FRIDAY 24TH DECEMBER 2021

Seplat Energy Terminates Avuru’s Appointment as Non-executive Director Company out to do incalculable damage to my hard-earned reputation, says former MD The Board of Seplat Energy yesterday announced that it has terminated the appointment of Austin Avuru as a NonExecutive Director of the company, due to alleged

breaches of the company’s corporate governance policies and his fiduciary duties.

Seplat Energy’s Director, External Affairs & Sustainability, Chioma Nwachuku, who

made the announcement in a statement posted on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) website, stated that the termination became effective from December 22, 2021.

But in reaction, Avuru yesterday stated that the intention of the announcement of the termination of his appointment was to do incalculable damage to his

hard-earned reputation.

The letter by Seplat was titled: ‘Change on the Board of Seplat Energy and signed by its Director, Legal/Company Secretary, Edith Onwuchekwa.

It stated: “The Board of Seplat Energy announces that it terminated the contract of appointment of Mr. Austin Continued on page 8

Presidency Raises the Alarm over Planned Terrorists Attack in Abuja... Page 6 Friday 24 December, 2021 Vol 26. No 9755. Price: N250

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Olori Naomi, Ooni of Ife’s Wife, Announces Divorce from Monarch Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Wife of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Olori Naomi Silekunola, yesterday, announced her separation from the monarch, L-R: Former Executive Director,/Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Segun Awolowo Jr.; Newlyweds, Bieni and Simi with father of the citing many personal reasons. groom, Alexander Okoh, during the couple's traditional wedding ceremony at the Landmark Event Center, Lagos... yesterday Continued on page 8

Buhari in Borno, Promises to Cater for Families of Dead, Wounded Soldiers Says with new hardware, military more prepared to flush out terrorists Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, said his administration would support families of dead and wounded soldiers, and help them realise their potential.

Buhari stated this in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, when he addressed troops at the Nigerian Air Force Base.

In a related development, the president stated that with the acquisition of more capability in military technology and hardware, the country was better prepared to deal with terrorists, especially in the North-east.

Buhari gave the assurance on yesterday in Maiduguri after inaugurating some projects donated to the University of Maiduguri by business mogul, Continued on page 8

BUHARI VISITS BORNO...

R-L: Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum; Executive Chairman, Oriental Energy, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi; President Muhammadu Buhari; Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa, during the President's One-day visit to Borno to inaugurate projects... yesterday

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NEWS

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

SUPPORTING PRODUCTIVITY ENHANCEMENT AND LIVELIHOOD IMPROVEMENT...

L-R: Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; State Coordinator of the World Bank Assisted Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) project, Oluranti Sagoe Oviebo; Commissioner for Agriculture, Lagos, Ms. Abisola Olusanya; beneficiary, Mustapha Abdul-Ganiyu Adekunle Enterprises; National Coordinator, APPEALS Project, Mohammed Sanni Jobdi; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and National Women, Youth and Livelihood Specialist, Ronke Akanni, presenting a cheque to a beneficiary of the APPEALS project in Lagos…yesterday

FG Moves to End Power Outage, Okays 16 Power Contracts Worth N211bn Accuses past govts of neglecting power sector Deji Elumoye in Abuja The federal government has taken a holistic look at the epileptic power supply in the country and resolved to boost supply with the award of 16 major power contracts worth N211, 203,901,210 across the country.

The contracts which are in three currencies to the tune of N28, 620,993,956; $286,814,233 and €9,878,407 (with the foreign currencies converted at the official market rate of N411.382/$1 and N464/€1), were awarded to both indigenous and international firms for the construction of power sub-stations, lines bay extension, procurement of transformers, installation of transmission lines and construction of new national control centre, among others, in different parts of Nigeria.

This was the major decision taken yesterday at the extraordinary meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Council Chambers at the State House, Abuja.

Addressing newsmen at the end of the meeting, the Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu, said the special FEC meeting approved all the 16 memos on power presented by him on behalf the ministry.

He explained that the approvals were expected to lead to an increase in the power generation and distribution system nationwide before long.

He explained: "At this point, let me say what these approvals will do to the nation’s electricity supply.

“As we're all aware, the major problem we're having in the electricity supply industry is to be able to evacuate sufficient electricity

and distribute them. That is to say, we have a very weak transmission grid and distribution segment of the value chain.

“We may not be having much problem with generation.

So, unless we're able to strengthen the electricity grid, which is nationwide, and to expand, and to be able to evacuate, what the grid can take to consumers, we will have a lot of problems ahead of us.

“So, what we're doing currently through various and several interventions is to be able to repair the grid by constructing new transmission lines, bringing in new equipment to replace the old ones at our substations.

So, that will release more capacity to the distribution and leading to the customers.

“So, the operational capacity, as you all know now is hovering around 5,000 megawatts and the transmission and distribution.”

He added: “So, these projects that we brought to council today and got approvals are all geared towards strengthening the willing capacity of the transmission and towards distribution, even though as you all know, the distribution segment of the NESI (Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry) is been privatised, but we cannot fold our arms and allow them to continue not to do much in order to evacuate what the transmission can bring.

“But as it is now, even the transmission is not that strong. So, we need to put more investment into the transmission so that we can improve the willing capacity of the TCN to be able to take up enough electricity from the generation."

The minister further explained the 16 memos,

saying: “The approval was given for award of contract for the construction of a 2X60MVA 132/33 KVA substation at Ikare-Akoko and 2x132 KV Lines Bay Extension at Oke-Agbe, Ondo State at the cost of $9,9928,912.80 and N2,037,076,700.00.

Supply of 65 Hilux vehicle and 20 SUVs nationwide at the cost of N2,741,787,500.

“Procurement of 1,500 drums of transformer 001 nationwide at N322,500,000; supply of 19 Sergi transformer explosion and fire protection devices nationwide at €5,326,663,70 and N347,629,092.57; construction of 142KV double circuit line in Ikere-Ijesa-Isu-Ilupeju towns, Ado-Ekiti State, $30,880,393.82 and N8,344,898,490.86.”

In addition, it included

the construction of New National Control Center at Osogbo, Osun State at N1, 168,318,638.68; construction of New National Control Center at Gwagwalada, FCT at N1, 161,915,489.76; the supply of 180 of Grounding Equipment nationwide at €686,043.50 and N41, 378,244.25.

It also covered additional work on 330KV double line to Mando substation in Kaduna at N893, 011,356.42; the construction of 2X60MVA, 132/33KV substation at Ogbomosho and 2X 132KVLine Bags Extension at Ganmo substation at Ilorin at €5,274,245.00 and N457,708,341.02; and contracts for design, manufacture, supply at N4,325,652,643.50.

It also included the

installation and commissioning of transmission lines of 330/132/33 KV Lekki, Lagos; LOT 1 and LOT 2, at N2,812,767,499; augmentation for the construction of 2X60MVA 132/33 KVA substation at Malumfashi and 4X132KV Line Bats at Kankara at Katsina at N176,517,897.88 and supply and delivering of 40 each of primary and secondary injection test sets nationwide at €3,865,700.00 and N212,386,640.00.

Aliyu also blamed the epileptic power supply in the country on the lack of attention paid to the development of the sector by past administrations in over two decades.

According to him, the present administration has done more than any other to

ensure that Nigerians enjoy improved supply of electricity.

He said contrary to the impression that nothing was being done to tackle epileptic power supply, the Buhari’s administration was doing a lot to remedy the situation with more investments in the sector which he said had manifested in less system collapse being witnessed in the country.

While noting that the federal government has placed order for power equipment, the Minister assured that Nigerians would soon see the outcome of the ongoing investments.

Aliyu maintained that the present power generation in the country is about 5,000mw while decrying what he termed the weak transmission grid.

NSIA, REA Partner to Deliver Solar Power to over 200,000 Homes Obinna Chima The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) yesterday disclosed that it was investing in the off-grid renewable space in partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

According to a statement, the Solar Power Naija Program was being launched under the Buhari Administration’s Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) and supervised directly by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

It pointed out that the NSIA-REA partnership would see the NSIA creating an initial revolving fund of about N10 billion for qualified developers to distribute and manufacture Solar Home

Systems.

The fund would be accessible by Nigerian Electrification Program qualified developers under the existing REA and World Bank scheme that guides technical qualification and provides grants for developers to invest and participate in off-grid electrification projects.

The REA under the Ministry of Power would provide technical and advisory support to the NSIA as it rolls out the program.

“This investment by NSIA is targeted at catalysing 200,000 Off-Grid connections in the first instance with a goal of reaching over 500,000 systems as the Fund revolves and is expanded through to 2023.

“The program is estimated to also create up to 20,000

jobs across manufacturing, assembly, installation and retail over the period.

Additionally, this partnership will help Nigeria meet its ESP target of increasing electrification, this is a step towards creating five million solar connections over the next few years,” it explained.

According to the statement, at completion, it was expected that the investment would demonstrate locally that the solar off-Grid space was an investable segment of the power market.

Speaking on the partnership and the programme, the MD/ CEO of the REA, Ahmad Salihijo said, “the partnership with NSIA is exciting in so many ways, we believe this investment commitment as approved by the NSIA Board

is a harbinger for increased investments in the Off-Grid renewable space that will help Nigeria achieve its goals under COP 26 and eliminate the Electrification Gap in the country.”

To the MD/CEO, NSIA, Mr. Uche Orji said: “The NSIA continues to prioritise climatesmart infrastructure to create access to affordable power to Nigeria’s underserved communities, particularly in the rural areas.

“NSIA recognises the latent potential in these communities and believes that access to power is fundamentally important to enhancing the capacity of SMEs in these communities to support the economic growth of the country and employment creation.”

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REMEMBERING BOLA IGE...

L-R: Ige's immediate family members; Mr. Muyiwa lge, Mrs. Oyinda lge, Mrs. Funso Adegbola, Mr. Gbenro Adegbola, Mrs. Ayotunde Salami and Jide Salami, at 20th anniversary memorial and communion service for the late Chief James Ajibola Ige, SAN, held at St. Anne's Church, Molete, lbadan ... yesterday

Presidency Raises the Alarm over Planned Terrorists Attack in Abuja Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The presidency, yesterday, raised the alarm over an alleged planned terrorist attack in Abuja, this festive period.

But the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), has, as a result, put its officers at various border posts across the country on red alert.

The NIS said it received intelligence from the presidency that some terrorists from Mali planned to move through the

Nigeria-Niger Republic border to launch an attack in the nation's capital.

The situation has since triggered a flurry of meetings in security circles on counter measures to be adopted to preempt such eventuality.

Abuja, the nation's capital has been on security red alert in the past two months, following intelligence of a massive influx of terrorists into the city.

The situation had led to the fencing of neighbourhoods

within the city following reports of house to house attacks by presumed robbers within the city.

Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, recently alleged that terrorists had overrun his state and might soon reach Abuja, 120 kilometers away.

Security agencies, had, early last month, cordoned off the entry points into the city, causing traffic gridlocks, as a result of a security alert of an impending attack on the nation's seat of

power.

Intensive security patrols were also activated while security meetings were held more regularly to contain the situation.

A letter dated December 23, 2021 and titled: "Terrorists Plan Attacks in Abuja" and signed by the Land Border Patrol Commander, Mr. Edirin Okoto, on behalf of the Acting Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Mr Idris Jere, was addressed to all sector

commanders and border patrol corps all over the country.

They included those at the Seme, Idi Iroko, Jibia, Illela land borders, as well as immigration officers at the Murtala Mohammad International Airport, the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, amongst others.

“The Office of the Ag CGI is in receipt of a security report (urgent) from the Presidency (OSGF). The import is about

MAN Report: Re-introduction of Excise Duty on Carbonated Drink Will Cost FG N197bn

Dike Onwuamaeze

A report that was commissioned by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) on the effects of reintroducing excise duty on carbonated drinks has warned that the move would be counterproductive, saying the government could lose more revenue than they would collect with the reintroduction.

The report, which was titled, “Key Considerations Against Excise on Non-alcoholic Beverages,” projected that the government might collect N81 billion revenue excise duty on carbonated drinks between 2022 and 2025, but might lose N197 billion within the same period from other taxes such as Value Added Tax (VAT) and Company Income Tax (CIT) that would have accrued to it from the manufacturers of soft drinks.

The report also warned that reintroducing excise duty would cause the beverage sub-sector of the food and beverage sector to lose up to N1.9 trillion in sales revenue between 2022 -2025, which is a 39.5 per cent loss, due to imposition of the new taxes with concomitant impact on jobs and supply chain businesses.

It stated: “Total projected receipt is N81 billion if the excise tax is reintroduced on nonalcoholic beverages at N10 per litre. But will not be sufficient to compensate the corresponding government’s revenue losses in other taxes from the sub-sector as government may lose up to N197 billion in VAT and CIT revenues occasioned by drop in the industry’s performance.”

It further stated that the industry would achieve cumulative estimated revenue of N4.8 trillion between 2022 and 2025 if the excise duty would not be introduced. However, this amount is expected to, “decline by 39.5 per cent to N2.9 trillion with the introduction of excise taxes as consumption declines,” as has been underscored by the recent increase in VAT while “the unorganised sector will also increase prices, but may not necessarily pay the tax to the government.”

The report also claimed that the corresponding effect of reduced industry revenue on government revenue was estimated to be up to N142 billion with contraction in VAT raised by the sector and N54 billion CIT reduction between 2022 and 2025.

It therefore, cautioned that, “now is not the right time to introduce the proposed excise” and stated that, “full stakeholder consultation is recommended along with alternate proven strategies from other climes.”

It stressed that introducing excise on non-alcoholic beverages would have adverse effect on Nigerian economy and, “is likely to cause a ~0.43 per cent contraction in output and about 40 per cent drop in total industry revenues in the next five years.”

It added: “Therefore, introducing excise will presumably lead to an increase in prices and a ~0.43 per cent decline (at compound rate) in total volume sold between 2022 and 2025.”

It further stated that

introducing excise taxes would also have adverse impact on employment, households and consumers. “As seen from previous impact analysis, excise affects production outputs, revenues and profits. This causes companies to pursue cost cutting measures to reduce the effect of diminishing revenue and profits by reducing employee salaries or retrenchment.

“Presently, the country’s unemployment rate is at about 33.3 per cent and at this rate is projected to further increase. A further cut in jobs for an industry that employs over 1.5 million

people directly and indirectly will worsen the unemployment position in the country resulting in an increase in social vices and moral decadents.

“An introduction of an additional tax will cause manufacturers in a bid to offset tax and maintain profit raise prices of their products to higher rates thus shifting tax incident to consumers. As this potential increase in price does not lead to an increase in household income, there will be a decline in the purchasing powers of consumers,” the report said.

The stakeholders, therefore, asked government to suspend the planned re-introduction of excise on non-alcoholic beverages in 2022 and review it in 2023 while working with the industry to carry out an in-depth impact assessment fashioning out the best approach that drives value for all stakeholders.

The Chairman of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi, explained recently that the excise duty on carbonated drink was removed in 2009, during the global financial crisis to aid the sustainability of businesses.

a looming attack on Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, between 17th and 31st December, 2021.

The memo said the planned attack is being led by one Drahmhane Ould Ali, aka Mohammed Ould Sidat, an Algerian national to be assisted by one Zahid Aminon, a Nigerien national.

"The report indicates the duo are enroute Nigeria from Mali through Gan and Niger Republic, riding a white Toyota Hilux van with Reg. No- AG157EKY. That these two had four Nigerian accomplices, who are already embedded in the country. It is further reported that Ali holds Algerian Diplomatic Passport with the name Najim Ould Ibrahim.

"Consequently, I am directed to request you to intensify alert levels, emplace necessary countermeasures at all our entry/ exit points – Air, Land, Sea/ Marine – including, but not limited to surveillance, rigorous search on persons and vehicles, transhumance, to effectuate the immediate arrest of these terrorists/countervail this and any terrorist attacks in Abuja,” it said.

The Department of State Security (DSS) had in November, 2021, alerted the Nigeria Customs Service over planned attacks by insurgents at border communities across the country.

Del York International Signs Deal with US Storyland Studios to Develop Film City in Lagos Vanessa Obioha A new partnership between Del York International Group and Storyland Studios based in the United States is set to transform the film industry in Nigeria.

This is as both companies have signed a deal to develop a major film city project in Lagos, a first of its kind ambitious project.

Lagos is undisputedly Africa’s business capital with an estimated 20 million people living in the city.

Therefore, the siting of the new film city would most likely dramatically improve the economic potential of the state if not tourism throughout

the region.

“The continent’s burgeoning community of creatives have long been inspired through the magic of film and television, spiriting themselves into worlds they never thought possible but curtailed by their immediate circumstances,” the President of Del York International Group, Mr. Linus Idahosa, who is also the founder of the Del-York Creative Academy (a renown film making institute on the African continent) said.

“With this agreement in place, we can finally realise that purpose-designed infrastructure that will match the dreams and most expansive imaginations of

creatives on the African continent,” he added.

Also commenting, the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Storyland Studios Mel McGowan said: “We’re excited to be part of the further development of Nigeria’s incredibly prolific and rapidlygrowing film industry. The Lagos film city concept is a cultural, creative ecosystem that will be a catalyst not only for the country of Nigeria but for Africa.”

With many exotic locations for such a project, Epe has been picked as the location.

The project which is also in partnership with Lagos State government would be a one-in-all facility that would

combine the best in leisure and theme park facilities with that of film making and industry capacity building.

The facility would house multiple sound studios, backlot sets, water tanks, workshops, and production offices alongside a theme park setting that includes rides, tourist attractions, movie museums, and a walk of fame.

The multi-million-dollar facility would no doubt attract more international producers to domesticate their filmmaking operations in the country and have a pool of trained professionals they can draw on to produce quality content.

Construction is scheduled to start in early 2022.

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PAGE EIGHT O LO R I N AO M I , O O N I O F I F E ’S W I F E , A N N O U N C E S D I VO R C E F R O M M O N A R C H In a statement posted on her verified Instagram handle and Facebook account, in the morning, Naomi announced an end to the three-year marriage.

Although the palace, which earlier maintained silence, came back to say divorce being a two-way thing, could not be announced by a party, even though there was an unconfirmed account, which disputed the claims of the Olori as untrue.

At the same time, a Yoruba interest group, Igbimo Apapo Yoruba Lagbaye, has described the development as a sacrilege to the royal stool of of Ife and the entire Yoruba race urging the people of Yoruba to remain calm and resolute to the cause of preserving the sacredness of the tradition and unique value of the throne of the Ooni of Ife. But, according to the queen, she had tried to make the union work, unfortunately, the monarch’s public identity was at variance with “his true self”.

The fair-skinned ex-queen wrote: “I did my best to endure and make it work. Many times, I smiled through the struggle, but I have finally realised I had just one assignment: my son, and when God is done, He is done. He chose Saul to be king, and when He was done, He told the prophet Samuel I have moved on.

“Religion was never an issue between us; please refer to my interview on News Central TV. Instead, His Majesty has a picture he would love the world to see and perceive him as and another one which is his true self.”

She, therefore, declared: “Today, I announce the beginning of a new dawn and the close of a chapter. Today, I am a mother to God’s unique gift. I am no longer a slave to

my thoughts of perfection. I, at this moment, announce that I shall no longer be referred to as wife to the Ooni of Ife or as Queen of Ile-Ife, but as the Queen of the people and mother of my adorable Prince.”

Also addressing some allegations, Silekunola said her “decision to move on did not come because his majesty is married to another queen”, but added that, “As many would love to assume, throughout our life as a couple, I was the only married wife to him. There were side attractions, but it was never an issue.”

THISDAY gathered from a palace source that up to the time of filing this report, the palace neither denied nor confirmed the true position of the situation, thus putting a doubt on the other account which dismissed the divorce announcement as untrue.

Interestingly, Naomi’s divorce makes it the second since Ooni assumed the prestigious stool.

Ooni, on assuming the throne of his fathers, married Olori Wuraola Zaynab Otiti, who left in 2017.

But the palace image maker, Moses Olafare, who initially declined calls, later said separation was a two way affair and not something announced by one party.

He said the announcements of separation is subject to agreement by both parties, so, to that extent, the palace was not aware of such separation, because “we all went to bed last night having the king and queen being together.”

According to him, "So, if by this morning, the queen went to her social media to write that she is no longer in marriage with Ooni, we will look into it to see whether or not the Instagram page truly belongs

to her, and to know the reason behind it.

“But, as at today – this moment – the palace is not aware of the separation.

Marriage is a private affair, no matter how prominent the personalities involved, it is a private affair. We will dig deeper and know what happened. But, like I said, all of us just woke up to read about the separation on social media.

"Even by this time yesterday, (Wednesday) kabiyesi was still packaging special gift for her. If you want to separate with someone, you cannot be packaging gift for her. I was aware that Kabiyesi was putting special gift for her for Christmas.

“If he is not in love with her, he cannot be doing that, only to wake up the following morning to hear from public that she was no longer in the relationship.

In fact the Christmas gift has been delivered to her already," he disclosed.

Meanwhile, the Igbimo Apapo Yoruba Lagbaye, an umbrella body for the Yoruba

Council of Youths Worldwide and Yoruba Council of Women Worldwide, alongside all her affiliated groups, said it was “aghast to read just like millions of people from all works of life on the verified pages of social media platforms belonging to Olori Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi's Facebook and Instagram handle declaring herself divorced and separated with immediate effect.”

The group, in a statement by its President, Aare Oladotun Hassan, said, while her action had caused monumental embarrassment to the throne, “the Yoruba race and all lovers of the Ooni globally, we deplore this most condemnable act of disrespect aimed at devaluing the age-long tradition of the Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula throne.

“We wish to clarify that the throne had its modus operandi and thorough orderly guiding principles, wherein it is totally unheard of for an Olori Ooni to frivolously and peremptory announce her divorce on the pages of the social media.

“We have a tradition in Yorubaland that respects and values the woman, however, it seems the Olori failed to realise that being married to the Ooni estopped a woman from public display of tantrums and ridiculous misrepresentation of facts.

“We are firmly pleading with His Imperial Majesty, Kabiyesi Ooni to look beyond the current travails and obstacles as a passing wind, see the bigger picture of how all of us from diverse backgrounds support and express our unending love for His Majesty.

“Kabiyesi Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, The Ooni of Ife, is an embodiment of God's love for humanity. No matter what evil predetermined picture anyone may want to paint of the Ooni, we enjoin Kabiyesi to keep focused and determined to steer the ship of unity and development of the Yoruba race to an expected promised land.

“We are using this medium to serve a note of warning to anyone or group abusing

or using the name of His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, in a most condemnable manner to henceforth desist from such sacrilegious misconduct. We have emphatically spoken.”

Also, another Yoruba selfdetermination activist, Rasaq Oladosu, said, “We watch with utmost dismay the narrative in the media surrounding the Oonirisa and his alleged estranged wife.

“While we respect the privacy and the rights of the ex-queen to steer her affairs in the manner she so deems fit, it is imperative to note and state that the Ooni, beyond being the traditional leader of the entire Yoruba race, is an age long institution in himself.

“Thus, the sacredness of his position and office precludes him from issues such as this.

While the Ooni may not be able to make comments in the media, we will not stand by and allow the office of the Ooni and by extension, the entire Yoruba race to be denigrated.”

SEPLAT ENERGY TERMINATES AVURU’S APPOINTMENT AS NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Avuru as a Non-Executive Director on 22nd December 2021, due to breaches of the Company’s corporate governance policies and his fiduciary duties.

The Board has called for his resignation as a Director of Seplat Energy.

“In line with Seplat Energy’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, Platform Petroleum Limited has been asked to nominate a candidate for his replacement on the Board, and a further announcement will be made in due course.”

Speaking further, Avuru, in his letter titled: “Re: Change on the Board of Seplat Energy Plc. - Mr. Austin Avuru,” said

the intention of the company clearly to do incalculable damage to his hard-earned reputation.

A letter signed by his legal team which included Osaro Eghobamien and Folabi Kuti, both Senior Advocates of Nigeria from the firm of Perchstone and Graeys, also stated: “Our attention has been drawn to a publication issued by Seplat Energy Plc. (Seplat Energy/ the company) on December 23, 2021, clearly designed to malign Mr. Austin Avuru (our client), and we'll circulated on both the mainstream and social media.”

It added: “Our client had

taken a dignified position on the issues leading to the ill-advised action. This is clearly evidenced by Seplat Energy's letter dated January 9, 2021 confirming our client's dignified position, and urging our client to act with confidentiality, which is customary to our client's impeccable character.

“In a dramatic summersault and by letter dated December 22, 2021, received by our client at about 6pm, Seplat Energy purports to terminate the appointment of our client from the Board.

“This was followed by a public announcement the next morning without

as much even giving our client the opportunity to respond to a letter, content of which were otherwise grossly mischievous. We will immediately respond to the fictitious allegations, and reserve our client's rights.

“The general public is hereby advised to discountenance Seplat Energy's publication of December 23, 2021.

Avuru became the pioneer chief executive officer and cofounder of the company in 2010 and in July 2020, he retired as the CEO, but remained on the board of the company as a Non-executive Director.

“Our government will continue to work with your respective heads to ensure that your welfare receives priority attention and that our wounded comrades are given the best medical care possible.”

Buhari also said the manpower challenges, which had limited the rotation of some units from the theatre, would be addressed by concerted efforts to increase recruitment and ensure that the remaining units due for rotation were relieved as soon as practicable.

In a related development, Buhari assured that hard times awaited terrorists troubling the North-west, with the procurement of high-tech equipment and hardware by the military.

He also said he would continue to do his best for the development of the country until May 2023, when he would statutorily leave the presidency.

Buhari said Nigerians should appraise the performance of the administration based on what the situation was on security, economy and corruption before he came in, and where it is now.

“We have a great country, and we thank God for giving us so much resources. But we need to develop our resources.”

The president noted that development would be more sustainable by empowering the people.

He said, “I am highly impressed with what I have seen at this state of the art Centre for Distance Learning and Auditorium sited here, the University of Maiduguri. I am told that this international conference hall has 1,300 seats.

The high quality standard of this edifice is major contribution by Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi. This intervention will benefit not only students from Borno and the North-east but also students from all parts of Nigeria.

“For the Oriental Energy Resources Hangar, which I commissioned, it will welcome and offer support services to aircraft and pilots involved with Humanitarian Air Services.”

Buhari also commended Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state for the work he had done in two years, and said he was in the state in June to commission development projects.

