THURSDAY 30TH DECEMBER 2021

Buhari Receives Manufacturers, Promises Access to Forex AfCFTA: FG to fast-track establishment of designated authority for administration of rules of origin NACCIMA, analysts list measures to reverse Nigeria’s trade deficit Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Dike Onwuamaeze in Lagos President Muhammadu Buhari

has assured manufacturers in the country that the federal government would take appropriate measures to improve access to foreign exchange

(forex) for importation of raw materials and machines that are not readily available locally. Buhari gave the assurance yesterday,

in response to a request by the leadership of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).

MAN had, during an advocacy

visit to State House, Abuja, appealed to the government to take steps to ensure that the real sector contributed more to the Nigerian

economy.

In a similar vein, the Nigerian Continued on page 40

Electoral Bill: CSOs Write National Assembly, Highlight Cross-referencing Errors in the Bill... Page 5 Thursday 30 December, 2021 Vol 26. No 9761. Price: N250

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Lagos Assembly Passes N1.4trn 'Budget of Consolidation' Abiodun signs N351bn 2022 spending plan into law

Segun James

Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday passed a proposed budget of N1, 388,285,459,990 for the year

2022.

This was just as Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, yesterday signed state’s 2022 appropriation bill into law.

In Lagos, the Chairman House Committee on Budget and Economic Planning, Hon Gbolahan Yishawu who read the Appropriation report said the budget deficit

would be financed by loans and bonds to make for the shortfall.

Yishawu, who expressed satisfaction with a good number of Ministries, Departments and

Agencies (MDAs) that appeared before the Committee for their defence, however disclosed that one or two agencies failed to come for the defence.

The Speaker of the House, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa directed the Clerk of the House, Mr. Olalekan Continued on page 40

With Rising Theft, Nigeria Records 193m Barrels of Crude Oil Deficit in 11 Months

Produces 441m barrels of projected 635m crude Only 12 of country’s 53 oil rigs active

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja At a projected 1.86 million barrels daily oil production in the country's 2021 budget, Nigeria recorded a huge deficit of almost 200 million barrels in the first 11 months of this year.

This was largely due to the rising cases of crude oil theft, ageing infrastructure, challenges associated with host communities, under investment, and poor security in the waterways.

Figures from the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Petroleum Commission (NURPC) obtained

by THISDAY, indicated that while Nigeria was expected to pump approximately 635 million barrels of oil

by November this year, it struggled to produce only 441 million barrels in the period.

Many oil companies are reporting huge losses, sometimes up to 80 per cent of production in the pipelines.

"When they pump through the pipelines, they only get about 20 per cent of product and the rest lost Continued on page 40

GOLD MINING DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE...

L-R: Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning , Zainab Ahmed; President Muhammadu Buhari; Minister of State Mines & Steel, Uche Ogah; Executive Secretary, PAGMI, Fatima Umar Shinkafi and Executive Director, Andrew Osogbo, during the briefing from the Steering Committee on Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Development Initiative at the Presidential Villa, Abuja...yesterday.

PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI

Masari: Islam Allows a Person to Protect Himself, Family... Page 42

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

NEWS

DEEPENING RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE...

L-R: Co-chairman, Nigerian Inter-religious Council (NIREC) and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar lll; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha and President PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Samson Ayokunle, during the 4th quarter meeting of NIREC in Abuja...recently

Electoral Bill: CSOs Write National Assembly, Highlight Cross-referencing Errors Want contentious sections corrected before resending to Buhari for assent Chuks Okocha and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja A group of eight civil society organisations (CSOs) have written a letter to the senate president, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and heads of election-related committees in the National Assembly, highlighting errors in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill that can make it inefficient and ineffectual.

The groups made their case in a letter titled, "The drafting errors in the Electoral Bill 2021", and signed

by Yiaga Africa, International Press Centre (IPC), Centre for Citizens with Disability (CCD), The Albino Foundation, CLEEN Foundation, Institute for Media and Society (IMS), Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), and Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ).

In the letter dated December 29, 2921, the CSOs, said, "The undersigned Civil Society Organisations, following an in-depth and comprehensive review of the Electoral Bill 2021 for which the president declined assent, wish to draw the attention of the National Assembly to identified drafting errors and cross-referencing gaps in the bill.

"We urge the National Assembly to address these errors and gaps before re-submitting the bill for presidential assent to eliminate any form of ambiguity or legal complications in the application of the bill when it is enacted.

"We recall that in August 2018, President Buhari premised his decision of declining assent to the 2018 Electoral (Amendment) Bill on certain drafting errors and cross-referencing gaps in the bill.

It is imperative for the National Assembly to ensure due diligence before transference of the Electoral Bill 2021 back to the president for assent to prevent it from suffering the same fate."

The CSOs reiterated their earlier call on the National Assembly to expeditiously conclude this process and re-transmit the Electoral Bill 2021 to the president for assent within 30 days from December 21, 2021.

They explained that any further delay in concluding the process of enacting the Electoral Bill 2021 would

directly impact INEC’s preparations for the 2023 general election.

The CSOs identified the drafting and cross-referencing errors and gaps in the Electoral Bill 2021 are as follows: Section 24 (4), which is about the conduct and postponement of election in emergency situations, they said (4) where the commission appoints a substituted date in accordance with subsections (2), (3) and (4), there shall be no return for the election until polling has taken place in the area or areas affected.

In Subsection 1 of the section, they claimed was omitted, resulting to improper cross-referencing. For proper cross-referencing, they contended that, (2), (3) and (4) should be deleted in the Subsection 4 and replaced with (1), (2) and (3).

In Section 50 (2), which is about the conduct of poll by open secret ballot, subject to Section 63 of this Act, voting at an election and transmission of results under this Act shall be in accordance with the procedure determined by the commission. Section 63, they claimed, was wrongly referenced in the subsection. There is no relationship between Section 50 and Section 63 of the bill, they added.

To reflect the correct cross reference, Section 63, they said, should be replaced with Section 60 on counting of votes and forms and in Section 64 (7) & (8), endorsement on rejected ballot paper without official mark.

The groups said if the disputed result under subsection (3) were otherwise found not to be correct, the Collation Officer or Returning

Officer shall re-collate and announce a new result, using the information in subsection (3) (a-d).

Where the dispute under subsection (3) arose at the level of collation and the Returning Officer has satisfied the provision of subsection (3), the Returning Officer shall accordingly declare the winner of the election. The reference to subsection (3) in the section is incorrect, they contended, arguing that Subsection (3) does not relate to disputed result, because it relates to statement of rejected ballots.

"For proper cross-referencing, the reference to subsection (3) should be changed to subsection (6a-d), which relates to procedure for determining the correctness of a disputed election result,” they explained.

In section Section 91(2), which

deals with conduct at political rallies, and processions, the group said, "Section 91(2), for the purpose of Subsection (2), a person shall be deemed to be acting in pursuance of a lawful duty if he is acting in his capacity as a police officer or as a member of a security agency authorised to carry arms and is specifically posted to be present at that political rally or procession.”

The letter claimed, "The reference to subsection (2) is a cross referencing error. The number (2) in the provision should be deleted and replaced with (1).

“In section 107 (3), which concerns death of Chairman before oath of office, Section 107(3), the letter said, ‘Where the persons duly elected as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of an Area Council dies before taking and

subscribing the oath of allegiance and oath of office during which period the Area Council has not been inaugurated, the commission shall within 21 days conduct an election to fill vacancies.”

The groups noted the grammatical error in the section, saying, “the alphabet “s” should be deleted from the word “dies” to read “die”.

In Section 137 and 138, on the effect of non-participation in an election, the group said in Section 138, which is accelerated hearing of election petition, that, "It shall not be necessary for a party, who alleges non-compliance with the provisions of this Act for the conduct of elections to call oral evidence if originals or certified true copies manifestly disclose the non-compliance alleged.

UN: In 2022, World Needs to Be Resolute about Recovery Michael Olugbode in Abuja The United Nations SecretaryGeneral, António Guterres has said the world should be resolute about recovery in 2022.

The UN scribe, in his New Year’s Message said the, “world welcomes 2022 with our hopes for the future being tested by deepening poverty and worsening inequality; by an unequal distribution of COVID vaccines, by climate commitments that fall short.”

He added that the future was equally tested by ongoing conflict, division, and misinformation, insisting that these are not just policy tests but moral and reallife tests.

Guterres, however, said they were tests that humanity could pass, “if we commit to making 2022 a year of recovery for everyone.”

He added: “Recovery from the pandemic — with a bold plan to vaccinate every person, everywhere.

Recovery for our economies — with wealthier countries supporting the developing world with financing, investment and debt relief.

“Recovery from mistrust and division — with a new emphasis on

science, facts and reason. Recovery from conflicts — with a renewed spirit of dialogue, compromise and reconciliation.

“And recovery for our planet

— with climate commitments that match the scale and urgency of the crisis.”

According to him, moments of great difficulty are also moments

of great opportunity, to come together in solidarity, to unite behind solutions that could benefit all people, and to move forward together with hope in what our

human family can accomplish.

He said: “Together, let’s make recovery our resolution for 2022.

For people, planet and prosperity.”

FAAN Moves to Fortify Security at Seymore Car Park, MMIA Chinedu Eze Following complaints of theft of vehicle parts by users of the car park at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMIA), Lagos, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has deployed its security task force to the facility as well as areas around the park.

The car park was built and is being managed by Seymore Aviation Multi-level Car Park Company under a public, private partnership (PPP) with FAAN. THISDAY learnt from a senior official of the agency that when the report of theft went virile on the social media, he was directed by the Managing Director to investigate and find out the real problem with the facility.

FAAN’s investigation revealed

that there was no comprehensive coverage of the all the levels of the car park by CCTV and the company lacked adequate security personnel to effectively monitor movements at the facility.

According to the source, FAAN therefore deployed a senior AVSEC official to determine how to monitor activities at the facility and make sure it is secure for the users.

“Before now Seymore has its own security system but after the complaints from the car park users, I was mandated by the Managing Director of FAAN to investigate and find out what happened.

“So, we carried out security check and found out that the CCTV does not adequately cover the car park and the management does not have enough security personnel to effectively monitor

the place and we also wanted to find out the person who said that cars parked at the place is at the owner’s risk.

“First we heard it was FAAN AVSEC official so we carried out investigation and also found out that an official of Seymore made the statement,” he said.

The FAAN official also told THISDAY that the agency has directed the company to urgently expand the CCTV to cover every part of the car park and to also link it to FAAN ANSEC security monitor so that both the company and the agency would jointly monitor activities at the car park.

“We also directed that more personnel would be engaged and we would also deploy our AVSEC personnel to provide adequate security coverage of the place. We found our also that

there is no adequate illumination of the park so we directed the management to light everywhere in the facility because if everywhere is well lit it will discourage thefts,” the official said.

In a chat with THISDAY, the General Manager, Corporate Affairs of FAAN, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu who confirmed the new partnership on security with Seymore, disclosed that the management of the company and FAAN officials held meeting yesterday to agree on how to immediately implement the directive the agency gave to Seymore.

Report of the incident of thefts at the car park went virile on social media during the Christmas holiday and airport users and industry stakeholders were incensed by the excuse that the vehicles parked at he facility were at the owners’ risk.

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NEWS INEC Tidies Up Plans, Accredits 51 Observer Groups for February FCTA Poll Chuks Okocha in Abuja

HERE IS OUR NEW LOGO, SIR...

President Muhammadu Buhari (L), receives a report and new logo from the President of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mansur Ahmed, during PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI the visit of leadership of the manufacturers association to the Presidential Villa, Abuja ...yesterday

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has begun to tidy up arrangements for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, 12th February 2022, with its recent accreditation of 51 observer groups.

According to INEC’s Daily Bulletin seen by THISDAY yesterday, the observer groups comprised 50 domestic organisations and one foreign group – International Foundation for Electoral Systems.

The commission urged the approved organisations to fill and complete necessary documentation online (http://observergroups.inecnigeria. org/) between yesterday, December29, 2021 and January 13, 2022.

It also stressed the need for observers to fully comply with the INEC COVID-19 policy on election and accreditation of observers, including the signing of the indemnity form and provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for all field observers, warning that the “failure to comply will lead to the immediate withdrawal of accreditation.”

FG Mobilises Three Construction Companies with N185bn to Dualise Calabar-Itu Federal High-way Okon Bassey in Uyo The federal government has approved the sum of N185 billion for three major construction firms for the dualisation of the Calabar-Itu federal highway.

The Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang, who disclosed this

yesterday while inspecting the progress of work on the road listed the firms handling the road project to include Julius Berger, SERMATECH and CCECC. The federal road that links Akwa Ibom and Cross River States had been in a deplorable stage over a decade with commuters subjected to severe suffering and

economic loss.

He said the first phase of the contract was awarded to Julius Berger to the tune of N54 billion with construction from Odukpani LGA in Cross River State and Ibiono Ibom LGA in Akwa Ibom State axis of the highway.

On the hand, SERMATECH was given the sum of N79 billion to construct the road as well as four

bridges and the sum of its N52 billion was given to CCECC. Enang explained that the funding of the road was from over N600 billion raised from tax credit window by the Federal Inland Revenue Service from the NNPC to fund critical infrastructure mainly roads, which Akwa Ibom/Calabar road project was given N185billion.

He assured the people that the

project would be completed with dualised carriage by April 2023, saying the funds had been made available. He also urged the people to be patient and cooperative with contractors handling the project.

"We have been having problems of getting funding for the road, but Mr. President has asked me to assure you that we raised money from the tax

TEF Opens 2022 Application for Entrepreneurship Programme The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), one of the leading philanthropies empowering young African entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries, has opened applications for its 2022 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme on www.TEFConnect.com.

According to a statement yesterday, African entrepreneurs with business ideas or existing businesses under five years, are encouraged to apply now for $5000 seed capital, mentorship, business management training, among others in the 2022 entrepreneurship programme It stated that, “since 2015, the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme – the only African-funded entrepreneurship catalyst of its kind – has empowered 15,847 African entrepreneurs with non-returnable seed capital of $5,000 each; 12 weeks of business management training; access to experienced mentors; and membership to Africa’s largest entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“In 2021, the Tony Elumelu Foundation disbursed $24.75 million to 5,000 African entrepreneurs across Africa for its 2021 Entrepreneurship Programme. The Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Programme remains one of the largest private sector responses to driving the economic recovery of African youth, women and SMEs given the effects of the covid19 pandemic across Africa.

“Across Africa, the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme beneficiaries are starting and growing trailblazing businesses that have collectively created over 400,000 direct and indirect jobs.”

Commenting on the launch of the 2022 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, the CEO of the Foundation, Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu said: “We are constantly blown

away by the quality of businesses that come from Africa every year.

This motivates us to scale our efforts to empower even more entrepreneurs on continent.

“The innovation, knowledge and resilience of African entrepreneurs is central to charting Africa’s socio-economic transformation and meet the continent’s development objectives. We are also proud of the increase in female participation on our programme, especially with the 2021 cohort where we witnessed a record 68 per cent selection of women entrepreneurs.”

Founding Trustee of the TEF, Dr. Awele Elumelu stated: “Through the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, we seek to democratise luck.

“Hard work plays an important and undeniable part in success, but one must not discount the role of luck – someone being willing to take a chance on you or business idea by empowering you through training, mentorship or funding.

“Our hope is that, through the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, we would help the next business leader or captain of industry be whom they are meant to be.

“This is our own way to give back and also to empower the generation coming behind us so that they can go even further than we have. As a parent, one’s desire is for your children to do better than you and so you will provide the resources and materials that they need to ensure that they go far in life. Similarly, at the Foundation we are equipping the next generation with the tools they need to succeed.”

Also, commenting on the benefits of the programme, a 2015 Tony Elumelu Entrepreneur, Hauwa Liman, a female business owner and Founder of Afrik Abaya said: “I am always proud to say

that I am from the inaugural cohort of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme. My business is located in Kaduna, in northern Nigeria. I benefitted from this Programme in 2015, and it opened up lots of doors and opportunities.

“It is not just about the seed capital, but what really fascinates me about the Programme is the knowledge. I call it a mini-MBA programme, because from the ideation stage it teaches you how to really articulate your business, and it gave me my first business

plan. The network, visibility and opportunities are endless.

“My entrepreneurship experience cannot be complete without the Tony Elumelu Foundation. I will start exporting to other countries soon courtesy of the Foundation.

We now employ ten permanent staff and an additional eight staff on a commission basis.”

The TEF is empowering women and men across the African continent through entrepreneurship to catalyse economic growth, drive poverty eradication and ensure job creation.

The Foundation’s mission is rooted in the philosophy of Africapitalism, which positions the private sector as the key enabler of economic and social wealth creation in Africa. Through TEFConnect, the Foundation’s proprietary digital platform, it has provided capacity-building support, advisory and market linkages, to over 1.5 million Africans.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme is open to entrepreneurs across Africa: new start-ups and existing young businesses, operating in any sector.

credit window from federal inland revenue service to the NNPC to fund critical infrastructure mainly road infrastructure.

"This road was designed for dualisation since 1972 and only one lane of the four lanes was constructed believing that others would be constructed since then.

"Thank God, President Muhammadu Buhari has started constructing other lanes with four bridges and he has promised to complete it within the time frame,” he added.

Enang who commended the engineers for being on site and working to meet delivery target despite the yuletide, regretted that Julius Berger failed to come to site with the claims that they must observe their holiday even as he enjoined other companies to borrow a leaf from SERMATECH in offering a selfless service.

The SERMATECH site representative, Engr Joseph Upata said the company had reviewed the time frame of the completion of the project from three years to two saying the road would be completed by April 2023.

Gombe Governor Restates Commitment to Judicial Independence, Welfare of Officers Segun Awofadeji in Gombe Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has reiterated his administration's commitment to ensuring a strong and independent judiciary in order to facilitate the dispensation of justice as well as the overall transformation of the judicial arm of the government.

Yahaya stated this yesterday, during a special court session to mark the commencement of the 2021/2022 legal year organised by the Gombe State Judiciary held at the State's High Court Complex.

He assured that his government would continue to support and sponsor manpower development and training as well as other measures to improve the welfare of senior judges and other judiciary staff in the state so as to maintain the production of well-equipped and skilled officers while providing a conducive working environment for the Judiciary.

The governor said in his determination to ensure autonomy of both

the judiciary and legislature and in line with the principle of separation of powers, he recently assented to the law granting financial autonomy of the judiciary and legislative arms of government in the State.

He observed that the commencement of the 2021/2022 legal year was significant as it gives members of the bar and the bench the opportunity to have a sober reflection, self-assessment and critical examination of its achievements and challenges in the preceding year.

"Let me reiterate that our administration is committed to ensuring a strong and independent judiciary in order to facilitate fair and speedy dispensation of justice as well as the overall transformation of this very important arm of government," he added.

Yahaya used the occasion to commend members of the judiciary for the laudable achievements and successes recorded by the courts in the discharge of their statutory

responsibilities in the last legal year.

He noted with satisfaction the speedy dispensation of cases, especially in the lower courts where bulk of the cases were usually filed and presented for hearing.

"Equally for this new legal year, we wish the judiciary a better performance in justice delivery, commitment and hard work in the disposition of cases before them.

The respect for the rule of law demonstrated by Mr. President and Commander- in- Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has undoubtedly strengthened the crucial role of the Judiciary in the promotion and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria today.

"Suffice to say, criminal justice delivery is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders in our judicial system. I find it imperative to commend the judiciary for working in harmony with other sectors towards achieving our desired goal of entrenching a truly crime

free and peaceful society.

“It is in this regard that I recently appointed three High Court judges and two Khadis of the Sharia Court of Appeal to enhance speedy dispensation of justice.

“The state government equally provided vehicles to the newly appointed judges and Kadis to facilitate effective service delivery.

Let me use this opportunity to assure the entire members of the Judiciary that we would continue to make available all necessary facilities that will enhance the effective discharge of their responsibilities," he added.

Yahaya said government was aware of the challenges facing the judiciary, particularly in the face of the current security challenges and high wave of crimes threatening peace and harmony in the North-East Sub-region and the nation in general.

He equally maintained that his administration was mindful of the necessary financial requirements of the judiciary.

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NEWS

A TÊTE-À-TÊTE ON THE SIDELINES...

Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, Mariam Katagum (left) and Minister of Finance Budget and National Planning , Zainab Ahmed, during the visit of the leadership of Manufacturers PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI Association of Nigeria (MAN) to the Presidential Villa in Abuja...yesterday

Ozekhome: Obasanjo's Position on Rightful Ownership of Oil in N’Delta against Natural Justice Says ex-president’s stance provocative Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja A senior lawyer and human rights activist, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), yesterday, picked holes in former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s position that the oil found in the Niger Delta belonged to the country and not the region.

Ozekhome argued that as a military top brass, Obasanjo was one of Nigeria’s rulers, who inserted the 'inhuman' law, stressing that the provision that the oil found in the Niger Delta was owned by the entire Nigeria was against the law of natural justice.

According to him, although legally speaking, the former Nigerian leader might be correct, the overriding principle that whoever owns the land owns everything therein should equally apply.

In a statement personally signed, the lawyer maintained that ordinarily, a major attribute of federalism is that it ensures that regions, sub-nationals or federating units develop according to their pace and needs, using their God-given resources, they should only pay tax to the central government.

He insisted that a law that literally stole the resources of a people, punishing them with destruction of their only available aquatic and agrarian life, even though in the statute books, was a bad, aberrant and obnoxious law.

“Former president Olusegun Obasanjo has theorised that the oil and gas found in the Niger

Delta region belong to the federal government, and not to the oilbearing communities.

“Legally speaking, Obasanjo can be said to be correct, because he was part and parcel of successive military juntas that cleverly and systematically inserted ‘expropriatory’ and inhuman laws concerning ownership of oil and gas into our statute books.

“But, does that make such laws right or justifiable? No. I think not.

Ex-president Obasanjo should be told in very clear terms that there is such an overriding principle of law, which goes with the maxim of quic quid plantatatur solo solo cedit.

This literally means that whoever owns the land owns everything on top of it.

"Any extant constitutional or statutory provisions (such as those apparently referred to by Obasanjo) that run contrary to this 'commonsensical’ common law principle are therefore nothing but bad, immoral, ‘expropriatory’ and exploitative,” he argued.

He explained that in the United States, for instance, a country from which Nigeria adopted its system of government, since oil was discovered in 1859, oil and gas have never been owned by the American federal government, but by the surface owners.

Ozekhome pointed out that oil and gas offshore could be owned either by states or federal government in that country.

According to him, before the

January 15, 1967 first military putsch led by Maj. Kaduna Nzeogwu , neither the cotton, groundnut and hides and skin obtainable in the north, the cocoa grown in the west, palm produce in the east; nor the rubber and timber that existed in the then mid-west, were said to belong to the federal government.

“They belonged to the regions that took a lion 50 per cent share, while paying tax to the federal government at the centre. What has changed? Nothing, I believe,” he stressed.

He reminded the ex-Nigerian leader that the major reason his 2005 political reform conference failed was because of the rancour and ruckus generated by the thorny and still unsolved controversy of

resource control.

“He should remember that this led the South-south delegates to stage a walkout from the conference.

I was not only a civil society delegate, I was actually the head of the civil society unit that drafted our final committee report and recommendations.

“Obasanjo should, therefore, not have dismissed such a festering thorny issue as oil and gas and bleeding oil-bearing communities with a wave of the hand in a most provocative and cavalier manner,” he argued.

Ozekhome explained that the 1960 independence constitution and the 1963 republican constitutions had actually activated true fiscal federalism, after the 1957-1958

Willinks Commission report, which had identified and validated the fears of minorities within the Nigerian space.

He told Obasanjo that the failure of the 1922 Hugh Clifford Constitution, 1946 Arthur Richards Constitution, 1951 Macpherson Constitution and 1954 Littleton Constitution, werepartly ascribed to the overbearing influence of majority tribes over the minority ones.

As an elder statesman, former military head of state and former democratic president, Ozekhome said Obasanjo’s well respected public statements and opinions (which he is constitutionally entitled to), “should be generously garnished with unifying, healing, therapeutic and inclusive flavour,

Tension as Aladja, Ogbe-Ijoh Threaten War in Land Tussle Sylvester Idowu in Warri Palpable tension has enveloped the Urhobo populated Aladja community in Udu Local Government Area and that of Ogbe-Ijoh, which is an Ijaw community in Warri Local Government Area of Delta State over claims of ownership of land.

The two ethnic groups have been engaged in cold war over claims of ownership of the land with Ogbe-Ijoh issuing a 14-day relocation threat to the Aladja community who claimed to be

the landlord.

The Ogbe-Ijoh community, through the youths leadership had on Sunday written a warning letter asking the Delta State Government to ask the Aladja community to vacate land, threatening to use whatever means to force them packing.

But reacting to the ultimatum yesterday, the Aladja community alerted the Delta state government that the call by Ogbe-Ijoh community for them to vacate their ancestral home town was sacrilegious and insulting.

They warned that the quit order was an invitation for another round of bloody gun battle between the two communities.

The Aladja community, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Ejovbo Ashe; Secretary General, Kingsley Krokele and Publicity Secretary, Diemuare Olokpa, respectively called on Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, to call the people of Ogbe-Ijoh youths to order to avoid another crisis between the two neighbouring communities.

They recalled how the land

Uzodinma Will Name Political Opponents as Sponsors, Says IPOB David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has alleged that the names of sponsors of insecurity Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma said he would publish on January 3, 2022, would be made of his political opponents.

The Media and Publicity Secretary of the proscribed group, Emma Powerful, disclosed this in a statement made available to our correspondent in Awka, Anambra State capital, yesterday.

The state governor had said 18 suspects arrested by security

agencies had named their sponsors, promising to reveal their identities and roles at a stakeholders meeting on January 3.

But IPOB in the statement warned the Imo governor to stop targeting his political opponents by tagging them sponsors of IPOB. Describing Uzodimma's libeling style as laughable, IPOB called him "a totally confused man".

The statement read in part, "The attention of the global family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been drawn to the laughable statement from Hope Uzodinma, that he would expose sponsors of IPOB in Imo State. The statement

and not with the vinegar of divisive and provocative statements.”

He maintained that the Niger Delta region had been repressed, suppressed, marginalised and neglected, and that Obasanjo, more than any other person, knew this very well, having had the rare privilege of governing Nigeria both in khaki and agbada.

“The poor people have had to pay with their sweat, sorrow, tears, blood, pains and pangs, over their God-given wealth. The wealth has become a curse rather than a blessing.

“I wholly disagree with Obasanjo's thesis. I’ll rather embrace wholly Pa E.K. Clark's antithesis, which wears a human face,” Ozekhome maintained.

only confirmed Uzodinma as a totally confused man.

"It is only political Esau like Hope Uzodinma that does not know that IPOB is a self-sponsored global movement. We have no single sponsor from anywhere because no single individual has the capacity to bankroll this movement.

"In case Uzodinma doesn't know, IPOB is not like a political party that depends on god-fathers to exist.

We don't accept donations from politicians and even Uzodinma knows this.

"If we accept donations from politicians, Uzodinma himself would have been one of our

sponsors but he is disappointed that we are not swayed by money.

We have never hidden our sources of sponsorship: members of this great global family willingly and gladly finance the movement.”

The statement added: “We don't really owe mindless traitors and political slaves like Uzodinma any explanations on our source(s) of existence, but we feel obliged to make these explanations because we know his antics.

"He has already concluded plans to implicate some of his political opponents, and the only fastest way to accomplish such evil mission is to brand them sponsors of IPOB.”

The IPOB statement noted that the only crime committed by the innocent people including some traditional rulers that Uzodinma intends to implicate was that they told him to stop killing Imo youths.

"Anyone who is courageous to ask Uzodinma to halt the ongoing carnages and bloodletting in Igboland by the hoodlums he recruited have automatically become sponsors and financiers of IPOB. "Imo people should atone for their sins against God that made God allow this affliction called Uzodinma to be imposed on them by the Supreme Court headed by Fulani bandits," it added.

being occupied by the Ijaws at Ogbe-Ijoh was given to them by the people of Aladja having been evicted from Warri GRA by one British Captain James in 1908.

"Maybe the present generation of Ogbe-Ijoh people think the world has forgotten so soon how they came to live on the Aladja land after they were evicted from their land in present day Warri GRA. "The Ogbe-Ijoh people should go and reclaim their land in Warri which one British Captain James evicted them from in 1908 and same land leased to the British

by Chief Dore Numa.

"The present day Warri GRA was the ancestral home of the Ogbe-Ijoh people until 1908 when the British had need of land and evicted the Ogbe-Ijoh people from the land vide a lease on the land

by Chief Dore Numa. After this eviction the people of Aladja took pity on them and allowed them to squat on the far edge of the Aladja land. But this act of magnanimity has turned out to be the greatest undoing of the Aladja people today", they lamented.

The Aladja people warned Ogbe-Ijoh community to stop acts of intimidation and allow peace to reign, saying they would not hesitate to defend themselves and properties with whatever means available to them.

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COMMENT

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

BETWEEN THE EIGHTH AND NINTH ASSEMBLY The difference is clear, argues Faruq Atofarati

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he National Assembly has always been known to be a notorious puppet to the Presidency. This time, the Ninth Assembly - strictly on account of blind motives for borrowing and increasing the country’s foreign debts, is jeopardising the future of every Nigerian on the ground that government is “building Infrastructure”.

Without minding the state of things, insecurity is causing Nigerians to wallow in melancholy. They have lost so much to the destruction orchestrated by bandits, kidnappers, and other perpetrators of terror.

The ninth assembly sounded so loud around its first two years while celebrating. Premium Times described this thus: “the session which lasted for hours, was dominated by songs of praises with lawmakers taking turns to pat themselves at the back for a ‘job well done.”

The apparent air of self-praise in the chamber resulted from the overwhelming presence of the meager minds in the Senate, putting themselves above the totem pole, even though, while scoring themselves high, their success says otherwise.

Apart from the “January - December budget cycle” which has become the “accomplishment slogan” of the ninth assembly, the “zazu” of the administration, would hardly not surface as a subject in any speech given by the present Senate President, Dr. Ahmed Lawan. This seems to be the height of their achievements.

The ninth assembly also boasts of maintaining a “cordial relationship with the executive arm”, led by President Muhammadu Buhari. Unfortunately, the cooperation has put Nigerians in a more backward state in terms of economy, finance, and security. The “herder-cow” relationship with the Presidency, has made the ninth assembly a non-productive one, always dancing to the tune of the paymaster.

It should however be noted that many setbacks suffered by the immediate past National Assembly were because of the poor relationship it had with the executive arm. The ninth assembly has also passed crucial bills which include “the Deep off-Shore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts Act CAP (Amendment Bill, 2009), which is aimed at increasing Nigeria’s share of the revenue in her crude oil. Other bills on Finance which amended the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2019, sought to create a legal environment conducive for ease of doing business. The assembly also boasts of its quick response to the outbreak of COVID-19.

Sadly, since the assumption of the ninth assembly, the Senate President and his colleagues are so much indebted to Nigerians for running a National Assembly which works as an appendage of the executive, leaving the excesses of the executive unchecked. And the Senate President, is playing very well the role of executive ‘loyalist’, granting every request by the executive without proper scrutiny.

While the unending loans being negotiated by the National Assembly continue to create a psychological burden for most Nigerians, it also has ruined the administration’s credibility. Nigerians’ future remains, a staggering drunk man, walking beside a deep gutter filled with sewage from a cassava processing industry.

In the last 31 months, the ninth assembly has recorded more failures: inability to keep the house checked as regards one misconduct by members or another. The non-compliance with resolution and the Senate’s reluctance to appropriately respond as a result of the “clientcustomer” approach is another hallmark of the National Assembly.

Also, the poor habits of embarking on frequent holidays, resuming plenary sessions late, budget padding (a recurrent problem) in the

SINCE THE ASSUMPTION OF THE NINTH ASSEMBLY, THE SENATE PRESIDENT AND HIS COLLEAGUES ARE SO MUCH INDEBTED TO NIGERIANS FOR RUNNING A NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WHICH WORKS AS AN APPENDAGE OF THE EXECUTIVE, LEAVING THE EXCESSES OF THE EXECUTIVE UNCHECKED

National Assembly, and other celebrated abnormalities continue to plague the federal legislature.

It should, however, be recalled that the previous National Assembly suffered from the speculations that its chairman, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, had poor regards for Nigerians and stalled the progress of the Buhari administration through the decline and rejection of the frequent loans request by the Presidency. However, the arrival of the ninth assembly under the leadership of Lawan has corrected all that. Now, the eighth assembly has become a subject of praise and admiration.

Saraki, known for rejecting the request for foreign loans made without the requisite explanations and itemization of the intended projects for which the loans were to be deployed. The chairman of the eighth assembly is a knowledgeable man in terms of finance and economy. He maintained his stance on strict adherence to the law, rules, procedures, and guidelines. It now appeared that Saraki in taking those decisions placed national interest before and above any personal motive of the ‘money-ticians’.

For most of the period between 2015 and 2019, the eighth assembly leader was cast as an outcast, viewed with suspicion, and subjected to vicious propaganda. A completely different personality from Lawan, who poses as merely obsequious sheep, following orders dutifully from Buhari and the entire Presidency.

At the peril of his ambition, Saraki protected the integrity of the National Assembly and stood against the excesses of the executive. All these became his cardinal sins and motivation for ensuring that he did not return to the Senate. Of course, political propagandists ensured he was painted as the obstacle to Nigeria’s development under the Buhari administration. Sadly, the lies worked. The false narratives trended. And people believed.

In his four years, he drew criticism because of his policy, though, the Senate that he led successfully passed the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, Petroleum Industry Governance Bill, Not-Too-Young-To-Run Bill, Police Reform Bill, Police Trust Fund Bill, North East Development Bill and made other strategic interventions in policy and governance.

Also, the National Assembly in 2017 published line by line details of the National Assembly budget. It was the first time since 2010 when the Senate under former Senate President, David Mark, blocked disclosure.

Also, the eighth assembly activated the provision of the 2014 National Health Act which provides that one percent of the National Consolidated Fund be set aside in every budget to fund Basic Healthcare. In that fiscal year, over N35 billion was set aside for primary healthcare.

It was one big service to the ordinary people at the grassroots. In May 2019, the Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole, said 22 states showed interest in accessing the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

This would not have been possible without the intervention of the Senate under Saraki.

The Eighth Senate set a record in bill passage with 317 bills passed, though out of pure animosity and rivalry, most of the bills were not assented to by the President. Fortunately, the ninth Senate is dusting up those rejected bills and passing them. Two examples of these are the Police Reforms Bill and the Company and Allied Matters Act (amendment) Bill. The two have since become laws with little adjustments made by the ninth assembly. The number of bills passed by the eighth Senate is unprecedented in the history of the upper chamber of the federal legislature since 1999.

Atofarati wrote from Ilorin, Kwara State.

TUTU: LEGACY OF PEACE AND RESTORATIVE JUSTICE Samuel Akpobome Orovwuje pays tribute Desmond Tutu, a truth- bearer and a beacon of hope for the voiceless

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he hope is that this commentary will shed some light on the personality of Desmond Tutu, the man who has come to epitomize human right, truth-and-reconciliation, and restorative justice; and the man who in addition represents key facets of what it means to be human.

