 1.00 10.30% Coronation Money Market Fund 1.43 1.45 25.91% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.36 1.36 0.46% Coronation Fixed Income Fund EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-asset-management-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Emerging Africa Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Emerging Africa Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund N/A N/A N/A Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund N/A N/A N/A FBNQUEST ASSETS MANAGEMENT LIMITED invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Bond Fund 1521.3 1521.3 11.54% FBN Balanced Fund 255.17 257.34 38.47% FBN Halal Fund 131.23 131.23 12.84% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 10.12% FBN Dollar Fund 122.62 122.62 7.44% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 231.34 234.27 53.28% FBN Specialized Dollar Fund 110.22 110.22 9.67% 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 8.12% Legacy Debt Fund 3.56 3.56 -0.50% Legacy Equity Fund 2.62 2.67 30.93% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.32 1.32 4.50% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Balanced Fund 5,362.39 5,402.67 32.10% Coral Income Fund 3,950.60 3,950.60 7.52% Coral Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 11.01% FSDH Dollar Fund 1.19 1.19 0.00%

GUARANTY TRUST FUND MANAGERS LIMITED enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.gtcoplc.bank; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Guaranty Trust Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Guaranty Trust Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Guaranty Trust Equity Income Fund (VEIF) N/A N/A N/A Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End N/A N/A N/A LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.76 1.79 14.38% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,195.20 1,195.20 9.26% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: www.meristemwealth.com/funds/; Tel: +2348028496012 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 16.80 16.94 43.96% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.57% NORRENBERGER INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED enquiries@norrenberger.com Web: www.norrenberger.com, Tel: +234 (0) 908 781 2026 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Norrenberger Islamic Fund (NIF) 102.94 102.94 11.85% Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 100.00 100.00 11.54% Norrenberger Dollar Fund (NDF) ($) 102.51 102.51 11.20% 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 2.11 2.15 34.13% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.92 12.10 7.32% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 12.52% PACAM Equity Fund 2.17 2.20 52.84% PACAM EuroBond Fund 128.49 131.41 15.27% SCM CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital The Frontier Fund 148.04 152.65 17.76% 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 1.09 1.09 10.05% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 4,693.37 4,731.04 38.45% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 255.14 255.14 8.31% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.93 1.96 54.37% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 348.69 348.82 11.38% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 366.56 370.97 56.94% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.89% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 17,241.97 17,454.35 57.93% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.45 1.45 12.17% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 127.09 127.09 8.71% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 124.33 124.33 16.88% Stanbic IBTC Absolute Fund 4,938.17 4,938.17 16.08% Stanbic IBTC Aggressive Fund 5,021.75 5,084.10 80.62% Stanbic IBTC Conservative Fund 5,141.54 5,155.66 34.99% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Equity Fund 1.26 1.27 38.01% United Capital Balanced Fund 1.74 1.75 34.12% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.35 1.35 25.27% United Capital Sukuk Fund 1.16 1.16 11.06% United Capital Fixed Income Fund 1.93 1.93 6.84% United Capital Eurobond Fund 123.37 123.37 5.58% United Capital Global Fixed Income Fund 1.07 1.07 8.32% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.03% Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Balanced Strategy Fund 18.06 18.27 30.34% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 21.58 21.81 36.56% Zenith Income Fund 25.17 25.17 6.84% Zenith Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD funds@vetiva.com Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund 7.16 7.26 77.56% Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund 11.47 11.57 95.49% Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund 25.36 25.56 43.17% Vetiva Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.71% Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund 28.14 28.34 40.62% Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund 147.83 149.83 -6.26%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

127.24 55.72 101.33 9.88

11.81% 5.09% -13.49%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

20.86 436.00 528.00 22.06 30.62

23.06 436.00 528.00 22.16 30.72

41.47% 238.72% 423.55% 50.92% 82.14%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.40

0.00%

Fund Name

SFS REIT Union Homes REIT Nigeria Real Estate Investment Trust UPDC REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund MERGROWTH ETF MERVALUE ETF

I N F R AST R U CT U R E F U N D Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

This

Weekend

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2023

JANE KIMEMIA:

Group Features Editor: CHIEMELIE EZEOBI chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com

07010510430

TR

UTH

& R E ASO

N

WEEKLY MAGAZINE

The Amazon Promoting Longterm Savings through Investment Immigration

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COVER

JANE KIMEMIA:

The Amazon Promoting Long-term Savings through Investment Immigration Ms. Jane Kimemia is the Managing Director/CEO of Optiva Capital Partners Limited, a leading Investment Immigration Wealth Management Company committed to support Nigerians save on global investment opportunities. SUNDAY EHIGIATOR writes on Kimemia’s thought-provoking leadership nuggets for women, and the company’s mission to optimise wealth for clients

A

successful professional and entrepreneur who has devoted a lot of time and energy into getting where she is today, Jane Kimemia shone like a million stars at the just concluded Annual Conference of Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), which held in Lagos.

Her remarkably inspiring speech, anchored on urging women who aspire to make enduring marks in their career progression to learn to move from “success to significance” received a thunderous ovation from the fully-packed audience at the Eko Hotels venue of the event.

For starters, Ms. Kimemia, who has been in the financial services sector for over two decades had worked for two international banks, Barclays Bank and Standard Chartered, for a combined 20 years, rising up to Executive Director at Standard Chartered Bank in charge of wealth management services, foreign exchange and banc assurance services for a whole region.

An authentic business leader who has shown remarkable consistency and courage through her character and holding onto the inner values and qualities that define her, Kimemia’s message as a speaker at the WIMBIZ event truly resonated with the audience.

Drawing from her personal experience of transiting from over two decades of successful career in financial services to enterprise, she stated that one of the challenges is defining the what.

According to her, every woman at any transition stage should define “what are you going to be doing as you talk about transition, what are you known for? What I have found true is to stay true to who you are, stay on your lane, find your area of service that is aligned to who you are, you don’t have to re-define yourself.”

Citing the growth trajectory of Optiva Capital Partners, Ms. Kimemia stated that “luckily for Optiva, I remember sitting together with the chairman in 2017, and the company was just about 15 people, and we drew on some manila paper, and the ambition was to get to 45 staff members, and that sounded so huge. But our chairman is a visionary, soon it was 200, soon it was 1000, and that’s who we are now, with over 17 branches, and 20 in the next few months.”

In her words, “be convinced about your what, because it keeps you motivated.”

Another factor she advised women on in their career journey is to “stay positive, look at the possibilities and define them, and be very clear about that, and also be realistic. You need to have the courage, the resilience, you need to stay the course, you need

to have that reason that keeps you going because times are going to be tough. You need to be real that it is not going to be one success to another.”

Kimemia therefore offered some nuggets on how to always stay the course. According to her, “prepare, be so convinced about your course, be passionate about your course, your area of service that you will do it for free. Find the passion and the energy that is aligned to who you are.”

She also admonished her fellow women in management and business, at the wellattended two-day event to “prepare to be lonely. Time will come that you don’t belong to where you are coming from and you don’t belong to where you are headed to, you are somewhere in between.

Try and define your journey because if you are not careful you can live your life facing the back saying I used to be this.

Many people are held back by the past, the glory of the yesteryears. You have to make the distinction with your past which serves you but be careful to make the distinction.

What got you here is important but it may not necessarily get you there.”

As CEO of a leading investment immigration w e a l t h management

“Stay positive, look at the possibilities and define them, and be very clear about that, and also be realistic. You need to have the courage, the resilience, you need to stay the course, you need to have that reason that keeps you going because times are going to be tough. You need to be real that it is not going to be one success to another.” company, Kimemia is also drawing attention on the need for investment savvy Nigerians to save long-term through investment immigration with a commitment “to help Nigerians to save on what they would have been spending on through our bespoke investment immigration services.”

According to her, through the Citizenship

By Immigration (CBI) programme, clients receive tremendous value and savings on the scarce foreign exchange that comes back in developing Nigeria. “We are looking at value, costs, and value across generations as well. So you get second citizenship it doesn’t stop you from continuing your business, but it gives you global access.

So it is not a spend but an investment and it is savings.”

Shedding more light on the savings and value inherent in the investment immigration services, Kimemia stated that with “children’s education for example, investment immigration becomes a vehicle for our clients to protect, to grow, to enhance, to diversify their wealth.

“For somebody looking for permanent residency or to invest in a programme in Canada, their children’s education say in University of Toronto, international students for a Bachelors programme will be paying about $60,000 annually, but as permanent residents they will be paying just $6,000 per annum.”

To further buttress the savings on investment through investment immigration, the Optiva Capital Partners CEO told the story of one of their clients. According to her, “one of our clients had arranged for their daughter to go and study medicine in the United States of America, but they have a Grenada passport, but they looked at the options and realised that Grenada has one of the finest schools of medicine, Saint George’s University, and their daughter will go to University as a resident of Grenada, as a citizen of Grenada, and will pay $20,000 per annum as against $100,000 per annum. So, the benefits are immense.”

Ms. Kimemia also cited another investment immigration programme, EB5 programme, which offers steady return on investment.

According to her, “with the EB5 programme, there is return of five per cent because client will invest $800,000. That is guaranteed return for five years, but also remember

that their end goal is citizenship, green card, leading up to citizenship, but in the meantime there is a return on investment because every year they will be earning about $40,000 from that particular investment.

Very importantly they have invested in a currency that safeguards the value over time.

And lastly think about the return on investment across generations because once you obtain citizenship or permanent residency, it is for you and generations to come, which translates to access to world class education opportunities, trade opportunities.”

She therefore stated that “with investment immigration also, clients optimise their spending.

If you are a Canadian permanent resident, you have an opportunity to optimise your spending.

In education for instance, the fees you will be paying as an international student is like times twelve what you will be paying as a Canadian resident so that is huge saving and a return on investment.”

With regard to return on investment, she restated that “when it comes to investment immigration, you are looking at return on investments not only in financial terms, it is in both direct and indirect returns. Some of our clients are traders, people in business, executives, they are high net worth individuals.

“Global access is very important to them so second citizenship or permanent residency in a number of jurisdictions is important to them which means that they have got the world of opportunities because there are so many people who have lost opportunities to do business because they were carrying one passport, they have to go through long visa queues to get access to some markets.

“So when you think of return on investment on immigration investment, first of all is that global access and that gives them access to business that they ordinarily would not have accessed.”

Optiva Capital Partners CEO also explained that “If you have Canadian permanent residency, which is a federal start-up programme, it enables our clients to invest in start-ups which are legislated and vetted programmes by the Canadian government such that our clients have access to invest in jurisdictions that they would not have had access to.”

A woman of poise and eloquence who puts thought to every word, Ms. Jane Kimemia is very inspirational. And as she admonished the women gathered at the WIMBIZ event, she pushes past her comfort zone because she is pursuing a cause she believes in, a cause that enables her offer value, savings, and boundless opportunities to Nigerians and indeed, Africans.

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NEWS

NAF Logistics Command Enhances Troops’ Combat Readiness Chiemelie Ezeobi As part of efforts aimed at fostering all round physical fitness of its personnel for enhancement of combat readiness, especially as the nation grapples with insurgency terrorismandothersecurity challenges facing the country, the LogisticsCommandoftheNigerian Air Force (NAF) recently held a 10km walk/jog.

Flagged off by Lagos State governor,BabajideSanwo-Olu,the 202310kilometreswalk/joghosted by the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Yaro Abdullahi, kicked off at Sam EthnanAir Force Base,Ikeja,lastSaturday.Theannual walk and jog is a routine military exercisethatinvolvesparticipation of all the NAF personnel under the Logistics Command.

The troops set off for the walk and jog by 6am and walked all the way to the Murtala Mohammed Airport2,downtotheTollgateand back at the base.

The winners were tallied and awards given to the first three for the officers, ratings, civilian and youth service corps category.

Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Gbenga Oyerinde, flagging off the 10km walk with AOC Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Yaro Abdullahi In his speech afterwards, the Lagos State governor, represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Gbenga Oyerinde, said all hands must be on deck to boost security in the country.

Stressing the need for serious attention to sustain and improve the tempo of internal security operations across the state, he said the government would remain resolute in dealing with any threat confronting the country.

He added that the exercise was

to keep NAF personnel physically fit, healthy and mentally prepared for military duties and deployment toward confronting the security challenges of the country.

“As military personnel, it is important to remain physically fit to carry out your constitutional task as the defender of our nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by encouraging the spirit of sportsmanship.

“This is basically the essence of the 10km exercise and other

sports activities designed for your fitness by the NAF Headquarters, implemented by your various commands,” he added.

Harping that as professional men and women in arms, their role was critical to attaining their constitutional responsibility imperative to national security, he said the state government would continue to cooperate with security agencies and the NAF, in particular in their functions towards national security.

Spanish Navy Visits Nigerian Counterpart to Strengthen Bilateral Ties, Maritime Security Chiemelie Ezeobi To strengthen the long standing relationshipbetweenbothnations, as well as reiterate its commitment in curbing maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG), the Spanish Navy recently paid a port call to the Western Naval Command (WNC) of the Nigerian Navy.

The Spanish Navy was received by the Flag Officer Commanding(FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral MustaphaHassan,whonotedthat both nations have had a good history in terms of bilateral relations and maritime security.

He added that the Spanish Navy had been present during Exercise Obangame Express, which was geared at ensuring the waters were safe for legal activities. He said: “Our two countries have had a history of cooperation in terms of maritime security. You have been present in Obangame Express and Spain is doing a good job towards ensuring global security.