In his remarks, Zulum appreciated the president for honouring the state, adding that Indimi’s contributions to the development of the state showed he loved his people.

“Words cannot convey our gratitude for the statesmanship, “ the governor said.

Zulum said the state had recognised the contributions of Indimi by renaming the Damboa Road after him, now Alhajji Muhammadu Indimi Road.

BUHARI IN BORNO, PROMISES TO CATER FOR FAMILIES OF DEAD, WOUNDED SOLDIERS Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi.

Buhari, who addressed troops at the Nigerian Air Force Base, said the military had almost eliminated completely insurgency and other security issues threatening the country. He urged men of Operation Hadin Kai, the military operation against insurgency in the North-east, to remain steadfast as they went into the final phase of the campaign against terrorism and other criminalities. He urged them to stay focused "to achieve our strategic end-state, which is the defeat of all adversaries and restoration of an economically viable North-east geo-political zone and other parts of the country, where Nigerians are free to go about their activities without fear or harassment."

The president told the soldiers that the whole country remained grateful to them for their gallantry in ensuring the gradual return of peace to the North-east. He condoled with families that had lost loved ones, as well as the wounded.

Buhari assured the families of soldiers, who paid the supreme price for the country, and the injured that the federal government would cater for their needs, in recognition of their sacrifices for all Nigerians.

He asserted before the troops, “I am delighted to be with you today and to convey my gratitude and that of the entire nation to you all, as you continuously strive to secure our dear country. Your career is like no other, because it is a conscious commitment and preparedness to give your best for the sake of others. I am, therefore, here on behalf of a grateful nation to thank and commend you for your service and sacrifices.

“Let me start by commiserating with you all on the unfortunate loss of Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkushu, and other personnel of 25 and 28 Task Force Brigades,

who died on 13 November 2021. I do this mindful of the fact that we have lost others in this Theatre of Operation as well as other operational areas across the country.

“We pray for the repose of their souls and for the Almighty God to comfort the families that they left behind. The people of Borno State and, indeed, the entire country owe a debt of gratitude to our serving men in uniform for the huge sacrifices in the pursuit of peace."

The president commended the troops for their extraordinary resilience and steadfastness in the face of adversity.

He said, “That is the spirit, tenacity and resolve that the Nigerian Armed Forces are known for. Well done. Our country, just like all the others in the Sahel region, is faced with several security challenges that are largely characterised by the violent activities of non-state actors. This has necessitated several interventions aimed at ensuring the security of persons and property across the numerous hot spots.

“Further improvements in the security situation in Operation Hadin Kai have led to a corresponding rise in the confidence of our people, who are now returning in significant numbers to their homes. Further to the reorganisations in the military leadership, concerted efforts are being made to improve your equipment holding. I am aware that you have started receiving some of the platforms procured by our administration while others would be received in the weeks ahead.”

While speaking on the threat posed by criminals through the employment of Improvised Explosive Devices, the president said substantial resources had been directed to procuring equipment for explosive ordnance disposal. He said similar attention

was being given to intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance assets.

“These measures and the platforms being received would accord you the necessary reach, fire power and protection to project force across the theatre and bring the fight to a logical and successful end,” he said.

Buhari told the troops that at the onset of his administration, he emphasised the need to rejuvenate the Multinational Joint Task Force. This was in realisation of the fluid and transnational nature of current threats and their propensity to hibernate in neighbouring countries.

“I, therefore, urge you to continue to further strengthen your cooperation with the militaries of the other countries under the auspices of the Multinational Joint Task Force in order to further optimise the mutual gains for our respective national security,” Buhari told the troops.

He added, “As we step up the military efforts, our administration has remained conscious of the efficacy of the employments of other lines of effort in our drive to ensuring the return of lasting peace to the North-east region.

“The North East Development Commission continues to make giant strides at improving the economic and social welfare of Nigerians in the region. I am also happy with the increased level of cooperation between the good people of Borno State, other stakeholders and the security agencies. I urge you to continue to cooperate with other security agencies with a view to ensuring a full return to normalcy.”

He assured the people that the administration would continue to work with all well-meaning stakeholders, including friendly nations and civil society organisations, to

bring peace to all troubled areas across the nation.

While appreciating the government of Borno State for its continuous cooperation with the federal government in multiple spheres, the president added, “This has been critical to the furtherance of our mutual efforts at restoring peace to the state.

“I particularly commend Your Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, for your untiring commitment and cherished collaboration with my administration for the overall good of the people of Borno.

Yours is a good example of the inherent benefits that are accruable from conscious positive interaction between the federal government and states.”

Buhari also commended the Minister of Defence as well as the Chief of Defence staff, service chiefs and the heads of all other security agencies for forging a common front of collaboration and cooperation, which continues to enhance operations.

He stated, “It was gratifying to observe some of these examples of collaboration during the research and development exhibition at the recently concluded Chief of Army Staff’s annual conference and the launch of locally constructed seaward defence ship at the Naval Dockyard.

“I urge you all to stay the course towards ensuring that we become self-sufficient in the production of our defence equipment in no distant future.

"To my dear troops, as your Commander-in-Chief, I am mindful of your selfless sacrifices, which in some cases have entailed paying the supreme price. The nation owes you a debt of gratitude for your commitment, dedication and unalloyed loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The president spoke on Thursday in Maiduguri after the inauguration of Oriental Energies Resource Ltd Hanger, Muhammadu Indimi Distance Learning Centre, and an International Conference Centre donated to the University of Maiduguri by business mogul, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, he expressed concern at the level of insecurity in the North West zone.

He said it was sad that the people of the North-west, who prior to now lived together, sharing same culture and outlook for a long time, would start stealing, kidnapping and killing one another.

Buhari said, “ I know I swore by the constitution, and I will leave in 17 months. I pray that the person that will take over from us will also follow the targets of securing the country and building the economy.

“Without securing the country, you cannot grow the economy.”

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CONVOCATION...

L-R: Chancellor, Mountain Top University and General Overseer, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Dr. Daniel Olukoya; his wife, Dr Shade Olukoya; Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and wife of the Lagos State governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, at the 2nd and 3rd combined convocation of the Mountain Top University, Prayer City, Lagos-Ibadan expressway… yesterday

Titan Trust Acquires Majority Stake in Union Bank Nume Ekeghe Titan Trust Bank Limited (TTB) has become the majority shareholder in Union Bank of Nigeria Plc. This followed an agreement

by Union Global Partners Limited, Atlas Mara Limited and other majority shareholders to sell off their 88.39 per cent shareholding in Union Bank to TTB. The Board of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc disclosed this in a notification to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and the Securities Exchange Commission.

Union Bank explained

that the agreement, which is subject to regulatory approvals and other financial conditions, would upon completion transfer 89.39 per cent of Union Bank’s issued share capital to TTB. Commenting on the transaction, the Chairman, Union Bank, Mrs. Beatrice Hamza Bassey said: “On behalf of the Board, we congratulate all the parties involved in reaching this phase of the transaction and the Board looks forward to supporting the next steps to ensure a seamless completion of the process following regulatory approvals.

“We are grateful to our current investors whose significant and consequential investments over the past nine years facilitated the transformation of Union Bank, one of Nigeria’s oldest and storied institutions. Today, the bank is well-positioned with an innovative product offering, a growing customer base of over six million and consistent year on year profitability.

“This is a solid foundation for our incoming investors to build on as we move into a new era for the bank.”

Also commenting on the transaction, the Chairman, Titan Trust Bank, Mr. Tunde Lemo, said the Board of the bank and key stakeholders were delighted about the transaction, saying it marked a

key step for Titan Trust in its strategic growth journey and was expected to propel the institution to the next level in the Nigerian banking sector.

“The deal represents a unique opportunity to combine Union Bank’s longstanding and leading banking franchise with TTB’s innovation-led model which promises to enhance the product and service offering for our combined valued customers,” he added.

To the Chief Executive Officer, Union Bank, Mr. Emeka Okonkwo, the transaction marked a significant milestone in the journey of the bank’s 104 years. ”Whilst thanking our current investors for their unwavering commitment to the bank over

the years, we welcome our new core investor, TTB. We recognise the strategic fit between the two institutions and expect that this deal will deliver the best outcome for our employees, customers and stakeholders. We look forward to collectively writing the next exciting chapter for Union Bank,” he added.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer, Titan Trust Bank, Mr. Mudassir Amray said: “After completing over two years of operations with aggressive organic growth, we are excited to have an opportunity for a significant leap forward in market share.

“UBN’s widespread presence, state of the art technology platform, quality staff and strong

brand loyalty fits well with our synchronsed modular strategy. We look forward to delivering superior results for the benefit of our staff, customers, shareholders, and stakeholders.”

According to the bank, Rothschild & Cie acted as financial adviser and White & Case LLP and Banwo & Ighodalo acted as legal advisers respectively, to the selling shareholders of Union Bank.

Also, Citigroup Global Markets Limited acted as financial adviser, Pricewaterhouse Coopers as due diligence partner, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, Drew Law Practise and G. Elias & Co. acted as legal advisers respectively to TTB.

StarTimes to Tackle Unemployment with Reality Show NBA: Buhari's Withholding of Assent In a bid to reduce the high rate of unemployment in Nigeria, pay-TV provider, StarTimes, is set to start a new reality show with the title, Breaking-in, that would build a bridge between job seekers and potential employers.

The show, which was developed with millions of unemployed Nigerian youths in mind, would create a platform for youths to gain insights as well as meaningful career jobs on live TV. The Content Director of StarTimes, Viki Liu, was quoted in a statement yesterday to have said the show would benefit skilled and talented people who may not know how to put together a perfect curriculum vitae that could help them land their dream jobs.

She said, “I don’t think there has ever been anything like this in Africa. Since we came to this continent, we realised that unemployment is a big issue, though not just in Nigeria but all over the world as well, though it’s more in Africa. A lot of young people are qualified but unemployed.

“Another thing is that some people are very good but they can’t ‘sell’ themselves properly.

They don’t know how to prepare a CV or convince a recruiter.

Based on these two observations, we decided to start something to help people. I think it is a nice initiative that would connect job seekers to recruiters.” Code: 100013) Also speaking, Segun Dawodu, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, who was represented by Vera Oronsaye, commended the cable TV’s effort to reduce unemployment to the barest minimum noting that it was in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S agenda. She added, “The challenge of unemployment has refused to go away despite efforts made by all sectors to address the issue. However, we can’t give up because Nigeria as a country with a large population and Lagos State as a smart city with the dream of a better state will not leave any stone unturned to ensure that our youths are gainfully engaged.”

On his part, the director of the reality show, Yemi Ogundeji, said the title of the show was based on the interactions it had with Nigerian job seekers. He said, “The main show will be shot as early as the first quarter of next year and we plan to televise from March 2022.”

to Electoral Act Not in Good Faith Says direct primary 'supposedly unworkable'

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), yesterday, said despite the reasons given by President Muhammadu Buhari for withholding assent from the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, his decision was ultimately not in good faith.

The NBA, which joined the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in faulting Buhari for refusing to accent the amended Electoral Bill transmitted to him by the National Assembly, therefore called on the National Assembly to "act right and timeously" by overriding him or effect necessary changes for reconsideration by the president.

NBA, in a statement by its National President, Mr Olumide Akpata noted that the president's action was not "unsurprising" and described it as "unfortunate", however admitted that the contentious direct primary was supposedly unworkable.

The statement read in part: "For the following reasons, we join other civil society groups and well-meaning Nigerians in

expressing our discontent with the manner of the exercise of the President's veto.

"The NBA acknowledges that in withholding assent to the Bill, the President merely exercised a prerogative constitutionally available to him within the broader context of the rule of law, which the NBA stands for.

"Nevertheless, we are not convinced that, in the circumstance, the President demonstrated good faith in the exercise of his veto powers."

The body contended that, considering the significance of the bill, the executive ought to have been more directly involved in the legislative process while the bill passed through the various legislative stages at both houses of the National Assembly.

It explained that the decision to sit back and watch the National Assembly pass the bill with the supposedly unworkable direct primaries provision did not do justice to the President’s mandate.

"Secondly, we cannot find any justification for the President to have waited until the final moment before communicating

his refusal to assent to the Bill.

"We note that the Constitution donates a 30-day period to the President within which to assent or withhold assent to a bill.

However, the fact that time is of the essence should have dictated that the President treat the bill with a reasonable measure of urgency especially, in the case where the President ultimately withheld his assent.

"Waiting until after expiration of the 30 days, and even taking advantage of an additional day under the Interpretation Act while the entire nation, waited with bated breath, only to communicate a veto, is not consistent with the conduct of a partner in the quest for the needed reform of the country’s electoral process, which should ordinarily be a cardinal point of the President’s agenda, and more fittingly, legacy," the statement states..

Akpata further claimed that in view of Buhari's personal experiences with the inadequacies of the country's electoral process, and having repeatedly pledged to strengthen the electoral process,

not just in Nigeria, but also across the West African sub-region, the NBA expected more from the President.

The NBA President maintained that the body could not see how the above actions contributed to strengthening the electoral process, adding that in the circumstance, "the credibility of the 9th National Assembly is on the line.

“And the ball is now firmly in their proverbial court to rise to the occasion, and either take the historic decision to override the president’s veto or immediately take the necessary legislative steps to effect any necessary changes and return the Bill to the President for reconsideration.

"Otherwise, the National Assembly risks lending credence to the rumours in some corners that the provisions relating to direct primaries were inserted into the Bill to provide a leeway for the eventual rejection of the Bill.

With less than 14 months before the next general election, the NBA calls on the National Assembly to act right and timeously before it is too late," he added.

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A NEW ACCESS BRANCH IS OPENED...

L-R: Chairman, Ikwere Local Government, Rivers State, Hon Samuel Nwanosike; Group Managing Director/CEO, Access Bank PLC, Herbert Wigwe; HRM King Blessing Wagor (Wagidi 40th), Nyewe Ali Isiokpo and Executive Director, Retail Banking, Access Bank, Victor Etuokwu, at the commissioning of Isiokpo branch of Access Bank in Rivers State…recently

FG’s Agencies Blame Bayelsa Wellhead Blowout on Sabotage Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), two critical federal government agencies investigating the recent oil blowout on an Aiteo facility

in Bayelsa, have linked the leak to sabotage.

During a Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to the Santa Barbara River, Nembe, both organisations agreed that the wind valve may have been tampered with by yet to be identified persons, leading to the spill.

NOSDRA is the federal

Nigerians Face Bleak Xmas Holidays as Severe Gas Shortages Hit Power Sector Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The already beleaguered power sector faces even more challenges this yuletide season with severe gas shortages hitting a number of the country’s electricity supply assets, THISDAY learnt yesterday.

Aside the breach of the TransForcados pipeline, it was gathered that the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) was battling to revive its gas plant in Ughelli East which is currently down.

Already, the Nigeria Gas Company (NGC), has written some industry players intimating them of the dire development and the likely impact it would have on power supply, especially in the western axis.

In a memo dated December 20, 2021, marked Ref: NDPHC/ NIPP/MD/2021 obtained yesterday, the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) alerted the Managing Director of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) of the seriousness of the situation.

The official communication seen by THISDAY was signed by the Managing Director of the NDPHC, Mr. Chiedu Ugbo and was copied the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

Titled: “Re: Notice Of Gas Shortage From Nigeria Gas Company,” the NDPHC noted that it had been notified of the breach of the facility, coupled with other technical issues that were affecting gas supplies in the area.

“We have been notified on the 18th of December 2021, by the

Nigeria Gas Company (NGC), via an email (Annexure I) of a breach on their gas supply network as well as technical issues affecting gas suppliers on the western axis.

“These challenges have led NGC to issue the notice of gas curtailment arising from the abysmal system pressure levels that must be managed to avoid collapse of the gas grid,” the NDPHC stressed.

Quoting the NGC, the NDPHC stated that the Trans-Forcados Pipeline (TFP) was breached on December 17, 2021, and had impacted Seplat’s production and may further affect other producers if not immediately repaired.

It added: “Also, NGC reported that the NPDC’s Ughelli East plant is currently down while Chevron Nigeria Ltd (CNL) had also lost a compressor because of technical issues.

“The combined impact of all these issues is a deferment, unavailability to off-takers, of about 250MMscfd of gas from the pipeline network,” the power company noted.

NDPHC Limited has five of its operational power plants viz: Olorunsogo, Omotosho, Sapele, Ihovbor and Geregu, which have all been impacted by the gas curtailment.

It was learnt that while Omotosho National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) has been forced to shut down, Geregu NIPP and Ihovbor are only receiving limited gas volumes, thus leading to part load or low generation operation.

However, in the memo, the management of NDPHC stated that it was monitoring the situation and was committed to ensuring the plants return to full operations as soon as gas supply improves.

government agency responsible for monitoring and responding to oil spills in Nigeria and acts between oil companies and communities at the local and state level.

Earlier, the Minister of State for the Environment, Sharon Ikeazor, had set up the body to ascertain the cause of the spill, the volume and impacted area.

Usually, a JIV is convened by the operator of the affected facility and comprises representatives of the oil firm, affected communities, regulators and state ministry of environment.

During the visit, a representative of the NURPC, Mr. Adetoyinbo Adeyemi, stated that physical examination of the failed wellhead from an engineering point of view indicate that the pressure from the asset was not enough to blow the well.

He argued that the wind

valve which he said was designed to withstand all kinds of pressure could not have failed if it wasn’t tampered with, explaining that the fact that the facility wasn’t even producing at the time, made it even more improbable to suspect any other cause.

“We are here to establish the cause of the incident that happened at the Santa Barbara well 1. From the findings, you can see that there’s no spill anymore. Where the spill came out from is from the wind valve.

“The wind valve has been replaced now. That means that the wind valve the way it was, is not designed to fail like that because there are bolts surrounding it, well designed to keep the pressure in place.

“So, if it had not been taken off, there is no way it could have moved from there. When it was reported initially, there was no valve in that place and

it could not be found. So, to us, it is an act of sabotage.

“Before that well’s assembly was designed, it was done to take care of any pressure from that well and as you know, the well had not been producing for a long time, and there was no pressure to take off the valve because they are called the barriers to ensure that such an environment where it has been installed is not affected.

“So, if you are trying to compare an apple with an orange, it’s going to be a wrong thing. Another thing is that if you can go back and read, you will find out the valve is not designed to fail except somebody goes there to mess it up,” he stated.

Also, NOSDRA’s Ismail BabaAhmed, traced the leak to the same cause, stressing that from his expertise on fluid mechanics and his interactions with the wellhead experts who plugged

the leak, only vandalism could have led to the blowout.

He explained that he gathered from the wellhead engineers that the threading on the wellhead casing where the valve was removed was not worn out, a development that suggested that the leak was not caused by pressure.

The leak which was reported on November 5, was plugged on December 8, with some 16, 000 barrels of crude and crude sediments said to have been recovered from the site.

The well, which was acquired from Shell by Aiteo has had a life of 20 years so far, but was shut in at the time the blowout happened.

Officials of the company alleged that some persons who claimed to have been on surveillance duty had been arrested earlier by security agents near the site and are currently being interrogated.

Sanwo-Olu Empowers 1,786 Farmers with N3.6bn under APPEALS Project WYEP Initiative Presents cheques to project beneficiaries In line with his administration's commitment to agriculture and making Lagos State 21st Century economy, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday officially launched the Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Project's Women and Youth Empowerment Programme (WYEP).

Under the initiative, the state empowered 1,786 farmers with N3, 635,580,000 seed capital to start an agriculture-based venture in three value chains of aquaculture, rice and poultry.

The 1,786 farmers, including women, youths and persons with disabilities (PWDs) were empowered under the APPEALS Project to execute their approved Business Investment Plan, which has a provision for the employment of at least one person.

APPEALS Project is a tripartite agreement between the Lagos State Government, the Federal Government and the World Bank.

Speaking during the

presentation of cheques worth N3.6 billion to 1,738 beneficiaries of APPEALS Project in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for agricultural productivity and new employment opportunities.

The governor said the construction of 13.16 kilometers of farm access roads embarked upon by APPEALS Project in four locations and farming clusters namely: Araga Farm Settlement, Igbodu and Poultry Cluster in Epe; Erikorodo Poultry Estate in Ikorodu and Afowo in Badagry, would be completed by June 2022.

He said: “We are strongly committed to enhancing the agricultural productivity of small and medium-scale farmers in Lagos State, and improving value addition along our agricultural value chain, which are the core objectives of the Lagos APPEALS project.

“Agriculture offers our people, especially our youths, an opportunity to make a difference,

especially through effective deployment of technology in the sector, for improved productivity and the attainment of our food security and safety goals on one hand, and our job creation agenda on the other. I am a strong believer that the increased involvement of young Nigerians in agriculture will help tackle various long standing challenges facing the sector.

“As an administration, we are fully cognisant of our responsibility to create an enabling environment for all of these new ideas, innovation and technologies.

This explains the seriousness with which we have embraced APPEALS in Lagos State and the determination with which we have been implementing it.”

Speaking on agriculture and business opportunities in Lagos State, Sanwo-Olu said there were opportunities for agro-processing and industry in the State being the largest subnational market for agricultural goods and services in the country.

“I find it intriguing that a lot of people do not associate Lagos with agriculture, perhaps because of our megacity status and limited land resource. I must say that such a perception is not an accurate reflection of our potential and actual performance.

“For example, by virtue of our abundant water resources — as much as 20 percent of the State is made up of water — we are a natural hub for aquaculture.

Lagos is also home to several legacy farm settlements and agricultural estates, which we are remodeling and reviving.

“We also have immense opportunities for agro-processing and industry, in addition to being the largest subnational market for agricultural goods and services in the country. Most of you will be aware that we are currently completing, in the Ikorodu area of the State, what will be one of the largest rice mills in Africa.

It will serve the entire country and potentially the West African sub-region,” he said.

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COMMENT

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

AN UNFORGETTABLE 2021

Mary Beth Leonard pledges strengthened partnerships between the U.S. and Nigeria

A

s we prepare to transition to 2022, we are grateful for the friendships, strengthened partnerships, and progress accomplished toward U.S. and Nigerian goals this past year. On behalf of the entire U.S. Mission, I extend our warmest wishes for a healthy, peaceful, and joyous holiday season.

At the outset of 2021, we all had high hopes of controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, another variant has come to the center stage of global concern. However, thanks to renewed global health collaboration efforts, vaccine development and distribution is gradually making headway.

At the U.S. Mission, we are fortunate to have dozens of our staff working side by side with our Nigerian counterparts to monitor and respond to the pandemic. The strength of our support is reflected in the over $130 million we have contributed towards the COVID-19 health response and the hard work of staff who provide expertise, technical assistance, and logistics support. So far, we have pledged 36 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to Nigeria -- of which 18 million have been delivered to date, and the balance of 18 million will be shipped in the coming weeks. The pandemic has shown us how interdependent our world is. No one is safe until everyone is safe. Through robust global dialogue and ingenuity, we will continue to build global health security in the new year together.

I firmly believe that, together, the world will overcome COVID-19, the same way that we have overcome other global health challenges.

Together, we have brought HIV/AIDS to a point where epidemic control is within our reach. We achieved the eradication of wild polio virus as all of Africa is now certified as wild polio virus free. In Nigeria, the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has invested more than $6 billion in the national HIV/AIDS response, where measures of our success include more than 1.6 million men, women, and children currently on HIV treatment. In partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, we remain committed to completing the task of placing all people living with HIV on treatment and to strengthening capacity and commitment at all levels.

In fact, we have many reasons to remain positive about the progress made this year toward our shared goals. This past year, I had many opportunities to engage with Nigerians from all walks of life, from Kebbi to Akwa Ibom, and Ife to Jos. One common theme inevitably prevails - Nigerians seek a more secure living environment to raise and educate their children, earn a decent living, and strengthen their communities. We have done our utmost to address these concerns through a variety of mechanisms.

Countering violent extremism in Nigeria remains a top priority for both our countries. We were proud to support such efforts with the delivery of 12 Super Tucano aircraft, which are already being employed to assist the Nigerian Air Force in their fight against violent extremist organizations. We have also worked with civil society, civilian law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections officials to combat insecurity, strengthen effective and equitable access to the rule of law and justice,

THIS PAST YEAR, I HAD MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE WITH NIGERIANS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, FROM KEBBI TO AKWA IBOM, AND IFE TO JOS. ONE COMMON THEME INEVITABLY PREVAILS NIGERIANS SEEK A MORE SECURE LIVING ENVIRONMENT TO RAISE AND EDUCATE THEIR CHILDREN, EARN A DECENT LIVING, AND STRENGTHEN THEIR COMMUNITIES

protect human rights, and together create a safer Nigeria.

Nigeria is the United States’ second largest trading partner on the continent, and we seek ways to further deepen this vital economic relationship. During 2021, we strengthened this partnership in important sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, information and communication technology, and renewable energy. On this latter issue, together our nations recognized the impact of climate change. We welcomed President Buhari’s commitment to strive for zero carbon emissions by 2060 at the COP26 summit, as the United States agreed to slash methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030. Separately, we welcomed the arrival in Nigeria of well-respected American brands such as United Airlines and Burger King. United Airlines’ direct flight from Washington, D.C. to Lagos – already booked solid for weeks ahead – is a testimony to our strong economic and people-to-people ties.

Simultaneously, we worked with organizations such as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded West Africa Trade Hub to co-invest in existing rice and tomato companies to improve yield, resilience, and to create more jobs for Nigerians.

Perhaps the most significant U.S. economic and development commitment in the past year was the launch of a five-year, $2.17 billion Development Objectives Assistance Agreement between Nigeria and the United States. As USAID celebrated its 60-year anniversary in 2021, we similarly recommit to our shared goal of a healthier, more educated, more prosperous, more stable, and more resilient Nigeria – this new agreement helps us get there.

In 2021, and despite the challenges of COVID-19, we were extremely gratified by the great number of high-level, in-person and virtual meetings between U.S. and Nigerian leaders, which touched on our shared political, military, civil society, and economic goals. During his visit to Nigeria, Secretary of State Antony Blinken articulated our shared policy goals, and met with civil society and tech innovators who are contributing to a stronger, more inclusive democracy in Nigeria.

Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer, Commander of the United States Africa Command, General Stephen J. Townsend, and others also visited Nigeria and similarly underscored the Biden Administration’s commitment to partnering with Nigeria to solve global challenges and advance shared interests.

