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More Countries Tighten Control as Coronavirus Kills 6,000 Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu, Chinedu Eze, Martins Ifijeh in Lagos and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja More than 164, 000 people have been infected by Coronavirus globally and over 6, 000 have died from the virus, according

to Worldometers compilation of government announcement. However, more countries are tightening control as part of measures to curb the rising spread of the disease, which has hit virtually all continents. Spain, for instance, placed the country on lockdown

yesterday after more than 100 deaths were reported in Austria and Philippines resort, with an overall 2,000 new cases across the country. Kazakhstan announced a state of emergency in a bid to contain the outbreak. In Austria, the government

banned gatherings of more than five people as Philippines sealed off Manila in the most aggressive response to the pandemic yet seen in South-east Asia. Kenya, on its part, yesterday unveiled a series of strict measures to curb Coronavirus

spread, blocking entry to the country to all except citizens and residents and shutting schools as the number of confirmed cases rose to three. In Britain, the number of deaths of Britons with Coronavirus jumped by 14 in the last 24 hours to 35,

while the number of people diagnosed rose by 20 per cent to 1,372, health authorities said. The British government said earlier it would step up its response to the crisis, including isolating older people "in the Continued on page 47

AP Moller Removes MD over Apapa Port Congestion, Gridlock...

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President Gives Oshiomhole Lifeline, Meets APC Govs Today Suspends attendance at tomorrow’s NEC meeting Tinubu backs national chairman Deji Elumoye, Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Ejiofor Alike in Lagos Embattled National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr.

Adams Oshiomhole, gets a lifeline today as President Muhammadu Buhari meets with the party’s governors in Abuja. Oshiomhole, who has been battling to retain his position

following his suspension by an Abuja High Court, also got a hefty relief yesterday as the party’s National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, threw his weight behind him, dismissing the move to oust the national

chairman as a selfish one being organised by those he said saw Oshiomhole as a stumbling block to their 2023 ambitions. THISDAY was informed last night by reliable presidency sources that the president

has decided to intervene in the leadership crisis that has produced multiple court rulings, which threaten to tear the party apart. Subsequently, said the source, the National Executive

Committee meeting scheduled for tomorrow would no longer be attended by the president since he intends to use today’s meeting with the governors Continued on page 46

Buhari Expresses Sadness as Explosion Kills 15 in Lagos Over 50 vehicles, buildings destroyed NNPC blames blast on accident at gas facility Govt orders investigation into incident Omololu Ogunmade, Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Chiemelie Ezeobi, Segun James in Lagos President Muhammadu Buhari last night in Abuja commiserated with families, who lost their loved ones, and others affected by yesterday’s explosion in Abule Ado, Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State. Senior Special Assistant

to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said in a statement that the president expressed his sadness over the incident and condoled with the Lagos State government and all residents, who were affected by the explosion that left 15 dead and destroyed over 50 vehicles and buildings. "I have received with sadness the news of this Continued on page 46

States Renege on Agreement to Reduce RoW Charges for Telcos.. Page 8

ANOTHER AVOIDABLE CARNAGE... Sympathisers watch as fire from an explosion ravages lives and property at Abule Ado, Lagos…yesterday

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

AP Moller Removes MD over Apapa Port Congestion, Gridlock NPA to review performance after 90 days Eromosele Abiodun AP Moller’s parent company in The Hague, Netherlands, has fired the Managing Director of its Nigerian subsidiary, AP Moller Terminals (APMT), Mr. Martin Jacob, THISDAY’s investigation has revealed. THISDAY gathered that his removal was to avoid the takeover of the company’s terminal in Nigeria by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) following the expiration of the 30-day ultimatum given to APMT to address inefficiency at its terminal, which has resulted in port congestion and gridlock in Apapa. It was learnt that the decision to remove Jacob was disclosed by a powerful delegation from The Hague, led by the company’s global Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mr. Keith Svendsen, at a recent meeting with the top management of the NPA led by the Managing Director, Ms. Hadiza Bala-Usman. Jacob, it was learnt, would be replaced by Mr. Klaus Laursen, who was until his appointment, the Managing Director of APMT’s Poti Sea Port Corporation, the largest port in Georgia. It was gathered that the Poti Sea Port is a major seaport and harbour off the eastern Black Sea coast at the mouth of the Rioni River in Poti, Georgia. The Poti Sea Port handles liquids, dry bulk, passenger ferries and 80 per cent of Georgia’s container traffic. The port, it was learnt, also serves as a European gateway for international trade in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, and is ideally located to become a hub for Central Asia trade. A source privy to the meeting held at the NPA head office in Lagos told THISDAY at the weekend that the delegation, which was in Nigeria to plead with the NPA, was displeased with the running of its Nigerian operations.

The source said the delegation accused Jacob of running the company’s operations in the country below its global standard, thereby causing congestion in Apapa port, as well as gridlock on the roads. “They (the delegation) expressed disappointment with the state of their terminal in Apapa, saying it does not meet the AP Moller’s global standard and that it runs like a local operation. “The COO told NPA officials that they are sending a new MD for Apapa terminal. He gave his name as Mr. Klaus Laursen - someone with decades of international experience. The COO said he is one of the best they have in all the company’s 72 terminals worldwide,� the source explained. The source quoted the COO as saying that while Laursen is finishing his visa formalities to come to Nigeria, the company’s Chief Executive Officer for India, Middle East and Africa Terminals, Mr. David Skov, will be on ground in Nigeria to share performance metric directly with the NPA. THISDAY gathered that following these developments and the assurances given by the company’s team from The Hague, NPA has extended the ultimatum by an additional 90 days to review the company’s progress, starting from the middle of April. The NPA had last month written AP Moller’s parent company expressing its frustration about the inadequacy of cargo handling equipment at APM Terminals. But apart from the removal of the MD, the COO was said to have made other promises on yard improvement and massive investment in cargo handling equipment to ease the congestion and Apapa gridlock. With these developments, NPA has suspended its plans to take over the operations of the firm and gave it another 90

days to improve its performance. As part of the measure to ensure compliance, the NPA will storm the terminal in the middle of April for a thorough inspection. THISDAY had exclusively reported that the NPA planned to take over the operations of APMT last week after the expiration of the 30-day ultimatum given to the firm by NPA to address inefficiency at its terminal, which has resulted in port congestion and gridlock. The NPA had also threatened that it would not hesitate to bring to fore the non-compliance clause in the 2006 port concession agreement to protect the interest of the port users. The clause empowers NPA to take over the operations of APM in the event of its failure to meet the terms of the concession agreement.

APMT is the biggest container terminal in West Africa with an annual capacity of 1.2 million TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit). APM Terminals took over the concession at Lagos’ Apapa Container Terminal in 2006. THISDAY’s investigation revealed that the NPA decided to take action following complaints by customs agents, importers and major stakeholders in the maritime industry who warned that the congestion at the port, if not addressed urgently, could lead to emergencies that the federal government might not be able to handle. Also, there has been a huge outcry over post-cost and demurrages as a result of the Apapa gridlock, which the clearing agents claimed is deliberately been fuelled by APMT for their selfish interest.

Consequently, the NPA in a letter dated, January 24, 2020, warned APMT that it would no longer tolerate delays in berthing vessels at the firm’s terminal, which the NPA said has resulted in vessels waiting at anchorage for 25 days or more to discharge cargo. This delay, the NPA stated, was mainly attributed to the poor state of APMT’s cargo handling equipment and other infrastructure deployments in its terminal. This development, NPA added, negates some of the fundamental problems the port concession policy was intended to address, namely: congestion and delay in turnaround time as emphasised by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and several conventions to which Nigeria is a party. When contacted on these

latest developments, customs agents applauded the NPA, stressing that terminal operators were taking Nigerians for granted because no action had been taken against them before now. The President of the National Association of Licensed Customs Agents (ANALCA), the umbrella body of customs agents in the country, Mr. Tony Iju Nwabunike, said the removal of the MD would serve as a deterrent to others. While hailing the moves by NPA to take over the operation of APMT, he said: “I think the NPA is trying to let them know it is no longer business as usual. The NPA is concerned with the congestion and is determined to do something about it. You can see what has happened now. The company has been forced to take action.�

HONOURING THE DEAD... L-R: Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; his deputy, Mr. Kingsley Otuaro; and Senator James Manager, during the funeral service of the late Mrs. Idowu Timi at AďŹ naware Quarters Patani, Delta State...weekend

Kano Anti-corruption Agency to Summon Sanusi over Corruption Charges Malami denies involvement in former emir’s travails Alex Enumah in Abuja and Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission will soon invite the deposed Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, to defend himself against charges of impropriety in an alleged N2.2 billion land scam. The scam was said to have involved the sale of some hectares of land in Darmanawa Phase I and II and Bubbugaji in Kano. A source close to the commission told THISDAY at the weekend that the evidence before it is adequate to warrant the invitation and investigation of the deposed emir along with others involved in the land deal. Also at the weekend, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), refuted claims that he was behind the removal of the former emir.

The anti-graft agency had on March 5 granted extension for the appearance of Sanusi before it to March 9, but a Federal High Court in Kano presided over by Justice Lewis Allagoa restrained the commission from investigating the deposed emir over the alleged scam. But the source told THISDAY that the commission will go ahead to invite the former monarch, relying on the binding decision of the Court of Appeal, which affirmed the agency’s powers to investigate allegations of corruption against any person in the state as decided in the case of Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission & 1 IRS V. Baba Salisu and 26 ors), 2019 LPELR 47107 CA. He said the documents before the commission were enough to indict the deposed emir and others involved, and charge them to court for corruption. “Investigation is still ongoing; some companies were invited by

the commission. The deposed emir will soon be invited to clear himself of an allegation of illegal sale of government property and the new allegation is not related to the previous investigation. The dethronement of Sanusi as Emir of Kano will not stop the commission from carrying out its duties on the ongoing investigation of the alleged land scam. The commission now has a fertile ground to carry out its investigation without any interference,� he said. He added that the fresh investigation is different from the pending matter on alleged mismanagement of N3.4 billion emirate funds, for which the commission had earlier submitted its report to the state government. The agency had in 2019 recommended the suspension of the emir over mismanagement of the emirate funds. The Chairman of the commission, Mr. Muhuyi Rimingado, had also said the

agency was empowered to open fresh investigation on anybody found wanting, saying that the former emir had a case to answer. He said: "I wish to categorically state that this commission is entering a new investigation brought forward by a whistleblower on 29th December 2019, and is not related to an earlier investigation, which is still subject matter of civil suit. “Preliminary findings suggest that, a company; Country Wide House Limited, served as a corporate vehicle to allegedly launder the sum of over N2billion being proceeds of several hectares of land in Darmanawa Phase I and II and Bubbugaji, under the former right of occupancy CON-RESS 2016-503 illegally sold to Messer Family Home Fund Limited at the alleged instance of His Highness the Emir of Kano. "Investigation further reveals that some of the proceeds of the sales remitted to the emirate council bank account can be

traced to the companies of interest to His Highness.� The deposed emir, had on March 6, filed an ex-parte motion before the court against the commission (1st respondent), Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, Attorney General of Kano State and the governor as 2nd, 3rd and 4th respondents, respectively. Sanusi, through his counsel led by Mr. Nureini Jimoh, asked the court to restrain the first and second respondents from investigating him, pending the hearing of the originating motion. Justice Allagoa granted the request and directed that the status quo be maintained in the interim pending the hearing and determination of the originating motion.

Malami Denies Involvement in Former Emir’s Travails Meanwhile, Malami has denied allegations that he was part of

the forces that dethroned the former emir. Malami, in a statement by his media aide, Dr. Umar Gwandu, said the names of all those allegedly involved had been compiled and submitted before the court to decide, adding that he cannot comment on an issue that is currently before the court. "Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), was not in any way connected with the dethronement of the former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and his subsequent banishment to Nasarawa State. "The issue of who does what over the dethronement saga has been effectively submitted for judicial determination. The matter is consequently subjudice. "Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice will not comment one way or the other over a matter that is pending before the court," the statement added.

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States Renege on Agreement to Reduce RoW Charges for Telcos N145 charge expired in 2018, says Lagos Emma Okonji, Segun James in Lagos, Bassey Inyang in Calabar, Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano, James Sowole in Akure and Gideon Arinze in Enugu Despite the agreement by governors of the 36 states of the federation to reverse the Right of Way (RoW) charges for telecoms facilities from the planned N6,000 to N145 per linear metre, their agencies superintending over telecommunication infrastructure have refused to comply, THISDAY’s investigation has revealed. In defence of the intransigence, the Lagos State Government said the N145 charge was suggested by the federal government in 2013 for a five-year period, which expired in 2018; and could no longer be considered as tenable. The governors, who had been under intense pressure from the federal government and telecommunication companies, had agreed to harmonise their charges with that of the federal government after a meeting in Abuja with the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa. Pantami. The meeting was part of efforts to address the lingering issue of RoW charges in a bid to deepen broadband penetration in the country and promote a digital economy. THISDAY had exclusively reported that agencies and ministries of no fewer than 14 states had increased RoW charges from the initial fee of between N300 to N500 per linear metre to between N3,000 and N6,000 per linear metre. The RoW charge on federal roads is N145 per linear metre. Some of the agencies and ministries include the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA), State Information Technology Agency (SITA) of Ondo, Cross River State Infrastructure Safety and Regulatory Agency (CRISRA), Kogi State Environmental Protection Board and Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority. Others are: Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KSIRS), Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KASUPDA), Osun State Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, Anambra State Internal Revenue Services, Enugu State Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, Adamawa State Ministry of Environment, Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission (Imo ENTRACO), Kebbi State Ministry of Environment and Solid Minerals and Gombe State Internal Revenue Board. Some of the states had reportedly refused to collect the old rates for RoW and were no longer issuing RoW licences to telcos. But the federal government had condemned the hike, describing the action of the states as a disregard to the RoW Charge Agreement reached by the National Economic Council (NEC). However, after the meeting in January, which was attended by governors, under the auspices of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), chaired by Ekiti State

Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the governors adopted the 2013 resolutions reached by the NEC, which agreed on a maximum RoW charge of N145.00 per linear metre of fibre. Investigation at the weekend, however, revealed that the states have refused to revert to the N145 rate. The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, who confirmed to THISDAY that the governors were yet to revert to the proposed N145 per linear metre charge, said the states were still charging far above the recommended rate of N145, a situation he said had stifled telecoms growth across the states. Adebayo said while only Lagos State charged N500 per linear metre, all other states were charging more. He, however, explained that the N500 per linear metre charged by the Lagos State Government was as a result of the agreement reached between the state government and ALTON, following the out-of-court settlement reached between both parties in a case instituted by ALTON against the Lagos State Infrastructure Management and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA), over issues of exorbitant charges on RoW across Lagos State. Adebayo who had hoped that the decision reached on RoW would be unified among the 36 state governors, advised the governors to look more at the social and economic benefits of ubiquitous broadband penetration than their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from RoW charges. He, however, said RoW charge was one of the multiple charges encountered by telecoms operators that were imposed by different state governments. He condemned the use of local state tax force in shutting down telecoms sites without recourse to the national implications of their actions and advised governors to allow operators to expand telecoms networks in their states without harassment from state agencies. The Vice President of the Network Operations, Airtel Nigeria, Dr. Adedoyin Adeola, while explaining the implications of indiscriminate charges on RoW by state government agencies said the high charges had negatively impacted on telecoms growth and expansion. He called on the National Assembly to speed up the passage of the Critical National Infrastructure Bill that is before it, which according to him would deter state governments from incessant shutting down of telecoms Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), otherwise known as base stations, when the bill is passed into law. Adeola also commended Pantami for his initiative to secure Executive Order on telecoms infrastructure. He, therefore, urged the minister to ensure that either the Critical National Infrastructure Bill is passed by the National Assembly members, or the Executive Order is issued from the presidency in order to save

telecoms operators from their current challenges. But the General Manager of LASIMRA, Mr. Funsho Elulade, told THISDAY that the N145 was suggested by the federal government in 2013 for a fiveyear period, which expired in 2018. He added that the situation has since required a need for review of the charge after the five-year period. Elulade wondered why the telcos should complain when one of them has been owing the state government even on the N145 fees which expired in 2018. He said: "We had a stakeholders' meeting with them on the 14 of January 2020 to discuss all the grey areas, but after the meeting, they refused to cooperate with us. They took Lagos State to court that we have no right to control them, but we are not controlling them, we are just enforcing the laws as given to us in the NCC Act of 2003," On his part, the Enugu State Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, told THISDAY that the RoW charges in the state are negotiable.

Edoga said the state government could make concessions if the companies feel the cost was too high for them. He noted that the government was willing to hold talks with the telcoms as the state is not ready to lose any of their services. "Companies can write a formal letter of complaint to the governor either individually or together suggesting what is okay for them," he said. He, however, explained that the companies should also find out if the money they are paying is the official rate approved by the state government. Also responding to the concerns raised by the telcos, the Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okang Asu, explained that the state’s RoW charges remain the lowest when compared to other states in the South-south region. The commissioner said rather than even step forward to negotiate with the state government, and build new facilities, especially the telecommunications masts, some of the telcos had resorted to shortchanging the state by

"collocating" their facilities. He said the state was ready to discuss with the telecommunications service providers ways that would be beneficial to the companies and the state. On its part, the Kano State government stated that the state designed a waiver for MTN on the issue of RoW, adding that the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) had acknowledged this incentive. The state Commissioner of Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Muazu Magaji, in an interview with THISDAY, said: “We are one of the few states that provided the waiver and this much was acknowledged by the executive vice chairman of NCC when he came to Kano on a visit with his entire team when they were holding one of their meetings here in Kano, not too long ago. “We are in closed partnership with both service providers and regulators, MTN particularly, to make Kano a telecommunication state and you can check with MTN if Kano has given them this waiver or not. “NCC also acknowledged the contribution of Kano

State in providing them with land for the building of their zonal headquarters and we also provided a space for the establishment of zonal ICT Centre by NCC,� he added. The Senior Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Information and Telecommunication Technology, Mr. Olumbe Akinkugbe, who is in charge of SITA, said the agency had designed a policy to reduce the cost of operations for the telecommunication companies. "What we are planning to do is to encourage what we call 'One Dig Policy’. ‘One Dig Policy’ is a situation whereby we partner with reliable organisations to actually develop a fibre rollout plan on these right of way at a discounted rate such that when various telecoms operators are coming in there is already a laid down path. "What that will do is that it will prevent a situation where MTN wants to expand their fibre infrastructure, they come and apply for right of way and dig; that Airtel wants to come, they come again, they open up the ground and start digging,� he stated.

PROJECT TOUR... L-R: Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Survey, Mr. Ola Odulate; Special Adviser for Arts and Culture, Mr. Bonu Saanu; Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during an inspection tour of the Regional road route alignment in Lekki, Lagos‌weekend

Military Fighting for Safe, Secure Nigeria, Says Buratai Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, at the weekend reaffirmed the commitment and determination of the military to rout insurgents in the North-east and ensure the safety and security of the country. Buratai spoke as combined air strikes and artillery bombardments of the Nigerian Air Force and troops of the Nigerian Army killed scores of fighters of the Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram in Borno State. Buratai, while commending troops over the elimination of terrorists in fierce encounters in the North-east, assured the nation of the commitment of the military to sustain the onslaught against the insurgents and ensure the safety and security of the country. "The Chief of Army Staff,

Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, wishes to reassure the general public of the resolve of the Nigerian Army to continue to execute our constitutional mandate professionally and responsively for a better, safe and secure Nigeria. "He also thanks all wellmeaning Nigerians for their continued support, goodwill and understanding towards officers and men of the Nigerian Army," a military update on the ongoing war against insurgency, said. The statement said troops of Strong Response Area Gubio repelled a Boko Haram attack, killed many insurgents and captured a cache of arms. "During the encounter, troops dealt a decisive blow on the marauding criminals, neutralised two of them and captured one AK 47 rifle. "Subsequent exploitation by the troops along the withdrawal

route of the insurgents in the early hours of March 12, 2020 led to the discovery of additional five Boko Haram criminals’ shattered bodies resulting from the encounter and one burnt Boko Haram terrorists gun truck, one PKT machine gun, two AK 47 rifles, three AK 47 rifle magazines and 67 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition," it added. Meanwhile, the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole weekend deployed fighter jets that destroyed ISWAP logistics facilities at Bukar Meram in northern Borno. The Nigerian Air Force said fighter aircraft also provided air support to ground troops in Gubio as they battled insurgents, destroying the insurgents' gun trucks in the process. "The attack at Bukar Meram was executed on the heels of intelligence reports indicating

that the terrorists had resumed using the settlement to store their logistics supplies. "Accordingly, the ATF dispatched its fighter jets to attack the location, with their munitions hitting and destroying the identified structures," a NAF statement said. It said fighter jets and a helicopter gunship scrambled by the ATF to provide close air support to ground troops at Gubio neutralised an ISWAP gun truck and some of their fighters as they attempted to beat a retreat after they were roundly defeated by a combination of air and ground fire. "The Nigerian Air Force, in furtherance of the objective of restoring peace and security in the North-east and operating in concert with surface forces, will continue to carry out air interdiction missions against the enemies of our nation," it added.

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How Coronavirus Pandemic is Sweeping Across Continents

Map showing the spread of coronavirus globally Martins IďŹ jeh

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s coronavirus pandemic continues to spread across the globe, not less than 6,456 persons have died so far, with 167,693 persons infected by the respiratory disease in 159 countries across six continents. Apart from Antarctica, other continents, including Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Africa and Oceania have been hit by the virus which started December 19, 2019 in Wuhan city, China. One international conveyance; the Diamond Princess Cruise ship harbored in Yokohama, Japan has also been hit by the dreaded disease.

Asia is Worse Hit In Asia, all countries on the continent, except East Timor, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Syria, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, have all reported cases of the virus, with China, which is the epicenter of the virus, worse hit by the spread. So far, 110,000 cases have been recorded in Asia alone. Although reports of new infections outside of China have accelerated, it has outpaced new cases in China for the first time. China still accounts for most of the cases reported overall since the beginning of the outbreak. As at March 15, China has recorded 80, 849 cases with 3, 199 deaths, while 66, 931 persons have recovered from the disease in the country. Presently, there are 3, 226 persons on critical care battling with the disease in China.

China Puts Entire Country on Lockdown Chinese government has put the entire country on lockdown, and has taken other drastic measures to curtail the spread, including building emergency clinics for diagnosis, isolation and treatment. It has mandated all residents to remain in their homes for almost 50 days; a policy that is controlling the movements of over a billion people. Citizens are also financially rewarded for reporting those who fail to follow quarantine orders; a move the health ministry believed reflects a decades-long history of social control. Iran, which is the second worse hit country in Asia, has had 13, 938 cases, with 724 deaths so far recorded. Among those who have been infected are parliamentarians, its deputy health minister, and other high profiled government officials, including a 71-year-old senior adviser to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who died last week.

How Iran is Curtailing the Spread Iran’s Foreign Minister, Zavad Jarif said the government has ordered the ban on all public gatherings, including Friday prayers in Tehran and other major cities, schools, transport systems, and other places with high risk.

Coronavirus He said: “Strict preventive measures, including screening of air travelers at departure gates must be implemented.� A few days earlier, he had pleaded for supplies for Iran, including masks, ventilators, test kits, and protective wear, blaming the United States sanctions for endangering Iranians. South Korea has recorded 8,162 cases and 75 deaths, while Japan has recorded 832 cases and 24 deaths. South Korea’s largest outbreak is in the city of Daegu, which accounts for more than three-quarters of cases.

South Korea Measures against Coronavirus The Asian country, where the number of new cases has been on the decline, has been a model of coronavirus testing. The country has 50 drive-through screening clinics where people can get a medical examination and have a sample taken in just 10 minutes. Health workers are processing up to 15,000

tests every day. The country also is subsidizing small- and medium-sized business owners so they can provide flexible work hours to employees who have children home from school, ABC News had reported. Kindergartens and elementary schools are required to operate emergency child-care for those whose parents are working.

Europe is Second Most Hit Continent Although COVID-19 spread has slowed down in Asia, especially China, same cannot be said of Europe which records increased cases daily, with Italy, Spain, Germany, France and Switzerland worse hit. As at yesterday, about 49,000 people have been infected by Continued on page 11

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HOW CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC IS SWEEPING ACROSS CONTINENTS the virus in Europe with about 2,300 persons said to have lost their lives. The most hit country on the continent is Italy, with a total of 24, 747 cases and 1,809 deaths; an unfortunate scenario that has prompted the Italian government to put the country on total lockdown; banning all public events, as well as putting decrees in place to force residents to remain in their homes until the outbreak is defeated. The 368 deaths Italy reported last Saturday exceeds the highest single-day number China reported at the height of its outbreak. China’s highest daily toll was on February 13 when the country reported 254 new deaths, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Italy’s Approach against Coronavirus As part of measures to curtail the spread, the Italian government has banned public gatherings, with freedom of movement sharply curtailed. It also suspended all domestic sporting events in the country until April 3 — a big deal in soccer-prone Italy. In a release last week, the Italian health ministry said the citizens must change their habits. It cited the rising number of cases and deaths as some of the reasons for the drastic measures. It also warned that with the spread of the virus, its health system was being strained; hence all residents must comply for the greater good. Spain is the second most hit country in Europe with 7, 843 infected persons and 292 deaths. Although 517 persons have recovered from the disease in the country, 272 infected persons are said to be in critical condition with aggravated symptoms of COVID 19. The Spanish government Saturday placed the entire nation on lockdown, calling all public and private institutions to suspend activities until further notice. Germany has recorded 5, 813 cases with 11 deaths. The country has so far recorded one of the least deaths when compared to number of persons infected. Same cannot be said of France which has recorded 5, 432 infected cases, as 127 are said to have died since the first outbreak was recorded in the country.

France Puts Country on Lock down France announced a nationwide ban on gatherings of more than 1,000 people, with exemptions for public transit. The Paris Marathon and a Six Nations rugby match against Ireland have both been postponed until October. The government has placed additional restrictions on four zones with clusters of coronavirus cases: “Morbihan in Brittany, Haute-Savoie in eastern France near the Swiss border and the dĂŠpartements of Oise and Haut-Rhin in North east France. In these places, there is a ban on all public gatherings including markets, community groups and church services,â€? according to Local France reports. President Emmanuel Macron yesterday also advised citizens nationwide against visiting older people as part of efforts to avoid spreading the disease to those most vulnerable. Switzerland has recorded 2,217 cases and 14 deaths, while United Kingdom has recorded 1,372 cases and 35 deaths. Norway has recorded 1,242 cases and three deaths. Considering the widespread of the virus in Europe, the United States President, Donald Trump last week, placed a travel ban on all European countries, including the United Kingdom and Ireland; a move the European Union frowned at.

North America is Not Left Out North America has become the third most hit continent with the United States recording the highest on the continent. As of March 15, over 3,400 persons have been infected across several states in the US, while at least 317 persons have died so far. Although the country did not take drastic measures on time, according to pundits, it has now placed several countries in Asia, including the whole of Europe on travel ban as part of measures to address the growing spread of the virus. Trump Saturday underwent a test to ascertain whether or not he has been infected by the virus, after he had contact with the Brazilian president who eventually tested negative to the virus. Canada has also experienced its fair share of the disease with at least 317 persons said

Coronavirus patients to be infected so far. Only one death has been recorded in the country. One of those who have been infected is the wife of the Canadian President Sophie Trudeau, although her husband has tested negative to the virus.

Africa Now Experiencing a Steady Spread of Coronavirus Although it took Africa over 50 days after the outbreak in Wuhan before it recorded its first case of the virus, it has now started seeing a steady spread of the disease with 26 countries so far affected in three weeks. Africa has 54 countries in total. The countries affected on the continent are; Egypt, Algeria, South Africa, Tunisia, Senegal, Morocco, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Togo, DR Congo, Congo, Seychelles, Rwanda, Central African Republic, Namibia, Sudan, Mauritania, Eswatini, Kenya, Guinea, Ghana, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia and Republic of Congo. Eswatini, Equatorial Guinea, Mauritania, Namibia and Rwanda reported their first cases Saturday. All were brought to the continent by travelers from overseas, as with almost all the other cases reported in Africa, according to health authorities. So far, Egypt is the 45th most affected country globally, and the most affect in Africa with 110 cases and two deaths. Nigeria has recorded only two cases. One of the two has recovered, while the index case, an Italian, is said to be fast recovering, although he is still secreting the virus.

How Nigeria is Addressing Coronavirus The Nigerian government has placed five countries with community transmission of COVID-19, comprising Italy, Iran, South Korea, Japan and China on its watch list. It said travellers from these countries are asked to observe self-isolation for 14 days upon arriving in the country, and that additional information were given to persons from coming from these countries to enable them seek proper guidance should they come down with the virus during isolation. The Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu said the country has also strengthened its Ports Health Services and its various laboratories across the country for effective diagnosis and other protocols. Ihekweazu said: “We have been preparing for this for the past six weeks. So far, we have done several tests and only two came up positive. This shows our system is actually working. We are testing people that meet our case definition. “As you have seen in Lagos, we have had only two positive case and we have been able to mount a response in partnership with Ogun and Lagos States. “This virus is circulating around the world and over 157 countries have been affected.

We will do our very best to ensure it doesn’t further enter Nigeria and even if a few more cases happen, we can walk together to defeat it. Nigerians are also very cooperative. They have shown that truly, we can come together to address these incidents.� According to him, one of the best investments the federal government has made is setting up NCDC, which has grown to become the pride of Africa. He said the centre has a team of 250 persons who work 24/7 in the laboratories, surveillance, risk communication, among others; NCDC, he added, had built a team of scientific experts. “We are building a long term investment in science, thinking and in knowledge base as this will help us respond to incidence like this. “We have 23 emergency operation centres in the country as of today. This is an investment we have made over the past few years. We have five new molecular laboratories, which are actually not easy to set up. The buildings are actually the easiest part. The more difficult ones are the laboratory and scientific expertise, the reagents, and the likes,� he added. He called on state governments to invest in health security, adding that the federal government cannot tackle issues around disease outbreaks alone. Meanwhile, seven African countries recorded increases in their coronavirus tallies yesterday. The seven countries are Cameroon, Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, Senegal, South Africa and Ethiopia. Seychelles, Mauritania, Rwanda, Namibia, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Eswatini all recorded index cases Sunday. Cameroon’s Health Ministry late Sunday confirmed that the country had recorded its fourth case of the coronavirus. The March 15 statement read in part: “The fourth case involves a 34-year-old Cameroonian citizen living in Yaounde.� Rwanda announced that it has confirmed four more cases, bring its total to five after the index case was reported on Saturday. The cases involved three Rwandans and a Ugandan. Ghana had reported four new cases bringing the tally to six. The West African nation announced first two cases last Thursday. The government also announced a travel ban for persons from countries that had 200 or more coronavirus cases. In a statement yesterday, the Ghanaian government said it has imposed travel restrictions on all travellers coming into the country following six confirmed cases. In a statement issued by the Minister of Health, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, it said “all travel to Ghana is strongly discouraged until further notice.� “Any traveler, except for Ghanaian citizens and persons with Ghana residence permits, who, within the last I4 days. has been to a country that has recorded at least 200 cases of Covid-l9, will not be admitted into the Ghanaian jurisdiction. Airlines are instructed not to allow such persons to embark. Border posts are instructed not to allow such persons into the jurisdiction.�

Nkrumah said that there would be a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for persons who are otherwise allowed to enter the Ghanaian juridiction. He added that guidelines for self-quarantine would be available at the various Ghanaian ports of entry, stressing that enforcement protocols are being deployed in collaboration with state security and health authorities. Nkrumah added, “Persons determined to be unable to satisfactorily self-quarantine will be quarantined by the State. Any admissible traveler, who exhibits symptoms of Covid-l9 will be quarantined and tested upon reaching Ghana.� In Kenya, President Uhuru Kenyatta disclosed at a press conference on Sunday that two new cases had been confirmed. The government announced a raft of measures including ban on public gatherings. Senegal’s Health Ministry in its daily updates disclosed that two cases had been confirmed bringing the total number of cases to 26 out of which two have recovered and the remaining still undergoing treatment. Ethiopian authorities said contact tracing associated with the index case led to 117 persons out of which three tested positive. They are two Japanese and an Ethiopian. The index patient was a Japanese. South Africa’s confirmed case toll hits 61 leading to a raft of stringent measures imposed by government. South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal have all banned public gatherings in order to curb the outbreak.

South America While the number of coronavirus cases in South America remains relatively low, they are rising steadily. Brazil now has 121 confirmed cases, Chile has 61 cases, Peru 38, Argentina 34, and Mexico 23. Uruguay and Venezuela each have fewer than 10. Colombia, Chile, Venezuela, Uruguay and other countries on the continent have outlined measures to combat the pandemic, including placing travel restrictions on high risk countries.

