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CACOVID Plans 4m Jobs, N150bn Youth Devt Scheme To rebuild damaged stations, equip police with N100bn Obinna Chima The Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) has unfolded plans to commit over N150 billion to set up and implement a youth

development programme to support the federal government’s job creation drive.

CACOVID said the youth development programme would provide technical and

vocational education to over four million Nigerian youths over the next five years.

In addition, the private sector-led coalition unveiled plans to raise and spend N100 billion over the next two years

to renovate and buy rifles as well as other security gadgets for the Nigeria Police Force, with special focus on the 44 police stations destroyed by hoodlums in the wake of the #EndSARS protest against

police brutality.

Co-Chair, CACOVID and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, at a media briefing in Lagos yesterday, outlined the organisation's plans to

assist the federal government in tackling issues that triggered youth restiveness, which ignited the #EndSARS protests.

He also rendered account on Continued on page 8

Eyeing More Revenues, FG Deploys Treasury Directors in NNPC, Others... Page 6 Thursday 26 November, 2020 Vol 25. No 9362. Price: N250

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Soccer Legend with Hand of God, Maradona, Dies... Page 46

FG Engages UK Government over Parliamentarians’Threat of Sanction Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja Following the resolution of the United Kingdom parliamentarians for sanctions against top Nigerian officials and security agents involved in alleged violation of #EndSARS protesters’ rights, the federal government yesterday said it has engaged the British Government over the threat.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Geoffrey Onyeama, told State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, presided over

by President Muhammadu

Buhari, in Abuja, that the essence of the initiative was for the federal government to present its own side of the story.

Onyeama, however, played down the sanction threat by the parliamentarians, saying that legislators are not responsible for imposing sanctions on other nations.

But he said it is still necessary for Nigeria to give the UK government its own position to enable it to have a balanced perspective.

Onyeama was reacting to Continued on page 8

No Plan to Review 2021 Spending Estimates, Says Ahmed Guarantees regular salary payment Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, yesterday in Abuja, said there is no plan to review the 2021 budget currently before the National Assembly.

She has also allayed the fears

of federal civil servants that the country's entering into recession might stall salary payments of workers.

Briefing journalists after the weekly virtual Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in the State House, Continued on page 8

PUSHING FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT...

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Access Bank Plc, Chief Herbert Wigwe; President/CE, Dangote Industries Limited, Mr. Aliko Dangote; Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele; and Chairman, Heirs Holding, Mr. Tony Elumelu, at CACOVID’s press conference on the group’s initiative on youths development in Lagos…yesterday

APC, PDP Bicker over Rising Defections... Page 5

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

APC, PDP Bicker over Rising Defections Opposition party's senator defects

Deji Elumoye and Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday exchanged brickbats of allegations that some opposition bigwigs are planning to join the ruling party.

The Chairman of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee of the ruling party and Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, set the stage for the squabble when he alleged that more political heavyweights from other political parties will soon defect to the APC. He spoke against the backdrop of the defection of PDP's Senator Elisha Abbo (Adamawa North) to the ruling party.

Abbo defected a week after Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Dave Umahi, dumped PDP for APC. With Abbo's defection, the number of seats controlled by the ruling party in the Senate now stands at 60.

However, the main opposition party has told Abbo to be ready to lose his seat since the constitution frowns upon defection, except in stipulated situations, which the senator didn't meet.

Buni in his remarks at a meeting with the APC Senate caucus yesterday, assured them that APC was expecting massive and unprecedented defections "ever witnessed in the political history of our great country, and by the grace of God, APC will undoubtedly remain Nigeria’s leading political party."

He said the party recently witnessed the defection of some political bigwigs and return of some party members to the ruling party with the resolution of conflicts in some state chapters of the party.

"Today, we are proud to say that the conflicts in most, if not all of the states, have been settled. The party now proudly parades political heavyweights in their respective states, who have either returned to the party or freshly joined the party. We have the former

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former PDP National Chairman, Senator Barnabas Gemade, several members of the National Assembly, Chief Jimoh Ibrahim, former Head of Service of the Federation, Mr. Danladi Kifasi, Senator Isa Hamma Misau, Alhaji Salisu Takai, among others. Our recent big catch is no less a personality than the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Mr. Dave Umahi and several legislators of the state assembly are indeed great milestones in our restoration process."

While expressing concern over the lack of credible membership register in all the 36 states and Abuja, Bunu said some members who left the party in 2018 and joined the opposition party, still have their names in the party register, while many others who joined the party from 2014 to date do not have their names in the register.

According to him, it is now imperative for the party to revalidate its membership register, expunge names of those who had left the party, and include those who have joined the party from 2014 to date in compliance with Article 9:4 of the party Constitution.

"Similarly, the annual membership dues payment, which has almost been totally neglected overtime is a clear violation of Article 9:1(I) of the Party Constitution. The committee, therefore, finds the membership revalidation exercise as necessary to capture all members to promote internal democracy in the party.

"I am glad to inform you that preliminary plans had been concluded for the commencement of the first phase of the exercise in the next few weeks with the expectation to cover members both within the country and those in diaspora," he added.

Buni also stated that the party was planning to amend its constitution so it could be ready for presentation to NEC for approval before the expiration of the committee’s

Senate Summons Minister over Rising Insecurity Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Senate yesterday mandated its Committees on Legislative Compliance and Communications to invite the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, to impress on him the need to implement its resolutions on security-related mandate of his ministry.

The summon was a sequel to the adoption of a motion on the growing insecurity in Nigeria moved by the Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha.

Rising under Order 42 and 52 of the Senate Standing Rules, Bwacha noted that

“the rate of insecurity in Nigeria has not only increased astronomically but has reached a melting point.�

According to him, the challenge has manifested in kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, assassination and other criminal activities in the country.

He said: “The assassination of Nasarawa State APC chairman and other highprofile cases are still fresh in our memories. A Chinese national was recently abducted in my community; his whereabouts are still unknown.

Continued on page 8

tenure "which is quite necessary for the growth and development of the party."

Reacting to Buni’s claim, the PDP described the APC as an unfocused political party, which only unfocused politicians will join.

It described the APC as a sinking political party that cannot manage a victory.

The National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, said there was no attraction in a sinking political party like the APC. "Only politicians that are not focused will be joining a party like the APC. The

APC has brought ruins to Nigerians. Look at what the APC administration has brought to Nigerians.

Everybody is now suffering because of unfocused and disorganised politics the party has brought to Nigerians," he stated.

The PDP also told Abbo to be ready to lose his seat at the Senate as the constitution is clear on such defection.

With Abbo's defection, PDP now has 42 senators; APC 60 and Young Peoples Party (YPP) has one. But six seats are vacant and are to be filled through by-elections to be

conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on December 5, 2020.

Abbo had sent his letter of defection to the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, who read it at plenary yesterday.

In his letter, he described President Muhammadu Buhari as the best president since 1999 to pay attention to the welfare of the citizenry.

"Thus, in living up to the expectation of the good people of Adamawa North Senatorial District, I hereby defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives

Congress (APC) with effect from today being Wednesday, the 25th day of November 2020," he said.

Reacting, Ologbondiyan said: "He (Abbo) is fully aware of the constitutional implication of his decision to defect to another party; which is that he cannot continue to occupy the seat of the PDP in the Senate.

"The place of any senator who changed parties except on the ground provided by the constitution is very clear and the PDP will not allow Senator Abbo to run away with our mandate. It is impossible."

DIPLOMATIC VISIT...

Ambassador-Designate, Royal Kingdom of Norway, Mr. Knut Lein (left), and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide SanwoOlu, during the diplomat’s courtesy visit to the governor in Lagos‌yesterday

Presidency Opposes Ecological Funds Regulation Bill Udora Orizu in Abuja The presidency has expressed its opposition to a bill pending in the House of Representatives seeking to regulate the ecological funds.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, yesterday told the House Committee on Ecological Fund that the presidency believes the proposed law would either clash with or duplicate the existing ones.

He added that the bill, if passed into law, will erode the powers of the president to superintend over the Ecological Fund Office and the funds under it.

He spoke during the public hearing on ‘A Bill for an Act to Establish the Regulation of Ecological Funds to Address Nigeria’s Ecological Challenges, Particularly Erosion, Landslide, Desertification, Floods, Oil Spillage, Drought, Etc., and for Related Matters.’ In his memorandum to the committee, which was presented by the Director, Pollution Control, OSGF, Mr.

Clinton Igwe, he said the establishment of a governing council in the bill is a replication of the erstwhile bogus National Council on Ecological Problems (NCEP).

He said its large membership makes project selection, procurement, and execution cumbersome and problematic.

According to him, the bill, as proposed, will replace the emergency interventionist posture of the Ecological Fund Office as presently constituted, which will by implication slow down quick response in dealing with erosion problems.

He stated: "The ecological fund, as presently constituted, is not subject to the process of appropriation by the National Assembly.

This gives the president the much-needed flexibility to effectively and timely respond to ecological emergencies, the fund is created to address.

"If the bill is passed into law as proposed, it will impede on Mr. President's power to use the fund for emergencies if it has to revert to the National Assembly for

appropriation and approvals. “It is not always feasible to predict emergencies, hence the inability to appropriate or budget for such disasters or ecological emergencies.�

The SGF said that the EFO as presently constituted does not pay salaries and allowances of staff from the fund, explaining that officers deployed in the office are mainstream civil servants, who draw their emoluments from the federal treasury. “It is advisable to sustain less emphasis on recruitment of officers and payment of board members that could be a drain whittling down the impact of the fund on ecological interventions, by increasing government's overhead cost,� Mustapha said, warning: "The bill, as presented, will negatively politicise the operations of the Ecological Fund Office such as what has been the bane of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

He was emphatic that the bill, as proposed, will be interfering with, and duplicating the mandates of other federal government

establishments such as National Emergency Management Agency, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency and National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency.

Meanwhile, the committee has threatened to suspend the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) from assessing money from the Ecological Funds if they fail to account for their respective shares from the Ecological Funds available to the legislature before December 31, 2020.

Chairman of the committee, Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka, made the threat at yesterday’s public hearing.

Isiaka noted that the upsurge in the deployment of the Ecological Funds as sources of funding for government agencies created

by Acts of the National Assembly, which draw funds from budgetary allocations, is a major deviation from the original purpose of the Ecological Funds, saying this has depleted the fund.

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Eyeing More Revenues, FG Deploys Treasury Directors in NNPC, Others Obinna Chima Determined to raise more revenues, the federal government has deployed revenue treasury directors from ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in some revenue-generating Federal Government-owned Enterprises (FGOEs).

The FGOEs affected included the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), Nigeria Ports Authority, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Maritime Administration Agency, Department of Petroleum Resources, Corporate Affairs Commission, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, and Nigeria Shippers’ Council.

The deployment of the treasury directors was contained in a letter dated November 24, 2020, signed by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, a copy of which was obtained by THISDAY yesterday.

Their deployment is in compliance with the presidential approval conveyed through a circular by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) with reference SGF.50/S.3/C.9/24 and dated October 16, 2018, on the approved revenue performance management framework for FGOEs. “Accordingly, chief executives of the affected

FGOEs are enjoined to provide the officers with an enabling environment and facilities to carry out this crucial and onerous national assignment, which is in line with pre-set administration’s Strategic Revenue Growth Initiative. “All officers are to note that failure to comply with this posting instruction shall be treated in accordance with the provision of the Public Sector Rule. They are, therefore, advised to submit an assumption of duty certificate on or before December 6, 2020,� the accountant-general stated.

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, had said the FGOEs had been identified as an important sector with huge potential for revenue generation.

According to her, an analysis of the revenue and expenditure profile of some of the FGOEs showed that they have the capacities for improved revenue performance. “A recent study of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revealed that the combined expenditures of the FGOEs exceed the federal budget. It is in this light that the deployment of the treasury directors is considered expedient to selected FGOEs which will run as a pilot basis,� she said.

Ahmed stated that the directors of revenue, in the course of the discharge

Senate Committee Screens Yakubu for INEC Chair Today Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Senate will today screen Prof. Mahmood Yakubu following his nomination as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a second term of five years by President Muhammadu Buhari.

This is a sequel to the directive of the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, at Senate plenary yesterday, directing the Senate Committee on INEC to screen Yakubu.

The committee has one week to submit its report.

Yakubu will be screened along with another nominee, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, who has been appointed as national commissioner in the commission.

Gaya yesterday informed reporters of the planned screening of Yakubu after the submission of the report of the 2021 budget

estimates of the commission to the Senate Committee on Appropriation.

He said since the Senate had given the committee till next Tuesday for submission of its report on the screening, the exercise will be expeditiously carried out.

Earlier, while submitting the report on the 2021 budget proposals made for the commission to the Senator Jibrin Barau-led Appropriation Committee, Gaya said N550million was added to the proposals submitted to address acute housing and office accommodation facing the commission.

When Barau, along with the Deputy Chairman, Senator Stella Oduah, asked Gaya where the N550 million will come from, he said it would be taken from the outstanding balance of monies appropriated for the commission in 2020.

of their functions, shall be involved in the revenue operations of the FGOEs, have a better

understanding of business processes and operations of the FGOEs and cause improved transparency and

accountability in revenue reporting by the FGOEs. They are also expected to seek opportunities

and avenues for revenue improvements, which she added, is the ultimate aim of the government.

FOR THE RECORD‌ L-R: Book author, Mr. Yusuf Ali (SAN); Justice of Supreme Court, Justice Morenikeji Ogunwumiju; co-presenter, Dr. Wale Babalakin; and President, Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Olumide Akpata, during the presentation of the book ‘Two Decades of Forensic Advocacy at the Inner Bar’ in Abuja‌yesterday enock reuben

FEC Approves N40bn for Road, Ecological Projects Fashola denies knowledge of N4.6bn diversion Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved N40 billion for the construction of road and ecological projects in different parts of the country.

While about N22 billion of the fund was approved for road construction in Yobe, Edo and Taraba States, N17.7 billion was for the execution of ecological projects in various parts of the country.

Briefing reporters after the weekly virtual FEC meeting in the State House, Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, said N14.528 billion was approved for the construction of GasamuHamshi-Gogoram road in Yobe State, N991.851 million approved for the construction of a link road connecting Uneme-Tusamu-Odoga to Okpekpe in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State and N6.397 billion approved for the reconstruction of MamabuDonga road in Taraba South Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Asked to respond to allegation that N4.6 billion

was diverted under his watch as the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Fashola said he had written an explanatory note to dismiss the allegation.

According to him, ministers don't manage accounts, sign cheques or disburse funds.

In his own briefing, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the council approved N17.754 billion for emergency procurement of first and second quarters 2020 soil erosion, flood and pollution control as accelerated intervention projects of the federal government.

He said the awards, which were made in favour of various contractors, included 7.5 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) with various completion or delivery periods.

Breakdown of the contracts awarded, according to Adesina, include: gully erosion and control along Ndam-Agbor road, Nnobi and Alor towns in Idemili-South Local Government Area, phase two of Anambra State to Telesis Limited at the cost of N.495,878,764 for a duration of 18 months.

Others are: erosion and flood menace beside Yem Kem House along OyeIfaki road, Oye LGA to Strabic Construction Ltd. at N792,311,211.11) for nine months; Somolu/ Bariga/ Akoka/Ilaje community, Akoka-Lagos flood and erosion control project, Lagos State to Partibon Services Ltd. at N1.786,146,630.98 for 10 months; gully erosion control at EgboIdeh community, Ugheli South local government area of Delta State to Harris & Dome Nigeria Ltd. at N1,328,306,924.00 for 24 months and gully erosion control and road improvement works in Darazo LGA, Bauchi State to Powerhill Construction Ltd. at N3,897,577,627.79 - 24 months; gully erosion control works at Ladanal community, Nasarawa LGA, Kano State (U.Y.K. Nigeria Ltd.) N1,337,681,584.69 for eight months.

Also included are: gully erosion in Gboko township, Benue State awarded to Gaffar Worldwide Resources Ltd. at the rate of N1.503,970.714.83 for 12 months; erosion and flood control works in Wase and Bashar towns, Wase Local Government Area

of Plateau State to Global Legend Integrated Concept Ltd. at N1,687,162,328.95 for 14 months; gully erosion control and road improvement works along Plot 1398, off Kainji Crescent and Katampe Extension, Abuja to IMB Corporate Synergy Ltd. at N555,569,610.76 for six months and soil erosion, river channelisation and slope protection within Maitama District, phase II, Abuja to Masarki Nigeria Ltd. at the rate of N1,887,495,486.63 for 12 months.

Parts of the contracts also included the supply and installation of 12 numbers, on site flameless/smell-less incinerator 50 kilogramme for the national blood transfusion centres in some federal medical centres and teaching hospitals awarded to Black Wheel Multi-Links Ltd. at the cost of N823.677,900.00 for six months and the supply and installation of six numbers containerised incinerators (250kilogramme) for the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), one in each geo-political zone awarded to STJ Integrated Resources Ltd. at the rate of N658,938,450.00 at the duration of six months.

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He spoke in the company of President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Chairman, United Bank for Africa Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu; and Group Managing Director/CEO, Access Bank Plc, Chief Herbert Wigwe.

Emefiele said preliminary analysis indicated that unemployment, particularly amongst the youth, was a critical factor behind the recent unrest experienced in some parts of the country.

He said: “As a result, CACOVID has committed to creating a high impact youth development programme that will provide technical and vocational education to over four million Nigerian youths over the next five years. “Students will be trained on craftwork, plumbing, masonry, carpentry, and other artisanal related skills for which sufficient demand exist in Nigeria.�

According to him, selected students on the conclusion of the programme will be certified by the appropriate standards board and will be eligible to receive loans to support their entrepreneurial pursuits. “So far, over N25 billion will be domiciled in a fund to support these entrepreneurial pursuits, which would also

include acquisition of related equipment to conduct business activities. “The ultimate objective is to provide young Nigerians with employable skill sets that will enable them to live a gainful life. We believe this initiative can lead to the creation of over four million jobs over the next five years,� he added.

For the out-of-school graduates that possess certain entrepreneurial skills, Emefiele also said CACOVID would be working with the Bankers' Committee to complete the creative centre at the National Arts Theatre, Lagos in four select areas namely: ICT and software design / development, fashion, music, and movies.

The project is expected to cost the Bankers' Committee over N40 billion, he said. “Given the impact, the unrest had on the conduct of business activities, members of CACOVID has committed to developing a business continuity plan that will enable businesses and firms to share timely information and resources to forestall physical or cyber-attacks, which could derail the smooth functioning of business activities in the country," he stated.

However, Emefiele while rendering account of the

activities of the private sectorled initiative, said the group received a total of N39.64 billion as donations from members of the private sector and spent N43.272 billion on various interventions, including N28.7 billion on food relief, as palliatives to 1.7 million households translating to eight million Nigerians.

He explained that the ultimate objective of CACOVID is to work with the government in providing support in areas that would result in improved health and societal outcomes.

He said the group sought to aid the government in improving testing capability, and management of positive cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria.

In addition, CACOVID was expected to provide palliatives to vulnerable members of the society, particularly those who earn daily incomes, and had been severely affected by the lockdown.

He thanked Nigerians and businesses that supported CACOVID in its efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria, as well as in catering for vulnerable Nigerians.

He said banks and financial institutions would extend reliefs through concessionary loans to affected businesses and firms, to enable them to

rebuild and restock their stores and continue to conduct their business activities.

Emefiele said to further strengthen the security apparatus in the country, CACOVID has committed to providing over N100 billion to procure equipment and gadgets for the Nigerian Police Force over the next two years as its contribution to fully modernise the Nigerian police. “Providing adequate security is not only the task before the government but also that of the private sector,� he said.

The CBN governor said owners of business premises desire a secure environment to conduct their legitimate businesses. “We, therefore, seize this opportunity to once again, appeal to members of the private sector, who we will be calling on again, to rally round CACOVID to secure not only our businesses but also our country,� he said.

Speaking at the briefing, Dangote explained that training the youths on technical and vocational jobs would also enable the federal government to draw a database on various skills for vocational jobs.

He said: “We would have a database so that you don’t just call an armed robber to your house. You can go into

that data and call someone.

We all have repairs, and with that data, you can know who to call for repairs. “What we are doing is that we are providing them with money to buy tools.

So as soon as they get the training which is free, which we are paying for, then they have the guarantee that they would get jobs. “We have about 30,000 workers at our (Dangote) site, which we are planning to get to 50,000. Only 25 to 28 per cent of that would be foreign workers and the rest will be Nigerians who would be trained.�

Elumelu assured Nigerians that CACOVID will support the federal government.

He said: “The CBN governor has done extremely well. We used to be in banking together, but I didn’t realise his level of passion for the country until we started CACOVID. “With the level of passion, every day since March this year, we spent several hours discussing how to intervene in the economy through CACOVID. “So, at times when you hear things outside, you begin to shake your head and say if only people knew the efforts being made by the CACOVID leadership. We had people stay

awake throughout the night.�

He said to reopen the economy wasn’t easy, explaining that to get the airlines to start flying they had to assure the government that things would happen in certain ways and that they provided money for certain things. “All I will say is that let’s have a bit of patience. The private sector in Nigeria is committed to poverty alleviation because poverty anywhere affects any of us.

So, let’s work together to create more jobs,� he said.

Wigwe said: “Every transformation comes with its own pain and hitches.

CACOVID right from inception came to help with the issue that came with COVID-19 and also to protect the livelihoods of people. “Obviously in that process, there would be hitches from time to time. As we share more information, people will have a clear picture of what we are trying to do. The most important thing has to do with issues of employment. “COVID-19 and the lockdown have created several problems. What I will say to young people who are seeking funding to start their own businesses is that they should reach out to their banks.�

compensate violence victims.

He said the governors were also keen to put in place the machinery to guarantee the safety of lives in the Southeast.

The minister explained that the governors would create a platform for dialogue with both the youth and other stakeholders in the zone.

According to him, "Southeast governors are committed to creating Victims' Fund to compensate and help victims of violence. They are also to engage more systematically with the youths to address the agitations as a result of #EndSARS, and came up with a number of proposals in that context to see better funding of the police and other security agencies as a way of achieving the right goal in addressing the security issues.

"They were also very keen to ensure and guarantee the safety of all Nigerians living within the zone and also thanked the other parts of the country for ensuring the safety of those from the South-east living in other parts of the country. They said they will set up a mechanism for constant dialogue with the youths and all the other stakeholders in the sub-region."

Ahmed also said a committee set up by President Muhammadu Buhari to make recommendations on reopening the borders had concluded its assignment and now set to submit its report to him.

The federal government had last August ordered the closure of the nation's land borders to stave off smuggling of commodities such as rice

and small weapons.

According to her, what is only left is for members of the committee to sign the report latest tomorrow and it will be ready for presentation to the president.

She said: "On the border closure, Mr. President has set up a committee that I chair, alongside the Minister of Foreign Affairs and other ministers, including Interior, Customs, Immigration, the security services, to review and advise him on the issue of border closure.

"The committee has just completed its work and we'll be submitting our report. I've signed my copy.

I gave everybody to sign between today (yesterday) and tomorrow (today) so that we submit the report to Mr. President."

do is remove the fund from the service-wide vote to the agency so that they pay from their budgets. So, there's no problem of payment of salaries at all," she said.

Also asked on how the federal government hopes to bring Nigeria out of the recession, Ahmed said the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) had been conceived in anticipation of recession to facilitate Nigeria's exit.

She explained that already huge funds had already been released to fund capital projects adding that implementation of the ESP along with the 2020 budget would help Nigeria out of the recession which she said would be short-lived.

" You will recall that the ESP was designed to be a 12-month plan, to act as a bridge between the ERGP and its successor plan, but also it was designed specifically to help us quickly exit recession, which we had projected was going to happen.

"So, the ESP implementation is really on course. It's focused and also the implementation of the 2020 Budget is really on course and is very focused.

We have been able to release a large volume of capital funding into ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), enabling a lot of public works going on simultaneously all over the country.

"So, how we will maintain

this is to make sure we continue to implement the ESP as it is planned. It will help us exit the recession. It will help us reset back on the path of growth and on a road that is sustainable," she added.

is being increasingly eroded resulting in the breakdown of law and order as demonstrated in the #EndSARS protest which was subsequently hijacked by miscreants. “Political permutations across the landscape are attracting politicians to recruit criminals for the purpose of

destabilising the corporate existence of Nigeria. “These evil intents can be easily achieved given the poor control over communication facilities viz the inability of our security apparatus and service providers to effectively manage this all-important sector."

FG ENGAGES UK GOVERNMENT OVER PARLIAMENTARIANS’ THREAT OF SANCTION Monday’s resolutions taken after the parliamentarians had considered a petition signed by 220, 000 signatories in the aftermath of the alleged shooting of protesters at the Lekki Tollgate on October 20, calling, among others, for sanction against indicted Nigerian officials.

Onyeama said despite the knowledge that the parliament has no power to impose sanctions or speak for the government of the UK, the Nigerian government still deemed it fit to brief the UK government and present it with a balanced perspective.

According to him, the federal government has briefed both the British parliament and the government and they have at their disposal now, a balanced picture of what transpired during the protests.

He said: “On the issue of UK parliament, yes, we have reached out to the UK government. The UK government has been briefed. There was a UK parliamentarian meeting.

Parliamentarians don't speak for the UK government, which acts for the United Kingdom.

It has also heard the side of the (Nigerian) government regarding everything that has happened.

"So, we have been in touch with them and engaging with them. And of course, as in any democracy, the members of parliament are able to also air their views. But what is important is that a balanced picture is made available to them before they take any decision.�

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai

Mohammed, had told THISDAY on Tuesday that the federal government was unperturbed by resolutions of the United Kingdom parliamentarians, adding that the UK government will not sanction Nigerian officials based on a fake report.

Onyeama also told reporters yesterday that he briefed FEC on the outcome of his engagement with stakeholders in the South-east in accordance with the presidential directive to engage people from their zones following the # EndSARS protests.

He said consequently, the South-east governors had come up with some proposals to address the needs of the youth in the region.

He added that the governors would create a Victims' Fund to mobilise money to

NO PLAN TO REVIEW 2021 SPENDING ESTIMATES, SAYS AHMED Ahmed said even the consequential adjustment in the 2020 budget wholly addressed salary matters.

"On the 2021 budget, we are not planning to retrieve the budget or to reverse the budget beyond the work of appropriation that the National Assembly is currently doing in consultation with us," she said.

According to her, payments of workers' salaries are guaranteed despite the recession, noting that issues bordering on any challenge on salary payments, which only had to do with agencies funded through the Government Integrated Financial Management and Information System (GIFMIS)

had been remedied.

She further explained that should any challenge on salary payments eventually arise, all that will be done is to move funds from the service-wide vote in the budget to the affected agencies so that they can pay salaries from their budgets, insisting that the issue of salary payments during the recession is a settled matter.

"On the issue of federal workers' salaries, there's no issue with federal workers' salaries. We have paid salaries for November and we shall pay salaries for December. So, there's no issue at all with federal workers' salaries.

"If you hear about any issue, it is for agencies whose

budget funding on the GIFMIS (Government Integrated Financial Management and Information System) system was exhausted and we are about to make an adjustment to them.

"When we were doing the 2020 budget, we made estimates of the consequential adjustment that is required as a result of the minimum wage and we had sent the budget before a decision and approval were taken on the consequential adjustment. So, it is anticipated that some agencies might run short and we made a block provision in the service-wide vote of the budget.

"So, when we have such a situation, what we simply

SENATE SUMMONS MINISTER OVER RISING INSECURITY “There is growing suspicion of complicity of officials of state saddled with the responsibility of protecting the lives and property of citizens, but compromised in the process. “This is heightened by the arrest of several security operatives involved in armed

robbery and kidnapping activities across the country.

It is only in Nigeria that communication facilities can be used without a biometric process, no valid identification of passport details (in the case of foreigners) in place to check abuse.�

He said bandits and

terrorists negotiate for ransom using telephones and get away with it.

Bwacha said: “How can we be so negligent and insensitive to the safety and security of citizens? “The Senate is concerned that the confidence between the protected and the protector

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NGN NGN 0.32 3.52 0.41 4.56 2.50 27.90 0.23 2.57 0.09 0.87 NGN 0.09 0.87 0.05 0.35 0.05 0.58 UPDC 0.06 0.82 OANDO 0.19 2.71 HPE Nestle Nig Plc â‚Ś1,400.00 Volume: 429.829 million shares Value: N6.854 billion Deals: 6,936 As at yesterday 25/11/2020 See details on Page 39

% 10 9.8 9.8 9.8 9.3 % 9.3 8.5 7.9 6.8 6.5

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS

I’m Proud of You, Buhari Tells Chief of Staff, Gambari Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari last night said he is proud of his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim

Gambari, describing him as “a remarkable public servant who has put his vast experience and knowledge to the service of the world.”

EndSARS: PDP Backs UK Parliament’s Threat of Sanctions Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday applauded the resolution by the British Parliament to impose travel restriction and visa ban to officials of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration involved in the violation of human rights, including the shooting and killing of unarmed and peaceful protesters in Nigeria.

The PDP, however, urged the United Nations and other international bodies to immediately list indicted officials of the President Buhari’s government for the widespread crime against humanity going on in the country in the last five years.

According to a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, “Our party also urges the British Government to extend the proposed sanctions to include the freezing of assets and funds belonging to such officials and their families in the United Kingdom.

“We also call on other countries, including United States, France, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, among others, to impose similar sanctions against indicted officials of the Buhari administration for human rights violations and crime against humanity.

“Such sanctions should also be imposed on officials indicted for undermining our democracy and electoral system.”

The PDP said the international

According to a statement by presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, on the occasion of Gambari’s 76th birthday anniversary, Buhari said “I am proud of his accomplishments as a senior diplomat.”

Extolling his Chief of Staff, President Buhari said: “It’s impossible to interact with Gambari without being

impressed by his erudition and colossal experience in his chosen career.

“Having worked with Prof.

Gambari during my time as a military Head of State, I am proud to testify that he is one of the most brilliant, dedicated, patient and humble public officials I have ever met.”

“Gambari’s passion for

service and patriotism is enviable and worthy of emulation by Nigerians who are seeking to excel in their chosen careers.”

“Let me also put it on record that Gambari is not your typical textbook idealist.

He is down to earth in his approach to issues and he is a team player, which are necessary ingredients for

anyone seeking to succeed,” the President added.

“As you clock 76 on earth, may Allah grant you better health and longer life in order to serve Nigeria and humanity ever more. Your life is worth celebrating because you passionately love your country. I am proud of you and your accomplishments; don’t rest on your oars.”

community must call out President Buhari, as the buck stops on his table, as the commander-in-chief, under whose watch human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests and detention in dehumanising facilities, widespread extrajudicial killings, sudden disappearances of dissenting voices, disregard to rule of law, disobedience to court orders and foisting of siege mentality on the citizenry have become the order of the day.

Indeed, the party said: “The manifest use of brute force, including the deployment of the military with live ammunition, in addition to recruiting armed thugs to attack and kill innocent Nigerian youths, who were in peaceful demonstration against widespread police brutality and other systemic injustices, underscores the horrible situation in Nigeria under President Buhari as detailed in earlier L-R: Widow of the late Prof. JP Clark, Prof. Ebun Clark; his son, Mr. Eleye Clark; his daughter, Ema Clark; and the President, Government ‘ n Evening of Tributes’ for the late Clark, in Lagos... reports by Amnesty International College Ughelli Old Boys Association (GCUOBA), Lagos Branch, Mr. Sam Omatseye at A SUNDAY ADIGUN and US Department of State yesterday among other international bodies.”

According to the PDP, “Is it not frightening that the He urged the general public and later burnt down some state.

Buhari presidency has failed Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto to remain calm as investigation The state Police Police Public parts of the village. . to come clean on who ordered He added that three men has commenced into the matter. the deployment of troops to The Sokoto State Police Relations Officer (PPRO) Gudu and Tangaza, the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos, where Command last night confirmed Assistant Superintendent of were shot and one of them died unarmed demonstrators were an attack and killing of one police (ASP) Muhammad while the other two others were two border local governments shot and killed even while person by gunmen who burnt Sadiq told THISDA,Y that the receiving treatment at Usman of Sokoto State with Niger waving our national flag and down Deyeji village in Gudu gunmen invaded Deyeji the DanFodio University Teaching Republic have been under singing our national anthem? Local Government Area of the village shooting sporadically hospital, Sokoto. incessant attack by the bandits.

“Is it not equally frightening that the government has also failed to explain how armed thugs were seen being brought in “He was extraordinary in “One saw in his appearance challenge.” security vans to unleash violence Rebecca Ejifoma conversation, extraordinary in how a poet, a man of deep In her tribute, the Chairman on demonstrators in Abuja and Members of the Government presence, and even in death, sensibilities and immense and CEO of Guardian, Lady other parts of our country?

College Ughelli Old Boys he is extraordinary,” he said. purpose lived an oxymoronic Maiden Alex-Ibru, revered Omatseye further noted existence of so much wealth in the late deceased as a man Association (GCUOBA), Maiden Alex-Ibru and others that the GCUOBA worldwide wisdom and learning, but clad of principles.

“He would speak the yesterday eulogised the was celebrating the poet and in sparse and simple apparel”.

The Chairman of the truth regardless of the late renowned poet, Prof. playwright for impacting lives, John Pepper Clark, for his insisting that he would be Board of Editorial Board of consequences,” she said.

She also commended the areas, scoring accurate hits on extraordinary life as a poet remembered by many for The Nation Newspapers, different things. further emphasised how wife of the late Clark for her the caves used by the bandits and legend.

“Some remember him as uncomplicated the late Clark role in her family life.

This was the tone set at an to shield themselves from Speaking also, Princess ‘Evening of Tributes,’ held in a poet, some as a colleague, was as seen in his “My Last airstrikes.

The statement read, “No honour of the late Clark and some as a father, among Testament”. “It is comforting Juliana Edewor, described the fewer than 67 bandits, organised by GCUOBA, Lagos several others,” he explained. to see that in a country and late poet as a father, mentor, Describing the late Clark as continent fraught with and friend, icon, and intelligent armed with very high-calibre Branch.

According to the President, an Izon and integral member of stricken by the malady of base man. weapons, including Anti“He stood as my father Aircraft guns, have been GCUOBA Lagos Branch, Mr. the GCUOBA family, Omatseye materialistic tendencies that neutralised and several others Sam Omatseye, Clark was a said “he was a great man, all robbed most of their children when I got married again after his own man. the ability to rise above the death of my husband.” injured in air interdiction man of many parts. missions executed by the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji at Birnin Kogo Forest in Katsina State. nevertheless pass a less sentence (A),402(2)(a) and 411(1) of the discovery of all other items Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti “In the same vein, about having regard to the facts and Criminal Code, Cap.C16 Laws robbed, including the car.

15 bandits were eliminated An Ekiti State High Court in circumstances of this case. of Ekiti State of Nigeria, 2012.