Desmond Tutu is, quite simply, the most famous humanist in the 21st century. He achieved remarkable fame in the struggles against apartheid in South Africa and he exponentially increased our understanding of humanity, peace and reconciliation, restorative justice and human rights.

“Forgiveness is not just an altruistic act, but one born of self-interest. Forgiveness affords people the resilience to survive and remain human in the face of others’ effort to dehumanize them.”

Archbishop Desmond Tutu has been the face of human right for decades in Africa. His groundbreaking work during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) hearing, particularly on the concept of Ubuntu, “a quality that includes the cardinal human virtues of compassion and humanity” which became the cornerstone of the South Africa’s interim constitution in 1993 and the 1994 constitution respectively, underscores some of the enduring legacy of the finest gentleman in disruptive leadership thinking, in South Africa, after Nelson Mandela.

The greatest legacy of Desmond Tutu, in my view, is his role as the chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), established to deal with human rights violations and abuses

perpetrated under apartheid and to help South Africa come to terms with its horrendous past through national reconciliation. Indeed, the mandate of the TRC is centered on truth-finding and bridge-building process that would help heal the deeply divided country, and to lay foundation for a new future based on authentic peaceful coexistence, democracy and human rights. In his words: “we need to know about the past in order to establish a culture of respect for human rights.

It is only by accounting for the past that we can become accountable for the future”.

Without doubt, the single most profound legacy of Desmond Tutu is the Ubuntu philosophy of healing, forgiveness and reconciliation, which are strategic gateway to restoring human dignity to both victims and perpetrators. What is clear is that the principles of restorative justice are deeply rooted in African Philosophy and values. The contributions of The Truth and Reconciliation Commission remains brimming in Africa legal jurisprudence and reconceptualization of universal human right notions across the globe.

Archbishop Tutu acted as a great counter force against apartheid regime and was a man gifted with extraordinary mind, courage, love and uncommon humanity, in the face of oppression and racial discrimination. His moral compass pulls hope that a free South Africa, and indeed a free world, was possible. In his own words, ‘Don’t raise your voice, improve your argument’.

He stood up for what he believed in. Suffice to say, he has shaped the truth and reconciliation landscape and his influence will linger.

So how can Desmond Tutu expect to be remembered? The true nature of his legacy will likely remain certain for decades, or perhaps centuries, to come. We may say with some confidence that he is among the finest humanist of his era and indeed an extraordinary torchbearer of the gospel and leading light in social and epistemic justice. And his manifestation of astonishing willpower and determination to fight battles with love stands him out.

Sadly, the profound psychosomatic carryovers and the negative product of the apartheid regime and attendant dispossession of their common heritage and personal pride continue to obstruct the wheel of progress and development in the rainbow nation.

While we mourn and celebrate the exit of a humanist par excellence, his profound and immutable legacies beckon us to follow his deep insight into the human conditions and exalt his spirit of togetherness, moral ideals and his existential collective humanity for the greater good. “We are different so that we can know our need of one another, for no one is ultimately self-sufficient” … The completely self-sufficient person would be sub-human.” (Desmond Tutu 1999).

Crucially, South Africa and post-apartheid leadership has demonstrated she is a nation and a people where, more than anything else, peace, reconciliation and forgiveness matter in nation-building efforts. It is instructive to note that Desmond Tutu has shown the way for us in Nigeria that a genuine reconciliation can be achieved irrespective of their ethnic, religious,

cultural affinity and bias.

Painfully, there are various human rights violations, particularly, the Asaba Massacre of 1967, when thousands of innocent men and boys were exterminated in hail of bullets; that should not be swept under the carpet. The Nigerian state has seen gross violations of its citizens, from Zaki Biam massacre to Odi massacre, and Shiites amongst others. A dialogue and national reconciliation mechanism is required as a step forward to a genuine nation healing effort.

Interestingly, in the midst of the current concerns about the quality of leadership, this tribute is both a practical reminder of the urgent need to have men of courage in the public service, the national assembly and a vital contribution to the ongoing debate about what kind of leadership we should be encouraging in today’s volatile and uncertain Nigeria. Therefore, we can distill a series of reflections on the very fundamentals of leadership that inspire integrity, warmth and humanity, sharing dangers and hardships which were the essential and basic building blocks that typify the life and times of Desmond Tutu.

While we celebrate the exit of Tutu as peace and restorative justice icon, the challenge before us is that most African leaders are instigating conflicts and multidimensional poverty.

Fundamentally, Africa must choose the path of sustainable peace and democracy through credible elections.

Orovwuje is founder, Humanitarian Care for Displaced Persons, Lagos. 08034745325, orovwuje50@gmail.com

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EDITORIAL NEGLECT OF THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED The authorities must do more for persons with disabilities

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he world marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities last week. According to reports 31 million persons with disabilities are suffering in Nigeria as 23 states neglect disability rights. The MDAs are yet to implement President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive three years after the Disability Rights Act was passed. In recent years, members of this vulnerable group have staged demonstrations at the National Assembly to press their case. Part of their grievances include being discriminated against in the distribution of opportunities even though many of them have the requisite qualifications.

In March 2009, the Senate passed a law outlawing discriminations against people with disabilities in Nigeria. At the time, many considered the law a major milestone on the rights of the physically challenged in our society. But nothing seems to have changed. A recent news report clearly stated that about 98 per cent of public buildings in the country such as schools, hospitals, banks, even shop THE GOVERNMENT AS A stalls, where some MATTER OF POLICY MUST can make economic transactions, are still CREATE A CONDUCIVE inaccessible to persons ATMOSPHERE FOR SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND with disabilities.

POLITICAL INTEGRATION Yet the physically challenged persons OF THE PHYSICALLY constitute about 19 per CHALLENGED IN OUR cent of the population.

SOCIETY It must be noted that public buildings in our country have over the years become nothing but a reflection of the attitude of the society towards the physically challenged. They are still discriminated against and face social stigma. From transportation which allows movement and interactions, through health, recreations and even educational services which can make them compete effectively, people with one disability or another are most often discriminated against and deprived of their rights. Everywhere and every day, obstacles are thrown on their paths.

In their recent paper on ‘Social inclusion of persons

Letters to the Editor

with disabilities in Nigeria: Challenges and opportunities’, Rosa Martinez and Vemuru argued that when the attitudes of a community are negative towards a vulnerable group, they will struggle much more to realise their potential. “Persons with disabilities in Nigeria persistently face stigma, discrimination, and barriers to accessing basic social services and economic opportunities. Today, they face greater barriers brought about by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” they contend.

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

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

osmos Okoli, an enterprising man who has proved that there is ability in disability once said: “We have had cases where some principals and head teachers refused disabled candidates’ admission not on the basis of incompetence but for their disabilities.” To worsen the situation, many are regarded by their families as a source of shame and treated as objects of charity. The few vocational training centres set up by government are ill-equipped and ill-maintained.

Some end up in the streets as beggars while others turn to drugs and other socially unacceptable behaviour to generate income.

We are averse to the demeaning and disdainful manners that the physically challenged are treated. Besides the law that compels the government to accommodate them in any major enterprise, Nigeria is a signatory to many international conventions that support equal opportunities for all their citizens. The United Nations defines equalisation of opportunities as “the process through which the general system of society, such as the physical and cultural environment, housing and transportation, social and health services, educational and work opportunities, cultural and social life, including sports and recreational facilities are made accessible to all.” This should be the goal.

The government as a matter of policy must create a conducive atmosphere for social, economic, and political integration of the physically challenged in our society.

Attempts must also be made to open educational and employment opportunities so that they can compete and embrace life with more confidence. The physically challenged in our midst must be empowered to help themselves and their families and contribute their bit to the growth and development of the society.

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

WHAT NIGERIAN LEADERS NEED TO DO IN 2022

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t has been a topsy turvy year for Nigeria in 2021.The country was bedeviled by various challenges that tested the character and the strength of the people. But Nigeria will always survive because of the innate ability we have as a country.

Nigerians have been bedeviled with a lot of economic headwinds, maliciously destroying our national fabric. The web of debt and corruption has become bigger and hope is far from the view of the people. Despite the turbulence occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic I must salute the resilience of Nigerians, but it’s leaders need to do more for the people. The problem of Nigeria has been about the cerebral convulsions its leadership suffers and this leads to no clear plan for the people. In 2022 the Nigerian leadership must sign the new electoral bill into law, the democratic process is the first state to change any nation. We have a faulty political class because we have a faulty system. In an intellectually driven system, we ought not to have leaders we have; I must repeat some of our leaders are not even fit to be servants, let alone leaders. That is why elections matter. We must shout constantly until we have a new electoral law; so the leadership must make this priority once they reconvene. The Nigerian leadership must work on the economy and stop borrowing. We must promote structural changes to governance and how the financial state of the administration works. I have always argued that borrowing to fund long term infrastructure is wrong while the people suffer. What is important is to empower the people through education and solid welfare and give them skills so that Nigerians can start building their own railway lines. We should spend more in 2022 in improving our educational system and research that will lead to development, taking more loans from China to build rail lines by China is not a good thing. In the first place, we should ask how did China learn how to build rail

lines? They did by investment in education that provided the skill. So the earlier we do it, the better.

In 2022 our leaders must support SMEs. The quickest way to provide jobs is through SMEs. We have over 40 million SMEs. The government must create an enabling environment for the businesses to do well, we must give them loans and not kill them with taxation. We must also prevent smuggling; we all remember how dumping of electronics from other countries destroyed the likes of Adebowale industries in the 1980s. The government must be protectionist of its own businesses to grow. In 2022, we must provide power, electricity is a big deal and it is needed for the development of any economy. Just imagine if there were 20 hours a day constant power supply in Nigeria. Our leaders must revisit the power distribution deal with Siemens or look for alternatives if that is not working. We must also liberalize the grid system. We can create multiple grid system and increase development capacity by sourcing funding and developing the power sector.

In 2022, our leaders must also tackle insecurity and look for ways to restore the national pride of Nigeria. Our national pride has suffered; the Nigerian passport is worth nothing today. Our leaders must work on the image of Nigeria and this can only come through development, all round socio-economic development. Most importantly our leaders must unite Nigerians, we can’t continue with this ethnic jingoism. Our leaders must in their words and deeds unite Nigerians. 2022 should not be the year to compare killer herdsmen and hardworking spare part sellers. We must uphold and unite our country. 2022 is another blank canvas, what we write on it matters. God bless Nigeria.

Rufai Oseni, rufaioseni@gmail.com

NIMC:

EXTORTION IN OGWASHIUKWU

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he continuous extortion of residents of Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State by officials of the National Identity Management Commission in Ogwashi-Ukwu Delta State calls for serious concerns.

Nigerians are told daily on the social media, radio and television that registration is free yet the officials keep asking people to pay money for it. The authorities should please stop this exploitation.

Feyisetan Onyeajunwa Akeeb Kareem, onyeajufeyi@gmail.com

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POLITICS

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

Osaghae: NIIA Does not Take Federalism at its Face Value

The Director General of the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, Professor Eghosa Osaghae, in this interview with THISDAY, highlights some achievements of the NIIA and the need for Nigeria to listen to the dynamics of its federalism. Dike Onwuamaeze presents the excerpts:

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hat are the high and low points of the NIIA at 60?

The NIIA is a research think tank. As a think tank its output is basically to be seen in terms of how productive its research has been and the extent to which that research output has served as a strategic resource for the formulation, implementation and evaluation of Nigeria’s foreign policy and engagements with the international affairs.

The whole mandate of the NIIA is tied to the promotion of the understanding of international affairs by government and the citizens of Nigeria. So the NIIA undertakes a scientific study of international affairs all the time and within those studies the NIIA seeks to navigate pathways for foreign policy based on Nigeria’s national interests.

What are the key achievements of the institute at 60?

First and foremost, to have existed for 60 years is a major, major achievement.

Secondly, if you are looking for outward indicators of how strategically relevant the NIIA has been to Nigeria you will find that it is from the NIIA that we have had many Ministers of Foreign Affairs, beginning with Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Professor Ibrahim Gambari to Professor Joy Ogwu.

We have had representations at the highest order, which are acknowledgement of the strategic input of the NIIA as a body. But I want you to know that many of the things the NIIA has in its engagement with the government are not made public. They are not things that we can begin to beat our chest. Those are statutory obligations of confidential and covert nature that the NIIA has rendered to the federal government.

Nevertheless, the NIIA has been at the vanguard of the intellectual movement in Africa for engagement with those dynamic changes that have gone on. For instance, in the 1980s when the IMF and the World Bank came up with the whole idea of structural adjustment, the NIIA was part of the team put together by the Economic Commission for Africa that produced the African alternative to structural adjustment, which was published in 1985/86. The NIIA was also key to the Lagos Plan of Action, which was adopted in 1980 as the template for Africa’s engagement with the super powers at the time and global affairs. The Lagos Plan of Action talked about the centrality of self-determination as a key to Africa’s actions and participation in global affairs.

Over time the NIIA has also contributed to the conceptual clarifications of Nigeria’s frame works for engaging in global affairs. In the mid-1980s, Professor Akinyemi had the concept of medium powers that became helpful in the years the non-aligned movement had gone into recession. That conceptual framework was from this institute. Also Professor Gambari came with his notion of concentric circles, which is a very useful framework for considering issues of foreign policy. It suggests that you have different domains or terrains or layers of your national interest engagements. First is with your neighbours and immediate sub-regions, then the region, and the global south and then the global affairs. Right now, the major things that should preoccupy our attention will be what are happening in the Sahel.

Anything that will lead us, not only into good neighbourliness, but corporation and collaboration with those Sahel countries is key, which is defined within the framework of concentric circles.

What is the state of Nigeria’s foreign policy today because it appears as if the citizens are not feeling it?

There were times when we had dramatic interventions by way of foreign policy. That was the time Nigerian Head of State goes to the OAU to strongly advance Nigeria’s support for the MPLA in Angola and makes a land mark speech. Or when Nigeria goes to the UN to lead the anti-apartheid committee of the UN or when Nigeria intervenes in Zimbabwe to support its independence and when Nigeria proceeds as a frontline state in the liberation struggle in South Africa.

Those were dramatic representations. But let me tell you what foreign policy means. It means your ability to advance your national

Prof. Osaghae

interests in your engagements with other countries. This has been going on, not just in dramatic ways, but in very efficient ways. When at the AU meeting the leaders sit together and said we want Nigeria President to lead the African crusade against corruption, they are simply saying that we can feel what you are doing in Nigeria as a landmark thing. When ECOWAS said that for COVID-19, it will make Nigeria the vanguard country to champion the thing it wants, that is a landmark thing. When in Mali they said let us get an emissary who is Nigeria’s ex-President, it represents an acknowledgement of what they see that Nigeria is doing. When AU is looking for who can help to mediate in Ethiopia and go to Obasanjo, it is an acknowledgement of Nigeria’s pre-eminent role. At a time when you have all those kinds of conflicts you are looking for people who do not only have the history and experience but also the credibility to do the kinds of things the Emaka Anyokus did in the Commonwealth that lead to the transition in South Africa. We have a Nigerian as secretary general of the OPEC, as president of the AfDB, as the director general of the WTO. These are acknowledgements of the key roles Nigeria has played and continues to play in the multilateralism in the world. When you have issues to deal with in West Africa and Africa you have to carry Nigeria along. So, if

the foreign policy has receded in any way these things will not be going on. If you look at the economic front, one of the levers of our foreign policy today is the strength of our non-state actors in the private sector. All over the world it is now acknowledged that not only does Nigeria have the biggest economy in Africa, Nigeria also now has the leading business people from Africa. When they want to engage Nigeria it is not only the government you engage you also engage the nonstate sector. Look at what the Dangotes, the Tony Elumelus, the Rabiu of BUA, the Jim Ovias are doing. When you go around Africa the banks are mainly Nigerian banks. You see what Glo is doing all over the place. I think that the focus on economic diplomacy and the diversification of our economic mainstay are critical things that are beginning to bear fruits that can be seen. I cannot agree that people are not feeling the vibes of our foreign policy. It is as active as ever.

Are we still the giant of Africa?

Nigeria remains the reference point for Africa. Remember that the African voice is never considered complete without the Nigerian voice. On major issues that attract global attention the world waits to hear from Nigeria. The giant might have been crippled at a point. But it is like a volcano, which even in its dormant state is still a volcano.

Nearly half of the people in Nigeria have mixed parentage. So, from what point of view is Nigeria divided? Who is making this division that people talks about? I keep saying that I haven’t seen any ethnic group in Nigeria that does not say that its ancestors migrated from somewhere else. So, I think the time has come to have a project on migration in Nigeria. If we will trace these genealogies it will show that many are not who they think they are. When we talk about these divisions, from what I have said, it immediately becomes obvious that this is politics

Nigeria is today is a buffeted federation with crises and security challenges all over the country. What is the way out?

Federalism is a living and dynamic manmade system. It is probably the most delicate system of government that man has ever founded. You bring it into being and you do a lot to make it work or else it fails.

Federalism is very portent but it also has its underbellies. As long ago as 1978, the NIIA convened an international conference on federalism. It led to the publication of a landmark book on Readings on Federalism.

One of the key conclusions from that conference came from the presentation from Sir Shridath S. Ramphal, who was the secretary general of the Commonwealth of Nations at the time. He said that federalism is not something that you do by simply trying to adopt or write into your constitution what the textbooks prescribe; that federalism is more of the nature of the society that adopts it and that it serves. Federalism is not a system that is adopted in one fell swoop ones and for all. It is a system that keeps changing and as the dynamics changes the federal instrumentalities also change.

Nigeria has had very strong regions in the past. Those strong regions in our own estimation led to a highly divided country and a civil war. One of the lessons of the civil war is the need to have a more united country. The military government at that time thought that the best way to do that is to have a center that is stronger than the federating units. That was what took us to where we are now. But today we are saying, or this is the agitation, that maybe this is no longer the kind of system that we want to run. And therefore, it is in the nature of federalism that even in United States, Germany, Canada, Brazil, Australia that are older federations, the people are still clamouring for true federalism. So, it is not a Nigerian thing. But the narratives of what we call divisions are simplistic if you ask me. It is even a lazy way of characterising Nigeria. I think that our country is a lot more complex than that. I think that the tendencies, the mobilisations, the politicisations are a lot more complex. Look at the centripetal forces: in the 1970s till the early 1980s all the major football teams in Nigeria were representations of ethnic and regional identities. Rangers Football Club was for the Igbos; IICC Shooting Stars was for Yorubas, Bendel Insurance was for Bendel and so on. It is unimaginable, from the point of 1970s, that a Hausa man will be the coach of Enugu Rangers. It was unimaginable that the captain of Enyimba will be a Yoruba. It would have been unthinkable. Secondly, when it comes to sports these agitations do not come in. We have had in this country at a time, especially for our female football team, all the eleven players being Igbos.

Nobody talked about division. The second narrative is this: Nearly half of the people in Nigeria have mixed parentage. So, from what point of view is Nigeria divided? Who is making this division that people talks about? I keep saying that I haven’t seen any ethnic group in Nigeria that does not say that its ancestors migrated from somewhere else. So, I think the time has come to have a project on migration in Nigeria. If we will trace these genealogies it will show that many are not who they think they are. When we talk about these divisions, from what I have said, it immediately becomes obvious that this is politics. They are politicising identities; they are politicising ethnic groups, religious groups, and communal groups and making them to fight. The question is who are those mobilising for these divisions and what do they want? I think that if you leave these things to Nigerians to negotiate it will be easier to resolve. We have to be a little careful how we analyse things so that we do not get overly simplistic. These are very complex issues and we must address them in the complex manner in which they come. For us at the NIIA, we have a more scholarly approach to addressing these issues. As we did in 1978, we do not take federalism at face value or simply as a matter of the constitution. We take federalism as social, cultural and economic and say that it is a complex of all these terms and individualities.

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POLITICS

Akobundu: We Have Restored Confidence in the PDP The former National Organising Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Col Austin Akobundu (rtd.) in this interview, highlights innovations in the party, how to avoid litigations arising from primary elections; and his optimism that PDP will form the next government at the centre come 2023

D

uring the valedictory session, you received a lot of ovation. Why do you think members of the party gave you such honour?

I think we had the ovation about three times during my valedictory speech. I believe the reaction of the audience could be traceable to what the party was before we came and what we have now.

If you recall, the party went through lots of trauma and dislocations flowing from the loss of the 2015 elections. When we took over, we were not given a chance.

People did not believe that we had the capacity to resuscitate a party that was more or less on life support, but at the end we came out successful.

From my training, I already had a clear vision of what I wanted to do, realizing that my directorate was central to nearly all the activities of the party, operationally. We needed to restore confidence in the processes of the party by reversing all the vices of the past and that clearly included the issue of corruption.

Hitherto, the directorate used to be the hub of corruption where anything was possible. People could win in the field and the loser will come to Wadata Plaza and change results. So, the key thing I did was to summon the full political will against those vices. That reversed the trend and retuned confidence in our processes.

In the last four years we witnessed a drastic reduction in post congress litigations and disagreement. How was this achieved?

An office is a product of the quality of leadership that runs the office. We introduced a lot of reforms. Don’t forget that I had been in the party system before I became the National Organizing Secretary.

I was a member of NEC, I was the National Vice Chairman of the South-east, I was also Minister of State Defence and then the National Organizing Secretary. So, I have serious insight about party politics and administration.

We brought in value reorientation. In the past, people were not following the guideline and constitution of the party in conducting our processes. I immediately reversed that and made the guideline and constitution of the party the guiding documents for our operations.

One of the things we did was to address the credibility of the ballot paper. In the past, ballot papers were so ordinary and that gave room for manipulations. We introduced customized ballot papers with pictures of aspirants. We also kept the papers discreet until congresses so that the chances of forging them were completely eliminated.

Before now, delegates lists were not published in line with the guideline. We addressed that by ensuring that delegates lists were punctually reviewed, updated and published to the satisfaction of our members.

Regarding our congresses, before now, the main committee stayed in a place while the state excos were allowed to pick officers to go to the senatorial zones, local government and wards to conduct the primaries. We changed that; apart from the main committee, we set up electoral committees to go to the wards, local government and senatorial zones to conduct the congresses transparently. We also had the customized congress result sheets with specific security features.

We also introduced customized delegates accreditation processes with photograph tags for delegates. We ensured that only genuine delegates participated in our processes. We also deployed technology by embedding QR codes on the identifiable delegate tags.

With these innovations, we wholesomely returned the powers of delegates

Akobundu

to decide who they want as the candidate for any election. We eliminated the practice of the past where some party leaders can come to Wadata Plaza and change names.

We achieved transparency and restored confidence in our system.

The result of such was an upsurge of returnees and new entrants into our party. We got governors back, we got legislators including the leadership of the two chambers of the National Assembly. I believe that the ovation at the valedictory was an acknowledgement of our modest efforts in repositioning the party.

Your office also successfully commenced the e-registration of party members. What is the import of that to the party?

E-registration had been on the card before we came. Various attempts were made by past working committees but for some reasons it did not work. So, when we came, I sent a memo to the working committee to re-start the process considering its various advantages. So, we got NEC’s approval and Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state was appointed Chairman, Governor

Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa state as his deputy and since it was an operation that was domiciled in my directorate, I became the secretary.

We rallied party members, appointed technical persons in states and launched the process. We ran the pilot schemes in Edo and it was hugely successful. We have the online version and the website is www. iampdp.com. It is “do it yourself”.

We have the mobile app as well as the desktop, that is the offline system in the secretariat where people come and register. Let me add that everything about the e-registration is domiciled in the wards. Today the PDP is the only political party with the record of its full membership.

You successfully organized two major conventions at the times people thought the PDP would implode; the 2018 Port Harcourt convention and the 2021 Abuja Elective Convention. How did you achieve these feat?

The success of the two conventions was a product of our insistence on transparency and credibility of all the processes. For the Port Harcourt Convention, the choice of the officers

We eliminated the practice of the past where some party leaders can come to Wadata Plaza and change names. We achieved transparency and restored confidence in our system. The result of such was an upsurge of returnees and new entrants into our party. We got governors back, we got legislators including the leadership of the two chambers of the National Assembly. I believe that the ovation at the valedictory was an acknowledgement of our modest efforts in repositioning the party

that managed the event was to the credit of our NWC and specifically my office. I personally nominated Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state to head the committee having worked with him in Ekiti where he conducted the governorship primary.

That was when our party members saw transparency in action and recorded us well as a working committee that was ready to change the party for the better.

We were single-minded and stuck to the rules. These were the benefits we took to the Port Harcourt convention.

It was quite challenging but we made sure it worked. We had more than one layer of accreditation. We had the main accreditation at the venue of the accreditation. After that we had another layer of accreditation at the venue of the Convention to reconfirm the delegates.

We had the final accreditation alongside the electoral committee at the point of voting. That was to ensure that what we recorded in accreditation processes was the exact number of delegates to vote.

However, long before the time, we had already earned the confidence of the presidential aspirants in Abuja when we updated the delegates list. It was at Hilton. We displayed the list to all the Presidential aspirants. When we got to Port Harcourt, we also had another round of updating on the eve of the convention.

After that we had a very transparent voting, counting and collation process and the final announcement of results.

The Abuja convention was an improvement of what we did in Port Harcourt.

Governor Fintiri was Chairman of the organizing committee, Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa state was Vice Chairman, while Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo was Secretary. We fully introduced technology for enhanced credibility of the processes.

As National Organizing Secretary, I had one mission and that was to continuously improve on the processes of the party. Hard decisions were taken and we recorded a lot of success.

Let me stress that key to the success of the two conventions was the cooperation we had from our governors. As leaders of the party, they saw the honesty and sincerity of purpose on our part and they gave their full support.

At the valedictory, you sounded so confident that the PDP will win the 2023 elections. What gives you such confidence?

Look at the country today and tell me what the APC has to offer. Look at the last election, did we not win? Things have gone so bad in the country and Nigerians are fed up with the APC. Besides the maladministration of the APC, our party is engaging and reengaging to ensure that we get it right and it is clear that Nigerians are with us. So clearly, the PDP will win.

We are already working on strategies to ensure that our votes count.

The APC appears to be fighting to gain stronger foothold in Abia. Does the PDP stand the chance of retaining power in Abia?

My straight answer is yes. Abia is PDP and we will win the coming election at all levels. APC is just justling for space.

With the end of your successful tenure as National Organizing Secretary of the PDP, what is next for Col. Austin Akobundu, (rtd.)?

As a loyal party man, I will continue to work with and for my party. Whether I have a political aspiration; yes, I have.

What is it for now? I need to rest, take a deep breath and continue with my consultation. But above all, I will seek the face of God to show me where to follow and as a party man I also will look at what the party wants to do in terms of contestable positions and key into that.

20

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FEATURES

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

21 News Stories That Made Year 2021 2021 came with a blinding ray of hope. It was the year after the coronavirus pandemic lockdown and the longing for pre-Covid normalcy was overwhelming. But the year was also riddled with urgent news and conversations that at times were shocking, revealing, uplifting and fascinating, and got us talking and talking.

Vanessa Obioha looks at some of the news that defined 2021

Chidinma Ojukwu (L) and late Usifo Ataga

Late Sylvester Oromoni

Burna Boy

Late Ibrahim Attahiru

Twitter Ban

T

he Federal Government's suspension of Twitter activities in Nigeria in June raised an uproar. Following the deletion of the President's tweet that condemned attacks on police stations, prisons and offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in the South-east, with a warning to perpetrators of such violence, that many deemed improper and insensitive, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Adeyemi announced that the government is suspending the activities of the microblogging site indefinitely. Ironically, Nigerians got to know about the ban on Twitter.

Nigerians called out the government for not only attempting to gag freedom of expression but depriving many Nigerians who use the platform for their business, a source of livelihood.

In their defence, the government said that Twitter has been complicit in supporting violence in the country, citing the ENDSARS protest of 2020.

Nonetheless, Nigerians turned to VPN to access the social media site, fetching the wrath of the Attorney-General of the country Mr. Abubakar Malami who threatened to jail Nigerians who accessed Twitter through VPN. Despite talks of negotiations to lift the ban, many doubt that possibility given the difficult tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari's administration.

Repentant Terrorists This was one of the news stories that churned the insides of many Nigerians. The army's rehabilitation and reintegration of Boko Haram terrorists who surrendered into the society through its Operation Safe Corridor (OSC) faced criticisms from

Nigerians. Nigerians were not ready to easily forget the heinous crimes committed by the daredevils or the young kidnapped Chibok girls who were put in the family way by their captors. Not even the placards of forgiveness paraded by the ex-Boko Haram loyalists moved Nigerians to sympathy.

The debate mainly focused on the trustworthiness of repentant terrorists.

Many feared that they may be used as spies and given the heightened insecurity in the country, it was not wholesomely considered a good strategy.

Attack on Nigerian Defence Academy Nigerians woke up on Tuesday, August 24 to the shocking news that the Nigerian Defence Academy situated in Kaduna was attacked. Now, the military university is not an abandoned warehouse anyone can easily access, which was why Nigerians were horrified to learn about the attack on the highly secured institution. It was reported that the attackers killed two officers and abducted one. The incident happened during the peak of insecurity in the North-west.

Abubakar Shekau's Death The news of the death of the leader of the Boko Haram Abubakar Shekau was greeted with uncertainty having been pronounced dead in the past. But an audio recording by the rival group Islamic State-West Africa Province (ISWAP) declared the wanted leader, stating that Shekau blew himself up to avoid capture.

But his death had little to no effect on the North-east region where violence still spread like wildfire.

Lt-Gen Ibrahim Attahiru Plane Crash Barely five months after he was ap-

pointed Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Ibrahim Attahiru lost his life in a plane crash in May. The aeroplane was said to have crashed as it was about landing at Kaduna International Airport. The cause of the crash was attributed to bad weather. While there are reservations in some quarters regarding the cause of the crash, what irked many Nigerians was the president's absence at the burial of the COAS and 10 other top aides. He has since been replaced by Lieutenant General Yahaya Faruk.

Super Cop Abba Kyari's Fall from Grace Reputed as one of the best police officers in the country, the former Deputy Commissioner for the Nigerian Police Force Abba Kyari faced humiliation when the US declared him wanted in July over a fraudulent case. It all started when Ramon Abbas, who goes by the nickname Hushpuppi confessed that Kyari accepted a bribe from him to arrest a man Vincent Chibuzor who betrayed his cybercrime syndicate in 2020.

Desperate to save his reputation, Kyari posted on a now unavailable post that the money he collected from Hushpuppi was to make native attires for him. The statement elicited cheeky remarks from the public, who deemed it ridiculous.

Kyari was suspended and a team was constituted to probe his involvement in the scam case handled by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The team is expected to reveal their findings soon.

Obi Cubana's Rain of Money at Oba Before the obscene display of money at his mother's burial, Obi Cubana kept a low profile, only known to those who matter in the social scene. But with his

Late Iniobong Umoren

mother's burial at Oba in Anambra State, the businessman born Obi Iyiegbu became the poster boy of affluence. The rain of Naira at the ceremony was seen on the various viral social media posts by celebrities at the event.

But this singular event was not the only headline the socialite grabbed this year. In early November, he was in the news for his three-day detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja where he was quizzed over alleged complicity in money laundering and tax fraud. He was later released on bail.

Again, the month saw the club owner in the news after a customer was said to have been electrocuted in his Abuja club, Hustle & Bustle. But the club denied the narrative, claiming that the lady simply tripped and fell. Although the club was temporarily closed, the business has returned to normal.

Grammy Fete March was a celebratory month for the Nigerian music industry as Burna Boy and Wizkid brought the Grammy home. Burna Boy took the Global Music Album award for his album 'Twice as Tall'.

Wizkid made similar strides as he shared the Grammy spotlight with American singer Beyoncé whose song 'Brown Skin Girl' took home the award for Best Music Video.

More Grammy accolades are expected to roll in for Nigerian artistes as Femi Kuti, and his son Made, Tems, Wizkid, Burna Boy are all nominated in the 64th Grammy Awards.

IPOB Sit-at-Home Order Arguably, 2021 is the year the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) grabbed news headlines. From their agitations to the series is violence attributed to them in the South-east region. Following the capture of their leader Nnamdi Kanu, the separatist group gave a sit-at-home order in the

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FEATURES

Abba Kyari

Late Prophet T.B. Joshua

President Muhammadu Buhari's outfit to Imo State

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala region which inadvertently led to violence and hunger. Their influence in some of the eastern states somehow made them demigods to be feared and respected more than the Number One citizens of affected states. While many considered their agitations valid, they are however pilloried for their approach.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala WTO Appointment The former Minister of Finance Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala flew the Nigerian flag very high when she was appointed the DirectorGeneral of the World Trade Organisation.

She assumed the role as the first woman and first African to lead the organisation on March 1.

Buhari's Visit to Imo What was supposed to be a dignified presidential visit to the South-east state turned out to be a caricature of President Muhammadu Buhari's outfit. Nigerians on social media poked fun at the trouser of the president which appeared undersized for his tall frame. Memes of the president and the tailor who made the outfit flooded the internet, detracting from the historic visit of the president to the state.

The Killing of Iniobong Umoren Nigerians were riled up by the news of the rape and killing of Iniobong Umoren, a Philosophy graduate of the University of Uyo, who left her home for a job interview in the outskirt of Uyo. Initially declared missing, Umoren was found raped and killed by a 20-year-old young man, Uduak Akpan.

The serial rapist was said to have buried her in a shallow grave in his father’s house. Over 2000 women including the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Ini Adiakpan, and other women in the state executive cabinet protested her death and demanded justice against Akpan whose case has been adjourned.

Controversy over Lekki Tollgate EndSARS 'Massacre' Any closure expected from the Lagos State EndSARS Judiciary panel on the fated shooting at the Lekki Tollgate met a brick wall when the state government issued a

Charles Soludo

Evangelist Naomi Silekunola and Ooni of Ife

White Paper that rebutted the claims of a 'massacre'. Not a few Nigerians, eager to uncover the real happenings at the tollgate expressed anger and disappointment at the government's claim of no massacre such that governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's plea to have a peace walk with university students and celebrities were declined by many.

Change of Service Chiefs After many years of pressure from the Nigerian public and CSOs, the Buhari administration finally appointed new service chiefs. Gen. Leo Irabor became Chief of Defence Staff while the late Lt-Gen Ibrahim Attahiru became the Chief of Army Staff and Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo became the Chief of Naval Staff and Air Marshal Amao, the Chief of Air Staff. Buhari made the appointment on January 26 following the chain of violence and kidnappings that kickstarted the year.

Death of Prophet Temitope Joshua The sudden death of the leader of Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua popularly known as T.B. Joshua on June 5 sent ripples of shock across Christendom. Famed for his miracles that brought worshippers from different parts of the world to the Ikotun area of Lagos State, the prophet who was 57 at the time of his death was mourned by many. However, what many didn't anticipate was the leadership tussle that ensued between his widow and some disciples of the church accused of misappropriating funds. However, the church resumed services this month.

The Tragedy struck in the highbrow area of Ikoyi on November 1 when a 21 high-rise building collapsed claiming lives, including that of the owner and CEO of Fourscore Homes, Femi Osibona.

About 46 fatalities were recorded while 15 people escaped death.

Controversies however trailed the

number of floors Osibona received approval for. It was initially reported that Osibona got approval for a 15-storey building but exceeded his limit and used inferior materials. The deceased was said to have tried to prevent officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) from sealing off the building in question.