As we look forward to the coming year, we are proud to be breaking ground on a new, more accommodating, and modern Consulate in Lagos that reflects the centrality of Nigeria to our foreign policy goals and will better serve the Nigerian public. Finally, we look forward to continuing our robust, inclusive, and issue-based dialogue at the African Leaders Summit hosted by President Biden. This ongoing conversation remains so vital to Nigeria’s own democracy strengthening efforts as the 2023 presidential elections approach.

On behalf of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, I extend our appreciation for the friendships and partnerships which have formed throughout the year. We wish you a peaceful and prosperous holiday season and new year.

Beth Leonard is United States Ambassador to Nigeria

A SEASON FOR SPINELESS PEOPLE IN HIGH PLACES

Foot-dragging to veto-override presidential rejection of the electoral amendment bill shows legislative weakness, writes Bolaji Adebiyi

“

I thought Buhari had balls,” fumed Ahmed Mohammed, a political entrepreneur of the All Progressives Congress tribe, “Now I know he is a pretender.”

Mohammed was reacting to the refusal of President Muhammadu Buhari to assent to the 2010 Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2021 at the close of the deadline on Sunday.

He was more pained by the surreptitious way the president declined assent. “He had to run away to far-away Turkey before he could communicate his spineless decision. What was he afraid of?” Mohammed asked.

Perhaps the most popular bill ever endorsed across the broad spectrum of the public and passed by the federal legislature under intense public pressure, the presidential stalling was bound to draw the ire of perennial agitators for electoral reforms that would strip the polity of all the infidelity associated with the system.

The bill features several provisions that promise to move the nation’s electoral process closer to the threshold of fidelity and transparency, which Nigerians have yelled for many years. With the provisions for electronic accreditation, voting, collation and transmission of election results, it takes the wind out of the sail of thieving politicians who arrange for their votes to swell like Ijebu Garri. Another clause allows the electoral umpire to review and withhold the results of an election that is obtained under duress. Then, the direct primaries provision for the selection of political parties’ candidates for elective offices, which many Nigerians think would deepen internal party democracy since it would shift power from a few stalwarts to the generality of the members.

Seeing that it would reduce their influence within their party, APC governors opposed the direct primaries clause and approached the

president for help, asking him to decline assent to the bill. The argument for direct primaries has been made severally the most pungent being that it would help reduce the bad influence of the loitering and valueless governors and similar godfathers who have held the parties by the jugular for years. Many analysts had expected that the president, himself a beneficiary of the process, would ignore the governors and stand with the people. As it has happened, that expectation would seem to have been misplaced.

Hints that Buhari would jump ship emerged early enough but the protagonists refused to notice them and rather blamed the president for their unfounded optimism. Shortly after the bill was presented to the president and the contestations over direct primaries began, Femi Adesina, the presidential aide on media, was quoted as saying that his boss’ popularity would not wane if he refused to assent. Then the president started a letter-writing exercise, asking the electoral body and some presumed stakeholders for comments on a bill that had gone through public hearing and had been well debated in the public domain.

Finally, Abubakar Malami, the ubiquitous attorney-general of the federation, who had been part of the passage process, wrote to his boss, complaining that the bill would be expensive and difficult to implement.

These signals remained unclear to supporters of the bill until the president’s communication rejecting it was surreptitiously publicised on the dot of the deadline for assent on Sunday. If anyone was in doubt about the president’s cynicism for the bill, his reasons for vetoing it should clear such a doubt. In the main, he complained about its high cost of implementation, implications for security agencies and undemocratic content. These are essentially lame excuses.

The cost argument is mischievous because there are no scientific estimates. In any case, in terms of structure, there is no fundamental difference in the procedure for the indirect and direct primaries safe for the number of persons that would be involved as the processes for both begin from the ward level. Indirect primaries’ delegates begin their journey to state congresses and national conventions from the wards where the direct primaries votes would also be cast.

So, where is the additional cost? Meanwhile, it would be interesting to hear from the president on why he thinks parties can find the funds to engage in general elections that are held in all the wards of the federation but cannot find the same to conduct direct primaries for the selection of candidates.

The security argument is as lame as the cost proposition. The president fears that the direct primaries might stretch the security agencies. It is not clear what he meant by this. But it ought to be clear to him that the primary assignment of the security agencies is to implement the law and the nation cannot shy away from making a desirable law on the ground that law enforcement officers might not have the capacity to enforce it.

Once a law is made, it is the responsibility of the appropriate agencies to design an enforcement strategy. Again, the security agencies would be required to secure the ward congresses for indirect primaries, would they not? How would this be different from securing direct primaries at the ward levels?

The issue of possible breach of rights of individuals that might be occasioned by direct primaries flies in the face of the constitutional limits to the enjoyment of such rights. The question is whether a bill that seeks to cure the mischief of godfathers in the internal democracy of political

parties is reasonably justifiable. If the president was honest enough in his consideration of the matter, he would have answered the question in the affirmative. This is because he was a victim of the excesses of these overbearing governors in the All Nigeria Peoples Party where he was forced to exit in 2009 to hurriedly form the Congress for Progressive Change in order to be able to contest the 2011 presidential election.

Mohammed’s angry outburst that Buhari lacked balls would be been an exaggeration when the president’s action is compared to the response of the federal legislators who had threatened to veto override any presidential veto. Perhaps dazed by the presidential pandering to the governors, Femi Gbajabiamila, speaker of the House of Representatives, demobilised his visibly angry members with a sobering speech then adjourned the session till January next year when tempers must have cooled. In the other chamber, Ahmad Lawan, president of the Senate and a selfconfessed lapdog of the president, manoeuvred his colleagues into an executive session and by the time they emerged, senators who had threatened fire and brimstone were speaking tongue in cheek.

Compromise rather than decisiveness is now the sermon in both chambers.

“Let’s not throw away the baby with the birth water,” Gbajabiamila told his colleagues in an attempt to pacify them. But is that not a perfect escape route for a spineless legislature that lacks the balls to shrug off the bully of an executive, which has constituted itself into opposition to the popular wish of the people?

So much for spinelessness in the season of Xmas.

Adebiyi, managing editor of THISDAY Newspapers, writes from bolaji.adebiyi@ thisdaylive.com

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

EDITORIAL CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS AMID THE PANDEMIC Despite the restrictions imposed by the times, Christmas is worthy of celebration

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or the second consecutive year, Christmas will tomorrow be celebrated across the world amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In the past two weeks, Nigeria has recorded a 500% increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases caused by the Delta and Omicron variants. The country is now in a fourth COVID-19 wave. This imposes special restrictions, and adherence to preventive measures to reduce transmission of the virus in this festive period. But the restrictions are not enough to dampen the spirit of many Nigerians to celebrate Christmas and strive for its essence - a celebration of hope, love, and unity; of gift giving, lending a hand to the needy, of making others happy.

Christmas is a special season, a unique reminder of that historical event which took place more than 2000 years ago, when Christ was born in the humble and dusty town of Bethlehem. That birth, which will be marked tomorrow IN A WORLD COMPLETELY in Christendom, as TORN APART BY HATRED, well as the Mission POLITICAL WRANGLING, of Salvation connected with it, was CORRUPTION, at once a promise VIOLENCE, AND of redemption from NATURAL TRAGEDIES, spiritual death, a CHRISTMASTIME IS A declaration of an end GOOD TIME TO BUILD to the reign of darkBRIDGES ACROSS THE ness and a call to TROUBLED WATERS OF mankind to embrace ARTIFICIAL DIFFERENCES the Light of God. This is the joy which feels the hearts of Christians all over the world in this holy season.

As we therefore mark the 2021 Christmas, the privileged of our society must consider the fact there are many for whom this season is just another reminder of their woes. In our country today, the plight of the under-privileged is steadily worsening and many go to bed with empty stomachs. The

Letters to the Editor

unemployment crisis has created a lost generation of graduates who cannot find jobs. Many of our youths are exasperated. This is worsened by the general insecurity in the land.

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

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

eanwhile, it is incumbent on all of us to pay serious attention to the challenge of those who cannot celebrate this season because they cannot afford to. In his Angelus Message on 12th December 2021, Pope Francis said that the light of Christmas shines brightest in service to the needy in our society. Faith, according to him, is not an abstract theory. Faith is incardinated in concrete acts of service for others. The Pope urges everyone to make a concrete commitment during this Christmas, no matter how small, in visiting the sick, lonely, needy, elderly persons and hearken to the assistance of the poor.

To re-live the exemplary virtues that featured at the first Christmas, we must truly love our fellow human beings and that must reflect in our service.

We must eschew hatred, rancour, greed, and avarice.

We must build an ethic of human solidarity aimed at promoting the common good and the welfare of fellow men and women. Christmastime is a season of joy. It is a period for family to stay together. It is a time to regain our laughter and sense of humour.

The ultimate lesson is that while life may sometimes be very cruel, our optimism must never wane. The life of Christ to whom this season is dedicated is a demonstration that no odds are too high to surmount. As individuals and as a nation, we must hold on to the hope that we will overcome our challenges.

In a world completely torn apart by hatred, political wrangling, corruption, violence, and natural tragedies, Christmastime is a good time to build bridges across the troubled waters of artificial differences. Christmas rekindles in us that indescribable authentic quest for human solidarity, unity, fraternity, and joy. It is a season of renewal and hope.

We wish all our readers a joyful and peaceful Christmas.

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

RE: BETWEEN IKHIDE AND OBASEKI

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HISDAY newspaper of 17th December, 2021 published an article by Governor Godwin Obaseki’s media aide, Crusoe Osagie titled: “Between Ikhide and Obaseki.” The author whom I have tutored in our previous exchanges is gradually learning how to write — albeit negatively — using the word ‘defanged’ and others words in the wrong context.

Crusoe Osagie in the piece under review raised a couple of concerns that got his boss and government pain-ridden in my previous articles; agonizing at the depth of exposure of the rot in governance of Edo State and the facts contained in my constructive criticisms of the absence of deliverable governance in the state. For Crusoe Osagie, instead of focusing on the issues of misgovernmance raised, he became caustically abusive.

For a fact, Governor Obaseki is the first true demagogue to have been Governor of Edo State. He is one of the pretentious politicians who claim to be tribunes of the downtrodden against corrupt establishments that are replete in Nigeria at the federal, state and local levels that turned out to become pure disasters. As a form of politics, demagogic populism flourishes when large groups of citizens feel that conventional politicians are ignoring their interests and values. Regrettably, this is Obaseki’s selling point!

For the records, criticizing Governor Obaseki on misplaced priorities and aborted chances is purely issue-based and not as Crusoe Osagie will make the badly affected Edo people believe it is an unfair, and vicious attacks, and that’s not about to stop until the grand deception parading itself as governor comes to a halt. As it is, the government of Godwin Obaseki is not accountable nor transparent and it is the duty of every single Edo man and woman to ask for accountability, including Liborous Oshoma who has taken it upon himself to task the government on issues.

To start with, how come anyone asking for accountability of Governor Obaseki is being tagged as an enemy of the government?

Yes, thousands of Edo State citizens voted for Obaseki based on the propaganda he peddled that he was being victimised by the godfather, until he turned himself into the ultimate godfather, suspending the people that accommodated him in his new found political party, the PDP. Today, the people are regretting their decisions because they have nothing to show for their staunch support for him against the APC candidate. The party, PDP, was his first victim. At the moment, nobody is ever spared of his politics of bitterness.

The ‘we rather die’ Crusoe, cannot hide the fact that Obaseki has paid members of the old PDP with a bad coin.

Did he not organize the suspension of Chief Dan Orbih, Rt. Hon. Ogbiede-Ihama, Hon. Segun Saiki and others on television where he was heard arrogating unto himself powers of an Emperor in the Party he just joined? Did Obaseki not attempt to stop these same leaders of the Party from attending the PDP National Convention that held in Abuja recently?

Besides being completely ambivalent, Crusoe refused to tell the reading public the reasons Governor Obaseki avoided the Oba of Benin Palace in such crucial and historical event of the return of the stolen Artefacts. Crusoe needs to tell the world why Obaseki was not invited to the palace for the Artefacts public presentations and the five -year anniversary ceremony of the Benin Monarch.

The history of how Comrade Oshiomhole made Obaseki the governor of Edo State against all odds and against himself is a public issue. It is also a known fact how Obaseki orchestrated the removal of Oshiomhole through his ward chairman.

Governor Obaseki was among the governors who co-signed the agreement on the anti-grazing policy but went back to betray them.

He is the only one supporting a northern candidate for president when they had all agreed that power must come to the South, even by all the APC governors. Many of the governors no longer enjoy his company.

Erasmus Ikhide, ikhideerasmus@gmail.com from Lagos

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T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY DECEMBER 24, 2021

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POLITICS

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

Why There is No Vacancy at Marina House Tunde Babajide writes that the new helmsman at the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko has demonstrated capability to take the agency to greater heights of achievement

I

n June 2021, the Nigerian Maritime Industry was taken by surprise following the suspension, probe, and eventual removal of Ms Hadiza Bala-Usman as Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) over allegations of financial irregularities, corrupt practices, and instances of insubordination against the Minister of Transportation, Hon, Rotimi Amaechi.

Hadiza’s removal, which was approved in a Presidential directive, occurred barely one month after her tenure that was yet to expire was hastily renewed for another five-year period to the chagrin of stakeholders who revolted against the development. While her suspension came as a surprise, it was even more shocking to discover how hugely unpopular Hadiza had become along the corridors of power and among industry stakeholders.

The industry was yet to come to terms with the seismic changes at NPA when Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko, Executive Director, Finance and Administration, was appointed in acting capacity to replace the suspended Hadiza Bala-Usman.

Not knowing what to expect and just like his predecessor, discordant tunes greeted Bello-Koko’s appointment as stakeholders bickered over his professional credentials, technical capacity, and industry connections considered as key indices required to land the top job.

Whatever intrigues might have influenced his appointment, Bello-Koko inadvertently assumed the unenviable and mine-laden responsibility of manning the gateway to Ni-

considering the circumstances leading to his appointment, other stakeholders reckon that whether he has chosen the path or the path has chosen him, the honourable thing would be to make the most of the opportunity and write his name in the sands of time.

Notwithstanding Bello-Koko’s unprecedented achievements so far, industry watchers are of the opinion that his pedigree as a financial expert is not reflective of the core competencies required to execute the mandate of the NPA. In some instances, stakeholders have likened his appointment to Hadiza’s in the sense that they both seem to have ridden to power on the backs of their political godfathers in Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir el Rufai respectively.

It is however instructive to note that since his appointment to the position of Executive Director, Finance and Administration in 2017, Bello-Koko has availed himself of seminars, trainings, conferences, and other initiatives aimed at consolidating his knowledge and competencies in port administration, project financing, and human capacity management. Over time, he has honed these skills and brought them to bear on his statutory responsibilities leading to increased allround performances across the cadres of the agency.

With over two decades of experience in the upper echelon of Nigeria’s financial sector, Bello-Koko’s track record of prudent resource management is well documented and has geria’s economy; a task he has administered over the last six months, with clear understanding and unwavering commitment to

As Women Wing Applaud Annulment of Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK Election Victoria Eberendu explains the decision to set aside the recent election of Ohaneze Ndigbo in the UK

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ising from her Emergency meeting convened in London on Saturday 18 December 2021 to discuss the persistent uproar of Ndigbo in the UK over the numerous anomalies that tainted the recent Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK election of November 20, 2021, the interim leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Women Wing UK, an umbrella of all Ndigbo women in the UK has taken a couple of major decisions which acknowledges its position as recently stated by the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Professor George Obiozor, ‘as very important arm of the apex Igbo organisation’. Therefore, the women wing thoughtfully recognises the extensive outcry of both men and women of Igbo extraction in the UK over the numerous irregularities that tainted the Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK November 20, 2021 election.

Taking a similar position as the majority of Ndigbo in the UK, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Women Wing UK takes cognisance of the irregularities that marred the election and adopts in its entirety, the report of the independent opinion and advice of the Forum for the Advancement of Igbo Race – ‘FAIR’, to consider the Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK election of November 20, 2021 as repugnant to both Ohanaeze Ndigbo constitution and Igbo cultural heritage and tradition.

Going by this development, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Women Wing UK fully supports and applauds the annulment of the flawed election of November 20, 2021 and extends her gratitude to the General House of Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK for taking such a bold step to arrest the intolerable situation.

The Women Wing is the bone of contention here in the U.K. and is the one of the reasons we considered the election flawed.

Our new Ohaneze is insisting that women or men can not vie or contest in the opposite organisation as stated in the Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide Constitution. But the election of the 20th November, imposed a woman as the president. Hence it’s flawed in the eyes of many of us.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Women Wing UK recognises the important role bestowed

NPA’s viability and competitiveness.

While some industry watchers have described him as a child of Providence

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

Biden, EU, Africa and Revisiting COVID Travel Ban

Chido Nwangwu joins the growing of nations, world and continental bodies and influential individuals that condemn COVID Travel Ban by advanced countries targeting African countries

A on women in Igbo culture and tradition as peacemakers and community builders and urges all Ndigbo women in the UK to join hands together towards finding peace in our communities, alleviating the sufferings of our people and bringing development to Igboland.

In pursuit of these objectives to peace, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Women Wing UK pledges unalloyed support to the leadership of the Transition Committee (Interim Management) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK, and emphasises her partnership and commitment with Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK. The Women Wing of Ohaneze UK, therefore appeals kindly to all and anyone who may be in possession of any properties belonging to Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK, to hand these over to the Transition Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK in the interest of peace.

-Mrs Eberendu, President Transition Committee, Ohaneze Ndigbo U.K. & Ireland Women Wing NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

fricans, scientists and health policy researchers seem to have become the objects of silly attacks regarding the issue of travel ban.

What wrong did they do other than alert the world, in a timely manner, the variant of the Coronavirus known as Omicron was beginning to rampage in their countries and the region?

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa (who recovered this week from the Coronavirus) has condemned those travel bans and stated that he is “deeply disappointed” by the actions of the UK, EU and US. The World Health Organization (WHO) Africa Director Matshidiso Moeti has lamented that ”With the Omicron variant now detected in several regions of the world, putting in place travel bans that target Africa attacks global solidarity.”

There is a genuine case to secure your borders and ensure the safety of your citizens. But when it is done in a manner that seems to be targeting the weaker countries of the world especially in Southern Africa, then there is something to be investigated and reviewed. We have seen this type of hostility and discrimination before.

Therefore, it came to many as a welcome development that U.S President Joe Biden has said he is considering lifting the travel ban imposed since November 2021 on non-U. S. citizen travelers from South Africa and seven other southern African countries into the U.S. He stated at the White House on Tuesday December 21, 2021 that people should

remember why he placed the restrictions: “Remember why I said we put the travel ban on. It was to see how much time we had before it hit here so we can begin to decide what we needed by looking up what was happening in other countries…. But we’re past that now.”

He has also promised to distribute 500 million free at-home COVID-19 testing kits to Americans and deploy federal medical personnel to assist hospitals in need.

-Dr. Nwangwu serves as Founder and Publisher of the first African-owned, U.S-based newspaper on the internet, USAfricaonline.com NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

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BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

A S

A T

REPO

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

08056356325

D E C E M B E R

S & P INDEX

2 3 , 2 0 2 1

S & P INDEX

EXCHANGE RATE

OBB

9.00%

CALL

4%

INDEX LEVEL

564.02%

1/4 TO DATE

5.82%

N413.03/ 1 US DOLLAR*

OVERNIGHT

10.75%

1-MONTH

6%

1-DAY

–0.17%

YEAR TO DATE

– 15.85%

*AS AT LAST FRIDAY

3-MONTH

10%

MONTH-TO-DATE

0.19%

WELCOME TO EDO STATE…

L-R: Registrar and Chief Executive, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Josiah Akerewusi, 1st Vice President, Oluwole Adeosun, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, President, CIS, Olatunde Amolegbe and 2nd Vice President, Oluropo Dada, during Courtesy Visit to Obaseki in Benin… yesterday

Despite Campaign against Bribery, Illegal Deals Still Thrive at Murtala Muhammed Int’l Airport Chinedu Eze For over two months the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has been enforcing punitive measures against officials who extort money from air travellers, but such nefarious activities have not abated at the international terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

THISDAY investigation revealed that extortion, issuance of fake international certificate of vaccination (yellow card) and fake COVID-19 still thrive at the Lagos airport.

THISDAY findings revealed that some passengers who are booked

to travel come to the airport with positive COVID-19 results and insist on travelling; bribe airport workers, former airline officials who roam around the terminal and even some police and other security operatives to persuade airlines to allow them travel against the laid down rules.

Although airlines have become very strict in preventing passengers with questionable COVID-19 status from travelling, they complain of the pressure mounted on them by the airport officials and others who insist that ‘their clients’ should be allowed to travel.

The Country Manager of African

World Airline (AWA), Mr. Uche Chima, said of the many passengers book to travel with the airline, few meet the stringent condition on COVID-19 because his company insists that travellers must present their negative COVID-19 test results.

“The number of outbound passengers has reduced because a lot of people test positive to COVID-19 and are unable to fly. Some passengers even come with test results that are positive. We are very strict about COVID-19 protocol so we don’t allow any one that does not have negative results. In fact, Ghana insists that only passengers with fully vaccination

COVID-19 certificate that are allowed in the country. The other day two persons with positive COVID-19 test rest came to the airport and insist they must travel but we didn’t allow anyone without negative COVID-19 result to board our flight and travel.

We have number of passengers but few are travelling,” Chima said.

However, he said there is increase in the number of inbound flights, as United Air Lines alone brings in about over 200 passengers daily from the US, adding that there is significant reduction in the number of people that travel out of the country.

He wondered why a traveller

would come to the airport with COVID-19 test result that has positive result and insist on travelling.

THISDAY also confirmed that many travellers who come to the airport with positive test results pay some airport workers to push their case before the airlines.

“Some touts can collect up to N100, 000 from a family and give them fake results. Those who are enforcing anti-bribery at the airport are trying but it is when they begin to arrest security operatives that we will know that they are serious. A mess is going on here (MMIA) but the Abuja airport is sanitized. Everything

is going on well in Abuja but I don’t understand why a lot of corrupt activities are allowed to go on in Lagos. We cannot deny the fact that these illicit activities are happening.

Some of the touts will even confront you and insist that you allow their clients to travel. The other day a policeman was begging an airline to allow his client to travel, but we are doing our best by following the directive of Port Health,” another airline official told THISDAY. However, Regional Airport Manager, South West in charge of Continued on page 22

Expert: Removal of President, Finance Minister in Export-import Policy Formulation Dangerous for Nigeria Eromosele Abiodun Mritime expert and member of the Reconstituted Presidential Task Force for the Reform of Nigeria Customs Service, Mr Lucky Amiwero has warned against the removal of the President and Minister of Finance power to initiate and regulate trade and fiscal Policy in the planed amendment of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Act. Amiwero who stated this in his presentation to the House Committee on Customs and

Excise warned that doing so will constitute serious setbacks to the economy adding that disregard for multilateral and bilateral trade agreements will have far reaching security and Economic implications to the nation.

He stressed that the title of the Nigeria Customs Service in the bill is designed and personalized for the management of the NCS against global best practice.

According to him, “The Conflict in the bill with the function of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as

the receiver of money on behalf of federal government will create serious setback to the federal government on revenue control and management. The conflict in the bill with the Ministry of Trade and Finance on trade and fiscal policy formulation and regulation, will constitute set back to the economy that will not be directed by either the President or Minister.

“The conflict in the bill with the Function of Ministry of Trade, Finance and Transport on the promotion of Trade Facilitation

(ATF) will have negative implication on Nigerians International Commitment as contracting party to WTO Convention for agreement on Trade Facilitation (ATF) under the Bali conference 2013, where Customs initiate policy, regulate policy, direct policy and implement policy too bad.”

He added that the conflict in the Fifth Schedule and the unspecified lists of Customs and Excise laws, will usurp and override the powers of the President and Minister over any existing Customs and Excise

Laws if allowed.

This, he warned, will drive away foreign direct investment and conflict with most domestic laws and trade conventions.

“It will in turn confers all related Customs and Excise Laws under the direct control of the Comptroller-General and remove any such power exercise by the President and the Minister, to impose, vary or remove duty or levy under section 11, 12, 13 and 14 of the Customs, Excise Tariff, etc. (consolidation) Act No.4 of 1995,

which is among the customs, excise laws that will eventually be listed, Amiwero said.

He added, “The Federal Minister of Finance as the Chairman of the Board and the Custodian of the Act, by the provision of Section 4-(1)(2)(3) and 5-(1) in addition to the provision under section 148 of the Constitution, should seek for the withdrawal of the Nigeria Customs Service draft bill from the National Assembly, in a bid to Continued on page 23

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 3 , 2 0 2 1 FGN BONDS DESCRIPTION 9.091 FGNSB 11-DEC-2021 13.402 FGNSB 12-DEC-2021 7.144 FGNSB 15-JAN-2022 13.125 FGNSB 16-JAN-2022 16.39 27-JAN2022

Price

Yield

BILLS Change (%)

MATURITY

OTC FX F U T U R E S

Discount Yield

Change (%)

100.03

4.14

0.00

NTB 13-Jan-22

3.69

3.71

0.00

100.08

4.12

0.00

NTB 27-Jan-22

3.85

3.87

0.00

100.34

3.71

0.00

NTB 10-Feb-22

4.00

4.03

0.00

100.96

3.70

0.00

NTB 24-Feb-22

2.45

2.46

0.00

NTB 10-Mar-22

2.98

3.00

101.67

3.56

CONTRACT TENOR (MONTH) 1

Contract

Current Rate ($/₦)

NGUS DEC 29 2021 421.18

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NGUS JAN 26 2022 422.61

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NGUS FEB 23 2022 424.04

0.00

4

NGUS MAR 30 2022 425.46

0.00

5

NGUS APR 27 2022 426.89

C Ps MATURITY

Discount Yield

MREP CP XXXVII 14-DEC-21 MTNN CP IV 17DEC-21 FDHC CP I 17DEC-21 PARP CP II 30DEC-21 CMBL CP XVI 7-JAN-22

Change (%)

13.80

13.82 0.00

7.45

7.46

0.00

7.45

7.46

0.00

5.68

5.70

0.00

7.71

7.75

0.00

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

AIR WATCH

Ground Handlers Sign MoU A I R to Sustain New Price Regime WATCH Chinedu Eze

In order to maintain uniform charges for their services, as approved by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Chief Executives of five ground handling companies operating in the country, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to guard against economic sabotage amongst its ranks.