To prove his case, the in airstrikes conducted by the Ado Ekiti, which is presided “Accordingly, the two The act was committed on prosecutor, Mr Wale Air Component at Ajjah Forest over Justice Lucas Ogundana, accused persons are hereby July 14, 2017, around 2 a.m. Fapohunda, called four in Zamfara State. while their has sentenced two accused sentenced to death by hanging at Oke Ila area of Ado Ekiti, witnesses “Both airstrikes were carried persons, Lanre Kayode, 34, until they breathe the last, while when the convicts were armed confessional statements were out on November 23, 2020, and Olanrewaju Aremu, 35, on count 1,2,3 and 4 , which with guns and cutlasses to rob tendered as exhibits. sequel to credible human to death by hanging for robbing are conspiracy and burglary, one Jimoh Folajoke Oluremi Other exhibits such as intelligence reports as well a resident at gunpoint. they are sentenced to life of her laptops, phones and laptop, phones and the car, as aerial surveillance missions Toyota Camry car. had been released to the owner In his verdict, Justice imprisonment.” that led to the identification Ogundana said: “The law According to the charge In her testimony before the via court bond. of the two forest hideouts, has prescribed mandatory sheet, the two accused persons court, the victim said they were The accused spoke in their which housed scores of the punishment for the offence were charged with conspiracy, arrested through the efforts of defence through their counsel, bandits along with hundreds committed by the accused armed robbery and burglary police officers who tracked the Yinka Opaleke, and called no of rustled cattle.” persons, and the court can contrary to sections 403 phones thereby leading to the witness.

IN HONOUR OF OLD BOY…

Police Confirm Bandits’ Attack on Sokoto Community

Ibru, Old Boys Ughelli Hail Clark for His Extraordinary Presence

Troops Kill 82 Bandits in Katsina, Zamfara Forests Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji have gunned down 82 bandits in Katsina and Zamfara States.

While 67 criminals were eliminated at the Birnin Kogo Forest in Katsina, 15 were dispatched to the great beyond at the Ajjah Forest in Zamfara.

Disclosing this yesterday in a statement titled, ‘Operation Hadarin Daji: Air components neutralises scores of bandits in airstrikes at Birnin Kogo forest and Ajjah forest in Zamfara,’ the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. John Enenche, said the airstrikes were executed on Monday.

He said the military operation was sequel to intelligence on the hideouts.

It explained that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets and helicopter gunships took turns in engaging the target

Two Armed Robbers to Die by Hanging in Ekiti

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THURSDAYNOVEMBER 26, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Akwa Ibom REC: LG Elections in Nigeria are Organised Crimes Says Nigerian media to start projecting election results The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Mike Igini, has described local government elections in Nigeria as nothing but organised crimes.

Igini has also said with the

deployment of the INEC results portal, the Nigerian media will soon start projecting election results like their counterparts in the United States.

Speaking when he featured on live television programme

Adamawa Police Confirm Abduction of Officer’s Wife, Son Daji Sani in Yola The Adamawa State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of a police officer’s wife and his 14-year-old son from his residence at Yolde-Pate in Yola South Local Government Area of the state.

While confirming the Kidnap yesterday, the spokesman of the state police command, DSP Suleiman Nguroje, said some gunmen stormed the residence of the police officer at about 12 midnight last Monday and kidnapped his wife and his son.

He said the police officer is one of the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s escorts, and the kidnappers may have assumed that he has money, and started trailing him from Abuja to Yola.

Nguroje said the officer was in Yola to visit his family, but left the night his residence was attacked by gunmen.

“Their target, l believed, was the officer, but he left before they came and the gunmen had to whisk away his wife and son, 14.

“The kidnappers started trailing him from Abuja to Yola with the motive to abduct him because he is one of former Vice President Atiku’s escorts, but when they did not find him, they decided to abduct his wife and son,” the police spokesman said.

He said the police are yet to know the whereabouts of the abductees, calling on the public to divulge any useful information that can enable the police to track down the kidnappers and rescue the abductees already in their custody.

yesterday, Igini said the kind of people who come into politics sometime determine the outcome of an election while alleging that interference at the grassroots affect the conduct of elections.

“Look at the local government system in Nigeria. We have lost 774 local governments in Nigeria to governors of the 36 states in Nigeria.

“Local government elections

are nothing but organised crime.

They should not be calling them elections at all. They are nothing but coronation ceremony that we have across Nigeria and Nigerians are not doing anything about it; that you have lost your LG, that there is no democracy taking place there - because what constitutes free, fair and credible elections with respect to INEC-conducted election is different from the

local government.”

Igini said INEC has made remarkable progress in the conduct of elections even though it is not where it ought to be.

He said the use of public viewing portal used during the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states removed possible electoral fraud as Nigerians saw the results of each polling unit online almost

immediately after casting their votes.

“I can confirm that INEC has made tremendous progress.

The INEC of today is no longer the INEC of before because, since 2011, the kind of elections that we have conducted had a remarkable departure from where we used to be even though we are not where we are supposed to be,” he said.

STRENGTHENING BUSINESS TIES…

L-R: Vice President, Nigerian-Bangladeshi Chamber of Commerce, Commodore Jerome Jatau (rtd); Head of Chancery, Bangladesh High Commission, Mr. Mohammed Ekramul; the new Bangladeshi High Commissioner, Mr. Bidosh Chandra; and the President, Nigerian - Bangladeshi Chamber of Commerce, Captain Usman Jafeji Hamidu, during a courtesy visit by the new High Commissioner to the chamber’s office in Abuja... yesterday

Police Arrest Mother, Son EFCC Seeks Interpol’s Support on P&ID, with 49 Parcels of Indian Extradition of Treasury Looters Hemp in Kano Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

Ibrahim ShuaibuinKano Police in Kano State yesterday arrested a 21-year-old Kabiru Mahmud and his mother with 49 parcels of suspected Indian hemp.

The Spokesman of the state Police Command, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in a statement made available to THISDAY yesterday, said the police command has received an intelligence report of a young man with some sacks believed to be Indian hemp.

“Immediately after, the state Commissioner of Police, Habu A. Sani, mobilised Operation Puff Adder under O/C Anti Daba Bashir Muhammad Gwadabe to arrest the suspect,” he revealed.

The police spokesman explained that the suspect was arrested at Danbare while taking the substance from his family home at Gadon Kaya quarters to a hiding place at Danbare, an outskirt of Kano metropolis.

The police also arrested Mahmud’s uncle and his mother, who directed the suspect to move the substance from her matrimonial home at Gadon Kaya quarters to Danbare.

The suspect, Mahmud, told the police that on the fateful day, his mother called and informed him that the police had arrested his father with Indian helm, and that he should come back and get rid of some exhibits kept in the home in anticipation of police arrival for investigation.

UK: Nigeria’s Gender, Sexual Violence Rate Disturbing The British High Commission in Nigeria has expressed worries over the rate of sexual and gender violence in the country, saying it is disturbing.

The High Commissioner, Ms Catriona Laing, said the mission would be partnering the government and various groups to address the situation to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, as well as the annual 16 days of activism against gender violence which started yesterday.

The High Commission said in a statement that it was supporting the United Nations theme for this year,

‘Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!’

Laing said the mission would be working closely with various partners in government, the Ministry of Women Affairs, UN Women, and other groups.

Laing in a video message said, “Violence including sexual violence against women, girls and boys is the most widespread form of human rights abuse worldwide.

“And with COVID, we have seen alarming increases in sexual and gender based violence, including sadly here in Nigeria where the numbers are really very disturbing.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday sought the assistance of the International Police Organisation (Interpol), on the extradition of Nigerian treasury looters and cybercrime suspects, hibernating abroad as well as the fleeing officials of Process and Industrial Developments Nigeria Limited (P&ID).

The Acting Chairman of

the EFCC, Mohammad Umar Abba, made the appeal when a delegation of the National Central Bureau of Interpol Nigeria, led by Garba Baba Umar, a Commissioner of Police, paid a courtesy visit to EFCC headquarters, Abuja.

Abba disclosed that the commission needed the support of the Interpol in the extradition of some fugitive looters, who are taking refuge in some West Africa countries, particularly

Ghana and Senegal, noting that with Interpol’s support, corrupt elements that fled the country could be forced back home to face justice.

“We most graciously need your intervention and assistance, so that we can get enough information that could lead to the extradition of some of our suspects,” Abba said.

He specifically solicited for Interpol’s intervention in the arrest of fleeing officials

of Process and Industrial Developments Nigeria Limited (P&ID).

“There are two suspects being investigated in regards to the P&ID case, they are Italians who are also on the run from the country. The information we have is that they are currently in Italy, we want the assistance of the Interpol in this regard, especially for information that could lead to their extradition,” Abba stated.

Unemployment: Akeredolu Seeks Law to Control Population James Sowole in Akure Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, yesterday advocated the making of population law as one of the ways to arresting worrisome spate of youth unemployment in the country.

Akeredolu also called for the establishment of technology schools and trade centres to

produce self-reliant youths who could be employers of labour.

The governor stated this during a ‘Summit On Youth Unemployment, #ENDSARS and Aftermath: The way Forward’, held at the International Culture and Event Centre (DOME) in Akure.

At the event attended by various stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious

leaders, youth groups and students, the governor noted that the country must chart a new course to address the issue of youth unemployment.

He stressed that no state government, whether national or sub-national, can employ all the unemployed youths in the country.

While lamenting that the population is increasing daily

in the country, Akeredolu pointed that a nation that has no population law is not prepared for growth.

He said: “We must be able to control our population through population law. We are almost the size of China population. But in China today, there is a law that you can’t have more than a child. We must be deliberate about this population law.”

Legal Profession Threatened, Says Babalakin Kuni Tyessi in Abuja A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Wale Babalakin, has charged members of the silk on the need to save the profession from going down, adding that the legal profession is being threatened.

Babalakin who lamented the dwindling standard of learning in the country, said except the lawyers accept to save the legal profession, it

will soon become part of the decay in the country.

He spoke yesterday in Abuja at a book presentation “Two decades of Forensic Advocacy at the Inner Bar: A Festschrift in honour of Yusuf Ali (SAN)”.

The former Pro-Chancellor, University of Lagos, said the standard of learning is going down and charged the members of the bar to rise up to the challenge.

“What we call tutorial in our

universities are far cry,” saying a law class of 400 students to a teacher is not tutorial.

He cited his days in the university where it used to be a student to a teacher for tutorial.

Babalakin said while developed countries that Nigeria ought to be competing with are daily improving, the country has set a low standard as benchmark for the profession.

He therefore concluded that only the lawyers can save the profession.

“Only the lawyers can save the legal profession. legal profession is threatened, unless lawyers come together and realise that we have to protect our law by speaking the truth and all situation irrespective of who is affected, we will become part of the decay of the nation. We are at a very difficult threshold as a country.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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THURSDAYNOVEMBER 26, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

House Okays Buhari’s Request to Refund N148bn to Five States Udora Orizu in Abuja The House of Representatives yesterday approved the issuance

of promissory notes worth N148.141 billion to Bayelsa, Cross River, Ondo, Osun and Rivers states as refund for

Lawan, Gbajabiamila Seek Improved Representation of Women in Politics Deji Elumoye and Udora Orizu in Abuja

President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, yesterday advocated greater representation of the women in politics and all other sectors of the society.

The lawmakers who spoke at a training workshop for female legislators in Nigeria, decried obstacles, which restrict the ability of women to reach their true potential and to contribute to their societies to the full extent of their abilities, talents and ambitions.

Lawan, while declaring the workshop open said women have been outstanding, especially in their input to National development, stressing that concentrating on them is a reminder of their value adding roles.

Represented by Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, the Senate President lamented that women incidentally are in an environment still dominated by men.

On his part, Gbajabiamila, represented by House Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, said women’s rights are the great unfinished business of the 21st century. ‘’When, as is often the case now, we keep women from participating in politics and governance at the scale they ought to, society suffers. It does not matter whether these restrictions are legal or cultural economic or religious. The end results are still the same we end up with a country where after sixty years of independence. I support this workshop wholeheartedly and I encourage all efforts to improve women’s participation in politics and governance.”

House Minority Caucus, PDP Celebrate Atiku at 74

Chuks Okocha and Udora Orizu in Abuja

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have congratulated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on the occasion of his 74th birthday.

The minority caucus in a statement signed by its leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, described Atiku as an extraordinary personality, courageous leader and untiring patriot, whose sacrifices and dedication towards the unity, stability and development of the nation are valued across all the divides.

The lawmakers prayed to God to grant him more wisdom as he continues in his service to

the nation.

The Caucus said, ‘’Indeed, Atiku Abubakar has distinguished himself as a detribalized Nigerian, a unifier and quintessential democrat, who has remained undeterred in his quest for justice, equity as well as respect for rule of law and principle of federal character, as sin qua non for a virile, stable and prosperous Nigeria, in keeping with the visions of our finding fathers. ‘’His candidature as the presidential candidate of our great party, the PDP, in the 2019 general election remains an undisputed demonstration of the ability of Nigerians, across board, to unite in pursuit of their aspiration for a better country.”

Lagos East: APC Seeks Police Probe of Forgery Claim against Gbadamosi The All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked the Federal High Court in Lagos to compel the Police to probe forgery and perjury claims against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the December 5 Lagos East senatorial by-election, Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi.

The party, in a November 24, motion ex-parte application filed by its counsel Mr. Kayode Enitan (SAN) against first the defendant, the InspectorGeneral of Police (IG) and second defendant, Gbadamosi, sought five reliefs from the court.

They include: An order granting leave for the APC to apply for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus to

compel the IG “to discharge its public duty to investigate Gbadamosi for the allegations of forgery, perjury, fraud and failure to participate in the one-year mandatory National youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.

“A declaration that the allegations against Gbadamosi as contained in its November 11 petition to the IG regarding Gbadamosi’s Form EC9 and CF001 submitted to the Independent and National Electoral Commission (INEC), “are offences under Sections 465, 467 and 117 of the Criminal Code Act 2004 and the NYSC Act for which the 1st Defendant ought to investigate and prosecute the 2nd Defendant.

federal road projects executed in these states on behalf of the federal government.

President Muhammadu Buhari had in a letter dated August 13, 2020, sought the approval of the National Assembly for the refund.

While Bayelsa State will receive N38,404,564,783.40; Cross River will get N18,394,732,608.85; Ondo, N7,822, 147,577.08; Osun, N4,567,456 673.63; and Rivers, N78,953,067,518.29.

The approval followed the consideration and adoption of the report by the Committee

on Aids, Loans and Debt Management.

Laying the report, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ahmed Safana Dayyabu said, ‘’that the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Aids, Loans and Debts Management on the Promissory Notes Programme and Bond Issuance as refund to Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River, Osun and Ondo States Government for projects executed on behalf of the Federal Government and approve the recommendations therein.’’ ‘’Approve the Promissory

Notes Programme and Bond Issuance to settle outstanding claims and liabilities of five (5) State Governments in the sum of One Hundred and Forty–Eight Billion, One Hundred Forty–One Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty–Nine Thousand, One Hundred and Sixty-One Naira, Twenty–Four Kobo only (N148, 141, 969, 161.

24) based on the claims by each State as follows, Bayelsa State N38, 404, 564, 783. 40; Cross River State,N18, 394, 732, 608.85; Ondo State, N7, 822, 147, 577. 08 Osun State N4, 567, 456, 673.

63; Rivers State, N78, 953, 067, 518, .29.’’

Dayyabu said that the report captured the commitment of the federal government through the issuance of promissory notes and bonds to the abovelisted state governments for the reimbursement of funds expended by them for projects executed on behalf of the Federal government.

The House adopted the report following a motion for the adoption moved by Hon. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa and seconded by Hon. Ndudi Elumelu.

COMMISERATING WITH OLD BOSS…

Former Governor of Ebonyi State, Mr. Martin Elechi (left), and the incumbent Governor, Mr. Dave Umahi, during Umahi’s condolence visit to the former governor over the death of his son, Mr. Uzoigwe Elechi, in Abakaliki…yesterday

Maina: Court Refuses Lawyer’s Request to Withdraw from Case Alex Enumah in Abuja Justice Okon Abang of a Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday refused a request by Mr. Ademola Adedipe, counsel to Common Input Property and Investment Limited to withdraw from representing the company in the trial involving former Chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team, Mr. Abulrasheed Maina.

Maina, and his company, Common Input Property and Investment Limited, are

standing trial on a 12- count criminal charge bordering on alleged money laundering to the tune of N2 billion.

Although Maina had pleaded not guilty to the charges and was admitted to bail in the sum of N500 million and a surety in like sum, his bail was however revoked last week and order for his arrest issued following his alleged jumping of his bail.

The court also while revoking Maina’s bail, ordered the continuation of his trial

in absentia.

On Tuesday’s proceedings, the court closed Maina’s cross examination of the 6th prosecution witness and foreclosed the cross examination of the same witness owing to the absence of the defendants’ lawyer in court without any reason.

However, at yesterday’s sitting, Adedipe informed the court that he had filed an application seeking the court’s permission to withdraw from the case.

While apologising for his absence from the previous proceedings, he said he was withdrawing from the case because his brief had not been perfected by the second defendant.

Responding, trial judge, Justice Okon Abang, held that the request cannot be granted because his said application was yet to arrive the court’s file.

He subsequently adjourned till December 4 for continuation of trial.

Imo North: INEC Recruits 3,000 Ad-hoc Staff Arararume, 13 others make final list Amby Uneze in Owerri As the December 5, 2020 by-election for Imo North Senatorial district approaches, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has disclosed that it has recruited over 3,000 ad -hoc staff, to conduct the election scheduled to hold in 710 voting and polling units (692 polling units and 18 voting points) spread in six local government areas of the state.

The final list published by the commission indicates that Senator Ifeanyi Arararume is among the 14 candidates that would fly their parties’ flag.

He replaces Mr. Frank Ibezim of the All Progressives Congress

(APC) who was dropped by the recent ruling of the court.

The senatorial seat became vacant in the senate following the death of Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu, who passed on in December last year. The election initially scheduled to hold on October 31, was postponed due to the nationwide #EndSARS protests.

Briefing journalists yesterday on the preparation of the commission, the Imo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof.

Francis Ezeonu, hinted that though hoodlums burnt down the buildings and materials, carting away generating sets in the commission’s offices in Ehime Mbano, and Ezinihitte

Mbaise local government areas, the commission was not perturbed by the setback.

He added that the poll will take place in Ihitte Uboma with108 voting points; Ehime Mbano with132 voting points; Isiala Mbano with 150 voting points; Obowo with 108 voting points; Okigwe with 117 voting points; and Onuimo with 95 voting points.

He stated that 64 Registration Area Centres (RACs), were provided and activated for the deployment of sensitive materials before the election day, stressing that training of all the ad -hoc workers had commenced.

According to Ezeonu, the following 14 candidates

out of the initial 18 persons emerged while the commission, consequently, authenticated them as candidates for the election Ifeanyi Godwin Arararume of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ndubueze Patrick (Accord), Emmanuel Ogueri (Action Alliance), Nathaniel Uba (AAC), Chigozie Onyinye (ADC), Charles Onyeirimba (All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA), Raphael Nnadozie (APM), and Ernest Ezirim (APP).

Others are Okorondu (Labour Party - AP), Okereafor Chukwujieze (NNPP), Charles Amajouyi (NRM), Emmanuel Okewulonu (Peoples Democratic Party - PDP), Rita Okorafor (SDP), and Promise Nwadigos (YPP).

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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COMMENT

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

COVID-19: UNICEF’S CALL TO SAVE HUMANITY Noah Dallaji urges all to heed the call for action, particularly for the sake of the children

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n a moving narrative, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recently drew attention to the dire plight of children around the world who may suffer a generational loss except a coordinated global action is taken to prevent, mitigate and respond to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The consequences, UNICEF said, could be devastating for children and for the future of humanity.

To avert this ugly situation, the global body has proposed a six-point action plan which could reunite the world around the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Convention of the Rights of the Children, Of critical concern here are children subjected to poverty, exclusion or violence, those with disabilities; children affected or displaced by humanitarian crisis and children without parental care who, UNICEF said, could live with the impact of this pandemic for decades to come, hence the call for global action.

The plan of action proposed include: Ensure all children return to school and learn and closing the digital divide; guarantee access to health and nutrition services and make vaccines affordable to every child; support and protect the mental health of children and young people and bring an end to abuse and gender-based violence. Others are access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene; reversal in the rise of child poverty and ensure inclusive recovery for all as well as redoubling efforts to protect and support children and their families living through conflict, disaster and displacement.

Altogether these are very relevant suggestions by UNICEF towards a pragmatic answer to the varied fallouts of the Covid-19 scourge which ravaged the world and hopefully could help to move the world closer to the attainment of the laudable contents of the Sustainable Development Goals.

It is pertinent to state that many of the issues raised by UNICEF had been with many countries before Covid-19 but it is true that they were actually exacerbated by the pandemic, leading to untold deprivations, disruptions and sheer misery.

Covid-19 compounded the vulnerabilities with scarcity of life-saving services, and children were particularly hard hit worldwide.

It is estimated that at their peak, school closures disrupted the learning of 91 per cent of students worldwide and some 463 million young people were not able to access remote learning during school shutdowns.

Even with the reopening of schools in many countries especially in Africa where the initial predictions of experts failed to materialize in the context of cases compared to the west, the suggestion by UNICEF to close the digital divide by connecting young people to the internet by 2030 and reaching 3.5 billion children and young people with safe, quality, accessible and equitable online learning is a welcome development.

And in spite of the staggering amount of money spent by governments across the world to mitigate the pandemic, it would appear that much more still needs to be done to recover and possibly stabilize, a situation experts said remains shaky due to the extent of damage to economies.

The economic crisis caused by Covid-19, report says, threatens to hit children hardest, with the number of children

COVID-19 CRISIS HAS EXACERBATED VIOLENCE, EXPLOITATION AND ABUSE AS CHILDREN ARE CUT OFF FROM KEY SUPPORT SERVICES WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY SUFFERING THE ADDITIONAL STRESS PLACED ON FAMILIES IN TURMOIL

living below their national poverty lines expected to rise by 140 million by the end of the year. It is also observed that economic crises are often followed by cuts in government spending, including on programmes for children, a situation that could inflict poverty and deprivation.

In the context of abuse and violence against children, UNICEF noted thus: �The world is waking to the extent - and lasting impacts - of child abuse and neglect. But Covid-19 crisis has only exacerbated violence, exploitation and abuse as children are cut off from key support services while simultaneously suffering the additional stress placed on families in turmoil. Girls are particularly vulnerable with child marriage and adolescent pregnancy already on the rise�. This is sad indeed.

But hope is not lost. With concerted efforts regarding the UNICE prescriptions, the world could overcome much of the challenges of development with particular reference to the plight of our children worldwide. All we need do is take action and be counted.

Back home, Nigeria is not immune from these challenges arising from Covid-19 but it is gratifying that the government (both federal and states) commendably rose to the occasion by providing leadership and mitigating services despite the initial doubts. Understandably, even before the pandemic, the Nigerian economy had been grappling with recovery from the 2014 oil price shock, with GDP growth hovering around 2.3 per cent in 2019. In February, the IMF revised the 2020 GDP growth rate from 2.5 per cent to 2 per cent as a result of relatively low oil prices and related challenges which impacted negatively on the economy. Despite the challenges, the federal government was realistic in its response to Covid-19 by taking numerous steps to cushion the effect, including health, social and economic measures.

In this regard were the strategic response via the Emergency Economic Stimulus Bill 2020 which provided support to businesses and individual citizens, granting free interest loans, cash transfers to millions of the poor and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) stimulus package which offers N3 million to poor families impacted by Covid-19. Others were the food assistance rations distributed to Nigerians by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

At the level of funding, it is salutary that the federal government in partnership with the private sector and multilateral institutions were committed to the $300 million budget to combat the pandemic to procure medical equipment, personal protective equipment and medicines for Covid-19 control.

Notwithstanding the new lease of life which had seen the relaxation of lockdown and free movement of people and indeed the good news from Pfizer and Moderna on vaccines, it is instructive to continue to observe Covid-19 protocol as a precautionary measure. Covid-19 is not totally gone but quite low across the country. r%BMMBKJ GPVOEFS "GSJDBO $IJMESFO 5BMFOU %JTDPWFSZ 'PVOEBUJPO XSPUF GSPN "CVKB

DRIVING CHANGE AGENDA IN SECURITY AGENCIES Despite some inadequacies, the National institute for security studies is on course, writes Afakriya Gadzama

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ne of the major achievements of the President Muhammadu Buhari government is upgrading of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) to enhance its role in inter-agency cooperation, building the capacity of security organizations and eliminating practices that are incompatible with the rights of the citizenry. The decision was apparently informed by glaring inadequacies and rivalry among security organizations that undermined collective efforts to have seamless cooperation and effective coordination between stakeholders in the national security system. It was very critical to have an institute where the intelligence, security, military and paramilitary organizations could interface and share ideas towards common operational culture.

The NISS was also to address the diverse and often conflicting doctrines, approaches and understanding in security practice by providing a medium for interaction and forging better formal and informal understanding in handling security and related challenges.

When the institute came on board through the 2019 Establishment Act, inadequacies and anomalies in the security architecture and practices could subvert a unified approach for tackling security challenges in the country.

It was considered imperative to have an institutional framework that will bridge the gaps and divergent positions on dealing with common security challenges. There could not have been a better time to have such an institute than now when the country faces myriads of security challenges.

The need to have an institute that will address lack of capacity among those being prepared to hold command appointments was a matter of urgency. The core mandates of the institute include addressing perceived leadership inadequacies among those holding command appointments. A major inadequacy in the security, defense, law enforcement and paramilitary organizations in the security sector is lack of sufficient grooming of those

aspiring to hold command appointments. The NISS was charged with addressing leadership inadequacies and ineptitude in those heading security and related organizations.

The institute was without doubt a child of necessity with responsibilities similar to those of the National Defence College and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos. The NISS is also charged with preparing commanders and directors to fit leadership models suitable for effective response to contemporary security challenges. The upgrade of the institute for security studies to a national institute was informed by the importance of a well-informed perspective, mindset and knowledge supportive of the nation’s nascent democracy and operational effectiveness in emerging security commanders. After a long period of military rule, it was necessary to initiate significant changes in security management that are in consonance with democratic practices.

The institute promoted a new orientation and best practices in security management by continuously urging participants to avoid attitudes and practices of the past in order to fit into the change agenda and discard the use of unbridled force, abuse of human rights and corruption. The NISS has been a major driving force in the change and democratization processes in the country by adopting re-orientation of mindset of security operatives and related professionals as core areas of study.

The NISS also inculcates in course participants the importance of intelligence, integrity and civility in security and crime management by exposing them to best practices in security and intelligence management, drawing extensively from the experiences of other countries and this has been valuable in the change process promoted in the institute.

The institute also enhances the knowledge of course participants by taking them on foreign studies’ tours and giving them lectures in comparative studies.

The NISS has dedicated lecturers who are very determined to take it to world class level and this has worked in its favour, although much still needs to be done to recruit experienced scholars conversant with contemporary security practice. The vision of the management of the institute is to draw from the knowledge and experiences of experienced academia and security intelligence officers especially those who have held top positions.

Ministers, governors and heads of government agencies and departments who are interrogated on challenges undermining efforts to address security and development challenges deliver lectures at the NISS. Studies by course participants and interactions with governors have drawn attention to nagging security and development challenges. The institute focuses on challenges of governance as core areas of study and participants and their study tour coordinators make recommendations to state governments and organizations. The institute is emerging as a source of valuable contributions in policy decisions that could help stabilize the polity and achieve development objectives.

The NISS also conducts research into topical security challenges facing the country and the sub-region during which participants get lectures and conduct research into major security challenges and why they persist at national and global levels. The research covers challenges of poor leadership, governance and extremism in the country, complemented with studies on institutional and leadership failures. Lectures and research papers also cover proliferation of dangerous weapons, drug addiction, illegal migration, sub-regional challenges and threats that undermine development and change.

The institute provides avenues for exchange of ideas on harmonization of divergent operational approaches in managing security threats and critical intelligence in security practice, avoiding intelligence failures in crises and failure to appreciate intelligence in conflicts. Terrorism, banditry, militancy and religious extremism are other important areas

of research in view of prevailing situations in the country, as well as sabotage and attempts to delegitimize leadership and governance interest, negative consequences of sectionalism, religious bigotry and promotion of sundry parochial interests and sentiments.

The institute has recently hosted seminars and lectures on challenges of governance, leadership, and support for the country’s quest for stable democracy. It has also been at the forefront of promoting a paradigm shift predicated on the centrality of respect for human rights and good governance because effective security is only obtainable where the interests of the citizenry and those who lead are in harmony. The perspective of security as the aggregation of all interests is given prominence in lectures and the shift in emphasis from regime protection and preference for the use of force to meeting the aspirations of the citizenry are considered fundamental in understanding critical components of national security. In addition, the institute frowns at the incursion of deception, playing to the gallery and sycophancy in security practice.

Participants are encouraged to cultivate the culture of being frank, truthful and honest to those in the position of authority.

The challenges of elections and democracy in a changing environment with emphasis on attitudes, factors and tendencies that undermine the growth of democracy and development also come under focus in the institute’s concerns for stable democracy, credible election processes and patriotic leadership. Major stakeholders in the conduct of elections including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the security organizations and political parties are invited to deliver lectures. The institute has facilitated exchange of ideas on corruption in recognition of the fact that corruption has socio-economic and political implications on and national growth and progress. r(BE[BNB 0'3 NOJ JT $IBJSNBO (PWFSOJOH #PBSE PG UIF /BUJPOBM *OTUJUVUF GPS 4FDVSJUZ

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T H I S D AY ˞ ˜ Ͱʹ˜ Ͱ͎Ͱ͎

EDITORIAL

ONDO AND THE ABANDONED CORPSES Government could do more to preserve the bodies of the dead

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hest.

Bizarre reports of hundreds of corpses in various stages of decomposition littering the corridors of the mortuary of the General Hospital at Ore, Ondo State, is disturbing. Naturally, these bodies ought to be stored in cooling compartments to preserve them until burial. But the facilities are either overstretched or the freezers have broken down or they do not work for enough hours because of irregular electricity. It is usually the same story across Nigeria. The main concern here is that the ugly development could spark a wave of epidemic in the community with potential spread to other areas.

Ore is a popular town and rest point on the Sagamu-Benin GOVERNMENT MUST PAY Expressway. It ATTENTION TO THE NATION’S has a standard public hospital HEALTH FACILITIES TO with a mortuIMPROVE THEIR CARRYING ary, which CAPACITY TO SAVE LIVES, obviously was not built with AND TO PRESERVE THE uncontrollable BODIES OF THE DEAD high number of dead accident victims in mind. Patients, health workers and even travellers, who usually stop to eat at Ore, unsuspecting of the danger lurking, could be infected with diseases from the corpses that are reportedly left to decompose outside the hospital’s mortuary. The sorry point here is that not only the Ore hospital mortuary is inundated with putrid unclaimed bodies; many other publicowned morgues are reportedly overflowing with unmarked carcasses, some stripped to the bone, while others are covered with roofing sheets to maintain whatever dignity they have left.

Unfortunately, some unidentifiable corpses are taken to the Ore General Hospital mortuary and to others across the nation daily either by the police or by officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). They are then abandoned when there is no information of their next of kin. The dilemma is that, according to the law,

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people killed in accidents in Nigeria cannot be buried without court order, complete with coroner’s inquest. So, the hospital authorities have no other option than to wait for the court system to run its course. Regardless, it is not a secret how slow and frustrating the court process in Nigeria can be. Besides, the police that ought to follow-up on these cases are overwhelmed with other cases.

The World Health Organisation, (WHO) regulation on the management of unclaimed corpses states that bodies should be collected and photographed as soon as possible, and preferably before decomposition has commenced. Basic information about the bodies should be collected and recorded, unique body codes allocated, and the bodies should be temporarily stored to protect them and to assist possible identification. The earlier this is done, the greater the number of bodies which will be identified.

The WHO also does not support rushed mass burial, which could traumatise families with serious social and legal consequences. In avoidable circumstances, they recommend that temporary burial could be done but in well-marked graves instead of abandoning them to suffer the indignity of rotting in the open. To keep track of this information, the body needs to be given a unique code which must be in all the photographs, and on all the information collected; and attached to the body and the body bag, and any burial site, so that its location can be recorded, and the body retrieved at any time. Ideally, forensic experts should be involved, but this is not always possible.

In all, government must pay attention to the nation’s health facilities to improve their carrying capacity to save lives, and to preserve the bodies of those who die from diseases or accidents. We hope that the Ondo State government will fulfill its promise to manage the decaying corpses at the Ore hospital and rehabilitate the mortuary, considering the large number of dead accident victims it receives daily. All other states government are advised to do the same for the sake of human dignity, whether dead or alive.

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

‘LET’S CONTINUE TO PRAY‌’ r$ontinued from the backpage

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hat perhaps makes all the difference is visionary leadership which had compelled Indonesia to invest heavily in capacity building and the social sector, especially education and health. Life expectancy in Nigeria is 55 years while in Indonesia it is 72 years. Indonesia also has a developed manufacturing industry. The automotive industry in the country which started like ours (remember Peugeot in Kaduna and Volkswagen in Lagos?) can now produce vehicles with 90 percent local content. In 2018, the country produced 1.34 million vehicles of which 346,000 were exported. As of 2019, the Indonesia Stock Exchange had 656 listed companies with a combined market capitalisation of $523 Billion. In contrast, the total listed companies on the Nigeria Stock Exchange is 328 with a market capitalization of less than $60 billion, whichever exchange rates you use.

What the foregoing shows quite clearly is that “being religious� as a nation is not the problem. After all, Indonesians (at 96 percent) are deemed to be more religious

than Nigerians (at 93 percent) according to Pew Research. The main challenge in Nigeria is that religion has become a ready excuse for shirking responsibility and a perfect alibi for what ails us.

Senate President Ahmad Lawan said last year in Jos that “Prayers can do a lot of things� and I agree. Where I defer is where he says, “Prayers can make leaders to perform� and that “Nigerian leaders need prayers so that we remain focused on ensuring that we discharge our obligations and mandates to create the kind of country that all of us desire.�

Prior to the economic crisis of 1997, several experts attempted to explain the rapid progress of the Asian Tigers: South Korea, Hong-Kong, Taiwan and Singapore. One important factor cited is the religion of Confucianism, especially its values of hard work, discipline, loyalty and stability. This is similar to the thesis promoted by Max Weber in his book, ‘The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism’ to explain the development of the Western world. I am waiting for the ‘experts’ who will also tell us that the phenomenal development of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is due to Islam!

The point here is that all religions contain universal values to achieve progress and happiness. Therefore,

explaining development in terms of culture and religion is lazy. The Asian Tigers with their Confucianism, the Western countries with Christianity, and the pacesetting UAE with Islam, did not just pray. They had visionary leaders who mobilised the people to achieve results. That is the difference between our own use of religion and theirs.

They deploy religion as the ethical and philosophical basis for everything they do for their country. In Nigeria, we use religion for manipulation, including asking imaginary angels to go to America to “change the votes of Bedeen (Joe Biden) to that of ‘the anointed son of God’, President Donald Trump.�

To rewrite our story as a nation, we must understand that there are roles assigned for individuals as well as a place for God in the affairs of men. As a starting point, we need to examine the serious governance deficit in the country and fix the structure that is creaking beneath all of us. I am delighted that many critical stakeholders are finally coming to terms with that reality.

