MONDAY 6TH JANUARY 2020

Banks Reconfigure ATMs to Beat CBN’s Reduction of Charges CBN vows to investigate sharp practice Sunday Ehigiator Some commercial banks have designed means to avoid the recent slash in charges on withdrawal from Automated

Teller Machines (ATM) by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), investigation by THISDAY has shown. The central bank recently reduced the N65 charged on

remote-on-us ATM after the third withdrawal in a month, to N35. Remote-on-us are transactions done by a card holder on another bank’s ATM.

The policy became effective on January 1, 2020. But findings by THISDAY in Lagos, showed that some of the banks have adjusted the maximum payout from

charged more frequently. However, while all the banks still left the option of withdrawing above N10,000

their ATMs for other banks’ cardholders to between N5,000 and N10,000 per transaction, giving room for customers to use the machine to withdrawal more than necessary and get

Continued on page 9

FG to Underwrite N544.8bn Electricity Tariffs’ Shortfall... Page 8 Monday 6 January, 2020 Vol 24. No 9037. Price: N250

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TODAY'S WEATHER

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We’re Ready to Take over Security from Military in Volatile States, Say Police Soldiers have no business in internal security, say experts Chad withdraws troops as insurgents intensify attacks Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The police have signified their readiness to fill the vacuum that would be created by the withdrawal of the military from internal security operations in volatile states. They said as the lead agency in internal security operations, they were working on the modalities on the

deployment of personnel and other resources to such states so that criminals would not take advantage of the transition process to cause a spike in crime. Security experts have also queried the presence of troops in states not considered volatile such as Lagos, Cross River, Continued on page 9

Lagos, 13 Others Hike Cost of RoW for Telecoms Infrastructure

By Our Correspondents

Fourteen states, including Lagos, Kano, Anambra, Ondo, Cross River, Kogi, Osun, Kaduna, Enugu, Adamawa, Ebonyi, Imo, Kebbi and Gombe, have hiked the cost of Right of Way (RoW) for telecoms infrastructure, THISDAY’s investigation has revealed. THISDAY gathered that agencies and ministries of some of these states have

increased the cost of RoW from the initial fee of between N300 to N500 per linear metre to between N3,000 and N6,000 per linear metre. However, the cost of RoW on federal roads is N142 per linear metre. Some of these agencies and ministries include, the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA), State Continued on page 9

WELCOME TO NIGERIA... President-elect of Guinea Bissau, Mr. Umaro Embalo (left), and President Muhammadu Buhari during the visit of Embalo to the Presidential Villa, Abuja…yesterday godwin omoigui

Buhari Seeks Peace, Stability in West Africa... Page 5

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

Buhari Seeks Peace, Stability in W’Africa Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari at the weekend in Abuja received the presidentelect of Guinea Bissau, Mr. Umaro Embalo, and prayed for stability, peace, progress

and prosperity of the entire West African sub-region. A statement by a presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, said Embalo came to Nigeria on a “thank-you visit� to Buhari and to express his "good wishes" following

Military Rescues 461 Captives after Fierce Battles in Three States

his emergence as the winner in the keenly contested, just-concluded elections in his country. Shehu said Buhari noted that “without stability, there can be no development. We will do whatever it will take to stabilise the sub-region.â€? He said Buhari also commended the out-going president, Mr. JosĂŠ MĂĄrio Vaz, who was also a candidate in the elections for supporting the emergence of Embalo in

the second round of balloting “in the interest of peace and stability.� He said history would remember President Mario Vaz for putting national interest above his own, emphasising that he cared for peace within the region. The president expressed his desire for both countries to work together for the betterment of their peoples and reiterated his vision for peace, progress and prosperity

in West Africa. Embalo, a businessmanturned politician, was Prime Minister of Guinea Bissau under incumbent President Jose Mario Vaz between 2016 and 2018. He was a member of the ruling African Party of Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) when he founded the Movement for Democratic Alternative (MADEM-G15) on which platform he won the elections. He praised Buhari for

his support leading to his emergence as winner in the elections and expressed his appreciation for the warm and friendly disposition of Nigeria towards him and the people of his country. He informed the Nigerian leader of his selection as the guest of honour at the presidential inauguration coming up next month and for which he received assurances from Buhari that he would be present.

Soldier killed, army officer, others wounded

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Troops of the Nigerian Army have liberated 461 captives held by insurgents in fierce battles in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno states. The rescued comprise 207 children, 154 women and 100 men who were held hostage by terrorists in their ancestral community. The troops also repelled Boko Haram fighters who had last week launched several attacks on Michika, Adamawa State, where the first indigenous Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles debuted on the battlefield while one soldier was killed as well as an army officer and another soldier were wounded. A war update issued by Col. Aminu Iliyasu said troops recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from the terrorists. “The combined troops of 5 and 29 Brigades and the Chief of Army Staff's Special Intervention Battalion 2 conducted massive raid/cordon and search operations simultaneously at some identified Boko Haram criminals’ hideouts between Jakana and Mainok in Konduga and Kaga LGAs of Borno State respectively. “Troops vigorously combed Matiri, Sheworam, Charikwenti, Burmari and Goni Bukarti astride Maiduguri-Damaturu Road. During the said operations, six Boko Haram suspects were arrested while an astonishing number of 461 Boko Haram captives comprising 100 men, 154 women and 207 children were rescued from the clutches of the criminal insurgents who have kept them hostages in their ancestral community,� it said. The statement said “the rescued children within the polio vaccination age were instantly administered with the vaccine in line with the Buratai intervention task force initiative by the Nigerian Army medical team. All rescued victims have been promptly evacuated and handed over to Borno State Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) officials.� On the Michika attack, the army said troops repelled insurgents, who attempted to infiltrate the town. “In yet another case of misadventure on January 2, 2020, some criminal Boko Haram insurgents attempted once again to infiltrate the

serene town of Michika in Adamawa State in order to wreck havoc on its innocent and law-abiding residents. “However, the combined troops of 217 Tank Battalion and elements of 144 Battalion swiftly rose in defence of the town as they gallantly repelled the said attack with devastating consequences on the marauding criminal insurgents,� it added. Iliyasu stated that one Boko Haram gun truck mounted with anti-aircraft gun, two AK 47 rifles, four AK 47 rifle magazines, two motorcycles, one machete, some quantities of provision, food items, drugs as well as Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs) detonating wires were captured by the gallant troops. The war update further stated that defiant Boko Haram fighters, who attempted to attack the headquarters of 29 Task Force Brigade location at Jakana in Konduga LGA of Borno State were outgunned and routed. “The criminal insurgents approached the troops’ location in six gun trucks and a number of foot soldiers. However, the unwavering troops engaged the criminal insurgents in a fierce fire-fight, forcing them to scamper for their lives in utter confusion. “At the end of the encounter, six Boko Haram criminals were neutralised. Additionally, one General Purpose Machine Gun, three AK 47 rifles, 535 rounds of 7.62mm x 51 NATO (belted) ammunition and one Rocket Propelled Gun (RPG) bomb were captured from the insurgents. Regrettably, one soldier paid the supreme price while two others were wounded in action during the encounter�, the army statement said. It said the wounded personnel were evacuated to a military medical facility and were responding positively to treatment while noting that the recently inducted locally produced Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, the indigenous Proforce MRAP, which was employed during the encounter “proved to be a reliable war fighting machine, as it provided the required mobility, protection, fire power and maneuverability for the fighting troops. The lethal war machine has thus been certified to be a highly successful effort at local defence equipment manufacture.�

THE OLD AND THE NEW... Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (left), and former governor of the state, Chief James Ibori, during a reception and Thanksgiving Service for Hon. Igbakpa at Ovade-Oghara‌ weekend

Police Issue Red Alert Nationwide over Killing of Iranian General Give seven-day ultimatum on unregistered vehicles Chiemelie Ezeobi in Lagos and Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Following the killing of an Iranian General, Quasem Soleimani, by the United States, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, yesterday issued a red alert nationwide in a bid to forestall any emergency. Soleimani, leader of the elite Iranian Revolutionary Guards, who was killed by a United States drone strike in Bagdad, Iraq, is a Shii'ite Muslim. A statement issued by Force PRO, Mr. Frank Mba, said the IG had placed police commands and formations nationwide on red alert. He stated: "This proactive measure follows intelligence report that sequel to the recent killing of an Iranian General, some domestic interests are planning to embark on massive public disturbances and sabotage. "Consequently, Zonal AIGs and Command Commissioners of Police have been directed to ensure maximum surveillance and security of lives and property across the nation." The police commanders were directed to ensure strategic deployments of both overt and covert police

operatives to ensure adequate security and safety of citizens, foreigners especially diplomats and diplomatic missions domiciled in Nigeria as well as the protection of critical national assets. The statement assured Nigerians and foreigners resident in Nigeria of adequate security. He warned all potential troublemakers to steer clear of the streets and territory of Nigeria.

Lagos Police Give Seven-day Ultimatum on Unregistered Vehicles The Lagos State Police Command is set to clamp down on users of unregistered vehicles, those without plate numbers or covered, defaced and fake plate numbers, as well as escort vehicles without plate numbers and illegal plate numbers showing names, titles or positions. According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, violators have been given seven-day ultimatum to comply with the provisions of the law or be arrested and prosecuted. He said: “The ultimatum is

to the owners and operators of unregistered vehicles in Lagos State to register their vehicles or face the full weight of the law. “Users of plate numbers with special inscriptions like ‘Chief' ‘Chairman’ ‘Ambassador’ ‘Baale' ‘Iya loja' ‘Sarki' or bearing personal name among others are required by law to register such customised plate numbers,� it said. It said the Commissioner of Police Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, had set up special operations to clamp down on violators of traffic laws and to embark on massive enforcement at the expiration of the seven days’ ultimatum. It explained that the ultimatum would start from January 6, 2020 and elapse by 11.59p.m. on January 12, 2020, adding that the massive clampdown would begin on January 13, 2020 until sanity is restored to our roads. It said this enforcement became necessary considering the fact that criminal elements in recent past had devised a means of operating with such vehicles to attack unsuspecting members of the public without any trace. The Police added: “For the avoidance of doubt, Section

4(1) of the Road Traffic Act, Cap 548 prohibited the use of unregistered, unlicensed and unmarked vehicles. “Any person who forges or fraudulently defaces, alters, mutilates or adds anything to a license or identification mark or uses on one vehicle a license or identification mark belonging to another vehicle is guilty of an offence under Section 32 of the Act. “See also the provisions of Lagos State Traffic Law for various offences. Traffic violators will instantly be arraigned before Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court.� Meanwhile, following the enforcement of the state of emergency declared by the Lagos State police commissioner, the police have arraigned 75 persons for traffic offences and arrested 75 others for driving against traffic and indiscriminate parking. Elkana said 28 of the offenders were arrested for driving against traffic while the rest were arrested for indiscriminate parking at different clubs and businesses in the state. He said such indiscriminate parking results in major obstructions on the highways and streets and causes traffic gridlock.

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FG to Underwrite N544.8bn Electricity Tariffs’ Shortfall Consumers to pay more for power from April Chineme Okafor in Abuja The federal government will bear a financial burden of N544.894 billion being the cumulative shortfall in electricity tariffs of the 11 electricity distribution companies in Nigeria, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has said. The regulatory agency in the December 2019 minor review of Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO) 2015 and minimum remittance order for 2020 posted on its website, explained that from its statutory review of the electricity tariffs being paid by consumers, the tariff of each of the Discos will increase in April.

According to NERC, the order was issued to reflect the impact of changes in variable it uses to determine cost-reflective tariffs; relevant tariff and market shortfalls for 2019 and 2020. It said the government would, however, bear a financial burden of N544.894 billion revenue shortfalls of the Discos in 2020. It added that the new order equally determined the minimum remittances payable by the Discos in line with their obligations to the power market and for which their tariffs were allowed. Based on its calculation, the NERC stated that in 2020, the revenue shortfalls of the Ikeja, Benin, Enugu, Eko, Ibadan, Jos

and Kano Discos would be N48.479 billion, each. The Abuja Disco would have a revenue shortfall of N57.270 billion; Kaduna would have N41.677 billion; Port Harcourt would be N38.248 billion while Yola Disco would have a shortfall of N68.346 billion in the year. “The federal government’s updated Power Sector Recovery Programme does not envisage an immediate increase in enduser tariffs until April 1, 2020, and a transition to full cost reflectivity by end of 2021. “In the interim, the federal government has committed to funding the revenue gap arising from the difference between cost-reflective tariffs determined

by the commission and the actual end-user tariffs payable by customers,� said the NERC in the order. It noted that all the Discos would be expected to settle their market invoices in full as adjusted and netted off by applicable their tariff shortfall, adding that “all Federal Government of Nigeria intervention from the financing plan of the PSRP (Power Sector Recovery Programme) for funding tariff shortfall shall be applied through NBET and the market operator to ensure 100 per cent settlement of invoices issued by market participants.� According to it, “Effectively, this order places a freeze on the

tariffs of TCN (Transmission Company of Nigeria) and administrative charges until April 2020 at the rates applied in generating MO (Market Operator) invoices for the period of January to October 2019.� Justifying its decision, the regulatory commission said the order was made to “reflect the impact of changes in the minor review variables for the period 2019 -2020 for the determination of cost reflective tariffs; and to ascertain revenue shortfalls in view of the differential between such tariffs and allowed tariffs in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).� It also stated that this was to “develop and implement a

framework to manage revenue shortfalls for the year 2020 through a minimum market remittance requirement to account for differences between cost reflective tariffs and allowed tariffs in the settlement of invoices issued by the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) and the Market Operator (MO).� It said it would hold the Discos responsible for any failure to remit their approved monthly minimum revenue to the market and that each of the Discos would have to provide an adequate, unconditional, unencumbered and irrevocable standby letters of credit covering three months invoices.

Dickson, Lyon May Clash over Handover Notes

Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, and his wouldbe successor, Mr. David Lyon, are heading for a showdown over briefing notes expected to be handed over to the incoming government. Dickson had promised to present a 'methodical' and 'comprehensive' document to whoever takes over from him on February 14. He said: “I will do handover notes, sector by sector. Financial reports will be presented. Bayelsa has no money for anybody to steal and for all those that their eyes are shining outside and I know all of them. They think that they will come and manipulate, but they will be shocked. The state has no money for anybody to ‘chop’ and become a billionaire. “The handing over will be methodical. Bayelsa people are entitled to know the details of the handing over. The shoes I am leaving are very big shoes. They don’t know until someone else sits there. So, for the first time we will have a very proper handing over.� But Lyon’s 59-member transition team has alleged that the 41-man Bayelsa government transition committee chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Kemela Okara, are insisting that there’s “no financial documents to hand over.� The matter led to an exchange of words between loyalists of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which won the November 16 governorship election and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after the former allegedly misconstrued the Bayelsa government's response to an earlier one in which Lyon requested details of the transition process. A letter signed by Lyon and sent to the Dickson-led administration sighted by THISDAY said: “This is to formally bring to the notice of your esteemed office that

I, in my capacity as governorelect of Bayelsa State, have constituted a 59-member transition committee for the purpose of ensuring a smooth and hitch-free transition and handover. The committee is headed by Rt. Hon. Winipre Seibarugu and OJ Oworibo as secretary.� The government in a letter by the SSG responded: “We have received and evaluated your letters dated December 6 and 16, 2019, respectively on the above subject matter. Please rest assured that Bayelsa State government transition committee is working assiduously with all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) across the state to ensure a comprehensive documentation of the legacies, assets and liabilities, amongst others of the restoration government over the last eight years. “In the light of the above, it is our considered opinion that it will be more productive to have a meeting with your committee when the documentation is completed, reviewed and approved by the government for onward transmission to your committee. It is our honest view that this will be in January 2020.� The exchanged of memos raised a storm in the state as APC loyalists accused the current administration of allegedly saying that there was nothing in the state’s finances to hand over. In a reaction to the tension raised by the face-off, Special Adviser to Governor Dickson on Public Affairs, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said it was absurd and ignorant for anybody to demand to be handed over to even when an incumbent government is still in place. “It is only in Bayelsa that ill-informed persons demand handover documents from a government that is yet to complete its tenure. Our state is gradually turning the headquarters of hate and hatred,� he said.

PRINTERS’ VISIT... Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Products Workers, Edo State Chapter, Ms. Queen Obaghagie (left), and Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, during a courtesy visit by executive members of the union to the Government House, in Benin City‌yesterday

INEC Can’t Declare Our Seats Vacant, Say Edo Lawmakers-elect Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Aggrieved Edo State lawmakers-elect loyal to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, have said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot conduct byelections to replace them. Their leader, Hon. Washington Osifo, told THISDAY in a telephone interview at the weekend that there was no vacancy for INEC to fill as they remained lawfully elected members of the legislature. The state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, while addressing APC members from Owan East and West Local Government Areas in Sabongida-Ora area of Edo State recently, had announced that INEC would soon fix a date to conduct fresh elections to fill the seats of the 14

lawmakers, who have refused to be sworn in to the Edo State House of Assembly. The Speaker of the House, Hon. Frank Okiye, had declared vacant the seats of the 14 members-elect following an order of a High Court in Benin, which declared their seats vacant and directed INEC to conduct fresh elections to replace those that refused to attend to their legislative duties. Though, the electoral commission confirmed that it had received the letter from the House of Assembly and also in possession of the court order, it said it would be guided by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), in dealing with the crisis in the Edo State House of Assembly. Osifo said while he would not pre-empt INEC, he believed that the commission as a responsible institution would

not conduct election to fill a vacancy that did not exist. "INEC is analysing and many issues will come up in analysing the issue. INEC will want to know if there is any litigation surrounding the issue. So, if there is litigation surrounding it, there is no responsible institution that will take step to conduct an election to fill a vacancy that does not exist "As it is today, there is no House of Assembly, let alone anybody declaring any seat vacant, or even saying INEC will be contemplating conducting any by-election to fill any position. Elections are conducted when there are vacancies; in this case, there are no vacancies and the matter is in court. "INEC is not an irresponsible institution. When INEC says we are in receipt of a letter, we are studying it, it means they are studying the legal

implications; they are not studying the calligraphy whether it is beautiful or not; they are not studying the A4 size; that is not what they are studying, they are not studying the English whether it is heavily or well worded. They are studying the legal implications of the action taken and the subsequent directive," he added. Osifo noted that the purported declaration of the 14 seats vacant was being challenged at the Federal High Court. According to him, “The Edo APC crisis has been a little bit over-flogged and there is no issue of 14 lawmakers loyal to the national chairman as all the party members are loyal to the national chairman, except Godwin Obaseki that is loyal to his own ambition. He is the odd man out and he is the one that is creating problem in the party."

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PAGE NINE WE’RE READY TO TAKE OVER SECURITY FROM MILITARY IN VOLATILE STATES, SAY POLICE

Ogun and Enugu, among

others, saying the military has no business in internal security operations. The position of the experts came as Republic of Chad announced at the weekend that it was pulling out Chadian troops from Gajigana close to Monguno, Borno State, near Lake Chad. Chad contributed troops to the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) constituted by Lake Chad Basin member-countries to fight insurgency. Hundreds have also fled the area for fear of attack by insurgents. Military’s involvement in internal security operations is also believed to be stretching manpower needs and financial resources in the middle of an insurgency war. After a Security Council meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari last week, the federal government had announced plans to commence a gradual withdrawal of troops from troubled spots from the first quarter of this year. Briefing the press at the end of the meeting, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete

Ekwe Ibas, said the police were constitutionally mandated to handle internal security since Nigeria was not at war. “It is the work of the police to handle internal security since Nigeria is not at war. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps will support the police to provide internal security. “Also, you will remember that additional 10,000 personnel were approved for the police recently for recruitment,� he said. Buhari had also said at the weekend that the planned withdrawal of military from internal operations would be done with caution. In a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, the president assured Nigerians that the withdrawal of military from flashpoints would be done in a manner that would not expose affected communities to more risks of attacks. When asked about the readiness of the police to take over security from the military, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Frank Mba, told THISDAY that

the Nigerian Police was ready to discharge its constitutional responsibility of providing internal security as the lead agency. “I do not have details of the withdrawal plan for now but I can tell you that the Nigerian Police is ready at all time to provide internal security as the lead agency. We are ready to ensure security of lives and property in furtherance of our mandate. “I am sure when the details are worked out, we will move on from there but I can assure you that we are ready,� he said. Meanwhile, security experts have told THISDAY that the military has no business in internal security operations, a turf manned constitutionally by the police. “What is the military doing handling internal security? What do you think will warrant military presence in states like Enugu, Lagos, and Cross River? I believe it is a waste of resources and they should not be there because an equipped police will do that job effectively. “I do not believe that government will pull out troops fighting insurgency in Borno,

Yobe and Adamawa at once. That is not realistic. I am sure these three states are not part of the immediate withdrawal plan but I believe the police should be able to do that job in other states,� said one of the sources, who spoke anonymously. The military had launched Operation Hadarin Daji in Zamfara to tackle banditry, Operation Whirlstroke to contain herdsmen/farmers clashes in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States, and Operation Safe Haven to tackle communal and ethnoreligious crisis in Plateau State. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) is also coordinating Operation Thunder Strike aimed at containing kidnapping on Abuja-Kaduna Road while Operation Delta Safe was set up to curb crude oil theft, illegal refining of petroleum, illegal oil bunkering, kidnapping, piracy, cultism and militancy in the Niger Delta region. Also at the weekend, Chad ended a month-long mission fighting Boko Haram in Nigeria and withdrew its 1,200-strong force across their common border, an army spokesman told AFP on Saturday. “It’s our troops, who went to

LAGOS, 13 OTHERS HIKE COST OF ROW FOR TELECOMS INFRASTRUCTURE 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 It was also learnt that some of the states refused to collect the old rates for RoW and are no longer issuing RoW licences in their various states. For instance, the new management of the LASIMRA, recently increased RoW fee from N500 per linear meter to N5, 000 per linear meter. THISDAY gathered that a single telecoms operator needs RoW covering thousands of kilometres. An official of LASIMRA told THISDAY at the weekend that the new management of the agency would hold discussions with the telecoms operators to reach a common ground. The Cross River State

Government also told THISDAY that it was prepared to go into negotiations with telecommunication companies on the possible adjustment of charges they pay for RoW to install infrastructure, particularly telecommunications masts. However, the state government did not state whether the negotiations with the telecommunications service providers would lead to a reduction in the cost they are currently being charged for the location of their masts. The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Asu Okang, told THISDAY that the state government was open to negotiations on the issues raised by the companies. The commissioner said despite the complaints from telecommunications service providers, the rates charged by Cross River State was lower than those charged by its neighbouring states. He stated that the rates charged by the state was within those prescribed by the federal government, adding that the telecommunications companies, of recent, had not been building new masts, but rather adopted the policy of co-location. Also, the Senior Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Information and Telecommunications Technology, Mr. Olumbe Akinkugbe, who is in charge of State Information and Technology Agency (SITA), told THISDAY that the agency had designed a policy that could

reduce cost of operations for the telecommunication companies. Akinkugbe, however, said the companies had to be opened on their infrastructural needs and their plans to achieve same. He said at the national level, the federal government had also established Broadband Infrastructure Rollout Plan, which has resulted in infrastructure companies being given concessions for RoW nationally that had been broken into regions. "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 organisation to actually develop a fiber 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 as well as dug. "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 explained. In Kano State, the state government also told THISDAY that it had extended some reliefs and waivers to telecommunication operators and offered them suitable places to erect their masts. The state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Mu'azu Magaji, told THISDAY that "on this issue of telecommunication companies and fees, basically across the

whole country, the cost of erecting mast is the same as in Kano State. "But in special circumstances, we granted some discounts to some operators regarding the total cost they pay especially if that mast is within a government facility. "We always encourage telecom operators to identify suitable place within government premises to erect their mast that will provide good coverage in the area; not only that, the state government has engaged NCC and telecom operators to have access corridor for infrastructure network of telecommunications," he said. He said the state government had given waiver to MTN regarding the access corridor fibre of their network. According to him, the waiver is for their access corridor fibre which is new telecom infrastructure, which NITDA and NCC are trying to provide high speed broadband internet network in Kano. While the Director General of Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KASUPDA), Mr. Ismaila Dikko, told THISDAY that he was not aware of complaints by the telecoms operators over high cost of RoW, the Enugu State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, promised to respond to the issue today when contacted by THISDAY. Telecoms operators across networks had blamed the poor telecoms service currently being experienced by subscribers on the refusal of the federal and

aid Nigerian soldiers months ago, returning home. They have finished their mission,� spokesman for the Chadian army, Colonel Azem Bermandoa, told AFP. “None of our soldiers remains in Nigeria,� he added. He did not specify if they might be replaced following Friday’s pullout which saw them “return to their sector at Lake Chad.� However, Chad’s General Chief of Staff, General Tahir Tahiro, said if countries in the region, which have contributed to a multinational anti-jihadist force, were in agreement, more troops would likely be sent in amid local people’s fears of a security vacuum. The Chad troops, brought out in pick-up trucks and tank transporters, crossed the bridge back to their home capital of N’djamena via the Cameroon border town of Kousseri under the curious gaze of locals, an AFP reporter said. News of the pullout, coupled with a local report of Nigerian troops also leaving the vicinity, sparked concern among local people in the small town of Gajiganna, hundreds of whom promptly fled the area citing

their fear of further attacks. The Chadian soldiers had had a garrison there as well as at nearby Monguno, close to Lake Chad itself. An anti-jihadist militia source told AFP: “From what the Chadian soldiers told us their withdrawal is as a result of the expiration of their mandate which was for nine months. “As soon as they left most residents of Gajiganna fled to Maiduguri for fear of attacks by the terrorists. They left because Nigerian troops working alongside the Chadians also left the base soon after the Chadians had moved out.� In a related development, insurgents ramped up attacks in Adamawa State, attacking Michika and Madagali towns. The terrorists attacked the state repeatedly last week. Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintri, condemned the attacks in Michika and Madagali. He expressed concerns over the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in the state in recent times. Terrorist group, Boko Haram, had attacked the state three times in one week.

state government agencies to grant the operators the RoW licence to lay more fibre optic cables in cities. Telecoms subscribers have continued to face networks challenges, ranging from incessant drop calls and poor connectivity to delays in delivering text messages, among others. But the operators in separate interviews with THISDAY said they had envisaged heavy surge at festivity periods like Christmas and New Year seasons and had long requested for RoW licence that would enable them to expand their networks by laying more broadband fibre optic cables. They, however, stated that their request was rejected by the various government agencies, forcing them to maintain the available network that is not sufficient to manage the peak periods. Reacting to the allegation, the Special Adviser on Innovation and Technology to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Mr. Tunbosun Alake, told THISDAY that there was need for smart regulation of telecoms operations in the state without having negative effect on service quality in telecoms delivery. According to him, “The issue of Right of Way has always been a challenge between state governments and telecoms operators who seek permission on RoW to expand their networks and infrastructure. I have a private sector background because I came from the private

sector, and now that I am in the public sector, and I understand the feelings of both sectors. “There is this belief surrounding the telecoms sector that state governments see the telecoms sector as a cash-cow that they should milk dry, but that is not the thinking of government. In Lagos, the government sees telecoms as critical source of infrastructure for the state, which needs smart regulation so that telecoms operators do not take undue advantage of the citizens, hence the need for balancing. The Lagos State Government, through its agency, the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Authority (LASIMRA), has been equipped to enforce regulation and compliance of telecoms mast installation and digging of roads for the laying of fibre cables by telecoms operators. LASIMRA has the mandate of Lagos government to smartly regulate the installation of telecoms mast and the installation of other telecoms infrastructure in the state. “With the new management of LASIMRA, I believe they will grant RoW to telecoms operators to enable them expand their networks and infrastructure in such a way that it will not hinder network expansion that will address poor service quality, and at the same time, it will not inconvenience the citizens that are expected to benefit from the telecoms services,� Alake had explained.

BANKS RECONFIGURE ATMS TO BEAT CBN’S REDUCTION OF CHARGES on the screen of their ATMs, attempt by THISDAY to make withdrawals using another bank’s card at the banks visited wasn’t successful as the maximum payout on the third party ATMs were restricted to N10,000. For instance, some of the banks visited along the Airport Road, 7&8 Bus Stop, Lagos and some bank branches at Oshodi, the buttons to withdraw amounts above N5,000 per transaction were not functional when THISDAY visited the branch at the weekend. But those to withdraw lower denominations such as N1,000, N2,000, N3,000, and N5,000 were working. Therefore, customers were conditioned to make withdrawals in bits and incurred charges. When contacted on the development, the President of the Bank Customers Association of Nigeria, Dr. Uju Ugubunka, expressed dissatisfaction about the development.