Oceania Oceania is the continent least hit by coronavirus, although the spread is gradually on the rise, no death has been recorded. Australia has so far experienced 300 cases. Guam, French Polynesia and New Zealand have all recorded one case each with no deaths. Fiji is yet to record any case, but it has toughened border security. Fiji’s government said it has closed all borders to foreign nationals who have been in mainland China and other high risk countries within 14 days of their intended travel to Fiji. Yesterday, the Prime Minister of Fiji, Frank Bainimarama, announced that from today, cruise ships will be banned from berthing anywhere in Fiji and international events will not be allowed in Fiji, adding that government ministers and staff will be restricted from traveling overseas.

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COMMENT

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

BUDGETING IN TURBULENT TIMES The bid to review the 2020 Budget is in order, writes Boniface Chizea

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here have been commendable sound bites about mid -term review of Budget 2020. According to the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, her Ministry did give an indication that there would be mid-year review of the budget. And as she observed that considering that the oil market had gone bearish following the impact of Coronavirus, that there might be the imperative for a review of Budget 2020 as the benchmark price of oil at 57 dollars per barrel is certainly no longer realizable. But now factoring in the devasting effect of COVID 19 as it has impacted life in many countries of the world leading to shut down in most cases to manage the spread of the contagion coupled with the failure of OPEC to reach agreement at its recent meeting in Vienna which has now degenerated to a price war as both Saudi Arabia and Russia contest for market share with Russia along the lines also intent on teaching the Shale oil producers some lessons; world economic environment couldn’t have been more chaotic, volatile and turbulent. It brings to mind an article by that iconoclast Tai Solarin, ‘May your Road be Rough.’ The road to managing the economy today in Nigeria couldn’t have been rougher. It is first in order to commend the Ministry of Finance for rapidly evolving the professional culture of having to review the budget. It is on record if my memory serves me right that we also had a review of the budget last year except I am now not aware that action plans following this review were advertised. What gets measured gets done. Therefore, if officers who have responsibility for driving implementation are mindful of the imperatives of promised review nothing could better focus the mind for a shot at robust implementation of the budget. One of the reasons the economy has had lackluster performance is due to lack of impressive and commensurate record of budget implementation. Budgets have been approved late often mid-year such that capital spend which should drive growth are implemented in the breach. But for the review to be meaningful there must be corresponding quarterly targets to guide the process otherwise it becomes problematic finding a benchmark for realistic assessment. So, we anticipate a review; even more than a review, probably an entirely new budget considering the turbulence in the environment. But the difficulty now is that you must literally have to reach safe harbor before you are able to take stock. It is futile, even unrealistic to attempt any budget review in the present volatile and fluid circumstances. There are two outstanding characteristic of Budget 2020 that compels review to gauge what impact if any they have had. The first is the welcome development of being the first time in probable two decades that we are able to align the commencement of the budget year with the calendar year. The expectation is that this development should give a boost to our ability to implement particularly the capital budget. It could have been informative to see how this promise was realized even if as was recently announced, no capital releases have so far been

FOR THE REVIEW TO BE MEANINGFUL THERE MUST BE CORRESPONDING QUARTERLY TARGETS TO GUIDE THE PROCESS, OTHERWISE IT BECOMES PROBLEMATIC FINDING A BENCHMARK FOR REALISTIC ASSESSMENT

made. The other issue is the introduction of the Finance Bill with a view to giving a boost to fiscal revenue flows to commence addressing the problem of fiscal sustainability. With the promise that the Finance Bill would henceforth be a regular feature of budget preparations and submissions. The Finance Bill included so many laudable initiatives such as provision of support to small and medium scale industries, tax exemptions to companies engaged in agricultural productions by the granting of tax holidays. There was also an introduction of stamp duty charges on electronic payments for transactions in excess of N 10,000 which attracted so much criticism. The agitations that followed this charge have now quietened down even as the Central Bank disavowed its authorization of the levy. The Value Added Tax (VAT) was finally increased by 50 per cent in spite of stringent opposition. How far has the treasury been impacted in this regard? A review would most certainly shed some light on the journey so far in these respects. The failure of OPEC + Russia and others to reach agreement during their meeting on March 5, 2020 portends frightening possibility which does not bode well for anybody. Already Saudi Arabia with its daily capacity production of 12 million barrels a day has commenced the war for market share by boosting supplies and offering price discounts. The Russians with a daily capacity of 10.8 million barrels per day have followed suit and there is already overnight glut in the market. Both countries are better positioned to take cuts in price as particularly Saudi Arabia has a production cost of five dollars a barrel while the Russians have an equivalent cost of 15 dollars per barrel. Nigerian on the other hand has a production cost per barrel of 30 dollars and therein lies the dilemma and the competitive disadvantage. Therefore, the cost of international benchmark crude Brent, which hovered around 52 dollars a barrel in less than five days fell to about 31 dollars, making nullity of the projections in Budget 2020 based on 57 dollars per barrel. The only imponderable now is how long the brinkmanship amongst the key oil producers would last. You can only imagine the nightmare which the handlers of the economy will be living through now. There has been this talk that the Governor of the Central Bank indicated that the country will only consider devaluation over the twin occurrence of the reserves falling below 40 billion dollars and oil price being as low as 30 dollars a barrel. We seem to have passed both benchmarks and therefore there is now the expectation of devaluation. But there again to what end as devaluation in our particular circumstances would only have the clear effect of the worsening of price inflation. Would the prevalent inflationary situation worsen? Inflation in Nigeria has been due to the result of excess liquidity. Well I guess under this scenario there could be flight to dollar and it might be more difficult for the Central Bank to hold the exchange rate of the naira. Obviously under the scenario just highlighted, something must give and the economy would most certainly be the worse for it. Dr. Chizea wrote from Lagos

OSHIOMHOLE AND THE APC CRISIS Aiyevbekpen Osakue argues the need to respect party supremacy

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he All Progressives Congress is bellyaching. It’s not a strange phenomenon in party politics. But if you step back with a deep breath, you come to a troubling realization that party democracy in Nigeria have been in turbulent waters since 1999. Most often the euphoria for Presidential victory has always been short lived for the victorious party whether it is the PDP or APC that clinched the prize. Since 1999 power has oscillated between the two parties. No sooner than they settle to the brass tacks of governance that intense shuffling and wrangling commence. It begins with muffled struggles and whispers and initially manages to escape the attention and consciousness of close watchers of the seat of power. Thus, in the last two decades of the fifth republic, we are appalled to note that no single national chairman of any of the two parties have completed the constitutional prescription of a maximum of eight years in office. And none have been celebrated or idolized out of office for outstanding accomplishments! That is not a salutary commentary on us as a people. The fault therefore may not be directly located in the individuals that occupied the office as some analysts are quick to conclude. Nigerians pay lip service to democracy in the same way as they obfuscate federalism. Nigerians are lured by the elegance and the dignity that democratic system confers but they are not swayed by its principles, norms, ethics and values. They are averse to the basic rules, regulations and temperament which form the bedrock of the system. Once the mechanics are corrupted and hypocritical, the outcomes will be disastrous! Make no mistake about it, some former National Party Chairmen represent the best of us and indeed, some of them have had accolades generously showered on them at the altar of honor where attributions of the best of human character, strength and dignity were attached to their names before veering into the murky waters of politics.

A candid deconstruction of the Nigerian party system reveals that the crave for a cohesive, harmonious and ideologically-driven national political formation by whatever name called will remain an illusion for a long while to come. The Nigerian political environment is still beleaguered and tangled, and certainly not primed to produce stability. As a result, it will be foolhardy and illusionary to expect economic development to frog-leap while the wheels of progress remain shackled by internal political and economic contradictions namely cultural diversity and heterogeneity, political merchandise, democratic impunity, regional power blocs and the behemoth attitude of the club of governors. These are humongous obstacles that has continued to undermine genuine efforts towards growth and development of the democratic process. If these hydra-headed negatives are ruthlessly tackled with patriotism thereby projecting collectively the Nigerian project, they could be converted to positive strengths, resulting to a free and unfettered political system. It is incomprehensible that decades into the new republic, political leaders and office holders cannot speak authoritatively about common national goals and aspirations that permeate government activities at all levels. The result of the absence of such centripetal elements manifest in the predilection of the structures to pull apart in different directions even as members of the same party. Thus, political leaders who ought to be conveyors of national values and aspirations have failed to rise above the narrow confines of individual, ethnic and sectional concerns. And as soon as a visionary party leader emerges to introduce new ideas and seek to transform the mechanics and operations of the party, the conservatives within the system, afraid that transparency would upset power relations in their constituencies would take up arms. They even stiffly resist mere insistence on strict compliance with constitutional provisions and find it good enough reason to fight the leadership. And they seem to

have a horde of benighted zombies on standby to mobilize support for them in the garb of ethnic and sectional defenders. They are always nervous about losing their predatory hold on their people and careless about development and the integrity of the democratic process. Apart from the obstacles created by political demagogues operating in different borrowed garbs and labels, the most invidious and debilitating clog to the wheel of democracy is the club of arrivistes and tin-gods known as the Governors’ Forum. The Governors’ Forum which was originally ideal for peer group review and for collaboration and cooperation among states has been corrupted into a political bugaboo! The forum has long abandoned its raison d’etre, preferring to engage in political brinkmanship within their parties. They deploy public money meant for projects entrusted in their hands to intimidate and impose their will on the political parties. The continued existence of the Governors Forum in the way and manner it operates today is a real threat to democracy. Their rude interference and activities are contradictory and antithetical to democratic principles and values. The Governors Forum must reinvent itself and retrace its step to the path of honor. If APC will survive beyond 2023, party supremacy must be treated as sacred. The party structures, principles, processes, procedures must be operationalized. Democratic values, ethos and traditions must be internalized! Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is not a stranger to Nigerians. In his heyday as President of NLC, he fearlessly engaged and harangued military dictators into policy retreats like no one had dared before him. As Governor of Edo State, he fought political godfathers and wrested power from them to the bewilderment of Edo people. Comrade exited the governance of Edo State riding high on a legacy of superlative accomplishments. He is easily one of shining stars of Nigerian democracy! Comrade Oshomhole is passionate about his convictions thus

on assumption of office as National Chairman of APC, he resolved to give practical expression to the shared vision of the party as encapsulated in her ‘Change Agenda’. He is too athletically and energetically motivated by a sense of purpose to be a ‘do nothing’ chairman. As a leader, he has inspired the majority of the National Working Committee (NWC) members to be dedicated to the promise of change. And together, they have made great progress in putting in place a transparent system that commands faith, trust and confidence of party members and not the whimsical dictates of party patrons. It is within this context the opposition to Comrade Oshomhole’s leadership, the illegal gatherings, the numerous court cases can be understood. Let no one be deceived by vague allegations of dictatorship leveled against the Comrade or whatever else! All those pitching themselves against the National Chairman are driven by either governorship or presidential ambition. And they want to force themselves and their agents into positions of advantage ahead of 2023! The anti-Oshiomhole sentiments result from miscalculations and premature permutations with regard to the swings of the power pendulum by second term seeking governors and to a larger extent, by 2023 power mongers. The balance of probabilities and presumptions are poorly premised hence the unpopularity and massive condemnation of one of the most puerile but audacious dissensions in national politics. Wisdom is gained from good memory. But most of Comrade Oshiomhole’s critics act completely blank of yesterday. Let them take a short trip to where the past lives and they will find in Oshiomhole, a small framed man with a giant heart and uncommon perspicacity. Only recently, members of the conspiratorial nPDP and their leaders who blustered to high heavens were vanquished in the last election season by a pitiless political machine marshalled by the Comrade. Osakue is former State Campaign Director, Team Godwin Obaseki 2016

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EDITORIAL TELECOMS AND POOR SERVICES The regulator could do more to ensure better services

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he mobile telecommunications sector has grown to become a very important contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The sector has expanded the broadband, internet penetration and most importantly, subscriber base in the country, especially in the last four years. Recent market figures reveal that there are over 172 million mobile subscribers on all the networks in Nigeria, accounting for a penetration rate of 87 per cent of the population. Unfortunately, due to a combination of factors, subscribers are experiencing poor service quality in no fewer than 20 states. Key among the subscribers’ complaints are connection failures, poor data service, fluctuating network, data roll over challenges, illegal credit deductions and uncompleted calls. The drop in service quality has been attributed to the fact that three out of the four mobile network operators failed to meet the industry standards for network service in the affected states. Also in May and June last year, the industry data revealed that subscribers in 26 states experienced poor and unsatisfactory call service. According to the data, telcos IT IS NOT JUST ABOUT fell short of the four INCREASING SUBSCRIBER major key performance NUMBERS: THERE SHOULD indicators: dropped call BE A COMMENSURATE rate, call set up rate, INCREASE IN THE QUALITY stand-alone dedicated control channel OF SERVICE THEY congestion rate and PROVIDE traffic control channel congestion rate. It is unfortunate that Nigerians have continued to experience poor service quality from the telcos in spite of their spending between N2 trillion and N3 trillion annually on airtime. That industrial glitches have subsisted despite the repeated sanctions by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to bring sanity to the sector is indicative of how deep the rot is. But we believe the regulator can do more to ensure the telcos comply. The NCC should also address some challenges which the

telcos have highlighted as being responsible for the regime of poor service quality.

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T H I S DAY EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI AJAYI, DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN, MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

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 BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA

perators have always blamed poor infrastructure in the country characterised by inadequate power generation and supply as one of the reasons for the atrocious quality recorded in the sector. Operators have also complained that road constructions and repairs leading to cable cuts, vandalism of equipment, and other security issues are responsible for service challenges being experienced across board. They also cite multiple taxation, cost of maintaining equipment, etc., as huge responsibilities. But all these are normal business risks. In any case, if all these problems have not prevented them from making huge profits why should they be excuses for poor service delivery? We task NCC to continue to collaborate with the relevant agencies to ensure adequate security for telecoms facilities and also engage stakeholders on the need to protect telecommunications infrastructure. The sector will continue to grapple with poor service delivery if criminal elements continue to tamper with telecoms infrastructure across the country. We also call on the federal government to urgently address the challenge of low broadband penetration. It is expedient to look into this issue of low deployment given that Nigeria requires about 158,000 metres of optic fibres as against the 38,000 metres that is currently available and which hardly can provide adequate broadband cover for the entire country. Above all, the message from the NCC to the operators should be very clear: It is not just about increasing subscriber numbers, there should be a commensurate increase in the quality of service they provide. Making a simple voice call has become a problem and holding a brief conversation has become even more burdensome. The current level of frustrating experiences characterised by high rate of dropped calls, high rate of call attempts, call interference, loss of audio and recurrent down times, have therefore become unacceptable. Nigerians are tired of constant promises from the stable of operators on what they plan to do on the improvement of quality on their networks. They want concrete action.

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THE DETHRONEMENT OF SANUSI

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olitical power determines life and death. It controls the past, present and future occurrences. It distinguishes between truth and falsehood, justice and injustice, morality and immorality, knowledge and ignorance, freedom and slavery. The aforementioned assertions are empirical in Nigeria’s political context. The disproportionate victims of the deaths arising from maladministration illustrated the death and life scenario. The effect of inadequate equipment in public hospitals, poor road infrastructure and the high rate of insecurity have been continually and directly terminating people’s lives day-in day-out. Whereas a proper working system could have ameliorated the persistent havoc. Moreover, the political establishment supervises all socio - political occurrences. The academic curricula across elementary, secondary and tertiary institutions are configured to protect and maintain the status quo. A few persons go extra mile in search of unadulterated knowledge because the education system doesn’t reward such effort, a reward is only placed on systematic and prescribed learning process. The political establishment also maintains

moral values through academic, religious and traditional institutions which indirectly represented the state agenda. The academia, religious and traditional leaders who define truth and falsehood, justice and injustice, and freedom and slavery amidst their subjects are ideological state apparatus. Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, the dethroned Emir of Kano had committed abominations on the stool against the political elite in the Northern Nigeria. The deposed emir failed woefully to utilize the revered emir stool in promoting the Northern oligarchy. Instead, he embarked on a royal mission to re - orientate social values, justice, equality and prosperity in the North. Sanusi has paid for tackling the continuous decline in the quality of governance in the North. The high spate of insecurity, mortality, unemployment, illiteracy and several manifestations of a failing system have reached a perilous proportion in Northern Nigeria. Only time will tell whether the region has begun the journey to join the league of Afghanistan, Somalia and other war zone areas, the period every northerner will pay for their action and inaction. Binzak Azeez, Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife

KEEP CALM AND MINDFUL

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everal newspapers have announced that France has shut down all public places ‘non-essential’ to public life including restaurants and cafes, although allowing tobacconists to stay open. Surely, they should know that restaurants are essential for the French as are coffee shops for the Italians and sports grounds for Australians. Obviously, it is vital to try to stop the spread of the virus by reducing contact between people, but the anomalies are puzzling. Most schools are still open, public transport is still running and overcrowded and even governments are meeting and still functioning, well at least as well as they usually do. Everyone is doing a great job to protect the physical health of the people, but we shouldn’t forget the mental health as well. If everyone is ‘effectively’ isolated, it will be hard for many to cope with the isolation. Let’s bunker down for a while and hope all is well and remember to stay calm as best as we can. Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

CORONAVIRUS AND THE GLOBAL EMERGENCY

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he world is in chaos. I was planning to attend four different educational and networking conferences as well as seminars in different part of the continents, one of which I have been nominated to receive Honorary Doctorate Degree from London Graduate School in collaboration with Common Wealth University. These events could cost me over $20,000 to fully participate and now it has been postponed and it may also lead to cancellation. These are just some of the unnecessary personal expenses from my side in which those that may also acquire the benefits probably wouldn’t. What about our businesses that wouldn’t take place and those that probably may not take place as a result of the chaos? I wonder how many deals around the globe for schools, institutions, companies and governments parastatals that may fall apart. The world is going to lose trillions of dollars and lots of human lives. Let’s pray for the world. Abubakar Usman Abubakar, Chairman Ibtihaj Modern Corporation Ltd

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T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY MARCH 16, 2020

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG

POLITICS

Email: nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com 08114495324 SMS ONLY

M O N D AY D I S C O U R S E

In Kano, the Royal Baton Changes from One Brother to Another

Ibrahim Shuaibu writes that devoid of all its intricacies, the dethronement of the former Emir of Kano, Mallam Muhammad Sanusi II by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, may have benefitted one more member of the Sanusi family

Ganduje

Bayero

Sanusi

Kwankwaso

5

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Sanusi’s actions and his removal

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19

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY MARCH 16, 2020

MONDAY DISCOURSE

Abubakar

Tofa

Na’Abba

Yusuf

Alhaji Usman Alhaji said the monarch was disrespectful to the Office of the Governor. According to him, the persistent refusal of the former Emir to attend official meetings and programmes organized by the government without any lawful justification amounts to total insubordination was part of what had informed the decision of the state government to dethrone the monarch. He stated that in so many instances, Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II breached Part 3 Section 13(a-e) of the Kano State Emirate Law 2019 and which, if left unchecked would destroy the good and established image of the Kano Emirate. He said, “this removal is made after due consultation with the relevant stakeholders and in compliance with Part 3 Section 13 of the Kano State Emirate Law 2019 and other reasons stated above. The Sanusi saga has brought to the fore the uncanny nature of history repeating itself. His late grandfather, Emir Muhammad Sanusi was removed and taken to Azare in Bauchi, before he was eventually moved to Wudil in Kano where he died. The deposition was accompanied, with banishment of the Emir, same day, to a remote, unknown village, in Nassarawa State, where, it was reliably learnt that the Emir ’s convoy arrived the sleepy village at about 2am. It was indeed a traumatic experience, never imagined to happen to a 21st Century Emir, in the calibre of Emir Sanusi. His grandfather, Sir Muhammad Sanusi Bayero, had ended his reign on the throne by hurriedly resigning, before the hammer will fall when he got wind that the then Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello had concluded plans to depose him, due to a dispute between the duo, bothering on insubordination. Sanusi’s grandpa flouted a standing order by Sir Ahmadu Bello, who was the Premier of Northern in 1963 that nobody should park his car at a particular point but despite the directive, Sanusi’s grandpa, ordered his driver to park at the ‘No parking’ spot. This situation ignited the crisis between Sanusi’s grandpa, who was on the throne for 10 years and the Sir Ahmadu Bello. This eventually led to his premature resignation. While he accepted the elimination from royalty with his characteristic obduracy, he went to court to enforce his fundamental human right to freedom, refusing to have his liberty restricted within a certain area of Nasarawa State. His prayers were granted by the court. The Kano State government had insisted that, “The removal was reached in order to safeguard the sanctity, culture, tradition, religion and prestige of the Kano Emirate built over one thousand years.” But Sanusi showed no remorse.

From the time he received the letter of removal from the government, he acknowledged it with the Quranic verse, meaning, ‘all power belongs to God.’ In his acceptance of dethronement, Sanusi was recorded to have said that he accepts the dethronement as the will of God and was thankful to Him for that. The former Emir also called on his family members and relations to declare allegiance to whosoever comes after him. Sanusi who remained calm throughout the short speech also prayed for and thanked the people of Kano for the regard they had for him while he was Emir. Monday, March, 9, 2020, may have rolled into the history books, but it will always be remembered, among other things, as the day the reign of Emir Muhammad Sanusi II screeched to a halt. Simply, the royal baton had changed from one brother to another.

greater extent, border on personal margins are unequivocally bent on destroying that legacy. “We hereby call on the governor to, in the interest of unity, peace and progress of Kano State, immediately cause the repeal of the obnoxious law creating the new emirates. Our resolve in this regard was informed by careful consideration of the fact that the personal ambitions of the governor should not be allowed to jeopardize the overall common good and the harmonious relationship existing among the Kano populace. “If, however, in the wisdom of the governor, that the new emirates are necessary in order to fast track development, then the law must be subjected entirely to the processes of the popular will. This is a matter of strategic public significance that should be subjected to a referendum in line with established democratic ideals. The voice of people of Kano State must be heard and respected, too.” However, another group known as the Committee for the Restoration of Gaya, Karaye and Rano Emirates, took a swipe at those antagonizing the creation of four additional emirates in Kano. The group said the three upgraded emirates were forcefully annexed to Kano emirate by the colonial force. The group’s spokesman, Haruna Dederi said the creation of the emirates is the restoration of what they were deprived of several years ago. Dederi who represents Karaye/ Rogo Federal Consistency at the House of Representatives said the three emirates of Karaye, Rano and Gaya were forcefully coerced into Kano Emirate. He also commended Governor Ganduje for creating the Bichi Emirate where he described as, “breeding ground for Kano Emirs,” adding that with rich cultural and economic potentials, Bichi has all it takes to stand as an emirate. Dederi said the committee has been agitating for the creation of these new Emirates for over 10 years. “The agitation for the restoration of Gaya, Karaye and Rano Emirates was originally started by a Committee of Concerned Indigenes of

these emirates about 10 years ago. Because of logistics and operational reasons, the efforts by that Committee slowed down.

Kano Elders View However, a group of senior citizens under the aegis of Advocates for a United Kano have issued a statement calling for preservation of Kano’s cultural inheritance. The group which includes Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa, Alhaji Abba Dabo, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, Alhaji Bashir Yusif Ibrahim, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, Dr. Bala Mohammed, Malam Ibrahim Ado Kurawa, Dr. Dalhatu Sani Yola, Lawan Audi and Prof. Farouk Sarkin Fada insisted that citizens of Kano State are against attempts to destroy their 1000 year-old heritage. “We hereby express deep concern about the persistence of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje at the destruction of the Kano Emirate, a product of the efforts of our forefathers which has survived for centuries championing purposeful administration and scholarship in Kano State and beyond. It is without doubt that the Kano Emirate has, for centuries, been a formidable force in shaping the character and economic outlook of the Kano society in particular and Nigeria as a whole. Unfortunately, however, the actions of Governor Ganduje which, to a

Kano Emirate has been reduced to only eight local government areas including the Kano Municipal, Dala, Nassarawa, Fagge, Gwale, Kumbotso and Ungogo, according to Kano State Emirates Council Law 2019. Before the creation of four additional emirates, the Kano Emirate had 44 local government areas under its control

For about two years now, this committee under the patriotic and able leadership of Alhaji Jazuli Muhammad Gaya reignited the agitation. The restoration of the three emirates was not by any means meant to despise Kano Emirate or any personality as perceived by some narrow-minded elements. Our bond of brotherhood will continue to exist between the people of these emirates and those of Kano Emirate.” Sanusi’s successor and his departure The dethroned Emir was evicted from the ancient Kano Emirate palace by a team of security officials led by the state police commissioner, Habu Sani. His family was flown out of Kano to Lagos in a private jet provided by his friends while he was flown to Nasarawa state. However, the deposition of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II elicited divergent opinions of notable observers and those keeping a constant tab on the entire saga with many supporting and applauding the decision taken by the State Executive Council to send him packing. But a handful of those who viewed his dethronement as a vendetta orchestrated to pull him down. With the appointment of Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, a new chapter in the revered monarchy is open, considering his popularity and humble disposition. The Kano monarchy may be on a new pedestal. The new emir of Kano Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero is married to dethrone Emir of Kano Malam Muhammadu Sanusi’s younger sister of same parents. Howerer, two days after his dethronement, the state public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission says it would continue with the investigation on the deposed Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II. The chairman of the commission, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado said that the investigation was still ongoing. He said with the deposition of embattled monarch, the commission would now have what he described as ‘fertile ground’ to carry out its investigation without any interference. A Federal High Court in Kano had restrained the Kano state Public Complaint and Anti-corruption Commission from investigating the deposed Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II on the alleged N2.2 billion land scam. The day after Sanusi’s departure, it was business as usual in Kano. There was no breach of peace. Residents of the ancient city went about their normal activities and some were in joyful mood for the new Emir.

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T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍ´Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

FEATURES

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

Dividends of Hosting 2020 Police Games in Anambra Recently, Anambra State stood still for one week as it hosted the 2020 police games in various locations across the state. David-Chyddy Eleke who covered the events, reports that besides the frills and thrills, it was a period of economic boom for residents of the state

Inspector General of Police, Adamu Mohammed and Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State during the NigeriaPoliceGames2020 themed "Promoting Community Safety through Sports" The female volleyball ďŹ nals where Zone 6 defeated FHQ 3 goals to nil

Male football ďŹ nals between Zone 9 and FHQ

Presentation of medals to the triathlon male and female individual singles

The chess competition

The Judo competition

O

n February 29, the opening ceremony of the 12th biennial police games, tagged Anambra 2020 was held at the Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka. The very colourful ceremony was the first in the South-east zone of the country, and had venues for various sporting activities scattered across various sporting centres in the state. The host of the game, Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, spared nothing to ensure its success. From ensuring that sporting facilities in the state were made available, to building new ones, all hands were put on deck to achieve a hitch-free event. Obiano was also everywhere

in the state to inspect facilities to be used and also to supervise work in some of the facilities that were then being newly built for the games. Among the facilities that were newly constructed for the event was an Olympic-sized swimming pool, volleyball and basketball courts, which were within one week constructed just for the competition. There were initial doubts about the hosting of the games as some pundits believed that hosting it would mean pumping state resources into it, without benefits. Some critics even called out the governor for using state funds at a time of lack to spend on police, which is a federal agency, and has allocation from the federal

government, from where it can pool funds to finance the event. But the typical Obiano was thinking above that. An astute banker, a chartered accountant and auditor of international repute, one can say that what Obiano was seeing in accepting to wholly host the games, was far away from the thoughts of the ordinary Anambra people. For example, even before the game started, Obiano had made a projection of the number of athletes expected in the state, and the number of visitors the games will attract to the state. During an interview with journalists, he said, Anambra State will make at least N1.5bn from hosting the games.

He had factored in the fact that the visitors and the athletes would pay for their accommodation for seven days, feed at least three times a day for seven days, buy fuel from fuel stations in the state, or even patronise transporters who in turn buy fuel, or spend money on other things. Obiano did not also forget that the period will be one of merry making as visitors will patronise drinking joints and other social facilities in the state Already conversant with figures, he said during the games, "We have about 15,000 people who came into the state from outside for this games. We also have about 3,000 police athletes. If each of our 15,000 visitors spend at least N100,000, we will have fresh N1.5billion which has been

21

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍ´Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

FEATURES

One of the many billboards across the state, announcing the hosting of the 2020 police Entrance to the Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, the main venue of the Anambra 2020 police games games

Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu presenting a plaque to President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the Minister of state for Environment, Barr Sharon Ikeazor, during the closing ceremony of the 2020 police games injected into the state economy. The police guys enter buses here and pay, the bus driver buys fuel, the fuel seller buys fish and so money keeps circulating. It is to the glory of God that we are hosting and we thank God they chose us and everything is working seamlessly for now." Corroborating Obiano's stand on the economic gain of hosting the games, an economist, Mr Francis Ndukwe said, "What Obiano thought in hosting this game is perfect. He was only thinking of improving the welfare of the people because the N1.5billion he mentioned may be even more, but what people do not understand is that government did not make the money, they simply created an avenue for citizens to make money. "If Obiano spend N200million to host this games, what it means is that besides the facilities built, he merely sponsored it to lure the visitors to bring N1.5billion into his state. It is called economic sense." True to this, in every centre where events were being held, it was as if a new market had been created in such places. Trust the average Anambra man and his entreprenuirial spirit. In all the centres visited by this reporter for the event, mini markets were immediately established, and brisk businesses made, to the gains of the traders in the state. Not only were drinks, snacks sold, books, cloths, shoes and other household items found their way to the centres for sale. Speaking on the facilities, Obiano said, "The hosting right has helped the state to upgrade its facilities and even build new ones. Some sports writers who saw what we have here have already approached me, and they are happy with the facilities, and they have told me they want to host some games here. "Through this game, we will produce lots of Onyalis, Ajunwas and lots of them. We will ensure that the facilities are there for people to keep training after now, but we will schedule the time when the facilities will be opened for training. Through this games, we now can boast of being among the states that have an Olympics sized swimming pool, and you know it is the only one in the South-east zone for now. These are our advantages," Obiano said. For seven days, from Oba in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state, where the track and field events were held at the Rojenny

Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano and wife, Ebelechukwu Obiano, at the closing ceremony

Fireworks in the skies of Awka, during the closing ceremony Tourist Village, to Otuocha in Anambra East Local Government Area where the football games held, to Mbaukwu in Awka South, to Golden Tulip Hotel in Anaocha, Oma Events Centre and Dr Alex Ekwueme Square both in Awka South, and several other centres, the state was brimming with visitors throughout the period of the games. An elated Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu speaking at the closing ceremony of the games, declared that the Anambra games ranks among the most colourful since the games started in 1946. He thanked Governor Willie Obiano for hosting the games, stating that all promises made by the governor towards the hosting of the games were fulfilled. "This game started in 1946 and has become regular event and also produced global sporting stars. We assure you that new stars have been discovered in this very game and I commend the athletes. I am proud of you all and I commend

you for your composure. Thanks to Governor Obiano for hosting us and also ensuring he met all the promises. Awka 2020 is the best in recent times and a clear testimony of the state governor's strength." Obiano, a thorough showman left nothing behind ensure that the event was colourful. The event which snowballed into the night showed a well lit Ekwueme Square, besides the decorations with a combination of the Nigeria Police Force colour and that of Anambra State. Top-rated musicians were also brought into the state to perform for the night, and beyond being a closing ceremony, turned out to become a place for fun seekers to catch their fun. Speaking at the event, Obiano said, "It is a thing of pride that an event of this magnitude took place here for one week and there were no sad incidences. What this games has shown is that in just one week, we can rewrite the history of Anambra, and that is what we have done."

The highlight of the event was at about 7pm when for about 45 minutes, the state stood still as fireworks of all kinds rent the skies of Anambra, giving the state an aesthetics that was totally out of the world, and intermittently breaking into several colours, high in the sky, leaving all in awe. Popular musician, Flavour was immediately called to the stage, and after close to an hour's performance, Obiano and his wife hit the stage, displaying dance steps that showed that their youths were not only spent in speaking money at Fidelity Bank and Texaco where Obiano worked as top staff of both organisations. James Eze, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor who spoke to THISDAY on the event said, "What has happened here today is an expression of joy by Ndi Anambra. For seven days the state was shut down for this games, and not even one disappointment or sad incident was registered. You may think it is a small feat, but it is not. Many state's won't be able to do this. Just see the governor and his wife dancing on stage, it is an expression of their happiness and fulfillment about this event. Even the police authorities are marveled at the taste of the governor. It will take Anambra decades to find a governor as colourful as this one again," Eze added. For Spokesman of the Nigeria Police, Frank Mba, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, the 12th Biennial Games themed “Promoting Community Policing through Sports� had over 3000 male and female police athletes drawn from the 12 Zonal Commands and the Force Headquarters. They featured and competed in 31 indoor and outdoor sporting games which include Athletics, Football, Basketball, Table Tennis, Lawn Tennis, Judo, Taekwondo, Weightlifting, Golf, Chess, Squash, Shooting, Karate, Swimming, Hockey, Badminton, Handball amongst other sporting events. For him, this year’s games was an ample opportunity for relatively unknown police sportsmen to announce themselves, their talents and competences to the world as it served as a platform to discover sporting talents in the Nigeria Police who would re-enact the heroic and historic performances of other police legends. The games, apart from promoting camaraderie among police officers, he added that it would undoubtedly enhance the physical and mental fitness of the participants.

