THURSDAY 17TH AUGUST 2022

Senate Backs CBN on Naira Redesign After Rowdy Session Wants extension of deadline to April 30 to allow lawmakers offload cash for election Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Senate has resolved to provide legislative support to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the redesign of the N1,000, N500 and N200 naira notes.

The upper chamber made this resolution after a heated debate on a motion moved by Senator Uba Sani on CBN’s policy to redesign the three naira notes.

But majority of Senators across party lines supported the redesign

of the naira but some of them were concerned about the deadline set by the apex bank for the old notes to be deposited in commercial banks.

THISDAY gathered that call by the lawmakers for a shift in the January 31, 2023 deadline for the

old banknotes to be withdrawn from circulation, to April 2023, was to enable them offload the cash they had stockpiled for elections. THISDAY had reported on Sunday that politicians who stashed billions of naira outside

the banking system to prosecute the 2023 general election were plotting against the reintroduction and redesign of Nigeria’s currency.

These politicians, it was learnt, had mobilised the National Assembly to pass a resolution against the naira

redesign as several lawmakers may have stockpiled cash for the 2023 general election.

During the debate, lawmakers also questioned the impact of the Continued on page 10

Report: Average Remuneration of Nigerian CEOs Dropped to N332.49m in 2021... Page 5 Thursday 17 November, 2022 Vol 27. No 10082. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UTH

& R E AS O

N

Tinubu: I Can’t Islamise Nigeria If I Couldn’t Islamise My Home Says those opposed to Shettima lobbied to be VP but were rejected CAN insists on secular state, meets APC presidential hopeful Ex-Lagos governor meets private stakeholders today in Imo Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Presidential candidate of All Progres-

sives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, yesterday, gave an undertaking that he would not pursue any religious or ethnic agenda if elected president

of Nigeria.

Speaking against the backdrop of criticisms that trailed his choice of a Muslim vice presidential candidate,

Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said his choice was based on capacity, cordiality, and one who could help him win the election.

The former Lagos State governor spoke at an iinteractive session with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

He said if it was impossible for him to Islamise his home, then, he Continued on page 10

Atiku at NGE Forum, Vows to Continue Obasanjo’s Economic Policies Restates desire to privatise ailing government enterprises Says nation needs healing, vows to form government of national unity Reiterates support for resource control Upbeat about reconciling with Wike-led group Segun James Presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, promised to revive economic policies

that were implemented during the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2007, when he served as vice president, Continued on page 10

FESTIVAL OF JOY LANDLORD...

Okowa: Nigeria's Insecurity is GLO L-R: Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Debo Ogundoyin; winner in Glo Festival of Joy, Ibrahim Akindele, his mother, Mrs. Funmilayo Head of Operations, West Territory, Globacom, Mr. Akeem Yusuf, and father of the winner, Mr. Yusuf Akindele, during the presentation Result of Widening Poverty... Page33 Akindele; of the key to a three-bedroom apartment to Akindele in Ibadan… yesterday

2

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

3

4

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY, ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

5

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

NEWS

SPY CHIEFS AT THE FEC...

L-R: Director General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; Minister of Water Resources, Sulieman Adamu and Director General, DSS, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, at the Federal Executive Council meeting held at Abuja…yesterday PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI

Report: Average Remuneration of Nigerian CEOs Dropped to N332.49m in 2021 Dangote, Seplat, Julius Berger, MTN executives are top earners James Emejo in Abuja The average salary earned by chief executives of some leading companies in Nigeria dropped by -11.62 per cent to N332.49 million in 2021, compared to N376.19 million in 2020, a new report obtained yesterday revealed.

The report, “CEO Remuneration 2022: CEOs in a Post COVID Era – What Matters Most,” which ranked the executives with respect to their pay packages, was authored by Proshare.

The report stated that for 2021, there were several drastic changes in ranking as new companies emerged while some dropped from the list, causing the average salary earned by the CEOs for the year under review to decline.

Nonetheless, a large proportion of the 10 highest-paid CEOs were in the consumer goods sector even as most sectors were represented on the list.

The report revealed that the top five highly remunerated CEOs emanated from Dangote Cement, Seplat Energy, Julius Berger Nigeria, MTN, and Dangote Sugar Refinery respectively.

Also, the bottom five on the top 10 earning CEOs included Lafarge Africa, Zenith Bank Plc, Nigerian Breweries, Guinness Nigeria, and Unilever Nigeria Plc. According to the top-10 highest paid executives’ rankings, Michel Purcheros of Dangote Cement with N531 million as basic salary,

displaced the CEO of MTN, Karl Toriola from the first position, rising from third position in the previous edition.

Roger Thompson Brown of Seplat was ranked second with N475 million, while Julius Berger’s Lars Richter was third with N408.91 million.

Toriola emerged fourth with N368 million as basic salary while Ravindra Singhvi of Dangote Cement emerged fifth with N289.71 million.

According to the ranking, the top three earners - Purcheros, Brown and Ritcher - earned a combined salary of N1.41 billion, representing a -5.37 per cent decline from the N1.49 billion combined earnings of top three earners in the previous ranking.

Proshare further stated that combined earnings of the top three CEOs exceeded the N1.25 billion jointly earned by the bottom five by 162.64 million, representing an increase from preceding year's gap of N106 million.

However, the bottom five on the top 10 earning CEOs included Lafarge Africa, Zenith Bank Plc, Nigerian Breweries, Guinness Nigeria, and Unilever Nigeria Plc. Lafarge’s Khaled Abdel Aziz El Dokani was sixth on the ranking with N288.61 million, while Zenith Bank’s Ebenezar Onyeagwu earned N246 million at the seventh place.

Others were Hans Essaadi of Nigerian Breweries with N243.09 million at eighth position, Guinness’ Baker Magunda at ninth position

with N243 million and Unilever’s Carl Cruz at the 10th position with N231.57 million.

In terms of the top 10 CEOs with highest total compensation, Access Corporation’s Herbert Wigwe emerged first with N1.63 billion, followed by Seplat's Brown with N610 million, Airtel's Olusegun Ogunsanya - N590 million, Purchercos - N531 million and UAC's Folasope Aiyesimoju at N497 million.

Others were Onyeagwu - N448 million, Richter - N409 million, El Dokani - N391 million, Toriola - N368 million and BUA's Yusuf Haliru

Binji - N368 million respectively.

However, the report, quoting Christine Mui, stated: “Amid decades-high inflation, workers' wages are failing to keep pace with the rise in everyday expenses, but CEOs have not felt the same brunt."

The report noted, “Interestingly, some firms recorded an increase in the CEOs' remuneration supported by the growth in earnings, attributable to the resilience and adaptability of the business to shocks by the executives.

“The average size and the relationship of top executives' compensation with the size of

The Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mr. Niyi Adebayo and the Minister of Youths and Sports, Sunday Dare have stressed the need for Africa to leverage its diaspora remittances to boost infrastructure, innovation, trade, knowledge transfer and youth development.

They said this just as the Africa Policy Conversations (AFPC) has taken the lead to facilitate conversations across countries in the continent to drive viable and significant policy reforms, infrastructure improvements, and trade facilitation measures for the continent to realise

its full potential.

The AFPC served as a platform for constructive engagement between African youth across the continent, leading African decision-makers, and corporate executives, among others.

To consolidate on its objectives, the AFPC hosted an event recently on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, at the Nigerian Mission in New York, United States.

The event which included four sessions, featured two fireside chats with the Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Minister of Youth and Sports Development,

performance of the firms.

“Pre-pandemic, there were increases in companies' annual revenue and top CEOs' yearly remuneration. But the pandemic ushered in many uncertainties and downturns. In the year under review, the companies and CEOs had to contend with fluctuation and macroeconomic uncertainty buoyed by the restrictions associated with the pandemic. It is not unreasonable to assume that many firms would have adjusted their pay systems from the top executives to the bottom staff to meet the current realities of the economy.”

Drama as Senate Panel Members On Oil Theft Disown Report Seek probe of N500bn loan disbursed by DBN Sunday Aborisade in Abuja There was a mild drama on the floor of the Senate yesterday when members of the ad - hoc committee on oil theft, disowned report presented by their Chairman, Senator Akpan Bassey for consideration and adoption.

The Senate had on April 14, 2022, constituted a 13 - member Ad - Hoc Committee on Oil Lifting , Theft and the impact on Petroleum Production and Oil Revenues under the Chairmanship of Bassey, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream) .

Seven months after the assignment however, the committee presented its report for Senate's consideration and adoption at Senate in plenary.

The Senate panel Chairman ran into trouble when some of its members disowned the report.

The Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo - Agege who presided had noted that only six out of the 13 members signed the report presented to him.

Omo - Agege 's observation triggered open confessions by some members of the committee who out rightly disowned the report .

Adebayo, Dare, Others Urge Utilisation of Diaspora Remittances to Boost Infrastructure, Youth Devt

Oluchi Chibuzor

corporate turnovers and their profit before tax (PBT) changed in the year under review. On average, there was an increase in the pack packet of top executives of Nigerian firms, underscoring the resilience of firms to macroeconomic disruptions.

“Meanwhile, analysts faintly established changes in the compensation performance system were faintly established. Specifically, efforts were made to establish trends even though there was no exert basis for fixing the remuneration of executives, nor was there a direct empirical relationship between the executive pay and the financial

as well as two panel sessions, with the first discussing ‘Infrastructure and Growth: Developing the Critical Infrastructure for Africa’s Growth', and the second panel discussing ‘The New Economy: Realising the potentials of the Technology and Creative Economy.'

Speaking at the event, Adebayo stressed the importance of the African diaspora encouraging the transfer of knowledge and skills for mentoring, entrepreneurship development, and capacity building programmes.

The Convener and Co-founder of AFPC, Chinenye Uwanaka, emphasised the need for Africans

in the diaspora to collaborate with those on the continent to strengthen policy making and governance processes.

According to her, "Change is hard and no one can do it alone. We need to ensure that the diaspora remittances that flow into the continent are used judiciously to boost infrastructure, innovation, trade and wealth creation in Africa.

“We don’t need to rely on foreign aid. Rather, we need to find local solutions to local problems facing us.

No one is coming to save us. All the potential is in Africa and the youth need to step up courageously to harness our power and resources."

Senator Sani Musa (APC Niger East ), openly told the Senate that the six signatures attached to the report were taken from attendance list taken at the first sitting of the Committee in April .

He said, "Mr. President and Distinguished Colleagues, only three and not six members of the committee signed the report.

"As a member, I attended the first meeting along with five other Senators whose signatures were attached to the report.

"After the first meeting, I was not invited for any other meeting and I did not attend any, making this report before us today, a very strange one to me," he said.

Another member of the Committee, Senator Kashim Shettima (APC Borno Central), said as a member of the committee, he was never invited for any meeting and cannot say anything on the report being presented to the Senate for consideration and approval.

The Deputy Senate President called Senator George Sekibo as a member of the committee to give the way out of the problem.

Sekibo suggested that the report should be withdrawn for consensus among committee members between now and Monday next week for re - presentation next Tuesday at plenary .

Omo - Agege consequently put the suggestion to voice votes with majority of the Senators concurring to it .

Meanwhile, the Senate yesterday set up an ad-hoc committee to

investigate an alleged un-even disbursement of N500 billion loan by the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN).

The red chamber also urged the bank to ensure equitable disbursement of the loan in the six geo-political zones of the country.

It called on the bank to expand its loan facilities beyond the five sectors already captured by it.

He said the top five sectors considered for the loan were oil and gas (42 per cent, manufacturing (16 per cent), agriculture, forestry and fishery (7.2 per cent), trade and commerce (6.3 per cent) and transportation and storage (3.5 per cent).

The resolutions of the Senate followed its consideration of a motion titled: “Un-even disbursement of half a trillion Naira loan to six geo-political regions by Nigeria’s Development Bank.”

The motion was sponsored

by Senator Mohammed Ndume (Borno South) and co-sponsored

by Senator Mohammed Bomai (Yobe South).

Ndume in his lead debate, urged the Senate to note that there exists a huge disparity and un-even disbursement of N500 billion loan to the six geo-political regions of the country in 2021 by the Development Bank of Nigeria.

He claimed that Lagos State got 47 per cent of the loan which amounted to over N274.7 billion while all states in the North accessed only 11 per cent in the sum of over N53 billion.

THURSDAY, ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

6

NEWS

G20 SUMMIT WTO REFORM AND CHINA'S ROLE...

Director General, World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (left), with President Xi Jinping of China on the sidelines of the #G20Summit held in Bali, Indonesia…yesterday

IMF Officials Visit ICPC, Says MDAs Should Address Pervasive Corruption Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday stressed the need for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria to address issues that lead to pervasive corruption and its effects on the Nigerian economy.

This was made known when the IMF team, led by Mr. Alin Shane, paid a consultation visit to the Independent Corrupt Practices

and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) at its headquarters in Abuja.

Shane said the aim of the visit was to engage select government institutions on developments as they relate to such agencies and the country as a whole.

He said the focus on ICPC was on its role, mandate, cases and convictions, status of Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs), civil service reforms as regards ghost workers,

job descriptions as well as electronic salary payments.

The team sought to know efforts made by the commission to change the negative perception of corruption in Nigeria as well as strategies adopted to tackle corruption and the successes of such strategies.

The team also expressed their expectation that the consultation would address how the commission tackled the demand

and supply sides of corruption, procurement fraud and the handling of recovered assets.

In his response the Chairman of ICPC, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, stated that corruption was the bedrock of the nation’s underdevelopment, negative perception and economic issues, and that surveys and reports conducted in the past had been on retail corruption.

He asserted that the commission

NDDC Releases List of 2,506 Projects Completed Under Buhari Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has released a list of 2,506 projects completed in the nine states of the Niger Delta within the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari, from 2015 till 2022.

The publication was targeted at silencing critics, who were allegedly branding the Commission as a failure.

The publication, it was learnt, was part of the new transparent and accountable leadership initiated by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Umana Okon Umana.

The lists showed projects, their costs, contractors, benefitting communities, institutions and dates they were awarded to the firms.

Some of the projects undertaken by the Commission were roads, shore protection, solar water, buildings, desilting, electricity, canalisation, among others.

While road projects dominated the list, hundreds of communities were listed as beneficiaries of the projects.

The Director, Corporate Affairs, NDDC, Dr. Ibitoye Abosede, explained that the

publication was in response to an increasing demand for accountability by members of the public.

He said: "The NDDC is aware of an increasing need to be seen to be more accountable to the public and to conduct our affairs in a more transparent manner.

"Entrenching the tenets of Accountability and transparency in our activities, forms a part of the thrust of the new leadership supervised by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Obong Umana Okon Umana.

"The purpose of this publication is to give the communities where the project is located the opportunity to verify and confirm that the listed projects were actually completed."

Abosede urged the public to go through the list to help the commission hold the contractors to account, where they failed to deliver according to expectation.

He said: "We want to reassure Niger Delta stakeholders that we will continue to be accountable and transparent to the public in the conduct of our affairs.

"In addition to the project listed in this publication, the NDDC website (www NDDC. gov.ng) has a project database, which contains a comprehensive list of all the projects of the

commission from inception, 2001 till date.

"We, therefore, urge members of the public to always visit our

website, which is easily accessible to keep abreast of the commission's projects across the Niger Delta region."

was beaming its searchlight on grand corruption which had a major effect on the public sector, adding that through system review, triggers that lead to corruption were found and were significantly mitigated, which led to fishing out ghost workers and yielding significant returns for government.

Speaking on IFFs, he informed the team that the commission was the secretariat for the interagency task team on stopping IFFs, focusing on the oil and gas investment environment as well as the trade and tax sectors to curb transfer pricing, trade mis-invoiving amongst others.

He added that capacity building had been conducted to enable officials know what to look for in order to tackle issues that aid IFFs. The ICPC boss also revealed that with the commission’s mandate of public enlightenment and citizen engagement, it had, through the National Ethics and

Integrity Policy (NEIP), been able to mobilise citizens and gain their commitment in the fight against corruption.

He further stated that the commission was presently carrying out a project on behavioural change which was aimed at discouraging members of the public from tolerating and engaging in corruption and corrupt practices.

Speaking on another initiative by the commission which focused on the value-for-money component, with a focal point on the budget system by tracking how money was spent, the Chairman explained the mileage ICPC was achieving through the Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI), which is on its 5th phase.

Speaking on proceeds of crime and asset management, Owasanoye said the commission was empowered by law to seize, manage and dispose assets.

Obasanjo, Emefiele, Adesina, Nnaji Nominated for Nigeria Power Sector 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award Power minister nominated for trailblazer award Peter Uzoho Former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele; Executive Director, Sahara Group; Mr. Kola Adesina; and former Minister of Power and Founder of Geometric Power Limited/Aba Power IPP, Prof. Barth Nnaji have been nominated for the Nigeria Power Sector 2022 Lifetime Achievement Awards.

The organisers of the award also nominated the Minister of Power, Mr. Abubakar Aliyu for Nigeria Power Sector Trailblazer award.

In a statement issued last night, the organisers said the inaugural edition of the Nigeria Power Sector Awards and Cocktail event would take place on November 23, 2022, at the Abuja International

Conference Centre (AICC).

The power sector awards is a premier event newly-instituted to celebrate organisations and individuals, who have contributed to the improvements, growth, innovation, and progress in the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

According to the statement, a posthumous award would be presented to a former Chief Executive Officer of the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) and presidential adviser, late Joseph Oyeyani Makoju.

It said Leadership and Excellence Award in the power sector will be presented to Special Adviser to the President on Infrastructure, Mr. Ahmad Zakari.

However, the nominees for Thermal Power Generation Company of the Year award included NAOC Okpai IPP, Azura

Power West Africa, and Transcorp Power (Ughelli Power Station).

The organisers also nominated North South Power Company Limited (Kainji), Mainstream Energy Limited (Jebba), NorthSouth Power Limited (Shiroro) and MABON Dadin-Kowa Hydro Dam for the Hydroelectric Power Generation Company of the Year.

For the Electricity Distribution Company of the Year category, Ikeja Electric, Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, Eko Electricity Distribution Company, and Abuja Electricity Distribution Company were nominated.

The Most Gender Diverse Utility Company of the Year has Kaduna Electric, Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, Niger Delta Power Holding Company, and Ikeja Electric as nominees.

For the Gas Supply Company of

the Year category, they nominated Axxela Limited, Seplat Plc, Shell Nigeria Gas, Accugas/Savannah Energy, and Nigerian Gas Marketing Company while the Independent Power Producer (Captive) category has the Axxela Limited, Genesis Energy Limited, Viathan Engineering Ltd and Ossiomo IPP Edo State as nominees.

The Metering Company of the Year category has MOJEC International Limited, Protogy Global Services Ltd, Switch Electric Ltd, Sabrud Consortium Nigeria Limited and Conlog Meter Solutions Nigeria as nominees.

According to the organisers of the award, despite challenges, the power sector has achieved some level of growth and improvements across the entire value chain worth celebration in order to motivate the award winners and others to do more.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

7

THURSDAY, ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

8

NEWS

AT TRUMP'S DAUGHTER'S WEDDING...

Magnus Onyibe (R) with the 45th president of the USA, former President Donald Trump, with his wife Melania Trump in the background, during the wedding ceremony between Tiffany Trump and Micheal Boulos in his Mar'a-Lago, Palm Beach, Florida,USA…last week

Obasanjo: It’s Not Too Much to Ask for Devolution of Power

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, while playing host to the leaders of the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), said some of the ongoing agitations in the country were demands precipitated by the need for devolution of power.

Obasanjo, who pledged to work for the growth and development of the Southwest region, explained that it was just getting to his understanding that what some the agitators wanted was simply devolution of powers in disguise.

"When I interviewed 12 persons on their understandings of what restructuring is all about, what I got was different from the 12 persons. Some said, they wanted 3, 4 regions and some said they wanted 12 states. But, in all, I got to understand that all they were asking for was devolution of powers and this is not too much to ask for,” he said.

In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo called for truthfulness, sincerity, unity, decency, diligence and bluntness on issues at all times.

The elders, led by Chief Ajibade

Oyekan met the former President at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Penthouse residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

Obasanjo, while reacting to the remarks of the new chairman of the Council, said youth development, with education, but without required skills to provide for empowerment and employment would not bring the desired results.

"This youth we are talking about have education, but, they have no skills. And, education without skills in this age and time is nothing.

This skill is what we know as ise owo (handwork) and they are also talking about internet age. If we fail to give them these skills and we are blaming them, that will not be right.

"An individual is planning to bring 30 young persons today. They called them ‘Areas boys(girls)’. I was impressed, because these people are used by politicians and if we have individuals doing this, such person deserves support in whatever form to bring these people out from their situation," he said.

The new YCE leader, had listed youth reorientation, agriculture, Yoruba agitation and culture as among issues asked to be tabled

before the statesman.

Other members of the council on the visit were Secretary-General YCE, Chief Dipo Oyewole, Ekerin

Osunlabu (Chairman), YCE Ogun State, Otunba Akindele (National Treasurer), Elder Sontan, Princess Bamigboye (State Secretary) YCE

by FTX users to withdraw their assets. The exodus came amid a plunge in the digital coins issued by the exchange, and after BankmanFried took to Twitter to counter the circulation of “unfounded rumors.”

As part of the bankruptcy filings, John J. Ray III was appointed as the new chief executive of FTX Group.

Ray previously served senior roles in bankruptcies -- including Enron Corp.

“The regulatory community ought to draw two lessons from this” episode, said Summers, a Harvard University professor and paid contributor to Bloomberg Television.

First is the need for “more forensic accountants” to help detect issues at both the corporate and national level, he said. Second, there should be a rule for “everything that touches

(Oyo state) Chief Engr. Ogunlade (Oyo State), Chief E. O. Fadipo (YCE Lagos) and Oba Olufemi Ogunleye, who facilitated the visit.

Adesina: Uncoordinated Execution of Power Sector Plans to Blame for Electricity Supply Deficit Gets NSE fellowship in Abuja Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Group Managing Director of Sahara Group, Kola Adesina, has blamed the uncoordinated implementation of power sector strategies as partly responsible for the inability to achieve sufficiency in electricity supply nationwide.

Speaking when he received the fellowship award of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in Abuja, the Sahara Group boss stated that industry players were used to working in silos, thereby hobbling the ability to see the sector as a full value chain.

He stressed that it was unac-

ceptable that a country of over 200 million persons could only generate and transmit about 4,500MW to its citizens.

Describing the situation as appalling despite the country having some of the best brains worldwide, he argued that this excellence must be translated to making the sector work in Nigeria.

He dedicated the NSE recognition to the over 5,000 staff of Sahara Group, including those of Egbin power, Ikeja Electric, First Independent Power and others, explaining that without reliable power , there is no way the economy can grow. “ In Nigeria today, we have over

‘FTX Meltdown Has ‘Whiffs’ of Enron-Like Scandal, Says Former Treasury Secretary Former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers called for an expansion in the number of forensic accountants -- though not necessarily an increase in regulation - in the wake of the meltdown in Sam Bankman-Fried’s crypto empire.

“A lot of people have compared this to Lehman. I would compare it to Enron,” Summers told Bloomberg Television’s “Wall Street Week” with David Westin.

“The smartest guys in the room.

Not just financial error but -- certainly from the reports -- whiffs of fraud.”

Stadium namings very early in a company’s history. Vast explosion of wealth that nobody quite understands where it comes from.”

The FTX.com crypto exchange, along with trading firm Alameda Research Ltd. recently filed for bankruptcy in the wake of a race

Ogun State and Elder Dolapo Bakreen.

There were also Alhaji Bolatito, Dr. Dosunmu, Alhaji Adegboyega

finance” that people in positions of responsibility take a week or two off each year, disconnected from their work. Other observers have pointed out that individuals engaged in financial malfeasance need constant monitoring of their positions to keep problems hidden “This is probably less about the complexities of the nuances of the rules of crypto regulation” than it is about classic financial fraud, Summers said.

Amid FTX’s collapse last week, its founder and CEO, Sam BankmanFried (SBF) rapidly transformed from a crypto industry icon and so-called “savior” into an ignominious figure, responsible for potentially billions of dollars’ worth of customer losses. He has apparently lost his whole fortune in the process, as well.

The implosion of BankmanFried’s cryptocurrency exchange had already cost customers billions of dollars in lost crypto deposits, setting off law-enforcement investigations that could lead to criminal charges, the New York Times had reported.

But the full impact of FTX’s dramatic collapse was only beginning to take shape. In his relatively short time as a multibillionaire, BankmanFried built up an astonishingly broad business empire, with investments in dozens of smaller crypto firms and partnerships with businesses as varied as Anthony Scaramucci’s investment firm SkyBridge Capital and the N.B.A.’s Miami Heat. He also became an influential Democratic Party donor, promising to spend as much as $1 billion during the 2024 election cycle.

200 million people, but appallingly, we are able to only dispense just about 4500 megawatts of electricity.

Without electricity there can't be a digital economy. Without electricity you cannot communicate, without electricity, there’s no agriculture and without electricity, the quality of life will be boring.

“The quantum of energy in the system today is absolutely insufficient for our population. Our population is growing phenomenally, whereas the infrastructure that needs to deliver the key services to serve as the engine to grow the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is lagging behind.

“There is a need for each and every one of us to go deeper into our minds and search for solutions that will help electrify Nigeria.

The whole world is looking at us and wondering why we are in this situation. Why we can't have light,” he stressed.

Noting that the award signified a mandate to do more, Adesina vowed that Sahara Group and its partners cannot afford to fail in the onerous task of supplying Nigerians stable power supply.

“The missing link has always been the fact that a lot of times people think in silos in Nigeria, they think just transmission alone, and they work on transmission, then you realise that generation is not there. And they work on generation and discover distribution is not catching up.

“Now it's a value chain for a reason. And the reason is simply put, the fact that everything must work together. We have a population that is growing, infrastructure must grow and infrastructure must exceed the people and that is when a society that plans really always

has it easy,” he noted.

According to him, Nigeria must get the gas availability issue resolved and begin to execute plans with the entire sector in mind.

In terms of funding, he explained that Nigeria has more than enough capacity, but said the money isn't coming in because the market design today is not in any way encouraging or stimulating for investors to come in since they are not charitable ventures.

He argued that if the market design is done appropriately, and government is less present in that space, there will be more inflow of resources and funding to resolve the problem.

He maintained that if other nations that are not as big as Nigeria can supply 24 hours of electricity , there is no excuse why Nigeria should be lagging behind.

“One of the things I find a bit discouraging is that some of us go to schools in all these places. We go to Harvard, we go to Oxford, we go to Cambridge, and we're best in class. “ So why are we not using the talent to be able to resolve the problems we have in Nigeria? It is a question we all must find a way to answer. There is a missing link. And the missing link for me has always been, unfortunately, that we need to start to have an appropriate mind-set in Nigeria to unlock the potential of Nigeria,” he said.

Stressing that there’s a huge critical infrastructure gap in Nigeria, Adesina stated that execution has always been the missing link in Nigeria, explaining that although there are abundance of documents and great orators, implementation remains the weak link.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

9

THURSDAY, ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

10

TEN

2023: EU Says 80% of Activities Will Be on Gender Inclusion

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

In closing gender gaps and ensuring that women, girls and others with vulnerabilities are carried along in all sectors of the economy, the European Union (EU) has revealed that 80 per cent of its programmes would contribute towards gender empowerment in Nigeria.

Similarly, the United States government has pledged to work with local non-governmental organisations towards ensuring

that women and girls are protected from all forms of violence in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

Speaking at the first Gender Inclusion Summit with the theme: "Connecting the dots for a gender inclusive society," which was organised by the Policy Innovation Centre and the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, the Deputy Head of the EU to Nigeria, Alexandre Borges- Gomes, said allowing women and girls to fulfil their potentials was servicing two- third of the entire population.

He said killing of stereotypes often disguised as culture was what society must keep an eye on, as the EU had concluded plans in working towards ending sexual and gender-based violence, equal participation and leadership for women, educating girls and empowering women among others.

"Less than 50 per cent of women have paid jobs as of 2021 as against 76 per cent for the men. In 2025, 80 per cent of EU activities should contribute to gender empowerment.

The EU is working towards ending

sexual and gender-based violence, educating girls and empowering women.

"In gender inequality, Nigeria is amongst the highest in the world with a position of 139 out of 149.

It is yet to reach it potential in harnessing the potential of women and girls.”

In her keynote address, the US ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, said come 2030, the vision would be to see that Nigeria has made sustainable progress in SDG 2,3 and 5.

She said so far, statistics showed that women were 22 per cent less than men in the labour force and with gender norms shifting with women at 47.9 and 59.6 per cent for women and men respectively.

In terms of school participation, Leonard said 58 per cent of girls were in school as against 74 per cent for boys and regretted that that many of the girls leave schools without completion.

To stem the tide, she stressed the need to boost girls’ interest and participation in Science,

Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in order to advance their career and fulfil their dreams, thereby becoming role models for younger girls and women.

"Women participation in politics is essential and Nigeria sets the tone for the rest of the continent.

Representation of wen is poor with only 4 percent in elective positions.

We will work with local NGOs to protect women and girls from violence during the elections," she said.

comments at a session with the Lagos Business School Alumni Association on Tuesday.

He stated, “It is rather unfortunate that a section of the media reported my remarks at an event yesterday, which casts doubts on my readiness to implement my restructuring agenda.

“Let me, therefore, use the opportunity of this gathering today with the gatekeepers of the Nigerian media to say that my restructuring agenda is intact and it will be implemented from my first day in office.

“Already, I have received report from a team of constitutional law experts, which I assembled to look into our constitution and highlight areas where there are items that can be moved to the concurrent and residual lists of the constitution.

“Let me tell you that I will start work on the implementation of that report from my very first day in office if I am elected president next year.”

In his remarks, Governor of Sokoto State and Director General of the Atiku National Campaign Management Committee (NCMC) for the 2023 elections, Aminu Tambuwal, said the former vice

president was prepared to hit the ground running if elected.

Tambuwal said electing Atiku would ensure Nigeria was in safe hands.

Speaking earlier, President of NGE, Mustapha Issa, said the editors’ forum was designed to give opportunity to various candidates to present their policies to the electorate before the election.

Issa advised all the candidates in the 2023 election to avoid mudslinging and attack on personality. He urged them to concentrate on issues that could promote the future of the country.

Present at the forum were Chairman, PDP Campaign Council, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State; former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; Timi Alaibe; Alhaji Muktar Shagari; Mazi Sam Ohunabunwa; Hon. Ndidi Elumelu; Dr. Raymond Dokpesi; Dele Momodu; Liyel Imoke; Alhaji Mohammed Hayatudeen; Managing Director of THISDAY Newspapers, Mr. Eniola Bello; and PDP governorship candidate for Lagos State, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, among others.

ATIKU AT NGE FORUM, VOWS TO CONTINUE OBASANJO’S ECONOMIC POLICIES if elected president next year.

Specifically, he said he would encourage increased private sector investment to stimulate economic activities, promote job creation, and give attention to poverty alleviation.

The former vice president made the assertions in Lagos during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).

Atiku said his administration would work closely with the private sector to fix the country’s infrastructure deficit. He restated his favourable disposition to resource control by endowed sub-national units, and said he remained optimistic about reconciliation with fellow party man and governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike.

Atiku stated, “The private sector is pivotal to my agenda to rejuvenate the economy and close our infrastructure deficit gaps. If I am elected president, I will work closely with the private sector by giving them incentives to create more jobs and also grant them tax holidays in order for them to intervene in our infrastructure development.

“It is obvious to all that government doesn’t have all the money and the debt burden has continued to weigh us down. Therefore,

government has to be creative and engaging the private sector is one way of solving our infrastructure problems in a sustainable way.”

The PDP candidate said his first job, as president if elected, would be restructuring. He restated his commitment to ensuring that necessary constitutional amendments that would cause a transfer of more powers and resources to other tiers of government were activated on his first day in office, if elected.

He also pledged to form a government of national unity.

Atiku stated that in the last few years, the country had been polarised along sectarian, religious and ethnic lines, hence, only a government of national unity would heal the wound.

Commenting further on his plan for a government of national unity, Atiku said what the PDP government did under the Obasanjo administration, when members of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and All Peoples Party (APP) were included in the government after the PDP won the election in 1999, paved the way for reconciliation and unity after a tense period.

"Even though PDP won overwhelmingly in 1999, we still included members of the opposition parties in a government of national

unity and with that, we were able to ensure unity," he said.

Atiku declared that he would not behave like President Muhammadu Buhari, who picked almost all the heads of security agencies from a section of the country, saying if he becomes the president, he will ensure that every geo-political zone has a sense of belonging and is represented in the headship of the security agencies.

On the economy, he said he would continue with the economic policies Obasanjo implemented, particularly, the privatisation of ailing public enterprises.

Atiku stressed the importance of a private sector-driven economy, saying the greatest economies in the world are private-sector focused.

"Most successful economies allow the private sector to play its role and we saw prosperity during Obasanjo’s administration," he said.

He said rather than borrowing money to build roads and bridges, government could concession such to the private sector, which would help create the needed jobs and prosperity.

On how he would improve the security situation in the country, Atiku said he would ensure more recruitment of personnel, purchase more equipment, train

SENATE BACKS CBN ON NAIRA REDESIGN AFTER ROWDY SESSION redesign of the naira note on the economy and if it will help reduce the inflation rate and the dwindling value of the naira.

Sani had in the prayers to his motion urged the Senate to provide legislative support for the policy.

He also urged the red chamber to mandate his Committee to embark on aggressive oversight on the matter In addition, Sani urged the Senate to support the CBN naira redesign policy including the deadline fixed by the banking sector regulator for compliance.

CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele had on October 26, announced a redesign of the currency in the variation of N200, N500 and N1,000. The CBN governor, who pointed out that the change was sequel to the approval of the president, had said circulation of the new banknotes would commence on December 15, 2022.

He had said the development was also aimed at checking the increasing ease and risk of currency counterfeiting evidenced by several security reports, and the increased risk to financial stability as well as the worsening shortage of clean and fit currency, with the attendant negative perception of the central bank.

In support of the initiative, President Muhammadu Buhari last week declared that his government would not go back on it and gave the central bank its backing.

However, at the National Assembly yesterday, the rowdy session started when senators Ali Ndume, Abiodun Olujimi, Betty Apiafi, Barau Jibrin, Chukwuka Utazi, and Orji Uzor Kalu, supported the CBN policy but suggested the extension of the deadline for compliance.

Kalu specifically wanted the Senate to invite Emefiele to throw more light on the policy while he should be persuaded to extend the deadline to April 30, 2023.

But Senator Gabriel Suswan disagreed with Kalu and others

claiming that the CBN Governor had always shunned the Senate invitations.

He urged his colleagues to ignore the CBN policy.

In his contribution, Senator Bassey Akpan stressed the need to support the CBN Governor. He said there should be no discussion on the matter.

Suswan and Akpan's submissions did not go down well with those seeking the extension of the deadline and the chamber turned rowdy.

It took the persistent appeals by the presiding officer, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege to resolve normalcy after 10 minutes of hot arguments among the senators.

Omo-Agege said it was the prerogatives of the CBN to redesign the naira and put deadline for compliance.