But a contradictory report from a “preliminary investigation” carried out by the Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers (NIStructE) indicated that the building was initially designed for six floors, and later to 12 floors before it was changed to 15 floors. The Lagos State Government is however probing the collapse and the Governor vowed to deal with saboteurs.

Election of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo as Governor-elect of Anambra The November 6 Anambra elections grabbed headlines as the main political parties in the state competed fiercely to win the Number One position in the state.

The former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Charles Chukwuma Soludo would emerge winner, beating Andy Uba who ran on the platform of the All Progressives Congress. However, Soludo's victory which recorded only 4.5 per cent of registered voters is the lowest so far, in the nation's electoral history.

Raid on Justice Mary Odili's Home The attempted raid on Justice Mary Odili's home on October 29 was seen as a disrespect to the judicial system.

Odili, who is also the wife of the former governor of Rivers State Peter Odili and the second most senior justice of the Supreme Court had her home invaded by security operatives who claimed they received a tip that criminal activities were going on in the house. However, they were stopped by vigilant security officials who smelled a fish in the search warrant given by a Magistrate Court in Abuja. Many theories have since emerged on the mastermind of the raid, with some pointing fingers

at possible intimidation of the justices by powerful personalities.

Chidinma Ojukwu and Usifo Ataga The murder of the CEO of Super TV Usifo Ataga by Chidinma Ojukwu was one of the news that led conversations in 2021.

Chidinma, a 21-year-old student of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos was arrested by the police on June 23 for killing Usifo at a short-let apartment in Lekki.

She was arraigned alongside Quadri Adedapo before Justice Yetunde Adesanya of the State High Court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square on Lagos Island over the murder. Her sister Egbuchu Chioma is also fingered in the crime after the late Ataga’s iPhone 7, was found in her possession. Her trial is still ongoing.

Evangelist Naomi's Alleged Divorce from Ooni of Ife On Thursday, December 23, Evangelist Silekunola Naomi delivered a bombshell to Nigerians with the announcement of her separation from the Ooni of Ife Adeyeye Ogunwusi. Writing on her Instagram, the prophetess denounced her Queen title and clarified that she was not leaving the three-year marriage because of the Ooni marrying another queen.

But shortly after the report went viral, it was reported that the Palace is looking at a possible hacking of the Queen's account. The Oba is yet to make any statement regarding the separation. Their union produced a son, Tadenikawo.

Oromoni's Bullying and Death The painful and untimely death of 12-yearold Sylvester Oromoni at the hands of bullies at Dowen College sparked a discourse on bullies in schools. The school earlier denied that the victim was bullied by a cult group.

Concerned parents aired their opinions on how schools should handle bullies while recounting harrowing experiences of their wards. The school was eventually shut down

by Lagos State Government but the granting of bail to suspects before the investigation is completed is sparking reactions from Nigerians.

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BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET

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

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ITU Moves to Maximise Global Impact of 5G Rollout, Focuses on Accelerating Tech, Connectivity Breakthroughs

Emma Okonji The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations specialised agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), that is driving global innovation in ICTs, has formed a new focus group to optimise the ‘testbeds’ for rolling out effective, sustainable fifth-generation (5G) infrastructure and services.

With 5G poised to ramp up digital transformation worldwide,

global research communities are joining forces to maximise their collective return on testbed investments.

The new ITU Focus Group on ‘Testbeds federations for IMT-2020 and beyond, will responds to urgent needs to build a technical and business ecosystem for the sustainable development, evolution, and federation of testbeds, which is the physical and virtual laboratories and testing spaces for new and emerging technologies.

Announcing the initiative in a recent statement, ITU SecretaryGeneral, Houlin Zhao, said: “The accelerating digital transformation of our economies relies on the combination of increasingly complex technologies in fields from 5G and the Internet of Things to big data, cloud computing and machine learning.

This focus group aims to build new partnerships to help test labs making mutually reinforcing contributions to innovation, to everyone’s benefit.”

In Nigeria, the Nigerian

Communications Commission (NCC), had on December 13, 2021, auctioned two lots in the 3.5GHz spectrum band to MTN Networks Limited and Mafab Communications Limited, to enable them rollout 5G technology services in Nigeria in 2022.

One week after MTN was announced as one of the winners of the 5G licence, through the 3.5GHz spectrum auction, MTN finalised arrangements to launch its RCS Business Messaging (RBM) Services in partnership with Google and Dotgo.

Available on 3G and 4G networks, RCS is the default messaging standard for 5G networks. As of today, RCS is available globally with over 700 million monthly active users.

Google is a global technology solution provider, while Dotgo is a gupshup company and a leading cloud communications provider of RBM solutions.

RBM uses the rich and interactive features of Rich Communication Services (RCS)—the next generation SMS that allows sharing of audio,

video, images, location, and a lot more—to enable branded business messaging.

Addressing the urgent need for broader 5G cooperation, Zhao said accelerating industry automation spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, amplified the urgency to create the international cooperation framework for 5G testbeds.

Open to all interested parties, the focus group aims to build broader Continued on page 24

AAAN Partners UN Gender Equality Body to Address Harmful Stereotypes in Nigeria Advertising Industry Raheem Akingbolu As part of the moves to tackle harmful stereotypes across local advertising industry and build an advertising ecosystem devoid of gender bias and harmful stereotype among practitioners, the Association of advertising Agencies of Nigeria, AAAN, has entered into a strategic partnership to launch the Nigeria

National Chapter of the UNstereotype Alliance, convened by UN-women.

AAAN President, Steve Babaeko, who shared this on his social media platform said: “Nigeria is the arrowhead of the exciting African creative industry. We carry a lot of power in the areas of music, film, advertising and popular culture as a whole. With that power comes the responsibility to lead from the

front and open the conversation around closing gender gaps and also change the narrative of how women are portrayed in advertising.

Together we will work to dismantle harmful stereotypes across the local advertising industry.

Confirming the story in an interview with an online newspaper, Babaeko admitted that the development was a remarkable

feat that would further strengthen the industry.

“One of the milestones that I am really proud of is the partnership with the UN women on UNstereotype alliance. AAAN was listed as a partner with the @unsteroetype Alliance, X3M Ideas also subscribed as well, but we also brought AAAN in as an institutional partner for the Nigerian Chapter, “he said.

Babaeko, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of X3M Ideas further stated that stereotyping women is alien to African culture, pointing out instances where African women have tremendously recorded great feats among their male counterparts. The creative guru recalled personalities such as the late Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Queen Amina of Zaria, the Aba women

who led a demonstration to protest against undue taxes, known as the Aba women riot today, and many others to showcase that Africa over time, recognises the important roles women play in the socio-economic development of the continent.

“I don’t think that it is a cultural problem because if we say it is a Continued on page 24

ATA AASS AT AT WWEEDDNNEESSDDAY, AY,DAEUCGE UMSBTE R 1 12, 92, 022012 MMAARRKKEETT DDATA ONNDDSS FFGGNN BBO DESCRIPTION 11.668 FGNSB 7.144 FGNSB 15-AUG-2021 15-JAN-2022 10.301 FGNSB 13.125 16-AUG-2021 16-JAN-2022 11.150 FGNSB 16.39 27-JAN11-SEP-2021 2022 12.364 FGNSB 5.910 FGNSB 12-SEP-2021 12-FEB-2022 12.175 FGNSB 13.050 10-OCT-2021 13-FEB-2022

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3.12 3.88

0.00

30-Sep-21 NTB 24-Feb-22

3.25 2.45

0.00

NTB 10-Mar-22 14-Oct-21

3.35 2.98

Price

101.47 101.13

Yield

3.08 3.88

MATURITY

Change(%) (%) Discount Yield Change

26-Aug-21 NTB 13-Jan-22

3.00 3.69

3.00 0.00 0.00 3.70

CONTRACT TENOR (MONTH) 1

Contract

Current Rate ($/₦)

AUG26 252022 2021 421.18 420.93 NGUS JAN

2

SEP 23 29 2022 2021 422.61 422.38 NGUS FEB

3

OCT 27 423.83 NGUS MAR 302021 2022 424.04

3.26 0.00 0.00 2.46

4

NOV27 242022 2021 425.46 425.28 NGUS APR

3.37 0.00 0.00 3.00

5

DEC 29 426.73 NGUS MAY 25 2021 2022 426.89

CCPs Ps MATURITY

Discount Discount Yield Yield Change Change(%) (%)

MREPCP CPIIXXXI PARP 3013-AUG-21 DEC-21 UNCP CP XVI III 27CMBL AUG-21 7-JAN-22 VAAGCP CPI 10I 27CTIL AUG-21 JAN-22 TTNG CP IIXXXX 31MREP AUG-21 10-JAN-22 SIBP CP MREP CPI 2-SEPXXXV 21 14-JAN-22

9.02 5.72

9.03 5.72

0.00 0.00

4.26 7.84

4.27 7.86

0.00 0.00

10.20 6.04

10.25 6.05 0.00 0.00

4.59 12.70

4.60 12.75 0.00 0.00

4.13 7.81

4.14 7.84

0.00 0.00

24

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

INTERVIEW

Stokman: Collaborative CSR is the Future for Sustainable Change Chief Executive Officer, OVH Energy Marketing, Huub Stokman, in this interview speaks on the company’s activities in the downstream sector and the need for corporate bodies to leverage competences through collaborative Corporate Social Responsibility approach. Raheem Akingbolu brings the excerpts.

OVH Energy Marketing was recently awarded the Forbes best of Africa downstream company of the year. What does receiving such a prestigious award signify for the company? t is indeed an honor for us to have received the Forbes Best of Africa Award. We believe the recognition is evidence that we are a driving force in the downstream sector. This is due to our distribution footprint across Nigeria, ensuring timely delivery of products and tailor-made solutions that cater to domestic, commercial and industrial customers. We also consider the award an incentive to do more in the Nigerian downstream sector by reinstating our commitment to the continuous provision of exceptional services to our customers.

of implementing sustainable change.

Collaborative CSR is perhaps the cornerstone of increasing impact and reach. Collaborative approaches that involve a wide range of stakeholders working together to achieve a shared outcome with the added benefit of inspiring and motivating employees tend to have a greater social impact.

I

The company recently partnered Pacegate Ltd on Project Evolve – a CSR initiative. Can you tell us more about this?

The partnership is executed through Evolve, Pacegate and PEARL’s CSR company, which is a non-profit organization. The Evolve Initiative seeks to address the global challenge of climate change through the education of underprivileged girls. According to Project Drawdown, the world’s leading research for climate solutions carried out by 100 of the top scientists in the world, educating girls is the sixth most impactful solution out of 100 mentioned to combat the effects of global warming. There are economic, cultural, and safety-related barriers that impede the girl child from realizing her right to education.

A key strategy to changing this is to provide the girl child attending government schools with school supplies and teaching them heartfulness relaxation techniques.

Through this partnership, over 400 schoolgirls in Omole Senior Grammar School, Lagos state and Community Junior Secondary School Amadi-Ama, Rivers state have received school supplies such as school bags, books, pens, sandals, and uniforms supporting their education.

Stakeholders have commended OVH’s commitment to goal zero. Why is this commitment important to the company?

At OVH Energy Marketing, our top priority is the protection of our people, the environment, and assets in the development of every community we operate in. We strive to limit the impact of our operations on people and the environment, which is why we are committed to a goal of zero health and safety incidents. This is constantly reinforced by our Environmental, Health, Safety, Security and Quality (EHSSQ) management system.

A core pillar of your organisation’s CSR is the empowerment of the next generation, with sustainable skills; what initiatives have been put in place to reaffirm this commitment?

We have several initiatives that we implement and I would like to highlight 2 of them. The OLEUM Academy and Project Evolve that are both focused on empowering the next generation, OVH Energy Marketing created a skills development initiative known as the OLEUM Academy.

The OLEUM Academy was born out of our commitment to raise the automotive maintenance standard in Nigeria by building capacity in the next generation. It is designed to bridge the skill gap in the nation, focusing on the automotive industry while improving their social status and relevance in their communities through training and skill upgrades. The aim behind our Oleum academy is to contribute to the closure of the knowledge gap and to ensure Nigerians have access to professional and technically sound automotive support. Alongside this, we introduced the Mechanic OleumReseller Enterprise Initiative. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the entrepreneurial skills of mechanics, ensuring product availability, deepening usage and increasing customer base, thereby helping them build better, more sustainable businesses.

Can you shed more light on the impact of these initiatives?

Stokman Yes, through the Oleum Academy, we equip participants with internationally recognized technical and life skills for their benefit and the country’s growth.

The academy has changed the lives of over 5,000 individuals nationwide through the provision of automotive-mechatronics, lubrication, and entrepreneurship trainings. Whereas, the Mechanic Oleum Reseller Enterprise Initiative has acted as a second avenue for the auto-technicians to boost their income through the sales of lubricants in their workshop.

Broadly speaking, can you please highlight other steps being taken by the company to contribute to the development of the communities they operate in?

In line with our commitment towards community investment and support, we

have specifically focused on healthcare programs. OVH Energy Marketing, in Partnership with END Fund, has provided some funding in tackling neglected tropical diseases. In addition to the provision of preventative treatments for intestinal worms, schistosomiasis, blinding trachoma, river blindness, and lymphatic filariasis through a robust, school and community-based program, the investment will aid in the training of teachers and community drug distributors to ensure the community health and education systems are strengthened in six states across Nigeria, and the Federal Capital Territory respectively.

Do you believe that collaboration in CSR is the future?

Leveraging competencies through collaborative CSR is indeed the future

Narrowing things down, can you shed light on girls’ empowerment, which the company is currently promoting as a major step in tackling climate change?

At OVH Energy Marketing, we believe that education gives girls the skills and knowledge to respond to climate-related challenges and the changing resource landscapes. Educated girls grow up to be women who participate fully in society and take on leadership roles. Educating young girls is a pathway to fighting climate change, and if we are to successfully address the climate crisis, we need to empower women so they can actively participate in strengthening Nigeria’s response to climate change, which is why OVH Energy Marketing is proud to partner with Pacegate on the Evolve Initiative.

With 2022 fast approaching, are there any CSR projects in the works ahead of the New Year?

Yes, certainly, we have a couple of CSR projects in the works. As a leading Indigenous marketer of choice, we believe there is still a lot of work to be done especially in communities we operate in. Our CSR activities are passionately anchored on ensuring that we give back to host communities and society.

ITU MOVES TO MAXIMISE GLOBAL IMPACT OF 5G ROLLOUT, FOCUSES ON ACCELERATING TECH, CONNECTIVITY BREAKTHROUGHS knowledge of the specialisations of different testbeds and identify opportunities for mutually beneficial interactions. It will also provide a platform to harmonise specifications for testbed interoperability, fostering and enabling high degrees of quality

assurance and security.

Focus Group Chairman, Giulio Maggiore, from ITU member Telecom Italia, said: “Testing certain technologies and associated use cases requires an extensive set of components and resources that few

test labs are able to host in isolation, and this is becoming especially apparent as we enter the 5G era.”

Addressing the growing complexity of emerging technologies like like 5G, Maggiore said testbeds that are run by industry and

academia, would play an essential part in bringing game-changing digital technology breakthroughs to market.

The focus group is expected to report to ITU’s expert group on standardization for protocols and

test specifications, ITU-T Study Group 11.

Its work is intended to build on the new ITU standard Q.4068 specifying open application programming interfaces for interoperable testbed federations, which defines a generic

reference model for such federations and describes the foundational elements of this model.

According to Zhao, the first meeting of the focus group would be scheduled to hold online between 4-7 April 2022.

AAAN PARTNERS UN GENDER EQUALITY BODY TO ADDRESS HARMFUL STEREOTYPES IN NIGERIA ADVERTISING INDUSTRY cultural problem, we are already taking it as a yes that Africans have bias towards women. As a matter of fact, if you check back to the history of Africa, I am sure the colonial powers will like to make you feel like African has no history, which is a fallacy of its own, but if you check back to our track record. This is the

continent where women have been occupying strategic and important positions since Adam was a small boy, “he added.

The X3M Ideas boss revealed that changing such perception is one of the goals he sets out to achieve in his role as AAAN president and CEO of X3M Ideas.

He emphasised the urgent need

for people from all walks of life to boldly stand up in raising their voices against inequality adding that eradication of such strengthens economies and builds stable, resilient societies that give all individuals, including girls and women the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

“The whole essence of @

unsteroetype alliance is: ending the negative stereotyping of women in advertising. It is about time that we stopped doing that. In the past you see the role of women is not as rounded as it should be. Those are some of the things that we are hoping to correct and it was a good thing that we partnered with @unsteroetype alliance to be

able to work as a way of going forward in Nigeria.

His words: “One thing I can tell you is that part of my corner piece agenda as President of AAAN is to make sure we do more gender-balancing in the operation of our association. “We came with a deliberate agenda to make sure that we create equity

in that space, by allowing model women to ascend to that leadership position in the advertising industry.

For example, the current director for AAAN is the first woman to assume that position in 50 years history of the association. We have pushed the number of women on the board of AAAN to increase the slot for women.”

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

25

BUSINESSWORLD

E-BUSINESS

Impact of ICT Sector on Nigerian Economy in 2021 Emma Okonji examines the impact of the activities of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector on the Nigerian economy in 2021

A

s the year 2021 winds down and comes to an end by tomorrow, industry players across all sectors of the Nigerian economy are already counting their gains and losses for the year, but those in the ICT sector are confident that the sector contributed immensely to the sustainability of the Nigerian economy, despite the many challenges that the sector faced in 2021.

In a quick retrospect of some of the activities that played up in the ICT sector in 2021, industry players were of the view that ICT played a prominent role in all sectors of the Nigerian economy in 2021, and contributed to GDP growth, telecommunications, e-commerce, banking, agriculture, health, manufacturing, among other sectors of the economy.

The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr. Karl Tortola, told THISDAY that telecommunications remained the only sector where consumer prices have dropped consistently year-on-year since 2001.

He wondered how the Nigerian economy and the global economies would have been without telecommunications, insisting that no other sector in Nigeria and the world has impacted the economy the way telecoms did.

He gave instances of food items, manufacturing products, including building materials, whose prices have continued to increase without dropping, and compared them with the cost of telecoms services, which he said, had continued to drop since the rollout of GSM in Nigeria in 2001.

GDP GROWTH

From the inception of GSM services rollout in 2001 up till 2021, telecoms contribution to GDP is put at over $70 billion. The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, said the figure had even gone beyond $70 billion in 2021, given the continuous growth rate of telecoms operations in the country.

The contribution of the telecommunications sector to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), doubled in the last eight years, according to data obtained from the website of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

According to the statistics, telecoms contribution to GDP in 2012 was 7.7 per cent, but the figure doubled to 14.3 per cent as at the second quarter in 2020.

The statistics indicated that telecoms contribution to GDP had maintained a steady growth rate between 2012 and 2020, excerpt for 2013, when there was a slight drop in the contribution, compared to the contribution in 2012.

The statistics showed that in 2012, telecoms contribution to GDP was 7.7 per cent and in 2013, the contribution dropped slightly to 7.4 per cent, but it picked up again in 2014, contributing 7.6 per cent to GDP. In 2015, telecoms contribution to GDP further increased to 8.5 per cent and it had another increase in 2016, contributing 9.13 per cent. In 2017, it contributed 8.7 per cent to GDP and in 2018, telecoms contribution to GDP grew to 9.9 per cent.

In 2019, telecoms contribution to GDP grew again to 10.6 per cent and in 2020, as at second quarter, telecoms contribution to GDP, reached 14.3 per cent, representing N2.3 trillion, whereas the entire contribution of ICT to GDP within the same period was 17.5 per cent.

Impressed by the contribution of telecoms to GDP, Danbatta said NCC would continue to rollout initiatives and implement government policies in such a way that the sector would continue to grow the country’s GDP.

ICT SECTOR AND COVID-19

Speaking about the impact of ICT on the economy during COVID-19, the Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, told THISDAY that the ICT sector has done very well for the Nigerian economy. According to him, Nigeria and the rest of the world experienced COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 and we are still living with the pandemic till date, which has posed serious economic challenges to the entire world, but telecoms came to the rescue.

“As of today, socio-economic activities, religious activities, including networking, are all dependent on the use of telecoms facilities and infrastructure. Telecoms has made life in the ‘New Normal’ less cumbersome for everyone. People are able to work from home and observe social distances and avoid crowd that could spread the virus much faster. Applications for financial transactions now run on telecoms infrastructure, thereby making it easier for people to carry out financial transactions on their mobile phones, without their physical presence in any banking hall,” Adebayo said.

He further explained that government now run on telecoms infrastructure to communicate with the people, through the e-government platform and that government activities are now being accessed online, using the telecoms infrastructure.

He said e-commerce would continue to thrive as people now shop online while maintaining social distance and avoiding crowd. The telecoms sector, he added, became a dependable sector for all other sectors to thrive. “Telecoms has become a lifesaver for many other industries and sectors, which could have collapsed without telecoms infrastructure in place,” Adebayo further said.

MTN’S PUBLIC OFFER

MTN Nigeria Communications Plc (MTN Nigeria), in November this year, got the nod of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which approved offer for sale of up to 575 million ordinary shares in MTN Nigeria, held by MTN International (Mauritius) Limited, by way of a bookbuild to qualified investors. It is also konwn as Institutional Offer and a fixed price to retail investors (Retail Offer).

MTN disclosed this in a statement it issued, which was signed by the Company’s Secretary, Uto Ukpanah.

In December, MTN pegged its public offer to retail investors for the sale of up to 575 million shares at N169.00 per share. The opportunity to open its share for sales to retail investors, raised the hope and confidence of intending investors in MTN Nigeria. The Offer includes an incentive in the form of one free share for every 20 shares purchased, subject to a maximum of 250 free shares per investor. The incentive is open to retail investors who buy and hold the shares allotted to them for at least 12 months, post the allotment date.

The Retail Offer is the first in Nigeria to be delivered via a digital platform. By using the power of technology, it aims to facilitate the maximum possible participation by Nigerian investors.

Commenting on the price, MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, said: “The success and growth of MTN Nigeria is intrinsically linked to that of Nigeria and Nigerians. Therefore, we are very excited to offer Nigerians the opportunity to own shares in MTN Nigeria.”

MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Ralph Mupita, said the Offer would align with MTN Group’s strategic priority to create shared value.

He explained that ivestors would be able to submit applications through the Issuing Houses, Receiving Agents (authorised Stockbrokers and Nigerian banks) and online via a unique digital application platform, PrimaryOffer, administered by the Nigerian Exchange Limited.

Following the pegging of its share price at N169.00 per share, MTN quickly commenced a nationwide roadshow to engage interested retail investors in the on-going offer for sale of shares in MTN Nigeria, by the MTN Group.

The first roadshow was held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, along the sidelines of the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa’s State visit to Nigeria where the two countries hosted a bi-national commission.

The road show was flagged off by MTN Group CEO, Ralph Mupita, on behalf of the MTN Group, whose shares are being made available for sale. After the Abuja roadshow, subsequent roadshows were carried out in Sokoto, and other parts of Nigeria.

BROADBAND PENETRATION

Broadband penetration, which is the backbone for internet connectivity, is another area through which the telecoms sector impacted the Nigerian economy in 2021.

Having surpassed the 30 per cent broadband target in December 2018, the federal government came up with a second National Broadband Plan (2020-2025), with a target to achieve 70 per cent broadband penetration by 2025. As at October 2021, broadband penetration was 39.89 per cent, with a subscription figure of 76,146,156, but industry players said the penetration and subscription level must have increased in December 2021, based on the implementation plan of the second National Broadband Plan, which seeks to deliver data download speeds across Nigeria at a minimum of 25Mbps in urban areas, and 10Mbps in rural areas, with effective coverage available to at least 90 per cent of the population and penetration rate of 70 per cent by 2025 at a price not more than N390 per 1GB of data.

The broadband plan also targets the deployment of nationwide fibre coverage to reach all state capitals, and provision of a point of presence in at least 90 per cent of local government headquarters. It also targets tertiary educational institutions, major hospitals in each state and fibre connectivity at statutory rates of N145/ linear metre for Right of Way (RoW).

From less than six per cent broadband penetration in 2015, Nigeria witnessed increased broadband penetration that reached 45.93 per cent as at Q1, 2020, but witnessed a decline to 41.18 per cent between December 2020 and March 2021, and a further decline to 39.89 per cent in October 2021, which was the period that Nigerians suffered SIM card ban.

Statistics showed that the number of Nigerians with access to broadband (internet high-speed) services on their mobile devices as at Q1 2020, which stood at 87.6 million, reduced to 78.6 million by the end of March, 2021, which has been attributed to policy implementation that rather set the telecoms sector backward.

During the same period, basic active Internet

subscriptions dropped also from 154.8 million to 144.9 million, according to statistics obtained from NCC’s website.

In spite of the drawback, broadband penetration has picked up again and it is expected to be sustained through the right policy implementation.

The berthing of additional subsea cables and the launch of African Data Centres in November 2021, will further boost broadband penetration across the country in the coming years.

AFRICA DATA CENTRES

The launch of a 10 megawatt data centre facility in Nigeria in November this year by the Africa Data Centres, which is a consortium of data centre operators, served as another avenue for broadband penetration and economic diversification.

Speaking at the launch, the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof.

Umar Garba Danbatta, who was represented by the Director, Licensing at NCC, Muhammed Babajika, said the facility launch in Lagos was a welcomed development and that the NCC would offer all the regulatory support that would make Africa Data Centres succeed and achieve its objectives in Nigeria.

According to Danbatta, “The diversification of Nigeria’s economy is a key priority for the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, and government therefore welcomes Africa Data Centre to Nigeria to further boost her diversification process.”

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hakeem Fahm, said with the launch of the data centre by the Africa Data Centres, called LOS1, the state government would look forward to seeing LOS2 and LOS3 shortly.

“Today we celebrate the official launch of Africa Data Centres LOS1 facility in Lagos and it is our strong belief that the facility located in Eko Atlantic, will revolutionise digital solutions in Nigeria and the rest of Africa. Government will provide the necessary support required to achieve the objectives of Africa Data Centres,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The new facility, the largest network of interconnected, carrier- and cloud-neutral data centre facilities on the continent, will pave the way for Africa Data Centres hyperscale customers to deploy digitisation solutions to West Africa.

CEO of Africa Data Centres, Stephane Duproz, said: “As part of the recently launched Cassava Technologies group, Africa Data Centres plays a critical role when it comes to providing this very digital infrastructure that is needed to support the mass adoption of digital services for consumers and businesses in the region.”

Managing Director, Africa Data Centres, Wole Abu said the launch in Nigeria would drive positive competition and faster growth of the Nigerian economy.

CHALLENGES

Despite the successes recorded in 2021, telecoms stakeholders said the industry did not end the year without obvious challenges. According to Adebayo, “All eyes are now on the telecoms sector, including the government, who felt telecoms has become a cash cow to milk from. There has been challenges of indiscriminate taxes and levies on the telecoms sector and telecoms facilities have come under severe vandalism, which led to disruption of telecoms services in the affected areas in 2021.”

Incessant closure of telecoms sites by government agencies and stealing of telecoms facilities like generators and batteries at cell sites, were equally part of the challenges faced by telecoms operators in 2021, Adebayo further said.

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

26

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

NITDA: Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation Will Drive Policy Implementation Emma Okonji The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has said the recent creation of the agency’s new subsidiary: Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), which is a product of merger, will boost policy implementation.

It also said the newly created ONDI would enhance the enforcement of regulatory guidelines across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government The ONDI was created recently from the merger of two subsidiaries of NITDA: Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIIE) and the Office for Nigerian Content Development in ICT (ONC).

The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, who gave reasons for the merger, said NITDA, in its effort to implement the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and to streamline its

operation to serve stakeholders more efficiently, merged two of its former Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), the Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIIE) and the Office for Nigerian Content Development in ICT (ONC), to create a more robust and functional subsidiary that would further drive policy implementation across government agencies.

According to Abdullahi, ONC was established as a strategic vehicle to drive the implementation of the Nigerian Content Program and monitor compliance with the Regulatory Guidelines for Nigerian Content Development in ICT, issued in December 2013 and updated in August 2019, while the OIIE was positioned to work with stakeholders to analyse and evaluate their current ecosystems.

He explained that the OIIE was established to build bridges between stakeholders to arrive at shared agendas and collectively

design and implement strategic interventions (policies and programs), which are based on best practices to bolster the growth of innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

Both subsidiaries had a mandate to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the Nigerian digital ecosystem, as well as to create the necessary people resources and capacity. ONC and OIIE collaborated

with important stakeholders in the ecosystem to achieve this goal.

Abdullahi however said the challenge was that many of the activities crosspollinated, became redundant, and lacked the necessary cross-subsidiary collaboration, which he said, also led to duplication of work, re-invention of the wheel and poor use of resources.

The challenges, he added, led to their merger for profitability.

According to him, “As a result, the management of NITDA in its effort to streamline its activities, promote efficiency and effective use of resources decided on the establishment of a single body capable of directing the activities of both subsidiaries as one.

“This is in furtherance of the Agency’s culture to be on a continuous path of improvement

and new strategic vision which is to proactively facilitate the development of Nigeria into a sustainable digital economy. NITDA shall continue to evaluate its previous plan, in order to refocus the Agency along the lines of the government policies, current state of the IT industry, future trends, current aspirations of the citizenry and the general intendment of government.”

Anchoria Rebrands, Increases Trading Possibilities Raheem Akingbolu A leading Nigeria’s investment and securities company, Anchoria, has announced that it has rebranded and launched a new identity to cater to the needs of a younger generation of investors in Nigeria.

Managing Director, Anchoria Investment and Securities Limited, Nkechi Azubuike, made this known to industry stakeholders, clients and pressmen at the Anchora Rebirth event to officially re-launch the brand on Thursday, 9th December at HSE Gourmet in Lagos.

According to her, Anchoria has a wealth of experience managing financial assets and plans to create new products and services that will usher in endless possibilities for young Nigerians.

She stated that, “As an institution, we have taken up this challenge to re-imagine our processes and uncover newer ways of operating and serving our clients. Therefore, we are re-launching - updating our brand, services & products to create depth and broader investment possibilities for our clients.”

The Chairman, Board of Directors, Anchoria Investment and Securities; Sam Chidoka, speaking on the relaunch, reiterated the responsibility of the brand to change the game, “The launch of this new Anchoria signals a new era, the birth of a new generation of wealth creators and builders. Beyond repositioning the business for efficiency, we are here to flip the script and re-imagine the future for securities and trading businesses in Nigeria.”

ISO CERTIFICATIONS …

L-R: Principal Consultant/CEO, Avetium Consult, Adeyinka Adedokun, receiving ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 certifications, facilitated by Digital Encode Limited, from Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode Limited, Dr. Adewale Peter Obadare, in Lagos... recently

Akwa Ibom Govt Woos Investors, Harps on Digital Technology for National Development Emma Okonji

Firm Deepens Family Bonding w i t h N ew C o m m e rc i a l In line with its New Positioning to promote family bonding moments, Devon King’s, a Brand of PZ Wilmar, recently hosted an event tagged “King’s Fest” which took place at PZ park in Ilupeju.

King’s Fest was organized to promote and celebrate the joy of family bonding amongst its consumers. During the event, Devon King’s also unveiled a new television commercial to showcase the importance of family bonding amongst other activities.

Speaking at the event, the Head of Marketing for PZ Wilmar, Chioma Mbanugo said the event was

organized to bring families together during this Yuletide season and also to create memorable moments with family and friends.

Category and Brand Manager for PZ Wilmar Limited, Oluwatoyin Popoola-Dania, emphasized the uniqueness of Devon King’s in cooking meals and how the product has helped in creating magical bonding moments for families.

Miyonse Amosu, a Celebrity Chef and Influencer attested to the power of using Devon King’s range of products to create that refreshing moment that he has been enjoying from his childhood.

Avetium Consult Attains Double ISO Certifications

Emma Okonji

Through the support of Digital Encode, a technology solution company Avetium Consult has recently attained double ISO Certifications-ISO 27001 and ISO 27701.

Announcing the feat in Lagos in a statement, the Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode Limited, Dr. Adewale Peter Obadare, urged both public and private organisations to work towards ensuring they are all ISO Certified.

He described ISO certification as a ticket to help improve business credibility and authority as well as the overall efficiency of the business and the security/customer data protection.

Obadare gave the advice at the formal presentation of the ISO 27001 (Information Security Management System) and ISO 27701 (Privacy Information Management System), to

Avetium Consult; a Business Process Outsourcing and Business Technology Solution Company.

The ISO certifications were facilitated by Digital Encode Limited.

He commended Avetium Consult for upholding business credibility and maintaining resilience during the rigorous process and tasked the team led by the Principal Consultant/ CEO, Mr. Adeyinka Adedokun, to maintain tight security architecture and customer data protection.

“Getting certification is important, retaining it is another task. I want to call on the management of Avetium Consult not to drop their guard as surveillance audits will be done periodically.

“I am glad that Avetium Consult met all requirements, this will enhance efficiency in service delivery to the clientele and the security architecture and customer data protection in line with global practices”, Obadare said.

The Akwa Ibom State government has called on local and international investors to invest in the state’s broadband technology expansion initiative in order to attain quick return on their investments.

The state has also said it has all it takes to replicate the digital economy initiative of the federal government in the state in order to enhance national development.

Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Committee on Foreign Direct Investment Commission, Gabriel Ukpeh, who spoke during the 3rd Annual Nigeria Tech Summit, which held in Abuja recently, said the state government would leverage on digital

technology and innovation to achieve its goal.

“Akwa Ibom is silently leading an economic revolution in Nigeria, leveraging on digital technology,” Ukpeh said.

According to him, Akwa Ibom State has set up several emerging technology and innovation hubs, with a planned Science Park that will enhance Information Technology (IT) in schools, boost educational curriculum that will enable skills development and job creation.

The Nigeria Tech Summit is a yearly event hosted by the Global Startup Ecosystem in partnerships with US Embassy of Abuja, Google Cloud, AWS, IBM Cloud, Hubspot, Sendgrid, among others.

The summit boasts of an active network of Nigeria’s investors, tech entrepreneurs, celebrities, politicians and business moguls. Each year, it gathers thousands of industry players from across Nigeria and around the world to address the challenges that affect Nigeria’s technology future.

Speakers at this year’s summit include United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard; Director, Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, Akwasi Awua Ababio; CEO at Global Startup Ecosystem, Christine Ntim and a host of others.

Speaking about how technology has helped states that are leveraging technology to drive economic development, Ukpeh said: “The

experience of COVID 19 has made it mandatory for states like Akwa Ibom to move all government activities online with the support of a robust internet connectivity system, which the state has put in place, while encouraging online meetings. A good example is this programme.

The number of online participants, far outnumbered those with physical attendance. The backbone to this is broadband connectivity. With the recent auctioning of the 3.5GHz spectrum for 5G technology deployment by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigerians should expect more of online communications and transactions, since 5G will increase the speed of internet connectivity and downloads.”

NIPR Boss Clinches Most Inspiring Public Relations Practitioner 2021 Consummate Public Relations Practitioner, Nkechi Ali-Balogun has bagged the Most Inspiring Public Relations Practitioner 2021 at the sixth edition of the Lagos State PR Industry Gala and Award (LaPRIGA).