The FOC Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan flanked by the CO SNS BAM TORNADO, Lieutenant Commander David Castillo and Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, HE Juan Ignacio Sell “We need to improve in a lot of areas on collaboration in terms of training and ship building and human interactions.”

He further assured that the Nigerian Navy would work together with the Spanish Navy and give the much needed cooperation to boost maritime security.

In turn, the Commanding Officer or Spanish Navy Ship (SNS) BAM TORNADO, Lieutenant Commander David Castillo, who

came with the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Juan Ignacio Sell, while appreciating the Nigerian Navy for the warm welcome it had received since their visit in Lagos, said the maritime space must be protected.

Reiterating commitment to a secured maritime, he said this can only be achieved through collaboration because of the volume of trade between the two countries.

“I am really honored and

grateful for receiving us as you know our ships are in Lagos for coordinated maritime presence.

“We need to protect our waters.

We are much aware of the role Nigeria is doing at protecting the waters and what we need is partnership.

“The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has accepted the invitation of the Spanish Navy coming to Nigeria for maritime partnership and we are here today to meet with you and your officers “It is by working together we can face this challenges and we always enjoy the best hospitality when we come to Lagos,” he said.

During the visit, the ship will carry out exercises/drills with the Nigerian Navy personnel in addition to other engagements Given that about 80 per cent of the trade with Nigeria goes through the Gulf of Guinea, both navies agree that it was important to collaborate and share essential information, hence the joint exercises.

GTCO FASHION WEEKEND KICKS OFF NOVEMBER 11TH The highly anticipated GTCO Fashion Weekend 6th edition will kick off November 11th through to 12th at the GTCentre, Plot 1 Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Lagos.

Expectedly, the fashion industry is in for another exciting experience as the annual consumer-focused fair is designed to showcase the best of Africa’s Finest fashion to a global audience.

Over the years, the event has firmly established its place as an incubator for diverse talent, creativity, and enterprise in fashion retail, bringing together some ofAfrica’s prominent fashion brands alongside relatively newer labels to interact with universally celebrated fashion icons and engaging style personalities. In keeping with tradition, this year’s event will feature insightful masterclasses and thrilling runway shows together with free stalls for over 120 fashion retailers. Colourful façades, lively music, and a delightful ambience are popular elements of GTCO fairs and work together to create a multisensory, thoroughly fulfilling experience for all attendees.

Speaking on the 2023 GTCO Fashion Weekend, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Segun Agbaje, said; “Fashion is not just about making items of clothing or style accessories, it is about exploring feelings and channelling creative expressions to create experiences that resonate with various buyers, across different markets.

The GTCO Fashion Weekend is constantly evolving to reflect the rapid growth of the global fashion industry in terms of size and sophistication, as we continue to draw on the endless possibilities in fashion retail to create better outcomes for individuals, indigenous businesses, and our communities.”

BUSYBEE EVENTS GROUP UNVEILS ACTIVITIES FOR 2023 BUSINESS SUMMIT The organisers of the BusyBee Event Business Summit, BusyBee Events Group, have announced speakers, panellists and other activities lined up for the 7th edition of the event business summit in Lagos.

In a media parley in Lagos recently, the Convener, BusyBee Event Business Summit, Bisi Sotunde announced that the Show Director Experiential Planner Expo (EPEX) Dubai, Ibrahim Eddie Bashir is the Keynote Speaker while the Fireside Chat session would be handled by Group CEO, Wakanow, Bayo Adedeji.

The event, which is themed: “Tech in Event Business; The New Narrative” will also feature Kunmi Ariyo, CEO, Mirus Events, Adeife Abiodun-Adeyemi, CEO, Ifectivtouch, Tobi Olanihun, CEO, Wow Connect and Arese Osakwe, Senior Growth Associate, Tix Africa as panelists.

Meanwhile, David Odunlami, Blurange Consult, Pamela Nwonu, Nwandos Signature Events and others have been named facilitators for Breakout sessions during the three-day event scheduled to hold from November 21st to November 23rd at NECA House Event Centre, Alausa Ikeja and Detutu Events Place, Ogudu Lagos.

CHOWDECK WELCOMES EAT N’ GO’S COLD STONE CREAMERY, PINKBERRY YOGHURT AS NEWEST RESTAURANT PARTNERS

Cross River Appoints Okhma as Official Marketing Company for Carnival Calabar & Festivals 2023 Stories by Mary Nnah Carnival Calabar & Festivals, Africa’s largest street festival, has again appointed Okhma Global as the official marketing company for the grand festivity in December 2023.

Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Otu, announced this during the recently held private investment breakfast meeting involving over a hundred CEOs of top organisations from across the various sectors of the Nigerian economy and other stakeholders at the event put together by Okhma on behalf of the state government.

This appointment further accentuates Okhma’s industry position as one of Nigeria’s leading creative marketing agencies and return-on-investment optimizer.

In her pitch, before Governor Otu took to the podium, the Managing Director of Okhma, Mary Ephraim-Egbas, took the spell-bound audience through the opportunities that the Carnival would provide and how the interested partners could plug in their brands and organisations for maximum benefit.

Ephraim-Egbas, enthused by the endorsement of His Excellency, Prince Otu, expressed her excitement about the appointment and promised that members of the Okhma team led by her

Calabar Carnival are poised to deliver the biggest haul of investments and partnerships into the Carnival and Festival.

She also remarked that this would be Okhma’s sixth cycle of involvement with the carnival which clocks its 19th cycle this year. Thus, making them the most successful marketing service provider to the carnival and also holding the yet unsurpassed record of attracting the highest amount in sponsorship for the annual programme. As the exclusive marketing firm, Okhma is expected to liaise with corporate organisations with interest in the carnival and reach agreements on behalf of the government of Cross River state for a successful Carnival.

Governor Otu took the audience through the history of the

carnival, his vision for Cross River State and the importance the car-

nival and tourism would play in his plans to reposition Cross River as the tourism capital of Africa. He also disclosed the policies the leadership of the state had put in place to create a business-friendly environment for investors and partners who identify with the economic aspirations of the state.

The Calabar Carnival and Festivals, a flagship event in the state’s tourism offerings, spans 32 days, celebrating culture, artistic excellence, and unity among people of diverse backgrounds.

Praise Party Hits the Cinemas Today Entertainment industry giants and distinguished guests last weekend gathered at the City Mall in Lagos for the premiere of the new Nollywood familyfriendly movie, Praise Party, which will hit the cinemas nationwidetoday,November10th.

The event, which witnessed the first-ever public viewing of the debut cinematic effort of ace television actress, Anuli Ajagu, CEO of Brampton Production and RevAnuli Inc, two brands whichcollaboratedonthemovie, was a star-studded evening of elegance.

Speaking at the premiere, Ajagu, said, “This is a dream

come true. It was an exciting experience producing Praise Party. It marks my debut as a film producer and also an executive producer; for which I am very grateful. It was also challengingcombiningmultiple roles.”

The Executive Producer noted further, “The script was inspired by life. Life happened to me specifically in 2017. I had a major family crisis and then in 2021, my only sister passed away as a result of terminal cancer. Unfortunately, it got me thinking about the fact that we do not have all the time in the world to fulfil our dreams.

CEO of Eat’N’Go Africa, Patrick McMichael Femi Aluko, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Chowdeck has welcomedEat‘N’GoAfrica,themasterfranchiseeofColdStoneCreamery and Pinkberry GourmetYogurt, into the delivery service’s ecosystem as a new restaurant partner.

Chowdeck,Africa’sfastestgrowingon-demandonlinefoodandgrocery deliveryservicesuccessfullydelivershundredsofthousandsofordersmonthly, and will work with Eat N’ Go to provide the delicious, creamy ice-cream andfrozenyoghurtthroughColdStoneCreamery,andPinkberryGourmet Yogurt, to dairy-loving Nigerians across the country.

Eat’N’GoAfricaremainscommittedtocustomersatisfactionandservice improvementintheformofquickandreliablelogistics.Thisisevidentinthe severalmeasurestakentoevolvetheirservicessuchasthecommencementof operationsonnearly200storesacrossAfrica,callcentres,improvedapplications, and websites, amongst others. This desire to improve the customer experiencenecessitatestheirpartnershipwithChowdeck. Speakingonthis partnership, Mr. Patrick McMicheal, CEO of Eat’N’Go Africa said, “The needtoalwaysbeinfrontoftheinnovationregardingdeliverytechnology hasalwaysbeenanimportantaspectofEat’N’Go’smission. “Weprioritise customerexperienceandtheeasewithwhichtheygetthemealstheydesire inafastandsafeway.Homedeliveryisaboomingenterpriseandpartnering companies to ensure that customers get to have the best of this experience is a priority to us.

“Working with Chowdeck is in line with our goals as we look forward to continuously improving our customer experience”.

CustomersofChowdeckcannoworderfromover40stores,withmore to be onboarded in the following weeks.

Cold Stone Creamery, and Pinkberry Yogurt’s restaurant outlets span across various cities including Lagos,Abuja, Port Harcourt and Ibadan.

TreatscanbepurchasedanddeliveredwithouthassleviatheChowdeck mobileapplication,availableontheWeb,AppStoreandtheGooglePlayStore.

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2023 •T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY NOVEM ͯͮ˜ ͰͮͰͱ

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IMAGES

Photo Editor Abiodun Ajala Email abiodun.ajala@thisdaylive.com

National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Director-General, Brigadier General Yushau Dogara Ahmed, addressing corps members after their swearing-in ceremony at the Borno State Orientation Camp in Maiduguri…recently

L-R: Managing Director, DellySona Limited, Chief. Dele Sonola; Founder, Efficiency Award for Excellence (EAE) and Publisher of SB Event-News, Mr. Ojo-Isaac Olusola; recipient of EAE 2023 lifetime Achievement Award, Mr. Steve Omojafor; and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, CITC Global Consulting Limited, Otunba Tayo Orekoya, at the 17th Efficiency Award for Excellence (EAE) held in Ikoyi, Lagos…recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

R-L: Secretary of Osun State (SSG), Hon Teslim Igbalaye; state Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; state Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; Chairman Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Alhaji Salawu Ganiyu; state Commissioner for Health, Jola Akintola; and Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Rasaq Akindele, and others during the flag-off of health insurance enrolment for selected pensioners held at the Osun State Local Government Service Commission Hall Secretariat, Abere in Osogbo…recently

L-R: Head of Partnerships, Moniepoint Inc., Efemena Ogie; Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; Group Chief Executive Officer, Moniepoint Inc., Tosin Eniolorunda; and Executive Director, Lagos and South West, Fidelity Bank, Ken Opara, during a visit by the Moniepoint team to Fidelity Bank headquarters in Lagos…recently

L-R: Publisher, Brand Communicator and Convener, Brandcom Awards, Joshua Ajayi; Managing Director, Troyka Holdings, Jimi Awosika; Director-General, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Lekan Fadolapo; and President, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), Idorenyen Enang, during the induction of Awosika into Brandcom Hall of Fame in Lagos… recently

L-R: Deputy Commissioner of Police, Administration, Lagos State, Khan Salihu; Deputy Commissioner of Police (State CID), Waheed Ayinlara; Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Idowu Owohunwa; and the Deputy Commissioner of Police Operation, Tijani Fatai; when the officers paid a visit to the outgoing Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa; in Lagos…recently

L-R: Group Chief Financial Officer, Odu’a Investment Group, Yinusa Abdulraman; former Minister of Industry, Chief Nike Akande; President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Asiwaju Olawale Cole; Group Chairman, Odu’a Investment , Otunba Bimbola Ashiru; Independent Director, Odu’a Investment Group, Otunba Debola Osibogun; and Independent Director Odu’a Investment Group, Mrs. Folusho Olaniyan, during the 62nd Leader Without Title Award Tribute Colloquium for sector leaders conferred on Otunba Ashiru by the Centre for Values in Leadership, held in Lagos...recently

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2023, 2023 T H I S D AY

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

KPMG: Private Sector Must Embrace ESG to Avoid Loss of Profitability Dike Onwuamaeze The KPMG Partner and Africa ESG Lead, Mr. Pieter Scholtz, has sounded a warning to the Nigerian private sector that it is in their own logical interest to embrace the implementation of the Environment, Sustainable and Governance (ESG) to avoid loss of profitability and waves of stringent legislations from the government.

Scholtz sounded this warning at the first Pan-African Private Sector ESG Forum that toke place in Lagos, where he delivered the opening keynote address on “Moving from Compliance to Impact,” stating that operators in the private sector should view it as their duty and own advantage to get their ESG perspective right.

The forum with the theme, “Is the Private

Sector Accountable: A Case for Sustainable Business Practices,” was convened by the British American Tobacco (Nigeria) Limited.

He said: “The legislative wave is coming so it does not make sense for the private sector to sit and wait. The private sector has an obligation to lead on the ESG and that is not just from compliance perspective, because a lot of companies are getting it wrong thinking about ESG as compliance: they have to transform their thinking from compliance to impact.”

In his remarks titled, “Is the Private Sector Accountable: A Case for Sustainable Practices,” the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said that it is imperative that governments should recognise and harness the enormous potential of

the private sector in driving sustainable development and corporate accountability.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the ESG Forum by his special assistant, said, “his administration is fully aware that achieving sustainability and accountability in business practices is a shared responsibility.”

The Managing Director of BAT West and Central Africa, Mr. Yerub Al-Bahrani, in his convener’s message said that the Private Sector ESG Forum was initiated to address the need for sustainable and responsible practices in the manufacturing sector.