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Quick Takes Polaris Marks World Kidney Day

COURTESYVISIT

Registrar/CEO, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Mr. Seye Awojobi, (left) and Registrar/CEO, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Prof. Ahmed Kumshe, during a courtesy visit by ICAN to CIBN’s head office, in Lagos‌recently

Services Weaken as COVID-19 Hits Global Economy Obinna Chima Growth in global services trade continued to weaken toward the end of 2019 as well as in the first quarter of 2020, according to the latest World Trade Organisation’s (WTO’s) Services Trade Barometer. According to the report, the latest reading of 96.8 was down from the 98.4 recorded last September and well below the baseline value of 100 for the index. This, it stated, suggesting below-trend growth in world services trade. The indicator did not yet fully capture the economic impact of the COVID-19 virus and was likely to decline further in the coming months. Among the component indices, the largest declines were in passenger air travel (93.5) and

ECONOMY container shipping (94.3), growth of which was already moderating before the COVID-19 outbreak. Both indices covered developments through January and may partly reflect early efforts to halt the spread of the disease, which intensified toward the end of the month. According to the report, the drop in container shipping index was driven by lower shipping volumes in Asia, while the slowdown in passenger air travel was more broad-based, also covering North America, South America and Europe. The global financial transactions (97.7) and ICT services (97.0) indices also dipped below trend, while the construction index (99.8)

appears to have held steady. The global services Purchasing Managers’ Index (96.1) was the most forward-looking barometer component, reflecting expectations that COVID-19 is likely to continue to weigh on services trade in the near-term. An approximate measure of the volume of world services trade showed that year-on-year growth in services trade activity had fallen from 4.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2019, to 2.8 per cent in the third quarter. The Services Trade Barometer highlighted turning points and changing patterns in world services trade. Unlike its counterpart for goods, the fluctuations registered by the services indicator coincide with movements in actual trade flows, rather than anticipating them.

Readings of 100 indicate growth in line with medium-term trends. Readings greater than 100 suggest above-trend growth while those below 100 indicate the opposite. In a related development, in the face of the raging Covid-19, the Director General of the WTO, Roberto AzevĂŞdo, has informed members and staff that access to the organisation’s premises would be restricted as from today. “In light of developments related to the COVID-19 virus and after meeting with UN agencies and observers in Geneva, we have taken a decision to suspend all meetings at the WTO until the end of April 2020. “Additionally, all WTO Secretariat staff (except on-site critical staff) are to work from Continued on page 24

‘Venture Capital Will Shape Nigeria, Others’ Future’ A Venture Capital Investor, Dr. Ola Brown, has stressed the need for entrepreneurs in Nigeria and other countries in Africa to embrace venture capital financing to expand their businesses as well as to stimulate economic activities. Brown, who is a Director at GreenTree Investment Company, said this during an interactive session on the theme: “Venture Capital Financing in Africa,� organised by Proshare Nigeria Limited, pointed out that beyond providing finance, venture capitalists also come along with technology as well as innovation. Technology has a unique way of being funded, she stressed. “The biggest companies on the various stock exchanges in America today are Apple, Google, Amazon, Facebook. But

ECONOMY right now, if you look at African stock exchanges, you will see that the biggest listed companies are those that make cement, pasta, sugar and oil. “But, if we really want to grow like other continents have grown, we have to embrace the software innovation,� the founder of the Flying Doctors Healthcare Investment Group explained. Brown, explained that over the years, Nigeria had been operating a system for incubating companies, through the Igbo apprenticeship system models. She likened the apprenticeship form of business model in the south-eastern part of the country, in terms of their capital infusion

strategy, to the venture capital system.“That system is what has been deployed at Alaba market that turns in about $4 billion yearly. So, you look at research reports, most of them would say venture capital was almost an American phenomenon, until about 2000. “But I disagree because all over Africa there are very forms of venture capitalists, even if they were never institutionalised, but still bear a lot of resemblance with the venture capital that we see today,� she added. She revealed that the biggest venture capital in the world is Sequoia Capital and a lot of tech companies such as Yahoo, Google, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Apple, among others, came out of the entity. “So, as much as we put em-

phasis on the traditional banking system, the traditional banking system wasn’t actually there from the beginning. These were all venture funded companies. “So, what Sequoia Capital does is that it provides them with seed capital. And if you look at Sequoia Capital today, the companies it has invested in today, have total valuation of $3.3 trillion,� she added. This amount, she said was more than the Gross Domestic Product of the entire Africa. “And I think that venture capital didn’t just invest in these companies, they actually built an era of innovation and technology in America and without venture capital, a lot of the companies

In commemoration of the 2020 World Kidney Day, Polaris Bank has partneredRenalDialysisCentretoorganiseasymposiumonkidneyhealth. ThesymposiumwhichheldinLagos,wasorganisedbyRenalDialysisCentre and sponsored by Polaris Bank with the support of Federal Ministry of Health and Lagos State government. The event also had in attendance strong delegation of stakeholders from the nation’s health sector. In his goodwill message, the Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru, disclosed that, “Our partnership with Renal Dialysis Centre was to raise awareness, encourage prevention, detection and equitable access to care of kidney disease following the surge in cases of kidney failures and the challenges associated with seeking care and management of the disease that is proving fatal to most victims across all demographicsâ€?. He explained that: “Our commitment as a bank to the ďŹ ght against Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like kidney, is part of our contribution to society, especially to keep Nigerians safe and abreast of every information about kidney diseases, its management and care.â€? Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Renal Dialysis Centre, Dr. John Okoh, disclosed the need for help, decrying that, “As part of the challenges facing kidney health in Nigeria, the cost of dialysis and kidney transplant is rather too high for middle income earners and everyday Nigerians who can barely aord it.â€? On his part, the Director General, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Prof. Babatunde Salako, advocatedformorecollaborationsfromgovernmentandprivatesector.He emphasisedtheneedtoprovidefacilitiesacrossthecountry.Heexplained, “Once you are able to reduce the distance and provide quality service with more facilities, you are invariably improving the quality of life of patients leading to a gradual decline in the cost of dialysis in Nigeria.â€?

Xpress Payments Appoints CEO

Xpress Payment Solutions Limited has appointed Dr. Markie Idowu, as the new Managing Director/Chief Executive OďŹƒcer of the organisation. Accordingtoastatement,IdowuwasaformerExecutiveDirector,Technology and Service Delivery Channels at Polaris Bank Plc. He is a seasoned professional with over 31 years’ experienceinFinanceandInformationand CommunicationTechnology(ICT).Accordingtothestatement,“Idowu’sexperienceincludes28yearsinbankingspanningretail,commercialandcorporate banking, treasury management, international business finance, operations, electronicbankingandinformationtechnology. Idowuhasservedontheboard ofseveralcompaniesincludingSkyeBank,MainOneCableCompany,Equity Assurance, IHS and Mainstreet brokers.â€?

Nnamani Hails Report on Broadband

TheFirstVicePresidentoftheAssociationofTelecommunicationsCompanies of Nigeria (ATCON) Mr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, has commended the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, for midwifing the delivery of a new National Broadband Plan (2020-2025). Nnamani,notedthattheMinisterhaddemonstratedastrongcommitment todeepeningbroadbandpenetration,whichhesaid,remainedapotenttoolfor economictransformation.Hesaidthebroadbanddrivesoftheministerwould nodoubt,liftthecountry’seconomy.Nnamanialsocommendedthebroadband committeemembersledbytheCEOofMainOne,Ms.FunkeOpeke,forgiving thetaskaquickattentionandfordeliveringthereportpromptly.Accordingto him,thespeedatwhichthecommitteedeliveredtheirmandateshowedtheir commitment to the broadband project. “With the submission of the report, the country is now on the right step to achieving the 70 per cent broadband target. ATCON as the umbrella body industry players is in full support of this moveandwoulddoeverythinginitscapacitytoensurethatNigeriasurpasses the target by 2025,� he said.Citing recent GDP report, which indicated that NigeriasurpassedtheInternationalMonetaryFund(IMF’s)projectionofgrowth, Nnamanisaidthefeatwouldalsobereplicatedinbroadbandaccess,adding that stakeholders would be charting the course for wider access at the ATCON’sICTNationalDialoguecomingupinMarch.Hesaidthedialoguewas ATCON’s way of contributing to the discourse around the digital economy and how the country could transform her economy with technology. The ATCON Vice President added that the association, though an umbrella of private operators, was deeply committed to the government’s various initiatives targeted at revamping the economy as their businesses can only thrive in a vibrant market.

“Nigerian banks are solid. We have even started to export our expertise to West and East African countries. Nigerian banks in Ghana are the ones showing the way. � Founder, Zenith Bank Plc

Continued on page 24

Jim Ovia

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BUSINESSWORLD SERVICES WEAKEN AS COVID-19 HITS GLOBAL ECONOMY home until the end of March 2020. This decision will be reviewed by the end of March,� he said. The WTO said it was reviewing alternatives for arranging virtual meetings to enable members to participate remotely. The raging Coronavirus, otherwise known as Covid-19, may cause Nigeria’s total revenue from crude oil export in 2020 to drop to between $14 billion and $19 billion, compared to $38.9 billion previously predicted, a United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) report has stated. The ECA, in a report titled, “Economic Impact of the COVID-19 on Africa,� stated that Nigeria’s gross oil revenue stood at N1.564 trillion as at the end of fourth quarter 2019. The prediction was, however, predicated on crude oil price falling to $35 per barrel as well as Nigeria’s export of about 1.9 million barrels per day, a 50 per cent drop. The report also estimated that Nigeria and other oil-exporting nations in Africa could record revenue losses of up to $65 billion due to a likely drop in demand for the commodity. ‘VENTURE CAPITAL WILL SHAPE NIGERIA, OTHERS’ FUTURE’

that make up almost half of the capitalisation of the American stock exchange would not be in existence,� Brown said. She cited an example with Israel, which had successfully grown its economy through interventions by venture capitalists.According to her, Israel has the highest amount of venture capital invested per citizen. “There is a huge correlation between the amount of venture capital invested per person, innovation, technology and economic prosperity,� Brown said.She stressed that venture capital has the capacity to transform the economy of any country.“Meanwhile, while all these innovations were going on, while all these economies were being built, Africa was taking about $30 billion in aid. So, while Africa was largely depending on aid, other continents were using venture capital to build innovation and transform their economies into some of the largest trade hubs you see today,� she said.

NEWS

FG Seeks Swedish Govt’s Support on Broadband Deployment Emma Okonji The federal government has urged the Swedish government to support Nigeria’s quest to deploy more robust broadband infrastructure in the country, for economic growth and prosperity. The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, made the call in Abuja, at a recent dinner hosted by the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Carl-Michael Grans. Pantami, said Nigeria had embarked on a digital transformation journey and efforts were ongoing to ensure evacuation of the massive data capacity at landing points to hinterland. The minister who was represented by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Umar Danbatta, said: “We have a plan to move the massive capacity from landing point to hinterland. To do that, we know we have to put in place the necessary infrastructure that will facilitate it. “We would therefore like the Swedish Government to buy into this great idea of deploying this massive broadband infrastructure which is fibre-driven.� According to him, the project would see a quantum access of 10gbps internet connectivity in each of the 774 local Government areas of the country.

“We appreciate the important intervention that you are giving to this country, especially to this sector of the economy we are managing on behalf of the federal government. The statistics are there for all to see. The broadband penetration, for

instance is about 40 per cent but this is 40 per cent of close to 200 million people, which translates to about 80 million Nigerians having access to high speed internet together with the volume associated with broadband networks,� he explained.

The minister, however, noted that as the country’s population was close to 200 million and the government would not rest on its laurels until all of them have access to high speed internet as well as the volume associated with the network.

On internet penetration, Pantami observed that figures recently released by the NCC indicated that almost 125 million Nigerians have access, but lamented that close to 31 million Nigerians are still within unserved and underserved areas.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

L-R: Founder/President, Beirut Marathon, Mrs. May El-Khalil; Nollywood Actress, Dakore Egbusun-Akande; Managing Director, Seven Up Bottling Company(SBC)Limited,Mr.ZiadMaolouf,andHeadHumanResources,Mrs.YinkaOlufade,duringthemaidenEditionofSBCWomenEmpowerment/ Networking Programme held in Lagos‌recently

NASC Deploys Smart Cards to Tackle Seed Counterfeiting James Emejo in Abuja The Director General, National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), Dr. Phillip Ojo, has said about six million smartcards will be deployed in the farming season to check seeds counterfeiting which had hampered improved yields over the years. He said the need to provide an advanced authentication system for seeds quality evaluation became inevitable following the increasing complaints by farmers over sharp practices, especially in counterfeiting and fake seeds, fraudulent labelling and regulatory offences among others.

Speaking at the opening of the consortium planning meeting on the implementation of the NASC seedcodex on EGS, which was held over the weekend in Abuja, the NASC boss said the challenge of low yield of agricultural productivity remained a major concern on the country in recent times. He said there was need for stakeholders to come together and contribute to the improvement in the yield of crops by, “ensuring that we give the best Early Generation Seeds (EGS).� He noted that the introduction of the seedcodex, which is an authentication system to check fake seeds, had become paramount

for the development of agriculture. Ojo, said sanitising the seed business would require the provision of efficient tracking and tracing of seeds which makes seedcodex inevitable going forward. He said: “We are talking of a situation whereby we want to sanitise the market particularly in ensuring that farmers have access to good quality seeds. “That they would be able to authenticate the seeds immediately they buy. So seeds are not sold in open containers but in closed containers and those containers are tagged. “But unlike what we have in the past, when we had two

certification tags- one insider and the other outside- and the one outside, because of wear and tear movement here and there, we have now decided to introduce a card which is going to be attached to the container outside.� He said: “You cannot remove the smartcard and it has a silver panel and aluminum foil that you will remove, scratch and see a number and that number will be sent to a dedicated number, particularly 1393 and immediately, the purchaser would be advised as to the content of the container whether it is genuine or adulterated. “You will see immediately, the name of the producer, where it was produced and all the quality

parameters and that’s exactly what we are saying because we want to protect going forward all users of EGS in Nigeria.� He said the council would continue to provide quality regulation of seed matters adding that this informed the decision by President Muhammadu Buhari to sign into law, the National Agricultural Seeds Council Act 21 of 2019. He added: “We introduced the national seed tracker, introduced the turn-key electronic seed authentication system, developed a five year strategic plan and upgraded our central seed testing laboratories to meet international standards.�

‘Argungu Festival to Showcase Locally Assembled Vehicles’ James Emejo in Abuja

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) Eromosele Abiodun (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor ((Energy) Reporters

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT)

The Director-General, National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Jelani Aliyu has said going forward, the annual Argungu Festival will serve as an avenue to showcase the country’s locally manufactured and assembled vehicles. The federal government said the festival would be more of an automobile rally going forward,

which would be done predominantly by local assembly plants. Aliyu, told THISDAY that the NADDC would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to develop the automotive industry in line with international best practice. He said: “The Argungu Motor Rally is the premier motor sport in Nigeria, and this year it is being run with nothing but vehicles assembled in Nigeria. “We are very excited about

this because it is an invaluable opportunity for Nigerians to be shown the high quality, durability and ruggedness of these locally assembled vehicles. “The very fact that we have these vehicles here and ready to race shows the immeasurable contribution that the local automotive assemblers have made, first by investing in Nigeria to produce them and secondly, by making them available to be in

this historic race. We very much appreciate this commitment.� He added: “We, the NADDC are proud to have reached this stage in local automotive assembly, we have gotten to this phase with the huge support of our parent Ministry, the Presidency and the National Assembly. “This race will show that these vehicles are configured to be in tune with local Nigerian conditions so as to provide many years of

hassle free service.� However, Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu, had said the festival was previously suspended due to insecurity challenges, adding that it is now, “back and better,� with the indigenous assembled motor rally which constitutes one of the 16 items of the celebration. He added that the famous festival was rebranded and repackaged to meet global standards for general development of the state.

‘How Receivables Finance Can Close SME Gaps’ Receivables finance is an important tool that can help to close the $90 billion funding gap faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Africa, the Governor of Central Bank of Kenya, Dr. Patrick Njoroge,

has said. Njoroge, said this while speaking in Nairobi, during the opening of a two-day Regional Conference on Factoring and Receivables Finance organised by the African Export-Import Bank

(Afreximbank) and FCI, recently. The forum was to promote the use of factoring to address the challenge of access to financing for SMEs in East Africa. He told the audience that the funding gap could not be filled by

traditional banking and described the conference as a timely initiative that would support the efforts to sustain the SME sector in Kenya and East Africa. According to the Governor, receivables finance was important

for Kenya where SMEs are the backbone of the economy. Also speaking, Afreximbank Regional Chief Operating Officer in East Africa, Kudakwashe Matereke, said the Bank had placed a premium on the promotion of

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Investors Count Losses as Stock Market Sheds N1.8 Trillion Goddy Egene It was a gloomy week for stock investors globally as the Coronavirus fears and slump in crude oil price push markets to their worst weekly performance since 2008 financial crisis. In Nigeria, the risk-off approach by some investors and panic dumping by others led to decline of N1.8 trillion in capitalisation, while the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index dipped by 13.49 per cent to close at N11.847 trillion and 22,733.35 respectively. Consequently, the year-to-date (YTD) decline has plunged to 15.3 per cent. The market recorded an unprecedented decline from Monday to Thursday before posting a marginal appreciation on Friday. Although the value and volume of trading was higher compared to the previous week, all the sectors tracked closed negatively with the NSE Banking Index falling the most by 26.2 per cent. The NSE Consumer Goods Index shed 14.8 per cent, while NSE Oil & Gas Index depreciated by 8.5 per cent. The NSE Insurance Index went down by 5.7 per cent, just as the NSE Industrial Good Index lost 5.4 per cent. According to analysts at Cordros Capital, they see further decline in stock prices going forward. “Looking ahead, we still see sizeable legroom for further downslide in risk assets as investors continue to run towards safety in the face of the precipitous decline in oil price,� they said. All the markets tracked in Africa were in red with the Kenya NSE 20 losing 11.5 per cent. Mauritius’ SEMDEX and Morocco’s Casablanca MASI indices slipped 8.0 per cent and 8.3 per cent respectively just as Egypt’s EGX 30 and Ghana’s GSE Indices dipped by 8.1 per cent and 0.1 per cent in that order. In the BRICS market, Brazil’s Ibovespa Index led the laggards, falling by 22.2 per cent just as Russia’s RTS Index went down by a 21.2 per cent . In South Africa, the FTSE/JSE index lost 15.1 per cent, while India’s BSE Sens and China’s Shangai Composite Indices remained unchanged. Markets in Asia and the Middle East, were equally bearish posting the heaviest losses. Thailand’s SET Index recorded a 17.3 per cent fall followed by UAE’s ADX General and Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul ASI Indices that declined 15.5 per cent and 14.9 per cent in that order. Qatar’s DSM 20 and Turkey’s BIST 100 indices shed 11.6 per cent and 12.8 per cent in order. The advanced markets were not spared from the rampaging bears with the Germany’s XETRA DAX Index suffering the highest loss of 20.4 per cent. In France, the CAC 40 index shed 20.1 per cent. In the same vein, UK’s FTSE All-Share Index slipped 17.3 per cent. In the US, NASDAQ and S&P 500 indices fell 13.5 per cent and 15.2 per cent in that order. However, Japan and Hong Kong, the Nikkei 225 and Hang Seng were flat. While the slump in prices was sending panic among most investors, the Chairman of Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Chief Oyinyechukwu Ezeagu, believe investors should see the decline as an opportunity to increase their portfolios. Ezeagu said rather than panic, investors should take advantage of the bearish trend to increase their investments in stocks, noting that the market would soon stabilize and bounce back.

Investors should not panic. The share prices will bounce back. The companies’ fundamentals remain strong. Many investors are taking advantage of the bearish run to beef up their portfolios,� said Ezeagu. Commenting on why the market had in the early part of the first quarter enjoyed rally only to be moderated by prolonged bearish trend, Ezeagu said: “There were a lot of positive policy pronouncement which influenced investors’ perception, hence the rally. These are attributable to the policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Open Market Operation (OMO) Bills, the new national budget cycle, the expectations of members on the outcome of the demutualisation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and generally the traditional optimism following a new year which was our own January effect.

Although ASHON acknowledged the high level of downswing on the market in the last couple of days, it stated that fundamentals of the quoted companies remained strong. Responding to media enquiries, ASHON’s Chairman, Chief

Oyinyechukwu Ezeagu explained that Nigeria’s stock market remained part of the global exchanges and as such any development in the global market would impact on its operations. “The effect of the coronavirus is gradually affecting trading all over

the world and whatever happens elsewhere reflects in our market. The centre of it all is China and being a major world power both in productive and consumption capacities, any ill wind affecting China would naturally cause a big sneezing to the rest of world.

Market turnover In spite of the bearish trend, investors traded 3.964 billion shares worth N43.703 billion in 26,054 deals last week, indicating an increase of 118 per cent compared with 1.814 billion shares valued at N26.008 billion that exchanged hands in 23,494 deals the previous week. The Financial Services industry led the activity chart with 3.547 billion shares valued at N33.623 billion traded in 19,150 deals, thus contributing 89.48 per cent and 76.94 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Consumer Goods followed with 91.135 million shares worth N6.007 billion in 2,341 deals. The third place was Conglomerates industry, with a turnover of 88.406 million shares worth N132.508 million in 679 deals. However, trading in the top three equities namely, Zenith Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and United Bank for Africa Plc, accounted for 2.448 billion shares worth N29.563 billion in 12,301 deals, contributing 61.75 per cent and 67.64 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. Exchange Traded Products recorded a total of 75,285 units valued at N472.951 million were traded last week in six deals, compared with a total of 8,193 units valued at N68,491.03 transacted the previous week in 11 deals. In the bond market, a total of 62,290 units of federal government Bonds valued at N71.461 million were traded in 18 deals, compared with a total of 61,750 units valued at N69.995 million transacted in 27 deals the previous week. Top price gainers and losers Given the bearish trend, only two stocks appreciated in price during the week, lower than 36 equities in the previous week, while 64 equities depreciated in price, higher than 25 equities in the previous week. The only two price gainers were Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc that led with 7.1 per cent and Cornerstone Insurance Plc which followed with 6.0 per cent gain. On the negative side, Cadbury Nigeria Plc led the price losers with 38.8 per cent, trailed by Zenith Bank Plc with 36.7 per cent. Access Bank Plc went down by 36.4 per cent. United Capital Plc shed 35 per cent, while Nigerian Breweries Plc dipped by 31.3 per cent. African Prudential Plc, Sterling Bank Plc and NASCON Allied Industries Plc depreciated by 31.0 per cent, 29.4 per cent and 26.9 per cent in that order. Wema Bank Plc and Oando Plc went down by 26.2 per cent and 25.9 per cent respectively.

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Bello: With Coronavirus Disruptions, Economic Diversification Crucial The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Mr. Hassan Bello, in this interview on AriseTV, spoke about the devastating effects of the raging coronavirus on global shipping and its effects on the Nigerian economy. Excerpts: Let’s start by discussing the effects of the coronavirus on the global and Nigerian shipping and the corresponding drop in government’s revenue? It is obvious that the coronavirus has had a devastating effect on world shipping and this means less deployments of ships and the whole world supply chain is disrupted. International trade is down by 80 per cent in terms of shipping and if we have that disruption, it means revenue projections will have to be adjusted. In Nigeria for example, 50 per cent of our container trade is done with China. And one could easily see what that means - contracts signed, deliveries will be disrupted. But even more frightening is the fact that revenue projections from port operations will have to also suffer. This will be about 30 to 40 per cent, depending on how long this pandemic continues to disrupt the whole network of international trade. We may not see the effect right now, but maybe much later you will see the devastating effects on the economy. Don’t you think there is need for us to develop new ports or start using other ports such as the Onne Port, the Bakassi Deep Seaport? Yes, this is the time, more than ever where we need to develop deep sea port. The one in Lekki for example, will be a game changer, together with the rail, the Ibadan-Lagos and the Ibadan-Kano-Port Harcourt. These would have significant impact on Nigeria’s economy. The economies of scale could mean that Nigeria could be the hub that is needed, where we have lower vessels taking goods to other ports in the central African sub-region. So, it is important that we have this infrastructure and what the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is doing is quite commendable because there must be some intervention. The hard wins must be met and the economy must be insulated from the vagaries of oil price. And diversification of the economy must be an agenda because this is the lesson we have to learn. Nigeria could easily have been an alternative to China if we have our industries right. So, I think apart from the disruption that we are having, which I hope is temporary, it is very important to look at the issue of diversification. Let’s be a productive economy, let’s look at exports rather than import, we should cut our import bills. In fact, I support export and that is what the Lekki Deep Sea Port and other ports at Bakassi, Onne, will be able to support the Nigerian economy. The Apapa port is ďŹ ve times more expensive than the Durban Habour and three times more expensive than China Port. Apparently, the problem apart from shipping charges and terminal cost is the cost of local transport which is 10 times higher in certain cases. What can be done about this issue and what are the intervention that you have embarked on? The issue of cost is very important. We have to make our ports competitive. We are competing with other ports in the central and western African sub-region. One factor the shipper looks into is cost and it is important in deciding where he wants his cargo to be dropped. So, we are looking at it globally. The issue of cost in Nigeria has to do with even the operating environment, it has to do with the infrastructure, it has to do with the ability to get the goods out of the ports as soon as they land. The port is not a storage place for cargoes. Cargo should not be left at the port. There should be off dock terminals where dry ports for example, where these goods should be examined. And so we are looking at the Lekki Port, which should be delivered in two years’ time, to see that we can make a modern port and address the issue of tariff at the same time. But the Nigeria Shippers’ Council is working assiduously to see that the cost is reduced significantly. And so, we are having negotiations with all the shipping companies. We hope in two weeks’ time we will finish that. By the time

Bello we are through with the negotiations shipping council, terminal operators and don’t forget the government agencies, they also level cost. The Nigerian Ports Authority, NIMASA, all have their costs. So, we would look at all these and come to a very scientific conclusion. But that will mean about 35 per cent reduction in the cost of doing business in Nigerian ports. That will make us competitive and we want to look at the operational efficiency of the ports, we want to look at hinterland connections and how far can these goods leave the ports and reach the final destination. So it is a whole gamut and we are having the support of the federal government to do this. What do you think is really militating against the patronage of eastern ports like Calabar, Port Harcourt, Warri, etc? First of all it must be understood that it is the shipper who decided where is cargo will go and it is an economic decision all the time. The shipper decides how many days

So, I think apart from the disruption that we are having, which I hope is temporary, it is very important to look at the issue of diversiďŹ cation. Let’s be a productive economy, let’s look at exports rather than import, we should cut our import bills

his cargo would stay at the port. We have an average of 18 days duel time in Nigerian ports in Lagos. But the eastern ports are there and they should be patronised. The shippers should patronise the eastern ports. However, there are other issues like security which the federal government is handling, we have the issue of infrastructure, hinterland connection, among others. I bring my goods to Calabar, how do I get it to Maiduguri for example? What are the corridor - the rail, the road and other means of evacuating cargoes from Calabar? What are the navigational issues? For all these things, there must be a comprehensive marshal plan, and I am calling on the central bank, the same intervention it has made in other sector, such as the agric sector, should be seen in the transport sector. We have to patronise the eastern port, that will unclog Lagos, that will mean distributions, that will mean creation of jobs and growing the economy. So I think we need to look at this thing concertedly and deliberately and we have to look at intervention. Is it the area of navigation? Is it the issue of security? Is it the issue of trans- shipping goods from Lagos by smaller vessels to these ports? I think that one day will need to take deliberate action about this and I want the focus of the central bank and other intervening agencies to look at the transport sector. The sector needs coordinated linked strategy so that it can make the expected contribution to the national economy. You said earlier that the Lekki Port will be ready in two years, I want to talk to you about Kaduna Dry Port and the strides it is making, especially in the area of export, I think that is a success story to highlight. What can be achieved if that port is maximised? That is true. Kaduna Dry Port is an example of diversification. We have seen export rise,

export of agricultural produce, and sometimes even manufactured goods from Kaduna dry port. Now, it is important that the federal government designate these dry ports as centers of exports. There are still a lot of things to do like capacity of rail, which is not so much. We are working with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to make sure that wagons are deployed specifically for Kaduna. Exporters could come and export from there. Cow horns are exported, ginger are exported and so many other varieties of things. And every day we see these rising despite the lack of other essential things. We don’t have pre-export inspection companies in Kaduna. The Federal Ministry of Finance should make sure that Kaduna is allocated pre-export inspection shipping. We are working with Nigeria Customs because goods are examined in Kaduna rather than in Lagos. We have a semblance of port community and other regulatory agencies are in Kaduna and you could see immediately that there is something happening even within the immediately premises of the dry port. The Kano Dry Port, the Funtua Dry Port and the Isiala Ngwa Dry Port, are ports of origin which means one can accept cargoes directly there without going through the sea ports. In terms of significance, it will lower the transport cost, it will decongest the sea port and it will also bring economic prosperity. All the port economy will experience in Lagos, Port Harcourt won’t be the same when we have the dry port in Kano, Kaduna, Aba, Funtua, Jos, and other places. So, it is important that attention is given to these ports. And what is even more important is the integration of the infrastructure. There must be linkages. I have seen the central bank supporting the dry port so that we could export more from these ports. The coronavirus effect of disruption on the CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

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BELLO: WITH CORONAVIRUS DISRUPTIONS, ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION CRUCIAL

Airtel Crashes Data Tariff, Incentivises Customers Emma Okonji Airtel Nigeria is offering discounts on its monthly and weekly data bundle plans. Under its revised tariff plans, Airtel said it has dropped data bundle tariff on most of its data bundles, offering customers 15GB for N5,000 monthly bundle and 6GB for N1,500 weekly bundle. Airtel further said it plan to continue on this path of affordability and quality internet to ensure more Nigerians enjoy the benefits of its superior 4G data network. Speaking on the telco’s

commitment to drive affordable mobile broadband in line with the federal government’s plans, the Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Dinesh Balsingh, said: “The company strongly believes in the government’s drive of democratising broadband, extending quality mobile Internet services to the remotest location in the country as well as ensuring that Nigerians regardless of income level can afford data/ mobile internet services.� He noted that prevailing consumer trend indicates a growing demand for data/ mobile internet, saying the telco was well positioned to

take the lead in providing the right value offerings as it currently has the largest 4G network in the country. “As the preferred mobile internet services provider, Airtel is committed to offering superior value to telecoms consumers across the country and our newly revamped data plans is a testament to our commitment to empower our customers. “With these new data plans, our customers now have higher data allowance to do much more and get more out of life; to succeed, to become more productive and to do so much more� Balsingh said.