The event, which was held recently, had PR practitioners like John Ehiguese, Emeka Opara, Debola Williams, Adekunle Ayeni as nominees in this category.

Nkechi has in the past won the following awards from the

Institute: Lifetime Achievement Award, 2018, Most Outstanding Public Relations Practitioner for two years consecutively, 2010 and 2011.

A fellow of NIPR, Nkechi AliBalogun is also a member of the Governing Council.

Over twenty honourees from public relations consultancies, practitioners in the public and private sectors, stakeholders, and the media were honored with colorful figurines in different categories.

‘Digital Technology Will Boost Trust, Safety in Estate Development’ Emma Okonji

Real estate practitioners have stressed the role of digital technology in real estate business, insisting that digital technology will enhance trust and safety in estate development.

The Operations Director of the DUKAN Group and promoters of VEGAHs, Nigeria’s Real Estate Tech Company, Chinedu Amadi, who made the assertion while announcing the plans for the celebration of the fifth anniversary of VEGAHs, said the Real Estate Tech Company would continue to leverage technology in serving its customers, adding

that the company will choose its theme from digital technology, for the celebrations.

Established in 2016 VEGAH’s strove to bridge the trust gap between clients and land owners, often complicated by the policy somersaults of regulators. VEGAHs surprised industry watchers, as a new entrant, by developing the VinoFacility App – the coding system which is a unique identifier for individual industry actors and traces their success.

According to Amadi, the trail blazing entry of VEGAHs into the estate development market

was consolidated by the innovative landbank – a savings investment solution, often seen as a retirement scheme that allows individuals or groups select property investment and pay ‘little by little’ or rather according to a preferred payment plan. It is a real estate savings scheme that is flexible and yet convenient for a targeted real estate investment portfolio. The acceptance of these innovative customer friendly products is a clientele that is discerning and exuberant.

The 5th Anniversary package has been configured to provide bonding opportunities between the VEGAHs

staff, consultants, land owners and tenants, Amadi explained further.

According to him, the anniversary celebrations would begin with feeding of the most vulnerable this December. “At least 100 of the less privileged, randomly picked off the slums in Lagos, will be fed. The thanksgiving service follows on the 16th of January and the celebrations will come to a peak on the 17th of January with a carnival and gala night at the corporate headquarters in Ajah, Lagos State. The event would be rounded off with Islamic prayers on Friday 21st January, 2022,” Amadi said.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

Congolese RegulatorVisits Nigeria to Understudy Nigeria’sTelecoms Market Emma Okonji A delegation from the CongoBrazzaville Telecommunications Regulations Authority (CTRA) has visited the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on a benchmarking tour that would enable them understudy the successes of the Nigerian telecoms market.

The delegation from the central African nation purposively paid a scheduled visit to NCC, essentially to understudy the its policies, practices and programmes that have made it a model telecommunications regulatory authority on the continent and beyond.

The Congolese team led by CTRA’s Network Director, Benjamin Mouandza, spent three days at the NCC Head Office in Abuja, where they were exposed to key

result-oriented regulatory activities, frameworks, programmes and policies of NCC, with the objective to explore how such operational frameworks could be adapted by the African nation noted for its huge rainforest reserves.

In the letter written to the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Congloese regulator had indicated interest to gain more insights into three areas of NCC’s regulatory activities, namely, management of issues associated with Quality of Service (QoS), SIM Boxing and Call Masking, as well as telecom equipment type-approval process.

In response to the request, Danbatta accepted to host the team and further directed relevant departments of NCC, including Special Duties (SD); Technical

Stakeholders Call for Collaboration among Africa’s Fintech Players Emma Okonji Stakeholders across the finance and payment landscape in Africa, have commended Appzone on the launch of Zone, Africa’s first blockchain platform for payment processing.

They are also calling for increased collaboration among African FinTech industry players.

At the official launch event, which held recently in Lagos, recently, the stakeholders, made up of captains of industry and business leaders, discussed the significant role that Zone would play in decentralising payments and inter banks transactions across Africa, whilst also calling for increased collaboration from all in the finance and technology sectors, to advance Africa’s Fintech industry.

CEO and Founder of Sparkle, Mr. Uzoma Dozie, who delivered the keynote address at the event, disclosed that with the right amount of collaboration and adoption, Zone would improve existing payment infrastructure and create robust experiences for players in the market.

According to Dozie, “Zone is built on a new technology that addresses trust and transparency in the sense that users don’t have to rely on the bank’s central system where they are locked out of the process. With Zone, users are more aware, and they perfectly understand every single bit of the process, which creates the transparency needed to build trust and increased adoption.”

Speaking about the unique

features of Zone, the CEO and founder of Appzone Group, Mr. Obi Emetarom, described Zone as more than a blockchain payment platform. According to him, Zone is a financial network, made up of different financial institutions, that delivers payment processes and real time settlement.

“The Zone platform offers users exciting opportunities, it is a ubiquitous network because is connects all sorts of financial institutions from payment companies, micro finance banks to fintech to digital banks. Zone also uses peer to peer routing, which means that all the institutions leveraging the platform can connect directly without any middleman, ensuring reliability and scalability,” Emetarom said.

Zone has also started off a network across Africa that enables anyone to do real time transactions anywhere on the continent. Ultimately, Zone is set to deliver a compliant and stable pan African digital currency,” Emetarom added.

While speaking on the rationale behind the launch of Zone, the CEO of Appzone Switch, Mr. Uche Elendu, said: ‘’We are happy to officially unveil Zone as a decentralized blockchain based payment infrastructure that enables real-time settlement of fiat transactions, both in-country and out-country, while enabling the retail distribution of stable digital currencies including Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) in Africa.”

ARM, TechnoVision Holds 2022 Young Talent Pitch Emma Okonji ARM in partnership with TechnoVision (TVC) has announced the 2022 edition of the Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) finalists pitch event, which holds virtually April 8th, 2022 due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The organisers have therefore called for applications from interested Nigerian startups and entrepreneurs for the pitch.

According to them, the DAAYTA 2022 has commenced as ARM seeks the brightest and most innovative start-up business ideas in Nigeria to participate in this edition.

The Deji Alli ARM Young Talent Award (DAAYTA) programme is a youth awards initiative founded in 2015 by ARM in honour of its founding CEO, Deji Alli. The goal of the award is to provide support to young entrepreneurs with smart

and innovative ideas that have a positive impact on people’s lives and the communities that surround them.

DAAYTA 2022 focuses on identifying start-ups with a minimum viable product (MVP) and at least one customer.

The winner of the DAAYTA 2022 will receive funding of N12 million over a period of one year to; develop their business plan, complete an entrepreneurial education at the Pan Atlantic University’s Enterprise Development Centre in Lagos, Nigeria; and finance a 5-month acceleration support to develop their venture via a reputable entrepreneurial hub also in Lagos.

The DAAYTA Award which is in its fourth edition following the pilot edition, which held successfully in 2015 is coordinated

by TechnoVision Communications LLC.

Standards and Network Integrity (TSNI); and the Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement (CME) directorates to interact with the team to provide necessary information sharing that may be useful to the Congolese counterpart.

Addressing the CTRA team, the NCC’s Director, TSNI, Bako

Wakil, spoke extensively on the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) institued by NCC on QoS and how these KPIs are measured and monitored by the Commission toward ensuring improved service delivery to the Nigeria’s ever-growing telecoms consumers. He said this also helped to improve Quality of

Experience (QoE) of the consumers.

On type-approval process, Wakil stated that the Commission had developed a rigorous type-approval process to ensure that telecoms equipment, including terminal devices, manufactured in line with international standards and specifications are brought into

the country. The “NCC is serious about type-approval process like other processes, because non-type approved devices and equipment which are also not manufactured to international standards and specifications have negative implications for quality of service delivery on the networks,” he said.

Winners Emerge in Tecno Camon 18 Short Film Challenge Emma Okonji

The Tecno Camon 18 Short Film Challenge has been concluded, and winners emerged.

The Short Film Challenge, which was the result of a unique partnership between the TECNO and EbonyLife Creative Academy, saw the influx of numerous creatively produced short film entries from young filmmakers in the country.

Out of the many contestants, just 20 finalists were selected and only four took home the prizes at the CAMON 18 Short Film Awards Festival. The Awards festival took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja,

Lagos and it was a breathtaking moment for the contestants and invited guests. The black tie event had celebrities, the finalists, brand personnel, media and other guests in attendance to witness a show that could have rivaled any entertainment awards event. There was excitement in the air as speculations were up as to which of the talents would win the 5 award categories. And with celebrityradio personality and actress, Folu Storms as host, speculations were soon turned to reality with the unveiling of the winners.

In his opening speech at the Camon 18 Short Film Awards Festival, the Marketing Manager,

Tecno Nigeria, Attai Oguche, said: “Looking through the room, I can see that the creative industry is indeed filled with numerous talents waiting to creatively present African stories of strength, determination and more, to the world and Tecno is proud to be the brand responsible for making this happen for young filmmakers.

We are equally honored to have partnered with the EbonyLife Creative Academy team to guide, screen and basically work together to provide these young filmmakers with this opportunity. The Tecno brand will not stop encouraging the youths to dream and take the steps towards achieving their dreams.”

Speaking for EbonyLife Creative Academy, the Head of School,Theart Korsten was elated to be part of the final ceremony and to see the finalists: “We are beginning to see that mobile filmmaking is the next big thing to happen in the creative industry. We already have some sets of brilliant filmmakers who have mastered the art of storytelling and cinematography. The industry is going to see a huge boom of filmmakers making film with their mobile phones in the next five years and I am happy that brands like Tecno are making devices that would help filmmakers make those dreams come true.” he said.

UK Govt, Cybersafe Foundation to Train 2,400 Girls in Digital Skills Emma Okonji Cybersafe Foundation, in partnership with UK government, is set to train 2,400 girls across Nigeria in digital skills, through the DigiGirls Digital Empowerment programme.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the training programme in Lagos recently, the Founder, Cybersafe Foundation, Confidence Staveley, said the DigiGirls Digital Empowerment programme, which is a training and mentorship programne for girls across

Interswitch Offers Product Developers Access to APIs Emma Okonji Africa’s integrated payments and digital commerce company, Interswitch, is providing technology developers in Nigeria with the appropriate tools to create new digital products and solutions with ease.

At the Interswitch Developers’ Summit which held in Abuja recently, developers from all over the city gathered to learn more about the remarkable possibilities that Interswitch Application Programmable Interfaces (APIs) offer.

Addressing the group of developers at the summit, the Products and Developers Relations Executive at Interswitch, Tochukwu Achebe, said the API plugin would enable businesses to generate their Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), Quick Response (QR) code and wallet.

He said the API would enable developers across Africa to innovate and automate their businesses seamlessly, irrespective of the kind of services they offer, while hinting that the API marketplace will be unveiled in the first quarter of 2022.

According to Achebe: “With our developer community, we are building an ecosystem where we can receive feedback, go to markets quickly with our solutions and create an opportunity for everyone to integrate and build their solutions seamlessly around the APIs. We have also created a sandbox to allow developers to test API end points and confirm their effectiveness.”

Group Head, Business, Merchant Acquiring at Interswitch, Jeffrey Williams-Edem, said the organisation created a platform and an ecosystem that allows developers to build Point of Sale (POS) applications.

Nigeria, was designed to offer basic and intermediate digital skills for girls in Nigeria.

According to her, at the end of the three months training programme, the beneficiaries would be equipped with digital skills like Digital Marketing, E-Commerce, Data Analytic and Graphic Design, among other skills that would enable then have access to gainful employment within and outside Nigeria. She explained that few days of opening the applications for the training programme, over

12,000 were received, while 2,400 applications were shortlisted for the training. Giving details of the training, Staveley said only 10 per cent of the number of shortlisted candidates, would be learning on-site in the Lagos and Kaduna hubs, while the remaining 90 per cent would connect online from different locations across the country.

“We will, through this programme,provide free basic to intermediate digital skills and soft skills training, mentorship,

internship and job placement to our beneficiaries,” Staveley further said, while thanking the UK Government for co-designing and funding the DigiGirls programme through its the Digital Access Programme.

In her opening remarks, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, said UK was committed to being a global science and technology partner, working with others to develop solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges, including on digital skills.

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T H I S D AY ˾ , DECEMBER 30, 2021

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

ÜÙßÚ ÏËÞßÜÏÝ ÎÓÞÙÜ˝ Chiemelie Ezeobi ×ËÓÖ chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, Tel: 07010510430

Juggling Techpreneurship and Fatherhood Only at 34, Nigeria’s 21st Century techpreneur, Kennedy Adetayo, is consciously juggling fatherhood and career in this time of global pandemic, vaccination, and social media chaos. As a Lead Strategist for ThaRev D&M, he shares with Rebecca Ejifoma nuggets for Small and Medium-sized Enterprise to thrive and how young techpreneurs can juxtapose work, heath and family life successfully

O

ver the years, the internet has been swamped and choked with the number of women who perfectly juggle motherhood and career.

Although these women continue to receive the six million dollars applause, not many have applauded the unflinching and resilient commitments of some men, whose quintessential performances at home and in their offices deserve some global accolades.

Undoubtedly in Nigeria, men head departments at various organisations, steer the affairs of the homes, and cater to the needs of both nuclear and extended families effectively. One of such men, who has continued to man both spaces of his life is Kennedy Adetayo. He is a husband, father of three, blogger, and new media enthusiast. With a background in Computer Science, Agriculture and Business Management, his experience affords him insight into multiple industries.

Bold. Confident. Gentle. Intelligent. And gleefully outspoken. These words are Adetayo’s true reflection as we had a virtual conference on his life in the tech space. AT first, he talked about the many feathers adorning his cap. He has over 10 years wealth of experience in advert agencies, fintech, and banking among others. Then he prides himself as the Marketing Manager, sub-Saharan Africa for Exness Group, and Lead Strategist for Tharev D&M, a micro-agency that caters to the strategy and media needs of Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SMEs). Their products and services include Ourfoodie, PadUp and the Lawlar stores.

ThaRev D&M, he chipped in, was birthed from the needs of the SMEs that surrounded Adetayo while he was working in an Ad agency.

He recounted, “I noticed the big companies can afford a robust budget for content creation, marketing, ads, and packaging among others leaving the SMEs to worry for themselves.”

Today, ThaRev satisfies Nigerians and other perspectives in D&M (Design and Marketing) from product photography, conceptualisation, logo, web design to experiential and online marketing through to training among others.

Counting his achievements, the techpreneur expressed, “I’ve successfully worked with over 50 SMEs to date. It has not been easy as you have to factor in costing and efficiency each time hence birthing a hybrid of services to efficiently cater to everyone.”

And because everyone wants to create and run a small business from home, boost sales, get more online presence, and more Adetayo is bridging that gap by offering a unique solution for them. “Since the pandemic, ThaRev D&M has seen a spike in interests and services, retaining its position as a conglomerate of services SMEs want.

“Let’s take Ourfoodie for example. It focuses not just on the food vendors, food brands, restaurants or chefs but also on the foodie themselves looking for food inspiration and where to eat. It has amassed over 300,000 followers on all social media platforms as a result.”

Defying the chaotic pandemic, the computer scientist said ThaRev D&M has evolved and pivoted to online service. “This happened even before the pandemic as we realised a rising number of online adopters and the need to find a solution to the rising problems that come with these adoptions.

From payment to process through to delivery is all done virtually.”

Operating from its multiple workstations in Ikeja and Lekki areas of Lagos State with the team spread across to a workstation close to their homes, the Business Management expert is not taking chances. He is forging ahead with

Adetayo flanked by his pregnant wife and kids his goal to be a global techexpert.

Sharing how he successfully navigates life as a techpreneur and family man, Adetayo believes in two vital components, balance and support. “I come from a closely-knit family that supports each others’ decisions and growth no matter the direction. This has helped shape my journey as a techpreneur.

I must say it was easy for me to combine

my family with my career, thanks to this support. They let me stay up a little later and use the generator set when I had to work at night and installed dial-up internet in the home when I was growing up.”

Going down memory lane, the tech boss reminisced about how his father bought him his first PC in 2002 and enrolled him in programming classes “When it wasn’t

a big deal back then. I believe young techies should lean on the family as much as it allows as you need every help before that seed fund, that breakthrough or that Hackathon as success these days is measured on a different scale”.

For Adetayo, as a handful of people keep competing for the same trophy, everyone needs as many positive people in their leagues as possible to keep pushing and believing in themselves.

IFC, Fidson Healthcare Partner to Develop Nigeria’s Pharmaceutical Production Capacity Mary Nnah To support Africa’s goal of strengthening its production of medicines and reducing its reliance on imports, IFC and Nigeria’s Fidson Healthcare Plc, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Nigeria have partnered to develop Nigeria’s capacity to produce active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

Through the partnership, IFC and Fidson will conduct a feasibility study to assess the level of investment, skills, and regulatory protocols required to develop Nigeria’s manufacturing capabilities for APIs, which are integral to the production of pharmaceuticals. The results of the feasibility study will inform the strategic and operational direction that Fidson will take as it pursues its longer-term

goal of becoming an end-toend pharmaceutical producer that produces APIs for use in its own production process, as well as being a supplier to other pharma-companies.

Africa lags other parts of the world in pharmaceutical ingredient production, leaving it dependent on imports for about 70 percent of the medicines it needs. By contrast, in China and India, drug imports average

only about 5 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively. “Fidson sees a strong case for expanding into API production in order to increase availability of pharmaceuticals and close the gaps caused by supply chain disruption, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, across Western Africa and the African continent at large”, the Chief Executive Officer of Fidson Healthcare Plc, Dr Fidelis Akhagboso Ayebae, said.

Speaking further, he noted, “Our history of commitment to quality as well as our large, finished product footprint presents an ideal fit for backward integration. “ The project will be transformational and will ultimately result in the stable supply of high-quality, affordable APIs for critical product segments.”

Ayebae revealed further that Nigeria and much of the rest of

sub-Saharan Africa are heavily reliant on imported pharmaceuticals while the region has untapped potential to become a hub for pharmaceutical production.

IFC’s Managing Director, Makhtar Diop said it was time to step up investment and efforts to create an enabling environment for Africa’s pharmaceutical manufacturing development so the continent can better respond to its health needs.

T H I S D AY ˾ , DECEMBER 30, 2021

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NEWS

Osun to Sustain Quality, Accessible Healthcare Initiatives, Oyetola Vows Yinka Kolawole Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, has said quality and affordable healthcare delivery remains one of his top priorities for the masses.

This is just as he promised to sustain Osun Health Insurance Scheme in the interest of the indigent residents.

Oyetola spoke during a community engagement programme organised by the state’s engagement centre on Tuesday in Onigangan Town, Ayedire South Local Council Development Area of the state.

Oyetola who was represented by his Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Hon.Olatunbosun Oyintiloye said huge investment had been made to revitalise the health sector and ensure restoration of healthy living among the people.

He said in a bid to provide affordable health care to the masses, the administration has ensured rehabilitation, revitalisation, renovation and upgrading of 332 focal Primary Healthcare Centers across the state.

“We have also upgraded and rehabilitated several comprehensive health centers and general

hospitals across the state so as to give adequate healthcare delivery at the local communities.

“The administration had distributed drugs worth N50 million across the state Primary Healthcare facilities as well as several new beds to all health facilities across the state.

“The Specialist Hospital, Asubiaro, has also got rapt attention with the constructions of 30 units of doctors’ quarters, 120-bed ward, as well as the renovation of major complexes, wards and laboratories”, he said.

“We have also rehabilitated and revitalised $500,000 Comprehensive Eye Care Centre, a joint project with the Lions Club International, Multiple District 404 Nigeria.

“The initiative was aimed at offering ophthalmological, medical, surgical and optical comprehensive eye care services to the residents.

“To further boost quality health care delivery in the state, 69,273 cards were distributed to Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS) beneficiaries.

“The administration has also taken it upon itself to ensure continued sensitisation of residents on the importance of vaccination

against Coronavirus,” Oyetola said.

He further said another batch of 2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine has been made available for the people of the state in a bid to minimise the effect of the pandemic in the state.

In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of the state’s Primary Healthcare Board, Mr Adeleke Ogunsola, said there was no doubting the fact that the governor was passionate about quality healthcare delivery for the masses.

Ogunsola said, “He never gets tired of our incessant needs, always granting prompt approval of requests for counterpart funds for all our health programmes.”

Also speaking, the Baale Osunwoyin of Oke Osun, Micheal Okanola Idowu, commended the governor for his giant strides in moving the state forward in the area of health, education, infrastructure and empowerment.

The Chairman of Ayedire Local Government Mr.Adigun Adejare and his counterpart from the LCDA, Mr Femi Idowu, commended the governor for his various social intervention programs and their positive impact on the people.

Private Doctors Urge Sanwo-Olu to Call HEFEMAA to Order over Misconducts Rebecca Ejifoma Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN) has urged the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to look into the unprofessional conducts meted out on them by the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA).

This was brought to the fore during a media parley at the AGPMPN’s secretariat in Surulere area of the state.

Some of their complaints included unending harassment, intimidation, assault, threats, and extortion among others of their AGPMPN members.

The Chairman of the Association, Dr. Makinde Akinlemibola, told newsmen of deliberate attempts by HEFEMAA to suppress private medical practice.

He recalled: “Firstly, let it be known that HEFAMAA

was the brainchild of private medical practitioners in Lagos to curb quackery. It was later commissioned with an enabling law by the government.”

As a result, Akinlemibola admitted that doctors would hint the agency on operations of quacks. “However at a point, the agency began to disclose the identities of such doctors to the quacks who then attacked them.”

Following such an appalling misconduct, the chairman noted that some doctors received death threats while some were not so lucky, hence, doctors quit laying such complaints to the government agency.

One of such incidents the association raised concerns over is the alleged assault of its member and elderly doctor. 73-years-old Medical Director of King Solomon Hospital in Anthony Village, Dr Abiola Oladosu, was said to have been a victim.

According to the medical practitioner, officials of HEFEMAA had visited his hospital laboratory unannounced on November 8 this year when the unfortunate incident occurred.

Akinlemibola further bemoaned that rather than be on the tail of quacks, the Agency now sees innocent qualified and licensed medical practitioners as victims to intimidate, harass, and extort.

“We as private medical doctors say no to all the debasement of our practices and indeed the health sector.

“A situation that has brought so low as to being physically assaulted by officers of a government monitoring agency is totally unacceptable,” the doctor warned. The chairman alongside other board members present, therefore, called on Sanwo-Olu to look into the constant malpractices by the monitoring body.

54gene Launches 7RiverLabs to Improve Precision Diagnostics across Africa Rebecca Ejifoma A health technology firm, 54Gene has launched a subsidiary called 7 River Labs (7RL) for precision diagnostics, quality and improved health care services for Nigerians and Africans.

Through the use of state-of-theart laboratories equipped with innovative machines and over 100 experts and specialists on ground, over 300 critical molecular tests can now be performed safely and securely in Africa.

The tests include clinical chemistry, oncology, infectious diseases, microbiology, genetic testing and sequencing, anatomic

pathology, haematology serving both communicable and noncommunicable diseases.

The launch of 7RL is one of the goals of 54gene to improve diagnostic and treatment outcomes on the continent by leveraging advances in the precision medicine space.

This, according to the Founder and CEO, Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong, will afford millions of Africans the opportunity to take control of their health, giving them world-class, cost-effective and advanced molecular diagnostics.

The Subsidiary Interim CEO, Jude Uzonwanne, said their

goal with this new subsidiary is to ensure that every African has access to advanced laboratory tests without having to pay an exorbitant out-of-pocket fee.

Patients, he continued, would receive speedy results that will guide their physicians in reducing late diagnoses leading to poor chances of survival, improve their treatment options and ultimately their quality of life.

Uzonwanne, however, noted that the establishment of 7RL aims to complement the efforts of the government and the Ministry of Health’s mandate towards improved care for the general population.

FERTILITY

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

INFERTILITY AND HOPE

I

nfertility is generally defined as inability to get pregnant after one year of unprotected sex. For couples hoping to become parent, difficulty conceiving a baby can be frustrating and unexpected. Many couples who struggle with infertility may end up having children, sometimes with medical help.

It’s difficult to cope with infertility.

However, we can make things more difficult for ourselves at times. Of course, not on purpose! It’s possible we don’t realize that living with infertility can be any other way than difficult or we’re simply unaware that we’re sabotaging ourselves.

The journey to conception may be a time of uncertainty for many couples. Here are some tips that may help when trying to conceive.

1.

Stop blaming yourself It’s time for you to quit blaming yourself.

Even if you are able to find a method to make it “your responsibility,” you should refrain from blaming yourself. It’s not going to help. You become depressed as a result of it. Furthermore, the majority of cases of infertility are unpredictable. Let go of the blame game and concentrate on what matters most right now: moving forward and solving the problem.

2.

There is HOPE Some days you may feel hopeless, certain that you’ll never be able to have children or that your life will never be joyful. However, you feel, remember there is hope! If you are unable to create a biological child, you may be able to use an embryo, egg, or sperm donor.

If you are unable to use donor gametes, you may be able to adopt. If you are unable to adopt, keep in mind that people can live happy, normal lives without having children. To be clear, none of these alternative options will miraculously make the discomfort disappear.

You’ll need time to grieve and heal from the tragedy that comes with infertility.

3.

Enjoy intimacy Sex can quickly deteriorate from a pleasurable experience to a chore. When you’re trying to conceive, sex can serve as a reminder of your infertility. You probably didn’t think of sex as anything other than a way to get pregnant before you tried to conceive. However, sex transforms into a broken conception machine after you struggle with conception. All of the passion, connection or warm feelings may go, so try to enjoy intimacy with your partner regardless of infertility.

4.

Get counseling About 2-3 months before trying to conceive, make an appointment with your gynecologist to discuss your reproductive goals and counsel you on the best possible fertility treatment to achieve your goal.

5.

Have regular screening Ensure you have regular screening such as pap smear or infectious screening as some of these diseases may lead to a delay in reproduction.

6.

Be aware of your family history Infertility is a medical condition that may also be hereditary. Make research on how often your female relatives got pregnant

and ensure you find out if you’re a carrier of cystic fibrosis before trying to conceive.

7.

Check your thyroid levels Thyroid hormones are important for the metabolism of cells in our body. A change of your thyroid levels from normal range is an indication of hormonal imbalance which may lead to difficulty in trying to conceive or even miscarriage.

8.

Ensure your man get tested too Gone are the days where the women solely bear the grunt of infertility. Studies have shown that infertility could be from both male and female factor. It is advisable for the male partner to have a basic semen analysis to ascertain his sperm counts when trying to conceive.

9.

Use sperm-friendly vaginal lubricants There are so many vaginal lubricants available over-the-counter that destroys sperm movement and affects the cells viability, but when trying to conceive, it is advisable to use water-lubricant that are advertised as “fertility-friendly” or “sperm-friendly”.

10.

Limit your alcohol / caffeine intake High intake of caffeine or alcohol may damage sperm DNA and even inhibit sperm production. In female, high consumption of caffeine may inhibit ovulation and cause irregular menstrual cycle, thereby leading to infertility.

11.

Limit exposure to cigarette Cigarette smoke negatively affects blood supply to the female ovaries and leads to pregnancy complications. Continuous exposure to cigarette smoke could lead to infertility.

12.

Maintain a healthy body weight Overweight or obesity may lead to high production of the hormone estrogen which thickens the uterine lining and prevents conception. In male, obesity affects sperm quality by increasing the temperature surrounding the scrotum, thereby burning up the sperm cells produced. Overweight or obesity may also lead to erectile dysfunction and loss of libido in men.

13.

Moderate Exercise Studies suggests that high impact exercises may hinder conception. However, it is advisable to exercise moderately to keep the blood pumping.

CONCLUSION Hope may mean lot of things to different people but there is no denying that beginning a fertility journey means you are full of hope. Trying to get pregnant is a journey that requires hope, grit and lots of pregnancy strips. Be sure to also seek support in your partner. Speak to each other. Share your fears with each other, including the scary ones, like worries that your partner will leave you because you’re infertile. Lean on each other. If infertility has harmed your relationship, see a therapist together to address the issues. Trust in God and believe in your body. Remember to use your time here on Earth wisely. Stop putting all your focus on getting pregnant and spread out some of that effort. Don’t forget to live the rest of your life. Once there is LIFE, there is HOPE!

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NAFDAC Visits Emzor’s Ultra-modern Factory, Hails Pharmaceutical Company The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) recently visited Emzor Pharmaceutical Company’s ultra-modern Pharma Factory known as the Emzor Campus.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) compliant factory is sited on more than 60 hectares of land at the Shagamu Interchange of the Lagos – Ibadan Expressway and is the largest pharmaceutical facility in West Africa.

The factory is also (cGMP) compliant and has already manufactured and supplied millions of doses of medication ranging from anti-malarial, pediatric care, vitamins and anti-retrovirals to various international organisations through partnerships for public health intervention.

During the factory tour was led by NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye in company of the agency’s Director, Drug Registration and

Regulatory Affairs (DRRA), Dr. Monica Eimunjeze; Director, Drug Evaluation & Research (DER), Mrs. Ijeoma Nwankwo, and the Special Adviser to the NAFDAC Director General, Gbenga Fajemirokun (SA-DG NAFDAC).

During the Executive Director — General Duties, Emzor, Mrs. Uzoma Ezeoke briefed the NAFDAC team on Emzor group’s progress from inception to date.

She said the company had grown from the days of drug sales and marketing to manufacturing for the local and African market to exportation to UK and Netherlands in Europe and the United States of America. This is in line with the Emzor group’s goal to be the number one name in pharmaceuticals on the African continent.

After the NAFDAC teams tour of the factory; the team addressed their host, the Emzor group.

Speaking on the factory,

Adeyeye said: “I taught pharmaceutical manufacturing in the United States for 19 years and I usually would take my students to pharmaceutical companies as an extension of the class because I believe in experiential. Part of the training is the facility tour.

“This facility that we have seen today can stand beside any facility in the US. To see what Emzor is doing gladdens my heart and makes us know that we can do it.”

She commended the Emzor work force on their dedication and commitment to the vision of Dr. Stella Okoli for the pharmaceuticals industry in Nigeria as well as upholding the standards set by NAFDAC under the management’s new structure and standards in the last three years to regulate the

pharmaceutical industry in line with global best practices regulatory bodies.

She particularly praised the Emzor groups consumer targeted production and Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) compliance.

She described Emzor as a trail blazer in the industry, even as she affirmed that the company had proven that anything was possible in Nigeria.

Eimunjeze also praised Emzor facility’s quality control and compliance with the NAFDAC regulations. She said she had postponed her visit times before, but was glad to make it to the factory. She also praised Emzor’s youth workforce, saying the future of the industry was assured with the training the young generation were being exposed to at Emzor.

On her part, Nwankwo applauded the young workforce; the Vaccines and new Emzor API manufacturing Technology Transfer and licensing agreement with India’s Mangalam Drugs & Organic Limited to locally manufacture and distribute Active Pharmaceutical ingredients (4 API’s) for the treatment and prevention of malaria.

Fajemirokun also praised Okoli for the young workforce and said seeing some of his old students working on such world class premises was a pride.

In her remarks, Okoli thanked the NAFDAC team for taking the time out of their busy schedule to honor the Emzor family’s invitation to tour the WHO compliant facility. She reiterated that the Emzor group was committed to raising standards

in the pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria and Africa.

Emzor is a privately owned indigenous pharmaceutical company founded in 1984 by Okoli.

The company has grown into a legacy pharmaceutical company with four modern factories that manufacture over 140 world-class pharmaceutical products, such as analgesics (the widely used Emzor Paracetamol), vitamins, haematinics, anti-malarial, antitussive, antibiotics, antihelminthic, anti-histamine, antacid, and cardio-protective drugs.

Emzor has a network of over 120 distributors covering public and private institutions across West Africa. Emzor is the largest indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturer in the country with over 120 products, all NAFDAC approved.

RxAll Unveils New Retail Outlet in Ibadan Rebecca Ejifoma As part of its commitment in ensuring access to affordable quality medications, a leading health technology company in the country, RxAll, has opened a branch called RxGO in Ibadan.

The branch was commissioned by the Baale of Awotan, Remi Olumegbon, who expressed gratitude for the outlet.

The traditional ruler expressed, “I am so delighted that RxAll brought this pharmaceutical outlet to Ibadan. It is indeed a huge investment considering the nature of the health care sector in the country. He further urged people to approach professional pharmacists whenever they are ill.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the CEO RxAll, Mr. Adebayo Alonge, said that the company had endeared itself to patients and pharmacies by innovating products (such as RxScanner) to authenticate medicines, tackle fake drugs, and help pharmaceutical firms to reach their potential through the use of technology. He highlighted: “Our core vision is to ensure everyone in the world has

access to safe and authenticated medicines irrespective of the class at an affordable price.

“Fake drugs are negatively impacting the pharmaceutical sector in Nigeria, and the only way to combat the distribution and use of fake drugs is through the deployment of technology.”

Alonge noted that RxAll expanded its operations to Ibadan to tackle counterfeit medication through tech solutions, raising the standard of pharmacy, and protect the pharmaceutical sector in Nigeria from collapse.

Patients and pharmacies in the market, according to him, could either go to the branch to buy first-hand drugs or purchase affordable and authenticated drugs through its drug delivery platform, Rxdelivered.

“The reason for opening this branch is to increase the accessibility of high-quality medicines to people at the inner core of the cities and also people in the rural area,” says the CEO. Hence, he reaffirmed the commitment of RxAll to helping patients and pharmacies through a range of tech-driven products and services.

Rotary Maryland to Donate GPS )VNBOJUZ Rebecca Ejifoma In its passionate drive to serve humanity across the world, the Rotary Club of Maryland Ikeja Lagos has launched plans towards raising $100,000 for its project before the end of this year.

This was the thrust of the Dinner and Couples night held in Lagos. The Club President, Mr. Bamidele Onalaja revealed that the fund will go to Rotary Foundation, which in turn will give them 30 per cent for their projects.

According to Onalaja, the club has raised $55,000 while it is bent on achieving the said target before the end of the year.

He listed some of its existing projects including the commissioning of six blocks of toilets and bathrooms in Mende Maryland, built a six-unit fully kitted school for Wasimi Junior High school Maryland Ikeja, planted trees among others to protect the environment.

In the health services, Rotary Maryland is building a big hospital in Amuwo Odofin to be commissioned next March.

Guests present at the event included Nollywood screen diva and Producer, Toyin Abraham; IPDG Bola Oyebade; Dr. Larry Izamoje, a recipient of the awardees; Henry Akinyele; and Jide Akeredolu, a guest speaker.

L-R: Director Drug Evaluation and Research, NAFDAC, Mrs. Ijeoma Nwankwo; Founder and Group Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Stella Okoli; Director General, NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye; Director Registration and Regulatory, Dr. Monica Eimunjeze and Special Assistant to the D.G., Dr. Olugbenga Fajemirokun, during a working visit of the NAFDAC leadership to Emzor Campus, in Ogun State…recently

Oyetola Inaugurates $500,000 Comprehensive Eyecare Centre in Osogbo r4BZT DJUJ[FOT IFBMUI UPQNPTU QSJPSJUZ PG IJT HPWU Yinka Kolawole ÓØ ÝÙÑÌÙ As part of efforts to improve the wellbeing of people of his state and scale up access to quality eye service in the state, the Governor of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, recently inaugurated the newly rehabilitated and revitalised comprehensive eyecare centre in Osogbo. The new eyecare centre situated within the premises of the state Specialist Hospital, Osogbo, is a joint project of the Osun State government and the Lions Club International, Multiple District 404 Nigeria.

