WEDNESDAY 30TH DECEMBER 2020

Banks Attract N37tn Deposits Despite COVID-19 Disruptions Lodgments rise by N6.931tn in one year Obinna Chima Despite the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 and the attendant lockdown, the nine months 2020 financial results of 13 commercial banks have

shown that they raked in a total of N36.759 trillion as customers’ deposits.

This represented an increase of N6.931 trillion or 23 per cent as against the N29.828 trillion reported in the comparable

period of 2019.

The banks are Zenith Bank, United Bank for Africa Plc, Access Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, FCMB, FBN Holdings, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Union Bank of Nigeria

Plc, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, Stanbic IBTC, Wema Bank, Unity Bank, and Sterling Bank Plc. The results were compiled

by THISDAY from the banks' respective nine-month reports

for the period, which the banks presented to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The growth was attributed majorly to the deployment of technology as well as banks’ aggressive marketing of their

alternative banking channels.

For instance, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated garnered the highest customer deposits of N6.686 trillion at Continued on page 9

Auditor General Misses Timeline for Release of COVID-19 Audit Report... Page 8 Wednesday 30 December, 2020 Vol 25. No 9396. Price: N250

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Buhari Pledges to Arrest Soaring Foodstuffs’ Prices Restates directive to CBN not to give forex for food imports Nigeria, now competitive in rice production, says Bagudu Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday committed his administration to checking the soaring prices of foodstuffs,

which have become a major driver of inflation in the country.

The president, at a virtual meeting of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council

(PEAC) assured the council of his administration's readiness to monitor the persistent general rise in the prices of food commodities in 2021 with a view to bringing them down.

The president made the commitment on the same day Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, gave a high rating to the quality of rice being produced in the country,

saying that Nigeria is now competitive in the production of the commodity.

A statement by presidential spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, also quoted the

president as reiterating his directive to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) not to grant any foreign exchange for the Continued on page 9

FG Forecasts COVID-19 Upsurge in January, Warns of Tough Times Ahead Blames disregard for protocol for expected surge PTF urges states to keep isolation centres open 23 EFCC officials test positive, others in self-isolation Anti-graft agency shut down till next year Onyebuchi Ezigbo,Olawale Ajimotokan and Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The federal government yesterday warned Nigerians to be prepared for an upsurge in COVID-19 infections in January, saying that they should brace themselves for the consequences of gross disregard for nonpharmaceutical interventions during the Yuletide.

It told the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to be prepared for the spike in COVID-19 infections after the festivities.

The Director General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) , Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, said at the media

briefing by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 in Abuja, that the coming months would be tough for the nation as the expected rise in infections would exacerbate concerns over the second wave of COVID-19 in the country.

The PTF Chairman and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, also expressed frustration over the adverse impact of the second wave of the virus on the national response efforts.

He directed state governments to keep their isolation and treatment centres open to cope with the projected surge.

The duo spoke against the Continued on page 9

Kukah: It’s Unfair to Say I Called for Coup...Page 5

TOWARDS A BETTER ECONOMY...

L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari; Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, and her Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development counterpart, Hajiya Sa'ad Umar Farouk, at a virtual meeting of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council meeting in Abuja... yesterday

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NEWS Kukah: It’s Unfair to Say I Called for Coup Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike

Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

Rules out interest in playing partisan politics ECWA urges FG to address bishop's concerns John Shiklam in Kaduna The Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has rebutted allegation that he called for a coup against the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in his Christmas homily.

Kukah, who has come under fire from the federal government and its supporters, said his homily was his personal view “based on evidence.�

However, the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), which backed the bishop, has asked the federal government to address concerns raised by him rather than intimidating and sponsoring attacks on Kukah.

Kukah, in his Christmas message, titled: ‘A nation in search of vindication,’ delivered last Friday, had accused Buhari of sacrificing the dreams of Nigerians to institutionalise northern hegemony.

He accused the president of nepotism, saying that there could have been a coup if a non-northern Muslim president had done a fraction of what Buhari has done.

The federal government fired back a day later, saying it is graceless and impious for a religious leader to use the period of Christmas, which is a season of peace, to stoke the embers of hatred, sectarian strife and national disunity.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in a statement that was an allusion to Kukah’s criticism of the president, warned religious leaders that resorting to scorched-earth rhetoric at this time could trigger unintended consequences.

The homily generated more reactions on Monday as the president’s Special Assistant, Social Media, Lauretta Onochie, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) knocked Kukah while the Catholic Church in Nigeria,

the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) defended him.

However, against the backdrop of the furore generated by the homily, Kukah told reporters on Monday night that it was unfair for anyone to report that he called for a coup. “The loss of lives in the last 10 years, even before the advent of this administration, calls for concern. “The reactions are a reflection of every citizen that makes up Nigeria. It is sad that when you drop something in Nigeria, everybody goes back to their enclave and abandons the larger picture. I am someone who never takes offence to what people say about me. “What I said was my opinion based on evidence and what has happened in Nigeria, and if you looked into the records, there is evidence that justifies that statement, and if anyone thinks I am wrong, they should come out with a superior position. “It is unfair for a journalist or news medium to report that I called for a coup while expressing my personal view about Nigeria," he said.

Kukah also dismissed the challenge to him by his critics to drop his cassock and join politics, saying that if he was to join politics, it would have been during the time of the late Aminu Kano and not now.� “I have no plan and will never play partisan politics for any reason. Those who link my message to partisan politics are only playing to the gallery. “Take, for instance, brilliant Nigerian youths making comments about Chelsea or Arsenal and have never been to England, does that make them players of such club sides? “So, why will someone think because Bishop Kukah is speaking therefore he is a

politician? People who make this argument are totally ignorant of elementary politics and ignorant of the role of a priest. “The truth is that a lot of us have not seen a priest saying what I am saying. The truth of the matter is we are all in politics; but party politics for me, no. I am not a member of any political party and I cannot be. If it comes to voting, I do my right. “Whatever I said can please or displease anyone, but that is my own opinion and doesn’t stop others from saying their own opinion. If you think my motive is wrong, say yours,� he added.

ECWA Urges FG to Address Kukah's Concerns The

Evangelical

Church

Winning All (ECWA) yesterday asked the federal government to address concerns raised by the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese of Catholic Church, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah, rather than intimidating and sponsoring attacks on him.

ECWA, in a statement in Kaduna by its General Secretary, Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, regretted that there has been uncharitable comments in reaction to Kukah’s Christmas message, especially from some northern groups and Muslims groups despite the glaring truth the bishop said about the Buhari presidency.

In the statement tilted, “Bishop Kukah spoke our minds and nothing must happen to him,� Nmadu said there was nothing new about what Kukah said as he spoke the minds of many Nigerians.

It said: “I have read so many reactions to the Christmas

message of our respected Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, with many of them coming from Muslim and Northern groups. “Some of these uncharitable groups have even called for the arrest of our revered bishop. Arrest a man that spoke the minds of millions of Nigerians. They must be joking.�

ECWA warned that no harm must befall Kukah, adding that it will resist any attempt by any group or agency of government to harm him. “This style of governance to silent dissent voices by the Major General Muhammadu Buhari-led administration is unacceptable and must be resisted. “We invite the international community and Nigerians to hold General Buhari and his government responsible should

anything happen to Bishop Kukah. “As a matter of fact, nepotism under General Buhari administration is topnotch. This administration has a first class in nepotism and maladministration. “The federal government must immediately take steps towards addressing those concerns raised by Bishop Kukah, rather than sponsoring fake groups to attack the revered bishop. “There is no denying the fact that Nigeria under Buhari is now a centre of bloodshed.

Killings, banditry, kidnappings and all forms of insecurities are now order of the day,�

ECWA added.

It urged the president to face the job for which he swore to do and fulfill his campaign promises, secure the country and make life better for all Nigerians.

STRENGTHENING TIES...

L-R: Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Group Managing Director, Malam Mele Kyari, and the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr Osita Okechukwu, when Kyari visited VON headquarters, in Abuja...yesterday

In Reprisal, Fighter Jets Pound Sambisa Forest Neutralise scores of insurgents, destroy anti-aircraft gun station Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja and Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri Following the attacks by insurgents on Garkida, Adamawa State and three villages in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State between December 24 and 28, fighter jets of the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole yesterday bombed a major hideout of the terrorists in Sambisa Forest.

The insurgents fired at the aircraft but the air strikes decimated scores of the terrorists and destroyed an anti-aircraft gun station set up by the outlaws.

This came as the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, donated eight vehicles and accessories to local hunters and vigilance groups in Hawul Local Government Area to

strengthen their commitment to battling Boko Haram and other terror groups.

The Yuletide attacks on the two states resulted in the death of 11 persons and the destruction of residential houses and looting of shops, forcing hundreds of residents to flee to the bushes and hill tops.

A military update said the bombing campaign followed intelligence reports that the recent attacks on the two states originated from terrorists occupying the "s" region in the heart of the Sambisa Forest.

The update, signed by the Coordinator of the Directorate of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General John Enenche, said: "The air interdiction missions being conducted by the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole have continued to deal decisive blows on terrorist elements in

the North-east of the country.

"The latest of these was achieved yesterday at the ‘S’ region in the heart of the Sambisa Forest in Borno State. "The air strike, which was executed employing a force package of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets, was carried out after series of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions revealed that the terrorists responsible for recent attacks in the southern part of Borno and northern part of Adamawa State had originated from the location.

"Accordingly, the NAF attack aircraft engaged the target area in successive passes, leading to the destruction of some of their structures and logistics stores, including a suspected anti-aircraft gun station as the terrorists fired at the NAF aircraft.

Borno equips local hunters to fight Boko Haram

Several insurgents were also neutralised in the process."

Borno Equips Local Hunters to Fight Boko Haram The Borno State Government has equipped local hunters and vigilance groups to tackle Boko Haram terrorists in the state.

The government yesterday donated eight Toyota Hilux vehicles to local hunters and vigilante groups in Hawul Local Government Area where insurgents looted and destroyed four communities on Boxing Day. The state Governor, Zulum, during his tour of the communities to assess the level of destruction on Sunday, had promised to equip local hunters and vigilance groups against the terrorist groups.

The governor, in fulfilment of his promise, yesterday presented the vehicles and other accessories requested by the vigilance groups to them.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, made the presentation of the patrol vehicles and other accessories to the leaders of the vigilance groups in Azare town, the headquarters of Hawul Local Government.

The governor said the state government would not shy away from its constitutional responsibilities of protecting the lives and property of the people and would continue to remain focused in ensuring that peace returned to the state.

He, however, appealed to the people in the area to unite and to assist security personnel with useful information on any suspicious person or movement.

He added that the state

government will continue to strengthen security operations in the state.

He commended all the security operatives in the area for their efforts in the fight against insurgency in the local government, adding that the government will continue to support them.

According to him, a committee for the renovation of destroyed facilities and residential houses, shops and police station will soon visit the area with a view to commencing work.

The chairman of Hawul Local Government, Ibrahim Hassan, in a vote of thanks, praised the governor for fulfilling his promise to the vigilante groups.

He said the governor had given more than requested as eight vehicles were given against the six requested.

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NEWS

Auditor General Misses Timeline for Release of COVID-19 Audit Report James Emejo in Abuja The Office of the Auditor General for the Federation (OAuGF) has failed to publish the much-awaited first interim audit report on the utilisation of the COVID-19 intervention funds as earlier indicated.

The erstwhile Auditor General

for the Federation (AuGF), Mr. Anthony Ayine, who retired from service on October 25, had earlier promised to make its findings public before the end October.

He had handed over to the most senior director in the office, Mr. Adolphus Aghughu, who has since been administering

the office until a substantive AuGF is appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Sources at the OAuGF, however, told THISDAY yesterday that the delay in appointing a replacement for Ayine was partly responsible for the non-release of the the report, about two months after

the scheduled date.

But there are yet no certainty if the COVID-19 audit report is ready as sources couldn't provide reliable update on the study.

There are speculations that the COVID-19 funds, running into billions of naira, released by the federal government in

collaboration with the private sector partners to mitigate the impact on vulnerable Nigerians, may have been mismanaged.

Ayine had said:“We have commenced the audit. In fact, we are about issuing the first interim report.�

THISDAY, however, gathered that the Federal Civil Service

Commission had already interviewed some nominees for the office of the AuGF while the name of the best candidate is expected to be forwarded to the presidency for submission to the National Assembly.

A new AuGF should emerge

by February next year, a source told THISDAY.

CAN Directs Churches to End Crossover Services by 11pm Ondo insists on curfew enforcement Osun bows to pressure, relaxes regulations Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday urged churches to comply with all government regulations to combat the spread of COVID-19 while conducting their crossover services.

Against the backdrop of the controversy between churches and the association on the duration of crossover vigil, the association directed its members to close up shop by 11pm.

CAN President, Rev Samson Ayokunle, in a statement, said the advice was necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection.

"We understand the unfortunate state COVID-19 infection has put everybody world over, which caused some state governments to place total ban on crossover night service and we are not happy that we would not be able to enter into the new year prayerfully in joint fellowship with our brothers and sisters.

"We, however, urged you all to abide by the directives of each state government on this so as to prevent the spread of the infection," he said.

According to him, there is no sacrifice too much to end the pandemic once and for all.

"The CAN advises that where the government places an embargo on the crossover night service, churches may meet earlier to praise and give God praises for the gift of life despite the pandemic and to place their requests for 2021 before God. "In those states, services should be closed about 10:30p.m. or at most 11p.m. to enable worshippers to return home on time. It is a passing phase and this too shall pass away in Jesus Name. Very soon, the pandemic will become history and we will return to our usual routine services in Jesus’ name," he stated.

Ondo Squares up to CAN, Insists on Curfew Enforcement However, the face-off between the church and states continued yesterday as the Ondo State Government talked tough on its directive banning crossover vigil on December 31. It warned that violators would face consequences of their actions.

The warning came against the statement of the state branch of CAN directing churches to hold the crossover vigil because the body was not consulted before the government banned it.

The government had directed churches not to hold the crossover services in view of the rising cases of COVID-19 in the country and the need to curtail the spread.

The Ondo State CAN Chairman, Rev. John

Oladapo, was reported to have called on Christians to disregard the government’s directive on the curfew currently in operation from 10 pm to 4am, aimed at controlling the spread of COVID-19 But determined to enforce its directive, the government in a statement by the Chairman of the Inter-ministerial Committee on COVID-19, Prof Adesegun Fatusi, said the government did not need to consult any group before taking a decision in the interest of the well-being of the citizenry.

Fatusi said: "COVID-19 is primarily a health issue and not a religious issue; it is, therefore, not in the domain or area of competence of any religious group and for CAN leadership to indicate that technical decisions on health matters cannot be validly made by the state government without first consulting with the association.

That is implausible and absurd.

"The order of a curfew from 10.00 pm to 4.00 pm is a subsisting public health order that has been in operation for several months and aimed fundamentally at safeguarding the health of the citizens.

"The decision to maintain the curfew through and beyond 31st December, 2020 in Ondo State was taken jointly with a deep sense of responsibility by a body of leading health experts at a meeting convened by the inter-ministerial committee on Thursday, 24 December 2020, and involving the leadership of the major health professional groups.

"Government has the primary and primal responsibility to protect and safeguard the health of her people and the Ondo State Dangerous Infectious Diseases (COVID-19 Emergency Prevention Regulation) signed into law on 31st March 2020 empowers the governor to take relevant actions to curb the spread of the COVID-19, including restriction of movements. The governor does not need to consult with CAN or any religious or civil group before exercising the power that is duly vested in him by the law of the land.

"It is dangerously misleading for anyone in a position of leadership in the civil society, including religious leaders who are expected to be role models by the tenets of their callings and the clear teachings of the sacred books that they are called to uphold, to openly call on citizens to disobey government’s public health orders made to ensure the health of people, with the implication of putting the health of the people at risk.

"The evening and night of December 31st marks the end of the year for all people and not for any religious group and in the face of the threat of the second wave of COVID-19 in Nigeria, all individuals and

groups – whatever their religious leaning may be – have a duty to celebrate the events marking the entry into a new year sensibly, responsibly and safely to ensure that they do not put the health of other citizens at risk."

The state government warned that while it is the prerogative of the people and groups to obey or disobey laws, the government has a duty to enforce laws.

It added that any individual or group that disobey the government must be ready to face the consequences of their actions.

"We deeply appreciate the efforts of Christian leaders who had acted responsibly and responsively to inform their branches and members

of the subsisting curfew and encouraged them to follow the government’s orders "The Inter-ministerial Committee hereby calls on all the people in Ondo State to celebrate the end of the year with a deep sense of responsibility and a strong commitment to safety and resist any call by anyone, no matter how highly placed, for them to disobey government health order and, therefore, put themselves at the risk of COVID-19 and its consequences as well as legal penalties, including fines and jail terms as specified in the Ondo State COVID-19 laws," it added.

Osun Issues Fresh

Guidelines on Crossover Vigil The Osun State Government has issued a fresh guideline permitting churches in the state to hold crossover services.

A statement yesterday by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode, said the government’s sensitivity to the mood of the season necessitated a review of its earlier position.

The state had earlier banned crossover services.

The government, however, warned that any organisation holding crossover service must close the service early and everyone must be off the streets

by 1:00am. “Security operatives have been given the directive to enforce this guideline. Religious bodies and citizens are therefore advised to comply because we do not want anyone to spend the first day of the year in police custody. “Also, the leadership of religious bodies must ensure strict adherence to safety protocols, which include accommodating only 50 per cent capacity of their normal attendance, ensuring social distancing, use of nose mask or face shields by participants, avoidance of sharing materials and instruments and avoidance of any other action that can help the virus to spread,� Egbemode said.

PARTNERING FOR AUTO DEVELOPMENT...

L-R: Executive Vice Chairman, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Mohammed Haruna; Director, Planning and Policy Analysis, NASENI, Mrs Nony Onyechi and Chief Executive Director, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), Chief Innocent Chukwuma, after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NASENI and IVM, in Abuja... yesterday

Disquiet in Nasarawa over Gov’s US Trip Assembly summons emergency sitting over Sule's vacation letter Igbawase Ukumba in LaďŹ a There is disquiet in Nasarawa State following the denial of Governor Abdullahi Sule that he travelled to the United States for medical check-up.

The Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, had announced during the plenary that Sule had notified the state House of Assembly that he was travelling to the US for medical check-up begining from December 13 to 29.

Abdullahi read a letter, titled: "Notification to Travel to the United States of America," purported to be from Sule to the lawmakers.

The letter read: "I wish to inform the Rt Hon Speaker that I shall be travelling to the United States of America for medical check-up from Sunday, December

13 to Saturday, December 29, 2020.

"Accordingly, in my absence, the deputy governor would oversee the affairs of the state pending my return".

But while appearing on a Channels Television programme, monitored in Lafia on Sunday, the governor denied the portion of the letter that he was on medical tourism in the US, saying that he was on a vacation.

He explained that he was visiting the US to see his children while on his annual vacation.

The governor, who was visibly amused by claims that he abandoned hospitals in his state for medical tourism in the US, said he usually goes on annual vacation in December and takes the opportunity to spend time with his family in Houston, Texas.

Sule added that while on vacation in the US, where he has stayed for quite some years,

he equally uses the opportunity to carry out routine medical check-ups.

"My trip here has nothing to do with my health. I'm here on my annual vacation. You know, I used to live right here in Houston and my doctors are here.

"Usually, I carry out my medical check-ups even while I was the managing director of the Dangote Group. There is nothing wrong with my health. I have just finished my routine medical check-ups, dental check, eye check and everything went perfectly," the governor said.

While dismissing insinuations that he travelled to the US on medical tourism, Sule said he has a medical doctor at the Government House who conducts regular medical checks on him, adding that even recently, his wife gave birth to a set of twins at a hospital in Abuja.

According to him, since he has his family members living in Houston, whenever he visits the US, usually in December while on his annual vacation, he uses the opportunity to meet his longstanding medical doctor and to carry out routine medical check-ups as well.

However, members of the state House of Assembly are to cut short their recess and hold an emergency sitting today, on the matter.

THISDAY learnt from impeccable source that the emergency sitting is at the instance of the speaker.

The source said the speaker called on all members to attend the emergency sitting unfailingly.

The source added that the lawmakers will debate and investigate the origin and source of the letter read on the floor of the Assembly.

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PAGE NINE FG FORECASTS COVID-19 UPSURGE IN JANUARY, WARNS OF TOUGH TIMES AHEAD backdrop of rising concerns by the federal and state governments over people's nonchalance towards taking personal responsibility for their safety amidst COVID-19 resurgence in which the country has recorded the highest daily tally of 1,145 new confirmed cases since the onset of the pandemic on February 27, 2020.

The pandemic has also hit the Economic and Financial Crimes Commision (EFCC) prompting the authorities to shut down the anti-graft agency as about 23 officials have reportedly tested positive while about 29 others are said to be in self-isolation.

Ihekweazu stated: "Appeals to Nigerians over the last few weeks have not been heeded.

They have gone ahead with business as usual. Event centres are full; social centres are full; there is surprise that infections are rising. January will be a tough one, no doubt about it and we have to brace ourselves for the consequences of the activities we have decided to carry out in December."

Ihekweazu said that reports of heightened activities across the country during the festive period was disheartening, According to him, COVID-19 treatment centres are filling up and that the authorities are merely trying to keep up.

He said: "We had the worst week last week since the outbreak of the pandemic.

We had more cases last week than any other period since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are trying buy up facilities to manage the oxygen and every night we are inaundated with phone calls requesting for care."

Ihekweazu added that

NCDC has been liaising with state governors to ensure strict implementation of measures agreed on to contain COVID-19 spread.

He identified another challenge being faced in the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as misinformation, which he said is causing more harm that the pandemic.

According to him, many states have been going about their business as if there will be no consequences.

In his presentation, Mustapha expressed frustration over the adverse impact of the second wave of the virus on the national response efforts.

According to him, the 52nd week of the national response had witnessed the highest recorded cases of confirmed infection in the country.

He, however, said the PTF is working on critical issues, including oxygen supply and case management, taking into consideration the increasing number of infections and hospitalisation. “Our national response is passing through a challenging phase due to the seriousness of the second wave of infections in Nigeria. Week 52 has so far given us the highest number of infections, in a single week, to date. Our TPR analysis shows that 16 out of every 100 tests carried out are positive. “We are also seeing increasing transmission among younger people and this is not considered good and safe. We must therefore exercise utmost restraint by taking responsibility. “The PTF, this afternoon, discussed two very critical issues namely (i) oxygen supply and (ii) case management.

With the increasing number of

infections and hospitalisation, our objectives are to: ensure that infection, prevention and control (IPC) is properly instituted to minimise spread and exposure of health care workers to the virus; ensure that those who require hospitalisation are well managed; those requiring medical attention for other ailments gain access to treatment at medical facilities; and critical care is available and deployed especially where oxygen is needed. The situation in Abuja and its environs has been of concern to the PTF,� he said.

Mustapha said although the federal government gave the states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) about N50 billion in support of COVID-19 response, testing has remained low, adding that this is not helping the national response and that some states have not reported any infection in weeks.

He stated that during a conversation with health authorities, including the chief medical directors of federal tertiary institutions in Abuja, National Hospital; Jabi and Gwagwalada yesterday, the PTF directed that the level of infections, prevention and control as well as case management should be prioritised immediately.

He urged Nigerians that as the New Year approaches, they should, in addition to the non-pharmaceutical intervention (NPIs) and the hope given by the arrival of vaccines, be committed to personal survival and compliance with protocols, which he said will remain critical.

While noting that protocols recently issued to states are actively being implemented by many, he urged those who are

yet to do so to comply. “You will recall that we recently issued some protocols to states to which a number of states have been actively implementing. We thank these States and urge others to follow suit. “Closely related to these protocols, is the fact that the strategy of testing to detect and treat remains central to the role states are expected to play. Data shows that despite the resources already made available to sub-national entities, testing is very low across states in varying degrees. This is not helping our national response.

Indeed, some states have not reported any infections in several weeks. “Reports received also point to the fact that laboratories recently established in the states are not working optimally. You will recall that we moved from two laboratories to about 90 (public & private) located in all states of the federation. Their inability to function optimally has resulted in unacceptable levels of delay in receiving results and pressure on the national reference labs. “We wish to urge all states to reopen all laboratories and ensure that testing is expanded and turnaround time for results is substantially reduced. In the same vein, states should please keep their isolation/ treatment centres open because of the rising cases of infection nationwide�, he said.

On travels, the SGF explained that the PTF has worked out additional quarantine protocols to be observed by travellers arriving from the United Kingdom and South Africa.

According to him, this is in keeping with the task force’s determination to minimise

any possibility of importation of the virus.

He also said with effect from January 1, 2021 the passports of the first 100 passengers that failed to take their day seven post-arrival PCR test will be published in the national dailies.

The passports, as deterrence, will also be suspended till June 2021.

Also speaking at the briefing, the Minister of State for Health, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, said 937,712 persons had been tested, while the number of confirmed cases is 84,811 and 71,357 discharged.

The number of deaths is 1, 264 while the active cases stood at 12, 190.

He, however, put the fatality rate at 1.49 per cent in spite of the increasing number of cases as well as morbidity, attributing it to scaled up activity and quality of care at isolation centres.

progress towards structural reforms in response to the country's economic crisis.

The PEAC examined the institution of the economic sustainability plan, the changes in electricity tariff and fuel pricing regime, the partial reopening of the land borders, the movement towards unification of exchange rates and budgetary reforms through Finance Bill 2020 and 2021.

"It agreed that, to prepare the country for the challenges ahead, it is imperative to ensure macro-economic stability, create certainty and re-build investor confidence in the economy.

"It emphasised the need to deepen structural reforms initiated by the administration as a basis for stimulating investments from domestic and international sources with a view to raising productivity in key sectors of the economy," the statement explained.

Says Bagudu

COVID-19 Hits EFCC as 23 OfďŹ cials Test Positive, Others in Self-isolation The second wave of COVID-19 has hit the Economic and Financial Crimes Commision (EFCC) prompting the authorities to shut down the anti-graft agency.

About 23 staff of the organisation are said to have tested positive while about 29 others are reportedly in self-isolation.

The situation is said to have prompted the shutting down of the agency's headquarters till next year.

But the spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwajaren, however, debunked the claim that the officials tested positive.

"I don't know where you got

your 21 officials from, certainly not the EFCC. Nevertheless, the commission as part of the national efforts in checking the spread of COVID-19, strictly enforces all the protocols and encourages staff to go for testing where necessary.

"This is a responsible conduct which the commission recommends to all organisations, including the media", he said.

But sources told THISDAY that the situation forced the authorities to initially shut the first and eight floors from access to staff and visitors.

They are the floors that the positive cases were first noticed.

The Acting Chairman of the commission, Mr. Mohammed Umar Abba, stays on the 10th floor.

As the situation worsened, the entire complex was shut while staff were encouraged to go for test. Those who already tested positive were directed to proceed for treatment and others were to self-isolate.

Sources told THISDAY that the number involved was as a result of the poor management of the restrictions on the category of workers allowed to come to work, which was not strictly adhered to.

The federal government, which just reinstated earlier restrictions regarding certain levels of staff (Level 12), allowed to be in office in order to stem the spread.

"It is a serious matter. The authorities ordered the 1st and 10th floor to be shut when the matter got out of hand.

"The place has been shut.

They were all told to go till next year. They are not coming back there till next year. I think it's a case of poor management," the security source said.

BUHARI PLEDGES TO ARREST SOARING FOODSTUFFS' PRICES importation of food items. This is the third time the president would issue the directive; first in August 2919 and again in September.

Recent data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) had shown that Nigeria’s Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures inflation, increased by 14.89 per cent (year-on-year) in November compared to 14.23 per cent in the preceding month.

The report showed that the composite food index, which accounts for more than half of the country’s inflation basket, had risen sharply by 18.30 per cent in the review period compared to 17.38 per cent in October.

The NBS had said the rise in the food index was caused by increases in prices of bread and cereals, potatoes, yam and other tubers, meat, fish, fruits, vegetables and oils and fats.

Food inflation has been in double digits for more than three years.

Buhari also spoke on what he described as the strides made in agricultural

production following the programme of diversification by his administration to check Nigeria’s over-reliance on oil revenue.

He wondered what would have been the state of the country in view of the devastating economic crisis caused by COVID-19 if the country had not embraced agriculture.

He restated the place of agriculture in the overall efforts to restore the economy, observing that measures must be put in place to curtail inflation in the country.

He said: “Going back to the land is the way out. We depend on petrol at the expense of agriculture. Now the oil industry is in turmoil.

"We are being squeezed to produce at 1.5 million barrels a day as against a capacity to produce 2.3 million. At the same time, the technical cost of our production per barrel is high, compared to the Middle East production.

"We will continue to encourage our people to go back to the land. Our elite is

indoctrinated in the idea that we are rich in oil, leaving the land for the city for oil riches.

We are back to the land now.

"We must not lose the opportunity to make life easier for our people. Imagine what would have happened if we didn’t encourage agriculture and closed the borders. We would have been in trouble.

"Already, about seven states are producing all the rice we need. We must eat what we produce."

The meeting, presided over

by President Muhammadu Buhari and attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, reviewed the state of both the global economy and the domestic economy in the outgoing year.

It identified sharp deterioration in international economic environment as a threat to Nigeria's fragile economic recovery.

The PEAC emphasised the need to position the private sector of the economy as the primary source of investment and not the government.

The meeting also reviewed

Nigeria, Now Competitive in Rice Production,

Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, yesterday gave a high rating to the quality of rice being produced in the country, saying that Nigeria is now competitive in the production of the commodity.

Bagudu, in an interview with Arise News, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, said unlike countries that started rice production earlier than Nigeria, that are selling rice stored for years in warehouses, Nigeria sells freshly produced rice. “We have done well in the last few years. Nigeria is competitive with other countries in rice production. There is no country that can sell rice to us if we compare things. What has been happening is that countries that are stronger than us, countries that started early are selling subsidised rice to us, or rice that has been kept in storage for many years but we are selling freshly produced rice,� he added.

He, however, expressed optimism that the country has the prospect to dominate

BANKS ATTRACT N37TN DEPOSITS DESPITE COVID-19 DISRUPTIONS the end of September, 2020, higher than the N5.924 trillion the pan-African bank reported in the comparable period of 2019.

Also, in the period under review, Zenith Bank’s customer deposits rose by 32 per cent, to N5.224 trillion as at September 30, 2020, up from the N3.951 trillion the bank recorded at the end of September, 2019.

The United Bank for Africa’s deposits from customers grew by 36 per cent to N5.202 trillion at the end of September, as against the N3.834 trillion the bank reported at the end of September last year.

Similarly, while Access Bank’s customer deposits increased by 23.6 per cent,

from N4.256 trillion as of September 2019, to N5.263 trillion as of September this year; Fidelity Bank recorded a customer deposit growth of 34.2 per cent, from N1.116 trillion in the comparable period of 2019, to N1.498 trillion at the end of September, 2020.

On its part, FCMB’s customer deposits also increased by 27 per cent to N1.195 trillion, up from the N943 billion the bank garnered as at the end of September, 2019.

Also, while FBN Holdings Plc reported 15 per cent growth in customer deposits, standing at N4.630 trillion at the end of September, 2020,

higher than the N4.019 trillion it realised in the comparable period of 2019; Guaranty Trust Bank’s customer deposits also improved by 26 per cent to N3.191 trillion in the period under review. This is higher than the N2.532 trillion the bank reported at the end of September, 2019.

Union Bank also reported 28 per cent growth in customer deposits of N1.131 trillion in the period under review, up from the N886 billion the bank realised in the comparable period of 2019.

In addition, Sterling Bank realised N952 billion customer deposits, higher than the N893 billion it posted in the comparable period of 2019;

while Stanbic IBTC posted customer deposits of N752 billion as of September 30, 2020, higher than the N638 billion the bank reported in the comparable period of 2019.

Wema Bank reported N701 billion as customer deposits and Unity Bank recorded N332 billion.

However, despite the impressive deposit mobilisation, analysts have forecasted that the outlook for Nigeria’s banking sector will remain negative into 2021 amid difficult operating conditions and sovereign pressures straining banks’ credit profiles.

Moody’s Investors Service, in its recent report, said loan

quality, profitability and foreign currency liquidity would be the main stress points next year for banks in Nigeria and other countries in Africa.

It stated that the economic slowdown in the continent would hamper banks’ performance, adding that governments’ ability to provide support remains impaired. “Our outlook for African banks remains negative as we head into 2021, with the difficult operating conditions and banks’ close links to their sovereigns being the key driving factors,� Senior Vice President at Moody’s Investors Service, Constantinos Kypreos had said.

the rice market in West Africa and on the continent with the right investment in critical infrastructure and capital. “With the support we are receiving, the funding from the domestic economy, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the capital market that is beginning to get interested, we believe that we have what it takes to continue to dominate and expand ourselves outside the shores of Nigeria,� he said.

According to him, Nigeria sits on “acres of diamonds� and the agriculture sector can bring Nigeria out of recession. “The agricultural revolution across the whole country, including Kebbi, is still on its way and we are counting on agriculture to lead us out of recession despite the downturn in other sectors,� he said.

TOP GAINERS JAIZBANK NEM LASACO NPFMFB JAPAULGOLD TOP LOSERS NCR FTNCOCOA TRANSEXPRESS

NGN NGN 0.06 0.66 0.13 1.49 0.03 0.37 0.13 1.68 0.04 0.52 NGN 0.21 1.96 0.08 0.81 0.07 0.72 CHAMS PLC 0.02 0.21 AXAMANSARD 0.05 1.00 HPE Nestle Nig Plc â‚Ś1,505.00 Volume: 722.565 million shares Value: N4.381 billion Deals: 5,042 As at yesterday 29/12/2020 See details on Page 41

% 10 9.5 8.8 8.3 8.3 % 9.6 8.9 8.8 8.7 4.7

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

NEWS

Interpol Uncovers €500,000 COVID-19 Fraud in Nigeria DavidsonIriekpen The International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) has traced a €500,000 COVID-19 fraud to Nigeria.

The organisation made this known in a statement on its website titled, ‘Unmasked: International COVID-19 fraud exposed’.

According to the statement, the scheme was coordinated using compromised emails, advance-payment fraud, and money laundering.

It stated that the fraud was uncovered by financial institutions and authorities across Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands, as part of a case coordinated by

INTERPOL. The statement read in part, “In mid-March, as a number of countries were going into lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak, German health authorities contracted two sales companies in Zurich and Hamburg to procure EUR 15 million worth of face masks. With a global shortage on medical supplies complicating usual business channels, the buyers followed new leads in the hopes of securing the masks.

“It all started with an email address and website which appeared to be linked to a legitimate company in Spain selling face masks. Unbeknownst to the buyers, the site was a

fake and their legitimate email addresses had been compromised.

“Through email correspondence, the company initially claimed to have 10 million masks, only for the delivery to fall through. As consolation, they then referred the buyers to a ‘trusted’ dealer in Ireland. The Irish middleman promised to put them in touch with a different supplier, this time in the Netherlands.