Bottomline: We cannot pray our way out of the mess that we have created and continue to create in Nigeria. r0MVTFHVO "EFOJZJ "CVKB

THE PETITION AGAINST CNN NEEDLESS

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he petition written against CNN by the Nigerian government is another initiative employed to embezzle public funds by those in charge. The Cable News Network has given an accurate and a fantastic report about the killings of EndSars protesters by the military. Instead of the government to applaud the job well done and ensure the perpetrators are punished, the Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Muhammed and his team, have seen that as a business opportunity and quickly wrote a petition to challenge the CNN’s report on the killings of our brothers during the protest. The team that had written the petition would soon claim to have spent billions of Naira in carrying out its duty that is of no use to Nigerians. Those in charge of the administration go after things that are unnecessary and use same to steal public funds.

Lai Muhammed and his team should have a rethink and discontinue this “eye-service.� What needs to be done is the arrest and the prosecution of those involved in the killings. The people in leadership positions should stop being unreasonable by creating needless cases. The CNN’s report on the killings of our youth during the #EndSARS’ protest is accurate, fantastic and commendable. r"XVOBI 1JVT 5FSXBTF .QBQF "CVKB

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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2020 •T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2020

POLITICS

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

‘If the South is Comfortable with a Muslim/Muslim Ticket, They Can Present a Muslim Presidential Candidate, But the Running Mate Must Be a Northern Muslim’ Sahabi Danladi Mahuta is a renowned Islamic scholar and Professor of Environmental Biochemistry with the Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. Mahuta, a community mobilizer and All Progressives Congress chieftain is Chairman, Kebbi Development Forum, the apex body for Kebbi leaders irrespective of political affiliation. Mahuta spoke with a select team of journalists including Nseobong Okon-Ekong on the sideline of a recent Islamic conference in Abuja

P

The Fulani problem in the north is historic and there’s the need for proper understanding before a solution can be proffered. The way the western missionaries were accepted in the south, they were treated with rejection and suspicion in the north. ‘Boko’ means literarily western education, but if an Hausa man says you want to use ‘Boko’ for me, he’s no longer talking about western education, but ‘’deceit’’ which is the pejorative meaning of ‘Boko’. So, from the beginning, there has been suspicion about western education from the north and that tells you why the literacy level is low, because the offer of western education by the west was viewed with suspicion. Has government efforts addressed these malaise?

Not at all, because they have not been sincere and single minded about finding solution to the problem

ower is expected to shift southwards in 2023, as a renowned politician and Islamic scholar, do you expect power shift on just regional basis or also on religious grounds for effective representation?

Once religious factors come into the equation of power shift, then there is going to be a problem, but honestly we can’t run away from that. You see, after eight years of power in the hands of a Northern Muslim, it would be proper for a shift to a Southern Christian . A Southern Muslim can however aspire if people of the South-south, South-east , South-west and Middle -belt are agreed and comfortable not to have any adherent of their faith on the ticket. What is however not acceptable to us in the North is a Southern Muslim picking a Northern Christian as his Vice- presidential candidate.

Are you indirectly calling for a Muslim/ Muslim ticket?

People would point at the 1993 MKO Abiola/ Kingibe ticket, but I can tell you as a major player in the north, that Nigeria of 2020 is not Nigeria of 1993.We are too fragmented and religiously divided for a mono -religious ticket to fly now. Secondly, there’s no politician of the ilk of MKO alive now.

You said only Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu and Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi are the known gladiators from the South-west who are seen as serious, how do you see the two aspirants?

One, none of the two politicians have announced intention to contest, so we can only guess. Tinubu is old (experience and age wise) but, politically well connected and rich which is a big factor in Nigeria politics but carries a lot of baggage which is not unknown to us. Fayemi is young and energetic, but, not well known by many. The struggle for power between the duo (old warhorse and the greenhorn) is a generational fight if I must say. Let me use Kebbi as an example of this generational battle. Tinubu became governor in 1999 and so is close to Adamu Aliero who is a godfather now, but Fayemi is friend of Atiku Bagudu who is the present governor. You can see why I said it’s a generational battle?

After the Buhari experience, the thinking in the north now favors a younger, educated leadership and Fayemi scores higher in that realm. I’m not sure if we are ready for someone of the same age with President Buhari again in view of our present experience. That’s not taking anything away from Atiku Abubakar and Ahmed Tinubu, but age is definitely not on their side anymore. In America, they can have a Trump or Biden because they have institutions that run on auto-pilot,we don’t have such luxury here, so we can’t continue to recycle aged people and end up with semisenile leadership. Even in the north, there is a great agitation for generational power shift. Our system is still susceptible to ethnic, religious and other abuses, hence we need agile and 24-hour eagle-eyed monitoring.

Health, integrity, age and education are critical requirements in this regard. Like I said earlier, if people of the south are comfortable with a Muslim/Muslim leadership, they can present a Muslim presidential candidate, but the one coming from the north must be a northern Muslim. That is not negotiable.

Listening to speakers in this conference, one noticed strident calls for a younger, educated political leadership in

Mahuta 2023 even among northern leaders here, do you see these two people as fulfilling these qualities?

Going by what we itemized as requirements, only Fayemi fulfills these qualities thus far. But you know others like the VP will still come out. He’s younger, went to three great schools (University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University,Ile-Ife and King’s College, London and carries no baggage. He’s a Christian, so he can conveniently pick a Muslim northerner to balance the ticket. You may not know this, we in the north find adherents of the Catholic faith the most amiable, cosmopolitan and reliable Christians. I learnt Fayemi is a Catholic, that makes him super acceptable to us Northern Muslims and South-easterners who are majorly Catholics.

The reward system for political stalwarts seems very poor in the APC, do you see this as a problem as we move towards 2023?

Lack of reward system for political stalwarts will be one of the major problems of APC come 2023 because those who worked for the victory of the party have been left in the lurch by this winner takes all syndrome of

the party. Unfortunately, there won’t be a Buhari to rally Northern votes for the party anymore.

As a renowned Islamic scholar, is there a role religion can play in solving the problem of Almajiris in the North?

Yes. As a commonly acceptable system of learning amongst northern Muslims, to change it, or, at least, modify the Almajiri educational institutions, proper Islamic channel and concepts must be understood and inculcated so it doesn’t appear as a desecration of the belief system. We only postpone the evil day if we don’t start with an educational and social system that would integrate the Almajiris and Fulani herders into the society effectively.

The entire Northern Nigeria has been a theatre of banditry, kidnapping and religious insurrection in the last decade, what do you think caused this or wasn’t this discussed during this conference?

Finding solutions to problems bedeviling the North and charting the way forward is why we are gathered here. Basically, two reasons are responsible for these problems; low literacy rate and youths unemployment.

Going by what we itemized as requirements, only Fayemi fulfills these qualities thus far. But you know others like the VP will still come out. He’s younger, went to three great schools (University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University,Ile-Ife and King’s College, London and carries no baggage. He’s a Christian, so he can conveniently pick a Muslim northerner to balance the ticket. You may not know this, we in the north find adherents of the Catholic faith the most amiable, cosmopolitan and reliable Christians. I learnt Fayemi is a Catholic, that makes him super acceptable to us Northern Muslims and South-easterners who are majorly Catholics

At the root of these social problems lies the Almajiri system, which offers regular streams of recruitment for bandits, Boko Haram and kidnappers, what do you think can be done to address the problem?

Firstly, the government should recognize the existence of Almajiri as a system of education in the North, by at least establishing a data base of all the Almajiri schools in the country. You see, those who drop their wards in Almajiri schools see their action as a religious obligation because seeking of knowledge is a religious duty. We all know the Almajiri system of education is defective because they just memorize without knowing the meaning. To know the meaning, you have to come back for further education, but this educational system can be made effective by the introduction of English Language writing, Mathematics and entrepreneurship skills that would make them useful to the society.

Thereafter, any other interventions can follow.

Both systems worked fine in other countries, so it can work if well integrated in Nigeria but it is dangerous to ignore the Almajiri problem. Slightly linked is the problem of herders, cattle rustlers, bandits and kidnappers in the north. General Babangida started the nomadic education policy but was stopped after he left office. That stoppage practically put the Fulani herdsmen out of touch with government, civilization and out of the reach of even Islamic scholars. They were let loose.

They felt abandoned. This is someone who is ignorant of education, government, abandoned in the bush, following cattle anywhere. To them, every human being is wicked and an oppressor. Government must rise up and find a solution to this big social problem of Almajiri and the Fulani herders .

Kebbi Development Forum(KDF)is the umbrella body for all Kebbi state leaders of thoughts, how did you emerge the chairman?

Kebbi Development Forum is the umbrella body for all leaders of thought in Kebbi state.

My Governor is a member, so is General Magoro, Prof Mahmud Jega, the AGF, in-fact anybody who is of note in Kebbi state is a member. The chairmanship position was zoned to Kebbi south where I come from.

Surprisingly, I emerged chairman by consensus. Maybe, they just find me commonly acceptable. I became chairman in December 2018. KDF is basically about giving back to the society ,achieving peace and stability in the state and we have been playing leadership roles in flood and erosion control, building schools and award of scholarships among other things.

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2020

POLITICS

‘PDP Will Bounce Back to Power in Kaduna State’ Waziri Ashafa is a chieftain of the Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, who lost out in the contest for the state chairmanship of the party. He spoke with John Shiklam on the election, the seeming wranglings within the party, declaring that the PDP will bounce back to power in 2023.

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hat is your reaction to speculations that you were sponsored to contest for the PDP state chairmanship position by some party bigwigs with governorship and Senatorial ambition?

I was not sponsored by anybody. We had a group of people within the party who share the same ideology on how a political party should be administered. We are people of like minds who came together to see how they could take over the leadership of the party with the aim of injecting fresh democratic ideas.

It was an intra-party struggle which is normal in a democracy. In a political party, it is a very common practice for people of like minds to work as a group to project their interest. We had alignments and realignments of forces with various interest groups in the party.

We worked together with Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, Senator Danjuma Laah and many others, just like my opponent, Mr. Hassan Hyet who was re-elected as the party chairman also had people that worked with him.

So there was no sponsorship as such, I worked together with people that we share the same political ideology and they supported my aspiration. The youths were also agitating for power shift to young people so they supported me because for a long time, they were always being told that “the young shall grow” and we have waited for so long. We were hoping that this time around, a younger and agile person should take over the leadership of the party.

But at the end of the day, we didn’t succeed.

Even though I had the right to appeal because my agent was brutalised during the election.

Well, the election has come and gone. One basic thing that was the guiding principle of the election was adherence to due process- forms were purchased, contestants were screened and elections were held.

As we all know, election in Nigeria is still a learning process. Whatever happened during the elections, we have accepted the outcome. We are loyal party men and my desire to contest was to bring fresh ideas, unite the party and work together. My opponent emerged as the winner and we will work together towards a strong and united PDP in Kaduna state.

Some of your supporters who were said to have been disappointed with the conduct of the elections are said to be threatening to leave the PDP. How bad was the conduct of election?

I cannot totally rule out the fact that some people were disenchanted. People go into a contest wanting to win, but at the same time you have to realise that there are two sides to an election - either you win or you lose. Definitely our supporters were not happy because they worked very hard. We have appealed to them to be calm and remain in the party. For me, as an individual, I am not leaving the PDP for any reason and we have told our supporters to remain in the party because no matter your disappointment or disenchantment, you can only effect the desired change by remaining in the party. You can only bring about change in the system when you are part of the process.

So we have encouraged all our supporters to work for the progress of the PDP. Like I said earlier, elections in Nigeria is still a learning process and therefore our elections, whether party primaries or general elections are often flawed.

There seems to be so much wranglings in the PDP in Kaduna state, there are so many pending court cases among its members.

Don’t you think this is a threat to the party?

The court cases came from people who were aggrieved during the ward, local government and state congresses. Some party members were either expelled or suspended and they challenged it in court. As I am talking to you, there are some wards in some local governments areas where elections have not been conducted.

Some people also went to court after the local government congresses. After the screening for the state congress, some people who were screened out went to court.

Ahmed Makarfi, Hon. Isa Ashiru, (the PDP’s governorship candidate in 2019), Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi and many others from the northern and central Senatorial zones are working very hard to change the fortunes of the PDP in the two zones.

Are you saying that in 2019, party leaders in the two zones did not work hard enough to garner votes for the PDP? I said we were baffled with the results from the two zones, we even challenged the results in the courts but we lost. Our leaders in. the zone worked very hard. We were not satisfied with the election results from there. That means something was wrong with the result. Everybody worked hard, but life itself is about improvement everyday, so we will keep on working harder to improve the fortunes of the party.

Ashafa But one thing I can say is that the PDP has a robust mechanism for resolving issues. These are intra-party issues and I am optimistic that they will be resolved amicably and everybody will fall in line to work for the progress of the party. The cases are still in court, but I am very sure the party is working hard to ensure that they are settled out of court. As far as I am concerned, this is not a threat. The PDP in Kaduna will emerge stronger and more united than ever.

The PDP ruled Kaduna state for 16 years before it was kicked out by the APC, with the seeming discontent among party members, do you think the party can take back power in 2023?

The footprint of the PDP in Kaduna state during those 16 years are clearly very visible for everyone to see: roads, schools, hospitals etc.

A lot of rural communities were transformed especially by the eight year administration of Senator Ahmed Makarfi who was popularly known as “Limamin Rayya Karkara” (Apostle of rural development).

Makarfi opened up rural communities with massive road construction, schools, hospitals, etc.

His successors also performed well, especially the Late Patrick Yakowa, who died barely a year into his tenure. His short tenure was very impactful on the state.

In Kaduna state, and I believe across the country people speak of the PDP with nostalgia

because of its performance.

The people of Kaduna are in a better position to tell you how they fared under PDP and how they are faring under the present APC administration in the state. Go and conduct an opinion poll and you confirm what I am telling you.

So there is no doubt that PDP will bounce back to power in Kaduna state come 2023, because the people now know better.

We were surprised that we didn’t win the 2019 governorship election. I come from zone three ( Southern Kaduna Senatorial Zone) and I tell you that the PDP is deeply entrenched in our zone.

We have always produced block votes for the party. During the 2019 governorship and presidential elections, we gave the PDP the highest votes. Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, where I come from, produced the highest votes for the party in the zone.

But we were baffled with what happened in zones 1 and 2 (Kaduna Central and Kaduna North Senatorial zones) during the 2019 elections! The poor performance of PDP in the two zones was very disappointing and it contributed to our defeat in 2019.

But our elders and leaders from these zones have been working very hard to reverse the fortunes of the party.

So I am optimistic that the PDP will take back power in the state in 2023.

Our leaders from the two zones, Senator

Good governance can be measured with various barometers. If you talk of good governance, you are looking at security- which is totally zero. If you talk of good governance, you are also looking at the economy.

The government tried to build on the achievements of the PDP in the area of agriculture. But the manufacturing sector is a disaster! Manufacturers are crying everyday because of the high exchange rate and lack of the enabling environment to do business.

As a lay man in economic issues, I rate the economy in terms of the ability of the average Nigerian to meet basic needs. Nigerians are finding it difficult to survive. There is hunger and poverty. Prices of food and other basic necessities of life are beyond the reach of the people

How do you assess the APC government at the state and federal levels in terms of good governance in the past five years?

Good governance can be measured with various barometers. If you talk of good governance, you are looking at security- which is totally zero. If you talk of good governance, you are also looking at the economy. The government tried to build on the achievements of the PDP in the area of agriculture.

But the manufacturing sector is a disaster!

Manufacturers are crying everyday because of the high exchange rate and lack of the enabling environment to do business.

As a lay man in economic issues, I rate the economy in terms of the ability of the average Nigerian to meet basic needs. Nigerians are finding it difficult to survive. There is hunger and poverty. Prices of food and other basic necessities of life are beyond the reach of the people.

There is growing rate of unemployment.

The country is bedeviled by serious security challenges, especially the activities of the Boko Haram insurgents and bandits who go about killing and kidnapping people for ransom.

Many average Nigerians cannot afford to send their children to school, people are dying because of lack of access to basic healthcare facilities.

So the present government has not lived up to the expectation of majority of Nigerians.

The federal government keeps on borrowing and borrowing with little or no impact on the lives of the people.

When you borrow and you spend the money in the real sector of the economy, it impacts positively on the lives of the people. If we don’t manage the economy well, we will face serious problems.

Some Nigerians are saying that the recent EndSARS protest, is a wake up call for the ruling elites to make the country work for all.

Any responsible leader should draw a lesson from the EndSARS protests. The manner in which the protest was initiated, shows the organisational ability of the youths. Nobody should take the Nigerian youths for granted.

Those in leadership position must sit up and address the issues arising from the protests.

They demanded for change in the way Nigeria is being governed. It simply shows that the youths are disenchanted with the way things are going on in the country. It simple shows that people want real change, they don’t want to be oppressed in their own country.

The federal government should be commended for agreeing to address the issues and we hope that it will address them without delay.

But the criminal activities of the hoodlums who hijacked the protests and went on looting and destruction of public and private property is condemnable.

The hoarding of palliatives by some of the state governments in the midst of hunger in the land was very unfortunate. How could they hoard food stuffs under the flimsy excuse that another COVID-19 lockdown was being anticipated!

What if people are dying of hunger before the anticipated lockdown? For me, it doesn’t make sense. But the looting and destructions are unacceptable.

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FEATURES

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

New Dawn in Association of Movie Producers Nigeria’s producers association seems poised for major strides as a new executive sets up an ambitious plan of action, Zik Zulu Okafor writes

T

he Producer is the live blood of Nigeria's movie industry, a creative bloc that New York Times Southern Africa Bureau Chief, Noritmisu Onishi, christened Nollywood. In this motion picture industry, the Producer provides the financial capital required for the production of movies, from concept to concrete. This creative business mind hires the Director who would then take care of the creative demands of the movie project including putting together the cast and crew. But he will do this fully aware that the Producer has the final say.

The Producer could indeed decide the fate of an actor or a crew member if he or she doubts their competence or ability to fit into that particular movie for which he may have his own ideas or vision.

Indeed, the Producer is the spirit of Nollywood's creative work place because he pays every soul that takes part in a movie production. And that is why the Association of Movie Producers, AMP, stands on a different pedestal, a high plane of respect in Nollywood. Although Nigeria's dwindling economy has fractured the glowing dreams of many a Producer , they are still churning out movies every week from the fringes of cities and the inner recesses of towns and hamlets, demonstrating in practical terms, the genii of the Nigerian creative.

This then explains why the movie industry froze in utter dismay and palpable shock on Saturday, August 29, 2020. This was the day that this respectable primal body of Producers held its general elections. A lame protest over electoral procedure by some of the contestants had culminated in a parallel election in Lagos leading to the emergence of a factional executive despite the Association's well organised and well attended election in Asaba, Delta state that produced what was largely seen by members as the authentic executive. To worsen the climate of confusion, the AMP Board of Trustees, BOT, purportedly annulled the entire elections. The crisis hit a boiling point. The voices, sounds and media reports coming out of AMP at this time became a jangling discord of professionals. AMP indeed seemed to be begging for a messiah to transform these jangles into the old, mature, harmonious symphony of distinguished professional colleagues.

Threats of legal actions loomed like the sword of Damocles. An atmosphere of gloom seemed to foretell the beginning of the end for a most cherished Association.

But just that was the turning point The Association, known for its robust leadership over the years and the rare ability to tenaciously tackle its challenges without allowing it to fester, stood up firmly to arrest the gale of chaos as its major stakeholders gathered at a table of conscience on Wednesday, September 16, 2020, to engage in a bruising dialogue of truth and reconciliation. The dialectics over the conflict did not stretch. Resolutions were made with precision. The Association was poised to turn the corner pronto and open a new chapter for its creative minds. And this, they did. Rather than two incongruous parallel Congresses that many were expecting to see or peruse gleefully on the pages of traditional and social media , AMP in a rare confluence of hope and reaffirmation of their unflinching unity, on Thursday, September 17, 2020, came together to hold one Congress . Yes, only one conference. And the bonafide President , a blue stocking lady, a British trained lawyer with a rare poise that accentuates the majesty of silence, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, MFR, an upscale producer elected and declared winner by the Association of Movie Producers Electoral Commission, AMPEC, at Asaba, stood tall as all AMP members, the factional executive and Board of Trustees, BOT, led by Zeb Ejiro, OON, re-affirmed her status as the bona-fide National President of the Association of Movie Producers, Nigeria.

AMP had opened a new chapter, united and ready to lead Nollywood again as a vista of a new came aglow on the horizon.

The new President, Anyiam-Osigwe, wasted no time to show she was a leader ready to deliver on her promises. With the Association totally united behind her with fervent spirit and a steely

The President, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, ( seating ) ; Vice President, Queen Blessing Ebigieson and Tony Chukwuma, Financial Secretary

determination to help her achieve her goals, the cultivated creative and inspirational Founder of the Africa Movie Academy Awards, AMAA,set out to work.

First, the President set up committees to engage with the local and global publics, the organized private sector, the political class and the diplomatic Corps towards partnerships with her Association.

The committees are also to look into the critical question of the welfare of members and to seek creative and financial opportunities to get members buoyant and bouncy once again as they begin new productions. The image of the Association is also of serious concern to Anyiam-Osigwe and her executive. Considering some of the controversial issues of the last few years that affected the once immaculate image of her Association, Madam President as she is addressed, is braced up to begin an enthralling new story for this assembly of innovative experts as she takes bold steps to rework the image of her Association. This explains why the President and her new team of leaders created the Rebranding Committee to give AMP a new look both in its physical structure and image before other Nollywood guilds who look up to AMP and indeed before Nigerians and the global audience. Other committees in this quest to reconstruct the destiny of AMP include Public Liaison, Welfare, and Constitution Review Committees.

The President stressed the urgent need for these committees to swing into action. She specifically

enjoined the Constitution Review Committee to come up with an articulate and befitting Constitution, a well enunciated body of principles and precedents that will be without ambiguities for easy governance of the Association. “Ilook forward to a Constitution that will define and spell out roles, one that will be unambiguous about processes and terms of conflict resolution", she stated.

To set the tonal goal of the new leadership of AMP in terms of image and work culture that will drive excellence, the Executive through its Rebranding Committee has embarked on documentary series cut to illuminate the backgrounds of its executive and the history of their association. It will serve as a precursor of what to expect from this executive that seemed equipped with palpable granite will to succeed.

The series, the President revealed, will be unveiled at a world press conference even as teasers dropped on social media have been received with accolades and variously described as breathtaking and incisive. Some say it is richly informative and hailed the racy tempo and aesthetics all coming in fleeting seconds while others add that it is thrilling in concept and treatment and professionally ingenious in execution.

In the inspirational words of the President, Anyiam-Osigwe , " we have a clear vision about what we want to do. We are setting an ambitious agenda for ourselves. It will challenge our creative instincts, our endurance and collective spirit as

leaders. I personally do not doubt that it will be a difficult journey to success, but I am used to making tough choices. And this one wouldn't be different. Ultimately, we will win ".

The new executive is also poised to bring uncompromising professionalism to bear on all AMP productions. For this reason they are making solid plans for training and retraining of its members both locally and internationally. The President, who has built vast partnerships with her festival, AMAA, over the years, iswilling to exploit these creative amity for the benefit of her Association. At the end of their planned training odyssey, the President says, “AMP movies will be differentiated easily from other productions.

This is because we will set up a Quality Control Sub-committee that will assess every production from our stable and once it meets our defined standards, a special AMP Seal of approval shall be placed on it. This will automatically differentiate and set AMP movies apart before the buying public, the media, corporate organisations and other institutions interested in motion picture business or studies. " For many observers and industry watchers, AMP's Madam President and her new crew of visionary and ambitious leaders seem to be navigating a new path and constructing a brand new hope for this factory of creative workers called AMP. No question, these Producers are eagerly waiting to witness this much anticipated new dawn in creative enterprise

T H I S D AY ˞ ˜ Ͱʹ˜ Ͱ͎Ͱ͎

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#THISISNIGERIA –Olunloyo Ayobami

“STILL UNCONVINCED? WHY NIGERIA’S DIASPORA MATTERS�

From the blog: ‘My Nigerian Dream

A

s I considered how to begin this piece, a few thoughts raced through my mind; many of them about the approach rather than the actual message I hope to convey. Interesting huh? I don’t fancy myself as a writer in the class of the field’s well-known A-listers, but I do seem to be finding a rhythm that I quite enjoy. I find that having a fundamental driving message at one’s core is the single most important factor to being able to develop a next piece of writing. It is unto such a message that seemingly humdrum facts can latch and potentially become a collection of words that is hopefully worth reading. “Still unconvinced?� is my question to anyone who is still sceptical about what I see as the critical role of the Nigerian Diaspora in shaping our future. It follows from my recent post titled: ‘Homeland vs. Diaspora :: Which Nigeria?’. It is becoming abundantly clear that as a catchphrase, “#EndSARS�, like many before it, is carving its place in our nation’s history and vocabulary. Some of its predecessors, in order of historical age from younger to older include “June12� (1993), “AliMustGo� (1978) and “OperationWetie� (1962). If at the times of these sad incidents in Nigeria’s past, the internet and social media were what they are today, each of these ‘tags’ would surely have been among the highly trending hashtags of their day.

Sad as it is though, I believe history will judge this current time as a watershed moment, the impact of which is not immediately apparent.

However, only a non-realist would fail to see that with time, its impact will indeed be felt, perhaps and hopefully in the general population’s attitude to politics. If that does happen, I believe it would be a win, but one that only just begins to dignify the sacrifices of so many heroes who took part in the October 2020 protests, especially at the Lekki Toll Gate.

So, back to the diaspora. The UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates with a confidence interval of +/- 22,000 that there were approximately 215,000 Nigerians in the country as at 2019. Let’s ignore the interval and stay in the middle lane. To put that number in context, park it for a moment while we understand what petitions are and how they work in the UK. The dictionary definition of a petition is ‘a formal written request, typically one signed by many people, appealing to authority in respect of a particular cause’. In the UK, any British citizen or UK resident can create a petition on the government’s website, and if they can get 5 people to support it and it meets all necessary requirements, it gets published by the government, making it available to all citizens and residents who wish to sign. At 10,000 signatures, a petition will get a formal response from the government. At 100,000 it will almost certainly be debated in Parliament.

It seems that exactly on 20.10.20, ‘a date that will live in infamy’, a petition was created by one Silas Ojo who is clearly of Nigerian origin.

Like an ominous prison number, it was assigned “554150â€? in its web URL and was (is) titled “Implement sanctions against the Nigerian Government and officialsâ€?‌ As an experiment, I thought to play with the URL petition number and went +/-1 to see the petitions either side of Silas’. The results were very instructive and highlighted that Silas had pulled off quite a feat. Let me explain.

Petition Silas -1 (i.e. 554149, submitted just before Silas’) was rejected. Petition Silas +1 (i.e.

554151, submitted just after Silas’) had not yet gathered the 5 supporters needed to publish.

Meanwhile, our protagonist, Silas, and his avatar, Petition 554150, galloped away speedily in cyberspace. His petition reached and passed the 10,000 mark on a date I can’t tell you. It then

Source:

proceeded to conquer the 100,000 barrier and it did; finally gathering no less than 220,000+ signatures. Remember, Silas is a single individual who spoke up (#sorosoke). He kickstarted a process, and his petition became the channel through which 220,000+ other voices would also be heard through a UK Parliamentary debate – about Nigeria. The system did what it was designed to do.

Remember I asked you to ‘park’ our estimated 215,000 number (of Nigerians in the UK) so we could better contextualise it? Well, let’s retrieve and analyse that now. You’ve probably figured out my intended point. With 220,000+ signatures, Silas’ petition was signed by more people than the total number of Nigerians in the country as at 2019. This is like saying that every single Nigerian in the UK (and more) signed this petition. If you ask me, that is quite a statistic, and though I expect that not all those signatures were by Nigerians, I would assume that a large chunk were, or were directly influenced by Nigerians.

Either way, the Nigerian diaspora in the UK has certainly spoken‌and will be heard!

Their voices were so loud, that there does not seem to be a single constituency from St Ives in Cornwall (the southernmost tip of the UK) all the way to Orkney and Shetland in Scotland (the most northerly of the UK’s 650 constituencies) where there wasn’t at least one vote for Silas’ petition (see official map petition below). If it were an election, it would probably have been a landslide.

UK Parliament Website

Map showing spread of signatories for petition ‘554150’ across the UK Source: UK Government Petition Map Website

As I wrap up, let’s move away from the macro data and drill down to an individual perspective. I received an email from the UK government, informing me that Parliament was going to debate the petition on 23.11.20. The email confirmed that my voice matters and that is a feeling that is crucial to true democracy.

The debate emerged against the backdrop of a damning CNN report that implicates Nigerian authorities in the alleged atrocities that supposedly took place at the Lekki Toll Gate. Words like ‘alleged’ and ‘supposedly’ are not necessarily ones I would personally use to describe the incident; they sound more like the ongoing official narrative. However, thanks to impressive investigative journalism and in view of available evidence, it appears most reasonable people will conclude different.

Regarding 23.11.20, the date of the UK Parliament’s debate on the petition, one thing is clear about the influence of the Nigerian diaspora; it can cause a foreign power to take notice and potentially to act. Act how?‌you may ask. Silas’ petition was clearly NOT directed at the Nigerian people but rather at individual government officials who may be complicit in or whose passive stance may have given tacit approval for the actions of SARS, the now disbanded ‘Special Anti-Robbery Squad’ of The Nigerian Police. I cannot speculate on what the UK government will or will not do, but it would be interesting to see what happens at the debate. At the very least, a light is being shone on these alarming

occurrences at home, and where light appears, darkness must recede!

So what are we to take from all this? First, we now ought to be convinced beyond doubt that the Nigerian diaspora is here to stay, is relevant and has a role to play in (re-)building the nation. Second, Silas is one chap, he raised his voice and 220,000+ others followed. Where and how can you and I raise our voices against injustice and for the rule of law, especially on behalf of so many who do not even have a voice? This could be in our responses to and interventions for the poor, underprivileged, vulnerable, children, widows, unemployed, etc.

Don’t limit yourself to any particular sphere of life, especially the usual family, faith and employment; expand your horizon, think deep, think wide, and you’ll surely see many areas you can impact society. Third, each person who signed the petition played a small part.

By so doing, they added a single drop to what eventually became an ocean, so always play YOUR part, because (borrowing the slogan of TESCO – the UK’s largest supermarket chain), “every little helps�! t"ZPCBNJ "LJOZPEF 0-6/-0:0 JT B QBTTJPOBUF /JHFSJBO QPMJUJDBM FOUIVTJBTU BOE BO BDDPNQMJTIFE BOE QFSGPSNBODF ESJWFO QSPGFTTJPOBM XJUI ZFBST FYQFSJFODF JO CVTJOFTT PQFSBUJPOT QMBOOJOH BOE NBOBHFNFOU 5XJUUFS !BZPCBNJPMVOMPZP *OTUBHSBN !BZPCBNJ PMVOMPZP

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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2020 •T H I S D AY

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Quick Takes NTITA Honours Iseghohi

Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă?Ă?Ă’ Ă˜Ă˜Ă™Ă Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ù× ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽĂ? Ě™ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽĚš Ă™ĂœĂ‘Ă‹Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ĂŒĂŁ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ù× Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ě™ ĚšËœ ÞÒĂ? Ëš Ëœ ĂœĂ™Ă‹ĂŽĂŒĂ‹Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ù××Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? ĂžĂŽËœ Ă?Ă˜ĂœĂŁ Ă?Ă?Ă‘Ă’Ă™Ă’Ă“Ëœ ĂĄĂ™Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ Ă‹ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? Ă&#x;ĂžĂ?ĂžĂ‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ“ĂŒĂ&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? ĂžĂ?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ù× Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂœĂŁË› ĂœĂ™Ă‹ĂŽĂŒĂ‹Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ù××Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? ÞÎ Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ ĂĄĂ™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ÒÙÖĂ?Ă?Ă‹Ă–Ă? Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ù× ĂœĂ™Ă Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ăœ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ăœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂžĂœĂ™ĂšĂ™Ă–Ă“ĂžĂ‹Ă˜ Ă“ĂŒĂ?Ăœ Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă?ĂžĂœĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ? Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ĂŁ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ăœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽĂ?Ë› ĂœĂ™Ă‹ĂŽĂŒĂ‹Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ù××Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? ÙÚĂ?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ ÙÚĂ?Ă˜ Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă?ĂžĂœĂ™ĂšĂ™Ă–Ă“ĂžĂ‹Ă˜ Ă“ĂŒĂ?Ăœ ÚÞÓĂ? Ă?ĂžĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ• Ă?Ùà Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă–Ă– ÞÒĂ? Ă—Ă‹Ă”Ă™Ăœ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? ĂŽĂ“Ă?ĂžĂœĂ“Ă?ĂžĂ? Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă?Ë› Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ĂŁ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă? Ă“ĂŒĂ?Ăœ ÚÞÓĂ? Ă?ĂžĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ• Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă˜Ă?Ă?ÞÓà ÓÞã Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă™ĂŒĂ“Ă–Ă? Ă?ĂžĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ• ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ͳ Ă?ĂžĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ• ĂšĂ?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă‹Ă–Ă– ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă&#x;ĂŒĂ—Ă‹ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă? Ă?Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? Ă–Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ëœ Ă‹Ă–Ă– Ă—Ă‹Ă”Ă™Ăœ Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă?Ăž Ă?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?Ă? ĂœĂ™Ă Ă“ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ? Ě™ Ă?ĚšËœ Ă‹Ă–Ă– ËÞË Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă?Ăž âĂ?Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă‘Ă? Ă™Ă“Ă˜ĂžËœ Ă—Ă‹Ă”Ă™Ăœ Ă–Ă™ĂŒĂ‹Ă– Ă?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ù× ÙÚĂ?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă‹ Ă‹Ă˜Ă•Ă?Ëœ Ă‹Ă—Ă™Ă˜Ă‘ ÙÞÒĂ?ĂœĂ?Ë›

Ă?Ă?ÑÒÙÒÓ Ă?Ă˘ĂšĂ–Ă‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽ ÞÒËÞ ÞÒĂ? Ă‹ĂĄĂ‹ĂœĂŽĂ? Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ĂŁËŞĂ? ĂŽĂ?ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? ÙÚĂ?Ă˜ Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă? ×ÙÎĂ?Ă–Ëœ ÞÒĂ? ÑÙÙÎåÓÖÖ Ă™Ă? Ă™Ă&#x;Ăœ Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ?Ă?Ă—Ă?ĂŽ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?ĂœĂ?Ëœ ÞÒĂ? Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂŽ ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ• Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂŽĂ?ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÞËĂ?Ă? Ă™Ă? ĂœĂ™Ă‹ĂŽĂŒĂ‹Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ù××Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă“Ă˜Ă?ÞËÖÖĂ?ĂŽ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ‹Ă“Ă˜ Ùà Ă?Ăœ ÍąËœÍłÍŽÍŽĂ•Ă— Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă“ĂŒĂ?Ăœ ÙÚÞÓĂ? Ă?Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÞÙ Í°Í° Ă™Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ă™Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ě™ Ă™ Ěš Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă?Ëœ ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă”Ă‹Ëœ Ă™ĂœĂž Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă˜Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă&#x;Ëœ åÓÞÒ Ă‹ĂŽĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– Ă—Ă?ĂžĂœĂ™ Ă?Ă“ĂŒĂ?Ăœ Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ•Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜Ă™Ëœ Ă•ĂĄĂ‹ ĂŒĂ™Ă—Ë› Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă“ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ËÚÓÞËÖ Ă?âÚĂ?Ă˜ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă“ĂœĂ?ĂŽ ÞÙ ĂŽĂ?ÚÖÙã Ă?Ă“ĂŒĂ?Ăœ Ă“Ă? Ă’Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă? ĂŽĂ™ Ă˜Ă™Ăž Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ÞÙ ĂŽĂ&#x;ÚÖÓĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?Ă’ Ă’Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă? Ă?âÚĂ?Ă˜ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă?Ă˜ ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ? ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă?Ă“ĂŒĂ?Ăœ Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ• Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă?ĂžĂœĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ? åÓÞÒ ÙÞÒĂ?Ăœ ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă–ĂŁ Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ÙÚĂ?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ?Ë›

CAPACITY BUILDING

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs Boladele Dapo-Thomas; Managing Director, International Breweries Plc, Hugo Dias Rochas; Senior Special Assistant on Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship, to Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Dr Osagie Nurudeen; Chairman, Advisory Board, International Breweries, Mr Peter Bankole; and Legal / Corporate Aairs Director, Mrs Temitope Oguntokun, at the ďŹ fth International Breweries entrepreneurship summit held in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

OPEC Seeks $12.6tn Investments to Revamp Global Oil Industry Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has disclosed that the global oil industry will require about $12.6 trillion investments in the downstream, midstream as well as upstream to sustain its innovative and production efficiency in the next 25 years.