The Senate after the rowdy session offered to provide legislative support for the policy. It also mandated the Senate Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions to go on oversight.

Senator Ali Ndume had earlier said there were only five banks in the entire 27 local government areas in Borno State since the insurgency started in the state.

On her part, Senator Abiodun Olujimi, said one and half month was too short to withdraw all the money in circulation to avoid shutting down the economy.

She said the Senate should invite the CBN Governor for further explanation on the issue.

Also, Senator Betty Apiafi said rural banking had been shut down hence the January deadline should be extended.

She said countering wasn't enough to change the naira.

She said the implications of the redesign should be criticality examined in view of the fact that bandits have said they would be collecting ransom I'm foreign

currencies.

Senator Barau Jibrin, said the naira redesign cannot on its own halt terrorism, but could only reduce it.

Senator Chukwuka Utazi said because of the rural nature of the country, the leadership of the Senate should interface with the CBN Governor.

Utazi urged the CBN to visit all rural communities to get first-hand information.

On his part, Kalu, suggested the extension of the deadline from January 31 to April 31 and that the Committee on Banking and Finance should meet with the CBN Governor on the matter.

Sani's motion was titled: "Redesign of the New Naira Notes by the CBN: A Call for Legislative Support."

The motion read: "Notes that currency management is a key function of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the integrity of the Naira and efficient supply of banknotes are indicators of a performing central bank, especially in predominantly cash-based economies such as Nigeria; "Notes also that in recent times, currency management in Nigeria has faced series of challenges that have affected the ability of the CBN to efficiently carry out its mandate of issuing legal tender (i.e., provision of an adequate volume of clean banknotes in the right denominational mix for members of the public); "Concerned that these challenges will continue to grow in scale, with attendant consequences on CBN and Nigeria’s reputation, if left unaddressed; "Aware that these challenges are primarily centred around the wholesale hoarding of Naira banknotes by members of the public. Available statistics show that cash outside banks consist of over 80 per cent of Currency-In -Circulation (CIC).”

more personnel, and commit more funds to the security agencies.

He also declared his support for state police, and promised to include more women in governance, saying PDP included more women when it was in government, compared with current the All Progressives Congress (APC) federal administration.

Atiku stressed that he had been an apostle of resource control, devolution of power, and restructuring, even when the north was not favourably disposed to them.

He disclosed that he had assembled a pool of constitutional lawyers to help him put together legislation that would be forwarded to the National Assembly to facilitate the necessary amendments to the constitution to ensure restructuring.

On the lingering crisis within the PDP, Atiku assured his audience that it would soon be resolved, describing it as a family affair.

"Talks are going on. It is a family issue and we regard it as such.

We will resolve our family issue very soon," he said.

The PDP presidential candidate, however, pointed out that it was unfortunate that a section of the media chose to misinterpret his

TINUBU: I CAN’T ISLAMISE NIGERIA IF I COULDN’T ISLAMISE MY HOME could not Islamise the country. He added that some of those opposed to his choice of running mate in APC had lobbied for the position but were rejected.

But CAN insisted on policy that would address the crisis of development in the country, including such issues as state police or fully decentralised police authority, clear and unambiguous religious neutrality of the Nigerian state, enforcement of fundamental rights of all Nigerians, as well as economic and social rights.

Tinubu will be in Owerri, the Imo State capital, today, to speak to an audience of private sector drivers, comprising investors, manufacturers, traders, among others, preparatory to his main campaign in the state in the coming days.

Laying the template for his discussion with CAN, Tinubu said, "I did not choose Senator Shettima so that we could form a same faith ticket. The ticket was constructed as a same progressive and people-based ideology ticket.

"I offer a confession. I selected Senator Shettima thinking more about who would best help me govern. Picking a Christian running mate would have been politically easier. But the easy way is rarely the right one. The selection of a running mate is at once a very momentous yet very intimate decision."

Lashing out at his critics, especially, those from his party, who were against his choice of Muslim-Muslim ticket, Tinubu said some of them lobbied profusely for the vice presidential position but were rejected by him.

While seeking to address the fears of Christians regarding threats to Nigeria’s secularity by the APC presidency, Tinubu said both his family background and track record as governor could bail him out as someone, who was not biased.

He stated, "As governor of Lagos, I partnered the Christians to improve lives and foster education.

For instance, I returned mission

schools to their owners, most of who are Christians. I instituted yearly Christian Denomination Service at the governor’s residence as we approached the New Year.

This tradition continues in Lagos.

"More importantly, we fostered an atmosphere of religious tolerance and inter-faith collaboration. My cabinet was diverse and talented. In the exercise of government, I did not give a thought to whether a team member was Christian or Muslim, Yoruba, Igbo or Arewa."

Tinubu said he had never lent himself to baseless prejudice and discrimination, adding, "To do so would be a recipe for failure in the governance of a diverse society and I am not a man that is familiar with failing.

"I never chased people out of Lagos nor made them feel unwanted.

Under my administration, Lagos welcomed all comers and continues to do so today."

He used the opportunity to highlight some of his achievements as governor of Lagos State.

The former governor described the rumour that he and his running mate, Shettima, had a hidden plot to suppress the Christian community as untrue and unfortunate.

According to him, "I can no more suppress the Christians of this nation than I can suppress the Christians in my own household, my very family. You all know my wife is Christian and a pastor. My children are Christians. I can no more disown them and their choice of faith than I can disown myself.”

He stated that as a husband and father to Christian wife and children, hearing such allegations was hurtful.

On the demand by a member of CAN’s strategy committee, Sam Amadi, that he should respond point by point to the issues raised in the CAN Charter for Future Nigeria, the APC candidate said he would rather reply to them later.

"Let me look at those things and

provide answers to them, if there are remaining questions, I will try as much as possible to send you an addendum," he said.

However, CAN president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the idea of the interaction was to review the understanding of "the Nigerian crisis of development and governance and collectively find a lasting solution".

Okoh said CAN insisted on its Charter for Future Nigeria, which tried to highlight salient issues bedevilling the country. He added that the charter started with a diagnosis of Nigeria’s problem and located it primarily in an incoherent constitutional and institutional framework that defined governance and social and economic interactions in Nigeria.

"For avoidance of doubt, we present the policy that would address the crises of development in Nigeria as follows: state police or fully decentralised police authority, clear and unambiguous religious neutrality of the Nigerian state, enforcement of fundamental rights of all Nigerians, including economic and social rights, restructuring to decentralise governance, equitable and enforceable sharing of executive positions,” the CAN president said.

Other demands made by CAN included the fact that there should be ethnic and religious representation in the military and security agencies and self-determination for all Nigerian people.

In addition, CAN maintained its no stand to RUGA, insisting that ranching is the only way to ensure peace among communities. It said there should be no open grazing but rather a modernisation of animal husbandry and local control of the local economy, including waters, rivers, and forests.

CAN said it was resolute on the creation of a new constitutional order on the basis of equality, justice, and Continued on Page 35

THURSDAY, ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

11

NEWS

TINUBU VISITS CAN...

L-R: Senate Chief Whip, Sen. Orji Kalu; Wife of APC presidential candidate, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu; President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr. Daniel Okoh; APC vice presidential candidate, Kashim Shettima and Speaker House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, during Tinubu's interactive meeting with officials of CAN in Abuja...yesterday PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN

Floods: Drama as Southern Lawmakers Accuse NEMA of Favoritism in Relief Materials’ Distribution Insist southern states yet to feel impact Bemoan absence of local govts, MDAs at ecological fund probe NEMA says N112bn expended in 11yrs, declares 2022 flood disaster worst in history Senate wants FG to fix damaged federal roads with N500bn from service wide vote

Sunday Aborisade and Udora Orizu in Abuja A slight drama played out yesterday during a public hearing organised by members of the House of Representatives Committee on Ecological Fund, investigating the total consolidated accruals and utilisation of the fund.

The lawmakers at the resumed hearing expressed displeasure when the Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ahmed Mustapha, told them that the agency following the flood disaster reached out to and responded to over 1,427,370 displaced persons in all the states

of the federation and the FCT. This was just as the Senate yesterday urged the federal government to spend N500 billion from the Service Wide Vote to rehabilitate federal roads destroyed by the recent flooding which ravaged most part of the country.

Continuing, Mustapha also said the provision of food and non-food items for immediate relief and building materials to facilitate long term rehabilitation of the impacted population was still ongoing.

However, expressing displeasure over the statement, Hon. Oghuma Johnson (APC, Edo), accused the agency of favouring a particular

region of the country in their relief materials distribution selection process.

The lawmaker before walking out of the sitting, told the DG that he was partial and the impact of his agency’s distribution claims yet to be seen or felt in his constituency and Edo state as a whole.

Johnson said, "In the whole of my area, we do not have any assembly members and you said you informed assembly members from my state and I am here. It is my own federal constituency that is swallowed up by the flood. I moved a motion concerning my federal constituency and that is the only way they communicate

to you.

“I do not have any personal relationship with you. I don't have to ask you for anything because I do not need anything from you.

"For my people, they are part of Nigeria and I want to put it to you that you people were not appointed to be partial. You swore an oath before you took your office. The way you treat some of us from this area, is that the same way you are treating other people?

“I am bitter because of the way you have abandoned these people. My state is never recognised.

You have never done anything in Edo State and you call yourself NEMA. Is NEMA not Nigeria? Is

ASUU: FG Insists on No Work, No Pay Says lecturers got paid for work they did Declares no agreement has been reached with union Advisory council member disagrees with ASUU over Ngige's role Deji Elumoye and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The federal government yesterday insisted on implementing the ‘no work no pay’ policy notwithstanding the Academic Staff Union of Universities’ (ASUU) protests against alleged incomplete payment of the October, 2022 salary to its members.

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, made the federal government’s position on the renewed face-off with ASUU known after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, at the State House, Abuja.

Reporters had asked the Minister to comment on the insistence by the public universities' lecturers to embark on a work-free-day in protest of the federal government’s decision to pay its members pro-rata, accusing government of attempting to turn university lecturers to ‘casual workers’.

Responding, Adamu said, “the strike has been called off and the government has paid them what is due to them. I think that's the position of the government. It is not going to pay anyone for work not done and they only did and I think that’s the number of days that they were paid."

He denied the allegation that university lecturers were being turned into casual workers by the payment saying: “How can anybody make a university lecturer a casual… Do you know the meaning of casual worker? If you know the meaning of the casual worker, it is impossible to make a university lecturer a casual worker.”

Asked if the federal government was willing to take steps to assuage the ASUU and stave off possible strike action, the Minister said “I don’t understand, is there any problem now?”

When informed that the lecturers were planning work-free-day, he said “Oh? Okay, I'm not aware. I'm not aware. That they are going on

strike? No, nobody has told me.

“So let's wait till the work-freeday comes, then I'll find out the details and we'll discuss, you can ask me then, but at the moment, I'm telling you honestly, I do not know that there is a problem”.

Asked to respond to the claim by ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodoke, that the union only had an agreement with the Minister of Education and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and not with the Minister of Labour and Employment, Adamu said “I cannot add any light on something that I did not know.

“And since they said they have no business with the Minister, did they show you the agreement? Well, I'm not aware that there's any agreement between us”, he said.

Meanwhile, a former Director of Skills and Certification at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. Ibrahim Jibia has disagreed with ASUU and a section of the press over the role of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator

Chris Ngige in conciliating the lingering disagreement between the federal government and the lecturers’ union.

In a statement in Abuja, yesterday, Jibia, a labour relations expert, and member of the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) absolved Ngige of blame over the eight months strike and faulted allegations by ASUU that the Minister was destroying the university system.

Reflecting on the trajectory of the now suspended strike, Jibia said the Minister took every step to ensure early resolution of the dispute through social dialogue and blamed ASUU’s inconsiderate demands and uncompromising stand for the collapse of conciliation and the consequent resort to the National Industrial Court.

He said, “ASUU commenced action on February 14, 2022 and the Minister promptly apprehended it by convening conciliation on February 22 in line with section 18 of the Trade Disputes Act.

it a regional organisation?"

Corroborating Johnson statement, the Committee Chairman Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka (APC, Ogun), said, "Everything starts and ends at your table. Nobody is asking for any special favour. But what you are doing if they (lawmakers) are carried along, the pressure on them will lessen.

“And I am telling that here as we are seated here, there are three members from Ogun State here, including I as the Chairman of this committee."

Also, Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga (APC, Ogun) said she had written twice to the agency with regards to issues in her state and constituency, saying not once has anyone called her back.

While saying she has issues with the way the agency was being run, the lawmaker, claimed that not once did they get any information with regards to what NEMA was doing in the whole of that south-west.

Meanwhile, the DG giving details of consolidated accruals and ecological fund utilisation from 2011 - 2022, explained that the sum of N112, 137, 641, 074.17 was expended in disaster management activities across the country.

He, however, noted that unlike other appropriated funds, balances from ecological funds are usually rolled over to the next fiscal year.

For the 2010 expenditure, the NEMA DG said the documents could not be sighted as they were vandalised during the #EndSARS protests and police extract to that effect has been obtained.

While lamenting that the 2022 flood disaster was the worst flood disaster in the recorded history, the DG added that it was by far more devastating than the 2012 flood which was hitherto considered unprecedented in the history of Nigeria.

He said, "as predicted, the 2022 flood hit the country with devastating consequences, impacted thousands of communities and wreaked havoc in all the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT. “A total of 612 persons lost their lives, 3,219,780 persons were

affected, 1,427,370 persons were displaced and 2,776 others suffered various degrees of injuries. A total of 181,600 houses were partially damaged and 123,807 houses were totally damaged.

“A total of 176,852 hectares of farmland were partially destroyed while 392,300 hectares of farmland got totally destroyed as a result of the floods.

"In line with committee’s request number three of the letters aforementioned, fine copies of audited accounts and financial statements for the year 2010 to 2020 audited

by Messrs Razak Kadiri and Co, Chartered Accountants and Tijani Isa and Co, Chartered Accountants.

The 2021 audited accounts report is still being finalized by Tijani Musa Isa and Co and would be made available as soon as it is concluded."

Earlier, the Committee Chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka frowned at the absence of Ministries Departments and Agencies of federal government and Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) at the probe to defend the amount they received and how it was spent.

He specifically bemoaned the absence of Ministries of Health and Niger Delta Affairs despite being major beneficiaries.

Flood: Senate Wants FG to Fix Damaged Federal Roads with N500bn From Service Wide Vote

In a related development, the Senate yesterday urged the federal government to spend N500 billion from the Service Wide Vote to rehabilitate federal roads destroyed by the recent flooding which ravaged most part of the country.

The red chamber said the rehabilitation should be undertaken by the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency.

The Senate made the appeal following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Bassey Gershom Henry from Cross River South.

Continues online

12

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

13

14

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

15

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022

16

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE

POLITICS

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com (08033025611 SMS ONLY)

Imansuangbon: Why Atiku Remains Best Option for 2023

Prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo state, Kenneth Imansuangbon, tells Adibe Emenyonu that out of all the political parties’ presidential candidates, PDP’s Atiku Abubakar, has all it takes to lead Nigeria after President Muhammadu Buhari

A

nother election is around the corner to elect a new president by February 2023.

Who among the presidential candidates do you think will carry the day from your own assessment?

This election is not about Tinubu, it is not about Atiku, neither is it about Obi. It is an election for Nigerians. Who will carry the day is Atiku Abubakar, Atiku is prepared.

For 30 years he has been wanting to be president. He already has the blue print. It is not just a wake up thing that one person will just come up to say he wants to be president.

Besides, he is psychologically, emotionally and spiritually prepared to serve now as president. Even now, the mood of the country supports Atiku’s candidacy.

Secondly, Atiku is exposed and experienced. Thirdly, he is a man of courage who will not be afraid to take the decisions for the good of the country.

Again, he is somebody who can assemble a team. We saw what he did as vice president under President Olusegun Obasanjo. Then our economy was one of the best in the world and Africa.

He was head of the Economic Team. Since that era, the economy has been down.

So economically, Atiku knows what to do.

He is from the private sector as well as one who has experience of how the presidency is run.

He knows the right doors to knock at the right time and the keys. What this means is that from day one, he will hit the ground running. The country is sick and cannot afford to have a neophyte to lead the country and build infrastructure.

Atiku is one who will give us a true federal structure and reset the agenda for

We saw what happened when President Buhari handed the party flag to him at Eagle Square, he couldn’t hold it and the President had to assist him to hold the party flag.

Imansuangbon

the economy and make our borders safe. We need a man who is experienced and whose name will open doors for the country; one who will not be intimidated and confused on how to run the country effectively.

If you put another candidate there, from day one, he will fall sick and go to London for treatment. Am sorry to say, you know one presidential candidate is sick even though I am not his doctor but he is a sick man. A man who cannot hold the flag of his party firmly, am afraid if made president cannot hold the future of his country effectively.

Giving the political arrangement between North and South, a northerner by next year would have finished eight years, don’t you think it is wrong for the PDP to have fielded Atiku?

It is turn of the North in the sense that since 1999 to date, the South have had the presidency more than the North. Yar’Adua did just two and half years. Add that to Buhari eight years is 10 and half years. But Obasanjo did eight years and Jonathan almost six years equal 14 years. So let the North complete their turn. Even if it is the turn of the South, definitely, the South West have no business contesting. It should have been either the South East or the South South.

Therefore, it is wrong for someone to say ‘Emilokan’. Why would someone even say it is his turn. Turn to do what? Sincerely speaking, if it is 10 or 20 years ago, well and fine if that should be the argument. So equity and justice demand that the North should complete their turn.

Saying the North should complete their tenure, don’t you think the turn of the South would have been taken should Atiku win and spend another eight years?

If Atiku wins and spend eight years, it will be the turn of the South. So the South should wait for their turn.

What if he fails to win the election?

Atiku will win

What gives you the confidence?

This is because there is no candidate that matches his credentials.

Talking about credentials, he is the least qualified among the top four candidates like Obi, Tinubu and Kwakwanso.

Atiku’s credentials are insurmountable.

When I talk about credentials, am not referring to paper qualifications but ability to bring people together, assemble the right team from across the country and give everyone a sense of belonging.

Presently, we have cries of marginalisation and nepotism from different groups against the present administration. So, I assure you that when Atiku comes in, all this will be a thing of the past.

Obi is a social media president. Election is not based on social media but on reality.

The mode of the country cannot produce Obi. I must tell you his time is futuristic. But Atiku’s time is now. Obi is for the future.

What do you mean that the mood of the country does not support other candidates but Akitu?

Today, there is insecurity everywhere.

There is economic downturn, education at its lowest ebb, nepotism and lopsidedness in appointments.

And you think Atiku is the only one who can fix all these?

Atiku I bet you is the only candidate who can solve these problems. Tinubu and Obi lack the knowledge.

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

Ibokette: I Will End PDP’s Dominance in Akwa Ibom In this interview with Gboyega Akinsanmi, Akwa Ibom North East senatorial candidate of African Democratic Congress, Dr (Mrs) Victoria Ibokette, talks about challenges facing female political actors in the country, her programmes of action and prospect of winning the senatorial contest despite her travail in politics.

Y

ou are the only female senatorial candidate from Akwa Ibom State. In the real sense, what does it mean to you in person and Nigeria as a whole?

For me, truly, I accept this challenge with mixed feelings. It is pathetic. It is unfortunate and unbelievable. You mean if I did not summon courage to step out, it would have just been Boys College? Why have we gone down from recognising the place of a woman in leadership?

Look at Nigeria today, where are the women?

Where is the economy? Who are the managers of the government? Do you know out of over 4000 candidates contesting during the 2023 elections in Nigeria, we have less than 400 women in the race? Well, I am confident because I understand the divine plan of our Heavenly Father and also my role to bless lives.

In a political space mainly dominated by male actors, what actually motivated you to join partisan politics as a lady?

First, I discovered that politics shapes policies; policies shape development, and the pace of development is often determined by the drivers of policies. It is on this understanding that I decided to step into the driving seat of policy formulation and implementation.

Second, the days that women sat on the fence helplessly and hopelessly complaining and criticising are over. I believe it is better off trying to work from within the system to change it than to just be a critic of the government, constantly pointing out what is wrong without actually doing anything about it.

I want to be part of the process of making progressive laws for the betterment of Nigerians, I desire to see policies that will make Akwa

When people say you are not a politician, I do not know what they mean in the real sense. Is it that somebody has not gone to study political science or what? I am talking like a businesswoman because I have been a businesswoman all my life and there is not much difference between politics and business. Policies govern a company.

I am very versatile and vastly experienced in management, diplomacy and organisational leadership. I am well exposed internationally.

I am neither an impromptu nor opportunistic politician as some people claim.

Ibokette Ibom State and Nigeria a place that we can all be proud to call home, to be part of the process of making change, meaningful, impactful, measurable and positive change to a large number of people. In addition, I want to give a lot of impetus for more women to venture into politics and elective positions.

You have been in private business with remarkable progress. Most people claim that you are not a politician.

With this claim, how have you been changing this perception?

Why do you want to represent the people of Akwa Ibom North-east in the Senate?

I am in the race to redefine and provide positive and all-inclusive representation. There is this general consensus among people from my senatorial district that they want a better alternative. Never in the history of Akwa Ibom North-east have the elite, the youth and women, opinion leaders, and religious leaders unanimously reached a consensus that there is a need to change those representing us at the National Assembly, especially the Senate.

I have a clear understanding of the role and responsibility of a Senator. I know the issues. I know what I can do. Hence, I want to contextualise it; in the context of representing my district and being the eyes, nose and ears of Akwa Ibom North-east. I am passionate about the wellbeing, peace, progress and stability of my people.

I am passionate about the future of the youth of my senatorial district and Akwa Ibom State in general as Christ tarries. I am passionate about creating future opportunities by building capacity among young people through innovation.

Above all, I am passionate about God’s plans,

purpose and will for my senatorial district and Akwa Ibom State.

Since electioneering has started, what are the main challenges you are facing as a female senatorial candidate?

It has been confronting entrenched male political actors. Most of them will say: “Don’t worry, we will settle her. She will give up. She is not serious. She knows she is going nowhere.”

Look, I don’t mean to be disrespectful. But men are not so receptive to women in this part of the world and especially my state. It is very unfortunate. Imagine saying they will settle me. Settle me? Do you know who I am? Settle me as what? Can you settle me? Physically and spiritually? Most of them are there today because someone recommended them. I don’t see why I could be trusted in the house and in Church to manage the daily activity and then assume that to manage the Office of a Senator is for men only. I laugh. Anyway, I am ensuring that the women and youth are speaking in one voice. One direction and one way. My campaign message has to be heard through the new media, print and social media even the town criers.

I am contesting to win and representing the great people of Akwa Ibom North-east as a senatorial district, Akwa Ibom as a state and Nigeria as a whole. Interestingly, most of these men even enter where I have entered with ease.

So, what exactly are they trying to prove? For the fact that I am standing out to contest, I am standing out for their good. No challenge will change my focus NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022

17

POLITICS

Ahize: I Crave for Proper Integration of Igbo into Nigerian Nation

Amby Uneze engages the Imo West Senatorial candidate of the Labor Party in the 2023 poll, Chief Charles Ugochukwu Ahize, on his plan for his people as well as his passion to see that the Southeast is properly integrated into Nigeria’s political, economic and development plan.

T

alking about representing Imo West in the Senate, your opponents have criticized you for not having the requisite political and Legislative experiences like your two main rivals who had each been to the National Assembly before now. Do you think experience counts here?

With all due respect to my two younger brothers who are campaigning on the basis of having had past legislative experiences, I want to say that none of those aspiring to the Senate for Imo West is as prepared and passionate as I am to deliver the best ever representation to Orlu zone. Experience is not synonymous with competence. One can have a very bad experience and one could also have been at a particular place without exploiting the opportunities available in such places. It is also possible that those you describe as being experienced are not the right models for legislative excellence. And I believe that if there is anything we should be talking about as niches for the next Senator of Orlu zone, they should be; competence, integrity and character.

I am known as a successful businessman, I have a background as one who is dogged, as one who makes promises and keeps them, as one who has the right contacts to attract development, employment and unprecedented opportunities in Orlu zone.

I can tell you that no one can run a business successfully for many years, such as I have done without being a good negotiator and a trustworthy person. Legislation is all about negotiation. You have to negotiate with your colleagues in the Senate, negotiate with the executive and even the judiciary to ensure that the best things are attracted to your constituency. I am not going to the Senate to build new contacts, with all sense of modesty, there are very few Nigerians who can boast of the contacts I have in this country.

Businessmen are not apolitical. That I haven’t been an elected member of parliament does not mean that those who had been there know their ways around the National Assembly more than me. I know my way in and out.

Some of them are my business partners, some of them are people I had rendered some help to in the past. So, when I get to the Senate, I will bring up motions on the floor of the Senate or sponsor bills, I will not find it very difficult getting the right numbers to push through my bills and motions because most of those coming to the Senate are friends I have known for years, and that’s on first name basis. We will negotiate and agree.

If I go to the Ministry of Works for instance today, and appeal to them to capture this road and this project for my constituency in your 2024 appropriation proposal, I won’t take a no for an answer, because I am also a very dogged and resilient person. I also know that there is something called filibustering in lawmaking.

I won’t be in the minority, because Labour Party is going to form the next national government, but even if I bring a proposal, for instance, for the construction of the Orlu Megacity Project, and the Senate leadership or some people feel it is too audacious a project and refuse to give me the necessary support to have it captured in the budget, I will employ the filibuster tactics to delay legislation, until my proposal is met or at least my constituents are assuaged with something better.

You are already talking as if you have been elected to the Senate, what techniques will you apply to get attention of those involved to get going?

The greatest skill a Nigerian legislator should have is good human relations. If you are able to convince ministers and heads of parastatals to slot in projects for your constituency, to accept your young constituents who apply for jobs in their ministries and agencies, to capture your Constituency in their programs, then you are a very competent legislator.

You can be in the Senate for donkey years and without good human relations skills you would

the right thing. The most moral and most justifiable political arithmetic that can keep Nigeria together and stable beyond 2023 is for an Igbo of the Southeast extraction to become our next President. I am not merely speaking as an Igbo man, I am speaking as a Nigerian.

Any Nigerian who wants the best for Nigeria, who wants Nigeria to survive, knows that the best thing to do is to support a Southeast presidential candidate. That’s the most equitable thing to do and it is only on the basis of equity that a nation as diversified and multifarious as ours can survive.

We have an understanding in this country.

Nigeria is built on a tripod and that tripod is; Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba. That has been how our power sharing formula since inception of this country. Anyone or group of people trying to distort that arrangement is an enemy of the country. The Hausa has had their turn, over and again, the Yoruba has had their turn, over and again and when it got to the turn of the Igbo, you say no. That’s injustice and no nation will survive when it treats a significant group such as Igbo with such disrespect. Even if you wanted to argue on the basis of North/ South dichotomy, the Southeast is still the only geopolitical zone in the South that hasn’t tested the presidency. So, why deny them that at this time?

Ahize

still be unable to do that. Human relation is one of such niches. I go to places and have things done. I have succeeded in business thus far, because I have good human relations. People can attest to my ability to keep to terms and keep good relationships. These are actually what matter.

And by the way, I am trustworthy.

Integrity is my most valuable currency. I made my money doing business with Indians, most of whom remain my friends and business partners till date. To do business with Indians for over three decades now, you must be someone who can be held by his words, someone with unquestionable integrity.

I have retained friends and partners across social and professional classes for many decades because I keep to my words. This is what I am taking to the National Assembly; a history of trust, of integrity and strong character. With that, you can be sure that I can get a lot more things done than the one who rides on the claim of having been there before.

Few months ago, you were in APC, and today you are a Labour Party candidate, many people are wondering why you left the APC? That’s a good question. You see, while I am passionate to go to the Senate because I have a plan that

will benefit every Orlu constituent, I am also not desperate. So, it is wrong for anyone to insinuate that I am in Labour Party out of desperation to go to the Senate.

I left the APC because they denied the Southeast the presidential ticket. I have always been a fighter for Igbo interest. I had made substantial financial contributions to initiatives that were aimed at ending Igbo marginalisation.

During the 1994/95 Constitutional Conference, I made huge financial contributions because some Igbo politicians approached me and told me that they needed to push through an item in the Constitution that would have made rotational presidency constitutional.

Unfortunately, it was shot down. In 1999 and 2003, I made enormous financial contributions towards ensuring that the PDP zoned its presidential ticket to the Southeast and in 2003, I narrowed down the struggle to Dr. Alex Ekwueme. Beyond money, I undertook some strategic initiatives and even took it personal with some Igbo individuals who sabotaged Chief Ekwueme in that contest.

So you can see where I am coming from.

If the APC had given its presidential ticket to a Southeast candidate and denied me the Senatorial ticket, I would have remained in APC. And if, they had given me that ticket and denied the Southeast the presidential ticket, I would have thrown that ticket into the dustbin.

I think that is a major reason why they didn’t give me the ticket. My close friends knew what I was going to do and they made sure I didn’t get that ticket. They knew I wasn’t going to campaign for a non Southeast presidential candidate, so they pushed me out on time.

Simply, I joined the Labour Party because they were responsible enough to have done

I joined the Labour Party because they were responsible enough to have done the right thing. The most moral and most justifiable political arithmetic that can keep Nigeria together and stable beyond 2023 is for an Igbo of the Southeast extraction to become our next President. I am not merely speaking as an Igbo man, I am speaking as a Nigerian

There has been allegation that you were planted in the Labour Party by the Governor of Imo State. How true is that?

That is a very lousy lie. Governor Hope Uzodimma is a staunch APC leader and those close to me have told me that he stopped me from picking the APC ticket because he knew I wasn’t going to support any presidential candidate who is not from the Southeast.

I have not spoken to the governor since after that APC primary. I know that he is not happy that I left the APC, but I couldn’t have done otherwise. I have chosen this path and I am going to see it to a successful conclusion.

You see, I have a feeling that those around the governor might have planted that fake news in order to see if the LP would substitute me.

They didn’t want me on the ballot, because they know what I am coming with. They know that I have the people on my side and that I am going to defeat their candidate hands down.

So, they didn’t want me on the ballot. They did everything to take my name off, but to God be the glory, they didn’t succeed.

Orlu zone has been in crisis for over one year now, with series of violent incidents taking place. What do you think is responsible for this and how do you aim to tackle this when you are elected?

What is happening in Orlu zone is a consequence of long-standing injustice. The youths feel maltreated. They feel that they have been robbed and scorned and unfortunately, they resorted to self-help. The degeneration of the security situation in Orlu is most regrettable and it gives me sleepless nights, because I cannot feel at home anywhere else but in my hometown.

But you know, if these youths had good jobs, they wouldn’t have the time to take up arms, if they had confidence in government, they wouldn’t be doing what they are doing. So, their actions are actually direct consequences of many years of neglect by governments and the high rate of abuse going on in the Nigerian system. That is their own way of fighting for justice, unfortunately, that is not the right way.

As a private individual, I have been doing my best to tackle unemployment. I have secured jobs for a number of our youths, I have also assisted a number of them establish lucrative businesses and mentored some in different lines of business. But there is a limit to what a private individual can do. That is why I am going into government.