“Claiming to have a strong commercial relationship with the company, the man provided

assurances that the alleged Dutch company would be able to supply the 10 million face masks. An agreement for an initial delivery of 1.5 million masks was made, in exchange for an up-front payment of EUR 1.5 million.

“The buyers initiated a bank transfer to Ireland and prepared for delivery, which involved 52 lorries and a police escort to transport the masks from a warehouse in the Netherlands to the final destination in Germany.

“Just before the delivery date,

the buyers were informed that the funds had not been received and that an emergency transfer of EUR 880,000 straight to the Dutch supplier was required to secure the merchandise.

“The buyers sent the wire transfer and the masks never arrived. It turns out the Dutch company existed, but their website had also been cloned. There was no official record of the order.

“When the buyers realized they had been duped, they immediately contacted their

bank in Germany, which in turn contacted INTERPOL’s Financial Crimes unit, setting off a race to intercept the funds and follow the money trail.

“The Dutch Fiscal Information and Investigation Service quickly tracked down the EUR 880,000 which had been transferred from the German company. Nearly EUR 500,000 of those funds had already been sent to the United Kingdom, all of which was destined for an account in Nigeria.”

SIM Registration: NIMC Issues Fresh Guidelines for NIN Applicants Emma Okonji The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) yesterday issued fresh guidelines for applicants to obtain their National Identification Number.

NIMC spokesman, Kayode Adegoke, made this known in a statement titled, ‘NIMC Adopts Booking System For NIN Enrolment’.

The statement partly read, “Mindful of the second wave of the COVID-19 which continues to severely affect public health and cause unprecedented disruptions, the commission wishes to announce that it has adopted a couple of measures to contain the spread of the virus whilst ensuring its services to Nigerians are not entirely interrupted.

“Effective December 30, 2020, attending to applicants would be based on Booking System. For Bookings, applicants are to visit any of the NIMC Offices closest to them during stipulated business hours (9am – 1pm).

“Once admitted into the office, a Number-Issuing queue management system will be in place to ensure orderliness and

strict adherence to Covid-19 Protocols.”

The Commission also urged all applicants to use their face masks, observe social distancing and wash their hands while at its centres nationwide.

The federal government through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) ordered telecommunications companies to deactivate telephone lines of subscribers who failed to link their phones to their National Identity Number.

Large crowd thronging the NIMC web portal for the process of obtaining their National Identity Number led to the crash of the portal last week.

Large crowds also resurfaced at NIMC centres nationwide on Tuesday after the Christmas break.

As of October, the total number of mobile network connections was 207.58 million, but currently, only 43 million Nigerians have NIN, thus 164 million telephone users are at the risk of being deactivated on January 19, 2021.

Troops Kill Nine Bandits Along Abuja-Kaduna Road Nigerian troops early yesterday killed nine suspected bandits along the dreaded AbujaKaduna road, the Kaduna State government has said.

A statement signed by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Internal Security and Homeland Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said the troops acting on actionable intelligence stormed the highway and engaged the bandits.

“According to the operational feedback, troops acted on intelligence that the bandits were attempting to cross over from the eastern part of the Kaduna-Abuja road to the western part, with a large herd of rustled cattle.

“The herders whose cattle had been rustled from the eastern part of the route alerted the military for immediate action.

The statement said: “Ssven more bandits died from ferocious gunshot wounds sustained in the ambush.

Troops, as of the time of this update, are still conducting vigorous search patrols in the general area.

“In separate feedback, troops and police this morning foiled another attempt by bandits to cross the Kaduna-Abuja highway with rustled cattle, this time around the Greenfield University.

“The troops, guided by some local volunteers who pointed them in the direction of the bandits’ movement, engaged the criminals in a firefight. Sadly one of the local volunteers lost his life.

“One bandit’s corpse was found, along with several rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition,” Aruwan said.

LET THERE BE ROADS IN DELTA...

L-R: Minority Leader, House of Representative, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu; the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo II; Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa; and Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye, during the inauguration of the newly-constructed Council Road, Ogwashi-Uku, in Aniocha-South Local Government Area...yesterday

Bandits Crossing into Oyo from Mali, Makinde Raises the Alarm Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Oyo State Governor, Seyi Mankide, has said bandits from Mali are trying to gain entry into the country through a border in Saki, a town in the state.

Makinde disclosed this during a visit to the palace of Khalid Olabisi, Okere of Saki.

His statement comes four months after Gani Adams claimed, Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, said his council had “credible intelligence” on the infiltration of “terrorists” into the south-west, particularly in Niger State and

Oke-Ogun axis of Oyo State.

The army had dismissed Adam’s claim, saying the council is only “magnifying” the alert by the US that the Al-Qaeda insurgent group had started penetrating the north-western part of Nigeria.

But Makinde said Saki shares an international border through which suspected bandits are attempting to gain entrance into the country.

Makinde said: “I really want to appreciate you for the support you are giving to the current administration in Oyo State. It is your government too. If a state is progressing, it means the rulers

at the helm of affairs are practically doing what they are supposed to do. And 2020 in particular has been a very challenging one.

“We can see that all of us are wearing face masks and observing other guidelines because we are faced with pandemic and economic meltdown. So, it was really tasking. Of course, in our locality here, the issue of banditry is also another issue.

“For instance, Saki shares an international border and it is more of an international issue because we have bandits

all the way from Mali that are trying to cross. Once they gain entrance into anywhere they can operate, they will stay there.”

The governor thanked the traditional rulers for their support in establishing Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun, which he said has been instrumental in combating insecurity in the state.

“When we inaugurated Amotekun, you gave us your support. When some bandits went to the bush at Kishi, we were able to flush them out with all the efforts of all of us here,” he said.

FCTA: 476 Health Workers Have Contracted COVID-19 in Abuja Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has said 476 health workers have contracted COVID-19 since the first case was recorded in the territory.

Anthony Ogunleye, the Chief Press Secretary to the FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello, said this in a statement yesterday.

“Since the first case of COVID-19 was recorded in the FCT, a total of 476 health workers inclusive of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory staff, drivers and other auxillary personnel have been infected by the virus. Of these figure, a total of 4 doctors have succumbed to

the disease, the latest, a female doctor from Gwarimpa hospital passed on over the course of the week. There has not been any other recorded fatality of a health personnel over the last one week,” he said.

Ogunleye also said fatalities recorded from some health workers did not affect the service delivery of hospitals in the FCT, dismissing the report that hospitals were running skeletal services owing to the death of 20 doctors.

“There has not been any other recorded fatality of a health personnel over the last one week. It is important to mention that these fatalities did not in any way affect the quality of services rendered in hospitals and most certainly not

to the point of rendering skeletal services,” he said.

“The attention of the Federal Capital Territory Administration has been drawn to a newspaper publication saying that FCT hospitals are presently rendering skeletal services due to the death of 20 medical doctors of COVID-19,” he said.

“This figure which is very far from the truth was credited to Dr. Enemo Amadu, the President of the FCT chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association.

“Dr Amadu had since said that he was misquoted, as the 20 fatalities he gave was the national figure of doctors who died of the disease, cutting across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.

“It is still pertinent that the FCTA sets the records straight in view of the fact that public confidence in public health institutions is very essential in the face of the current public health emergency orchestrated by COVID-19.

“While there had been incidences where COVID-19 positive patients had infected some medical personnel, these personnel and indeed the patients had been treated and discharged and the affected hospitals fully decontaminated.”

The secretary added that all laboratory and pharmaceutical services in the territory are fully operational and all clinics would resume after the Christmas holidays.

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Court Dismisses PDP’s Unlawful Nomination Suit against Ize-Iyamu Admits documents on alleged forgery against Obaseki Alex Enumah in Abuja Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court yesterday dismissed the suit filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seeking the disqualification of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu from the September 19 governorship election in Edo State.

Justice Mohammed dismissed the suit on the grounds that it “has become an academic exercise” having been overtaken by events.

The PDP on July 3, had sued Ize-Iyamu and two others, claiming that the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that produced Ize-Iyamu as APC’s candidate in the September 19 governorship election was not validly conducted.

Besides Ize-Iyamu, other parties in the suit were the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the APC, that were the first and third respondents respectively.

PDP, in the suit marked: FHC/ ABJ/ CS/69/20, had prayed the court for an order disqualifying Ize-iyamu from contesting in the September 19 governorship poll on account of not being validly nominated by the APC.

But Ize-Iyamu and the APC in their opposition to the suit, urged the court to dismiss it for being a mere academic exercise as the election has been conducted and both Ize-Iyamu and his party, the APC lost.

They also told the court that they did not challenge the outcome of the September 19 governorship election which was won by the PDP and Mr Godwin Obaseki and Hon. Philip Shuaibu, as governor and deputy respectively.

INEC’s lawyer, Mrs Wendy Kuku, in her submission, urged the court to dismiss the suit for lacking in merit, while counsel to the APC, Mr Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), prayed the court to dismiss the suit on the grounds that the suit was tantamount to “Mr A taking panadol for Mr B’s headache’.

On his part, Mr Roland Otaru (SAN), counsel to the third defendant, also prayed the court to dismiss the suit on the grounds that it had become academic since the primaries had already been conducted and that the plaintiff did not participate in the primaries.

“The plaintiff is simply a meddlesome interloper in another party’s primary election,’’ Otaru

said.

Delivering judgment, Justice Mohammed agreed with IzeIyamu and the APC’s lawyer that the suit has become an academic because there is “no benefit” to the plaintiff if the suit succeeds.

According to the judge, the defendants are not challenging the outcome of the September 19 governorship poll, adding that it is the Election Petition Tribunal that determines who is validly elected in any general election.

He added that the PDP did not show how the APC and

Ize-Iyamu would benefit from the case in the reliefs sought before the court.

The judge noted that since there is no advantage for the APC, it does not make sense to “hold that APC did not hold a valid primary election. This suit has become academic and it is hereby struck out”.

Meanwhile, the judge admitted in evidence Form EC9, a document from INEC, as exhibit PL2 in another case involving Obaseki over alleged certificate forgery.

The APC and one Edobor

Williams are seeking the disqualification of Obaseki in the September 19 governorship election on claims that he forged his first degree certificate he submitted to INEC in aid of his qualification for the governorship poll.

Justice Mohammed admitted the document on the grounds that it was relevant to the case at hand.

The PDP and Obaseki had objected to the tendering of the document on the grounds that “it did conform with the laws guiding admissibility

of documents”, adding that there was no evidence of payment.

However, ruling on the objections, Justice Mohammed held that the fact that the process of tendering the document was not enough reason for it to be rejected.

He stated that the way out of the situation is for the witness to be cross examined by the defendants.

According to him, without the form EC9, “the whole case would collapse like a pack of card”.

Report: Nigerians Lament Economy, Security, DEDICATION SERVICE...

Unemployment Crises L-R: Enugu State Governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Catholic Bishop of Awgu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. John Ifeanyichukwu Okoye; Spiritual James Emejo in Abuja A new public opinion poll has shown that 70 per cent of Nigerians are dissatisfied with the outgoing year, owing to economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and stagnant educational system.

According to the End of Year Poll - December 2020, published by the NOI Polls, Nigerians, believed the four focal areas were most hard hit during the year.

The report, therefore, called on the federal government and stakeholders to address all the challenges obstructing the growth in the identified sectors and drive growth in the years ahead.

While 30 per cent of the respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the economic hardship and hunger they faced in the year, 19 per cent lamented high increase in prices of goods and services.

About 17 per cent of those surveyed blamed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for the hardship while 11 per cent attributed their dissatisfaction to high cost of living.

Also, of great concern to Nigerians were high rate of unemployment, worsening insecurity, standstill in the educational sector as well as the fact that the “government has failed us”.

On the contrary, the report noted that out of the 30 per cent who claimed that they were satisfied, 29 per cent attributed their response to “God’s sustenance despite COVID-19 pandemic” while 24 per cent said: “I am alive

and healthy.”

Other Nigerians who expressed satisfaction for the outcomes within the year also stated that the healthcare system had improved (16 per cent) while 13 per cent indicated certain expectation came through the year.

The report said: “This implies that despite the negative impacts of COVID-19 in Nigeria, the poll suggests that about a-third (30 per cent) of Nigerians nationwide do have some positive assertions about year 2020 - the most interesting thing from this category of respondents is their perceived improvement in Nigeria’s health sector and massive development in the agricultural sector.

“Consequently, the poll assessed the opinion of Nigerians regarding how well we have fared as a nation in certain areas with regards to the year 2020.

Hence, the analysis of results revealed that the economy, security and the education sectors took the hardest hit as at least 75 per cent of Nigerians are of the opinion that the nation has not fared well in the areas of economy, security and education.”

It added:”Specifically, 82 per cent of Nigerians stated that the nation has not fared well in the area of the economy, more so, 78 per cent of Nigerians asserted that the country has not fared well in the area of security and 75 per cent of Nigerians nationwide stated that the country has not fared well in the area of education.”

Director, Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, during the dedication of St. Anthony’s Parish Ituku, Awgu Local Government Area..yesterday.

Molested Schoolboy: We Won’t Cover up, Justice will Be Served, Says Deeper Life Mary Ekah Deeper Life High School yesterday said there was no attempt to cover up the case of an 11-year-old schoolboy, who was allegedly molested at its campus in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

A parent at the school, Mrs Deborah Okezie, had said some senior pupils molested her son, Don Davis, by pushing their hands and legs into his anus and threatened to kill him if he reported to anyone. #JusticeForDonDavis has since been trending on social media with many Nigerians calling for justice to be served on the matter.

But speaking in a video

statement released on Tuesday evening, the Education Secretary of the school, Mrs Thelma Malaka, said investigation was ongoing into the matter and justice would be served when all findings have been finalised.

She said, “Permit me to remind you that the Office of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State has taken over the investigation of the matter to ensure neutrality and a dispassionate outcome.

“We appreciate the concerted efforts of everyone who has shown support in the investigation thus far. We reiterate that we will be transparent and that justice will not only be served, it will be seen by all that it has been served.

“Recall that we had earlier suspended the principal of the affected campus and initiated an investigation into the matter. We decided to restrain ourselves from further comments after the first update because we thought it is sub judice to comment on a matter currently under investigation.

“However, considering the potential impact of this issue, especially on what we stand for, we are compelled to provide an earlier update before the final report by the government.

“The panel has sat and we have presented staff members and students of our school who have been mentioned in this

particular case all through the period of the investigation.”

Malaka further said there was no attempt to cover up the matter and enjoined the public to be on the lookout for the outcome of the findings.

“Deeper Life High School stands on the core value of integrity and uprightness and will not attempt to cover up any immoral act under any guise.

“We enjoin the public to be on the lookout for the final report as will be released by the appropriate authority soon.

We believe that the government will share the final report once the investigation is completed,” she said.

FCTA Threatens to Shut down Business Premises of COVID-19 Violators The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) yesterday, cautioned shop owners to comply with the COVID-19 guidelines or have their business premises shut down to prevent further spread of the virus.

Head, Media and Public Enlightenment of the FCT COVID-19 task force, Ikharo Attah, handed down the warning while monitoring compliance at some shopping malls and business premises across the city.

He warned that the FCTA would “not hesitate to shut down shopping malls, Maitama farmers’ market and business premises that failed to comply with the COVID-19 protocols and guidelines.”

Attah noted, “From what we observed, there is high compliance by customers and visitors to these malls and business premises. Sadly, same cannot be said of the workers and operators of shops and other businesses in the malls.

“A situation in which owners of shops and their workers believed that the guidelines and health protocols are for customers and visitors is highly unacceptable.

The health protocols are for all to observe.”

He further frowned on the lack of crowd control measures by the shopping malls, which he said had led to a disregard for the physical distancing guideline.

He cited the Maitama Farmers’ market for failing to observe basic

health protocols, noting that most people were not wearing facemasks and there was only one washing point at the market.

Three persons were arrested at the market just as the taskforce vowed to shut down the premises if the violations persisted.

Other places visited were the Jabi Lake Mall, Novera Shoprite Mall along the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport road and some business premises at Wuse and Maitama Districts.

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T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍąÍŽËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

COMMENT

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

SHETTIMA’S BITTER TRUTH TO POWER Gimba Kakanda argues the former Borno State governor has spoken well and candidly

S

ome of the reactions to Senator Kashim Shettima’s recent explosive interview on Arise TV, which have been trending on social media, betray the authors’ faded memories of the former Governor of Borno State. At the time an echo chamber was built by the Jonathan administration to isolate the government from public opinion, Shettima’s voice rippled through. He called attention to the costs of that dereliction of duty, which enabled persistent cycle of explosions in urban centres, indiscriminate and targeted killings, and loss of vast territories to the Boko Haram, as the decision-makers weaponized pedestrian conspiracy theories to polarize the citizens left for death.

Recalling those dark years of his failure to protect the country in his 2018 book, “My Transition Hours,� former President Goodluck Jonathan didn’t miss the essence of Shettima, who was his haunting conscience then. Only that, typical of his style, he still refused to take responsibility for his inaction, especially on the abduction of Chibok girls. His version of the accounts of what transpired under his watch would’ve been an easy sale if Shettima had not been his notable outspoken critic, and unwilling to overlook the President’s casual indifference to a crumbling country.

Ironically, it was Shettima who gave perhaps the most concise review of the book when he described it as “a book of fiction designed to pass guilty verdicts to anyone but himself...�

He should know better. When, as governor, he appealed for reinforcements to redeem the military, at the time they were compelled to “tactically manoeuvre� following a clash with the advancing Boko Haram, Jonathan went as far as threatening to withdraw the troops from the northeast to demonstrate the anarchy likely to set in. Even Shettima, he said, would flee without the military. This politicizing reaction to a logical demand is the metaphor of the Jonathan years, and the revelations that have trailed it, from the diversion of funds meant for arms purchase to the corruption of service chiefs on trial, have validated Shettima’s helpless quests for a safer Nigeria.

The recent spotlight on Shettima is a reminder of his past rebellion, only this time the President is a member of his party. But, as passionately expressed in his Arise TV interview, “Buhari is not God. If there are things that need to be corrected, we are going to point it out to him.� This is the quality of patriotism that has been out of circulation in Nigeria, and the certainty of it breaking the echo chamber is not in doubt.

Shettima’s message isn’t antagonistic, he acknowledged his people’s solidarity with the president. Only that, it’s obvious, the loyalty isn’t blind.

His was not all words—a case of empty talks. He criticised but also provided the way forward. “The current service chiefs have outlived their usefulness,� he said in the interview, “It’s high time President Buhari gets rid of them. We do appreciate their efforts in the past, but their efforts and game plans are not working and it’s high-time we fine-tuned the strategies, inject some new blood and there has to be some synergy in the different arms of the security forces.�

Buhari’s indifference is more telling than Jonathan’s. Perhaps because he no longer needs the people, he finds solace in his echo chamber. Unlike the predecessor, who had to embark on a desperate campaign to liberate areas under the Boko Haram for electoral advantage ahead of the 2015 general elections, Buhari can afford to just pick his teeth in Aso Villa and casually read newspaper cartoons until his tenure elapses. The gravity of this

THE IMPLICATION OF THE WAR AGAINST DISSENTING VIEWS AND CRITIQUES IS THIS CULTURE OF PERCEIVING THE PURSUIT OF TRUTH AS PERSONAL HATRED OR A PARTISAN AGENDA

indifference is intensifying that Shettima’s successor, Governor Babagana Zulum, who recently praised Buhari’s counterterrorism records, cried out that the police and military personnel manning checkpoints in Borno, are extorting the residents.

The personnel are forcing those with no national ID cards to pay N1000 or N500, he said. He would later pass a vote of no confidence in the military’s will, and capacity, to take the people of Borno out of the woods of insecurity.

Since reading the presidency and the service chiefs the riot act, Shettima has become a recurring subject of antagonistic rejoinders. This couldn’t have been the position of rational thinkers, who would have taken note of the breakneck disintegration of the nation’s security system under Buhari. A friend shared some of these rejoinders on a WhatsApp group, and they were as bizarre as they came. The lack of coherent motive for the rejoinders, focusing on personalized attack, instead of weighing the merit of Shettima’s case against the service chiefs, are easy clues to discern the works as done by mean-spirited hacks.

But, even with persons of suspicious or fake identities as authors of such rejoinders, it still scares that a call to action in the protection of lives and properties of a nation at a crossroads would trigger a resistance. The origin of these rejoinders has to be the very profiteers of our security breakdown. One blog, reporting the statement of a faceless group named Arewa Citizens for Good Governance, says the group even “called for the arrest of Senator Shettima for attempting to instigate mutiny against President Muhammadu Buhari.� In the thinking of one semi-literate Op-Ed writer, Shettima’s political rise is a “thank you� gift from the Boko Haram, and this makes one wonder if the hare-brained administrators of the Metro Watch Online blog had any idea of the role Shettima has played as the alternative voice in the cascade of events that’s led Nigeria to this brink of anarchy.

The transition from Jonathan to Buhari was fast-tracked by the promise to “lead from the front if elected,� and Shettima’s assertion of that pledge, and storm in this thick-walled echo chamber, is desirable. As an experienced politician, Shettima knows very much the implication of his open truth-telling, including possible extrication within his party, All Progressives Congress (APC). But, as active citizens, we must underscore the importance of internal reform champions, and laud those who dare stick out their necks to save us all.

Any government surrounded by sycophants eventually implodes. Dictators are cheap inventions of undeserved praises and the insincerity of aides, and this is even especially so in Nigeria where the political class prefer their echo chamber to the truth of their stewardship. The implication of the war against dissenting views and critiques is this culture of perceiving the pursuit of truth as personal hatred or a partisan agenda.

To be sure, Shettima is not the first to call out the service chiefs for their stark failures. All those who did in the past, noting how their overstaying had also sparked fears in military circles as junior officers were being forced into retirement, received similar bashing from the obviously sponsored army of ghostwriters, and a disdainful silence from Aso Villa. It makes one wonder why a country this turbulent is left to suffer at the pleasure of a few worn-out officers.

Kakanda wrote from Abuja

AHMAD LAWAN’S STEWARDSHIP

The cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature has worked in the interest of Nigerians, writes

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n a democracy, the legislature stands as the check on the wide powers of the executive. The legislature is also the arm of government that protects the people by empowering them with an opportunity to have representatives that can present and protect their interests at the national level. Representation is perhaps the most important function of a lawmaker.

Since 1999 instability and frequent executivelegislature quarrels have affected governance.

It denied both arms of government the chance to work together for the good of the people. Arguably, the Senate had never had the kind of harmony it is witnessing now. While asserting its independence, the legislature also placed priority on Nigeria and Nigerians.

Since his election as the President of the ninth Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan (Yobe North) has been leading the affairs of the upper chamber of the National Assembly with an approach that facilitates mutual respect between the legislature and the executive.

He is leading by firmly protecting the independence of the legislature and putting Nigeria and Nigerians first – in everything.

His leadership, so far, shows the evolution of the Nigerian legislature; carrying out its constitutional duties without acrimony or unnecessary drama. This is a remarkable achievement because it has brought the stability and the harmony that are key to making governance work for Nigerians. On Monday 21 December the Senate passed the 2021 budget, on time. With this, on its part, the senate had delivered its constitutional responsibility of appropriation for the good of the people of Nigeria. The buck now stops on the table of the executive.

The ninth senate under the leadership of Senator Lawan had also carried out many important nominees’ screenings, parliamentary investigations and also carried out many oversight functions diligently and without scandals. Anyone conversant with the past of the National Assembly can easily understand why it is important to mention this as achievement. In the wake of the #EndSARS protests and the looting that followed it, the senate was clear on its calls; that Nigerian cannot afford anarchy and that Nigerians must abide by the rule of law in voicing their grievances and violence in whatever name must be avoided. The unprecedented looting that followed the protests raised concerns on youth unemployment in Nigeria. Senator Lawan led the voices that emphasized that, to avoid chaos in the future, jobs must be created for youths and windows and doors of opportunities must be opened for youths.

As a young person, I will keep going back to issues that have to do with youths.

In September, Senator Lawan sponsored the training of youths in the area of GSM technology. The training was conducted at the three senatorial zones of Yobe State. At least 1000 youths benefitted from the training that also includes hands-on on hardware, software and entrepreneurship development. In this age of increasing relevance of information technology in all aspects of life, the skills youths from all parts of Yobe acquired from the training will set them on the path of aspiring to be key players in the technology industry. Giving youths what can be described as ‘skills of the moment’ is a way of preparing them for the future.

It was in the news, at the beginning of

the year that Ahmad Lawan sponsored mass weddings across Bade, Jakusko, Karasuwa, Machina, Nguru and Yusufari local government areas that constitute the senatorial zone he is representing. Already, hundreds of youths have benefitted from the mass weddings and more will follow. The mass weddings sponsored by Ahmad Lawan came with a difference. Before the wedding couples were provided with household needs and dowry. This was followed with empowering the couples with means of livelihood. While the women were trained and provided with knitting tools, soap making, sewing machines, grinding machines, hair saloon tools and other forms of empowerment, the men were provided with empowerment to start businesses in the areas of welding, tiling, electric work, barbing, tailoring, bricklaying and plumbing. So far 600 couples have collected their empowerment packs. This can best be described as a mass wedding - with a difference. It is the type of mass wedding that goes beyond helping indigent parents to carry out their family and parental obligations. It did not only stop at helping youths to start a family.

It also provided the benefiting youths with the empowerment that will ensure that both husband and wife have a means of earning a livelihood that is key to building a future.

In the area of education, Senator Lawan built higher Islamic schools across the six local governments of his senatorial district.

Each school will run both western and Islamic education. The schools will provide a model that will help in increasing school enrolment and making education accessible to rural communities. He has been offering scholarships and other forms of educational

support. He also facilitated the ongoing work for the establishment of ICT Park in Nguru town. In the area of roads, Ahmad Lawan has already achieved the reconstruction of Nguru-Gashua road and Gashua-Baymari road. Through his efforts the Federal Executive Council recently approved the construction of Gasamu—Amshi—Gogaram road at the cost of N14.5 billion. For years Senator Lawan has been sponsoring free animal vaccination which protects against Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) which is a contagious disease that attacks lungs` and thoracic cavity causing fever and rapid respiration, cough and nasal discharges in domestic animals. The lawmaker is also undertaking urban and rural roads, water provision and solar streetlights across the six local governments that constitute Yobe north senatorial district.

Enumerating the achievements of Senator Lawan is a way of showcasing the possibilities and the benefits for the people when the legislature and the executive work together with the harmony built around protecting the interest of all Nigerians.

At the national level Ahmad Lawan has been leading the senate in a new direction of prioritizing the wellbeing of Nigerians, while also doing more in his duty of representing his people. One can say, the strides of Senator Lawan in 2020; at home and at the national level fulfilled the three core functions of every legislator: representation, lawmaking and oversight. It also shows what Nigerians stand to benefit when the legislature and the executive work together.

Nguru wrote from Bakin Kasuwa, Nguru, Yobe State

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EDITORIAL

LAGOS AND WILD ANIMALS AS PETS Government must do more to protect residents from avoidable accidents

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he proposed law by the Lagos State House of Assembly to prohibit ownership of wild animals as pets is commendable. It is in line with THISDAY editorial of 19th November 2019 which called for a prohibition of the domestication of wild animals, shortly after an adult lion was sighted at the home of a Lagos resident. We drew attention to the fact that affluent urban dwellers, for fear of insecurity and other sundry reasons, have transcended from having clones of wild dogs as WITHOUT LIONS, pets to keeping ACCORDING TO EXPERTS, lions, leopards, THE ENTIRE ECOSYSTEMS and other big cats. These are acCAN FALTER, SO BY quired as innocuREMAINING IN THE WILD ous cubs but they THEY PLAY A KEY ROLE IN eventually grow into wild beast, THE FOOD CHAIN complete with all the instincts that put humans in mortal fear.

Conservationists are certain that the numbers of these illegal pets in Nigeria have increased and the situation is becoming worrisome. The issue yet to be resolved is whether Nigeria now has lion breeding farms like South Africa, where there is a captive breeding industry with an estimated 8,000 lions, used in the tourist industry for cub-petting.

As we noted previously, various reasons have been adduced by those who keep lions and other wildcats, including for security or economic purposes. Experts familiar with the usually cross-border illegal wildlife market have been expressing surprise that lions, classified as non-domestic wildcats, are easy to purchase as pets and that they come relatively cheap with cubs selling between N2 million and N3 million. However, they insist that lions are not domesticated animals, and that even if they were raised in a human residence, they are still wild and would always act on their instincts. That is why they remain dangerous.

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Meanwhile, the trade in lions is prohibited internationally under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild flora and fauna (CITES), and locally in Nigeria, as they are protected by the Endangered Species Act of 2016 and by the Endangered Species Control. While conservationists believe the government could have evoked these laws and treaties to punish the Lagos resident who had a lion as an illegal pet nothing was done.

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) which has called for the prosecution of the Lagos culprit is also seeking a confirmation of the source of the animal and that anyone in that supply chain should feel the full weight of the law.

On the whole, we commend the Lagos State government for its timely response to the distress calls from the neighbours of the lion pet keeper. But the government, at all levels, must do more to protect residents from avoidable accidents and possible death in our towns and cities if wild beasts like lions, kept as illegal pets, break their bounds on account of hunger and go in search of food. Sadly, lion cubs are sold across Africa by captive breeders in farms, which make it possible for prospective buyers to own these powerful carnivores, in spite of the existence of laws that should regulate these activities.

Nigeria may just be a ready market, but in the time past and as one of the range states of lion across Africa, the nation had large population of the protected animal. Regrettably, they are now known to survive in only two sites in the country, and these are Kainji Lake National Park where researchers tracked up to 30 lions and Yankari Game Reserve with less than five cats. However, records show that no fewer than 50 cats live in the wild in Nigeria.

Yet without lions, according to experts, the entire ecosystems can falter, so by remaining in the wild they play a key role in the food chain. That explains why nobody should be allowed to turn them into house pets in the country.

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

DISTURBING HAPPENINGS IN THE POWER SECTOR

s a contractor in the power sector, particularly the Rural Electrification Agency, I am compelled to raise some issues regarding happenings that could frustrate our national development. My observations are borne out of the importance of the power sector to the fabrics of our national development.

As someone who has operated in that sector for some time, I have also watched with keen interest Engr. Saleh Mamman’s resolve to focus on the assignment given him by the President, Muhammadu Buhari, to fix the power sector.

I must confess that his efforts as Minister of Power are commendable. To me, Saleh has performed beyond expectation.

The country may not be there yet in terms of enjoying full scale electricity capacity, but there has been tremendous progress under his watch.

One of the biggest achievements under his supervision to get the job done at the ministry has been his resolve and commitment in good faith to effect changes that would ensure full budget implementation and better capacity for results.

Many have scored him high on this note.

However, recent developments at the Rural Electrification Agency wherein some elements have resisted the wind of positive change are becoming worrisome. My checks reveal that high-wired conspirators are bent on employing every means possible to distract the ministry from achieving the Presidential Mandate given it to satisfy Nigerians with adequate electricity. In fact, they have refused to toe the path of reason and caution.

To put it straight, I am in the know of recent disturbing happenings within the power sector, in which sinister moves, underhand tactics, subtle

blackmail and dropping of ‘powerful’ names by some persons referred to as ‘Kwara Mafia’ to influence and mount undue pressure on the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof.

Ibrahim Gambari, who is from Kwara State, to talk to the minister in order to do their inordinate bidding.

Their intention is simply to pressure and mislead him into doing the wrong thing that would at the end of the day be detrimental to his integrity as history will not forget him in a hurry.

Apart from undue pressure on the Chief of Staff, there are also cases of insubordinations within the agency against the leadership of the ministry.

This is because the ministry’s leadership has been trying to right some wrongs and put round pegs in round holes at both the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the ministry but a top gun at the agency has been frustrating these efforts

by not releasing the letters of redeployment accordingly due to his perceived connections in ‘higher’ places.

Up to close of work yesterday, these pressures are still being mounted on the leadership to rescind some of these good decisions taken in good faith – which in the long run is for the good and benefit of the country.

The situation at the REA is so worrisome that some of the affected in the recent redeployment are beating their chests and boasting that no one can move them because of their high connection with Prof. Gambari. In fact, they boast that not even the minister whom they claim can only bark can move them from their seats.

Another disturbing case in question is one that involves a legal officer – a deputy director who was posted out for an assistant director to act in that capacity; and when the

ministry sought to do the right thing in good faith by ensuring the posting of a director and redeployment of the affected officer, they are kicking against the move, beating their chests that they are unmovable based on their connections in higher places.

From my findings, such redeployments are not unusual.

In fact, it beats my imagination that a civil servant will fight a redeployment that is a normal routine procedure.

Indeed, one former retired Director, Mr Dunari, was earlier posted out in such good faith from the agency to the ministry which he obliged without complaint.

In this regard, all and sundry must note that undertaking such proper service procedure must be seen in good light and above primordial sentiments driven by ego.

Chinedu Odinta, Stadium Road, Enugu

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WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 30, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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

MIDWEEKPOLITICS

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

Props to a Creative Influencer in Politics of Rivers State Vincent Obia writes a moving tribute to celebrate former House of Representatives member for Andoni, Opobo and Nkoro Federal Constituency of Rivers State ; Rivers State Commissioner for Works ; Chairman, Opobo-Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State and recently DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr. Dakuku Peterside

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50th birthday is one of the greatest milestones in life. It provides an ideal occasion to honour some of the amazing things a person has done. As Dr. Dakuku Peterside turns 50 tomorrow, one of the most memorable things friends, family, and others who have crossed his path would be celebrating with him is his capacity for mentorship and leadership. Those qualities came to light quite clearly during his recent tenure as Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Working together with a determined and cooperative management team, Dakuku was able to steer a key government agency from pariahhood to a poster child for transformational leadership.

He brought his exceptional capacity for guidance to bear. And he launched a rebranding and repositioning exercise that worked like magic, changing orientations about NIMASA from within and without.

A new acronym, CAPITEL-D, captured an innovative set of core values among staff that sought to change all negative attitudes to work. The deliberate focus on Commitment, Accountability, Professionalism, Integrity, Teamwork, Excellence, Leadership, and Discipline (CAPITEL-D) had a tremendous positive impact on the staff, as everyone resolved to own and apply every element of the acronym.

The agency’s core values have since taken hold, paving way for ceaseless transformation and improvement on all fronts. Those values have continued to permeate every aspect of the agency, as it pursues its core functions. The values also support the Federal Government’s ease of doing business initiative.

Dakuku exudes confidence and charisma. He is widely revered for his problem-solving qualities.

His readiness to share his own ideas and pleasure in seeing others succeed, apparently, inspired the Knowledge Transfer initiative in NIMASA. The Knowledge Transfer Sessions, meant to improve institutional knowledge, are meetings where trusted and experienced internal and external facilitators come to share their skills with the agency’s staff on designated days. This has overtime provided a window for the discovery of many talents in the agency.