He described the situation as unfortunate, offensive and anti-customer in nature. Ugubunka, who is the immediate past Registrar of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, added: "This means they have reconfigured their ATMs in search of more charges to make more money. This is because for instance, if you were to pay N35 after the third transaction and you need N50,000 through the ATMs for instance and you start withdrawing it in N1,000 or N5,000 per transaction, instead of the normal N20,000 per transaction, before withdrawing N50,000 you would have paid more than the N35. "It is unfortunate if banks have to go this route just to make more money. But again, you see in business, you redefine your business based on the things that are happening in the environment. “But I think that rather than do something that would be

offensive to regulation and indeed against your customers, you should be doing something that would make your customers get endeared to you. "I can imagine that if customers are aware that there are other banks that haven't reconfigured their ATMs to that level, they would most likely tell you that they are switching over to those banks for as long as those banks would maintain such a situation. "But when you take undue advantage of your customers that means you don't have them at your heart. This is unfair and anti-customers. "I believe that customers who know their rights would penalise those banks, for taking that route. And the way to penalise them is to switch to other banks that aren't doing similar things that those ones are doing. And it's very easy to achieve that." Asked if his association was likely to take any action about the development, he said, "Yes, we

are planning the Bank Customers' Forum for this year and we intend to bring it forward. “We would discuss some of these emerging issues at the forum. We would also require some of our bank customers who have really suffered it, to report to us formally and share their experience. "However, personally, I will take it up and I would encourage some of our colleagues to go and try it out and let's see what they find out, and then we would take it up from there." The central bank in a recent circular posted on its website, amongst others, announced the downward review of charges for electronic banking transactions; review of other bank charges to align with market development and the inclusion of new sections on accountability/responsibility and a sanction regime to directly address instances of excess, unapproved or arbitrary charges. Some of the major highlights of

the new Guide to Bank Charges included the removal of Card Maintenance Fee (CAMF) on all cards linked to current accounts, a maximum of N1 per mile for customer induced debit transactions to third parties and transfers or lodgments to the customers’ account in other bank on current accounts only; reduction in the amount payable for cash withdrawals from other banks’ Automated Teller Machines (Remote-on-us), as well as from N65 to N35, after the third withdrawal within one month When contacted, the Director, Corporate Communications, CBN, Mr. Isaac Okoroafor, said central bank would look into the matter. He, however, explained: "The ATM is supposed to be for dispensing minor cash for minor transactions. Anybody doing major high value transactions should use any of the different electronic channels."

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MONDAY JANUARY 6, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

NEWS

Bakare Tasks Buhari on Strong Succession Plan Dike Onwuamaeze and Segun James

Founder, The Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to utilise his remaining years in office to provide strong leadership, strengthen national institutions and build a strong post-Buhari legacy political succession plan. Bakare said these three tasks would enable Buhari to craft a legacy that would facilitate the emergence of Nigeria of our dreams and make history for himself in his service to the country. He said: “Therefore, even as we build institutions of democratic governance, a key responsibility that history has bestowed on President Muhammadu Buhari at

this turning point in our journey to nationhood is to institutionalise systems of accurate succession that will build and sustain the Nigeria we desire. This is a task that must be done.” He urged Buhari to learn from the examples of two former world leaders in the persons of late Deng Xiaoping of China and late President Nelson Mandela of South Africa, who deliberately left political succession plans for their countries. According to him, Xiaoping’s succession programme gave China a succession of leaders who piloted China’s economic transformation, including the current President, Xi Jinping and “without their foresight, we would not be running to China today to finance our short-sightedness.”

“We must also learn from Nelson Mandela who stepped aside after one term, but not without positioning the likes of Thabo Mbeki and Cyril Ramaphosa,” he added. Bakare identified the provision of strong leadership as the “most pertinent objectives of nation-

building and, like a laser beam, converging all the energies of state onto those critical areas.” “It means results-oriented governance in which people, policies, programmes and processes are retained in government only to the extent that they contribute to

productivity. “It means now, more than ever, being not just the Commander-in-Chief but also the ‘Unifier-in-Chief’ of an increasingly fragmented and disillusioned populace; to offer hope, inspiration, compassion and pathways to new possibilities; to

invoke the spirit of unity, faith, peace and progress codified in our Coat of Arms. “Strong leadership also means accepting dissent and listening to contrarian views while making decisions in the best interest of the Nigerian people,” he said.

AIB Investigates Turkish Airlines’ Incident in Port Harcourt The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has started investigation into an incident involving an A330-300 aircraft, with registration number TC-LOL, operated by the Turkish Airlines. The General Manager, Public Affairs, AIB, Mr. Tunji Oketunbi, made this known in a statement issued in Lagos yesterday. The statement noted that the bureau was notified that at about 3.30 a.m. local time, on December 31, 2019, the aircraft was enroute Port Harcourt from Istanbul, Turkey, with 295 passengers and 11 crew members on board. According to the statement,

the aircraft suffered a burst tyre on landing on runway 21 of the Port Harcourt International airport; veered off the runway and managed to taxi to the new international terminal. It confirmed that all the occupants disembarked with no injury. The statement noted that the bureau was open to receiving any video clip, relevant evidence or information that might assist in its investigation. “The Bureau will like to call on the press and the public to respect the privacy of the people involved and not to preempt the cause of the incident,” it said.

CJN Disowns Shehu Sani on Alleged Extortion The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Ibrahim Muhammad has distanced himself from Senator Shehu Sani, currently being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged extortion. Sani, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 8th National Assembly, was alleged to have obtained funds from a businessman, Alhaji Sani Dauda, owner of ASD Motors, claiming he could influence the outcome of some cases involving Dauda. He was said to have claimed to have access to the CJN, some other judges and the head of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, and in the process, allegedly took money from the businessman. But in a statement yesterday, spokesman for the Supreme Court, Festus Akande, said “Senator Shehu Sani is not known to the CJN.” Akande said, although the issues about the senator’s claimed relationship with the

CJN and his (Senator Sani’s) alleged fraudulent conduct were still being investigated, Justice Muhammad has found it necessary, at this stage, to distance himself from the ex-senator. The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to the story making the round in some national dailies where it was reported that Senator Shehu Sani allegedly approached Alhaji Sani Dauda of ASD Motors and purportedly demanded for the sum of N4,000,000 to give to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Dr. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, to settle some unnamed four judges over a case he (Shehu Sani) allegedly claimed won’t see the light of the day. “Let it be known that if the statement credited to Shehu Sani was actually made by him, it is simply a blatant lie, a figment of his imagination and an orchestrated falsehood immodestly concocted to malign, smear and disingenuously tarnish the good image and reputation of the CJN with a view to gaining financial reward.

DIPLOMATIC VISIT...

Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni (left), and Consul-General of the Republic of Chad in Kano, Mr. Abubakar Assair, during the Chadian diplomat’s visit at the Yobe Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja...weekend

Three Feared Dead as Fire Razes Oyo Market Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Three people were feared killed yesterday in the ancient town of Oyo following an early morning fire that razed larger part of the ancient Akesan Market as men of fire service, who were nearby, were unable to curtail the situation. THISDAY learnt that the situation got awry when angry youths vent their anger on the men of the fire service who attributed their incapacities to non-functional equipment. It was gathered that youths in their hundreds stormed the fire station burning tyres and in the

process attracted the attention of the security officials who were said to have used live bullets on the protesters, killing three people in the process. To battle the raging inferno, a reinforcement of fire fighters were mobilised from Ibadan, Oyo State capital and Ogbomoso a distance of more than 50 kilometres. Although, the source could not give the exact identity of the security operative who fired the shots that fell three of the protesting youths, operatives of the state-owned anti-crime outfit codenamed: Operations Burst were fingered as suspects.

When contacted on the development, Public Relations Officer, Oyo State Police Command, Mr. Gbenga Fadeyi, denied that the bullets of the police fell the protesters, stating that investigation was ongoing to unravel the culprit. He nevertheless assured that more men have been drafted to the scene to restore normalcy and help put out the fire out completely. But wo≠rried by the development, a group of youth in the town, Oyo Global Forum, yesterday said a considerable part of the market would have been saved if the nearby fire station

had functional equipment. While condemning the government for not providing necessary equipment for the fire fighters to work with, especially in this particular season, the group also kicked against what it described as disproportionate use of force in response to angry residents by the security operatives which led to the death of three innocent and harmless youths. The group, in a statement by its Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Hassan Adebayo, said it would demand from Oyo State Government due compensation and rebuilding of the market.

FAAN Reopens Port Harcourt Airport after Fire Incident Chinedu Eze The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) yesterday announced the reopening of Port Harcourt International Airport after a fire outbreak, which disrupted operations. FAAN said on its official twitter handle that normal flight activities had since commenced

at the airport. “Following a careful evaluation and mitigation of the impact of the bush fire earlier reported around the Port Harcourt International Airport and the dissipation of smokes around the airside, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria wishes to inform the general public that the airport has now

been re-opened to operations. “Normal flight activities have therefore re-commenced at the airport,” FAAN posted on Twitter. Flight activities were grounded on Saturday at the Port Harcourt International Airport runway following a fire outbreak. The fire was reported to have

prevented a Max Air flight from taking off while an Arik flight had to return to base. A Dana flight from Abuja to Port Harcourt also reportedly had to return to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport as it could not land due to the fire outbreak. According to FAAN, the fire was caused by bush fire.

Bandits Kill Army Officer, Three Soldiers, Others in Niger Laleye Dipo in Minna A senior army officer, three soldiers and civilians were reportedly killed by bandits in Sarkinpawa, the headquarters of Munya Local Government Area of Niger State. The incident occurred in Gwarm village of the LGA yesterday evening. According to a report from the area, the soldiers

who were on routine patrol, ran into an ambush by the bandits, which led to their untimely death. It was gathered that the bandits, who were many in number, invaded the villages around SarkinPawa clutching AK 47 rifles and started shooting sporadically. In the process, the soldiers and some civilians were killed. “They came on several

motorcycles; the motorcycles were many all of them had AK 47 rifles” the eyewitness told THISDAY on phone. The remains of the slain soldiers were initially brought to the Sarkinpawa Police Station before they were taken to an unknown place the eyewitness said. When contacted, the Munya LGA Chairman, Alhaji Garba Mohammed confirmed the

story. Mohammed who spoke on phone, said policemen have been deployed to the troubled community to restore law and order. He said the raid by the bandits lasted about an hour, saying that the rescue team returned to base with bullet holes in their armoured vehicle and the glass of the vehicle shattered.

MONDAY JANUARY 6, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWS

Publish Your Assets Within Seven Days, SERAP Tells Buhari, Others Henry Onyeka Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sent Freedom of Information requests to President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, 36 state governors and their deputies, urging them provide information on summary of the assets, specifically property and income, contained in your asset declaration forms submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) since your assumption of office.

SERAP is also asking them to clarify within seven days of the receipt or publication of this letter, if they have had any reason to review and update the asset declarations submitted to the CCB, and to provide the summary of any such review; failing which it will take all appropriate legal action to compel them to comply with their request. The organisation said the summary of assets to be disclosed include, where applicable, savings and other liquid assets, all immovable property

and shares and actions in any private and public companies; property purchased by way of tender from any public-law entities and information about businesses owned.” In the FoI requests dated January 3, 2020 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said the 1999 Constitution (as

amended), the FoI Act, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which is part of our laws, read together, impose transparency obligations on all public officials to publicly disclose information concerning their asset declarations submitted to the CCB, and to clarify any updated review of such assets.” SERAP also said: “The non-

public disclosure by public officials of their summary of assets seriously undermines the effectiveness and integrity of the constitutional and statutory obligations to submit asset declarations, especially given that declarations are designed to curb grand corruption. The non-disclosure of assets also undermines the authority of the

CCB and weakens the public trust in the asset declaration regimes.” In the specific FoI request to President Buhari, SERAP noted his “public promise to make specific details of your assets public, and urge you to consider this FoI request as a unique opportunity to fulfill the promise made to the Nigerian people.”

IG Orders Arrest of Three Policemen for Assaulting Citizen Following the directive of the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mohammed Adamu, three policemen who were caught on video assaulting a young man in Enugu State have been arrested. In the video, which was shared by a Twitter handle @onyezeme on Saturday, victim identified as Justice Obasi was seen manhandled by three armed police officers. According to @onyezeme the young man was being manhandled for refusing to be searched and unlocking his phone. “They labelled the boy fraudster (yahoo boy) without any evidence,” the tweet read. This video sparked outrage, forcing the police to react yesterday saying the IG had ordered an investigation into uncovering the identities of the policemen. Speaking through the verified Twitter handle of the Nigeria Police Force @ policeNG, the police had promised to bring the erring policemen to book as the IG condemns all forms of brutality and abuse of human rights. “The Force PRO is already

personally in touch with the victim. Members of the public are implored to be calm as the Force remains committed to protecting and upholding the rights of all Nigerians,” the police Twitter handle has read. In follow up tweet yesterday afternoon tagged Justice For Justice Obasi, the police said the three policemen had been identified and arrested. Although the identities of the policemen were not disclosed, the tweet reads, “Following the directives of the IG, the Enugu State Police Command has since identified, traced and arrested the three policemen involved in the assault of citizen – Justice Obasi. “The policemen are currently in custody pending the commencement of their Orderly Room Trial – an internal disciplinary procedure of the Force. “As we begin the new year, IG MA Adamu wishes to restate his zero tolerance for the abuse of the rights of Nigerians and his commitment to running a Citizens’ friendly and rule of law compliant police force.

THANKSGIVING SERVICE…...

L-R: Wife of Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat; her husband, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, during the state government’s Annual Thanksgiving Service at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja…yesterday

Provide Healthcare, PDP Tells Buhari Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday described President Muhammadu Buhari’s comment against oversea’s medical treatment by Nigerians as self-indicting and raises public apprehensions on high-level deceits of Buhari’s government. PDP, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said that it was ridiculous that a President who patronises

foreign hospitals and whose administration has failed to provide adequate healthcare in his country would turn around to pontificate against foreign medical treatments. The statement said: “While the PDP do not approve of proliferated foreign medical tourism, especially by leaders and public office holders, the party holds that a leader who has failed to lead by example and whose government has neglected and wrecked the healthcare systems, lacks all

rectitude to issue directives against foreign treatment.” Consequently, the PDP urged President Buhari to show example by patronizing a Nigerian public hospital on his next medical appointment so that he can experience the healthcare reality that Nigerians have been subjected to under his government. According to PDP, “our health system has suffered untold neglect under his watch, leading to dilapidated infrastructure, empty drug shelves, decrepit

and worn-out equipment, brain drain and a demoralized workforce worse than his 1983 recollections. “It is even more disheartening that all the investments and robust programmes of successive PDP administration, including the comprehensive National Strategic Health Development Plan, Saving One Million Lives Initiatives, National Health Insurance Scheme, among others, have been degraded and impaired by the dysfunctional APC administration.”

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has stated that over 650 Computer Based Test (CBT) Centres have so far been accredited for its upcoming 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The board has fixed this year’s examination from March 14 to April 4, while an optional mock examination for

candidates is scheduled for February 18. Similarly, the board had said that it would commence the sales of its registration documents from Monday, January 13 to Monday, February 17. The Head, Media and Information of the board, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, said yesterday in Lagos that arrangements for the commencement of the sales

of the documents nationwide had been concluded. “We are set to go. Logistics have been put in place to ensure a smooth process. “Like you may know, over 650 CBT centres have been accredited for this year’s examination and the board expects nothing short of the best practices. “We have clearly defined the process, just like we have

also put mechanism in place that will address any challenge or challenges that may arise before, during and even after the examination. “We also want to emphasise the fact that there is no going back on the use of the National Identification Number (NIN), for the acquisition of the registration documents by prospective candidates,” he said.

Reverting to Manual Salary Payment Fraudulent, Yari Tells Zamfara Gov JAMB Accredits 650 CBT Centres for 2020 UTME deputy governor of the state was Chuks Okocha in Abuja The immediate former Governor of Zamfara State, Anduallziz Yari, has advised his successor Governor Mohammed Bello Matawalle to stop chasing shadows and concentrates on how to impact the state with meaningful development. Yari urged the state governor to retain the e-payment salary system that was introduced by his (Yari) administration rather than reverting to manual payment that is susceptible to fraud and manipulations. The former state governor also advised his successor to jettison the building of a new government house at the cost of N7 billion, which should not be a priority to a state that could barely afford to pay N30,000 minimum wage. In statement made available to THISDAY by Yari’s Media Aide, Mayowa Oluwabiyi, the former governor of the state cited the instance where a

treated as a ghost worker as one of the main negative challenges of reverting to manual system of paying salaries. Yari stated that recent attempts to disparage his achievements, such as the e-payment of workers’ salaries, have made it imperative for him to speak out. According to him, “it is now impossible to shortchange the Zamfara people through the wicked ghost worker scheme. All such attempts, like the one they are now struggling to explain, will continue to fall like a pack of cards.” The former governor also dispelled reports of how a relation of former Commissioner of Finance, Shehu Idris, was part of the cartel that misappropriated public fund whereas no such relation existed in real life. “These lies have attracted litigation for defamation where they will have to prove the authenticity or otherwise of their claims.

Delta Shuts down Two Private Schools, Sanctions 16 Teachers Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Delta State Government has made good its threat to wield the big sticks against any school, teacher or education ministry official found culpable for examination malpractices by ordering the closure of two private secondary schools for the malpractice. The state government also sanctioned 16 teachers across the state for their alleged involvement

in various levels of examination malpractice. The government took the decision following the approval by the State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Patrick Ukah, of the report of the Examination Ethics Disciplinary Committee (EEDC) investigation of West African Examinations Council (WAEC), which indicted some public and private secondary schools in the state for

examination malpractices at the 2018 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The government said that Saint Vincent College, Ovwian, Udu Local Government Area, whose candidates allegedly wrote the 2018 WASSCE at Anointed Secondary School, Ubogo, without the approval of WAEC or the ministry with intent to commit examination malpractice, would be closed down along with Anointed

Secondary School in the same locality. In the same vein, 12 examinations supervisors who were alleged to have been “found guilty of collusion, compromise, negligence of duty and failure to write reports at the end of the examinations will suffer one year deferment of promotion and banned from supervision of any school examination for a period of three years.

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NEWS

Falana: Malami Exposed Judiciary to Ridicule over Sowore’s Release Alex Enumah inAbuja Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has accused the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) of exposing the judiciary to ridicule through his comment on the release of Omoyele Sowore, convener of RevolutionNow Movement. The senior lawyer said in a statement yesterday that since the release of Sowore and Dasuki from illegal custody on December 24, 2019, Malami has put himself under undue pressure. Falana further argued that in the process, the minister has embarrassed the Executive arm

of the government and exposed the judiciary to ridicule. The human rights activist pointed out that after announcing that he had directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to release Sowore and Dasuki from custody in compliance with the court orders that had granted them bail, the Justice Minister turned round to say that the release was an act of compassion and mercy on the part of the executive. Falana argued that the federal government lacked the necessary legal apparatus to continue to keep Dasuki and Sowore in defiance to the orders of the court. But Malami, who was refuting claims that the federal government had released Dasuki and Sowore

because of international pressure particularly from the United States of America and the United kingdom, claimed that the government has powers to continue to detain Dasuki and Sowore, having appealed the decision of the trial court. He added that, “After announcing that he had directed the State Security Service (DSS) to release Sowore and Dasuki from custody in compliance with the court orders that had granted them

bail the Justice Minister turned round to say that the release was an act of compassion and mercy on the part of the executive arm”. “I was compelled to challenge the claim of the Justice Minister as he lacks the power to release any person standing trial on compassionate grounds by virtue of section 175 of the Constitution. After he had rightly abandoned that dangerous legal route the Justice Minister has since asserted that the federal

government was right to have detained the Sowore and Dasuki in defiance of the court orders which had admitted them to bail. “In support of the outlandish contention, the Justice Minister said that the federal government was not bound to obey the court orders until the final determination of the appeals filed against the court orders,” Falana said in a statement made available to journalists. While stating that Malami

has “put himself under undue pressure” by this position, Falana said the minister in the process, “has embarrased the executive and exposed the judiciary to ridicule”. In supporting his claim, Falana who is the lead counsel to Sowore, cited an interview of Malami aired on NTA last Thursday wherein the minister claimed that the government filed a stay of execution in the cases of the defendants.

CAN Carpets Mbaka over Politically-motivated Prophecies The Director, Adoration Ministries, Enugu, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka has continued to receive more knocks and criticisms following his recent controversial prophecy about the pending Imo State governorship election petition at the Supreme Court. Mbaka had in his New Year message predicted that the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Hope Uzodinma, will upturn and take over from Emeka Ihedioha as governor of Imo State. The cleric reportedly said, “in spite of all that would happen this year 2020, there is hope. In Imo State, there is hope. Imo people have suffered but God is raising a new hope that would be an agent of salvation for them. “He is coming with a new flag to restore the dignity of that noble land. New leadership will break barriers and there would be joy in the land of Imo. Lift up your candles as I bless Hope Uzodinma and I empower him spiritually to take over. How, I do not know.” Since that New Year day, the cleric has come under intense criticisms for the said prophecy, which several groups and individuals have dismissed. Reacting to the prophesy, the Imo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said the cleric’s message was without substance, wondering why a matter before

the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land, would be so tossed around. In a statement, the leadership of the Imo State chapter of the CAN under the leadership of Senior Apostle Godson Ibeji, said CAN had consistently kicked against such prophecies tailored to suit the whims and caprices of politicians. “CAN has consistently opposed such politically motivated prophesies and at the same time strived to maintain the standards that guide and regulates the practice of Christianity. We will continue to tow this path until we restore sanity in the practice of priesthood”, the statement stressed. In his reaction, Bishop Lucius Ugorji of Umuahia Catholic Diocese, who is also Apostolic Administrator of Ahiara Diocese, said the Catholic Church, which Mbaka belongs to as a Priest, is not into fortune telling and as such, does not give authority to any priest to make predictions on who wins a court case or not. He said “The Catholic Church is not into fortune telling and so does not authorise any Priest to make predictions on her behalf on who wins a court case. “Anyone who speaks on such a matter is expressing his personal opinion.” The Bishop said he does not give attention to such predictions, because they are cheap guess works.

Buhari Mourns Victims of Kaduna Gas Explosion Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari last night said he was deeply saddened by the gas explosion, which claimed the lives of the Chairman, Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, Professor Simon Mallam, his son and three others at Sabon Tasha area of Kaduna on Saturday. Reacting to the incident, the president, according to a statement by one of his spokesmen, Malam Garba Shehu, said: “I am deeply touched by

this unfortunate incident that claimed the lives of Professor Simon Mallam, his son and others. “The death of the erudite Professor has robbed Nigeria of a great scientist whose services were acutely needed at a time we are increasing emphasis on science and technology for development. “I extend my heartfelt sympathy to his family and those of other victims of the gas explosion. May God comfort these families and give them the fortitude to bear the loss.”

HONOUR TO PEACEMAKER…..

Enugu State Governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (left), and traditional ruler of Uwani Umuoka in Udi Local Government Area, His Royal Highness, Igwe Uche A. Alugwu, when the people of the autonomous community honoured the governor with a chieftaincy title for restoring peace in their land after an age-long leadership dispute with their neighbouring community… yesterday

Oshodi Transport Interchange Records 1.6m Passengers Henry Onyeka Africa’s foremost transportation icon, Oshodi Transport Interchange has recorded 1.6 million passengers in its first 250 days. The Managing Director of Planet Projects, Mr.Biodun Otunola disclosed this yesterday while conducting media executives on a tour of the facility He said the passenger traffic was recorded in Terminal 3, currently in full operations, adding that terminals 1 and

2 are set to take off in the first quarter of the year. Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho described the project as beautiful, adding that although he saw the project when the foundation was laid, the outcome is commendable. He said the position of the Sanwo-Olu’s administration is that all ongoing projects must be completed to provide service to the people. In a presentation to media executives, Otunola noted that the project’s viability will be

determined by multiple streams of income, including ticketing, advertisement and rentals from retail sales outlets. He said the full activation of the project will enhance its viability. He thanked Sanwo-olu for his tremendous support since the inception of his administration, adding that there has been increase in the number of buses from 35 to 100 and the routes from three to four due to the support of the administration. He said the increase in the

buses enabled more riders to commute and helped to achieve the 1.6million passenger traffic in 250 days. The facility tour, which covered first to third terminal, included the reception, ticketing booths, waiting areas containing 500 steel chairs and the loading bays where passengers embark on journeys. While terminal 1 is designed for inter-city trips to other state capitals, terminal 2 will accommodate the Bus Rapid Transport service that will service Abule-Egba route.

Pantami Gives Insight into Nigeria’s Digital Economy Policy Drive Emma Okonji Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, has given fresh insight into the strides and strategy of his ministry in accomplishing the digital economy policy for national development. Part of the policy was the change in nomenclature of the ministry, from Ministry of Communications to Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy by President Muhammadu Buhari in October last year. Pantami, who gave the insight at the weekend during a media parley involving all agencies of the ministry in Abuja, said

the re-designation was done to position Nigeria for the gains of digital economy as ‘communications’ captured just the channels. He explained that the former name became inadequate in describing the essence of the new vision that embraces the content as well as the utilisation of both channel and content to achieve the central focus of the ministry to migrate the nation to a digital economy. Pantami said the move was particularly significant to enable Information and Communication Technology (ICT), which is the most diverse and fastest growing sector, to mobilise other sectors and align with the Economic Recovery and

Growth Plan (ERGP) of the federal government. Following the re-designation, the minister stated that the federal government directed the ministry to develop and implement a national digital economy strategy. This, he said, was done by the ministry and unveiled by the President at the e-Nigeria Conference in November 2019. Pantami said the policy captured the thematic focus while the strategy speaks to how the various themes would be achieved. Speaking further, Pantami declared that all other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government were connected to the strategy in

view of the centrality of ICT to development in other sectors of the economy. “The role of the ministry is to coordinate the implementation of the policy and the strategy, which has already started. By the end of the next decade, the federal government expects every Nigerian to have connected with the goals of digital Nigeria by being computer literate, own a digital device, have access to the Internet, own a bank account that can be accessed and operated digitally and online. Beyond financial services, the federal government hopes to see majority of the citizens undertake many activities electronically,” Pantami said.

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COMMENT

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

CURBING RISING GLOBAL FRAUD

Forensic accounting is an antidote to the rising wave of fraud and organised crime, writes Iliyasu Gashinbaki

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study conducted by Crowe Clarke Whitehill and the University of Portsmouth’s Centre for Counter Fraud Studies (CCFS) in 2018 put global fraud and organised crime at a whopping $3.78 trillion! Indeed, average annual expenditure loss by companies to fraud is estimated to be 7%. Of these, the United Kingdom alone lost $141.75 billion. Also, the PWC Global Report on Fraud and Organised Crime in same 2018 had the following chilling statistics: 49% of organisations globally said they have been victims of fraud and economic crime; 64% of respondents said losses due directly to their most disruptive fraud could reach US$1 million; 52% of all frauds are perpetrated by people inside the organisation and 31% of all respondents that suffered fraud indicated they experienced cyber-crime! In Nigeria, the situation is equally grim. Former Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in her book, “Reforming the Unreformed�, published in 2012 stated that Nigeria was estimated to have lost over US$400 billion to corruption since independence. A report by the Nigeria Depositors Insurance Corporation (NDIC) in 2018, showed that N116.25 billion was paid to depositors in failed financial institutions with the banking industry alone losing N15.15 billion to fraud. As dark as the horizon seems at present, there is an antidote to the rising wave of fraud and organized crime both locally and internationally- forensic accounting! Maurice Peloubet, a New York CPA, first coined the term “Fore Accounting� in 1946, and its inspiration came from the responsibility of “reconstructing financial enigmas� to prove “fraud� or “embezzlement�. Forensic accounting, forensic accountancy or financial forensics is the specialty practice area of accounting that describes engagements that result from actual or anticipated dispute or litigation. “Forensic� means “suitable for use in a court of law�. Forensic accountants, also referred to as forensic auditors and investigative auditors, often have to give experts evidence at eventual trial. Forensic accounting also refers to a “comprehensive application of investigative accounting, auditing and legal skills to the task of extracting, verifying, interpreting and communicating a transactional and reporting event evidence in an objective, legally sustainable fashion for use by attorneys involved in civil and criminal litigation and in giving trial testimony.� It is a combination of auditing procedures and investigative techniques in verifying the accuracy and legitimacy of financial reporting. Beyond the numbers, companies all over the world rely on forensic accounting to manage and track their financial transactions to ensure they remain profitable, prevent and investigate fraud. Governments, public institutions and regulators also rely on forensic accounting to ensure transparency, accountability and overall integrity of transactions they undertake on behalf of the public.