FirstBank Commits to Women Empowerment Chiamaka Ozulumba Bello economy has taught us one lesson and that lesson is diversification. For example, we have to now have disruption in volatility of oil prices and so many other things. This will mean that certain very important infrastructure could have delay in delivery. Like the Ibadan-Lagos rail which is supposed to be delivered in April, now we have to push it to June. Also, the Ibadan Dry Port could be delayed. But what is more important is the production. We need to diversify the economy and so we need to think of exports. Export is very important to the life of this country, so that we can insulate ourselves from the vagaries of the external shocks. And that is why it is commendable what the central bank is doing. With the dynamics in the global economy, the interventions by the central bank to tackle the headwinds and macroeconomic interventions is quite commendable. And let me use this opportunity to also commend another sector, the health sector, that have been able to contain this virus in Nigeria. It is quite commendable and comforting. The Minister of Health, the Commissioners in the states and other stakeholders at the airports and other ports of entry. So, this means Nigeria has strong institutions and we should also leverage on that and let the people know that this is what is happening. Let talk about the recent news that Nigeria experienced a trade deďŹ cit in the fourth quarter in 2019. What is your take on this, what kind of pressure is it putting on the ports as well? The trade deficit has to do with our ability to produce. Manufacturing for example is very important to an economy. If we have more imports than export that means, we will have trade deficit. We have large import bills and we need to look at even our infrastructure. We have to look at our economy and make sure that we focus it on processed export. Nigeria’s ginger for example, is the best in the world and so many things here as well. For instance, beans from Nigeria is the best in the world but we need to process it and we need to export it. Now, the logistic chain has to be improved, there must be access to finance by exporters. There must be access to international market and a deliberate policy by Nigeria to make sure that we have more export than import. So, if we have that, our trade will be almost balanced, which is a balanced terms of trade, which is also very important for any country. This is important, especially now that our population is what we rely on to take our domestic production. But things are pointing to the fact that a country must export or perish and I think Nigeria should have a deliberate policy to look at that trade imbalance and correct, one of the things, which is production, manufacturing and export. In terms of the Cabotage vessel ďŹ nancing fund, the Minister of Transport promised

that the disbursement will soon commence and a committee has been set up to work out how it should be disbursed. Can you give us an update on that? The committee is working with stakeholders, it is very important to understand again international trade and it is important to understand our economy. We don’t just buy ships for buying sake, we buy to tailor the modern trade route. The commodities we are dealing with, what is our international advantages in trade? So the stakeholders are sensitised on the way to go about it. Many people will think it is a government largesse for people to come and take. No, this is also a direct economic intervention. Cabotage means places reserved for indigenous ship owners or ship operators. It is a protectionist idea, but we have to do that. It is also done in America and other countries and trading within the brown waters must be indigenous ships. The ship must be manufactured in Nigeria, it must be owned by a Nigerian, and they must be owned or run by Nigeria. It is a beautiful concept but we have to give time limit and phase out to see how we could achieve that. But, that is the reality and it is also an intervention. It has to be carefully done as an economic intervention and not a political, one. As the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) set up a quarantine centers at the ports, are there any preparations or things in place to test people at the ports that come in contact with goods that are coming in that may have been infected by COVID-19? The Nigerian Ports Authority working with the authorities in the health sector have already taken measures to contain the spread at the ports. That is what we are doing at our various points of disembarkation at the sea ports, at the airport and even at the land borders. We go through all the test to see those who are likely to be affected. So, Nigeria is actually a country of strong institutions, and that we had only two cases was also an indication to show how serious we are. The health sector is doing a lot to see that these things are contained. What we are having is a pandemic as you said, which means with 180 countries, we see a whole country lockdown, Italy, and what is happening in the United States, sport activities, economic activities, social activities, markets shut. So, Nigeria is not living in isolation, Nigeria is working hard to see that these things are also done in accordance with international best practices. And that has given us comfort, that has given the internal economy as well, some comfort. We have not seen massive disruptions of our sporting events and other things. So these are temporary things, the whole coronavirus thing is going to be temporary.

The Managing Director of FirstBank Nigeria Limited, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, in commemoration of this year ’s International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrated recently, said the financial institution was committed to ensuring gender parity and enabling women in the workforce to reach their full potential. He said this over the weekend at the first anniversary celebration of FirstBank’s Women Network/ IWD in Lagos. Adeduntan said the FirstBank Women Network is one of the initiatives created to ensure equal opportunities for women in the workplace and to help them leverage opportunities presented by enabling them to contribute more if given the necessary strategic support and an intentionally enabling environment. He said: “FirstBank recognises the fact that gender parity is an essential factor for influencing the advancement of institutions, economies and societies hence its commitment

to promoting same and equipping women for senior and executive management positions. “Last year, we launched this Network on the International Women’s Day. This was so because the activities of the network are at par with the essence of the International Women’s Day celebration. “In different regions around the world, the focus of the celebration includes equality, total respect, appreciation and love towards women for their achievements and invaluable contributions to human growth and development. “The emphasis for this year’s celebration is on the fact that an equal world is an enabled world - #EachforEqual. Each one of us is therefore charged with the responsibility to promote a gender equal world.� He further added that FirstBank has its key positions occupied by women. The position of the Board Chairman is one good example, he added. “Our recent appointments in the last year have seen

more women in leadership positions. They are the Group Executive, Corporate Banking Group, Energy & Infrastructure; Group Head, Banking Operations & S e r v i c e s ; G ro u p H e a d , C o m m e rc i a l Banking G ro u p ; C h i e f Te c h n o l o g y O ff i c e r, F B N Bank Ghana and Congo; Chief Risk Officer, FBN Bank Congo; Head, Procurement and Head, First Academy. “We will keep promoting an enabling environment for our women to thrive and help them reach their maximum potentials, especially career-wise. “I therefore urge everyone of us present, male and female, to make a conscious effort to create an enabling world by promoting a gender-equal world,� he added. According to the Group E x e c u t i v e , E n e rg y a n d I n f r a s t ru c t u re , Mrs B ashrirat Odumewu and Group Head, Human Capital Management Development Ms. Rosie Ebe-Arthur, “the FirstBank Women Network was created to empower ourselves to be able to achieve more.

Foundation Commemorates #MyFreedomDay The Slum Art Foundation, as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) project that focuses on mentoring, restructuring mindsets and developing the creative talents of children living within slums, recently held an exhibition and painting session with the kids in the slum to commemorate the #MyFreedomDay. According to a statement, the event held at the Ijora Badia area of Lagos. The event themed: #Paintingwiththegoodguys, was graced by the Commander of Rapid Response Squad (RRS), DCP Tunji Disu, and his team who were shown the various art works done by the children as they collaborated in painting various art works in marking the globally celebrated day. According to a statement, the global campaign against modern slavery championed

by CNN is one that spread across six continents and 100 countries and over the years seen the participation of students globally through creative expressions call for an end to all forms o f m o d e r n s l a v e r y. Speaking at the event, C o - f o u n d e r, S l u m A r t Foundation, Adetunwase Adenle, stated that the s c o u rg e o f m o d e r n d a y slavery was one which re q u i re s t h e f u l l a t tention and deliberate e ff o r t s o f n o t j u s t t h e government, but every stakeholder, influencers and members of every household within every society in putting an end to the global issue. H e u rg e d p a re n t s t o be supportive of their w a rd s , e n c o u r a g e t h e m to enjoy their childhood memories with friends and empower them with

skills that would make t h e m b e t t e r p e r s o n s for themselves and their community rather than saddle them with the responsibilities of being involved in trading on the streets of Lagos at a young age which is unsafe. “At Slum Art foundation, we are able to provide a conducive learning environment and platform for children in the slum to acquire skills in art, thereby taking them off the streets after school and empowering them to be more useful members of our society. “The positive impact on our engagement is the multiplier effect of having the friends of children actively engaged in the training sessions also come around and joining them, thus keeping them busy rather than engaging in illicit activities.� Adetunwase added.

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Building Resilience to External Shocks Adetayo Ayoade The past few days in Nigeria has seen government officials directly responsible for economic management being under. From the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Aisha Ahmed; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Timipre Sylva; the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, and the Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Malam Mele Kyari, they have all been very busy trying to find out ways to help the country come of out of the present challenge it has found itself. Precisely, the impact of the coronavirus, which is now a global epidemic and last week’s significant drop in the price of crude oil due to a price war between Saudi Arabia have exposed Nigeria’s weak underbelly. Already, the naira has been under pressure in the past few days and the stock market has lost significant value as well. Also, the country’s external reserves have been under intense pressure in the past few weeks. This is one situation the International Monetary Fund (IMF); the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, and other notable economists had warned against. For instance, in all its Article IV Consultation on Nigeria, in the past few years, the Washington-based institution had consistently stressed the fact that the country would be vulnerable in the case of an external shock. In its latest report on Nigeria released last month, the IMF had stated that external vulnerabilities in the country were increasing and reflected a higher current account deficit and declining reserves that remain highly vulnerable to capital flow reversals. In the same vein, Emefiele, had in his last three personal statements at the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), consistently highlighted the need for measures to diversify the economy, to guard against external shocks. For instance, at the November 2019 MPC, Emefiele, had warned that though the shortterm outlook was positive, it was threatened by subdued oil price trends, fragile domestic contexts, and adverse global conditions. “I remain convinced that an adequate mitigation of these risks, buoyed by sustained foreign exchange stability, appropriate credit policy to the domestic real sector, sustained non-conventional development financing by the CBN, and expected implementation of the 2020 capital budget will enhance short-term outlook,� he had stated. Also, at the January 2020 MPC, Emefiele, also called for measures to urgently diversify the economy and create institutional structures that will insulate the economy from oil shocks. He also warned that a potential fall in oil prices could debilitate the economy and adversely impact exchange rate and heighten inflationary pressure. He had said: “I reiterate that even as economic recovery stayed fragile, effective anchoring of inflation expectations remain fundamental. “Besides, potential fall in oil prices could debilitate the economy and adversely impact the exchange rate with ramifications for inflation. “It remains urgently imperative to diversify the economy and create institutional structures that will insulate the economy from oil shocks.� Furthermore, Emefiele said cautious policy was irrefutable as growth was still low while per capita income and unemployment rate remained outside tolerable levels. According to him, this was what informed the Bank’s aggressive intervention in the non-oil sector through its development finance activities. “Besides, the modest short-term prospect is threatened by delicate oil price dynamics, weak aggregate demand, persistent herder–farmer conflicts and prevalent security challenges. “I am of the view that a favourable resolution of these challenges, reinforced by sustained FX stability, as well as continued implementation of the Loan-to-Deposit Ratio (LDR) policy, will further boost short-term outlook,� he added. “I note the improvements in banks’ NonPerforming Loans (NPLs) position and our continuing efforts at de-risking the target sectors. “Robust credits will bolster domestic investment, household demand and factor productivity while accelerating economic diversification,

EmeďŹ ele and ensuring strong and inclusive growth,â€? he added. Indeed, the improvement in private sector credit from N15.3 trillion in May 2019, to over N17.4 trillion as of January 2020, and reduction in lending rates, have been attributed to the CBN’s directive on 65 per cent minimum loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR). Treasury bills rates also dropped significantly due to the restriction of individuals and non-bank institutions from the open market operations (OMO) auctions. In February, the bank introduced longer-term contracts on the naira in a move to attract more foreign inflows, shore up its dwindling dollar reserves and stave off a currency devaluation. The directive for banks to raise lending was aimed at stimulating lending to the real economy. It was to motivate small and mid-size enterprises, retail, mortgage and consumer lending. The policy was introduced to support the federal government’s diversification efforts. Also, the central bank has continued to seek ways to de-risk key high-impact non-oil private sector activities. Similarly, the Bank has sustained its development finance interventions by channeling vital funds to the real sector to boost local productivity, spur job creation, and moderate poverty. For instance, the bumper harvest recorded recently by maize, sorghum, cassava, tomatoes

Precisely, the impact of the coronavirus, which is now a global epidemic and last week’s signiďŹ cant drop in the price of crude oil due to a price war between Saudi Arabia have exposed Nigeria’s weak underbelly

and cotton farmers under the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) gave the agricultural initiative a major boost. So, the cultivation of the last rainy season harvested recently was very successful and a bumper one. So, it impacted positively on the ABP and made it easy for farmers to repay their loan. The ABP was designed to assist small-scale farmers to increase the production and supply of feedstock to agro-processors with the aim of creating an ecosystem to link out-growers (smallholders) to local processors. The programme is also expected to increase banks’ financing to the agricultural sector, enhance capacity utilisation of agricultural firms involved in the production of identified commodities as well as the productivity and incomes of farmers. It has helped in reducing poverty among smallholders, while assisting rural subsistent farmers to reach commercial production levels. After the rice boom that has seen many homes ditching expensive imported rice for home grown local rice consequently saving the country huge foreign exchange, the President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s quest to diversify the economy, the CBN recently commenced efforts to revive commercial production of tomato and textile in the country, in a remarkable lift to the economy. Through programmes such as the ABP, the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme and the Bankers Committee Agri-Business/ Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS), the CBN has improved access to markets for farmers by facilitating greater partnership with agro-processors and manufacturing firms in the sourcing of raw materials. “As a result, manufacturers have integrated local options in sourcing their raw materials. Partnerships forged through contracts between farmer cooperatives and agro-processors have also helped to support improved production of agricultural commodities such as rice, cotton and maize. “In order to address some of the challenges faced by local farmers and manufacturers, we

embarked on measures to discourage smuggling and dumping of restricted items into the country, by imposing restrictions on the use of financial institutions in Nigeria by identified smugglers, as their activities undermined the growth of our local industries. “These measures are aiding our efforts to support local cultivation in rice, cotton and fish, etc,� he disclosed. Accordingly, he has continued to reiterate the need for the central bank to intensify, refocus and become more aggressive with its efforts to structurally rebalance and diversify the economy from oil. “We need to strengthen our forex reserves on the fortitude of the non-oil sector. In this regard, the success of the 43 items in buoying productivity is fervently acknowledged. “I emphasise once more the need to maintain our unconventional approach to tackling macroeconomic challenges. We have seen a pickup in real growth rate up to 2019 third quarter, traceable to improved credits and higher LDR. This is even more pleasing as NPL continued to decline even with higher credits, due primarily to regulatory mechanisms. “We also observed marginal uptick in inflation rate due to supply hitches heralded by border closures. Given the price stability mandate of the CBN, it is foremost to keep inflationary concerns within sight while remaining mindful of the need to correct the output gap. Hence, on a balance of evidence and probability, it may be more judicious to hold all parameters at this time,� Emefiele said. The President/Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers’ of Nigeria, Dr. Uche Olowu, recently said diversifying the economy away from crude oil earnings would help boost foreign investors’ confidence in the economy. He disclosed that as soon as the economy is diversified, the country will see higher accretion to the foreign reserves and improved confidence in the economy. He said opportunities in the agricultural sector should be explored to improve the country’s capacity to export agric products. He said the country has so much to gain by investing in agriculture, which will boost foreign reserves.

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Air Peace Deploys Measures to Protect Passengers, Staff against Coronavirus Chinedu Eze Air Peace has announced measures to protect its numerous passengers and staff against the spread of the Coronavirus. The airline’s Safety Manager, Captain Godfrey Ogbogu, made this known in a statement at

the weekend. Ogbogu, stated that all passengers of Air Peace would be subjected to thorough hand sanitisation at the boarding gate, adding that the airline has introduced temperature checking for all passengers before boarding.

He revealed that any passenger whose temperature reads above 38 degrees, would not be allowed to board while a refund would be issued. According to him: “We wish to state categorically that any passenger who fails to cooperate will be declined boarding on

any of our flights.� Assuring the passengers that these exercises would be seamlessly carried out, Ogbogu hinted that the passengers would not be inconvenienced in any way. The Captain enjoined all passengers to cooperate with

the airline to this end, as the World Health Organisation recently declared COVID-19 a pandemic. He disclosed that the airline’s aircraft was also being extensively sanitised before flying each day. Ogbogu, said Air Peace would continue to co-operate with the

federal government in fighting the disease. “We use this opportunity to thank all our customers for making us their airline of choice; the safety of our passengers and workforce is our priority, and this we shall pursue vigorously,’’ he asserted.

Heritage Bank, GEZAWA Seek to Boost Agric Sector Heritage Bank Plc which has been adjudged the lead settlement bank for Gezawa Commodity Market (GCMX), has collaborated with key stakeholders to revolutionise the agricultural value-chain. The collaboration was aimed at providing fully integrated ecosystem for commodity Exchange. According to a statement, Heritage Bank was appointed the Lead Settlement Bank and Transaction Adviser to GCMX and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the two firms, whilst over 10, 000 farmers in 3000 cooperatives in the 44 local governments of Kano States were hosted. “The partnership between Heritage Bank and the Exchange would facilitate the ease of agro commodity trading in a more structured way, especially with the closeness to the Dawanu, the largest grain market in Africa,� the statement added. The MD/CEO of Heritage Bank Plc, Ifie Sekibo, who was a panelist at the second GCMX Farmers’ Cooperative Forum in Kano at the weekend, was quoted in the statement, to have said the partnership was to de-risk the sector and bring about structured and enhanced agro-business and attain food security that leads to economic development. Sekibo, who was represented by the Executive Director, Jude Monye, explained that the

partnership which would help bridge the huge gap associated to risk, would fast track effective price discovery mechanism and traceability and enhanced trade settlement services. Specifically, the bank’s helmsman stated that under the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP) and the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), Heritage Bank would provide on-lending funding to aggregated farmers in the 2020 farming season to grow various products that will serve as raw materials to the processors, thereby ensuring market linkages and access to the market as well as reduce importation and conserve Nigeria’s external reserves. According to him, with its assigned position Heritage Bank would play a pivotal role in ensuring that there would be an effective and readily available platform for market linkages among players in the agribusiness value chain, involving FMCGs, warehouse operators, collateral managers, processors, farmers’ cooperatives to transact in a seamless way that guarantee quality, quantity, payment and delivery. Speaking at the event, the CEO of Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Segun Awolowo, affirmed that the initiative would help foster diversification of nonoil export trade.

Aliyu Unveils N70m Aquaculture Centre Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Aliyu, has inaugurated an aquaculture centre valued at N70 million for women and youths in Kwali Area Council of the territory. She said the project was aimed at building a strong economic base for rural dwellers who constitute larger proportion of FCT population, and to engage them in productive ventures that would enhance their capacities to earn meaningful source of living thereby improving their socio-economic status. Aliyu, said this during the inauguration of aquaculture centre and tour of project facilities in Kwali area council. The minister also said the decision of the FCT Administration to adopt the empowerment approach was inspired by its commitment to ensure self-reliance for individuals particularly in gainful ventures such as aquaculture and allied trades. She noted that the administration through Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat has also provided a farmhouse and

a well-equipped centre, adding that each of the 50 beneficiaries would be given a starter pack. The starter packs include two fish culture tanks, 500 fish seeds, 10 bags of fish feed, 30 brooded chicks, two bags of poultry feed (starter and finisher), poultry vaccines, vitamins and four drinkers four feeders, just as the administration also allocated mini-plot for integrated farming, made up of fish culture, poultry, micro livestock farming and olericulture. “It is our projection that in full capacity, the centre will not only bridge the gap in meeting demands for fish in the FCT, but it will also encourage the setting up of businesses as it relates to the aquaculture value chain thereby generating the much needed jobs for our teeming unemployed women and youths. “I therefore call on the beneficiaries to mobilise to site as soon as possible and commence production. On our part, efforts will be made to provide all the infrastructures and facilities required for the immediate take-off of the entire estate,� Aliyu affirmed.

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PROMOTING DIGITAL BANKING

L-R: Executive Director, We Innovation Hub, Wole Odetayo; Executive Director, Financial Services Innovators, Aituaz Kola-Oladejo; Assistant Director, Payment System Management Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Aisha Isa-Olatinwo; and Group Head, Digital Banking, Sterling Bank, Dipo Alabede, during the Financial Services Innovators and Google Development Group Hackathon, sponsored by Sterling Bank Plc in Lagos... recentl

‘Agribusiness Expo to Boost Export Potential of Local Farmers’ James Emejo in Abuja The Agribusiness Innovation Conference and Expo 2020 (AGRICON 2020) will among other things boost the export potential of Nigerian farmers and agri-preneurs through provision of linkage opportunities with international markets and improved awareness on modern farming techniques, organisers have said. The Managing Director, Agribusiness Innovation International Limited, Mrs. Stella Oraka, said the event slated to hold between March 19 -20 in Owerri, Imo State, will further sensitise farmers on the export requirements of the United States and Europe for selected commodities, procedures for registering as an exporter as well as steps for obtaining the necessary certificates required

for exportation. She told THISDAY that the programme would host key off-takers from the US, Europe and other African countries who would meet with local farmers and buy their commodities. She said the conference had been segmented into three categories including general session where participants would learn new researches and innovations that would enhance productivity and export potentials; the marketplace where exporters will meet with off-takers and strike business deals as well as the exhibition sideline where exporters can showcase their commodities. Also, the Director General, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Dr. Vincent Isegbe, will be speaking alongside US investors including Managing

Director, Futures Agribusiness, USA, Jean Tsafack, Managing Director, Terra Global Capital, USA, John Lewis, Guy Fievez (USA) and Managing Director, Agroplus Africa, Debo Abodunrin among several other representatives of stakeholder organisations including the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nigeria Customs Service among others. Also commenting on the exhibition, Project Director of Agribusiness Innovation, Mr. Asotun Victor, said the programme seeks to complement President Buhari’s efforts aimed at improving export revenue earnings non-oil segments particularly agriculture. He said the conference further seeks to address instances whereby a lot of farmers have their products rejected in international markets largely due to

non-adherence to standards. He explained: “We are addressing all of this. Some farmers do not know how to store properly. Their commodities grow mold before they get to their destination because of high moisture contents and presence of aflatoxins. “We have experts on storage that will come and talk. Some farmers do not know how to apply pesticides. We are going to be talking about EU standards and regulations to address the presence of pesticides in our commodities which is higher than the acceptable limits in importing countries.� He said representatives from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) would also deliver presentations on how youths can participate effectively in agribusiness to boost the country’s potential.

COVID-19:Turkish Airlines Adopts Safety Measures Chinedu Eze Turkish Airlines has announced new measures to minimise the effects and spread of COVID 19. The airline said in a statement that in line with the guidelines of both local and international civil aviation authorities, all Turkish Airlines planes are to be disinfected with substances approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and aircraft manufacturers. It said all surfaces passengers come in contact with must go through extensive cleaning processes by a dedicated special hygiene team. “We have taken extra measures since the beginning of the Novel

Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic to minimise both its effects and spreading. “Our foremost priority being the safety and well-being of our passengers and crew members�, a statement on the airline’s Website reads. “At the point of passenger boarding, crew members monitor passengers while welcoming them on board and throughout the flight. In the case of a passenger showing symptoms of the disease, the passenger in question undergoes a medical check with the directives of the host country’s health authority,� the statement added. According to the statement,

during flights, “the cabin air is repetitively purified with hospital-grade High-efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. “The filtration system constantly disinfects the air of any harmful substance in the air during flights. All passengers are also required to complete the passenger selfreporting form distributed by the Federal Ministry of Health,� the airline added. It noted that items such as forks, spoons, glasses and plates used during meals, are also disinfected asides the regular washing routine. “All fabrics and devices used onboard go through an extensive cleaning process and are replaced

with fresh sets for each flight. “Since the epidemic, the airline has increased the number of facemasks, disposable gloves, sanitisers, and other disinfectants on its fleet of aircraft,� it added. The statement also revealed that the airline prioritises travel safety and was committed to working with local and international authorities to contain the spread of the virus. The statement added: “As the airline that always puts the travel security at the forefront, Turkish Airlines will continue to monitor the latest developments on the situation with the national and international health authorities and take appropriate precautions.

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T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍ´Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

CRC Gets Recognition Bennett Oghifo The Policy Development Facility Phase II (PDFII), funded by the United Kingdom government, has recognised Nigeria’s Credit Bureau Limited (CRC) for ‘Outstanding Facilitation of Access to Finance’ in the country. Policy Development Facility Phase II (PDFII), funded with UK aid from the United Kingdom Government, is a flexible, rapid-response facility set up to support Champions of Change in implementing economic and social policies that lead to poverty reduction in Nigeria. A statement by CRC said the recognition, which took place at the ‘Non-Oil Export Conference & Awards’ (NECA), held in Lagos, recently. This comes after receiving the Best Credit Bureau, Nigeria 2020 in January, by Capital Finance International (CFI.co) a print journal and online resource reporting on business, economics and finance with its Headquarters in London, United Kingdom. CRC Credit has gained this recognition because of its contributions in driving access to finance for individuals and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises which are the largest employers of labour in the Nigerian

economy. The theme of the event was ‘Growing Non-Oil Export Business in Nigeria: The Strategic Imperatives’, which covered three plenary discussions, the non-oil export awards and exhibitions from Made in Nigeria, Small and Medium Enterprises. According to the Managing Director/CEO, CRC Credit Bureau, Mr. ‘Tunde Popoola, who was represented by Mrs. Peggy Chukwuma-Nwosu, Head of Business Development, at the event “CRC will continue to use our robust database of credit information and superior technology to champion the cause of access to finance for MSMEs which will help end our dependency on oil. At CRC, we believe that MSMEs are the engine of growth for any economy and they can only thrive with access to finance, which is made easier with access to credit information for both the lender and borrower. CRC is one of the largest credit reporting agencies in Nigeria, with recorded credit data from commercial banks, on-bank institutions, utility companies and retailers thus improving the ability of credit providers and borrowers make informed lending and borrowing decisions.

Experts Call for Attitudinal Change among Nigerians Raheem Akingbolu Top players in the nation’s creative industry, including three former Presidents of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN): Udeme Ufot, Mr. Lolu Akinwumi and Mrs Bunmi Oke, have condemned the non-chalant attitude of Nigerians towards pushing positive stories about the country and her people to the world. They spoke during a parley orgnised by the Chief Executive Officer of 789 Marketing, an online portal, Goddy Ofose. In separate interviews with THISDAY, the trio, maintained that the task of building a strong image for Nigeria should be a combined effort of all stakeholders, including government, business

owners, politicians, religious leaders and members of the public. To this end, they call on all leaders of thought to begin projecting the best stories about the country. The guest speaker at the event, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Noah’s Ark, a leading creative agency, Lanre Adisa, challenged communication professionals, governments and all stakeholders in the brand Nigeria project, to make conscious, deliberate and organised efforts to tell the many positive stories of the country. Speaking on the theme: “Advertising and the Power of the Nigerian Story�, Adisa, stated that advertising has huge mind-power with both intended and subtle messages.

He said: “Every piece of advertising message must be seen as an opportunity to shape minds and make impact for a particular era. When the full power of advertising is unleashed, it shapes the story of a brand for good.� He also explained that every piece of communication arts, be it an ad, music or film project provides a veritable platform to project Nigeria’s story. Stating that nations tell theirs through what they do or what they say about themselves, Adisa said the Nigerian story was vibrant and no one could tell it better than Nigerians. “So we need to shun all the excuse, the time to do that is now. The power is in our hands�.

Members of the panel that included top industry players like Felix King Eiremiokhae of Oracle; Martin Mabutho of MultiChoice; Jaiye Israel Opayemi of ChainReactions; Bunmi Oke of Ladybirds; Moji Saka of SoulCom and Odion Aleobua of Modion Communcations, noted that outsiders have been telling the Nigerian story for too long. The panel also noted the lack of buy-in by some Nigerians in the Nigerian brand. They agreed that advertising and conscious efforts by the government to tell Nigerians story will turn things around. Earlier in his address, Ofose, said the event was designed to bring together industry leaders to move sector forward.

Anambra Hails Offodile’s Appointment as NIMASA Director Eromosele Abiodun The Anambra State Government has expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Honourable Chudi Offodile as an Executive Director of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). Offodile was last week announced the new NIMASA Executive Director in charge of Finance following the reorganisation of the agency’s top management. In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Don Adinuba, the state government said, “Offodile is eminently deserving of the appointment. He is, in fact, worth everything in gold.� The government congratulated Offodile on his appointment adding that Buhari has made the right choice. Offodile, a lawyer, political analyst and author, represented the Awka Federal Constituency in the National Assembly from 1999 to 2005, and was simultaneously chairman of the Sub Committee on Gas and Chairman of the Special Committee on Joint Venture Oil Operations, later heading the Committee on Public Petitions. The statement added, “Though he left the legislature 15 years ago, his colleagues and officials of the National Assembly speak nostalgically about him on account of the brilliance, commitment and vibrancy he displayed. “Having discharged his duties with aplomb, he set a standard by which a lot of his colleagues are still judged

in matters of transparency, probity and commitment to the common good as well as legislative delivery.� According to the statement, Offodile was one of the first major investors in the state following the restoration of democratic rule in Nigeria in 1999 and encouraged many people from Anambra State to follow his bold example of Think Home. “His impressive record made Governor Willie Obiano appoint him last December a member of the Anambra State Vision 2070 Committee, a group drawing up a strategic plan to make the state attain the status of a fully developed entity in the next 50 years. The former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Chukwuma Soludo who is a distinguished Economics professor, heads the committee. The statement also noted that Governor Obiano has expressed the gratitude of the people and government of Anambra State for the appointment. “Honorable Offodile’s appointment into the leadership of NIMASA, a key parastatal, is obviously in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s promise during the 2019 electioneering campaign to appoint persons from Anambra State and the Southeast geopolitical zone into strategic positions. “We still expect more key appointments because all the people the president has appointed from our state and the Southeast geopolitical zone always display outstanding competence, integrity and loyalty, �the statement concluded.

BUSINESS EXPANSION

L-R: Divisional Head, Service Management and Technology, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Kayode Adigun; Secretary General, Ojokoro LCDA Market Women Association, Mrs. Gbemisola Dada; Director, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Rasheed Macaulay; Assistant Director, Mr. Gboyega Idris, and Zonal Head, Ikeja 2, Mrs. Adejumoke Arije, during the inauguration of FCMB Cash Centre at Agege Abattoir, Lagos‌recently

Wema Bank Supports Women-owned Businesses In line with the 2020 International Women’s Day (IWD), Wema Bank recently celebrated female staff and customers of the bank. Tagged “Generation Equality; Realising a Woman’s Right,� a statement disclosed that the interactive session drew from the IWD global theme ‘Each for Equal’ to discuss collective individualism as a notion in the drive for gender equality. “Inspired by the substantial role of women in the growth of its business, deliberations also addressed demands on equal pay, equal sharing of unpaid care and domestic work, an end to sexual harassment, all forms of violence against women and girls, healthcare services that respond to our needs, equal participation in politics and decision-making in all areas of life,� the statement added. The session also opened to customers, especially members of the bank’s women-support

community, SARA by Wema. The event further promoted the SARA by Wema community which had empowered over 10,000 women since its launch in March 2019 through financial literacy programmes. According to the Head of Brand and Marketing, Wema Bank, Funmilayo Falola, the event championed the discourse that we are all responsible for our thoughts and actions. “As a bank, we believe that we can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women’s achievement. “Beyond celebrating the IWD, the bank is partnering with Afro-soul queen, Aramide to host Songversation with Aramide, a concert-style event that celebrates the achievement of women in Nigeria. The partnership will also see the bank support three women-owned businesses with N100,000 each,� she added.

Firms Partner to Facilitate Travelling Chinedu Eze Maple Travels Limited has engaged in a strategic partnership with WCE Partners, one of the leading multinational immigration specialist firms. This was made public at the official opening of the new ultra-modern head office of Maple Travels situated in Lekki Phase-1, Lagos. The company said it had been operating in Lagos for nearly a decade and has now decided to move into a befitting edifice situated at the high brow area of Lagos. In his opening remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Adefolarin Adesemowo, said the recent travel ban announced by the US on non-immigrant visas for the citizens of Nigeria and various stringent conditions put by other embassies made it difficult for genuine Nigerians to secure the visa. He added that the US renewal drop box service has already been cancelled by the United State embassy.

Hence, in a quest to assist their clients in this predicament, the company has signed up with a reputable brand like WCE Partner for the Citizenship by Investment program. At the same time, the WCEP Director for Africa and Middle East, N. K Kelvin has also confirmed that they have been getting a huge number of requests from Lagos. After a deep and thorough study of demand in Lagos, we are delighted to announce the expansion of our bespoke services in partnership with this renowned and competent brand. “The launching of our new office confirms that the two companies have the common goal and vision in fostering strong customer relationships to be built upon exceptional and excellent professional services to clients interested in Citizenship by Investment. Nigerians are now able to obtain a second passport by investing in other countries without necessarily relocating to that country.