Dakuku left the agency on March 10, 2020 in a touching moment of camaraderie. A colourful and historic pulling-out ceremony held in his honour at the end of his tenure brought together history, legacy, and lesson for the future. He said, “Serving in NIMASA was fulfilling; leaving was breath-taking. Now, I feel elated to watch my successor, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, a man of phenomenal institutional knowledge, advancing the spirit of excellence that guided our collective tenure.”

Dakuku believes leaders are not ogres.

He is approachable and ever willing to assist people to fulfil their dreams.

But he is also a stickler for quality and hard work.

“If you are hardworking and productive, you can ask for my leg or my hand and I would give you,” he once said during a committee meeting at the agency. Those intrinsically hyperbolic words still ring in my ears.

He knows how to cultivate friendship.

He sees his connections with people as lifelong. With him, there is a real truth to the Biblical idea of “a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Peterside

Dakuku is passionate about learning and believes there is no end to it. Very often, he would inform you of things and send you materials he believes would be useful to you. He is always ready to advise, direct, and support, even on personal issues brought to his attention.

In an age of unbridled materialism and virtual contempt for intellectualism and learning, the idea of a leader who is passionate about knowledge and its continuous improvement feels particularly remarkable.

Dakuku’s leadership qualities are commendable. They have been his elixir for success in the positions of authority the good Lord has helped him to occupy so far, whether as House of Representatives member for Andoni, Opobo, and Nkoro Federal Constituency of Rivers State (2011-2015); Rivers State Commissioner for Works (2007-2011); Chairman, Opobo-Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State; or National President, National Union of Rivers State Students.

It is those excellent virtues that the Opobo-born leadership coach, politician, and organisational development expert captured in his brilliant book, “Strategic Turnaround: Story of a Government Agency,” billed for launch next month.

The book is a narrative of events and turnaround initiatives executed in NIMASA during the four years of Dakuku’s management, which transformed the agency to one of the most respected and admired government agencies in Nigeria.

Strategic Turnaround: Story of a Government Agency explores the principles of leadership and management in a public sector setting, both theoretically and practically. A treatise on performance improvement in governance, the book goes beyond the story of successes and failures to highlight critical lessons for public sector organisations desirous of repositioning or reform.

Professor Emeritus of Maritime Security at the University of Greenwich United Kingdom, Professor Chris Bellamy, who previewed the yet-to-

Dakuku is passionate about learning and believes there is no end to it. Very often, he would inform you of things and send you materials he believes would be useful to you. He is always ready to advise, direct, and support, even on personal issues brought to his attention. In an age of unbridled materialism and virtual contempt for intellectualism and learning, the idea of a leader who is passionate about knowledge and its continuous improvement feels particularly remarkable

be-released book, stated, “Strategic Turnaround: Story of a Government Agency” is a definitive case of successful high-level change management and essential insight into the maritime sector of an emerging maritime power.” The former Professor of Military Science and Doctrine at Cranfield University, England, and Editor-in-Chief, International Journal of Maritime Crime and Security, further stated that the book “showcases the radical reform of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the entire maritime sector in Nigeria by its leaders and key stakeholders.”

Dakuku attended Okrika Grammar School, in Rivers State, and the University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, where he studied Medical Laboratory Sciences, specialising in Haematology and Blood Transfusion. He holds two master ’s degrees in Management, a doctoral degree in Organisational Behaviour, specialising in Corporate Political Strategy, from the University of Port Harcourt.

The founder of Development and Leadership Institute of Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation and development think-tank, has attended high-level leadership and management courses in Harvard, Standford, KELLOG and Georgia Tech in the United States, Stellenboch in South Africa, Galilee in Israel, and Oxford in the United Kingdom. He is currently a consultant to several corporate and international bodies in the areas of leadership; regulation, compliance and maritime industry, especially maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea; and oil and gas industry.

A gentle and kind mentor, Dakuku provides a mirror for seeing the beauty of leadership. He has touched many lives with joy, and deserves deepest wishes and dreams come true as he turns 50 tomorrow.

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

POLITICS

Why Nigeria is Not a Democratic Society

GOVERNANCE IN PHOTOS

Wale Oluwade argues that all the acknowledged indicators for a democratic society are absent in Nigeria

Buhari

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hat makes a system of government democratic?

There are 10 fundamental elements that makes a system of government democratic.

These are; Multi-party participation, Free, fair & credible elections, Separation of powers, Checks and balances. Others include, Virile public institutions, Independent and impartial judiciary, Supremacy of the rule of law, Free and independent mass media, Active citizen engagement and The role of CSOs. Upon a critical analysis and evaluation of the foregoing, it becomes apparent our social/political and governance practices are nowhere near being deemed even a caricature of a democratic political system. Tagging our current governance practices democratic is an egregious travesty. I intend to use the November 3, 2020 U.S. presidential elections and the sordid events in its aftermath as comparison or benchmark for this piece. Why? Our model of democratic governance is copied from the U.S. and it is appropriate to examine what we currently practice if we’re in the right trajectory.

Let’s examine five of these fundamentals of democracy. First; free, fair and credible elections. Our elections in Nigeria are usually not free, fair nor credible. Also, elections here are synonymous with warfare, literally and practically. Most politicians retain thugs and sundry criminals to rig, cause mayhem and generally disrupt peaceful conduct of the exercise. Whereas, in the U.S., while over 150 million citizens voted before and on election day, not a singe incident of violence was recorded! The exercise was largely peaceful and uneventful in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, in spite of fears to the contrary.

Second, separation of powers. President Donald Trump was investigated and eventually impeached by the U.S. Congress in 2019 for allegations of misconduct in the Ukraine affair.

He was ultimately acquitted by the Senate. Who would dare begin impeachment proceedings at the National Assembly against a Nigerian President?

Third, virile public institutions. The only reason the U.S. in the last four years of Trump’s presidency hasn’t become a full-blown fascist society is only because the institutions of state resisted and checkmated his excesses. The legislature, the civil service, the military, especially, in no unmistakable terms reminded the president, in a speech delivered by Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Kelly, that; “We do not take an oath to a king or queen, or a tyrant or dictator, or even an individual or country or tribe or religion. We take our oaths to the U.S. Constitution.” In essence, though the President is the Commander-inChief of the U.S. armed forces, yet, he couldn’t give an order that breaches the constitution and such would be obeyed. Likewise, the President’s Republican Party members in several swing states who stoutly refused to kowtow to his machinations to violate both the laws and norms guiding elections processes to tilt the scale of victory in his favor.

All these individuals, just a handful of them, but in key states, against their party and an all-powerful president, refused to break the law or compromise their personal integrity.

We all know what obtains here.

Fourth, a free and independent mass media.

One of the greatest evidences of a democratic society is the unfettered liberty of media organizations to disseminate information however unpalatable to those in political power without intimidation or coercion. Again, Trump did his best to delegitimize, intimidate and threaten a number of media organizations he deemed unfavorable to him but he could do nothing more than brand them “fake news!” The highpoint of these was when the President, in 2018, ordered CNN’s White House Chief Correspondent, Jim Acosta, be barred from further coverage of the White House and his press pass suspended. CNN sued and the court, presided over by Timothy Kelly, a Trump appointee to the District Court for the District of Columbia, ordered Acosta’s press pass be restored immediately as the White House was a public place and not even the president could stop any journalist properly sent there by his/her organization to do their job protected under the First Amendment.

In Nigeria, however, media houses are at the mercy of an overbearing, intolerant and repressive political and elite dictators.

Finally, and perhaps, the most significant of these principles is the strategic role the judicial branch plays in a democracy. While the judiciary exists hamstrung and shackled, in every form of government but a genuinely democratic society cannot exist in the absence of an independent and impartial judiciary.

The state of the judiciary is the ultimate test of democratic governance. For instance, in Nigeria, an extremely odious, criminal and highly lucrative election litigation industry has been established since the advent of the 4th Republic where members of the Bar and Bench scramble for market-share dominance.

Not a few lawyers have attained dubious rockstar distinction purely on electoral litigation adroitness which is a euphemism for rank corruption. The examples are legion but the recent Imo state gubernatorial “judicial wonder” suffices.

Conversely, the 2020 U.S. Presidential elections’ contrived crisis by the defeated incumbent Donald Trump who, in cahoots with his party, approached the states, federal and ultimately the Supreme Courts, yet, all demonstrably balked at getting involved in elections matters. Indeed, and as succinctly captured by Judge Stephanos Bibas who wrote for the 3rd US circuit court of appeals in the decision over Pennsylvania votes certification; “Free, fair elections are the lifeblood of our democracy. Charges of unfairness are serious.

But calling an election unfair does not make it so. Charges require specific allegations and then proof. We have neither here,” the judge further denounced as “breathtaking” a Republican Party request to reverse certification of the votes, adding: “Voters, not lawyers, choose the president. Ballots, not briefs, decide elections.

[The] campaign’s claims have no merit.”

The ruling - as of then, Trump team’s 38th court defeat in election lawsuits nationwide – reaffirmed US district judge Matthew Brann’s earlier view of Ruddy Giuliani’s complaint, delivered after he listened to five hours of oral arguments. The lawsuit, Judge Brann said, was: “like Frankenstein’s Monster, haphazardly stitched together.”

The appeal court’s ruling was also laced with the subtle irony of the courts’ unwillingness to corruptly interfere in the electoral disaster that has befallen Trump in that, he (Trump), appointed judge Bibas in 2017. The two other panel judges were also appointed by Republican presidents, and Maryanne Trump Barry, the president’s sister, sat on the appeals court for two decades until her retirement last year.

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

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, being presented the 2021 Appropriation Bill by the Leader of Government Business, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon Gboyega Aribisogan; flanked by the Speaker, Right Hon, Funminiyi Afuye, (right), deputy Speaker, Hon Hakeem Jamiu and Clerk of the House, Mr Tola Esan; during the signing of 2021 budget in Ado-Ekiti

L-R: Lady Franca Nwigbo, Overall President of Women Town Presidents in Anambra State, Prof. Peter Umeadi, Presidential aspirant on the platform of All Prpgressives Grand Alliance, Mrs Anthonia Uke, Women President General, Nri Town and Barrister (Mrs) Oge Ekweozor, Women President General, Awka Town at Nri when Umeadi hosted women representatives from all the town unions in Anambra State

Cross section of indigenes and non-indigenes Osun State boarding the free train ride provided by the administration of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola for easy transportation for the 2020 Christmas celebrations, at Iddo Terminus of the Nigeria Railwaysin Lagos

Chief of Staff (CoS) to the Speaker, Hon. Sanusi Rikiji, (right) on behalf of Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila presenting a cheque to a recipient (middle) of the Speaker’s scholarship and medical sponsorship in commemoration of 2020 World Disability Day at the National Assembly

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FEATURES

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

Enhancing Protection of Lives, Property in Oyo Kemi Olaitan chronicles the efforts of the Oyo State government to assist security agencies in protecting lives and property

T

hat every part of the country from the South to the North, East to the West, has been facing various security challenges that include banditry, kidnapping and armed robbery, is no longer news.

Indeed, no state could be said to be exempted with the state governors virtually on their toes to make the states safe for the residents.

With the protection of lives and property one of the major responsibilities of any government, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has decided to take the bull by the horn by providing the necessary assistance to the security agencies in the state to enhance their duty of making the people of the pacesetter state sleep with their two eyes closed.

The first in the series of the assistance was the donation of 25 operational vehicles fully equipped with communication gadgets to the security agencies in the state. Ten of the vehicles were donated to the Swift Response Squad (SRS), a unit of the Nigeria Police, while the remaining 15 vehicles were donated to the Operation Burst, a state-backed unit comprising the military, police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Governor Makinde, speaking while donating the vehicles at the frontage of the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, declared that his administration will continue to prioritise the welfare of security personnel in the state, adding that his government remains committed to supporting police officers and security personnel serving in Oyo State as well as members of their family.

He said, “It is my pleasure to hand over these operational vehicles to both the SRS and Operation Burst. This is a period when, irrespective of what people have been doing from the beginning of the year till now, they still want to have a merry Christmas. There are people out there who have not sown anything but they want to reap where they did not sow. “Yes, we have had a challenging year, COVID-19 from the beginning of the year, then economic meltdown and #EndSARS protests. Well, the way I look at it is, we would not say that because of those challenges, we will not continue to do what we are supposed to do. I just want to use this opportunity to let the Nigeria Police, especially officers and men serving in Oyo State Command, know that under my watch, we will continue to support them and their families.�

The Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Security, COMPOL Fatai Owoseni (rtd), in his remarks, said security is one of the pillars of the Makinde administration and that the government has been closing the infrastructural gaps in the security sector to make Oyo State safer and secure for all and sundry. He added that the operational vehicles would further strengthen the infrastructure of the two outfits.

According to him, “security is one of the pillars of Your Excellency's dynamic administration. And of course, to that end, you have been doing all that is required by closing the infrastructural gaps of the security agencies to make Oyo State safer, secure and investor-friendly. You have always been granting the requests of all the security outfits in Oyo State.

Today is another day for the security outfits in Oyo State to laugh. All of us know and we are not in doubt that this effort would further strengthen the infrastructure of these two outfits."

Also speaking at the event, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joe Enwonwu, appreciated the governor for

The donation by the Oyo State government

being there always for the state police command, pledging the readiness of his officers and men to sustain and embolden the security status of Oyo State and provide conducive atmosphere for both local, institutional and foreign investors.

Enwonwu said, “It is with great honour and privilege that we are here to grace this occasion as one of your pillars in sustaining and emboldening the security status of Oyo State, to the extent that it will provide conducive atmosphere for both local, institutional and foreign investors if the environment is secure and safe.

"We have just come out of COVID-19, #EndSARS protests and the consequent carnage that has devastated the economy of not only the nation but particularly that of Oyo State. And as we are coming out, we are really taken aback that Your Excellency is able to provide additional vehicles to reinforce the security arrangement for Oyo State.

"I want to assure you that with this new set of vehicles, the Police, on its part, will do their level best to reinforce security and make sure that people can confidently come out, do their businesses and sleep with their two eyes closed.

"During the operational tour of the IGP, he spoke to the officers and made it abundantly clear that we should all come out confidently to give the best of security to the people of Oyo State.

And we should put behind whatever had happened during the #EndSARS protest that led to the loss of lives. We have actually taken that in our strides.

"As I speak to you, we are presently doing training and retraining in our two mobile platforms of MOPOL 4 and MOPOL 72, Ago- Are, with a view to reinforcing and rebuilding confidence in the officers and men of Oyo State Command.I appreciate you sincerely for this wonderful gesture."

Not yet done in assisting the security agencies to secure lives and property of the people, Governor Makinde also handed over 33 operational-vehicles and 396 motorcycles to the state Security Network Agency, codenamed, Operation Amotekun.

While presenting the operational

vehicles and motorbikes to Amotekun Corps at the ceremony held at the House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, Ibadan, he said the time has come for Nigeria to secure its people and restructure its system against the backdrop of growing insecurity in the country, maintaining that if restructured, every corner of Nigeria will be impacted positively and no matter who is the President in Abuja, the system would run effectively in a way that will be beneficial to all and sundry.

The governor who expressed satisfaction with the establishment of the Amotekun Corps, which he believed will play a major role in filling the lacuna in the security system, however, maintained that despite the community policing initiative currently ongoing in the country, the states should still push for state police.

He revealed that though Amotekun came into operation a while ago, the state has begun to feel its impact, assuring that the state will make the welfare of the Amotekun Corps a top priority.

According to him, “you are a generation establishing structures for safety and security of the next generation. You are pioneers to ensure that we have a safe and secure environment so that we can expand our economy. And we will treat your welfare as top priority.

That is why we have been clamouring for state police because you know for a fact that you all belong to the state. We don’t have it right now, but we thank the Oyo State House of Assembly for making the law establishing Amotekun. “If we cannot get state police now, this country will get there, I am sure.

We have community policing, but we need to do better than that. But, in the absence of the state police, we have our own Amotekun Corps and the operatives are doing very well. I'll like to say to the Amotekun Corps that I am really proud of you. When we came into government on May 29, 2019, there was no Amotekun Corps but, today, your impact is being felt by all of us.�

Makinde, further maintained that the need to restructure the country has become more imperative in the face of daunting security challenges, stating that only time will tell on which one is more desirable for Nigeria between

a restructured Nigeria and a Yoruba presidency. “I have heard some of our political leaders jostling around and saying they want to become the president of Nigeria in 2023. I think what we need at this stage is to secure our people and restructure Nigeria. It does not matter who is the president in Abuja. In a restructured Nigeria, every corner of the country will feel the impact of government. That is what we need. “May God protect those running around for presidency till 2022. By that time, we will meet and, by then, we will get to know whether it is restructured Nigeria or Yoruba presidency that we really need", he said.

The governor appreciated chairpersons of Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas for releasing the funds to do things that are meaningful to the people of the state, noting that all the 351 wards in the state will feel the impact of Amotekun and that every inch of land belonging to the state will be covered by Amotekun. He then warned criminal elements operating in the state to desist from their irascible practices or get caught by the long arm of the law.

The Chairman of Amotekun Corps in the state, General Kunle Togun (rtd), described Governor Makinde as the number one Amotekun in Western Nigeria, noting that in order to show that there won’t be a fire brigade approach to security, the governor has equipped Amotekun effectively.

Similarly, the Commandant of the Amotekun Corps, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (rtd), appreciated the governor’s gesture, describing it as a defining moment in the life of the Oyo State Security Network Agency.

He added that the vehicles will enable the corps to discharge their duties effectively and provide them with the required mobility to respond swiftly to the distressed and facilitate access to the nooks and crannies of the state, assuring that the Corps will put in their best efforts “to stem the tide of rising security challenges, particularly during this festive period and put to shame those working to discredit the administration�.

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FEATURES

NITT Zaria has Potentials to Generate Billions to the Economy Azu Ogbonnaya

N

igeria is a nation loved by God and blessed with abundant resources. With COVID-19 pandemic, recession and sharp decline in crude oil revenue, federal and state governments have began to look inwards to other sources of revenue to augment the shortfall in monthly federal allocations. The Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (Zaria) holds huge potentials that could turn around the nation’s economy, if fully harnessed, supported and funded. For more than 30 years after its establishment, the institute has remained a treasure waiting to be exploited.

Established in 1986 by Decree No 6 of March 14 (now CAP 116 of the Federal Laws of Nigeria), with head office in Basawa Zaria and branches in 10 states of the federation, NITT’s mandate is to serve as a transport management development and research institute for Nigeria and the West African Sub-region. The institute has all it takes to boost the revenue base of Nigeria: These include modern state-of the-art transport and training facilities, well trained professionals, energetic and hardworking staff and serene environment for both learning and enterprise development, amongst others.

Recently the institute recorded some landmark achievements.

One of them is the establishment of an Intelligence Transport System (ITS) unit in Vienna, Austria to trace the movement of stolen vehicles from Nigeria. The ITS office was established to facilitate tracking of vehicles and promote the image of Nigeria Internationally. Others include the establishment of new departments and affiliation of the institute’s postgraduate programmes to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria to cater for students who might be unable to come to Zaria because of the distance.

The Institute has equally commenced Distance Learning Programmes (DLP) in Abuja and Lagos. Prior to this development, the institute has been running such programmes on Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement with other training providers in the industry. The flag-off of the

Director-General/Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Dr Bayero Salih Farah Distance Learning Programmes signifies the commitment of the institute at bringing the programmes to the door steps of its clients.

With the establishment of the programme, other employees in the transport and logistics industry now have opportunity to take advantage of it to improve their skills by enrolling as the modules are convenient and flexible. Courses under the Distance Learning Programmes include Certificate in Transport and Logistics (CTL), Diploma in Transport and Logistics (DTL) and advanced Professional Diploma in Transport and Logistics (PDTL) .

In line with this mandate, NITT serves as a: (i) Management Training Institute for all aspects of transportation business; (ii) Centre for transfer of technology in all aspects of the transport sector; (iii) Transport Intelligence Centre; and (iv) Data Bank for the collection, collation and analysis of all economic and technological data relating to all aspects of transportation.

To achieve these objectives, a wide range of functions are performed by NITT. These include: r 1SPWJTJPO PG DPVSTFT BOE USBJOJOH programs for senior and middle cadre managers, technicians and technologies suited for employment in all modes of transport; and r 1SPWJTJPO PG DPVSTFT PG JOTUSVDUJPO leading to the award of: National Diploma, Higher National Diploma, Advanced

Certificate and Post Graduate Diploma in Transport (PGDT) with three distinct specialized areas: Transport Management, Transport Planning and Transport Technology; (c) Carrying out research and consultancy services to both government and private organizations in Nigeria and West African sub-region; and (d) Publication of research activities through journals and other media.

According to the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Dr Bayero Salih Farah, the institute has made substantial investment with the support of the Federal Government.

It has established outreach centers in about six locations across the country and has provided facilities in those centers some of which have been commissioned. It also supports staff capacity building and manpower development.

Said the DG: “Our stock- in- trade is the knowledge we give and for us to give the knowledge, we have to have the knowledge.

It is in our front burner to develop staff capacity. Every year our staff are entitled to training programmes in-house and external to enhance their capacity and to be motivated to give their best. Just as we focused on the provision of facilities, we also focused on improving the staff through continues training and development�.

Like most government establishments, NITT’s major challenge is funding. The institute requires substantial investment to provide facilities and infrastructure that are required and needed to execute its functions.

But that is been hindered by paucity of funds The second challenge is the need to provide state- of- the- art faculty that is properly trained in the best institutions in the world to compete favourably within and outside Nigeria.

Transport education is relatively new in this country and NITT is a pioneer institute in this field and as such is saddled with a very big responsibility to provide the nucleus of the faculty in the logistics and transport industry right from the beginning.

In this respect, it had to depend on foreign institutions to develop the faculty and that has been a big challenge to the institute.

But Dr Farah said the institute is aware

of the challenges and is doing everything possible to overcome them. “We are proud to say that we have the capacity to meet substantial needs of the transport industry in Nigeria which indeed is our mandate�, the DG said.

Apparently fascinated by the standard of equipment in NITT, the Hon. Minister of Transport Chibuike Amaechi during his visit to the complex said: “NITT have all it takes to design a made in Nigeria car — from design to engine to body�, stressing that when that was done, then the federal government can “create patency for NITT�.

Amaechi further promised to assist the university attain the status of a university subject to the approval of the National Universities Commission. His words: “I am satisfied with the facilities I saw here; all the Institute needs is just governance. In terms of equipment, they’re doing well. What the Federal Government has done is to ensure that areas where you have infrastructures, they’re properly funded. But they need to show that they’re not only able to transfer knowledge, but also to supervise the trainees so that we can create employment�.

In line with the Minister’s mandate, the institute’s governing council led by Olorogun John Onojeharho swung into action by exploring all avenues that could make the institute self- sustaining, improve staff welfare, enhance performance and generate revenue to the government, by making it a world standard organization.

Said the Chairman: “As a Council, one of our major focuses is to achieve visibility for NITT. For the past 20 years, no minister has visited NITT but in the first one year of our appointment, we had the minister visit the organization. So he knows and had seen what we have here, and that would make him to support us when we make presentations or require his assistance in terms of training personnel both from the ministries, agencies and industries. We have also started a major exposition in rail. We need to train the manpower not only to operate the systems but also to ensure we have proper mechanics.� ....Ogbonnaya wrote in from Lagos

Transforming the Informal Economy Sampa Diseko

T

he World Bank has long held the view that digital payments are essential to economic growth. By integrating digital into payment solutions and platforms, developing economies can bypass many of the challenges in legacy payments and banking, in order to gain access to affordable and relevant financial solutions.

The use of digital devices like mobile phones and the internet, have the potential to transform the informal economy and provide businesses of all sizes with the opportunity to reach new markets and to ‘formalise their operations’. Certainly, the evolution of digital payment solutions has done just that with more and more small businesses benefiting from the inclusion that mobile, digital and connectivity bring. The challenge has been to ensure the solutions and platforms add sufficient value for merchants for merchants to embrace digital against cash. A digital payment has to bring the merchant far more value than simple cash replacement, which most mobile digital consumer payments find it hard to do. Most are variations of the same P2P digital cash equivalent ‘me too’ technology that is simply not enough of an incentive for informal business to want to adopt at scale.

This is particularly true in light of the global pandemic. The 2020 McKinsey Global Payments Report found that the pandemic has sped up trends in consumer and business behaviour when it comes to digital payments, instant payments and card displacement.

While some of the surges towards contactless, cashless and digital payment platforms to avoid human contact or remain within the

Diseko constraints of lockdown will dissipate, the overall sentiment is that the boost that digital payments received in 2020 will continue their trajectory significantly over the next five to ten years, accelerating a process that was already underway. This is reflected in the McKinsey report, which found EMEA’s growth in payments slightly exceeded the global average due to the increase in emerging markets, such as Africa, at 10% growth in revenue.

While the pandemic may have been the fuel that lit the digital fire for many sectors, the reason why digital will remain so prolific is its proficiency across multiple levels and layers. It is not just that it enables tap and go, secure spend or access to multiple payment types. Digital payments open the door for those organisations that need access to alternative forms of payment the most.

Those in the productive and informal economy can leverage digital payments to

enter into the formal economy and enjoy the multiple benefits that this brings. This is why digital is not just a rapid plug in a hole created by a virus. It is a new way of living, working and transacting for many people that will remain as relevant tomorrow as it did over the past year. The value of an efficient payment system that provides this, improves the countries stability across all income tiers stimulating economic development.

Digital payments are lowering the barrier to entry for entrepreneurs, small to medium enterprises, and micro-enterprises. This barrier once stood high, limiting which companies banks could serve. Now, with digital, small businesses can access not just multiple wallets and payment methods but also embedded financial tools that come with many of the leading digital payment solutions. Digital is levelling the playing field for so many industries, and now it’s happening to payments.

Considering how the informal sector and the middle-class play such a powerful role in driving wealth through communities and allowing for opportunities to make a living, this lowered barrier represents a significant milestone. It has also seen an almost seismic shift in the industry – the GSMA State of the Industry Report for Mobile Money 2018 found that mobile money represented only $19 trillion in payments from customers, while the same report in 2020 has found that daily transactions were exceeding $2 billion with ‘astonishing growth in emerging markets’.

The accessibility of mobile payment solutions and the array of functionalities on offer within digital payment platforms has allowed for the rapid and impressive evolution of the

payments as a platform model. A model that pulls increasingly higher numbers into its orbit as it continues to reach deeper into areas that have been disconnected and unbanked in the past. The GSMA report revealed more than one billion registered mobile money accounts, 57 per cent of digital transaction values exceeding cash-in and cash-out values, and more than 50 million new registered accounts in the past year alone. The future isn’t digital anymore, it’s in harnessing the potential of digital to do more and allow for greater innovation and development.

For financial regulators, this seething sea of opportunity and benefit presents an equal opportunity to refine regulation to ensure that it is integrated intelligently to allow for further growth and inclusion. There is the risk that regulation can squash further innovation and development, limiting access and growth through heavy controls and limitations. This needs to be addressed and digital payment regulations must be consistently revised and adapted to take the digital payment market into account.

Many of the laws that currently govern financial transactions are still a leftover legacy from the traditional, heavily regulated card environment of the past. For continued transformation and development, and the seamless growth of the business and informal sector, regulations need to adapt to the new ways of doing business to allow for digital to flourish. With the constant change, markets have no choice but to evolve, move and adapt to the digital world and no country should be left behind. ... Diseko is the Communications Executive, Bluecode Africa

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

MARKET NEWS

Berger Paints Appoints Iheanacho as Non-executive Director Goddy Egene The Board of Directors of Berger

Paints Nigeria Plc has appointed a finance and corporate governance expert, Mrs. Oghechi Iheanacho as

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

a non-executive director, effective January 2, 2021.

The company said Iheanacho

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 24Dec-2020, unless otherwise stated.

would be bringing to the board, her finance and corporate governance expertise, having served as

financial dealer, treasury and fund manager with Associated Discount House Limited (now Coronation

Merchant Bank Limited) and as Legal Counsel in the Secretariat of Fidelity Bank Plc.

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

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

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 1.05 1.07 16.81% ACAP Income Funds 0.86 0.86 11.50% 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 1.84% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.59 3.73 47.18% ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED info@anchoriaam.com Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 0.88% Anchoria Equity Fund 132.72 133.20 23.20% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.36 1.36 16.18% 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 18.48 19.04 20.67% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 405.61 417.84 17.42% ARM Ethical Fund 34.44 35.48 18.42% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.21 1.21 21.11% ARM Fixed Income Fund 1.10 1.11 10.40% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.03% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 125.14 126.02 30.25% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.42% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 2.19 2.19 16.05% Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) 2.28 2.24 44.13% CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 0.03 0.01 2.52% Paramount Equity Fund 15.94 16.29 27.59% Women's Investment Fund 132.69 134.14 20.30% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.99% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 129.22 130.01 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A Cordros Dollar Fund ($) 108.75 108.75 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 0.86% Coronation Balanced Fund 1.16 1.17 24.84% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.66 1.66 24.58% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 0.94% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 0.87% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,209.16 1,224.36 9.01% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,417.44 1,419.04 19.77% FBN Balanced Fund 185.47 186.87 26.32% FBN Halal Fund 110.05 110.07 10.05% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.46% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 121.28 121.72 7.41% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 121.45 121.89 7.03% FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund 150.66 152.94 15.78% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Legacy USD Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,797.07 3,838.14 24.58% Coral Income Fund 3,308.47 3,308.47 7.76% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 2.41% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.44% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 127.63 129.16 18.24%

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 1.57% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.89 2.95 32.12% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 7.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 156.88 157.84 9.51% 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 1.42 1.44 25.78% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,153.16 1,153.16 10.79% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.63 1.67 32.25% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.16 12.27 7.98% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 1.82% PACAM Equity Fund 1.57 1.59 PACAM EuroBond Fund 108.19 110.60 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 131.51 134.36 6.52% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.02 1.02 9.15% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,521.35 2,532.80 24.90% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 6.57% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 28.33% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 7.55% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 33.81% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 0.33% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 26.93% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.23 1.23 5.62% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 111.05 111.05 6.56% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.36 1.39 14.06% United Capital Bond Fund 1.89 1.89 9.14% United Capital Equity Fund 0.87 0.89 23.03% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.99% United Capital Eurobond Fund 116.96 116.96 6.99% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.08 1.09 2.90% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 12.28 12.42 19.47% Zenith Ethical Fund 13.57 13.70 16.80% Zenith Income Fund 25.01 25.01 10.09% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 1.87%

REITS NAV Per Share

Fund Name SFS Skye Shelter Fund

Yield / T-Rtn

120.48

7.29%

52.22

0.33%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

12.52 120.32 94.06

12.62 120.32 95.82

48.08% 26.02% 25.22%

Union Homes REIT

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

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

4.07

4.11

18.56%

Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund

5.72

5.80

-3.16%

Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund

16.88 1.00 18.50

16.98 1.00 18.70

40.02% 1.06% 77.27%

205.52

207.52

10.13%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.71

13.11%

Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund

Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

23

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍąÍŽËœ 2020

BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OVERNIGHT OBB

A S

REPO 0.58 0.43

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

0.30 0.50 3

A T

Group Business Editor Obinna Chima Email obinna.chima@thisdaylive.com 08152447875

D E C E M B E R

S & P INDEX INDEX LEVEL 1-DAY MONTH-TO-DATE

684.54% -0.28% - 9.03%

S & P INDEX 1/4 TO DATE YEAR TO DATE

2 4 , 9.23% 42.27%

2 0 2 0 EXCHANGE RATE N379/1US DOLLAR* *AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes Alpha Morgan Rewards Sta

SECURITY ON THEIR MINDS

L-R: Commandant, RRS Unit, ACP, Oludotun Odubona; Head SSD, Lagos, CBN, Mr. P. Eze; Sector Commander, FRSC, Mr. Ogungbemide Olusegun; Chairman, Head of Security of Banks and Other Financial Institutions, Col. Samuel Agbanusi; General Manager/COO, LASTMA, Mr. Olajide Oduyoye; DC CID, NPF Zone 2, Umar Shelleng; Registrar/CEO, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Mr. Seye Awojobi; Director, DSS, S.M. Waziri; and Director, EFCC, Mr. Usani Francis, at the 13th annual retreat for head of security of banks and other ďŹ nancial institutions held in Lagos... recently ETOP UKUTT

CBN Foresees Sustained Growth in Private Sector Credit Obinna Chima The Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Credit Conditions Survey Report for fourth quarter (Q4) 2020 has stated that the availability of credit to the corporate sector increased in Q4 2020, and was also expected to rise in the first quarter (Q1) of 2021.

According to the report posted on the Bank’s website yesterday, the growth in Q4 was driven by changing sector-specific risks, market share objectives, changing appetite for risk, changing economic conditions and changing liquidity conditions.

It stated that lenders reported that the prevailing commercial property prices positively influenced credit availability for the commercial real estate sector in Q4 2020 and would continue in Q1 2021.

It also showed that the proportion of loan applications approved for all business sizes increased in Q4, adding that all firms benefitted from an increase in maximum

ECONOMY credit lines on approved new loan applications in Q4 2020, and were expected to benefit from an increase in maximum credit lines on approved new loan applications in Q1 2021. “More collateral requirements were demanded from all firm sizes on approved new loan applications in Q4 2020 and lenders expect to demand higher collateral from all firm sizes in the Q1 2021. Demand for corporate lending decreased for all business sizes except for small businesses and OFCs in Q4 2020. “However, demand for corporate lending for all firm sizes are expected to increase in Q1 2021. “The most significant factors that influenced demand for lending in the review period were increase in merger and acquisition and restructuring of balance sheet. However, inventory finance and capital investment

are expected to drive demand in Q1 2021. “Corporate loan performance as measured by the default rates worsened for small businesses and medium public non-financial corporations (PNFCs) but improved for large PNFCs and OFCS in Q4 2020. However, lenders expect lower default rates on lending to all sized businesses in Q1 2021.�

According to the survey, lenders reported an increase in the availability of secured credit to households in the fourth quarter of 2020, relative to the previous quarter.

It stated that the changing economic outlook and increased market share objectives were major factors responsible for the increase.

Similarly, availability of secured credit was expected to increase in Q1 2021, with changing economic outlook and increased market share objectives as the likely contributory factors. “The proportion of loan applications approved in Q4

2020 decreased, as lenders tightened their credit scoring criteria. Lenders expect to further tighten the credit scoring criteria as they pre-empt the proportion of approved households’ loan applications to increase in Q1 2021. “Maximum Loan to Value (LTV) ratios remain unchanged in Q4 2020 and is expected to remain same in Q1 2021. Lenders were not willing to lend at low LTV ratios (75% or less) in Q4 2020 and Q1 2021. However, lenders were willing to lend at high LTV (more than 75%) in Q4 2020 and are willing to lend at high LTV (more than 75%) in Q1 2021. “The average credit quality on new secured lending improved in Q4 2020 and is expected to improve in Q1 2021. Lenders reported that the overall spreads on secured lending rates to households relative to MPR narrowed in Q4 2020 and are Continued on page 26

Analysts: Equities Market Rally to Extend to 2021 Goddy Egene Analysts at Cordros Securities have said the bull run in the equities market will extend into 2021.