Al-Bahrani said: “The vision behind this forum is to create a platform that connects industry players, bridge knowledge gaps and promote the adoption of sustainable business practices for inclusive growth and shared prosperity.”

L-R: Chairperson, Women in Logistic and Transport (WiLAT), Khadijat Ifelola Sheidu-Shabi; Former Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Hassan Bello; Group Chief Investment Officer, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), Mr Tony Idugboe and Director of Research Development, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr Ismail Adedigba at the City Business News Summit held at Oriental Hotels, Lagos...recently

MARKET INDICATORS

Adeniyi: Customs Monthly Revenue Surged from N202bn to N333.9bn Monthly Juliet Akoje ÓØ ÌßÔË The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr Adewale Adeniyi has disclosed that the service has witnessed an impressive surge of monthly generated revenue from N202 billion to N333.9 billion in the past four months.

Speaking at the national workshop on legislative compliance with the theme: “the imperative of legislative compliance in deepening democracy and good governance,” in Abuja Adeniyi said the NCS has witnessed a substantial increase, with

an average monthly collection of N202 billion in the first half of the year that concluded in June.

According to him, the NCS partnership with the legislature had yielded positive outcomes in terms of revenue generation, and that this is by working together to review and enhance customs tariff structures and regulations.

He said, “The NCS had managed to optimize revenue collection, by ensuring that funds were available for national development projects. One of our early achievements has been a

remarkable boost in monthly revenue collection. I am delighted to announce that we’ve consistently exceeded the monthly target collection of 307 Billion Naira, marking a remarkable departure from previous performances.”

Adeniyi said, “the NCS often faced budgetary constraints that limited its capacity to enforce compliance effectively. These limitations could affect the acquisition of modern technology, training, and personnel required for effective enforcement, and support of the ad-hoc activities of the Legislative arm of government.”

Bello, Sheidu-Shabi, Harp on Exports, AfCFTA Opportunities The federal government has been urged to devise an actionable plan for Nigeria to increase its exports and stop depending on importation of goods.

Stakeholders who spoke at the 2023 summit organised by City Business News Online in Lagos, said the rage of importation has wreaked more havoc on the Nigerian economy over the years.

Principal Partner, Justicia Legal Practitioners and Former Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Hassan Bello while calling for more exports explained that one of the major problems that Nigeria have is lack of proper planning.

He said: „The Apapa ports were built in the 80s, but no one thought that our population will rise from that time. And so, we began in a way that we don’t even have good roads for transportation. The railway was

abandoned. I have never seen a country that has abandoned its rail system like Nigeria.

Everything was moved by road, so we fancy that road until it came to the climax where the ports became congested and Nigeria losing trillions of naira.

Why is it that there is no rail connection to the ports, and we have the same thing happening in Lekki now, so planning is part of our major problems.”

Speaking on the theme: “Repositioning Nigerian Economy: 2023 and Beyond” the Chairperson, Women in Logistic and Transport (WiLAT), Khadijat Ifelola Sheidu-Shabi, said she is hopeful that Nigeria will rise again, but it should look inward and initiate a shift from import-dependent to export-oriented economy.

Sheidu-Shabi said the women and the nation at large should take advantage of the African

Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and maximize the opportunities to the benefit of the nation’s economy.

“I know that we have export terminals coming up and these export terminals are growing.

We need to increase our exportation and stop dependence on importation.

“Somebody said if we are denied everything imported, Nigeria will be the greatest country in the world, because he knows that Nigerians can do a lot. Our weakness is importation. We even import tissue paper,” she said.

Group Managing Director, Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Oscar Onyema, said the economic situation of Nigeria gives rise to the need to explore other options of generating revenue and attracting investors both locally and internationally.

Elegant Eleganza Shines at Lagos International Trade Fair Nigeria’s foremost indigenous company, Eleganza Industrial City Limited, again proves the leader in the manufacrturing of household items as its highly sought after products are cynosure of eyes at the ongoing Lagos International Trade Fair, holding at the mainbow of Tafawa Balewa Square

(TBS), Onikan, Lagos.

The captivating pavilion, with array of products, is led by the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the company, Dr. Shade Okoya, MON and other top management staff, an attestation that indeed, the foremost industry spanning over five decades is a master.

Chairman of the company,

Chief Rasak Okoya, had a moment with media men on Thursday, November 9th, 2023.

On ground with him were President of the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Michael Olawale-Cole; Vice President LCCI, Abimbola Olashore, the MD/CEO, Shade Okoya, among others.

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) August, 2023

Money Supply (M3)

65,445,154.2

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

552,553.58

Money Supply (M2)

64,892,600.61

-- Quasi Money

40,870,301.28

-- Narrow Money (M1)

24,022,299.33

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,295,309.10

---- Demand Deposits

21,726,990.23

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,144,158.92

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

58,300,995.27

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

87,273,966.81

---- Credit to Government (Net)

32,511,333.17

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

54,762,633.63

--Other Assets Net

13,347,376.27

Reserve Money (Base Money

19,429,603.25

--Currency in Circulation

2,660,138.92

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

16,769,464.34 428,519.21

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

August 2023

Inter-Bank Call Rate

3.89

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

18.75

Treasury Bill Rate

5.13

Savings Deposit Rate

5.26

1 Month Deposit Rate

7.31

3 Months Deposit Rate

7.55

6 Months Deposit Rate

8.30

12 Months Deposit Rate

8.13

Prime Lending rate

13.99

Maximum Lending Rate

27.59

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 29TH SEPTEMBER , 2023

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $97.48 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $97.08 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

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

T H I S D AY ˾ DAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2023

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MARKET NEWS

CIS Challenged on Capital Market Utilization to Bridge Infrastructure Deficit KayodeTokede The Governor of Ogun state, Mr. Adedapo Abiodun, yesterday challenged the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), among other key stakeholders in the effective utilization of the capital market to bridge infrastructural deficit in Nigeria.

Abiodun, who was speaking at the 27th Annual Conference of the Institute in Abeokuta with theme: “Appraising New Trends

in the Capital Market: Localizing of the Benefits,” noted that basic infrastructure was key in engendering socio-economic development as no country could expand its economic base without adequate infrastructure.

He expressed that Nigeria’s capital market serves as a veritable source of funds, which governments can tap into for the execution of various projects, adding that Ogun State is willing to take advantage of this in the

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

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near future.

According to him, “The capital market is extremely important to the economy of any country. In the case of Nigeria, they should look at how they can ensure that we have transparency, accountability, and good governance on matters that relate to the oversight and operations of the stock exchange.

“On the other hand, we can find ways to collaborate with the exchange and how the exchange can help in aggregating

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the required capital to provide the needed infrastructure for this country because what is required to uplift and unlock the economy of any country is infrastructure and if the capital market can take particular interest in that, every other thing will be positively impacted in multiplying effects.

“So, it is important for us to look at how the subnational and even the federal government can collaborate and partner with the capital market to unlock the

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much-needed infrastructure of Nigeria. You can come to Ogun State by road, rail, or by air, that is because we found the funds to achieve that.”

While emphasizing that the comparative evolution of Nigeria’s capital market and others around the world is necessary, Governor Abiodun charged the conference to deliberate extensively on how the capital market could be a veritable source of capital

aggregation that can fund the much-needed infrastructure and enhance the growth of local businesses to provide employment and help in economic diversification.

Abiodun expressed the hope that the conference’s deliberations and discussions would center around the methodological review of trends in the global financial market and the urgent need to domesticate the inherent prospects and opportunities for the purpose of developing the country’s financial market.

N OV E M B E R / 9 / 2 3 DEALS

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2023

NEWS

TINUBU ARRIVED RIYADH...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrives in Saudi Arabia and is received by the Deputy Governor of Riyadh, His Royal Highness, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Abdulaziz and the Nigeria Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Yahaya Lawal, ahead of the Saudi-Africa summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. ... yesterday

Bayelsa, Kogi, Imo Guber: Perish Your Thoughts of Rigging, PDP Tells APC Declares riggers will face wrath of the people Says delay in redeploying Imo REC heightening tension in the state Bayelsa Poll: LP has no deal with Diri Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday, cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) to perish any iota of thought to rig the Saturday, November 11, 2023 governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States, saying the party has mobilised the people of the three States to go to every length allowed by the law to protect their votes.

This was just as the leadership of the Labour Party (LP) described as false and unsubstantiated news making the rounds that its Bayelsa State chapter had ditched its governorship candidate in the November 11, election, Engr.

Udengs Eradiri, and had declared its support for the State governor, Douye Diri.

The PDP also said the delay by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeploying the Imo state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) was already causing tensions in the state.

In a statement, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba stated: "Our party restates that it will never allow anybody, no matter how highly placed to manipulate the electoral process in the governorship election in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa States.

"In fact, our party states in clear

Appeal Court Restores LP Candidate, Thaddeus Atta as Eti Osa Rep Member Wale Igbintade The State and National Assembly Appeal Court sitting in Lagos yesterday reinstated Thaddeus Atta of the Labour Party (LP) as the duly elected House of Representatives member representing Eti Osa federal constituency.

A National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Lagos, had earlier invalidated the victory of Atta as the rightful representative for the constituency.

However, the three-member panel of the Court of Appeal set aside the previous decision by the lower court in its unanimous decision.

It held that the lower tribunal erred when it relied on the evidence of witnesses who were not party agents where elections were not held or where elections were cancelled but only came to tender form EC 8 which they did not make before the court.

The court further held that for the tribunal to come to the conclusion that the margin of votes where elections were not held or cancelled, can sway the votes cast, the list of registered voters must be presented before it.

The court held that the voter register was never placed before the lower tribunal, adding that the tribunal merely relied on Form EC

8 brought by witnesses.

The court held that the elections were conclusive, and faulted the tribunal’s directive to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a supplementary election within 90 days in specific polling units.

On the whole, Appeal Court set aside the judgement of the lower tribunal.

The lower court had in a unanimous judgment, declared the elections inconclusive and ordered INEC to conduct a supplementary election within 90 days in 33 polling units where elections did not hold.

Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Bankole Wellington, who was declared second in the polls, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ibrahim Obanikoro had both filed petitions to challenge the elections of February 25, 2023.

INEC had declared Attah winner of the February 25 election, having scored 24,075 votes, while Wellington and Obanikoro were said to have scored 18,668 and 16,901 votes, respectively.

In his petition, wellington had argued that the respondent was, at the time of the election, not qualified to contest the election and that the election was invalid because of corrupt practices and non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

terms that anybody who attempts to rig or manipulate the election in any way may have to deal with the legitimate wrath of the people."

The PDP specifically cautioned Governors Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Yahaya Bello of Kogi State and the APC governorship candidate, Usman Ododo, to accept their rejection by the people for their abysmal failure in government and get ready to concede defeat on Saturday.

The PDP also reaffirmed that all indices from several entrance polls indicated that the PDP candidates were leading and would sweep the governorship election in the three States.

According to Ologunagba, "Any electoral trajectory that does not reflect the clear tide of the will of the people at the polling units will be firmly resisted."

In Imo State, the party's imagemaker said the PDP had received messages and visits from many prominent Imo State citizens, including major industrialists and businessmen wherein they had expressed their support for the PDP Candidate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

According to Ologunagba, "These prominent Imo citizens have also denied their reported support and donation of funds to the APC and its governorship candidate, Governor Hope Uzodimma.

"Of course, no well-meaning citizen

of Imo State will lend support to Governor Hope Uzodimma whose administration has wrecked the economy of the State, brought untold hardship to the people and turned Imo State into a theater of violence, killings and kidnapping."

The National Publicity Secretary stressed further, "Our party challenges Governor Uzodimma to make public the names of the Imo State citizens he claimed to have donated money to his campaign so that the people can identify the enablers of insecurity and hardship that his administration represents in the last three years."

The PDP cautioned that the delay by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to redeploy the Imo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof.

Sylvia Agu, was heightening tension and capable of pushing the people to resort to self-help.

According to Ologunagba, "We are in a democracy and INEC must respect the wishes and aspiration of the people and stakeholders in the electoral process.

"The people of Imo State have spoken clearly in demanding that Prof. Sylvia Agu must not participate in any capacity whatsoever in the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Imo State, given her antecedents in favouring the APC in previous elections."

He explained that the party was marching to victory with the people of Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo States notwithstanding the antics of the APC.

Bayelsa: Labour Party Denies Deal with State Governor

The leadership of LP described as false and unsubstantiated news making the rounds that it's Bayelsa State chapter had ditched its governorship candidate in the election, Engr. Udengs Eradiri and declared its support for the state governor, Douye Diri.

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party stated that its attention was also drawn to a statement issued by some unauthorised party leaders without the consent of the State Chairman and Secretary who supposedly withheld their individual support for the party's candidate.

He also said that the party leadership also read a statement by the chairman of the Forum of Labour Party Local Government Chairmen as well as the interview granted by its candidate with a national television yesterday, on the matter and declared that there was no truth in it.

According to the LP's spokesperson, "We sincerely do believe that all these issues are clearly a manifestation of political intrigues and clearly an attempt by the opposition elements to frustrate our chances at achieving

victory at the polls "Our preliminary investigation on the allegation of financial compromise by the state chapter clearly shows that the alarm was false and has remain one of the age-long tools often deployed by political opponents to achieve dubious edge over candidates who are the favourites of the people."

Ifoh, stated categorically that no party official from the national headquarters had entered into any deal with the Bayelsa State governor to compromise the election.

He added, "We are in this race to win and we are sure that no amount of dirty politicking can stop the Labour Party and its candidate, a former President of the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC from winning the election.