A joint communiqué signed by the acting CEO, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, Olumuyiwa Olumekun; the CEO, Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc, Mr. Basil Agboarumi, Director, Aviation Handling Service (AHS), Mr. Samuel Oluwole, CEO, Butake Resources Ltd (BRL), Alahji Bello Salihu; and the CEO, Swissport Nigeria, Mr. John Adebanjo, agreed that all handling companies must abide by the new price regime while charging their clients for their services.

The communiqué, according to the signatories, would enable sustainable and profitable ground handling rates, while also maintaining the highest

standards of safety operations in the sector in Nigeria.

Speaking on the development, Chairman, Precision Handling Company, Mr. Samuel Oluwole, said the handling companies have to hold themselves accountable because the current misnomer affects them all.

“So, we are going to have a technical committee in place that will be like an inspectorate that will be able to monitor the handling companies in the country and severe fine will be meted out by the disciplinary committee on the resolution and any infringement. This will be done after due notification to the NCAA. This will be in place in the interest of everybody. The fact is that the system we have set up is in the interest of all to survive.

The undercutting of over 30 years is not leading us anywhere, ” he said.

Chairman of Aviation Ground Handling Association of Nigeria (AGHAN), Mr. Olaniyi Adigun, who described the journey as tough said the first attempt at correcting the price anomaly was abortive because of the resistance of the strong and

formidable airlines.

He said, “This (resistance) took us to the National Assembly where all was addressed. A one way ticket to Abuja now is about N80, 000, while we were handling them for between N10,000 and N20,000. Who does that? We needed to increase based on the economic realities on ground.

“The association is coming out with a watertight commitment that will stipulate the penalties to any of our members that violates the agreement. And like I said, it will be termed as economic sabotage and the chairmen of these companies are the ones signing this communiqué, which will convey the commitment,” he said.

Vice President, AGHAN, Ahmed Bashir, who spoke on the effective implementation of new charges, said apart from signing the agreement, chairmen of the handling companies would also have to sign the third document that would specify sanction and legal departments are already working on it to fine-tune the document.

Assessing Aviation Industry Pe r f o r m a n c e i n 2 0 2 1

Wakanow Rewards Customers Wakanow, one of the largest online travel agency in Africa, rolled out the drums to celebrate and reward her teeming customers at an exclusive dinner at the 788 on the Sea Restaurant, Twin Waters, Lekki, Lagos on the 16th of December 2021.

The amazing night of celebrating exceptional customers brought together customers, travel enthusiasts, and airline partners cut across the aviation industry.

In his welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Bayo Adedeji, said, “This event is part of the Company’s effort to strengthen relationships with existing customers and show appreciation for their longterm partnership with Wakanow. We are grateful to all our partners and staff for making the year an eventful one.

With over a decade in the industry, the company has been able to grow a set of loyal customers who have made the brand stand tall in the aviation industry.”

Adedeji said looking into the future, the company would transform into a travel-tech company that will provide technological solutions for the industry.

This is another way of ensuring that customers get optimal service from us and we keep winning in the industry across the globe. We will also open new offices across the country so that we become more accessible for our customers.

Customers were rewarded with various gifts at the black-tie event, some of the winners won tickets to any destination of choice, these include

Opeyemi Bada won Turkish Airlines ticket; Elijah Obafemi Nakpodiawon Air France KLM ticket; Omotayo Saba won Air Cote D’Ivoire ticket; Adedeji Ashiru won Lufthansa ticket; Abiodun Adegoke and Kogbe Oluwafisayomi won Kenya Airways tickets respectively.

Others who were also rewarded included the highest selling affiliateIfeanyi Nwankwo of Captains Travel Agency with a Business Class Ticket to anywhere in the world; top two customers- Adewunmi Ogunsanyaand Bright Afiwerie with Business Class tickets; Philip Osadebe got an all-expense-paid trip to Egypt and Wonuola Olatunde Lamidi won a United Airlines flight ticket to the United States of America amongst many other rewards.

Emirates SkyCargo Transports 600m Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines Emirates SkyCargo has announced that it has crossed a major milestone in the global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines with 600 million doses flown on its flights.

Since October 2020, the carrier has transported more than 2.8 million kilograms (2800 tonnes) of COVID-19 vaccines from 35 origins to over 80 destinations.

“Emirates SkyCargo remains committed to the rapid distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to vulnerable communities around the world.

When we formulated our COVID-19 distribution strategy in 2020, Emirates SkyCargo prioritised the movement of COVID-19 vaccines through our Dubai hub to developing countries.

I’m happy to announce that nearly two thirds of the total vaccines we transported were headed to destinations in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

With our extensive reach across six

continents, our wide-body capacity and expertise in cool chain logistics, Emirates SkyCargo will continue to be a reliable partner for the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in the months to come,” said Nabil Sultan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo.

With the increasing roll-out of vaccination and booster campaigns across global markets, Emirates SkyCargo witnessed a steady increase in the demand for transportation of COVID-19 vaccines in the second half of 2021.

In October and November 2021 alone, Emirates SkyCargo moved more than 200 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, almost one third of the total COVID-19 vaccines transported by the carrier since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key highlights of Emirates SkyCargo’s COVID-19 vaccine transportation programme.

Emirates SkyCargo has been a key global player in the air distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and other relief materials and essential commodities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The air cargo carrier offers sophisticated cool chain solutions for pharmaceutical cargo with Emirates Pharma- a specialised three-tiered air transportation product designed for temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals and backed by Emirates’ state of the art GDP certified pharmainfrastructure at its cargo hub in Dubai.

In June 2021, Emirates SkyCargo expanded its pharma cool chain infrastructure at Dubai International Airport, allowing it to store an additional estimated 60-90 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

Emirates SkyCargo offers cargo capacity on more than 2,800 weekly flights connecting more than 140 destinations across six continents.

DESPITE CAMPAIGN AGAINST BRIBERY, ILLEGAL DEALS STILL THRIVE AT MURTALA MUHAMMED INT’L AIRPORT the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Terminal, Lagos, Mrs. Victoria Shin-Aba said that a lot of activities happen at the Lagos airport because it still handles 80 per cent of international flights; “that’s why to check the excesses of airport users is more difficult compared to that of Abuja airport, but noted that FAAN is doing everything possible to stem the illicit activities going on at the terminal.”

“We are working very hard to sanitise the airport. We use the CCTV to monitor what is happening at the terminal and we are seriously discouraging those we perceive as touts from having access to the airport,

so anyone we suspect that does not have anything he is doing at the airport we send him out.

“We also had meeting with Port Health, but one cannot imagine that passengers bring positive test results and still insist on travelling. We are seriously fighting those who carry out illegal activities at the airport,” she said.

The General Manager, Corporate Affairs, FAAN, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, told THISDAY that the agency is very serious in fighting extortion and bribery at the airport and has intensified efforts to make sure that every corrupt activity are eliminated from the airport.

“When you are caught engaging in any corrupt activity at the airport your On Duty Card (ODC) is taken from you. If you are a staff of FAAN, you are suspended immediately. This serves as deterrent. But we found out that passengers are the ones encouraging those illegal activities.

We have provided numbers to passengers, which they can call if they are confronted by anyone.

Our Managing Director is doing so much on this but he cannot change the attitude of the people.

FAAN is not the only agency at the airport. Passengers too should help us,” Mrs. Yakubu said.

Chinedu Eze As the regulator of the aviation sector, whatever view the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Musa Nuhu holds about the industry, is regarded as very important and becomes an authoritative reference point.

So when Nuhu gave overview of the sector in 2021 and his projections in 2022, a lot of stakeholders who read about what he said, wanted to tailor it with theirs or to out rightly discard their views and embrace his.

The Director General said he was surprised about the progress domestic airlines made after resuming flight operations in July 2020 after the COVID-19 lockdown. Although the industry was hit with paucity of equipment, as most of the aircraft on domestic airlines fleet were either due for C-check or they were at the maintenance facilities overseas. Nuhu noted that as a major challenge that is being overcome by the operators.

“I must say I am pleasantly surprised with the domestic aviation industry. We certainly have recovered from COVID-19 pandemic. Not that we have recovered from the COVID-19 level, we have passed thepre-COVID-19 level. If you see the airlines from Nigeria, they have been getting clients. Right now, I have about 10 to 12 aircraft on wet lease to fill in the gap of the demands of the system. So, the industry has done fairly well.

“The domestic industry is going in a fantabulous rate. We have given a lot of Air Operators’ Certificates (AOC) and we still have about 15 in the pipeline. We are working on it. We have airports propping up all over the place and a lot of maintenance organisations coming up.

For us to achieve the growth we have now, we (agencies, ministries, stakeholders and the media) be doing something right that is building investors’ confidence in the system. The investors are willing to put their money in the system and grow the industry,” Nuhu said.

He expressed optimism that the industry would continue with that pace of progress.

“We will continue that way and hopefully, we want to get to a place where aviation plays very significant contributions to the GDP on a short and medium terms; at least five per cent. Also, the growth is a bit stretching the infrastructure.

So, sometimes, clogs are created here and there because the system has been stretched,” he said.

The Director General also expressed fear that bad weather occasioned by the Harmattan haze may cause temporary setback and might give rise to flight delays and cancellations but urged the airlines that, no matter what happens, they must stick with the rules and abide strictly to safety regulations.

“Obviously, there is going to be delays and cancellations if the weather goes beyond safety limit, which is regulatory in nature, the airline is not to operate and if any airline operates illegally, even if it operates safely, but below the regulatory requirement, we are going to penalize it because

that is risking the lives of the passengers.

“I am sure none of the airlines will do that because they know the risk involved. We are talking about lives of human beings; no matter how desperate I want to get to my destination, I need to be safe and be alive. We have spoken with the airlines and they have responded positively.

The pilots are professionals. I am sure they will do the right thing,” he said.

On international travel, Nuhu said that despite the menace of COVIS-19 and the immediate threat of the new Omicron variant, a lot of progress has been made so far.

“On the international scene it is not too bad. We are recovering gradually and hopefully considering what happened in early 2020 when they came out with the issues we are having. We are hoping that we should exceed the pre-COVID-19 level of aviation travel. Generally, it has been hectic and stressful for us at NCAA, trying to cope with the demands everywhere, but we will keep doing what we are doing to ensure the system continues to operate safely, orderly and in organised manner,” he said.

However, he noted that globally, there is what he referred to as COVID-19 fatigue. He observed, “Ifyou go out, you see a lot of people not wearing their facemask, except at airports, airlines and other places where we keep educating people that COVID-19 is real and it’s growing into various variants. It is something we just have to consistently do and ensure compliance.”

Speaking about how to beef up manpower in NCAA in order to sustain and improve on the safety standard already attained, Nuhu said the authority would continue to work in order to have more inspectors in the agency.

“We are seeking approval to employ more technical staff, which we have to do. This is government, there are due administrative processes, which we must comply with and follow. Even, if you are doing the right thing, there are due processes you must follow. We are working on it and we are making a significant progress,” he said.

He said the agency had explained to concerned authorities the challenges and the difficulties they were facing. “We are facing some challenges and they too have been assisting us in a way through legislative action to help us resolve some of the challenges we are facing. We are a government organisation and we must comply with the public service rules in all we do,” Nuhu said.

He explained that in order to attract the right personnel to the agency, NCAA must be a competitive employer. “What that is saying is that the salaries we pay our workers must be competitive in the industry, here, we are a government organisation and the industry is privately run, so, you can understand how our hands are tied, but we try and see how we can work through within the confines of the laws to close that gap so that we can attract more personnel to come and work with us,” he added.

T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

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BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Fashogbon: Future of Advertising Lies in Disruptive Innovation The Chief Executive Officer of Fizzie Republic owners of Outdoor Out of Home Advertising, Mr. Abiodun Fashogbon, speaks on the gains innovation has brought to the advertising industry. Kemi Olaitan presents the excerpts: in it we would get money but by the time each and everyone are engaging in what they like it would defeat the purpose of the innovation in the first place which nobody would like.

Can you briefly tell us about yourself and career background? am an entrepreneur popularly known as Fashy Fissie. I started my business from fashion, then entertainment and moving now into advertising. I have been a partner with the Oyo State Signage Agency for the past 10 years. Presently, I am a copyright owner of Portrait Pole series all duly registered with the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC), with two copyrights at each level making it six.

I

What really led your drive into outdoor advertising?

I was actually doing it for our fashion brand and we started noticing that advertisement and Public Relations are very related. So most times back then the most important people in the society we put them on bill boards as form of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) because our business was doing very well and we saw the need to give back to the society naturally not because we were compelled to or trying to evade tax but rather as a form of gratitude.

Most of the things that we did when former governor of Oyo State, Chief Kolapo Ishola, became a sort of attraction for the people. We did the same for late Aare Arisekola Alao, Da Green and Michael Jackson. It was something we were doing with passion, so for me any business that one is not passionate about such that customers do not see the need in it before one could see it, one might not make money from such business.

The customers then started coming telling us that they want what we did for the late Chief Ishola, urging us to use it to advertise their business.

And because we have been very stable, believe in the proverb that a rolling stone gathers no moss and we have been so Ibadanlike by staying in our natural habitat, we were more than prepared for the task.

So our first major brand was Foodco Supermarket introduced to us by one of the sons of Chief Ishola.

Foodco is a serious and indigenous brand and from there many businesses started coming all based on the CSR that we were doing, that was between 2009 and 2010. People saw our product that it is a disruptive innovation, which they want to be part of. One thing that I have found out is that the problem of Africans is that we cannot do things consistently, before we start any trade we already have money in mind so when the money is not forthcoming such a person. will be discouraged.

For us we never knew at the time we were doing CSR that it would help to attract business in any form, so by the time that we started getting businesses it was like huge success over night.

However government agencies did not take it lightly with us which I believed happen everywhere as there will always be competition with some healthy and others unhealthy. The beginning was indeed rough but alas it made us to be very smart as it led to copyright of all our innovations, not only in advertising. As at today I have 11 copyrights and six trademarks, this is because I don’t engage in anything that is not spelt out in black and white, indeed I don’t play with government officials to the extent that they would say give us money. I can give out money as PR that is different, but government receipt I would get it.

Right now I can confidently say that we are so formidable to win most marketing and political campaigns with facilities that can take up a whole state and create a very compelling visibility that cannot be ignored and we guarantee money back or replacement of advertisement materials on areas where there are theft or vandalization. We can boldly say we have Japanese integrity.

What is P3 all about and changes it has brought to outdoor advertising?

P3 is one of the biggest innovations in advertising out to help the small scale businesses. The power of P3 is that it is used by the SMEs, which I as a person always canvassed for as the hope and future of Nigeria. I am not a big brand person because I would for ever fight the cause of SMEs. P3 is the biggest lamp post in Nigeria, it is 7.3 feet while the regular agencies lamp post is 5.2

Why the recent alarm of threat to your life?

The threat came because of this copyright thing.

I think the fact that some people are closer to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, they want to use that to get what does not belong to them.

During the last general election I did an excellent job for the All Progressives Congress (APC) but the party lost. However immediately the present government of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came in they were also interested in our job and we allowed them to jump on it, the governor ordered for 100 and I gave 50 free.

Unfortunately some people in the present government are not happy that I have the sole copyright of the innovation. But I would not forget the advise of late Ajimobi when I seek his counsel whether to make our innovation available for Governor Makinde. He told me to go ahead because I am not a politician who is neither a property of APC or PDP but a businessman who is out to make money.

Fashogbon feet or 4.2 feet, it is like putting the size of a door on a pole. It is big, conspicuous, durable and 100 per cent made in Ibadan from the fabrication to welding, fastening, deployment and maintenance. Indeed, P3 is futuristic because it is speaking our language and belongs to us. Recently, we did 12 at Olojo festival in Ile Ife where everybody went for Goldberg as it was a classy act. The project given to us was to override MTN at the festival and this we succeeded in doing with customer friendly price. If an innovation is good but expensive, it overrides its importance. P3 is very good, customer friendly, durable and bigger. It can stand on any pole and stay anywhere as long as such a pole is standing and erect, so it can stay on a street light pole and trees like we did in Oyo town. P3 is a powerful innovation and hand crafted, we did its copyright because of standard and maintenance as we are in a country where people prefer to rubbish you and steal your idea. Thus the future of advertising is the power of innovative disruption which P3, P4 and P3V are part of.

How are the specifics which P3 offer going to impact the industry?

One of the things that it offers is the instatenous power of exposure which makes it very durable as anything that is close to human being has potential and quality of been easily vandalized. We do them with rugged iron and placed in the middle of the road. There is the system we adopt of placing them where there are bumps such that one would be forced to apply brake and in doing this one is seeing the advertisement the size of a door. We are out for SMEs, the future of Nigeria is that phone seller and repairer that want to manufacture phone and is so determined to beat Nokia and Techno.

Without that SME becoming a global brand we are not going anywhere in this country.

We are sensitive in supporting SMEs and one of them that has keyed into our innovation is Foodco, it started in Bodija, Ibadan, but today they are in Lekki, Badore and Abeokuta as they know the impact of P3 on their business.

Another is Nexgen Energy, which is also a local brand, I can say that during the period we had issues with the government agencies

it was the SMEs that were really affected. P3 has really helped the people in Ibadan to have the required feasibility and we put a benchmark on it in terms of class and elegance such that no SME can just jump on it without any track record. We don’t want criminal minded people but serious minded people such that the impact of P3 has been very wholesome, serious, not far-fetched, reliable and prosperous.

You have been around for quite sometime now, what are the challenges facing P3?

There is no doubt that the challenges are many ranging from government factors, competitors and undue influence by relevant agencies who rather than obey the fact that we have the copyright of the innovation would tell people to come to us and devising to lord things over us. For instance, presently we have a case in court, which I don’t think should have been if the agencies care to obey the laws. The agencies here have not really get to that part and I would not blame them because they have not seen anything like this before and I believe with time and maturity they would change and do the right thing by accepting the fact that we have the copyright of the innovations. I brought disruptive innovation into the advertising industry and this has been causing a lot of problem.

Take the 9mobile as an example I told them that I have the copyright of the P3 innovation, they did not listen until I dragged them before the Federal High Court in Ibadan. I must give the credit of having copyright of my innovations to the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, it was he that insisted that I must get the copyright because he said some people may be laying claim to the innovation in the future. I blessed God that I listened to his wise counsel and did not turn deaf ear to his advise.

So I believe that our selling point is our trouble point and the reason we are having problem with the agencies is the fact that they cannot believe that it should be us alone that would be involved in the innovation. But unfortunately we are not against anybody getting involve only that we must be given credit and there must be regulation so that it would not be destroyed. If all of us are

What are the chances of attracting investment into the outdoor advertising industry?

It is quite unfortunate that it is agencies such as the Bank of Industry that are taking people like us who have absolute faith in Nigeria seriously.

In my own case, all my siblings are based outside the country but I have never in my life see any reason that I should leave my dear Ibadan. I left for Lagos for about five years and came back to stay in Ibadan where I have everything I want, good internet services and domiciliary account by making my own dollars here even though not through advertising but construction. Nigerians abroad that want to build houses in the country engaged and send money to us. It is all about paradigm shift as I believe that anything that one wants to do in life without putting premium on it, one is bound to loose it.

How do you see the future of outdoor advertising in the next 10 years?

The future of outdoor advertising would be controlled by disruptive innovations. As human beings we do not like what we see regularly without a change, there is nothing special about me rather than my power and attention to do things differently. When you look at the world of the founder of Apple, Steve Jobs, he said we should do things differently and if people can think differently, the future of outdoor advertising is directly proportional to the innovations that will come.

Before it used to be static and we moved to digital, anybody that cannot surrender to innovation or new idea is dead. I can only advise all the big advertising agencies that when they see a young man that has done his due diligence and telling them that he has a bright idea, they should not rubbish him but rather be kind enough to listen to him as the idea may be a million dollar one. Our musicians such as D’Banj and Tuface have been shouting that the next good or coup is content. However having a content or idea is a thing, another is to protect such an idea. This is because at the point of having a bright idea, some people are waiting in the wing to still the idea, which has happened to me.

If there is any problem I am having today it is people that want to take what belongs to me and claim it as theirs. But to the glory of God, I am several steps ahead of them as I have protected my idea with the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC). I would beg the government that anything that has to do with copyright they should take it seriously. Can one imagine if Toyota was not protected in Japan where would Japanese economy be today, if those two fantastic businessmen, Mercedes and Benz did not protect their idea where would Germany be today? We are so vicarious, crude oil will disappear but content, copyright, trademark and patency would be the things that any relevant country, tribe or association would rely on.

EXPERT: REMOVAL OF PRESIDENT, FINANCE MINISTER IN EXPORT-IMPORT POLICY FORMULATION DANGEROUS FOR NIGERIA constitute a Committee of Experts and core stakeholders, to review the Nigeria Customs Service draft

bill in line with international best practice.

“In the draft bill, Nigeria Customs

Service was unduly allocated with uncontrollable powers over the President commander-in-chief of

the armed forces, The Ministers and other government agencies on policy making, regulation of

the economy on trade and Fiscal policies and other matters, which negate the principle of global best

practice on administration, control and management of Trade/Customs Act.”

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T H I S D AY ˾ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

LASG Seeks Public Private Collaboration in Waterways Transportation Oluchi Chibuzor The Lagos State Government is seeking both Public and Private collaboration to foster growth and investment in the waterways transportation thereby reducing traffic congestion in the state.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made this disclosure during the Lagos Waterways Investment Summit organised by the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) in Lagos recently. The summit was the maiden edition put together

by Future Cities Nigeria (FCN) and LASWA on behalf of the state government with the theme, ‘Lagos

State Transportation: Transformation and Investment Opportunities’.

Sanwo-Olu said that areas of investment required by the private sector included the provision of water transportation (passengers, car and cargo), construction of infrastructure and management, technical partnership and consultancy, financing and provision of logistics.

He noted the state with 1,171 square kilometres of Nigeria’s land mass, 40 per cent was water, with lagoons and creeks covering 22 percent, adding that this was why his administration cannot ignore waterways transportation.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented

Airlines, Agencies, Others Win Safety Awards Airlines, aviation agencies and individuals have been recognised with safety, security and professionalism awards at the Nigeria Aviation Award (NIGAV), which held recently in Lagos.

Air Peace, Ibom Air, Aero Contractors, Max Air and Arik Air, won awards in various categories while agencies such as Nigerian Meterological Agency, (NIMeT), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), Nigeria Immigration Service, (NIM), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA) among others.

Declaring the ceremony open, the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, who was represented by the Commissioner, Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria, (AIB-N) Akin Olateru, commended the organiser for putting together the award ceremony which had over the years motivated organisations

and individuals to put great efforts in promoting safety, security and comfort in the industry.

Olateru listed key things that drive success to include professionalism, perseverance, being fair to all concerned and having a good relationship with God. “If you will agree with me when you work you will appreciate being rewarded. It is not about finances nor being paid salaries but just to say that people appreciate your efforts.”

He commended the courage, tenacity, perseverance and professionalism of Fortune Idu, the organizer of the NIGAV Award, Fortune Idu. “Every year he keeps improving on what he does. I need us to please learn from this. Everybody should think about how to make things better where they work and how to improve on the processes,” he added.

by Mr. Ope George, the Special Adviser, Office of Public-Private Partnership, said successful partnership with the private sector in waterways would bring positive change in the socio-economic status of the inhabitants of the state.

“Please, permit me to mention that on our waterways lies great potential for private sector investment.

That the Lagos State Ferry Service (LAGFERRY) ferried members of our national soccer team, the Super Eagles, to Porto Novo on March 26, 2021 bears a bold testimony to this vast potential.

“It was an opportunity for our compatriots and those interested in

The grand finale of the IgbaBoi Hero campaign to promote Igbo apprenticeship scheme popularly called, ‘Igba Boi’ was held in Lagos recently.

The IgbaBoi Hero initiative of Hero Lager, a premium beer

by International Breweries Plc, a proud part of the world’s largest brewer with over 400 beer brands, AB InBev, culminated in the award of certificates and financial grants totaling 50 million naira to graduates of the scheme. The Initiative the compsny said in a statement, was launched to reinforce its Ahagiefula (Legacy) Campaign message – May Your Name Never Be Forgotten.

This campaign was built upon the insight that the Igbo people’s biggest ambition is to leave a legacy that makes their names renowned. The Igbo Apprenticeship (Igba Boi) system

Nigeria Customs Intercepts 14 Trucks Load of Smuggled Rice used brassieres 4,467 pairs of used shoes 280 cartons of frozen poultry products 186 pieces of used bags, 3 used vehicles, 43 used motorcycles, 70 cartons of tomato paste, 39 used fridges.”

While addressing some inquiries by members of the public on the legality of customs officers patrols and seizures, the acting controller cited relevant Sections of the Customs and Excise Management Act 2004 as amended.

He explained that section 147 gives the service authority to enter any premises on suspicion of harbouring prohibited items without warrant; section158 gives authority to patrol freely and section 46 confers authority to seize prohibited items He explained further that section 11 gives power of prosecution of anyone obstructing Customs officers for doing their duty.

On the killing of customs officers, he expressed determination of the service to arrest anyone involved in such murderous acts while announcing arrest of one of the prime suspects that killed an officer of the unit on active service on September

cal business community navigate government bureaucracy.

“We assure our potential investors that your investments are safe - Fitch international just improved our rating from AA+ to AAA long term for fiscal redpins,” she said.

However, the General Manager, LASWA, Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, highlighting the achievement of the state government in the waterways, said it had access to 15 of the 20 local governments in the waterways.

He said: “The investment opportunities will therefore complement the efforts of the present government to combat traffic congestion on the Lagos road. It will also reduce the

amount of time it takes for citizens to commute especially during the peak period.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority, Mr. Goerge Moghalu, urged the state government to collaborate with the federal government on waterways development in the state.

Moghalu said the partnership was in the area of safety, sensitisation campaigns for boat operators and security of waterways users.

He said the state government should also partner with the NIWA in the area that would not lead to multiple taxes on the part of boat operators.