GOVERNMENTS, PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS AND REGULATORS RELY ON FORENSIC ACCOUNTING TO ENSURE TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND OVERALL INTEGRITY OF TRANSACTIONS THEY UNDERTAKE ON BEHALF OF THE PUBLIC

Sadly, in spite of the immense benefits of forensic accounting to reducing financial fraud to the barest minimum, it has not been fully embraced in Nigeria and other emerging economies. Forensic accounting should not only be embraced but grabbed by everyone interested in curtailing fraud, organized crime and criminality in both the private and public sectors of Nigeria. Its strength lies in its combination of various disciplines geared towards curbing fraud or wiping it off entirely- Law, IT, Data Analytics, Psychology and Economics. It is a must skill for the 21st century accountant. The benefits of adoption and engagement of forensic accounting in the public sector include but not limited to the following: One, the current waste in government will be reduced by 75% across the three tiers of governments with the potential of saving N2 trillion annually. Two, public sector financial management especially within MDAs will transition from the era of “transparency� to the era of “accountability� fostered by strict adherence to accounting standards. Three, the growing level of high level of corruption, organized crime and fraud within the financial system will be reduced significantly thereby restoring more confidence by the international community in the Nigerian financial system. Four, for the African Union and regional integration, forensic accounting will promote and enhance the financial system integrity especially against transnational and cross border crimes. It will also combat terrorist financing and money laundering, which are considered as the most significant barriers to the progress for the successful take off of the Africa Continental Free Trade Zone and the ECOWAS single currency implementation in 2020. It is for these reasons that the Society for Forensic Accounting and Fraud Prevention (SFAFP) is promoting the adoption of forensic accounting in Nigeria not only by core accountants but also other professionals in anti-corruption fight. Agencies such as the Police, EFCC, ICPC and CCB need to embrace forensic accounting as a matter of urgent national importance. The old ways of investigations are no longer suited for today’s hi-tech fraudsters and criminals. Like the Psychologist, Dr. Ijeoma Nwafor posited recently in her paper, “Thinking Like the Thief�, we must not only understand the innermost working of the thief in order to neutralise him but move several steps ahead of him. This is the underlining philosophy of forensic accounting and the driving force of SFAFP. It is poised to pioneer indigenous professional distinction in the training and development of forensic accountants and the delivery of high quality service to foster integrity and excellence in fraud prevention. It is equally set to redefine standards of integrity and professional excellence in forensic accounting and crime prevention. Wouldn’t you rather be part of SFAFP now? Gashinbaki is Chairman, Society for Forensic Accounting and Fraud Prevention

ECONOMIC EXPECTATIONS FOR 2020 Boniface Chizea writes that the omens are good

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here is consensus that the year 2020 will be an improvement on 2019. This projection is based on real and concrete expectations. Elections 2019 have come and gone and in spite of expressed dissatisfactions, we can safely conclude that the risk arising from the potential for crisis from the elections is now well and truly behind us. The President despite prodding by some malevolent interested parties has repeated it to the hearing of all concerned that his tenure terminates in 2023 and that he is not interested in tenure extension. We can therefore for now expect the president to be concerned; fully focused on the sort of legacy he leaves behind. The president has repeated the promise to lift out of poverty 100 million Nigerians in 10 years as part of his 2020 message to Nigerians. Therefore, there must be concerted efforts made to boost growth and catalyse development. Looking closely at the contents of the president’s new year message to Nigerians, there are solid reasons for optimism that the country is poised for giant developmental strides. The president vowed to continue to work with state governments, neighbouring states and international partners to tackle the root causes of violent extremism and the network that helps finance organised terror. The expectations are that as peace is won, the North East Development Commission will be able to work with local and international stakeholders to help create a new beginning for the North East to help unleash its full potential particularly in the farming sector so

badly affected by the state of insurrection and anomie which had badly supressed farming activities. The president promised progress on key roads such as the second Niger Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the Abuja-Kano Highway amongst other key infrastructural projects. There is no way some progress will not be recorded leveraging on the existing cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature. Such progress; any progress is bound to have knock - on -effect on the growth projections of the economy. Budget 2019 was delayed by the 8th National Assembly for seven months as announced by the president resulting in delayed passage and record of poor implementation. In contrast Budget 2020 has been approved and signed into law ready for implementation commencing from the first day of the year even though the president indicated that he might revert for virement purposes and adjustments to budget heads as the need arose. In fact the president was effusive as he showered praise on the legislature for the feat of the timely and expeditious approval of the 2020 Budget. What that portends is that we expect a much-improved implementation of Budget 2020 which hopefully will result in improved economic growth as the budget for capital projects is implemented and job opportunities provided. The borrowing plan of about 30 billion dollars which the 8th Assembly did not approve due to alleged incomplete information has now been forwarded to the 9th National Assembly and the Senate President has assured that the request would receive expeditious approval. The expectation is that

such a development would improve the revenue profile of the government to fast track the implementation of capital projects particularly relating to the provision of essential but lacking infrastructure to positively impact the attractiveness of the economy to stakeholders from overseas and to give a boost to the prevalent level of productivity in the economy. It is also worthy of note that for the first time in recent memory that a Finance Bill was sent along with the budget to boost revenue in response to the challenge of fiscal sustainability. As a result of this bill, the rate of Value Added Tax was recently increased from 5 to 7.5%. And assurance has been given that this bill will soon receive the necessary approval. As the content of this bill is implemented we should reasonably expect that the challenge of fiscal sustainability is on the way to being solved. A framework for the USD 10 billion has been signed for the expansion of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, which is estimated to increase exports by 35% to restore the country’s position as a world leader in the sector and create thousands of jobs. This must be a salutary development as growth prospects of the economy is massively impacted. The war on corruption is gaining traction with high profile cases being speedily concluded; Orji Uzor Kalu has just received a long jail sentence, Andoka, a former Attorney General and Minister for Justice is currently battling for bail, among others. At the end of the day a strong message is being sent signalling to the commencement of an end to impunity in the land. The border closure has had positive impact

on local productive capacity. The rice mills littered across the length and breadth of this country have cranked up back to life resulting in enhanced productivity and an availability of increased employment opportunities. There is also the reality of considerable savings resulting from retrenchment in fictitious levels of fuel consumption and its associated subsidy as crude smuggling across the border is terminated. The Central Bank has been quite aggressive and proactive with the churning out of policies as it attempts to complement the fiscal authorities to fast forward growth and development. Banks are now compelled to undertake aggressive lending as the loan to deposit ratio is steadily increased as a prudential requirement with advertised penalties for non-compliance. Also bank charges have been recently reviewed downwards in response to complaints by bank customers thereby assisting in deepening of the financial sector. This is in addition to the salutary development for growth as stability of rate of exchange has been sustained over a long period now. On welfare note, the president has committed to the payment of living wage to workers and the payment of pensions and this will certainly impact positively the quality of life of concerned citizenry. We are therefore confident that the country would witness an improvement in growth in GDP and economic development as the unemployment situation is positively impacted leading to a reduction in the misery index in the land. There is no doubt in our mind whatsoever that the prognosis for the economy in 2020 is most certainly brighter. Dr. Chizea wrote from Lagos

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T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2020

EDITORIAL THE RIP-OFF AT THE PORTS Government should collaborate with the private sector to build deep sea ports

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s part of a recent agreement to reduce port costs by as much as N400 billion annually, shipping companies were to abolish container-cleaning fee and remove 15 other port charges from their list. However, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in respect of the agreement has been delayed for reasons that are yet to be communicated by the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC). This unfortunate situation is not only exacerbating the Apapa traffic gridlock that has become the shame of the nation, it has created an avenue for the shipping companies to continue to rip-off Nigerians. The cost of doing business in Nigerian ports ranks amongst the highest in the world. These ports are notorious for high demurrage charges as a result of delay in cargo clearing process. That is aside the high insurance premium of vessels coming to Nigeria and trucks conveying containers to and from the ports and higher shipping and terminal charges. GOVERNMENT Added to these is the MUST SPEED UP THE total annual freight CONSTRUCTION OF cost estimated at PORT ACCESS ROADS between $5 billion and $6 billion, according AND GET THE TERMINAL to the Ministry of OPERATORS AND SHIPPING COMPANIES TO Transportation. Recent numbers INVEST IN HOLDING BAYS released by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) reveal that on average, container traffic at the seaports across the country (Lagos, Tincan Island, Delta, Onne, Rivers, and Calabar) stands at 822 ,868 annually. It takes about N6.5 million to clear and transport a 20-foot container laden with cargo worth N36.42 million ($100,000) imported into Nigeria from China. Of this amount, about N5.3 million (representing 82.1 per cent) is paid to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as Import Duty, Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS), ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), Port Development Surcharge and Value Added Tax (VAT). Shipping companies are responsible

Letters to the Editor

for 13.8 per cent of the port cost (N897,000); terminal operators 1.8 per cent (N117,000); transporters 1.1 per cent (N71,500) and clearing agents (N78,000). This means that N5.34 trillion is required to clear the 822,868 containers annually, while charges by the shipping companies stand at N738.112 billion. As part of the long-term solution to the crisis, the federal government must embrace intermodal transportation, which includes rail and inland waterways. Also, the government must speed up the construction of port access roads and get the terminal operators and shipping companies to invest in holding bays where trucks can park pending when they are notified via a call up system to the port to drop empties or load cargo. Most importantly, the government must urgently collaborate with the private sector to build deep sea ports.

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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 TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

s things stand, the handling capacity of ports in Nigeria is put at 60 million metric tonnes, while demand and usage is about 100 million metric tonnes. These are expected to rise with the increasing population, urban expansion and attendant demand for more markets. The cargo throughput handled in the ports increased from 66,908,322 metric tonnes in 2009 to 74,910,282 metric tonnes in 2010, indicating a 12 per cent increase. According to global trends in port development, out of over 100 seaport development projects being executed in the world, approximately 60 to 75 per cent of these are deep sea ports or terminals. The balance is mostly inland waterway ports and jetties. This clearly indicates that Nigeria needs better designed port facilities in tune with increased cargo traffic, for the country to be globally competitive at a period emphasis is shifting to larger and more economical vessels that require deeper harbour drafts. According to the World Bank in its 2017 Annual Ease of Doing Business Report, Nigeria ranks 145 among 185 countries with Mauritius ranking 32 as the best in Africa. From the report, Trading Across Borders, an indicator for measuring a country’s ports effectiveness ranked Nigeria very low at 183 out of 185 countries. This is a big shame!

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

THEVALUE OF NATIONAL STATISTICS IN DEVELOPING NATIONS

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ational statistics is like building structure that transfers its gravity loads to the ground. Good data therefore are essential for national government and institutions to accurately plan, fund and evaluate activities. A country without data is like laboring in the slumbering woods; the aftermath is that, she will not be haunted by ghost and monsters in the woods but by low per capital income, low standards of living, high rate of population growth, illiteracy, dependence on archaic agriculture and high level of unemployment. Why do statistics matter? They are the evidence on which policies are built. They help to identify needs, set goals and monitor progress; without statistics, policymakers cannot learn from their mistakes, they flickered in the mists. It helps people to make informed decisions about policies, programmes and projects. Foreign investors need to know what resources are available in a given country before investing. Data analytic is increasingly being used by developing nations to tackle development challenges such as boosting crop yield to controlling the spread of certain disease. Data are used to forecast climate variations which help farmers adapt to favorable weather so as to tackle hunger. Data are also used to predict the cause and spread of specific diseases. Organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), United Nations, and the World Bank make use of accurate data to arrive at conclusion but sadly when it comes to the data from the developing countries, they are often not reliable or simply non-existent, whether

you are looking at economic growth, hunger or poverty. Federal government statistics provide critical information to the country and serve a key role in a democracy. There are agencies responsible to ensure key information about economy, society, and environment that they require to function effectively as citizens and decision makers. There are diverse tools used to arrive at a given data, such as survey data, observational studies, impact evaluation, among others. These are tools used to ensure we are not cloaked in darkness. In Nigeria, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is an apex statistical agency responsible for all the three tiers of government. According to www.stats.gov.cn, the NBS is responsible for the organization, leadership and coordination of national statistical work and national economical accounting endeavors. Information such as: Nigeria GDP per capita in Current prices, Nigeria growth rate of the real GDP compared to the previous year, Nigeria unemployment, inflation rate, import goods per annum, export goods per annum, trade balance, Nigeria national debt in relation to GDP, ratio of government expenditure to GDP, population census, consumer price index, among others, are available on the coffers of NBS. If we go deeper, the agency provides us with: fertility rate in Nigeria, life expectancy at birth, death rate, infant mortality rate and such likes. Hazy clouds hung over developing nation’s heads so much so that procedures for collating data are sluggish and national statistics offices take years to release figures. This dearth of accurate data in the developing countries slows down development. Who could have imagined Nigeria would turn the biggest economy overnight in 2014? The truth is, there was no review for decades and so rebasing was not done to calculate GDP.

If we go further to get data from the NBS, can we get data for the number of days it will take us to run out of food without importation? Can we get a biometric data for a new born baby directly linked to National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)? That is the bane of the developing nations. What reasons can we give for lack of data? Surveys are alien in some parts of the developing countries and when we conduct surveys they are conducted every few years. Other reasons for lack of data include: low literacy rates, limited communications infrastructure, nomadic culture, conflict and displaced populations. How do we use data to solve the problem? To provide solutions for water shortages, housing needs and employment. According to reuters.com, ata is being used to analyze weather and geographical challenges in places such as Tanzania, Nepal and the Philippine… from analyzing flood, earthquake and tsunami to strengthen disaster preparedness. In developing nations, the growing demands for more timely information is not available, and in most cases the information arrive late which puts policymakers in a tight corner. Nigeria for instance is due for another census since 2016 but lack of funds is delaying the exercise; without this, government and development agencies operate in the dark and cannot accurately knows the population needs. In advanced countries, data are easily accessible and it reflects the true position of things. It enables them to plan ahead and get result. Their statics provide easy, one-step access to critical statistics for countries, cities, and towns, regions, census and many more … Olusanya Anjorin, Lagos

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T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY JANUARY 6, 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

The Year of Emblematic, Zero-Sum Politics

Nseobong Okon-Ekong suggests that there may not be any major restoration in the Nigerian political entity in 2020

Buhari

Muhammad

Abubakar

Lawan

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19

T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY JANUARY 6, 2020

MONDAY DISCOURSE

Gbajabiamila

Oshiomhole

Obaseki

Akeredolu

Lawan and House of Representatives Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. The President also appointed the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad. In the coming days, there will be clear politics centred on zero-sum issues of national interest, relating to a situation in which whatever is gained by one side is lost by the other. It will be interesting to see if Lawan and Gbajabiamila will lead the federal legislators to subsume the powers and relevance of the legislature in the name of supporting the executive. As things stand, it is difficult to erase the ‘rubber stamp legislature’ image which many Nigerians have marked on the Ninth National Assembly, assuming that it is passive and compromised, without giving it a chance to see if it will abandon its statutory function of checks and balances on the executive. One area that the independence of the federal legislature will be put to the test is how it handles the amendments in the electoral law, which stakeholders agree will guarantee more transparent elections. With the average Nigerian politician, the judiciary must always do its bidding, otherwise it has conceded. The PDP welcomes the ruling of the courts only when it is in its favour. The APC also displays a similar character. The two major political parties are quick to appreciate the judiciary as the last hope of the common man when a judgement goes their way. Accusations and counter-accusations on who is manipulating the judiciary continue to fly; either way. However, officers at the temple of law; both on

the bench and at the bar have admitted that there are corrupt elements among them who need to be shown the door. In the area of Rule of Law, there is not likely to be a marked change in 2020. Public office holders; the rich and powerful will continue to act with impunity as long as there is no punishment. The set of legislation which governs Nigeria, largely appears to be for a section of the society. But for the influential, there is no check on their conduct. Under the rule of law, no one is above the law. The rights of the ordinary citizen, including his life and property are often not protected or guaranteed. In 2020, the old rules of politics, which promotes might over rights, will remain since Nigerian politicians do not see their time in public office as an opportunity to serve. Agitation for restructuring of the federation on one hand and the push for complete autonomy of the local government on the other hand will continue with a stronger vehemence in 2020. The current monthly revenue sharing formula which allows the federal government to take the biggest piece of the proverbial ‘National Cake’ of 52.68 per cent has been roundly condemned by many stakeholders. The 36 states take 26.72 per cent, while the balance of 20.60 per cent is shared among the 774 local governments. President of the Igbo Youth Movement, Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko thinks 2020 offers a wonderful opportunity to the leadership and political elite of Nigeria, to rise up and do the needful: urgently begin the process of reconstructing the polity in

order to whittle down excess power at the centre and devolve same to the federating units via a new people’s constitution. He thinks this can be done through, “A bipartisan, respectable committee of eminent and patriotic leaders who should begin the process of a holistic restructuring of the polity.” He said the New Year “should be a season of stock taking, reminiscing and ruminating on development strides of the First Republic and the unwieldy rigmarole of today. The untidy and unjust unitary system has destroyed cohesion, enthroned nepotism, prebendalism and hatred from the oppressed peoples, which in turn has given birth to everything evil dominating the land today. The hunger, poverty and criminality ruling the land today are only signposts of a dysfunctional unitary structure imposed on the country by the military. Corruption, unemployment, disequilibrium and calls for revolution are direct consequences of ignoring reality for too long.” The year started with a kind of surface dressing progressive reform that scratches the surface of restructuring. Last week, the six states in the South-west announced a joint security outfit, ‘Amotekun’, which would commence work on January 9. Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State disclosed this in his New Year message, saying the outfit would complement the efforts of the regular security agencies. Known as the Western Nigeria Security Network, he acknowledged the limitation of the outfit. “The fact remains, however, that criminality cannot be totally eradicated even as we are working

meticulously at reducing it to the barest minimum in Ekiti State, and the evidence is there for all to see and acknowledge that we are making steady progress. Since we are not an Island, we are working with neigbouring States to strengthen our security architecture,” he said. January 25, 2020 is a very important on the calendar of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The day has been set aside for 28 rerun elections. The election petition tribunals constituted to try cases arising from the 2019 general election had received 807 post-election petitions, out of which 582 were dismissed and 183 withdrawn by petitioners. Out of the remaining 42 cases, 30 were decided for rerun, while 12 were ordered to be issued certificates of return. The electoral body said the 28 reruns were a fallout of court-ordered rerun elections that have yet to be held across the nation. INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, noted that “There are 28 court-ordered elections still outstanding, which are distributed across 12 states of the federation. The breakdown comprises one senatorial district out of 109; 12 federal constituencies out of 360; and 15 state Assembly constituencies out of 991. In many of the cases, elections are to be rerun in only a few polling units.” But the big two that everyone is waiting for this year are the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states. Already, the polity in both states, particularly, Edo is on fire from multiple crises among the political parties.

BREAKING DOWN THE BIG DATA

How Sanwo-Olu Plans to Reawaken Lagos Nseobong Okon-Ekong interacts with Mr. Samuel Egube, Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget on the logical interpretation of the theme of the state’s 2020 budget The Lagos State Government has rolled out a budget of N1.168,561,893,990 estimate of income and expenditure for 2020, themed-‘Budget of Reawakening’. The original financial plan sent by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to the Lagos State House of Assembly was N1.168 trillion, but the legislators added another N561.893 billion r$POTPMJEBUFE SFWFOVF GSPN XIJDI Lagos State will take N451.528 billion to fund its recurrent expenditure refers to the comprehensive revenue generated by the state government from all sources r3FDVSSFOU &YQFOEJUVSF SFGFST UP payments made by governments for all purposes except capital costs. These includes payments for goods and services r$BQJUBM &YQFOEJUVSF FYQMBJOT NPOFZ spent by government on acquiring or maintaining fixed assets; such as land, buildings, equipment, construction and other infrastructure. By voting N723.75

billion for capital expenditure or 62 percent of the budget, it means the Sanwo-Olu administration is going to embark on creating new infrastructure or completing ongoing projects. This could possibly translate to injection of more capital to energise the economy by creating more jobs; largely for the unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled tradesmen. In this lies the meaning of the theme of the budget, ‘reawakening’, which hints at the determination of Sanwo-Olu to restore the confidence of Lagosians. r5IF CVEHFU TJ[F JT QFSDFOU IJHIFS than the 2019 budget of N874 billion r#VEHFU EFGJDJU FYQMBJOT CZ IPX much government is exceeding its financial capacity. In 2020, Lagos State will spend N97.53 billion above its income. The government will borrow N34 billion locally and N63 billion from abroad to fund this deficit. A budget deficit occurs when expenses exceed revenue.

20

T H I S D AY ˞ ʹ˜ Ͱ͎Ͱ͎

FEATURES

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

Rehabilitating the Juvenile Delinquents With the increasing number of crime in Nigeria committed by minors, Sunday Ehigiator follows the trail from their arrest to remand in correction homes, then the rehabilitation process before they are reintegrated into the society again

I

drisu Muhammadu of Evutagi village in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State was 16 when he killed his girlfriend Fatima Isah in 2018, for dating his elder brother. Wasila Umaru was 14, when she murdered Umaru Sani with rat poisoning for being forced to marry him in 2014. Oke Godstime was 16 when he defiled a girl of 15 at Umuahia for refusing his advances in 2015, Adekunle Johnson of No 3, Alopoti Street. Amolaso Abeokuta was 16 years old when he defiled a baby of about eight months and half in 2011. It is interesting to note that all the above listed carried out the act while still minors. In exhibiting delinquent behaviours, these minors carried out criminal activities ranging from murder to car jacking, sexual abuse, assault and even use of weapons. Depending on the nation of origin, a juvenile becomes an adult anywhere between the ages of 15 to 18, although the age is sometimes lowered for murder and other serious crimes. Delinquency implies conduct that does not conform to the legal or moral standards of society; it usually applies only to acts that, if performed by an adult, would be termed criminal. According to Brittanica, it is thus distinguished from a status offense, a term applied in the United States and other national legal systems to acts considered wrongful when committed by a juvenile but not when committed by an adult. Although juvenile delinquency has been been blamed on societal vices relating to underdevelopment, diminishing moral standards, and poverty, some delinquents have however turned their lives around following rehabilitation gotten from either being put on probation or in correctional homes under the care of social workers. Who is a Child? The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child defines a child as "a human being below the age of 18 years unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier". Also, the National Child Welfare Policy of 1989 defines a child as anybody who is 12 years or below. However, a draft decree put into law has now set the age of the child in Nigeria as 18 years or below. It is pertinent to note that this age definition of the Convention is already in practice under municipal laws. What the Law Says about the Rights of a Nigerian Child According to Oputa J.S.C 1982, “A right in its general sense is either the liberty (protected by law) of acting or abstaining from acting in a certain manner, or the power (enforced by law) of compelling a specific person to do or abstain from doing a particular thing.� The legal rights of the Nigerian child are contained in various municipal laws and international instruments. These laws are based on certain fundamental principles relating to the promotion of human survival, prevention of harm, promotion and sustenance of human dignity and the enhancement of human development. These principles recognise the basic concept that the child is the foundation of the society and he or she assures a societal continuity. Accordingly, the survival and continuity of the human society depends upon the protection, preservation, nurture and development of the child. Thus the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees certain ‘Fundamental Rights’ to every persons including children. To this accord, Part one, item one of the ‘Child Right Act of 2003’, developed to provide and protect the rights of a Nigerian child; and other related matters opines that “In every action concerning a child, whether undertaken by an individual, public or private body, institutions or service, court of law, or administrative or legislative authority, the best interest of the child shall be the primary consideration.�

Some pupils who were rescued after initiation into cult group in school As Part 20, item 204 of the Act, which dealt on ‘Child Justice Administration’, posits that “No child shall be subjected to the criminal justice process or to criminal sanctions, but a child alleged to have committed an act which would constitute a criminal offence if he were an adult shall be subjected only to the child justice system and processes set out in this Act.� Stressing on the privacy of the child in same Part 20 under item 205, it forbids any information that may lead to the identification of a child offender to be published, and likewise ask for the confidentiality of the records of a child offender to third parties, to any adult proceedings in a subsequent case involving the same child offender, and can only be made accessible to persons directly concerned with the disposition of the case at hand or other duly authorised persons. While Item 206 of same part highlighted some prerequisite knowledge for rehabilitating the child offender, which according to it, are “Professional education, in-service training, refresher courses and other appropriate mode of instructions shall be utilised to establish and maintain the necessary professional competence of all persons, including judges, magisterates, officers of the Specialised Children Police Unit, supervisors and child development officers, dealing with child offenders.� Law Surrounding Detention Pending Trial However, Item 212 of same part basically dealt on the ‘Detention Pending Trial’ of a child. According to (number 1a to b of) it, “Detention pending trial shall be used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest possible period of time; wherever possible, be replaced by alternative measures, including close supervision, care by and placement with a family or in an educational setting or home.� A ooo nd in same item ( number 3b), highlighted that “in the case of an apprehended child who has attained the age of 15 years, that no secure accommodation is available and that keeping him in some other authority's

accommodation would not be adequate to protect the public from serious harm from the child, secure that the apprehended child is moved to a state government accommodation.� This part of the act could be pointed as why ‘Correction Homes’ were created by the government. It likewise went further in Item 212 (number 2), to instruct that while “in detention, a child shall be given care, protection any necessary assistance including social, educational, vocational, psychological, medical and physical assistance, that he may require having regard to his age, sex and personality.� Hence, on the above premises, rehabilitation processes is mandated on Correction Homes for children in her custody. This took THISDAY on a journey to speak with a top management staff incharge of the Lagos State Government Correction Center in Oregun, Ikeja, who spoke under strict terms of anonymity. Considerations for Admittance According to the Child Rights Law of Lagos State, no child is supposed to be on the street especially during the school hours, and especially because education is free from basic one to nine (Primary 1 to JSS 3) in Lagos state. From THISDAY findings, the above reason is why no child is expected to be found on the street during school hours. And because of that, the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development is saddled with the responsibility to exercise that part of law. To do this, according to our source, “there is a rescue unit in the ministry, which is saddled with the responsibility of combing the streets of Lagos of not just child hawkers or stray kids during and after school hours, but also lunatics, beggars, and those that are capable of causing nuisance on the street of Lagos, be it under age or adult. Having done this exercise, the male underage among those picked by the unit are selected from the rest and brought to the correction home, while the underage females are taken to Idi-Araba.