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

18 T H I S D AY THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 TR

UTH

& R E AS O

Thursday November 17, 2022 Vol 27. No 10082

N

opinion@thisdaylive.com

www.thisdaylive.com

MY CONTRACT WITH AKWA IBOM UMO ENO pledges to continue on the path of peace, security and development

See page 23

NLNG, NASS AND PARLIAMENTARY OVERSIGHTS The NASS should perform its oversight function honestly, urges CHINEME OKAFOR

See page 23

EDITORIAL

TRACKING THE SEX TRAFFICKERS

See page 24

1

Election candidates must present themselves for rigorous media and voter checks, writes MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE

POLITICAL DEBATES ARE EXPEDIENT, PLEASE Not many other aspects of our national life deserve more attention at this point than the race towards next year’s general election, IRU YHU\ MXVWLÀDEOH UHDVRQV 7KH H[LVWHQWLDO and common vicissitudes facing the country WRGD\ DUH DV GDXQWLQJ DV WKH\ FDQ EH KDYLQJ already surpassed the predictions of many 1LJHULDQV 6R LV WKH SUHVVLQJ QHHG WR JHW DV PDQ\ ULJKW SHUVRQV DV SRVVLEOH LQWR SROLWLFDO R΀FHV )DLOXUH WR GR VR QRZ ZLOO SRVWSRQH our golden chance for corporate healing and UHELUWK 7KH OHDVW FLYLF UHVSRQVLELOLW\ RQH owes the nation is to challenge whatever is FDSDEOH RI XQGHUPLQLQJ WKH RQJRLQJ HOHFWRUDO SURFHVVHV 3XEOLF GHEDWHV DPRQJ FDQGLGDWHV UXQQLQJ IRU WKH YDULRXV SRVLWLRQV IRU LQVWDQFH In Nigeria, like in most other countries of the world, neither in the Constitution of WKH )HGHUDO 5HSXEOLF QRU (OHFWRUDO $FW LV LW explicitly stated that participation in such exercises is mandatory, meaning there can’t SRVVLEO\ EH YLRODWLRQV RI OHJDO FRGHV E\ DQ\ SROLWLFDO R΀FH VHHNHU LQ WKLV UHJDUG 7KH DUJXPHQW KHUH LV WKHUHIRUH QRW DERXW LWV HQIRUFHDELOLW\ ,W FDQ DQG VKRXOG KRZHYHU EH DERXW LWV PRUDOLW\ GHVLUDELOLW\ DQG VXLWDELOLW\ 6RPH KDSSHQLQJV ZLWKLQ WKH SDVW IHZ GD\V point to this matter as an emerging national FRQFHUQ $ SURPLQHQW WULJJHU ZDV SURGXFHG E\ WKH SUHVLGHQWLDO GHEDWH VHW XS E\ $ULVH 7HOHYLVLRQ in partnership with the Centre for Democratic 'HYHORSPHQW &'' WZR 6XQGD\V DJR 7KH VWDQGDUG EHDUHUV RI WKH WZR ODUJHVW SDUWLHV WKH $OO 3URJUHVVLYHV &RQJUHVV $3& ·V 6HQDWRU %ROD $KPHG 7LQXEX DQG WKH 3HRSOHV 'HPRFUDWLF 3DUW\ 3'3 ·V :D]LULQ $WLNX $EXEDNDU DQG VRPH RWKHUV ZHUH DEVHQW $EXEDNDU ZDV LQVWHDG UHSUHVHQWHG E\ KLV YLFH 6HQDWRU ,IHDQ\L 2NRZD 7KH PL[HG reactions from political players and polity watchers which trailed that poor attendance ZHUH RI FRXUVH QRW XQH[SHFWHG $UJXDEO\ WKH strongest one came from the Director-General RI WKH SUHVLGHQWLDO FDPSDLJQ RI WKH /DERXU 3DUW\ 'U 'R\LQ 2NXSH ZKR GHFODUHG VWHUQO\ WKDW KLV SDUW\·V FDQGLGDWH 0U 3HWHU 2EL ZRXOG QR ORQJHU SDUWLFLSDWH LQ DQ\ GHEDWH LQ ZKLFK KLV FRXQWHUSDUWV IDLO WR VKRZ XS 7KH IDOORXW GLGQ·W HQG WKHUH )HZ GD\V ODWHU WKH 1LJHULDQ (FRQRPLF 6XPPLW *URXS 1(6* FDQFHOOHG LWV SODQQHG SDUOH\ IRU the presidential hopefuls, citing “recent engagements with candidates and statements from political parties” as the reason for its GHFLVLRQ 6DGO\ PRUH GLVWDVWHIXO FROODWHUDO consequences are likely to follow as we move WRZDUGV WKH SROOV $V FOHDU OHDGHUV LQ WHUPV RI PHPEHUVKLS VL]H DQG TXDQWLW\ RI SROLWLFDO VHDWV RFFXSLHG ERWK $3& DQG 3'3 RXJKW WR IDFH PRUH interrogations here since their actions and inactions would have greater immediate LPSDFW RQ WKLV HOHFWLRQ VHDVRQ 7KDQNIXOO\ 7LQXEX·V VSRNHVSHUVRQ 0U )HVWXV .H\DPR 6$1 KDG D UHDG\ H[SODQDWLRQ IRU KLV SULQFLSDO·V QRQ DSSHDUDQFH DW WKH HYHQW

$V KH SXW LW ´0DQ\ UDGLR DQG 79 QHWZRUNV in Nigeria have indicated interests to host VXFK GHEDWHV DQG RXW RI GHIHUHQFH WR RWKHU 79 DQG UDGLR VWDWLRQV RXU FDQGLGDWH ZLOO QRW EH PDNLQJ VHOHFWLYH DSSHDUDQFHV LQ VRPH QHWZRUNV ZKLOVW LJQRULQJ RWKHUV $V SUHVLGHQW RI 1LJHULD E\ WKH VSHFLDO JUDFH of God, he intends to treat all persons and EXVLQHVVHV IDLUO\ DQG HTXDOO\ ´6HFRQGO\ WKH EXV\ DQG KHFWLF FDPSDLJQ VFKHGXOHV RI $VLZDMX 7LQXEX ZLOO QRW permit him to honour all such invitations E\ GLͿHUHQW UDGLR DQG 79 QHWZRUNV KHQFH RXU GHFLVLRQ IRU KLP QRW WR VWDUW ZLWK RQH 79 VWDWLRQ DQG ODWHU LJQRUH RWKHUV 7KLUGO\ RXU FDQGLGDWH KDG ORQJ EHIRUH QRZ UHDOLVHG WKH importance of speaking directly to Nigerians and shortly after unfolding his action plan as SUHVLGHQW HPEDUNHG RQ WRZQ KDOO PHHWLQJV EHJLQQLQJ ZLWK KLV LQWHUDFWLRQ ZLWK WKH EXVLQHVV FRPPXQLW\ DQG RWKHU VWDNHKROGHUV LQ .DQR IROORZHG E\ WKH WRZQ KDOO PHHWLQJ DQG SUHVHQWDWLRQ E\ H[SHUWV ODVW ZHHN LQ /DJRV 7RPRUURZ KH ZLOO EH LQWHUDFWLQJ ZLWK agro and commodity groups in Minna, Niger 6WDWH µ ,W PXVW EH VDLG WKDW .H\DPR DOVR WKH PLQLVWHU RI VWDWH IRU ODERXU DQG HPSOR\PHQW has acted professionally in promptly stating WKH VWDQG RI KLV ERVV DQG SDUW\ 7KDW VKRZV VRPH UHJDUG IRU WKH SHRSOH LQ P\ RSLQLRQ %XW LW·V LPSRUWDQW WR ORRN FORVHO\ DW KLV SUHPLVHV (YHQ WKRXJK UHVSHFW IRU DOO WKH media organisations which have requested IRU GLUHFW HQJDJHPHQW ZLWK 7LQXEX LV NH\ WR securing and maintaining good relations with the media generally, claiming to treat all of WKHP HTXDOO\ LV XWRSLDQ 7KH\ GR QRW DOO HQMR\ WKH VDPH UHDFK UHVSHFWDELOLW\ RU LQÁXHQFH DIWHU DOO 7KLV LV RQH JURXQG WKDW QHFHVVLWDWHV media planning and also makes discretionary, GLVFULPLQDWRU\ SHUKDSV WUHDWPHQW LQHYLWDEOH $OO PHGLD SODWIRUPV DQG SURJUDPPHV KDYH WKHLU RZQ DXGLHQFHV EXW GR QRW DOO VDWLVI\ WKHLU FOLHQWV· H[SHFWDWLRQV HTXDOO\ DOO WKH WLPH Media owners know this truth, live with it or VWULYH WR HQKDQFH WKHLU FDSDFLWLHV It’s noteworthy that, like the case of

Candidates should make themselves available for media scrutiny, a practice since adopted as a convention in many thriving democracies, with robust outcomes. We must not cling to how preparations for elections were made in the first and second republics and hope to reap current, worldstandard dividends

$ULVH PHGLD KRXVHV RIWHQ SDFNDJH VXFK RXWLQJV LQ FRQMXQFWLRQ ZLWK UHSXWDEOH QRQ JRYHUQPHQWDO RUJDQLVDWLRQV 1*2V DQG other institutions, in attempts to reinforce WKHLU TXDOLW\ DQG FUHGLELOLW\ +DYLQJ DFKLHYHG that, nationally and internationally televised GHEDWHV EHFRPH DYHQXHV WR EH VRXJKW DIWHU E\ SROLWLFLDQV ZKR JHQXLQHO\ GHVLUH WR EH KHDUG DQG VHHQ VLPXOWDQHRXVO\ E\ PLOOLRQV RI YLHZHUV LQ GLYHUVH ORFDWLRQV 6R D FDQGLGDWH D SURVSHFWLYH QXPEHU RQH FLWL]HQ RI D KLJK FDOLEUH FRXQWU\ OLNH 1LJHULD VKRXOG QRW EH WRR EXV\ WR VHL]H UHOHYDQW YLDEOH RSSRUWXQLWLHV 6SHDNLQJ GLUHFWO\ ZLWK FULWLFDO FRPPXQLWLHV and stakeholders in town hall meetings is, no GRXEW YLWDO LQ WKH SXUVXLW RI DQ\ DPELWLRQ WR EHFRPH SUHVLGHQW EXW DJDLQ WKDW FDQQRW VX΀FLHQWO\ UHSODFH GHEDWHV &RPH WR think of it, inter-personal communication fora like those regulated audiences are RIWHQ WUDQVPLWWHG RU SXEOLVKHG YLD PDVV PHGLD FKDQQHOV IRU PD[LPXP OHYHUDJLQJ &RQVWDQWO\ PDNLQJ H[FXVHV IRU DEVHQFH DW GHEDWHV WKHUHIRUH LQDGYHUWHQWO\ OHQGV credence to speculations that some of the candidates fear open encounters with their PRUH DUWLFXODWH FRPSHWLWRUV 2Q D JRRG GD\ especially in societies where much premium LV SXW RQ WKH DELOLW\ WR FRPPXQLFDWH LGHDV DQG SODQV WKDW LV D KXJH PLQXV $QG IRU D SHULRG that now witnesses heightened competition DPRQJ QDWLRQV RQH SRLQW WKDW VKRXOG QRW EH ignored in the quest for a leader is to ascertain WKH FRQÀGHQFH OHYHO RI WKH DSSOLFDQWV (ORTXHQFH RU FKDULVPD LV FHUWDLQO\ QRW DOO WKHUH LV WR OHDGLQJ D SHRSOH EXW ZH QHHG WR VWDUW WDNLQJ VXFK VHHPLQJO\ IULQJH DWWULEXWHV VHULRXVO\ 6DPH IRU WKH SK\VLFDO VWUHQJWK PHQWDO DOHUWQHVV DQG HPRWLRQDO VWDELOLW\ RI WKRVH Y\LQJ IRU LPSRUWDQW SROLWLFDO MREV $V FUXFLDO DV DSSRLQWLQJ FRPSHWHQW SHUVRQV LQWR R΀FLDO SRVLWLRQV WR GR WKH DFWXDO ZRUN LV WKDW FDQ·W VXEVWLWXWH IRU HOHFWLQJ VRPHRQH who can lead from the front and also serve DV D VWURQJ TXDUWHUEDFN 7KH ORQJ VXͿHULQJ people of Nigeria do not deserve anything OHVV &DQGLGDWHV VKRXOG PDNH WKHPVHOYHV DYDLODEOH IRU PHGLD VFUXWLQ\ D SUDFWLFH VLQFH adopted as a convention in many thriving GHPRFUDFLHV ZLWK UREXVW RXWFRPHV :H PXVW not cling to how preparations for elections ZHUH PDGH LQ WKH ÀUVW DQG VHFRQG UHSXEOLFV and hope to reap current, world-standard GLYLGHQGV ,Q 6RXWK .RUHD IRU H[DPSOH SROLWLFDO GHEDWHV VWDJHG RQ WHOHYLVLRQ DQG RWKHU PHGLD FKDQQHOV DUH HYHQ PDQGDWRU\ SRZHUHG E\ WKH 3XEOLF 2΀FLDO (OHFWLRQ $FW 6LQFH WKHVH LQWHUDFWLYH DQG SURELQJ RXWLQJV DUH ZHOFRPH departures from the one-way speeches RI SROLWLFLDQV )LYH LPSURYHG SUHVLGHQWLDO elections, an ever-increasing viewership and EHWWHU LQIRUPHG HOHFWRUDWH DWWHVW WR WKH YLULOLW\ RI WKLV JURZLQJ FXOWXUH WKHUH Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

19

20

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

21

22

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY

323

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022

UMO ENO pledges to continue on the path of peace, security and development

MY CONTRACT WITH AKWA IBOM On May 25 this year, after I had won the nomination to be the governorship candidate of PDP in Akwa Ibom State, I made a solemn pledge to run an issue-based campaign, that would be devoid of mudslinging, resort to vile and incendiary rhetoric, where people’s character and integrity would be mindlessly attacked, instead of proposals and plans to DOOHYLDWH WKH VXͿHULQJV RI RXU SHRSOH DQG advance the fortunes of our State. I pledged to run a campaign where propaganda and blackmail would have no seat in our victory train.

Today, on this same ground, I stand here again to unveil our contract with Akwa Ibom people at home and in the diaspora; a contract to continue on the path of peace, security and development that we have steadily enjoyed in the last seven years, under Governor Udom Emmanuel. This is contract to create jobs for our people and enlarge our path for economic prosperity; a

contract to maintain and advance our world class infrastructure, a contract to ensure food security through agricultural revolution, a contract to ensure that our children are made ready and equipped to compete favourably with their counterparts all over the world, through advancements in educational curricular and the provision of the necessary tools to help drive the vision. This is a contract to stem rural urban migration through robust investments in rural development, a contract to ensure that our people continue to live in peace and that the sanctity of human life would be protected through our security management.

Fellow Akwa people, I am here to unveil a contract for peace, for unity, for brotherhood, D FRQWUDFW ZKRVH ÀQHU GHWDLOV DUH FRXFKHG LQ Christian virtues and values, and above all, a contract with God as the Author and Finisher of our lives. There is no doubt that in the last seven-plus years under the able leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel, our State has become a reference point of excellence in governance and how a leader can utilise and apply the resources available to an entity to achieve the most for his people.

Today, because we have a Five- Star leader, a doer in Governor Udom Emmanuel, Akwa Ibom State has become a national paragon and prototype. Our story is told all over the nation of Nigeria and beyond our shores. Our Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, (GCON,) captured this so succinctly and eloquently when he said GXULQJ WKH ODVW 3UHVLGHQWLDO &DPSDLJQ ÁDJ RͿ LQ 8\R WKDW JLYHQ WKH GHYHORSPHQWDO strides recorded in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria needs to take a cue from this State.

In aviation development today, Ibom Air, is the most preferred airline in Nigeria, the ÀUVW HYHU FRPPHUFLDO DLUOLQH WR EH RZQHG by a sub national. This is a testament to vision, creativity and ingenuity. Today, our international terminal, the smartest in the nation signposts our resolve to become an aviation and tourism hub of the Gulf of Guinea. My Administration will build on these legacies is the Aviation sector and ensure that IbomAir gains are further consolidated to maintain its pacesetting role in the Nigeria’s Aviation industry and expand to commence UHJLRQDO ÁLJKWV WR RWKHU FRXQWULHV LQ WKH nearest future. We will build cargo terminals DQG EHJLQ FDUJR ÁLJKWV DORQJ WKH :HVW FRDVW in order to attract and fast-track additional development to the State.

Today, Akwa Ibom State has about the best road network in Nigeria, constructed and commissioned solely by the State Government. I don’t need to start mentioning all the roads constructed and commissioned across the three Senatorial Districts and the 10 Federal Constituencies, but who can miss the 10-Lane Idongesit Nkanga/ Clement Isong Avenue, a beauty-to-behold and a grand testament to what an indigenous contractor can achieve! The 29- kilometre dualized Etinan-Ndon-Eyo Road, with two cable bridges, the spectacular UyoIkot Ekpene Road, among others. We will continue to provide road infrastructure and maintain the existing ones so as to provide the connections needed to bring people closer to our development goals.

Today, the narrative of our State as a previously purely Civil Service-oriented State has changed with over 25 commercially viable industries that have provided jobs and wealth creation opportunities for our people. Our Jubilee Syringes Manufacturing Company is the largest syringe maker in Africa, where distributors would have to wait for months to have their shipments, despite SURGXFLQJ DW IXOO FDSDFLW\ 2XU ÁRXU PLOO WKH PRVW DXWRPDWHG DQG ÀQHVW EUDQG ZKHUH distributors too, would wait for months to get their consignments, despite also producing at IXOO FDSDFLW\ 7KH 6W *DEULHO &RFRQXW 5HÀQHU\ which is positioned to lift our fortunes away IURP RYHU GHSHQGHQFH RQ FUXGH RLO LV WKH ÀUVW of its kind in Africa; not to mention several other cottage industries in the State. We have been lucky to have a purpose-driven leader in Governor Udom Emmanuel.

As a private sector person myself, I will work hard to ensure that more private sector driven ventures are established here with the DWWHQGDQFH EHQHÀWV WR WKH 6WDWH HVSHFLDOO\ LQ the creation of employment for our teaming youths.

Today, while insecurity has assumed a worrisome dimension in many parts of the nation, Akwa Ibom State has been an oasis of SHDFH DQG WUDQTXLOLW\ )URP WKH ÀVKLQJ FUHHNV LQ 0ER WR WKH 5D΀D &LW\ RI ,NRW (NSHQH and from the sandy beaches of Ibeno to the inviting boulevards in Uyo, our people can go about their businesses unhindered any time, any hour, in peace and in absolute security. We will work tirelessly to ensure that our people continue to live in peace as we strive to create a tourist haven and promote our creative industry to make Akwa Ibom the destination of choice in Nigeria.

Eno is a pastor and governorship candidate of PDP in Akwa Ibom State

The NASS should perform its oversight function honestly, urges CHINEME OKAFOR

NLNG, NASS AND PARLIAMENTARY OVERSIGHTS I followed through a recent complaint by 73 Rivers communities against the NLNG for alleged violation of pipeline right of way (RoW) compensation and, I was not disappointed at the outcome. )UDQNO\ , GLGQ·W H[SHFW D GLͿHUHQW outcome. I thought it was the usual ‘cookbook’ outcome when the National Assembly (NASS) directed the NLNG to pay billions of naira to the communities without actually employing thorough oversight investigations to decide.

The decision reminded me of the situation the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) experienced with communities on the RoW of its transmission lines – overnight, religious shrines rose on NDPHC’s transmission RoWs after payments – and the NASS aided the indiscretions. I believe that parts of the operational problems of the NDPHC today were aided by the NASS. Communities made unending RoW claims on the NDPHC even after it legitimately settled them, yet the NASS egged on the communities with its phony oversights.

Shall we even talk about the electricity regulator, NERC, NNPC, the bulk electricity trader, NBET or even NELMCO (the list is extensive) – whom I witnessed ÀUVW KDQG WKHLU H[SHULHQFH RI WKH VKDPHIXO abuse of oversights by the NASS? Every occasion of this left me believing that the NASS has an oversight ‘cookbook’ meant only for dishonest purposes. Its members simply don’t understand their job.

Members of the national parliament sit to represent the people. Their job is to see to it that the administration of public SROLF\ EHQHÀWV WKH SHRSOH DQG WKDW policies agreed on with the government – especially the ones funded with public

Nowadays, parliamentary oversight extends beyond just public institutions, to even private concerns. Except when a parliament has a reputation of abusing its oversight power, there should be nothing wrong with it looking out for the wellbeing of its country

money – are well done for the people.

This is simply called parliamentary oversight.

The Swedish jurist, Anders Johnsson who is a former Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), RQFH GHÀQHG SDUOLDPHQWDU\ RYHUVLJKW as “the review, monitoring and supervision of government and public agencies, including the implementation of policy and legislation.” Johnsson reckoned with this that the parliament will always use its oversight powers to hold government to account and stop abuse of public trust in democracy where transparency and accountability is bedrock.

Nowadays, parliamentary oversight extends beyond just public institutions, to even private concerns. Except when a parliament has a reputation of abusing its oversight power, there should be nothing wrong with it looking out for the wellbeing of its country. But the NASS has sadly showed that its oversights are dubious.

Without honestly investigating the situation, asking the NLNG, a company known for its business credibility to pay billions of naira to communities who claim that they never got compensated for the RoW of gas pipeline in their communities is lazy legislating.

Well, the NLNG has denied falling short of extant laws in this regard – the Oil Pipeline Act 2004, I suppose, which sets the condition precedent for laying pipelines in Nigeria, including FRPSHQVDWLRQ IRU 5R: WR DͿHFWHG persons.

It said in a statement, “the acquisition of RoW by NLNG was open, transparent and participatory, in line with extant law, which led to the granting of NLNG’s pipeline license LQ WKH ÀUVW SODFH ZLWKRXW DQ\ REMHFWLRQ from the communities. The process included advertisements calling for objections against grant of the licence, followed by duly advertised public hearings that were held for the purpose of hearing such objections.

“NLNG’s pipeline license was for an initial period of 20 years from when it was granted in 1997 and then renewed in 2017 for 15 years after another duly advertised renewal process in which there was no objection from any quarter.”

So, in its oversight investigations, if it did any at all, the attention of the NASS should have been on such questions as: did the NLNG which was incorporated 33 years ago, and has been delivering returns to its shareholders including the Nigerian state, its biggest shareholder with 49 per cent, escape paying RoW compensation to 73 communities, and how under existing laws did it do it?

The NASS should use its vast resources to properly and honestly investigate issues brought to it before setting out to ridicule its oversight power.

Okafor is a journalist and an academic.

24 4

T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022

EDITORIAL

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

TRACKING THE SEX TRAFFICKERS All the critical stakeholders could do more to stem the crime

O

containing worms and powdering incisions. ver 50 girls, mainly teenagers forced 0HDQZKLOH DW WKH URRW RI KXPDQ WUD΀FNLQJ LQ 1LJHULD into prostitution, were recently rescued is endemic poverty which has been a veritable tool in the by the Nigerian Navy during a raid KDQGV RI WUD΀FNHUV WR OXUH WKHLU YLFWLPV LQWR LOOLFLW MREV on two brothels in Port Harcourt. The with promises of improved living either in some cities under-age girls, recruited from villages, ZLWKLQ WKH FRXQWU\ RU DEURDG 7KLV LV DQ DͿURQW DJDLQVW were paraded with three suspected sex humanity and a grave infraction on human rights, WUD΀FNHUV 7KH UDLG ZDV FDUULHG RXW LQ FROODERUDWLRQ ZLWK RIWHQ PRWLYDWHG E\ SURÀW WR H[SORLW RWKHU SHRSOH E\ WKH 1DWLRQDO $JHQF\ IRU WKH 3URKLELWLRQ RI 7UD΀FNLQJ force, fraud and deception. We challenge government, in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Civil Defence Corps. at all levels, to address the prevalent poverty ravaging The concern here is that there are many such brothels WKH ODQG DQG RͿHU PHDQLQJIXO KRSH RI OLYHOLKRRG WR across the country while some unfortunate underage frustrated young Nigerian men and women who are Nigerian girls are currently marooned in many of our RIWHQ YLFWLPV RI WUD΀FNLQJ :H DOVR WDVN 1$37,3 WR neighbouring countries as victims of this malaise. live up to its responsibilities As part of the 2021 by engaging in massive World Day against enlightenment campaigns 7UD΀FNLQJ LQ 3HUVRQV ODVW We challenge government, at all levels, to address the prevalent DJDLQVW WUD΀FNLQJ year, both the International particularly in the rural 2΀FH IRU 0LJUDWLRQ poverty ravaging the land and offer meaningful hope of livelihood to areas of the country ,20 DQG 1$37,3 where this scourge is now launched some tools for a frustrated young Nigerian men and women who are often victims of prevalent. standardised approach to The sheer magnitude and trafficking WKH LGHQWLÀFDWLRQ UHIHUUDO sophistication of this human and protection of Victims merchandising indicate that RI 7UD΀FNLQJ 9R7V ´7KH &29,' SDQGHPLF T H I S D AY IRU DQ\ PHDQLQJIXO EUHDNWKURXJK WR EH DFKLHYHG LQ WKH has exacerbated the situation of vulnerable persons EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU HͿRUWV WR DUUHVW LW FROODERUDWLYH DWWHPSWV PXVW EH PDGH DEPUTY EDITORS WALE OLALEYE, OBINNA CHIMA who, due to their worsened economic situation, were MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO by governments, non-governmental organisations, UHFUXLWHG IRU ODERXU RU VH[XDO H[SORLWDWLRQ µ ,20 &KLHI DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU FRUSRUDWH ERGLHV DQG HYHQ LQÁXHQWLDO LQGLYLGXDOV RI 0LVVLRQ )UDQ] &HOHVWLQ VDLG ´7KH WRROV GHYHORSHG CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI &ULWLFDO VWDNHKROGHUV FDQ QR ORQJHU FRQWLQXH WR ZDWFK DUH D ÀUVW VWHS LQ SURYLGLQJ D YRLFH WR WKH YLFWLPV DV EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN from the sidelines while unscrupulous people classify it allows them to share their experiences, help service MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI IHOORZ KXPDQ EHLQJV DV FRPPRGLWLHV DQG EHQHÀW IURP THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE providers facilitate referral pathways and provide their ignorance, desperation and, sometimes, greed. comprehensive protections services.”

We implore the security agencies to deploy the ,Q UHFHQW \HDUV WKH ,20 KDV VSHQW KXJH VXPV RI UHTXLVLWH LQWHOOLJHQFH WKDW ZLOO KHOS LQ ÀVKLQJ RXW WKH PRQH\ WR HYDFXDWH EDFN KRPH KXQGUHGV RI 1LJHULDQV T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D perpetrators of this most heinous crime and punish PRVW RI ZKRP ZHUH WUD΀FNHG WR /LE\D HQURXWH (XURSH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA them in accordance with the law to serve as deterrent to with promises of better life. Several of them lost their GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, RWKHUV &KLOOLQJ VWDWLVWLFV VXJJHVW WKDW KXPDQ WUD΀FNLQJ ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI lives while those who survived went through anguish DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, KDV EHFRPH RQH RI WKH ELJJHVW PRQH\ PDNLQJ and trauma before the federal government came ANTHONY OGEDENGBE EXVLQHVVHV DIWHU GUXJ WUD΀FNLQJ WRGD\ ,W LV WKHUHIRUH to their rescue. These were aside the uncountable DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI rather shameful that our country is regarded not only numbers of Nigerians who regularly lose their lives on SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH as a transit route for this illegal trade but also a source WKH 0HGLWHUUDQHDQ 6HD ZKLOH EHLQJ WUD΀FNHG DEURDG RU ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI as well as a destination with children and young adults, engaged in illegal migration. There have been stories CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI now becoming merchandise for what has become a DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO RI WUD΀FNHG YLFWLPV FRPSHOOHG WR XQGHUJR ULWXDOV TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com cross-border crime.

LQFOXGLQJ HDWLQJ FKLFNHQ KHDUWV DQG GULQNLQJ EORRG

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 GOMBE STATE NEEDS A NEW HAND *RPEH QHHGV KHOS ,W UHDOO\ GRHV EXW QRW MXVW EHFDXVH DYDLODEOH data says that it is the one state in Nigeria with the second lowest GDP in the whole of Nigeria. What this means is that Gombe people almost QHDUO\ GHSHQG HQWLUHO\ RQ WKH DOORFDWLRQ IURP $EXMD 7KHUH LV QRWKLQJ wrong with that – after all every state in Nigeria depends on an alloFDWLRQ IURP $EXMD %XW ZK\ ZLOO D SHRSOH DV KDUGZRUNLQJ DQG VWURQJ OLNH WKH *RPEH SHRSOH FRQWLQXH WR OLYH IURP SD\ FKHFN WR SD\FKHFN GD\ LQ GD\ RXW LQ WKHLU OLIH DV 1LJHULDQV" *RPEH LV NQRZQ DV WKH MHZHO RI WKH VDYDQQDK EXW ZKDW JRRG LV EHLQJ NQRZQ DV D MHZHO ZLWKRXW WKDW UHÁHFWLQJ LQ WKH OLYHV RI WKH *RPEDZD" If you visit Gombe today, you will mostly certainly be confronted with the false narrative that all is well as can be. This is because you’ll ÀQG WKH VWUHHWV LQ WKH FLW\ OLW ZLWK UHVSOHQGHQW QHRQ OLJKWV DQG WKH JXWWHUV DV FOHDQ DV D MHZHO LQ WKH VDYDQQDK %XW DV D PDWWHU RI IDFW WKLV LV D IDoDGH 'DYLG /DQGLV LQ KLV EHVW VHOOHU 7KH :HDOWK DQG 3RYHUW\ RI 1DWLRQV VD\V WKDW RQH RI WKH EHVW SODFHV WR ÀQG RXW DERXW WKH ZHDOWK RU SRYHUW\ RI D VWDWH LV LQ WKHLU PDUNHWV DFFRUGLQJ WR /DQGLV D PDUNHW LV D SODFH WKDW VKRZFDVHV DQG GHÀQHV WKH SURGXFWLYH SRWHQWLDO RI D SHRSOH or of a community. People who go there either go there to showcase their productive potential or their buying power. This two set of people DUH LQ D SHUSHWXDO DFW RI EHQLJQ ZDUIDUH DQG FRQÁLFW WKDW SURGXFHV D FHUWDLQ HQHUJ\ NQRZQ DV HFRQRP\

6R RQ D QLFH :HGQHVGD\ DIWHUQRRQ , YLVLWHG D FRXSOH RI PDUNHWV ZLWKLQ WKH FLW\ FHQWUH RI *RPEH 1DWLRQDO %XUHDX RI 6WDWLVWLFV UHSRUW LQ VD\V WKDW *RPEH SRZHU LV LQ KHU DJULFXOWXUDO SURGXFH VRUJKXP millet and allied seed-based produce. While the report said that an important sector of the Gombe economy is ‘others’, it also indicated WKDW WKHUH LV D VHUYLFH VHFWRU DFFRXQWLQJ IRU D VLQJOH GLJLW LQÁXHQFH RQ the Gombe economy. Perhaps this is because this ‘service sector’ is one PRVWO\ GRPLQDWHG E\ WKH RNDGD HFRQRP\ OLQLQJ WKH VWUHHWV DUH URZV DQG URZV RI PRWRU ELNHV RͿHUHG IRU VDOH DSSDUHQWO\ WR DEVRUE WKH WHHPLQJ \RXWK ZLWKRXW HPSOR\PHQW DQG WKH ELNH VHHPLQJO\ EHFRPHV WKH handiest option for an unemployed Gombe person to be of productive use to himself and his family.

7KLV LV WKH NLQG RI FLUFXPVWDQFH WKDW SODFHV *RPEH DV IRXUWK DPRQJ the lowest in the Human Development Index in Nigeria – there is very low life expectancy, low educational standards and the gross national income of Gombe is one of the lowest in the sub region. I hear that in SODFHV OLNH 'XNNX )XQDND\H %LOOLUL .DOWXQJR 6KRQJRUQ OLIH LV EDUH very bare without potable water, power, schools and basic health care IDFLOLWLHV 3HRSOH GULQN WKH VDPH ZDWHU DV WKHLU FDWWOH DQG LQ .DOWXQJR LVVXHV RI LQVHFXULW\ DQG NLGQDSSLQJ UHLJQ VXSUHPH With a poor economy as the one in Gombe, one can hardly expect DQ\RQH LQ FKDUJH WR SHUIRUP PDQ\ PLUDFOHV %XW DV D PDWWHU RI IDFW

some prudence in the management of the little resources, and with priRULWL]LQJ WKH GHYHORSPHQW RI WKH KXPDQ SRWHQWLDO *RPEH FDQ VXUYLYH and thrive as a big player in the national economy. %XW ZH PXVW VD\ WKLV D YHU\ VWURQJ ZDYH RI GLͿHUHQW WKLQNLQJ LV blowing across Gombe. People say they are tired of living from hand to PRXWK DQG IURP SD\ FKHFN WR SD\FKHFN 7KH\ VD\ IRUPHUO\ HQWUHQFKHG values and structures will be swept away very soon, and a new order DQG QHZ WKLQNLQJ DQG D QHZ WHPSODWH LV MXVW E\ WKH FRUQHU ,Q RXU LQWHUactions with Gombe people, one gets the feeling that they are neither ‘obidient’ nor unwilling to continue with the present administration, but have made up their minds to invest their votes in, and with someone else who has a very wide experience in the management of men, money and materials. /RRNLQJ DURXQG DW WKH WZR PDMRU FRQWHVWDQWV IRU WKH *RPEH JRYHUQRUVKLS ² $OKDML 0RKDPPHG -LEULQ %DUGH RI WKH 3HRSOHV 'HPRFUDWLF 3DUW\ DQG $OKDML ,QXZD <DKD\D RI WKH $OO 3URJUHVVLYHV &RQJUHVV ² LW LV QRW VR GL΀FXOW WR GLVFHUQ WKH GLUHFWLRQ WKH SHQGXOXP ZLOO VZD\ DQG LQ whom the Gombe people have in mind to pull them out of their present sorry passé.

Bob Etemiku, Abuja

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

A1

A2

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

A3

A4

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

A5

A6

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

A7

A8

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

A9

A10

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

A11

A12

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

A13

A14

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

A15

A16

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

A17

A18

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

A19

A20

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

A21

A22

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

A23

A24

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

A25

A26

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

A27

A28

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

A29

A30

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

A31

A32

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

A33

A34

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

A35

A36

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

A37

A38

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

A39

A40

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

A41

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2022

A42

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

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

Giving Hope to Stroke Patients through MAID Foundation 30-year-old Emonena Abenabe, a lawyer and author, is basking in her prime, seven years after surviving a stroke. Through her newly launched foundation, My Ability in Disability, M.A.I.D, she is resiliently inspiring other stroke survivors to live while calling for more stroke centres across Lagos State and Nigeria to save more lives. Rebecca Ejifoma reports

F

riday, November 27, 2015 remains a puzzle to Emonena Abenabe who was only 23 years old at that time. While having a jolly good time with her cousins on the island in Lagos state at 8 pm or thereabouts, the lawyer’s world came crumbling down abruptly. While she appeared hale on the outside, Abenabe slipped to the floor, hailing with a stroke.

“Although five hospitals rejected me that night, I chose to be happy, determined to survive even in that sad situation. Struggling with her reality; I knew there was light at the end of the tunnel.

Here I am today, helping other survivors to tell their stories and spur more to want to live,” the founder expressed rather cheerfully.

With her resolve to help other stroke patients and survivors, thereby reducing the spate of mortality, the young lawyer established her foundation, My Ability in Disability (M.AID) to raise awareness, support low-income survivors financially and inspire them to be optimistic. The maiden edition swung into action on October 29 this year to Mark World Stroke Day on the theme, “Keep the Stroke Out, How to Prevent a Stroke and Life After it”.

Her Stroke Experience Stroke is very complicated, says Abenabe. “What caused my stroke was a blood clot that came from my heart to my brain on 27th November 2015,” when narrated. “The clot came from my heart to my brain. Before then I was sick with anaemia. I can’t remember the name of the second ailment. But my white blood cell was fighting my red blood cell. I went for a scan and then went back to the hospital. They told me it was DVT Deep Vic Thrombosis. And another blood clot came and I had a stroke.”

With research showing that symptoms of stroke include trouble walking, speaking and understanding and paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg, Abenabe maintained that she had none of these. Hence, she still couldn’t fathom how she fell prey to it. “I was not fatigued. My language wasn’t slurred at any time. I just fell.”

On how to react to a stroke incident, Abenabe listed the F.A.S.T acronym which is Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties and Time.

“When you see the first three, T says it’s time to call the doctor. But I had none of these symptoms.

I just fell,” she cautioned.

Recounting her ordeal, the lawyer was glad St Nicholas hospital took her in. “The first hospital I was rushed to, a private centre, abandoned me in a bed without care. My cousins had to take me out of there the next day. They took me to about five hospitals. LUTH said there was no bed but did a computer tomography (CT) scan. The hospital didn’t want a death rate. St Nicholas hospital took me in. Although I couldn’t walk or talk, the right side of my body was shrinking so badly, that was the beginning of my recovery.”

Self-happiness, Determination is Key to Recovering When asked about the key factors that contributed to her positive outcome, Abenabe gleefully outlined them. “I’m still recovering.

You have to be patient. If you had seen me

I want to advocate for more stroke centres across Lagos State and Nigeria. Time matters. Government should partner stroke foundations and give them easy access...Yes, I’m a survivor. I did it.

If I can beat it, then you can Emonena Abenabe

six years ago, I wouldn’t be like this. I was patient. I knew that I would come out of it.

Out of 100 per cent recuperation, I can say I am 85 per cent recovered. I was patient and determined and always happy even though I couldn’t walk. I knew that I would recover. I remember how happy I became at the hospital when I could raise my foot slightly.

My recovery process has been painful, and joyous and I’m getting stronger. I’m meeting a lot of people. I’ve had people who had strokes.

They are surprised that someone like me can be this young with a stroke and still be happy.

People get to introduce me to their loved ones suffering from stroke, just to motivate them. I’m here for them. I’m here for stroke sufferers. I believe there is a reason I survived the stroke. That’s why I opened the MAID foundation.

There are foundations creating awareness against domestic violence, cancer, and autism, but none that I know for stroke. Stroke is one of the leading causes of death globally. It even deforms you. My right arm was bent before.

I like to share the message; if I can recover like this, why can’t you?

MAID is for Awareness, Support As an only child who lost her dad in 2009 and her mum to the cold hands of death on 22nd November 2019 during her most challenging moments, Abenabe knew she had to survive. Hence, MAID is made for awareness and to help survivors financially, especially low-income earners. When an average man with kids has a stroke, you know that the income in the family will never be the same.

They might become cash straps. Guess what?

The first two years of the stroke eat up a lot of your money.

My foundation is out to help stroke survivors who are low-income earners financially. We will always create stroke awareness. You will never know when a person falls and ends up with a stroke.