The initiative was aimed at offering ophthalmological, medical, surgical and optical comprehensive eye care services to the citizens and people of the neighboring states.

It would be recalled that Governor Oyetola in February, 2019, signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the Lions Club International, Multiple District 404, to revitalise the eyecare centre to better serve the people of the State.

Commissioning the centre, Governor Oyetola said treatment of and care for the eye remains a critical component of the health

initiative of his administration.

He added that the initiative was one of the many achievements of his administration in its three years of existence, noting that health and wellbeing of the people remains a topmost priority of his government.

On how the comprehensive eye centre came to being, Oyetola said: “In year 2019, the state government entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Lions Club International to erect a fully-equipped Comprehensive Eye Care Centre and to employ competent and qualified staff, including eye specialist consultants to ensure universal eye health for all.

“The eye is undoubtedly the light of the body and a good and functioning eye is an important part of our daily living.

“In view of this truism, our administration embraced the Eye Care Project in conjunction with Lions Club International in setting up a high- standard and well- equipped comprehensive eye care centre for the use of the citizens of Osun State and beyond at the state Specialist Hospital, Asubiaro, Osogbo, to offer ophthalmological, medical, surgical

and optical comprehensive eye care services.

“Though the COVID-19 pandemic was a major reason for the delay in opening this eye care centre, we are grateful to God that the project has been completed and is now ready for use, hence our gathering here today for the inauguration.

“This initiative is one of the many achievements of our administration in its three years of existence.

“I wish to note that the Lions Club International with the full support of my government renovated an existing structure at the State Specialist Hospital, Asubiaro, Osogbo, and equipped the building with state-of-theart equipment with the goal of providing excellent eye services to our population.

“Some personnel have been trained in India to provide clinical services as well as equipment maintenance services.

“Our government also gave approval for employment of key technical staff and facilitated port clearing of imported equipment to be used in the Centre,” Oyetola added. Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor

on Public Health, Pharmacist Olasiji Olamiju, said the project was another testimonial of Oyetola’s unprecedented commitment to the welfare and good health of the people.

Olamiju who disclosed that about 500, 000 US dollars was expended to revitalise the centre said “it is not only built but equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that will aid adequate treatment.

“It is a centre where referral can be taken care of. This will complement our efforts in making quality, qualitative and affordable health service available for the people”.

In his remarks, the District Governor, Lion Clubs International District 404 B2 Nigeria, Kayode Oshinuga, commended Governor Oyetola for the express approval given to take the dream of the project to fruition.

He said the commissioning of the project was another giant stride in the landmark of charitable projects undertaken

by Lions Clubs as it adds to the growing list of proud interventions of the club in all areas of public health and well-being.

31

T H I S D AY ˾ , DECEMBER 30, 2021

NEWS

Hacey Health Initiative Donates Multimillion Naira Medical Tools to Oyo govt Kemi Olaitan ÓØ ÌËÎËØ A non-governmental organisation, Hacey Health Initiative, has presented multi-million naira worth of medical kit and tools to the Oyo State government through the Primary Healthcare Board to help pregnant women in the fight against malaria.

The gesture which is presented under the project name “Impact Health Project”, was to reduce maternal mortality by improving the quality of real health service provision, improving health data collection and management system towards providing accurate evidence to inform policy formation and improving quality of service.

The items are to help reduce maternal mortality and morbidity by improving reproductive, maternal, neonatal and child health (RMNCH) service provision in tertiary, secondary and primary health institutions and local communities by employing the use of digital and mobile health (mHealth) technology in the state.

The items donated include 30,000 dose of IPTp-SP (Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine) and 10,000 Malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kits, to promote the prevention of malaria in pregnancy.

Others items are 275 android smartphones to Oyo State Ministry of health for improving maternal health response aside from training of 370 health workers at the primary healthcare centres across the state.

The Project Lead, Hacey Health Initiative, Kemi Omole,

while speaking after a brief ceremony held in Ibadan, said the organisation has “always been particular about increasing the life, livelihood of children and mothers, girls and women and this is no exception.

“So, anything at all that helps to improve the maternal health outcomes is what we always venture into and this is like an opportunity for us to do that as we have always do”, she said.

On the choice of Oyo State for the donation, Omole said, “We have had a long standing relationship with Oyo State going back to about 13years, we have several projects that we have been implementing here and I think it also has to do with the kind of receptiveness we get here.

“The state government welcomes people and we don’t get that harsh treatment. At times you go to some states and the kind of reception you get is not good enough but Oyo state has been very receptive to us.”

The Founder and Managing Director, IPRD Solutions, Dr. Keith Hanna, said the organization is excited to be working with other stakeholders in developing and deploying impact health, stating that it is funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation with the technical team highly experienced in developing and deploying advance digital solutions across the world.

According to him, “We developed impact health working with majorly international health care organizations, world class researchers and many software partners. We believe it’s crucial to be close to where

Clina-Lancet Scientist Wins ISN Medical Laboratory Award 2021 Rebecca Ejifoma Medical laboratory scientist with Clina-Lancet Laboratories in Lagos, Friday Odum, has clinched the 2021 ISN Medical Laboratory Scientist Award of the Year.

This was in recognition of his commitment to excellence and his drive for quality in medical laboratory practice.

Odum was awarded at the grand finale award ceremony which was held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island area of Lagos.

While the winner was awarded N1m, a capacity development training, and a Medical Lab Equipment/ Reagents donation worth N1m to the Laboratory he works, Ndukwe Kelechi from Everight Diagnostics and Laboratory Services Limited got N750, 000 and a Capacity Development Training opportunity.

The second runner-up from the National Hospital Abuja, Gabriel Oke, received N500, 000 and a Capacity Development Training opportunity while the seven finalists got N200

000.

According to the Managing Director of ISN Products Nigeria Limited, Mr. Felix Ofungwu, said ISN established the award to celebrate quality medical laboratory practice and recognise laboratory scientists for their contributions to the nation’s healthcare delivery.

According to Ofungwu, the need for medical laboratory scientists in the health care sector became more imperative, particularly when the world including Nigeria was confronted with the rampaging effect of the different variants of the COVID-19 virus.

Speaking also, the Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Akin Abayomi, appreciated ISN for the initiative, which he described as remarkable.

Abayomi, who was represented by the Director, Medical Laboratory Services, Lagos Health Service Commission, Tajudeen Olatunji, said it would boost morale and drive excellence service delivery in the medical laboratory profession in the country.

our software is deployed. We spent like two years listening to the needs of your state, working very closely with HACEY Health Initiative, who have been tremendous partners on the ground.”

The Co-founder, Hacey Health Initiative, Mr. Isaiah Owolabi, in his remarks, explained that the “Impact Health project is a health intervention of Hacey Health Initiative, supported by our partners: Intellectual Property and Research Development (IPRD) Solutions and Argusoft, which aims to reduce maternal health services provision, improving health date collection and management system towards providing accurate evidence to inform policy formations and improving quality of service.

“The Impact Health Platform comprises mobile and web

enabled applications which am to improve coverage and quality of healthcare delivery, supervision, support and motivation for providers, especially in hard to reach communities “The goal of the Impact Health Project is to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity by improving reproductive, maternal, neonatal and child health (RMNCH) service provision in tertiary, secondary and primary health institutions and local communities by employing the use of digital and mobile health (mHealth) technology.

“Hacey Health Initiative’s Impact health project has supported in the collection of health information across 21 local governments in the state, covering over 60,000 households using the Family Health Survey mobile application. We have also trained 350 health workers

and officials across 95 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in the implementing LGAs on the use of the Quick ANC application for the administration and capturing of IPTp-SP and malaria rapid diagnostic tests.”

The Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bode Oladipo, on his part, said the state is open to development partners in its bid to scale up the health of the residents.

Oladipo who was represented by Dr. Oyewole Lawal, said, “The support from development partners supplement what government is already doing. This government has open doors policy that foster partnership with any agency that can support the state .

“The state cannot do it alone, and we feel that, if we have such partnership, it will

improve not only healthcare service delivery but education, agriculture and every other things.”

He assured that the government has an integrated supporting supervision, a quarterly supervision across all health facility in the o monitor their activities and see how facilities are managed.

The Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Muyideen Olatunji, expressed appreciation of the state to the donor, stating that the support has over the time helped to complement the effort of the state government in improving the healthcare service delivery of the people.

He assured that the state will make good use of the facility in a way that it would encourage more investment by supporting partners and donor agencies.

L-R: Chief Financial Officer, Ernest Eguasa; Head Business Development, Nnenma Emenyonu; Chief Transformation Officer, Mr. Chidi Okoro; Head Retail Operations, Emmnauel Ogundiminiyi; and Elizabeth Enajeroh, Head Business Growth all of HealthPlus Pharmacy during the launch of HealthPlus ePharmacy website at their office in Lagos

Healthplus Bridges Gap to Quality Care with Launch of ePharmacy Website Rebecca Ejifoma Healthplus Ltd has launched West Africa’s first-ever innovative ePharmacy and digital prescription online store for quicker access to the country’s best pharmaceutical care.

The store is a fully automated one-stop-shop for pharmaceutical services, providing access to over 150 qualified professionals nationwide for the comfort of people’s homes while also replicating the role of the community pharmacist online.

Addressing newsmen during the launch in Lagos, the Head Business Development, Nnenna Emenyonu, said the launch marks a big step in the democratisation of health in Nigeria and providing unprecedented healthcare access for Nigerians in all geographical locations.

“The HealthPlus ePharmacy is attributed to a rise in the number of internet consumers, increased access to web-based and online services, and the rising implementation of eprescriptions in hospitals and other healthcare services,” she added.

She cited that with 108 million internet users in Nigeria and an estimated 120 million mobile phone holders, HealthPlus is now able to connect more Nigerians to qualified pharmacists and fast track the provision of efficient health care. Emenyonu bemoaned that Nigeria is also severely under served in the aspect of pharmacy stores locations. In her words, only 25 per cent of her local governments have any sort of pharmacy.

That means, 70 per cent of her LGAs have no access to a pharmacist.

For the Chief Transformation

Officer, Chidi Okoro, pharmacists are the first point of care for many Nigerians and are critical to ensure access to essential drugs.

Hence, the HealthPlus ePharmacy platform is following the mission to enhance access to wholesome medicines and good pharmacy care services.

“Customers can now access professional pharmacists online from the comfort of their homes using mobile devices,” he said.

Okoro, however, assured the public that the newly launched ePharmacy will help bridge this gap. “The country has one of the lowest productivity rates in the world owing to absenteeism and inadequate health care.”

According to him, if more Nigerians have access to health and the country takes a more proactive approach, productivity will increase significantly.

“In keeping with its commitment to raise the standard of care, provide safe access to wholesome medications and reduce wait times, HealthPlus is utilising the latest technology to consolidate the compendium of care and expand our vision to our customers’ mobile devices.”

Afsane Jetha, managing partner and CEO Alta Semper and HealthPlus’s private equity partner, stated that healthcare in Africa is at an inflection point and has proven its ability to leapfrog traditional business models. “It is becoming more consumer-focused and precision-driven.

“With this technology and platform, we are increasingly focused on preventative care and patients’ well-being, in providing access at their fingertips and the last mile”, she outlined.

32

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ DECEMBER 30, 2021

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Neimeth Pharmaceuticals Reports N365.5m Profit on Growing Revenue

Kayode Tokede

Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc has announced a profit before tax of N365.5million for the year ended September 30, 2021, an increase of 22.8per cent over N297.4million reported in full year ended September 30, 2020.

The pharmaceutical company in the results released at the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) yesterday reported profit after tax of N270.6 million from N212.5 million, with the earnings per share (EPS) at 14 kobo compared with 11 kobo of the preceding year.

Growth in revenue and dropped in finance cost impacted on profits in the period under review.

The company’s revenue grew

by 7.3 per cent to N3.05billion in 2021 from N2.84billion in 2020.

The growth in revenue was largely impacted by increase in sales from pharmaceuticals products (N2.8 billion versus N2.5 billion in 2020) amid a decline in sales of animal health products (N243.2 million as against N369.0 million).

It was observed that most of the revenues were generated from the Nigerian market, contributing N3.0 billion in the year under review versus N2.8 billion in 2020, while sales from Ghana only accounted for N35.3 million as against N32.3 million recorded in 2020.

In the year under review, the company recorded significant increase in cost of sales to N1.6 billion, about 20.4 per cent growth from N1.3 billion, resulting in a lower gross profit of N1.45 billion

in contrast to N1.51 billion in the corresponding period of 2020.

In the financial statements, Neimeth disclosed that N202.0 million was generated from other income as against the N146.2 million recorded a year ago and this was largely because of the reversal of accrued interest on Daewoo loan of N57.3 million as well as the N4.9 million gains on disposal of property, plant and equipment.

However, the firm posted an increase in marketing and distribution expenses in the 2021 full year to N579.7 million from N505.1 million, just as the administrative expenses rose to N513.9 million from N452.3 million due to spikes in employee cost, adverts and promotions, communication and subscription, energy cost, medical expenses, telephone and postages, corporate expenses and others.

Entries Opens for 2022 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), the leading philanthropy empowering young African entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries, has opened applications for the 2022 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme on www.TEFConnect.com. African entrepreneurs with business ideas or existing businesses under 5 years, are encouraged to apply now for $5000 seed capital, mentorship, business management training and more on the 2022 Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme Since 2015, the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme – the only African-funded entrepreneurship catalyst of its kind – has empowered 15,847 African entrepreneurs

with non-returnable seed capital of $5,000 each; twelve weeks of business management training; access to experienced mentors; and membership to Africa’s largest entrepreneurial ecosystem.

In 2021, the Tony Elumelu Foundation disbursed $24.75 million to 5000 African entrepreneurs across Africa for its 2021 Entrepreneurship Programme. The Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Programme remains one of the largest private sector responses to driving the economic recovery of African youth, women and SMEs given the effects of the covid19 pandemic across Africa.

Across Africa, the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship

Programme beneficiaries are starting and growing trailblazing businesses that have collectively created over 400,000 direct and indirect jobs.

According to 2015 Tony Elumelu Entrepreneur, Hauwa Liman, female business owner and Founder of Afrik Abaya: “I am always proud to say that I am from the inaugural cohort of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme. My business is located in Kaduna, in northern Nigeria.”

Commenting on the launch of the 2022 Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu shared.

Unity Bank Gets NYSC Recognition Nume Ekeghe In recognition of Unity Bank Plc’s contribution to the growth of entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths, the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC has named the lender “Icon of Youth Empowerment” in an award presented to the Bank during the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Department, SAED Festival held in Abuja recently.

The NYSC management said it was on record that Unity Bank under the able leadership of the MD/ CEO, Mrs. Tomi Somefun had been unwavering in its commitment and support for the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme of the NYSC as evident in the Corpreneurship initiative through which businesses of

hundreds of corps entrepreneurs are being funded.

“In view of the foregoing, NYSC Management honours (Unity Bank) with the award of “Icon of Youth Empowerment” at the closing ceremony of the 2021 NYSC SAED Festival at NAF conference centre, Abuja on this 17th Day of December 2021,” said the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General S. Ibrahim, while presenting the award to Unity Bank.

Speaking after receiving the award, the Group Head, Retail, SME and E-Banking, Mr. Olufunwa Akinmade said: “We are encouraged by this award to continue to partner with SAED in driving the Corpreneurship initiative. We believe that the Corpreneurship Challenge possesses the capacity to unlock

the entrepreneurship ingenuity of the youths in Nigeria.

“We commend the leadership of the NYSC for the award, even as we appreciate the leadership and the team at SAED for working hard to make this partnership produce the desired outcome. We are optimistic that the partnership will be sustained for as long as possible until it has impacted a critical mass that considerably reduces graduate unemployment in our nation.”

The Corpreneurship Challenge, which earned the lender the award is a business plan competition that provides corps members with the opportunity to pitch their business ideas and stand a chance of winning business grants ranging from N200,000 to N500,0000 as business capital while receiving mentorship.

Investment One Offers Solar Powered Borehole, Water Treatment Facility to Host Community A strategic investment-ban king group, Investment One Limited, has reiterated its commitment to give back to the host communities across, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the country.

The Chief Information Officer, Investment One, Fagbemi Olufisayo, who spoke at the commissioning of the new borehole and water treatment plant facility at Falomo Police Barracks B, Bourdillon Road Ikoyi, Lagos, assured host communities in the country of support to them with regards to developmental projects that will enhance their

living in Nigeria.

Olufisayo, said that Investment One was trying to build up innovation and relationships to be close to communities.

He said the company is committed to the provision of innovative solutions that support Nigerians as well as empower communities to do more by staying healthy all times.

He stressed the issue of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in developing countries should form part of the business strategic plans of organisations, because expectations and awareness of host communities now

influence the operations of both multinational and indigenous firms. According to him, one good thing about the inauguration of the borehole is the provision of clean water to the Police Barracks, which symbolises a great partnership with the community.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Ewah Bassey, who led others, applauded Investment One Financial Services Limited for its support to the cause of empowering the active poor in the community, describing the company as a source of inspiration because of its passion and concern for the downtrodden.

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JANUARY 2021 Money Supply (M3)

38,779,455.43

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

1,039,129.55

Money Supply (M2)

37,740,325.88

-- Quasi Money

21,779,302.69

-- Narrow Money (M1)

15,961,023.19

---- Currency Outside Banks

2,364,871.13

---- Demand Deposits

13,596,152.06

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,414,275.50

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

31,365,179.93

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

42,916,586.63

---- Credit to Government (Net)

12,304,773.44

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

30,611,813.19

--Other Assets Net

3,892,112.74

Reserve Money (Base Money

13,264,585.14

--Currency in Circulation

2,831,167.19

--Banks Reserves --Special Intervention Reserves

10,433,417.96 317,234.17

˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

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

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ ͯͱϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE ˜ ͵

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

33

T H I S D AY ˾ ˜ ͱͮ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

Market Capitalisation Drops by N238bn after Two-day Christmas Holidays Kayode Tokede The market capitalization of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) commenced trading yesterday after a two-day Christmas holiday, dropping

by N238billion on the heels of investors’ profit-taking.

The market resumed trading activities yesterday after the public holidays, Monday and Tuesday December 27th and 28th, 2021 declared by the federal

government to mark Christmas and Boxing Day celebration.

The All-Share Index declined by 455.75 basis points or 1.08 per cent, to close at 41,807.10 basis points. Similarly, the overall market capitalisation value lost N238 billion to close at N21.822 trillion.

The market negative performance was driven by price depreciation in large and medium capitalised stocks which are; BUA Cement, MTN Nigeria

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

Communications (MTNN), PZ Cussons Nigeria, May & Baker Nigeria and Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI).

As measured by market breadth, market sentiment was slightly positive as 17 stocks gained relative to 16 losers. Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN) recorded the highest price gain of 9.91 per cent to close at N6.10, per share. Royal Exchange followed with a gain of 9.09 per cent to close at 84 kobo, while

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

Sovereign Trust Insurance rose by 7.69 per cent to close at 28 kobo, per share.

Livestock Feeds up by 6.86 per cent to close at N2.18, while Caverton Offshore Support Group appreciated by 2.99 per cent to close at N1.72, per share.

On the other hand, BUA Cement led the losers’ chart by 10 per cent to close at N67.05, per share.

May & Baker Nigeria followed with a decline of 9.98 per cent to close at N4.06, while PZ Cussons

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

Nigeria lost 8.96 per cent to close at N6.10, per share. Jaiz Bank declined 8.06 per cent to close at 57 kobo, while UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust shed 6.25 per cent to close at N3.75, per share.

The total volume traded increased by 61.10 per cent to 180.182 million units, valued at N1.482 billion, and exchanged in 3,828 deals. Transactions in the shares of Jaiz Bank topped the activity chart with 17.652

O F

million shares valued at N10.534 million. Union Bank followed with 16.801 million shares worth N101.826 million, while UAC of Nigeria (UACN) traded 12.884 million shares valued at N123.517 million.

Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) traded 11.387 million shares valued at N11.254 million, while Sovereign Trust Insurance transacted 9.999 million shares worth N2.780 million.

2 9 / 1 2 / 2 0 2 1 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

34

THURSDAY, ͻ͸˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

Thursday, December 30, 2021

dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ĨĞůů ďLJ ϭϰďƉƐ dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ƐŚĞĚ ϵϬďƉƐ dŚĞ dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ďLJ ϭϰďƉƐ ƚŽ ƐĞƩůĞ dŚĞ dŚŝƐĚĂLJ ĨƌŝŶǀĞƐƚ ϰϬ /ŶĚĞdž ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ ďLJ ϵϬďƉƐ ƚŽ ĐůŽƐĞ

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 INDEX

Ăƚ ϭ͕ϲϳϰ͘ϴϵ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůůͲƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ŽŶ E/d, ;ͲϬ͘ϲйͿ͕ Ăƚ ϭ͕ϴϯϯ͘ϴϴ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ƐĞůůŽī ŝŶ h D Ed ;Ͳ t W K ϭϬ͘ϬйͿ͕ ;Ͳϭ͘ϯйͿ͕ DdEE ;ͲϬ͘ϰйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ h ĂŶĚ ;ͲϬ͘ϳйͿ͘ /Ed Z t dŚĞƐĞ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ;Ͳϭ͘ϭйͿ͘ ĐƵŵƵůĂͲ dŚĞƐĞ

Fundamental Performance Metrics for THISDAY AFRINVEST 40 Index

ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ĐƵŵƵůĂƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϭϱ͘ϲй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŝŶĚĞdž͘ ƟǀĞůLJ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĨŽƌ ϭϯ͘Ϯй͘

dŚĞ ĞĂƌƐ ,ŽůĚ ^ǁĂLJ͘​͘​͘ ^/ ƐůŝƉƐ ϭ͘ϭй ^/ ƵƉ ϭϭďƉƐ ĂƐ E' D 'ĂŝŶƐ ϯ͘ϯй

WƌĞǀŝŽƵƐ dŚĞ ůŽĐĂů ďŽƵƌƐĞ ĚĂLJ͕ ƌĞƐƵŵĞĚ ƉƌŝĐĞ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƵƉƟĐŬ ĨŽƌ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ĮŶĂů ,KEz&>KhZ ǁĞĞŬ ŝŶ

Ticker

THISDAY AFRINVEST 40

1,833.88

-0.90%

955.00

0.0%

67.05

-10.0%

9.4%

-13.3%

26.00

1.0%

7.3%

-19.6%

1 Airtel Africa PLC 2 BUA Cement Plc

;нϵ͘ϴйͿ͕ E' D ;нϯ͘ϯйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ & E, ϮϬϮϭ ŽŶ ůŽǁ͕ ĂƐ ůŽƐƐĞƐ ŝŶ h D Ed ;ͲϭϬ͘ϬйͿ͕ DdEE ;нϬ͘ϳйͿ ďŽůͲ ;Ͳ

3 Guaranty Trust Holding Co PLC 4 Zenith Bank PLC

ƐƚĞƌĞĚ ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ůŽĐĂů ďŽƵƌƐĞ ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ůůͲ Ϭ͘ϰйͿ ĂŶĚ K E K ;ͲϮ͘ϮйͿ ĚƌĂŐŐĞĚ ƚŚĞ E'yͲ ^/ ůŽǁĞƌ ďLJ

5 Dangote Cement PLC 6 MTN Nigeria Communications PLC

^ŚĂƌĞ ϭ͘ϭй ƚŽ ϰϭ͕ϴϬϳ͘ϭϬ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͘ ŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶƚůLJ͕ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂͲ ŝŶĚĞdž ƌŽƐĞ ďLJ ϭϭďƉƐ ƟŽŶ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ േϮϯϳ͘ϵďŶ ƚŽ േϮϭ͘ϴƚŶ ĂŶĚ zd ƌĞƚƵƌŶ ƉĂƌĞĚ ƚŽ ϯϵ͕ϱϱϬ͘ϯϲ ƉŽŝŶƚƐ͘ ŽŶƐĞƋƵĞŶƚůLJ͕ zd ůŽƐƐ ŝŵͲ

7 Nestle Nigeria PLC 8 Lafarge Africa PLC 9 Access Bank PLC

ƉƌŽǀĞĚ ƚŽ ϯ͘ϴй͘ ƚŽ dƌĂĚŝŶŐ Ͳϭ͘ϴй ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ǁŚŝůĞ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ĐĂƉŝƚĂůŝƐĂƟŽŶ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ĂŶĚ ƌŽƐĞ ǀĂůƵĞ ďLJ

10 United Bank for Africa PLC 11 FBN Holdings Plc

േϮϯ͘ϰďŶ ƚŽ േϮϬ͘ϲƚŶ͘ dƌĂĚŝŶŐ ĂĐƟǀŝƚLJ ǁĂƐ ŵŝdžĞĚ ĂƐ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ƐƵƌŐĞĚ ϲϭ͘ϭй ĂŶĚ ϲϮ͘ϰй ƚŽ ϭϴϬ͘Ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐ

12 Nigerian Brew eries PLC 13 Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC

ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĂŶĚ േϭ͘ϱďŶ͘ ĚĞĐůŝŶĞĚ : / E< ďLJ Ϯϭ͘ϲй ;ϭϳ͘ϳŵ ƚŽ ϭϭϬ͘ϴŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ ƵŶŝƚƐ h E ;ϭϲ͘ϴ ǁŚŝůĞ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ ǀĂůƵĞ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ĂŶĚ h E ƌŽƐĞ ;ϭϮ͘ϵŵ ďLJ ϴϴ͘ϱй ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ƚŽ േϯ͘ϭďŶ͘ ůĞĚ ďLJ dŚĞ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ŵŽƐƚ ƚƌĂĚĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ DdEE ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ;േϯϱϵ͘ϰŵͿ͕ ďLJ ǀŽůƵŵĞ ǁĞƌĞ dZ E^ KZW ;ϭϭ͘ϵŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ & E, ;ϭϭ͘ϭŵ E/d, ;േϭϵϲ͘ϳŵͿ͕ ĂŶĚ E'y'ZKhW ;േϭϱϲ͘ϳŵͿ ůĞĚ ďLJ ǀĂůƵĞ͘ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ͕ ĂŶĚ K E K ;ϳ͘ϯŵ ƵŶŝƚƐͿ ǁŚŝůĞ E ^d> ;േϮ͘ϮďŶͿ͕ E' D ;േϭϰϱ͘ϬŵͿ͕ ĂŶĚ 'd K ;േϭϯϰ͘ϴŵͿ ůĞĚ ďLJ ǀĂůƵĞ͘ ĞĂƌŝƐŚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ

ůů ĞĂƌŝƐŚ ^ĞĐƚŽƌ WĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ ŽƵƌ ƐĞĐƚŽƌ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ ůŽƐƚ͕ ƐĂǀĞ ƚŚĞ ĂŶŬŝŶŐ ŝŶĚĞdž ǁŚŝĐŚ ϭ͘ϰй ĂƐ E/d, ĐƌŽƐƐ ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ŽƵƌ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ĐŽǀĞƌĂŐĞ͕ ďLJ ƉĞƌĨŽƌŵĂŶĐĞ ǁĂƐ ;нϭ͘ϰйͿ ĂŶĚ ^^ ;нϭ͘ϳйͿ ƟĐŬĞĚ ŚŝŐŚĞƌ͘ >ĞĂĚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ďĞĂƌŝƐŚ ĂƐ ϰ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ůŽƐƚ͕ ϭ ŝŶĚĞdž ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ ƚŚĞ &ZͲ/ d ĚĞĐůŝŶĞƌƐ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ƐŚĞĚ ϯ͘ϵй ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ŝŶĚĞdž ƌĞŵĂŝŶĞĚ ŇĂƚ͘ dŽƉƉŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ůĂŐŐĂƌĚƐ ĂƌĞ ƚŚĞ ŽŶƐƵŵͲ ƉƌŝĐĞ ĚĞƉƌĞĐŝĂƟŽŶ ŝŶ h D Ed ;ͲϭϬ͘ϬйͿ͘ ůƐŽ͕ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ Ğƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ĂŶĚ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ͕ ĚŽǁŶ ϰ͘ϲй ĂŶĚ 'ĂƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ĨĞůů ϱϬďƉƐ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůů ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ŽŶ K E K ;Ͳ ϭ͘Ϯй ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ ŽĨ ƉƌŽĮƚͲƚĂŬŝŶŐ ŝŶ E ^d> ;Ͳ Ϯ͘ϮйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ d ZE ;Ͳϰ͘ϳйͿ͕ ǁŚŝůĞ ůŽƐƐĞƐ ŽŶ // K ;Ͳϭ͘ϰйͿ͕ ϵ͘ϭйͿ͕ hE/> s Z ;Ͳϯ͘ϱйͿ͕ >/E< ^^hZ ;Ͳϲ͘ϰйͿ͕ D E &/d ;Ͳϯ͘ϭйͿ͕ /Ed Z t ;Ͳϭ͘ϭйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ W ;Ͳϵ͘ϬйͿ ĂŶĚ D E^ Z ;ͲϮ͘ϮйͿ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ Kŝů Θ 'ĂƐ ĂŶĚ ĂŶŬͲ ƉƵƐŚĞĚ ƚŚĞ /ŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ ŽŶƐƵŵĞƌ 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ůŽǁĞƌ ŝŶŐ ŝŶĚŝĐĞƐ ĨĞůů ďLJ Ϭ͘Ϯй ĂŶĚ ϮďƉƐ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƟǀĞůLJ ĚƵĞ ƚŽ ƐĞůůͲ ďLJ ϮϬďƉƐ ĞĂĐŚ͘ ^ŝŵŝůĂƌůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ &ZͲ/ d ŝŶĚĞdž ůŽƐƚ ϭϵďƉƐ ŽŶ ŽīƐ ŝŶ K E K ;ͲϬ͘ϴйͿ͕ E/d, ;ͲϬ͘ϮйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ 'd K ;ͲϬ͘ϮйͿ͘ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ŽĨ ƉƌŽĮƚͲƚĂŬŝŶŐ ŝŶ DdEE ;ͲϬ͘ϰйͿ͘ ŽŶǀĞƌƐĞůLJ͕ ƚŚĞ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů 'ŽŽĚƐ ŝŶĚĞdž ǁĂƐ ƚŚĞ ůŽŶĞ ŐĂŝŶͲ Ğƌ͕

ƵƉ

ϭ͘ϴй

ĚƌŝǀĞŶ

ďLJ

ƉƌŝĐĞ

ĂƉƉƌĞĐŝĂͲ

ƟŽŶ ŝŶ E' D ;нϯ͘ϯйͿ͘ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ /ŵƉƌŽǀĞƐ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌ ^ĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ ^ƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶƐ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƌĂƟŽͿ͕ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ ƚŽ ϭ͘ϭdž ĨƌŽŵ Ϭ͘ϵdž ĂƐ ϭϳ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ǁŚŝůĞ ϭϲ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ ůŽƐƚ͘ h E ;нϵ͘ϵйͿ͕ ZKzͲ /ŶǀĞƐƚŽƌƐ ƐĞŶƟŵĞŶƚ͕ ĂƐ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ ďLJ ŵĂƌŬĞƚ ďƌĞĂĚƚŚ > y ;нϵ͘ϭйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ ƌĂƟŽͿ͕ ^KsZ E/E^ ;нϳ͘ϳйͿ ůĞĚ ŐĂŝŶĞƌƐ ;ĂĚǀĂŶĐĞͬĚĞĐůŝŶĞ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ͕ ƐĞƩůŝŶŐ Ăƚ ǁŚŝůĞ ϭ͘ϲdž h D Ed ;ͲϭϬ͘ϬйͿ͕ D z < Z ;ͲϭϬ͘ϬйͿ͕ ĂŶĚ W ;Ͳ ĨƌŽŵ ϭ͘ϯdž ƌĞĐŽƌĚĞĚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ůĂƐƚ ƚƌĂĚŝŶŐ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶ ĂƐ Ϯϰ ƐƚŽĐŬƐ

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

Current Price

ROE

ROA

P/E

Divindend Earnings Yield Yield

24.9%

83.4%

15.0%

3.5%

12.1%

12.1%

14.7%

5.2%

-13.3%

19.1%

11.2%

32.2x

6.1x

-19.6%

24.8%

3.9%

3.9x

1.0x

11.6%

25.4% 29.8%

34.1%

5.0x

P/BV

0.7x

5.3%

17.0%

1.9% 3.1%

24.75

1.4%

6.5%

-0.2%

-0.2%

20.9%

2.8%

3.4x

0.7x

12.1%

257.00

0.0%

6.1%

4.9%

4.9%

40.4%

16.7%

12.8x

4.9x

6.2%

7.8%

182.00

-0.4%

5.0%

7.1%

7.1%

179.2%

14.1%

13.1x

19.9x

5.7%

7.6%

1,415.00

0.0%

3.6%

-6.0%

-6.0%

106.8%

15.6%

27.5x

32.3x

4.3%

3.6%

23.95

0.0%

3.7%

13.8%

13.8%

11.6%

8.4%

9.0x

1.0x

4.2%

11.2%

17.0%

1.4%

14 International Brew eries PLC 15 Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC 16 SEPLAT Energy PLC 17 11 PLC 18 Okomu Oil Palm PLC

9.00

1.7%

2.9%

6.5%

6.5%

7.90

0.0%

2.4%

-8.7%

-8.7%

11.50

0.0%

3.8%

60.8%

60.8%

8.4%

0.8%

6.8x

48.00

0.0%

1.7%

-14.3%

-14.3%

5.3%

1.9%

44.2x

36.00

0.0%

1.8%

-4.7%

-4.7%

15.4%

2.0%

8.3x

1.3x

-10.3%

-3.9%

4.70

-1.1%

1.2%

-21.0%

-21.0%

28.35

0.2%

1.1%

9.0%

9.0%

650.00

0.0%

1.6%

61.6%

61.6%

3.4%

2.5x

0.4x

9.4%

39.6%

2.0x

0.4x

7.0%

50.3%

0.6x

4.1%

14.7%

2.3x

2.3%

2.3%

11.3%

12.1%

0.9x

-12.1%

4.4x

0.7x

5.8%

22.9%

1.9%

15.0x

0.5x

6.3%

6.7%

0.0%

19 Fidelity Bank PLC 20 Ecobank Transnational Inc 21 Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC 22 FCMB Group Plc 23 Sterling Bank PLC 24 NASCON Allied Industries PLC 25 Transnational Corp of Nigeria 26 Presco PLC 27 Unilever Nigeria PLC 28 PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC 29 United Capital PLC 30 Guinness Nigeria PLC 31 Custodian and Allied Insurance 32 AIICO Insurance PLC 33 TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeri 34 Julius Berger Nigeria PLC 35 Wema Bank PLC 36 Union Bank of Nigeria PLC 37 Oando PLC 38 Notore Chemical Industries Ltd 39 Beta Glass PLC 40 Transcorp Hotels Plc

142.00

0.0%

1.2%

56.0%

56.0%

38.8%

25.2%

9.7x

3.4x

5.2%

10.3%

2.59

-0.4%

0.7%

2.8%

2.8%

12.0%

1.1%

2.3x

0.3x

8.5%

43.7%

8.65

-2.8%

0.9%

44.2%

44.2%

14.8%

0.9%

2.4x

0.3x

17.00

0.0%

0.5%

-3.4%

-3.4%

15.3%

6.3%

11.1x

1.7x

2.98

-0.7%

0.5%

-10.5%

-10.5%

9.0%

5.0%

1.46

0.7%

0.3%

-28.4%

-28.4%

10.1%

0.9%

3.2x

0.3x

3.4%

13.20

0.0%

0.3%

-9.0%

-9.0%

21.3%

6.9%

12.4x

2.5x

3.0%

8.1%

0.99

0.0%

0.4%

10.0%

10.0%

11.1%

2.3%

5.3x

0.6x

1.0%

19.0%

87.80

0.0%

0.3%

23.7%

23.7%

2.1x

1.2%

13.40

0.4%

0.2%

-3.6%

-3.6%

-1.3%

-0.8%

6.10

-9.0%

0.2%

15.1%

15.1%

1.2x

31.5%

-1.1% 4.1%

9.85

-0.5%

0.4%

109.1%

109.1%

2.2x

7.1%

39.00

0.0%

0.4%

105.3%

105.3%

8.1%

3.8%

13.9x

1.1x

1.2%

7.2%

7.80

0.0%

0.2%

33.3%

33.3%

24.7%

7.5%

3.8x

0.9x

7.1%

26.0%

0.70

-1.4%

0.3%

44.5%

45.8%

7.2%

1.1%

388.9x

0.7x

221.90

0.0%

0.3%

70.7%

70.7%

1.9%

19.8%

0.3%

5.0x

22.35

0.0%

0.2%

26.8%

26.8%

20.7%

2.5%

3.9x

0.7x

1.8%

25.7%

0.77

0.0%

0.1%

11.6%

11.6%

13.7%

0.8%

3.6x

0.5x

5.3%

27.5%

9.9%

0.0%

7.1%

0.8%

6.9x

0.7x

4.1%

4.50

-2.2%

0.1%

21.6%

21.6%

14.5%

2.6%

1.9x

0.3x

4.7x

0.6x

62.50

0.0%

0.1%

0.0%

0.0%

-41.3%

-9.2%

52.95

0.0%

0.1%

-4.4%

-4.4%

14.8%

10.1%

5.38

0.0%

0.0%

49.4%

49.4%

14.5% 51.6%

2.3x

-20.3% 2.0%

21.4%

0.9x

T o p 10 T ra de s by V o lum e

T o p 10 G a ine rs Ticker

42.0% 8.8%

P rice

P rice Chg %

Ticker

Vo lume

P rice Chg %

UB N

6.10

9.9%

JA IZB A NK

17.7

-8.1%

ROYA LEX

0.84

9.1%

UB N

16.8

9.9%

SOVRENINS

0.28

7.7%

UA CN

12.9

1.1%

LIVESTOCK

2.18

6.9%

TRA NSCORP

11.4

0.0%

CA VERTON

1.72

3.0%

SOVRENINS

10.0

7.7%

UP DC

1.17

2.6%

M B ENEFIT

9.5

-3.1%

NGXGROUP

19.40

2.1%

WEM A B A NK

9.5

0.0%

A CCESS

9.00

1.7%

CHIP LC

8.8

0.0%

FIDSON

6.35

1.6%

FB NH

8.7

0.0%

NA HCO

3.45

1.5%

NGXGROUP

8.1

2.1%

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Ticker

P rice

P rice Chg %

Ticker

Value

P rice Chg %

B UA CEM ENT

67.05

-10.0%

M TNN

359.4

-0.4%

M A YB A KER

4.06

-10.0%

ZENITHB A NK

196.7

1.4%

PZ

6.10

-9.0%

NGXGROUP

156.7

2.1%

-8.1%

UA CN

123.5

1.1%

101.8

9.9%

JA IZB A NK UP DCREIT

3.75

-6.2%

UB N

ETERNA

5.05

-4.7%

FB NH

96.3

0.0%

-3.1%

UB A

55.4

0.0%

-2.8%

GTCO

52.5

1.0%

40.1

1.7%

29.7

-10.0%

M B ENEFIT ETI

Afrinvest West Africa Limited

0.57

0.31 8.65

OA NDO

4.50

-2.2%

A CCESS

HONYFLOUR

3.40

-1.4%

B UA CEM ENT

Brokerage

Asset Management

Investment Research

Adedoyin Allen | aallen@afrinvest.com Robert Omotunde | romotunde@afrinvest.com Abiodun Keripe | AKeripe@afrinvest.com Taiwo Ogundipe | togundipe@afrinvest.com

Christopher Omoh | comoh@afrinvest.com

Damilare Asimiyu| dasimiyu@afrinvest.com

35

THURSDAY DECEMBER 30, 2021• T H I S DAY

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

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

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

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

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

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

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 24Dec-2021, unless otherwise stated.