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IMAGES

L-R: National Director, JCI Nigeria Let’s Do It!, Olorunleke Odubote; Chief Operating OďŹƒcer, African CleanUp Initiative, Eunice Akhigbe; Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, African Clean-Up Initiative, Alex Akhigbe; Local Government Inspector, NYSC, Eti Osa Local Government, Olajumoke Otitoloju and Operations Manager, Wecyclers, Irebami Taiwo at the launch of the Clean-Up Naija project, sponsored by Coca-Cola Foundation in Lagos...recently

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍ´Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

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

L-R; Secretary to Sokoto State Government, Saidu Umar; listens as Head of Marketing, PAN Nigeria Ltd, Joseph Adesanya explains the functions of PAN-Higer H5C, a new product of PAN Nig at the Argungu Motor Rally during a brief stop in Sokoto...recently

L-R: Doyen of Stockbrokers, Sam Ndata; Chairman, Association Of Securities Dealing Houses Of Nigeria, (ASHON), Chief Onyinyechukwu Ezeagu; Former President, Chartered Institute Of Stockbrokers, (CIS), Henry Olayemi; Managing Director, Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange, (LCFE), Akin Akeredolu - Ale and Company Secretary, LCFE, Fatima Lawal at Breakfast Meeting Organized by Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE) to Introduce The Company to Senior Stockbrokers, In Lagos...recently

L-R: Executive Director, Innovation Hub, Wole Odetayo; Executive Director, Financial Services Innovators, Aituaz Kola-Oladejo; Assistant Director, Payment System Management Department, Central Bank of Noigeria, Aisha Isa-Olatinwo; and Group Head, Digital Banking, Sterling Bank, Dipo Alabede, during the Financial Services Innovators and Google Development Group Hackathon sponsored by Sterling Bank Plc in Lagos... recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

L-R: Country CEO, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Khaled El Dokani and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide SanwoOlu during a courtesy visit by The Country CEO, Lafarge Africa Plc to the Governor at Lagos House, Marina.... recently

L-R: Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chiji Collins; Revd. Chukwuma Opara, Anglican Bishop, Owerri Diocese; Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma; Primate-elect, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba; and Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Rt. Reverend Benjamin Okoro, when Angican Clergy paid Courtesy Call to Governor Uzodinma, in Owerri...recently

L-R: Deputy Director/Coordinator, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Lagos State, Mrs. Nkiru Onuzulu; Group Managing Director/CEO, Access Bank Plc. Mr. Herbert Wigwe; winner Diamond Xtra 12, Mrs. Folasade Mojisola Jabin; and the Executive Director, Retail Banking, Access Bank Plc. Mr. Victor Etuokwu at the DiamondXtra Season 12 launch held in Lagos‌recently PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍ´Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

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L-R: PAN Drivers, Mekudi Haruna; Oseni Saidu; Deputy Governor, Zamfara State, Mahadi Aliyu Mohammed Gusau and Consultant, Argungu Motor Rally, Abdulraheem Agunbiade at the agging down and o of Argungu Motor Rally in Gusau...recently

L-R: Head, Vitafoam Comfort Centre, Adeniyi Jones, Mr Abiola Lawal; Finance Director, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Mr Joseph Alegbesogie; Guest speaker, Mrs Modupe Adesanya; Group Managing Director, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Mr Taiwo Adeniyi; Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Mr Olalekan Sanni; and Commercial Director, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Mr Bamidele Owoade, at the Vitafoam World Sleep Day 2020 in Lagos..recently

L-R: Church Growth OďŹƒcer, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Lagos Province(LP) 21, Victory Chapel, Magodo, Pastor Dele Ikotun; Pastor-in-Charge of Province, LP 21, Pastor Bayo Olugbemi; Guest Speaker / CEO, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, (FCCPC), Mr. Babatunde Irukera; President, Redeemers Men Fellowship (Wisemen), LP 21, Daniel Adebola; and Pastor Joseph Adetayo, at the Special Breakfast Meeting in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

L-R: Head, Marketing, Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Abiodun Ayodeji; Managing Director, Anders Einarsson; Head of Sales, Olakunle Ayeni and Commercial Director, Mario Russo, at the launch of SunVita Choco Crunch Cereal by Promasidor in Lagos ...recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

L-R: President, Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed and the, Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin EmeďŹ ele at the Going for Growth Conference held at the Central Bank of Nigeria Auditorium, Abuja...recently PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI

L-R: Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Mrs Olusola Idowu; and Corps Marshal, FRSC, Dr Boboye Oyeyem at the workshop on the Nigerian Road Safety Strategy 2019-2023 (NRSS II) in Abuja...recently

L-R: Executive Secretary, Education Development Trust Fund, Dr. (Mrs) Alice Atuwo; Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Douye Diri; and the Chairman, Education Development Trust Fund, Prof. Turner Isoun, during a meeting with members of the Bayelsa State Education Trust Fund, at Government House, Yenagoa...recently

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T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍ´Ëœ 2020

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Policy Makers Advocate Urgent Reforms to Boost Nutrition in Africa James Emejo Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË African senior policy makers have emphasised the need for urgent policy reforms and institutional innovation to overcome malnutrition and boost agriculture in the continent. In a communique issued at the close of its summit which was organised by the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) in partnership the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), with the theme: “Agriculture and Food Policies for Improved Nutrition Outcomes in Africa,â€? the group adopted a declaration as an affirmation of their strong commitment to supporting agricultural and food systems for enhanced human capital development. It stated that while food and nutrition security remained part of a larger nexus of development challenges and opportunities,

making agriculture more nutrition-sensitive ought to be promoted as a sustainable solution to the triple burden of malnutrition (undernutrition, over-nutrition and micronutrient deficiency) facing African countries. They also recognised the implications of ongoing demographic, epidemiologic and nutrition transitions as well as their implications and consequences for Africa’s malnutrition burden on child mortality, education outcomes, healthcare system and labour productivity. While further commending governments across the continent for realising the importance of increasing shares of national budgets to agriculture, health and nutrition, they called for appropriate incentives and nutrition education which are critical for households to consume appropriate diets and adopt productivity- and income-enhancing technologies and practices that drive agricultural development

and broader economic and social transformation. The summit also affirmed that several structural conditions generate obstacles to such increased consumption and adoption, most notably inadequate early-life nutrition, food prices, affordability and accessibility of nutritious foods through the life cycle, low income and education levels, including critical information gaps. Noting that the nutritional needs of women and children require special attention, they tasked governments on the need to address expanded access to land through secure tenure, credit, markets, and financial services. The group in their declaration, further committed to create enabling environments for adoption of yield-enhancing technologies, seize market opportunities, raise incomes and enhance nutritional status and well-being.

Access Bank Unveils DiamondXtra Season 12 Nume Ekeghe Access Bank Plc has commenced the 12th season of its DiamondXtra promo. The bank intends to reward about 5,074 customers with prize of over N1 billion. Also, the Executive Director, Retail Banking, Access Bank, Victor Etuokwu, said the bank was targeting to increasing its customer base from 41 million to 100 million by year 2022. Speaking during the launch of the promo in Lagos, at the weekend, Etuokwu, said the bank has also added new draws to reward women and had increased the numbers of winners across all its winning criteria. Etuokwu said: “This year will be wonderful for our Access Bank customers especially the ones

who have a Diamondxtra savings account. We will be rewarding 5,074 customers with about N1 billion and about 21 customers. “We will have over 63 winners for rent for a year category, three people winning salary for life and we will introduce a free health insurance scheme that will cover the customer, spouse or husband and three children. “We will have the same number of people winning N1 million as regards cash prizes like we had today. We also have a lot of loyalty schemes, we will introduce 9 winners (women) who will be winning N300,000 each and we will be doing draws every month for the rest of this year and one of them will win a shopping allowance of N100,000. This year, we are introducing senior

citizens, about nine of them will be winning N500,000 each and one of them will get a N100,000 a month.� According to him, “We are looking at bringing in up to 100 million accounts between now and 2022 as we are currently at 41 million accounts. “So, we are targeting Nigerians as we want every household in Nigeria to have a Diamondxtra account.� Also speaking, the Head, Products Insights and Capabilities, Access Bank, Robert Giles, revealed that since the inception of the reward scheme, the bank has rewarded 22,000 customers with prizes of over N5.7 billion in prize, while adding that Access Bank remains committed to impacting the lives of Nigerians.

Rosabon Empowers Female Entrepreneurs Nume Ekeghe In line with the 2020 International Women’s Day, Rosabon Financial Services, in partnership with MamaMoni, has empowered 100 women in Lagos State with a N1 million grant. At an event to mark the day which held in Lagos recently, the Marketing Communications Manager, Rosabon Financial Services, Mr. Stephen Shofu, presented a cheque of N1 Million to the founder of the MamaMoni foundation, Nkem Okocha. Speaking after the cheque

presentation, Shofu said: “Running any business is a big deal. That’s why for over 27 years, we have worked with SMEs and business owners to provide affordable financial services that help business growth and drive economic sustainability. “The grant will be made available to over 100 ambitious female entrepreneurs who are doing amazing things with small businesses, in line with Rosabon’s commitment to recognise and support the wellbeing of the SMEs in Nigeria�. Also speaking at the event, the founder of MamaMoni

Empowerment Foundation, Nkem Okocha, said: “I am thrilled that Rosabon Financial Services has celebrated this year’s International Women’s Day by giving N1 Million in grants to MamaMoni- empowered women to help them scale their businesses and to attain economic equality faster�. During the business pitch which featured different beneficiaries of the grant, the women were given the opportunity to talk about their businesses, and the ways in which the grant would enable them to scale their operations.

Polaris Bank Promotes SMEs Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to the promotion of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs), especially those operating in the beauty and wellness industry in Nigeria. This position was emphasised by Polaris Bank Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru while disclosing plans by the bank to support this year’s Beauty Souk – the niche fair for beauty enthusiasts and businesses convened by Eventful

Limited, a pioneer and leading events management company. The one-day business fair scheduled to hold from March 22nd, 2020, in Lagos, would provide a platform for over 100 SMEs in Nigeria’s beauty industry who will showcase their creativity and economic potential. “The Nigerian beauty and personal care market is acknowledged to be experiencing rapid and dynamic growth, providing

lucrative opportunities for beauty businesses from across Africa and beyond,� the statement added. The market, according to Euromonitor International, is currently worth an estimated US$3 billion and its value is likely to rise to keep pace, with an increasing number of working women with disposable income; as well as sophisticated youth searching for new ways to care for and present themselves.

L-R: Co-Founder MDaaS Global, Mrs Genevieve Barnard Oni; Associate Investment Director, Novastar Ventures, Mr Dotun Olowoporoku; Head, WebTV, Mr Ottoabasi Abasiekong, and Director, GreenTree Investment Company, Dr. Ola Brown, at the ‘Discourse on Venture Capital Financing in Africa,â€? organised by Proshare Nigeria, in Lagos‌ recently

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

SEPTEMBER 2019 Money Supply (M3)

35,029,779.72

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

7,374,356.91

Money Supply (M2)

27,655,422.82

-- Quasi Money

116,533,891.21

-- Narrow Money (M1)

11,121,531.60

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,625,047.69

---- Demand Deposits

9,496,483.91

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

13,911,335.83

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

21,118,443.89

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

35,918,179.45

---- Credit to Government (Net)

10,452,199.38

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

11,007,422.79

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

25,465,980.07

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-14,799,735.56

--Other Assets Net

7,000,253.07

Reserve Money (Base Money

2,005,600.83

--Currency in Circulation

4,677,530.81

--Banks Reserves

317,121.43

Ëž Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?Ă? Ě‹

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

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OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT THURSDAY, 12 MARCH 2020

The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $33.25 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $35.54 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), ZaďŹ ro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela). SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

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T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍ´Ëœ 2020

MARKET NEWS

Securities Market Operators Bullish on Lagos Commodities Exchange Goddy Egene Stockbrokers have re-affirmed their support for the Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE) as the exchange prepares for take-off, saying it is a major platform that would raise the bar for the Nigeria’s financial system. The Chairman, NASD Plc, Mr. Tola Mobolurin, who spoke in Lagos, declared that the stockbrokers had collectively endorsed LCFE to commence operation. He

stressed the essence of investor confidence in the market through quality service delivery, urging the management of LCFE to uphold professionalism in order to sustain investor confidence. Also speaking, the second Vice President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr. Oluwole Adeosun, stated that stockbrokers formed the core of ownership of LCFE and assured the management of continuous support of the Institute. According to him, the Institute runs a specialist

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

programme in commodities trading, indicating symbiotic relationship between the two entities. In his address, the Chairman, LCFE, Chief Oyinyechukwu Ezeagu explained that stockbrokers were major stakeholders in the commodities market, hence, the need to keep them abreast of every development: “The stockbrokers are the major players in the exchange. Without you trading, it would be very difficult if not impossible

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

to operate. We have taken the special interest to invite you to have a full understanding of what LCFE stands for and how you will be playing an important role in our success,� Ezeagu said. The Managing Partner, B. Adedipe and Associates, Dr Biodun Adedipe in his paper titled “Market Confidence: The Role of Stakeholders�, berated top government functionaries who indulge in the use of unguarded statements that often

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

weaken investor confidence in the market. Adedipe also urged the capital market regulators to live up to expectations and challenged every stakeholder to ensure transparency, compliance, competitiveness, and a high sense of responsibility to promote the financial market. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, LCFE, Mr. Akin Akeredolu-Ale, who spoke on the direction of the exchange underlined its uniqueness as commodities exchange that

O F

will trade on fungible assets rather than pre-occupy itself with warehouse operations. “ Our business model is to trade fungible assets. We have carefully selected globally acceptable operators in various fields. Our core business is to trade electronic receipts. The receipts must be signed off by relevant agents before trading. We are not out to operate warehouses. We have certification agents for warehouses to ensure global best practices.

1 3 / 0 3 / 2 0 2 0 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

38

˾ MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2020

േ േ

േ

േ

േ

േ

7 R S 7 U D G H V E \ 9 R O X P H T ic k er

Vo lum e

P ric e C hg %

Z EN IT H B A N K

433.2

-10.0%

UB A

371.3

-9.7%

GUA R A N T Y

62.2

7 R S * D L Q H U V T ic k er

P ric e

P ric e C hg %

UB A

6.15

9.8%

F ID ELIT YB K

1.68

9.8%

-9.0%

Z EN IT H B A N K

11.90

9.7%

M A N SA R D

1.65

9.3%

A IIC O

0.73

9.0%

60.00

8.5% 8.2%

FB NH

31.9

-9.1%

WA P IC

20.6

-10.0%

A C C ESS

17.4

-9.3%

OA N D O

13.9

-10.0%

C OR N ER ST

0.53

CHA M S

13.1

-4.5%

F LOUR M ILL

21.40

8.1%

M TNN

9.2

-10.0%

OA N D O

2.00

5.8%

FCM B

8.8

-9.6%

UC A P

2.00

5.3%

OKOM UOIL

7 R S 7 U D G H V E \ 9 D O X H T ic k er

Afrinvest West Africa Limited

7 R S / R V H U V

Value

P ric e C hg %

Z EN IT H B A N K

4700.0

-10.0%

UB A

2085.2

-9.7%

T ic k er

P ric e

N EM SEP LA T

P ric e C hg %

1.44

-10.0%

544.50

-10.0%

GUA R A N T Y

1136.2

-9.0%

A F R IP R UD

3.24

-10.0%

M TNN

855.9

-10.0%

C A D B UR Y

4.95

-10.0%

NB

205.3

-10.0%

C A VER T ON

2.08

-10.0%

OKOM UOIL

193.4

-9.9%

IN T B R EW

5.75

-9.4%

FB NH

128.2

-9.1%

IKEJ A H OT EL

0.99

-9.2%

N EST LE

115.8

0.0%

A C C ESS

5.40

-7.7%

A C C ESS

105.6

-9.3%

UN IT YB N K

0.40

-7.0%

WA P C O

34.3

-9.7%

NB

28.00

-5.7%

Brokerage

Asset Management

Investment Research

Ayodeji Ebo | aebo@afrinvest.com

Ola Belgore | obelgore@afrinvest.com

Robert Omotunde | romotunde@afrinvest.com

Adedoyin Allen | aallen@afrinvest.com Oluwarotimi Ashimi | oashimi@afrinvest.com

Adedayo Bakare | abakare@afrinvest.com

39

MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

NASD OTC Closes Positively as CSCS Excites Investors Goddy Egene The NASD Securities Exchange Plc, platform for the over-the-counter (OTC) trading of unlisted equities, closed positively last week, gaining N10.67 billion. NASD Plc market capitalisation

rose from N498.09 billion to N508.76 billion, while the NASD Securities Exchange Index appreciated from 692.79 to 707.65, indicating a gain of 0.02 per cent. The NASD OTC market has been offering investment opportunities for investors in

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

companies not quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). For instance, leading dairy company, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc and Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, the financial market infrastructure for the capital market, are two of the prominent

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 12Mar-2020, unless otherwise stated.

firms traded on the NASD platform. CSCS was the second most traded last week and amid the bearish equity market over the past two years, the shares of CSCS have recorded over 70 per cent. According to market analysts, the performance of the stock is due

to the strong fundamentals of the company and its steady dividend payment culture. The company paid a total dividend of N3.5 billion for the 2018 financial year, which translated to 70 kobo per share. CSCS ended the 2018 with an

operating income of N9 billion, profit before tax of N6 billion and profit after tax of N4.8 billion. CSCS had in 2018 unveiled a threeyear(2018 to 2020) strategic plan aimed at leveraging technology for process optimisation and profitability.

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 116.69 120.25 -20.41% Afrinvest Plutus Fund 100.00 100.00 6.59% Nigeria International Debt Fund 302.16 302.16 -3.34% ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.88 0.89 4.65% ACAP Income Funds 0.76 0.76 34.25% 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 6.76% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.41 2.46 -2.18% 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 N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Anchoria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 12.78 13.17 -16.56% ARM Discovery Fund 309.11 318.42 -10.52% ARM Ethical Fund 25.77 26.54 -11.40% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.46% 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 87.79 88.40 -8.63% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.04% 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 CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 0.07 0.05 7.15% Paramount Equity Fund 10.52 11.73 -11.92% Women's Investment Fund 106.90 107.92 -3.15% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.27% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 95.31 95.72 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 101.34 101.84 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.16% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.81 0.81 -12.96% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.31 1.31 -1.34% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A 100.00 100.00 5.57% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 4.87% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,190.33 1,193.00 2.46% FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,297.20 1,298.37 0.47% FBN Balanced Fund 129.71 130.62 -11.65% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.07% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 114.75 115.28 -3.77% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 115.50 116.03 -3.61% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 103.23 104.44 -20.67% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 8.17% Legacy Debt Fund 3.71 3.71 1.42% Legacy Equity Fund 0.95 0.97 -16.09% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.09 1.09 0.86% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 2,792.94 2,822.78 -6.36% Coral Income Fund 3,131.08 3,131.08 14.22% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 6.36% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.26% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 114.60 115.26 7.99%

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.03% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.00 2.03 -6.95% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 10.87% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 138.24 138.63 10.73% 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 1.13 1.15 -3.12% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,123.48 1,123.48 2.27% 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 7.56 7.63 -22.90% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 4.39% 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 1.34 1.36 9.64% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.28 12.30 8.55% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 7.50% PACAM Equity Fund 1.10 1.10 PACAM EuroBond Fund 101.56 103.48 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 122.87 125.41 1.86% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.02 1.02 2.21% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 2,521.35 2,532.80 -5.02% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 210.33 210.33 1.31% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.88 0.89 -11.80% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 273.87 273.95 1.66% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 154.92 156.64 -10.05% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.21% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,674.15 7,756.30 -12.05% Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) 1.16 1.16 1.15% Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund 118.18 118.18 0.00% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.13 1.15 -12.16% United Capital Bond Fund 1.77 1.77 2.08% United Capital Equity Fund 0.64 0.66 -19.02% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.36% United Capital Eurobond Fund 113.36 113.36 1.39% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.06 1.07 -5.19% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 9.14 9.26 -11.05% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.03 11.16 -4.98% Zenith Income Fund 23.20 23.20 4.34% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.59%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

3.20 120.62 52.41

-66.85% 1.28% 0.69%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

7.78 76.58 58.94

7.88 78.20 60.04

-10.61% -17.19% -20.05%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund Union Homes REIT

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

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded 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

2.52 3.79 10.88 11.01 169.18

2.56 3.87 10.98 11.21 171.18

-28.93% -35.67% -10.05% 5.87% -9.54%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.69

17.60%

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.

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍ´Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

40

CITYSTRINGS

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă– Ă?Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă–Ă“Ă?Ë›Ă?äĂ?Ă™ĂŒĂ“ĚśĂžĂ’Ă“Ă?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ă™Ă—Ëœ ͙͔͙͚͚͓͖͑͑͑͒

Doubling Commitment to Train Women in Africa In honour of the recently celebrated International Women’s Day, Google has revealed that it is doubling its commitment to train 20,000 women in Africa this year on entrepreneurship, digital literacy, workplace readiness and leadership, Chiemelie Ezeobi reports

G

lobally, every March 8 is dedicated to honouring women’s achievements in different spheres of life. It is also a day that women from different backgrounds and culture come together to fight for women’s rights and address issues of bias. This year, its theme was a timely call to action for improvement of women’s situations globally. This year, the 2020 International Women’s Day (IWD) themed ‘I am Generation Equality: Realising Women's Rights’, which aligns with UN Women's new multigenerational campaign, Generation Equality, which also marks the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, was marked on Sunday, March 8. Aligning with that, Google hosted a Women Will event, in partnership with Grow with Google, on March 9 to celebrate the IWD. The event showcases women who have become a part of Google’s Women Will communities, and other Google-led women’s initiatives, while highlighting their successes and achievements. It was at the event Google announced its plans to double its commitment to train 20,000 women in 17 cities in Africa this year. For Nigerian women, out of the 20,000 potential trainees, 5,000 women will be trained inAbeokuta, Abuja, Ado Ekiti, Ibadan, Yaba, Uyo and five other cities in Nigeria. Through this program, Google will empower participating women with entrepreneurship, workplace readiness, leadership and technology skills starting with an empowerment drive in March and April. A further 15,000 women on the continent will be trained through community-driven training initiatives via Women Will communities across Sub-saharan Africa. Women Will is Google’s initiative that aims to empower women with training, skills and communities to access opportunities, thus helping to close the gender equality gap and leading to positive social and economic impact. Women Will focuses on four key areas to address the gaps - leadership,

entrepreneurship, workplace readiness and digital literacy. Following up on their launch in Subsaharan Africa on International Women’s Day 2019, 26 Women Will communities across Sub-saharan Africa have trained more than 10,000 women via peer to peer learning engagements, community led events and networking to access opportunities. One of their community members in Lekki, Lagos joined the community with very little knowledge of tech and data analytics, only an avid interest and now has secured a scholarship to study data analytics based on her relationship within the community. “On International Women’s Day in 2019, Google announced the launch of Women Will, Google’s initiative to create opportunities for women, in Africa under the Grow with Google umbrella,� says Mojolaoluwa Aderemi Makinde, Head, Brand & Reputation, Google SSA. “Since then, we have reached more than 10,000 women across eight countries and 26 communities. With 26 chapters across Africa, Women Will has helped create access to networks, skills and opportunities for women across the continent�. According to a 2012 World Development Report, women account for 40 per cent of the global labour force and are more likely to work in less productive sectors than their male counterparts. A similar report by UN Women also shows that women are more likely to be unemployed than men. Based on historical data, 2017 global unemployment rates stood at 5.5 per cent for women relative to 6.2 per cent for men and this is projected to remain unchanged till 2021. “Empowering women in the economy and closing gender gaps are key to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and sustainable development goals, particularly to achieve gender equality, to promote full and productive employment and decent work for all and reducing inequalities,� Makinde added. “Google remains committed to providing a platform for women to achieve their potential and to grow,� she adds,

commenting that: “Since 2016, we have trained young people and SMEs living in Africa via our Digital Skills for Africa program to help them find jobs and grow their businesses. Our digital skills training has been offered in 29 countries across Africa, with over 60 per cent of trainees having confirmed recording business growth, starting new businesses, finding jobs or growing in their current jobs. To date, we have trained more than 5 million people, 48 per cent of which are women�. According to Google, its mission is to organise the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful. Through products and platforms like Search, Maps, Gmail, Android, Google Play, Chrome and YouTube, Google plays a meaningful role in the daily lives of billions of people and has become one of the most widely-known companies in the world. Google is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. Still on its past and current programmed targeted at women, as part of Google’s commitment to train 10million African’s on digital skills, they have trained 5 million people in 29 countries across Sub-saharan Africa and 48 per cent of them are women. “Our digital skills training gives jobseekers and entrepreneurs access to new digital skills to grow their careers and businesses. One of those women is Khui Kharanja who runs a sustainable fashion business based out of Nairobi and has used the digital skills she gained from her training to improve visibility for her business�. According to McKinsey Africa, if current rates were to be maintained in the future, the overall global gender gap will close in 142 years in Sub-saharan Africa as opposed to 61 years in Western Europe. In Africa, Google aims to help close this gap by helping African women strive for equality with the right skills. Google also have the Women Techmakers, a program to help provide visibility, community, and resources for women in technology. In Sub-saharan Africa, there are 159 Women Techmakers Ambassadors in 24 countries with more than 4 thousand

members across SSA and more than 90 per cent of our Google Developer Groups have at least one female organiser. In 2019, they launched Launchpad Women to help women in leadership in tech startups across Africa access the community and resources they require to excel. Another programme is #IamRemarkable , which is a global movement that empowers women and underrepresented groups celebrate their achievements in the workplace and beyond. In the heart of the initiative is a 90 minute workshop aimed at improving women’s self-promotion motivation and skills, by breaking gender-related modesty norms and exploring how to change social perceptions around self promotion. The initiative has reached 100,000 participants across 100+ countries with the help of 5000 facilitators. Three months post the workshop participants have reported the following impact: 81 per cent feel more confident, 89 per cent more active in self-promotion and 49 per cent achieved job/career growth. With their CS First program, they are also helping young girls to build future relevant skills. Via their continued partnership with SAP to run Africa Code Week, they have trained over 115k kids across 18 countries in Africa last year. 53 per cent of students trained were girls and 15 per cent trained in underserved communities. Through Google.org, they have given over 10 million dollars to over 40 nonprofits and social enterprises across Africa. Amongst them are women empowerment focused organisations like Solar Sisterproviding economic empowerment to women entrepreneurs by enabling them to build sustainable clean energy businesses to bring light, hope, and opportunity to energy-poor communities across Nigeria. Another example is Clothes For Good in South Africa that empowers mothers of children living with disabilities to find financial independence in a highly productive, fully inclusive, value driven, green ecosystem.

41

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍ´Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

CRIME&SECURITY

Scorecard for Lagos State Police Command Chiemelie Ezeobi chronicles the series of arrests recorded by the Lagos State Police Command in the first 119 days in office of the 36th Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu

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pon assumption of office as the 36th Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, on November 15, 2019, CP Hakeem Odumosu, had pledged round-the-clock security. While warning criminal elements to change their ways or have the police to contend with, he had also sought the cooperation of all, including the media, in the fight against crime and criminality. Despite the inherent challenges in policing a metropolitan state like Lagos, Odumosu is determined not to let that deter him from staying the course in the fight against crime. Just last week, the CP while appreciating the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu Abubakar, and his management team for their continuous support to the command, he also expressed gratitude to the government and people of Lagos State for partnering the command in the discharge of their statutory duties of maintaining law and order, just as he regaled crime reporters of the arrests made in the first 119 days of his assumption of duty. Mission According to Odumosu, he had made it clear in his maiden press briefing that his mission is to provide a safer and better secured state that will guarantee the socio-economic well-being of the people and enhance their quality of life. “This is being achieved through mobilisation of a more courageous, dedicated, humane and professional police officers in the state�. 2020 Policing Plans He further clarified that this is being achieved through his rolled out Command’s 2020 Policing Plans which includes: “Full implementation of community-based policing policies of the present police authorities, evolving strategies that will close the gaps between the police and the people, foster cordial relationship and build strong and effective partnerships; “Visibility policing and prompt response to distress calls; Intelligence-led policing approach, professional and unbiased investigation of criminal cases and diligent prosecution; Respect for and protection of human rights and zero tolerance for corruption; Multi agencies collaboration; Capacity building for officers and men of the command and enhanced welfare package.� Achievements He noted that the strategies are already yielding positive results as evidenced by the arrests made in the last 119 days. Giving a breakdown, he said the command had arrested 164 armed robbery suspects and successfully foiled 98 armed robbery attempts while 13 armed robbery suspects died during exchange of fire with the police. Also, 165 suspects were arrested for cultism and four suspects were arrested for kidnapping, while 103 suspects were arrested for murder. He also disclosed that the state recorded 10 cases of suicide and prevented seven suicide attempts while 34 assorted firearms with lots of ammunition of different calibre were recovered, adding that the command also recovered 22 stolen vehicles. On the enforcement of restriction of motorcycles and tricycles on 48 routes, bridges and express ways, he said: “I make bold to declare that a total of 3,512 motorcycles and 202 tricycles were impounded since the commencement of the enforcement and 40 suspects were arrested. Twenty five traffic offenders, mostly those driving against traffic (one way) were arrested and successfully prosecuted. “A number of intelligence-driven raids were carried out on criminal hideouts, uncompleted and abandoned buildings in different parts of the state. A total of 981 suspects were arrested. Out of this number, 190 were screened out, 791 were charged to court. 723 suspects were convicted, 25 suspects were discharged, 21 suspects had their cases struck out, and 22 suspects are awaiting trial.� Giving a further breakdown of the arrests he said in the case of the arrest of seven notorious armed robbery suspects and top cult members; with six pistols recovered, on February 27, acting on credible intelligence, operatives from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad stormed a criminal hideout at Iyana-Iba criminal where a notorious armed robbery kingpin popularly known as Shola Okoko danger and gangs were believed to be occupying. He said four suspects were arrested- Idris Musa, Oluwaseyi Oguntobi, Ramon Adebimpe and Saheed Kareem. Four locally made pistol with three live cartridges were recovered from them. In a follow up investigation, three suspects were arrested in some criminal hideouts at Ilupeju and Onipanu-Tosin Benjamin a.k.a Lube, Segun Ogunmola a.k.a Segun Alapata and Joseph Oyebowale a.k.a Jossy. Two locally