That is why we must learn about FAST. It took 24 hours before I was given proper medical attention when I came down with a stroke. Imagine if my cousins knew that I was having a stroke, they would have taken me to a better centre. The doctors and nurses didn’t know what was wrong with me because every part of me was normal.

Getting Employment as Stroke Survivor The young author was left in a sticky situation following the passing on of her mum. “I was sad. But I knew that if I must survive, I must try business. There are no places that employ stroke survivors because of how they walk or something.

Besides, I intend to forget a lot due to the stroke.

The charges for treatment are so much.

The government can help. The bill has even increased, it was N6,000 for six sessions before. It’s hard to raise money for physiotherapy. It was because I had good medical attention, that is why I can speak and stand. I couldn’t speak for one year. When I could speak, it took me one year and I was talking gibberish.

Life After Stroke I have step-siblings. But I’m the only child of my mum. Imagine me losing her at that time, it was tough. There was a time when I didn’t have a house in

Lagos. Look at me now, with my business – I can now take care of myself.

This has taught me patience. I didn’t know she could start any foundation like this. This is our maiden edition. I’m doing quarterly for now. If I get slots to speak with students weekly, I will gladly do so to intensify awareness. Stroke can happen to anybody.

About Stroke, Statistics According to research, a stroke is a medical emergency that damages the brain by interrupting its blood supply. The World Stroke Organisation has warned that stroke has reached epidemic proportions. It says that globally one in four adults over the age of 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime.

While noting that over 110 million people in the world have experienced a stroke, it is estimated that 12.2 million people worldwide will have their first stroke this year and 6.5 million will die as a result. The foundation also hinted that 60 per cent of strokes happen to people under 70 and 16 per cent happen to those under 50.

Lending Voice to Governments To avert the alarming percentage, Abenabe is bent on raising awareness for stroke patients and survivors. “I want to advocate for more stroke centres across Lagos State and Nigeria.

Time matters,” she said. “Government should partner stroke foundations and give them easy access. I wish to address students with UNILAG. I get sad when I see young people experiencing a stroke.”

With happiness and resilience as her watchword during her adversity, Abenabe is pleased that she came, she saw and she abysmally conquered a stroke. “Yes, I’m a survivor. I did it. If I can beat it, then you can,” she encouraged.

Dettol, ShopriteSpread Hand Hygiene Message to MillionsofNigerians Mary Nnah Dettol Nigeria has announced a partnership with Shoprite Nigeria, which will aid in spreading awareness about good hand hygiene habits and the importance of hand washing.

Taking forward its commitment to celebrate Global Hand-washing Day, Dettol’s drive will focus on utilising the in-store announcement systems, and use of educative leaflets

across all Shoprite outlets in Nigeria to educate the public about the need to adopt good hand hygiene practices as a tool to decrease the rate of related illnesses.

Furthermore, through this collaboration, Dettol will be offering special discounted products in all Shoprite stores across the country to ensure Nigerians have access to protection against preventable diseases. Speaking on the need for strengthened partnerships

in realising the objectives of the international advocacy day, the Marketing Director, Reckitt Sub-Saharan Africa, Mr. Tanzim Rezwan, said, “This year’s Global Handwashing Day theme, “Unite for Universal Hand Hygiene”, calls on society as a whole to collaborate and expand the vision for widespread access to and use of handwashing with soap and water to prevent avoidable illnesses.

Hence, Dettol’s partnership

with Shoprite sees us take a positive step to fulfill our purpose of hygiene education to millions across the country, to drive habit change and attitude towards hand hygiene.

“With hygiene promotion proven to be the most costeffective health action to reduce preventable diseases, we hope that our cumulative effort in encouraging Nigerians to adopt hand washing with soap and water would go a long way in reducing the burden of the

disease in Nigeria”.

Addressing the importance of the collaboration, the Head of Category Management, Shoprite Nigeria, Babatunde Amadu, said, “We are excited about this partnership with Dettol, as it is important that we all collectively fight against germs to curb diseases and reduce the mortality rate in the country.

“As a business, we understand the importance of having healthy customers, we,

therefore, hope this partnership helps to bring more awareness to cultivating good hand hygiene habits”.

Retail Supermarkets Nigeria (RSN) is dedicated to enriching the lives of their customers in numerous ways, through offering the best value products and services, or partnerships with brands with shared value, to improve their customer welfare. Earlier in the year, Shoprite partnered Mortein to help fight against Malaria.

A43

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2022

NEWS

FERTILITY

With Dr. Kemi AILOJE drkemi@lifelinkfertility.com www.lifelinkfertility.com +2348033083580

Indian Community Honours Post-Coital Bleeding (Part 2) Gandhi Jayanti, Organises Blood Donation Camp Mary Nnah In celebration of Gandhi Jayanti’s birth anniversary, the father of the Indian nation and a peace icon, the Indian community in Lagos JO DPOKVODUJPO XJUI UIF 3PUBSZ Club of Lagos Island, recently organised a blood donation camp where pints of blood were generously donated at the Consulate General of India, Lagos.

The Consulate General of India, Lagos, Mr. Chandramouli K. Kern described the event as a momentous day as the Indian community in Lagos, especially UIF *OEJBO $VMUVSBM "TTPDJBUJPO have come together today to donate blood for emergency needs. It has been successful as approximately 50 pints of blood have been collected.

“Indian community generally show their gratefulness by organising such blood donation camps at regular intervals and the Consulate General of India supports them in their roles.”

)F TBJE GVSUIFS UIBU JU IBT CFFO UIF 3PUBSJBO DVMUVSF UP donate selflessly to society, BEEJOH i" QFSTPO JO OFFE PG blood will understand that one pint of blood can save lives”.

1SFTJEFOU 3PUBSZ $MVC PG -BHPT *TMBOE 3PUBSJBO "OBOU 4BCBU TBJE i8F IBE B CMPPE camp in association with the Consulate General of India in -BHPT 3PUBSZ PSHBOJTFT CMPPE donation camps from time to time.

“We have conducted many blood donation camps before now. We are thankful to the Consulate General of India for providing the venue and also supporting us in other ways to conduct the blood donation camp where we have got over 50 pints of blood collected, which can save 150 lives.”

This year’s blood donation DBNQ 4BCBU TBJE JT VOJRVF JO the sense that it commemorates the birth anniversary of Gandhi Jayanti, a peace icon and great personality who has dedicated his entire life to humanity.

“We feel that if we can do our bid to serve the society today, then we are certain that we have done a tribute to him”, he added. )F FYQMBJOFE GVSUIFS UIBU UIF blood donation camp itself is an activity that saves a lot of lives as each pint of blood collected saves three lives at a time.

Over 100 persons turned out for the blood donation while over 50 pints of blood were realised from the exercise.

President of the Indian $VMUVSBM "TTPDJBUJPO PG /JHFSJB $IJFG 4BOKBZ +BJO XIPTF NFNbers were predominantly donors at the blood donation camp, explained that the association, which clocked 50 years last year, is the apex of Indian body in /JHFSJB BEEJOH UIBU FWFSZ *OEJBO JO /JHFSJB CZ CFJOH BO *OEJBO is a member of the association.

“I will say this is an Indian community’s contribution to the /JHFSJBO DPNNVOJUZ CFDBVTF donation of blood is the best thing that can be done for saving lives”, Jain added.

JSS2Student Seeks N36m toTreatLeukaemia Stories by Rebecca Ejifoma The family of 11-year-old "OOB "ZJCBOFNJ 0HCVEVLJBO is desperately in need of / N UP TBWF UIFJS EBVHIUFS from acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.

Our correspondent gathFSFE UIBU JO "ZJCBOFNJ came down with swelling in UIF OFDL SFHJPO "DDPSEJOH to her mother, Mrs Timipre Ogbudukian, when the swellJOH TUBSUFE MBTU %FDFNCFS they thought it was a minor EJTDPNGPSU i"OOB XBT EJBHnosed in January with acute lymphoblastic Leukaemia.”

While lymphoma is common cancer in children, acute leukaemia is a cancer of the white blood cells.

In a report by the PaeEJBUSJD )BFNBUP PODPMPHZ EFQBSUNFOU PG UIF 'FEFSBM Medical Center, Yenagoa, it was noted that the patient had complaints of neck swelling, fever, difficulty breathing, cough, weight loss and abdominal pain.

'PMMPXJOH UIJT UIF 'FEFSBM Medical Centre in Yenagoa referred the child to the 6OJWFSTJUZ PG #FOJO 5FBDIJOH )PTQJUBM The report read in part: i4IF XBT BENJUUFE BU UIF 6OJWFSTJUZ PG #FOJO 5FBDIJOH )PTQJUBM BOE XBT BCMF to complete two circles of chemotherapy out of the five recommended.

“We spent about three months in the hospital and by mid-May, 2022, we were discharged to go home to continue the third chemotherapy but due to financial constraints we could not.”

While seeking help, the father of the child, Mr March Ogbuduikian said they had been managing "OOB T BJMNFOU BU IPNF the disheartened father said, “We have no funds presently.

We have borrowed heavily to

Ayibanemi Ogbudukian finance the first two circles.

My family can’t even feed”.

Ogbudukian, who is a civil servant, desperately appealed to the public to save his daughter, lamenting, “I

don’t want to lose my little girl”.

Meanwhile, donations can be made to the account the '$.# BDDPVOU .BSDI "OOB "ZJCBOJNJ

WorldDiabetesDay:RainbowHospital BeginsFreeScreeninginLagos "T QBSU PG BDUJWJUJFT UP NBSL UIF 8PSME %JBCFUFT %BZ 8%% 3BJOCPX 4QFDJBMJTU .FEJDBM Centre, a private hospital with a focus on the management of diabetes and other endocrine and metabolism conditions, has begun free diabetes screening and education for the public.

The screening runs from MonEBZ /PWFNCFS UP 8FEOFTEBZ /PWFNCFS m .POEBZT UP 'SJEBZT m CFUXFFO BN BOE pm on weekdays at the hospital premises in Lekki phase 1, Lagos.

8PSME %JBCFUFT %BZ JT NBSLFE globally by the International %JBCFUFT 'FEFSBUJPO *%' BOE UIF 8PSME )FBMUI 0SHBOJTBUJPO 8)0 PO /PWFNCFS FWFSZ year.

The theme for diabetes awareness month and World %JBCFUFT %BZ JT i&EVDBUJPO to protect tomorrow”, which the hospital says remains its core activity in its efforts to provide RVBMJUZ DBSF GPS /JHFSJBOT MJWJOH with diabetes while also creating awareness of its growing increase in the country.

“We are, therefore, encouraging everyone including people living with diabetes and their GBNJMZ NFNCFST UP TFJ[F UIF opportunity of this exercise to

know their status and how to care for people living with the condition.

“It’s also an opportunity for people to know their status, especially given findings that 1 out of every 2 persons living with diabetes do not know they have it. Yet, early detection of diabetes remains crucial in the prevention of deadly complications,” the statement read in parts.

It further noted that persons with uncontrolled diabetes would develop a wide range of complications linked with the disease, some of which could lead to lengthy hospital stays, blindness, foot amputation or death.

"DDPSEJOH UP 3BJOCPX 4QFDJBMJTU )PTQJUBM UIFZ XBOU QFPQMF MJWJOH with diabetes to know that it can be controlled and should not be allowed to result in the numerous complications associated with it.

“The exercise will also serve as an avenue for them to have their feet checked to prevent the HSPXJOH QSPCMFN PG EJBCFUFT /PU only that, it will provide access to basic information on how to live with the condition and stay healthy all year round”, the statement further said.

ast week, we started a topic on Post-coital bleeding (PCB). We defined PCB and discussed some of its causes. This week, we will conclude with more causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and possible prevention.

Causes of PCB Cervical dysplasia Cervical dysplasia is a condition where the lining of the cervical canal, which is the passage between the vagina and the uterus, develops abnormal, precancerous cells. These growths, especially during intercourse, have the potential to irritate nearby tissues and potentially cause harm, which may lead to bleeding.

Cervical cancer One of the signs of cervical, vaginal, or uterine cancer is bleeding during intercourse.

Other signs and symptoms of cancer include heavy or longer-than-normal periods and vaginal discharge with blood.

L

ness. When used on a regular basis, these products are absorbed by the vaginal walls.

They increase moisture and help to restore the vagina’s natural acidity. r 7BHJOBM MVCSJDBOUT BMTP IFMQ UP reduce unpleasant friction during intercourse.

Lubricants may help resolve the condition when there is no obvious cause or when bleeding is caused by vaginal dryness. r 7BHJOBM ESZOFTT DBO CF USFBUFE XJUI low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy in the form of creams, suppositories, or rings. r "OUJCJPUJDT NBZ CF QSFTDSJCFE JG the bleeding is caused by infections such as gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia. r *O DBTFT PG DFSWJDBM FDUSPQJPO TVSHJDBM removal, cryotherapy, or electrocautery may be used. r 3FNPWBM PG 1PMZQ BOE 'JCSPJET particularly if they cause significant bleeding or appear abnormal. r *O DBTFT PG DBODFS TVSHFSZ PS UIFSBQZ is recommended.

SYMPTOMS OF POST-COITAL BLEEDING The symptoms associated with post-coital bleeding differ depending on the cause. If the bleeding is severe, frequent, and lasts for more than a few hours after sexual contact, the following symptoms may occur: r 7BHJOBM *UDIJOH PS CVSOJOH r #VSOJOH PS TUJOHJOH TFOTBUJPO XIFO urinating r 1BJOGVM JOUFSDPVSTF r 4FWFSF CMFFEJOH r &YDFQUJPOBMMZ QBMF TLJO r $IBOHF JO BQQFUJUFT r 4FWFSF BCEPNJOBM QBJO r 6OFYQMBJOFE XFBLOFTT r )FBEBDIFT r -PXFS CBDL BDIF r /BVTFB BOE WPNJUJOH r "COPSNBM WBHJOBM EJTDIBSHF

PREVENTION OF POST COITAL BLEEDING Post-coital bleeding can be prevented by addressing and treating the underlying cause.

Minor post-coital bleeding is frequently unavoidable. The following actions, on the other hand, have been shown to significantly reduce the severity and frequency of bleeding.

This includes the following: r 4UBZJOH IZESBUFE r 6TJOH XBUFS PS TJMJDPO CBTFE MVCSJcants during foreplay and intercourse will help prevent sex-related bleeding caused by vaginal dryness and friction. r 6TJOH WBHJOBM NPJTUVSJ[FST PO B regular basis can help keep the area moist and comfortable. r "WPJE GFNJOJOF DBSF QSPEVDUT UIBU are scented or flavored. r "MXBZT VTF B DPOEPN FTQFDJBMMZ when having multiple sexual partners. r %JTDVTT ZPVS GFBST BOE SFMVDUBODF about intercourse with your sexual partner. r .BLF BO FGGPSU UP CFDPNF BSPVTFE before engaging in intercourse. r 4FFLJOH NFEJDBM BEWJDF BOE USFBUNFOU for suspected infections

DIAGONOSIS OF POST-COITAL BLEEDING The clinician may need to ask you a few personal questions about your sexual activities in order to diagnose post-coital bleeding. These inquiries may be a little embarrassing for some.

The more information provided, however, the easier it will be to figure out what is going on.

The under listed are some common tests and procedures that the clinicians may request: r " VSJOF TBNQMF UP SVMF PVU QSFHOBODZ PS infection. r " WBHJOBM FYBNJOBUJPO UP MPPL GPS DBVTFT of vaginal or cervix bleeding. r " TNFBS UFTU BOE JOGFDUJPO UFTUT NBZ CF performed.

The clinician may also perform a pipelle test.

This is performed at the same time as a smear test, but instead of a smear test, a very thin plastic tube is used to collect a sample of the uterine lining. The test is performed to determine if cancer is the cause of the bleeding, and if cancer is not the underlying cause, then other possible causes will be determined.

CONCLUSION Post-coital bleeding is spotting or bleeding that occurs usually after sexual activity and is unrelated to menstruation. This could be due to trauma from both consensual and nonDPOTFOTVBM TFYVBM FODPVOUFST 4PNF QFPQMF bleed after their first sexual experience, while others do not. Bleeding for the first time during or after penetration is completely normal.

This occurs because penetrative intercourse has the potential to rupture the hymen, a delicate skin flap that partially covers the vaginal opening. Other activities that may have an effect on the vagina include sports and the use of tampons.

Bleeding during or after sex is a common TREATMENT OF POST-COITAL BLEEDING problem, especially in women who have Treatment of Post-coital bleeding depends stopped menstruating or have an ovarian on its cause. This will be determined after a DPOEJUJPO 4FWFSF DISPOJD PS DPNQMJDBUFE cases, on the other hand, necessitate medical diagnosis has been made. r 1PTU DPJUBM CMFFEJOH SFQPSUFE JG UIF checks and treatment by specialists.

"EEJUJPOBMMZ CMFFEJOH BGUFS JOUFSDPVSTF JT woman is menopausal, topical estrogen products such as vaginal estrogen creams or suppositories possible for menstruating women which VTVBMMZ TUPQT PO JUT PXO )PXFWFS SBUIFS may be recommended. r 7BHJOBM NPJTUVSJ[FST NBZ IFMQ XJUI than post-coital bleeding, the bleeding is post-coital bleeding caused by vaginal dry- from their monthly cycle or is spotting.

A44

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2022

HEALTH

Duchess Hospital Marks One, Restates Commitment to Affordable World-class Healthcare

Mary Nnah

Chief Executive Officer of Duchess International Hospital, Ikeja, Dr. Adetokunbo Shitta-Bey has reiterated the hospital’s commitment to impacting the lives of all Nigerians through access to affordable world-class healthcare. This was announced as the hospital marked its first anniversary on Thursday, November 3.

At a well-attended ceremony at the Hospital’s main Auditorium, Dr. Shitta-Bey emphasised the hospital’s priorities include: building trust in the healthcare system, providing high-quality, affordable services to Nigerians and reversing the trend of medical tourism abroad. He reaffirmed the affordability of the hospital’s services and further confirmed that “to register as a patient at the Duchess International Hospital is N5,000, and to have a consultation with a specialist family physician is also N5,000”.

Reflecting on the landmark achievements of the past year, the Duchess Hospital CEO remarked that the hospital is proud to have successfully conducted a wide variety of routine and complex specialist interventions across a range of specialties and sub-specialty clinical services.

These procedures have been conducted in specialties such as Interventional Cardiology, Cardiothoracic surgery, Neurosurgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Orthopaedic surgery, Gastroenterology and Reconstructive Plastic surgery, including a complex twelve-hour Breast Reconstruction operation following successful surgical treatment for breast cancer, performed within the first few weeks of commencing services at the Duchess International Hospital last year.

“It has been our privilege, in the past year to bring joy and satisfaction to the lives of ordinary Nigerians, and to restore hope, often in

quite difficult circumstances, through life-saving treatment delivered right here at the Duchess International Hospital”, he noted.

According to him, Duchess Hospital is an affordable hospital for all Nigerians and a “One-Stop-Shop” for primary, secondary and tertiary care services, positioned to save Nigerians millions of Naira in medical tourism for treatment of health conditions which would otherwise have required medical intervention abroad”.

This assertion was supported by patients’ testimonials delivered at the occasion, including one from Otunba Alaba Shonibare, who successfully underwent knee replacement surgery at the Hospital a few months ago. He spoke passionately about the quality of care he received while on admission at the hospital and the reasons for his decision to have his knee replacement surgery performed at the Duchess

Hospital in particular.

The Commissioner for Health in Lagos State, Prof.

Akin Abayomi, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the event, stated that the Lagos State government will continue to provide the right policy environment and infrastructural support for businesses and healthcare facilities to ensure that Lagos becomes a major destination and hub for healthcare delivery across sub-Saharan Africa.

He further noted that Lagos State has a strategic initiative to reverse medical tourism and bring back highly skilled and experienced medical professionals currently in the diaspora, back to Nigeria. Professor Abayomi commended the management and staff of the Duchess International Hospital for their remarkable achievements in the last year and for the hospital’s immense contribution to delivering access to affordable quality healthcare to Lagosians.

L- R: Chairman, Duchess Hospital, Dr. Yemi Onabowale; Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Prof. Akin Abayomi and Chief Executive Officer, Duchess International Hospital, Ikeja, Dr. Tokunbo Shitta-Bey during the first anniversary celebration of Duchess Hospital… recently

Endometriosis: Aisha Tijani Wins ESGN Competition to Boost Awareness Rebecca Ejifoma With endometriosis as a health condition that affects about 178 million women worldwide from teenage ages, medical experts across the world have emphasised the need for an aggressive awareness campaign to beef up knowledge on early detection.

And one such expert is the Managing Director of Nordica Fertility Centre, Dr Abayomi Ajayi who is making pragmatic efforts.

Through his Endometriosis Support Group Nigeria (ESGN) Senior Secondary School Essay Competition, he is intensifying awareness among teenage girls and adolescents across the country.

This year, 16-year-old Aisha Tijani, a student of Crescent College emerged winner. She got N50,000, a

printer for her school and a trophy. She also acted as the One-day Country Manager of AstraZeneca to mark the International Day of the Girl Child.

She was part of the AstraZeneca Global Girl Child zoom meeting (#GirlsBelongHere) alongside girls from countries like South Africa, Ghana and Kenya. With Tijani’s resolve to become an advocate of endometriosis among her peers, friends and girls everywhere she goes, Ajayi warned that endometriosis still poses danger to girls of childbearing ages. He recommended that women should be empowered on endometriosis and urged them to take more interest in their bodies. “It is better to continue to raise awareness on endometriosis.

“It is important to raise advocates among the young girls who would talk to their peers. Awareness has gotten

better from year to year.”

He further described Endometriosis as a condition which normally grows inside the uterus and grows outside the womb. Averages of 178 million women worldwide are affected by health conditions.

“It is a common health condition affecting women irrespective of class or race who menstruate. Its growths are benign and non-cancerous.

He listed signs of endometriosis as severe menstrual cramps or chronic abdominal aches, difficulty in becoming pregnant, bleeding and digestive problems the causes are unknown, problems with menstrual period flow, genetic factors, hormones as well as surgery that involves opening into the cavity of the uterus, for instance, C-section.

Ajayi also hinted that the effects of endometriosis are

blockage of the fallopian tubes when growths cover the ovaries or directly affect the tubers, inflammation which forms scar tissue and adhesions, as well as problems in the intestines and bladder.

In his speech, the Country Manager for AstraZeneca, Mr Morris Nyarko described the competition as a character-building exercise for them.

Encouraging the winners who had fielded questions from newsmen, Nyarko charged the three students, “The world is out there for you to conquer”.

Meanwhile, Godsfavour Udom, an SS 2 student of Prudence City College got N30,000 as the first runnerup and Femi Olafuyi, an SS 2 student from Rainbow College won N20,000 as the second runner-up.

Korean Trains 10 Nigerian Medical Personnel on Vaccine Development

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Republic of Korea has said it has trained 10 Nigerian medical officers in the development and production of vaccines.

The Korean Ambassador to Nigeria Kim Young-chae, disclosed this in Abuja, while addressing the media on the celebration of the National Day of Korea.

Kim said the training was carried in line with the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed with Nigeria on vaccine production.

The ambassador said that the training that started in July this year would be a continuous engagement as Korea has already established concrete plans to hold training programmes for Nigerian health personnel.

“My answer is yes. We are already doing it and some Nigerian health officers visited South Korea for training in the area of vaccine development.

“It is a continuous process. I think it started from July this year. It will continue next year and the following year. We have already established concrete plans to have training programmes.”

Kim said.

The envoy described the recent visit by President Muhammadu Buhari to South Korea as timely, particularly for the cooperation in the vaccine and the bio industry, adding that diseases like Malaria and Yellow Fever are yet to be eradicated in Nigeria and are affecting economic development and public health.

NDLEARaisesAlarmoverIllicitDrugsinNigeria Rebecca Ejifoma The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Tuesday, uncovered plans by some persons to introduce an illicit drug, Fentanyl, into the Nigerian market.

The agency made this known in a press statement its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi issued on Tuesday. “Fentanyl is 100 times stronger than Tramadol,” it cautioned.

It further warned that the illicitly manufactured drug is capable of causing mass casualty among the youth who are the target of the cartels.

The NDLEA urged that every step must be taken to ensure that the drug, which is currently responsible for over 70 per cent overdose deaths and a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the US, does not circulate in Nigeria because of its lethality and the current drug abuse prevalence of 14.4 per cent in the country.

“We are not unaware of desperate efforts by some drug cartels to introduce to the Nigerian market, Fentanyl, which according to the CDC, is 80 times as potent as morphine and 100 times more potent than heroin.

“This, they plan to do either in liquid or powder form and/or with misleading labels to target our youth population. This may also mix with other prescription drugs. The illegally manufactured fentanyl in its liquid form can come in nasal sprays, eye drops, or small candies,” says the agency.

Following its findings, NDLEA called on parents and other stakeholders to be vigilant, alert and warn their young ones against attempting to experiment with this illicit substance.

JCDF Empowers SGBV Human Rights Defenders on Safety Esther Akinsola The Joint Civic Defence Fund (JCDF) in synergy with the Partnership for Justice has equipped human rights defenders of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence with requisite safety tips.

This was at the two-day National Consultation workshop which was held at Dover Hotel from October 20 to 21.

The workshop spotlighted the importance and safety of SBGV activists, reinforced relationships and advised means for funding, sponsorship and collaboration for a lasting change.

Human rights defenders are individuals and groups that promote and protect universally recognised human rights through peaceful means and they play a major role in the enlightenment, observation and enforcement of human right value in society.

Speaking, Victoria Ibezim Ohaeri of Shrinking Civic Spaces indicated that a strong claim needs to be backed by evidence and strategies for pushback.

She emphasised that the need for an evaluation of where Nigeria is in the support it offers its human rights activists has become a priority for the public and the lives of human rights defenders.

According to the CEO of August Eye Limited, Roy Okhidievbie, sexual and gender-based violence can be perpetrated by anyone.

“From now on, it is our task to suspect everyone amongst us.”

He added that the knowledge of security devices is essential as a needy countermeasure.

For Okhidievbie, security measures such as spy recorders, remote monitoring devices, audio recording devices, camera eyewear and body camera are emblems of safety for sex and gender-based violence activist.

Speaking on stress and stress management, the Founder of Digital Life Medicine Practice, Dr Chinasa Trinita Amadi highlighted that stress is a part of life.

A45

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2022

NEWS

Wellness Queen Promotes Healthy Lifestyle at Own Wedding Mary Nnah Since too much consumption of carbonated drinks, in reality, destroys the human body system, health, and wellness advocate Mrs. Chiamaka James Elujoba, has continued in her campaign against such consumption by constantly cautioning the public and also educating them about the harmful effect of too much consumption of carbonated drinks and also on the need for them to draw closer to nature. She does this, using every avenue and opportunity that comes her way.

It was therefore not unexpected of her when at her wedding ceremony, the Founder/ CEO of Green Essence Healthy Lifestyle Limited seized the opportunity once more to do what she knows how to do.

After the conjugation rite at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church. Admiralty Way Lekki, Lagos, guests were told to move to The Jewel Aeida at Lekki, where the reception took place.

At her wedding reception, bottled drinks were not served.

The reasons for this were not far-fetched. Her major aim for not serving the usual soft drinks at her wedding reception was to send a strong message to the huge crowd of guests that were present at the wedding reception.

She was in other words telling the guests that many more natural drinks were more beneficial to the body than carbonated drinks.

Rather, Mrs. Elujoba served her wedding guests natural drinks in different variants.

They were served with chilled Zobo, straight juice drinks, like pineapple, ginger, cucumber, and apple, mixed fruit drinks, and more, all produced by her company, Green Essence.

Green Essence Healthy Lifestyle is a health and wellness company that uses a holistic approach to the prevention, management, and reversal of lifestyle diseases, with the use of all-natural wellness solutions such as cold-pressed juices, alkaline water, Irish Sea Moss, wellness shots, etc.

The couple, Mr. and Mrs. James Elujoba soon after their wedding at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, Admiralty Way Lekki, Lagos recently Green Essence Healthy Lifestyle has varieties of

wellness solution juices that can boost the immune system,

prevent illness and restore the body to a healthy state.

They include names of the juices such as Roots, GoNut, Restore, Arise, Hibiscus and Sunshine. Others are Sunrise, Rejuvenate, Vision, Alkaline water and Wellness shots.

Elujoba’s goal is to spread the word about healthy living as well as the key to preventing managing and reversing lifestyle diseases.

“Every day people suffer infectious diseases which are illnesses caused by harmful agents (pathogens) that get into your body. Nowadays, with the recent diseases and viruses being discovered in the world, it is getting clearer to people why they need to eat healthily, and make a healthy lifestyle a part of their lives with the help of Green Essence Healthy Lifestyle which provides cold-pressed juices that assist you to achieve optimum wellness, by providing juices tailored to suit your specific health and body needs”, she noted.

According to her, “All the juices are loaded with various nutrients which together help the body achieve optimal wellness.”

Varsity Don Calls for Special Hospital for Children with CanofacialDefects r 4BZT 0SUIPEPOUJTUT JOBEFRVBUF GPS PWFS N /JHFSJBOT Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Professor of Dentistry and Orthodontic, Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu has called on the federal government to set up special hospital for children with canofacial defects.

The Don who decried the dearth of orthodontists in Nigeria, noting that the 70 practitioners in the country is inadequate to serve over 200 million Nigerians, stated this while delivering the 262 Inaugural Lecture Series of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) titled: “The Magic of Transformation: Blessed Are Ye That Weep Now, For Ye Shall Laugh” in Benin City,

capital of Edo State Professor Ize-Iyamu recommended that the hospital to be built should be free for such children to encourage those who are hiding as a result of shame and inability to afford the cost of treatment be attended to.

She said policy makers should formulate plans that incorporate the poorest of the poor in the societies so that interventions that could transform a smile are made available in selected health facilities, adding that this should include orthodontic treatment for patients with cleft lip and palate and for those with severe handicapping malocclusions that could affect their social and mental states.

She also said funding should be made through special interventions for these special groups of patients.

The professor while decrying the shortage of orthodontists in country, noting that the 70 practitioners in the country is inadequate to serve over 200 million Nigerians.

Narrowing it to Edo State, she said there are currently a total of 6 trained Orthodontists out of which three are professors of Orthodontics in the state, pointing out that this total number currently serves a population of over 3,233,366 with a represent ratio of approximately 1:539,000.

She said this number is grossly inadequate for the

management of Orthodontic problems in both children and adults.

She noted that this is in sharp contrast to the United States of America where there is one orthodontist to 5,054 people, noting that the figures were also encouraging in European countries and the UK. She called for the training of more specialists in Nigeria to meet the ratio obtained in developed countries.

Professor Ize-Iyamu noted that the trainer to trainer ratio at the West African College of Surgeon, and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria is one consultant orthodontist to three and four

doctors respectively, adding, “This makes the pace slow, given the number of training centres are also few.”

She said that out of the 70 orthodontists in the country, there were currently 10 professors in Nigeria with four in Lagos, three in Benin, two in Ife and one in Port Harcourt.

She added,” There are only nine accredited dental schools for undergraduate training which involves teaching orthodontist as a subject and part of the curriculum. The total number of dental students approved in Nigeria by the Medical and Dental Council are 165 which translates to one professor to over 16 students and 21 million

Nigerians.

She urged policy makers to formulate plans that would incorporate the poor in the society so that interventions that could transform a smile are made available in selected health facilities.

Professor Ize-Iyamu, described Orthodontics as a dentistry specialty that addresses the diagnosis, prevention, management, and correction of mal-positioned teeth and jaws, and misaligned bite patterns.

“It may also address the modification of facial growth, known as dentofacial orthopedics. Abnormal alignment of the teeth and jaws is very common,” she declared.

Unwind, a Wellness App Launched in Lagos Mary Nnah Unwind, a Mobile App that caters to the needs of people by providing them with wellness services in the comfort of their homes, offices, and wherever was recently unveiled in Lagos.

The Unwind App, a new Tech App that is here to disrupt the wellness industry, is founded

by Joycee Awosika.

Speaking passionately about how the Unwind App during a media parley in Lagos, Awosika said the initiative was born during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the year 2020, a time when people were tired of being at home and desperate for therapeutic rejuvenation.

While stressing that the Team has a “no tolerance” policy for safety and sexual breaches”, Unwind emphasised the in-App review system put in place to curb misconduct and ensure that Clients are always satisfied on the platform.

According to her: “As part of the onboarding process, each Service Provider takes the mandatory UNWIND Onboarding

Course and corresponding Assessment, so they are fully aware of best practices regarding how to comport themselves before, during and after sessions. Low ratings are not indulged on the UNWIND App. Once a Subscriber has reached 3 poor ratings and reviews, they are blacklisted and unable to continue using the App. UNWIND is open to Partners and Investors who believe in the wellness space and want to be part of a reliable on-demand solution.

Having built a user-friendly MVP they are proud of, the Team is currently in the process of raising more investments. As they continue to develop more innovative features, the UNWIND App will be further enhanced to make it even more inclusive, easy and exciting to use. There are also plans for expansion that will make the App available to more people and territories around the world.”

“Wellness is critical, especially in a post-pandemic world. More people need to pay attention to their therapeutic and general well-being, in order to avoid unwanted health complications.

Founder, Unwind, Joycee Awosika (3rd from left); and Business Development Manager,Queen Edokpa (4th from left) flanked by the Unwind team The Unwind App exists to help Africans prioritize their self-care”, she added.

Globally, about 20% of spa rooms are occupied and the other 80% are left unused because a lot of people are unable to visit traditional spa centers physically, due to busy schedules.

The Business Development

Manager of the firm, Queen Edokpa explained that Unwind is aimed at changing the wellness industry, with a key focus on helping clients achieve their wellness goals with ease.

“With the UNWIND App, you are able to book a nearby Certified Therapist directly to your doorstep anytime, anywhere, and at your convenience.’’

Indeed, UNWIND is an innovative intervention intentionally designed to democratize wellness”, Edokpa said.

“Research reveals that the wellness industry is worth over 4 trillion dollars and the numbers are growing fast! The global spa industry, specifically, is worth about 122 billion dollars. Nigeria is one of the fastest-growing

markets and this continent is the fastest-growing continent.

Unwind launched in Lagos, Nigeria, and should expand within the next three months to other states such as Abuja, Port-Harcourt and Kano, with a view to eventually launch in other regions in Africa including Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa”, she added.

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2022

A46

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Nigeria, Japan to Partner on Development of Startups Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole ÓØ ÌßÔË

The federal government and the Japanese government are working on a partnership that will enable Japanese tech companies to assist Nigeria startups, the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi has said.

He disclosed this in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the Northeast Startups training program organised to support startups based in the north east region.

The training was organised

by Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and supported by the Japan International Cooperate Agency (JAICA). Kazuyoshi said the Japanese government

it will stimulate its indigenous innovative ICT companies to partner with small and medium businesses and innovators in Nigeria to solve socioeconomic challenges.