Secretary General of the organisation, Dr Sanusi Barkindo, who spoke at the Crescent Ideas Forum on ‘‘The Outlook on Energy’’ videoconference, also predicted a rash of closure of refineries globally in the next few years as regions develop new capacities.

He stated that OPEC’s World Oil Outlook showed that upstream capital expenditure could fall by more than 30 per cent in 2020 alone, but maintained that crude oil will continue to be relevant in the next two decades and a half.

ENERGY Barkindo argued that the oil industry cannot move forward without adequate capital to sustain its historic leadership, stating that it would need financial firepower to grow out of the coronavirus-induced crisis, to sustain technological development and human resources, and to help provide a stable, economic and secure energy supply. “For OPEC and its member countries, stable and timely investment is essential if we are to successfully achieve our cherished goals of economic diversification and development, and importantly, to help diverse our own energy mix. “In fact, OPEC’s World Oil Outlook shows that upstream capital expenditure could fall by more than 30 per cent in 2020, exceeding the annual dramatic

declines seen in the industry downturn of 2015 and 2016. “Looking ahead, our projections for the oil industry show that investment of around $12.6 trillion will be needed in the upstream, midstream and downstream between now and 2045. “To get there, it is very important that the policy discussions on energy and investment remain inclusive and supportive of a diverse portfolio of energy options,� he said.

According to him: “Turning to the downstream, we anticipate a wave of refinery closures as new capacity comes online in the Middle East and Africa, as well as the Asia-Pacific, with crude distillation capacity expected to increase by 15.6 million b/d until 2045�.

The OPEC boss stated that despite the challenges that exist today, OPEC was committed to investments that strengthen

the oil industry’s resilience and capacity to meet the world’s demand needs over the long term. “Only yesterday, the UAE announced visionary plans to invest around $122 billion in its oil industry over the next five years. This is a powerful example of how a leading oilproducing nation is looking at the road ahead,� he said.

Barkindo explained that OPEC was heartened by the promising vaccine developments, and the hope that they can quickly be brought to market to save lives, first and foremost, but also to help reboot the global economy. “In this respect, our OPEC outlook for 2020 oil demand is now slightly above 90 million b/d. This represents a sharp decline of nearly 10 million b/d from where we started the year, and almost an 11 million b/d Continued on page 26

‘5G Network Rollout Will Bridge Digital Divide’ Emma Okonji The Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof.

Umar Garba Danbatta, has said 5G, when fully deployed will provide increased speed and bandwidth as well as provide deeper coverage to reach people in rural communities.

Danbatta, said this, while citing a recent landmark economy study conducted by Qualcomm, which stated that 5G would affect the global economy and drive growth exponentially.

Danbatta, who spoke through the Director, Public Affairs of NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde,

TELECOM during a capacity building workshop organised by NCC for telecoms reporters in Lagos recently, however said there had been a lot of falsehoods and misinformation peddled about the health and safety implications of deploying 5G technology.

While allaying such fears, Danbatta said the recently published Draft Consultation Document on the Deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) Mobile Technology in Nigeria by the NCC, would open further research into 5G deployment, while insisting that the Com-

mission has not concluded plans for the deployment of Fifth Generation (5G) network.

According to him, “Nigeria only undertook 5G trials in selected locations within the country in collaboration with an operator in 2019. The trial, among others was to study and observe any health or security challenges the 5G network might present. The Commission also has an ongoing engagement with the academia while at the same time funding 5G related research projects, all in a bid to ensure the nation is provided with the best in terms of research findings and policy input to drive the implementation and

deployment of 5G technology in Nigeria.�

Due to its sheer scale and scope, the International Telecoms Union (ITU), also predicted that 5G would accelerate the achievements of all the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) from affordable and clean energy to zero hunger. “Many Nigerians including citizens in more civilized countries were hooked on the notion that the introduction of 5G technology was the reason behind the spread of the novel COVID-19 Pandemic. This misconception was even made Continued on page 26

e-Commerce Tech Company Launches Today

Ă“Ă?ÙÖĂ&#x;Ă—Ă˜Ëœ Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?Ě‹ Ù××Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă’ Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ĂŁ ÞÒËÞ Ă‘Ă“Ă Ă?Ă? Ă—Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă’Ă‹Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ëœ Ă?Ă—Ă‹Ă–Ă– Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă—Ă?ĂŽĂ“Ă&#x;Ă— Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂšĂœĂ“Ă?Ă?Ă? Ě™ Ă?ĚšËœ ÞÒĂ? Ă™ĂšĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂŁ ÞÙ Ă–Ă?Ă Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă‘Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă?Ăž ÞÙ Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ Ă? ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?ĂœĂ?Ëœ ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– ĂŒĂ? Ă–Ă‹Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?Ă’Ă?ĂŽ ÞÙÎËã˛ Ă’Ă? Ă’Ă“Ě‹ĂžĂ?Ă?Ă’ Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ĂŁËœ Ă‹ ÚÖËÞĂ?Ă™ĂœĂ— ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă‘Ă˜Ă?ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;Ă—Ă?ĂœĂ? ÞÙ ĂŒĂ&#x;ĂŁ Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă“Ă—Ă—Ă?ĂŽĂ“Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ă?Ù××Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂŁ Ă™Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă?Ăž ÞÙ Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ùà Ă?Ăœ ÍŻÍŽÍŽËœÍŽÍŽÍŽ Ă”Ă™ĂŒĂ? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă˜ĂŽ Ă™Ă? Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŻËœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– ĂŒĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă–Ă‹ĂœĂ‘Ă?Ě‹Ă?Ă?Ă‹Ă–Ă? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;ÞÒ Ă?×ÚÙåĂ?ĂœĚ‹ Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă‹Ă? ĂĄĂ?Ă–Ă– Ă‹Ă? Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă“Ă‘Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă“Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁ ÞÒĂ? ĂšĂ‹ĂžĂœĂ™Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă–Ă™Ă?Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ Ă—Ă‹ĂŽĂ? ÑÙÙÎĂ?Ë› Ă“Ă?ÙÖĂ&#x;Ă—Ă˜ Ă“Ă? Ă‹ Ă—Ă™ĂŒĂ“Ă–Ă? ËÚÚ ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă‘Ă˜Ă?ĂŽ ÞÙ Ă‘Ă“Ă Ă? Ă Ă“Ă?Ă“ĂŒĂ“Ă–Ă“ĂžĂŁ ÞÙ Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă‘Ă’ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ’Ă™Ă™ĂŽ Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ?Ă?Ëœ Ă?ÒÙåĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ă? Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ?Ă? ĂŽĂ“ĂœĂ?Ă?ÞÖã ÞÙ ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŁĂĄĂ’Ă?ĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŁĂžĂ“Ă—Ă?Ë›

Ăž Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ?Ă?Ëœ Ă—Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă’Ă‹Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ëœ Ă? ÞÒËÞ Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă?âÓĂ?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă“Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ëœ åÓÞÒ ÚÒãĂ?Ă“Ă?Ă‹Ă– Ă?ĂžĂœĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ? ÞÒĂ? Ă™ĂšĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂŁ ÞÙ ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ù×Ă? Ă‹Ă?ÞÓà Ă? ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ“Ă?Ă“ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ĂžĂ? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ě‹Ă?Ù××Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă™Ă?ĂŁĂ?ĂžĂ?Ă— ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜ ͹͎ Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă&#x;ĂžĂ?Ă? Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ ĂŽĂ™ĂĄĂ˜Ă–Ă™Ă‹ĂŽËœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹ĂŒĂ?ÙÖĂ&#x;ĂžĂ?Ă–ĂŁ Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŁ ĂœĂ?Ă‘Ă“Ă?ĂžĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ‘Ă?Ë› Ă’Ă? ÚÚ Ă“Ă? ÚÙÓĂ?Ă?ĂŽ ÞÙ ĂœĂ?à ÙÖĂ&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ě‹ Ù××Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă?ÚËĂ?Ă? Ă‹Ă? Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă—Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă’Ă‹Ă˜ĂžĂ? ĂŽĂ™ Ă˜Ă™Ăž Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ÞÙ Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă‹ ĂĄĂ?ĂŒĂ?Ă“ĂžĂ? ÞÙ Ă–Ă?Ă Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă‘Ă? Ă?Ě‹ Ù××Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă—Ă™Ă?Ăž Ă“Ă—ĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ‹Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁ ĂŽĂ™ Ă˜Ă™Ăž Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ÞÙ ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂœĂŁ Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁËœ Ă‹Ă? ÑÙÙÎĂ? Ă™ĂœĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ?ĂŽ ĂŒĂŁ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?ĂœĂ? ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– ĂŒĂ? ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœĂ?ĂŽ ÞÙ ÞÒĂ?Ă— ĂŒĂŁ Ă“Ă?ÙÖĂ&#x;Ă—Ă˜ËŞĂ? ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁ ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂžĂ˜Ă?ĂœĂ? åÓÞÒÙĂ&#x;Ăž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŁ ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœĂŁ Ă?Ă’Ă‹ĂœĂ‘Ă? ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă™Ăœ Ă—Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă’Ă‹Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ë› ÓÞÒ Ă—Ă‹ĂžĂ?Ă’Ă–Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă›Ă&#x;ËÖÓÞÓĂ?Ă?Ëœ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ě‹ Ù××Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă?Ă?Ă’ ÞËÕĂ?Ă? Ă‹ĂŽĂ Ă‹Ă˜ĂžĂ‹Ă‘Ă? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă™Ă˜Ě‹Ă‹ĂŽĂ™ĂšĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂžĂœĂ‹ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– Ă?Ù××Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă‹ Ă™Ă˜Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă? Ă—Ă‹ĂœĂ•Ă?Ăž ĂŒĂŁ Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒËÞ Ă?Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÙ×Ă?ĂœĂ?ËŞ Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x;Ă‹Ă– ÚÖËĂ?Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă’Ă™ĂšĂšĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹ĂœĂ? Ă—Ă‹ĂŽĂ? Ă‹Ă Ă‹Ă“Ă–Ă‹ĂŒĂ–Ă? ÞÙ ÞÒĂ?Ă—Ëœ ĂŒĂŁ Ă—Ă‹Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ăž ÚÙĂ?Ă?Ă“ĂŒĂ–Ă? Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă&#x;Ă—Ă?ĂœĂ? ÞÙ Ă Ă“Ă?ĂĄ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?ÒÙÙĂ?Ă? ÞÙ ĂŒĂ&#x;ĂŁ Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ?Ă? ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹Ă–ĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂŽĂŁ Ă•Ă˜Ă™ĂĄËœ åÓÞÒÙĂ&#x;Ăž ÚÒãĂ?Ă“Ă?Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ Ă‘Ă™Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?ÞÓÖÖ Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? ÞÒĂ?Ă“Ăœ ÑÙÙÎĂ? ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœĂ?ĂŽ ĂĄĂ“ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜ Í°ÍŽ Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă&#x;ĂžĂ?Ă?Ëœ åÓÞÒ Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă? Ă›Ă&#x;Ă‹Ă–Ă“ĂžĂŁËœ Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă? ĂšĂœĂ“Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ă˜ Ă“Ăž ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă˜ Ă“Ă? ÞÒĂ?ĂŁ ĂĄĂ?ĂœĂ? ÞÙ Ă Ă“Ă?Ă“Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ?Ă? ÚÒãĂ?Ă“Ă?Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁË›

Airtel Saves Infant with Hole in Heart

Ă“ĂœĂžĂ?Ă– Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă?Ă“Ă–Ă–Ă?ĂŽ Ă“ĂžĂ? ĂšĂœĂ™Ă—Ă“Ă?Ă? ÞÙ Ă?Ă‹Ă Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă‹Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă– Ă•Ă‹Ă˜Ă“Ëœ Ă‹ ÚÒãĂ?Ă“Ă?Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ Ă“Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă“ĂœĂ?ĂŽ Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ ĂĄĂ‹Ă? ĂŽĂ“Ă‹Ă‘Ă˜Ă™Ă?Ă?ĂŽ åÓÞÒ Ă‹ĂžĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă– Ă?Ă?ÚÞËÖ ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂžËœ Ă?Ă™Ă—Ă—Ă™Ă˜Ă–ĂŁ Ă•Ă˜Ă™ĂĄĂ˜ Ă‹Ă? ÒÙÖĂ? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ă’Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂžËœ Ă‹Ăž Ă?Ă?Ă Ă?Ă˜ Ă—Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ’Ă? ÙÖβ Ă? ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂž Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă™Ă˜ Íł Ă™Ă? Ă“ĂžĂ? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂšĂ™ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă– ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂšĂ™Ă˜Ă?Ă“ĂŒĂ“Ă–Ă“ĂžĂŁ Ă“Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă Ă?Ëœ ËŠ Ă™Ă&#x;Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ă Ă?Ă?ËŞËœ Ă“ĂœĂžĂ?Ă– Ă?Ă&#x;ĂšĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽËŞĂ? Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ă–Ă? ×ÙÞÒĂ?ĂœËœ ĂŽĂ?ÙÖË ãÙÙÖË åÓÞÒ Íą Ă—Ă“Ă–Ă–Ă“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă‹ Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ‘Ă?ĂœĂŁ ÞÙ ĂœĂ?ĂšĂ‹Ă“Ăœ ÞÒĂ? ÒÙÖĂ? Ă“Ă˜ Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă’Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂžË› Ă•Ă‹Ă˜Ă“Ëœ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă™ĂĄĂ˜ Ă?ĂŁĂ˜ĂŽĂœĂ™Ă—Ă?Ëœ ĂĄĂ‹Ă? ĂŽĂ“Ă‹Ă‘Ă˜Ă™Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ă‹ĂžĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă– Ă?Ă?ÚÞËÖ ĂŽĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ Ă’Ă“Ă? ×ÙÞÒĂ?Ăœ Ă˜Ă™ĂžĂ“Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă‹ĂŒĂ˜Ă™ĂœĂ—Ă‹Ă– ĂŒĂœĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ’Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ? Ă‹ Ă?Ă?ĂĄ Ă—Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ ĂŒĂ“ĂœĂžĂ’Ë› Ă’Ă? Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?×ÚÖÙãĂ?ĂŽ ×ÙÞÒĂ?Ăœ ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă‹ĂŽĂ Ă“Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ĂŒĂŁ Ă—Ă?ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă‹Ă– ĂŽĂ™Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ? ÞÙ Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽ Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ‘Ă™ Ă‹ Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ‘Ă?ĂœĂŁ Ă‹Ă? ĂĄĂ?Ă–Ă– Ă‹Ă? ĂœĂ?Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹Ăœ ÚÒãĂ?ÓÙÞÒĂ?ĂœĂ‹ĂšĂŁ ĂžĂœĂ?ËÞ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž ÞÙ Ă’Ă?Ă–Ăš Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă? Ă’Ă“Ă? ÚÒãĂ?Ă“Ă?Ă‹Ă– Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ë› Ă’Ă? Ă’Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂžĚ‹ĂœĂ?Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂŁ ĂĄĂ‹Ă? ĂŒĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă’Ăž ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? ËÞÞĂ?Ă˜ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? Ă“ĂœĂžĂ?Ă– Ă‹Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ Ă‹Ă?Ă›Ă&#x;Ă‹Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ‹Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă˜Ă™Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? ×ÙÞÒĂ?Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? ĂžĂ?Ă–Ă?Ù˪Ă? Ă™Ă&#x;Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă“Ă Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂ“Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă Ă?Ë› Ă’Ă? Ă?ĂžĂ™ĂœĂŁ ĂĄĂ‹Ă? ĂŒĂœĂ™Ă‹ĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ă?Ăž Ă™Ă˜ Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– ĂŽĂ&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?ÚÓĂ?ÙÎĂ? Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă‹Ă“Ă—Ă?ĂŽ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă‘ĂœĂ‹Ă—Ă—Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă‹ĂĄ ãÙÙÖË Ă˜Ă‹ĂœĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ? Ă’Ă?Ăœ Ă™ĂœĂŽĂ?Ă‹Ă–Ëœ åÓÞÒ ÞÒĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă‘Ă?Ă˜Ăž ×ÙÞÒĂ?Ăœ ĂœĂ?Ă Ă?Ă‹Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă’Ă? Ă’Ă‹ĂŽ Ă˜Ă™ Ă—Ă?Ă‹Ă˜Ă? ÞÙ Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ Ă?Ă&#x;ĂšĂšĂ™ĂœĂž ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă“Ă– Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ĂžË› Ă“ĂœĂžĂ?Ă– ĂšĂœĂ™Ă—Ă“Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă‹Ă—Ă“Ă–ĂŁ Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă– Ă?Ă&#x;ĂšĂšĂ™ĂœĂž Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă—Ă?ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă‹Ă– ĂžĂœĂ?ËÞ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž ĂŽĂ&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÚÓĂ?ÙÎĂ? ĚŽ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ĂŁ Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă?Ă“Ă–Ă–Ă?ĂŽ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă?Ù××ÓÞ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă‹Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽ Ă’Ă‹Ă? Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ‘Ă™Ă˜Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ‘Ă?ĂœĂŁ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“Ă? Ă˜Ă™ĂĄ Ă’Ă‹Ă–Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă’Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂžĂŁË› Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă‹ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă Ă“Ă?Ă“Ăž ÞÙ Ă?Ă?Ă? ÞÒĂ? ×ÙÞÒĂ?Ăœ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă–ĂŽ ĂŒĂŁ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜ĂŁËŞĂ? ĂœĂ?ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă Ă?Ă?Ëœ ĂŽĂ?ÙÖË Ă?Ă˘ĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă?ĂŽ ĂšĂœĂ™Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽ Ă‹ĂšĂšĂœĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă&#x;ĂšĂšĂ™ĂœĂžËœ Ă?Ă˘ĂžĂ™Ă–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? ĂžĂ?Ă–Ă?Ă?Ù××Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă‘Ă“Ă‹Ă˜Ăž Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă‹Ă Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă’Ă?Ăœ Ă™Ă˜Ă–ĂŁ Ă?Ă™Ă˜ËŞĂ? Ă–Ă“Ă?Ă?Ë›

“The capital expenditure required to deploy fiber optic broadband is huge and companies do not need to duplicate such huge expenditures when they can share their fiber network infrastructure with other duly licensed operators�

MD/CEO, Broadbased Communications Ltd,

Prince Henry Iseghohi

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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2020 •T H I S D AY

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY Ëž NOVEMBER 26, 2020

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BUSINESSWORLD OPEC SEEKS $12.6TN INVESTMENTS TO REVAMP GLOBAL OIL INDUSTRY contraction compared to what we forecast for the year back in January. “In 2021, we expect growth to bounce back to 6.2 million b/d, to just over 96 million b/d, compared to our precoronavirus expectations for demand reaching almost 102 million b/d next year. “The recent revisions are due to the easing pace of the economic recovery and recent Covid-19 containment measures, which are assumed to impact transportation and industrial fuel demand well into next year,� he said.

He noted that the crucial market rebalancing efforts are now further complicated by high stock levels, stressing that preliminary data for October shows that total OECD commercial oil stocks were 208 million barrels above the latest five-year average, compared to 13 million barrels below the five-year average in January of this year. “Total global inventories have surged by more than 1 billion barrels since the beginning of this year. These figures would have been dramatically higher – and clearly unsustainable – had it not been for the unprecedented cooperative efforts taken to address the imbalance in fundamentals and stabilize the market. “In April, we delivered an unprecedented response to an unparalleled market shock, by adjusting output down by 9.7 million b/d, or roughly 10 per cent global demand at the time. “These efforts were spearheaded by leaders of major world oil producers and further supported by the G20, in the spirit of solidarity, at the group’s Extraordinary Energy Ministerial Meeting on April 10th,� he recalled.

‘5G NETWORK ROLLOUT WILL BRIDGE DIGITAL DIVIDE’ worse because those saddled with the responsibility of informing, educating and enlightening the average Nigerian telecom consumers were also bereft of the knowledge of this new technology and hitched a ride on the band wagon of doubters,� Danbatta said.

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

NEWS

FG Disburses N10bn to Survival Fund Beneficiaries James Emejo in Abuja The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Mariam Katagum on Tuesday said a total of N10 billion had so far been approved for disbursement to vulnerable Nigerians and small businesses under the Survival Fund and Guaranteed Off-take Schemes.

Speaking at a media briefing to provide update on the initiative, she reiterated the commitment of the federal government towards the full implementation of the schemes.

The minister said disbursements have been approved for a total of 16,253 MSMEs businesses accounting for a total of 101,567 beneficiaries.

She pointed out that N30,000 was paid to each of the 94,696 employees/beneficiaries, while N50,000 was paid to each of the 6,871 employees. She added that about 2.6 per cent of the beneficiaries were people with special needs while 43 per cent of the total beneficiaries are women in line with the guidelines on disbursement.

Katagum, who is also Chairperson of the Steering Committee on the schemes further stated that disbursements for the payroll support scheme commenced on November 18 adding that it is presently ongoing across the country.

She however, lamented

the inability of some states to meet their targets, assuring that the registration portal will be reopened to accommodate such states.

She had earlier promised that the intervention would be accessed by all eligible Nigerians.

Katagum, also listed other milestones achieved so far to include the verification for payment of 101,567 beneficiaries sourced from 16,253 businesses as at November 17 including 25,000 from Lagos;

Kano 17,000; Abia 16,000; and 13,000 for every other state of the federation.

She added that 29,000 artisans have been approved for payment across the FCT, Lagos, Ondo, Kaduna, Borno, Kano, Bauchi, Anambra, Abia, Plateau and Delta States with female artisans representing 45 per cent, and male 50 per cent as well as those with special needs accounting for 5 per cent.

The minister said: “While disbursement to beneficiaries

under the first stream was ongoing, enumeration of Artisans in Stream 2 commenced on October 26, 2020 and concluded on November 11, 2020. Beneficiaries under this stream have been fully verified and will start receiving payments from Tuesday November 24.�

She pointed out that Stream 2 States comprised Taraba, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Edo, Ogun, Ekiti, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Enugu, Ebonyi.

She said enumeration of artisans under the third stream

commenced on November 13 and was concluded on 23rd November 23 with beneficiaries from Akwa-Ibom,Cross-River, Zamfara, Yobe, Sokoto, Nasarawa, Niger , Imo, Oyo, Osun, Jigawa, Gombe and Benue.

Katagum added that formalisation support scheme which is simply the registration of 250,000 new businesses with CAC had also commenced in October with Lagos accounting for 9,084, Kano 8,406, Abia 7,906 and Other States 6,606.

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L-R: Chairman, Chimita Group, Mr Chimezie Okeke; Chairman Mobile City Nigeria, Mr. Ejirika Stanley Afunwa; BBNaija 2020 Housemate, Miss Dorathy Bachor; Chairman, Hytel, Mr. Chidubem Obodoechi; Mobile City Sta, Mr. Henry Ugbah and Master of Ceremony, Mr. Emeka Erem (MC Ajebo), at the launch of Mobile City Nigeria in Lagos...recently

Report Predicts IT Security Threats in 2021 Stories by Emma Okonji Sophos, a global player in next-generation cyber-security has released the Sophos 2021 Threat Report, which revealed how ransomware and fastchanging attacker behaviors, from advanced to entry level, will shape the landscape and Information Technology (IT) security in 2021.

The report, written by SophosLabs security researchers, as well as Sophos’ threat hunters, rapid responders, and cloud security and Artificial Intelligence (AI) experts, provides a three-dimensional perspective on security threats and trends, from their inception to real-

world impact.

The first dimensional perspective of the report, focused on the gap between ransomware operators at different ends of the skills and how resource spectrum will increase. According to the report, at the high end, the big-game hunting ransomware families would continue to refine and change their tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) to become more evasive and nation-state-like in sophistication, targeting larger organisations with multimillion-dollar ransom demands.

In 2020, such families included Ryuk and RagnarLocker. At the other end of the spectrum, Sophos anticipates an increase

in the number of entry level, apprentice-type attackers looking for menu-driven, ransomwarefor-rent, such as Dharma, which allows them to target high volumes of smaller prey.

Another ransomware trend is, “secondary extortion,� where alongside the data encryption the attackers steal and threaten to publish sensitive or confidential information, if their demands are not met. In 2020, Sophos reported on Maze, RagnarLocker, Netwalker, REvil, and others using this approach.

Analysing the report, Principal Research Scientist at Sophos, Chester Wisniewski, said: “The ransomware business model is dynamic and complex. During

2020, Sophos saw a clear trend towards adversaries differentiating themselves in terms of their skills and targets. However, we’ve also seen ransomware families sharing best-of-breed tools and forming self-styled collaborative cartels.�

The second dimensional perspective of the report, focused on how everyday threats such as commodity malware, including loaders and botnets, or human-operated Initial Access Brokers, will demand serious security attention.

According to the report, such threats could seem like low level malware noise, but they are designed to secure a foothold in a target, gather

essential data and share data back to a command-and-control network that will provide further instructions. If human operators are behind these types of threats, they will review every compromised machine for its geolocation and other signs of high value, and then sell access to the most lucrative targets to the highest bidder, such as a major ransomware operation. “Commodity malware can seem like a sandstorm of low-level noise clogging up the security alert system.

From what Sophos analyzed, it is clear that defenders need to take these attacks seriously, because of where they might lead,� Wisniewski said.

‘How IoT Logistics Will Revolutionise Supply Chain Management’ The combination of mobile computing, analytics, and cloud services, all of which are fuelled by the Internet of Things (IoT), is changing how delivery and asset management companies are conducting their operations, the Executive Chairman of IoT Africa Networks Ltd, Lare Ayoola has said.

According to him, containers go missing all over the world and it usually takes months to

find them assuming they are ever found, but with IoT logistics, it would be difficult for containers to go missing, and when they do, they are easily found.

The Disrupting Asset Tracking with IoT webinar, in conjunction with Connected Finland, was organized recently to shed more light on the challenges facing the asset management industry. The Asset Tracking webinar, the first of many IoT webinars, was a

two-hour event with an audience of about 130 industry experts in attendance.

According to recent research report, asset tracking remained the fastest-growing industrial IoT market worth $3.93 billion by 2023. Delivery company DHL and tech giant Cisco estimated in 2015 that IoT technologies such as asset tracking solutions could have an impact of more than $1.9 trillion in the supply

chain and logistics sector. Also, there will be 267 billion IoT asset tracking devices deployed in the global industry by 2027.

Knowing where things are at any given time can be critical to transforming business operations – reducing risk, saving money, improving efficiency, and potentially even driving new service revenue, Ayoola said.

According to him, “IoT Africa Networks Ltd, in partnership

with Sigfox, enables customers to observe their entire asset tracking network be it industrial, commercial, business, or residential in a convenient and budget-friendly manner. You might not be able to rely on electricity in Nigeria, but you can rely on Sigfox. This is because the Sigfox devices can be powered without electricity.

Their battery life can last for more than four years on a single charge.�

Senior Correspondent

Ă‹Ă’Ă?Ă?Ă— Ă•Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ĂŒĂ™Ă–Ă&#x; (Advertising) Correspondents

Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽĂ&#x; äĂ? (Aviation) ĂœĂ™Ă—Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă? ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafo (Energy) Ă—Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ă&#x;Ă?Ă– ĂŽĂŽĂ?Ă’ (Energy) Reporters

Ă&#x;Ă—Ă? Ă•Ă?Ă‘Ă’Ă? (Money Market) Ă™Ă?Ă‹ Ă–Ă?Ă•Ă’Ă&#x;ÙÑÓĂ? (ICT) Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ äÙÒÙ (Energy)

Sustainability Report Highlights Commitment, Despite COVID-19 The Tetra Pak 2020 Sustainability Report, which was released recently, focused on the several ways the company worked to protect food, people and futures in the past year, despite the global effect of COVID-19

pandemic.

This year’s report, which is an annual tradition since 1999, focused on food, people and futures, amid a global pandemic, while the world’s focus on planet and the environment is being

challenged.

Tetra Pak is a world leading food processing and packaging solutions company, working closely with customers and suppliers to provide safe, innovative and environmentally

sound products in more than 160 countries, including Nigeria.

Analysing the report during a webinar, the Managing Director, Tetra Pak Nigeria, Aruna Oshiokamele, said: “The pandemic has changed how we live and work,

giving even deeper meaning to our promise to protect what’s good. Now more than ever, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protect food, protect people and protect the future of the planet.�

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9mobile Deepens Relationship with Subscribers Stories by Emma Okonji 9mobile has further affirmed its commitment to deepening relationship with subscribers on its network by hosting its customers in Kano. At the

event held recently, customers shared their experiences with the network, asked questions, and commended 9mobile for providing superior products, services and customer experience.

Mobile Phone Dealer Launches in Nigeria Mobile City Nigeria, a store for the sales of mobile phone devices, laptop computers, notebooks, iPads and other electronic devices with their accessories, has been launched in Festac Town, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos, with plans to spread to others parts of Lagos and beyond.

Speaking at the launch, the Chairman, Mobile City Nigeria, Mr. Stanley Ejirika Afunwa, said mobile devices have made the world to become a global village because of its capacity to communicate with the world from any location in seconds. According to him, “mobile devices have changed the way businesses are carried out, including our lifestyles. So it is something the world cherishes most and we have been in the business of selling quality mobile devices from all brands in the past 11 years, but we are launching Mobile City Nigeria for the first time in Nigeria and we are starting from Festac Town in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, with plans to spread to other parts of Lagos and outside Lagos.� “We have launched in a very unique way, different from what is obtainable in the country in terms pricing, customer service offerings, delivery services and

after-sales services. Mobile City has been operational in other countries of the world like Texas in US, Dubai, Hong Kong, Zambia, Zimbabwe, among other countries and we are bringing the world-class experience to Nigeria,� Afunwa said.

He further explained that Mobile City partnered with several brands like Samsung, Huawei, Apple Tecno, among others, to give customers the best of experience.

He, however, said Mobile City would soon launch its own mobile phone brand, which he said, was still at the manufacturing stage and would be launched in Nigeria and other parts of the world where Mobile City has presence. “Our prices are affordable without compromising on quality of the brand. We have easy payment structure called Easy Buy System that allows customers to buy devices of choice and make installment payments that is pocket friendly and flexible.

At Mobile City, we have aftersales service tagged I-Repair, with well trained electronic engineers on ground to attend to all kinds of faulty devices, including replacement of faulty parts,�

Afunwa said.

NCS to Honour Contributors to ICT Development Nosa Alekhuogie The Nigerian Computer Society (NCS), the umbrella body of all information technology (IT) professionals and interest groups, has concluded arrangement to recognise Nigerians who have contributed to the development of the IT sector during its 2020 National Information Technology Merit Awards (NITMA), slated to hold today at the MUSON Centre in Lagos.

According to NCS President, Prof. Adesina Sodiya, “In line with the advocacy efforts of NCS to achieve sustainable development, and promoting digital economy in Nigeria through IT, NCS promotes excellence and significant impact, and will be celebrating the champions who are using technology to change society for good.�

Annually the NCS recognises, celebrates and rewards outstanding excellence and exceptional contributions in the IT field through the unique national platform NITMA provides. Its focus as a society is progress for the sector in particular and for the nation as a whole. “As the acknowledged professional authority facilitating the development of an inclusive, globally competitive, prosperous and knowledge-based digital economy in Nigeria, NCS is

committed to recognizing and rewarding outstanding hard work and excellence in accelerating IT development.

In choosing the awards, the key areas and issues affecting growth in the sector and society are addressed. For all awards, key criteria include IT specialisations, NCS standards and global best practices,� Sodiya said.

During the award, professional fellowships will be conferred on members of NCS who are recognised as authorities in their field of computing and have distinguished themselves through significant contribution to the growth of Information Technology through their professional expertise and activities.

Honourary Fellowship will also be conferred on distinguished personalities for their dedication and exemplary service to IT growth and development in Nigeria.

The IT Personality Year Award also known as the NCS President’s award will be given. NCS will acknowledge and celebrate individuals that have excelled in the tech sector during the year. In 2020, nominees for the President’s award, include: CEO, Rack Centre, Mr. Ayotunde Coker; CEO etranzact, Mr. Niyi Toluwalope and MD/CEO Fintrak Ltd, Mr. Bimbo Abioye.

The 9mobile team, led by the Chief Commercial Officer, Stjepan Udovicic; Executive Director, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Abdulrahman Ado; Director, Customer Care, Ehimare Omoike; Director, Sales, Oluwatosin Olulana among others, fielded questions and provided on-the-spot resolutions to most of the concerns raised by customers.

Udovicic explained that the forum was designed to gain feedback from its subscribers in the city to

serve them and continuously meet their communication needs.

According to Udovicic, “This forum is very important for us. We want to know what you think about the company, the brand, and what you think about our product and services because we are eager to evolve. 9mobile is transforming; we are planning substantial changes in the company, but to make these changes right, we need to listen to our customers.�

On his part, Omoike

thanked the customers for turning out in their numbers, explaining that the forum was important for 9mobile ahead of its planning season.

He said: “We thought it would be nice to come here to feel the pulse of our customers, hear from you as we go into our planning season, to look at how best to serve our customers here in Kano. The customer forum is an initiative we started where we go to major cities to hear from our customers what the challenges are;

what they expect from us as a network.�

One of the customers at the forum, Samson Onwani, commended 9mobile for recognising and appreciating the value of its customers by holding the forum.