Hero Lager Promotes Igbo Apprenticeship System, Supports Apprentices with N50m Grants

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, Wakanow, Mr. Ladi Ojuri; Chief Executive Officer, Wakanow, Mr.Bayo Adedeji; Chief Executive Officer, Captain Travels Agencyand the Highest Selling Affiliate of Wakanow, Mr. Ifeanyi Nwankwo; and Chief Technological Officer, Wakanow, Mr. Deji Ojo, at the maiden Wakanow Customer appreciation Dinner PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT held in Lekki, Lagos… recently

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A,’ Ikeja yesterday said it intercepted 7,059 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice smuggled into the country from neighbouring countries.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos at the unit’s end of the year press briefing, the acting controller of the unit, deputy comptroller, Hussein Ejibunu said the intercepted smuggled rice is equivalent to 14 trucks load.

He further stated that cannabis sativa and other smuggled items with duty paid value (DPV) of N714million were also intercepted within three weeks.

Ejibunu further disclosed that 27 suspects were arrested in connection with some of the 1,800 seizures made in the weeks under review.

Giving a breakdown of the seizures, Ejibunu said, “in just 3 weeks, the Unit made the following seizures: 7,059 bags of foreign parboiled rice 50kg each (about 14 trucks load), 607 kilograms of Cannabis sativa (Indian hemp), 537 kegs of PMS at 25 litres each.

He said, “Others are, 86 bales of secondhand clothing, 570 pieces of

investing in our waterways to see the huge opportunities of the sector.

The players saw the alluring beauty of our country and countryside as well as the majesty of Nature – such a seductive spectacle that only the waterways could have exhibited,” he said.

On her side, the Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Investments to SanwoOlu, Mrs Solape Hammond, said the state promised to identify and promote genuine and specific foreign direct investment on waterways in the state. “The state would always serve as a ‘business ombudsman’ that helped investors and the lo-

11, 2021 The unit within the period under review also seized 721.5kg cannabis, which was handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

He added that seizure of 607kg of the illicit drug was made along Oshodi-Mushin Expressway without a suspect, while 114.5kg was intercepted and seized along ijebu-Ode/Abeokuta Expressway with a suspect identified as Mr. Anthony Duru.

The unit had recently handed over 14,728kg of Cannabis sativa, which has become a regular occurrence that Ejibunu decried as a contributor to criminal activities that shouldn’t be allowed in the society.

Ejibunu described the NDLEA as an agency carved out of the NCS and a worthy partner with the service in suppression of crimes.

Receiving the cannabis sativa on behalf of the NDLEA, Mr. Humphrey Ugwoke a Deputy Commander of Narcotics (DNC) thanked DC Ejibunu for his contribution to the fight against illicit drug and commended the cooperation between both agencies of government.

is the longest existing communal legacy of the Igbo People.

Igba Boi was activated in six markets across the South East and Lagos including Ogbaru Main Market, Onitsha, Nkwo Nnewi Market, Awka, Coal Camp Market, Enugu, Alaba International Market, Owerri, Ariaria International Market, Aba, and Alaba International Market, Lagos. The campaign reached a total of 12,290,487 million people, 4680 apprentices applied to the programme and 300 apprentices were eventually shortlisted. These 300, got a of total 1.4M + votes of confidence from consumers who were asked to vote in support of their ambition.

Marketing Director, International Breweries Plc, Tolulope Adedeji, commended the apprentices and their Trade Masters for upholding

the legacy of the highly impactful programme that has created employment for Igbo youths.

According to Adedeji, “We are so proud to have the grand finale of the graduation of our Igba Boi apprentices. It is the first of its kind and this achievement means a lot to us knowing how dearly Hero Lager holds the Igbo culture to its heart. This year, we announced the 50 million Naira seed money and we have taken the initiative to places like Aba, Onitsha, Enugu, Awka, Imo and here in Lagos. Almost 5,000 apprentices in Nigeria applied to benefit from this programme. We worked with the Onitsha Business School, the Trade Masters, and Market Associations, and we shortlisted 300 apprentices that are benefiting from this seed funding across the cities.”

Legendary actor and Hero brand Ambassador, Nkem Owoh who graced the occasion appealed to the government to support the scheme as way of employing young men and women.

Speaking on the origin and importance of the Igba Boi scheme, the Nollywood veteran said, “The concept and original objective of Igba Boi is not to make money but to project family values. Everyone I know who went through the Igba Boi training is doing well today. Those who still want to get a university degree after graduating from the Igba Boi training and owning their own business do it with ease.”

Ben Okoli, a Trade Master whose apprentices, Chinonso Nowo and Patrick Idika received cheques of 500,000 Naira each thanked Hero Lager for the initiative.

THIS WEEKEND WEEKLY MAGAZINE

NEWS METRO THISLIFE ART WEEKEND ENTERTAINMENT Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com 07010510430

From Obscure Beginning to Global Oil Magnate Ojo Abdulqadir:

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COVER

Ojo Abdulqadir: From Obscure Beginning to Global Oil Magnate Ojo Abdulqadir, an engineer, is the founder and president of Moahz Group Of Companies, a conglomerate of Moahz Oil And Gas Ltd, Moahz Engineering and Project Management Ltd, Moahz Investment Limited, Green-Mozaq Classic Limited, and Moahz Multi-Purpose Limited, among others. Through dint of hard work and grace, he rose from a humble background to a continental and global business icon who empowers and supports the course of humanity through his foundation, Chiamaka Ozulumba reports

E

ngr Ojo Abdulqadir is a Certified Construction Engineer and a native Of Ila-Orangun in Osun State, though born in Ibadan where he grew, before relocating to Lagos. He had his primary education at Olaogun, and attended Methodist Boys High School afterwards.

He graduated from the University of Ilorin in 2004, and had his Master’s Degree in 2009. Worked with different organisations, before starting his own company and incorporated Moahz Oil & Gas Ltd four years ago.

Formative Years According to the businessman, “my childhood and growth had some inclement tides, but one thing that kept me going was my focus in life. I held firmly this mental picture of creating a legacy that succeeds my physical existence.

“This mindset was because I have always looked at where I came from, the family and people around me and referenced their errant ways/mistakes and chose to do and be better for myself and everyone around me. My aspirations were always the propelling forces that steered me into motion through my course in life till date.”

Self-Dependent Approach On his self-dependent lifestyle he said: “I developed a self-dependent approach and gave up many youthful luxuries to establish myself and I hold this self-reliance consciousness till date. I hardly sought my parents for money or support throughout my years of evolution, rather I believe in working and earning something for a living.

“The last time I asked my parents for money for school or to buy a book was in JSS1. From JSS2, I was always struggling for myself. I believed I could do everything on my own, without having to seek help from anybody except from God. That has kept me going.

“My journey to financial independence began sometime around JSS2, when I began to frequent poultry firms in Oyo State for weekend jobs. At weekends, I’d be at the poultry to pack poultry wastes and the owners paid me stipends that gave me an opportunity for a saving culture. Throughout the week I’d be smelling of residual odour in the class because of the faeces I normally pack, but I still wasn’t bothered with what people were saying, as long as I had money to take care of myself. “ Even kids with affluent and wealthy parents, looked up to me for soft loans. That self-independence and self-reliance actually kept me going. I thank God for who He has made me to be.”

Family Life On how he has juggled family life and work he said: “My work does not affect my family. I am a father and I believe my wife can vouch that am a good husband. I delegated family responsibilities to her because she owns the home, especially when I am away. She takes care of the kids and the home front. And when I am at home, I take care of the house while she goes out for business, so we rotate it. It is that simple.”

Moahz Business Empire Shedding further light on his business empire, Abdulqadir said “Moahz is a household name in the Nigerian petroleum industry, gas streaming, OEM procurement and Real Estate Markets. Without sounding immodest, may I state that that I am very good at setting up teams; and I am a team player. What I did was to seek for the best hands, people who actually understand my dreams and with the capacity to translate them into realities.

“So I sourced for the best to produce the best, and that’s what I do majorly. I can’t do it all alone.

God often endows me with ideas and I am quick at learning but before I venture into a new line of business, I take my time recognising also that sometimes in business; it can be rosy and other times rough.

“But the ability to continue and to keep on pushing is something I encourage every entrepreneur to have. A resilient spirit knows no limits and that’s a mantra for me when things appear to be going south.

Abdulqadir “However, to be candid with you, managing businesses in the petroleum sub-sector and the real estate are volatile, but I have experts, analysts who understand the system.”

Business Structures For every business, structure is important and for Abdulqadir, the same holds true.

According to him, “I have been able to create a solid structure, a functional one that thrives either when am around or away on business trips.

“When you operate without a structure, it will appear like a caricature and that’s something I have always avoided, because I am not building a company that will thrive only when am alive. I am building a company that will outlive me and that is why we diversify a lot in the sector.”

The Ojo Abdulqadir Foundation A strong believer in giving back to the society, he set up The Ojo Abdulqadir Foundation (TOAF). “The foundation always

has lined up activities of people we can extend our gifts to. We visit orphanages, look out for people around, give scholarships to people who are brilliant and perhaps their parents cannot possibly afford to train them. These and more are things I do to commemorate my birth anniversary.

“The foundation was founded in 2020 and we have really gone far. Our outreach has affected different communities within and outside Abuja. My intention while starting off the foundation, was to work with someone who can handle a foundation, because when I started I wanted a balance between the business and the foundation.

“I actually sought for an experienced NGO Coordinator, someone who understands my ideas and aspirations for the foundation and I got all of these qualities in a lady and she has been the one managing the foundation and she has done tremendously well”, he revealed.

Laurels On laurels garnered so far he said: “In 2018, we were recognised by the Institute of Oil And

Without sounding immodest, may I state that that I am very good at setting up teams; and I am a team player. What I did was to seek for the best hands, people who actually understand my dreams and with the capacity to translate them into realities

Gas Research and Hydrocarbons Studies In West Africa, with an innovation award of excellence in Petroleum Service Station, LPG Engineering Design, Construction & Installation. We have the same award in 2019, and the same award in 2020.

In 2020, we were recognised by the European Business Assembly (EBA), with an award as the Best Oil and Gas Installation & Service Company in West Africa. These are the notable few among others.

Pastimes All work and no play, they say makes Jack a dull boy. No matter how cliche that might sound, Abdulqadir does not subscribe to it. According to him, “I am an indoor person, I don’t really go out.

So I read and study more. I do research. I try to study some of the strategies and techniques of successful business tycoons, businessmen around the world, how they have been able to scale their businesses and being able to achieve what they have in life.”

Birthday Shindig Having added a year on Monday, December 20, for Abdulqadir, it was a time of introspection and empowering others. On his birthday he said: “I am not used to celebrating birthdays, calling for parties and all. Because when I look at my background, I know what poverty means. So I hardly waste money because I know people who need money, I’m not the type that goes to parties and sprays money out there.

“I am not condemning people who indulges in these things. But as for me I know there are people out there who are in need and I try to celebrate with them and motivate them that they can also become somebody in life.”

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Broadcast Mogul, Tajuddeen Adepetu, Poised for Tech-driven Enterprise Stories by Mary Nnah As times are evolving to become heavily data-driven and algorithmic, CEO of Consolidated Media Associates (CMA) and a seasoned media practitioner, Tajuddeen Adepetu, in his typical fashion, is setting the broadcast giant in motion to birth a more tech-driven entertainment and media company.

Adepetu leads one of the largest media networks in Africa that also includes a wide range of media production services.

Some of the channels in Adepetu’s portfolio need no introduction - the SoundCity brands: SoundCity TV and SoundCity Radio, along with Urban TV and Urban Radio, Spice TV, Televista, OnTV, OnMax, Correct TV, and Correct FM. At the moment, his journey appears to be headed for brand new peaks - his moves, no doubt, tallies with a world that is taking on innovative advancements so rapidly.

“I like to use tech to solve problems. I’ve always believed that our broadcasting is to individuals. Now, with technology, we can properly address these individuals.”

This new move takes form in a mega-holding company called Group8, which he founded in 2020.

Group8, Adepetu, said it will bring together all its radio, television, events, and technology properties under one multifaceted umbrella. The original company, CMA, has

now transformed into Group8, a lifestyle mediatech company.

In addition to all CMA was known for, Group 8 now also includes a brand-new platform called Viral Pro. If Adepetu has in the course of 30 years built a reputation for creating hit TV and radio assets, he now plans to deploy Viral Pro to earn new status as a creator of hit viral content - for brands.

So, to make it all simple to his over 500 staff and the rest of the world, he created a different category for each segment of Group8: radio channels as Radi8, television stations as Cre8, event projects as Activ8, tech properties as Innov8.

Together, they are managed as Group8.

All of this, one may argue, is the next stage for Adepetu and his enterprise. While the organisation, of course, has had a grasp of the market for more than three decades and can look to the future to grow with the times, the media and audiences are changing.

For instance, TV in 2021 is a more on-demand and highly mobile experience; the future of media will be more techenabled and hyper-targeted, and there will be an abundance of choice.

Thus, Group8 appears to bring the best of the company’s media offerings to the everyday life of African audiences.

It is important to note that as a digital content company, Group8 will find itself contending in some way with other content companies such as Netflix and Amazon, which are taking increasingly major

Tajuddeen Adepetu steps in Africa.

But Adepetu believes that Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are different from Group8, because Group8, as a wholly-owned African company that began as a modest radio production outfit in Jos, Nigeria, can “intuitively create for Africans the sort of entertainment and commercial experiences that feel authentic to the and native to the continent.”

Group8 does indeed span the length and breadth of the

continent already, with free to air TV and radio channels in Nigeria, a radio network in Kenya, and direct to home transmission via DSTV, the African satellite broadcasting provider.

But the journey to this point, Adepetu said, is deeply personal, a triumph of will over cultural and environmental limitations.

When he launched CMA in 1990, the same year he graduated from the University of Jos, the vision he recalled was to

build a business around a pastime he had enjoyed from childhood — critiquing TV. He wanted to make TV that would be more engaging and world class for Africans.

Ready with a certificate from the NTA (Nigerian Television Authority) TV College and a degree in Film and Television from the university, he immediately forayed into the startup life, starting with the first pieces of work he could find: radio promotional ads.

“I’ve always loved to do business, and the first business that came my way as a young man was to do radio promotional materials for the National Veterinary Research Institute,” he remembers.

Soon, brick by brick, he formed a system that led him to work with more radio producers, videographers, and TV production. It was a special period in his life, birthing his vision and walking in his passion.

He speaks fondly about his brother’s role during this period in his life. “As a young man, fresh from leaving the University, of course, you get this job, but sometimes you would have finished spending the earnings before your next job. So, during those times, he really supported me.”

In 1995, Adepetu left Jos for Lagos. Not long after the move, he produced the company’s first situational drama, Family Circle, which not only became quite a hit, but is also noted these days for its groundbreaking casting and resonant storytelling.

Since then, Adepetu, apparently, has gone on to make even

more successful shows. With a global mindset and knowledge of media, his goal was to “grow the seed of the company from its beginning stages to a media company with solid African roots and a rich global outlook.

With a love for media running through him, Tajuddeen spent the following years expanding the scope of what the media could achieve, identifying talent, opportunities, and new stories to tell.

With the millennial generation coming of age, he created ecosystems involving radio, TV shows and digital that catered to that generational demographic, and not only that, he continued to build platforms that provided real progressive value in the market.

In 1999, another stage in the journey, the company went into partnership with DSTV, producing movies and content acrossAfrica for the giant media broadcast platform. This fit right into the outlook of the company to grow beyond geographical borders.

“We’ve never really thought of ourselves as just a local entity.

It’s just the way we are built.”

All these achievements – future-forward thinking, identifying new opportunities and succeeding with them, providing platforms for people to grow and succeed - speak largely to mogul status, and it goes without saying that Tajuddeen is a true mogul of our time.

And now, it is poised to penetrate more geographies with Group8, the lifestyle mediatech company Africa – and now the world - has its eyes on.

Women in Tech Launches Makeathon to Bridge Economic Gender Gap In furtherance of its commitment to bridge the economic gender gap and help more women embrace technology, thereby empowering 5 million women in the technology space by 2030, Women in Tech (WIT) has officially commenced operations in its Nigerian chapter with the launch of the VBank Women in Tech Nigeria Makeathon.

This is its inaugural advancement programme to upskill girls and women into Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

WIT, a global advocacy group dedicated to equipping women

with exceptional, globalstandard technological skills, is through Makeathon seeking to empower 1,000 girls and women spread across rural and urban settlements in Nigeria over a period of four months.

This it will achieve by upskilling them with varying degrees of digital, deep tech, and soft skills such as Product Design, Product Management, Software development, Data Science and Digital Marketing required within the technology ecosystem.

Makeathon was launched at the Women in Tech (WIT)’s digital conference tagged

Solape Akinpelu “Digitalising Gender Equality for Brighter Economies”, held recently in Lagos.

With this launch, the

Nigerian Pharmacist Launches New Wine Brand A US-based Nigerian Clinical Pharmacist, Dr Emeka Chinaka, recently launched new wine brands in Nigeria solely to boost the low quality of wines in the country.

Unveiling his first set of three wines in Lagos, Chinaka said he partnered with leading wine makers in France to produce Princi Pinal, Princi Merlot and Princi Cabernet Sauvignon for the Nigerian market.

“I got the inspiration to produce wines in 2011 because of the low quality of wines I saw in Nigeria and I know Nigerians deserve the best,” he said.

He insisted that Nigerians deserve the best wine, the reason he brought Princi Wines all the way from France to Nigeria. “I wanted to get a quality wine and that was how I got into wine production, so we are here today to

Nigerian Pharmacist, Emeka Chinaka unveil a wonderful product of quality.”

“I have tasted every wine you could think of in the whole world, but I didn’t get that quality wine. I found out that what they had was mostly sub-standard. I said Nigeria should be able to get that opportunity to have better wine.

“This motivated us to look for a winemaker in the wine city of Bordeaux, France. Having established a relationship with Maison Ginestet, Princi Wines was created.”

Chinaka, who said he ventured into wine production to put an end to the frustrations faced by many wine lovers, added that he was working on moving the production of the wine to Nigeria as soon as he was able to solve some logistics problems.

The wines, he said, are crafted with the best grapes, adding, “Our wines hold great value, different from most products in Nigeria and they are designed to feed all kinds of occasion with appealing taste”.

He noted further that the standard will not be compromised as there is a system in place to check any form of adulteration.

Makeathon has kicked-off across rural and urban communities in Nigeria, providing intensive and global standard learning experience for girls and women, who desire to build a rewarding career in the tech space to design, build products, and solutions that will help solve global issues.

Speaking during the launch, the Country Manager, Women in Tech Nigeria, and CEO, HerVest, a women-focused and inclusive fintech platform, Solape Akinpelu said that the commencement of its operations in Nigeria signals the dawn of a new era for women

players in the tech space.

“There is a large and waiting gap to be filled in the tech ecosystem globally. It is a clarion call to all of us as businesses, communities, individuals, and groups to come together to embrace tech and also build products and systems with women,” she noted.

The launch, Akinpelu said officially commences operations of the fourth chapter in Africa, adding, “we understand the vibrancy and dynamism of Nigeria. A lot is expected in this part of the world, and we must let our girls and women understand that a

lot is expected of them in the tech space to future-proof their career and to solve global issues using tech solutions.”

In her remarks, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Women In Tech Global, Ayumi Moore said, “If you really want things to change, you must take action and if truly we want to see more women in tech, there is a need to take action. “ It is a global problem that requires a global solution and what we are launching today is to be able to empower over 5 million women by 2030 and change the world in a very short time.”

Oyinkansola Alabi’s EQ Hub to Teach Africans in Diaspora Emotional Stability Emotions doctor and founder, Emotions City, Africa’s Leading Emotional Intelligence Centre, Oyinkansola Alabi has launched an EQ House for Africa, which is a hub to help people especially Africans in diaspora maintain emotional stability.

According to her, the EQ house of Africans is a hub where Africans in diaspora can show up every Sunday to receive clarity, directions, feedback, content on how to increase and influence their professions, content on emotional stability, adding “It would be a tribe and community for Africans.”

Speaking further she said, “Every Sunday, we would gather to learn, share

Oyinkansola Alabi and study one another ’s cultures. We would also brainstorm and do a lot of things together.

“It is crucial that we do this because Africans need a platform and a voice, especially a voice of emotional stability

and emotional intelligence.”

Continuing, Alabi said “we all have the same emotional struggles, the same levels of pain, the same story; we share a lot of things across borders as Africans and no other person would understand us but ourselves.

“I have met people who went through therapy but were not understood because of the cultural differences and the lack of cultural intelligence. “ Cultural intelligence is key if you want to help a client and to build rapport, you need to understand where the client is coming from, their cultures and how their cultures influences their beliefs, behaviours, their paradigms and everything”, she added.

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E-TRENDS

MUSIC SHOWBIZ

…Your weekly entertainment delight

NOLLYWOOD

Africa Misses out on Academy IFF Shortlist

Stories by Vanessa Obioha

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) during the week announced shortlists in 10 categories for the 94th Academy Awards (aka Oscars) scheduled for next year. The categories include the Best International Feature Film (IFF) which recognises a featurelength motion picture produced outside the United States that contains 50 per cent or more of non-English dialogue. Of the 15 films shortlisted in the category, none came from Africa. The list boasts of submissions from Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America.

Nigeria bowed out of the competition in October when the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Academy Awards announced that entries received did not meet the eligibility rules set by the Academy. According to Chairperson of NOSC, Chineze Anyaene-Abonyi, “the films received so far for screening failed the eligibility rule test set by the Academy.”

The announcement dashed the country’s hope for an Oscar for the third time.

In 2019, the Academy rejected Genevieve Nnaji’s Lionheart for not meeting the requirements. Last year however brought a flicker of hope when ‘The Milkmaid’ being ratified by the Executive Committee of the IFF, passed the eligibility rule test before dropping from the first shortlist category.

While Nigeria stayed out of the competition, other African countries such as South Africa submitted films for the category. The country selected ‘Barakat’, an Amy Jephta film in partnership with kykNET, a company owned by MultiChoice for the competition. The film

The Milkmaid was submitted for Oscars 2021

centres on a Muslim widow’s attempt to unite her fractured family over Eid-al-Fitr to break the news about her new romance.

Other African countries that sent in submissions include Kenya (Mission to Rescue), Malawi (Fatsani: A Tale of Survival), Egypt

(Souad) and Tunisia (Golden Butterfly).

For the 94th Academy Awards, Austria, Kosovo, Belgium, Bhutan, Finland, Germany, Denmark, Iceland, Iran, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Panama and Spain will go through another nomination round which

will begin on Thursday, January 27, 2022, and conclude on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, before the final nomination list is unveiled on Tuesday, February 8, 2022.

The 94th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 27, 2022.

Mo Abudu Makes Forbes World’s 100 Most Powerful Women List International magazine Forbes recently released its World’s 100 Most Powerful Women which EbonyLife CEO Mo Abudu takes the 98th spot. She joins two other Africans, DirectorGeneral of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (no. 91) and the current President of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan (no. 94) on the 18th annual list.

Topping the list is MacKenzie Scott, a philanthropist who has given away more than $8.6 billion to nearly 800 charities and other non-profit organisa- Mo Abudu tions. Scott exemplifies the ethos that guides the choice of women on the list – “It’s

not enough to have money

or power, it’s what you do with it”.

Other women of colour in the list include the US VicePresident Kamala Harris (no.

2), and billionaires Oprah Winfrey (no. 23) and Rihanna (no. 68), entertainer Beyoncé Knowles (no. 76), filmmaker Ava DuVernay (no. 80), and tennis star Serena Williams (no. 85).

According to Forbes, Abudu is on a mission “to bring Africa’s stories to the world and upend Western misperceptions of the continent. The entertainment industry is looking beyond Hollywood to source local stories that resonate with a global audience.

It’s a formula that Abudu has been championing all along, culminating in her signing Netflix’s first multi-title deal with an African production company.”

A quick survey of the list suggests that the women who have been included are rewriting the rules of business, entertainment, finance and politics. There are now 40 CEOs overseeing $3.3 trillion in revenues – a major increase, several self-made billionaires and 19 world leaders.

“I had no idea this was coming but it’s a nice way to end an eventful year. I’m humbled and deeply grateful to be associated with

these amazing women. My wish is that there will be many more of my deserving African sisters on this list in the years to come,” said Abudu on hearing the news.

To determine each person’s rank on the list, Forbes analysed four metrics: money (GDP, revenue, assets, net worth), media mentions, impact and spheres of influence.

Other factors included hard power (positions and constitutions), dynamic power (audiences, communities and creative influence), and soft power (what the women are doing with their influence to create change).

Movement-Japa Recap, GUS Finale: Who Will Become How Vbank Turned Up the Ultimate Warrior?

Lagos Margarita Festival Ep.8: No Respite With Tosin Emiola Despite the constraints of the pandemic, party-goers are bent on having a ‘Detty December ’ as the festive period has been christened, to the fullest.

This was evident recently when Vbank, the foremost digital bank, hosted the Lagos Margarita Festival at the Landmark Oniru beach.

It was a party like no other as disc jockeys like DJ Lambo, DJ Poppaey, DJ Obi and DJ Tgarbs teamed up with the festival hosts Sheye Banks and Ada Ohh, to entertain fans with smashing and pulsating hits.

The fun didn’t stop there.

Attendees had a time of their life taking shots of premium margaritas while playing a variety of board and party games that threw the crowd into a frenzy.

The climax of the festival was artists performances which included Avala, Fave and others.

However, the atmosphere became electrified when the rave of the moment Ruger emerged on stage. Dishing out songs including his popular hit, ‘Bounce’, he took the party to another level.

The festival themed “Salt the Rim” also featured a competitive tagged Vbank Margalympics. The competition seeks the best places that serve margaritas in Lagos.

Three businesses: Crossroads Texmex Restaurant & Bar, Sao Cafe Lagos, and The House, were voted as the best places and were rewarded with cash prizes by creating different variations of the best margaritas during the competition.

After surviving the hellish encounter in the ship, Shina and Mimi find themselves in Ghana where Osas ex Ama gave them a helping hand reluctantly. Still harbouring a grudge against Mimi who threw her out of Osas house in the past, Ama initially refused to let her stay in the apartment.

Mimi, on the other hand, was unwilling to eat the humble pie.

Instead, she contacted a friend to send bitcoins to her for upkeep.

Whatever respite the duo expected to find in Ghana vanished when Mimi was attacked in the market. Someone shot at her but thankfully missed. Returning to the hotel, she found her room door open and on fleeing, overheard the reception-

ist talking to someone about her whereabouts.