“There are many companies in Japan that have excellent technology and are eager to work with you to solve social problems in the North States and throughout Nigeria. The Government of Japan, like other governments and international organisations, that are providing humanitarian assistance to the northeast through emergency grants and aids. The government of Japan shared the same aspiration at the start of entrepreneurs operating in the Northfield, “he said. The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Abdullahi in his opening speech said

government would work with all relevant stakeholders to create an enabling environment for innovations and startups to grow.

Represented by the National Co-ordinator of the Office of the National Digital Information Centre (ONDI), Yakubu Musa, he said the workshop was meant to boost market driven digital enterprises while making Nigeria a viable market for the global ICT sector.

According to him, “This we shall do by working with relevant stakeholders to create the enabling environment for the youth, because teaching about 60% of our population to continuously innovate and achieve their dreams of turning their innovative ideas into thriving enterprises.”

Hope Payment Service Bank Appoints Chinwe Altraide MD The Board of Directors of Hope Payment Service Bank Ltd, a foremost payment service Bank in Nigeria, has announced the appointment of Mrs. Ogechi Chinwe Altraide as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer. The appointment is subject to approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Announcing the appointment, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bank, Shehu Abubakar, stated that Mrs. Altraide brings to the Board and the Bank over two and a half decades of unbroken experience in Nigeria’s dynamic banking industry and will provide valuable insight to the

Board and the Management of the Bank from her wealth of experience.

He further noted that the appointment of Mrs. Altraide is one of the measures geared towards positioning the Bank as a leading payment service Bank in Nigeria.

“Ogechi has over 25 years’ experience in Banking and has worked in different Banks such as Ecobank, Diamond Bank and United Bank for Africa where she was a Deputy General Manager until her current appointment as Managing Director/CEO of Hope PSBank. She has held several roles, which include Group Head Personal Banking,

Head Retail Banking, Group Head Direct Sales, Head Sales, Regional Manager and Branch Manager. She has managed different portfolios including Agent Banking, International Remittances, SME, Customer Acquisition and Retail Growth.

She was also a Non-Executive Director of UBA, Tanzania.

“She holds a B.Sc. in Management and an MBA in Banking and Finance both from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Ogechi is a Certified Management Consultant, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (HCIB) and a subject matter expert in retail sales and campaigns, “he added.

Interswitch Charts Path for More Robust Payment Ecosystem Kemi Olaitan ÓØ ÌËÎËØ As parts of its efforts to strengthen the development of a robust and secure payment ecosystem, the management of Africa’s leading Integrated payments and digital e-commerce company, Interswitch, has hosted an engagement session for its customers and key stakeholders in the South West region of the country.

The breakfast session, which was held in Ibadan, Oyo state, was organised to discuss how businesses can leverage on digital payment to unlock endless opportunities and

drive growth in the financial industry.

The event the first in a series of breakfast sessions which it is organizing across five cities in the country including Port Harcourt, Enugu, Abuja and Lagos, gave stakeholders the opportunity to also deliberate on salient issues pertaining to the industry.

At the event customers were onboarded onto the recently launched Interswitch products which include tokenization; fintech-in-a-box; fraud-solutionas-a-service; banking-as-aservice; payment-as-a- service; Interswitch security-as-a-

service; mobile banking-as -a-service, biometrics on POS and value financing.

The Regional Head, SouthWest of the company, Mr. Tunji Ashiru, said the products are designed to address prevailing issues within the payment ecosystem and financial industry, enhance business development, foster partnership and boost customer experience.

According to him, it was imperative to gather stakeholders to deliberate on how to leverage digital payment to redefine the payment industry and appreciate their support for the company.

Standard Chartered Wins Eco-Friendly Brand Campaign Award Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited was recently recognized for its continued efforts towards accelerating zero in Nigeria at the annual ECOSEA 2022 Awards.

Themed, “Only One Earth: Towards a Safer Environment,” the maiden event held at the Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan Lagos on Wednesday, 2nd November 2022, the Bank was awarded the Eco-Friendly Brand Campaign of The Year for the Bank’s NET ZERO CAMPAIGN. In his welcome address, the Convener of ECOSEA and Publisher of Brand Communicator, Joshua Ajayi stressed that the event is the first step in an exciting journey he believes will continue for many years into the future. He described the event as a convergence of

stakeholders in environmental sustainability in both the public and private sectors, as well as development agencies in the sustainability space, he took time to highlight the goals of the annual conference.

Speaking on the award, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, Dayo Aderugbo, said, ‘We are excited about the award being presented to the Bank today. For us at Standard Chartered Bank, this award is a testament to our years of driving various initiatives and campaigns to raise awareness on the SDGs targeted at protecting the environment.

We are optimistic about the impact this recognition will have on other corporate organisations yet to fully embrace accelerating to Net Zero. We

believe in driving collective impact through advocacy and public-private partnerships and invite everyone to join us in our drive for a greener and healthier environment for us all. as one of the ways we remain Here for good in our communities.”

In his keynote speech, the Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu who was represented by Managing Director/CEO, Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority, Olayemi Odumosu, explained that in recent times, the earth’s natural system has been struggling to keep up with man’s unending demands in terms of food provision, clean water, medicines, climate regulation and protection from extreme weather conditions.

L_R: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Governor of Kaduna State,Nasir el-Rufai; Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed; Chairman, Parthian Partners Limited,Mr Adedotun Sulaiman; MD/CEO, Parthian Partners Limited, Mr Oluseye Olusoga and other top government functionaries during the opening ceremony of the 28th Nigeria Economic Summit in Abuja...recently

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

AUGUST 2022 Money Supply (M3)

49,356,443.6

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

50,601.36

Money Supply (M2)

49,305,842.3

-- Quasi Money

27,869,678.3

-- Narrow Money (M1)

21,436,164

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,680,236.81

---- Demand Deposits

18,755,927.2

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

5,074,909.92

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

27,869,678.3

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

61,195,142.4

---- Credit to Government (Net)

21,001,401.5

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

40,193,740.9

--Other Assets Net

6,785,979.22

Reserve Money (Base Money

14,040,351.9

--Currency in Circulation

3,210,664.98

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,829,686.9 390,557.8

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

July 2022

Inter-Bank Call Rate

13.00

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

2.76

Savings Deposit Rate

1.42

1 Month Deposit Rate

3.64

3 Months Deposit Rate

4.96

6 Months Deposit Rate

5.87

12 Months Deposit Rate

5.76

Prime Lending rate

12.10

Maximum Lending Rate

27.61

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 24 OCTOBER, 2022

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $92.17 a barrel on Monday, compared with $92.09 the previous Friday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

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

A47

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2022

MARKET NEWS

Shareholders of Vitafoam Approve Cancellation of 1.14bn Unissued Shares Kayode Tokede The shareholders of Vitafoam Nigeria Plc have unanimously endorsed the company’s proposal to cancel 1,149,155,936 unissued ordinary shares of 50 kobo each, in compliance with the federal government’s directive to all companies in Nigeria.

President Mohammed Buhari in August, 2020, signed into

Law, the amended Companies and Allied Matter Act (CAMA), of which Section 124 stipulates

by December 31, 2022, all companies in Nigeria should have only issued shares as against the current system of operating issued and authorized share capital.

The Vitafoam Chairman, Dr Bamidele Makanjuola told the shareholders at the company’s hybrid Extra-Ordinary General

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

DEALS

F O R MARKET PRICE

Meeting (EGM) that the company had no basis to issue new shares to the shareholders and cancellation of the shares was the best option after evaluation.

He underscored the need to comply with the government’s directive ahead of the deadline, as a law-abiding corporate entity.

According to him, “After a careful evaluation of the various options, the Board decided that

S E C U R I T I E S QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

cancellation of the unissued shares is in the best interest of the company at the present time as there is no basis to issue shares.

“It is based on the foregoing that this EGM was convened to seek your approval to cancel all the company’s unissued shares in compliance with the provisions of section 124 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA 2020) and

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

the Companies Regulation 2021 and to also amend some provisions of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company accordingly. “ Although some shareholders pleaded that the Company should convert the unissued shares to bonus issues, others believed that the timing was too short. However, the cancellation of the unissued shares was approved at the EGM.

AS O F

Vitafoam, Nigeria’s premier manufacturer of foams, has carved a niche for itself as an innovative Company, with a vast array of high and superior quality products that grants consumers multiple choices.

The Company leverages cutting edge equipment to manufacture customized mattresses and pillows for different segments of consumers, including babies.

1 6 / 1 1 / 0 2 2 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

THURSDAY, ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

A48

Thursday, November 17, 2022

dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ /ŶĚĞdž ZŽƐĞ ϭ͘Ϭй

dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ ŝŶĚĞdž ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ ϭϬϬďƉƐ ƚŽ

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

ϭ͕ϵϳϲ͘ϰϲ ŝŶĚĞdž ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƵƉƟĐŬ ŝŶ DdEE ;нϬ͘ϯйͿ͕ 'd K ;нϲ͘ϲйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ E/d, ;нϴ͘ϱйͿ͘ ƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ͕

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

ƚŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϭϴ͘ϭй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞdž͘

>ŽĐĂů ŽƵƌƐĞ ZĞďŽƵŶĚƐ͙ ^/ ƵƉ Ϭ͘ϱй

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

dŚĞ ůŽĐĂů ďŽƵƌƐĞ ƌĞǀĞƌƐĞĚ ƚŚĞ ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ

1 Airtel Africa PLC 2 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC

ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ůĂƐƚ ƚǁŽ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶƐ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ

3 BUA Cement Plc 4 Guaranty Trust Holding Co PLC

ďƵLJŝŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ ŝŶ E/d, ;нϴ͘ϱйͿ͕ 'd K ;нϲ͘ϲйͿ ĂŶĚ t W K ;нϲ͘ϬйͿ͘ ŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶƚůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ E'yͲ ^/ ƌŽƐĞ ϱϰďƉƐ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ Ăƚ ϰϰ͕Ϭϰϲ͘ϵϰ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͕ zd ƌĞƚƵƌŶ ŝŵͲ

1976.46 1,270.00

5 Zenith Bank PLC 6 Dangote Cement PLC 7 Lafarge Africa PLC 8 FBN Holdings Plc 9 Nestle Nigeria PLC 10 SEPLAT Energy PLC 11 Access Holdings PLC

ƉƌŽǀĞĚ ƚŽ ϯ͘ϭй ;ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐůLJ͗ Ϯ͘ϲйͿ ǁŚŝůĞ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝͲ ƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞĚ ďLJ േϭϯϬ͘ϬďŶ ƚŽ േϮϰ͘ϬƚŶ͘ ĐƟǀŝƚLJ

12 United Bank for Africa PLC 13 Nigerian Brew eries PLC

ůĞǀĞů ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ĂŶĚ ǀĂůƵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĂĚͲ

14 Okomu Oil Palm PLC 15 Ecobank Transnational Inc

ǀĂŶĐĞĚ ϱϰ͘ϭй ĂŶĚ ϭϰϭ͘ϭй ƚŽ ϭϱϵ͘ϰŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ ĂŶĚ

16 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC 17 International Brew eries PLC

േϮ͘ϵďŶ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͘

ƵůůŝƐŚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ͕ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ ďƵůůŝƐŚ ĂƐ ϰ

'h/EE ^^ ;ͲϭϬ͘ϬйͿ͘

KƵƚůŽŽŬ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ͕

4.7%

18.3%

6.4%

4.2x

0.7x

7.5%

188.00

0.3%

8.0%

-4.6%

-18.3%

162.9%

15.4%

11.0x

15.8x

7.5%

72.00

0.0%

7.4%

7.4%

0.1%

23.3%

12.1%

27.1x

6.1x

4.0%

3.7%

19.30

6.6%

4.9%

-25.8%

-5.9%

20.5%

3.1%

3.1x

0.7x

15.5%

32.0% 37.7%

21.80

8.5%

5.2%

-13.3%

0.5%

20.7%

2.6%

2.7x

0.5x

14.8%

0.0%

4.1%

-7.2%

-13.3%

34.5%

12.8%

13.7x

5.0x

8.5%

7.3%

21.30

6.0%

2.9%

-11.1%

-19.3%

14.0%

10.3%

6.2x

0.8x

9.4%

16.1% 52.7%

10.55

0.0%

3.0%

-7.5%

-9.1%

24.6%

2.2%

1.9x

0.4x

3.3%

1,215.00

0.0%

2.8%

-21.9%

-13.2%

122.7%

13.7%

20.7x

23.3x

4.6%

4.8%

1,088.90

0.0%

2.7%

67.5%

-16.2%

8.6%

4.4%

9.4x

0.8x

4.2%

10.6%

8.35

3.1%

2.4%

-10.2%

-10.2%

17.8%

1.4%

1.6x

0.3x

2.4%

60.8%

7.20

2.1%

2.0%

-10.6%

-3.4%

16.5%

1.4%

1.9x

0.3x

14.1%

51.7%

-36.2%

10.9%

3.8%

15.6x

1.6x

4.2%

6.4%

18.0%

-22.8%

52.7%

30.7%

7.8x

4.2x

1.3%

12.8%

10.00

5.3%

1.5%

14.9%

-5.7%

20.0%

1.1%

1.9x

0.4x

6.7%

51.6%

27.50

0.0%

1.3%

-23.6%

-18.0%

19.6%

2.5%

4.5x

1.0x

12.1%

22.2%

4.00

0.0%

0.9%

-19.2%

-36.5%

-5.0%

-1.7%

18 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC 19 Fidelity Bank PLC

27.30

0.0%

1.0%

-3.7%

-16.0%

13.2%

3.2%

8.0%

21.2%

4.02

-2.0%

1.0%

57.6%

17.5%

15.5%

40.0%

20 Guinness Nigeria PLC 21 Presco PLC

67.20

-10.0%

0.6%

72.3%

-25.7%

16.7%

120.50

0.0%

0.4%

37.2%

-27.0%

53.7%

3.29

-0.3%

0.5%

10.0%

-4.9%

12.4%

1.65

1.9%

0.4%

-28.9%

-17.5%

5.7%

22 FCMB Group Plc 23 AXA Mansard Insurance PLC 24 United Capital PLC

0.8x

-6.3%

4.7x

0.6x

1.3%

2.5x

0.4x

2.5%

7.1%

10.3x

6.9x

10.6%

9.7%

20.2%

5.6x

2.8x

1.8%

17.8%

1.2%

2.2x

0.3x

6.1%

46.2%

1.7%

7.7x

0.5x

36.1%

12.9%

12.00

0.0%

0.5%

21.2%

-5.9%

46.0%

2.6%

5.5x

2.4x

12.5%

18.1%

16.30

0.0%

0.5%

-6.3%

0.0%

23.8%

7.9%

6.3x

1.4x

6.3%

15.8%

1.10

-0.9%

0.4%

14.6%

-10.6%

19.0%

4.3%

2.1x

0.4x

1.8%

48.3%

8.60

0.0%

0.3%

41.0%

-10.4%

20.3%

6.3%

5.0x

1.0x

11.0%

20.1%

10.25

0.0%

0.2%

16.5%

-40.6%

11.6%

3.5%

11.0x

1.2x

4.8%

9.1%

9.00

0.0%

0.2%

-5.3%

-18.9%

197.00

0.0%

0.2%

-11.2%

-16.0%

46.4x

7.4%

2.2%

37.1%

6.2%

4.2x

1.4x

2.1%

23.9% 21.5%

31 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC 32 Custodian and Allied Insurance 33 Wema Bank PLC

21.20

0.0%

0.2%

-5.1%

-20.0%

18.6%

2.1%

4.6x

0.7x

11.7%

5.35

0.0%

0.1%

-32.3%

-23.6%

18.2%

5.2%

3.2x

0.5x

9.3%

31.0%

3.12

-1.0%

0.2%

333.3%

-2.2%

15.7%

0.9%

4.0x

1.6x

7.7%

25.1%

34 Unilever Nigeria PLC 35 Jaiz Bank PLC 36 Oando PLC

10.00

0.0%

0.1%

-31.0%

-32.4%

3.1%

1.8%

0.9x

4.8%

-1.3%

0.89

-1.1%

0.2%

58.9%

-2.2%

20.0%

1.5%

7.0x

1.3x

4.5%

14.4%

9.5x

0.6x

2.4x

0.3x

37 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC 38 Sterling Bank PLC 39 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd 40 Transcorp Hotels Plc

3.82

-1.5%

0.1%

-13.6%

-32.6%

5.95

0.0%

0.1%

0.8%

-3.3%

1.44

0.7%

0.1%

-4.6%

-5.3%

62.50

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

6.25

0.0%

0.0%

16.2%

0.0%

P ric e

-235.4%

0.7%

-17.7%

-4.1%

10.5% 6.9%

1.8x

-1.0%

1.0x

1.1%

P ric e C hg %

T ic k er

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

C WG

0.88

10.0%

FB NH

11.4

0.5%

LEA R N A F R C A

1.65

10.0%

T R A N SC OR P

11.3

0.9%

C A VER T ON

0.87

8.8%

F ID ELIT YB K

10.3

1.2%

P R EST IGE

0.39

8.3%

A C C ESSC OR P

8.7

-0.6%

J A P A ULGOLD

0.29

7.4%

GT C O

6.0

2.3%

A C A D EM Y

1.25

6.8%

Z EN IT H B A N K

4.6

0.8% 0.0%

4.5%

ST ER LN B A N K

4.3

ǁĞĂŬĞŶĞĚ ƚŽ ͲϬ͘Ϭϱdž ĨƌŽŵ Ϭ͘Ϭϯdž ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŝŽƌ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ

18.10

2.3%

B UA F OOD S

3.9

1.2%

Ϯϭ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞĚ͕ Ϯϰ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ ϲϬ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘

OA N D O

3.88

2.1%

CHA M S

3.5

-8.0%

F ID ELIT YB K

4.10

1.2%

UN IT YB N K

3.1

-3.7%

N GXGR OUP

ĞƐƉŝƚĞ ƚŚĞ ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ŽƵƟŶŐ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ůŽĐĂů ďŽƵƌƐĞ͕ ƐĞŶƟͲ

P ric e C hg %

-9.7%

B UA F OOD S

221.6

1.2%

R OYA LEX

0.77

-9.4%

A IR T ELA F R I

131.0

0.0%

C OR N ER ST

0.40

-9.1%

FB NH

124.2

0.5%

-8.9%

GT C O

107.9

2.3%

91.8

0.8%

2.55

F T N C OC OA

0.31

-8.8%

Z EN IT H B A N K

CHA M S

0.23

-8.0%

A C C ESSC OR P

71.0

-0.6%

-7.4%

N GXGR OUP

58.4

4.5%

-3.7%

F ID ELIT YB K

42.3

1.2%

33.9

0.0%

19.5

0.0%

UN IT YB N K

Af rinvest West Af rica Limited

Value

P ric e C hg %

20.10

A B CTRA NS

T ic k er

P ric e

WA P C O

UP D C R EIT

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V a l u e

T o p 10 L o s e r s T ic k er

0.25 0.52

41.9%

T o p 10 T r a d e s b y V o l u m e

T o p 10 G a in e r s T ic k er

-21.5% 6.4%

23.00

ŽƵƌ ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ŽƵƚůŽŽŬ ŝŶ ƐƵďƐĞƋƵĞŶƚ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶƐ͘

9.1%

238.50

GT C O

ŵĞŶƚ ǁŽƌƐĞŶĞĚ Ăƚ Ă ďƌŽĂĚ ůĞǀĞů͘ ,ĞŶĐĞ͕ ǁĞ ŵĂŝŶƚĂŝŶ

14.9%

1.7%

-25.0%

ĐĞƐ ĨĞůů Ϭ͘ϯй ĂŶĚ Ϭ͘Ϯй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͕ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ƐĞůů ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞƐ ŝŶ d ZE ;ͲϭϬ͘ϬйͿ͕ K E K ;Ͳϭ͘ϲйͿ ĂŶĚ

25.6%

-26.7%

1.4%

29 UAC of Nigeria PLC 30 TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeri

ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ĂŶĚ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚŝͲ

97.6%

33.0%

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

1.2%

ƵƉ ϰ͘Ϯй ĂŶĚ Ϯ͘ϵй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ďƵLJŝŶŐ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ

;нϯ͘ϳйͿ͕ KZE Z^d ;нϭϬ͘ϬйͿ ĂŶĚ t W K ;нϲ͘ϬйͿ͘

6.6% 41.1%

P/BV

0.3%

ŐƌĞĞŶ͘ dŚĞ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ &ZͲ/ d ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ůĞĚ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ͕

ƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ͕ ŽŶ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ŽĨ ďĂƌŐĂŝŶ ŚƵŶƟŶŐ ŝŶ // K

P/E

0.0%

27 PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC 28 Cadbury Nigeria PLC

ĂŶĚ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƌŽƐĞ Ϭ͘ϴй ĂŶĚ Ϭ͘ϰй ƌĞͲ

0.0%

ROA

37.50

ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ϲ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ ĐůŽƐĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ

;нϯ͘ϭйͿ ĂŶĚ DdEE ;нϬ͘ϯйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ

1.00%

ROE

167.50

25 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC 26 Transnational Corp of Nigeria

ŝŶ E/d, ;нϴ͘ϳйͿ͕ d/ ;нϱ͘ϯйͿ͕ ^^ KZW

Price Previous Price Change Current Price Change Weighting Index to Change YTD Date

Current Price

Ticker

A IIC O

0.54

-3.6%

M TNN

FCM B

3.30

-2.7%

OKOM UOIL

Brokerage

Asset Management

Investment Research

Adedoyin Allen | aallen@af rinvest.com

Robert Omotunde | romotunde@af rinvest.com

Abiodun Keripe | AKeripe@af rinvest.com

Taiwo Ogundipe | togundipe@af rinvest.com

Christopher Omoh | comoh@af rinvest.com

Damilare Asimiyu | dasimiyu@af rinvest.com

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2022

25

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

1 6 , 2 0 2 2

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OPR

11.25%

CALL

10.25%

INDEX LEVEL

613.31%

1/4 TO DATE

-0.85%

N416.86/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

11.50%

1-MONTH

9.56%

1-DAY

0.16%

YEAR TO DATE

7.64%

*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

3-MONTH

10.52%

MONTH-TO-DATE

0.44%

Africans Urged to Collaborate on Satellite Technology to Address Space Security, Local Content Development

Emma Okonji The Managing Director, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Dr. Abimbola Alale, has stressed the need for African countries to collaborate on satellite technology, in order to form the required synergy needed to provide territorial space security for the African continent.

According to her, international wars have moved from the ground borders to the territorial space, with the support of satellite technology, adding that African countries, which

already have over 48 satellites in space, must collaborate to grow local content in satellite technology and to protect the African territorial space.

Alale made the call, while delivering a keynote speech at the ongoing satellite technology training programme on Satellite Communications for professionals, policy makers, regulators and operators, organised by Tetconsult in Lagos.

Alale who spoke on the topic: “NigComSat-From Feasibility to Implementation-Challenges and Opportunities,” during the opening

session of the one week training programme for selected satellite technology professionals from Ghana and Nigeria, said: “Currently there are 13 African countries that have launched 48 satellites in space, and in 2025, it is projected that the number of African countries that will launch satellites will increase to 33. The allocation for space budget annually is over $500 million, which shows that space economy in Africa is improving and Africa cannot be ignored in satellite technology. So investment in satellite should not be seen as a wasted investment.

“African countries can collaborate and use its capacity to serve Africans better in the area of satellite technology, and develop its local content in satellite technology.

Africans cannot continue to be consumers of technologies developed from other continents of the world.

Africans can come together to develop its space security because international wars have moved into space. African countries need to put together its resources and work together for a common regional interest.”

Giving the narrative of satellite

technology in Nigeria, driven by NIGCOMSAT, Alale said in 2007, NigComSat1, which was Nigeria’s first satellite, was launched into space and 18 months after its launch, it was adversely affected by solar storm, and the satellite was de-orbited in 2008.

“Since NigComSat1 had insurance, Nigeria was able to use the insurance to demand for a replacement from the Chinese company that built the first satellite and that was how NigComSat1-R was re-launched in 2011 and it is still operational and that is what NIGCOMSAT uses to offer communication services to

its customers,” Alale said.

According to her, NIGCOMSAT is currently working towards getting another satellite launched into space by next year, because NigComSat1-R is getting close to the end of its life span of 15 years.

“We opened the bidding process and we have received applications from foreign satellite companies and our consultant is screening those applications in preparation for the bidding proceess, while waiting for the approval of the Federal Executive Continued on page 27

Despite Perceived Fear of Market Dominance, MTN Insists on 3.5GHz Spectrum Auction Participation Emma Okonji Disregarding the perceived fears envisaged by the telecoms industry regulator and the industry stakeholders that MTN Nigeria may dominate the 5G space and create market monopoly for itself, if allowed to participate in the next 3.5GHz spectrum auction that is coming up on December

19, 2022, the telecom operator has said it is eligible to participate to clinch another 3.5GHz spectrum licence that will enable it expand its operations and 5G network rollout.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum organised by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Lagos, where NCC presented the draft Information

Memorandum (IM) on the 3.5GHz spectrum auction to industry stakeholders, for their inputs before the final IM is published, the General Manager, Regulatory Affairs and Corporate Relations at MTN, Mr. Ikenna Ikeme, cited section 5.30 of the draft Information Memorandum, which discussed spectrum cap, and noted with concern, the

provision of the draft IM which provides that: “the Commission places a cap of 100MHz as the maximum amount of spectrum that a licensee can acquire in the 3.5GHz band.”

According to Ikeme, the IM clearly restricts operators who participated and won in the 2021 auction of spectrum in the 3.5GHz spectrum band from participating

in future licensing processes. He however insisted that such winning bidder can also participate in the spectrum licensing processes, including the proposed auction of additional spectrum in the 3.5GHz spectrum band without any hindrance.

MTN, in its contribution to the draft IM, had said: “On the strength of the Commission’s assurances,

MTN further participated in the Assignment Stage of the 2021 auction and paid and additional sum of N6.5 billion for a premium for its preference of the 3500 3600MHz spectrum lot (Lot B). The appeal of Lot B was its cost efficient deployment/roll-out properties as well as its positioning in the band Continued on page 27

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT W E D N E S D AY, N O V E M B E R 1 6 , 2 0 2 2 BILLS

BONDS DESCRIPTION Price ^14.20 14MAR-2024 13.53 23MAR-2025 ^12.50 22JAN-2026 ^16.2884 17MAR-2027 ^13.98 23FEB-2028

Yield

98.83

15.15

98.45

14.30

94.98

14.50

105.26

14.59

97.66

14.62

Change Updated Time (%) 0.00 November 10, 2022 -0.21 November 10, 2022 -0.31 November 10, 2022 0.00 November 10, 2022 0.22 November 10, 2022

MATURITY NTB 26-Jan23 NTB 9-Feb23 NTB 9-Mar23 NTB 27-Apr23 NTB 11May-23

Discount

Yield

11.58

11.86

8.32

8.49

8.96

9.23

8.05

8.36

8.05

8.39

Change Updated Time (%) -0.01 November 10, 2022 -0.01 November 10, 2022 0.00 November 10, 2022 0.00 November 10, 2022 -2.57 November 10, 2022

OTC F X F U T U R E S

CPS MATURITY FDHP CP III 17-MAR-23 VHPL CP III 1-APR-23

Change Updated Time (%) 14.06 14.78 -1.07 November 10, 2022 18.49 19.92 -1.46 November 10, 2022

Discount Yield

.

.

.

. .

.

.

.

. .

.

.

.

. .

CONTRACT TENOR Contract (MONTH) NGUS NOV 30 1 2022 NGUS DEC 28 2 2022 NGUS JAN 25 3 2023 NGUS FEB 22 4 2023 NGUS MAR 29 5 2023

Current Rate Updated Time ($/₦) November 454.73 10, 2022 November 456.93 10, 2022 November 459.12 10, 2022 November 461.32 10, 2022 November 463.51 10, 2022

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2022

26

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Sabharwal: Digital Systems Necessary to Attain Energy Efficiency in Africa Executive Vice President, Engineering and Simulation at AVEVA, Mr. Amish Sabharwal, who is also a member of AVEVA’s Executive Leadership Team, spoke with Emma Okonji on how technology can address climate change and how African governments can collaborate to build digital systems that will promote energy efficiency in Africa. Excerpts: Giving the challenges that African countries are facing as a result of the effect of climate change, which is being discussed at the ongoing COP27 meeting in Egypt, what should Africa do to adapt to climate change and support sustainability growth? attended the COP27 meeting in Egypt, and from the conversation at that meeting, it is clear that Africa is facing lots of challenges from climate change. The biggest issue from that meeting was how to address the effect of climate change that is adversely affecting African countries. Another discussion was how Africa could get financial funding to address its climate change challenges and to support it electricity grid system in order to have sustainable electricity generation.

More of the discussion was centred around the $100 billion electricity gap required to make Africa’s electricity supply more sustainable. Suggestions were made about power supply, demand and digitalisation will improve energy efficiency in Africa and this is where AVEVA is fully focused as a company. AVEVA is of the view that there is great opportunity to by-pass traditional bureaucratic ways of doing things in the areas of supply and digitalising existing assets. There is an opportunity for Africa to adopt new green energy sources as well as digitalisation.

coming from developed countries on how to address the effect of climate change in Africa, and the announcement by the UK Foreign Secretary, is one of them.

Africa still has funding gap to fight climate change and such commitment from UK government, will help in closing that gap. The western world is beginning to respond to the devastating effect of climate change in Africa, and I think it is a good development. Africa needs about 150Giga Watts of electricity to power the whole of the continent, and the United States alone generates 12,000 Giga Watts of power, and this goes to show that the United States alone, generates more electricity than the entire African continent. So even if the United States decides to invest one per cent of its electricity generation to Africa, the whole of the African continent will have steady supply of electricity. So I think the rest of the world should begin to think of how they can invest in green renewable power for Africa.

I

How can technology digitalisation help industry sustainability growth in Africa, considering the poor infrastructure facing the African continent?

Studies have shown that 70 per cent of the world’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emission can be abated, using current technology, and 25 per cent of the 70 per cent can be abated, using digitalisation. The first thing that digitisation does, is to address energy efficiency. In Morocco for instance, AVEVA was able to help one of the companies optimise the way the solar panel captures the sun rays.

AVEVA built a digitalisation centre for the plant that will enable the engineers to improve the energy efficiency of how the panels operate. So today we have been able to expand power supply source in Morocco from two per cent to 20 per cent. Again in Nigeria, we used the AVEVA digitalisation technology to help build micro grids with Schneider Electric by using power sources to create micro grids in Nigeria.

AVEVA can also develop smart cities, by putting together, data from transportation, security, and bring that into a common digitalisation centre, where our engineers can look at the different data, and optimize its wider use to address traffic congestion, and this can reduce carbon emission in cities by 20 per cent.

Another big opportunity in Africa is in the area of supply energy like hydrogen supply. In Egypt for instance, AVEVA is working with the government to develop green hydrogen power that will be able to produce about 12 Giga Watts of power from hydrogen. In Angola, we are also working with the government to help develop hydrogen power technology that they are delivering for Germany.

In Kenya, we are also working to develop

Sabharwal a new hydrogen plant, and these are several ways that AVEVA is helping African countries to optimize their energy efficiency and supply.

Tells us about AVEVA’s participation in the ongoing COP27 in Egypt and why are events like COP27 important in fighting climate change?

COP27 meeting is bringing awareness about climate change to Africa and the rest of the world. In Africa, there is a huge opportunity to raise such awareness in the African region, because of the huge impact it has on African countries.

AVEVA is committed to help address the effect of climate change in Africa, hence our active participation at the just concluded COP27 in Egypt. We at AVEVA are determined to see how digitalisation can support companies to reduce carbon emission and we want to play big in that space. AVEVA is currently the biggest industry support company in the world, and our goal is to provide that knowledge and supports the industry to build more efficient system that will reduce carbon in our environment.

As a global leader in industrial software, driving digital transformation and sustainability, AVEVA participated actively in the just concluded COP27 meeting in Egypt, where we highlighted how digital technologies could support public-private partnerships and unlock innovation to close the implementation gap on climate change.

As a sponsor of the parallel Climate Action Innovation Zone, AVEVA believes trusted data-led technologies are essential to decarbonization, driving responsible use of the world’s resources and

delivering innovative, climate-forward products in the net-zero economy. AVEVA is one of the first 50 companies in the world to have its net-zero commitments validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

What in your view is the importance of public and private sector partnerships in driving the decarbonisation agenda and in fighting climate change in Africa?

Although I am not an expert in climate change but I will try to answer the question. I think the public sector has the ability to create policy that could address the challenges of climate change in terms of regulation on carbon emissions. The role of the private sector is however, very important, because if you look at the world, the global private GDP is $250 trillion, and the estimate to solve the 1.5 degree climate challenge in terms of cost, is between $1.5 to $3 trillion, and the private sector has the money to solve the challenge. So the private and public sectors participation are key in addressing climate change challenge in Africa.

At ongoing COP27 meeting, the UK Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, announced a new investment plan, which includes a £95 million Propcom+ investment that is set to benefit at least four million Nigerians, including two million women, to increase productivity and adapt to the effects of climate change. What impact will this kind of investment make in fighting climate change in Africa?

I think there are lots of commitments

Recent report shows reduced finance flow for addressing the investment gap in funding climate adaptation in Africa.

What do you make of this and how can the funding issues be addressed?

Yes there is a reduction in the flow of funding for Africa, but again, I am not an expert in climate funding, but I think there is need to raise the awareness on the funding gap in Africa for Africans to fight the effect of climate change on the continent. The role of developed countries of the world is to help Africa address the devastating effect of climate change on the African continent. As a technology company, the role of AVEVA is to educate companies on how best to develop Africa’s economy in a digitalised way.

What should African governments do to build the enabling environment for climate adaptation investment, putting technology as key driver?

The solution is for African governments to promote digitalisation in their various countries and they must collaborate to achieve this.

African governments must create digital systems to attain full energy efficiency in Africa. They should be able to support technologies that will promote green energy that will reduce carbon emission. They should create the enabling infrastructure by investing in cloud technology that will create the digital infrastructure, in order to bring the world to Africa.

What are your thoughts about AVEVA’s sustainability initiatives for the company and for its customers?

Our sustainability initiatives are huge, but our greatest opportunity as a technology company is to become net zero in our operations by 2030. Our concern at AVEVA is about how we use our hand print to help the industrial world to improve energy efficiency and build assets. AVEVA serves the industrial world in energy, mining, food and beverages, among others, to help them operate better and faster, using technology.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

27

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

COURTESY VISIT……

L-R: Chief Operation Officer, FindMech Nigeria Limited, Mr. Folabi Akinfaye; Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State, Mr. Olusegun Ogungbemide; Senior Marketing Manager, FindMech, Ms Ijeoma Obasi and Managing Director, FindMech, Mr. Oladipupo Akinfaye, during a visit to FRSC in Lagos… recently

NPA’s Efforts at Eliminating Systemic Corruption Attracts Global Commendation Oluchi Chibuzor The synergistic partnerships on Instituting transparency being nurtured by the Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) are already attracting international commendation as the NPA has bagged, “Outstanding Achievement in Collective Action Award,” of the Switzerland-based Basel Institute.

The Co-founder of NPA’s Civil

Society Partner, the Convention on Business Integrity (CBi), Mr. Olusoji Apampa, presented the international award to Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo at the villa in Abuja.