CP Odumosu made double barrel pistols with three live cartridges were recovered. Following incidents of violent cults and gang clashes in Ogudu area by some notorious cultists in a battle for supremacy that left two persons dead and few others injured, the Command’s Special Strike Force on Social Miscreants and other tactical units were deployed to Ogudu to restore sanity to the area. 19 suspects were arrested- Alade Samuel, Nurudeen Babatunde, Olumadu Damilola, Onibudo Rilwan, Rafiu Olamilekan, Bamidele Sulaiman, Ahmed Saka, Bolaji Ogunniyi, Olamilekan Saheed Adebisi, Kolawole Ayotunde, Ikenna Cosmos, Olaide Ogungbele, Korede Joyi, Yekini Abiodun, Aborinde John, David Atanda, Opeyemi Fasola, Aladeniyi Aladegbami and Obuh Onyekachukwu. In a bid to sustain the ongoing onslaught on cultists and other social miscreants in Ikorodu, Imota, Agbowa, Owutu, Ijede, Ipakodo and Owode Onirin, the CP deployed the Special Strike Force on Social Miscreants to Ikorodu axis and they arrested a deadly leader of Aiye confraternity, Sikiru Samuel a.k.a Samora, at Imota. Other members of this gang arrested are: Adegboyega Ismaila, Sunkanmi Shonubi ‘m’ a.k.a Napel, Adigun Faruq, Rilwan Akinwale, Victor Uju 'm' a.k.a Zino, Juwon Idowu ‘m' a.k.a lighter, Rasak Adebola ‘m' a.k.a 'Bobo' and Kehinde Keshinro. On February 12, information was received from members of the public that some persons suspected to be robbers and cultists were sighted at Itupate and Daudu area of Ikorodu attacking and robbing unsuspecting victims of their valuables. On receipt of the information, police operatives from Igbogbo Division and SARS were mobilised and they arrested the following suspects: Seun Opanusi, Ahmed Tajudeen, Emmanuel Olowu, Jimoh Balikis, Mariam Owolabi, Ayomide Omotosho m and Rabiu Suleiman. They confessed to be members of Aiye and Eiye cult groups. On February 23, operatives of anti-kidnapping squad arrested one Jerome Ukena, a native of Egun Cotonou, Republic of Benin. The suspect was arrested at the water way, Ilaje community, Bariga Makoko. He is arrested in connection with a case of kidnapping reported by one Ola Makinde Abidemi, whose wife Oluwatoyin Makinde, and their six-month-old daughter were kidnapped in his residence and released two days later. The suspect led detectives to their hide out at Ajegunle of Ikorodu where a three year old baby was found and rescued. The phone used by the suspect to demand for ransom was recovered. The suspect confessed to the commission of the crime. Also, police burst a syndicate that specialised in shop breakings in major markets in Lagos Island. On receipt of the information, operatives from RRS were drafted to closely monitor the area. The exercise paid off as the syndicate comprising one Isa Seidu, Tairu Melaye and Lucky Chukwudi were arrested while breaking into a shop at Balogun market, Lagos Island. Items recovered from the suspects include: 97 pairs of shoes, seven fabrics, children wears and Lady’s bags. The suspects confessed to have burgled several shops in the past. On March 3, police burst armed robbery syndicate who disguise as police officers in Ikorodu and robbing people of their motor-

cycles. One Musa Ibrahim and Umar Saliu reported at Shagamu road Division, Ikorodu that one Sunday Shaibu and Samson Akoh of Odogunyan in Ikorodu and two others members of their gang snatched their Bajaj Motorcycle with registration number 3 AA144 QP at Ileepo Oba, Ikorodu on 21/01/2020 at about 2030hours. The suspects operate in Volkswagen Golf Car with registration number TD448 KJA wearing black T-Shirts with the word ‘Police’ boldly written at the back. Their modus oparendi includes, stopping their victims at strategic locations and arresting them for traffic offences. They extort money from the victims, impound their motorcycles and tell the victims to meet them at the police station to collect the motorcycles with proof of ownership and other necessary documents. Noticing the victims must have left to get the documents, the suspects will quickly disappear with the motorcycles to where they will contact their buyer. The same syndicate snatched a Bajaj Motorcycle along Sabo roundabout Ikorodu. The two principal suspects were arrested while the third suspect, Daniel Agala was arrested. On February 8, on the strength of information and credible intelligence, police operatives from Oke Odo Police Station arrested a notorious car snatching suspect, Yusuf Akinradewo. The suspect took one Mitsubishi Montero Jeep with registration number GGE 620 AQ to one Wasiu Ogunsola to buy. When the buyer demanded for the original particulars of the vehicle, the suspect absconded. Police detectives eventually arrested the suspect and recovered another stolen vehicle from him, a Toyota Camry saloon car with registration number AGL 480 EC belonging to one Alhaji Nurudeen Rasaki of Isiaka Adekoya street Igbogbo, Ikorodu Lagos State. The owners of the stolen vehicles were contacted and they confirmed that the vehicles were stolen from Ikorodu. On February 11, information received from a reliable source revealed that some armed robbers were sighted along LASU/Isheri Road by Iyana School bus stop, robbing unsuspecting victims of their valuables such as phones, jewelries, cash etc. On receipt of the information, police operatives from Iba and SARS were mobilised to the scene. On sighting the operatives, the robbers scampered to different directions to avoid arrest but were given a manhunt. In the process, one of the robbers was arrested and a double barrel gun with two live cartridges were recovered from him. During interrogation, he gave his name as Ahmed Aminu and later led the operatives to apprehend one of his fleeing members named Ahmed Alimi. Investigation is ongoing with a view to apprehend other members of the gang. On January 24, a renowned owner of a bakery at Ajangbadi area of Lagos went to Agbara town and withdrew N1, 500,000 from three commercial banks. He was trailed home by some armed men operating on a motorcycle. The robbers fired him on both legs, before dispossessing him of the entire money he withdrew from the bank. Police operatives from Ajangbadi and SARS were promptly mobilised to the scene. One Chinonso Ndioziri a.k.a. Smart, who led the gang was

arrested. One double barrel gun with four live cartridges and one expended cartridge were recovered. On February 14, two armed robbery suspects were arrested and their firearms recovered. The gang, operating in a motorcycle trailed a victim from his place of work at Abolarin Mushin to his house at Mushin. As the victim was opening his entrance gate, the robbers attacked him at gun point and dispossessed him of his bag containing N400, 000. The victim raised an alarm which attracted operatives from Olosan Division who were on crime prevention patrol around the area. One Dayo Adebayo was arrested and one berretta pistol with two live ammunition was recovered from him. Investigation led operatives to the gang’s hide-out at Sadiku Junction, Mushin where another gang member, Omotoyosi Abdullahi was arrested. Investigation is ongoing to apprehend other suspects at large. On February 4, the command arrested Berry Boys’ Supreme Cult Leader and 11 others in Itire and environs. Following sustained monitoring, operatives from Itire Police Station arrested one Maliki Bello, the supreme leader of the notorious Berry Boys Secret Cult with operational base at Itire. Maliki has been on the wanted list of the police for violent crimes and gang clashes. The suspect confessed to be responsible for series of violent attacks, murders and armed robbery incidents recorded in Idiaraba, Lawanson, Dosunmu, Ashimowo Bakare, Omo-Bola Mushin and Itire. The suspect told detectives that, he was initiated into the cult at age 12 when he was in Junior Secondary School (JSS1). He later rose to the number one position. The gang has an official Facebook page (Bbl Baloteli) with 1,928 friends. According to Maliki, they use the Facebook page and other social media accounts to recruit new members, plan attacks and give updates to members. Investigation led to the arrest of 11 additional suspects who are his gang members. The case is under thorough investigation at the end of which, they may be charged for murder, cultism, and other sundry offences as the investigation may reveal. In Agbara, the police burst a syndicate that specialised in robbing market women. The same gang of robbers who operates on a motorcycle were sighted by police operatives deployed to the area on surveillance patrol from Morogbo Division and SARS along Badagry expressway, close to Agbara market robbing unsuspecting victims. One Godwin Michael was arrested and one locally made gun with three live cartridges was recovered from him while others escaped with their operational motorcycle. Investigation was extended to their criminal hideout at Okuofor where another member of the gang, Kazeem Abiodun ‘m’ a.k.a KC, was arrested. Another achievement was the arrest of a suspected ‘one chance’ robbery gang leader and recovery of a Sienna bus used for the robbery operations. The gang were sighted along Agidingbi road, Ikeja, operating in a Toyota Sienna bus with Reg. No. APP 488 FH, attacking and robbing unsuspecting victims of their valuables. This is Toyota Sienna was described by quite a number of victims on several occasions, especially on the social media. On the receipt of the information, operatives from RRS, who have been on the lookout for the said vehicle and gang swung into action. The vehicle was intercepted and one Matthew Tokeme, 50yrs, who is the leader of the robbery gang and also the owner of the vehicle, was arrested. He confessed to being the leader of the ‘one chance’ robbery gang. The command also arrested a fake mobile policeman, one Monday Job, who was riding a commercial motorcycle at Oshodi fully dressed in police mobile uniform. In the cause of investigation, he confessed to be an impersonator. It was revealed that he has been wearing the uniform to commit all kinds of criminal activities, ranging from illegal escort of contraband goods from Cotonou to Lagos, escorting vehicles from Lagos to other parts of the country, intimidating, harassing and extorting money from innocent members of the public, claiming to be a mobile police man. Also, three suspects were arrested with human skull on March 1 by a team of policemen from Area E Command, Festac while on routine stop and search duty at Alakija Bus Stop along Lagos-Ibadan, Badagry express way. They intercepted one Dauda Tijani, 42years old with a black polythene bag containing a human skull. He confessed that he was sent by an herbalist one Olawale Shodolamu. The said herbalist was also arrested. He claimed that he bought the human skull from one Seun Falana, a staff of Trinity Cemetery Ajegunle at the sum of 10,000. The third suspect was equally arrested.

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PAGE TWELVE BUHARI EXPRESSES SADNESS AS EXPLOSION KILLS 15 IN LAGOS unfortunate incident, which caused loss of lives and property,� the president was quoted as saying, adding: "A misfortune of whatever scale anywhere is a tragedy to the country, and while the NNPC makes efforts to determine the cause of the incident, I send my deepest and profound sympathies to the victims, their families, government and people of Lagos State." THISDAY gathered that some students from Bethlehem Girls College and their principal, who were said to be having morning devotion when the blast occurred, were also feared dead. Scores of others suffered varying degrees of injuries in the explosion which destroyed over 50 cars and houses. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said the explosion occurred after a truck hit some gas cylinders stacked in a gas processing plant located near the corporation’s system 2B Pipeline’s Right of Way (RoW). The Lagos State Government, which has ordered security agents to investigate the incident, however, said it would tarry awhile for a report of the probe before taking further steps. The explosion, which was heard about 20 kilometres away from the scene of the incident, was initially thought to be pipeline or bomb blast. THISDAY checks revealed that the explosion was caused by gas leakage that formed gas clouds in the sky and upon contact with naked fire, spiraled into flames. Before emergency responders could get to the scene, the explosion had already ruptured the NNPC pipeline that runs through the suburb, aggravating the damage. It was the contact of fire with the petroleum products in the ruptured pipeline that exacerbated the explosion and spread to residential buildings, schools and churches in the area. Emergency responders were drawn from the Lagos State Fire Service, Nigerian Navy Fire Service, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the

police, Red Cross, Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS) and others. A combined effort from a team comprising officials of the Lagos State Fire Service and the Nigerian Navy Fire Service were able to put out the raging fire and rescued those trapped. According to acting Coordinator, Lagos Territorial Office, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, the bodies recovered include a family of four, who were heading to church before they were caught in the explosion. The family comprised the husband, his wife and two sons. Although emergency responders could not peg the casualty rate at Bethlehem Girls College, they said about 16 schoolgirls reportedly died along with their principal. Emergency responders with the help of locals, however, rescued 60 survivors and they have since been taken to the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital (NNRH) in Navy Town. The deceased students were said to have been in the chapel for morning mass when the explosion occurred. A staff of Bethlehem Girls College identified the dead staff as the headmistress, Rev. Sister Henrietta Alokha; the chaplain, who represented the Rev. Father to conduct the mass, an administrator, and one of the kitchen hands. She said: “Sister Henrietta was helping to evacuate the girls when she died. The male administrator was breaking the walls for the girls to escape through and it’s so sad that he couldn’t make it out. “Most of the students are fine although they sustained bruises. The head girl sustained bruises on her head.� But before responders reached the scene, the locals had scaled the fence to bring the girls out. Some residents, who spoke to THISDAY, said their initial fear was that an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) had been set off given the shocking way their houses shook, windows broke and even roofs flew off. A resident, Mrs. Nonye Ezirim, a mother of two, said:

“I was in my house preparing for second service when the explosion happened. I quickly ran to my children’s room and ran down the stairs because at that point, I didn’t know what caused it. “The foundation of our house shook; our windows broke too. I didn’t take anything as my concern was the safety of my kids and me.� Another resident, Mr. Biodun Akosile, who said his house was one of those destroyed, told THISDAY that it was high time the government regulated the type of commercial activities that could take place in residential areas, especially high density suburbs like Abule Ado. He said: “Imagine just one area with pipeline and gas depot. We have been battling with pipeline vandals and their acts of vandalism in the area but no one ever thought the gas depot will cause more harm. Shouldn’t there be regulations by the relevant authorities?� Speaking to THISDAY, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Oladele Daji, who was on the ground during the rescue operation, said the explosion was caused by gas leakage. Daji, who had also gone to the NNRH in Navy Town, for an on-the-spot assessment, said they attended to the initial 50 survivors plus the four extra persons brought in by the Red Cross. Although he could not confirm the casualty figure touted by emergency responders, he said for the navy, three were brought in dead- two females and a male. On the state of the schoolgirls rescued from Bethlehem Girls College, he said they had all been stabilised except a few that needed follow up. Debunking claims that the dead schoolgirls were brought to Navy Hospital, he said: “None that we know of was brought in dead.� On the casualties, he said: “Three people were brought in dead - two females and a male. The hospital also received and attended to casualties from the explosion site. 55 persons were attended to, comprising 36 school children and 19 adults.

“One of the adults had about 35 per cent mixed degree burns with inhalation injuries and pulmonary edema. He has been admitted into the Intensive Care Unit and connected to a ventilator. “Seven other adults and two children are on admission in the wards. Two adults had Traumatic Brain Injury and were referred to LUTH for neurosurgical intervention. The remaining 43 have been treated and discharged.� On the cause of explosion he said: “It was caused by gas leakage. When we came here, we saw so many gas cylinders scattered all over. “The explosion now ruptured the gas pipeline that runs through there and it led to the fire. Gas and petroleum does not flow. Those that are selling gas here have refused to know that what they are doing is deadly.� Farinloye also ruled out pipeline vandalism as the cause of the blast. He said: “Emergency responders were immediately deployed in the scene and NNPC were contacted to shut down the pipeline passing through the area as a precautionary measure.� Reacting to the incident, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, told THISDAY that the state government was awaiting the result of investigation. When asked if the explosion originated from a factory, he said: “The explosion happened about 200 metres from the factory. The explosion must have occurred from the homes of people hoarding petroleum products and in the process triggered a chain effect. Those who died did not die as a result of the explosion but the effect caused by it, including shocks. “The state government cannot do any policy statement right now until we know what happened. Security agencies are investigating what happened. Let's see what they will come up with.�

Lagos Explosion Caused By Gas Facility, Says NNPC Meanwhile, the NNPC has

said the explosion occurred after a truck hit some gas cylinders stacked in a gas processing plant located near the corporation’s system 2B Pipeline Right of Way. A statement signed in Abuja by the corporation's Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, explained that preliminary findings indicated that the impact of the explosion was so huge that it led to the collapse of nearby houses and damaged NNPC pipeline. The statement added that the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mr. Mele Kyari, and other top management staff of the corporation had already departed for Lagos to assess the situation. Obateru stated that following the report of the explosion, the corporation had halted ongoing pumping operations on the Atlas CoveMosimi pipeline. He explained that NNPC had already mobilised its team, consisting of health safety environment experts, medical and security personnel from its nearby satellite depot in Lagos. In addition, more fire firefighting personnel and equipment were mobilised from the NNPC Mosimi Area Office to support the ongoing operation. While imploring members of the public and residents of the affected communities to remain calm, the NNPC assured the public that the temporary shutdown of the petroleum products pipeline would not affect the normal supply of products to Lagos and its environs. However, hours after the fire explosion, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide SanwoOlu, advised residents in the affected area to make safety their priority, urging them to maintain a safe distance from the scene of the explosion and fire as the site is still live. The governor also instructed the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) to immediately release personal safety equipment such as face and nose protection masks to be distributed to first responders, residents of the affected area and all safety workers at the

ground zero. A statement by the governor's Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said the governor sent the protective equipment to the affected site to prevent medical hazard such as respiratory infections by the residents who may unknowingly inhale toxic substances from the explosion. Meanwhile, reacting to the incident, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, called on the government to immediately take action. While offering his prayers and condolences to those affected, especially to those who lost loved ones, he said: “I call on the government to mobilise a robust response immediately.�

Tinubu Condemns Explosion, Says Perpetrators Must Be Punished Also commenting on the incident, the All Progressives Congress National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu, condemned the explosion and commiserated with families and relations of those who lost their lives. In a statement last night by his Media Office signed by Mr. Tunde Rahman, the APC national leader said all those who had a hand in the incident must be punished no matter how highly placed. He said: “This tragedy should not have happened. Those who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident did not deserve to die so gruesomely. “I strongly condemn this incident. I commiserate with families and relations of those who died. I also sympathise with those who lost their valued property. “In their memories and in order to avert similar occurrence in future, the authorities must get to the root of this incident and curb incessant pipeline explosion in the area. “All those who had a hand in this explosion, including those who acted in ways to put lives at risk and hardearned possessions in jeopardy must be punished, no matter how highly-placed they may be.�

PRESIDENT GIVES OSHIOMHOLE LIFELINE, MEETS APC GOVS TODAY to douse the crisis. Oshiomhole’s seat was endangered by an Abuja High Court ruling earlier in the month, which gave teeth to his suspension by his ward in Edo State. Although he got another ruling from Federal High Court, sitting in Kano restraining the party from implementing the suspension by his ward, he also appealed the Abuja High Court ruling and applied for a stay of execution. His application for stay comes up today at the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division. Whatever the outcome of the appeal, the president’s meeting with the party’s governors today holds the ace for the national chairman as it would take the sail out of the wind of his traducers that have been pushing for his ouster. The rebellion, which has also polarised the National Working Committee (NWC), is believed to be backed by some of the party’s governors who are said to be nursing presidential ambition for 2023.

Buhari, who presidency sources had told THISDAY authorised tomorrow’s meeting, is said to be pulling out of the parley on the ground that it might not be sustained by the provisions of the APC constitution. THISDAY learnt that the president had sanctioned the meeting in the mistaken belief that the Acting National Secretary, Chief Victor Giadom, that signed the letter of request for the date was authorised to do so. “With the controversy generated, the president directed the Attorney-General to look into the constitutional issues around the meeting and he would appear to have advised caution,� a presidency source told THISDAY. Tinubu, THISDAY further learnt, was also said to have prevailed on Buhari to reconsider his decision to attend the meeting, warning that the parley could eventually divide the party down the middle, a possible occurrence that would do incurable damage to the

president’s legacy. He was also said to have told the president from faraway London that although everyone, including himself, had issues with the national chairman, but that if he had to be removed the constitution of the party had to be followed. Tinubu would appear to have persuaded Buhari to bark out as THISDAY was told authoritatively last night that tomorrow’s meeting is no longer on the president’s schedule for the week. Perhaps emboldened by Buhari’s change of mind, Tinubu stood up for Oshiomhole yesterday with a statement, dismissing the efforts to oust the national chairman as a product of ‘old ambition 2023 virus,’ capable of undermining the unity of the APC. However, the National Vice Chairman North-east of the party, Mr. Salihu Mustapha, at the weekend, dismissed efforts to stop the NEC meeting, saying no court order will stop it. Speaking against the

backdrop of the order of a Federal High Court, sitting in Lagos, that a former Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; Mr. Waziri Bulama and Paul Chukwuma must be allowed to take part in the gathering, he said they would only be allowed to take part in the meeting if they are NEC members. Ajimobi was at the last meeting of NEC in February named the deputy national chairman of the party (South); Bulama, secretary and Chukwuma as auditor. Tinubu, who described the APC crisis as a sickness he identified as ‘old Ambitionvirus 2023,’ said this illness, unlike the coronavirus, afflicts many in the political class along with their allies in the media. He noted that while coronavirus has been presently contained in Nigeria, the old ambition-virus 2023 has become another sickness that seems rampant within a certain segment of society. He faulted the convocation of the NEC meeting, saying

the convener had no power to summon such a meeting. He added that the convener had the temerity to make such a move because he was instigated by powerful individuals, who he thought would reward him or protect him for committing the wrongful act. He described Oshiomhole as a tireless campaigner and mobiliser for the party. According to him, Oshiomhole has steered the ruling party through difficult elections. “His contributions should not be undervalued now that the bulk of elections are behind us. To do so would be an act of ingratitude,� he added. Tinubu acknowledged the dispute between Oshiomhole and the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, but added that the party had activated the proper organs to resolve the spat. He said despite the efforts to settle the rift, those who were motivated by ambitions Continued on page 47

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NEWS

Tambuwal Cautions against Playing Politics with Monarchy, Religion, Security Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto Sokoto State Governor, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has advised leaders and stakeholders in Nigeria not to politicise the triple issues of the monarchy, religion and security. Tambuwal gave the advice when the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, paid him a courtesy visit along with the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar III, in Government House in Sokoto weekend. The statement issued by

the Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Publicity, Muhammad Bello, said the two monarchs were also in the company of their colleagues, the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu III; Emir of Keffi, Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa, and Emir of Lere, General Garba Abubakar Muhammad (rtd), who was also a one-time military administrator of Sokoto State. Tambuwal, who observed that although as politicians, some leaders take certain issues for granted and in the process skid into issues that

could jeopardise the collective coexistence of the country, added that all hands must be on deck to ensure that nothing rocks the boat of Nigeria’s unity. According to him, “Sometimes, we play politics. We must desist from playing politics with our traditional institutions, religion and security. “These issues are beyond politics. We must try as much as possible to cooperate and work together for the unity and stability of this country.� The governor appealed to the monarchs and other leaders in

the country “to have patience and not to be daunted by certain developments of the past.� Admonishing the traditional rulers to strengthen existing ties with the aim of ensuring the unity of the country, Tambuwal, however, said this is important now that it “appears as if forces and enemies of progress are working against our country, and our national cohesion is being threatened by some of these forces and tendencies.� He encouraged them to be steadfast in playing their roles as “God is watching and He knows that you are invaluable

to the existence and continued stability of this country. “I implore all the traditional rulers to work and pray together for the peace and continued existence of Nigeria. We need all your support and counsel so that we can continue to provide what God has given us in terms of leadership and discharge our responsibilities.� Earlier, the Ooni of Ife expressed satisfaction that he was able to pay the courtesy call on the governor, who he described as an able and dynamic leader, after four attempts.

“I have been following him for many years. He has natural leadership style. Many of us can testify to that. He should continue with that. He should carry everybody along not only in Sokoto State but all over the country,� the Yoruba monarch stated. He added: “That is leadership, and that is the kind of person we need to lead us. Keep doing what you are doing. We are watching you. God Almighty will continue to be with you,� he said, applauding the governor as “ever mobile, dynamic and forward looking.�

The Emirates issued a statement yesterday, saying some countries can still get visa on arrival in Dubai International, according to Dubai Airports Authority. This was confirmed by the source close to the Emirates in Nigeria, who explained that it was part of the process to protect the country’s borders from the pandemic. “I can confirm that it is true. I received the information. Every government is trying to protect its own country because the disease is gradually affecting everybody. So they have to protect their borders. “Passengers with passports from the following countries can continue to travel to and from the UAE, but they may be subject to additional screening,� the source said. THISDAY learnt that from today, UAE would stop issuing visa to citizens whose countries were banned from travelling to the Middle East country, after utilisation of the current visa,

such persons would not be allowed to travel to the country. The countries include Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece and Hong Kong. Others include Hungary, Island, Ireland, Italy (from Rome only), Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Netherland, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Sam Marino. The rest include, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Vatican, United Kingdom and the United States. Meanwhile, more countries in Africa have banned passengers from certain countries from entering their borders. South Africa has also placed travel ban on UK, US and others and revoked those already issued.

Boroffice, met on Friday in Abuja to take a broader look at the crisis rocking the national leadership of the party in recent times. Sources told THISDAY that the caucus expressed worry at the unfolding scenario in the party and stressed the need for cohesion among the party leaders. A ranking APC senator, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told THISDAY that the caucus resolved to stand by Oshiomhole by ensuring that he is not removed. He stated that although few of his colleagues supported the removal of the APC boss, most members were of the view that Oshiomhole should not be rubbished at this particular time in the party's history. According to him, the leadership of the Senate has impressed it upon the caucus to support Oshiomhole. The leadership was said to have reminded the APC Senate Caucus the role Oshiomhole played in the emergence of some of the senators as well as the leadership of both the Senate and House of Representatives in 2019. "We have been told that this is payback time for Oshiomhole for spearheading the emergence of the Ninth National Assembly leadership. Don't forget that he single-handedly told President Buhari in the build-up to the inauguration of the National

Assembly in June 2019 that Senator Ahmad Lawan and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila were the party's choice for the leadership of the Assembly", the lawmaker added. THISDAY also learnt that invitation to tomorrow’s NEC meeting of the party in Abuja had been extended to members of the National Assembly who are NEC members. According to APC constitution, a total of 38 members of the National Assembly are members of the ruling party's NEC. They include the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, House Speaker, Deputy House Speaker, Majority and Deputy Majority Leaders of the two chambers, two serving senators from each of the six geo-political zones to be nominated by senators from the zones as well as three members of the House from each of the geo-political zones. THISDAY further learnt that ahead of tomorrow's NEC meeting of APC, the National Assembly caucus of the party will meet today to take a definite stand on the matter. "We will meet again on Monday on the proposed NEC meeting to take a stand whether the caucus will attend or not and by then we will have a clearer picture of the whole matter from the presidency which had been quiet on the issue ever since," the senator said.

MORE COUNTRIES TIGHTEN CONTROL AS CORONAVIRUS KILLS 6,000 coming weeks

Ghana Imposes Travel Restriction to all Travellers As part of efforts to curb the spread of the disease, Ghana yesterday imposed travel restriction on all travellers, except Ghanaians or those resident in Ghana, coming into the country following six confirmed cases of Coronavirus recorded by the country. Ghanaian Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, said in a statement that "all travel to Ghana is strongly discouraged until further notice." According to him, any traveller, except for Ghanaian citizens and persons with Ghana residence permits, who, within the last I4 days has been to a country that has recorded at least 200 cases of Covid-l9, will not be admitted into the Ghanaian jurisdiction. “Airlines are instructed not to

allow such persons to embark. Border posts are instructed not to allow such persons into the jurisdiction," he added. Nkrumah said there would be a mandatory 14-day selfquarantine for persons who are otherwise allowed to enter the Ghanaian jurisdiction. He added that guidelines for self-quarantine would be available at the various Ghanaian ports of entry, stressing that enforcement protocols are being deployed in collaboration with state security and health authorities. "Persons determined to be unable to satisfactorily selfquarantine will be quarantined by the State. Any admissible traveller, who exhibits symptoms of Covid-l9 will be quarantined and tested upon reaching Ghana," Nkrumah added.

Enugu Coronavirus Suspect Tests Negative The patient who was quarantined in Enugu on

suspicion of coronavirus has tested negative for the disease. The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) disclosed this in a tweet last night. The centre had earlier said the result of the test conducted on the patient would be available on Monday but on Sunday night, it made the status of the patient known. “The laboratory result of the patient in Enugu suspected to have #COVID19 is NEGATIVE. It is important to wait for confirmation from NCDC before spreading information on social media. NCDC will continue to provide updates to the public,� the tweet read. The state government had earlier confirmed that it had quarantined a female septuagenarian suspected to be down with the dreaded Covid-19 at its isolation centre within the capital city. The woman was said to have returned from United Kingdom recently and showed signs of having contacted the dreaded

virus. Following this development, the state government has released the sum of N20 million to the management of the State Isolation Centre to ensure that the facilities are optimally ready to deal with the situation and any other emergency that may arise over the weekend. A statement by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chidi Aroh, stated that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has provided the required leadership and logistic support to ensure that the state Ministry of Health and the Emergency Operation Centre are functioning at optimal level and fully ready to deal with any emergency in the state.

UAE Bans Nigerians, Others The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has also restricted access to the country, banning travellers from Nigeria, among others, from coming in.

PRESIDENT GIVES OSHIOMHOLE LIFELINE, MEETS APC GOVS TODAY that have nothing to do with the quality of Oshiomhole’s performance, have shunned the agreed party reconciliation mechanism and resorted to other means to sack him. “The plotters launched their attack solely because they perceive the chairman as an obstacle to their 2023 ambitions. People went to court knowing full well the party constitution prohibits such action because these people had not yet exhausted all internal disciplinary procedures. We even had a national deputy secretary improperly call for a NEC meeting on the basis that he believed himself the acting national chairman. Clearly, this man would not have summoned the temerity to make such a move had he not been instigated by powerful individuals who he thought would reward or, at least, protect him for committing the wrongful act. “Those engaged in these manoeuvres see themselves as clever or cunning. They do so because they only understand the mean craft of political intrigue. They have yet to understand the value and long-term utility of democratic governance. Thus, they embark on the strangest of a quest. They would rather dismantle and weaken the institutional core of their party just to gain control of that weakened edifice in order to pilfer the party nomination, which they crave. This is more

than sad,� he added. Tinubu said he built APC along with others, not simply as a vehicle for personal ambition. “We built the party because we saw it as perhaps the only enduring hope to bring progressive governance to this nation. Those who now seek to abuse the party by using it as their personal device do it great harm. They should not be allowed to sacrifice this collective enterprise at the altar of their self-aggrandisement,� he said. He stated that those afflicted with the 2023 virus were undermining President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration. Tinubu called on those fighting Oshiomhole to help the president. “The president is faced with many challenges. He is fighting hard on security to keep the population safe. He is pushing for economic reforms that will augur future sustainable growth. His disdain for corruption remains unwavering,� he said, adding that this is the time for governance and not for politics of 2023. The former Interim National Chairman of the party and Chairman of party’s Reconciliation Committee, Chief Bisi Akande, had earlier warned that the many court cases filed over disputes in the party were harmful to the party in compound ways.

“I must remind party members that the party constitution requires that all internal dispute resolution measures be exhausted before a member carries a matter to court. I dare say this provision has not been honoured either in spirit or in the letter by those initiating these court cases seeking to oust party officials,� Akande said in a statement on Saturday.

No Court Order will Stop Meeting, Says Party Chieftain Meanwhile, Mustapha has said no court order would stop tomorrow’s NEC meeting. He told THISDAY in a telephone interview yesterday that preparations were in top gear for the NEC meeting. When asked if the conflicting court order would prevent the NEC meeting from holding, he stated that no court order would stop the NEC meeting from holding. "The court order that the people are parading...court order cannot stop us from having our meeting now, unless if the court is trying to say we are no more an organisation and deregister us as an organisation. We have freedom of association and what have you. So you cannot just come and stop us from doing something. In fact, there is no court order that can stop us

from doing NEC meeting. So we are doing NEC meeting," he stated. When asked if Ajimobi and others would be allowed to be part of the meeting, Mustapha said: "We are going to look at the constitution. If they are members of the NEC, we will admit them, if they are not, we will not admit them. What I'm assuring you is that we are going to adhere to our constitution." While responding to the allegation made by Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Yekini Nabena, that the ‘acting National Chairman,’ Mr. Victor Giadom, resigned his position as NWC to contest as running mate to the governorship candidate of the party in 2019 election in Rivers, Mustapha said Nabena was not a member of the NWC and did not know what happened at the NWC. The APC vice-chairman added that Giadom was given a waiver like most of the people that contested.

APC Senate Caucus Rallies Support for Oshiomhole More support, however, came for Oshiomhole at the weekend as the APC Caucus in the Senate threw its weight behind him. THISDAY gathered that the caucus, headed by the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Ajayi

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NEITI: Nigeria Earned N416bn from Solid Minerals Mining in 12 Years Chineme Okafor in Abuja Solid minerals mined from Nigeria between 2007 and 2018 contributed N416.32 billion in revenues to the federation, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has said. In 2018 alone, the solid minerals sector contributed N69.47 billion to the federation revenue. NEITI explained that the figure was the highest so far since it began to track and document payments in the sector. NEITI, in a statement containing the result of its annual audit report on the sector for 2018, said the figure indicated an increase of N16.71 billion representing 31.67 per cent over the 2017 revenue of N52.76 billion. The statement, which was signed by NEITI’s Director of Communications, Dr. Orji Ogbonanya Orji, noted that the N69.47 billion earned represented 16.69 per cent of the N416.3 billion the sector paid to the federation between 2007 and 2018. NEITI said the audit report reconciled companies’ payments and government’s receipts from the sector in 2018 as well as tracked production volumes and trends of revenues from the sector to the Federation Account

from 2007 to 2018. In its breakdown of the receipts, it stated that taxes to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) accounted for N65.69 billion or 94.56 per of the total payment in 2018, while fees and royalties paid to the Mines Inspectorate Department (MID) and Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) accounted for N2.21 billion or 3.18 per cent and N1.57 billion or 2.26 per cent of the earning respectively. “Nigeria has published eight cycles of solid minerals audit reports since it signed up to the EITI. The sector has contributed N416.32 billion in revenues to the federation in 12 years. Over half of this figure or (N279.0 billion) was earned between 2015 and 2018. “This shows that there had been a remarkable increase in revenues accruing to the federation from the solid minerals sector over the years,” said the NEITI. NEITI stated that the latest audit report showed that over the years, the sector has also witnessed fluctuations in revenue earnings. “For instance, in 2015, N64.46 billion accrued to the federation, while in 2016, the earnings dipped to N43.22 billion. It will be recalled that 2016 was also the year that the Nigerian economy

slid into recession,” it said. According to it, the report showed that the main sources of revenue flows from solid minerals were the various categories of taxes, royalty, permits, annual services and

sub-national payments. It added that sub-national payments and other taxes accounted for N1.54 billion representing about 2.23 per cent of total government revenue from the sector.

On production, the NEITI report showed that 46.68 million metric tonnes of minerals valued at N47.87 billion were produced in Nigeria in 2018. “The production data was based on minerals either used

or sold during the year,” it said while explaining that a breakdown of the production volumes showed that limestone and granite accounted for about 80 per cent of the total minerals produced.

STRENGTHENING RULING PARTY ...

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (left), and North-east Zonal Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Gibon Timothy Kataps, during the party’s caucus meeting in Bauchi… recently SAWO FADEJI

One Dies, Scores Injured as Customs, Smugglers Fayemi, Alaafin Hold Talks over Crisis in Clash in Ogun Ekiti Council of Obas Kayode Fasua in Abeokuta

A fierce battle between a patrol team of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and smugglers at the Imasayi border town of Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State at the weekend, left one mobile policeman dead, while scores of others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The slain policeman, who was attached to the National Border Drill Patrol to complement the patrol team of the NCS, was killed in a battle that lasted about 30 minutes. Two members of the smuggling syndicate also reportedly sustained bullet wounds in the head and neck during the attack launched against the Customs-led task force code-named, “Operation National Border Drill”. THISDAY gathered that the joint task force, comprising personnel from the Military, Police, Customs, Immigration

and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), had stormed a suspected warehouse used by the smugglers, in an attempt to evacuate bags of rice already stockpiled there, but were resisted by the smugglers. In the ensuing clash, the joint taskforce had retreated, having sensed dangers, but a mobile policeman whose identity could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report, was reportedly overpowered and shot with own riffle by the irate smugglers. Many sources who spoke with THISDAY yesterday at scene of the incident in Imasayi, said a reinforcement of the Customs’ task force later returned to the community hours after the incident, in what was meant to be a reprisal, but they ended up vandalising about 25 vehicles and burning two motorcycles. The sources added that residents of the community had fled their homes in panic and run into adjourning bushes, while the hostility lasted.