“The second means of admission is through the Lagos State Task Force. They also pick children hawking off the streets and the male are brought to the Ikeja Correction Home. We also admit children to the home through the court. In these case, delinquents or children in conflict with the law are brought to the home once the police has charged them to court. “Perhaps they committed robbery, stealing, rape and are defiled, or defiled someone, the police take the intervention and charge them to court. From court, they are advised to be brought here since they are under aged and can’t be remanded in prison; even while they await trial. “The fourth and last way is through individuals, such as parents who feel the attitude of the child is of too much a concern and can’t handle him or her alone and want us to assist in the correction of such child. But such parent can’t just bring them here directly, they have to obtain a court permit. “For instance, we have family social services scattered all over Lagos state for convenience sake, so for if for instance, you live in Ikeja, you report the child to us at Ikeja Social Welfare Services in Ikeja. They will do all the investigations necessary to ensure that the child is really short of appropriate characters, from there, the social officer would be the one to take the ward to the family court, and present a report to the court. And if the court is convinced with it, they will issue a corrective order. That is what we will see here before we accept that child here. So these are the four basic ways we admit children here.� Categories of Children in Correction Centers On the categories of children in the center, he said, “We have four categories of children we attend to here. One is tagged as ‘Beyond Parental Control’; these are ones that are brought in by their parents through court order. “We have ‘Shelter Matter�; these are those that are in need of temporary shelter. For instance,

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FEATURES if there is an accident and the parent of the ward was one of those who lost his or her life in the accident and the ward was rescued, we cannot not hand over that child to anybody. We grant such child a temporary shelter till we see a fit person such as the family member of the child or one capable of taking proper care of the child, depending on the circumstances, before we can let the child off. “Or if a ward is abused at home perhaps by the parent of guardian, we will take custody of the child by providing temporary accommodation, and will not keep the child with the parent again until we find some other fit person capable of taking better and proper care of the child. “The next category of children has the highest population of children here. They are those we tag, ‘Care and Supervisions’. They are here for care and supervision. These are the once we rescued on the street either hawking, not going to school, sleeping under the bridge, or wandering around the street sort off. “You know, as a minor, you are supposed to have either parents or guardian, but without those, such child is bound to be wandering on the street, and they are caught. It is now left for the social workers to now go and conduct all necessary enquiries. So they are the highest number of kids we have here. They also include those you see on the street cleaning windscreen and all of that. In fact, we rescue these windscreen cleaners everyday from the street. “And the last category are those that are ‘In conflict With The Law’. These are those that have committed an offence or the other. We don’t regard them to have committed a crime because they are underage. So what they did is not classified as a crime because it could be as a result of exuberance or not knowing the consequence of their action. So that is why they are brought in here for correction and for us to let them know the consequences of what they have done.� Means of Rehabilitation and Integration On the correction processes, he said, “When a ward is admitted to this place, they go through four different trainings. First is the ‘Psycho-social’ training, which is the most important of all. It basically involves consistent counselling. And this counselling isn’t for the children alone, but based on our investigations, we go steps further by counselling the parents if necessary. Because by the time you look at the situation, you will sometimes realise that they were sent on the street to hawk by their parents due to the economic situation. “So we counsel them both so that by the time we return such child back to the society, they don’t return to the street. And we have all the counselors within the teachers. In this regards, about 21 children are attached to each social worker for corrections. “The second step is ‘Educational Training’. You can see that we have an inbuilt school inhere. And the school is staffed by Lagos State Primary Universal Basic Education. So most of the teachers here, likewise teach in other outside schools. They are regulated just the way normal government teachers are regulated. But whenever they are posting a new teacher here, because it is a special school, they take them through one or two weeks training on how to handle the set of children we have here. “Because whether you like it or not, this place is a special school. In this place, you see a child of 16 years old still in nursery school because they have been on the street before now and have never been in the four walls of a classroom before. And the idea is to be able to read and write. So no matter the age, for the fact that they cannot read and write, they have to start from the basic. “Another tool we use is ‘Vocational training’, because while they are in school here, it is good they also learn a skill. And we train them in six different skills; cane weaving, leather works, tailoring and embroidery; like our school uniforms that they wear, they are the once seeing them under proper supervision, we have videography and editing, screen processing and photography, and barbing saloon. All this to enable them integrate better into the society when they return. This also help them to be self employed after their time in here. We take some through ICT trainings as well. “Also, we use religion as a means of rehabilitating them as well; either in the Islamic fashion and Christianity. With this, we have had those who became a believing Muslim converts and those who have received Jesus

if there is any need for special interventions, or need for them to be placed on medications and all of that. “We have a sickbay here where they are attended to. But we do carry them outside if the cases are beyond sickbay. We have a health centre along this road, and if the case is beyond the health centre, they refer us to LASUTH. So that is our medical system, but we have a permanent nurse here provided for us by the local government who takes care of the children; especially when they are sick. But once a case is beyond the nurses, we escalate to the next higher medical system.�

Oregun Correctional Home Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour, hence become born again.� Duration of Rehabilitation before Integration According to our source, “ideally, they are free to be returned to the society after they might have completely gone through all the processes of correction earlier stated and have being observed to have developed social improvement. All these processes are supposed to end within six and nine months. That is how the program is structured. But sometimes, several other factors could keep them here longer than the specified duration; especially for delinquents. “You know how slow the judiciary process is, sometimes it may be more than the normal duration they are supposed to spend here due to the slow judiciary process. Because, if a ward is admitted here today, and the Department of Public Prosecution’s (DPP) advise is not out until a year, we cannot do anything and we cannot transfer such child to the prison because, he was under age while he committed the offence, hence he would still be here. So, sometimes, for those that commits an offence against the law of the state, they stay longer.� Re-admittance after Integration Sometimes, some of the wards that have been rehabilitated and integrated find themselves back into the correctional centers. Speaking on such possibilities and the reasons for it, he said “When you are working with a lot of population as these, you can’t expect 100 per cent success. We have some that still return back, but the percentage is less than two per cent. But if you further probe the situation that warrants their returning, you may have no choice but to consider the economic situation of the country. “ Because, we have done our best on the child and reunited him to the family. But the family might not be buoyant enough to take care of the boy the way we took care of him here. Here, he is assured of three square meals, some stipends, and other things that makes his stay comfortable. So as he returns home, those things aren’t there anymore. So sometimes, we have a situation whereby a ward has been released to the parents, but would still come back to say he prefers to remain here. “So in such situation, because we are working for the best interest of the child, we re-examine the boy and if need be, we re-admit. But sometime, we rework on the parents through The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), to assist the parents in terms of poverty alleviation, by setting her up in a business, so she can use that to feed the child and take care of him. Because, here they go to school and all that, but once they leave here they aren’t sure of that. “So that is why, part of the requirements we ensure is in place before we release a child back to the family of parents, is the assurance that the boy is enrolled in a school before we release. And you have to give us evidence by bringing to us a note of acceptance or admission from the school. But unfortunately, some would just bring it, just to release the boy, and once the ward is given back to them, they don’t have money to send him to school. And this

boy, because he has tasted schooling here, and vocation, has no choice but to comeback to us to report the parent or guardian. So we have a way of readmitting them, and sometimes, transfer them to other homes for further care.� Insight from Police To gain more insight on this, THISDAY likewise spoke with the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, who also confirmed the possibility. According to him, “once a child has once been rehabilitated by the correction center and reintegrated with the society, and hence decides, to return to crime afterwards, and we catch such child again, we charge the child to court and he is further remanded in center for the second time, so long he or she is still under aged. Perhaps, by the time he goes through the process of rehabilitation for the second time, he or she would be of better behaviour in the society.� Welfare of Wards During Rehabilitation According to our source, “The welfare of the wards are paramount. Aside the correction processes earlier mentioned, there is no better way because they are children, you can’t treat them too rigidly even while instilling discipline. Those here are between 10 years of age and 17 years. No one below 10 years here. And there is a process and principle accepted by law, on how they should be treated and we can’t do anything contrary. Even in terms of their health, they are well cared for.� Closed and Open Centers for Rehabilitation A further breakdown of the correctional centers showed that the state houses closed and open centers. Explaining the rationale behind this, the source said: “We have three government-owned homes in Lagos State for males, both for junior and senior boys. This place in Oregun is a closed center, the others are open center, in that they live in the home but go to school outside the home. But here, everything resides here. “This is how it works. When they are rescued in the first place, they are brought here. This is where we stabilise them, and give them the basic things, and trainings that they need. Some are not that willing to stay here, they prefer outside perhaps because of what they take. You know they sustain on the street with all sort of drugs and weed, including tramadol. Because they can’t take them here, they prefer going to the street. So we stabilise them here to be able to live without those things, before we now transfer them to the open home; we even do that through the court.� Psychiatric Assessments and Medical Interventions In giving holistic rehabilitation, the correctional homes also take into cognisance the mental and physical health of the wards. According to the source, “We have a visiting psychiatrist that comes once a week; every Friday, to assess them, especially those that we newly admit. You know, they are coming newly because as they are coming newly, they are used to drugs and all that, so they are assessed to see

Limitation of Admittance On the limitations of admitting wards into the home, he said, “The capacity is limited, but it is a fluctuated situation. In that, as some are leaving the home, some others come in. So the number of children here yearly solely depends on how many we are able to release within a year, and how many we admitted within same year. “For instance, I can assure you that if a child is brought here today, a ward would be released tomorrow. And we don’t just keep them here. We work on them. We divide them to all the social workers we have here. For instance, we have 10 social workers here. So the population of the children here is divided into 10. Hence, each social worker has like 21 children under his/her care. “The social workers are different from teachers teaching them in class room. We do these, so the teacher and social worker can better concentrate on the children under his/her care. If we say all of them should work on them together, there may not be that concentration, and specific issues may not be addressed.� Benchmark for Child Offenders On the possibility of an underage who committed an offence while still a minor but unfortunately attained the adulthood benchmark of 18 years before advice comes from DPP, he said, “Like I said, the court process takes too long. For instance, If a ward commits an offence like say when he is 17 years or a bit over the age of 17, I can assure you that they cannot dispense the matter before he gets to age 18. “But we usually inform the court about the child’s age in such cases, so they can speed up the matter, so he doesn’t turn to an adult here. Because, we don’t allow adults here, and once he is 18 we usually release them to the parents or a fit person, because they are no longer regarded as minor according to law. We can never harbour an adult here. But most of the time, we usually advise the court to address the matter early enough.� Growth and Success Stories after Integration According to him, “there are a lot of success stories. A lot of children that left here are all in the society doing well in their various fields. Sometimes, they return to the center to show appreciation, do one or two things to support the center and all. We have a lot of them that are now lawyers, bankers and so on. Mind you, the center is as old as the colonial period. The conception was 1942 by colonial masters, but the home started in 1945 on Military Street on Lagos Island. “From there, we moved to both Sabo, and Bolade-Oshodi in the 60’s. So in the 70’s around 1976, we moved to this particular location here in Oregun, and that has been were we are till date. So this gives you insight to the calibre of people we now hear of making wave in Nigeria of today, that passed through the home at some point of their lives. So it is about 76 years old now. But the problem in Nigeria of those days is that we don’t really have data. “So sometimes, when some of the very old alumni of this place comes around, we can’t really resonate with the period they were here. But the impact has being great, with all the testimonies from the alumnus. “In general, I am satisfied with our efforts here. Although we have instances where children return back to their initial state after they get released here and thereby return here, but with how we have being performing, I will rate it 75 per cent success. I am satisfied. For some of them who are being returned to the home after being integrated to the society is sometimes related to poverty factor. Because here, they experience better standard of living than what they have outside here, so they want to return, and hence go back to the street where they were initially picked up from.�

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BUSINESSWORLD R A T E S MONEY MARKET OVERNIGHT OBB

A S

A T J A N U A R Y

REPO 3.07 2.36

CALL 1-MONTH 3-MONTH

2.50 7.25 7.50

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

481.19% 0.01% 0.01%

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

3 ,

2 0 1 9

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

0.01% 0.01%

EXCHANGE RATE N307/1US DOLLAR* *AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes Creative Africa Exchange Holds in Kigali

KNOWLEDGE-SHARING

L-R: Deputy CEO & Head, IBD, RMB Nigeria, Dalu Ajene; Principal, Commercial Finance, Shell Nigeria, Remi Soyannwo, and Head Corporate Finance, SeplatPetroleum,BrianMarcus,duringtheBonds,LoansandSukukConferenceNigeria2019,sponsoredbyRMB,thattookplaceinLagos‌recently

ApapaGridlock:NSCUrgesTerminal Operators to Improve Efficiency Eromosele Abiodun In a bid to avoid a total shutdown of traffic in Apapa due to the high volume of cargo into Nigeria, the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has called on terminal operators to improve on efficiency by effectively deploying their equipment to salvage to the situation. Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the NSC, Hassan Bello stated this when he led officials of the NSC and Presidential Task Team on a visit to APM terminals in Lagos over the weekend. Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, he said, “We are apprehensive of the congestion on the road and at the sea and vessels taking much longer time to come in. Your efficiency has much to do with this, we also always concerned about your operation, we understand the challenges you face. “We also want to sit down with

ECONOMY you and see how we can come to a conclusion. I am concerned with the cost to shippers, there have been some delays and the delays come with cost attachment especially with the ship coming late and demurrage and late evacuation of cargo where the shippers with the consignees through no course of theirs have been slammed with some demurrage and I think we have been on this issue for a very long time. “We discussed with the Vice President about a month ago and we feel that shippers should not suffer or bear the cost of delays occasioned by terminals or other factors.� He added, “We have said that this period of before the clock turns should be extended from three days to 10 days because in other countries it is seven

days free period. This has been under consideration and we have discussed this with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPSA) and all the terminals. “Now this is the biggest terminal for containers, you are doing quite a lot but we are disturbed first of all with the cost. People should not be slammed with cost for what they are not guilty of. “Your efficiency or otherwise has a lot to do with what is happening, how you deploy your equipment has a lot to do with the traffic situation.� Also speaking, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Presidential Task Teams, Mr Kayode Opeifa called on terminal operators to be mindful of demurrage charges. “We have always engaged APMT and the response has always been that that they are ready to take more trucks. Who is supposed to give them trucks? “It is the NPA that is in charge of the call up and they will tell

you that the ones that are inside are yet to be dealt with. So in other to make sure that the road is free we have stopped trucks from coming from Creek Road to access the port, retaining only one access to the port. But right now we have truck right from Area B on cue, if container carrying trucks cannot get in, the empty containers cannot take their place. “So the trucks that have been called by the NPA are still on the cue. But we get report from APMT that they deal with 500 to 700 rucks but our investigation revealed that they are taking trucks from barges and because they do so, there is no way trucks from the roads can enter because the barges have taken over the whole space. “We are concerned that the figure does not tally with the efficiency we see on the road. We need to look at the issue of Continued on page 24

‘New REA Boss, Ahmad, Will Sustain Access to Renewable Energy’ Goddy Egene Climate Finance experts have said the appointment of Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) will sustain access to renewable energy sources. REA was created by the Electric Power Sector Reform Act in 2006 to facilitate the provision of affordable power supply for residential, commercial, industrial and social activities in the rural and semi urban areas of the country using renewable energy sources.

ENERG And the 2020 capital budget of the REA has a 25 per cent allocation to the provision of renewable energy in Nigerian universities. This is the largest allocation in the REA budget to a single project and is the continuation of the Energising Education Programme (EPP) which had its pilot funding in the 2017 budget. Experts said Ahmad, who was an anchor within the then Minister of Environment Office (Amina Mohammed (now Deputy

Secretary General at the UN)), responsible for the issuance of the N10.69 billion green bond, will bring his wealth of experience to bear in running the affairs of REA. The green bond raising process required navigating the intricate federal government administrative procedures to ensure that projects selected remained in the budget, appraisals where done on each project to identify the climate benefits as well as the financial models and Ahmad was said to have played a major role. A climate finance expert, who was also part of the team said: “Even when Mohammed departed

to the UN, Ahmad was able to continue the process under Ibrahim Usman Jibril (the Minister of State for Environment at the time). The issuance of the green bond drew on development partner support through which the World Bank provided support for a team of technical specialists to extract the climate, economic, social and finance benefits of the projects. “Private sector involvement was required through the Financial and Legal Advisers in the preparation of a detailed Continued on page 24

More than 2,000 participants from 68 countries are expected at the CreativeAfricaExchange(CAX),whichopensinKigali,Rwanda,onJanuary16. The organisers have described the event as Africa’s ďŹ rst continental event dedicated to promoting exchange within the creative and cultural industry. The CAX programme is aimed at facilitating investments into culturalindustriesthrougheducation,trade,industrialisationandprovision of critical infrastructure to support African economic transformation in alignment with continental initiatives, such as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) rolled out by Afreximbank to stimulate trade among African countries. Organised byTimes Multimedia (TMM) and sponsored by the African Export-ImportBank(Afreximbank)andotherpartners,thethree-dayCAX Weekend would feature 250 exhibitors, including some of Africa’s leading talents. CAX Weekend is the opening act of a series of activities planned under the CAX Programme which seeks to bring together African creative talents from the music, arts, design, fashion, literature, publishing, ďŹ lm and television sectors. According to information from the organisers, AITEO, the African Union, UNESCO and a number of other multilateral institutions are also partnering CAX, which is a consolidated marketplace where buyers and sellers of goods and services from the creative and cultural industry can meet and explore business opportunities. CAX Weekend is expected to give the exhibitors and participants the opportunitytonetwork,createbusinessopportunities,considerinvestment proposalsandincreasecustomerbase.Itwouldfeaturebreakoutsessions with investors and captains of industry, notable African and global actors, music stars and creative thought leaders from Africa and the Diaspora.

NLNG Alumni Hails FID Decision

Nigeria LNG Limited’s Alumni Association has hailed the Final Investment Decision (FID) the on NLNG’sTrain Seven project. According to the association with this long-awaited decision, Nigeria would soon become the world’s third biggest supplier of liqueďŹ ed natural gas. In a statement, the Chairman of NLNG Alumni Association Board of Trustees, Mr. Grant Akata and the Chairman of the association’s interim management committee, Mr. Kayode Atanda, said the decision by NLNG shareholders is a strategic door opener for stronger Nigerian economy as it will create jobs and bring foreign investment into the country. “Building on the previous six trains, this important step will increase NLNG’s production capacity from 22 million metric tons (MTPA) yearly to 30 million MPTA, bring into the country about $10billion in foreign investment and create over 10,000 jobs during construction,â€? they said. Theassociationcongratulatedthefederalgovernment,NLNGshareholdersandthemanagementandstaofthecompanyonthismajormilestone. TheassociationalsothankedthecurrentmanagementteamofNLNGled by Mr. Tony Attah and Mr. Sadeeq Mai-Bornu for their eorts in achieving theTrain7projectFIDandthusensuringthatthelaboursandcontributions of its members towards the progress of the company did not go in vain. Members of the association pledged their willingness to continue to support the company in its eorts to monetise Nigeria’s abundant natural gas and to end gas aring in the Niger Delta region.

Bajaj, DAG Motorcycles Fete Customers

One of the world’s largest manufacturer of three-wheeler and twowheeler, Bajaj Auto Limited and its distribution partner in Nigeria, DAG Motorcycles Limited are visiting major cities across the country to oer free service/checkup camps for their three wheeler riders. The companies are conducting 28 camps in North Central (Abuja, Jos, Minna, Suleja and Nasarawa) North East (Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi, Jigawa, Yobe, Adamawa and Borno), North West (Kano, Zaria and Kaduna) and Lagos from November 2019 till Jan 2020. “Nigeria is a very important market for us and that is why we are working tirelessly to come up with products to serve the various needs of its peopleâ€? the company said. The company also reiterated its commitment to expand its presence in Nigeria by making life simpler for customers through innovating more technologically-powered products – creating jobs, improving the transportation system and generally contributing to the socio-economic development of the country.

“We expect revenue performance to improve over last year’s performance. Also, the government is poised to ensure that no matter how much we earn, one of the priorities would be to ensure that our roads are motorable�� Chairman, FERMA,

Tunde Lemo

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BUSINESSWORLD APAPA GRIDLOCK: NSC URGES TERMINAL OPERATORS TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY demurrage because it is what is making trucks to want to rush to drop containers.� On his part, Stakeholder Manager APM Terminals, Odibe Daniel, commended the NSC and Presidential Task Team for their concern and taking steps to salvage the situation. “I must commend the shippers’ council and the Presidential Task Team for coming around to find out what the challenges are. Like I have explained to them, we all need to collaborate. “You need prior information before trucks can access the terminal. Better use of the call up system and the Lilly Pond Truck Transit Park will help us create the efficiency that is desired in the port. “We are experiencing high volumes into the country and we have to work together to ensure that it is sustained and also make it easy for port users to access their cargo, “he said. ‘NEW REA BOSS, AHMAD, WILL SUSTAIN ACCESS TO RENEWABLE ENERGY’

prospectus for the issuance of the green bond. “An advisory group of which Ahmad was central to assembling and guiding the course of discussions towards the issuance of the green bond was established. Two road shows were held in Lagos &Abuja, respectively supervised by Ahmad that resulted in oversubscription of the green bond, with 70 per cent taken up by local pension funds.� EEP took up 80 per cent of the pilot green bond with N8.5 billion and three of the EEP projects as of September of 2019 had been completed and launched with the others nearing completion. “And with Ahmad as MD/CEO of REA, these projects would be sustainable not just from a climate perspective but a financial one. REA can expand the sustainability framework across its projects and grow the use of climate finance while also contributing to the achievements in the targets in the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets,� he said.

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

NNPC Declares N13.23bn Surplus for October Peter Uzoho with agency report The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) recorded a trading surplus of N13.23billion in October 2019. This represented an increase of 54 per cent compared to N8.59 billion surplus posted in September 2019. The corporation disclosed this in its Monthly Financial and Operation Report (MFOR) for the month of October released recently. The report reflected the sustained streak of positive results in the operations of the National Oil Company. It added that the September 2019 trading surplus of N8.59 billion in turn indicated a significant increase of 65 per cent compared to the N5.20billion surplus posted in August 2019. The report noted that the August surplus also beat the N4.26billion surplus posted in July 2019, reflecting an increase of 22 per cent. The report revealed that the October surplus was largely due to the improved trading surplus posted by its Upstream subsidiary, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC). On Crude oil and Gas sales, it said that a total Crude Oil and Gas export sales of 483.25 million dollars were made in October 2019. It said this was an increase of 35.77 percentage point, compared to September, implying that in October, Crude oil export contributed $396.94million (82.14 per cent) of the dollar transactions, compared with 267.97million dollars contribu-

Ugo Aliogo The General Secretary, National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Joe Ajaero, has declared that the power sector privatization, from onset was not meant to succeed. According to him, six years down the line, no megawatts have been added and no power plant has been built by either the investors or government. Ajaero, who stated that this recently in Lagos, during the 6th Quadrennial/11th national delegates conference of the union, with the theme: “Conference of Restoration,� alleged that the power investors were not ready to build power plants, but are concerned about

Comms/e-Business Editor

Interswitch Limited has announced that eClat Healthcare Limited, its subsidiary, has partnered Edo State to improve healthcare delivery through technology and innovation. The announcement followed the recent launch of the state’s compulsory healthcare insurance scheme, under the direction of Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki. This followed the launch of the first phase of disbursement of the Basic Healthcare Provi-

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)

also known as petrol, translating to 37.30mn liters/day, were supplied for the month. It noted that the corporation had continued to monitor the daily stock of PMS in order to achieve smooth distribution of petroleum products and zero fuel queue nationwide. The report said that in October 2019, 35 vandalizedpipeline points, representing

a decrease of 81 per cent from the 186 vandalized-points in September 2019, were recorded. “Out of the vandalised points, eight failed to be welded, while only one pipeline was ruptured, with Ibadan-Ilorin axis accounting for 34 per cent of the breaks. “ATC-Mosimi and other routes accounted for 23 per cent and 43 per cent, respec-

tively,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria quoted the report to have stated. In the Gas Sector, the report stated that out of the 235.82 billion Cubic Feet (BCF) of gas supplied in October 2019, a total of 134.97 BCF of gas was commercialized, consisting of 31.37 BCF for domestic market and 103.60 BCF for export market.

COURTESYVISIT

President of the Senate, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, (right), with the President and Chief Executive Officer of Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company, Chang Hak Kim, during the courtesy visit of Hyundai Engineering President/CEO to the Senate President at the National Assembly, Abuja‌ recently

increasing tariff. “We cannot agree to pay for what is not available. If you increase power generation, and distribution that will give you the latitude to say you are increasing tariff. There have been three attempts to increase tariff since after privatisation. “If there was no power before now, $16 billion that was spent would have been useful in helping Nigeria achieves 16,000 megawatts at the rate of $1billion per thousand megawatts,� he noted. The NUEE scribe explained that Nigeria is one of the countries suffering from power poverty, adding that the indices are that, “for every one million people, there must be 1,000

megawatts and that is why today South Africa is taking about 45,000 people to 45000 megawatts.� He further stated that the indices in the country showed that there was less than 4,000 megawatts for almost 200 million people, “and government wants the private sector to put in place certain measures to reposition the sector.� Ajaero added that: “This is the time to speak truth to power; they need to be more transparent and open in whatever that is happening in the power ministry. Nigerians should not expect steady power supply if the power ministers cannot come out to address Nigerians. I am calling on any

of the ministers today to come out and tell Nigerians the situation in the power sector. “The private sector doesn’t have the financial wherewithal to revitalise the sector. I have asked at what return on investment will an investor invest because before you finish a power plant, it will take four years and the investor may not have that patient. You cannot recoup investments on any power plant in less than 15 to 20 years. “There needs for a rethink on how to move the power sector forward, if there is no rethink in the next three or four years, the sector will collapse. If there is no power plant that is being constructed now that

will come into the grid, the power sector will collapse and to avoid this, there is need for a review. “The Generation Companies (Gencos) and Distribution Companies (Discos) borrowed money from banks to buy these establishments and they are returning the interest on these loans on Nigerians. “The key focus initially was for foreign direct investments, but that did not work because of privatisation. The problem we are having with the Discos is that at the end of the month, the bank they borrowed money from will take the money. Since 2003 till date, none of the investors have declared any dividend to government.�

Interswitch Partners Edo State on Health Improvement Programme Emma Okonji

Emma Okonji

tion in the September 2019. It noted that the export Gas sales for the month amounted to $86.32 million. “Overall, the October 2018 to October 2019 Crude Oil and Gas transactions indicated that Crude Oil and Gas worth 5.49 billion dollars was exported,’’ it said. In the Downstream Sector, it said that 1.16billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit(PMS)

NUEE Faults Power Sector Privatisation

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

NEWS

sion Fund (BHCPF) to states through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The scheme is geared towards delivering affordable and accessible healthcare services to residents state-wide. The initiative is managed under the Edo State Health Improvement Programme (EdoHIP) setup to undertake the national government-led drive for Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Edo-HIP is a series of government-led interventions aimed at increasing access to efficient, effective and sustainable

quality healthcare services with the central focus of improving the health status and well-being of citizens of Edo State. Founded in 2012, eClat specialises in assisting healthcare service providers in planning, designing and operating their unique practices through the deployment of its bespoke healthcare technology platform, designed specifically for the healthcare environment in Africa. Founder and Chief Executive of Interswitch, Mitchell Elegbe, said: “Following our recent

acquisition of eClat Healthcare, we’re delighted to partner with Edo State to provide better healthcare services through its bespoke healthcare technology platform. Interswitch’s ambition is to use our innovative technology to modernise and improve efficiency in economic sectors such as healthcare, which are crucial for Africa’s social and economic development, as well as serve as catalyst in the activation of Nigeria HealthTech Industry over the next few decades.�

On his part, the Special Assistant to Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, said: “The State Government has recorded a number of achievements in the health sector, which includes rehabilitation of primary healthcare centres in the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state; enactment of the compulsory Health Insurance Law to reduce out-of-pocket expenses on healthcare and the repair and opening of the Edo Specialist Hospital.�

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Hope of Recovery Rises as Stock Market Gains N267 Billion Goddy Egene The Nigerian equities market gained N266.6 billion last week, thereby raising hope that the market will recover in the new year, after a decline in 2019. The market ended last year negatively as the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index (ASI) declined by 14.6 per cent. Many stocks lost almost half of their value due to weak investor sentiments. However, as trading opened for 2020, activities of bargain hunters appeared to be driving the market, leading to positive performance last week. The NSE ASI appreciated by 2.1 per cent to close at 26,968.79, while market capitalisation added N266.6 billion to close at N13.019 trillion. All other indices closed higher with the exception of NSE ASeM Index, which closed flat. But the NSE Oil & Gas Index recorded the highest gain of 5.4 per cent boosted by Eterna Plc and Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc that appreciated by 20 per cent and 7.7 per cent respectively. In a similar vein, price appreciation of 39.5 per cent in Cornerstone Insurance Plc lifted the NSE Insurance Index by 4.6 per cent, while the NSE Banking Index rose 2.9 per cent on gains by Ecobank Transnational Incorporated Plc and United Bank for Africa Plc. The NSE Consumer Index and Industrial Goods Index added 0.8 per cent and 0.3 per cent in that order. Meanwhile, analysts at Cordros Capital said the theme for the equities market in 2020 remains the same as in 2019, with domestic and external factors as the major drivers. According to them, following on from 2018, Nigerian equity returns have weakened further, as domestically, corporate profit expansion and macroeconomic growth have slowed, while externally, trade tensions have come into sharper focus. The analysts explained that since a pre-election rally in February of 2019, the ASI had has consistently underperformed, declining 14.6 per cent at the end of the year. “Stripping out telecom behemoth MTN Nigeria Communications, which was listed in the second quarter (Q2) of 2019 with a market capitalisation of N1.83 trillion, market return is north of 20 per cent. Our base case, as we enter 2020, posits muted stock market performance for the year,� they said. The analysts noted that this year’s market performance is likely to culminate in a replay of the 20142016 period, wherein the market declined for three consecutive years, losing a cumulative 39.7 per cent over the period. “This year, forward price earnings ratio (P/E) levels hit their lowest since March 2015 and expected earnings (implied earnings) are also at their lowest since December 2017.Interestingly, overlaying the forward P/E and the trailing P/E (essentially present market valuation), shows a convergence – for the first time – which in theory implies a sign of collapsing growth expectations and an impending downtrend in earnings. This presents a difficult period as earnings and valuations both decrease leading to a potential value trap for investors,� they said. Despite the foregoing, some stakeholders believe 2020 will see the return of the bulls to the stock market. For instance, Mr. Sola Oni said the outlook for the market

panies especially banks will return over 10 per cent yield based on historical records. Again, we expect PFA to make occasional intervention as a result of lower yields from the other market. However, it appears local investors will be the major determinant of the outlook as higher yields from United States markets may keep foreign investors away for some time. By and large, 2020 appears more promising that the previous years because the valuations of the stock market instruments are becoming more attractive to all the various classes of investors,� Dada said.