“Comrade Eradiri is young, popular, experienced and with track record of performance at the highest level. His zeal to change the socio economic status of Bayelsa is unimaginable and unprecedented.

"We therefore believe that the unfounded rumour is being orchestrated by our political opponents.

We also use this opportunity to call on our candidate, Eradiri to be focused and not to be distracted from the goals before him.

“He must ensure that the entire party structure is put into maximal use to achieve the needed success.", the spokesperson of the labour party reiterated.

Pat Utomi: Nigeria’s Major Problem is Docility of Its Citizens Michael Olugbode in Abuja Renowned Political Economist, Prof.

Pat Utomi, has lamented that the major problem of the country is the docility of its citizens, insisting that many Nigerians were at home with anything thrown at them.

He called on Nigerians to be dynamic and work on new approaches to hold government accountable, especially on their safety and general wellbeing.

Utomi made the call on yesterday in Abuja at a national conversation on building a new value system in Nigeria, with the theme: ‘A Public Sphere Conscious Movement –A Necessary Starting Point for the

Journey to Redemption’.

He noted: “But this is not working. We are creating poverty everyday and I think this is a moral burden. Look at what the Zambian President is doing. So we need to re-think what we want and hold the leaders accountable. The day that person shows up in that fancy car, walk away from him and throw eggs at him.

“We allow them to get away with what they are doing to us, so we need to have a new approach to holding them accountable.”

He also said that the pride and dignity of human beings have been eroded in Nigeria and people engage in ‘verbal terrorism’ in the name

of politics.

Utomi said: “From basic changes, we can get to more important national issues for national development. Raising a new tribe of patriots in Nigeria is important for all, thus the need for state of the nation and the urgent need for renewed strategic conversation by a critical mass of patriots.”

He lamented that the present administration is toeing the line of its predecessor and even doing more damage, as can be seen in the appointment of partisan persons as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).

According to him, this shows that President Bola Tinubu, does

not intend to make the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) work for democratic development of Nigeria.

Also speaking at the talk-shop, Dr. Sarah Jubril, a former Special Adviser on Ethics and Values to former President Goodluck Jonathan, urged Nigerians not to lose hope of a better Nigeria which pay premium on the wellbeing of citizenry.

On her part, Nana Sani Kazaure, a spokesperson of Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, said that it is in the interest of the country for citizens to be positive about Nigeria’s chances to overcome its challenges and doors for prosperity.

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NEWS

ELEGANZA AT THE LAGOS TRADE FAIR…

L-R: Foremost Industrialist/Chairman, Eleganza Group of Companies, Chief Rasaki Akanni Okoya; President, Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole; Managing Director, Eleganza Industrial City Limited, Mrs. Folashade Okoya, and Vice President, LCCI, Mr. Abimbola Olashore, at the ongoing 2023 Lagos State International Trade Fair in Lagos…yesterday

Nigerian Navy Deploys Warships, Aircraft, Gunboats to Stamp out Maritime Smuggling Chiemelie Ezeobi In a resolute move to stamp out smuggling, piracy, oil theft, and other illicit activities plaguing the maritime space, the Western Naval Command (WNC) of the Nigerian Navy (NN), yesterday launched Operation Water Guard (OP WG).

Deployed for the operation

were four capital ships, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) KADA, KANO, ABA and NGURU, as well as DB Vessel.

Also, three NN Helicopters, four NN Interceptor Boats, quad bikes, were deployed, all showcasing the navy’s robust capabilities in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime space and the Gulf of Guinea

Prominent features of the operation include interdiction, beach patrols, VBSS, cordon and search, all geared towards sustained presence at sea to eliminate other maritime crimes.

The interest groups, including market women, civil societies, organised labour, civil servants among others, who lauded the state government for its development strides in the last seven years, noted that the infrastructures have changed the economic and environmental landscape of the state.

The projects visited during the tour are all located in Edo South senatorial district, particularly in Oredo, Ikpoba Okha, Orhionmwon, and Ovia North East Local Government Areas.

Catholic Priest Urges Unity among Journalists in Edo AdibeEmenyonuinBeninCity

A Catholic Priest, Rev. Father, Andrew Obinyan, has urged members of the fourth-estate of the realm to be united in the fight for good governance and security of the country.

Rev. Father Obinyan made the call at a prayer session that was organised by members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Benin City.

He stressed the need for unity among members of the

pen profession, noting that the responsibility to hold politicians accountable and leaders in all sphere of human endeavours would be a mirage without unity.

According to him, “journalists have a very important role to play in nation building. As the fourthestate of the realm, the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria empowers it to hold government at all levels accountable to the people.

“For you to be able to perform this noble responsibly, members have to be united. The masses depend on you for good governance.”

Sokoto Reiterates Commitment to OGP Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Government has pledged its full support for the activities of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) as a way of affirming its unwavering dedication to fostering transparency and open governance.

Sokoto State Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Nasiru Mohammed Binji, assured of more recognition and visibility of OGP in the state through consultative meetings with citizens, accountability and

transparency in governance.

Binji, now a Co-Chair of OGP in the state, declared that “Sokoto State will provide needed funds and adopt the use of technology in the implementation of OGP State Action Plan, SAP.” The USAID State2State Public Financial Management Specialist, Mr. Usman Faleye, called on the state steering and technical committees “to brace up to their responsibilities and network with more non-state actors and as well, learn from their counterparts in states doing well in the OGP.”

escalating maritime threats in that area of responsibility (AOR).

According to Hassan, OP WG is a strategic initiative aligned with the NN’s mandate to ensure the safety of Nigeria’s

maritime environment, adding that the operation specifically targets the Badagry water and land axis around Ashipa, a border community to Benin Republic.

Legal Year: Fubara Calls for Peace, Devt in Rivers CJ:36,712 cases pending in courts

Blessing Ibunge in PortHarcourt

Alaghodaro: Edo Residents Laud Rivers State Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara has urged Obaseki’s Infrastructural Strides Rivers people to promote peace and collectively ensure the Obaseki-led government.

Adibe Emenyonu inBenin-city Benin City, the Edo State capital, yesterday commended the administration of the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, particularly on infrastructure in the last seven years.

The response was derived from the projects tour which was part of activities lined up for the 2023 Alaghodaro Economic Summit, with the theme: ‘The Edo Story: Creating Shared Opportunities into the Future’. This year’s Alaghodaro Economic Summit, which is the seventh edition, also marks the seventh anniversary of Governor

Flagged off by the WNC Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, at Ashipa Beach, Badagry axis of Lagos State, THISDAY gathered that it was in response to

achievement of developments in the state.

This is just as the State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi has disclosed that a total of 36,712 cases are pending in various courts across the Judiciary Divisions in the state.

Governor Fubara, who spoke yesterday, at the opening of

2023/2024 legal year rededication church service held at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, in Port Harcourt, said Rivers people should put behind them the discomfort created by the political tension experienced days ago and join efforts with his administration

in its determined effort at ensuring continuous peace and development in the State.

He said it was important for Rivers people to also embrace peace so that the planned development for the State can be achieved.

Prevention of Sexual Violence Requires Coordinated Action, Say EU, UN Michael OlugbodeinAbuja

The United Nations (UN) Women and European Union (EU) have described Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) as a global pandemic that requires coordinated action that would guarantee the safety and security of vulnerable

women and children across the world.

Delivering her goodwill message at the Strategy and Knowledge Sharing Workshop on SGBV for first-time first ladies in Nigeria organised by UN Women, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi said the

menace remains a global pandemic that requires fundamental and coordinated action.

Isopi, who was represented by the Acting Head of Development Cooperation, European Union Delegation to Nigeria, Mr. Ruben Alba Aguilera noted that in Nigeria, the EU continues to highlight the

importance of the fight against SGBV through political engagement with the government.

“Our two flagship SGBV programmes; the Spotlight Initiative and the Rule of Law and Anticorruption (RoLAC) Programme, have been quite instrumental in advancing this agenda.

Deliver Flawless Election in Imo, South-east Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders Task INEC Ahead of election in Imo State tomorrow, a joint body of traditional rulers and religious leaders in the South-east has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure it delivers a flawless election, effectively using all technology and human capacity at its disposal.

The joint body particularly charged that INEC to forestall any illegal tampering with the election results or any act that could question the integrity of the conduct of election and declaration of results.

According to the joint body, the relevant bodies and government at various levels playing their roles to

ensure a free, fair and transparent election would minimise post-election disputes and enable the winner, gain the immediate support of the electorate.

The joint body under the auspices of the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers and Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops on Peace and Conflict Resolution, made this call

in statement signed by Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Obi Nnaemeka Achebe; Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia, Most Reverend Chibuzo Opoko; Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe L.O.C.Agubuzu and Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Reverend Valerian Okeke.

Abiodun Seeks Capital Market Operators’Cooperation to Raise Funds for Infrastructure James Sowole in Abeokuta

The Ogun State Governor, Mr. Dapo Abiodun, yesterday advocated for collaboration between the operators of the capital market and federal and states government in raising

funds for the provision of needed infrastructure in the country.

Abiodun, who spoke in Abeokuta as the Special Guest of Honour at the 27th Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers(CIS), noted that basic infrastructure

was key in engendering socioeconomic development as no country could expand its economic base without adequate infrastructure.

He said that the capital market would serve as veritable source of funds, which governments

could tap into for the execution of various projects, adding that Ogun State is willing to take advantage of this in the near future.

The governor said: “The stock exchange is extremely important to the economy of any country.”

Kogi Forum of De-registered Political Party Endorses AA Candidate, Braimoh Mr. Godwin Ileanwa Atawodi, of Kogi State in the past seven political parties in Kogi State Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

The forum of the de-registered political parties in Kogi State has endorsed the governorship candidate of Action Alliance (AA), Mr. Briamoh Olayinka, for the Saturday’s governorship election in the state The spokesman of the forum,

told journalists yesterday at the AA’s party secretariat at Phase 11 in Lokoja that “the Kogi State’s governorship election is here, the candidates have been busy campaigning and meeting the people to solicit for votes, the people are agitated barring the political land scale

years (sic). “The Kogi people have to make a choice from the array of candidates on Saturday, November 11, 2023.

Political pundits are making their different permutations on who will win or not win.

“However, we as deregistered

with our structures still intact across the 239 wards, in 21 local government areas of Kogi State have felt the dire need to educate our dear Kogi people by doing a critical cynical analysis of all the candidates and of course come up with the best candidate who can take us out of the woods.

King’s College Old Boy Rewards Exceptional Students, Staff with N11m Uchechukwu Nnaike

An old student of King’s College, Lagos, and immediate past President of the King’s College Old Boys Association (KCOBA), Mr. Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, has

rewarded 10 outstanding students in academics and extracurricular activities, as well as the school principal with a total of N11 million.

The cash gifts were presented during the school’s speech day

and prize-giving ceremony with the theme “Maintaining Focus and Determination: Key to Academic Success.”

The award categories were: Kashim Ibrahim-Imam Prize for exemplary conduct; prize for the

best all round sportsman; prize for the best student in Basic Education Certificate Examination; prize for the best student in WAEC West African Senior School Certificate Examination; best in NECO SSCE; best in JAMB UTME.

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ICOMBATING NOISE POLLUTION…

L-R: Technical Adviser, Safety Commission, Lagos State, Mr. Seun Awojobi; General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Babatunde Ajayi; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Wahab Tokunbo; Special Adviser on Transport, Mr. Sola Giwa, and Founder, Skybox Bar Lekki, Mr. Henery Asije, at the stakeholders’ parley on ember months noise pollution for all captains of entertainment industry organised in Lagos…recently ETOP UKUTT

Labour Strike: Imo Losing Billions as NUJ, CSOs Allege Anti-democratic Agenda Tony Icheku in Owerri The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Council and four other civil society organisations (CSOs) have raised the alarm that the economy of Imo State was hemorrhaging and faces imminent collapse as the power outage caused by striking

electricity workers has jerked up cost of production.

They also stated that the development has forced the closure of some small medium enterprises (SMEs) in the state, stating that over N500 billion had been lost due to the Joe Ajaero’s imposed blackout on Imo people.

“Small scale business

NDDC Begins Tests for 5,000 Foreign Scholarship Applicants the scholarship is part of the Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has commenced a Computer-based Test (CBT), for 5,000 applicants from the Niger Delta region for its foreign postgraduate scholarship programme.

The NDDC Director, Education, Health and Social Services, Dr George Uzonwanne, who spoke at the Information and Communication Technology Centre of the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, where the tests were conducted said

commission’s efforts to provide more opportunities for the youths.

He disclosed that over 20,000 graduates registered on the Commission’s portal for the Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship programme, out of which the 5,000 applicants were selected for the test.

Uzonwanne observed that the scholarship programme, which started in 2010, was designed to produce top level professionals with technical knowledge, capacity and expertise to compete in oil and gas industry, as well as other sectors.

owners are rapidly going out of business due to high cost of running their businesses, hotel owners are being stifled, students are left desperate in

A former General Manager, Group Security Department at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Sam Otoboeze, has emerged as the second president of Nsukka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NSCCIMA).

Making the announcement yesterday, the Director General of the NSCCIMA, Mr. Uchenna Nnadi, said that the chamber was fortunate to have Otoboeze as

its new president because of his decades of experience he would contribute to the growth of the chamber.

Nnamdi also said that the chamber had concluded plans for the Investiture of Otoboeze, which would be held on Saturday, November 11.