Left with no option, she had to seek Shina and Ama’s help. It was later discovered that one of the men killed in the ship is the brother of a dangerous cult leader.

Again, with Osas no longer in the picture, the duo would have to fight for their lives.

Meanwhile, in Nigeria, the police are hot on the trail of the scavenger Jamiu who picked the ransom money from the waste disposal truck.

Will they ever catch him?

And how will Shina and Mimi escape the wrath of a gangster in Ghana?New episodes air on Africa Magic Showcase every Monday night and catch up is available on Showmax.

returning to the game through the boomerang voting, the race to the finale is getting tougher for the finalists. The boomerang which was introduced this season makes it the first time an evicted contestant returns to the game via viewers voting.

The season saw seven contestants possess the boomerangs out of which four were evicted during the show. They were Tosin, Chidinma Okeibe, Esitima Edem, and Osasere “Osas” Agbonile.

Following thousands of votes, Chidinma scored 37.2% of votes closely followed by Tosin who scored 25.1%. Esitima came third with 20.9% while Osas came fourth with 16.8%.

However, due to health reasons, Chidinma could not return to the jungle.

Tosin Emiola returns for GUS finale

This automatically allowed Tosin to join Damola, Odudu, and Damilola in the jungle for the search of Akolo’s secret chest. The winner will go home with prizes worth N50m which includes an SUV. The two-part finale will air on DSTV Africa Magic channels on Saturday, December 25 and Sunday, December 26.

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ART WEEKEND

…For pure art enthusiasts

National Troupe Returns to Stage with Folk-Musical, ‘Strings’ After an involuntary hiatus from stage, the National Troupe of Nigeria under the watch of the new Artistic Director, Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed staged a folk musical drama for the Christmas season titled ‘Strings’ at Terra Kulture, Lagos. The troupe is tour-ready, says Yinka Olatunbosun

T

he Command performance for Strings kicked off with an intriguing opening scene: an old man in white beard narrating the story of Frederick and Flora Lugard, the symbolic parents of the Nigerian state in 1914. That old man, Soibifaa Dokubo is a pioneer member of the National Troupe, established in 1991. For almost six years, the National Troupe had not staged a drama for Christmas. Hence, the spirit of festivity in the air last week at the Terra Kulture stage was buoyed by the perceivable change that the new theatre administrators have brought.

The metaphoric play was built on the plot of the colonial parents whose foster baby -Nigeria-attains maturity in 1960 but still has to contend with all the challenges of adulthood and middle age. Drawing upon folk songs, multi-cultural dances, the well-lit stage created ample picture perfect moments for the cast clad in beautiful traditional attires. The strength of the play lies in the spectacle amplified by good lighting details as well as the themes of shared humanity and

Dancers during the child naming ceremony scene in the play titled ‘Strings’

nationality. But like most propaganda drama, the story does not soak in the audience because of its heavy rhetoric as against normal everyday dialogue. But then again, the orchestra provided a fantastic medley of folk songs to accompany ekombi, ilaje and other cultural dances.

Written and directed by Mike Anyanwu, ‘Strings’ as a national drama is tour-ready within and outside Nigeria. The play which

was first performed at the National Theatre, Iganmu marks the end of the 2021 productions season for the troupe.

“I feel excited, elated that the National Troupe is coming back again,’’ the Artistic Director/CEO, National Troupe of Nigeria, Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed said at the end of the show. He admitted that the spirit of the artists was quite low when he resumed in April this year. But

with concerted efforts, the National Troupe has been moved from its previous state of slumber to unleash talents. “The National Troupe must also gear up to use arts to address those national issues. We are not just entertainers; we are economic workers. That’s what we have done with this play. The strings drama is bringing back the history of Nigeria to ensure that tomorrow is better than today,’’ he said.

Ken Nwadiogbu Lights up London’s Oxford Street with Digital Installation Yinka Olatunbosun Award-winning Nigerian artist, Ken Nwadiogbu’s ‘contemporealism’ engulfed the cityscape of the busy Oxford Street in London at his latest exhibition of digital installation on the Façade of Flannels.

Presented by W1 Curates, Nwadiogbu’s art was displayed on a 4k digital screen viewable for twenty-four hours a day for two weeks, at a three-storey building on Oxford Street in London. This is indeed a history made as Nwadiogbu is the first Nigerian and African-based visual artist to be so honoured on the screen since 2019 when W1 Curates partnered with the designer shopping store owned Mike Ashley.

“We’ve always been a huge fan of the story behind Ken’s works. After meeting him in person we just had to collaborate. He’s such a humble yet talented guy. We think you’ll be seeing a lot more of his works in years to come,” said Mark Dale, Founder W1Curates.

In July, the artist partnered the UK-based Shipart for its Vehicle Wrap project tagged ‘ArtOnWheels.’ The mobile art

A View of the exhibit

showcase was made to tour the city touching iconic places such as Wembley Stadium and Heathrow Airport among others.

A multi-disciplinary artist, Nwadiogbu whose art reflects his own human experience acts as a social commentator on those of others. For him, that role comes with a need to be empathetic when understanding and representing the characters captured throughout various contexts in his art.

The self-taught artist is credited for introducing the “Contemporealism” movement and has been recognized for his contribution to the Nigerian arts community.

His art-making process allows him to discover and reveal who we truly are at our core, whether in a moment or in a movement. One may find a reflection in the contemporary realism of his drawn faces, or in the painted expressions of fashion, or home décor - ultimately, his goal

reaches beyond realism and lies in a space between authenticity and possibility.

“The feedback has been amazing and this is opening up new opportunities for my art. The goal has been for me to reach new cultures and open up my art for more interrogation in a cross-cultural exchange of ideas. I’m excited at the opportunity presented by my collaboration with W1 Curates and the good people of London,” he said.

Osamede Play’s Ready for Yuletide Season in Lagos Yinka Olatunbosun The stage play ‘Osamede’ meaning for kingdom and country, is set to make this Yuletide season a memorable one as preparations are revved up towards a successful performance. A Gold Lilies production, the well-knit, gripping stage play is scheduled to run from December 25 to 27 at the AGIP Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos.

Osamede is a story of royalty, patriotism and personal ambitions set in the Benin Kingdom. Blending antiquity and modernity, the musically infused play passes salient messages to contemporary audience through cultural elements of a people who venerate their God-king.

The cast and crew is a mélange of old and new faces in the Nollywood/theatre space featuring the likes of – Nobert Young, Pat-

rick Doyle, Paul Adams, Soibifaa Dokubo, Rolake Adesina, Patrick Diabuah and others.

For the Executive Producer Lilian Olubi, Osamede is the realisation of many years of admiration for the great Benin Kingdom and its unparalleled display of cultural regality.

Olubi added that the storyline speaks to several relevant themes in today’s world. “Our eponymous

hero, Osamede is a woman who comes into a heavily patriarchal system and displays immense courage despite the societal limits placed on her. Other overarching themes and values centre around social injustices and dysfunctional strata, nationhood and true leadership,” she said.

The play reinforces the belief that at the end of the day, good will triumph over evil.

Ascension Productions Explores Youth Idealism on Stage Funmi Ogundare Ascension Productions, the entertainment arm of Ascension Ministry, weekend, thrilled the audience and held them spelled bound with a three-act play, titled ‘Shadows of The Ancestors’.

The stage play, written and directed by Onyechi Mbamali and Adeniran Makinde (F.T.A), respectively boasts of a powerful cast featuring veterans like Norbert Young and Gloria Anozie Young and starring Kevin Ushi, Albert Akaeze, Bukola Ogunnote, Ikponmwosa Gold, Inna Erizia, Stanley Okeke, Efe Mayford Orhorha, among others.

Held at Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos, the play is a gripping tragedy that unravels the ugly pain of unguided youth idealism.

The playwright, Onyechi Mbamali explained that the story was written for youths, to show that young people may have the very best of intentions and idealism which is good, but if they fail to listen to the voice of reasoning, it may lead to their downfall.

“In fact, the youths are the only agents of real change. Sometimes, they also jump into the change mode without sufficient enquiry and if they are ready to listen to counsel of experience, they will do better. You can listen, hear and process, but to adopt an attitude of I don’t care, is wrong.

“So I have seen very brilliant people waste their lives and I thought particularly in our generation, we are not fair to the youths.

We were brought up specially.

“The community invested in us.

Every adult was a parent to every child as I was growing. Today, we are criminally negligent, we bring up our children in silos and expect them to know everything.”

Mbamali expressed hope that Nigeria will also begin to do that in its governance system by giving the best people the chance.

However, he expressed concern that the theatre culture is dying in the country saying that the play was an effort towards reviving it.

The playwright disclosed that the proceeds of the entire production would go to various charities; widow groups, orphanages and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The Director of the play and Secretary General of National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), Adeniran Makinde said directing the film is about expertise, knowing how and understanding the writer’s mind from the script.

“When you understand the casting and you get it right, 60 per cent of the job is done, and working with the actors in terms of interpretation. It is easy to talk your actors through that kind of knowledge, that is if they are good actors, “ he said.

‘Shadows of the Ancestors’ is a gripping tragedy that brings home the ugly pain of unguided youth idealism. It is a generational conflict of viewpoints, the spirited young versus the conservative old. Youth is typically radical, vibrant and so sweetly full of energies, but alas, its unbridled impatience with status quo is virtually a calamitous end foretold.

T H I S D AY ˾ ͰͲ, ͰͮͰͯ

ͱͮ

METRO

…Your city life in print

Food Relief for Kogi Communities Global Health and Indigent Care Foundation, a United States of America- based organisation, belonging to Dr. Sam Oloyo, recently distributed palliatives to 4,429 families of Ayetoro-Gbede and Igbaruku communities in Kogi State, Chiamaka Ozulumba reports

Donation of food to 4,429 families of Ayetoro-Gbede and Igbaruku communities in Kogi State by Global Health and Indigent Care Foundation

G

lobal Health and Indigent Care Foundation (GHICF), a United States of America based organisation has for the second time in as many years distributed rice as food relief to nearly 4,500 households in Ayetoro-Gbede and Igbaruku communities in Kogi State.

The foundation has executed heath and food relief outreaches in these localities over a cumulative period of four years.

The programme was tagged ‘ Christmas Food Relief’.

Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Dr Sam Oloyo, speaking on behalf of himself, his wife and his Foundation, in a message to the communities, explained that he was concerned to provide the food intervention

to cushion the manifested effects of food shortages inflicted by perennial conflicts between the farming communities and alien invaders generally described as herdsmen, who have in the last few years displaced farmers and destroyed several farmlands in the area.

His message was delivered at Ayetoro Gbede at the weekend by Mr Oladele Oyelola, former Executive Director of First Bank of Nigeria Ltd, and President of Ayetoro Gbede Global Network, a development initiative Association of Ayetoro-Gbede natives, that has collaborated with Foundations like the GHICF and other indigenes to inject quantum interventions in human and material elements in the Community.

As an adjunct to the message, Oyelola described the Oloyos and their Foundation as compassionate, considerate and concerned humanitarians, who from the comfort zones of their environment still spared thoughts for their folks in the hinterlands.

Recalling the two medical outreaches and the post-covid-19 food relief programme carried out earlier by the Oloyos, Oba David Ehindero, the Olu of Ayetoro-Gbede conveyed the collective gratitude and prayers of the entire Community to the donors. He described their actions as indelible scripts in the minds of the people.

Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN) in the Community,

Pastor Timilehin Adediran, described the donors as acting in the way of Jesus Christ by feeding a multitude. He prayed for continuous provisions to sustain the programme.

Beneficiaries expressed their joy and gratitude, describing the gesture as timely and thoughtful.

Their excitement was bolstered by the assurances of Dr Oloyo who let out that he looked forward to doing more for the indigent and the needy, acting on the lofty philosophy that his family and Foundation have been blessed to be a blessing to others.

Observers commended the Local Organising Committee for developing a distribution template that promoted inclusiveness and minimised chances of deprivation and denial against the intended beneficiaries.

How to Have Unforgettable Family Moments During This Festive Season For most people, the Holidays are essential for many reasons. For a lot, the holidays signify the end of one year and the chance at a fresh new start.

For another majority, the holiday means both that and an opportunity to spend time with their kids, parents, partners, and other loved ones.

The holiday is the most exciting time for many who work full-time jobs because they can finally take some time off and relax with the family. And they even get to do it with zero guilt. So,

it is crucial to get family time this season right.

Even though no one wants to be the carrier of gloom and doom this festive season, it is difficult to ignore the COVID news. Having this in mind, it will come as no surprise if many families don’t want to be around too many people during this time. The need to stay safe also means ensuring that the family has the most fun and unforgettable experience this festive season.

And sometimes, answers to questions like this are just right under your nose, but

you miss them. It’s easier to create exciting, fun moments for the family with the help of DStv when you maximise the platform. For example, even if the whole house is cooped up and there’s only one TV, everyone can still get a chance to watch what they want, when they want it.

With the DStv app, the kids can get the TV in the living room, the parents can set up their laptops in the room, and even relatives can get what they need on their phones, with only one subscription. Sometimes, the

times spent as one are even more memorable.

Through DStv’s BoxOffice and Showmax, you can access hundreds of cheesy Christmas movies.

Even more, the whole family can choose joy together and party with music stations like Trace TV, Soundcity, Hip TV, MTV Base, and more. They can even throw the coziest party with TurnUp Friday and Owambe Saturday.

There are several ideas on ways to maximise your DStv subscription and have a fun time with your family

this season. You can have a binge-fest with your older children or other loved ones around, catching up on your favourite Africa Magic series. The entertainment opportunities are endless with new shows like Dilemma, Venge, The Rishantes, and Movement Japa, available on DStv box sets and Showmax.

Whatever you decide to do this season, remember to Choose Joy with DStv through all the fantastic entertainment lined up for you and your loved ones. From exciting football matches

from the biggest leagues and tournaments, riveting local and international series, Showmax entertainment and blockbuster BoxOffice movies.

Let DStv be your official holiday companion. So make sure you avoid disconnection from your favourite shows by downloading the #MyDStv app and renewing your subscription without stress.

For more information, visit www.dstvafrica.com or download the MyDStv app to reconnect and other self-service options.

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T H I S D AY ˾ ͰͲ, ͰͮͰͯ

POLSCOPE

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Canticles….

Electoral Act: Who is Afraid Andy Uba and the Ifesinachi Syndrome of Amendment?

Andy Uba

Buhari

I

n 2018, the lawmakers at the time had proposed some amendments to the Electoral Act. As always, the amendment is aimed at improving the conduct of elections in the country. At the time, the proposal to amend the Electoral Bill was somewhat less than six months before the 2019 elections. But the Senate President at the time, Bukola Saraki had become the political enemy of Mr President, having decamped from APC to the rival PDP. So, on the ground of being too close to a major election, the president declined to assent to the Bill to amend the Electoral Act. Three years after, and nearly two years to another major general election, President Mohammadu Buhari has again,declined assent to a revised version of the Electoral Act. Although the law does not demand an explanation for declining to sign a Bill from parliament, he gave four reasons why he refused to sign the Bill. Essentially, the reasons include: security, being undemocratic, high cost of the exercise, and gateway to open litigations. Although opinions have been slightly divided since the president declined assent on the Electoral Act amendment, the generality of Nigerians believe the President missed a chance to write his name in gold as a leader who had a genuine interest in electoral reform, which the Bill was all aimed at achieving.

Many people who have commented blamed the President for failing to do the needful: sign the bill, and probably call for an amendment to any section he does not quite like, as he did with the PIB Bill. Those who believed the president did not do well surmise that what Mr President did was akin to throwing away the baby and the bath water, as they pointed out that there are many other laudable provisions in the Electoral reforms which has now been eclipsed by the banal argument about Direct or Indirect primaries. Apart from the provision for electronic transfer of election results, the amendment had provided for only High Courts as having the powers to adjudicate on election matters, just as the INEC was given more powers to do a review of elections etc etc.

In declining his assent, Mr President raised the issue of security.

How does Direct Primary foster or promote insecurity? If that argument is to be stretched, how safe would it be therefore to hold the general election itself? Between Direct primary and the general election, which one would have more crowd? If we can hold

I

was asked to write an essay on the topic: “The Law is a Troublesome Agent” in a job interview I attended today.

I couldn’t make a head or tail out of such a troubling topic.

Just how can the law be a troublesome agent?

Lawan

general elections and not exercise fear about security or the lack of it, then why is Mr President bothered about security during Direct primaries?

He talked about the cost. What cost? It is a party affair! The socalled cost of Direct primaries will not come from the federal purse.

Members of political parties should devise ways of funding the Direct primaries. So, why is Mr President drinking Panadol for political parties’ headache? In any case, is Mr President truly concerned about the cost of electioneering in the country? We glibbed over the issue of placing a seal on Campaign spendings. Has it ever been activated? Has anybody or political party been penalized for overspending on campaigns? Or have they (including even Mr President) stayed within the limit of campaign expenses during elections? So, talking about cost as a reason for declining assent is merely calling a dog a bad name so it can be hanged.

He further claimed that the provision for Direct primaries, is indeed undemocratic, as it would mean an imposition of a particular mode of primaries even on smaller political parties. Which is more crucial: that the democratic base for a Direct primary is much wider for party members or that smaller political parties may not be able to afford Direct primaries? Which one is of greater interest to the greater majority of the people? Does the ethos of democracy not err on the side of the majority? Would the President in the pretencious feeling for the socalled smaller political parties, rather sacrifice the greater benefit of Direct primaries to the larger number of Nigerians? Is Mr President truly so gospelled for the minority? If yes, why is this only being mouthed on election matters and not on the welfare of the masses?

Many people even think that what should worry Mr President is the absence of a true and updated membership register in all the political parties in the country, including even the All Progressives Congress (APC), and not whether some political parties can afford it or not.

But even if all the above are discounted, how can it be explained that in a National Assembly dominated and controlled by the ruling party, that both Mr President and the National Assembly leadership are not on the same page on such a crucial National concern?

Where is the place for consultation and political synergy between the Executive and Legislative arms of government?

What’s more, the said Amendment is a product of a long and tortuous legislative process which included a Technical committee fed by members of both National Assembly chambers, the INEC, Civil society Organisations (CSOs) and even representatives of the Ministry of Justice. Their suggestions were subjected to Public Hearings and filtered further by the National Assembly before it is put together as a bill and sent to Mr President for his assent. It is thus ironical that the same ministry of Justice which had representatives in the Technical Committee that produced the Amendment Bill is the same ministry whose minister and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami advised Mr President not to sign the Electoral Act amendment Bill. Virtually all the points raised by Malami in his memo to Mr President are the same reasons Mr President cited in his letter to the National Assembly explaining why he had to withhold his assent to the Bill. Not many are surprised that Malami, who is fast appearing like an electoral bandit, has been consistent in misleading Mr President in taking decisions that vitiate the popularity of President Buhari.

As at last Tuesday, the outrage of the lawmakers against Mr President for refusing to sign the bill, had gathered much momentum so much that about 75 senators had appended their signature in support of overriding Mr President. Section 58, sub section 5 of the 1999 constitution as amended, gives the veto power to the National Assembly if and when Mr President declines to sign a Bill. The lower Chamber on its part has merely shifted the battle date till next year when it will resume from the Yuletide break. The absence of the members of the House of Representatives may foil the attempt to veto Mr President on this issue. Was the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila delaying the duel so to prepare the ground for his master—Bola Tinubu?

It is remarkable that both the state governors and Mr President are pitted against the lawmakers.

Most of the governors are serving out their second term in office, just like President Buhari. But they want to remain valid election oracles in their various domains and fear that adopting Direct Primaries may rob them of that privilege of calling the shots continually. Will they carry the day or will the National lawmakers have the last laugh? The battle line is drawn. Ego is now the umpire.

Nigerians are watching.

Where did you attend the interview?

I heard the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is planning to recruit young graduates for the forthcoming Osun and Ekiti gubernatorial elections.

But why would you have difficulty in writing that essay? Have you not been following development in the Nigerian polity? Wasn’t there a recent and ready example of that topic?

Really? A recent a ready example? How ?

Need you ask? Did you not hear of the recent judgement by Justice Inyang Ekwo which nullified the candidacy of Dr Andy Uba who ran under the platform of the APC in the November 6, 2021 governorship election in Anambra?

Yes, how does that fit into the topic in question?

You are still asking that bland question? A man contested an election, and lost and while he is still nursing the wound of his loss, remembering how hundreds of millions of hard-earned money went down the drain, just like that, and then one busy-body court rules that even his candidacy in that election is nullified. How troublesome can the law be! How can a loss be nullified? What is that? What kind of double tragedy is that?

Look, it is not his loss that was nullified. It is his candidacy. The law believes that the primaries that produced him was flawed and faulty and that he was not supposed to be the candidate of the party in the first place. The law has to be straight, just in case of the future.

What future? The election is over.

Somebody has been declared winner and governor-elect. The INEC has even issued the certificate of return.

Everybody is waiting for swearingin next February and then, a court goes down to the past electoral relics and digs out an old corpse claiming that somebody who has already lost the election should not even have contested at all in the first place. Is that not what the late Fela calls, Trouble dey sleep, nyanga go wake am…

It is not the same scenario sir.

This is law. Not Fela’s music. Ok. What if the APC candidate, Andy

Uba won the election?

Eheeeeen. In such a case, the contention would be justified. But not when Andy Uba not only lost the election, he came a distant third with less than 500 votes.

In any case, Andy Uba couldn’t have won. The forces against him are many. Was it not his brother, Chris Uba who once slapped an elected governor in the same Anambra? That slapped governor is now minister of Labour---Chris Ngige! Look, there is law of Karma. Is it the first time Andy Uba is seeking a short cut to the Anambra Government House?

Did he also not smuggle himself into the Government House, Awka, on April 14, 2007 claiming that he was the elected governor even when the then legitimate governor, Peter Obi was still contesting his removal in the Apex Court? Do you remember that Andy Uba had further gone to court asking that he be declared as the Governor-in-waiting in 2010, so that he would step into the office when Obi rounds off his first term?

If you have forgotten, go and ask Justice Sylvester Ngwuta who had to throw out Uba’s case, stressing to him (Uba) that “the election that brought Uba was an illegal act and nobody demands right or relief from an illegal act”. Do not forget those were the days of Obasanjo and the PDP, where almost anything goes.

The tribunal that threw away Uba’s election had not only berated INEC for conducting that illicit election, it also ordered that Andy Uba should not be listed as one of the former governors of Anambra State. So, you see, it is called Ifesinachi in Igbo language. It literally means Destiny.

It is not in Andy Uba’s destiny to govern Anambra State. He should stop disturbing himself. It won’t come, as long as he wangles his way to short-circuit the system. It was he who got less than 500 votes that was warming up to challenge Soludo’s victory in court. See now!

Empty Barrel makes…..

Stop the bad labelling! He has the inalienable right to seek the votes of his people. The decision to accept or reject him rests on his people, not you. So zip your lips with your loads of foul history and let me learn how to write better essays that will enable me pass interviews next time.

Look, I don’t care if you failed that interview or not. The point must be pungently made that short-cuts may appear attractive, many a times it does not lead to the same destination without tears. As you can see in this case, we must all learn to follow due process, do things rightly and respect the order and protocol of a system. Then and only then, will we survive as a people.

Let me not forget to wish you all a Merry Christmas

32

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ DECEMBER 24, 2021

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Hope PSBank Reinstate Commitment to Partner FG on Job Creation

Nigeria’s premier digital-first bank, Hope PSBank, a subsidiary of Unified Payment Services Limited, has restated its commitment to partner with the Federal Government on job creation to reduce unemployment and invariably alleviate poverty significantly in the country.

The Managing Director, Hope PSBank, Mr Ayotunde Kuponiyi, disclosed this during the Flag off/Empowerment Ceremony of NDE Programmes for the beneficiaries of Extended Special Public Works (ESPW) instituted by the Federal Government as well as the formal launch of Hope PSBank Agency POS terminal, which was held in Lagos.

Kuponiyi stated that the ESPW programme of the Federal Government is in total alignment withthe social objective of the bank, saying that the bank has mapped out an exit strategy for participants such that beneficiaries can now render financial services to customers whilst also earning a living by so doing.

Beneficiaries, armed with vocational skills, are now being empowered as Agents of the Bank to deliver Digital Financial Services in their respective LGAs, which helps to drive Financial Inclusion and stimulate economic activities in these LGAs,” he added.

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo,

SAN, in his remarks, while flagging off the empowerment ceremony, explained that the programme is part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s strategy to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within ten years.

“These empowerment programmes, entrepreneurship programmes and all that, were designed to get to the very bottom of the grassroots, assist more businesses, skill up Nigerians and to ensure that they are self-reliant and self-employed. This is the real employment we are talking about.

And for all the beneficiaries here today, 684 of them here today, a new journey begins in their lives”, he added.

Presco Attains Improved Performance, Rewards Workers The Managing Director, Presco Plc, Felix Nwabuko has commended workers for their dedications and contributions to the growth of the company despite various challenges.

Addressing workers at a ceremony to mark the end of the year 2021, Nwabuko explained that the company attained 235,000 tons of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) this year, adding that while 19,000 tones vegetable oil was refined in 2020, 48,000 tones vegetable

oil has been refined this year, exceeding last year’s record by about 30,000 tones.

The Managing Director was full of praise for the quality team, field workers and all workers for their dedications.

He enjoined the staff to sustain the tempo for more impressive result in the year 2022, pointing out that, “We will also ensure that you partake in that prosperity”.

The company also used

the opportunity to honour its long serving workers.

Award categories ranged from long service award to best in department and to the MD’s special award.

Paul Hameed of the Relations Department received the MD’s special award while Mr. Edem Eyo emerged overall best staff of the company in 2021.

According to the Relations Manager, Tony Uwajeh, the awards and recognition would serve as motivation to all staff.

TAJ Bank Earns Short-term A2 Rating DataPro has assigned TAJ Bank Limited, a short-term rating of A2 and long-term of BBB, with a stable outlook.

A statement from the rating agency yesterday said the rating shows fair financial health, operating performance and business profile when compared to the standard established by DataPro. “The bank, in the opinion of the rating agency has the ability to meet its ongoing obligations,” the statement said.

“DataPro rating committee

approved the rating after assessment of the company’s financial performance, capital adequacy, asset quality, liquidity, profitability, corporate governance and risk management, risk factors and future outlook of its current healthy profile in the medium to long term period,” the statement signed by its Client Service Manager, Mr. Kehinde Rasheed said.