in 2020 is attractive, provided the Nigeria’s weak economy where the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) currently grows at 2.3 percent while the country’s population grows at 2.6 per cent could be fixed. “ We expect faithful implementation of 2020 budget which was approved on record time. Government at all tiers should also take advantage of the market to mobilize fund for development projects. However, we

expect the market to be driven by a mix of factors. Effects of negative real return on fixed income securities following the new policy on Open Market Operation(OMO) will continue to enhance demand for equities and attract more investors into the market. We expect consolidation to be the hallmark of insurance sector as the market shall witness a flurry of mergers and acquisitions as well as business combination in a bid by

insurance companies to recapitalize in line with the new policy of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM),� he said. On his part, Mr. Oluropo Dada of Network Capital Limited, is expecting a positive performance because the fundamentals of the quoted companies remain strong despite the harsh macro-economic variables. “By way of dividend, many com-

Market turnover In terms of market turnover, investors traded 2.309billion shares worth N21.675 billion in 14,906 deals last week compared with 735.702 million shares valued at N7.132 billion that exchanged hands the previous week week in 7,138deals. The Financial Services industry remains the most traded, accounting for 1.924 billion shares valued at N10.148 billion traded in 9,287deals, thus contributing 83.31 per cent and 46.82 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Conglomerates industry followed with 188.538million shares worth N284.531million in 530deals, while the third place was occupied by the Industrial Goods industry with a turnover of 56.007million shares worth N4.793 billion in 1,304deals. Trading in the top three equities namely: Omoluabi Mortgage Bank Plc, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc and Zenith Bank Plc accounted for 1.131billion shares worth N3.6 billion in 2,249deals, contributing 48.98 per cent and 16.61 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. In terms of exchange traded funds (ETFs), a total of 4,033 units valued at N4.233 million were traded last week in 26 deals, compared with a total of 14,443 units valued at N3.009 million transacted the previous week in19 deals. A total of 204,300units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N237.207million were traded last week in four deals, compared with a total of 1.074 million units valued at N1.283 million transacted two weeks ago in 24 deals. Top price gainers and losers The price movement chart showed 44 equities that appreciated 31 equities in the previous week, while 24 equities depreciated in price, higher than 17 equities in the previous week. Cornerstone Insurance Plc led the price gainers with 39.4 per cent trailed by Eterna Plc with 20 per cent, while Royal Exchange Plc chalked up 17.8 per cent. Vitafoam Nigeria Plc garnered 17.5 per cent. AXA Mansard Insurance Plc appreciated by 11.1 per cent, just as Niger Insurance Plc, Union Diagnostic & Clinical Services Plc and NEM Insurance Plc gained 10 per cent apiece. Ecobank Transnational Incorporated and UACN Property Development Company Plc added 9.4 per cent and 8.7 per cent respectively. Conversely, Fidson Healthcare Plc led the price losers with 12.9 per cent, trailed by Union Bank of Nigeria Plc with 11.7 per cent. Deap Capital Management & Trust Plc and Omatek Ventures Plc went down by 10 per cent each. Other top price losers included: Learn Africa Plc (9.6 per cent); Linkage Assurance Plc (9.4 per cent); Interlinked Technologies Plc (9.0 per cent); Cutix Plc (8.1 per cent) and Trans-nationwide Express Plc (8.0 per cent

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Olowu: FG’s Focus Should Be on Attracting FDIs The President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Dr. Uche Olowu, in this interview, says notwithstanding the challenges the economy faced last year, 2020 will be a better year as the impact of investments in infrastructure begins to materialise, with an anticipated improvement in power supply as well sustained coordination between the fiscal and monetary policy authorities. Obinna Chima and Nume Ekeghe bring the excerpts: How will you say the Nigerian economy performed in 2019? The year 2019 was turbulent. But if you look at the antecedent of what happened in the previous years, the ship has been steadied. That is the best way to describe 2019. Unemployment is still very high. The exchange rate has been stable and that is because the central bank has done yeoman’s job by defending the naira and in keeping it steady; and monetary policy has been very stable. In terms of interest rate, we are almost talking about singledigit interest rate and we are getting there. And then of course, the oil price has done Nigeria good because volatility has not been there, so we could plan. Also, in terms of infrastructure, we are still getting more investment in that space but the impact has not really shown. So, on the economy, depending on where you are looking at it from, I believe it is an economy that has now steadied. But, the impact has not really been felt on the people and citizens because there are still complaints and there is poverty in the land. And we have not been able to create enough jobs. But, the basic building blocks are there and we hope that 2020 would hold a brighter prospect. And the expected bright prospect can be attributed to the fact that we have changed the budgetary calendar which is now from January to December. So, we expect that execution would be faster. On corruption, the fight has been there, but that fight is humungous. People are always looking at government, but even in the smaller facets of life where there is transaction between people, there is still corruption all over the whole place. So, we need do a lot of value re-orientation if we have to, because corruption has eaten so deep into the society. And whatever policies you come up with, that cancer would always try to limit the good. Yes ‘big fish’ have been jailed like past governors and that is sending the right signal to the people in government and for those who are to come. This is because, if you have been made a steward in charge of people’s resources, you have to be very faithful and not divert the resources. In terms of attracting investment, because no government whether it is America or China, which are success stories develop with foreign investment inflow. So, foreign direct investment (FDI) is very important and that we did not see much last year. And that is also because we need to tweak our policies to be more attractive to foreign investors. And my advice to the government would be to create that confidence for FDIs to come. Portfolio investors are hot money and that cannot develop this country. We must try as much as possible to ensure that we create that confidence in the mind of investors. There had been one or two policy summersaults here and there, but thank God we are beginning to see some semblance of focus in terms of tackling the problem. So, overall, 2019, I would say the ship has been steadied; we are not yet there because the common man is still suffering quite a lot. But we expect that 2020 would be better because we have to keep hope alive. And for the banking sector? For the banking sector that I represent, I can say the regulator, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has come out with policies that tried to ensure financial stability. Basically, in terms of the monetary policy, I would like to commend the regulator for maintaining price stability which is very critical. We have also seen exchange rate stability. Yes, it may come at a cost, but the most important thing is that businesses can now plan which has created certainty in the economy. And then, you have seen

Olowu that the non-performing loans (NPLs) have significantly come down, and that is because we the players, regulators and even our institute have come together to say we need to change credit behavior in this country and that is very critical. Banks have cleaned their books and accretion on NPLs have come down; and of course, we are trying to deepen the financial market. In the area of financial inclusion which is very critical to the economy, the CBN, deposit money banks and the Chartered Institute

Unemployment is still very high. The exchange rate has been stable and that is because the central bank has done yeoman’s job by defending the naira and in keeping it steady; and monetary policy has been very stable

of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) introduced a special purpose vehicle called the Shared Agent Network Expansion Facility (SANEF). SANEF is a vehicle that was introduced to deepen financial inclusion. I believe we have crossed 60 per cent and we need to do more in that area. Overall, the banking sector has supported the economy very well. In fact, I am almost tempted to say that if the fiscal policy had done as much as the monetary policy side of the economy, we would have been a lot better. But we believe that in 2020, there would be improvement. Our financial system is now very stable and we have also tried to train the skilled workforce that would intermediate on the economy. In the banking space, 2019 wasn’t a bad year for us because of the earlier stability I have alluded to as a result of the activities of the regulators. The regulator has increased the loan-to-deposit (LDR). That was designed to give the desired oxygen in the real sector and down the line, you would see various small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) accessing credit without much difficulties and that is the way to go if we want to grow the economy. So, the banking sector on its own is trying to drive the economy and has done very well.

However, as we having fintechs, we need to beef up some investment in cyber security, which is a major one we are pushing to address. Overall, I would score the banking sector 75 per cent, even though there is room for improvement and we are beginning to see a banking sector that is passionate and is focused on driving this economy. Still on the banking sector, the CBN recently reduced most of the charges. How do you think this would affect their performance going forward? I must commend the CBN because as you know, as journalists you would have been hearing about series of complaints on excess charges, which was against the cashless policy, and other policies of the central bank. So, what the central bank did showed that they have listening ears and that they are also aware of those who bear the burden, especially those at the lower rank of ladder and that you don’t need to over burden them with charges. The reduction in bank charges was designed to encourage CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

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OLOWU: FG’S FOCUS SHOULD BE ON ATTRACTING FDIS

We expect a better 2020 because the impact of the investment in the infrastructural sector would begin to materialise. We are beginning to see some improvement in power and we expect it to show in output

we have the necessary allegiance to achieve our mandate. And our mandate clearly is built on ethics, capacity building, advocacy as it concerns the industry. And on capacity building, you would see more graduates today writing our exams because we have reviewed our syllabus. Today, we are getting accolades from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), international institutions in Hong Kong, Singapore; and that is because when we reviewed our syllabus, we did a thorough survey to know what people wanted and we wanted to make sure that holders of our certifications are highly sort after in the market today. We have received a lot of accolades for that because what we have today is comparable to CFA. Also, in pursuant of capacity building, we are talking with National Universities Commission (NUC) to change the curriculum of the universities especially those doing banking and finance. NUC is enthusiastic about it.

financial inclusion. So, very clearly, if you ask me, banking should be without charges for those in the rural area because what that means is that it would give them that impetus to be included in the system. But for bank, this might affect them in them in terms of their non-interest income. But on the flip side, it would also increase velocity of banking. Now, the charges are lower, we should begin to see a lot more activities. So, what they would lose in absolute numbers, they would gain by the increased velocity. So, for me, I doubt if it would affect their profitability. This market is still underbanked and we still have a lot of financial intermediation that needs to be done. It is a welcomed development and the CBN has consulted and met with the banks and it is a very good one and I must commend them. There have been this raging argument about whether the federal government should take additional debt or not. For you, what is the best way out of the situation the country is faced with presently? This is a very complex thing and I feel for both the government and the citizen. There are two ways to it: Yes, it is true that Debt-to-GDP is low but the economic activity is very low. So, you begin to tax people that are not producing enough. I believe that what we should have done would be to review in a way to increase the tax bracket. Government funds their revenue from the tax base which is not even enough and so the alternative would be to borrow. The question to ask is, what are they borrowing for? Is it infrastructure that would jumpstart economic activities? Why people are opposing it is because the resources are not adequately used and we don’t get value for the projects being executed. We are accruing more debt and where would you get the money to repay back those debts. And if the federal government says they are borrowing to improve the infrastructure, and if they are going to execute projects that would improve the lives of the citizens and make enterprise to thrive, then I support that. If I were to advice, borrowing should be channeled to infrastructure that would motivate entrepreneurs. I understand and appreciate what is being done in the rail sector because that area would have a massive impact on the economy if we get it right. I support the idea that government should be more transparent and tell us how these monies are being used, so that we can be assured of what is being done with the monies borrowed today. So, in answering your question, borrowing is good, but it should be channeled towards those sectors that would grow the economy. One more thing we have not done very well is on government’s reputation. We have not been able to instill and inspire confidence. Why would other climes attract investment and we are not able to attracting investment? We really need to stop having a socialist bent and have a free market that would encourage people to come to this economy. Also, vocational schools are very critical. What made China what the country is today, was their massive investment in vocational schools. And so, we have to look at this in a holistic manner. We shouldn’t borrow for consumption and government should also curb leakages. And we can all try as much as possible to support the government from

Olowu our various spheres. Have you seen the Finance Bill, and do you think it would address some of these challenges? The Finance Bill is a very good one if signed into law and if effectively implemented. It is designed tackle the problems we are looking at, but it is not enough. We still need to find a way in making sure people are patriotic in this country so that as the bill is coming out, some whiz kids shouldn’t be looking at the loopholes. Earlier you talked about capacity in the banking sector, some of the bankers in the 80s and 90s would always talk about a drop in the quality of manpower in the industry today, compared with the period when they were in service. Do you agree with this and if yes, what can be done to address it? The difference between those old bankers and the new ones is that the system wasn’t sophisticated then. Then, they kept it in the very simplest form and they were brilliant. And in terms of ethical conducts, I agree, they were far better. For most of them, what mattered so much then was the name. but today, banking has evolved and is becoming more complex. And so, you cannot compare this era with that era. It is just like what is happening in the society, the banking sector is also a mirror of the society and values and things have changed. And you begin to see those in the habit of get-rich-quick wanting to play funny games. I agree with you to some extent in terms of training the people. It is not necessarily your degree, and banking is as an apprenticeship thing. You learn so much on the job and you train people. We lost it when we didn’t train people and that was why we had the kind of problems that we had like the issue of failed banks and all. But today, I can tell you that it is now consigned to history. We know that today if you don’t have the required capacity you cannot play in the market of today. All banks now have banking academies and the academies were designed to enable us train bankers and people who graduated from the universities. So banks have realised the need to train and are making

a lot of investment in capacity building. In CIBN, we have done quite a lot. We accredit all the learning academies of banks. Today, banking has changed and it is very complex now and it is driven by technology. I can boast that today, our bankers can compete anywhere and in any clime. We are now in a global village and we train quite a lot of them, both internally and externally. Efforts are designed to making sure that people learn on the job and people are properly trained because if you don’t train them, don’t hold them accountable for any lapses. The area we need to pay more attention to is on ethics. I can agree with you that ethics in the industry today and that of the 80s are not the same. That is why the institute is playing a yeoman’s job in trying to make sure that everybody complies with the Code of Conduct all bankers signed. If you have any infraction, the institute is open to prosecution because we have a tribunal and once judgement is passed, you would only appeal to the appeal court because we have a retired Supreme Court Judge as our Assessor. So, disciplinary mechanism is very strong in the institute today. So, you cannot but, comply with current rules. Can you take us through some of your achievement you became CIBN President? When I came on board in May 2018, I reviewed the state of institute and I had five cardinal focus - Rules and standards; building capacity; leveraging on technology; changing the narrative of our institute, and then how we address our people. Have we done them? Largely we have done all that I decided to do. On rules and standard, we know that ethics is very important and today every banker in this country writes the Ethics and Compliance certification which is renewed every year. Does the exam apply to only commercial banks? All of the banks, including microfinance banks. A pilot study started with the commercial banks, so that alone puts the bankers in a better position, just like what happens in the UK where the authority certifies you. We have also prepared to change our Act to further strengthen us in terms of making sure

When do you think that would happen? We already in talks and we have forwarded the proposed courses to be added to the curriculum to them and we have agreed. The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and NUC had a conference in our secretariat where they saw what we were doing and they were pleased with it and they are going to change the curriculum. When I came in, we had an average of 300-400 people qualifying yearly, but today, we are talking about 2,000 people which is a massive jump because of the various initiatives we introduce. On technology, we have digitalised our operations. Although we are not yet there, but we would continue to review that so that members can interact with the website and through that platform you can interact with the institute without coming to the secretariat. In terms of changing the narrative, today we have so many collaborations. I was invited to the IMF, the United nations and the Economic Commission for Africa. So, we have been in all areas. We have a collaboration with IFC on ethics and we have so many collaborations with international bodies. Nigeria is the chairman of African Alliance of Institute of Bankers. Prior to this it, the secretariat used to be rotated all over Africa, but we have gotten the secretariat to be domiciled in Nigeria. We did that to interface with the various multinational agencies. We are well received by the government and we have changed the narrative of who is an associate of the CIBN. Our exams are written all over Africa - Ghana, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Rwanda and we are in so many countries and we want to dominate the African continent. In the international community we are well recognised. And we have intervened in so many policies of government and we have continued to support the legislative agenda because as of today, any bill, whether it is the Finance Bill or any potent discussion, the CIBN would be invited by the National Assembly. However, I would need posterity to judge me on whether we have done well but I can say that the institute is going higher and higher and we would remain there. What is your outlook for the economy for 2020? We expect a better 2020 because the impact of the investment in the infrastructural sector would begin to materialise. We are beginning to see some improvement in power and we expect it to show in output. The fiscal and monetary policy will become better. The budget was passed on time and we expect that releases would happen as revenue come in to make sure those areas are covered. But it is still tough and I cannot say it would be all rosy but we would begin to see positive direction. Inflation is down although it went up as a result of the border closure, which the institute supports; but that is a short-term measure and we expect that inflation should come down later in the year. Overall, we expect an exciting 2020 if the policies are carefully executed with the relevant laws that have been put in place. I am not overly excited but we would see positive growth this year.

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Fusing Banking with Lifestyle Obinna Chima writes on the new trend in the banking sector that is seeing more financial institutions delve into lifestyle activities in a bid to deepen engagement with their customers, especially the millennials

G

lobally, ďŹ nancial institutions are constantly adjusting to appeal to the needs of the millennial generation and banks in Nigeria have also adopted this strategy. Today, financial institutions are gradually changing their banking model to attract and retain the country’s rising youth population, by creating an atmosphere that blends lifestyle, music, art, fashion, commerce, with banking. Precisely, last month, a lot of banks in the country put together different lifestyle events to bond with their customers. According to report by Accenture, banks are moving in the direction of identifying new micro-segments based on lifestyle, values, aspirations, and needs, and targeting them with dedicated propositions. Lifestyle banking also focuses on delivering non-financial experiences to customers that help enhance their life and also embedding banking products and services within these experiences. The benefit of this approach is that it enables banks to be a deeper part of their customer’s life journey, enabling stronger customer engagement and the ability to gain better customer insights, a report by finextra.com stated. For instance, in the country, the United Bank of Nigeria Plc (UBA), through its REDTV, an online lifestyle network, last month, pulled together over 25,000 guests at its end of year party that was themed: “The shutdown.â€? The event hosted the creative industry and other guests with top business executives, entrepreneurs, celebrities and A- Listers, entertainers, fashionistas and many young people just wanting to have a fun evening. Prior to the event, the bank had organised a forum tagged the ‘Marketplace,’ that connected vendors from more than 20 countries. The event also brought together entrepreneurs from sectors such as entertainment, fashion, arts, among others. In the same vein, Zenith Bank recently organised the second edition of its ‘Style by Zenith 2.0,’ an even that was focused on bringing the bank closer to its customers, while also providing support to them. The Chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia, was among those that were in attendance. Accompanied by top management staff of the bank, Ovia had expressed satisfaction at the turnout, more particularly the layout of the venue which was transformed into a fairground of some sort. The event accommodated more than a 100 exhibitors from different segments of the lifestyle sector, from fashion vendors to food vendors, and other activities. There were also on display art works as well as a game arcade for children and adults who wanted to indulge in the pastime. This bank also, during the year, the bank held its first ever music concert, Aspire Music Festival. The show held in Lagos attracted a large pool of millennials. Also, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) has been consistent with its fashion and food and drink shows, that were introduced to empower MSMEs in the sectors. At its last fashion weekend held in Lagos, the bank assembled some globally successful fashion designers and models who shared their experiences on building successful fashion brands. The event had attracted fashion exhibitors and thousands of young and budding entrepreneurs that attended the master classes that were handled by some of the designers to learn from their experiences on building a successful fashion brand. Commenting on the 2019 edition of the Fashion Weekend, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTB, Mr. Segun Agbaje, had said, “Ultimately, we see in the GTBank Fashion Weekend how we can create new pivots for our continent’s development by promoting enterprise.

“So, when we ring in the fourth edition of the biggest fashion event in Africa, our goal will be, not only to showcase the wealth of talent, innovation and enterprise that abound in our continent’s fashion space, but also to spark the kind of shared, sustainable and people-centred growth that Africa needs to achieve real progress.� For Access Bank, after the maiden edition, the second edition of the Born in Africa Festival (BAFEST), held in Lagos last month. Themed, “More for the Culture,� the 2019 BAFEST was a dynamic fusion of African art, film, fashion and music, attracting thousands of fun lovers from across Africa. The festival commenced in the morning with the fashion, art and film park, where various artists, fashion designers and filmmakers showcased their works. It then got to a state that saw the fusion of music and fashion all on one stage. Fans were thrilled with music performances. Commenting on the event and its significance, Access Bank GMD Herbert Wigwe, had explained that, “BAFEST is not just a means of providing quality entertainment

Therefore, in order to succeed, banks have to search for the best possible ways of tailoring the products and services to the 21stcentury customers. It is all about understanding consumers’ motivations and preferences, as well as adding value by solving their problems

to Africans, but a platform Access Bank has created to spotlight Africa through its enormous creativity and talents. “We believe it is time the world knows the true story of Africa. I believe that this year’s BAFEST will further strengthen this new African narrative we are creating.� Also, Sterling Bank Plc brought its stakeholders together recently, at its 2019 Champion of Jollof Master national culinary competition. Benjamin Oni and Hauwa Onifade, emerged as the first and second runner up of the competition which was the seventh edition of its #EatDrinkFestival, held in Lagos, last month. Announcing the winners, Group Head, Agriculture Finance and Export of the bank, Mrs. Bukola Awosanya, had said, “we are excited to institutionalise and curate the popular but largely informal Jollof conversations into a national culinary competition. Jollof rice unites Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, age and religion, online and offline. Beyond the usual social media banter, we provided a platform for talented Nigerians to create and serve amazing Jollof meals to thousands at the #EatDrinkFestival as part of our commitment to food security and the agriculture sector. To support the lifestyle and provide convenience to its customers, FirstBank has provided the Firstmonie mobile solution, accessible through mobile phones for use in money transfers, bill payments, purchase of goods and services as well as cash deposits. Wema Bank also designed a platform, Alat, which is a marketplace for its customers, while Fidelity Bank through its SME fair organised last year created an atmosphere to engage with its retail customers in different sectors of the economy. Conclusion Therefore, as the lines between banking and lifestyle blur, financial institutions need

to respond to consumers’ expectations to become part of their overall digital lifestyle. According to a report by Finextra, what seems certain is that the disruption in the banking sector will continue. It pointed out that banks that can transform themselves into truly effective organisations and embrace the changes in digital technologies and consumer behavior, will not only survive but also thrive in both the current and future digital environments. “Therefore, in order to succeed, banks have to search for the best possible ways of tailoring the products and services to the 21st-century customers. It is all about understanding consumers’ motivations and preferences, as well as adding value by solving their problems,� the report noted. Also, PwC, in a report, noted that powerful forces are transforming the retail banking industry. However, it stressed that pace of change was increasing and banks need to do even more to ensure they are well-positioned to succeed in the future. To succeed in the rapidly-changing landscape, banks were urged to develop a clear sense of the posture they wish to adopt – whether to shape the industry, rapidly follow the leaders, or manage defensively, putting off change. “And they need to have a clear strategy to deal with these challenges and address these priorities, including considering partnerships with third parties and applying lessons from other industries. “Of course, the level of focus on each of them depends both on a bank’s starting point, and its unique strengths and challenges. “However, each priority is important, and success will come from a balanced execution across them – and a balance of tactical initiatives and longer term programmes, all coming together as an integrated whole,� it added.

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T H I S D AY ˞ ʹ˜ Ͱ͎Ͱ͎

Ahmed’s Tour De Force with 2020 Budget Worth Reflecting

Buhari

Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi The umpteen interface and cooperation for the growth of the Nigerian economy, particularly considering the mechanisms for aggregate expenditure control and strategic allocation of resources, have all come to fruition with the signing of the 2020 Budget (Appropriation Bill) into law by President Muhammadu Buhari, the core processes of budget preparation. The President, through his verified Twitter handle recently announced this to the public. He had twitted: “I’m pleased that the National Assembly has expeditiously passed this Bill. Our Federal Budget is now restored to a January-December implementation cycle.� The President had laid the 2020 Appropriation Bill before the Joint Session of the National Assembly on 8th October, 2019 and forwarded the 2019 Finance Bill shortly thereafter. “In the 20 years since the return to civilian democracy, this will be just the fourth time that the Federal Budget was passed before the end of the previous year, and this is the earliest,� Buhari also said. Taking into account the enormous efforts that go into the budget preparation processes, at the formal budget signing ceremony, the President said: “I wish to acknowledge the efforts of Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, the Budget Office of the Federation, and all stakeholders, who collaborated and worked painstakingly, to produce the 2020 Appropriation Bill, that I have just signed into law.� The formal signing event, which held at the State House had in attendance, the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Others at the event were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, as well

Ahmed as Mrs. Zainab Ahmed. It is indeed obvious that the budget preparation process is a powerful tool for coherence, whereas the budget itself is both an instrument of economic and financial management and an implicit policy statement, as it sets relative levels of spending for different programs and activities. More obvious has been an urgent need for accelerated fiscal reform in Nigeria and the fact that it is gaining attention from the country’s leadership is positive. On top of all the 2020 Budget groundwork has been Minister Ahmed, a name that is worth to be ingeniously ingeminated. She and her colleagues within the Ministry and Budget Office and other key stakeholders ensured that during the budget preparations, trade-offs and prioritisation, among programs, were made to establish that the 2020 Appropriation Bill fits government policies and priorities. She smartly worked to bring to bear the January – December budget cycle, the same for the passage of the Finance Bill, which the President is told will be done in the coming days. This, according to the President, “will also be a landmark achievement worthy of recognition, being the first time, this has been done in the

It is indeed obvious that the budget preparation process is a powerful tool for coherence, whereas the budget itself is both an instrument of economic and ďŹ nancial management and an implicit policy statement, as it sets relative levels of spending for different programs and activities

last 20 years.� In practical terms, Ahmed and her team have made sure that the most cost-effective variants have been taken up, with the means of increasing operational efficiency in government sought. She has had her eyes on details so that all these can be accomplished, having built financial constraints into the process from the very start. With all this, she has put in place an economic thrust for formulating expenditure policies, allocating resources in conformity with both policies and fiscal targets, which is the main objective of the core processes of budget preparations, and addressing operational efficiency and performance issues. Ahmed, never set out for an overoptimistic budget that could lead to accumulation of payment arrears and muddle rules for compliance, but she has rather staked clear signals on the amount of expenditure compatible with financial constraints that should be given to spending agencies from the start of the budget preparation process. She has approached the 2020 Budget with the caution that it is possible to execute badly a realistic budget, but impossible to execute well an unrealistic budget, believing “there are no satisfactory mechanisms to correct the effects of an unrealistic budget during budget execution.� Having been able to pull through the process of getting Nigeria to run January – December budget cycle, Ahmed has been tested and proven; as at the ninth month of 2019, it was reported that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data had raised the stakes in fight against poverty, even though the oil sector’s second-quarter rebound failed to halt slowdown and there was concern by some economists that the economy needed fiscal and monetary stimulus. Economic growth in the country slowed for the third consecutive quarter, adding further pressure on the government to fight rising poverty. But then the GDP expanded 1.94 per cent in the three months through June

from a year earlier, as said by National Bureau of Statistics. That compares with a revised expansion of 2.1 per cent in the first quarter and a median estimate of 2.46 per cent in a Bloomberg survey. Growth was reported at its lowest level since the third quarter of 2018. Evidently, the oil sector which accounts for 10 per cent of economic output, expanded by 5.15 per cent. That was the quickest pace since the third quarter of 2018, even as crude output was little changed at 1.98 million barrels per day. The 2020 Budget, tagged “Budget of Sustaining Growth and Job Creation�, is Nigeria’s biggest budget ever, totaling N10.59 trillion. It is up from the N8.83 trillion budget for 2019 and tops the previous record spending plan, the N9.12 trillion budget for 2018. Key assumptions and parameters upon which the 2020 Budget is based include crude oil production of 2.18 mbpd while the benchmark oil price is $57. The budget assumes a deficit of 1.52 percent of the estimated gross domestic product – representing around 2.18 trillion naira – to be financed through foreign and domestic borrowing. The National Assembly had on December 5th passed and raised the total estimates of the proposed budget from N10.33 trillion to N10.59 trillion. The spending plan includes a value-added tax (VAT) increase from five percent to 7.5 per cent. A breakdown of the budget figure as approved by the Senate indicates N560.4 billion for statutory transfers, N4.84 trillion for recurrent expenditure, capital expenditure provision of N2.46 trillion and N2.72 trillion for debt servicing. According to the budget document, the GDP growth rate is projected at 2.93 per cent while inflation rate is put at 10.81 per cent. The budget is also based on an exchange rate of N305 per US dollar. Abdullahi, the Special Adviser to the Minister of Finance Budget and National Planning, writes from Abuja

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MONDAY JANUARY 6, 2020 •T H I S D AY

MONDAY JANUARY 6, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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MONDAY JANUARY 6, 2020 •T H I S D AY

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IMAGES

T H I S D AY ˞ ʹ˜ Ͱ͎Ͱ͎

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

L-R: Vice Chancellor, Dominican University, Rev. Father Professor Anthony Akinwale; Guest Speaker, Professor Bart Nnaji; and Mrs. Blessing Mba, at the Second Distinguished Guest Lecture, titled: Let There be Light: at the University Campus Samonda, Ibadan...recently PHOTO: FELIX ADEMOLA

L-R: Head, Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria, Tope Oshunkeye; Executive Head, Content, MultiChoice Nigeria, Busola Tejumola; Chief Customer OďŹƒcer, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho and Executive Head, Corporate Aairs, MultiChoice Nigeria, Caroline Oghuma during the Launch of new DStv and GOtv packages for Nigeria held in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