He said: “The investiture of the president which will take place in Nsukka, will have Enugu State Governor, Mr. Peter Mbah, and the Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District, Senator Okey Ezea, in attendance.”

“Everyone and every sector in Imo State is adversely affected by the ongoing Ajaero imposed blackout on our dear State. And we ask: Is the Labour Union

now against or for the people?, the Coalition queried in a text read to newsmen by Jones F.C. C. Onwuasoanya, Convener, Imo Patriots’ League.

Climate Change: BoI, Partners Seek Greater Commitment, Funding for Green Investments JamesEmejoinAbuja

The Managing Director/Chief Executive, Bank of Industry (BoI), Dr. Olasupo Olusi, yesterday said Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) remained integral actors in the global response to the climate challenge given their strategic role in mobilising resources for national development.

He said one of the primary drivers of BoI’s developmental strategy was to accelerate the country’s development through supporting environmentally-friendly and sustainable projects across the key sectors of the economy.

He spoke at the opening of the Association of African Development Finance Institutions (AADFI) and the Association of Development

Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP) Joint International CEO Forum 2023 with the theme: “DFIs’ Strategic Role towards a Climate – Smart Future” in Abuja.

The forum is a biennial event aimed at building global partnerships to promote and finance development in the regions and to strengthen South-South Cooperation.

Olusi said this year’s theme was premised on the need for a climate smart future, given humanity’s increasing vulnerability to climate change.

He said the bank is currently implementing an on-lending financing scheme through local financial institutions to support customers interested in adopting clean energy solutions.

Saraki Urges Support for Women to Achieve National Economic Growth Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has stressed the need to support women in Nigeria to assist them in achieving their potential for the nation’s economic growth.

Saraki, also the founder

of Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation, stated this in Ilorin on Thursday while opening a one-day female entrepreneurial training programme organised for Kwara women by the foundation in partnership with WimBiz. “The current economic challenges facing the people of

the country called for a holistic approach in order to advance the economic values of society,” said Saraki.

Represented at the event by Mrs. Fatimoh Manufashi, the Director of Administration of ABS Foundation, Saraki said, “The objective of the training

is to address the issue that is very common with women entrepreneurs globally. We have certain challenges that are affecting women entrepreneurs worldwide as there are a lot over 30 blockages that are preventing women’s potentials from being achieved.”

NACP Seeks Increased Budgetary Allocation to Health, Mental Sector Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

Association of Otoboeze Emerges New President of Nigerian Clinical Psychologists (NACP) called on the federal Nsukka Chamber of Commerce has government to increase the budgetary allocation to the Gideon Arinze in Enugu

search of energy sources for their ICT study materials, civil civil servants have had their basic budgets strained because they are not able to preserve their food.

health and its mental subsector.

It also lamented the increased cases of addictive behaviour occasioned by abuse of substances in the country.

National President of the association, Professor Gboyega Abikoye made the call at their 2023 National Conference/ Annual General Meeting held

at the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Speaking to newsmen at the event on the theme: “The Practice of Clinical Psychology: Confronting the Emerging Threat of Addictive Behaviour and Mental Problem” Abikoye, a professor of Clinical

Psychology, advised Nigerians to avoid illegal drugs and substance, saying treatment of mental problems wasexpensive in the country.

According to him, “Government should also pay more attention to the mental health issues.

Niger Gov Inaugurates University of Education Implementation Committee LaleyeDipoinMinna

The Niger State Governor, Mr. Mohammed Umaru Bago, has inaugurated an implementation committee for the new Niger State University of Education.

The university was approved by

the federal government last month.

The committee is headed by a former Secretary to the State Government, Professor Mohammed Kuta Yahaya.

Governor Bago directed the Ministry of Budget and Planning to make provision for N20 billion

in the states 2024 budget for the operations of the new university.

He told the committee to ensure that the university should take off on a very solid foundation, adding that all forms of bureaucracy should be avoided.

Bago disclosed that the university

would operate side by side with the College of Education.

He said: “The take-off of the University of Education will not prevent the College of Education (COE) Minna, from running its programmes.The COE will be operating under the university.”

House to Investigate Incessant Mistreatment of Nigerians in Benin Republic This resolution followed the Nwogu, Hon. Guger Onwusibe, Police (DGPR) on April 18, 2023.

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

of a motion on the Hon. Mark Esset, Hon. Rodney A, He raised concern that Chika, Kaigama Urges Fairness in The House of Representatives adoption illegal incarceration of Okumab Hon. Nkewonta and Hon. Patrick who after his undergraduate academic programme in the mandated its Committees on Chika and discriminatory arrests Umoh at plenary.

Sharing of FG’s Palliatives has Chinda noted that Okumah Republic of Benin, worked as Foreign Affairs, Human Rights of Nigerians in the Republic of Benin, which was moved Chika, a Nigerian who legitimately an administrative staff at ESFAM Onyebuchi EzigboinAbuja

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Reverend Ignatius Kaigama has asked federal and State governments to ensure that the fuel subsidy palliatives reach the poor and vulnerable people in the society.

He said that focus should be on only the poor who should be beneficiaries of the government’s N5 billion palliative to each state as a measure to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

The Catholic Bishop also said the N25,000 monthly cash grant to 15 million less-privileged families should truly get to the hands of those who need it.

Speaking at the 4th Abuja Archdiocesan General Assembly (AAGA), with the theme: ‘Marriage and Family in Contemporary Society’, Kaigama said that beyond allocating grants and palliatives, families need to be empowered and supported by the government to embark on sustainable entrepreneurial activities.

and Diaspora to investigate the incessant mistreatment of Nigerians living in the Republic of Benin and report back to the House for further legislative action.

yesterday by Hon. O.K. Chinda, Hon. Fred Agbedi, Hon. Bitrus Laon, Hon. Abdulsalam Dasuki, Hon. Felix Nwaeke, Hon. Kelechi

and legally resides and works in the Republic of Benin is alleged to have been arrested by the country’s police service, the Republican

University in Port Novo, has been incarcerated at the Akpro-Missérété Prison since April 26, 2023, over allegations of internet fraud.

Greenfield Pharmaceuticals Boss Calls for Stringent Punitive Measures against Fake Drug Dealers Chinedu Eze

The Executive Chairman of Greenlife Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Anthony Chukwuka, has urged the federal government to introduce stiffer penalties for those engaged in fake drugs as

a way to eliminate counterfeit medicine in Nigeria.

Chukwuka, who regretted that many people under medical treatment die due to the administration of fake drugs, insisted that it is the government policies and actions that can

sanitise the pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria, as he called for a clamp down on counterfeit drug dealers so that genuine Nigerian companies can thrive.

The Greenlife Pharmaceuticals boss made this known yesterday in Lagos during the unveiling

of his autobiography, ‘My Wilderness Journey’, and his 60th birthday.

According to him, “I expect the federal government to be more serious in clamping down on dealers of counterfeit drugs because they are so many.”

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NEWS XTRA

WORLD OF ISLAM Police the State with Empathy,

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Anambra CP Tells Promoted Officers Islam’s Call for Control: Navigating

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye, has charged officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to show empathy while securing members of the public.

Adeoye, who spoke during a short event to mark the promotion of some officers and men of the state Police Command, said it behooves on officers of the law to always show empathy

to members of the public, even as they strive to provide security.

He said even condemned criminals deserve certain rights, and should not be denigrated, adding that only the court prescribes punishment.

The CP said: “I congratulate the officers who are beneficiaries of this promotion. Two things make a police career eventfulpromotion and posting.

Promotion comes with higher responsibility and this comes

with new postings.

“I know you all feel happy, fulfilled and reenergised to take on new responsibilities to secure our fatherland.

“Even as you take on this responsibility, I urge you to develop empathy for the public you serve. You must be more compassionate and dedicated to the duty. You need to know that we all share same humanity and so you must treat all people with dignity.

House Passes Bill to Reduce Powers of CBN Governor for Second Reading Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill for an Act to separate the position of Chairman of the Board the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formally known as MISS CHIEMEKA EDITH EZINNE and MRS EZINNE DAVID XAVIER EBONG wishes to be called and known as MRS EZINNE DAVID XAVIER. All formal documents remain valid. The stake holders, RCCG, Union Bank Plc and the general public should I, formerly known and addressed as AMUNE AKOR SANDRA now wish to be known and addressed as ENESI, AKOR SANDRA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I was formerly known called and addressed as ADESHOPE RASHIDAH ADEBIMPE now wish to be called and addressed as ADEPOJU RASHIDAH ADEBIMPE that all my documents bearing former name remain valid.

I, formerly known and addressed as ONYEKA LILIAN ADUDU now wish to be known and addressed as ONYEKA LILIAN SHOLA MESE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as JUSTINA RAPHAEL now wish to be known and addressed as JUSTINA IMA-OBONG NNAH. All former documents remain valid. Ministry Education and the general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MUONEKE ANTHONIA AMAKA now wish to be known and addressed as ANAEME-OBINNA ANTHONIA AMAKA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OLORUNPOMI ROSELYN BOSEDE now wish to be known and addressed as OLUMAYOWA ROSELYN BOSEDE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

from the position of the governor.

Hon Francis Waive while presenting the bill titled, “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, Cap. C4, Laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and for Related Matters

(HB.16)” at plenary yesterday said that there was need to amend Section 6 to separate both positions so the Governor can be checked and not have all the power.

And that the bill also proposed that in the event of the need for currency swap or Naira redesign as witnessed from late last year to early this year, the bank would be directed to call in its notes or coins, subject to a notice of not less than one year and this amendment reinforces the need for adequate time for the notice of change of the Naira notes before exercising the power to call in the old notes.

The lawmaker said the proposed amendment to Section 6 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act represents a significant step towards strengthening the governance structure of the CBN and that the amendment introduces a level of independence, oversight, and accountability that is essential for the effective functioning of the CBN.

Third Edition of the Alder Church Report Unveiled Alder Consulting, a prominent creative intelligence firm in Nigeria, has unveiled the third edition of The Alder Church

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as FABIYI AYODELE JULIANA now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBISI AYODELE JULIANA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as NANA-AMA WINIFRED OPOKU now wish to be known and addressed as NANA-AMA WINIFRED OPOKUOYESOLA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as EBIESUWA MOROMOKE RACHEL GLADYS now wish to be known and addressed as IKUPITI MOROMOKE RACHEAL GLADYS. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as TOLUWANI FAITH EZU now wish to be known and addressed as TOLUWANI FAITH COKER. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, AMANDA CLEMENT OWUBO wishes to inform the general public expecially MAY/JUNE 2013 WEST AFRICAN EXAMINATION COUNCIL that my Correct Date of Birth is 5TH DECEMBER 1996 and NOT 5TH NOVEMBER 1992. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

CORRECTION OF AGE

I, MR ADEYEMI DAVID ADEREMI, wish to state that as at the time I married my wife MRS AMOKE OLURANTI ADEYEMI in 2001 my correct age was 36 not 31 as erroneously written RQ P\ PDUULDJH FHUWL¿FDWH $OO GRFXments remain valid.The general public should please take note.

Report.

The Alder Church Report serves as a comprehensive analysis of the Church in Nigeria, exploring its intricate relationship with both Christians and society at large.

According to the company, in this latest edition, the report delves into the perception of the Church in Nigeria and its impact on the nation. It scrutinizes the Church’s involvement in politics, examines fiscal responsibility within religious institutions, explores the culture of trust within the Nigerian Church, and addresses emerging issues surrounding gender and sexuality.

Alleged Rape: Old Students Allay Fears of Parents James Sowole in Abeokuta

The old students of Ebenezer Grammar School Abeokuta, (EGSA), Ogun State, yesterday, allayed fears of parents and other stakeholders of the school over the arrest of an alleged rapist, Mr. Lateef Olaniran, who is a mathematics teacher in the school.

Olaniran was arrested by the police and officials of the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, for allegedly raping two young girls within 24 hours.

His action has caused concerns among stakeholders in and around the state on the safety of students of the school.

But, the National President of the Old Students Association of EGSA, Mr. Tajudeen Olori, yesterday, told journalists in Abeokuta that the rape victims were not students of the school contrary to misinformation making rounds on social media.

Humanity’s History of Violence (II) By: Spahic Omer/Islamicity

Islam and the sword

When Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) was sent as the last messenger, and the last hope, to the world – as mercy to all dimensions of existence, rahmatan lil-‘alamin – the whole world was suffocating in falsehood, injustice and oppression, bereft of heavenly guidance and compassion. In other words, the world was dominated and controlled by the dark side of man. The human race stood on the edge of an existential abyss. As could be expected, no sooner had the Prophet’s mission been unveiled, than the status quo and the accompanying world-order became challenged.

Consistent with the ontological order of things, the two were on a collision course with one another. They had a rendezvous with destiny.

The Prophet and his followers were on an irreversible course to tensions and confrontations, locally and internationally.

They had to convey the revealed truth, while much of the world resolved to resist and fight back. As the devotees of the truth of Islam, the rightly-guided and enlightened Muslims wanted nothing but peace, goodwill and harmony, however, they were quickly thrust into the thick of the confrontational penchant of man where total, together with lasting, peace, benevolence and accord were at a premium - like gold dust. To some, the aftermath of embracing Islam must have been a rude awakening in respect of who man and what life, in actual fact, are. What they realized was that their ideals had to be fought for, defended and preserved, every so often with might and main.