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

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

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

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS

AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Dollar Fund N/A N/A N/A AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 10.21% AIICO Balanced Fund 3.42 3.59 0.73% info@anchoriaam.com ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 7.21% info@anchoriaam.com Anchoria Equity Fund 137.64 139.35 3.48% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.14 1.14 -13.95% 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 19.93 20.53 9.90% ARM Discovery Balanced Fund 445.64 459.08 11.31% ARM Ethical Fund 39.41 40.60 16.91% ARM Eurobond Fund ($) 1.07 1.08 -1.87% ARM Fixed Income Fund 0.99 1.00 -5.18% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.09% AVA GLOBAL ASSET MANAGERS LIMITED info@avacapitalgroup.com Web: www.avacapitalgroup.com Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AVA GAM Fixed Income Dollar Fund 107.83 107.83 6.02% AVA GAM Fixed Income Naira Fund 1,065.46 1,065.46 6.55% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Capital Express Balanced Fund(Formerly: Union Trustees Mixed Fund) N/A N/A N/A mutualfunds@cardinalstone.com CARDINALSTONE ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.cardinalstoneassetmanagement.com ; Tel: +234 (1) 710 0433 4 Fund Name CardinalStone Fixed Income Alpha Fund CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund Paramount Equity Fund Women's Investment Fund CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Cordros Money Market Fund Cordros Milestone Fund Cordros Dollar Fund ($) CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Coronation Money Market Fund Coronation Balanced Fund Coronation Fixed Income Fund EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund EMERGING AFRICA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web:www.emergingafricagroup.com/emerging-africa-assetmanagement-limited/, Tel: 08039492594 Fund Name Emerging Africa Money Market Fund Emerging Africa Bond Fund

Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.04 1.04 5.78% investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Bid Price 100.00 16.91 139.28

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 100.00 9.75% 17.22 5.73% 140.86 4.65% assetmgtteam@cordros.com

Bid Price 100.00 131.40 110.48

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 100.00 9.45% 132.22 12.08% 110.48 5.94% investment@coronationam.com

Bid Price 1.00 1.25 1.42

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 1.00 8.23% 1.26 3.73% 1.42 -10.07% mutualfundng@ecobank.com

Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 100.00 100.00 7.76% 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 8.46% 1,180.13 1,205.23 2.72% assetmanagement@emergingafricafroup.com

Bid Price 1.00 1.04

Emerging Africa Balanced Diversity Fund 1.12 Emerging Africa Eurobond Fund 104.51 FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price FBN Bond Fund 1,391.61 FBN Balanced Fund 173.79 FBN Halal Fund 115.53 FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 FBN Dollar Fund (Retail) FBN Smart Beta Equity Fund FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Legacy Money Market Fund Legacy Debt Fund Legacy Equity Fund Legacy USD Bond Fund

122.26 147.50 Bid Price 1.00 4.00 1.70 1.21

Offer Price 1.00 1.04

Yield / T-Rtn 7.93% 3.94%

1.12 10.88% 104.51 4.47% invest@fbnquest.com Offer Price 1,391.61 174.97 115.53 100.00

Yield / T-Rtn 11.34% 4.18% 9.71% 9.34%

122.26 3.95% 149.50 11.76% fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Offer Price 1.00 4.00 1.74 1.21

Yield / T-Rtn 7.54% 3.44% 11.99% 6.17%

FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Income Fund N/A N/A N/A Coral Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.98% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.81 2.87 -1.70% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 4.50% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 143.06 143.11 -8.07% Vantage Equity Income Fund (VEIF) - June Year End 1.26 1.30 -0.14% Vantage Dollar Fund (VDF) - June Year End 1.07 1.07 4.07% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.49 1.51 9.03% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,159.47 1,159.47 8.61% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 11.54 11.63 10.48% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 10.13% NORRENBERGER INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LIMITED enquiries@norrenberger.com Web: www.norrenberger.com, Tel: +234 (0) 908 781 2026 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Norrenberger Islamic Fund (NIF) 101.76 101.77 7.67% Norrenberger Money Market Fund (NMMF) 100.00 100.00 9.25% 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 1.57 1.60 13.22% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.14 11.17 -8.26% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 7.75% PACAM Equity Fund 1.42 1.44 -10.00% PACAM EuroBond Fund 113.94 116.28 3.93% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 127.04 129.38 5.26% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.08 1.08 10.00% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 3,374.29 3,406.55 5.01% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 235.49 235.49 4.73% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 1.25 1.27 6.78% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 313.02 313.02 6.23% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 235.41 239.13 7.91% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 7.71% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 10,984.97 11,144.13 4.69% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.29 1.29 5.34% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 116.89 116.89 5.23% Stanbic IBTC Enhanced Short-Term Fixed Income Fund 106.34 106.34 UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 01-6317876 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.34 1.36 4.79% United Capital Bond Fund 1.96 1.96 6.66% United Capital Equity Fund 0.91 0.94 14.72% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.57% United Capital Eurobond Fund 122.28 122.28 6.73% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.07 1.09 5.36% United capital Sukuk Fund 1.07 1.07 7.29% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Balanced Strategy Fund 13.05 13.17 10.00% Zenith ESG Impact Fund 14.46 14.61 9.53% Zenith Income Fund 24.87 24.87 3.61% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.21%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

124.98 54.48

10.62% 7.78%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

13.59 126.76 101.21 17.52 21.15

13.69 129.92 103.44 17.62 21.25

5.57% 5.42% 2.02% -4.88% 14.57%

Fund Name SFS REIT Union Homes REIT

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

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Money Market Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

3.91 5.50 17.47 1.00 20.80 157.82

4.01 5.60 17.67 1.00 21.00 159.82

4.25% -3.20% 7.92% 7.59% 1.36% -14.99%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

107.28

13.11%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

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

36

THURSDAY DECEMBER 30, 2021 •T H I S D AY

THURSDAY DECEMBER 30, 2021 • T H I S D AY

37

39

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

FOREIGN DESK

COMPILED BY BAYO AKINLOYE

Biden, Putin to Hold Call over Stepped-up Security Demands President Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin will speak Thursday as the Russian leader has stepped up his demands for security guarantees in Eastern Europe.

The two leaders will discuss “a range of topics, including upcoming diplomatic engagements,” National Security Council spokeswoman Emily Horne said in a statement announcing the call.

The talks come as the US and Western allies have watched the buildup of Russian troops near the border of Ukraine, growing to an estimated 100,000 and fueling fears that Moscow is preparing to invade Ukraine.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke on Wednesday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

State Department spokesman Ned Price said Blinken “reiterated the United States’ unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity in the face of Russia’s military buildup on Ukraine’s borders.”

Price said the two discussed efforts to peacefully resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine and upcoming diplomatic engagements with Russia.

Military Tribunal Jails 47 Cameroonian Activists over Planned Protests This week, a military tribunal in Cameroon sentenced 47 opposition party members to between one and seven years in jail for rebellion and attempted insurrection. Police arrested the Cameroon Renaissance Movement, or MRC, supporters in September 2020 while they were planning protests against the 40-year-rule of President Paul Biya.

On Wednesday morning, more than 20 supporters of the opposition Cameroon Renaissance Movement (MRC) stood in front of MRC leader Maurice Kamto’s house.

They told a reporter they are waiting to hear from Kamto after a Yaoundé military tribunal this week sentenced 47 of his supporters to up to seven years in jail.

The tribunal on Monday and Tuesday sentenced the 47 opposition party members to between one and seven years in jail for attempted insurrection.

The MRC party’s spokesperson, treasurer, coordinator, and president of the women’s wing were among those given seven-year terms.

41-year-old bread seller Emmanuel Koanye was among those condemning the prison terms.

UN Condemn Hong Kong Clampdown on Pro-Democracy Media Outlet In the latest crackdown on the city’s media, Hong Kong pro-democracy media outlet Stand News shut down on Wednesday after police raided its office, froze its assets, and arrested senior staff on suspected “seditious publication” offences.

The raid raises more concerns about press freedom in the former British colony, which returned to Chinese rule in 1997 with the promise that its freedoms, including a free press, would be protected.

The police action prompted Germany and the UN Human Rights Office censure, which said it was alarmed at the “extremely rapid closing of the civic space and outlets for Hong Kong’s civil society to speak and express themselves freely.”

Stand News, set up in 2014 as a nonprofit, was the most prominent remaining pro-democracy publication in Hong Kong after a national security investigation this year led to the closure of jailed tycoon Jimmy Lai’s Apple Daily tabloid.

Gaza Border Violence Erupts after Palestinian President Visits Israel An Israeli was wounded in a shooting attack on the Gaza border on Wednesday, the military said, after a rare visit to Israel

by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas drew condemnation from the enclave’s Hamas rulers.

The Israeli military said it responded to the shooting with tank fire, targeting Hamas posts in the northern Gaza Strip. Gaza health officials said three Palestinian farmers were wounded.

Israel’s Defense Minister Benny Gantz hosted Abbas in his home late on Tuesday, the Western-backed Palestinian leader’s first such visit to Israel in more than a decade, although it signalled few prospects for any resumption of long-stalled peace negotiations.

Following their talks, the Israeli Defense Ministry announced a series of what it described as “confidence-building measures” that would ease the entry of hundreds of Palestinian business people to Israel.

In Gaza, Hazem Qassem, a Hamas spokesman, said that by meeting Gantz, Abbas was “deepening Palestinian political divisions” and encouraging accommodation with “the occupation,” a term the Islamist militant group uses to describe Israel.

Uber to Deploy Electric Motorcycles across Africa in 2022 Just as in most cities across Africa, motorcycle taxi drivers are in almost every corner of Nairobi. Josephat Mutiso is among the first drivers here to make the switch from fossil fuel to electric motorcycles, thanks to a partnership between Uber and Opibus.

“This is way efficient,” he said. “It is even way easier to ride than the other one. You see, this one you don’t have so ma”ny controls, you just have the throttle, no clutch. The only thing you are focusing on is just the front brake and the rear brake. That way it gives you even more control of the bike. And it is pretty light, it does not vibrate. So even clients like this one better.”

Motorcycle taxis have become increasingly common as public transportation in cities across Africa.

Joyce Msuya, the deputy executive director of UNEP, the UN Environmental Program, notes that motorcycle taxis have become increasingly common as public transportation in cities across Africa.

“The number of newly registered motorcycles, commonly used as taxis or boda boda, was estimated in 2018 at

1.5 million and will likely grow to five million by 2030,” she said. “Most are inefficient, poorly maintained and heavily polluting. UNEP’s study shows that boda boda drivers can more than double their income if they make the switch.”

In March, the UN Environment Program launched the first electric bikes project in Kenya, creating the momentum for Africa’s shift to electric mobility. The partnership between Uber and Opibus seeks to accelerate that shift.

Rina Amiri Named US Special Envoy for Afghan Human Rights US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday announced the appointment of Rina Amiri as special envoy for Afghan women, girls, and human rights.

The appointment comes as women in the country are facing increasing oppression by the ruling Taliban following the US withdrawal in August.

Earlier this week, the Taliban announced that women would no longer be able to travel long distances without a male escort.

Women already faced severe restrictions on education and work.

“We desire a peaceful, stable and secure Afghanistan, where all Afghans can live and thrive in political, economic and social inclusivity,” Blinken said in a statement.

Amiri is an Afghan-born scholar who served in the State Department under former President Barack Obama. She has spent two decades advising governments and the United Nations on Afghanistan issues.

According to Reuters, the Biden administration faced harsh criticism from women’s rights groups for failing to guard the lives and ensure safe passage of female activists in Afghanistan. Amiri was one of those critics, the news agency reported.

Iran Federation Defends Footballer over ‘Israel Flag’ Jersey Iran’s football federation threw its weight behind former national team captain Mehdi Mahdavikia Wednesday after he faced criticism for wearing a jersey bearing an Israeli flag during a friendly game.

“He is one of the greats of Iranian football” and “a symbol of pride for the Islamic Republic of Iran”, secretary-general Hassan Kamranifar said in a statement

on the federation’s website.

Ultraconservative lawmakers had lambasted the veteran player after he wore a jersey featuring the flags of all FIFA member countries, including Israel, during a friendly match in Qatar on December 17.

Iran does not recognize arch-rival Israel as a state and prohibits contact between athletes from the two countries.

Mahdavikia “must apologize to the Iranian people for his act and must stand trial because he has betrayed the Iranian nation”, MP Bijan Nobaveh-Vatan said, according to the ultraconservative Fars news agency.

Kamranifar said Mahdavikia had handled the situation with “vigilance.”

Indonesia Allows Boat with 120 Rohingya Refugees to Land Indonesian authorities decided Wednesday to allow a boat carrying 120 Rohingya Muslims to land after drifting for days off the country’s northernmost province of Aceh.

The decision was made because of the severe conditions experienced by the passengers, who are overwhelmingly women and children, said Armed Wijaya, who heads a refugee task force at the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Law and Security.

“The Indonesian government has decided, in the name of humanity, to accommodate the Rohingya refugees currently adrift at sea near Bireuen district,” Wijaya said in a statement. Local authorities had earlier said they would push the boat back to international waters despite calls from the United Nations refugee agency and human rights groups that it be allowed to land.

The vessel is reportedly leaking and has a damaged engine, and is floating in the open sea in harsh weather and may be at risk of capsizing, the UNHCR said Tuesday.

Local fishermen first sighted the boat on Sunday about 60 miles (96 kilometres) off the coast of Bireuen, said Badruddin Yunus, the local tribal fishing community leader. He said fishermen could not tow the broken-down wooden boat but provided food, water and clothes to the passengers, including 60 women, 51 children and nine men.

38

IMAGES

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY DECEMBER 30, 2021

Photo Editor Abiodun Ajala Email abiodun.ajala@thisdaylive.com

L-R: Winner of Kia Rio, Ubong Charles Ukpong; representative of the Chairman of Ikono Local Government Area, Pastor Increase Okoibu; and Regional Manager, Globacom, Uyo, Mr. Simon Ithime, at the prize presentation ceremony in Globacom’s Joy Unlimited Extravaganza Promo held in Uyo…recently

Ogun State First Lady, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, third from right, and members of Spouses of Ogun State Functionaries Association cutting the cake with the children at a Christmas party organised by the Office of the First Lady in Abeokuta...recently

L-R: Convener, Ofada Rice Day Festival, Oluwatobi Fletcher; Afro Juju Maestro, Sir Shina Peter; and Alaperu of Iperu Remo, Oba Adeleke Idowu Basibo, at the Ofada Rice Day Festival 2021 hosted by OfadaBoy and Lagos State Government in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ABAYOMI AKINYELE

A cross section of members of the Nigerian Nurses’ Forum during their Lagos Naija Nurses Connect Live in the City of Lagos held at the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos…recently PHOTO: DAN UKANA

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, HIP Asset Management, Mr. Rotimi Adebiyi; CEO, Prosperis Holdings, Mr. Kayode Fadahunsi; CEO Africinvest LLC, Ms. Abiola Ojo Osagie; Group Executive Director, United Capital Plc, Mr. Sunny Anene; and CEO, Integrated Dairies Limited, Mr. Sheyin Shekarri, during the Prosperis Holdings 2021 end of year party celebration in Lagos...recently

R-L: Secretary to the Osun State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji; legislator, Hon. Lawrence Ayeni, Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Timothy Owoeye; Hon Onitiju, state Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Funke Egbemode; state Deputy Governor, Mr. Benedict Alabi; and Assembly member, Hon Kofo Omole, at the Timothy Owoeye Foundation empowerment programme in Ilesha, Osun State...recently

L-R: Member, Forever Living Business Owner (FLBO), Mrs. Yemi Olusanya; Country Sales Manager, Forever Living Products, Nigeria, Mr. Daniel Ikechukwu; other members of FBO, Mrs. Susan ltemuagbor, Mrs. Yetunde Olabisi, and Mr. Kema Emina, during the presentation of the N2 million cheque to the Star Winner, Mrs. Azunwena Reginat, at a raffle draw organised by FBO members for their customers at Lekki, Lagos...recently

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THURSDAY, ͻ͸˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

FORTY BUHARI RECEIVES MANUFACTURERS, PROMISES ACCESS TO FOREX Association Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), and some experts blamed the rising volume of Nigeria’s trade deficit on the inability of the government to enforce its policy on consumption of locally manufactured goods.

Buhari told the MAN executive that the relevant ministry would revisit their concerns about the increase in excise duties on some identified products and other tariff-related matters.

On the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the president said Nigeria would fast-track the process of setting up the Designated Competent Authority that would superintend the administration of Rules of Origin and Commission as well as the automation of issuance of electronic Certificate of Origin.

He said the federal government would also ensure that relevant platforms were established for monitoring and evaluation of the performance of the Ease of Doing Business and improve government patronage of made in Nigeria products.

Buhari told the MAN delegation, “Our strategic plan to boost manufacturing activities in the country is on course. We will continue to improve the patronage of locally made goods, bridge the gap between skills required by industry and those provided by our tertiary institutions, and ensure seamless access to long term finance for our Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs).

“We recognise that MAN remains a key stakeholder in this journey and we will continue our engagement with you."

Stressing his belief in a private sector-led economy as an elixir for job creation, Buhari urged the leadership of MAN to continue to encourage manufacturers in the country. He said the government recognised the resilience of their

members and other private sector organisations in promoting a virile manufacturing sector in Nigeria.

“I beseech you to continue to support the government in our quest to provide the appropriate environment that will attract the necessary investment, both domestic and foreign, for the upliftment of the nation’s economy,” he added.

The president noted that while the COVID-19 pandemic had an adverse effect on the economy, with the attendant fluctuations in the prices of oil, his administration successfully contained the spread of the virus and other diseases.

According to him, the federal government would continue to consistently deploy prudent means of judiciously utilising its limited revenue to sustain the economy and stimulate growth.

Buhari emphasised that in spite of limited resources, his government had made appreciable progress in road and rail infrastructure development; provision of stimulus packages for the manufacturing sector; improvement in energy management; and support for exporters with a view to improving the operating environment for businesses in Nigeria.

He said, “These projects are there for all to see. Furthermore, we are vigorously pursuing reforms on ease of doing business and currently putting in place other necessary policy measures and incentives that will guarantee full recovery from the consequences of COVID-19, sustain economic development and further shield the economy from the potential impact of fluctuations in the price of crude oil in the global market.

“I have listened carefully to all the challenges enumerated by the president of MAN and would like to assure you that, like we have done in the recent past, we will give consideration to some of

the constraints that are yet to be fully addressed, especially those that align with our policies and programmes for economic recovery and sustainable development.

“Let me assure you that this administration is fully aware that the survival of Nigeria lies in agriculture and having a viable domestic manufacturing sector. I must emphasise here that when I say agriculture, I also refer to agro-allied business, which is the value-added component in the value chain.”

According to the president, a strong manufacturing sector creates more jobs and wealth for the citizens.

“It will usher in sustainable economic prosperity because we will produce what we consume as a nation and generate foreign exchange by exporting surpluses and by import substitution,” he said.

Earlier in her remarks, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mariam Katagum, stressed that the ministry would continue to work with MAN in the areas of policy, trade and creation of an environment that would facilitate the growth of businesses in Nigeria.

“MAN is in business to create a climate of opinion in this country so that manufacturers can operate efficiently and profitably for the benefit of all,” she said.

MAN president, Mansur Ahmed, said the advocacy visit was basically to thank the president for all the support extended to the manufacturing sector since his assumption of office in 2015, and seek further support for the sector to overcome constraints to competitive manufacturing in the country.

Ahmed articulated remedies to the challenges of the sector, and spoke on the Blueprint for Accelerated Development of Manufacturing in Nigeria, which will be formally presented to Buhari

LAGOS ASSEMBLY PASSES N1.4TRN 'BUDGET OF CONSOLIDATION' Onafeko to forward a clean copy of the appropriation bill to the State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his assent.

The governor had in November presented an appropriation bill of N1.388 trillion to the State House of Assembly for the year 2022.

The proposed budget which was deficit financing would be implemented through a combination of external and domestic loans and bonds.

With an amount of N52, 552,479,436bn (23.41), Economic Affairs got the lion share of the estimates.

The proposed budget which was christened, “Budget of Consolidation,” has a budget size of N1,388,285,459,990.51, comprising total revenue of N1,135,159,092,822bn and deficit financing of N253,126,367,168 billion.

It has a recurrent expenditure of N564, 934,331,886 (41%) and capital expenditure of N823, 351,128,104 (59%).

In addition, it was made up of total revenue of N1, 135,159,092,822.30. A breakdown of this included internally generated revenue of N898,891,092,822.30 and total federal transfer of N236,268,000,000.

While presenting the budget, Sanwo-Olu had said: "2022 will be the final full year of budget implementation before the next general election in 2023. It is therefore an excellent opportunity for us to consolidate on what we have done so far, and ensure that every effort, every investment, every partnership, every policy, is translating maximally into noticeable positive impact in the lives of our people.

"The challenging environment also requires that we focus our interventions in areas of greatest social impact, achieving the greatest good for the greatest number, in the shortest possible time.

"We have clearly articulated our vision in tackling governance in the State through the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda and have commenced the state’s thirty-year development plan 2021-2051 that will update and replace our previous plan, which was for 2012 -2025.

"This is necessary given the huge global changes that have come

on us as a people and a nation.

We must therefore continue to have a long-range view to our desired outcomes. This plan will therefore provide strategic direction and oversight for further growth and development in the State. This Year 2022 Budget is the next step on our journey to true and sustainable greatness in Lagos State."

Meanwhile, Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun has signed the 2022 appropriation bill into law.

A statement from governor's chief press secretary, Kunle Somorin explained that the State House of Assembly had earlier in the day passed the exact figure of N350,735,149,739.57 contained in the appropriation bill, with adjustments in some recurrent or capital estimates of about 182 agencies.

Passage of the budget came barely a month after its presentation

by Abiodun to the State House of Assembly The passage of the bill was consequent upon the presentation of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation by its Chairman, Olakunle Sobunkanla, who thereafter moved the motion for its adoption, seconded by his Vice, Ganiyu Oyedeji and supported by the whole House through a unanimous voice vote.

The appropriation bill was later read and adopted clause-by-clause by the Committee of the House presided by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo at a the plenary held at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The Assembly in the course of legislative process on the appropriation bill, carried out slight adjustments in the recurrent expenditures of about 144 agencies, just as the capital expenditures of 38 other agencies were equally adjusted.

The adjustments led to reduction in the total recurrent expenditure from the initial N172.997 billion to N153.180 billion, resulting in N19.816 billion decrease, while capital expenditure was increased from N177.737 billion to N197.554 billion, giving an increment of N19.816 billion Signing the bill at his Oke Mosan office, Abiodun thanked the members of House led by

Olakunle Oluomo, for the speedy, but thorough passing of the bill.

He assured that his administration would put machinery in place to ensure optimum performance of the budget.

Abiodun further said his administration would continue to espouse projects that would affect the state's socio-economic activities positively.

The governor, however, urged the House to continue giving the incumbent government in the state its support to continue to deliver on its electoral promises.

in the first quarter of 2022.

The MAN leadership identified some challenges that could be addressed in the immediate term to improve the manufacturing environment. They include, according to him, inadequate supply of foreign exchange, inadequate electricity supply, poor access to long-term fund, poor patronage of Made-in-Nigeria goods and local content development, and looming increases in tax rates.

NACCIMA, Analysts List Measures to Reverse Nigeria’s Trade Deficit

Meanwhile, NACCIMA and some experts attributed the country’s rising trade deficit to the inability of the government to enforce its policy on the consumption of locally manufactured goods. They also blamed the trade deficit on Nigeria’s over reliance on imported refined petroleum products and the weak non-oil sector.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) estimated that Nigeria recorded N3.03 trillion trade deficit in the third quarter of 2021. Nigeria’s total foreign trade grew to N13.3 trillion in the third quarter of 2021, and was made up of N8.2 trillion imports and N5.1 trillion exports.

Reacting to the negative trade balance, Director General of NACCIMA, Mr. Ayo Olukanni, said in an interview with THISDAY that the association had used every opportunity since the beginning of the year to raise the alarm about the country’s growing trade deficit.

Olukanni pointed out that the trend was also responsible for the perennial weakness of the naira against the dollar and some other international currencies.

Olukanni said, “We observed the growing gap between import and export, which was also reflected in the pressure on the naira and loss of its value in the forex market. It is, therefore, not surprising that we are ending up with these figures as trade deficit in the third quarter of year 2021.

“It's a reflection of the fact that we have not rigorously implemented our policies to truly consume what we produce and produce what we consume. Must we always import champagne and wines of all make from all corners of the world to celebrate Christmas and the New Year? We have the capacity to produce most of what we import. We should, therefore, put a stop to importation of such categories of goods, such as textile,

canned food, and drinks.

“As we look forward to year 2022, we must rigorously pursue our policies, especially as envisioned in the national budget for 2022, to reduce importation and improve on our nonoil export.”

He emphasised the need to address the well-known infrastructure challenges in the country, saying, “We must empower our local industries to significantly improve their productive capacity to meet local needs. In this respect, our new national policies on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which include micro enterprises, deserve attention and more support as Year 2022 rolls in.

“The objective should be to reduce importation of goods as we concertedly work to reduce and even end our trade deficit.

Year 2022 is an opportunity for us to truly walk the talk as a less import dependent country.”

Speaking in the same vein, an economist and Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, stated that current trade balance deficit of N3 trillion, as reported by the NBS for the third quarter of this year, represented an increase of 26.5 per cent on year-on-year comparative analysis.

Yusuf noted that the huge import bill on refined petroleum products and the weak competitiveness of the country’s non-oil economy were major contributory factors to the unfavourable balance of trade position.

He said the balance of trade position of the country could be addressed by giving exporters unfettered and unconditional access to their foreign exchange proceeds.

Yusuf said, “We need to create a fast track for exporters at the ports. If we can have fast track for imports, it is even more imperative that we have a fast track for export. Meanwhile, export processes remain very frustrating at our ports.

The shipping companies and the terminal operators do not accord the desired priority to export. This should change.

“Terminal operators and shipping companies should be compelled to prioritise export. For most of them, export is not in serious reckoning in their operations.”

Yusuf, who is the immediate past Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also stated that government should provide access to intermediate inputs on conces-

sionary terms to exporters in order to make their exports competitive both in quality and price.

Similarly, Chief Executive Officer of De-SME Facilitators Limited, Mr. Tony Chinwe, identified the sharp drop in the non-oil export and a huge increase in the aggregate import value as major causes of Nigeria’s trade deficit.

Chinwe said the drop in the value of non-oil exports “can be traced to a rapid drop in the value and volume of agricultural and agro-processed export products due to insecurity challenges that disrupted farming activities and increased economics of production for farmers.”

He added, “Also, the twin effects of COVID-19 and insecurity have seen the nation spending huge sums on the importation of medical consumables, vaccines, food items, sanitary/hygiene products and military equipment to combat both menace. These have significantly increased the aggregate import bill of the nation.”

He recommended that the government should diversify the export base of the economy by creating an enabling environment for the private sector to drive the process.

Chinwe stated, “Some of the sectors that should be given boost in this regard are petroleum and petro-chemical industry products, food products, auto and auto-parts, cotton-textile-garment products, foot wears and packaging materials.

“We, as a nation, have the comparative advantage in these areas. If government provides the enabling environment, we can be a net exporter of these products.

“We should domesticate and develop petroleum value chain to save the foreign exchange spent in importing them and even export the excess to generate foreign exchange revenue; ditto for the food and agriculture value chain.”

Chinwe stated that the interventions required from government to reverse in the country’s trade deficit included the “creation of viable industrial parks and clusters with captive power, security and other shared services where business entities that are involved in manufacturing and agro-processing can take up work spaces.”

He said, “the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) should be restructured, recapitalised and re-engineered to prepare it for a major role in financing agribusinesses along agriculture value chain,” while the “bottleneck that stifle export processing in Nigeria should be removed.”

WITH RISING THEFT, NIGERIA RECORDS 193M BARRELS OF CRUDE OIL DEFICIT IN 11 MONTHS to pipeline breaches and organised theft. The 20 percent hardly covers cost of production," an industry expert explained.

Some of the operators essentially, identified security as a core issue for the oil companies as product losses through the pipelines are now so massive that it is affecting their bottomline and the country's revenue projection from crude oil export. Huge quantities of products are daily stolen by individuals and organised cartels of criminals.

The Navy and other security agencies that are supposed to protect the waterways and the companies’ operations are either looking the other way, or colluding with syndicates of oil criminals to steal this all-important national resource. It is now a huge and thriving business at the expense of the country.

This is part of the reason many major oil companies are divesting from the country. To prevent this huge losses to the oil companies, they have largely resorted to using barges to transport oil and the process of building barges and allowing their usage by the government is huge and cumbersome. The cost element to that is; it dramatically increases cost of production to these companies This year has been a big disappointment for the industry in Nigeria in terms of matching production with market demand as efforts to meet its almost 1.7 million barrels per day allocation had produced little result.

Nigeria, going by the quota allocated by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries

(OPEC), was expected to produce 1.683 million bpd in January 2022.

However, meeting that target would be an uphill task as it has maintained an average of 1.25 million barrels in the last few months.

An analysis of the data from the regulatory commission indicated that aside its condensates production, which averaged 300,000 barrels daily, the country, through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and its Joint Venture (JV) partners, pumped far below its forecast for the commodity for the period.

This was in contrast to last year, when the country was producing 1.7 million barrels per day on the average, except when OPEC compelled its members to cut their production in the heat of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even then, NNPC and its partners pumped almost 1.4 million barrels daily, but that figure has slumped since the August 2021.

The NURPC data detailing crude production so far this year showed that the country only managed to pump 1.23 million barrels per day in August, 1.24 million barrels per day in September, 1.22 million barrels per day in October, and 1.27 million barrels per day in November.

On a monthly basis, the figures further revealed a decline from January as production was 42.1 million barrels for that month; in February it was 39.8 million barrels while in March, Nigeria pumped 44.2 million barrels, a relatively good month compared to the rest.

But April saw the country produce 41.1 million barrels; it was

41.6 million barrels in May; 39.4 million barrels in June; 41 million barrels in July, before it began a downward spiral till now.

In addition, 38.4 million barrels were pumped from around 30 Nigeria's terminals and streams in August, 37.4 million barrels in September, 38 million barrels in October and 38.2 million barrels in November.