L-R: Chief Operating OďŹƒcer, Eat’N’Go Limited, Ashwine Dhanuka; Founder, Slum2School Africa, Otto Orondaam and Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Eat’N’Go, Patrick McMichael at the Eat’N’Go 50million Naira commitment to Slum2School press brieďŹ ng in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

Nollywood diva, Ini Edo; AFRIFF Founder & Executive Director, Chioma Ude and Screen goddess, Uche Jombo at the closing of AFRIFF 2019 hosted in partnership with US Consulate & Access Bank in Lagos...recently

L-R: Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Masari; Governorof Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; Governor of Taraba State; Dickson Darius Ishaku; Vice Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal; and Governor of Plateau state, Simon Lalong, during the NGF meeting on national issues at the Forum secretariat Abuja... recently

L-R: Managing Partner, Alliance Law Firm, Uche Val Obi; Executive Associate, Blessing Choko and Partner, Dr. Jude Odinkonigbo, duringthe Press BrieďŹ ng by Alliance Law Firm on the forthcoming Annual Lecture 2019 in Lagos...recently PHOTO: KOLAWOLE ALLI

L-R; Country Lead, Sustainability and Stakeholder Management, lnternational Breweries Plc, Mrs Temitope Oguntokun; Director, Legal and Corporate Aairs, Otunba Michael Daramola; Chairman, lnternational Breweries Foundation, Mr. Peter Bamkole and Company Secretary, Mr. Muyiwa Ayojimi at the media brieďŹ ng to announce the upcoming Kickstart grant, awards to successful beneďŹ ciaries in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ABIODUN AJALA

T H I S D AY ˞ ʹ˜ Ͱ͎Ͱ͎

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L-R: Corporate Communication Manager, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO), Mr. Tayo Ajakaiye; Group Managing Director/CEO, Mrs. Olatokunbo A. Fagbemi; Chairman, League of Airport and Aviation Correspondent (LAAC), Mr. Olusegun Koiki and Head of Customer Experience, NAHCO Aviance, Mr. Kelechi Amaeshi, during the LAAC Gateway Forum with GMD/CEO, NAHCO Aviance, at Murtala Muhammad Airport, Ikeja, Lagos...recently

L-R: Minister of State, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Chief Timipere Sylva; First Position of the 2019 NNPC National Science Quiz Competition, Master Oluwatobi Ojo; Chairman, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Group Managing Director, NNPC, Mele Kolo Kyari, at the ďŹ nals and grand ďŹ nale of National Science Quiz Competition organized by NNPC in Abuja...recently PHOTO: ENOCK REUBEN

L-R: Guest Speaker/ Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Ambassador Johnnie Carson of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP); and Troy Fittrell of the US Department of State, at the lectureTwenty Years of Democratisation in Nigeria: Successes and Challenges delivered by Dr Fayemi at the USIP, Washington D.C.; United States of America...recently

L R: Managing Director/CEO, Kofsol Group, Olaosebikan Oyesola Kofoworola; Director General, SMEDAN, Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda and Senior Enterprise OďŹƒcer, Department of Planning, Research, Monitoring & Evaluation, SMEDAN, Hannah Abul, during the Signing of Memorandum of Understanding(MoU), between SMEDAN and Kofsol Concepts Nigeria Limited held at the SMEDAN headquarters, Abuja... recently PHOTO KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

The Former President of Ireland & Global Chair of Elders for Climate Change, Mary Robinson (right),and former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi at the United Nations Foundations programme at the UN Headquarters, New York, USA...recently

L-R: President/CEO, PEARL Awards Nigeria, Mr. Tayo Orekoya; Group Chief Commercial OďŹƒcer, Dangote Industries Ltd & Member, PEARL Awards Board of Governors, Mr. Rabiu Abdullahi Umar; Board Chairman, Dr. Faruk Umar and Past President, Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Board Member, Chief Mrs. Nike Akande, at the Induction of Rabiu Umar into the PEARL Awards Board of Governors in Lagos... recently

L-R : 2nd Vice President, Nigeria Stock Exchange, Catherine Echeozo; President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Mr Dapo Adekoje; Chairman, House Committee on Capital Market, Mr Babangida Ibrahim; Former DirectorGeneral, Nigeria Stock Exchange, Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke; Director, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Francis Alaneme and CIS’ Ist Vice President, Mr Tunde Amolegbe at the 23rd annual conference of CIS in Lagos...recently

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T H I S D AY MONDAY JANUARY 6, 2020

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Rural Electrification: Group Seeks Standards for Renewable Energy Adoption Christopher Uba The Nigerian National Technical Committee on Electrical/Electronics (E/E) has recommended 12 PICO PV systems standard guide for renewable energy and hybrid systems for rural electrification to the Nigerian Standards Council for adoption as Nigeria Industrial Standards (NIS). Rising from a 2-day meeting in Lagos recently, the Technical Committee (TC) Chairman, Engr. Ayodele Esan, stated that the recommended standards which were all referenced from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards were carefully considered and found relevant to the nation’s needs. In his welcome address at the opening of the TC meeting, Director General Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON),

Osita Aboloma, stated that the increased demand for energy in urban and rural areas necessitates greater emphasis on standardisation and conformity assessment in the electrical/ electronic sectors. According to him, SON mandate places premium on safety, quality of services products, value for money, sustainability of the environment, poverty reduction and value addition through standardisation. Represented by the Group Head, E/E, Achema Alewu, the SON Chief Executive commended the support of the International Financial Corporation (IFC), through its Lighting Africa/ Lighting Global initiatives for the development and implementation of the considered standards throughout the African continent. He emphasised that in addition to coordinating standardisation

of the E/E industry, SON also provides necessary infrastructure, test equipment and building of technical capacity in collaboration with the IFC/African Clean Energy (ACE) and other development partners. The SON helmsman implored producers, importers and exporters of E/E products to leave no stone unturned in helping to sanitise Nigerian markets of substandard products to boost the nation’s trade across borders in view of the imminent implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. According to him, the implementation and enforcement of the recommended standards, after approval by the SON Council must be such that products that do not meet the required standards would not be produced in, nor allowed into Nigeria.

UBA Recruits 4,000 New Staff, Promotes 5,000 Over 5,000 staff of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc started the new year with a lot of cheer as the bank at the weekend announced their promotion to new grades as well as salary upgrades with immediate effect this January. Those who were beneficiaries of the exercise, according to a statement, would receive up to 170 per cent increase in their salaries and benefits, whilst a good number have been moved to higher grade levels. “In a carefully planned restructuring embarked upon by the bank in the last quarter of 2019, UBA has transformed its grading system and processes to become one of the most competitive within the industry. “The bank crashed its grade levels to 12 levels from entry level

to the top of the pyramid where previously it had been 16 levels. “This means that staff will now find it much easier to attain top leadership management positions at UBA as their careers progress much faster,� the statement explained. Further, it revealed that in a massive recruitment drive, over 4000 new staff members resumed in the last week of December 2019 in Nigeria alone at the bank. It pointed out that UBA currently stands as the highest employer of labour amongst Nigerian banks with a staff strength of close to 20,000. UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Kennedy Uzoka, who announced the bank’s new staff improvement initiatives to the excited employees, noted that UBA was

continually seeking new ways to improve the fortunes of its staff as they are the backbone of the organisation. Uzoka, who spoke to the staff in a bank-wide live broadcast said, “As a leading financial institution, we do not take issues relating to our staff lightly. We take great pride in being a listening bank that has the ears of our employees as they turn the wheels which make the organisation successful for our customers and shareholders. “UBA recruits highly talented staff who perform at the best standards and deserve to be remunerated accordingly.� Continuing, Uzoka said, “we have also taken steps to ensure that our bank remains at the top tier as it relates to talent pool.

Afreximbank Tops Bloomberg 2019 Book Running League Table Hamid Ayodeji The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has emerged on top of the Bloomberg 2019 Africa Capital Markets League Tables as the leading Bookrunner in Africa. The 2019 Africa Capital Markets League Tables released recently by Bloomberg showed that Afreximbank was the top Bookrunner for Africa Borrower Loans, ahead of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc. and Standard Chartered Bank. According to a statement, Afreximbank recorded a loan transaction volume of over $2.79 billion or 8.7 per cent of

the market share while Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Incorporated and Standard Chartered Bank accounted for 6.8 per cent and 6.4 per cent of the market shares respectively. Afreximbank also ranked second among the Mandated Lead Arrangers for Africa Borrower Loans on the League Tables, moving up one place from last year’s ranking. Its market share was 6.7 per cent on a volume of $2.51 billion. Afreximbank came in behind the Standard Bank of South Africa, which accounted for 8.1 per cent of the market share but was ahead of Eastern and Southern African Trade and

Development Bank whose market share stood at 4.5 per cent. In the Administrative Agent ranking category, Afreximbank came in ninth with a 5 per cent market share and a volume of $8.85 billion. The category leader was Standard Chartered Bank, with a market share of 14.3 per cent, followed by BNP Paribas with 8.4 per cent market share and the National Bank of Egypt with 8.1 per cent market share. Bloomberg Africa Capital Markets League Tables rank the top arrangers, bookrunners and advisors across a broad array of deal types in Africa.

S’Africa’s Eskom Extends Power Cut South Africa’s struggling state power firm Eskom said on Sunday that it would extend electricity cuts until Monday. Eskom had said late Saturday that it would cut up to 2,000 megawatts (MW) from the national grid from 2000 GMT on Saturday until 0600 GMT on Sunday, after a conveyor belt failure at its Medupi coal-fired power station. The cash-strapped utility said

on Sunday that the conveyor belt had been repaired but that plant breakdowns were still constraining the power system in Africa’s most industrialised economy. According to Reuters, Eskom has been battling to keep the lights on, despite low electricity demand over the Christmas and New Year public holidays. It last implemented power cuts in mid-December.

It is rushing to bring back online some generating units from repairs and maintenance, and to replenish diesel and water levels at backup generators so it can meet demand on Monday, when many people will return to work. Around a third of Eskom’s 44,000 MW nominal generating capacity was offline on Saturday because of plant breakdowns.

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, 2 JANUARY 2020

The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $67.15 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $67.96 the previous Tuesday, 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), Oriente (Ecuador), 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 MONDAY JANUARY 6, 2020

MARKET NEWS

Notore Commences Turnaround Maintenance with Afreximbank N13.3bn Facility Goddy Egene Notore Chemical Industries Plc has commenced the Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) of its plant, which is aimed at returning the facility to its 1,500mertic tonnes per day (MTPD)and 500,000metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) urea production capacity. In a notification to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) , Notore said the TAM would also increase reliability index

from the current level of 67 per cent to 95 per cent. Following the drawdown of a N13.32 billion loan facility from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) for the implementation of the TAM, the company has started ordering all key components for the TAM. The TAM project would include the procurement of critical spares required to sustain the nameplate capacity of the plant and installation of a back-up power supply to the

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

current gas turbine generator. Upon procurement of all the key components and critical spares required, the objective is to accomplish the maintenance activities within a period of 30 days production,” the company said. Meanwhile, Notore has recorded a loss after tax of N10.250 billion for the year ended September 30, 2019, compared with a loss of N3.523 billion in 2018. An analysis of the results

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

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

showed that revenue stood at N21.419 billion, down from N26.824 billion, while cost of sales rose from N17.217 billion to N17.454 billion in 2019. Gross profit was N3.964 billion down from N9.607 billion. Administrative expenses increased from N6.213 billion to N6.614 billion, while selling and distribution expenses fell from N531 million to N463 million. Financing cost increased from N12.759 billion to N13.669 billion, making the company to end

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

the year with a loss of N10.250 billion as against N3.523 billion. The company had explained that its fortunes would improve after its TAM because the Nigerian fertilizer demand is quite robust and is expected to continue to grow due to the federal government’s efforts to increase both the supply and demand for fertilizers, through provision of subsidies, grants and loans and through recent government initiatives such as the Presidential Fertilizer

O F

Initiative (PFI). The company explained that the domestic fertilizer market is yet to reach its full potential as the consumption of fertilizer per hectare of arable land in Nigeria is below 10kg compared to the 200kg recommended by Food & Agriculture Organisation. “Furthermore, the demand for urea and compound fertilizers, such as NPK, from the West African markets and Sahel African states is also quite significant,” it added.

0 3 / 0 1 / 2 0 2 0 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

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MONDAY JANUARY 6, 2020 •T H I S D AY

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MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

SEC DG Calls for Partnership, Cooperation for Capital Market Growth Goddy Egene The acting Director General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms. Mary Uduk has called for more partnership and cooperation among regulators and operators in the nation’s capital in order to take the market to lofty heights.

Uduk stated this in a New Year message to market operators and all stakeholders. According to her, 2020 will see SEC embark on a number of programmes geared towards taking the market to new levels, saying all hands must be on deck to make that happen. “The new year 2020, which also

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

signifies the commencement of a new decade, will see us embark on a number of programmes geared towards taking our market to lofty heights. I enjoin us all to see this as a call to renew our passion and commitment to building the capital market of our dreams: a worldclass capital market – founded on the values of partnership and

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 31Dec-2019, unless otherwise stated.

cooperation that has helped us stand the test of time. The capital market of our dreams can only be achieved through harmonious partnership and our continuous cooperation,” she stated. She noted that the various initiatives being implemented in the 10- year Capital Market Master-plan have made the

capital markets more attractive to investors. The SEC boss commended operators and stakeholders for their immense efforts and contribution towards developing the Nigerian capital market and enjoined them to remain committed, adding that it is time to ensure that vision of

a world-class market is made a reality. “The year 2019 saw us record tremendous results in a number of initiatives largely derived from the 10-year Capital Market Master Plan. These initiatives have helped make the market more attractive, efficient and properly positioned to harness its true potential,” he said.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors. Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return. NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 0.90 0.91 7.07% ACAP Income Funds 0.77 0.77 35.46% 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 11.45% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.47 2.51 11.40% 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 15.47 15.94 1.00% ARM Discovery Fund 348.91 359.43 1.00% ARM Ethical Fund 29.38 30.26 1.00% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 9.99% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund N/A N/A N/A AXA Mansard Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund 1.93 1.93 14.99% 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 100.00 100.00 11.19% Paramount Equity Fund 12.45 12.58 5.52% Women's Investment Fund 110.80 111.90 7.19% 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 N/A N/A N/A Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 N/A N/A Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 N/A N/A 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 N/A N/A N/A Coronation Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Coronation Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 9.61% EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 10.40% EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund 1,222.40 1,229.26 22.39% 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 N/A N/A N/A FBN Balanced Fund 146.82 147.90 2.83% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 9.14% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional 119.24 119.58 9.56% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail 119.83 120.18 10.35% FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 130.13 131.83 -13.25% 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 10.63% Legacy Debt Fund 3.65 3.65 12.60% Legacy Equity Fund 1.11 1.13 -8.66% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.08 1.08 5.01% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 3,065.92 3,100.02 2.78% Coral Income Fund 3,068.37 3,068.37 11.95% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 10.51% 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 N/A N/A N/A Nigeria Entertainment Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 9.30% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.19 2.22 1.64% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 11.16% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 143.61 143.76 14.93% 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 1.17 1.19 6.13% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,125.67 1,125.67 12.86% 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 9.80 9.90 -8.26% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 8.39% 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 1.32 1.34 6.99% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 12.29 12.37 9.87% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 11.29% PACAM Equity Fund 1.01 1.02 PACAM EuroBond Fund 103.03 104.85 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 132.53 133.41 9.44% 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 1.03 1.03 13.29% 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 N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A 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 1.18 1.20 1.63% United Capital Bond Fund 1.69 1.69 15.58% United Capital Equity Fund 0.69 0.70 -3.63% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 10.06% United Capital Eurobond Fund 111.58 111.58 8.05% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.08 1.08 6.79% 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 10.34 10.49 0.76% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.68 11.82 0.64% Zenith Income Fund 22.91 22.91 3.09% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 7.58%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

4.25 118.93 52.05

-56.35% 6.97% 3.98%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.72 91.92 73.42

8.82 93.90 74.81

-12.57% -18.86% -14.54%

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

3.55 5.89 12.48 10.66 168.88

3.59 5.97 12.58 10.86 170.88

-11.23% -22.60% -14.68% -13.68% 26.53%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.40

17.40%

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 ˞ ʹ˜ Ͱ͎Ͱ͎

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 ͙͔͙͚͚͓͖͑͑͑͒

Towards a Noiseless Lagos Adedolapo Fasawe

W

hat is noise? How does it differ from sound? What levels of noise is allowable in my area? How does it affect health? These are questions we frequently encounter in the course of performing our regulatory activities in the state. Sound is what the ears hear. Sound in moderate levels is good to the human ears; correct perception of sound is a key evidence of the proper functioning of human auditory capacity. Our human ears are so accustomed to sound that one may practically live an entire lifetime without experiencingsilence – true silence – especially if one lives in urban areas.Being mechanical waves, sound requires a medium to travel and hence, can be heard in different intensity by different recipients located at the same distance but different angles relative to the source of the sound. Consequently, the nature of materials used in building construction and planning characteristics of an area can impact on how sound travels to recipients. How does sound become noise? Noise is unwanted, unpleasant and loud sound. Essentially, there’s no physical difference between a noise and a pleasant sound e.g. good music. What is different is how you as a listener respond to these sounds (noise or good music). Noise is simply any sound that the listener does not want to hear. To some extent, the difference between sound and noise depends on the listener and the circumstances surrounding the perception of the sound. For example, loud open-air concert music, though pleasurable to attendees, can be annoying to neighbours who have no business with the concert. However, it is important to note that long and frequent exposure to such loud sound can be hazardous to the hearing of both the concert attendees and neighbours alike. At the turn of the last century, environmentalists and occupation health specialists began to recognise noise as one of the most important environmental pollutants. In its 1999 Guidelines for Community Noise, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared, “Worldwide, noise-induced hearing impairment is the most prevalent irreversible occupational hazard, and it is estimated that 120 million people worldwide have disabling hearing difficulties.� Hence, environmental noise is clearly identified as a pollutant, capable of directly causing harm to humans and indirectly to the delicate ecosystem balance. Unlike other pollutants, the control of environmental noise had been hitherto hindered by insufficient knowledge of its dose-response relationship. However, governments, upon consultation with sound engineers, acoustics experts and environmental health specialists, typically set limits for allowable noise levels within commercial and residential areas. In Lagos, the State Government has set 55dB & 45dB as the noise limits for day and nighttime respectively in residential areas while 70dB and 60dB have been set as noise limits respectively for daytime and nighttime in commercial areas. The short and long term consequences of noise pollution are very clear now, even though the magnitude and duration of the effects are determined in part by individual characteristics, lifestyle behaviours and environmental conditions. Long and frequent exposure to noise causes hearing impairment(leading to deafness in some cases), reduction in speech

Loud speakers such as these cause noise pollution

Fasawe intelligibility, disturbance of rest and sleep, increased blood pressure and heart rate, changes in respiration cycles, cardiac complications, acceleration of latent mental illnesses, reduction in cognitive functions, sub-optimal workplaceperformance and communal disruptions. Indeed, after prolonged exposure, susceptible people living near noisy environments including industries, airports and noisy streets have been found to develop permanent effects, such as hypertension and ischaemic heart disease associated with exposure to high sound levels. Vulnerable subgroups include foetuses, babies, young children, sick people (especially with high blood pressure and mental health issues) and the elderly. In one of the noise sensitisation campaigns we held during the year, there was a young woman who narrated how she became deaf after attending a ceremony in an event centre. Apparently, her ear drums were burst open by exposure to short burst of energy from the loud music played in the venue.Imagine the trauma of losing

your hearing sense and having to seek recourse to writing as the only way of communicatingwith your spouse and children in the same room. At Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), we are committed to ensuring that as much as lies within our power, resources and capacity, we will inform, educate, communicate, monitor and enforce the environmental laws and regulations of Lagos state, especially with respect to noise. We have embarked on advocacy campaigns on mass and social media to ensure that people are informed and educated about the sources, effects and abatement strategies of noise pollution. We have met with different stakeholders ranging from resident associations and artisan groups tomultinational companies and conglomerate, to build an active consensus to tackle noise pollution in Lagos state. We have also taken action on as many cases that have been reported to the Agency and where necessary. In the last three months, the Agency have had to seal up over sixty (60) facilities, including clubs, event centres,

churches, mosques etc for violation of permissible noise levels. More than half of these facilities have been reopened, after they installed various abatement measures including sound proofing of their buildings, reduction in number of speakers and public address systems deployed etc. In line with directive of the Honourable Commissioner of the Environment and Water Resources, local resident associations are also actively involved in re-opening of facilities which have been sealed for noise pollution. At least two of these facilities have been made to relocate from their current location as the Agency adjudged that their activities in thepresent location is an existential risk to other users of the environment. During this festive period, all organisers of events are advised to apply for a noise permit from the Agency if they would be holding an outdoor event. The noise permit will be issued based on a risk assessment of the impact of the event on the surrounding environment. The Agency encourages fun-filled festivities which will not hamper the health of neighbours in the area. As we say in the Agency: less noise, more sense! In the New Year, the Agency will engage in further monitoring and enforcement activities to ensure buildings and facilities which emit sound above the normal set limits are duly engineered for purpose. To this end, the Agency will screen and register acoustics/sound engineers and environmental noise consultants who will provide advisory services to the public on cost-effective solutions for sound-proofing buildings and equipment. Failure of to upgrade to sound-friendly status will lead to sealing of such facilities. In addition, as a policy, LASEPA will require organisers of outdoor events, who obtain noise permits, to purchase and distribute ear plugs to neighbours who would be impacted directly by their activities, where necessary. With the cooperation of everyone, we can achieve a noiseless Lagos, which will be the destination of choice for local and international investors. Igbega Ilu Eko, Ajumose gbogbo wa ni. -Fasawe is the GM/CEO LASEPA

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T H I S D AY ˞ ʹ˜ Ͱ͎Ͱ͎

CRIME&SECURITY

Security Expectations for 2020 Chiemelie Ezeobi, Ayodeji Ake and Sunday Ehigiator, who spoke with few Nigerians on their security expectations for 2020, write that the general consensus was on the need for government to enhance internal security, obey rule of law, enforce police reforms and tackle corruption, among others

Awosanya

Nwangwuma

Oludayo

U

ndoubtedly, security is important for everyone and should be everyone’s business. This year, aside their personal goals, expectations and aspirations, some Nigerians who spoke to THISDAY are clamouring for police reforms, curbing corruption on all fronts, respect for rule of law, release of all journalists who were unjustly arrested, stop muzzling media freedom and suppressing freedom of expression. THISDAY sampled the opinion of Nigerians across board and here are the excerpts: Segun Awosanya: #EndSARS Convener The Nigeria Police will need to make bolder adjustment towards ending impunity of officers and this will be aided by the final passing of the Police Reform Bill at the floor of the House of Representatives in concurrence with the Senate passing of the Bill, which will eventually see the passing of the Bill into Law by the president. This is essential to finally put an end to the incessant brutality and bridge the gap with the society. It is expected that with the rising awareness of the public and the political will thus created via effective and altruistic advocacy of SIAF (Social Intervention Advocacy Foundation) in the past few years in collaboration with other civil society organisations, more institutions will be strengthened towards the achievement of the sustainable development goal 16 (Peace, Justice and strong institution). There will be a lot of confrontations in 2020 and how the police (closest authority to the people) respond will determine the way they are perceived and engaged going forward. Government will be expected to be more responsible with the way insurgency and insecurity is addressed being their topmost responsibility in order to secure the nation and people. It won’t be business as usual. Okechukwu Nwangwuma: NOPRIN Project Coordinator My expectations for 2020 are that the regime of General Buhari will turn a new leaf, imbibe democratic values and act like an elected government rather than a dictatorship; that it will respect and act in accordance with the constitution, and uphold the rule of law; show respect for the courts and obey court orders; free Agba Jalingo and other victims of political persecution and victimisation; drop all the malicious and frivolous charges of treason and terrorism against journalist including Sowore, Jalingo and others and desist from using such trumped up charges as repressive tactics to intimidate journalists, muzzle media freedom and suppress freedom of expression. That the government will become more sensitive and responsive to public opinion. That the judiciary will awake to assert its independence and dispense justice fairly and fearlessly;

to dangerous dimensions.

Usoro

Osuji

That the legislature will also wake up and realise its responsibilities and sacrosanct place as representatives of the people, and that it will assert its independence, make laws that advance the interest of the people, and discharge its oversight functions fearlessly to ensure that the executive does not become totalitarian but act in public interest; That the principle of separation of powers in a democracy is respected; that the media will continue to remain steadfast and courageous in upholding its constitutional mandate of holding the government accountable on behalf of the people. That civil society must brace up to lead the charge in defending the interest of the people, defending democracy and resisting a relapse to authoritarianism; in the absence of a credible political opposition, provide credible alternative voice that represent the interest of the people; mobilise Nigerian people to take their destiny into their hands, defend their hard earned democracy and resist any form of dictatorship and tyranny. That the fight against corruption will gain direction, momentum and credibility and that more corrupt public office holders, especially corrupt former governors who are taking refuge in the Senate and House of Representatives - after pillaging their various states- are tried speedily and made to return their loots from public coffers and sent to prison like Orji Uzor Kalu. That government pursues sound economic policies that will improve the welfare of the people; That security improves and works for the people, and government demonstrates that Nigerian lives matter.

As for President Muhammadu Buhari, I look to see a true democratic behavioural changes towards the rules of law, freedom of speech, press and non biased anti corruption crusader.

Mr. Adetola Adeleke: CEO Azacom Global

Bright Ezirim: Businessman Charity they say begins at home, a fact the Nigerian nation needs to imbibe in 2020 because as far back as one can remember, they have always helped other nations like Mali, Liberian and Sierra-Leone, The Gambia, amongst others, tackle their insecurity challenges. It was not surprising that in 2012, Nigeria was adjudged the fourth best in global peacekeeping, which has raised the question on why they can't replicate the same feat now that the Nigerian state is being threatened. Also, there has been continuous call for constant training and retraining of the security agencies especially the Armed Forces who protects our territorial integrity in the water, land and space. Again, funds must not be starved the military because tackling insecurity requires financial capacity and a war chest that should surpass that of the terrorists and criminal elements. Also, the issue of discipline cannot be overemphasised because traditionally, discipline has always been the bedrock of the military, a tradition that is fast eroding. For 2020, one surely hopes the security agencies gets their act right and be the best they can be- in warfare, discipline and conduct. With what happened during the 2019 general elections, growing concerns shows that the vice of insecurity might become a veritable tool in the hands of politicians. The general fear is that if proper measures are not taken, the security situation would only exacerbate

Steve Osuji- Special Adviser, Media to Governor Emeka Ihedioha of Imo State Security outlook in Imo for 2020: Just like all other policies of His Excellency, Gov. Emeka Ihedioha, this government has taken a holistic approach to security matters in Imo State. Before May 29, 2019, the security situation in the state was at its lowest level with kidnappings, among other vices, being the order of the day. The first response of the Ihedioha administration was to introduce OPERATION IRONGATE which is a joint military and paramilitary outfit. The taskforce has been under girded with operational vehicles and necessary crime fighting equipment. The next stage is to consolidate through the deployment of more sophisticated crime detection and prevention devices. The result so far has been a near-zero record of serious crimes in Imo State especially during this festive season. We believe that any survey on crime situation in Nigeria today will show Imo to be among the most crime free state in the country. Mr Osanyintola Oladayo: Oil Contractor I expect the removal of immunity upon our leaders while serving. This would act as a a sign of transparency and the typical example of the axiom, 'Nobody is above the law'. Moreover, I expect the reduction of corruption to its least minimum since it cannot be totally eradicated but can be reduced to a minimum level. Prince Ozioma Ohia: Real Estate Contractor 2020 should be a year our government should steer us away from alliance with despots, tyrants, countries with no respect for human life, countries with no history of elections - democratic process of governance. Our international alliance should be formed not based on religious kinship but rather on the UN mandate of the rule of law, right of its citizens to political and religious affiliations and most important, based on democratic principles of self governance. Nigeria should be heard in the international stage, and not just seen. Being a member of the United Nations and its sub-agencies is not a criteria to be heard. Once, during the military regime, Nigeria was a pariah state, almost a failed state. Today, the status has changed. With civil rule, comes the mandate to uphold the rule of law, dignity of its citizens, Etc. Our alliance in the international stage points to the direction of our foreign policy. Joshua Marcus Usoro: Dancer I urge government to love and protect its citizens. The killings, the hunger and pain is unbelievably too much. We need a better Nigeria. We have all it takes to be a greater nation.