It explained that the bank’s performance gained traction in just six months of operation in 2021, adding that gross earnings

recorded during this period already amounted to 84% of previous year’s total income.

The statement said that all other indices also went up during the year under review It’s said the rating of Taj Bank was supported by its very good liquidity position, good profitability and asset quality.

DataPro, however, clarified that the rating carried a shelve life of 12 months and that it is not an offer to trade in securities, saying it is for reference purpose only.

Jalo-Waziri, Lawal, Osode Join LCFE Board Three distinguished professionals have joined the Board of Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE) as Non- Executive Directors, bringing tested industry experience to boost the Exchange’s technical expertise and corporate governance.

In a statement from LCFE, the trio are: the Managing Director < Central Securities Clearing System Plc, Mr Haruna Jalo-Waziri, the founder, and Managing Partner of Imperial Law Office, Mrs Afolake Lawal and a seasoned Chartered Accountant, Mr John Osode.

A frontline Economist, Chartered Stockbroker and Business Administrator, Jalo-Waziri, has almost three decades hands-on experience across multiple financial disciplines, with his career spanning investment banking, securities trading, pension funds and conventional asset management, business development and regulation.

He is an award-winning executive, with reputable history in leading transformational change in businesses. Prior to being appointed Chief Executive Officer of CSCS Plc, Mr. JaloWaziri was Executive Director, Capital Markets at the Nigerian Stock Exchange, with primary

responsibility for deepening the market through products, innovation, and new listings.

He brokered the partnership between the NSE and the London Stock Exchange, an alliance which has birthed several dual listings on these Bourses. Jalo-Waziri previously served as Managing Director at both UBA Stockbrokers Limited and UBA Asset Management Limited, transforming the businesses to becoming top-5 in their respective segments. He pioneered the asset management business of Kakawa Discount House Limited (now FBN Merchant Bank) and previously worked at the Securities and Exchange Commission. Mr. Jalo-Waziri is a member of the Board of NG Clearing Limited and is a Director on the Board of Special Olympics Nigeria. He is an alumnus of the prestigious Lagos Business School, Venture Capital Institute of America, University of Maiduguri, and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University.

Mrs. Lawal is the founder and Managing Partner of Imperial Law Office. Her core focus is on corporate matters, with a bias for corporate governance, commercial law practice, mergers & acquisitions, corporate

restructuring, corporate finance, etc. She has over 25 years of experience advising and growing global companies with significant operating scale and complexity. Mrs. Lawal is a co-founder of GTI Group. Prior to founding Imperial Law Office, she was the Director of Business Development & Strategy at GTI Capital Limited, where she led the organisation’s global business strategy across Africa and Western Europe, She is a SEC-licensed adviser, and a member of the Institute of Directors, Nigerian Bar Association, Women Corporate Directors (Nigeria Chapter), Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), amongst others. Mrs. Lawal is a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and an alumnus of the Harvard Business School. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; a Bachelor of Laws Degree from Anglia Ruskin University; Cambridge UK; a master’s degree in International Law & Diplomacy from University of Lagos, and an MSc. in Corporate Governance & Finance from Liverpool John Moores University UK.

L-R: Honourable Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and Chairman, National Directorate of Employment (NDE) Board, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN); Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru; Mrs. Ebi Stella Ogboru; and the Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer, Hope Payment Service Bank Limited, Mr. Ayotunde Kuponiyi during the flag-off/ Empowerment ceremony of NDE Programmes in Warri, Delta State recently

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JANUARY 2021 Money Supply (M3)

38,779,455.43

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

1,039,129.55

Money Supply (M2)

37,740,325.88

-- Quasi Money

21,779,302.69

-- Narrow Money (M1)

15,961,023.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,364,871.13

---- Demand Deposits

13,596,152.06

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,414,275.50

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

31,365,179.93

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

42,916,586.63

---- Credit to Government (Net)

12,304,773.44

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

30,611,813.19

--Other Assets Net

3,892,112.74

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,264,585.14

--Currency in Circulation

2,831,167.19

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,433,417.96 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7

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

33

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͰͲ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

Seplat Board Terminates Avuru’s Appointment as Non-Executive Director Kayode Tokede Seplat Energy Plc on Thursday December 23 notified the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) that its Board has terminated the contract of appointment of Austin Avuru as a NonExecutive Director.

Seplat Energy told the NGX that Avuru’s appointment was terminated on December 22, 2021, “due to breaches of the Company’s corporate

governance policies and his fiduciary duties. The Board has called for his resignation as a Director of Seplat Energy.”

Avuru is the immediate past CEO of the energy company who later joined the Board of Directors.

Seplat Energy Plc is a leading indigenous Nigerian energy company with a strategic focus on Nigeria, listed on the Premium Board of the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the Main

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

Market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

Seplat said it pursues a Nigeria focused growth strategy and is well-positioned to participate in future divestment programmes by the international oil companies, farm-in opportunities and future licensing rounds According to the corporate announcement on the directorate change released at the NGX, “in line with Seplat Energy’s

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

Memorandum and Articles of Association, Platform Petroleum Limited has been asked to nominate a candidate for his replacement on the Board, and a further announcement will be made in due course.”

Meanwhile,the stock market of Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday witnessed sell pressure for the third-consecutive day trading, dropping by 0.03 per cent as Julius Berger Plc, MTN Nigeria Communications

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

(MTNN) Plc, FBN Holdings (FBNH) Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and United Capital Plc dropped in prices.

The NGX All-Share Index dropped by 13.74 basis points or 0.03 per cent, to close at 42,230.48 points from 42,244.22 basis points it opened for trading.

Consequently, the overall market capitalisation value lost N7 billion to close at N22.043 trillion from N22.050 trillion

O F

the stock market opened for trading yesterday.

However, the market sentiment closed positive as 14 stocks gained relative to 11 decliners.

Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN) recorded the highest price gain of 9.78 per cent to close at N5.05, per share. Royal Exchange followed with a gain of 7.14 per cent to close at 75 kobo, while Mutual Benefits Assurance up by 6.67 per cent to close at 32 kobo, per share.

2 3 / 1 2 / 2 0 2 1 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

34

FRIDAY DECEMBER 24, 2021• T H I S DAY

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

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

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

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

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

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

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 22Dec-2021, unless otherwise stated.

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

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

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS

AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund 162.72 164.14 0.52% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 9.06% Nigeria International Debt Fund 318.50 318.50 -17.93% Afrinvest Dollar Fund 101.43 102.58 -7.40% 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 10.22% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.43 3.59 0.80% info@anchoriaam.com ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 7.16% info@anchoriaam.com Anchoria Equity Fund 136.32 137.98 2.49% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.15 1.15 -13.55% 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 20.16 20.77 11.17% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 450.73 464.32 12.58% ARM Ethical Fund 39.56 40.75 17.35% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.07 1.08 -2.12% ARM Fixed Income Fund 0.99 1.00 -5.29% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.20% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 107.79 107.79 5.98% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,064.83 1,064.83 6.48% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) N/A N/A N/A mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund Paramount Equity Fund Women's Investment Fund CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Cordros Money Market Fund Cordros Milestone Fund Cordros Dollar Fund ($) CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Coronation Money Market Fund Coronation Balanced Fund Coronation Fixed Income Fund EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-assetmanagement-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Emerging Africa Money Market Fund Emerging Africa Bond Fund

Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.04 1.04 5.73% investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Bid Price 100.00 16.90 139.23

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 100.00 9.72% 17.21 5.69% 140.81 4.61% assetmgtteam@cordros.com

Bid Price 100.00 131.35 110.39

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 100.00 9.45% 132.17 12.04% 110.39 5.86% investment@coronationam.com

Bid Price N/A N/A N/A

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A mutualfundng@ecobank.com

Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 100.00 100.00 7.61% 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 7.53% 1,178.54 1,203.53 2.58% assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com

Bid Price 1.00 1.04

Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund 1.12 Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund 104.50 FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price FBN Bond Fund 1,388.82 FBN Balanced Fund 173.59 FBN Halal Fund 115.38 FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 FBN Dollar Fund (Retail) FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Legacy Money Market Fund Legacy Debt Fund Legacy Equity Fund Legacy USD Bond Fund

122.20 147.55 Bid Price 1.00 4.00 1.71 1.21

Offer Price 1.00 1.04

Yield / T-Rtn 7.93% 3.92%

1.12 10.92% 104.50 4.45% invest@fbnquest.com Offer Price 1,388.82 174.76 115.38 100.00

Yield / T-Rtn 11.26% 4.07% 9.71% 9.20%

122.20 3.95% 149.55 11.79% fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Offer Price 1.00 4.00 1.75 1.21

Yield / T-Rtn 7.54% 3.38% 12.28% 6.09%

FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral 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 7.96% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.81 2.87 -1.72% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 156.03 156.31 0.34% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.26 1.30 -0.13% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.07 1.07 4.14% 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 1.49 1.51 9.03% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,158.75 1,158.75 8.55% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 11.55 11.65 10.71% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 10.18% NORRENBERGER INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED enquiries@norrenberger.com Web: www.norrenberger.com, Tel: +234 (0) 908 781 2026 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Norrenberger Islamic Fund (NIF) 101.72 101.73 7.66% Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 100.00 100.00 9.00% 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 N/A N/A N/A PACAM Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A PACAM EuroBond Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 127.38 129.74 6.89% 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 1.08 1.08 10.04% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,377.65 3,410.00 5.11% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 235.44 235.44 4.71% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.25 1.27 6.78% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 312.69 312.69 6.12% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 235.18 238.97 7.83% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.71% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,962.06 11,120.87 4.47% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.29 1.29 5.25% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 116.83 116.83 5.18% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 106.19 106.19 UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.34 1.36 4.85% United Capital Bond Fund 1.95 1.95 6.62% United Capital Equity Fund 0.91 0.94 14.52% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.19% United Capital Eurobond Fund 122.18 122.18 6.70% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.08 1.09 4.85% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.07 1.07 7.23% 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 Balanced Strategy Fund 13.05 13.17 10.00% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 14.49 14.64 9.76% Zenith Income Fund 24.84 24.84 3.49% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.98%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

124.98 54.46

10.62% 7.74%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

13.59 127.57 101.17 17.47 21.52

13.69 130.74 103.40 17.57 21.62

5.60% 6.09% 1.98% -4.72% 15.77%

Fund Name SFS REIT Union Homes REIT

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

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.86 5.49 17.45 1.00 20.73 157.64

3.96 5.59 17.65 1.00 20.93 159.64

3.02% -3.31% 7.84% 0.00% 1.04% -15.08%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.28

13.11%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

FRIDAY DECEMBER 24, 2021 • T H I S D AY

35

36

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021 • T H I S D AY

NEWSXTRA

KICK-OFF OF 1,000 TREE PLANTING PROJECT… Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (right), being assisted by representative of African Steel Evergreen Project (ASTEP), during the kick-off of the 1,000 Tree Planting project tagged: “The Evergreen Project Lagos” held at Ikoyi... recently

COVID-19: FG Warns of Another Lockdown

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The federal government has warned that it might impose restrictions on gatherings, including curfew if the current surge in the number of COVID-19 cases continues.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha issued the threat yesterday in a statement in Abuja .

He also urged Nigerians to celebrate responsibly during the Christmas and New Year holiday seasons and celebrations.

“As we prepare to celebrate with our families and loved ones, it is important that we do so safely by taking the necessary precautionary measures to stop the further spread of COVID-19 in our country,” Mustapha said.

He reminded Nigerians that the country was experiencing the fourth wave of the coronavirus as new cases have continued to rise.

He said, “This is the result of a mix of very low vaccination coverage, increased travels and movements, reduced compliance to public health social measures and highly transmissible Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant now circulating in the country.”

He reiterated the need for Nigerians to imbibe the culture of citizen’s responsibility and observe the safety measures put in place by the government to reduce community transmission of COVID- 19 during the festive period.

He said, “Avoid activities that involve mass gathering especially in enclosed spaces, as follows; Families are advised to limit the number of visitors to their homes and put in place precautionary safety measures; any gathering in excess of 50 people should be done in open spaces with physical distancing.

“Indoor religious congregation should be limited to 50 per cent capacity with full compliance to public health social measures; and Face masks and hand sanitizers should be used at all times regardless of vaccination status while in public spaces.

“Avoid non-essential interstate travel at this period as this increases the risk of spreading infection from one place to another. People who intend to travel are encouraged to take a rapid COVID-19 test to confirm status as many infected persons are asymptomatic.

“Ensure that you have taken the full dose of COVID-19

vaccination including the booster dose to reduce your risk of severe infection and death in case of exposure to COVID-19; and

“Seize the opportunity provided by the mass-vaccination campaign to ensure that your family and loved ones receive

their COVID-19 vaccines including the 3rd dose (booster shot) at the nearest vaccination centre.”

Mustapha also reminded Nigerians about the need to continue to comply to COVID-19 safety measures in

order to reduce the surge of new COVID-19 cases, warning that the country’s healthcare system is already overburdened.

Kano-Maradi Rail: Amaechi Meets German Financing Advisory Visits Mota Engil Rail Site in Portugal

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, yesterday met with the German financing advisory for the construction of the Kano-Maradi rail line.

The move was expected to speed-up the process to ensure construction begins as soon as possible.

Amaechi, in the meeting held at the Nigerian Embassy, Berlin with representatives of KfW-IPEX bank of Germany who are serving as advisory in partnership with African Finance Corporation for the Kano-Maradi rail project, stated that the ECAs (Export Credit Agencies) are free to come to Nigeria and become part of the process on ground to ensure that everything follows their recommence practices and avert hiccups in the course of the project.

Following their concerns on resettlement to villages that may be impacted by the construction, Amaechi assured that Nigeria had laws in place for that, adding that the Ministry of Transportation ensured that the right of way was distant from the villages except in Kano where it is difficult to totally avoid the town.

The Minister in a statement in Abuja by the Director of Press Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Eric Ojiekwe explained: "For us in the Ministry of Transportation, in choosing the right of way, we avoided communities. If we don’t do that, we’ll clear the entire Kano.

"Like in Lagos, we avoided communities and used the old line, because if we had to choose a different route we would pay billions. In fact, to even work from the old line, we paid 7 billion naira in compensations, not because the people had the right to the land, but because after 12 years and nothing is done it becomes their land and you just can’t chase them out. We still paid compensation, because the rail line was moribund. To eject them we still had to treat them as though they were the original owners of the land. We didn’t wait

for Europe. That’s our law."

He added in Kano-Maradi, "we also took into consideration the people, we choose the right of way distant from the communities, which makes it even more expensive, because government will have to do access roads from the rail line into the communities.

“We did that because of environmental issues, but the Europeans want us to assume that there are people living along the route. There are none, apart from Kano.

“I don’t know what the law is in Europe in terms of your ESIA. We have taken the first step by giving notice, we have assessed the land. What we have not done is payment, because the payment

is tied to the contract. On our part, we are ready. What I want to know is the next step to paying compensation, to know that the project is going on and that we can create employment."

Similarly, the Managing Director/ Global Head, Aviation Mobility and Transport, KfW-IPEX Bank, Dr. Carsten Wiebers, expressed belief that the Nigerian government would be able to manage the risk with pay back of the loan.

He advised that the process of putting in place the consulting firms for the project should be sped-up to facilitate financing, while documentation of the process should be properly done.

According to him, "Given the fast timeline of 15 months, I

would recommend speeding up the process of putting in place the consulting companies and other terms of references are met to facilitate the financing. Of course the first level of requirement is your national regulation and law.

You take care of that.

"What we are trying to do is create a bridge between your interests and the demands of the Export Credit Agencies, to guarantee we get an affordable loan for you. There has to be evidence of the working group in the areas where the rail would be (actual site) all the way to Kano to convince the decision makers of the ECAs." Continuing, Wiebers said: "Personally I'm comfortable with

your timeline. You dictate the speed of the construction with Mota-Engil. There needs to be an international representative on the site to avoid hiccups with the ECAs. The problem I think is documentation and communication.

The process needs to be properly documented and certified."

On his part, the Director, Mobility and Transport, KfW-IPEX Bank, Sylvia Sedlacek, assured that a consortium of consultants were already working on the ESIA and would come up with the report soon, adding that a working group has been formed and is in talks with the Nigerian Ministries of Environment, Transportation and Housing on the Environment and social study of the area.

NHRC Compensates 27 Victims of Police Brutalities with N146m Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) yesterday paid a total of N146 million to 27 victims of police brutalities based on the recommendations of its independent investigative panel on violations of human rights by the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other police units.

The cases in which compensations were paid included those relating to extra-judicial killings, forced disappearance, torture, inhuman and degrading treatment, illegal arrests, prolonged detention, confiscation of property and threat to life.

For instance, late Festus Idehen, who was arrested in Kaduna, brought to Abuja and later tortured to death by men of the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS) was awarded N15 million; so also

was the case of the late Miss Anita Akapson, killed in front of her house by stray bullet fired by a policeman.

Also, a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Angela Linda Igwetu, who was killed by policemen on checkpoint on the night she went to celebrate the conclusion of her service, was awarded N10 million; while Mrs. Victoria Agori (victim of police torture) and her late son, Daniel (victim of police extra-judicial killing) were jointly awarded N15 million, while another victim of forced disappearance/extra-judicial killing, Edward Dumisara, got N10 million.

In addition, Kenneth Umunna and Moses Mfe, who were both victims of forced disappearance and extra-judicial killings, were also awarded N10 million each and Kingsley Ezera Kalu, whose left leg got amputated after

he was shot by a policeman, got N5 million.

The panel awarded N6 million to victims of the Apo six killings, as their funeral expenses, which formed part of the unexecuted recommendations of the judicial panel enquiry earlier set up on the case.

On the case of a 14-year old female victim of police stray bullet, the panel chose to set up a N5 million trust fund (to which interested individuals could contribute) to cater for the girl's education, medicals and her mother's business, affected by the cost of treating the young victim.

Speaking during the presentation of the cheques to 20 petitioners adjudged by the panel to have had their rights violated by SARS and other Police units at the headquarters of the NHRC in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mr. Tony

Ojukwu said the event was historic as many did not believe that Nigerians whose rights were violated could get succour.

Ojukwu said by compensating the victims, the NHRC was out to change the narrative of impunity, adding that the Commission was ready to provide remedy where Nigerians' rights were violated.

He said: “Where there is violation, there must be remedy," insisting that the Commission has begun a journey to restore human dignity.”

He, however, said the promotion and protection of rights of Nigerians required the cooperation of all including the executive, legislative and judiciary arms of government, civil society organisations, and even business community.

He said: “We owe it a duty to make sure no one suffers injustice in this country.”

FRIDAY DECEMBER 24, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

37

NEWS

DHQ: 100 Terrorists, Bandits Killed, 1,081 Surrender in Two Weeks Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), yesterday, said troops of Operation Hadin Kai and Hadarin Daji, have decimated some 100 insurgents and armed bandits during their clean-up operations in the North East and North West in the past two weeks.

It also said between December 9 and 23, no fewer than 1,081 Boko Haram fighters, including their family members, surrendered to the state.

The military high command also disclosed that, in the course of operations in the Niger Delta region, 14 illegal refineries were discovered and deactivated by naval troops.

The Director, Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Maj Gen Benard Onyeuko, who made the disclosures at a media briefing in Abuja, said the development followed sustained onslaught on the enemies of state across all theatres.

“Troops’ operational efforts in the locations in the last two weeks, cumulatively resulted in the neutralisation of a total 51 and arrest of 19 terrorists.

Also, a total of 122 assorted arms and 1,499 rounds of different calibres of ammunition were recovered, while a total of eight gun trucks of the terrorists were destroyed,” he said.

He, however, said the kinetic and non-kinetic operations had continued to drive the terrorists out of their camps, forcing them to surrender.

“Within this period in focus,

a total of 1,081 terrorists and their families comprising 187 adult males, 326 adult females and 568 children surrounded to own troops at different locations of the theatre. The

surrendered terrorists were properly profiled and handed over to appropriate authorities for necessary actions,” DHQ claimed.

While regretting that some

troops paid the supreme price in the course of the operations, he stated that the doggedness of fighting forces had continued to reflect in the thousands of terrorists turning themselves in.

APPRECIATING CUSTOMERS…

L-R: Country Sales Manager, Forever Living Products, Nigeria, Mr. Daniel Ikechukwu; Members , Forever Living Business Owners (FBO), Mrs.Susan Itemuagbor, Dr. Uzo Otaraku and Dr. Clement Idigo during presentation of Two Million Naira cheque to the Star Winner, Mrs. Azunwena Reginat at a raffle draw organised by FBO members for their customers in Lagos...recentl

We’ve Impacted on All Sectors Bamidele Declares Interest to Govern Ekiti, in Rivers, Says Wike Says Fayemi Won’t Impose Candidate Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike has disclosed that his administration has impacted on all arms of government and sectors in the state in terms of allocation of funds and distribution of infrastructure.

The governor stated this yesterday at the flag-off of construction work on the Magistrates Court Complex, performed by the Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi in Port Harcourt.

Wike said so much money has been spent in the health sector, which cannot be compared it to what has been spent in the judiciary.

He said the commissioned project is the last his administration will be executing for the judiciary

before his tenure ends and assured that it will be completed within the next eight months.

Other projects that are already ongoing, he said, include the State judiciary institute, the Federal Judicial Service Commission for the South-south, allocated to Rivers State.

The governor, however, took a swipe at the state judiciary about the lack of space and courtrooms in the High Court premises that make magistrates and judges share courtrooms.

Governor Wike queried what they have been doing with their capital budget released to them in the last six and half years.

According to him, they cannot receive such money and still wait for the executive to provide offices for them, effect repairs on existing offices and also make the air conditional in the courtrooms functional.

Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, has expressed confidence that Governor Kayode Fayemi won’t impose candidate during the 2022 primary of the All Progressives Congress(APC).

Bamidele described himself as

the best to govern Ekiti in view of his experiences in public service that spanned over 30 years and cut across the executive, legislative and judicial strata.

The federal lawmaker spoke in Ado Ekiti yesterday while formally declaring his interest in the 2022 governorship on the platform of APC. Before coming to the party Secretariat, Bamidele was received

by mammoth crowd of admirers, including commercial motorcycle operators and drivers, who had a procession from Ilawe road to Ajilosun, where the APC Secretariat was located.

Addressing the party leaders, Bamidele, said his superlative contributions in the Senate included his being instrumental to the passage of a bill for the establishment of a

Medical Science University and a branch of Law School in Ekiti, saying these were well amplified testimonials to his competence to lead Ekiti.

Cataloguing his achievements as a Senator, Bamidele revealed that he had secured employments for 79 citizens of Ekiti and had empowered over 4,000 persons in his Senatorial district, including physically challenged.

Edo Police Arrest Four Illegal Miners in Dangbala Community Four suspected illegal miners have reportedly been arrested in Dangbala, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State and detained at the state police in Benin.

Recently, members of the community have raised alarm over the influx of illegal miners in the state, who they said might jeopardise the security

situation in the area, prompting Edo government to close the site for sanity to reign.

The suspects, according to investigation, were apprehended by local vigilantes operating in the community who in turn handed them to the police for prosecution.

The detained suspects were also alleged to have attack and

injured one Mr. Peter Adelabu Kokumo at Oketegbe mining site where the illegal mining activities had been taking place with the support of some community elders.

Spokesman of the Community, Mr. Collins Nicholas, who addressed newsmen in Benin on the development demanded for the

prosecution of those arrested in connection with illegal mining in the community.

He said those behind the illegal mining in the community had also resorted to frivolous petition writing against those opposed to their criminal activities to mislead the public and called on the Police authority to unmask them.

NSCDC CG Orders Massive Army, Enugu Pledge to Maintain Cordial Working Relationship The General Officer a manifestation of the cordial and Chairperson of Nigerian The male final match between Deployment of Personnel Commanding 82 Division relationship existing between Army Officers Wives Association Dragons Football Club (FC), Nigerian Army, Major General T. the state government and the (NAOWA) 82 Division football 82 Division and Noble Great A. Lagbaja, yesterday said that military”. competitions for male and female Achievers FC (Host Community) for Yuletide Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Maj. Gen. Lagbaja, who football teams held inEnugu, was kicked off by Gov. Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Commandant General (CG) of the of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Audi, has ordered the massive development of personnel of the Corps to ensure hitch-free Yuletide festivities.

Audi also called on members of the public to ensure vigilance, remain at alert and ensure prompt report of suspicious activities or movement of suspected criminals to security agencies for appropriate actions.

The CG, in a signed statement yesterday by the Director of Public Relations of the NSCDC, Olusola Odumosu, ordered the massive and adequate deployment of personnel in all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and to all the nooks and crannies of the nation

in order to provide adequate security, confront any breach of peace and ensure maximum protection of lives and property before, during and after the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

He charged them not to give adversaries any chance to strike on soft targets.

He said these and other actions have become necessary to respond to existing security challenges being faced in the country, while lamenting that in spite of measures taken, adversaries have continuously indulged in worrisome activities such as abduction, kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, vandalism and wanton destruction of public infrastructure which “calls for more strategic, more inclusive and more collective approach to deal with it.”

Enugu State’s commitment to the affairs of the Division is

made the remark during the finale of the inaugural GOC

appreciated Gov. Ugwuanyi for attending the sporting event.

Ugwuanyi after other official formalities.

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 24, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

Police Rescue 48 Kidnapped WORLD OF ISLAM Victims in Kaduna In Search of True Ecstasy (2) NEWSXTRA

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command (KSPC) has rescued 48 traders who were abducted on Wednesday by bandits along Birnin Gwari Kaduna Road.

The traders were traveling in a convoy that was escorted by a police team along the dreaded road when they were abducted bandits who opened fire at them.

However, the Spokesman of the KSPC, Mr. Mohammad Jalige, said yesterday that the victims were rescued by the police.

Jalige said the incident occurred when the traders from Udawa village, Chikun Local Government

Area of Kaduna State were attacked by bandits along the Birnin Gwari - Kaduna Road at about 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

He said: “On the December 22, 2021, at about 09.30hrs a team of policemen while escorting a convoy of traders from Udawa village in Chikun LGA along Birnin Gwari to Kaduna came under heavy gunshots by armed bandits, which led to the kidnap of a score of persons.

“However, the escort team reinforced themselves and engaged the bandits in a tactical pursuit in order not to harm the victims.