If there is any relationship between Islam and the Prophet, on the one hand, and fighting (the sword), on the other, it is against this backdrop. The arrival of Islam and the Prophet spelled troubles for the ruling socio-political and religious classes. The structures of polytheism, corruption and tyranny were shaken to their foundations by the power of the Islamic monotheistic and progressivequa-reformist message. This way, Islam and its Prophet caused rifts, broke relationships and challenged narratives. They caused havoc and the consequences were predictable. They became despised, prejudiced against, harassed, abused and harmed. The prospect of a total annihilation of the believing communities was often on the cards.

So, the Prophet brought the sword upon himself, and to just survive, let alone succeed in his mission, he had to respond in kind. He had to follow the same procedure. The sword was a defensive apparatus and a deterrent to the cultivated and institutionalized devilish aspects of man. The famous proverb ascribed to Jesus that all who draw the sword will die by the sword, is true, but only insofar as the aggressor’s perspective goes. However, from the defender’s – and also the victim’s – perspective, the same proverb should be reconstructed to the effect that all who draw the sword will survive the world, and all who fight will be able to demonstrate that they are right.

The kernel of the fate of Prophet Muhammad was no different from that of the prince of peace and pacifism, Prophet ‘Isa (Jesus) – yet from the fates of all prophets who had to deal with the entrenched worldly and spiritual criminalities. Jesus is reported to have said: “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matthew, 10:34). An authoritative commentary of these words of Jesus is as follows: “Christ did not here mean to say that the object of his coming was to produce discord and contention, for he was the Prince of Peace; but he means to say that such would be one of the effects of his coming. One part of a family that was opposed to him would set themselves against those who believed in him. The wickedness of men, and not the religion of the gospel, is the cause of this hostility.

It is unnecessary to say that no prophecy has been more strikingly fulfilled; and it will continue to be fulfilled until all unite in obeying his commandments. Then his religion will produce universal peace” (Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible). Making himself clear Jesus said in the succeeding verses: “For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household” (Matthew, 10:35-36).

Conquering lands versus conquering hearts

Moreover, Prophet Muhammad was instructed to convey the Islamic message revealed to him to the world, not to conquer and convert the world, nor to create kingdoms.

Enlightening the minds and purifying the hearts was the Prophet’s primary focus from the first day and remained so down the line.

Both the world and people belong to the Almighty God. They are part of a grander and more consequential dominion. The record was required to be set straight, in particular with regard to who is who and what is exactly in the grand scheme of things. People were to be shown the way as to why and how not to worship creation but the Creator, and why and how not to deify people but the Lord of people.

What specifically people needed on earth was liberation from the yokes of sorts of falsehood – polytheism being only one of them – setting them then on the road to self-affirmation and self-fulfilment; resultant freedom as a lifestyle due to which people will be able to make their free choices honourably living and as honourably dying by them; and finally people were in need of a new sense of direction towards servitude of the Creator only, in lieu of servitude of the idols of the mind, animalism and matter.

Putting it another way, people needed to be acquainted with the final Messenger and the final message given to him (the final and ultimate Testament). They needed conducive socio-political milieus where they will be capable of freely accepting or rejecting Islam, i.e., to take responsibility for their thoughts and actions and their outcomes, to be in charge of their destinies. To be a believer (Muslim and mu’min) or otherwise (kafir) one must undergo this emancipation process and must perform the crucial affirmation duty.

The Qur’an accordingly asserts: “And say: ‘The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills - let him believe; and whoever wills - let him disbelieve” (al-Kahf, 29).

The Prophet and the subsequent generations of his followers were desirous of giving the world what it needed. They were determined upon “opening” (fath) countries and territories and their diverse contexts to the rays of the Islamic monotheistic faith, seeking in turn to “open” the minds and hearts of people with the same end in view. Instead of conquering cities and villages, the Muslims only wished to “unlock” and “open” them for the conveyance of the truth and for the further communication, interaction and dialogue purposes; and instead of conquering and enslaving people, the Muslims only wished to liberate and “conquer” their spiritual and cerebral capacities.

The Muslims wished to win over and capture hearts and minds, for there is no authentic Islam without freedom, and no Islamic fraternity – nay, Islamic civilization - is possible without truly free and enlightened individuals. To be sure, Islamic civilization was at its finest when the spiritual, moral and enlightening determinants were at the helm. However, as soon as the priorities became muddled up, when conquering for conquest’s sake and building empires for expansionism’s sake became an obsession, Islamic civilization, and with it all goodness associated with the miraculous Islamic ideals and tenets, started to tumble.

That is why the Qur’anic concept of “fath” (opening, unlocking), which is bracketed with overpowering and taking control of cities and countries, is wrongly translated as “conquest.” As seen above, the Islamic notion of “conquest” is totally different from the conventional versions found in other civilizations. There is a world of difference between “fath” and “conquest.” While the former is about opening, liberating, empowering and nurturing, the latter is about locking up, subjugating, yoking and debilitating.

As a consequence, creating Islamic states and even empires within the framework of the “fath” standard was a by-product.

It was a principled expediency demanded by the pressing exigencies of the corollaries of “fath.” Creating states and empires was a means - with a number of exceptions, of course - in service of “fath” as the ultimate goal. Through the lens of Islam, all things considered, fighting is a form of mercy and “fath” a blessing.

To Be Continued

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FRIDAY, NO ͹͸˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ T H I S D AY

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Liverpool’s Diaz’s Father Released by Kidnappers

What Liverpool FC lost on the pitch against France’s Toulouse 3-2 , the Red’s Luis Diaz gained with the release of his father from kidnappers den last night.

Liverpool lost their Europa League to Toulouse in-lake was controversial manner.

To make matter worse for the Reds, a controversial video assistant referee (VAR) decision denied Liverpool a stoppage-time equaliser as they suffered a surprise Europa League loss to Toulouse.

Jarell Quansah's goal to make it 3-3 in the seventh minute of added time was ruled out after Alexis Mac Allister was judged to have handled the ball.

Quansah slammed in from close range to spark wild Liverpool celebrations and furious protestations from Toulouse before Bulgarian referee Georgi Kabakov was called to the VAR screen - having already appeared to point to the centre circle.

The ball had bounced off Mac Allister's chest into his upper arm much earlier in the move, which was ruled enough to disallow the goal.

Toulouse impressed for much of the match and went 2-0 up though strikes from Aron Donnum and Thijs Dallinga.

Liverpool pulled one back through a bizarre own goal from Cristian Casseres Jr, but Frank Magri restored the French side's two-goal

advantage.

Substitute Diogo Jota then scored

for Liverpool with two minutes of normal time left and they

thought they had earned a point with virtually the final kick of the

Nasarawa Ready for Kick-off of NNL Season Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe has said that the state is ready to host a successful kick- off of the 2023/ 2024 Nigeria National League ( NNL) slated for Saturday, November 11 at the newly renovated Lafia City Stadium, Nasarawa State.

The opening game to kickstart the league will be between Nasarawa United and Zamfara United.

Speaking after inspecting the stadium accompanied by the Chairman of the second tier league Mr. George Aluo, Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State Sports Ministry, Barrister Isaac Danladi and the State Commissioner of Sports, Ango Jafaru, he noted that he's satisfied with the standard of the pitch expressing hope that the opening game will be highly interesting. " Nasarawa State is ready to host the opening game and am happy with the facilities at the stadium.

"It's also a thing of joy that the stadium got the approval of NNL board to host the opening game which goes to show that the pitch is of international standard", he stressed.

Also speaking, Chairman of NNL Board, George Aluo commended

Nasarawa State Government for improved facilities at the Lafia City Stadium noting that his board is ready to kick start the league.

"I'm happy with what I saw at the stadium and I want to announce that we're on track to kick off the league. "All arrangement has been put in place and the NNL board is committed to having a quality championship which every Nigerian will be proud of.

Aluo while wishing all clubs a successful season advised them to not only adhere to fair play rules but also play according to the stipulated NNL rules and regulations. " The present board of the NNL is out to organise the best league in recent times and that was why we organised a seminar for all club coaches taking part in the league.

"Clubs should realize that we have zero tolerance for violence and any behavior that will bring the game to disrepute will not be tolerated.

"Our matches will be closely monitored as we will be sending compliant officers across all venues.

"We expect the best and a grand opening game as we're working hard to raise the standard,” he noted.

Nigeria’s Epe Leads International Field After CIO Classic Half-Way Ikoyi Club’s Francis Epe currently leads the chase for the 4th CIO Golf Classic at the Python Golf Cub in Rivers State, with nine-under from 36-hole play.

Epe, who, is also the Nigeria Professional Golfers’ Association topmost ranked player leads the entire 109 field on participants with five strokes advantage from 66 and 69 on his two rounds. Two home-based golfers, Gift Willy, and Udom Sateer are tied for second place, with four under par.

Epe said, “I am very focused on keeping the momentum around my game and hope to be able to take this to the weekend. The CIO Classic is one of the biggest events on Tour, and every player wants to add this to their list of wins.”

He said after the second round.

Players from Ghana, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Kenya, and Ivory Coast are presently vying with Nigerians for the 22-million-naira total purse at stake for the event.

Chief Ikenna Okafor, Chief Executive of the sponsoring company, Keves Global Leasing Limited, said that the event is a brilliant showcase of the abundance of Golf Talent across the continent.

“Nigerians, naturally are very talented, and golf is one of the sports that has in recent times been

an expression of our sportsmanship.

Our goal is to make this event a platform for celebration of the possibilities around our youthfulness.”

Okafor said that he hopes the life lessons and the values that the game of golf teaches help mold the players to become better members of society.

Amateur players will join the fray on Saturday for a 36-hole contest that will round off the event on Sunday, November 12th.

Other top professional players within the brackets of giving the 4th CIO Classic a chase include Ugandan, Ronald Rugumayo and Defending Champion, Sunday Olapade who are two under par apiece. Other are Nigeria’s Oche Odoh and Cameroonian Bulabula Michelle.

match, before VAR's intervention.

Colombia’s ELN guerrilla group on Thursday freed the father of Liverpool footballer Luis Diaz, 12 days after kidnapping him, according to live TV footage.

After being handed over by the rebels to a humanitarian mission, Luis Manuel Diaz arrived by helicopter in the northeastern city of Valledupar, some 90 kilometers (56 miles) from his hometown of Barrancas where he was abducted with his wife on October 28. She was rescued the same day.

Long live Freedom and Peace,” President Gustavo Petro wrote on X, formerly Twitter, after the released.

Speaking after inspecting the stadium accompanied by the Chairman of the second tier league Mr. George Aluo, Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State Sports Ministry, Barrister Isaac Danladi and the State Commissioner of Sports, Ango Jafaru, he noted that he's satisfied with the standard of the pitch expressing hope that the opening game will be highly interesting. " Nasarawa State is ready to host the opening game and am happy with the facilities at the stadium.

"It's also a thing of joy that the stadium got the approval of NNL board to host the opening game which goes to show that the pitch is of international standard", he stressed.

RESULTS Ajax 0-2 Brighton Toulouse 3-2 Liverpool Maccabi 1-2 Villarreal Rennes 3-1 Panathinaikos Servette 2-1 Sheriff Slavia 2-0 Roma

Victor Boniface scored the winner as Leverkusen defeated Qarabag 1-0...last night

Qarabag 0-1 Leverkusen

Peseiro Confirms Simon, Iheanacho, 21 Others for Lesotho, Zimbabwe Leaves out free-scoring Gift Orban, Osimhen, Chukwueze Super Eagles Head Coach, Jose Santos Peseiro, yesterday confirmed THISDAY’s report by leaving out recuperating Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze from Nigeria’s team for the two 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

The duo were missing from the 23-man squad released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) yesterday.

Surprisingly, the Portuguese gaffer left out Gent’s Gift Orban who scored a hat trick against Iceland’s Breidablik in the Europa Conference League game.

Peseiro invited usual suspects like goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Olaoluwa Aina, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka, and forwards Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho and Taiwo Awoniyi among a list of 23 players for this month’s qualifiers.

W O R L D C U P Q UA L I F I E R S There are also goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Olorunleke Ojo, defenders Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielder Raphael Onyedika and forwards Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface and Terem Moffi.

Defender Jamilu Collins makes a return after a long lay-off due to injury, and there is a first-ever call for Bayer Leverkusen of Germany forward Nathan Tella. Spain-based striker Sadiq Umar also makes a return after a long absence.

The Super Eagles will kick-start their race to the huge houseparty in the United States of America, Mexico and Canada in 2026 with a session against the Crocodiles of Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo next week Thursday, and then fly to Rwanda for a clash with the

Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Huye Stadium in Butare on Sunday, 19th November.

The 20,000-capacity Huye Stadium, located in the city of Butare which is 135 kilometres south of the Rwandan capital, Kigali, has an artificial turf.

Zimbabwe have adopted Rwanda as home for the qualifiers as no stadium in the southern African nation has been deemed fit to host the FIFA World Cup qualifying games.

ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS: Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC); Maduka Okoye (Udinese Calcio, Italy).

Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal); Bright Osayi-Samuel

(Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Jamilu Collins (Cardiff FC, Wales).

Midfielders: Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England).

Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany).

1XBET Cup: Young Strikers Pick Lagos Island Conference Ticket Young Strikers football club picked the sole ticket to represent Lagos Island Conference at the final 8 of the 1XBET Community Football Championship, after defeating Panthers FC 5-3 in the final match of the conference, played at the Hilario Campos Mini-stadium,

Lagos on Thursday evening.

The final match watched by very impressive crowd, including several former Nigeria international players as Tajudeen Disu, Nicholas Ubido, Taiwo Oloyede, Edema Benson, Michael Dominic and others, lived up to the expectations of the fans.