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MONDAY JANUARY 6, 2020 •T H I S D AY

MONDAY JANUARY 6, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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MONDAY JANUARY 6, 2020 •T H I S D AY

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MONDAY JANUARY 6, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

Trump: US will Hit 52 Iranian Targets If Threatened United States President Donald Trump has threatened to hit 52 Iranian sites “very hard” if Iran attacks Americans or US assets after a drone strike that killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani and an

Iraqi militia leader, as tens of thousands of people marched in Iraq to mourn their deaths. Showing no signs of seeking to ease tensions raised by the strike he ordered that killed Soleimani and Iranian-backed Iraqi militia

leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis at Baghdad airport on Friday, Trump issued a threat to Iran on Twitter. The strike has raised the specter of wider conflict in the Middle East. Iran, Trump wrote, “is talking

Seven Children Among 14 Killed in Roadside Bomb in Burkina Faso Seven children and four women were among 14 civilians, killed when a roadside bomb blew up their bus in northwestern Burkina Faso, the government said. “The provisional toll is 14 dead,” a statement said, adding that 19 more people were hurt, three of them seriously in Saturday’s blast. The explosion happened in Sourou province near the Mali border as students returned to school after the Christmas holidays, a security source said. “The vehicle hit a homemade bomb on the Toeni-Tougan road,” the source told AFP. “The government strongly condemns this cowardly and barbaric act,” the statement said. No one claimed responsibility

for the attack but jihadist violence in Burkina Faso has been blamed on combatants linked to both Al-Qaeda and Islamic State groups. Meanwhile, the army reported an assault against gendarmes at Inata in the north on Friday, saying “a dozen terrorists were neutralised”. The deaths came the week after 35 people, most of them women, died in an attack on the northern city of Arbinda and seven Burkinabe troops were killed in a raid on their army base nearby. Burkina Faso, bordering Mali and Niger, has seen frequent jihadist attacks which have left hundreds of people dead since the start of 2015 when Islamist extremist violence began to

spread across the Sahel region. In a televised address on Tuesday President Roch Marc Christian Kabore insisted that “victory” against “terrorism” was assured. The entire Sahel region is fighting a jihadist insurgency with help from Western countries but has not managed to stem the bloodshed. Five Sahel states — Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Chad — have joined forces to combat terrorism in the fragile region that lies between the Sahara and the Atlantic. Increasingly deadly Islamist attacks in Burkina have killed more than 750 people since 2015, according to an AFP count, and forced 560,000 people from their homes, UN figures show.

very boldly about targeting certain USA assets” in revenge for Soleimani’s death. Trump said the United States has “targeted 52 Iranian sites” and that some were “at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, will be hit very fast and very hard.” “The USA wants no more threats!” Trump said, adding that the 52 targets represented the 52 Americans who were held hostage in Iran for 444 days after being seized at the US Embassy in Tehran in November 1979 – an enduring sore spot in US-Iranian relations. Trump did not identify the sites. The Pentagon referred questions about the matter to the White House, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Among the mourners in Iraq included many militiamen in uniform for whom Muhandis and Soleimani were heroes. They carried portraits of both men and plastered them on walls and armored personnel carriers in the procession. Chants of “Death to America” and “No No Israel” rang out. On Saturday evening, a rocket fell inside Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone near the

U.S. Embassy, another hit the nearby Jadriya neighborhood and two more were fired at the Balad air base north of the city, but no one was killed, Iraq’s military said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Trump referenced an unusually specific number of potential Iranian targets after a senior Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander had also mentioned a specific number of American targets – 35 of them – for possible retaliatory attacks in response to Soleimani’s killing. General Gholamali Abuhamzeh was quoted by Tasnim news agency as saying late on Friday that Iran will punish Americans wherever they are within reach of the Islamic Republic, and raised the prospect of attacks on ships in the Gulf. “The Strait of Hormuz is a vital point for the West and a large number of American destroyers and warships cross there. … Vital American targets in the region have been identified by Iran since long time ago. … Some 35 U.S. targets in the region as well as Tel Aviv are within our reach,” he was quoted as saying. Iraq’s Kataib Hezbollah militia warned Iraqi security forces to

stay away from U.S. bases in Iraq, “by a distance not less than a thousand meters (sixtenths of a mile) starting Sunday evening,” reported Lebanese al-Mayadeen TV, which is close to Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Trump said on Friday Soleimani had been plotting “imminent and sinister” attacks on American diplomats and military personnel. Democratic critics said the Republican president’s action was reckless and risked more bloodshed in a dangerous region. Trump’s provocative Twitter posts came only hours after U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wrote on Twitter that he had told Iraq’s president that “the U.S. remains committed to de-escalation.” Pompeo also wrote on Twitter that he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about Iran and “underscored the importance of countering Iran’s malign influence and threats to the region.” The White House on Saturday sent to the U.S. Congress formal notification of the drone strike – as required by law – amid complaints from Democrats that Trump did not notify lawmakers or seek advance approval for the attack.

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Igbo People Demand Falae/Obasanjo Model for 2023 Presidency Chuks Okocha in Abuja In an apparent response to the comments made on Arise Television by the Publisher of the now rested Democrat Newspaper and life member of the Newspapers Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Alhaji Isa Funtua, the Igbo people have demanded for an adoption of what they described as the Olu Falae/ Olusegun Obasanjo model in the election of the president by 2023. The Olu Falae/Olusegun Obasanjo model is a style where the main political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will select their presidential candidates from the same geopolitical zone. This model was adopted in 1999 when the PDP and All Peoples Party (APP) deliberately adopted Olusegun Obasanjo and Olu Falae, respectively, both from the South-west to pacify the region for the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential elections presumed to have been won by the late Chief MKO Abiola. The model, the Igbo people said would guarantee the peace, justice, equity and continued unity of Nigeria after the volatile agitation for the actualisation of the June 12. In an interview with THISDAY yesterday the

Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu who is also a close associate of President Muhammadu Buhari, said that the adoption of the model would ensure that only the Igbo candidates would be allowed to contest the 2023 presidential tickets of the two main parties. He said that it was for the adoption of this model in 1999 that the likes of Dr. Olusola Saraki, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi, Mallam Adamu Ciroma, Dr. Alex Ekwueme all of blessed memory and a host of other northerners and southerners like Dr. Ogbonaya Onu, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu were persuaded not to contest the presidential election in 1999. According to the Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, “All we are appealing is for the leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to adopt the Falae/Obasanjo Model in 2023 presidential election and zone the presidency to Ndigbo. For the rotation convention is the ligament, which holds our fledgling democracy and our dear country united.” Prodded further on the allegations by Funtua that Igbo politicians played exclusive politics, Okechukwu retorted, “I am sincerely of the considered view that Ndigbo since the birth of civil rule and liberal

democracy in Nigeria in the 1960s and beyond we were in major alliances. In the 4th Republic, Ndigbo were among the founding leaders of both the two dominant political parties - PDP and APC in 1998 and 2013, respectively. Also re-echoing Okechukwu’s sentiments, the World Igbo

Summit in a communique held in Uturu, Abia State and signed by Prof. George Obiozor and Dr. Ifedi Okwenna, said that Igbo should pursue both restructuring of Nigeria and emergence of Nigerian President of Igbo extraction as both are not mutually exclusive The communique also said

that other ethnic nationalities and zones, should as a matter of justice, equity and fairness, support the emergence of a Nigerian President of Igbo extraction in 2023. It said that the leadership of all political parties, should as a matter of justice, equity and fairness, cede the nomination

of their presidential candidates to the South-East and that the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo should in consultation with Ime-obi constitute a PanIgbo organising committee to develop and pursue a sustainable strategic plan of action for the “handshake outreach” across Nigeria.

MODERNISING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM……

Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr.Gbenga Omotosho (left), and Managing Director, Planet Projects, Mr. Biodun Otunola, at a parley with media executives on the Oshodi Transport Interchange in Lagos...yesterday

Presidency Should Remain in North after PDP Condemns Hike on Electricity Tariffs Tasks Buhari on Kogi killings 2023, Says Owie Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City A former Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Roland Owie, has stated that power should remain in the northern part of the country at least for another four years after 2023 for equity and fairness. Speaking to journalists at his residence in Benin City, the senator, who represented Edo South Senatorial district between 1999 and 2003, however, posited that should power shift to the south pole in 2023, it should be ceded to the South-east geo-political zone of the country. Defending his position, Owie said the south has had more time at the presidency than the north since 1999, a situation he said was occasioned by the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua and the decision of President Goodluck Jonathan to contest after he finished the tenure of Yar’Adua against reasonable advice. He said: “The problem we have in Nigeria particularly those of us from the southern part is that we are sometime not realistic and we forget that if we are going to equity, we must go with clean hands. “Presidency came from South-west with President Olusegun Obasanjo even though he lost his polling unit, he lost his polling booth, he lost his local government

and lost the entire zone. But he became President of Nigeria and did eight years. Then power shifted to the north and produced Yar’Adua, one of the best presidents Nigeria has ever had. May his soul rest in peace. The man who agreed that his election was flawed, and brought peace to Niger Delta died and the then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan took over. “You can see the wisdom of Abacha in his constitution that was not used where he made provision for a second Vice President from the zone that produces the president. If we had adopted that constitution, it means when Yar’Adua died, the Vice President from his zone would have taken over and we would not have been where we are today talking about doctrine of necessity. “When Yar’Adua died and Jonathan took over and finished the remaining years of the tenure and took another four years. If there were no greedy leaders, I remember what I said in our South-south leaders meeting that Jonathan should allow somebody from the north run for the presidency, explaining that age is on his side. I said when it rotates back to the South-south, he can still run but those who felt that they owned PDP, who were not there when PDP was formed lured the man and pushed him to go for a third term.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday rejected the over 200 per cent increase in electricity tariff announced by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration, describing it as draconian and completely against the interest and well-being of Nigerians. Also the main opposition party has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to re-jig the nation’s security apparatchik to enable it meet up with the rising security challenges in the country. PDP also called on security agencies in the state to beef up security in the areas as well as take up the challenge to track down the killers.

The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbodiyan, charged the federal government to immediately rescind the obnoxious and provocative policy and consult further with Nigerians before any such tariff hike. PDP described the increase in electricity tariff as a furtherance of the fleecing of Nigerians, who were already over-burdened and groaning under the weight of high costs, economic repression and heavy taxes foisted by the alleged insensitive APC administration. Also, PDP said it’s lamentable that Nigerians, who were already suffering the devastating negative impact of the recent increase in the Value Added

Tax (VAT) from five per cent to 7.5 per cent by the APC administration, were now being further suppressed with increased electricity tariff. “Our party holds that the increase in electricity tariff, under the prevailing harsh economic conditions, is injurious to the well-being of Nigerians as it will further stress the productive sector and lead to an upsurge in the cost of regular and essential goods and services, including food, medicine, housing, education and other critical needs. “This APC policy, if allowed, will worsen the suffering of Nigerians as it will put more stress on already overburdened families, cripple businesses, result in job losses

and exacerbate the prevailing frightening unemployment rate under the Buhari administration,” the opposition party alleged. PDP urged Nigerians to note the toxic and distasteful “new year gift” by the APC administration at a time Nigerians were coming back from yuletide festivities, alleging that APC was indeed unfeeling, insensitive and has no iota of regard for the sensibilities and well-being of the citizenry. The main opposition party insisted that any administration that has the interest of the people at heart should provide alternatives or hold consultations with the people before imposing such harsh tariff on its citizenry.

Stakeholders Sue for Peace in Rivers APC Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt Stakeholders and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State have called for peace and unity in the state chapter of the party. The stakeholders from across the 23 local government areas of the state and who are loyal to former Senator Magnus Abe made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of their yearly meeting held in the various headquarters of the local government areas in the state. The communiqué, which was signed by Rivers State APC Media and Publicity, Sam

Atasia Oburu, condemned the continuous political feud which has kept the party where it’s even after the 2019 general elections, with no APC member holding an elective position in the state. The party faithful noted that APC in the state would have participated in the general elections if the state and national leaders had followed the right steps during the congresses. The communiqué stated: “Stakeholders and leaders of APC cut across the 23 LGAs of Rivers State held its stakeholders meetings in all the headquarters of the local government areas

during the end of year 2019. After the meeting they all came out with independent communiqués signed by the leaders which were summarised into this one general communiqué. “That while it recognises the challenges occasioned by the non-participation of the party in the last general elections which made it impossible for the party to hold any elective position in the state. The situation has not affected the massive support and patronage the party enjoys at the grassroots. “That the All Progressive Congress in the state is in solidarity with thousands of

members of the party who went to court to have their rights to participate in a free, fair and credible congress enforced and stand firmly to the judgment of the Supreme Court on the matter which asked the party to revert to the status quo. “The stakeholders, therefore vehemently condemn in very strong and unequivocal terms the seemingly unending political fends that have bedevilled and characterised the party in the state owing to the unchecked absolution and undemocratic practices exhibited by a supposed leadership of the party in the state.”

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Return Our Stolen Resources, APC Tells PDP Leaders Adedayo Akinwale ín Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has told the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 elections, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar that rather than focusing on how to ‘corner’ the 2023 presidential ticket, himself along with other PDP leaders should find the courage to return the country’s stolen resources and seek forgiveness from Nigerians The National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre IssaOnilu, in a statement issued yesterday, said that the return of

the country’s ‘stolen resources’ and sincere apologies for the havoc wrecked on the country during PDP’s 16-year rule should be the preoccupation of PDP. He said the ruling party offers this as a new year counseling to Atiku following his tonguein-cheek advice to his party, urging them to concentrate on strengthening and rebuilding the PDP for now, rather that dissipating energy on the 2023 elections. Issa-Onilu noted that the former PDP presidential candidate was anything but sincere in his advice.

He stated: “Atiku and the PDP represent the wasted past, which Nigerians have chosen to discard and correct. The era when national assets were a bazaar for cronies and friends; an era when funds were approved and released for projects that were never executed; an era of waste and impunity; an era of voodoo economy; an era when corruption was a state policy. “Post-election, Atiku has

been afforded an opportunity to defend himself on the several corruption and criminal indictments that have troubled him in his serial presidential election contests, particularly during the 2019 presidential election. Atiku has rather continued to play the ostrich. “Instead of Atiku focusing on how to corner the 2023 presidential ticket of the PDP or any of the other political

parties where he may choose to purchase his ticket, we call on Atiku, along with other PDP leaders to find the courage to return our resources and seek forgiveness from Nigerians.” Issa-Onilu stressed that Nigerians now enjoy a new dispensation, which has ensured massive infrastructural development covering the rail, road, agriculture, aviation, ports, education and health

sectors. He added that the resolute and pro-people intervention by the President Muhammadu Buhari’s government has ensured the plunging of revenue leakages, oil sector reforms, anti-corruption policies, economic diversification, rapid infrastructure development, intensification of fight against violent extremism, among others.

House to Mobilise Relief Materials for Akesan Market Fire Victims Commiserates with Kaduna over gas explosion Adedayo Akinwale ín Abuja House of Representatives has said it would mobilise relief materials for the victims of fire incident that gutted Akesan Market in Oyo town, while also expressing shock and sadness over the gas explosion incident in Sabon Tasha, Kaduna State. The Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, expressed regret over yesterday’s early morning fire outbreak that claimed the means of livelihood of many traders and also sympathised with the government and people of Oyo State over the fire incident. Gbajabiamila, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, commiserated with the victims for the disruption of their economic activities as a result of the unfortunate incident. “It is with heavy heart that I received the news of the fire outbreak that gutted the popular ancient Akesan Market in Oyo. “Being a historic ancient market and very dear to the people of Oyo State, I also empathise with the Alaafin of Oyo, HRH Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, over the incident. “I want to appeal to the people to remain calm and law-abiding as the government of the state

looks into the situation with a view to bringing succour to the victims,” he said. Meanwhile, the House Committee on Emergency and Disaster Management alongside the lawmaker representing the area, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, would wade in to mobilise relief materials. On the gas explosion in Kaduna State, Gbajabiamila lamented that the incident, which occurred at a gas shop, claimed the lives of several people including the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission, Prof. Simon Mallam, and destroyed properties worth millions of naira. According to him, “It is with shock and sadness that I received the news of the gas explosion incident that claimed the lives of some Nigerians that included Prof. Simon Mallam, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission. “While I sympathise with Kaduna State Government, the survivors and the families of those that died during the explosion, I also pray for the repose of the souls of those that lost their lives to the explosion. I also want to assure them that they are not alone in the trying times of theirs.”

Nigeria Moving Towards Self-destruction, Former Presidential Candidate Warns Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

A former Presidential Candidate of the National Action Council (NAC), Dr. Olapade Agoro, has cited five major issues that must be urgently addressed by all those who believe in the future of the Nigeria, warning that the country is moving towards self-destruction. These issues, according to Agoro, include the clamour for power to remain in the North, reckless earnings by members of the National Assembly, Boko Haram, beheading of 11 Christians and the plan by the National Assembly to spend N37 billion on renovating its complex. The former presidential candidate in a statement titled, “Nigeria: Threading the Dangerous Road to Self Annihilation - A Warning,” which was made available to

THISDAY yesterday, expressed concern that Nigerians are not putting their leaders to task on how they are governing them, stating that the country needed real change and not deceivers. He lamented that some part of the country that has refused to learn from history that Nigeria is one nation with diverse tribes and languages are still claiming that power should remain in the North beyond 2023. He observed that this is not only reckless but capable of inciting costly violence. Agoro berated members of the National Assembly over the plan to renovate the National Assembly Complex with N37 billion, which he said was not only unpatriotic but unreasonable “attempt to rob the nation of a large fortune at a time of Nigeria’s economic instability

CELEBRATING FIRST SUNDAY…

L-R: Provost, African Church Arch Cathedral Bethel, Ven. Adebayo Thompson Ologun; Lay President, Nigeria/Oversea, Mr. Babatunde Odufuwa; Primate-designate and Archbishop Arch Cathedral, His Grace, Most Rev. Julius OO Abbe; Provincial Vice Lay President, Mr. Olusete Aiyede; and Arch Cathedral People’s Warden, Col. Akinsola Aboyade-Cole (rtd.), during the Communion Thanksgiving Service for the First Sunday of 2020 in Lagos…yesterday KOLAWOLE ALLI

Christians Severely Persecuted in Nigeria, CAN Insists The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), Rev. Olasupo Ayokunle, has insisted that Christians are being severely persecuted in Nigeria, saying that he was disappointed by the response of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, to America’s categorisation of Nigeria as a country where Christians were severely persecuted. Speaking to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital at the weekend, Ayokunle said, “when has the Sultan become the spokesman for the federal government? He should have allowed the

federal government to react to the US since the categorisation was not directed at him.” “I shall tell it to his face that his response to the issue was disappointing because we didn’t direct our statement to him. Why was he defending the government?” “I read of the positions of the church and the Islamic group and the position of America and came to a conclusion that anybody who is a participant in what has been happening in Nigeria should know that Christians have been at the receiving end, and insecurity has led to the death of so many people in

Christian-dominated areas like Benue, Taraba, which is more than 90 per cent Christians; Southern Kaduna with more than 80 per cent Christians; Plateau State, more than 90 per cent Christians, and northern part of Adamawa, Muibi and so many others. “If we cannot take the bull by the horns, we will not be able to face the truth, we will not be objective. Maybe the last song we will hear is: ‘To your tents, O Isreal!’ “America did not direct their categorisation to the Muslim group; they directed it to the Nigerian government. So, it was not to Sultan at

all. Our own response was not to Sultan or Muslims. So, people who can put one and two together will say what is the concern of Sultan about the American statement and the Christian statement? None was directed to him. The government said they didn’t accept the categorisation. I wouldn’t expect them to say less because they will like to defend themselves. You know, God is a God of the truth; while it was being denied by the Muslim group, the insurgents came up again and said during this Christmas season, ‘We have slaughtered 11 Christians’.

Ihedioha, Obi Seek Prayers for Political Office Holders Mary Nnah The Governor of Imo State, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha and a former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi were among the special guests of honour that yesterday graced the ongoing four-day international crusade organised by the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries at Mgbidi in Imo State. Addressing the participants, Ihedioha said Imo State requires the grace of God and prayers of children of God to continue to lead and direct the leadership so that they can lead the state to become the most prosperous

in the country. He said if Imo becomes the most prosperous state, it will make a great impact on the lives of the people. “That is our prayer; prosperity is about the people. The state is a collective, but the people make up the state”. While commending the General Overseer of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, the governor added; “Sir, as you have continued this tradition, which is historic- this tradition that has become an identity of this area, that has become part of our annual

calendar, we want to enjoin you that we will continue to associate with you. “On behalf of government and people of Imo State, I want to say we are honestly very proud of you and your wife who has been prayerfully supporting you; and to the congregation for making this place a Mecca and Jerusalem of sort. “That is what we pray for and we are happy it is boosting the economy of our state and our people. It also boosts the prosperity of our people and their spiritual lives.” The governor said that the welfare of pensioners in Imo

State today is better. “I am happy that today we pay our workers regularly and are working on our roads. “Imo is becoming a better state. We want to thank you and say as you are here God will answer our prayers and God will answer you individual prayers. God will meet you at your respective points of needs and collectively as a people. God will meet us at our point of need. As you conclude His will grant you journey mercy and we shall become more responsible and better citizens of our respective states,” Ihedioha explained.

Ganduje Appoints 17 New Aides Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has approved the appointment of seven Special Advisers and 10 Senior Special Assistants. Ganduje urged all the appointees to work diligently for

sound execution of government policies, programmes, and projects. “It is your responsibility to demonstrate to Nigerians that you are indeed prepared to contribute your quota in the development of Kano State. So, you must be ready to work

very hard,” the governor said. Ganduje, in a statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Abba Anwar, and made available to THISDAY, disclosed the names of the Special Advisers to include: Abubakar Sahabo Bawuro (Micro, Small and Medium

Enterprises); Mamudu Madakin Gini (Commerce); Isa Yunusa Danguguwa (Labor Matters); Salihu Tanko Yakasai (Media); Habibu Sale Mailemo (Internally Generated Revenue); Tasi’u Rabi’u Fanisau (Assembly Matters); and Ahmadu Haruna Zago (Food Security).

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Sanwo-Olu Reassures Lagos Residents of Good Governance Segun James

Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday told Lagos State residents that there is no looking back in his determination to achieve a greater Lagos State, even as he said that their confidence in him would never be taken for granted. The governor at the state’s annual special Thanksgiving Service with the theme, ‘Offering Thanksgiving Glorifies God” at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, said that “this year is very crucial for us as an administration, because it will be our first full year of governance, and we are keen to justify the confidence that the people of Lagos have reposed in us. This year also marks the beginning of a new decade, the third decade since democracy returned to Nigeria in 1999. ‘’God has given us a new

opportunity to refine our vision, redefine our priorities, and renew our energy for the journey ahead. ‘’As a government, we are determined and committed to the realisation of our vision for Greater Lagos. Our strategic plan is hinged on the six pillars of our THEMES agenda. ‘’As a mark of our commitment ,which is also shared by the other arms of government, especially the legislature, the 2020 appropriation Bill was passed in record time, and I had the privilege of signing it into law at the close of 2019. It, therefore, pleases me that as I speak today, the budget for this year is ready for implementation.’’ The governor, who pointed out that determination and commitment alone are not enough, urged the residents to pray fervently for God’s support to take the state to a

Former Acting Gov Threatens to Lead Okun People out of Kogi Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja A former Acting Kogi State governor and one time Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Clarence Olafemi, has threatened to lead the Okun people out of present Kogi to join Ekiti or Kwara if they not treated fairly as an integral part of the state. Olafemi, who was speaking in a chat with journalists in Lokoja yesterday, said the state must be governed as a people for development of Kogi State. He explained that he did not regret the role he played during the just concluded election, noting that his primary responsibility was to protect his people. “The obvious fact is that Okun land is in minority. We are smaller compare to Kogi Central and East Senatorial districts in terms of population. But, we are well blessed. We also recognise that there is no way we can produce a governor unless we partner with other senatorial districts in the state. “I governed this state accidentally. We must rule this state as a people, giving sense of belonging to all parts of the state. If other senatorial districts don’t want this to happen, I will move

my people to join either Ekiti or Kwara states. If our current struggle does not work, I have the capacity to move my people out of Kogi State. “When I met Governor Yahaya Bello, he expressed his concern that my people are not with the ruling party, saying the All Progressives Congress (APC) did not win any House of Assembly, neither senatorial election, nor presidential during the general elections. The governor then asked: on what ground did we want to aspire to be governor? I told him that I will talk to my people for them to support the ruling party. “To God be the glory, I achieved that. If I did not leave PDP, I would not have achieved that. I proved to the governor that my people have joined the ruling party. It is now left for him to be fair; it is now left for him to justify my commitment and sacrifice. “I did not collect a single kobo from APC during the election, but I can tell you that it is the turn of Okun land in 2023. The governor must ensure fairness in 2023, otherwise some of us who are planning to retire will come back as a combatant and to change the narrative,” he warned.

Police Rearrests Suspect on Remand for Stealing Chiemelie Ezeobi An unrepentant suspect who had been arrested and charged for pick-pocketing and stealing in 2017 by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of Lagos State Police Command was again rearrested by the unit for similar offence. The suspect, Tunde Ajeigbe, 27-year-old, with two others, Ekene and Bolenbe, allegedly rode a motorcycle to 7Up area of Lagos State to rob unsuspecting members of the public. Ajeigbe was said to have jumped down from the bike and snatched an android phone from a passenger travelling in a

commercial bus and thereafter joined his cohorts on the bike and sped off. However, luck was against them as eyes witnesses who were at the scene of the crime gave them hot chase from that spot until they got to Otedola Bridge and alerted RRS men on pin down underneath the bridge. The policemen gave the fleeing suspects chase forcing them to abandon their motorcycle and made for the bush before Ajeigbe was arrested. The two others escaped. In his statement, Ajeigbe confessed to have been arrested for similar offence sometime in 2017 and was charged to court for the crime.

greater heights, saying God has been faithful to the state. “Psalms127:1 tells us that ‘except the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman

waketh but in vain. ‘’The essence of our gathering here this evening therefore, is to seek the face of God and lay our plans before Him so that we will not labour in vain. ‘’It is my prayer that our

Father in Heaven will continue to bless our State. That he will bless and multiply our efforts, so that our limited fish and loaves of bread will be more than sufficient for the multitudes he has given us this

grace to lead. “I pray that He will go along with us and manifest His glory through unprecedented and ground-breaking developments for our state. It shall be a year of peace, security and fulfillment of

CONDOLENCE VISIT...

Imo State Governor, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, signing the condolence register for Senator Ben Uwajumogu, representing Imo North Senatorial District, who died recently, at his hometown in Ihitte Uboma LGA, Imo State…weekend

War Crimes: ICC Probes Army, Shi’ites, IPOB Clashes The International Criminal Court (ICC) has said it has extended its preliminary examinations on possible war crimes and crimes against humanity in Nigeria to cover the clashes between Nigerian soldiers and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), a body of Shi’ite Muslims in the country, as well as the clashes between the Nigerian soldiers and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

In its 2019 edition of the annual Report of Preliminary Examination Activities issued by the office of its Prosecutor headed by Mrs. Fatou Bensouda, ICC noted that the Office of the ICC Prosecutor on November 12, 2015 “identified eight potential cases involving the commission of crimes against humanity and war crimes under articles 7 and 8” of the Rome Statutes. The report, which stated

that Nigeria was among the countries under Phase 3 examinations by the Office of the Prosecutor, added that its latest updated “subject-matter assessment” had increased the number of potential cases involving Nigeria from eight to 10. Of the 10 cases now under the ICC preliminary examination, seven of them were said to be for Boko Haram and three for the Nigerian security forces.

The ICC report stated in its 2019 report that it had received 15 communications concerning the clashes and communal violence in the North-Central and North-East. ICC said it had been reviewing the allegations, and also raised concern about allegations of “ongoing evidence tampering and of alleged destruction of evidence” in respect of the IMN members clash with the Nigerian Army.

Ikpeazu Pledges to Build Skill Acquisition Centre in Abia Community Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has promised that his government will build a skill acquisition centre in Isiko community within six months, where youths in the community will acquire skills and enhance their capacity. The governor said the essence is to ensure that youths of the area are gainfully employed and contribute meaningfully on a larger scale to the development of the community in particular and the state in general. He stated this at the 2nd edition of Isiko Day held at Isiko Community in Obi-Mgboko Mbu Autonomous Community in Obingwa Local Government Area of the state.

The governor who was elated at the massive turnout of people and the quality of the event, described the people of Isiko as reliable and worthy allies, noting that Isiko community alone has the highest number of journalists in the state. “Isiko is a great community. Unarguably, they have produced the highest number of journalists in Ngwa land, if not in the entire Abia State. Rt. Hon. Eziuche Ubani and his brother, Enyinnaya Appolos, have shown capacity as journalists in the state and Nigeria,” he said. Ikpeazu who was honoured with an award as “The Friend of Isiko,” assured of his consistent support for the community.