According to Mr. Apampa, the success recorded is now attracting international reviews as countries such as Egypt, Ukraine and India are planning to adopt the “Nigerian miracle” model to

produce similar gains in their own ports’ operations.

The Managing Director/ CEO of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello Koko had in March 2022 when he received members of the Maritime AntiCorruption Network (MACN) led by Soji Apampa, at the Authority’s head-office in Marina, Lagos reiterated the authority’s commitment to complying fully

with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) as stipulated in the Nigerian Port Process Manual (NPPM), which NPA funded, to enhance operational excellence and service delivery at all Nigerian seaports and terminals.

According to Apampa, “the synergy among the agencies and CBi, through the Maritime AntiCorruption Network (MACN), has significantly reduced the cost

of a ship berthing in Nigeria – often aggravated by unreceipted extortions – from 150,000 dollars per vessel that arrives in the country to about 20,000 dollars.”

Elucidating further, Apampa said, “this was made possible by the establishment and success recorded by the first ever, real-time Anti-Corruption Help Desk in Nigerian Ports, which instantly reports and resolves corruption-

related issues.”

Receiving the news of the development, Mohammed Bello Koko commended the CBi and MACN, and stated that, “Our commitment as Management team at ensuring that transparency governs our entire port operations value chain remains unwavering, and we will continue to enter into and nurture synergies in this regard.”

Free-to-View OH Prime TV Debuts Multigate Qualifies as Licenced Swift with over 100 Premium Channels Business Application Provider Emma Okonji Open Heaven Prime (OHP) television with over 100 freeto-view premium channels, has been launched in Nigeria to relieve Nigerians of the burden of paying for contents that they subscribe to on television.

Open Heaven (OH Prime) is in partnership with Danny Brooks Technology to facilitate the liberation of consumption of African media consumers through the debut of OHP television, which

is a one-stop entertainment hub.

Speaking at the launch of OHP television in Lagos recently, the Chief Executive Officer of Danny Brooks Technology, Mr. Daniel Akintola, who is Africa’s Grand Commander of Over the Top Technology (OTT) streaming technology and an OTT Consultant, said necessity, which is the mother of invention, compelled the team to come up with the innovation to introduce free-to-view television channels, adding that video consumption

is fast shifting from offline to online and from larger screens to smaller screens.

According to Akintola, OTT business models, enabled by rising internet penetration and faster internet speed, are giving rise to several things. For instance, people no longer sit in one place to watch television and this shows that scale is now critical to compete effectively in the content space, where OTT has significant advantage over paid television providers.

Emma Okonji Multigate, a Licensed Financial Services platform that provides access to a safe and secure treasury and liquidity management system, has announced its qualification as a SWIFT Lite2 for Business Application Provider.

The SWIFT certification validates Multigate’s business application and provides

UNODC, UN, Others Partner to Address War Crimes, Sexual Violence

Ugo Aliogo

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Wayamo Foundation and the United Nations Team of Experts of the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict, have conducted two capacity building workshops for Nigerian investigators and prosecutors on the investigation and prosecution of international crimes, with a special focus on conflict-related sexual violence.

A statement by UNODC, Communications Associate, Ms. Olivia Ogechi Okorondu, said the two workshops were conducted under the framework of the recently established project, “Strengthening Nigerian Capacity in the Investigation and Prosecution of International Crimes, with a Special Focus on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence” a joint initiative of the three entities.

The statement also noted that the project, which aims to increase accountability for acts of sexual violence allegedly committed by all parties to the conflict in Northeast Nigeria, seeks to build the capacity of prosecutors from the Federal

Ministry of Justice’s Complex Case Group (CCG) and Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) Prosecution Hub. The statement revealed that although conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) is not

yet specifically recognized as a distinct offence under Nigerian law, the project aims to broaden the collective understanding of acts that amount to CRSV, such as sexual slavery, forced marriage, forced pregnancy, that

fall outside more commonly acknowledged forms of sexual violence in Nigeria, such as rape and sexual harassment, captured by the Criminal Code, Penal Code and Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act.

connectivity for its customers to thousands of financial institutions globally by leveraging the SWIFT network. As a certified SWIFT Lite 2 Business Application Provider, Multigate seeks to address the treasury/cash management needs of African corporates both regionally and globally and is also focused on enabling seamless processes for consolidating accounts for local or international payouts from any bank. The SWIFT license will also extend Multigate’s capacity to offer standardised, safe, and secure services to its clients and partners with an overall objective of increasing revenue by efficiently maximising cash flows.

Announcing the feat at a virtual press conference recently, Co-founder and CEO of Multigate, Eghosa Nehikhare, said: “Our goal as a company

is to advance the African economy by enabling seamless and instant transactions for our customers and by simplifying the complexities of managing multiple banking portals onto a single platform.”

According to Nehikhare, by leveraging the SWIFT network as a certified connectivity provider, we provide a secure treasury and liquidity management experience through our innovative digital platform governed by the highest regulatory standards.

Head of Corporates, Middle East, Turkey, and Africa at SWIFT, Mickael Thomas, said: “Having Multigate certified as the first L2BA provider in Africa is key for the adoption of SWIFT connectivity by the corporates within Africa. It also allows the Corporates to benefit from the Added Value of SWIFT fully.”

AFRICANS URGED TO COLLABORATE ON SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY TO ADDRESS SPACE SECURITY, LOCAL CONTENT DEVELOPMENT Council (FEC),” Alale said.

Giving an overview of Satellite Communications, Policy, Regulations and Operations, the Chief Executive Officer of TetConsult, and former Secretary General of Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation, Shola Taylor, said: “The learning and development programme organised

by TetConsult is to upscale the professionals who are working in the satellite industry, which cuts across

regulators, managers and users of satellite services. The training also offers them the opportunity to learn new development and acquire new knowledge in satellite technology.”

The training, which cuts across satellite technology professionals from African countries, had attendees from National Communications Authority of Ghana, as well as professionals from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA)

and the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT).

The issues of spectrum management and allocation were discussed as well as satellite related issues.

Given the evolution of satellite communications technology, Taylor, one of the resource persons at the training, listed the three types of satellite technology to include: Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO),

Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO), and explained how countries could maximise the technologies to promote local content in satellite technology.

The Principal Manager, Legal and Regulatory Services Department of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Mohammed Suleh-Yusuf, who spoke on commercial satellite operations

guidelines, told the audience about the guidelines in providing commercial satellite services to third parties, as contained in the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, adding that the guidelines seek to among other things, to ensure a well developed and organised satellite communications market in Nigeria with appropriate legal framework that meets international best practice.

DESPITE PERCEIVED FEAR OF MARKET DOMINANCE, MTN INSISTS ON 3.5GHZ SPECTRUM AUCTION PARTICIPATION which came with the potential for MTN to be able to subsequently bid for/possibly acquire a contiguous Lot A or Lot C and ultimately provide mutually beneficial efficiencies such as maximized network performances.”

MTN is of the view that if

allowed to participate in the December 3.5GHz auction, it will further engender a more robust and highly competitive spectrum auction process.

MTN therefore recommended that successful bidders in the prior auctions of spectrum in

the 3.5GHz or indeed any other spectrum band, be allowed to participate in other spectrum auction in the country, in order to ensure that all spectrum are assigned and used efficiently.

Responding, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services

at NCC, Ubale Maska, who noted MTN’s demand to participate in the next 3.5GHz spectrum for 5G rollout, said NCC would revisit the request and take a decision that would be of best interest to all operators and industry stakeholders.

In his welcome address, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, said the consultation meeting was in tandem with the Commission’s strategy of consulting with stakeholders in carrying out its regulatory functions.

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2022

28

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Nigeria Internet Group Holds Business C l i n i c , AG M Nosa Alekhuoghie The Nigeria Internet Group (NIG) will be holding its 2022 Business Clinic, along side its Annual General Meeting on Thursday November 24 in Lagos.

Founded in 1995 to establish, guide and promote Internet use in Nigeria, the Nigeria Internet Group became the umbrella body established solely to encourage the development of Nigeria Internet society in-line with global target. Against this backdrop and mandate, NIG in aligning with its mandate, is inviting the general public to participate at the NIG Internet Business Clinic 2022/AGM, with

REWARD FOR SHAREHOLDERS

L-R : Finance Director, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Joseph Alegbesogie; Group Managing Director, Taiwo Adeniyi,; Chairman, Dr Bamidele Makanjuola; Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Olalekan Sanni and Commercial Director, Bamidele Owoade at Vitafoam’s Extra-Ordinary General Meeting in Lagos yesterday

Power Learn Project to Launch in Nigeria Emma Okonji Power Learn Project (PLP), in partnership with Adanian Labs Nigeria and the Job Red, will tomorrow in Lagos, launch the #1MillionDevs4Africa Program in Nigeria in a bid to train one million software developers across the continent by 2027.

Nigeria is the fifth country in Africa, after Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, and

Tanzania, to introduce the #1MillionDevs4Africa program.

Digital Skills in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and their Impact on National Development, have been highlighted as pillars in Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Strategy (NDEPS).

The global economy is undergoing rapid digital transformation, and Nigeria is said to be in the best

position to reap the benefits of the digital economy. The country’s potential is evident in its size as the most extensive digital market and the leading destination for investment in Africa. Experts estimate that Nigeria’s digital sector could add $88 billion and 3 million jobs to the economy by 2027.

Announcing the plan, the Chief, Growth and Operations Officer of Power Learn Project,

‘Novel Solutions Will Drive Growth in Financial Services Industry’ Emma Okonji As the adoption of digital payments in Nigeria continues to rise and customers continue to yearn for more sophisticated digital payment offerings, Africa’s leading Integrated payments and digital commerce company, Interswitch, has said it is pertinent for businesses to integrate novel solutions that speak to the unique needs of their customers in order to have a more robust and financially inclusive economy.

The firm made this known during the second edition in the series of Regional Breakfast Sessions held at the Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt, Rivers state where representatives of financial institutions, microfinance banks, fintechs and other stakeholders, were introduced to innovative solutions designed

by Interswitch and made aware of their robust benefits using different use cases.

The Regional Breakfast Session tagged “Accelerating Growth and Profitability – Leveraging Technology to Win” provided insights and discussed robust opportunities for businesses to continue to evolve.

Speaking at the event, Team Lead, South at Interswitch, Emmanuel Nwokocha, said Interswitch was committed to the advancement of digital payment in the country and beyond, adding that the firm has continued to demonstrate its resolve and capacity in pushing the course to spur economic growth.

He said: “The objective of the series of engagement sessions is to have robust discussions with

stakeholders on latest digital payment trends and proffer solutions to industry challenges.

It is also an opportunity for us to meet with our customers and introduce them to novel solutions and technologies that will build sustainable businesses and transform the financial industry landscape.”

According to Nwokocha, “In

the last 20 years, Interswitch has continued to facilitate the growth of the payment ecosystem. The Regional Breakfast Session is a testament to this, and we will never stop keeping our customers abreast of the latest technologies and capabilities in the financial industry to help enhance their businesses.”

WBFAfrica, Dettol Partner For Global Handwashing Day Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) and global hygiene brand, Reckitt through its Dettol brand in Nigeria recently announced the official flag-off of the Dettol Hygiene Quest and WBFA collaboration at a Public Presentation and Launch of Partnership event in Lagos state in a strategic coincidence with the 2022 Global Handwashing Day Campaign.

WBFA is collaborating with Reckitt on its journey to reach 6 million children in Nigeria by 2025, through educating and aiding behavioural change in children’s and adolescent’s hygiene habits thereby reducing the incidence of illness and sick days from school, which will have a profound generational impact on their health, education, and development.

The event witnessed the public presentation of the merged curricula provided an opportunity for key stakeholders present

including school principals, and students to review and share feedback on the merged curricula.

Speaking at the launch, WBFA’s Founder, Her Excellency, Mrs Toyin Saraki, who was represented by Dr. Franco Apiyantiede, National Programs Lead, WBFA said, “The Foundation believes in sustainability, leveraging on existing structures, ensuring sustainability in all projects we implement. We look forward to extending the partnership’s impact by collaborating with all pertinent existing structures.

Over time, this collaboration will address, the hygiene and needs, sanitation across Nigeria.”

Also speaking, Head of External Communications and Partnerships, Reckitt Sub-Saharan Africa, Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh, on behalf of the General Manager, Reckitt Sub Saharan Africa, Akbar Ali Shah, expressed the company’s optimism for the partnership.

Mumbi Ndung’u, said: “ Digital Sector: Skills Gap Report’ indicates that Nigeria’s digital economy holds the potential to create jobs and reduce the rate of unemployment. However, to fully harness the sector’s potential, there is a need for the country to invest in digital and soft skills,”

the theme, Internet Business Clinic 2022: Growth and Solution Platform.

President of NIG, Mr. Destiny Amana, said the expectations at this years’ forum, would be the coming together of Online sellers, Web Designers and Information Technology presenting latest cutting-edge innovations for the benefits of the public.

“The Clinic will serve as a Solution Platform for all Internet and related issues with selected experts on ground for the benefit of the citizenry. At the end of the Business Clinic, NIG will have its AGM to elect new executive of the group,” Amana said.

Tradefada Wins Best Crypto Exchange Platform of the Year Nosa Alekhuogie Tradefada, a One-Stop Cryptocurrency exchange platform, has won this year’s Best Crypto Exchange Platform at the Afritech Awards, organized

by Techcastle Foundation.

Presenting the award to Tradefada, the organisers noted that Tradefada as a company, has distinguished itself in the Fintech space by offering traders the ability to buy into the crypto market through various local fiat currencies and trade on over 100 pairs of the top and most reliable crypto currencies.

Co-founder of Techcastle

Foundation, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, said: “Having done our independent research, we found out that Tradefada stood out among other companies in its class. Thus, we rate the company as the Best Crypto Exchange Platform of the year 2022.” According to him, with the burgeoning Fintech ecosystem, the Tradefada platform combines the reliability and swiftness of a web-based exchange with the convenience and portability of a mobile app. These features, he noted, are not found in some other platforms offering same services.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 • T H I S D AY

29

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2022

30

GAMINGWEEK

Edited by NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG | ikotibok@gmail.com | Tel: 08114495324

With THISDAY, It’s Game On! THISDAY becomes the first daily newspaper in Nigeria, and by extension Africa to have pages solely dedicated to the multibillion-naira gaming industry, writes Nseobong Okon-Ekong

T

he better part of my career in journalism had taken me to major media establishments like The PUNCH, Raypower 100.5FM, Daily Times, The Guardian and THISDAY, mainly treading the journalistic landscape of culture/arts, tourism and entertainment reporting until four years ago when I became a wild-card Group Politics Editor. That brief has now ended.

In August 2015, I wrote a story on the cover of GLITTERATI, the human-interest section in THISDAY, The Sunday Newspaper titled, ‘Tapping into the N40 Billion Sports Betting Industry’. I had interviewed Mr. Yahaya Maikori, a brilliant lawyer who was the president of the Nigeria Gaming Association. He, it was, who first opened my eyes to the huge gold mine embedded in the gaming matrix.

My previous understanding of gaming was limited to gambling, and it was mostly coloured by negative connotations. I couldn’t associate gaming with the ability to multi-task and improve logic, helping to pinpoint decisions quickly. Hardly is the self-confidence that comes with becoming a master of the game emphasised over the proclivity towards becoming a loser.

Following closer interaction with Maikori, I became obsessed with the idea of providing a one-stop media platform to pool news and events in the gaming industry. Since then, I have been

Okon-Ekong

Bamidele

assailed by the Baaden-Meinhof Effect, which describes a phenomenon in which the frequency of something seems to increase immediately after a person learns about it. Suddenly, I see gaming everywhere I turn! There seems to be an implicit gaming angle in everything. Therefore, I have decided to be a witness and a chronicler of the Nigerian (and African) gaming industry.

I have asked myself a few questions, which I may not have all the answers to at this time.

Lasisi THISDAY is making history with the publication of Gaming Week, and the team comprising John Bamidele, Akeem Lasisi, Vanessa Obioha and me (Nseobong Okon-Ekong) have the distinction of a pioneering status. THISDAY becomes the first daily newspaper in Nigeria, and by extension Africa to have pages solely dedicated to gaming.

I am convinced, however, that I should take this pioneering step.

I will be helping to shape a thriving industry.

As a pioneer reporter in a niche market, I will be walking in the footsteps of Akin Adeoya, the first to explore marketing/advertising reporting in a national newspaper. Incidentally, the publication was in THISDAY. Mention must also be made of the inimitable Tope Ogbeni-Awe, who pioneered tourism reporting in Nigeria. Again,

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Nigeria’s Top Five Leading Betting Companies

Sport betting in Nigeria and, by extension, the whole of Sub-Saharan Africa is huge and, arguably, the fastestgrowing gambling vertical. As sports betting continues to grow in Nigeria, betting companies are introducing bonuses to attract players. Nigeria has witnessed a flurry of foreign betting companies as sports betting in Nigeria continues to grow at a sporadic pace. To rank top sport betting firms in Nigeria can be difficult considering the array of betting firms available in Nigeria. In this bold and historical piece, John Bamidele uses clearly discernible factors as a guide to rating betting firms

H E A D S H O T

1

LEGALITY: To operate a betting firm in Nigeria, your company must obtain an operational licence from the National Lottery Regulatory Commission or the states’ gaming commission.

2. SOFTWARE: The software used by a betting firm will, to a large extent, determine its success in the market. Also referred to as providers, most big betting firms have laboratories where their software is developed. However, if your company can’t afford a laboratory, you need to work with a software provider.

3. PAYMENT: This is one of the critical factors

that bettors consider before wagering on any sports betting platform. Bettors consider the speed at which a betting firm pays. Aside from the speed withdrawals are processed, players like using a cash-out tool which enables wagers to cut their losses.

4. BONUSES: Bookmakers offer free bets and different betting bonuses to acquire new customers and retain old ones. Given the competition between bookmakers in Nigeria, nearly all legalised betting firms operating in Nigeria offer different sorts of bonuses, such as free match bet, bet and get, free bet if you

lose, multi-step offers, and deposit bonuses are some of the free bets offered to players.

5. VIRTUALS: Virtual games have become extremely popular in Nigeria. Made popular by the leading sports betting brand, Bet9ja, some years ago when the major leagues went on break. Today, no sports betting firm can be successful without including it in its offerings. Virtual has become money-spinning, and some sports betting companies excel at it, placing them among the best betting companies in Nigeria.

6. LIVE STREAMING: Live streaming is a live feed of a sporting event that you can watch via your computer or smartphone. You can watch your favourite sports as they happen. These days online bookies stream events live.

7. ODDS: Depending on the type of bettor you are, odds are what you need to take cognizance of.

Betting odds achieve three essential things; they tell you which team is likely to win, and they give you an idea of how many sports books think a favorite would win and what you stand to win betting on one outcome or another. Betting firms like to woo bettors with good odds.

After all is said and done, we have carefully picked five top bookies in Nigeria based on these yardsticks.

1. SPORTYBET NIGERIA (www.sportbet.com) Sportybet is a leading online sports betting platform in Africa with a presence in six African countries, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, Zambia, Uganda and Kenya. In Nigeria, Sportybet is leading the pack in the online sector. Founded by Sudeep Dalamai Ramnani in 2013, Sportybet is an international sports betting and real-money gaming operator that delivers an omnichannel entertainment experience in regulated emerging markets.

Yahaya Maikori: Nigeria’s Global Gaming Lawyer Nseobong Okon-Ekong

A

man who may be said to know what he wants out of life, Mr. Yahaya Maikori has taken deliberate and calculated steps to be where he wants to be. He could have excelled in any sector of law practice, but he chose entertainment and sports, following his mind and the promising future that only a visionary leader like him could see. After establishing his firm, Law Allianz, he teamed up with his younger brother, Audu Maikori and another partner, Mr. Paul Okeugo, to cofound Chocolate City, a record label. This immediately authenticated his reputation in copyright law and intellectual property.

When he discovered gaming, he wasted no time immersing himself in it completely by becoming cofounder and founder of the Global Gaming Company Limited, the holding company for 360 Bet, the African Poker Tournament, Anambra Lotto and Kajola Lotto.

GGCL is advertised as Africa’s most diversified gaming company with interests in casinos, sports betting, lottery, poker and general legal and regulatory gaming consultancy. The company is the exclusive partner for ‘i gaming academy’, Clarion Events ( Owners of ICE, WRB, ICE Africa, EIG) for Africa.

Maikori was one of the lead speakers at the Betting and iGaming BIG Africa Summit and Exhibition in 2014. He is one of the few Nigerian lawyers registered to practice law

in New York and the UK. Maikori has an activee h, business background in the gambling, gaming, tech, software development, sports, entertainment, mediaa and e-commerce industries.

Among gaming industry-related offices he hass supervised or currently oversees are president off the Association of Casino Operators of Nigeria,, chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (Section n on Business Law) Entertainment, Media and Sportss Committee and chairman of the Sports Industry y Thematic Group. He is also active as a trusteee of the Organisations of Blockchain Users Group,, chairman of Esports Caretaker Committee Nigeria,, president of International Masters in Gaming Law w and member of the Committee for Restructuring g the Legal and Regulatory Framework of Nigeriaa Lottery Regulatory Commission.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2022

31

GAMINGWEEK

FOR ECAST

BY OLA ADENIRAN (ROLAND) 07086172568

:.

81&/( +(15< 1$36 :((.(1' 62&&(5 7,36 )25 7+( %5,7,6+ 322/6

3853/(

Five Accessories Every Gamer Must Have Whether you are an avid PC gamer or recently discovered that PC gaming keeps you entertained and connected to others in the gaming world, there are five essential accessories that you must have, writes Vanessa Obioha

A

cquiring the best gaming accessories will heighten your experience. From the ambience to speed and precision. Here are the most important accessories you need to enjoy an unmatched gaming experience.

GAMING HEADSETS: You need a good gaming headset with high-quality sound and a strong band for durability. The quality of sound will determine the pace of your game as it will help in picking up sounds from allies or rivals, particularly if you are playing online. Therefore, ensure that your gaming headset supports simulated surround sound. In

addition, get a gaming headset with a detachable microphone for easy communication with teammates. Comfort is another key thing when buying a gaming headset, so get one with softer earcups.

HIGH-RESOLUTION MONITOR: Visuals play an important role in the gaming experience. A high-resolution Monitor comes in handy as it enhances the game’s graphics.

Shop a monitor with a high dynamic range — this helps make your colour lovely, multiple ports to connect your gaming console and gaming PC, and at least one millisecond response time to increase your level of precision. You should also look

out for monitors with ambient light sensors that can help adjust the colour temperature for night use.

GOOD BACKLIT KEYBOARD: If you have to invest money in a PC gaming keyboard, make sure it is a fullsized backlit keyboard. What this offers are comfort and fun. Ensure that the keys are mid-height with a mecha-membrane that makes them softer to press. Also, get a keyboard with different colours so that you can programme the colour to change as you play your game.

GAMING MOUSE: A gaming mouse is an essential accessory for PC gaming. It is important that you go for

a gaming mouse with an optical sensor to track your movements with pinpoint precision, an adjustable weight to help your precision, and LEDs that can match your backlit keyboard.

Also, look for a gaming mouse that has a thumb rest. After all, the thumb needs to take a break once in a while.

BLUETOOTH GAMING CONTROLLER: Invest in a Bluetooth Gaming Controller if you want an elevated experience different from playing with the mouse and keyboard. Go for a controller that allows you to connect wirelessly to your PC and has either a battery with a longer lifespan or a rechargeable battery.

Betking Inks Three-year Partnership with EveryMatrix John Bamidele Betking, a leading betting platform with a presence in Nigeria and other African countries, has signed a three-year partnership with EveryMatrix, a B2B iGaming software provider. Through this new gaming partnership, Betking will integrate CasinoEngine, EveryMatrix’s iGaming platform, giving Nigerian players access to an ever-growing library of premium content through a single integration. This move is coming when online casinos are growing at a phenomenal rate in Nigeria because Nigerian bettors have embraced it.

“We are delighted to be partnering up with such a respected and successful business like EveryMatrix to provide us with a plethora of content for our Nigerian customers,” stated Lauren Holder, Head of Gaming at KingMakers, the owners of Betking.

He added, “We know our three-year partnership will ensure our customers are provided with the most exciting and engaging games, and the deal will continue to solidify our ethos of being the brand where Africans play.”

CasinoEngine will be delivered with JackpotEngine and BonusEngine to boost the gaming experience through flexible jackpot customisation tools and a variety of player reward features, respectively.

“We are very proud of the partnership with KingMakers, one of the biggest players in the Nigerian market,” said Stein Enger Pattersen, CEO CasinoEngine.

“This is part of EveryMarix’s

ongoing mission to expand our reach and our first entry in the Nigerian region, which means that its players can finally enjoy the content we offer.”

Betking has continued to

play a prominent role in the Nigerian gaming space through the expansion of its retail outlet and last year, Multichoice, a pay-TV, acquired a 49 per cent stake in the betting firm.

Terrapinn, the organiser of the World Gaming Executive Summit held each year at the W Hotel in Barcelona, has announced the cancellation

6 1

7($0

&$0%5,'*(

12 5$7,1* );

%(7.,1*

1$,5$%(7

; RU **

3257 9$/(

1$3

;

%85721 $

;

1(:3257 &2

*22'

6$/)25' &

*22'

687721 8

683(5 ;

6:,1'21

'5$: ;

75$10(5(

;

:$/6$//

1$3

;

3$75,&.

8

5$,7+

;

$,5'5,(

2.

;

&/<'(

2.

;

(',1%85*+ &

%(7 ; RU **

3(7(5+($'

683(5

'80%$5721

67,5/,1* $

1$3

;

&+(67(5)¶'

;

'$*(1+$0

*22' ; RU **

+$/,)$ ;

; RU **

6:,1'21

;;; ; RU **

:2.,1*

683(5 ;

L-R: Executive Secretary Association of Nigerian Bookmakers, Olabimpe Akingba, Director General, National Lotteries Regulatory Commission, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila and the Director General, Nigeria Data Protection Bureau, Dr. Vincent Olatunji at a recent National Gaming Symposium by Velex PHOTO: SODIQ ABDURRAHEEM OLAYINKA Advisory on the importance of data to the gaming industry

of the 2023 edition of WGES on the official website.

The announcement confirmed the ending of the event due to commercial reasons, with Terrapin no longer moving ahead with next year’s conference.

“WGES has been a huge part of the gaming industry for 16 years, and now feels like the right time to bring this journey to a close,” it disclosed. “We’d like to take this time to thank you for your involvement and to

wish you luck moving forward in the gaming industry.”

The event has been a staple on the iGaming calendar, attracting over a thousand industry executives to the annual three-day summer event.

'5$: 0$=(

DISCUSSING IMPORTANCE OF DATA TO GAMING…

7+ 129

%(7 -$

%(67 75,26

WGES Barcelona Cancelled in 2023

John Bamidele

81&/( +(15< %(67

%$1.(5 %2;

81&/( +(15< 3$,56

GAMINGWEEK TEAM Nseobong Okon-Ekong ikotibok@gmail.com | 08114495324 John Bamidele amostogun@yahoo.com | 08022212236 Akeem Lasisi lasaisai@yahoo.com | 08023687884 Vanessa Obioha vysylver@gmail.com | 08069838305

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2022

32

FEATURES

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

Belinda Enoma: Building Personal Brands for Visibility Belinda Enoma, US-based Global Empowerment Speaker and Cybersecurity Executive, is one powerful force propelling individuals to build their personal brands, attain recognition, visibility and income. At the ISACAAbuja 14th Annual General Conference in Abuja, she deliberately awakened participants to the power of personal brand and its fringe benefits. She shared more insights in this chat with Rebecca Ejifoma

W

hen the trending Nigerian epic movie, Aníkúlápó hit Netflix on September 30 and spread its fever to the globe, the potential of the lead actor Saró played by Kunle Remi aligned seamlessly with the mandate of Belinda Enoma, a Global Speaker and Tech Privacy and Cybersecurity Executive every time he said, “gbérá dídé!” .While the actor’s mandate was to resuscitate the souls of the dead, a gift that earned him more accolades and income, Enoma’s gift is positively awakening the consciousness of personal brands of individuals and organisations home and abroad to attract the right audience and some income.

Thus, from the elevated podium to the back roll of the Seun Musa Yar’Adua square hall on Tuesday, November 1, Enoma’s voice reverberated; it was powerful and stimulating.

Her stimulating words captivated the audience into utter silence. This was in her presentation on ‘Personal Branding and How to Leverage Your Personal Branding to Elevate Your Career’.

According to her, it was to help individuals have a well-defined and endearing presence online and offline.

One of the insights she shared in creating a compelling personal brand is the power of harnessing her voice to raise people’s core values at the ISACA Abuja 14th Annual General Meeting in Abuja. “Don’t neglect your personal brand because you are an employee or you desire to work in a certain corporation.

“A lot of times we tend to forget ourselves, who we are. We don't prioritise ourselves either because we are working or because we are seeking work. In personal branding, you should start from he very beginning because you get into a job you exist and if that job should end you are going to exist so you have to figure out

Belinda Enoma what people can identify about you if you.

Some of the thought-provoking questions are what can people see about you or say about you if you're not in the room? What is that this that attracts people? The life coach reemphasised, “You have to strategically

position yourself and then lean to be visible in what you do. Because visibility will attract the people that need what you carry if not they won't know what you carry if not people won't know that you exist. You have to shine your

light. if it's your skills, your expertise, your knowledge and all the things you know how to do because that's what people are going to hear and see and they will know you carry what you need and they will pursue you and get you to solve their problems and pay you.”

One of the tools to champion personal brand, according to Enoma, is social media.

“A lot of people are on social media from morning till night. I tell people that if they spend such a time on social media then they should be making some money,” she pointed out.

She recommended, however, that rather than while away time browsing and looking at people's pictures and reading whatever posts that has no value to their lives how about “You utilise that time to create an online course. Do some tutorials that will help your life and your career. You have to learn something. If you don't know anything about technology there are a lot of free courses that you could do”.

With the wave of technology sweeping through every sphere, the cybersecurity executive said this is the age where “We have to help ourselves. A lot of times we are blaming people didn't do this or that for us. But what did you do for yourself?”

Therefore, Enoma resounded the significance of leveraging one’s personal brand.

She described, “Your personal brand is your gateway to your true worth. When your job ends today, how will you be addressed? If your job ends today, will you exist or will exist in frustration? Let people see your skills and talent and they will know that you carry something valuable that they need. You have to stop and do it yourself. Then connect it to your career”.

Children, Wives of Late Rear Admiral Kanu at War over Properties Rebecca Ejifoma writes on the tug-of-war ripping the peace of the family of the late Rear Admiral G.N Kanu from potential perjury, forgery, and fraud to claim as sole wife among other nefarious acts allegedly orchestrated by his wife, Mrs Gladys Ndubuisi Kanu against the Nigerian Navy, Mr Kelly Ndubuisi Kanu, his son, and seven other children

T

he late Rear Admiral, G.N Kanu may have been laid to rest following his demise on January 13, 2021 but his family is currently embroiled in a war of words over his properties.

The scuffle follows reports that Gladys Ndubuisi Kanu (a wife of the late admiral) allegedly committed perjury, forgery and fraud against Kelly Ndubuisi Kanu (Admiral’s first son), the Nigerian Navy, Josephine Kanu (co-wife) – and seven other children of the late Rear Admiral with suit number LD/3685FPM/2021 holding at the High Court of Lagos State.

Court Findings According to court findings in the documents made available to THISDAY, Gladys’ alleged irregularities include her claims to be the only legitimate wife of the late Rear Admiral Kanu, upon which she enjoys the protection of rights and privileges guaranteed under the Marriage Act. She is said to have presented an affidavit to the court, showing crucial information like the marriage between her and the deceased Admiral which she claimed was held at St. Marks Church, Nnewichi in the Nnewi area of Imo state on 16th December 1994.

The findings also outlined how Gladys purported that the late admiral had the marriage certificates issued by the church and the registry before their wedding, hence being unable to locate them.

Meanwhile, the filing of Gladys' affidavit sworn to on 9th February 2021, less than a month after the Admiral passed on, is said to present a challenging issue that suggests the potential of fraud and perjury.

“This is because the Nigerian Navy, in complying with a subpoena issued on the 4th of February 2022 by the High Court of Lagos State, has submitted into evidence at the court, Certified True Copies of all documents received by the claimant since the death of the late Rear-Admiral Kanu, which includes a letter from the claimant addressed to the Chief of Naval Staff and dated 21st January 2021.

The court also added that Gladys demanded that the Nigerian Navy change its personnel records to reflect her as the late admiral’s listed next-of-kin, rather than Kelly and the late John Ndubuisi Kanu as listed on the Navy records.

In the letter to the Navy Chief, Gladys was said to have based her request for the Navy next-of-kin name submission on a claim that she married the late admiral on 1st June 1993 in Lagos state. Gladys was said to have attached a supposed marriage certificate consistent with her written claim.

The court further noted that it has two different assertions of a marriage between the late Admiral, and the claimant – both reflecting different years, different months, and different days.

“Taken objectively, these discrepancies suggest that she has lied about even being a legitimate wife of Rear Admiral Kanu.

The claimant has changed counsel 10 times to date in her effort to maintain her assertions before the court, while the defendant has not changed counsel even once,” the document read in part.

The document, however, insisted that taken objectively, both claims of marriage cannot both be true. Furthermore, with the absence of any submitted Certified True Copies of a marriage certificate to support either instance of her claim to have married late Admiral Kanu, it is difficult not to conclude therefore, Gladys Kanu may have lied to two different public institutions (the Nigerian Navy, and the High Court of Lagos State) about even being a legitimate wife of late Rear Admiral Kanu.

Contrary Assertion in Biography As documented in the court findings, Gladys was said to have claimed before the court to have been the only wife of the late Rear Admiral since his divorce from his first wife Christine Kanu in 1993 and that she lived with him since 1994 as his wife.

“This assertion falls far in contrast with evidence tendered from late Admiral Kanu’s 1998 authorised autobiography, ‘Power With Civility’ authored by Ogbonna Oleka and Ndubuisi Ofondu – in which not only is the Admiral’s hasty separation from Gladys after a brief union that produced his eighth child, Samantha is captured, but also his eventual marriage to a third wife, Mrs Josephine Ndubuisi Kanu - who lived with him from 1996 to 2004 and produced two children – Laura and Stephen,” the document stated.

Gladys Threatens Lawsuit against THISDAY When this reporter called Gladys to get her side of the story, she demanded authoritatively a copy of the reporter’s identification and threatened a lawsuit. "I cannot talk to you without you sending me your identification for me to know and I will confirm from Nduka (Publisher and Chairman of THISDAY/Arise TV, Prince Nduka Obaigbena), then I can talk to you. Tell Nduka he gave my husband an award before. You cannot publish anything because you can be sued. If you publish an untrue story, you will be sued in court," she said and she hung up abruptly.

Josephine Seeks Fairness, Justice Meanwhile, in a call earlier to Josephine on her marriage to the admiral, she narrated softly, “Admiral’s family had declined to go with him to marry her until he sent Gladys packing.