Kogi Gov’s Mother Dies at 101 Years Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja The death has been announced of Hajia Haawau Oziohu Bello, the mother of the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. Hajia Bello died in her Abuja residence after brief illness at the age of 101 years. “With total submission to the will of Allah, on behalf of the family of Alhaji Bello Ipemida Ochi, we regret to announce the passing away of our matriarch ,Hajia Hauwau Oziohu Bello who answered the call of Allah

this evening after a brief illness. “We are relieved that her passing was peaceful and painless. Her funeral will be held on Monday, 16 of March 2020 by 10a.m at her residence in Nagazi, Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State in accordance with Islamic rites. “Until her death, she was aged 101 and survived by children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many adopted children,” the stated said.

Monarchs tell Makinde to call Oyo ruler to order Martins Ifijeh Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, at the weekend met with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, over the raging leadership tussle among traditional rulers in the state. The meeting, at the palace of the Alaafin in Oyo, was held against the backdrop of the monarch’s intervention, to enable the governor clarify some grey areas to the monarch. The monarch, in a letter to Fayemi, dated March 12, 2020, purportedly written along with other top Yoruba traditional rulers , including Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona; Alake of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo Adedotun and Owa of Ijeshaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, had cautioned Fayemi against disrupting the historical leadership system in

Ekiti State, based on the Pelupelu grading. The letter, which has further deepened the leadership crisis in Ekiti State, drew rebuttal yesterday from the state Council of Obas, which called on Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde to caution Oba Adeyemi over what it termed ‘undue interference’ into monarchial affairs in Ekiti State. Sources told THISDAY yesterday that the meeting with Oba Adeyemi was held at the behest of Fayemi who felt it would be more proper to personally brief the traditional ruler instead of responding to his letter. “It was a meeting held behind closed doors, essentially to discuss the letter he(Alaafin) wrote. The governor just felt that it would be better for him to give the monarch the honour by going to see him instead of replying his letter. The Alaafin was overwhelmed by

the governor’s gesture as the expectation was that he would fire back,” the source stated. According to the source, efforts are being made to resolve the crisis, which predated the Fayemi administration, adding that a delegation of top Yoruba monarchs, likely to be led by the Ooni, is expected to arrive in Ekiti today to hold discussion with the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, on how to resolve the crisis. Responding to THISDAY inquiry on what transpired during the meeting between the governor and Oba Adeyemi, Fayemi’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, simply said “they had fruitful discussion.” However, in the response to the Alaafin, signed by the Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Obas and Alawe of Ilawe, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi,, the councils said the action of the Alaafin was unbecoming,

adding that the content of the letter was unwarranted as he cannot superintend over the monarchy in Ekiti State. Alabi said: “The letter of Oba Adeyemi contained a lot of misrepresentation of facts and inaccurate accounts of events between the state government and Ekiti State traditional institution “It is a matter of fact and law that grading, classification and composition of Council of Obas in Ekiti State and perhaps anywhere in Nigeria is governed by law through government gazettes even from the colonial era. “From his letter, Alaafin is unable to define what qualifies an Oba to be a Pelupelu Oba. He is not aware of the fact that among the first group of Obas that formed the association in 1900 were: Deji of Akure (Ondo State) and Owalobo of Obo Ayegunle (Kwara State) who have since left the association.”

Lawan, Gbajabiamila, Fayemi Commiserate with Victims of Lagos Explosion Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha and Udora Orizu in Abuja The Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi have commiserated with victims of yesterday’s explosion in Lagos. Lawan called for the probe of the explosion that rocked Abule Ado in Amuwo Odofin local Government Area of the state, which claimed several lives. Lawan, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Mr. Ola Awoniyi, called on the relevant

authorities and agencies to get to the root of the incident with a view to forestalling a re-occurence. Gbajabiamila has also expressed sadness over the pipeline explosion in Abule Ado. Gbajabiamila, who sympathised with the victims of the explosion, called for calm as the state government makes frantic efforts to ascertain the cause of the incident. The Speaker commended the Lagos State government as well as relevant agencies for taking action following the explosion. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity,

Mr. Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker said everything should be done to avert the reoccurrence of such incident in future. He said “My heart goes out to the people of Abule Ado, especially the victims of the explosion, in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area. I also sympathise with the people and Government of Lagos State over the incident. May I call on all the agencies of government to do diligent work to ascertain the cause of the explosion to avert a reoccurrence.” On his part, Fayemi has also commiserated with the Governor of Lagos State,

Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and families of victims of the explosion. Fayemi also commiserated with residents and business owners who lost properties during fire incident The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, regretted the huge losses recorded during the early morning fire, urging the victims not to lose hope in the face of the disaster. He also called on Nigerians generally to be conscious of safety of their environment, especially during this dry season.

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Southern, Middle Belt Leaders Oppose FG’s Plan to Borrow $22.7bn Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum has opposed the proposed plan by the federal government to borrow $22.7 billion to fund infrastructural facilities across the country. The Forum in a communiqué entitled “No to Reckless Borrowings”, issued at the end of its meeting in Abuja at the weekend and jointly signed by the Chairman and elder statesman, Chief Edwin

Clark; Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Co-Chairman for Afenifere; Chief Nnia Nwodo, President, Ohaneze Ndigbo; Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (rtd), National Chairman, PANDEF; Dr. Pogu Bitrus President, Middle Belt Forum and Mr. Yinka Odumakin, Secretary, rejected the external debt of the country which has risen to over $80 billion in just few years. The leaders therefore, asked

the federal government to rescind its ongoing effort to borrow more money to the tune of over $27 billion as approved by the Senate adding that “if not for bad governance, Nigeria would have no business engaging in these reckless move to fund overhead and theft.

“Even then, the meeting rejected the lopsided allocation of the proceeds of the huge latest external borrowing plan where the South-east of the country is totally excluded.” While expressing concern over the recent Coronavirus pandemic, the Forum urged

the federal government to redouble its ongoing efforts to protect lives of Nigerians over this plaque which has befallen the world. In expressing grave concern over the deteriorating state of the country in particular as it pertains to the continued assault

on peace and security leading to the continuous deaths of countless lives of Nigerians daily, the leaders reminded the federal government, that its primary responsibility under the laws of the country is to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians.

N68.922bn Extra Budgetary Spending: Senate Probes INEC, NSA, Others Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Senate is to probe the N68.922 billion extra budgetary spending by the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Nigerian Army, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) since 2015. Already, the Senate committee on public accounts is already studying the Auditor General for the Federation’s query to the Accountant General of the Federation regarding the extra budgetary spending by the agencies during the period under review. The Chairman of the committee, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, told journalists at the weekend that the extra budgetary spendings were under various headings. He stated that “there is one of N31 billion, N37 billion, and N922 million, among others, drawn from different levies and we are trying to find out whether they are within the appropriation or outside” His committee, he said, has

been scrutinising the report submitted to it by the AuditorGeneral of the Federation from 2015 till date. According to him, the committee made some observations while going through the assets and liabilities of the voluminous report “While perusing the assets and liabilities aspect of the report, we came across certain things that caught our attention in the query by the Auditor - General. He mentioned that loans under special funds were used for different purposes. The money, drawn from levies imposed on imported materials were given out as loans to agencies according to the documents before us. “The whole idea really is that these loans, we observed from 2014 audited accounts that a particular sum of N922 million was withdrawn from the 25 per cent rice levy as loans given to the Independent National Electoral Commission to finance the 2015 elections. The loan was contrary to the purpose for which the fund was established.”

SERVICE TO MANKIND...

L-R: Former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani; Polio International Ambassador, Chief Emeka Offor; Rotary Governor, District 9125, Dr. Victor Onukwugha; and Manager Director, AG Vision, Mr. Elie Abon Ohozole, during the ground breaking ceremony of Emeka Offor Rotary Centre District 9125, in Abuja...weekend KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

EU Advocates Gender Equality in Nigeria The delegation of European Union (EU) to Nigeria and ECOWAS has advocated for equal opportunities for all persons so as to bridge the gender inequality gap in Nigeria. The Ambassador of European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ketil Karlsen, made the call in Abuja recently after watching a stage play, August Meeting, as part of activities marking the 2020 International Women’s Day. Karlsen said August Meeting sends a strong message to the women of Nigeria and across

the world on the importance of fighting for the rights of the women which aligns with the theme of this year’s celebration, “I am Generation Equality: Realising Women’s Rights is aligned with UN Women’s new multigenerational campaign, Generation Equality, Karlsen said the objective of the theatre play was to strengthen the engagement in a manner that position them to overcome significant challenges that hinder women from actively participating in politics as well as reducing

the incidence of gender based violence. According to him, the EU was proud to see the display of August Meeting which is not only an amazing example of the creativity and the excellent art of Nigeria but also a strong message to the women of Nigeria and everywhere and the importance of fighting for the rights of women which fundamentally is human rights and which the Union has been involved in for many years. “Today we are telling a story of what happened in 1929 and

unfortunately now almost 100years these challenges are exactly present still. So making sure that we continue to fight for women everywhere, which aligns with this year’s theme “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights,” he said. He stressed that the EU was working with all Institutions to see improvements. He said the EU has supported the opening of a national register against sexual offenders as well as sexual assault referral centres throughout the country.

Group Kicks against Two-time House Member Emerges New Edo PDP Chairman Suspension of Members Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City ofhistherival, party with 729 votes, while to draw a strategy on how to message we give out”, he said. Omololu Ojehomon, move forward. Meanwhile, the member “The difference is that we representing Oredo Federal A former two-time member of scored 275 votes. of Lagos Assembly The state Publicity Secretary of are going to do things better, Constituency at the House of the House of Representatives, Segun James As the crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHA) continues to rage, the Coalition of Civil Society Groups (CCSG) and the Lagos People’s Assembly (LPA) have kicked against the suspension of the Chief Whip of LSHA, Mr. Rotimi Abiru and the Deputy Majority Leader of LSHA, Mr. Olumuyiwa Jimoh, adding that the crisis is drawing the state back. The groups stated at a press conference that was addressed by Mr. Shina Luremekun and Mr. Femi Lawson stressed that as “Lagosians and stakeholders in the democratic process, we are curious about the desperate manner in which the Speaker of LSHA, Mr. Mudashiru Obasa, arrived at this decision and the general manner, in which he has continued to conduct the businesses of the House. “We wish to say categorically, that not only is the conduct of Obasa and his cronies despicable, it is also an

exhibition of lawlessness, as it violates clearly, the position of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.” They demanded an immediate recall of the suspended members and sacked principal officers, while calling on Lagosians and the leadership of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, to rise and “check the excesses of Obasa and his cronies.” They insisted that the leadership of the LSHA should have set up a committee to look into the matter before it removed the principal officers or suspended some members. The groups also demanded for “an independent panel to probe the allegations and all issues, including monumental financial mismanagement and corruption which has become the hallmark of the Obasa leadership.” They also described the attack by the speaker on opposing voices as vicious and undemocratic with the aim of destroying the tenets of democracy.

Mr. Tony Aziegbemi, yesterday, emerged the new Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He defeated his only rival in the contest for chairmanship, Mr. Felix Imoisil, during the party’s state congress held in Benin City, with 817 votes to 488 votes. In the same vein, Mr. Hillary Osu was elected state Secretary

the party, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, was re-elected. He pulled 631 votes to defeat his opponent, Mr. Osarenren Avarenren Goodluck, who scored 126 votes. Speaking shortly after he was declared winner, Nehikhare told journalists that the election marked a new dawn for the party in the state, adding that the party is going to sit down

faster, sharper and more peopleoriented and focused. “It is a new dawn for the party and we are going to sit down and plan but don’t forget it is a new chairman, we are going to work according to his dictate. “His style may be different from that of Dan Orbih but we have to complement each other and make sure that Edo people respond to whatever

Representatives, Ogbeide Ihama, has called on all PDP faithful to work with the new leadership of the party to move it to greater heights especially now that the governorship election is fast approaching. He described the election which saw the emergence of the new leadership of the party as transparent and devoid of rancour’.

Court Grants HEDA Leave for Judicial Review against CBN Case The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), leading anticorruption non-governmental organisation has secured the approval of the Federal High Court to proceed in a freedom of Information case against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). HEDA is a non-partisan human rights and development league with the mandate to protect and promote universally recognised human rights, accountability and environmental justice in Nigeria and Africa, in accordance with international standards. It was reported by section

of the media, published on 4th day of September 2018, wherein it was relayed that the Central Bank of Nigeria sometimes in 2018 revealed that MTN Nigeria illegally repatriated foreign exchange of about $8.13 billion with irregularly issued Certificates of Capital Importation (CCIs) by some commercial banks. The Nigeria Lawyer Online on the 24th day of December 2018 reported that the alleged charge of improper repatriation leveled against MTN Nigeria was resolved to the tune of $52.6 million as against $8.13 billion earlier reported as the fine to be paid by the

telecommunication company. The reports on the alleged resolution prompted HEDA to invoke the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 to demand, by way of a freedom of information request dated the 7th January 2019 to the Governor of Central bank of Nigeria, the records and details of the resolution on the charges of improper repatriation of funds reached by MTN Nigeria and Central Bank of Nigeria. HEDA’s request was brought pursuant to the provisions of Section 2, 3, and 4 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

The CBN responded to the request but failed to supply the requested information. HEDA, sequel to the provision of Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 filed an originating motion by way of motion exparte at the Federal High Court Abuja on the 2nd July 2019 seeking leave to apply for an order of mandamus compelling the office of the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria to supply the detailed information on the alleged resolution between Central Bank of Nigeria and MTN Nigeria on the charges of improper repatriation of funds.

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Lecturers in Colleges of Education Fault Implementation of IPPIS Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The College of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) has kicked against the implementation of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) in the Federal Colleges of Education, saying that the payment system

did not take into consideration certain peculiarities of the college of education system. The union also expressed concern over the outstanding sum of N2.5billion unpaid arrears of peculiar allowances to its members. In a statement issued at the weekend by the President

COVID-19: Vatican Cancels Public Participation in Pope’s Easter Events The Vatican has announced that it is cancelling public participation in Pope Francis’ celebration of Holy Week and Easter events. A statement posted on the Prefecture of the Papal Household’s website said the Vatican is taking the step “because of the current global public health emergency” due to the spread of COVID-19. “All the Liturgical Celebrations of Holy Week will take place without the physical presence of the faithful,” the statement said. The Vatican News Agency also tweeted out the announcement. Italy has been hit particularly

hard by the virus. To date, the country has confirmed more than 21,000 cases of COVID-19 and 1,441 deaths. The nation is in lockdown, with travel to and from tightly restricted and increasing numbers of airlines and cruise lines shunning the country. Vatican City is an independent city-state set in the heart of Rome. It has followed Italy’s lead and taken drastic measures to contain the virus after one person in Vatican City was infected, another who attended a Vatican conference tested positive, and five people were placed on precautionary quarantine.

of COEASU, Mr. Nuhu Ogirima, the union said that it will reconvene the expanded National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to deliberate on further necessary action over IPPIS and other lingering issues of industrial concern, including but not limited to the inconclusive renegotiation, the unfulfilled N15billion Needs Assessment palliative and the sum of N2.5billion unpaid arrears of Peculiar Allowances. COEASU whose members complied with federal

government’s directive by registering on IPPIS said that the implementation of IPPIS in the federal colleges of education did not take care of the peculiarities of the Colleges of Education, as agreed in the stakeholders’ meetings with IPPIS office, prior to its implementation. He said: “The attention of the National Secretariat has been drawn to the payment of February 2020 salary to staff of the Federal Colleges of Education by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN). From the

information available, it is quite evident that the peculiarities of the Colleges of Education subsector, which the stakeholders’ meetings with IPPIS office, prior to its implementation, harped on as the basis of rejection of the obnoxious pay platform, have not been reflected”. Ogirima said the February salary paid by the federal government did not include the peculiar allowances of the staff of the subsector, especially the Peculiar Earned Academic Allowance (PEAA).

Also he complained that government did not pay staff on sabbatical leave. “In addition, deductions were effected on all staff salary, indiscriminately, for the National Housing Fund (NHF), a voluntary scheme to which most staff did not subscribe. Whereas federal government deducted its own statutory deductions, the non-statutory deduction of staff necessary for their well-being, especially Staff Cooperative Society contributions were not made.

WILL KYARI ADDRESS THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM? On the issue of militancy and oil theft in the Niger Delta, the NNPC and the IOCs cannot with all seriousness claim that they are unaware that some of their officials collude with oil thieves and militants to destroy and breach oil facilities and pipelines in the oil region. It has long been suspected that the expertise and precision with which the crude oil and petroleum product pipelines are breached cannot be the handiwork of amateur thieves. It requires the collaboration of experts in the oil and gas sector to tell the thieves where to target and how to puncture holes in pipelines without causing an

explosion that can take their lives. Hence the existence of an open-air market for stolen crude oil in the Gulf of Guinea, called the Togo Triangle. The Triangle is known for trade in illegal crude oil and is noted for the presence of pirates. Given the above, I am hardpressed to understand how and when Kyari intends to confront these issues headlong. Assuming he has the gumption to tackle the IOCs, is he willing and able to institute long over due reforms in the corporation that he heads? Charity, it is said, begins at home. Yet, NNPC for 12 years has been the most resistant to reforms. Every step of the way, it has

blocked the passage of either the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), or its offshoots such as the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB), among other legislations. Its leadership has warded off recommendations to corporatise and privatise the corporation through a public listing and continues to hold on to its wasted assets – the refineries – despite the failed promises to fix them. Kyari like his predecessors committed to fixing the refineries as soon as he took over the helm of the NNPC, but we all know that it was yet another empty promise and an another attempt to award multibillion dollar

contracts much of which will end up in private pockets. For spectators such as myself, NNPC and the rest of the oil and gas sector is nothing more than a basket case. We see the industry as one of revolving doors. Personally, I will not hold my breath waiting for Kyari to wave a golden wand and undertake the necessary steps to drive down the cost of oil production. Instead, I will place a bet that Kyari, along with his colleagues in government, will wait out the debilitating economic fallout caused by the Coronavirus on the oil and financial markets and pray for the price of oil to rise.

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SERAP Rejects FG’s Response to Details of Spending on $5bn Abacha Loot The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has described the response of the federal government to its request on records of spendings and exact amount of public funds stolen by late military Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha as “insufficient.” SERAP had accused federal government of having no records of the spending of about $5 billion recovered Abacha loot for the period between 1999 and 2015. The government’s response followed SERAP’s Freedom of Information (FoI) requests sent to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abukabar Malami, (SAN), and Minister of Finance, Budget and National

Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, requesting: “information on the exact amount of public funds stolen by Abacha, and details of spending of about $5 billion recovered loot since the return of democracy in 1999.” According to SERAP, in a statement dated 15 March 2020, by its Deputy Director, Mr. Kolawole Oluwadare, only Malami sent a reply to its FoI requests. In the reply dated 26 February 2020 but which SERAP said it received 9 March 2020, Malami said: “We have searched our records and the information on the exact amount of public funds stolen by Abacha and how recovered loot was spent from 1999–2015 is not held by the Ministry. “However, a total of $322

million was recovered from Switzerland in January 2018 and the funds were used for Social Investment Project. Also, $308 million was recovered from the Island of Jersey in collaboration with the USA. While awaiting the transfer of the money to Nigeria, it has been designated

for the following projects: Lagos—Ibadan Expressway; Abuja—Kano Expressway, and Second Niger Bridge.” Dissatisfied with Malami’s reply, SERAP said: “The failure to provide information on the exact amount stolen by Abacha and on the spending of recovered

loot for the period between 1999 and 2015 implicitly amounts to a refusal by the government. The government also failed to provide sufficient details on the spending and planned to spend of the $630 million it said it recovered since 2018. “In the circumstances and

given that Mrs Zainab Ahmed has failed and/or refused to respond to our FoI request, we are finalising the papers for legal actions under the FoI Act to compel the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to fully and effectively comply with our requests.”

PDP Wins Sokoto By-election Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday declared Abubakar Adamu of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the Kebbe state constituency seat in the bye-election conducted for Sokoto State House of Assembly. INEC Head of Voter Education and Public Affairs in in the state, Muhammad Musa told THISDAY that seven candidates participated in the March 14, bye-election. Musa said Adamu scored 15, 663 votes and emerged winner with the highest lawful votes, thereby accordingly returned by the Chief Returning Officer, Prof. Yahaya Tanko-Baba. Among the candidates who contested for the election were Abubakar Umaru of All Progressive Congress (APC), who polled 254 votes; Adamu Musa of All Progressive Grand

Alliance (APG), 63 votes, and Shehu Magaji of APP with 15 votes. Others were Abdulrahman Chindo who scored 65 votes; A’isha Malami of ADC got 21 votes, and Suwaiba Labbo of A party got four votes. The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in charge of Sokoto State, Mr. Sadiq Abubakar, had earlier said the election was held in 113 polling units, and that no fewer than 153,130 registered voters are expected to cast their votes. The REC said he was satisfied with arrangements, and commended security agencies and other stakeholders on the exercise. THISDAY gathered that the seat for the constituency became vacant following the death of the member representing the constituency, Isah Harisu-Kebbe, which prompted the conduct of the bye-election.

APC Chieftains Rally Support for Oshiomhole Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Reprieve came the way of the emabattled National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, when some leaders of the party yesterday declared support for him, saying those fighting him were working for the opposition. The party chieftains stated this at an interactive session held last night in Abuja tagged: “Our Leader, Adams Oshiomhole’s interactive session with concerned party leaders, members and support groups and the real issue and solution,” and organised by Mr. Blessing Agbomhere. Party leaders who attended the event included: Hon. Abubakar Momoh; Mr. Tony Kabaka, Dr. Ibrahim Dauda, Secretary, Buhari Campaign Council; Edo factional APC Chairman, Col. David Imuse (rtd); Zonal Women Leader, North Central, Hajia Hassana Abdullahi, Chairman non-NWC members of the party’s National Executive Committee NEC, Chief Nelson Alapa among others. Others are: Minister of state, Budget and National Planning,

Prince Clem Agba; former Minister of Works, Mr. Chris Ogiemwonyi; Deputy Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Peter Akpatason, member of the House of Representatives, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere and a former House member, Hon. Abdul Oroh. Speaking, the Deputy House Leader, Akpatason said this is a turbulent period for the party, adding that there are issues both at the state and national levels, but noted that there are good citizens working to ensure the stabilisation of the party. He stressed that it is not unusual for issues like these to come up when there are contestations, but added that what is important is for people to be reasonable enough to quickly resolve such issues. Akpatason added: “The issues we have today have lingered on maybe because of the wrong approaches to handling them or because of deliberate misinformation by those who have access to the media and who would rather change the narrative. One of the greatest gifts to Nigeria is that man called Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole.

GRASSROOTS MOBILISATION ...

L-R: Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Adewole Ward, Mr. Tunde Yusuf; Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; APC Ward Secretary, Mr. Idowu Imam; and Ward Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Amunutuka, during Adewole APC’s Ward meeting, in Ilorin… weekend

Bauchi Gov Berates North-east for Not Backing Atiku in 2019 Election Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, yesterday took a swipe at the 2019 general election and submitted that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, was the most qualified candidate, but was dismayed that Atiku was even hounded by his constituents in the North-east region of the country. According to him, “Our man has tried to become president;

did we support him very well? No we didn’t! So we shouldn’t blame anybody for our failure. He was the most qualified person in the election, but we didn’t go extra mile to support him, and some of us were even against him as north easterners.” Mohammed, who concurred with the adage that ‘charity begins at home’, said gone are the days when the Northeast region would be left behind or marginalise by its people. The governor, at the first-ever held North-east PDP caucus meeting since 1999, which ended

in Bauchi yesterday, said: “We are the most visible people in the government of President Muhammadu Buhari. “Most of the positions in the presidency are occupied by the north easterners, so the presidency is being owned and manned by the people, including the Chief of Staff, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the National Security Adviser among others, so the security apparatus is being manned by north easterners.” According to him, what is

lacking is for the elites to put their heads together and remind their people in the presidency that they are the representatives of the people from the region, which means in Hausa language: ‘Da Bazar Mu Suke Rawa’. Mohammad outlined the agenda of the Bauchi zonal caucus meeting of the PDP to include discussion on the possibility of changing the enemies of the party; accommodate the lodgers, and allow the continuation of those who did not end their tenures to make more inroads.

Nwobodo Backs Regional Security Outfit for South-east Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki Second Republic Governor of Old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, has backed the decision of governors of states in the South-east zone to form a regional security outfit in the mode of South-west regional security outfit, Amotekun. Nwobodo, who spoke at the seventh to 11th convocation ceremony of Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, where he

was conferred with an award of Doctor of Law (LLD Honouris Causa) last Saturday, decried that farmers no longer go to their farms for fear of being attacked. The former governor also lamented that there were many deaths in the region presently, as a result of insecurity, noting that community had been there without addressing the situation. He said the only thing the governors in the region can do now is to bravely establish the

regional security and ensure that all the state Houses of Assembly in the zone pass a law to back it up. Other awardees were Sir Cletus Ibeto, Doctor of Business Administration (Honouris Cause); former Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Martin Elechi, Doctor of Letters (Honouris Causa), and Major-Gen Obi Umahi, Doctor of Science (Honouris Causa) Nwobodo said: “My advice

to our leaders, particularly the governors, is that they should be bold in taking things straight up once their conscience tells them that what they are doing is right. “The job of a leader is the security and welfare of his people; and particularly, you must lead and secure them; you must show them you care for them, and the only way you can care for them is not to joke with their welfare.

he was the first National VicePresident of the National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS), and has remained live member of NUNS since 1962. He was the first President of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association, Nsukka, and the first President of the university’s National Alumni Association. Ibori said that apart from his academic exploits, Ijomah was a thorough-going patriot who wore his being from Delta State

as a badge of honour. Ibori described Ijomah as “an erudite orator, a remarkable nationalist, one of those respected elders and political leaders who sat together and negotiated the amiable creation of Delta and Edo states from the old Bendel. During my watch as Governor from 1999 t0 2007, I gained a great deal from the wholesome golden nuggets of advice that came from the incandescent mind of this uncommon intellectual.

Ibori Mourns Ijomah A former Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori has described the late Professor Benedict Imeagwu Chukwuma Ijomah who passed on March 13, 2020 as a consummate educationist who excelled as both teacher and administrator from the secondary school to the university, a social activist, uncommon nationalist, global church leader and a towering world class intellectual. In a statement signed by

his Media Assistant, Mr. Tony Eluemunor, the former governor said that Ijomah was outstanding in all he did. He recalled that Ijomah set a high standard when he taught briefly at St. Anthony’s College, Ubulu-Uku, from where he gained admission as a foundation student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1960, and emerged the first President of the UNN Students’ Union, 1960 – 1961. Several other firsts followed;

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INEC Declares APC Candidate Winner of Kwara By-election Hammed Shittu in Ilorin The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kwara State at the weekend declared the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) winner in the Patigi state constituency by-election for the state House of Assembly, Hon. Adam Ahmed Rufai. Rufai polled 10,354 votes to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the election, Hon. Mohammed Salihu Yahaya, who polled 4,623 votes. The elected lawmaker would replace his late brother, Saidu Ahmed Rufai, who died in December last year after a brief illness, and will represent Patigi constituency at the state assembly. Announcing the result of the election in Patigi at the weekend, the INEC Returning Officer of

the election, Dr. Abdulazeez Ishola Musbau of University of Ilorin, said the APC candidate, Rufai was declared the winner because he polled the highest vote cast of 10,354 during the poll. According to him, “Hon. Adam Ahmed Rufai of the APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of vote cast is hereby declared winner. “The election, which was contested among the six candidates from various political parties of AAC, ADC, APC, APM, NNPP, and PDP, was acknowledged to be peaceful and credible by the stakeholders and other participants in the election.” Reacting to the victory, the state Chairman of the APC, Hon. Bashr Bolarinwa, said: “The victory of Rufai at the election

Chinese Restaurant Denies Discrimination Allegations by FCCPC, Demands Apology The Huafei Chinese Restaurant in Lagos has denied any wrongdoing in the allegation of discrimination against Nigerians in its service. It also called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) re-open its business premises it sealed up and tender an apology to it for taking an action that is unfair to it and negatively affecting its business and reputation. In a press statement signed by media consultant to the Huafei Nigeria Limited, owners of the Huafei, Mr. Ikenna Emewu, the company said the allegation which the Director General of the FCCPC, Mr. Babatunde Irukera, twitted on his twitter handle that has been generating negative responses against Huafei was done in absolute bad faith. He argued that the commission would have been fair to the company’s interest to follow the proper process and grant the management of the company fair hearing before any action.

The owner of the restaurant, Chief Ronnie Liu, queried the rationale in refusing to serve Nigerians whereas the restaurant has Nigerians in its employment. He added that what the FCCPC did was taking action against someone in a premeditated manner, saying that it deserve to be heard and the right to defend itself before the punitive action. The statement reads: “We would want to bring to your attention and that you help us inform all Nigerians that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) sealed up our business premises, the HUAFEI Chinese Restaurant and business premises on 33 Aboyade Cole Street, Victoria Island Lagos on Saturday, March 14, 2020 We also want to let Nigerians know that the allegation that we discriminate against and refuse to serve Nigerians or reject their business patronage is totally wrong and absolute falsehood.

Coronavirus: NEMA Cautions Nigerians against Patronising Imported Fairly Used Textile The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned Nigerians to stop patronising imported fairly used textiles to ensure Coronavirus is adequately checkmated in Nigeria. This is even as the agency has called for inclusion of Disaster management as part of academic course in universities and polytechnic curriculum. Head of Imo/Abia Operations of NEMA, Mr. Evans Ugoh, made the call in Owerri while addressing disaster stakeholders in a workshop organised yesterday by NEMA. He said it would be very dangerous for Nigerians to be patronising imported fairly used textile, adding that continuous patronage on fairly used cloths was a direct invitation of the virus to Nigeria.

He urged federal government to place serious sanction on importation of fairly used textiles in other to discourage smugglers. “This is a massage to all Nigerians who are in the habit of patronising fairly used cloths imported from abroad particularly contact countries “We should be aware that those already diagnosed with the virus abroad could also dispose their cloths where it could eventually be imported to Nigeria,” he said. He also urged government to step up awareness campaign on coronavirus in Nigeria. Ugoh also said inclusion of disaster management in school curriculum would help in grooming the future disaster managers in tackling disaster.

is a reaffirmation of the faith in our party and definite statement to our traducers that we are still the party to beat.” In a statement issued and signed in Ilorin yesterday by him, the party chairman urged the assembly elected member to

see his victory as an opportunity to continue the worthy legacies of his predecessor and brother. Bolarinwa, therefore, urged the members of the party to continue to work together as a team so as to move the party to a greater height.

Also, the Speaker of the state Assembly, Salihu Yakubu Danladi, has congratulated the APC candidate, Rufai, for his electoral victory in the Patigi constituency by-election. The lawmaker, in a congratulatory message issued

through his Special Assistant on Media, Ibrahim Sheriff, in Ilorin, yesterday said the victory reaffirmed the support of the people of Patigi state constituency to the pro-people state Governor, AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq, administration.

WOMEN AFFAIR...

L-R: Founder and Convener, Professional Women Roundtable, Mrs. Ivana Osagie; Founder, BrandLee Solutions, Mrs. Omole Imosemi; and CEO, West Africa Vocational Education, Mrs. Molade Adeniyi, at the annual Global Book-based Learning Summit organised by BrandLee Solutions in Lagos…recently

UNICEF Lauds Osun’s Return to 6-3-3-4 Education System The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has commended the Osun State Government’s education reform under the leadership of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola that returned the state’s education curriculum to the 6-3-3-4 system. UNICEF Field Officer in Akure, Nigeria, Dr.Tushar Rene, in a letter to the state government, congratulated the state for the bold step it took to rejig the education system from 4-5-3-4 to 6-3-3-4. Rene also commended the state government for the reintroduction

of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE), which he described as necessary for remarkable brain development. He said: “The commencement of the ECDE in the state is a good development. It is a right recognised in the Convention of the Rights of a Child, which has been ratified by almost all countries of the world. “Early childhood is a time of remarkable brain development and any investment in this area yields very high economic returns, offsetting disadvantage and inequality especially for

children from poor families.” Rene also pledged the agency’s support for the state government, and assured that: “The UNICEF Nigeria will continue to support Osun State’s Ministry, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of Education in strengthening the state’s Education Information Management System (EMIS) and installation of UNESCO’s Institute of Statistics Software to facilitate data management for the conduct of annual school census.” The UNICEF also promised

to provide technical support for the conduct of household survey on out-of-school children, the institutionalisation of schools support officers at the local government level to monitor and mentor teachers as well as technical support on implementation of ECDE. Rene also commended Governor Oyetola’s administration for its continued implementation of social protection programmes and commented that “the pace set by the state is not unnoticed within and outside Nigeria.”