The unimpressive production figures have also negatively affected NNPC's remittances to the federation account and by extension the monies shared by the federal, state and local governments this year.

For example with a paltry N10.54 billion in November, NNPC was only able to remit 8.5 per cent of its projected N122.7 billion to the Federation Account, a joint pool of funds shared by the country’s three tiers of government.

Aside April this year, when the national oil company paid in nothing into the federation account, the November remittance represented the second least payment for the year.

The information on the proceeds of the NNPC’s sales of crude oil and gas and subsequent contribution to the account was contained in its presentation to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) for the month of December 2021.

Furthermore, the N10.5 billion represented a 29.1 per cent decline of the monthly contribution, which has steadily declined in the past three months due to a variety of factors, including under-production and petrol subsidy payments.

In addition, while a total of N2.30

trillion was supposed to have been paid to the federal, state and local governments in the first 11 months of 2021, only N522.2 billion had been paid as of November.

The NNPC data showed that the continuous deficit payment had so far resulted in a shortfall of N1.78 trillion in the current year.

However, the national oil company blamed the inability to restart the oil wells shut down in 2020 when OPEC compelled member countries to cut production for the declining production.

Added to that, it listed issues with host communities, vandalism, incessant force majeure on major assets, as well as technical issues leading to shutdowns.

THISDAY, however, gathered that ageing upstream infrastructure due to years of under-investment remained a major headwind confronting the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

Meanwhile, a separate document released by the upstream commission showed that out of Nigeria’s 53 oilrigs, only 12 had been near active in the last few months, while 25 are on standby and 16 have been stacked.

In terms of terrain, of the 53 rigs, 33 are onshore, 11 are offshore, while nine were found in the swamps.

While a stacked rig means the ones which may or may not be operable, but which are stored and have no crews, an active rig count, is an official listing of operational oil and gas rigs in a certain area.

In the oil industry, the rig count is a major index of measuring activities in the upstream sector.

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NEWS

THE 2021/2022 LEGAL YEAR BEGINS...

L-R: Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya; Acting Chief Judge, Justice Mu'azu Abdulkadir Pindiga, and Attorney General/ Commissioner of Justice, Zubair Muhammad Umar, during a special court session to mark the commencement of the 2021/2022 legal year in Gombe State ... yesterday

Clark: Jonathan Not Buhari Expelled Boko Haram from 14 LGAs in Borno Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark has said it was former President Goodluck Jonathan that expelled Boko Haram out of 14 Local Government Areas of Borno State and not President Muhammadu Buhari as being claimed by the present administration.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed recently claimed that, “Nigeria would have been an Islamic state without President Muhammadu Buhari.”

But in his response, Clark said he was certain that what gave Mohammed the impetus to make the statement was because Nigerians were yet to dispel the, “fraudulent

and false claim that it was Buhari’s government that expelled the Boko Haram terrorist from 14 LGAs of Borno State.”

He said: "Mohammed has, again, decided to garb himself with the propagandist toga, which he used to wear as the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives’ Congress (APC), forgetting that he is today, the Information Minister of the country,

a position which he should use to build bridges between the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, and across all divides in the country.

"It is pertinent to reiterate that Boko Haram was expelled from the 14 Local Government Areas of Borno State by former President Goodluck Jonathan’s government through the engagement of com-

Amid High Import Cost, Marketer Gifts N12m Worth of LPG to Enugu Residents Peter Uzoho Second Coming Nigeria Limited, a major Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) marketing company, is donating 20,000 kilogramme of LPG worth N12 million to residents of Enugu State as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) to ameliorate the suffering of the beneficiaries during the yuletide.

The free cooking gas distribution which commenced on Monday, was being done in conjunction

with the Enugu State government despite the high cost of importing the product into the country.

The price of LPG has been on the rise in the last one year, both at the international and local market, leading to one kg unit of the product selling for above N500 in Nigeria, while 12.5kg unit sells for over N8000 in the country.

Also, the cost of importing LPG has gone up astronomically due to several factors including inflation, foreign exchange scarcity, too many levies by government agencies,

among others.

Speaking in Enugu while kicking off the free distribution exercises, the Managing Director of Second Coming, Dr. Basil Ogbuanu, said the 20,000kg LPG donation was part of the company’s support to government’s effort at ameliorating the suffering of the people who could not afford the commodity in their kitchen this yuletide.

He said 1,600 Enugu residents had been earmarked as the beneficiaries and that each of them would receive 12.5kg units of LPG, adding

CDC Director Explains Decision to Shorten COVID-19 Isolation The Director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, yesterday said the decision to shorten the isolation period for those with asymptomatic COVID-19 infection was driven by evidence around transmission and what isolation protocol people “would be able to tolerate.”

“We looked at several areas of science here,” Walensky said when asked how the CDC settled on five days of isolation for everyone.

“First, the science of how much transmission happens in the period of time after you’re infected. We know that the most amount of transmission occurs in those one to two days before you develop symptoms, those two to three days after you develop symptoms.

And if you map that out, those

five days account for somewhere between 85 to 90 per cent of all transmission that occurs,” CNN quoted him to have said.

CDC, “really wanted to make sure” that the first five days were spent in isolation, Walensky said, adding that they were asking people to mask in the last five days.

They also looked at epidemiology, she said, and they are seeing and expecting even more cases of Omicron, many of which were mildly or asymptomatic.

Finally, they looked at behavioral science, “what will people actually do when people need to get back to work? What is it that they will actually do? And if we can get them to isolate, we do want to make sure that they’re isolating in those first five days when they’re maximally infectious.”

Asked if the decision had as much to do with business as with science, Walensky said “it really had a lot to do with what we thought people would be able to tolerate.”

There have been relatively low rates of isolation throughout the pandemic, she said, adding “some science has demonstrated less than a third of people are isolating when they need to.”

“We really want to make sure that we had guidance in this moment where we were going to have a lot of disease that could be adhered to, that people were willing to adhere to. And that spoke specifically to when people were maximally infectious. So it really spoke to both behaviors as well as what people were able to do,” she said.

that the gesture was in support of the sterling leadership of the governor of the state in Enugu. "ln the spirit of the Yuletide and as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), also, in support of His Excellency's sterling leadership and good work to the people of Enugu State, each of our four plants in the state will give out 12.5 kg of gas to 400 people in four locations of the state.

"This is in conjunction with the Enugu State Government to support the people of Enugu State during this festive season", Ogbuanu said.

He said the product would be distributed freely to residents so that people would have enough gas to cook their food as they celebrate Christmas.

According to him, the products would be dispensed to residents in Agbani town and Amaechi road plants on December 27, 2021 (Monday) while Abakpa Nike and Oji River plants would take their turns on December 30, 2021.

He further appealed to LPG dealers to support government towards ameliorating the suffering of the people at this period of sharing and giving.

Ogbuanu, however commended the federal and state governments for the frantic efforts towards eradicating the use of firewood for cooking and called at governments at other levels to key into the drive He also lauded the state government for its focus and commitment in ensuring that businesses enjoy a friendly environment to thrive.

bined forces who were assisted by hired mercenaries.

“Prior to the period the sect was expelled, they were occupying 14 Local Government Areas in the State.

"As a matter of fact, it was as a result of this that the elections could not be conducted at the initial scheduled date, and had to be postponed.”

The elder statesman added: "It is, therefore, not true that it was President Muhammadu Buhari that expelled Boko Haram out of 14 Local Government Areas of Borno State."

Clark said it must be remembered that some Nigerians believed that the Boko Haram sect would be used to harass and torment Jonathan, getting him out of office.

He added that when it was suggested then that there should be a meeting to see the possibility of having negotiations between the Nigerian state and Boko Haram, the sect chose Buhari as their Chief Negotiator, even though a few days after the choice, Buhari rejected the sect’s choice of him.

The former Federal Commissioner for Information said there were no accusations the APC did not level against Jonathan then,

including criticising him for killing innocent northerners through the sponsor of Boko Haram.

According to him, lies were also fabricated, “against an innocent man whose only offence is that he as the president and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Force of a country, where some people think they alone have the exclusive right to be in that position.”

Clark pointed out that Jonathan knew that people were out to get at him, in any way, by all means, hence his open declaration that Boko Haram had infiltrated into his government.

He said, "In contrast, however, those who never wanted him in office and those who never liked him, were basking in joy because their handiwork was succeeding.

“And actually, nurtured the group to be more daring in any way possible including people who made statements that fanned the embers of their activities, like Alhaji Lai Mohammed. But like the saying goes what goes around, comes around, they never knew they were raising what is like the proverbial Frankenstein monster. What they created became uncontrollable and returned to haunt them. "

Coronation Merchant Bank Launches Podcast Series

Coronation Merchant Bank has announced the launch of its podcast series which would cover economic and market development trends.

According to a statement, the podcast series which was part of the Coronation Conversations platform - an ongoing engagement medium which includes blogs, thought leadership articles, videos and events – would feature thought leaders, industry experts, and leading professionals.

The series would launch on December 31st, across platforms such as the Coronation Merchant Bank’s website, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, Spreaker, Castbox and PlayerFM. It disclosed that the first installment would be anchored by the Chief Economist of Coronation Merchant Bank, Chinwe Egwim.

Commenting on the launch, the Managing Director/Chief Executive

Officer of Coronation Merchant Bank, Banjo Adegbohungbe said: “At Coronation Merchant Bank, we are committed to providing relevant and topical insights required for strategic decision making to our clients.

“The Coronation Conversations Podcast will foster important conversations among experts which will assist listeners to make informed decisions for business and financial management as well as investment purposes.”

On her part, Egwim said: “The Coronation Conversations Podcast discusses trends that are shaping industries, markets, specific sectors as well as the domestic and global economy. Our podcast series gives listeners an opportunity to tap into expert knowledge, boost their economic intelligence and soak key nuggets from unexpected angles.

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NEWS

Expert Faults Report on Nigeria’s Debt Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

ABIODUN SIGNS BUDGET OF RESTORATION...

L-R: Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Kunle Oluomo; Governor Dapo Abiodun and his Chief Economic Adviser/Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo at the signing of the N351bn State's 2022 budget into law at the Conference room of the governor at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta …yesterday

A development economist, Mr. Christopher Amadi has faulted reports that Nigeria's public debt stock would rise to N50 trillion by 2023 due to borrowings in the recently launched National Development Plan (2021-2025).

In a paper made available to THISDAY, Amadi argued that while the government would need to borrow to contribute to the implementation of the plan, for the purpose of clarity, it provides for significant financing by the private sector as N298.3 trillion or 89.7 per cent of the total funding was expected from the sector.

He said: "It is unfortunate that these reports present a somewhat shallow picture of the plan by focusing on the borrowing needed to achieve the objectives and targets of the plan and ignoring the policies, initiatives and actions included in the plan.

"It will be recalled that the National Development Plan is a medium-term economic strategy document which seeks to achieve vital developmental goals through significant investment in infrastructure, job creation, human capital development, amongst others.

Masari: Islam Allows a Person to Protect Himself, Family Promises to assist citizens acquire weapons Bandits kill district head, four others in Zamfara Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto The Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari, has said the reason he has continued to advocate self-defence in the face of enveloping insecurity in the state, was because Islam as a religion, allowed a person to protect himself and his family against any form of attacks.

Masari, who promised to assist the people of the state to acquire weapons in self-defence, however, said if anyone died while protecting himself and family, he would have died a martyr.

Meanwhile, in nearby Zamfara State, a district head and four other persons were in the early hours of yesterday killed by some armed men suspected to be Bandits at Gada community in Bundugu Local Government Area of the state.

According to a BBC Hausa report, Masari, while discussing with journalists in Katsina, said the number of police operatives in the state was less than 3000, and assured the people that government would assist citizens, who would want to acquire arms so as to contribute in restoring the security situation.

“Security is everybody’s affair, irrespective of political differences.

What the public should know is that in Katsina, you don’t have 3000 police. Therefore, we are

calling on whoever wants to protect himself and his family to acquire arms.

“The religion of Islam has allowed a person to protect himself and his property and family. If you die in the course of protecting yourself, you die a martyr. The annoying fact is that bandits have access to guns and

good people don’t have access to these guns with which they can use to protect themselves and their families”.

Promising to assist any person, who would like to acquire arms in order to stop banditry, Masari said, “We will assist those who want to bring in arms, because there is need for the people of

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has issued a reminder to places of worship to ensure that social gathering for the annual crossover night services is limited to 50 per cent capacity of the hall capacity.

Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement, Ikharo Attah, issued the directive yesterday.

He said the order, which was issued by the FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat as a precaution to the spread of COVID-19 remained sacrosanct

In the Zamfara attack, sources told THISDAY that five soldiers sustained injuries during in a gun duel with the suspected bandits that attacked by the village.

The sources also said one of the injured soldiers with severe injury had been taken to Abuja, while others were taken to the Federal medical Centre, Zamfara.

According to the sources, the suspected bandits also stormed Gada Community at 1amyesterday and started shooting sporadically, which resulted in killing four persons.

The bandits, reports added, also set ablaze the house of the District and other valuables at Gada community.

CSOs Raise Petitions against Military, Others over Extra-judicial Killings, Rights Abuses Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja A flurry of petitions by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) against the Nigerian Army, Navy, Nigerian Police and the Department of State Security (DSS) over extra-judicial killings, human rights abuses, brutality and illegal detention of citizens appear to depict signs of the times.

Three civil society organisations, Rule of Law, Accountability and Advocacy Center (RULAAC), Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), yesterday, petitioned the Nigerian Army, Navy and other security agencies over alleged human rights abuses.

Intersociety faulted Nigerian

Army's claim that troops killed an IPOB/ESN Commander.

It said in a statement titled: "How Nigerian Army Disrupted Christmas Eve Church Services and Movements At Egudene-Nkanu, Killed Two and Arrested a 40 year-old Mason and Labeled Him “ESN Commander”, that contrary to a statement issued on Monday, December 27, 2021, in Enugu by the Nigerian Army through its Director of Public Relations, Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu that “it arrested a wanted notorious ESN Commander in Enugu State”, it was a far cry from what actually transpired in Egudene-Ekpofu in Nkanu East of Enugu State, where the army claimed to have conducted its “clearance” operation.

According to the group, "As a

Crossover Night: FCTA Insists on 50% Hall Capacity for Religious Centres Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Katsina to support the security agents.”

He, however, criticised the activities of some vigilantes, saying, “We do not trust the activities of vigilantes, because they are leaving their places of origin to other towns. We prefer people defending their places of origin themselves.”

and enforceable.

He, therefore, urged worship centres planning elaborate New Year Eve celebrations to obey instituted authorities and adhere strictly to the recommended preventive measures and health guidelines.

According to him, the ban on nightclubs and other social gatherings where physical distancing and non-pharmaceutical intervention could not be achieved also remained in force.

Attah lamented that 863 new cases of coronavirus were recorded between December 26 and 27 this year within the FCT, adding that the report also revealed that 80

new cases were recorded in the nation's capital on December 28.

He disclosed that the FCT Minister had at different occasions met with religious leaders and other stakeholders to create synergy against the deadly pandemic, and also reiterated their commitments to keeping Abuja safe and secure.

He appealed to religious leaders and residents to ensure complete compliance with all the COVID-19 guidelines issued by the Health and Human Services Secretariat, noting that the enforcement team would be mobilised to track down violators and make them face the laws of the land.

matter of fact, the Nigerian Army cooked up the statement to cover backlash and outcries arising from its murderous operation of the night of 24th/25th December 2021 at the Egudene-Ekpofu; a third operation and invasion in the row since the start of 2021", the alleged group in the statement by Mr. Emeka Umeagbalasi.

Continuing, it said, "By a detailed investigation carried out by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law and contrary to the Nigerian Army claims, the so called ‘ESN Commander’, identified by the Army as ‘Godwin Nnamdi’, is a 40 year-old mason and struggling father of two children.

"His true name is Citizen Godwin Nnaji (not Godwin Nnamdi). He is a 40-year-oldand hails from Umuode Ega Kindred of Egudene in Ajame Amaeze Autonomous Community, Ekpofu in Nkanu East, Enugu State. He is unarmed and never used offensive violence. He is a mason by occupation, who struggles to feed himself, his wife and two children," it said.

There’s another petition to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, titled "Arrest, Brutality, Ill-treatment and Incommunicado Detention of Members of the Coastal Safety and Awareness Initiative of Nigeria by Officials of the Nigerian Navy and Denial of Access to their Families and Lawyers by officials of the NNS BEECROFT APAPA, in Contravention of Due Process Safeguard Under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."

RULAAC, in the petition signed by its Executive Director, Mr

Okechukwu Nwangwuma, said “their organisation has the following specific objectives, to wit, search and rescue operations, preservation of healthy and sustainable environment and coastal safety and security, among others."

The group said the detainees "are a civilian organisation and should not be detained at a military facility and that assuming, without conceding, that they have committed any offence under any Nigerian law, they should be referred to the police for proper investigation and appropriate treatment according to the law, rather than being indefinitely detained at a naval facility and denied access to their families and legal representatives".

In a separate petition addressed to the Director-General of the Department of State Security (DSS), Mr Yusuf Bichi by CISLAC titled" Intimidation, and Profiling of Civil Society Groups During The Yuletide," it stated that on Monday, December 27, 2021, operatives of your agency, the Department of State Security Services (DSS) stormed the premises of our office, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, the National Chapter of Transparency International, TI Nigeria at No 16 POW Mafemi Crescent, Off Solomon Lar Way, Jabi.

"Laying siege, the operatives demanded to see the chief security officer of the building. On learning about this, our initial thought was that these were individuals masquerading as DSS agents considering the fact that this was not just during the holiday period, but it was on a day declared as a public holiday by the federal

government of Nigeria," it said.

The petition signed by the Executive Director of CISLAC, Mr. Auwal Ibrahim Rafsanjani, said "this thought was further reinforced by the fact that there was no prior notice, invitation or pending request from your office regarding any of such visit. However, when we put a call through to the number dropped with our office security personnel, an individual further confirmed that he was an agent of your agency providing details of his position.

"Sir, considering recent activities of criminals using official security covers to perpetrate wanton criminalities in the recent past, we want you to use your good office to investigate those who carried out this visit and for what purpose(s).

We will also request that you all these operatives to order and charge them to be civil in their approach and not militarise our nascent democracy", the petition said.

Reacting to the petition, Spokesman of DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya, queried the petition, saying, "What facts does the letter have? Is it enough to conclude that because some people came to a place, therefore, they were DSS? Had there been similar false alarms against the DSS in the past?" he queried.

RULAAC had also petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Usman Baba, urging him to investigate cases of extra-judicial killings in Imo State. It alleged that extrajudicial killings were carried out in the state police command in flagrant violation of the Police Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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New Minister Assumes Office, Says Skeptics will Praise Buhari after His Exit

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The newly appointed Minister of State for Works and Housing, Mr. Mu’azu Sambo, yesterday said Nigerians, who doubted President Muhammadu Buhari’s capacity would only realise his importance after the end of his administration.

Speaking when he officially assumed office, Sambo, who was received by staff of the ministry, led by the Permanent Secretary, Babangida Hussaini, insisted that Buhari was making giant strides in the country’s infrastructure development.

He noted that infrastructure was germane to the socioeconomic development of any nation, listing China and Dubai in the United Arab Emirate as good examples.

“Mr. President is a blessing to this country. I keep saying that the skeptics will not realise this until his excellency is gone.

But some of us who know that socio-economic development is

tied to massive infrastructure development know that President Muhammadu Buhari has chosen the right course,”

he said.

He pointed out that he would be fulfilled if within the time he was in the ministry, he

was able to help the president “leave some legacies behind in infrastructure development across the country.”

He expressed his readiness to work harmoniously with his senior colleague, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN),

whom he described as a man of high intellect, competence and who has a passion for development.

THINKING THE STATE OF THE NATION…

L-R: Media Officer, Master Reality Concepts Limited, Mr. Ajibola Olarinoye; Group Managing Director, Mr. Lai Omotola and Legal Officer, Mr. Chukwuka Okolo, at the media briefing on the state of the nation in Lagos… recently.

ETOP UKUTT

Kidnapped Ekiti Chief, Cocoa FG to Unveil Details of Allowance for Teachers-in-Training January Teachers Registration written and the Ministry his regime would make the universities.

Merchants Paid N4m Ransom The Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has of Education was working teaching profession lucrative The TRCN boss had said the details of the N75,000 with the Tertiary Education and ensure that teachers were earlier said that the Federal semester allowance promised Trust Fund to ensure the adequately trained.

Government had set up to Regain Freedom by the President Muhammadu letters are dispatched.The He also announced that a committee consisting of Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

A traditional Chief in Ijan Ekiti , Gbonyin Local Government area of Ekiti State, Chief Emmanuel Obafemi and two other kidnapped cocoa merchants have been freed by kidnappers after paying the sum N4 million as ransom.

They were said to have been released along Ikere road around 3.am yesterday and had now reunited with their families.

Obafemi was abducted on his farm located along Ado-Ijan road last Thursday and taken to an unknown destination.

The two cocoa merchants, who are residents of a farmstead called Ilupeju-Ijan were picked up on Saturday along Ijan-Ise road.

A family source confided in journalists in Ado Ekiti yesterday that Obafemi paid a sum of N2 million before being let off the hook.

“I can confirm to you that

Chief Obafemi paid N2m while the two other cocoa merchants paid another N2m making a total of N4m before they were released around 3am today (Wednesday)”.

However, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti Command, Sunday Abutu, confirmed the release of the abductees, saying they had since rejoined with their families.

“They were released around 3am this morning. They are now with their families safe and sound.

“But let me say that the release was as a result of the hardwork put up by the combined forces of police, Amotekun Corps and local hunters, who combed the forest in search of the abductees.

“We assure Ekiti residents of their safety always while urging them to always avail us of useful information that can help in safeguarding the lives and property of our citizens”.

Presidential Spokesman, Garba Shehu Recovers from Second COVID-19 Infection Deji Elumoye inAbuja

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, has recovered from the COVID-19 virus which he contracted last week.

Shehu made the disclosure of his speedy recovery from COVID-19 on his official Facebook page yesterday.

He thanked Almighty God and individuals, who asked after him while the ailment lasted.

His words: “I thank Almighty Allah for my speedy recovery from COVID-19. My prayers and deepest respect are for all of you, who prayed, called or texted expressing your concerns for me”.

Shehu also prayed for the speedy recovery of those still afflicted by the disease saying: “May all of our countrymen and women still afflicted with the virus

fight this scourge with all their might and get well soon”.

The presidential aide had last Saturday disclosed that he was afflicted with the Covid-19 virus.

He had said then: “I have been afflicted by the mild variant of the COVID-19. I felt okay from the beginning, maybe because one had received all three jabs, and right now, I feel 100 per cent. I just finished my hour-long running exercise.

“But the strange thing about this ailment is that it is the scientists, not you, that will say you are okay. Right now, I’m taking my prescriptions and isolating and would go back for a test to ascertain if the virus is still here or it has left me.”

This is the second time the presidential spokesman will be contracting the dreaded disease with the first time being March, 2020.

Buhari to students of education in federal universities and federal colleges of education will be unveiled in January.

According to the council, letters had already been

Registrar, TRCN, Prof Josiah Ajiboye made these disclosure yesterday.

President Buhari had, during the 2021 World Teachers’ Day, announced that

student teachers undergoing training in public institutions would have access to semester stipends of N50,000 for those in colleges of education and N75,000 for those in

representatives of the council, the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, the Head of Service of the Federation and the education ministry.

Security: Edo Boosts Waterways with Eight New Gun, Speedboats Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Edo State Government, through the state’s Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC), has procured additional four armoured gunboats and four speedboats to curb criminal activities along the state’s coastal areas and waterways.

Chairman of EDSOGPADEC, Pastor Kennedy Osifo, who spoke to journalists on behalf

of other board members, immediately after inspecting the gun and speed boats, said the commission has now acquired eight gunboats and eight speed boats to strengthen security on its waterways and stop the activities of sea pirates.

He said the new armoured equipment will improve security in three oil and gas producing communities, including Ologbo in IkpobaOkha Local Government Area (LGA) and Gelegele, Ovia

North East LGA of the state.

The commission’s chair further noted that the acquisition of the boats was part of efforts by the Governor Godwin Obasekiled administration to create a business-friendly environment and attract more investment into the state, in line with government’s vision to make Edo great again.

He added that “the gun and speed boats will be handed over to the Marine police

command of the Nigerian Police Force to improve service delivery to the people of the communities and curtail the activities of sea pirates and other criminal elements on the waterways.”

Osifo hailed Obaseki for his commitment to ameliorating the plights of Edo people through EDSOGPADEC, reassuring of his relentless support at ensuring the realisation of the governor’s Making Edo Great Again (MEGA) Agenda.

Civil Societies Seek Good Governance in Nigeria Emma Okonji and Nosa Alekhuogie Members of the civil societies have called on Nigerians to exercise their rights by holding the Nigerian government accountable in all of the things they do, stating the government get away with a lot of things they shouldn’t be getting away with.

The convener of the Civil Society Situation Room, Ene Obi, who made the call, noted that civil society

had been over burdened and stressed the need for the rule of law to takes its place always.

Ene spoke yesterday on the Morning Show of ARISE NEWS Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers. She expressed her disappointment in the present administration, stressing that there is a lot of insecurity around the country.

She explained that she was particularly worried that about the issue of gender

based violence as women and girls are not living their lives the way they should. “ Our leaders are the parents of the country. What are they doing about the insecurity and this is likely to play around into the elections.

Standing upright for Nigeria is what we are asking for and it needs to start with our leaders .Citizens are trying to stand up right and on our part, as civil society organisations are trying to organise to play our role. It is very important for

the rule of law to be put as a change maker and that is why we are standing,” Ene said.

On his part, the Deputy Chairman, Joint Action Force, Achike Chude, also said they were not happy with the refusal of President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Electoral Act Bill.

He, however, said they are hopeful that if the President does not change his mind, the National Assembly would over ride his decision not to give assent to the bill.

Adebanjo Flays Malami over Comments on Electoral Bill The Leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, has flayed Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, for his remarks on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

Malami recently said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s rejection of the bill spared the country from a crisis, adding that his love for Nigerians motivated him to reject the bill.

The minister had explained that if Buhari had signed the bill, it would have sparked a new political crisis, which would have resulted in lawsuits.

However, reacting Adebanjo described the words attributed to Malami as “unfortunate,” and accused the minister of deceiving President Buhari.

“It is so unfortunate that many people are misleading Buhari. We pray God to get

rid of him before he ruins this country. For heaven’s sake, why would a young lawyer sound like that in a time like this?” he said.

Also speaking, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, said that the statements made by Malami are confusing and unexpected.

He said: “The AttorneyGeneral of the Federation is expected to guide the government rightly. He should

not speak in a manner that is confusing.

“When the president withheld his assent to the bill, the impression was not created that there was a clause in the bill that would create a crisis.

“It is expected that the specific areas where the bill is faulty, should be communicated to the National Assembly so that it will be clear to all why the president is not assenting to the bill.

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THURSDAY DECEMBER 30, 2021 ˾ T H I S D AY

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Tragedy as Police Vehicle Kills ASP in Ekiti Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Ado Ekiti Police Command was yesterday thrown into deep mourning as a patrol vehicle belonging to operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) hit an Assistant Superintendent of Police(ASP) on motorcycle and killed him instantly .

Eight RRS operatives were also said to have sustained various injuries during the accident that occurred along Ado-Ikare road, when the officers were hurrying to a flash point in Ikoke Ekiti to arrest some suspected cultists.

A statement by the police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti Commmand, Sunday Abutu, yesterday said the Police Commissioner, Babatunde Mobayo sympathised with the family of deceased’s cop.

Abutu explained that “On the 28th November, 2021 at about 6:30pm, a distress call was received from the DPO Ikole Ekiti by the RRS for reinforcement for the possible arrest of some suspected cultists who have been terrorising the

people of Ikole-Ekiti and its environs.

“Upon the receipt of the report, the RRS Commander deployed three patrol vehicles with adequate operatives to that axis for the operation.

“Unfortunately, while on their way, a patrol vehicle developed a mechanical fault, went off its lane and hit an oncoming motorcycle riden by a policeman who had closed from work and was returning home.

“The Policeman was rushed to the hospital for medical attention, but was confirmed dead by a medical doctor, while eight other RRS operatives in the patrol vehicle sustained different degrees of injuries”.

Abutu said those injured are currently in the hospital receiving medical attentions.

The Command’s Spokesman, said the Police Commissioner, who had visited the injured police officers in the hospital will soon visit the family house of the deceased ASP to sympathise with them.

Wike Eulogises Legal Luminary, Ukala, at 65 Blessing IbungeinPortHarcourt Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has lauded a legal luminary, Emmanuel C. Ukala, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), as he clocks 65 years.

Wike pointed out the contributions of the SAN to the legal profession in the country at the 65th birthday celebration of Ukala in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

The governor, who was accompanied by his wife, Hon. Justice Eberechi Suzzette Wike, at the event, narrated that Ukala had been his family’s lawyer even before he proceeded to then Rivers State University of Science and Technology, now Rivers State University to study Law. He recalled that while studying Law in the university, Ukala intervened in a chieftaincy dispute in his community, which cleared his family from alleged murder

charge.

According to Wike, “There was a time that the entire family was charged for murder, every male in the family was taken away. We only had women left in the house with children between the ages of 1 and 5. As at that time, I was studying law at then Rivers State University of Science and Technology, now Rivers State University.”

The governor disclosed that the legal luminary in whose law firm he worked after leaving the Nigerian Law School, took his family’s ordeal very personal and gave his best to ensure that they got justice.

Speaking on his political history, the governor said when he declared his intention to contest for the office of the Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area in 1998, some politicians in his constituency allegedly ganged up and conspired with the police to frame him up for armed robbery.

SIGNED AND SEALED…

L-R: Managing Director, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr Fidelis Ayebae; Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, and Managing Director, GlaxoSmithKline Nigeria Plc, Mr. Kunle Oyelana, at the NAFDAC facilitated contract manufacturing partnership signing and production commencement ceremony in Lagos...recently

Kogi, Niger, Osun Govs Sign 2022 Appropriation Bills into Law Governors of Kogi, Niger and Osun State, Yahaya Bello, Abubakar Bello and Adegboyega Oyetola respectively yesterday signed their 2022 appropriation bills into law.

Governor Yahaya Bello, for instance, earlier presented a proposed budget in the sum N145,896,072,913.

In his remarks after signing the budget into law, Governor Bello stated that his administration has tried to stem corruption to the barest minimum in the state and assured accountability.

“We will continue to guarantee zero corruption in Kogi State.

Corruption will never lead us anywhere, we try our best to stem it to the barest minimum, if not at zero level in Kogi State.

I want to assure you that we will continue to be transparent in our governance and financial dealings. We will continue to show a high level of probity and accountability,” he said.

He said the administration would consolidate economic,

infrastructural and security development in the year 2022.

“We will continue to improve on our security because without security, there can’t be any meaningful economic development in the state.

“As we all know, Kogi State still remains the best in terms of security. My appreciation to all law enforcement agencies and the citizens of Kogi State for always responding properly whenever there is any challenge.

“Just like the year 2021 that is rounding up, we are the best in all ramifications, by all world and local ratings, we don’t intend to fall to the second position in the year 2022,” Bello added.

On his part, Governor Bello of Niger State said they were poised to fund the budget completely as it is the last full budget to be implemented by this administration.

According to Bello the Board of Internal Revenue is also determined to improve the state Internally Generated Revenue IGR

in addition to the other sources of revenue to the state.

“We will try and see that we implement the budget but of course it is subject to availability of funds. As we are all aware the budget is just a statement, we hope that we are able to fund it 100 per cent. “ Bello commended the legislators for passing the budget in a record time saying that the executive has been enjoying cordial relationship with the Legislative arm of government.

“I have seen reasons in their (Legislators) stubbornness sometimes and I must confess I really appreciate it because most times they are right and that is how it should be. So when we have our differences we come back and we reconcile” the governor said.

Equally, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun signed the year 2022 Appropriation Bill into Law. He reiterated his administration’s commitment

to further delivery of prosperity to the people, provision of jobs and opportunities for the youth, delivery of more infrastructure and putting Osun on a surer footing.

This is even as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, warned the political detractors to steer clear of the House, saying he and his colleagues are solidly behind the governor and his Administration, just as Senate’s spokesman, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, said Osun’s budget is a model, worthy of emulation by any serious government.

Oyetola announced that the 2021 budget as at the third quarter of this year had recorded 83.66 per cent performance.

He noted that with the passage and signing of the Appropriation Bill into Law, the race to achieving even more in 2022 has begun as it remains a year of consolidation that will open the door for improved sustainable development.

Osun PDP Warns Governorship Lawmaker Donates Vehicles,Motorcycles to Vigilance Group in Kogi motorcycles to Kabba-Bunu Yusuf, who is representing In his remarks, the Olujumu of Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja Aspirants against Public Vigilance Group and an Explorer Kabba/Bunu /Ijumu Federal Ijumu Kingdom, Oba Williams A member of House of to Mopol 70, Kabba in Kabba / Constituency in the National Olusegun Ayeni, commended the Misconduct Representative member, Hon. Bunu Local Government Area Assembly, stated that the federal lawmaker for the gestures, donations had nothing to do describing it as timely and a step Tajudeen Yusuf, has donated two of Kogi State.

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Osun State Chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has warned governorship aspirants on its platform to desist from making public comments capable of bringing the party to unnecessary disrepute, especially when lack adequate background knowledge of their comment.

The Publicity Secretary of PDP, Mr. Ayodeji Areola, yesterday frowned at what the party described as uncharitable utterances of one of its gubernatorial aspirants, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, on a radio program in Osogbo, regarding recent developments in the party.

Areola particularly advised Ogunbiyi and others with

likely inadequate knowledge about workings of the PDP to seek clarifications or information instead of going on air to mislead members of the public with inflammatory utterances, thereby subjecting the party to undeserved ridicule.

The PDP expected Ogunbiyi to live up to his professed high standing by mentioning names of members of the State Executive Committee known to him for instance, whose names he alluded on radio, appeared among the signatories endorsing yesterday’s resolutions of the party but were out of the country.

This would have portrayed him high above school boy stance known with some pedestrian politicians.

vehicles and four motorcycles to vigilance groups in his constituency in Kabba/Bunu and Ijumu Local Government Areas of Kogi State to combat insecurity.

The lawmaker had earlier presented a Hilux, two

Speaking during the presentation of the items at the Palace of Olujumu of Ijumu Kingdom on Tuesday, Yusuf explained that the donations were part of his contribution to the security of lives and property of the people of his constituency.

with politics but for security of life and safety of the people.

He expressed his readiness to collaborate with relevant stakeholders in making criminals uncomfortable in Kabba-Bunu/ Ijumu Federal Constituency and Kogi State in general.

in the right direction.

Oba Ayeni noted that Ijumu shares boundaries with Ekiti and Ondo States as well as Okehi, Kabba-Bunu, Mopamuro and Yagba East Local Government Areas, hence the security challenges witnessed in the area.

12,450 Applicants Subscribe to National Housing Programme Ibrahim ShuaibuinKano

No fewer than 12,450 applicants have indicated their interest to purchase completed houses under the National Housing Programme (NHP).