“When Gladys was kicked out in 1995, his family came with him to my village in Ubiaja to marry me. I have all the pictures. I moved into his home at 26 Idowu Martins street in Victoria Island, Lagos. I was there in the house until 2004. I have all the photos of my son being christened. I have two children – a male and a female – for him.”

According to Josephine, following their

customary wedding on 14 November 1996 in Ubiaja, Edo State, “I changed my surname to his. It was a customary marriage because he had said he wasn’t going to get married again to anybody legally after his marriage to his first wife, Christine Kanu who had seven children for him. Gladys came briefly not up to a year before he threw her out of the house”.

For the eight years Josephine said she resided with the deceased, not once did she see Gladys in that house. “In 2004, he had contact with her for some reason and she vowed that I must leave the house. He decided to keep us safe for now,” she alleged.

As an interested party in the case, the mother of two fumed, “For Gladys to say that she was the only legal wife is a lie. My children were born in that house. I don't know if he married her legally but he kicked her out of the house before he married me.”

While demanding fairness, justice and recognition, Josephine made her request known. “And my expectation is also that whatever his estate represents, my children and I will partake in it”.

Describing herself as a peace-loving person, she lamented that her husband would not have wanted this commotion for everything he represented including integrity and is allergic to embarrassment. “He tried to manage it as much as he could. It's unfortunate now that he's dead, everything he ever worked for this woman is about to be put to disrepute,” she reminisced.

She also maintained her self-evident relationship with the admiral's children. "I'm in a good relationship with his other children.

They want peace, fairness and equity.

"For her to claim that she is the only legal wife and hold on to our family home as though it belongs to her alone, that we will not accept. She has no evidence to show of their marriage."

While the tussle for the next-of-kin and only legal wife continues, Josephine reechoed, “We want justice and fairness for our children and the unborn. I exist and I live with him in that house legally married”.

THURSDAY, ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

33

NEWS

11TH ZIK LEADERSHIP LECTURE SERIES...

L-R: Delta State Governor and vice presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Charles Esimone, and Deputy governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachi Ibezim, during the 11th Zik Leadership Lecture Series in honour of former Nigeria's president, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe held in Awka... yesterday

Okowa: Nigeria's Insecurity is Result of Widening Poverty Country’s indivisibility claim laughable, says Ozekhome David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Delta State Governor and VicePresidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has said the insecurity currently plaguing the country was as a result of bad seed the nation sowed a few years back.

Also, a constitutional lawyer and right activist, Chief Mike Ozekhome, has described as laughable claims that Nigeria was indivisible, saying those with such views should better learn from the breakaway Republic of Russia, Ukraine and Central Asia, among others.

Ozekhome and Okowa were in Anambra as guest lecturer and special guest of honour at the 11th Zik Lecture Series held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, in honour of former president of Nigeria, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.

Okowa, while declaring the session open, described the security situation in Nigeria as a hydra-headed monster that has undermined public safety and threatening the continued existence of Nigeria as one united, indivisible country.

"The surge in mass kidnappings, insurgency, banditry, herder-farmer conflicts, ritual killings, and other acts of terrorism is, to say the least, frightening. With the advancement in technology, the terrorists are becoming more sophisticated in their operations, using more advanced technologies, including drones, GPS systems, and encrypted messaging services to spread propaganda and recruit others into their network.

"It is my considered view that Nigeria is reaping the harvest of the bad seed it sowed a few years back by obliging kidnappers with ransom payments. It was a fatal mistake that has spawned a huge

industry in kidnapping.

"There is also a strong link between increased terrorism and inequality and inequitable distribution of wealth. The widening gulf between the rich and the poor in our country is alarming.

"Equally alarming is the poverty rate, which stood at 40 per cent in 2021, and is believed to be around 45 per cent in 2022, which translates to 90 million citizens living below the poverty line. This has led to disenchantment and feeling of alienation among our teeming youth population, leading to rise in cybercrimes, kidnappings, ritual killings, and other violent acts that undermine our national security," he said.

Proffering solutions, Okowa said, "Going forward, we need to urgently draw up a holistic plan to address our security challenges in the short, medium, and long term.

Aside from a modern security architecture anchored on technology, we must muster the political will to deal decisively with criminals, regardless of their ethnic groups, religions, or status.

"This is imperative to tackle the problem of herdsmen/farmers’ conflict, which is fast becoming the greatest threat to our nation’s unity and economic well-being. The nomadic Muslim Fulani pastoralists and the largely Christian farmers of various ethnicities have continued to clash resulting in loss of farmlands, economic crops, cattle, and lives.

"This threat to our country’s stability and unity needs to be tackled urgently to reduce the level of insecurity and to ensure food security. It is my considered view that ranching and cattle colonies with support of the federal Government is a way out of this quagmire.

"Furthermore, criminal herdsmen must be apprehended and made to face the law, and Internally Displaced Persons need to be quickly resettled in their homes."

Speaking about the forthcoming election, Okowa said, he was optimistic that in line with the guidelines of the new Electoral Act, which compelled Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic transmission of results, hijacking of ballot boxes and other election-related violence would reduce.

He added that as much as Nigeria needed a strong leader, it also needed to build strong institutions, adding that, Nigerian institutions that need to be strengthened included the police, media, judiciary, legislature, and INEC among others.

Ozekhome, speaking on the perceived indivisibility of Nigeria, regretted that successive leaderships had taken the nation's unity, indivisibility and indisolubility for granted, stressing that the indices that guarantee unity must be nurtured.

"I heartily guffaw at times, when

State said skepticism was his first reaction to the good news.

“I was in disbelief, I thought it was just someone playing pranks,” he said, adding that though he knew from past events that Globacom was a company that gives huge prizes to its subscribers.

He, however, said the decision on how to use the apartment would be left for his parents to make.

His 54-year-old mother, Mrs. Funmilayo Akindele, was also brimming with palpable joy as she said, “The house will be a place of refuge for Ibrahim and his older brother while we will be coming to spend weekends with them.”

Globacom Head of Operations in the West Territory, Mr. Akeem Yusuf, noted that the promo

ing challenge confronting the nation.

He canvassed for total scrapping of what he termed 360 behemoth lower green chambers of House of Representatives as one of the panacea to Nigeria's problem, while 109 Senators would be left to represent the country.

Speaking on the detained leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, Ozekhome called for his immediate release, insisting that his protracted detention would further aggravate the insecurity in the southeast.”

US Agency Launches Program to Expand HIV Treatment among Pediatrics, Adolescents, Pregnant Women Segun James The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) has launched the Accelerating Progress in Pediatrics (AP3) program in Oyo State to scale up HIV case identification and treatment among pediatric and adolescent populations.

The programme was also designed for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) in HIV cases.

Through the AP3, the US CDC supports Nigeria’s efforts to close existing treatment gaps and work towards sustained HIV epidemic control.

At the AP3 launch in Ibadan, the US Consul General, Will Stevens emphasised that, “existing gaps in identifying pediatric, adolescent, and mother-to-child HIV cases must be closed to ensure everyone has

access to life-saving medications.”

Stevens commended healthcare workers for their efforts to identify and place people living with HIV on treatment, especially during the difficult times of COVID-19. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while other countries saw significant setbacks in access to HIV care and treatment, the Nigerian healthcare community was able to sustain progress and significantly increase the number of people receiving life-saving treatment.

Speaking on behalf of the Oyo State Government, the Commissioner of Health Dr. Taiwo Olabode Oladipo reiterated their commitment to ensuring all existing gaps were bridged to ensure a successful HIV program in the state.

He thanked the US government, the US CDC and implementing partners for their support and called on the people of Oyo State

Glo Presents House Prize to Teenage Winner in Festival of Joy Promo Globacom yesterday fulfilled its promise of rewarding its loyal subscribers with amazing prizes as a 19-year-old undergraduate was presented a three-bedroom house in its promo, Festival of Joy. The first of the presentations was held yesterday in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, where 19-year-old Ibrahim Akindele, the winner of the three-bedroom apartment, gushed with excitement and unbridled joy.

According to a statement, the ceremony was attended by the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr. Debo Ogundoyin, and other key members of the state legislature.

The 200-level student of Science Laboratory Technology of the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti

I hear Nigerian leaders mouth moral platitudes and ineffective liberal disquisitions about the indivisibility and indisolubility of Nigeria. I roar with laughter, because, old Soviet Union made the same historical mistake. It was forced to dissolve on December 26, 1991 by declaration No. 142-H of the Soviet of the Republic of the Supreme Soviet," he said.

According to him, Nigeria's trouble was squarely leadership failure, adding that followership constituted another major outstand-

was another opportunity for the company to reward its subscribers with amazing prizes in line with its commitment to the continued empowerment of its customers.

“Our commitment to the total well-being of our subscribers and the realization that shelter is one of the key needs of man have fuelled our desire to help some of them have houses of their own through this promo. This kind of prize is unprecedented as no brand has ever offered or presented such to their customers before,” he stated.

Ibadan would be hosting another prize presentation today, where lucky winners would go home with prizes including a brand new Kia car, power generators, sewing machines, rechargeable fans among other prizes.

Glo Festival of Joy would make 20 lucky subscribers landlords/ landladies, just as 24 of them will win brand new cars across major cities of the nation as well as other prizes, including power generators, sewing machines and rechargeable fans, among other prizes.

Subscribers who wish to participate in the promo have been enjoined to dial the dedicated short code *611# and recharge with N500 weekly to stand a chance to win the rechargeable fan, N2,500 monthly recharge for the Sewing Machine, N5,000 monthly recharge for the generator, N10,000 monthly recharge for the car and N20,000 data subscription during the promo period for the house. The more the recharges, the higher the chance of winning.

to provide maximum cooperation for successful implementation.

The AP3 program aims to reduce new HIV infections in children under ten by addressing gaps in the PMTCT program, rapidly identifying, and linking children and adolescents to treatment, and increasing rates of pediatric viral

suppression to 95 percent to reduce illness and deaths.

The program is government-led and community-focused, with community testers, pediatric case managers, mentor mothers, orphans, vulnerable children case managers, and roving data entry clerks at its core.

Troops Neutralise Bandits' Kingpin, Others Terrorising Kaduna Communities John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Kaduna State government, yesterday, said a dreaded bandit leader, Kachalla Gudau, who commanded a large number of foot soldiers, terrorising Chikun, Kachia and Kajuru Local Government Areas of the state, had been neutralised by troops of the Nigerian Army.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said the bandits' leader was among others killed on Sunday in the ongoing military operations against bandits.

Aruwan said, "Diligent exploitation of human intelligence networks corroborated other pieces of available intelligence, which confirmed that Gudau was indeed one of those felled by the bullets of the courageous troops as they repelled an attack led by the notorious bandit himself, ending his ignoble reign of brutality and evil.

"The remains of the notorious bandit, who is said to have links with other notorious kingpins across the North-West and NorthCentral states, were retrieved in the Kankomi Forest, where he

bled to death."

According to Aruwan, "Credible sources reported that after his remains were retrieved, a large number of bandits under his command buried him in a location said to be around Kaku forest situated in Kaso general area of Chikun LGA. "The identity of another of the neutralised bandits, whose remains were found by the troops, has been confirmed as ‘Rigimamme’ one of Gudau’s trusted criminal aides.

"Gudau played leading roles in the joint kidnappings of students and expatriates in Kajuru, Chikun and Kachia councils, aside the murders of kidnapped citizens and victims who resisted abduction.

"Added to these nefarious activities, Gudau was engaged in coordinated attacks on herder settlements, disposing them of livestock, which made him the illegal possessor of large herds of cattle. These he regularly traded for amounts running into millions of naira. He also made deals for illicit drugs and acquisition of sophisticated arms and ammunition.

Continues online

34

THURSDAY, ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

LEADERS OF TOWN UNIONS BACK ATIKU...

Director of Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Management Committee in Anambra State, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo (M) in group photograph with Presidents-Generals of Town Unions in Idemili-North and Idemili-South local government areas of the state after an interactive meeting… yesterday

Tinubu's Gaffes Are Signs He’s Unfit, Says PDP Campaign Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign council, has described the continuous gaffes of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, as indicative of another

pattern of unfitness for the office of the president.

It said from his unsteady gaits to his incoherence and the unintended but welcome prayer for the PDP, all was a theatrical exhibition of a misplaced ambition.

In a statement by Senator Dino

Melaye, one of the spokespersons of the PDP Presidential Campaign, said, "The manifestation in Jos is a further consolidation of a pattern in the physical and psychological composition of Tinubu, who a few weeks ago, shocked his host, Governor Nasir El-Rufai, when he

Plateau Symbolically Cleanses Land After APC Presidential Flag-off Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

Following Tuesday’s presidential campaign flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jos, Plateau State, thousands of indigenes of the state, yesterday, trooped out in large numbers to embark on what they described as a “symbolic cleansing” of the land having been allegedly desecrated by “the evil that visited the city in the name of a mega rally.

While it is on record that the APC had never won presidential elections in Plateau, residents, majorly youths and supporters of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reinforced this notion when they mocked the APC and its presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu as they went round the Rwang Pam township stadium, venue of the APC campaign flag-off with buckets of water, mop, and soap to engage in the cleansing exercise.

They said their action was to

show their disenchantment for APC and the evil the party has visited on the land in the past seven and a half years, and their commitment to voting out the party in Plateau, in next year’s elections.

Director General of Atiku Motivational Movement (AMM), Mr. Kamru Sani, told THISDAY that the action was meant to sweep away what the APC brought to the state.

He said Plateau was a stronghold of the PDP, and that was not about to change for any reason, not even with the choice of a failed governor of the state as the Director General of Tinubu/Shettima campaign.

Sani said, “We are here to sweep out all that they brought into the state, as Plateau is forever for PDP. The party is set to be on winning ways again, as it has shown that it is the true party for the state.

The party will bring relief to the sufferings that citizens of the state and Nigeria have endured in the last seven years.”

Also speaking, national coordinator, PDP Youth Amendment Movement, Comrade Sadiq Mohammed Hassan, said, "The people present yesterday were not supporters of APC, but gullible hungry Nigerians hired from neighbouring states of Bauchi, Nasarawa and Kaduna.

He said the movement would protect the future of the youths in Nigeria, adding that Nigerians were witnesses to the type of leadership experienced in the last seven years, and called on Nigerians to vote PDP in 2023.

Meanwhile, Youth Coordinator of Atiku/Mutfwang Campaign organization, Mr. Hitler Pwajok said, "We are here to ensure that APC and the deceit it represents are flushed out Plateau and Nigeria.

"We remember all the promises they made to us since they started campaign in 2014, and we want them to bring their scorecard on what they were able to achieve.

It was all a total deceit after all.”

said Nigeria would go from rotten to bad. Analysts, who put both events in context have leaned on the Biblical aphorism that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks."

Dino said the period of campaign was not just for activities that political parties could design to fill the void before election, but part of the building blocks for leadership selection.

According to him, "It is a period of assessments for choices and decisions by the electorate. It is, therefore, important that Nigerians take full advantage to mark the scripts of various candidates and their parties. A man like Tinubu, who could not have the presence of mind or who required support to move around has obviously marked himself down.

"Nigerians would recall the

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday adjourned till December 8, 2022, ruling on an application filed

by Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Company Limited (IEDMCL) asking the court to restrain the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) from selling the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) until the substantive suit before the court is determined.

Moving the application for the interlocutory injunction, Counsel to IEDMCL, Mr. Dele Adesina, told the court that the sole aim of the application was to preserve the matter until the substantive suit was determined so as not to foist a fait accompli on the court.

Adesina submitted that parties

were before the court on October 24, 2022, wherein parties informed the court that they were still exploring amicable settlement of the matter.

He, however added that while parties were in court and also exploring move for settlement, the plaintiff (AMCON) made a publication in the Leadership newspapers advertising move to sell the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company.

He urged the court to grant an order to the effect that nothing should be done as regards the sale or dissipation of the asset of Ibadan Disco until the final determination of the substantive suit which was instituted by AMCON through the Receiver Manager nominee.

In his reply to the application, Counsel to AMCON, Mr. Kunle Ogunba, accused IEDMCL of trying to hold the hand of AMCON from collecting its money from the

applicant.

He added that AMCON was not interested in the sale of Ibadan Disco, but to divest its shares from the company.

He stated that it was the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Bureau of Public Enterprises that asked the Receiver Manager to do.

Ogunba further stated that the applicant did not file a reply to their originating motion and consequently did not have a defense against the Originating Motion.

But in his reply on point of law, Adesina said Ogunba did not serve the respondent with the originating summons, adding that the respondent only got to know about it by searching the court file and obtained a Certified True Copy to which he later filed counter affidavit in opposition to the Originating summons.

He further argued that out of the

carriage.

"Nigeria cannot afford to walk into disaster. The second principle in disaster management is disaster risk reduction. Again, Nigeria has a great chance now to avoid a repeat of the Buhari Presidency, who was largely an absentee president in and outside the county.

"The controversies surrounding the Tinubu persona are legion. His age is shrouded in mystery. His origin is in question. His academic credentials are in debate. The records of his career are in dispute. The source of his wealth are in contention. The burden of crime hangs around his neck.

"If in the face of all these he has been getting away and some Nigerians want to contextualise all within human fraility, what about the personal failures he now markets around the country?" he explained.

Anambra Town Unions Leaders Back Atiku, Pledge to Work for PDP’s Victory Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Leaders of town unions in Idemili North and Idemili South local government areas of Anambra state have thrown their weight behind presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, pledging to work for their victory in next

Court Adjourns Ruling on Application Seeking to Stop Sale of Ibadan Disco Wale Igbintade

various inadequacies demonstrated

by Buhari before he was elected in 2015. His qualification was a subject of litigation. His speeches were filled with gaffes including his inability to get right the name of his running mate.

"Every support was governed by emotion. Some of us fell for the wave of the period, but with the benefit of hindsight, we now know better. The election of a president for a great and demanding nation like Nigeria is beyond the application of the Peter Principle, where people are promoted to the level of their incompetence.

"In disaster management, there are some principles. The first is early warning signs. The disaster that the unlikely presidency that the Tinubu ambition represents is laden with early warning signs, buttressed by his conduct and

$162 million borrowed to acquire the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, and Yola Electricity Distribution Company, the applicant had paid $122 million, leaving a balance of $38 million apart from the accrued interest.

He stated that the applicant was also claiming the sum of $97 million in their counter claim as additional payment due from the Federal Government on the Yola Disco.

He then prayed the court to grant the motion for interlocutory injunction to preserve the Res pending the final determination of the suit.

But, Justice Aneke asked both counsel whether any party that had submitted to the jurisdiction of the court could take steps (to sell).

Justice Aneke after listening to counsel to both parties adjourned ruling on the interlocutory injunction till December 8, 2022.

February polls.

Speaking under the aegis of the Association of Town Union President Generals during a meeting with Director of the Atiku/Okowa Campaign Management Committee in the state, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, the town union leaders noted that their backing for the PDP candidates was non-negotiable.

The leaders argued that an Atiku presidency will be good for the Igbo nation as he remains the only candidate who has openly stated his position on the restructuring of Nigeria.

"We are non-partisan. Our only interest is the progress of Ala Igbo and Ndigbo in Nigeria.

Your promise of Atiku Abubakar restructuring Nigeria is our take home.

“If there is a true understanding that he will champion true federalism, we will be proud partners of this project and support you convincingly to deliver Anambra State to ensure his victory”, they told told Okonkwo.

Addressing the group, Okonkwo reminded them of the relationship between PDP and the Igbo nation, noting that no region of the country can on its own win the presidency.

He said the South-east will find its feet politically if it continues in the PDP and also give the bulk of its votes to Atiku in the 2023 polls, adding that the north-south-east

alliance is now needed for PDP victory in 2023.

“We have contributed immensely to building PDP since 1998; we cannot abandon the party now that it is certain that we are positioned to benefit from the party if we ensure that the party gets back to power in 2023.

“We should also think of what the likes of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Dr M.I. Okpara would do today, if they were alive, given the current political state of Igbos and the challenges facing the country at large; and take a cue from that.

“Today, the PDP's task is to dethrone the APC in 2023. If we don't free Nigeria from the misery and pain that the ruling APC has inflicted upon us, Nigerians won't forgive the PDP”, Okonkwo said.

He also urged the town union leaderships to uphold the "umunna" political philosophy, which has helped the region attain political dominance in the past and to “ensure that we continue to support the PDP, not as individuals, but as region.”

He added: "Like any other person here, I would have been happier if we had succeeded in getting the PDP presidential ticket zoned to the South-east, but the reality is that presidential candidates have emerged, and amongst them, it is inevitable that Atiku-Okowa of the PDP is coasting to victory.

THURSDAY, ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

35

NEWS

GENDER AND INCLUSION SUMMIT 2022...

L-R: United Nations Women Country Representative to Nigeria, Beatrice Eyong; Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar; Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed; Journalist and Broadcaster, Moji Makanjuola;and Country Director, World Bank, Shubham Chaudhuri, at the maiden Gender and Inclusion Summit 2022 organised by the Policy Innovation Centre in Abuja yesterday

Buhari Okays N134bn for Military Veterans, Reiterates Commitment to Safer Nigeria Donates N10m at emblem appeal launch

Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has approved N134.7 billion for the payment of Security Debarment Allowance (SDA) to all veterans from 2017 to date, even as he reiterated his commitment to a safer Nigeria.

The president also announced the donation of N10 million to the Nigerian Legion, on behalf of the federal government, at the launch of the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and Appeal fund.

Speaking yesterday at the occasion, which preceded a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), at the State House, Abuja, Buhari pledged the government's commitment to the welfare of veterans by ensuring prompt payment of their pension and other entitlements, which had been demonstrated by his approval of the payment of SDA to veterans with effect from 2017.

“However, in order to capture all veterans hitherto excluded from the payment of the SDA, I have approved a review of the effective date of the Manual of Financial Administration for the Armed Forces of Nigeria (MAFA) 2017.

“Accordingly, I have also approved the sum of One Hundred and Thirty-Four Billion, Seven Hundred and Forty-Nine Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty-Three Thousand, Two Hundred and Forty-Three Naira, Sixty-Nine Kobo (N134,749,953,243.69) only for that purpose,” he said.

Buhari expressed delight that the Defence Health Maintenance Limited was living up to expectation in providing healthcare services to the veterans, noting the expansion

of the reach of their services through the establishment of zonal and state offices.

He promised that government would continue to prioritise the provision of quality healthcare services to veterans and citizens at large.

The president also commended the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces in confronting banditry, kidnappings, molestations and killing of innocent citizens head-on, saying these “vices alien to our culture” are on the decline.

He also noted that normalcy was gradually returning to some affected parts of the country due to the methodical approach and increasing military campaign to decimate subversive elements involved in destructive activities such as “in the insurgency in North

East, militancy in the Niger Delta” as well as ethnic and religious tensions in some communities.

He assured Nigerians that his government would continue to reposition and strengthen all security agencies to enable them surmount the security challenges in the country.

Calling on business enterprises to appreciate the sacrifice of servicemen and gallant troops by extending support to them in form of discounts and rebates upon purchases and services rendered, Buhari said this would act as a morale booster to members of the Armed Forces and assist them in carrying out their statutory responsibilities.

Buhari, who reiterated his resolve to hand over a Nigeria that would free from insecurity to the next generation of leaders, expressed confidence that with the gallantry

and sacrifices exhibited by men and women of the Armed Forces in the campaign against insurgency and other internal security operations, the nation would be returned to normalcy as we continue to battle decisively, all the security challenges.

He commended governors, who were patrons of veterans in their respective states for their support of the Nigerian Legion, and as the Grand Patron of the Nigerian Legion, he equally urged government agencies at the federal and state levels to continue to patronise the services of the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires in the provision of security and other administrative services.

“The potentials of ex-servicemen are enormous and can indeed be tapped for national development,” he said, directing the Defence and

WTO DG Urges G20 Leaders to Strengthen Trade Cooperation Oluchi Chibuzor The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has issued a strong call to the Group of 20 leaders to avoid trade fragmentation and to lift export restrictions on food, feed and fertilizers.

She made the call while speaking at the just concluded annual G20 Heads of State and Government Summit which took place in Bali, Indonesia.

According to her, an open rulebased world trading system was the foundation for the global economy.

"It has delivered unprecedented growth and development. It has en-

abled us to withstand the COVID-19 pandemic. And it will be key to achieving the ambitious goals you have set, solving food and energy shortages, tackling climate change, financing development and getting the (UN Sustainable Development Goals) back on track," she added.

“Fragmenting this foundation would put these goals in jeopardy, worsening domestic prospects and geopolitical tension. It would result in substantial global GDP losses, which could be double digit losses for developing countries," she said.

She stressed that while the concept of, “strategic competition” was a factor among today's global challenges, "we also know

that strategic cooperation is key to tackling many of the same challenges. Therefore, we need to strengthen trade cooperation, not weaken it."

According to a WTO Secretariat note issued last April, the breakdown of the global economy into rival trading blocs could reduce GDP in the long run by about five percent, notably by restricting competition and stifling innovation.

However, the Director General urged G20 leaders to lift export restrictions on food, feed and fertilizers, noting that the number of such restrictions have been increasing, with the world's poorest suffering most from such policies.

Tinubu, Atiku, Obi, Others to Grace NAPPS International Conference

Funmi Ogundare

The presidential candidates of All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar; Labour Party, Peter Obi and New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, are some of the guests that would grace the 2022 annual National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) international conference and exhibitions with the theme: “Revamping Africa's Education for Sustainable Development: Private Education Perspective.”

The programme with the objectives of enabling participants to

share ideas and thoughts, gain new knowledge and exposure, partnership and network that could enhance their effectiveness in their services, would hold between November 29 and December 2, at Ibadan.

The National President of NAPPS, Chief Yomi Otubela, told journalists at a virtual news conference, yesterday, that the four presidential candidates would not be coming for a debate, but for deep interactions with private school operators and the providers of allied services in the country.

According to him, "only the four candidates were invited to explain to the school owners and teachers

and other conference participants the education programmes and policies they and their parties have as agenda, particularly for private education in the country."

The president stated that this would enable stakeholders to know who would genuinely transform the country’s education sector to an appreciable height, adding that the presidential aspirants have been scheduled for different times within the conference date, to enable participants have more effective interactions with each of them.

He explained that the conference with this year’s edition 15th in the series, would have participants from across the 774 local govern-

ment areas of the country and from other African countries such as South Africa, Gambia and Ghana.

"There would also be a training programme for school owners, teachers and other educators, public lectures, exhibitions of products and services from local to multinational companies, as well as award ceremonies for deserving members of the society and NAPPS during the event," Otubela said.

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, is expected to deliver a keynote address at the opening session, while Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is the special guest of honour.

Services Headquarters to continue to interface with the veterans in matters of security, intelligence and strategy.

On his part, Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi, pledged that the Ministry would continue to ensure the prompt payment of the entitlements and death benefits of the deceased servicemen.

He also said the scholarship programme for the children of the deceased up to the tertiary level was being implemented, and therefore

called on well-meaning corporate and Non-Governmental Organisations to prioritise the alleviation of the hardship faced by widows and orphans of the departed heroes.

Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Lucky Irabor, on behalf of the Armed Forces; the Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba, on behalf of the intelligence community; and the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, on behalf of the Bankers’ Committee – all pledged donations to the Nigerian legion at the Emblem Appeal Launch.

TINUBU: I CAN’T ISLAMISE NIGERIA IF I COULDN’T ISLAMISE MY HOME self-determination, saying, “if we determine to create a new social compact between Nigerians of different religious, ethnic, and social groups, we will recover the promise of a great, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria.

"As an association of Christian citizens, who believe in this country and continue to pray for its unity, peace, and prosperity, we have spent time to review the problems that hinder peace and progress in the country and are hereby making suggestions on how best to improve them.

"We have consulted with Nigerians of diverse religious, ethnic and social identities on the problems of the country and the solutions to them have been articulated in the strategic document we call, the Charter for Future Nigeria."

Okoh said incoherence was the main reason the country today was almost submerged in the chaos of insecurity, instability, and economic stagnation.

He stated, "In this interaction, we will present the highpoints of this strategic document and listen to your response to the issues they raise. This is a conversation by concerned a religious community that desires the best for its country.

Our interest is that all candidates clearly understand the concerns of Nigerian Christians and propose policy and programme to address those concerns.

"We believe that with this kind of respectful and sincere conversation, we will find lasting solutions to these crises."

Okoh said the engagement with other presidential candidates would continue in the days ahead.

Among APC stalwarts, who accompanied Tinubu on the visit, were Governors Hope Uzodinma

(Imo), Abdulahi Ganduje (Kano), Dave Umahi (Ebonyi), Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, former Abia State governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, and former governor of Benue State, Senator George Akume.

Meanwhile, Tinubu would address private sector players today in Owerri ahead of his main campaign in the state. The state governor disclosed this yesterday while speaking with the media on arrival at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, from the APC Presidential Campaign flag-off in Jos on Tuesday.

Uzodinma, who was also the APC Coordinator for the South-east Presidential Campaign Council, reiterated his call on the Igbo in Jos to be part of the government of Nigeria at the centre by keying into the agenda of the APC, which he said was already a success story in Imo State.

"The only way to be part of Nigeria is being part of the government at the centre and the government at the centre is controlled by APC," he maintained.

Uzodinma said he had not seen any calculation in the population of over 200 million people in Nigeria that would "whisk off APC," stating, "in Imo State, there are things to show why all and sundry should encourage APC. And you don’t change the winning team, as APC is wining in Imo State and other states of the federation, so it should continue."

Earlier, Uzodinma described APC’s outing in Jos as a very huge success, where the national leadership of the party, starting with President Muhammadu Buhari, Tinubu, all the progressive governors, and all national leaders were present.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

36

NEWS

LARGEST FUND MANAGER AWARD WINNER…

Group Company Secretary/ Legal Adviser, Emerging Africa Group, Tambari Adooh; Non-Executive Director, FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited, Mudassir Amray; Managing Director, Emerging Africa Asset Management Limited (EAAML), Ada Ijara; Head, Wealth Advisory, Omotope Opatola, and Senior Personal Financial Planner, Lydia Amobi-Offor, when EAAML won the Largest Fund Manager award at the 2022 FMDQ Gold Awards in Lagos...recently

Troops Neutralise Bandits’ Kingpin, Others in Kaduna John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government yesterday said that a dreaded bandit leader, Kachalla Gudau, who commanded a large number of foot soldiers, terrorising Chikun, Kachia and Kajuru Local Government Areas of the state, has been neutralised by troops of the Nigerian Army.

The Commissioner for

Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, in a statement said the bandits’ leader was among others killed on Sunday in the ongoing military operations against bandits.

Aruwan said: “Diligent exploitation of human intelligence networks corroborated other pieces of available intelligence, which confirmed that Gudau was indeed one of those felled

by the bullets of the courageous troops as they repelled an attack led by the notorious bandit himself, ending his ignoble reign of brutality and evil.”

According to the commissioner, the remains of the notorious bandit, who is said to have links with other notorious kingpins across the North-west and North-central states, were retrieved in the

Kankomi Forest where he bled to death.

He said: “Credible sources reported that after his remains were retrieved, a large number of bandits under his command buried him in a location said to be around Kaku forest situated in Kaso general area of Chikun LGA. “The identity of another of the neutralised bandits whose

remains were found by the troops, has been confirmed as ‘Rigimamme’ one of Gudau’s trusted criminal aides.

“Gudau played leading roles in the joint kidnappings of students and expatriates in Kajuru, Chikun and Kachia councils, aside the murders of kidnapped citizens and victims who resisted abduction.”

He explained that added to

these nefarious activities, Gudau was engaged in coordinated attacks on herder settlements, disposing them of livestock, which made him the illegal possessor of large herds of cattle.

He said: “These he regularly traded for amounts running into millions of naira. He also made deals for illicit drugs and acquisition of sophisticated arms and ammunition.

Police Seal Off Ekiti Assembly Wike: Our Conditions for Reconciliation in PDP over Leadership Crisis Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

Barely 24 hours after the Ekiti State House of Assembly elected a new leadership, crisis is now brewing in the state legislative house, as the police yesterday sealed off the complex over alleged planned invasion by some unidentified thugs.

Sequel to the demise of the Assembly Speaker, Hon Funminiyi Afuye, the lawmakers last Tuesday elected Hon. Gboyega Aribisogan as the new Speaker.

Aribisogan, representing Ikole constituency II, garnered a total of 15 to defeat Hon Bunmi Adelugba from Emure constituency to emerge victorious.

The defeat was said to have sparked controversy, as some party leaders, who had earlier

met with the lawmakers, were said to have given a directive that Adelugba should be elected.

When journalists visited the Assembly complex around 12 noon yesterday, armed policemen were stationed at strategic locations in the Assenbly to prevent the purported invasion and breakdown of laws and order.

In the process, all the Assembly’s staff were said to have been driven away, while the complex looked desolate.

Some of the workers, who spoke with journalists under the condition anonymity, explained that: “There was an order from the State Police Command that workers should vacate the Assembly in the interest of peace. We learnt that some people were planning to attack the House of Assembly.”

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, yesterday, clarified that his group of five governors fighting for inclusiveness in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would not accept any reconciliation against the principles of equity, justice and fairness.

Wike, who maintained that their position that elective offices

must be shared equally between the north and the south in the PDP ahead of the 2023 general elections remained sacrosanct, however, apologized to a former National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole and the Edo State people for working against their interest and making the incumbent, Godwin Obaseki, return to office.

The governor spoke when he

led Oshiomhole to inaugurate the eighth flyover located in his country home of Rumueprikon, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Port Harcourt, the capital city.

Wike said, “People will praise you but the day you say no, they will oppose you.

I am sure those of them in my party before they cannot say anything without mentioning Wike. But now because I said let

the right thing be done, I have now become an enemy. These are people, who are praising me for everything.

“And some people believe they won’t obey an agreement but we say it must be done. We stand for equity, fairness and justice. That is what the G5 will continue to preach. We have said we are not against reconciliation but it must be based on equity, fairness and justice.”

Call HoS to Order on National Assembly Clerk, Group Tells Buhari Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The National Intervention Group of Nigeria has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to call the Head of Service (HoS), Folashade Yemi-Esan, to order on the controversy surrounding the terminal leave of the outgoing Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Mr. Olatunde Ojo. The group’s Coordinator,

Akinloye Oyeniyi, made the appeal while addressing journalists at the National Assembly yesterday.

He said by asking the outgoing CNA to remain in office during his three months pre-retirement leave which started on Monday.

He alleged that the HoS was by her action trying to subvert the civil service rule.

Ojo, on the strength of the

letter from the HoS, proceeded on his terminal leave without appointing anyone to oversee the affairs of the federal parliament on acting capacity.

Oyeniyi said: “It is pertinent to say here that the Outgoing Clerk to the National Assembly, Mr. Olatunde Ojo, is set to spend his three months’ preretirement Leave in office following the intervention of the same Head of Service of

the Federation, Mrs. Folashade Yemi-Esan, in defiance of the Public Service Rule (PSR) 100238 which states: “Officers are required to give three months notice to retire from service before the effective date of retirement. At the commencement of the three months, officers should proceed immediately on the compulsory one month Pre-retirement, workshop/seminar.

by the Acting Chief Judge of Kogi State, Hon. Justice Josiah Majebi, to sanitise the court.