After shedding over 20 per cent in the first quarter of 2020, the equities market witnessed a rapid recovery that has led to a gain of about 44.5 per cent so far.

However, in a report titled: ‘Nigeria in 2021:Positioning for New Normal,’ analysts at Cordros Securities said mix of elevated liquidity, low interest rates, attractive dividend yields, and earnings recovery argues in favour of an extension of the equity bull market into

CAPITAL MAKET 2021.

According to them, the performance in the fixed income market will be a tale of two halves, saying they expect yields to remain in the low single-digit territory through first half (H1) of 2021 with a moderate uptrend to account for reduced market participation as investors seek yields in other asset classes. “However, in the latter part of the year, we believe that a combination of weak market participation, revision of monetary policy to a tightening cycle, widening fiscal deficit, and fragile macroeconomic

environment will lead to an increase in yields over 2021. “Similar to the fixed income market, we also expect it to be a tale of two halves for Nigerian equities in 2021, with the market delivering further upside in the first half of 2021 before retracing slightly in the second half on an expected reversal in fixed income yields. The sources of risks remain plenty, the macro story remains uninspiring, and valuations are elevated,� they said.

Looking at some sectors of the market, the analysts stated that they are overweight on Nigerian banks as they expect a combination of strong dividend yield expectations, and

resiliency of sector players into the FY-21 financial period to support price performances.

According to them, in Nigeria’s cement sector, volume growth in 2021e will be modest due to the lingering impact of the pandemic on government finances and household income. “Although the stiff competitive landscape coupled with soft industry conditions will deter industry players from raising prices substantially, we still see scope for marginal increases in prices,� they said.

The analysts noted that for consumer staples, it’s a mixed bag, while agriculture stocks Continued on page 26

An asset management company, Alpha Morgan Group recently held itsannualretreat/awardceremonytorewardoutstandingemployees across its subsidiaries and divisions for their hard work, dedication and exceptional service to both clients and the company.

The event which took place in Lagos, was witnessed by members of the company’s management team, including its Group Managing Director, Mr. Ade Buraimo; Managing Director, Investment Banking Division, Mr.George Imade; Executive Director, Global Wealth Management (Abuja & Northern Nigeria), Adedoyin Coker and Head, Private Banking, Yimika Ogunlaja.

Buraimo in his remark, was quoted in a statement to have said the Alpha Morgan Group considers employees as its most prized assets hence its continuous investment in their welfare. “We consider our human resource as our most important asset.That is why we spare no cost in ensuring that they are well motivated and appreciated at all times. “This has been our philosophy, which reects on our employee productivity numbers year on year,â€? Buraimo added.

Also commenting on the company’s annual retreat, which preceded the award ceremony, Buraimo said the retreat aorded the team an opportunitytoundertakecriticalassessmentofthecurrentbusiness model and strategise on how best to deliver their brand promise of “securing wealth across generationsâ€? in the next ďŹ nancial year.

The highlights of the three days retreat/ award ceremony were the strategy session with Mr. Bismarck Rewane and the presentation of the sta of the year award to Mrs. Yimika Ogunlaja by the Group Managing Director.

The other award categories included long service award, most improved sta award, and some special recognition awards for exceptional sta.

Coinbase to suspend Trading in XRP

Cryptocurrency exchange, Coinbase Inc., said on Monday it would suspend trading in cryptocurrency XRP after the United States regulators last week charged associated blockchain ďŹ rm, Ripple with conducting a $1.3 billion unregistered securities oering.

The move by San Francisco-based Coinbase comes as the ďŹ rm is preparingforastockmarketlistingandhasconďŹ dentiallyappliedwith the US Securities and Exchange Commission to go public. It would be the ďŹ rst major US crypto exchange to list on the stock market.

According to Reuters, Coinbase said trading in XRP moved into limit on Monday, and would be fully suspended on January 19.

The SEC has charged two Ripple executives for personal gains they received from the oering.

Ripple created and sold XRP, the third-biggest cryptocurrency by market value. Founded in 2012, Coinbase is one of the most wellknown cryptocurrency platforms globally and has more than 35 million users in more than 100 countries.

Samsung Extends LCD Production

Samsung Electronics’ display unit said on Tuesday it will extend production of liquid crystal display (LCD) panels for TVs and monitors, as more people sought home entertainment during the coronavirus pandemic.

According to Reuters, Samsung Display’s decision to extend LCD productioninSouthKoreaforanunspeciďŹ edperiodoftimeoverrides its announcement in March that it would end all production by the end of the year to focus on more advanced technology.

Samsung Display said the length of the extension would depend on proďŹ tability considerations and market conditions. It had said in late October that it was considering a “short-termâ€? extension.

Local media outlet, ITChosun, had reported earlier onTuesday that production would be extended by a year at the request of Samsung Electronics’setmanufacturingdivision,citingunnamedtechindustry sources. A spokeswoman for Samsung Display declined to comment on the IT Chosun report. The stay-at-home trend sparked by the coronavirus pandemic led to a 30 per cent quarter-on-quarter spike in global panel demand in the third quarter of the year amid more TV and notebook demand, according to technology research ďŹ rm TrendForce.

“Africa simply cannot accelerate its development by relying solely on debt, especially expensive bilateral debt. Africa must grow by mobilising domestic resources, especially by unlocking it’s over $1 trillion President, AfDB

Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina

24

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 30, 2020 •T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 30, 2020 • T H I S D AY

25

26

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍąÍŽËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

BUSINESSWORLD CBN FORESEES SUSTAINED GROWTH IN PRIVATE SECTOR CREDIT expected to remain same in Q1 2021. Similarly, spreads for all lending types narrowed in the Q4 2020 and are expected to narrow in Q1 2021.�

In addition, the survey stated that household demand for consumer loans increased in Q4 2020 and was expected to increase in Q1 2021.

Similarly, it added that demand for mortgage/remortgaging from households increased in Q4 2020 and is expected to also increase in Q1 2021.

Secured loan performance, measured by default rates, worsened in Q4 2020 and was expected to remain unchanged in Q1 2021. “Bank lenders reported low loss given default by households in Q4 2020, and they also expect lower losses in Q1 2021. As lenders’ resolve to tighten the credit scoring criterion for total unsecured loan applications in Q4 2020, the proportion of approved total loan applications for households increased. “Lenders expect to also tighten the credit scoring criteria in Q1 2021 and anticipate that the proportion of approved loan applications will also increase.

ANALYSTS: EQUITIES MARKET RALLY TO EXTEND TO 2021

are likely to benefit from improved volumes from new maturities. “However, the border reopening is a significant risk to pricing and by extension top-line growth. “Brewery stocks are expected to record better volume growth in 2021FY, mostly due to the low base from 2020FY. However, the ability of brewers to increase prices above inflation remains constrained. Surging inflation and FX illiquidity will also put pressure on input costs and margins,� they said.

They added that on Telecoms, there is a potential negative impact on Q1-21 revenues and earnings if the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) does not extend the NIN registration deadline and lines are disconnected.

NEWS

North East Development Commission to Launch N6bn Endowment Fund Dike Onwuamaeze The North East Development Commission (NEDC) is set to launch a N6 billion Education Endowment Fund (NEDC-EEF) that would enable 29,466 indigenes of the zone to have access to higher education scholarship awards for Bachelors, Masters and Doctorates university degrees.

The NEDC also intends to use Information Communications and Technology (ICT) and agriculture as tools to rebuild the economy of the north-east that has been thoroughly devastated by the insurgent activities of the Boko Haram, a radical Islamic movement.

These activities were disclosed in a statement titled, “The NEDC Report Card for the Out-going Year 2020,� which was issued by the Head, Corporate Affairs of the NEDC, Mr. Abba Musa.

Musa, further revealed that the NEDC’s management and staff, under the leadership of its managing director and chief executive officer (CEO), Mr. Mohammed G. Alkali, have been working hard to fulfill its mandate to reconstruct, resettle and rebuild the region after more than a decade of devastation caused by the menace of Boko Haram insurgency.

The commission is saddled with the responsibility of developing the North East states

in terms of education, roads, health, agriculture, industries and above all peace and security of the region.

It expressed intention to collaborate with The United Nations’ agencies and other international donors, partners, NGO’s and community-based organisations to promote and rebuild the region as advocated

by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Musa said: “The NEDC-EEF is for the purpose of building the human capital of member states in the region. It shall

operate through provision of scholarships to deserving and eligible beneficiaries. “The commission shall put in place a board of trustees to prudently manage the N6 billion set aside for the fund. Part of the fund shall be specially used to cater for specific groups such as orphans, youths in sports and those whose education was forcibly truncated by the decade-long insurgency.�

The scholarships, according to him, should be granted to candidates at the Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degree

levels, across all the North-East states, as follows: 2,056 candidates for ICT skills; 2,056 beneficiaries to undertake bachelor’s degrees in relevant programmes in universities located in the North-east; 336 beneficiaries from the 112 local government areas of the North-East for master’s degree programmes in demand-driven areas in Nigerian or overseas institutions while 18 doctorate degree scholarships would be awarded to beneficiaries from 18 senatorial districts of the region.

The breakdown of the scholarship award also included a special

support to 5,000 beneficiaries such as orphans, those whose education were truncated by Boko Haram. “The project will also offer special support to post- secondary scholarship award to 2,000 beneficiaries of the Safe School Initiative, youths engaged in sports and training and re-training of teachers, nurses and midwives with target beneficiaries of over 20,000 annually,� Musa said.

The commission also planned to execute an Integrated Agricultural Scheme (IAS) that shall support smallholder farmers to

FINANCIAL INCLUSION

L-R: Retail Cluster Head, Ikeja, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Henry Oke; Head, Channels Management, Mr. Muyideen Apena; Zonal Service Manager, Ikeja, Mrs. Chinyelu Samuel-Johnson; Regional Service Head, Lagos, Mr. Patrick Akpareva, and Manager, Ikorodu Branch, Mr. Kayode Adetola, during the opening ceremony of an ultra-modern cash centre of the bank at Owutu-Ikorodu, Lagos‌recently

FCTAto Domesticate FG’s e-Government Master Plan Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has said it will align the automation and digitisation of its activities and work plan with the National e-Government Master Plan in the FCT in 2021.

The FCTA also pledged to improve efficiency and transparency of public service administration.

The Acting Director of FCTA Reform Coordination and Service Improvement (RC&SI) Department, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, revealed this at the unveiling of

the department’s 2021 work plan.

She stated that the department would embark on the domestication of federal government’s score-card for websites of FCTA and agencies under it in the month of February 2021.

Ahmadu, described the scorecard as an important index metric that the national e-government master plan has employed for determining the Nigerian e-government status, stressing that the scorecard was aimed at entrenching transparency and improvement in the delivery of services to the residents of

FCT by improving timely and unrestricted access to government information.

She added that the project would also involve sensitisation workshop on e-government master plan, skill gap assessment and measurement, capacity building on digital literacy and e-government index ranking.

The department’s work plan for the month of March would enhance skill of the administration by providing training programmes and development opportunities that expand staff capabilities, minimise skill gaps, adding

that improved staff engagement, increased residents satisfaction and optimised staff productivity would also be given the desired attention.

Other plans lined up for the months of April, May, June and July include to work with Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) to reintroduce mentoring and succession plan in the FCT Administration, work with BPSR to deploy Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for all agencies in FCTA, organise workshop on the use of new media to improve information management in the

FCTA and round table discussion on Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) to support FCTA respectively.

She indicated that in August 2021, the department intends to join BPSR advocacy on Basic Health Care Fund Domestication (BHCPF) implementation plan in FCTA that would assist the administration to benefit from the fund to uplift the standard and condition of Primary Health Care Centres in the FCT, while the department would in September organise workshop on ESP as it relates to the administration.

Nigeria’s GDP Growth Seen at 1% in 2021 Dike Onwuamaeze

Group Business Editor

ĂŒĂ“Ă˜Ă˜Ă‹ Ă’Ă“Ă—Ă‹ Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Comms/e-Business Editor

Ă—Ă—Ă‹ Ă•Ă™Ă˜Ă”Ă“ Senior Correspondent

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

Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽĂ&#x; äĂ? (Aviation) ĂœĂ™Ă—Ă™Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă? ĂŒĂ“Ă™ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜ (Maritime) Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă? Ă—Ă?ÔÙ (Finance) ĂŒĂ?ĂœĂ? åÙÔÓ (Insurance) Ă’Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă—Ă? Ă•Ă‹Ă?Ă™Ăœ (Energy) Emmanuel Addeh (Energy) Reporters

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

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has projected that the Nigerian economy will grow by one per cent in 2021.

The projection was contained in the LCCI’s, “Economic and Business Review for Year 2020 and Outlook for Year 2021,� released by its Director General, Dr. Muda Yusuf.

The Chamber also called on the federal government to implement structural reforms in order to stop

the perpetuation of the current recession and foster economic resilience in 2021.

The LCCI also stated that recovery from current recession would depend on the performance of oil prices in the international market and local crude oil production level in 2021.

The chamber stated that the growth outlook for Year 2021 would take full course most likely in the second quarter of 2021, due to the base effect of the second quarter 2020, when output contracted steeply by 6.1

per cent.

Yusuf said: “We expect the pace of recovery to remain subdued within the region of one percent in year 2021 in the absence of shocks. In our view, Nigeria’s recovery prospects depend largely on oil price and production level as GDP performance in recent quarters has significantly mirrored trends in both variables. “It is instructive to note that Q2-2017 growth recovery was facilitated by rebound in international oil prices rather than government’s intervention

efforts. We see a similar type of recovery in year 2021. However, shocks including resurgence in COVID-19 pandemic and significant oil price volatility are the major downside risks.�

The chamber also forecasted that the outlook for business environment in Year 2021 would not be very bright as there are no quick fixes for the structural issues and the desired regulatory and institutional reforms.

The LCCI warned that constraints to the ease of doing business like foreign exchange

shortage, escalating production costs, high regulatory costs, infrastructure inadequacies and delayed cargo clearance would persist into year 2021 if there is no bold policy pronouncements in terms of structural adjustments of the economy. “These constraints will be more profound on businesses in the real economy. While most MSMEs will struggle to survive in year 2021 amid unfavourable economic conditions, we expect most large corporates to demonstrate resilience in the coming year.

Polaris Bank Partners International Women’s Society on Vocational Skills Polaris Bank has been commended for its commitment to skills acquisition and empowerment of women in Nigeria. This commendation was given at the graduation and anniversary ceremony of the International Women’s Society (IWS) Skills Acquisition Center, Lagos, held recently. The event

which took place at the IWS Skills Acquisition Center, was graced by former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Oluranti Adebule, amidst other eminent dignitaries; as well as management of the center.

The erstwhile Deputy Governor, expressed delight at the level of work being done at the center to

elevate the socio-economic status of women in the state and country, adding that such exercise would promote the springing up of more micro enterprises, thereby addressing the scourge of unemployment in the state, especially among the womenfolk. She extolled the quality of vocational skills provided

to empower women, noting that, “the IWS Skills Acquisition Center was established to create empowerment opportunities and promote self-reliance, thus alleviating poverty and increasing the level of literacy and vocational skills among women.�

Speaking on behalf of Polaris

Bank, the Acting Group head, Customer Value Management & Strategic Communications, Bukola Oluyadi, was quoted in a statement to have used the opportunity of the graduation and anniversary ceremony to reaffirm the bank’s commitment to women empowerment.

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2020: Year of Uncertainty 2020 will go down in history as a year that was filled with economic uncertainties, writes Obinna Chima

F

rom the COVID-19 pandemic which led to the lockdown of major cities in the country as governments moved to halt the spread of the virus, the signiďŹ cant drop in the price of crude oil, Nigeria’s major revenue earner, among others, the outgoing year can best be described as a year of uncertainty in the world, especially for the Nigerian economy which has over the years been faced with anemic growth.

Clearly, the pandemic whose first case was recorded in the country around February, gradually transformed to an economic crisis and necessitated response from both the fiscal and monetary policy authorities.

Some of these included a review of the 2020 budget, shutting down of both domestic and international flights, introduction of palliatives, granting a moratorium on principal repayments for Central Bank of Nigeria’s intervention facilities; reduction of the interest rate on intervention loans from nine per cent to five per cent; as well as intervention by the coalition of private sector operators, CACOVID. Nevertheless, the measures were not sufficient enough as the ravaging effects of the pandemic negatively affected most economic indicators in the country.

Gross Domestic Product As stated previously, the effect of the lockdown that was necessitated by the pandemic took a toll on economic activities in the country. Owing to this, Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the third quarter of 2020 showed the country had entered its second economic recession in five years. The GDP contracted by 3.62 per cent in the third quarter of the year, compared to a growth of - 6.10 per cent recorded in the second quarter of 2020. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) had explained that the GDP performance reflected residual effects of the restrictions to movement and economic activity implemented across the country early in the second quarter of 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the review quarter, aggregate GDP stood at N39.09 trillion in nominal terms, compared to N34.34 trillion in the second quarter, while real GDP stood N17.82 trillion, compared to N15.89 trillion in the preceding quarter.

Growth in the third quarter of 2020 was boosted by the non-oil sector, which contributed 91.27 per cent to growth in real terms, higher than the 91.07 per cent in the second quarter, and 90.23 per cent in the third quarter of 2019.

On the other hand, the oil sector contributed 8.73 per cent to total real GDP in the third quarter of 2020, down from 8.93 per cent in the second quarter. Real growth of the oil sector contracted to 13.89 per cent (year-on-year) in the third quarter, indicating a sharp contraction of 20.38 per cent relative to the rate recorded in the third quarter of 2019.

The average daily oil production stood at 1.67 million barrels per day (mbpd), or 0.14mbpd lower than the production volume in the second quarter, and 0.37mbpd lower than the third quarter of 2019.

External Reserves In the outgoing year, due to the outflows recorded by the country as a result of external vulnerabilities, Nigeria’s external reserves dipped by $3.627 billion from $38.536 billion it was at the beginning of 2020, to $34.909 billion as of December 22, 2020.

Nevertheless, the total amount of foreign exchange inflow into the economy in the third quarter of 2020 was $21.46 billion, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The CBN, in its third quarter economic report, however, stated that aggregate forex inflow to the economy declined by 2.2 per cent below $21.95 billion recorded in the preceding quarter.

Besides, compared with the respective levels in the preceding and corresponding quarter of 2019, forex outflow also fell by 14.42 per cent and 57.3 per cent respectively to $7.70 billion in the review period. The development was attributed to the decline in outflow through the central bank and autonomous sources for most of the period in the review quarter. It had explained that the lull in economic activities led to lower demand for forex.

Purchasing Managers’ Index Due to the restriction of economic activities,

Balogun market the performance of the purchasing managers’ index which is used to gauge the direction of the manufacturing sector, was impacted negatively.

For instance, while the Manufacturing PMI in January stood at 59.2 index points, indicating expansion in the manufacturing sector for the thirty-fourth consecutive month, it slowed down in the second quarter of the year as a result of the lockdown. Owing to this, the PMI report for December 2020, stood at 49.6 index points, indicating a contraction from the expansionary level recorded in the month of November 2020.

Ination and Exchange Rate The Consumer Price Index (CPI) which is used to gauge inflation in the country has been on an upward trend since January this year.

From 12.13 per cent it was at the beginning of the year, inflation has risen to 14.89 per cent as of November 2020, with prediction of further inflationary pressure.

Also, during the year, the central bank adjusted the exchange rate at the official market window as well as other forex windows under its regulation. For instance, the official rate was devalued from N306 to a dollar to N360 to a dollar, while the rate for the Investors and Exporters window, among others was adjusted to around N380 to a dollar.

Given containment and prevention measures that constrained the functioning of important economic sectors such as trade, coupled with global spillovers (particularly the sharp drop in international oil prices) that signiďŹ cantly weakened both domestic and external demand, the shock to the economy was most severe in the second quarter of 2020 when it contracted by 6.1 per cent

However, the naira has continue to trade around N460 to a dollar due to the activities of forex speculators.

Given the increasing importance of Diaspora remittances, the Central Bank of Nigeria recently unveiled a new policy that grants unfettered access to foreign exchange rom Diaspora and other money transfer remittances. The new CBN policy allows beneficiaries of Diaspora remittances through International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) to henceforth receive such inflows in the original foreign currency through the designated bank of their choice. The regulation was part of efforts to liberalise, simplify and improve the receipt and administration of Diaspora remittances into Nigeria. With the new policy, recipients of remittances may have the option of receiving such funds in foreign currency cash (US Dollars) or into their ordinary domiciliary account. “These changes are necessary to deepen the foreign exchange market, provide more liquidity and create more transparency in the administration of Diaspora remittances into Nigeria,� the apex bank had stated.

Analysts’ Expectations Moody’s Investors Service predicted that Nigeria’s economic growth would be severely strained by the double whammy of COVID-19 and the volatility of the oil price in the international market.

According to the rating agency, the country’s credit profile reflects the country’s increasing exposure to fiscal and external shocks because of its weak government finances, which are constrained by an extremely narrow revenue base that hinders fiscal consolidation.

It said additional credit challenges stemmed from the political risks around the conflict with Boko Haram, potential attacks on oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta and growing income inequality.

Moody’s stated that the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated global downturn severely hurt economies in Africa, with the regional economy contracting for the first time in decades.

The rating agency explained that given containment and prevention measures that constrained the functioning of important economic sectors such as trade, coupled with global spillovers (particularly the sharp drop in international oil prices) that significantly weakened both domestic and external demand, the shock to the economy was most severe in the second quarter of 2020 when it contracted by 6.1 per cent.

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry

(LCCI) also projected that the Nigerian economy will grow by one per cent in 2021.

The Director General, LCCI, Dr. Muda Yusuf, also called on the federal government to implement structural reforms in order to stop the perpetuation of the current recession and foster economic resilience in 2021.

He also stated that recovery from current recession would depend on the performance of oil prices in the international market and local crude oil production level in 2021.

The chamber stated that the growth outlook for Year 2021 would take full course most likely in the second quarter of 2021, due to the base effect of the second quarter 2020, when output contracted steeply by 6.1 per cent.

Yusuf said: “We expect the pace of recovery to remain subdued within the region of one percent in year 2021 in the absence of shocks. In our view, Nigeria’s recovery prospects depend largely on oil price and production level as GDP performance in recent quarters has significantly mirrored trends in both variables.�

On his part, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, predicted that double-digit inflation in the country will remain and average at 16 per cent in 2021.

He also predicted the Central Bank of Nigeria will focus its monetary policy objectives on the attainment of price stability in 2021.

However, he warned that the pursuit of multiple objectives could undermine the effectiveness of the CBN’s monetary policy in 2021.

Rewane noted that a change in the interest rate policy would be likely in the in-coming year and, “will increase debt servicing costs.� “Nigeria is already in a liquidity trap. The CBN will have no choice but to raise interest rates as it prioritse price stability over economic recovery. The timing of an interest rate increase will be a function of money supply growth, federal government’s overdraft, galloping inflation and exchange rate pressures,� he said.

The FDC boss also predicted that Nigeria’s oil production would increase by 500,000bpd as OPEC agreed to ease output cuts from January 2021, to reach an average oil production of 1.65 (mbpd) from1.61 mbpd in 2020.

He said that the federal government, which is already confronted with wider fiscal deficit of N5.19 trillion in 2020, amid lower revenues, would attempt to spend its way out of the recession by significantly boosting domestic revenue mobilisation by broadening the excise base, increase the price of petrol and the raise the VAT rate gradually to the ECOWAS average of 15 per cent by 2025.

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Relishing the Benefits of Listing The shares of MTN Nigeria, Airtel Africa Plc and BUA Cement Plc have recorded significant growth in value reflecting the benefits of listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, writes Goddy Egene The Nigerian Stock Exchange has been a major contributor to the development of the nation’s economy by facilitating access to capital for corporate and the government. While corporate bodies access funds from investors to run their operations, government raise funds to develop infrastructure that have assisted the growth of the economy.

As part of the capital market ecosystem that facilitates capital formation, the NSE provides the platform for companies to list their shares and enjoy many benefits aside raising long-term capital.

Over the years, companies have enjoy these benefits and remained listed. Also, despite the benefits, some listed companies have opted out of the exchange citing various reasons.

By and large, the benefits of getting listed on the NSE are more than the demerits.

For instance, listed companies have access to growth-enabling capital as they can raise capital to finance strategic business objectives, both at the time of admission as well as through subsequent capital events, providing the stability required to achieve growth aspirations.

Also, listed companies enjoy a wider range of financing options and access to a diverse global investor base and large pool of public funds to finance growth. These companies are also able to use their quoted shares as currency to support acquisition and growth objectives.

Another positive for listed entities is that they benefit from a higher profile and visibility engendered by increased coverage from research analysts, investment banks, the media and investors, as well as potential inclusion in market indexes.

Being listed enhances the company’s status and credibility with business partners, customers and employees owing to the rigorous disclosure and governance standards required.

In the same vein, listed companies enjoy enhanced share liquidity and valuation because a public quotation provides an avenue for placing an objective market value on the business, as well as creating a liquid market for trading the company’s shares to unlock value.

In spite of the above benefits, which are among many others, some companies still feel reluctant to list their shares, while some that have listed exit. However, given the bull run that has lifted the market by 44.5 per cent, there are three companies that must now be celebrating their decision to list their shares on the exchange, given the value they have received so far.

These companies are MTN Nigeria Plc, which got listed in May 2019, Airtel Africa Plc that got admitted in July 2019 and BUA Cement Plc that got listed in January 2020. The value of these companies have witnessed a significant growth that ordinarily would not have taken place if their shares were not listed and investors given access to trade them.

For example, a total of 20.4 billion shares of MTN were listed at N90 per share, which a capitalisation of N1.836 trillion. The shares have appreciated to N160 per share, lifting its market capitalisation to N3.257 trillion as of trading last Thursday before the Christmas break.

To date, investors who bought the shares of MTN at N90 per share, have gained a capital appreciation of 77 per cent. During the listing of the shares, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema said the listing would promote liquidity for MTN Nigeria, enhance its value and increase transparency.

He said: “We are delighted to welcome MTN Nigeria to the exchange. The listing is a promising development in the country’s telecommunications sector and we encourage other players in the sector to explore the different opportunities in the capital markets for raising long term capital. As a listing platform of choice, today’s listing will add to our bouquet of diverse investment offerings to the public.

Having MTN Nigeria listed in our market is a testament of the exchange’s commitment to building a dynamic and inclusive market and creating channels for sustainable investment.�

In his comments, the Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Ferdi Moolman, said the company evolved from an ambitious start-up at the genesis of a new and emerging industry, to a business that is able to touch lives in every

Nse building corner of Nigeria. “We have established a sustainable platform for growth, from which we are able to meet the growing and dynamic needs of our customers, our communities and our country. This platform has been built through a sustained focus on customer-centric delivery, striving to ensure that every subscriber gets as much value for their money as possible. We are grateful to customers for their loyalty, and to our people, our partners and our regulators for the opportunity to continue to contribute to Nigeria’s growth story. We are only beginning to tap into the opportunities that connectivity enables and are fully focused on investing to connect every Nigerian, and to make social innovations like mobile electricity and high impact mobile solutions in education, healthcare and agriculture available in communities everywhere.�

On its part, Airtel Africa Plc, which is the parent company of Airtel Nigeria, had its 3.758 billion shares listed at N363 per share with a market capitalisation of N1.364 trillion. The company shares have soared to N851.80 per share, translating into a capital gain of 135 per cent. Also, its market capitalisation has jumped to N3.201 trillion.

Onyema had hailed the decision of Airtel Africa to list last year, saying it reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to expanding opportunities and providing everyday services to Africans and Nigerians in particular. “This listing serves to deepen the telecoms and technology sector for investors and provides an opportunity for a wider group of Nigerians to be part of the African telecoms growth story.

The listing is a promising development in Africa with Airtel Africa being the second company to have its ordinary shares listed on both the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and NSE. This gives credence to the successful partnership between the two exchanges. I encourage similar situated companies to explore the different opportunities for raising capital on the Exchange’s platform,� Onyema.

The Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa, Raghunath Mandava, had said the company was delighted to be listed on the main board of the exchange. “This is an exciting time for Airtel Africa in the 14 countries it operates in and an important milestone in our development as a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services in Africa,� he said.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya, said: “Nigeria is a great place for business and Airtel Africa remains committed to building a leadership position here. Investors have been interested to hear our story, and importantly they have been interested enough to invest in our business and are now ready to share the future with us.�

For BUA Cement, which is the West Africa’s second largest cement company, the listing was historic because it was done after the conclusion of the merger of two entities owned by the Group- Cement Company of Northern Nigeria and Obu Cement Company.

A total of 33.863 billion shares of the company were listed in January 2020 at N35 per share with a market capitalisation of N1.185 trillion.

However, the shares have appreciated by 71 per cent to N60 per share while the market capitlisation has increased to N2.032 trillion.

Speaking at the listing of BUA Cement, the CEO of the NSE, Onyema, had applauded the founder of BUA Group and Chairman of BUA Cement, Abdul Samad Rabiu, for bringing BUA’s expanded cement business to the exchange it as a “show of confidence in the value the NSE offers.�

The Managing Director of BUA Cement Plc, Yusuf Binji, had said BUA Cement was poised to add even more value to the Nigerian economy as a whole through this listing. “Over the past few years, we have significantly ramped up capacity and currently boast the most efficient and integrated operations in the Nigerian Cement Industry. This new publicly listed company will continue to deliver exceptional value to all stakeholders in the foreseeable future.�

Binji said the merger of the two companies provided a compelling opportunity to capture significant synergies and create value for the benefit of the shareholders of both companies in the form of stronger competitive position of the enlarged company, economies of scale, enhanced operations and administrative efficiencies that will accrue.

Rabiu had said the decision to merge was primarily motivated by the to ensure that the company was well positioned to grow and expand in the Nigerian cement industry. “The merger with Obu Cement will create an entity with increased production capacity. We

are of the opinion that the proposed merger will create a platform where significant synergies can be obtained for the benefit of our shareholders, employees, customers, distributors, suppliers and the broader economy,� he said.

Rabiu explained that the merger will increase the production capacity of the enlarged company to 8.0 million mtpa. “It is anticipated that in addition to meeting the demand from customers in our core regions in the country, the enlarged company would be positioned to distribute its products in new geographical markets, creating the potential for additional shareholder value creation,� he said.

The chairman noted that the merger would provide opportunities for significant cost savings and improved operational efficiencies by streamlining operations and optimising the use of combined resources.

On economies of scale, Rabiu said: “The merger will provide a platform where the enlarged company benefits from economies of scale in procurement, distribution and manufacturing of the products offered to our customers. We expect the benefits accruing from greater economies of scale to accrue to many stakeholders.�

According to him, CCNN shareholders will become shareholders of a larger and highly profitable entity, stressing that synergies created as a result of the merger would create additional value for shareholders. “Besides, the enlarged company will create a platform for further investment that will have a positive impact on the communities where the operations of the companies are present as well as for the economy as a whole,� the foremost industrialist declared.

He said this consolidation would mark the culmination of the first phase of the BUA mid-term strategic plan for its cement businesses, which currently include four cement plants spread across Obu Cement Company and the CCNN. “We intend to continue creating value for the benefit of shareholders of the consolidated company by maintaining their focus on outperforming the Nigerian cement industry across key indices through a laser-like commitment to excellent products and service delivery, operational efficiency as well as maintaining leadership position in their home markets,�

Rabiu said.

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Challenging Year for Insurance Sector Ebere Nwoji highlights events that shaped the insurance sector in 2020

T

he year 2020 is unarguably an exceptional year for the insurance sector and other businesses in the country.

This is due to the negative factors that slowed down normal business activities in the year.

These factors and their consequences exerted much pressure on government, cooperate citizens and individuals.

Against this backdrop, towards the end of the year, the Commissioner for Insurance, Sunday Thomas challenged insurance operators to rise to the task of reinforcing the economic resilience of individuals, businesses and the economy at large.

On their part, the insurers described the year as a challenging one that required operators at all levels to plan for the future to be in position to manage present and future risks confronting the industry.

Prominent among these challenges was the much dreaded COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdown on businesses which lasted between February and September 2020.

The consequences of the pandemic and its lockdown made insurance chief executives like the Managing Director, Anchor insurance, Mr. Austin Ebosa and his counterpart Mr. Ben Ujoatuonu of Universal insurance to describe the year as an exceptionaly challenging year for insurance sector.

During the year, the sector also struggled to realise its potential especially that of meeting regulator’s capital increase requirement.

With the lock down, although operators embraced work- from-home initiative as well as use of technology in product marketing and selling, most firms operated much below capacity.

The industry, while trying to come out of the pandemic was also faced with the challenge of the huge claims on account of the damages from the nationwide civil unrest that followed the #ENDSARS protests.

Though operators said they are yet to receive full report of quantum of claims from the unrest, unofficial report put the claims to be paid by insurers at N11 billion. The huge claims during the year was not peculiar to Nigerian insurers.

For instance, study on the impact of pandemic

by Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS), the parent body of Allianz Nigeria, had stated that the outbreak of the virus compelled global insurers to pay $110 billion claims in 2020.

The study also observed that the pandemic brought mixed feelings on risks experiences and risk exposures of global firms depending on business lines.

The Chief Claims officer of AGCS, Thomas Sepp, had said the wider changes in society and industry brought about and accelerated a long-term impact on claims patterns and loss trends in the corporate insurance sector. “The growing reliance on technology, shift to remote working, reduction in air travel, expansion of green energy and infrastructure and a rethinking of global supply chains will all shape future loss trends for companies and their insurers,� he had said.

Here in Nigeria, operators had to contend with customers’ demands and claims on business disruption in form of premium refunds. These included premium paid on travel insurance especially those whose flights were canceled as a result of the lockdown.

Also operators had to refund part of premium collected on motor insurance policies especially comprehensive motor insurance policies as well as on premium paid on aviation insurance as a way of retaining their customers’ good will.

The industry during the COVID-19 period collectively supported the federal government in the fight against the pandemic by contributing N11 billion for health insurance cover for the front line health workers.

The industry through the Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA), the umbrella body of insurance underwriters packaged life insurance cover for the health workers in addition to the individual companies’ contributions.

The sector during the year had a new commissioner for insurance, Thomas, who took over from the erstwhile commissioner, Alhaji Mohammed Kari.

Thomas, during the year made the recapitalisation exercise more convenient for operators by dividing the exercise into two phases.

With this, operating firms were given up to December, 2020, instead of June, to provide 50 percent of their required minimum capital, while making up the balance by December 2021.

Going by the new capital regime, life insurance underwriting firms, which currently trade with N2 billion as their minimum capital, will compulsorily by June 30th, 2020, shore up their capital to N8 billion, representing 300 percent increase.

Insurance firms underwriting general business were by the new paid-up share capital regime, expected to shore up their capital from N3 billion to N10 billion, showing over 200 per cent increase. Also, composite insurance firms, that is, firms underwriting both life and general business were expected have to raise their capital from the current N5 billion level to N18 billion, representing over 200 per cent increase, just as reinsurance firms will move up from the current minimum capital of N10 billion to N20 billion showing 100 percent increase.