And interestingly, Young Strikers rushed into a 3-0 lead within a spate of twenty minutes.

A howler by Young Strikers goalkeeper gave their opponents a leeway into the game, as they quickly got the second goal to send the delirious crowd into frenzy pitch.

Two more quick goals by Young Strikers literally took the winds off their sails, as their own third goal of the game, counted for nothing.

A total of 47 goals were scored in 13 matches at the Lagos Island Conference, setting a record for goals scored across the five

conferences.

Meanwhile, the organisers of 1XBET Cup, have promised improvements in the organisation of the championship, stating that the sponsors have reaffirmed their commitment to the development of grassroots football in Nigeria.

39

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2023 • T H I S D AY

BACKPAGE CONTINUATION RECONNECTING TO THE GLOBAL RADAR Listing the assistance that Nigeria has given to some African countries from independence to date, is like counting the planes that land daily at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia, USA-too numerous.

My late cousin, Dr. Ayo Akinbobola(11th December 1942-19th April, 2008) JIMEKENLA from Idanre in Ondo state, attempted it in his book titled, REGIONALISM AND REGIONAL INFLUENTIALS-The Post Cold-War Role of Nigeria in African Affairs. Dr. Akinbobola was a Ford Foundation Fellow at Howard University, Washington D.C., U.S.A.; a research fellow at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, Lagos; a visiting scholar to the University of Oxford, 1979 and to the University of Michigan.

In 1972, Nigeria and Benin Republic embarked on a N7m cement project. The Nigerian Government provided a N2 million 35 years interest free loan with 30% equity. Both countries also have a joint sugar project. The Nigerian government has 45% equity shares in the project while Benin Republic holds 49% with expatriate companies’ enjoying 5% of the shares.

Both projects are based in the Benin Republic.

The Nigeria government also invested in uranium mining in Niger and petrochemical concerns in Senegal.

In September 1972, Nigeria signed an agreement with Guinea to invest $350,000 (5% of the shares) in the Mifergui Nimba and Simandou Company of Guinea, which is charged with the exploitation and sales of the country’s iron ore resources. Under the agreement, Nigeria was guaranteed one million tons of quality ore yearly for its steel production at Ajaokuta.

Nigeria provided electricity to Niger from Kainji Dam. She also granted Dahomey (Benin) $2 million to pay for imports from country. Nigeria entered into agreement with other African states to contruct a 6,530 kilometre trans-Africa highway running from and Kenyan port of Mombassa to the Nigerian port city of Lagos and passing through Uganda, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo), Central African Republic and Cameroon.

In 1972, Nigeria granted an interest free N1 million loan to Dahomey to rehabilitate the Idiroko- Porto Novo road. By the time the road was opened in 1973, the Federal Government had spent a total of N2.7 million on it. The Federal Government also undertook the construction of the 92-kilometre Sokoto-Illela and Birnin Konni (both in Niger Republic) roads at the cost of N2.2 million.

On February 24, 1975, at the ministerial meeting

of the Economic Commission for Africa in Nairobi, Nigeria announced that it would make crude petroleum available to any African country that required it, at concessionary rates. The leader of the Nigerian government delegation, Mr. Victor Adeyeye Adegoroye from Akure in Ondo state who made the announcement spelt out two conditions for this: such countries must have their own refineries; and the crude oil sold to them must not be re-exported to third world countries.

Nigeria also played an active role in the funding of African Development Bank (ADB). The Renowned economist, Dr. Pius Nwabufo Charles Okigbo (February 6, 1924 — September 13, 2000) from Ojoto in Idemili South local government of Anambra state, was the head of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) team that carried out the feasibility study on it in 1961.

On November 4, 1964, the Nigerian Prime Minister, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa (December 1912 – 15 January 1966) presided over its inaugural board of governors’ meeting in Lagos. Nigeria’s major on-going multilateral assistance involved the bank. It has the highest block of shares in the bank. This comes to 159,751 shares, about 15.6% of the total shares and some 10.5% of the weighted voting power.

Nigeria contributes 32.5% annually to the ECOWAS budget (multilateral assistance). In June 1980, it settled the outstanding rent of the Community’s secretariat amounting to N80million.

In 1970-1971, Nigeria increased its contributions to the OAU budget to N150,000, 47% over the 1968-1969 contributions, making it the third largest contributor to the organisation’s annual budget. In 1978, the Federal Government gave Mozambique N5million to cope with problems associated with the closure of its borders with Sothern Rhodesia now Zimbabwe. Nigeria played a major role in the establishment of River Niger Basin Commission and the Chad Basin Commission. Both of which have potentials as investment. In 1979, Nigerian contributed N30,000,000 million to the Lake Chad Basin Development Fund.

Nigeria’s military assistance to other countries has generally taken the form of contributions to troops and equipment to peacekeeping missions in countries having internal conflicts. The country was yet to become independent when it became involved in the UN Congo mission. Its generally effective and widely acclaimed participation in that peacekeeping mission laid a foundation for later involvements in several other peacekeeping missions since then, including those in

Lebanon and the former Yugoslavia. Apart from the Congo mission, Nigeria has been the player in the Liberian peacekeeping operations. Nigerian troops served in Sierra Leone as part of the peace agreement to end that country’s civil war. They also served in Tanzania to restore order following army mutiny of January 20, 1964. Military officers of a number of African countries undergo training in some Nigerian military schools and colleges.

Shortly after Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (December 1912 – 15 January 1966) the then Prime Minister proposed that a fact finding mission be sent to the Democratic Republic of Congo where open rebellion had broken out, the UN on November 5, 1960, set up the Congo Conciliation Commission made up of 15 Afro-Asian states. Nigeria’s foreign Minister, Mr. Jaja Nwachukwu was elected chairman of the commission. Before independence, Nigeria had put the Kano airport at the disposal of the UN for the transport of troops and materials to the Congo. Two platoons of the fifth Battalion of the Royal Nigerian Army were detailed to work with UN troops during their stopover in Kano.

Later, at the request of the UN Secretary General, Dag Hammarskjord, Nigeria agreed one month to its independence to contribute troops to the UN force in the Congo and immediately dispatched the general officer commanding the RNA to conduct a reconnaissance mission in the troubled republic. The full Nigerian contingent itself left for the Congo between November 18 and 22, 1960. It involved five battalions deployed in four of the country’s six provinces, namely Kassai, Kivu, North Katanga and Leopoldville. The contingent was assigned the primary duty of assisting the Congolese authorities in maintaining law and order and preventing minor clashes and large-scale war among the various factions. Among other things, the Nigerians contingent helped to reduce inter-ethnic and inter-factional clashes; protected Congolese and foreign administrators as well as public utilities workers: and performed guard duties at installations such as power stations, airstrips, mines, factories, waterworks, railway stations and public buildings.

Nigeria troops helped with the distribution of food and medicine to schools, refugee centres and hospitals. They participated effectively in the UN operation that led to the complete liquidation of Katanga rebels and the termination of the secession of the province. The Nigerian contingent was also instrumental in the completion of the UN military

disengagement from the Congo.

Nigeria troops were part of the 3,000 UN troops that remained in the country until June 1964.

Brigadier Babafemi Olatunde Ogundipe(8 September, 1924-November 20 1979) from Ago Iwoye in Ogun state was the Chief of Staff of the remaining UN forces that stayed until December 31, 1963. Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi GCFR (3 March 1924 – 29 July 1966) from Umuahia in Abia state then took over as the commander of the Congo.

Among his accomplishments was persuading 3,500 Kassai natives to return to their homes abandoned as a result of terrorists activities. The Nigerian Police Force was itself part of the Congo peacekeeping operations.

Its involvement followed an urgent request from the UN Secretary General to the Nigerian government for 300 policemen to assist the UN force to maintain law and order. December 21, 1960, a contingent of 400 officers and men left Nigeria under the command of Mr. Louis O. Edet(1914-1979) from the famous Edet Essien and Gerald Orok family in Calabar then a Deputy Commissioner and later became the first indigenous Inspector General of Police, to replace a detachment of the Ghanaian police which had withdrawn after a six-month service. The Nigerian contingent was stationed in Leopoldville, Luluabourg, Stanleyville, Bukavu and Kindu. Apart from regular patrol duties, the contingent carried out the administrative re-organisation of the Congolese police force, and organized a refresher course for Congolese’s police officers and a long-term comprehensive training programme for recruits at the police college in Leopoldville. It spent a total of five years in the Congo.

On the whole, the initial cost to Nigeria arising from the operations in the Congo, between 1960 and 1961, amounted to $1.800,000. In addition to this, Nigeria also paid salaries and allowances of all Nigerian troops and policemen during their three and half years of service. This cost a total of $12,300,000. The cost of maintaining the 400-man police contingent that served for five years was $29,580,000. In June 1964, Nigeria contributed $626,000 to the UN Congo special fund. The total estimated cost to Nigeria of the Congo operations is $44,366,000. This does not include its $1,000,000 subscription to the UN bond issue inaugurated in 1962 to alleviate UN financial burdens in the peacekeeping operations.

NOTE: Read full article online on www.thisdaylive.com

CRUDE CHRISTMASES IN THE CREEKS Lagos and Abuja oohed and aahed to the pulsating sea waves, bemoaning Nigeria’s indolence in not harnessing our riviera as a tourism haven like the Bahamas or Barbados.

But the Santa Barbara swamplands had an unusual traffic of tourists in the weeks between COP 26 and Christmas 2021. Thanks to the prolonged blowout at Santa Barbara Well 1, there was an equally long flow of pollution tourism to Opu Nembe and its fishing settlements. A trending drone shot taken on the day the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, visited the still-belching site produced an image that could have been of an erupted volcano, molten magma and all in luminous golden hues. The disaster is such that a natural setting for ecotourism suddenly attracted visiting dignitaries for its catastrophic spectacle.

Ijawland of which Nembe country is part, and by extension the Niger Delta, was already that part of the planet most bastardized by oil pollution and gas flaring. Soon after its discovery in commercial quantity in then Oloibiri Province of present Bayelsa State, Nigeria’s crude oil became a curse to its natural owners, while a bonanza for the rest of the country.

This accentuated pre-Independence grievances of the ethnic minorities, whose neglect throughout the colonial period and fears of majority domination in the impending post-colonial polity caused the soon departing colonial government to institute the Willink Commission of Inquiry to douse their desire to quit or be autonomous in such a Nigeria as they were apprehensive of. One of other national plans to give them a sense of belonging was the Okarki-NembeBrass Road proposed around 1946. Seventy-five years later, when the epic Santa Barbara spill occurred, it was still a proposal. The state government, not the federal, awarded a contract for the Nembe-Brass section in 2022.

As the paradox of poverty and pollution from petroleum hit home to compound their existing woes, an Ijaw intellectual firebrand, Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro, mobilized a small guerilla army in 1966 to launch the country’s first secession attempt, declaring a Niger Delta Republic which was later quelled by military might. Adaka (Ijaw name for tiger) Boro was the biggest Ijaw hero of the 20th Century. He followed the footsteps of a Nembe-Ijaw forebear, King Frederick William Koko, who led an armada from war canoe houses of Nembe kingdoms in January 1895 to sack a pre-colonial British conglomerate - precursor of the UACs and Royal Dutch Shells - that persisted in breaching Nembe’s territorial integrity in international trade. That bloody clash was one of the triggers for Britain’s formal colonization of the entities that were eventually merged to form Nigeria.

At the time of the Nembe-British duel, also known as the Akassa Raid or Nembe Youmi (the Nembe War), the British described the area as the Oil Rivers Protectorate, after the export trade in palm oil transacted via its rivers. Since 1956, those waterways could have been renamed the Crude Oil Rivers. Aiteo’s well blowout (some experts call it loss of containment)

Diri in Nembe country brings back into vivid relief that the waters of Nembe and the Niger Delta are indeed now rivers frothing on the surface with crude oil.

The Aiteo-Santa Barbara blowout was a catastrophe waiting to happen. When earlier warnings by the oil well went unheeded, the blowout became avoidably inevitable. Sometime in September 2019, a whole two years and more earlier, the same Santa Barbara Well 1 burst open, spewing crude oil for a week.

Reports were made to the spill control agency, NOSDRA (National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency) and other regulators. Experts representing affected communities engaged with NOSDRA and Aiteo, demanding for cleanup, compensation and safeguards against recurrence. None of those was enforced. So an entirely foreseeable and preventable disaster recurred.

Like most regulatory bodies in the sector, NOSDRA is rendered ineffective by a combination of poor funding, possible insensitivity to pollution victims due to its head office location a thousand miles away in Abuja, sheer leadership complacency and a steady supply of lazy excuses. It took a year of constant haranguing for the agency to lead a post-spill assessment of the 2019 spill. What is more, the Nigerian court system is almost a no-go for environmental justice. Communities

are nervous about endless court delays, the heavy cost of hiring experts to conduct forensic studies that will prove pollution and its impacts, and a systemic addiction to technicalities while pollutants percolate deeper into the communities’ ecology. With the help of NGOs and foreign law firms, a small cluster of determined rural dwellers are resorting to foreign courts for justice. Many of them die before succor comes from offshore.