This was disclosed in press statement that was issued yesterday in Lokoja by the Information Officer, Mr. Saeed Sadiq.

The report of the fraud was submitted by the court’s newly created Head of the Directorate of Revenue Services, Mr. Sunday Paul, that initiated

the setting up of a Revenue Task Force (RTF).

Justice Majebi inaugurated the RTF at the judiciary’s headquarters in Lokoja to principally unravel more possible fraudulent activities in the generation of revenue by the court.

“The director of the new department, Mr. Paul, had routinely embarked on checking the account inflows of the court

in conjunction with the court’s deposit money bank into which payments and fines due to the court were meant to be paid.

“In the course of doing that, he stumbled into a syndicated mechanism where payments to the court by legal chambers, legal practitioners and other individuals manipulated the customised bank tellers and bank stamps to defraud the court.

Drunken Soldier Crushes Army General to Death in Lagos Kogi Judiciary Uncovers N2.4 Million Fraud in Revenue Generation Rebecca Ejifoma

Barely two months after he resumed as the Director of Finance, Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Brig. Gen. A.O James, was crushed to death by a corporal in the Nigerian Army, Abayomi Ebun.

The incident was said to have occurred at the NAFRC Old Barracks in Lagos.

Ebun, who works at the Nigerian Army NARC knocked down the NAFRC Finance Director while driving out of the barracks.

Immediately after the incident, the senior officer was swiftly evacuated to the NAFRC Medical Centre, where doctors confirmed him dead.

Brig. Gen. James was said to be walking to his house within the barracks when the corporal ran him over from behind.

While Ebun was said to have been drunk driving, reports

have it that the NAFRC provost has detained him for further investigation.

Until his death, Brigadier General James was a senior member of the Nigerian Army Finance Corps.

He had Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Accounting and Business Administration in Finance.

He was a fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN). He held memberships of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Nigerian Institute of Directors (MIoD), Chartered Institute of Taxation (ACTI), and the National Institute (mni).

He was decorated with the Meritorious Service Star (MSS) and Pass Staff College (PSC). The NAFRC where Brigadier General James served until his death, is a Tri-service institution saddled with the training of military personnel in one vocation or the other before retiring into civil life.

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

A thorough investigation of the accounting records of Kogi State Judiciary has uncovered a purported payment of N2.4 million to a bank account that could not be traced in the bank statement.

This discovery was sequel to the reforms in the revenue generation process at the state’s high court that was introduced

Obaseki Presents N320.35bn Budget to Edo Assembly Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki yesterday presented a N320.35 billion budget to the Edo State House of Assembly for the 2023 fiscal year, representing a 44.3 per cent increase from the N222 billion budgeted for the year 2022.

Obaseki, who presented the budget to the Assembly sitting at the Anthony Enahoro Assembly

Complex in Benin City, said the budget was made up of N192 billion for capital and N127.5 billion for recurrent expenditure.

Guests present at the budget presentation included Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu; Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha and Edo

State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa.

Others are Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Monday Osaigbovo; Commissioner for Business, Investment and Cooperative, Aishatu Braimoh and Commissioner for Youths

and Gender Issues, Andrew Emwanta, among others.

According to the governor, the document, christened ‘Budget of Resilience and Transformation,’ was informed by the need to, “build a resilient and sustainable foundation for the reforms, initiatives and programmes that we have embarked on in the last six years.”

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2022 ˾ T H I S D AY

37

NEWSXTRA

ENSURING SUSTAINABLE AGRIC PROJECT…

L-R: Chairman Panel Review Meeting on Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali; Èkìtì State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, and Representative of the Minister of Environment, Dr. Musa Gashau, during a panel review meeting on ESIA of the Integrated Agriculture Project in Ikole Local Government Area, in Ado-Ekiti…yesterday

CSOs,Election Monitoring Body Petition Buhari, Senate over Jigawa REC

Emameh GabrielinAbuja

Congress (APC).

This was even as the coalition requested the immediate removal of Prof. Muhammad as INEC REC, asserting that investigations have shown that his appointment “was in clear breach of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended and was also in breach of Electoral Act 2022, as amended.

The petition was coming on the heels of a recent alarm raised

by the Chairman, Partners for Electoral Reform and board member of YIAGA, Nwagwu Ezenwa, who called on Buhari to investigate reports of alleged plot to undermine the 2023 general elections through the appointment of party members as REC and the plot to wave aside the use of BVAS

Emerging Africa Asset Wins Largest Fund Manager Award

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) rose from its weekly meeting yesterday with the approval of N8.377 billion contracts for printing and other necessary materials at the National Examination Council (NECO) as well as the perimeter

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations(CSOs) under the aegis of Society Watch, and National Peace Campaign have kicked against the appointment and swearing in of Prof. Muhammad Lawal as the Jigawa State Independent National Electoral Commission (NEC)’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, saying he is as a card- carrying member of the All Progressives

Emerging Africa Asset Management Limited(EAAML), the asset management arm of the Emerging Africa Group (EAG) has won the Largest Fund Manager award at the prestigious 2022 FMDQ Gold Awards.

The Gold Awards are organised by FMDQ Group to celebrate excellence in fixed income, currencies and derivatives markets. EAAML recently emerged the largest fund manager listed under the primary market of the FMDQ. According to EAAML, it currently has five Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-regulated mutual funds listed on the FMDQ Exchange.

Amongst them are: Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund, Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund, Emerging Africa Money Market Fund, Emerging Africa Bond Fund.

For instance, the Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund,is dollardenominated bond fund with long-term capital appreciation and regular income investing in high quality fixed income securities and money market instruments.

The Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund is a balanced fund with a bias for corporate gender diversity. The objective of this fund is capital appreciation and income generation by investing in equities, fixed income securities and money market instruments.

Community Police Officers Trained in Sokoto

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

The Nigerian Police have organised training workshop for community policemen across the six geo-political zones of the country. Speaking while declaring the session open in Sokoto, the Inspector General of Police (IG), Usman Alkali Baba, described community policing as bridge between the conventional police and the citizens.

The IG, who was represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Ahmadu Abu Sani, said the participants who was drawn from four states, will serve as a focal point for the police in their different communities.

He said the workshop will help in equipping them with required knowledge in contributing to the general

peace of the communities.

Speaking on the preparation for the forthcoming general elections, the IG said none of members of the said community police officers will be allowed to participate in the election process.

“The the new electoral act has deal with the issue of community policing. None of them is allow to participate in the coming elections.

It is only the gazzetted policemen that is allow to deal with politicians in accordance with the new electoral acts,” he added.

Meanwhile, no fewer than nine modules is expected to be delivered in the two day workshops with six of them to be delivered on Wednesday while the remaining three will be delivered today.

for the elections.

In a letter jointly signed by the National Coordinator, Society Watch, Desmond Ebireri and the Head, National Peace Campaign, Valentine Opaluwa, the group said its decision was informed by previous activities and engagements of Muhammad on political party

partisanship, particularly with APC in Sokoto State.

In the letter copied to the INEC Chairman, Prof Mamood Yakubu, Senate President, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, the Chairman, Public Complaints Commission, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Jigawa State and Director of DSS,

the group said: “ In the course of our research on the newly sworn-in RECs and subsequent postings to their various states of assignments, we have discovered, specifically, Prof. Muhammad Lawal had contested Sokoto State governorship election on the platform of the APC.

FG Okays N8.3bn for Procurement, Projects in Education Ministry Deji Elumoye in Abuja

fencing of Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto.

The Council at the meeting held at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari also okayed the sum of N2,578 billion for the purchase of 128 units of vehicles for the Federal Road Safety Corps

(FRSC).

Briefing newsmen after the meeting, Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, said, “Council approved three memos and all three of them are contracts. The first one is for the National Examination Council (NICO) for the printing of sensitive and necessary

materials, which was given to about I think eight contractors in the sum of N5,107,364,373.62.

“The second one is a contract for the supply of 18 ambulances fitted with medical equipment to 18 of our unity schools. We have more than 100 of them for 18 we just decided to select three per geo-political zone.

‘Disorganised APC Cannot Re-organise Nigeria’

Sylvester IdowuinWarri

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Chief Sunny Onuesoke, has delcared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) “being a disorganised political party, cannot reorganise Nigeria.”

He maintained that the ruling

party cannot bring the country back to the good old days of leaders like Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Onuesoke, in a statement issued yesterday, while reacting the APC presidential flag-off in Jos, Plateau State, said those promoting APC

as the party to herald positive change for Nigeria are already disappointed with the abysmal performance of the party in all ramifications for the over seven years in governance.

The former governorship aspirant in Delta State wondered how a party that has not been able to effectively organise its strategy

and operations and run the country well in the last seven years can do same for a complex country as Nigeria, “especially in this era that the people are confronted with grave security threats such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and assassination among other sundry problems that have become the day to day activities in the country.

Niger Retirees Form New Pressure Group over Pension Laleye Dipo in Minna

Dissatisfied with the way the Niger State Government is handling the payment of gratuities to retirees, all the groups handling the issue have now collapsed into one organisation, the Joint Action Committee (JAC).

At a meeting attended by the

leadership of the groups, it was resolved that all powers should be vested in the JAC to pursue the payment of outstanding gratuities some dating back to 2016.

The groups that formed the JAC are the Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries, Association of Local Government Retirees, Association of Retired Directors,

the Concerned Citizens Group, and Pressure Group.

Two members from each of these groups were picked to form the JAC. It was learnt that at the first meeting of the JAC, a former Permanent Secretary, Mr. Sani Barde, was picked as the leader while Mr. Tanko Mohammed

was made the secretary.

Among other things, the JAC is to harmonise the positions of all the groups for presentation to the state government, and also put pressure on the state Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, to pay the backlog of gratuities before leaving office next year.

Irabor: Joint Training Vital to Curbing Insecurity Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Lucky Irabor, yesterday said joint training exercises for the Armed Forces was vital to curbing security challenges in the country.

He spoke at a Joint Simulation

Exercise 2022 for Operation Whirl Punch in Abuja.

“The joint training will also help in addressing future threats that the Armed Forces of Nigeria might be taxed to address,” he said.

He noted that given the time available for the defence forces,

the starting point would be to have a simulation exercise.

“Professionalism is a process.

Every organisation in the force has to reshape, review its structure, review its certain, all in a bid to get better for them in the armed forces, of course, a lot of mileage has been

covered. We still have so much more to cover”, he said.

Irabor said the armed forces operate within an environment and within a geographical space but the contending issues were far beyond those within such space which was global in nature.

Hoodlums Invade Court, Free Suspects in Delta Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

There was anxiety last Tuesday at the Magistrate Court in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, as hoodlums overpowered police officers from the state Criminal

Investigation Department (CID) and successfully freed several suspects that were arraigned earlier.

THISDAY gathered that the suspects were arraigned at the court in Ogwashi-Uku on charges

of assaulting some members of the Ogwashi-Uku vigilance group.

The suspects allegedly attacked the security maintenance volunteers armed with dangerous weapons, including machetes, inflicting serious wounds on

several of the vigilance group members.

Four male suspects nabbed by the police were identified as Elue Nwaolise, Azuka Obata, Ifechukwude Ikewenji, and Osim Okelue.

THURSDAY, ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

38

THURSDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Ronaldo to Miss Nigeria, Portugal Pre-World Cup Clash Today Peseiro tasks Eagles to go all out for victory Duro Ikhazuagbe

Cristiano Ronaldo has been ruled out of tonight’s Pre-World Cup friendly between Portugal and Nigeria in Lisbon.

Sources close to the Portuguese team heading to Doha, Qatar almost immediately after playing the Super Eagles in their final warm up game, hinted last night that the want-away Manchester United forward, was having stomach bug problems.

Victor Osimhen who is perhaps, the greatest fan of Ronaldo amongst the current players has also dropped out of the game on the ground of a fathom injury.

Despite the absence of the Portuguese superstar, Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Jose Santos Peseiro, has tasked the three-time African champions to show guts, grit and gumption by aiming for victory over hosts Portugal.

Both countries’ A squads go for each other’s jugular at the 50,000 -capacity Estádio José Alvalade in what is the first senior international clash between them, as from7.45pmNigeria time.

“Sincerely, I am wishing that this is a FIFA World Cup group stage match, because I tell you, that is the level at which Nigeria

should be playing. Even though that is not the case, our objective is to go out there and win.

“It is good that we are playing big teams. I am enamoured by that, because this is good for the team and it will sharpen the team to achieve our goal of winning the next Africa Cup of Nations. We also have the opportunity to test a number of players,” observed the Portuguese gaffer.

Peseiro has 23 players to pick from in what is perhaps his biggest test since resuming as Nigeria’s manager in the summer.

Goalkeepers Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho and Adebayo Adeleye are in Lisbon, just as defenders William Ekong, Chidozie Awaziem, Kevin Akpoguma, Calvin Bassey, Tyronne Ebuehi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ebube Duru.

In the midfield, the options are Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi and Joseph Ayodele-Aribo.

At the fore, Peseiro will be able to pick among France -based duo of Moses Simon and Terem Moffi, Belgium-based Paul Onuachu, Emmanuel Dennis, Cyriel Dessers, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze.

Djokovic Confirmed to Play Aussie Open in January Novak Djokovic confirmed he will play at next year's Australian Open, saying he was "very happy" his visa ban had been overturned.

The Serb, a nine-time champion, was deported before this year's event after his visa was cancelled in a row over his Covid vaccine status.

He was automatically banned for three years from entering Australia, but on Tuesday learnt a visa would be granted.

"I could not receive better news," the 21-time Grand Slam champion said.

Speaking to reporters at the ATP Finals in Turin after reaching the semi-finals, the former world number one added: "It was a relief

obviously knowing what I and people closest to me in my life have been through this year with what happened in Australia and post Australia obviously. "(The) Australian Open has been my most successful Grand Slams. I made some of the best memories there.

"Of course, I want to go back there, I want to play tennis, do what I do best, hopefully have a great Australian summer."

When Djokovic arrived in Australia in January, Covid cases were skyrocketing and government rules required anyone entering the country to be vaccinated, unless they had a valid medication exemption.

Eighth Day Fidau Prayers for Waidi Akanni’s Elder Brother

The eighth-day fidau (prayers) for the late Mr. Ganiyu Olanrewaju Akanni, elder brother of former Super Eagles player, Waidi Akanni will hold today at the Rowe Park Sports Centre in Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos with several ex internationals

Late Ganiyu Akanni

and family members paying their last respect to him.

The late Akanni, 61, who like his famous younger brother, Waidi, was also an ex footballer. He played for defunct National Bank FC and Julius Berger FC before going to the US in search of greener pastures.

A graduate of A&M University in Alabama, Ganiyu Akanni attended Ansar ul deen Grammar School, SuruLere where he was a star footballer. He also played for the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) amongst several other football clubs in Lagos.

According to the funeral prayer programme released by his family, the Chief Imam of Surulere Central Mosque, Alh. Alli Atanda is to lead several other Alfas in praying for the repose of the life of the late Akanni.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs Yinka Akanni, two children Hamed and Abiodun and siblings including Waidi, Fausat, Taju and Akeem Akanni.

Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Super Eagles goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho exchanging banters during a Europa League clash between Manchester United and Omonia Nicosia...recently

Delta Refutes Reports about Henry Nwosu’s Failing Health Rumours Delta State Government yesterday debunked insinuations in some quarters, including social media, that the health condition of a former Captain of Green Eagles, Henry Nwosu, who is receiving treatment at Asaba Specialist Hospital, Asaba, was deteriorating.

Addressing journalists shortly after visiting the football legend at the hospital, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor of the state, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, said contrary to rumours, Nwosu was positively responding to treatment.

Ifeajika disclosed that the health condition of the renowned footballer had, contrary to speculations, improved significantly from the condition he was at the time he was admitted into the medical facility.

According to him, the rumour that Henry Nwosu is not doing well in his health condition; that he is not eating again and not even walking nor talking again is clearly baseless as there is no iota of truth in it.

He said that the state government took over Nwosu's medical care and general well-being since he was brought to Asaba Specialist Hospital.

"As soon as we knew that he was here at the Asaba Specialist Hospital three or four weeks ago, His Excellency, the Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, asked that we should come and find out how true it was.

"I came here with the Commissioner for Health and we found

out that it was true that he was in this medical facility and he told us that he was better than he was when he came.

"And, immediately, on the instructions of the governor, we directed that every bill on his health should be passed to the state government. In fact, we asked that the family should not pay the bills that were already outstanding at the time.

"But, we were surprised with the rumours that he was not doing well in the hospital; that he was not eating again and that he was

not even walking or talking again.

"Added to that rumour was that he was being taken away from the hospital on the prompting of Lagos State Government which planned to take over his medical care.

"Nobody from Lagos State Government has contacted us on that and it is not true that some other interests had discussed with Delta State Government expressing willingness to take over the former footballer's health care..

"In a state where we have everything, you can see the environment

where he is. We even moved him from the private ward where he was to a VIP ward.

"And, he (Nwosu) has said that he is a lot better now. As the Chief Medical Director just said, Nwosu has had a better attention and he is quite better than how he was when he was brought in from Imo State.

"I spoke with him last night and he said that he would not want to leave because the Governor had been very wonderful to him and that the medical attention was also wonderful.”

...Okowa Tasks Contractors to Finish NSF Projects on Time Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has charged contractors handling various projects for the 21st National Sports Festival, tagged Delta 2022, to double their effort and deliver the facilities as scheduled.

Okowa, who is the Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), paid a visit to the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, where he expressed satisfaction with the level of work done so far.

He, however, advised the site engineers to be safety cautious.

Senator Okowa was accompanied by some members of his executive council, includ-

ing the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah, (who is the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee), the Co-chairman of the LOC, Chief Tonobok Okowa, and the Adviser to the LOC, Chief Solomon Ogba.

The Governor inspected facilities including the new indoor sports hall and multi-purpose complex, the new swimming pool, new weightlifting gymnasium and the mainbowl of the Stephen Keshi Stadium, where a new tartan track is being laid.

Meanwhile, the Secretary of the LOC, Chris Anazia, has said that the November 28 to

December 10scheduled date for Asaba 2022 National Sports Festival still stand.

Anazia, who is the Director General of Delta Sports Commission, revealed yesterday that work has reached advance stage in both the indoor sports hall and the tartan track. “All the necessary facilities inside the indoor sports hall are being fixed.

Those in charge of painting are also working. The tartan track is getting shape. In a couple of days from now, the entire complex will change and we are looking forward to welcome athletes from all over the country on November 28,” Anazia state.

THURSDAY, ͹Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ T H I S D AY

39

SPORTS C O U N T D O W N T O Q ATA R 2 0 2 2 . . . C O U N T D O W N T O Q ATA R 2 0 2 2 . . .

Perhaps, Messi, Ronaldo, Lewandowski in Their Last Tournament Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have defined a generation of footballers- but this is likely to be their final chance to win a World Cup. The pair have won it all at club level but have just one major continental trophy each for Argentina and Portugal respectively.

According to BBC Sports, they are two of the 10 football icons facing the prospect of their final World Cup in Qatar this winter.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) You can never rule anything out with Ronaldo but the fact he will be 41 by the time of the next World Cup means it's likely this will be his last.

In September he said he would not be retiring after Qatar and hoped to play for Portugal "for a few more years" - so who knows?

His club future is also uncertain at the moment, following an interview containing criticisms of Manchester United.

He already has the big individual European Championship records - most tournaments played, most games, most goals - as well as winning Euro 2016. He is also the top-scoring player in men's international football with 117 goals - including an iconic hat-trick in the last World Cup against Spain.

The 37-year-old forward is one of football's greats with exactly 700 club goals, more than 30 trophies and five Ballon d'Or titles. But this is surely the last chance to add 'World Cup winner' to that incredible CV.

Lionel Messi (Argentina) We could in truth simply copy and paste a lot of the Ronaldo section for Lionel Messi, who will turn 39 during the next World Cup. Arguably the greatest player of all time, with 695 goals for Barcelona and Paris St-Germain and a record seven Ballons d'Or, Messi finally won the Copa America at the most recent attempt.

But glory in Qatar would finally put the 35-year-old up there with Pele and Diego Maradona for those who hold winning the World Cup as a benchmark for 'all-time greatest' status.

Messi comes into the World Cup in some of his best form in recent years, with 11 goals and 14 assists in 18 games for PSG. He recently said this will "surely" be his final World Cup but nothing has been confirmed yet. And he has retired from Argentina duty in the past before coming back.

The 34-year-old striker - who has scored 18 goals in 19 games for new club Barcelona - failed to score four (and a half) years ago in Russia during Poland's three group games.

The Bayern Munich legend has enjoyed success at the European Championship, with five goals in 11 games, but this feels like being his last chance to score at a World Cup.

Reports suggest he will retire from international football after the World Cup - although his manager recently claimed he will play on.

He played a key role in helping his country to the 2018 World Cup final, where they lost to France.

He won the Golden Ball award for the tournament's best player - and the Ballon d'Or.

Neymar (Brazil)

Karim Benzema (France)

Neymar, at 30, is the youngest player in this list but he has already said this could be his last World Cup. "I think it's my last World Cup," he said last year. "I don't know if I have the strength of mind to deal with football anymore." He later claimed his quotes had been misinterpreted.

Neymar - who has scored 13 goals and assisted another 11 for PSG this season - will likely leave behind a legacy of 'what if' should he quit football soon.

He is one of the most talented footballers of his generation and has scored 75 international goals.

But he has played in France with Paris St-Germain for almost all of his peak years - and only featured in about half their league games.

Luis Suarez (Uruguay) Suarez is 35, so - like his former Barcelona team-mates Messi and Neymar this could be the end of his World Cup adventures.

The former Liverpool, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid striker is a free agent, having recently returned to his first club, Nacional, and won the Uruguayan title.

He is most likely to be remembered for being sent off for a handball on the line that denied Ghana a place in the 2010 World Cup semi-final and then biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 tournament.

He is not the only Uruguay icon nearing the end of his international career - with Valencia striker Edinson Cavani, 35, and Velez Sarsfield defender Diego Godin, 36, also in the squad.

Robert Lewandowski (Poland)

Luka Modric (Croatia)

Robert Lewandowski is heading into only his second World Cup - and it is likely to be last.

Real Madrid midfielder Modric is 37 and this will be his eighth major tournament for Croatia.

Real Madrid striker Benzema will turn 35 the day after the World Cup final.

He comes into the tournament having won the 2022 Ballon d'Or after scoring 44 goals in 46 games, although he has only netted five times this season.

This will be his second World Cup, having previously played in 2014. He was left out in 2010 while 2018 fell during his near-six-year exile from the national team for his part in a sex tape blackmail case.

Gareth Bale (Wales) Wales legend Bale is heading into his first World Cup - and it could also be his last.

The 33-year-old has said he does not plan to retire after Qatar but he will be 37 in the summer of the next World Cup. Bale joined Los Angeles FC in the summer after his Real Madrid contract expired - and helped them to win the MLS Cup. There were suggestions he may have chosen to retire had Wales lost in the play-offs.

he could make it.

Sergio Busquets (Spain) Busquets has been one of the great holding midfielders of the past 20 years - enabling some of his legendary Barcelona and Spain team-mates to do their stuff going forward.

But he is 34 and hi his llegs and are d influence i fl not what they once were.

It is hard to see the 2010 World Cup winner featuring again in four years' time.

FOR THE RECORD

16 Cityzens in Qatar 2022 Manchester City have the highest numbers of players from one club in Europe at the FIFA World Cup starting on Sunday. Below are the City players heading to Qatar;

Nathan Ake

(Netherland)

Kalvin Phillips

(England)

Kyle Walker

(England)

John Stones

(England)

Phil Foden

(England)

Jack Grealish

(England)

Julian Alvarez

(Argentina)

Manuel Neuer (Germany)

Aymeric Laporte (Spain)

Bayern Munich and Germany's Neuer has been one of the best goalkeepers of his generation.

He won the 2014 World Cup and was named in the team of the tournament.

Neuer will be 40 by the time of the next World Cup in 2026... although six goalkeepers have played at the tournament past that age, so it is possible

Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

Rodri

(Spain)

Ilkay Gundogan (Germany) Ederson

(Brazil)

Manuel Akanji

(Switzerland)

Joao Cancelo

(Portugal)

Ruben Dias

(Portugal)

Bernardo Silva

(Portugal)

Computer Picks Brazil to Win World Cup in Qatar

Brazil ...have been tipped to win the World Cup Qatar

Brazil haven't won the World Cup since 2002 but there is a strong chance Qatar 2022 could be their year.

Using Stats Perform's artificial intelligence World Cup prediction model, the South Americans have emerged as the favourites to lift the trophy for a record extending sixth time. But how well are England and Wales going to perform?

To achieve a more well-rounded picture of who will win the 2022 World Cup, the prediction model estimates the probability of each match outcome - win, draw or loss - by using betting market odds and Stats Perform's team rankings.

The odds and rankings are based on historical and recent team performances.

The model then considers opponent

strength and the difficulty of their path to the final by using match outcome probabilities, taking into account the composition of the groups and seedings into the knockout stages.

Brazil emerge with the highest probability of winning. The five-time winners, who are overall favourites to win, have a 16% chance of lifting the trophy according to the model, and as the overall favourites for the tournament, are also the team with the highest probability of reaching the final (25%).

Just behind five-time winners Brazil, it is Argentina who have the secondhighest probability of winning this year's World Cup. Lionel Scaloni's side, who are the favourites in Group C, have a

13% chance of going on to scoop the trophy this year.

Rounding out the top five contenders at the 2022 World Cup are France (12%), Spain (9%) and England (9%).

Despite being the third overall favourites to win the tournament, it is France who in fact have the highest probability of qualifying for the knockout stages of the tournament (91%), before the overall favourites Brazil (89%).

Croatia, who were beaten finalists in 2018, look unlikely to repeat that performance. Zlatko Dalic's side have just a 4% chance of making it back to the final this year, with 11 other teams in the tournament holding a higher probability of doing so.

Thursday, November 17, 2022

TR

UTH

& R E AS O

N

Price: N250

MISSILE

ASUU to Federal Government Unfortunately, the response of government towards ASUU’s demonstration of trust was the so-called ‘pro-rata’ payment for eighteen days as the October 2022 salaries of academics thereby portraying them as daily paid workers! This is not only an aberration, but a contravention of all known rules of engagement in any contract of employment for academics the world over —ASUU president, Emmanuel Osodeke on the treatment of university lecturers by the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari

OLUSEGUNADENIYI A Significant Lesson from Ghana THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

O

n Monday in Accra, President Nana Akufo-Addo sacked his Minister of State for Finance, Charles Adu Boahen following sordid revelations from renowned Ghanaian investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas. “After being made aware of the allegations levelled against the minister in an expose, ‘Galamsey Economy’”, according to the director of communications, Eugene Arhin, “the President spoke to Mr Adu Boahen, after which he took the decision to terminate the appointment, and also to refer the matter to the Special Prosecutor for further investigations.”

Shortly before that decision was announced, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia—whose name was used to “peddle influence and collect money from supposed investors”—had also released a public statement that “if what the minister is alleged to have said is accurately captured in the video, then his position as minister of state is untenable.

He should be dismissed summarily and investigated.”

Before I proceed, let me state that those Nigerians who believed the fantasy that Ghana is an Eldorado have had to review their position in light of recent economic disruptions in the country. Runaway inflation is pricing essential basic commodities beyond the reach of most citizens and the national currency, Cedi was last month described by Bloomberg as “the world’s worst performing currency.” So bad is the situation that Ghana is already receiving a lifeline from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to stay afloat. Since when it rains, it pours for African countries, Ghana is also now in the news for grand corruption. The cameras of Anas have “infiltrated the impermeable underworld of the handlers whose seals make the deals that make Ghana attractive for investors or not…the handlers who cut deals at the expense of the state,” according to the iconic undercover reporter.

In the scandal that has engulfed the country in recent days, Boahen was caught on tape in a hotel room in the United Arab Emirates negotiating with a supposed investor the sum of (US)$200,000 as ‘an appearance fee’ and positions for siblings of the vice president to secure official backing in establishing a business in Ghana. The incident in question happened in 2018. “You mean, like appearance fees and stuff? I mean he, himself (vice president), if you give him some (US)$200,000 or something as a token, as thank you, appreciation, that’s fine. He’s not really, he’s not really (like) that. All he needs is to worry about his campaign money in 2020,” Boahen revealed, oblivious to the fact that he was an object of a reportorial sting operation.

With bundles of dollars before him “for shopping”, Boahen’s mouth became an open tap as he babbled with little prompting from journalists posing as investors: “So, if you come with three or four projects and you say, we are doing this, we are doing that, (and) we are prepared to write a cheque for this, write a cheque (for that). You see, he has a big family. (The) vice president has about five or six brothers and sisters. So, what may be, will happen is; if you tell him (vice president) that, ‘hey, look, I want to do this project, do you have somebody that I

Ghana President, Nana Akufo-Addo can work with that you will introduce me to?’ And then, you know, he (vice president) will use that to immediately put his brother to work with us on a particular project.

That’s how we would be able to work with him (vice president).”

Boahen went on to disclose his own modus operandi when it comes to illicit dealings and the percentage he normally takes. He claims closeness to the president, though he was quick to say that the real go-to man when it comes to business dealings in Ghana is the vice president. Boahen said many other things that expose official corruption on a continent now enmeshed in another infamy that also has a Nigerian angle. The 22nd FIFA World Cup commences in Qatar on Sunday without Nigeria. Yet, our country has hit the global headlines with the just released ‘FIFA Uncovered’ documentary detailing behind-the-scenes deals that preceded voting for the 2022 World Cup hosting rights that Qatar won 12 years ago.

It all started in December 2010 when FIFA’s executive committee members voted 14-8 for Qatar to host this year’s edition of the tournament, ahead of the United States that had been considered favourite to win the bid.

It was a decision that shook the footballing world. In a fightback, American authorities launched an investigation into FIFA, resulting in several prosecutions. The four-part Netflix series is not only revealing, but also a sad reminder of the way public trust is often abused in Africa for private gain.

Nobody has captured the tragedy better than the Group Managing Director of DAAR Communication PLC, Tony Akiotu. “Qatar basically won the hosting right for the World Cup by buying up majority of the members in the 22-man committee...Michele Platini in return for his vote forced the Qataris to enter into arms deal with France worth

billions of dollars, plus buy their aircrafts, and a football club in France (Yeah, that’s how they came about PSG),” wrote Akiotu, based on revelations in the documentary which Nigerian authorities must watch. “The Brazilians traded their vote for a gas deal which saw the setting up of a fully functional mega gas plant in the Amazon nation. The Africans among them asked for 1.5 MILLION DOLLARS wired straight to their personal accounts.” Nigeria of course is one of the African countries involved because we had a member in the FIFA executive committee who voted for Qatar to host the 2022 World Cup which paradoxically the Super Eagles failed to qualify for. Interested readers can watch the documentary on Netflix for the rest of the story.

The emergence of high-level official corruption as an axiomatic feature of African public life is ultimately a failure of signal leadership. After all, there is nothing immutable or ‘cultural’ about corruption in any society. Yet, the FIFA scandal which delivered the World Cup to Qatar indicates the sad reality that high level corruption is regrettably a feature of global public affairs especially in situations where the victims of corruption are not an immediate public.

In the ‘Galamsey Economy’ scandal in Ghana, the victims are the hapless citizens of the country who were betrayed by a serving minister. Meanwhile, I started from the premise that if there is a country many Nigerians cite as example of where things work, it is Ghana. Even when many of us know that the reality in that country is different from the rosy picture often painted by our people since the grass is always greener on the other side. But that is not my point today. What is at issue is the difference between Ghana and Nigeria in the manner their authorities have dealt

with the current scandal.

The moment the report became public, concerned parties acted with dispatch. The vice president issued a public statement to exonerate himself and demanded that the minister be dismissed and prosecuted.

The president invited the minister and fired him before calling for investigation. There was no drama of setting up any cover-up committees that would be given an elastic time limit. Neither was the burden of proof directed at the reporter. The president was AWARE. And he acted promptly on the side of probity.

The significant lesson we should take from Ghana is that we cannot advance as a nation unless there are consequences for breaches of accountability, public trust, conflict of interest etc. We have had similar cases of senior public officials caught in such acts of impropriety without being held accountable because we run a system that makes allowances for bad behaviour. Even though one can argue that the ‘Galamsey Economy’ report remains mere allegation in the eyes of the law, the Ghanaian President knew the reputational damage that inaction could do to the country.

One of the most tragic reversals of the outgoing dispensation of President Muhammadu Buhari is perhaps the palpable failure to address corruption from the top.

Nigerians recall with a sense of regret that one of the strongest points of the Buhari myth in 2015 was the belief that the president was strong on anti-corruption. Seven and half years down the road, hardly any spectacular lesson has been delivered on that score.

What the Ghanaian President has done in the sacking of his compromised Minister of State for Finance is far more significant than the routine reflexes of the many anti-corruption agencies that we have in Nigeria.

Still on Adedokun’s Death W hen in March 2017 a medical doctor later identified as Allwell Orji jumped headlong into the lagoon off Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, I wrote on ‘The Silent Battles of Life’. I referenced the thesis by late American religious leader and educator, David Oman Mckay, that “the most important of life’s battles is the one we fight daily in the silent chambers of the soul.” I see a replay of that tragic episode in the recent death in similar circumstance of Adetutu Adedokun, identified as a staff of the Department of State Services (DSS). I commiserate with her family and friends as I pray God to comfort them at this most difficult period.

However, what I find most shocking is that since her death, media obsession has focused on the conversation she was supposed to be having with her fiancée, reportedly recounted by the Uber driver who witnessed the tragic drama. Whatever may have been the content of such conversation, people don’t just jump into the lagoon after speaking to someone on phone. I may not be a medical expert, but I suspect a mental health issue here.

And as I wrote in the past, because not all wounds are visible, we do not always know what people around us are going through or what action they might take when pushed to the edge.

A major social problem in Nigeria today is suicide, and the authorities are not paying sufficient attention. The fact that there is no credible data to

work with compounds the problem. Last month, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a suicide prevention campaign in Africa. “About 11 people per 100,000 die in the African region, which is higher than the global average of nine cases of suicide per 100,000 people,” according to WHO statement. Africa “is home to six of the ten countries with the highest suicide rates in the world,” the statement continued. The most common methods used are “hanging, pesticide poisoning and, to a lesser extent, drowning, use of a firearm, plunging into a void or overdosing on drugs”.

The continent, according to the statement, “has one psychiatrist for every 500,000 inhabitants, which is 100 times less than the WHO recommendation.”

While the authorities must deal with that challenge, we also need a more compassionate society. In his piece ‘Silent battles that cannot be won alone’, Robert Brandt wrote that there are no quick fixes or easy cures for depression. “I know from multiple friends who have been in that dark place that healing often starts with finding a person who will listen to them. Spouting advice and saying ‘just get over it’ cures nothing. Be kind and listen, truly listen. It can be the start of the healing process” wrote Brandt.

What the foregoing suggests is that we must destigmatise mental health in Nigeria. That will make it easier for people to seek help before they decide to take their own lives.

Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja .

All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com