With the two phase recapitalisation bid, each category of underwriter were required to raise 50 per cent of the above minimum capital by December 2020, while raising the

The growing reliance on technology, shift to remote working, reduction in air travel, expansion of green energy and infrastructure and a rethinking of global supply chains will all shape future loss trends for companies and their insurers

balance by December, 2021.

With the claims from the civil unrest, the insurers requested further shift in the recapitalisation exercise to enable them meet the claims emanating from the unrest.

Overall, struggle to meet the new capital requirement at the appointed time during the year kept the underwriting firms on their toes.

Their tension rose higher when NAICOM announced that it will not accept non-convertible assets as part of the capital. Indeed the insurers during the year continued to search for both foreign and local investors.

While some of them were lucky in this regard to get strong global players that injected funds into their operations, others were not as they resorted to rights issues.

Their adventure in this regard was made more difficult by the fact that insurance stock over the years have not been investors’ delight because aside being a penny stock, many insurance firms hardly pay dividends.

Owing to this, many firms’ offers were not fully subscribed.

Firms like Mutual Benefit Assurance, AIICO Insurance, Sovereign Trust Insurance among others currently have their rights issues in the market.

Aside the recapitalisation issue, the insecurity situation in the country impacted negatively on the industry during the year.

Indeed, the industry in 2020 suffered a carryover of some of the negative factors it suffered in 2019.

Non-enforcement of compulsory insurances was one of these negative factors as a result premium that would have accrued from buildings and other classes of compulsory insurances did not get to the insurers.

The problem of non-insurance of most government assets continued and stood as a loss for the industry.

Due to the insecurity situation, claims experience of most insurers failed to match their premium generation.

The overall effect was that most firms failed to grow their top line while realisation of the industry’s tall dream of metamorphosing to a trillion naira market remained a mirage.

With a total gross premium of the industry still hanging below N500 billion mark, much below the N1 trillion mark which the industry

started pursuing since 2009, operators alluded to the fact that their performance during the year under review was below optimal potential.

The image problem of the sector persisted during the year as operators rested the insurance rebranding project.

The industry within the year still grappled with the challenge of high speed of technological changes demography, and consumer needs and expectations Experts such as the PWC observed that developments in the business environment during the year continued to disrupt the industry traditional way of doing business and continued to put severe strain on traditional business models.

On the positive side, insurers during the year, for the first time after many years got their group life insurance premium fully paid by government.

Indeed, government in 2020 paid a total of N15 billion to the industry for Group Life Insurance of its work force.

This was disclosed by the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) Vice President, Mr. Tunde Oguntade.

Government had in 2020 appropriation bill, proposed N15 billion for payment of group life insurance of its employees.

Oguntade, confirmed that the insurers received the N15 billion premium on group life insurance of government workers.

Section 4 (5), of the Pension Reform Act, 2014 states that, “every employer shall maintain a group life insurance policy in favour of each employee for a minimum of three times the annual total emolument of the employee and premium shall be paid not later than the date of commencement of the cover.�

Still on the positive side, the Nigerian insurers for the first time during the year gained government recognition on account of the N11 billion life insurance cover they provided for frontline health workers.

They received commendation from President Muhammadu Buhari on account of this.

The industry operators, during the year continued to pursue their self-given target of enhancing insurance penetration in the country.

Suffice it to say that as challenging as the year 2020 was, it prepared the minds of insurers to plan for future occurrences and emerging risks.

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One Year of Deepening Rural Electrification Despite being a very challenging year for most sectors of the Nigerian economy, many remote Nigerian rural communities have had a reason to celebrate, being beneficiaries of some of the most impactful government interventions in the power sector, writes Emmanuel Addeh

H

aving been appointed as Managing Director of the Rural ElectriďŹ cation Agency (REA) in December last year, Mr. Ahmad Salihijo, fully got down to work in January 2020, setting the tone as to the changes he was bringing to the operations of the agency saddled with the responsibility of powering unserved and underserved communities in the country.

If things were going to be done differently, it had to start from within. That prompted a series of engagements and house-cleaning sessions at the REA headquarters where extensive discussions on new plans to ensure better delivery of the agency’s mandate were put in place. This was followed by the strengthening of zonal offices for the work ahead.

On a monitoring and assessment tour of projects, it was revealed that though called the rural electrification agency, many of the projects were not really rural in the true sense of the word. That was the first thing that changed: powering unserved communities that hadn’t, in some instances benefitted from the wonders of modern power supply for over 200 years.

Having properly engaged in inter-agency linkages, the REA embarked on revamping the Nigeria Electrification Project, the single largest electrification project in Africa.

With an existing $350 million grant from the World Bank, in 2020, the African Development Bank (AfDB) also keyed into the project with a $200 million sovereign fund to increase electricity access to 105,000 households, 20,000 MSMES and eight federal universities across Nigeria.

To ensure transparency in its processes, the REA strengthened its open bidding processes, following the strict rule of transparency and openness in the bidding processes of all its programmes.

Under the energising education project, the University of Abuja, University of Maiduguri, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Nigeria Defence Academy, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital as well as Federal University, Gashua, Yobe State, signed the terms sheets which outline the general terms, conditions, rights and obligations of both the agency and the beneficiary institutions.

Also, the standalone Solar Home Systems Component under the Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP) aimed at helping capable solar providers reach more underserved Nigerian households and micro enterprises (MSMEs) and provide access to better energy services at lower cost was revved up.

With seven companies recently signing on to the Output Based Fund (OBF), there are now 19 companies under the SHS portfolio, all with signed Grant Agreements. The objective is to electrify 1 million households and 90,000 MSMEs with reliable and affordable electricity.

In the heat of the Covid-19 pandemic, following a call to action by President Muhammadu Buhari, the REA said it deployed four solar hybrid mini-grids to power 4 Covid-19 Isolation centres in hard-hit states; FCT, Lagos and Ogun states. In that connection, several solar mini-grid now power these popular isolation centres across the country.

Added to this, is the Rural Electricity Users Cooperative Society (REUCS), which is specifically designed to encourage beneficiary communities to take ownership of mini-grid systems, while ensuring safety, productive use as well as sustainability of the mini-grids.

Aside that, under the Performance-Based Grant tied to the Nigeria electrification Project (NEP), the agency signed more grant agreements with developers in 2020 to enable the electrification of more off-grid communities.

For a start, two solar hybrid mini-grids were delivered to the inhabitants of Akipelai and Oloibiri villages in Bayelsa State, with a total capacity of 134.64kW for both communities under the PBG component of the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP).

A 234KW solar hybrid mini grid power plant was established in Shimankar community, Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State under the same programme.

Following this intervention, about 1,972 households, 273 commercial users, 5 productive

Salihijo users and 19 public users in the community now receive clean, safe and reliable energy to improve the socio-economic life of the community.

On the on-grid front, the REA noted that Unguwar-Dutse community in Malumfashi Local Government Area, Katsina State was powered with a 33/0.415kv transformer. So also was Ajijola, Osun state, electrified in the South West region of Nigeria, receiving a 300kva, 11/0.415 intervention using the grid extension option.

The mini-grids probably took the meat for the whole year, with the inauguration of the project at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM), Benue State, one of the beneficiary universities under the Phase 1 of the Energising Education Programme (EEP).

It received an 8.2MW Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid intervention designed to serve over 17, 000 students and staff members of the institution. All seven beneficiary institutions under the Phase 1 of the EEP are being funded from the Green Bond of the federal government.

Shimankar, Plateau state, now runs on a 234kWp Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid. Following this intervention, over 1,900 households, 273 commercial users, 5 productive users as well as 19 public users benefit from energy access.

In a bid to continue to drive the objective of the REF for equitable deployment of electricity infrastructure in off-grid communities, Eka Awoke community, located in Ikwo council, Ebonyi state, received a 100kW Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid designed to connect 500 residents, living in 300 residential buildings. 150 commercial buildings are also receiving clean, safe and reliable energy from this intervention.

In Bambami, a Katsina community, the area received the federal government’s intervention this year. The community in Batangarawa Local Government is now enjoying clean, safe and reliable energy through the deployment of a 30kWp Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid.

The story was not different for Budo-Are community located in Itesiwaju Local Government Area, Oyo State, which is now being sufficiently powered following the deployment of a 100kWp Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid under the Rural Electrification Fund (REF).

Olooji , a community located 60km off the

city of Ogun State, South-West Nigeria, was fortunate to encounter the work of the agency when it got 100kWp Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid under the Rural Electrification Fund (REF), 200 years after the community was founded.

The impact of REF, Call 1, was equally felt by the residents of Goton-Sarki, Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State where a 40kWp Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid was deployed to power the community.

The healthcare sector was a major beneficiary of the REA’s activities in 2020, as part of the agency’s wider objective to provide clean, safe and reliable energy to health institutions.

The popular Joint Hospital in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Anambra State received a 7.5kWp Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid designed to improve healthcare service delivery for the people of the community.

Furthermore, two strategically located hospitals received federal government intervention in Kogi State, through the REF, with a 65kWp Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid deployed at the 250-bed Cottage Hospital in Ukpogo Community, while a 5.4kWp Solar Hybrid Mini-Grid was deployed to power the Cottage Hospital, Adavi-Eba. A few weeks ago, the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), designed by the office of the Vice President and domiciled within the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) with a strategy document designed to revamp the Nigerian economy, post-Covid, was launched.

A critical programme under the ESP is the Solar Power Naija which has the REA as the implementing Agency. The programme is designed to power five million households, while serving about 25 million Nigerians in rural areas and under-served urban communities and providing 250, 000 jobs in the energy sector.

In just about a year in office, Salihijo, along with his mostly youthful and energetic team, appear to have been driven by the need to show that if given the chance, young people can actually transform the country.

In addition to the tens of projects that have now been officially inaugurated, there are quite a number of others that have been completed, but yet to be commissioned due to time constraints.

These include, the 85kw isolated solar mini-grid

in Dakitti, Akko council of Gombe state, the 1.12mw solar hybrid mini-grid at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, the 10.08Kwp solar mini-grid in Gamawa, Gololo and Odubo towns in Gamawa, Gadiwa community and the rehabilitation of a solar mini-grid in Marza’a and Munga communities, Hong council in Adamawa.

Some other projects scheduled for inauguration include the 1.35mw at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta state, 100kwp solar hybrid mini-grid at Adebayo community, Ovia South, 5Kwp solar mini grid at Adoration Orphanage , Egoro Amede and a 6.37kwp solar mini-grid at Ulemo, Edo State.

Salihijo, the REA boss, who has personally attended all the ceremonies in some of the remotest communities in the country requiring that bush paths should be created, to officially flag-off the projects, explained that they were all designed to provide clean, safe and reliable energy to the people of the benefitting communities.

Salihijo added that the benefitting communities will henceforth witness socio-economic transformation due to the availability of reliable and sustainable energy provided in collaboration with the private sector.

According to the REA boss, several of the projects would further aid more equitable access to electricity across regions, while maximising the economic, social and environmental benefits of rural electrification subsidies. “Through the Rural Electrification Fund (REF), we have continued to promote expansion of the grid and development of off-grid electrification as mandated by the federal government of Nigeria. “This solar hybrid mini-grid is designed to serve the communities while also stimulating productive use amongst community members.�

According to the MD, providing and increasing energy access to millions of Nigerians through off-grid solutions is critical as the end goal is to ensure the equitable delivery of the social and economic benefits that will improve lives across the nation.

He noted that with the support of the Muhammadu Buhari administration as well as the guidance of the federal ministry of power, the objective was to close the energy gap in Nigeria faster. “We, therefore, have no doubt about the continued impact of the federal government’s power sector roadmap as well as our capacity at REA to leverage on off-grid technologies such as these to transform and catalyse rural socio-economic growth and development in Nigeria,� he emphasised.

So, whether in Budo-Are community, Itesiwaju local government, Oyo state, where the official inauguration of a 100KWP solar hybrid minigrid project took place or Olooji community, Ijebu East, Ogun State, that never knew how electricity looked like for about 200 years after it was founded in somewhere in the far north, one similar thing among all the beneficiaries was the joy they expressed and the many smiles on their faces.

For instance, in Olooji, a community of about 4,500 residents, it was almost like a carnival as the local leaders who danced without any hindrances said they had never had power supply nor used basic home appliances because of the absence of electricity since the community was first discovered.

The supply of power in that community whose main crops are cocoa, kolanut , palm oil and timber merchandising, will now be able to engage in small scale entrepreneurial activities in the area.

Head of Unguwar Dutsen, Katsina, Mr Gambo Wada, for example described the commissioning as a major development, noting that business opportunities in farming, processing, storage, and external trades would become a reality for the people in the area. “I must appreciate the people of Unguwar Dutse and the state government for this project. It is my prayer that it will help increase our commerce and trade, especially as our local economy is dependent on trade,� he stated.

And everywhere the REA team went, they brought light to swallow the decades and sometimes, centuries of darkness in those communities. For the beneficiaries, despite its many vicissitudes, 2020 remains their year of light.

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Revamping the Oil Palm Sector Ummi Kabir

O

il palm used to be the mainstay of the economy of the then Eastern Region which has now been split into nine states. The giant strides attained by the old Eastern Region government under Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and Dr Michael Okpara were mostly ďŹ nanced from that resource. It is on record that palm oil played a signiďŹ cant role in drawing the attention of the international community to Eastern Region as one of the fastest growing economies in the world pre-civil war.

Over the years, two issues impacted negatively on the cultivation of the crop resulting in nottoo-enthusiastic indulgence in it as a revenue venture. It became more or less a crop cultivated for self-sustenance. The civil war destroyed most of the plantations. What was left lost its attraction with the discovery of hydrocarbon in commercial quantity in the zone that used to be the home base of the perennial crop. Ever since, its relevance in the economic activity of the country has been greatly down played to the extent that a country that used to be a net exporter of this produce is now a net importer even for domestic use.

The civil war apart, oil palm cultivation suffered the same fate like most other agricultural practices.

The same neglect that almost destroyed the rice, cotton, maize and other crops also affected oil palm. Nobody was interested in going to farm when there is easy money from petroleum.

The little quantity of palm oil that is produced in the country is playing its role no matter how small in the economic diversification agenda of the Governor of Central bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, using the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP). Experts point out that the price of a barrel of palm oil competes very favourably with the price of a barrel of crude oil. Regardless, there seem to be a deliberate lack of interest in harnessing this cash crop which, like crude oil, when cracked, can yield a lot of derivatives that can be harnessed to improve revenue earnings from that sector.

It is in realisation of the bounteous potentials of this crop that Mr Emefiele and the CBN are reworking the framework on lending to tree crops with emphasis on oil palm. This much was confirmed by a spokesperson of the National Palm Producers Association of Nigeria (NPPAN), Mr Alphonsus Inyang, who also said that it takes up to three years to produce a viable palm tree.

This may seem a long term investment but

EmeďŹ ele when it starts to yield, it can last for up to 40 years. How many petrol stations can last for 40 years? The few that do will have to be rebuilt, reconstructed and rehabilitated on a regular basis for them to remain in business. This ought to be enough attraction for high networth investors to think of investing heavily in the sector. But is it? The average Nigerian investor is impatient.

Gestation period means little or nothing to them.

The emphasis is on fast income yielding businesses, buying and selling, contracts, oil and gas.

The average Nigerian businessman is averse to risk- taking. For them, agriculture is susceptible to the elements and natural disasters do occur most times. But disaster also do occur elsewhere too.

That may explain why the CBN is stepping in to galvanise investment attraction in that direction. The apex bank is set to reassure and encourage investors that agriculture, including oil palm production, is the way to go. The future may very well depend on it. Presently, NPPAN members are largely small holder farmers who produce 80 percent of the total volume of palm oil in Nigeria while the big players produce the balance of 20 percent. For the sector to grow on a sustained basis, big investors in the public and private sectors must step in and step up.

Currently, the total number of hectares of

plantations in Nigeria is under 700,000 while Indonesia leads the pack with 12 million hectares followed by Malaysia with eight million hectares.

The curious aspect of this narrative is that these two countries picked their first seedlings from Nigeria.

Now, and sadly too, the country is importing palm oil and its derivatives from these Asians countries. Nigeria is number five in the world with 1.5 percent of the world production which is just over one million metric tons per annum.

That narrative is about to change as the CBN is set to replicate the revolution in rice and maize production also in the palm oil sector.

The major reason for the low production is the ageing plantations and the lack of investments from private players and governments at all levels in the crop. The oil palm sector has created over five million jobs across the different layers of the value chain and the association plans to collaborate with other interest groups to develop 250,000 new hectares of plantations across the country per annum from 2021 wet season in order to conserve foreign exchange wasted in importing the produce.

Agriculture of which the oil palm sector is a key crop holds the future in the economic diversification policy driven by the CBN. Its prosperity potential for Nigeria can be gleaned from this breakdown

of how it can hold its own in the country as a high revenue-yielding crop that can also make its own contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

It is a fact that one oil palm tree generates N1 million in 40 years and there are 143 of them in one hectare which translates to N143 million per hectare per lifespan. If there are one million hectares which the association claims it has the capacity to do within two years given all the necessary support, it will be N143 million multiplied by one million hectares. Do the math yourself and see what the nation is denying itself.

It is on record that oil palm is the most prolific seed oil in the world producing 20 times more than soybeans per hectare. One hectare is primed to generate up to N3 million profit per year after three years of planting.

It is, therefore, encouraging that 24 states which have comparative advantage in the production of oil are making moves to pick up the gauntlet. It is expected that if each of them can make available 100,000 hectares per year for plantation development, Nigeria can announce her arrival in the sector.

NPPAN is upbeat about what it is capable of doing to restore the glory of this sector and make it as important as hydrocarbon if not more by virtue of the fact that it is a renewable resource.

There is no denying the fact that oil palm industry is any investor’s dream. They don’t need a nudge to notice that the oil palm sector is a high-yielding virgin sector with a lot of potentials and waiting to be exploited. On the part of the association, I commend their effort so far to keep the sector healthy and rearing to go. All that is required is for investors from both public and private sectors to take advantage of this opportunity that beckons.

I also commend ongoing moves by the CBN to attract investments in the sector. It is something worth doing.

The Bank must remind the governments that universities, hospitals, roads, schools were built and scholarships awarded with proceeds from palm oil. CBN must drum it into the ears of state governors that agriculture is the most effective way of actualising their plans of an enhanced and reliable internal revenue profile. They must be made to understand that the regions, with agriculture, were self-reliant enough not to bother about federal allocation. With sustained policy thrust, determination and strength of purpose, it can be done again. t,BCJS JT B QVCMJD BGGBJST BOBMZTU

New Dawn for Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort Oluchi Chibuzor There’s a new dawn for the hospitality sub-sector in particular and the tourism industry generally in Akwa Ibom State.

The recent appointment of Icon Hotels and Resorts Nigeria as the new managers of Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort in Uyo, the state capital, is a clear signal that great times have befallen the state’s tourism sector which has been waiting to be explored. Indeed, this development couldn’t have come at a better time especially following the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic on the sector.

It has been reported that the tourism and hospitality sub-sectors have been hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic on a global scale with growing and staggering estimate of the industry loss.

The situation is not very different in Nigeria and Akwa Ibom state where hospitality is one of the major sub-sectors planned for economic growth. Losses are unquantifiable.

The appointment of Icon Hotels and Resorts Nigeria, the Nigerian subsidiary of Icon Hotel Group Africa (IHGA), a pan-African hospitality giant, for the arduous task of turning around the fortunes of Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort is one that has been hailed by industry players and commentators as a step in the right direction.

This comes on the heels of the pedigree the Icon Group has in African hospitality management.

The group is reputed to be one of the fastest growing end-to-end hospitality service providers on the African continent, offering high level consultancy on different aspects of hospitality and management of projects from foundation to completion.

In just nine years of existence, the hotel group has become an industry leader with demonstrable expertise in the conceptualization, actualization

Emmanuel and management of world-class hospitality projects in different parts of Africa.

With a strong footing in East Africa where its name strongly resonates in the hospitality industry, IHGA has in recent times made inroads into the West African sub-region with Nigeria and now fast establishing presence in Benin Republic, Senegal and Cameroon.

In Nigeria, the Group announced its entry grandly when it brought its expertise to bear on the successful turnaround of the former Best Western Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, through its Nigerian subsidiary – Icon Hotels and Resorts Nigeria.

The exercise saw a complete turnaround and rebranding of the hospitality facility to become

BWC Hotel, offering best-in-class services that compare with any hotel in Lagos and, indeed, the world.

That is the pedigree Icon Hotels is onboarding for the management of Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, the flagship of hospitality in Akwa Ibom State.

With the new development, there is heightened excitement in the hospitality industry and indeed the state on the prospects of a turnaround of the fortunes of the hotel. Indeed, expectations are quite high on what it portends for the state’s economy in the short, medium and long run, beginning with enthronement of an improved culture of excellence in service delivery, dinning experience and welcoming ambience in line with international standards befitting of the hotel’s global clientele.

Recall during the handover ceremony, Governor Udom Emmanuel underscored the high expectation of the management company’s performance in the next 12 months.

The governor, who was represented by his chief of staff, Ephraim Inyang-Eyen, pledged the support of his government to Icon Hotels & Resorts Nigeria in the discharge of their task in ensuring Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort becomes one of the leading hospitality brands on the African continent. He sought innovative ideas that would attract patronage for the hotel by the hospitality managers and in particular the tourism development of the state.

Without a doubt, the hospitality giant led by the czar of hotel business, Mr. Fred Maina - the Group Chief Executive Officer of IHGA, pledged the company’s commitment to ensuring a fully revamped and globally competitive hotel brand within the shortest possible time.

According to Fred Maina, IHGA & its subsidiary,

IHRN have a well-crafted and efficient business and operating model that will enable the hotel record unprecedented boost in customer experience from service delivery, excellent cuisine and ambience with international standards and well-trained personnel. IHGA excels in the area of professional training and development and is committed to bringing East African excellence in training on international hospitality best practices to bear on the staff of the hotel, while providing training opportunities to other hospitality service providers in the State.

Mr. Adetope Kayode, the Chief Executive Officer of Icon Hotels and Resorts Nigeria, echoed the same sentiment at the prospects of the improved fortunes of Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, which means a lot not just to the hotel, but the State in general.

According to him, it will signpost the future of tourism development in the State, creating value and boosting the State’s economy. With the expected rise in standards of service delivery to bring it in line with what obtains globally, the hotel is expected to become the benchmark for the standard of hospitality services in the state – one that other service providers would strive to emulate in order to be competitive. This is a positive development for the rich hospitality culture for which Akwa Ibom is well known.

There is also the fact that management of Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort by the renowned hospitality experts will transform guest experience at the hotel into a full-fledged resort experience for diverse groups including corporates, leisure seekers and families. One of the stated objectives of the Icon Group is to transform the hotel into the undisputed premier destination for MICE in the country.

Truly, something good has come to the hospitality industry in Akwa Ibom State.

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

President of the World Peace Ambassador, Per Stefsen (right) and Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, Mr John Lebo,during the presentation of the United Nations Peace Ambassador Award,to the Speaker by Stefsen in Calabar...recently

Representatives of Mothers United & Mobilised (MUM), an NGO, Pat Marcus-Jinadu; BeneďŹ ciary, Mrs Omobolanle Bakare and Mrs Tessy Ayo-Ajakaiye, during a presention of cheque of N100,000 to support Bakare whose husband, Kareem Rasheed, was killed by stray bullet during the EndSARS protest in Lagos... recently

L-R: Project Director, Top yers Magazine, Pastor Collins Peters; Founder/President, Blessed Hope Foundation, Mrs Titilayo Eboh and Mrs Oluwatoyin Soyoye; at the “Iconic Philanthropist woman of the year Award in Abuja... recently PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

Governor of Ekiti State,. Kayode Fayemi (right)and , Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr Funminiyi Afuye during the presentation of 2021 Budget of Recovery and Economic Restoration totaling the sum of N109,666,376,722.61 to the Assembly members in Ado Ekiti...recently

Cross section of the family during the burial service for the late Chief Harry Ayoade Akande held at St David’s Anglican Cathedral Church, Kudeti, Ibadan...recently

Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Mr. Simbi Wabote, FNSE (left) and Project Coordinator, Independent Project Monitoring Company Limited (IPMC), Mr. Ayodeji Adeniran (right), at the NCDMB Service Delivery Forum and Stakeholder Engagement, in Abuja...recently

L-R: Head of Surveillance, Intelligence and Monitoring Unit, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Sulaiman Isa; Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Omale Anebi of the Force CID, Alagbon; and Chief Security OďŹƒcer, United Allied Spare Parts Dealers Association, Chief Onyeka Ozorkwalu, during a raid by SON, on manufacturers of adulterated engine oil at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos...recently

L-R: Former Rivers Governor, Mr Celestine Omeha; Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers; Former Ondo State PDP governorship aspirant, Mr Eyiayo Jegede; and Speaker of Rivers House of Assembly, Mr Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani, at the inauguration of Woji Road, Obagi Street in Port Harcourt...recently

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 30, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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EDUCATION 2020: Year of ASUU Strike, Schools Closure, New Normal 2020 witnessed an unprecedented closure of most sectors of the economy; education being the worst hit with the prolonged strike by academic staff union of public universities and delayed reopening of schools after the lockdown. In this report, Uchechukwu Nnaike and Funmi Ogundare recount activities that shaped the outgoing year

2

020 can best be described as a year of uncertainty and struggle in the education sector. While the devastating effect of the COVID-19 pandemic was not envisaged, the indefinite strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) was inevitable, following series of disagreements between the federal government and the union over unpaid salaries and allowances and the refusal of ASUU members to enrol in the Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System (IPPIS), among other issues.

However the prolonged strike resulted in frustration and disappointment among students, parents and other stakeholders, as some students got engaged in various activities, both positive and negative, while the strike lasted.

Eventually, students heaved a sigh of relief as the strike that commenced on March 23, was suspended on December 23, though conditionally.

Coincidentally, ASUU embarked on strike the same day the National Universities Commission (NUC) directed universities across the country to shut down for one month to prevent the spread of the virus. Prior to the order by the NUC, the Federal Ministry of Education had approved the closure of schools as a response to the pandemic.

The schools closure and lockdown ushered in the new normal, as schools and teachers deployed various means of educating their students virtually while at home.

Unfortunately, the pandemic exposed the substantial inequalities in the sector, it led to more children being out-of-school, as children in rural and underserved communities in the country were left behind because they were not equipped to adapt or transition to new methods of learning.

Students in state and federal universities across the country also suffered the consequence of the prolonged ASUU strike, as their academic calendar was destabilised, resulting in an extra year and delayed admission of new students.

On the other hand, their counterparts in private universities took academic work online and the institutions conducted virtual convocation ceremonies.

While the strike lasted, the country recorded increased cases of crime, rape and other forms unrest, which were attributed to the youths, who are taking out their frustration on the society. The #EndSARS protest in October was said to have witnessed large turnout of youths because they were idle and bored as a result of the prolonged ASUU strike and the restricted movement as part of the COVID-19 protocols.

Despite the challenges already confronting the sector, it received a meagre 5.6 per cent of the total budget for 2021, which is way below the recommended benchmark. In the 2021 budget proposal presented by President Muhammadu Buhari to the National Assembly, the sector got an allocation of N742.5 billion. In the breakdown, N579.7 billion is for personnel cost, N35.4 billion for overhead cost, while N127.3 billion is dedicated to capital expenditure. The headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Education was allotted N65.3 billion and the Universal Basic Education which supervises education at the primary and secondary levels, received N77.6 billion. The remaining was shared across other institutions under the ministry.

In spite of the Coronavirus pandemic, which led to the postponement and delay in the conduct of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates, the outgoing year, saw the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) recording progress with 65.2 per cent of the candidates obtaining credit in a minimum of five subjects. There were uncertainties that many students may fail the examination as a result of the prolonged

Buhari

Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu

schools closure.

The Head of National Office (HNO), Mr. Patrick Areghan, who announced the results in Lagos, said a total of 1,003,668 candidates obtained credit and above in a minimum of five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, while 1,338,348 candidates, representing 86.99 per cent, obtained credit and above in a minimum of five subjects.

In order to ensure quality service delivery and give deserving candidates an opportunity to excel, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) conducted the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and released its results at a record time for about 1,949,983 candidates, while putting in place the COVID-19 safety guidelines.

It prunned down on crowds at the CBT centres and ensured that its services were not only active and available online, but were not disrupted in any way as a result of the pandemic.

The Director of Public Relations of the board, Dr. Fabian Benjamin in a statement, said it started with 250 persons at various centres at the beginning of the exercise, but the numbers were later reduced to ensure that candidates were not unnecessarily crowded in a place.

In the outgoing year, the board held the second edition of the National Tertiary Admissions Performance Merit Award for 2019, where it rewarded five best performing tertiary institutions in the country with N375 million. They were: University of Ilorin, which got the Most Subscribed Institution by candidates award, as well as Highest Number of Admitted International Students; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, won the Most National Institution in Admission of Candidates award.

Others were; Federal University, Wukari, Taraba, which won the Most Improved Institution in Gender Balance, while Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa, received the Most Compliant Institution in keeping to guidelines of admissions. They got N75 million each.

The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, who congratulated the benefiaciary institutions, lauded JAMB’s efforts at ensuring excellence, adding that the federal government would continue to play a critical role in teaching, learning and research.

In their assessment of the sector, some stakeholders said though 2020 has been a tough year, it is a year that innovation thrived.

In her submission, the Director of Archdeacon Brown Education Centre, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Ms. Ibim Sementari said players in the sector have been compelled to rethink the usual and be disruptive in the solutions they provide. “One thing that has happened is that more and more schools and education service providers are leaning heavily on technology.

The year has actually hastened the migration

to digital platforms for many schools.�

Unfortunately, she said the sector has taken quite a hit and with so many people loosing their jobs, many schools are finding more parents not being able to pay the fees as they used to, adding that schools have had to review their payment plans.

The Vice-Chancellor of Glorious Vision University, formerly Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa, Edo State, Professor Idowu Babatunde expressed concern that the present administration has done nothing to increase education budget, instead the allocation has dwindled within the last five years, despite the fact that the country has not been able to meet UNESCO’s benchmark for education budget. “Regrettably, even the implementation of the laughable budget is another matter altogether. Check the records, less than 65 per cent of the budget is implemented. Take this to the bank; this country can never make progress following this trajectory,� he said The VC regretted the ASUU and federal government impasse, which led to the protracted industrial action in public universities, saying that at a time when various governments around the world were increasing funding for their universities in order to encourage research on COVID-19, Nigeria shut down all public universities.

He also expressed concern that Nigeria spent over nine months negotiating whether university teachers were deserving of their wages, after which an agreement was reached. “This leaves us to wonder why such decision was never taken. Expectedly, professors and other scientists in these universities paid more attention to hunger occasioned by non-payment of salaries. I read an article recently which indicated that more professors and scientists in other climes became billionaires because of the medical research during this pandemic. “I may want to add that with the first three days of the strike, the academic calendar for 2020 has been messed up. It will take over five years for the calendar to be normalised; if another industrial action is avoided. Even if we normalise the calendar, can we bring back the precious research opportunities that we lost?�

Professor Babatunde argued that while serious lessons were learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic in other climes, it appears Nigerian education sector learnt nothing, adding that with the outbreak of the pandemic, so many countries quickly switched to online learning. “A lot of investment went into e-education in other countries. For Nigeria, there was no official implementable government policy on e-learning during the pandemic. In fact, there was no direction and coordination. One had expected the federal and state ministries of education to come up with an implementable policy on digital learning. “None of these happened. Rather, the Federal Ministry of Education and Ministry of Labour

were busy negotiating with ASUU. In fact, I am forced to agree with some observers who believe that the protracted strike was designed to distract the Nigerian people from the lack of capacity and direction on the part of the government. Let us not forget that this country has no steady power and good internet connectivity. These two are required for an effective online learning.�

He stressed the need for government at all levels to have the political will to implement UNESCO recommendations on education, as well as the deliberate effort to grow the sector.

The Chief Executive Officer, Lonadek Global Services, Dr. Ibilola Amao expressed concern that Nigeria has performed woefully in terms of progress in education in the outgoing year, adding that with the ASUU strike lasting for nine months, there is not much to be proud of. “Most significantly, in a pandemic, when democratising and domesticating technology is key to national development and socioeconomic transformation, Nigeria has not performed well.� She said education must be a priority if the country must achieve its full potential. “Based on the UNESCO’s official records from the EFA global report and World Education Forum 2015, 15 to 20 per cent of a country’s budget should go to education. Sadly, this recommended 15-20 per cent minimum budgetary allocation has not been achieved by the last two Presidents of Nigeria- Jonathan and Buhari (2014: 176,404,931) 10.6 per cent, Buhari (2020: 210,000,000 approx) 6.7 per cen according to sources: Ministry of Finance, BudgIT and PwC). It is sad that the population increase of 19 per cent has not been met with improved investment in education, rather spending on education has reduced by about 4 per cent.�

Amao regretted that since the academic barrier for politicians has been set so low, today a school certificate failure (provided she or he has a certificate) can aspire to lead in Nigeria. This she said is sad and has grave consequences on the nation.

For a nation that goes on six to nine months of ASUU strikes in almost every political dispensation, Amao opined that blended learning or online learning would be a better offer to the teeming youths who should be competing with their global counterparts. “Most nations with natural resources are leveraging innovation, Technical and Vocational Enterprise (TVE) institutions which are better suited to accelerate development and wealth creation. For a nation like Nigeria where key resources like cocoa, timber, rubber, gold, precious metals, cashew, groundnut, cotton, etc, need to be processed to create jobs and wealth thus diversifying Nigeria from her petroleum dependency as a mono-economy, there isl need for traction in enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).�

She said the country must develop multicultural, multi-lingual Africans that accept continuous learning and development as a culture wherever they are and develop the ability to convert issues, challenges and problems into opportunities, projects, initiatives and businesses. “The future and leadership of Nigeria should be bequeathed to well-educated human capital asset that are digitally empowered to make Nigeria a safe nation of educated, enlightened, empowered, engaged and entrepreneurs,� she said.

To ensure that Nigerians can compete favorably with improved standard of living in the near future, Amao said at least 20 per cent of the annual budget should be invested in education; the best brains locally and in diaspora should be encouraged to bridge the development gap, while the bar of competence and educational performance should be raised for any individual who plans to lead a nation as complex as Nigeria.

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T H I S D AY Ëž DECEMBER 30, 2020

EDUCATION

UNILAG VC NUT Loses Patience with Ikpeazu,Vows to Bemoans Increased Shut Schools over 15-months Salary Arrears Electricity Tariff, Says Varsities May Face Challenges in 2021 Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia

Funmi Ogundare The Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe has expressed concern over the sharp increase in electricity tariff, saying that universities in the country are likely to face challenges as a result by the time schools resume next year.