He said: “I am happy that that 9mobile recognised its customers. I am also happy with the flow of the session, particularly the explanations on the different questions raised during the event.�

Onwani, who won a phone, added: “I feel happy because

CSR IN ACTION

L-R: Head CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Chioma Okolie; Airtel Touching Lives Season 5 Beneficiary, Baby Daniel with mother, Adeola Ayoola and Senior Business Manager, Airtel Nigeria, Oluranti Owoborode, during the cheque presentation of for the baby’s heart surgery, under the Airtel Touching Lives initiative, which held in Lagos...recently

MainOne, Microsoft Collaborate on Cloud Services MainOne, a communications services company for business, has announced that it has become the first Microsoft Azure Peering Services partner for West Africa, providing enterprises using Microsoft Cloud services with a secured, reliable and high performance experience relative to what is currently available in the market.

MainOne now offers enterprises improved performance in accessing Microsoft Cloud applications such as Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, Teams, and other SaaS products.

The new Microsoft Azure peering service will ensure that enterprises increas-

ingly reliant on Microsoft Cloud services currently accessed over the public Internet enjoy consistent performance via secured routes for an improved end user experience. The service ensures customer data is delivered over a dedicated internet connection that is prioritized over the public internet on MainOne and Microsoft networks.

Speaking on the achievement, the Chief Technology Officer of MainOne, Anil Verma, said the growing migration towards cloud services by its customers informed the company’s collaboration with Microsoft

to deploy this capability which guarantees predictable and reliable connection to Microsoft Cloud services. “We have noted that an increasing number of Nigerian enterprises make use of SaaS applications due to the agility and ease of onboarding that it offers.

With the impact of the global health pandemic, usage of such applications has further skyrocketed. However, unless Enterprise users put in place the right connectivity solution, cloud access suffers performance degradation over the public Internet.

The Microsoft Azure Peering Services service directly

addresses the connectivity challenges of accessing Microsoft Cloud applications by providing enterprises with the benefits of MainOne’s dedicated connection with Microsoft,� Verma said.

Also, Partner Programme Manager, Azure Networking at Microsoft Corp. said, Jeffrey Cohen, said: “We are pleased to extend Microsoft Azure Peering Service with MainOne. The service improves overall connectivity to Microsoft 365 and ensures each customer’s traffic takes the shortest path via MainOne into the nearest edge Point of Presence (PoP) on the Microsoft network.�

Layer3 to Enhance Customer Experience Layer3, an industry player in cloud, scalable and secure networks, has achieved the ISO/IEC 27001:2013 and ISO/IEC 27017:2015 certifications. According to the company, certifications will enable it serve customers better and improve their experiences in business.

ISO/IEC 27001:2013 is the most widely used information security standard, prepared and published by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), the world’s largest developer of voluntary international standards.

It is a globally recognised standard mandating numerous controls for the

establishment, maintenance, and certification of an information security management system (ISMS). The standard ensures that organisations have established methodologies and framework to business and information technology (IT) processes to help identify, manage, and reduce risks to the security of information.

The company in a statement, said: “Over the past six months, and through the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Layer3 has worked aggressively to meet the ISO 27001 standard and achieve certification, completing a thorough audit with an external ISO 27001

auditor who examined the company’s security controls against all the domains and controls of the ISO 27001 standard. “In addition, Layer3 has also achieved the ISO/IEC 27017:2015 certification. ISO/ IEC 27017 is a security standard developed for cloud service providers and users to make a safer cloud-based environment and reduce the risk of security problems.

It is part of the ISO/IEC 27000 family of standards, which provide best practice recommendations on information security management.

Layer3 becomes one of the only companies in Africa to achieve this certification.�

Layer3’s Information Security Lead, Chinua Katchy, while speaking on the importance of the ISO 27001 and ISO/IEC 27017 certifications, said: “These certifications illustrate our pledge and commitment to provide highly secure services and securely protecting our customer data as part of delivering Africa’s most robust cloud platform, Layer3Cloud. It is also a significant accomplishment for us that demonstrates to our customers and partners our dedication to prioritise security management controls as well as indicating our verifiable approach to information security.�

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Tackling Threats to Food Security Raheem Akingbolu

S

takeholders in the Agricultural value chain have described the current rise in the inflation rate from 13.71 per cent in September to 14.23 per cent in October 2020, as fallout from multiple factors that stiffened the agricultural sector in recent time.

Some of the factors alluded to by the experts are: insurgency in the north -east, border closure, the COVID-19, hike in fuel price and deficiency in infrastructure.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) monthly inflation report released recently had indicated that the rise in the inflation rate was driven mainly by the hike in prices of food items.

The NBS explained that this rise in the food index was caused by increases in prices of bread and cereals, potatoes, yam and other tubers, meat, fish, fruits, vegetable, alcoholic and food beverages and oil and fat.

In a related development, the latest edition of the UN News, observed that seven countries, including Nigeria were facing a food security challenge, predicting that they are prone to famine as a result of conflict, economic decline, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic if adequate measures are not put in place.

The report stated that the United Nations had released $100 million of emergency funding to stave off the risk of famine in seven countries most at risk from a hunger epidemic fueled by conflict, economic decline, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Mark Lowcock, was quoted as saying that $80 million would be split between Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, South Sudan and Yemen, which would get the biggest tranche of $30 million He was also quoted to have stated that a further $20 million had been set aside for Ethiopia, where droughts could worsen an already fragile situation.

Reacting to the NBS report, the Vice President, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Femi Oke, said the hike in price of food items can be attributed to hike in price of fuel and the country’s infrastructural deficiency. “The inflation is bound to happen if we consider the negative impact of fuel price hike on an average farmer, coupled with the poor state of our roads. I can only appeal to government to fashion out measures to cushion the effect of all these on day-to-day activities of farmers,�

Oke said.

Meanwhile, some analysts have also established that the frequent hike in fuel price engineered

by the removal of subsidy early March fuelled the country’s inflation rate over the past months.

An analyst and former President of the Experiential Marketing Association of Nigeria (EXMAN), Kayode Olagesin, who also linked the current inflation to multiple factors, built his argument on simple economics theory that Food prices are determined by Demand and Supply.

He said: “The situation we are in is that we are suffering the effect of the prolonged unrest in the north, Covid-19, late rains and border closure.

These three factors combined have significantly impacted agricultural production negatively.

Output is low both in terms of crops and animal husbandry. According to a report I saw earlier in the year, many farmers can’t go to their farms in some part of the Northern Nigeria due to armed banditry or Boko Haram activities. “Covid-19 lockdown also compounded the issue as farmers down south also had challenges.

So also the weather as the rains were very late in coming and contrary to the prediction of a higher volume of rain this year, it was much less. “Many farmers lost crops due to late rains.

The border closure also contributed negatively as produce that used to come from neighboring countries to augment what we produce here as also not been coming in. For those farmers,

who are into animal husbandry, they have had challenges with cost of animal feed due to scarcity of corn due to government ban.

It is the combination of these factors that is driving food prices up and it will continue,�

Olagesin stated.

A farmer and Adviser to a former Ogun State governor on Agriculture, Luqman Noibi, in a recent report on ‘crises in the Poultry feed industry’ also attributed the challenges being faced in the sub-sector to deficiency in raw material and government policy.

According to him, “An essential ingredient in poultry feed like soya cake is now gold, having moved up from N130,000 per tonne last month to N210,000 per tonne this week. This product is produced locally here by Vegetable oil companies. “I understand Soy seed is available now but this morning I was told the three big players in the industry are currently exporting Soya cake for forex. This probably has affected supply; we can’t even get to buy. “This price is getting crazy; farmers find it so difficult to transfer the incremental cost to Egg buyers. Farm gate price will be going for a minimum of #1,100 now... It is a serious matter.

I’m just downcast,� the farmer stated.

Meanwhile, in a special report by Reuters earlier in the year, the international news platform

had painted the various challenges facing a rice farmer, Thomas Tyavwva Maji, from Benue and how reliance on simple farm tools had truncated his dream to take advantage of a surge in prices since the country shut its land borders in August.

According to the report, Maji was planting rice on more of his land in Benue State than ever but he admitted that he could not go much further. With no machinery or irrigation, limited manual labor and no spare cash for fertilizers, the 45-year-old is not expecting any dramatic change in his fortunes. “We work until we get exhausted, manually we get exhausted,� said Maji, Reuters had concluded that the constraints Maji faces have bedeviled many rice farmers and millers across Nigeria for years. Despite government measures designed to spur production, farmers in Nigeria get far less from their land than other major rice growers and the West African country is only marginally less reliant on imports. “That’s a problem for a government that wants to grow all of its own food and boost the country’s agriculture, a sector that accounts for nearly a third of gross domestic product in Africa’s biggest economy When he came to power in 2015, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari pledged to help the nation become self-sufficient in rice – once a luxury but now a staple for millions of Nigerians,�

The report further stated that in 2015, Nigeria’s central bank banned the use of its foreign exchange to pay for rice imports and has backed loans of at least 40 billion naira ($130 million) to help small-holders boost output. It also banned rice imports across land borders and kept hefty 70% tariffs on imports coming through ports.

In the recent NBS report, the ‘’All items less farm produce’’ or Core inflation, which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produce stood at 11.14 per cent in October 2020, up by 0.56 per cent when compared with 10.58 per cent recorded in September 2020.

On a month-on-month basis, the core sub-index increased by 1.25 per cent in October 2020.

This was up by 0.31 per cent when compared with 0.94 per cent recorded in September 2020.

The highest increases were recorded in prices of Passenger transport by air, Hospital and Medical Services, Passenger transport by road, Pharmaceutical products, Motor cars, Vehicle spare parts, Maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment, hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishments, miscellaneous services relating to the dwelling, Paramedical services and shoes and other footwear.

Business Owners Urged to Make Women Core of their Strategies Raheem Akingbolu For economies, businesses and brands to grow, brand custodians must make women the core of not only their communication strategies but the business model strategies as well.

These were the words of the Chief Executive Officer of Hazon Holdings, Victor Afolabi, at the special first virtual and fourth edition of the prestigious Women in Marketing and Communications Conference/Awards 2020, held recently.

Afolabi who was the guest speaker at the conference, noted that women are more economically empowered to make purchases, just as they also enjoy and have the numbers He said: “According to research, globally,

women control over $20 trillion of the total consumer spend as they wield an influence of over 80 per cent in buying decisions. “They spend more time than men daily making economic decisions for their families -- from consumer goods to services. These women hold crucial purchasing power. In fact, 50 per cent of products marketed to men are purchased by women.�

Afolabi who also spearheads operations at GDM as the Group Chief Executive Officer, however, decried the fact that despite the influence women wield in purchasing decisions, their role was often downplayed. “Despite the exciting numbers and the new influence women wield, their inclusion for brands growth continues to be downplayed.

If women make over 80 per cent of most

strategic decisions why are brand custodians not aware of this? “Brands must make women the core of their strategy in order to drive a sustainable business growth,� he emphasised.

Earlier, the convener of WIMCA 2020, Joshua Ajayi, while welcoming physical and virtual participants to the event had explained that the theme of the International Women’s Day (IWD) Celebration commemorated every March has always informed the theme of WIMCA, and this year was no different.

Further explaining the rationale for the event, Ajayi revealed that this year’s WIMCA topic is exploring how women can navigate through the tough terrain to shatter the glass ceilings to attain their potential professionally, especially in the IMC industry. “As usual,

women continue to encounter challenges when it comes to advancing in the workplace and in many facets of the society. Some of these challenges include Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs), the issue of equal remuneration or equal pay, bias which is an issue women continue to deal with at the place of work, and advocacy, among others.

The event also featured two highly interactive panel discussions which had some of the best minds in the industry as panelists. The first which was geared towards providing a mentorship platform for young and prospective professionals as well as igniting the potential in women towards attaining enviable heights in marketing and management was titled: “Leveraging Data Science for Effective Engagement of Female Consumers.�

Insight’s Founder, Biodun Shobanjo’s Biography for Launch The much-anticipated biography of Nigeria’s foremost marketing communications practitioner and Chairman of Troyka Holdings, Dr Biodun Olusina Shobanjo has been slated for public presentation in Lagos on Thursday, 26 November, 2020.

The book titled, The Will To Win: The Story of Biodun Shobanjo is written by Mr. Dotun Adekanmbi, an award-winning business journalist and accomplished public relations practitioner.

Distinguished boardroom guru and diplomat, Dr. Christopher Kolade, will chair the launch

while renowned African entrepreneur, Chief Dele Fajemirokun, is the Chief presenter of the book. Veteran journalist, Mr. Ray Ekpu, will review the biography during the launch.

The Will To Win: The Story of Biodun Shobanjo is the first authoritative biography on the guru of advertising who at various times had been conferred with high honours including Doctor of Letters (D.Litt Honoris Causa) by the Obafemi Awolowo University; Advertising Man of All Time by The Sun newspapers and Most Influential Personality in Advertising in

Africa by Africa Development Magazine, Ghana.

The book chronicles the trajectory of Shobanjo’s career right from his humble beginning as a Studio Manager in then Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) now Radio Nigeria to his days at Grant Advertising Ltd, an AmericanNigerian agency; his foray into entrepreneurship when he co-founded Insight Communications in 1980 and his days as a daring creative innovator in the marketing communications industry till date.

Author of the book, Dotun Adekanmbi,

said: “I was motivated to write this book because I found Dr. Shobanjo’s personality and professional accomplishments quite intriguing, particularly because he evokes diverse passions in players in his industry.

My determination to unravel the myths that surround him prompted my proposal to write The Will To Win: The Story of Biodun Shobanjo. His willingness to share his professional worldview with young practitioners and people in search of knowledge is what is now being presented to the public.�

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T H I S D AY ˾ NOVEMBER 26, 2020

BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

Drug Use: The Forgotten Epidemic Buba Marwa

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n 2018, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the European Union conducted the first ever national drug use survey in the country.

With a drug use prevalence of more than 14.4 per cent among Nigerians aged between 15 and 64 years - almost three time the global average of 5.5 per cent - the findings were truly preoccupying.

Then, a total of 14.3 million Nigerian adults had used illicit drugs or had made non-medical use of prescription drugs, primarily pharmaceutical opioids, during the preceding 12 months.

The survey found a total of almost 3 million persons suffering from some form of drug use disorder – dwarfing the statistics of illnesses, such as HIV/ AIDS and more recently COVID-19.

Drug use disorder is a multi-dimensional health and social problem.

It severely affects the general health of users making them significantly more susceptible to contract and pass on other illnesses, such as Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis.

Drug use in Nigeria has some particularities. While the most used drug – like in many other countries – is Cannabis, the use of Cocaine and Heroin is comparatively rare.

The most dangerous widespread drug use is the non-medical consumption of tramadol and similar pharmaceutical opioids, normally used in clinical pain management. As a matter of fact, West Africa is presently facing

Buba

its very own opioid crisis of proportions similar to the one experienced in North America.

Since 2018, the situation may very well have further deteriorated. In a poll conducted by UNODC and UNICEF in June 2020 among 80,000 Nigerian youths, the majority felt that drug use had increased in the wake of COVID-19 related lockdowns, schoolclosures, and the economic downturn.

ENACT, a research programme funded by the European Union,

predicts that the number of people who use drugs in Sub-Saharan Africa will increase approximately 2.5 fold by 2050, with the lion’s share in West Africa. For Nigeria, this projection signifies that it might have to grapple with more than 35 million drug users.

The Nigerian Government has recognised the urgency of the situation. In December 2018, President Buhari established the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse (PACEDA).

The Committee conducted in-depth inquiries into the nature of drug use and the drug markets in the country as well as of the dedicated law enforcement, prevention and treatment capabilities.

The final report was submitted to Mr. President in October 2019. While follow up action has been delayed due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and the ensuing economic crisis, Government has been working on a new edition of the National Drug Control Master Plan 2021-2025.

While waiting for government’s next step, it appears worthwhile to reflect on how we got where we are.

How did Nigeria, which considered itself for many years primarily a transit country, become one of the primary drug consumers worldwide?

The answer, to a large extent, is already implied in the question. Drug use, for long, was ignored. It was considered a vice of the West. Local

consumption primarily affected the less wealthy in society.

Also, the spill-over effect expected to be caused by Nigeria’s role as a transit hub in the international cocaine trade did not materialise to the extent feared. Self-medication, a lack of access to appropriate pain medication and a largely un- or underregulated market for prescription drugs are likely to have fueled the widespread use of pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes.

With the very first national representative study on drug use conducted only in 2018, drug use could fester and spread for decades essentially unobserved by policy makers. The response to drugs in Nigeria, also due to international pressures, focused for decades on supply reduction through law enforcement. The primary objective was to stop the flow of drugs being trafficked by Latin American Cartels and Nigerian organized crime groups from South America through West Africa to Europe. Moreover, drug use was – and by many still is – considered a personal moral failure rather than a health issue.

Going forward, what is needed is an urgent investment into the health and wellbeing of people, including future generations, if we want to prevent millions of Nigerians to fall prey to drugs.

Drawing on the successful pilot testing of UNPLUGGED – an evidencebased drug prevention programme for secondary school children - PACEDA recommended to roll it out to all public and private schools in the country.

We also need to expand the network of community based drug drop-in centers to drive drug education and prevention at the grassroots, provide counselling and after-care services to drug users and their families, and to refer cases that require medical treatment to specialised facilities.

We further must improve regulated access to prescription drugs for those in need, while curbing unregulated drug markets.

And, there is an urgent need to improve treatment services for drug users. UNODC estimates that there are barely 1000 drug treatment places in the country. Considering the 3 million Nigerians living with a drug use disorder and approximately 350,000 high-risk drug users, this is obviously inadequate and affects in particular female drug users who face much greater challenges in accessing such services.

This health and people centered approach should be complemented by “smart” enforcement which focuses on intelligence led operations targeting the organisers of the billion naira drug trade.

In short, while the country’s response to drug use may come late, it is not too late.

Building on its successes in responding to COVID-19, Government has a unique opportunity to tackle the raging drug epidemic by acting on the PACEDA report with the same zeal and sense of purpose.

-Brigadier-General Marwa is the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Elimination of Drug Abuse (PACEDA) and Oliver Stolpe, Country Representative, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Nigeria

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T H I S D AY ˾ NOVEMBER 26, 2020

BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

Financial Inclusion as Lever in Improving Livelihoods Tunde Bello

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he COVID-19 pandemic makes clear what has been true all along. Your health is as safe as that of the worst-insured, worst-caredfor person in your society. It will be decided by the height of the floor, not the ceiling. Beyond its impact on human health, COVID-19 has shown us just how vulnerable agricultural value chains are to external shocks – and how much more we need to do to build the sector’s resilience.

Nigerian farmers have it tough.

On one side, they are barricaded by unfavourable climate changes, limited access to domestic and international markets, increased transportation costs, lack of adequate infrastructure; and now on the other hand, by the effects of COVID-19.

Media coverage had focused on ‘essential workers’ getting the world through this time of insecurity, especially health workers — and rightfully so. But other unsung heroes are at the first step of the agricultural value chain, ensuring the foundations for many of the products we enjoy so much - from our cocoa beverages to palm oil: smallholder farmers.

Because of COVID and the impact on food security, more and more companies have woken up to the risk of not being able to create products or stock shelves. Businesses are suddenly interested in how farmers are performing – and whether they will be able to continue supplying their raw materials in the future.

Smallholder farmers are the nucleus of the world’s agricultural value chain; sustaining a plethora of sectors, commodities and companies.

For example, Anheuser-Busch InBev, a leading brewing company, depends on more than 20,000 direct smallholder farmers, across thirteen countries and five continents, to grow high-quality crops to brew their drinks. In Nigeria, over 80 per cent of our domestic food supply is provided by small-scale farmers who work on less than a hectare of land. In Ghana, smallholders cultivating less than two hectares of land per farm, produce an estimated 20 per cent of the world’s cocoa, making Ghana the secondlargest producer in the world, with cocoa exports accounting for about 40 of its foreign exchange earnings and 8–12 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Despite their importance, there is a lot of poverty in the sector, especially in countries like Nigeria, where smallholder farmers make up around 80 per cent of the total number of farmers in Nigeria; yet, only 27 per cent of the farmers live above the poverty line ($2.50 daily).

During the height of the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic, in addition to an already grim reality, farmers were dealt a further blow, mostly rural smallholder farmers that are typically family-run operations with limited access to credit, information, technology, storage options and labour. The pandemic exacerbated these issues with disruptions to transportation, market access, labour availability, and uncertainty for farmers who were worried whether or not their crops would still be purchased as entire industries came to a halt.

Restaurants had to stop buying as much food, purchases of cotton for consumer goods slowed, and low oil prices reduced demand for ethanol, hurting corn planters.

In an impoverished country, where unemployment was rife even before the pandemic, it is time to ask: what support our unsung heroes need to keep going – and, eventually, to

recover while improving their livelihoods and competitiveness?

With Targeted Support Comes Success The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) recommends timely and well-targeted support to the needs of smallholder communities - especially at farm level (SDG 2). For instance, farmers’ financing needs are determined by expenses and cash outflows at various stages of the growing season — at the start of every growing season, there is a huge outflow of cash (e.g. to buy seeds and other farm inputs) and this negative cash flow grows until farmers can harvest and sell their crops. Credit products must therefore be customised to farmers’ unique circumstances, financing needs and revenue-generating activities.

Well-targeted support like those offered by Babban Gona, empowers smallholder farmers to succeed in the transition to more resilience against shocks and climate changes (SDG 13), sustainable consumption and production patterns (SDG 12), competitive, safe and inclusive employment (SDG 8), and to ensure “no one will be left behind” (SDG 1). People get left behind when they lack the choices and opportunities or endure disadvantages or deprivations that limit their options and opportunities to participate in and benefit from development progress.

Many smallholders live in extreme poverty and operate in the hardto-reach rural communities and can thus be considered ‘left behind’ and the most adversely impacted by the pandemic.

For Umar Dangari — a 55-year-old farmer in Adamawa state, northeast Nigeria — in planning for the next planting season, he finds that a bag of fertiliser he purchased for his farm for N7,500 just before the lockdown more than seven months ago is now sold for N22,500 because the lockdown affected the import of these agricultural inputs. To further exacerbate the situation, Umar is unable to access loans from financial institutions because of the perceived high risk of lending to the agricultural sector. For a start, reaching remote rural areas can be expensive.

Weather risks, crop concentration, and price volatility increase the credit risk for financial institutions that are primarily interested in short-term

lending and high returns.

The disruptions to the supply of farming inputs such as fertilisers and seeds could negatively affect agricultural output. It follows that we may be approaching a dire situation where farmers prioritise buying food today over planting seeds for tomorrow, raising the threat of food shortages later on.

We have begun to see the farranging consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic around the world, and it is now more apparent than ever that the COVID-19 health crisis could soon become a food crisis. Yet, Nigeria’s COVID-19 stimulus relief packages are difficult to access by small-scale farmers like Umar that are critical players in preventing this looming food crisis. Recently, we watched in shock as people carted away COVID-19 palliatives from warehouses across Nigeria. Let’s also consider the Agri-Business, Small and Medium Enterprise Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS) Non-Interest Fund offered by the Central Bank of Nigeria. The process requires a Bank Verification Number (BVN) in a country where 40% of the population are financially excluded, and many rural communities are unbanked and hard to reach electronically.

A new analysis estimates that by the end of 2020, 265 million people in low and middle-income countries will be under the threat of starvation, up from the 135 million in 2019. In Nigeria, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Consumer Price Index Report shows that Nigeria’s food inflation rate has maintained a steady rise from 14.67% recorded in December 2019 to 15.48% in July 2020. This means that the purchasing power of Nigerians has declined and their ability to afford the same quantity of food has reduced significantly.

Overcoming the Crisis Due to disruption experienced during the lock-down and now a widespread inability to afford food, smallholders and micro-entrepreneurs - especially women - in the most vulnerable communities in Nigeria face food insecurity to a greater extent than others. We see them being ‘left behind’ yet again.

As a well-documented enabler of promoting sustainable agriculture and food security (SDG 2) as well as other developmental goals, financial inclusion has a vital role to play

in the mitigation of COVID-19’s harms to Umar, and the other 38 million smallholder farmers like him in Nigeria. We should be thinking about the systems that undergird the financial system and how to use them to create financial protection for the most vulnerable population.

Kenya stands out as a digital finance pioneer, with mobile money payments used for remittances, bill payments, utilities, salaries and even government payments. In 2017, 37% of adults in rural areas in Kenya received money from the sale of agricultural products through a mobile phone (compared to around 30% in 2014). In the wake of the pandemic, the Kenyan government made a difference for Kenyan farmers by leveraging the robust digital payment infrastructure to support smallholder farmers and help them get access to capital.

In May, the Kenyan government implemented an e-voucher programme in which farmers received vouchers on their mobile phones to exchange for partially subsidised farm supplies based on their individual and household needs. With such an initiative, smallholders who have suffered the brunt of inadequate resources, especially at the start of the growing season, can increase their productivity, purchasing power and improve many other facets of their lives.

Scrolling through ‘Kenya e-voucher Twitter’, it is heartening to see the success story of Victoria Muteti, a 44-year old farmer living in Kenya’s Makueni County. Victoria was able to secure her income, access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food and invest part of her income into a poultry house and a cow, which will further improve her nutrition and bring additional revenue.

Looking at some of the lessons learnt from the pandemic, it is clear that countries with robust digital payment infrastructures can quickly get money out to people who are most in need and serve as a demonstration of the importance of an inclusive financial system for crisis response and economic recovery.

Now more than ever, Nigeria needs to pay attention to the progress that can be made from deepening financial inclusion, or our most vital producers may be left behind.

-Bello, an independent journalist is based in Nigeria

T H I S D AY ˾ NOVEMBER 26, 2020

BUSINESSWORLD

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ANALYSIS

Advancing Nigeria Telecoms’ Network with eSIM The recent approval granted MTN and 9mobile by the Nigerian Communications Commission to carry out a one year trial test of eSIM on their networks, will advance the country’s telecoms network in line with global best practices, writes Emma Okonji

he latest regulatory move by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in granting MTN and 9mobile, a one-year trial test of the embedded Subscriber Identification Modules (eSIM) on their networks, has been described as a further development in advancing the country’s telecoms network, as part of preparation for achieving the digital transformation goals of Nigeria.

Shortly before the approval was granted, NCC had also approved a three-month trial of national roaming service for MTN and 9mobile, that will enable the two mobile network operators (MNOs) to carry out trial on national roaming service for a period of three months, which commenced from August 1, 2020 and ended October 31, 2020.

Industry stakeholders see the latest development on eSIM as a step forward taken by NCC in putting the nation’s digital ecosystem on the map of countries deploying cutting-edge technologies that are in line with emerging technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G deployment, among others.

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become a new norm. Given the trend toward anywhere connectivity, a customer should expect to see many more of the LTE-connected computers in the next few years.

Industry experts have observed that slowly but surely, it looks like eSIMs will take over mobile devices because they provide a new level of convenience and accessibility for everyone.

As long as a carrier supports the eSIMs and a customer’s phone supports them, then that may be all a customer needs to start using the new technology that will enable the subscriber switch from one network to another, without the use of Subscriber Identification Module (SIM card). To help bridge the gap, some phones with eSIMs still have traditional SIM card slots, but it’s a good bet that eventually, those trays could go away altogether.

Whether a customer is traveling, switching carriers, or upgrading his phone, an eSIM sounds much easier to manage than any of the alternatives. Fortunately, the technology is spreading faster than consumers can keep up, and soon it will be everywhere.

eSIM approval The trial, approved to run for a period of one year, will involve testing 5, 000 e-SIMs by the two networks, subject to compliance with a number of regulatory conditions.

The conditions include full compliance by the MNOs with the registration of Telecoms Subscribers Regulations 2011; the Mobile Number Portability Regulations and Business Rules 2015; Guidelines on SIM Replacement 2017; and non-degradation of the Quality of Service (QoS) experience by users of e-SIMs. The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof.

Umar Garba Danbatta, said: “The primary objective of the e-SIM trial is to assess the technical performance of the e-SIM on telecoms service providers’ network towards eventual rollout, if satisfactory.”

An eSIM is a small chip that is embedded on a mobile phone or smart devices. It is designed for convenience, flexibility and simplicity. The e-SIM makes it easier for subscribers to choose a pre-paid plan provider and switch between network operators.

The information on the e-SIM is rewritable by operators and the identification information can be updated over time.

“The eSIM is a technology that will eliminate the need for physical SIM card slots on mobile devices in the near future, and the trial is in line with the commission’s forward-looking regulatory approach to ensure Nigeria’s telecoms ecosystem is in tandem with global best practices,” Danbatta said.

Understanding eSIM According to industry stakeholders, once MTN and 9mobile successfully complete the one year trial of eSIM on their networks, other MNOs like Globacom, Airtel and ntel, will not waste any time in introducing eSIM on their networks, as soon as they get regulatory approval from NCC. Just like technology evolution is overtaking old technologies like 2G, and 3G, including the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology, so also will eSIM take over SIM cards, such that in the nearest future, telecoms operators will not offer telecoms connectivity services through the SIM cards.

The eSIM is a much smarter technology than the old regular SIM cards, otherwise known as subscriber identity module, which basically contains the information that authenticates subscriber identity to a carrier, like mobile network operators. In other words, the SIM card is what tells a carrier that a customer is, who he or she is and without it, carriers wouldn’t know that customers are subscribed to their network, and thus wouldn’t let them use their cell towers. Already New phones like the Pixel 4, iPhone 11 Pro, and Motorola Razr boast of eSIM support.

eSIM as evolving technology As technology advances, eSIMs are expected to find a home in a new generation of Long Term Evolution LTE-connected computers. Since the connected computers first emerged in 2018, the push to provide connectivity anywhere has

Comparison between eSIM and SIM card The eSIM and the traditional SIM card, perform exactly the same functions, but eSIM functions in a more advanced technology way, bringing higher speed of connectivity and eliminating the stress of carrying more than one SIM card in a single mobile device, while also eliminating the stress of physically switching from one network to another, when the need arises.

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

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IMAGES

L-R, Director General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS Dr Gambo Aliyu, National Coordinator, National AIDS and STI Control Program Dr Akudo Ikpeazu and Director ,Performance Management and Resourse Mobilization NACA Mrs Josephine Kalu during the 2020 World AIDS Day Press Conference in Abuja...recently

T H I S D AY ˞ ˜ Ͱʹ˜ Ͱ͎Ͱ͎

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

L-R;: Wife of the author, Princes Bukola Adeniran; author/ former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran; Chairman of the Occasion, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam; Guest of Honor/ Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu; and Deputy Senate Majority Leader, Senator Ajayi BoroďŹƒce, during the public presentation of the book titled, Africa Security Challenges in the 21st Century, in Abuja...recently

L-R: Special Assistant to the President on Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Mr Tola Johnson; Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Mariam Katagum; and Director-General, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Dr Dikko Radda, during a news conference on the continuing Implementation of the Federal Government Survival Fund across Nigeria, in Abuja...recently

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Olayiwole Onasanya; Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya; Managing Director, Buhler Nigeria, Manuel Murrenho and Senior Partner, FAO Consulting International, Engr. Ademola Amure, during the Inspection visit on the state of work to the Imota Rice Mill by the Commissioner in Lagos...recently.

L-R; Mr. Austin Aigbotsua; Activation Ambassador, Miss Abimbola Oyeniyi; Mr. John Sule; Activation Ambassador, Miss Rhoda Oghonemu; and Mr. Zed Jituboh, during the November edition of Ikeja Golf Club Monthly Medal Competition sponsored by NIVEA in Lagos... recently

First Lady, Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi presenting the seed grant cheque to members of Ise Oluwa Cooperative B Ward 2, Ado LGA at the oďŹƒcial Launch of Obirinkete Multipurpose Association at the Adetiloye Hall, Trade Fair Complex, Ado-Ekiti...recently

L-R; Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar; Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege; Leader of Federal Government delegation/Chief of Sta to the President, Ibrahim Gambari; Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike; Chairman South-South Governor’s Forum/Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa;Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel;Bayelsa State Governor,. Douyi Diri; Cross Rivers State Governor.. Ben Ayade and Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, during a stakeholders meeting between the Federal Government and Leaders of South-South Region, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State...recently

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T H I S D AY ˞ ˜ Ͱʹ˜ Ͱ͎Ͱ͎

Edo State Representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Mrs. Faith Ireye (left) and Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu during the agged o of the ModiďŹ ed Integrated Medical Outreach Programme (MI-MOP) at Eyaen Primary HealthCare Center (PHC) in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State...recently

L-R: Non-Executive Independent Director, SEPLAT, Mr. Basil Omiyi ; CEO SEPLAT, Mr. Roger Brown; Chairman, Dr. ABC Orjiako; Executive Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki and Non-Executive Independent Director, SEPLAT, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui Okauru, during a visit by a team of select Board and Management of the Company to the Governor in Edo State...recently

L-R;: Representative of Controller of Immigration, Oyo state, Rose Adejo; Zonal Commander, FRSC, Oyo, Osun and Ogun state, Godwin Ogagaoghene; Representative of the Governor of Oyo State, Mr Mojeed Mogbonjubola; representative of Motor Parks Manager in Oyo state, Alhaji Tajudeen Jimoh; and Sector Commander, FRSC in Oyo, Mrs Uche Chukwurah, during the inauguration of Ember Months Accident Free Campaign by FRSC in Ibadan...recently

L-R: Board Chairman, Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), Mr. Momodu Kassim; Executive Director, CHRICED, Dr. Ibrahim Zikirullahi; and Representative, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Mrs. Lilian Ugbeabu, during the oďŹƒcial public presentation of a Book titled “ The best prospects for combating forced child begging in Nigeriaâ€? in Abuja...recently .ENOCK REUBEN

R-L: Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Simbi Wabote and Managing Director of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, Mr Chikezie Nwosu, at the commissioning of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited’s 5000BPD Modular ReďŹ nery backed by the NCDMB and groundbreaking for the 45,000BPD ReďŹ nery at IbigweField, Ohaji Local Government Area of Imo...recently

L-R; : Director General, Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), Alhaji Farouk Salim; Director, National Metrological Institute, Mr Bede Obayi; and Managing Director Hortigraph Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Murtala Abubakar, during the Director General’s familiarization visit to SON OďŹƒce, in Enugu...recently

Executive Director, Development Communications Network and Guest Speaker, Mr Akin Jimoh (right), addressing Primary Health Care Nurses in the Family Planning Section, during a training workshop for Health Correspondents organised by Development Communications Network in conjunction with TCI the Challenge Initiative, in Jos, Plateau State...recently

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN participates in an interactive with French Business Leaders. in Abuja...recently

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T H I S D AY ˾ , NOVEMBER 26, 2020

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

ÜÙßÚ ÏËÞßÜÏÝ ÎÓÞÙÜ˝ ÒÓÏ×ÏÖÓÏ äÏÙÌÓ ×ËÓÖ chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, Tel: 07010510430

Open Defecation and Push for SDG 6 in Nigeria As Nigeria, last week, joined the rest of the globe to mark the 2020 World Toilet Day, Martins Ifijeh writes on the need to tackle the sanitation crisis, push to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6, as well as support the roles played by organisations like Reckitt Benckiser in addressing the public health challeng

L-R: Chairman, Onigbongbo LCDA, Mr Oladotun Olakanle; Senior Brand Manager, Home and Hygiene, Reckitt Benckiser West Africa, Mrs Chioma Sylva-Ifedigbo; Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Mrs Belinda Aderonke Odeneye; Harpic Brand Ambassador, Dr Helen Paul and Director Sanitation, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Dr Hassan Sanuth, at the 2020 World Toilet Day Celebration and Commissioning of Public Toilets donated by Harpic in Lagos

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ast year, the Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu mentioned that Nigeria ranks highest globally on open defecation, an index that suggests the country is still lagging behind in achieving Sustainable Development Goal Six - Clean Water and Sanitation for All by 2030.