The last decade has seen a series of divestments of oil blocs from international oil companies to Nigerian firms, with zero environmental due diligence. In the double guise of energy transition and Nigerian content enhancement, the IOCs are taking flight from legacies of humongous environmental liabilities. Oilfields, with several rickety facilities that are as safe as landmines or time bombs still un-decommissioned, are auctioned off at windfall prices to domestic moguls, amidst otherwise climate valuable but now oil-battered mangroves and altered ecologies. Abuja-bound regulators turn a blind eye. A classical case is where Nigeria got its first oil from, in 1956: Otabagi Community of Bayelsa State, within the same OML 29 as the Santa Barbara oilfield, handed by Shell to Aiteo. Located barely a few minutes’ drive from former President Goodluck Jonathan’s village, crude oil still steadily seeps out

to the surface around oil wells abandoned by Shell decades ago, unattended till date. A forecast of the fate of Jonathan’s kinsfolk is unlikely to be pretty.

Bar one or two, the domestics are fast proving to be worse than their bad predecessors. They find no compelling incentive in the local regulatory and legal climate to be of good oilfield conduct. Many communities are defeated, divided and heavily induced into proxy conflicts of mutual destruction. There are tomes of reports and recommendations on what to do to adorn the Delta’s millions of ecologically traumatized and livelihood-displaced dwellers with some redress and respect. A recent one commissioned by the Bayelsa State Government took four years to compile, covid-19 and paltry executive attention counting amongst the setbacks. With the telltale title of “ENVIRONMENTAL GENOCIDE: The Human and Environmental Cost of Big Oil in Bayelsa, Nigeria”, it put the volume of oil spilled in the last fifty years in the state at 110-165 million gallons, tantamount to 10-15 times the volume of the Exxon Valdez spill disaster (11 million gallons), a per capita spill impact of one and half barrels for the state’s population of 2.5 million people, and 16,000 infant mortalities within a month of birth from pre-natal exposure to oil spills. Five months after it was finally released in May 2023, the report has not been put to any use. The earlier UNEP Environmental Assessment of Ogoniland took two years to prepare and four years to stay on the shelf. Afterwards, it has faltered in implementation for eight years and counting.

As this November ends, this year’s climate change fest, COP 28, will commence in Dubai. Before COP 28 disperses in December, Ijaw youths will mark the 25th anniversary of their Operation Climate Change and Kaiama Declaration. Bayelsa State would have had a governor announced for a new four-year term. But Bayelsans and Deltans in their millions will be getting set for another crude Christmas in the creeks, like previous Yuletides, from Worikuma-kiri at the ground zero of the Santa Barbara mega spill to Bendick-kiri to Lasukugbene to Ikarama to Fantuo and back to Nembe Creek. This because, with scant exceptions, no president, nor minister of oil or environment, nor governor, nor regulator, nor traditional ruler has cared two hoots to roll up their sleeves on the subject.

Going by that sad roll call, it would take a passionate President, an inspired governor, a conscientized international system, or a galvanized community citizenry to bring climate change to Christmas in the creeks. But any pleasant surprise from regulators and majesties will be welcome; and from Chevron, Shell, Aiteo, Neconde, Eni/Agip, Oando and NNPCL too. Let’s choose hope, but active in the awareness that equity aids the vigilant, not the indolent, and faith without works is dead.

Who knows if Pope Francis, who is billed to attend COP 28 due to his priority on the environment, will plead with President Tinubu and Big Oil this December in Dubai to start a Niger Delta wide cleanup and restitution programme?

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Bishop Kukah to Nigerians “The good thing about Nigeria is that everybody knows what the problems are and the people who are responsible for the problems are not also safe, they too do not know peace. Nigerians talk about other countries, I feel sorry for many Nigerians who, because of many troubles, hardly travel out of their immediate environments, not to talk about travelling to other parts of Africa or other parts of the world” –Catholic Bishop, Matthew Kukah, admonishing Nigerians.

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ERICTENIOLA Reconnecting to the Global Radar DIALOGUE WITH NIGERIA

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or a nation to achieve concrete foreign policy objectives, two key actors are required, an active President and an active foreign Minister.

Of course a buoyant economy will also be required. We had all these in the past.

Suddenly, we got lost on the global radar.

All these, could be traced to our internal problems or maybe our poor economy. We have to think now whether to become part of the world and make our presence felt or we withdraw from the world and let the world move on without us.

Sadly in the past few years, we have not been lucky in terms of leadership.

We have had outstanding foreign Ministers in the past that helped us achieve concrete foreign objectives and they made us proud. With the likes of Dr. Jaja Wachukwu (1961-1965), Nuhu Bamali( 1965-1966), Dr. Okoi Arikpo(1967-1975), Major General Joe Nanven Garba(1975-1978), Major General Henry Adefowope(1978-1979), Professor Ishaya Audu( 19791983), Chief Emeka Anyaoku(1983), Professor Ibrahim Gambari(1984-1985), Professor Bolaji Akinyemi(1985-1987), Major General Ike Nwachukwu(1987-1989),Babagana Kingibe(1993-1995), Professor Joy Ogwu(2006-2007), Sule Lamido(1999-2003), Ignatius Olisemeka(1998-1999), Ambassador Olugbenga Asiru alias Asa(2011-2013) and others, we could be proud of our foreign policy objectives.

We also took part in global peace efforts. From 1960 till 2000, Nigeria took part in United Nations Operations in the Congo (ONUG), 1960-1964, United Nations Transition Assistance Group in Namibia (UNTAG), 1989-1990, United Nations Angola Verification Mission II (UNAVEM II) 1991-1995, United Nations Angola Verification Mission III (UNAVEM III) 1995-1997), United

Yusuf Tugga, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nations Observer Mission in Angola (MONUA), 1997, United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), 1991- and United Nations Operation in Somalia II (UNOSOM II) 1993-1995.

Others are the United Nations Operations in Mozambique (ONUMOZ), 1992-194, United Nations Assistance Mission of Rwanda (UNAMIR), 19931996, United Nations Aouzou Strip Observer Group

akinosuntokun@thisdaylive.com

(UNASOG), 1994, United Nations India-Pakistan Observer Mission (UNIPOM), 1965-1966, United Nations Security Force in West New Guinea(UNSF), 1962-1963, United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTA), 1992-1993, United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT), 1994-, United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFR), 1992-195, United Nations Confidence Restoration Operation in Croatia (UNCRO), 1995-1996 and the United Nations Preventive Deployment Force in Macedonia (UNPREDEP), 1995.

The lists included the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (UNMIBH), 1995-, United Nations Transitional Administration or Easter Slovenia, Baraja and Western Sirmium (UNTAES), 1996-1998, United Nations Mission of Observers in Prevlaka (UNMOP), 1996-, United Nations Civilian Police Support Group, 1998-1991, United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observer Mission (UN IKOM), 1991-, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), 1978 and the United Nations Peace Keeping Mission in Sierra Leone, 1999.

There was a desk office in the then CABINET office, Lagos manned by Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar from Kaduna state, Permanent Secretary, CABINET office, Dr. Niyi Adedeji from Ilesha, Osun state, Ambassador Timothy Ayodele Olu Otunla also from Ilesha, Mr. Bisi Ogunniyi from Iree in Osun state and others, established purposely by Generals Murtala Muhammed and Olusegun Obasanjo, for the sole purpose of assisting African states in their liberation struggles.

With the approval of the then Supreme Military Council then, Brigadier Ibrahim Ahmed Bako(N/548) (5 March 1943-31 December,1983), from Kaduna state trained freedom fighters in Libya and Somalia.

Brigadier Ibrahim Bako led the Nigerian Army contingent that facilitated the transfer of about 100 former guerrillas from the Zimbabwean bushes (after the liberation struggle) for selection and training at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna in 1980. Those 100 former guerrillas formed the pioneer corp of the post-independence Zimbabwe National Army, leading Nigeria’s assistance to other Southern African countries like Angola and South Africa in their fight against apartheid and colonialism.

There was the South African relief fund, an offshoot of the Federal Government, established by General Olusegun Obasanjo, first headed by Dr. Aina from Kwara state and later by Evelyn Omawunmi Urhobo, which provided assistance to freedom fighters of South Africa. At that time every Federal Civil Servant was obliged to donate to the fund. Nigeria donated four rooms at the National Theatre Iganmu, Lagos to serve as operations centres for the liberation struggle in South Africa. Both the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) and the African National Congress (ANC) shared the offices then.

Dr. Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki (81), who later became the President of South Africa from 16 June 1999 to 24 September 2008, used one of those offices at Iganmu.

He was then the head of the African National Congress (ANC) in Nigeria. At that time Lagos was like the capital of freedom fighters in Africa. It is no exaggeration that we carried Africa’s burden.

In fact, a commercial street in Freetown, Sierra Leone, is today named after the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha GCFR (20 September 1943 – 8 June 1998) Continued on page 39

INIRUOWILLS Crude Christmases in the Creeks GUEST COLUMNIST

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n the same day the 26th Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP 26) earnestly kicked off in Glasgow, the first day of November 2021, an abandoned oil well in the bowels of Nembe territory in Nigeria’s Bayelsa State blasted out like a reservoir of toxic champagne, gushing throughout the duration of the global party in Scotland. From dual valves on Santa Barbara Well 1, one of many Shell Petroleum legacy wells lately handed over to the domestic operator, Aiteo, a lavish fountain of crude oil flooded the creeks onto the coastline distantly downstream for thirty-eight days running. By the time the splash stopped on 8th of December 2021, several hundred thousand barrels of petroleum had been released into the Nembe environment and a crude Christmas was assured for the creek dwellers. Two years and two COPs later – the second barely two weeks away – not an inch of the terrain has been cleaned up.

Using the Niger Delta and its epicenter, Bayelsa State, as the focal locus for this discussion, and the 1999 return to civilian rule as a cut-off, it can be safely said that four Nigerian Presidents (Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Jonathan – an indigene, and Buhari), four Bayelsa Governors (Alamieyeseigha, Jonathan – again, Sylva, and Dickson) and one institution, the Niger Delta Development Commission, have so far lost the chance to make history on the environment, beyond a few PR gimmicks. President Bola Tinubu

and Governor Douye Diri still have the opportunity to be the firsts, by dint of their incumbency in office, to seriously remedy the biggest plague of the region.

Perchance, former President Goodluck Jonathan may still enter that restitutive hall of fame if he would make the small sacrifice of investing his extraordinary post-office goodwill in attracting a solution.

But, first, back to November which is becoming an annual nightmare in the Nembe and Niger Delta Peoples’ relations with Big Oil. One November before COP 26, the chiefs of the affected kingdom, Opu Nembe, dressed in all-black regalia, addressed a widely televised national press conference: to demand justice for the oil operator’s obsession with dehumanizing the community. Two Novembers after, another kingdom of the Nembe-Ijaw People, Okpoama, home of Nigeria’s immediate past oil minister, is buffeted with oil oozing out from another abandoned, un-decommissioned, wellhead owned by another operator, a subsidiary of the national oil company, NNPC Ltd. The wellhead at Okpoama had been spilling oil for about two weeks before efforts reportedly commenced on the ground to stop the spill.

From the 2021 blowout at Santa Barbara River to the 2023 discharge at Bendick-kiri in Okpoama domain, both of which are reprises at the exact same spots, this pollution footprint presents many metaphors for social realities in Nigeria’s Delta, and for as many intersections between the themes that have marked its political-economic relations from pre-colonial times

through post-colonial Nigeria.

In December 1998, before climate change became such common parlance, a mass of Ijaw youths converged to resoundingly protest that enough was enough in the Niger Delta. Drawing a line in the sand, they bravely proclaimed an Operation Climate Change with effect from 31st December that year, to reclaim the trampled upon dignity, property and environmental rights and terminally threatened destiny of the Ijaw People within Nigeria. Like a first among equals, Oronto Natei Douglas was the face of the struggle’s leadership. Reminiscent of the American Declaration of Independence, though not an instrument of secession, the youths under the banner of a newly formed Ijaw Youths Council made the historic Kaiama Declaration, asserting the inalienable right of Ijaws to own and control the natural resources God embowelled in their land, and to manage their delicate environment in a sustainable manner that preserves it for ensuring intergenerational equity. That was to break from the unrelenting ecological destruction of the region by the Nigerian State in joint venture with the multinational oil industry, for which Royal Dutch Shell was poster boy in a fiendish bid to drill all the hydrocarbon in the Delta and leave it terminally perforated and prostrate.

Mostly in their borderline thirties then, Oronto and his comrades such as Felix Tuodolo, Isaac “Sankara” Osuoka, Bubaraye Dakolo (now a 1st Class King and author of the book The Riddle of the Oil Thief) and

other Delta eggheads, example Nnimmo Bassey and Ike Okonta, went on to emblazon the Ijaw and Niger Delta identity on global consciousness, taking the baton from Ken Saro Wiwa who with his Ogoni compatriots had resumed the freedom relay for the Delta’s ethnic nationalities in the 1990s before he was judicially murdered, one sad November too. They enacted an intellectual ferment and environmentalism movement that took them to capital cities and parliaments across the globe to voice the plight of their people in the feudalistic pretension of federalism and curious brand of republicanism practised by Nigeria. As the country’s military rulers and hurriedly arranged civilian successors failed to heed reason, more hot blooded youth leaders in the region emerged and launched a brutal militant campaign that pulverized the life blood of the national economy: oil mining.

Fast forward to December 2012. Oronto, now an Adviser to his fortuitously enthroned kinsman (President Goodluck Jonathan) had lost his dad, and the cream of the country headed to his stupendously oil-endowed hometown, Okoroba in Bayelsa State, for the funeral. I rode in a boat with some of Nollywood’s faces. As we waltzed through the undulating rivulets and contours in the creeks from Nembe to Okoroba, my co-travellers from Continued on page 39

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