Ogundipe, who raised the alarm recently, while giving an account of his stewardship during a media parley in Lagos, said before the COVID-19 lockdown, UNILAG was paying between N61 million and N62 million monthly as electricity bill, but with the increase in tariff, the university will be paying more than N90 million when students return to their hostels. “Already, we have spent N45 million to buy diesel in three to four months that students are not on campus. Paying such a huge amount will certainly be a serious problem for the university,� he said, adding that UNILAG is planning to expand its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and lay the foundation of a unique building project.

Asked about the development on the sexual harassment allegations levelled against a lecturer in the Department of English Language, Professor Segun Awonusi, the vice-chancellor said the case has not been swept under the carpet, adding that the institution is waiting for the accuser to come forward to testify before the probe panel handling the matter. “We want to assure you that

this university will not cover any evil act. The committee headed by Professor Agomo is still in existence. If there is anybody involved in sexual harrasment, there are policy now on such issues. UNILAG has zero tolerance for sexual harrasment and any untoward practices.�

Explaining why there was division among staff when the institution witnessed the crisis that led to his suspension, Ogundipe said: “Anywhere you have three people, there will always be division, you cannot carry everybody along with you.

In the next three weeks, we will be meeting with teaching and non-teaching staff and speak to their minds. We will do everything possible to work together and put the interest of the university ahead.�

Reacting to some issues that led to the crisis, he said his administration has been doing everything to ensure that its transaction is transparent and prudent in the management of resources.

The VC who used the occasion to inaugurate AVAS Technologies Limited, an innovative technology company, said the university has been exposing its students to entrepreneurship so that they can start businesses of their own.

The Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Mr. Faheed Olajide, expressed its willingness to partner other corporate organisations and institutions to support students and provide homegrown solutions to schools and individuals.

Augustine Varsity Inaugurates Multi-million Naira Bottle Water Production Plant The Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Lagos, Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie, has donated a multi-million naira water plant to Augustine University, Ilara, Epe Lagos; built with state-of-the-art facilities to provide potable bottle water.

The cardinal while speaking at the inauguration of the plant recently, thanked those who assisted him to donate the water plant and other laudable development at the institution.

Okogie, who is also the founder of the university, thanked the Proprietor of the institution and Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins for his fatherly and extraordinary care of the staff and students of the institution.

He also thanked the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Professor Steve Afolami for first selling the idea of the water plant to the institution.

According to Okogie, “taking a leap from the English proverb that, ‘necessity is the mother of invention’, the institution took the initiative to proffer a permanent solution to water problem on the campus. It was the need for regular water supply that led us to a water plant. “As our ace musician Fela

Anikulapo would say, ‘water no get enemy’. It therefore becomes expedient to source for a means for potable water because it is a basic necessity of life.�

The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the institution, Sir Steve Omojafor revealed that the decision to build the water plant was after seeing students on the campus going round to get drinking water.

He added that schools like Maryland Comprehensive Schools provided water plant for its students, saying that this is one of the things that motivated the school to build the water plant.

Omojafor added that the idea started from the Governing Council, saying that while seeking for a donor, the cardinal volunteered to sponsor the project which was initially at N20 million.

In his remarks, Archbishop Martins said the water plant is one of the tasks by the cardinal to contribute to the development of the university. “Water is essential, but can’t be useful if it is not treated.

This is just like how Elijah in the Bible purify water before it could be useful. In Augustine University, we don’t only have purified water, but also sanctified water.�

Abia State school system is facing the prospect of abrupt paralysis early next year as the national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has vowed to shut down all public primary and secondary schools in the state.

The NUT national leadership had early December warned Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of the impending shut down of schools over the non-payment of 15 months salary arrears said to be owed primary and secondary school teachers.

In the letter titled ‘The Plight of Teachers in Abia State’, dated December 2, 2020 and signed by

the NUT President, Dr. Nadir Idris and the General Secretary, Dr. Mike Ike Ene, the union gave Ikpeazu 21 days to clear the salary arrears or risk indefinite closure of schools.

But with no sign of positive response yet from the governor, the state leadership of NUT has started mobilising for the indefinite strike after the Yuletide season.

The NUT national leadership had in wading into the plight of Abia teachers, expressed frustration and disappointment over serial breach of agreements reached with the state government to end the sufferings of teachers in the state.

According to the NUT,

the government of Abia State has continued to inflict sufferings and hardships on its teachers following its persistent failure to honour agreements with teachers since 2017.

The teachers’ leadership also demanded that government should immediately offset other allowances owed secondary and basic school teachers in the state.

It was gathered that the leadership of the state wing of NUT had held “crucial� meetings with, and its branches at the local government areas have held joint meetings on December 16 and 17, 2020 in Umuahia on the way forward.

Similar meetings were

said to have held at the local government education authorities branches of the union during which teachers were put on readiness for the impending industrial crisis in the school system.

It was further gathered that Abia teachers have perfected plans for “mother of all strikes, “which would be “a new year gift to Ikpeazu for not listening to the cries of teachers in government employment.�

The issue of arrears of teachers’ salaries in Abia has continued to swirl in controversy as government has often differed with teachers on the number of months of outstanding salaries and the category of teachers being owed.

The Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Lagos, Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie, unveiling the multi-million naira water plant, which he donated to Augustine University, Ilara, Epe, Lagos... recently

Rename Bauchi Varsity after Sa’adu Zungur, Family Tells Gov Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi The family of the first republic politician and ideologue Mallam Sa’adu Zungur has appealed to the Bauchi State Hovernor, Bala Mohammed to rename the state university after the late hero.

The family, under the aegis of ‘Zauren Sarkin Zungur Muhammadu Bello’ made the appeal during the annual general family meeting held at the Conference Hall of the Bauchi Central Mosque.

Speaking at the occasion, the leader of the family, Dr. Hamid Adamu Mohammed, who is a lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, regretted that the late icon who was a son of Sarkin Zungur Muhammadu Bello was not accorded the desired honour and recognition by successive governments

in the state despite his contribution to nation building and education.

According to him, his contemporaries like late Maitama Sule, Aminu Kano, etc were immortalised in Kano State, pointing out that some tertiary institutions in Bauchi State were named after some politicians that were less prominent than him. “There is a college of education that was named after Aminu Saleh and another named after Ajiya Adamu. But if you compare Sa’adu Zungur and the duo, they were not peers. He was their role model. Some states recognised Sa’adu Zungur more than here in Bauchi. “Kano state named a newspaper organisation after him. So if other states could immortalise him, why not Bauchi? I

believe that if the state university is renamed after him, nobody will complain because he deserves it and everyone knows his contribution to the educational and political development of the north and country,� he said.

Also speaking, a traditional ruler and village head of Zungur in Bauchi State, Mallam Sa’id Hamid Bello revealed that Sarkin Zungur Muhammadu Bello begot the late Mallam Sa’adu Zungur and late Chief Imam of Bauchi, Liman Mahmud.

He stated that they the duo were heros that will never be forgotten by the posterity in the state, the north and country at large. “Sa’adu Zungur was a great politician, poet and philosopher who fought for Nigeria’s independence and contributed immensely to the political develop-

ment of Nigeria. “His books are still relevant and sources of inspiration to Nigerians.

I call on his grandchildren and other youths to emulate his virtues. “Another great man produced by the family was late Liman Mahmud who was a famous and erudite islamic scholar in the northern Nigeria. “Liman Mahmud was appointed the Chief Imam of Bauchi Central Mosque at a tender age of 30 due to his erudition and vast knowledge of islamic jurisprudence. Some of his other children held the positions of imams too in the Bauchi Central Mosque and served as judges in islamic courts. “He mentored many islamic scholars within and outside Bauchi State who are great clergymen now.�

36

T H I S D AY Ëž DECEMBER 30, 2020

EDUCATION

National Common Entrance: Bridge Academies Celebrate Pupil Funmi Ogundare It was celebration all the way at Bridge International Academies Anibaba, Ikorodu, as one of its pupils, Master Shiji Sowemimo, 11, performed exceptionally well in the country’s national common entrance examination.

He scored a total of 190 marks, out of 200. His achievement is even more remarkable as he comes from one of the more impoverished areas of Lagos and was also raised by a single mother.

Speaking at the brief ceremony, Showemimo attributed his success to the support he got from his mother, teachers and school, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown. “I continued reading and preparing for my exams with the remote learning materials provided by my school during the school closure,� he said, adding, “with the remote learning materials, I remembered everything that I was taught in the classroom and was able to learn new things.�

His performance in the exam has set him on the path to greatness and has given him the opportunity to

attend one of the prestigious secondary schools in the country.

Sowemimo, whose hobbies include reading, fact finding and playing the keyboard, described his childhood as wonderful, saying that his mother always bought educational toys and books that helped him and his brother, Shayo to learn new things.

When asked what his favourite school subject is, his response wasn’t far-fetched, “I like maths and science because I learn about matter and how other properties interact.�

Speaking about what he would miss about his school, he said “I will miss the style of teaching, the character board, cheers and energisers that make teaching and learning fun.�

His favourite teacher is Mrs. Enitan Adewusi. He said he likes her because she teaches well and goes the extra mile in ensuring that the pupils understand everything being taught in the classroom.

He advised every young person to put God first, read their books always and read ahead of the class lesson, play when necessary and always

remain focused.

He hopes to become a physicist in future to find unknown answers to questions that would lead to inventions that would benefit everyone in the world.

His mother, Ms. Perpetual said her sons have a corner in their home where they keep equipment like speakers, batteries, light bulbs, spoilt lamps, magnets, spoilt radio, among others, which they usually dismantle to see the components in them and after reading about how those equipment are made, they would re-assemble them. “I noticed from when they were much younger that they were inquisitive and like learning new things, so I encouraged them to the best of my ability by allowing them to explore and satisfy their curiosity. “The joy of every parent is to see their children excel, I am grateful to God for giving me the strength and wisdom to support my children and I am proud and happy for what Shiji has been able to accomplish.�

Sowemimo said she discovered Bridge International Academies through a friend and immediately enrolled her

sons in one of the Bridge schools in Ikorodu. “I wanted my sons to attend a school that would give them the solid foundation required to achieve great things in future.�

The Academics Director at Bridge Lagos, Mrs. Rhoda Odigboh said: “Our teachers must take some credit for the success of their pupils. The learning gains evidenced at Bridge is as a result of the dedication, passion and hard work by our teachers who are at the heart of our mission of delivering a life-changing education for children.� “The success our children have achieved in the national exam shows what Bridge has always believed that every Nigerian child can excel if given the right opportunities, supportive teachers and empowering schools.�

While at Bridge, she said Shiji was the class prefect in primary four and the head boy of the school in primary five and six, and had the duty of teaching others to behave well. “He helped the teacher with collecting books and keeping the classroom in order. He learnt how to be responsible and care for others.�

L-R: The Secretary, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Ibafo Unit, Mrs. Olubunmi Ojo; guest speaker, Pastor Charles Achonwa; special guest, Pastor Mrs. Ngozi Achonwa; Coordinator, NAPPS, Ibafo Unit, Pastor Mrs. Folashade Adeyemo; and the Treasurer, NAPPS, Mrs.Toyin Ajolore, at the NAPPS Ibafo Unit end of the year party, in Ibafo, Ogun State...recently PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

Greensprings School Emphasises Selflessness, Fetes Public School Pupils Uchechukwu Nnaike The Principal, Quality Assurance, Greensprings School, Lekki Campus, Mrs. Adebimpe Ajibola has stressed the need for students and other members of the society to always look out for one another and be selfless, as that will make the country a better place.

She said this during the school’s visit to a neighbouring public primary school, Roman Catholic Mission (RCM) Primary School, Awoyaya to present gift items and educational materials to the pupils in the spirit of the Yuletide season.

According to her, since the period is about giving and receiving, Greensprings

School just wanted to put smiles on the faces of the children. “It is part of the school’s charity projects; charity is a continuous thing for the school, not just during the festive season.

It is our responsibility to our community. We train our students to be selfless to other children and the society at large,� she said.

The Principal, Wider Curriculum, Greensprings School, Lekki, Mrs. Jennifer Sunkanmi-Qazzeem said the project started with a pupil of the Ikoyi Campus of the school, who runs a cookies shop and wanted to reach out to the less privileged children as part of her birthday celebration.

She wanted to take some cookies and other items to

them, so the entire school bought the idea and parents were approached to donate items that will be presented to pupils of the benefiting school.

She said apart from snacks, candies and other edibles, the school also presented educational materials to them According to her, the school decided to present the items to the pupils because some of them may not have the materials to celebrate the festive season, “and we felt we should reach out to them, they have the right to smile. “They are very happy that we are here and we believe that by doing this, they will also have something to make someone else smile.�

Sunkanmi-Qazzeem said the school engages in a

lot of projects like building blocks of classrooms, equipping laboratories in public schools, donating to orphanages, among others, as part of its mission to serve one another in love.

She advised other private schools to adopt a public school and meet some of their needs which may not be huge, but things they can provide easily.

Responding, the Head Teacher of the benefiting school, Mrs. Ruth Adefinola, expressed delight at the gesture, which she described as the first of its kind in the school.

She thanked Greensprings School for celebrating the pupils the way it did, and for promising to execute some projects in the school.

KEHINDE OMORU www.kayomoru.com

STILL A DENNIS THE MENACE? Dennis the Menace was a Warner Bros family entertainment comic movie in mid-1993 that grossed a lot of fame and revenue across the world. It also grossed a variety of criticisms - good and bad (naturally).

Like every other great cinematographic work of any time, it took its time to stay on the dance oor, then bowed out when its ovation was high. It innovated in 1998 as ‘Dennis the Menace Strikes Again’ and, yet again in the new millennium round about 2007 asA ‘ Dennis the Menace Christmas’.

Somemayregarditasaclassic,othersas,notsooldyet,andyetothers-as contemporary and relevant.

Dennis, of Dennis the Menace was a child whose parents left in the care of their neighbours (GeorgeWilsons’) when they went out.With his dog Ru tagging along, Dennis always hung out with his friends (Joey and Margaret Wade). He was completely disruptive and mischievous to exasperating heights whilst in the child-minding gestures neighbour Wilson provided him. George Wilson’s patience and accommodation was almost surreal, certainly not one I’ve seen or heard of in my times so far. I absolutely agree with one school of criticism that feels that this comic strip (if you want to genre it as so) was ‘unrooted in any reality’.

SowhyamIhoningon‘Dennis’today? ItissimplybecauseIcannotfathom why anyone at the ‘evening or night’ of their lives would bother to laugh at others misfortunes, or even castigate them.

A friend was so lethargic the other day, I feared that she was being sympathetic of coronavirus.The body heat she exuded as I stood next to her, I was certain was in the COVID temperature range! I asked her kindly if she was okay. To this she replied, ‘My heart aches, I feel sick at human nature!’ So for me time stopped there because there and then she was talking abouthermentalhealthstatus.TheVUCA(violent,uncertain,complicated, aggressive) world we all live in these days require us to take care our personal trilogy - mind, body and soul - in equal proportions, COVID or no COVID. ‘Would you like to talk about it?’ ‘Yes’ she blurted. It turned out that, on the one hand, she being in her 50s is naturally increasingly reective of everything.Ontheotherhandhowever,thepreviousday,shehadworkedin aretirementunitwherealimitingandpassivelyaggressivebosssheonce had, a long time ago, now lived in ailing health, non-senile, octogenarian, but continuing to be nasty, discontented and critical. Of course fellow residents and sta called him ‘Dennis the Menace’ - under their breath. ‘Interestingly, he has never been loud’ my friend shared. ‘He has always been menacing in the sum total of his character which have consisted of: subtle cutting jibes, private snaps, bad looks, connivances to berate another,refusingtopromoteormoveanotheron,lookdownatanother, discrediting another’s eorts, setting another up to fail, etc. ‘Hehasgoneunscathed’myfriendatlystated.Heretireduntouched,at theheight of hisprofessionandwithacollectionof trophiesof achievementsliningthewallofhissuite’myfriendcried,‘Life’sunfair’shewailed. ‘I’m not sure about that’ I said. ‘What is left with us all are fragments of memories’ I countered. Even video coverages of events record only aspectsthelensesofthecamerasfocuson.Werememberinmoments only, in no chronological order.This is why we must strive to be ‘present’ and mindful of our actions towards others. It is impossible to create or feed unfairness or even wickedness then hope for business as usual.

Are you still a Dennis the Menace?

Omoru is a freelance writer, education, health and social care advocate

Mohammed to Reconstruct Govt Secondary School Bauchi with N500m Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi The Bauchi State government has announced plan to reconstruct the famous Government Secondary School (GSS) Bauchi at the cost of N500 million.

Governor Bala Mohammed, who was a student of the school, disclosed this during the joint 50th and 40th anniversary celebration of the old students association of the school, known as ‘Garu Old Boys Association GSS Bauchi’, organised by the 1970 and 1980 sets.

The governor said the N500 million for the school’s reconstruction has been included in the 2021 budget, adding that a 20 hectares of land has

also been designated at Miri village for the project.

According to him, the school will serve as a model science secondary school that will meet all the requirements of standard science school when completed. “Our former school was debased because it had no vanguards to defend its continuous existence. Projecting this institution once rebuilt is now the role of all members of this association to be led by our national body. “I will rebuild it and will leave you with the challenge of its continual survival till we pass on and the baton will be carried on by those that come after us,� the governor said.

37

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍąÍŽËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

Exam Malpractice: The Culpability of WAEC and NECO Obinna Iroegbu Whenever the topic of examination malpractice comes up, attention is usually directed to candidates and teachers. Scarcely has the role of examining bodies been mentioned in the menace that has bedeviled our school system. Three major pillars of education are teaching, examination and certification. While teaching and certification are the prerogatives of teachers and public examination bodies, respectively, examination, which includes marking

and scoring, intricately involves both parties.

Ostensibly, examination bodies like WAEC and NECO put up paid adverts and notices condemning and discouraging the act of cheating in examination, but their staff and administrative system directly and indirectly encourage and sustain examination malpractices. Examination bodies play their own part in sustenance of malpractices by discouraging examiners who desire to perform the statutory duty of reporting cases of irregularities and malpractices.

Tambuwal Upgrades SSCOE to University, Retains Name Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto As it marks 50 years of its existence on Monday, the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto will soon become a university of education that will retain the name of the former President, Shehu Shagari after whom it was named.

The college has been so named even before the death of Shagari two years ago.

By the gesture, the college will be the first of its kind to be raised to the level of a university in northern Nigeria.

The Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal disclosed this during the Golden Jubilee celebration and 22nd convocation ceremony of the college.

According to him, the decision to upgrade the institution was premised on the enviable track record it has established in the past half century, its “uncommon and trademark foresight, vision, creativity and leadership acumen historically associated with our forefathers for over two centuries.�

In addition, the governor said the college “is one of the high-ranking teacher training institutions and among the largest producers of teachers in Nigeria.�

Applauding the past and present leaders of the college for raising it “to this enviable level,�

Tambuwal said in furtherance of its upgrading, “approval has been given for the construction of two-storey students’ hostels, capable of accommodating over 400 students... in order to address the challenges of student accommodation.�

He appreciated “the combined efforts of the college council, management, staff and students for maintaining relative peace and a conducive environment for academic activities on the campus,� while urging them “to work harder to improve the quality of teachers produced in this institution. “This has become imperative for us to achieve our ambition for higher standard in basic and secondary education.�

The governor added: “While I am happy for the progress recorded by the college over the past 50 years, I urge the leadership of this glorious institution at all levels to be more prepared to position the

college for greater achievements in the 50 years ahead. This calls for renewed vigour, creativity, innovative ideas, quality control, cooperation and collaboration to the college to attain its vision of imparting knowledge and skills suited for practice in the 21st century.�

He said his administration has been embarking on extensive rehabilitation, reconstruction and building of hundreds of primary and secondary schools in the state, just as it will give more premium “to the needs of its tertiary education sector.�

In his remarks, the Commissioner for HIgher Education, Prof. Bashir Garba said through the support of the state government, the college has recorded several milestones over the past 50 years of its services to humanity.

He added that with the encouragement of the state government, the college, in a multiple affiliation with the Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has also been running undergraduate programmes in education for over 20 years.

The Provost of the college, Dr. Wadata Hakimi said the institution from inception to date, has recorded a total of 48,936 holders of the National Certificate in Education (NCE).

He added that the college affiliated undergraduate programmes have produced over 12,500 holders of degree in education.

At the ceremony, six personalities were presented with the award of fellowship which include former Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Babangida Aliyu, former Chairman of the college’s governing board, Ambassador Shehu Malami and the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Prof. Bappa Aliyu Muhammad.

Others are Dr. Muhammad Mustapha Bunza, Captain Muhammad Bala Shagari (rtd), who is also the Sarkin Mafaran Shagari, and Alhaji Abdullahi Sarkin Gobir Adiya.

Highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the college’s Golden Jubilee monument by Tambuwal with the assistance of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

This they do in two ways.

First, the remuneration for detection of malpractice is hardly commensurate with the trouble an examiner goes through in reporting a malpractice.

Whereas in marking, an examiner is remunerated per script, detection of a malpractice is paid for in relation to the number of centres. This method is skewed in the sense that N150 (for WAEC) or N200 (for NECO) is paid for detection of all the cases of malpractice in any particular centre. This implies that if an examiner detects cheating among 500 candidates in a particular centre, such an examiner is paid the paltry sum of N150. Secondly, the number of forms to be filled and correspondingly countersigned by tiers upon tiers of officials, including the chief examiner, subject officer and venue coordinator, makes it so cumbersome and therefore unattractive to a greater majority of the examiners. Finally, the outright disposition of marking-centre officials

while reports are being made usually sends the signal that the one doing the reporting is unnecessarily complicating the work of marking.

Two recent and succeeding experiences as a NECO examiner are particularly illustrative of the tacit method in which field officers of public examination bodies discourage detection and report of malpractices. In 2019, the venue coordinator discovering upon enquiry that I happen to come from the same geopolitical zone as the candidates for whom I was reporting malpractice engaged in a most embarrassing emotional blackmail. In the presence of other examiners and supervising officials, she repeatedly asked, “why do you choose to be wicked to your innocent brothers and sisters by constituting an impediment to their progress? Is it because of the N200 you are being paid per centre?� At this particular year, because of the psychological torture arising from the barrage

of questions and the look of supervising officials and other examiners who witnessed the incident, I felt like a kind of Judas accepting payment for an act of betrayal.

This year 2020, the centre coordinator was overtly confrontational and abusive. At first, he told me point blank that I was not going to be paid more than N1000 for the 33 centres I detected and reported confirmed cases of malpractice. He claimed that the commission did not provide him with enough fund to cater for remuneration of examiners, who detect and report malpractices. “If all examiners reported malpractice as you have done, do you think the commission would have enough money to pay for it?� This was his direct question to me. He continued the upbraiding by saying that he just settled an examiner who reported for five centres with N200 “and the man was satisfied with it.� “Mr. man�, he shouted, “be satisfied with what you

have got and leave me alone. As you can see, we are trying to tidy up and depart this venue.� Like his counterpart in the previous year, this was done right in the presence of his subordinates and a handful of other examiners rounding off their work. And as in the previous year also, I scurried away shamefacedly like a mischievous child who had refused to outgrow the urge to engage in condemnable acts.

I would not know whether I would be able to muster the courage to engage in marking exercise subsequently but I must state categorically that my withdrawal from such a national service as script marking is not due to the rigours and poor remuneration involved, but because of the attitude of officials of examining bodies towards the infinitesimal few of examiners who insist on doing their work the way it is required of them.

-Iroegbu is a staff of Federal University, OyeEkiti

L-R: Master Samuel Adekola of Oke-Odo Senior High School, Agege; Miss Anuoluwapo Ademisoye of Egbe Junior Grammar School, Alimosho; and Miss Omodesire Liadi of Saint Agnes Primary School, Kosofe, winners of the star prizes in the senior, junior and primary schools categories respectively, during the grand ďŹ nale of the Y2020 essay competition, organised by the Lagos State Government... recently

Winners Emerge at Year 2020 Essay Contest Winners have emerged at the grand finale of the Y2020 essay competition, aimed at enhancing the research and writing skills, as well as improving the vocabulary of students of primary, junior and senior secondary schools in Lagos.

The competition, held recently, saw Master Samuel Adekola of Oke-Odo Senior High School, Agege, Miss Anuoluwapo Ademisoye of Egbe Junior Grammar School, Alimosho and Omodesire Liadi of Saint Agnes Primary School, Kosofe, clinching the star prizes in the senior, junior and primary schools categories respectively.

Over 700 participants from all schools across the state participated at the zonal/ district preliminaries, which thereafter presented 140 eligible competitors from the six education districts and SUBEB for the state finals which produced winners in the three categories.

Speaking at the award presentation ceremony held at the Ministry of Education, Alausa, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo expressed excitement about the programme, while commending the competitors for their brilliance and articulate delivery.

She said the essay eompetition, one of the co-curricular programmes of the ministry, will enhance students’ confidence, boost their oratory skills and ensure that they have an in-depth knowledge of their environment.

Adefisayo observed that the writers of the essay scripts displayed, “the gift of deep thought and articulate writing skills to convey ideas, communicate philosophy, recall occurrences and peep into the future which are required in literary works.�

She urged the students to conduct researches on relevant topics and trending issues

through online encyclopedia such as Google, Wikipedia and other search engines, which will aid their learning process and give them a wider scope, making them digital savy in line with the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s education and technology agenda.

The commissioner commended the efforts of their teachers, saying that the state government will not relent in its commitment towards providing a habitable and conducive environment for teaching and learning.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Abosede Adelaja noted that the essay competition in schools has provided a platform for students to strive for excellent performance in the art of writing.

She added that the ministry had to proffer new ways of engaging students during the COVID-19 period, in a

bid to boost their learning which is critical to the state government.

Fortune Ogueliwu of Lagos State Model Nursery/ Pry School, GRA and Aisha Muhammed Aisha of Baruwa Nur/Pry School, Mushin, emerged the first and second runners-up in the primary school category, while Olaniyan Noah of Vetland Junior Grammar School, Agege and Chioma Nlebedim of New-Era Girls Junior Secondary School, Surulere clinched the first and second runners-up position in the junior category In the senior category, Chidera Ikeh of Gbaja Girls Senior High School, Surulere and Maryam Suliamon-Oba of Adebola Baptist Senior School, Surulere emerged first and second runners-up respectively. Highpoints of the event were the presentation of trophies, plaques and gift items to the winners in the various categories.

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CITYSTRINGS

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Integrating Military Retirees to Civil Life Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, which is saddled with the task of integrating military retirees into civil life, recently churned out 162 retirees after intensive training in entrepreneurship to ease their transition

AOC Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Lawal Alao with an airforce retiree

Some of the retirees drawn from the army, navy, airforce and FRSC

F

or the 162 recent graduates of the the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), a centre established for military retirees to transition into civil life, the journey started about 35 years ago when they joined the military.

For 35 meritorious years, they went through series of military trainings to ensure they turn out to be professional soldiers in their various units and fields. Suffice to say that their entire process were wired for those 35 years in a military pattern, regimentation, dedication to duty and discipline.

Throughout those 35 years, they recited the soldiers creed, and were solely dedicated to the actualisation of the Armed Forces core responsibilities whatever the cost or odds. However, after those 35 years, it was time to reformat their thinking process back to the civilian life they were used to before their sojourn into military life.

To ensure such smooth and seamless transition back to civil life, NAFRC was borne. At the centre located at Oshodi, Lagos, the retirees undergo training and re-training to ease their transition.

They are also equipped with relevant civilian skills that would ensure they are kept busy.

For the current graduates, numbering 162 retirees, they were trained in different skills.

Drawn from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the Nigerian Army (NA) and the Nigerian Navy (NN), these retirees were equipped with relevant trades and vocational skills.

While 81 were drawn from the Nigerian Army, 69 were from the Nigerian Navy and 12 from the Nigerian Airforce. Meanwhile, seven out of the 162 retirees were women. Also, two additional officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) also underwent the post service training.

Charge to Trainees Speaking at the Passing Out Ceremony (POC) of NAFRC Trainees Course 02/2020 stream 2, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, described the successful completion of the course as a testament to the trainees determination, commitment and discipline, which he said were attributes of what they acquired in the course of their active service to their fatherland.

General Olonisakin explained that the Trainees’ Pre-Retirement Course was to give the retiring personnel the requisite rudiments for a successful reintegration into civil life ,after a meritorious service to the country.

Expressing optimism that they would enjoy their post-service life and apply the knowledge and skills they had acquired during their service years, Olonisakin who was the special guest of honour, reminded the trainees that “you will from now on take full charge as planners and executors of your personal daily activities. “This may sound exciting and promising but beware; you need to properly manage your freedom in order to be successful. The society will expect a high moral standard and discipline from you.

You will also be required to always prove your worth after passing through a highly disciplined system like the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

As our ambassadors, I believe you are all capable of excelling in your future endeavors

“The training will provide beneficiaries to be equipped with skills of self income sustenance, earn meaningful income while keeping positively engaged. This enables them to contribute meaningfully to their various societies, thus reducing crimes, criminality as well s other vices from our society. These are deliberate steps towards building a greater Nigeria�.

While commending President Muhammadu Buhari for his support, as well as the Service Chiefs, Amao, boasted that the centre under his watch, would be committed to exploring ways and means to enhance the process of teaching and learning at the centre and by extension, harness the available human and infrastructural capital to transform the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre into a world class centre of excellence of international best practices in vocational training.

Meanwhile, the retiring personnel resumed at the centre on October 2, 2020, where they undertook a documentation and medical examination in line with the COVID-19 protocols. Thereafter, they were exposed to orientation from various departments and workshops , referred to as workshop selling, from where they would identify viable workshops of their choice to sign in.

Dignitaries at the exhibitions stand

Chief of Defence Sta, General Gabriel Olonisakin

NAFRC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Isiaka Amao addressing the gathering

and positively influence your environment for the economic, social and political benefits of our dear country. “It is equally necessary for me to inform our discharging colleagues that post-service life has its peculiar challenges. Some of these challenges you may encounter would include but not limited to management of resources especially, retirement benefits, influences from friends and family members, management of both mental and physical health as well as integrating with the civil society. “Therefore, I urge you to be proactive in your conduct in order to avoid or overcome these challenges. It is also risky for you to embark on a new life style that is above your means, or engage in non-lucrative ventures. Neither should you abstain from physical exercises. “I am sure that your training here has exposed you to several vocational opportunities, entrepreneurship procedures and general management skills to alleviate the above mentioned pit falls in order to have a stress-free and meaningful life in retirement. “In this light, I urge you to employ the various instructions and skills you have acquired while undergoing Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre training for peaceful and productive economic life as you reintegrate into the Nigerian

civil society�.

Olonisakin also commended the Commandant of the centre, Air Vice Marshal Isiaka Amao, and his team on what he described as their relentless efforts at ensuring that Armed Forces personnel were exposed to the latest trends in global entrepreneurship and management training.

Commitment to Service Earlier in his opening remark, Commandant of the NAFRC, AVM Amao, disclosed that the centre had so far trained 48,000 personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria since inception.

He informed that the centre also ran the mid- level officers course as well the senior officers entrepreneurship management workshop and had successfully conducted various vocational courses to residents in both Mushin and Ikorodu local government areas of Lagos sate, as well as youths in different military barracks across Nigeria.

The Commandant said, “the centre Agric wing has conducted trainings and cultivated several economic and vegetables farms in the Nigerian Army Cantonment , Ojo, Nigerian AirForce Base Ikeja and Navy town, Ojo. This same gesture has also been extended to several military formations in Abuja, Kaduna, Bauchi, Benue and Plateau States.

Vocational Trainings The workshops included auto mechanics, Fine Arts, Information Technology, Ceramics, Photography, plumbing, Music , refrigerator, air conditioning , baking, among others.

For the fashion wing, courses like shoe making, barbing, tailoring, laundry and weaving are taught, while the fine arts and printing training had courses like fine arts, ceramics making, photography and printing as its core base. While the soap and cosmetics department had courses like soap and cosmetics making and domestic products, the agricultural section had general agric/food/cash crop, poultry, piggery, fishery, rabbitary, ruminants and snailery.

Also, the wood work sections boasts of carpentry and joinery, furniture design and construction, as well as the machine wood work, while the building and civil works section has bricklaying and concreting, plumbing and pipe lifting, painting and spraying.

For the electrical and electronics section, courses like refrigeration and air conditioning, electrical installation and maintenance practice, as well as radio and television. The auto mechanics wing boasts of mechanical engineering, battery charging, vulcanising and car wash.

Other departments like fabrication and welding have the fabrication, welding, machining and fitting, as well as foundry, while the music department deals with instrument learning and entertainment, even as the food and beverages department deals with bakery and the information technology department takes care of computer appreciation, hardware maintenance, networking and internet, as well as systems development and design.

Given the important role the centre is saddled with it, it is therefore expected that consistency in providing quality training geared towards preparing the retirees to face the challenges of re-integrating into civil life, is sacrosanct.

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CRIME&SECURITY

Garlands for Oyebade, a Consummate Cop Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that it was garlands and encomiums for DIG Leye Oyebade, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, at his pulling out parade from the force

T

he big guns were recently rolled out for Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Adeleye Oyebade (Rtd) at his pulling out parade from the Nigeria Police. Oyebade’s sojourn into the force came to a close after having attained the mandatory 60 years of age.

Parade At the pulling-out-parade in Police College, Ikeja, Lagos, a traditional ceremony to mark officers’ retirement from service, it was held with pomp as the final process was the pulling out of the force.

As is also traditionally done, after a quarter guard was mounted in his honour, columns of almost 1000 officers in police ceremonial dress held the grand parade led by Baba Sanchi Mikail, a Superintendent of Police.

Dignitaries Another high point of the ceremony was the sheer force of dignitaries that honoured him.

They include the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Oba of Lagos, Oba Riliwanu Akiolu; retired IG and Chairman, Police Service Commission, Mr Musiliu Smith; the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye; the General Overseer of the Winners Chapel, Pastor David Oyedepo; DIG in charge of Finance – Mr Baba Alkali, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, and many top police officers, Other dignitaries at the event included Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Senator Ganiyu Solomon; retired DIG Babatunde Peter Ogunyanwo; the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone ‘2’ Headquarters, Lagos, Mr Ahmed Iliyasu; the Oyo State CP – Joe Enwonwu; Edo State CP – Babatunde Johnson Kokumo; Ondo State CP – Bolaji Salami; Ogun State CP – Edward Ajogun, the Commandant at the Police College, Ikeja – CP Olasupo Ajani, and DCP Yetunde Longe of State CID Panti.

Encomiums As expected, encomiums poured in for the consummate cop. Inspector General of Police (IG) Sunday Ehindero (Rtd) while speaking, said he trained Oyebade and about 70 others in 1986.