What seems to be the new worry is that the number of persons and households engaging in the act in Nigeria are increasing by the day. For instance, as at October 2020, reports show that 112 million persons in the country do not have toilets of their own, a situation that has largely led to open defecation among the citizens.

The 2018 National Outcome Routine Mapping Report shows that Nigeria loses at least $1.3 billion (almost N600 billion) to poor sanitation, including open defecation, every year.

Globally, 673 million people engage in the practice with over 80 per cent of the figure in only seven countries, including Nigeria; a pool that has no doubt led to myriads of health challenges for the country, including diarrhea, cholera, among others.

To be clear, open defecation is the human practice of passing out faeces in the open – away from toilets, especially on fields, bushes, forests, ditches, streets, canals or other open space.

Many however do these because they do not have toilets readily accessible or due to cultural practices. Experts believed the practice has a huge link to child mortality, poor nutrition, poverty and large disparities between the rich and the poor; a narrative that spurred the United Nations to include SDG 6 in global goals by 2030.

According to WHO, 58 per cent of all cases of diarrhea worldwide in 2015 were caused by unsafe water, poor sanitation and poor hygiene practices, such as inadequate hand washing. This resulted in half a million children under the age of five dying from

diarrhea per year.

To address this, the UN established the World Toilet Day commemorated every November 19 as part of measures to celebrate toilets and raise awareness of the 4.2 billion people living without access to safely managed sanitation across the globe. The day often buttresses the reasons why actions must be taken to tackle global sanitation crisis and as well as discuss models on how to better achieve SDG 6. This year, the theme remarks the importance of sustainable sanitation and climate change.

As part of measures to tackle the scourge in Nigeria, Harpic, one of Nigeria’s leading toilet cleaning brands from Reckitt Benckiser, in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, refurbished and upgraded 47 public toilet units in six communities. It believes if the country must reduce its unfortunate ranking on open defecation globally, citizens must have access to toilets, as well as water which is an essential factor in proper defecation process.

Sharing his thoughts during the commemoration of this year’s World Toilet Day and the flagging off of the ‘Clean Lagos: Use the Toilet’ campaign last week, the Country Manager, RB Hygiene West Africa, Mr. Asif Hashimi said for Nigeria, the increase in sanitation crisis, high ranking on open defecation, obvious global warming, and the dearth of toilets has spurred Reckitt Benckiser to beam its light into addressing the gaps as well as inch the country towards achieving SDG 6.

He is of the view that everyone deserves sustainable sanitation, alongside clean water and hand washing facilities to help protect and maintain health security and stop the spread of deadly infectious diseases such as COVID-19, cholera, diarrhea and typhoid, among others, adding that with the presence of toilets, the country can as well fight climate change as wastewater and sludge from toilets contain valuable water, nutrients,

and energy for the boosting of agriculture, reduction and capturing of emissions for greener energy.

As part of its recent contribution, the organisation, in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has refurbished and upgraded 47 toilets in Oshodi, Ojota, New Garage, Apapa, Costain, and Leventis in Victoria Island; a move the state government believed would in no small measure reduce open defecation in the cosmopolitan city.

It is believed that this would in no small measure push the state towards achieving SDG 6, as well as aid in reducing the health challenges caused by lack of water and improper sanitation in the cosmopolitan city.

Hashimi said the refurbished toilets at the six communities would help reduce the number of Nigerians engaged in open defecation, adding that, “We are reiterating Harpic’s commitment to changing the stories surrounding open defecation and toilet sanitation in Lagos and Nigeria in general.

The brand is interested in tackling the challenge of open defecation in Nigeria as a way of ensuring healthier and happier lives for the people.

“At the moment, Nigeria ranks first among countries practicing open defecation globally. This ‘stigma’ can only be removed if we all join hands to work towards this goal. Harpic’s purpose is to help Nigerians access hygienically clean toilets and also be an enabler for change in the fight for improved sanitation in Nigeria. The Harpic toilet refurbishment project will inspire a big positive attitudinal change, which will impact the lives of the people and the environment.

It is about taking action to tackle the global sanitation crisis and achieve SDG 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.”

According to him, Harpic has been at the forefront in the fight against open defecation, donation and refurbishment of public toilets in Nigeria, adding that since 2018, it has

donated about 80 toilets and refurbished 10 public toilets in Lagos State alone.

He said: “Sustainable sanitation begins with a toilet that effectively captures human waste in a safe, accessible, and dignified setting. The waste then gets stored in a tank, which can be emptied later by a collection service, or transported away by pipework.

“The next stage is treatment and safe disposal. Safe reuse of human waste helps save water, reduces and captures greenhouse gas emissions for energy production, and can provide agriculture with a reliable source of water and nutrients.”

He described Harpic as a leading toilet cleaning brand in Nigeria that provides superior cleaning, gives toilets 10 times better cleaning and kills 99.9 per cent illness-causing germs in toilets.

“Part of the brand purpose is to help Nigerian consumers get access to hygienically clean toilets and also be an enabler for change in the fight for improved sanitation for all Nigerians.

“For our 2020 donations, we have had six public toilets refurbishment, 47 toilet donations, 12 strategic signages (stop open defecation), among others. Harpic has been at the forefront in the fight against open defecation. Since 2018, Harpic has donated close to 100 toilets and refurbished 10 public toilets in Lagos State alone,” he added.

According to experts, providing sanitation has been estimated to lower the odds of children suffering diarrhea by seven to 17 per cent, and under-five mortality by five to 20 per cent.

World Toilet Day exists to inform, engage and inspire people to take action toward achieving this SDG 6. The UN General Assembly declared World Toilet Day an official UN day in 2013, after Singapore had tabled the resolution. Prior to that, World Toilet Day had been established unofficially by the World Toilet Organisation (a Singapore-based NGO) in 2001.

T H I S D AY Ëž , NOVEMBER 26, 2020

35

NEWS

FERTILITY

with DR. KEMI AILOJE Info@lifelinkfertility.com; Website: lifelinkfertility.com 08033083580

45,000 Nigerians Died of HIVAIDS in 2019, Says WHO HYPERPROLACTINEMIAAND INFERTILITY Part (Part 1)

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Onyebuchi Ezigbo Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that an estimated 45,000 persons living with HIV in Nigeria lost their lives last year.

Speaking at an event to mark the 2020 World AIDS Day in Abuja organised by the National Action Against AIDS (NACA), the Country Representative of the WHO, Dr. Fiona Braka said progress has been made in the effort to achieve 90-90-90 target in the country.

She said that about 73 per cent of the person’s living with HIV in the country now know their status. “This is a great achievement for the country but we need to do more. Identifying persons who are positive is urgent and becomes more challenging as we approach the last mile, “ she said.

The WHO Scribe however regretted that despite the efforts of government and donor agencies towards providing life-saving medication and commodities, the country

still recorded 45,000 deaths in 2019 of persons infected with HIV. “As we appreciate the achievements recorded, let us take a moment to reflect on the lives that has been lost due to AIDS related cause. “In 2019, an estimated 45,000 persons with HIV died. This is unacceptable as it is happening at an era where government, donors and partners have successfully made life-saving medication and commodities available,� she said.

On his part, the Director General of NACA, Dr. Gsmbo Aliyu said that the agency has mapped plans to implement an economic empowerment programmes toa assist vulnerable persons living with HIV in our communities who cannot earn a living.

He said COVID-19 pandemic has had a very negative impact on the progress made in tackling AIDS in the country.

He said NACA will in the coming days flag off the implementation of the

empowerment scheme with its officials moving into various communities to reach out to needy persons living with HIV. According to him, the agency believed that through the empowerment scheme, being supported by UNAIDS, the affected persons would be helped to set up small scale businesses and be able to earn a living. “Recently we launched an initiative in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and with the support from UNAIDS, tagged “ Prevent, Protect and Empower� to help people living with HIV/AIDS that find it difficult to visit hospital facilities to collect medication and those women among them that find it difficult to earn a living,� he said.

The Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA who was represented at the event

by Dr. Babatunde Okalekun said findings have shown that adolescents and young persons were mostly infected

by HIV/AIDS in the country.

Pharmacist Council Moves to Facilitate Development of COVID-19 Remedies Onyebuchi Ezigbo Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Pharmacist Council of Nigeria (PCN) has said that it is taking measures to assist members in getting their products certified.

The Chairman of the Council, Prof. Ahmed Tijani Mora said that as healthcare practitioners, pharmacists are licensed to manufacture drugs and to distribute them across the country.

Mora who briefed journalists on the outcome of the meeting of the council held recently, said that efforts are on to increase the production of hand sanitizers and other medical remedies for checking COVID-19 spread. “We have received report from our members in various university faculties and firms on challenges they are facing in getting certification from NAFDAC,� he said.

According to him, the council has resolved to intensify its regulatory activities, adding that since 2019 to date, 20 pharmacists have been brought before the

disciplinary committee on charges of unprofessional conduct.

Speaking on the challenges facing the conduct of one year mandatory internship programme, the chairman said that there are not enough placements for the over 1,500 student pharmacists being produced annually by universities in the country.

He said the number of pharmacists in the country is currently 25,000 whereas 1,500 -1,800 are graduated annually,.

On the issue of planned computerisation of drug distribution, Mora said the council is in touch with the sister agency, NAFDAC, to harmonise efforts in that direction. “We are working on a plan to set up a centralised data system for monitoring production and distribution of drugs, from wholesale to retail outlets in rural areas. “ We are talking about undertaking a holistic monitoring of the distribution of drugs across the country,� he said.

Mora said whereas NAFDAC is an agency in charge of profiling and ensuring that drugs and food products confirms to standards, the Pharmacist Council takes care of the pharmaceutical premises where these medicines are manufactured or warehoused.

He explained that through this method, the council will be able to keep an inventory of drugs manufactured, imported and distributed in the country.

Going forward, he said the council is planning to hold a a pharmacy education summit where issues of career progression and salary of members will appraised.

He said the pharmacy education summit will to look at all attendant issues relating to pharmacy practice in general.

For instance, he said things like salary and wages of pharmacists, carreer progression and other critical issues that will would help promote the practice of the profession in the country.

H

ormones are chemical messengers that are produced in one organ and moves through the blood and body fluids to organs and tissues where they are needed to modify and control body functions. Reproductive hormones are one of the factors that contribute to fertility and conception. These hormones are responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics in men and women and also growth and maturation of sexual gametes. Excess or inadequate amounts of these hormones may cause infertility.

Prolactin is one of several hormones that is produced by the pituitary gland. Prolactin has many different roles throughout the body. Perhaps the most important role of prolactin is to stimulate milk production in women after the delivery of a baby. Prolactin levels increase during pregnancy causing the mammary glands in a woman’s breast to enlarge in preparation for breastfeeding.

Prolactin also helps with the release of milk when the baby is feeding.

During the first several months that a woman is breastfeeding, the high prolactin levels also serve to inhibit ovulation. This is the reason why women who are breastfeeding do not get their periods and therefore do not often become pregnant. As time goes on however, the prolactin levels do not stay as high with breastfeeding and the woman may start to ovulate.

A condition of too much prolactin in the blood of women who are not pregnant and in men is known as HYPERPROLACTINEMIA. Hyperprolactinemia may also lead to galactorrhea; a condition which causes the breasts to produce milk outside pregnancy.

FUNCTIONS OF THE PROLACTIN HORMONE Prolactin is one of the hormones that control fertility and it is produced by the anterior pituitary gland in the brain. In men, prolactin plays a role in testosterone secretion and in production of sperm cells. In women, prolactin helps to stimulate milk production after the delivery of a baby. High levels of prolactin during pregnancy is normal because the body is being prepared for breastfeeding (lactation).

CAUSES OF HYPERPROLACTINEMIA r 1SFHOBODZ BOE #SFBTUGFFEJOH Usually, a high level of prolactin in the body is considered normal during and after pregnancy, most especially while breastfeeding r 1SPMBDUJOPNB It is a noncancerous tumor of the pituitary gland that causes the gland to produce excess prolactin, thus leading to over secretion in the blood. This further causes a reduction in the levels of estrogen hormone in the body and it affects ovulation in women. In men, it alters testosterone and compromises sperm production.

r )ZQPUIZSPJEJTN BOE 4USFTT Cortisol and adrenaline are stress hormones. These hormones coupled with excess consumption of carbohydrates causes an imbalance in the blood sugar levels. People are at an increased risk of frequent hypoglycemic episodes with an underactive thyroid. In order to activate the thyroid gland, the brain then increases the release of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Over secretion of the TSH leads to high prolactin levels. r .FUBCPMJD PS IPSNPOBM DPOEJUJPOT Another factor that may affect the excess production of prolactin includes damage to other parts of the body. In particular, damages to or illnesses of the kidneys, thyroid, and liver can cause hyperprolactinemia.

Hyperprolactinemia has also been connected with other common reproductive disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and amenorrhea. Almost 1 in 6 people who have PCOS also have hyperprolactinemia. r .FEJDBUJPO Drugs such as Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Antihypertensive, and Antinauseals may increase prolactin levels in the blood.

SYMPTOMS OF HYPERPROLACTINEMIA r*SSFHV MBS NFOTUSVBM QFSJPET DIBOHF PS pause in menstrual cycle. r"OPWVMBUJPO XIFO BO FHH JT OPU SFMFBTFE during a menstrual cycle) r )JSTVUJTN BCOPSNBM IBJS HSPXUI

r -PTT PG TFYVBM MJCJEP FSFDUJMF EZTGVODUJPO and painful sex. r -BDUBUJPO BOE QBJO JO CSFBTUT r )FBEBDIFT BOE WJTJPO DIBOHF r "COPSNBM CSFBTU HSPXUI HZOFDPNBTUJB

DIAGNOSIS OF HYPERPROLACTINEMIA The natural levels of prolactin in the body vary throughout the day. It gradually rises overnight and are at their highest in the morning. Stress also increases prolactin levels so it is advised to be relaxed before the test is done. A blood test is first performed to check prolactin levels and the blood is collected during fasting. If test result shows high prolactin levels, a physical examination is done to find any obvious causes or any breast discharge. Several questions may be asked concerning medical history, or any physiological symptoms to determine the possible cause. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain may be done to check if a tumor is present in the pituitary gland.

THE NORMAL RANGE OF PROLACTIN IN BLOOD: r .FO 2 to 18 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) r /POQSFHOBOU XPNFO 2 to 29 ng/mL r 1SFHOBOU XPNFO 10 to 209 ng/mL‌‌‌...

To be continued next week

a d nt d ls

36

T H I S D AY ˾ , NOVEMBER 19, 2020

INTERVIEW

Ikudayisi: Regenerative Medicine Can Reduce Adverse Effects of COVID-19 Dr. David Ikudayisi is the Medical Director, Glory Wellness and Regenerative Centre , a multispecialty health care center, in Lagos and Abuja. He is a United States Board Certified Internist and has passion for regenerative, aesthetic and cosmetic medicine. He spoke to Onyebuchi Ezigbo on what Nigerians stand to gain from the evolving innovation in the medical field

W

hat makes Regenerative Medicine significantly different from conventional medicine, and why would you recommend it for anyone in need of treatment?

It is great to see that Nigeria is catching up with the possibilities of Regenerative Medicine for our health. Conventional medicine uses anything from conservative management, the use of medication, or surgery at the other extreme to help maintain good health or get us as close to it as possible.

Regenerative Medicine on the other hand leverages the body’s natural healing mechanisms and attempts to accentuate their effects by increasing their availability to the specific organs needing regeneration.

The ability to harness the body’s natural healing mechanisms using Adult Stem Cell Therapy (a subcategory of Regenerative Medicine) while minimising adverse effects confers on Regenerative Medicine a considerably greater safety profile than conventional medicine.

RegenerativeMedicine is not the secret sauce to fix all health problems. However, it is a great tool provided by modern medicine to provide an answer to many health challenges that conventional medicine had deemed unfixable. Conditions that have been considered incurable by conventional medicine due to their degenerative effects, are now made “curable” in the practical sense as Regenerative Medicine takes care of the organ degenerative.

Thescientific/physiological bases of the therapeutic effects of Regenerative Medicine, specifically adult stem cell therapy, creates endless opportunities for its application. Think about it this way, if the medical condition is of a degenerative nature, then Regenerative Medicine can be a viable option.

I will continue to recommend Regenerative Medicine to anyone in need of treatment because where conventional medicine fails, it offers hope and delivers results beyond what conventional medicine can offer in most cases. The benefits are even more noticeable in acute phases of degeneration.

What is the scope of this branch of medicine?

Can treat only select ailments or all manner of sicknesses.

The scope of application is broad and multisystemic. This means it can be used for various systems and functions in the body. While the exceptions are diseases of a non-degenerative nature such as genetic or chromosome-related diseases; nonetheless, people with these challenges can see a reduction or improvement in symptoms even though it is not cured. Healthy people use it for anti-aging, to feel stronger and healthier as well as look younger as they age.

As I mentioned earlier, Regenerative Medicine is not here to replace other branches of medicine.

Like other new innovations in medicine, it can add value to other forms of medicine. For example, a patient with a displaced fracture needs the intervention of an orthopedic surgeon not Regenerative Medicine. However, it can be added during or after the orthopedic surgery to accelerate the healing process.

Here at Glory Wellness & Regenerative Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, we have seen so many success stories with this branch of medicine. We have treated patients with complex quadriplegia (two years old injury before our involvement due to Partial Transection of Cervical Spinal Cord) and another with over nine years with Cerebral Palsy, both of whom have now gained the ability to move some of their extremities independently.

We have also seen patients with uncontrolled Diabetes with Hypertension who now have blood pressures and hemoglobin A1c levels within the normal range as a result of these treatments. We have also seen great results in patients treated for Female/Male Sexual Dysfunction, pain in their joints, neck, and back, and Acute Stroke (especially when the Acute Stroke is treated very early to prevent permanent residual symptoms).

another, and some other centers do have low success rates. I too have had a couple of patients with delayed onset of effectiveness of treatment or patients needing additional or second treatment sessions before they begin to see positive results.

It is important to mention or remind ourselves that there is no guarantee in medicine despite the hype surrounding Adult Stem cell Therapy or Regenerative Medicine as a whole. It does not work 100 percent of the time. Nonetheless, there is a very high success rate amongst the patients with non-bleeding Acute Stroke when treatment is done within a couple of days to few weeks, with the goal of preventing permanent residual symptoms post stroke. This was evident in all our non-hemorrhagic Acute Stroke patients that we treated directly at our facility or through consultation in other hospitals, ranging from a top government official to a low-income grandmother. The general rule of thumb is that the earlier the treatment is given in acute injuries, the higher the success rate.

Ikudayisi

All patients with autoimmune disorders can also benefit from Regenerative Medicine; however, they will need continued treatments to maintain the symptoms relief. Autistic patients in Nigeria are also benefiting from it, especially if the cause is autoimmune related (since up to 25% of the autistic spectrum disorder could be caused by autoimmune diseases). Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease in the early stages are not left out, but they will need more than one treatment session. This is just to mention a few medical conditions. One of the many joys we get is talking to people about their ailments and seeing how Regenerative Medicine can play a role in rejuvenating their health.

the ill needing medical breakthroughs. While it is soon becoming a part of the status quo of modern medicine, the endless potentials have continued to encourage even more research to unravel it.

This has resulted in even more ground-breaking findings on the application of Regenerative Medicine.

As with any new dogma or ideas in medicine, there are pockets of opposition to Regenerative Medicine. Some of the opposition come from well-minded medical professionals with traditional academic skepticism or big-pharma fueled adverse policy for economic interests. But the reality is that two decades of research has shown the safety and efficacy of the use of Regenerative Medicine.

What feedback are you getting from those who have accessed this branch of medicine?

Many of the patients treated at Glory wellness and Regenerative Centre are delighted at their results, so much so that they are spreading the word person to person. We get a great number of them who are so pleasantly surprised of the outcome, as they also see improvements in areas they did not even think to mention to us. It is noteworthy that the therapeutic benefits they have received from Regenerative Medicine had been practically impossible with conventional medicine hence their satisfaction, joy, and excitement.

An example is the case of a man with left testicular atrophy and low testosterone. After one session of Autologous treatment, the left testicle grew back to normal size and the production of testosterone significantly increased. People who have infertility issues, both male and female, should not give up without considering one of the Regenerative Medicine protocols, especially those women that have tried IVF without success.

Many people believe that being a new branch of medicine, it will be expensive to access. Is it so?

It is truly relatively expensive due to the demand on medical manpower and the present cost of required materials. However, the costs are gradually coming down which we hope is sustained and accelerated so that more people can benefit. Our goal is to get these treatments to as many people as possible. This involves finding ways to reduce cost without compromising on value. Whenever possible, we notify our patients of these price cuts. Furthermore, there are alternative options of treatment with varying costs: this makes these treatments ultimately accessible to more people.

The latest biggest price reduction is for people with pain in their peripheral joints, female and male sexual dysfunction, female urinary incontinence, chronic non-healing wounds, facial acne, and uneven skin tone.

I would like to mention that middle class to low income patients in Nigeria have also benefited from some of our Regenerative Medicine protocols.

Regardless of the cost of the procedure, you cannot put a price tag on a human life. Human life is priceless. As the famous adage goes, “Your health, your wealth.”

What is the level of acceptability of Regenerative Medicine in Nigeria and across the world?

There is great interest amongst those needing these therapies. However, the challenge facing Regenerative Medicine in Nigeria is the lack of awareness to its benefits. One of the needful tasks confronting us is to spread the word on the availability of these therapies in our country.

There is a great enthusiasm on the impressive potentials of these therapies world-wide, amongst

Now, let’s talk about the success rate of Regenerative Medicine for those who have accessed treatment?

The success rate has been generally high both in the USA and Nigeria at all the centers where I work. The results differ from one patient to

What motivated you to specialise in Regerative medicine and how do you feel being the pioneer of this branch of medicine in Nigeria?

It is a privilege and a blessing to be a pioneer of Regenerative Medicine in this country. A country that has given so much to me. It is also a huge responsibility and challenge considering the radically different nature of the Nigerian social, economic, and business climate by comparison to the western experience abroad.

My interest was first drawn into Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (another subcategory of Regenerative Medicine), which involves using the patient’s own blood to stimulate and accelerate repair of the damage tissues and organs in the body. This happened when I was looking for a way to get my patients off medications that were likely to lead to chronic addiction. I realized that a modern way of processing Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) which produces a more effective PRP Therapy, unlike what some doctors experienced a decade or two before, was now possible: as well as the use of Autologous Adult Stem Cells as a tool for therapy.

The results that we were getting at the medical center where I worked in USA blew my mind away that I had no option but to investigate these therapies even further. As I did my research, I began to develop a very strong passion for this novel branch of medicine. It was clear even then the endless possibilities that was now available for my patients.

How can Regenerative Medicine help in stemming the tide of COVID-19?

One of the Regenerative Medicine protocols (which we also have available in at Glory Wellness & Regenerative Centre) was approved for COVID-19 purposes: leveraging its immune modulatory effect to calm the potentially fatal “cytokine storm” of the disease. It also has the benefit of preventing or limiting lung scarring. Another protocol is in the early phase of clinical trial. While we are not a COVID-19 treating center, it is important to note that Regenerative Medicine can play a role in the reduction of many of the adverse effects caused by COVID-19.

What can you say about the future of Regenerative Medicine. How bright is it?

We believe that the future of Regenerative Medicine is inevitable, and that “conventional medicine” will only have to catch up as it usually does to new discoveries in medicine. The more people get to hear about the merits and see the evidence, it will not be long before it becomes the norm. It starts with everyday people and medical professionals doing their due diligence and doing their research as I did. My team and I are always available to answer questions about it, and we welcome it on all our social platforms as well. We really hope it catches up soon enough to maximize these great benefits for many more patients in dire need of these amazing solutions.

37

T H I S D AY ˾ , NOVEMBER 19, 2020

NEWS

UNICEF Expresses Satisfaction over FGM Abandonment in Imo, as 44 Communities Abolish Practice Amby Uneze ÓØ áÏÜÜÓ Imo State communities and stakeholders have been urged to work tenaciously and assiduously towards the total elimination of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and all forms of violence against the girl child.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Chief of Field Office, Enugu, Dr. Ibrahim Conte made the remarks recently while presenting an address at the public declaration of abandonment/abolition of FGM by the 44 autonomous communities in the two local government areas of Owerri West and Ehime Mbano LGAs of Imo State, led by the Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Geoffrey Ejimogu and Eze Emmanuel Ibechi respectively.

According to him, since nobody has been able to prove the importance of FGM in society, the time has come for the people to work in tandem with

UNICEF, National Orientation Agency (NOA) and other relevant government agencies so as to put an end to this obnoxious practice that inhibits the proper development of the girl child.

Dr. Conteh who was represented by the UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, Victor Atuchukwu encouraged the various communities to be on the same page with appropriate authorities and work towards the sustainability of the milestone recorded at the various engagements.

He explained that UNICEF will continue to forge ahead towards battling this ugly menace and take the message to the grassroots with a view to setting up surveillance team that would monitor and report prospective offenders to the law enforcement agency for prosecution and appropriate sanctions.

“UNICEF is poised more than ever to work in close collaboration with the surveillance

team, community leaders and other relevant agencies so as to fish out individuals and groups that will fall short of the laws eliminating the practice of FGM in the various communities.

He commended the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and individuals who have continued to identify with the crusade against FGM in the state.

Dr. Conteh however expressed dismay that despite the disastrous consequences of FGM to the girl child and would therefore continue to intensify measures to tackle the menace in the state.

Speaking, the Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in the state, Uka Ukachi disclosed that the Commission would soon come up with fresh measures to tackle the prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation in some communities in the state along with other right abuses/violation of the girl child.

According to her, the Commission has already established

offices across the 36 states of the federation and FCT to strengthen the onslaught of all forms of human right abuses against the girl child including FGM which she said violates the rights of the privacy, right to life, survival, sexual reproduction and development of the girl child.

This is even as the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has vowed to henceforth arrest and prosecute parents.

Guardians found guilty of FGM. As an organisation set up to monitor and to remedy established cases of human rights abuses particularly that of the girl child, Ukachi said that NHRC is now working in collaboration with the police and other security agencies to stem the ugly practice.

In his remarks, the state Director of NOA, Vitus Ekeocha revealed that all the efforts by UNICEF and NOA towards bringing the communities together for declaration has yielded positive results.

According to him, for the communities to willingly decide to abolish any tradition or culture, such communities must have consistently participated in their dialogue sessions and realised the negative effects of this obnoxious practice.

Ekeocha explained that what we are witnessing today is the outcome of various engagements, dialogue and advocacy meetings with critical segments on the immediate and long term negative health and psycho-social consequences of FGM on the health of girls and women in the 21 autonomous communities by various partners and civil society organisations.

In their public declaration agreement, the royal fathers of Owerri West autonomous communities represented by HRH Eze Geoffrey Ejiogu and HRH Eze Ethelbert Ekwelibe unanimously consented and agreed to publicly declare their intention to eliminate the obnoxious practice in their various communities.

“We the royal fathers of the 21 autonomous communities in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo state and the entire people of Owerri West Local Government Area comprising of more than 250 villages having being sensitised about the harmful effects of FGM and having deliberated during the several community dialogue have recognised the immediate and long term negative health, physical and psycho-social consequences of FGM. His Ehime Mbano counterpart, Eze Ibechi also declared on behalf of other traditional rulers in the council area pronounced that hence forth, anybody caught in the practice of FGM would be treated as an criminal offence against the state.

“We also recognised the health implication of this practice to our daughters, wives and sisters subjected to this practice. Based on the above we have publicly declared to put an end to this practice”.

Yellow Fever Killed 76 in Bauchi, Delta, Enugu in First Two Weeks of November Rebecca Ejifoma The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has revealed that from November 1 to 11 of this year, 76 people died from Yellow Fever in Bauchi, Delta, and Enugu States.

In the three states, 222 suspected cases, and 19 confirmed cases were reported, as disclosed by the NCDC in its Yellow Fever Situation reports, as recorded on between November 1 and 11 this year.

While 74 suspected cases with 35 deaths were reported in Delta, 70 suspected cases with 33 deaths were recorded in Enugu while 78 suspected cases with eight deaths were recorded in Bauchi state.

From the preliminary investigations, three samples from Delta were reported on November 6; one sample from Enugu on November 6; and eight samples from Bauchi on November 8 were confirmed as yellow fever with PCR at the NCDC National Reference Laboratory, Gaduwa.

According to the NCDC, most of the cases are males aged one to 55 years. They presented with fever, headache,

fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, vomiting with or without blood, epistaxis, blood in stools/urine, convulsion, and unconsciousness It added that on November 7, the National Yellow fever Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) was activated to coordinate response activities across all affected states As noted in the report, the State Epidemiology Team in the affected states is leading the response with support from NCDC, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and WHO. The NDCD hinted: “National RRTs from NCDC have been deployed to support response activities in Deita and Enugu States.”

“As at epi-week 41 this year, the centre emphasised that Nigeria has reported eight confirmed cases of yellow fever from seven Local Government Areas (LGAs) across four states, with no death among confirmed cases.”

A multi-agency yellow fever technical working group coordinated by NCDC has been coordinating yellow fever prevention, preparedness, and response activities.

L/B: District Governor, Rotary International District 9110, Rotn. Bola Oyebade (left); President, Rotary Club of Maryland, Rotn. Obafemi Obadina and wife, Mary and Immediate Past President, Rotary Club of Maryland, Rotn. Adewale Sanni during the investiture ceremony of the 19th president of the club held at NECA house in Lagos, recently

FCTA Urges PCN to Tackle Challenges of Drug Abuse Olawale Ajimotokan ÓØ ÌßÔË The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has charged the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) to collaborate with other relevant agencies and the private sector to tackle the menace of drug abuse in the society.

He gave the charge when a delegation from the council led by the Chairman of its Governing Council, Prof Ahmed Tijjani Mora paid a courtesy visit to the FCTA. The minister described drug abuse as a huge challenge in Nigeria noting that a number of crimes and criminal activities can be attributed to it.

According to him, the

multiplier effect of the control of drug abuse in Nigeria will be enormous. He also pledged the collaboration of the FCTA with the PCN especially towards the activities of the council’s Pharmaceutical Inspection Committee Speaking earlier, Prof Mora, commended the FCTA for its very robust approach to drug distribution within the territory.

Also present at the event were

the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola; Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Malam Bashir Mai-Bornu; the acting Secretary of the Health and Human Services Secretariat, Dr Mohammed Kawu; the Registrar of the PCN, Dr Elijah Mohammed and the acting General Manager, FCT Hospital Management Board, Dr Francis Alu among others.

World Toilet Day: Group Campaigns against Open Defecation ˾ ÙØËÞÏÝ ͕͘ ÚßÌÖÓÍ ÞÙÓÖÏÞ ßØÓÞÝ Ayodeji Ake In commemoration of the 2020 World Toilet Day, Harpic, Nigeria’s leading toilet cleaning brand from Reckitt Benckiser (RB), partnered the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources to upgrade and refurbish 47 public toilet units for six communities in Lagos.

Speaking at the official commissioning of the toilets and the flag-off of the

‘Clean Lagos: Use the Toilet’ campaign in Lagos, Country Manager, RB Hygiene West Africa, Mr. Asif Hashimi reiterated Harpic’s commitment to changing the stories surrounding open defecation and toilet sanitation in Lagos, and Nigeria in general.

He added that the brand was interested in tackling the challenge of open defecation in Nigeria as a way of ensuring healthier and happier lives in Nigeria.

He said: “At the moment, Nigeria ranks first among countries practicing open defecation globally.

This ‘stigma’ can only be removed if we all join hands to work towards this goal.

Harpic’s purpose is to help Nigerians access hygienically clean toilets and also be an enabler for change in the fight for improved sanitation in Nigeria. “The Harpic toilet refurbishment project will inspire a big positive

attitudinal change, which will impact the lives of the people and the environment.

It is about taking action to tackle the global sanitation crisis and achieve Sustainable Development Goal six: water and sanitation for all by 2030.

“Harpic has been at the forefront in the fight against open defecation, donation and refurbishment of public toilets in Nigeria. Since 2018, Harpic has donated about 80 toilets and refurbished 10

public toilets in Lagos State alone”.

At the commissioning and flag-off ceremony which held immediately after a sensitisation walk around Ojota axis of Lagos to sensitise Lagosians on the need for proper toilet practices, the government commended Harpic for her continued support in building a hygienic and healthy environment in the state, stating that the

donation of public toilets

by Harpic is another step taken in the right direction.

Present at the commissioning were notable dignitaries from the Lagos State Government, heads of government agencies, key executives of RB and Harpic Brand Ambassador, Dr. Helen Paul.

The newly refurbished public toilets are located at Oshodi, Ojota, New Garage, Apapa, Costain, and Leventis in Victoria Island.

eel es as ts ne ke ng re ts. ofng TV

38

T H I S D AY ˞ Ͱʹ˜ 2020

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

AfDB to Set Up Agro-finance Fund Dike Onwuamaeze The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has disclosed that the bank is partnering with relevant stakeholders, “to design a pan-African private equity fund for agriculture to be known as the Fund for Agricultural Finance in Africa (FAFINA).�

Adesina, said the FAFINA would help the AfDB to scale up its, “interventions to support small and medium sized food and agribusiness companies across Africa.�

He made this disclosure on Tuesday, when he presented the keynote address during a virtual ceremony to mark the 10th Anniversary of the Sahel Capital, which was started by and run by a dynamic couple: Mezuo and Ndidi Nwuneli and has mobilised $65.9 million for

Nigeria’s first Private Equity Fund, FAFIN, dedicated to small and medium sized agribusinesses.

Adesina said: “Experiences from Sahel Capital on the FAFIN Fund will help as we now scale up interventions to support small and medium sized food and agribusiness companies across Africa. “Following a very transparent, international and globally competitive bidding process, Sahel Capital was selected to manage the (FAFIN) Fund. We were impressed by Sahel Capital, but I insisted they had to open a special window for agriculture. “I found in him (Mezuo) and Sahel Capital a passion, a drive and commitment to Nigeria’s agribusinesses and farmers. Today, Sahel Capital has raised more funds for FAFIN, and at final close it had raised $65.9 million.