Also speaking, the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, commended Isiko community for putting together such an event. He promised to be one of the sponsors of the next edition of the event with a donation of N2,000,000. The event, which attracted sons and daughters of the community, had the creme de la creme of Abia State politics in attendance. Speaking on the essence of the day, the organiser of the Isiko Day event who is a Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Enyinnaya Appolos, said the event was put together to celebrate the rich culture and tradition of the Isiko people.

He further explained that the event was initiated to consolidate the unity among sons and daughters of Isikor community in order for them to remain a formidable force in the scheme of things in the state and beyond. Appolos thanked Ikpeazu, and other dignitaries who graced the occasion despite the timing and promised to always give his best to his people, Abia and Nigeria at large. The venue of the event was filled to capacity as the people were entertained with songs and comedy from different artistes across Nigeria including Mr. Ibu, Dauda, Uwaezuoke, Slowdog and Exnel.

Edo Earmarks N6bn for Community Devt Projects Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has assured his administration’s willingness to commit N6 billion for the execution of development programmes across the 18 local government area, 24 constituencies, and 192 wards in the state.

The governor, in a statement, reassured that the projects to be executed in partnership with members of the State House of Assembly, will further bring development closer to the Edo State people, thereby improving the living standards of every resident. According to Obaseki, “My dear citizens and residents of Edo State, as you are aware,

our focus and emphasis in the last three years have been to improve your living conditions and make you more productive. We are improving the educational system and emphasising technical education, improving access to quality healthcare, creating opportunities for businesses to thrive, providing more jobs and investing in infrastructure.

“We are also committed to bringing development closer to everyone through the Constituency Development Programme, which will run in partnership with members of the State House of Assembly. That is why in the 2020 appropriation, we have earmarked that the sum of N250 million will be spent directly in each of the 24 constituencies

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MONDAYSPORTS

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

LaLiga: Chukwueze Inspires Villarreal to Crucial Victory at Sociedad Duro Ikhazuagbe withagency report Samuel Chukwueze started the New Year on a bang with his Spanish team Villarreal as the Yellow Submarines grabbed a 2-1 away victory against Real Sociedad yesterday. The goal-bound Super Eagles forward caused Villarreal to draw level following the infringement on him inside the box in the 58th minute. The resultant penalty leveled scored. Willian Jose put Sociedad ahead midway through a first half. Santi Cazorla then gave the visitors the lead in the 75th minute with a strike that was originally ruled offside then awarded following a VAR review. The road win moved Villarreal to ninth on the table with 28 points from 19 matches.

‘Samu’ was later substituted in the 82nd minute for his team to defend their lead. Chukwueze, 20, has thus far scored three goals in 18 appearances in the Spanish top flight this season. Meanwhile, Chukwueze’s Super Eagles teammate, Victor Osimhen has explained why he opted to wear the jersey Number 7 when he switched to Lille in the French Ligue 1. Before the Nigerian joined Lille, the number was last used by Portugal U-21 star Rafael LeĂŁo, who has been dubbed the Portuguese Mbappe. Anwar El Ghazi and Sofiane Boufal are two other players who had previously worn the Number 7 jersey at Lille. “When they first presented the numbers that they had, I went for the seven because the player (Rafael LeĂŁo) is a very

good player and he has a lot of talent,� Osimhen said in an interview with the Super Eagles Media Team posted on YouTube at the weekend. “They asked me why I chose the number and I said I really

wanted it because that’s what my mind chose. “When I picked the number I presented it to God also, He’s the Alpha and Omega. Of course you can see everything is really going well.

“After my debut Rafael messaged me on Instagram and we had a chat about the club and I really wished him well wherever he is and he’s wishing me well also, and he’s my very good friend�.

The number nine is Osimhen’s favourite jersey number and he has worn the shirt number for the Golden Eaglets, Flying Eagles, Olympic Eagles and recently the Super Eagles following the retirement of Odion Ighalo.

Monaco Send Onyekuru on Loan to Galatasaray again Monaco’s exciting young Nigerian striker Henry Onyekuru is to spend the rest of the season on loan at Galatasaray, the Ligue 1 club announced yesterday. The Turkish Super Lig champions announced Onyekuru’s second loan spell with them on their official club website yesterday. It will be the 22-year-old’s second loan spell in Turkey as he shone for Galatasaray last season when he was still at English club Everton. He scored 14 goals in 35 appearances for Galatasaray who went on to win the Turkish championship. Monaco, who signed the Nigerian for â‚Ź17 million during the summer, have not included an ‘option to buy’ clause in the loan, suggesting that Onyekuru remains a part of their long-term strategy. Since his arrival in the principality, Onyekuru, who joined Monaco on a five-year deal, figured in just four matches under Leonardo Jardim who was sacked just after Christmas and replaced by ex-Spain boss Roberto Moreno. He hasn’t played in Ligue 1

since September 29. The loan signing ceremony which held at the Florya Metin Oktay Facilities was attended by Galatasaray President Mustafa Cengiz and Vice President Abdurrahim Albayrak. Galatasaray have paid Monaco a loan fee of 750,000 euros for the services of Onyekuru and the winger will earn 650,000 euros (N253.5 million) for the second half of this season, the club’s official website further announced . In his first words after signing the deal, Onyekuru said: “I am very happy to return to my house. This is my house. I hope we’ll be champions. I am very pleased and excited to be here. Galatasaray President Cengiz confirmed that the Nigeria international rejected other offers in favour of a return to the Istanbul club. Onyekuru helped the Lions win the League and Cup whilst on loan from Everton last season, scoring 16 goals in 44 games across all competitions while producing six assists. For the remainder of the 2019-2020 season, the former Eupen star will wear the number 70 jersey.

Samuel Chukwueze inspired Villarreal to a 2-1 away victory at Real Sociedad‌yesterday

Oshoala’s Double Takes Barca Ladies Seven Points Clear at the Summit Barcelona Femini opened up a seven-point advantage at the top of the Spanish Primera Iberdrola as substitute Asisat Oshoala scored twice in a 3-0 victory at Athletic Club yesterday. The Catalan giants showed no sign of fatigue after resuming from the Christmas celebration break as they condemned fourth-placed Atletic Club in front of their home fans at San MamÊs Barria. Having seen his side held to a 0-0 draw at half time, Lluís Cortes brought in Oshoala as a replacement for Lieke Martens in the 60th minute and Mariona opened the lead for Barca four minutes later. In the 77th minute, the

Nigeria international received a perfect cross from Kheira Hamraoui and made no mistake to head home from close range to double the advantage for the visitors. Four minutes from full time, the three-time African Women’s Player of the Year saw the ball from a goalmouth scramble fall onto her path and she fired home her second to guarantee the victory. Oshoala who came on for the fifth time as a substitute this season played the final 30 minutes to hit her ninth and 10th goal in 13 league outings for Barcelona, with the brace her third this term. Oshoala is expected to attend the CAF Awards Gala in Egypt on Tuesday, where she will

be hoping to clinch her fourth African prize following her exploits in 2019. The victory saw Barcelona earn 40 points after 14 matches and move seven points clear of nearest challengers Atletico

Madrid, who were held to a 1-1 at Rayo Vallecano. Barcelona will seek to maintain their impressive run when visiting Osinachi Ohale’s Tacon in Madrid for their next league fixture on January 11.

Asisat Oshoala scored a brace for Barcelona Ladies yesterday

Siasia Resorts to GoFundMe to Raise Money for His Appeal at CAS Former Super Eagles forward and coach, Samson Siasia, has started a GoFundMe appeal to raise money to fund his case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in order to overturn the life ban slammed on him by world football governing body FIFA. Siasia, who scored Nigeria’s goal in the 1-2 defeat to Argentina at the country’s first appearance at the World Cup in 1994, according to Opera news, had the appeal created for him three days ago and is aimed to raise $250,000. “Samson Siasia was alleged “to agree to collect bribe� in relation to a football match. He was subsequently banned for life from all footballing activities, without the benefit of defending himself.

“The Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) has now accepted an appeal from Samson on FIFA’s ruling. “Legal cost of defending himself is needed for him to clear his name,� observed the statement attached to the GoFundMe appeal. Siasia, a member of Nigeria’s famed ‘Class of ’94 Eagles,’ was handed the ban by FIFA last August for allegedly agreeing to “receive bribes in relation to the manipulation of matches.� A statement from the FIFA Ethics Committee at the time stated: “The Ethics Committee has found Mr Siasia, a former official of the Nigeria Football Federation, guilty of having accepted that he would receive bribes in relation to the manipulation of matches

in violation of the FIFA Code of Ethics.� Siasia was banned “for life from all football-related activities (administrative, sports or any other) at both national and international level.� In addition, a fine in the amount of CHF 50,000 (US$50,000) was imposed on Mr Siasia. However, further probe revealed later that Siasia was banned after failing to respond to, (or appear) email requests from FIFA to appear before the Ethics Committee to present his defence. With the decision, Siasia’s next recourse was to head for CAS, but to file an appeal required the former international to pay $100,000 excluding his legal costs. Close associates of the former Nigeria coach revealed that

Siasia has been in depression for the last few months. Apart from the case with FIFA/CAS, his mother was kidnapped and was with the criminal gang for months before allowed to go after a ransom was paid. It was the second time the 76-year old lady was taken into custody by the kidnappers. Siasia coached Nigeria’s Super Eagles between 2010-2011 and returned for another spell in 2016 and also served as coach of the country’s Under-20 and Under-23 sides at different times. But the FIFA indictment did not state if it was during either of these periods that the alleged infractions was committed. Siasia has continued to protest his innocence, saying he had no

recollection of ever agreeing to manipulate any football match and has also said in previous interviews that members of the Super Eagles team he played with have not offered him the kind of support he needed. “But I will fight to the last to clear my name because I know that I did nothing wrong. “I only heard about all of this for the first time just like everybody else on social media and then I got a call from (NFF President) Amaju Pinnick asking me if I had seen any letter from FIFA. “I said no and he asked me to check. That was when I checked my email. But I know that I am innocent and I am asking everybody to help me raise this money to clear my name.�

Siasia

NPFL MATCH-DAY 12 Heartland 2-1 Rangers Kano Pillars 1-1 Wolves Kwara Utd 2-0 Abia Warriors Plateau Utd 4-0 Enyimba Lobi 2-0 Sunshine Stars Dakkada 4-1 Adamawa Utd Rivers Utd 2-0 MFM Nasarawa Utd 3-2 Ifeanyiubah

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Barca Lead Chelsea, Man Utd in Race for $44m-rated Olmo Barcelona have emerged as the front runners to sign Dinamo Zagreb forward Dani Olmo despite both Chelsea and Manchester

United having held talks with the Croatian champions regarding the future of the Spain international. The 21-year-old - who

Emmanuel Adebayor Linked with Shock Return to EPL Aston Villa have been linked with a shock move for Emmanuel Adebayor as the former Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur striker is offered to the Premier League strugglers. Dean Smith’s side are currently mired in a relegation battle, hovering just above the drop zone in 17th place. Villa have struggled for goals this campaign, having relied on star man Jack Grealish with £22million signing Wesley underwhelming. The Brazilian has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, leaving Smith short of strikers. But having splashed plenty of cash in the summer, the West Midlands club will have to be thrifty in order to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations. And in Adebayor, Villa may have the chance to bring in an affordable front man. According to UK’s The

Sun, the 36-year-old’s camp have identified Villa as a possible destination for the free agent, who left Turkish side Kayserispor last month. With the former Arsenal and Spurs man coming in on a free move, Villa may be able to land a second striker on a loan deal, adding to Smith’s options for the latter half of the campaign.

Dinamo are holding firm with an asking price of â‚Ź40m (ÂŁ34.1m/$44.6m). Barcelona believe that Olmo can come in and make an impact immediately in their first team, while Dinamo are aware of further interest from England that could drive up the price. Both Chelsea and United are long-term admirers of Olmo, with their European scouts having seen him play on numerous occasions.

Ëž Ă‹Ă˜Ă“ Ă–Ă—Ă™

Man Utd Revive Fernandes Interest Manchester United are set to revive their interest in signing Sporting C.P. playmaker Bruno Fernandes as they prepare to begin an unprecedented scouting mission in Portugal. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to add a creative midfielder to his squad during the January transfer window

as he aims to find consistency in results and performances at Old Trafford. Tottenham schemer Christian Eriksen and Leicester City talent James Maddison had emerged as the club’s primary targets, but it now seems unlikely either will be making their

way to the Theatre of Dreams this month. Eriksen is expected to complete a move to Inter as he enters the final months of his contract at Spurs while Leicester are not contemplating selling England international Maddison until the summer at the earliest.

Ëž ĂœĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă™ Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ?Ă?

FA Cup: Liverpool’s Teenager Stuns Everton at Anfield Ëž Ă—Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ă&#x;Ă?Ă– ĂŽĂ?ĂŒĂ‹ĂŁĂ™Ăœ

NPFL: Rampant Plateau Maul Enyimba 4-0 Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) champions Enyimba were mauled 4-0 by a rampant Plateau United FC at the Jos Township Stadium yesterday. Uche Onwuasoanya gave the Plateau team a 1-0 lead going into the half time leaving Enyimba with hopes of a possible fight-back in the second half of the Match-day 12 clash. However, former Enyimba striker Ibrahim Mustapha, compounded the problem, extending the lead for Plateau United before a brace from Abba Umar completed the rout of the People’s Elephant. Elsewhere in Port Harcourt, Rivers United put up a professional display to easily take apart MFM FC 2-0. Ossy Martins and Esor Nelson were the goal scoring heroes for United who now move up to third on standings having started the day in fourth. Technical manager of United, Stanley Eguma handed recalls to Bakary Bamba, Kunle Odunlami and captain Festus Austin who all missed the club’s last game - the 2-0 win over Adamawa United in Gombe a week ago. In Lafia, Nasarawa United against FC Ifeanyi Ubah FC saw four spots kicks awarded and were evenly shared by both teams but the host edged the five goal thriller 3-2 to pick maximum points. Abubakar Lawal opened scoring for the home team from the spot following a

is a product of the famed La Masia Academy in Catalunya - is pushing for a January move after seeing Dinamo crash out of Europe ahead of the transfer window and is keen to find a club that can help him earn a place in Spain’s Euro 2020 squad. Goal.com reports that Barca feel confident in getting the deal over the line for around ₏30 million (£25.6m/$33.5m), though

handball incident in the box , a lead which lasted till the half time break. Esosa Igbinoba made it 2-0 for the Solid Miners with a tap-in in the box few minutes before FC IfeanyiUbah were awarded a spot kick which was converted by Jimoh Gbadamosi to bring scores to 2-1. Lawal scored his second goal of the game from the spot to once again restore the two goal lead of the home team but the lead didn’t last long when goalkeeper Danlami Umar fouled Samuel Kalu in the box leading to another penalty, this time to the visitors which Gbadamosi converted for his second of the game from the spot and reduced the deficit to 3-2. A score that stayed same till the final whistle. Abia Warriors hung on for 75 minutes away to Kwara United in Ilorin before caving in to goals from Alamayo Abdulrazaq and Stephen Adah respectively to lose 0-2. In Gombe, a late goal from Atule Joseph five minutes from time helped Katsina United to a point against Wikki Tourist with the game ending 1-1. Manu Garba got Wikki’s only goal of the game. Heartland FC of Owerri came from a goal down to pip Enugu Rangers 2-1. Traore Issif gave the visiting team the lead but it was cancelled by a strike from Abiodun Thompson before substitute Sadiq Abubakar sealed the win with a goal five minutes from full time.

Liverpool teenager Curtis Jones scored a stunning winner as the Reds’ young brigade extended Everton’s miserable record of Anfield failure stretching back to September 1999 with a fully deserved FA Cup third-round 1-0 victory. Jurgen Klopp made nine changes from the side that extended their Premier League lead to 13 points with victory over Sheffield United on Thursday - including three debutants in Takumi Minamino, Nathaniel Phillips and substitute Yasser Larouci. And it was 18-year-old Jones who grabbed the Merseyside derby glory with a magnificent curling 25-yard drive that eluded the outstretched arms of Everton keeper Jordan Pickford as it arced into the top corner after 71 minutes. Toffees manager Carlo

Ancelotti played virtually his strongest available side but the visitors paid for a lacklustre display and a succession of missed opportunities in the first half, when Dominic CalvertLewin, Mason Holgate and Richarlison saw efforts saved by Liverpool keeper Adrian. Klopp had the luxury of resting superstars such as Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk, survived the early loss through injury of James Milner, and yet still saw his side fully merit their place in the fourth round - and it is now 7,405 days since Everton won at Anfield. Elsewhere, Chris Martin’s close-range strike gave Derby County a shock FA Cup thirdround win at Premier League Crystal Palace. Rams striker Martin scored the only goal for the Championship side just after

the half-hour at Selhurst Park. Palace had captain Luka Milivojevic sent off after referee Michael Oliver consulted a pitchside monitor following a video assistant referee (VAR) check. Milivojevic had originally been shown a yellow card after a tussle with Derby’s Tom Huddlestone. Derby’s victory owed much to the experience of Wayne Rooney and Huddlestone in the heart of midfield. The Rams weathered some early Palace pressure and seized the advantage with the opening goal from Martin just after the half-hour mark. Jayden Bogle’s quick feet took him past Palace full-back Jairo Riedewald, and his cross was met by Martin, who stole in front of Gary Cahill and poked the ball past Wayne Hennessey.

A deflected effort from Palace midfielder James McCarthy brought a smart reaction save out of Roos shortly after half-time, while Bogle headed wide from a glorious position for Derby shortly after. Palace were reduced to 10 men when Milivojevic was shown a red card for violent conduct. Derby could have added a second late on when Martyn Waghorn struck the post and Rooney then saw a low effort saved by Hennessey. Also yesterday, Lucas Moura’s header ensured Tottenham Hotspur will have an FA Cup third-round replay with Championship side Middlesbrough. Spurs named a full-strength team, bar the injured Harry Kane, but trailed when Ashley Fletcher ran on to George Saville’s ball and slotted home.

Ezekwe, Favour Emerge Marvico Badminton Champions Championship favourite Chukwuebuka Ezekwe lived up to expectations when he defeated Blade Onozie 21-16, 21-15 to emerge the men’s singles champion of the 2nd edition of the Chief Nnamdi Iroegbu sponsored Marvico Group of Companies annual Badminton championship. The competition held in Obazu Autonomous Community, Mbieri in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State. Tournament’s top seed and women’s defending champion, Favour Chieke defeated hard fighting Joy Nwaiwu, 21-19, 21-11 to retain her title. Favour who had her traditional wedding yesterday, also emerged as a double champion when she combined effectively with her women’s singles victim, Joy Nwaiwu to claim the doubles title by defeating the duo of Nmesoma Onunwa and Rachael

Onyegbule, 21-18, 22-20. Having been favoured for the second time running by winning the title back-to-back to emerge the first and only player to achieve such feat in Obazu, Favour whose first sport is football, thanked the sponsor, Chief Nnamdi Iroegbu and his Marvico Group of Companies for helping her to discover her badminton talents by bringing the championship to Obazu. Also on the double champions list is the men’s singles champion, Chukwuebuk Ezekwe who paired with Gift Achimike to win the men’s doubles title by beating the duo of Blade Onozie and Ifeanyi Nwaiwu 21-16, 21-18 to emerge victorious. Chief Iroegbu who gave out cash awards to both the winners and losers at the finals held to round off year 2019 activities, said the gesture was to encourage Obazu youths to

take to sports knowing fully well that they can make good money from the sector. Chief Iroegbu promised that the third edition of the event will be bigger and better as

other sport like table tennis may be added. The sponsor is envisaging turning the event into Mbaitoli Local Government Championship.

Ă?Ă˜ Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ă–Ă?ËŞĂ? Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă—ĂšĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă‹ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?Ă™ Ă‹ĂŽĂ—Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™Ă˜ Ă’Ă‹Ă—ĂšĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă’Ă“ĂšĂ? ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’ Ă’Ă?Ă–ĂŽ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁ Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ‹Ă¤Ă&#x; Ù××Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂŁ Ă™Ă? Ă—Ă™ ÞËÞĂ?Ëœ Ă’Ă&#x;Ă•ĂĄĂ&#x;Ă?ĂŒĂ&#x;Ă•Ă‹ äĂ?Ă•ĂĄĂ? ̙ÖĂ?Ę°ĚšËœ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă’ ĂšĂœĂ“Ă¤Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂšĂ™Ă˜Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă Ă?Ă˜ĂžËœ Ă’Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă˜Ă‹Ă—ĂŽĂ“

ĂœĂ™Ă?Ă‘ĂŒĂ&#x;Ëœ ÞÒĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă‹ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?Ă™ ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ăš Ă™Ă? Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă?

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Monday January 6, 2020

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MISSILE

Edo Lawmakers-elect to INEC “As it is today, there is no House of Assembly, let alone anybody declaring any seat vacant, or even saying INEC will be contemplating conducting any byelection to fill any position. Elections are conducted when there are vacancies; in this case, there are no vacancies and the matter is in court” – Aggrieved Edo State lawmakers-elect loyal to the National Chairman of the APC, saying the INEC cannot conduct by-elections to replace them.

OKEYIKECHUKWU

EDIFYING ELUCIDATIONS

okey.ikechukwu@thisdaylive.com

The Signs in the Sky A

s we enter the New Year, and especially with the growing number and frequency of wars, strange diseases and natural disasters all over the world, we must ask whether are now actually be heading towards the much-vaunted “end of the world.” We must ask whether there any dangers out there, in outer space and the wider cosmos, threatening our life on earth today. We must seek to understand if there are ‘indicators’ that the findings of scientists are coinciding with the pronouncements of many ancient prophesies, regarding the likely fate of all life on earth in the very near future. Does the ‘sky’ have a message for humanity today as it did for the Three Wise Men from distant lands, who used the Star of Bethlehem to know that the Messiah was born in Israel? If yes, then we must remember that many of those who saw the Star also sign did not know what it meant. This means that the sky ‘speaks’ only to those who understand its language. Even among those who understand, only those who are really attentive to the full meaning of its ‘speech’ get the actual message and act correctly and on time. It is to the latter that it tells about the cosmic ‘weather’, about crop harvests and crop failures, about the future of the earth and its inhabitants, etc. Thus, not everyone has the ability to understand see, understand and interpret these things. Today science is talking about new and unfamiliar magnetic fields and heavenly bodies approaching us. Science has also recorded the gravitational pull of a distant, extremely powerful and still unknown cosmic body approaching us. We are speaking here of science knowing that there are such ‘heavenly bodies;’ even when it has not seen them. Science is discovering many new things it did not know before. Some of these new discoveries are frightening, because they expose our ignorance about a world and universe we claimed to have mastered and conquered long before now. Things are no longer what they used to be, because our way of life has disturbed the natural order of things. We have almost completely destroyed everything that nature put in the earth’s atmosphere to protect us from harmful solar, cosmic and intergalactic radiations. Most of these radiations now enter our atmosphere with ease and are impacting negatively on us and on our environment. The Ozone Layer is one of them. It is like a shield, put in place by nature to protect us. Today many people, all over the world, are suffering from unusual skin diseases and other health problems due to the depletion of this protective layer. This is just one example. Greenhouse gases from industrial activities, have created rising global temperatures, disruption of the lifestyles of many animals and plants, the destruction of forests, changes in the balance of the earth’s natural gases, alteration of the Nitrogen Cycle and much more have altered the ‘health’ of the earth.

Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu

To say the “all we have to do is reverse these things, by simply changing our way of life,” is to pretend that we can easily change how we live on earth today. We cannot. You cannot get one per cent of human beings on earth today to give up their cars, bad food, smoking, harmful refrigerants and the dangerous industrial gases we pump into the atmosphere every hour and every day. But, assuming that we can really mend our ways and abandon all the bad aspects of our lifestyle, will that remove the fact that our entire cosmic environment is now charged with an unusual intensification of radiations from various parts of the cosmos? And science itself does not even know where some of the radiations are coming from, or their nature. Science is already baffled by its own discovery that some of these things may be totally unpredictable in their final effects on us and on the earth. While scientists knew and told us for many years that there was a hole in the earth’s magnetic field, it was not until December 16, 2008 that the world discovered that this hole was actually 10 times larger than what scientist previously believed. It was a report from the US NASA’s THEMIS spacecraft that brought this revelation. This hole is in the very layer of the atmosphere (the Magnetosphere), which nature designed specifically to protect the

earth and us from many things, including the radiations (plasma) released into the universe whenever there is an eruption (solar flare) on the surface of the sun. All those who called themselves authorities on the matter were telling us what to expect based on limited knowledge, until they discovered that we are like a man sleeping under a mosquito net, without knowing that the holes in some parts of the net are big enough to allow a dog to stroll in and give him a good bite. Thus the most harmful combination of radiations from the sun and far-flung regions of the cosmos can enter our earth more easily and deeply than they did in the past. This means trouble and danger for life on earth! The continuous and further depletion of this protective layer, and its weakening, can only lead to the loading of certain radiations from the sun. This, in turn, can only set the stage for the worst forms of magnetic storms - whenever there are solar flares. Worse still, contemporary science knows that cosmic radiations will increase and that this will eventually disrupt life on earth much more decisively. For one thing, it will affect the earth’s magnetic field and, most probably, change it so drastically that all will never be the same again. It is the earth’s magnetic field that makes north and south, as well as east and west constant. They do not change everyday, because the earth maintains a definite position in the cosmos at all times. As it floats in space, as it goes round the sun, it is able to maintain its position without colliding with the sun or the other planets because it is held in place by the sun’s gravitational force. Imagine what would happen if the earth turned around suddenly, with the part that was facing up now facing down. Everything will then be shattered, mountains will be cast down and some oceans and deserts will switch places. Even animals will be confused. That is what will happen if there is a change in the earth’s magnetic field. Just think of a house that is turned upside down, or made to lean on its side. That is what a change in the earth’s magnetic field will look like. And a massive solar flare can create such an imbalance by unhinging the earth’s equilibrium and allowing all manner of powerful radiations to enter the atmosphere and overwhelm high-voltage transformers with vast electrical currents.

Imagine what would happen if the earth turned around suddenly, with the part that was facing up now facing down. Everything will then be shattered, mountains will be cast down and some oceans and deserts will switch places. Even animals will be confused. That is what will happen if there is a change in the earth’s magnetic field

This can short-circuit even globally acclaimed energy grids, since what would enter the earth through a big hole in the atmosphere during a solar flare could transmit electrical currents powerful enough to destroy some of the world’s most massive and active transformers within 90 seconds. Such a thing will be a phenomenal catastrophe, affecting various aspects of everyday life. It can change everything on earth the way it is written in several prophecies and predictions. Let us not console ourselves by saying that everything around us seems relatively peaceful at the moment. Let us not say that the world has since progressed from Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Let us ask, instead, how many of the MDGs were realised in most countries of the world. Let us ask what percentage of the world population was affected, or radically, transformed by it. Let us also ask whether nearly all the money and all the plans made for the MDGs did not go into the management of one economic, political or environmental calamity or the other in different parts of the world. In fact we can describe the ‘peace’ we see today as a kind of mass delusion: the type of peace, or quiet, that comes before a major storm – especially among people who are not sufficiently attentive to the signs of danger around them. The fact that you look up and do not see a hole in the sky does not mean that it is not there. It does not mean that there are no terrifying “signs in the sky.” The fact that many people are not seeing anything, or listening to the warnings in the march of events, does not mean that there is no march of events, or that such a march is on – and irreversible. In any case, are they not just taking things for granted and treating serious world events as nothing but ‘news’ and current affairs from the press? Most people now live like picnickers, or Caribbean and American sunbathers on a beach, who are laughing and happily prancing and slapping each other`s back and enjoying the sea breeze; without knowing that a major tidal wave is about to break over them and sweep them away to their death. Meanwhile, events that are much stronger than the greatest tidal waves and tsunamis are heading this way environmentally, politically, economically and spiritually. It will all probably build up into a terrible cascade and tumble down as an absolutely unmanageable chain of disasters. And these the expected events coincide with the Mayan prophecy and that of other reputable seers across several races and continents! Of course, there is a difference between ‘end’ of the world’ and ’end of an era’. The latter means a rebirth after a dreadful cleansing. It will be comprehensive and wide-ranging. It is not just about earthquakes, typhoons, tornadoes, hurricanes and volcanic eruptions, no! It is also about the leadership of nations, the unravelling of fake political, economic and religious messiahs. Yes, some of the approaching confluence of waves are heading this way; and mercilessly so!

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