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Dr. Babangida Hussaini, gave the statistics in Kano yesterday during a local Radio live programme “Duniyar mu

A Yau.” Dr. Babangida Hussaini said that 5,000 houses are ready across the 34 states of the federation, as he added that the ministry has approved 425 applicants who applied through the ministry portal.

He stated that the committee, which is saddled with the responsibility have adhered with digital footprint to avoid double allocation in the allocation process.

Hussain explained that the

National Housing Programme (NHP) was designed to accommodate the interest of Nigerians, and those in the civil service.

The Walin Kazaure disclosed that apart from Lagos and Rivers states that gave out land for the third phase of the mass housing scheme, 34 other states across the federation were scheduled in the first phase of the programme.

Commenting on the NNPC

N621billion for the construction of 21 strategic roads across the country, the Permanent Secretary said contractors have been mobilised to site.

The roads to be constructed under NNPC intervention included Gombe-Biu, GombeJimeta, Kaduna-Panbeguwa, Jos-Zaria-Funtua, Bida-Minna, Bida-Zangeru-Kagara, Offa-Lagos, Ikorodu-Badagry-Lagos and Ikom Roads among others.

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NEWSEXTRA

Boat Mishap: Niger Gov Wants HYPPADEC to Provide Safety Measures

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Reacting to the death of seven people in a boat mishap at Zhigir village last weekend, Niger State Governor, Mr. Abubakar Sani Bello, has told the Hydro Power Producing Areas Development Commission HYPPADEC to provide safety measures for villagers in the riverine areas of the state.

Bello described the incident as “painful and unfortunate” said assured that quick intervention

by HYPPPADEC would save the people from future occurrence of the unfortunate incident.

The incident happened when the victims were traveling to neighbouring Dnaweto village for the naming ceremony of the son of a relationship.

In a condolence message to the bereaved families and the Zhigir community the governor suggested that apart from providing the villagers with life jackets, HYPPADEC should also carryout serious sensitisation of members of the community on how to forestall future occurrence.

In the statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Mrs. Mary Noel Berje, the governor noted that “the people living

around the new Zungeru dam must be protected.

“I am really sad with the unfortunate boat mishap, measures need to be put in place to really avoid reoccurrence. It is good to have the dam, it is

also important to protect the people living around the dam.”

Bello, however, acknowledged the fact that the construction of the dam “is desirable as it will boost power generation in the country” but submitted that

the welfare of the community must be properly taken care of.

The governor assured the people that that the state government would not leave any stone unturned to ensure all necessary measures are put

in place to prevent future occurrence before commiserating with the families of the victims.

Two wives of one Mr. Muazu Babangida and their son were among the seven people that lost their lives in the boat mishap

which occurred last Sunday evening.

The remains of six of the casualties were recovered from the river and buried according to Muslim rites while the search for the 7th person has continued.

OGUN COLLEGE OF TECH CONVOCATION…

L-R: Registrar, Ogun State College of Technology ,Ilese-Ijebu ,Mrs. Adebola Oyefesobi; Deputy Provost, Dr. Azeez Soyingbe, Provost ,Dr. Abiodun Oladunjoye, and the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology ,Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu at second Convocation of the College in Ilese-Ijebu--- recently

Gombe Gov Welcomes House Deputy Chief Whip Explains Scholarship Thousands of PDP Scheme for Indigent Students Supporters to APC Udora Orizu in Abia

Segun Awofadeji in Gombe Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has led other chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to receive Hon. Asma’u M. Iganus, a member representing Shongom constituency in the state House of Assembly, and her supporters, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. Speaking during the formal reception for the lawmaker at Lapan yesterday, the governor expressed delight to receive her and her supporters, assuring them that he is ready to work with her to ensure success of the APC in 2023 and beyond.

The governor said: “Even before she made her decision to join the APC, she once came to me and presented a complaint about the need to reconstruct a bridge in her constituency, and I granted her wish and did the work without any hesitation.”

Yahaya said the APC-led administration in Gombe State is committed to executing policies and programmes that have direct bearing on the lives of the people across the state.

The governor praised the foresight and political sagacity of Iganus, saying her defection to APC is not by accident but by choice predicated on the superlative performance of the governing party in the state.

Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha has said that her past life of abject poverty made her decide to set up a scholarship scheme for indigent students.

The lawmaker, who represents Isikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State,

testifying at “A Night of Pure Praise”, an annual thanksgiving ceremony she organised in her hometown to show gratitude to God on Tuesday, recalled that feeding then was a piece of luxury for her.

She said that while in Institute of Management Technology, (IMT) Enugu as a student, she couldn’t afford paltry N375 needed to

continue her education at the time.

According to her, she was forced by the ugly circumstances to leave IMT and later got another admission into University of Nigeria, Nsukka where she also schooled without paying fees.

Onyejeocha said that she couldn’t have possibly reached the heights without God’s grace.

She therefore, asked her

constituents in particular and Nigerians in general to rededicate their themselves to God for use in the new year.

Noting that she survived many attacks in the outgoing year, 2021, Onyejeocha said it was then necessary to celebrate God with some notable gospel artistes such as Frank Edwards, Moses Bliss amongst others.

Security Votes Fueling Your Desperation to Govern Nasarawa, Gov Tells Maku Igbawase UkumbainLafia

The governor of Nasarawa State, Mr. Abdullahi Sule, yesterday alleged that the sole motive the former Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, is seeking to govern the state is to be collecting security vote and nothing more.

Maku, a 2019 APGA governorship candidate in the state, had accused Governor Sule of

collecting N300 million as monthly security votes, which is about N3.6 billion a year, still people are being killed and farmers can’t go to their farms in Nasarawa State.

Sule, who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Dr. Kassim Muhammad Kassim, expressed disappointment over the comment made by Maku that he (Sule) has been receiving over

N300 million monthly as security votes without any justification for it.

He said: “Maku’s allegations has exposed his emptiness before the public and people of the state that his only reasons for seeking to govern the state is to collect security votes and nothing more.

“People like Maku are still living in the era when security votes were the property of a governor.

It is unfortunate that he is still

ignorant.

“In Nasarawa State, security vote doesn’t even get to the governor in bulk. The SSG’s office collects and shares the money to all the security agencies. It is disappointing that Maku wants to be a governor because of security votes, but he will be shocked if he will ever be a governor because the system has been sanitised,” the governor maintained.

of the largest multipurpose seaport in Lagos, recently recognised and honoured 40 employees at a long service award ceremony in recognition of their dedication, loyalty, and commitment to the company.

Speaking on the commendations, Maher

Director said:”Nigerdock is a family, and the unwavering affinity and longevity our employees continue to embody helps to sustain this familial framework. It is an honour to acknowledge and applaud each recipient for their loyalty and dedicated service, as so many

lives at Nigerdock. These are milestones that we are extremely proud of, as they underscore our human-centric approach alongside the requisite symbiosis between an organisation and its people to strengthen reputation, brand, and business performance.”

Awards and gifts were

15, 20, 25, and 30 years. Fifteen employees were awarded for 10 years of service; five employees for 15 years of service; 16 employees for 20 years of service; three employees for 25 years of service; and one employee was honoured for 30 years of service.

Security, Devt, Unity Top My Priority List, Says Nigerdock Honours Long-serving Employees Nigerdock Limited, a leading Jarmakani, Nigerdock’s Chief of our people have spent such a presented to 40 employees who New Ekiti Monarch maritime company and operators Executive Officer and Managing significant part of their working have served the company for 10,

Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

The new Olufaki of Ifaki Ekiti in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Oba Adegbenro Falore, has been installed by kingmakers to mount the vacant stool after all traditional rites have been performed.

The new Olufaki was installed to fill the vacancy left with the demise of Oba Gabriel Agbaje, who died in November last year after reigning for over four decades.

The installation followed the granting of clearance by the state government for the commencement of selection process and approving the process leading to the emergence of the new monarch.

Addressing his subjects after the coronation yesterday, Oba Falore said that all the

traditional practices were essential for the sustenance of customs of the town, which must be preserved and passed to the coming generations.

He said that the priority of his reign would be sustenance of security, unity, development and peace for all the citizens so that all the residents could benefit from dividends of democracy.

Oba Falore, therefore, promised to ensure improved development of the community and to bring back its lost glories for the benefit of the Ifaki indigenes.

The monarch, who was overwhelmed by the support of the people, prayed to God for peace and development of the town, saying nobody would be alienated in the development focus under his reign.

Buhari Commiserates with Lalong over Demise of Traditional Ruler to a release issued yesterday and Mwaghavul-speaking and justice as custodian of Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau state over the demise of the traditional ruler of Mangu, Mishakagham Mwaghavul, His Royal Highness, Da Nelson A. Bakfur.

The royal father, according

by the presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, will be sorely missed by his people, and by extension the nation.

The President, therefore, sent condolences to government and people of Plateau State, particularly Mangu Local Council, Mangu Traditional Council

people in North Central, urging solace in the good works of the traditional ruler, whose interest in the peace and unity of the country was evident.

According to him, the departed leader stood for what was right in community development, lived to promote the values of fairness

the tradition, and roundly advocated trust in God and love for neighbours and visitors.

As the revered traditional ruler cedes the throne of his ancestors, the President urged family, friends and associates to approximate his values, and remain steadfast in sustaining his legacies.

THURSDAY, ͻ͸˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ T H I S D AY

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THURSDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

A New Dawn for Nigerian Football as NFF Appoints Jose Peseiro as New Eagles’ Coach Femi Solaja The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), yesterday put to rest the suspense on the likely successor to former manager Gernot Rohr as it confirmed the appointment of Portuguese tactician, Jose Peseiro, as Super Eagles’ new coach.

The Portuguese becomes the 26th foreign coach (including Carlos Alberto Torres of Brazil who did not handle any match before he abandoned the job) to be employed by Nigeria since 1949 when English man, John Finch took over the national football team till 1955 when he was replaced by Dan Anyiam.

At a virtual board meeting of the football body held yesterday afternoon, Peseiro was given the mandate as the new gaffer but will only go to the Africa Cup of Nations as observer with interim manager, Austin Eguavoen in charge from the dug out.

“After careful consideration of a memo presented by the Chairman of the Technical and Development Sub-Committee, the Executive Committee endorsed a proposal for the appointment of Mr Jose Peseiro as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles, following the end to the relationship with Mr Gernot Rohr.

“However, the Committee resolved that Mr Augustine Eguavoen named the interim Head Coach will lead the Super Eagles to the AFCON 2021 in Cameroon with Mr Peseiro only playing the role of Observer. It was unanimously agreed that the AFCON is a good avenue for Mr Peseiro to launch a working relationship with Mr Eguavoen, who will revert to his role as Technical Director after the AFCON,” Head of Communication, Ademola Olajire stated in a communique issued after the NFF board meeting.

Peseiro will take charge after the Africa Cup of Nations and his assignment will be the final round of the FIFA World Cup playoff in March next year.

Aside from the appointment of the new coach, the Executive Committee also approved the Financial Statement of the Federation for the out-going year as well as proposed a budget of N13.8billion for next year.

The staggering budget will cover the preparation and participation of the Super eagles should it qualify for the World Cup finals in Qatar next November and the AWCON participation of Super Falcons the same year.

The Man José Peseiro José Vítor dos Santos Peseiro (born 4 April 1960) is a Portuguese football manager and former player who played as a striker.

After a not too impressive career as a player, he went on to coach several clubs in his country, including Sporting CP – which he took to the 2005 UEFA Cup Final and Porto.

He also worked extensively in Arab nations, being in charge of the Saudi Arabian national team.

New Super Eagles Manager Jose Peseiro

Pharaohs Select Mo Salah to Lead Assault against S’Eagles on Jan. 11 As expected, Egypt Football Federation has announced its squad to the forth coming AFCON with Liverpool star, Mohamed Salah, the all-time top African goal scorer in the Premier League, headlining country’s squad named yesterday.

Nigeria will square up with the seventh-time champions in the opening Group D match on the 11th of January. Super Eagles will similarly play Sudan and Guinea Bissau to complete the round-robin phase of the tournament.

Although the official date for the release of players to join their national teams was December 27, tournament organisers pushed back the deadline until January 3, which allows Salah to feature in Liverpool's crucial Premier League clash with Chelsea this Sunday.

However, midfielder Mohamed Magdy, recent winner of CAF Super Cup with Cairo-based club Al Ahly, and winger Mostafa Fathi of rival Zamalek were both overlooked by coach Carlos Queiroz for the tournament starting on January 9 in Cameroon.

Both had featured in the Arab

Cup in Qatar earlier this month.

Seven-time tournament winners Egypt, who last lifted the trophy in 2010, are among the favourites

Mohamed Salah

and open with a Group D clash against Nigeria on January 11 before playing Guinea Bissau and Sudan.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Mohamed el-Shennawi (Al-Ahly/EGY), Mohamed Abu Gabal (Zamalek/ EGY), Mohamed Sobhi (Pharco/ EGY), Mohamed Gad (ENPPI/EGY) Defenders: Akram Tawfik (Al-Ahly/EGY), Omar Kamal Abdel Wahed (Future/EGY), Ahmed Hegazy (Ittihad Jeddah/KSA), Mahmoud Hamdy El Wensh (Zamalek/EGY), Ayman Ashraf (Al-Ahly/EGY), Ahmed Abou El Fotouh (Zamalek/EGY), Mohamed Abd El Moneim (Future/EGY), Mahmoud Alaa (Zamalek/EGY) Midfielders: Amr Al Suleya(AlAhly/EGY), Hamdi Fathi (Al-Ahly/ EGY), Emam Ashour (Zamalek/ EGY), Abdallah Said (Pyramids/ EGY), Mohamed Elneny (Arsenal/ ENG), Zizo (Zamalek/EGY), Mohanad Lasheen (El Gaish/EGY) Strikers: Omar Marmoush (Stuttgart/GER), Mohamed Sherif (Al-Ahly/EGY), Mostafa Mohamed (Galatasaray/TUR), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool/ENG), Trezeguet (Aston Villa/ENG), Ramadan Sobhi (Pyramids/EGY)

Playing Career

Born in Coruche, Santarém District, Peseiro never played in higher than the Segunda Liga as a professional, starting out at Sport Lisboa e Cartaxo in 1979. In that competition, he represented Amora FC, Clube Oriental de Lisboa, GD Samora Correia and S.C.U. Torreense, for a total of five seasons.

34-year-old Peseiro retired at the end of the 1993–94 season in the fourth division, with local club União de Santarém.

Coaching Career

Peseiro spent his first eight years as a manager in the third and fourth tiers of Portuguese football, starting out as a player-coach at his last team In summer 1999 he was appointed at C.D. Nacional, which he helped promote to the Primeira Liga in just three seasons.

In 2002–03, he led the team to a final 11th position.

In 2003–04, Peseiro assisted Carlos Queiroz at Real Madrid.

At the end of the campaign, after the team lost a considerable advantage on the table to be finally surpassed by Valencia CF, FC Barcelona and Deportivo de La Coruña, the pair was sacked, and the latter returned to his assistant position in Manchester United.

Sporting CP

Peseiro signed with Sporting CP for 2004–05. After three losses and two draws in his first nine games in charge, the side eventually finished in third place with 61 points, four behind champions S.L. Benfica, additionally, he coached the team to a runner-up run in the UEFA Cup after disposing of the likes of Feyenoord, Middlesbrough and Newcastle United. The final was played at the Estádio José Alvalade, and after a 1–0 lead at half-time the hosts eventually succumbed to PFC CSKA Moscow 3–1.

At the start of the 2005–06 season, the Lions were ousted from

the UEFA Champions League by Udinese Calcio, and after being relegated to the UEFA Cup they were immediately knocked out by Halmstads BK 4–4 on aggregate after a 2–3 home loss. On 16 October 2005, following a 0–1 home defeat to Académica de Coimbra that saw Sporting sink to the seventh position, he resigned.

Eastern Europe, Saudi Arabia

In the 2007 off-season, Peseiro was named manager of Panathinaikos FC. After failing to win the Super League Greece and also losing 0–4 to neighboring Olympiacos F.C. in the domestic cup, he was forced to step down.

In June 2008, Peseiro signed a three-year contract with Romanian club FC Rapid Bucuresti. On 2 October, after being eliminated from the UEFA Cup by VfL Wolfsburg, he was sacked only to be reinstated a few days later; he eventually resigned on 12 January 2009, after failing to agree on a new deal.

Peseiro succeeded Nasser Al-Johar at the helm of the Saudi Arabian national team in 2009, during the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

His first game occurred on 28 March, and it ended with a 2–1 away win over Iran which was the former’s first ever victory in that country and the latter’s first loss in nearly 40 home games; eventually, the nation failed to reach the finals in South Africa, and on 10 January 2011 he was relieved of his duties after losing the first game in the AFC Asian Cup against Syria.

Braga

June 2012, Peseiro was appointed at S.C. Braga. His first major signing was Portuguese international Rúben Micael, and he qualified the club to the group stage of the Champions League for the second time in its history, after ousting Udinese on penalties.

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SPORTS

Super Eagles: The Impending Defeats

W

ast Friday, someone who claimed to be from a radio station in Ghana which had constantly sought my views on issues related to football in Nigeria called to find out how well I feel our country would perform in next month's Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) holding in Cameroon.

I told him I really don't know because just about everything is possible. We could top our group which includes Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau, then limp on to the final and subsequently win The Trophy.

We may place third in our group behind Egypt and Sudan. He insisted I should make a pitch and say exactly how I see our team performing next month some miserly two weeks away.

What I told him forms the bulk of this article.

It appears to me that somehow our country has prepared to do badly in this competition. We sacked our coach less than a month after the AFCON, appointed an interim coach who the NFF said would hand over to another one who could be appointed just before the tournament starts.

Portuguese Jose Peseiro was confirmed as substantive coach by the NFF board yesterday.

There is nothing wrong with the appointment of Austin Eguavoen as an interim coach but no one would excuse the attempt to whittle his influence and authority by helping to appoint ' Ambassadors' for him.

Amaju Pinnick It didn't work when Mark Aku appointed Adegboye Onigbinde and Alabi Aisien to help Amodu Shuaibu in a similar way for Mali 2002 AFCON. What I believe we should have done is give Eguavoen a free hand to choose and manage his team. As of now, everything about our preparation is late. By now the Abuja camp should have had some players present. Now we are told that the December 28 date is being shifted to Jan 2nd 2022. This is some nine days to our first match against

Union Berlin Sad over Awoniyi’s Absence During AFCON Union Berlin Football Director, Oliver Ruhnert, is displeased that Taiwo Awoniyi will not be available for the Iron Ones during the start of the second half of the season.

Awoniyi is Union Berlin’s leading goal scorer, with the 24-year-old netting 14 goals and adding three assists in 27 appearances across all competitions.

Signed permanently from Liverpool for a club-record €6.5 million in July, Awoniyi’s market valuation hit a career-high €15 million on December 22 following his excellent performances.

And it was no surprise to see the former FC Mainz loanee included in Nigeria’s 28-man roster to feature at the 33rd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon. The tournament runs from January 9 to February 6.

Awoniyi could potentially miss four Bundesliga games, and the DFB Pokal clash against bitter city rivals Hertha Berlin at the Olympiastadion Berlin on January 19.

Director Ruhnert admits Union knew there was the possibility that the striker could participate at the Afcon when signing him in the summer.

But the 50-year-old expresses Union’s displeasure at having to do without their star striker for almost a month.

“When we sign a player like Taiwo Awoniyi, you have to respect the fact that there is an Africa Cup in January,” Ruhnert said, as per Kicker.

“With his performances, he got the Nigerian national team noticed and nominated him.

That’s, for now, a positive effect.

“Nonetheless, we miss him, that annoys us, that is not good for us, because we will miss him in January.”

Awoniyi has just one cap for the Super Eagles, earned on his debut in October.

The former youth international will, however, hope to make a significant contribution as the national team hunt for a fourth continental crown at Cameroon 2021.

Egypt. Our coach would have slightly more than a week to meet his players for the first time, train them and develop a match strategy! Compound this with Amaju Pinnick's boast that the new coach could take over from Eguavoen before Cameroon 2022 starts.

I think the NFF should allow Austin to have a free hand. I know he can do well with the team if given the necessary support. He was good enough to win a bronze as coach of the Super Eagles in Egypt 2006. It

was a mistake sacking Gernot Rohr when we did. We should not compound the mistake by not giving his interim successor a free hand to swim, not sink with our team.

So how will the Eagles perform in Cameroon? There are two sides to this: First is to give Eguavoen a free rein. Give him complete authority and support him fully.

Under this arrangement, we possibly could struggle to the finals. Beating or drawing with Egypt and maybe besting Sudan and Guinea Bissau. We could

then draw on the ' Nigerian Spirit' of never giving up to get to the finals and possibly win the Cup. Please note that for this to happen, Amaju Pinnick must be demobilized and kept from insulting the coach or the team whenever it appears we are not doing well. Part of the criticism of Amaju Pinnick is that he believes he knows everything. Things would get awry in Cameroon. When our team falters, that is when we need to calm down and not pass pressure on them. I do hope Eguavoen, if he eventually leads the squad to Cameroon, would be able to keep Amaju from interfering. My fear is that it is only Sunday Oliseh who would be able to stop an interloping Amaju. The second part of the equation would be for the present confusion to continue.

Get a foreign coach and ask him to lead us to Cameroon.

Clemens Westerhof came in a similar circumstance and cost us a World Cup. In 1989 we needed a draw against Cameroon in Yaounde to qualify for the 1990 World Cup. An imperial Westerhof came in change to

the DNA of our team and we lost a match that we were good enough to win. Let Amaju get his coach but he should observe and maybe advise Eguavoen in Cameroon. He would then have a good knowledge of the team he would prepare for a winner-take-all knock-out round of the African qualifying playoff for the 2022 World Cup. To do well at AFCON in Cameroon, I believe we should remove the Super Eagles from all distractions. Those charged with the responsibility of running our football should help our team to perform well in all ramifications.

To do otherwise is to prepare for failure.

It is inconceivable that Amaju's NFF would do anything more to derail our preparation for both AFCON and the World Cup. Unless they want to secure impending defeats for the Super Eagles. Our football governing body should today assure Eguavoen that it is his duty to guide the team to a successful outing in Cameroon.

And then go on to provide all that he says he would need to do well in AFCON.

Amid Suspension Threat, Zimbabwe Announce AFCON Squad Zimbabwe have announced their 23-man squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, despite FIFA threatening to suspend the current country’s FA. FIFA threatened on 21 December to suspend the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) after the government’s Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) appointed a nine-member “restructuring committee” which could be in place until December 2022.

If by 3 January the elected FA doesn’t takeover, FIFA will suspend them as they have firm policies against government interference.

The Africa Cup of Nations is set to run from 9 January to 6 February of 2022 in Cameroon. Zimbabwe were drawn in Group B alongside Senegal, Guinea, and Malawi.

The Warriors will be without many of its starts in Aston Villa’s Marvelous Nakamba, Tawanda Maswanhise of Leicester City, Reims midfielder Marshall Munetsi.

FULL SQUAD: Goalkeepers: Petros Mhari (FC Platinum, Zimbabwe), Martin Mapisa (FC Zamora, Spain), Talbert Shumba (Free State Stars, South Africa).

Zimbabwe national team Defenders: Peter Muduwa (Highlanders, Zimbabwe), Alec Mudimu (Torpedo Kutaisi, Georgia), Takudzwa Chimwemwe (Nkana, Zambia), Jordan Zemura (Bournemouth, England), Godknows Muriwa (Dynamos, Zimbabwe), Gerald Takwara (Venda Football Academy, South Africa), Teenage Hadebe (Houston

Dynamo, USA), Bruce Kangwa (Azam, Tanzania), Onismor Bhasera (SuperSport United, South Africa).

Midfielders: Kelvin Madzongwe (FC Platinum, Zimbabwe), Thabani Kamusoko (Zesco United, Zambia), Never Tigere (Azam, Tanzania), Kudakwashe Mahachi (SuperSport United, South

Africa), Ishmael Wadi (JDR Stars, South Africa), Kundai Benyu (Vestri, Iceland).

Forwards: Admiral Muskwe (Luton Town, England), Prince Dube (Azam, Tanzania), David Moyo (Hamilton Academical, Scotland), Knowledge Musona (Al Tai, Saudi Arabia), Tinotenda Kadewere (Lyon, France).

U-17 Football Challenge: Ikpeba Hails Standard, Thanks All

Awoniyi

A former international, Victor Ikpeba, has commended the standard of the just concluded Five-a –Side football Challenge which he sponsored in Warri during the Christmas period.

Ikpeba said the enthusiasm and standard exhibited by the participating teams were a huge

surprise to him.

“The players were so happy and you can see it from their faces. I was so happy too. It was like the best Christmas for me in many years,” the former Africa Footballer of the Year said.

“I was elated and no doubt the organisers also did a good job

with a smooth competition all through a period of festivities. The standard was generally high and the dignitaries who turned up for the final cheered the players to also perform well.”

Golden Albion Football Club of Warri won the Victor Ikpeba U-17 Football Challenge, tagged

Warri 2021.

Golden Albion defeated Great Avengers FC 1-0 with the winning goal scored by Eme Ekemini. Ekemini was voted the tournament Most Valuable Player. He was also the only player that scored a hat trick in the competition.

Thursday, December 30, 2021

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Kingsley Moghalu to FG “There is no need for Nigeria to be borrowing at the rate it is borrowing and the huge sums it is borrowing. There is an element of callousness in this. They are doing everything as possible to borrow before 2023, and then walk away and hand over the problem to someone else”—Former CBN Deputy Governor, Kingsley Moghalu, raising the alarm, about the reckless borrowing of the Federal Government, which portends danger for the next administration.

OKEYIKECHUKWU EDIFYING ELUCIDATIONS

okey.ikechukwu@thisdaylive.com

Will 2022 Be a New Year?

I

have my doubts, even as the allegedly new year is 24 hours away. “Allegedly”, because it is not likely to be much different from the year before it. We can, perhaps, only call it new because it will bring new, and higher, doses of what the year before it meted out. So, more of the same is new, sort of. What one sees hovering in the horizon fall under (1) more economic hardship, (2) more borrowing by the federal government, (3) more expenditure on alms giving rather than wealth creation, (4) greater proof of directionless leadership, (5) more confusion in the two major political parties, (6) greater insecurity across the country, and (7) further devastation of the North by terrorists.

That, then, will be the new year offering. It will still be preceded by Crossover services, of course. Many church goers will attend these services and still walk into the new year with their outstanding rents, joblessness and many other of their headaches. Yes, the troubles always find a way of crossing over with many of the people, instead of staying behind in the old year.

So the cycles keep rolling over themselves. The entanglements and self-delusions thrive. Anon, the religious and other scammers keep smiling to the bank. Good fortune gets attributed to “the man of miracles.” Not so good results receive the consoling words of the “infallible” pastor: “Your miracle is on the way.” In which case it may well be coming by public transport.

The new year resolutions, which are often the very same resolutions made the year before, will also be there. The hollow chatter of idle governors who swallow huge monthly security votes in the face of increasing insecurity will not be missing. So, let’s face it: The new year will only be a marker on a calendar. It holds little or no promise of any positive transformation of the Nigerian State.

Before anyone prances forward to say that Buhari, Jonathan APC, or PDP are solely to blame for the misfortune enveloping the nation today, let me repeat what was said on this page on October 28, 2016. Under the title: Nigeria: Beyond Buhari and Jonathan: “As actors in a crisis-ridden political environment, Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari are not solely responsible for our present national problems. The PDP, the APC, or the two together, also do not bear exclusive blame for everything wrong with Nigeria today. They have their real and imagined shortcomings, of course, but they are also victims of generations of leaders and followers brought up on impunity, consumption and arbitrary use of state power.”

The extrapolation we can make from the sentence quoted above is that we should adopt a long-term view of our national crises, if we are to come anywhere near the remote possibility of conceptualising a solution. From this perspective, the next sentence from the above-refrenced article makes sense: “The many powerful people whose interests differ from the national interest are partly responsible for the trajectory of the two presidents and of most past regimes and presidents. So let us first calmly admit that our crises have had long gestation. To fail to do so is to ignore history, particularly the essential elements of our own history, and replace it with hysteria.”

This column had argued, then, that “We have been building a mansion on quicksand and with pillars of straw. The soil, quicksand as it is, is further infested with two species of ants, called presumption and nepotism. These ants, which feed exclusively on straw, have been nibbling away for decades. They have left us with a hollow and painted frame that conceals a lie. This lie has been on parade for decades. It is described as an architectural masterpiece by casual observers.

An architectural masterpiece that is not designed

President Buhari to withstand the wind? Now that the whirlwind has come, and the elements are in their element, radical modifications (in design and material) have become necessary.” Notwithstanding the above observations, we are not thinking of any needed modifications at all. The reflexes of our leaders at the three tiers today give so little hope.

The aforementioned article had also said: “It is not right that a nation should be undergirded by untruth. It is also not right that a nation should be under a political economy of decay and corruption, warehoused and propagated by a business and political elite that lives in denial.....Now that we have brought up children who have seen shielded criminality as leadership, we have a nation wherein hiding under the instruments of state to violate natural justice, equity and good conscience makes you not guilty of any crime. Look at Nigeria 56 years after independence. The dominant motifs are (1) skewed values, (2) a flawed national psyche and (3) an aberrant leadership recruitment process. These motifs have given us several national ‘leadership pseudopodia’, or “false feet”.

As we walk, or perhaps crawl, into 2022, we are still facing the after-effects of leadership pseudopodia (or new regimes with insular notions about nation building). They “spring new agenda, new national ideals and new aspirations on everyone without warning and without consultation. They have since replaced National Development Plans with limited regime goals, and often without plans or strategy. And it all vanishes without trace with the demise of each regime.” This has been the trajectory of our national political leadership since the days of General Yakubu Gowon. It explains why the same political party and government can move from SEEDS and Seven Points Agenda to Transformation Agenda without consolidating anything.

I have always held the view, as further canvassed here on October 16 2016, that “A major misdirection of the Nigerian State and people occurred on January 15, 1966, when Major Kaduna Nzeogwu announced his military coup d’etat. That coup saw a junior officer issuing instructions to his superiors. It saw murder as an instrument for leadership recruitment and transformation. It saw an officer peremptorily

informing the nation (by mere announcement about ‘Extraordinary Orders’) that all local administration in the country was now under the ‘local military commander’, who would mete out any punishment he ‘deemed appropriate’ to anyone who disobeyed him.” Utter bunkum! Can an officer of the rank of Major be more unprofessional?

That unfortunate military intervention “left right and wrong in the hands of individuals of, sometimes, questionable antecedents. It violated Service Discipline and set new paradigms for the collapse of esprit de corps in the armed forces.

It sidetracked the existing crop of leaders and their ‘replacement generation’, who stagnated for 12 years, until 1979. The trio of Zik, Awo and Aminu Kano, would since given way to the likes of Tafawa Balewa, Michael Okpara, Bola Ige and others before 1979. But they turned up as presidential candidates, because of the 1966 coup. This created the backlog of two generations of leaders that we are still unable to deal with today.”

Those who still celebrate the Nzeogwu coup must wake up to the fact that, having ushered in murder as leadership replacement tool, “it laid the foundations for subsequent murders and abominations. It set the tone for the eventual replacement of professional military service and responsible national leadership with personal and ethnocentric desires, misuse of office and titles, political illiteracy and petulant idealism and exuberance. Everything forbidden by our traditional values the popular religions eventually became normal. Many “Excellencies” emerged from this murk, filling our post-1966 nationhood with sporadic and spasmodic declarations of new national goals, new federating units and much more.”

We are still living with, and celebrating, the worst conceivable after-effects of these aberrations. We celebrate the Armed Forces Remembrance Day every 15th January, even though that date, as observed in the aforementioned article, “... bespeaks impropriety and is inappropriate for accolades. Nzeogwu’s action, disguised for decades under the mistaken notion that “patriotism” excuses immaturity and unmitigated arbitrary exercise of discretion, birthed many institutional and axiological horrors that we are living with today. It was on January 15 that some highly respected senior citizens, and some of our best senior military officers, were murdered in cold blood.” Another batch was similarly dispatched some six months later, unfortunately as retaliation and with fanfare.

How many “new” years have we had since 1966?

And we are regretting many of the negative new things that have become part of our chequered Nationhood. Following the events of 1966, “One major further aftermath, over decades, is the epidemic of prematurely retired military officers, many of whom have passed on, or are living today as frustrated and unfulfilled professionals. Others

The new year will only be a marker on a calendar.

It holds little or no promise of any positive transformation of the Nigerian State.

were last seen, or heard, as failed politicians, owners of failed banks and failed airlines, failed philanthropists, failed traditional rulers and much more. Yet they initially joined the armed forces to become military professionals, unlike some of their later colleagues who joined during the triumph of military regimes as a short cut to wealth.”

If we want to start many things anew, we should perhaps begin by asking many questions and re-examining many things. Is there equity in the land? “Should we be celebrating Armed Forces Remembrance Day on the day families of some of Nigeria’s greatest leaders are in mourning?

We have several military exploits, including the final triumph of ECOMOG, or the day Buhari rallied the Nigerian military to route Chadian incursion during the Shagari Presidency, to make our Armed Forces Remembrance Day. That will save us from holding up a day that blights our collective dignity as decent people to salute the gallantry of our armed forces.” The above thoughts, expressed a few years ago, stand as metaphor for the type of mental outlook that should lead into the new year.

But we are still busy trying to develop by sweeping our high quality human capital and professionals, military or not, out of service and out of relevance at the slightest opportunity. And that is after so much had been invested in training them. So, the indices do not suggest some hidden good news out there tgat would miraculously descend on the Federal Republic of Nigeria on January 1st 2022. There is discontent and disquiet everywhere. The nation itself is looking more and more like a living fraud.

And, still going back to January 15, we should stop advertising a date that brings up memories of a civil war that led to “the complete economic disenfranchisement of a section of the country.” To speak of a genuine new Nigeria, let us remember that South Eastern Nigeria remains convinced that it is still an unrehabilitated, unreintegrated, unreconstructed and/or unreconciled fragment that the civil war treats as a sore in Nigeria. As we walk into 2022, let us calmly admit, as observed here in the aforementioned piece, that “The nation’s ill-fated leadership trajectory has been a consistent violation of the cardinal principle of sustainable leadership and national development.”

Our nascent democracy has thrown up leaders with sudden, stupendous wealth of questionable origins. That wealth has impacted only their immediate and extended families, of less than 15 persons, and a few friends. Their local communities, members of their religious congregations, most of their friends and even members of their extended families know how poor or rich they were a few years earlier. Some envy them even. The priests, traditional rulers and other supposed custodians of public conscience ask no questions. They honour them, instead. Meanwhile, almost everyone, including their kith and kin, silently regard them as thieves who got away with their loot!”

Less than 24 hours into a new year, let us think back to many things that can change our nation and our lives. The Nigerian State of today is a product of its own history. Many of the people noisily criticising Buhari today once told us “anything but Jonathan.” So, let us get real. The PDP, the APC and other variants of political assemblies are at the end of their wits. As this column pointed out: “It all boils down to the absence of truth, deep knowledge, nobility of soul, propriety in public office, dignity in self-presentation, graceful ambience, competence and decency in leadership.”

These are precisely the qualities we need to enter the new year with, if it is to really be a new one for us all. Otherwise, and even in spite of that, the compelling reasons for pessimism will not be any less compelling.

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