Sahel Capital is doing impressive

investments through FAFIN.�

He noted that one of the Sahel Capital’s investments that impressed him the most was one that expanded dairy production in Kano State at the time the ShopRite supermarkets in Lagos imported their entire fresh dairy from South Africa.

The AfDB boss added: “Sahel Capital saw an opportunity and invested in a family owned dairy business, L & Z Farms in Kano.

Sahel Capital revamped the management of the L and Z, professionalised the staff and invested in new dairy processing equipment and dairy cows. “The tide turned. The L and Z in a short period of time now supplied a major share of the dairy milk in ShopRite supermarkets in Lagos. That is the power of a well-run Private Equity Fund such as Sahel Capital, using the funds from FAFIN.�

Adesina

New Modular Refinery Delivers 5m Litres of Products Peter Uzoho The newly-inaugurated 5,000 barrels (bpd) Waltersmith modular refinery has already delivered five million litres of refined petroleum products into the Nigerian market and economy, Chairman of Waltersmith Group, Mr. Abdulrazaq Isa, has said.

The refinery sited in Ibigwe, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State had started churning out refined petroleum products as at November 3, 2020 after it had been certified due for refining operations by the industry regulator, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).

The first privately-owned refinery in the country was inaugurated a few days ago by

President Muhammadu Buhari, who also led the groundbreaking for the 45,000 bpd expansion, which is the second phase of the planned 50,000 bpd processing plant.

The facility was designed to produce 271million litres of products annually including diesel, Kerosene, Heavy Fuel Oil, and Naphtha, while the second phase of the refinery project is expected to produce petrol and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) commonly known as cooking gas.

In his welcome address at the occasion, Isa said the evacuation of these products in top quality and standards commenced on November 3, 2020 following statutory approvals graciously

granted by the DPR. He added: “This refinery has already delivered over five million litres of products into the Nigerian economy as of today.

The expansion project which we are also breaking grounds today will be constructed in two phases, a 25,000bpd and a 20,000bpd condensate and crude processing plants respectively. “We are now at the contract tendering stages and expect construction to be completed in about 24-30 months. The combined products expected at full capacity will include Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and LPG in addition to the existing products mentioned above, contributing about 2.7billion litres of products per annum.

VFD Group Nominated for BAFI Awards Financial and investment bouquet services company, VFD Group Plc, has been nominated in two categories in the forthcoming BusinessDay Banks’ And Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Award.

Incorporated 11 years ago, VFD Group holds businesses in financial advisory, real estate, asset management, currency exchange, debt services, international settlement/remittances, among others.

The company was nominated in the ‘Diversified Financial Services Group of the Year,’ and ‘Best Investor Relations (Non-bank)’ categories, respectively, according to a statement.

Speaking on the nomination, Group Managing Director and CEO of VFD Group, Nonso

Okpala, said: “Our goal is to become the foremost financial services brand in Nigeria and Africa and that is why we are constantly building our capacity to provide relevant and unique financial solutions for individuals and businesses. “While the year has been an unusual one, it has taken a visionary leadership and the dedication of the exceptional people, working across our different entities, to deliver the successes for which we are now being recognised.�

According to organisers of the BAFI 2020 Awards, analysts had spent four weeks parsing the performance of VFD Group and its peers to arrive at this shortlist of

three for the judge’s final choice, from an initial list of six potential strong candidates being considered. “Indeed, the Awards has been established as the benchmark of distinction for institutions in the financial services sector which gives the confidence that this selection was well deserved,� the nomination statement from BusinessDay read.

VFD Group is a proprietary investment company that focuses on building positive and socially conscious ecosystems by aggregating potentially viable business with the objective of creating innovative products and solutions that are accessible to the everyday Nigerian citizen and entrepreneur.

StarTimes GO Partners Tech Brands on Black Friday Sales StarTimes GO, an e-shopping channel on pay-TV platform, StarTimes, has partnered top retail and tech brands on Black Friday Sales that holds on November 27.

According to a statement, Shoppers would have the opportunity to buy select tech and household products with up to 50 per cent discount.

The Black Friday will hold on StarTimes GO Channel 002 and Facebook page @

StarTimesGO live from 10am, it explained. “The goods on display are directly from manufacturers and StarTimes has partnered them to subsidize the goods, saving shoppers extra money as inflation mounts. Goods will be sold at their bottom prices. “The products on display include Lontor range of products, TV sets, home theatres, electric shaver, among others,�

it added.

Recently launched, StarTimes GO, an integrated e-shopping platform, offers audience access to a massive array of superior quality products, with great designs, at super cheap prices. Goods are directly delivered to the doorsteps of shoppers.

StarTimes GO, the e-shopping channel which incorporates TV to e-commerce in real-time is the first of its kind in Africa.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JULY 2020 Money Supply (M3)

36,822,751.47

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

3,476,121.25

Money Supply (M2)

33,346,630.22

-- Quasi Money

120,764,479.02

-- Narrow Money (M1)

12,582,151.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,002,026.89

---- Demand Deposits

10,580,124.31

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,637,137.23

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

29,185,614.24

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

39,711,115.95

---- Credit to Government (Net)

19,521,851.08

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-130,189,264.87

--Other Assets Net

3,472,017.70

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,421,827.07

--Currency in Circulation

2,395,917.03

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

11,025,910.04 317,234.17

Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month Inter-Bank Call Rate

March 2018 15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

Ëž Ă™Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœĂŁ ÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ Ă‹ĂžĂ? Ě‹ ͯ͹Ϲ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE Ëœ ͰͲ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $45.51 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $44.75 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

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

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

39

T H I S D AY ˞ Ͱʹ˜ Ͱ͎Ͱ͎

NB’s CEO Assures Stakeholders of Improved Performance Goddy Egene The Managing Director/CEO, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Jordi Borrut Bel, has said the company would strive to sustain positive performance in the years ahead despite the challenging operating environment.

Bel stated this while presenting the company’s ‘Facts behind the figures’ to capital market stakeholders. According to

him, the results of Nigerian Breweries in 2020 have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, VAT increase, FX devaluation and scarcity of foreign exchange. “Our position in the market, however, enabled us to mitigate this impact in quarter three (Q3) with growth versus last year. Looking ahead to 2021, we will strive to sustain the performance of the 2nd half of 2020, driving premiumisation

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

and growth. “However, we still expect to have a challenging operating environment with devaluation, inflation and affordability. The capabilities of our people, focus on our consumers combined with a commercial agility and position for growth gives us confidence to continue to Winning with Nigeria,� Bel said.

Speaking at the event, the Divisional Head, Listings Business, Nigerian Stock

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

Exchange (NSE), Mr. Olumide Bolumole, said: “The exchange recognises efforts made by the board and management of Nigerian Breweries towards achieving business continuity by enhancing the organisation’s operational efficiency. “It is also noteworthy that Nigerian Breweries has chosen to utilise the NSE facts behind the figures event to provide the market with information about its financial performance as well

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

as strategic and operational developments. “Given that the market is driven by timely, relevant and accurate information, this interaction with the market through this forum is vital and we encourage the management of Nigerian Breweries to continue to strive for sustainability by adhering to the highest standards of disclosure and corporate governance.�

O F

Meanwhile, the equities market sustained its positive performance with the NSE All-Share Index rising 1.25 per cent to close at 34,769.00, while market capitalisation added N223.9 billion to be at N18.2 trillion.The growth resulted from gains posted by Dangote Cement Plc, Airtel Africa Plc and Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc among others. In all, 37 stocks appreciated while 11 depreciated.

2 5 / 1 1 / 2 0 2 0 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

40

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

CBN Approves Hamman as MD/CEO of Abbey Mortgage Bank Goddy Egene

has approved the appointment CEO of Abbey Mortgage Bank Administration, a position he held across commercial, merchant of Mr. Madu Hamman as the Plc. Hamman was the Executive for 12 years. He has over 35 years and mortgage banking. His The Central Bank of Nigeria substantive Managing Director/ Director in charge of Finance and of banking experience spread competencies include, strategic A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an ETF are bought by investors.

Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. investment vehicle that allows both small and Bid Price: The price at which Investors Investors with similar objectives buy units of the large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total that willl generate their desired return. investments. The assets are divided into shares that return an investor would have earned on An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. his investment. Money Market Funds report of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, Yield while others report Year- to-date Total bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, GUIDE TO DATA: Return. etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 24- NAV: Is value per share of the real estate shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the Nov-2020, unless otherwise stated. assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

leadership, risk management, asset and liability management and credit administration.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 155.69 157.22 27.94% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 0.78% Nigeria International Debt Fund 442.61 442.61 45.63% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 105.48 105.48 0.47% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 1.03 1.05 14.54% ACAP Income Funds 0.85 0.85 11.30% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 2.70% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.75 3.88 53.36% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Discovery Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Eurobond Fund ($) N/A N/A N/A ARM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 123.25 124.12 28.28% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.80% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.31 2.31 22.19% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.22 2.26 49.20% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Paramount Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Women's Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.76% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 126.72 127.33 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 150.94 152.45 Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 107.31 107.31 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.51% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.11 1.12 19.86% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.75 1.75 31.71% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 1.14% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 1.84% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,192.23 1,209.50 7.64% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,486.22 1,487.66 25.09% FBN Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A FBN Halal Fund 110.74 110.76 10.74% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.79% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 119.60 119.98 6.00% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 119.78 120.16 5.63% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 147.08 149.35 13.03% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.19% Legacy Debt Fund 3.85 3.85 5.49% Legacy Equity Fund 1.41 1.44 25.01% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.13 1.13 4.51% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,566.96 3,610.79 17.13% Coral Income Fund 3,230.40 3,230.40 5.24% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 3.48% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 2.06% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 126.68 127.21 16.22%

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.94% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.79 2.86 27.86% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 7.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 155.57 156.49 8.59% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.34 1.44 22.38% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,144.96 1,144.96 10.07% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.60 1.63 29.84% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.07 12.17 7.22% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 2.36% PACAM Equity Fund 1.52 1.53 PACAM EuroBond Fund 108.12 110.54 SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 135.11 137.85 16.53% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 8.53% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,521.35 2,532.80 25.53% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 6.15% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 24.44% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 7.30% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 29.97% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.40% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 22.79% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.22 1.22 5.07% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 110.60 110.60 6.13% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.37 1.39 14.29% United Capital Bond Fund 1.88 1.88 8.47% United Capital Equity Fund 0.84 0.87 19.87% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 2.04% United Capital Eurobond Fund 116.15 116.15 6.27% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.07 1.07 1.47% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 12.05 12.23 17.43% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.43 13.87 16.95% Zenith Income Fund 24.85 24.85 9.38% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.99%

REITS NAV Per Share

Fund Name SFS Skye Shelter Fund

Yield / T-Rtn

119.82

6.73%

53.51

2.80%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

11.52 116.32 87.92

11.62 116.32 89.57

36.77% 21.83% 17.05%

Union Homes REIT

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

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

4.11

4.15

19.48%

Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund

5.70

5.78

-3.57%

Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund

15.84 1.00 16.22

15.94 1.00 16.42

31.68% 2.18% 55.54%

232.07

234.07

23.24%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.71

13.11%

Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund

Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

THURSDAYNOVEMBER 26, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

41

INTERNATIONAL

UK to Suffer Worst Economic Recession in 300 Years, Says Govt UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, has said the nation’s economy is forecast to contract 11.3% this year, the worst performance in more than three centuries.

Sunak told parliament Wednesday that investment was vital to aid economic recovery.

Britain has since unveiled plans for more massive state spending despite soaring debt on coronavirus fallout, including pay rises for nurses to support the ravaged economy as the nation embarks on its post-Brexit future.

The UK economy, which tanked into a historic recession owing to pandemic fallout, was forecast to rebound by 5.5 per cent next year and by 6.6 per cent in 2022.

But chancellor of the exchequer Sunak said the nation’s gross domestic product was not

expected to return to pre-virus levels until the fourth quarter of 2022.

Britain has been one of the worst-affected countries in the world in the Covid-19 outbreak, registering almost 56,000 deaths.

“Our health emergency is not yet over and our economic emergency has only just begun,” Sunak commented Wednesday as he unveiled the latest spending review of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government.

“So our immediate priority is to protect people’s lives and livelihoods,” the finance minister added.

With UK public debt set to soar further owing to Wednesday’s spending commitments and the huge sums already paid out to support the economy during the pandemic, Sunak said “sticking rigidly” to the country’s overseas

aid budget was “difficult to justify to the British people”.

He said the aid budget would be reduced to 0.5 per cent of gross national income, and return to 0.7 per cent “when the fiscal situation allows”.

Sunak’s updates came a week before England ends a second lockdown aimed at curbing a fresh wave of coronavirus infections.

The review was presented also with Britain yet to strike a post-Brexit trade deal with the European Union ahead

of a transition period ending December 31.

The government’s forecasts, calculated by the Office for Budget Responsibility watchdog, said a no-deal would slash 2.0 per cent off Britain’s GDP, or total output, in 2021.

Sunak meanwhile confirmed that the National Health Service would receive a boost totalling 3.0 billion pounds ($3.9 billion, 3.3 billion euros).

The military is to receive billions of pounds extra over four years in the biggest such

investment since the end of the Cold War, as Britain positions itself for its post-EU future.

In total, the government plans to spend 55 billion pounds on public services linked to coronavirus next year, it announced Wednesday.

Recent official data shows UK state debt has exceeded 2.0 trillion pounds for the first time — and the government is set to have borrowed 394 billion pounds in 2020, taking total borrowing above 100 per cent of GDP.

With public borrowing “eyewateringly high”, Samuel Tombs, chief UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics warned that “big tax rises look inevitable”.

At the start of November, England effectively shut down for the second time this year to curb spiking virus infections and deaths.

To help cushion the blow, the government rolled out a multibillion-pound support package by extending its furlough jobs scheme until the end of March 2021.

China’s Xi Congratulates Biden on US Election Win Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday congratulated Joe Biden on his US election victory, state media reported.

In his telegram, Xi said both countries should “stick to no conflict or confrontation, mutual respect, (and) the spirit of winwin cooperation” in order to promote the “noble cause” of world peace and development.

Xi’s message came more than two weeks after several other major countries had congratulated Biden.

US-China relations have hit historic lows in recent months, as the two superpowers have traded barbs over a variety of issues including the trade war, espionage allegations, human rights, media freedoms and tech rivalry.

Both countries have repeatedly attacked each other’s handling of the deadly coronavirus pandemic, with Washington blaming China’s lack of transparency during the

initial outbreak in Wuhan late last year.

Xi added that the “healthy and stable development of USChina relations accords with the fundamental interests of both peoples”.

Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan also sent a congratulatory message to Kamala Harris on her election as US vice president, Xinhua news agency reported.

Beijing had previously offered low-key congratulations to Biden and Harris on November 13, well after several major countries had congratulated the president-elect on his victory after days of turmoil and anticipation as votes in key states were finalised.

“We understand the US election results will be confirmed based on US law and procedure,” said foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin during a routine briefing at the time.

New US Jobless Claims Rise to 778,000 New applications for jobless aid in the United States saw their second back-to-back weekly increase, according to government data released Wednesday, raising concerns that a renewed economic downturn is beginning.

The Labor Department said 778,000 seasonally adjusted initial claims were filed in the week ended November 21, more than analysts had forecast and an increase of 30,000 from the previous week’s upwardly revised figure.

The increase was the first consecutive one since July and brought claims to their highest level in more than a month, as the world’s largest economy grapples with a nationwide surge in Covid-19 cases.

Another 311,675 people, not seasonally adjusted, filed claims under a program for workers not normally eligible — a program set to expire at the year’s end unless Congress, which is deadlocked on passing more stimulus for the economy, decides to renew it.

“Weekly unemployment insurance claims are moving in the wrong direction,” Robert Frick of Navy Federal Credit Union said, noting the 0.2 percent drop in the insured unemployment rate to 4.1 percent as of the week ended November 14 was smaller than expected and another worrying sign.

Claims have been trending downwards for months after spiking into the millions in March as the pandemic began, but they have yet to dip below the worst single week seen in the 2008-2010 global financial crisis.

The data also said more than 466,000 people moved from the time-limited regular unemployment benefits as of the week ended November 7 to a special program passed during the pandemic that provides aid to the long-term unemployed, which will also expire at year’s end.

All told, nearly 20.5 million people were receiving aid as of the week ended November 7.

DIPLOMATIC VISIT...

Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Assem Hanafi Elseify (left) and Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Buki Ponle, with during the envoy’s visit to NAN Headquarters in Abuja…yesterday

Cameroon Massacre: Three Soldiers to Face Trial on December 17 Cameroon’s army said Wednesday that three soldiers accused in the massacre of civilians in a troubled anglophone region, a case that triggered an international outcry, would go on trial on December 17.

The killing took place on February 14 in the village of Ntumbaw, in the Northwest Region, where anglophone separatists and security forces are embroiled in a bloody three-year-old conflict.

According to the government, 10 children and three women died, while the UN has put the toll at more than 23 dead, including nine children aged under five and two pregnant women.

“Three soldiers will appear in Yaounde military court for murder, arson and destruction

of property, violence against a pregnant woman and disregard for orders,” army spokesman Colonel Cyrille Atonfack told AFP. The trial will start on December 17, he confirmed.

The Cameroon authorities denied for two months that its security forces were to blame for any deaths at Ntumbaw.

It said the fatalities had resulted from an “unfortunate accident” when fuel was set ablaze during a gunfight between troops and separatists after a patrol came under fire.

But Human Rights Watch (HRW), in its own investigation, said civilians had been slaughtered by government forces and an auxiliary militia drawn from the ethnic Fulani community.

It based this on interviews

with 25 people, including three witnesses to killings and seven relatives of victims, and on satellite imagery taken before and after the attack.

In April, as international pressure mounted, President Paul Biya’s office acknowledged responsibility by the security forces, saying three soldiers and a self-defence group had “attacked” a separatist base.

“After exchanges of fire in which five terrorists were shot dead,” they “discovered that three women and 10 children had died as a result of their actions,” it said.

HRW’s Cameroon specialist, Ilaria Allegrozzi, said the watchdog group was “pleased” that a date had been set for the trial.

“We have gone from complete denial to investigation, a

presidential statement and now a trial,” she said, but cautioned that “senior individuals in the chain of command” also had to be prosecuted.

English speakers account for nearly a fifth of Cameroon’s population of 24 million, who are majority French-speaking.

Most of this minority live in two western regions called the Northwest and Southwest, which were once part of British colonies in West Africa.

Decades of grievances at perceived discrimination brewed into a declaration of independence in October 2017, which was followed by a government crackdown.

More than 3,000 people have died and at least 700,000 have fled their homes. Rights monitors say abuses have been committed by both sides.

Germany Holds General Election to Choose Merkel’s Successor in Sept 2021 The German government on Wednesday agreed on September 26 next year for the general election to choose a successor to Chancellor Angela Merkel, a government spokeswoman said.

Merkel has said she will not stand for a fifth term and will retire from politics next year after 16 years at the helm of Europe’s top economic power and the EU’s most populous country.

Her departure will mark a new, less certain phase in German politics and at the heart of the European Union, whose rotating presidency Merkel currently holds.

The government “proposes to the federal president the date of Sunday, September 26, 2021 for the election of the 20th Bundestag (lower house of parliament),” spokeswoman Martina Fietz told reporters.

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier must still give his official approval.

The race to fill Merkel’s shoes still looks wide open, as her Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party remains embroiled in an increasingly bitter leadership battle that has been extended by the pandemic.

There are currently three hopefuls for the top job in

Germany’s biggest party, with a twice-delayed election for a new chief now scheduled for mid-January.

North Rhine-Westphalia state premier Armin Laschet, corporate lawyer Friedrich Merz and foreign affairs expert Norbert Rottgen are vying for the post.

The candidates have proposed an online congress if meeting in person were to be impossible because of restrictions to curb coronavirus transmission.

The chief of the CDU traditionally leads it and its smaller Bavarian sister party the Christian Social Union to

the polls.

However given the failure of any of the Christian Democrat candidates to create real momentum at this early stage, CSU chief and Bavarian premier Markus Soeder has been the focus of ardent speculation about a possible run.

Bavaria has been among the states hardest hit by coronavirus infections and Soeder’s robust response to the outbreak has won praise and given him an intense national spotlight.

He leads opinion polls against all three CDU candidates when Germans are asked who they would like to see as their next chancellor.

42

THURSDAYNOVEMBER 26, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Oyetola, Aregbesola Feud: Oyinlola Urges Calm Osun APC caucus in N’Assembly cancels public lecture Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo A former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola has called for calm in the state following the tension generated by reports that ex-governor Rauf Aregbesola plans to hold a political programme parallel to the incumbent Governor Gboyega Oyetola’s second anniversary celebrations on Friday, November 27, 2020.

This is coming as the Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus in the National Assembly has decided to call off their public lecture planned to hold on Friday, November 27 (tomorrow), 2020 following the dust the event has raised.

Oyinlola, in a statement issued yesterday said he noted

Aregbesola’s explanation that he was coming to the state to engage with the people on the EndSARS crisis as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He, however, advised that the interior minister could do that on another day.

“It is necessary that I put my own experience on record.

I took over from Chief Bisi Akande in May 2003 and, I can say that throughout my almost eight years in government, and despite our political differences, Akande never gave me any problem.

It is common knowledge that Aregbesola took over from me, and, despite the circumstances of his coming to that office, I did not do anything to undermine his authority

throughout his eight years in government. That is the spirit with which I appeal that the Interior Minister (Aregbesola) avoid doing anything that will suggest a plan to make the state ungovernable for Mr. Oyetola.

“As a former governor of that state, I plead that we give peace a chance. The state has witnessed enough unnecessary crises in recent weeks coupled with the coronavirus pandemic,

which has upended people’s economy and general wellbeing.

Our people are suffering; they deserve a respite from all forms of crises as they struggle to make ends meet,” Oyinlola explained.

The APC caucus had also scheduled a public lecture as their own form of contribution to the two years’ celebration of the Oyetola’s administration in the state, just as it sponsored

a football match as part of the activities marking the first year of the governor in office without acrimony.

This decision was taken at a meeting of the caucus with five members physically present - Senator Ajibola Basiru, Senator Adelere Oriolowo, Hon. Taiwo Oluga, Hon. LB Ayeni and Hon. Lekan Afolabi.

Although the legislators viewed their contribution

from a broader perspective hoping to make it an epochmaking occasion to boost the morale of its members and the progressives’ family in the state, the effort was misinterpreted and misconstrued to be an affront to the governor.

The legislators had earlier agreed to the topic of the lecture as “Ten years of uninterrupted progressive government in Osun.”

Powerful Individuals Stalling War against Rape in Ekiti, Says Commissioner Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Olawale Fapohunda, has alleged that some powerful individuals have been found to be interceding for rape offenders in the state , describing the interferences as a serious impediment to the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the state.

This startling revelation came as the government, yesterday held its 1st GBV Summit in Ekiti and inaugurated a “He -for -She champions” as well as Moremi GBV Referral Clinic to tackle the menace of rape and gender molestations.

Speaking as a panelist at the summit, the commissioner said: “No one or age is immune from rape. The minors, aged people are involved. “Whoever that is found guilty now goes to life imprisonment. The issue of rape now constitutes serious shame to all of us and the trend must

change.

“Whoever that is sent to jail, we will get the picture and paste in his home, local L-R: Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bozac Continental Limited, Mr. Patrick Chibueze; Popular OAP and Brand Ambassador, government and town. “Rape Fair and White Skin care range, Ms. Toke Makinwa; her Legal Adviser, Ms. Yemisi Falaye; and Board Member, Bozac Continental Limited, Mr. has been festering because people Lotanna Chibueze, at the unveiling ceremony of Makinwa as the face of Fair & White brand in Lagos...yesterday are tolerating it. The very day you apprehend rapists or take them to court, traditional rulers, politicians and other big people will be begging me to drop the case; this is wrong.

“Don’t leave the fight for the the University of Maiduguri in Security and Intelligence to liaise abduction) to the campuses of government alone; it has to be Udora Orizu in Abuja Maiduguri and the Gwagwalada with the Federal Ministry of ABU,’ sponsored by collective. No more pleading Hon. Garba Muhammad and on behalf of offenders. We The House of Representatives campuses of the University Education, the Chief of Army are feeling ashamed with the yesterday called on the Chief of Abuja in order to forestall Staff and the Inspector General three others at plenary. of Police and other relevant Moving the motion, trends rape has assumed. There of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur incursions.

It also called on the Inspector agencies of government to Muhammad said that the state can be no justification for issue of Buratai to urgently establish a rape. Indecent dressing of ladies battalion of the Nigerian Army at General of Police to without implement the above resolutions of insecurity in Nigeria has been the southern border of Ahmadu further delay establish units of and report to the House within a matter of grave concern to doesn’t justify rape. all well-meaning patriots for “Three teachers are presently Bello University (ABU) Zaria its mobile police personnel at three weeks.

These resolutions followed the several years now. on trial in Ekiti. Some people to help forestall incursions the institution particularly at the He recalled that recently, the would even take these minors to by kidnappers, bandits and Phase 2 segment of its Samaru unanimous adoption of a motion Campus to ensure security of of urgent public importance, state of insecurity in Kaduna hotel and had carnal knowledge miscreants into the campus.

The House also asked the lives and property at all times. titled ‘urgent need to address State has degenerated to of them. Some are reading The lawmakers further the security threats posed by alarming levels in spite of federal government to urgently politics to it and I always said if voting for us would make erect a secure wall round the mandated its Committees on the phenomenon of banditry the well-meaning efforts of us drop a case against anyone, campuses as has been done for Tertiary Education and National (particularly kidnapping and government to put an end to it. it is better not to vote for us”.

PRODUCT MARKETING…

Kidnappings: House Urges FG to Establish Military, Police Formations at ABU

FCCPC: Senate Rejects South-west Nominee Akpata, Confirms Seven Others The Senate yesterday confirmed the appointments of seven nominees to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), just as it rejected Mrs. Yinka Osoba Akpata as Executive Commissioner to represent the South-west on the commission.

The confirmation of the nominees followed the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Trade and Investment.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi (PDP- Osun East), in his presentation said that the panel recommended Akpata’s rejection as a result of her failure to appear before the Committee for screening.

The nominees confirmed are: Mr. Emeka Nwakpa, Chairman (South-East); AVM Wakili Abdullahi Ahmed, Non-Executive Commissioner (North-West); Adamu

Ahmed Abdullahi, Executive Commissioner (North-East); Babatunde Irukera, and Executive Vice Chairman/ CEO (North-Central).

Others include Ben Obi Nwoye, Non-Executive Commissioner (South-East); Theophilus Oyebiyi, NonExecutive Commissioner (North-Central); and Ayang Francis Eyam, Non-Executive Commissioner (South-South).

Meanwhile, the upper chamber has forwarded six confirmation requests by President Muhammadu Buhari to relevant committees for further legislative work.

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, during plenary referred the President’s request for the confirmation of the Chairman and Members of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to the Committee on Youths and Sports.

Maize, Soya Meal Export will Destroy Poultry Farming, Warns FIPAN Feed Industry Practitioners Association of Nigeria, (FIPAN), has warned that the continued exportation of maize and soya bean is endangering livestock farming in the country, stressing that if the trend is not checked many more poultry farms would close down.

Speaking at a press conference at the Cornerstone Feeds conference hall yesterday, the President of FIPAN, Mr. Raymond Obiajulu said maize

and soya bean contributes to about 95 per cent of livestock feed, stressing that the country does not grow enough maize and soya not to talk of having to export them.

Obiajulu said: “as a way of generating forex, soya bean and maize are being exported when we don’t have enough of them and has led to the closure of numerous poultry farms with many more on the verge of shutting down except

something drastic is done by the government.”

Continuing, the FIPAN President said: “There is no rational for exporting soya bean and maize when we don’t even have enough. Government should therefore stop their exportation and expand grain reserve.”

He also advised government to meet with farmers at the market level.

He said the country needs

15 million metric tonnes of maize to be self-sufficient but is currently producing only 10 million metric tons.

FIPAN therefore warned that if the situation is not checked, it would be explosive and unimaginable, so much so that a crate of egg may be selling for as much as five thousand naira.

FIPAN indeed said the school feeding programme will collapse under the current trend.

VSF Earmarks N1bn for Third Phase of COVID-19 Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The Victims Support Fund (VSF) yesterday disclosed that the total cost of the third phase of its Covid-19 Intervention is N1 billion.

This is even as it said that it has commenced the third phase of distribution of food and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE’s) to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as well as the most vulnerable in communities

in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and seven other states in the North-west and North Central.

Spokesperson of the task force, Mr. Alkassim Abdukadir told journalist in Abuja that the task force had successfully carried out the first and second phases of the Covid-19 intervention in April and June 2020.

He stated that VSF Covid-19 Task Force in continuation of

its mandate will distribute rice, beans, maize, vegetable oil, salt, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE’s) to 40,886 households and approximately 204,330 direct beneficiaries across Kano, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, Plateau, Benue and agencies in the FCT. According to him, the state governments will receive fifty percent (50 per cent) of the food items while local Civil Society Organisations (CSO’s) will

distribute 50 per cent directly to IDPs and vulnerable people.

“The VSF COVID-19 Taskforce is an emergency response team inaugurated by the Chairman of the Victims Support Fund, Gen. TY Danjuma (rtd) to provide palliative measures to Internally Displaced Persons and the vulnerable as well as provide institutional support to Government Agencies supporting the national effort to fight Covid-19.”

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Falana-led Coalition Tasks FG on Utilisation of Police Trust Fund

Ejiofor Alike

The Alliance for Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB) led by human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana, has stated that the federal government has enough resources kept in the newly

established Police Trust Fund, (PTF) to equip police personnel for optimum performance.

ASCAB, in the statement signed by its Chairman, Falana, tasked the federal government to ensure judicious use of funds meant for the operatives under the newly established Police Trust Fund.

Senate Kicks against Illicit Arms Trade in Nigeria

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The Senate has considered a critical bill seeking to tackle the illicit importation and trade of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria.

The upper chamber has also put machinery in motion for the amendment of Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act 2007, thereby making the Nigerian Law Schools beneficiaries of Education Tax Funds.

Entitled: ‘The Nigerian National Commission against the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons Bill’, which scaled through second reading yesterday at the plenary, was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi.

According to him, the piece of legislation, among other things,

seeks to identify sources and main routes of small arms, ammunition and light weapons; establish links of liaising with relevant authorities, agencies and organisations with the aim of tackling the menace; and train and build the capacity of the corps towards the enforcement of this mandate.

The ranking Senator stressed that the bill. when passed into law, would put in place machineries such as the Nigerian National Commission Against the Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons to combat illegal importation of arms, and enhance the harmonisation of intelligence and information collection, analysis and dissemination among the Intelligence organs and law enforcement agencies.

The group said the newly opened fund is repository to billions of naira, which should be disbursed to equip the police with critical infrastructure like crowd control equipment and personnel gadgets.

The rights coalition recalled that the newly passed Police Act empowers the government to pay 0.5 per cent of total revenue generated in the country to the newly opened PTF account, which also includes payment of 0.005 per cent of net profit by all companies operating in Nigeria.

The group said the Nigerian Police Force do not have enough Water Canon beyond a few ones in Abuja.

It said the equipment costs between N18million to N50million, which every state of the Federation can afford.

ASCAB said instead of kitting police personnel and buying Water Canons, authorities have been buying Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) that are hardly used but stationed at State Houses as empty psychological threats.

ASCAB argued that for

effective performance, every police rating and officer needs life-saving equipment like handcuff, radios, baton, handheld protection devices such as pepper spray, window punch, gloves, flashlights, ammunition, taser, flashlights, batteries, first medical aid material pens, pencils, keys and multi-tool.

ASCAB said the equipment are sometimes more effective and prevents the operatives’ temptation of using life ammunition at the slightest provocation on the civilian population.

The group said the fund should insure every police men and women against death and bodily injury, saying that its struggle for a better Nigeria takes into consideration the travails of police officers who are also victims of a system shortchange them.

“ASCAB urges the Nigeria Police Force to judiciously use the funds available to maintain public order in the most legal, legitimate ways that employs life saving measures. This involves deploying water cannon instead of guns in crowd control.”

HONOUR FOR A MONARCH…

L-R: Justice of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, Justice AU Ogakwu; Chairman, Yellow Chilli Restaurant, Lagos, Prince Victor Ogakwu; former Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke; Lagos-based corporate lawyer/businessman, High Chief Kojo Claude-Enin; and Chief Executive Officer of Boorman Engineering Limited, Chief Tony Egbuna, at a reception in honour of the traditional ruler of Udi Kingdom in Enugu State, Igwe Chris Ogakwu, in Lagos…recently

Esele: Passage of PIB into Law will Curb Incessant Over 500 Retired Officers Petition Investigative Fuel Price Hike why PIB is yet to be passed in Panel on Police Brutality Emma Okonji and Nosa Alekhuogie

Former President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Mr. Peter Esele, has called for the speedy passage of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB).

He insisted that once that is achieved, it would address the issues of incessant fuel price hike and other sundry challenges in the oil and gas industry.

Esele, who spoke yesterday on the Morning Show of Arise News channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, said: “By the time the PIGB is passed into law, it will address all the challenges of petroleum products, as they relate to pricing.

“When the bill is passed into law, it will help maximise the benefits of oil and gas in the country. The PIGB will definitely wipe out the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), which could then be merged with other departments.

At that time, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) will then be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to enable Nigerians have stake in NNPC. When NNPC goes public, between 10 to 40 per cent will be divested by the government within the next five years.”

Esele, however, blamed politics for the delay in the passage of the initial Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which he said metamorphosed into the current PIGB. “Politics was the major reason

Nigeria.

“It all started from Oil and Gas Implementation Committee (OGIC), which later metamorphosed into Petroleum Industry Bill, and recently to Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB),” Esele said.

He also explained that with the current development and trends, it is possible that in the next three years, the government will just have to sit up concerning the petroleum bill, because more modular refineries are beginning to spring up like the Dangote Refinery and the Bua Refinery.

According to Esele, “One of the beauties of the PIGB is that deregulation of the oil sector will come up on its own accord. Then at that time, the government will begin to think of how to make life more meaningful for the citizens.

“The challenges with the oil and gas sector include that crude is sold in dollars, bought in dollars and the refined products from crude oil is sold in naira.

So as the currency continues to fluctuate, it will definitely affect business in the oil and gas sector. In January this year, the rate of naira to dollar was N303, and currently, it sells for N387, and in the black market, it is about N480, and this is a fundamental challenge in trading in the oil and gas sector of the Nigerian market.”

Reacting to the recent call for the privatisation of the country’s refineries by the South-south leaders, Esele said the issue would be addressed when the PIGB is passed into law.

Over 500 retired police officers in Akwa Ibom State have jointly petitioned the Judicial Panel of Investigation on Police Brutality constituted by the state.

In a petition, JPPP/MEMO/ 084 to the panel, the retired police officers said they were in the panel following non-payment of their contributory pension over the years.

Represented by their counsel, Sunday Njoku, the retired officer argued that such acts by the management of Police Pension Scheme is one of the major causes of the ignominious acts by some bad eggs among the police force.