“Thus, the precision approach exhibited by the police officers

forced the bandits to retreat and to abandon their victims as they scampered with bloody gunshot wounds.”

He said further that the operatives succeeded in rescuing 48 people to safety and were profiled and subsequently escorted to their destinations safely.

He added that information made available to the command had it that one woman was yet to be accounted for, stressing that effort were being intensified to ensure her safe return.

According to Jalige, “additional manpower will be mobilised to the area to safeguard lives and properties of civilian population in the area.”

Bauchi Records 30 New Cases of Lassa Fever Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi Thirty people have been confirmed positive of Lassa fever in six local government areas in Bauchi State, following a surge of the disease due to the recent harvest of this year’s farming season.

THISDAY reported that the affected local government areas include Bauchi, Bogoro, Ganjuwa, Kirfi, Tafawa Balewa and Toro.

The Executive Chairman of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA), Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, gave the figure yesterday during an interactive session with journalists

in Bauchi on the current situation of the disease.

Mohammed explained that the state has recorded 153 probable cases from January to December this year, out of which 136 were tested and eight people were confirmed dead of the disease.

He said that the state government has taken necessary measures to ensure safety of the people The executive chairman of the SPHCDA also called on people of the state to ensure personal and environmental hygiene to protect the spread of Lassa fever and other communicable diseases.

Mohammed said that the

National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) had approved three hundred and fifty thousand doses of Pfizer BioNtech vaccine to be administered to those who have their first and second doses of AstraZeneca of Moderna vaccines in the state.

It will be recalled that a number of lives, including prominent traditional ruler, were lost to Lassa fever in the state in 2020, which led to the constitution of a taskforce on Lassa fever and COVID-19 headed by the State Deputy Governor, Senator Baba Tela.

Alleged AGF’s Influence: EFCC Investigates Trending Audio Tape Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said it had launched an investigation into allegations made by a lawyer and a police officer seconded to the commission, in a viral video, that the Attorneygeneral of the Federation, (AGF), Abubakar Malami, wields immense influence in the commission.

The commission, in a statement, said it had launched an investigation into the statements credited to the duo which it described as “professional indiscretion”.

“The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to a trending audio tape in the social media, where Mohammed Idris, a lawyer and seconded police officer with the Commission, purportedly made unsubstantiated claims regarding the influence of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice,

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as JAMIAT ADEFOLAKEMI LIADI now wish to be known and addressed as JAMIAT ADEFOLAKEMI ANIFOWOSHE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

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Abubakar Malami , SAN, on the commission.

“The commission wishes to state that it has commenced investigation into the content of the audio tape and will activate its internal mechanism to deal with the issues arising therefrom”, it said.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the EFCC does not condone acts of corruption. Abuse of privilege for financial gratification by personnel of the Commission is a serious offence against discipline.

“Without prejudice to the outcome of the investigation, snippets of the audio recording clearly showed an abysmally compromised “officer” dropping names to ingratiate his benefactor, a relative of a crime suspect. By the alleged action, the said officer is no more than a corrupt fifth columnist with scant regard for the values of the Commission”, the statement signed by Spokesman of EFCC, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, said.

The commission further noted that “the action is contemptuous of the established standard operating procedure of the EFCC. Such professional indiscretion has no place in the new EFCC. The commission encourages citizens who encounter any such unprofessional conduct by personnel of the EFCC to report to the commission in support of our quest to build a better Agency.

“Reporting such conducts has been made easy by the Eagle Eye App, a financial crimes reporting application which was launched earlier in the year. We encourage members of the public to download the App from the Apple and Google Play Store and put it to use.

“Finally, the commission wishes to assure the public that its operations are guided by established professional precepts which do not support the kind of discretion that could allow for manipulation by external actors”, it said.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu Fetes the Elderly Oluwabunmi Fache The Elderly Citizens Assistance Scheme (ECAS), a programme initiated by Senator Oluremi Tinubu recently provided food and other relief materials the elderly in different parts of Lagos.

The maiden edition of ECAS took place 2011 and it has become an annual which focus on the welfarism of elderly ones living in Lagos State.

This year’s edition, which took place in the entire 13 Local Government Areas and LCDA’S under Lagos Central Senatorial District.

In her welcome address, the Executive Chairman, of Apapa Local Government, Honourable Idowu Senbanjo, stated the programme is a great initiative of Senator Tinubu, which serves as a means of appreciating the elderly in Lagos

and still serve as a form of financial assistance to them.

According to her, for 10 years, in a bid to ensure that no segment of society is left out, Senator Tinubu had ensured that they gather annually to celebrate their older citizens despite of the enormous responsibility.

Senbanjo appreciated the senator for the sustenance of the programme.

The LGA boss used the opportunity to implore all elderly citizens to always check their health regularly and visit the clinic with their card provided by Senator Tinubu that will take care of the parents and four household members.

Elderly ones present at the event expressed their deep appreciations to the Tinubu and Senbanjo for the provision of food, financial support and other gift items, saying this will enable them to enjoy their festive period.

By: Spahic Omer/IslamiCity (continued from last week) Capturing the moment (catching the wave) Life is like a river. It constantly flows.

As if there is no present. There is only the uncertain future and the beckoning past.

The present is that fine, yet virtual, frontier that stands between the two realms. It denotes their confluence. No sooner does a person start thinking about the present, than it becomes part of the past with the rays of the future starting to show up.

Such is the dynamics of life. Its subtleties are overwhelming and beyond anything man can offer. If people could only capture that fine frontier and flow with it, especially insofar as creating and experiencing ecstasies are concerned.That is impossible though.

People can only dream and look forward to such thing in the Hereafter. Some tend to resort to theorizing about and inventing utopias as an alternative.That condition is mankind’s weakest spot. Hence, Satan was able to deceive Adam and his wife in the Garden of Eden while promising them eternity, perfection and infinite authority.

One cannot flow with the river of life because it is the rule that life flows through people. The only option left is that people grow vertically more experienced, wiser and ever closer to the realizing of their existential purpose.

Be that as it may, there are still certain individuals who are granted special abilities and flairs. They can do what others cannot and can only dream about.They are in a position to arrest glimpses of those exceptional blissful moments. They can somewhat freeze them, so to speak, and translate them - for instance - in a poem, a musical composition, a literary work, a painting, an idea, a solution, an architectural design, a decorative pattern, or in any other remarkable acts that evoke the perfection, splendour, beauty, unity, peace, equilibrium and profundity of the truth and Heaven.

If beauty is the splendour of the truth (as said by Plato), then ecstasies are windows into the realm of its secrets.It is self-evident that the geniuses and talents who believe in and follow the truth are not like their counterparts who do not do so.

The latter’s outputs are deficient, subjective and superficial. They can yet be misleading and dangerous, owing to the importance and sensitivity of their works. Divested of the revealed knowledge and guidance, they can lead merely to the threshold of truth and perfection.

At any rate, all geniuses and talents are gifts to mankind, one way or another. If one truly wants, one can learn from all of them. One can learn much about the truth from the unfolding of the falsehood as well. All earthly events, phenomena and experiences contain signs.

Thus, such people are extremely important, very much loved and esteemed in their societies. Let’s just recall what Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Mozart, Beethoven, Shakespeare, Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Newton, Einstein, and many others in different fields, mean to the West and its civilization.

They are all heroes, yet idols, and their works are inspirational masterpieces, which are invaluable. Their works testify to the flashes of elated brilliance, which have been captured and preserved, and as such, passed down to posterity to everlastingly delight in and benefit from them.They are furthermore “prophets” of Western civilization and their works “revelations”. All other works and civilizational contributions revolve around theirs.

The Islamic concepts of sakinah and itmi’nan By virtue of being the true religion and the true system of life and thought, Islam expands the notion of ecstasy to higher levels.Acknowledging people’s both desire and need to experience ecstasy, Islam offers its solution.According to it, the true, total and eternal ecstasy (pleasure and bliss) is available only in the Hereafter.

As far as this world is concerned, people are presented with certain opportunities, which however they must not perceive as ends, but rather as means and paths to the Hereafter. Patience is the key.

The Qur’an calls the relevant spiritual and mental states as sakinah and itmi’nan.

They are the true forms of “Islamic ecstasy” in this world.

Sakinah is mentioned six times in the Qur’an and generally means “special tranquillity, serenity, peace, reassurance, confidence and calmness”.It is a particular state of soul and mind – yet the whole being – which believers constantly seek from Allah through their faith and acts of devotion.

The Qur’an in all but one of those six instances precedes the word sakinah with the verb anzala which means “to send down”.

That implies that believers know exactly what they do and where exactly they aim.

As a result, Allah sends down sakinah into their hearts, and upon their complete beings, at once as a reward for their past dedication, and as an incentive for the future to persevere and eventually secure the big prize in Jannah.

Allah does not cast, nor simply place, sakinah into the hearts of believers. He sends it down as though to meet the advancing piety and zeal of people.

This is a sign of a special relationship between Allah and His faithful servants.

Allah’s continuous appreciation and giving, and the latter’s continuous productivity and beseeching, converge on a heavenly plinth buoyed by the incalculable value of faith, love and munificence.Such results in a coveted communion which is the source of all bona fide ecstasies.

A believer’s life is an upward journey towards self-actualization and self-perfection in this world, and towards Jannah in the Hereafter. Its milestones are elements and degrees of sakinah as ecstasy which Allah frequently sends down upon him. They reward as much as energize him in his pursuits.

To some commentators of the Qur’an, sending down sakinah also means “sending down angels” to help and facilitate believers’ lives. It may even be perceived as Allah’s direct favourable interventions.

Moreover, itmi’nan means almost the same thing. Abdullah b. ‘Abbas said that every sakinah in the Qur’an is tama’ninah (itmi’nan), except in surah (chapter) alBaqarah, verse 248, where sakinah in the context of the Children of Israel for some specific reasons implies something else.

The concept of itmi’nan is mentioned thirteen times in the Qur’an in three differently derived forms.It means “assurance, satisfaction, rest, tranquillity, contentment, happiness and security”.It is on account of this that the Qur’an describes a person who succeeded in this world and moves to the Hereafter (through the doorway of death) to collect his ultimate prize, as “the serene and reassured soul” (al-Fajr, 27).

That is the culmination of such a person’s quest for, and experience of, the authentic ecstasy and pleasure of this world, using it as a prelude to the same but within the divine framework of the Hereafter.

As an example of finding itmi’nan as “Islamic ecstasy”, the Qur’an says: “Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured (found rest and satisfaction) by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured (find rest and satisfaction)” (al-Ra’d, 28).

As another example using the word sakinah, the Qur’an says: “Then Allah sent down His tranquillity (calmness, reassurance and confidence) upon His Messenger and upon the believers and sent down soldiers angels whom you did not see and punished those who disbelieved. And that is the recompense of the disbelievers” (al-Tawbah, 26).

All genres of believers’ creative and progressive thinking – and doing - are unique. They connote an extension, as well as reflection, of their unique spiritual state.

That which is inside lives outside too.

Ecstasies, therefore, are not just altered, but also genuinely enlightened and improved, states of consciousness. They are natural, coveted and real. They are chiefly spiritual, then emotional and intellectual, experiences.

Finally, it must be stressed that just as irreligious art, architecture, literature, music, songs, poetry, fashion, eloquence, pleasureseeking and various Western and Eastern religious mystical and magical procedures are not the avenues to ultimate and legitimate ecstasy, the various theories of pseudo-Sufism are not either.

What typically transpires therein is hypocritical, artificial and ostentatious.

There is virtually nothing Islamic about it.

FRIDAY, ͺͼ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

39

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Unmoved Nigeria Retain Fifth Spot in Africa Femi Solaja with agency report Nigeria's Super Eagles have remained in the list of Africa’s top five nations to be seeded for the 2022 World Cup playoffs scheduled for next year.

The three-time African champions retained their fifth spot in the continental and 36th in the global ranking for December released yesterday by FIFA despite not in action in the month under review.

There were speculations that Pharaohs of Egypt who are ranked sixth in the African log may leapfrog Eagles to the fifth spot due to their participation in the FIFA Arab Cup concluded in Qatar penultimate weekend.

Nigeria profited from FIFA/CAF'decision not to use participation in the Arab Cup tournament for the purpose of ranking teams in December.

Instead, CAF Executive meeting ruled that the seeded teams would be based on their respective ranking for the month after the last qualifying tournament in October.

In the December ranking released by FIFA yesterday, Egypt moved up in the global ranking from 45th to 44th, while Nigeria remained static at 36th.

The points earned by Pharaohs were not enough to send Super Eagles crashing out of the Top Five of African football. Nigeria will therefore remain one of the

FIFA RANKING five nations to be seeded for the World Cup final playoffs.

Nigeria garnered 1478 points to stay in the 36th position in the world.

The Super Eagles are to be seeded alongside, Senegal, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco in Pot A and will have the slim advantage of playing the all-important second leg on home soil.

The draw ceremony is expected to hold either on January 22rd or 26th during the AFCON tournament in Cameroon.

In the global ranking, Belgium topped for the fourth consecutive year while the most improved side goes to Canada who garnered 130.32 points just as the host of the next FIFA World Cup, Qatar hit the 50th position for the first time.

Former World champions, Brazil and France joined Belgium to complete the top three of global standing.

Also in the month under review, Algeria, Egypt, Qatar and Tunisia played most games due to their participation in the FIFA/Arab Cup tournament just as Algeria, Qatar and Thailand had the most improved position of plus three.

The next FIFA ranking will be out on the 10th of February which is four days after the AFCON tournament.

Ndidi Sad Over Leicester's Ouster from Carabao Cup Super Eagles players celebrating a goal during second phase of World Cup qualifying match

AFA Sports Kits Nigeria Police Machine to African Cup for Club Champions Nigeria’s Number One sports kit manufacturing company, AFA Sports, has returned to the international competition scene soon after the giants strides made with this year’s Tokyo Olympics. The Nigeria Police men’s hockey team featured in the African Cup for Club Champions courtesy of the AFA Sports clothing line and other kits.

The competition held in Accra, Ghana from November 24 to 30th with colourful AFA branded uniforms.

The Nigeria Police Machine club finished fourth overall on the table and one of their major highlights was featuring at the continent’s biggest clubs gathering well dressed up.

This arrangement was one off between AFA and the Police officers, but it is seen an avenue to be their partner for other games and majorly the Police Games coming up in 2022. When this eventually happens it would be all AFA Sports apparel at the Games for all the teams. The Nigeria Police Games is usually one of the biggest sporting events in Nigeria having seen great Olympians like golden lady Chioma Ajunwa and late Sunday Bada who is another gold medallist. Nigeria Police parades quality basketball, volleyball and football teams amongst others.

The Chief Executive Officer of AFA Sports, Ugo Udezue says the relationship is the start of many possibilities.

Udezue said, "It is clear that AFA Sports is dedicated to the growth of sports in Africa. This relationship also shows our commitment and relevance in all sporting games, which makes us the Face of African Sports."

This week the Nigeria Hockey Federation released a list of 60

invited athletes (men and women) and its coaching crew in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations. The Hockey teams are camping in Abuja in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for Accra, Ghana from January 17th to23rd, 2022.

Nigeria will be hoping to improve its standing globally when it attends the 11th Men and 8th Women edition of the Africa Cup of Nations following a successful outing by its club sides at the Africa Cup for

Club Champions held 23rd to 30th November 2021.

A high number of the players are from the Police Machine team, who attended the Africa Cup for Club Champions last month.

AFA Sports was the official kit partner to the Nigerian Olympic Contingent to the Tokyo 2020 Games. The feat made AFA the very first indigenous African apparel company to kit a full contingent to the Olympics.

Super Eagles and Leicester City midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, is yet to come to term with Leicester City’s defeat on Wednesday night in the League Cup. The Foxes had maintained 2-0 for most part of the game, but got ousted 5-4 in penalty shootouts by Liverpool.

It was Leicester City that race to an early 2-0 lead but the game ended in a 3-3 stalemate after regular time.

Ndidi who was in action for the entire duration of the game was not happy about the outcome but took positives from the match. ” Sad we couldn’t get through, but lots of positives to take away to the next game,” he said.

Leicester are expected to redeem their image this weekend when action resumes in the Premier League.

Ndidi

Klopp, Conte Excited over One-legged League Cup Semis Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp and Tottenham Boss Antonio Conte have called for January's League Cup semi-finals to be switched to one-legged ties to ease fixture congestion.

Spurs have a backlog of three Premier League fixtures due to postponements for bad weather and coronavirus outbreaks among the squad, while Liverpool have also been impacted by four positive cases of Covid-19 over the past week.

Six of the scheduled 10 Premier League games last weekend were called off and more are expected in the coming weeks as the

authorities have decided to press ahead despite record numbers of positive cases across Britain.

The two-legged semi-finals of last year's League Cup were cut back to one game due to the backlog caused by a late start to the season by the pandemic.

As it stands Liverpool will face Arsenal in the first two midweeks of January with Conte facing his old club Chelsea in the last four.

"I think it would be better with one game absolutely, but obviously what I say is not too important," said Klopp, who revealed a Premier League managers' meeting will take

place on Thursday to addrees a series of coronavirus concerns.

"If there are two games, then we will play two games. But it would be helpful if there was only one, true.

"The draw has us at Arsenal, I'm fine with that, we play there and see who is better and go for it."

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson said on Wednesday that "nobody really takes player welfare seriously" amid concerns over the number of games being forced upon already stretched squads.

Klopp has consistently cam-

paigned for fewer matches and the return of five substitutions to the Premier League in recent seasons.

But Liverpool were one of six English clubs that attempted to launch a European Super League in April that would have added even more games to the schedule.

"I don't just speak about player welfare this year, I have been speaking about it for six years or maybe longer," added Klopp.

"If the things I say would help more, I would say it much more often. But it doesn't help.

"The only thing I do with these messages is I create headlines.

They never arrive at the right places."

Tottenham were eliminated from the Europa Conference League earlier this week after a rearranged date for their final group game against Rennes could not be agreed between the clubs.

Spurs had to postpone the fixture, initially scheduled for December 9, due to a Covid outbreak that saw at least eight players and five staff test positive.

"Maybe it would be better to play one game and not two games, especially for the situation we are living but we have to respect the rules," said Conte.

Friday December 24, 2021

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MISSILE Femi Falana to Buhari, APC

“Having rejected to assent to the Electoral Amendment Bill in 2018 and 2021, Buhari has confirmed that his administration will not allow the INEC to conduct credible elections in 2023 and thereafter. That is going to be the tragic legacy of the President and the ruling party, that were campaigning for electoral reforms before the 2015 general elections” – -Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, knocking the President and his party, for refusing assent to the Electoral Act Amendment bill.

OKEYIKECHUKWU Christmas and Spiritual Defilement EDIFYING ELUCIDATIONS

okey.ikechukwu@thisdaylive.com

W

hat is the true meaning, and purpose, of Christmas? Is it true that Christ came to this world to cleanse us of our spiritual defilement, so we could go to heaven? Is there a difference between physical and spiritual defilement?

What does it mean to be defiled spiritually, anyway? These questions, and more, are taken up by John and his uncle in the ensuing dialogue.

John: Uncle, perhaps we now can address some of the issues I raised with you some days ago, regarding the mission of Christ on earth.

Uncle: Very well, John. How do you suggest we proceed?

John: I would you to explain, once again, what you meant when you told me that the message of Christ was intended to save from further our spiritual defilement.

Uncle: Let us start form the meaning of the word ‘defilement’ itself. To defile something is to undermine its original state of purity, to contaminate it or make it unclean. Do you agree?

John: Yes, but the concept of ‘spiritual’ defilement is another matter, sir.

Uncle: Yes, but look at it this way. Once we act against the laws of God, we deviate from what is good for us and human souls who want to go to heaven. In fact, we can then be likened to a lamp whose light is dimmed because a veil has been cast over it.

John: Oh, I see! But how is that a form of defilement?

Uncle: Remember that we agreed that to defile something is “to undermine its original state of purity, to contaminate it or make it unclean.”?

John: Yes, we did.

Uncle: Good. Now, the human being can be described as defiled, or contaminated, spiritually when something that detracts from its original nature is associated with it.

John: I am not quite sure I understand you clearly here, sir. Perhaps you can link what you just said to what a preacher said at a recent wedding party I attended. He gave a quotation from the bible(the 11th verse of the 15thchapter of the book of Matthew), where Christ was reported to have said to some Scribes and Pharisees: “It is not what goeth into the mouth that defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the man…”

Uncle: Well, what of it?

John: A man who drinks dirty water will become sick. “My question now is: How could it possibly be true that it is only what comes out of a man that can cause defilement?” The entire thing contradicts common sense and I do not know what to make of it.

Uncle: If a human being is just the physical body we see every day walking the streets, then whatever harmful, or unclean, substance we put into the body has defiled the complete human being. But if our relationship with the body is like that between a driver and his car, then it

would be not be correct to say that we are defiled simply because our body has been contaminated.

John: Hmmm. But someone who falls sick from drinking contaminated water has suffered defilement of some sort, wouldn’t you say?

John: Yes, he has, indeed. But he has only suffered ‘physical’ defilement.

John: Physical defilement?

Uncle: Yes. For instance, your clothes may be soiled, for one reason or the other, while you are in excellent health.

John: Hmmm, this is all sounding a bit peculiar; I must say.

Uncle: We cannot say that someone is sick because his clothes are unclean. We also cannot say that a driver is sick because his car, which is an instrument designed to carry him from one place to another, is not functioning properly.

John: I think I can see all that quite clearly now. but does this have nay bearing on our discussion?

Uncle: Yes, it does. Only spiritual defilement can be described as true defilement of the real human being. So, to defile the body is not quite the same thing as to defile the man.

John: From the analogy of the dress and its owner I think your point is easy to see, Uncle. Uncle: Now, going back to the Mission of Christ, the priests, Sadducees and the Pharisees he met in Israel focused more on physical cleanliness and ignored the things that could lead us astray.

John: And what are those things, if I may ask?

Uncle: They include disobedience to the commandments of the Almighty. That is why He urged the children of Israel to focus on what really mattered and be saved from spiritual death.

John: I still don’t quite get it.

Uncle: It is what we think, what we say

and what we do that could bring us good or bad karma. They are like seeds we sow into creation, with each seed producing its kind and returning it to the sower.

John: Sorry, Uncle, could you explain the sowing and reaping part again. I want to know what this has to do with all we are trying to say about what defiles a man, please.

Uncle: If you annoy someone and he gives you a slap, you have sown and reaped something unpleasant.

John: Yes. Uncle: If you drink a glass of poison, it will kill the cells of your body and the body will stop working, leading to physical death, right?

John: Yes. Uncle: But since the body is only a covering for your spirit here on earth, the way a shirt is a covering for your physical body.

So, the death of the body is not the end of the real you, the soul, is it?

John: No, it is not! Even from your earlier analogy, the destruction of a shirt does not mean that the person wearing it is destroyed.

Uncle: Precisely! The thoughts, words and actions of a human being that can create bad karma for him are things that “proceed out of him.” Sin undermines the spirit, hangs on it like an external, inferior or inappropriate attachment that is not original to its true nature. This is the defilement I mean that Christ came to save us from.

John: But how do I ensure that that I do not reap what someone else has sown?

There are no policemen in these things; and I don’t really understand how it works.

Uncle: Let me explain it with an example.

If you make a hole in the ground and put one grain of corn, one bean seed and one grain of rice into this single hole and water them, they will all sprout and grow according to their kind, will they not?

John: Of course, they will!

Uncle: Christ came with a Message of Salvation, to guide us away from thoughts, words and actions that could bring us negative spiritual consequences.

John: Oh, I see. But, sorry to take us back, I cannot see where these laws of nature you mentioned are written down.

Uncle: It is Nature’s decree, for instance, that whoever breathes in must breathe out.

You cannot wake up one morning and say that you will not obey this law, even though it is not written down anywhere. Would you like to try, perhaps?

John: Oh, I beg your pardon; uncle! Okay, there are laws we don’t know about in life until we try to disobey them. But what if someone dodges the returning evil results of another person’s actions and it hits someone else and brings the unfortunate victim some ill fortune? Some smart people may escape this whole thing.

Uncle: That is not possible. Think of the three different seeds sown into in the same the same hole. It is in the same way that various seeds take only what they need

from the same soil that good and bad volitions develop and bring their fruits to the originators.

John: So, you are saying that there cannot be any mistakes in such things?

Uncle: No, there can be no mistakes.

John: You are saying that spiritual defilement cannot occur unless a man’s heart sends out evil thoughts, words and actions that then draws bad currents to him?

Uncle: That is an absolute miracle of a summary by you, John! Yes, that is what I am saying.

John: But I would still plead that you still simplify it further with yet another example.

Uncle: If you go to a restaurant and request for a plate of food and it is given to you, surely, we can say that you asked for the food you got, right?

John: Of course!

Uncle: If what you ordered leads to you having a sour taste in your mouth, we can say that it was you who asked for what brought the sour taste into your mouth?

John: Well yes, we can say that.

Uncle: Just as nothing in a hotel kitchen will come to your table and enter your mouth, except you ask for it, so will no radiation in Creation approach you without you first giving cause for it.

John: You are saying, sir, that it is just our only actions and decisions, rather than our circumstances, which determine our spiritual welfare?

Uncle: That is correct. That is also why the celebration of Christmas should really be a festival of thanksgiving to the Almighty for sending One who could show us the way to the right type of thoughts, words and actions.

John: But, Uncle, have you considered that poverty could drive people into doing all sorts of things? Surely hunger can make a man to steal or become an outright criminal!

Can we not excuse such a person?

Uncle: It is not hunger that leads a man to steal, but an act of his will, a decision. It is not just the world around us that makes us to commit murder, but our rejection of the commandments of the Almighty and our decision to operate as renegades in Creation.

It is not desperation that pushes people to deeds of madness, but the condition of the core of their spiritual being.

John: That sounds rather harsh, sir! Surely some excuse can be found for many wrong things that people do.

Uncle: That excuse is usually invented by people who are dishonest with themselves.

It is best to always think over everything before we speak or act. Following the teachings of Christ is a strong help in that regard and an antidote to spiritual defilement. That is what we should celebrate this Christmas season: commitment to that antidote to spiritual defilement and eternal damnation that Christ brought.

John: I am most grateful for the explanations and your time, Uncle.

Uncle: You are most welcome, John.

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