He said: “It is not coincidental that it is in this college that we are conducting the pullout of Leye. He excelled during the training as the best all-round cadet and he was awarded a Sword of Honour. I recollect advising the cadets passing out of the college to make a career of police and take the tide at the flood. “Leye Oyebade took advantage of the flood and high tide to make a fortune and career in the police force. In his career in the Nigeria Police Force, he held sensitive post, including my PSO 2 when I was IG in 2005. He was DCP State CID, Panti, Lagos; he was AIG in charge of Zone 11, comprising Ondo, Oyo, and Osun States; finally as DIG in charge of Research and Planning of the Nigeria Police Force, Leye Oyebade took advantage of the current when it was useful, and made a successful career in the police force. Today he is exiting the Nigeria Police after a successful career attaining the age of 60 years.“ Another of his former bosses, Chairman, Police Service Commission, Mr Musiliu Smith said: “Leye is close to us. He has been close to us because he happens to be a very, very sound officer. Not only knowing police duties very well it being a very good detective having commanded the CID Panti, but he also happens to be a good administrator; very good ambassador of the police who has attracted a lot of good people to be close to the Force. So I want to use this opportunity to heartily congratulate him and the family. At least the family will now have Leye 100 per cent, not like 10, 20 per cent before.�

Also speaking, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, whose message was delivered by the Assistant General Overseer in charge of Administration at RCCG, Pastor Johnson Odesola, said: In the police, he is known as a DIG. But, in the Church circle, we know him as a pastor; and he functions in all areas as a pastor. “We have seen him preach. He has functioned on the highest platform along with Daddy G.O. So, our Daddy is sending congratulations. We want to congratulate you, Pastor Leye for working for this nation, serving your motherland and having good support here. And we believe that the service to this land is a continuous one.�

Valedictory Speech In his valedictory address, Oyebade said, “I thank God Almighty for today and for His grace to witness this ceremonial pullout parade organised in my honour. I am elated and full of gratitude as today marks the end of a fulfilling career as a police officer. What more, it is also my 60th birthday! I would have served for 35 years on 1st of February 2021.

DIG Leye Oyebade (rtd) and wife, Adebimpe at his pulling out parade “My enlistment in the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police along with 106 other colleagues began here on February 1, 1986. I was 26 years old, young, energetic and full of dreams, aspirations and high hopes. We all had ideas on how we would contribute in fighting crimes and how to make our society better. Our path was strewn with different challenges and obstacles but to God be the glory some of us surmounted while others were not so fortunate. “After bagging an Honours degree in Sociology from the foremost University of Lagos, my mind was made up that the police is the right place to deploy my knowledge and with conviction and passion, I joined one of the best police, if not the best police force in Africa. “The Nigeria Police Force groomed me to become a full man and a professional law enforcement officer with excellent training in and out of the country. I have served on multi-lateral missions and I will always be proud of the conduct of my colleagues who served meritoriously with other police officers from other countries. Nigeria invested in us and we in return gave our best in the service of the country.“ Admitting that they we knew the road was going to be bumpy, he said they were however overwhelmed with joy, spurred by passion and patriotism to put in their best.

Advising aspiring police officers and cadets, he said whenever they put on the uniform, the best conduct, best character traits and selflessness is expected of them as the uniform is a garb of honour and integrity and must be jealously guarded. “This is so, because the police officer carries the authority of the sovereign to maintain law and order. Therefore, that authority must be exercised with circumspection, respect for rule of law and with decorum�.

On the ongoing police reform, he noted that it holds a lot of promise for a better police force where the public and officers and men of the Nigeria Police will have an understanding that policing is not for uniformed men alone, but a collaborative effort of every citizen. “Although there are myriads of challenges confronting the police, there is hope on the horizon, and there will be light at the end of the tunnel. It is my desire that the ongoing police reform will continue unabated and that, hopefully in no distant time, we will have the people’s police of our dream. I urge Nigerians and friends of this great nation to support the police believing in their ability to protect lives and property.�

However, he said the welfare of serving officers and men must be given greater and urgent attention, just as training and re-training with an eye on best global practices must be emphasized with technology embraced to combat crime.

Noting that serving as a police officer involves a lot of sacrifice and deprivation, he said at all times, officers must remember their calling and ensure that they are not distracted in the discharge of their duties. He further remembered comrades who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Stressing that he has no regret serving the Nigeria Police, he said there is no honour greater than service to one’s country and humanity.

But he said all these wouldn’t have been possible without the support of his wife, “Adebimpe – a Pearl, a rare gem, a woman of substance who has been a pillar, an adviser, a confidant, a motivator, a critic and sometimes a ‘prop in my distress’ – as well as my lovely children – Ronke and Tola for their fondness for me and my job�.

He further thanked the federal government, President Muhammadu Buhari; Chairman, Police Service Commission, Alhaji Musiliu Smith (IG Rtd); and the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, for giving him the rare opportunity to serve his fatherland and for all the quality trainings received.

Citation Oyebade’s career was further summed up in a citation read by the Lagos State police spokesman, CSP Muyiwa Adejobi. According to the citation, Oyebade who is a member of the National Institute (mni), bagged a Master of Science (Sociology) in 1985, from the University of Lagos, where he had earlier bagged a Bachelor of Science (Sociology) in 1983.

He is a member, International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP); member, Board of the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan; Associate, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR); Member, Governing Council, Institute of Criminal Justice and Criminology Administration (ICJCA), and Honorary Fellow, Institute of Information Management (FIIM) Oyebade’s Awards and Commendations include: The Nigerian Bar Association Award of Excellence; Award of Excellence given by the Inspector-General of Police, Bangladesh; Policing with Fear of God award presented by the Calvary Life Seminary and Theological School of Mission, South Africa; Award of Excellence as the Most Distinguished Service and Excellent Achievements presented by the Stakeholders’ Forum of the State CID, Panti, Lagos; Award of Excellence in Crime Fighting presented by Centre for Conflict Management and Sustainable Peace Building in Nigeria; Award for Invaluable Contribution to Sports Development in Nigeria presented

by Discovery Sports Federation; Meritorious Service Award by Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN); Humanitarian Service Award of Honour by Honey Land Schools, Ipaja, Lagos; Alimosho Security Watch Award of Excellence; Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) Award for Support of Sports; Distinguished Award in Crime Fighting by CRAN; Inspector-General of Police’s Letter of Commendation for Professional Conduct and Zeal, Dedication and Commitment to Duty; Inspector-General of Police’s Letter of Commendation for Exceptional Leadership and Prudence; Best Crime Busting Police Command in Nigeria from Security Watch Africa at Johannesburg, South Africa, and Most Outstanding Commissioner of Police on Security Reforms and Good Leadership in Nigeria by the Nigeria Senate Committee on Police Affairs.

Others are Distinguished Commissioner of Police of the Year on Effective Security Vigilance by the Nigeria Senate Committee on Police Affairs; Award for Dedication and Commitment to Legitimate Duty and Contribution to Sustainable Peace, Stability & Harmonious Co-operation among diverse Communities and Ethnic Groups towards a lasting solution to Conflict and Criminal Activities in the Sub-Region by the African Emerging Leadership Research and Development Organization (AELDO), Abuja , and Award of Excellence – the Most Distinguished Public Service Award by the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA-Nigeria).

Listed on his Landmark Professional Achievements/Assignments, Oyebade successfully supervised security for the 2020 Governorship Elections in Edo and Ondo States; establishment of the first ICT e-Training Centre (Info-Tech Centre) as the Deputy Commissioner of Police at the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti – Yaba, Lagos (2007 – 2008); Initiated Memo that later Actualized to the Establishment of the Police Chaplaincy in The Nigeria Police Force, as the Principal Staff Officer II to the IGP in 2005; served as the Secretary of the Committee under the retired DIG Musa Abdulkadri that reviewed the Government White Paper on Alhaji M. Danmadami-led Presidential Committee on Nigeria Police Reform in 2006.

Oyebade was Secretary to the Board of Enquiry under the Chairmanship of retired IGP Mike Mbama Okiro. The board was set up by the IGP to unravel the killings of six suspected persons (APO SIX), in questionable and controversial

circumstances in June 2005.

Oyebade was Police Representative on the National Governing Board of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from February 2005 to May 2007, and the Police Representative on the National Ports Decongestion/Overtime Cargo Committee that sanitized the General Functioning of the Onne Port, Port-Harcourt in 2006.

Oyebade participated in the Senior Executive Course 40/2018 at NIPSS, Kuru, Jos Policy and Strategic Course in February 2018; Train the Trainers Workshop on Leadership Performance Evaluation for Senior Police Officers under the Police Reform Programme at PSC, Jos; Leadership and Performance Evaluation, March 2012, Course of Higher Management organized by the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) at PSC, Jos; Service Delivery/Leadership and Accountability, February 2009; Senior Command Course No. 31/2009 at Police Staff College, Jos; Course of Instruction, February 2009 INTERPOL Conference in Lyon, France; International Policing Strategies – March 2005 INTERPOL Conference in Berlin, West-Germany; International Policing Cooperation/Strategies – September, 2005, Utstein (U4) Anti-Corruption Training Workshop, at the Utstein Anti-Corruption Resource Centre, Abuja; Complexities of the Corruption Phenomenon, Cause & Explanations of Corruption, Strategies, Approaches & Basic Reforms and International Cooperation/Legislation in October, 2005; Survival Awareness in Service Workshop organized by the US Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Victoria Island, Lagos – Policing & Personal Safety in February, 2002; Intermediate Command Course No. 42/2001 at PSC, Jos/Staff College, Jaji – Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW) in July, 2001; Management Workshop for Intermediate Command Course No. 42/2001 organized by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) at PSC, Jos, (June, 2001); Workshop on “Networking the MMIA Security Agencies – The Making of a Friendly Airport�, at Onyx Plaza, GRA Ikeja, Lagos; Management of Airport Security and Safety in Synergy with other Security Agencies in November, 2000; Workshop on “Airport Security – An Integral of National Security� organized by Centurion Security & Safety Consult in Association with FAAN, at MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos – Management of Airport Security (June, 2000); the Cadet Officers Course 1/86; Basic Officers Training (including Police Mobile Force Training at Gwoza & Citizenship and Leadership Training/Course, Shere Hills, Jos) in 1986.

Before his retirement as the DIG in charge of Department of Research and Planning at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, Oyebade served as AIG (Directing Staff) National Institute for Policy & Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos between January 2020 and July, 2020; AIG Zone 11 Headquarters, Oshogbo from February 2019 to January 2020; CP, FCIID Abuja, January 2019 – February 2019; CP, National Institute for Policy & Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos (January – December 2018); CP, Commandant, Police College Kaduna (October – December 2017); CP Railway Command Headquarters, EbuteMetta, Lagos (September 2017); CP Abia State Command (August 2016 – September 2017); CP Oyo State Command (September 2015 – August 2016); CP Maritime Command, FHQ Annex, Lagos (April 2014 – August 2015); DCP-in-charge Administration, Abia State Command, Umuahia (August 2014 – April 2015); DCP Operations, Zone 5 Headquarters, Benin, Edo State (2012 – August 2014); DCP Administration, Railway Command Headquarters, Ebute-Metta, Lagos (2011 – 2012); Area Commander Port-Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State; Rivers State Command, Port-Harcourt (2010 – 2011); Assistant Commissioner of Police, A Department, FHQ, Abuja (February 2010 – 2011); Area Commander, Delta Area Command Headquarters, Asaba, (September 2008 – February 2010); DCP in charge of State CIID, Panti – Yaba, Lagos (June 2007 – Sept., 2008); Principal Staff Officer II to the IGP, FHQ, Abuja (February 2005 – May 2007); Divisional Police Officer, Ipaja Division, Lagos (2002 – 2005); Officer In-Charge, General Investigation, Zone 2 Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos (2001 – 2002); Airport Command’s Operations Officer, Ikeja, Lagos (2000 – 2001); Railway Police Operations Officer at Pen Cinema, Iddo and Ebute-Metta, Lagos (1999 – 2000); CSP in charge of Administration & Divisional Police Officer, Babura Division, Jigawa Police Command Headquarters, Dutse (1997 – 1999); DPO Ilupeju; DCO Festac; OPS’ Area ‘G’; DTO Ikeja and OPS’ Alausa, Lagos State Command (1995 – 1997); Staff Officer Junior (SOJ); DTO & A/O Ifo Division; DCO Iperu Division, Ogun State (1992 – 1995); O/C Orile Police Post; O/C Ijanikin Police Post & OPS’ Ojo Division, Lagos (1990 – 1992); Personal Assistant to DIG Training, FHQ Annex, Moloney Street, Lagos (1990); Operations Officer, Surulere Division, Lagos (1989 – 1990); Divisional Crime Officer, Aramoko – Ekiti (1988 – 1989); Divisional Traffic Officer/Officer In-Charge NYSC Camp, Mubi, Adamawa State (1987 – 1988).

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T H I S D AY Ëž ÍąÍŽËœ 2020

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Prudential Zenith Life Beats NAICOM’s Recapitalisation Deadline Prudential Zenith Life Insurance said it has raised its authorised share capital to N5 billion, surpassing the new minimum capital requirement of N4 billion set by the industry regulator, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

Speaking on the company’s recapitalisation achievement, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Chuks Igumbor, was quoted in a statement yesterday to have said: “We have met and exceeded the minimum requirement of the December 31st, 2020 deadline set by NAICOM and we are positioned to meet

the additional capital requirement of N8 billion well ahead of the September 30th, 2021 deadline.�

He added that: “This seamless recapitalisation effort is hinged on the enormous financial strength and support from our key shareholders. With this, the firm is poised to emerge stronger with greater capability to serve our esteemed customers and to continue to grow the business.�

Prudential Zenith Life Insurance Limited is part of Prudential Plc, one of the oldest and most strongly capitalised life insurance companies in the world. It provides a range of insurance

and investment-linked savings products designed to suit corporate and individual customers’ budgets.

The company seeks to remove uncertainty from life’s big events, providing customers with the freedom to face the future with greater confidence.

It is also committed to meeting the long-term savings and protection needs of families and businesses in Nigeria. Whether someone is starting a family, saving for a child’s education, or planning for old age, Prudential Zenith Life provides customers with financial “peace of mind.�

InfraCredit Supports Transport Services Ltd on N12bn Bond Issuance Goddy Egene InfraCredit, a specialised infrastructure credit guarantee institution has announced its guarantee of Transport Services Limited’s (TSL) N12 billion 10Year Series 1 Senior Guaranteed Fixed Rate Infrastructure Bonds Due 2030 under a N50 billion Debt Issuance Programme.

The Series 1 bond was oversubscribed by 73.2 per cent with firm commitments from 18 institutional investors including 11 domestic pension funds.

The transaction was the first 10-year bond issuance by any company in the transportation and logistics sector. The bond proceeds will be used to refinance its short-term loans to matching long term fixed rate debt that will sustainably support TSL’s consistent business growth and expansion plans.

In a statement, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TSL, Mr. Ayodeji Wright, said: “The TSL

Bond was conceived few years ago and I am profoundly grateful to the entire Project 4 Transaction Parties, TSL bond investors and the regulators, who have made this become a reality today. The successful issuance of the bond is attributable to our relentless and collaborative efforts, underscored by our track record of excellence in 19 years of existence as an indigenous logistics and evolving mobility company. “Today, TSL remains committed to delivering its vision of providing bespoke supply chain and logistics solutions within Nigeria, and to sub-Saharan Africa. The TSL bonds will undoubtedly be the springboard to provide the financial reinforcement to our business strategy, strong operating model and will in turn stimulate an atmosphere for a profitable growth over the next decade.

Also speaking, the CEO of InfraCredit, Chinua Azubike, said: “Despite challenges brought by the recent COVID-19 pandemic,

this achievement demonstrates InfraCredit’s continuing support for inclusive access to long term local currency finance for infrastructure development, and the deepening of the domestic debt capital markets with good quality asset classes for domestic investors. “TSL, over its 19-year history, has built a strong pedigree as a highly experienced and innovative transport and logistics service provider particularly in safety, maintenance, and journey administration. “As we expand and diversify our guarantee portfolio to the transportation sector and given the importance of transport infrastructure to Nigeria’s economic recovery, we believe that our role remains vital in enabling businesses to deliver more essential infrastructure that can drive a clear and sustainable development impact on economic activities as well as improve the livelihoods of Nigerians.�

MTN Nigeria Expands Rural Connectivity MTN Nigeria yesterday disclosed that it is extending its coverage to millions of Nigerians living in underserved and unserved communities nationwide through its rural telephony program. The telco disclosed this in a statement. It pointed out that today, over 20 million Nigerians live in areas with limited or no coverage.

This, it stressed, “MTN aims to change.� “Through the rural telephony program kicked off this year, the company has identified over 3,000 locations across the country for a phased rollout, over three years.

“Thus far, 583 live rural sites have been installed nationwide; more than half of which were installed this year and connect communities such as Kurba, Agbiyi Umuede, Tobolo, Opaha, Tudun Faila, Oguru Uzo Uwani and Sarkin Kaya Rini. Going forward, MTN plans to install more than 1,000 new sites each year in the next few years to cover all the identified locations,� it explained. According to the telco, to achieve the goal, it has has been working with technology partners. “Together, they are deploying

infrastructure that will accelerate connectivity and aid the consistent rollout of low-cost connectivity solutions in these areas that have non-existence or limited network coverage and broadband services,� it added.

Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Operating Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mazen Mroue, said: “Our core belief is that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life. It is driven by an understanding of the potential impact of connectivity on the socioeconomic outcomes of individuals, communities and the country as a whole.

‘Technology Will Give SMEs Wider Visibility’ Ugo Aliogo Small Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) have been urged to take advantage of technological platforms and innovative products to create wider visibility and reach for their businesses.

The advice was given in Lagos, recently, by the Chief Executive Officer, Real Education Consult, Chuks Ezeji, at the Illustrious Africa Award 2020 organised

by My Media Africa.

He noted that technology gives small business owners and their employers the option to work in the office, from home and even across the country.

He also stated that it has afforded small business owners the

opportunity to hire talent from globally, thereby providing their businesses a competitive edge in the global environment. “With the introduction of e-business platforms like myarigo.com, arlarlashops.com. ng and others, ad digital mall designed to showcase SME businesses and services offering them the opportunity to reach their customers and clients through advertisement, helping them to focus on business strategies and allowing their employees spoon-feed their distractions while the computer runs reports and creates tasks and projects,�

Ezeji stated.

Some of the recipients were former President Goodluck

Jonathan, who was awarded the Peace Ambassador of the Year; the former National Secretary of APGA, Dr. Sani Shinkafi, who was conferred with outstanding excellence for service; Mrs. Abiye Tam-George as the Children’s right and Child Protection Advocate of the Year; among others.In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Arinze Madueke, said the focus of the award was to showcase success stories, entrepreneurship and innovation across Africa.

He stated that innovation and technology would put Nigeria and the continent of Africa in the limelight, while noting that technology was needed to free the continent from the problems facing it.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JULY 2020 Money Supply (M3)

36,822,751.47

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

3,476,121.25

Money Supply (M2)

33,346,630.22

-- Quasi Money

120,764,479.02

-- Narrow Money (M1)

12,582,151.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,002,026.89

---- Demand Deposits

10,580,124.31

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,637,137.23

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

29,185,614.24

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

39,711,115.95

---- Credit to Government (Net)

19,521,851.08

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-130,189,264.87

--Other Assets Net

3,472,017.70

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,421,827.07

--Currency in Circulation

2,395,917.03

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

11,025,910.04 317,234.17

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Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month Inter-Bank Call Rate

March 2018 15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

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OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT THURSDAY, 17 DECEMBER 2020

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $50.78 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $50.12 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

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

41

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍąÍŽËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

All-Share Index Rises 0.8% as Market Sustains Positive Momentum Goddy Egene The stock market recorded further growth yesterday as the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) rose 0.8 per cent to close at 39,110.17, while the market capitalisation added N167.6 billion to close at N20.4 trillion.

Although nine stocks appreciated compared with 20 stocks that depreciated, the performance was buoyed by strong demand for the shares BUA Cement Plc(

6.7 per cent), Zenith Bank Plc (2.0 per cent) and Access Bank Plc. However, Jaiz Bank Plc led the price gainers’ chart with 10 per cent trailed by NEM Insurance Plc with 9.5 per cent. LASACO Assurance Plc chalked up 8.8 per cent, just as NPF Microfinance Bank Plc and Japaul Gold and Ventures Plc gained 8.3 per cent apiece.

Honeywell Flour Mills Plc appreciated by 8.1 per cent, while Union Diagnostic and

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

Clinic Services Plc rose by 6.9 per cent. Other top price gainers included: ABC Transport Plc (6.0 per cent); Champion Breweries Plc (4.8 per cent); Sterling Bank Plc (3.6 per cent); CHI Plc (3.4 per cent); Cutix Plc (2.3 per cent);Eterna Plc (1.1 per cent).

Conversely, NCR Nigeria Plc led the price losers with 9.6 per cent, trailed by FTN Cocoa Processors Plc with 8.9 per cent as investors took profit on the stock.

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

FTN Cocoa Processors Plc had soared by 206 per cent in three weeks, rising from N0.26 to N0.89 following renewed demand by investors who are anticipating a rebound in the company’s fortunes. The company reduced its loss after tax to N352 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, from N355 million in the corresponding period of 2019.

Despite the loss demand for stock has remained high.

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

Trans-nationwide Express Plc shed 8.8 per cent, just as Chams Plc went down by 8.7 per cent.

AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Courtville Business Solutions Plc and Prestige Assurance Plc depreciated by 4.7 per cent, 4.5 per cent and 4.2 per cent in that order.Other top price losers included: Academy Press Plc (3.2 per cent); Wema Bank Plc (2.8 per cent); CAP Plc (2.4 per cent); Linkage Assurance Plc (2.0 per cent).

O F

Meanwhile, activity level was mixed as volume traded rose 85.4 per cent to 722.6 million shares while value traded dipped 45 per cent to N4.4 billion. The most traded stocks by volume were AIICO Insurance Plc (273.1 million shares), Oando Plc( 81.4 million shares) and FBN Holdings Plc (41.1 million shares) while Dangote Cement Plc (N993.2 million), Zenith Bank (N742 million) and Access Bank Plc (N353.3 million) led the value table.

2 9 / 1 2 / 2 0 2 0 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

42

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

NEWSXTRA

COVID-19: Agbaje Recommends Non-pharmaceutical Interventions, Advocacy Uche Nnaike A pharmacist and former Lagos State gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general election, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, has suggested non-pharmaceutical interventions like social distancing and proper hygiene as well as advocacy in the fight against the second wave of COVID-19 since the country cannot afford another lockdown and cannot access enough vaccines for its citizens.

Agbaje, who was a guest on The Morning Show on ARISE NEWS Channel, the sister broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, noted that the challenges of COVID-19 are the same everywhere in terms of the people.

“Not everybody believes in the seriousness of the pandemic.

So the first problem for the government is advocacy-to make people realise the seriousness of the disease,” he said.

“In terms of how the government has managed it, Agbaje said they have managed it as best as they can because “like I said, it is more about advocacy; it is more about the non-pharmaceutical interventions that will help us, especially with our weak health system.”

In the area of COVID-19 vaccines, Agbaje regretted that the country is not in charge or

in the driver’s seat “in the sense that we belong to the category of what we call poor countries, in which some people are taking care of us, where some people are negotiating on our behalf as to how much we can get free and how much we can pay at reduced prices.

“Unfortunately, there is also a reality, and that reality is that even with that arrangement, it’s estimated that just about 20 per cent of our population will have the vaccination in 2021. So if we take that average, you are looking at a situation where if we have 200 million people, we are not going to get more than about 30 to 40 million people vaccinated in 2021, and that means we have to go back to the non-pharmaceutical interventions, which is going to be our strength, and that is the reality we are in at the moment.”

Asked why no Nigerian company is manufacturing the vaccine, he said: “In our own part of the world, vaccines are normally managed by the government, and therefore, whoever wants to go into manufacturing of vaccines must have a measure of understanding with the government.”

According to him, the government has been trying to work with one of the major pharmaceutical companies in the country to produce vaccines. “I am not sure that that is yet on board,

but there is a new task force on COVID-19 in terms of vaccines and vaccines production, where one of the terms of reference is the possibility of producing some of the COVID-19 vaccines, and how far that will work,

only time will tell.”

On political matters, Agbaje agreed that the country is not properly working with the way it is currently structured, thus, there is need for restructuring to devolve powers from the

centre to the federating units, which are the states.

Asked if he will contest again as a gubernatorial candidate 2023, he said: “Am I still in politics. Yes I remain in politics. My running for office has nothing to do with

running at all costs. So what role I will play is still very unclear, but definitely I believe that I have a role to play in the politics of our country and Lagos State, and in what capacity, I believe time and events will tell.”

CAN Seeks Release of Kidnapped Imo Catholic Bishop Amby Uneze in Owerri The Imo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for the unconditional release of the auxiliary Bishop of Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, Moses Chikwe, who was kidnapped along with his driver in Owerri, the state capital.

It was learnt Chikwe was whisked away alongside his driver on Sunday night at a location not far from his residence in the state capital.

His car and official regalia were later found at the premises of the Assumpta Cathedral, also in Owerri.

The state police command confirmed the abduction but did not give further details about the incident.

Orlando Ikeokwu, the command spokesman, said efforts are in progress to rescue the bishop and arrest the kidnappers.

‘The Commissioner of Police has activated the Command’s Quick

Intervention Team (QUIT) and the Anti Kidnapping Unit (AKU), to move into the matter with a view to rescue the Bishop and possibly arrest the hoodlums,” he said in a terse statement.

The CAN chairman in the state, Divine Eches, in a statement yesterday in Owerri, condemned the abduction of the prelate.

Eches who said that the body of Christ received the news as a shock, said that the abductors had “desecrated the altar of God.” He said that CAN was demanding that Chikwe be released unhurt and without any ransom paid.

The statement read: “The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Imo State chapter has received with shock the news of the kidnap of the Auxiliary Catholic Bishop Of Owerri, Rt Rev Moses Chikwe, and condemned the act vehemently.

“This is a desecration of the altar of God and we call on

the perpetrators to release him immediately.

“Clerics play a major role in the development and security of any nation as we are called to always pray for the State and people at all times even when we do not agree with their position.

“For us in Imo, we have always stood in the gap for our people, and this has resulted in calm irrespective of the political currents.

“Rt Rev Chikwe since his assumption as the Auxiliary Catholic Bishop Of Owerri has discharged his duties quietly and without malice, which leaves one wondering why he is a target of kidnap.

“We call on his abductors to release him immediately unhurt and without any ransom paid.

“The entire Christian community in Imo State calls on the state Commissioner of Police to ensure the perpetrators of this act of wickedness are fished out to face the music.

“We appeal to our teeming youths not to allow themselves to be used by the devil to wreak havoc and fear in our beautiful state.

“While we commit to continually offer prayers and supplication to God for the people and state at all times, we request that lives and properties be made safe and that people can move about without fear and intimidation.

“The Christian Association of Nigeria appeals to everyone to pray for the safe return of Rt Rev Chikwe.

“We assure that we will leave no stone unturned to ensure his release even as we engage all the government and security agencies in the State.

“Surely the good Lord will continue to protect us all and bring back the Auxiliary Catholic Bishop Of Owerri, Rt Rev Moses Chikwe, safe and sound.”

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

43

NEWSXTRA

Stop Blaming God for Nigeria’s Woes, Obasanjo Tells Leaders Kayode Fasua inAbeokuta Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday charged Nigerians to work hard and pray for the success of the country in the coming year 2021.

Obasanjo said this at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on his 2021 message to Nigerians.

For Nigeria to experience the desired change, Nigerians, especially the leaders must work very hard and also pray for the country.

Obasanjo said Nigerians must work hard in the coming year to surmount the myriads of challenges confronting the country.

The former president who lamented the insecurity and poor economic state of the country noted that 2020 had been a challenging year for Nigerians, “but in all things, we must give

thanks to God”.

Obasanjo told President Muhammadu Buhari and other Nigerian leaders to stop blaming God for Nigeria’s woes but rather blame themselves.

He insisted that God did not create Nigeria to be poor, but the bad decisions of Nigerian leaders had left the country in its current bad situation.

His words: “We do not have to blame God for our situation, we have to blame ourselves. Nigeria does not have to be poor, no Nigerian must go to bed hungry.

“That we have a situation like this is a choice of our leaders and followers alike, my prayer is that God will make the year 2021 a better year for all of us, but it will not happen without work.

“We have gone from one form of insecurity to bad economy and on the top of it, is the COVID-19.

Some people, either for insecurity

or for the bad economy or for COVID-19 have gone to the great beyond, I will say may the souls of those who have departed, particularly in this year of challenges, rest in perfect peace.

“But what then do we do the rest of us? As I said, we should thank God. I like the motto of

The South-west Zonal Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has nullified the suspension of five chieftains of the party in Ondo State, saying their suspension by the State Working Committee fell short of procedures as laid down in the party’s constitution.

Chief Oyedele Ibini, Hon. Lad Ojomo, Mr. Ayo Fadaka, Hon. Rasheed Elegbeleye and Hon. Ebenezer Alabi were suspended by the State Working Committee of the PDP in Ondo State on December 22, 2020.

A statement yesterday, by the Zonal Director of Media and Publicity, Lere Olayinka, said the Zonal Caretaker Committee took the decision at its meeting in Abeokuta on Monday.

The caretaker committee, in a letter to the Ondo State Chairman of the party, Hon Fatai Adams, a copy of which was made available to newsmen, called for restrain and urged the chairman to always ensure that his actions were in consonance with all extant laws of the party.

The letter signed by the Zonal Secretary of the party, Hon. Daisi Akintan, dated December 28, 2020, was copied to the PDP

National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, Chairman of the National Reconciliation Committee, Senator Bukola Saraki and others.

It reads: “Sequel to the suspension of the following leaders of the party in Ondo State; Chief Oyedele Ibini, Hon. Lad Ojomo, Mr. Ayo Fadaka, Hon. Rasheed Elegbeleye and Hon. Ebenezer Alabi, and their subsequent appeals to the Zonal Committee, in line with Section 61(1) of the party’s Constitution (2017 as amended) in the grounds that they were neither queried nor given a fair hearing before they were suspended, the committee is therefore compelled to act with immediate effect.

“Consequent upon the above, the committee diligently considered their appeals severally, and relying on Section 57(6), which states that ‘any decision taken against a member who has not been informed of the charges against him or has not been given any opportunity of defending himself, shall be null and void.’

“It was confirmed that they were arbitrarily suspended by the State Working Committee without any preliminary hearing as demanded by the constitution.

“Therefore this action falls short of procedures as laid down by the party’s constitution.

“In exercising its powers as stated

Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed shock and grief over the death of the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdulsalam.

Abdulsalam, died in Abuja after early morning prayers yesterday.

His closest friend and political associate, the former National Chairman of the Inter-Party

in Section 61(2), the Zonal Caretaker Committee has therefore set aside their purported suspension from the party forthwith.

“We also wish to advise that you exercise restraint and ensure always that all your actions must be in consonance with all extant laws of the party, especially now that the party is trying to recover from the defeat suffered at the last gubernatorial election in the state.

“Please note that it is inauspicious for the party to embark on any action that is capable of causing disaffection, disordancy, dissilusionment and despondency among members.

You are therefore advised to unite all tendencies within the party, and make them work together in preparation to winning future elections.

“It is also of utmost importance you note that the National Working Committee (NWC) in recognition of reconciliation as the key language of the moment, inaugurated a Reconciliation Committee led by Dr. Bukola Saraki, to look into all grievances and assuage same among members. You are thus expected to refer to the committee all complaints, issues, grievances and allegations, when they arrive your state any moment from now.”

Ezenna, Nworah, Others Storm Akokwa for Project Inauguration Ugo Aliogo An array of important dignitaries, including Chairman of the Orange Drugs Group, Sir Tony Ezenna (Ijele Akokwa) will on Saturday, January 2, 2021 converge on the St. Peter’s Anglican Church field, Akokwa, Ideato North local Government Area of Imo State, for the inauguration of 565 poles solar street light, the first ever self-help community project embarked upon by a non-partisan, non-governmental organisation and pressure group, Akokwa United Empowerment Forum, AUEF. Ezenna will also be the Chief Host at the event while the special guest of honour will be Chief Fabian

Nworah (Chikeluba), Chairman Top Rank Hotels.

His Royal Highness, Eze Ikenna C. Okoli, Obi of Akokwa will be the Royal father of the day.

A statement signed by Ingram Osigwe, AUEF’s Media Adviser, quoted President of the forum, Ugochukwu Eze (AkukwuAkokwa) as eulogising the sons and daughter of Akokwa who had before now pioneered the development of the town.

“AUEF, acknowledges “the notable sons of Akokwa who have been and still are the vanguard of development in Akokwa. Worthy of mention are the late Prof. “Elechukwu Njaka who gave Akokwa her first secondary

year 2021 will be a glorious year for us, but it will not happen unless we work to make it happen.

“I would say as St. Paul, the great Apostle said, ‘in all things, we must give thanks, this year 2020 has been a year of challenge with the whole world, particularly for us in Nigeria.

On what to do to fix the economy, Obasanjo said, “When we do the right thing, we are not doing the right thing now, when we do the right thing, the economy will be what it should be.

I do not believe that God created the Nigerian economy to be bad, no.

PDP Mourns Labour Party Chairman, Abdulsalam

South-west Caretaker Committee Nullifies Suspension of Five Ondo PDP James Sowole in Akure

a school which says ‘work and pray’ some people say it should be pray and work, but it doesn’t matter to me in what order I put it, but prayer must go with work and work must go with prayer.

“And I believe we need to work hard in this country as we pray hard so that the coming year, the

school and Chief Tony Ezenna (Ijele Akokwa).

“Ezenna is a beckon of light to the Akokwa town. Ijele Akokwa remains a source of inspiration to the youths of Akokwa and AUEF will like to avail itself the opportunity of this medium to convey to him (Ijele) the assurances of our highest regards,” statement said.

According to Ingram, AUEF, which had its inaugural meeting on December 30, 2019, is unique in that it is the first time in the history of Akokwa that young men from all the six villages ofAkokwa kingdom came together, formed themselves into an association with the development of the kingdom as its primary objective.

Advisory Council, Peter Ameh, confirmed the death to our correspondent on the telephone.

He said, “I’ve lost a friend of several decades. He was not sick, he even joined the early morning prayers this morning. This is a great loss not only to opposition political parties but to Nigerian democracy as a whole. His progressive ideas will be surely missed.”

Also, the Coalition of United Political Parties has expressed shock over the news of the late politician’s demise.

This was contained in a statement titled, “CUPP Mourns Labour Party National Chairman”, signed by the Coalition’s CoSpokesperson, Mark Adebayo.

The statement read in part, “We received the sudden death of Alhaji A. A. Salam with utter

shock and total disbelief. A. A. Salam was a major pillar and voice who formed the CUPP and remained committed to its ideals until he breathed his last.

“A very accommodating, intelligent, experienced, generous and patriotic leader, A. A. Salam was a true democrat and a fighter for justice. He was a father to all and always focused on anything he believed was right and just.

“He was always available whenever his leadership and experience were needed and never shirked any responsibility he was assigned to.