According to them, “The helpless situation of both serving and retired officers has been one

of the major causes of the action of the police. “They want to make it before they are out of service.

Imagine saving for 35 years but get very little or nothing when they are retired.”

According to their counsel, the retired police officers are in the panel to make useful contributions on police reform that will go a long way to helping

the public.

Meanwhile, the panel has frown at the attitude of some police officers invited to the panel.

The Chairman of the panel, retired Justice Ifiok Ukana, threatened that members of the panel would not hesitate to order an arrest of serving or retired officer who fails to appear before it.

Senator Raises the Alarm over Ocean Surge in Ondo Deji Elumoye in Abuja A member of the National Assembly, Senator Nicholas Tofowomo (Ondo South) yesterday drew the attention of the Senate to the urgent need to rescue Ayetoro community in Ondo State from ocean surge.

Coming under Order 42 and 52 of the Senate Standing Rules, the senator in a motion told his colleagues that Ayetoro, which was known as Ayetoro floating city in the 1970s, suffered a severe

ocean disaster recently which depleted the community, destroyed 308 houses and rendered many homeless.

According to him, “Ayetoro, which is part of the Niger Delta region, is yet to receive any support from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the Ondo State Oil Producing and Development Corporation (OSOPADEC), which oversees the oil producing part of the state.

“It is also regrettable that crude oil exploration companies which

operate in the region with their offices in Ilaje Local Government Area have not fared better.

“Concerned that Ayetoro floating city’s major occupation is fishing, hence, most of the residents have suffered losses of their fishing tools, and this has rendered most of them helpless and jobless.”

Consequently, the Senate urged the NDDC and Ondo State Government to respond and assist victims in the community as well as develop a master plan

that includes building of ocean barriers to control flooding and ocean surge in the region.

The upper chamber, while urging the Nigerian Maritime, Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to visit Ayetoro to ascertain the level of destruction in the community with a view to proffering solution to prevent future occurrence, called on oilproducing companies to assist the community in rebuilding some of the infrastructures destroyed by the surge.

UNIYO Promotes 240 Lecturers to Professors in Five Years Okon Bassey in Uyo

No fewer than 240 lecturers in the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, have been promoted to the professorial cadre between 2015 and 2020, the out-going, Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Enefiok Essien, has said.

Essien disclosed this yesterday while briefing journalists during an end-oftenure press conference in Uyo, explaining that the number is comprised of associate

professors and professors.

The vice chancellor noted that his tenure witnessed an improvement in the academic fortunes of the school as 30 out of the 76 inaugural lectures in the school since 1991 were hosted in his time.

According to him, the rating of the university improved to 13 from just being in the top 30 universities in Nigeria.

He said the backlog of promotions for non-teaching staff as far back as 2011 was cleared by his administration,

just as academic staff members were regularly promoted, staff with higher qualifications converted to their appropriate ranks, as well as regularised the employment of stagnated staff of the university staff school.

He said the introduction of electronic voting system for the Students’ Union Government (SUG) elections, where the students voted from the comfort of their rooms, thereby erasing the issue of discontent among

students during their executive transition, was introduced by his administration.

Essien insisted that his tenure operated an open-door policy for students; ran a yearly convocation ceremony such that students could get their certificates afterwards, stating that 153 students expelled from the university in November 2015 before he became the vice chancellor were reinstated in 2016 during his administration after showing remorse.

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2023: Ekweremadu Wants South-east to Dialogue with Other Zones Says FG’s community policing deceptive

Chuks Okocha and Adedayo Akinwale inAbuja Former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has stated that the clamour for the presidency to be zoned to the South-east region in 2023 can only be realised through engagement, conversation

and getting the buy-in of other regions.

Ekweremadu stated this yesterday while speaking at a colloquium and book presentation with the theme: ‘Beyond Branding: Engineering a Citizen-led Proposition for Nigeria’s National Cohesion and Global Positioning’.

Diri Wants Bayelsa, NIMASA Partnership Strengthened Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said that his administration cherishes the relationship with the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) because the maritime sector has great potential for the economic advancement of his state.

Diri, who stated this at a dinner organised in honour of the NIMASA Director General, Dr. Bashir Yusuf Jamoh and his entourage in Government House, Yenagoa, on Tuesday night, noted that the riverine nature of the state makes the partnership with the agency imperative.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as saying that the visit marked the beginning of a new page in the relationship between the state and NIMASA. Diri noted that oil wealth would not last forever hence the need to turn attention to the

maritime sector, which holds great potential for the state’s advancement economically.

He stressed that the agency was important to the state and that both parties can achieve so much working together.

He expressed the optimism that with the wealth of experience of the NIMASA boss, Bayelsa would experience true prosperity.

The state chief executive tasked youths to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the partnership to be self-reliant rather than engage in social vices.

He said: “When we visited you in Lagos, you truly promised to return our visit. In Bayelsa State, our environment is almost 90 per cent riverine.

“Crude oil is losing value and we must open a new page for our economic prosperity. The new windows and our riches are in the maritime domain.

Everything in the ocean is money.

The book titled: ‘Pitch: Debunking Marketing Stronger Myths’, is authored by Ikem Okuhu.

According to him, “There is a clamour for Igbo presidency today, but I believe it can only be realised if we engaged ourselves in conversation with other Nigerians into this initiative. There can never be a universal decision of any ethnic group and the rest of us in this country. It is only dialogue and conversation that can be equity to all parts of the country.

The lawmaker said democracies and societies are always evolving, and that the country must continue to develop better and more efficient ways of ensuring

that Nigerians take charge of conversations and initiatives that culminate in government policies and programmes as well as the search for a better Nigeria.

Ekweremadu further said there was need to work towards building consensus on the issues confronting the country today.

The lawmaker, who noted that Nigeria is in the full grips of widespread insecurity, insisted that the community police initiative of the federal government is deceptive.

According to Ekweremadu, “Unfortunately, there are several areas, indeed burning issues, where successive governments have either not listened to the masses

or shown interest in building consensus. The bad news is not just that the country is paying dearly for such intransigence, but also that the country will sadly continue to pay heavier tolls for many years to come.

“Today, Nigeria is in the full grip of widespread insecurityinsurgency, banditry, abductions, armed robbery, and all manner of violent crimes, and Nigerians have been offering solutions towards taming the rising waves of criminality. This includes calls for decentralised policing, which I am also a proponent and have a bill to that effect that is currently before the Senate.

Unfortunately, it appears the

government is bent on doing the same thing over and over again, but ironically, hoping to get a different result.

“Nigeria is the only country in the world that runs a federal system of government with a centralised policing system.

Nobody does what we are doing in this world, and that is why we have insecurity in Nigeria.

Today the number of policemen we have in Nigeria is far less than what we need. And we can never have enough unless we allow the state to have their own police, and determine how they train them and factor them in the circumstances around their states.”

DEEPENING KNOWLEDGE…

L-R: Former member of House of Representatives, Hon. Victor Ogene; former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu; and author of the book/convener of BRANDish Meeting of Minds, Mr. Ikem Okuhu, at the presentation of the book, ‘Pitch: Debunking Marketing’s Strongest Myths,’in Abuja…yesterday

NGO Offers Scholarship to 5,000 African Students

Fire Destroys 100 Shops in Otukpo Market

Kayode Fasua in Abeokuta

Over 100 shops and property worth over N50 million were yesterday destroyed by fire at the Otukpo main market in Benue State.

This is the second time in this year that the market has been

Africa Skills Centre (ASC), a non-governmental organisation, has announced the award of scholarship and other incentives to 5,000 students of African descent, drawn from the three sub-regions where it is currently domiciled.

The ASC is the largest online training hub in Africa, with physical offices in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa.

The organisation said it would be carrying out the scholarship award programme in Nigeria, in collaboration with the Nigeria Excellence Awards organisation, which currently covers SouthWest, South-East, South-South, and North-Central geo-political zones.

The Nigeria Excellence Awards is code-named, SNEAWARDS. Speaking with THISDAY in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the Chief Executive Officer of the ASC and

coordinator of Nigeria Excellence Awards, Pastor Honey Olawale, said the gesture was tergetted at indigent students and whizkids in need of a morale booster.

“This is just the starting point, as we are determined to leverage on our global goodwill to develop human resources among our youths in the African continent.

“We want students from poor background who are willing to pursue high-class education but are limited by their circumstances to fulfill their dreams.

“Same applies to the whizkids, who need certain vocational tools and exposure to accomplish their evolutionary quests; as we will be there for them,” he enthused.

The ASC, he added, would also be offering to students drawn from the areas of coverage of the Nigeria Excellence Awards, about 22 different skills acquisition courses, with professional lecturers sourced from different countries.

George Okoh in Makurdi

it took the swift intervention of men of Fire Service Department to put out the fire which lasted several hours, adding that the cause of the inferno is yet to be ascertained.

According to him, several building and plastic materials, and electronics were destroyed

by the fire.

The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area Hon George Ali, describe the fire incident as unfortunate and sad.

He said there was an ongoing plan to restructure the market following an earlier fire incident which affected the market.

Fresh Selection Process for UI VC Begins The selection of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan commenced afresh yesterday with the Senate of the university holding an election to pick two members that will be part of the Joint Council/ Senate Representatives to screen applicants interested in becoming the new vice-chancellor of the 72-year-old institution.

There was tight security at the Trenchard Hall, the venue of the election with armed

operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and members of Operation Burst to prevent disruption of the process.

The online election of the Senate members to be part of the selection committee which was done electronically in September was cancelled and was asked to be conducted afresh.

It was learnt that the two candidates who won in the first election won again in the

election conducted manually yesterday.

Six professors, who announced their withdrawal from the election said the notice was too short and wondered why the senate was rushing to conclude the process.

However, Professors Peter Olapegba, Ezekiel Ayoola and Moshood Akinsola participated in the election Olapegba who had scored 362 in the previous online voting

scored 302 in the manual poll; while Ayoola, who also scored 352 votes in the online election polled 299 votes.

Also, Akinsola who had earlier scored 20 votes polled 17 in the manual election on Wednesday.

The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, had directed that the selection of a new VC to replace Prof. Idowu Olayinka whose tenure expires on November 30 should start afresh.

Nigerian Publishers Seek Review of Copyright Law, Donate Buses to UBEC

Oyegwa’s Funeral Obsequies Begin

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The burial rites of the late Sir Christopher Ajakpovi Oyegwa (KSC) began yesterday (Wednesday) with a service of songs in Warri. Commendation service is tomorrow (Friday) at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Igbudu, Warri. Funeral service

The Nigerian Publishers Association has called on the federal government to commence the crackdown on pirates and vendors of pirated books being sold in the streets across the country.

The publishers also urged

is tomorrow at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, OkpawhaAviara, Isoko, Delta State followed by reception in the community.

Thanksgiving service is at Saint Peters Anglican Church, off Deco Road, Warri.

gutted by fire.

The fire, according to a shop owner at the market, started around 5 a.m. when most traders were still at home.

However, a supervisory councilor of the local government area in charge of Finance and Revenue, Shedrack Abu, said

the government to strengthen the copyright law in order to eradicate the menace of piracy in the country.

President of the association, Gbadega Adedapo, who made the call yesterday in Abuja while presenting three brand new Coaster buses to Universal Basic Education Commission

(UBEC), said Nigerian authors are worried that most of the books being sold in the country were not from their original owners.

He, however, disclosed that the association was already collaborating with several organisations, including the Nigerian Copyright

Commission, to ensure that books are bought from rightful owners.

Adedapo also called on the government to put in place functional book policy, noting that the issue of piracy was not something that could be taken with levity without strong legal backing.

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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

THURSDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

2021 AFROBASKET QUALIFIERS

D’Tigers to Open Campaign against S’Sudan in Kigali Today Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, are to begin their campaign to qualify for the 2021 AfroBasket Championships today in Kigali, Rwanda when they battle South Sudan.

The 2015 African champions are paired in Group D with

host Rwanda, Mali and South Sudan.

Veteran Ike Diogu is leading D’Tigers push at the qualifiers along with the other 11 players selected by Coach Mike Brown.

Others include Point guard, Ben Uzoh, Capital City GoGo point guard, Ike Iroegbu;

Lewandowski Heads 11-man The Best FIFA Award Shortlist Bayern Munich’s treble-winning Robert Lewandowski joined regulars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi on the shortlist for The Best FIFA Men’s Player award, world soccer’s governing body announced yesterday.

Lewandowski was top scorer for Bayern in the Champions League (15 goals), as well as the Bundesliga (34), and was a firm favourite for the Ballon d’Or award before it was scrapped this year for the first time in its 64-year history because of the novel coronavirus.

However, the Polish striker can still lay claim to being the best player if he picks up the FIFA award, which will be presented at a ceremony on December 17. His former teammate and current Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara was also nominated.

Joining them on the shortlist are Champions League runners-up Paris St Germain’s forwards Neymar and Kylian Mbappe while Liverpool’s Premier League winning trio of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Sadio Mane also made the cut.

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, the Premier League’s player of the year last season, also made the shortlist as did Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos.

SHORTLISTS Men Thiago Alcântara (Spain / Liverpool FC)

side Civil Defenders; MBC Mykolaiv shooting guard, Keith Omoerah and Hapoel Be’er Sheva point guard, Caleb Agada.

Brown who is associate head coach of NBA’s Golden State Warriors, is leading the Nigerian team to his first tournament since replacing Alex Nwora.

The coach dropped the likes of Stan Okoye, Ikechukwu Nwamu, Talib Zanna, Michael

Eric, Tonye Jekiri, Rasheed Sulaimon, Festus Ezeli and Ekpe Udoh, all of whom had made the initial 20-man list for the championship.

D’Tigers who arrived Kigali on Monday night had their first practice on Tuesday evening after results of their Covid-19 tests returned negative.

The Afrobasket qualifiers are scheduled to hold between November 25 and November 29 at the Kigali Arena.

THE 12-MAN D’TIGERS 6 - Ike Diogu 4 - Ben Uzoh 1 - Ike Iroegbu 11 - Obi Emegano 3 - Caleb Agada 2 - Keith Omoerah 12 - Ibe Agu 5 - Emmanuel Omogbo 22 - Michael Gbinije 32 - Amanze Egezeke 0 - Jordan Ogundiran 9 - Chima Moneke Head Coach: Mike Brown

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal / Juventus FC) Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium / Man City) Robert Lewandowski (Poland / FC Bayern) Sadio Mané (Senegal / Liverpool FC) Kylian Mbappé (France / PSG) Lionel Messi (Argentina / FC Barca) Neymar (Brazil / PSG) Sergio Ramos (Spain / Real Madrid) Mohamed Salah (Egypt / Liverpool) Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands / Liverpool) WOMEN Lucy Bronze (England / Man City WFC) Delphine Cascarino (France /Lyon) Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway / FC Barca) Pernille Harder (Denmark / Chelsea FC) Jennifer Hermoso (Spain / FC Barca)

RESULTS Atletico

0-0 Lokomotiv

B’Munich

3-1 Salzburg

B’Moglad’bach4 4-0 Shakhtar Inter

0-2 Real Madrid

Olympiacos 0-1 Man City Marseille

0-2 FC Porto

Ajax

3-1 Midtjylland

Liverpool

0-2 Atalanta

Arsenal, Leicester Eye Europa Knockout Stage Live on StarTimes

Arsenal and Leicester City have a chance to advance to the knockout stage of the Europa League this week.

Europa League matches air live and exclusive on StarTimes football channels.

Arsenal are away at Norwegian club Molde, while Leicester City travel to Braga and both will be assured of advancing to the next round with a victory this evening.

The Gunners would be guaranteed a place in the knockout should they return from Norway with a win after beating Molde 4-1 on matchday three.

Leicester are in a very similar situation to their London rivals.

After winning 4-0 at home against Braga at the beginning of the month, they know that a victory in Portugal will be see

Orléans Loiret Basket power forward, Chima Moneke; BC Nevžis shooting guard, Michael Gbinije; Baloncesto Fuenlabrada shooting guard, Obi Emegano and Kamza Basket point guard, Jordan Ogundiran.

POAK Athens power forward, Amanze Egezeke; Baloncesto Peñas Huesca centre, Emmanuel Omogbo; shooting guard, Ibe Agu, who plays for home-based

them go through.

For Tottenham Hotspur, a 1-0 defeat in Belgium against Antwerp on matchday two sees Jose Mourinho’s team on six points in Group J, with Antwerp and Austrian club LASK also on six points. Victory at home against Ludogorets Razgrad will be a major step towards the knockout stage, but will not be enough to prematurely ensure Spurs a place in the next rounds.

“StarTimes subscribers can share the excitement live with their loved ones by linking their decoder’s smartcard number to StarTimes-ON mobile app on up to three mobile devices; this enables them to stream all StarTimes content on their mobile devices at no extra cost,” observed the pay channel in a statement.

Nigeria’s D’Tigers are to tip off their campaign in the AfroBasket 2021 qualifiers against South Sudan in Kigali, Rwanda...today

Nigerian Athletes Not at Risk of Missing Tokyo Olympics, Says AFN The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has refuted reports that Nigerian athletes risk missing out of next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan because of the addition of Nigeria to the highest category (A) of countries having the highest doping risk in the sport.

According to AFN, Rule 15 of the World Athletics Anti-Doping guidelines sets out the National Federations’ anti- doping obligations.

“The purpose of the rule is to ensure that Member Federations have clear antidoping obligations; play a greater part in ensuring a level playing field and elevate the overall standard of integrity in athletics.

“Under the rules, National Federations are categorized annually by the Athletics

Integrity Unit Board in three different categories — A, B and C — according to the level of doping risk to the sport.

(Category A having the highest doping risk to the sport and Category C the lowest).

AFN’s Ag. President, Honorable Olamide George insisted yesterday that “Sunday Adeleye, a former member of the board of the federation who was erroneously addressed as the technical director of the federation in the published report yesterday was only looking for relevance by rehasing an old story.

“The addition of Nigeria to the A category was done in March this year and both the AFN and the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development have made appreciable efforts to ensure compliance with the

relevant anti-doping rules. I am shocked the newspaper (not THISDAY) failed in its duty of reporting all sides to the story.

“Adeleye should have been asked what efforts did the AFN make while he was there as technical director,” stressed George who revealed that the AFN did not have an antidoping department and head until this year when the board met in January and named Professor Ken Anugweje as head of the committee.

“This is one of the basic requirements set out in Rule 15. The AFN (and not the Sports Ministry) is expected to ‘appoint one person as primary contact for the Athletics Integrity Unit with authority over anti-doping matters. Rule 15 of the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules is clearly about the obligations of

member federations (the AFN in this case) and Adeleye should have ensured he understands the rules before coming out to raise false and unnecessary alarm,” George added and assurred all stakeholders that Nigerian athletes will be in Tokyo next year at the Olympics.

“International elite athletes like Blessing Okagbare, Tobi Amusan, Ese Brume, Divine Oduduru and a few athletes who have qualified for the Games are in the international testing pool and get tested regularly while competing in the international circuit.

In fact, the National AntiDoping Committee (NADC) has confirmed that Brume, Amusan and majority of the foreign-based athletes have been tested several times this year,” said George.

Reactions To Death of Maradona @60...

Nwankwo Kanu “R.I. P Diego Armando Maradona. Your memories will live on forever” Pele Pele, the Brazilian football legend who is considered the only one that comes close to Maradona in terms of skills, was amongst the early set of people to pay tributes to the

late Argentine.

“Certainly, one day we ‘ll kick a ball together in the sky above,” observed Pele in a statement made available by Reuters.

Gary Lineker In an apparent reference to the ‘Hand of God goal Maradona scored against England’s Three Lions he was part of, Gary Lineker in a Twitter sarcasm

said: “Hopefully, He ‘II find comfort in the hands of God.” It was attacked by several Twitter users.

Lionel Messi “It is a very sad day for all Argentines and football. He leaves us but he does not go because he is eternal,” said Messi in a tweet.

Argentina The government of Argentina has declared three days of mourning for Maradona.

President Alberto Fernandez said in a tweet. “You took us to the highest point in the world, and made us immensely happy. You were the greatest of all. Thank you for having been with us, Diego. We miss you all our lives.”

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THURSDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

ThursdaySPORTS

Soccer Legend with Hand of God, Maradona, Dies

Maradona...hero of Argentina’s triumph at Mexico ‘86

Maradona...in the twilight before sunset

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Naples by helicopter. Maradona justified the huge sign on fee as he played the best club football of his career in Italy, feted by supporters as he inspired the side to their first Scudetto (league) titles in 1987 and 1990 and the UEFA Cup in 1989.

Suddenly, Napoli that was not amongst the elite rich clubs in Italy, because of Maradona became the cynosure of all from south of Italy.

A party to celebrate the first triumph lasted five days with hundreds of thousands on the streets, but Maradona was suffocated by the attention and expectation.

“This is a great city but I can hardly breathe. I want to be free to walk around.

I’m a lad like any other,” he said.

He became inextricably linked to the Camorra crime syndicate, dragged down by a cocaine addiction and embroiled in a paternity suit amongst other cases.

After losing 1-0 to Germany in the final of Italia ‘90, a positive dope test the following year triggered a 15-month ban for Maradona.

He returned and arrested his slide, getting his act together to play in the 1994 World Cup in the USA, but alarmed viewers with a maniacal full-face goal celebration into a camera.

Maradona was withdrawn midway through the tournament after he was found to have taken the banned substance ephedrine.

After his third positive test three years later, he retired from football on his 37th birthday, but continued to be plagued by problems.

Maradona was given a suspended jail sentence of two years and 10 months for an earlier incident where he shot at journalists with an air rifle.

His cocaine habit and alcoholism led to several health issues. He put on weight, rising to 128kg at one point, and suffered

The life of Diego Armando Maradona came to full circle on Wednesday afternoon. It was the anti-climax of several months of anxiety over the fate of the 60-year old Argentine football icon whose life was riddled with controversy almost same way as his career as a player or coach.

The former Argentina midfielder and manager had a successful surgery on a brain blood clot early in November.

So many of his fans feared he was not like to pull through as his drug and alcohol abuse were well documented.

Surprisingly, the former Barcelona and Napoli star survived and was taken into a rehabilitation centre to cure him of alcohol dependence. After several days with no clear sign of recovery, sun finally set on the life of this colorful footballer who some fans worship like a god, on Wednesday afternoon.

Standing at just 5ft 5in, what Maradona lacked in height, he made up for it with a rugged heart and cunning brain that defied explanation. It still remains a controversy till date who is the better player between him and another South American icon of the game-Edson Arantes do Nascimento who goes by the moniker Pele.

With a rare combination of flair, flamboyance, vision and speed which mesmerised fans, Maradona showed prodigious ability from a young age, leading Los Cebollitas youth team to a 136-game unbeaten streak and going on to make his international debut aged just 16 years and 120 days.

Of course, with his silky skills, agility, vision, ball control, dribbling and passing more than compensated for lack of pace and occasional weight problems.

He brought all this to bear when he led Argentina to victory at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. The World noticed the arrival of another candidate to contest the ‘King of Football’ title with Pele.

At Mexico ‘86 quarter final clash with England, Maradona proved that a ‘tree can truly make a forest’. He was the Iroko in La Albiceleste squad.

He gave a foretaste of the controversy that would later engulf his life.

With the memories of the Falklands War four years earlier still very fresh

in the minds of fans on both divides, the match was more than an ordinary football game. Pride and prestige came into play.

The first 51 minutes of the game was goalless until Maradona conjured that his ‘Hand of God’ goal. Maradona jumped with opposing goalkeeper Peter Shilton and scored by punching the ball into the net. Three Lions players protested but there was no Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology to help the centre referee to nullify that goal. If that goal was dubious as claimed by former England’s legend, Sir Bobby Robson, Maradona’s second goal was a ‘mystery’.

Maradona’s second goal against England in that quarter final of Mexico ‘86 remains the best in this century.

He collected the ball in his own half before embarking on a bewitching, mazy solo run that left several players trailing before he rounded Shilton to score that second goal to tell the world he has arrived to claim his place in history.

Nothing compares to that Maradona goal to date in the history of the World Cup. England pulled one back but Argentina went through, with Maradona saying it was “much more than winning a match, it was about knocking out the English”.

Maradona’s 34 goals in 91 appearances for Argentina tell only part of the story of his rollercoaster international career.

In all, the late Argentine scored 259 goals in 491 matches for both country and clubs.

The effervescent Maradona broke the world transfer record twice - leaving Boca Juniors in his home country for Spanish side Barcelona for £3million in 1982 and joining Italian club Napoli two years later for £5million.

There were more than 80,000 fans in the Stadio San Paolo when he arrived

a major heart attack in 2004, which left him in intensive care.

He had gastric-bypass surgery to help stem his obesity, and sought sanctuary in Cuba while battling to overcome his drug addiction.

Despite all this, Maradona was named manager of the Argentina national team in 2008 and took the side to the World Cup quarter-finals two years later before his reign ended with a 4-0 defeat by Germany in the quarter-finals.

In the group game with Nigeria’s Super Eagles which the South Americans won 1-0 through Gabriel Heinz’s header, Maradona exhibited clear signs he was not going to make a great manager like did playing the game. His sideline antics and ball reading appears off the mark. These were to become glaring in subsequent jobs he took after the Argentina post.

Various managerial roles followed for a figure who continued to divide opinion, and continued to make headlines.

He needed reconstructive surgery on his lip after one of his pet shar pei dogs bit him, and publicly recognised his son Diego Armando Junior who was born from an extra-marital affair.

A snapshot of his chaotic lifestyle came when he attended Argentina’s match against Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup in Russia He unveiled a banner of himself, danced with a Nigeria fan, prayed to the heavens before the game, wildly celebrated Lionel Messi’s opener, fell asleep and gave a double middle finger salute after Argentina’s second goal.

Some reports suggested he needed medical treatment afterwards.

It was just a matter of time that what Maradona loved most was going to be his undoing and it ultimately extinguished his life candle.

MARADONA TIMELINE 1977: Debuted for Argentina v Hungary

1991: Banned 15-month after positive drugs test

1982: Joined Napoli after two-year spell with Barcelona

1994: Played in fourth World Cup but ejected after positive test

1986: Won World Cup with Argentina

1997: Retired from playing after third positive test

1990: World Cup runner-up with Argentina.

Second league title at Napoli

2010: Ended two-year spell as Argentina manager after World Cup in South Africa

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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Price: N250

MISSILE Nasir El-Rufai to Nigerians “The way some people present restructuring is so insulting and derogatory. We should have an honest conversation on what is working and what is not. We don’t have anything to beneďŹ t making derogatory remarks against a particular group of people because of restructuring. If there are northern leaders today by virtue of the fact that I am a governor, I must be there. So, who are these northerners against restructuring? Let us have a very honest, unemotional conversation without looking down on people or insulting them or framing them.â€?

OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

‘Let’s Continue to Pray‌’ D

uring the COVID-19 lockdown earlier in the year, entertaining WhatsApp videos played a critical role in helping many of us to maintain our sanity. I remember a particular clip by comedian Frank Donga on what it takes to be a successful public official in Nigeria today. Donga (whose real name is Kunle Idowu) taught a class of politicians nine statements to deploy whenever they want to play the masses.

After the nine lessons, Donga then added what he said was the real joker that Nigerians would always swallow if all previous ones failed: “Let’s continue to pray!�

On the same day that I received the skit, there was a trending video in which residents of Ikota, a Lagos suburb on the Lekki-Epe expressway, gathered around a ‘troublesome’ transformer to cast away the ‘powers of darkness’. Reportedly the fourth in a series of faulty transformers brought by the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDP), you would expect someone to be rational enough to ask the management of the company serious questions. But the people would rather put the blame for their woes on ‘spiritual attacks’ on the transformer which necessitated the ‘crusade’. Since Nigerians have long resigned themselves to the ‘God is in control’ fate in practically all aspects of our national life, those who should be held to account (in both the public and private sectors) get a free pass.

Take the issue of security. While Boko Haram and other terror networks have taken over the North-east, bandits and kidnappers have laid siege to the Northwest and North-central. Last Saturday night, the Nasarawa State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Philip Shekwo, was kidnapped by unknown gunmen. His dead body was found the next day. And in broad daylight on Monday afternoon, gunmen invaded Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria to abduct a lecturer, just 24 hours after nine students of the same institution were freed from six-day captivity following payment of ransom by their parents. The pathetic story speaks to our helplessness.

Traveling on the Kaduna-Abuja highway is now a suicide mission, even for security personnel.

I wrote last year how a discernible gangster ethos now defines living and livelihoods in Zamfara State. The crisis has since spread to Katsina, Kaduna and Sokoto as sundry cartels of criminals carve out empires for themselves.

That explains why bandits could invade a mosque in Dutsen Gari community, Maru local government of Zamfara, last Friday to abduct worshippers during Juma’at prayers.

Apparently reacting to sensational social media reports on the number of victims, spokesman of the Zamfara Police Command, SP Muhammad Shehu, confirmed that “the bandits killed five worshippers and kidnapped 18 others, including the Imam.� Prior to that tragedy, the same Zamfara bandits had violated and beaten no fewer than 26 married women and girls they abducted from Katsina State. The hapless ladies were only released after their families begged and borrowed to pay hefty ransom.

Finance Minister, Zainab Ahmed At a period you expect the national security architecture to be defined in a manner that takes into account peculiarities of criminal tendencies in various parts of the country, there is no sign of any fresh thinking. Authorities continue doing the same things yet expecting different results while the service chiefs who have since reached professional menopause continue in office. “If any governor tells you that he will do anything about insecurity, such a governor is lying,� Darius Ishiaku of Taraba State lamented recently. “As governors, we don’t have control over the police or army and virtually there is nothing we can do over security. We have been calling for the establishment of state police, but nobody seems to consider our position.�

Darius is right about the seeming incapacity of governors because security is the exclusive preserve of the federal government under the current constitutional order. But the governor’s prescription is to leave everything in the hands of God: “I am praying myself for peace and I have also asked the people of the state to pray for peace in the state.� His Katsina counterpart, whose state has practically been hijacked by bandits, is also not looking towards his kinsman in Aso Rock for reprieve. During the last Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Governor Aminu Bello Masari appealed to Katsina residents to intercede in “prayers for Allah’s intervention to enable the state overcome banditry and kidnapping.�

Despite years of prayers, ungoverned spaces continue to widen across the country, especially in the North. Last Sunday in Zaria, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) accused President Muhammadu Buhari of working against the interest of the North by not addressing the security challenge in the region. “It is shocking that in spite of unprecedented consensus among Nigerians that the administration requires a new resolve, approach and leadership in the fight against the nation’s multiple security challenges, President Buhari appears either totally isolated or in deep denial over the result of his failures to secure Nigerians,�

they said.

Incidentally, NEF spokesman and former federal permanent secretary, Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, had in his personal capacity x-rayed the security situation in the North as far back as 2014. Buhari was of course not in power then. That NEF is saying the same thing today is an indication that nothing has changed. “For almost 400 square kilometers, from Abuja to Kaduna, Zaria and Birnin Gwari, there is hardly any farm with cattle [left]. It is the same in most parts of Katsina and Zamfara states�, Baba-Ahmed lamented six years ago before he added: “The backbone of the northern economy is farming and husbandry. Cattle breeding and processing was a major business in these areas. Not anymore. Slowly but surely, the heart of the northern economy is being snuffed out. We cannot keep cattle on our farms. Large scale farming is becoming less and less attractive. A huge swathe of the north is now bandit territory. Most of us know where our cattle are, but we cannot retrieve them. Abducted women and young girls hardly ever return.�

The nexus between security and the welfare of the people is all too-clear not only in the North but across the country.

But our challenges are far deeper. Following the shrinking price of oil as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Nigeria has been thrown into another round of economic recession. This is the second in less than five years. According to figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contracted by 3.6 per cent in the third quarter (from July to September) of this year after shrinking by 6.1 per cent in the previous quarter.

Sadly, even if we get out of this recession in the first or second quarter of next year as many experts predict, our economic predicament remains enormous. The World Bank Country Director in Nigeria, Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri, summed it up on Monday. “For Nigeria, this is a critical juncture. With the contraction in GDP that could happen this year, Nigeria’s per capita income could be around what it was four decades ago,� said Chaudhuri at the 26th Nigeria Economic Summit in Abuja.

Nigeria’s deepening economic crisis arises because in the years of plenty, our Pharaohs had no Joseph with foresight to prepare for tomorrow. Now, with the collapse of the oil price, the exchange rate is approaching N500 to a dollar, the pump price of petrol is about N170 to a litre and there is no buffer.

Despite this dire situation, latest data from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) reveals that a whooping sum of N81.41 billion was expended on dormant refineries between January and August this year which means we are still wasting scarce resources. With a revenue of N6.54 billion, these refineries have ended up with a deficit of N78.87 billion without producing a single litre of fuel. Despite the best efforts of the new NNPC management that has made transparency its hallmark–which is why we have the figures in the first place–Nigeria has been reduced to seeking fuel importation from Niger Republic. And the Minister of

State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Timipre Sylva, says we should all roll out the drums for that!

When the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa recently dissected our economic predicament, he made a valid point. “When you have poverty combined with high population, you are running into a very big problem because you are giving room to families that would continue to breed more and more poverty. So, it is important that we look into the entire foundation to ascertain where we have gone wrong,�

Okowa explained in an admission that some of the choices we make can only further compound our problems. But after that brilliant summation, here is Okowa’s solution: “As a nation, we need prayers particularly at this time where we are facing a lot of challenges especially insecurity. As a people, we need to call on God to help us tackle these challenges because once there is insecurity in the land, it becomes very challenging to attract investors, and if investors are not coming the possibilities of providing jobs for our children become low.�

In his 1998 book, ‘The Wealth and Poverty of Nations: Why Some Are So Rich and Some So Poor’, the late David Saul Landes, a former emeritus professor of economics and history at Harvard University, x-rayed the development trajectory of many countries.

Quite naturally, Landes had something to say about our continent generally and Nigeria in particular. “Of all the so-called developing regions, Africa has done worst: gross domestic product per head increasing; statistical tables sprinkled with minus signs; many countries with lower income today than before independence. The failure is the more poignant when one makes the comparison with other parts: in 1965, Nigeria (oil exporter) had higher GDP per capita than Indonesia (another oil exporter); twenty-five years later, Indonesia had three times the Nigerian level,� he wrote.

While Landes got some of his figures wrong because in 1965 the GDP per capita of Indonesia was $667 and that of (pre-oil) Nigeria was $117, his comparison of the two countries is apt. Like Nigeria, religion is also very important in Indonesia where 87 percent of the population are Muslims with the remaining 13 percent shared by adherents of Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism. In fact, Indonesians are among the most religious people in the world, going by a survey released in July this year by the Pew Research Center titled ‘the Global God Divide.’ Like Nigeria in Africa, Indonesia has the largest economy in Southeast Asia and was until 2008 the only Asian member of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Similarly, Indonesia has a young demography with more than 40 percent of the population below the age of 25.

However, that is probably where the similarities end. Rated as the 15th economy in the world, Indonesia is not only a member of G-20, it is also classified as a newly industrialized country. r/05& 1JFDF DPODMVEFE PO QBHF

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