635 World Bank-assisted Projects Executed in Ekiti, Says Fayemi Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has disclosed that a total of 635 micro projects have been executed in all the 133 communities across the 16 local government areas of the state since the advent of his second term in office in 2018. The projects, which he said were at various stages and undertaken through the Ekiti State Community and Social Development Agency (EKCSDA) in partnership with the World Bank, are accordingly part of the

giant strides of his government towards mitigating the level of poverty in the rural areas. The governor, represented by the Chairman of the agency, Mr. Yemi Alatise, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ workshop on the report and outcome evaluation exercise organised by the agency in Ado-Ekiti yesterday. Reiterating the readiness of his administration to continually assist the agency in providing counterpart funds as and when due, Fayemi noted that several life-changing projects in the health, education and social

services sectors that will bring more dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots are in the pipeline for the populace as embedded in the 2019 budget. He said arrangement has been concluded by the agency with the chief executives of local government areas and community leaders in all the 16 local councils to assist the agency in maintaining and sustaining various projects executed by the EKCDSP in their various localities. “The government will continue to make funds available, so all

the communities need is to tap into the various windows created by the government to ensure that the developmental projects they want in the community are achieved. “EKCSDP has been able to build more than 150 health centres and equipped them with modern health facilities. It has also provided science and laboratory equipment in some schools in the rural areas. We want to assure you that the agency will continue to function properly without interference,” he stated.

Edo Begins Licensing of Tricycle Riders, Unveils Life Insurance Plan The Edo State Government will tomorrow, March 17, 2020, begin registration and licensing of motorcycle and tricycle riders across the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state as part of efforts by the Governor Godwin Obasekiled administration to address security challenges in the state. The Director of Transport, Ministry of Infrastructure,

Mr. George Aghahowa, who disclosed this to journalists in Benin City, said the new scheme for commercial riders in the state has a benefit of up to N250, 000 Life Insurance, in case of death of any of the riders. Aghahowa said the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), in collaboration with other public and private bodies, will be in charge of the roll-out of permit

to the riders, noting that the move became imperative due to the incessant cases of criminal activities perpetuated by some group of riders around the Benin metropolis. He explained that the riders permit is an authorisation, issued to motorcycle and tricycle riders as part of efforts by the state government to monitor the influx of persons into the state under

the guise of riding motorcycle or tricycle. “While we are not going to stop their operations, we will not allow the criminally minded ones to hide under the guise of providing transportation to defraud, rape, rob or kidnap our citizens using motorcycles or tricycles. These are some of the reasons we came up with this initiative.

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MONDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

N AT I O N A L S P O R T S F E S T I VA L

150 Medics to Screen Athletes, Others for Coronavirus Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

With less than a week to the hosting of the 20th edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF) in Benin City, the Edo State, the state government has said it is deploying 150 medical personnel to offer essential medical services and other measures to ward off the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak during the games. Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC) and Deputy Governor of the state, Hon. Phillip Shaibu, disclosed this

at the NSF Secretariat in Government House, Benin City at the weekend. Shaibu noted that the state government has procured five scanners and Infrared thermometers to be stationed in the stadiums and the Benin Airport to check for high body temperature of athletes and fans during the games. He stressed that the state government is taken necessary measures to ward off the Covid-19 outbreak at the NSF 2020. According to him, “We will

Edo is Ready, Says Sports Minister after Inspection of Facilities LOC: Bid still open for terrestrial broadcast The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, who is in Edo State, ahead of the National Sports Festival (NSF) to ascertain the level of preparations for the national event, has praised the state government for the turn around in its facilities within a few months. He added that Edo has raised the bar high for hosting of sporting events in Nigeria. The minister said this Friday while speaking with journalists after he undertook an inspection of the hostel accommodation for provided for athletes coming for Edo 2020 in Benin City. “We started the inspection from the stadium. Whhen I came the last time it was just rafters for the gym, we have seen that everything is almost set. By Monday (today) that place will be fully ready. “We have seen the hard court, Ogbe hard court is back. We have also seen the main-bowl and the tracks. I think we couldn’t ask for more,� observed the minister in appreciation of the quality of the facilities Edo State has provided to host the 20th edition of the National Sports Festival in Benin. Speaking on the level of preparedness to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus also known as Covid-19, the Minister said, “I think beyond the bricks-and-mortar, beyond the

tracks, the buildings, the hostels, the other thing they’ve done so well is containing the spread of the virus. The Minister expressed hope that the competition would throw up talents for the country for future sports events. Meanwhile, the Marketing Sub-committee has said that broadcast signals are still available for interested television stations for fee. SuperSport Nigeria was named the host broadcaster for the festival and will beam live to millions of Nigerians and other sports lovers across the African continent on pay television but Mike Itemuagbor, Chairman of the Marketing Sub-committee stressed that signals for terrestrial broadcasting of the event are still available on first come, first served basis. “This is to let television stations in Nigeria know that signals for the broadcast of the Edo 2020 National Sports Festival on terrestrial television are available. “Interested television stations should contact the Marketing Sub-committee for discussion. We are aware they pay to air international sports events. This is the international standard and Nigeria cannot pretend to be different when it comes to broadcasting and media rights for events organised in Nigeria by Nigerians,� said Itemuagbor.

Mechanic Team Wins Maiden Yamaha Cup in Lagos The Mechanics team has emerged champions of the Yamaha Cup in Lagos zone. They defeated the Marine Boys of Ikorodu 2-0 in a nailbiting final game played at Kith and Kin School Sports Field, Ibeshe recently. Yamaha Cup was organised by CFAO Yamaha Motor Nigeria Limited. The fiveweek long five-a-side football tournament was played among stakeholders in the mobility industry; Marine Boys (Boat Transporters), Boat Users, Motorcycle Riders, Tricycle Riders and Motorcycle Mechanic Team. The games, right from first match, were full of intrigues and drama as expected of a football tournament with non-professional players competing against each other. The tournament’s objective was

to foster camaraderie, encourage physical fitness and wellness among the players and their larger team. The Executive Secretary of Igbogbo-Bayeku LCDA, Barrister Ade Ayeni presented the winner’s medal, and the Yamaha Cup to the triumphant Mechanic Team. Speaking at the event, Ayeni congratulated the winning team and thanked Yamaha for organizing the tournament and choosing Ikorodu as venue for the exciting competition held in a friendly and fun environment. The Team Lead Marketing of CFAO Yamaha, Mr. Victor Momodu said organising the Yamaha Cup “is our own way of giving back to our customers and promoting unity and togetherness because you need your whole team contributing to win a game of football.

be monitoring the contingents as they arrive in Edo. We are going to screen them before they have access into the city and the Games Village where they will be accommodated. “We will commence daily screening for all the athletes and officials before every game. We have two isolation wards put in place for eventualities.� He said discussion was ongoing with the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports, and the Main Organising Committee (MOC) on whether to allow foreign athletes to participate in the games. Chairman, Medical SubCommittee of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Prof. Darlington Obaseki, said as part of preparedness for the Edo 2020 NSF scheduled to hold from March 22 to

April 1, in Benin City, 150 medical personnel including orthopaedic surgeons, anaesthetists, physiotherapists, pharmacists, 45 paramedics, nurses and other auxiliary staff are ready to provide medical services. Prof Obaseki who is the Chief Medical Director, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), noted: “We are ready to provide medical services to cover about 11,500 athletes and coaches as well as spectators for the games,� he said. He noted that comprehensive medical centres would be mounted at the Games’ Village, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium as well as accommodation halls for athletes and coaches. Prof Obaseki added that

30 mobile medical units had been constituted and would be stationed at the different sporting arenas, which will be supported with 10 ambulances with effective communication system to go around the different game centres. He said five mobile ambulance carts would be procured for quick retrieval of injured athletes from the field, adding that to prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), there will be continuous health awareness on the need to always wash hands with soap and water, and promote the use of hand sanitizers that would be provided at the game venues and accommodation centres. Also, representative of the Chief Medical Director of Irrua

Specialist Teaching Hospital, Prof. Danny Asogun said test kits were available at the hospital to test samples for coronavirus and give results within eight hours. He added that the two samples tested for coronavirus in the hospital were negative, assuring members of the public not to panic as there was no case of the virus in the state. The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Patrick Okundia, said that different health teams are carrying out sensitisation campaigns across the state, including motor parks, on the need to have hands washing points, noting that contact information has been released to different transportation operators to report suspected cases.

Some of the athletes who raced on the brand new Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium track waiting for the starter’s instructions at the weekend. The Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, has declared Edo State ready to host the 20th National Sports Festival

Five Valencia Players, Staff Test Positive for Coronavirus Five Valencia players and staff are “in good health� after testing positive for coronavirus, the club announced yesterday. Valencia and Argentina defender Ezequiel Garay became the first La Liga player to announce a positive test earlier on Sunday. Spain’s La Liga was suspended on Thursday after the Real Madrid squad went into quarantine. Spain is the second worst-hit country in Europe after Italy and is set to declare a national lockdown on Monday. “It is clear I have started 2020 with bad luck,� Garay, 33, wrote

on Instagram. “I am very well and must obey health authorities and stay isolated.� A Valencia statement said the affected players and staff were “in their homes in good health and under isolation measures�. “We are confident that with solidarity, responsibility and good spirits we will beat this pandemic,� the club added. In the case involving Real Madrid, a member of their basketball team - who used the same training facilities as the football team - tested positive, leading to the side’s quarantine. Several players in Italy’s Serie

A have tested positive for the virus, including on-loan Wolves forward Patrick Cutrone. Also yesterday,Wayne Rooney insisted that the UK government and football authorities have treated footballers as “guinea pigs� during the coronavirus outbreak. Elite football in Britain has been suspended until at least 3 April, with the Premier League saying “conditions at the time� will determine its return. “For players, staff and their families it has been a worrying week,� he said. “One in which you felt a lack of leadership from the

government and from the FA and Premier League.� Writing in his column in the UK’s Sunday Times, the former England captain said: “The rest of sport - tennis, Formula 1, rugby, golf, football in other countries - was closing down and we were being told to carry on. “I think a lot of footballers were wondering, ‘Is it something to do with money being involved in this?’. Why did we wait until Friday? Why did it take Mikel Arteta (Arsenal manager) to get ill for the game in England to do the right thing,� queried the former Manchester United star.

Simba Renews Contract with Super Eagles The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has described Simba Group as a worthy partner in the journey to make Nigerian football fulfilling for players and fans. According to NFF President, Mr Amaju Pinnick, who spoke at the contract renewal signing ceremony between Simba Group and the federation in Lagos over the weekend, the commitment of the company to the development of Nigerian football and the Super Eagles is worth emulating. Simba Group, distributors of

TVS tricycle and motorcycle, extended its contract with the NFF for two years as the “Official Motorcycle and Tricycle of the Super Eagles� at a ceremony in Lagos on Friday. Pinnick described the contract renewal by Simba Group as epochal as it marked the first time a partner was desirous to have its contract renewed before expiration. He therefore commended Simba Group for believing in the NFF and the Super Eagles. “We are happy that despite the

man-made turbulence of recent time, companies like Simba have done their due diligence and concluded with a strong belief in the NFF,� he said. The NFF President added: “We are very happy to renew this contract with Simba for the next two years. I thank the Simba Group very profoundly. They will never regret their continuous belief in the NFF. We will do everything in ensuring that they have the desired leverage.� Pinnick said the NFF was particularly delighted that

despite the critical and dicey time for Nigerian football, “Simba, a company that has an untainted image, can say that it wants to partner with us. That goes to confirm that they believe in our integrity, probity and transparency in doing things.� Speaking for Simba Group, Mr Mahendra Pratap, Business Head-Simba TVS assured NFF that the company was committed to working together with the NFF to help develop football further in the country.

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MONDAYSPORTS

How Coronavirus Has Shut Down Global Sport The spread of coronavirus around the world has impacted negatively the staging of sporting events around the globe. Almost all major football leagues, including the UEFA Champions League and its second tier Europa League have all been put on hold due to the spread of the virus around the world. Now, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is still studying the situation to know if the summer Games can still go ahead in Tokyo, Japan between July and August. It is the worst ever period for sports as the global community battle to find solution to the scourge that is believed to have emanated from Hubei Province in China since November last year. Below are some of the impacts... FOOTBALL Top-level English and Scottish football have been suspended until April 3 at the earliest due to the coronavirus pandemic, it was announced on Friday 13 March. The Football Association, the Premier League, the English Football League, FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship have all agreed a halt to competitive action since last weekend. A joint statement from the Scottish Football Association and the Scottish Professional Football League confirmed the suspension of all football north of the border until further notice. The decisions to suspend follows players and staff becoming affected by the virus, or individuals self-isolating as a precaution after reporting symptoms consistent with Covid-19. The Premier League clash between Manchester City and Arsenal, scheduled for March 11, had already been postponed as a ‘precautionary measure’ after Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis tested positive for coronavirus weeks after watching his Greek team play at the Emirates Stadium. On Friday 13 March, UEFA has announced all Champions League and Europa League fixtures scheduled for next week are postponed, as well as the quarter-final draws for both competitions. UEFA has called an emergency meeting on Tuesday 17 March to discuss whether Euro 2020 can go ahead as scheduled. Domestic fixtures at all levels have been postponed by the Chinese Football Association as the season is pushed back due to the scale of the outbreak in China. Asian Champions League matches involving Guangzhou Evergrande, Shanghai Shenhua and Shanghai SIPG are postponed until April. The start of the Korean K-League season is postponed. The four teams in the AFC Champions League are playing their matches behind closed doors. Japan’s J-League postponed all domestic games until the middle of March. Inter Milan’s game against Sampdoria was one of four Serie A games cancelled on February 22-23 weekend due to affected regions in Italy leading to advice from the prime minister to call off sporting events.Inter Milan’s Europa League match with Getafe was also postponed on March 11, while Roma’s flight to Spain to face Sevilla was banned from landing before being postponed, with Italy on lockdown. The Coppa Italia match between Napoli and Inter Milan on March 5 became the latest fixture to be called off, when it was postponed indefinitely. It was the 12th game to be postponed since the crisis began and the third involving Inter. An update from Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora later confirmed all the Serie A fixtures for the weekend commencing March 7-8, would be played behind closed doors. And with the country on lockdown, it was later announced that all sport, including Serie A games, would be suspended until at least April 3 to contain the virus. In France, it was announced on Friday 13 March that there will be no top-flight football for the immediate future after their governing body postponed all matches in light of the coronavirus pandemic. In Spain, April 18’s Copa del Rey final between between Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad has been postponed while the country’s leagues have been put on hold. UEFA said it is asking governments across the continent to ensure Euro 2020 goes ahead in three months despite the coronavirus outbreak. MLS has been suspended for 30 days with David Beckham’s first Inter Miami home game delayed. Inter Milan’s Europa League match against Ludogorets on February 27 was played behind closed doors. Only TV rights-holders are allowed to attend as media as the club look to secure the San Siro. Ludogorets players arrived in Italy wearing face masks. Manchester United’s Europa League clash at Austrian side LASK was played behind closed doors, with United handing out ÂŁ350 to each

Players from Brazilian club Gremio took to the field wearing masks on Sunday in protest at having to play a football match as fears over coronavirus grow in the South American nation

fan to help with travel and accommodation after they sold 900 tickets for the game. Three players from third-division Italian football club US Pianese have tested positive for coronavirus, the Tuscany side confirmed on Friday. Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis, who also owns Nottingham Forest, tested positive for the coronavirus. Both Olympiacos and Forest squads were tested and all returned negative. In Germany, Hannover 96 defender Timo Hubers tested positive for the virus. The Football Association of Ireland announced that all football under its jurisdiction will cease until March 29. Liverpool have announced a charity match between a Reds Legends side and Barcelona Legends, due to be played at Anfield on March 28, has been postponed. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Friday postponed indefinitely all AFCON 2021 Match day 3 and 4 qualifiers scheduled for the weekend of March 25th to 31st. Acting General Secretary of CAF, Abdel Bah, said in a message to member federations involved in the qualifiers that following the growing concern over the COVID-19 virus and the latest declaration of the World Health Organization (WHO) describing it as a pandemic, CAF Emergency Committee has decided to postpone the following matches until further notice: “Total AFCON 2021 Qualifiers: Match days 3 and 4 of the qualifiers initially scheduled from 25th to 31st March. “Also, FIFA Women U-20 World Cup Qualifiers, initially scheduled from 20-22 March and 27 and the Total Women AFCON 2020 Qualifiers, initially scheduled from 8th to 14th April.� He said CAF will announce the new programme in due time. Concerning the Total African Nations Championship (CHAN 2020) scheduled for Cameroon from 4th to 25th April, the CAF scribe said a delegation from the CAF Medical Committee “is scheduled to visit Cameroon between 14 and 15 March 2020. Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for coronavirus on March 12 with the entire first-team squad being put into isolation. The Gunners’ game against Brighton, scheduled for Saturday March 14, has been postponed. In the early hours of Friday, March 13, Chelsea announced that winger Callum Hudson-Odoi had been diagnosed with the illness. The club’s first team has gone into self-isolation, while two buildings at their training ground in Cobham have been closed. Also, Israel has warned citizens to avoid all international travel, which raises questions whether supporters or players will travel to Scotland for their Euro 2020 play-off match on March 26. There are growing concerns that some matches at Euro 2020 could be called off if the coronavirus outbreak gets worse between now and the summer. FORMULA ONE The Australian Grand Prix has been called off after a McLaren team member came down with Covid-19, leading to the British team pulling out prior to a decision being made on whether the race would still go ahead. The announcement came hours after Lewis Hamilton said it was ‘shocking’ that the race was going ahead. The Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on April 19 is postponed with no decision over whether it will be reinserted into the 2020 calendar for later in the season. The Bahrain Grand Prix, scheduled for March 20-22, is set to be called off as is the inaugural

Vietnam Grand Prix (scheduled to take place in Hanoi on April 5). There is hope that the F1 season can begin on May 3. F1 chiefs are looking to press on with the Zandvoort race in Holland on that date. GOLF The Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific golf championship, slated to take place from February 12-15 in Thailand, was postponed and has been rescheduled for October. The Honda LPGA Thailand event in Pattaya, Thailand scheduled for February 20-23 along with the HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore, scheduled to start on February 27, were both postponed The PGA Tour Series-China postponed two qualifying tournaments and delayed the start of its 2020 campaign by two months, cutting the number of regular season events down from 14 to 10. The decision was made to cancel the LPGA Blue Bay tournament in China, with the event at Hainan Island (due to start on March 5) seen as dangerous to players’ health The European Tour postponed the Maybank Championship (April 16-19 in Kuala Lumpur) and Volvo China Open (April 23-26 in Shenzhen). After deciding to play with no spectators from the second round of the Players Championship onwards, the PGA Tour cancelled the event entirely after the first round on Thursday 12 March. They have also scrapped their next three events, meaning there will be no PGA Tour events prior to the first major of the year, The Masters, in April. However, on Friday 13 March the prestigious Augusta tournament was also postponed. TENNIS All events on the ATP Tour have been suspended for six weeks. The International Tennis Federation has announced that next month’s Fed Cup finals have been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak. The event was due to be held in Budapest and the competition’s play-offs, which were set to take place in eight different locations, have also been placed on hold. The WTA also announced no tournaments will be staged for at least five weeks. OTHER SPORTS The first-stage draw for the Table Tennis World Championships scheduled for South Korea from March 22-29 has been postponed. A beach volleyball tournament, due to be held in Yangzhou from April 22-26, is postponed until after the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The Women’s World Ice Hockey Championships, scheduled for Canada later this month, have been cancelled. The NBA has also been suspended indefinitely after two Utah Jazz players contracted the virus. The NHL has announced it has paused the 2019-20 season with no date confirmed for when it will resume. The London Marathon has been postponed for six months. It was scheduled to take place on April 26 but has now been pushed back to October. 2020 OLYMPIC GAMES The 2020 Olympic Games Torch Relay in Greece was cancelled on Friday 13 March - just a day after the flame was lit in Olympia. Large crowds mobbed Hollywood actor Gerard Butler as he lit the cauldron in the Greek city of Sparta on Friday despite repeated warnings for spectators not to attend because of coronavirus. That forced the decision by the Greek Olympic

Committee to halt the torch relay on Greek soil on just the second day of its scheduled eight-day journey. The Olympic flame will still be handed over to the Tokyo 2020 organising committee at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens on Thursday, but without fans. It is the only the third time that a relay to Athens for the summer Games has not been completed. The scale of the outbreak in Japan saw senior International Olympic Committee member Dick Pound describe the disease as ‘the new war’ threatening Tokyo 2020 and he warned the Games may have to be cancelled if the virus was still around by May. But the Japanese government later insisted Pound’s comments were not the IOC’s official stance but there remains doubts over whether the summer showcase can still go ahead with health concerns. Athletes have been told to keep training and the plan remains to hold the Games in Japan as planned but training for around 80,000 volunteers has been delayed for at least two months- it was due to begin on February 22. On Friday, March 13; President Donald Trump’s suggestion to postpone the Tokyo Olympics for a year because of the spreading coronavirus was immediately shot down by Japan’s Olympic minister. ‘The IOC and the organising committee are not considering cancellation or a postponement - absolutely not at all,’ Seiko Hashimoto, an Olympic bronze medalist, told a news conference in Tokyo. The International Olympic Committee and Tokyo organisers have stayed on message since the viral outbreak in China three months ago spread across Asia and then the globe: The games will open as schedule on July 24. ATHLETICS World Athletics Indoor Championships (March 13-15 in Nanjing) is off until 2021. BADMINTON German Open (March 3-8), Vietnam Open (March 24-29) and Polish Open (March 26-29), all Olympic qualifying events, are cancelled due to ‘strict health protection’. BOXING Olympic boxing qualifiers to be staged in Wuhan were cancelled by the International Olympic Committee, and now are relocated to occur in Amman from March 3-11 All British fights over the next two months are under threat. The BBBoC confirmed to Sportsmail they are no currently making recommendations to cancel shows but admitted that can change and will await guidance from the government. CRICKET England’s tour of Sri Lanka was postponed on Friday 13 March due to the coronavirus pandemic, with the England and Wales Cricket Board citing ‘completely unprecedented times’. The decision was confirmed while Joe Root’s side were in the field at Colombo’s P Sara Oval, contesting a warm-up game for a two-Test series that was in the process of being written off by decision-makers back at Lord’s. CYCLING Danish cyclist Michael Morkov has been cleared to race at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships after being kept in isolation over fears of an outbreak of coronavirus.

Monday March 16, 2020

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MISSILE

Ekiti Obas to Alaafin “He is without doubt a meddlesome interloper who is bent on exporting the crisis he engineered in old Oyo State during which the traditional council was unable to hold a single meeting as a result of leadership tussle between him and the Ooni of Ife until Osun was carved out of the old Oyo State” – Ekiti Council of Obas calling on Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde to caution the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.

IJEOMANWOGWUGWU BEHIND THE FIGURES

ijeoma.nwogwugwu@thisdaylive.com

Will Kyari Address the Elephant in the Room?

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f all the critical stakeholders responsible for the management of the Nigerian economy that met last Wednesday in Abuja at the open plenary of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s second consultative roundtable, it was probably only the remarks made by the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Mele Kyari that struck a chord. Unlike his colleagues at that event, he did not bother to toy around with platitudes about the dire economic situation in which Nigeria finds itself. Kyari spoke barely 48 hours after the price of crude oil had tanked precipitously following the fight for market share between Saudi Arabia and Russia, in reaction to the drop in global demand as a result of the Coronavirus. He painted a grim picture of tougher times ahead. According to him, there were over 12 stranded Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) cargoes because of the collapse in global oil demand associated potentially and significantly with the Coronavirus. This had never happened before to Nigeria LNG cargoes, he said. With respect to liquid cargoes, Kyari disclosed that they had been badly hit too, with Nigeria accounting for 50 cargoes that had not found landing. Kyari acknowledged that all oil producing countries had been bad hit by the price war as Saudi Arabia and Russia scrambled for buyers for their crude grades, but Saudi Arabia, as the world’s largest producer, had the latitude to engage in the price war because it costs the country on average $4-$5 to produce a barrel of crude oil. Accordingly, if the price of oil was slightly over $30 per barrel and Saudi Arabia and Russia were offering discounts of $8 and $5 respectively, they would still be making a profit, albeit by slightly lower margins, he explained. In contrast, Kyari pointed out that the cost of producing a barrel of crude oil in Nigeria was at best $15-$17 per barrel (for onshore production), but at the top end of the production spectrum, $30 per barrel (for deep offshore production). The long of short of Kyari’s narrative was that even in the area of crude oil production, which accounts for 80% of our export earnings, Nigeria is uncompetitive and cannot go toe to toe with other oil producing nations to fight for a piece of the market. In effect, it is faced with far worse prospects than other oil producing nations, not just in terms of her inability to find buyers for her crude oil, but is saddled with the stark reality of dwindling foreign exchange reserves and an annual budget that is not worth the paper on which it is written. As a solution, Kyari suggested Nigeria cuts its cost of production and ramps up oil output. However, he came up short on how his recommendations will be achieved. He also seemingly forgot that neither of the measures would bring immediate relief to a country already reeling from the adverse economic impact of the Coronavirus in the worst possible way. As a cub energy reporter in the mid to late 1990s, I visited so many oil production facilities in the Niger Delta. At the time, about 95% of Nigeria’s crude oil was produced onshore or in shallow waters under joint operating agreements (or joint venture contracts) with the international oil companies (IOCs), with sole risk (independent) operators making up the balance. The initial set of deep offshore production sharing contracts had just been signed in 1993 and were at least ten years away from producing first oil, ready for shipment. In the absence of deep offshore production, the cost of producing a barrel of oil averaged

Kyari $5 per barrel. Nigeria then was considered a low-cost oil producing country, even with the inefficiency that had started to crop up at the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS). NAPIMS is a unit under the exploration and production (E&P) directorate of the NNPC responsible for managing the Nigerian government’s investments in the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry. So how did Nigeria transit from a low-cost oil producing country to one where the cost of production is exorbitant? According to data provided by the industry journal, Oil Price Intelligence, the cost of production of a barrel of crude oil in Saudi Arabia is $3-$5 per barrel, in Kuwait less than $10, Iran - $9, Iraq - $10, Russia - $15 on average, Angola - $40, United Kingdom – about $44.33 (deep offshore production), Brazil - $34.99 (onshore and deep offshore), Venezuela - $26, Canada - $26.24, the US - $20-$30 (offshore and shale oil) and Nigeria - $30 on average. As my colleague and Arise News Business Analyst Mr. Bode Ososami put it succinctly last week, Saudi Arabia is able to produce oil at a lower cost than its peers because of its abundant pool of oil close to the surface and the absence of taxation on oil production. Nigeria, on the other hand, has stuck out like a sore thumb in terms of oil production cost for a number of reasons, notwithstanding inflation, foreign exchange movement, the fiscal regime, and the cost of capital, which has a limited impact as funding for major oil projects are sourced from overseas markets where the cost of funds is cheaper. For one, several of the oil fields that today account for more than 50% of the hydrocarbons produced in Nigeria are located in frontier deep-water acreages that are a lot more expensive to produce. This arises from the technology that is required to drill the fields in hostile water depths of 1,000 metres and above, as well as the construction of the costly floating production storage and offloading vessels that must be moored and linked to well heads and drilling platforms, among other facilities. Owing to the high cost and risks associated with the deep-water acreages, it is the IOCs with the financial wherewithal and technical capability that dominate this segment of E&P activities in the country. The IOCs have also found the deep-water oil concessions more attractive, because as contractors to the NNPC, the Nigerian government has no financial input in the E&P activities, making their spending programmes more difficult to monitor and

regulate. Another attraction for the oil majors is the location of the deep-water facilities. They are difficult to access and less susceptible to attacks or sabotage by militants and oil thieves in the Niger Delta. Given the almost unregulated nature of their operations, the IOCs can ramp up costs without a care in the world, much to the detriment of Nigeria. The situation is made starker by NAPIMS, which is supposed to be the portfolio and project manager of the nation’s investments in the upstream oil and gas sector. NAPIMS, in its oversight functions, often acts in cahoots with the foreign oil firms to sabotage the nation’s interest. Its personnel are either grossly incompetent or fantastically corrupt and often turn a blind eye to the sharp practices of the oil firms. Apart from its incestuous relationship with the IOCs, because of NAPIMS, Nigeria is notorious for having the longest lead time in the global oil industry for reviewing and approving the work programmes, petroleum operations, budgets and projects costs of the IOCs. The protracted time, often running into several months and sometimes years, that it takes NAPIMS to approve major E&P activities for deep-water acreages often leads to cost overruns and compels the IOCs to factor in a premium in their project costs. More often than not, the delays are intentional and contrived so that palms can be greased. The story of the Egina deep-water oil field operated by France’s Total is a cautionary tale of how difficult and expensive it is to do business in Nigeria’s oil sector. The second reason for the high cost of oil production in Nigeria can be traced to onshore and shallow water operations in the last two decades. As some of the joint venture (JV) fields located onshore and in shallow waters aged and were sold off by the IOCs to local operators, oil production from the JV fields that were once cheaper to produce, fell and became less cost effective. This, added to the fact that indigenous operators have to raise most of their funding for the acquisition and operation of the assets from local banks at high interest rates, the absence of economies of scale, aging fields and facilities, host community issues,

their exposure to militant attacks and piracy resulting in higher insurance premiums, and of course the inefficiency of NAPIMS, has added to production cost in general. Naturally, the JV oil acreages still retained and operated by the foreign oil firms have not been shielded from the same problems afflicting indigenous firms in the Nigerian oil industry. The only thing that separates them is the ability of the IOCs to sources for cheaper funds abroad. Crucially, a lot of the JV acreages still under the control of the IOCs have now been ringfenced and are funded under Modified Carry Agreements (MCAs). The MCA is a financing agreement that enables the IOCs advance loans to the NNPC to fund its share of joint venture operations. The agreements were introduced in the mid-2000s to enable the NNPC fund its cash call obligations, which the federal government was unable to meet through budgetary allocations. Under the arrangement, the IOCs recover the loans extended to the NNPC by lifting an agreed percentage of Nigeria’s crude oil and retaining the revenue that accrues therefrom. However, while this arrangement has saved the federal government or NNPC billions of dollars annually that would have been required to meet its cash call obligations, it is not dissimilar to the lax regulatory regime that currently exists in the deep-water operations where cost containment will most likely not be a top priority. The bigger snag is that by allowing the IOCs to lift a percentage of Nigeria’s crude oil, the federation is deprived of the revenue that is taken up by the IOCs. In fact, I recall that during a conversation I had on this issue with an official of the Budget Office of the Federation a couple of years ago, he revealed that due to the MCAs, Nigeria’s share of crude oil production from the JV operations had fallen from an average of 57% in the 1990s to about 42%. Perhaps, it is high time someone did a cost benefit analysis to determine if Nigeria stands to gain more by funding its share of oil JV operations, or allowing the IOCs to continue to fund the same assets under the MCAs. Continued on page 51

Here We Go Again! The Nigerian government last Friday announced that it was still consulting with God knows who on whether to reduce the official price of petrol or not. It made this known through the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Mr. Timipre Sylva, after a five-man committee chaired by the Finance Minister Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, submitted an interim report to President Muhammadu Buhari to review the impact of the Coronavirus on the country’s ability to implement the 2020 budget. The committee, set up last Monday, had as its primary mandate to review the budget benchmark and the revenue and expenditure framework for the year. It was mandated to submit its report to the president by Tuesday. Unmindful of the urgency before them, the committee, however, tardily submitted an “interim” report to Buhari on Friday. With oil selling at sub-$40 a barrel, the global economy teetering on the brink of a recession, and demand for oil unlikely to recover in the near to medium term, one would have thought that the five-man panel understood the urgency of their assignment. But no, what we got was a briefing on the disbursement of budgetary allocations primarily for infrastructure projects and no concrete recommendations on the actions needed to

address the challenges confronting the Nigerian economy. With oil selling at $34.97 at the close of trading on Friday, countries like Saudi Arabia had already started to slash spending. But not Nigeria! The best we could get from the committee was a commitment to continue consultations on what to do with the pump price of petrol. Please, they should stop beating about the bush. As of Wednesday, March 11, the landing cost of petrol had crashed to N92.89 per litre while the ex-depot price for collection was down to N133.28 per litre, according to the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA). With the landing and ex-depot costs below the official price of N145 per litre, there should be no time wasting on a price reduction of the official price of petrol. The federal government should just do away with its penchant for determining the price of the commodity. With that, it will immediately free up billions of naira already allocated in the 2020 budget for the payment of subsidy on petrol to other critical sectors of the economy. If we really want to stop smuggling of petrol across the borders in the foreseeable future and expending billions subsidising consumption, the time to act is now!

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