“Alhaji Salam was a man with a good spirit, caring, loving and always positive. His doors were always open to all irrespective of different political persuasions. We have lost a giant in the political space of Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, the PDP in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, described Abdulsalam as a selfless politician and very patriotic opposition figure, who dedicated his life in pursuit of justice, good governance and entrenchment of democratic values in the country.

It said that the death of Abdulsalam is indeed a national tragedy especially coming at this critical time when the nation needs his patriotism and wealth of experience the most in the collective quest to rescue our country from the stranglehold of misrule.

The PDP commiserated with the Abdulsalam’s family, the Labour Party, as well as the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), where he played a major role in its formation, and prayed God to grant Abdulsalam eternal rest.

44

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

24 HOURS...

24 HOURS...

House Member, Groups Declare Support for Kukah over Comment Chuks Okocha, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and George Okoh in Makurdi The attacks on the Bishop of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Dr. Mathew Hassan Kukah, over his Christmas Day message have continued unabated, with a member of the House of Representatives representing Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency of Kogi State, Hon. Teejay Yusuf, saying the needless attacks from the federal government and its “bands of sycophants” from the North and other parts of the country reflect untold hypocrisy and double standards.

Also, two groups have declared their support for the cleric.

Kukah had in his Christmas message on the state of the nation lamented the endless woes which have befallen the country.

Yusuf in a statement issued yesterday noted that those who prefer to fawn sycophancy to the hard truths from Bishop Kukah are very poor students of history, who are indirectly sabotaging President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigeria’s democracy.

He stated: “Bishop Kukah’s decision to speak truth to power was applauded during the President Goodluck Jonathan government, but it’s now being

mischievously misinterpreted as a call for insurrection.

“It is even more interesting when the minister with the least level of credibility in the federal cabinet speaks against the expression of such truthful criticism about grave national issues at Christmas.”

The lawmaker said it was reported in the media that four different attacks were carried out by bandits in Safana and Sabuwa Local Government Areas of Katsina State, whereby a newly-wedded couple and more than eight persons were abducted with several villagers nursing gunshot wounds.

Yusuf stated categorically that criticism is an essential part of democracy.

The federal lawmaker insisted that Kukah’s critics easily missed the point without realising that genuine lovers of truth and justice would rise to support Kukah against those making futile efforts to discredit his truthful message.

“Bishop Kukah spoke against the current prevalent nepotism as well as the fearsome indicators of a failed state when he raised issues of ‘endless bloodletting, a collapsing economy, social anomaly, domestic and community violence, kidnappings, and armed robberies,” he said.

Also, two groups, the Nigerian

Ooni Charges FG to Salvage Nigeria’s Dwindling Economy Yinka KolawoleinOsogbo The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has charged the federal government to quickly draw an economic recovery plan and policies that could alleviate suffering among Nigerians.

He also stressed the need to aggressively pursue emancipation programme for youths to address insecurity in the country.

This is contained in a Christmas/ New Year message issued by his spokesperson, Moses Olafare to rejoice Christian families globally on the 2020 Christmas celebration, saying the history of Jesus Christ is full of testimonies inspiring enough to find him worthy of emulation.

According to the monarch, while hoping for a better economy in the year 2021 described the current economic reality in the country as disheartening, warning that a clear economic policy is needed to revive the country.

“We started this year 2020 with a lot of hopes and aspirations, particularly on the country getting it right economically towards the prosperity of the entire citizenry, but unfortunately the pandemic Covid-19 crept in, sinking the economy is yet another recession.

“It has happened this way and the only way out is for the government to take responsibility. Government policies must be executed in a way that the standard of living of the citizens, particularly the youths is upgraded which will, in turn, reduce the crime rate in the country.

“Congratulations to Christians

in Nigeria and beyond, on the celebration of the 2020 edition of Christmas.

“They are all implored to be always guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ whose history is a complete representation of a tolerant and peacemaking leader worthy of emulations,” Ooni said.

In the same vein, Ooni Ogunwusi alerted Nigerians about the second wave of Coronavirus disease, adding that it is deadlier than the first trend.

The monarch who re-echoed that the pandemic is very much around cautioned that it is erroneous to think that the rampaging virus disease has gone after the first wave.

“The wave of coronavirus we are dealing with now is deadlier than what we had in the first two quarters of the concluding year 2020, so I want to appeal to our people that it is not yet over. We must not lose our guards as we can hear in the news that more people are now testing positive for the virus.

“Imagine the strange strain of the disease in some parts of the world, making some people blind while others are losing vital organs which is absolutely new.

While it is heartwarming that we now have vaccines coming up, the best way to cure this virus is not to get it at all.

“Let us continue to wear our face masks, avoid crowds, and continue to wash our hands with soap and clean water. We must take responsibility as our personal safety has a lot to do with the health of the entire country,” the Ooni added.

Muslim Professionals and Concerned Tiv Ancestry and Elite (CTAE), a group of eminent Tiv sons, have declared their support for the Catholic cleric, warning against any plan to arrest him.

The first line of support came from the coalition of Nigerian Muslim Professionals, which condemned attacks on Kukah for castigating President Muhammadu Buhari over what he described as acts of crass nepotism.

The Muslim professionals also warned that unless country’s leaders sit up, the country

would be heading towards a failed state, specifically warning against any attempt to twist the Bishop’s message to mean that he endorsed coup.

The group stressed that contrary to those promoting such insinuations, the revered cleric was too learned to support such ignoble path to install leadership in the country.

The Muslim group pointedly said Nigerians with conscience would not fall for the antics of those twisting the Bishop’s message for selfish reasons,

adding that having followed Bishop Kukah’s activities and preaching since the days of the military, it is convinced that not too many Nigerians took the interest of the country at heart like Kukah.

The group, while commending Kukah for what it described as “his boldness to speak truth to power,” questioned the propriety of those attacking him over the Christmas Day message.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Prof.

Mohammed Inuwa, it noted

that while President Buhari might mean well for the country, it however, faulted some actions taken by his administration, which it observed are not in any way promoting the unity of the county.

Inuwa said: “It is completely wrong for some sponsored faceless group being promoted by selfish people in leadership position to silence the truth by attacking Bishop Kukah, who he noted did not in any way called for coup, saying the bishop is too learned to go that way.

WAITING PATIENTLY FOR NIN...

Cross section of residents of the Federal Capital Territory waiting to enrol for their National Identity Numbers at the National Identity Management Commission Headquarters in Abuja....yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI

Sweden Donated N460m to Fight Acute Malnutrition in North-east Michael OlugbodeinMaiduguri Sweden has donated N460 million towards fighting acute malnutrition in the North-east, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said.

Astatement by UNICEF yesterday said Sweden is partnering it to end malnutrition in the North-east.

It disclosed that it had received N460 million (SEK 10 million) contribution from the Swedish International Development to stop acute malnutrition in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.

UNICEF noted that the funding would support the expansion of services targeted at preventing and treating severe acute malnutrition

induced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The statement further added that the contribution would help protect children from other opportunistic infections that may arise from suppressed immune system.

“With 690,090 acutely malnourished children, the three north-east states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe constitute the greatest burden of the 2.7 million acutely malnourished children in Nigeria.

“Affected by armed conflict, displacement, limited access to farmland and high prices of food items, children, families and communities in the region

already are among the most food insecure and malnourished in the world.”

According to UNICEF, measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has further increased the incidence of malnutrition in children in the three north east states, noting that the funding from Sweden will boost outreach programmes to become more effective.

UNICEF said: “Estimates from the Nutrition and Food Security Surveillance (NFSS) conducted in November 2020 put the acute malnutrition prevalence at 6.2 per cent in Adamawa, 10 per cent in Borno and 12.3 per cent in Yobe.

NFSS estimates put severe acute malnutrition prevalence at 0.6 per cent in Adamawa, 0.9 per cent in Borno and 2.1 per cent in Yobe.”

It added that: “Through the use of community mobilisers, the SIDA funding will allow for swift identification, referral and treatment of severe acute malnutrition cases in children in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States. Frequent and increased micronutrient supplementation both at the community and referral centre levels will prevent and treat malnutrition in children, thereby providing them with a healthy start in life’.”

Gunmen, Suspected Ritualists, Kill Two Women in Ondo James Sowole in Akure Tragedy struck in Akure, the Ondo State capital as two women, were gruesomely murdered in two different cases between Monday evening and Tuesday morning.

In the first incident, a middleaged woman identified as Mrs Oluwafunmilayo Folorunso was allegedly shot dead by some

unknown gunmen at Kajola Area of Akure, on Monday evening.

According to a source, the assailants followed the woman to the entrance of her residence before she was shot dead at about 10p.m. on the fateful day .

The deceased was said to be a wife of an undisclosed officer of the state chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers

(NURTW) in Ondo State.

Similarly, young lady whose identity was unknown as at the time of filing this report, has been killed by yet to be revealed assailants suspected to be ritualists.

The lifeless body of the lady was found in the afternoon, yesterday, by the road side beside a welder’s workshop, at Ajipowo/Ogundipe area of Akure.

The deceased was found with only blouse on her body without undies. This raised suspicion that she must have been killed by suspected ritualists.

However the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Stats Command, Mr Tee-Leo Ikoro, said he was yet to be briefed on the incidents as at the time he was contacted.

1,000 Jobs: SubmitYour Applications, Says Enugu Govt Following the recent announcement on recruitment of 500 Traffic Officers and 500 Forest Guards by the Enugu State Government, the state Head of Service, Ken Chukwuegbo, has reiterated that all interested candidates who meet the requisite

requirements should submit their written applications to the Office of the Head of Service, Enugu, or online via https://bit.ly/ohosenugu, on or before Monday, January 14, 2021.

In a statement, the Head of

Service said that the clarification became imperative in order to ensure that all applicants were guided properly in strict adherence to the laid down procedures for the recruitment. The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of

Enugu State, in line with its avowed commitment towards job creation and youth empowerment, recently approved the employment of additional 1,000 youths between the age of 18-35, to work as Traffic Officers and Forest Guards.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 30, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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

24 HOURS...

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Police Kill Six Bandits, Rescue 23 Kidnapped Victims in Katsina Francis Sardauna in Katsina The Katsina State Police Command in collaboration with the operatives of the Nigerian Air Force yesterday killed six bandits and rescued 23 kidnapped

victims in Lambo village of Kurfi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The Spokesman of the command, SP Gambo Isah, in a statement issued yesterday, said the combined security

BabcockVarsity Announces Indefinite Postponement of Resumption Funmi Ogundare In line with the National Universities Commission (NUC) directive that vice-chancellors of universities should suspend all activities in their institutions in compliance with the COVID-19 protocol, Babcock University in Ogun State, has advised parents and prospective students to put on hold all travel plans for resumption for academic activities on campus until further pronouncement by the institution.

The university had in a letter dated December 14, 2020, ordered fresh students to resume in three batches from January 10 to 14, 2021, while returning students were expected to resume in six batches from January 17 to 21, 2021.

The Director of Communications and Marketing, Dr. Joshua Suleiman, in a statement made available to THISDAY yesterday, said with the directive from NUC on December 23, 2020, in line with the directives from the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and other recent government COVID-19 related releases, parents and students should put on hold all travel

arrangements.

He said this was to ensure the best for parents as well as to safeguard the health, interest and future of the university students.

The NUC in a circular issued and signed by its Deputy Executive Secretary (Administration), Chris Mayaki, said classrooms activities, hostel accommodation, conference and seminars should be suspended.

According to the circular, “Vice-chancellors are to please note that the directive is part of the measures approved by the president to mitigate the second wave of coronavirus infections in the country. The affected officers are expected to perform their duties from home while those on GL13 and above should strictly adhere to the extant preventive measures, including maintenance of physical distancing, regular washing of hands and/or sanitising of hands, wearing of face masks and reducing the number of visitors to their offices.”

Following the reported outbreak of the second wave of the pandemic, which has seen a surge in the number of infections across the country, the federal government has reintroduced some measures to help curb the spread of the disease.

Council Chairman Kicks over Removal by Councillors in Niger Laleye Dipo in Minna Eleven out of the 15 councillors in the Legislative House of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State yesterday removed the Chairman, Alhaji Sulaiman Dauda Chukuba.

However, the chairman has declared that his removal from office was “illegal, null and void.”

The councillors, who effected Chukuba’s removal, accused him of alleged diversion of N7million meant for the organisation of a workshop for the lawmakers after the money had been approved three months ago and withdrawn from the council’s purse.

The chairman was also alleged to have unilaterally been withdrawing and spending the council’s internally generated revenue (IGR) without recourse to the legislative chamber for approval.

Other allegations levelled against Chukuba included

“gross misconduct and his refusal to lay before the legislative council for a whole year the estimate of revenues and expenditure of the local government area.”

The meeting where the chairman was removed was presided over by the House Leader, Alhaji Yussuf Aliyu.

Meanwhile, the embattled Chairman, Chukuba, has dismissed his removal as illegal null and void, saying nobody served him with impeachment (removal) notice as provided for by the law.

“I have not been informed officially; I only saw it on the social media,” he said.

Chukuba said the proposed workshop was designed to commence last Monday in Minna, with everything put in place, only for the councillors to arrive and refuse to participate in the programme.

THISDAY learnt that both the state government and the state House of Assembly leadership have stepped in to find a truce to the problem.

team recovered 63 rustled cows, sheep, 12 motorcycles and G3 rifle during the gun duel with the hoodlums.

The bandits, who rode on motorcycles, had earlier attacked the village, killing two villagers and kidnapping 17 women and six children before the security agents intervened.

Isah in the statement said: “On December 29, 2020, at about 02:30hrs, bandits numbering over 30 and shooting sporadically with AK 47 rifles, attacked Lambo village, Wurma Ward, Kurfi LGA of Katsina State, killed two persons and kidnapped 17 women and six children.

“Men of the Nigeria Police

Force, Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force were alerted and they blocked all their possible escape routes.

“Consequently, the teams laid siege for the criminals between Ummadau and Kwayawa village and engaged them in a fierce gun duel, consequently, six bandits were

killed, all the 23 kidnapped victims were rescued, 23 cows, 20 sheep and 31 goats, 12 motorcycles and one G3 rifle were recovered.”

He, however, said search parties were still combing the area with a view to arrest more suspected bandits “or recover their dead bodies.”

CELEBRATING THE MOMENT...

L-R: Wife of the Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Mrs. Mojisola Adams; Aare Onakakanfo, Chief Gani Adams; and Chairman, Christian Council of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, Rt. Rev. Olafimihan Adekoya, at the second Aare Onakakanfo Christmas Carol 2020 in Lagos...recently

Students Accuse Sowore of Stoking Division in NANS Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has accused the proponent of #RevolutionNow, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, of using his connections in the media to destroy the image of the association.

Specifically, NANS alleged Sowore of deploying his online medium to malign the new President of NANS, Sunday Asefon, over his open declaration that students under him won’t join the #RevolutionNow activism

being spearheaded by him (Sowore).

Asefon won the NANS’ presidential election a couple of weeks ago in a fierce and keenly contested election, which made his opposition to initially reject the results before they later conceded.

A statement issued yesterday

by NANS Public Relations Officer, Southwest (Zone D), Olatunji Nurudeen and made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti, said it was unprofessional for Sowore, who had no stake in NANS or contested the presidential

election to allegedly align with the aggrieved students to destroy the body.

NANS said: “It’s very unfortunate and uncalled for seeing Omoyele Sowore and his unprofessional media workers publishing news from illegal sources just to create division in the association.

“It’s very saddening for Sowore and his primitive partners in Shahara reporters to be working assiduously to destabilise NANS, having lured members of our association to join

his #RevolutionNow campaign’ with total rejection from Nigerian Students who know he’s being sponsored by heartless individuals who don’t want Nigeria to be peaceful. “ The NANS leader stated that it was disturbing that immediately after the just concluded National convention of NANS in Abuja, without adequate findings, that Sowore’s medium had congratulated another candidate even before official announcement of the actual winner of the poll.

Our Strategy is to COVID-19 Second Wave, Says Obaseki The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the state government’s strategy to tackle the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is to reduce the rate of spread and the disease death rate in the state.

The governor, who said this in a statewide broadcast, noted that the government has reactivated isolation and treatment facilities

and disease surveillance protocol to contain the spread of the virus in the state.

According to him, “Even though we have created the capacity to respond to the new outbreak of COVID-19, our strategy to cope with the second wave is to decrease the incidence of the disease and decrease the mortality from

the disease.

“In order to decrease the number of COVID-19 cases and reduce deaths from this second wave, we must emphasis public enlightenment. As much as possible, you should avoid crowded places, closed places and close contact with other people.”

Stressing the need for caution

as residents in the state celebrate the yuletide season, he said, “We appreciate that during the yuletide period, there are normally a lot of interactions with family and friends, but unfortunately, we would have to sacrifice this old practice so that we can be alive to enjoy many more Christmases and year end activities in future.”

Deposed Anambra Monarch Cries for Safety Accuses Obiano of alleged plot to silence him David-Chyddy ElekeinAwka The traditional ruler of Nawfia community in Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State, Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo, has raised the alarm over his safety.

The monarch was among the three, who were recently deposed by the state government, and among the 12 suspended for embarking on a courtesy visit to President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja in August this year.

Nwankwo, who the state government recently announced the withdrawal of his certificate, told

journalists that his life was under threat, as the state government has allegedly deployed several means to destroy his monarchy.

“They have done everything, including trying to summon the villages in Nawfia to elect a replacement for me, but the people have told me that they are with me.

“The 2017 law governing traditional institution is very clear.

It states that before you can do anything to the Igwe (monarch), he must have done something wrong to the town or custom of the community, and not to the government.

“My travelling with Prince Arthur Eze to Abuja to see President Buhari did not offend the community or the custom. We are not in a dictatorship.

I still have freedom of movement, which is a fundamental right.

“They are purporting to have withdrawn my certificate, but as I speak to you, I have not gotten any notice about that. What that means is that I am still the Igwe.

Also, if I go to the town square on an unscheduled visit, the people still support me.

“My crime is my outspokenness.

They want to gag me. They are unhappy with me. They want

to keep being on top. The state governor feels he can do this because he is already leaving office, but he is tactically destroying his party, APGA. “Right now, I fear for my life.

They have caused chaos in my community. The world should know now that if anything happens to me, it is the work of the state government. The problems in Nawfia are not natural; they are man-made and targeted at me.

If anything happens to me, the Anambra State Government should be held responsible,” the embattled traditional rulers lamented.

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WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 30, ͺ͸ͺ͸ ˾ T H I S D AY

WEDNESDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

I Didn’t Come to Man Utd to Make Money, Insists Ighalo The former Super Eagles forward reveals why Red Devils fans love him Duro Ikhazuagbe Former Super Eagles forward, Odion Ighalo, whose loan deal with Manchester United is due to end exactly one month from today, has revealed why supporters of the Red Devils loved him their hearts and souls.

The 31-year-old who will resume the rest of his contract with Chinese Super League club, Shanghai Shenhua after January 31, said in the latest Manchester United’s Podcast that his dedication and love for the Old Trafford team right from his young age in Nigeria endeared him to the fans.

With Marcus Rashford out injured at the time he arrived last January and United still fighting on several fronts, the

Edo-born footballer quickly became a fan favourite, scoring five goals in his first four starts for the club, to equal a 95-year-old record. That was before the Coronavirus lockdown sports globally in March.

“They know I’m here to play for the team and to give my best and they know I’m a fan like them, before I start playing for the team,” Odion enthused in that podcast on United’s website yesterday.

“I didn’t come here to just play one game or make the money. I’m a boyhood fan of this team and I came here to play with my heart, to give everything until the day I leave.

“I give my best, whether the game is good or bad.

I keep trying 100 per cent.

They knew that from the first day and that’s why they supported me.

“Even today, I see the same messages from the fans (on social media) which I cherish and I’m happy about,” Ighalo stressed with Pride even as he’s set to leave for China.

Ighalo’s loan deal was extended prior to Project Restart, keeping him in the Premier League until 31

January 2021.

The former Nigerian international has made four first-team appearances this campaign, to add to his 19 from 2019/20.

Most of his games for United have come from the bench, including what he sees as his undoubted highlight of his year-long spell – March’s 2-0 Manchester derby win, in what is to date the last Old Trafford game with supporters

in attendance.

Hear Ighalo: “That was electrifying! That was crazy!” recalls Ighalo. “I’ve never seen an atmosphere like that before, the atmosphere that day was crazy in Old Trafford.

“When I sat down on the bench, I was watching the crowd and I was like ‘wow, this is different level’.

“Being on that pitch when we scored the second goal,

I was going mental. I was jumping like I was the one who scored the goal! I did not score in the game but I was happy because the atmosphere was crazy. “ “That was one of the biggest games: it’s a derby game and the fans were pleased, they were happy.

That was one of the best moments in Old Trafford, for me,” concludes the former Watford frontman.

Resumption of NPFL, a Big Relief, Says Sports Minister The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, has affirmed that the resumption of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has brought a big relief after months of uncertainty.

Mr Dare made this assertion in a media chat following the kickoff of the new NPFL season last weekend.

“Truly, it is really a sign of relief to see the NPFL return.

You can see the excitement on the social media and economic activities in different venues talking about the hotels, restaurants and hosts of others who are beneficiaries of the restart of the league.

“The return of the league brought about economic gains and it will reduce social vices among the youth “Even the gladiators of the game are not left out of the party, players get travel allowances, referees, match officials as well as backroom staff,” observed Dare.

The Minister commended the efforts the League Management Company (LMC) for ensuring that the NPFL returned, while assuring stakeholders that the Federal Ministry of

Sports will give them full support.

“I want to commend the LMC for restarting the league and as a ministry, we will support LMC to grow the league, which is critical for sports development in the country.

“The contents are coming back gradually, which is key to football development. The LMC alone cannot promote the league, the media has a very important role to play as well.

“We must project the league in a good light as sports journalists. You see what European journalists are doing to promote their leagues and their players.

We can emulate good projection and add value to the league. This will attract more sponsors to invest in our league.

“We are deliberate about licensing of players, content of the league and facilities to meet the required standard . Once again, I want to thank the LMC for strict adherence to these key components that can give the league a new look,” The sports minister concluded.

Odion Ighalo (left) and Manchester United’s Manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The former Nigerian international relishing every minute at Old Trafford

FirstBank Maintains Tradition as 59th Lagos Open Holes out Today The annual Lagos Amateur Open championship which teed off at the Golf Section of Ikoyi Club 1938 on Monday will hole out later today.

The three-day competition is an annual event sponsored by Nigeria’s premier and leading financial institution, First Bank of Nigeria Limited.

This year’s edition is the 59th in the series.

The competition, which is one of the longest running international amateur events in the country is endorsed by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient (R&A) of Scotland.

Preceding the 2019 event, the

golf tournament reached the noble milestone of being listed amongst the golf tournaments in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR).

FirstBank’s sponsorship of the event is in recognition of its health benefit to players whilst providing a platform to enable golfers achieve their dream of global recognition and participation.

Last year, Peter Eben-Spiff made history, becoming the first Nigerian-ever to get listed in the World Amateur Golf Ranking courtesy of his victory in the competition.

Eben-Spiff, who had maintained a top five finish in the last two editions before his

victory last year, closed with a 76, for 16-over par, over 56-holes to win the R&A and USGA sanctioned Championship.

Apart from Eben-Spiff, players like Chris Obije, Tim Ayomike, Remi Olukoya are some of the players to watchout for as the tournament holes out today, In what has become a tradition, the Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, reiterated the Bank’s commitment to development of the competition.

“This tournament started 59 years ago, is now one of the international golf events

which bring together the best amateur golfers in Nigeria.

“We are happy and appreciate the fact that this is a very important yearly activity in the golfing calendar in Nigeria, and that explains the passion, commitment and importance which First Bank of Nigeria Limited attach to it”, he concluded.

The three-day competition is a closed Championship that is open to Ikoyi Club members alone. This is organized in observance of the full Covid-19 protocols, the sponsoring outfit, organizers of the event, Concierge Sports explained yesterday.

NBA Champions Lakers Suffer Second Defeat in Four Games

Damian Lillard (right) scored 31 points for Portland

NBA champions, the Los Angeles Lakers lost for the second time in their opening four games of the new season as Damian Lillard inspired the Portland Trail Blazers to a 115-107 victory.

The Lakers, playing for the second time in as many nights, led 85-84 going into the final quarter at Staples Centre.

But Lillard’s 31 points were supported by 28 from Gary Trent Jr as Portland made it two wins from three matches.

“I thought we came out with great energy,” said

Lakers coach Frank Vogel.

“When they made their runs we weren’t able to sustain the energy we began the game with.”

Elsewhere, the Detroit Pistons fell to a third successive defeat as the Atlanta Hawks made it three wins from three with a 128-120 victory.

Jerami Grant and Josh Jackson both hit 27 points for Atlanta as Pistons coach Dwane Casey chose to rest key players in Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose early in the campaign.

“We didn’t want to run them to the ground because of the back-to-back. That’s the reason,” said Casey.

“I don’t want to say this is going to be the plan throughout the year. Their bodies and how they feel will lend a lot to how we want to do it.”

Donovan Mitchell sank the winning basket with seven seconds left, lifting Utah Jazz to a 110-109 win at Oklahoma City, while Nikola Jokic had 19 points, 18 assists and 12 rebounds in Denver Nuggets’ 124-111 win over

Houston Rockets.

The Memphis Grizzlies’ first win of the season came at a cost as Rookie of the Year Ja Morant limped out with a sprained ankle in the first half of a 116-111 overtime success over Brooklyn Nets.

Morant - who averaged 36 points in the first two games of the season - was taken from the court in a wheelchair and watched the closing stages in a protective boot as Kyle Anderson drained three of four free throws late in overtime to amass 28 points in all.

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Wednesday December 30, 2020

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Lawmaker to FG “Bishop Kukah spoke against the current prevalent nepotism as well as the fearsome indicators of a failed state when he raised issues of ‘endless bloodletting, a collapsing economy, social anomaly, domestic and community violence, kidnappings, and armed robberies” – House member, Hon. Teejay Yusuf, berating the federal government and groups over comments made by the Bishop of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Mathew Kukah.

KAYODEKOMOLAFE THE HORIZON

kayode.komolafe@thisdaylive.com

0805 500 1974

Takeaways from 2020 I

t has come to pass that clairvoyants could not predict Anno Domini 2020, the year the world changed beyond the imagination of most people.

A year ago, coronavirus was still a distant piece of news. At least, it was not yet in the headlines in this clime. Not many were aware of the pathogen or what it portended.

Even development strategists and other experts did not give prominence to the possibility of a pandemic in their projections.

Yet the year that ends tomorrow (thankfully, as many would probably say) has been defined by virulent public health and socio-economic crises.

In Nigeria, in particular, the matter has been worsened by crippling insecurity.

For many countries, it would require a leap of imagination to design policies to end the crises definitively. Nigeria is definitely one of those countries.

What has happened this year should humble even the most brilliant experts; this is certainly not the time to make extravagant projections into the future. Plans should be based on a sober thought-process. So, armed with a periscope of analysis the starting point from which to look into the future is to ponder some of the lessons of the outgoing year.

The point at issue could be briefly illustrated by random takeaways from the year that mankind would not forget in a hurry.

The events of the year have been a bitter reminder about our common humanity. The year has been a rebuke of the mindless individualism already turned into a virtue by neo-liberals across the world in the last few years. It has been demonstrated again that the rich are not insulated from the troubles of the poor as it was probably imagined.

In terms of the realities of our common humanity, nations are not as distant from each other as geography makes it to appear in another context. The human proximity here is more than the interconnectedness brought about by technology. Within weeks of the outbreak of a virus being reported in China, the whole world is saddled with coping with the consequences of its spread. Aviation and hospitality sectors virtually collapsed. Supply chains got devastatingly disrupted. The solutions would not come from unbridled competition for profits alone. The spirit of cooperation and collective action cannot be discounted for the sake of human progress.

Planning for human development should take a pride of place in economic management.

The inherent contradictions in the society and the complexities of human life have been poignantly brought to the fore. In the pandemic that happened a century ago, mankind did not have the advantage of today’s phenomenal advances in medical science. In the 1918 influenza, members of the public were advised to wash their hands, wear masks and keep physical distance as preventive measures while scientists thought of how to combat the pandemic. Public health experts have said that if only most people in the world keep the same age-long precautions it would be easier, cheaper and more effective to tackle the spread of coronavirus and the disease it causes, COVID-19. The headache of public health managers across the world is how to deal with the human nature that generates revulsion against these steps meant to avoid infection. You wonder why it is so difficult for people to be persuaded to wear masks and avoid crowds. The matter becomes more bewildering when coupled with the burgeoning industry

Buhari of conspiracy theories about vaccines and fake news about the pandemic. The solution to that aspect of the problem is beyond virologists, immunologists and epidemiologists. It’s a morally malignant aspect of the crisis. It is for sociologists, psychologists and philosophers to ponder why simple solutions are shunned.

Worse still, this happens especially in places like Nigeria where medically sophisticated approaches are not even readily available to most people.

The debate on funding public health and the provision of universal primary healthcare would probably be shaped henceforth by the turn of events in the last few months.

In a humane society, healthcare should be a socio-economic right. Coronavirus has shown that a public health crisis requires more than private solutions. This is more so in a society where the poor majority cannot afford the cost of quality healthcare. It should be delivered as a public good and not as a commodity. You don’t ask a poor COVID-19 patient questions about private health insurance. Neither is this a season to give the neo-liberal lessons in health economics that “nothing of value” is free. When the post-mortem of the COVID-19 crisis is done especially in developed capitalist countries currently overwhelmed by the spread of the virus, the factor of inadequate investment in public health as a common good would certainly crop up for analysis.

It’s expected that those who see development of vaccines only from the binoculars of profits and nationalism would learn the lessons. They are dangerously myopic. It is counterproductive to be selfish in matters of our common humanity.

Formidable moral voices around the world including those of Pope Francis, the WHO, civil

Beyond financial questions about budget deficits, there should be worries about moral accountability

society forces and others have been warning about the vaccine nationalism and profiteering. It’s a microbiological axiom that as long as coronavirus infection remains prevalent in any corner of the globe humanity cannot be said to be outside the perimeter of danger of the virus.

It is socially foolish to blindly subject matters of vaccination to market forces. It is irresponsible to undermine the World Health Organisation (WHO) as President Donald Trump has done.

Instead the body should be made stronger while correcting its organisational faults for the good of mankind especially the people in poor countries.

It’s hoped that when Mr. Joe Biden becomes president, reversing the American policy on global health issues would be part of the necessary moral repairs he would have to embark upon in the interest of America and humanity.

While experts advise members of the public to mask, coronavirus has unmasked the scandalous inequality plaguing societies around the world.

In Nigeria, for instance, the sordid cumulative effects of decades of policies of social exclusion and socio-economic injustice have been sharply reinforced by the enormous consequences of the disruption caused by coronavirus. Lockdowns are not sustainable for long in a society in which the otherwise scientifically reasonable precautions easily translate into a choice between death by hunger or COVID-19. This was dramatised by the spectacles of looting of warehouses in which food items meant as palliatives for the poor during the youth protests in Nigeria. You can talk of relativity as you move from one country to the other, but the economic consequences of the pandemic have proved that inequality is a dangerous blight on capitalist development.

Right-wing ideologues are quick to point to how wrong Karl Marx was about revolution. At least on issues of inequality , poverty, social injustice and cyclical crises, capitalism is yet to prove Marx wrong 172 years after the Communist Manifesto was put together for a movement. The underlying systemic roots of the crisis are worth examining. In many respects, coronavirus has only compounded the crisis of global capitalism.

For one, it has halted what neo-liberals like to call globalisation.

However, on a remarkably positive note, 2020 has also brought out the inherent good in human nature contrary to the postulations of cynics, sadists, nihilists and their social mutants.

The year has proved that life is not about the self alone. The story of the selfish society was rewritten for the good of all.

Take a sample.

Internationally, countries demonstrated solidarity with one another other even while they are all affected by the crisis.

With its obvious limited resources Cuba gave helping hands to countries of Europe and Latin America as it collaborated with China on some medical efforts.

In Nigeria, private sector players came up with a coalition to tackle the consequences of COVID-19. The CACOVID and several other non-governmental organisations (including religious bodies) and public-spirited individuals mobilised resources to support government’s response to the crisis. Residents in middle and upper-middle class zones fed their less-endowed neighbours.

Other provisions were generously and cheerfully made for the succour of the poorest segment of the society. Amid the pervading gloom of COVID-19, it is good news that the philosophy of social Darwinism (survival of the economically fittest) has not come into play. The reality of 2020

is that the economically unfit would make it extremely difficult for the economically fit to survive, much less enjoy life. The interventions from private sources have been significant and timely in the precarious circumstance. In the emerging sociology of Nigeria, such a culture should endure. By the way, it’s strange that with the billions generated by the private sector, the government has not thought of a collaboration for the establishment of well-equipped public health facilities as salutary monuments of the COVID-19 crisis and its consequences.

Nigeria has had its own share of the destructive impacts of public health crisis on the economy and society in 2020. In addition, lessons in governance abound. The most tragic of these lessons is the incompetence so far displayed by the Nigerian state in tackling the festering sore of insecurity.

Yes. the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari inherited insecurity as a problem. In fact, not a few must have voted for Buhari in the presidential election of 2015 because they considered him suitable for the job of keeping the nation secure. Five years later, scores have been killed by terrorists. Hundreds have been abducted by bandits. Kidnappers and armed robbers now make travelling on the highways a nightmare. Yet no one seems to be accepting responsibility for this unacceptable state of affairs. The President and his team should consider moral accountability as central to the strategy to combat insecurity in the new year.

The matter goes beyond the naira and kobo spent on security. Beyond financial questions about budget deficits, there should be worries about moral accountability. The government owes the people explanations on why the armed forces and security agencies cannot stop the killings and kidnappings. Parts of Nigeria are now ungoverned spaces. Those who advised Buhari not to address the parliament on the deteriorating security situation have done the President and the nation a terrible disservice.

The protests of the youths coded as #EndSARS should be another takeaway for those responsible for governance in Nigeria. The protest against some bad eggs in a special unit of the police turned out to be a protest against bad governance, social injustice and assault on human freedom.

Attempts to clampdown on the heroic citizens who participated in the popular protests would suggest that the Nigerian state has not learnt the lessons of the protests. No matter their tactical errors, the protesters justifiably brought out the grievances of Nigerians to the streets. The lesson will only be learnt when the government engages the people to improve the character of governance.

As the year draws to a close identity politics continues to assume a bitter tone. The 2020 takeaway for Buhari in this regard is that he should change course on the management of the otherwise enriching diversity of Nigeria.

Buhari should be a unity president and must be seen to be so from all parts of the county.

In the grim circumstance, it is important to have an optimistic outlook about the future.

For those who might think that it is utopian to suggest these takeaways, the words of the Uruguayan leftist journalist, Eduardo Galeano, could be apposite.

“Utopia is on the horizon. I move two steps closer; it moves two steps away. I walk another ten steps and the horizon turns ten steps further away. As much as I walk, I’ll never reach it.

So what’s the point of utopia? The point is to keep walking.”

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